"The \nRenault Fluence\n as we know it\u00a0is based on the last generation Nissan Slyphy with a Renault badge. In Malaysia, reception of the Fluence was rather sombre and falls short of the Renault 19\u2019s success some 20 years back. However, this could change with the Fluence\u2019s successor, the Megane Sedan.\nThe new Megane sedan is essentially the fourth-generation \nMegane hatchback\n with a three-box configuration. The saloon from the CMF C/D platform has a lot\u00a0to offer compared to its rather underwhelming\u00a0predecessor.\nTo start, the saloon\u2019s aesthetics surely attracts attention, thanks to the headlights with an extended LED by the side. The front grille with the large logo reflecting\u00a0strongly of their current design language. It also gets a full panoramic glass roof, just like its hatchback and estate counterpart.\nMoving onto the powertrain; there are five engines to choose from, ranging from\u00a0two petrol engines (\nSCe 115\n and\n TCe 130\n) and three turbodiesels (\ndCi 90, dCi 110\n, and \ndCi 130\n). As per any Renaults, the engine\u2019s power output is denoted by the numerics. Depending on engine choice, three transmission options are available:\n six-speed manual\n,\u00a0\ncontinuously variable transmission (CVT)\n, and a \nseven-speed\u00a0EDC dual-clutch transmission\n. The latter is offered only for the TCe 130 and the dCi 130 variants.\n \n \nInside, the Megane sedan impresses with its\u00a0\u201ctop-level rear-seat spaciousness\u201d and a cavernous\u00a0\n508 litre\n boot space, which should appeal to the more practical minded. Also included are a seven-inch colour TFT digital counter, 8.7-inch R-Link 2 infotainment system and Multi-Sense with five driving modes. Safety is also\u00a0top notch as it receives\u00a0Lane Departure Warning, Advanced Emergency Braking System, and Easy Park Assist.\nThe Turkish assembled car will be marketed in countries such as\u00a0Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Morocco, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine. For reasons unknown, some markets will identify this car as the Megane Coupe.\nFor now, Renault hasn\u2019t announced any plans to introduce the Megane Sedan here. We think a car with such flair will meet with some level of success here (like the Citroen DS5), so it\u2019s entirely up to TC Euro Cars to up their game in the years to come. Presently, the Fluence, powered by a 2.0-litre engine is offered from\n RM107k\n\u00a0to \nRM118k\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After announcing the availability of the updated \n2021 Mazda CX-3\n, Bermaz Motor continues the momentum of keeping their line-up fresh with the update to the Mazda6.\nBermaz Motor also took the opportunity to introduce the updated \n2021 Mazda MX-5 RF\n and more information can be found here.\nWe begin with the bad news first. Bermaz Motor has stopped offering the touring version and turbodiesel option for their mid-size sedan, focusing on just the sedan body type in either the SkyActiv 2.0 or 2.5 engine options.\nBoth variants now have \nwireless Apple CarPlay\n connectivity on the 8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment System while maintaining the Android Auto integration too.\nMoving to individual variant upgrades, the 2.0L variant now comes equipped with Advanced Keyless Entry and Walkaway door lock features. Drivers will also be able to cycle through the six-speed automatic transmission via the shift paddles. The 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G has outputs of \n162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n of torque.\nMeanwhile, the 2.5L sees changes to the aesthetics with \ngloss black finishing\n on the 19-inch rims and side mirrors. The interior meanwhile is receives burgundy red on the leather seats as well as stitching on the dashboard and door trim.\nTo recap, the 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G delivers peak outputs of \n192 hp\n and \n258 Nm\n of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The Mazda6 2.5L is also loaded with more features such as a colour head-up display (HUD), moonroof, BOSE 11-speaker audio system and Mazda\u2019s i-ActivSense advanced safety technologies, comprising of adaptive LED headlights, autonomous emergency braking in both forward and reverse, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist.\nTo further stand out from the crowd, seven colours are available- the \nnew Polymetal Gray\n, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Deep Crystal Blue and Jet Black.\nThe 2021 Mazda6 continues to be\u00a0\nimported from Japan\n and pricing starts at\u00a0\nRM170,917\n\u00a0for the 2.0-litre, and \nRM207,642\n for the 2.5-litre variant, inclusive of the sales and service tax exemption that is due to expire on June 30th 2021. As mentioned earlier, the touring version as well as the option for a 2.2-litre turbodiesel has been discontinued.\nSimilar to other Mazda offerings in Malaysia, the new Mazda6 comes with a five-year manufacturer (or 100,000 kilometres) warranty plus free maintenance according to manufacturer\u2019s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants."
"Toyo Tyres has launched the new Proxes CR1 tyre in Malaysia today. The latest entry-level model in the Proxes range \u2013 which replaces the Nano Energy 3 \u2013 is available in both standard and SUV variants, and is suitable for passenger cars and SUVs of all variants.\nToyo\n says that the Proxes CR1 is developed specifically with noise levels, safety, and comfort in mind. On the sound levels, the CR1 features what Toyo calls \u201csilent wall\u201d, along with an \u201cout-in\u201d pitch arrangement on the treads to disperse noise in each area. A noise protection sheet is also incorporated within the construction of the tyre to reduce casing noise.\nOn the safety front, Toyo says that the Proxes CR1\u2019s four wide circumferential grooves help drain water quickly, ensuring the contact patch is providing the maximum amount of grip in the wet. On dry roads, the tripe taper and rib design increases rigidity and suppresses circumferential fluctuation which minimises uneven wear.\nAdditionally, the multi-wave sipes also helps enhancing block stiffness, thus reducing of irregular wear, while a joint-less cap ply\nimproves high speed performance. Meanwhile, the sidewall is made from a new compound which reduces rolling resistance, thus aiding efficiency.\nThe Toyo Proxes CR1 was also developed using the company\u2019s T-mode computer simulations and Nano Balance material technologies, which helps the engineers simulate real-world conditions to help improve comfort levels on the new tyres. Overall, Toyo claims that the Proxes CF1 produces 11% less road noise and a 2% reduction in aquaplaning as compared to the Nano Energy 3.\nToyo Tyre President and Managing Director Tan Song Chye said: \u201cThe Proxes CR1 passenger car and SUV tyres are ideal for both Continental and Japanese vehicles, especially between A-segment to D-segment vehicles and SUVs.\n\u201cThe result of this well-designed tyre using advanced Japanese technology is sure to satisfy even the most discerning drivers who appreciate a superior performance tyre that consistently performs well under high speeds in both wet and dry road conditions. It also delivers safety, high fuel efficiency and improved noise reduction for enhanced driving pleasure.\u201d\nThe new Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres is available in sizes ranging from \n14- to 18-inches\n in diameter for the passenger car variants, and \n17- to 19-inch\n rim diameter for the SUV variants. Prices for the Proxes CR1 passenger car tyres range from \nRM160 to RM440\n, and \nRM380 to RM580\n for the SUV range, depending on tyre size.\nThe new tyres are now available at Toyo Centres and Silverstone Centres nationwide. In conjunction with the launch, customers who purchase a set of four Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres will also receive a free limited edition Proxes CR1 umbrella, while stocks last."
"When the second generation\u00a0\nPorsche Panamera\n\u00a0broke cover, it can be had\u00a0with the S, Diesel S, and range topper Turbo variants. A key way of keeping up to competition is by having a cleaner variant.\u00a0That brings us to\u00a0Porsche\u2019s latest addition, the\u00a0Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which will be introduced at the Paris Motor Show later this month.\nTo begin, the Panamera hybrid is a\u00a0massive improvement over its predecessor. It\u2019s more powerful, courtesy of a\u00a0\n2.9-litre Bi-turbo V6 engine\n, combined with\u00a0an electric motor that together put out\u00a0\n462 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. The new model follows the same playbook as the 918 hypercar; the electric motors deliver power the moment the accelerator pedal is stepped. Previously, the throttle needs to be 80 percent engaged to deploy the electric motors.   To make way for more grunt, an\u00a0\neight-speed twin-clutch PDK\n gearbox replaces the\u00a0predecessor\u2019s slushbox.\u00a0Power is delivered to all wheels instead of just the rear wheels.\nNew to this Panamera are additional (and exclusive) driving modes, such as \u201cE-Power\u201d, \u201cHybrid Auto\u201d, \u201cE-Hold\u201d and \u201cE-Charge\u201d. By default, the car will operate in pure electric \u201cE-Power\u201d mode, while \u201cE-Hold\u201d will allow drivers to hold the current level of battery charge. \u201cE-Charge\u201d is pretty self-explanatory, and \u201cHybrid Auto\u201d mode extracts the best out of the engine and electric motor for improved efficiency. Overall, it can travel up to\n 50 kilometers\n\u00a0on pure EV mode alone.\u00a0\nThere are of course the usual \u201cSports\u201d and \u201cSports Plus\u201d modes. If selected, the latter will propel the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid from standstill to 100 km/h in just\u00a0\n4.7 seconds\n, and will continue to reach a\u00a0top speed of \n278 km/h\n.\u00a0This mode also recharges the battery as quickly as possible with the assistance from the engine. This Panamera may be the slowest sprinter of the lot, but that\u2019s a fair compromise considering its newfound frugality \u2013 a whopping\u00a0\n2.5 litres per 100 km\n!\nPorsche claims that a standard 3.6 kW charger will fully charge\u00a0the Panamera\u2019s liquid-cooled lithium ion battery in\u00a05.8 hours. The optional 7.2 kW charger will cut charging time by 1.2 hours to 4.6 hours over the standard charger.\nDelivery of the\u00a0Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid will begin by April 2017 (Europe only). A few years ago, Porsche Malaysia did offer the older Panamera S Hybrid model. If only there\u2019s a way of getting the new model incentivised.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has almost everything in its stable; from passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs, sports cars and even MPVs. Now, the three pointed star is set to widen their portfolio with the addition of a new pickup range which could be called the X-Class.\nMercedes\u2019 new pickup will be a twin-cab variant that sits on the same platform as the\u00a0\nNissan NP300 Navara\n. It\u2019s unsure as yet if the new pickup will have a Nissan or Mercedes powertrain, but that shouldn\u2019t be a problem for the Stuttgart-based company with their wide range of engines. Let\u2019s just pray for an X63 for now, shall we?\nWhile the design here isn\u2019t confirmed, expect the X-Class to bear Mercedes-Benz\u2019s three-bar grille as seen in the \nGLE\n. There aren\u2019t many luxury pickups out there in contention, so the X-Class\u2019 direct rival would be the Volkswagen Amarok.\nWe\u2019re sure many of you would be excited at the prospects of owning the X-Class, and its introduction will surely give many potential\u00a0\nFord Ranger\n\u00a0customers a more luxurious offering. Now, dear readers, what do you think of the X-Class? Is it about time, or is now the perfect time for such a product to capitalise on the growing demand for utility vehicles?"
"If you are waiting on for the \nall-new Mercedes-AMG A45 in Malaysia\n, don\u2019t be quick to have a rev battle with the previous A45 because the new mega hatch is quieter than its \npredecessor\n.\nThis piece of information came from Head of Product Planning for AMG Compact Cars, Bastian Bogenschutz who was speaking to \nMotoring\n at the launch of the A45 S and CLA45 S. The European Union\u2019s new sound regulation meant that manufacturers have to restrict the drama coming out from the exhaust system which was the party piece of the previous A45.\n \nMercedes-AMG GLA45 with AMG Performance Exhaust System\nAll new-generation AMG cars sold outside of Europe will also be subjected to a more muted soundtrack. To work around this restriction, Mercedes-AMG has engineered a synthesised soundtrack (AMG Pure Performance Sound) into the cabin for an extra thrill to the drivers.\nBogenschutz said: \u201cIt\u2019s\ncoming from the European regulations. We can [design specific exhausts] but\nit\u2019s too expensive for every market to do it, it\u2019s pretty difficult.\u201d\n\u201cThe regulations were\ngetting pretty difficult for the sound to just come from the exhaust system. So,\nwe added the AMG pure performance sound, there we take the real sound from the\nexhaust system, the pulsation of the real sound and move it inside the car. It\nworks together with the exhaust system,\u201d he added.\nThis is indeed sad news for all of us but in the land of the unregulated exhaust note, there\u2019s nothing an aftermarket exhaust can\u2019t fix."
"Through a series of social media posts, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has teased the arrival of the \nMercedes-Benz A-Class\n facelift for Malaysia. Based on the teaser images, it seems we will soon be seeing a refreshed version of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S hatchback and the saloon version of the regular Mercedes-Benz A-Class.\nThe refreshed version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class made its world debut back in October 2022, introducing an entirely electrified line-up for the A-Class (except for the A 45 S hatchback). From the A-Class\u2019s AMG lineup, the A 45 was dropped leaving only the AMG A 35 (saloon and hatchback) and the AMG A 45 S hatchback.\nThe new A-Class gets minor exterior design adjustments such as tweaked new headlights, a resized front grille, reworked taillights, and redesigned bumpers. The bonnet on the A-Class now comes with two power bulges on all variants for a more aggressive look, while the new wheel designs round up the exterior visual changes. Specifically for the AMG models, the round badge on the bonnet edge now shows an AMG emblem instead of the three-pointed star.\nGlobally, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available in the following specifications:\nA 250 e hatchback/saloon\nA 180 hatchback/saloon\nA 200 hatchback/saloon\nA 220 4MATIC hatchback/saloon\nA 250 4MATIC hatchback/saloon\nA 180 d hatchback/saloon\nA 200 d hatchback/saloon\nA 220 d hatchback/saloon\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQE SUV ROI open for Malaysia, EV with up to 590km range\nAll versions of the new A-Class are powered by a 48V mild hybrid system be it petrol or diesel. The A 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine that makes \n163 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n. The hybrid boost gives it an additional \n14 hp\n. The A 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that makes \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. It also gets a hybrid boost of \n14 hp\n. Currently offered in Malaysia are the outgoing version of the A 200 and A 250 sedans.\nAs for AMG versions of the A-Class, there are 3 models available globally:\nMercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Saloon\nMercedes-AMG A 35 4 MATIC Hatchback\nMercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Hatchback.\nThe A 45 hatchback has been dropped from the lineup and the A35 is now electrified with a 48V mild hybrid system. Currently available in Malaysia is the outgoing version of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+. The new version of the A 45 S makes \n421 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.\nThe Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift is set to launch very soon in Malaysia. The final specifications and prices will be confirmed upon its official launch in the country.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM799k \u2013 761hp, 1020Nm"
"Shortly after its \nglobal introduction\n, UMW Toyota has now announced that the 2020 Toyota Hilux is now open for booking in Malaysia, starting from an estimated price of RM93,880 for the Single Cab 2.4 MT 4\u00d74.\nA total of \nfive variants\n will be on offer, including the aforementioned workhorse Single Cab 2.4 MT (\nRM93,880\n), a new Double Cab 2.4 E AT (\nRM109,880\n), Double Cab 2.4 G MT (\nRM112,880\n), Double Cab 2.4 V AT (\nRM134,880\n) which is an upgrade from the current \nL-Edition\n, and the Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT (\nRM148,880\n) which replaces the current \nBlack Edition\n.\nOnly the range-topping 2.8 Rogue AT will receive upgrades to its powertrain this update cycle, featuring an improved version of the 1G-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel mill, now rated for an output of \n204 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n of twist (a 27 hp and 50 Nm bump).\nThe new and improved engine features a two-stage oil pump that can optimally switch the oil pressure resulting in better fuel-efficiency, along with a new water-cooled double-pipe type pre-EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler to better manage EGR temperatures.\nOtherwise, variants with the \u201c2.4\u201d designation gets the 2GD-FTV 2.4-litre turbodiesel unit that\u2019s carried over from the current model, good for \n150 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. As for transmission, The Single Cab and Double Cab 2.4 G models will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while the rest gets a six-speed automatic box.\nOther mechanical upgrades found on the new Hilux, with the sole exception of the Single Cab variant, include a new power-assisted rack and pinion steering column with a new Variable Flow Control System which helps reduces the demand on the power steering pump, resulting in better fuel economy, while steering feel is also improved across the speed range.\nThe new Hilux has also been fitted with a new\n automatic limited slip differential\n (LSD) to aid traction in conjunction with the traction control system \u2013 controlling braking and engine output when one of the rear wheels start to spin. The system operates only in High range and in 2WD mode at speeds of up to 50 km/h.\nAside from the drivetrain, the biggest update to the venerable Hilux is the addition of the \nToyota Safety Sense (TSS) \nadvanced driver assistance features, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Yaw Assist.\nAs for looks, the 2020 model \u2013 which is the second facelift to the eight-generation Toyota Hilux \u2013 gains a refreshed front end with a larger hexagonal-shaped grille, flanked by slimmer head lights. The front bumper has also been reworked, along with a newly-designed fog lamps enclosures, while the rear gains new redesigned taillights.\nMost of the visual flair goes to the top-of-the-range Rogue variant, which gains new bonnet moulding and skid plate; other variants below it get newly-designed 17- or 18-inch wheels.\nChanges on the inside are less apparent. Notable interior kit include a new interior trim design, new instrument cluster design, as well as the addition of an illuminated door trim garnish. The base model also now gets a multi-information display in the instrument cluster.\nBuyers can choose between seven exterior colour choices for the 2020 Toyota Hilux, including the new Bronze Mica Metallic, Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Super White II. The Hilux Single Cab is only available in Solid White.\nThe 2020 Toyota Hilux is now available for booking at all authorised Toyota dealerships across Malaysia. As mentioned above, estimated prices start at RM93,880 for the base model Single Cab variant, and they are priced for on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales tax. The finalised pricing will be announced later during the official launch.\nFor customers interested in the top-of-the-range 2.8 Rogue variant, UMW Toyota is currently offering a special early-bird price of RM144,880 (RM4,000 off) for all purchases made in 2020.\nFor the latest prices of all other Toyota models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The BMW X family has been a strong growth driver for BMW Malaysia. Even more so when the company delivered over 1,000 X models in 2018, a staggering 39 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Now, the BMW X family is going to be further expanded with the all-new G01 BMW X3.\nOffered in a sole xDrive30i Luxury trim, the locally assembled SUV will join the existing \nX5 xDrive40e\n and the recently launched \nX2 sDrive20i\n.\u00a0Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cWith over two generations of the BMW X3, we have delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to lead the segment all over the world. Today, the All-New BMW X3 is set to continue to write the next chapter in BMW\u2019s success story in the premium segment.\u201d\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nG01 BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury\nEngine\n2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n252 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 4,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.3 seconds; 240 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM320,000\nExterior\nUnderpinning the new X3 is the brands CLAR platform shared with the G30 5 Series. Despite the largely unchanged dimensions, the wheelbase has stretched by 50 mm and the car now weighs \n55 kg\n lesser than its predecessor.   The X3 for the Malaysian market is dressed in the Luxury trim line which gets chrome finish on the Kidney grille and window trim, dual exhaust outlets and a more elegant body kit all around. Main equipment includes automatic LED headlamps, full LED taillamps, keyless entry, powered tailgate and 19-inch double-spoke bicolour alloy wheels wrapped in 245/50 R19 profile run-flat\u00a0 tyres.\nInterior\nThe cabin dittos that of the \n530e Sport\n, sans the cabin colour combination and X embossing on the door cards. The Luxury line X3 gets Vernasca leather upholstery with contrast stitching, Dark Oak fine wood interior trim and sport seats. Customers can also specify to have their interior in either Black or Brown.   As the Luxury moniker denotes, the X3 comes with plenty of tech too \u2013 Digital Instrument Cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen iDrive system connected to 12-speakers, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, six-colour ambient lighting, electronic parking brake, reverse camera, Park Distance Control, Parking Assistant and tri-zone automatic climate control.\nBoot space is rated at \n550 litres\n, expandable to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded down.\nPerformance\nUnder the hood is a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of twist. Drive is channelled to all four-wheels courtesy of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission. The X3 is no slouch either, capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and maxes out at \n240 km/h\n.\nBMW has also kept the cars driving dynamics close to its roots, maintaining a perfect \n50:50 weight distribution\n, giving the X3 superior handling characteristics.\nSafety\nSafety equipment is par for the course with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control,\u00a0Dynamic Traction Control, Automatic Differential Brake, Cornering Brake Control, Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX mounting points.\nWhat Else?\nThe BMW X3 xDrive30i is available in \nfour exterior colours\n \u2013 Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Alpine White. All purchase of the X3 through authorised BMW dealers will come with a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 5-Years/100,000 km Free Scheduled Service, 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty, Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, \nBMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App\n, BMW White Card membership and BMW Service Online.\nThe X3 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from 25 April 2018 onwards and interested parties can already place a booking for one. First deliveries are expected to commence in July 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury Launch   BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury Press Photo"
"\u201cA Land Rover is like a family dog. It\u2019s always up for an adventure, regardless of its kind.\u201d\nThose were the words of Ian Seggar, a representative from Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific. The British automaker recently held a five-day special \u201c\nOff-Road Experience\n\u201d event at Sepang to showcase Land Rover\u2019s full capabilities to their customers and the media.\nMany put their money down on these luxury SUVs despite not being fully exposed to the breadth of its\u00a0off-road capabilities. Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia\u2019s (JLRM) Managing Director, Tuan Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali explained that the objective of the event was to give owners and prospective buyers \nfull insights\n and \nhands-on experience\n of what these cars can do off tarmac.\nThe \n70-year-old brand\n gained more local prominence since the introduction of the \nEvoque\n, which saw a growing pool of customers who are completely new to the brand. Tuan Syed said, \u201cWe are perhaps the \nonly premium luxury brand\n that can offer the \nperfect combination\n of iconic design, enabling technology, on-road refinement and extraordinary off-road capabilities with every product. But best of all, we have a heritage, built over seven decades, that makes Land Rover stand apart from the rest.\u201d\nMore importantly, JLRM hopes that the Off-Road Experience will equip owners with the \nnecessary skills and knowledge\n to tackle difficult situations, be it on-road or off-road. Make no mistake, the SUVs is every bit as impressive off-road as they are on-road, if not more. But as the saying goes, it takes two to tango. Before you put your Land Rover through any obstacle, be sure to manually inspect (on foot) the path ahead as this will \nminimise the risks of damaging your car\n. Or worse, have it stranded, which quite frankly is an unlikely scenario considering how adept they are off-road.\nSo what makes Land Rovers so proficient off-road, even when they are fitted with road-going tyres? A combination of \nrobust hardware\n and \nvery clever software\n, apparently. Some of the engine management programmes include Hill Descent Control (which activates \u2013 via engine braking \u2013 within a lightning quick \n0.35 seconds\n upon descent), Traction Control, High and Low range gearing, \nmulti-mode Terrain Response\n, 4\u00d74 Information Display, Dynamic Stability Control and a differential lock. There\u2019s also the ride height adjustable \nair suspension\n which raises the SUV on demand, giving more ground clearance.\nAt the event, all participants were given a crash course on the basics of off-road driving. \nIt\u2019s not a hovercraft\n, mind you, so drivers must be equipped with the necessary know-hows when taking their million-ringgit SUV off-road. The crash course gave participants a \nbetter understanding of their cars\n in terms of\u00a0vehicle dimensions and clearance limitations, how to ascend and descend hills, tackling ruts and ditches, traversing slopes, and crossing deep waters and elephant steps.\nDuring the event, visitors were also given a sneak preview of the soon-to-come \nDiscovery Sport\n, which sits in between the Range Rover and Defender series. The larger Discovery has yet to make a global debut, and it is only a matter of time before it\u2019s introduced here.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Besides the swanky new Lexus UX compact SUV, the Japanese premium carmaker will also be bringing a Lexus RC 300h F Sport Black Edition to the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). Inspired by traditional Japanese Sumi Ink, the Black Edition features an all-black theme inside and out.\nSporting a Graphite Black metallic paintwork, the special edition model has its spindle grille finished in dark chrome, repositioned circular LED fog lamps and black stainless-steel window mouldings. As its name suggests, the RC 300h F Sport Black Edition is fitted with the full F Sport exterior pack for an even more aggressive look. The 19-inch F Sport alloy wheels get a unique matt black and bright machined finish to complete the stealth look.\nThe blacked-out theme continues inside the cabin with smooth black leather, deep black wood trim inserts and black headlining. The only vibrant colour you\u2019ll find is the orange contrast stitching. Otherwise, equipment levels ditto the F Sport Premier Pack specification which includes 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, sunroof, Lexus Premium Navigation with 10.3-inch multimedia display and F Sport sport seats.\nUnder the hood, you\u2019ll find the same 2.5-litre hybrid powerplant that gives a combined output of \n220 hp\n. Safety wise, it comes equipped with Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driver assistance function. The Lexus RC 300h F Sport Black Edition will go on sale in UK with a price tag of \u00a345,165 (RM243k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has unveiled the Nissan Sylphy Zero Emission, Nissan\u2019s first electric car made in China for its Chinese customers, at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show.\nThe Sylphy Zero Emission runs entirely on an electric powertrain with over 330 km over driving range. The new car is a result of more than 70 years of electric vehicle R&D and 25 years of battery research, and will be one of 20 electrified models planned for the next five years\nBuilt on the same platform as the Nissan LEAF, the world\u2019s best-selling electric car with over 320,000 units sold, the Sylphy Zero Emission inherits the LEAF\u2019s core technologies.\nThe platform which the Sylphy is built on allows the car\u2019s batteries to be placed under the seats, resulting in a spacious cabin with class-leading legroom.\n\u00a0\nThe Nissan Sylphy Zero Emission will go on sale later in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Cars are getting more and more connected than before, and a growing number of carmakers are including cellular connectivity into their cars for various purposes, from simple navigation and fleet management to increasing performance through a software update in a Tesla.\u00a0\nHowever, Pirelli thinks there\u2019s still a missing piece here, and that is connected tyres. Being the only point of contact between the car and road, Pirelli feels that there are valuable information to be communicated with the driver, as well as the larger roadway infrastructure.\nDubbed the \u201cPirelli Cyber Tyre\u201d, the tyres are equipped with an internal sensor that provides various information such as tyre model, mileage, as well as potentially dangers on the road surfaces (presence of water or poor grip) to the driver.\u00a0\nThanks to the 5G network\u2019s ultra-high band and low latency, the information can be transmitted to the 5G roadway infrastructure, and then conveyed to other vehicles to warn of potential dangers ahead, through V2X technology.\u00a0\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN22QXc0vt0\nThe Cyber Tyre is part of Pirelli\u2019s larger \u201cPerfect Fit\u201d strategy, which focuses on developing products and services to meet the needs of carmakers and drivers utilising future-forward technologies.\u00a0\nAs part of the Perfect Fit line-up, Pirelli also shown-off its \u201cItalia Track Adrenaline\u201d line of sensor-fitted P Zero Trofeo tyres. These tyres include sensors to provide real time information such as tyre pressure and temperature, combined with telemetric data to improve the driver\u2019s performance on track."
"You shouldn\u2019t buy a car without test-driving it first, but with the \nCovid-19\n pandemic still very much part of our lives, many are still understandably iffy about sharing a small enclosed space with a stranger. With that in mind, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has now unveiled a new option for customers in the Klang Valley to test drive their cars without a sales consultant!\nCustomers interested in utilising the new service will need to visit MMM\u2019s official website (linked \nhere\n) and submit a test drive request. A MMM authorised personnel will then contact the customers to verify and confirm the appointment, and make the necessary arrangements to deliver the test drive vehicle to the customer\u2019s preferred location.\nAll touchpoints of the vehicle will be thoroughly sanitised by the staff before being handed over to the customer for a test drive, and if needed, they will be able to provide the necessary information for the vehicle. The customer is then free to test drive the vehicle for an hour before returning it to the same location as the pre-arranged pick-up point.\u00a0\nRELATED: New 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift unveiled \u2013 CVT gearbox, redesigned interior!\nMMM Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda said: \u201cAs the nation move towards the endemic era, living with COVID-19 and SOPs are the new-norm challenges that we need to adapt to. As a company, we adapt our business primarily to keep our customers safe.\n\u201cHence we offer the unaccompanied test-drive option for a peace-of-mind shopping experience. This option will allow our customers to experience the Mitsubishi cars on their terms with limited contact.\u201d\nIn addition to the new unaccompanied test drive service, MMM has also completely overhauled its car-buying process in response to the Covid-19 situation and the new SOPs with the introduction of the Mitsubishi Online Showroom \u2013 the company even offers a service to \ndeliver your new car right to your door step\n!\nFor aftersales services, customers can also utilise the \nMitsubishi Connect MY mobile app\n to make an appointment with their preferred dealership. For further information, customers can contact MMM\u2019s Customer Careline at \n1800 18 8161\n."
"Glancing through the exterior, not much seems to have changed save for the larger, more visually-appealing 19-inch wheels but the new 2.0-litre CRDi and the 1.6-litre T-GDi Hyundai Tuscon promises more than meets the eye.\nThe media drive today allowed us to sample\n two of the Tucson\u2019s new offerings\n on a drive up to Ipoh; beginning with the 2.0-litre CRDi and later on, the 1.6-litre T-GDi for the drive back down to Kuala Lumpur.\nUpon setting off from the Holiday Inn in Glenmarie, all 400 Nm of the 2.0 CRDi\u2019s torque could instantly be felt, as if lurking from beneath the hood, even with the slightest tap of the throttle.\nTorque is delivered from as low as 1,750 rpm before it fizzles out at 2,750 rpm. Not the biggest rev range to play with but seeing as the Tucson would be used mostly in urban areas it should offer plenty enough for a smooth drive.   The 2.0-litre CRDi utilises a 6-speed Automatic gearbox with a torque converter to contain its massive 400 Nm of torque and 178 hp. Despite not being a dual-clutch system, gear changes in automatic mode were rather seamless and even in manual, delays in the gear shifts were barely noticeable.\nThe 1.6-litre T-GDi, producing 177 hp with 265Nm of torque, also mated to a six-speed automatic, is carried over from the \nElantra we tried recently and loved\n. Although, there have been minor tweaks in its engine mapping along with the use of a single scroll turbocharger instead of a twin scroll unit in the Elantra \u2013 a move that had drivability in mind.\nWith a 400cc deficit against the 2.0-litre variant, performance wasn\u2019t profoundly different once things got going, but the 1.6-litre turbocharged motor did require a little push with peak torque at 4,500 rpm. This was offset by the seven-speed Dual Clutch transmission which was as responsive as dual clutch gearboxes can be, save for DSG\u2019s, even in Manual mode. Its exhaust note at idle and the lower revs were really pleasing to the ears too!   Initial bite on the brakes, ventilated in the front and solid at the rear, weren\u2019t great but as it latches on, it felt progressive without any visible fade in its stopping ability. What was most impressive was the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels of both the 1.6 and 2.0-litre variants at cruising speeds.\nAt cruising speeds of 110 km/h at 1,800 rpm for the 2.0 CRDi and 110km/h at 2,000 rpm for the 1.6 T-GDi, cabin noise was close to negligible and along with the rather compliant ride, with the Tuscon\u2019s multi-link rear suspension, made for a really pleasant ride, especially in the backseat.\nComfort in the backseat was also provided by generous amounts of rear leg and knee room. The rest of the interior seems to have been carried forward as seen with the seat design, door and other trims with addition of a powered tailgate which did come handy with the loading and unloading of camera equipment.   What really has to go, in our humble opinion, are those Puma-like embroidery on the door panels in red stitching which looked completely pointless and haphazardly-executed. Like the older Tucson, both the new variants come with a Safe Drive recorder as standard.\nDrag coefficient of the Tucson has also been improved with significant areas of the undercarriage being covered to allow unhindered flow of air, along with the addition of a front lip. Also new to both the Tucson\u2019s exterior is the Static Bending Lights which complement the LED headlamps; which swivels according to the direction input of the steering.\nThe rear view camera cleverly incorporated into the rear view mirror comes as standard for both variants with impressive clarity. Although the same can\u2019t be said for the projection of the front view camera which clearly still needs improvement. Truth hurts but it\u2019s hard to ignore the smudged symbol for the front camera view, as if it was stamped by a 2-year old, as it displayed a clear lack of quality control for a car at such a price.\nTough love, but it wouldn\u2019t have been highlighted if there wasn\u2019t any interest to see Hyundai do well.\nThat said, the display of Google Maps and Waze on the Android-based infotainment system were very clear; it was almost unnusual to have them displayed so clearly on the display in the centre console, in a good way.\nAll in all, with brief moments spent behind the wheel, this is all that can be said from a few hours with both the variants. One thing\u2019s for sure, with the direction Hyundai has been going, with the impressive Elantra and now the improved Tucson, it\u2019s hard to not see even more potential car owners picking up on the Korean brand if this consistency is upheld."
"If for some weird reason you find the \nBMW M2\n\u00a0a little\u00a0too far fetched an idea, perhaps the BMW M240i M Performance Edition would make a reasonable (and forgivable) alternative to the M2. It\u2019s essentially the range-topper 2 Series clothed with a tasteful selection of M Performance parts.\nBased on the current\n M240i,\n this small coupe is powered by a \n3.0-litre turbocharged\u00a0straight-six engine\n producing \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. Transmission options include the standard six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. It\u2019s rear-wheel drive as standard, but customers can opt for the xDrive all-wheel drive for a fee.   The M Performance edition is available exclusively in\n Alpine White\n and gets a rather handsome exterior kit. Adding contrast to the white exterior are contrasty bits like\u00a0the black kidney grille, black side skirts, carbon fibre spoiler and mirror caps, as well as a tiny rear diffuser. It sits on lightweight M 19-inch alloys and gets improved aerodynamics.\nJust like the facelifted \n1\n and \n2 Series\n, the\u00a0BMW M240i M Performance Edition is available from July onwards, but only 750 units will be commissioned worldwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This car is another proverbial case of \u201cit\u2019s only a matter of time\u201d, because everyone loves to see just how far (or how much) cars like the P1 and LaFerrari can be pushed, right? Well, meet the \nMcLaren P1 GTR\n, the very car to rival the preposterously powerful (and named)\u00a0\nFerrari FXX K\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMcLaren P1 GTR\nEngine\n3.8-litre twin-turbo V8;\u00a0M838TQ engine paired to a single electric motor\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n986 hp\nMax Torque\nUnspecified, over 1,000 Nm\nPrice\nEstimated USD 3.3 million (close to RM12 million)\nDue to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the P1 GTR, like the \nFerrari XX Programme\n, will only be available to existing \n375\n P1 owners. There\u2019s no word on the number of GTRs McLaren will produce, but expect no more than 20 since it\u2019s not road-legal in any part of the world anyway.\nThe GTR uses the same\u00a0M838TQ engine as its road-legal P1 sibling, that\u2019s the \n3.8-litre twin turbo V8\n paired to a sole electric motor pushed to make \n986 horsepower\n (900 hp on the standard P1). According to the engineers at McLaren, this is the furthest they could push the P1.\nSo what\u2019s different? The GTR sports an evidently lowered suspension, larger rear wing and front splitter, wider front track and dual exhaust pipes in the centre. Weight may well have been shaved off here as well, so the P1 will definitely be biting dust at the drag strip if pitted against the GTR. The P1 manages \n2.8 seconds\n in the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, just so you know.\nOh, did we mention that the GTR costs close to\n RM12 million\n, can only be purchased by existing P1 owners and that the purchase grants you an entry into a \nP1 GTR racing series\n? You get a pit crew and bespoke driver\u2019s training with McLaren to go with it, too. Did someone just say FXX K?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new vertical \u201cbucktooth\u201d grille on the \nall-new BMW 4 Series\n is perhaps one of the most hated design element on a modern vehicle, at least in recent years. It has become such a huge controversy that it\u2019s now the first thing everyone talks about whenever BMW releases a new car \u2013 we\u2019re guilty of this as well.\nBut it\u2019s not as if BMW was helpful in easing the heat either; the company\u2019s response to critics was that they\u2019re not here to \n\u201cplease everyone\u201d\n, and lest we forget the edgy, \nbizzare\n, and \nsomewhat insulting \nmarketing campaign for the \nBMW iX\n last year.\nWe can\u2019t be the only ones to think that this actually looks pretty good.\nIt\u2019s not uncommon to see criticisms whenever a carmaker strays away from their existing design language \u2013 remember what happened with the Bangle-era BMWs? But what most people don\u2019t realise, is that the new 4 Series isn\u2019t the first time BMW used vertical kidney grilles. No seriously, take a look at the beloved E30 3 Series and tell us you\u2019re not surprised.\nThe vertical kidney grille actually dates back all the way to 1933 with the BMW 303. The 303 was a significant milestone for the German carmaker \u2013 not only is it the first six-cylinder-equipped BMW, it\u2019s also the first-ever model with a kidney grille. And look at that, the original kidney grille was vertical!\nThe original kidney grille on the BMW 303.\nBack in the 1930s, grilles were commonly tall and big in order to house the larger radiators. Although a centre bar down the middle was a normal design trend for grilles during that era, then BMW designer Fritz Fielder took it a little further by physically separating the two sides into individual elements, rounding the edges, and tilting them slightly backwards to improve aerodynamic. The result kicked off a legend that has continued to appear on almost every BMW ever since.\nThe tall and slim kidney grille design continued throughout most of the 40s and 50s, perhaps most notably on the 328 race car that first made the BMW brand known in Europe, thanks to its success in motorsports. It was only on the BMW 503, towards the tail end of the 1950s, where the grilles began shrinking in size.\nThe kidney grille on the BMW M1 \u2013 small, but still vertical!\nThe year 1962 saw the launch of the BMW New Class Sedans model line-up, which also introduced the Hoffmeister kink, another design legacy that graced (almost) all BMWs ever since. The New Class model line-up evolved into the E9 in 1969, which also gave us the legendary 3.0 CSL homologation special.\nEver noticed how all of them have vertical kidney grilles? Even some of the most iconic BMW cars, such as the M1, had them. It wasn\u2019t until the 1990s with the introduction of the BMW E36 3 Series that saw the switch over to horizontal-oriented kidney grilles, and as they say, the rest is history.\nBMW 3.0 CSL, 1972\nBMW 3.0 CSL Hommage, 2015\nYou may argue that it\u2019s the sudden, drastic change on the all-new BMW 4 Series that prompted the uproar within the enthusiasts. While there\u2019s merit to that argument, the fact is that BMW never actually moved away from the large vertical grilles, even though they\u2019ve not released a car with one since 1990.\nA \nrecently-published video\n by BMW Group Classic showed off some never-before seen concepts that BMW has been working behind closed doors. Among them is the ZBF-7ER from 1996, featuring a grille design that is remarkably similar to that of the all-new 4-er.\nBMW once again brought the large vertical grille back (this time publicly) with the 328 Hommage concept in 2011, and again on the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept in 2015. So even though the large upright grille on the all-new BMW 4 Series was a shock to many, the design was probably already in the works for about 10 years now.\nFrom left: BMW 3.0 CS, G22 BMW 4 Series, BMW 328\nWhen BMW launched the all-new 4 Series, the company\u2019s design boss Domagoj Dukec said that the new car is a culmination of BMW\u2019s rich heritage, reinterpreted for the modern world. And there\u2019s so much more than just the grille that Dukec was referring to in that statement; from the subtle nod to the classic shark nose, and the redesigned Hoffmeister kink, all taking inspiration from BMW\u2019s past models.\nThe large vertical grille may look odd for now, but we\u2019re sure that with time, we\u2019ll all eventually get used to it, and perhaps see the beauty behind it. I mean, just look at how well the Bangle-design E60 5 Series has aged over the years \u2013 and we\u2019re now already warming up to the new 4 Series!"
"Continuing its \nslow drip treatment\n on the information of the upcoming S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled many of the new innovations in the safety department on the full-sized luxury sedan in its second entry of its Meet the S-Class \nDigital series\n, ahead of its official premiere in September this year \u2013 including the world\u2019s first forward airbag for the rear passengers.\nAvailable with the S-Class Executive Rear Seat Package, the rear airbags uses cylindrical, tubular structures that are inflated with compressed air upon impact, forming a \u201cwing-shaped\u201d structure. A large, \u201ctent-like\u201d airbag then deploys in the centre portion of the frame structure.\nUnlike the regular airbags at the front, the German carmaker says that the new tubular design\u00a0allows for rapid deployment of a relatively large airbag volume. The whole process also happens at a comparatively low force, and thus resulting in a lower risk of injury.\nThe rear airbags work in conjunction with the new inflatable seat belts, which also comes with optional illuminated \u201cdesigner belt buckles\u201d to make fastening the seat belts easier, and probably make you look good while doing so.\nThe rear passengers are not the only ones getting new safety and airbag tech. Between the two front passengers, Mercedes-Benz is also adding a new centre airbag to prevent the clashing of two heads, especially during side impacts.\nAs an added protection against side impacts, the new optional\n E-Active Body Control\n feature enabled by the 48-volt chassis can \nraise the entire car by 80 mm\n when it detects an imminent side impact, therefore channelling the main brunt force to the more resilient lower structures, reducing damage to the main passenger cell.\nThe E-Active Body Control also integrates directly into the much more powerful \nnew MBUX system\n, using the 20 sensors and a stereo camera to scan the road surfaces more than 1,000 times a second to adapt the suspension accordingly, resulting in a smoother drive over road imperfections.\nAdditionally, the system can also actively adjust the dampers and spring rates in anticipation of a bend, or even actively \u201clean\u201d into the corner, which can be especially helpful for passengers prone to motion sickness.\nOn the topic of turns and bends, the upcoming \nS-Class\n will be the first Mercedes-Benz to feature a\n rear-wheel steering\n, with up to 10 degrees of articulation. As a result, Mercedes claims that the upcoming S-Class will be as manoeuvrable as a compact car, boasting a turning circle of less than 11 metres (turning radius lesser than 5.5 metres).\nThe Driving Assistance Package has also been improved, with new functions such as Active Blind Spot Assist that has been detailed in the previous entry, the Active Steering Assist that will automatically move the car aside to allow for emergency services vehicles to pass through, as well as a new and improved parking assist system.\nJust like the \nAEB system\n that was first introduced to Mercedes-Benz models starting from the S-Class nearly 20 years ago, we can definitely expect to see these new features slowly trickle down into the rest of the three-pointed star\u2019s model line-up.\nThe full episode of the digital presentation can be viewed \nhere\n, if you\u2019re interested."
"Debuted in 2017, the \nMercedes-Benz X-Class\n was the three-pointed star\u2019s maiden voyage into the light commercial vehicles division in an attempt to diversify its product line up. However, after going on sale for a mere two years, it seems that the \npremium \npick-up truck might be dropped in the near future.\nAccording to \nAutomotive News Europe\n, Daimler is looking to reduce the group\u2019s operation costs amid revising profit forecast for the fourth time in 13 months. The X-Class, which only sold 16,700 units in Europe, Australia and South Africa in 2018, is on the chopping board due to poor market reception.\nDaimler is looking to reduce the group\u2019s operation costs amid revising profit forecast for the fourth time in 13 months. The X-Class, which only sold 16,700 units in Europe, Australia and South Africa in 2018, is on the chopping board due to poor market reception.\nThe X-Class, which is merely\na reskinned Nissan Navara, commanded a high premium over the competition.\nDespite the Mercedes-Benz exterior image, the outdated cabin design and less\nthan ideal load performance (due to rear coil spring setup as opposed to leaf\nsprings) steered customers away to more capable ladder frame models for their heavy-duty\nneeds."
"The arrival of a new hypercar marque in Malaysia has definitely created excitement among local car enthusiasts. What more, it is Swedish hypercar maker \u2018Koenigsegg\u2019, represented by official importer and distributor for Malaysia and Indonesia, Naza Swedish Motors.\u00a0\nUnveiled recently in Malaysia is the Koenigsegg Agera S, by Naza Swedish and Christian von Koenigsegg, the founder of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.\nAutoBuzz.my gets an interview with \nChristian von Koenigsegg\n and an exclusive walk-around with the\n 1030hp Koenigsegg Agera S\n.\nIt was a stop motion animation that inspired a child, young Koenigsegg at the age of 6, to build his own race car, and become what he is today. \u00a0At the age of 22, Christian von Koenigsegg started Koenigsegg Automotive AB in 1994 and produced his first prototype 2 years later, the \nKoenigsegg CC\n. In year 2002, he introduced his first production car the \nKoenigsegg CC8S\n that won multiple accolades including \u2018Most Powerful Production Engine\u2019.\nFrom then on, there were the \nCCR\n in 2004 (fastest production car in the world 2005 @ 388.87 km/h), \nCCX\n in 2006 and \nCCXR\n in 2007 (world\u2019s first green hypercar, biofuel powered).\nThe Agera made its world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. \u2018\nAgera\n\u2019 means \u2018\nto take action\n\u2018 in Swedish. It features a Koenigsegg developed 5.0-litre variable geometry twin-turbo V8 engine, with \u00a0a newly developed 7-speed gearbox. It produces 910 hp. In 2011, the Agera was pumped up to 1140hp, the \nAgera R\n. That runs on E85 biofuel.\nThe \nAgera S\n was introduced in 2012 for countries where E85 biofuel doesn\u2019t come by easily. Powered by a 5.0-liter twin turbo V8 petrol engine, it produces less power than its biofuel dependent sibling. The 100th Koenigsegg vehicle ever made was a Agera S in 2013, commemorated by a special built unit with gold leaf inlays named \u201c\nHundra\n\u201d (Swedish for hundred).\nMr. Koenigsegg didn\u2019t stop there. He then continues to achieve his dream of building the perfect sports car. In less than 20 years, he created the world\u2019s first \u2018\nmegacar\n\u2019, the \nOne:1\n. The one to one ratio of power to weight, that\u2019s 1 horsepower to 1 kilogram of weight. \n1360 hp to 1360 kg\n ratio to be exact. That\u2019s 1 Megawatt car.\nSpecial thanks to Chirstian von Koenigsegg for his time and inspirational success story.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following close to three months of manufacturing and sales restriction for the automotive industry, Proton has set out to finish 2021 on a high now that operations can \nresume\n.\nProduction at both plants has gradually been restored, thanks to Proton\u2019s vaccination drive for all its employees as well as its suppliers. The latest figures show that over \n93%\n of Proton\u2019s workforce are \nfully vaccinated\n while the figure is over 75% at vendors and dealers. This high percentage allows Proton\u2019s ecosystem to operate at 100% of capacity based on the latest SOPs for the reopening of businesses.\n\u201cThe success of our vaccination programme will be vital to our performance for the rest of year. By having a fully vaccinated workforce, we can reassure the market that Proton has taken every conceivable step to make it safe for fully vaccinated customers to visit our showrooms and service centres,\u201d said Proton Edar, CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\nFrom June to August 2021, Proton managed to achieve a total sales volume of 5,354 units, comprising a mix of \nonline registrations\n and exports. Up to the end of August, the total 2021 volume was 62,637, an increase of 1.6% over the same period last year.\nWith many unanswered questions, we pit the Proton X50 against the BMW X1 and Honda HR-V again for a proper quarter-mile drag race. Watch it here!\nThe \nProton Saga\n continues to be the main contributor with 1,645 units in the June to August period, while the \nX70\n lead the SUV sales at 790 units and the X50 just 26 units less. With the launch of the latest \nIriz Active\n variant plus the \nfacelifted Persona\n, both locally developed Proton models are showing very positive reception through sales of 753 units and 1,091 units respectively.\nSales of 303 units of the Proton Exora complete the sales tally of 5,354 units. In the export division, Proton will deliver three shipments of Proton X70 models that amount to about 108 units in September along with CKD packs of the Proton Saga that is expected to commence \nPakistan\u2019s\n local assembly at the end of October. \u00a0\nThe Proton X50\u2019s cousin in China has been given more than just a facelift. More about the latest Geely Binyue here!"
"Groupe Renault and Industrial Development & Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO) and PARTO NEGIN NASEH Co, an importer of Renault products in Iran, has put pen to paper on a joint venture agreement to increase production capacity.\nThe venture, which will see Renault be the majority shareholder, will include an engineering and\u00a0purchasing centre to support the development of local suppliers. There will also be a plant with an initial production capacity of 150,000 vehicles a year,\u00a0supplementing Groupe Renault\u2019s existing capacity of 200,000 vehicles a year in the country. The new Symbol and Duster models will be the first vehicles produced at the plant.\nThe plant will be in Saveh, located 120km from Tehran. They will be owned and operated by the joint venture company.\u00a0In addition to the vehicle plant announced in September 2016, an engine plant is also planned with a capacity of 150,000 units a year.\n\u201cWe are happy to sign this agreement with IDRO and PARTO NEGIN NASEH Co. In a rapidly expanding Iranian market, it was vital to implement plants, engineering and purchasing centre. This joint venture will enable an acceleration of our growth in this country\u201d said \u00a0Member of Groupe Renault Executive Committee and Chief Competitive Officer, Thierry Bollor\u00e9.\nAccording to \nBBC\n, part of the deal is that 30% of the cars and parts will go for export.\n\u201cThe signing of this new joint venture reinforces the strategic choices we have made in Iran and will open new perspectives in a 2 million vehicle market projected in 2020\u201d, said Stefan Mueller, Member of Groupe Renault Executive Committee and Chief Performance Officer.\nThe Groupe Renault has been present in Iran since 2003. Renault and its Iranian partners have produced 500,000 vehicles to date."
"As you would have known or heard by now, the Lexus IS will get the company\u2019s own twin scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre engine taking form in the \nIS 200t\n, one that will make its way here in the fourth quarter this year.\nWhile the IS 200t replaces the outgoing IS 250 variant, Lexus is adopting a new strategy in continuing the IS nameplate by introducing the \nIS 300 AWD\n and \nIS 350\n. The turbocharged IS 200t will be \nRWD only\n, and gets an\n eight speed automatic gearbox\n to complement the\n 241 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n\u00a0made by the new four cylinder engine.   Powering the IS 300 AWD is a \nmodified naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6\n block also shared with the IS 350 variant, but here\u00a0it produces \n255 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque at 2,000 to 4,800 rpm. As the name suggests, the 300 will get an\n electronically controlled All-Weather Drive\n and a \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission.\nTopping off the IS range is the IS 350, which shares its engine with the IS 300. However, it\u2019s tuned to make \n306 hp\n and \n376 Nm\n of torque mated to an \neight-speed Sport Direct Shift\n automatic transmission with integrated Advanced G-Force Artificial Intelligence for intuitive gear selection. The IS 350 can be had in either RWD or AWD formats \u2013 the latter allowing automatically variable front-to-rear torque split from 30:70 to 50:50.\n2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD F Sport   It\u2019s very likely that, when the IS 200t arrives in Malaysia, the \nF Sport package\n will be offered as well. This package will grant \nshaper handling acuity\n (courtesy of the specially tuned suspension) matched aesthetically with a set of 18-inch wheels. The exterior and interior will also get mild revisions, whereas the F Sport pack for the IS 300 AWD and IS 350 will come with a sportier intake sound.\nSafety wise, the 2016 Lexus IS is fitted with \n10 airbags\n as standard across the range (our current IS comes with eight airbags), Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, Pedestrian Protection Performance, front and rear parking sensors with reverse camera and a host of other carryover features.\n2016 Lexus IS 350 F Sport\nThere are \neight exterior colours\n and \nfive different interior colour schemes\n to match, but whether or not we will get all hues remains to be seen. Be sure to stick around for the latest insights on the Lexus IS!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus IS 200t   Lexus IS 300 AWD F Sport   Lexus IS 350"
"Porsche\u2019s history has been long and illustrious from the get-go since it was founded by one Ferdinand Porsche; way before its 911 models sparked a cult-like following for the brand.\nThroughout the years, from building race cars and manufacturing mainstream vehicles like the Beetle during World War 2, their claim to fame was led by the introduction of the Porsche 356 before its 911 models propelled the brand to sportscar royalty status.\nIf you\u2019ve got seven minutes to spare, there\u2019s no better way to spend it but to indulge in this brief but concise history of Porsche\u2019s journey in becoming one of the most notable brands in the automotive world.\nSource: \nMotoring.com.au"
"The countdown for the global premiere of the new \nVolkswagen T-Cross compact SUV\n has begun with the official market launch to happen in early 2019. The baby SUV will be introduced with the slogan \u201cI am more\u201d that covers four aspects \u201cI am practical\u201d, \u201cI am cool\u201d, \u201cI am intuitive\u201d and \u201cI am safe\u201d.\nIn the latest teaser video, Volkswagen talks a little more about the design language of the T-Cross, highlighting its charismatic and masculine appearance. The new SUV will get some of the brand\u2019s family language such as wide radiator grille and sharp character lines.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTAvgTTTMJs\nWe know that the T-Cross will adopt the group\u2019s MQB platform, measures 4,107 mm in length and is strictly front-wheel driven. The ergonomics of the interior was extensively tested to ensure that the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 rival will have one of the most spacious interiors in its class.\nThere will be no less than 12 exterior colour options of the T-Cross and bi-colour paintwork is also available as an option when the car is launched. The cabin will also feature a two-tone interior and based on the sketches, it appears to be a carbon copy of the larger T-Roc\u2019s cabin. Sporty and funky is the name of the game here.\n \n \nThe \nVolkswagen T-Roc was a big hit in Europe\n, raking in over 40,000 orders in the first four months after its debut. The smaller T-Cross will cater to a different group of clienteles who prefers to commute in a smaller sized SUV. Question is, will it replicate the same success story written by the T-Roc?"
"In today\u2019s episode of things-we-did-not-expect, BMW Malaysia has published a post on its \nFacebook page\n, with a link to its website for customers to register their interest for the \nBMW iX electric SUV\n.\nNo, this wasn\u2019t a mistake on BMW Malaysia\u2019s part \u2013 the iX is indeed listed on the local entity\u2019s \nwebsite\n, alongside the other i-branded models, just without a price tag. So the only question on everyone\u2019s mind then: Is it coming soon to Malaysia?\nWell, not so soon at least. Although the iX has been unveiled globally in November last year, BMW says that the reveal was just a \u201cdesign world premiere\u201d, so a large chunk of the technical details were still kept under wraps. The official market launch will only happen sometime in \u201clate 2021\u201d.\nBut the fact that BMW Malaysia has listed the model on their website, most probably means that the fully-electric SUV will be making its way onto our shores, when it becomes available globally, of course. BMW Malaysia\u2019s past performance with the i sub-brand does also help instil some confidence \u2013 both the\n i3s\n and i8 (in both \ncoupe\n and \nroadster\n form) were previously made available in Malaysia through official channels.\nAs for the car itself, BMW says that the iX is similar in size to the\u00a0\nX5\n, with the height of an\u00a0\nX6\n, and an interior space comparable to the\u00a0\nX7\n. This is in part due to the new scalable and modular chassis, designed specifically for electric powertrains.\nWhile most technical specifications are still withheld, BMW did say that the iX will be equipped with the company\u2019s latest\n fifth-generation eDrive powertrain\n, featuring two electric motors to make\u00a0\nat least 500 hp\n, which will result in a 0-100 km/h time of\u00a0\nunder five seconds\n.\nThe BMW iX will feature the brand\u2019s latest\n iDrive Operating System 8.0 \nsoftware.\nIt\u2019s certainly an interesting strategy to introduce the fully-electric BMW iX here in Malaysia, especially as our nationwide charging infrastructure is still very much in the infancy stage. But of course, there needs to be someone to lead the electrification push here in our country, and at the very least, it tracks well with BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s\n commitment to go all-in on electrification\n. Will you be registering your interest in BMW\u2019s \u201cNext Big Thing\u201d?"
"The veil was just lifted off the new Subaru Forester GT at the 2020 Singapore Motorshow, \nafter our media preview\n following its first appearance at the Taipei International Auto Show in December last year.\nSubaru GT Edition cars are designed in close collaboration between Giken Co. Ltd., and Mr. Masahiko \u2018Jack\u2019 Kobayashi, who is the former Chief Designer at Subaru Corporation. Jack\u2019s portfolio over the years include 12 different production Subarus, including the halo WRX STI.\nPictured here is Mr Kobayashi\nIn a brief chat with Mr Kobayashi, he also \nconfirms that more GT Edition cars are coming\n, but he declined to confirm which models they will be.\nAll around the exterior of the car is a new aero kit that consists of a front bumper extension, side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear bumper extension. The GT Edition Forester also gets bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels.\nFor now, Subaru says there is \nno plan to sell the GT Edition kit separately \nfor the current Foresters.\nInside, a new \ntwo-tone seat design \ndifferentiates it from the regular Forester. There\u2019s also \na new generation infotainment screen\n in here. While it may be the same 8-inch head unit, the resolution has been improved and it has a few new features like the All-round View Monitor 2.\nIt offers a 360-degree view of the car, and as the Forester and XV both share the older screen, it \nwill be introduced as a running update to both models in Malaysia around March this year\n.\nAs for the existing models, they can retrofitted with the new head unit at a price, although it isn\u2019t disclosed just yet.\nUnderneath the new GT kit is the 2.0i-S EyeSight variant so you get the same features except those mentioned above. LED DRLs give it an unmistakable road presence at all times, while the rear tail lights are shaped to resemble the pistons on a boxer engine.\nThere is a powered tailgate with memory function, while true to its offroad aspirations, there are headlamp washers as well.\nAs mentioned, the EyeSight system makes an appearance here too. Twin cameras pointed to the front of the car enable Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.\nOther systems like Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind-Spot Detection also finds its way onto the car.\nHowever, yesterday during a short test circuit we were introduced to two new features, the \nEmergency Rear Braking\n and a \nnew parking guidance system for reverse parking\n.\nSubaru has no plans to introduce the former to our market, though, as its cost outweighs its utility, according to their studies.\nUnder the hood, the Forester GT will have a \n2.0-litre Boxer engine \npumping out a healthy \n156 hp\n and \n196 Nm \ntorque which is the same as the other variants. It is partnered to a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT gearbox, and power is sent to all four wheels.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru Forester GT"
"With restrictions slowly easing up, roadshows can now finally return from hibernation \u2013 and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is the first to bite with the VW Tour, coming to you live and in person at 1 Utama Shopping Centre (Centre Court, Old Wing) from the \n13th to 17th of October\n.\nCustomers who place a booking for a new Volkswagen at the roadshow will enjoy an event-exclusive RM1,000 rebate on selected models, plus other additional discounts of up to RM10,000, and one year of free vehicle insurance.\nOf course, the \nsales tax exemption\n is also still valid until the end of the year, and all models in VPCM\u2019s line-up have ready stock units on hand, which means you won\u2019t have to wait and potentially miss out on the currently cheaper prices!\nCheck out the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line in more detail in our in-depth gallery here!\nTest drives are also available at the VW Tour roadshow, with offerings such as the new \nArteon R-Line 4Motion\n, \nPassat Elegance\n, \nPassat R-Line\n, \nTiguan Allspace Highline\n, and \nTiguan Allspace R-Line \nready for you to experience in person.\nTo ensure the health and safety of everyone, strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be in effect at the roadshow, in line with the Government\u2019s directives and VPCM\u2019s #SafeHands measures.\u00a0\nFor more information on this weekend\u2019s Volkswagen Tour roadshow, visit the event page linked \nhere\n."
"Ahead of its debut in Malaysia, the fully-electric \nMaxus Mifa 9\n has been launched in Singapore, retailing at SGD282,999 (approx. \nRM983,371\n) inclusive of CoE, and seemingly in a single variant only. Based on the specifications of the Singapore-spec Maxus Mifa 9, it is the \u201cLuxury\u201d variant (in certain regions), although not named so for the country.\nThe official distributor for Maxus in Malaysia is Weststar Group which has recently teased the arrival of the Maxus Mifa 9 in Malaysia. If you haven\u2019t known yet, the Maxus Mifa 9 is a luxury MPV that is slightly larger than the Toyota Alphard. It measures 5,270 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, and 1,840 mm tall, and with a wheelbase that measures 3,200 mm.\nOffered in single variant only in Singapore, there are actually a total of three variants for the Maxus Mifa 9 available globally \u2013 \u201cElite\u201d, \u201cLuxury\u201d, and \u201cPremium\u201d. The Mifa 9 in Singapore is specced very similarly to the \u201cLuxury\u201d variant. Its styling is typical of EVs from its region and it is a pretty decent-looking MPV.\nDriving the Maxus Mifa 9 is a single electric motor that outputs 180 kW (\n244 hp\n) and \n350 Nm\n. All power is sent to the front wheels only and the Mifa 9 manages a 0-100 km/h acceleration time in \n9.2 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n180 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nMaxus Mifa 9 teased for Malaysia, Electric MPV with up to 440km range\nPowering the Singapore-spec Maxus Mifa 9 is a \n90-kWh\n battery pack that provided 435 km of range (WLTP). The \u201cElite\u201d and \u201cPremium\u201d variants can manage 440 km and 430 km of range respectively. Charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and \n120 kW\n with DC charging. The former charges the car from 5% to 100% in \n8.5 hours\n while the latter charges the car from 30% to 80% in \n30 minutes\n.\nInside, the Maxus Mifa 9 is equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity, a 7-inch digital dashboard, 7 USB ports, 8 speakers, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system.\nRELATED: \nMaxus T60 gets free performance boost for 2022 in Malaysia, but for a limited time only\nSafety-wise, the Maxus Mifa 9 boasts safety features such as Speed Assist System (SAS), Intelligent Headlight Control (IHC), Emergency Lan Keeping Assist, Rear Autonomous Emergency Braking (RAEB), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and driver fatigue monitor system. Teased through Weststar Group\u2019s social media for now, we may soon witness the launch of the Maxus Mifa 9 in Malaysia."
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has introduced a customised version of the Vantage for its customer called \n\u2018The Bohemian Edition\u2019\n.\nStand out features on the Vantage includes a silver vaned front grille paired with the Arizona Bronze exterior paint colour. The colour was inspired by the light sand of the Arizona desert.\nAccording to Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, it\u2019s the first time ever in Malaysia that such a colour has been specified. The standard Vantage starts from RM 698,000 while the Vantage \u201cBohemian Edition\u201d is priced at\n RM\n \n890,000.00\n (both prices stated exclude\u00a0duties and taxes).\nRELATED: Aston Martin Vantage \u201cHunter Edition\u201d arrives in KL\nAlongside the limited-edition release, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur also announced that some features previously optional in the Vantage are now standard. They include keyless entry, blindspot monitoring, auto park assist, touchpad and glass switches which are bundled under the Technology Pack. Also standard are quad-exhaust tips and a 360-degree camera.\nThe Vantage is home to a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with \n510 hp\n and \n685 Nm\n, paired with an 8-speed ZF transmission to drive the rear wheels. 0 to 100 km/h is obliterated in just 3.6 seconds.\nRELATED: The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a 700 hp swan song to mark the end of an era\nGALLERY"
"We can\u2019t stress the air quotes enough, because well, it\u2019s still a McLaren. But if \nthis report\n by \nAutocar\n is anything to go by, the British supercar maker will introduce a mainstream hybrid sports car \nby the end of this year\n.\nAccording to insider sources, the new hybrid car will be part of the Sports Series \u2013 the lowest in the brand\u2019s three-tier range, apart from the \nGT\n of course. The new hybrid car will be powered by a\n twin-turbocharged V6 engine\n as part of the \nplug-in hybrid powertrain\n, as opposed to the recuperative-only hybrid system found on the P1.\nAs expected, McLaren CEO, Mike Flewitt declined to comment on specifics in an interview with Autocar. However, he admitted that he\u2019s excited for the prospects of using hybrid powertrains to both boost performance while also reducing emissions.\nCiting their experience with hybrid powertrains on cars like the \nP1\n and \nSpeedtail\n, Flewitt says that McLaren \u201csees opportunities with hybrid [powertrains], in terms of the instant torque and filling the gaps in the powerband.\u201d\nThe new hybrid sports car is expected to be capable of an\n pure-electric range of more than 32 km\n and \u201cstrong longer-distance fuel economy\u201d. According to COO Jens Ludmann, the engineers at McLaren has also found a way to workaround the number one drawback of any electrified powertrain \u2013 weight.\n\u201cAt McLaren, we\u2019re fortunate that we\u2019re not so constrained by building to a price,\u201d said Ludmann. \u201cOur customers want the best, so that\u2019s what we obsess over.\u201d\nPrevious reports\n suggests that the new Sports Series hybrid sports car will weigh within 30-40 kg of the outgoing model."
"GoCar Malaysia has announced its new GoVax CSR programme to provide \nfree and safe transportation to vaccination centres\n, mainly in Klang Valley and Penang.\nWith that, GoCar is offering three hours of free vehicle usage for vaccination appointments via the \u201cGOVAX\u201d promo code. The promo code is valid for round-trip bookings \nbetween the 11th of May and the 31st of July 2021\n. Booking of GoCar\u2019s vehicles should be made at least seven hours in advance.\nThe GoVax programme also aims to help senior citizens and disabled persons living in the Petaling Jaya district with free shuttle service to and from vaccination centres in Hospital Shah Alam, Klinik Rakan Medik Petaling Jaya and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.\nThe \nfree shuttle service is aimed at senior citizens 60 years and above\n. Those with mobility difficulties will need to be accompanied by someone such as a caregiver or friend/family member.\nTo book the free GoVax shuttle service, simply follow these steps:\nEnsure that the vaccination appointment has been confirmed by the government. Notifications will be provided via the MySejahtera app and SMS.\nContact the GoVax taskforce at least three days before the scheduled vaccination appointment by calling the \n24/7 hotline 1 300-30-2633\n. Slots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be asked to provide your name, IC number, mobile phone number, and address for verification and coordination.\nSomeone from the GoVax taskforce will be in touch to confirm your free shuttle pickup time, based on available slots.\nBe ready 30 mins before your scheduled pickup time with your I.C. and mobile phone and proof of your vaccination appointment.\nRepeat the above for your second vaccination appointment.\nThose who already had their first vaccination shot are also eligible for the GoVax free shuttle for their second shot.\u00a0The GoVax shuttle service will be \navailable from now until 31 August 2021\n."
"With the\n Covid-19 pandemic\n still causing trouble around the world, the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris will most likely remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future. For those dreaming of travelling to Paris just to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, French carmaker DS is offering the next best thing by bringing the museum to you \u2013 in the form of the limited-edition DS 7 Crossback Louvre edition.\nThe \nDS 7 Crossback\n Louvre is the result of a collaboration between \nDS Automobiles\n and Le Louvre Museum. Through a feature called \u2018A Day at the Louvre\u2019, buyers of the limited-edition DS 7 Crossback will have access to a 182-item curated list of the most beautiful and important works in the Louvre Museum, displayed directly on the car\u2019s 12-inch high-definition infotainment display.\nThese works include the portrait of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, The Wedding at Cana by V\u00e9ron\u00e8se, and The Winged Victory of Samothrace. Each piece will also be accompanied by a four-minute podcast that reveals its history and secrets.\nIn addition, each unit of the DS 7 Crossback Louvre will also come with a \u201cFriends of the Louvre\u201d card, which guarantees unlimited admission for one year to the Louvre Museum\u2019s permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, alongside the mus\u00e9e national Eug\u00e8ne-Delacroix \u2013 that is when they are finally reopened to the public, of course.\nAside from the art gallery, the DS 7 Crossback Louvre \u2013 only available in Ink Blue, Perla Nera Black, and Platinum Grey \u2013 also features several exclusive \u201cLouvre\u201d touches on its exterior, such as the exclusive Louvre badging on the bonnet, front wings, and tailgate that reflects the iconic shape of the Louvre Pyramid.\nThe same iconic shape is repeated in the wing mirror housings, where the signature Pyramid pattern has been created by DS Automobiles artisans using cutting edge laser etching techniques.\nOther details include the use of gloss black trims on the wings that around the front grille, window surrounds, roof bars, and the frames for the LED tail lights. The DS 7 Crossback Louvre also gets a unique Alexandria design on its 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.\nMoving inside, the pyramid pattern is repeated on the stainless steel air vent controllers, dashboard, and also embossed in the Nappa leather covering of the centre console storage compartment.\nThe DS 7 Crossback Louvre is based on the Ultra Prestige variant, with the PureTech 225 petrol engine as the sole offering. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged mill makes \n225 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h is rated at\n 8.3 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n227 km/h\n.\nStandard equipment on the Ultra Prestige variant include the DS Active Scan suspension, which uses a camera to analyse the road ahead, making minute adjustments to the suspensions for a smoother ride.\n \nAlso standard is the DS Connected Pilot level two autonomous driving system, with features including adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane centring assist, active blind spot detection, speed limit recognition warning, extended traffic sign recognition, as well as driver attention warning.\nThe DS 7 Crossback Louvre is available now for the lucky people over at the UK, with on-the-road prices starting from GBP46,530 (~RM257k)."
"On first impression, one wouldn\u2019t expect much practicality from the \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\n due its size alone. Already based on the small XC40 SUV, its cabin is even smaller due to its sloping roof design. But believe it or not, the Volvo C40 Recharge is a perfect example of how storage space should be designed in a car.\nAnd one look in the boot is all it takes to show you how much the C40 prioritizes practicality. Firstly, one-half of the boot floor can be folded up, and already you can see that there is additional space underneath the boot floor for the charging cable and any other loose items you may have.\nThe one-half of the boot floor also becomes a partition when folded up so if your boot isn\u2019t filled to the brim, your items won\u2019t go flying around in the trunk. It\u2019s something many of us may overlook, but not hearing loud thuds and rolls in the trunk while you\u2019re driving contributes to a more peaceful driving experience.\nThere are also hooks on that folded-up partition for shopping bags and these don\u2019t exactly take the entire weight of your bags, but they do help to keep them in place. The total boot space in the C40 is over 400 litres despite having a sloped roofline.\nRELATED: \nGallery \u2013 Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, RM289k AWD EV\nThe shopping bag hooks may not be able to take much weight, but they do help to keep things in place.\nAnd if that boot wasn\u2019t enough storage space for you, the C40 (unlike some EVs) actually has a frunk. It provides 31 litres of storage space, and it is also where the tyre repair kit is placed.\nThe C40\u2019s frunk offers 31 litres of storage space\nPractical storage space can also be seen inside the cabin with the biggest one being the front door bins. With one large opening, the front door bins can fit an entire laptop (with some other small loose items as well), making it perfect for young urban professionals. There\u2019s also a clever hook that folds out from the glovebox which can hold up to 2kg of load.\nALSO WATCH: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, from RM289k \u2013 5 Things\nA hook that folds out from the glovebox\nA removable dustbin in the centre console\nThe best storage feature in the C40 would be the removable dustbin that is nestled in the centre console. If you\u2019re one to appreciate a tidy cabin, you would find this extremely useful as you no longer have to deal with having rubbish left in the door bins and other cubby spaces.\nThe C40 may be small, but the clever compartments do make it feel like a bigger car in terms of practicality. What other cars can you think of that provide equally or more organized storage space?\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k"
"Following the introduction of the \n650S Can-Am\n, McLaren is celebrating their success in the middle-eastern market with this unique 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO. Crafted by none other than their own crafty team called McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the 650S Spider with a mouthful name is only offered to their customers in the Middle East.\nIf you\u2019re wondering how they came out with that name, \nAl Sahara\n is \nArabic for desert\n and\n 79\n is the \natomic number for gold\n. While the name roughly translates to \u201c\ndesert gold\n\u201c, thankfully MSO did a subtle yet tasteful job instead of just wrapping a 650S Spider in gold vinyl. The Super\u00a0Series sports car\u00a0is painted\u00a0in\u00a0a unique \npearlescent white gold\n that has been infused with \n24 carat gold particles\n, giving it a subtle shimmer inspired by the golden desert sands. The glistening paintwork is contrasted by the \ncarbon fibre aero bits\n as well as \ngloss black roof and wheels\n.\n \n \nThe black-and-white theme is repeated again on the inside. The interior is mainly black, but it\u2019s been spiced up by the \nglossy Al Sahara 79 trim pieces\n on the steering wheel spokes, center console, and door panels. The seats are upholstered in \nblack and White Almond leather\n, while the \nvents and switchgears\n are finished in \ndark gold\n.   Nothing is changed under the lid at the back, but that\u2019s no bad thing since the 650S Spider has a \ntwin-turbo 3.8-litre V8\n mounted just behind the occupants\u2019 seats. A total of \n641 hp\n and \n678 Nm\n of torque is available to send the car from\n 0 to 100 km/h\n in \n3.0 seconds\n and all the way to the \n329 km/h top speed\n. To us, that\u2019s far from shabby.\nThe \nMcLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara by MSO\n debuts at the \nDubai International Motor Show\n that\u2019s currently held from 10th to 14th November 2015. The desert gold car retails at \n1,456,308 AED\n, which is \naround RM 1.73 million\n before taxes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) recently announced that the \nXpander\n has enjoyed one of the most successful launches of any vehicle in Indonesia since it was \nintroduced on a global scale\n not long ago.\nThe numbers are simply staggering; ever since it was showcased at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) where it took in more than 5,000 orders, the figures now stand at 23,000 units \u2013\u00a0more orders placed for any car model launched by any brand at the show since 2010.   With the aim of attracting the younger demographic with the opportunity to own their first vehicle, you can see why the Xpander is such a success with boundless practicality. Housing a frugal 1.5-litre MIVEC engine with an output of\n 105 hp\n, the Xpander also stands out with its commendable ground clearance alongside its \nbest-in-class cabin space\n.\nComplementing the generous space are also features like \n16 bottle holders\n with dedicated smartphone trays for each passenger. Aside from that, what\u2019s also worth noting is that the large windshield of the Xpander is made of \nsoundproof glass\n, laminated with an extra sound-absorbing layer to ensure noise doesn\u2019t seep into the cabin.\nWith recent news on the development of the \ne-EVOLUTION\n which would come equipped with Artificial Intelligence capabilities, there is much from MMC to look forward to, especially now that they\u2019ve \njoined the Alliance made up of Nissan and Renault\n. When the EXPANDER \narrives in Malaysia as confirmed\n, expect it to give the likes of Toyota Avanza and the \nHonda BR-V\n a close fight!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lamborghini\u2019s iconic V12 engine is \ncoming to an end\n \u2013 at least as we know it. As a celebration of its legacy, Lamborghini has unveiled the Aventador Ultimae, which coincidentally, will also be the last \nAventador\n.\nAnd what a way to celebrate. Lamborghini calls this, quite literally, the ultimate Aventador \u2013 combining all the best bits from every variant over its 10 years of existence into one single \u201cbest hits\u201d album.\nNow in its final form, The 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine makes the most power it has ever made at \n780 hp \nand \n720 Nm \nof torque \u2013 40 hp more than the \nAventador S\n, and 10 hp over the \nSVJ\n.\nPaired to a 7-speed independent shifting rod (ISR) gearbox, which shifts in fewer than 50 milliseconds, the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae propels itself from a standstill to 100km/h in just \n2.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n355 km/h\n.\nIn order to put all 780 hp to the ground, Lamborghini says that they\u2019ve designed the Aventador Ultimae with \u201cstate of the art aerodynamic performance\u201d. We\u2019ll spare you the technical mumbo jumbo, but in essence, every surface on the car is designed to channel air around the aerodynamic devices and optimise cooling performance.\nFor context, here\u2019s how the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ looks with all of its aero appendages.\nThe large diffusers on the rear bumpers are subtle by Lamborghini standards, but when paired to the active rear wing, the aero performance can supposedly match the track-focused SVJ, all while maintaining the sleek and elegant looks of the Aventador S \u2013 truly, the best of both worlds.\nWith a more generous application of carbon fibre parts, the coupe variant also manages to shed 25 kg off the weight of an Aventador S, resulting in better handling capabilities and stopping power \u2013 Lamborghini is particularly proud of the latter, stating that the carbon composite brakes can stop the Ultimae from 100 km/h in just 30 metres.\nAnd to top it all off, the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae also comes as standard with all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering to let you extract every last ounce of performance of the ultimate Aventador.\n\u201c\nThe Aventador LP 780-4 denotes the final, purest, timeless naturally-aspirated production V12 Lamborghini,\n\u201c\n says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, \u201cthe definitive Aventador concluding an extraordinary era.\u201d\n \nLamborghini will launch its first-ever EV by 2030. Read more about its electrification plans here.\n\u201cIt is the last of its kind: it delivers the maximum power and conclusive performance expected from Lamborghini\u2019s current V12 engine, combined with our inimitable flagship\u2019s design DNA. The Aventador was destined to become a classic from launch, and the Aventador LP 780-4 is the most beautiful expression of timeless design and technical solutions in a final edition: Ultimae.\u201d\nOnly 350 coupe and 250 roadster variants of the Aventador Ultimae will be built, and with all the added performance, not to mention the whole notion of \u201cthe last ever Aventador\u201d, this one definitely won\u2019t be cheap.\nBut see, you\u2019re not just buying a superfast hypercar \u2013 you\u2019re also buying a piece of historical relic, a mark of the end of an era. It\u2019s not just an Aventador, it\u2019s the ultimate \u201cbest of the best\u201d of Lamborghini\u2019s V12 \u2013 and we\u2019d say that any amount of money is worth it.\nGALLERY"
"If there\u2019s one constant in the aftermath of GE14, it is \u2018change\u2019. With the announcement by the government that the Goods & Services Tax (GST) will be zero-rated starting 1\nst\n June 2018, and in the absence of an implementation date of the Sales & Services Tax (SST) \u2013 reports indicate within two to three months when Parliament convenes \u2013 Malaysians will soon be enjoying a GST tax \u2018holiday\u2019.\nOf course, the \u2018downside\u2019 of this announcement is that consumers are going to hold their purchases till June starts, particularly large ticket items such as automobiles, Birkin handbags and iPhone X-es. If anything, as long as the Kleenex and Maggi Mi supply doesn\u2019t run out in the next 10 days or so, no person would want to pay 6% more unless it\u2019s necessary. And that means the remaining days of May will be dire for certain businesses, particularly those with cash flow issues.\nGST-zero discounts \nWhile car companies scurry to issue updated price lists to ensure that the order books are being filled for eventual registrations from June onwards, some brands such as Proton, Honda, Nissan (and possibly a few more to follow) have already taken the additional step of absorbing the 6% GST from now till the end of May. We reckon it is mainly to stem deferments of vehicle deliveries which are supposed to happen within this month.\n \n MINI RRP after zero-rated GST\n \n BMW RRP after zero-rated GST\nWhether it\u2019s called a rebate or bonus, the absorption of GST is in effect a straight up 6% discount by car companies to reflect the forthcoming GST-zero prices, and this is on top of on-going promotions which are discounts as well. However, once GST becomes zero-rated on the 1\nst\n of June, we expect car companies to roll back the \u2018GST discounts\u2019 so that transacted prices remain similar pre- and post-June, or bear the brunt of angry customers. Do note that the purchase of insurance coverage for vehicles in the month of May would still attract GST, likewise accessories and related services.\nVolkswagen\u2019s latest prices in Malaysia, with effect 1st June 2018.\nWhen should you buy?\nIf you\u2019ve planned for a new car purchase this year, you might want to place a booking (which is refundable by the way) as soon as practicable given that a strong uptake in sales is anticipated, at least in the next couple of months before SST is put in place.\nManufacturers and distributors require lead time (usually more than three months) to raise production, be it CKD or CBU, so it\u2019s not inconceivable that popular models may run out of stock before the tax holiday ends.\nTill then, happy tax holiday but keep an eye out on the breaking news."
"UMW Toyota Motor has announced that the all-electric \nToyota bZ4X\n will be launched in Malaysia in 2023. The bZ4X will be joining the three GR models that will also be launching in Malaysia \u201cvery soon\u201d. Neighbouring countries, Indonesia and Thailand have already launched the bZ4X, albeit in two different versions.\nBeing the first model in the beyond Zero (bZ) series, the Toyota bZ4X features a hammerhead shark-like design that can also be seen in the China-only \nbZ3\n. Even the \nall-new Prius\n features a similar front end. The bZ4X made its global debut in late 2021 and debuted in ASEAN last month with Thailand getting the all-wheel (AWD) drive version and \nIndonesia getting the front-wheel drive (FWD) version\n.\nBuilt on the e-TNGA platform, the bZ4X measures 4,690 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, 1,650 in height, and with a 2,850 mm wheelbase, making it about the size of a \nProton X70\n (4,519 mm length, 1,831 mm width, 1,694 mm height, and 2,670 mm wheelbase).\nPowering the bZ4X is either an FWD or an AWD drivetrain. The FWD configuration is powered by a single electric motor that makes \n204 hp\n (metric) and \n266 N\nm. The AWD configuration gets a dual-motor setup that makes \n218 hp\n (metric) and \n377 Nm\n.\nBoth the FWD and AWD versions house the same \n71.4-kWh\n battery pack. Thus, the FWD version has a longer electric driving range of \n500 km\n (WLTP), while the AWD version has an electric driving range of \n460 km\n (WLTP).\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-bound Toyota bZ4X launched in Indonesia \u2013 FWD, 500 km range\nAs for charging, the bZ4X can handle \n6.6-kW\n AC charging and \n150-kW\n DC Fast Charging (DCFC). Toyota says that it only takes \n30 minutes\n to charge to 80% from 0 with 150-kW DCFC. The battery comes with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty and Toyota assures that the battery will still have 90% of its storage capacity after 10 years.\nInside, the bZ4X is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. In the safety department, the bZ4X is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 advanced safety systems.\nClosely related to the bZ4X are the all-electric \nLexus RZ\n and the all-electric \nSubaru Solterr\na\n. Registration of interest has already been opened for the Lexus RZ on Lexus Malaysia\u2019s official website. UMW Toyota has also installed several electric vehicle (EV) chargers at its headquarters in preparation for its upcoming EVs. The variant of the Toyota bZ4X for Malaysia has yet to be confirmed.\nRELATED: \nToyota says you will \u201cfall in love at first sight\u201d with the 5th-gen Prius \u2013 gets new 2.0L PHEV drive"
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has ushered the new year with a new iconic colour for the \nDB11 V8\n in Malaysia \u2013 Magnetic Silver \u2013 along with specific customisations on both the exterior and interior.\nThe\n Black Pack \non the exterior consists of a black front grille, black finishing on the tailpipes, and fender vents. The rear boot also features black meshing, along with a gloss black rear diffuser and side sills. Topping off the Black Pack is a gloss black strip that runs along the gloss black roof.\nAlso on the DB11 V8\u2019s specification sheet is the \nTechnology Pack\n. The package includes an auto park feature, powered arm rest, touchpad controls, and an Aston Martin Premium Audio system.\nInside, the DB11 V8 has been specified with the \nLuxury Pack\n which offers Nexus quilting and Celestial Perforation on the seats. This optional package which is now standard on the DB11 V8 also showcases traditional craftsmanship such as ornate brogued leather.\nOther specifications that make this DB11 V8 standout are red brake calipers, red seatbelts, Aston Martin emblem embroidery on the headrests, smoked tail lights, 20-inch forged gloss black diamond wheels, and carbon fibre trims.\nUnder the hood is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, paired to an 8-speed automatic with \n503 hp\n and \n675 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h takes four seconds, onward to a top speed of 301 km/h.\nThe customised DB11 V8 comes with a 3-year factory warranty with 24 months complimentary Aston Martin Extended Warranty. Servicing is covered by a 5-year scheduled servicing package.\nThe Aston Martin fit for Bonds of all generations is available from \nRM 849,200.00\n; prices are excluding duties and taxes.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia recently revealed the M Performance Edition for the BMW 330e and the X5 xDrive40e where only 300 units will be available for each of the models.\nLast night, they took the opportunity to display them at the unveiling of six new i Charging stations at the Bangsar Shopping Centre.\n In the \nBMW 330e\n, you\u2019ll get M Performance side skirts, M side sills and a front grille in high-gloss black. The kit also comes with a pair of lightweight M Performance Carbon side mirror caps. \nYou\u2019ll also get a prominent front splitter in Matte Black, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser, in addition to the aggressive M Performance dark tail lights. Inside, the M Performance kit provides a set of\u00a0stainless steel pedals and footrests.\nAs for the \nX5\u00a0xDrive40e\n, you get pretty much the same items in the 330e M Performance Edition \u2013 with the carbon front splitter and carbon rear diffuser being the only difference.\nStainless steel pedals and M side sills are also applied in the X5\u2019s interior.\nThe retail price (on the road, without insurance) for the BMW 330e M Performance Edition is\u00a0\nRM 258,800.00\u00a0\nwith installments starting from\u00a0\nRM 3,278.00\n\u00a0with the Easy Drive Programme from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.\nThe X5 xDrive40e M Performance on the other hand, goes for\u00a0\nRM 390,800.00\n. With the same Easy Drive Programme, monthly installments start from\u00a0\nRM4,878.00\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s getting so close that we can almost \ntaste the TNGA-ness (Toyota New Global Architecture)\n that has been the central talking point of the latest \nCorolla\n and \nCamry\n \nwe got to review.\nIf those two are anything to go by, with significantly sharper handling from a stiffer chassis and lower centre of gravity, it\u2019s not impossible for the RAV4 which will be built of the TNGA-K platform that \nunderpins the new Harrier\n, to be the best-handling SUV when it arrives in Malaysia.\nUMW Toyota Motor has upped the ante, following a recent teaser on its Facebook page, the company announced that it\u2019s \naccepting a registration of interest\n for the highly-anticipated SUV which has been on an extended sabbatical.\nIf our memory served us correctly, the last time UMW Toyota Motor officially brought in the RAV4 was around 20 years ago, in the form of the first generation followed by the second before prices became a deterrent factor.\nThe latter was fully imported and costs over RM200k, possibly the cause for its subsequent demise. But that storm has blown over and a new dawn has arrived.\n1st generation\n2nd generation\n3rd generation\nWhile there\u2019s no indication on specification or features, save for its impending arrival, we do know that the \nRAV-4 comes with two Dynamic Force engine options globally\n \u2013 2.0-litre unit with 171 hp/203 Nm and a 2.5-litre unit with 205 hp/249 Nm.\nThe two are equippeed with automatic gearboxes while the third option, a 2.5-litre model with the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) is paired to an electronically-controlled CVT gearbox."
"Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR)\n has just announced that the \nToyota GR \nSupra\n GT4\n hit the 100-unit production mark. The Toyota motorsport division managed to attain this achievement in under three years\u2019 time, after selling the sportscar in markets such as Europe, North America, Asia as well as Japan itself. To commemorate this achievement, TGR has unveiled two limited-edition Toyota GR Supras. These Supras are namely the Toyota GR Supra Plasma Orange 100 Edition and the GT4 100 Edition.\nSo what\u2019s special about these cars? Let\u2019s first start with the Plasma Orange 100 Edition, shall we? Special cosmetic upgrades TGR has given to this GR Supra on the outside include, as the name suggests, a Plasma Orange colour paint. Its wheel has also been painted matte black, and its brake callipers painted black as well. The front brake callipers are embedded with GR logos too!\nMoving inside the Plasma Orange Toyota GR Supra, special equipment you can find include Alcantara genuine leather seats, and also \u2018Plasma Orange 100 Edition\u2019 badges. This limited edition sports car is open for reservation in Japan from \nMay 8\n to \nJune 4, 2023\n, and is limited to 100 units only, as the name suggests. Looking at the pictures provided, the Toyota GR Supra Plasma Orange 100 Edition is based on the automatic version of the Supra.\nTGR has participated in 625 entries in 317 races worldwide as of the end of 2022. Through these races, the racing division has recorded 79 class victories, 20 overall wins, and 207 podium finishes in GT4 championships. These records have been achieved in various championships, including the Super Taikyu Series in Japan.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR Supra now with 6-speed manual in Malaysia, from RM645k\nThroughout the years, TGR has garnered advice from customers along the way. This has led to improvements in both the GR Supra GT4 as well as its components.\nAnother limited edition Supra offered by TGR is the GR Supra GT4 100 Edition. This limited edition GR is also made for customer racing as well, just like the regular GR Supra GT4.\nTo celebrate the 100-unit production mark of the GR Supra GT4, TGR has given it a special shade of red paint, unique body kits, a special bonnet as well as a serial number badge, to show this ain\u2019t your ordinary Toyota GR Supra! To make the GT4 100 Edition Supra even more special, there are only three units available.\nRELATED: \nToyota launched a GR Supra into the air and landed it on card boxes!\nGALLERY"
"Its been 20 years since the original Audi TT came into existence and now the four rings have given the third-generation TT a mid-cycle facelift. Like many modern Audis, this facelift is a nip and tuck exercise with minor cosmetic changes and introduction of new standard equipment.\nVisually, the TT now gets a revised three-dimensional Singleframe radiator grille flanked with larger side air inlets. The optional S Line exterior package benefits from a full-length front splitter, vertical air inlets, Titanium Black radiator grille, side sills, wider rear diffuser and vertical air inlets at the rear.   Wheel choices range from 19 to 20-inch in size. The refreshed TT also gets three new exterior paint finishes \u2013 Cosmos Blue, Pulse Orange and Turbo Blue, the latter available only on S Line equipped models.\nThe cabin of the updated TT remains largely the same for most variants except the base model which now carries 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, Audi Drive Select Dynamic Handling, heated mirrors, rain and light sensors, multifunctional steering wheel, illuminated USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity.\nAll variants of the refreshed Audi TT now get a new seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch transmission that replaces the old six-speed unit. The new transmission boasts close-ratio lower gears for powerful acceleration and a wide ratio seventh gear for better refinement at cruising speed. All engine variants are also equipped with a gasoline particulate filter for lowered emissions.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi TT Coupe Facelift   Audi TT Roadster Facelift"
"Beam Mobility, those behind the purple e-scooters zipping around the sidewalks of town has launched a new \u2018Drive Something New Today\u2019 campaign to raise more awareness of alternative and sustainable modes of transportation.\nThe campaign will also emphasise the key role the company\u2019s e-scooter plays in solving the everyday issue of completing first and last-mile journeys when using public transport.\nBeam e-scooters exist to fill a long-time gap in our public transportation system by connecting people to transit points, popular destinations, and hotspots with ease and convenience. This increases public transport usage while reducing dependency on private vehicles. According to Beam, for every 10km ridden on their e-scooter instead of a car, riders save 2.65kg of CO2 emissions.\nIn a recent poll among micromobility riders in May 2022, almost 50% of the 1,800 Beam riders said that access to e-scooters for the \u201cfirst or last mile\u201d of a journey had made them more likely or much more likely to consider using public transport as an option for long journeys rather than using cars or ride-hailing services. 77% of regular riders say they always, usually, or sometimes use an e-scooter to connect to or from public transport.\nThe surveys illustrate how open residents in big Malaysian cities are to the idea of e-scooters operating in their cities, with just 9% of the 1,544 citizens surveyed saying they felt any degree of negativity to the idea. This number halved once the safety features, convenience, and environmental benefits of shared e-scooters had been explained to them.\nBeam e-scooters are made of aircraft-grade aluminium featuring the company\u2019s own virtual parking technology to ensure proper use and return of the e-scooters, with speeds limited to 25 km/h.\nThey also come with geofencing technology to ensure its e-scooter riders stay within designated areas approved by local councils and regulators. Beam\u2019s e-scooters are also equipped with batteries that are certified to the very highest standards of fire safety as well."
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has released a single teaser image on their social media channels, signalling the imminent launch of the \nmuch-hyped\n Volvo XC40 compact SUV. The company did not hint on an official launch date, but we can expect it to happen in the coming weeks.\nJust to recap, the XC40 is based on Volvo\u2019s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform for compact models that are shared with other brands under the Geely Group such as Lynk & Co. Volvo\u2019s most compact SUV yet can be dressed up in \nMomentum, R-Design or Inscription trims\n, each varying in body kit and wheel design. We had got a chance to get up close with the \nXC40 R-Design\n at the 2017 Singapore Motor Show.\n\u00a0\nThe cabin design is very similar to its stablemates, receiving the same LCD instrument cluster, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, 9-inch Sensus infotainment system and leather upholstery. The centre console layout that does without the diamond cut start/stop knob and sliding covers. Carpeted footwells and lower door trims are unique to the XC40.\nMalaysian-bound XC40s could receive the following engine options: \nT3 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo\n (\n154 hp\n/\n265 Nm\n) or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbos in T4 \n(190 hp\n/\n300 Nm\n) or T5 (\n247 hp\n/\n350 Nm\n) guise. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board, but all-wheel-drive is reserved for the T4 and T5 variants.   Safety tech on the XC40 is equal to what you get on the 60- and 90- Series models which include 360-degree surround view camera, Park Assist Pilot, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and others. Like all recent Volvo models, the XC40 gets a full \n5-Stars Euro NCAP\n crash safety rating.\nSomeone has already placed an order for the all-new Volvo XC40 months before VCM officially teased its launch while registration of interests can be done \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo XC40 R-Design in Singapore   Volvo XC40 Inscription   Volvo XC40 Momentum & R-Design"
"Following her second overall placing in the Renault Clio Cup China Series in 2016 and a one year hiatus, Leona Chin is back at it again in the newly-launched MINI Challenge Asia Series. The one-make race features the MINI F56 JCW \u2013 a 255hp, sequential gearbox-equipped race car based on the road-going F56 JCW.\nThe MINI Challenge Asia Series sees the world-renowned MINI one-make race series making it\u2019s way to Asia, with the hopes that it will eventually grow in scale to match the original series\u2019 17 year history in the UK. \u00a0\u00a0\nRacing with Team GreatDrive, Leona proved that she could tangle with some of the best drivers in the region. Two notable opponents were Nobuhiro Murata, a Japan Super GT driver, and Nattanid \u2018Kat\u2019 Leewatanavalagul, currently the best female driver from Thailand.\u00a0\nThe first leg of the series was held at the Zhuhai International Circuit \u2013 a track that Leona is familiar with herself given her past racing experience in China. Race day was divided to two races, where Leona finished 4th in the initial race and 3rd in the second race, with just one second off the pace behind 2nd place Nobuhiro Murata.\n\u201cI would like to thank GreatDrive for giving me the opportunity to compete in this round of the MINI Challenge Asia Series. The car performed well during both races, was really easy to drive and also light on its feet\u201d, Leona said. \u201cIt\u2019s a nice step up from the Clio cup car I raced in two years ago. I\u2019m looking forward to the next round on the 16\nth\n and 17\nth\n\u00a0of June which will also be at Zhuhai International Circuit\u201d, she added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia has announced that it has already assembled and delivered over 4,500 units of the BMW 330e, X5 xDrive40e, and the 740Le xDrive in the country \u2013 placing Malaysia the highest not only in ASEAN but in the world for percentage of total number of vehicles delivered in the country.\nThe feat also positions Malaysia as the 5th largest market in the world for BMW Hybrid vehicles and the 2nd largest market in the world for the BMW X5 xDrive 40e.\n\u201cThe BMW Group recently announced that its worldwide sales of electrified vehicles in the first three quarters of 2017 have already exceeded those achieved in the whole of 2016. Specifically in the month of September, electrified vehicles sales topped the 10,000 mark for the first time in a single month,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia, CEO and Managing Director, Han Sang Yun.\nHe also added, \u201cHere in Malaysia, we are the most successful premium hybrid brand in the country with over 50% of our total vehicle deliveries now comprising of Hybrid vehicles with eDrive technology, the highest share not only in Malaysia but in ASEAN and the world.\u201d\nIn celebrating the success of its Hybrid vehicles fleet with eDrive Technology, BMW Group Malaysia is currently running a campaign to provide new customers of BMW iPerformance models with a complimentary BMW i Wallbox Plus and BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable.\nBMW\u2019s authorised dealers in Malacca have installed dedicated BMW i Wallbox at the Holiday Inn and the Equatorial while in Sarawak, two BMW i Wallbox\u2019s have been installed at the City One Megamall in Kuching, the first public charging facility in the state.\nThe new campaign for the BMW iPerformance vehicles also offers a new complimentary and comprehensive insurance program, Ultimate Protection Programme+ (UPP+) courtesy of BMW Credit Malaysia \u2013 underwritten by Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad.\nThe new program offers total 360-degree protection including \nAccidental Death or Total Permanent Disability\n of up to RM 100,000 per person including passengers, \nKey Care\n of up to RM 1,000, \nVehicle Break-in\n of up to RM 3,000, \nSpecial Relief\n of up to RM 10,000, \nCompassionate Flood Cover\n of up to RM 30,000, \nRim Protection\n of up to RM 3,000, \nGAP Insurance\n of up to RM 10,000, \nHire Purchase Loan Repayment of Maximum Six Months\n of up to RM 2,500 per installment and for the first time protection against \nScratch and Dents\n of up to RM 3,000.\nThe campaign for the BMW i Wallbox Plus and BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable is only limited to the first 1000 customers until \n31\nst\n December 2017\n."
"The second-generation Rolls-Royce Ghost has just made its local debut here in Malaysia, with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur offering it in two variants: regular and long wheelbase.\nFirst unveiled globally in September last year\n, the all-new Rolls-Royce Ghost adopts a new \u201cpost-opulent\u201d design language throughout the entire car. While it may look like a largely evolutionary design, especially on its exterior, the bespoke carmaker says that this Ghost is completely new, with the only carry-over items being the Spirit of Ecstasy, and the in-door umbrella.\nEXTERIOR\nPost-Opulent supposedly means an increased emphasis on minimalism. The body panels are a prime example \u2013 the area around the Spirit of Ecstasy is now completely void of any panel lines, making the iconic hood ornament sculpture look like it\u2019s standing within it\u2019s own \u201clake\u201d of bonnet.\nOn the side, a single character line accentuates the length of the car, complemented by a \u201cwaft line\u201d lower down, a design element borrowed from boats which uses reflection to \u201clighten the surfacing and create a pure, uncomplicated sense of motion\u201d.\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of length, the standard wheelbase version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost measures 5,545 mm long, while the extended version spans 170 mm more at 5,715 mm long, with the additional length going directly to the rear passenger quarter.\nMoving to the back, the iconic \u201cnear-square\u201d lights have been modernised on the all-new Ghost with a slight tilt towards the front, and again, is also clear of any panel shut lines around it.\nThe main highlight (pun not intended, really) of the new Ghost however, especially when viewed from the front, is the new illuminated grille \u2013 a first-of-a-kind on a Rolls-Royce vehicle. Using 20 individual LEDs located underneath the top of the grille, the resulting illumination effect is a soft, restrained glow on the metal vanes for a touch of modernity, without sacrificing its classiness.\nINTERIOR\nThe modernised minimalist design theme is also continued in the interior, and in classic Rolls-Royce fashion, everything is made with the utmost attention to the most minute detail, with the most exquisite furnishing materials.\nThe dashboard is characterised by a Ghost word mark, surrounded by more than 90,000 laser-etched dots across the surface to echo the twinkling starlight effect on the headliner. Rolls-Royce even specifically crafted a 2 mm thick light guide underneath it to ensure that the entire panel is lit evenly \u2013 almost as if it\u2019s an OLED display.\nAnd just because it\u2019s a Rolls-Royce, you can also equip the all-new Ghost with a champagne fridge, developed with the assistance of a Master Sommelier. The champagne fridge operates at two cooling modes: six degrees or 11 degrees centigrade, which are supposedly the \u201coptimum serving temperature\u201d for non-vintage and vintage champagnes.\nTo deliver the ultimate motoring experience for the elite bosses, Rolls-Royce packed the all-new Ghost with more than 100 kg of acoustic insulation material in the doors, roof, between the double-glazed windows, throughout the entire aluminium spaceframe architecture itself, and even inside the tyres in what the company calls \u201cFormula for Serenity\u201d.\nThe obsession to details led to the development of the \u2018whisper\u2019, where each component on the car is specifically tuned to a common resonant frequency, experienced as a soft subtle tone of a single note while on the move to offset the otherwise eerily-quiet cabin.\nWith acoustic treatment rivalling that of a professional sound studio, it\u2019s only right that it also gets the ultimate sound system. To that end, the Rolls-Royce ghost features a 1300 watt \u201caudiophile grade\u201d 18-speaker set-up, where even the Starlight Headliner is also in effect acting as a large speaker.\nEven the motorised doors \u2013 a first on the Ghost \u2013 gets the same attention to detail. Sensors are fitted to the doors itself to ensure that it opens and closes with the same graceful speed, no matter the gradient that the car is parked on.\nAnd to finish off the lavish interior, the second-generation Rolls-Royce Ghost also comes with a new Micro Environment Purification System (MEPS), which automatically switches the fresh air intakes to recirculation mode if unacceptable levels of airborne contaminants are detected outside. If needed, it can even purge the entire cabin environment in less than two minutes.\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth versions of the all-new Rolls-Royce Ghost are powered by a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, serving up \n571 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque. The massive powerplant is paired to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission to send powers to all four wheels, allowing the luxobarge to achieve a century sprint time of just 4.8 seconds \u2013 when the driver demands it, of course.\nMost journeys experienced in a Rolls-Royce will be on the relaxing side. On that front, the all-new Ghost delivers the signature \u201cmagic carpet ride\u201d via its self-levelling air suspension, further enhanced by the new Planar Suspension System which equips the front upper wishbones with additional dampers for an even smoother ride.\nThe ride quality is further aided by the Flagbearer function, which uses a set of stereo cameras to scan the road ahead, immediately altering the air suspension system to prepare it for bumps and undulations.\nPRICING\nThe all-new Rolls-Royce Ghost starts at RM1,450,000 for the regular wheelbase version, and RM1,650,000 for the extended wheelbase model \u2013 both of which are without relevant taxes and of course, the long list of options available for customisation.\nEach of these bespoke cars will come as standard with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty, with options for an additional two, three, or five years of coverage.\nGALLERY"
"The Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), like many sports associations, welcomed the positive news from the Youth and Sports Ministry on the gradual reopening of the sports and recreational sectors.\nIn a statement issued by MAM, its president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir lauded the announcement as a timely boost for the motorsport industry in Malaysia that has come to a standstill since the implementation of MCO 2.0.\n\u201cWe hope that after thorough deliberation and consideration, the National Security Council (NSC) will include motorsports in the category of sports that will be allowed to operate under MCO 2.0.\u201d\n\u201cMAM will ensure that the motorsport fraternity would adhere to any new guidelines set out by the Government and will continue this fight to flatten the Covid-19 curve,\u201d said Tan Sri Mokhzani.\nHe added that the motorsport industry, being an open-space venue, operated a strict standard operation procedure (SOP) during the Recovery MCO (RMCO) period.\nThe first car racing event of 2021 was scheduled to be the opening round of Season Four of the Toyota Vios Challenge Championship but has been \npostponed\n indefinitely due to MCO 2.0. \u00a0\nBack in April 2020, the Sepang race which was the season-ender also got cancelled due to the stricter MCO 1.0.\nThe opening of Sepang Circuit as a sports and recreation venue will also allow drivers to return to the excitement of driving at organised track day sessions.\nThe Sepang circuit also organised a few non-motoring events that allowed the public to cycle, jog or simply to stroll along the 5.5-kilometre loop at a minimal fee.\nImage: Facebook/\nSepangCircuit\nThe motoring fraternity managed to get some drives at Sepang despite last year\u2019s disruptive schedule. Here are two videos from our hot laps at Sepang for your viewing pleasure \u2013 the \nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4\n and the \nFerrari F8 Tributo\n."
"Lake Iseo is the 4th largest lake in the Italian Lombardy region known for its clear waters, light winds and panoramic views of the Alpine foothills. Its serene surroundings is also a firm favourite amongst campers. MINI in collaboration with Italian manufacturer AUTOHOME has created just the right set of wheels for that very purpose \u2013 a MINI Countryman with an elaborate tent on its roof.\nThe \u201cmobile shelter\u201d as MINI calls it, is available in Black or White with the same colour scheme applied to the roof and mirror caps. The tent is secured on the roof of the Countryman via the roof rails and roof rail carrier that\u2019s available as an option in the MINI Accessories range.\nThe fibre-glass housing of the roof tent resembles a roof box when closed, with its flat aerodynamically-optimised shape reducing drag and wind noise while the Countryman is on the move.\nThe roof tent can literally be erected in a few easy steps. Once the safety clasps on the housing are released, the tent is automatically raised by means of four gas pressure springs. The package also includes a foldable aluminium ladder to climb up onto the roof tent. Inside, the \u201ccabin\u201d is 2.1 metres in length and 1.3 metres in width \u2013 perfectly capable of accomodating two occupants, according to MINI.\nThe roof tent also comes with a high-density mattress with cotton cover, LED interior lighting, doors, windows with zips and mosquito nets, storage nets, and pockets.\nLocally, MINI Malaysia has just introduced the \nMINI Countryman Sports with Blackline Package and another with a panoramic roof\n. Frankly, the two variants are more suited to the aesthetic-crazed car buyers of Malaysia who spend their free time in malls; instead of the real outdoors.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of MINI vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"I\u2019m going to go on a limb and confess; as a plug-in hybrid, the \nBMW 530e Sport\n is far from a finished product. Unless and only unless you\u2019re able and willing to plug it into a wall socket every time you step out of it, expect fuel consumption figures to be less than favourable.\nOn the larger scale of things though, I still believe the 530e Sport is a decent starting point for the 5-series in venturing into the PHEV game. For what it lacks, the 530e Sport makes up for it in the drive \u2013 despite carrying substantially more weight, as I\u2019ve explained in the video.\nTo decide whether or not you should opt for this or the more expensive\n 530i M Sport\n, I\u2019d like to first invite you to find out what else may or may not bother you \u2013 in the first ever 5-series to feature plug-in hybrid technology."
"Scion, an offshoot brand from Toyota that is targeted for the younger demographic in North America and Canada, will meet its demise following Toyota\u2019s\u00a0announcement to scrap its youth-oriented brand. By August 2016, all existing Scion models will be carrying Toyota emblems.\nSeveral Scion models that will been given a second chance as Toyota cars including the FR-S (Toyota GT86) sports car, iA sedan (based on Mazda 2) and iM 5-door hatchback (Toyota Auris, as pictured below). However, the ageing tC sports coupe will have its last walk till August, and will subsequently be removed from the lineup. Also to note, all existing Scion customers will transition their service and repairs to Toyota dealerships.\nScion iM, based on the Toyota Auris\nThe reason behind this is due to the shifting needs of customers, and\u00a0Toyota vehicles have evolved to feature the dynamic styling and handling that appeals to the young. In other words, the young at heart of today can just settle with modern Toyotas, thus rendering the Scion brand a little redundant to say the least.\nScion was founded in 2002 as part of Toyota\u2019s efforts\u00a0to attract the hip and trendy\u00a0demographic. Over the years, Scion rebadged a string of cool and funky cars from the Toyota group, all while pricing them rather affordably too.\nSome of the most popular Scion cars include the xB (based on the Toyota bB/Daihatsu Materia),\u00a0iQ (based on the Toyota iQ), xA (based on the Toyota isT) and the FR-S.\n \n Image Source: Wikipedia\n \n Image Source: Wikipedia\n \n Image Source: Wikipedia\nThough sales have steadily declined over the past decade, the Scion FR-S springboard sales figures and put the brand right back into the limelight. This trend encouraged Toyota to ink a deal with Mada to rebadge the\u00a0\n2 sedan\n as Scion iA, and made only for the North American market. The brand sold\u00a0more than a million Scions, and nearly 70 percent of them were purchased by customers new to Toyota and just over 50 percent were under the age of 35."
"The \nnew G11 BMW 7-Series\n, \nlocally launched just recently in two trims\n, has received the BMW M and Alpina treatment, and the results aren\u2019t short of spectacular. Enter the BMW M760i xDrive and Alpina B7 xDrive.\nLet\u2019s start with the offering from Munich. The \nM760i xDrive\n is now the range-topper for the G11 series, and shares the same engine that powers the Rolls-Royce Wraith. At heart, this Bavarian is propelled by a\u00a0\ntwin-turbocharged 6.6-litre V12\n engine that produces \n592 hp\n at 5,500rpm and \n800 Nm of torque\n from 1,500rpm! The nought to 100km/h sprint is achieved in\n 3.9 seconds\n\u00a0(that\u2019s quicker than the BMW i8\u2019s 4.4 seconds, mind you) while its top speed, as expected of the Germans, is limited to 250km/h.   The xDrive moniker on this car denotes its all-wheel drive system, albeit slightly rear bias. The M760i uses the \neight-speed ZF-sourced automatic\n found in most modern Bimmers and across all current 7-series variants as well.\nIt also receives\u00a0M Performance-tuned software\u00a0to allow this 7-series to be sportier than\u00a0its other siblings. The quad-exhaust system allows valves to be opened to unleash the visceral glory from its V12 soundtrack.\nThough the M760i isn\u2019t quite the M7 we hoped it to be, the limo does come with plenty of sporty upgrades from its M Performance division. This includes M Performance body kit and M Performance inspired interior such as steering, seats, paddles and so on. The M760i is equipped with a set of bespoke 20-inch 5-spoke wheels that make the car all the more alluring.\nThe other offering comes from Alpina \u2013 also a Bavarian tuning expert. Unlike the M760i, the Alpina B7 xDrive settles for a smaller twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine, but it\u2019s tuned to make \n600 hp\n and close to \n800 Nm\n of torque! This effectively makes the B7 the fastest car Alpina has produced, a claim its on-road performance can happily attest to.   Together with the eight-speed gearbox (not forgetting to mention Alpina\u2019s signature Switch-Tronic shift buttons), the B7 xDrive rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.6 seconds\n, whereas the rear-wheel drive variant manages the sprint in \n4.0 seconds flat\n. The top speed on Alpina cars are usually non-restricted, hence it\u2019ll max out at \n309 km/h\n.\nThe B7 also gets 20-inch\u00a0Alpina classic wheels as standard, while handling abilities are enhanced via the\u00a0\nDriving Dynamic Control (DDC)\n. The DDC doesn\u2019t just allow the driver to switch\u00a0between Comfort and Sport modes, but it also actively adjusts the car\u2019s chassis. The B7\u2019s adjustable air suspension will act according to data from Road Preview, a feature that uses GPS to detect upcoming corners, allowing the car\u2019s suspension to\u00a0make adjustments for optimum cornering ability.\nNo word on the pricing for both cars have been revealed as yet, but the duo are set to make their debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. So there you have it. Which of the two would you pick; the monstrous V12 M760i or the menacing B7 limo by Alpina?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M760i xDrive   Alpina B7\u00a0xDrive"
"Since the official introduction\nof the seventh-generation Honda Civic in Malaysia, the C-segment sedan has become\na popular choice among consumers. Whether it\u2019s for an expanding family or individuals\nlooking for a sporty sedan, the Civic has always hit the sweet spot.\nToday Honda Malaysia hit a historical milestone with the delivery of the 130,000\nth\n Civic, a \n1.5 TC-P variant\n finished in Dark Ruby Red to its owner, Ms Fatihah here at Botanic Auto Mall Sdn Bhd, an authorised Honda 3S Centre in Klang.\nHonda Malaysia Group\nVice President, Ms. Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen said at the handover ceremony, \u201cA\nheartfelt thank you and deep appreciation to all our 130,000 Civic customers in\nMalaysia. Their support and belief in the Honda brand have enabled our models\nto achieve segment leadership positions including the Civic which is leading\nthe C-segment.\u201d\nThe Civic is among\nHonda\u2019s most popular models in Malaysia with the seventh-generation collecting\nmore than 9,300 unit sales, the eight-generation (FD) contributing close to 50,400\nunit sales, ninth-generation (FB) with more than 27,00 unit sales and lastly\nthe tenth-generation (FC) Civic launched in 2016 has sold more than 42,200\nunits."
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia is introducing the new experiential Ford Pop-Up store at Subang Parade, Subang Jaya, Selangor on 20 July before embarking on a tour across Peninsular Malaysia.\nThe new Pop-Up store is designed to offer consumers a unique experience of the Ford Ranger beyond visiting traditional dealerships\u00a0\nvia Virtual Reality (VR).\nThe unconventional setup will also allow potential buyers to experience two of the Ranger\u2019s advanced driver-assist technologies \u2013 \nForward Collison Alert\n and\n Lane Departure Warning\n and Assist.\nThose at the Ford Pop-Up store can also take advantage of the current \u2018Seize the Deal\u2019 campaign which offers additional rebates of up to 10% on top of the 0% GST exercise on the Ford Ranger, for total savings of up to RM19,830.\nThe \u2018Seize the Deal\u2019 campaign is also valid for the Ford Fiesta and Mustang models, with rebates of up to 17% and incredible total savings of up to RM113,000. The promotion will run until 31 August 2018.\nThe Ford Pop-Up store opens its doors from 20 until 22 July at Subang Parade, Subang Jaya, Selangor, and is open to the public from 10am to 10pm daily. The full schedule of the Ford Pop-Up store is as follows:\nDates\nLocations\n20 \u2013 22 July\nSubang Parade, Subang Jaya\n27 \u2013 29 July\nQueensbay Mall, Penang\n2 \u2013 4 August\nTesco Kota Bharu, Kelantan\n10 \u2013 12 August \nSetia City Convention Centre \u2013 Lot B Car Park, Setia Alam\n23 \u2013 25 August \nSutera Mall, Johor Bahru\n6 \u2013 8 September\nAman Sentral, Alor Setar, Kedah"
"Launched back in 2015, Isuzu\u2019s ladder frame SUV, the \nMU-X,\n remains relevant and competitive in today\u2019s market. However, with competitors creeping close, Isuzu Malaysia decided to up their game.\nIntroducing the new top of the line variant, the MU-X Type-S with enhanced aesthetics and features on the already well-equipped seven seater SUV. Powertrain choice is the same, one and only 2.5-litre turbodiesel.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nIsuzu MU-X Type-S\nEngine\n2,499cc; DOHC commonrail diesel with Variable Geometry Turbo\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic with sequential shift\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 3,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @ 1,800 to 2,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR with Insurance)\nRM182,861.68\nEXTERIOR\nWith the Type-S package, the MU-X gets a sportier front and rear bumper, keyless entry as well as a shark fin antenna. Elsewhere, the Type-S gets the same exterior styling as its regular siblings. Items like projector headlamps, front fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, chrome power folding side mirrors and chrome door handles are all the same as before. The only way to tell the Type-S apart would be through the Type-S badge at the rear, because it also rides on the same 17-inch rims wrapped in 255/65 profile tyres.   INTERIOR\nInside, the changes are more distinct with the new Ivory leather upholstery. Besides that, the instrument cluster is also refreshed, sporting a more sophisticated e-LUMAX advanced Multi-Information Display. Other than the push start button, the rest of the interior dittos the standard model.\nThere\u2019s an eight-inch infotainment system linked to a six-speaker set up, roof mounted 10-inch rear DVD monitor, three-spoke leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, six-way powered front seats for driver, automatic climate control, one touch collapsible second row seats, roof mounted rear air vents with fan speed control and speed sensing auto lock function.   PERFORMANCE\nThe MUX Type-S remains motivated by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel that pushes out \n134 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque via a \nfive-speed automatic\n with sequential shift. Power can be sent to either the front wheels or all-four wheels by simply selecting between 2WD High, 4WD High or 4WD Low from the\u00a0electronic transfer rotary knob located next to the gear leaver.\nSAFETY\nAs with the Isuzu D-Max, the MU-X gets a host of safety features to keep occupants as safe as possible. The Type-S comes with dual airbags, ABS, EBD with BA, hill start assist, ESC with traction control, ISOFIX mounting points for the middle row, reverse sensors as well as a reverse camera.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe same four exterior shades are carried over:\u00a0Cosmic Black, Splash White, Titanium Silver and their flagship Uluru Brown. Every purchase of the MU-X Type-S now comes with an upgraded 5-Year unlimited mileage\u00a0warranty. Existing owners\u2019 of the MU-X will have their current warranty programme upgraded to this 5-Year warranty package as well.\nKudos to Isuzu Malaysia for taking care of the existing owners! So folks, is\u00a0the MU-X Type-S worthy of your additional RM4.3k? If you\u2019re still on the fence, check out our review of the basic MU-X and see if\u00a0\nthis is the car for you\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This year, Porsche Design, the firm founded by the designer of the iconic 911 sports car, celebrates its 50th anniversary. A special milestone deserves a very special car and thus curation of the 2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design. \u00a0\nBased on the \n911 Targa 4 GTS\n, the new model is limited to \n750 units\n globally and features special aesthetic elements inspired by the first product Ferdinand Alexander (F.A.) Porsche\u2019s new company designed: the Chronograph 1 watch.\nAll 750 units of the commemorative 911 Targa 4 GTS will be finished in luscious black as an acknowledgement of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1. Additionally, several sections of the exterior such as the 20/21-inch centre-looking Turbo S wheels, decals and the signature Targa bar are finished in Satin Platinum.\nThe grille on the engine cover meanwhile adds a large \u201c50 Years Porsche Design\u201d badge. As for the power unit, the 911 Targa 4 GTS is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder flat engine with outputs of \n480 hp\n and \n570 Nm\n. Collectors can choose either a standard 8-speed PDK transmission or a seven-speed manual.\nKey performance features include the Sport Chrono Package, sports exhaust system, Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system and corresponding differential that is paired with the transmission. Standstill to 100 km/h takes just \n3.5 seconds\n.\nInside, the Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design adds Sport-Tex seats with a checked pattern and a centre marker on the GT Sport steering wheel. The limited-edition markers meanwhile are the headrests embossed with the 50 Years logo, the centre console lid with the signature of F.A. Porsche as well as the serial number badge.\nChina is now the single largest market for Porsche, as such, they get a special 911 to celebrate 20 years of Porsche there!\nPorsche Classic has also restored a 911 S 2.4 Targa from 1972 \u2013 the year that Porsche Design was founded by both F.A. Porsche and his brother Hans-Peter Porsche. Over the past 50 years, the studio has evolved into the exclusive Porsche Design lifestyle brand and it now showcases the legacy and philosophy of F.A. Porsche in a variety of product categories.\nIn the USA, where Porsche is the second biggest market after China, the Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design and the Chronograph 1 watch are sold together for close to \nUSD197,000\n (approx. RM825k). \u00a0\u00a0\nLocally in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Performance announced the availability of the retro-inspired \nPorsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition\n from last August.\nApart from the vehicle and chronograph watches, Porsche is also having special exhibits at the Porsche Museum to celebrate this golden jubilee. Part of it will feature information on the life of F.A. Porsche as well as cars such as the 993 Speedster and the 904 that he described as his masterpiece.\n2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design\n1972 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa (Restored)"
"Despite reports about Audi and Porsche going back to the drawing board after tearing down a Tesla Model 3 and discovering that their American rival has a leg up in battery production costs (should that even be a surprise?), Audi is nevertheless pushing on with their second all-electric model, the Q4 e-tron.\nThe Q4 e-tron is expected to be low-slung, almost estate-like in profile.\nTo be shown at the coming Geneva Motor Show as a concept, the Q4 e-tron is earmarked for production in late 2020 or early 2021. No other technical details have been revealed at this point, but its combustion-powered equivalent is expected some time this year and speculated as a sportier, lower slung version of the Q3, inspired by various styling cues of the larger Q8.\nYou won\u2019t find many buttons or switches left in future Audi models.\nThe Q4 e-tron will likely incorporate a downsized version of the drivetrain of \nthe e-tron which was unveiled in San Francisco last September,\n befitting its size, along with a cabin featuring lots of LCDs and touch controls."
"After unveiling its \nthree-car-strong EV line-up \nearlier this year, \nVinfast \nhas now finally shown off the VF e34 in the metal back in its home country, alongside some new information about the fully-electric compact SUV.\nPreviously called the VF31, the VF e34 will be the flag bearer of the Vietnamese EV efforts. Sizing wise, the compact SUV measures 4,300 mm long, 1,793 mm wide, and 1,613 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,611 mm, putting it in the ballpark of your typical B-segment SUVs such as the \nHonda HR-V\n.\nVietnam\u2019s Vinfast is heading to the US with a trio of new electrified SUVs. Read more about them here.\nPropulsion on the VF e34 is provided by a single electric motor, dishing out \n110 kW (147 hp)\n and \n242 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels. Vinfast did not disclose the size of the battery, but noted that it\u2019s a lithium-ion unit, capable of providing the e34 with a range of \n300 km\n based on the NEDC test cycle.\nThe Vietnamese carmaker says that the e34 can travel up to 180 km after only just 15 minutes of charging at a VinFast fast charging terminal, which the company is planning to roll out over 40,000 of them across the country.\nShell and Porsche has teamed up to install six 180 kW fast chargers in Malaysia along the North-South Highway, as part of its cross-country network. Read more about it here.\nIn terms of equipment, Vinfast highlighted its smart infotainment system inside the cabin, with a 10-inch vertical-oriented display in the centre of the dashboard. Aside from the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the system also comes with an intelligent machine learning voice assistant feature, that can control everything in the car from climate control to navigation.\nAs for safety, the VF e34 is equipped with the standard suite of features such as ABS with EBD, traction control, stability control, hill start assist, and six airbags as standard. However, there are no mention of any advanced driver feature assistance on board.\nLotus confirms four new EV models by 2026, including two SUVs, built in its new China HQ! Learn more here.\nThe Vinfast VF e34 was made available for pre-order earlier this year at a price of VND690 million (approx. RM124k), and according to \nVN News\n, the carmaker has already racked-up over 25,000 bookings back in August. Deliveries are expected to begin in November this year.\nThe price includes a 10-year warranty for the vehicle, though does not actually include batteries. For the latter, Vinfast is offering a unique battery subscription model for the EV SUV priced at VND1.45 million (approx. RM264) per month, where the company will replace the EV batteries whenever its capacity falls below 70% \u2013 essentially an alternative to the traditional \u201cscheduled maintenance\u201d programme of regular ICE cars.\n[images: \nVinfast Vietnam/Facebook\n]"
"At the flag-off ceremony of the Perodua Aruz TransBorneo Convoy, Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad announced that since the \nlaunch of the Perodua Aruz\n in January, the company has collected over 14,000 bookings nationwide and have delivered over 4,000 units to customers.\nDato\u2019 Zainal said: \u201cPerodua\nis targeting to expand further its East Malaysian market share from 40% currently,\nand the new Perodua Aruz will spearhead that expansion in this SUV-popular region.\u201d\n \nThe TransBorneo Convoy\nwill see six Aruz travelling from Kuching to Tawau covering 1,500 km over six\ndays (16 to 22 March). Along the way, the convoy will stop over major cities\nincluding Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Ranau and Sandakan for the public\nto get up close and experience the new SUV.\n\u201cThis favourable\nreception by the Malaysian public both humbles and encourages us to work harder\nto improve our delivery times and serve you better,\u201d added Dato\u2019 Zainal. The\nAruz is priced at RM74,900 for the X variant and RM79,900 for the AV variant that\ncomes equipped with Advanced Safety Assist 2.0."
"ASEAN NCAP has just released the crash test assessment of the new \n2022 Proton Persona\n and \nProton Iriz\n. When the Proton Iriz was first introduced in 2014, it scored five stars too, but the scope of the testing was just on Adult Protection and Child Protection.\nASEAN NCAP applied the same tests to the Proton Persona in 2016 thanks to the models being identical and offer similar occupant protection systems. They also share similar designs and crashworthiness restraint systems.\nUnlike the \nPerodua Ativa\n that was tested this year and assessed under the new \n2021-2025 Protocol\n, the 2022 Proton Persona was actually tested back in 2020, hence it was subjected to the previous Protocol.\nAs such, the new Proton Persona was not required to have an assessment on items listed for \nMotorcyclist Safety\n such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beam headlamps, and pedestrian protection where the lack of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) would have affected its final marks under the latest testing protocol.\n \nIn terms of scores, the 2022 Proton Persona scored a very impressive \n44.88\n points for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 21.90 for Child Occupant Protection, and 17.36 for Safety Assist Technology; earning it a \nfive-star rating\n.\nCompared to other models, the Proton Persona/Iriz scored better AOP points than the \nPerodua Aruz\n (43.25) and even the \nProton X50\n (43.64)!\nProton begins works on RM200 million stamping facility to fabricate stronger body panels. More about the new facility here!   The high scores can be attributed to the \nhigh tensile steel\n used for the bodyshell that adds strength and rigidity without adding more weight.\nStandard safety and driver aids in the new 2022 Proton Persona/Iriz include frontal airbags and seat-mounted side airbags (4 in total), electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist, and rear-seat Isofix with top tether anchorage.\nNot a fan of the new interior? Check out the special Black Edition Persona 1.6 Premium. More about the limited edition Persona here\n.\nThe 2022 Persona/Iriz also features a heavily revised interior for better usability with added convenience features such as a front armrest with console box, five USB charging ports and \nN95 air-conditioning cabin filter\n."
"Subaru\u2019s hottest selling model in the region has just been given a new lease of life, and this one is making its debut at Geneva. Its design remains very much familiar, but the biggest changes happen under the skin.\nThe new XV sits atop the new Subaru\u00a0Global Platform, a brand new semi-modular architecture that gave the\u00a0\nImpreza\n\u00a0the Japan Car of the Year award. The chassis is much more rigid, reducing body roll by up to 50 percent while increasing suspension performance and steering feedback.\nTelling apart the new and old XV is like playing spot the difference on a caffeine high. The new face is distinct \u2013 if not a bit underwhelming \u2013 and tastefully done. It gets a sportier front face with LED DRLs and halogen projector headlamps. Inside, there cabin is basically lifted off the new Impreza, so there is a new 8.0-inch touchscreen as well as electric parking brake.\nPowering the car is an updated\n 2.0-litre direct injection\n\u00a0horizontally opposed engine, producing\u00a0\n154 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque, an improvement of 6 hp over the old mill.\u00a0Also\u00a0maintained is the \nseven-speed\u00a0Lineartronic CVT\n gearbox and\u00a0Subaru\u2019s signature\n\u00a0Asymmetrical All-Wheel Drive \nsystem. The \nX-MODE\n is a new addition, which optimises the car\u2019s entire mechanics to provide the highest level of traction when required.\nAlso making its debut here is Subaru\u2019s\u00a0\nEyeSight\u00a0\nsafety system, comprised of Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist function. There\u2019s active headlights and rear vehicle detection system as well!\nNo pricing was announced for the 2017 Subaru XV, but sales will commence later this year. Meanwhile, Subaru Malaysia is planning to introduce the second-generation XV later this year, and it will \nvery likely be locally assembled\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nVolvo EX90\n is unarguably the most advanced car in Volvo\u2019s lineup thus far. Carrying technologies such as LiDAR which enables the car to drive itself, the EX90 represents the start of a new era for \nVolvo\n. However, production of the fully-electric SUV has just been delayed till the first half of \n2024\n.\nVolvo explained that it needs additional time to develop the EX90\u2019s advanced software, and to conduct more testing, thus causing the delay in production. Customers will just have to be a little more patient this time around, as good things are worth waiting for, right?\nTo those who don\u2019t know, the Volvo EX90 is the Scandinavian carmaker\u2019s fully-electric counterpart to its massively-powerful \nXC90 \nflagship SUV. Claimed to be the \u201csafest Volvo car to ever hit the road\u201d, the EX90 packs a series of advanced safety features.\nAmong the most notable safety features fitted to the Volvo EX90 is the LiDAR sensor. Mounted on top of the car, the LiDAR sensor is capable of measuring ranges with high precision and fidelity.\nOn top of the LiDAR sensor, the EX90 is also equipped with other sensors as well, which is part of what Volvo calls \u201cone of the most advanced sensor sets on the market\u201d. Eight cameras, five radars, and 16 ultrasonic sensors are some of the sensors that help make the Volvo EX90 one of the most fully equipped cars when it comes to safety.\nRELATED: \nLeaked: Volvo EX30 EV SUV patent images surface ahead of June 7 world premiere\nVolvo predicts its new safety systems found on the EX90 to be able to reduce serious accidents by up to 20%. The new safety additions are all also part of Volvo\u2019s target of zero deaths and serious injuries in new Volvo cars.\nBesides safety, the Volvo EX90 is powered by a pair of electric motors, which are capable of delivering \n517 hp\n and \n910 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels. Thanks to a \n111 kWh\n battery, the EX90 is able to carry you as far as \n600 km\n (WLTP).\nThe Swedish fully-electric SUV can be juiced up with up to \n250 kWh\n via a DC charger. Going from 10-80% only takes approximately \n30 minutes\n via 250 kWh of DC charging. Owners do not have to worry either when they need a quick charge. With just 10 minutes of charge, owners can get up to \n180 km\n of range.\nInside, the Volvo EX90 features an interior that is clean and contemporary. Modern equipment present includes a large 14.5-inch portrait-oriented centre screen, and a fully digital slim horizontal instrument cluster.\nThe EX90 interior experience is also unmistakably premium. This is thanks to premium touches such as illuminated wooden veneer on the dashboard, ambient lighting, a glass-topped volume knob, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos sound system. Closer to home, Volvo Cars Malaysia has also indicated that the EX90 will be its next model coming into our local market, which will be around this year.\nRELATED: \nVolvo now supports Waze navigation, no phone connection required"
"Ahead of what is about to be an exciting year for \nToyota\n in Malaysia this year, the brand has teased a five-car line-up for its \u2018GR\u2019 models in a recent \nsocial media post\n. Last year, Toyota Malaysia has announced that the GR Corolla, all-new GR86, and manual Supra will be launched in Malaysia this year. In the social media post, it seems the Hilux GR Sport and Corolla Cross GR Sport will be joining the Malaysian GR party that is set to happen on \nFebruary 17, 2023\n.\nTo recap from Toyota Malaysia\u2019s announcement last year, we will be getting the \nGR Corolla\n, all-new \nGR86\n, and \n6-speed manual Supra\n \nofficially this year. Already in the GR lineup in Malaysia are the GR Yaris and the automatic GR Supra. Driving enthusiasts are in for a treat with a new GR Trio coming to our shores.\nThe GR Corolla is powered by a beefed-up GR Yaris-sourced G16E-GTS engine, and it makes \n304 hp\n (metric) and \n370 Nm\n. Power is sent to all wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. Ahead of Malaysia, Thailand has already welcomed this hot version of the Corolla.\nWith its predecessor already being a popular choice among car enthusiasts, the GR86 is now powered by Toyota\u2019s FA24 engine that makes \n235 hp\n (metric) and \n250 Nm\n. All power is sent to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its cousin, the all-new \nSubaru BRZ\n has already landed on our shores.\nLastly among the new pure GR trio is the 6-speed manual Toyota Supra which made its global debut in April 2022. Those who have always been complaining about the lack of a manual Supra are finally getting what they asked for. Like its automatic counterpart, the 6-speed manual Supra still runs the 3.0-litre turbo engine that makes \n387 hp\n (metric) and \n500 Nm\n.\nRELATED: \nToyota confirms GR Corolla, GR86, Manual Supra to launch in Malaysia \u201cvery soon\u201d\nJoining the high-performance GR trio, the teaser by Toyota Malaysia also shows the silhouette of the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Corolla Cross, hinting at GR Sport versions of both cars. Set to happen on February 17, Toyota Malaysia is about to start the year with a bang.\nRELATED: \nToyota Hilux GR Sport debuts in Australia \u2013 most powerful version yet with 224 hp and 550 Nm"
"Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker \nBYD\n announced today that it would be setting up a new production facility in Thailand, with a goal to produce 150,000 vehicles per year, earmarked for the right-hand drive markets within ASEAN region as well as Europe, starting 2024.\nIn a joint statement with its Thai industrial partner, WHA Group, the Chinese EV maker announced that a purchase agreement for 96 hectares (237 acres) of land at the Rayong 36 Industrial Estate has already been signed. BYD is planning a total investment of THB17.9 billion baht (approx RM 2.2 billion), with the project already approved by Thailand\u2019s Board of Investment last month.\nBYD Atto 3\nBYD officially entered Thailand in August this year, with the appointment of R\u00eaver Automotive Company Limited as the sole distributor in the nation. The company intends to sell over 10,000 EVs in its first year of operations.\nThe new overseas production facility in Thailand, its latest among more than 30 other in the United States, Brazil, and India, is a significant advancement in the company\u2019s expansion, says BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager, Liu Xue Liang.\nRELATED: \nChina\u2019s BYD enters Australia, plans to sell 9,000 EVs per month by next year\n\u201cFollowing a thorough search and screening process, Thailand and WHA Rayong 36 Industrial Estate emerged as the ideal choice due to their geographical position and reputation as a leading industrial estate player in the region,\u201d Liu added.\nThis land purchase deal between BYD and WHA Group also represents a significant step towards Thailand\u2019s vision to become Southeast Asia\u2019s hub for electric Vehicles (EVs). The country\u2019s Board of Investment has already approved 26 EV projects from 17 companies to date, representing a total production capacity of 830,000 EVs.\nBy early 2023, the country expects to reach its overall production target of one million EV units. Come 2030, forecasts predict EVs to represent 30% of Thailand\u2019s total car production, or roughly 700,000 EVs per year.\nALSO READ: \nThailand phasing out combustion engines, pushing to have only EVs as new cars in 2035"
"The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) together with Car Medic Sdn. Bhd, an Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility \n(AATF)\n, are approaching the clearance and removal of abandoned vehicles in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.\nFrom December 1st 2021, MPKj will be the first Local Authority (\nPihak Berkuasa Tempatan, PBT\n) in Malaysia to solve the issue of \nabandoned vehicles\n through the End-of-life Vehicle (ELV) system of responsible scrappage and disposal. The council will be working with Car Medic Sdn. Bhd., the only licensed and DOE-recognised AATF in Malaysia on the ELV method under the Pioneering Smart Partnership Project.\nIn April, Car Medic was engaged by MPKj under a pilot programme to process and recycle abandoned vehicles that were piling up at the Council\u2019s depot in Bandar Baru Bangi. A total of 62 units of abandoned vehicles were processed by Car Medic within the month.\nThrough the process of ELV, strict waste disposal regulations and standards including Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005, EQC Act 1975 and National Occupational Skills Standard for ELV \u2013 Parts and Component Salvage Level 3 are followed. Environmentally harmful fluids such as fuel, engine oil, transmission, brake and power steering fluid are removed via a special installation called \u2018Seda De-pollution\u2019 machine.\nThese harmful pollutants are stored in a dedicated area and then collected by licensed scheduled waste collectors such as Pentas Flora and Kuality Alam. Working together with University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the data collected from the ELV of 62 vehicles amassed 200 litres of fluids, 300 litres of petrol, 23 kg of oil filters, 138 pieces of tyres and over 40 cubic metres of solid waste (seats, dashboard, interior, etc.)\nFour airbags were also safely \n\u2018neutralised\u2019\n via specialised equipment and shielding at the Car Medic AATF premises.\nAt the launching ceremony, MPKj President Tuan Haji Najmuddin Bin Jemain said, \u201cThe council has a limited towing capacity of 40 to 50 vehicles in a month with just three tow trucks. With approximately 5,000 vehicles that have been served the Notice of Disposal, we hope to clear these vehicles together with Car Medic via the Smart Partnership project. The Council have set a quota of 150 vehicles to be towed by Car Medic,\u201d\n\u201cThe ELV approach is much more environmentally friendly and different to the disposal method that was done previously. MPKj is also confident that the ELV procedure will be a catalyst to solve the abandoned vehicle menace and be used by Local Authorities nationwide,\u201d Tuan Haji Najmuddin expressed.\nApart from passenger cars and vans, Car Medic is also capable to treat and recycle lorries and buses thanks to the investment of two powerful high-precision dismantling machinery called \u2018The Nibbler\u2019. Car Medic has also invested in a side crane lorry to further improve the efficiency of towing away abandoned vehicles that are immobile or placed at unstable spots.\nA proposal to revisit end-of-life vehicle (ELV) policy for old cars was mentioned in the 12MP. More info here. \n\u00a0\nVarious local councils in Selangor as well as other technical departments were also present at the launch event to understand the ELV procedure and the benefits.\nCar Medic AATF is also open to the public for private vehicle owners to responsibly dispose of their abandoned cars. For more information, contact Car Medic at 03-87236555 or e-mail them at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"In response to the government\u2019s extension of Movement Control Order (MCO) to the 14th of April, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has announced that all warranties expiring during the MCO period will automatically be extended, through a statement released on \nFacebook\n.\nDue to the extension of the MCO, all Toyota service centres will remain shut for the rest of the period. As such, UMWT will be offering a \nwarranty extension of 30 days\n, calculated\n from the last day of the MCO\n.\nThe extension will cover all vehicles purchased from UMW Toyota and its authorised dealers with existing warranties that are\n valid and expiring during the MCO period\n.\nAll service appointments scheduled during the MCO period will be rescheduled after the MCO is lifted, and service centres operations resume.\nFor more information, UMW Toyota can be contactable via \nToyota Freephone at \n1800-8-TOYOTA\n\u00a0\n(869682)\n. For emergency assistance, customers can dial the 24/7 hotline at \n1800-888-247\n."
"BMW White Card, MINI Black Card and BMW Excellence Club members will be able to experience an industry first mobile loyalty application with access to premium financing services, one of a kind events and luxury experiences.\nIt\u2019s called the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, a loyalty mobile application for the said members enables easier and seamless integration of e-payment, financing services and access to luxury and one of a kind events and experiences.\nManaging Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr. Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cAs of this year, there are approximately 20.96 million smartphone and mobile device users throughout Malaysia. Our customers make up a good portion of this statistic and they lead a lifestyle that requires them to have information at their fingertips whenever they need it.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cWith the new BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile app, we are looking to further digitalise our products, services and touch points so that we can create a seamless application to engage with all our customers. We are after all, the leaders in digitalisation in the premium automotive industry.\u201d\nBMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners will now have complete access to all the features their BMW White Card, MINI Black Card and BMW Excellence Club provides within the app. After signing up within the app, customers can access their loyalty cards and use the QR scanning feature to gain remote access without the need of their loyalty card. The app also provides the latest updates on customer privileges and events delivered directly to their phone.\nFinancing information can also be managed quickly and easily through the app where customers can access their contract overview, with an intuitive e-payment interface for \nmore convenient transactions\n courtesy of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. The app also includes a \ndealer locator function\n. Customers can also explore new updates and news on the latest vehicle models from the BMW Group.\nThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App is now available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.\nThe BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience includes:\nBMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.\nMINI 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.\nBMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.\nUltimate Protection Program+ (UPP+) courtesy of BMW Financial Services Malaysia and underwritten by Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Bhd.\nBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.\nThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App \u2013 BMW White Card, MINI Black Card and BMW Excellence Club membership program.\nBMW and MINI Service Online.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Thailand has just confirmed via a teaser video today that the next-generation \nVios \nwill make its official debut on \nAugust 9\n, or just about two weeks from now.\nThe teaser video also gave us a brief glimpse at what we can expect on the all-new B-segment sedan, including the car\u2019s overall silhouette, which seems to take on a fastback-like shape with its raked rear windscreen.\nThe headlights look to be inspired by the\n Toyota Corolla\n, and flank a massive \nCamry\n-esque grille that makes up much of the front fascia. Moving over to the back, the teaser video also shows off the all-new Toyota Vios\u2019 sleek LED taillights, replete with sequential turn indicators.\nOnly one single shot of the interior can be seen in the video, which shows off the next-generation Toyota Vios\u2019 sleek dashboard finished in a striking maroon colour, with a freestanding touchscreen infotainment display up top. The horizontal layout and clean lines even reminds us of Mazda interiors!\nRELATED: Next-gen Toyota Vios could debut in Thailand in Q3 2022 \u2013 DNGA platform, hybrid engines\nTechnical information on the all-new Toyota Vios remains scarce at the moment, but Thai publication \nHeadlight Magazine\n suggests that the B-segment sedan will be offered with two powertrain options in the Kingdom, including a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine specifically designed in-line with the country\u2019s eco-car regulations, as well as a 1.5-litre hybrid mill to put it right up against the \nall-new Honda City\n.\nThe former will most likely be exclusive to Thailand, with the rest of the world\u2019s most likely retaining the same or similar 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated mill. As for the latter, \nHeadlight Magazine\n reports that it\u2019ll most likely be a Hybrid THS-II system, consisting of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine and an electric motor.\nMore information on the all-new Toyota Vios should be coming out soon ahead of the launch, so keep your eyes peeled!\n \nGALLERY"
"A year after the \nGLC Coupe Concept\n broke cover at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz went on to unveil the production version of the GLC Coupe. The concept car was mostly production-ready, but minor\u00a0changes were made to the design apart from dropping the \u201cConcept\u201d moniker in its name.\nAs expected, the staggered quad tailpipes and flushed door handles didn\u2019t make it to the production version of the GLC Coupe. However, it retains the \nsleek coupe silhouette\n that apes the bigger brother \nGLE Coupe\n. Although the GLC Coupe is based off the standard GLC, it\u2019s actually \n40mm lower\n and \n80mm longer\n than the GLC.   The interior is the carbon copy of the GLC (which was a copy of the \nW205 C-Class\n) therefore it\u2019s a good thing, really; because we\u2019ve sat in the C-Class and the GLC and found the swish cabin built to a high level of quality. Rear occupants\u2019 headroom might have been sacrificed for that sloping roof line, and cargo capacity has shrunk by 59 litres to \n491 litres\n compared to the normal GLC.\nThe GLC Coupe will be marketed as the GLC\u2019s sportier sibling, and this is evident by the fitment of\u00a0\nsports suspension\n\u00a0and a \nrevised steering ratio\n for a sharper handling.\nAt launch, the GLC Coupe will be offered in three four-cylinder variants that will be paired to a \nnine-speed automatic\n transmission. The petrol \nGLC 250 4MATIC\n develops \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, and there\u2019s a couple of diesel options too; the \nGLC 220 d 4MATIC\n with \n170 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, and the \nGLC 250 d 4MATIC\n with \n205 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. A \n320 hp\n \nplug-in hybrid\n variant called the \nGLC 350 e 4MATIC\n will be introduced later in the year, along with the \nAMG GLC 43 4MATIC\n that produces \n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n.\nThe GLC Coupe is currently on display at the \n2016 New York International Auto Show\n along with the recently-announced AMG GLC 43 4MATIC. In Malaysia, the \nGLC 250 4MATIC\n is selling for RM328,888, so a handsome premium over that will put the GLC Coupe in the \nRange Rover Evoque\n\u2018s price range. So, which one would you rather have?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019ve probably already seen the leaks, but it\u2019s now finally confirmed by Perodua with their first official teaser \u2013 the new 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift is coming very soon, and is now available for booking, with pricing ranging from \nRM45,700 to RM58,800\n!\nAccording to the press release, the new 2021 \nPerodua Myvi\n facelift will be available in five variants \u2013 the 1.5 AV, 1.5 H, and 1.5 X, alongside two 1.3 litre G variants. All variants are now equipped with an automatic gearbox (manual transmission dropped), and according to the latest rumours, we might actually see the ancient 4AT gearbox being switched out for a more modern CVT!\nOf course, there\u2019s no official mention of that just yet, but the press release provided by Perodua does somewhat hint at the new gearbox \u2013 particularly along the lines of \u201cimproved fuel efficiency\u201d.\n\u201cWe have also increased the fuel efficiency of the New Myvi, as it can now go up to 22.2km per litre (tested on the 1.3L variant) from 21.1km per litre previously,\u201d said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nOther new additions on the 2021 Perodua Myvi will include enhanced safety features, including the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system on the AV, H and X variants, as well as one of the G variants.\nThe PSDA suite is first unveiled alongside the \nPerodua Ativa\n, and is a step-up from the ASA 2.0 that\u2019s currently offered on the Myvi, as it now uses two new stereo cameras for better detection (including pedestrians and motorcycles), and allows for more features.\nCheck out the Perodua Ativa\u2019s new PSDA system in more detail here!\nOn the Ativa, the PSDA system includes the ASA 3.0 suite (autonomous emergency braking, pedal mis-operation control, front departure warning), plus Lane Departure Warning and Prevention systems, Blind Spot Monitor, and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.\nAlso included in the umbrella term are the Parking Assist (parking sensors, reverse camera, rear-cross traffic alert), plus Headlamp Assist (Auto High Beam or Adaptive High Beam).\nBased on how Perodua packaged the Ativa, we\u2019d assume that the range-topping AV variant of the new 2021 Myvi will be the one to get all the bells and whistles, but ASA 3.0 will be standard across all variants \u2013 although, of course, we\u2019ll have to wait and see for official confirmation.\nThe Ativa\u2019s stereo camera is located behind the rear-view mirror.\nAlso new is a new Cranberry Red colour option for the AV variant, as seen in the teaser photo above. The photo also shows off slightly the redesigned front end of the new 2021 Perodua Myvi, featuring a larger grille flanked by new headlights, and a reworked front bumper with vertical LED daytime running lights on both edges, replacing the round fog lamps.\n\u201cThese changes represent our efforts to meet our customers\u2019 growing expectations while at the same time offer greater value by introducing the \u2018Next Standard\u2019 for Malaysia\u2019s most accepted model, the Perodua Myvi,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal added.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBefore the current Perodua Myvi officially bows out, take a look at how it compares to the Proton Iriz in the Jaguh Kampung drag race s howdown!\nA teaser image from Perodua\u2019s Instagram page shows off new interior trim colours and a new steering wheel!\nAs mentioned above, the new 2021 Perodua Myvi will be priced from RM45,700 to RM58,800, which are on-the-road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that have recently been extended to June 2022. The new Myvi is now available for booking at all Perodua showrooms nationwide.\nIt\u2019s an increase over the board for the pre-facelift model (barring the base 1.3 G Manual variant), so we\u2019ll see if that means a significant change in its powertrain (\nnew gearbox!\n) to necessitate the price rise!"
"Welcome again to our new instalment of #Rewind, where just last month \nyou learned that the bulk of Audi A6 Hybrid owners\n (nearly 80 percent) of the world can be found in a small country called Malaysia.\nAlso in the comments section, somebody guessed this one\u00a0right. In this instalment, we are looking back at the hot saloon from the land of the rising sun \u2013 the\u00a0\nHonda Civic Type R, \nalso known as the\n FD2R\n.\nThere\u2019s little need to describe this special breed of fast Honda (the Civic, in this context) which started making big waves since 1997 with the EK9. Two iterations later, Honda for the first time offered two different variants of the Civic Type-R; the hatchback version (known as the FN2) for Europe and the saloon version we are all familiar off.\nThe eight-generation Civic was already a good recipe for an ideal sports sedan. All Honda needed to do was to strengthen the car\u2019s chassis, give the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine a good rub and slap on a huge rear spoiler. In 2007, out came the FD2R \u2013 a little under two years after the regular eight-generation saloon was launched.\nHere\u2019s a quick\u00a0comparison between the two hot Hondas destined for different continents:\n \n \nName\nHonda Civic Type-R (FD2R)\nHonda Civic Type-R (FN2R)\nBody\nSaloon\nHatchback\nCurb Weight\n1,270 kg\n1,355 kg\nDimensions\n2.7m wheelbase, 4.54m long, 1.77m wide, 1.43m high\n2.62m wheelbase, 4.28m long, 1.79m wide, 1.45m high\nEngine\nK20A 1,999cc; inline-4\nK20Z 1,999cc; inline-4\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n222 hp @ 8,400 rpm\n198 hp @ 7,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n215 Nm @ 6,100 rpm\n193 Nm @ 6,560 rpm\n0-100km/h\n6.3 secs\n6.76 secs\nTop Speed\n240 km/h\n235 km/h\nReplacing the outgoing Integra DC5, the FD2R was more superior in many ways than its coupe predecessor\u00a0and its European sibling. Although both variants used Honda\u2019s K engine, the saloon gains 24 hp more than the hatchback at 224 hp. While the European Type-R retained its rear torsion beam axle, its\u00a0Japanese sibling used the\u00a0\ndouble wishbone independent rear suspension\n. This configuration led to the FN2R\u2019s defeat (to the FD2R, no less) \nat a track test carried out by\u00a0Fifth Gear\n.\nA few months after its domestic launch, for unfathomable reasons Honda Japan decided to pick Malaysia as the second country in the world to launch the FD2R. Priced at just \nRM199,800\n\u00a0in Malaysia, the world\u2019s best front-wheel driven sports saloon (arguably back then) was a tempting bargain,\u00a0only if you can withstand the ride comfort which is suffice to say, non-existent.\nThe guys at Asia VTEC (formerly known as Temple of Vtec) gave a detailed technical explanation of the FD2R \nhere\n, so be sure to read it up if you\u2019re the technical kind of guy. In 2010, emission regulators deemed the FD2R too harmful for polar bears over at the North Pole, subsequently putting an end to its life. Nevertheless, it had a good four-year run, with limited edition models such as the Civic Mugen RR becoming highly sought-after cars.\nSo, how should the legendary FD2R be remembered? Not by the endless replicas you see on the road today, mind you, but a more proper way of immortalising it. Apart from its\u00a0prodigious handling and raw engine performance, the FD2R\u2019s trump card is actually its incredible\u00a0\nresidual value\n. Everyone knows that in order for a car to have good resale value, it must have desirability, demand and a strong brand. The FD2R has all of them, and more.\nA brief check at any petrol head\u2019s favourite pastime sites (e.g Carlist and Mudah) reveals that a 2007 model can be fetched for around RM120,000. That\u2019s an impressive \n60 percent of its original value\n after nine years! Some unregistered Japanese models made in 2010 can also be yours for RM160,000. In a country where residual value is as important as the number of airbags (there\u2019re only two in the FD2R by the way),\u00a0the Civic Type-R ticks all the right boxes for any petrol heads clamouring for good resale value.\nFind out \nwhich five supercars the new Civic Type R outpaced at Nurburgring\n!\nIf the trend continues, the\u00a0\nnew-generation Civic Type-R\n,\u00a0which succumbed into forced-induction, might even be introduced here in the not-too-distant future. Then again, the Type-R\u2019s distinctive nature has always been the raw grunt of its naturally aspirated engines that could turn an ordinary passenger car into a rocket ship. With the new turbocharged Civic Type R, how will purists react?\nNevertheless, the FD2R is a classic case of a car done right, and Honda\u2019s execution in perfecting that very recipe is one way we should immortalise it, besides its otherworldly resale value, of course. It deserves a hat-tip simply because such examples may never, ever be made in the future again.\nNext time on #Rewind: Malaysia almost joins the ranks of Italy, United Kingdom and Germany. Find out next time!"
"Previewed at the 2017 Malaysia Auto Show\n\u00a0that took place in November last year, UMW Toyota Motor caused a massive stir when they announced that the Harrier would finally be officially imported into Malaysia, with \ndeliveries set to begin in early 2018\n.\nWith non-turbocharged and hybrid models available through grey importers, UMW Toyota Motor had decided to bring in the new 2.0-litre turbocharged Harrier, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission; offered in two variants \u2013 Luxury and Premium.\nWord is that the waiting time for the Harrier has exceeded beyond what most would consider an acceptable duration so we took it upon ourselves to find out what exactly is so appealing about this RM 259,900 Luxury-spec Harrier."
"There\u2019s never a dull moment in the life of Elon Musk. If we draw comparisons based on the \npompous remarks he shares on Twitter\n, Musk is almost like the Donald Trump of the auto world \u2013 just less destructive too.\nAnd it seems there\u2019s never a dull moment when you\u2019re sharing a life with Musk either. If you\u2019ve been online in the past couple days, you\u2019d know that the Musk family has welcomed a baby boy. It\u2019s all merry until you find out what Musk has decided to name the boy.\nHe\u2019s called X \u00c6 A-12. Firstly, it\u2019s not a typo and secondly, the newborn isn\u2019t an extra-terrestrial so you must be wondering, what on earth has Musk been smoking and what does it actually mean.\nWelcome to planet Earth, X \u00c6 A-12.\nOn Twitter, Musk\u2019s wife shared\n, \u201cX is the unknown variable, \u00c6 is her \u201celven way\u201d of spelling Artificial Intelligence and A-12 represents two things.\u201d\nThe A-12 is taken off the predecessor of the famous SR-71 Blackbird, the Lockheed A12. The Lockheed A12 was codenamed the \u201cArchangel\u201d during its development stages, which is also the name of her favourite metal band, Archangel.\nApparently both Elon Musk and missus are admirers of the Lockheed A-12 plane for its sheer speed. The plane was used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the US for spy missions in the 1960s.\n\u201cJust the speed without the weapons, great in battle but non-violent,\u201d said Musk\u2019s spouse.\nWhat an eccentric bunch huh? And I thought nicknames from actual words like \u201cOcean\u201d or \u201cPristine\u201d were bizarre.\nSource: \nTwitter"
"In light of recent news on parts shortages, Proton has announced that all dealers are now required to have three months holding stock for 22 different fast-moving parts.\n\u201cWe are aware of the issue on aftersales and parts availability as our customers have reached out to us. It is deeply regrettable and I would like to reassure our customers that we take every complaint seriously and senior management has identified several bottlenecks and operational issues that require fixing,\u201d said Proton Edar, CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\nThe new 3S/4S centre in Alor Setar. It\u2019s also the 5th Proton Platinum Showroom in Malaysia.\nAside from the new mandatory requirement for dealers to have three months holding stock, the same will apply to the central parts centre; in the hopes of reducing waiting time for customers.\n\u201cWe are also strengthening the capability and knowledge of our dealers to provide better aftersales service to all Proton customers. There is still a lot to do but we will give updates on our progress throughout the year,\u201d Roslan added.\nOn that note, Proton also announced that it has opened its 147th 3S/4S centre in Alor Setar today \u2013 the 10th outlet for EON. The new showroom is also the 5th Proton Platinum Showroom in Malaysia."
"Fittingly revealed in Rome, capital of Italy, the new Ferrari Roma looks simply majestic \u2013 like the city it\u2019s named after.\nIt may share some underpinnings with the Portofino but make no mistake, Ferrari says it\u2019s an all-new sports car.\nRiding on a reworked version of the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 that powers the \nPortofino \nand even the \nF8 Tributo\n, the Roma makes \n620 hp\n with \n760 Nm\n.\nWith an 8-speed dual clutch gearbox from the \nSF90 Stradale\n, 29 hp more and 80 kg lighter than the convertible that arrived in Malaysia in May last year, Ferrari claims the Roma to have class-leading power-to-weight ratio.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in 3.4 seconds \u2013 a 0.1 second slash of the Portofino\u2019s time.\nUnlike the Portofino\u2019s calm and charming exterior, the Roma projects more drama and Ferrari intends for it to be perfect for track days and drives to the opera, according to an interview with \nAutocar UK\n.\nThe Roma\u2019s modern retro design was inspired by the 250 GT Berlinetta from 1960s and as it\u2019s termed a \u201c2+\u201d seater, customers can opt for two small seats at the back \u2013 but what a pointless decision that would be.\nWith the \nAston Martin Vantage \nand the \nMercedes-AMG GT\n as its main rivals, the Roma\u2019s interior design simply edges it ahead of competition.\nIt\u2019s hard to ignore how the driver and passenger is separated by a central divider; also the new steering wheel design and a 16-inch digital display replacing the traditional central rev meter.\nFor now, the Roma is estimated to cost \u00a3175,000 (RM937k before local taxes).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Besides pulling off the wraps of the \nIMx Concept\n, a fully-electric crossover that packs more torque than a \nLamborghini Aventador SV\n, Nissan also demonstrated their first fully autonomous driving technology on public roads in conjunction with the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.\nDubbed as the next-generation ProPILOT technology, the autonomous driving system was equipped on a modified \nINFINITI Q50\n Hybrid. The Q50 with ProPILOT uses 12 sonars, 12 cameras, 9 mm wave radars, six laser scanners and a high-definition map to navigate smoothly through the streets of Tokyo. The new hardware along with upgraded software helps the Q50 to drive through challenging city conditions such as \nbusy intersections\n, lane changing and avoiding obstacles.   To operate the system, drivers \u2013 or in this case, passengers \u2013 only need to set their destination on the navigation system and the car will autonomously drive towards the destination using urban roads and/or freeways.\nNissan\u2019s Senior Vice President in charge of research and advanced engineering, Takao Asami said, \u201cOur next-generation ProPILOT prototype showcases technology that will be available for real-world use from \n2020\n. Today\u2019s demonstration is another example of our successful work toward creating an autonomous driving future for all.\u201d   Seems like in the year 2020, Japan will have \nultra-luxurious and efficient taxis\n and driverless cars lurking on the streets of Tokyo \u2013 just in time when Tokyo will be hosting the Olympics. Coincidence? We think not.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor is now accepting bookings for the \nfacelifted Mazda CX-3\n. Although the refreshed crossover has yet to be officially launched, the company has released the full specifications and estimated price tag of the CX-3.\nThe CX-3 has never been competitive in terms of pricing but with the refreshed model, Bermaz is set to make a positive change by bringing the price (estimated) tag down to\n RM121,134\n without insurance, GST and SST \u2013 some RM5,600 cheaper than before. Bermaz has managed this feat while maintaining all the key features of the car, with the \npowered sunroof\n being the only item \nomitted\n.\nVisually, the refreshed CX-3 gets a revised front grille, additional chrome trims, new 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/50 profile tyres and full LED taillamps. Inside, you will find a redesigned centre console that houses an electronic parking brake with auto hold function that frees up space for a \ncentre armrest\n with soft padding.\nThe rear passengers also benefit from a \ncentre armrest\n. Other not so obvious changes include thicker door panels, rear-door glass, headliner and upgraded door seams for a quieter and more refined cabin. Elsewhere, the CX-3 retains its leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, coloured heads-up display, powered driver seats with memory function, 7.0-inch MZD infotainment system, six-speakers and reverse camera.   Under the hood, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine delivers \n154 hp\n and \n204 Nm\n but has been tuned to give more punch across the rev range. Drive is sent to the front wheels like before via a six-speed SkyActiv Drive automatic transmission.\nSafety wise, the refreshed CX-3 was given a slight upgrade, now including auto dimming rear view mirror, \nBlind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system\n and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Usual items like six-airbags, ABS with EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Hill Launch Assist (HLA) are present on the CX-3.\nThe facelifted Mazda CX-3 will be on display at Bermaz\u2019s roadshow at Oval Concourse, 1 Utama Shopping Centre happening from 27 June (Wednesday) to 1 July 2018 (Sunday). Customers who placed an order for any Mazda model at the roadshow are entitled to a sign-up gift as well as a chance to win Mazda Official merchandises by joining an exciting game of \u201cGoal!\u201d in conjunction with this World Cup season.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda CX-3 Facelift"
"Following the introduction of the \nnon-hybrid Corolla Cross\n in Malaysia last year, UMW Toyota has expanded the line-up to now include the \nCorolla Cross Hybrid\n, priced at\u00a0\nRM136,550\n.\nThe Corolla-based crossover is powered by a 1.8-litre engine, paired to an electric motor, for a combined system output of 122 hp. Torque figures were not revealed. Power is delivered to the front wheels, via an e-CVT gearbox.\n \nThere\u2019s not much to differentiate the Corolla Cross Hybrid from the standard variant except a few minor details including the headlamps, front and rear badges, which are finished with blue details. Standard features include roof rails, 18-inch wheels and a powered tailgate.\nOn the inside, among the features exclusive to the Hybrid variant are the floor mats, larger 7-inch multi-information display, dual-zone air conditioning, and a drive mode selector with Sport, Eco, Normal and EV drive modes.\n \nAs it is a hybrid, UMW Toyota is offering an 8-year warranty on the batteries, inverter unit, and power management control ECU. As for the vehicle itself, it\u2019ll come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nWatch the video above as we find out how fuel efficient the Corolla Cross Hybrid is, while on a roadtrip to Penang!\nMore images of the Corolla Cross Hybrid \nhere\n!"
"Perodua\n has just published its sales report for the month of October, which recorded a monthly sales of \n25,849 units\n. The figure represents a modest 5% increase over the \nprevious month\n, but more importantly, it\u2019s also brought the national carmaker\u2019s year-to-date (YTD) sales figure above the 200,000 mark, now standing at \n222,203 units\n \u2013 just 25,597 units, or about 10% shy of its \nannual target of 247,800\n.\nCompared to the same period last year, the figure also represents a massive 51.2% jump in sales. However, Perodua does note that its sales were affected by the \nCovid-19 \nlockdown between June and August 2021.\nThe \nBezza\n made up most of the national carmaker\u2019s sales last month with 6,768 units, followed by the \nMyvi \nwith 6,130 units, and the \nAxia\n at 4,989 units delivered. Perodua makes no mention of the \nall-new Alza\n in its press release this month, although its data \nreleased back in September \nshowed there were still more than 43,000 outstanding orders to be fulfilled.\nPerodua remains bullish about its sales performance for the last two months of the year, as it expects the registration momentum to continue upwards until the end of the year. The confidence is further bolstered by its stable production output, with 22,974 units manufactured in October, bringing its annual production total at its Sungai Choh facility up to 229,811 as of October this year.\nGALLERY: \nAll-new 2022 Perodua Alza from RM62,500\n\u201cLooking ahead, we plan to further increase our production and sales volume as we try to go beyond our earlier set sales target for 2022, and by doing so will reduce the waiting period for our customers,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nHe added that the higher than expected production and sales performance has also impacted the local automotive ecosystem positively, given that on average, 95% of Perodua parts are sourced locally.\n\u201cIn fact, the high localisation rate has also helped shield Perodua from the volatility in the foreign exchange market at the moment,\u201d Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal said. \u201cIt is our intention to further improve the local automotive supply chain as having such an industry have proven a benefit to both Perodua and consumers.\u201d\nALSO READ: \n3 things we like (and don\u2019t) about the 2022 Perodua Alza!"
"This year, BMW turns 100 years old. What better way to commemorate the occasion than to reveal the all-new, seventh generation BMW 5-Series?\nThe new G30 5-Series doesn\u2019t quite deliver the visual impact we hoped it would, and more importantly it isn\u2019t a \u201cby leaps and bound\u201d kind of an improvement over the outgoing \nF10\n. In fact, it\u2019s more like a contemporary update in this new car, and borrows key design cues shared with the\u00a0\n3-Series\n\u00a0and \n7-Series\n.\u00a0\nThe larger kidney grille\u00a0and deeper shoulder line are the key differences between the new and the outgoing car. Just like the current 7-Series, the headlights now feature connected LED DRLs, marking a departure from the corona rings they were once known for. The headlights are also joined to the kidney grille. The taillights meanwhile, are inspired from the 3-Series.\nThe G30\u2019s DNA is shared with the 7-Series\u2019 lightweight \ncarbon fibre-reinforced plastic\n (CFRP) construction. Together with extensive usage of aluminium, up to\u00a0\n100kg\u00a0\nof mass have been shaved off\u00a0when compared to the F10.\u00a0The drag coefficient is impressive, with a class-leading\u00a0\n0.22 Cd\n. This is achieved thanks to the\u00a0active air stream kidney grille.\nThe new chassis facilitates a larger overall dimension, albeit slightly. Wheelbase is 7mm longer than the predecessor, whereas overall length is now up by 36mm to 4,935mm. In terms of boot volume, the G30 is capable of accommodating\u00a0up to 530 litres of goods;\u00a010 litre increase over the F10.\nInside, apart from the steering wheel, the G30\u2019s dashboard is a dead ringer to the G11 7-Series. The new 5-Series gains a\u00a0centrally-mounted touchscreen that supports air\u00a0\nGesture Control\n just like its bigger sibling. The\u00a0Apple CarPlay in this 5-Series is fully wireless, the first for production cars.\nThe powertrain lineup is mostly a carryover from the F10. The petrol unit begins with the 530i\u2019s\n\u00a0B48 four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-litre\n\u00a0that makes\n 252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. The 540i will receive the all-familiar B58 six-cylinder 3.0-litre unit, that deploys\u00a0\n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n.\nBMW has not abandoned its diesel aspirations with the\u00a0\n520d EfficientDynamics\n which will spearhead the oil burner in the years to come. The\n 190 hp\n\u00a0four-cylinder\u00a0diesel engine has a claimed fuel consumption of \n3.9L/100\u00a0km\n and a low CO2 emission\u00a0of just 102 g/km.\nThis bit would excite aspiring owners. Also announced in this exercise is the\u00a0\n530e iPerformance\n. The system marries an internal combustion engine (petrol) with\u00a0BMW eDrive electric drive, producing \n252 hp\n with an astonishing claimed fuel consumption of\u00a0\n2.0\u00a0l/100\u00a0km\n! It can travel up to\n\u00a045 km\n\u00a0in pure electric mode alone.\nTopping off the lineup is the\u00a0\nBMW M550i xDrive\n. It is powered by a fire-breathing V8 that develops\n 462\u00a0hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque, with power being sent to all four wheels. It has a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of\u00a0\n4 seconds\n and yet sips just\u00a0\n8.9 litres of fuel per 100 km\n. Entry-level\u00a0variants will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, whereas the rest will get the same old\u00a0\neight-speed Steptronic transmission\n.\nThe self-driving tech in this Beemer has yet to reach full autonomy, but it\u2019s more of a \u2018\nSteering and Lane Control Assistant\n\u2018. This system allows the car to stay on the road and simultaneously detect speed limits. When enabled, the driver can, at his/her own risk, release both hands from the steering wheel and let the system keep the car in its lane at speeds up to 210 km/h. The good news is, this function can only be activated no longer than 30 seconds at a time, at least for now.\nNo prices have been unveiled at press time. Meanwhile, look out for the Malaysian debut of the new 5-Series, possibility with the EEV certification along with the 530e\u00a0plug-in hybrid variant sometime next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019s some pretty exciting stuff happening at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. Not only has production of the \nfully-electric BMW i7 \nbegun, but the company has also announced a new pilot project where vehicles in production can \u2018drive around\u2019 the production plant on their own without a driver.\nThe unique project is called the \u201cAutomated Driving In-plant\u2019 in collaboration with two startups, Seoul Robotics and Embotech from Switzerland. Seoul Robotics will be responsible for the sensor software while Embotech is tasked with the driving software.\n \nThe goal is for vehicles to move autonomously around the assembly plant safely, efficiently, and without requiring a driver. The new system will first be trialed on two cars incorporating breakthrough technologies: the \nnew BMW 7 Series\n and the fully electric BMW i7.\n\u201cAutomated driving within the plant is different from autonomous driving for customers. It doesn\u2019t use sensors in the vehicle. In fact, the car itself is more or less blind and the sensors for maneuvering them are integrated along the route through the plant,\u201d explains BMW Group project manager\u00a0\nSascha Andree\n.\nInstead, a series of sensors and driving software transmit driving commands to the driverless vehicles via mobile communications. With that, vehicles fresh off the production line will drive themselves to a parking area, ready for their journey by train or truck.\nThe pilot project will run for several months before being implemented for other BMW models and eventually in other assembly plants."
"UMW Toyota Motor introduced a new variant to its D-segment sedan line-up in Malaysia, the new Toyota Camry 2.0G X. UMW has started taking in orders for this \u2018upgraded\u2019 version of its 2.0G, which is priced at \nRM159,900\n in Peninsular Malaysia.\nThe introduction of this new variant is meant to give one extra choice to potential Camry buyers in Malaysia should they look for a different, or rather a better version of the 2.0G. Fitted in between the Camry 2.0G and the top range Camry 2.5V, the 2.0G X is equipped with more goodies.\u00a0For only RM1,000 more than the 2.0G variant, you get\u00a0a set of larger wheels, dark bezel front and rear lights, dark brown leather seats, power rear sunshade and\u00a0navigation system with reverse camera.\nTo better understand the differences, we have prepared a comparison table below, between the Camry 2.0G X and the 2.0G.\nModels\nCamry 2.0G X\nCamry 2.0G\nExterior\nHeadlamps\nDark Bezel HID Projector (with Auto Headlamp Levelling)\nHID Projector (with Auto Headlamp Levelling)\nTyre & Rims\n215/55R17, Alloy\n215/60R16, Alloy\nInterior\nSeats\nCombination Smooth Leather (Dark Brown)\nCombination Smooth Leather (Black)\nSun Shades\nPowered Back Window & Manual Rear Side Windows\nWithout\nAudio System\n2-DIN Head Unit DVD Player with 7-Inch Touch Screen, Tuner, MP3, AUX-Jack, USB, SD Card Slot, Bluetooth\u00ae, Smartphone Link*, Voice Recognition, Navigation System\nTuner, CD Player, MP3, AUX-Jack, USB & iPod compatibility\nReverse Camera\nReverse Camera with Guided Line\nWithout\nPrice\nRM159,900\nRM158,930.60\nVisit \nToyota Malaysia website\n for more info."
"Global technology and services supplier Bosch has recorded almost RM3.6 billion, an increase of 24 percent in total net sales globally. Of the whole sum, about RM552 million in third party sales is contributed right here on our shores.\nThe numbers are primarily driven by the many acquisitions that Bosch GmbH owns or holds stakes in, among them are\u00a0Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH (formerly ZF\u00a0Lenksysteme GmbH), one of whose manufacturing arms is based in Penang with over 2,000 employees.\nBosch has invested around \nRM260 million\n into the country by opening up a \ncar multimedia development centre\n in Penang as well, catering to several automakers such as Proton, Renault and Nissan. The newly appointed Managing Director of Bosch Malaysia is confident with the appointment of the car multimedia plant in Penang, stating Malaysia\u2019s strength within the Bosch Group.\nBosch is also heading up the automotive aftermarket scene with its high performance Dot 4 Brake Fluid which has been designed with the requirements of modern cars and their technology in mind. Aside from that, Bosch is also rolling out its SIRIM-approved brake pads as well."
"After first introducing the Mitsubishi CONNECT app \nlast year\n in June, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has gone on to make further improvements to the app.\nVideo: You can now also test drive a Mitsubishi vehicle from home! Find out how!\nThere is also an \nSOS Trace & Track function\n that allows the user\u2019s loaction to be tracked via GPS. Once the user\u2019s details are verified, assistance will be sent over immediately.\nInitially, the app enabled users to book service appointments, receive service reminders and check their vehicle\u2019s service history. The app also give customers access to \n24-hours breakdown assistance\n, and more info of the nearest service centre.\nWith the latest updates, there are even more features and services avaialble on the CONNECT app.\nThere\u2019s a new \nservice status notification\n feature that allows users to monitor the progress of their vehicle\u2019s service. The app will notify the owner when the vehicle is ready for collection.\nThe enhanced app now also helps users keep track of service costs, provide cost estimation for future services and warranty details. In addition, road tax and insurance renewal reminders will also be notified through the app.\n \nAside from the above, Mitsubishi owners can also stay up to date with Mitsubishi\u2019s latest promotions, news, and events, search for product information and download e-Brouchures from the app.\nThe Mitsubishi CONNECT MY mobile app is available for download, free of charge, via \nGoogle Play Store\n and \nApple App Store\n.\nMitsubishi launches \u2018Test Drive 2U\u2019 online service as dealerships reopen. Discover the new normal of new car testing!"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance, official distributors of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia has launched the 991 generation Porsche 911 Speedster \u2013 \na model that marks the end of the 991 generation model\n where Porsche has sold over 233,000 units of. This makes the 991 generation the best-selling Porsche 911 ever.\nThe 911 Speedster, where \na unit was donated to an auction to fund the Covid-19 battle\n, pays tribute to the Porsche 356 1500 Speedster; featuring a lightweight tonneau cover instead of a convertible top.\nWhile it may look like just another 911 with an open top and \u201cdouble bubble streamliners\u201d as Porsche calls it, there are significant tweaks to the exterior of the car. The \u201cdouble bubble streamliners\u201d for starters is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic which also serves as rollover protection.\nIt\u2019s also been given a wider profile inspired by the Carrera 4 Convertible, a more inclined windscreen and shortened side window frames. That\u2019s not all; not only is it built on a GT3 chassis, it\u2019s also benefits from a GT3 engine.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 4.0-litre 6-cylinder naturally-aspirated boxer engine\nTransmission: 6-speed manual with Auto Blip (or in other words \u201ccomputerised heel and toe\u201d)\nDrivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with rear-wheel steer\nSuspension: Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)\nHorsepower: 510 hp @ 8,400 rpm\nTorque: 470 Nm @ 6,250 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 4 seconds\nTop Speed: 310 km/h\nComplementing the 6-speed manual transmission is a mechanical rear locking differential. The 911 Speedster also comes with the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system while the suspension has been set up to lower the car by 25 mm.\nEXTERIOR\n20-inch forged Speedster alloy wheels with centre locks\nPorsche Ceramic Composite Brake\nCarbon fibre bonnet\nSport Design side mirrors\nUnlike the \n911 Speedster concept we saw last year\n, the local Speedster does not come with a 50\u2019s-inspired fuel cap on the front bonnet, the super cool Talbot design side mirrors or even the Fuchs designs wheels. Disappointing.\nWeight saving measures are also applied on the inside of the car with carbon fibre bucket seats and lightweight door panels. To keep you reminded of what a special car it is, Speedster logos can be seen everywhere \u2013 on the rev counter, head rests, and on the carbon door sills.\nWedged between the seats is a \u201c70 Years of Porsche\u201d badge that\u2019s finished in gold \u2013 a milestone the Speedster was built to commemorate \u2013 along with the serial number of the car. In total, Porsche \nwill only build 1,948 units of the 911 Speedster\n, with prices starting from \nRM2.7 million\n a pop.\nGALLERY\nPorsche 911 Speedster\nPorsche 911 Speedster Concept"
"Last year Volkswagen launched the \nXL1\n, an ultra economical and super-slippery plug-in hybrid car that sips 0.9 l of fuel per 100 km. Today at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen revealed the \nXL Sport\n that\u2019s capable to reach a\n top speed\n of \n270 km/h\n, powered by the \nworld\u2019s most powerful two-cylinder engine\n. Blasphemy? Sort of.\nThe two-cylinder engine in the XL Sport is actually taken off a \nDucati 1199 Superleggera\n, a \n1,199 cc DOHC V2\n that produces \n197 hp\n and \n134 Nm\n of torque, and screams all the way to \n11,000 rpm\n. The original XL1 is also powered by a two-cylinder engine, but a diesel unit generating 47 hp and 120 Nm of torque.\nThe XL Sport can accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds\n using a \n7-speed DSG\n that drives the rear wheels. The lightweight wheels have grown wider and larger compared to the ones on the XL1. They\u2019re made out of\n forged magnesium\n, measuring 18-inches in diameter and wearing \n205/40 R18\n tyres at the front and \n265/35 R18\n tyres at the rear. Braking is provided by\n ceramic discs\n on all four corners.\nThe lightweight chassis has been redesigned, using double wishbone front and rear axles but with pull rod dampers at the front and push rod dampers at the rear. Clothing the chassis is a carbon-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body that\u2019s manufactured using the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process.   The basic design still resembles the XL1 and retains the dramatic \nwing doors\n, but the XL Sport has been given an extra dose of attitude. The face gets an extended chin along with air curtains at the side of the \nLED headlamps\n. The side sills are wider, bridging the broad front wheel arches that also houses the \ne-Mirror\n (digital outside mirrors) and the extended rear wheel arches with air inlets and air outlets for optimum air flow and for cooling the engine.   The back gets an \nextendable rear spoiler\n, and the rear hatch has louvres that opens or closes depending to the cooling requirements of the engine. The rear hatch opens to reveal the engine bay and 107 litres of luggage space.\nAerodynamically, the XL Sport\u2019s \nCd value\n have increased to \n0.258\n from 0.189 on the XL1. This is due to the longer and wider dimensions which is now at \n4,291 mm lon\ng with \n2,424 mm wheelbase\n, \n1,1847 mm wide\n, and\n 1,152 mm tall\n. For comparison, the XL1 is 3,888 mm long with 2,224 mm wheelbase, 1,664 mm wide, and 1,153 mm tall.\nThe interior also received a makeover featuring red highlights to the black and grey colour scheme. Aluminium bits are used for the \nshift paddles\n on the steering wheel, while the \ndigital instrument panel\n displays individual lap time as well. Furthermore, if you notice the gearknob is made out of wood, perhaps to rekindle the spirit of the old racing cars such as the Lotus 25 and Porsche 917.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Earlier in June, the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (PMIC) announced that B10 biodiesel \nwill be available in October\n, however several car manufacturers like BMW, Toyota, Isuzu and Mercedes-Benz have all came forward saying that the blended fuel will not be compatible with their diesel models.\nIn a surprising turn of events, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) announced earlier today that their current fleet of diesel cars are indeed \ncompatible with B10 biodiesel\n. This compatibility is strictly confined to cars that are officially distributed by MBM, and parallel imported Mercs aren\u2019t given this peace of mind.\nCEO and President of MBM, Roland Folger said, \u201cAfter initially stating that the B10 biodiesel blend required further consideration, we are now pleased to inform our customers that the B10 biodesel is suitable for all diesel vehicles sold by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.\u201d\nFolger explained that the company has carefully evaluated the influence of B10 biodiesel in their current diesel vehicles and found that the cars ran smoothly and safely without showing premature component wear. The service interval for diesel models is also kept at 12,000 km. That said, the compatibility is only for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, whereas the Fuso truck range remains incompatible.\nThe B10 Biodiesel has a \n10 percent blend of palm based methyl ester\n and 90 percent petroleum diesel. Production of the biodiesel will create over \n30,000 new jobs\n in Sarawak and will see an increase in domestic consumption of palm oil by 1.2 million tonnes annually."
"Perodua\u2019s line up of cars seem more complete now with the introduction of a new 7-seater SUV into the mix, the \nPerodua Aruz\n, and here are the things you need to know about the first new car launch of 2019.\nThe Aruz represents an\u00a0\n\u201cact of continuous dynamic motion that signifies progress\u201d \nand will be available in two variants \u2013\u00a0\n1.5 X at RM 72,900\n\u00a0and the\u00a0\n1.5 AV at RM 77,900\n\u00a0\u2013 attached with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).\nAt the heart of the Aruz is a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE engine, the same unit you\u2019d find in the new\u00a0\nPerodua Myvi\n\u00a0and the Aruz\u2019s stepbrother, the\u00a0\nToyota Rush\n, but makes slightly less power with\u00a0\n105 hp\n\u00a0and\n136 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. The Dual VVT-i unit is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.\nLike the Perodua Myvi and the Toyota Rush, the new Aruz is also equipped with the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) that comes with\u00a0Pre-Collision Warning (between 4 km/h to 100 km/h) and Pre-Collision Braking (4 km/h to 80 km/h) with\u00a0pedestrian detection (4 km/h to 50 km/h), front departure alert and pedal misoperation control. It\u2019s an upgraded version from the ASA 1.0 system you get in the new Toyota Rush, as\u00a0\nshown in our video\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Perodua Aruz X   Perodua Aruz AV"
"Selected Proton dealers in Malaysia were treated to an on-site visit at the Geely Research Institute (GRI) in Hangzhou Bay, China to witness and experience the state-of-the-art research facility of Proton\u2019s new partner, Geely.\nThe GRI is Geely\u2019s flagship research and development centre which opened its doors in May 2017. The facility spans over 67 acres of land and houses nearly 7,000 full-time engineers to work on five key technologies covering safety, internet connectivity, engine, interior environment and driver aids.\nThe money can\u2019t buy visit opened the dealer\u2019s eyes to the exciting possibilities awaiting in the future after witnessing the scope of technology and research being done by Geely.\nMunauwir Mohd Khir, from Edaran Saga Sdn Bhd said, \u201cFrom what I gather after the visit to the GRI, we could see that Geely takes into account every single detail. From planning to execution, careful thoughts are being put in place to ensure a smooth process. Everything is done in a controlled manner and the processes are in order, from testing to the final product. I also observed that they follow stringent rules and regulations, so this is very good\u201d.\nMunauwir Mohd Khir from Edaran Saga Sdn Bhd\nFor others like, Mohd Nazrin Mohamad Fozi, of Rahman Brothers Automotive Sdn Bhd, the visit to the GRI more than lived up to his expectations. He explained, \u201cI enjoyed the visit to the GRI. It showcased Geely\u2019s technological capabilities and the future of automobiles. I can imagine if these technologies, like advanced safety and other state-of-the-art features are incorporated into Proton cars, we will definitely be at the leading edge of automobiles in Malaysia, and beyond. The future is really exciting looking at the partnership with Geely.\u201d\nHazree Hashim of Vitalic Sdn Bhd commenting on his visit: \u201cAfter this visit, I believe I see more clearly now the developments that are on-going in Geely and how Proton could eventually benefit in the long term. From the working culture to the plant, there is a proper system and flow, to doing things. Production is in control and everything looks orderly. I am delighted to say that I am proud to be a part of the troupe who has visited the GRI\u201d.\nHazree Hashim of Vitalic Sdn Bhd\nThese dealer visits hope to convince more Proton dealers to upgrade their existing outlets to 3S or 4S centres in anticipation of the new Proton SUV as well as future models to spawn from the Proton-Geely partnership. The new 3S and 4S centres will feature a new corporate image that prioritises premium customer service.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Hazree Hashim of Vitalic Sdn Bhd\n \n Munauwir Mohd Khir from Edaran Saga Sdn Bhd\n \n Mohd Nazrin Mohamad Fozi of Rahman Brothers Automotive Sdn Bhd"
"The hydrogen propelled\u00a0\nToyota Mirai\n\u00a0has set a record in its zero-emissions segment by being the first Fuel Cell Vehicle to cover a total distance of 502 km \u2013 a distance more than any other cars like it on the market, for now.\nThe feat is further substantiated with the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) fuel economy rating, stating and confirming that the Mirai is the \nonly zero emissions electric vehicle\n on the market capable of exceeding 300 miles (approximately 482.8 km) on one fill while consuming the petrol equivalent of \n3.5 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe Mirai was \nlaunched in mid December 2014\n and is the world\u2019s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. It uses Toyota\u2019s most advanced TFCS technology which comprises an FC Stack, FC Boost Converter and two highly pressurised hydrogen fuel tanks. Both tanks are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic and \nholds up to 122.4 litres of hydrogen\n at 700 bars.\nElectricity is generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which in turn powers the car. Its byproduct? \nWater vapour\n. It also comes with a large-capacity (60 kWh) power supply system that is capable of producing a maximum output of 9kW that could \npower your house\n in the event of a power outage.\nCEO of Toyota North America, Jim Lentz said, \u201cToyota realised in the early 90s that electrification was key to the future of the automobile. Just as Prius introduced \nhybrid-electric vehicles\n to millions of customers nearly 20 years ago, Mirai is now poised to usher in a new era of efficient, hydrogen transportation.\u201d\nToyota aims to sell about 400 units of this four-seater saloon by the end of this year, with plans to introduce it in limited numbers to the UK and several other selected European markets. It is sold in Japan for an estimated RM210k.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Toyota Mirai, Fuel Cell Vehicle"
"In support of our front liners working tirelessly throughout the ongoing \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch AA) has donated several aftermarket parts to local government hospitals to ensure that the ambulances are in great working order as part of its \u2018Safer Cars, Safer Roads\u2019 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.\nThe aftermarket parts include new maintenance-free vehicle batteries, cabin batteries used to power up important medical equipment on board, as well as Aerotwin Retrofit wipers that will be especially helpful during the current rainy season.\nBosch AA Malaysia Marketing Manager, Dillion Goh said, \u201cAmbulances are a vital need for both patients and hospitals. Bosch felt it was crucial to deliver peace of mind to drivers and medical workers so that their mission to save lives will not be interrupted by unwanted situations such as a breakdown.\n\u201cWe are truly humbled by the dedication of the medical community over the past few months, and would like to show them our support so they are able to count on us when it comes to vehicle maintenance and road safety,\u201d added Goh. Bosch pledges to continue supporting government hospitals to help ensure the safety and well-being of medical workers and patients remain a top priority on our shared roads.\nThe \u2018Safer Cars, Safer Roads\u2019 CSR initiative is part of Bosch AA\u2019s wider \n\u2018Drive for Life\u2019 car and road safety campaign\n. The campaign aims to raise awareness on basic automotive knowledge and the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance using quality car parts."
"After 50 years of motorsport exploits in various arenas including the World Rally Championship and the Dakar Rally, Volkswagen Motorsport is no more.\nThe company will instead channel its focus and resources into electric mobility with the 169-strong workforce of the defunct division absorbed into Volkswagen AG.\nTo that end, let\u2019s look at some of the most recognisable and successful Volkswagen race cars in the recent decade.\nPolo R WRC \u2013 World Rally Championship\n2013\n2015\nThe car that spent 952 days in a row at the top of the WRC rankings and along the way, made Sebastien Ogier only the 3rd driver in WRC history to be crowned World Rally Champion four years in a row. Together with the French driver, the Polo recorded 37 WRC victories and four consecutive WRC championships.\nConcidentally, all four championships won between 2013 to 2016 were wrapped up with a win, and a race to spare.\nRace Touareg \u2013 Dakar Rally\nRace Touareg 2\nRace Touareg 3\nBetween 2009 and 2011, Volkswagen\u2019s Race Touareg was the one to beat in the Dakar Rally, as it won three consecutive championships. In 2011, the Race Touareg 3 piloted by former WRC champion Carlos Sainz, clinched 12 out of 13 stage victories, covering a total distance of 9,600 km along the way.\nIn the 2010 and 2011 seasons, Volkswagen were so dominant with the Race Touareg that their drivers occupied the entire podium with a 1-2-3 finish.\nGolf GTI TCR \u2013 TCR International \nBeginning with the 2016 season, the Golf GTI TCR by Volkswagen Motorsport offered a production-derived customer sport vehicle for ambitious drivers and teams committed on global and national levels in the fast-growing TCR touring car category.\nThe car went on to score two TCR International titles in the 2016 and 2017 season.\nPolo R Supercar \u2013 Rallycross World Championship\nThe 570 hp Polo R won three Rallycross World Championship titles in 2017, 2018, and 2020. The 2017 and 2018 titles were both won by Johan Kristoffersson with absolute dominance. In 2018, the title was wrapped up with two races to go, while the team scored a total of 17 wins out of 22 races in two seasons.\nFully-electric ID.R.\nThe ID.R racing car holds five international records, including the overall record at the \nGoodwood Festival of Speed\n, Pikes Peak (USA), the \nelectric record for the N\u00fcrburgring\n, and the\n Tianmen Mountain in China\n."
"The generous folks at Kia Malaysia have done it again, after \nhanding over brand new units of the Kia Sportage to our gold medallist Paralympians\n. This time, the beneficiary of a brand new \nKia Sorento\n\u00a0is Polis Di Raja Malaysia (PDRM).\nGroup CEO of Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Mr.\u00a0SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin said, \u201cWe hope this gesture will further assist the men in blue, and we thank them for their sacrifices and contribution to our nation. This also provides the opportunity for the Police Force to experience the Sorento\u2019s uncompromising safety features, performance, handling and overall drivability.\u201d\nThe unit donated was of the entry level variant, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel producing \n197 hp\n and \n441 Nm\n of torque. It is all-wheel driven and has a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n."
"Of Ferrari\u2019s influence in 20 markets worldwide, 48 official dealers have been nominated as \u201cFerrari Classiche (classical in Italian) Authorised Workshop\u201d, known as \u201cOfficina\u201d (workshop in Italian). This acknowledgement authorises the dealer to implement the Ferrari Classiche certification process and ensure the correct maintenance and repairs of Ferrari\u2019s over 20 years old.\nFinally, some professional lovin\u2019 for your classic Ferrari then and \nNaza Italia\n, among all, has been nominated as a Ferrari Classiche Authorised workshop. Each Classiche Officina will be supported by the Ferrari Classiche department straight out of the Ferrari factory in Maranello.\nIn return, each Ferrari Classiche Officina must commit to maintaining a dedicated workshop ramp and a trained classic Ferrari technician exclusively for the maintenance, repair and certification applications of old Ferraris.\nA Ferrari Classiche Officina offers highly qualified services, ensuring the vehicle\u2019s value through the Ferrari Classiche Certification process \u2013 to maintain the valuable technical expertise of the Ferrari brand and the customer\u2019s investment in their classic Ferrari and its certification.\nWhere there is a need for reconstruction of major parts or components \u2013 necessary for the Ferrari Classiche Certification \u2013 such works will be carried out at the Ferrari factory."
"Hyundai has unveiled the RM20e, its fifth model in a long line of mid-engined rear-wheel-driven racing prototypes which started with the RM14 (RM stands for Racing Midship) in 2014. But unlike the previous iterations, the RM20e is fully electric \u2013 hence the \u2018e\u2019 \u2013 thanks to a helping hand from \nRimac Automobili\n.\nYes, it might look like just another souped up Veloster (a hallmark of all RM prototypes), but don\u2019t be fooled by its appearance, because everything underneath is pretty much all-new. Instead of a turbocharged inline-four engine, the RM20e is powered by a 800V electrical system, driving the\u00a0single mid-mounted electric motor to produce \n804 hp\n and \n960 Nm\n of torque.\n \nUnlike a more \u201ctraditional\u201d electric powertrain which mounts the motor directly on the axles, Hyundai says that the mid-mounted electric motor on the RM20e helps distributes weight more evenly, which helps with the traction of the prototype race car. As a result, 0-100 km/h is achieved in \nunder three seconds\n, 0-200 km/h in \n9.88 seconds\n, and onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nElectric juice comes from a 60 kWh battery built\u00a0with fast-charging capability and liquid-flooded battery module technology. Meanwhile, power from the electric motor is sent to the wheels via a single reduction gear ratio with straight-cut gears.\nJust like the previous RM prototypes, the Hyundai RM20e will most likely never see the production lines. Instead, they\u2019re meant to be the company\u2019s N Performance Division\u2019s rolling labs, where it was engineers can extract valuable data and learnings to be applied in the brand\u2019s future N models.\nThe use of a electric powertrain on the latest RM prototype also \u201cclearly signals future electrified brand aspirations for Hyundai\u2019s performance N brand, moving N into the prestigious genre of supercar-level performance,\u201d says Hyundai Motor Group executive vice president and head of product, Thomas Schemera.\nInterestingly, Hyundai also says that its partnership with Rimac \u2013 \nwhich is set to acquire Bugatti\n \u2013 will also involve hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems, which means we could be seeing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered race car prototype on the RM21.\nThe RM20e is the first fruit from the partnership between the Hyundai Group and Rimac. Announced last May, the partnership will see Hyundai and Kia invest EUR64 million and EUR16 million respectively in the Croatian boutique electric hypercar maker."
"Approximately eight months after the EQS\u2019 entry into our market, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now unveiled the new EQS 500 4MATIC variant for the fully-electric sedan, which will be superseding the \nexisting EQS 450+\n as the sole offering here on our shores.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC will be fully assembled in the company\u2019s production plant in Pekan, Pahang, as the marque\u2019s first EV to be locally assembled here in Malaysia.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nPricing for the Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC starts from \nRM648,888\n, on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the government\u2019s EV tax exemption, making it RM50k cheaper than the outgoing model.\nIn contrast to the outgoing 450+ variant, the new Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC boasts a dual electric motor set-up \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 with a total output of \n330 kW (449 hp)\n and \n828 Nm\n of torque. Those figures translate to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, and a top speed limited at 210 km/h.\nThe motors are paired to the same battery pack as before, but software tweaks have raised its usable energy content from 107.9 kWh up to now\n 108.4 kWh\n. Despite that, the switch to two motors instead of one has resulted in a lower \u2013 but still impressive \u2013 range of 696 km based on the WLTP test cycle.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan launched in Malaysia, fully-electric E-Class from RM420k\nTo charge, an 11 kW on-board AC charger lets you top up the battery from 10-100% in roughly 10 hours. Alternatively, DC fast charging is also supported at up to 200 kW, and a charge from 20-80% takes approximately 31 minutes.\nThanks to its unique \u201cOne-Bow\u201d silhouette, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is the most aerodynamic vehicle currently in production, with a drag coefficient of 0.20 Cd. The electric power consumption is rated at 21.3 \u2013 17.6 kWh/100km.\nIn terms of specifications, the new CKD Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC loses out on the AMG body kit that the 450+ had, instead replaced with the less aggressive-looking Electric Art line exterior kit. The wheels have also been downsized from 21-inch to a set of 20-inch five-spoke light alloy wheels.\nAside from these visual differences, however, the rest of the EQS\u2019 kit remains unchanged from before. The \nDigital Light\n matrix headlights are still standard equipment here, and on the inside, the new Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC also comes as standard with the \nMBUX Hyperscreen\n, which combines three individual displays under a single pane of glass spanning across the entire dashboard.\nGallery: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe \u2013 plug-in hybrid SUV, RM404k\nSafety kit on the Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC is also unchanged from before, with the Driving Assistance Plus Package coming as standard. The suite of advanced driver assistance features includes adaptive cruise control with automatic stop-go functionality, active lane keeping assist, active steering assist, lane departure prevention, autonomous emergency braking, and evasive manouevre support.\nThanks to the always-on cellular connectivity of the car, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC will receive over-the-air software updates over time, and you\u2019ll also be able to monitor the vehicle\u2019s interior remotely when parked through the Mercedes me app, as part of the Urban Guard vehicle protection suite.\nThe locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC will be available from mid-March onwards, at a price of \nRM648,888\n. Included in the price is a standard four-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty, and a 10-year/250,000 km warranty for its EV battery."
"Hardly a couple of fortnights have passed since Jaguar Land Rover introduced the \nall-new Discovery Sport \nhere on our shores. And now, following in the steps of its older siblings such as the Range Rover Sport and the SVR variant, the Disco Sport is now available kitted out with the HSE Dynamic Lux pack.\nThink of this new version as a Sports version of the Disco Sport, hence the naming criterion.\u00a0The Disco Sport HSE Dynamic Lux features a number of exterior enhancements, including \nNarvik Black\n exterior detailing, body-coloured \nmouldings\n, door claddings and \n20-inch Gloss Black\n wheels. Combining all these gives this new model a powerful and striking impression.   That being said, don\u2019t let the Sports trimming fool you into believing that the Disco is incapable of handling the beaten path when the going gets rough.\u00a0The competence of the Disco is heightened by the introduction of \nAll Terrain Progress Control\n (ATPC) for the \n2016\n model. ATPC is an advanced system that enables drivers to\n set\n and \nmaintain\n a\n steady speed\n in \noff-road conditions\n. The system also features a \u201c\nLaunch\n\u201d function which allows you \npull away\n when driving under\n low-traction surfaces\n conditions.\nAnother interesting bit of tech that the Landy packs is \nActive Driveline\n\u00a0\u2013 an intelligent system that can\n switch\n\u00a0between\n two- and four-wheel drive\n as conditions dictate, combining both real-world fuel-saving benefits of two-wheel-drive with the all-terrain capability of four-wheel-drive. This system also \nimproves handling\n and\n driving feel\n while on tarmac roads.   The Evoque previously featured an interesting \ndamper\n system that was filled with a\n fluid\n that contains\u00a0\nmetal shavings\n\u00a0which can \nalter\n the \nstiffness\n of the suspension down to the \nmillisecond\n when a \nmagnetic field\n is applied to it. The system is dubbed\u00a0\nAdaptive Dynamics with MagneRide\n\u00a0here in the Discovery Sport HSE Dynamic Lux. The system works by changing the\n viscosity\n of the \nfluid\n in the damper, thus\u00a0making the suspension \nstiffer \nor\n softer\n.\nAdaptive Dynamics\n introduces a driver-selectable \nDynamic\n mode on the \nTerrain Response system \nwhich\u00a0increases\n throttle\n, \ngearbox \nand\n differential\n \nresponse\n, along with suspension and steering firmness for additional driver feel. The system tries to give as much feel and control as possible \nback to the driver\n.\nAt the time of launch, Land Rover has said that the new Disco Sport HSE Dynamic Lux will only be made available with a \nTD4\n oil burning \nAutomatic\n variant. We would really like to see this new funky version of the Disco being introduced locally. Time will tell, we suppose.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Discovery Sport Launch Gallery"
"At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota opted for a very different approach with their displays. Not one \u201csoon-to-be-launched\u201d concept was displayed at their booth, but for good reason.\nWhile the likes of the \nstunning new Mirai FCEV\n still made its appearance, \nToyota placed more emphasis on mobility for the considerable future\n, as opposed to the next couple years.\n \nTake the e-Palette for example that\u2019s scheduled for debut at next year\u2019s 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games. As a major sponsor for one of the biggest sporting events on Earth, it\u2019s one of Toyota\u2019s innovative solutions to ferry Olympians and Paralympians around the Olympic village.\nDesigned with a long 4,000 mm wheelbase and distinctive cube shape, the e-Pallete is \ncapable of accommodating up to four wheel chairs along with seven standing passengers\n. Discounting the wheelchairs, the e-Pallete is capable of accommodating 20 passengers.\n \nWanna know Toyota\u2019s vision of the future? You need to watch this!\nAlthough accompanied by an operator that can assume control anytime, the e-Pallete is equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, a 150 km driving range with a top speed of 20 km/h.\n\u201cIn the future, the e-Palette will be able to be an office, a shop, or even a hotel. It will be able to become various kinds of services and it will go to people,\u201d said Toyota Motor Corporation, President, Akio Toyoda.\n \nWatch how the headlamps \u201ccommunicate\u201d with pedestrians.\nCiting that there\u2019s no need for concern that cars will end up not being owned, Toyoda instead claimed that \u201cshared mobility will lead to people to own cars that are more personal\u201d.\nFollowing this, Toyoda sparked the idea that in the future,\n everyone\u2019s garages will be occupied by only sports cars\n as he pointed to the e-Racer.\n \nThe future we can\u2019t wait to live in!\n\u201cWanting to go faster and further are universal human desires. The birth of the automobile led to 15 million horses being replaced by cars in the United States. Yet, we have racehorses,\u201d said Toyoda.\n\u201cHorses can communicate with people and their hearts,\u201d he added.\nPoint is, when cars replaced horses, people still rode them for fun and races. With vehicles like the e-Pallete, acting as white goods and replacing the need for day-to-day driving with artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities, Toyoda believes that cars of the future can still be fun.\nReferring to the exciting e-Racer whose specifications still remain unknown Toyoda said such vehicles can solely focus on being fun; allowing drivers to better enjoy the journey from A to B.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota e-Racer\nToyota e-Palette"
"Last week, candidates of 2017 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) received their results and Anehajit Kaur, 18, with her stellar results of 8 A\u2019s, have decided to enrol for Diploma in Motorsport Technology at \nNaza College of Technology\n. Marking her first step to achieve her dreams of being a Formula One race engineer.\n\u201cEver since I was younger, I\u2019ve always been intrigued by the thrilling sounds that F1 race cars make as they speed around the race track and watching F1 races on TV gave me so much excitement. One day, I decided that instead of just watching them on TV, I wanted to be a part of the team behind the beautiful yet powerful and precise race cars,\u201d said Anehajit.\nDuring her two and a half years study, Anehajit will be exposed to knowledge pertaining to repair, service and modify vehicles to enhance performance. Upon graduation, she will be qualified to pursue a career in motorsports or choose to further her studies.\nDr Jagdeep Jassel, CEO, Naza College of Technology and Business said: \u201cF1 is no longer just a \u201cman\u2019s world\u201d as more females are taking up an interest in the world of motorsports. Here at Naza College of Technology, we welcome all students with a drive in the automotive industry to help them achieve their dreams.\u201d"
"Skoda, a Czechoslovakian brand has become a darling to the Volkswagen Group (VAG) since 1991 and has produced many good quality cars. The latest model to be revealed now is a rather handsome SUV called the Kodiaq.\nNamed after a large brown Alaskan bear, Skoda\u2019s new seven-seater SUV will take on the likes of\u00a0\nKia Sorento\n and \nToyota Fortuner\n. Based on Volkswagen\u2019s largest MQB platform, it is\u00a04,700mm long, 1,882mm wide and 1,676mm tall. Skoda cars are known for its large interior space and the Kodiaq continues this trend. For starters, the wheelbase measures at 2,791mm, about 91mm longer than its Korean rivals!   Boot space is quite possibly the best in class with\n\u00a0720 litres\n\u00a0when the third row seats are stowed. But when both second and third row seats are folded, cargo volume expands to a whopping\n\u00a02,065 litres\n! Wheel sizes start from 17-inch, but the range topper gets 18-inch wheels.\nPowertrain options include three petrol engines (a VW-derived 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre turbos) and two oil burners with two states of tunes. A choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch transmissions can be specced, as well as 2WD or all-wheel drive.\u00a0A hotter bi-turbo diesel is also in the pipeline.\nThe list of driver assistance system in the Kodiaq is pretty lengthy, beginning with Area View,\u00a0Manoeuvre Assist and Tow Assist.\u00a0City Emergency Brake, which is Skoda\u2019s version of autonomous braking system, is included as standard. Buyers can opt for the Emergency Assist function which helps bring the car to a stop in the event of, well, an emergency.\nThe Kodiaq is packed with so much tech, it\u2019ll require a separate article to go into detail of each. Fun fact \u2013 Skodas are generally cheaper than Volkswagens, and we would love for the Kodiaq (one of the most value for money SUVs in Europe today) to be introduced in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019d think with all the millions they make of kicking a ball with some other men that they would only transport themselves in nothing short of a luxury suite on four wheels, made of cash.\nBut no, it seems like a sizable number of English Premier League (EPL) players have a taste for sensibility, too. The most popular car among these footballers is the \nRange Rover Evoque\n. Suprised?\nAccording to data compiled over two years by finance provider JBL Capital, a financial institution which counts on Premiership footballers as some of their clients, the Evoque takes top spot followed by none other than the fearsome Lamborghini Aventador, in a list of top 10 cars purchased on finance.\u00a0\nThe studied showed why EPL players opt for finance when buying cars rather than paying in full \u2013 prefering financial flexibility and opting to spend larger sums of money on property investments instead.\nWhile the money men has provided us with some amusement, you shouldn\u2019t get carried away over this confusing fact just yet. The rest of the list reassures the reality we all know of, that these obscenely rich individuals do splurge on the finest wheels their British Sterling Pounds can buy.\nOne could just assume these footballers have the Evoque as a sensible means of daily commuting or actually as \u201cshuttle cars\u201d within their mansions. The rest of the list, as mentioned, is clogged with luxurious wheels, supercars, and made-to-order stuff from high-end tuning companies such as:\nRange Rover Evoque\nLamborghini Aventador\nMercedes-Benz Onyx G6 GLE Coupe\nBentley Continental GT\nFerrari F12 Berlinetta\nLamborghini Huracan\nJeep Wrangler Kahn Sahara\nPorsche 911 GTS\nBentley Bentayga\nMcLaren 675LT Spider\nSource: JBL Capital"
"When the Honda Accord facelift made its debut sometime last year for the \nUS market\n, it was dubbed to be the most high-tech Accord ever. Closer to home, the facelifted Accord showed itself at the \nBangkok Motor Show earlier this year\n.\nHonda Malaysia has teased the facelifted D-segment sedan for a few months during their Honda roadshow, and \nbooking for the car began on 1 August 2016\n. Today, Honda has officially launched the flagship model, available in the same three variants as before.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda Accord 2.0 VTi\nHonda Accord 2.0 VTi-L\nHonda Accord 2.4 VTi-L\nEngine\n1,997cc naturally aspirated four cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\n2,356cc naturally aspirated four cylinder DOHC i-VTEC with Honda Earth Dreams Technology\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n173 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM144,800\nRM153,800\nRM172,800\nEXTERIOR\nThe refreshed Honda accord now wears Honda\u2019s wing-like grille at the front to bring the Accord closer to its other siblings. The front bumper is also redesigned to house the new full LED headlamps and LED fog lamps (which is standard across all variants). The car\u2019s rear end now features a reshaped bumper to give it a more prominent stance, whereas the tail lamps are also of LED combination with new graphics. An additional chrome trim runs along the rear bumper, giving the car a more premium look.   Standard on the 2.0-litre models are 17-inch whirlwind-design two tone alloys wrapped in 225/50 Goodyear Excellence tyres. The 2.4-litre gets 18-inch dual tone alloys wrapped in 235/45 sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 3.\nINTERIOR\nOn the inside, the cabin is a breath of fresh air. Gone are the plastic trims that haunts the pre-facelift Accord\u2019s dash and door panels. In its place, a more premium gloss black and wood grain trims take the Accord up a notch in luxuriousness.\nWith the facelift, Honda Malaysia has introduced a range of standard features to give added value to their customers.   New to the Accord (regardless of variant) is a \n7-inch Advanced Display Audio\n\u00a0with\n\u00a0i-MID Integrated Display\n\u00a0for the multimedia system. The infotainment system comes with Apple \nCarPlay\n and \nAndroid Auto\n\u00a0which grants more functionalities and has mirroring function. Essential apps such as Google Maps and Spotify can all be controlled via the car\u2019s touchscreen display. At the moment, only Apple CarPlay is available in the Accord while Android Auto will only be introduced once Google makes it available in Malaysia.\nThe i-MID that sits on top of the infotainment system displays essential driving information such as driving range, fuel consumption and audio info. Besides that, the meter cluster is also updated with a new outline pattern and font to make it easier to read.\nStandard equipment across the board are keyless entry with push start, dual zone climate control with rear air vents and Active Noise Control (ANC).\nOpt for the 2.0 VTi-L or the 2.4 VTi-L and you\u2019ll get additional equipment such as auto wiper, auto dimming rear view mirror (available as an option on the 2.0 VTi), leather seats (fabric on the 2.0 VTi), eight-way powered driver seat with lumbar support, four-way powered passenger seats, rear passenger door sun blinds and a multi-angle rear view camera.\nThe range topping 2.4 VTi-L adds, paddle shifters, active cornering lights, premium sound system with subwoofer and a powered rear sun binds.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe powertrain is carried over from the pre-facelift Accord. Therefore, the 2.0-litre four cylinder SOHC i-VTEC and five-speed automatic pair that produces \n153 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque powers the 2.0 variants.\nThe 2.4 Accord is powered by Honda\u2019s 2.4-litre Earth Dreams Technology four cylinder DOHC i-VTEC mated to the same five-speed auto to produce\n 173 hp\n and \n225 Nm\n of torque.\nSAFETY \nAs Honda\u2019s flagship model, safety equipment is not compromised. Standard across \nall variants\n are six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS with EBD, hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors as well as emergency stop signal that activates the hazard lights under emergency braking.\nLike the pre-facelift model, the 2.0 and 2.4 VTi-L comes with Honda Lane Watch that displays live feed of the left side of the car onto the i-MID. The footage is transmitted via a camera on the side mirrors.\nAs before, the Lane Watch is only available for the left side of the car simply because when the driver wants to switch lane, he or she will look to the left. The i-MID is conveniently within the line of vision of the driver.\nWHAT ELSE?\nBuyers can now choose from five different colours for the Accord, three of which are brand new: White Orchid Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Obsidian Blue Pearl \u2013 the Blue is exclusive only to the Accord. Two existing colours from before, the Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl will also be offered.\nOn top of that, a range of optional genuine Honda accessories are available to spice up the Accord even further. Buyers can opt for the package that offers good savings or have them \na la carte\n.\nA 5-Year unlimited warranty is offered with every purchase of the facelifted Accord. Besides that, the service intervals have been optimised to every 10,000km for greater convenience to customers. The current number one non-national brand targets to deliver 500 units of the facelifted Accord to customers every month.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda Accord 2.4L VTi-L   Honda Accord 2.0L VTi-L   Honda Accord 2.0L VTi"
"Two additional locally assembled variants have now joined the Mercedes-Benz C-Class family in Malaysia, one as the entry-level C 180 Avantgarde and the other, a range topping (not counting the \nC 63 S\n) C 300 AMG Line.\nNow, instead of the C 200 Avantgarde, your first three-pointed star purchase may just be the C 180 Avantgarde, the latter priced a full RM20,000 cheaper at \nRM228,888.00\n. It may be cheaper, but the kit remains impressive to say the least. The C 180 comes furnished with Avantgarde styling which comprise of\u00a0\n17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels\u00a0\n(shod with 225/50 series run-flat tyres), twin exhaust pipes and full LED high performance headlamps.   Keyless-Go also comes as standard, as are the \nleather upholstery\n (Artico synthetic leather), interior ambient lighting, electric roller blind for the rear windscreen and rear door sun blinds. Multimedia playback and several in-car systems are managed via the head unit in the centre dash (Audio 20 with CD player, comes with built-in Garmin MAP Pilot), and operation is done through the touchpad.\nThe biggest difference between the C 180 and C 200 is the engine; the former is powered by a \nturbocharged\u00a01.6-litre four-cylinder\n engine making \n156 hp\n\u00a0at 5,300 rpm and a respectable \n250 Nm\n of torque from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels by a \nseven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic\n transmission, which helps yield numbers like the \n8.5-second\n 0 to 100km/h sprint time, \n5.4 litres per 100km\n (fuel consumption) and \n223km/h\n top speed.\nNote: The variant here is of the C 250, but the C 300 AMG gets this exact exterior styling\nNext up is the C 300 AMG; a \nRM307,888.00\n offering that sits above the C 250 AMG Line (which costs RM20k less, by the way). As its name suggests, it gets AMG body styling, \n19-inch multispoke AMG wheels\n (225/40 front, 225/35 rear) and sports suspension which lowers ride height by 15mm. Sports exhaust is a standard fitment here, as are the \nfull LED intelligent headlamps with high beam assist\n, electric panoramic sliding sunroof and tyre pressure monitoring system.\n \n \nAnd because it\u2019s a range topper, you get a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system (590 watts), leather seats, illuminated door sill panels, black open-pore ash wood trim, Air-Balance cabin fragrance package (like the one in the S-Class), rear view camera and Active Parking Assist.\nThe 300 in the C 300 doesn\u2019t represent the engine capacity, though. Instead, the \nturbocharged 2.0-litre lump\n soldiers on, but it\u2019s tuned to make \n245 hp\n and\n 370 Nm\n of torque, or about 34 hp and 20 Nm more than the C 250 AMG. Transmission is the same \n7G-Tronic\n box, but the C 300 is quicker off the line, dusting the century sprint in just\n 5.9 seconds\n before reaching its electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.\nRefer to the table below for the updated C-Class offering from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia:\nMercedes-Benz W205 C-Class\nC 180 Avantgarde\nC 200 Avantgarde\nC 200 Exclusive\nC 250 AMG \nC 300 AMG\nEngine\n1,595cc; inline-4 turbo\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-4 cylinder, DOHC\nTransmission\n7G-Tronic Automatic\nMax Power\n156 hp @ 5,300 rpm\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.5 seconds; 223 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 235 km/h\n6.6 seconds; 250 km/h\n5.9 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (without insurance)\nRM228,888\nRM248,888\nRM252,888\nRM287,888\nRM307,888\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C 180 Avantgarde   Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG"
"It\u2019s never a pleasant experience watching cars getting crashed; even more so if its a classic, worst if it\u2019s a classic Ferrari. The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most expensive cars in the world if not THE most expensive with previous auction prices fetching almost 50 million US dollars.\nEnter the \n250 GTO/64\n. At just a few million less, it may not be as expensive as the 250 GTO being the later generation and all but it\u2019s still one of the rarest classic Ferrari\u2019s out there with \nonly three ever built\n in 1964; hence the GTO/64 moniker.\nAt the recent Goodwood Revival festival, the one and possibly only venue to catch a glimpse of precious, old classics pitting against each other, an incident that was unfathomable as the 250 GTO/64\u2019s price tag took place; it was crashed. Driven by one Andy Newell, the precious piece of handmade Italian machinery was made to swerve to avoid crashing into the rear end of another precious Ferrari 250 LM as you\u2019d see in the video.\nThis cause the 250 GTO/64 to slam into the tyre wall and suffer unspeakable damages on its rear end. By the way, it\u2019s not Andy Newell\u2019s personal car. These cars are usually loaned out to motoring journalist, personalities and race car drivers to push to the limits \u2013 for these cars to once again be driven like they were made to.\nHere\u2019s another angle of the painful crash."
"At the \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) 2018 Performance Briefing\n, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of MBM, Mark Raine took the opportunity to tease their upcoming model launch in 2019 and it is none other than the yet-to-be-unveiled \nMercedes-AMG A 45\n.\nHow do we know that Raine was referring to the A 45 in particular and not the \nA 35\n? That\u2019s because he played this exact video:\nIn the trailer video, the next-gen A 45 is hinted to feature more aggressive aero, quad exhaust pipes and a supposedly Drift Mode that allows the car to slide around in corners. Power is expected to be from a stroked, hand-assembled M133 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder \npotentially breaching the 400 hp mark\n. The A 35, on the other hand, utilises a tuned-up M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n.\nNo word on the official launch date nor the pricing strategy for the new hot hatch however we believe that there will be a slight bump in the price tag from the previous-gen model\u2019s RM350k. The bigger question here is, will we see the baby A 35 be available here in Malaysia?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNew Mercedes-AMG A 45 Teaser"
"Ford and Multimatic, the assemblers of the Ford GT, has just revealed a track-only version of their flagship supercar at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS). Called the Ford GT Mk II, its lighter, more focused than ever and packs even more punch from the EcoBoost engine.\nLimited to only 45 vehicles, each unit starts from US$1.2 million before options. That is a fair bit of money for something you can\u2019t take to the grocery store but what you do get is an unrestricted \n700 hp\n out from the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine.\n \nWith significantly\nhigher engine output (50 hp more than the standard Ford GT), the engineers gave\nthe GT Mk II an aggressive aerodynamic makeover with longer front splitters, exposed\nrear diffuser, new fender louvres and fixed dual-element rear wing.\nIt now sits on a set of race-proven five-way adjustable DSSV shock absorbers that further lowers the ride height to improve handling and aerodynamic efficiency.\nThe new parts collectively gives the car 400% more downforce than the standard road car while the Michelin Pilot Sport racing tyres enables the GT Mk II to pull more than 2 g of lateral grip.\nThe nose lift function, drive mode selector, active rear spoiler and interior trims from the road car have been stripped to give the GT Mk II over 90 kg of weight savings.\nThe interior has also been stripped down even further now leaving just a Sparco racing seat with six-point harness \u2013 passenger seats are a no-cost option, full MoTeC data logging system, roll cage and a racing steering wheel.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord GT Mk II at 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed"
"Lamborghini\n \nhas finally unveiled the \nLamborghini Revuelto\n, the successor to the \nAventador\n. It is the brand\u2019s first plug-in hybrid, and it is powered by a V12 engine and three electric motors. According to the Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, the Revuelto \u201cis a milestone in the history of Lamborghini, and an important pillar in our [Lamborghini\u2019s] Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy\u201d.\nThough the powertrain is its main highlight, let us first take a gander at the Lamborghini Revuelto\u2019s design. The front end strikes an uncanny resemblance to the Lamborghini Si\u00e1n, and rightfully so as the Si\u00e1n was the brand\u2019s first hybrid high-performance model, albeit with a mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain. The Revuelto is a Plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV).\nLamborghini says that the Revuelto\u2019s styling links back to all of the brand\u2019s previous V12-powered models. Like its V12 predecessors, the Revuelto sports scissor doors just to live up to the craziness of it all. Traces of the Countach, Diablo, and Murcielago are evident in the Revuelto. Wheel sizes can either be 20 inches in front and 21 inches at the rear or 21 inches in front and 22 inches at the rear. The Revuelto comes with a set of Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres.\nLamborghini Head of Design, Mitja Borkert said, \u201cThe Revuelto is adrenaline made visible. The design of the new Lamborghini Revuelto opens a fascinating door towards the future of our unique design language. From first sight, Revuelto is an intriguing next-generation Lamborghini V12, with all lines embracing the monocoque and celebrating a free view towards the V12 HPEV powertrain. The unique and recognizable Y-shape light signature is significant in this new era of our most iconic flagship car.\u201d\nRELATED: \nLamborghini unveils new hybrid system \u2013 V12, tri-motor, over 1000hp\nPowering the Lamborghini Revuelto is the PHEV V12 system that has been teased previously. The PHEV system consists of a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine, two axial flux electric motors for each front wheel, and a third electric motor for the rear wheels. The system outputs a combined power figure of \n1,015 hp\n (metric). As for torque, the V12 engine itself produces \n725 Nm\n at 6,750 rpm. Each front axial flux electric motor provides \n350 Nm\n. Paired with an 8-speed DCT, the drive system launches the Revuelto from 0 to 100 km/h in only \n2.5 seconds\n.\nThe Revuelto can be driven in all-wheel drive mode even with pure electric power only. It can also be front-wheel drive (FWD) only with the two front axial flux motors. The Revuelto has 13 driving modes including the new electric 4WD mode mentioned earlier. Hybrid driving modes include Recharge, Hybrid and Performance, to be combined with the Citt\u00e0 (City), Strada, Sport and Corsa modes.\nRELATED: \nThe Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is the first, but also the last of its kind \u2013 1,499 units only\nInside, the Lamborghini Revuelto is equipped with a completely new Human Machine Interface (HMI) system consisting of three displays: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 8.4-inch central display, and in addition a 9.1-inch display. The system has a fresh look and feel, with 3D graphics, animations, widgets and styling.\nThe new Revuelto infotainment system offers new functions that allow personalization and customization to create an authentic, immersive Lamborghini experience. Using a two-finger swipe, owners can move infotainment content either to the instrument cluster or to the passenger display. Using a similar gesture, the owner can memorize favorite features, so they are just a touch away.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini unveils new base-spec Urus S \u2013 same 666 hp as the Performante\nGALLERY"
"Since it was made available to the Sri Lankan market two years ago, the Perodua Bezza has gone on to become the island nation\u2019s best-selling sub-1.0-litre sedan.\nPriced at Rs3.69 million (approx. RM86,200), the Bezza has led the sub-1.0-litre category in terms of new vehicle sales, in the first seven months of 2019. Since its local launch in June 2017, Perodua have sold 1,500 units of the Bezza to date.\nA sort of \nAxia \u201cmini crossover\u201d edition\n is due to be launched soon.\nThis makes the Bezza one of the fastest-selling Peroduas in Sri Lanka, together with the Axia where some 3,000 units have been sold since 2015. Sri Lanka is Perodua\u2019s biggest overseas market, where local distributor, Unimo Enterprises, have sold over 15,000 units since 1997.\nPerodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cPerodua will continue to support its overseas distributors as the company looks to expand in the Asia-Pacific region.\u201d\n \n\u201cBuyers love the Perodua Bezza and Axia for their compactness, practicality, quality, reliability, durability and fuel efficiency. Both are also surprisingly roomy for their size,\u201d said Unimo Enterprises, CEO and Executive Director, Mr. Mahesh Gunathilake.\nThis year, Perodua aims to export 3,270 cars \u2013 a considerable 50% increase from last year\u2019s 2,184 units. To date, over 80,000 Perodua vehicles have been sold outside Malaysia."
"Jaguar has announced its return to motorsport after a sabbatical for almost a decade. The British manufacturer has confirmed long-term plans to participate in open-wheel racing as a works team, this time\u00a0in the much-hyped\u00a0Formula E Championship.\nJaguar Land Rover\u2019s Group Engineering Director, Nick Rogers said, \u201cElectric vehicles will absolutely play a role in Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s future product portfolio and Formula E will give us a unique opportunity to further our development of electrification technologies.\nThis is made possible courtesy of the successful negotiation between Jaguar Land Rover and\u00a0technical partners Williams Advanced Engineering. The team will participate in the 2016-2017 season of Formula E. Jaguar became the latest string of car manufacturers to join Formula E following DS Citroen and Renault, with Volvo showing keen interest as well.\nJaguar\u2019s last serious venture with motor racing was in Formula One via Jaguar Racing from 2000-2004. After five unsuccessful seasons, Red Bull bought over the team, which subsequently became \nRed Bull Racing\n.\nJaguar had electric car aspirations after they toyed with the idea of hybrid electric cars via the \nC-X75\n concept car back in 2011. The C-X75 was powered by four electric motors on each wheel, producing a total output of 778 hp. Sadly, the unfavourable economic conditions forced Jaguar to scrap the C-X75. Just recently, the C-X75 made an appearance in James Bond\u2019s latest flick, Spectre.\nAs Formula E promises innovation among teams in the future seasons, it remains to be seen how Jaguar will be taking this opportunity to develop future sports cars based on hybrid electric technology. It looks like BMW i8 will finally meet its long-awaited match. Or will it barge into super/hypercar territory? Only time will tell.\nMeanwhile, don\u2019t miss the Tron-inspired video from Jaguar!"
"While we may have just witnessed the launch of the \nwildly-redesigned all-new Hyundai Santa Fe\n, it\u2019s unfortunately not quite time yet for its mechanically-related sibling, the \nKia Sorento\n. It\u2019ll instead be getting a mid-lifecycle update, and \nKia\n has now released the first photos of the new 2023 Sorento for your viewing pleasure.\nThe front fascia of the facelifted 2023 Kia Sorento is where it\u2019ll catch most people\u2019s attention, as the changes here are rather significant, to say the least. Most notably are the new T-shaped headlights that take inspiration from the Kia EV9, with its daytime-running lights (DRLs) protruding into the grille itself. The Kia logo has now been moved onto the bonnet just above the shutline, while the lower air intake has also been redesigned for a cleaner and more modern look.\nOn the side, the Kia Sorento\u2019s profile has largely remained the same, albeit with newly designed alloy wheels. As for the back, Kia has given the facelifted 2023 Sorento a new set of taillights, with the two vertical elements now conjoined at the top. The reverse lights are now located even lower than before, and are now pretty much stuck right at the bottom of the rear bumper, beneath the silver skid plate-like element.\nThe interior of the new 2023 Kia Sorento facelift might seem untouched at first glance, but it\u2019s also been given a visual revamp with a focus on minimalist aesthetics. Unfortunately, that means replacing the unique split air vents from before with simpler and more matured-looking ones, and even completely removing the triangular motif on the centre stack.\nAs a result of the reworked centre stack, the old-school air conditioning controls are now replaced with a slim touch-activated panel, as seen on the \nEV6\n, while the myriad of buttons that surrounded the pre-facelift model\u2019s infotainment screen seems to also have been removed, and is now substituted by a larger 12.3-inch panoramic curved screen. Boo.\nRELATED: \n2023 Kia Sorento 2.2D 6-Seater review \u2013 Handsome, but is it for your family?\nMoving further down, the centre console now houses a rotary shifter, taking the place of the traditional gear knob in the outgoing model. Interestingly, the car even comes with a fingerprint scanner, which can be used as an authentication method for scenarios such as starting the car or when making payments.\nAs for now, no technical details or specifications regarding the Kia Sorento facelift have been announced just yet. For context, the fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe that was just revealed last week is fitted with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, together with all-wheel drive.\nCloser to home, the current 2023 Kia Sorento is offered in either 2.5-litre petrol or 2.2-litre Diesel engine options, and is available in both AWD or 2WD configurations, in six- or seven-seater options.\nPrices start from \nRM211,498\n for the entry-level 2.5L petrol seven-seater 2WD variant, and top out at \nRM255,229\n for the 2.2D diesel six-seater AWD variant. For more details, do check out our \ngallery article\n and \nvideo review\n of the car.\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia, from RM211k \u2013 Is the diesel worth it?\nGALLERY"
"Toyota\n is traditionally known for their reliability, but in the past few years, they\u2019ve also become an enthusiast\u2019s best friend, bringing out exciting sports cars such as the\n GR Supra\n, \nGR86\n, \nGR Yaris\n, and \nGR Corolla\n. The exciting turnaround for Toyota was thanks to its outgoing President and CEO, Akio Toyoda, who proclaimed \u201cno more boring cars\u201d back in 2017, kickstarting the inception of the \nGazoo Racing\n brand.\nWhen news first broke that Toyoda is\n stepping aside from the role\n, enthusiasts around the globe were understandably worried \u2013 \u201cDoes that mean the end of GR?\u201d As it turns out, there\u2019s no need for despair \u2013 incoming CEO Koji Sato has confirmed that the GR brand will indeed still be around under his leadership.\nAnd it\u2019s not just that; Sato also hinted that the company could be speeding up development of new GR Sports cars, joking that his predecessor \u2013 whose official job titles in Toyota also included \u201cMaster Driver\u201d \u2013 will now have more time to develop them.\n\u201cThe Gazoo brand will be acknowledged for the future \u2013 and maybe we can even speed it up. Our Master Driver was also president of the company at the same time as he had a steering wheel in his hand for Gazoo. Now he is only chairman, maybe he will have a lot more time to develop cars for them?\u201d Sato said in his first UK interview since taking the job.\nRELATED: \nAkio Toyoda steps down as Toyota CEO \u2013 Here are some of his \u2018greatest hits\u2019\nWhile the company hasn\u2019t revealed its future plans for the Gazoo Racing brand, one of the possibilities that Sato might be hinting at could be the GR-ified \nToyota bZ4X\n, as Toyota has previously said that it\u2019s considering a sportier version of the electric crossover.\nThe company has also previously shown-off a\n compact, two-seater electric sports car concept\n with the GR emblem, which \u2013 if made into a production model \u2013 could rival the likes of the\n upcoming Porsche 718 EV\n. Exciting times ahead for the Gazoo Racing brand, and there\u2019s no need to worry.\nALSO READ: \nToyota GR Supra now with 6-speed manual in Malaysia, from RM645k"
"Bermaz Auto Berhad took over the Malaysian distributorships of Peugeot in December 2020, followed by \nKia in April this year\n. Both marques were relinquished by Naza Group amid a soft automotive market in the country which was made worse by the coronavirus pandemic.\nFor the Peugeot brand, \nBerjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB)\n is planning an SUV offence with the introduction of the \nall-new 2008\n with the \nfacelifted 3008\n and 5008 models by December. The larger, facelifted models will continue to be locally assembled in Gurun, Kedah.\nThe plant, which has Groupe PSA\u2019s involvements, currently exports the Peugeot 3008 to Thailand and the Philippines. The smaller Peugeot 2008, which is also reported to be locally-assembled, made its (second generation) global debut in 2019 and is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with outputs of up to \n155 hp.\nIn the report by Maybank Investment bank shared with investors, the range of new Kia models will be more diversified. As mentioned earlier, \nthree models have already been planned for local assembly\n by the new joint-venture company called Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, including the \nKia Seltos\n and \nCarnival\n, with the third model now revealed as the new Kia Sportage.\nThe \nnew Kia Sportage\n was just unveiled for the South Korean market early this month, available with a petrol engine and a hybrid powertrain planned for introduction at a later date. As such, expect local assembly for this new model to only commence in 2022.\nBermaz Auto is also planning to introduce electrified and EV models from the range of automakers it manages. If the proposed EV policy by the government is favourable, expect the \nKia EV6\n and \nMazda MX-30\n to be launched in due course.\nThe EV models will have subscription-based plans to address durability and residual values that are the biggest sticking points in EV ownership. Bermaz Auto has also identified private operators to be involved with on the charging infrastructure to ensure customers get the best out of their EVs.\nThe Kia EV6 is marketed as a premium product- the entry model with 228 hp and 500 km of range is priced from GBP40,895 (RM238,000), while the Mazda MX-30 is priced from GBP26,045, similar to a \nNissan Leaf\n.\nWatch the Kia EV6 GT take on a group of supercars in this drag race!\n \nThe Kia Niro Hybrid, slightly larger than a Proton X50, comes with a 130 hp full-hybrid powertrain and returns 4 litres/100 km of fuel consumption is also targeted for introduction by Dinamikjaya Motors, the new distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia. A \nNiro EV\n model with 204 hp and 450 km range is also available. \u00a0\u00a0\nBermaz Auto, together with their respective joint-venture companies, remains committed to turning around the Peugeot and Kia brands by addressing the legacy issues."
"We are days away from the official debut of the third-generation Volvo S60 and now the Swedish premium car maker has teased the range-topping variant of its forthcoming sedan, the Volvo S60 T8 TwinEngine Polestar Engineered.\nThis will be the first time a Polestar-tuned Volvo that will be offered as part of the product variant line up. The Polestar Engineered is \npositioned above the R-Design\n versions and features all the performance-enhancing bits from Polestar.\nThere is a catch however, the Polestar Engineered variant will be offered exclusively with the T8 TwinEngine plug-in hybrid powertrain option, highlighting \nVolvo and Polestar\u2019s commitment for electrified vehicles\n.\nPresident and CEO at Volvo Cars, H\u00e5kan Samuelsson said: \u201cElectric cars are our future. Today starts a new era of Volvo electrified models enhanced by Polestar\u2019s performance engineering prowess. This strategy is firmly grounded in our shared belief in an electric future for the car industry.\u201d   You can discern a Polestar Engineered variant through its \ngolden-painted Brembo brake calipers\n \u2013 the new hallmark colour for Polestar Engineered components \u2013 Polestar emblems, black chrome exhaust pipes, adjustable \u00d6hlins shock absorbers and strut bars as well as gold seatbelts inside.\nUnder the hood, Polestar has bumped the output of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin charged T8 plug-in hybrid mill from\n 400 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n to \n415 hp\n and \n670 Nm\n of twist. The eight-speed automatic transmission has also been recalibrated to suit the increased output. Naturally, fuel consumption and emission figures were not compromised.\nVolvo has also expressed that the Polestar Engineered will be available for other \n60 series T8 TwinEngine models\n like the \nV60\n and \nXC60\n \u2013 the latter is available on sale right here in Malaysia. However, don\u2019t get your hopes high for it to make its way here as Volvo has said that Polestar Engineered models will only be available in \u201climited numbers\u201d.\nSenior Vice President of Research and Development at Volvo Cars, Henrik Green commenting on the new model variant: \u201cThe new S60 T8 Polestar Engineered is an electrified car that does what you want it to. All components have been fine-tuned to work together, delivering a responsive and exciting driver\u2019s car.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S60 T8 Polestar Engineered Teaser"
"Audi is expanding its spectrum of painting methods to include \u201coverspray-free painting\u201d where it would allow specific surfaces of a car\u2019s body to be painted in a different colour \u2013 all in one spraying process.\nTo spray a contrasting colour, employees previously had to mask off the relevant parts of the car body and then paint it separately with a second spray process.\nWith the new method, a robot-controlled high precision instrument would measure the spaces between the roof and the side-panel frame before each car is painted.\nThe black paint is then applied directly to the car\u2019s body in individual strips with \naccuracy down to the millimeter\n. The paint is also \napplied with sharp borders and without any spray mist\n hence the name overspray-free.\nThis new method which is undergoing tests at Audi\u2019s plant in Ingolstadt will not only save time and money but also the environment. On one hand, no more masking materials are needed; on the other hand, less paint is required. Audi plans to put the innovative process into series production already next year."
"We take the\u00a0Volvo XC60 T5 Drive-E for a drive. 2-litre 4-cylinder engine,\u00a08-speed auto Geartronic transmission, 245hp, 350Nm. It\u2019s a\u00a0leaner and meaner Viking.\nThese days, the purchase of an SUV makes perfect sense for the urbanites alike. It carries the space of a sedan with additional cargo space, and a ground clearance high enough to traverse the more rugged terrains that we might come across. When all is said and done, these SUVs never climbed a kerb, let alone driven off road but that didn\u2019t stop people from snapping them up away from the showrooms.\nAs far as premium SUVs come into picture, they are probably seen as a lifestyle image even though some are properly engineered to be capable to take on the dirty stuff. Volvo\u2019s famous SUV has always been the XC90, the full size all-wheel drive SUV that will take seven on board. It was a huge success for Volvo prompting them to replicate that success in a smaller package, consequently the XC60 was born.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo XC60 T5 Drive-E\nSegment\nPremium Compact SUV\nEngine\n1,969 cc 4-Cylinder Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Auto Geartronic\nMax Power\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,800 rpm\nPrice\nRM 288,888.00\n (OTR without insurance)\nThe original XC60 officially went on sale in 2008 as the younger and more stylish sibling to the XC90. With a range of petrol and diesel engines driving either the front or all four wheels, it offers versatility to the Volvo buyers who doesn\u2019t need the extra space of the XC90. After five years in the market, Volvo engineers gave it an update not only to the outside, but under the skin as well.\nThe star of the update is the more powerful and more efficient new \nDrive-E\n powertrain that replaces the old Ford-derived units. \nIntroduced here in June 2014\n, the XC60 range consists of the \nturbocharged T5\n, and the \nturbocharged and supercharged T6\n. Both are powered by the new \n2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E petrol\n engine driving the front wheels via the\n eight-speed Geartronic\n auto.   The Twilight Bronze XC60 we have here is the less powerful T5 variant, but it still dishes out a healthy dose of \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Wrapped in a chic and curvy body, will that be enough to take on the rivals in the premium compact SUV segment? Let\u2019s find out!\nEXTERIOR\nThe rejuvenated XC60 now sports a less fussy headlights arrangement where the LED strips have been migrated down to the bumper. This allows for a broader grille to be fitted which makes the XC60 appear to be wider than before. While the previous XC60\u2019s face might look like it was trying too hard, the new one is much more understated yet classy.   By using radar-based sensors for the \nBlind Spot Information System\n (BLIS), the side mirrors are now free from the bulky cameras. The strong rising shoulder line side profile is retained, and the back still looks the same with those sexy and curvy LED-infused taillights. Down below is a pair of foglamps and a pair of oval tailpipes hiding deep inside the chrome trapezoidal finishers.   Ditching the black plastic trim around the vehicle makes the the XC60 look more urban-inclined, which suits it better since it\u2019s no longer an all-wheel drive vehicle. The bumper skid plates and side running boards are optional items, however they do add a bit of zest to the vehicle.\nStandard XC60 T5 runs on 17-inch wheels with the exception of our test unit that rolls on the optional \n20-inch \nCandor\n wheels\n which undoubtedly gives it more presence on the road albeit not without compromise to the ride quality.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior from the pre-facelifted XC60 has been largely carried forward to this XC60. Solidly built and stylish as it may be, it\u2019s beginning to look dated especially the floating dash that\u2019s crammed with buttons. The \nSensus Connect\n system is pretty clunky to use and not as intuitive as you would expect, but it\u2019s not short of features such as \nDVD\n and \nMP3\n playback, \nBluetooth\n phone pairing, and even \nGPS navigation\n.   Behind the steering wheel sprouts a pair of \nshift paddles\n, and the optional \nAdaptive Digital Display\n looks too cool for you to leave it out of the options list. Both front seats are electrically-operated and the driver\u2019s seat has memory function. They have sufficient side bolsters although the flat seat base won\u2019t hold your buttocks as effectively as the backrest does to the back of your torso.   There\u2019s plenty of space for three at the back, however elbow room can get pretty tight. The rear bench \nsplit and fold 40/20/40\n and each of the two outer seats incorporate a \nbuilt-in two-stage seat booster\n for little kids, while the middle backrest folds down to reveal a twin cupholders and a lidded compartment. The boot will swallow \n532 litres\n worth of cargo which is big enough for the occasional trips to IKEA, facilitated by the low boot sill for painless loading and unloading of items.   Elsewhere in the cabin there\u2019s a deep lockable glovebox, well-sized door pockets, and a large cubby under the front armrest. Despite that, the placement of the twin illuminated cupholders in the high center tunnel is a bit awkward because when they are occupied, the drinks might get in the way of your left arm the moment you want to operate the gearlever.   Safety has always been a major subject for Volvo, so it\u2019s not surprising that the XC60 is stuffed with \nairbags\n at the front, side, and even inside some of the door pillars. What\u2019s more, its occupants are protected by the \nSide Impact Protection System\n (SIPS), \nWhiplash Protection System\n (WHIPS), and \nRoll Over Protection System\n (ROPS). All that resulted the XC60 to bag itself the \nInsurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award\n recently.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the sculpted bonnet beats a new heart. The new four-cylinder Drive-E still displaces 2.0-litres, but the new engine gains \n5 more horses\n and \n30 Nm more torque\n compared to the outgoing turbocharged four in the previous XC60 T5.\nWith \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n on tap, the XC60 spins its front wheels from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n7.2 seconds\n and all the way to the \ntop speed\n of \n210 km/h\n.\nNot only the new Drive-E is more powerful, it\u2019s also more economical with\n start/stop function\n equipped as standard. Besides that, the pairing with the new \neight-speed Geartronic\n helps to further improve the \nfuel consumption\n, which is now rated at \n6.9 l/100 km\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nWith the massive wheels and the turning radius of an oil tanker, truck drivers will feel at home in the XC60. For non-truck drivers it means that maneuvering in tight parking areas can be daunting sometimes, but they will get used to it eventually. Even though it has \nfront and rear sensors\n, the inclusion of a reverse camera would be greatly appreciated on a vehicle with a rather limited view backwards.\nHowever, once on the move the XC60 feels surprisingly nimble, like a smaller car than it actually is; enabling you to quickly gain confidence in handling it like a normal hatchback. Although the ride can get rather lumpy on the dilapidated roads of KL with the optional 20-inch wheels. Terrible temporary roadworks and small crevasses get amplified to the cabin, so unless the roads where you\u2019re staying are smooth as glass, you might want to uncheck those handsome \nCandor\n wheels option.\nOn the dry twisty roads the \n255/45 R20 Pirelli Scorpion Zero Assimetrico\n provides optimum grip alongside \ntorque vectoring\n that brakes the inside wheels to minimise understeer. Enthusiastic drivers will find the steering carries a nice heft to it, never mind it\u2019s not particularly direct in feel.\nDon\u2019t get too carried away though, torque steer is still present at times, therefore do treat the throttle pedal with care especially in the wet. If driven vigorously be prepared to be thrown around on flat seat base, but at least the helm is chunky enough for you to hold on to your dear life. The Aisin-sourced eight-speeder is neither the smoothest nor the quickest gearbox out there, making the shift paddles most likely to be left untouched for most of the time.\nAs you settle to a cruise on the highway with the speedometer indicating north of 110 km/h mark, the engine is not even spinning at 2,000 rpm. There are still noticeable wind and tyre noise, nevertheless the cabin is generally hushed from the outside hullabaloo. The torquey Drive-E unit makes overtaking slower traffic effortless, it doesn\u2019t really need to be revved hard as the torque is readily available from a lowly 1,500 rpm.\nSimilar to the other modern four-cylinder engines the Drive-E sounds like a diesel at idle, but give it the beans and it\u2019ll emit a rather muted but sporty timbre with a hint of turbo chirp as you short-shift your way up the eight available ratios. At the end of the day, the fuel consumption varies depending on your right foot, but throughout the period this writer did a combined 7.3 l/100 km.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nNot unlike the other premium compact SUV in the market, the XC60 is a capable SUV to suit multiple needs of an urban dweller. The engine is punchy enough for a quick burst in and out of traffic and on the highways it\u2019s able to show those pesky B-segment wannabes a good clean pair of heels too.\nTo choose the XC60 over the rivals however, is most likely due to the attractive price tag and the brand appreciation. If you\u2019re sold on the looks alone, do remember that our test unit is fitted to the brim with the \nViking package\n that will set you back more than 25 grand, so we suggest you to head to the nearest Volvo showroom to check out how the base XC60 looks like before deciding.\nCOMPARISONS\nAs mentioned, against the German rivals the XC60 is the cheapest here, but then again our test car here is loaded with the optional extras pushing the price to well above RM 300,000. The \nBMW X3 xDrive20i\n is the most expensive at RM 325,800.00 despite being locally-assembled like the XC60. On the other hand, the fully-imported \nAudi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro\n is RM900 cheaper than the BMW.\nStandard equipment are more or less the same, leather seats, auto climate control, auto lights and wipers, multiple airbags, and all sorts of acronyms to represent the safety systems fitted.\nAll three employs the same formula of a \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox\n. Power is distributed to the\n all-wheel drive system\n except in the XC60 where it only drives the front wheels. While the XC60 may not have all-wheel drive traction as the other two, the benefit from that is it sips less fuel than the two Germans.\nApart from the better fuel consumption, the \nXC60\n is the most powerful of the bunch with \n245 hp\n. The \nQ5\n is close behind with\n 225 hp\n, while the \nX3\n is trailing behind with just \n184 hp\n. The X3 is also 80 Nm short on torque, compared to the Audi and Volvo with 350 Nm.\nVolvo XC60 T5 Drive-E\nBMW X3 xDrive 20i\nAudi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,969\n1,997\n1,984\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n245/5,500\n184/5,000-6,250\n225/4,500-6,250\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n350/1,500-4,800\n270/1,250-4,500\n350/1,500-4,500\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n8-speed Geartronic\n8-speed Automatic\n8-speed Tiptronic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nVentilated disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n235/65 R17\n245/50 R18\n235/60 R18\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,644\n4,657\n4,629\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,891\n1,881\n1,898\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,713\n1,678\n1,655\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,774\n2,810\n2,807\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,794\n1,810\n1,850\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n523\n550\n540\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n70 litres\n67 litres\n75 litres\nConsumption\n6.7\u00a0L/100 km\n7.2\u00a0L/100 km\n7.9\u00a0L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n210\n210\n222\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n7.2\n8.2\n7.1\nPRICE\nRM\n288,888.00\n325,800.00\n324,900.00\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThe XC60 T5 is an interesting package and a great alternative to a premium compact executive sedan. Being a front-wheel drive SUV doesn\u2019t bother me that much even though it\u2019s always good to have all-wheel drive for extra assurance in worse conditions. But this particular XC60 won\u2019t be my pick, especially when fitted with those 20-inch wheels. Instead I\u2019d plump that extra dough on the T6 and leave the understated look as it is.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Maserati has just announced a new engine option for the MY19 Maserati Levante range. The premium SUV can now be had with a 3.0-litre litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine and is positioned as the entry-level variant.\nWith \n350 hp\n on tap, the all-wheel-drive Levante will sprint to 100 km/h from rest in \n6.0 seconds\n, 0.8 seconds slower than the \n430 hp\n \nLevante S\n. Top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n. Maserati said that despite being the entry-level petrol engine, the Levante still retains the signature aural character and performance.\nMaking its global debut at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Levante range has also been updated with new options such as Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlamps, Integrated Vehicle Control as well as 11 colour options.\nMike Biscoe, General Manager, Maserati GB commented: \u201cWe are pleased to be able to now offer the \n350 hp\n petrol engine on the Maserati Levante, which in addition to the\n 430 hp\n petrol engine we introduced last year and the \n275 hp\n diesel we offered at launch, provide a much greater choice to our UK customers. The introduction of the more cost-effective, entry-level petrol engine is a result of the demand in the market and we expect it to sell extremely well.\u201d\nLocal distributor, Naza Italia has both the Maserati Levante Diesel and Levante S on sale from RM788k.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMaserati Levante GrandSport   Maserati Levante S"
"Last month, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced the new facelift E-Class in the form of the\n E 200 Avantgarde\n and the \nE 300 AMG\n \nLine\n.\nThe E 200 Avantgarde variant gets a new hexagonal grille with a touch of the Panamericana grille while the E 300 AMG Line gets a trapezoid-shaped grille with the more traditional chrome pins. 18-inch wheels are fitted onto the E 200, with the more powerful E 300 sporting 18-inch wheels.\nIt goes without saying that the E 300 AMG Line looks a lot more aggressive with sportier front and rear bumpers compared to the clean and elegant look of the E 200.\n \nDespite having the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired a 9G Tronic 9-speed automatic gearbox, the E 200 produces \n197 hp \nand \n320 Nm\n, while the more powerful E 300 delivers a solid \n258 hp \nand \n350 Nm\n. The E 200 is still no slouch, as 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.4 seconds while the E 300 will match a hot hatch in just 6.2 seconds.\nInside, the E 300 AMG Line stands out with a lot more equipment such as the new funky steering wheel, wireless charging, a panoramic roof, a Burmester sound system and the Mercedes Emergency Call System.\nPrices start from \nRM326,943\n for the E 200 while the E 300 goes for \nRM375,432\n. Click here for more details on what\u2019s new in the \nE 200\n and \nE 300\n."
"The \nall-new Toyota Corolla\n is set to be selected as the new patrol vehicle for the Royal Malaysia Police, or PDRM, with a prototype unit of the modified vehicle showcased by Go Auto to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.\nGo Auto, the fleet provider for the Toyota Corolla, said today that it has received a letter of intent from the Home Ministry to supply \n425 units\n of mobile patrol vehicles (MPV), to replace the aging Proton Wira and Proton Waja in stages.\nThe fleet will come with five years of free service, and each unit will be customised with additional police-specific accessories. These include the Integrated Light Sound System, Fleet Management System, as well as the Very High Frequency radio set.\nThe preparation of this police-spec Corolla prototype is an early step to ensure immediate approval and swift delivery, according to Go Auto. At the moment, the company is currently \nawaiting for final decision\n by the Ministry of Finance on the supply.\nThe \nfirst 100 units\n of the new MPV is scheduled to be \ndelivered in less than two months\n, where PDRM will be able to utilise the fleet in the days leading up to the \nAsia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020 forum\n, which will be hosted in Kuala Lumpur.\nGo Auto Group Executive Director, Dato\u2019 SM Azli SM Nasimuddin said, \u201cThis is the second time Go Auto has been awarded with a tender. Before this, we successfully delivered 200 units of four-wheel-drive (4WD) to RMP last year, which was earlier than the expected timeframe.\n\u201cWe are actively bidding in open government and private tenders as it is part of our business diversification,\u201d he added. \u201cOur main focus is \u2018Special Vehicle\u2019.\u201d"
"Mazda\u2019s flagship model, the \nrecently-unveiled 2016 Mazda CX-9\n\u00a0has yet to make it to production, but some journalists in the United States (where 80 percent of CX-9s are projected to be sold), \nThe Fast Lane Car (TFL4K)\n in this case, have been given the privilege to go up close and personal with the one and only prototype of the CX-9.\nIn this video, TFL4K host Nathan Adlen interviewed\u00a0Mazda\u2019s Vehicle Development Engineer Dave Coleman who explicitly detailed the technical aspects of the CX-9, most notably on its \nturbocharged 2.5-litre direct injection\n\u00a0four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine. According to Coleman, the CX-9 will make between \n225 hp\n to \n250 hp\n\u00a0(official figure is 227 hp at 5,000 rpm) depending on the fuel grade, but to the car it\u2019s only a matter of ECU adaptation.\nWhat\u2019s more significant here, as pointed out by Coleman, is the engineering challenge to provide torque delivery that\u2019s almost as linear as a larger naturally aspirated engine like the older CX-9\u2019s 3.7-litre Cyclone V6. Now, although the new turbocharged engine makes less horsepower than the V6 of old (270 hp V6; 227 hp Skyactiv), the former boasts better torque figures at \n420 Nm\n (which peaks at 2,000 rpm) compared to the Cyclone\u2019s 366 Nm.\nMore emphasis is put on torque than horsepower this time, but the justification is such that the CX-9 is exactly the kind of car you drive everyday, from home to work and the occasional road trip with the family. With that in mind, Mazda specifically tuned the engine to provide linear but powerful acceleration from the low end of the rev range.\nThe older CX-9 had an Aisin-made gearbox, but this Skyactiv model, needless to say, comes with Mazda\u2019s own Skyactiv-Drive transmission \u2013 a \nsix-speed torque converter\n gearbox. Coleman too elaborated on the new gearbox and how it prevents the \nrubber band effect\n (otherwise known as slippage) normally associated with torque converters. Drive is sent to all four wheels.\nInside Mazda\u2019s 7-seater flagship model is quite an exquisite thing to behold. The seats are wrapped in Nappa leather and are perforated for heating or cooling purposes. We can now confirm that the 7-inch MZD Connect display (can be operated via touchscreen or the rotary dials and button just below the gear lever) doesn\u2019t retract, so it will permanently sit atop the dashboard.   Another feature we\u2019ve come to appreciate is the wood veneer surrounding the centre console. It\u2019s made of \nreal open pore rosewood\n, handcrafted by a Japanese guitar maker who was the only guy capable of conceiving such masterful carpentry.\nIf you\u2019ve got a little over 10 minutes to spare and are interested to know all there is to know about the new Mazda CX-9, then we promise you this video won\u2019t be a letdown. Now, just how likely is the idea of a turbocharged Mazda6?\nIMAGE GALLERY   \u4e2d\u6587\u7248\uff1a\nAutoRepublic.my"
"The \nToyota Gazoo Racing Festival\n, with its signature GR Vios Challenge races, is returning for a sixth season. This year, the Toyota GR Festival\u2019s Vios Challenge calendar will consist of three double-header rounds (for a total of six races) scheduled in February, June, and September, with a grid made up of many fresh and young faces gunning for glory \u2013 for a share of the RM1 million prize pool.\nIn addition to the three rounds, the GR Festival series will also tie in with the Malaysia Championship Series with the GR Vios Sprint Cup, consisting of two rounds (four races) in May and June. Meanwhile, the season finale for the Toyota GR Festival will be held as part of the prestigious \nSepang 1000km (S1K) \nrace in November, with the third running of the GR Vios Enduro Cup.\nIn the one-make GR Vios Challenge, racing will again be divided into four classes: the Promotional Class for local celebrities, the Super Sporting Class for elite and professional drivers; the Sporting Class for amateur and gentlemen drivers, and the Rookie Class for young drivers from the marque\u2019s own young talent development programme.\nA total of more than 40 drivers will form the grid for Season 6 of the GR Vios Challenge. Among them are teenage driver Hayden Haikal, returning for his sixth straight season to defend the Super Sporting Class title which he won last year. He will represent Axle Sports in a two car entry alongside Naquib Azlan, who won last year\u2019s Sporting Class.\nThe \u2018Prince of Drift\u2019 Tengku Djan Ley will also be returning for Season 6 with Prima Pearl TD Racing in the Super Sporting Class, in a pursuit of his fourth Class title alongside teammate Mitchell Cheah.\nThe highlight for this year is arguably in the Sporting Class, as it will feature an expanded grid of 18 contenders, featuring a large number of young drivers including Nabil Azlan \u2013 who was the Rookie Class champion for Season 5 \u2013 driving for Axle Sports, Abdul Miqail for 23 Motors, Crestmax Motorsports\u2019 Bradley Benedict Anthony, Distinctive Model\u2019s Aaron Haikal, Muhammad Amirul Haikal representing Super Evergreen Motorsports, and Muhammad Alif Shawqi with Todak Wheelstar Motorsport.\nAs for the Promotional Class, half of the grid will be made up by new faces, including professional ten pin bowler and drama actress Syaidatul Afifah; actor, TV Host and radio presenter Imran Aqil; actor and host Ezzrin Loy; actor, host, and television personality Hefsy Sahad; and actress and model Reen Rahim.\nThe newbies will be joined by class veterans including actor Shukri Yahaya, who will be defending his championship title this year; actor Zizan Razak; actress and television personality Ahirine Ahirudin, and television personality Ain Edruce.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota GR86 launched in Malaysia \u2013 6MT and 6AT options, from RM295k\nRound one of the Toyota GR Festival has already kicked off last weekend at the Sepang International Circuit, and as usual, it was packed with action and drama from start to end across all four classes. Race incidents and post-race penalties meant may not have been a challenge for certain racers, but for some others \u2013 particularly a group of young drivers \u2013 it was the start to the season that they\u2019ve always dreamed off, with back-to-back visits to the podium across the two days.\nIn the Super Sporting class, Prima Pearl TD Racing\u2019s Mitchell Cheah redeemed himself with a dominating race from start to finish in Race 2 thanks to the reverse grid format in which placed him at the front of the grid, especially after a 10-second post-race penalty in Race 1 stripped him of a race win.\nHe finished 0.4 seconds ahead of Laser Motor Racing\u2019s Putera Adam, although a post-race penalty dropped Putera down to fifth place. Defending Super Sporting Class champion Hayden Haikal was then promoted to second in Race 2, while Cheah\u2019s teammate Tengku Djan Ley was promoted into the third spot.\nIn the Sporting Class meanwhile, Race 2\u2019s safety car incident in lap three jumble up the standings, and resulted in a mad dash across the finish line between Crestmax Motorsport\u2019s Bradley Benedict Anthony and Season 5 Rookie Class Champion and Race 1 winner Nabil Azlan, with a photo finish of 0.7 seconds between the two.\nThey are joined on the podium by 17-year-old Abdul Miqail, whose second-place finish in Race 1 was taken away after a 30-second penalty handed to him after the race.\nREAD MORE: \n2023 Toyota GR Corolla launched in Malaysia, RM355k 6-speed manual hot hatch\nAs for the Rookie Class, 16-year-old Ariff Azmi clinched victory in Race 2 ahead of Nazmir Azlan and Iman Danish in third position. Iman Danish and Nazmir Azlan were also repeat podium finishers across the weekend, with the pair finishing first and third respectively in Race 1.\nRounding up the action for the weekend was the Promotional class, which \u2013 as many predicted \u2013 was still a \u201cZizan-Shukri Show\u201d, as the two actors duelled their way to yet another photo finish. Zizan Razak won both races ahead of Shukri Yahaya, with just a 0.27 and 0.3 seconds gap in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively.\nJoining them was newcomer Ezzrin Loy, who successfully secured two podium finishes in only two races under his belt, finishing third in both races.\nOver the two race days, \nUMW Toyota\n said that over 3.5 million viewers tuned in live online to witness the action. The GR Vios Challenge will continue with Round 2 from 2-4 June 2023, which will also be held at the Sepang International Circuit."
"Audi will be presenting the all-new Audi SQ2 for the first time at the upcoming 2018 Paris Motor Show. The SQ2 will be the top of the line variant of the compact SUV and follows the same recipe as its other hot siblings like the SQ5.\nAt the heart of the SQ2 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI mill that has been boosted to \n300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of twist. The seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel-drive allows the baby SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 4.8 seconds\n; only 0.4 seconds slower than the \nMercedes-AMG GLA 45\n. Top speed on the Audi is capped at \n250 km/h\n.\nTo go with the extra output, Audi has fitted the SQ2 with an S sport suspension that lowers the ride height by 20 mm, recalibrated the steering ratio and fitted large brake kit that measures 340 mm in diameter up front and 310 mm at the rear. The brake callipers can be painted in red rather than black as an option.\nIn terms of exterior design, the top of the line Q2 gets eight vertical slats on the Singleframe grille, quad exhaust outlets, more aggressive bumpers, long roof edge spoiler and new diffuser inserts. Audi and Audi Sport offer up to 10-wheel designs measuring 18- or 19-inch in diameter.\nThe Audi SQ2 will make its global debut in October while deliveries will commence in early 2019."
"The \nBlack Badge series\n is one of Rolls-Royce\u2019s most unique, and perhaps, most important offering to date, with more than 27% of all Rolls sold globally being a Black Badge model. So with the introduction of the \nsecond-generation Ghost\n last year, Rolls-Royce has now \u2013 of course \u2013 given it the same stealthy treatment.\nDespite its name, the Ghost Black Badge can actually be specified in any of the 44,000 colours in Rolls-Royce\u2019s palette, or any custom hue that you can imagine. But most of its customers, as expected, chose to instead go for the model-specific black paint.\nDubbed as the \u201cmotor car industry\u2019s darkest black\u201d, the hue consists of a whopping 45 kg of paint, which is atomised and applied to an electrostatically charged body before being oven dried. The Ghost Black Badge then gets two layers of clear coat, before being hand-polished by a team of four craftsman for the signature high-gloss piano finish.\nThe second-generation Rolls-Royce Ghost is now available in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nThe entire painstaking painting process takes up to five hours, and allows for an intensity \u201csimply unattainable elsewhere in the automotive industry\u201d. To contrast the intense black, customers can also opt for a high-contrast hand-painted Coachline to give it a \u201cblack and neon\u201d aesthetic.\nUnique on the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is also a unique dark finish on the Spirit of Ecstasy ornament and Pantheon Grille, thanks to a special chroming process that results in a final thickness of just one micrometre \u2013 around one hundredth of the width of a human hair.\nCompleting the all-black exterior look is a set of bespoke 21-inch wheels, constructed from 44 layers of carbon fibre to give it a unique look and extra strength, and finished with a lightly tinted lacquer to protect the finish \u2013 but still allow clients to observe the complexity of the wheels\u2019 unique carbon fibre construction.\nRolls-Royce has the youngest buyers among all BMW Group brands. Surprised? Read more here.\nInside, the Black Badge Ghost comes with bespoke trim pieces handmade from Bolivar veneer, layered with \u201ctechnical fibre\u201d, resin-coated carbon, and contrasting metal-coated threads laid in a diamond pattern to give it a three-dimensional effect.\nThere\u2019s also the darkened air vents thanks to a physical vapour deposition process, but most noteworthy of all is the illuminated Black Badge infinity symbol on the dashboard, surrounded by 850 stars that are only visible at night, a perfect complement to the hallmark Starlight Headliner.\nLike the exterior, the inside of the Ghost Black Badge can also be specified in any colour combinations that you like. Rolls-Royce says that, however, its customers do tend to stick with a darker motif, with brighter hues used solely to give it some more \u201cpop\u201d.\nThe car here that Rolls-Royce has customised to show off its new Black Badge Ghost model shows it off particularly well, with the main leather upholstery in black, accented by teal panels and trims pieces, and matched with teal brake calipers on the outside too.\nNew fully-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre will be launched in 2023! Learn more here.\nBeyond just aesthetic updates though, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge also comes with a number of mechanical tweaks to make it slightly more engaging to drive. The air suspensions have been tweaked to reduce body roll while cornering, and the 6.75-litre V12 engine also now makes 600 hp and 900 Nm of torque (up 29 hp and 50 Nm) to make the car feel a little lighter on its feet.\nExclusive to the Black Badge model is also the Low Mode button on the gearshift lever, which essentially unlocks the Ghost\u2019s sports mode, resulting in 50% quicker gear shifts on the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. To be clear, it will never be a sports sedan, but at least it\u2019ll still be pretty quick \u2013 even with its massive weight.\nThe Black Badge treatment will be offered on both the standard and long wheelbase version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost, and is now available for commission starting at GBP249,500 (approx. RM1.4 million) plus taxes.\nGALLERY"
"MPVs unfortunately have a pretty bad reputation in many parts of the world, for either being too \u201csoccer mom\u201d, or too \u201cI\u2019m a rich man I can do whatever I want on the road\u201d i.e. your typical Alphards or Vellfires. But that might all change soon, as the \nall-new 2022 Kia Carnival\n has flipped the script entirely for what it means to be an MPV.\nYou see, Kia now calls the Carnival a \u201cGUV\u201d, short for Grand Utility Vehicle. While we usually hate silly marketing names (\nahem, Gran Coupe\n), this one here makes just enough sense for us to give it a pass.\nThat\u2019s because the all-new Carnival features some fundamental changes to its proportions that differentiates itself from the run-off-the-mill MPVs in the market. Particularly, the A-pillars have been pushed backwards for a longer bonnet giving the impression of an SUV \u2013 at least when viewed from the front.\nThe Korean carmaker also incorporated several other SUV-inspired design elements into the Carnival, including the stylised C-pillars, floating roof, well-proportioned wheels, and sleek belt line on the sides to further add to the illusion. But most importantly of all, the Carnival just plainly looks good.\nVideo: Can the 2022 11-seater Kia Carnival MPV finally dethrone the Toyota Alphard?\nAnd yet, the 2022 Kia Carnival doesn\u2019t forget its true purpose as a people carrier. Inside the cabin is, on paper, space for 11 passengers \u2013 although we\u2019ll argue that it\u2019s perhaps more comfortable to carry just six (or eight in a pinch) and save the rest for your luggage. There\u2019s also rear air con blowers with a separate single-zone climate control, sliding doors, sunshades, and plenty of USB ports to keep all your passengers comfortable and occupied.\nIt\u2019s also pretty well-equipped for the driver, too, with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the dashboard for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight-way powered seats with lumbar adjustments, and safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert to take away some of the stress when driving such a large vehicle.\nThe more advanced safety features such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, however, are unfortunately lacking here. Hopefully they\u2019ll be present on the eventual CKD model.\nAs for the actual driving part, the all-new 2022 Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine making \n199 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nAll of the above come at a very competitive price of \nRM196,341\n. Enough for you to forget about the recond Alphards? Check out the detailed gallery below and decide for yourself.\nGALLERY"
"Think you\u2019ve seen it all with Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit? Think again, because Audi\u2019s upcoming successor is out to impress even the most tech-savvy of you out there. The virtual dashboard will debut in the next generation Audi A8.\nWhat you see here is an extended version of the virtual cockpit, and the next time you lay eyes and hands on the Audi A8, you\u2019ll be greeted by three screens: a \ncentral dash\n, \nlower dash\n, and \ninstrument binnacle\n. These thin and curvy screens are 14.1-inch diagonally across (2,240 x 720 pixel resolution), utilising OLED (organic light emitting diode) technology which is new for cars. The\u00a0slightly curved surface ensures a glare-free experience.   The instrument cluster will remain as is, but the two new screens in the centre dashboard help facilitate infotainment controls, navigation and media functions, whereas the lower screen is used for text input and climate controls.\nThe screens, which provide\u00a0\nhaptic feedback\n, can be personalised to your liking. Also to note, the rotary knobs and dials we all have come to know of Audi will be history when the virtual dashboard arrives.\u00a0That said, it\u2019s still a work in progress as Audi is still working on reducing heat levels and improving screen longevity. OLED technology is also in its infancy, so expect the first batch of the new A8 to come with the usual LED and LCD screens instead.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton Holdings Berhad has just launched a new variant to the Saga lineup \u2013 the Saga Plus, which will effectively replace the outgoing SV, Executive and SE variants all without increasing its price of RM33,242.40 (manual; RM36,099.84 for the CVT).\nSo, what\u2019s new to the Saga Plus? For the same price as the Proton Saga SV, you get the looks of the costlier Saga Executive look, courtesy of a new set of \n14-inch full alloy rims\n, full body kit (front, side and rear), a rear spoiler, a \u2018Plus\u2019 badge as well as a rear garnish body colour (previously matte black).\u00a0\nPowering the Saga Plus is a 1.3-litre Campro IAFM inline-four cylinder that makes 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h will take 13.0 seconds with the five-speed manual, and with the CVT it takes 14.5 seconds. Top speed is 160 km/h for the manual and 155 km/h for the CVT.\nThe Proton Saga Plus will only be available for viewing in showrooms beginning 15 August 2015 (Saturday), and will come in \nfive different colours\n \u2013 Tranquility Black, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White and Elegant Brown. Packaged together with your purchase is a\n three-year or 60,000km\n warranty programme, whichever occurs first.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley\u2019s Blackline package has always been one of its most popular options \u2013 the Crewe-based luxury carmaker says that 38% of all Continental GTs (and its related family members) sold have been customised with its \nexisting Blackline offering\n.\nSo it stands to reason that Bentley has now introduced a new Mulliner Blackline package for the Continental GT, perhaps to appease some of its even wealthier customers.\nFor those who aren\u2019t aware, Mulliner is Bentley\u2019s fancy coachbuilding and customisation arm. They call it the \u201cworld\u2019s oldest automotive coachbuilder\u201d, but these days, they mostly just make unique trim options for Bentley\u2019s already luxurious vehicles \u2013 like this one.\nAs the name suggests, the Mulliner Blackline package essentially takes the\n fancy Mulliner exterior trim \n\u2013 including the unique \u201cdouble diamond\u201d grille, 22-inch wheels, and Mulliner-branded side vents trims \u2013 and replaces all of the shiny chrome bits with a gloss black.\nRELATED: Bentley celebrates 1,000 Mulliner projects with a bespoke purple Bentayga\nThe black-out treatment extends to the wing mirrors, which gets a special Beluga Black hue. But to still give it a touch of \u201cbling\u201d, Bentley has kept the emblems, grille surrounds, and the circular trims around the wheels\u2019 self-levelling Bentley badge in chrome.\nOn the inside, the Mulliner Blackline package still comes with the unique diamond-in-diamond quilting for its seats and door panels. But despite being called \u201cBlackline\u201d, customers are (fortunately) not just limited to black leather.\nA \u201climitless\u201d list of Mulliner interior upholstery colour options is still available for your choosing, but if you have trouble choosing your own palette, Bentley has also helpfully come with eight recommended three-colour combinations to fit your tastes.\nALSO READ: The new Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner is for when \u201cluxury\u201d just isn\u2019t enough\nThe powertrain of Bentley Continental GT is unchanged, no matter if you get it with or without the Mulliner Blackline package. Underneath the bonnet, you\u2019ll find either a \n6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine\n with \n635 hp \nand \n900 Nm\n, or a \ntwin-turbo 4.0-litre V8\n with\n 550 hp\n and \n757 Nm\n.\nBoth engine options are paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n3.8 seconds\n and\n 4.1\n \nseconds \nrespectively.\nGALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia is back again with another Corporate\nSocial Responsibility (CSR) campaign in conjunction with the Hari Raya season.\nThis is the fifth consecutive year the company is giving back to society together\nwith the help of fellow patrons of Shell Stations nationwide.\nThe \u201cAnda Beli, Kami Derma\u201d campaign Shell\nwill be donating 1 sen to selected organisations for every 1 litre of Shell\nfuels pumped or every RM1 spent in all Shell SELECT stores (excluding e-pay services).\nThe collection will run for 10 days from 30\nMay to 8 June 2019 and contributions will be donated to National Cancer Society\nMalaysia, Food Aid Foundation and Malaysian Nature Society. Last year, Shell supported\nthe empowerment of underprivileged children and youth. \u00a0\nMastercard is also onboard for the second\nyear and will be making additional contribution of 1 sen to Food Aid Foundation\nfor every litre of Shell fuel pumped and every RM1 spent at Shell SELECT stores,\npaid with any Mastercard debit or credit card.\nAdditionally, customers can select their preferred\nchoice of beneficiaries by submitting a copy their receipt at a Shell station\nand indicate their choice.\nDomestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister\nDatuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail commended Shell\u2019s campaign: \u201cWith simple\nacts of kindness, we can go a long way in doing our part during this giving\nseason of Ramadan and Raya. I would like to commend Shell for working to make\ngiving back so seamless and flexible. Customers will now be able to easily\nshare\u00a0 their\u00a0 blessings\u00a0\nwith\u00a0 those\u00a0 in\u00a0\nneed and give everyone a \u2018balik kampung\u2019 journey worth celebrating even\nmore.\u201d"
"A vehicle\u2019s colour communicates both the individuality of one\u2019s vehicle, as well as highlighting the specifics of a model, such as \nNissan Navara Pro-4X\n in Stealth Grey and the bright yellow Perodua Myvi 1.5 with the \u2018Lagi Power Lagi Best\u2019 tagline.\nOn the final week of 2021, automotive coating specialist Axalta has again provided statistics of colours chosen by customers for their new rides via the Colour Popularity Report. White, although at a decline, continues to be on top thanks to it being favoured by fleet sales as well as looking great in pearlescent finishing.\nIn fact, separating solid (21%) and \npearlescent white\n \n(14%) shades see the latter still in the top 4 most popular colour globally.\nHowever, Axalta noted that vehicle buyers in 2021 are selecting grey paintwork more, perhaps thanks to the added availability by automakers. The company noted that preference for grey increased by four percentage points worldwide compared to \nlast year\n.\nFor the third year in a row, grey colour tops the list of new vehicles in Europe at 27%, while being second in Africa, North America, Russia and South Korea. Grey is also very prevalent on Compact/Sport and Medium/MPV models in Europe at 30%.\nWith a large majority of premium and luxury vehicles associated with black, this shade continues to see strong demands in North America, Europe and China, all hovering at 20% popularity. Silver continues to be in the single-digit percentage points, leading blue (8%), red (5%) and \nbrown/beige\n at 3%.\nRussia and India however see the largest percentage of brown/beige paint finishing on their vehicles at 11% and 6% respectively."
"As you would\u2019ve already known, the \nProton X50\n \u2013 which will be \nlaunched on the 27th of October\n \u2013 will come with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While most people are receptive to the idea of having a modern engine in a national car, there were of course some criticisms and confusions laced in between the generally positive comments.\nSome of the main criticisms are aimed towards the \u201cnotorious\u201d noise and vibration issues stemming from the unbalanced forces of a three-cylinder engine \u2013 which we\u2019ve \npreviously covered over here\n. With that out of the way, let\u2019s take a look at another key concern among the Proton X50 buying crowd, and that is the reliability of the new turbocharged engine.\nDuring the \nmedia test drive event\n organised earlier this month, Proton X50 chief engineer Noor Hisham Ismail revealed that the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder has been subjected to \nover 1.9 million (and still increasing) kilometres\n of local testing, involving \nmore than 75,000 man hours\n. To put the number into context, the distance is enough to go around the earth more than 40 times!\nIf you\u2019re lucky, you could also still spot some of these camouflaged test mules crawling on the streets, even though the car has already been fully unveiled to the public \u2013 which Noor Hisham explains, are for the purpose of \nreconfirmation activities and validation work\n. So rest assured, Proton will be doing everything it can to ensure that the new powertrain on the X50 is reliable enough for our Malaysian climate and driving conditions.\nDid the Proton X50 really outrun a BMW X1? We decipher the facts in our write-up \nhere\n.\nIf that\u2019s still not enough to convince you, the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-potter \u2013 developed by China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT), a joint venture of sorts between Geely and Volvo \u2013 is also \ndesigned to last 15 years or 350,000 km\n, more than 50% higher than the industry standard 10 years or 200,000 km. To date, the engine has already been \ndeployed on over 550,000 vehicles\n across the globe.\nThe powerplant is built upon the Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA), which has been in development from 2006. The company begun testing three-cylinder variants in 2014, and the same VEA base also forms the T3 engine that is being used on the Volvo XC40. Before anyone gets confused though, they are still different engines, but are based around the same technology.\nAt the end of the day, words and numbers can only say so much \u2013 the true test of how reliable the Proton X50 is will be when they are being delivered to customers, and used in real world conditions. At the very least, they should provide some confidence for prospective buyers who are thinking of taking the plunge for the X50, as well as \nother Proton models\n in the future."
"First impressions matter especially when they are a reflection of status. The Bentley Bentayga makes a massive and impressive impact because it\u2019s big and very grand. Bentley\u2019s first SUV is a mountain-climbing limousine with supercar performance and I was one of five Malaysian motoring journalists invited down to Singapore to take it for a few rounds on the F1 Pit.\nA motorsport track may sound like an odd place to drive an SUV but it\u2019s doubtful if any owners would really take theirs off-road, the Bentayga\u2019s most natural habitat being Bukit Tunku. Hard manoeuvres on tarmac would more closely approximate the life of the average Bentayga so in the short time that we had, the track offered the best glimpse of what it could do.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBentley Bentayga\nEngine\n5,950cc; W12 twin-turbocharged petrol, DOHC\nTransmission\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n600 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n900 Nm @ 1,350 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n4.1 seconds; 301 km/h\nPrice\nPOA\nEXTERIOR\nIn the Bentley line-up, the Bentayga stands alongside the Continental GT and Flying Spur. At 5,141mm long, the Bentayga is 150mm longer than the Audi Q7 with which it shares a platform but is otherwise unrelated. Its closest rival, the Range Rover comes in two variants: the 4,999mm standard wheelbase or the 5,199mm long wheelbase. In its standard form, the Bentayga is the largest luxury SUV in the market.\nThe LED rear lamps which form a graphic B are a trademark of the Bentayga. The rest, like the twin round headlights, honeycomb\u00a0grille with a chrome line down the middle, and windswept \u201cB\u201d on the side vents along with a high shoulder line and muscular rear haunches are hallmark Bentley and intended to appeal to existing Bentley customers who drive SUVs in winter.   A lot of sophisticated engineering went into the body of the Bentayga, but the finer details are not what most would notice at first glance. The complexity of the Bentayga\u2019s build is one of the reasons why it takes the most man-hours to produce \u2013 130 man hours per unit. In comparison, the Continental GT takes 104 hours.\nThe front fender is hammered from the largest single piece of sheet aluminium produced in the automotive industry. The Bentayga\u2019s flush fitting head and tail lamps and continuous surface with minimal shut lines from front to rear give the illusion of muscular bulk. The daintier-looking Range Rover is actually 75mm wider, at 2,073mm, than the Bentagya which at 1,998mm boasts a surprisingly lithe 0.24 drag coefficient.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin is sumptuous: Bentley signature quilted upholstery, tofu-smooth leather wrapped dashboard, chrome air vents with organ stop-style pulls, highly lacquered wood veneer and an aroma from the leather that was nearly intoxicating.\nThe new eight-speed gearbox\u2019s manual shifts are controlled through discreet steering-mounted paddles which are an improvement on the column-mounted, large padded coat hanger-style ones found in the Continental GT and Flying Spur.   Drive mode with corresponding ride height and damping modifications is selected on one side of the dial around the ignition button. Select from Sport, Bentley, Comfort with an option to customise the ride stiffness relative to rev holding. What\u2019s Bentley mode? That\u2019s where the ride and handling dynamics are optimised for you by the chassis engineers in Crewe.\nAnalog meters for speed and revs continue the \u201cclassic\u201d theme on the instrument panel though the electronic driving, performance and parking aids are entirely 21st century.\u00a0As standard, the Bentayga comes with four identical sized electrically-adjustable reclinable seats with ventilation and massage functions at the front and ISOFIX fittings and foot rests for the rear.\nThe rest of the standard equipment list is not long but includes the eight-speed automatic gearbox, panoramic sunroof, air suspension, eight-inch infotainment touchscreen monitor, 10-inch frameless Android-based entertainment tablets for the rear seat passengers, GPS system and LED headlights with high beam assist and hill descent control.\nSoft-closing doors and triple seals on all apertures and insulation against any noise or vibration create cabin serenity but should passengers become bored by all that cosseting, there is a 20-speaker audio system or detachable 10-inch entertainment tablets linked to the car\u2019s infotainment system and Bluetooth headphones to preoccupy them.\nThe boot is small at 430 litres, in comparison Range Rover\u2019s 550, but pull back the rear cover and it goes up to 590 litres. Cargo volume for those with bench seats is a bit more flexible as they can be split and folded.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere\u2019re more engine variants in the works but currently, there\u2019s only one engine capacity, an all-new six-litre W12 which is a brute. It was specifically developed for the Bentayga. It produces 600 bhp and 900 Nm of torque compared to the 552 bhp and 650 Nm in the previous W12, but is lighter by 30kg. The twin-scroll twin turbos give faster spooling, and there are both port and direct injectors, and special pumps so that the Bentayga can be tilted at up to 35 degrees in any direction without the engine dying.\nThe Bentayga has permanent four-wheel drive in a 40 front, 60 rear torque split, Hill Descend Control, torque vectoring, electronic stability and traction control, 245mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 500mm to get it through most situations.\nThe Bentaygas on our test drive was fitted with optional All-Terrain Specification: denoted by the four off-road modes on the right of the Drive Select dial: snow and grass; dirt and gravel; mud and trail, and sand dunes. Details of the vehicle\u2019s longitudinal and transverse angle, individual wheel suspension travel, steering angle, altitude and compass baring would have been displayed on the Driver Information Panel.\nIs it possible to complain that an engine sounds too refined? The W12 lacked that certain low timbre that should come from something with such great performance. It has so much available torque that it negates the need for a low range gearbox. Also, because peak torque is available at 1,350 rpm there\u2019s not much call for sport mode for everyday driving. This though,\u00a0might be considered good for fuel economy if it were something Bentayga owners had to worry about.\nAuto start-stop, sailing function to decouple the engine when cruising and full cylinder shut down \u2013 one bank so it runs as a 3.0-litre VR6 \u2013 help with fuel conservation but having three separate water pumps and cooling systems to manage engine temperature is still thirsty work. It may be 10 percent more efficient that the earlier W12 but the 14.9 litres per\u00a0100km claimed on the urban run isn\u2019t going to be anything like that in KL traffic conditions.\nTHE DRIVE\nTo recap, a few points about the Bentayga\u2019s weight, power and acceleration: some 2.4 tonnes, 600 bhp and 900 Nm, triple digit speed in 4.1 seconds. Have we mentioned before, that it\u2019s the fastest SUV in the world?\nSo there were a few surprises when we were hauling the Bentayga at full tilt on the track. First was how quickly it moved for its size: the 0-100km/h time is just a figure until it\u2019s your foot spurring it on. When the instructors realised just how much ground the Bentayga could cover in how little time, the handling track was shortened by five metres so that it would stop safely because the track was still slick from rain.\nSecond was the incredible power of the brakes. A power to weight ratio of 248 hp per tonne, compared to the 219 hp per tonne of the Flying Spur effectively made it an SUV-shaped rocket. Yet from full speed to dead halt, the Bentayga stopped in a shorter distance than the lighter, V8 powered Conti GT and the Flying Spur and with remarkably little yaw considering the amount of weight it was carting in front.\nThere was no indecision from the gearbox to hamper smooth driving and the electric power steering itself felt weighty without being heavy, providing good amounts of feedback so it never felt like handling a lumbering mass.\nWhich comes to another surprise: despite the elephantine body, the Bentayga was elegantly fleet-footed as it wove its way around traffic cones during the slalom. There was incredible body control and handling precision in comfort mode with ride buffering that was refined, stiff but not jarring. In sports mode there weren\u2019t any noticeable suspension changes but the tone of the revs dropped and were held for longer with crisper steering responses.\nThe suspension technology was also newly created for the Bentayga. The air suspension mopped up shakes and bumps to keep it as stable as possible through sensors in the active anti-roll bars. In comfort mode, they were ready to stiffen the dampers to sport mode levels if they detected a change in how the car was moving.\nCalled the Bentley Dynamic Ride, body roll is countered by electric motors at each corner of the car, which stiffen and relax the anti-roll bars to keep the SUV level through twists and turns. The continuous active damping is powered by a specially developed 48-volt system, separate from the standard 12-volt system. It\u2019s quite a feat of engineering to control the forces of physics so exactingly, especially on something as tall and muscular as the Bentayga but it worked and fast too. It wasn\u2019t easy to destabilise the Bentayga \u2013 I tried, hard. Pity my passenger.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nThis mobile temple of excess would definitely cement your place at the top of the social pile. The only thing you\u2019d need is the patience to wait for the delivery of your perfect Bentayga.\nCOMPARISONS\nLand Rover\u2019s most lavish top-of-the-range four-wheel drive is the \u00a3165,500, 550 hp, 680 Nm petrol V8 Range Rover SVAutobiography LWB. It can\u2019t compete in the personalisation stakes but then the Bentayga\u2019s possibilities are, frankly, dazzling: 102 exterior paint colours, five alloy wheel options, 15 leather upholstery colours of which are 14 main hide and 12 secondary hide choices with four ways in which those colour options can be combined. Then there\u2019re seven wood veneers to select from before moving on to the small yet still important details: stitching, piping, carpet and seat belt colours. The Bentayga\u2019s diamond stitched upholstery also gives it the upper hand in cabin ambience.\nPitch the two on the open road and the Bentayga would easily outgun the Range Rover. It is 1.5 seconds faster in the century sprint and boasts a 301km/h top speed. But alter the landscape and the Bentayga would be the lagger because the Rangey has the full off-road caboodle: Terrain-Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control and a low range gearbox fitted as standard with the added advantage of steeper approach and departure angles, higher wading depth and ground clearance.\nIf you absolutely have to go off the beaten track in your Bentayga, make sure your trailblazing buddy is in a Range Rover because the Bentley\u2019s 85-litre tank\u2019s range is limited compared to the the Range Rover\u2019s 105 litre reservoir and lower burn rate.\nThe Land Rover comes prepared for every eventuality \u2013 all available options are fitted as standard. The Bentayga has permanent four-wheel drive but to be able to compete under tougher conditions, owners would need All-Terrain Specification, a \u00a34,520 (RM24,000) option that adds undercarriage protection and traction management systems to handle more varied surfaces. To come up to the same kit level as the SVA would require two more packages: City Specification at \u00a33,925 (RM21,000), and Touring Specification at \u00a35,900 (RM31,000), making the top-up cost of the electronic driver aids almost \u00a315,000 (RM79,000). It\u2019s small money to any Bentayga owner so it\u2019s surprising that Bentley isn\u2019t just throwing them all in.\nThe Bentayga was sold out for 2016 even before the first one had been driven. At this stage, the chances of getting one for 2017 are slim but that\u2019s not a bad thing because it means you get more time to mull over the multitude of options and combinations and also to treat yourself to a few very special order options like a mechanical Breitling clock that takes three months to handcraft. Add that and the price of your Bentayga would double before any other options are specced.\nThis is a rarefied world so if being amongst the first is even more important then there is another newer yet no less exclusive waiting list to get on to: the Rolls-Royce SUV that will debut in 2018. And after that is the Lamborghini Urus.\nAs there is no official quoted price for the Range Rover SVAutobiography LWB (short for Long Wheelbase) in Malaysia, we used pounds sterling (\u00a3) to compare between the Bentayga and the equivalent SUV.\nBentley Bentayga\nRange Rover LWB SVAutobiography\nENGINE\nType\nW12, petrol, twin-turbocharged\nV8, petrol, supercharged\nDisplacement\ncc\n5950\n5000\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n600/5000-6000rpm\n550\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n900/1350\n680/3500-4000rpm\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power-Steering\nElectric Power-Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n8-speed, auto\n8-speed, auto\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront/rear\nDouble wishbone/multi-link\nDouble wishbone/multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n275/50 R20\n\u00a0\n275/45 R21\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n5141\n5199\nOverall Width\nmm\n1998\n2220\nOverall Height\nmm\n1742\n1840\nWheelbase\nmm\n2995\n3120\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n2422\n2523\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n430\n550\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nL\n85\n105\nConsumption\n13.1L/100km\n12.8L/100km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n301\n225\n0-100km/h\nsec\n4.1\n5.5\nOFF ROAD\nGround clearance\nmm\n245\n295.5\nWading Depth\nmm\n545\n900\nApproach Angle\n25\u00ba\n34.7\u00ba\nRamp Angle\n22\u00ba\n26.1\u00ba\nDeparture Angle\n25\u00ba\n29.6\u00ba\nPRICE (without insurance)\nRM\nPOA\nPOA\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nWith so many customisation options to choose from, I\u2019d need have two.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari has introduced the New Power15 extended warranty programme, whereby your Ferrari would be covered for up to 15 years from the date they\u2019re first registered, yet again leading the way in its provision of after-sales services.\nIn fact, did you know that in 2014, Ferrari became the first marque in the world to offer its elite clientele the possibility of extending warranty cover up to 12 years?\nTo enhance the Prancing Horse ownership experience, it has now extended that programme further to offer owners an even better package with the aim to protect the value and functional integrity of the owner\u2019s Ferraris over an even longer period.\nEvery new Ferrari comes with the standard factory \nthree-year warranty\n along with a \nseven-year free maintenance programme\n. The full factory warranty can be extended for a further two years and, from the vehicle\u2019s 6th to 12th year, where owners can opt for the New Power warranty which will provide \ncover on all major components\n.\nThis new offering even extends the coverage further by offering the possibility of covering the vehicle\u2019s main mechanical components, including the \nengine\n, \ngearbox\n, \nPTU\n, \nsuspension\n and\n steering\n, from year 12 right up to year 15. Extensions for the coverage will last for 12 months with an option to renew annually for three years.\nThis warranty extension option is available both for new and pre-owned Ferraris. Subject to the said Ferrari\u2019s passing specific technical checks, the New Power15 extended warranty can also be provided to those which have not taken up the extended warranty cover, or on cars with gaps in the cover.\nThis makes the New Power15 Extended Warranty the most flexible and comprehensive package of its kind, setting a new benchmark in the automotive world."
"Ford Performance just pulled the wraps off one of the most badass looking Mustangs to date, but this one is for the track. The Ford Mustang GT4, as its name suggests, will compete around the globe in the FIA GT4 series.\nStrapped with a purpose-built\u00a0\n5.2-litre naturally aspirated V8\n\u00a0motor (developed together with Roush Yates Engines) up front, the GT4 receives extensive aerodynamic bodywork. Extra downforce is provided by the front splitter, hood vents, diveplanes, rear diffuser as well as a massive rear wing inspired by the Ford GT racing programme.\nWe don\u2019t have information on the performance figures yet, but the six-speed Holinger paddle shift transmission is supposedly race-proven and is direct-pneumatic activated. The flywheel and twin-plate racing clutch is co-developed with ZF. The chassis now gets Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers from Multimatic, who also supplies the front and rear stabiliser bars as well as rear lower control arms (designed specifically for coil-overs). The 18\u2033 x 11\u2033 wheels are from Forgeline, whereas the brake rotors and six-piston callipers are by Brembo.\nOn the inside, the Mustang GT4 is equipped with a roll cage that is full FIA-compliant, including a racing dash logger from MoTeC. This Mustang will go head to head against race giants such as Porsche, Aston Martin and Ferrari.\nCan we have a road-legal variant of the GT4, please?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor, the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia has announced that their next product launch will be the all-new Toyota Yaris, essentially the hatchback version of the \nVios\n.\nIt will be locally assembled at UMWT\u2019s plant in Bukit Raja, Klang where the Vios is currently being built. The company did not reveal specification details of the upcoming hatchback but expect the Yaris to follow the specification of the \nVios\n.\nOur local spec Yaris is expected to use the same 2NR-VE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine and CVT combo packing \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels. Seven airbags and Vehicle Stability Control should be standard across the Yaris range.\nIf UMWT hopes to compete\nwith the Honda Jazz, the Yaris\u2019 pricing should not stray too far from the Honda\u2019s\nRM70k to RM83k range. Question is, would you go pick the Yaris over the Jazz?\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nToyota Yaris\u00a0in\u00a0Thailand\nToyota\u00a0Yaris\u00a0in\u00a0Indonesia"
"It appears that Hyundai is seriously aiming at crippling the hybrid giant of the world \u2013 the Toyota Prius \u2013 with their all-new Hyundai Ioniq. The Korean carmaker has devised a strategic three-pronged attack by coming up with the Ioniq Hybrid, Electric and Plug-in variants.\nAll variants will share one key feature \u2013 a sleek exterior shell with an impressive coefficient drag value of\u00a0\n0.24\n. Also to note, the hybrid and plug-in models will get blue accents while the exclusive copper coloured highlights is only reserved for the all-electric variant.\nAs a callback from our \nprevious story\n, all three variants of the Ioniq are powered by the new Kappa \n1.6-litre four cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)\n engine mated with an electric motor. Together, they make for a combined output of\u00a0\n140 hp\n\u00a0with\u00a0up to \n265 Nm\n of torque. Transmission choice is a rather unique call \u2013 a six-speed automatic dual clutch gearbox, and the electric motor is juiced by a \n1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery\n. Top speed is rated at \n182km/h\n.\nThe Ioniq is not built for 0-100km/h glory, instead the car\u2019s main focus is its range. The plug-in electric model utilises an \n8.9 kWh lithium-ion \nbattery pack that is capable of travelling\u00a0\n50km\n on electrical power alone. The electric variant meanwhile, carries a larger\n 28 kWh lithium-ion-polymer\n battery pack that\u2019s good for up to\u00a0\n250km\n on a single charge!\nThe Ioniq is equipped with a multitude of safety tech which include autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist that will proactively prevent\u00a0traffic accidents by applying brake force.\nAt this point in time, it\u2019s still too early to say for sure if Hyundai Sime Darby Motors will introduce the Ioniq as a fully imported model. The odds are against us, mainly due to unfavourable excise duties and taxation that could skyrocket the Ioniq\u2019s asking price. However, should they find a way to localise the model via Inokom\u2019s plant (used to rebadge Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia) in Kedah, then it might just be able to qualify for the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) incentive.\n[Image Credit: Autocar UK]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi has just showcased the Mitsubishi Triton Absolute concept pick up truck at the 2019 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). A design study for an extreme version of the Triton clad in a heavy duty body kit and enhanced tuning for absolute off-road performance.\nOn the outside, the Triton\nAbsolute wears additional protective body cladding with a carbon fibre finish\non the front and rear skid plates accented with red pinstriping. If Mitsubishi decides\nto send this car to production, those carbon fibre bits (assuming they are genuine\ncarbon fibre) are not going to be cheap to come by.\nThe underpinnings of the\nTriton Absolute have also been beefed up with wider track, heavy duty Falken Wildpeak\nM/T off-road tyres, upgraded suspension and raised ride height by 50 mm for\nimproved ground clearance and suspension travel.\nIt would be interesting to see what Mitsubishi can achieve with an extreme version of the Triton but the question is, is it more desirable than the \nFord Ranger Raptor\n?\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMitsubishi\u00a0Triton\u00a0Absolute\u00a0Concept"
"According to TheStar, while many are adhering to the Movement Control Order, which has now been extended to the 14th of April 2020, some are giving the plain ridiculous excuses at the roadblocks.\nSome needed screwdrivers while some claimed only the missus knows what groceries to get.\nThis was reported by Serdang OCPD Asst Comm when a car with two passengers were stopped with the husband claiming that his wife was better off with the groceries. Such a statement should be embarrassing for a grown man to think of, let alone spoken out loud.\nWhile it\u2019s understandable that perhaps with all the free time, one is more inclined to notice some maintenance work required for the household but if it can wait, it should be put on hold.\nNothing is more important than not contracting the virus and bringing it back to your household\n.\nInstead of going out, here\u2019s\n 5 car chase scenes from movies of the 90s\n worth revisiting!\n\u201cThere are some from the outskirts who thought it\u2019d be a nice to drive around the city due to the lack of cars while some are in KL from a faraway district just to buy food,\u201d said Dang Wangi OCPD, Asst Comm, Mohd Fahmi Visuvanathan Abdullah in the same report.\nIn Penang, authorities have also reported that some have attempted to cross the Penang Bridge into the island for some Nasi Kandar. Some people just can\u2019t handle the slightest inconvenience, change, \u201cpain and suffering\u201d.\nAuthorities have said that those caught wandering about for no good reason will spend time in the slammer but truth be told, with these guys, nothing short of a draconian approach will do.\nCatch them, throw them into the front line to watch what our first responders are going through \u2013 that\u2019ll show them."
"The Land Rover Defender, an iconic off-road vehicle that is recognisable just about anywhere in the world, has reached an important milestone after the final unit of Defender rolled off the production line in Solihull. This marks the end of an era for the Defender after 68 years of production.\nTo celebrate the occasion, 700 current and former staff of the plant gathered to witness the\u00a0Defender 90 Heritage Soft Top model rolled out from the production line. That unit\u00a0was in fact, the \n2,016,933 millionth\n\u00a0Defender built within the confines of Solihull which has been in existence since 1948.\u00a0Despite that, it\u2019s not all gloom and doom as Jaguar Land Rover is developing the next generation Defender that is set to carry the same mantle as its predecessor.\nThe Defender was not known as the \u201cDefender\u201d when it left the factory in 1948, instead, it was known as the Land Rover Series. Inspired by the Willys Jeep, it had undergone three iterations (or series) of evolutions before being rebranded as the Defender in 1990. Over the years, the Defender and Series models have shaped the world like few others, be it for exploration, ferrying soldiers into the\u00a0battlefield or providing transport in paths no ordinary vehicles could traverse.\nThe Defender/Series has had a colourful presence in Malaysia.\u00a0Our police force used them as the \u201cBlack Maria\u201d, transporting criminals to justice while over at East Malaysia, they\u2019ve been a useful tool used to explore the dense forest of Borneo. In Cameron Highland lies the biggest gathering of old and battled Land Rovers\u00a0with \u201cCH\u201d logo on each side of the door. These workhorses have been running up and down the hills of Cameron Highlands for decades upon decades, ferrying all sorts of things from people to harvests. In fact, read more about it \nhere\n.\n \n Source: www.cahayakeagungan.com\n \n Image Source: http://brakehorsepower.com.au/\nLast year, Land Rover Malaysia offered the Defender Limited Edition model with 13 additional accessories at\u00a0RM153,888, plus RM65,388 for the Limited Edition Accessories package.\nFarewell, good ol\u2019 lad. You will be missed."
"If there\u2019s one thing those of us who have been working from home have in common, is that we\u2019re sitting way too much. Whether it\u2019s for work, leisure browsing, streaming, or gaming, we\u2019ve been on our butts far more than we should the past two years. Thanks, Covid-19.\nThe one thing we all need then is a chair and table combo with proper ergonomics and support. If only that was considered for every household in the government aid schemes.\nIn collaboration with Designworks, a design studio for the BMW Group, BMW has come up with this \u2013 the \nRival Rig\n.\nThe rig features a gaming chair that was developed in close collaboration with gamers and BMW engineers; not just for the best ergonomics and comfort but also to allow gamers to fully immerse themselves.\nThe gaming rig is clever too. Take the \nMicroclimate Control System\n for example. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, if it detects that the gamer\u2019s neck or ears are heating up, it will direct cool air specifically to that area.\nThe \nAdaptive Seating\n feature on the BMW gaming chair is also worth mentioning. If it detects pressure on the armrests, the seat will lower its armrests automatically using sensors, pneumatic air pads, and actuators.\nThe design of the Rival Rig was \ninfluenced by spaceships and Formula 1\n cars to promote a sense of focus for the user; allowing them to fully concentrate on the task at hand.\nWith LED lighting everywhere, the gaming rig can also mirror what\u2019s happening in a game through lighting effects \u2013 from calm lighting to brightly lit depending on the game.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has extended their model range equipped with Honda Sensing with the launch of the facelifted Honda Odyssey \u2013 the third model aftrer the CR-V and Accord to be equipped with the Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology.\nMechanically, nothing\u2019s changed; the facelifted Odyssey retains the 2.4-litre i-VTEC Earth Dreams Technology that\u2019s mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Output is rated at \n172 hp\n with\n 225 Nm\n of torque.\nName\nHonda Odyssey 2.4 EXV\nEngine \n2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC\nTransmission\nContinuous Variable Transmission(CVT)\nMax Power\n172 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\n RM 254,800   The new Odyssey\u2019s exterior has been enhanced with a redesigned front bumper, new front grille, new LED rear lights, newly-designed 17-inch wheels, LED fog lights and electric-retractable door mirrors with Auto Dim rear view mirrors.\nThe Odyssey\u2019s reworked interior comes with new bigger armrest by the driver seat, 4-way passenger power seats, bigger headrests for its Premium Captain seats with Ottoman on the second row for improved comfort on longer journeys.\nThe Ultra-Low Floor Platform in the new Odyssey allows for passengers to get in and out easily on top of improving cabin space, equivalent to a large-class MPV.\nThe highlight of it all is the addition of the Honda Sensing system to the facelifted Odyssey. The system consists of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigating Braking System CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).\nOn top of that, the Odyssey also comes with a Multi-view Camera System, Smart Parking Assist System, Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Monitoring along with six airbags.\nThe Odyssey will be available in three colours \u2013 two of which are a first for a Honda \u2013 \nPlatinum White Pearl\n and \nPremium Twinkle Black Pearl\n along with the former Super Platinum Metallic. The Odyssey goes for \nRM 254,800\n, including GST without Insurance, with 5-years warranty with unlimited mileage.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely Group and Renault Group have officially inked a new deal to develop new hybrid and pure-ICE models for the South Korean market as well as export sales. As part of the agreement, Geely will license its compact modular architecture (CMA) platform and powertrain technologies to Renault Samsung Motors (RSM).\nThe CMA platform was jointly developed by Geely and Volvo under their China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT) R&D outfit. The modular architecture made its debut in 2017 on the \nVolvo XC40 crossover\n, and has since seen use in a variety of other models under Geely Group brands, including the \nPolestar 2\n, \nGeely Xingyue L\n, and a slew of \nLynk & Co\n models.\nAccording to the press release, Renault and RSM meanwhile will contribute in terms of design and \u201ccustomer experience\u201d, as well as the production of the vehicles at the RSM facility in Busan, South Korea.\n\u201c\nGeely has a proven track record in creating mutually beneficial collaborations that focus on technology, experience and shared ideas with the ultimate goal of creating higher quality, more sustainable products. We are looking forward to working with Renault and realizing new synergies that combine strengths from both parties to create value for the end user,\u201d said Geely Holding Group Chairperson, Eric Li.\n\u201cWe are happy to initiate such an innovative partnership with Geely Group, which has an impressive track record in Automotive Industry. Through this project, Geely Holding and Renault Group pave the way to pursue 20 years of successful RSM journey and contribution to the South Korean industry,\u201d added Renault Group CEO, Luca de Meo.\nThe partnership was first announced back in \nAugust of last year\n, when the companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the joint venture.\nRenault has previously ended its partnership with Dongfeng Motors and exited the Chinese market due to poor sales; it is understood that the products from this new Geely-Renault tie-up could also be exported to China as the French marque hopes to regain some foothold in the region."
"In conjunction with the \nVolvo 2020 Merdeka campaign\n, the company will be offering free 1st-year insurance, free Polestar optimisation package and free 5-year service maintenance for three of its cars \u2013 \nthe S60 T8 R-Design\n, the \nS90 T8 Inscription Plus\n and S90 T8 Special Edition.\nThe three special deals under the Volvo 2020 Merdeka campaign is worth RM11,000, RM5,250 and RM9,200 respectively. Specifically for the S90 models, Volvo is also throwing in a RM15,000 voucher to purchase accessories for the T8 Inscription Plus, and a complimentary exterior styling kit, 20-inch wheel and tyre package worth RM35,000 for the T8 Special Edition.\n \nThrough the campaign, Volvo Car Malaysia is offering the public a chance to own exclusive Volvo merchandise such as watches, sunglasses, electric ride-on cars for children, and more at a special bundle price of RM1,957. There is a bundle deal for men, women, and children, with each category consisting of specific lifestyle items.\nAlongside the Merdeka campaign, Volvo Car owners who present their car key when purchasing any Thule Crossover 2 luggage bags and backpacks will be given a Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Organiser worth RM119. Volvo car owners will also receive a 15% discount on all Thule items until the end of December 2020.\n \nVolvo Car Malaysia has extended its current online booking campaign until the end of August. To recap, the campaign offers a complimentary Polestar optimisation package for \nall Volvo cars booked online\n.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Volvo vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n. Find out more about SELEKT used car programme\n here\n.\nGALLERY"
"Remember some good years ago when the quirky Citroen Berlingo was sold here in Malaysia? Now there\u2019s a much more modern version of the small MPV, the Citroen E-Berlingo Multispace.\nAs its name suggest, it is all-electric and is built based on Berlingo. It retains the two iconic rear sliding doors and seats five. Standard boot volume is\u00a0\n675 litres\n, but expands to a cavernous 3,000 litres when the rear seats are folded. Items such as air conditioning, hill-start assist and a 7.0-inch touchscreen are available.\nThis electrified Berlingo\u00a0is powered by an electric motor that packs \n67 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. E-power comes from two high-capacity lithium-ion battery packs that are located on each side of the rear axle. With fast charging, up to\u00a050 percent of energy can be recuperated within 15 minutes, and getting to 80 percent charge takes just 30 minutes. When it\u2019s plugged into a domestic home socket, it takes 8 hours to get a full charge from empty.\nAt full capacity, the batteries yield up to a claimed distance of \n170 km\n. As of now, no pricing has been revealed, and it\u2019s unclear as to whether the E-Berlingo will sell in great numbers. But it does make sense for Citroen to roll this out, for it might just give urbanites a highly practical, tax-free alternative.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Grab Malaysia announced today that it will revise its fares based more on the time it takes to complete a journey and less on the distance of it. The reason for this initiative would be to give Grab drivers fairer compensation.\u00a0\nAccording to \nMalay Mail\n, the e-hailing provider, the revision is part of its efforts to address the low availability of Grab drivers during heavy traffic and congestion.\n\u201cOver the past year, we have observed that traffic jams have increased. This increases the cost (in time and fuel) to serve each ride while simultaneously reducing the effective capacity of Grab drivers to complete more rides,\u201d according to Grab.\nAs for its driver-partners, Grab Malaysia said that there will be an addition of new incentives including a \u2018far pick-up bonus\u2019 and hourly cashbacks.\n\u201cWe have taken great consideration to ensure that average ride fares remain largely unchanged with some minor increase and decrease across rides throughout the day,\u201d Grab said."
"Mazda Malaysia has just quietly rolled out the \nupdated Mazda6\n, and\u00a0while the visual differences are less than obvious, rest assured that you\u2019re getting what your money\u2019s worth under the skin.\nMost of the aesthetic updates remain as per the\u00a0\n2015 Mazda6 facelift\n. This time\u00a0however, it gets Mazda\u2019s new \nG-Vectoring Control (GVC)\n,\u00a0along with some updated interior bits. Like before, the Mazda6 facelift with GVC\u00a0can be had in four variants \u2013 \n2.0L sedan\n, 2.5L sedan and 2.5L wagon while the \n2.2L diesel\n remains in sedan form. Prices have gone up slightly across the board (around RM6.5k) due to the poor forex.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda6 SkyActiv-G 2.0L\nMazda6 SkyActiv-G 2.5L\nMazda6 Touring SkyActiv-G 2.5L\nMazda6 SkyActiv-D 2.2L\nEngine\n1,998cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,488cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,488cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,191cc; DOHC, turbocharged inline-4\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,000rpm\n185 hp @ 5,700 rpm\n185 hp @ 5,700 rpm\n173 hp @ 4,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n250 Nm @ 3,250 rpm\n250 Nm @ 3,250 rpm\n420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM170,407.58\nRM206,896.70\nRM211,006.94\nRM215,264.67\nThe entry level variant gets halogen projector headlamps with bulb-type DRLs and fog lamps. Anything above that gets full LED headlamps with LED DRLs as well as LED fog lamps. The 2.0L is also the only variant to ride on 17-inch wheels (225/55 profile), versus the 19-inch (225/45) set for the rest.   Inside, the equipment list dittos that of the \ncurrent Mazda6\n on sale. However, new items include the slimmer three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel that was first featured on the \nCX-9\n. Also new is\u00a0an updated instrument cluster with \nfull-coloured LCD display\n. Models fitted with heads-up display (2.5L petrol and 2.2L diesel) now feature colours instead of the monotonous display of old.\nNo mechanical changes have been done to the\u00a02.0L and 2.5L SkyActiv-G petrol engines. The former produces\u00a0\n153 hp/200 Nm\n\u00a0whereas the latter churns\u00a0\n185 hp/250 Nm\n. The\u00a02.2L SkyActiv-D on the other hand produces \n173 hp and 420 Nm\n. The \nsix-speed SkyActiv Drive automatic transmission\n is fitted on all models to channel drive to the front wheels.\nEvery variant comes equipped with i-STOP auto start/stop function to conserve fuel, but only the base variant misses out on the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. The biggest change as mentioned earlier is the introduction of the \nGVC\n. This software distributes optimum power to each wheel depending on steering response, \nimproving vehicle dynamics and ride comfort\n in the process.\nStandard safety equipment include six airbags, ABS with EBD, BA, ESC and emergency stop signal. The 2.5L petrol and 2.2 diesel models gets\n\u00a0i-Activsense safety system\n that gives adaptive LED headlamps, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist System, Smart City Brake System, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nEvery purchase of the Mazda6 facelift with G-Vectoring Control comes with a 3-Year or 60,000km warranty and a 3-Years or 60,000km free service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda6 2.5L Sedan Facelift with GVC"
"Cause if they were filthy rich, we wouldn\u2019t have to worry about money, wouldn\u2019t we? How else would we be able to enjoy the painstakingly-crafted opulence of a Rolls-Royce if not by leeching off our parents?\nOn our own efforts? Not a chance. To perform such a high level transaction, Rolls-Royce vehicles would require at least two generations of accumulated wealth to acquire and although it\u2019s not mathematically-proven, you know it\u2019s true for most of us.\nSo how else can you appreciate the full extent of a Rolls-Royce\u2019s glory? How about these images of the Phantom VIII roaming the streets of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur from peak to the wee hours?\nAs cliche as it sounds, there\u2019s only one way to describe them \u2013 absolutely stunning. It\u2019s the work of \nVisio Imaging\n and they\u2019re arguably the best in the automotive photography business.\nThese images not only successfully capture the sheer presence and aura of a Rolls-Royce Phantom on our roads but also the beauty of our rustic inner city.\nAmong the iconic locations set out for the 8th generation Phantom to perform its catwalk included the infamous street food haven, Jalan Alor, the diverse surroundings of Kampung Baru, the back streets of Petaling Street and in the Smart Tunnel.\nAs if maneuvering it around the tight ends of our city wasn\u2019t stressful enough, it had to also deal with countless onlookers jumping in front of the slow-moving vehicle for selfies.\n\u201cThe attention generated by the second Phantom built under BMW\u2019s ownership was simply phenomenal,\u201d said those involved with the project.\nThe \nPhantom VIII was introduced in Malaysia towards the end of 2017 \nand is available in two different forms \u2013 Standard or Extended Wheelbase \u2013 to the tune of \nRM2.2 million\n and \nRM2.5 million\n (before taxes) respectively.\nIt\u2019s powered by a massive 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 making\n 563 hp\n and an incredible \n900 Nm \nof torque. This allows even the heavier Extended Wheelbase model to sprint from o to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, \nas quick as a Volkswagen Golf R \noff the line; just let that sink in.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda\u2019s rotary engine revival is not a secret any more; the company officially confirmed earlier this year that there\u2019ll be a Wankel engine-powered range extender EV due sometime next year. But according to a \nreport\n from Japanese automotive publication \nBest Car\n, Mazda isn\u2019t stopping there just yet \u2013 they\u2019re also developing a hydrogen-burning rotary engine to be used in the\n successor to the RX-8\n.\nCiting no sources, the publication writes that Mazda has carried on developing the rotary engine, even after production for the RX-8 ended in 2012. While development post RX-8 focused around the range-extender tech that we\u2019ll soon see being implemented on the MX-30, racing against the \nhydrogen-powered Toyota Corolla\n in the Super Taikyu endurance race has reignited Mazda\u2019s passion for high-performance hydrogen-powered rotary engines.\nMazda will be unveiling a rotary-powered range extender variant to the MX-30 EV next year. Learn more about it here!\nWe say \u201creignited\u201d, because it\u2019s not the first time Mazda has experimented with hydrogen-powered rotary engines. The Japanese company first introduced a hydrogen rotary concept way back in 1991 with the HR-X, and in 2003, they even leased hydrogen-powered RX-8s to customers, and supplied 30 units to Norway\u2019s national hydrogen project, Hynor.\nAccording to \nBest Car\n, rotary engines are particularly suited for hydrogen combustion, due to the use of rotors instead of pistons, which eliminated \u201cheat spots\u201d in the engine. These heat spots are a particular pain point for hydrogen combustion engines, due to the fuel\u2019s tendency to spontaneously combust.\nRecent Mazda patents suggest that the company is making a new sports coupe based on the RX-Vision concept! Check it out here.\nThere are no details yet on the engine\u2019s output capabilities, as its development is most likely still in the embryonic stage. No words too on which car the hydrogen rotary engine will ultimately power, though the consensus in the community seems to be for a sports coupe based on the \nMazda RX-Vision concept\n unveiled in 2015.\nThe report does however state that it\u2019s likely the hydrogen-burning rotary engine will also feature some form of electric assistance. This is particularly due to the difficulty in extracting power from hydrogen without a large, highly-pressurised tank.\nMazda recently filed a trademark application for a new \u2018R\u2019 logo in Japan \u2013 is the Spirit R making a comeback? Learn more here.\n\u201cIf [we] decide to do it, I think the prototype will be completed within three years. The most likely system is a system that combines an electric turbo,\u201d an anonymous Mazda official told \nBest Car\n. However, making a prototype is the easy part; the challenge is to find a strong-enough business case to justify building the car.\nUltimately, the project will only be green-lit if there are enough people willing to buy the car, which \nBest Car\n says will most likely be an expensive and limited edition model. Will you be interested in a hydrogen-powered Mazda RX-8 successor? Let us know in the comments below!\n[H/T: \nAutoblog\n]"
"Choking on his words, a tearful Jeremy Clarkson announced that it\u2019s the \u201cend of an era\u201d for the trio while filming the Grand Tour in front of a live audience.\nThe end, however, isn\u2019t imminent, with Season 3 of The Grand Tour to be premiered next month and a 4th season confirmed, the latter will see a move away from the usual studio formats we\u2019ve been used to for the past 17 years. Check out the Season 3 trailer below:\nIn his usual cynical manner, Clarkson said, \u201cThere\u2019s only so much you can say about a BMW going around a track. We all agreed that we\u2019ve been doing it a long time and everything eventually runs its course\u201d.\n\u201cBesides, I\u2019m too fat to be climbing on to the stage\u201d, added the 58 year old who is also the host of UK\u2019s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."
"After a flurry of news on electric vehicles this week, we return to coverage of the traditional combustion powertrain. Kia Motors in the USA has just released information on the updated Stinger sports sedan, six months after its \ninitial unveiling\n in South Korea.\nThe highlight of the updated model is the new four-cylinder engine, now displacing \n2.5 litres\n. Codename G4K3, the turbocharged engine pushes out \n300 hp\n and \n422 Nm\n of torque, which are a significant 45 hp and 69 Nm increase over the \u2018Theta II\u2019\n 2.0-litre mill\n.\nSprinting from naught to 96 km/h (60 mph) is now 0.8 seconds quicker, registering 5.2 seconds on the stopwatch, with top speed electronically governed at 209 km/h (130 mph).\nThe head-lining twin-turbocharged \u2018Lambda II\u2019 \n3.3-litre V6\n maintains its peak outputs of \n368 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of torque. Kia however promises a more visceral six-cylinder soundtrack from the newly designed exhaust outlets thanks to an electronically-control \nvariable valve\n in the exhaust system.\nBoth engines are still paired with Kia\u2019s own eight-speed automatic transmission, and customers can select to have either rear- or all-wheel drive traction. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe new 2.5-litre engine is only available with the GT-Line trim levels, as such, it is meeting expectations of a regular D-segment sedan rather than a sports sedan. Standard features include LED headlamps, 18-inch wheels with equal-sized tyres, large quad-exhaust outlets, high-performance dampers, the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, wireless phone charger and the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).\nThe 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged engine can be had in the similarly equipped GT-Line with additional performance-focused items such as a launch control system, mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), variable gear ratio steering rack, larger red-painted Brembo braking system and 19-inch wheels with staggered tyre sizing.\nAdditional niceties such as nappa leather seats with ventilation and multi-way power adjustment, head-up display, Harman Kardon surround sound system, larger 7-inch driver\u2019s display with performance-oriented content and electronically-controlled dampers are available as an upgrade package in the 3.3-litre variant.\nIn the updated Kia Stinger, revisions were made to the front and rear lights, with the new rear lights now spanning across the width of the car. The new Stinger also wears the updated Kia emblems that was recently launched as part of a \nnew corporate identity.\nTo celebrate the 2022 Model Year introduction, Kia Motors America is also introducing the Scorpion Edition that applies gloss black on the wheels, fender garnish, side mirrors and exhaust tips, a rear spoiler and carbon fibre pattern in the interior panels.\nAs of today, there are still no updates on the transfer of ownership of the Kia distributorship in Malaysia which was held by Naza Group. In early October last year, \nBermaz Auto\n was rumoured to be the frontrunner to continue Kia\u2019s presence in Malaysia. The latest model to be launched by Naza Kia is the \nKia Seltos\n.\nBermaz Auto announced in December 2020 that the company, together with Berjaya Corporation formed a joint venture company to take over the \ndistribution of Peugeot\n vehicles from Naza Group. The Malaysian conglomerate has reduced its automotive presence by ceasing control of mid-market segments and instead focussing on niche, luxury and exclusive brands such as \nFerrari, Maserati\n, \nDucati and Mercedes-Benz\n.\nGALLERY"
"The \nFerrari GTC4Lusso\n has arrived in Japan at its recent Far East debut in Tokyo. The updated FF now packs more power and technology, with a \u201cWhole New World\u201d of experience.\nThe \nFF\n was \nFerrari\n\u2018s first four-wheel-drive GT supercar introduced five years ago, based on a shooting brake concept which seats four and can enjoy the immense V12 engine at the same time. Hence the name FF \u2013 Ferrari Four: an unconventional path Ferrari calls \u201ca decisive break with the past.\u201d\nThe name GTC4Lusso stands for \u201cGran Truismo Competizione 4-seats Luxury\u201d   After making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show just two months ago, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso is finally available in its largest Asian market, Japan. The launch also serves as a sneak preview for other South East Asian markets.\nCEO of Ferrari Far and Middle East Hub, \nDieter Knechtel\n said, \u201cWe are very happy to hold the GTC4 Lusso Far East premiere here in Tokyo. Japan is an important market, and this year also marks our 50th anniversary here. The GTC4Lusso is the only GT car which has this exceptional level of performance, and with its remarkable versatility I am confident it will be extremely popular here, as it is proving to be in other similarly sophisticated markets.\u201d\nThe latest Italian supercar\u2019s name pays tribute to two of its GT predecessors, the \n330GTC\n and the \n250 GT Berlinetta Lusso\u00a0\n(pictured above), which were displayed at the event. The Ferrari 330GTC was launched 50 years ago, and this year marks the 50th year since Ferrari set foot in Japan. \nThe new 4-seater Grand Tourer retains the FF\u2019s silhouette, but with quite a major facelift. The front bumper now has a unified air intake, new headlights, triple-slatted side air vents inherited from the 330GTC, new rear spoiler, new twin tail lights and a new rear bumper with redesigned diffuser.\u00a0It runs on 20-inch rims wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/35 R20 in front and 295/35 R20 at the back.   Cabin design has a fresh new look with \u201cLusso\u201d in mind. Steering wheel is now sleeker thanks to a smaller airbag module, and centre display is now using a larger\u00a0\n10.5-inch\n high-res touchscreen display. For the first time ever, a passenger side touchscreen display is incorporated into the dashboard (which we think looks brilliant), including a redesigned panoramic roof with improved wind noise reduction while cruising.   Unlike the 330GTC 2+2 configuration, the extra seats at the back here are two full seats. Ferrari says on average, a FF owner travels with three other passengers 55 percent of the time. A proven recipe that appeals to its current and potential clienteles.\nThe front-mounted naturally aspirated \n6.3-litre V12\n engine has been tweaked, producing \n680 hp\n and \n697 Nm\n of torque. An increase of 30 hp and 14 Nm of toque as compared to the FF, thanks to the higher compression ratio of\u00a0\n13.5:1\n.\u00a0Now, 80 percent of max torque is available from as low as 1,750 rpm.\nPower is distributed to all four wheels via the \nseven-speed F1\n dual clutch gearbox, propelling the car from 0 to 100km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n, all the way up to its\u00a0\n335 km/h\n top speed.\nChanges have also been made to the exhaust manifold, now featuring a 6-in-1 with equal lengths together with an electronic bypass valve. This means, the Lusso can now orchestrate a better engine soundtrack across all engine speeds. Roaring engine note during sporty driving, down to a \u201csubtle yet potent purr\u201d in city cruising.\nFerrari added four-wheel-steer to its four-wheel-drive system 4RM, now known as\n 4RM-S\n (quattro ruote motrici e sterzanti) in the GTC4Lusso, improving agility. The new system also features electronic differential and Ferrari\u2019s latest \nSlip Side Control 4.0\n system.\nThe shooting brake mode contributes to\u00a010 percent of Ferrari\u2019s total global sales. The GTC4Lusso is currently the most powerful shooting brake in its class, and Ferrari is targeting younger clients who seek elegance and versatility in all driving conditions. The Ferrari GTC4Lusso will only arrive in Malaysia late this year, or early 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has launched the all-new \nsecond-generation Range Rover Evoque\n here in Malaysia through an online presentation today, nine years after the local debut of its predecessor.\nThe all new Evoque is available in two variants locally \u2013 the base Evoque priced at \nRM426,828\n, as well as the Evoque R-Dynamic priced at \nRM475,398\n. Both price listed are inclusive of the \n50% sales tax exemption\n, excluding car registration, insurance and road tax.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe exterior of the second-generation Evoque is heavily inspired by its elder brother, the \nRange Rover Velar\n, though it still maintains its signature coupe-like design cues including the rising belt line and sloping roofline.\nIn terms of size, the all-new Evoque is slightly larger in all dimensions compared to the outgoing model, measuring 4,371 mm (+6 mm) in length, 1,649 mm (+14 mm) in height, 2,100 mm (+135 mm) in width and a longer wheelbase of 2,681 mm (+21 mm).\nThe R-Dynamic variant pictured here gains additional burnished copper accents on the front and rear bumpers, front fender inserts, and bonnet louvres. Otherwise, the exterior design specifications are largely similar to the base model:\nPremium LED headlights with signature daytime running lights\nLED taillights\nSweeping turn indicators\nFlush door handles\ntailgate spoiler\nFive split-spoke design 20-inch alloy wheels in Gloss Sparkle Silver (Style 5076 on base model, 5079 on R-Dynamic)\nColours: Sillicon Silver, Firenze Red, Santorini Black, Seoul Pearl Silver (pictured), Yulong White, Carpathian Grey\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth variants of the all-new Range Rover Evoque are powered by the same Ingenium 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, tuned to two different power outputs. Both variants get a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard.\nOn the base model, output figures are as follows:\nMax horsepower: 200 hp @ 5,500 RPM\nMax torque: 320 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,500 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds\nTop speed: 216 km/h\nMeanwhile, the R-Dynamic variant gets quite a significant bump in performance:\nMax horsepower: 249 hp @ 5,500 RPM\nMax torque: 365 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,500 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 7.5 seconds\nTop speed: 230 km/h\nDespite the pretty face, the all-new Range Rover Evoque should be quite handy off road too, thanks to the standard-equipment \nTerrain Response 2\n all-wheel drive system, which can automatically adjust torque delivery depending on the current terrain the car is on. Other driving technologies include:\nAll Terrain Progress Control\nHill Descent Control\nHill Launch Assist\nRoll Stability Control\nTorque Vectoring by Braking\nINTERIOR\nThanks to the now larger size and elongated wheelbase, the second-generation Range Rover Evoque gained 20 mm extra legroom at the rear, along with a 10% larger boot space at 591 litres (+16 litres).\nThe interior of the all-new Evoque is chock-full of technologies, featuring the marque\u2019s latest Touch Pro Duo infotainment system which uses two 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens to control most of the vehicle\u2019s functions \u2013 including climate control and the aforementioned Terrain Response 2 system.\nThe all-new Range Rover Evoque is also the first Land Rover model to carry the Smart Settings feature, which uses Artificial Intelligence to automatically learn and adjust the seats, climate control settings, and even your radio stations before you step in the car, depending which key or phone is approaching it.\nOtherwise, the Malaysia-specification Range Rover Evoque gets the following interior specifications as standard:\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\nPerforated grained leather seats\nLeather steering wheel\nGraduated Linear Bright Aluminium trim finishers\n14-way electric memory front seats\ntwo-zone climate control\n380W Meridian sound system\nThe R-Design variant gains the \nClear Sight Technology\n\u00a0system which includes ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror and ClearSight Ground View. The ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror uses a camera positioned atop the vehicle to display a 50-degree field-of-vision rearward view on the rear view mirror.\nClearSight Ground View on the other hand allows the driver to see what\u2019s happening right underneath the engine bay using smart camera tricks to project a 180-degree view of the ground onto the infotainment display.\nOther R-Dynamic interior upgrades include:\nConfigurable ambient lighting\nPerforated duo-tone grained leather seats\nPerforated leather steering wheel\nChrome door sillplates\nBright metal pedals\nGradated Linear Dark Aluminium trim finishers\nSAFETY\nAs standard, the second-generation Evoque comes equipped with the following safety and driver assistance features:\nSix airbags\nABS with EBD\nEmergency Brake Assist\nClear exit monitor (approaching traffic warning for door opening)\nPark Assist, 360-degree Parking Aid (proximity sensors)\nDriver Condition Monitor\nRear camera\nRear cross traffic monitor\nLane Keep Assist\nTraffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limit\nOpting for the R-Dynamic variant nets you the following upgrades:\n360-degree surround camera\nAdaptive Cruise Control\nHigh-speed Emergency Braking\nBlind Spot Monitor\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the all-new second generation Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is available in Malaysia starting at \nRM426,828\n for the base model, and \nRM475,398\n for the R-Dynamic model. Both price listed are inclusive of the 50% sales tax exemption for fully imported vehicles, excluding car registration, insurance and road tax.\nAs standard, the all-new Range Rover Evoque comes with the Land Rover Care package, which includes:\nFive-year/150,000 km warranty\nFive-year/65,000 km servicing package\nThree-year Land Rover Roadside Assistance\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019ve \nread our story\n and seen how the Hilux looks like with the \nTRD Sportivo bodykit\n, but it hasn\u2019t made its public appearance until today, when it officially hits your nearest Toyota showroom.\nFor those who are not free over the weekend to view the Hilux TRD Sportivo in person, don\u2019t worry, we have you covered. Toyota has also updated their \nwebsite\n on the new Hilux range, which you can visit to apply for a test drive session (or simply \nclick here\n).\nAs a recap, the TRD Sportivo kit is only available to the 2.5G and 3.0G variants, and cost about \nRM105,622.20\n (2.5G) and \nRM112,967.00\n (3.0G) respectively. Prices mentioned are OTR with insurance.   The TRD trim gives you an exclusively designed \nall-around bodykit\n by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), LED daytime running lights, black alloy wheels, TRD side body and rear stickers, carbon fiber prints on the interior, TRD leather seats with red stitching (more carbon fiber here) and TRD carpets.   As with the non-TRD Hilux, they get a pair of LED daytime running lights fitted into the bumper placed above the fog lamps. Its wheels are finished in grey now, while the cabin sports a new leather trimmed upholstery, whereas the base model gets new fabric seats.\nDo feast your eyes on the photo gallery below, or pay a visit to your \nnearest Toyota authorised dealer\n to see the vehicle in person.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ever heard of the simple \u201chack\u201d where you can unlock your car from further away, if you place the remote control key fob up by your head? Or perhaps the one where you place it under your chin, then opening your mouth to \u201cbeam\u201d the signal towards your car?\nWell, we have (at least the second one), and it definitely worked the last time we tried it. We didn\u2019t really think about why or how it worked, and if we\u2019re being honest, we didn\u2019t really care \u2013 but some people certainly did.\nHeated debates happened across internet forums, where some claim that it only works because the key fob is physically higher, thus giving a larger signal coverage \u2013 but that\u2019s easily disprovable by just trying it away from your head. So if it only works when the key is placed near our heads, that means the signal is definitely being boosted by our bodies. But how?\nWell, fortunately, a YouTuber by the name of Kyle Hill just \npublished a new video\n explaining the science behind the superpower-like phenomenon.\nMeanwhile, the Genesis GV60 will let you unlock the car with just your face! Check it out here.\n \nEssentially, the reason that this happens is due to the fact that nearly 60% of our body is made up of water. And water, as Hill explains, basically acts as an amplifier for the key fob\u2019s wireless signals, thanks to an effect called \u201cdielectric resonator\u201d.\nWe\u2019re too underqualified to even attempt explaining the science-y mumbo jumbos behind the phenomenon, so be sure to give it the whole video a watch. But essentially, it\u2019ll work the same with any container of water, as Hill demonstrated in the video.\nSo if you\u2019re concerned about people giving you weird looks the next time you try to lock or unlock your car from a distance, maybe keep a bottle of water handy.\n[Source: YouTube via \nJalopnik\n]"
"The UK has a big appetite for hatchbacks with eight of their top 10 best-selling cars in the first half of 2018 made up of hatchbacks. The Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf took top spots in the UK top ten charts. But what about other parts of Europe?\nHere\u2019s are the best-selling cars across Europe according to \nAutoCar UK\n as measured by market analyst JATO Dynamics:\nCountry\nModel\nCountry\nModel\nAustria\nVolkswagen Golf\nFrance\nRenault Clio\nBelgium\nVolkswagen Golf\nGermany\nVolkswagen Golf\nCroatia\nRenault Clio\nGreece\nToyota Yaris\nCzechia\nSkoda Octavia\nHungary\nSuzuki Vitara\nDenmark\nPeugeot 208\nIreland\nNissan Qashqai\nEstonia\nSkoda Octavia\nItaly\nFiat Panda\nFinland\nSkoda Octavia\nLatvia\nVolkswagen Golf\nFrance\nRenault Clio\nLithuania\nFiat 500\nGermany\nVolkswagen Golf\nLuxembourg\nVolkswagen Golf\nGreece\nToyota Yaris\nNetherlands\nVolkswagen Polo\nHungary\nSuzuki Vitara\nNorway\nNissan Leaf\nIreland\nNissan Qashqai\nPoland\nSkoda Octavia\nItaly\nFiat Panda\nPortugal\nRenault Clio\nLatvia\nVolkswagen Golf\nRomania\nDacia Logan\nBelgium\nVolkswagen Golf\nSlovakia\nSkoda Fabia\nCroatia\nRenault Clio\nSlovenia\nRenault Clio\nCzechia\nSkoda Octavia\nSpain\nSeat Leon\nDenmark\nPeugeot 208\nSweden\nVolvo S90/V90\nEstonia\nSkoda Octavia\nSwitzerland\nSkoda Octavia\nFinland\nSkoda Octavia\nUK\nFord Fiesta\n \n Skoda Octavia\n \n \nThe \nVolkswagen Golf\n turned out to be the top pick of eight countries and it is not surprising given its versatile product offering from hatchbacks to estates and multiple powertrain options. Its stellar practicality in a compact package surely checks plenty of boxes for many.\nAnother noteworthy country is Norway where its most popular vehicle is the all-electric \nNissan Leaf\n, the only European country where an EV tops the sales chart. The Norwegian government heavily incentivises its people to purchase an electrified vehicle to tackle emissions which explain how it is the only country in Europe that has an EV as their best-selling car."
"The newly-launched K3 Kia Forte (Cerato for us) been introduced in the USA and now promises increased cabin comfort, with newly-integrated driver assistance technology.\nUnderneath the hood is a 2.0-litre Nu four-cylinder engine supported by the benefits from the Atkinson Cycle technology and cooled EGR system to help boost fuel efficiency. Transmission options include a six-speed manual or Kia\u2019s all-new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).\nThe use of the IVT system addresses the rubber band-like response of a CVT gearbox with the use of a chain-type belt instead of push belt. Gearbox noise had been reduced by wrapping the transmission case in a sound-insulating cover to help quiet the typical \u201cdrone\u201d associated with the CVT gearbox.\nPower output is reportedly unchanged from before with \n147 hp\n and\n 180 Nm\n of torque, with focus placed on efficiency where the Forte now returns a claimed\n 14.9 km/L\n.   The all-new 2019 Forte structure receives additional hot-stamped components and 54% Advanced High-Strength Steel. Its body is now 16% stiffer, not only improving handling but also NVH along the way.\nSuspension geometry has been reworked along with enhancements within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) to improve steering response and road holding.\nStyling wise, the Forte took inspiration from the Stinger fastback sport sedan \u2013 a long hood and short deck \u2013 to achieve a fastback-like shape. The cowl point (the lower section of the windscreen) has been moved back five inches, creating a more athletic stance.\nThe front end sports Kia\u2019s signature tiger nose grille, aggressive black lower valance and turn signal indicators with air curtains underneath it to improve aerodynamic performance.\nAround the back, the rear bumper also receives separate reverse and turn signal indicators located beneath the\u00a0 LED taillights. Similar to the Sportage crossover, a horizontal trim piece connects the taillights.\nInside features an 8-inch colour touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The quieter cabin received a surprise inclusion in the form of a 320-watt Harman Kardon sound system.\nSafety wise, the new Forte comes with Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the 2021 Formula 1 season scheduled to start its first race in March, Aston Martin has begun its return to the top-flight of motorsports through online communications.\nAfter a 60-year absence, the \nAston Martin Formula One Team\n will make its race return at the opening round of the 2021 season in Melbourne, Australia.\n \nThe Formula One team is not newly formed, however, as it used to be called Racing Point F1 Team, which featured eye-catching pink liveries. The Silverstone-based team is owned by Lawrence Stroll, whose consortium bought 16.7% stake in Aston Martin Lagonda almost 12 months ago.\nRacing Point F1 Team, which is owned by Lawrence Stroll of Aston Martin Lagonda\nAs such, all \nonline communications\n formerly produced by the Racing Point team now carry the Aston Martin Formula One Team name.\nLawrence Stroll, Aston Martin Lagonda Executive Chairman said: \u201c\nFormula 1\n is a hugely powerful platform that \nwill play a key part in the overall Aston Martin strategy\n as we seek to take the company forward.\u201d\n\u201cThis is a brand that has already had huge success in top-level international motorsport such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans \u2013 and now we have an opportunity to write a new page in the history books. That\u2019s a hugely exciting prospect for anyone who is a lover of the Aston Martin brand, for fans of Formula 1 and the sport itself,\u201d added Mr Stroll. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe \nconfirmed driver-pairing\n is headlined by newly recruited four-time world champion \nSebastian Vettel\n and multiple podium-finisher \nLance Stroll\n. In February, Aston Martin Formula One Team will reveal \nits livery\n and car which \ncontinues to use Mercedes-AMG\n power units.\nThe last F1 race that Aston Martin participated was back in August 1960, with the DBR5."
"Toyota has topped the polls again as the most searched car brand of 2022, after taking the top spot in 2021 and 2020, according to Compare the Market.\u00a0\nAccording to the survey, Toyota was the most searched car brand in 69 out of 155 countries \u2013 representing 44.5% of all car brand searches and an increase of 10% from the year before. Compare the Market attributes this to the brand\u2019s introduction of no less than 15 new models last year including the \nToyota Prius\n and the \nMalaysian-bound bZ4x\n.\nWith Toyota in pole position, the second most searched car brand was \nBMW\n, followed by \nMercedes-Benz\n. The German automakers have been firmly placed in the Top 3 spots ever since Compare the Market began its search trends analysis back in 2018.\nThe survey also showed that while BMW has seen an increase in the number of countries where it was the most searched car brand (from 29 countries to 36), Mercedes-Benz saw a decline, from 23 countries to 10 in 2022.\nWhile brands like Toyota, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were popular searches across the world, some brands were more popular in specific regions. Kia for example, was the most searched brand in Ecuador, India, Vietnam, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Palestine, Syria and Uzbekistan."
"In conjunction with the 11.11 online mega sales day, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced its own \u2018Volkswagen 11.11 Sale\u2019 featuring the Passat Elegance and the recently launched all-new Tiguan Allspace Highline.\nUnlike past iterations of the sale where VPCM partnered with online shopping platforms, This year\u2019s sale event will be held directly from VPCM and their dealers\u2019 Facebook pages. Customers can place the booking directly through VPCM\u2019s own \nVolkswagen eShowroom\n on the 11th of November to redeem the rebates.\nModels on offer during the 11.11 sale include the \nPassat Elegance\n, which is available with total savings of \nup to RM11,000\n \u2013 consisting of RM5,500 online cash savings, as well as one year of free vehicle insurance worth RM5,500.\nThe\n Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Highline\n meanwhile is offered with a \ntotal savings of RM4,749\n, consisting of an online cash savings of RM3,500, along with a free accessories package.\nThe first 11 customers to purchase the two models during the sale will also receive a free Lego Volkswagen Campervan worth RM499, along with other VW merchandise. Existing Volkswagen owners can also enjoy a complimentary exclusive Volkswagen merchandise pack worth RM160 if they book a service or repair appointment online during the 11.11 sale.\nThe aftersales service offer is available for service and repair appointments between the 13th to 30th November 2020. The Online Service Booking feature is available on both desktop and mobile. Customers just need to select their preferred dealership, date and time, and key in their vehicle details. An Aftersales representative will then be in touch to confirm the appointment booking.\nThe Volkswagen eShowroom is available on VPCM\u2019s website \nhere\n. As for the Online Service Booking service, that\u2019s available \nhere\n."
"National carmaker \nProton\n kicked off 2023 with a bang, with 11,681 sales recorded (domestic and export) in the month of January. The figure translates to a 162.3% year-on-year increase compared to 2022, and represents the best start it had since 2013.\nThe sales figure also represents an estimated market share of 22.9% for the month (total industry volume estimated at 51,000 units, 22.8% increase), an improvement of over 12% year-on-year, and over 3% better than its market share figure of 19.6% for the whole of 22.8%. Proton says the sales performance helped it retain second place in the sales table.\nLeading Proton\u2019s sales performance was the \nProton Saga \nonce again, with 4,788 units sold across January. This was followed by the \nProton X50\n with 2,992 units, making it the best-selling SUV in the nation. The \nX70 \nmeanwhile claims second place in the C-SUV segment sales charts with 933 units delivered.\nThe \nProton Persona\u2019s \nsales figures have also bounced back now that chip supplies have mostly stabilised, with 2,039 units sold in January, taking the top spot for B-segment sedans in Malaysia. As for its hatchback counterpart, the\n Proton Iriz\n sold 597 units in the first month of 2023, representing a slight increase over its performance in December 2022, and a 111% year-on-year growth.\nRounding off the sales charts is the \nProton Exora\n, with 332 units sold last month to retain its lead in the C-segment MPV rankings.\nREAD MORE: \nProton aims to become RHD EV manufacturing Hub, to start with MHEVs\n\u201cProton has enjoyed a good start to 2023 and while the growth over January 2022 is exaggerated by the poor opening month number last year, it should not be overlooked this is our best January since 2013. We expect this trend to continue for the first quarter of the year as we must fulfil outstanding orders exempt from SST by 31 March,\u201d said Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah.\n\u201cLooking ahead to the rest of 2023, while the market outlook is for TIV to recede from the record numbers last year, Proton remains optimistic of a fifth consecutive year of growth. With new facilities due to come online at our plant in Tanjung Malim, continued expansion of our dealer network, \ninvestments in the EV charging infrastructure\n as well as the addition of new conventional and EV models to our range, we are confident of being able to end the year with a positive result,\u201d he added.\nProton is expected to unveil the \nhighly-awaited X90 SUV\n in the second quarter of 2023, which will be offered with a mild-hybrid powertrain for the first time in the company\u2019s history. The \nSmart #1\n, distributed by the company\u2019s EV arm \nPRO-NET\n, will also make its debut in Malaysia this year.\nALSO READ: \nProton to return in Indonesia and Thailand, aims 10k units global exports"
"This year will be a\nchallenging year for the automotive industry with the Malaysian Automotive\nAssociation (MAA) forecasting a flattish year for sales growth. However, that did\nnot stop Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) from hyping the market with five new model\nvariants in the first quarter of 2019.\nThe five model variants \u2013 \nE 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde, E 300 Exclusive, E 350 AMG Line\n, \nGLC 300 Coupe\n and \nGLE 450 AMG Line\n, reinforces MBMs product portfolio in the premium automotive segment. That is further spruced up with the recent introduction of the A-Class Sedan.\nWith the wide range of products and array of customer engagement activities, MBM successfully retained its position as the number 1 premium brand in Malaysia with 2,944 new cars delivered to customers since January 2019 \u2013 down by -11.7% compared to the \nsame period last year\n.\nThe slight decline in new vehicle deliveries was bolstered with the news of over 40,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were serviced in the first quarter of 2019, a staggering 13% increase compared to the previous year. The positive growth in vehicles serviced further highlights the success of MBMs customer-centric approach.\nMercedes-Benz Services\nMalaysia (MBSM) also recorded a growth in the first quarter of 2019 with a\nfinancing portfolio of over RM2.7 billion with an increase of 0.3 billion of\nyear-to-date. MBSM financed four out five Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold and 50%\nof them were insured by MBSM.\nCommenting on MBM\u2019s outlook for the year ahead, MBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, \u201cWe will continue the momentum in the first quarter of 2019. We are indeed looking to introduce more upcoming premium products and we will be sharing more information in due time.\u201d\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY"
"\u201cWhat is good, must also be beautiful.\u201d\nThose are the wise words and credo of Wilhelm and Karl Maybach at the beginning of the 20th century as the father and son combo forged a path in automotive luxury.\nBorn in 1846, Wilhelm Maybach became a close friend of Gottlieb Daimler and was involved in developing the first-ever Mercedes-Benz vehicle. In the early 1920s, Maybach Motorenbau was formed and arrived at a motor show in Berlin in 1921 with its first mass-produced car \u2013 the W 3. It was the first German production car with brakes all-round and an interior with the finest materials.\nWhen son Karl Maybach passed away in 1960, Daimler took over Maybach and the rest as they say is history.\nTo this day 100 years later, innovation and luxury are still what the Maybach name stands for and to celebrate the centennial milestone of bespoke luxury, Mercedes-Maybach has presented the \u201cEdition 100\u201d. Just like its name, only 100 units will be available worldwide.\nThe \u201cEdition 100\u201d gets the V12 twin-turbo engine in the standard Mercedes-Maybach S-Class but its appeal lies mostly with aesthetics and the pool of exquisite features.\nIt\u2019s handpainted with a two-tone Cirrus Silver and Nautical Blue mix with Crystal White/Silver Grey Pearl leather upholstery. The \u201cEdition 100\u201d badges can be seen on the C-pillar, storage compartments and on the illuminated panels in the cabin.\nA car cover is also included; featuring the company\u2019s signature double M logo as well as a handmade leather case to store keys and documents.\nInside, the cabin comes equipped with a set of champagne glasses made by silver manufacturer Robbe & Berking. They are finished with the Maybach logo on the base with fine engraving of the letters \u201c100 Years\u201d.\nWhat you also don\u2019t see is the limited edition 18-carat gold fountain pen that accompanies the car. It\u2019s made by Maybach Icons of Luxury in black or white, with a cap tip made of pearls. The clip of the pen is finished with 100 pieces of diamonds and the same colour as the car.\nIt\u2019s a shame they only released so few images.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a long winter break for Formula 1 as we prepare to kick off the 2020 F1 season this weekend in Melbourne, Australia. If you already can\u2019t wait for some racing action, here\u2019s a little something to help scratch your itch.\nJalopnik was tipped\n to a YouTube channel called \n3DBotMaker\n, who makes videos such as the \nDiecast Rally Championship\n, or DRC. If you haven\u2019t figured it out yet, the DRC is designed to resemble the World Rally Championship (WRC) as much as possible using diecast models.\n \nThe first \u201cevent\u201d of the DRC takes place at Race Canyon, which is a 3D-printed track featuring bank turns and big jumps. The competitors are no laughing matter either, ranging from classic rally legends such as the Lancia Stratos and Ford Escort Mk. I Rally Car, all the way to the last-generation \nVolkswagen Scirocco\n.\nHot Wheels cars racing videos are nothing new, but what sets the DRC apart from the rest is the truly brilliant production quality \u2013 from the multiple camera angles and instant replays, to the model-specific engine sounds and other skidding and crashing sound effects.\nAnd then there\u2019s the deadpan yet scintillating commentary by \u201crace commentators\u201d 3D and 2D, complementing each other with their humour, enthusiasm, and mispronunciations. If Martin Brundle and David Croft are the best race commentators, dare I say 3D and 2D are a close second.\nThe 3DBotMaker channel is filled with plenty of these goofy videos, so if you value your productivity, probably best to avoid visiting during work hours. When you\u2019re done with that, check out the equally nail-biting action in the \nMarbula One\n Marble Championship."
"When Volkswagen called the 2019 Jetta all-new, they weren\u2019t just referring to the chassis, styling but even the cupholders have undergone a \u201crigorous engineering upgrade\u201d.\nThere was a time when Volkswagen America actually \nshipped fast food cups to Germany\n to ensure future cupholders were robust enough for Volkswagen owners in America.\nToday, Americans can\u2019t get enough of cupholders. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, for example, has 17 cup holders and the new 2018 Tiguan has 12.\nFor the seventh generation Jetta, Volkswagen designers and engineers looked closely at not just cupholders but the whole interaction of parts in the center console. If the cups stuck up too high, it can interfere with the gear lever while the wrong kind of armrest can take up too much space or be uncomfortable for some drivers.\nVolkswagen designers not only updated the Jetta driver and passenger cup holders to make space for \na mug with a handle\n but also reworked the cup holders inside the backseat armrest entirely.\nThe cupholders in the previous model\u2019s backseat armrest were too shallow hence \nsofter plastics were used at the bottom of the cupholder\n, allowing it to be much deeper. The updates were based directly on feedback from Volkswagen drivers and although the seventh generation Jetta just hit dealerships, Volkswagen is already folding their sleeves up for the next one.\n\u201cBelieve it or not, we are already in the process of defining customer requirements for the eighth generation Jetta,\u201d says\u00a0Senior Manager for Concept and Design Quality for Volkswagen Group of America, Carsten Scharf."
"That\u2019s right, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is currently running a \u2018Drive-Me-Eco\u2019 campaign for their Mitsubishi \nAttrage\n SE, Mitsubishi Attrage GS and Mirage GS.\u00a0This promotion runs from \n9th April 2014\n until \n30th June 2014.\n\u00a0This deal includes lower monthly instalment\u00a0fees and it is \nonly\n applicable to prices on \nPenisular Malaysia\n and via \nMaybank\n.\nRead our full review on the Mitsubishi Attrage GS here.\nCustomers who book the \nAttrage SE\n will be entitled for 1 year free maintenance, with cash rebates of up to \nRM4,000\n, OR a low monthly instalment of \nRM658.\n \nThe \nAttrage GS\n on the other hand will get the same 1 year free maintenance, and cash rebates of up to\n RM4,000\n, OR a low monthly\u00a0instalment \u00a0of \nRM588.\nIf you prefer a sportier stance & look, the \nMirage GS\n\u00a0hatchback can be yours with a monthly instalment of \nRM458\n, OR cash rebates up to\u00a0\nRM6,000\n, together with 1 year free maintenance.\nThe Attrage GS is priced at \nRM 67,978.50\n, while the top of the range Attrage SE costs \nRM 75,796.50\n. The \nMirage GS\n is priced at \nRM64,090.65.\u00a0\nAll prices are on-the-road without insurance. All above mentioned models comes with a warranty of \n3 years\n or \n100,000 km\n, whichever comes first.\n**Monthly installment amount varies according to financing package and models selected\nWatch our video review on the Mitsubishi Attrage GS here!"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has just announced the 2020 Volvo Car & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge organised in collaboration with \nduduk\n \u2013 a new brand by Eco World Development Group Berhad (EcoWorld) and lifestyle publishing house Aurizn.\nStarted off in 2018, the \n2020 Volvo Car & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge\n once again calls upon interior design firms around the country to submit their most creative spatial designs.\nThe winning design from 2018. Think you can do better?\nThe concept behind the Volvo Car & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge is to adopt the Scandinavian philosophy of human-centric design \u2013 applying functionality and sustainability \u2013 to bring out the natural and organic beauty of a product.\u00a0\nSix winners will be selected this year and each will be rewarded with usage of the Volvo XC60 T8 for six months and contracts to furnish actual units of \nduduk\n by EcoWorld projects in Eco Ardence and Eco Sanctuary. These units will then be sold to end users. In total, the six contracts are worth a combined value of RM 4 million across both developments, which will be available for sale to the general public.\nDesign by a finalist from 2018.\n\u201cEcoWorld is delighted to join hands with Volvo Car Malaysia and Aurizn to run this meaningful Design Challenge that truly benefits all parties. Not only are we providing a platform for design firms to showcase their capabilities, but by offering actual contracts of high value to six winning firms, we are also contributing back to the value chain as a small effort to help rebound our economy post Covid-19,\u201d said EcoWorld, Divisional General Manager, Ho Kwee Hong.\nSubmission period of this challenge is between the 14th of May to 10th of June 2020. All Malaysian-based design firms are invited to submit their entries by sending in the best existing designs from their portfolio. Method of submission is by posting their designs on Facebook and Instagram, and adding the @dudukmy, @aurizn, and @volvocarmalaysia tags in their posts. Firms are also required to \nemail supporting company documents to Aurizn for verification\n.\n\u201cOn the 18th of June 2020, we will be announcing twelve finalists. These finalists will then have about one month to design and furnish, within a given budget, an actual \nduduk\n unit by EcoWorld. Out of these twelve finalists, the six best designs will be selected, and they will be given that budget to realise the layout that they created in units that will be sold to actual customers,\u201d said Aurizn founder and Editor-in-Chief, Bobby Ang.\nSubmission for the finalists\u2019 design closes on 17 July, after which the designs will be published online and open for a two-week voting period from the 22nd of July to 4th of August, followed by an announcement of the winners on 15 August 2020. In keeping with ongoing health guidelines on social distancing, the entire submission and judging process of the challenge will be solely conducted online.\nThe selection process of the six winners would be done through a process that combines the outcome of an online vote with feedback from a panel of judges comprising of representatives from Volvo Car Malaysia, EcoWorld, and Aurizn.\nBy yet another 2018 finalist.\n\u201cThis Scandinavian philosophy of prioritizing function and elegance is seen in the design of every Volvo Car model. We feel that the essence of this approach is applicable in the design process of many other things in our lives, including our homes,\u201d said Volvo Car Malaysia, Managing Director, Nalin Jain as he explained the considerations involved in the judging process.\n\u201cThe other aspect in Scandinavian design philosophy is the importance placed on efficiency and sustainability. These philosophies have guided the engineering and design of all Volvo cars and we are eager to see our local designers inject these flavours into Malaysian homes to make sustainable and eco-friendly living a way of our life,\u201d he continued.\nNalin further explained that, \u201cVolvo Cars have always placed a high priority on environmental sustainability and also the well-being of people. Through the Volvo Car & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge, we are pleased to have this opportunity to promote sustainable home designs, whilst at the same time provide working opportunities for interior design firms amidst this challenging economic climate.\u201d"
"The Nurburgring Nordschleife has been nicknamed \u201cThe Green Hell\u201d by Jackie Stewart, thanks to its 20.8 km of demanding twists and turns. The difficult nature of the track is the reason why many car manufacturers choose to \ntest their cars there\n, but as you may know, the Nordschleife is also \nopen to public traffic\n on most days.\nHowever, the true cost of driving there is way more than just the 30 Euros you pay to enter. Even the best makes mistakes \u2013 just take a look on YouTube, and if you\u2019re planning to drive on the Green Hell, it\u2019s probably a good idea to factor in this part of the equation too.\nIf you\u2019re wondering how much it\u2019ll cost you to crash your car on the Nurburgring, \nCar Throttle\n has helpfully created a little \nanimation video\n to give you an idea of what you\u2019re expected to pay when you\u2019ve had a little too much fun.\n \nFirstly, there\u2019ll be the cost of fixing the crash barriers along the track, which costs 60.69 Euros per metre to replace (if they\u2019re just mildly scratched, they can be fixed at 17.59 Euros). If any of the barrier supports are damaged, that\u2019ll be 79 Euros each. Oh, and you\u2019ll have to pay 150 Euros just to get the repairmen out to fix the barriers.\nDepending on the severity of your crash, a safety car might be required while they clear up the debris around the crash zone, and get you out to safety. That\u2019ll be 82 Euros per 30 minutes of their precious time. And don\u2019t forget the standard 19% Value-Added Tax in Germany to your total bill.\nYes, you can even drive a \nTuk Tuk on the Nurburgring\n \u2013 as long as it\u2019s road legal.\nPerhaps fortunately at this point, the rumour that there\u2019s an automatic fee applied to every cash for shutting down the track is false. It all depends on the situation, and usually takes more than just one isolated crash to shut down the entire track.\nBy Car Throttle\u2019s estimates, you\u2019ll be paying approximately \n3,000 Euros (RM14,171) \nfor a medium to severe crash on the \u2018Ring. And that\u2019s before transporting your car to get it fixed \u2013 if it\u2019s even worth it at this point.\nAs much as we hate to say it, we all think that we\u2019re better drivers than we really are. Perhaps it\u2019s best if we keep our Nurburgring dreams to just watching \non-board videos\n done by professional racing drivers."
"If you\u2019re looking for a Christmas gift for your petrolhead spouse, these art toy cars as they\u2019re called could be it. You can thank us later.\nThey\u2019re called \nPlayforever\n and according to their statement in the \u201cABOUT\u201d section of their website, they call themselves the \u201cCreators and connoisseurs of art toys that are built to\u00a0last a lifetime\u201d and we don\u2019t doubt it at all.\nTheir range of \u201ctoys\u201d is expansive and expensive, to say the least. They range from classic Porsche-inspired designs, Formula 1 cars inspired from the 20s, 70s, and 80s, muscle cars and planes even!\nHere\u2019s where it gets interesting \u2013 how much they cost. These art toy cars are not your average \nTomica\n or Hotwheels diecast toys. In terms of the details, they may not be as accurate and intricate but instead, they\u2019ve gone for a cleaner, more minimalist design without compromising the identity of the toy.\nAccording to their site, it\u2019s safe for 1-year olds and above, but would you let your kids mess with toys that costs this much? These are for those who haven\u2019t outgrown the idea of having toys but more importantly, for those with overgrown wallets.\nThese toy cars start from around \u00a320 pounds (approx. RM108) to about \u00a350 pounds (approx. RM272) depending on which design you go for but what caught our attention were the ones from their \u201c\nCNC Program\n\u201c.\nThe limited-edition Modena Grand Prix.\nPriced at \u00a36,500.\nTake the limited-edition Modena Grand Prix for example. It\u2019s the most expensive in Playforever\u2019s range, at \n\u00a36,500 pounds (approx RM35,000)\n. They\u2019re CNC-machined from a solid block of ABS material before being sanded and polished by hand. They\u2019re then finished with the highest grade of automotive paint with glossy UV coating.\nThe trims on the other hand have been cut from a solid block of metal also using a CNC machine. They\u2019re then sanded to remove any residual marks and \u201cpolished to diamond standard\u201d according to their site. These trims are also left untreated and will evolve over time. The wheels are made of solid rubber using a slow casting process.\nAlternatively, there\u2019s the \u201cmore affordable\u201d Grand Walnut Roadster for \u00a32,000 pounds.\nAnd the result \u2013 whether you\u2019re 1 of 50-years old \u2013 are objects of abject desire. They even have a variety of toy cars which are CNC-machined out of a solid block of walnut wood, which will set you back \u00a3695 pounds (approximately RM3,700).\nThese aren\u2019t for kids. These are the kinda stuff you\u2019d want to have in your bachelor pad/home, paraded to guests, used as conversation pieces, but more essentially, to appease that overgrown child in you for anything fancy on four wheels.\nGALLERY"
"Many moons have come and gone since the motoring legend hailing from Munich took the wraps off the \nnew BMW M4\n. And such is the rich heritage of building track-prepped versions of its outgoing Motorsport-inspired 3-Series. Since BMW has segregated the range, the BMW M3 coupe will from now on be known as the M4, though the one you see here is the most extreme iteration of it yet \u2013 the M4 GTS Concept.\nBMW has a interesting habit of building its conceptual track monsters. This time around, the boffins from Bimmer\u2019s \n\u201cGo Faster\u201d\n division have come up with the GTS which is based on the outgoing F82 BMW M4. Aside from the bonkers paint schemes, lurking under the engine is something altogether astonishing.   It is widely accepted and agreed upon that \nwater\n has no place in the combustion chamber, but Bimmer disagrees \u2013 naturally. They\u2019ve come up with an innovation that seems to \ndefy\n conventional understanding. But hey, isn\u2019t that the point of science and innovation?\nThis concept was \nfirst introduced\n on a test subject in the form of the \n2015 BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car\n. The\u00a0M Division kitted the \nM4\u2019s 431 hp inline-six\n lump with a \nwater injection system\n. Water injection makes it possible to \nraise\n the \nupper performance limits\n, which have otherwise been \nthermally restricted\n. Putting power figures aside, it optimises\u00a0efficiency with benefits in \nfull-load consumption\n and \nexhaust emissions\n. Hurrah!\nBefore you call out Witchcraft, water injection works on the principal of \nextracting heat\n by spraying a \nvery fine mist\n into the \nintake manifolds plenum\n.\u00a0When the water vaporises, the \nintake air cools\n significantly. As a result, the final \ncompression temperature\n in the combustion chamber \nreduces\n, enabling the turbocharged engine to use \nhigher boost numbers\n and an \nearlier injection timing\n.\nThe beauty of this technology ensures an increase in power and torque, whilst \nreducing the thermal stress\n on performance components. This water injection system also enhances the\n stability and durability\n of the engine, therefore allowing the M4 GTS Concept to bring technology directly from the race track to the road. Brilliant.\nThat\u2019s enough talk on water injection and time to take a step back and appreciate the curves and lines of this fine specimen. The concept car is finished in\n\u00a0Frozen\u00a0Dark\u00a0Grey Metallic\n with accents of \nAcid Orange\n splashed over the\n wheels\n and front \nsplitter\n. Speaking of wheels, the Concept GTS sits on\u00a0\n265/35\u00a0R19\n at the front and \n285/30\u00a0R20\u00a0Michelin Sport Cup 2\n at the rear.\nAs the name and heritage suggest, the GTS moniker is synonymous with power but also an \nadherance\n to being \nlightweight\n. Generous lashings of \ncarbon composites\n are used extensively to\n lower\n the \ncurb weight\n and \ncentre of gravity\n, making it a proper track muncher. Aside from that, the car remains unchanged, aesthetically speaking apart from the \nOLED tail lamps\n.\nThe Concept M4 GTS was unveiled at the revered\n Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance\n\u00a0in California last weekend where it stunned all who gazed at its presence. The M4 GTS Concept will make it to production soon, so more on that to come.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Once again, the men of Stuttgart have not only set a new benchmark, but built a new yardstick with their latest creation.\nAs \nwe\u2019ve experienced in New Zealand\n, the new \n992\n\u2013\ngeneration Porsche 911\n which was\n globally unveiled in November 2018\n is nothing short of an engineering marvel \u2013 upholding the 911\u2019s repertoire as one of the most usable everyday sports.\nNow, there\u2019s even more power to go with the practicality with the new \nPorsche 911 Turbo S Coupe and Cabriolet\n and the figures are insane.\n \n650 hp and 800 Nm from a new 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six, and with a \u201cTurbo-specific\u201d 8-speed PDK gearbox, Porsche says it\u2019s good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of just \n2.7 seconds\n. You can\u2019t even spell Porsche as quick!\nIt\u2019s also a full second quicker from 0 to 200 km/h than its predecessor at 8.9 seconds. Not only has it got an extra 70 hp and 50 Nm from before, top speed has also seen a spike to 330 km/h. These figures have been contributed by a new air intake system and larger turbos, to name a few.\nThe 992-generation broke conventions when it offered wide body styles even for the 911 Carrera S when it was reserved traditionally for the Carrera 4S and Turbo models. With the new Turbo S, the body is even wider both in the front and back \u2013 by up to 45mm.\nAir flaps at the front bumper aids cooling and aerodynamics while a larger, retractable rear wing adds even more downforce.\nFor the first time ever, the Turbo S features mixed sized wheels \u2013 20-inch in the front and 21-inch at the rear.\nLike on the previous 911 Turbo S, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, rear-axle steering and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, now with \n10-piston front calipers\n, are standard. The front brake rotors have increased in size from 410 mm on the previous model to 420 mm.\nInside, a newly designed two-tone interior will be available by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as an option. The 18-way adjustable sports seats feature stitching that pays homage to the first 911 Turbo (Type 930).\nThe 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe will be priced at $203,500 (approx. RM851k before taxes), while the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet will retail for $216,300 (approx. RM904k before taxes).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Subaru is set to unveil the all-new Impreza at the upcoming New York Motor Show. It will be available in two body styles \u2013 saloon and hatchback. What we have here is a teaser image of the new car, revealing just the front-left side of the Impreza.\nThe picture suggests that the Impreza\u2019s headlights could follow the same design found on the\u00a0\nfacelifted XV\n.\u00a0Nothing much has been revealed at this point of time, apart from the\u00a0\nSymmetrical All-Wheel Drive\n\u00a0system and their new suite of award-winning safety tech. The new Impreza should follow\u00a0the concept (pictured below) which was previewed at the Los Angeles Motor Show last year.\nThe new Impreza is among the first models to be part of the\n\u00a0Subaru Global Platform\n,\u00a0and next to receive the treatment is the next-generation XV. The new model is set to be more driver-focused thanks to its more rigid chassis, reduced body roll and a lower center of gravity. The inclusion of all-wheel drive should refresh the memories of go-fast Subarus on rally grounds.\nIn\u00a0\nMalaysia\n,\u00a0the Impreza is sold as\u00a0the \u201c\nWRX\n \u201cmoniker by Motor Image, with two variants offered: the \nWRX (RM237,190.80) \nand\n WRX STI (RM278,720.50)\n. Do read what we think of the WRX STI on our review \nhere\n!"
"Volvo Cars is long and famously known for their unrelenting pursuit in vehicle safety technology. This time around, it becomes the only European brand with \nfour\u00a0models\n on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ list.\n2015 Volvo V60   To qualify for the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards, vehicles must meet a benchmark criteria which requires no driver intervention in its ability to slow down or stop, all to prevent a crash from taking place.\nOne of Volvo\u2019s best performing and most impressive crash avoidance technology is the \nCity Safety\n feature which is now standard in all new Volvos. The \nCity Safety\n\u00a0feature is Volvo\u2019s low-speed collision avoidance system, and helps Volvo drivers avoid low-speed or city collisions by applying automated brake force.\nVice President of the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) Matthew Moore, who is also the director of the study said, \u201cConsistent with prior results, this study shows that forward collision systems are \nworking\n.\n\u201cThat is good news because an increasing number of vehicles have these features.\u00a0These features are \npreventing common\n, \neveryday crashes\n caused by inattentive drivers or drivers who don\u2019t react quickly enough to emergency situations.\u201d\n2015 Volvo S60\nThe report by IIHS also stated that insurance claims of S60 owners amounted to 16 percent less compared to other \nmidsize luxury cars\n. The XC70 and all-new XC90 however, have not been launched in time to participate in the study.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S60   Volvo V60   Volvo S80   Volvo XC60"
"Range Rovers, despite being a premium SUV, housing the finest of materials and latest of technologies, have always been known to be just as competent off-road as it is on the tarmac.\nLand Rover decided to emphasise this even more with a publicity stunt taking place in what appears to be on the streets of London. The enormous speed bump bemused drivers and passerbys alike while a plucky Ford Fiesta even attempted to scale what is easily a four to five feet high speed bump.\nNotice how even a BMW X3 owner claimed that he wasn\u2019t convinced that his SUV was as good a 4\u00d74. An Evoque then comes along and methodically ascends and descends from the speed bump, to the bewilderment of on-lookers.\nOn this side of the planet, it just seems like we\u2019re seeing lesser of the Evoque on the road from say three years ago \u2013 having been Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s best seller in 2015. Locally, the Evoque is offered with one engine option only, the \nSi4 2.0-litre turbocharged model\u00a0we reviewed\n producing \n238 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n of torque \u2013 delivered through a 9-speed transmission."
"BMW\n has unveiled some specifications of the next-generation \nMINI Cooper Electric\n. Having its spy shots surfaced on the internet in late 2022 and \nearlier this year\n, the new all-electric three-door hatchback features a new grille and a new rear-end design with simpler bodylines.\nGeared towards electric driving fun, which is how the company is describing the new car, the next-generation MINI Cooper Electric will be coming in two variants. The variants are namely the MINI Cooper E and the MINI Cooper SE. Until now, BMW has yet to unveil a five-door variant.\nPower-wise, the Cooper E is capable of producing \n181 hp\n. The Cooper SE on the other hand is capable of producing slightly more, which is around \n214 hp\n. Installed on the floor of the MINI Cooper Electric is a lithium-ion battery. This is done for optimum road holding and weight distribution, while also increasing the vehicle\u2019s stability and agility, according to BMW.\nThe Cooper E has a battery capacity of \n40.7 kWh\n, while the Cooper SE has a battery capacity of \n54.2 kWh\n. Both are capable of carrying you as far as an estimated \n400 km\n (WLTP). Although the battery has been upsized for the SE, so has the power output. This is much better than the current generation MINI Cooper Electric which only has around 232 km of WLTP range.\nTogether with the MINI Countryman, the next generation MINI Cooper Electric will be produced at the BMW Group Plant in Leipzig from November 2023. The company has also teased that the MINI Aceman will be joining and completing the new MINI family from 2024 onwards.\nRELATED: \nSpied: Next-gen MINI Cooper electric seen undisguised\nCloser to home, \nBMW Group Malaysia\n has given the MINI Electric an update for the year 2023 earlier this year. This update gave the car equipment such as a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and a new Nanuq White body colour.\nThe company also revealed the MINI Electric Resolute Edition at \nMalaysia Auto Show 2023\n (held from \nMay 4\n to \n7\n, \n2023\n at MAEPS Serdang). Limited to 90 units only, added goodies include new body colours, new colour trims for the headlamps, front grille and tail lights, as well as new seat pattern designs.\nRELATED: \nMINI Electric Resolute Edition now available with new exterior colours, from RM205k\nGALLERY"
"BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia today introduced the BMW Full Circle Recharged and MINI Full Circle Urban Explorer; two new financing programmes for BMW\u2019s iPerformance range and the new MINI Cooper S Countryman Sport. The new financing options are available from today until 31 August 2018.\nUnder the new BMW Full Circle Recharged campaign, you can drive home a \nBMW 330e M Sport\n from RM2,918 monthly; \n530e Sport\n from RM 3,908 monthly; \n740Le xDrive\n from RM 6,668 monthly and the \nX5 xDrive40e M Sport\n from RM 4,718 monthly.\nManaging Director and CEO of BMW Group Financial Services in Malaysia, Tobias Eismann said, \u201cTo support the high market demand of our hybrid vehicles, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia is pleased to announce the BMW Full Circle Recharged campaign \u2013 an exclusive ownership programme developed specifically for the BMW iPerformance model range.\u201d\nEvery successful application under the BMW Full Circle Recharged programme will also receive a complimentary Fitbit Charge 2 and a limited edition HoriznStudios BMW Board Case.\nThe MINI Full Circle Urban Explorer programme, on the other hand, is available exclusively for the recently launched \nCooper S Countryman Sports\n. Customers who opt for this financing option will be able to drive home the sporty SUV from RM2,698 per month. Successful applicants will also receive a MINI Urban Essential set consisting of a Nanopresso to craft daily coffee on the go and a Fitbit Charge 2.\nLike all new BMW and MINI models, both BMW Full Circle Recharged and the MINI Full Circle Urban Explorer campaigns are entitled to the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience: BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, BMW 2-Year/24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyres, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, MINI 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service as well as BMW and MINI Service Online."
"The Bespoke Collective division of Rolls-Royce calls the darker iteration of the Black Badge Wraith and Dawn, the Adamas. Inspired by the name which translates to \u201cuntameable\u201d or \u201cinvincible\u201d, the limited collection celebrates the darker side of contemporary craftsmanship.\nOnly\n 40 Black Badge Wraiths\n and \n30 Black Badge Dawns\n will be made \u2013 standing out with Rolls-Royce\u2019s signature \u201cSpirit of Ecstacy\u201d made, for the first time in history, from machined carbon fibre.\nThe iconic figure is\u00a0engineered from \n294 layers of aerospace grade carbon fibre\n, which took 68 hours to produce using a complex weave technique.\nInside, the clock that rests on the dashboard is encrusted with \n88 laboratory-grown black diamonds\n. Its starlight headliner for the first time incorporates graded shading.\nIn the Wraith Adamas, 1,340 individual fibre optic lights are configured to form the molecular structure of \ncarbon transforming into diamond\n, presenting a motif reminiscent of a powerful spine running through the cabin.\nGetting on and off the Adamas\u2019, occupants will be treated to a powerful reminder from the illuminated tread plate reading either \u2018Black Badge Wraith Adamas \u2013 One of Forty\u2019 or \u2018Black Badge Dawn Adamas \u2013 One of Thirty\u2019.\nThat\u2019s a lot of words to squeeze into a tread plate, innit?"
"We at \nAutoBuzz.my \nare\nstrong advocates for the use of child seats and are in full support of the Government\u2019s\nmove of enforcing mandatory use of child seats by 2020. However, we too understand\nthat not every family has the luxury to splurge on a child seat hence, we very\nmuch welcome organisations making child seats more accessible to families.\nBMW Malaysia in its\nfifth edition of the BMW Safety 360\u00b0 Programme, has partnered with Childline\nFoundation \u2013 a non-profit organisation focused on the awareness and education of\nchild safety and protection \u2013 to introduce the \u201cFrom Day One\u201d campaign.\nChildline Foundation\u2019s passenger safety consultants giving a workshop to new parents\n\u201cFrom Day One\u201d is aimed\nat promoting the importance of child seats from the day newborns leave the\nhospital. To kickstart the campaign, the first six babies born on Father\u2019s Day\nat Hospital Putrajaya received a Chicco KeyFit 30 infant child seat with the\nsupport of Chicco Malaysia.\nNew parents were also\ngiven a workshop on the best child safety practices from Childline Foundation\ncovering topics on the right criteria for choosing a child car seat, proper\nmethods for installation, as well as the lifecycle of a child car seat.\n \nIn the next phase of \u201cFrom Day One\u201d campaign, BMW Malaysia and Safe \u2018n Sound, a distributor of child seats and baby gear will introduce a subsidy programme for 150 units of snskidz Ace infant carrier car seats at RM100 each (retail price: RM199). The rear-facing infant carrier car seat can be used from birth to 13 kg and carries the ECE R44-04 certification. The subsidised child seats are available at five government hospitals in Klang Valley which will be named soon.\nManaging Director of\nBMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl said: \u201cWe will continue promoting the need\nfor child car seats by offering subsidies alongside Safe \u2018n Sound to help make\nchild car seats more accessible. However, it is not enough that parents use\nchild car seats. It is equally important that they understand the proper ways\nof choosing and installing the child car seats to ensure the utmost safety of\ntheir children.\u201d\nHead of Corporate\nCommunications of BMW Group Malaysia, Sashi Ambi added: \u201cAs we continue to advocate\nchild safety values with the BMW Safety 360\u00b0 Programme, we would like to urge\nother partners to take part in this movement to make child car seats a norm \u2013\nwhether by raising greater awareness on the topic through education, making\nchild car seats more accessible, or reaching out to Childline to be a part of\nthe programme. We hope to see an increase in its usage as enforcement comes\ninto effect. After all, the safety of our children on the road begins with the correct\nuse of child car seats.\u201d"
"If you\u2019ve always wanted to experience a Tesla, now is your chance. Grab, the ride sharing app formerly known as MyTeksi, is collaborating with GreenTech to offer its customers the opportunity to ride in a \nTesla Model S\n.\nFrom today till 16 October 2016, 10am to 6pm, Grab users can book a ride in a Tesla Model S via a special Tesla Model S icon in the app. Due to the exclusivity of the campaign, passengers are only allowed a \nmaximum travel distance of 5km\n each ride. However, a total of \nthree passengers\n are allowed for each ride.\nA \nfixed fare\n of RM15 is quoted for the 5km ride and payments can only be made via debit or credit cards. The availability of the locations is as below:\nDate\nLocation\n14 October 2016 (Friday)\nJalan Raja Chulan / Jalan Ampang / Jalan Tun Abdul Razak\n15 October 2016 (Saturday)\nMont Kiara / Sri Hartamas / Bangsar\n16 October 2016 (Sunday)\nBandar Utama / TTDI\u00a0 / Mutiara Damansara\nIf the thought of experiencing maximum torque acceleration from \nstandstill\u00a0\n\u2013 all from an electric motor \u2013\u00a0excites you, then download the Grab app from the \nApp Store\n or \nGoogle Playstore\n\u00a0and book a ride now! For further information on terms and conditions, do head on over to Grab\u2019s \nwebsite\n."
"Aston Martin has a history of sourcing its engine from various other carmakers, including Mercedes-AMG since its partnership with Daimler in 2013. Of course, there\u2019s nothing wrong with that as engine development is costly, and doing so might hamper the development budget for the rest of the car, especially for a relatively small outfit like Aston Martin.\nIn fact, Aston Martin\u2019s last in-house developed engine dates all the way back to 1968. However, that is all about to change as the Gaydon-based sportscar maker has just unveiled it\u2019s new\n 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine\n, codenamed TM01 \u2013 a nod to one of the marquee\u2019s most important engineer of the 50s and 60s, Tadek Marek.\nThe TM01 engine will be used to power a \nwhole series of mid-engined Aston Martin sports cars\n, including the forthcoming \nValhalla\n, where it will make its official debut.\nThe 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 unit has been built with \nelectrification\n in mind from the onset. Although no power figures were announced, Aston Martin says that the new range of hybrid systems built with the TM01 will make it the \nmost powerful in the brand\u2019s range\n when on sale.\n \nAston Martin says that the TM01 has adopted many key learnings from the \nValkyrie project\n, the brand\u2019s first mid-engined hypercar. These include the \n\u2018hot V\u2019 architecture\n, where the turbocharger is placed in between the pistons, reducing the size and weight of the unit \u2013 TM01 weighs \nless than 200 kg\n.\nThe new engine will also feature a \ndry sump system\n, providing the engine the lowest-possible centre of gravity possible when placed directly behind the driver. The system also ensures that the engine stays well lubricated during hard cornering.\nAston Martin President and Group Ceo, Andy Palmer said, \u201cInvesting in your own powertrains is a tall order, but our team have risen to the challenge. Moving forward, this power unit will be integral to a lot of what we do and the first signs of what this engine will achieve are incredibly promising.\u201d"
"Brembo has unveiled Greentive, its latest brake discs that come with a mirror-like finish on its surface. Aside from exuding \u201celegance and personality\u201d according to Brembo, the mirror-like finish actually has performance benefits.\nThe new Brembo Greentive (which is a portmanteau of \u2018green\u2019 and \u2018distinctive\u2019) discs feature a new layer of coating on its ring surface, using something called High-Velocity-Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) technology that actually reduces environmental impact.\n \nThe tungsten carbide coating gives the brake discs higher strength and a high melting point, which reduces wear on the discs, and results in a longer life cycle for the rotors. The smoother surface also reduces brake dusts, keeping your shiny wheels cleaner for longer.\nThe new coating is also significantly more resistant to corrosion, which is particularly useful for \nelectric cars\n, as their physical braking equipment is used less thanks to regenerative braking on the electric motors. According to the Brembo\u2019s own introduction video, the new Greentive brake discs is supposedly \ndesigned to last 150,000 km\n.\nThe snazzy shiny surface is accentuated by the Brembo logo, which doubles as a wear indicator to let you know when it\u2019s time to replace the rotors \u2013 not like you\u2019ll be doing that often anyway. The new Greentive disc brakes are available in all Brembo brake disc styles, including solid, Lightweight, Dual Cast and two-piece floating discs.\u00a0\nAside from the Greentive brake discs, Brembo also announced the new Enesys (Energy Saving System) brake spring technology, designed to diminish the brake residual torque.\nBy ensuring that the brake pads return to their initial position as soon as the brake pedal is released, the Enesys brake springs limits brake pad and disc wear, reduce emissions, while also guaranteeing an overall increase in performance of a vehicle by reducing the contact between the brake pads and discs when the brakes are not in use."
"A few months ago, Geely had expressed ambitions for Lotus to someday be on the \nsame playing field as the likes of Ferrari and Porsche\n. That ambition could soon be realised sooner than later.\nDespite announcing that future Lotus\u2019 could \nutilise shared powertrains from other Geely-owned brands\n like Volvo and Polestar, Geely is not about to skimp on the cash flow as it now plans to invest more than RM 7 billion to honour its ambitions.\nThe Evora 410 Sport featured in the \nAutoBuzz.my Best Cars of 2017 video\n.\nThe funds will be used to acquire a larger stake in Lotus, expand its production operations and increase headcount for engineers by the hundreds \u2013 possibly the most aggressive move by Geely shortly after \nreplacing speed freak and former CEO, Jean-Marc Gales\n with \none of their own\n.\nThis commitment also signals that Lotus is well on its way with the introduction of an all-new SUV, \nreportedly due\u00a0beyond the year 2020\n."
"We love old cars \u2013 just took a look at the \nAutoBuzz.my\n office parking space and you\u2019ll see. But to many people, owning an ancient relic isn\u2019t always the most practical or the most financially logical thing to do. With the next Nissan Z car though \u2013 in prototype form at least, hence the name Z Proto \u2013 you get to have the best of the old school cool without the headaches that comes with it.\nAfter a long slow-drip process that started \nback in May this year\n, Nissan has now finally unveiled the \nZ Proto\n in full. As expected, the exterior of the Z Proto is deliciously retro-inspired, all the way down to the paintjob \u2013 sporting a bright yellow pearlescent paint, as a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first-generation 240Z and 300ZX.\nBut it\u2019s not just looking back at the past, no. Nissan design chief Alfonso Albaisa said that the Z Proto was the result of \u201ccountless studies and sketches\u201d as they researched each generation of the Z cars and what made them a success, and ultimately decided that \u201cthe Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future,\u201d making it a sort of retro-futuristic mix that we think works quite well here.\nThe \u201cheritage-inspired\u201d design cues start with the overall silhouette of the Z Proto, including the shape of the hood, roofline, fender height, and even how the rear quarter glass transitions into the tailgate. Up front, the teardrop-shaped LED headlights are also unmistakably Z, and the two half-circles and glass dome design also hark back to the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 70s.\nFurther down, there\u2019s an upright grille that Nissan says is similar in dimensions to the recent 370Z and 350Z models, but the grille fins are inspired by older models in the Z\u2019s history.\nOver at the rear of the Z Proto, the taillights are also clearly inspired by the 300ZX, but \u201creinterpreted for the modern world\u201d according to Nissan. The rounded-rectangle light signature mimics the grille fins in front, and is set within a black rectangular section that runs across the entire width of the car \u2013 again, inspired by the 300ZX.\nFinishing the look on the outside are the lightweight carbon fibre side skirts, front lower lip, and the discreet valance spoiler. The Z Proto rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, and large twin tailpipe exits are moulded into the single-piece rear bumper.\nThe retro touch continues inside, as seen with the trio of analogue gauges on top of the dashboard, along with the deep-dish steering wheel which Nissan says allows the driver quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic.\nBut the Yokohama-based carmaker says that the Z Proto isn\u2019t all about the looks. The company sought advice from professional motorsports legends to give the Z Proto an \u201cideal sports car cabin, both for road and track\u201d, and that\u2019s why it\u2019s also equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, displaying all vital information arranged in an easy-to-view manner, such as the redline shift point at the 12 o-clock position.\nYellow accents that mirror the exterior paintjob are found throughout the cabin, and the seats also feature a special accent piping and layered seat material to create depth. Despite the \u201cProto\u201d in the name, the cabin actually looks close to production-ready status, and even has USB type-C charging ports and cup holders already moulded into the centre console. We wouldn\u2019t be surprised if the entire cabin is ported straight into the production Z car.\nNow, we still don\u2019t know the exact engine that will be powering the Z Proto and by extension the next Z car, but Nissan says that under the hood is an \u201cenhanced V6 twin-turbocharged engine\u201d, and will be paired to a good ol\u2019 six-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic gearbox.\nWe are used to seeing increased engine capacity in every generation of the Z cars, as denoted by the numbers in their names \u2013 3.5-litre V6 on the 350Z, and a 3.7-litre V6 on the 370Z. However, recent rumours suggests that the next Z car, purportedly called the 400Z, will not be seeing a four-litre engine. Instead, it\u2019ll inherit the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine as seen on several Infiniti models, with power output around the tune of 400 hp and 500 Nm, where the model will get its name from.\nDespite the obligatory power bump, Z Proto\u2019s chief product specialist Hiroshi Tamura says the Z is more than just output figures, but \u201cabout balance of power and agility\u201d. Final development is underway to \u201csynchronize the power with the grace and control that has defined the Z for the past 50 years\u201d. Production is tipped to begin sometime in 2022, with deliveries starting in 2023.\nGALLERY"
"Three years after the \ninternational debut\n of the \nXV70 Camry\n, Toyota has now unveiled the first facelift for the eight-generation D-segment sedan with a minor revision to the exterior and interior, and an upgraded safety suite.\nThe standard LE variants in the United States, which will most likely make its way to our region, gains a slightly redesigned front fascia, which includes a reshaped lower grille with a more defined air intake area, along with a slightly tweaked upper grille that\u2019s now wider around the Toyota badge.\nMeanwhile, the XSE \u201cSport\u201d variants, which are not available in the ASEAN region, gets a new front-end with a much more aggressive design, featuring larger \u201cair inlets\u201d at the side, along with a more prominent front splitter.\nNew 17- and 18-inch wheels round up the updated exterior; the rear-end of the Toyota Camry remains untouched in the facelift exercise.\nInside, the facelifted Camry gets a slightly reworked dashboard layout. The infotainment display swapped places with the air conditioning vents, now placed at the top of the centre stack with a new floating design.\nThe system itself has also been updated to support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with internet connectivity for other connected services and over-the-air updates. Depending on variant selected, the infotainment display is either seven- or nine-inches in size.\nInterior trims also gain new materials across the board, finished in either\u00a0linear dark, wood inlay, or patterned metal depending on the selected variant.\nThe updated Toyota Camry will be the first model in the line-up to feature the new Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5+ advanced driver assistance suite, which now adds bicycle detection (daytime only) and intersection support to the Pre-Collision System.\nThe existing pedestrian detection feature now also works in low-light conditions. There is also a new emergency steering assist function to help stabilise the driver\u2019s emergency inputs when swerving to avoid a collision.\nThe Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system has also been updated, which now features an overtaking function to automatically speed up the vehicle when the turn indicators are switched on in preparation of the lane change-overtake manoeuvre.\nOther features in the TSS 2.5+ suite include Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitor.\nIn the US, the powertrain options in the updated Camry remains unchanged from before: A 2.5-litre Dynamic Force naturally aspirated four-cylinder mill with 203 hp and 250 Nm, a 3.5-litre V6 with 301 hp and 362 Nm, as well as a hybrid powertrain utilising the same 2.5-litre engine paired to a 118 hp electric motor for a combined system output of 208 hp.\nAll petrol-only variants are fitted with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox, while the hybrid variants get an e-CVT gearbox. The 2.5-litre model will also be available in all-wheel drive configuration.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Every auto manufacturer is joining the lucrative crossover wagon, so as Infiniti with the upcoming \nQX30\n. Infiniti markets the QX30 in the\u00a0\npremium compact segment\n,\u00a0and it\u2019s not short of competitors as the QX30 will face rivals such as Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The 2015 Infiniti QX30 also made its debut in both Los Angeles and Guangzhou motor shows simultaneously.\nBased on the \nQ30 hatchback,\n the QX30 is Infiniti\u2019s interpretation of giving its hatchback model a higher road clearance and all-wheel drive. These two attributes will translate into a crossover, hoping to\u00a0attract a good number of young and new-to-Infiniti buyers.\n \n \nAt the launch, Infiniti\u2019s President Roland Krueger\u00a0commented,\u00a0\u201cThe QX30 active crossover is joining our new premium compact family at the right time and will broaden our offer to new customers around the world. With our recent sales successes and record growth, the current product offensive will further strengthen Infiniti\u2019s global market position.\u201d\nNo confirmed details on the technical specs yet, but it\u2019s expected to be powered by the similar\n 2.0-litre 208bhp turbocharged engine\n with\n\u00a0seven-speed\u00a0dual clutch transmission\n that propels the Q30. Its all-wheel drivetrain is capable to distribute close to 50 percent of the engine\u2019s power and torque to the rear axle\u00a0to maintain traction in various conditions. Other goodies for the QX30 include\n\u00a0Intelligent Cruise Control, InTouch infotainment system\n & \nInfiniti Voice Recognition\n.   The QX30 is slated to\u00a0arrive in showrooms in selected markets by mid-2016. It\u2019s unclear as yet whether the model will arrive on our shores, but with the market leaning towards premium vehicles as such, things certainly do look hopeful.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Road tax getting a little too expensive to swallow? Sorry, it\u2019s not going to be getting cheaper anytime soon. According to Anthony Loke, road tax fees are one of the government\u2019s biggest source of income, generating roughly RM3 billion per year, so any decision to lower it will only bring \u201cnegative impact\u201d to the country.\nWith that being said, the government \nis\n considering to review the structure of the road tax fees, \nNew Strait Times \nreports.\n\u201cThere is a need to conduct a comprehensive review on the road tax structure, but it must be understood that road tax is one of the biggest revenues for the government,\u201d Anthony Loke said during his ministry\u2019s winding-up speech on the royal address at the Parliament yesterday.\n\u201cCurrently, it generates almost RM3 billion. So far, there is no decision to lower it [road tax]. Any decision that could decrease the country\u2019s revenue, such as lowering the road tax fees, would only create a negative impact,\u201d he added.\nRELATED:\n Still confused about the road tax situation? Anthony Loke answers your questions\nRoad tax sticker for the \nBYD Atto 3\n.\nAdditionally, the ministry is also looking to conduct a comprehensive study on the road tax structure for \nelectric vehicles\n (EV). \u201cThere should be a comprehensive study on the structure of fees, so it is aligned with our policies,\u201d Loke said.\n\u201cIn our efforts to encourage the use of EVs, there should be incentives from various aspects such as competitive road tax fees, and facilities such as charging stations,\u201d he added.\nCurrently, fully-electric vehicles in Malaysia are completely exempt from road tax until the 31 December 2025. After which, the road tax for EVs will be calculated by the motor\u2019s output, besides the usual body style classifications \u2013 where SUVs (or Jeep according to official language) are a little cheaper."
"The Volkswagen Golf GTI is always associated with \ngreat handling and terrific performance\n for its price point. Apart from making advancements in material science, thermodynamics as well as better suspension geometry, high-performance computer processors have also aided to bring the new Golf GTIs driving dynamics to a whole new level.\nVolkswagen says the eight-generation Golf GTI is \nthe most digital variant of all time\n, with the entire electronic architecture created from scratch. While it is easy to see the results in the high-quality Digital Cockpit Pro and Discover Media infotainment display, the technological improvements also extend to the chassis.\nCentral to the fully computer-controlled chassis is the \nnew\n \nVehicle Dynamics Manager\n, a driving dynamics control system. It integrates the electronic stability control (ESC) with the electronic differential locks (XDS and VAQ) and the continuously adaptive suspension control (DCC).\nThanks to the advanced processors of the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, the activation of a new \nelectronically-controlled front locking differential (VAQ)\n ensures a more precise torque split between the left and right wheels.\nTogether, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager and VAQ results in reduced understeer and better acceleration without any loss of traction.\nVAQ module acts like an electronically controlled torque split device between the left and right wheels.\nFirst appeared in the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance as well as GTI TCR models, the new-generation VAQ is now fully integrated into the ESC and DCC control system through the Vehicle Dynamics Manager.\nThe electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch has a variable degree of intervention depending on the drive modes selected, allowing for more precise torque distribution between the left and right wheels depending on steering angle and suspension compression.\nThe required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four dampers within fractions of a second.\u00a0\nApart from a new configuration of the suspension arms and the use of lighter aluminium, the shock absorbers now features the updated continuously adaptive suspension control (DCC). Taking into account steering, braking and acceleration data, the required damping force is \ncalculated 200 times a second\n for each wheel and adjusted at the four dampers almost instantaneously.\nA personal mode is also available, allowing the driver to set his or her specific damping level to be softer than the Comfort mode, or harder than the Sport mode.\nThe Golf GTI Clubsport is ready for the Nurburgring at a touch of a button. Read about it here!\nAll that highly intelligent electronic processing and well-aligned suspension members then transfers \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n to the road via large Bridgestone Potenza S005 tyres in 235/45R19 91Y size. \u00a0\nSo, has the immense integration of the electronic systems dull the subjective driving feel of the new Golf GTI? Reviewers from the UK say the new car is \u201ctauter, pointier, more direct and move lively to drive\u201d and \u201centertaining but doesn\u2019t have the final element of precision.\u201d\nWith our immediate neighbour, Singapore, just recently launched the \nnew Golf and Golf GTI\n, perhaps the wait for us here in Malaysia shouldn\u2019t be too long, perhaps within Q4 2021. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Mazda once again defied conventions by being among the top manufacturers to work with in the UK. According to the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), the small-volume Japanese carmaker offers great value and is easy to do business with.\nAlso, the NFDA rated Mazda\u2019s franchise value at 8.0, up from 7.6 in the previous year, far exceeding the industry average of 6.5 (out of 10). Now with a slew of new, high tech and suave styling cars, overall satisfaction among Mazda dealerships shot ahead of the kerb, faring much better than most manufacturers.\nIn the UK, the Mazda brand is represented by 130 strong dealership whom collectively sold 46,000 new cars, outpacing industry growth and achieving a market share of 1.73 percent.\nIt seems that with Mazda, the good news just keep on coming."
"You\u2019ve seen what the all-new C-Class looks like but now, there\u2019s a new AMG C43 4MATIC revealed by Mercedes-AMG. The biggest change, aside from how it looks, lies in the engine.\nUnlike the 3-litre V6 engine used in the model before, the new C43 4MATIC is now powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine similar to the one powering the\n A 45 S\n. The engine produces 408 hp and 500 Nm, slightly less than the 421 hp and 500 Nm in the A 45 S.\nThe 2.0-litre engine in the C 43 is also the first car in the world to adopt an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. A tiny electric motor is used to spin the turbocharger, offering better acceleration across the revs.\nThe new engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, to drive all four wheels. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.6 seconds, with top speed limited to 250 km/h. With the AMG Driver\u2019s package, the top speed can be increased to 265 km/h.\nThe C 43 is equipped with adaptive suspension, rear-wheel steer, 4-pot brakes in the front, along with double wishbone suspension at the front and rear. Various drive modes such as Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual are available through the AMG Dynamic Select system.\nC 43\nC 200\nC 300\nUnlike the front grille of the C 200 and C 300, the C 43 sports the signature Panamericana front grille, a body kit similar to the C300, along with twin tailpipes unlike the dual single-exit ones in the C 200 and C 300. The standard wheels measure 18-inches in size.\nThe cabin looks very much like the standard C-Class; with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch central infotainment display. The AMG Performance steering wheel is very much like the one found in the standard C 300, although the one in the C 43 is wrapped with mixed material. At the centre of it all are the massive AMG seats, which we hope wouldn\u2019t be as stiff as the ones in the current A 45, and A 35 AMG.\nLet\u2019s see when it gets here!\nGALLERY\nMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Limousine | Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 9,1-8,7 l/100 km | CO\u2082-Emissionen kombiniert: 206-196 g/km*. Exterieur: Opalithwei\u00df; Interieur: schwarz mit roten N\u00e4hten.;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 9,1-8,7 l/100 km | CO\u2082-Emissionen kombiniert: 206-196 g/km* Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Sedan | fuel consumption combined: 9,1-8,7 l/100 km | CO\u2082-emissions combined: 206-196 g/km*. Exterior: opalite white; interior: black with red stitching;Fuel consumption combined: 9,1-8,7 l/100 km | CO\u2082-emissions combined: 206-196 g/km*"
"Proton X70\n has been selected as one of the official cars for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020 meetings, MyAPEC2020. The best-selling C-segment SUV will be used to ferry delegates during the year-long forum.\nMYAPEC2020 will see officials from 21 APEC economies visit Malaysia as committees and working groups to deliberate various issues towards regional economic integration.\nDiscussions will focus on liberalisation of trade and investment, as well as topics such as digitalisation, human resource development efforts, and women empowerment.\nProton CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong, said \u201cProton is proud to support Malaysia in hosting the APEC 2020. With its intelligent features, comfortable ride, refined interior and five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, we believe the Proton X70 is perfect for showcasing how cooperation between nations via forums such as APEC can help uplift each other, and thus raise the capabilities of entire industries and supporting ecosystems.\n\u201cDuring the year-long programme, PROTON will also maintain the fleet through its industry-leading network of 120 3S/4S outlets that will be in operation by the end of 2019,\u201d added Dr. Li.\nThe X70 is national carmaker Proton\u2019s first SUV. Based on the Boyue from stakeholder Geely, Proton has implemented several bespoke touches such as the Ethereal Bow grille and Infinite Weave pattern to localise the car for our market.\nUnder the hood is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing \n184 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of torque. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for a century sprint time of \n10.5 seconds\n (on the 2WD models).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In giving the Le-Mans winning Porsche 919 Hybrid the send off it deserves, Porsche recently unleashed it at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, to realise its true, unrestricted potentional, to devastating effect.\nWith the 4WD 919 Hybrid, Porsche won the Le Mans 24-Hours three times in a row, from 2015 to 2017, as well as the world champion titles (driver and manufacturer) in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) during the same years.\nTechnical restrictions from the FIA for the Class 1 LeMans prototypes meant competition was close between Porsche, Audi and Toyota but Porsche never knew what the 2017 championship-winning 919 Hybrid, when unchained, could really do until now.\nThe result was a new lap record of 1:41.770 minutes around the seven kilometre circuit, \n0.7 seconds faster than Lewis Hamilton\u2019s time\n in a Mercedes W07 Hybrid F1 car, set in August 2017 \u2013 a time that secured him pole position for that year\u2019s Belgian Grand Prix.\nThe 919 Hybrid also achieved a staggering top speed of \n359 km/h\n in the hands of Porsche works driver, Neel Jani.\n\u201cThe 919 Evo is definitely the fastest car I ever drove.\u00a0The speed on which everything happens on a single lap with the 919 Evo is that fast that the demand on reaction speed is very different to what I was used to in the WEC\u201d, said Jani.\nHe added, \u201cWe are not only faster than the F1 pole from 2017. Today\u2019s lap was twelve seconds faster compared to our WEC pole position from last year!\u201d\nSeveral aerodynamic modifications were made while the entire powertrain remained untouched. A larger front diffuser was used to balance the larger rear wing along with aerodynamic adjustments in the undercarriage with fixed height side skirts.\nOther enhancements to the 919 Hybrid included a four-wheel brake-by-wire system, while its power steering was adapted for the higher loads. It also featured stronger suspension wishbones (front and rear).\nCompared to a race-prepped car, the record-breaking 919 Hybrid saw a reduction of 39 kilograms in weight to \njust\n \n849 kilograms\n \u2013 about the weight of a Lotus Elise.\nEverything from the air-conditioning to windscreen wipers, sensors, lighting system and even the pneumatic jack was removed to produce the record lap. Even Michelin, Porsche\u2019s long-time tyre partner was in on the action \u2013 developing new tyre compounds for more grip without compromising safety \u2013 for a car with more downforce than a Formula 1 car.\nWithout restrictions to engine performance, the 919 Hybrid\u2019s 2.0-litre turbocharged V4 engine made \n720 hp\n, up from 500 while its electric motor made \n440 hp\n, up from 400.\nThe record lap at Spa was part of the 919\u2019s Tribute Tour. Next up, the legendary Nordschleife before the start of the 24-Hours N\u00fcrburgring race on May 12.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Continuing their upward trajectory in sales growth, Proton has registered a total of 9,127 units of vehicle in August. Over a period of contracting Total Industry Value (TIV), Proton has managed to achieve a 17.6% share in August and and 15.3% overall market share for year thus far, becoming the only top-5 brand to achieve a double digit sales growth of 36%, year on year.\u00a0\nAccording to Proton\u2019s estimates, they are well on track to surpass their 2018 overall sales figure of 64,744 units before the end of September, with total sales figure already standing at 61,396 units at the end of August.\nBookings for the recently released 2019 Proton Saga has also exceeded 10,000 units, where over 1,000 units came from their online booking platform where customers can book a unit for just RM9.99. Due to its popularity, Proton has decided to extend online booking till the 17th of September.\n \nCheck out what\u2019s new with the 2019 Proton Saga \nhere\n!\nProton\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said \u201cProton is thankful for the response our customers have given to our range of offerings. The Company has posted the best sales growth for any top-5 brand this year and although Malaysia\u2019s TIV has shrunk by 5.8%, our 36% growth in sales shows we are on the right track. With initiatives like the opening of additional 3S/4S outlets and improvements to customer service and product quality set to continue this year, we are confident of being able to close-out 2019 strongly,\u201d\nDr. Li Chunrong also added that bookings for the 2019 Proton Saga has exceeded that of the Proton X70, and customers are particularly attracted to the revised styling, upgraded components and the new touchscreen infotainment system offered by the updated 2019 Proton Saga."
"Hyundai\n \nhas just unveiled the exterior and a bit of the interior design of the upcoming all-new \nHyundai Kona\n. With an exterior design that is more in sync with the likes of the \nStaria\n and Stargazer, the all-new Hyundai Kona will be offered with 4 different powertrains from internal combustion engine (ICE), Hybrid Electric (EV), full electric (EV), and a sporty N Line powertrain.\nYou might remember the Hyundai Kona electric as the first \u2018affordable\u2019 electric vehicle in Malaysia. It has now been dethroned by the \nOra Good Cat\n and has also welcomed the \nBYD Atto 3\n as its rival in Malaysia. In our country, the current-generation Kona is offered as an EV and an ICE vehicle.\nThe all-new Hyundai Kona is larger than its predecessor, being 150 mm longer and 25 mm wider. Its wheelbase is also longer by 60 mm. Although the all-new Kona is offered with EV and ICE powertrains, Hyundai says that the Kona was developed first as an EV and later adapted for ICE and HEV powertrains. This is the opposite of its predecessor which started out as an ICE vehicle.\nOverall, the all-new Hyundai Kona gets a more futuristic look and a more angular styling compared to its predecessor. The front end and rear end both get the light bar design that has a familial look with the Staria and Stargazer.\nRELATED: \n3 things living with an EV in Malaysia has taught us\nICE/HEV all-new Hyundai Kona\nIn the \u2018teaser\u2019 images released by Hyundai, we can already see the facial distinctions between the variants. The Kona Electric, as it should be, doesn\u2019t have a front grille and still has its charging port perched off-centre on the front end. Like the current generation, the claddings on the Kona Electric are painted with body colour.\nThe ICE & HEV Kona is shown with a pair of front vents which are highlighted by an aluminium-like trim. The claddings seem to have grown much larger than the current generation\u2019s and it gives the all-new Kona a much tougher appearance.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Kona N Line \u2013 Arguably the most complete and futuristic crossover in Malaysia\nL-R: ICE/HEV Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Kona N Line\nAs for the Kona N Line, it is shown with a black aggressive grille with an \u201cN Line\u201d badge slapped on. The gaping holes of the N Line\u2019s grille hint at an ICE or HEV powertrain. Like the Kona Electric, its claddings are also painted in body colour. From the pictures shown, it seems the Kona N Line is the only version to get a black roof (and pillars) and black side mirrors.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 5 shows it can power an entire hotel via V2L tech\nInside, one difference in the all-new Kona is the relocated gear shifter. Previously located on the centre console, the shifter is now a column shifter that is placed behind the steering wheel. This frees up space in the centre console. The infotainment unit and digital instrument cluster are now combined on a single \u2018floating module\u2019. Each screen is 12.3 inches in size.\nIn Malaysia, the current-generation Hyundai Kona starts at a price of RM124,188 for the 2.0-L base model. The base-model Kona Electric e-lite starts at a price of RM156,538. More details on the all-new Hyundai Kona will be released in the coming months.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 safer than EV6, Ioniq 5"
"At 16 years old, where the majority are eagerly obtaining their driver\u2019s license, young racing sensation Max Verstappen has already signed a deal with Red Bull to drive for its sister\u2019s team, Torro Rosso. Now at the tender age of 18 years, 7 months and 16 days old, this Dutch wunderkind has just won his first Formula One race in Spain, becoming the sports\u2019 youngest race winner.\nThe young Verstappen is the son of former F1 driver, Jos\u00a0Verstappen and as a teenager, he\u2019s had an impressive record in junior motorsports. That didn\u2019t take long for the Austrian energy drink company to secure his \u201cspecial\u201d skills. Just this week, the young Dutch, in his second season in F1, was promoted to drive for the main Red Bull Racing team. He replaces Danni Kvyat who was demoted to Verstappen\u2019s former team in this week\u2019s Spanish Grand Prix.\nPhotograph by Travis Chang\nThe moment the young Dutch crossed the finished line in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, not only he is officially F1\u2019s youngest winner ever but also the first ever Dutch to win an F1 race. This is also Red Bull Racing\u2019s first F1 victory since 2014. \u00a0The win came as a shock following a disastrous outing for the dominating Mercedes team when both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided in the first lap. This achievement is no less incredible for Verstappen, who made his debut in a Red Bull F1 car at the Spanish GP.\nOur heartfelt congratulations go out to this young lad who not only rewrote the record books in Formula One, but will certainly become a potential World Champion in the near future. Seriously, at that age, what were you doing back then?"
"\u201cIf you\u2019re going to build an autonomous electric drift car, why not do it in some style.\u201d Those are the words of Jonathan Goh, MARTY\u2019s project lead, nodding to the line from cult classic film \nBack to the Future\n.\nJonathan Goh, a recent engineering PhD graduate from Stanford, has led a team in Stanford\u2019s Dynamic Design Lab to build MARTY (which stands for Multiple Actuator Research Test bed for Yaw control), a electric-converted autonomous\n DeLorean\n for one single purpose \u2013 to shred tyres.\u00a0\n \nOkay, so that\u2019s not exactly true. Mechanical engineering professor and lab director Chris Gerdes said, \u201cWe\u2019re trying to develop automated vehicles that can handle emergency maneuvers or slippery surfaces like ice or snow.\n\u201cWe\u2019d like to develop automated vehicles that can use all of the friction between the tire and the road to get the car out of harm\u2019s way. We want the car to be able to avoid any accident that\u2019s avoidable within the laws of physics,\u201d Gerdes added.\nSounds like the perfect excuse to build a totally awesome autonomous drift-machine, Mr Gerdes. We kid. The ability to counter tricky situations such as an oversteer require a lot of experience and training, and as Goh rightly says it, \u201cmost drivers just aren\u2019t very good at handling the car when it becomes this unstable.\u201d\nIf we are to trust our cars to do the driving in the future, it\u2019ll be important for our cars understand how to handle these low-grip situations too, on top of the general danger mitigation on the road that major tech companies are trialling on the roads nowadays.\n \nEither way, MARTY is still an insane feat, and even seasoned drifters such as Fredric Aasbo, 2015 Formula Drift World Champion, were impressed by the work done by Goh and his team.\n\u201cIt\u2019s really impressive how snappy the car can make those transitions and also how precise it could be,\u201d said Aasbo, \u201cBecause that\u2019s the trick as a driver. That\u2019s what we\u2019re all trying to figure out.\u201d"
"Happy New Year, friends. It\u2019s been a tough year with everything that\u2019s going on, worsened by the ongoing \nCovid-19\n health pandemic. But that doesn\u2019t mean that we still can\u2019t send the year off with a bang \u2013 and that\u2019s exactly what Porsche did in their latest video, by racing all seven generations of the \n911 Turbo\n against each other.\n \nThe drag race took place at the Porsche Experience Centre at the Hockenheimring in Germany. You don\u2019t need to be a genius to guess which of these seven cars won the drag race, but looking for a winner in this epic line-up is completely missing the mark.\nInstead, we should all just sit back, and enjoy looking at seven beautiful Porsche 911 Turbos going full blast in the hands of some of the most successful Porsche works drivers, including the likes of Mark Webber and Olaf Manthey.\nAnd for the cherry on top, rally legend and Porsche test driver Walter R\u00f6hrl was also on-site to walk us through his thoughts on every single generation of the Porsche 911 Turbo. There\u2019s quite literally no one better suited for the job than him, who has had hands-on experience with every single one of these cars, and even helped develop a few. Here\u2019s what he has to say about them all:\nThe 930 generation\n\u201cThe forefather of all Turbos was a technical revolution in car production. The first variant with 260 hp and a four-speed gearbox was still very sharp as regards its power development, but that made it a fantastic challenge for skilled drivers.\n\u201cThe visual styling of the 930 was also a dream: the flared wings in combination with the Fuchs wheels, not to mention the large rear spoiler. I fulfilled a very personal dream in 1979 when, within four years of the market launch, I bought my own, first, 911 Turbo.\u201d\nThe 964 generation\n\u201cThe successor then still had a displacement of 3.3 litres, like the last variants of the 930 models. It was still extremely beautiful; the wide wings at the sides with the high headlights and the powerful rear wing. Like the 964, the new models also offered significantly improved driving safety with ABS and power steering.\n\u201cHowever, the engines of the first variants were slightly outdated. It was not a great step forward in terms of longitudinal dynamics compared with the predecessors, which is why the earlier models are among the less popular variants today. That changed fundamentally with the Turbo 3.6, however. With a completely newly designed engine and a power output of 360 hp, it remains one of my dream cars to this day.\u201d\nThe 993 generation\n\u201cThe next great step forward: all-wheel drive. I believe that I somehow played a not insignificant part in this after I said that \u2018a car without all-wheel drive is a stopgap solution.\u2019 Early on during development I said that it wasn\u2019t possible to make a car with 408 hp without all-wheel drive.\n\u201cAfter many tests, we then decided on the new viscous clutch with variable power distribution to the front instead of the old principle with fixed distribution. Particularly in combination with the new Weissach rear axle and the harmonious power development of the biturbo engine, the 993 Turbo is simply fantastic to drive and can hardly be beaten when it comes to driving dynamics.\u201d\nThe 996 generation\n\u201cThe next development milestone came with the new generation: water cooling. The car was technically outstanding. Even the Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) from motorsports were now available as standard. The 996 was far and away the best Turbo there had ever been up to this point, but the visual appearance of the new car was not very popular; many people complained about the \u2018fried-egg\u2019 headlights. That is completely unjustified in my opinion.\n\u201cFor me, the 996 Turbo is perhaps the insider tip, especially when seen from today\u2019s perspective: it\u2019s still a very fast sports car that is completely suitable for everyday driving at a reasonable price \u2013 though I would personally prefer a manual transmission. The Tiptronic automatic gearbox that was introduced for the first time in a Turbo with the 996 significantly blunted the power output of 420 hp.\u201d\nThe 997 generation\n\u201cThe 997 generation above all represented a step forward into modern times in terms of the visual styling. Even today the car has hardly aged \u2013 it continues to embody the aesthetics of a modern Porsche. On the technical side, the then magical limit of 500 hp was reached with the 997.2 Turbo, and the PDK dual-clutch transmission was introduced for the first time.\n\u201cAs a result, the car was wonderful. Even today I still cannot find anything negative to say, and I always enjoy sitting behind the wheel of a 997 Turbo. There is a marvellously analogue feeling to the set-up of the steering, running gear and brakes.\u201d\nThe 991 generation\n\u201cThe even wider wings are almost reminiscent of the wings on the original Turbos. And there is also the refined power distribution of the all-wheel drive, the introduction of rear axle steering and, naturally, the even higher power output: the \n991 Turbo\n models set such a high standard in terms of driving dynamics that it is hard to believe that it\u2019s possible to improve anything here. The responsiveness, balance and unbridled power of the engines \u2013 it\u2019s just incredible.\u201d\nThe 992 generation\n\u201cI will be quite honest here: I simply could not imagine how it would be possible to further enhance the experience offered by the previous generation. But when I drive the \n992 Turbo\n today in Hockenheim, it is quite incredible. It has improved once more in so many dimensions that it leaves me almost speechless.\n\u201cThe 992 Turbo drives at the level of a super sports car, but you can put anyone behind the wheel without having to be afraid. There is no oversteer or understeer. It is just unbelievably fast. I take my hat off to the Development department, because this vehicle\u2019s many different talents were simply inconceivable a few years ago.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Nissan has unveiled the all-new Nissan Leaf NISMO RC at the 2018 NISMO Festival at Fuji International Speedway. If you are wondering why Nissan would showcase a \nLeaf \nat a high-octane event, that\u2019s because the electric hatchback has been thoroughly redeveloped into a purpose-built race car.\nBuilt and developed by Nissan\u2019s racing arm, NISMO, the only ethos shared between a standard Leaf and this race car is its all-electric drivetrain and its moniker. The track-ready Leaf gains a full carbon fibre racing monocoque which allowed the engineers to shed some 200 kgs to a final figure of 1,220 kg.\nThis weight savings is significant because NISMO has fitted the race car with a dual motor set up \u2013 one on each axle. Power is now up to \n240 kW (326 hp)\n and \n640 Nm\n, allowing the Leaf NISMO RC to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n. Its all-wheel-drive system gives the car remarkable agility around the corners thanks to independent torque vectoring to each axle.\nThe exterior styling is nothing like what you see on a regular leaf. The roofline has been significantly lowered, measuring only 1,212 mm from roof to road \u2013 more than 300 mm less than the road going model. NISMO has taken design inspiration from the Nissan Formula E race car with its silver and black paint scheme, fixed windows and an adjustable rear wing.   Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, Nissan\u2019s global head of marketing, sales and electric vehicles said: \u201cThe all-new LEAF NISMO RC shows how we\u2019re setting our sights even higher when it comes to raw power and performance \u2013 making electric vehicles even more exciting for customers. It\u2019s our most thrilling expression yet of the philosophy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Leaf NISMO RC"
"Honda Malaysia\n has announced a product recall involving the \nHonda City\n, \nCity Hatchback\n, \nHR-V\n, and \nBR-V\n, in a precautionary safety measure. The recall exercise will involve 1,527 vehicles in total, and is broken down as follows:\nSituation\nModel\nModel Year\nUnits Affected\nA\nCity\n2021\n1,068\nCity Hatchback\n2022\nB\nHR-V\n2020\n343\nBR-V\n2021\n116\nThe recalls are for the following situations:\nA: Inspection of the nut torque on the Alternating Current Generator (ACG)\nThis recall is a precautionary safety measure to inspect the nut tightening on the ACG terminal of the engine harness. This may cause poor contact terminal and battery malfunction which may lead to engine halt while driving or unable to start the engine after the car stops.\nThe models affected are 1,068 units of (City 2021 Year Model) and City Hatchback (2022 Year Model).\nB: Inspection of the bolt earth grounding tightness\nThis recall is a precautionary safety measure to inspect the tightening of bolt earth grounding that may lead to a loose wire harness. This may cause poor contact terminal and may result in engine halt while driving or unable to start the engine after the car stops.\nThe models affected are 343 units of HR-V (2020 Year Model) and 116 units of BR-V (2021 Year Model).\nThe company clarifies that all current production and selling models are not affected in this product recall, and no incidences of crashes or injuries caused by the issues above have been reported in Malaysia as of today.\nAll affected customers will be informed via notification letters, which will include further details on the product recall. Honda Malaysia urges all affected customers to contact any Honda authorised dealerships to make an appointment upon receipt of the notification letter to have their vehicles checked and repaired if required.\nCustomers can also contact Honda Malaysia\u2019s Toll-Free number at \n1-800-88-2020\n for further information and check on their vehicle status for the recall. The inspection, repair, and replacement of any affected parts are free of charge, with all related costs to be borne by Honda Malaysia."
"Iveco, short for \nI\nndustrial \nVe\nhicles \nCo\nrporation is an industrial vehicle manufacturing company based in Turin, Italy, and produces a range of \nlight\n, \nmedium\n and \nheavy\n commercial vehicles. This includes quarry or construction site trucks, buses and some special vehicles for firefighting use, off-road, military and civil defence. You may have seen some Ivecos running around town, and that\u2019s because the \nMinistry of Health\n has a total of \n400 Iveco ambulances \nthat are\u00a0still actively running about.\nThe company is helmed by \nCNH Industrial Group\n and is no stranger to Thailand\u2019s commercial vehicle industry. They are however, officially back in Malaysia and formed a partnership with \nFederal Auto Holdings Berhad\n (F.A Trucks), their official and exclusive distributor.\nFive key products\n have been introduced by the duo, and they are: \nDaily\n light commercial vehicle and 2015 International Van of the Year, \nTrakker\n off-road truck, \nEurocargo\n medium truck, \n682\n lorry and last but not least, their 2013 Truck of the Year, the \nStralis\n. The five commercial vehicles are offered in a combined total of 14 variants, with more models slated for market introduction later in the year. One key prospect would be \nbuses\n.   Iveco\u2019s \nNew Daily\n van is expected to be the brand\u2019s best seller here, and is offered in three guises \u2013 panel van, window van and chassis cab. The \n2015 International Van of the Year\n has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3.5 tonnes, whereas the Chassis cab model (shorter wheelbase) has a GVW of 5 tonnes. They are both powered by Iveco\u2019s \n3.0-litre\n \nF1C turbodiesel\n engine that makes \n146 hp\n at 3,500 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque at 1,500 rpm. This \nrear wheel drive\n van gets a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission and has a load volume of \n10.8 cubic metres\n. Pricing for the Daily starts \nfrom RM106,700\n.\nNext, we\u2019ve got the \n682\n heavy-duty truck. Customers can choose to have either the on-road or off-road models, and both can be had in two trims, making for a total of four. The on-road version can be had in a \n4\u00d72\n (gross commercial weight of 43 tonnes) or the \n6\u00d74 \n(GCW 60 tonnes) axle configurations, whereas the off-road truck is available in a \n6\u00d74\n (GVW 33 tonnes) or the \n8\u00d74\n (GVW 41 tonnes).\nIveco 682 heavy-duty truck (on-road version), price starts from \nRM244,000\nTwo engines are available here, either the \nCursor 9\n or \nCursor 13\n. The former is the \n8.7-litre inline-six\n with three power outputs \u2013 \n290 hp/1,140 Nm\n, \n340 hp/1,300 Nm\n and \n380 hp/1,500 Nm\n, while the latter is a \n12.8-litre inline-six\n oil burner with two power ratings \u2013 \n430 hp/2,100 Nm\n and \n480 hp/2,200 Nm\n. Both engines are Euro3 compliant and transmission choice is a \nnine-speed synchromesh\n for the Cursor 9 and a \n12-speed synchromesh\n gearbox for the Cursor 13.\nOne step up in terms of price bracket is the \nEurocargo\n medium truck, which starts from \nRM280,000\n. The Eurocargo lineup is the \nmost extensive\n with regards to its offering, and with \neight variants\n to choose from, as Iveco puts it, there\u2019s surely a Eurocargo cut out for every job out there. The variants are differentiated by its Gross Vehicle Weight, from \n9 to 18 tonnes\n.\nPowering the Eurocargo is a sole Tector 6 engine. That\u2019s the Euro3 compliant\u00a0\n5.9-litre inline-six diesel\u00a0\nbut with four power outputs from \n180 hp\n to \n280 hp\n. Torque figures range from \n570 Nm\n to \n930 Nm\n. Transmission choices range from a \nsix-speed\n or \nnine-speed\n \nZF manual\n gearbox, or a \nfive-speed Allison automatic\n torque converter (for the 18-tonne only).\nOne-up again in terms of price bracket is the \nStralis\n, a heavy commercial vehicle that was crowned the 2013 Truck of the Year. The on-road truck carries a starting price of \nRM342,000\n, and has a GCW of \nup to 44 tonnes\n, depending on the variant of your choice. \nThree variants\n are available here, differentiated also by its axle configuration; \n4\u00d72\n, \n6\u00d72\n and \n6\u00d74\n.\nThe Stralis is primarily designed for long distance heavy haulage, so for those in the industry, this may just be your pick of the lot. Available only with Iveco\u2019s Euro3 compliant \nCursor 10\n engine, the oil burning motor displaces \n10.3-litres\n with six-inline cylinders. It makes \n430 hp\n and \n1,900 Nm\n of torque, and transmission choice is the single \n12-speed automatic\n.\nLastly, we have the \nTrakker\n; Iveco\u2019s high performance and robust truck that\u2019s designed to operate in extreme off-road conditions such as \nconstruction\n or \nmining industries\n. It has proven its reliability at \nDakar\n and has a starting price of \nRM408,500\n. As of now, only the \n6\u00d74 tractor\n model is being offered, and it has a GCW of up to 60 tonnes.\nIn charge of all the tugging is the Cursor 13 motor, a \n12.8-litre inline-six diesel \nengine\u00a0that is good for \n420 hp\n and \n1,900 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0It\u2019s also a Euro3 engine, and transmission choices range from a \n16-speed ZF Ecosplit manual\n transmission with \nservo-shift system\n or the\u00a0\nEurotronic automatic\n transmission.\nDuring the launch, Iveco\u2019s regional brand leader Mr Michele Lombardi said, \u201cMalaysia is an important market with a dynamic automotive sector. We are entering this competitive market with a full line of \n14 models\n, and together with Federal Auto we are confident that discerning fleet and transport operators and business owners in Malaysia will appreciate the proven quality, durability, reliability and most importantly, the cost-efficiency of Iveco products.\u201d\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua welcomed the government\u2019s \nKeluarga Malaysia discount voucher initiative\n, and said in a statement that the company is accepting the RM1,000 flood-aid vouchers as a form of payment at all service centres nationwide.\n\u201cWe thank the government for their swift and generous act in helping flood victims in their time of need and Perodua welcome this new initiative as it further strengthens our efforts to help fellow Malaysians,\u201d said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\u201cThis voucher initiative, along with other financial assistance under the Malaysian Family Aid programme will go a long way in helping everyday Malaysians to quickly recover,\u201d he added.\nThe company\u2019s Perodua Flood Assist Programme, launched on 19 December 2021, has already helped a number of owners whose vehicles were damaged by the recent devastating floods.\n\u201cAs of 10 January 2022, a total of 1,987 Perodua vehicles have been towed to Perodua 200 service centres located across Malaysia for evaluation and so far 323 unit have been repaired,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said.\nThe company has also turned its Shah Alam service centre into a dedicated flood repair hub to repair and restore Perodua vehicles that have been damaged by the flood waters.\n\u201cOur immediate goal is to repair the flood damaged vehicles as quickly as possible as we understand that our customers truly need their Perodua vehicle for their day-to-day needs,\u201d he added.\nThe Perodua Flood Assist Programme offers a 50% discount for standard parts, alongside free labour for all parts replacement and repair, as well as free 24-hour towing service via Perodua\u2019s assist hotline, \n1800-88-5555\n.\nCustomers can use the RM1,000 Automotive Discount Voucher to claim against the repair of water-damaged private vehicle, or towards the replacement of a vehicle deemed to be a total loss. A direct deduction will be made from the total cost of repairs or from the cost of replacing new vehicles through invoices that will be issued by \nservice centres and authorised distributors\n."
"After \nnumerous\n \nteasers\n of the all-new Kia K9 (also known as K900 in other markets), Kia Motors has officially revealed their flagship sedan in its home country. Set to make its world debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, the new car will be manufactured in Korea and will go on sale in selected markets from Q2 of 2018.\nA product of close collaboration between Kia\u2019s global design headquarters in Namyang, Korea and U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the team adopted a \u201cGravity of Prestige\u201d design concept which resulted in the imposing and strong character of the K9. The new \u2018Quadric Pattern\u2019 front grille features \n176 individual jewel-like cells\n, a design cue that Kia says exudes energy being released from the centre. The new grille will trickle down to other future models, replacing the familiar \u2018Tiger Nose\u2019 grille.\nThe wheelbase of the new model has stretched by 60 mm to 3,105 mm while key measurements read 5,120 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width and 1,490 mm in height. To give it a strong footprint, designers have shaped the car with shorter front and rear overhangs, pushing the wheels further out from the centre of the car.\nKey elements of the exterior include the new \u2018Duplex\u2019 LED headlamps featuring an inner lens (in addition to the main beams) to create a progressive lighting profile. Generous chrome touches have been applied throughout the car to add visual depth to the smooth lines of the K9; even the tail lights housing come with chrome touches. Speaking of the taillamps, doesn\u2019t it remind you of a certain flying B?\nA total of seven exterior shades are available for the K9: Aurora Black Pearl Pantara Metal, Deep Chroma Blue, Lake Stone, Marsala, Snow White Pearl and Silky Silver; combined with four interior themes \u2013 Black, Dark Brown, two-tone Beige and Sienna Brown Special.\nInside, the cabin is crafted with a \u201cConfident Richness\u201d design concept; an elegant interior that gently wraps the occupants with premium materials. Firstly, the cabin has gone through a major UI change. The existing 91 switches have been integrated and arranged into 73 individual switches, significantly de-cluttering the cabin.\nThe 12.3-inch HMI screen is integrated into the smooth dashboard, controlled by a rotary dial placed next to the gear selector. Inspired by the simplicity of fine watch designs, the K9\u2019s dashboard houses a \nMaurice Lacroix\n analogue clock designed specifically for the luxury sedan.\nCo-developed with Pantone Colour Research Institute, the global authority on colour, the ambient lighting features seven colour themes \u2013 Blue Flight, Peaceful Forest, Dream Purple, Aurora Violet, Orange Delight, Golden Insight, and Refreshing Ocean \u2013 which lights up 16 areas of the cabin.\nOther cabin details include premium real wood trims, leather seats with contrast stitching, a Lexicon premium sound system, chrome-plated bezels, automatic driver\u2019s seat comfort control, a LCD instrument cluster and wireless charging port.\nA total of three petrol engines are available for the K9 \u2013 a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated V6 with \n315 hp\n/\n397 Nm\n, a 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 with \n365 hp\n/\n510 Nm\n and a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 pumping out \n419 hp\n/\n520 Nm\n. An eight-speed automatic is standard across the board, sending power to all four wheels.\nKia has set \u2018Reliable Comfort\u2019 as one of their development goals, ensuring that the K9 not only delivers dynamic capabilities but also superb ride quality and quietness. As such the engineers have classified road conditions into \n1,024 characteristics\n and tailored the ESP, powertrain and adaptive dampers settings accordingly to provide the highest levels of comfort in most (if not all) driving conditions.\nSafety wise, the K9 is as good as it gets \u2013 nine airbags, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).\nPrices for the Kia K9 starts from \u20a954.9 million (RM200k) to \u20a993.8 million (RM343k). Local distributor, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) aspires to elevate the brand perception of the Korean make with the introduction of high-specification models as well as the yet-to-come \nStinger GT\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Owning an \nelectric vehicle (EV)\n here in Malaysia is not as simple as it may seem, at least for now. Not only does it require you to adjust to the \u201ccharging disciplines\u201d, owning an EV here also pretty much requires you to install an array of apps on your mobile phone to ensure smooth and uninterrupted journeys.\nThese apps are needed to either locate or activate charging stations. Like the various e-wallet apps in existence, there are also various apps for EV charging. But unlike the e-wallets, these here are not always interoperable \u2013 which means you\u2019ll need to have all of them on your phone to get access to the various charging networks available here in Malaysia.\nPlugShare mobile app\n1. PlugShare\nPlugShare, as its name implies, is an app for you to share information on charging points. Should you wish, you could even share your home charger with the public. There are no payment gateways on PlugShare, but you do have the option to \u201ccheck-in\u201d and \u201ccheck-out\u201d to inform others that you are occupying a charging station.\nPlugShare is good for \u201cfree\u201d chargers with no payment apps (like the one in ABB Sunway). Free chargers are becoming less common, but PlugShare remains a necessary app to have, as all chargers are listed regardless of the service provider. Users can also add check-in reviews and photo updates on charging stations.\nchargEV mobile app, RFID card, and non-tethered charging station\n2. chargEV\nchargEV is the product of Malaysia Green Tech Corporation (MGTC) which now has over 300 charging stations nationwide. Examples of its chargers are the non-tethered (no included cables) ones you see at Petronas stations. chargEV\u2019s newer chargers are equipped with tethered cables.\nBy default, chargEV chargers are activated with an RFID card. Initially, the platform requires a paying subscription in order to access the chargers, but chargEV has now enabled a pay-per-use basis for non-subscribers. In Malaysia, most new EVs come with a free chargEV subscription that lasts for about a year.\nRELATED: \n3 things living with an EV in Malaysia has taught us\nJomCharge mobile app\n3. JomCharge\nJomCharge is the charging network run by EV charging specialist, EVC Sdn Bhd. Some very useful DC fast chargers are accessible via the app. For example, the 50-kW DC Fast Charger (DCFC) at the Caltex in the Bukit Gantang lay-by is excellent for Northbound trips.\nBack in May 2022, \nJomCharge and Setel joined forces\n to allow Setel payments at a few JomCharge charging points. By default, JomCharge payments are made via credit card. Among chargers listed in JomCharge are those provided by Gentari, a Petronas entity.\nSetel EV chargers are displayed in the app\u2019s map\n4. Setel\nAs mentioned earlier, Setel also provides a payment service for EV charging in Malaysia. At the moment of writing, you can use Setel to pay at 20 EV charging stations in Malaysia. Acting solely as a payment service provider, the chargers listed on the Setel App are not exclusive to Setel \u2013 Payment can also be made via credit card.\nGO TO-U allows you to book chargers in advance\n5. GO TO-U\nGO TO-U is an app managed by TNBX, a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). Most chargers listed on the GO TO-U app are either provided by Sime Darby Motors or TNBX.\nThe interesting thing about the GO TO-U app is that you can book the charging station ahead of time. There are a good number of DC fast chargers listed on GO TO-U, with charging rates of up to 90 kW.\nParkEasy uses a credit system that can be topped up via credit card and online banking\n6. ParkEasy\nParkEasy is a parking app that happens to have some parking bays with EV chargers. The charging is a little bit more expensive as Parkeasy essentially provides exclusive parking spots. Examples of its charging bays can be seen in Sunway Pyramid. They are the kind of parking spots with bollards that fold down once activation is done via mobile app.\nPayment is made via topping up the credits in your ParkEasy account. This can be done via credit card or online banking. Another example of a ParkEasy charging bay is \nthe DCFC at Shell Tangkak\n. Shell has its own EV charging network called Shell Recharge, but since Shell acquired 50% of Pixelbyte (the company behind ParkEasy), Shell DC Fast chargers in Malaysia are accessed via the ParkEasy app.\nRELATED: \nShell and Porsche launches first 180 kW EV charger in Johor\nABRP shows your estimated SOC at significant charging points and includes charging time to estimate your ETA\n7. A Better Route Planner (ABRP)\nLike PlugShare, ABRP lists all charging stations regardless of the service provider. There is no payment gateway in the app, but as its name suggests, the app helps to plan your routes better.\nUpon starting the app, it will require you to input the make and model of your EV. In case you have to make a journey, simply key in your start and end point and input the state of charge (SOC) of your car\u2019s battery. ABRP will then generate your estimated time of arrival (ETA) and even include estimated charging times and estimated SOC at significant points of your journey.\nIt certainly is quite a number of apps to install on your mobile phone just to be able to drive your EV around Malaysia. If you\u2019d like to give the EV experience a try, you could always try renting one before fully committing to a purchase."
"The replacement for Volvo\u2019s ageing XC90 couldn\u2019t come any sooner, but it\u2019s not an easy task when Volvo was going through a rocky phase after being put up for sale by its then-parent company Ford six years after the debut of the XC90 in 2002. Thankfully, its new owner Geely invested some $11 billion for the development of new Volvo models, and this all-new XC90 is the first vehicle to emerge out of it.\nBuilt upon Volvo\u2019s new \nScalable Product Architecture\n (SPA) platform, the XC90 is brimming with tech that not only makes it safer than before but also kinder to the environment. For our Malaysian market, the XC90 offered here is the \nT8 Inscription\n trim, which is the top-of-the-line plug-in hybrid all-wheel-drive variant and armed to the teeth. Qualified with the \nEEV status\n, the \nfully-imported XC90 T8\n was initially priced at RM454k, but now that it\u2019s being \nassembled locally\n, RM50k has been lopped off that price tag.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo XC90 T8 Inscription PHEV\n \nEngine\n1,969cc; supercharged & turbocharged inline-four, with electric motor\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n407 hp (combined output)\nMax Torque\n640 Nm (combined output)\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM403,888\nEXTERIOR\nIt\u2019s not too far a departure from the previous XC90, the new one has evolved into a classier chariot with clean and crisp lines fringing the soft curvy edges. The styling is rather conservative than futuristic, and personally I find the XC90 is more understated than the brash Range Rover, in a good way.   It\u2019s far from bland though, the flashy bits are there but they don\u2019t pop out too much from the rest of the vehicle. Look closely and you\u2019ll notice the chrome slashes on the front side intakes and on the lower edge of the doors, as well as matte silver bumper valance and roof rails. A roof spoiler and \ndual rectangular tailpipes\n are integrated discreetly and\u00a0tastefully, although I do find the wheels a tad underwhelming given its actual \n20-inch\n diameter.\nHowever, the items that do stand out are the oversized grille, and obviously the \nfull-LED headlamps\n with \nThor\u2019s hammer DRLs\n. Love it or loathe it you\u2019re going to see more of them on future Volvo models as the DRL is now part of their new design language, so it will be easier for anyone to spot a Volvo from miles away. But I doubt that anyone will miss the sight of the new XC90. It eclipses its predecessor by quite a bit, and at its tallest suspension setting the new XC90 cuts an imposing figure on the road.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is a quantum leap over the button-fest predecessor and yet, for a vehicle so high-tech the interior is a zen paradise. The choice of materials and build quality can\u2019t be faulted, from the supple \nnappa leather\n that covers the seats to the \nopen-pored walnut inlays\n, the cabin is beautifully constructed as anyone would hope for. Above it all, Volvo has commissioned the Swedish glass maker \nOrrefors\n to produce a \ncrystal gearknob\n to take centerpiece in the cabin. It even lights up at night. Beat that, S-Class!   Button count has dropped dramatically on the dashboard, leaving a few controls for the audio underneath the huge tablet-like\u00a0display. No prize for guessing where the remaining buttons went; they\u2019re all grouped inside the\n Sensus Connect\n system accessed via the vertical screen. Unfortunately this includes the controls for the air-conditioning, which I\u00a0find a screen tap too many when all I\u00a0want to do is just to adjust the fan speed.\nYou can do almost everything from the central screen, be it reading the manual (yes the driver\u2019s manual is digitised), surfing the net, as well as adjusting the front passenger seat. Another \ndigital display\n is used for the instrument panel. While you\u2019re given the preset options to change the theme and layout of the screen, it\u2019s not the best-looking in terms of appearance although the clarity is top notch.\nLike its predecessor, the new XC90 is a \nseven seater\n, and the rearmost pair of seats will accommodate adults at a pinch, with limited headroom. They disappear into the floor when not in use, revealing \n451 litres\n worth of boot space, and if the second row of seats are folded down there\u2019s enough space for two to camp in.   The second row seats slide and recline individually and, just like any modern Volvos, there\u2019s a \nbuilt-in booster seat\n in the middle seat. As a kid I would imagine it\u2019s the best seat in the house, as you\u2019re in the centre of everything and you also get a nice view out from the \npanoramic glass roof\n.\nWe don\u2019t recommend you bringing many items into the XC90 if you have a memory of a goldfish, because you\u2019ll lose them in no time. There are loads of storage spaces on every row, and even the boot has sub-storage compartments. Access to the boot is very practical too, while the new XC90 may have lost the split tailgate, the single-piece tailgate does open wider than before and it \nswings up automatically\n by waving your foot under the rear bumper.\nPERFORMANCE\nA typical Volvo owner doesn\u2019t brag about his ride but with power figures that reads \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n, it\u2019s like reading from a spec sheet of a performance car. Remember that \n911 Carrera\n with its new 3.0-litre bi-turbo flat-six? That car delivers \njust\n 370 hp and 450 Nm. But then again Volvo\u2019s \n2.0-litre inline-four DriveE\n is no ordinary four-banger.\nThe DriveE unit that powers the front wheels is \nturbocharged and supercharged\n to deliver 320 hp and 400 Nm of torque as seen in the \nXC60 T6\n, but it\u2019s further boosted by an\u00a0\n87 hp\n and \n240 Nm electric motor\n that propels the rear wheels, making it an all-wheel drive vehicle. With an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission, the XC90 T8 gets from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in\n 5.6 seconds\n and to a \ntop speed\n of \n230km/h\n. It\u2019s claimed to sip just \n2.1 litres of petrol over 100km\n.\nThe electric motor plays a huge role in that, and power comes from \n9.2kWh battery\n that charges while you coast or brake, but you won\u2019t be able to fully charge the battery by doing just that. To get the battery up to 100 percent, you need to plug it into the wall socket. A full charge\u00a0takes around \n3.5 hours\n but a charging station will do it in 2.5 hours.\nTHE DRIVE\nIt\u2019s awfully quiet in the XC90, after you twist the ignition knob to the right only to be greeted with an eerie silence. Unless you\u2019re ferrying noisy passengers or have the stereos blasted out loud, the XC90 is as quiet as a library, as if the occupants are vacuum-sealed for freshness inside the cabin. And they do stay fresh thanks to Volvo\u2019s \nCleanzone\n that maintains interior air quality.\nBy default, the XC90 T8 switches on in \nHybrid mode\n, emphasising the use of the electric motor upon starting and only fires up the engine when needed. Under normal circumstances the XC90 T8 will waft along quietly using the electric motor alone. It\u2019s like driving a giant luxurious golf cart with a cosseting ride from its air suspension, masking most of the road imperfections to ensure your sleeping child doesn\u2019t get awakened on the way to the kindergarten.\nA quick trip to the neighbourhood grocer\u00a0\nwithout burning a single drop of petrol\n is possible, as the motor has a \nmaximum quoted range of 43km\n. But realistically you\u2019re looking at two thirds of that before it runs out of juice. But if you still have some juice left you should give it the beans, that\u2019s when the petrol engine comes into life to unleash the full 407 hp and 640 Nm of torque.\nIn straight line the acceleration is pretty surreal for a behemoth with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under its bonnet, but to fully utilise both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor you need to keep it in\n Power Mode\n. The throttle and gearbox mapping switches to sports setting, the steering gets heavier, and the air suspension lowers the car closer to the ground.\nEven so, don\u2019t expect the XC90 T8 to out-handle a \nCayenne\n. The handling is pretty much safe and predictable with a rather vague steering feel, more suited for a relaxed drive with steady throttle input. Forget about manually swapping the cogs, no shift paddles can be found behind the steering wheel, but the eight-speed auto does work smoothly on its own in the background. The brakes however, need a little time to get use to. It\u2019s tied to the regenerative braking system which will harvest braking (kinetic) energy to charge the battery. It feels like stepping on a dead pedal and when you stand on it, it bites hard. Really hard. But eventually you will adjust yourself to it.\nLong distance highway jaunts can be done with little effort, and this includes the driver too. Set the \nadaptive cruise control\n to follow the vehicle in front, and the XC90 will brake and accelerate itself according to the vehicle in front. Meanwhile, \nPilot Assist\n takes it to another level. Apart from accelerating and braking it will also \nsteer itself\n, as long as the road markers are visible. Not only that, parking this beast can also be done automatically using the \nPark Assist Pilot\n.\nOf course you can still drive the car yourself normally, but just in case, the XC90 is fitted with all-round sensors and \n360 degrees camera\n so you\u2019re aware of what\u2019s happening around. Yours truly find the bird\u2019s eye view camera a blessing when treading along narrow streets, and it helped me a lot when it comes to guessing whether a gap is wide enough for the XC90 to pass through.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nExisting XC90 owners who have been loyal to their steeds, it\u2019s high time to reward yourself with the new XC90 after being so long refraining from getting a German alternative to replace your old but gold XC90. It does live up to its name, offering plenty of space and practicality in one easy-to-drive yet safe vehicle. But if you are seeking a more involving drive in an SUV, you might want to skip this. And those who think plug-in hybrids are just plain gimmicky might want to check out this XC90 T8, the effortless pull from the hybrid powertrain could well change your perception.\nCOMPARISONS\nShortly after Volvo announced the CKD version of the XC90 T8, BMW responded with their version of a plug-in hybrid SUV, the \nX5 xDrive40e\n. Like the XC90, the X5 is \nlocally assembled\n and benefits from the EEV tax breaks, granting it an attractive sticker price that\u2019s even cheaper than the XC90 by RM15k. However it\u2019s two seats less than the XC90, but with all the seats up the X5 has a bigger boot space than the Volvo.\nInitial impressions after a brief drive from KLCC to Bukit Jalil and back via MEX highway during the launch proved that the Bavarian contender is the driver\u2019s choice. Even though it\u2019s down on power and torque compared to the XC90 T8, the X5 xDrive40e has a better low-end pull, and it doesn\u2019t roll as much in high-speed sweeping corners. The cabin might not be as posh as the XC90 but it\u2019s as quiet and refined as the Swedish contender.\nVolvo XC90 T8\n \nBMW X5 xDrive40e\n \nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, DOHC, supercharged & turbocharged with electric motor\ninline-4, DOHC, turbocharged with electric motor\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,969cc\n1,997cc\nMax Power\nhp\n407\n308\nMax Torque\nNm\n640\n450\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\n8-speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nDouble Wishbone\nDouble Wishbone\nRear\nMulti-link\nMulti-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n275/45 R20\n255/50 R19 (front), 285/45 R19 (rear)\nWheels\n20-inch Alloy\n19-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,950mm\n4,886mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,958mm\n1,938mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,776mm\n1,762mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,984mm\n2,933mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n2,343 kg\n2,305 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n451 litres\n500 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n50\u00a0litres\n85 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n2.1 litres\n3.3 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n230\n210\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n5.6\n6.8\nPrice\nRM\nRM403,888.00\nRM388,800.00\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nIf I\u2019m a family man, I wouldn\u2019t mind having the XC90 T8 as the only car in my garage. It looks good in any setting, has loads of cabin space, safe as a vault, and more importantly it has plenty of poke yet remain frugal thanks to the hybrid powertrain. Volvo\u2019s DriveE approach proves that you don\u2019t need a bigger engine than a 2.0-litre four-cylinder under the bonnet of a 2,000kg car, and so far the only downside that I can think of is the absence of a stirring engine note. The XC90 T8 may not offer an engaging drive, but I still rate it as one of the most sensible SUVs on sale right now. You\u2019re never gonna look better saving the polar bears.\nIMAGE GALLERY   2016 Volvo XC90 T8 Review in Malaysia \u2013 AutoBuzz.my"
"There\u2019s been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Lotus brand in Malaysia, ever since \nDRB-Hicom sold-off its ownership\n of the UK-based sportscar manufacturer to Geely back in 2017.\nNot much has been told of the brand\u2019s fate in Malaysia, with the demise of the Lotus flagship showroom along Damansara-Puchong highway (LDP) further fuelling speculation. You\u2019d be surprised to find out, however, that \nLotus\n has always been under the watchful care of Toycarz Garage all these while!\nWhile many of us have been unaware of its existence, Toycarz Garage is no stranger to the local Lotus community. With a burning passion for Colin Chapman\u2019s light and pure sports cars, the company started out more than a decade ago as a service centre for Lotus, and in 2018 obtained the sole distributorship for Lotus cars in Malaysia.\nOperating out of their base in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam since 2013, Toycarz\u2019s operation in Malaysia has grown from strength to strength stronger with multiple events already planned for 2021.\nThese include a four-tiered Lotus Driving Academy with syllabus and coaches accredited by Lotus UK, as well as the introduction of the officially-sanctioned Lotus Cup race in Malaysia!\nIn fact, the team at Toycarz has also been hard at work to completely revamp their space into a showroom that befits the brand\u2019s stature and workshop to better cater for the local Lotus enthusiasts. The service centre now consists of eight fully-equipped bays, with various services \u2013 from pre-purchase inspection to full restorations with genuine Lotus parts \u2013 being offered to their customers.\nAs for the cars, step into what is now the official Lotus Malaysia showroom and you\u2019ll see everything ranging from certified pre-owned models to the latest and greatest from Hethel, UK, such as the \nLotus Exige 430 Cup\n and \nElise 250 Cup\n.\nThe pair of cup cars retail for RM700,000 and RM350,000 respectively, both excluding duties and other associated costs. Fortunately, Toycarz also offers a three-year storage plan to keep them at a secure facility in Langkawi, where you\u2019ll have free access to your cars in any part of Malaysia for 90 days a year during this time.\nA Lotus Malaysia representative also told us that the \nfully-electric Evija\n is available for booking here in Malaysia, along with a \u201cbig surprise\u201d coming in February this year. So for the avid driving enthusiasts here, you know where to look the next time you get your bonus!\nGALLERY"
"McLaren Special Operations (MSO) today unveiled the \nMcLaren \u2018Albert\u2019 Speedtail\n, a custom commission by McLaren Beverly Hills in the US.\n\u2018Albert\u2019 is one of the final vehicles in the 106-unit production of the \nMcLaren Speedtail\n and is a tribute to the Speedtail development car that first came to life in 2018.\nIt also pays tribute to the McLaren F1 prototypes from 1992, which were also named Albert. The name came from the facility in Woking, England, situated along Albert Drive, where the McLaren F1 was designed and built.\nFind out more about the McLaren Speedtail here.only 106 units produced!\nThe \u2018Albert\u2019 prototype vehicle was developed to fine-tune the Speedtail\u2019s central seat driving position, ergonomics, visibility, and rear-view camera positions.\nOriginally \nbuilt with the front panels of the 720S\n, the \u2018Albert\u2019 prototype was the first Speedtail to be driven on public roads. On a side note, the \n720S is available in Malaysia\n from RM1.2 million before duties.\nThe lines on the \nMagnesium Silver and Ueno Grey\n body was achieved with two-metre vinyl body wrap with design lines printed to represent the optimised airflow over the car. The body itself is made of 1K gloss visual carbon fibre.\nMagnesium Silver\n was also the colour of the first McLaren F1 road car\n \nshown to the public at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix. \nUeno Grey\n on the other hand was the colour of the F1 GTR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995.\nIn total, Albert required a 12-week post-build modification at MSO\u2019s facility. This included two week\u2019s of masking, six week\u2019s of painting. The remaining time was used to dry and reassemble the vehicle after spraying.\nIn total, the masking of the livery \nrequired almost two kilometres of fine tape\n to complete the initial design layout.\nGALLERY"
"HRE Wheels together with GE Additive has just unveiled the world\u2019s first ever 3D-printed titanium wheels. Codenamed HRE3D+, the prototype gives us a glimpse of what the future of wheel designs can be with 3D printing technology.\nUsing Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology (a type of 3D printing), it allows complex wheel designs to come to reality while achieving high levels of efficiency. In the case of a traditional monoblock wheel, 80 per cent of the material is shaved and removed from a forged block of aluminium to create the final project. With EBM, only 5 per cent of the material is removed and recycled, making the process far more efficient.   In the case of the HRE3D+ wheels, measuring 21-inch x 9J and 21-inch x 12.5J, its complex design is made up of five different sections (all 3D printed) which are then combined and bolted onto a carbon fibre rim using titanium fasteners. The result is an ultra-lightweight wheel but has the sturdiness that equals or exceeds an aluminium wheel.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For every single year since 1996, Mercedes-AMG has been supplying the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with Official F1 Safety Cars, and for the new 2022 season, kicking off with the Bahrain GP, the legacy continues.\nMechanically, both Safety and Medical cars are almost entirely standard. However, they have extensive equipment for their roles on the track. The most noticeable feature of the Official F1 Safety Car is the absence of the usual light bar on the roof, which would have interfered with the aerodynamic balance of the \nAMG GT Black Series\n.\nInstead, development engineers in Affalterbach came up with something completely new. At the front, the LED light bar has been incorporated into the upper area of the windscreen, while the rearward-facing lights have been integrated into the rear spoiler.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, when the car flashes and orange lights, it means no overtaking. Green is usually flashed when the safety car is entering the track, and drivers are still allowed to overtake the safety car.\nTwo tiny video cameras are installed into the spoiler strut with the images displayed inside the car. One camera serves as an electronic rear-view mirror for the co-driver, while the other transmits a live TV stream.\nThe interior of the Official F1 Safety Car is similar to the standard AMG GT Black Series (equipped with Track Package) and comes fitted with a titanium roll cage and lightweight bucket seats. The system increases the AMG GT Black\u2019s vehicle stiffness even further improving passive safety.\nAlso new are the six-point safety harnesses that are approved by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\u2019Automobile (FIA) and two tablets in the centre console and instrument panel in front of the passenger seat. These enable the co-driver to monitor the Formula 1 field. The right monitor can display the current position of the race cars on the track or the current lap times.\nFor the Official F1 Safety Car, the suspension specialists at AMG have engineered a set-up with the Pirelli P Zero tyres that can adapt to any race track and weather condition. The AMG ceramic high-performance composite brakes are exactly the same as those in the regular AMG GT Black Series.\nAs for the Official F1 Medical Car, the \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+\n makes its Formula 1 debut, taking over from its predecessor, the C 63 S AMG Estate. The fastest and most powerful medical car to date is crewed by up to three medics, from a specialist clinic close to the respective racetrack.\nThe medical car differs from the standard production car largely due to the carbon fibre roof scoop designed to offer the lowest possible wind resistance. At the same time, it optimises the airflow towards the fixed rear wing. The layout and design of the carbon fibre scoop and the light bar were the results of extensive wind-tunnel testing.\nInside the spacious boot is the full set of emergency equipment, including a defibrillator, breathing apparatus, rescue cutter, and two handheld fire extinguishers.\nInstead of the standard seats, the cabin of the AMG GT is occupied by four individual racing bucket seats, including six-point harnesses on the front seats and four-point harnesses in the rear. For maximum safety, the seat consoles are welded to the floor of the car.\nAll Formula 1 racing drivers wear special gloves equipped with sensors in the pinkie finger to monitor their vital signs. In an emergency, the paramedics in the medical car can receive real-time information in the car, informing them the current pulse rate or blood-oxygen level of the driver.\nGALLERY"
"After sharing some \ntechnical highlights\n last week, Porsche has officially unveiled the Taycan Cross Turismo that is bound for official sales later this summer.\nThe Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo combines more capabilities into the fully-electric high-performance Taycan range. First is the redesign of the rear quarter, which Porsche designers call the \n\u201cflyline\u201d\n. The wheelbase is maintained at 2.9 metres, while the overall vehicle height has increased by\n 31 mm\n, and is just 11 mm longer compared to the sports sedan.\nThe sporty sloping \u201cflyline\u201d adds headroom, luggage space and utility to the Porsche Taycan. Rear occupants now enjoy 36 mm \nmore headroom\n, while luggage space has increased tremendously by the new design as well as the folding seatbacks.\nThe Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo now has a boot capacity of \n446 litres\n, almost 40 litres more than the sports sedan. With the rear seats folding down, more than 1,200 litres of load capacity is available for large suitcases, sports equipment and more.\nTaycan Cross Turismo compared to Taycan sports sedan\nAt launch, the Taycan Cross Turismo will be offered in four variants, all standard with adaptive air suspension and all-wheel drive. The ground clearance has been increased by a gentle \n20 mm\n.\nAll four variants will be fitted with the 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus and outputs are similar to the \nTaycan sports sedan\n. The range-topping Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo has outputs \n625 hp\n with the overboost temporary exerting \n761 hp\n, allowing to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h and 200 km/h in \n2.9\n \nseconds\n and 9.7 seconds respectively.\nThe Turbo variant has a lower overboost output of 680 hp, stopping the stopwatch at 3.3 seconds once it reaches 100 km/h from standstill. The driving range however improves to 452 km. \u00a0\nThe base-model Taycan 4 Cross Turismo meanwhile has outputs of \n380 hp\n and \n476 hp\n in overboost. This variant will also have the furthest driving range at \n456 km\n, compared to the Turbo S with only 419 km. The 4S variant meanwhile has 490 hp and 571 hp in overboost, with the driving range similar to the Turbo at 452 km.\nPorsche has also improved the energy recovery while decelerating in the Taycan Cross Turismo, increasing 25 kW to a total of 290 kW.\n \nThe next big thing in the Taycan Cross Turismo is the off-tarmac driving capabilities. Porsche has spent some time developing and testing the Taycan Cross Turismo to properly drive like a Porsche on mild off-road surfaces such as grass and gravel.\n\u201cWe have also increased the ground clearance and optimised our suspension system so the Cross Turismo comes with a cross utility vehicle specific driving mode. This makes sure it does well on gravel roads in terms of stability, performance and dynamics,\u201d said Head of the Taycan model line, Stefan Weckbach.\nThe optional Off-Road package increases ground clearance by up to 30 mm, while a standard \u201cGravel mode\u201d improves the performance of the vehicle for driving on rough roads. Special flaps at the corners of the wheel arches provide protection from stone impacts.\nApart from the higher stance of the Taycan Cross Turismo, specific off-road styling elements have been added, which are the front and rear lower aprons, side sills and wheel arch trims.\nTo further emphasise on the utility of the Taycan Cross Turismo, Porsche has also created a dedicated bicycle carrier for two. One of its innovative features is that the tailgate can be opened even when the rear carrier is loaded.\nGALLERY"
"Seeing an Aston Martin is always an event, whether or not it\u2019s a conventional hardtop or a convertible. Now, the company is offering the refreshed Vanquish S, which is available in both the said body styles.\nAmong the new stuff are the revised, carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser. The rear end now receives a quad exhaust setup, while sitting on standard 20-inch wheels. Exclusive to the convertible is an\u00a0\nelectronic folding soft-top.\nBoth Vanquish S variants retain the signature \n6.0-litre V12\n\u00a0engine, producing\u00a0\n592 hp\n and\n 630 Nm\n of torque that\u2019s paired with the\u00a0\n\u201cTouchtronic III\u201d eight-speed automatic\n. The engine breathes better now through a modified air intake and the transmission shifts quicker; both of which contribute to performance gains. This however, is not backed by any official key performance figures, until perhaps later.\nUK pricing for the 2017 Aston Martin Vanquish S begins at\u00a0\n\u00a3199,950\n (RM1.1 million) while the Volante costs about\u00a0\n\u00a312,000\n (RM67k)\u00a0more than its hardtop equivalent. Let\u2019s not forget that \nthe brand is officially represented in Malaysia by Wearnes\n, so expect the Vanquish S to arrive soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi is launching its well-received premium mobility concept, the \u201cAudi on demand\u201d in Singapore. The first of its kind in South East Asia, it will allow keen followers of the brand with Four Rings to \u201crent\u201d a wide selection of the latest Audi models and make payments for it, all through their smartphones.\nAs we\u2019ve shared before, Beijing was the \nfirst city in China to have received this service\n that is \ncharged by the hour\n which includes unlimited driving mileage and insurance coverage. Usage can range \nfrom a few hours to as long as 28 days\n.\nOnce confirmed, a concierge service will bring the car to the customer by request at any location in Singapore within two hours\u2019 notice. The concierge will also help customers in getting to know the Audi vehicle.\nThe range of vehicles available for booking through the Audi on demand service ranges from the most current sedans to Q-models with the latest features to allow customers to experience the full suite of Audi\u2019s latest technologies. The all-inclusive rate also comprises of a full service package as well as complementary accessories like a child seat.\nThe cars can be used even for business trips or weekend getaways to Malaysia. The same service is also offered in Hong Kong, San Francisco and at Munich Airport."
"Ever dreamt about winning a car just from your regular shopping habits? Well, that was exactly what happened to Zhang Ying Xuan, who took home the grand prize of a brand-new \nIsuzu D-Max X-Terrain\n as part of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur\u2019s Tokyo Street 11th Anniversary Shop & Win contest.\nAccording to Zhang, the mall is just within walking distance from her workplace, and thus she became a regular shopper there. Zhang submitted only just five contest entries together with receipts worth over RM300 during the month-long contest, but was lucky enough to be drawn as the winner of a brand-new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain pick-up truck worth over RM150,000.\n\u201cI was so thrilled when they told me I had won the grand prize. I have only previously won small prizes, and never anything this big and valuable. It is a very rugged and handsome-looking truck and I thank Pavilion and Isuzu for this,\u201d said Zhang when receiving her Silky Pearl White truck.\nSpeaking at the presentation ceremony, Isuzu Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo said, \u201cI take this opportunity to congratulate Ms Zhang on winning the grand prize of a brand-new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain. The Isuzu D-Max in itself is a winning combination of style, luxury, safety and versatility and I am certain that it will bring you on many memorable journeys.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \nVideo: Nissan Navara 2.5 PRO-4X vs Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain, which is better?\nThe Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain was only recently updated here in Malaysia, which saw the addition of several valuable creature comfort features including a 360-degree surround-view monitor, LED puddle lamps, as well as LED illuminated door sills bearing the words \u2018X-Terrain\u2019.\nWinning five \u2018Pick-up Truck of the Year\u2019 awards in the past year, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is powered by the trusty 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, serving up \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n to drive all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\nFor the full detailed breakdown of the new pick-up truck\u2019s specifications, check out our launch coverage here."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced an extension of the tax holiday for its range of models with the Price Protection Scheme \u2013 covering all Volkswagen models registered from now till 15th November 2018, while stocks last.\nAs such, VPCM will absorb any difference in vehicle price based on the 0% GST period, after the implementation of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) on the 1 st of September 2018. The Scheme is applicable to all Volkswagen models sold in Malaysia, both locally-assembled and imported.\nHaving\n spent time in the Golf TSI R Line\n, there\u2019s little wonder why VPCM has been selling them by the truckloads.\n\u201cThe response in the past three months since the announcement of 0% GST has been overwhelming and we have been trying to keep up with the demand for stock. The introduction of this Price Protection Scheme is a way for VPCM to assure our customers that we have their best interests at heart so we urge customers to place their bookings now and enjoy the extended tax holidays\u201d, said Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter.\nAll Volkswagen models come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years manufacturer\u2019s warranty and 5 years roadside assistance."
"Volvo Cars North America chose the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit to launch its new signature premium saloon, the S90 in a bid (some say) to recapture and reaffirm its commitment to the market. Apart from the impressive line-up that they already have, Volvo will be adding the very stately S80 successor to their arsenal.\nIn business, you have to be there at the \nright time\n and in the \nright place\n and Volvo does well to resonate that thought considering how the brand faired in the previous fiscal year. The Swedes were \nup\n by \n24.3\n percent and, mind you, that\u2019s only in the \nUS\n. Armed with new hardwares and a\n billion-dollar cash injection\n from parent company\n Geely Holdings\n,\u00a0they\u2019re all ready to give the Germans a bloody nose.\n \n \nIn the looks department, sadly this very uniquely individual from the frosty north doesn\u2019t score too well with some people. The styling up front is definitely on point especially with the \nDRL\n in the shape of Thor\u2019s \nMj\u00f6lnir\n, the trouble is when you step towards\u00a0the back that you\u2019ll discover the rather \ndistinctive rump\n, for the lack of a better word, which will either be a hit or miss, depending on who you talk to. We think it possesses a \ncool\n factor all on its own. If there ever was such a thing as a burgeoning \nhipster\n businessmen, this is his ride, without shadow of a doubt.\nThe interior of this four-door coupe is an exquisite thing of \nbeauty\n. Supple tanned \nleather\n hide for the upholstery, choicest sustainable \nbark\n for the dash and a beautifully craved \ncrystal\n by Orrefors\u00a0(first seen on the \nXC90\n) takes its place as a gearshift selector. The Scandinavians are gunning for \npremium\n and are out to deliver just that. The \nMercedes W213 E-Class\n maybe the only one that could give Volvo a run for its money in this respect. Praise doesn\u2019t get any higher than that.   Volvo is slated to release three engine flavours in North America, namely the \nT5\n, \nT6\n and the range topping \nTwinEngine T8\n with up to \n410hp\n. Not bad for\n 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid\n, however the big news here is that the S90 will introduce a number of segment-first safety and driver assistance technologies, just as you would expect from the brand. Some of these include semi-autonomous drive feature called \nPilot Assist\n which is an \nadaptive cruise control-type\n system that can sense and \u2018see\u2019 the road infront of you. The marque says that it\u2019s a step forward in the right direction toward \nautonomous\n driving capabilities in cars. A goal that Tesla and \nGoogle chases with a burning passion\n.\nThe S90 also introduces a world-first function to\u00a0\nCity Safety\n \u2013 \nlarge animal detection\n;\n\u00a0\na feature capable of detecting large animals such as\u00a0deer, horses or moose/elk, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive \nwarning\n and brake support to help avoid or \nmitigate\n collisions with large animals (and people). In an urban environment, the system should do well to detect \npedestrians\n, brilliant for city driving.\n \n \nVolvo North America has yet to release specifics on the S90\u2019s \npricing\n and options. As far as we Malaysians are concerned, the S90 (most likely in T8 flavour) will be making its way here sometime in 2017. The ensuing \nV90\n too, might complete the S90 lineup here in Malaysia by the end of next year.\u00a0Rumours abound that Polestar is working on a hot version as well. Exciting times ahead for fans of the Iron Mark.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the launch of the \nSetel contactless payment app\n, Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has launched the new \n[email\u00a0protected]\n, a new eatery within the Kedai Mesra with most items priced below RM12.\nThrough the introduction of \n[email\u00a0protected]\n, the Kedai Mesra will now see an expanded range of food and beverages including freshly-baked pastries, daily-prepared meals-to-go, desserts, and drinks. In addition, the newly renovated Kedai Mesra now boasts an open chiller, self-serve coffee machine, and microwave for the convenience of its customers.\n\u201cWe first piloted this concept at the Petronas Station Jalan Kolam Ayer in Ampang last year and saw an increasing demand for food-on-the-go. With this proof of concept, we were confident to expand this further so that more customers get to enjoy the new retail experience at our stations,\u201d said PDB, CEO and Managing Director, Azrul Osman Rani.\nNew items on the \n[email\u00a0protected]\n menu include club and beef sandwiches, salad with snow-white fish or smoked salmon, grilled chicken chop, \u201cKung Pao\u201d chicken with rice, English trifle, bread-butter pudding, overnight oats, and mixed fruits, to name a few. All these items are sourced from local suppliers with an emphasis on quality and fresh ingredients.\nIn addition to the above, it also features local favourites from local small-to-medium suppliers such as sparkling fresh juice from Tapping Tapir, Nasi Lemak Saleha and local kuih by Sri Talamaz.\n\u201cTo date, we have seven stations with a \n[email\u00a0protected]\n corner and we are targeting to expand to 15 more by the end of the year, and to over 200 stations by end of 2021,\u201d he added.\nThe new Kedai Mesra with \n[email\u00a0protected]\n is available at:\nPetronas Jalan Kolam Ayer\nPetronas MRR2 Ampang\nPetronas Cyberjaya 1\nPetronas Mutiara Damansara\nPetronas Kota Kemuning\nPetra Kota Damansara\nPETRONAS Taman Setiawangsa\nGALLERY"
"From the very first car it made, the colour red has been a crucial part of the brand\u2019s history. It has evolved in tandem with Mazda\u2019s vehicle design \u2013 made to enhance the beauty of their Kodo-Soul in Motion design language.\nWith the aim to stimulate emotions of Mazda customers even before they start their engines, they\u2019ve had to reinvent the way they paint their cars. Before, to produce such reflective finish and depth in colour, Mazda had to paint their cars by hand \u2013 a standard practise on their concept cars.\nNow, to achieve this, they have in the process also turned robots into master craftsman \u2013 in an exercise called \u201ctakumi nuri\u201d. The finished result, the Soul Red Crystal, is a deep, lustrous colour that makes the car come alive as light is shone across its curves and arches.\nSoul Red Crystal is an advanced evolution of the Soul Red \u2013 one that balances vibrance with clear depth and gloss. It\u2019s 20% more saturated and produces 50% more depth than Soul Red for a rich, full-bodied shade of red."
"Following the launch of the new \nRenault Megane R.S. 280 Cup\n, the highly-anticipated Renault Sport Track Day made a comeback at the Sepang International Circuit, this time in a night session.\n \nFor this edition of the Renault Sport Track day, 30 Renault Sport owners took their prized possessions onto the track to push their skills to the limit and experience the performance of their R.S. machines, which included the Megane R.S., Clio R.S. and limited-edition \nMegane R.S. 275 Trophy R\n.\nTC Euro Cars also brought along a Megane R.S. 280 Cup with EDC dual-clutch transmission for a few timed laps around Sepang, and managed to clock a best lap of 2 minutes and 38 seconds \u2013 a whole 3 seconds quicker than the previous official lap time set in a Megane R.S. 265 Cup.\nThe Megane R.S. that did the timed lap was completely stock from the factory, but wearing road-going 19-inch Yokohama AD08R 245/35 tyres \u2013 provided by the official tyre sponsor for the event.\u00a0\nAs always, TC Euro Cars and Renault took safety as their number one priority, and thus only allowing experienced drivers to lap the circuit alone; first time drivers were accompanied by a professional instructor.\u00a0\nMeanwhile, taxi rides were available for the participants to experience the new Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup in the hands of a professional driver.\nThe new Renault Megane R.S. was launched in Malaysia back in April, priced at \nRM279,888\n for the manual transmission variant, while the EDC dual-clutch transmission variant comes in at \nRM299,888\n.\u00a0\nPowered by a \n1.8-litre turbocharged engine\n, the Renault Megane R.S. makes \n280 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n of torque \u2013 and that is where the 280 in the name came from. Zero to 100 km/h is done in \n5.8 seconds\n, onward to a \n250 km/h \ntop speed.\u00a0\nOffered in Malaysia with the Cup chassis as standard, the Renault Megane R.S. comes with a \nTorsen mechanical limited-slip differential\n at the front, along with 10% stiffer dampers for even better cornering performance.\u00a0\nThe Renault Megane R.S. is also the only hot hatch to offer four-wheel steering. Unfortunately if you want to experience the car in the brilliant Orange Tonic colour, you\u2019d have to fork out another RM8,000.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Chinese carmaker \nChery\n has announced its October global sales report, in which it recorded a total of 132,828 vehicles sold globally. The figure marks the fifth month in a row where the company saw a monthly sales of over 100,000 units, and also translates to a 50.4% year-on-year increase.\nBut more importantly, the October sales figure also pushed Chery\u2019s year-to-date sales numbers past the 1 million mark, more specifically, 1,026,758 units worldwide, easily beating its total in 2021 of 961,926 units, with two more months to spare.\nLeading the impressive sales performance for Chery was the Tiggo family of SUVs, many of which are also \nearmarked for launch in Malaysia\n. From January to October 2022, the Chinese carmaker sold 159,500 units of the Tiggo 8 and 134,900 units of the Tiggo 7 worldwide, with South America and Middle East recording particularly strong performances.\nIn Brazil specifically, Chery has delivered 29,854 units year-to-date, giving it a market share of 2.38%, and also placing it within the top 10 in terms of sales. As for the Middle East, Chery says that it has \u201cachieved a double increase in terms of market sales and brand reputation\u201d.\nIn conjunction with the upcoming 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, Chery has announced that it will also be providing vehicles for the security department as well as media vehicles for more than 10 competing countries, alongside free shuttle service at the Doha International Airport.\nVideo: Chery is back! Here are the 5 SUVs set for launch in Malaysia\nCloser to home, Chery recently previewed five SUV models that it has earmarked for launch here in Malaysia, including the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n, Tiggo 7 Pro\n, Tiggo 4 Pro, and \nOmoda 5\n. The companies reentry into Malaysia will kick off with \u201cfirst phase\u201d of car launches, which will include the Tiggo 8 Pro and Omoda 5.\nAside from just new cars, Chery has also promised a wide \u201cuser-centric\u201d \naftersales and dealership network\n in Malaysia, alongside a \nCKD plant\n to localise production for its models."
"The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet has just been debuted at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance and there is just no words to describe what an absolute stunner it is \u2013 as a modern interpretation to a classic design.\nIt has been designed to be an electric car, with an output of 550 kW (\n750 hp\n) thanks to its compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors with a range of over \n500 km\n. 0 to 100 km/h takes \nless than four seconds\n through its \nall-wheel drive system\n with a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. A quick-charge function allows it to charge enough power for a range of around 100 km in just five minutes.\nMeasuring over six meters in length, the exterior is highlighted by its Nautical Blue Metallic paint job, a chrome grille that was inspired by a pinstriped suit and the newly designed \n24-inch wheels\n with a centre lock that\u2019s painted in gold.   The round \u201cboat tail\u201d appearance of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet lends it inspiration from a luxury yacht with narrow tail lights emphasising the width of the vehicle.\u00a0Further distinctive features at the rear include a diffuser with aluminium frame and the air outlets behind the wheel arches.\n\u201cThe Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet takes modern luxury into the realms of the ultimate in luxury, and is the perfect embodiment of our design strategy. Breathtaking proportions combined with a luxurious \u201chaute couture\u201d interior help to create the ultimate experience,\u201d explains Daimler\u00a0AG Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagener.\nThe interior, conceptualised to be offer a\u00a0360\u00b0 open-air luxury lounge experience, dons rose gold trims and threads alongside\u00a0crystal white Nappa leather with diamond patterns held together with buttons \u2013 with each depicting a Mercedes star with blue back light. Pushing further with the luxury yacht concept, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet also comes with open-pore wood flooring with inlaid aluminium.\nThe display strip (essentially the blue strip encompassing the interior) that links the dashboard, doors and rear area \u2013 where the visual displays are integrated into the continuous glass trim. Three air vents are positioned beneath the dash for a floating appearance in an aviation-inspired move.\nPossibly the most futuristic feature has to be the \nfloating, transparent centre tunnel\n, which visualises the drive system\u2019s electrical energy flow for the passengers by means of blue fibre optics. Apart from the Concierge Function which doesn\u2019t require predefined voice commands, it also features the latest generation biometric sensors to record the state of mind and health status of the passengers.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"TC Subaru has introduced the new Subaru Outback today at the 2018 Drive Auto Fair in Setia City Convention Centre, where it would feature Subaru\u2019s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.\nThe fully-imported Outback will be available in one variant only \u2013 the 2.5i-S EyeSight featuring a naturally-aspirated, 2.5-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine, paired to a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT gearbox that\u2019s good for\u00a0\n175 hp\n and \n235 Nm\n of torque.\n\u00a0\nPower is channel to all four wheels through the Active Torque Split AWD System. Supporting the AWD system are the SI-Drive and X-Mode that automatically engages the Outback\u2019s Hill Descent Control when activated. The Outback also deploys the STABLEX-Ride System for even better steering control and ride quality with less body roll.   On the outside, the new Outback gets facelifted front bumper, a wider hexagonal grille and lightweight turbine-shaped 18-inch rims for better aerodynamics.\nMaking the drive a more exciting one are paddle shifters, a must-have feature for Malaysians paying this amount of money for a car, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a power-sliding sunroof.\nOccupying the front row are 8-way power-adjustable seats with memory function while lumbar support is only provided for the driver. The rear seats can be folded with a one-touch lever in the boot, opening up to 1,800 litres of trunk space.\nOn the safety front, the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist system is the highlight of the updated Outback which consists of adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking system and throttle management, lane sway and departure warning, along with seven air bags.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The government has announced that fuel pricing will now be reviewed weekly instead of the current monthly system. Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said that the price revision, if any, will be announced\u00a0every Wednesday night starting 29 March 2017.\nCurrently, our fuel prices are based on the floating system, with the final figure being an average of the fluctuations in the crude oil trade. With the new system in place, Datuk Hamzah said that the fluctuations in fuel prices will be less drastic and more stable. From January to February we saw an increase of 20 sen in petrol prices for two consecutive months. March fuel prices are as follows:\nFebruary 2017\nMarch 2017\nDifference\nPetrol \u2013 RON 95\nRM2.30 per litre\nRM2.30 per litre\n\u2013\nPetrol \u2013 RON 97\nRM2.60 per litre\nRM2.60 per litre\n\u2013\nDiesel\nRM2.15 per litre\nRM2.20 per litre\n5 sen\nDiesel Euro 5\nRM2.25 per litre\nRM2.30 per litre\n5 sen\nTo avoid confusion, the pricing announcement will be announced on Wednesday night, but the actual adjustment will take place on Thursday."
"Although the \nall-new Mercedes-Benz GLC\n has just been unveiled globally, it\u2019s not quite end-of-life for the current SUV just yet here on our shores, as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is giving the model a last hurrah with the plug-in hybrid GLC 300e Coupe, starting at a price of RM374k, inclusive of the SST exemptions that are expiring by the end of the month.\nEXTERIOR\nThe new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e is only available in the coupe form, with most of its styling mirroring that of the existing \nGLC 300 Coupe 4Matic\n, both sharing the same AMG Line exterior package consisting of the sportier bumpers and an AMG diamond pin grille. The only way to tell the two apart, aside from the obvious badging, is the charging port on the rear bumper.\nExterior equipment for the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe include:\nAdaptive Multibeam LED headlights\nAMG Line body kit\nAMG Night package\nDiamond pin grille\n20-inch light-alloy five twin-spoke wheels\nPERFORMANCE\nThe main differentiating factor here is the GLC 300e Coupe\u2019s powertrain underneath the bonnet, which now receives electric assistance thanks to the additional electric motor sandwiched between the engine and gearbox.\nPowertrain: M274 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol; single electric motor\nTransmission: Nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic\nDriveline: Front-engine, 4Matic all-wheel drive\nHorsepower (engine): 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nTorque (engine): 350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nHorsepower (motor): 90 kW/122 hp\nTorque (motor): 440 Nm\nTotal system output: 320 hp, 700 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds\nTop speed: 230 km/h, 140 km/h in EV mode\nBattery: 13.5 kWh\nEV range: 43 km (WLTP)\nCharging: 7.4 kW on-board AC, 1.5 hours\nINTERIOR\nJust like the exterior, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe\u2019s cabin is also virtually unchanged from its petrol-only counterpart, with equipment highlights including:\n12.3-inch digital instrument display\n10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, MBUX OS with EQ-specific displays\nAMG Line interior\nMultifunction sports steering wheel in premium nappa leather\nLeather upholstery\nFour-zone climate control\nElectric adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support\nPanoramic sunroof\nSAFETY\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe will come equipped with Driving Assistance advanced driver assist package, which includes the following:\nAutonomous emergency braking\nActive lane keeping assist\nBlind spot monitor\nParktronic active parking assist\nPre-safe pre-collision protection\n360-degree surround view monitor\nPRICING\nThe new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe is locally-assembled here in Malaysia, and is priced at \nRM374,074\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nSST exemption that is due to expire by the end of the month\n. After which, the SST-inclusive price goes up to \nRM398,888\n. Also included in the price is a 2+2 year unlimited-mileage warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Half a year ago, \nPeugeot took the wraps off the all-new Peugeot 3008\n. What was previously a curvy, mundane looking compact crossover has blossomed into a full blown C-Segment SUV. The 3008 can finally start giving the \nfifth-generation Honda CR-V\n and \nMazda CX-5\n a good fight.\nThere are a number of engines powering the 3008, but as expected, the Malaysian market will receive the good old \n1.6-litre Prince\n unit. This time it is\n turbocharged\n to produce \n165 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,400 rpm. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel will most likely not join the lineup, which is a shame because that \nleft quite a lasting impression\n.\u00a0The four-banger 1.6 THP is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.\u00a0\nIn terms of dimensions, the 3008 is every bit bigger than before. Its wheelbase is stretched by a whopping 62mm, resulting in better legroom for rear passengers. Key specifications include full LED headlamps, tri-bar (lion claw) LED tail lamps and a futuristically designed cabin.\nThe guys at Peugeot Malaysia are still working on the exact specifications here, but some highlights include the \n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n, 8-inch centrally mounted touchscreen head unit and wireless phone charging tray. The seats in our test car back in Bologna, Italy, were draped in exquisite cow hide with fancy patterns \u2013 something very French but tastefully executed to suit the local palette.\nThe year 2017 will see quite a number of new SUVs introduced to our market, with the 3008 set to be the earliest to arrive. It won\u2019t be till later in the year when the Japanese duo (CR-V and CX-5) arrive here. That should give the Peugeot 3008 a relatively promising head start. If you\u2019re in the market for a brand new SUV, this could be worth the wait.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Launched in July, the all-new 2022 \nPerodua Alza\n is available in three variants, namely the \u2018X\u2019, \u2018H\u2019, and \u2018AV\u2019. Prices range from \nRM 62,500\n to \nRM 75,500\n, making the Alza one of the most affordable 7-seater MPVs you could get in Malaysia. Garnering more than 40,000 bookings since its launch, about 65% of them are for the range-topping \u2018AV\u2019 variant.\nAll variants are fully equipped with Perodua\u2019s Active Safety Assist (A.S.A.) package which comprises Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control, and Front Departure Alert. A \nPerodua\n-first feature is the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), but only the 2022 Perodua Alza AV is equipped with it.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Perodua Alza review \u2013 The people\u2019s 7-seater MPV\nTo haul seven people around, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine powers the 2022 Perodua Alza. It provides \n106 hp\n @6,000 rpm and \n138 Nm\n @4,200 rpm. The 2NR-VE engine is paired with Perodua\u2019s D-CVT and all power is sent to the front wheels.\nFor an additional \nRM2,500\n, customers can opt for Perodua\u2019s Gear Up accessories. The kit makes the family MPV a tad bit more elegant on the outside and slightly more interesting on the inside. But even without the kit, the all-new Alza is decent looking for the segment it belongs in. All Alza variants get LED headlights with follow-me-home and \u201cLeaving Home Functions\u201d.\nInside, a Perodua-first feature is the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity on the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. Like the EPB, this only offered in the 2022 Perodua Alza AV. Perodua has recently obtained the necessary licensing for Apple connectivity and Alza AV \ncustomers can get their head units updated during their next service at Perodua Service Centres\n.\nAnother Perodua-first feature on the Alza is the 360\u00b0 view camera for ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. Unfortunately, this is also only available on the AV variant.\nRELATED: \nApple CarPlay now available on 2022 Perodua Alza \u2013 Updates provided at Perodua SC\nSafety-wise, the all-new Alza provides \u2018Driving Assist\u2019 features such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) on all variants. Exclusive to the Alza AV are Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show and you can almost hear the Porsche Panamera Turbo clenching its fists.\nFirst and foremost, performance; and it\u2019s simply blinding. The AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ delivers \n639 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque from a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine to all four wheels \u2013 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.2 seconds\n, onwards to \n315 km/h\n and yet it sits four with miles of leg room.\nThe \u201cS-less\u201d AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ on the other hand is also a tower of power \u2013 with \n585 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque from the same V8 engine. 0 to 100 km/h takes just\n 3.4 seconds\n with a top speed of \n310 km/h\n. The Porsche Panamera Turbo only does 3.8 seconds without the Sport Chrono Package, with a top speed of 306 km/h.\nBoth the V8 engines come with AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system which shuts of specific cylinders while coasting or during partial load, to reduce fuel consumption \u2013 not like it would bother the elite businessmen/women.   Alongside the two V8 engines, there\u2019s also the AMG GT53 4MATIC+ that houses an AMG inline six-cylinder engine. \n435 hp\n is readily available with a combined \n695 Nm\n of torque, supported by the EQ Boost system that also generates power for the vehicle\u2019s electrical system. 0 to 100 km/h is done in \n4.5 seconds\n, onwards to \n285 km/h\n.\nTransmission wise, the V8s get the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G 9-speed transmission with a wet clutch. In the six-cylinder AMG GT53 4MATIC+, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission is applied.\nThe AMG GT63 S gets 20-inch lightweight alloys while the AMG GT53 and the \u201cS-less\u201d GT63 sits on a 10-spoke, 19-inch set. Behind those wheels are six-pot callipers in the front and single-piston floating brake callipers at the back.\nThe six-cylinder models are equipped with adjustable dampers and steel springs while the GT63 models gets the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension.   The AMG GT 4-door Coupe comes with rear-wheel steering where up to speeds of 100 km/h, the rear wheels point in the opposite direction to the front wheels via two electric actuator motors. As a result, the car is more agile in the corners and benefits from better turning radius.\nDesign cues have been largely inspired by the AMG GT as with the slim headlamps, the shark nose and the front apron with enhanced Jet Wing. At the back, you get slim LED tail lights along with a rear aerofoil extendable in several stages \u2013 an important element of the active aerodynamics.\nInside, the illuminated turbine-look air vents take centre stage, together with two 12.3-inch high resolution displays where drivers can select from three different instrument displays. In the \u201cSupersport\u201d view, driver\u2019s will be prompted to change gears in manual transmission mode.\nThere are up to six drive modes to choose from \u2013 \u201cSlippery\u201d, \u201cComfort\u201d, \u201cSport\u201d, \u201cSport+\u201d, \u201cRACE\u201d and \u201cIndividual\u201d \u2013 all of which affects the way the AMG Speed Sensitive steering wheel behaves.\nFor the first time an AMG car has its own room fragrance. It is an appealing, sporty scent to match the spirit of the performance brand. The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe can also be fitted with the ENERGIZING comfort control, found in Mercedes-Benz\u2019s mass-produced models for improved driver-fitness safety.\nThe AMG GT 4-Door Coupe also comes with semi-automated driving features with the DRIVE PILOT which can support the driver with tasks such as driving in a traffic jam. With the standard AMG Track Pace, drivers can keep track with over 80 vehicle-specific data as well as lap and 0 to 100 km/h times.\nWhat\u2019s also really cool inside the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe are the capacitive switches on the centre console. If the finger moves within a minimal distance from the panel, the appropriate symbol lights up directly in the head unit and preselects the menu item.\u00a0The reverse camera, navigation, radio, media, telephone and vehicle settings can be operated via this proximity switch.\nA Drift Mode is standard in the S-version of the AMG GT which can be activated by selecting the \u201cRACE\u201d drive mode. When in drift mode, the car is strictly rear-wheel driven.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Caterham, a true blue lightweight sports car manufacturer whose products were based on Colin Chapman\u2019s Lotus Seven over half a century ago, is looking to produce a lighter Caterham Seven model by incorporating bicycle frame technology.\nOwned by our very own Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Caterham has collaborated with\u00a0bicycle tube-makers Reynolds Technology and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) consultancy Simpact\u00a0for this project. With this, a new lightweight chassis which uses butted steel tube (thicker at the end but thinner in the middle) will be developed.\nIt\u2019s claimed that future Caterham cars will benefit from a weight reduction between 50kg to 60kg while retaining structural rigidity and strength. The drawback to having such a feature is cost, because in the future, any Caterham cars with this frame will cost an\u00a0additional\u00a0\u00a32,000 (approximately RM12,000) over the standard car. That said, it\u2019s quite a worthy addition we think, because lighter is more often than not, better.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua\u2019s first ever 7-seater SUV is the most affordable people carrier currently on sale in Malaysia but affordability is not its only game. Jam-packed with advanced driver assistance features, it\u2019s an exceptional value proposition compared to rivals of its segment, but is it actually any good?\n \nPowered by a modest 1.5-litre four-cylinder DVVT-i engine and four-speed automatic combo, the rear-wheel-drive Aruz has \n102 hp\n and \n133 Nm\n to lug seven around. Other than the high rpm it holds at highway cruising speed, the four-speed automatic is sufficient in getting the job done while returning a claimed fuel economy of \n6.4L/100km\n.\nAll variants of the Aruz comes with six airbags and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard and the 1.5 Advance variant as tested here has the additional \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0\n system which includes Pre-Collision Warning (between 4 km/h to 100 km/h) and Pre-Collision Braking (4 km/h to 80 km/h) with pedestrian detection (4 km/h to 50 km/h), front departure alert and pedal misoperation control.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nPerodua\u00a0Aruz\u00a01.5\u00a0AV"
"When news broke earlier this month that\n Bermaz Auto is likely to take over\n from Naza the distributorship of Kia and Peugeot in Malaysia, we raised questions pertaining the \u201clock, stock, and barrel\u201d inclusion of the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) assembly plant in Gurun as part of the deal, due to its joint ownership between Naza and Groupe PSA \u2013 who holds 61.4% equity interest in the plant.\nIn an exclusive interview with \nThe Edge\n, Naza Corp Holdings executive chairman and CEO Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin confirmed that the company is in consideration to offload the NAM plant from its portfolio. \u201cThat (the sale of the equity interest in the plant) is being discussed with PSA,\u201d says Nasarudin.\nGroupe PSA acquired a 56% stake in NAM back in February 2018 with plans for Malaysia to become the export hub for Peugeot, Citroen, and DS, while Naza will be named sole distributor for the brands in the ASEAN region.\nThe plant, which began operations in 2004, has a production capacity of 50,000 units annually. However, the capacity is likely to be in excess currently. Last year, the company sold 3,432 Kia vehicles, while Peugeot only managed to sell 1,897 units.\nA Companies Commissions of Malaysia (CCM) filing revealed that NAM suffered an after-tax loss of RM1.69 million from RM56.92 million in revenue for the year ended December 2018.\nWhen asked on the reason to sell its key automotive assets, Nasarudin quoted the \u201crazor-thin\u201d margins and a challenging landscape, where the group has little say in key decisions. \u201cMargins are limited, and even pricing is determined by the principal, so there are a lot of risk factors.\u201d\nNasarudin explained that the company has long considered a restructure plan, but it was the Covid-19 pandemic that triggered the transformation. \u201cBut when Covid-19 hit us, as a group, immediately we wanted to take the opportunity \u2014 we wanted to do a check of the organisation, in the sense that we wanted to reassess the group and make key decisions to move forward,\u201d explains Nasarudin.\n\u201cMy goal is to have this whole transformation exercise finished by December this year, and [to have] until the first quarter of next year to really chart the way forward for the group,\u201d Nasarudin said in conclusion. \u201cWith all these divestments in place, we need to be selective of how we want to move the group forward.\u201d"
"Remember the \nRange Rover Sentinel \nstory I posted a few months ago? Well Volvo Cars is responding to it and is taking safety to a whole new level with the introduction of the new XC90 \u201cArmoured\u201d.\nThe armoured SUV has been certified with \nVPAM VR8 protection rating\n \u2013 meaning that the car has 360-degree ballistic and even explosive resistance.\nThe armoured SUV based on the T6 AWD Inscription model was \u201cupgraded\u201d in Germany by a company specialising in armoured vehicles.\nFor starters, high-strength steel armour measuring 10mm thick has been applied to the body while the \nthickness of the glass can be specified up to 50mm thick\n.\nAs a whole,\n the armour has added around 1,400 kg\n to the XC90, bringing its total weight up to 4,490 kg (with five occupants on board). To cope with the excess fat, the XC90 has been fitted with high performance suspension and brakes.\n\u201cProduction is classified, with stringent procedures. The armour is fitted discreetly to make the car barely distinguishable from a \nstandard XC90\n,\u201d said Volvo Cars Special Vehicles, Marketing Director, Stephan Green.\nVolvo also announced that they\u2019re developing a \u201clighter version\u201d of the armoured SUV where it will be based on the XC90 and XC60 T6 AWD Inscription. These will be catered to companies offering security services, the police force, diplomatic corps and such.\nIntended for the Latin American and European market, the \u201clighter models\u201d will be retrofitted in Brazil where there is high demand for such vehicles.\nI suppose the South Americans face bigger threats on the road than mere drivers playing with their phones while behind the wheel.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The last proper hot hatch from Toyota in recent history was the Corolla T-Sport, a model exclusively sold in selected European markets. That was back in 2007. A decade later, the brand finally makes a comeback to the segment with the Toyota Yaris GRMN.\nBased on the facelifted third-generation\u00a0\nYaris\n supermini, it\u2019s developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing, which runs Toyota\u2019s\u00a0\nWRC\n\u00a0team. The\u00a0GRMN moniker stands for \nGazoo Racing Masters of Nurburgring\n, which really should give you an idea of where it was put through its paces.\nAvailable only as a \nthree-door\n\u00a0hatchback, the Yaris GRMN receives aggressive styling at the front and back. The rear gets a diffuser and a centrally mounted exhaust. Inside, there\u2019s a pair of adjustable bucket seats including a small-diameter steering wheel lifted from the Toyota 86.\nAt the heart of this Yaris is a supercharged\u00a0\n1.8-litre four-cylinder engine\n\u00a0deploying\u00a0\n205 hp\n. Power is delivered to the front through a\n six-speed manual transmission\n. Toyota claims it boasts a best-in-class 0 to 100 km/h sprint and would pull from 80 to 120 km/h quicker than anything else in the segment.\nIt gets a Torsen limited slip differential, thicker anti-roll bar, shorter and stiffer springs as well as custom shock absorbers from Sachs. It rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 205/45 R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubbers.\nThe Toyota Yaris GRMN will be sold in limited numbers \u2013 just 1,000 in fact \u2013 across Europe. Pricing has yet to be announced, but it\u2019ll cost roughly the same as\u00a0the Toyota 86.\nWe\u2019re devastated that the car won\u2019t make it to this region. Dear readers, would you pick this Yaris over the\u00a0\nFord Fiesta ST\n and the \nPeugeot 208 GTi\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Electric vehicles\n, or \u2018EVs\u2019, are the hottest commodity on the block these days \u2013 especially with the Malaysian Government recently announcing a \n100% tax break for electric vehicles\n from 2022 onwards.\nBut with new tech, there is \u2013 of course \u2013 a massive list of new jargon that almost sounds like a complete new language. ChaDeMo, three-phase AC, WLTP. what do they all mean? If you\u2019re confused, don\u2019t worry \u2013 we\u2019ve rounded up a list of the most commonly-seen EV-related terms here to help you out, somewhat like an EV dictionary for the laymen. Yes, you\u2019re welcome.\nThe latest \nBEV\n to make its way into Malaysia \u2013 the \nHyundai Kona Electric\n.\nVehicle types\nBEV\n \u2013 Battery Electric Vehicle. \nTechnically\n the correct term for \u201cfully-electric vehicles\u201d, with all of the car\u2019s power source coming from the on-board batteries.\nHEV\n \u2013 Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Powered by both an internal combustion engine and electric motor(s). Can be driven plainly on electric power, but does not have a charging port to top-up the batteries directly; charging is usually only done via regenerative braking (self charging).\nPHEV\n \u2013 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Vehicles powered by both an internal combustion engine and electric motor(s) (see \nHEV\n), and can be plugged-in to charge the batteries directly \u2013 usually have bigger batteries than plain self-charging HEVs.\nMHEV\n \u2013 Mild-hybrid Electric Vehicle. Internal combustion engine-powered car, with a small electric motor providing additional boost in power. Cannot be driven on electric power alone.\nFCEV \n\u2013 Fuel-cell Electric Vehicle. Similar to a \nBEV\n, but instead of deriving electric power from a battery, the power is stored in the form of hydrogen fuel (compressed gas) in a fuel cell. A chemical process takes place to convert the hydrogen fuel into electricity.\nRange-extender EV\n \u2013 A \nBEV\n, but with an additional (smaller) internal combustion engine that functions solely to charge the batteries through a generator. The engine is not connected directly to the drivetrain.\nBatteries/performance\nAC \n\u2013 Alternating current, the type of electricity that comes out of your regular electric socket at home. Can\u2019t be used to charge EV batteries unless converted to \nDC\n \u2013 hence the need for an \non-board charger\n.\nDC\n \u2013 Direct current, the type of electricity that\u2019s used in electric vehicles. Most commonly seen referring to \nDC Fast Chargers\n.\nkW\n \u2013 Kilo Watts, the SI unit of measurement for power usually favoured on EVs. Usually used to annotate an electric motor\u2019s power output; the higher, the better. Also used to denote EV charger output/speed.\nkWh\n \u2013 Kilo Watt hours, a measurement of power capacity, used to denote an EV\u2019s battery capacity. The higher the number, the more electricity is stored, and thus the longer the range.\nCharging\nOn-board Charger\n \u2013 Electrical device to convert \nAC\n electricity to\n DC\n directly on the car itself, used during (slower) AC charging. Usually limited to a certain power input (\nkW\n) based on design.\nDC Fast Charger\n \u2013 The fastest way to charge your EVs, utilising an external high-powered charger to deliver high-power DC electricity (ranging from 50 kW to 300 kW) directly to the car\u2019s batteries, bypassing the \non-board charger\n.\nSingle phase AC charger (wallbox)\n \u2013 The simpler form of AC charging usually used at home, with power only flowing through one single conductor, resulting in a slower charging speed (around 7.4 kW max).\nThree-phase AC charger (wallbox)\n \u2013 More advanced AC charger, with power flowing through three conductors. Supports a higher current delivery, and thus a higher charging speed (up to approx 22 kW). Requires more complicated wiring, which means not every home can support a three-phase AC charger.\nMercedes-EQS\nCharging. plugs\nType 1 plug\n \u2013 Also known as SAE J1772, a five-pin electric charging plug designed for AC charging. Usually found on Japanese and American EVs.\nType 2 plug \u2013 \nAlso known as IEC62196 or Mennekes, a seven-pin electric charging plug designed for AC charging. Commonly found on European EVs, and is quickly becoming the standard charging plug in Malaysia.\nChaDeMo \n\u2013 A DC charging plug, usually only found in (some) Japanese cars. Derived from a Japanese phrase that means \u201cWhat about tea?\u201d inferring that your car will be fully charged within the time it takes to finish a cup of tea.\nCCS\n \u2013 Combined Charging System, which adds two extra prongs on either the \nType 1\n or\n Type 2 \nplugs to support \nDC fast charging\n. Used on most DC fast chargers in Malaysia."
"The advancements in electric powertrain technologies in recent years have made it \nvery\n, \nvery easy\n to create cars with incredible (and often unnecessary) amounts of power. So easy, in fact, that many previously-unheard companies are now coming out with their own EV hypercars.\nToday\u2019s example comes from a certain Deus Automobiles, who have just unveiled its Vayanne hypercar at the 2022 New York International Auto Show. Its main selling point? 2,230 hp.\nThe Deus Vayanne, named after the city of Vienna, is a product of a collaboration between the Austrian company, Williams Advanced Engineering, and Italdesign. Williams created the Vayanne\u2019s custom electric architecture and advanced battery tech, while Italdesign worked on its styling.\nBased on computer simulations, the Vayanne\u2019s twin-motor set-up is capable of outputting over \n2,230 hp\n and \n2,000 Nm\n of torque, making it one of the world\u2019s most powerful cars on sale, beating out the likes of the \nRimac Nevera\n and the \nLotus Evija\n.\nSince the actual production-ready car only really exists in the virtual simulations now, performance figures are of course not available just yet. However, Deus says that it\u2019s targetting a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just \n1.99 seconds\n, onward to a top speed north of\n 400 km/h\n.\nAnd despite the undoubtedly incredible performance figures, Deus says that the Vayanne has been also designed with practicality in mind, promising ample storage space, and a 12 cm ground clearance to easily get over speed bumps, while also offering a \u201ccomfortable and luxurious ride\u201d. The same function-first ethos is also applied onto the -admittedly reserved \u2013 exterior design, with the help of Italdesign.\nALSO READ: Dumb Tesla jump stunt is precisely why EVs don\u2019t need 1,000 hp\n\u201cAt Deus, design is not merely about the looks, it is an integrated concept that reflects the marque\u2019s main credo: to effortlessly combine exquisite design and functionality with cutting-edge technology in the EV hypercar segment\u201d, said Deus head of design, Adrian-Filip Butuca. \u201cTo showcase this harmony, we chose to stylise the Vayanne around the idea of symmetry and geometric alignment of its lines and design features.\u201d\nThe exterior design utilises a mixture of \u201csmooth yet dominant curves\u201d and \u201crefined geometry\u201d, which is supposed to give the Vayanne a timeless look. The front and rear grilles are made to look like an infinity loop, while the geometric shapes can be seen on the various air ducts on the exterior, all of which are also \u201cgeometrically aligned\u201d.\nALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept EV travelled over 1,000 km on a single charge\nInside, the Vayanne is equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster and control display on the dashboard. The trim pieces also feature a wrap-around \u201cinfinity mirror\u201d trim, which is a unique 3D optical effect created by two LED strips and two mirrors, in what Deus says is a first in the automotive industry.\nProduction of the Deus Vayanne will be limited to just 99 units, each custom-made with a unique, customer-specified paint job and interior trim to maintain exclusivity for collectors. The first cars are expected to be delivered from Italdesign\u2019s Turin factory in 2025.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Held in Putrajaya on 15th August 2015 was the MINI Pixelized Charity Event, organised by \nMINI Owners Club Malaysia\n (MOCM). The event was aimed to raise fund for the Trap Neuter Release Manage (TNRM) program run by the local animal rescue NGOs.   Proven to be a humane method for controlling the population of abandoned stray animals, \nTNRM\n works by neutering stray dogs and cats, thereafter releasing them back to their original habitat or sent to the animal shelters for adoption. Among the NGOs involved in TNRM are\u00a0\nSPCA Selangor\n and \nTNRM Malaysia\n.   The \nMINI Pixelized Charity Event\n was held in conjunction with \nMOCM\u2019s 10th year anniversary\n, and at the end of the event they successfully collected a total of \nRM 15,007.40\n from various contributors.   As the name of the event suggested, the theme for the event is based on the movie \nPixels\n that features four units of the \nF56 MINI Cooper S\n as the four ghosts to battle against\u00a0the giant Pac Man. Unlike the movie, \nmore than 140 MINIs\n turned up for the event, which makes it one of the biggest MINI gatherings in Malaysia.   \u201c\nMINIacs\n\u201d young and old congregated at the Putrajaya Marriott for a photo session, before proceeding with a convoy to the \nIOI\u00a0City Mall\n for the main event, where representatives were on hand to spread the word about the TNRM program. Finishing off the event was a screening of the Pixels movie.\nThe event was supported by MINI Malaysia, Auto Bavaria MINI, IOI\u00a0City Mall, Climax Pet Supplies Sdn Bhd,\u00a0Pancake House International, Relish by Sweet Chat, Solar Time, Cars International, and Flash Wrap.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) have just launched their most popular model to date, the fifth generation \nW205 C-Class\n earlier today, many months after it was revealed to the public. Two trims were introduced this morning, and they are the \nC200 Avantgarde\n and the \nC250 Exclusive\n, with each priced at \nRM285,888\n and \nRM314,888\n respectively.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde\nMercedes-Benz C250 Exclusive\nSegment\nC-Segment\nC-Segment\nEngine\n1,991cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged\n1,991cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged\nTransmission\n7G-Tronic Plus Automatic\n7G-Tronic Plus Automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice\u00a0(OTR without insurance)\nRM285,888.00\u00a0\nRM314,888.00\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFortunately, this C-Class will be\u00a0\nlocally assembled\n\u00a0early next year, and bookings for those have already been opened, with the actual price remain undisclosed for now, of course.\nEXTERIOR\n \nThe new C-Class has been widely regarded as the \n\u2018Baby S-Class\u2019\n, and a quick glance on the exterior of the car would have you just as convinced that the C-Class appears to be a shrunken S-Class. Its design is inspired by \nmodern aesthetics\n, and the lines on the C-Class are made subtler, but they do make the car look good nonetheless.   It\u2019s not all talk and no walk, the design. Its curvier body has helped \nreduce coefficient drag\n, which is valued at \n0.24\n. For comparison\u2019s sake, the Prius\u2019 coefficient drag is \n0.25\n.   From the front, the C200 and C250 can be differentiated by its grille: the C200 Avantgarde has a sportier looking grille with twin louvers and a central star, whereas the C250 Exclusive gets the classic saloon radiator grille with the carmaker\u2019s \u2018Star\u2019 on the bonnet. Just like the S-Class, the W205 C-Class will not be using light bulbs. Instead, it uses \nLED technology\n for the \nheadlights\n and the \ntail lights\n.\nThe C250 features an \nAirpanel function\n\u00a0for the first time, that actively opens or closes the radiator grille depending on the cooling demand to optimize coefficient drag and reduce air resistance.\nINTERIOR\n \nIf the C-Class\u2019 exterior somehow bore you, then you\u2019d be sold to what it has in store for you on the inside. Gone are the interior familiarities seen in the superseded W204 model. For starters, the air conditioning vents are rounded here, including the rear vents. The centre console panel sweeps elegantly from the centre air vents to the armrest, in which you\u2019ll find another interesting feature resides.   The centre tunnel houses the new \ncentral controller\n with \nintegrated touchpad\n, and it operates just like your \nsmartphone\n. Finger gestures are easily picked up, and the touchpad also recognises letters, numbers, special characters and any language that the software \u2013 Audio 20 \u2013 supports. Touch is responded with \ntactile feedback\n.\nThe air conditioning system in the C-Class is the only kind of its segment to offer \ntunnel detection\n via \nGPS navigation system\n. It uses map data from the navigation system via GPS location to close the air-recirculation flap when the car enters a tunnel, and subsequently reopens it when the car exits the tunnel. \nExclusive\n to the \nC250\n is the \nAir-Balance package\n which gives \nactive fragrancing\n, \nair ionisation\n and \nbetter filtration\n over the C200.\nAnother feature seen in the S-Class is the \ninterior ambient lighting\n, which is also LED powered. The ambient lighting stretches from door to door, including the dashboard. \nThree ambient colours\n are to be chosen from \u2013 \nsolar\n, \npolar\n and \nneutral\n \u2013 and have \nfive brightness levels\n to suit your mood.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nUnderneath the hood is the familiar \n2.0-litre turbocharged mill\n (also used in the Infiniti Q50), but output figures in the C250 Exclusive is slightly higher than the C200 Avantgarde. The numbers for the C200 are \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque. It gets the century sprint done in \n7.3 seconds\n and onto a top speed of \n235 km/h\n.\nThe C250 gets \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \n6.6 seconds\n, and reaches a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Both engines however, return the same fuel consumption rating at \n5.3 litres per 100km\n travelled. All that power gets delivered to the \nrear wheels\n via their \n7G-Tronic Plus\n automatic gearbox.\nThere are \nfive driving modes\n to choose from, and each driving profile alters the behaviour of the \nthrottle response\n, \nsteering weight\n and \ntransmission\n. Drivers can choose from Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual \u2013 the latter allowing for behavioural personalisation.\nThanks to the more extensive use of aluminium, the overall weight of the W205 C-Class has reduced by \n100 kilograms\n, and this directly translates to a lower centre of gravity and higher power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the C-Class is 20 percent more fuel efficient, handles nimbler and is more agile. Compared to the W204 model, the share of aluminium has increased from less than 10 percent to a whopping 50 percent; an uncommon amount for any large-scale series production.\nSAFETY\n \nThe W205 has \nseven\n airbags as standard: front, side, curtain and driver\u2019s knee airbag. It is also fitted with \nAttention Assist\n which informs the driver of their drowsiness level and the duration of their drive since their last break.\nThere is also the \nCollision Prevention Assist Plus\n feature which carries out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, and \nprevents rear-end collisions\n at up to 40 km/h. Another standard feature is the \nActive Parking Assist\n which enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention for parallel parking and end-on parking.\nWHAT ELSE\n \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia have announced that the new C-Class will be \nlocally assembled\n (CKD) beginning next January, with the assembly line almost completed and ready for production. MBM\u2019s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mr Kai Schlickum said the waiting list for the CBU variants is now six-months long, with fleets of imported W205s coming in from East London and South Africa.\nThe CKD models of the W205 C-Class will be produced at MBM\u2019s Pekan production plant. They are also taking orders for the CKD C-Class, although no official price tags have been announced as of yet. When asked if MBM will ever introduce the C63 AMG here, Kai said that remains dependent on the market and the C200 and C250 will spearhead sales of its segment as of now.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY   MBM President and CEO, Mr Roland Folger (right), former MBM Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mr Kai Schlickum (left)   The electronic panoramic sunroof as seen in the C250 Exclusive"
"The final round of our very own homegrown track event, TimeToAttack 2015,\u00a0will be taking place at none other than the Sepang International Circuit this weekend on\u00a03 and 4 October.\nIf you\u2019re not in the know, a little bit of history is in order. \nTIMETOATTACK\n began in \nMay 2010\n, running four rounds throughout the year to commemorate \nZerotohundred.com\n\u2019s 10th Anniversary celebration. It is Malaysia\u2019s first \u2013 and has since grown to be the most celebrated \u2013 Time Attack event.\nTo accommodate the sheer amount of cars (a maximum of 60) signed up for the open \nTrack Day\n on \nDay 1\n, participants will be divided into two,\u00a0\n4-hour\n sessions. Session one will run from 9am until 1pm and session two from 1pm until\u00a05pm. During their allocated time slots, participants are free to make as many laps as they wish \u2013 within the safety guidelines, of course. Because it is an open class, there are no limitations on make, drivetrain configuration and type of engine, whether it\u2019s forced inducted or not.\nThe main event \u2013\u00a0\nTime Attack\u00a0\n\u2013 will happen on \nDay 2\n which will see cars of different makes and sizes compete in different categories for the bragging rights of being the fastest to go round the circuit. Their achievements will be logged into the prestigious Hall Of Fame that lists in detail a driver\u2019s name, car, tyres used and their personal best lap times.\nMaking a special appearance (as part of \nHKS Premium Day\n\u00a0that will run in tandem with TTA) is\u00a0\nNobuteru Taniguchi \nwho will be piloting his insanely tuned \nHKS GT1000+ GTR\n. This specially built time attack beast of a machine will be specially flown in from Japan and will mark the first time a \nWTAC (World Time Attack Challenge)\n car gracing an appearance this side of the region. Additionally, a \nDyno HP Challenge\n will run on both days from 9am to 5pm.\n \nRound 1 earlier this year saw \nDesmond Soh\n of team \nST Powered\n, piloting a \nMitsubishi EVO 9\n to a blazing \n2:15.311\n to take the all-time fastest record. In so, securing him the top spot on TTA\u2019s \nHall of Fame\n. Will we see this record stand when all is done and dusted, or will we see a new record time set? We shall find out as we will be there to cover this prestigious event.\nSunday\u2019s Time Attack slots are fully sold out. Only \n20 slots\n \nremain\n for Saturday\u2019s 1-5pm open \nTrack Day\n. Those who wish to have a go at the track with their finely tuned machines or if you simply would like to get to know the limitations and capabilities of you car and driving skills, this is the place to be. Slots are limited and running out fast, so for those interested, you may \nclick here to register\n.\nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone not to race on the streets, but to leave the racing at the track. Also, keep an eye out during Track Day for a lava orange \nAutoBuzz.my\n liveried \u201crace car\u201d. In the mean time, enjoy this freshly\u00a0released promo."
"Honda Motor Company has announced that they will stop using Takata\u2019s front driver and passenger airbag inflators for upcoming models after studies\u00a0found that the supplier misrepresented and manipulated test data, as reported by \nThe Wall Street Journal\n.\nThis announcement follows after Takata was slapped with a RM300 million fine (or USD70 million) for lapses with their faulty inflator module. Investigators have zeroed in on the defect and found that the airbag inflators, which are prone to exploding (and causing deaths), is caused by using controversial propellants made of ammonium nitrate. \nOver 19 million cars\n in the United States are affected and thus recalled for replacement.\nWhat causes the defect, then? One reason is that the inflators will start to give way after long-term exposure to humidity. However, after eight years of battling this issue, the root cause for these ruptures have yet to be determined. Currently, \nfive car manufacturers\n \u2013 Mazda, BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford and Honda (Takata\u2019s biggest customer with a small stake in the company)\u00a0make up 14 million of the recalled vehicles and 18 million inflators.\u00a0\nThe Japanese airbag manufacturer has misled regulators in a presentation which took place in January 2012 by providing incomplete or inaccurate information on the defect. This led to eight deaths and and dozens other injured after the inflators exploded and sprayed shrapnels in the vehicles\u2019 cabin. Regulators have ordered Takata to stop using phase-stabilised ammonium nitrate by the end of 2018.\nTakata will pay the RM300m fine in six instalments over a period of five years under the settlement\u2019s terms, which if violated, will see the amount skyrocket to RM850 million or USD200 million \u2013 a record penalty. Similarly, Honda also received a RM300 million of regulatory fine for reporting lapses pertaining to the airbag issue.\nSource: The Wall Street Journal"
"We\u2019ve all experienced it \u2013 the traffic light turns green, and as soon as you step on the accelerator, a stray motorbike (more often than not bearing a food delivery bag) suddenly appears and crosses the junction without regard to the traffic lights, forcing you to stomp on the brakes to prevent a collision.\nWell, that is, if you manage to avoid it. Intersection accidents are unfortunately way too common these days, and it seems that we might not be the only ones having this issue too. For its upcoming next-generation LIDAR-based advanced driver assistance suite, \nNissan\n is developing a new automatic collision-avoidance feature for intersections, which may help reduce accidents at intersections caused by irresponsible road users.\nThe new system features a new control logic for the \u201cmore complex environment\u201d of intersections, taking advantage of something called the \u2018ground-truth perception technology\u2019 enabled by the next-generation LIDAR sensors. The new technology is able to detect an object\u2019s speed, location, and potential risk of a collision from a lateral direction, and will instantly respond to the changing situation through autonomous emergency braking, or releasing the brakes when the potential risk has been avoided.\nNissan Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Advanced Engineering Division, Takao Asami, says, \u201cDevelopment of this technology is being carried out under Nissan Ambition 2030, the company\u2019s long-term vision. We are on course to develop collision-avoidance technology utilizing next-generation LIDAR technology by the mid-2020s.\u201d\nREAD MORE: \nGot into a car accident? Here\u2019s what you should (and should not) do\n\u201cAiming to develop future autonomous driving technologies that customers can use with peace of mind, Nissan is working to fully understand the entire range of accident scenarios by analysing complex accidents that occur in the real world. Our efforts are aimed to substantially improve accident avoidance,\u201d he added.\nAccidents at intersections can unfortunately result in significant consequences, as we\u2019ve most recently seen with the case in Penang, where two \nmat rempits \nran the red lights while racing on public roads. As much as these new systems can help, though, drivers should still stay vigilant while driving on the roads, and not just rely completely on technology to bail us out.\nRELATED: \nFirst Perodua Alza accident shows that ADAS can\u2019t protect you in all situations"
"With 105,483 units sold in December, \nCh\ne\nry\n has now delivered a record-breaking \n1,232,727 units \nglobally in 2022. The figure represents a 28.2% increase over the previous year, and it\u2019s also breached the one-million-unit mark for the first time for Chery \u2013 which they\u2019ve already achieved since \nOctober 2022\n.\nThe figure also includes 451,337 units (67.7% increase over 2021) of export sales, which accounted for 36.6% of the brand\u2019s total deliveries last year. Not only is that a record-breaking annual figure for Chery, the performance also helped the marque remain at the top of Chinese passenger car exports for the 20th year in a row.\nChery\u2019s exports achievements were mainly driven by the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 series, which made their international debut in several countries last year. With monthly export figures exceeding the 50,000-units mark for four consecutive months last year, Chery\u2019s cumulative export volume currently accounts for a fifth of the total export volume of Chinese automobiles.\nLast year also saw a huge boom in the brand\u2019s technological innovations, with the establishment of a new \u201ctechnological innovation factory\u201d driving the development of new technologies through new products for the brand. As of end-2022, Chery has applied for a total of 25,795 patents and was granted 17,177, of which 37% were for inventions, which the company say is amongst the top in the industry.\nThis was accelerated through its many open collaborations explored last year, forming alliances with many top names including Haier, Huawei, CATL, and Horizon Robotics to research in the fields of industrial internet, intelligent solutions, and traction battery systems.\nRELATED: \nChery becomes first-ever Chinese carmaker to export over 50k units a month\nChery said it is striving to maintain growth in annual sales volume this year, and although it did not provide a target figure for 2023, we do know that its strategy includes an official launch in Malaysia.\nThe brand is set to\n establish a dealership network\n with over 30 outlets across the nation, with a \u201cphase one\u201d product launch plan that includes the \nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\n and\n Omoda 5\n SUVs, both of which already \npreviewed here in Malaysia\n last year alongside the \nTiggo 7 Pro \nand \nTiggo 4 Pro\n.\nA\n local assembly plant\n is also in the plans for Chery in Malaysia, as part of the company\u2019s massive investment plan for the ASEAN region, which will see our nation become Chery\u2019s base for the region."
"Jeep\n and \nLEGO\n has come together to introduce a new addition to the LEGO Technic line up, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.\nAvailable with a yellow and black colour scheme, the Jeep Wrangler consists of \n665 pieces\n, featuring a button-operated steering system, and powerful axle-articulation suspension.\n\u201dThe Jeep Wrangler is an icon in the off-road world. It has a lot of iconic details so it was important to pack as many of the authentic, powerful features seen in the real vehicle into the LEGO Technic replica,\u201d said LEGO Technic, designer, Lars Thygesen.\nThe Jeep\u00ae\u00a0brand and the LEGO Group reveal the\u00a0Jeep Wrangler Rubicon\u00a0LEGO\u00ae\u00a0Technic\u2122\u00a0model.\n\u201cAsk any Jeep Wrangler owner and they\u2019ll tell you that their vehicle is just a bigger version of this new set,\u201d said Jeep, Head of Design, Mark Allen.\n\u201cThe design of the Jeep Wrangler allows owners to take it apart, top off, doors off, reconfigure it, add new pieces from our Mopar team, and then put it back together again.\u201d\nThe LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is suited for children aged 9 and above. It will be available from the 1st of January 2021 and is priced at \u00a344.99 (approximately RM244).\nGALLERY\nThe Jeep\u00ae\u00a0brand and the LEGO Group reveal the\u00a0Jeep Wrangler Rubicon\u00a0LEGO\u00ae\u00a0Technic\u2122\u00a0model."
"The Munich giant has done it again, but this time in the form of an SAC or Sports Activity Coupe. Bimmer has undoubtedly been on roll in this department, ever since the first BMW X6 broke cover, and subsequently headlines. On the local front we\u2019ve recently seen the F16 \nBMW X6 launched here in CKD\n guise, which leads one onto the question \u2013 is there such a demand for premium crossovers that giants such as Bimmer has bowed to such demands and actually proceeded to design and build a crossover based on a 3-Series coupe ? Rhetorics aside, enter the BMW X4 M40i.\nIn terms of \nstyling\n and the looks of it all, the X4 really does embody a \nshrunken\n down version of the \nX6\n. It has all the right lines and shapes in terms of design and it really does exude the \nsporting\n nature that the 4-Series and X6 for that matter, give off. But that being said, there\u2019s nothing wrong with a slightly compact\u00a0version of the X6. Where some customers have thought it to be daunting and proportionately sized, the X4 does a superb job of being slap-bang in the middle of that scale. But one can only imagine, Bimmer pulled this off purely as a marketing \nstunt\n and less of a range-filler. A matter of \nperspective\n one could say.   As with BMW, any car leaving the factory that\u2019s christened with the letter \u201c\nM\n\u201d truly is something to behold and as much as this X4 may have mixed reviews and opinions, it is an M car \u2013 or sort off. While it may not be the full banana, it does have \nsubstance\n to match the badge that\u2019s stuck on the back. The X4 comes with a straight-six 3.0-litre motor that you might find in the most of the hardcore M-cars, albeit in different states of tune. In this state of tune however, the engine makes \n360 hp\n from between\n 5,800\n and \n6,000 revs\n.\nThat\u2019s \nmore\n than a \n100\n horses\n per cubic liter\n, which in the realms of power efficiency, puts it in the green for this Bimmer. Thanks to the beauty of \nturbocharging\n, this big-bore sixer puts out \n465 Nm\n of torque from as low down as\u00a0\n1,350 rpm\n all the way up\n 5,250 rpm\n which gives the Bimmer a very \nlinear\n power feel with power and torque available all throughout the mid-range rev band, thus giving it an \neffortless\n impression which explains how\u00a0the M40i accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in \nless \nthan\n five seconds\n. And because of an old gentleman\u2019s agreement between the Deutsch giants, the X4 tops out at \n250 km/h\n.   Blistering figures aside, this X4 was conceived and built in an era where even the titans of industry are powerless but to conform to stern and \ndraconian emissions regulations\n set by eco-mentalists. So for the good of the environment, this 360hp AWD crossover coupe will return a\u00a0fuel consumption figure of \n8.6 litres per 100\u00a0km\n and a combined CO2 emissions sum of\n\u00a0199\u00a0grams per km\n. To give it some perspective, this writer\u2019s \nProton Gen-2\n with a measly 1,600 cc engine is returning the better part of \n9.5 litres per 100km\n.\nBut forgot not that this fine specimen bears one of the most widely recognised roundels in the automotive sphere and is synonymous with sheer driving pleasure and excitement. Which is why Bimmer has stuck this X4 full to the brim with hot handling bits such as\u00a0\nadaptive dampers\n specifically tuned to M\u00a0Performance specifications. The BMW\u00a0\nxDrive\n four wheel drive system with its rear wheel-drive characteristics includes\u00a0\nPerformance Control\n which ensures a \nneutral self-steering\n response as well as a \nreduced roll tendency\n, not to mention the\u00a0\ntuned sports chassis\n with \nstiffer springs\n and \nstabilisers\n.   Having said all that lot, this hot X4 (painted in the company\u2019s signature \nEstoril Blue\u00a0\nshade) is due to make an appearance here on our shores, but there\u2019s no word on that as yet. So in the mean time, do enjoy the high-resolution gallery below for you viewing delectation.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"British sports car maker, Lotus, will be embarking a new journey into the all-electric hypercar space. Codenamed Lotus Type 130, it will be the brand\u2019s first all-new product in more than a decade and their first product under \nGeely as their new owner.\nLotus has a history of\nintroducing game-changers in not just road cars (the world\u2019s first aluminium\nand bonded extrusion construction production car was the Elise in 1995) but\nalso F1 cars with the world\u2019s first fully-stressed monocoque F1 car, the Type\n25 which went on to be the first Lotus to win an F1 championship in 1963.\nThe new Hyper EV may look nothing like \nthis\nThe Type 130 will\ncontinue the brand\u2019s legacy of using industry first engineering solutions and Lotus\nCEO, Phil Popham said: \u201cType 130 will be the most dynamically accomplished\nLotus in our history. It marks a turning point for our brand and is a showcase\nof what we are capable of and what is to come from Lotus.\u201d\nLotus is expected to\nunveil the hyper EV in full along with its technical specification in London\nlater this year."
"The big man has finally spoken and for those of you who have been fully vaccinated, here are the new updates and changes on travel and movement restrictions \nbeginning the 10th of August 2021\n.\nFor more info on the number of passengers, travel radius, public transportation hours, read this article!\nFor starters here\u2019s a look at which state is in which phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP):\nNow that we\u2019re clear on the above, these are \nnew rules for travel and movement restrictions\n for those who have been fully vaccinated. One is fully vaccinated when he/she receives:\nTwo (2) doses of the Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, and Sinovac vaccine with 14-day gap after the 2nd dose\nOne (1) dose of the Johnson & Johnson and Cansino vaccine and 28-day gap after the 2nd dose\nFor those who live in the states under Phase 2 and Phase 3, \ninterdistrict travel is now allowed\n. At the roadblocks, you will need to show your Covid-19 Vaccination Digital Certificate \nvia the MySejahtera app\n.\nHotels and homestays \nare also allowed to open for \u201csame state tourism\u201d \u2013 you can travel within your state.\nInterstate travel is still not allowed. Langkawi will have to wait. Upon arrival at these hotels and homestays, visitors will have to show their Covid-19 Vaccination Digital Certificate before entering the premises.\nHotel and homestay operators must check and ensure that each visitor shows their respective Covid-19 Vaccination Digital Certificate.\nCross district and interstate travel\n are only allowed for long-distance couples and parents to their children aged 18 and under. This applies to every state, regardless of which phase they are in.\nHowever, a \ntravel permit\n is still required from the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM). Those applying will have to bring along a copy of:\nIdentification Card (IC) (both parents)\nChild\u2019s birth certificate\nCovid-19 Vaccination Digital Certificate\nMalaysian citizens and permanent residents with a place of residence in this country and is returning from overseas \nmay perform their mandatory quarantine at home\n.\nBefore returning home, travelers will need to have the following:\n(Negative) Covid-19 PCR test report taken three days before departure\nCertificate of Vaccination (depending on vaccine)\nA suitable premise to perform the quarantine\nThe \nduration of the quarantine\n will be determined based on the \u201crisk factor\u201d of each individual traveler.\nNo new announcements were made for the number of passengers allowed in a car or even travel radius so it should be the same. For information on that, click \nhere\n.\nAccording to the last update, the \nnumber of passengers per car as of August 10th\n should be as follow:\nPhase 1 and 2: Only\u00a0\ntwo \nper household\u00a0are allowed in one vehicle to purchase food, medicine, and other necessities, within 10 kilometre radius\nPhase 3: Up to\u00a0\nthree\n per household\u00a0may now travel in one vehicle to purchase food, medicine, and other necessities, with no distance limit\nMore details on new rules will be announced later on.\nFor now, these are the other remaining new rules for movement and travel restrictions from the announcement today.\nSports activities indoors and outdoors are allow, \nwithout physical contact and large crowds\n, from 6 am to 10 pm.\nDine-ins are now allowed and eateries must check each customer for the Covid-19 Vaccination Digital Certificate\nOffices are now allowed to have 60% of the the work force\nThe big man also expects the enforcement of SOPs to be stricter or they will not hesitate to shut down the premises and revoke these new privileges if SOPs are not adhered to.\nTo recap, these new rules will come into effect \nfrom the 10th of August 2021\n.\nFor more info on the number of passengers, travel radius, public transportation hours, read this article!\nSource: \nMajlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) Facebook page\n GALLERY"
"The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has just announced the monthly sales of new vehicles and for the month of June, the association only recorded sales of \n1,921 units\n from its members.\nWith June the beginning of the nationwide \u201cFull lockdown MCO 3.0\u201d (FMCO), it is still a surprise to see close to 2,000 units being handed over to customers. The lowly figure represents a 96% reduction compared to May, and as well as June last year.\nAs such, the MAA has decided to revise its Total Industry Volume (TIV) 2021 from 570,000 units to \n500,000 units\n. Based on the available data, the estimated TIV for the first six months in 2021 is just under 250,000 units.\nJPJ extends the validity of expired licences, inspections and number plates until end of September.\n \nMAA President, Datuk Aishah Ahmad said, \u201cThe MAA has decided to revise our forecast for the TIV 2021 after considering many factors especially concerning an assumption on the government\u2019s directive that automotive plants, distribution centres and sales showrooms would not be allowed to operate during Phase 1 and 2 and will only re-open in Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP),\u201d\nApart from the ongoing movement restriction, automakers are also likely to be impacted by the shortage of semiconductor chips that are now found in niceties such as digital display instrument clusters, \nADAS suites\n as well as high-performance touchscreen infotainment systems.\nThe closure of assembly plants also meant production is minimal, where less than 300 units were produced in June 2021.\nHere is a list of dos and don\u2019ts during the EMCO period.\nLast year, the association declared the TIV at 529,434, in a year severely impacted by three months of economic closure (March to May 2020). The last time the TIV was at a low 500,000-unit level was in 2009, suffering the after-effects of the global financial crisis. \u00a0\nLet\u2019s hope the \nproposed ease of restrictions for vaccinated citizens\n can move forward, as many businesses are already in very bad economic shape. As of yesterday, the Special Committee on Ensuring Access to Vaccine Supply (JKJAV) announced that the Klang Valley has achieved \n50% of vaccination\n (one dose), with one-in-six of the population been injected with the second dose."
"A quick stop at Shell will not only offer you delicious pastries, aromatic coffee but now, even cars for rent!\nThat\u2019s cause a total of 100 Shell stations across Klang Valley, Johor Bahru and Penang will now offer vehicles like the Nissan Almera and the Renault Captur for rent \u2013 the former for only RM 99 a day!\nGoCar\u2019s fleet also consists of a wide range of sedans, SUVs, MPVs and even pick-up trucks to cater to your every (short term) needs.\nIn celebration of GoCar\u2019s collaboration with Shell, customers can enjoy up to 50% off on their GoCar booking, with discounts capped at RM 30 when they spend a minimum of RM 5 on all items excluding Touch \u2018n\u2019 Go reloads, mobile reloads and tobacco. The promotion is from 16 October to 15 December 2018 at 30 selected Shell stations.\nCustomers can also redeem a can of Coca-Cola at RM 1.50 when picking up their GoCar at the participating Shell stations. The GoCar app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Starting its life as \u201cProject One\u201d, the production version of \nthe Mercedes AMG-One was unveiled in June this year\n \nwith only 275 units available, and all of them already spoken for. Just yesterday, \nMercedes-AMG\n posted pictures of the Mercedes-AMG One hitting the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife, hinting at a new record by the single-engine, quad-motor hypercar from Stuttgart.\nIn a \nFacebook post\n, Mercedes-AMG penned, \u201cIt\u2018s time to witness something big. Something that we all have been waiting for. Are you ready for a new milestone? Stay tuned for a challenge of the monumental kind \u2014 powered by one combustion engine and four electric motors, the hardest teamwork, and the greatest trust.\u201d\nPrior to the social media post, the Mercedes-AMG One has been seen on the Green Hell, presumably setting a new lap record. The Facebook post affirms the assumption to be true. Did it set the fastest time for a production car? Did it set the fastest time for a hybrid production car? With the social media post, we don\u2019t take it will be long until Mercedes unveils what really happened at the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife.\nPowering the car is a 1.6-litre V6 engine that makes 574 hp (metric). While that may sound puny for a German hypercar, the engine is assisted by 4 electric motors that together make 611 hp (metric). Combined, the hybrid system makes an astronomical \n1,063 hp\n (metric). The torque figure has not been specified by Mercedes as it is \u201cnot possible due to complex drive train\u201d.\nRELATED: \nThe F1-based Mercedes-AMG One hypercar is finally here, but you can\u2019t buy one anyway\nTogether with a 7-speed automated manual gearbox and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD, the Mercedes-AMG One goes \n0-100 km/\nh in \n2.9 seconds\n, \n0-200 km/h\n in \n7 seconds\n, and \n0-300 km/h\n in just \n15.6 seconds\n. The top speed of the AMG One is listed at \n352 km/h\n. Just in case you were wondering, the 4 electric motors get power from an 800-V \n8.4 kWh\n battery that provides 18.1 km of pure electric driving range.\nIf the Mercedes-AMG One sets a new record, the brand will reclaim its title from its fellow Stuttgart rival. Currently leading the chart for production vehicles fastest times on the 20,832 m lap of N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife is the \n991.2 Porsche 911 GT2 RS with 6:43.300 minutes\n. This is followed by the \nMercedes-AMG GT Black Series with 6:48.047 minutes\n and the 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with 6:49.328 minutes. We\u2019re excited to see what Mercedes means by its \u201cnew milestone\u201d.\nRELATED: \nThe Mercedes-AMG Project One is a road car that sounds like an F1 racer!\nGALLERY"
"The \nUrus\n might not be the most \u201cLamborghini\u201d model in the Italian supercar maker\u2019s line-up, but it\u2019s undoubtedly the most successful one \u2013 with \n20,000 units already delivered\n in just four years of production. Lamborghini isn\u2019t stopping there just yet, however, as they\u2019ve just organised a month-long expedition across Iceland for its Urus customers to (further) prove to the naysayers that, yes \u2013 they can build proper, functional SUVs too.\nDubbed Esperienza Avventura, or Adventure Experience in English, the Iceland expedition is just one of the series of events Lamborghini is planning to organise for its customers \u201cwho are most eager to enjoy unexpected and remarkable experiences\u201d.\nRELATED: Lamborghini Urus makes history as the company\u2019s best-selling model of all time\nThis trip focused specifically on the Urus, with fifty customers from across Europe and the Middle East joining in on the fun, driving over 300 km daily over an entire month across Iceland \u2013 not only on paved roads, but over tricky terrains as well, visiting some of the most iconic locations on the southern Icelandic coast including lava flows, the Jokursarlon Glacier Lagoon, and the Kvernufoss waterfall.\nObviously, the trip was also designed to show off the Urus\u2019 capabilities, specifically off the beaten path. Lamborghini was quick to point out that the versatility of the super SUV allows its buyers to do much more than they could with the other models in its line-up, with the added ride height, sophisticated adaptive suspension and driving modes, plus the \n650 hp/850 Nm\n twin-turbo V8 engine underneath the hood helping things along both on- and off-road.\nALSO READ: Lamborghini Urus sets high-speed record on ice!\n\u201cIt was extraordinary to see so many Urus all together in a setting like Iceland, with so many different routes and road surfaces in which to put them to the test,\u201d commented Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, who also took part in one of the stages.\n\u201cUnlock Any Road, the positioning concept that customers recognize in the Urus, was expressed here more than ever: not only because of the different landscapes the cars drove across and the decidedly adventurous feel of the event, but also because of the multiple Ad Personam configurations offered on board the car, where the almost unlimited offering of colors and customizations become a reflection of the Urus owner\u2019s personality,\u201d he added.\nGALLERY"
"Honda USA has just\nissued an extended powertrain warranty for its turbocharged VTEC engine. More\nthan 1 million Honda CR-V and Civics manufactured between 2016 to 2018 will now\nreceive a 6-Years (one extra year) Unlimited Mileage coverage for the 1.5-litre\nVTEC turbo engine.\nAccording to \nConsumer Reports\n, this move comes after consumers in colder parts of U.S. complained that gasoline can seep into the engine oil causing the engine to potentially stall as well as affect the longevity and durability of the vehicle.\nHonda said that the problem\non its turbo engine were mainly in extreme cold and only a small percentage of\nits vehicles faces this problem. Besides the extended warranty, Honda US has\nalso conducted a product recall to perform software update to rectify the issue.\nHonda spokesman, Chris\nMartin said: \u201cAbnormal oil dilution remains extremely rare, especially outside\nof extremely cold weather. In extreme and rare cases in the cold-weather\nstates, where abnormal oil dilution has occurred prior to a vehicle receiving\nthe software updates, this extension will provide extra time for any undetected\nengine damage to become apparent and be covered by the warranty.\u201d\nThe VTEC Turbo engine\nis available in the Malaysian market but consumers should have nothing to worry\nabout since we only deal with the other end of the spectrum \u2013 extreme heat."
"Mercedes-Benz has revealed the Grand Edition SL400 and SL500 models which will be officially available come next month.\nNot much of the car has been revealed in detail but like the brand\u2019s Edition 1 models, it all just seems to be cosmetic upgrades to freshen up a car that\u2019s been around for around seven years now.\nThe SL400 makes \n367 hp\n with \n500 Nm\n while the SL500 packs \n455 hp \nwith \n700 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h in the latter only takes 4.3 seconds with the former being 0.6 seconds slower.\nThe new Grand Edition models features some notable differences and special colour combinations on the interior and exterior.\nColour wise, customers can choose between four metallic tones \u2013 standard black, brilliant white, various tones of grey and obsidian black. High-gloss chrome and matte silver ensures a special look for the front bumper.\nThe Grand Edition models sit on 19-inch AMG 10-spoke forged wheels at the front and a 20-inch pair at the back.\nInside, designo tundra brown pearl leather upholstery takes centre stage, extending even to the upper and lower section of the steering wheel.\nMercedes-Benz also revealed that the SL Grand Edition models will feature the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, the sports suspension lowered by 10 mm and firmer tuning and active multicontour seats with massage and dynamic handling function.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ever feel like you\u2019ve been spending too much time idling on the road, waiting for the traffic light to turn green or for the cars in front to move faster? Apparently, a survey conducted by GlobalWebIndex for Ford revealed Malaysians\u00a0are spending too much time in\u00a0traffic\u00a0jams in 2015 than in 2014.\nOut of the 1,050 respondents,\u00a0\n55 percent of them said they spent more time stuck in traffic jams\n and complained \ntheir commute to work was the worst part of the day\n. That is not surprising, seeing as how our roads can\u2019t cope with the constantly increasing number of private vehicles, no thanks to the lack of an efficient public transport system.\nThe \nfloating fuel prices\n and the \nincrease of toll fares\n last year has added to the pressure, with 75 percent of Malaysian respondents\u00a0complaining about the \nincreasing cost of commuting\n. Malaysia was ranked second behind Hong Kong on that matter, though.\nVehicle ownership in Malaysia is among the highest in the world\nA total of 12,619 consumers were surveyed across 12 markets, namely Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.\nWhile the above results seem depressing, the soon-to-be-completed MRT and LRT infrastructure should alleviate some of these burdens. However, Malaysians have long been accustomed to relying on private transportation for decades, so it will take some time before we see a shift in the preference for using public transportation system, just like our neighbours down south.\n[Source: Bernama]"
"The meanest four rings model, the\u00a0\nAudi R8\n\u00a0has been around for\u00a0a decade and is still going strong, especially on track. As a tribute to its successful motorsports program, Audi launched two special edition variants: the Audi Sport Edition and LMS GT4.\nThe 2017 Audi R8 Audi Sport Edition is a standard R8 that\u2019s cosmetically enhanced with Audi Sport\u2019s official colours of \nsilver, red\n and \nblack\n. The R8 now looks even more striking with its side mirrors and side blades finished in red. The front spoiler, singleframe grille and diffuser receive a titanium black finishing, while the trapezoidal tailpipes are given a gloss black treatment. A menacing set of 20-inch forged alloys top off the exterior package.   On the inside, drivers are greeted with door sill inlays with illuminated Audi Sport logos. Other nifty touches include black and red nappa leather sport seats and a red stripe at the 12 o\u2019clock position of the wheel.\nMechanically, it retains the same\n\u00a05.2 litre naturally aspirated V10\n, but buyers may opt for the V10 or V10 plus that push out \n540hp/540Nm\n and\n 610hp/560Nm\n respectively. Only \n200 Audi R8 Audi Sport Editions\n will be produced, with prices starting from \nEUR 181,900 (approximately RM849k)\n.   If it\u2019s too late for you to start a racing career, then the Audi R8 LMS GT4 is right up your alley. Derived from the successful LMS GT3 race car that competes in the GT4 category, it is a good start for most gentlemen drivers.\nTo keep costs down, about 60 percent of the parts are carried over from the stock R8. The same V10 engine powers the R8 LMS GT4, however it is slightly detuned to\u00a0\n495 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n. Power is sent to the rear (no quattro here) via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi R8 Audi Sport Edition   Audi R8 LMS GT4"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n \nhas opened a new 3S Centre (Sales, Service, & Spare Parts) in Kluang together with authorized dealer K.M. Lin Auto Sdn Bhd. With this new showroom, MMM\u2019s dealer network in Johor now comprises seven showrooms.\nThe Kluang 3S Centre is specifically located at No. 39, Jalan Tasik Indah 1/1, Taman Tasik Indah, 86000 Kluang, Johor. Those in Kluang can easily access it from the main road of Sierra Heights frontage.\nPlaque signing ceremony between CEO of MMM, Shinya Ikeda, and Dealer Principal of K.M. Lim Auto, Albert Lim.\nSpanning 10,000 square feet and standing two storeys tall, MMM\u2019s 3S Centre in Kluang comes with a fully equipped service centre with service bays ready to serve every Mitsubishi car. There is also a customer lounge with WiFi connection and a kid\u2019s corner to keep the little ones happy while customers wait for their cars.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda said, \u201cIn line with Mitsubishi Motors\u2019 business plan, we are continuing to advance our dealer\u2019s network expansion to better enhance our customers\u2019 touch points. Through this strategic move, our aim is to cover untapped locations and extend our sales and services to meet the growing demands of the Mitsubishi brand, we want to ensure our customers have greater coverage and accessibility of showrooms and service centres in an area that is convenient to them.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors donates Triton to National Cancer Society Malaysia\nHanding over a brand new Mitsubishi Triton to a proud owner during the showroom launch event.\nHe added, \u201cK.M. Lim Auto has been in the automotive business since 1986, and is very experienced in the business. We welcome them to the family and we are confident that the new showroom will improve the visibility of Mitsubishi Motors in Kluang to deliver a pleasant ownership experience that goes beyond expectations.\u201d\nThe new Mitsubishi 3S Centre in Kluang is open from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm. It is also open on Saturdays from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, and on Sundays from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi rewards 100,000th Triton customer in Malaysia with 100,000 km worth of diesel"
"Honda Malaysia\n has announced that it will be unveiling three all-new models, alongside one facelift update for 2023, in its efforts to achieve its sales target of 80,000 units this year. The company has already confirmed that the all-new Honda WR-V will be \nlaunched here in Malaysia in the third quarter\n, so what are the other three models? Here are our guesses, based on a little digging and guesswork!\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nFor the all-new model launches, the most likely model to be introduced here in Malaysia this year will be the \nsixth-generation Honda CR-V\n. The model will be making its\n ASEAN debut in Thailand\n in just two days\u2019 time, so it\u2019s likely that the model will also be making its debut in Malaysia soon \u2013 especially when test mules have already been spotted doing their rounds on our local roads.\nIn Thailand, the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V will be offered with a 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid mill in its range-topping RS variant, with alongside the familiar 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine for the other variants. The Honda Sensing advanced driver assist systems will also be standard across all variants.\nThe third all-new model launch will sound a little surprising, but we have good reason to believe that the \nFL5 Honda Civic Type R \nis indeed making its way into Malaysia this year too. Firstly, it\u2019s a single slide during Honda Malaysia\u2019s presentation that shows off the Type R\u2019s six-speed manual shifter, alongside the caption \u201c2023 Exciting Year\u201d. Sounds pretty self-explanatory, don\u2019t you think?\nBesides, the model has also already made their debut in both \nVietnam\n and Thailand \u2013 albeit in severely limited quantities \u2013 so it\u2019s only fair to assume it\u2019s our turn soon. We promise this isn\u2019t just wishful thinking.\nAs for the facelift update, we\u2019re really torn between two models. The most likely model here is probably the Honda City, as it\u2019s the best-selling model for the marque here on our shores. The Honda City only just received a slight makeover update in India, which introduces a reworked grille up front, alongside new bumpers.\nWith that being said, the 10th-generation Honda Accord, which \nmade its debut here back in 2021\n, is also due for an update \u2013 especially if you consider that the \n11th-generation model has already been unveiled for the US\n. A powertrain upgrade to the e:HEV hybrid mill (as seen on the \nAccord in Thailand\n) could be possible here, although we won\u2019t hold our breath for that.\nWhich of these launches do you think are the most likely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!"
"Mazda put out a press briefing yesterday, which detailed its \nelectrification and investment plans \nfor the next 10 years or so. It was a pretty dry speech as usual, with a rough outline on Mazda\u2019s strategy in the near future, but hidden right at the very end of the video was something a little more special \u2013 a rendering of a two-door sports car, dubbed the Vision Study Model.\nTo make matters even more interesting, the concept was shown off after a short ad spot featuring multiple generations of the Miata, a lot of happy people, and also many happy people in Miatas. Could this really be our first look at the next-gen \nMazda MX-5\n? There\u2019s certainly ground to believe so.\nMazda didn\u2019t provide any other details aside from just showing off the render, nothing about its purpose, nothing about its market segmentation, and nothing about what\u2019s powering it. Just by looking at it, though, we\u2019re pretty certain it\u2019s roughly the same size as the current\n fourth-generation ND Mazda MX-5\n.\nThe video also includes a short segment on its chassis. which we\u2019re guessing is probably just an \u201cartist\u2019s interpretation\u201d model. But there are a few interesting things to note here, such as what appears to be a T-shaped battery instead of a skateboard-style packaging, and the lack of an internal combustion engine.\nThe next-gen Mazda MX-5 has been previously\n rumoured to be electrified\n, although \nlater reports \nclaim that it\u2019ll still have a petrol engine, with mild-hybrid technology tacked on.\nAnd that\u2019s pretty much all that\u2019s shown, but it sure is pretty, though. It looks somewhat like a mix between the Mazda RX-7 and the ND MX-5, with smooth curves that remind us of recent Mazda cars, plus massive haunches that gives it proper sports car sex appeal. The rear end also has a slight hint of the \nLotus Elise\n, although the front is unmistakeably Mazda.\nIt\u2019s not a convertible, yes, but this also wouldn\u2019t be the first time Mazda has made a coupe-style MX-5 model. It\u2019s just a concept (or a mere design study) for now, but we know we\u2019ll be praying every night from now on, wishing that they\u2019ll build it. Please, Mazda.\nRELATED: \nMazda to kill pure ICE \u2013 Hybrid and EV only by 2030"
"Following the launch of the \n140 hp Suzuki Swift Sport\n early last month by\n Naza Eastern Motors\n, the company said it would be introducing the iconic Jimny to the local market come August this year.\nAccording to a report by \nBHarian\n, it was also mentioned that the variants which will be introduced are the most premium and high-end available.\nJimny \u201cDefender\u201d\nJimny \u201cG Wagon\u201d\nIn fact, the company has received close to 20 bookings despite no announcements being made \u2013 an indicator of the vehicle\u2019s charisma.\nInterestingly, the BHarian report also shared that the booking ratio between the Jimny and the Swift Sport was 3:1. Both models are fully imported from Japan.\n \nWhen asked if non performance variants of Suzuki Swift will be introduced, the company responded by saying that it is in the pipeline and could take place as early as next year. They will be\n imported from Thailand\n.\nFor now, the company\u2019s immediate plan is to expand the Suzuki dealer network to include states like Johor, Penang, Malacca, and more outlets in the Klang Valley. Such efforts will take place in the 3rd and 4th quarter of this year."
"BYD\n Cars Malaysia has announced on its \nsocial media page\n that the \n2023 BYD Dolphin\n all-electric (EV) hatchback will finally be making its launch in Malaysia on \nJuly 28\n, \n2023\n. The carmaker has also created a \nregistration of interest page\n on its official site, so all of you who are interested may register your interest over there.\nWhen launched in Malaysia, the 2023 BYD Dolphin will be BYD\u2019s second model in our market and will be slotted under the larger \nAtto 3\n EV SUV. It will also be the first of its kind, as B-segment hatchbacks in our market thus far have all been powered by either internal combustion engines (ICEs) or petrol hybrid powertrains.\nIf you are wondering how big (or small) the Dolphin EV hatchback is, it measures 4,290 mm long, 1,570 mm tall, and 1,770 mm wide, and is underpinned by a 2,700 mm long wheelbase. This makes it just a hair larger than ICE B-segment hatchbacks in the Malaysian market such as the \nPerodua Myvi\n, \nProton Iriz\n, and \nToyota Yaris\n, and is about the same size as the \nHonda City Hatchback\n.\nPowering the Dolphin EV hatchback is a single-motor setup that pushes out \n94 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n. Paired with BYD\u2019s Cell to Body (CTB) battery with a \n44.9 kWh\n capacity, enabling the EV hatchback to travel up to \n490 km\n (NEDC).\nCharging the BYD Dolphin from 20% to 80% takes \n33 minutes\n using a \n60 kW\n DC charger. As for AC charging, it can support up to \n7 kW\n, which will take around \n7.5 hours\n to juice up from flat to full.\nRELATED: \nBYD Dolphin launched in Singapore & Thailand \u2013 EV hatchback coming to Malaysian soon\nWe don\u2019t know what is the BYD Dolphin\u2019s Malaysian retail price just yet, but we are presuming it to be around the RM100,00 and RM120,000 ballpark. This presumption is based on the BYD Atto 3\u2019s local retail prices of \nRM149,800\n and \nRM167,800\n, and also the fact that the Dolphin will be positioned under it when launched.\nHow much do you think the BYD Dolphin will be priced at? Are you anticipating its Malaysian launch? Let us know in the comments section!\nRELATED: \nSime Darby Motors appoints 14 new BYD dealers across Malaysia"
"Unveiled alongside Malaysia\u2019s first ever locally assembled full electric vehicle, the BAIC EV200, is the BAIC D20 compact hatchback model. It\u2019s currently on display at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow, which is also the venue for which the D20 made its global debut for the right-hand drive version.\nThe D20 is the main subcompact offering from BAIC and it will be locally assembled at the company\u2019s production plant in Gurun, Kedah. Thanks to its\u00a0Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status, the D20 will be competitively priced against established players in the increasingly crowded subcompact segment.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBAIC D20 1.3L Comfort\nBAIC D20 1.5L Comfort Manual\nBAIC D20 1.5L Comfort\u00a0Automatic\nBAIC D20 1.5L Fashion Manual\nBAIC D20 1.5L Fashion\u00a0Automatic\nEngine\n1,332cc; 4 cylinder DOHC\n1,499; 4 cylinder DOHC\nTransmission\n5-Speed Manual\n5-Speed Manual\n4-Speed Automatic\n5-Speed Manual\n4-Speed Automatic\nMax Power\n101 hp\n114 hp\nMax Torque\n128 Nm\n148 Nm\nPrice (OTR with Insurance)\nTBA\nBAIC actually has a stake in Mercedes-Benz, so it benefits from some of the brand\u2019s past products. At first glance, the silhouette of the D20 resembles that of the B-Class. It sits on the same platform underpinning the original Smart ForFour, and the sedan variant is reportedly scheduled to be introduced next year.\nThe D20 lineup begins with the 1.3-litre Comfort trim as its base model, followed by four 1.5-litre variants which can be had either Comfort or Fashion trims. Regardless, all variants receive 14-inch wheels (the 1.3-litre variant gets steel wheel with covers) and daytime running lights. The sunroof, door visors and foldable door mirrors are exclusive to the Fashion trims.\u00a0Six colours are being offered for the D20, including our favourite Madrid Red.   Inside, it isn\u2019t shabby as many would perceive it to be. All variants receive the same fabric seats, dark dashboard setting and digital air conditioning. The single slot CD player with USB and auxiliary support is standard as well, but a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system can be optioned.\nTwo petrol mills are offered for the D20 \u2013 a \n1.3-engine\n that makes\u00a0\n101 hp\n and \n128 Nm\n of torque that can only be had with a\n\u00a0five-speed manual\n transmission. The \n1.5-litre engine\n meanwhile develops\n\u00a0114 hp\n and\n 148 Nm\n and is mated to a \nfour-speed automatic\n. All powertrains are Euro 5 emissions compliant.   Just like the EV200, the safety kit for the D20 is limited to two frontal airbags, Isofix\u00a0anchoring points and ABS with EBD. Also, BAIC has yet to reveal the pricing of the cars, but expect the figures to be disclosed soon. Apparently, the highest-specced D20 will cost lesser than RM55k. If that\u2019s the case,\u00a0it may be bad news for Proton and Perodua but to Malaysians, an extra choice isn\u2019t a bad thing after all.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 BAIC D20   Media Image"
"The \nall-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class\n has just been officially introduced in Indonesia, making it the second market to receive the new model in our region after Singapore. The all-new luxury sedan is only available in one variant in the archipelago, in the form of the \nV223 (long-wheelbase) S 450 4Matic Luxury\n.\nBeing the flagship model in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the all-new S-Class comes with pretty much all of the bells and whistles you can find. On the outside, these include the fancy Digital Light headlight system, which uses 1.3-million micro-mirrors to direct light \u2013 and even project images \u2013 onto the ground ahead, as well as the LED tail lights.\nOther exterior features include the pop-up door handles, ginormous panoramic sunroof, as well as 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, wrapped in run-flat tyres that even come with foam absorbers inside to reduce rolling noise!\nInside, the all-new model sticks true to its S-Class reputation by offering a boatload of new features and tech as standard. Most importantly of all though, is the new second-generation MBUX infotainment system in the centre, which controls almost every single aspect of the car.\nThe central screen is now in a vertical orientation, measuring 12.8-inches in diameter; the driver gets another screen behind the wheel that acts as the digital instrument cluster. Even the rear passengers \u2013 which the car can fit two \u2013 each gets a screen for themselves, plus a centre control tablet, totalling up to five discrete screens in the interior.\nWe\u2019ve gone into a lot more detail about the new spaceship-esque MBUX system before, so be sure to check out the full rundown \nhere\n.\nBeing a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and even more so on this LWB variant, the main focus here is of course the rear passengers. As mentioned above, there\u2019s only space for two passengers here, each getting an electrically-adjustable executive seat, separated by a centre console akin to first-class aeroplane seats which houses the aforementioned control tablet.\nAnd to make sure that the rear passengers get the most luxurious, lounge-like experience, the all-new S-Class also comes with the fancy \nactive ambient lighting system\n, designer belt buckles, and electric sunblinds on all rear windows. Even the doors can be closed by themselves \u2013 yes, just like a Rolls-Royce!\nFor extra safety, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Indonesia also comes with the \nworld\u2019s first rear-passenger frontal airbags\n.\nFancy lighting, all the way to the back.\nPowering the massive luxobarge is the M256 turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, which outputs \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to all four wheels via the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. As an added trick up its sleeve, the S 450 in Indonesia also comes with the EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid system, providing an extra 22 hp and 250 Nm of motivation when needed.\nAs a result, the century sprint can (\nbut probably shouldn\u2019t\n) be completed in just 5.1 seconds, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Airmatic air suspension are standard-fit item, allowing the all-new S-Class to float on the roads in ultimate comfort.\nLooooong wheelbase.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the sole S 450 Luxury form is priced at IDR3 Billion (~RM883k) in Indonesia, with deliveries slated to begin next month.\nWith our neighbours all getting their hands on the all-new S-Class, we\u2019d wager that the new luxury sedan will soon also make its way onto our shores \u2013 so do keep an eye out on \nAutoBuzz.my\n as we bring you the latest developments!\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) will be offering special deals this weekend from the 17th to 19th of September through the \u2018Hyundai Promise\u2019 approved used car programme.\nThere are limited units of the Elantra, Santa Fe, Grand Starex, Sonata, and the latest Kona crossover available for viewing and test drives at the Sime Darby Auto Hyundai showroom in Ara Damansara. The showroom will be opened from 9 am to 6 pm this weekend.\n\u201cApproved Used Car vehicles, though pre-owned, is ensured to be in tip top condition and refurbished to be as good as new. Purchasing a Hyundai model through Hyundai Promise will be like driving a top-quality vehicle for the price of a used vehicle,\u201d said HSDM Managing Director, Mr. Low Yuan Lung.\nMr. Low also added that the companty aims to make car ownership affordable regardless of whether it\u2019s a brand new or used car.\nThrough Hyundai Promise, the pre-owned Hyundai vehicles sold are fitted only with original parts. They\u2019ve undergone stringent and rigorous inspections by trained technicians. This is to ensure that the vehicles are in optimum condition before they are certified and approved for sale.\nIt goes without saying these vehicles are also accident-free and come with extended warranties; between two to five years depending on the age of the vehicle and its mileage. All pre-owned cars are covered by manufacturer\u2019s and dealer\u2019s warranty as well as a 24-hour road assistance service."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has announced that the fifth-generation Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is now open for booking with its official launch slated for May 2018.\nUnder the hood you\u2019ll find the same MR20DD 2.0-litre Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control) four-cylinder hybrid system paired to an XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) to develop \n148 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque, the latter peaking at 4,400 rpm. Like the outgoing model, the new car is front-wheel driven.\nNissan has made some improvements to the hybrid powertrain in the form of a new Dual Arm Tensioner (DAT) that gives a lower tension on the arm belt to reduce power loss and contribute to better fuel economy. The ECO motor that controls the Idling Stop system has been improved to provide more torque during start-up acceleration as well as act as an alternator to facilitate energy recuperation during deceleration and braking.\nThe improved hybrid system earns the new MPV best-in-class fuel economy of 14.2 km/L, based on the New European Driving Cycle. The Serena S-Hybrid also qualifies for the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status. \nAs for specs, our local Serena S-Hybrid will now feature a seven-seater configuration (previously eight) with two captain seats for the middle passengers. Nissan has also thrown in seven USB charging ports for each passenger, a convenient touch. Practicality has also been improved significantly thanks to the, sliding third-row seats, bi-level boot space and dual opening tailgate (rear glass opens independently of tailgate).\nOur Serena S-Hybrid will come with the \nNissan Intelligent Mobility\n suite that includes Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) 360-degree camera, Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors that can open or close the sliding doors by a kicking motion, Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) that detects moving objects surrounding the vehicle and Driver Attention Alert. It remains to be seen whether Nissan\u2019s ProPilot semi-autonomous driving technology will make its debut.\nOther standard safety equipment reads six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and two ISOFIX mounting points.\nETCM did not reveal pricing details of the new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid nor the number of variants available at launch. The new MPV is available for viewing at selected shopping malls and roadshows nationwide:\nDate\nRegion\nVenue\n3 \u2013 8 April\nEastern\nAEON KB, Kota Bahru\n3 \u2013 8 April\nCentral\nIPC Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya\n5 \u2013 8 April\nCentral\nTropicana City Mall, Petaling Jaya\n6 \u2013 8 April\nSarawak\nVivacity Megamall, Kuching\n7 \u2013 8 April\nSabah\nImago Times Square, Kota Kinabalu\n11 -15 April\nCentral\nAlamanda Mall, Putrajaya\n12 \u2013 15 April\nSouthern\nAEON Seremban 2, Seremban\n17 \u2013 22 April\nCentral\nAEON Shah Alam, Selangor\n20 \u2013 22 April\nSouthern\nSutera Mall, Johor Bahru\n23 \u2013 29 April\nCentral\nSunway Pyramid, Sunway\n25 \u2013 29 April\nCentral\nOne Utama, Petaling Jaya\n26 \u2013 29 April\nNorthern\nQueensbay Mall, Penang\n26 \u2013 29 April\nSouthern\nMYDIN MITC, Melaka\n27 \u2013 29 April\nCentral\nMelawati Mall, Kuala Lumpur\n27 \u2013 29 April\nCentral\n1 Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur\n27 April \u2013 1 May\nCentral\nIOI City Mall, Putrajaya\n3 \u2013 6 May\nCentral\nStarling Mall, Petaling Jaya\n3 \u2013 6 May\nNorthern\nIpoh Parade, Ipoh\n3 \u2013 6 May\nNorthern\nGurney Plaza, Penang\nRoadshow Schedule\nDate\nRegion\nVenue\n3 \u2013 8 April\nSouthern\nAEON Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru\n6 \u2013 8 April\nCentral\nLeisure Mall Cheras, Kuala Lumpur\n26 \u2013 29 April\nCentral\nMAI Autoshow @ MAEPS, Serdang\n26 \u2013 29 April\nEastern\nKuantan City Mall, Kuantan\n2 \u2013 6 May\nCentral\nMid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur\n3 \u2013 6 May\nCentral\nEmpire Shopping Gallery, Subang\n4 \u2013 6 May\nCentral\niCar Asia Test & Buy @ Setia City Convention Centre\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Serena S-Hybrid Open for Booking in Malaysia   Nissan Serena Japan Spec   Nissan Serena Nismo"
"Perodua has pledged to continue the supply of replacement parts for the previous-generation Myvi by opening a new parts production line dedicated to the cause.\nWith \nover a million of them running around the country\n, without a hint of them being retired soon, the new production line will be manufacturing parts like the hood, doors, fenders, quarter panels and roofs \u2013 operated by IQM Sdn Bhd, a vendor for Perodua since 2002, at Proton City, Tanjung Malim.\nMost first-generation Perodua Myvis, dating back to 2006, are still running strong to this day.\nAside from the second-generation Myvi (519,000 produced from May 2011 to Oct 2017) and the Viva, original parts for the first-generation Myvi, the Kelisa and even the Kancil are still being produced to this day.\n\u201cWe elected to outsource parts production for the second-generation Myvi because our manufacturing plants are already at peak capacity. Being already a manufacturer of Viva parts since production of the model ended in 2014, IQM was a natural choice for this project,\u201d said P\nerodua Auto Corporation Sdn. Bhd., President Mr Takahashi Masanori."
"In response to the\n tightening emissions regulations\n worldwide, the Iconic \u201cBritish\u201d brand Mini has now become the latest brand to commit to a fully-electric future.\nThe announcement was made by BMW\u2019s chairman of the board, Oliver Zipse at the carmaker\u2019s\u00a0annual conference, who said: \u201cMini is perfect for the city \u2013 and for e-mobility. We will be releasing the last model with a combustion-engine variant in 2025. By early 2030s, Mini will be exclusively fully-electric.\u201d\nThe only electric Mini currently, launched here in \nAugust of last year\n.\nBMW also said that Mini will play a \u201cpioneering role\u201d in the group\u2019s electrification efforts, with Zipse confirming that the brand will \u201cbe the first BMW Group brand to go fully-electric\u201d. Mini has reportedly already started working on a new EV architecture.\nIn reference to the said final combustion-engine model due 2025, current rumours suggest that it will be the next-generation Mini Cooper hatch. The company expects at least half of its total global sales to be contributed by EVs by 2027.\nMini even \ntook their electric Cooper rallying\n!\nMini currently only makes one fully-electric model, in the form of the \nMini Cooper SE\n, with an electric single motor on the front axle paired to a 28.9 kWh battery pack. Power output is rated at \n184 hp\n and\n 270 Nm \nof torque, with the battery able to provide 234 km of pure-electric range.\nAccording to a report by Autocar UK, the company will also begin production of the next-generation Mini Countryman in 2023, which will be offered in both ICE and fully-electric variants. Meanwhile, a new Mini-branded electric crossover will be built in China starting 2023 too, via a joint venture with Great Wall Motors.\nZipse ended the press conference by saying that \u201cthere will be an electric Rolls-Royce in this decade\u201d, adding that it probably won\u2019t be in the latter half. As for which model, that\u2019s anyone\u2019s guess."
"Motion sickness affects over 70% of people and little has been known about the causes and how to mitigate them, according to the wellness technology research department of Jaguar Land Rover.\nAs such, Jaguar Land Rover has created a method to generate the wellness score of each passenger where the data collected can be used to personalise a vehicle\u2019s driving data and cabin setting to reduce the effects of car sickness by up to 60%.\nOver 15,000 miles of motion sickness data have been collected to create a specific driving style for self-driving vehicles, minimising the need for steering corrections thus reducing the risk of motion sickness while passengers work or relax.\nThe \u2018wellness score\u2019 calculates how prone drivers and passengers are to car sickness, using biometric sensors that record physiological signals. Combining this with motion and dynamics data, the vehicle can tell when a passenger or driver is becoming car sick even before they do.\nMotion sickness is often caused when the eyes observe information that is different from what is sensed by the inner ear, skin or body forces \u2013 commonly when reading.\nThe Jaguar E-Pace for example, is one of Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s vehicles today that\u2019s designed to help reduce feelings of nausea.\nIt has 26 different seat configurations for passengers to find the optimal, eye-level position in accordance with the infotainment display, as well as turn on the cooling seat function. Both have been proven to significantly reduced motion sickness.\nThe E-PACE\u2019s Adaptive Dynamics also remove low frequency motion from the road, which can lead to nausea, by altering the ride settings every 10-milliseconds to ensure passengers always experience high levels of comfort."
"The updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class is slated to make its introduction later this year, but a couple of images of what appears to be a prototype vehicle have sneaked onto \nsocial media\n, giving us a good look at the forthcoming S-Class, almost completely undisguised.\nThe top-of-the-range luxury sedan seems to have borrowed quite a few elements from the \nrecently-updated E-Class\n, although general dimensions and curvy shape seems to remain identical to the current car. Up front, the new S-Class seems to have adopted an enlarged grille, flanked by new slimmer headlights.\nThe new larger grille gets a new interpretation of the classic Mercedes-Benz grille design, featuring a more angular shape, and triple solid horizontal slats. Lower down, the large and aggressively-styled air inlets suggests that the sample shown in the images is most probably the AMG Line variant.\nAt the back, the new taillights are reminiscent of the ones on the \nlatest CLS\n \u2013 a new design language that will most likely be adopted across the entire Mercedes-Benz line-up in the near future. The taillights are joined together by a chrome strip across the entire width of the car.\nWhile the \ncurrent S-Class\n\u2018s interior evokes a sense of class and elegance utilising lacquered wood and smooth lines, the designers seem to be aiming for a more minimalist approach with the interior of the forthcoming luxury sedan, using plain glossy black surfaces and straight lines \u2013 almost making the interior look a little sterile, and\n a little like a Tesla.\nThe stylish round air vents have been replaced by twin vertical vents on each end, along with four horizontal rectangles up top. Behind the new triple-twin-spoke steering wheel as introduced in the \nnew E-Class\n is the now familiar digital instrument cluster, installed in a free-standing manner \u00e0 la the \nA-Class\n.\nThe images also show a large gaping hole behind the instrument cluster display, presumably to be used for an advanced head-up display system, possibly utilising augmented-reality technology \u2013 something the German carmaker has been experimenting with in the MBUX system on the \nA-Class\n.\nThe images also suggest the adoption of a portrait-oriented infotainment display system, as opposed to landscape in all of its current models. According to the images, the touchscreen will also be taking over most physical controls, with only a single row of buttons, possibly capacitive, as shortcuts to the commonly-accessed controls such as volume, and emergency signal lights.\nThe current \nMercedes-Benz S 560 e\n.\nBeing at the forefront of the Mercedes-Benz model line-up, the forthcoming S-Class will most likely feature the brand\u2019s latest electrified powertrains, including mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and possibly even a fully-electric option through the carmaker\u2019s EQ sub-brand.\nAutocar UK\n reports that the new S-Class powertrains will be built around the 3.0-litre and 2.9-litre inline-six petrol and diesel engines, along with the AMG-developed 4.0-litre V8, all of which will feature the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) technology sandwiched between the engine and the automatic gearbox, as well as a lithium-ion battery housed in the boot floor.\nImage Source: \nRay Chen/Twitter"
"Two years after its global reveal, Bermaz Auto Alliance, the new sole distributors of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia has launched the all-new Peugeot 2008. It\u2019s locally assembled at the Stellantis manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah and is available in a single variant only, from RM126,753.\nThe Peugeot 2008 will also be exported from Malaysia to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.\n \nThe new Peugeot 2008 retains the same 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine from before but now produces 20 hp and 25 Nm more.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 1.2-litre 3-cylinder PureTech turbocharged engine\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nMax Power: 131 hp\nMax Torque: 230 Nm\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the new Peugeot 2008 has endured 200,000 kilometres of testing in Malaysia\u2019s climate and landscape.\nEXTERIOR\nCompared to the previous generation model, the all-new model comes with a longer body and wheelbase. As a result, boot space is now larger by 74 litres, at 434 litres.\nFull LED lighting\nLED daytime running light\nKeyless entry with walk-away autolock\n17-inch Black Onyx Diamond-cut wheels\nColour options include Amazonite Grey, Pearl White, Nera Black and the 2008\u2019s flagship colour the Orange Fusion.\nINTERIOR\nThe highlight of the 2008\u2019s interior, aside from the funky choice of trims and upholstery, is the world-first Peugeot i-Cockpit 3D instrument cluster that projects vehicle information such as speed, like a hologram.\nThe 3D instrument cluster projects animated displays and varies according to importance or urgency, and according to Peugeot this helps improve reaction time by half a second.\nSingle zone air conditioning\nPeugeot i-Cockpit\n7-inch infotainment display with reverse camera\nApple CarPlay & Android Auto\nElectric Parking brake\nDrive Mode Selector \u2013 Normal, Eco, Sport\nAmbient lighting\nThanks to the extended wheelbase, Peugeot claims that the 2008 now offers the most rear legroom of any car built on their CMP platform.\nSAFETY\nDriver aids fitted into the Peugeot 2008 includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist along with the following features:\nSix airbags\nHill-start assist\nFront & rear parking sensors\nBlind spot monitor\nThe all-new Peugeot 2008 comes with 3-years Free Service or 60,000 km whichever comes first. It will also be accompanied with a 5-year Manufacturers Warranty or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.\nGALLERY"
"Texas-based high-performance car manufacturer Hennessey has revealed that production of the world\u2019s fastest and most powerful pick-up, the Mammoth 1000 TRX, is set to begin production.\nBased on the Dodge Ram 1500 TRX pick-up, Hennessey has taken its 6.2-litre supercharged V8 and squeezed out \n1,012 hp\n and \n1,314 Nm\n. Standard output was only 702 hp and 881 Nm. As such, 0 to 100 km/h only takes 3.2 seconds, a full 1.3 seconds faster than the standard truck, and is \nalmost as quick as the most powerful BMW in production\n.\nThe Hennessey Venom F5 is expected to reach a 500 km/h top speed.read about it here!\nAchieving this has been no easy feat. The engine compartment in particular had undergone significant upgrades to now include a high flow supercharger system, high flow injectors, upgraded spark plugs and thermostat, to name a few.\nFounder and CEO, John Hennessey said, \u201cThe new\u00a0Mammoth 1000 TRX\u00a0is the most powerful pickup truck that Hennessey Performance has ever offered. We\u2019ve already sold more than 100 trucks, with each answering one big question \u2013 why have a 1,000-horsepower pickup truck? Because we can!\u201d\nFind out what Hennessey has done to the fully electric Porsche Taycan!\nAside from providing the standard truck, \ncustomers are expected to spend up to USD$150,000\n for the standard truck to turn into a Mammoth 1000. The package includes custom front and rear bumpers, an LED light bar, a front levelling kit, exterior badges and 20-inch Hennessey wheels, with tyres. Customers can also upgrade to larger 37-inch tyres.\nFollowing the modifications, each unit will endure 300 km of road testing and comes with serial number plaques. The Hennessey Mammoth 1000 will be limited to just 200 units.\nMove aside Mercedes-Benz, check out Hennessey\u2019s 6-wheeler Velociraptor! \nGALLERY"
"First revealed \nearlier this year\n, the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift has now been launched in Thailand in both \nhatchback\n and sedan forms \u2013 the latter making its global debut in the Land of Smiles.\nLike its hatchback counterpart, the new 2023 Mazda 2 Sedan will offer customers two distinct front ends to choose from \u2013 the first \u201cNew Wave Design\u201d option features an EV-like closed off panel for its grille, while the \u201cSport Design\u201d variant gets a sporty race car inspired mesh grille.\n2023 Mazda 2 Sedan with Sport Design front fascia\nFor a bit of fun, Mazda has also added a small colour accent trim on the grille (plus rear bumper for the hatchback) for both variants, with a variety of hue options available for customers to personalise.\nTogether with the different colour options for the wheels, roof, wing mirrors, and interior upholstery, Mazda Thailand says that there\u2019ll be a total of 83 different possible combinations for customers to choose from. And if that\u2019s not enough, Mazda Thailand is also offering two special editions, dubbed Rookie Drive and Clap Pop, each with their own colour themes and decals to further spice up the exterior styling.\nInside, the dashboard of the new 2023 Mazda 2 is largely unchanged from before, although it now gets colour-matched panels and on certain variants, unique textiles, to match the extravagant exterior colours.\nThe free-standing touchscreen infotainment display atop the dashboard has also increased in size to now an eight-inch panel, although it\u2019s still powered by the same old Mazda Connect software \u2013 fortunately still with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nREAD MORE: \nNew Mazda 2 facelift debuts with EV-like grille, 198 colour combinations\nThe Mazda 2 continues to be offered with two unchanged powertrain options in Thailand, the first being a 1.3-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, making \n93 hp\n and \n123 Nm\n of torque.\nOn the other end of the spectrum is a 1.5-litre turbo diesel mill that serves up \n105 hp \nand\n 250 Nm\n. Both engines are paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.\nPricing for the Mazda 2 in Thailand ranges from THB599,000 (approx. RM80k) to THB830,000 (approx. RM111k) for both the sedan and hatchback models.\nCloser to home, the \noutgoing pre-facelift 2020\n model is priced from RM103,670, although we do get a different 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G naturally-aspirated mill compared to our neighbours up North."
"Advanced driver assist systems are becoming more and more commonplace, and the basic ones \u2013 such as \nautonomous emergency braking (AEB)\n \u2013 are now even becoming standard equipment on even entry-level vehicles. That\u2019s good news, because according to a recent study conducted by Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS), an entity consisting of the United States Department of Transport and a wide range of carmakers, the safety system can actually help reduce rear-end accidents by nearly 50%.\nCompared to cars without these systems, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking together can also help reduce front-to-rear crash injuries by 53%, according to data provided by the participating carmakers for 93 separate vehicle models from 2015-2020 model years, cross-referencing the US\u2019s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration\u2019s (NHTSA) data for car crashes in 13 states from January 2016 through August 2021.\nThe study also shows that vehicles equipped with active lane intervention technologies, such as lane-keep assist and lane-centring assist, can also help reduce single-vehicle crashes that lead to serious injuries by up to 9%.\nCommenting on the study, PARTS Governance Board industry co-chair, and senior manager at Stellantis, Tim Czapp said, \u201cThese emerging technologies can substantially reduce the number of crashes and improve safety outcomes\u201d, adding that \u201cAEB is approaching standard deployment and with real-world effectiveness, is helping mitigate injuries and lives lost.\u201d\nRELATED:\n What is Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)?\nOne of the main reason that systems such as AEB can provide \u201csubstantial safety benefits\u201d was due to their ability to operate in almost all situations, even when the roads, weather, and lighting conditions are not ideal, the study added.\nFurther studies will need to be conducted in order to ascertain the effectiveness of other systems, including pedestrian detection in AEB. To that end, PARTS announced that Ford have now joined the coalition, and will also be participating in future iterations of ADAS studies.\nThe full study is available to the public via MITRE\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nALSO READ: \nFirst Perodua Alza accident shows that ADAS can\u2019t protect you in all situations"
"Volkswagen has unveiled the ID.4, a fully-electric compact SUV that will lead the charge for the brand\u2019s electric future in the global market, especially in in China and the United States. Dubbed as the brand\u2019s \u201cfirst global electric car\u201d, The\n \nID.4 \nis the second model \u2013 along with the \nID.3\n \u2013 to be built on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform.\nWhile we\u2019ve pretty much seen the car in full \u2013 \nboth inside and out\n \u2013 since the model was first \nteased back in November last year\n. Volkswagen has now finally shed off its wild purple camouflage, giving us a closer look at the details and specifications of the \nTiguan\n-sized fully-electric SUV.\nSharing a majority of the styling cues with the ID.3, the ID.4 bears a grille-less face up front, with an LED lightstrip across the entire bonnet lip joining the two headlights together. The VW logo can even be optioned with LED backlighting to give it a coherent look.\nIf you haven\u2019t noticed, LED is a key element in the ID.4\u2019s design; the company says that even the entry-level model is \u201calmost completely equipped\u201d with LED in the headlights. Stepping up to the optional IQ.Light gives you adaptive LED Matrix headlights with the ability to swivel and direct the beam independently. The LED theme continues at the back with the 3D LED taillight clusters.\nFurther down on the front bumper is an interesting mesh-like air intake that spans the entire width of the car, with the black chunky plastic look wrapping around the entirety of the Volkswagen ID.4 in the form of a cladding, giving it a more rugged SUV-like appearance while reducing visual mass.\nThe curvaceous body shape and sloping roofline was designed specifically with efficiency in mind, helping the ID.4 achieve a aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd. The Volkswagen ID.4 rides on large wheels of up to 21 inches in diameter.\nInside, the ID.4 once again follows the ID.3 in its minimalist philosophy. Physical buttons have mostly been replaced by touch buttons and sliders, and similarly, analogue dials have been replaced by two digital screens in the cockpit \u2013 one approximately the size of a mobile phone for the digital instrument cluster, while the main centre infotainment display measures up to 12 inches in size.\nVolkswagen likened the interior design of the ID.4 to a \u201cfeel-good lounge\u201d, with material choices and colours selected specifically to be \u201ccontemporary while also being homely\u201d. Thanks to the new MEB architecture, Volkswagen says that the passenger space in the ID.4 can even be compared to a conventional SUV one segment higher. As for cargo space, the ID.4 offers 543 litres of space with the rear seats up, which expands to 1,575 litres with the rear seats folded down.\nOther interior equipment highlights include an electronically-operated boot, 30-colour ambient lighting, optional augmented-reality head-up display, and ID.Light, a thin light strip underneath the front windscreen to support drivers in a various situations \u2013 such as navigation or when the car is unlocked \u2013 with intuitive lighting effects in different colours.\nAt launch, the ID.4 will be offered in a sole 1st Edition variant, which packs a \n83 kWh battery\n (77 kWh net charge) to power a single electric motor at the rear axle. Power output is rated at \n201 hp\n and \n309 Nm\n of torque, which translate a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of \n8.5 seconds\n, onward to a electronically-limited top speed of \n160 km/h\n. Range is rated at\n 520 km\n based on the WLTP cycle.\nThe 11 kW onboard charger is capable of delivering a 53 km range in about one hour of charging time, while topping-off the battery takes approximately seven and a half hours at a home or public Level 2 charger. With a public 125 kW DC charger, the ID.4 can go from five to 80 percent charge in about 38 minutes, or enough to cover the next 320 km with just 30 minutes of charging time.\nVolkswagen says that an all-wheel drive model will be offered in the following months, featuring an additional electric motor on the front axle to deliver 306 hp. But for now, the Volkswagen ID.4 starts at USD40,000 (~RM166k), while the 1st Edition variant is available for first customers, priced at USD43,995 (~RM183k).\nGALLERY"
"In an effort to strengthen its balance sheets against the impact of the ongoing \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, McLaren has decided to put its iconic Bruce Wayne Batcave-esque McLaren Technology Centre headquarters in Woking up for sale.\nThe property has been in the ownership of the McLaren Group since its completion in 2004. However, the firm has instructed property agent Colliers to begin marketing a sale-and-leaseback offer for the headquarters to the tune of around 200 million British Pounds, as reported by \nSky News\n.\nThe sale will include all three buildings at the headquarters, including the main Stirling Prize-shortlisted McLaren Technology Centre, the McLaren Production Centre where the McLaren road-going cars are built, as well as the McLaren Thought Leadership Centre.\nIn the event of a sale, McLaren will lose ownership of the prestigious site. However, day-to-day operations will still remain in place as part of the leaseback deal.\n\u201cThe potential sale and leaseback of our global headquarters and the appointment of banks to advise us on a debt restructuring and equity raise are part of the comprehensive refinancing strategy that we announced earlier this year,\u201d a McLaren spokesperson said statement.\n\u201cBuilding on the shorter-term measures that we put in place over the summer, these initiatives will deliver a stronger balance sheet and ensure that McLaren Group has a sustainable platform for long-term growth and investment. The proposed sale and leaseback mirrors best practice among leading companies and will have no impact on our day-to-day operations.\u201d\nThe sale of its headquarters is part of a larger cost-cutting plan across the entire McLaren Group due to the impact of the global health pandemic. Earlier this year, the company announced that it is cutting 1,200 jobs \u2013 more than a quarter of its entire workforce \u2013 across the entire group.\nThe British firm also recently sought for a loan of up to GBP275 million against its classic cars collection and the Woking HQ, securing a lone of GBP150 million from the National Bank of Bahrain. Recent reports also suggest that the company is looking to sell a minority stake to its illustrious Formula 1 team.\nMcLaren Group executive chairman Paul Walsh said, \u201cThis is undoubtedly a challenging time for our company and particularly our people, but we plan to emerge as an efficient, sustainable business with a clear course for returning to growth.\u201d"
"At the official unveiling of the 2019 Perodua Axia, Perodua has given us an exciting surprise \u2014 a new STYLE variant.\nWhile technically not an SUV, the Perodua Axia STYLE is taller by 15mm than the regular, and dressed up with rugged-looking front and rear bumpers with skid plate elements, all-round body cladding, clear-lens tail lamps, roof mouldings, a rear spoiler and 15-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.\nThe crossover-inspired variant will be offered with a variant-exclusive Sunrise Orange body colour.\nPerodua\u2019s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cthe new Perodua Axia STYLE embodies the desire to be different; to unleash the fun and active side that exists in all of us. It is upbeat and trendy, and at the same time retains all the hallmark Axia qualities of practicality, spaciousness, clever design and ease to drive.\u201d\nThe Perodua Axia STYLE will be offered with the same \n1.0-litre VVT-i engine\n, mated to a \n4-speed automatic transmission\n. With all the additional weight from the added accessories, the Axia Style has unfortunately lowered its fuel consumption values to 20.8 km/l. However, the Style variant is still qualified under the Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) programme.\nSafety wise, the Perodua Axia Style variant includes vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control, anti brake-lock system (ABS), and electric brake-force distribution (EBD). The new Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 system that includes auto emergency braking funtionalities is only reserved for the range-topping AV variant.\nOn the inside, the Axia STYLE is comparable to the SE variant, with the only difference being the door card trim. the Axia STYLE has a regular full trim door card, whereas the SE gets an additional fabric finish. However, the STYLE variant gets it\u2019s own fabric design on the semi-bucket seats. The Axia STYLE also chose to omit the Bluetooth connectivity on the head unit, leaving the audio system with just a USB connection for music playback.\nWhile it certainly looks the part as a rugged offroader, the Perodua Axia STYLE will only be driving with its front wheels, and equipped with regular road tyres and suspension. If you are looking to do some offroading in sand or mud, you might want to look elsewhere!\nThe Perodua Axia Style is priced at \nRM38,890\n for Peninsula Malaysia, and RM40,890 in the East Malaysia region. You can check out our coverage on the other 2019 Perodua Axia variants \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While the world anxiously waited to\u00a0catch a glimpse of the all-new \nFerrari GTC4 Lusso T\n, Naza Italia, the official distributor of Ferrari in Malaysia took us by surprise by having a simultaneous global debut \u2013 a first for the Ferrari brand in Malaysia and an honour for all of us Malaysians.\nNaza Italia had the Ferrari FF on sale previously, hence it is only a matter of time\u00a0before\u00a0they introduce its successor, the new GTC4 Lusso. However, no one was expecting that they would introduce the rear-wheel drive turbocharged variant. Ferrari explains that this variant complements their line-up to satisfy their younger owners who crave an exciting Ferrari for their daily usage.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFerrari GTC4 Lusso T\nEngine\n3,855cc; Twin-Turbo V8\nTransmission\n7-speed F1 dual clutch\nMax Power\n602 hp @ 7,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n760 Nm @ 3,000 \u2013 5,250 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.5 seconds; >320 km/h\nPrice (without taxes)\nRM1,088,000\nEXTERIOR\nVisually, the T wears the same body as the V12 GTC4 Lusso. As such, you get the same redesigned front bumper, side air-vents that are inspired from the 330GTC, blacked out roof, rear spoiler, tail lamps with revised graphics, bumper integrated third brake light and quad exhaust pipes.   Similar to the V12, the T rides on 20-inch multi-spoke alloys wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubbers as standard (245/35 at the front and 295/35 at the rear).\nINTERIOR\nInside, the car is as per the naturally aspirated twin; a slimmer steering wheel, 10.5-inch high-res touch screen display, passenger side dashboard touchscreen display and a redesigned panoramic roof.   As per Ferrari\u2019s personalisation programme, clients are able to customise the interior to their own personal liking.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe biggest distinction of this T variant is the engine and drivetrain. Firstly, the large 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 is dropped in favour of a smaller yet equally powerful \n3.9-litre twin-turbo charged V8\n that churns out \n602 hp\n and a maximum torque of \n760 Nm\n from a low 3,000 rpm. The century sprint is crushed in\n 3.5 seconds\n all the way to an acclaimed top speed of over\n 320 km/h\n. Certainly quick enough for sending the kids to school.\nPower is sent exclusively to the rear-wheels instead of four via a seven-speed F1 dual clutch automatic. Fortunately, Ferrari\u2019s innovative technology such as 4WS or rear-wheel steering and Side Slip Control (SSC3) comes as standard.\nAs compared to the standard GTC4 Lusso, the T\u2019s weight distribution is more rear biased (46:54 front to rear) than the V12 (47:53 front to rear). The T is also 50kg lighter (1,740 kg vs 1,790kg). Steering activity is reduced by some 2.5 percent while responsiveness is up by 6.5 percent. These collectively provide the T a more engaging Ferrari driving experience.\nThe biggest merits of adopting a small displacement engine over a huge V12 are improved emissions and fuel consumption, as the T is expected to consume 11.6 litres of fuel per 100km compared to the V12\u2019s 15L/100km rating.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe GTC4 Lusso T certainly provides a valuable proposition to Malaysians especially when our road tax structure is in favour of smaller displacement engines. However, if you require Ferrari\u2019s screaming V12, Naza Italia will be bringing in the GTC4 Lusso V12 sometime next month, so stay tuned for that. Otherwise, the GTC4 Lusso T starts from RM1,088,000 before duties, taxes and options.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Ferrari GTC4 Lusso V12"
"Volvo released another nugget of information about their new \nXC90\n, and this time it\u2019s regarding the powertrain. Volvo said that the\n T8\n range-topper promises to deliver up to \n400 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque and no, it\u2019s not from an 8-cylinder turbocharged engine.\nTheir new T8 is actually powered by a \nturbocharged and supercharged\n 2-litre 4-cylinder \nDrive-E\n powerplant driving the front wheels. The Drive-E powerplant is also paired with a \n60 kW\n electric motor that drives the rear wheels, hence what Volvo calls it as the \nTwin Engine Technology\n. The T8 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle with full-electric mode range of \n40 km\n, and its CO2 emission is just \n60 g/km\n.\nThe entire XC90 range will be powered by \n4-cylinder\n engines. Slotting beneath the T8 petrol hybrid are the\n T6\n and \nT5\n. The former is also turbocharged and supercharged producing \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, while the latter generates \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque.\nOn the diesel side there\u2019s the \nD5 twin-turbo\n churning out \n225 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque with fuel consumption of around \n6l/100km\n, and a \n190 hp\n, \n400 Nm D4 turbo\n with fuel consumption of around \n5l/100km\n.\nRiding on Volvo\u2019s all-new \nScalable Product Architecture\n (SPA) chassis, the new XC90 promises the combination of space, power, and efficiency. Stay tuned with Autobuzz.my for more details to be released by Volvo on their all-new XC90! For now, do check out the interior \nhere\n!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Vietnamese carmaker, Vinfast, possibly the country\u2019s first car brand, is set to engage Pininfarina, an Italian car designer, for the development of its new SUV and a sedan \u2013 set to be unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.\nThe decision was made through a voting contest in which Vietnamese consumers were asked to choose from 20 concept designs including Pininfarina\u2019s. The designs had to be \u201cin line with global trends and suited to the Vietnamese taste\u201d. Two of Pininfarina\u2019s designs were the most voted in a contest comprising of nearly 62,000 participants.\n\u201cThe direct involvement of Pininfarina, one of the world\u2019s biggest design brand, is expected to bring modern beauty while retaining Vietnamese identity in the first two VinFast car models\u201d, said Vice President of Vingroup, Mr. Quang Viet Nguyen.\nVinFast is targeting to produce over 500,000 vehicles in the country by 2025 and will launch its first car in September 2019. They are initially expecting to produce between 100,000 to 200,000 VinFast vehicles per year, which will include sedans, SUVs and electric motorcycles."
"After more than 50 years since the name was introduced and 17 years after the last Mustang Mach 1, Ford has revealed the latest iteration of the iconic model that sits between the standard \nMustang GT\n and the\n more powerful Shelby models\n.\nThe most track-capable 5.0-litre Mustang ever, according to Ford, comes with a newly designed front end with a front splitter and Magnetic swing rear spoiler with a Gurney flap taken from the \nShelby GT500\n for better aerodynamic efficiency.\nNew 19-inch five-spoke Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels are a modern version of the classic Magnum 500 style wheels seen in the old Mach 1s. A new underbelly pan, the vehicle\u2019s most aerodynamically important upgrade, extends 20-inches further back to increase and ensure smoother airflow under the front of the car.\nUnder the hood is a V8 engine that makes \n480 hp \nand\n 569 Nm\n. The new Mustang Mach 1 adopts the intake manifold, oil filter adapter and engine oil cooler from the Shelby GT350, increasing engine oil cooling by 50%. It also comes with a Tremec \n6-speed manual gearbox\n from the GT350 with rev-matching functions as standard although there is a 10-speed automatic available.\nTo improve ride and handling, the Mach 1 features the latest MagneRide calibration, a stiffer steering I-shaft, new EPAS calibration, stiffer sway bars and front springs, a brake booster, a rear subframe with stiffer bushings and a rear toe-link from Shelby GT500.\nTo enhance track endurance, the Mach 1 has been added with two heat exchangers \u2013 one to cool engine oil, the other transmission oil \u2013 as well as a rear axle cooling system and a lower diffuser from Shelby GT500.\nThe interior features a unique Dark Spindrift instrument panel with aluminum accents. Other interior upgrades include new door sill plates, an updated splash screen on the 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, a white cue ball shift knob, and engraved badging that displays the vehicle\u2019s unique chassis number.\nGALLERY\nAfter a 17-year hiatus, the all-new Mustang Mach 1 fastback coupe makes its world premiere \u2013 becoming the modern pinnacle of style, handling and 5.0-liter V-8 pony car performance."
"The facelifted CLS has finally arrived here. Officially brought in by \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia \n(MBM), the sleek four-door coupe comes in a single variant, the \nCLS 400\n. This replaces the CLS 350 in\u00a0MBM\u2019s range of vehicles sold here in Malaysia.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz CLS 400\nEngine\n2,996cc twin-turbo V6\nTransmission\n7G-TRONIC PLUS\nMax Power\n333 hp\nMax Torque\n480 Nm\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\nRM 598,888.00\n\u00a0\nCosting just shy of RM 600k, the gorgeous CLS 400 comes fully loaded with \nAMG Line\n kit and\n MULTIBEAM LED\n \nheadlamps\n as standard. This represents a better value than the outgoing CLS 350 which was previously sold at RM 760,888.\nEXTERIOR\nThe W218 CLS is not new but it has \nrecently been given a refresh\n that consists of a pair of smoked taillamps and a new face complete with \ndiamond grille\n flanked by a pair of MULTIBEAM LED headlamps.\nApart from using less energy and better illumination compared to xenon, the \nMULTIBEAM LED headlamps\n is smart enough to adjust the light pattern automatically according to the traffic\u00a0condition. It works with the sensors and GPS to read the road\u00a0ahead and it will even turn the beam to illuminate any upcoming corners way before the steering is turned.\nAs mentioned, the Malaysian-spec CLS 400 comes with the \nAMG Line\n, which adds on aggressive looking bumpers as well as a set of polished\n 19-inch wheels\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior gains a new steering wheel and a redesigned dashboard with a \nfree-standing 8-inch screen\n. \nCOMAND Online\n is standard, allowing internet surfing as well as incorporating the\n navigation system\n with \n3D map\n.\nMobile connectivity is possible with Bluetooth, and you can even connect your iPod or iPhone via the integrated\n Media Interface\n. Meanwhile, sound is provided by the \nHarman Kardon\n sound system with \n14 speakers\n for a \u201c360-degree listening experience\u201d.\nPERFORMANCE\nTo match its sporty looks, the CLS 400 is powered by a\n 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n, delivering \n333 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n to the rear wheels via the \n7G-TRONIC PLUS\n transmission. It can accelerate from \n0 to 100\n in \n5.3 seconds\n and maxes out at \n250 km/h\n. And still, the \nfuel consumption\n is rated at\n 7.2 l/100 km\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nNumerous driving assistance systems are fitted to the CLS 400. It includes Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, and PRE-SAFE\u00ae Brake with pedestrian detection.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Internet is a vast horizon of automotive content and car videos. With over 500 hours worth of videos uploaded on YouTube every minute, there\u2019s simply not enough time in a day, even if you\u2019re now unemployed, to go through everything the world wide web has to offer.\nLucky for you, that\u2019s what we do; trawl the Internet, filter out the crap, and share only the best, time-worthy content for your viewing pleasure. Here are some from January 2021 that you may have missed out on!\nToyota Yaris goes balls out on B-roads\n!\n \nIf you\u2019ve been social distancing in a cave throughout the whole of last year due to Covid-19, 2020 saw the arrival of the \nGR Yaris in Malaysia\n, to the tune of RM299,000. Its price was later revised to \nRM286,896\n due to the \nextension of the SST exemptions\n.\nIts little 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine makes 261 hp and 360 Nm of torque. Row through it\u2019s 6-speed manual transmission quick enough and 0 to 100 km/h will be done in just 5.5 seconds.\nIn Malaysia, the GR Yaris is equipped with the \nPerformance Pack\n which includes lightweight 18-inch BBS forged rims, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, red calipers, limited-slip differential on both axles, and circuit-oriented suspension tuning. By the way, they\u2019re \nnearly sold out\n!\nRead about it \nhere\n.\nKia unveils new logo in the sky through fireworks!\n \nAside from unveiling a new logo, which resembles a handwritten signature according to Kia, the company also unveiled a new slogan \u2013 \nMovement that Inspires\n \u2013 that replaces the previous \u201cPower to Suprise\u201d and they couldn\u2019t have done it in a more elaborate way.\nThe new logo was unveiled in the skies of Incheon, in South Korea, using \n303 pyrodrones\n that launched hundreds of synchronised fireworks. The display set a new Guinness World Record for \u2018Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously\u2019.\nRead about it \nhere\n.\nNine Toyota GR Supras perform precision driving stunts simultaneously!\n \nHaving spent some time with the Toyota GR Supra during our review of the car, agile and maneuverable is probably how we can best describe the car and this video will demonstrate exactly that!\nThey called themselves the Road Arrows, in reference to the UK Royal Air Force\u2019s \nRed Arrows\n, and only had a week to practise before filming. What\u2019s more, the maneuvers were choreographed using only toy car models on a kitchen counter!\u00a0\nIf those stunts don\u2019t wow you, the shots from the FPV drone certainly will!\nRead about it \nhere\n, or watch our review \nhere\n!\nPorsche 911 driven hard off road! \n \nSightings of old, air-cooled Porsche 911 are rarer than full moons these days, so to see one being driven this hard (and well), in a tastefully produced video, is a rare find. Imagine our excitement when something of such high quality by \nType 7\n popped up on our feed!\nWhether, it\u2019s the music, the videography, or the driving, it\u2019s all just spot on! The countless, non-stop sideways action and countersteer in this one will surely keep you at the edge of your seat!\nLearn more about Type 7 \nhere\n."
"It\u2019s a weird world we live in today. Consumers are constantly looking for more versatility with an SUV, yet still crave for the performance akin to a proper sports car.\u00a0\nFear not though, Audi has got you covered with the latest addition to their performance SUV range, the new Audi RS Q3. Available in two forms (regular and sportback), the RS Q3 aims to scratch your performance itch in a SUV-dominated market.\u00a0\nPowered by the award-winning 2.5-litre TFSI 5-cylinder turbocharged engine, the RS Q3 outputs \n400 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n to all four wheels via 7-speed S tronic gearbox.\u00a0\nThe 2.5-litre engine from the TT RS and RS3 has also gone through a weight-loss regime \u2013 shredding a whole \n26 kg\n. Combining with the 17% higher output, the RS Q3 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.5 seconds\n! Mind you, the \nrecently launched Toyota Supra, which is a full-blown sports car, does it only 0.2 seconds quicker\n.\u00a0\nThe new RS Q3 twins pushes up to an electronically-limited 250 km/h top speed, but if you spec it right, you can push the envelope to \n280 km/h\n.\nTo complement its raw performance, Audi has also replaced the suspensions with something a little sportier. The new suspension lowers the car by 10 mm, and its track widened by approximately 10 mm as well.\u00a0\u00a0\nAdditionally, the RS Q3 can be now equipped with optional 21-inch wheels, with 20-inch alloys as standard. Behind those wheels are the 6-pot RS brake system, available in both steel or the optional ceramic disks. Perhaps buyers should consider purchasing the optional red painted calipers to show that you\u2019ve got the performance model.\nIf you are looking for more performance, the RS Q3 twins can also now be fitted with the RS sport suspension plus along with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system.\u00a0\nStyling wise, the performance-oriented twins get RS-specific design cues, including a new front bumper with glossblack honeycomb grille, RS-specific boomerang shaped side-inlet blades, and gloss-black spoiler lip. The wheel arches has also been flared out by 10 mm to give the SUV a sportier stance.\nThe difference between the two sister cars can be seen from the side profile \u2013 the sloping roofline of the RS Q3 Sportback results in a 45 mm lower height. The shoulder line also extends further back, giving the Sportback a slightly more muscular look than the twin.\nAt the rear, the Audi Sport SUVs comes for the first time with dual-branch RS exhaust system, with chrome-coloured oval exhaust tips on both sides. Both variants will be fitted with Matrix LED headlights and LED rear combination lights as standard.\nInside the RS Q3 lies the familiar driver-focused interior. However, the RS models gets several sporty upgrades, such as Nappa leather or alcantara-wrapped bucket seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Optional RS packages can also be had to add red or blue accents to several parts in the cabin, such as alcantara door lining, steering wheel, belt straps, floor mats and gear lever.\nThe brilliant Audi virtual cockpit instrument panel makes a return on the RS variants, with an optional larger Audi virtual cockpit plus which adds shift lights, and performance-oriented displays on the centre touchscreen.\nBeing a sports car requires outlandish paint jobs, and Audi Sport graciously made available two RS-specific colours \u2013 Nardo Grey and in our opinion the magnificent Kalyami Green.\nThere\u2019s no word from Audi Malaysia if the RS Q3 twins will be making their way to our shores, but the performance SUVs will be available in European dealerships by the end of the year.\nWe will take one RS Q3 Sportback in Kalyami green, please."
"Electric vehicles (EVs) have always been championed as the best solution to save our polar bears, but according to a \nnew study\n published by Volvo, manufacturing an EV actually generates up to 70% more carbon emissions as compared to the good ol\u2019 internal combustion engine (ICE) car.\nBut before you slate us for being clickbait-y in the title, here\u2019s the kicker \u2013 that statistic above is specific only for the vehicle\u2019s manufacturing process. Over the lifetime of the vehicle, an EV \ncan\n reach a breakeven point, achieving a lower\n total\n carbon footprint to that of the ICE vehicle\u2019s.\nThe study utilises a like-for-like comparison between the EV and ICE variants of the same Volvo model \u2013 the \nXC40\n compact SUV \u2013 which is available as either a pure EV, plug-in hybrid, or pure ICE vehicle.\nTheir findings also take into account the entire lifecycle carbon footprint of each vehicle, starting from the mining of raw materials for batteries and parts, production processes, and actual on-road usage for 200,000 km before final disposal.\nRELATED: The Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV is now available in Malaysia! Check it out here. \nBased on their findings, the petrol-powered Volvo XC40 produces around 58 tonnes of carbon dioxide, while the XC40 Recharge ICE ranges from 27 to 54 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, depending on the electricity source.\nNaturally, the total carbon emissions of an EV relies heavily on how clean its electricity source is. With the global\u2019s average electricity grid, which doesn\u2019t involve much renewable sources, an EV barely undercuts a regular ICE vehicle in carbon emissions (four tonnes or roughly 7%).\nWith a cleaner source of energy though, such as the \u201cEU28\u201d standard that mixes both renewable and non-renewable sources, an EV can be significantly cleaner than an ICE-powered vehicle (22% lesser). When a completely renewable electricity source such as wind energy is used, an EV barely even emits any carbon dioxide at all when driven on the road!\nRELATED: The next-gen Volvo XC60 will be fully-electric, due in 2026. Learn more here!\nSo with the majority of an EV\u2019s total lifetime carbon emissions being made up during the manufacturing process, how much do you have to drive to offset the on-road usage emissions on an ICE? According to Volvo, the breakeven point for an EV running on the global average electricity grid is at \n109,918 km\n \u2013 more than half of a vehicle\u2019s lifetime.\nOn the more balanced EU28 grid standard, the breakeven point happens at \n77,248 km\n. And if you\u2019re able to recharge the Volvo XC40 Recharge using only pure renewable energy, the breakeven point is just \n48,280 km\n.\nSo if you\u2019re confident that you\u2019ll be driving your EVs past these mileages, then yes \u2013 an EV is the greener choice between the two options. However, if you foresee yourself mostly driving in the city, then good ol\u2019 fossil fuel might still be the wiser choice for the time being, until we figure out how to make producing batteries less harmful to the earth!\n[H/T: \nCarscoops\n]"
"Volvo\n is committed to a fully-electric future and its latest EVs introduced are the \nVolvo EX30\n and the \nVolvo EX90\n. In a media session today, \nVolvo Car Malaysia\n Managing Director, Charles Frump shared with us that the small Volvo EX30 will reach Malaysia first before the much bigger Volvo EX90.\nThe news doesn\u2019t really come as a surprise as \nproduction of the Volvo EX90 has been delayed till 2024\n as Volvo has mentioned that it needs more time for development. The Volvo EX30, on the other hand, has just made its world debut in June this year.\nWhile some of us may feel a little excited about this news, the EX30 won\u2019t be making an appearance in Malaysia in 2023. It can be expected in the following years, and this is perhaps due to the process of making the EX30 a locally assembled (CKD) model.\nThe Volvo EX90\nThe Volvo EX30 is a small electric SUV by Volvo which is even smaller than the XC40 and C40. Upon its world debut, the EX30 was introduced with three powertrain options, namely the \u201cSingle Motor\u201d, \u201cSingle Motor Extended Range\u201d, and \u201cTwin Motor Performance\u201d. In its hottest iteration, the EX30 Twin Motor Performance produces \n428 hp\n and \n543 Nm\n. It does the century sprint in just \n3.6 seconds\n, onward to a limited top speed of \n180 km/h\n.\nAs for battery and range, the Volvo EX30 houses a \n69-kWh\n lithium-ion battery for the Single Motor variant and a \n69-kWh\n Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery for the Single Motor Extended Range and the Twin Motor Performance. The electric range can go up to \n480 km\n for the Single Motor Extended Range variant.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EX90 production delayed till 2024 \u2013 Needs more time for development\nThe EX30 looks very much like a shrunken EX90 but introduces some new ideas to the brand\u2019s interior design. Part of it being a soundbar speaker system, a stowable armrest storage, and a simplified dashboard. The \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n \npriced at RM278,888 in Malaysia and the smaller EX30 could be priced lower.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EX30 debuts \u2013 up to 480km range, 0-100km/h in 3.6 secs, brand\u2019s smallest EV SUV"
"We took Mazda Malaysia\u2019s latest locally-assembled\u00a0cars, the high spec Mazda3 Sedan and the Mazda3 hatchback for a thorough side-by-side comparison.\nWhen the third generation \nMazda3\n was \nintroduced in 2014\n, the fully imported sedan was only offered in a single trim. We loved it because it drives so well but the confused specification of the\n CBU sedan\n that costs \nnearly RM 140k\n left us yearning for more.\nA year later, the introduction of the \nlocally-assembled Mazda3\n is almost like a relaunch for the car. The CKD sedan gets its specs sheet revamped while at the same time getting a substantial price reduction, and it is now joined by a \nhatchback\n variant too.\nTwo grades are offered for the \nsedan\n: \nGL\n and \nHigh\n, while the\n hatch\n is only available in \nMid\n specification. You can get one from as low as \nRM 105,705.30\n for the \nGL sedan\n, but the \nHigh spec sedan\n and the \nMid spec hatchback\n share the same price of \nRM 120,705.30\n. We\u2019re going to check out the High spec sedan and the Mid spec hatchback to see what the similarities and the differences are between the two.\nApart from the identical price tag, both cars here are fitted with the same\n 4-cylinder 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G\n mated to a \nsix-speed SkyActiv Drive\n automatic transmission. The normally-aspirated powerplant gives out\n 162 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels. The front three-quarter of the two cars are similar in shape and they even wear the same \n18-inch alloys\n wrapped in \n214/45 R18\n Toyos, but the devil\u2019s in the details.   The grille is finished in glossy black and the foglamps are framed by a chrome ring on each side for the sedan, but on the hatchback the grille and foglamps surrounds are left untouched in matte black. The \nBi-Xenon headlamps\n look the same on both cars with \nLED DRLs\n and both feature \nAdaptive Front Lighting System\n (AFS), but on the sedan it gains \nHigh Beam Control System\n (HBC) that automatically dips the high beam upon sensing oncoming traffic.\nThe main difference outside is obviously the back end. The basic design theme is the same on both cars right down to the shape of the\n rear LED lights\n but they\u2019re not interchangeable with one another. However, the main gripe for us is that only the hatchback have \nexposed tailpipes\n. It might not be an issue to most people but when the base Mazda6 2.0 have exposed tailpipes, we just couldn\u2019t understand why the Mazda3 sedan can\u2019t have them.   While the\n hatchback\n measures \n4,460 mm long\n, the \nsedan\n is \n120 mm longer\n and every millimeter goes to the rear overhang. Unlike the hatchback, the sedan\u2019s trunk can be opened using the remote or by pressing a button near the driver\u2019s footwell. Pop open the sedan\u2019s boot lid and you\u2019ll see\n 408 litres\n worth of cargo space, which is about \n50 litres more\n than in the hatchback.   A space saver spare wheel reside under the boot floor, while there\u2019s a specific compartment for the jack inside a cavity on the right-hand side of the boot. The rear seat backrests split 60/40 and they fold flat for an extended cargo area.   Inside the cabin, the sedan is differentiated from the hatchback in trim specifications. The Mid spec hatchback gets you the \nMZD Connect System\n that comes with a\n 7-inch touch screen\n monitor.\u00a0It supports \nBluetooth connectivity\n and \nvoice activated control\n, while the screen will also display the live feed from the \nreverse camera\n.\u00a0You will also get \nkeyless entry\n and \npush start button\n, \nautomatic climate control\n, as well as a leather wrapped steering wheel with \npaddle shifters\n.   The High spec sedan retains everything the hatchback has but adds even more kit. Additional buttons on the steering wheel are for the \ncruise control\n, while both stalks on the steering column have an extra \u201cAuto\u201d function for the wipers and lights. The MZD Connect System gains \nGPS navigation\n as well as extra menu for the driving assistance system, such as the \nLane Departure Warning System\n (LDWS) and the blind spot warning system called \nRear Vehicle Monitoring\n (RVM).   Furthermore, the High spec sedan\u2019s interior receives \nblack leather upholstery\n with contrasting red stitching and the \ndriver\u2019s seat\n gets upgraded with \nelectric controls\n. It also swaps the piano black trim for a silver trim, and the \nrear view mirror\n is thicker due to the \nauto dimming\n mechanism inside.   The meter cluster on both cars sports the same housing but the innards are different. The hatchback is using the \u201c\nType-B\n\u201d panel with a central speedometer but the sedan uses the \u201c\nType-A\n\u201d panel where the rev counter takes center stage. On top of that, the High spec adds on a \npop-up Active Driving Display\n that whirs into position every time you turn the ignition on.\nOther than the extra driving comforts the sedan has to offer, both comes with \nsix airbags\n, \nISOFIX\n child seat anchors, and the usual \nABS\n with \nEBD\n, \nBA\n, \nDSC\n, and \nTCS\n. The driving impressions for both cars are admirable and you can read more about it \nhere\n. So which one is your pick? The plusher sedan or the sexier hatchback?\nVIDEO\u00a0GALLERY\n \n \nIMAGE GALLERY\n \nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan CKD   Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Hatchback CKD   Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv CKD"
"French automotive parts firm Valeo has revealed a low-voltage electric vehicle concept that could be sold for as little as \u00a36600 (approx. RM 35k).\nThe EV is powered by a low-voltage 48V motor; making it more frugal than the 400V motors found in current electric cars and more importantly, cheaper to produce.\nThe concept is capable of offering around \na 100 km of driving range\n with a \ntop speed of 100 km/h\n which Valeo believes are all that\u2019s needed for commuting around the city.\nAt the on-going Consumer Electric Show in Las Vegas, Valeo will be displaying a new system that adjusts a car\u2019s interior temperature according to each passenger\u2019s needs while also releasing soothing fragrances according to the driver\u2019s mood and physical condition i.e. fatigue or stress."
"Despite the challenges, we thought 2022 was still a pretty good year, especially with the amount of new car launches we\u2019re getting here in Malaysia. Still, we can\u2019t actually call it a good year until we\u2019ve had our\n AutoBuzz.my\n year-end extravaganza, so we brought along seven of our favourite cars of the year (\nit was a struggle to pick, trust us!\n) to \nSepang International Circuit\n for a boys\u2019 day out.\nIf you haven\u2019t watched the video yet, we\u2019d recommend you to go watch that first (\nhere!\n) \u2013 because in addition to just the cars, it\u2019s also your opportunity to get to know the \nAutoBuzz\n boys a little more too!\nThis year\u2019s cars selection is perhaps our most diverse yet, ranging from the usual supercars to not one, but two EVs, and even a pick-up truck. While we didn\u2019t necessarily have a criteria for our picks, here are some justifications for why they deserved to be in our #ABC2022 line-up, along with some pretty pictures for your consumption!\nFerrari 296 GTS\nThe automotive industry is rushing towards electrification, and Ferrari is no different. But instead of chasing ultimate efficiency, the \nFerrari 296 GTS\u2019\n hybrid system is designed for maximum fun and outright performance.\nTogether with the new \u201cpicollo V12\u201d 3.0-litre V6 engine, the entire hybrid-assisted powertrain pushes out \n830 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n in total. And in practice, that means the long straights of Sepang just disappear in a blink of an eye.\nMcLaren Artura\nJust like the Ferrari, the \nMcLaren Artura\n here is also a plug-in hybrid. But what makes the McLaren stand out is its undivided devotion to driving feel \u2013 so much so that it doesn\u2019t even have regenerative braking in the name of pedal feel, and it also still uses the good ol\u2019 hydraulic steering.\nAnd of course, its performance is nothing to scoff about too \u2013 \n680 hp\n and \n720 Nm\n might not sound like much compared to the 296 GTS, but it\u2019s also quite a bit lighter, so it\u2019s really not as far off as you\u2019d imagine.\nVolkswagen Golf R\nVolkswagen redefined the hot hatch segment with the Golf R32 back in 2003. Now 20 years later, the \nGolf R\n is still on top of almost everyone\u2019s list when it comes to track toys. It\u2019s got \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm \nand all-wheel drive, which mean a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 4.8 seconds.\nBut the most impressive aspect of the car, to us, is its duality in driving characteristics. When you\u2019re chasing lap time, just tidy up your inputs and the car will happily carve through corners like it\u2019s on rails. But when you feel like you just want to have some fun, it\u2019s also capable of letting you slide around a bit \u2013 there\u2019s a reason the car even has a \u201cdrift mode\u201d in other countries.\nMercedes-Benz EQS 450+\nThe four remaining cars in the list is, well, let\u2019s just say you wouldn\u2019t normally see it at the track. But like we\u2019ve said before, our only criteria was that we liked it, and we certainly liked the \nMercedes-Benz EQS 450+\n.\nIt\u2019s the kind of car that you\u2019ll want to be in when you\u2019re not driving hard on track, but even then, its performance doesn\u2019t disappoint, too. Powered by a single motor on the rear axle, the EQS 450+ is capable of outputting \n333 hp\n and \n565 Nm\n, enough for a 0-100 km/h time of \n6.2 seconds\n. And you\u2019d be surprised at how well it can still handle itself on track despite its weight.\nKia EV6\nThe most impressive EV we had on hand was, surprisingly (or not?), an SUV. With two electric motors, the \nKia EV6 \nmakes a total of \n320 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n, enough to propel it to 100 km/h in \n5.2 seconds\n. But just like any other EVs, their pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance is the instant torque from the slightest squeeze of the accelerator. You can already imagine how addictive it is on track.\nLand Rover Defender 110 P400\nThe \nLand Rover Defender \njust exudes presence wherever it is, be it off roads, or on the track out of its natural habitat. Land Rover diehards will chide that the all-new Defender has lost its soul, but for everyone else, it\u2019s still a very impressive SUV with added style and a chassis that can go anywhere.\nFord Ranger Raptor\nWhat\u2019s a truck doing on Sepang, you ask? Well, it\u2019s only because the \nFord Ranger Raptor\n has a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine underneath its bonnet. Not only does it look imposing, it also sounds angrier than even the Volkswagen Golf R.\nThe Ranger Raptor is truly a sports car hidden inside of a pick-up truck\u2019s body, and doesn\u2019t feel out of place at all when placed amongst the other cars we have on track, despite what its size and appearance might suggest."
"Hyundai has released teaser images of their upcoming electric car, the Ioniq 5. Set to be fully unveiled in February, the \ncrossover Ioniq 5\n is the first model in Hyundai\u2019s \nIoniq sub-brand\n that offers only battery electric vehicles (BEV).\nThe design of the Ioniq 5 closely resembles the 2019 Hyundai \u201845\u2019 concept vehicle. The front end of the Ioniq 5 features arrays of \npixel-inspired lights\n suggestive of the digital technology within. The midsize crossover also features aero-optimized \n20-inch rims\n, the largest fitted to a Hyundai EV.\nIoniq 5 is also the first Hyundai to introduce a \nclamshell hood\n that spans the entire width of the car, benefiting aerodynamics through minimizing gaps as well as creating a clean and high-tech look.   While there are no images provided for the interior, the promotional video showed sketches and key words like \u201cliving space\u201d which also mirrors details from the \u201845\u2019 concept vehicle.\n\u201cIoniq 5 presents an all-new customer experience through innovative EV design that is evocative of the icon that established Hyundai\u2019s design DNA,\u201d said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center.\nThe Ioniq 5 will be the first model to utilize \nHyundai\u2019s dedicated electric-global modular platform\n or E-GMP. We will need to wait until the full unveiling for details on the powertrain of the Ioniq 5.\nOne of the key features in the E-GMP as equipped on the Ioniq 5 is the on-board Integrated Charging Control Unit which allows for \nvehicle-to-load (V2L) feature\n. The Ioniq 5 will deliver as much as 3.5 kW from its battery to \npower other electrical equipment\n.\n \nAnother feature highlighted in this teaser is the 800-volt ultra-fast charging system, providing over \n100 kilometres of range with just 5 minutes of charge.\nLee added, \u201cBeginning with Ioniq 5, our dedicated BEV lineup brand will redefine the relationship between people and their cars, establishing a new standard against which all BEV design experiences will be measured.\u201d\nHyundai plans for the Ioniq brand include the Ioniq 6 sedan in 2022 and the Ioniq 7 large SUV in 2024."
"With the Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure still in its infancy, your next best option for something that delivers that EV driving experience would be a hybrid car. And Honda has quite the car if you\u2019re interested in trying out something electrified- the \nHonda Civic\n e:HEV RS\n.\nThe thing is, at \nRM166,550\n, it costs \nRM15,800\n more than the turbocharged Honda Civic RS which costs RM150,700. So, what does the additional cost give you? Well, let\u2019s get straight into it.\nMore Power\nThe hybrid Honda Civic e:HEV RS is powered by a an electric motor and a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine. The star of the show is the electric motor which packs 135 kW (\n184 hp\n metric) and \n315 Nm\n. It is mainly the electric motor that does the driving in the Civic e:HEV RS. The 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine only produces 105 kW (143 hp metric) and 189 Nm. The transmission in use is an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT).\nThe electric motor in the e:HEV RS alone is more powerful than the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine in the Civic RS 1.5 turbo. The turbocharged 1.5-litre engine produces a maximum output of 134 kW (182 hp metric) and a maximum torque of 240 Nm. The hybrid RS produces 2 hp and 75 Nm more than the turbo RS. As for 0-100 km/h acceleration times, the hybrid RS clocks \n7.9 seconds \nwhile the turbo RS clocks 8.5 seconds.\nDespite all that though, the turbo RS wins in terms of top speed as it is able to do 200 km/h while the e:HEV RS\u2019s top speed is \n180 km/h\n. So that\u2019s one reason to not go hybrid.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Honda Civic 1.5 RS review \u2013 Felt good driving it like an Ah Beng\nBetter fuel efficiency\nWeirdly, the e:HEV RS uses less fuel despite making more power than the turbo RS. Well, perhaps not so weird once we consider that it has a hybrid powertrain. On paper, the hybrid e:HEV RS can do 4.0 l/100 km while the turbo RS uses more fuel at 6.3 l/100km. In another unit, the e:HEV RS does 25 km/l while the turbo RS does 15.8 km/l. We\u2019ve tried hypermiling the e:HEV RS and even managed 30.1 km/l.\nDual-zone climate control\nOne luxury feature that the hybrid e:HEV RS adds would be its dual-zone automatic climate control. With this, both the driver and front passenger will no longer have to bicker and what the temperature should be. It\u2019s a small matter to some, but for others it could be worth the extra cost of the car.\nWireless mobile phone charging\nWhile the turbo RS version of the Honda Civic comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, it oddly doesn\u2019t come with wireless mobile phone charging. Hence you get a clutter free cabin when your Apple phone is fully charged, but not quite when it is not. This is where the hybrid e:HEV RS appeals a bit more as it comes with a wireless mobile phone charger. With a wireless mobile phone charger and wireless Apple CarPlay, the cabin can be clutter free (as long as you\u2019re an iPhone user).\n10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster\nAnother benefit that the e:HEV RS adds would be the fully-digital 10.2-inch instrument cluster as opposed to the RS turbo\u2019s 7-inch version. The screen also has some intelligent features that seem to recognize the type of vehicle around it. For example, when it detects a lorry, a lorry icon will pop up in front of the car.\nKey card\nPerhaps not such an important feature to most, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS also adds a key card that can be used to replace the typical key fob. Not that the car doesn\u2019t come with a key fob, but you do have the option to lock and unlock the car, and even start it with just the key card which as Honda says, is 2 credit cards thick. It should be able to fit in easily in your wallet.\nOf course, the bulk of the additional cost of the hybrid e:HEV RS would be due to its more complex powertrain. The Civic e:HEV RS also has several cosmetic enhancements to help you differentiate it from the turbo RS. Part of it being the different wheel design, chrome trims, blue accents on the Honda emblem, and an \u201ce:HEV\u201d emblem on the tailgate. Interested to give electrification a try? You might want to start with the Honda Civic e:HEV RS.\nRELATED: \nHonda Civic e:HEV RS hybrid \u2013 more than 180 units delivered in one month since launch\nGALLERY"
"The new Porsche Panamera celebrated its local Malaysian debut last night via a digital premiere on Porsche Malaysia\u2019s social media platforms.\nPricing for the new Porsche Panamera by Sime Darby Auto Performance (\nSDAP\n) starts from \nRM1,026,735\n with SST exemption.\nPERFORMANCE\nOn sale now is the standard fastback Panamera rear-wheel drive variant, powered by a \n2.9-litre\n twin-turbocharged V6 engine with outputs of \n330 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Paired to an eight-speed PDK (dual-clutch transmission), 0 to 100 km/h sprint can be achieved in \n5.4 seconds\n with the Sport Plus mode and a top speed of 270 km/h.\nThe coasting function of the eight-speed PDK has been improved in the new facelift, enhancing efficiency and driving comfort.\nPlenty of work has also been done on the chassis. The adaptive shock absorbers, electronic roll stabilisation, steering system and revamped engine and axle mounts have all been optimised, with the objective to make the middle ground between sporty driving and comfort as expansive as possible.\nSpecially developed \nhigh-performance tyres\n in 20 and 21-inch sizes are also available to maximise the performance of the new calibration of the chassis. Confident braking is ensured with six-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake calipers at the front, and four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake calipers at the rear.\nEXTERIOR\nIt is indeed a challenge to tell apart between the \noutgoing\n and the new facelifted outlook, as changes are minimal. The new Panamera now has standard fitment of the previously optional \nSport Design\n front end, which features larger air intakes, a reworked front grille, and a single-bar daytime-running light signature.\nAt the rear, the new facelift Porsche Panamera\u2019s fullwidth lightbar taillights have been reworked, with a \nnew light signature\n that runs seamlessly across the bootlid, along with a dynamic coming/leaving home function.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the most noticeable update is the \nsteering wheel\n, featuring the same item used in the \n992-generation Porsche 911\n. The introduction of the new Porsche Panamera also debuts the \nPorsche Connect\n smartphone app service in Malaysia.\nThe new Panamera offers an extensive range of advanced light and assistance systems, such as the now-standard Lane Keeping Assist with road sign recognition as well as Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, LED matrix headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, Park Assist including Surround View and head-up display.\nPRICING\nPricing for the new Porsche Panamera begins from \nRM1,026,735\n with SST exemption. All Porsche vehicles sold via SDAP come with a four-year warranty and free maintenance package, which includes complimentary service, labour and parts.\nThe Panamera line-up also includes the Sport Turismo bodystyle and \nvarious engine outputs\n with \nelectrification\n. More information about the availability of the rest of the new Panamera line-up to follow later.\nGALLERY"
"While most luxury performance brands have at least one EV or one SUV in their line-up, \nBugatti\n is giving a firm \u201cNo\u201d to both EVs and SUVs. And this is the brand\u2019s firm decision for at least another ten years. In an interview with \nAutomobilwoche\n, Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac said, \u201cA purely electric version is not included in our ten-year plan for Bugatti. There will also be no SUV\u201d.\nBugatti-Rimac was formed in July 2021 with Croatian company Rimac owning 55% and Porsche owning 45%. Previously for over two decades, Bugatti was owned by the Volkswagen Group. Porsche is currently expanding its EV lineup with an EV Porsche Macan next year. Also in the pipeline for the Stuttgart company is an \nall-electric Porsche Panamera set to debut in 2027\n, alongside a new \nPorsche Taycan\n.\nRimac on the other hand has shown the world just how capable they are of producing high-performance electric cars. The Rimac Nevera accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 1.97 seconds. Had the Croatian company focused on building a one-trick pony for the drag strip, they could have even made a car capable of \n0-100km/h acceleration in less than one second\n. Despite the EV ambitions and EV capabilities of both owners of Bugatti-Rimac, it seems no Bugatti EV is in the plan for the next ten years.\nNot one to follow the crowd, a Bugatti SUV is also not in the plan (at least for the next ten years). On the subject matter, Mate Rimac says, \u201cIf it\u2019s comparable, then it\u2019s not a Bugatti\u201d. Looking at other luxury performance brands, \nAston Martin\n, \nLamborghini\n, and \nPorsche\n \nall have performance SUVs already. Soon to join the bandwagon is Ferrari with its upcoming \nPurosangue\n.\nA hybrid concept may be previewed in the next generation of sports cars, but it has to offer a usable electric range. Rimac says that it wants to increase the previous maximum range of 20 km for hyper hybrids to at least 50 km. As for now, Bugatti fans can rejoice with the fact that the brand has no plan for an EV or an SUV."
"The new year is already right around the corner, but it seems like Mercedes-Benz Malaysia isn\u2019t quite done with 2021 yet, as the company has just \npublished a teaser \nfor the \nall-new W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan\n up on their Facebook page hinting at an imminent launch.\nAs with most teasers, there is virtually zero technical information available to the public at the time of writing, although the video does show off some of its key features.\nThe main highlight of the video are the all-new headlights on the S-Class, which will feature Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new Digital Lights technology. The range-topping headlights option uses 1.3 million micro-mirrors to refract and direct more than 2.6 million individual light beams onto the road.\nIf you\u2019re counting, that\u2019s more \u201cpixels\u201d than your regular 1080p screen, and the genius of the Digital Lights system is the ability to project information such as warning symbols directly onto the road surface, or even highlight pedestrians on the road.\nScreenshot: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia/Facebook\nAside from the new fancy headlights, the other main highlight of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is most definitely its\n new interior design\n, said to be inspired by lavish yachts. The dashboard is dominated by a portrait-oriented 12.8-inch touchscreen central display, which now runs on the marque\u2019s\n latest MBUX software\n.\nThe updated MBUX boasts improved processing speed, new gesture-based controls and a newly-designed interface, and even comes with biometric authentication systems (fingerprint and facial recognition) to access and customise your personal settings profile.\nThe all-new S-Class has been launched in Thailand earlier this year, only available with a diesel powertrain. Learn more here!\nAs for powertrains, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class was launched globally in September last year with four options \u2013 two petrol and two diesel mills. We\u2019re expecting to see only the petrol engines being offered here in Malaysia, both powered by a 3.0-litre M256 turbocharged inline-six engine, making \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n on the S 450, and \n435 hp \nand \n520 Nm \non the S 500.\nThe 4Matic all-wheel drive system is standard on both variants, as is the EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid system, providing an extra \n22 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of motivation when needed. Paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, the S 450 completes the century sprint in 5.1 seconds, while the S 500 does it in just 4.9 seconds.\nIndonesians meanwhile get the long-wheelbase variant of the all-new S-Class, in a sole S 450 option. Check it out here!\nNo, it\u2019s not broken.\nOther interesting features of note include the E-Active Body Control active suspension system, which uses the cameras to scan the road ahead and adjusting the suspensions on the fly in reaction to the road conditions, as well as a rear-wheel steering system that can turn the rear wheels by up to a whopping 10 degrees!\nThe exact specifications of our Malaysian-market Mercedes-Benz S-Class will only be available at launch, but it seems like we don\u2019t have to wait too much longer any more."
"The B-segment SUV space in Malaysia is now the hottest market segment in Malaysia, with everyone wanting a slice of the pie. Just last month we saw the launch of the \nPeugeot 2008\n and \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n, and now Chery Malaysia has announced that the Omoda 5 will also be making its debut here, making us one of the crossover\u2019s first international destinations alongside Australia, Europe, and Russia.\nProduction for the Omoda 5 has already begun, with the first unit rolling off the assembly line at Chery\u2019s manufacturing headquarters in Anhui, China, last week.\nChery says that the Omoda 5 is their \u201cfirst global model developed based on international demand\u201d, and represents the beginning of the marque\u2019s new Chery 4.0 era that is said to appeal to \u201cyoung consumers in the 25-30 age group\u201d.\nAccording to Chery\u2019s deputy GM Gao Xinhua, the Omoda 5 has been in development for 18 months to be a truly global product. It made its global debut only last year at the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show, and since then has received good feedback both in China and abroad.\nChery\u2019s international aspirations aren\u2019t just marketing speak, too, as they\u2019re clearly seen on the Omoda 5 from design to standard equipment with a significant focus on fancy styling touches and modern technology.\nRELATED: Toyota Corolla Cross, the next big thing for Toyota? \u2013 Quick Review\nOn the outside, Chery\u2019s Art in Motion styling philosophy is highlighted through the massive borderless front grille that extends all the way to the slim Thor\u2019s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights, as well as funky sharp angles throughout the exterior.\nAs for tech, the Chery Omoda 5 is also fully loaded with modern equipment, including the matrix LED headlights and two 12.3-inch displays in the posh-looking cabin for its instrument cluster and infotainment display \u2013 the latter also supports \nApple CarPlay\n connectivity.\nUnderneath the bonnet, the Chery Omoda 5 is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces \n197\u00a0hp\n and \n290 Nm\n of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The company is also planning to introduce a hybrid-powered variant in the future.\nNo information has been provided on the Malaysia-bound model yet, but it seems like we don\u2019t have to wait too much longer. Keep your eyes peeled!\nGALLERY"
"BMW is going front-wheel drive with their next-generation BMW 1 Series, making the \nF20/F21 1 Series\n the last of its kind. While fans are mooting the dismissal of a rear-wheel drive hatchback, the German automaker has its eyes on the competition, especially with the new BMW M135i xDrive.\nThe new 1 Series will ride\non the all-new FAAR (\nFrontantriebsarchitektur \nin German) platform designed for front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive models.\nThe new architecture that builds upon the UKL platform\u2019s agile handling with\nimproved packaging.\nBMW claims that rear legroom has increased by a massive 33 mm while rear headroom has grown by 19 mm. Boot space is also now up 20 litres to 380 litres, besting the \nA-Klasse\u2019s\n boot by 10 litres.\nAt launch, the M135i xDrive will sit at the top of the 1 Series range, packing a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol making \n306 hp\n. With the xDrive all-wheel-drive system on board, it seems that the M135i is looking to give the new \nMercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC hatch\n a good run for its money.\nHead of Driving\nDynamics at BMW Group, Peter Langen said: \u201cOur customers will directly feel the\nfast and precise responsiveness that provides for an optimised driving\nexperience. The BMW 1 Series will be a genuine BMW with an individual character.\u201d\nThe engineers have employed the help of trick electronic systems to give the 1 Series a more direct handling response with ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation) \u2013 which in layman terms, a very clever traction control system \u2013 BMW Performance Control (torque vectoring) and additional \u201cboomerang strut\u201d on the rear axles.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nBMW\u00a0M135i\u00a0xDrive\u00a0Testing\u00a0in\u00a0France"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) and authorised dealer partner, Hap Seng have launched the Hap Seng Kuching Autohaus. The RM53 million facility is the first ever integrated one-stop centre for sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, commercial vehicles and after sales.\nThe 3S centre has a built up area of 18,383 square metres and is managed by 40 personnel. It\u2019s capable of servicing up to 510 vehicles a month and has 16 work bays as well as a dedicated spray booth. The Kuching Autohaus is also equipped with a full length work pit, enabling extensive servicing for the full range of commercial vehicles.   But why Sarawak, you ask? According to President and CEO of MBM, Dr Claus Weidner, Sarawak is the fourth largest market in Malaysia for their Commercial Vehicles after Klang Valley, Johor and Penang.\nHap Seng currently operates in 11 locations, with three being in East Malaysia \u2013 \nKota Kinabalu\n, Miri and now Kuching. The Hap Seng Kuching Autohaus is located at Lot 11298, Section 64, KTLD, Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At long last, the highly-awaited Proton X50 is now launched in Malaysia. Pricing for the compact SUV starts at \nRM79,200\n for the 1.5T Standard variant, topping out at \nRM103,300\n for the 1.5 TGDi Flagship.\nEXTERIOR\nBased on the Geely Bin Yue, the exterior of the Proton X50 is not too dissimilar to its Chinese cousin, but just like its elder brother \u2013 the X70, several changes have been made to the exterior to give it a \u201cmore Malaysian Identity\u201d.\nThese changes include the iconic infinite weave grille replacing Geely\u2019s expanding cosmos design, \u201ccradled\u201d by a ethereal bow trim with red pinstripe lining. Smack in the centre of the grille is the Proton\u2019s new circular badge, unveiled in \nSeptember last year\n \u2013 the logo is also found on the wheels, which are 17-inches in diameter on Standard and Executive variants, and 18-inches on the Premium and Flagship.\nStandard across the board are the full-LED headlights (automatic on Executive and higher) and LED taillights, rear roof-mounted spoilers, as well as quad tailpipe exits \u2013 yes, they\u2019re actual functioning tailpipes!\nIn terms of dimensions, the Proton X50 measures in at 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,609 mm tall. That makes it 4 mm (length) shorter, 10 mm wider, and 4 mm taller than the \nHonda HR-V\n, it\u2019s key rival. Wheelbase is also 10 mm shorter compared to the Honda compact SUV.\nThe Proton X50 is available in six different exterior shades: Snow White, Armor Silver, Ocean Blue, Jet Grey, Citric Orange, and Passion Red. Jet Grey and Citric Orange is only available from the 1.5T Executive variant and up, while Passion Red is only reserved for the Premium and Flagship variants.\nThe Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship stands out even further in the model line-up thanks to its variant-exclusive dual-tone exterior (black-painted roof) and panoramic sunroof. The Flagship variant also gets automatic windshield wipers.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Proton X50 is available with two powertrain options. Both engine are identical except for its fuel delivery system \u2013 the lower three variants (with the 1.5T designation) receiving a Port Fuel Injection (PFI) version, while the Flagship variant gets a direct injection engine, resulting in an increase in horsepower output.\nVariant\n1.5T Standard, Executive, Premium\n1.5 TGDi Flagship\nEngine\n1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, port fuel injection\n1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, direct injection\nTransmission\n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\nMax horsepower\n150 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n177 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque\n226 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n255 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h\nN/A\n7.9 seconds\nFuel consumption\n6.5 l/100 km\n6.4 l/100 km\nBoth engines are paired to the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as seen on the Proton X70. The national carmaker said that model-specific tunings were made to suit the weight and engine performance of the Proton X50 better. The three-cylinder engine was also \nengineered specifically\n to reduce noise and vibrations, and are \ndesigned to last\n over 15 years and 350,000 km.\nAside from the powertrain, Proton also says that more than 400 parts were changed during the localisation process of the Geely Bin Yue. Chiefly, the suspension has been tuned to be more pliant \u201cfor Malaysian roads\u201d, so it\u2019s not just a plain LHD to RHD conversion!\nWe had the opportunity to take the Proton X50 for a short taster at the Sepang International Circuit earlier this month for a quick assessment of its performance \u2013 do check out our \nvideo here\n.\nINTERIOR\nGeely says that the design of the Bin Yue \u2013 and by extension the Proton X50 \u2013 is inspired by fighter jets, and the motif is most noticeable on the inside, as seen on the jet engine-like air conditioning vents. Standard interior equipment across the range include:\nTwo-layer dashboard with brushed-aluminium styled surface\nFlat-bottomed steering wheel\nPistol-style electronic gear lever\nRear air-con vents\nN95 cabin air filter\nOnly the Standard variant gets fabric seats and a urethane-wrapped steering wheel; all other variants are equipped with Leatherette upholstery, while the steering wheel is wrapped in leather. The Premium and Flagship variants take it to the next level with a dual-tone black and red leatherette interior with six-way powered driver seat, and a red dashboard top.\nBoth the Standard and Executive variants receive an eight-inch floating infotainment display in the centre of the dashboard, paired to an analogue instrument cluster with a digital multi-info display at the centre. Premium and Flagship variants meanwhile gets a larger widescreen 10.25-inch infotainment display, paired to a seven-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.\nThe infotainment system on the Proton X50 runs on the \nGKUI 19\n system with a cleaner tile-based layout (think BMW iDrive 6), promising improved speed thanks to the new E01 64-bit quad-core processor and a dedicated graphics processing unit. The updated infotainment system includes features such as Joox music streaming, online navigation with the Alibaba AutoNavi app (with data from Here Maps), as well as QDLink smartphone mirroring.\nAlways on connectivity is enabled with an eSIM located within the infotainment system on the eight-inch units, and inside the telematics box on the Premium and Flagship variants \u2013 the latter allowing for a wider range of \u201cHi Proton\u201d functions including opening the windows, and even allowing for remote engine start through the mobile phone application.\nSAFETY\nThe Proton X50 range kicks off with four airbags on the Standard variant, while all other variants receive six airbags as standard. The tyre pressure monitoring system and 360-degree around view monitor is also only available on the Premium and Flagship variants; Standard and Executive only get a reverse camera.\nThe Standard variant does not come with front parking sensors; Executive and Premium variants get two, while the range-topping Flagship variant gets four parking sensors in front.\nHowever, the key selling point on the Proton X50 is its \nlevel two autonomous driving system\n, which is \none step higher than even its own elder brother\n, the Proton X70. By using a millimetre-wave radar and high-definition cameras, the system is able to accelerate, brake, and even steer the compact SUV in certain driving situations, along with the following functionalities:\nIntelligent Cruise Control (level two)\nAuto park assist with support for both parallel and perpendicular parking (level two)\nAdaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality\nLane keep assist\nLane departure warning\nBlind-spot information system\nIntelligent high beam control\nAutonomous emergency braking\nForward Collision Warning\nPRICING\nThe Proton X50 range starts at\n RM79,200 \nfor the Standard variant, \nRM84,800\n for the Executive variant, \nRM93,200\n for the Premium variant, and topping off at \nRM103,300\n for the 1.5 TGDi Flagship.\nPrices are inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n, which are applicable for all purchases until the 31st of December.\nAll purchase of the Proton X50 will include a five year unlimited mileage warranty, a five-year data package with 1 GB/month, and the Proton Insurance Programme.\nThe Proton X50 will be offered with interest rates starting from 2.22% pa. The first 30,000 bookings before the 31st of December will also receive a five-time free labour service package.\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Motors\u2019 pre-owned cars subsidiary, Sime Darby Auto Selection (SDAS), have signed on an exclusive partnership deal with online car bidding platform MyTukar to \u201crevolutionise the pre-owned car trading experience for customers\u201d.\nThe collaboration will see SDAS expand their network nationwide, giving them access to a wider procurement grid, as well as an online used car transaction database which would provide transparency and improved accuracy on actual market transactions.\n\u201cThe digitalised process that MyTukar provides ensures that our customers will receive the highest trade-in value, through a seamless and transparent experience for peace of mind in selling their cars and buying used cars,\u201d said Sime Darby Motors, Managing Director Retail and Distribution Malaysia, Jeffrey Gan.\nThe collaboration with MyTukar is also expected to enhance SDAS\u2019 management of its inventory by anchoring on MyTukar\u2019s proprietary big data analytics of used car transactions.\nMyTukar, CEO, Fong Hon Sum said, \u201cMyTukar is excited to begin this journey with Sime Darby Auto Selection and we welcome their inspectors onto MyTukar\u2019s technology-enabled platform. I strongly believe that this partnership will reinforce our mutual vision of giving customers a seamless and transparent process of purchasing and selling their cars.\u201d\nSDAS began as a certified BMW Premium Selection dealer and has since grown to a multi-brand dealer for pre-owned vehicles, with three branches in Klang Valley and one in Johor Bahru.\nMyTukar also recently partnered with CapBay\n to offer a new financing programme to support their 1,900 authorised dealerships in reducing financial impact and business risks during these challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic."
"Hyundai Motor has officially announced its \nall-new Fuel Cell EV (FCEV)\n during a press conference at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The new FCEV will be officially called Nexo and will replace the outgoing \nix35 Fuel Cell\n (Tucson Fuel Cell in some markets).\nThe eco-friendly vehicle will spearhead the brand\u2019s growing portfolio of alternative energy vehicles and accelerate its development of low emission vehicles. The new Nexo boasts an all-new design, improved performance and driving range as well as autonomous driving technology.   Measuring at 4,671 mm in length, 1,859 mm in width, 1,630 mm in height and 2,789 mm inn wheelbase, the Nexo is marginally larger than the ix35 FC it replaces. The fuel cell battery powertrain packs a healthy \n181 hp\n and \n395 Nm\n of torque. Sprinting from zero to 97 km/h takes \n9.5 seconds\n; a full three seconds quicker than the ix35 FC.\nThe Nexo also benefits from increased driving range of \n800 km\n from 590 km in the previous-gen FCEV. Thanks to an improved hydrogen storage system, the Nexo can be \nrefuelled within five minutes\n \u2013 almost as quick as a conventional petrol pump.\nHyundai has also addressed the issue of extreme temperatures by subjecting the Nexo to temperatures ranging from -28 to 50 degrees Celsius. Even after overnight in the cold, the Nexo is capable of starting and can operate as per normal within 30 seconds \u2013 an industry-leading achievement.\nThe Nexo is also equipped with Hyundai\u2019s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems which includes Blind-spot View Monitor that uses cameras to stitch a rear view of the vehicles blind spot and Remote Smart Parking that allows the car to autonomously park and retrieve itself from a parking space without a driver in the car.\u00a0 Lane Follow Assist and Highway Driving Assist is also equipped on the Nexo\nThe Hyundai Nexo FCEV will go on sale in selected markets this year itself and is first of 18 eco-friendly models to hit global markets by 2025 according to a long-term plan by Hyundai Motor Group.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the launch of the new\n 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS\n today, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Hironobu Yoshimura announced today that the 11th-generation model has sold nearly 7,000 units since its \nlaunch in January this year\n.\nThe volume places the 2022 Honda Civic at the top of the leaderboard in terms of sales within the C-sedan market segment, and translates to roughly an 81% market share as of September 2022.\nWith the launch of the new hybrid variant, the numbers are expected to rise further, as the company announced that it has already received over 100 bookings for the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS.\nThe model line-up now consists of four variants \u2013 E, V, RS, and e:HEV RS, with prices ranging from RM126k to RM167k. The 11th-generation Honda Civic is offered with two powertrain options here in Malaysia, the former three are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four powertrain paired to a CVT gearbox, delivering \n182 hp \nand \n240 Nm \nto the front wheels, while the latter gets a new 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain, boasting \n184 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n.\nVideo:\n Hybrid Honda Civic e:HEV RS \u2013 How much faster vs Civic Turbo RS?\nFor a detailed breakdown of the specifications of each variant, do check out our launch coverage \nhere \n(E, V, and RS) and \nhere \n(e:HEV RS). Test drive reports for both the turbo- and hybrid-powered Honda Civics are also available, which you can find \nhere\n (Turbo RS) and \nhere\n (e:HEV RS)."
"\u201cDaihatsu will be like Mini for BMW. That\u2019s the sort of goal we should aim for.\u201d\nThose were the words of Toyota\u2019s President, Akio Toyoda at a press conference following the company\u2019s full acquisition of Japan\u2019s minicar-making expert, Daihatsu. While Toyoda aims to spearhead Daihatsu\u2019s return to the American and European market as a premium small car brand, it leaves us wondering what would happen to the gap that is the low-cost small car market. All things point towards a very promising potential \u2013 \nPerodua\n.\nDaihatsu currently\u00a0owns a quarter of Perodua\u2019s shares, and Malaysia\u2019s second automotive manufacturer has been a crucial contributor to Daihatsu\u2019s coffers. Perodua could, technically speaking, be the final piece of the puzzle in Toyota\u2019s quest for automotive supremacy.\nPhoto courtesy of \nmotorme.my\nHere are three reasons why we think Perodua should represent Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) as its budget small car brand.\n1. Everybody can focus\nToyota recently \nscrapped the Scion\n brand in the US, choosing to sell them instead as Toyota-badged cars. For the premium market, TMC has Lexus, and now Daihatsu joins the ranks. Daihatsu hasn\u2019t been doing so well elsewhere, but they company reaped just enough to sustain business from Japan and South East Asia.\nWhile it\u2019s logical to expand the Daihatsu reach into developing markets (note: they have a production plant in Indonesia), this may contradict Toyoda\u2019s plan to make the Daihatsu brand as the next Mini.\nThe Axia will make good sense in emerging markets like India\nThis is where Perodua fits\u00a0perfectly into the picture. Perodua, being based in Asia Pacific, can begin by exploring regional markets, most notably India, which is the second most densely populated country in the world. Small cars rake in hundreds of millions of profit in India, and brands like Maruti Suzuki have capitalised on it for the longest time.\nIt would make perfect sense if Perodua were to represent Toyota and Daihatsu in India. Products like the Axia and Myvi (not forgetting that they\u2019re powered by Toyota\u2019s powertrains) would certainly give Maruti Suzuki a serious case of sweating palms.\nIf so,\u00a0Toyota can start channelling all their focus on making larger cars, leaving the smaller ones to the expertise of Daihatsu and Perodua. \nFocus\n is the deciding factor in the automotive industry, and Perodua understands and mastered it well as it consistently produces reliable compact cars since\u00a0its inception in 1994.\n2. It\u2019s a proven model\nTo be a huge and successful automotive conglomerate, you essentially need a variety of brands within your portfolio. Case in point,\u00a0Renault. While the French manufacturer caters to the mid-range market, the lower-end market is handled largely by Dacia. The Romanian car manufacturer has been under Renault\u2019s umbrella for decades, offering affordable cars such as the Sandero hatchback and Duster SUV in Europe and they both sold in relatively\u00a0\ndecent numbers\n.\n \n Dacia Sandero\n \n Skoda Octavia\nSkoda also shares the same success\u00a0story. Before making it big, the Czech carmaker was once the butt of many jokes in Europe. That is, until Volkswagen bought them over. Today, it is one of the most successful brands in the Volkswagen group, offering high-quality cars in Europe that don\u2019t cost an arm and a leg.\nDoubt will surely exist regardless of whether the model is proven or not. But like Renault and Volkswagen has shown us, it\u2019s certainly doable and brings about greater potential for Malaysia\u2019s second automaker.\n3. Perodua has\u00a0the infrastructure\nOver the past two decades, the relationship between Daihatsu and Perodua has grown exponentially, and it\u2019s definitely more than just your typical master and apprentice. Shortly after launching the Axia (Perodua\u2019s tenth model, hence the X in Axia), Perodua announced that a sedan model is in the works, and that could spell a big change in the Malaysian automotive scene. To do that, an infrastructure is needed, and an infrastructure was made.\nIn January 2016, Perodua officially launched their \nRM1.3 billion Perodua Global Manufacturing\n (PGM) in Sendayan TechValley, Negeri Sembilan. Perodua\u2019s aim is to mirror the levels of production efficiency of Daihatsu Motor Kyushu (DKC) in Japan, and to be better than Daihatsu\u2019s plant in Indonesia. It all sounds very ambitious, but PGM, located just adjacent to their original factory, boasts the ability to produce about \n200,000 units of cars per year\n! What\u2019s more impressive is its Defect Per Unit (DPU) \u2013 0.1 unit to be exact!\nImage Source: Perodua\nThese are crystal-clear examples showing that Perodua is ready for the next big thing, but we won\u2019t know for sure if talks of undertaking a move this big is happening behind closed doors.\nCONCLUSION\nWhile the public is still divided between\u00a0\nProton\u2019s\n\u00a0most recent efforts, there\u2019s no denying the huge progress\u00a0Perodua has made over the past twenty years. Last year alone, Perodua sold an incredible \n213,307\n\u00a0units of cars in Malaysia with \njust three models\n. There is no surprise, at this juncture, to see why Malaysians are more comfortable with Perodua representing Malaysia in the automotive world.\nPerodua is currently spearheading its efforts in producing their first compact A/B-segment saloon (based on the Buddy concept \u2013 pictured above), and we never know if this could be the car that could potentially wear the Toyota or Daihatsu badges in markets abroad. Now that\u2019s some real progress for a young car manufacturer whose humble beginnings started with rebadging a Japanese Kei car."
"Fiat\n has just announced the debut of its new fully electric crossover- the Fiat 600e. The 5-door crossover continues the legacy of the original Fiat 600, which was a two-door fastback sedan/four-door mini MPV sold between the mid-50s and 80s.\nThe new fully electric Fiat 600e is offered in two trims, the top-of-the-line La Prima trim, and interestingly, the (RED) variant. Yes, this is the same (RED) branding you have seen on certain red-coloured Apple devices. For the Fiat 600e, Fiat has partnered with (RED), an organization that has been funding to fight AIDS since 2006, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic since 2020.\nLike its other models such as the 500 hatchback and the Topolino quadricycle, Fiat has applied its \u201cDolce Vita\u201d design philosophy to the 600e\u2019s exterior and interior designs. On the outside, the 600e carries Fiat\u2019s new LED headlight design language.\nThere are also colours of the Italian flag on the rear bumper to proudly show the 600e\u2019s Italian identity. The Fiat 600e also comes in wheel sizes up to 18 inches.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Renault Zoe from RM165k, the French EV returns \u2013 5 Things\nPowering the fully electric Fiat 600e is a front-mounted electric motor, paired with a \n54 kWh\n battery. This setup sends a total of \n154 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n to the front wheels. 0-100 km/h acceleration can be done in under \n9.0 seconds\n, and the car comes with three driving modes too \u2013 Eco, Normal, and Sport.\nAs to how far the Italian crossover can carry you, the 600e has up to \n400 km\n of combined WLTP range. Charging-wise, the Fiat 600e supports \n100 kW\n DC fast charging, which will take less than \n30 minutes\n for the battery to reach 80% state-of-charge (SoC). The 600e can also be charged to full in under \n6 hours\n using an \n11 kW\n AC charger. Besides the fully electric 600e, Fiat will also be releasing a hybrid variant of the 600 next year.\nFiat\u2019s \u201cDolce Vita\u201d design language continues on the inside. Customers can select up to 8 different colours for both the ambient light and the radio ambience, together with a series of default combinations.\nThe Fiat 600e also comes with a 7-inch digital instrument display, as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The driver seat is power-adjustable and comes with heating, and back-massage functions too.\nFiat says the 600e is not just made for \u201ccity lovers\u201d but also the outdoor enthusiasts, which is why it has made the fully electric crossover to be spacious enough to accommodate its customers\u2019 active lifestyle. Measuring 4,171 mm in length, the Fiat 600e can carry up to 5 occupants, including the driver, and also comes with 360 litres of boot space.\nSafety-wise, Fiat has equipped its new crossover with a level 2 assisted driving system. This includes safety features such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop&go function, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), as well as blind spot monitoring.\nRELATED: \nPeugeot unveils new interior design \u2013 Panoramic screen, touch-based controls in upcoming 3008\nGALLERY"
"They sure know how to keep us on our feet when it comes to fueling excitement around the sportscar culture \u2013 the newly launched GR sports car series will be replacing the \u201cG Sports\u201d performance car series as the new torch bearer of cultivating the enjoyment of cars through driving experience.\nThe greatest, most exciting piece of information from this news is that TMC plans\n to gradually deploy the GR series outside of Japan\n! This follows after the launch of the \nnew Innova 2.0X in Malaysia\n just last week which looks radically-enticing.   Established as a company within TMC, \nGAZOO Racing\u2019s cars \nand personnel have been refined and trained through their exploits in motorsports such as the 24 Hours of\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring endurance race in Germany and the All-Japan Rally Championship.\nThe line-up of cars in Japan consist of the highest spec \n\u201cGRMN\u201d\n, the mid-range \n\u201cGR\u201d\n and the entry-level \n\u201cGR-Sport\u201d\n. While the GRMN range features \ntuned engines\n, the GR-Sport will be more tame, seen as a simple means for ordinary drivers to \u201cenjoy a casual sportscar driving experience\u201d. Aside from extending the GR-Sport range to minivans, aftermarket \u201c\nGR Parts\n\u201d will also be available for owners to customise their own cars.\nThe GR-Sport series involves the\u00a0\nVitz\n, Prius PHV, Harrier, Mark X,\n Voxy \nand Noah with standard equipment including special tuning suspension, brace addition, aluminium pedals and a smaller diameter steering wheel. The Prius PHV, Harrier, Mark X, Voxy and Noah also comes with a special tachometer imprinted with a\n GR logo\n. The Vitz, Harrier and Mark X models will get \nadditional spot welding\n for increased chassis rigidity while a \nspecially-tuned exhaust\n will be applied to the Harrier alone.\nThe GR and GR-Sport series will be offered for the Vitz, while the GR-Sport series is available for the Prius PHV, Harrier, Mark X, Voxy, and Noah in Toyota dealerships in Japan effective today. Later on, TMC will be adding the Vitz GRMN, GT 86 GR, Aqua GR-Sport and Prius GR-Sport to the performance line-up.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVitz GR-Sport   Prius PHV GR-Sport   Harrier GR-Sport   Mark X GR-Sport   Voxy VR-Sport   Noah GR-Sport   Vitz GRMN\n \n \nVitz GR   86 GR\n \n \nPrius GR-Sport\n \n \nAqua GR-Sport"
"It seems that more and more car manufacturers are hopping onto the electric vehicle (EV) bandwagon; the latest being Mercedes-Benz.\u00a0With Tesla Motors enjoying its domination in the field of EV, the tide could begin to turn with four possible EV models bearing the\u00a0three-pointed star.\nFollowing rivals Porsche and Audi\u2019s electric plans with the \nMission E \nand \nQ6 e-tron\n, Mercedes is not left behind in the EV fray. The board was just given the green light to\u00a0its new \nElectric Vehicle Architecture (EVA)\n program, with\n two passenger EV saloons\n\u00a0followed by \ntwo SUV\n models slated for introduction sometime in the future.\nWhile no specific model has been revealed for this electrification plan, it\u2019s likely that the C- and E-Class saloons including their crossover counterparts \u2013 the GLC and GLE \u2013 will be selected for the program. If all goes well, Mercedes-Benz will execute \u201cPhase 2\u201d which will see its flagship S-Class and another large SUV joining the pack.\nReports also suggest that the EVs will share Daimler\u2019s current MRA platform of which include the suspension, body, electrical components and so on. The \n400 kg battery pack\n will be\u00a0integrated into the floor pan, supplying power to either a rear-wheel or all-wheel configuration. The RWD models will be propelled by a single \n300 kW (402 hp)\n rear-mounted motor, whereas the AWD models will benefit from having two electric motors rated at \n90\u00a0kW (120 hp)\n or \n150 kW (201 hp)\n. The EVA cars will be priced around\n \u00a370-80,000 \n(roughly RM445k to RM508k)\u00a0in the UK.\nAlso, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s New Electric Vehicle (NEV) collaboration with China will see the Stuttgart carmaker build an EV model exclusively to China by 2020, filling a void \ncaused by Tesla last year\n.\nElon Musk, you\u2019ve been warned. The Germans are\u00a0coming after you!"
"During the annual GTI Meet that took place at Lake W\u00f6rthersee, Austria, Volkswagen has taken the opportunity to unveil the new UP! GTI concept. As a tribute to the first ever GTI ever made (the Golf GTI MK1), the UP! GTI follows the same recipe as the original GTI.\nLet\u2019s recap on what the Golf GTI MK1 was all about. Launched back in the 1970s, it tipped the scale at 810 kg and packs a modest \n108 hp\n. With a century sprint time of\n 9.0 seconds\n and a top speed of \n182 km/h\n, the little hatchback quickly established its presence at the high-speed German motorways.\nThe UP! GTI is very much like the original GTI and weighs just 997 kg. Motivation comes from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI engine that develops \n113 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG. Getting to 100 km/h from standstill takes just \n8.8 seconds\n and flat out it will hit \n197 km/h\n. Very much like the Golf GTI MK1, isn\u2019t it?\nTo ensure that the GTI\u00a0drives as good as it looks, VW installed a sports suspension that lowers ride height by 15 mm and a larger roof spoiler that provides greater downforce on the rear axle. Volkswagen claims that these collectively give the car the agility akin to that of a go-kart, without sacrificing high levels of comfort.\nBearing the GTI badge, the UP! GTI gets dressed in typical GTI insignia, including a honeycomb grille with red stripe running across, gloss black wing mirror caps and 17-inch alloys. Inside, the cabin is instantly recognisable by its GTI gear knob, \u201cclark\u201d seat design and leather wrapped sports steering wheel.\nVolkswagen has announced that the production version of the UP! GTI will be available in early 2018. Several colour options include Tornado Red, Pure White, Dark Silver, Black Pearl and Costa Azul Blue.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In these challenging times, we\u2019ve seen car manufacturers adopt all sorts of marketing and sales methods; not just to boost sales but also to stay relevant but Polestar being Polestar, has other ideas.\nThe Swedish automaker has announced that it will be accepting art as an alternative method of buying its halo performance electric car, the \nPolestar 1\n, with a price tag of approximately RM776,734.\nPolestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath said, \u201cI love the idea of letting artists and collectors buy a Polestar 1 with art. It is such a special car and we wanted to find a unique way of celebrating it before its production ends this year. It is hand-made, precious and tangible, much like a piece of art.\u201d\nHave you seen the Polestar 2? It looks completely different from what you\u2019re seeing here. Check it out!\nThe company will consider all forms of art, including \npaintings, sculptures, photography, installations, and more\n. \u201cOffers\u201d will be evaluated by Theodor Dalenson, a leading private art advisor who will as Polestar\u2019s advisor in this campaign.\nIf necessary, the art will undergo a valuation estimate by the two largest auction houses in the world, Sotheby\u2019s and Philips.\nNo, these art pieces will not be displayed at the company\u2019s headquarters in Gotherburg, Sweden because employees aren\u2019t paid with hopes and dreams.\nInstead, the company \nintends to sell the art after a period of ownership\n either via auctions or through dealers that represent the artists.\n\u201cGoing back several hundred years in time, art trading mainly took place between artists and patrons. Painters like Picasso were known to trade sketches for restaurant meals. Polestar\u2019s initiative is essentially a very natural extension of the tradition of art being used as payment for precious goods,\u201d the company said.\nFind out more about Polestar here!\nGALLERY"
"The \nW205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class\n has been around for the better part of five years now and the company has given it a refresher to keep the brand\u2019s most successful model relevant for many more years to come.\nThe facelift exercise gives the C-Class a refreshed design, new tech and a host of advanced driver assist systems and will be extended to both the sedan and wagon body styles. On the outside, the front bumpers now feature a more angular sculpture furnished with either a silver trim strip as standard, chrome-plated trim strip for the Avantgarde Line or three-part chrome strip for the Exclusive Line. Models with the AMG Line will get the diamond radiator grille as standard.   The headlamps feature a new shape and the Multibeam LED headlamps with 84 individual LEDs are available as an option for the first time. At the rear the dual taillamp graphics have been replaced by a C-shaped design, setting itself apart from its larger siblings.\nNew equipment on the C-Class include fully digital instrument display (first seen on the \nS-Class\n), new steering wheel design with touch-sensitive controls, Energizing Comfort Control, touchpad controller with haptic feedback and 3D real wood veneer on the centre console. New interior colours Magma Grey/Black and Saddle Brown (AMG Line only) are available.\nThe refreshed C-Class also benefits from the brand\u2019s latest advanced driving assistance systems that allow for \nsemi-autonomous driving\n in certain conditions. The \nActive Distance Assist Distronic\n uses map information and predictively adjusts the speed when approaching a bend or junction for a more intuitive driving experience. Other driving systems include Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Steering Assist. These, of course, are an option.\nMercedes-Benz has hinted new powertrain options for the refreshed C-Class but full details will only be revealed at the upcoming 2018 Geneva International Motor Show happening in March.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift AMG Line Sedan   Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift Exclusive Line Wagon"
"Since the dieselgate saga was brought to light, Volkswagen AG carried out a massive rectification programme to \u2018undo\u2019 the rigged software and has done so to over 600,000 cars (all diesels, of course) in the UK alone. But there is a major setback.\nAccording to \nAuto Express UK\n, the repairs caused owners\u2019 cars to break down and suffer from drops in fuel economy. An online poll involving 542 VW owners revealed that over 87 percent experienced mechanical problems, 66.9 percent of which are related to EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and 14 percent are DPF (diesel particulate filter) failures. The former is most common in cars with over 60,000km on the clock, and the cost of repairing is close to RM4,500!\nThe Porsche Cayenne 3.0L diesel (MY 2013-2016) is also among the cars affected by dieselgate\nThe situation even prompted several netizens to pass on the dieselgate fix altogether, with some claiming to be advised by their dealers. Volkswagen UK however, defended the allegations by saying that less than 1 percent of the 600,000 rectified vehicles have reported issues. A VW spokesperson even said, \u201cThat means over 99 percent of customers are satisfied with the technical measures, which of course are carried out free of charge.\u201d\nAs a recap: In 2015, Volkswagen was accused of installing a \u2018defeat device\u2019 to over 11 million diesel cars (including the Audi A3!) to the US and Europe (3 million and 8 million cars respectively). Vehicles fitted with this device would emit significantly less carbon dioxide when put through emissions tests, but details of exactly how the software worked remains a corporate secret.\nWe do know that the software takes into account speed, engine operation, air pressure and steering position. When convinced the car is being lab tested, the software automatically sends the car into \u2018safety mode\u2019, making the engine run below normal power and performance. Real world road tests revealed that the actual emissions level are at least 40 times higher than what\u2019s allowed in the US."
"Today\u2019s a day for big SUVs. You\u2019ve seen the sleek \nBMW X7\n dressed in an \nM Sport kit and finished in Ametrin Metallic paint\n earlier but we\u2019re now visiting the darker side \u2013 the far end of the SUV spectrum \u2013 from elegant and sporty to cynical and downright intimidating.\nWe have here the latest version of the G63 AMG, which was \nlaunched in Malaysia\n and \nreviewed\n over \na year ago\n, but it has gone under the knife in the hands of WALD \u2013 a Japanese tuning company that was established in the 1990 \u2013 known for their pompous and bizarre body kits. Their portfolio simply sparks envy \u2013 catering to the likes of Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Maserati, Toyota and \neven Suzuki which interestingly, is called the Black Bison too\n.\nRight away, you can tell that there are two variations in this \u201cBlack Bison\u201d series \u2013 an iconic series nameplate that WALD has retained from past G63s it has meddled with over the years.\nMaking up the Black Bison kit is a front bumper with more vents than a laboratory, a rear bumper with diffusers and an integrated brake light much like the one on the new Toyota Supra. It also gets more aggressive wheel arches, a roof spoiler and triple exhaust tips on the side-exit exhaust \u2013 triple exit! As a result the Black Bison looks like the imaginative drawing of every 7 year old\u2019s dream war machine.\nBut the similarities between the two (black and white) end there. One sports a vertical \u201cPanamericana-like\u201d grille while in the white G63, they\u2019re horizontal slates, much like the twin-louvre look of AMG-inspired Mercedes\u2019. Not only that, the latter G63 also gets an unnecessarily bulky and elaborate front bonnet but we\u2019ll forgive them, in the name of being different.\nContradictory to that, WALD said exactly this. \u201cThere is a design policy of WALD to keep pursuing the design to which \nultimate simplicity\n and tiredness never come. The status which you look for will be certainly found in the ultimate simple design.\u201d\nForgive Google\u2019s wonky translation but you get the gist.\nWALD also said the design of the G63\u2019s body kit was curated to cater to the \u201cbig demand\u201d of its VIP and celebrity owners and nothing screams fabulous more than a jacked-up ride height and chunky off-road tyres wrapping the massive multi-piece Illima forged wheels.\nSource: \nWald\nGALLERY"
"EVs are the future, and with electrification becoming more and more commonplace in the automotive industry, petroleum and lubricant companies also need to adapt to even stick around in the future. With that in mind, Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) has unveiled its next-generation Petronas Iona fluids specifically designed for \nEVs\n, with an emphasis on efficiency.\nThe Iona fluids range was actually first launched two years ago in 2019. In this new second-generation Iona range, Petronas has further developed the lubricants and coolants to further keep up with the rapid changes in EV technology \u2013 particularly in friction and wear control within electric drive units and e-axles, thermal management, energy efficiency, and reliability.\n\u201cWe believe that e-mobility is expanding at a rapid pace. With this rapid growth, innovative solutions are key to accelerate the move towards e-mobility for a more sustainable future,\u201d said PLI Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe D\u2019Arrigo.\nThe company has been working with a wide range of partners \u2013 including Imperial College, FEV Group, and IAV \u2013 since 2018 to co-engineer safe, high-performing, and dependable fluids specifically for electric powertrain. The new second-generation Petronas Iona fluids, which will be tailor-made to suit each carmakers\u2019 demands, are borne directly from this collaboration.\nThe new range of Iona EV Fluids is in line with PLI\u2019s commitment towards sustainability, first announced back in 2018. According to its roadmap, 75% of its Research and Technology investments will be directed at reducing emissions, which in turn supports its larger goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."
"A new \u2018GR\u2019 by Toyota has debuted in ASEAN and it is the \nToyota GR Corolla\n. The lucky ASEAN country to first receive the Toyota GR Corolla is Thailand with the car fetching a price of 3.949 million baht (approx. \nRM497,567\n). The price of the GR Corolla was officially announced at the 39th Thailand International Motor Expo, and only nine fully-imported (CBU) units will be brought in for now, as Headlightmag reports.\nLike its smaller brother, the \nGR Yaris\n, the GR Corolla is powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, albeit tuned to make \n304 hp\n (metric) and \n370 Nm\n (43 hp and 10 Nm more than GR Yaris). The 3-banger engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the GR Corolla does the century sprint in \n5.5 seconds\n.\nThe Toyota GR Corolla was globally revealed on March 31, 2022, in California and was launched in Japan in June this year as the \u2018GR Corolla RZ\u2019 and the limited-series \u2018\nGR Corolla Morizo Edition\n\u2019. The Morizo edition weighs 30 kg lighter, bumps the torque to 400 Nm, and uses different gear ratios.\nThailand gets the \u2018standard\u2019 GR Corolla as only 200 units of the Morizo Edition were made and were only made available in the US and Japan. The Thai-spec GR Corolla sits on MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension. The wheels are 18-inch alloy wheels and are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.\nRELATED: \nLimited-edition Toyota GR Corolla \u2018Morizon Edition\u2019 could be more exclusive than the GR Yaris!\nPeaking behind the 18-inch alloys are 4-pot 18-inch ventilated disc brakes in front and 2-pot 16-inch ventilated disc brakes in the rear. The GR Corolla also gets Torsen limited slip differentials (LSDs) in the front and rear.\nToyota GR Corolla Thailand customers also get \u2018GR Service Package\u2019, \u2018GR Roadside Services\u2019, and \u2018GR Experience\u2019. \u2018GR Service Package\u2019 is a car-maintenance-by-distance package that includes free periodic maintenance, labor, and spare parts for 3 years or 60,000 km.\n\u2018GR Roadside Services\u2019 is a five-year emergency assistance service. As for \u2018GR Experience\u2019, it is the right to train for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Thailand course and participate in driving activities at the world-class Chang International Circuit.\nRELATED: \nToyota will only be making 8,600 GR Corollas this year \u2013 2,000 for global market\nWith the GR Yaris being previously sold in Malaysia, one could expect the GR Corolla to also be offered, also in very limited numbers. The GR Yaris was sold for RM299,000 (\nwith SST\n), and RM286,896 (\nwithout SST\n). Do expect the GR Corolla to cost more should it enter the Malaysian market.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR Yaris powers into Malaysia; yours for RM299k!"
"Every once in a while, we come across a car that just becomes an instant hit among Malaysians, be it a foolishly good bargain or a stunningly good looking car. More often than not, the demand for these gems will overwhelm supply. Case in point, the highly tax incentivised \nW212 Mercedes-Benz S400h\n and the space-ship like \nHonda Civic FC\n; both of which had an extended waiting period shortly after their debuts.\nMost of these cases are one hit wonders, two if the manufacturers are lucky. When Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB) launched the \nHonda HR-V\n back in 2015, it singlehandedly popularised the compact crossover segment. Strike one. The 10th-generation Honda Civic revitalised the shrinking C-segment sedan market and became the \nmost popular C-Segment sedan in Malaysia\n. Strike two.\nWith the newly introduced \nHonda BR-V\n, a B-segment seven-seater, Honda raked over 8,500 bookings of it in two short months. If that\u2019s not a hat-trick, I don\u2019t know what is. Surely, with over 8,500 individuals putting their money down, you can\u2019t go wrong with the BR-V right? We join Honda Malaysia for a drive up to Penang Island to find out.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda BR-V 1.5V\nEngine\n1,497cc; 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\nTransmission\nContinuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\nPrice\nRM92,800\nHMSB has kindly prepared 10 units of the range topping V-spec BR-V for the purpose of this drive. However, it is worth mentioning that both the entry level E-spec and V-spec share most of the features and differ very little in creature comforts. Mechanically, both variants are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SOHC with i-VTEC, pushing out\u00a0\n118 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels through an Earth Dreams CVT.\nOur range topping V-spec BR-V gets extra goodies such as front fog lamps, chrome door handles, chrome side protectors, keyless entry and the \nRM3,750 optional\n Modulo body kit. This package admittedly adds a touch of athleticism that complements the BR-V\u2019s muscular appearance very well. Especially how the additional chrome bits tie in with the sporty 16-inch alloy wheels.   COMFORT, ERGONOMICS & CONVENIENCES \nThe extra \nRM7,000\n for the V-spec BR-V makes all the sense once you step into the cabin. Inside, you\u2019ll find a neat cabin with quality finishing, which is definitely a welcome surprise for cars in this segment. The leather upholstery and 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system elevate the impression of the cabin. Mind you, the leather, although a mix of synthetic leather, feels good in quality. However, the 6.1-inch infotainment system\u2019s user interface feels a tad dated and does not operate as crisp as the one found on the \nToyota Sienta\n.\nRegardless, the additional creature comforts found in the V-spec BR-V such as push start, steering wheel audio controls, reverse camera and automatic climate control all give a nice touch of convenience as a daily driver.   Getting in and out of the Honda BR-V is convenient for most people, but elderly folks would find ingress not as comfortable due to the relatively high ground clearance of (31 mm taller than the \nCR-V\n). The Sienta, with its powered sliding doors and lower side step makes ingress and egress a more convenient affair. Although, the ground clearance certainly helps in clearing all the bumps and humps that our roads are notoriously known for.\nHop into the second row and the sliding and reclining function offers great amount of flexibility for a comfortable seating position. The ceiling mounted air vents with dedicated blower controls are certainly not an afterthought because the rear passengers will definitely feel the chill. The third-row seats will satisfy averaged height adults just fine, even on long journeys. I had ample knee and head room in the third row, as did the second row occupants.   However, if you\u2019re planning on a weekend getaway for seven, be prepared to pack light as the boot space, while measures at 223 litres (with all the seats folded up), is very shallow,\u00a0meaning most of the luggage will have to be in upright position to be able to fit into the back of the BR-V. With the rear seats folded down however, boot space expands to 539 litres and wouldn\u2019t be an issue to fit in a massive amount of cargo as demonstrated in the picture.\nIf you have the right equipment to strap extra cargo onto the roof rails, Honda has spent massive effort in ensuring that the roof rails are able to support up to 30kg of load.\nTHE POWERTRAIN\nAnother major concern for most buyers would be whether the puny 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four pot from the Honda City is up to the task of moving this people carrier. Despite putting out only \n118 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n, it was enough to take the BR-V up to the last number on the speedometer. Those who intend to ferry seven would not have to worry about getting up to cruising speed.\nAccording to Atsushi Arisaka, Project Leader for the BR-V, Honda\u2019s move of equipping a CVT instead of a regular slush box is to provide consistent power delivery across the rev range, thus improving acceleration under load. And in practice, this formula compliments the seven-seater compact crossover very well.\nArisaka-\nsan\n added that during the development phase, they focused on acceleration, handling and interior packaging \u2013 in that very order. On trunk roads between Tanjung Malim and Ipoh, the BR-V maintained its composure surprisingly well with minimum body roll. Steering feedback from the BR-V was unexpectedly decent for a car that accommodates seven.\nBUT WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?\nTo demonstrate the breadth of the BR-V\u2019s ability, Honda devised an instrumented test called Emergency Lane Change exercise. At a speed of\n 50 km/h\n, the BR-V managed aggressive manoeuvre without so much as breaking a sweat. Even as I increased my entry speed to \n70 km/h\n, the BR-V managed the manoeuvre with little drama. Even if you so dare prod the mechanical limits of the BR-V, its Vehicle Stability Assist and dual frontal airbags should keep you and your passengers safe.   If you\u2019re still not convinced that this is an impressive feat, allow me to give you a little perspective: we drove the Nissan Grand Livina during the same session and it spun 180 degrees at just\u00a0\n60 km/h\n. Even at the expert hands of Ivan Khong, the lead driving instructor and motorsports veteran, the Nissan fared the same.\u00a0Proving once again, this is not just a half-baked, stretched Honda Brio.\nTHE DRIVE\nAs mentioned earlier, the BR-V is a compact crossover with good driving dynamics. Grip levels were high with the limitation of mechanical grip available from the Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 eco tyres. Due to the tall ride height and large body, the BR-V is susceptible to wind drift at speeds above the legal speed limit, though this shouldn\u2019t bother most people. The plus side is, the cabin is well insulated at high speeds, a trait unique to the Malaysian market as HMSB has added additional sound deadening materials for better NVH levels.\nLike all CVT-equipped cars, the transmission works best with a gentle right foot. Hard on the throttle and the gearbox stays in the high end of the rev range, which causes an unpleasant noise. Drive it sedately and you will be rewarded with a refined and comfortable journey.\nOver bumps and humps, the BR-V is well sorted and the ride leans on the plusher side despite its astonishing handling capabilities. Families that upgrades from cars a segment below will be pleasantly surprised.\nJUST WHAT ARE ITS FLAWS?\nThe one thing I simply can\u2019t get over is that its rear end looks like an Autobot\u2019s face, and the overly tall ride height. But in all honesty, those are subjective, and the BR-V is a well packaged car that is more suited for families with an active lifestyle. It handles well, rides comfortably and most importantly versatile.\nBe it for those \nbalik kampung\u00a0\njourneys, fishing trips or even for some light camping, the BR-V will be able to accommodate most, if not all your lifestyle needs. It will fit seven adults without complaints and kids will be happy to be in the back seats of the BR-V. It truly is as versatile as you are.\nTo plug the Toyota Sienta as the BR-V\u2019s closest rival is an unfair comparison for the two. Yes, both fall under the same price bracket and yes, both can ferry seven people in one go. But they each serve a distinct group of individuals whose needs vary few and far between.\nFor the active and outgoing families, the BR-V is definitely the most ideal alternative to a sedan. However, if you\u2019re constantly ferrying senior citizens and use the back seats nine out of ten times, perhaps the Toyota Sienta makes better sense.\nWith bookings already way over the 8,500 mark and a waiting period of two months, the BR-V is no doubt an instant hit with Malaysians. Perhaps the only question you should ask yourself before buying this is: how are you going to use your BR-V?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To celebrate \nSingapore\u2019s 50 years of independence\n, the country\u2019s official Prancing Horse\u00a0importer \nItal Auto\n has commissioned a bespoke Ferrari\u00a0\nF12berlinetta\n through Ferrari\u2019s \nTailor Made\n vehicle customisation program.\nAptly named the \nF12berlinetta SG50 Edition\n, the 6.3-litre V12 stallion is decked out in the nation\u2019s flag colours both inside and out. There\u2019s no visible alteration to the external panels, but they\u2019re finished in a special shade of red called \nRosso Singapore\n. Meanwhile, \nBianco Italia\n is used on the wheels and stripes on the body as well as the skirting all around the car.\nNo mention on whether there was any modifications done to the engine, but even if the engine was left untouched, the \n6,262 cc naturally-aspirated V12\n powerplant is already giving out at least \n730 hp\n and \n690 Nm\n of torque, redlining at a hair-raising \n8,700 rpm\n. It will shred any 100 metre stretch in Singapore from standstill in just \n3.1 seconds\n, although achieving its claimed top speed of \n340km/h\n will prove to be quite a challenge.\nThe cabin also receives the red and white theme on the trim panels and seats. Wrapped in black \nleather and technical fabrics\n, the seats also feature the\u00a0\nSingaporean lion emblem\n on the headrests. Marking the exclusivity of this model is the\u00a0\u201c\nSingapore 50th Anniversary Edition 1/1\n\u201d plaques on the door sills and on the steering wheel.   Whether or not the one-off Super-GT has been sold remains in the dark. As for its price, well, let\u2019s just expect a healthy bump over its base SGD 1,500,000 asking price for the regular F12 Berlinetta.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the double 12 online shopping carnival, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be joining in the celebration with an Instagram-exclusive sale.\nIn what the company calls a first-of-its-kind sales, 12 units of the \nVolkswagen Polo\n and 12 units of the \nBeetle\n will be sold through Volkswagen \nMalaysia\u2019s Instagram page\n at a \nspecial discount of RM12,000\n. The former will come with the \nJOIN accessories package\n, while the latter comes with a free spoiler and VW Tint.\u00a0\nTo enjoy the deals, customers will need to place a booking fee of \nRM500\n for the Polo or \nRM1,000\n for the Beetle through the payment platform via credit card. Once processed, a Volkswagen representative will contact you for arrangements to complete the purchase at your preferred dealership.\u00a0\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter believes that purchasing a car online is now the norm due to the rise of e-commerce platforms. \u201cVolkswagen Malaysia were pioneers in this when we partnered with Lazada to sell the \nspecial edition Beetle\n and \nPolo\n during their 12.12 sale the past two years.\u00a0\n\u201cBoth editions sold out almost immediately, and this year, we continue our trailblazing streak as the very first automotive brand in the country to sell products on Instagram,\u201d he added.\nThe offer will be available for 24 hours, starting from\n 12:01 am to 11:59 pm\n this coming \n12th December\n.\u00a0More information can be found on Volkswagen Malaysia\u2019s \nInstagram Shop page\n."
"The \nBMW\n M1 Procar is simply the stuff of legends. Built for a one-make series that never took off, these bad boys are capable of pushing out anywhere between 500 hp to over 1,000 hp from a mid-mounted 3.5-litre engine.\nPurely based on this 2018 video, the car you see makes \n470 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n of torque. Due to its weight of just over 1,000 kg (perfect for hill climbs), that\u2019s enough to propel the \nBMW M1 Procar \nfrom 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds before it tops out at 310 km/h.\n \nImpressive numbers but an AMG A45 would look at it and just smirk, perhaps even laugh but that\u2019s not what this is about. It\u2019s about the M1\u2019s 9,000 rpm rev limit, the sound it emits while doing so and the way this BMW is driven to its absolute limit on a hill climb.\nAnd I mean absolute limit. No gear changes are made until the straight-six engine is absolutely screaming on top of its voice and the way the driver utilised every inch of the road, especially through the corners, is nothing short of phenomenal.\nOn certain stretches, considering the speed of the M1, you\u2019d cringe watching how close the car is to the edge of the road. Scary stuff when you realise there\u2019s nothing to prevent the car from plunging into ditch or smashing into a forest of trees.\nEnjoy!"
"A landmark ruling by the Federal Court now holds that road accident victims should be automatically compensated without having to sue the respective \ninsurance\n \ncompanies. One impact of this ruling is that even in \nsambung bayar\n cases, third-party road accident victims are still able to claim compensation from the insurance companies.\nThis development follows eight appeals involving eight different motorists (of which seven were injured) where the court allowed all eight appeals and awarded \nRM150,000\n in costs to each of the successful parties.\nImage for illustration purposes only and does not involve cases mentioned.\nThe appeals came about as the insurance companies had obtained a declaration in the High Court to nullify policies of motorists due to allegations of misconduct on the part of the vehicle owners. This had denied accident victims monetary compensation that had been due to them.\nOne of the eight cases involved a \nsambung bayar\n vehicle (not belonging to the third-party victim). \nSambung bayar\n is when a car is \u201csold\u201d by continuing the monthly bank loan installment without changing the name of the owner on the Vehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC) and naturally not informing the insurance company. The practice is illegal, just in case you were wondering, but the court has explained that its decision serves to protect innocent third parties.\nRELATED: \nDriving over flooded roads and getting additional coverage for your car\nImage for illustration purposes only and does not involve cases mentioned.\nFree Malaysia Today\n reports that Federal Court judge Abdul Rahman Sebli said the provisions in the Road Transport Act 1987 should be construed to protect all motorists, including victims of road accidents. He said the intention of Parliament in enacting the Act was to also protect innocent third-party road users.\nRahman said the Act had to balance two competing interests. The first was to protect innocent third parties against the risks. On the other hand, he said, the law had to protect an insurance company from being victimised by fraudulent claims. In setting the balance between these two competing interests, at the end of the day, the loss had to fall on one party \u2013 the Act had decided that such a loss should be borne by the insurer.\nImage for illustration purposes only and does not involve cases mentioned.\nIn response to the judgment, a lawyer said that in the last decade, many grey areas had sprung up in motor accident cases. \u201cThis uncertainty has caused huge problems for innocent road victims. This case resolves those difficulties in one fell swoop,\u201d the lawyer, who asked not to be named, told FMT.\nRELATED: \nFull liberalisation of motor premiums? Not yet, prices still fixed by BNM according to PIAM"
"Lamborghini has long been associated with drama and flare. With its fighter-jet appearance and equally sonorous\u00a0engines, Lamborghini definitely knows a thing or two in motorsports. Last weekend, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia series invaded Sepang for round 4\u00a0of the 2016 series. The experience was nothing short of a sensory overload.\nSince the inception of the Super Trofeo Europe series in 2009, the series has now expanded to 2 other regions, namely Asia and North America. This year, the series kick started in Shanghai International Circuit (CHN) subsequently moving on to Suzuka Circuit (JPN) and Chang International Circuit (THA) before arriving at Sepang International Circuit (MAS) for round four. The race will then take the teams to Fuji Speedway (JPN) with the final stop at Valencia (SP). Winners from each region will then have a final showdown at the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo World Finals in Valencia (SP) from the 1 to 2 December 2016.\nPic credit: Lamborghini\nNow in its fifth year (Asian series), the one-make series boasts a full line-up of race prepped \nLamborghini Huracan LP 620-2 Super Trofeo\n. Using the same engine from the road going LP 580-2, the naturally aspirated V10 is tuned for a healthy \n620 hp\n. With those large wings and body kit for aerodynamics, it was a sight to behold when the cars blitz through Sepang\u2019s main straight.\nThe championship consists of three categories, \nPro-AM\n (seasoned drivers),\n AM\n (intermediate drivers) and \nLamborghini Cup\n (beginner drivers). We are proud to report that out of the 20 participants, two are Malaysians. \nAfiq Yazid\n, the 25-year old from Kuala Lumpur is an alumni of \nLamborghini\u2019s Young Driver Program\n. Together with his partner Toshiyuki Ochiai from Japan, the duo in car #12 has the podium in their sights. Zen Low together with his partner Max Wiser from Italy steers car #69.\nWith the sun blazing upon Sepang and the tarmac bone dry at around \n41 degrees Celsius\n, conditions were perfect for a heated morning race. As the cars line-up after their warm-up lap for a rolling start, spectators held their breath (and ears) for what is to come. The nanosecond the lights turn green, all 12 competitors unleashed the full \n620 hp\n grunt onto the track. Spectators were treated to an orchestra of naturally aspirated V10\u2019s. The experience was only second to the good old Formula One V12\u2019s.   In round one, Yazid and Ochiai battled Dilantha Malagamuwa from Sri Lanka and Armaan Ebrahim from Indonesia into pole position for \nPro-AM \nclass. Meanwhile, Yudai Uchida from Japan and partner Jono Lester from New Zealand pulled a spectacular performance making their way up to third place from their grid position (started 10th\u00a0on the grid). The Low and Wiser pair came in a close fourth. For the \nAM \nclass, Andrew Haryanto from Indonesia emerged at the top, beating George Chou from Taipei and Samson Chan from Hong Kong. Coming in at third for the AM class was Vincent Wong from Hong Kong and Sanghwi Yoon from Korea. Lastly, in the \nLamborghini Cup\n class, Supachai Weeraborwornpong from Thailand flew solo for 50-minutes to beat lone ranger Sam Lok of Hong Kong.\nRound two of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia series commenced at 2:20p.m. when the sun is most brutal. The second race is more physically demanding for the participants as they brave through 50-minutes of sprinting at a track temperature of \n50 odd degrees\n. This time, we again witnessed our local hero bagging first place for \nPro-AM\n class together with his teammate from the Land of the Rising Sun. Consequently, they finished first place overall.\nUchida/Lester who started sixth on the grid ploughed their way through to second place followed closely by Malagamuawa/Ebrahim pair. Once again local competitor Low and teammate Wiser came in a close fourth as they battled their way from a seventh grid position. Moving to the \nAM cup\n, Wong/Yoon took came out on top while Keong Wee Lim of Singapore came in second. Completing the podium is the Chou/Chan pair.\nPic credit: Lamborghini\nAfter the race, Yazid said it was his first ever race on the newly resurfaced Sepang track. It\u2019s much smoother and helped Yazid up his rhythm one notch. \u201cRacing on my home turf always feels great and I\u2019m overjoyed with the end result,\u201d said Yazid. The young Malaysian also shared with us his experience in Lamborghini\u2019s Young Drivers Program. He jokes that it is akin to a university degree as racing is not the only thing that he does.\nIn \nLamborghini Accademia\n, \ndrivers are taught more than just to race. It is a complete immersion of the brand. From track set up to handling the media, the Young Drivers Program is aimed to develop \nyoung ambassadors\n for the brand. When asked what is next for Yazid, he hints that he will be working closely with Lamborghini as their test driver. With his extensive experience on track, he is looking forward to help develop\n next-gen vehicle technologies\n which will be deployed on race cars and subsequently trickle down onto production cars. To think that a Malaysian will have a part in the development of next-gen Lamborghini\u2019s is truly a proud moment for the\u00a0\nJalur Gemilang\n.\nThe next stop for Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia series will be at the iconic Fuji Speedway in Japan. We at \nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to extend our support to the Malaysian drivers\u00a0as well as our best wishes to those participating!\nIMAGE GALLERY   Pic credit: Lamborghini\n \n Pic credit: Lamborghini   Pic credit: Lamborghini"
"If you\u2019re still not convinced that electric is the future, then perhaps this will. \nMercedes-AMG\n, best known for stuffing massive powerful engines in their cars, is now working on EV performance models. The first fully-electric AMG offering will be unveiled this year.\nAnnounced in Mercedes-AMG\u2019s presentation of their electrification roadmap today, the AMG EVs will essentially be derivatives of the new Mercedes EQ models, based on the new \nMercedes Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA) \n\u2013 similar to how most of the current crop of AMG performance models are based on existing Mercedes-Benz cars.\nIn true AMG fashion, these fully-electric luxury models will feature extensive modifications to pretty much every single (electro)mechanical part of the car, including drivetrain, chassis, design, and even the batteries itself.\nWhile they are not quite ready to reveal the actual car just yet, we\u2019re guessing that it will most likely be a model based on the EQS, which is set for its global debut this year.\nThe company is also proud to declare that the overall performance of the fully-electric powertrain will be on par with \u201cthe most powerful Mercedes-AMG Performance models\u201d using its current 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine \u2013 probably referring to the \nGT Black Series\n, which currently makes \n730 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Mercedes-AMG EVs will feature a fully-variable all-wheel drive system with modular torque distribution, powered by two independent motors \u2013 one on each axle. Century sprint is completed in \u201c\nwell under 4.0 seconds\n\u201c, while top speed is rated at \n250 km/h\n with the electric motors spinning at 18,000 rpm.\nThe 400-volt lithium-ion battery pack also gets customised with its own wiring harness, adapted specifically for the higher performance capacity of the AMG EVs. There\u2019s also a new electric-exclusive AMG i-Booster function, combining electric recuperation and hydraulic braking during deceleration.\nThe first Mercedes-AMG EV will most likely be based on the upcoming\n EQS fully-electric sedan\n.\nAs is standard on a Mercedes-AMG model, the air suspension on the EVs will also receive performance-oriented tuning specifically for spirited driving, and to tie up the whole experience, these performance-oriented EVs will even get a specially-composed \u201cAMG Sound Experience\u201d with additional hardware such as loudspeakers and shakers to replicate the feeling of a combustion engine \u2013 just in a more electric way."
"Remember the\n \u2018Beast\u2019 that Polestar showed off\n in last year\u2019s Goodwood Festival of Speed? Well, it was originally only supposed to be an experimental model, to test the limits of their engineering capabilities. But the public\u2019s response towards the car was apparently so good, that they had \u201cno choice other than to put it into limited production\u201d, or so they say.\nIt\u2019s called the Polestar 2 BST edition 270 \u2013 where \u2018BST\u2019 obviously stands for \u2018Beast\u2019, and \u2018270\u2019 for the fact that only 270 units will be built, and it\u2019s exclusive to Europe, North America, and China.\nKicking things off is the electric powertrain, which has been tuned to now make \n350 kW (476 hp)\n and \n680 Nm\n of torque, or 50 kW (68 hp) and 20 Nm more than the\n regular car\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via a dual-motor set-up, with a 78 kWh battery pack providing electric juice.\nMore important than that, however, are the chassis upgrades. The BST also gets a set of specially-developed Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers, a front strut bar, 25 mm lowered ride height, as well as 20% stiffer springs all round.\nALSO READ: Polestar 2 debuts in ASEAN with Singapore launch, cheaper than XC40\nAll of these changes were initially designed to handle the tight twists and turns of the Goodwood circuit, and now 270 lucky people will get to experience it on the open roads too. To round it all off, the Polestar 2 BST Edition 270 also gets a set of matte black 21-inch alloy wheels shod in bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres, with four-piston Brembo brakes hiding behind.\nThe limited-edition model is available in either Thunder or Snow exterior colours, and can be paired to a matte black stripe (with a negative-spaced \u20182\u2019 on the bonnet) across the entire length of the car for an additional USD1,000 (approx. RM4,391) if you so wish.\nWant to take it to the next level? Polestar will also let you wrap the entire car in a Battleship Gray satin wrap \u2013 but no matter which exterior colour you choose, the bumpers, wheel arch claddings, and side skirts will all be fully-painted/wrapped according to the exterior colour as opposed to gloss black on the regular model.\nThe Polestar 2 BST Edition 270 will have a starting price of USD76,900 (approx. RM338k), and deliveries are scheduled to start near the end of this year. Just too bad we won\u2019t be able to get one here.\nGALLERY"
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia has just officially launched the 508 facelift, bearing an exterior package that resonates rather nicely with the French automaker\u2019s current design language.\nIt\u2019s offered here in three trim levels and two body styles now, while the top-of-the-line GT variant will no longer be offered in a wagon form. Dimensions wise, the 508 sedan retains the same 2,817mm wheelbase, but the car is \n38mm\u00a0longer\n at 4,830mm \u2013 up from the previous 4,792mm. This growth however, translates to a longer front (16mm) and rear overhang (22mm).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 508 THP Sedan\nPeugeot 508 THP SW\nPeugeot 508 GT Sedan\nEngine\n1,598cc; inline-4 with twin scroll turbo and VVT\n1,598cc; inline-4 with twin scroll turbo and VVT\n2,179cc; turbocharged inline-4 with VVT\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto\nMax Power\n163 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n163 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n202 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,250 rpm\n240 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,250 rpm\n450 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n9.2 seconds; 220 km/h\n9.2 seconds; 220 km/h\n8.4 seconds; 235 km/h\nPrice (OTR with insurance and GST)\nRM\nRM\nRM\nEXTERIOR\nThe changes done unto the car is very visually telling, as you can see here. New on the \nD-Segment contender\n is its front fascia, of which includes a pair of all-new \nfull-LED headlights\n, a revised grille where the Lion badge now sits (previously on the bonnet), redesigned lower intake and a pair of slender LED DRLs (that doubles as signal indicators) built above the LED fog lamps.   A view from the side reveals a new set of \n18-inchers\n for the petrol powered variants, wrapped with \n235/45 series\n Michelin Primacy HP tyres. At the back, the sedans get the tail lights redesigned while still retaining the brand\u2019s signature three-clawed look. The wagon on the other hand, gets the same tail lamps as before, and the exhausts pipes \u2013 as with most French cars \u2013 are hidden, save for the GT variant which gets dual rectangular pipes.   On that front, the GT carries forward the same wheels as before, measuring \n19-inch\n wrapped with \n235/40 series\n Continental ContiSportContact 3 rubbers. Telling this variant apart from the rest can be easily done by spotting the GT badges placed on the grille and the fenders.\nINTERIOR\nThose of you who are familiar to the outgoing 508\u2019s cabin will agree that not much has changed, well that\u2019s because the car isn\u2019t entirely new. But to go along with the brand\u2019s direction of a less cluttered dash, the 508 facelift now comes with a \n7-inch HD multifunction touchscreen\n. Like the recently launched \n308 THP\n, it groups the following functionality into one space \u2013 GPS navigation, air conditioning, radio, USB, Bluetooth and DVD playback.   This inclusion means forgoing the knobs in the centre panel from before, making way for a mind bogglingly small \nstorage box\n (slide to open and close).\u00a0Completing the interior kit list are colour heads up display, \nquad-zone auto air conditioning\n, electric parking brake, keyless entry with push-start button, leather upholstered 8-way electric front seats with 4-way lumbar support and smart beam technology.\nAlso standard across the range is the \n10-speaker JBL HiFi\n surround sound system with Arkamys audio processing software. Exclusive to the wagon is a class-leading (size wise) panoramic glass roof, whereas the GT variant gets \nNappa upholstered seats\n with memory and massage function (for driver only). Pop the sedan\u2019s trunk and you\u2019ll find a cavernous \n545 litres\n of boot space, while in the wagon you get up to \n758 litres\n with the rear seats up. Fold them down and you get \n1,244 litres\n in the sedan and \n1,865 litres\n with the wagon for all your hauling needs.\nPERFORMANCE\nTwo engines can be had here \u2013 either a \n1.6-litre THP\n or the \n2.2-litre turbodiesel HDi\n\u00a0unit. The former is a carryover lump, but instead of making the 156hp of old, it is now tuned to make \n163 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,450 to 4,250 rpm. It\u2019s paired to a \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission \nwith paddle shifters\n and \nSport mode\n, which together propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.2 seconds\n before maxing out at \n220 km/h\n. Fuel economy is rated at \n7.1 litres per 100km\n.\nLike before, the GT variant will be powered by a \n2.2-litre oil burning motor\n that makes \n202 hp\n at 3,500 rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 to 2,750 revolutions. This gets the same \nsix-speed slush box\n, but manages the century sprint in \n8.4 seconds\n while sipping \n5.7 litres of diesel per 100km\n. Its top speed is \n235 km/h\n. Both engines channel drive to the \nfront wheels\n.\nThe petrol variants are sprung on \nMacpherson struts\n at the front, while the GT gets a \ndouble wishbone\n setup; the exact configurations as before. All variants however, share the same multi-arm suspension at the rear. Peugeot explains that the Macpherson-setup provides great road holding and ride comfort, whereas the GT\u2019s setup allows for better rigidity and driving accuracy.\nSAFETY\nHere, the 508 excels. It\u2019s got \nsix airbags to boot\n, two Isofix fixtures for the rear seats, a new \u2018curved\u2019 head restraint, collapsible front structure to better absorb energy transfer in the event of an accident and \nBlind Spot Sensor System\n (BLISS; ironic, we know).\nOther safety features include ESP, traction control, Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Braking Assist and ABS with EBD. Also added as driving conveniences are \ncruise control with speed limiter\n and front and rear parking sensors.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe 508 comes packed with a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty\n and Peugeot 24 hours assistance. Customers can also benefit from the Peugeot Privilege programme, granting them the brand\u2019s premium services such as the usage of Peugeot Lounge at Subang Skypark Terminal.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Peugeot 508 Launch   2015 Peugeot 508 GT   2015 Peugeot 508 THP Sedan   2015 Peugeot 508 THP SW"
"Together with the \nlaunch of the new GLE and GLE Coupe\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also introduced the SUV variant to the C-Class, the Mercedes-Benz GLC. It\u2019s available in one trim only, and is priced at RM328,888 on-the-road without insurance.\nThe GLK successor shares the same platform as the current W205 C-Class, which gives way for growth in dimensions. Compared to the GLK, the GLC is \nbigger in every way\n, measuring at 4,656mm long, 1,890mm wide, 1,639mm tall and has a longer wheelbase at 2,873mm \u2013 up from 2,755mm previously.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC\nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.3 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM328,888\nEXTERIOR\nThe GLC 250 4MATIC is rather generously kitted, beginning with the AMG body styling and familiar C-Class front fascia that also features Mercedes-Benz\u2019s LED Intelligent Light System. It sits on 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels 255/45 series tyres.   This trim also comes with aluminium side steps as standard, and towards the back you\u2019ll find a pair of sleek LED tail lamps and at the bottom, dual exhaust pipes.\nINTERIOR\nInside the cabin of this X205 GLC is very much like its sedan sibling, featuring the same dashboard, centre console and flat-bottomed steering wheel with a multitude of controls. In the centre rests a 7-inch infotainment display that also provides a 360-degree proximity view via cameras positioned externally.   The party piece of this SUV\u2019s interior is none other than the high end \n590-Watt\n, \n13-speaker Burmester surround sound system\n that apparently produces three-dimensional sound. MBM has also fitted Keyless Go and \nfull panoramic sliding sunroof\n as standard, and for further convenience the tailgate can be opened as simply as swiping your foot under the rear bumper. Once opened, you\u2019ll find a healthy amount of loading space \u2013 580 litres to be exact, which can be expanded up to 1,600 litres (an increase of 50 litres from the GLK) with the rear bench folded flat.\nPERFORMANCE\nAt the heart of this SUV is the familiar 16-valve,\n 2.0-litre turbocharged four banger\n making \n211 horsepower\n at 5,500 and\n 350 Nm\n of torque that peaks from a low 1,200 rpm all the way to 4,000 revolutions. The engine is paired to a smooth-shifting \nnine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission\u00a0\nthat sends drive to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz\u2019s 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology.\nPerformance wise, the engine is good for a century sprint time of \n7.3 seconds\n, and maxes out at \n250 km/h\n; all while returning a fuel efficiency figure of between \n6.5 to 7.1 litres per 100km\n travelled. It\u2019s unclear at press time whether the GLC 220d or 250d (both with 4MATIC drive) will make its way here in the near future, but MBM has confirmed that \nplans for localising production\n for the GLC is underway. Suffice to say, more variants will reach our shores soon.\nSAFETY\nAs expected of a car this calibre, the GLC 250 4MATIC comes with a good list of safety systems, of which includes Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Active Parking Assistant and Crosswind Assist. It was also recently awarded \n5-stars for excelling in Euro NCAP\u2019s crash tests\n, a feat greatly contributed by its high-strength passenger cell and optimised crumple zone.\nWHAT ELSE?\nMBM is confident that their premium SUV range will be well received by Malaysians, and this optimism drove the company into planning its local assembly at their Pekan Production Plant. For now, the well-specced GLC 250 4MATIC is priced at\n RM328,888\n without insurance and comes with \n4-years unlimited mileage\n warranty package.\nBased on MBM\u2019s \u2018Agility Financing\u2019 programme, a five-year (60 months) tenure of the GLC 250 with 10 percent downpayment will cost you RM3,648 a month. However, through the company\u2019s Hire Purchase Classic financing scheme, the car will cost RM5,587 per month \u2013 that\u2019s with the 2.65 percent interest rate incurred, of course.\nThe GLC 250 4MATIC is available for viewing at your nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships today. Also, if you\u2019re in Kuala Lumpur, be sure to drop by the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) in Sentul for a fun-filled weekend with the brand\u2019s complete range of Premium SUVs!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nfully-electric BMW iX\n has just landed in East Malaysia today, with a brand-new BMW i Charging DC fast charger at the Regas Premium Auto Kuching showroom to welcome its arrival.\nThe new charging facility, launched and officiated today by the Sarawak\u2019s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Dato Sim Kui Hian, will be able to charge electric vehicles at speeds of up to \n180 kW\n, and is one of only two DC fast chargers available in the state.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201c2022 will be a momentous year for us at BMW Group Malaysia as we gear towards an electrified offensive that will transform the local automotive landscape to one that is electrifying and sustainable. As such, it is important that we continue working closely with all our stakeholders, especially our dealers, to ensure that essential charging infrastructures are in place to accelerate this shift across the country.\n\u201cThe arrival of the First-Ever BMW iX, as well as the installation of a new BMW i DC Fast Charging facility at Regas Premium Auto Kuching are testament to this approach, and we are thrilled for our customers in Sarawak to experience Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure at its finest,\u201d de Visser added.\n\u201cThis development of better infrastructure to accelerate the uptake of electromobility amongst motorists in Sarawak is a move that we warmly welcome from all stakeholders in the industry. The confidence shown by BMW Group Malaysia and Regas Group on the viability of electrifying the automotive industry here aligns with our goals for sustainable mobility as well, and we hope to see more automakers taking inspiration from this to also work collaboratively in bringing up the ecosystem for electromobility here in Sarawak,\u201d said Dato Sim.\nRegas Premium Auto Marketing Manager, Jolene Tay added, \u201cAs the only authorised BMW dealer in Sarawak, we are honoured to be able to represent the Future of Electrified Mobility here, on behalf of BMW Group Malaysia \u2013 with the installation of the new BMW i DC Fast Charger, one of only two DC fast charging facilities currently available in the state.\u201d\nThe all-new BMW iX will be on display at the Regas Premium Auto Kuching showroom from today until the 2nd March of 2022. More information can be found on the company\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"The \u201cClarity\u201d nameplate used to reflect the fuel cell vehicles from Honda.\u00a0However, with hydrogen hasn\u2019t gained popularity as much as hybrid and electric vehicle (EV), the Clarity needed a makeover in order to stay competitive. Thus, the\u00a02018 Honda Clarity is now available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and EV.\nThe Clarity took some design cues from the current \nHonda Civic\n, after all, Honda\u2019s darling C-segment model does attract the crowd. The rear wheels get partially covered, just like its fuel cell equivalent. Honda claims the new Clarity seats five comfortably\u00a0and features Honda Sensing active safety suite and Display Audio that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   The Clarity EV will be powered by an electric motor that makes\n 161 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, drawing power from its\u00a0\n25.5-kWh battery pack.\n Its range, however, falls rather short as it can only travel\u00a0up to \n129 km\n, where the \nNissan Leaf\n can go\u00a0up to 171 km per charge. The Clarity EV can be\u00a0fully charged\u00a0in just over three hours with\u00a0240v charger, or 30 minutes using\u00a0DC fast charging.   Meanwhile, the Clarity PHEV has an advantage of having an internal combustion engine,\u00a0\n1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder\n mill. The engine, making\n 181 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n of torque, is mainly tasked to generate electrical power but it can also drive the wheels when required. Electrical juice is stored in\u00a0a \n17-kWh battery pack\n with a charge time of 2.5 hours using the 240v charger. Its mileage via the pure electric mode is just 67 km, but with the assistance of the engine, it can go up to \n530 km\n.\nFor now, the 2018 Honda Clarity is strictly made for the American\u00a0consumers, with prices begin from\u00a0 US$35,000 (approximately RM155k). The Clarity PHEV is expected to become Honda\u2019s volume seller, while the Clarity EV is available for leasing in California and Oregon states.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2018 Honda Clarity PHEV   2018 Honda Clarity EV"
"Waze and the Selangor State Government are collaborating in an initiative where \u201cWazers\u201d can now report potholes they see on the road through the app and local authorities will attend to it within 5 days.\n \n Step 1\n \n Step 2\n \n Step 3\nThe steps are as above and is really\u00a0\nsimple\n:\nHold on the \u201cReports\u201d icon and three different types of reports will show up\nMove your finger towards the \u201cHazard\u201d icon\nOn the Hazard Menu, select \u201cOn Road\u201d and subsequently select \u201cPothole\u201d\nPress \u201cSend\u201d to share the report and the Selangor State Local Authority will attend to the pothole within \n5 days\n \n Step 4\n \n Step 5\n\u201cWith this initiative, drivers in Selangor have a simple and effective way to report potholes directly to the authorities so they can get patched quickly,\u201d said Country Manager for Waze Malaysia, Edward Ling.\nThe project covers the areas of \nPetaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam, Ampang Jaya, Kajang, Klang, Selayang, Sepang and Subang Jaya\n. Do take note that some roads in Selangor are privately owned or separately managed by Jabatan Kerja Raya, Pejabat Daerah/Tanah or Malaysia Highway Authority and Concessionaires.\nThe Selangor State Government has received more than 19,000 reports from \u201cWazers\u201d and have patched almost all of those on local authority roads.\n\u201cThis citizen collaboration has shown tangible impacts and we hope that Selangor residents will continue to assist the state in pothole detection via the Waze app.\u201d"
"Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has clarified in his press briefing today that there is no compulsory usage of the MySejahtera contract-tracing application when filling up at the pumps, \ncontrary to the statement we received earlier today\n by the Ministry of Health\u2019s Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre.\nThe senior minister clarifies that this will only apply to customers who are paying through electronic payment methods directly at the pumps.\n\u201cWe have further defined the SOP [standard operating procedure] at petrol stations,\u201d said Ismail Sabri. \u201cFor those who are fuelling up at the pumps and are paying using credit, debit cards, or online applications, who do not need to enter the store to pay, you don\u2019t need to register using the MySejahtera app.\u201d\nCustomers entering the convenience stores, \nsurau\n, or any other facilities including service centres and car wash outlets at the petrol stations would still have to scan the MySejahtera app or register their details at the supplied log book. However, customers making payments at the \u2018pigeon hole\u2019 counter, as well as using the air pumps for tyres, are exempted from this rule.\nConfusion arose yesterday night on social media after conflicting statements were provided by the authorities. Bukit Aman CID deputy director DCP Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid was quoted yesterday saying that the use of the contact-tracing application is mandatory even if the customer does not enter the indoor premise.\nThe statement was made in response to a viral clip shared online of a man allegedly being fined RM1,000 due to not having \u201cchecked-in\u201d with the MySejahtera application while refuelling his vehicle."
"If you remember our post from last October, Mazda announced that it will soon launch \nfive new SUVs\n \u2013 the CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, CX-90 \u2013 with production set to begin as early as 2022.\nShortly after officially revealing one of the six \u2013 the\n 2023 Mazda CX-50\n \u2013 for the American market, another video surfaced online; revealing quite a lot of the \nnew CX-60\n.\n \nRELATED: \nMazda to introduce a wave \nof SUVs with new naming scheme, six cylinders, and wider bodie\ns\nNow, Mazda has taken to YouTube to announce the imminent arrival of the new CX-60, due to be launched globally one month from now, on the \n8th of March 2022\n.\nAs you can tell from the cameo appearance of the CX-60, much of the exterior remains largely similar to the CX-5 and CX-9 we have locally except for minor differences to the headlamp design, slightly different front bumper, and additional details on the side fenders.\nLike the\n facelift Mazda CX-5 revealed in September\n last year, the CX-60 also features body-coloured fenders and skirting.\nThe new range of SUVs will feature a rear-wheel drive powertrain layout, with six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines available."
"After a successful showing in 2020, BMW Malaysia will once again be celebrating Malaysia Day this year with another BMW M Gathering. It\u2019s organised together with the M Owners Malaysia community once again, but this year, it won\u2019t be \njust\n another gathering, as the German marque is also celebrating the\u00a0\n50th anniversary of its performance division\n.\nThe ///Malaysia Day 2022 celebration will take place at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre on September 16, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. Billed as the \u201clargest gathering of BMW M performance vehicles in the country\u201d, the event is set to feature over 150 BMW M performance vehicles, alongside a special display of some of the \noldest BMW M models in the country\n.\nThe event will be open to the public, and attendees will also stand a chance to win exclusive BMW M merchandises. Participants of the event, however, will also take part in a special convoy making their into the city centre, celebrating Malaysia Day and 50 years of BMW M in the best way possible.\nMore information and further updates on the Malaysia Day BMW M Gathering can be found on M Owners Malaysia community\u2019s official Instagram page, linked \nhere\n.\nALSO WATCH: \nCelebrating Malaysia Day as a BMW M car owner!"
"I was in Johannesburg, South Africa at the tail end of last year for the \nBMW M Festival 2019\n, held in the venerable Kyalami Circuit where BMW hosted the M Festival to pay tribute to the single most powerful letter in the world \u2013 what a treat it was!\nAmong the host of activities lined up was the BMW xDrive Driving Experience at the purpose-built xDrive Park where I took a \nG01 BMW X3\n xDrive30d through a challenging off-road excursion.\nAt first glance, the course seemed quite intimidating but when behind the wheel of the X3, it was actually a stroll in the (xDrive) park \u2013 a testament to the all-wheel drive system\u2019s capability when the tarmac ends.\n \nBut the best part has to be the M Track experience where I get to pick three cars to drive around Kyalami and one of them was the first ever X3 M Competition. This car previews the S58 twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six that will be under the bonnet of the upcoming \nG80 M3\n (and the \nG82 M4,\n of course).\nAccording to one of BMW\u2019s driving instructors, the \nF97 X3 M Competition is actually quicker around Kyalami than the outgoing F80 M3\n; bear in mind, the F97 X3 M Competition weighs almost two tonnes. With\n 510 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n, it has 100 Nm less than the \nAMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC\n from an engine that\u2019s around 1,000cc smaller, with two less cylinders \u2013 a little food for thought.\nThe itinerary in South Africa also involved sampling the all-new BMW F40 M135i xDrive which was great in some areas, but not so in others. Check out \nwhat the M135i xDrive was like\n,\n here\n.\nThe F97 X3 M Competition is not yet available for the Malaysian market, but when it arrives here it\u2019ll be interesting to find out how the X3 M Competition fare against the GLC 63 S 4MATIC, don\u2019t you think?\nGALLERY"
"The McLaren 675LT is no doubt one of McLaren\u2019s most exclusive cars, limited to only 1,000 units worldwide (500 \ncoupes\n, 500 \nspiders\n) but if a customer desires to make their British supercar truly one-of-one, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will deliver just that.\nFeast your eyes on this 675LT Coupe that was made to pay homage to the legendary McLaren F1 GTR Gulf Racing livery and if you are aware of the supercar scene in Malaysia, you would know that this bespoke car belongs to none other than His Royal Highness Tunku Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong Johor (TTJ).   It took MSO over 1,000 hours to complete this bespoke project and the Gulf Racing paintwork itself accounted for 800 hours of that total. This is a truly special project because the 675LT is a spiritual successor of the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR \u2018Longtail\u2019 which bears the Gulf Racing livery.\nEvery single detail on the modern-day supercar was done to match the legendary race car from the Gulf Blue paintwork with trademark orange centre stripe to the Dayglo Orange 20-spoke alloy wheels. The car is also fitted with MSO range of options include louvred front wings, roof scoop upgrade and carbon fibre airbrake.\nInside, the cabin features some personalised touches as requested from the Johor price \u2013 MSO racing seats with \u201cTTJ\u201d embroidery, orange and blue contrast stitching to match the exterior paintwork, orange seat belts, Gulf Blue painted handling and powertrain bezels on the Active Dynamics Panel and the vent and stop/start button bezel in Gulf Orange.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Peugeot has just revealed the all-new 208 and safe to say, it has put us on the edge of our seats, tails wagging and aching to have one.\nIt\u2019s hard to find a reason to dislike, internally at AutoBuzz.my, we\u2019re all a fan of how it looks \u2013 all angry yet cute at the same time \u2013 it\u2019s like your adorable girlfriend throwing an mini tantrum.\nBut take a step back and observe; perhaps even squint your eyes a little. Does it not like the a \u201cbuldgier\u201d, more well-built Mazda 2 hatchback? There may not be a stark resemblance but it\u2019s hard to unsee, now that we\u2019ve mentioned.\nThe new 208, which is now 30 kg lighter, is only available with a 1.2-litre PureTech 3-cylinder engine with three different outputs \u2013 \n75 hp\n, \n100 hp\n and \n130 hp\n. Transmission wise, there\u2019s the five and 6-speed manual along with a 6-speed auto.\nThere\u2019s also a 1.5-litre diesel engine but that\u2019s irrelevant to us but perhaps the most interesting has to be the all-electric model called the e-208.\nIt makes \n136 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n from an electric motor and that alone is enough to get it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds \u2013 a performance that rivals our local Volkswagen Golf TSI R-Line.\nInside the new 208 inherits Peugeot\u2019s i-Cockpit interior concept, with the instrument cluster mounted higher than the steering wheel as one of its signature. The dazzling holographic 3D digital display is an optional extra.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mate Rimac, the founder and namesake of \nRimac Automobili\n, is not one to play it safe. It\u2019s only been a couple of months since they signed the deal to \nacquire a majority stake in Bugatti\n, but the soon-to-be CEO has already told the press that he already has big plans to do \u201csomething crazy\u201d with the French brand.\nAnd now, we finally have some more information on Bugatti\u2019s future plans, coming right from the main man Rimac himself.\n \nSpeaking to \nManny Khoshbin\n at the Monterey Car Week, Rimac told the YouTube personality and real estate mogul that the company has already started working on a new model \u201cfrom the ground up\u201d since about a year ago, with a launch scheduled in about three years time.\nFor loyal Bugatti customers such as Khoshbin himself, the company will start sharing more in under a year\u2019s time \u2013 so we\u2019ll likely hear about these developments not long after that. But the fact that Rimac emphasised on \u201cfrom the ground up\u201d seems to suggest that it won\u2019t be a traditional Bugatti, i.e. not a \nChiron\n successor.\nBugatti has just opened its first SEA showroom in Singapore, with a Chiron Pur Sport as its centrepiece! Check it out here.\nAs for the \u201csomething crazy\u201d? In a recent interview with \nMotorTrend\n, Mate Rimac told the publication that there\u2019s so much he can do with the brand. \u201cMaybe an SUV or long hood coupe or something absolutely insane that no one thinks about,\u201d he added.\nMotorTrend \nreports that both Bugatti and Rimac hypercars will utilise Rimac\u2019s high-performance electric powertrains in the future, with two new Bugatti models already planned for launch before 2030: the first a petrol-electric hybrid, followed by an EV afterwards.\nThe last Bugatti Divo still looks just as stunning as the first. Check out the final production model here.\nWhile it won\u2019t be easy to see Bugatti parting ways with the iconic W16 engine, it\u2019s high time for Bugatti to actually keep up with technological advancements. If anything, at least it\u2019ll be an exciting next few years for the French brand \u2013 and we can\u2019t wait to see it unfold."
"Out of the five titles up for grabs \u2013 including the World Car of the Year award \u2013 Kia and Porsche picked up two awards each, with Mazda taking home one.\nThe \nPorsche Taycan made headlines last month after it was nominated for three different awards\n and after the final round of voting, the company emerged the winner in two categories. The \nTaycan which we saw in Germany\n nearly took a clean sweep of all the awards it was nominated for \u2013 losing to the \nMazda3\n by just two points\n for the World Car Design of the Year award.\nWatch our \nreview of the Mazda3 here\n!\nPorsche has had a field day in the nomination rounds; taking a clean sweep of the Performance Car category with the \nnew 911\n, \n718 models\n and the all-electric Taycan. Double happiness struck at the Peugeot camp after their \nnew 208 was also named the 2020 European Car of the Year\n.\nThe following are the five different categories and who the winners had to fend off for their respective titles:\nWorld Car of the Year:\nKia Telluride\n \u2013 758\nMazda3 \u2013 745\nMazda CX-30\n \u2013 738\nWorld Luxury Car of the Year:\nPorsche Taycan \u2013 846\nPorsche 911 \u2013 786\nMercedes-Benz EQC\n \u2013 778\nWorld Performance Car of the Year:\nPorsche Taycan \u2013 867\nPorsche 911 \u2013 809\nPorsche 718 \u2013 776\nWorld Car Design of the Year\nMazda3\n \n\u2013 179\nPorsche Taycan \u2013 177\nPeugeot 208\n \u2013 144\nWorld Urban Car of the Year:\nKia Soul EV\n \u2013 751\nVolkswagen T-Cross\n \u2013 702\nMINI Cooper SE Electric\n \u2013 574\nThe road to finalising these winners have taken six months since the candidates were announced in September 2019 at the Frankfurt motor show. These winners have gone through the scrutiny of jurors from all over the world including those from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Greece, Russia and USA to name a few."
"While the R35 \nGT-R\n \nis still soldiering on the same chassis for over 10 years now, \nNissan\n has made a very interesting announcement, featuring the earlier version of \u2018Godzilla\u2019. Through its \nofficial Twitter account\n, Nissan has announced that it is embarking on an electric vehicle (EV) conversion of the Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R.\nThe project was inspired by a Nissan engineer who said, \u201cBy combining the car that I love the most with the technology that I think is the best, we can create a car that people around the world will be more excited about.\u201d Nissan says that it will incorporate the company\u2019s latest electrification technology into this EV conversion project.\n \nThe R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R is the model\u2019s generation that earned the \u2018Godzilla\u2019 nickname. It is powered by the RB26DETT 2.6-litre twin turbocharged engine which makes \n276 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n of torque. Power was sent to all wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Despite its simplicity, the R32 GT-R\u2019s design is iconic and has been an inspiration for many cars following its era.\nNissan has yet to unveil further technical details of the EV conversion project. All that has been said is that it will employ its latest electrification technology. Current fully electric cars in the brand\u2019s lineup include the \nNissan Ariya\n and \nNissan Leaf\n, with the former being its current flagship EV model.\nIn its range-topping dual-motor version, the Nissan Ariya makes \n394 hp \nand \n600 Nm\n, which is more than what the R32 GT-R used to make. 0-100km/h is done in \n5.1 seconds\n. Power comes from an \n87-kWh \nbattery pack and the Ariya is capable of an all-electric range of just under \n600 km\n. With a fast charger, the Ariya can regain 400 km of electric range in just 30 minutes.\nIf you\u2019d like to follow Nissan\u2019s progress on its EV conversion, do check out their \nofficial page\n for this project. They will also be posting updates on their \nofficial Twitter account\n."
"While\u00a0Paul Walker was largely associated with Japanese performance cars, it\u2019s no secret that Vin Diesel loves his muscle cars, particularly Dodge. But did you know that all this while, Vin Diesel had never sign a single endorsement deal with Dodge? Yup, but all that\u2019s changed now.\nDodge released three videos as part of the campaign \u201cThe Brotherhood of Muscle\u201d, titled\u00a0\nRally Cry\n, \nMonsters\n, and \nShepherds\n. The videos showcased the company\u2019s performance models, ranging from the Durango, Charger SRT and the Challenger SRT Hellcat muscle car. Strangely, Dodge\u2019s most recent brute, the \nDemon\n, was absent. Perhaps that could be saved for the next instalment of the Fast and the Furious?\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB6k7Q_uXks\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=5tdOE-MCEIU\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOx4CCbVQjE\nThe latest instalment of the\u00a0Fast and Furious franchise, the Fate of the Furious (or Fast and Furious 8 in some markets) is still playing on the big screens, and it\u2019s reportedly one of the biggest box office earners this year."
"Yup \u2013 you\u2019re looking at the new \nPorsche\n crest that\u2019ll be making its way onto its cars starting this year, in conjunction with the marque\u2019s 75-year anniversary. Need some help? Here\u2019s everything that\u2019s new \u2013 brushed precious metal texture, three-dimensional honeycomb structure, refreshed crest animal, and a more subtle gold colour.\nPorsche says the update process took its designers from Style Porsche three whole years to complete, thanks to the team\u2019s \u201cloving attention to detail\u201d in reinterpreting the emblem\u2019s historical characteristics. \u201cThe result is an aesthetically ambitious arc that bridges the history and the future of the brand,\u201d says Style Porsche vice president, Michael Mauer.\nDespite the changes, though, the new Porsche crest remains largely. identical to its predecessors. Porsche says that\u2019s by design, as the crest is already \u201cone of the most famous trademarks in the world\u201d. So what took them three years to do?\n\u201cThe time factor is very important in a maturing process such as this,\u201d said Style Porsche colour and trim specialist, Joachim Paetzel. \u201cThe trademark is not designed \u2018off the cuff\u2019 within a few days. You have to go back to it again and again, sometimes at longer intervals. The second or third look can reveal to you things that you want to optimise, until it finally achieves a harmonious, natural effect. Only then can you say with satisfaction: \u2018This is exactly how it has to be!\u2019\u201d\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-assembled CKD Porsche Cayenne reaches 1,000-unit milestone\nPorsche designers also paid extra attention to match the 2D and 3D versions of the crest, as it will also need to stand out in the brand\u2019s communications on other avenues. The new crest will help kick-start a refreshed brand identity for the marque, where the \u2018Porsche\u2019 wordmark will also take on a more important role in its brand image.\nIf you do actually prefer the older crests, though, all of the historical crests will still be available worldwide from Porsche Classic, which you\u2019ll be able to buy for both vintage and new cars. With a history dating back to 1952, some of the older ones were also redeveloped with new elaborate processes and new tooling based on their original drawings, in order to pass extensive quality testing.\nGALLERY"
"The Jaguar XJ lineup has just been refreshed for the Malaysian market. The six-year-old aluminium-intensive limo was \ngiven an update last year\n, and finally it\u2019s now available here with a starting price of RM645,000.00.\nExternally, the \nnew headlamps\n with \u2018Double-J\u2019\n LED DRLs\n mark out the facelifted XJ from the front, while the back is harder to tell even with the \nnew tail lights\n with the \u2018\nJ-Blade\n\u2018 motif incorporated inside. Both front and rear bumpers are new, while there\u2019s a choice of 19- and 20-inch rims available on top of the standard-fit \n19-inch\n items.   Highlighting the interior is the mix of sumptuous leather-lined cabin and a high-tech infotainment system. The \n8-inch touchscreen\n is powered by a quad-core processor for a quick and smooth response of the \nInControl Touch Pro\n infotainment system, and it\u2019s hooked up to the \n20-speaker 825W Meridian Digital Surround Sound System\n. On top of that, the \n12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instrument Display\n is now utilised to display a \nfull-screen 3D map\n from the Satellite Navigation System.\nAs standard, the new XJ is fitted with the \nAll Surface Progress Control\n (ASPC) which assists the driver to pull away from standstill in slippery condition as well as \nhill descent control\n, \n360\u00b0 Park Distance Control\n with \nSurround Camera System\n, and \nPedestrian Contact Sensing\n that raises the bonnet slightly when it senses an imminent collision with a pedestrian.   All XJ models here will come in a single \nlong-wheelbase\n bodystyle, but there are three engine choices to choose from. The smallest of the range is a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n generating \n237 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n of torque, followed by a couple of \n3.0-litre V6\n mills. The first V6 is a \nsupercharged petrol\n unit with \n335 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n, while the other one is a \nturbocharged diesel\n unit with \n296 hp\n and a whopping \n700 Nm\n of torque. All three send their power to the rear wheels via an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission.\nThe prices without insurance for the new XJ range\u00a0from \nRM645,000.00\n for the \n2.0 i4\n, \nRM830,000.00\n for the \nV6 petrol\n\u00a0and \nRM800,000.00\n for the \nV6 diesel\n. Every model comes with \nJaguar Care 5-Year warranty\n (or 150,000 km, whichever comes first), \n5-Year servicing\n (or 80,000 km for 2.0, 65,000 km for 3.0, whichever comes first), and \n3-Year Jaguar Roadside Assistance\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Rolls-Royce Kuala Lumpur has launched the \nBlack Badge Ghost\n in Malaysia starting from RM1.8 million before options and duties. The Arctic White unit you see here with the optional double coachlines, starts from RM2.39 mil before options and duties. There will not be an extended wheelbase version of the Black Badge Ghost.\nFor starters, there\u2019s more power. Its 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine now makes an extra 29 hp and 50 Nm, with 600 hp and 900 Nm to drive all four wheels (with rear-wheel steer) via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The result is a 0.1 second quicker time from 0 to 100 km/h at 4.7 seconds.\n \nThe Black Badge Ghost comes with a tweaked air suspension system for reduced body roll, new brake caliper paint for better heat resistance, quicker gear changes, and more responsive brakes. It even comes with a sports exhaust system!\nThe centre piece of the cabin, aside from the Starlight headliner, are the Technical Fibre trims that are more complicated to make, than performing surgery. You have to check out the video to see just how intricate those details are!\nThe\u00a0\nstandard Rolls-Royce Ghost\n\u00a0starts at RM1,450,000 while the extended-wheelbase model starts from RM1,650,000. Both prices are excluding duties and options.\nMore images from our coverage of the Black Badge Ghost \nhere\n!"
"After almost ten years of the third-generation \nToyota Vios\n (with two facelifts), the fourth-generation, or the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios is now finally available in Malaysia. With the new launch, the Toyota Vios is only available in two variants now, namely the E which costs \nRM89,600\n, and the G which costs \nRM95,500\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nOn the outside, the Vios is now bigger, measuring 5mm longer, 10 mm wider, and 5mm taller than it used to be. The wheelbase is also now longer by 70 mm than its predecessor. Despite its size increase though, the Vios now weighs 110 kg lighter. The G variant weighs 1,035 kg while the E variant weighs 1,015 kg.\nStandard features on the outside include a standard aero kit which includes a front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. Also standard is a set of LED headlights with LED DRLs and a follow-me-home function. Differentiating the Vios E and G are the wheels, tyres, window belt trim, and the finishing of the grille. Graciously, Toyota has equipped the Vios with an RFID tag as standard. All that\u2019s left to do by the customer is to activate the tag.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios \u2013 Over 5,000 orders received in less than a month\nThe G variant sits on 17-inch wheels and these are wrapped in Continental Premium Contact C tyres. The G variant, on the other hand, sits on a set of 16-inch wheels. Those wheels are wrapped in a set of Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres. Having tested the G variant, we can vouch that they are decently grippy.\nPowering the 2023 Toyota Vios is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine that makes \n106 hp \nand \n138 Nm\n. It is 1 hp and 2 Nm down from the previous generation, as the engine has been tuned for better fuel efficiency. In its range-topping G variant with 17-inch wheels, the Vios records \n5.2 l/100km\n in terms of fuel consumption. Paired with the engine is a CVT with 7 virtual gears. you get paddle shifters in the G variant, but not for the E variant.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios launched in Malaysia, from RM90k \u2013 EPB, wireless CarPlay, Android Auto\nIn the handling department, the Vios sits on a MacPherson strut suspension setup at the front and a torsion beam setup at the back. As for brakes, the G variant gets ventilated disc brakes in front and solid disc brakes at the back. The E variant gets ventilated disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the back.\nInside, the Vios comes with a 9-inch head unit that supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The unit also comes with a 360\u00b0 view which makes parking a breeze. The G variant gets a full 7-inch digital instrument cluster while the E variant gets a 4.2-inch version. A standard item in the cabin is a front Digital Video Recorder (DVR).\nThe cabin of the 2023 Toyota Vios gets a 64-colour ambient lighting system for the G variant. However, this is only on the storage compartment in the centre console and the small pocket for the front passenger, also on the centre console. You get tilt & telescopic steering adjustment for the G variant but tilt adjustment only for the E variant.\nIn the second row, the Vios now no longer comes with folding rear seats. According to the engineers, this has shaved 10 kg from the overall weight of the car. There is also no centre armrest and the headroom is a little tight. Making a return in the Vios is the centre tunnel in the second row. Second-row passengers get a Type A and Type C USB socket to charge their mobile devices.\nAs for safety, the Toyota Vios now comes with the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense. Standard safety features include\nPre-collision System (PCS)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nLane Departure Prevention (LDP)\nFront Departure Alert (FDA)\nPedal Misoperation Control (PMC)\n3D panoramic view monitor\nBlind spot monitor (BSM)\nRear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)\nFront Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone connectivity\nBrake Assist (BA)\nHill Start Assist (HAS)\n2 front and 4 rear parking sensors\nExclusive to the range-topping G variant are safety features like:\nLane Keeping Control (LKC)\nAuto High Beam (AHB)\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nGALLERY"
"The recently unveiled new \nRenault Megane E-Tech EV\n features not only stunning great looks but also a highly advanced and digital environment via large L-shaped in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system. LG has partnered with Renault to create and holistically blend the system into the Renault Megane E-Tech.\nThe software powering the new Renault OpenR infotainment system measuring 12 inches in portrait format (1,250 x 1,562 pixels) and the 12.3-inch driver\u2019s instrument cluster is Google Android Automotive. It is the first software developed by LG utilising Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) that uses a set of principles and processes to assist large organisations to adopt agile methodologies to develop and deliver high-quality products and services faster.\nGoogle Automotive Services (GAS) has also certified LG\u2019s Android-based IVI system as the \nfirst system\n based on Android 10. Users in the Renault Megane E-Tech will be treated with intelligent services and easy access to various Google apps including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play via the large 12-inch central display. \u00a0\n\u201cOur new IVI system not only meets but exceeds the growing demand for stable, advanced and user-friendly automotive software platforms. Through continuous innovation and collaboration with expert partners such as Renault, LG is committed to delivering differentiated in-vehicle experiences and further strengthening our position as a solutions provider for the global auto industry,\u201d said LG Vehicle Component Solutions, President, Dr Kim Jin-yong.\nAs an innovative partner for future mobility, LG\u2019s Vehicle Component Solutions has earned a reputation as a global top-tier supplier of IVI systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that reflect the very latest developments and trends in mobility. The company has also ventured into advanced lighting technology with the acquisition of ZKW Group as well as a joint venture with Magna International to create the LG Magna e-Powertrain.\nCloser to ASEAN, LG and Hyundai are building a 10 GWh battery plant in Indonesia!\nApart from the in-vehicle infotainment system, LG also partnered together with Renault in using a new lithium-ion NMC (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) battery chemistry technology to achieve the compact dimension that is 40% smaller than the battery in the \nRenault Zoe\n. The efficient battery pack also benefit from a new liquid cooling system that includes die-casted aluminium tubes.\nBuyers next year will have the option to choose the battery capacity with the larger 60 kWh offering a driving range of 470 km, while the smaller 40 kWh model offers up to 300 km. Via a high-capacity 130-kW DC fast charging station, a WLTP-rated range of up to 300 km can be seen after 30 minutes of charging that is available with the large 60 kWh variant.\nThe Renault Megane E-Tech electric will be delivered to new owners in Europe from the second quarter of 2022.\nGALLERY"
"Accidents caused by car doors happen more often than you think. Just like what you\u2019ve read in the title, around 60 cyclists are killed by car doors every year, and this only includes cases reported in the UK. \nVolvo\n, the Swedish carmaker that is big on safety, is attempting to stop, or at least reduce these accidents with its upcoming\n \nVolvo EX30\n fully-electric SUV.\nVolvo says the EX30 will be coming with a suite of new advanced safety features packaged as the Safe Space Technology. This includes a series of safety features, such as the door-opening alert.\nVolvo\u2019s door-opening alert safety feature\nThe door-opening alert feature essentially warns drivers via visual and audio cues whenever they are about to open the door in front of a passing cyclist, motorcyclist or other traffic user. This can come useful when the driver is distracted or not alert and can help prevent unwanted accidents from happening.\nVolvo Head of Safety Centre, Asa Haglund said, \u201cWe have long had a focus on safety in city environments where cars share space with pedestrians and cyclists. With the Volvo EX30, we are taking city safety to the next level, creating a small SUV that is your perfect companion for a comfortable driving experience, while it looks after you and other people on the busy streets of modern cities.\u201d\nRELATED: \nLeaked: Volvo EX30 EV SUV patent images surface ahead of June 7 world premiere\nInterior of the Volvo XC90\nThe Volvo EX30 also comes standard with a new advanced driver alert system. Claimed to look out for drivers when they are not at their best, the car comes with a special sensor behind the steering wheel that comes with powerful algorithms and is able to detect the driver\u2019s eye and face movement around 13 times per second. With the sensor, the Volvo EX30 can then attempt to understand if the driver is distracted, drowsy or inattentive.\nAnother new active safety feature the Volvo EX30 will be coming with is the brand\u2019s new intersection auto brake feature. This feature is designed to help drivers avoid accidents at intersections, by pulling the car to a stop in the event of another car crossing the driver\u2019s path in front unexpectedly, in order to help mitigate or avoid a collision.\nBesides active safety features, Volvo will also be equipping the EX30 with a series of passive safety features. This includes strengthening the car\u2019s safety cage, the A, B, and C pillars, as well as the roof, to give the EX30 a robust structural design and customers peace of mind.\nThe EX30 is included with a far-side airbag on the inside of the driver\u2019s seat as well. The far-side airbag is designed to help reduce head and thorax injuries in the event of a side impact.\nBecause the EX30 is an electric car, Volvo has also put a lot of focus on the car\u2019s battery integrity. As a result, the electric SUV\u2019s chassis and safety cage is built with various forms of high-strength steel, which can help offset the impact of a possible crash in an efficient way.\nAs for the car\u2019s other active safety and driver support systems, Volvo will share more details when the EX30 is revealed, during its global debut on \nJune 7\n, \n2023\n. Customers in selected markets will also be able to order or pre-order the new fully-electric SUV on the same day.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EX30 EV SUV teased, June 7 world premiere \u2013 Something small is coming\nGALLERY"
"Following up with the \nannouncement last week \non the arrival of the \nall-new third-generation D-Max\n this month, Isuzu Malaysia has now published a new page on its website, detailing some of the preliminary specifications that we\u2019ll be getting on our local model here. Among which, Isuzu has now provided a full list of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that will make its way onto our Malaysian-specification D-Max on \u201cselected variants\u201d.\nHere\u2019s the full list of advanced driver assistance features that will be available on the all-new Isuzu D-Max:\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nAutonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Turn Assist\nPedal Misapplication Mitigation (AT variant only)\nAdaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (ACC)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nAutomatic High Beam (AHB)\nBlind Spot Monitor (BSM)\nRear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)\nThe ADAS suite on the upcoming all-new D-Max is pretty much as good as it comes for pick-up trucks in our region, surpassing that of the \nnew Toyota Hilux Rogue\n, \nFord Ranger\n, \nMitsubishi Triton\n, and even the all-new D-Max in Thailand \u2013 the latter only comes with the blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert systems.\nRounding off the list of safety features on the upcoming all-new Isuzu D-max include seven airbags, manual speed limiter, multi collision brake, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESC, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, front and rear parking sensor, reverse camera, and emergency stop signal.\nThe all-new Isuzu D-Max will be offered here in Malaysia in a variety of configurations including single- and double-cab variants, powered either by a \n1.9-litre turbodiesel mill\n (first introduced here in the\u00a0\nfacelifted second-generation model\n), or a revised 3.0-litre engine.\nPricing is estimated to be between RM89,000 and RM145,000 depending on variant, and subject to government approvals. Excited yet? Not too long to go until we get to see it in the metal \u2013 but for now, you can register your interest on the ROI page \nhere\n."
"Polestar, after \nbreaking away from Volvo\n, has begun construction of its new headquarters in Torslanda, Sweden, the same compound as Volvo Cars head office and factory.\nThe new Polestar head office building spans 3,800 square meters and consists of three levels. The new site can accommodate up to 200 employees, up from the current 110 Polestar employees. Construction is expected to be completed in September 2018.\nCEO of Polestar, Thomas Ingenlath said: \u201cThe new Polestar headquarters will be the heart and home of our growing team. It is an architectural translation of what our brand stands for \u2013 it is pure and uncompromised.\u201d\n\u201cMoving to the Volvo Cars\u2019 campus in Torslanda, in close proximity to our parent company, is also a key part of our close cooperation with them.\u201d he added.\nEarlier on, Polestar has confirmed that its \nproduction facility will be located in Chengdu, China\n, next to the same facility where Volvo manufactures their 60-series modes. \nVolvo Cars and its owner, Geely Holdings will jointly invest RMB 5 billion (RM3.2 billion) into Polestar\n to support its product, brand and industrial development.\nThe recently unveiled \nPolestar 1\n will go into production once the Chengdu facility is in place. The Polestar 1 is a \n600 hp\n and\n 1,000 Nm\n hybrid coupe that boasts the longest electric range of any hybrid car of \n150 km\n. It shares only \n50 percent\n of its platform with the \nS90\n, the car it was based on.\nA mid-sized pure electric vehicle called Polestar 2 is said to be ready in 2019 as well as a \npure electric SUV dubbed Polestar 3\n further down the line.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPolestar HQ in Sweden\n \n \nPolestar Manufacturing Plant in China   Polestar 1"
"Tesla Motors has announced an upgrade package for their outgoing Roadster 2.5 \u2013 the all-electric \nLotus-based\n performance car, and the upgrades go beyond just the regular battery swap.\nDespite being just a prototype, the engineers at Tesla are confident that it will do \nover 640 km\n on a single charge. The current Roadster 2.5 manages about 400 km, and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.7 seconds\n.\nSo what\u2019s new in the Roadster 3.0? For owners of the electric sports car, the upgrade package gives you a \nnew battery pack\n, but it won\u2019t be your typical lithium ion pack. Tesla hasn\u2019t yet revealed the new cell, but they claimed that it packs 31 percent more energy than its lithium ion cell, and will deliver about \n70 kWh\n.   That\u2019s not all. The upgrade also gives you a \nretrofitted aero kit\n, effectively reducing the drag coefficient down to 0.31 Cd, from 0.36. Its tyres are new and deliver lower rolling resistance (about 20 percent less), whereas its wheel bearings and residual brake drag will contribute to reduce the overall rolling resistance of the car.\nThere\u2019s no price tag on the retrofitting upgrade as of yet, but the Californian company did reveal that they will put the Roadster 3.0 package to a \nreal-world test\n early next year with a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Tesla also said that they are \nconfident\n that this will not be the last upgrade for the Roadster.\nWhat\u2019s most exciting about this breakthrough in cell technology is that if it\u2019s equally as safe as the lithium ion pack, then we could potentially expect all Tesla cars to have a similar upgrade. All told, we wonder, could this be the fruit of \nTesla and BMW\u2019s collaboration\n in the field of battery technology?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford Australia has just released a teaser video of the all-new Ranger pick-up truck. While it will be officially launched later this year, deliveries to customers will only begin in \n2022\n.\nMuch of the video depicts the performance testing of the all-new Ford Ranger in harsh conditions such as thick mud, sand dunes, rocky path and even snow. Similar to the current generation Ford Ranger Raptor, the next-generation Ranger has been designed and engineered in Australia.\nIt will be the most capable, most connected, the smartest and most versatile Ranger yet developed by Ford. From the lighting signature, it seems that the new Ford Ranger will adopt a large frontal area with a squarish headlamp layout and C-shaped DRLs like the North American \nFord Maverick\n. \u00a0\nAt the rear wheel, Ford seems to have fitted disc brakes as opposed to traditional drum brakes, perhaps a feature trickled down for the Ranger Raptor.\n \nWith the promotional video placing so much emphasis on the next-generation Ranger\u2019s capabilities over mud, rock and sand conditions, perhaps an updated Terrain Management System (TMS) could make it to the all-new Ford Ranger.\nThe \nFord Ranger Raptor\n plus the North American Ranger already have the TMS function that alters powertrain and 4WD performance for driving on grass, gravel, snow, mud and sandy surfaces. \u00a0\nFord Ranger Raptor X launched in Malaysia. Find out what the X gets you, here!\nThe Ford Ranger in the ASEAN region is currently powered by two turbodiesel engines- the 2.2-litre with outputs of \n160 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n, and the latest 2.0-litre unit with higher outputs of \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque available in the \nXLT Plus\n and Wildtrak variants.\nThe Ford Ranger Raptor meanwhile gets the bi-turbodiesel 2.0-litre unit with \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n mounted to a souped-up ladder frame chassis with a performance suspension system, wider tracks and all-terrain BF Goodrich tyres.\nThe next-generation Ford Ranger is also an important product for Volkswagen, as the German automaker has inked a deal with Ford to jointly develop the next-generation Amarok pick-up. Volkswagen\u2019s model is only due a year later, after the Ranger\u2019s official launch.\nNote: Images are screen captures from the promotional video\nGALLERY"
"First announced through a \npress release earlier this month\n, Proton has now just confirmed that the 2022 Saga facelift will be launched at \n9.45 am on 12 May\n, via a livestream on its Facebook page. The 2022 facelift, dubbed by many as the Saga MC2 (Major Change 2), is rumoured to feature a mild exterior redesign, alongside updates to its interior styling and features.\nThe announcement on its social media channels came with an accompanying teaser image, showing off a new design for the 2022 Proton Saga\u2019s alloy wheels. The new rollers sport a two-tone design, with the four main spokes featuring a slightly throwing-star-like design and finished in silver.\nBased on the tyre profile, we\u2019re guessing that these are a set of 15-inch wheels, reserved for the range-topping models. The new wheels are also accompanied by new side skirts, which will be a part of the range-topping variant\u2019s new bodykit.\nALSO READ: Proton R3 unveils new range of engine oil and motorsports-inspired merchandise\nA separate image, seen on the 2022 Proton Saga\u2019s \nregistration of interest page\n, shows off the front fascia of the new facelift update \u2013 although \u201cnew\u201d is somewhat exaggerating, since there are pretty much zero design changes here aside from the new roundel Proton emblem, and a red accent on the \u201cEthereal Bow\u201d trim, just like the \nX50\n.\nThe image also suggests that the Proton Saga MC2 will retain the halogen lightbulbs up front, instead of going full LED for its headlights.\nNo changes here (probably).\nUpdates to the entry-level sedan\u2019s interior have not been announced yet, but recent spyshots have revealed that the 2022 Proton Saga facelift will feature a slightly reworked dashboard, with red-trimmed air vents, new digital air-conditioning control panel, as well as new graphics on the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display.\nThe 2022 Proton Saga is also expected to gain new features such as keyless-entry and push-start, as well as auto-folding side mirrors.\nAs for the mechanicals, no changes are expected here. Power is still derived from the same naturally-aspirated 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, sending \n95 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n to the front wheels via a four-speed Hyundai-sourced automatic gearbox \u2013 a change first introduced on the \nprevious facelift update\n."
"Remember the \nHonda CR-V Mugen Concept\n that first made an appearance at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)? Honda Malaysia has turned it into a production model and like the \nJazz Mugen\n, only 300 units of the special edition CR-V will be made.\nBased on the Honda\nCR-V 1.5 TC 2WD (not the Premium variant), the CR-V Mugen Limited Edition is offered\nin two exclusive colours \u2013 Passion Red Pearl and White Orchid Pearl. The bold exterior\nis made up of Mugen specific Front Under Spoiler, Front Grille Garnish, Side\nGarnish, Rear Under Spoiler, Rear Upper Wing and Mugen Emblems.\nThere are no Mugen applications to the mechanicals as such it soldiers on with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder V-TEC Turbo petrol and CVT sending \n193 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n to the front wheels. Century sprint time maintains at \n8.8 seconds\n as is the \n200 km/h\n top speed.\nBecause this is based on the 1.5 TC 2WD variant, the CR-V Mugen Limited Edition does \nnot \ncome equipped with the Honda Sensing Advanced Driving Assistance System. It retains Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Walk Away Auto Lock and Driver Attention Monitor 6 Airbags, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), ABS and EBD.\nNo Honda Sensing on the Honda CR-V Mugen Limited Edition\nPricing wise, the CR-V\nMugen Limited Edition is priced at RM152,530 (OTR without insurance), customers\nwill have to fork out additional RM400 for the White Orchid Pearl option.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda CR-V Mugen Limited Edition at 2018 KLIMS"
"Chery\n has just officiated its return to the Malaysian market with the launch of its new SUVs \u2013 the \nChery Omoda 5\n and the \nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\n. The Chinese carmaker has also chosen Malaysia as its \nright-hand drive (RHD) conversion hub\n, as well as an export hub, further solidifying its investment in Malaysia. However, Chery is obviously not settling just yet, and is targeting 20% of the Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) market share by 2024, and will be doing so by bringing its Omoda 5 EV and Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV models to our market next.\nEarlier this year, Chery \npreviewed the Chery Omoda 5 EV\n at Auto Shanghai 2023 and has also released the EV SUV\u2019s specs. Meant to rival the likes of the \nBYD Atto 3\n and \nHyundai Kona EV\n when officially launched in Malaysia, the Omoda 5 EV has been said to be launching in Malaysia as soon as the end of this year, 2023.\nRegarding its specs, \nwe laid them out\n when the car was previewed at Auto Shanghai 2023. But just in case you missed it, here are some of the Omoda 5 EV\u2019s features.\nOn the outside, the Omoda 5 EV\u2019s design is largely similar to the petrol-powered Omoda 5 that was just launched in Malaysia yesterday, albeit with some tweaks to fit its EV identity. This includes a closed-off grille, smoothen-out front bumper, more aerodynamic-looking rims, and a slightly tweaked rear bumper design.\nPowering the fully electric Omoda 5 EV is a single motor setup that pushes out \n221 hp\n, 18 hp more than the BYD Atto 3. Paired with a \n61 kWh\n battery, the Chery Omoda 5 EV can carry you as far as an approximated \n450 km\n (WLTP) on a single charge.\nRELATED: \n2023 Chery Omoda 5 launched in Malaysia, Honda HR-V rival from RM109k\nInside, the Chery Omoda 5 EV sports a floating twin-screen display, just like the ones found in its petrol-powered sibling, Sony-branded speakers, as well as a lighter colour scheme. Interestingly, the EV SUV also comes with a steering column-mounted gear selector. However, the specifications that will come with the Malaysian-spec Omoda 5 EV in the future might differ, as the above were features available during the preview.\nThe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the freshly-launched Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has also been confirmed to be arriving at Malaysian shores at the end of this year and will be competing against the likes of the \nProton X90\n, \nMazda CX-8\n, and \nKia Sorento\n. The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV won\u2019t be the only PHEV Chery model that will be coming to Malaysia either, as Chery has also mentioned that it is working on bringing the \nTiggo 7 Pro PHEV\n to our market as well.\nBased on the model that was \nshowcased in China earlier this year\n, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV pretty much sports an exterior design that is largely similar to its petrol-powered counterpart and features seven seats on the inside. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro\u2019s PHEV powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, with two electric motors. Mated to what Chery calls a 3DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) gearbox, the PHEV SUV\u2019s combined output is rated at \n241 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n.\nJust like the Omoda 5 EV, none of the specifications of the Malaysian-spec Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV has been finalised just yet. We will have to wait till its officially launched in our market in the next couple of months.\nRELATED: \n2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro launched in Malaysia, RM160k \u2013 Still want the X90?"
"The Works Ministry (KKR) has announced that the non-stop toll collection system, known as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), will be introduced here in Malaysia by 2025 in an effort to reduce congestion at toll plazas.\nAs reported by Bernama, Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the proposal has already been approved by the Cabinet.\n\u201cThe next step is to negotiate with all the toll concession companies on how it will be implemented so as to provide convenience to highway users. After that, we will look into how to integrate the MLFF system where we will establish a command centre managed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) that needs to be integrated with all municipalities or cities,\u201d he said.\nRELATED: \nTouch \u2018n Go and Smart Tag to be phased out by 2025\nThe MLFF system is one of the initiatives under KKR\u2019s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Master Plan 2019-2023, which was developed to improve the safety of road users, while also driving the development of these systems in the country.\nThe barrier-free tolling system will utilise a gantry system without dedicated booths or lanes, with payments collected via a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag alongside an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system. With the new MLFF systems, vehicles would no longer need to queue or stop to pay for toll.\nALSO READ: \nYou can now use Touch \u2018n Go RFID to refuel at 88 Shell stations in Malaysia \u2013 No phones required!\nMost highways in the nation have \nalready begun accepting the RFID payment system\n, albeit at a limited capacity, usually with only one dedicated lane. Currently, RFID users are also still required to come to a near-complete stop for payment, as the boom gates are also still in operation.\nAlongside the implementation of the MLFF system, Fadillah also previously said that the works ministry is \ncurrently proposing a new, harsher criminal law against toll evaders \nas part of the measures for the implementation."
"Following the positive results from its winter testing, the Mercedes-Benz EQC electric SUV will now go through the paces in Spain where its blistering summer heat can see temperatures hitting 50-degrees Celcius.\nThe main challenge would be the \ndry heat\n. Exposure to immense heat can risk battery damage hence the main focus will be on the battery\u2019s cooling circuits. In a country like Malaysia, where the EQC could arrive in, it\u2019s a vital area to look into.\nAnother area of focus would be the air conditioning of the interior. Here the vehicle will be examined on whether its estimated driving range is correct in relation to the air temperature set for the interior, whether the suggested time for pre-climatisation is sufficient and so on.\nEven the noise levels of the air con compressor in the heat, will be examined. Unlike an internal combustion-engined vehicle, there is hardly a sound from the powertrain of the EQC. Hence, the rolling of the tyres or wind noise is more prominent and as such these aspects of the ride quality will be scrutinised.\nAlmost \n200 prototypes\n have been built for the test programme, with several hundred experts from different fields attending to the examination and approval of these vehicles and its components.\nMercedes-Benz has taken \nfour years\n to develop the EQC, enduring three winters and three summers in temperatures from minus 35-degrees to 50-degrees Celsius in countries like Germany, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Dubai, South Africa, the USA and China.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Motor Image Subaru, distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia has launched the \nupdated 2021 Subaru XV\n with the company\u2019s EyeSight driver assistance system.\nThe EyeSight system, just like the one we test in the Subaru Forester, comes with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane sway warning, autonomous braking, along with Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lead Vehicle Start. Complementing the EyeSight system are seven airbags, consisting of front, side, curtain, and driver\u2019s knee airbag.\nAesthetically, the new Subaru XV GT comes with a new front grille and 17-inch wheel designs. If you\u2019re after a sportier exterior, there is a GT Edition with an additional front lip, side skirts, and rear spoiler. The GT Edition also comes with a different 17-inch wheel design.\n \nInside, new to the XV are features like the Subaru Intelligent Drive switches on the steering, a Dual X Mode switch on the centre console, 8-way powered seats for the driver. Standard features include paddle shifters, an improved 8-inch infotainment display with 6 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard XV 2.0 i-P comes with fabric upholstery and orange stitching while the XV GT Edition gets leather upholstery.\nUnder the hood, nothing has changed. The Subaru XV soldiers on with a 2.0-litre flat-four boxer engine with 156 hp and 196 Nm to power all four wheels via a CVT gearbox and Subaru\u2019s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system.\n Prices start from\n RM139,788\n for the 2.0i-P EyeSight and\n RM146,788\n for the 2.0i-P EyeSight GT Edition.\nGALLERY\nXV GT Edition\nXV 2.0i-P EyeSight"
"Genesis\n has just unveiled a new concept car at the New York International Auto Show, called the X Speedium coupe, which will preview the company\u2019s styling direction for its future electric vehicles (EVs).\nIf you think that you\u2019ve already seen this car before, well, that\u2019s because the X Speedium is actually based on the previous\n Genesis X concept\n, but redesigned via a \u201cfreestyle design exercise\u201d for the electric era, with Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke leading the initiative.\nIn terms of styling, Genesis says that the Speedium embodies the brand\u2019s own design philosophy, Athletic Elegance, but in an \u201ceven more progressive way\u201d. The front grille is now covered up, with the Genesis shield now formed by two strips of LED lights.\nThe surround extends outwards to form Genesis\u2019 quad headlights assembly, and continues past the front fenders to form a virtual beltline connecting with the quad headlights at the back.\nRELATED:The Genesis GV60 is a premium EV SUV with 435 hp. and a drift mode for some reason\nThe rest of the Genesis X Speedium concept is pretty evolutionary over the original X concept, including a new set of multi-spoke wheels with yellow-green brake calipers lurking behind, as well as a slightly reworked roofline, with a double-bubble roof plus a more aggressive ducktail spoiler at the back.\nGenesis didn\u2019t go too much into the specifics of its design, but Donkerwolke said, \u201cThis car is an open-door moment in Genesis\u2019 journey towards our future EV design. This isn\u2019t a show car \u2014 it\u2019s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis\u2019 DNA.\u201d\nALSO READ: The stunning Genesis X concept blends classic sports car design with modern tech\nIf you\u2019re wondering why the X Speedium name, Genesis says that the name was inspired by a Korean racetrack in the city of Inje, representing their belief that the \u201cemotional value of driving will remain strong in the era of electrification\u201d. And the green colour? That\u2019s called \u2018Inje Green\u2019, and supposedly \u201cencompasses the mountainous landscape where the track is located\u201d. So there\u2019s that.\nThe company also did not say that it\u2019ll be made into an actual production model, but with the reception it\u2019s been getting online, we won\u2019t be surprised if it actually does.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s no surprise that the \nfourth-generation Kia Rio\n will make its way to Malaysia eventually, but it may come sooner than expected. Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has just released a teaser video of the all-new Rio on their \nofficial Facebook page\n with an accompanying hashtag, \u201cComingSoon\u201d.\nPremiered at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Rio is marginally larger and roomier than its predecessor. The Rio\u2019s design is a collaborative effort from Kia\u2019s Germany, California and Korean design team, resulting in an edgier and sportier design language.\nInside, the cabin\u2019s perceived quality is decidedly more premium than the model it replaces and looks more up to date like its larger siblings. Among the standout feature is the floating human-machine interface (HMI) infotainment display that can be had in either 5.0-inch or 7.0-inch in size.\nFeatures such as keyless entry, push start ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and reverse camera are all expected from a Kia model. However, it remains to be seen whether all these will make it to the final spec sheet.\nGlobally, the Rio is available with four engine choices \u2013 three petrol and one diesel, although it is safe to assume that only the petrol variants will find its way here. The trio is comprised of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo T-GDI with two states of tune \n98 hp/172 Nm\n and \n118 hp/172 Nm\n, a 1.25-litre four-cylinder MPI with\n 83 hp/122 Nm\n and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder MPI with \n98 hp/132 Nm\n. Transmission of choice include a five-speed and six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, sending drive to the front wheels.\nOur local-spec Rio will most likely soldier on with the 1.4-litre MPI and four-speed auto combo, although NKM is open to the idea of introducing more turbocharged vehicles depending on the market\u2019s response and acceptance towards forced induction cars.\nThe all-new Rio is also the first in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning System as part of the optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This is on top of the usual six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ISOFIX.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren Automotive has confirmed the official unveiling date of their next Ultimate Series hypercar at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show. The set date for the unveiling of the McLaren P1 replacement will be on 10 December 2017, earlier than the initially \nexpected timeline of 2018\n.\nSo, what do we know about McLaren\u2019s all-new hypercar? For starters it will be the most extreme and track-oriented road car to ever roll out of their production line, going as far as sacrificing \u201csome degree\u201d of daily drivability for the \u201c\nmost intensive driver experience around a circuit\n\u201d.\nThe new hypercar\u2019s design was described as \nbrutal\n and will be the most extreme representation of the company\u2019s \u201cform follows function\u201d philosophy. \nAutoCar UK\n reported earlier\n that McLaren might go as far as installing a fixed rear wing \u2013 the first for a road legal McLaren (P1 GTR is not street legal). It was also rumoured to feature an uprated M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 capable of \n789 hp\n paired to an ultra-lightweight body of less than \n1,300 kg\n.\nWill McLaren\u2019s new hypercar have the firepower to go against the recently unveiled \nMercedes-AMG Project One\n and \nAston Martin Valkyrie\n? We\u2019ll have to wait for December 10 for that. But if you\u2019re planning to wait till the unveiling to decide whether to put your money down for one, tough luck because all examples of the soon to be released Ultimate Series have been \nspoken for\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The recently concluded\u00a0annual \nAlami Proton\n event, which literally means \u201cexperience Proton\u201d, teased\u00a0the upcoming \nProton Perdana\n and some exciting new concepts. Let\u2019s take a look into the concept cars and see if they will\u00a0work.\nAlami Proton has been a salient occasion for Proton, allowing the national car maker to engage with the public through myriad of activities (ranging from car manufacturing, test drives and carnival sales). It also opens its door to prototypes and concepts that could well be their future models.\nProton unveiled the\n Iriz Activ\n concept at the same event last year. This year,\u00a0apart from the sneak preview of the\u00a0\nnew \nPerdana\n, Proton showcased not one, but two new concepts \u2013 the \nPickup concept\n and the \nIriz EV\n.\nIn this article, we dissect all\u00a0three concepts (including the Iriz Activ concept) to determine whether or not they should be made into production. Will they be a darling on Malaysian streets (like the \nMyvi\n) or just another prop doomed to be fated in Proton\u2019s warehouse for many years to come?\n1. Proton Pickup concept\nThe long abandoned\n Proton Arena\n\u00a0should\u00a0make its return via the \nExora\u2019s platform\n. Well that can happen\u00a0with this pickup concept displayed during the event. First impression indicates this bespoke pick-up concept is clearly inspired from the Ford F-150 Raptor. The tough and macho aesthetic will definitely attract buyers as far as first impression goes.\nYou won\u2019t be hard pressed to tell that this concept is based on the Exora platform, judging from the front and rear doors, including the A-pillar. A rear floor bed was incorporated at the back for extra cargo load.\nWhy it may work:\nWhile the Proton Arena did not make much of an impact in Malaysia, it was a runaway hit in Australia. There, it was known as the \nProton Jumpbuck\n, and its affordable pricing and low running costs made the Jumpbuck a shining success story for Proton beyond Malaysian shores.\nAlso to note, Proton\u2019s export markets now need a massive boost. A Ute-type vehicle is perhaps what they need for markets like as Australia and Thailand. Surely, the cow herders\u00a0from Anna Creek Station in South Australia would sign up for this jaunty looking Jumpbuck.\nWhy it may not work:\nJust like the \nExora\n, this pickup is likely to be \nfront-wheel driven\n. To have a macho-looking pickup with front-wheel drive setting is like having Dwayne \u201cThe Rock\u201d Johnson walking in a pair of Jimmy Choo.\nThe recipe for proper and desirable pickup is to have all-wheel drive and diesel powertrain. Up to this point, Proton has none of these. Developing these technologies is expensive and not feasible for a small-scale manufacturer like Proton.\nMaybe, just maybe, Proton should\u00a0make that call to\u00a0its latest strategic partner, \nSuzuki\n, for assistance. But from what we know, Suzuki has yet to create a pickup a size of a Ford Ranger.\n2. Proton Iriz Activ Mk2\nThe \nIriz Activ\n is essentially the crossover version of the Iriz. Simply put, it\u2019s a jacked up version of the Iriz which sits taller for better ground clearance. However, this incarnation is just a minor facelift when compared to the one displayed last year.\nWhy it may work: \nWith the success of the \nHonda HR-V\n and the hype surrounding the upcoming Mazda\n CX-3\n, B-segment crossovers are the way to go in Malaysia. Its tall ground clearance makes it ideal for traversing Malaysia\u2019s diverse roads, be it potholes or flash floods. Most importantly, it\u2019s a decent yet practical runabout for a small family.\nCrossovers don\u2019t necessarily need all-wheel drive or diesel engines, hence why it\u2019s something Proton can realistically achieve with minimal effort given its current resources and parts bin. It\u2019s a no-brainer for Proton to turn this into a revenue-generating product!\nWhy it may not work:\nNot all crossovers are enjoying the success the HR-V has achieved. Case in point, the \nFord Ecosport\n, Peugeot 2008 and Great Wall M4; these cars are hardly seen on the roads. In a price sensitive country like Malaysia, the Iriz Activ\u2019s success will highly\u00a0depend on the pricing of this car.\n3. Proton Iriz EV\nThis is not something new but remains an interesting proposition should Proton be looking to introduce a product far different (and advanced) from its current breed of competitors \u2013 an affordable and practical Electric Vehicle (\nEV\n).\nWhy it may work:\nThe world of diesels has been on a setback recently, no thanks to Volkswagen\u2019s recent \u201c\ndieselgate\n\u201d controversy which saw cities like London and Paris\u00a0\nplanning to ban diesel cars\n. This is where EV technology is at its advantage and Proton should capitalize on this by rubbing salt into diesel\u2019s wounds!\nA report from\u00a0\nThe Star\n\u00a0mentioned\u00a0that Tun Dr. Mahathir, former Prime Minister and current Chairman of Proton, is looking to export the Iriz EV to the European continent in the foreseeable future. We guess they should\u00a0consider shipping the Iriz EV there as quickly as possible.\nThe Iriz EV\u2019s range of 300km per charge is better than many electric cars, and is clearly something to shout about. That range is more than sufficient for a typical city-based Malaysian\u2019s driving needs for a week!\u00a0Also, if Proton were to successfully pull off a zero-emission vehicle, imagine the good it will bring to the country (read: more foreign investors) and our\u00a0environment. Besides, EV owners will have the last laugh when \npetrol price increases\n from time to time.\nWhy it may not work:\nEV\u2019s Achilles heel has always been about the price, so the likeliest scenario \u2013 should the Iriz EV materialise \u2013 is that most Malaysians will consider an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) alternative. Case in point, Edaran Tan Chong Motor offers the \nNissan Leaf\n at a throat-cutting RM180,566.18! There\u2019s no price indication for the Iriz EV, but we reckon an asking price around the \nRM100,000 ballpark\n ensues.\nUnless the Malaysian government provides incentives for EV cars just like in the UK, perhaps that will drive encouragement among price-conscious Malaysians. Even with\u00a0the incentives granted, the Iriz EV could, at best, be carrying a price tag just a tap below RM100,000. Forking out that sum for a Malaysian supermini is nearly as comical as \npaying RM55 for a roti canai\n.\nThe success of EV is also dependent on its charging infrastructure, and this is currently concentrated in the Klang Valley, or more specifically in selected shopping malls/outlets. As more Electric Vehicles or Plug-in Hybrids like the \nBMW i8\n and \nRenault Twizy\n make their way into Malaysia, there is a palpable need for this infrastructure to be made more accessible in the near future.\nCONCLUSION\nConcept cars don\u2019t usually make it to production, especially when we\u2019re in an era where accountants overrule ambitious designers and engineers when it comes to crafting a car. As for Proton, the company is still trailing behind Perodua and lacks the luxury to make costly mistakes. While the pickup truck idea is undoubtedly noble, it\u2019s just not worth the effort as far as R&D money is concerned.\nMeanwhile, seeing how well received the Iriz is at press time, maybe Proton should put more emphasis on\u00a0capitalizing its popularity by introducing additional variants like the Iriz Activ crossover and Iriz EV. However, the wait may be much longer (or otherwise) than any of us can anticipate at this point in time, and it won\u2019t be till 2017 where we can finally see such models running down Malaysian streets.\nNext year will definitely be a busy year for Proton with the scheduled launches of \nthree new important models\n \u2013 Perdana, Persona and Saga. Surely, things will get very interesting for Proton in the coming months.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai continues to showcase their commitment to the N performance range of vehicles by introducing the newly-developed high-performance dual-clutch automatic transmission simply known as \u2018\nN DCT\n\u2019 into the upcoming \nHyundai Kona N\n.\nKey data for the N DCT include \neight forward\n ratios, \nwet-type\n clutch and various control mapping for transferring maximum performance as well as fun-to-drive attributes. The wet-type DCT uses two electrical oil pumps to reduce the amount of friction between the moving parts and for \nbetter cooling\n of the clutch, thus allowing a higher amount of torque to transfer through the gearbox.\nThe N DCT enables exclusive high-performance functions that are sure to bring a grin to the driver\u2019s face: N Power Shift, N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift. These features are enhancing the car capabilities by using a dedicated shift logic management.\nFirst, the \nN Power Shift (NPS)\n engages when the car accelerates with more than 90% of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque during upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This enhances fun to drive by giving a \u201cpush feel\u201d when upshifting. The accompanying \u2018bang\u2019 sound coming from the partial cylinder cut of the exhaust underlines the sporty performance.\nN Grin Shift (NGS)\n, activated by a push of a button, maximises all \n280 hp\n from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and DCT performance for \n20 seconds\n, useful at the circuit when chasing for the best lap time. A step further in exploiting full performance at the circuit is the \nN Track Sense Shift\n (NTS).\nThis clever \nartificial intelligence\n mode goes to \nautomatic shifting\n programme to enable the driver to focus on steering and braking the vehicle at the racing circuit. It recognises when the conditions are optimal for dynamic driving on a racetrack and activates automatically. Based on motorsport data combined with the driver\u2019s behaviour, the car selects the right gear and shift timing.\nN DCT also rearranges the manual-mode shifting pattern on the gear lever- push forward to downshift, and pull back to upshift\nTakes away the fun of driving don\u2019t you think? Could be a great tool for training and coaching nonetheless.   Manual control will return to the driver under manual mode, with gear ratios are held at the redline, no upshifting just like operating a \nmanual transmission\n.\nHyundai has also performed durability test and development work at the legendary Nurburgring-Nordschleife for approximately 1,350 laps (\nover 28,000 km\n). The wet-type DCT was optimised for endurance in order to handle the specific demands of the targeted owners and drivers of the N line of vehicles.\nHyundai first mated their in-housed developed N DCT to their turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the \nVeloster N\n variant, followed by the recently updated \ni30 N\n. All upcoming Hyundai Kona N models \nwill only be offered in the N DCT\n automatic transmission, which is set to be unveiled in the coming weeks.   GALLERY"
"Greetings from the Land of Smiles! We\u2019re reporting live from the grounds of the 37th Bangkok Motor Show, and first to officiate a new car arrival is Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru cars in the Southeast Asian region.\nMaking its debut here in Thailand is the facelifted Subaru Forester, but what makes it different from the preceding model is that it\u2019s now locally assembled at Tan Chong\u2019s plant in Segambut. There are \nthree trims on offer\n \u2013 base 2.0i, 2.0i-P and 2.0XT. The former two are the only ones produced locally, whereas the range topping 2.0XT \u2013 the only one with the turbocharged engine \u2013 remains a fully imported unit.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru Forester 2.0i\nSubaru Forester 2.0i-P\nSubaru Forester 2.0XT\nEngine\n1,995cc; horizontally-opposed four-cylinder, DOHC\n1,998cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission\nLineartronic CVT\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n238 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n198 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\n350 Nm @ 2,400 \u2013 3,600 rpm\nPrice\nRM144,000\nRM154,000\nRM205,000\nJust like its \nsmaller sibling (the Subaru XV)\n, the facelift here brings about minor but noticeable enhancements in the way it looks, feels and performs. On the outside, the Forester gets its headlights, tail lights, front grille and bumper, rear bumper and alloy wheels all refreshed. Each trim comes with different levels of equipment, so we\u2019ll break it down for you in a more concise, less cluttered fashion.\nForester 2.0i\nThis trim is the most affordable option of the lot, and at RM144k, it comes with reflector-type halogen headlamps, daytime running lights, roof rails, rear spoiler, rear fog lamps and power folding side mirrors with integrated signal indicators. Wheel size is 17-inch, shod with 225/60 series tyres.   Compared to the 2.0i-P, this trim offers far lesser toys, but you do get Auto Vehicle Stop, Hill Descent Control, basic multi-function display, automatic air-conditioning, retractable cargo cover, rear view camera and Subaru\u2019s latest feature \u2013 the \nX-Mode\n. With the push of a button, this system automatically adjusts all mechanical components (including engine and transmission characteristics) to safely navigate through treacherous roads with ease.\nAll variants get leather seats as standard, but the 2.0XT is the only one to benefit from leather and Alcantara seats.\nForester 2.0i-P\nMove one tier up and you\u2019ll meet with what could be the best selling offering\u00a0of the bunch. Besides sharing the same 17-inch wheels, this trim gives you range-topping equipments such as auto-levelling and \nadaptive LED headlamps\n with C-shaped DRLs, front fog lamps, rear fog lamps and LED wing mirrors.\nInside though, the 2.0i-P is better complemented with features like SI Drive, keyless entry and push-start button, dual zone air conditioning, multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, powered leather seats (driver gets memory function), PIN code access as well as aluminium foot pedals. The multi-function display is also of a higher grade than the 2.0i, but here it\u2019s topped off with the powered tailgate.   As mentioned earlier, both the 2.0i and 2.0i-P will be locally assembled and powered by the same \n2.0-litre naturally aspirated \u2018Boxer\u2019 engine\n which makes \n148 hp\n at 6,200 rpm and \n198 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm. Power is sent to \nall four wheels\n through Subaru\u2019s chain-driven\n Lineartronic CVT\n (conventional CVTs are belt-driven).\nForester 2.0XT\nIf you insist on having a turbocharged engine for a car this size, the 2.0XT is the only one money can buy. The blown horizontally opposed 2.0-litre engine makes a healthy \n238 hp\n at 5,600 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 2,400 to 3,600 rpm, and shares the same drivetrain as the rest in the lineup.   The Thai-spec Forester you see here is exactly what we will be getting back at home, and it comes inclusive (on top of everything offered with the 2.0i-P) of the power sliding sunroof, shark fin antenna, twin tailpipes, Premium Audio System with Harman Kardon speakers and Siri Eyes Free (supports iOS only). It sits on a larger set of \n18-inch wheels\n, wrapped with 225/55 rubbers.\nOn the safety side of things, they all come fitted with ABS with EBD, seven airbags, reinforced shell, Isofix child anchors and Vehicle Dynamics Control System. The Forester\u2019s relatively low stance masks its 220mm ground clearance rather well, whereas damping is managed by a set of McPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear.\nThat\u2019s not all. According to Subaru, their updated SUV are now quieter thanks to improved sound proofing and the use of thicker windows.\nIt\u2019s estimated that the Segambut plant will produce about 10,000 units of the Forester annually, with some destined for neighbouring markets like Thailand and Indonesia. The Forester is the second Subaru model to be assembled within the confines of Tan Chong\u2019s plant, the first being the XV. All three Foresters will be available for booking at all authorised Subaru showrooms across Malaysia beginning 22 March 2016. Deliveries will commence after its Malaysian debut sometime between April to June.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru Forester 2.0XT   Subaru Forester 2.0i-P   Subaru Forester 2.0i"
"When BMW introduced the \nall-new M3\n / M4 earlier, many fans of the brand raised eyebrows on two technical information about the car- the huge weight gain and the use of the traditional automatic transmission.\nThe new generation of BMW M cars are \nno longer lightweight\n, with the new generation G80 BMW M3 gaining more than \n160 kg\n over the outgoing model. The conventional automatic transmission, while it is one of the best in the business, sounded like a step-backwards when a dual-clutch transmission offered faster and more aggressive gear shifts.\nTime to put these claims to the test then, as \nCarwow\n not only compared the new G80 BMW M3 with \n510 hp / 650 Nm\n against an old BMW M3, but one that is heavily modified to the tune of \n700 hp / 950 Nm\n!\nThe previous-generation bright green BMW M3 is also lighter, reported to be under 1,600 kg. Let\u2019s take a look at the battle of stock versus fully done-up! \u00a0\n \nThe driver of the more powerful BMW M3 actually admitted the new BMW M3 with 8-speed conventional automatic transmission is much better off-the-line from stationary, unlike his car which \nstruggled\n to put down 700 hp and 950 Nm from the heavily modified engine onto the tarmac.\nThis reminds us of the slogan from an Italian tyre company- power is nothing without control.\nOn the topic of BMW M Car, the company today introduced the \nBMW M4 Competition xDrive Convertible\n, with quite a shocking value registered at the weighing scales, even more than a BMW 8 Series.\nCredit: \nCarwow"
"The first day of June 2016 marks yet another milestone for Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM), with the launch of the CKD version of the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine. VCM was also proud to announce that Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia (formerly known as Swedish Motor Assemblies) is the first plant outside Sweden to produce the XC90 T8.\nThe Volvo XC90 T8 is the first \nPlug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle\n to be assembled in Malaysia and it also benefits from its \nEEV status\n\u00a0granted by the Malaysian government, therefore bringing down the price by RM50k from the \nCBU equivalent\n. The locally-assembled XC90 T8 can now be had from just \nRM403,888.00\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine\n \nEngine\n1,969cc; twin-charged 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n407 hp\nMax Torque\n640 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.6 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice\nRM4o3,888.00\nEXTERIOR   Nothing has been compromised in terms of equipment from the CBU counterpart, the CKD XC90 T8 is \nfully-loaded\n with goodies in this\n Inscription\n trim. It still rides on the same 10-spoke \n20-inch wheels\n, and the \nFull-LED Active High Beam headlamps\n that incorporates the signature \nThor\u2019s Hammer DRL\n is also present here.\nINTERIOR\nIt\u2019s the same story on the inside. The instrument cluster is a huge 12.3-inch screen, the \nSensus infotainment system\n lets the driver control almost everything via the vertically-oriented \n9-inch touch screen\n in the middle of the dash, and the gear knob is\u00a0a \nhand-crafted\n \ncrystal by Orrefors\n\u00a0that also lights up at night.   The \nfour-zone automatic climate control\n is standard, while Volvo\u2019s \nCleanZone\n purifies the air inside the XC90. It also has a \npowered glass sunroof\n as well as a hands-free \npowered tailgate\n that opens by waving your foot under the rear bumper.\nPERFORMANCE\nTo recap, the \nT8 Twin Engine\n is a combination of Volvo\u2019s \n2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E petrol\n engine that has been \nturbocharged and supercharged\n, and an \nelectric motor\n on the rear axle. In total they produce \n407 hp\n and a whopping\n 640 Nm\n of torque, which is sent to \nall four wheels\n via an \neight-speed automatic\n gearbox. \nZero to 100 km/h\n takes \n5.6 seconds\n, with a\n top speed\n of \n230 km/h\n, and yet its\n fuel consumption\n is rated at just \n2.1 litre per 100km\n.\nSAFETY\nApart from the normal airbags, the XC90 is stuffed with safety features\u00a0which\u00a0includes \nBlind Spot Information\n (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, and \nDistance Alert\n, to name a few. There\u2019s also a 360 Camera and \nCity Safety\n, which detects the surrounding for vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist.\nWHAT ELSE?\nWhile the equipment is unchanged from the CBU model, the colour option is limited on the CKD model. There are now just \nfive colours\n to choose from (Ice White, Onyx Black, Saville Grey, Twilight Bronze, and Bright Silver), and they are all paired with charcoal interior. \nThe selling price for the locally-assembled XC90 T8 Twin Engine without insurance is \nRM403,888.00\n, and it includes Volvo\u2019s 5-Year warranty and Volvo On Call services.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"WardsAuto has announced the top 10 best engines of 2017, and it sees a few glaring trend changes along the way. First, three electrified powertrains joined the list\u00a0and downsized-boosted engines dominated the list. For the first time in 23 years, there\u2019s no V8 mill in the top 10 list.\nThe judging criteria for the powertrain is not quite based on power. Instead, focus was put into a few areas such as comparative specs, noise attenuation, fuel economy and the application of new technologies. Below are the 10 best engines of the year:\n3.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW M240i)\n1.5L DOHC 4-cyl./Dual Motor EREV (Chevrolet Volt)\n3.6L DOHC V-6/Dual Motor PHEV (\nChrysler\n Pacifica Hybrid)\n2.3L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (\nFord\n \nFocus RS\n)\n2.0L DOHC 4-cyl./Dual Motor HEV (\nHonda\n Accord Hybrid)\n1.4L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Hyundai Elantra Eco)\n3.0L Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (\nInfiniti Q50\n)\n2.5L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (\nMazda CX-9\n)\n2.0L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (\nMercedes-Benz C300\n)\n2.0L Turbo/Supercharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Volvo V60 Polestar)\nOut of the 10, two are returnees and seven of them are turbocharged. The latter is a\u00a0sign that manufacturers are embracing forced induction and direct fuel injection over outright displacement.\nCloser to home, Malaysians get to enjoy two engines from the top ten list. First, we have\u00a0\nMazda\u2019s 2.5-litre SkyActiv turbocharged\n engine which made its debut in the CX-9 SUV. The engine is the first turbocharged unit of the excellent SkyActiv family, which develops a healthy \n227 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and\u00a0\n420 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. The mill replaces the 3.7-litre naturally aspirated Cyclone V6 from the previous model.\nMeanwhile, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s 2.0-litre banger from the list also powers the C-Class\u2019s \ncoupe\n and \ncabriolet\u00a0\nvariants introduced this year. The mill makes \n245 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n370 Nm\n of torque. The same M274 engine also powers the remaining variants of the current C-Class sold in Malaysia, albeit with detuned configurations.\nIt seems the good old adage of \u201cthere\u2019s no replacement for displacement\u201d may be irrelevant in the coming years."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) together with its aftersales service arm Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Centre (TCEAS) has announced a product recall campaign for the fourth-generation\n fully-imported (CBU) Nissan Serena S-Hybrid (C26)\n to reprogramme the vehicle\u2019s continuously variable transmission (CVT) control unit.\nThe recall exercise will affect \n4,001 units\n of the fully-imported MPV on Malaysian roads, manufactured between \nSeptember 2012 to November 2013\n. The locally-assembled (CKD) fourth-generation Serena S-Hybrid (C26), launched November 2014, as well as the \nCKD fifth-generation Serena S-Hybrid (C27) \nlaunched in May 2018 are \nnot affected\n by this recall campaign.\nAll labour and parts replacement \u2013 if any \u2013 will be carried out free of charge for the vehicles involved by this recall campaign. The CVT CU reprogramming process will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.\nCustomers affected by the recall will be \nnotified directly\n through TCEAS by letter, SMS, or WhatsApp, and are advised to call their nearest TCEAS outlet to make an appointment. Customers can also call the Nissan Customer Care Centre toll-free line at \n1800-88-3838\n to check if their vehicles are affected by this recall.\nETCM regrets any inconvenience caused by the recall exercise. All TCEAS outlets will have extended operation hours and are open on weekends and public holidays to ensure minimal disruption."
"By now you must\u2019ve heard of \nAston Martin\u2019s recent partnership with Red Bull Racing to build a hypercar codenamed AM-RB 001\n. Today, the alliance has just released some key technical details of the project. And from the looks of it, we can see why it has garnered over 300 interested parties. By that we mean buyers.\nContrary to our \ninitial report\n, the AM-RB 001 is set to be powered by a bespoke, custom-made\u00a0\n6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12\n commissioned by Cosworth, a UK-based expert in Formula One and high performance production engines. This high-revving engine will be mated to a \nseven-speed paddle-shift transmission\n produced by Ricardo.\nAston Martin has also revealed that the hypercar will feature \u201ca lightweight hybrid battery system\u201d supplied by non-other than Rimac, the Croatian company behind the Concept_One \u2013 \nthe all-electric supercar that dusted the Porsche 918 in a drag race\n.\nThe company stands firmly behind the claim that the AM-RB 001 will have a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, hence the partnership with world-leading composite experts, Multimatic to produce a \ncarbon fibre MonoCell\n. No surprises there as Aston Martin has had history with Multimatic in the development of the \nOne-77\n and \nVulcan\n.   Tasked with stopping this outrageous car are Alcon and Surface Transforms, both supplying\u00a0\nhigh-performance brake callipers\n and \ncarbon discs\n. On the other hand, Bosch will be responsible for the custom ECU, TCU and ESP systems for the AM-RB 001. Lastly, UK-based lighting manufacturer, Wipac will be developing the hypercar\u2019s \nfull LED headlamps and tail lamps\n.\nOnly\n 150 examples\n (prototypes included) and \n25 track-only versions\n\u00a0of the beast will be produced. First deliveries of the hypercar is expected to begin sometime in 2019. From the information above, we can safely say that Aston Martin-Red Bull Racing\u2019s hypercar will be nothing short of a monster. Knowing Aston Martin, the car will also no doubt have gorgeous looks to match the cars monumental performance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hollywood has the Academy Awards, music has the Grammy Awards. And then there\u2019s the International Engine of the Year award. And Ford has won not once, but eight times now, three of them were consecutive wins. Ford\u2019s new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was awarded this honour by a panel of\u00a087 motoring journalists hailing from 35 nations.\nThis tiny \nthree cylinder engine\n, one that\u2019s small enough to fit the block on an \nA4 piece of paper\n has been touted for its good\n fuel economy and notable performance\n has won its\u00a0\neighth award\n in four years at the \n2015 International Engine of the Year Awards.\n The award was won by virtue of attributes such as\u00a0\ndrivability, performance, fuel economy, levels of\u00a0refinement\n and technological advancements.\nFord has succeeded in changing the ballgame when it comes to powering city runabout hatchbacks and tiny crossovers such as the \nFord \nEcoSport\n, \nFiesta\n and Focus\n in regards to the 1.0-litre engine variant of the EcoBoost family. Fords is also reportedly looking into \ncylinder deactivation technology\n in pursuit of\u00a0\nreducing fuel consumption.\nThey are currently\u00a0collaborating with the\u00a0Schaeffler Group to research\u00a0\ndual mass\u00a0flywheel technology\n that enables \ncylinder deactivation\n to take place at a wider range of \nengine loads and\u00a0speeds\n. Besides that, Ford is also pursuing \nacoustic, harshness and vibration reduction\n in the upcoming powertrain units, which have showed promising results of up to \nsix percent in better fuel consumption\n.\nProgress isn\u2019t necessarily boring and derivative. On the other end of the spectrum, Ford is also developing a \nV6 EcoBoost mill\n that is capable of making an \nexcess of 600 hp\n. This heyday is found on the new \nFord GT\n\u00a0that will be competing in the legendary \nLe Mans race series\n, commemorating Ford\u2019s \n50th anniversary\n of their momentous win in \n1966.\u00a0\nLocally however, Ford, via official distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion is offering various models that are powered by the brand\u2019s EcoBoost engines, such as the\u00a0\nFiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost\n, the \nFiesta ST\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nKuga\n\u00a0with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost. The D-segment\u00a0\nMondeo\n and \nS-Max\n people carrier variety is powered with a \n237 hp 2.0-litre\n EcoBoost block, which is also used in the Focus ST."
"Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the official distributor for Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that it is offering discounts of up to RM9,000 for the \nFord Ranger XLT family\n of pick-up trucks.\nThree variants are available on offer, starting with the standard Ranger XLT, available with a savings of \nRM9,000\n. Meanwhile, the Ranger XLT Special Edition is available with a discount of \nRM8,000\n. The XLT Plus variant gets a rebate of \nRM7,188\n.\nAs a recap, the Ranger XLT is equipped with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with an output of\n 160 hp \nand \n385 Nm \nof torque. The engine is paired to either a six-speed manual (RM109,888) or automatic transmission (RM116,888).\nThe\n XLT Special Edition\n (RM120,888) is based on the standard Ranger XLT AT, with some additional goodies such as \nfender flares\n, \nfunctional cargo bed cover\n, \ngeometrical decal\n, along with an updated \nnine-inch Android-based infotainment display\n.\nOn the top-end of the XLT Family is the Ranger XLT+ (RM124,888), equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder single-turbodiesel mill, producing \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. The XLT+ is only available with a \n10-speed automatic gearbox\n.\nThe XLT Family Promotion runs from \n1st of March until 31st of May 2020\n."
"We\u2019ve seen the Land Rover \nrace against huskies\n; we\u2019ve also seen it \ntow \u201croad trains\u201d\n. It seems like there\u2019s nothing Land Rover\u2019s cars can\u2019t do. This time, the middle child between the \nEvoque\n and the \nRange Rover Sport\n, the \nRange Rover Velar\u00a0\nhas just scored a 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 not only elevating its status as one of the world\u2019s most desirable luxury SUVs but also among the safest.\nThe Velar scored \n93%\n for adult occupant protection, \n85%\n for child occupant protection and \n74%\n for pedestrian protection.\nWith a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, its advanced technology can detect a collision risk with cars or pedestrians up ahead before automatically applying the brakes. Such was the system\u2019s competence that it was awarded a maximum of six marks in the Pedestrian detection tests by Euro NCAP\u2019s testers.\nJaguar Land Rover UK, Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks said, \u201cFor Velar customers, only the best is good enough and we are delighted the fourth Range Rover has been awarded five-star safety credentials. This, combined with\u00a0excellent residual values and stunning design really set Velar out as a car that appeals to the heart and the head.\u201d\nThe Velar scored an overall Euro NCAP rating of \n84%\n with a list of advanced driver assistance systems that will tangle your brain\u2019s nerves. They include the\u00a0Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection,\u00a0Reverse Traffic Detection,\u00a0Lane Keep Assist,\u00a0Matrix-Laser LED headlights,\u00a0Intelligent Speed Limiter,\u00a0Traffic Sign Recognition and\u00a0Driver Condition Monitor.\n\u201cTests of the autonomous emergency braking system at highway speeds demonstrated good performance, with collisions avoided or mitigated in all tests. In both the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, protection of all critical body areas was good and the Range Rover Velar scored maximum points\u201d, in a report by Euro NCAP.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Maserati Malaysia has welcomed the \nall-new first-ever MC20 \nsupercar to the country with prices starting from RM1.078 million before duties and options. The MC20 name stands for \u2018Maserati Corse\u2019 while the 20 denotes the year 2020 \u2013 when it was first introduced.\nThe new supercar is an evolution of the MC12 supercar from 2004 that marked\u00a0Maserati\u2019s return to racing after 37 years. With the new MC20, Maserati will once again return to the world of racing.\nPerformance \nEngine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\nTransmission: 8-speed dual-clutch\nPower: 630 hp\nTorque: 730 Nm\nThe new MC20 features Maserati\u2019s new Nettuno engine that not only features the company\u2019s new Twin Combustion technology derived from Formula 1 featuring twin spark plugs but it\u2019s also the first engine made by Maserati themselves in over 20 years.\n0 to 100 km/h takes \n2.9 seconds\n, 0 to 200 km/h 8.8 seconds and if you go full throttle long enough, you\u2019ll see the digital speedometer nudging its \n325 km/h\n top speed.\nExterior\nThe MC20\u2019s body took the company 24 months to design, including time in the wind tunnel and various simulations. The entire structure of the MC20 is a carbon fibre monocoque and as a result, the MC20 weighs less than 1,500 kg \u2013 even lighter than a BMW 320i \u2013 but with the power of a supercar. Imagine that!\nUnder wheel arches are 20-inch rims, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tyres. Behind them are Brembo 6-pot brakes in the front and a 4-pot pair in the rear. The butterfly-style doors come with flush handles but that\u2019s not the coolest bit of the exterior in our opinion.\nInstead, it\u2019s the glass engine cover at the back with cut-outs to mimic the company\u2019s Trident logo and because the MC20 is a mid-engined supercar, it comes with a boot in the back and a frunk.\nInterior\nAs you enter the Maserati MC20 through its butterfly-style doors, you\u2019d instantly notice the exposed carbon fibre on the doors \u2013 quite a sight to behold. While you\u2019re closing the doors, using the pull strap, you\u2019d also notice that the doors are opened using a switch \u2013 just like the new Lexus NX launched in Malaysia recently.\nInside, it\u2019s a very minimalist interior with not much to distract the driver from the main task of being in the cockpit \u2013 to enjoy the drive. It\u2019s evident with the centre console as well; with a rotary dial for the five different drive modes and suspension settings and two switches to put the MC20 either in reverse or drive/manual mode.\nThat along with two 10-inch displays \u2013 one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system \u2013 along with a couple switches for the volume and power windows are practically all the furnishing the cabin comes with. The steering is made of carbon fibre and Alcantara with gear shift paddles protruding from behind it. Cruise control and wireless charging are among the creature comforts offered.\nIn typical Italian fashion, you get brake pedals with the Trident engraved onto it, while the front passenger is greeted with a steel plate with the words \u2018Maserati\u2019 engraved on it.\nThe all-new Maserati MC20 was designed in Modena and will be built at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant, where Maserati vehicles have been built for more than 80 years. The site also features a new paintshop incorporating innovative, environment-friendly technologies. The Nettuno engine will also be built in Modena, at the newly established Maserati Engine Lab.\nGALLERY"
"Reckless drivers who cause death on our roads should be banned for life said\u00a0Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke in a press conference yesterday as he addressed the fatal accident on the North-South Expressway last weekend.\nThe accident which involved a trailer and three cars saw five trapped and killed in one of them, a Kia Forte, when it burst into flames. The driver had been detained and he may not have any prior criminal records, he tested positive for drugs with 28 traffic offences to his name.\nEven the company, Usaha Maju Trading, which the trailer is registered under has been suspended for two weeks, where its fleet of 28 vehicles have been grounded and not allowed to operate, pending an investigation by the ministry and relevant authorities.\nLoke pointed out that the current provision where a driver who\u2019s found guilty for causing death by reckless driving cannot hold nor obtain a driver\u2019s license for at least 3 years \u2013 is simply not enough to deter irresponsible road users from riving recklessly.\nAs such, amendments to the law will be studied before being tabled in the Parliament.\nIt\u2019s been a long time coming; it has taken a lot of deaths but we\u2019re relieved to see that the Ministry is finally (hopefully) taking this matter seriously.\nWhile we\u2019re definitely missing the train in becoming a first world nation with only two years left on the clock, this is the kind of mentality, leadership and most importantly proactive initiatives that will help us achieve that elusive status.\nWe can have fancy roads, fancy public transportation and even fancy trailers for low-life scumbag truck drivers to operate on the road but if the mindset and stern actions are not in place to \u201cforce\u201d drivers to take road safety seriously, we might as well just walk on our bare feet like our gravel-trotting, cavemen ancestors.\nImage credit: \nMinistry of Transport Malaysia (Facebook)"
"Just as we mentioned earlier on Ferrari\u2019s confirmation on the eventual production of an SUV, news have surfaced that Lamborghini is also working on a four-door model but unlike \nFerrari\u2019s \u201cFUV\u201d\n, it will be a sedan.\nBased on reports by \nAutocar\n, the slightest glimpse of how it would look like won\u2019t be due till at least early of next decade but design inspiration would be heavily carried over from the Estoque concept car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show almost a decade ago.   This further diversifies Lamborghini\u2019s production portfolio of Huracans and Aventadors. This follows after the unveiling of the \nLamborghini Urus SUV \nearlier this year which is said to be due in the middle of next year \u2013 a move that has been inspired by Porsche\u2019s the bold leap of faith almost two decades ago to produce SUVs \u2013 a move that has proven not only to be a success but a saving grace to their financial woes.\nSeen as a means to bridge the gap between the super/hypercar models, the new four-door was said to be based of the Estoque concept revealed in Paris almost 10 years ago, but put on hold in favour of the Urus due to surge in demand for SUVs. Work on the Urus is already underway at the newly-expanded Lamborghini factory in Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese where investments poured in prior are expected to be justified by increased sales and profits from the Urus.\nAs for Lamborghini\u2019s four-door, family-oriented super sedan, it will most likely be based on VW Group\u2019s MSB platform which also underpins the\n 2017 Porsche Panamera \nand the new Bentley Continental GT for ease of production. What we can also expect is the adaptation of the Urus\u2019 power plant, a \n650 hp\n twin-turbo V8 in the new sedan, with the possibility of the Huracan\u2019s V10 engine.\nSource: \nAutocar\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia today unveiled the new City Sport Hybrid i-DCD, the second hybrid model to be introduced after the new Jazz Hybrid. This also makes Malaysia the only market outside of Japan to receive this new City.\nThis follows the successful introduction of the new City last March which gathered a staggering 12,000 units in just four months while over 115,800 units of its fourth-generation model sold since its launch in March 2014.   The new City is powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with an Integrated High Power Motor that produces a combined total of \n135 horsepower\n and \n170 Nm of torque\n, figures which are comparable to the output of a 1.8-litre engine. The immensely frugal fuel consumption of the new City is rated at \n3.9 L/100km\n.\nThe new City Hybrid is equipped with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Paddle Shift which employs a Shift-by-Wire Gear system, providing quicker and smoother gear shifts with no lag and clutch slip.\nOn the inside, the new City is equipped with an advanced 3D Meter Design (Multi-Information Display) to project various parameters of the car including Energy Flow, Sport Meter, Fuel Economy, Drive Info and ECO display. The centre console also comes with a 6-8-inch Display Audio, Touch Panel air-conditioning and on the outiside, Daytime Running Lights, LED tail lights and 16-inch Dual Tone alloy wheels to complete the new Hybrid exterior package.   Safety systems provided include four airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Reverse Camera and the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). The new City Hybrid comes in Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid colours.\nPriced at \nRM 89,200 excluding Insurance\n, warranty for the new City Hybrid will be maintained at 5-years with unlimited mileage at 10,000 km service intervals while its Lithium-Ion batteries will be covered by an 8-year warranty. Test drives for the new City Hybrid will be available beginning mid-August 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a busy couple of months for \nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)\n. Following the launch of the \nall-new Ford Ranger \nand \nEverest\n, the company is now unveiling the Baja-inspired Ranger Raptor pick-up truck for Malaysian roads.\nThe all-new Ford Ranger Raptor is priced at RM259,888 in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance.\nThe highlight of the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor is its beating heart underneath the bonnet, as the souped-up truck has ditched diesel power for a raging 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. Inherited from the Bronco Raptor, the new V6 EcoBoost mill pumps out \n397 hp\n and \n583 Nm\n of torque, along with a more sonorous noise that\u2019ll make all car nuts drool.\nPower is sent to all four wheels via a new full-time AWD system and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. And just as before, there\u2019s also the Raptor-exclusive Baja drive mode, which now even comes with an active exhaust system selector \u2013 Baja, of course, being the loudest and naughtiest of them all \u2013 Ford even says that it sounds almost like a straight pipe set-up!\nALSO READ: \nAll-new Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled with 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6\nNew to the Baja drive mode is also an anti-lag system for the turbochargers, which keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver lifts off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners when the driver steps back on the accelerator.\nAdditionally, the engine is also programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the transmissions\u2019 10 gears, which further optimises performance across the entire speed range. All in all, Ford says the all-new Ranger Raptor is \u201calmost twice as fast as the first-generation\u201d. And the good news is you only need regular RON95 petrol to exploit all of the performance.\nFox adaptive shocks are again standard here, featuring the brand\u2019s latest 2.5-inch Live Valve dampers with Teflon-infused oil, tuned and developed by Ford Performance. The new dampers are paired to a toughened chassis, with additional structural reinforcements and beefier shock towers and brackets to handle the extra stress load while you jump over sand dunes.\nAlong with Fox\u2019 signature Bottom-Out Control system, Ford says that the suspension set-up here is the most sophisticated ever to be fitted onto a Ranger, with all of its characteristics specifically fine-tuned to provide the \u201cperfect balance\u201d between on-road and off-road performance.\nTo go along with its performance capabilities, Ford has given the all-new Ranger Raptor an equally-fitting exterior, characterised by its flared wheel arches, unique separated bumpers both front and back, Ford Performance scuff plates, and its taller ride height.\nOf course, there\u2019s also the signature front grille with the \u2018FORD\u2019 lettering for added muscle, plus all the vents here on the bonnet and fenders are also actually functional!\nIn terms of equipment, you get the Matrix LED headlamps as standard, alongside the 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres, and new cast aluminium side steps.\nInside, the cabin of the Raptor closely mirrors that of the all-new Ranger, but with some added flair to match its performance credentials. These include the \u201cjet fighter-inspired sports leather seats\u201d, with 10-way power adjustability for the driver, all-Ebony upholstery with Code Orange accents, leather sports steering wheel with cast magnesium gearshift paddles, as well as amber ambient lighting.\nThe 12.4-inch instrument cluster and the 12-inch portrait-oriented centre infotainment display are standard, the latter supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and connected to an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Other standard equipment also include the e-shifter wrapped in leather, wireless Qi charging pad, as well as a 360-degree surround view monitor.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM109k\nSafety wise, the all-new Ford Range Raptor in Malaysia is fitted with the marque\u2019s latest suite of active driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, lane centring, blind spot information system, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, high-beam assist, as well as rear cross-traffic alert.\nThe all-new Ford Ranger Raptor will be offered in five exterior colours, including Absolute Black, Arctic White, Blue Lightning, Conquer Grey, as well as the new signature Code Orange colour. Included in the price is a five-year/160,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty, but customers can also opt for a two-year extended warranty with PremiumCare, offering a range of additional coverages.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia presented a trio of Mercedes-AMG SUVs last night and between the two GLCs, this one somehow takes the cake, over the Coupe, for looking extremely striking. Here are the things you need to know about the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4 MATIC.\nMaybe it\u2019s the colour or the wheels but the GLC 63 S 4MATIC in the AMG Night package attire just looks demonic. For those who have thought that SUVs cannot be quick, ferocious and raunchy, this proves them all wrong.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC is powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that\u2019s good for\n 510 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n. If ever taunted by a Ferrari or Porsche at a traffic stop, this will surprise them with a 3.8 second time from 0 to 100 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) today launched the new 2020 \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n. The updated Discovery Sport is available in Malaysia in a sole R-Dynamic variant, in either five (\nRM379,800\n) or five-plus-two (\nRM409,800\n) seating configuration.\nBeing a mid-cycle update, the all-new Discovery Sport retains a largely familiar design. On the exterior, the new 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport receives a new headlights with twin U-shaped daytime-running lights that also functions as sequential turn signals, along with reprofiled front and rear bumpers.\nThe U-shaped light signature also makes it\u2019s way to the rear combination taillights. An aggressive all-round body-coloured cladding complete the sportier exterior, as part of the R-Dynamic package.\nMoving inside, the visual changes are more apparent, headlined by a cleaner and more modern dashboard design. Central to the dashboard now sits a \n10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system\n with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The instrument cluster has also been replaced by a \n12-inch Interactive Driver Display\n.\nThe air-conditioning controls have been replaced by a touch-sensitive panel with two rotary dials for temperature adjustments, while a gear selector stalk replaces the rotary gear selector from the pre-facelift model.\nOther standard equipment includes a second-generation coloured head-up display, as well as a wireless mobile charging pad located below the centre console.\nHowever, the biggest change in the Discovery Sport lies underneath the largely evolutionary styling update. The 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport now rides on the brand\u2019s latest \nPremium Transverse Architecture (PTA)\n, which promises better ride comfort and allows for improved aerodynamics.\nFirst seen on the\n all-new Range Rover Evoque\n, the PTA platform is also designed around modern powertrains such as mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids. However, the Malaysian-spec Discovery Sport will only be available with a two-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine, producing \n200 hp\n and\n 320 Nm\n of torque.\nThe turbocharged mill is paired to a \nnine-speed ZF automatic gearbox\n. Power is transferred to all four wheels via the updated \nall-wheel drive\n system, featuring a new Driveline Disconnect function that can disconnect the power from the front axle to the rear wheels during cruising, reducing frictional losses and thus improving fuel efficiency. Land Rover claims that the AWD system can be reengaged in just 500 milliseconds.\nThe updated Discovery Sport also features the new Terrain Response 2 system with Auto mode, which can automatically adjust its torque delivery according to driving conditions, in addition to the standard Comfort, Sand, Grass-Gravel-Snow, and Mud & Ruts modes.\nSafety wise, the new Discovery Sport features a host of advanced safety technologies, such as front and rear parking aid, High-speed Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor, as well as the 360-degree Surround Camera with Wade Sensing features.\nThe new Discovery Sport also comes equipped with ClearSight Ground View, which provides the drivers a clear view underneath and around the vehicle. As standard, the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport comes with seven airbags.\nAll Land Rover vehicles purchased from JLR Malaysia and its authorised dealerships come with the \u2018Land Rover Care\u2019 programme, which includes a \nfive-year/150,000km warranty\n,\n five-year/65,000km free service package\n, and \nthree-year roadside assistance\n."
"Shortly after the global unveiling of the \nF90 BMW M5\n, BMW has unveiled a limited-edition BMW lifestyle bike to commemorate the launch of the new M5. Limited to 500 units worldwide, the BMW M Bike Limited Carbon Edition is the perfect bike to park alongside your M5.\nFinished in exclusive Marina Bay Blue Metallic, the M Bike\u2019s frame is made of hydro-formed aluminium and carbon mixture. The fork, seat posts and spacers are all of carbon material to ensure high agility and maximum performance on the go.   The carbon frame bike rides on \n28-inch multi-spoke alloys\n wrapped in Continental CruiseContact tyres while stopping power comes from a pair of hydraulic BR-M315 disk brakes.\nEach BMW M Bike Limited Carbon Edition has a \u201cLimited Carbon Edition\u201d badge as well as its own authentic certificate. Price? Only \u20ac1,400 (RM6,988).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If there\u2019s one Japanese manufacturer that makes\u00a0desirable special editions modes, it would be the \nSubaru and their WRX\n.\u00a0For two decades, the super sedan that can easily pass off as an ordinary salaryman\u2019s car has already had a few collectable editions\u00a0such as the\u00a0RB22 and STI Spec C. Now, there\u2019s the Subaru WRX S4 tS.\nThe Subaru WRX S4 tS steals some components from the current creme of the crop WRX, the \nS207\n. This STI-prepped car receives the same\u00a0Bilstein DampMatic II front suspension as the S207.\nPower comes from the WRX-sourced\n\u00a02.0-liter flat four direct-injection turbocharged\n mill that liberates\n 296 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. The performance is bumped up by \n28 hp\n, courtesy of the modified air intakes and exhaust system. Sadly, there\u2019s no stick shift for this variant, thus the\u00a0\nLineartronic CVT\n is its only option. The improved oil cooler on the gearbox does somehow improve performance.\nThe exterior receives\u00a0STI-designed BBS 19-inch forged aluminium wheels,\u00a0red pinstripes on the front grille and rear bumper and a large front splitter. A luminescent speedometer greets the driver, and both the driver and front passenger get Recaro bucket seats.\nFans can also opt for the\u00a0\u201c\nNBR Challenge Package\n\u201d WRX that adds 19-inch BBS wheels, a huge carbon-fibre rear wing and special badging. The car was created to commemorate Subaru\u2019s success in the SP3T class in Nurburgring 24 Hours.\nThe Subaru WRX S4 tS begins at\u00a0\n4,968,000 yen\n (approximately\n RM199k\n) while the one with NBR Challenge Package costs\u00a0\n5,292,000 yen\n (\nRM212k\n). Looking at the rate these special edition WRXs reach Malaysia through grey importers, expect to see a few units of the S4 tS go on sale here in the near future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Those caught flouting the Movement Control Order, which ends on the 14th of April pending an extension, will be slapped with a RM1,000 fine.\nThese fines will not be issued at the roadblocks itself but instead, offenders would be brought to the nearest police station where the fines would be issued.\nOnce issued, offenders will be given two weeks to settle their fines at any Health Ministry office. Failure to do so would see offenders being tried in court.\nUnlike traffic fines where discounts are offered, there will be no such thing for these fines, in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.\nIn case you haven\u2019t read, the authorities have also announced \nfive new road closures in the Petaling Jaya area beginning 12 am on the 10th of April 2020\n. The road closures will take place around the Damansara Perdana and Mutiara Damansara neighbourhoods.\nImage source: \nMinistry of Home Affairs"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be launching \nfour new VW models\n this week, including what the company calls the \u201cR-Line Trinity\u201d comprising of the \nArteon R-Line\n, \nPassat R-Line\n, and \nTiguan Allspace R-Line\n, alongside the \nTiguan Allspace Highline\n.\nThe models will be launched at the Volkswagen Tour event at One Utama Shopping Centre on the \n12th to 16th August\n, and will be on display throughout the event alongside other VPCM staples including the\n Passat Elegance\n, \nGolf R-Line\n, \nTiguan Highline\n, and \nVento Join\n.\nWe\u2019ve covered the \nPassat and Arteon R-Line\n pretty in-depth previously, but here\u2019s a brief recap: Both models will be powered by the new \n2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine\n introduced locally on the Passat Elegance, which is good for \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. The powerplant will be paired to a new \nseven-speed wet clutch DSG transmission\n.\nAs for equipment list, expect both cars to feature similar if not identical items to the new Passat Elegance, which includes a\u00a09.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster, three-zone automatic climate control, and 12-way power-adjustable leather front seats.\nThe interior equipment of the new Passat and Arteon R-Line will most likely be carried over from the \nPassat Elegance\n.\nBeing new R-Line models, most of the upgrades should be limited to just the exterior. Aside from the customary R-Line exterior trims \u2013 aggressively-styled front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and perhaps a small lip spoiler, we can also expect to see sized-up wheels, which means 19-inches in diametre or more.\nAs for the Volkswagen\n Tiguan Allspace\n which will be making its Malaysian debut in R-Line and Highline trims, the new seven-seater SUV will most likely carry over the 1.4TSI turbocharged from the current \nTiguan line-up\n in Malaysia, making \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque.\nThe engine will be paired to a six-speed wet clutch DSG gearbox for a zero-to-100 km/h time of \n9.5 seconds\n and a top speed of \n202 km/h. \nDesigned to slot in between the Tiguan and Touareg, Volkswagen has stretched the compact SUV by a total of \n215 mm\n, of which 109 mm is to the wheelbase itself. As a result, the Tiguan Allspace manages to squeeze in a third row of seats, and boast a rear cargo area of \n1,775 litres\n with all rear seats folded down, or \n230 litres\n with both rows of rear seats in its normal position.\nThe \nTiguan Allspace R-Line\n.\nAs for equipment, expect both variants of the Tiguan Allspace to mirror what\u2019s already on the current Tiguan \u2013 Active Info Display digital instrument cluster, fully-LED headlights and taillights, 8.0-inch Discover Media infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tri-zone automatic climate control, and leather seats.\nVPCM says that plenty of attractive offers will be available at the Volkswagen Tour, including an additional RM1,000 rebate on top of any other ongoing promotions for any customers who place a booking at the event.\nVolkswagen Tour will take place at the Oval Centre Court (New Wing), and will be open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. Strict healthy and safety guidelines (mandatory temperature screening and use of facemask, regular disinfection of display vehicles) will be in place for the peace of mind of all visitors."
"Kia has just given us a first look at the \nupcoming EV6\n, the company\u2019s first dedicated fully-electric model. Full details about the car won\u2019t come until its launch later this month, but the Korean carmaker felt it was necessary to give the design some spotlight, as the EV6 will be headlining Kia\u2019s new design language, which will be used on all future models.\n \nThe new look is called \u201cOpposites United\u201d, and is said to be inspired by \u201cthe contrasts found in nature and humanity\u201d, utilising a combination of sharp\u00a0stylistic elements and sculptural shapes. And as is usual in a design language launch, the photos were accompanied by a huge wall of text explaining the \u201cphilosophy\u201d behind the new design.\nKia says the new look is based on five key design pillars: \u2018Bold for Nature\u2019, \u2018Joy for Reason\u2019, \u2018Power to Progress\u2019, \u2018Technology for Life\u2019, and \u2018Tension for Serenity\u2019. They did go into more details on what each of these catchphrases mean, but we really just wanted to look at the car.\nUp front, Kia has redesigned their signature \u201cTiger Nose Grille\u201d specifically for the electrified era, into what\u2019s now called a \u201cDigital Tiger Face\u201d, formed by the unique headlights and daytime-running lights, joined together with a piece of slim grille-like plastic bit across the face.\nBelow that, a large lower air intake helps visually widen the front of the car, and also apparently \u201caccentuating its high-tech image\u201d. The air intake helps optimise air flow from the front, with air channelled through and under the car\u2019s flat floor.\nJust like the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n, which shares its underpinnings with this car, the EV6 also gets a crossover-inspired profile especially when seen from the side. But while the Hyundai gets a wilder character line on its side, the EV6 is relatively sleek and simple, with a single sharp character line contrasting the rounded body panels, or in Kia\u2019s words, creating \u201ca sense of tension\u201d.\nOne of our favourite touches on the car are the two parallel lines that wraps around the bottom of the entire car, slowly curving upwards on the side skirts across the rear wheel arches to lead into the arched tail lights \u2013 perhaps the car\u2019s most unique feature.\nInside, Kia promises more space for the passengers thanks to the new E-GMP platform. In terms of design, the interior of the EV6 gets a fairly clean and modern look, characterised by the large floating curved display panel, housing both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display.\nThe company says that the \u201csimple form language\u201d of the wide curved screen and the slim dashboard gives the interior space an open feel, while the width of the screen creates an \u201cimmersive experience for the driver\u201d.\nKia was particularly proud of the fact that they\u2019ve jettisoned most of the physical buttons in favour of haptic touch-based \u2018buttons\u2019, as seen on the HVAC control panel underneath the central air vents, saying that it provides an \u201cuncluttered and soothing driving experience\u201d. We can\u2019t say we feel the same; the \u2018buttons\u2019 will probably be hellish to use while driving.\nGALLERY"
"There is much to like about BMW Art cars. It\u2019s a platform that gives some of the most creative minds to \u201cpaint\u201d several BMW cars. Joining the ranks of legends such as Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder is the youngest ever participant that also happens to be a lady who hails from China.\nIntroducing\u00a0\nCao Fei \nwith her latest creation, \nBMW Art Car #18\n, which employs digital creativity like no other. The 39 year old artist\u2019s previous artwork blends physical and technology, focusing on the theme of surrealism.\u00a0\nIt took her three years to turn the \nBMW M6 GT3\n race car into a modern canvas on wheels. This project involves mild augmented reality, requiring an iOS application to experience the\u00a0multicoloured visuals on the car.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijFREPVtcm4\nThe BMW Art Car #18 was unveiled at the Minsheng Art Museum in Beijing and will be displayed\u00a0at the BMW Experience Shanghai. Being a race car, it will also be driven by Augusto Farfus at the\u00a0Macau street\u00a0track during the FIA GT World Cup in November.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over the Christmas holidays, Ford released a heavily camouflaged \u201cmedium-sized\u201d car. The #TimeToFocus\u00a0 hashtag was a dead giveaway of the next-generation Ford Focus.\nBased on the single teaser image, we can tell that the fourth-gen Focus will feature more angular headlamps, new horizontal front grille and a sharper rear end design. Expect the new Focus to get the new cabin architecture with a floating infotainment as seen on the \nnew Fiesta\n.\nThe 7th-generation Ford Fiesta\u2019s interior\nBesides the teaser image, the company also said that they will be introducing \u201csix significant Ford products\u201d in the \nfirst half of 2018\n. Among them include the new EcoSport, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom, \n443 hp\n Mustang, Fiesta Active crossover and \nFiesta ST\n."
"When looking for a \u201cone car to do it all\u2019\u201d we always end up shopping for an SUV or an MPV simply for their large cabins. But having a large car isn\u2019t very convenient. Parking becomes a chore and driving through narrow urban streets becomes stressful. Thus, to combine ultimate practicality with nimble and easy maneuvering, the \nHonda City Hatchback\n offers an interesting proposition with its brand-signature ULTRA seats.\nThe Honda City hatchback is a B-segment hatchback that costs \nRM78,600\n for the base \u2018S\u2019 variant. In total, there are five variants of the City hatchback, and at the top of the range is the hybrid City Hatchback RS which costs \nRM109,800\n. The good thing is, all variants get the ULTRA seat configuration, which makes it an extremely practical car despite being a compact hatchback.\nSeats down\nSeats up\nYou may wonder what ULTRA seats are, and it is simply an abbreviation of \u2018Utility\u2019, \u2018Long, \u2018Tall\u2019, and \u2018Refresh\u2019, with the letter A simply existing to give it a fancy moniker. The first four letters of the abbreviation are the four configurations of the rear seats that allow you to either haul varying types of loads or to simply rest inside the cabin.\nHatchbacks are generally already very practical with the rear seats folded down. The City Hatchback (as well as its predecessor, the\n \nJazz\n) cranks it up a notch with the ULTRA seats.\nRELATED: \nHonda City Hatchback vs Toyota Yaris \u2013 Which is the better-looking hatch?\nThe \u2018Utility\u2019 configuration is just the same as what you would find in other hatchbacks where you fold down the rear backrests, turning your compact hatchback into a 2-seater \u2018van\u2019. This is ideal for the Ikea haul or helping a friend move. You could even stuff a bicycle inside with the \u2018Utility\u2019 configuration.\nThe \u2018Long\u2019 mode allows for long loads to take up the passenger side of the cabin, and this is also great for the occasional furniture haul, or as shown in the City Hatchback\u2019s brochure, an entire surfboard.\nThe most unique configuration would be the \u2018Tall\u2019 mode, which allows for tall loads such as potted plants, a bedside bookshelf, and just about anything that has to be kept vertical.\nThe \u2018Refresh\u2019 is not for hauling stuff, but for you to relax in the cabin during a picnic by the beach or waterfall if that\u2019s the kind of activity that you enjoy.\nWith the practicality that the ULTRA seats offer, the City Hatchback is suitable for those with a semi-active lifestyle and those who like to haul stuff on their own. And the practicality comes without the hassle of having to drive a large car through tight urban spaces.\nALSO WATCH: \nTackling the foreign Langkawi roads in a Honda City Hatchback!"
"Looking to explore beyond the norms of fashion,\n Xalf \nturns to one of the most luxurious brands in the automotive industry as the inspiration for their latest collection. Presenting Xtraordinary, a bespoke footwear collection by Xalf with Bentley Motors.\nMention footwear made in Malaysia and you\u2019d probably think of Bata (which by the way isn\u2019t even really made in Malaysia) but mention locally made-to-order shoes and you\u2019re bound to have heads turning \u2013 and Xalf looks to have that exact impact with their footwear.\nThe homegrown label pride themselves in creating bespoke footwear that are top notch in quality and design. Their aim, in essence, is to make you stand out from conventional mass-produced products hence the release of the \nXtraordinary collection\n in partnership with Bentley.\nOn the idea behind this interesting collaboration, Creative Director Alfred Hor credits the automaker\u2019s classy aesthetics as a natural influence.\n\u201cBentley\u2019s eye for the finer details and its modern classic style is admired by millions of people around the world,\u201d adds Xavier Mah, founder of the bespoke footwear label. \u201cWe too, are in awe of Bentley\u2019s elegance and wanted to create bespoke shoes inspired by the iconic brand.\u201d\nFlawlessly handcrafted from calf leather by only the best local craftsmen, the Xtraordinary collection is designed with versatility in mind to bring you anywhere and everywhere in style \u2013 just like a Bentley. As such they\u2019ve taken on the automaker\u2019s contemporary classic silhouettes, resulting in two designs:\nXceptional For Him \nMade from 100% calf leather, Xalf included a glossy finish on the mid section of the shoe along with a matte finish all around \u2013 drawing the eye to the classic shade with a variation in its texture.\nThe shoelace design seamlessly incorporates Bentley\u2019s logo while luxurious gold pipings along the body of the shoe further elevates the design. This sleek pair of footwear is priced at \nRM 4,500\n, an exorbitant yet warranted price tag to stand out from the average dress shoes.\nXquisite For Her\nAs for the Xquisite pumps, it is reminiscent of Bentley\u2019s signature back silhouette. We see again the use of 100% patent calf leather finishing and gold piping, but this time reinterpreted into a sporty yet sophisticated look befitting of modern women.\nIt\u2019s easy to see these luxe-looking pair matching any attire from day to night and because it is made-to-measure, they\u2019re sure to be the more comfortable pair in an elaborate shoe cabinet. We also like how Xalf included an Easter egg in this pair \u2013 with a subtle \u201cB\u201d lettering designed onto the back. Xquisite is priced at\u00a0\nRM 3,800\n.\nThe capsule collection will be displayed in Bentley Kuala Lumpur\u2019s showroom. Each design is limited to only \n50 pairs\n, exclusively made-to-measure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As you have already learnt, the deal between DRB-Hicom and Geely saw the Chinese firm \ntakeover a sizable chunk of Proton\n along with a majority stake in Lotus.\nThis was subsequent followed with applause when Geely pledged to \nfully realise the potential and brand appeal of Lotus car.\n\u00a0That vision had now extended beyond just building a new generation of Lotus sportscars where production is\n set to remain in Norfolk, UK\n but also with the inclusion of a \nLotus crossover\n.\nFor now, one can only imagine what the silhouette of a Lotus crossover could look like.\nThose who\u2019ve been keen followers of the Lotus brand can now start drooling in anticipation. Lotus looks set to plug the gaps and tap the niche within the ever-growing, lucrative SUV market, with the confidence that there is room for a light and aerodynamic crossover with handling competence.\nWith an impending approval from the Geely board on future plans which will be presented by Lotus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales, what seems firm at least for now is that production of other Lotus models could take place elsewhere.\nCome 2021, Gales is expected to reveal a whole new set of next-generation Lotus sportscars which will include the introduction of a new Elise, Exige and Evora.\n*Image is for illustration purposes only.\nCover Photo Credit: \nMidlands Lotus Owners Club"
"A police officer in Wisconsin, USA was recently notified of a Tesla Model 3 cruising on the highway with what appears to be a sleeping driver.\nIt was doing \n131 km/h \nwhile the driver was allegedly sleeping behind the wheel, on his way to work.\n \nAfter following it for over three kilometres, with sirens blaring, the driver nor the car responded. The driver only woke up and pulled over when both the patrol car and the Tesla was side by side.\nThe driver claimed to be awake but checks showed that it wasn\u2019t the driver\u2019s first encounter with authorities. The same car was reported twice before, after the driver was seen sleeping behind the wheel.\n \nThe driver was later fined USD 187 (approx RM774), not for speeding, but inattentive driving. As for his Model 3, it was towed as the police deemed the driver unfit to drive.\n \nRecently, a 25 year old was arrested for the same reason following reports of a Model 3 cruising on a highway in California, with only one occupant; he was sitting in the backseat.\nWhile in pursuit by the police, the occupant was seen climbing into the driver seat from the back. He too, had his Tesla towed away after the repeated idiotic stunt."
"Following the \nlaunch of the updated 2023 Isuzu D-Max \nearlier this year, Isuzu Malaysia has now announced the refreshed 1.9L Standard variant, featuring a revised equipment list, and a slight RM1,500 price increase across the board.\nThe new 2023 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Standard now starts at \nRM105,599.20\n for the manual variant, while the automatic is priced at \nRM112,999.20\n. Both prices are on-the-road and without insurance.\nSpeaking of insurance, be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa when you\u2019re renewing your car insurance to enjoy a 10% rebate, cashback, and many more goodies. Head on over to \nMotorTakaful.com \nto learn more.\nExterior design tweaks on the new 2023 models are minimal, with the press release only listing the new body-coloured door and tailgate handles, both of which were previously in silver. As part of the previous 2023 update, though, the grille garnish up front also now gets a two-tone look.\nOtherwise, the rest of the exterior equipment list for the 1.9L Standard variants is completely unchanged, including the 17-inch alloy wheels, bulb combination tail lamps, and halogen fog lights. As before, the automatic 1.9L Standard variant is equipped with bi-LED projector headlights with LED daytime-running lights, but the manual model retains its halogen items.\nAlso unchanged is the 1.9-litre inline-four turbodiesel mill underneath the bonnet, with outputs of \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n sent to all-four wheels via a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, as well as a Terrain Command shift-on-the-fly 4\u00d74 system.\nAs part of the earlier 2023 update, the Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Standard variants are also now equipped with new electronic locking differential on the rear axle, as is standard on all four-wheel drive variants in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nIsuzu D-Max updated for 2023 \u2013 refreshed looks and equipment kit, from RM95k\nThe highlight of the updated 2023 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Standard is its improved safety, courtesy of the reversing camera that now comes as standard on both automatic and manual options. Image from the camera is displayed on a new 7-inch touchscreen head unit with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is only reserved for the higher-end variants.\nWith the new update, Isuzu Malaysia says that it\u2019s now the first manufacturer in Malaysia to provide a reverse camera feature across its entire double-cab range.\nAside from the new head unit, the only other update to the interior of the new 2023 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Standard variants are the new USB ports up front, including one USB Type A and one Type C port. The fabric upholstery, analogue e-Lumax instrument cluster, manual seat adjustments, and manual air-con all remain unchanged from before.\nGALLERY"
"Welcome back to another installment of our throwback articles \u2013 after our previous article, have you scoured the classifieds for a used \nScirocco\n\u00a0yet? In conjunction with the recent launch of the new \nPerodua Myvi\n, let\u2019s take a look at the car that is undoubtedly the face of Malaysian mobility.\nThe term \u201cgame changer\u201d has often been overused in the realm of automotive marketing, as for it to be so, it has to have a truly significant impact on our motoring landscape.\nUp until mid-2005, Proton was the local numero-uno car brand despite utilising aged Mitsubishi-based models in the product line-up. At the time, the likes of Honda Jazz and Hyundai Getz were already whetting our appetites for B-segment hatchbacks with the visual and practical appeal.\nThe Daihatsu Boon/Sirion the Myvi was based upon\nDuring the early noughties, Perodua finest engineers were invited to collaborate with Daihatsu and Toyota in Japan to develop a new model, signifying the trust of the Japanese carmakers on their Malaysian counterparts. The result of which led to the introduction of the Daihatsu Boon and Toyota Passo in 2004.\nOn the Malaysian end of the deal, May 2005 marked the pivoting point for Perodua and Malaysian car buyers \u2013 a moment in time that is certain to be remembered as one that changed the entire local automotive climate. Proton fired the first salvo with its Savvy hatchback that packed a hint of European flavour. Perodua followed suit with the \nMyvi (My Vehicle My Vision)\n a few weeks after, and the rest, as they say, is history.\nTopping out at\n RM 51,000\u00a0\nfor the highest spec, the Myvi was relatively\u00a0\nsafe, reliable, frugal\n and incredibly\u00a0\nspacious,\n all of which were major considerations of the budget-conscious buyer in the segment. In a few months, the Myvi was already laying the foundations for Perodua to become the \nnation\u2019s top-selling car\n.\nThe facelifted model launched in 2008\nThe Myvi went on to capture the hearts and wallets of undergrads, boy racers, homemakers, young working adults, salesperson, doctors, teachers etc \u2013 it was a revered by all walks of life save for a certain TV personality from UK\u2019s biggest motoring show. Not surprising then as it went on to hit the \nmillionth-production mark\n in just 12 years after the first unit left the factory floor.\nWhy was the Myvi such a runaway success? For starters, it was the first compact vehicle in Malaysia with Japanese underpinnings \u2013 it\u2019s powered by a Toyota-sourced \n1.0-litre\n or\n 1.3-litre petrol engine\n that was reliable and frugal. Couple that with unparalleled \ninterior space \nand it was a clear winner \u2013\u00a0 a no-brainer for prospective car buyers.\nThe rear seats can be 60:40 split folded or completely flat, a convenience never seen nor offered before in a locally-manufactured car. Its effortless ability to host three passengers comfortably in the back seat also put to shame cars of larger sizes (and stature).\nIn terms of safety, the Myvi was offered\n\u00a0dual front airbags\n,\u00a0\nABS\n, and\n EBD\n\u00a0\u2013 although confined strictly for the range-topping model. Being a Perodua, the Myvi\u2019s interior wasn\u2019t exactly spartan either, it came with an\u00a0\nOptitron\n meter display \u2013 a feature that was only seen in premium Toyota models and Lexus then.\nPerodua changed the game with a well-equipped, safe and reliable hatchback with the first 2 generations of Myvis. Today, the third-generation Myvi has upped the ante again with the inclusion of semi-autonomous safety system and new engines \u2013 has Perodua produced yet another game changer? You bet they did.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMyvi 1.5 AV"
"In a recent video, \nVolvo\n has just teased the exterior design of the upcoming all-electric \nVolvo EX90\n. Set to debut on November 9, 2022, we can already see the key exterior features of Volvo\u2019s first all-electric car that is built on a dedicated EV platform.\nIn the 4-minute video, we get a glimpse of several angles and features of the EX90, but let us first address the most prominent feature of them all \u2013 the roof-mounted LiDAR.\nLiDAR integrated into the roofline\nWhile aesthetically questionable, Volvo says that the decision to put the Lidar on the roof takes inspiration from nature where animals eyes are usually positioned high up, and not on their knees. It is obvious that in this design decision, form follows function.\nLiDAR is a remote sensing system that uses a pulsed laser to precisely measure ranges and it can detect, for example, pedestrians up to 250 metres away. In pursuit of unsupervised autonomous driving, the roof-mounted Lidar which is standard on the Volvo EX90, is one of Volvo\u2019s safety cornerstones. Volvo even sees its LiDAR technology as a 21st-century design icon, very much like its three-point safety seatbelt.\nRELATED: \nUpcoming Volvo EX90\u2019s displays will magically show you the right information at the right tim\ne\nVolvo head of exterior design, T. Jon Mayer said, \u201cIt was a design challenge to integrate LiDAR in a way that both looks good and is optimal for its safety applications. It\u2019s the car\u2019s eyes, and while you could have them around the grille area \u2013 which would be equivalent to having eyes on your knees \u2013 it makes much more sense to have them as high as possible on your head so you can see as much as possible. That is why, together with our engineers, we decided to integrate it in the roofline to maximise its effectiveness.\u201d\nLiDAR aside, we also get to see the active vents on the lower grille, the flush door handles, the wheels with aero caps, a rear spoiler, and the Volvo Roundel on the enclosed front panel. All this contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.29 on the Volvo EX90, which Volvo says is very competitive for a large 7-seater SUV. Although futuristic, the EX90 still retains a side view mirror, albeit with a camera right beneath it.\nRELATED: \nUpcoming Volvo EX90 EV will come with LiDAR as standard, to be unveiled on 9 November\nUnfortunately, Volvo has not given any glimpse of the interior in this recent video. Previously we have seen the dashboard and infotainment unit, but have not seen the full interior.\nCommenting on the interior design, Mr. Mayer said \u201cWe\u2019ve put a lot of effort into the illumination inside the EX90, trying to create a warm interior and a somewhat colder expression for the exterior. It\u2019s also connected to how people in Scandinavia might be perceived. There\u2019s a calm and understated confidence that can read as cold at first \u2013 but once you get to know people, you find that they\u2019re really warm. That very same confidence is exactly what we\u2019re trying to convey in the expression of our cars.\u201d\n \nGALLERY"
"It feels like almost every week, someone here at the \nAutoBuzz\n office (mostly me) will \nbemoan\n about how the \nhorrible\n touchscreens are taking over our cars, but we believe we have good reason. Touchscreens are good for smartphones, but when it comes to a moving car, the sleek slates of glass can make basic tasks \u2013 like adjusting your air-con settings \u2013 a potentially dangerous endeavour.\nWe know we\u2019re \nnot alone in this\n. BMW and Polestar designers have already hinted that the \nage of the screen-city might soon be over\n, and Alfa Romeo has also\n committed to keeping screens in their cars to a minimum\n. But now, there\u2019s finally a \u201cscientific\u201d study to confirm what we already know \u2013 touchscreens are harder to use than actual, physical buttons, thus making them more dangerous.\nThe study comes from Swedish car magazine \nVi Bil\u00e4gare\n, who gathered 11 different models ranging from a 17-year-old \u201cold-school\u201d Volvo V70 to the \nall-new BMW iX \nto study their human-machine interfaces (HMI).\nParticipants are asked to perform a set of simple tasks in all the cars, such as changing the radio station or adjusting the climate control, while driving at 110 km/h. The time taken and distance travelled for the drivers to complete the tasks in each car were then recorded and tabulated.\nThe publication also emphasised that the participants were also given time to get used to the systems in each of the cars to remove any variables stemming from unfamiliarity.\nOh, how we\u2019ve missed you, good ol\u2019 buttons. Photo: \nGlenn Lindberg/Vi Bil\u00e4gare\nUnsurprisingly, the 17-year-old Volvo came in first in the tests, with participants requiring only 300 metres (roughly 10 seconds) on average to complete the tasks \u2013 more than a whole kilometre better than the worst performing car of the bunch: MG Marvel R (44.9 seconds).\nVi Bil\u00e4gare\n notes that the BMW iX and Seat Leon performed decently in the tests, thanks to their mix of screens and buttons. However, the site argues that their systems are still too complicated, with both requiring roughly a kilometre to perform the tasks, and a lot can happen if you\u2019re driving distracted over that distance in normal traffic.\nRELATED: \nResearch says Android Auto and Apple CarPlay more dangerous than alcohol\nPhoto: \nGlenn Lindberg/Vi Bil\u00e4gare\nScreens aren\u2019t inherently bad, however, as proven by cars like the \nVolvo C40\n (identical to the \nXC40\n inside), which required only 417 metres to complete the tasks in the test. The publication says the result is due to Volvo\u2019s relatively simple layout and lack of unnecessary features, making it easier for users to access mission-critical controls.\nButtons aren\u2019t completely faultless, too; \nVi Bil\u00e4gare\n noted that some of the buttons on the\n Volkswagen ID.4\n and Seat Leon came without backlighting, making it \u201ccompletely invisible at night\u201d and a nightmare to use. Still, with some muscle memory (and proper buttons, not the touch-sensitive ones, thank you), they should perform way better than having to look at a touchscreen while driving.\nButtons? They don\u2019t exist here.\nNow, we understand that some of these decisions are completely out of the engineers hands. Accountants may push for touchscreens instead of buttons as they\u2019re cheaper to implement, while designers could argue that it\u2019s part of the new modern aesthetics.\nAll we\u2019re saying is, look \u2013 science is on our side. Just give us the physical climate control buttons and knobs back, and we promise we\u2019ll stop writing these articles every couple of months."
"Two months ago, Porsche revealed the new \n911 GT3\n to the world but only now have they revealed the juicy secrets from behind that iconic shell.\nUnderneath that massive rear wing, which in itself is an engineering marvel, is a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine with \n510 hp\n and\n 470 Nm\n, and a 9,000 rpm redline!\nWhat they did not reveal at launch was that the engine, which is based on the 911 GT3 R race car, had \nundergone more than 22,000 hours of testing\n, running full throttle for most of the time.\nPorsche also revealed that the engine held up and performed flawlessly as it was \ndriven consistently at 300 km/h for 5,000 km continuously\n on an oval track in Italy. The car only stopped for fuel.\nAs for the swan-neck rear wing, its angle can be adjusted to four different positions, like the front diffuser. According to Porsche, it allows the new 911 GT3 to \ngenerate 50% more downforce \nthan the previous model at 200 km/h.\nIn the most extreme setting, the rear wing can generate more than 150% extra downforce compared to its predecessor.\n\u201cWe developed the aerodynamics of the new 911 GT3 in around 700 simulations. We spent more than 160 hours fine-tuning the car in the wind tunnel,\u201d explains Porsche aerodynamics engineer, Mathias Roll.\nFind out more about the 911 GT3 in detail \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"To celebrate the launch of its newest model, the \nFlying Spur Hybrid\n, Bentley has unveiled a new limited-run launch variant, called the Odyssean Edition, that\u2019s supposed to offer a glimpse into the brand\u2019s future.\nTaking inspiration from the \nEXP 100 GT concept\n, the new Odyssean Edition will highlight the use of sustainable materials in its interior, which will become a big part of the brand\u2019s Beyond 100 electrification strategy moving forward.\nThese materials include the new tweed panels that are made from 100% British wool, which helps break up the acres of leather usually found on the inside of a luxury car like a \nBentley Flying Spur\n. As an option, customers can also upgrade the deep pile mats to lambswool rugs.\nThat\u2019s not to say that there\u2019s no leather here, though, because there is, and a whole lot of it. But the hide used for the cabin, called Autumn, was selected specifically for its sustainability and long-term durability.\nAll new Bentley models will be fully-electric from 2030 onwards. Read more about the brand\u2019s Beyond 100 plan here.\nThe company also recently joined the Leather Working Group, a trade body that sets standards for the ethical use of the material. Bentley sources its leather from a single supplier in Italy, and uses advanced laser cutting tools to maximise the utilisation of each hide, while any leftover scraps are sent for use elsewhere.\nAs for the leather in the Odyssean Edition itself, it gets the usual \u201clofted diamond\u201d pattern that\u2019s unique to the Bentley Flying Spur, but with a unique embroidery style which blends the thread colours into a gradient across the width of each seat, as a nod to the ombr\u00e9 finishes seen in the interior of the EXP 100 GT.\nThe dashboard is covered in what Bentley calls the open pore Koa veneer, which uses 90% less lacquer than the other high-gloss veneers. Using just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, which totals to only 0.1 mm in thickness, Bentley says that this allows customers to enjoy the \u201cnatural surface texture and aesthetic of the wood\u201d.\nThe centre console, meanwhile, gets a more \u201cregular\u201d black Piano Linen veneer, to offset and balance the three-colour leather scheme in the rest of the cabin.\nCheck out the insane attention to detail in the interior of the Bentley Flying Spur, now available in Malaysia! \nWhile the highlight of the Odyssean Edition Flying Spur Hybrid is obviously inside the cabin, Bentley has also given the limited-run model a few unique touches on the exterior. Most noticeably, it\u2019s littered with a new Pale Brodgar accent colour that can be found on the 21-inch wheels, bumpers, and the lower character line trim element that wraps around the rear of the car.\nBentley has selected a palette of six recommended colours to match the trim and interior colour scheme, but of course, customers can still choose any colour that they like from the thousands on offer from the firm.\nThe Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition is also fitted with Bentley\u2019s Touring Specification, which comes with the retractable illuminated \u2018Flying B\u2019 bonnet mascot, LED puddle lights, and the rotating centre console display on the inside.\nTying up the aesthetic makeover on the special edition are the bespoke Odyssean Edition door sill plates \u2013 the design of which is mirrored onto the exterior badgings on the D-pillars.\nThe world\u2019s largest carbon fibre wheel is made by Bentley for the Bentayga. Check out the 22-inch madness here!\nPowering the Odyssean Edition is the standard powertrain from the new Flying Spur Hybrid, which features a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 mated to an 136 hp electric motor.\nIn total, the system makes \n544 hp \nand \n750 Nm\n, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of \n4.3 seconds\n, \na top speed of \n285 km/h, and a total driving range of over 700 km with a single tank of fuel and a fully-charged battery.\nBentley did not reveal the price of this special edition Flying Spur Hybrid model, though it\u2019ll be limited to about 300 units only.\nGALLERY"
"The \nVolkswagen Arteon\n is \u2013 in our opinion \u2013 a ridiculously good-looking car. The sleek silhouette, sharp lighting elements, it all adds up to a sleek fastback that\u2019s hard not to like. When the model \nfirst made its debut here in Malaysia\n, though, it was somewhat handicapped with a pretty lacklustre powertrain, leading many to dub it \u201call show, and no go\u201d.\nWell, not any more \u2013 \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)\n has now right that wrong just one year later with the 2021 \nVW Arteon facelift\n model, pairing the iconic good looks with a powertrain that has a lot more bite.\nA lot more, as in 90 hp more. The new Volkswagen Arteon in Malaysia now features a new 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, churning out \n280 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, compared to the \u201cmeasly\u201d 190 hp/320 Nm 2.0-litre four-banger of yore. Paired that to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, and you get a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just \n5.6 seconds\n.\nCheck out the new 2021 Volkswagen Arteon in more detail here!\nBut it\u2019s not just a boost in power, too \u2013 the facelift model also now gets the 4Motion all-wheel drive system to help translate all the power from the engine into the tarmac. The AWD driveline also comes with the XDS electronic differential lock to help improve traction during hard cornering.\nFor good measure, VPCM also thrown in the adaptive dampers on the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon, which provides up to 15 degrees of adjustability in the Dynamic Chassis Control system ranging from comfort to sporty, letting you tune the car\u2019s response to just how you like to drive.\nAs for looks, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is relatively tame for a \u201cfacelift\u201d \u2013 especially considering what \nMercedes-Benz does with their mid-cycle updates\n. Updates to the exterior of the new VW Arteon facelift pretty much only includes the new light bar across the front grille, and a reworked 3D light signature on the tail lights \u2013 but why fix something that\u2019s not broken, right?\nAs before, the Malaysian model comes equipped with the R-Line exterior package, consisting of the more aggresively-styled front and rear bumpers, a bootlip spoiler at the back, plus the 19-inch \u201cMontevideo\u201d alloys on all four corners. Oh, and it\u2019s also the first model in Malaysia to sport the \nnew Volkswagen and \u2018R\u2019 logos\n.\nInside, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line gets a new R-Line flat-bottomed steering wheel with the fancy haptic touch control buttons, and the dashboard trims have been reworked for a sportier look, instead of the old one that was just lifted directly from the Passat.\nThere\u2019s also a new pair of ErgoComfort seats up frontwith a sportier design, now featuring an integrated headrest, It\u2019s wrapped in a\u201dcarbon-style\u201d Nappa leather upholstery, and as is customary, features the new \u2018R\u2019 logo on the seat backs.\nOther new additions in the cabin include the 30-colour ambient lighting system, alongside a new 12-speaker 700W Harman Kardon sound system (replacing the Dynaudio set), but the rest of the interior appointments are otherwise unchanged from the pre-facelift model.\nThe new 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion is priced at \nRM247,671\n on the road, without insurance, but inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are valid until the end of the year. Also included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, three-year scheduled service programme, and five-year roadside assistance package.\nFor the full rundown of the specifications and equipments of the new Volkswagen Arteon, be sure to check out our\n Facts & Figures coverage \nof the model launch here in Malaysia. Otherwise, feast your eyes on the blue beauty below.\nGALLERY"
"Before Porsche Malaysia\n officially launched the new 992 generation 911 locally\n, they were kind enough to send us to Auckland, New Zealand to have an early taste of their latest Michelin-star dish.\nAs the title suggests, we got to try out two different models \u2013 Carrera S and Carrera 4S \u2013 which although look nearly identical, are completely different sportscars in their own right.\n \nWe drove through rainbows, scenic B-roads, through rain and shine and although we didn\u2019t have much leeway to stretch their legs, the new 992 hinted plenty enough to indicate that Porsche has once again broke new barriers with the new sportscar.\nLethal performance, even better looks, more tech and unquestionable practicality for all-season use are the least to expect in the latest rendition of the 911 \u2013 an undying formula spanning more than 50 years.\n \nThe latest jewel in Porsche\u2019s 911 crown goes for RM1.15 million for the Carrera S and RM1.22 million for the Carrera 4S.\nRevised turbocharger flow, relocated intercoolers, mixed sized wheels, active flaps, new tail light fixture, wider active spoiler and a Wet Mode are among the revisions made to the new 911."
"For the longest time, Audi RS models have all come fitted with quattro all-wheel drive, albeit considerably rear biased (30 percent front, 70 percent rear). But according to\u00a0CEO of Audi Sport, Stephan Winklemann, future RS cars may be rear-wheel driven and hybridised!\nThe aim is to bring a more involving drive that would rival some of the most focussed cars from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. Perhaps we can even expect a dual-variant assault \u2013 one RWD, one with quattro. All said, quattro will still remain as the dominant drivetrain for many Audi models.   Winklemann went on to say \u201cOur cars will remain distinguished, but never pimped. We\u2019ll always offer high performance, but at the same time our cars must be comfortable \u2013 and give you a feeling that you are better than you expect.\u201d\nAudi will go on to reveal two new RS models at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but it\u2019s unclear at this time whether the duo will be electrified or not."
"It\u2019s just under two weeks to go until the commencement of one of Europe\u2019s largest international motor show events, the IAA which will be held in Munich. While many automakers are showcasing \nclean mobility\n and technologies to significantly lower carbon emissions, Mercedes-AMG has \nteased\n its latest model ahead of the motor show.\nUnofficially called the Mercedes-AMG GT 73e, this four-door coupe utilises hybrid technology from its all-conquering Formula 1 campaign to boost powertrain output to \nover 800 hp\n, 160 hp more than the outgoing GT 63 S. The concept vehicle was \nfirst revealed\n, albeit with a new Mercedes-AMG camouflage livery, in March, and the vehicle in the teaser image seems to have maintained the front fascia of the \u2018concept\u2019 car.\nMercedes-AMG will also use this model to launch their new AMG E-Performance badge, which uses high (and new technology) electrifications for increased driving performance and pleasure. At a \ntechnical presentation\n in March, the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine is paired with a new motorised rear-axle and an AMG High Performance battery pack.\nThe complex rear Electric Drive Unit (EDU) integrates an electrically shifting two-speed transmission, motor and an electronic rear axle differential lock into a relatively compact casing with the AMG battery positioned above. It has plug-in capabilities as well, with a 3.7 kW on-board charger.\nBoth BMW M and Audi RS have no answer to this new hybrid technology, with Porsche Panamera being its closest rival. In the \nPanamera Turbo S E-Hybrid\n, the total system output is 700 hp from an electrified 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.\nA hypercar with just a tiny 1.6-litre engine, expected to have over 1,000 hp and very active aerodynamic for competition car-like cornering performance. More about the Project One here.\nThe outgoing Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4Matic+ had \n639 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque without any electric assistance. It also holds the lap record for the \nfastest executive car\n at the Nurburgring.\nApart from the unveiling of this 800 hp Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door, Mercedes-Benz is also reported to be presenting the fully electric AMG \nEQS\n plus the new\n \nMercedes-Benz EQE\n, the latest member to the fully electric EQ brand.\nMercedes-AMG is also expected to release the C 63 variant of \nnew C-Class\n range with a heavily electrified 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a combined system output of approx 600 hp, surpassing current V8 engines.\nThe Brabus Rocket 900 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S is aptly named as such. 900 hp! It has a great wide bodykit too! More about the rocket here!\nThe IAA Munich Mobility is scheduled to be held from September 7th to 12th with a larger focus on mobility and connected technologies that meet the new lifestyle requirements rather than static concept car displays. Visitors will also get to test drive or sit in new zero emission vehicles such as the \nhydrogen-powered electric BMW X5\n.\nGALLERY"
"The Toyota Prius rivalling \nHyundai Ioniq\n has just made a surprise debut at the 2016 My Auto Fest held at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC). Globally, the Ioniq is available in three variants \u2013 Hybrid, Electric and Plug-in Hybrid. The one on display here is the Hybrid variant.\nThe Ioniq is the world\u2019s first green car with\u00a0\nthree energy-efficient powertrains,\n\u00a0powered by a single\n 1.6-litre four cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Kappa \nengine coupled with an electric motor. The total output from the Ioniq is rated to be around 145 hp with 211 Nm of torque.\u00a0Power is sent to the front axle, with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox tasked for quick and efficient gear changes.\n \n \nAgain, the display unit at MIECC is clearly the hybrid model, packing a\u00a0\n56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery\n\u00a0located underneath the rear bench. The positioning of this battery improve the car\u2019s weight distribution, and together with the rear multilink suspension, Hyundai is confident that the Ioniq will be a hybrid car that\u2019s as fun to drive as it is frugal.\nJudging from our\u00a0first impressions, the Ioniq looks a lot more presentable and striking compared to the controversial looking \nfourth generation Prius\n. Despite being a hatchback, boot space is cavernous with 443 litres which should meet any typical Malaysian\u2019s needs.\nSo, will Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) be introducing the Ioniq sometime in the future? Well, apparently not. A source within HSDM revealed that the Ioniq will be a challenging product to launch here due to tax and pricing issues, plus the fact that unless the Ioniq is locally assembled, it will never benefit from the EEV incentives. Toyota has also stopped selling the Prius and Prius C because of this.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Complementing the 765 LT \u201cLongtail\u201d coupe revealed last year, McLaren has followed up with the new 765 LT Spider. Just 765 units will be available for sale.\nWith the one-piece carbon fibre retractable hardtop, that opens in just 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h \njust like the 720S\n, McLaren says it only adds 49 kg to the 765 LT\u2019s overall weight of just 1,388 kg. That\u2019s about the weight of a Volkswagen Golf GTI.\nDespite being a convertible, the strength and stiffness of the body means no additional strengthening was needed, which would add more weight. Carbon fibre structural supports are bonded into the chassis for rollover protection.\nThe roof mechanism of the 765LT Spider is among the world\u2019s quickest and quietest. It\u2019s twice as quiet as the roof of the 675LT Spider, the first convertible LT supercar.\nUnder the hood, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 sings through quad-exit titanium exhausts. It makes 765 hp, hence the name and 800 Nm which allows for a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.8 seconds! Top speed of the 765 LT Spider is 330 km/h.\nGenerous use of lightweight materials is the main reason for the 765 LT Spider\u2019s performance. Exterior bits such as the front splitter, front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, rear wing are all made of carbon fibre and is unique to the 765 model. Wheels are made of ultra-lightweight forged alloy while the wheel bolt are made of titanium. You get the idea, don\u2019t you?\nThe meticulous weight-saving measures continue inside. The carbon fibre-shelled seats are 18 kg lighter than the ones in the 720S while the Alcantara upholstery used on the steering wheel and dashboard is also of a lightweight kind.\nCarbon fibre is also used on the interior floor and centre tunnel of cabin. If more lightness is required, one can also request for the air-con to be removed, along with the audio system and floor carpets \u2013 to save up to 15 kg of weight. One can even opt for the same carbon fibre race seats first used in the McLaren Senna, weighing just 3.5 kg!\nThe doors of the Spider differ from those of the coupe. They have no upper carbon fibre frame and are physically smaller and lighter. They require only a single hinge (compared to the coupe\u2019s double hinge fitment). When opened, the Spider\u2019s doors extend further than the coupe\u2019s by 120 mm each side \u2013 the only difference in dimensions between the two models.\nThe interior differences between coupe and Spider are minimal as well. The 765 LT Spider features an extra element of carbon fibre upper trim which \u2018flows\u2019 from interior to exterior.\nThere are two McLaren Special Operation (MSO) packages available for the 765LT Spider \u2013 the Clubsport Pack and the LT Black Pack. The MSO Clubsport pack both reduces overall weight and increases circuit performance with lightweight options and performance upgrades. These include McLaren Track Telemetry with three cameras, carbon fibre racing seats and brake upgrades featuring carbon ceramic brake discs and bespoke brake pads from the McLaren Senna.\nMeanwhile, the MSO LT Black Pack gives the 765LT Spider an even more stealth look, with external components such as the front splitter, rear bumper and diffuser and air intakes finished in gloss black.\nGALLERY"
"The \nMazda RX-Vision\n was first showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and it has always been the ultimate expression of their \u201cKODO: Soul of Motion\u201d design philosophy that shaped the new generation of vehicles such as the Mazda 3, Mazda CX-30 and the Mazda CX-5.\nMany of us enthusiasts always hoped that Mazda, a brand so synonymous with driving experience and vehicle dynamics, would turn the RX-Vision concept into the RX-9 coupe- a modern-day revival of the famed Mazda RX-7.\nMazda only updated the RX-Vision concept in the virtual world, where the company teamed up with Polyphony Digital to create the RX-Vision GT3 concept to celebrate \nMazda\u2019s 100th Anniversary\n last year. There was not much excitement as it is a racing version of the RX-Vision and the game is filled with plenty of one-off racing concept cars.\nFeel more \u2018Jinba Ittai\u2019 connection just by wear this item. Find out more here!\nA few days ago, patent filings by Mazda showed detailed structural designs of a vehicle. Out of 14 images, only one had an exterior body to it and it immediately excited us all. The rear shape of the two-door coupe bears striking resemblance to the 2015 Mazda RX-Vision! We wonder if the latest \n\u2018R\u2019 logo trademark\n by Mazda has any connection to this product?\nThe patents talk about the structural design of space frame using extruded aluminium alloy to form a chassis. Detailed drawings focused on the side sill members (where rigidity is a main concern for coupe bodies) as well as the rear axle area.\nThe area where the rear axle is usually housed (drive shafts, differential, suspension arm pick-up points) look very different to a standard rear-wheel-drive chassis with a sub-frame. It seems that Mazda is patenting a design to incorporate the rear suspension and transmit loading and high amounts of stress to the side sills and pillars!\nNew generation Mazdas to built on rear-wheel drive platform with straight-six engines! More about their strategy here.\nIt is certainly refreshing to see a premium-looking front-engine-rear-drive chassis after countless uniform-looking \nmodular architectures\n for electric vehicles with just a large battery in the middle.\nThere is certainly no confirmation if this patent filing will turn into reality, but it sure is nice to know that Mazda is making serious progress in developing a new sports coupe. Expect premium pricing too with such technology that even BMW and \nMercedes-Benz\n does not employ in their hardcore compact coupes. \u00a0\nSource: \nJalopnik.com"
"Just last year, the \nVolkswagen GTI Clubsport\n was deemed to be the sportiest GTI ever. Now they have made it even better, resulting an additional letter at the end of its name. The 306 hp Volkswagen GTI Clubsport S is not only the most powerful GTI in history, it even eclipses the Golf R\u2019s horse count. Yikes.\nIt\u2019s no secret that the \nClubsport S\n was created with \u201cthe Green Hell\u201d in mind, because the \nN\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife record for the front-wheel drive production car\n does not get broken by accident. In the hands of racing driver Benny Leuchter, the Clubsport S crosses the line in \n7 minutes 49.21 seconds\n. For comparison, the \nprevious record\n was held by the\u00a0\nHonda Civic Type R\n in \n7 minutes 50.63 seconds\n.\n \n \nIt looks just like the Golf GTI Clubsport we \nsaw last year\n (bespoke front bumper, bi-level rear roof spoiler, subtle skirts all-round) except that the side panel now says \u201cClubsport S\u201d. It\u2019s also fitted with a set of \n19-inch \u201cPretoria\u201d alloys\n and the tailpipes are a tiny bit bigger in diameter.\nUnder the bonnet lies the same \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder TSI EA888\n unit, but it has been given a \nnew ECU\n and fitted with a \nnew exhaust system\n. So the performance figures now reads \n306 hp\n, \n380 Nm\n, \n5.8 seconds to 100 km/h\n, and \n265 km/h maximum speed\n. And the driver have to work himself out with the \nsix-speed manual transmission\n to get the front wheels spinning. No DSG nonsense here.\nWhile there\u2019s the usual Comfort, Normal, and Race driving profile, there\u2019s a dedicated \nN\u00fcrburgring setting\n in the Individual driving profile that the engineers claim to suit the Green Hell\u2019s conditions. Revisions to both front and rear axle geometry help kill understeer, and more grip is provided by the \nMichelin Sport Cup 2\n semi slicks fitted as standard.\nA further \n30kg\u00a0have been\n shed from the GTI Clubsport S \u2013 anything unnecessary has been thrown out of the window to keep the weight as low as possible. Who needs the rear parcel shelf and the rear seats anyway? Although, the interior is still equipped with a pair of lovely \nbucket seats\n and \nAlcantara wrapped\n golf ball gearknob and sports steering wheel.\nLovely isn\u2019t it? Well here comes the bad news.\u00a0There will only be \n400\n copies of the GTI Clubsport S worldwide so you have to pray hard for this two-seater special to make it here in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, yesterday officiated the launch of a pilot project to supply unsubsidised RON 95 and diesel fuels for foreign vehicles. The first non-subsidised petrol stations, dubbed Double, are now open at Padang Besar and Wang Kelian, Perlis.\nThe pilot project will be carried out in Perlis for three months from February to April 2023 in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme. Following the pilot project, the ministry plans to expand the non-subsidised petrol stations to other border states, including Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak.\nImage: Salahuddin Ayub/Facebook\nThe project is an effort by the ministry to tackle subsidy leakage, as the subsidised RON 95 was only meant for Malaysian citizens. Under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, the sale of the RON 95 petrol to foreigners is a punishable act under Malaysian law, with a maximum fine of RM1 million and three years in jail.\nRecently, photos of foreign vehicles filling up with the yellow-nozzled RON 95 petrol have been making rounds around the internet, prompting the government to step up enforcement of the sale of subsidised fuel to foreigners, alongside a proposal for a switch to targeted fuel subsidy for Malaysians based on household income.\nRELATED: \nForeign vehicles refuelling with RON95 should be reported\nImage: Salahuddin Ayub/Facebook\nAt the time of writing, the unsubsidised RON 95 petrol is priced at RM3.22 per litre, or 57% higher than the subsidised pricing. For comparison, the non-subsidised RON 97 petrol that is available at regular fuel stations is priced at RM3.35 per litre. Similarly, pricing for the non-subsidised RON 95 petrol will also be floated according to market rates.\nAs for Euro 5 diesel, the non-subsidised pricing is currently set at RM3.45 per litre at the time of writing. Prior to the new stations, foreign vehicles fuelling up within 25 km of the nations\u2019 borders are only allowed to purchase up to 20 litres of diesel, as the fuel is subsidised to a ceiling price of RM2.15 and RM2.35 respectively for the Euro 5 B10 and Euro 5 B7 formulations.\nThrough the implementation of the pilot project, a new Supply Controller Directive was issued for petrol station in Perlis, which bans the sale of diesel fuel to foreign registered vehicles starting February 1, 2023. Foreign diesel vehicles in Perlis will now have to visit the non-subsidised stations in order to fuel up."
"Toyota has pulled off the wraps of the 12\nth\n generation Toyota Corolla sedan at the 2018 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition. Like the \nnew Camry\n, the sporty looking Corolla is promised to deliver a fun driving experience thanks to the utilisation of the TNGA platform.\nBased on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, the new Corolla has slightly tweaked dimensions, now measuring 4,640 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, 1,435 mm in height with the same wheelbase of 2,700 mm as the outgoing model. Compared to the old car, the new sedan is 10 mm longer, 5 mm wider and 45 mm lower than before.   The exterior of the new Corolla adopts a \u201cShooting Robust\u201d design concept that gives the car an active and sporty silhouette by giving it a lower centre of gravity and lower stance. As for visual cues, the Corolla sedan is identical to its \nhatchback twin\n at the front with slim headlamps and wide front apertures.\nOver to the back, is where the Corolla flaunts its unique design with a raised boot lid, sculptured bumpers and droopy taillamp design. However, the rear profile doesn\u2019t quite add up to the front\u2019s athletic stance. Perhaps it will grow on us with time.\nToyota\u2019s Sensuous Minimalism cabin design concept is apparent in the new Corolla, with clean lines forming the dashboard. An LCD instrument cluster and floating infotainment screen helps to keep the dashboard relatively clutter free with the climate controls neatly arranged in a single strip.\nPowertrain options have not been disclosed by the company, but the new powertrains developed under the TNGA initiative such as 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, Direct Shift-CVT and 6-speed manual transmission will be available for selected regions. Toyota Safety Sense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems will also be available in the new Corolla.   Chief Engineer for the new Toyota Corolla, Yoshiki Konishi said: \u201cWe have striven to design new models that are eye-catching, and fun to both ride in and drive. By enhancing not just the fun factors that are unique to cars, but \u201cconnectivity\u201d functions to create new value, I wanted to make this new model a car that enriches mobility for customers around the world.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAll-new Toyota Corolla Sedan \u2013 China Domestic Model   Toyota Corolla Levin for China Domestic Model"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia has unveiled the \nall-new Hyundai Elantra\n here in Malaysia. Available in only a single variant, the Hyundai Elantra is priced at \nRM158,888\n on the road without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe all-new Elantra is the second model in the Hyundai stable after the Sonata to carry the \u2018Sensuous Sportiness\u2019 design philosophy, which is characterised by its sloping coupe-like roofline and the lower overall ride height.\nIn terms of dimensions, the seventh-generation Hyundai Elantra is now 25 mm wider, 56 mm longer, and 20 mm lower than its outgoing model, measuring in at 4,675 mm long, 1,825 mm wide and 1,430 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.\nSpecific to this model is also the \u201cparametric jewel\u201d motif, which utilises sharp lines and geometric shapes in its styling. The motif is most evident in the large \u201ccascading grille\u201d with integrated turn signal indicators, functional air curtain inlets on the front bumper, Z-shaped character lines on the side, and the aggressive integrated rear spoiler.\nOther exterior highlights include:\nFull automatic LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights\nLED tail lights (H-shaped design)\nDual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, 225/45 profile Kumho Ecsta PS71\nSmart Trunk automatic boot opening feature\nFour exterior colours: Polar White, Electric Shadow, Amazon Grey, Intense Blue\nPERFORMANCE\nThe all-new Hyundai Elantra is offered in Malaysia in only one single variant at launch, powered by the SmartStream G1.6 MPI naturally-aspirated engine.\nEngine: 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine\nTransmission: Hyundai Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive (FF)\nMax horsepower: 123 hp @ 6,300 rpm\nMax torque: 154 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 10.4 seconds\nTop speed: 196 km/h\nrated fuel consumption: 5.6 l/100km\nThe new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) gearbox is essentially a CVT with eight virtual gear, but instead of a regular push belt, it is driven by a chain belt paired to a tensioner mechanism. Hyundai says that the new IVT gearbox not only improves responses and \u201creproduces the manual transmission\u2019s shifting pattern\u201d, but also reduces engine power loss by 5-8%, at the same time improving fuel economy by 4.2%.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the seventh-generation Hyundai Elantra adopts an \u201cimmersive cocoon\u201d design, which sees all the control surfaces tilted slightly towards the driver, surrounded by a wrap-around trim piece to emulate a fighter-jet cockpit. To emphasise the width of the car, Hyundai also used a low, wide structure that runs from door to door, integrating the air vents neatly into the trim element itself.\nDue to the fastback styling on the all-new Elantra, the entire cabin compartment has been shifted rearward by 50 mm, starting from the front cowl. However, Hyundai says that the cabin space has not been impacted, but rather increased due to the increased overall dimensions of the vehicle. Rear legroom have been expanded by 58 mm, while boot space is also larger than before, now rated at over 470 litres.\n768768\nThe interior upholstery of the all-new Elantra can be specified in either black (natural leather and Tricot) or a two-tone light-grey scheme (white natural leather and woven fabric).\nInterior highlights of the all-new Hyundai Elantra include:\n10.25-inch Supervision TFT digital instrument cluster\n8-inch Infotainment Display\nApple CarPlay, Android Auto\nBluetooth multi-connection\nDual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents\nVentilated, heated front seats, Smart Temperature Comfort Control\n8-way power adjustable driver seat with 2-way lumbar support\nHeated steering wheel\nWireless smartphone charger\nElectronic parking brake with auto-hold\nVariable cup holders\nSAFETY\nThe all-new Hyundai Elantra in Malaysia is equipped with the brand\u2019s latest SmartSense advance driver assistance suite, which includes the following features:\nForward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) \u2013 Vehicle, Pedestrian, Cyclist\nForward Collision Avoidance Assist, Junction (FCA-JT)\nBlind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)\nRear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)\nSafe Exit Warning (SEW)\nDriver Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)\nLane Keep Assist (LKA)\nLane Following Assist (LFA)\nSmart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go function\nRear Occupant Alert\nTyre Pressure Monitoring System\nOther safety features include six airbags as standard (driver, front passenger, side, and curtains), ABS with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, traction control, and hill-start assist, and two Isofix mounts on the rear seats.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the all-new Hyundai Elantra is priced at \nRM158,888\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions. Included in the price is also a 5-year/300,000 km warranty, and a 3-year/50,000 km free service maintenance programme.\nThe all-new Hyundai Elantra is now available for viewing at all Hyundai dealerships nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"To nobody\u2019s surprise, Ferrari has unveiled a track-focused version of the \n488 GTB\n. Introducing the Ferrari 488 Pista, which translates directly to track in Italian, the successor to the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale.\nUnderneath the hood, the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 is massaged to kick out \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque, the former at 8,000 rpm and the latter comes in at 3,000 rpm. Output is \n50 hp\n and \n10 Nm\n more than the standard 488 GTB. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch box. Century sprint takes \n2.85 seconds\n and mesh the throttle for \n7.6 seconds\n will take you from 0 to 200 km/h. Top speed is registered in excess of 340 km/h.   The increase in output also translates to more intense aural experience thanks to Inconel exhaust manifolds, lightweight crankshaft and flywheel, titanium con rods and carbon-fibre intake plenums.\nLike all special edition Ferrari\u2019s, the Ferrari 488 Pista gets tech derived from the \n488 GTE race car\n for enhanced on-track performance. For starters the car weighs 90 kg compared to the 488 GTB but gets F1-inspired front S-Duct and front diffusers with ramp angle, redesigned underbody vortex generators and double kink rear diffuser for better aerodynamics. In addition, the rear spoiler now sits higher and extends longer in shape for 20 percent increase in downforce.\nDespite the blistering performance, Ferrari wants to ensure that the Ferrari 488 Pista\u2019s performance is accessible to all drivers, professional or otherwise. With that in mind, \nSide-Slip Angle Control 6.0\n is incorporated and for the first time ever \nFerrari Dynamic Enhancer\n which uses software to adjust the brake pressure at the callipers. These additional level of control gives the driver more refined controls and predictability when driving at the limit.\nBesides the racing livery strip that runs through the mid-section, the Ferrari 488 Pista can be further optioned with new 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels \u2013 a first for a Ferrari as well as the engine cover, bumpers and rear spoiler finished\u00a0in carbon fibre.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In what must be godsend to studios in Hollywood, the former chairman and CEO of the (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi) Alliance became an international fugitive after pulling off an audacious escape from his house arrest in Tokyo. Ghosn had been awaiting trial after being charged with financial misconduct and breach of trust when serving as the \nCEO of Nissan\n.\nDepending on which news sources you may be referring to, Ghosn was reported to have hid in a \nmusical instrument box\n (after a band had performed at his Tokyo residence) and whisked away by \nmercenaries disguising as musicians\n to a local airport, purportedly Kansai International Airport at Osaka. The daring plan was allegedly hatched by his wife, \nCarole Ghosn\n.\nGhosn was said to have then boarded a \nBombardier business jet\n to Turkey before switching planes and ending up in \nLebanon\n, where his ancestral home is. Ghosn holds Lebanese citizenship and is revered in the middle east state, and of course, Lebanon has no extradition treaty with Japan.\nUpon his arrival, Ghosn issued a brief statement saying that he had not fled justice, but \u201c\nescaped injustice and political persecution\n\u201d. The former head of Nissan, famous for turning around the fortunes of the Japanese carmaker in the 2000s, is expected to hold a press conference soon to tell his side of the story. We can\u2019t wait.\nThe Micra was one of the last few new Nissan models Ghosn unveiled.\nInitial reports of Ghosn having fled Tokyo over the eye of the new year were barely believable, the \nclandestine operation\n having caught the Japanese authorities wholly unaware and the world by storm. You can bet that high-powered executives from Hollywood studios are already making overtures to the Ghosn family for the rights to tell this incredible, still-developing story.\nSo, here\u2019s our prediction for the all-star cast to the yet unnamed blockbuster; \nTom Cruise\n to play Carlos Ghosn, \nJennifer Lawrence\n as Carole Ghosn, \nKen Watanabe\n as the prosecutor and \nDonnie Yen\n as Ghosn\u2019s lawyer. Directed by \nAng Lee\n. How\u2019s that?"
"Hyundai\u2019s vehicles\u2019 resale value in the Malaysian second-hand market has apparently seen a significant rise over the last five years, thanks to increasing demand for the Korean brand\u2019s pre-owned cars, according to sole distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM).\nHSDM\u2019s says that the increase in demand locally is in line with the brand\u2019s rising market share globally, as a result of Hyundai\u2019s wins in a series of global awards for its cars.\nCheck out the new Hyundai Kona facelift in more detail here!\nThe perception that Hyundai cars have substantially lower resale value is wide off the mark, says HSDM Managing Director Low Yuan Lung. \u201cThe difference in the selling price of a five-year-old Hyundai model in comparison with the likes of a Japanese\nmodel is marginal. The same goes for the depreciation value of both makes after five years, which is about 10% per year.\u201d\n\u201cHyundai has come a long way to prove itself to be a reliable car brand that is of superior quality. Hyundai models today are not just good-looking, but they are also equipped with the latest innovation that is at par with premium continental brands, which is why they are in demand,\u201d he added.\nThe best indicator of the demand can be seen from HSDM\u2019s own pre-owned car programme, \nHyundai Promise\n; the company says that all the models on the programme have sold out soon after being listed.\nAll models that are listed on the Hyundai Promise programme have passed stringent and rigorous inspections to ensure that they are in optimal electrical and mechanical condition, and are major accident-free and only equipped with genuine parts.\nAdditionally, all approved and certified Hyundai Promise vehicles come with an extended warranty of between two and five years, and some even come with free service maintenance packages.\nRELATED: Hyundai introduces extended warranty programme for older models \u2013 RM1,280 per year\nCustomers who would like to sell, trade-in, or purchase a car from Hyundai Promise can contact Sime Darby Auto Selection via its website, linked \nhere\n."
"The all-new \nSubaru WRX\n was originally scheduled to make its debut \ntomorrow\n, but with the New York International Auto Show now cancelled, the fate of the sports sedan is pretty uncertain.\nThat\u2019s not going to stop Subaru from continuing their teasers for the WRX, though, as the marque\u2019s American arm has just published a \nnew video\n onto its social media channels, giving us a few more glimpse of the cult favourite before its launch.\nJust like the first teaser, the new video also shows an orange-coloured Subaru WRX, doing what it does best in the desert. Most of the exterior shots are pretty much what we\u2019ve already seen before \u2013 top-down and rear views, obscured by a huge plume of sand.\nOverall, the silhouette of the all-new Subaru WRX doesn\u2019t look too different to the outgoing model, and the rear profile looks somewhat similar to that of the \nViziv Performance Concept\n from 2017 and the\n all-new Subaru BRZ\n, complete with massive rear haunches that extends from the flared fenders.\nCheck out the Subaru Viziv Performance Concept in more detail here!\nWhat\u2019s more interesting in this teaser, though, is that we finally get a look at the all-new Subaru WRX\u2019s interior, confirming that it\u2019ll indeed come with an honest-to-god \nmanual transmission\n and old-school handbrake lever!\nWe also got a look at the WRX\u2019s (surprisingly analogue!) tachometer, showing a redline of just above 6,000 rpm, dropping from the 6,600 rpm of the outgoing model. The new redline seems to support the rumour that the all-new WRX will be equipped with the same 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine that\u2019s currently found in the \nOutback\n and Ascent SUV.\nSubaru and Toyota are rumoured to be jointly developing an all-new AWD hot hatch! Learn more about it here.\nIn the Ascent, the boxer mill packs an output of\n 260 hp\n and \n376 Nm\n of torque, which is pretty similar to what the outgoing WRX has. Although, it\u2019s expected that the sports sedan will get a slightly higher-rated output compared to the three-row SUV, with the STI variant getting an even larger bump in power.\nAs usual, Subaru\u2019s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system will be standard on the WRX, though it\u2019s unclear if it\u2019ll also still be offered with a Lineartronic CVT gearbox. Hopefully, we won\u2019t have to wait too long more to find out!\nGALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia has just taken to social media to tease two of their upcoming products \u2013 the MINI Urbanite Edition and MINI Amplified Edition. The two special edition models appear to appeal to the younger (or young at heart) generation, with unique cosmetic personalisation inside and out.\nBased on the video, the \nUrbanite Edition\n seems to be based on the Cooper 5-Door as denoted by the horizontal front grille and the single exhaust outlet at the rear. New items include grille mounted MINI headlamps, blacked-out side mirrors, roof and rims, red bonnet stripe, red side decals as well as Urbanite Edition emblem at the rear. Expect the interior to benefit from new trim design and emblems.\nThe standard Cooper 5-Door is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that gives \n134 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of twisting force. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint takes \n8.1 seconds\n and top speed is registered at \n207 km/h\n.\nThe \nAmplified Edition\n, as the name suggests, is the \nlouder and shoutier\n of the two. Based on the \nCooper S 3-Door\n, the Amplified Edition gets the \nJCW Pro Aerodynamic kit\n, racing stripe on the bonnet, JCW Valve Silencer System, blacked out wheels as well as black trims on the headlamps and taillamps.\nAs hinted by the JCW Valve Silence System, the Amplified Edition should come naturally with the \nJCW Pro Tuning Kit\n that bumps the power output to \n207 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n\u00a0of torque as well as a dedicated Track mode that gives a lot more aggressive pops and bangs.\nNo other information has been revealed about the two Special Edition MINI models such as whether the cars will only be offered online like the \nMINI Clubman Sterling Edition\n. But keen individuals can register their interest at their \ndedicated website\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI Urbanite Edition   MINI Amplified Edition"
"When BMW announced the arrival of the \nG20 BMW 320i Sport\n, the \nsecond G20 3 Series\n to arrive in Malaysia after the \n330i M Sport\n, there was a load of personal expectation on the new entry-level 3 Series. Even more so after the \npositive and lasting impression that the G30 520i\n left behind \u2013 a car I still maintain is one of the most well-rounded premium executive sedans you can buy today.\nIf the plush and creamy G30 520i was anything to go buy, the 320i Sport should technically be the most complete 3 Series to date \u2013 with a fine balance between performance and comfort. If you\u2019re old on the inside (and out) and have tested the G20 330i, you\u2019d understand why \u2013 it was simply too harsh for our roads.\nWith 184 hp and 300 Nm, it was never going to snap your neck at hard acceleration but it isn\u2019t what you\u2019d call slow either. If this figure and level of performance is a turn-off, you\u2019re looking at the wrong car to begin with.\nBMW\u2019s in general, whether it\u2019s an entry-level 3 Series or the \nbehemoth BMW X7\n, has always been about the overall driving experience. The edge they have over their rivals is how smooth and seamless the entire operation feels. It does not feel like each component has a mind of its own.\nIn that sense, the G20 320i lives up to every alphabet of its \u201cSport\u201d name, and then some. Its steering is much sharper and more responsive to the slightest movement than the F30 equivalent it replaces. It\u2019s also a lot more eager to drop a gear and gallop whenever your right foot loses all senses.\nIn terms of athleticism, the old and new could not be any more different. If the F30 320i was a 15-year old lap dog with the occasional mischief, its G20 equivalent is a hyperactive two-year old puppy that will react enthusiastically to the slightest movement.\nTo the sport sedan enthusiasts, it might be music to their ears and if this was your first venture into BMW 3 Series ownership, it\u2019ll impress you more than it would disappoint. If, however, you were upgrading from the \nF30 320i\n to the G20 320i Sport, the latter could make you wonder if you made the right choice upgrading.\nIn more ways than one, the G20 320i Sport is a major upgrade from its predecessor. It\u2019s loaded with \nmore tech\n, more onboard equipment, along with a more aggressive and muscular exterior design. Unlike before, it doesn\u2019t need an M Sport body kit to stand. It\u2019s even got better-looking 18-inch wheels than the 330i, which have been unanimously disliked by most.\nYet, it has (somewhat) lost that fine balance between comfort and performance the previous 320i was praised and at the same time criticised for. With the F30 320i, it would be docile for most of the time and only reveals its \u201ctrue BMW self\u201d when you\u2019re being playful behind the wheel. In the G20 320i Sport, it\u2019s as if the trigger is half-pulled, all the time. At times, it feels unnecessarily wound up when you\u2019re merely on a drive to work.\nTo say that the 320i Sport causes discomfort would be unfair as additional legroom and rear air controls are now on the \u201ccreature comforts list\u201d but for a mere 320i Sport to be this precise and engaging in the way it moves, is a bit of a surprise really.\nThis, coupled with the 8-speed ZF automatic that never ceases to amaze with its quick shifting and reaction, the 320i Sport is entry-level BMW sedan that punches well above its weight.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Malaysia introduced the new \nToyota Camry 2.0G X recently\n with minimal info and images. Now, full details complete with images are available for your viewing. If you have been wondering what the \u2018X\u2019 stands for, it\u2019s \u2018\nExquisite Luxury\n\u2018. So now you know.\nSlotted right in between the the Camry 2.5V and Camry 2.0G, this new variant is created for younger customers who are looking for a dynamic looking D-segment car what also provides luxurious ride comfort, reliability and prestigious design. So how is it different than the 2.0G?\nFor about RM1,000 more than the G spec, you get a set of \nlarger wheels\n, \ndark bezel\u00a0\n\u00a0front\u00a0and rear lights, \ndark brown leather\n seats, power rear \nsunshade\n and \nnavigation system\n with reverse camera.\nHere\u2019s a comparison table between the new\u00a0Camry 2.0G X and Camry 2.0G for you to\u00a0better understand the differences.\nModels\nCamry 2.0G X\nCamry 2.0G\nExterior\nHeadlamps\nDark Bezel HID Projector (with Auto Headlamp Levelling)\nHID Projector (with Auto Headlamp Levelling)\nTyre & Rims\n215/55R17, Alloy\n215/60R16, Alloy\nInterior\nSeats\nCombination Smooth Leather (Dark Brown)\nCombination Smooth Leather (Black)\nSun Shades\nPowered Back Window & Manual Rear Side Windows\nWithout\nAudio-visual System\n2-DIN Head Unit DVD Player with 7-Inch Touch Screen, Tuner, MP3, AUX-Jack, USB, SD Card Slot, Bluetooth\u00ae, Smartphone Link*, Voice Recognition, Navigation System\nTuner, CD Player, MP3, AUX-Jack, USB & iPod compatibility\nReverse Camera\nReverse Camera with Guided Line\nWithout\nPrice\nRM159,900\nRM158,930.60\n\u00a0\nSportier Headlamps\n The headlamps and the rear lamps now come with dark bezel housing.\n \nLarger Wheels\n \nOne inch larger to be exact. 17-inch allow rims with darker colour for a sporty look.\nExclusive Leather Upholstery\n \nThe new dark brown leather for the cabin upholstery is only available to the Camry 2.0G X.\nSun Shades\n \nThe \u2018Exquisite Luxury\u2019 now includes a powered rear sunshade and rear side windows sunshades as well, which were only available with the Camry 2.5V.\nAudio-visual System with Reverse Camera\n The audio system has been replaced with a 7-inch touchscreen that includes Bluetooth connectivity, DVD player, USB and SD Ports, GPS navigation system and Smarphone link for selected phone models. The reverse camera has been upgraded with guidance lines as parking assist.\nMore for the interior\n Classy \ndark wood trims\n and exclusive carpet mats with \u2018Camry X\u2019 logo for the front occupants.\nWhat else.\n \nOptional accessories like the custom-designed aerokit (5 pieces) and security tint are available for the new Camry 2.0G X. The new variant also comes with a \n36-month or 100,000km warranty\n. It is available in White Pearl CS, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic and Mediam Silver Metallic.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi is planning to only launch new fully electric vehicles on the global market from 2026, a year after introducing their final all-new model with a combustion engine (ICE).\nThat ICE model will provide Audi and its dealers some continuity of revenue until 2033, when the automaker finally ends the production of combustion engines. \nThe Chinese market will however be an exception\n, as Audi expects to see continued demand of ICE in the world\u2019s largest automobile market beyond 2033, and the ICEs are manufactured locally.\nAudi definitely takes care of you while charging your e-tron at their lounge\nAudi will continue investing all its efforts in the development of the ICE right up to its final discontinuation, which will ultimately be decided by customers and legislation.\nThe strategic roadmap was shared by Audi CEO Markus Duesmann at the Berlin Climate Conference. \u201cWith this roadmap, we are creating clarity necessary to make a decisive and powerful transition to the electric range. We are sending the signal that Audi is ready,\u201d Duesmann continued. \u201cI don\u2019t believe in the success of bans. I believe in the success of technology and innovation.\u201d\nWatch and listen to the Audi RS6 belch a sweet soundtrack from its big combustion engine\nAudi aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Apart from the introduction of a range of EVs, the company is also partnering with energy suppliers to generate additional renewable energy. There is no point in making efficient EVs if the electricity from the grid is of unsustainable sources.\nLogistics operations are fueled by LNG fuel\nEurope\u2019s largest solar rooftop at Gyor plant\nAudi uses renewable energy at their European plants\nThe current portfolio of fully electric Audi vehicles consists of the Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback, the flagship \ne-tron GT\n, and the very recently unveiled Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback. The Q4 e-tron shares more in common with Volkswagen Group\u2019s MEB platform that also forms the basis of the \nVolkswagen ID.4\n model.\nMeanwhile, the new-generation sedan line-up of \nAudi A6\n, A4 and A8 is being slated for introduction from next year underpinned by the new PPE platform."
"Well this came as a pleasant surprise. Shortly after the global debut of the Mitsubishi Xpander MPV, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corp (MMC), Osamu Masuko told \nReuters\n that the company will begin exports of the Xpander to ASEAN countries from February 2018. The first country to receive this budget seven-seater is the Philippines followed by Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.\nManufactured in Bekasi Prefecture, West Java Province, MMC targets an annual production of \n80,000 units\n and aims to export 20,000 cars. MMC also plans to supply the Xpander to their \nnew parent company Nissan Motor\n, making it the first alliance model with Renault and Nissan. Although Masuko-\nsan \nadded that Nissan has no concrete plans for the Xpander yet.\nLaunched at the 2017 GAIKINDO Indonesia Auto Show, the Xpander is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine with \n104 hp\n. A four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission is tasked to send drive to the front wheels. MMC also claims that the Xpander boasts best-in-class cabin space as well as practicality.\nMeasuring at 4,475 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width and 1,700 mm in height, the Xpander is the largest in its segment. With a ground clearance of 205 mm, the Xpander will clear obstacles better than the \nHonda BR-V\n (201 mm). Visually, the Xpander\u2019s design is the product of MMC\u2019s efforts to marry the best qualities of an MPV and SUV.\n \n \nFrom all-wheel drive rally monsters of yesteryears to budget comfortable people carrier, MMC has certainly undergone a paradigm shift in product focus. Nevertheless, if the Xpander is what MMC need to \nrevive the EVO nameplate\n, we have no qualms about it. Except maybe the headlamps.\nSource: \nReuters\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lamborghini has unveiled the Huracan STO \u2013 which stands for \nSuper Trofeo Omologata\n, a road-homologated Super Trofeo race car essentially. Being the spiritual successor to the \nPerformante\n, the new STO will be the flagship, most track-focused variant in the \nHuracan model line-up\n, and perhaps \u2013 a swansong to one of the best-selling Lamborghini models to date.\nThe new Lamborghini Huracan STO is powered by the same 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 mill, making \n640 hp\n and \n565 Nm\n (-35 Nm). But unlike the Performante, drive is sent \nexclusively to the rear wheels\n just like its racing counterpart, which means its 0-100 km/h and 0-200 km/h times are a touch slower at \n3.0 and 9.0 seconds\n respectively, and its top speed reduced by 15 km/h to \n310 km/h\n.\nHowever, with it being a racecar-inspired model, it is of course more than just the powertrain. As Lamborghini says it themselves, \u201craces are won in corners rather than on straights\u201d; among the key upgrades on the Lamborghini Huracan STO include an exaggerated aerodynamics package, which the marque says consists of technologies taken straight from the Super Trofeo EVO race car.\nUp front, the Huracan STO\u2019s front bonnet, fenders, and front bumper are now comprised of one single component, called the \u2018\ncofango\n\u2018 \u2013 which is an Italian portmanteau of\u00a0\u2018\ncofano\n\u2018 (hood) and \u2018\nparafango\n\u2018 (fender). Lamborghini says that this not only helps with weight reduction, but is also a timesaving access feature, as seen on their race cars.\nThere are new air ducts on the bonnet to increase airflow to the central radiator and generate additional downforce, while the cofango also incorporates a new adjustable front splitter at the front. Down the sides, the wheel arches have been reprofiled \u2013 specifically at the rear fitted with a new aircraft-inspired NACA air intakes for engine cooling, while the front wheel-arch now gets vents to bleed air pressure out of the wheel well to aid traction on the front axle.\nThe Huracan STO also gains a prominent air scoop on the roof, which extends rearwards into a shark fin (\nF1, anyone?\n), managing the airflow over the large adjustable rear wings inspired by the Super Trofeo race car. Lower down, the STO also gets a new rear air vents \u2013 complete with \u2018STO\u2019 branding, while there\u2019s also an integrated lip spoiler on the rear decklid, and a more aggressive rear diffuser at the bottom.\nWith all of the new aerodynamic parts, Lamborghini says that the overall airflow efficiency on the Huracan STO is improved by 37%, while the overall downforce has been increased by an enormous 53% over the Performante.\nAside from just aerodynamics, the new STO also benefitted from an intense weight-loss programme. These include more than 75% of carbon fibre on its exterior panel \u2013 with a new \u2018sandwich\u2019 technique on the rear fenders which weighs 25% less while maintaining the same structural integrity, a 20% lighter windscreen, and magnesium rims \u2013 which are fitted with bespoke Bridgestone Potenza road or track tyres.\nInside, the door panels are completely manufactured out of carbon fibre \u2013 with a loop of fabric acting as the door latch opener, as are the sports seats. Overall, the scale tips at just 1,339 kg for the dry Huracan STO, which is 43 kg lighter than the already-lightweight Performante.\nOther performance enhancements include a widened wheel track, stiffer suspension bushing, reworked anti-roll bars, as well as the brand\u2019s MagneRide 2.0 electromagnetic damper control system. The rear-wheel steering has been retained from the standard Huracan, though reworked with a more direct and fixed steering ratio, designed specifically for more aggressive driving styles on the race track.\nThe Anima driving mode selector also gains three exclusive modes: STO for normal road driving; Trofeo for the race circuit in the dry; and Pioggia \u2013 which means rain in Italian \u2013 that optimises traction specifically for slippery conditions.\nThe brakes have also been upgraded with Brembo CCM-R brakes, which apparently includes materials that are used in Formula 1. The new brakes boast a 60% higher stress resistance, while the maximum brake power improved by 25%, and longitudinal deceleration by 7%.\nDeliveries for the Lamborghini Huracan STO will start in spring 2021, with prices starting at EUR249,412 (RM1.2m) in Europe, without the Ad Personam personalisation service \u2013 which gave the launch car a glorious gulf-like livery \u2013 and other options, of course.\nGALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia has unveiled the \u201cdeli by Shell\u201d, Malaysia\u2019s first standalone deli outside of Shell petrol stations at the Abdullah Hukum LRT station. The deli by Shell offers meals and beverages on-the-go featuring Shell\u2019s signature deli2go delicacies, as well as local favourites including nasi lemak bungkus, ikan bilis doughnut and buttermilk chicken rice bowl.\u00a0\nShell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur, Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain said, \u201cWe\u2019re looking after not just vehicles, but people on their journey. As people\u2019s busy lives require even more on the move convenience, we took this bold step to offer convenience and great food and drinks to commuters beyond our stations\u201d.\nHe also added, \u201cLRT riders can now enjoy extra convenience at the deli by Shell amidst their busy schedules. We want customers to enjoy Malaysian comfort food whether it is a hot cup of Kopi O or a pack of freshly prepared nasi lemak. Shell strives to provide customers with that extra \u2018\noomph\u2019.\n\u201d\nCustomers can choose from more than 20 delicious selections from the menu. They include local favourites such as nasi lemak, \u201cchee cheong fun\u201d, Hainanese breakfast, buttermilk chicken rice bowl, and Shell\u2019s classic deli2go pastries with a local twist. On top of that, customers can also enjoy the all-day combo that comes with Kopi-O and Teh-O for a complete meal.\u00a0\ndeli by Shell at Abdullah Hukum LRT station marks the beginning of a new journey as the company expands beyond the retail station.\nRecently, Shell Malaysia also launched the rebranded Shell FuelSave 95 with DYNAFLEX technology. Read about it \nhere\n!"
"As you may have heard, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors had recently launched the \nfully electric IONIQ 5\n \u2013 available in three variants \u2013 starting from \nRM199,888\n.\nIt was unique, to say the least, with unconventional features like 3-pin points for charging electronics, a solar roof, a movable centre console and more. As it turns out, the international community has unanimously felt that way as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has snapped up three major titles at the World Car Awards.\n \nThe Hyundai IONIQ 5 was named the \n2022\n \nWorld Car Design of the Year\n, \n2022\n \nWorld Electric Vehicle of the Year,\n and also the most coveted \n2022 World Car of the Year \naward.\nThe results were made by a panel of 102 international automotive journalists from 33 countries including \none from Malaysia\n. The IONIQ 5 led the way ahead of over 30 vehicles en route to winning its three titles.\nThe rest of the category winners are as follow:\nWorld Luxury Car \u2013 Mercedes-Benz EQS\nWorld Performance Car \u2013 Audi e-tron GT\nWorld Urban Car \u2013 Toyota Yaris Cross\nLocally, the three variants of the IONIQ 5 consists of Lite, Plus, and Max. The Lite and Plus come with 170 hp and 350 Nm, while the Max offers 305 hp and 605 Nm! The Lite and Plus does 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, and 5.2 seconds for the Max. Top speed is limited to 185 km/h for all variants. Electric driving range is up to 430 km, in the Max variant."
"When the BMW 4 Series was unveiled to the world back in 2013 at the North American International Auto Show, it shared an abundance of technical specification with the F30 3 Series. As such, it was only a matter of time before the \u201csportier 3 Series\u201d gets the midlife update, or in BMW terminology \u2013 Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), as seen on the \nF30 LCI\n.\nLast week, BMW has officially revealed the 4 Series LCI. The LCI treatment was given to the entire 4 Series range \u2013 F32 Coupe, F33 Convertible, \nF36 Gran Coupe\n, F82 M4 and F83 M4 Convertible. BMW explained that the LCI includes some minor updates inside and out, as well as enhanced handling dynamics across the range.\nOn the exterior front, the LCI now brings the 4 Series closer to its sedan sibling thanks to the updated bi-LED headlights which now features the brand\u2019s signature Corona Ring DRLs, LED fog lamps as well as reshaped LED tail lamps akin to the \nM4 GTS\n\u2018 organic LED tail lamps. Adaptive LED headlamps can be had as an option while M4 models get them as standard fitment.\nOther than that, the front and rear bumpers are new, which further bring out the car\u2019s sporty nature. A selection of wheels ranging from 18- to 19-inch can be specified according to the variants selected.   Hop on inside, the 4 Series will look no different to the untrained eye. For starters, an optional digital Multifunctional Instrument Display with interchangeable design is new, as are new driving modes and the latest BMW Navigation system Professional. The interior also benefits from new trims such as high-gloss black cover panel at the centre console, double stitching as well as new material on the leather wrapped steering wheel.\nOptional extras that can be specified to spice up the interior include Dakota leather upholstery finished in Midnight Blue, Cognac or Ivory White. Meanwhile interior trims can be had in Carbon Aluminium, Light Fineline or High-gloss Black with Pearl Chrome accent strip.   BMW has offered the 4 Series with \nthree petrol engines\n \u2013 420i, 430i and 440i alongside \nfour diesel engines\n \u2013 418d, 420d, 430d and 435d. The M4 Coupe and Convertible get the same carryover unit, the 3.0-litre bi-turbo straight-six that blasts out\u00a0\n431 hp\n. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission or six-speed manual transmission.\nThe 420i and 430i variants are powered by a \n2.0-litre TwinScroll turbocharged four-cylinder\n that outputs \n184 hp\n & \n270 Nm\n and \n252 hp\n & \n350 Nm\n respectively. Range topping 440i variants get a \n3.0-litre unit\n that churns out \n326 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque and is capable of a 5.0 seconds century sprint time (for the automatic variant).\nAs for the entry level 418d and 420d, both employ a\n 2.0-litre twin turbocharged diesel\n unit, producing \n150 hp\n & \n320 Nm\n and \n190 hp\n & \n400 Nm\n respectively. On the other hand, the 430d and 435d is motivated by a \n3.0-litre bi-turbodiesel\n that pushes out \n258 hp\n & \n560 Nm\n and \n313 hp\n & \n630 Nm\n respectively.\nTwo transmission choices are available regardless of engine choices \u2013 a six-speed manual and an \neight-speed automatic\n. Expect nothing else but the eight-speed auto for the Malaysian market. Power is sent to the rear wheels as standard but customers can opt for the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system. However, the 435d is available exclusively as an xDrive unit while the 418d is only available in rear-wheel drive.\nThe suspension has been stiffened\u00a0and are fitted with more advanced damping technology, along with an upgraded steering setup. These collectively give the 4 Series LCI reduced body roll, more neutral response at the limit, greater straight-line stability and more precise steering.\nLastly, BMW has also added two new exterior paint jobs that\u2019s exclusive to the 4 Series model \u2013 Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange. BMW Malaysia currently sells the\u00a0\n428i Gran Coupe\n and \n428i Convertible\n, and it\u2019s only a matter of time before the LCI finds its way here. Now, let\u2019s see whether Audi Malaysia has any \nplans \nfor the \nA5 Coupe and Cabriolet\n, then\u00a0maybe we can have proper a German Trio Coupe/Convertible shootout!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Honda City has been the best selling model for the Japanese carmaker \nin the region\n. Locally, the B-segment sedan contributed \nmore than a third\n of total Honda sales in the first half of 2019.\u00a0\nAfter five years of service, Honda has finally introduced the fifth-generation Honda City at a global debut event in Thailand.\nPerhaps the biggest change to the City model history in the region is the adoption of a new \n1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engine\n. The downsized engine produces \n122 hp\n and a healthy \n173 Nm\n of torque, with the latter available from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. Honda says that the torque figure is comparable to a 1.8-litre engine.\u00a0\nMuch like the \nall-new Nissan Almera\n, the reduction in engine capacity is done to ensure the City meets the requirement of \nThailand\u2019s Eco Car Programme (phase 2)\n.\u00a0\nMated to a CVT gearbox, the all-new Honda City achieves a fuel efficiency figure of \n4.2 l/100km\n. No manual gearbox option is available with the new City, but pedal shifters should help a little.\n Styling wise, the all-new Honda City takes on a more matured look with more rounded corners compared to the outgoing model. At the front, the new Honda City still features Honda\u2019s signature Solid Wing grille design, although it now looks a lot more similar to its elder siblings.\u00a0 \u00a0\nFlanking the grille are the new \u201cJewel Eye\u201d halogen projector headlights with eyebrow-type LED daytime running lights, connected by a chunky chrome strip across the top of the grille.\u00a0\nThe side profile of the all-new City still retains the general proportions from its predecessor. The pronounced character line still has the bevelled shape, but now runs across the entire side of the body, connecting the front and rear lights.\u00a0\nOver to the rear, the City now features a brand-new U-shaped LED taillights. On close inspection, one of our colleagues pointed out that the taillights resemble the ones on the \nG20 BMW 3 Series\n, what do you think?\nThe taillight of the all-new Honda City\n.. compared to the G20 BMW 3 Series\nThe lower rear bumper has been cleaned up, with only two air \u201cinlets\u201d (read: fake vents) at the corners. The all-new Honda City rides on newly designed 15-inch alloys.\nMoving inside, the dashboard on the all-new Honda City has been completely redesigned, featuring cleaner horizontal lines. The air vents are now vertical items, where the centre two flank the new \n8-inch touchscreen infotainment display\n. The infotainment system now supports Apple CarPlay.\nUnderneath the infotainment system are three rotary dials which serves as the control interface for the automatic climate control. The dials seem to have been lifted directly from the recently announced \nall-new Honda Jazz\n.\nThe entry-level variant in Thailand features an all-black fabric upholstery. Moving up the line nets you leather seats with a two-tone ivory/black interior.\nHonda says that the NVH levels in the new Honda City has been improved, citing the use of polyurethane spray foam inside the body and chassis, along with thicker engine bay insulators.\u00a0\u00a0\nSafety wise, the all-new Honda City comes with G-CON (G-Force Control) body structure and six airbags as standard. ABS with EBD is also present, along with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Multi-angle Rearview Camera.\nFor the first time ever, the Honda City is also now available in a RS variant. The RS trim blacks out several exterior design features of the City such as the front grille and side mirrors.\nThe RS variant also gets full-LED projector headlights, a sporty front bumper and gloss black trunk spoiler, along with sportier 16-inch alloy wheels. The Ignite Red body colour is also exclusive to the RS variant.\nInside, the RS gets suede leather seats with red stitching, while the multi-information display (MID) now glows red for added sportiness."
"Mercedes-Benz posted their best ever first seven months in 2018 with 1,356,350 passenger cars delivered to new owners worldwide. Unit sales increased by 2.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.\nMember of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales, Britta Seeger said: \u201cNever before have so many customers taken delivery of their new Mercedes-Benz in the first seven months of a year. Since the beginning of 2018, we have increased our unit sales by 2.3 per cent to more than 1.35 million passenger cars sold.\u201d\nThe premium carmaker maintained its market leadership in key markets such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Portugal, USA, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Australia and Brazil. The C-Class family continues to be the brand\u2019s main growth driver while sales of the S-Class Saloon increased by 16.5 per cent to 4,906 units in July.\nSUVs also achieved best-ever unit sales since the beginning of the year. Mercedes-Benz delivered a total of 484,275 SUVs worldwide, representing a growth of 7.7 per cent. This was primarily driven by the GLC and GLC Coupe models.\nGLC\nThe biggest sales market last month was China with 52,616 passenger cars delivered and an increase of 8.3%. Since the beginning of the year, 392,780 units have been sold there, representing a growth of 15.1%. Mercedes-Benz thus set a new sales record for the first seven months in China, as also in South Korea, Japan, India, Malaysia and Thailand.\nMercedes-Benz expects a stable growth throughout the year with the market launch of the facelifted C-Class in Asia-Pacific region."
"Stepping into Q4 2022, local carmaker \nProton\n \nhas just recorded a total of \n14,872 cars\n registered for the month of September (domestic sales and exports). From January to September 2022, Proton successfully registered \n102,353 cars\n.\nFor September, Proton managed to secure a 23.8% market share from an estimated total industry volume (TIV) of 62,500 units. For the first time in 2022, Proton has exceeded 20% in terms of the year-to-date market share at 20.1%.\nProton has recently relaunched in South Africa\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton\u2019s Q3 performance was our best quarter of the year, coming in with 42,229 units for the previous three months. This was made possible by a combination of stability in our production numbers as well as the continued strong appeal of our models, especially for the 2022 Proton Saga and the Proton X50. Therefore, despite the poor start to the year, we are confident of achieving a fourth consecutive year of double-digit sales growth.\u201d\n\u201cAside from concentrating on sales growth, the last quarter also saw us laying the groundwork for our future growth. The General Distributorship Agreement with smart sets us up to sell EVs from the brand starting in 2023 while the formation of PRO-NET crystalises Proton\u2019s commitment to developing and offering new energy vehicles in the future.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPRO-NET is Proton\u2019s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network\nLeading Proton\u2019s sales chart for the month of September is the \nProton Saga\n with \n6,442 units\n registered. Following behind the Saga is the \nX50\n with \n4,517 units\n, the \nX70\n \nwith \n1,730 units\n, the \nPersona\n with \n1,159 units\n, the \nIriz\n with \n606 units\n, and the \nExora\n \nwith \n418 units\n. For September, the X70 leads the C-segment SUV market and the X50 leads the B-segment SUV market.\nThe same ranking order is seen in the year-to-date sales (January to September) with 40,603 units of the Saga, 29,592 units of the X50, 14,145 units of the X70, 10,787 units of the Persona, 4,119 units of the Iriz, and 3,108 units of the Exora.\nRELATED: \nProton adds new \u2018kosong-spec\u2019 Standard Lite variant to Saga line-up, RM38k\nProton says the strong demand for its cars has also boosted the growth of its finance subsidiary, Proton Commerce. In September alone, Proton Commerce disbursed 2,872 loans, resulting in a total 15,504 loans disbursed so far this year.\nThe Proton Deputy CEO said, \u201cWith the OPR increasing by 75bps this year, customers are actively searching for the best packages available to finance their new car purchases. As the preferred financier for Proton vehicles, Proton Commerce offers a range of innovative deals including the lowest rates for Proton Saga buyers as well as low monthly income requirements. These moves have proven to be effective, so we are expecting more growth in Q4 this year.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2022 Proton Exora launched \u2013 RM3k pricier, but what\u2019s new?"
"Following up with its \npromise made earlier this year\n, Volvo Car Malaysia has now officially unveiled the \nC40 Recharge\n here on our shores. The fully-electric coupe-crossover is available in a single variant, the P8 Ultimate, and is priced from \nRM288,888\n.\nThe Volvo C40 Recharge is a derivative of the popular \nXC40 Pure Recharge crossover\n, as such it features the same front-end design and same 19-inch wheels design, but with the aforementioned sloping roofline for a coupe-esque look, alongside a unique rear fascia \u2013 the latter with two spoilers on the raked windscreen.\nIt\u2019s also similarly built on the same Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that underscores many models under the wider Geely umbrella, including the \nLynk & Co\n models, as well as the \nPolestar 2\n.\nIn terms of propulsion, it is also essentially identical to the XC40 Pure Recharge, featuring the P8 fully-electric powertrain consisting of two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 and a \n78 kWh\n lithium-ion battery pack. The powertrain makes a combined\n 408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n, which translates to a century sprint time of \n4.7 seconds\n.\nThe battery pack is sufficient for an emissions-free driving range of \n451 km \n(WLTP test cycle), which is 13 km more than what the regular XC40 Pure Recharge is rated for. Volvo attributes the extra range to the inherently better aerodynamic performance of the sloped roofline.\nFor charging, the Volvo C40 Recharge Ultimate comes with an 11 kW on-board AC charger, taking eight hours for a full charge. DC fast charging is also supported up to 150 kW, which lets you top off the battery from 10-80% in just 28 minutes.\nInside, the Volvo C40 Recharge gets a unique topography decor on the dashboard trims, inspired by the scenic mountains in Sweden to \u201ccreate a calming effect inside the car\u201d. The effect is also helped by a 100% leather-free interior, with a suede and textile mixed upholstery, alongside a unique wool blend for the trim inserts.\nJust like the XC40 Pure Recharge EV, the C40 here also gets a pair of screens, measuring 12.3-inches for the instrument cluster, and a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen for the infotainment display. Both screens are powered by \nGoogle\u2019s Android Automotive OS,\n giving you access to the built-in Google Assistant, Google Maps (with unique EV features), and a Google Play Store for additional vehicle-oriented apps.\nApple CarPlay is also now available on the updated infotainment systems, alongside standard features such as a PM2.5 air filtration device for the climate control system, wireless charging pad, and a panoramic glass roof.\nIn classic Volvo fashion, safety is also a huge aspect of focus on the C40 Recharge. As such, the fully-electric coupe-crossover also gets the marque\u2019s full suite of the Intellisafe advanced safety assistance systems, with features including front and rear autonomous emergency braking with intersection support, as well as pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, and cross-traffic alert with auto brake, among others.\nThe Volvo C40 Recharge is priced from \nRM288,888\n here in Malaysia, making it RM10,000 dearer than its more regularly-shaped sibling, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. Included in the price is a five-year warranty and free service programme, alongside an eight-year battery warranty, as well as five years of Volvo On Call and four years of digital services subscriptions.\nFive exterior colours are available on offer, including Fjord Blue (pictured), Black Stone, Crystal White, Thunder Grey, and Sage Green.\nVolvo Cars\n is committed to being completely carbon-neutral by 2040, and it plans to achieve that by first reducing overall CO2 emissions by 40% per car by 2025, and then becoming a fully electric company by 2030.\nHowever, speaking at the media launch event today, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said that the company aims to be even quicker than the global timeline, achieving 75% sales from full electric vehicles by 2025.\nGALLERY"
"PSA Groupes latest pick-up truck was the recently introduced \nPeugeot Pick Up\n (yes, somehow they manage to get away with that name). The Pick Up however, was a rebadge exercise from one of Dongfeng Motor Corporation\u2019s line up and is made exclusive to the African market only.\nNow, PSA has penned a partnership agreement with ChangAn Automobile to co-develop an all-new one-tonne pick-up truck platform for both parties. The agreement also sees the two automotive giant to jointly develop a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) dedicated for commercial use in ChangAns Ding Zhou plant in China.\nThe yet to be named pick-up truck will be offered not only in the Chinese market but also overseas market that PSA is represented in. The new pick-up will be a global product that meets customers expectation of a strong design with uncompromised quality and durability.\nEVP of Programs and Strategy at Groupe PSA, Mr Patrice Lucas commented: \u201cThis new product, which is complementary to the Peugeot pick-up recently launched in Africa, is in line with the core model strategy of Groupe PSA and will support our come back on this growing market segment. It will contribute to achieve the objectives set for the Push to Pass plan regarding LCVs with a target to increase volumes by 30% by 2018 and triple overseas volumes by 2021\u201d."
"While the Urus may have sold\n 15,000 units in just four years\n, making it Lamborghini fastest-selling model, it\u2019s not actually the marque\u2019s most popular model ever. at least not yet. The title falls to the \nHuracan\n, which has just achieved another production milestone, with the 20,000th unit recently rolling off the marque\u2019s Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese production facility.\nFinished in Grigio Acheso Matte and destined for a customer in Monaco, the milestone car number 20,000 is the track-focused Huracan STO, pretty much the hardest and fastest Huracan in the raging bull\u2019s line-up \u2013 just too bad it\u2019s not quite the right timing for it to be the latest \nTecnica model\n.\nIn this high-performance variant, the 5.2-litre \n640 hp\n and \n565 Nm\n of torque, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox for a 0-100 km/h time of\n three seconds\n, and 0-200 km/h in \nnine seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n310 km/h\n.\nALSO READ: Artist blows up Lamborghini Huracan to sell its remains as NFTs\n\u201cAt its unveiling we said that with the Huracan, Lamborghini is writing the next chapter in its great history,\u201d said Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann. \u201cThe Huracan has delivered an evolution of design, technological know-how, driving adventures, track records and sales records since its launch.\u201d\nNow eight years into its lifespan, the Lamborghini Huracan model line-up now comprises 12 street-legal and three racing variants, the former in both coupe and convertible body styles. According to the company, 71% of customers have chosen the fixed-roof variant, and the other 29% the topless.\nThe Huracan\u2019s best-selling market has been the United States, where over 32% of them were delivered over the last eight years, followed by the United Kingdom and Greater China. The high demand for the Huracan also contributed largely to the company\u2019s 2021 sales record, accounting for 2,586 units of the 8,405 vehicles total that Lamborghini sold last year.\nRELATED: Italy\u2019s Bologna Airport gets a new Lamborghini Huracan Evo to escort its planes\nAs we briefly mentioned above, the latest addition to the Huracan line-up is the recently-unveiled Tecnica variant. The rear-wheel-drive model claims to be the best of both worlds for both track and open road driving, as it shares the same engine with the STO, but still comes with many of the creature comforts one would expect from a street-going car \u2013 including rear-wheel steering.\nLamborghini is also heavily rumoured to be introducing another variant of the Huracan later this year, and has been said that it\u2019ll likely be an off-road oriented model based on the \nSterrato concept it unveiled in 2019\n!"
"Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) announced their new engine family called \nIngenium\n in a move to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while providing optimum performance at the same time. Available in both petrol and diesel, Ingenium will provide \nmaximum\n \nflexibility\n of the engine to be used throughout JLR\u2019s future products.\nA \n2-litre diesel\n called the \nAJ200D\n will be the \nfirst Ingenium\n engine to go into production, which probably will be powering the soon-to-be-revealed XE compact saloon. The new diesel is said to have \n17 per cent less friction\n compared to the current diesel engine in JLR\u2019s range. With less friction, it should contribute to better engine response and efficiency. Also contributing to better efficiency is the new engine weighs \nup to 80kg less\n than the current equivalent engine.\nAll Ingenium engines will be \nturbocharged\n, with a base layout of \n500 cc per cylinder\n it will be scalable up or down to accomodate different applications. This means we could see a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder of the Ingenium or even a 3-litre 6-cylinder version powering various JLR\u2019s vehicles. The flexibility doesn\u2019t end there, as Ingenium is also designed to support \nmanual\n and \nautomatic\n transmissions as well as electrified \nhybrid\n drive systems.\n\u00a0\nJaguar Land Rover Director of Powertrain Engineering, Ron Lee said \u201cBeing configurable and flexible are the two key strands of Ingenium\u2019s DNA because we have future-proofed our new engines from the outset. Ingenium will be able to accept new advances in fuel, turbocharging, emissions, performance and electrification technologies when they are ready and accessible to be deployed.\u201d"
"The \nMcLaren P1\n took the world by storm when it was first debuted in 2012 at the Paris Auto Show \u2013 a car that arguably shaped the company\u2019s future with its hybrid powertrain.\nNow more than seven years later, the Gaydon-based hypercar maker has finally confirmed that the long-awaited P1 successor is in the works, and will be making its appearance in 2024.\nJust like its predecessor, the \u2018Son of P1\u2019 will also be powered by an electrified powertrain. Speaking to \nAutocar UK\n, McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt said, \u201cWe haven\u2019t announced the powertrain. Obviously, looking forward, it will be either hybridized or an EV.\u201d\nHowever, the idea of a full EV track-focused hypercar with current technologies might be a bit of a stretch even for McLaren, citing subpar user experience due to charging times.\n\u201cTake the 765LT as an example. We know a lot of customers are going to take that to the track. If it were an EV, you would be looking at maybe 30 minutes of running time and then plugging it in until the next day. That\u2019s not a persuasive position,\u201d continued Flewitt.\nThe new car will probably look quite a lot like the \nMcLaren Speedtail\n, in line with the brand\u2019s latest design language.\nAlthough admitting that the specifications of the forthcoming pure-electric hypercars such as the like the \nLotus Evija\n seem \u201cincredible\u201d on paper, Flewitt believes that McLaren customers look for more than just performance numbers.\n\u201cWe don\u2019t build cars like that: pure 0-200 km/h or 0-300 km/h or even top speed. It\u2019s not the car\u2019s purpose, it\u2019s a consequence of the attributes we\u2019ve designed into it.\u201d\nMcLaren seems to be bidding heavily on electrification. Recent reports suggest the brand is looking to introduce an \n\u201centry level\u201d hybrid sports car\n as part of its Sports Series.\nWith four years to develop the car, it\u2019s not impossible to imagine a fully-electric McLaren P1-replacement with the rate of technology advancement these days. For now though, McLaren is probably focusing its efforts on the production of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8-powered \nMcLaren Elva\n,\n which has recently seen a drop in production quota to \u201c\nincrease exclusivity\n\u201c."
"Pagani\u2019s masterpiece, the blistering Huayra, has just received some pretty extreme makeover, giving birth to the Huayra BC.\u00a0The car is named after Benny Caiola, who is actually Pagani\u2019s first customer.\nThe Huayra BC drastically improves the already fast supercar in many ways, including adding\u00a0active aerodynamics in the car. At the back, there\u2019s a larger rear wing and a huge splitter at the front, both poised to maximise aerodynamic efficiency. The Huayra BC also underwent a strict diet by shedding a whopping 132kg off, resulting in a final weight of \n1,218kg\n. To put that into perspective, our \nhigh-spec Proton Iriz\n weighs just 33kg less at 1,185kg! Even the mechanical handbrake was removed, and in its place an electronic parking brake.   Speaking about performance, the Huayra BC gets 30 hp more from its\u00a0\nMercedes-AMG 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine\n that now liberates \n750 hp\n at 6,200rpm alongside \n1,000 Nm\n of torque at 4,000rpm. However, the power isn\u2019t finalised because Pagani aims to push it \nup to 789 hp\n!\nThere\u2019s no word on its performance figures yet, but it should definitely be quicker over the standard Huayra\u2019s 3.3 seconds century sprint and 360 km/h top speed. Its gearbox is also new, featuring a lightweight and redesigned \nseven-speed automated\u00a0manual\n transmission. Other upgrades include a new electronic rear differential, new tripod axle driveshafts, HiForg aeronautic aluminium suspension, new titanium exhaust and customised\u00a0custom Pirelli Zero Corsa rubbers.\nOnly \n20 examples\u00a0\nof this Huayra BC will ever be\u00a0made, and it\u2019s expected to cost close to\u00a0\n2.35 million Euros\n (about RM11 million). Also, naming\u00a0a car after an important customer shows true top-of-the-line customer service from company honcho, Horacio Pagani.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the launch of the \nnew corporate logo\n earlier this year, Kia Motors has been on a roll with new vehicle introduction. One common theme among the new vehicles is the radical styling, penned by the department under Karim Habib.\nThe latest teaser by Kia previews an all-new Kia Niro, with the company saying the compact SUV has its styling heavily influenced by the Habaniro Concept shown above. While the butterfly wing doors are just a concept, the front fascia, especially the lighting signature and tall hood and lower grille motif look set to be made into production.\nAt the rear quarter, the bright \u201cLava Red\u201d aero panel from the Habaniro Concept also seems to be retained for production, with the teaser image properly aligning the angle of the vehicle to match the concept. Overall, the smaller Kia Niro has little family resemblance to the \nall-new Sportage\n that was launched in September.\nApart from products, the customer experience centres also get a makeover. Check out this flagship Kia showroom in Seoul!\nDimensionally smaller than the Kia Sportage, the current generation Kia Niro competes with compact SUVs such as Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V, and is slightly larger than the \nHyundai Kona\n. Being targeted to the European market, the Kia Niro is also available with both self-charging and plug-in hybrids as well as a fully electric powertrain.\nAs such, we could be seeing the all-new Kia Niro \nmade available in Malaysia\n via the new distributor that is led by Bermaz Auto. From next year, EVs are set to be \ntax-free\n and Bermaz Auto has planned an aggressive product strategy to take advantage of the government\u2019s initiative.\nWhile the Kia EV6 is a premium product, we can expect the all-new Kia Niro EV to be priced relatively more competitive as it is targeted towards the mass market consumers looking at models such as the \nNissan Leaf\n, \nPeugeot e-2008\n and the Hyundai Kona Electric.\nKia is set to fully unveil the all-new Niro on \nNovember 25th\n at the Seoul Mobility Show 2021."
"Mercedes-Benz has the Black Series while Audi has the Black Edition. Rolls-Royce is calling theirs the Black Badge, and the third spawn within the lineup is the Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge.\nThis is after the \u201cBlack Badged\u201d Phantom and Wraith of course, and it\u2019s targeted to appeal to the younger market. Remember, Rolls-Royce did say that the Dawn is the \u00a0\u201c\nmost glamorous, uncompromising expression of open-top luxury\n.\u201d\nSeparating this Dawn Black Badge from the standard is the exclusive\u00a0solid black paintwork. RR says they took many painstaking hours of painting and polishing process to create the deepest, darkest and most intense black to ever grace a production car surface.\nThe roof canvas is black, with the rear deck now clothed in black leather. The high-gloss black chrome finishing is applied to the front grille, exhaust pipes and even Spirit of Ecstasy. Inside, it\u2019s an all-black leather special with a strip of orange highlights complemented by an aluminium threaded carbon composite trim.\nThe Dawn Black Badge also receives a bump in performance. Its\n\u00a06.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12\n engine has been given an extra boost of \n30 hp\n and 20 Nm of torque, bringing the final output to\n 601 hp\n and\n 840 Nm\n. The century sprint now takes\n\u00a04.9 seconds\n, an improvement of 0.1 seconds over the standard Dawn. Top speed remains electronically limited to 250 km/h.\nThe gearbox has also been retuned for quicker downshifts and the steering rack reworked for better feedback. Also improved here is the suspension which gives better high speed stability without compromising ride quality. Lastly, a new exhaust is fitted to produce what Rolls-Royce calls \u201c\nmenacing bass-baritone\n\u201c.\nThe Rolls-Royce\u00a0Dawn Black Badge will be featured at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that\u2019s happening this weekend. No pricing has been revealed, but the standard \nDawn\n\u00a0is sold from RM4 million in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren has unveiled a limited production series called the McLaren MSO HS, which is a Super Series model that\u2019s essentially a beefed up \n675LT\n. In the McLaren lineup, the MSO HS will slot just\u00a0below the P1. Only 25 examples of this ultra-limited McLaren will be produced. Word has it that every unit has been spoken for.\nAt a glance, it just looks like a regular 675LT slapped with a body kit. However, the HS is not just a mere aesthetic enhancement exercise. MSO took the already track-focused 675LT, shed some weight, added more downforce and gave the engine a little rub.   MSO has managed to squeeze 688 hp and 700 Nm out from the 3.8-litre twin turbo V8, a good 13 hp more than the 675LT. No key performance figures have been revealed so far, but we can certainly expect it to outperform the 675LT\u2019s 2.9-second century sprint time.\nTo complement the power gain, MSO features subtle revisions to the front bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser. The roof scoop comes as standard on the HS but MSO offers this as an option on the 675LT\u2019s. Another not-so-subtle addition is the large P1-GTR inspired rear wing with HS lettering embossed to each side. Unlike the P1-GTR\u2019s fixed wing, the HS has an active rear wing which acts as an air brake during hard braking. All these collectively produce 220kg of downforce at 240km/h.\nThe HS is also 15kg lighter, achieved through the use of a lighter windscreen, polycarbonate engine cover, forged titanium exhaust and carbon fibre seats taken from the P1. If you want the car to be lighter, choose Alcantara over leather upholstery. This saves an additional 3.5kg.\nAs every car is tailored by MSO, therefore no two HS will be identical to each other. Now that we have seen pictures of the HS, any 650S or 675LT owners planning a trip down to MSO?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n has announced two new programmes for new Honda customers, providing additional benefits when they purchase a new Honda car. These include an enhanced coverage in the Customer Car Loan Protection Programme, as well as a new Vaccinated Customer Programme.\nFirstly, the updated Customer Car Loan Protection programme is offered to all customers who register a new Honda vehicle between \n1st October to 31st December 2021\n.\nIn the unfortunate event that the customer loses their job in the first year of car ownership, a RM12,000 car loan subsidy will be reimbursed to support the customer\u2019s monthly instalments, which is a 100% increase to the previously-offered insurance coverage.\nThe enhanced Customer Car Loan Protection Program also includes death or permanent disability coverage worth RM20,000 (also a 100% increase), burial or cremation coverage worth RM2,000, and repatriation expenses worth RM5,000, bringing the total coverage worth up to RM39,000.\nHonda Malaysia has resumed its operations at all dealerships nationwide. Read more here.\n\u201cBy introducing the enhanced Customer Car Loan Protection Program, we aim to help our customers by providing them with some financial support to ease their monthly instalments should the customer be unexpectedly out of employment,\u201d said Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer \nMadoka Chujo\n.\n\u201cThis enhanced personal accident insurance initiative is to protect the car loan of new Honda customers so that they can continue to enjoy their new car with peace of mind and without disruptions.\u201d\nThe Vaccinated Customer Programme, meanwhile, is an initiative by Honda Malaysia to support the Malaysian Government\u2019s vaccination drive, in an effort to encourage more people to get their jabs and help the country achieve herd immunity.\nUnder the programme, all new Honda customers who register a new car from \n1st October to 31st December 2021\n will be entitled to a free service voucher worth RM250 (1-year validity), provided that they are registered for the national vaccination programme, or have already been vaccinated either partially or fully.\nTo be eligible, customers will be required to provide proof of participation in the vaccination programme via the MySejahtera mobile app.\nLast month, Honda Malaysia also announced a new \n\u201cI\u2019m Vaccinated\u201d campaign\n to provide additional peace of mind to its customers and associates at its dealerships. The company says that all dealerships nationwide have participated in the campaign, which means that only vaccinated staff will be on duty at the outlets, wearing the specially-designed \u201cI Am Fully Vaccinated\u201d badge and mask.\nHonda Malaysia boosts customer confidence at showrooms with \u201cI\u2019m Vaccinated\u201d campaign. Learn more here."
"Polestar, the new electric performance brand has just announced that the \nPolestar 1\n is now available for pre-order in 18 countries, where customers can place their deposits and be in-queue for the hybrid GT Coupe when the car is ready to roll off the production line.\nThe 18 lucky countries are China, United States, Sweden, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Canada. Yep, no luck for us in Malaysia.\nAlong with the opening pre-orders, customers will be greeted with a car configurator tool to allow them to visualise their Polestar before placing their \u20ac2,500 (RM12k) deposit. Besides the conventional buy-and-own ownership model, customers can also drive a Polestar through a no-deposit, all-inclusive \nsubscription plan\n that provides hassle-free usage, covering insurance, depreciation, collection and delivery for inclusive servicing. No further details on the subscription plan were available at press time.\nThe Polestar 1 is a high-performance hybrid Grand Tourer that belts \n600 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque while offering \n150 km of pure electric driving range\n \u2013 the longest of any hybrid car in the world. The new car will roll out of \nPolestar\u2019s manufacturing facility\n in Chengdu, China \u2013 the same facility where Volvo assembles their 60-series models.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two years ago, Fiat and Mitsubishi signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to jointly develop and produce a brand new pickup truck. Well, it\u2019s been revealed in full, and it\u2019s nothing more than a rebadged \nMitsubishi Triton\n (also known as the L200 in certain markets).\nItems exclusive\u00a0to the Fiat are mainly aesthetics, differing in the front grille, satin silver skid plates, larger side steps and textured black sport bar compared to the Triton. Inside, the leather upholstered seats get heating function, and a dual zone climate control system is standard.\nEven the oily bits remain the same \u2013 a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel producing 180 hp and 430 Nm of torque. It\u2019s paired to a five-speed automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual can be optioned. The Fullback Cross also gets the same electronically controlled differential.\nOther standard kit comprise of LED DRLs, bi-xenon headlamps, seven airbags, Lane Departure Warning and the usual three-lettered acronyms.\nOver 170,000 units of the Fiat pickup will be produced at Mitsubishi\u2019s manufacturing facility in Thailand.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After several media reports set the internet community alight over the weekend, BBS has now released a statement confirming that it was \u201cforced to file for insolvency\u201d in Germany last week.\nThe company says in the statement that this was a necessary step to prevent an imminent insolvency within the coming months, due to several missed confirmed payments. The fall in demand due to the \ncoronavirus pandemic\n, in addition to the reduced production capability due to lockdowns, further aggravated the issue.\nSource: BBS Japan Official/\nInstagram\nHowever, filing for bankruptcy does not mean that BBS Wheels will cease to exist immediately. Similar to an administration insolvency mechanism in most countries, or Chapter 11 in the United States, filing for bankruptcy essentially gives BBS some breathing space while it reorganises its business and possibly look for a new owner.\nThe company reassures that its production facilities are still running in full speed, with uninterrupted supply to all of its original equipment and aftermarket customers. The company currently employs roughly 1,200 people worldwide, and recently began supplying single lug nut wheels to \nNASCAR\n.\nBBS also said in the statement that it has already initiated an extensive turnaround strategy for the company prior to the filing of insolvency, with a focus on aftermarket wheels, which will be continued under the guidance of the insolvency administrator.\nSource: BBS Japan Official/\nInstagram\nThis is the third time in 15 years that the renowned wheelmaker has filed for insolvency \u2013 first in 2007 when it was bought by Punch International, the company that makes the infamous Punch CVT gearbox in \nProtons\n. BBS filed for insolvency again in 2011, where it was eventually bought by South Korean company NICE corporation.\n\u201cTimes of change lie ahead but together we will release the energy and strength which will be needed to preserve the legendary BBS brand and secure its future,\u201d the company added in the statement."
"The 2014 \nVolvo XC90\n has finally been revealed in all its glory. The \nXC90\n marks a fresh start for Volvo under their new owner Geely and it will be tasked to pave the way for a \u201cportfolio of exciting new cars to come in coming years\u201d, said H\u00e5kan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo.\nNow that the exterior has been unveiled, we can see that Volvo\u2019s latest design language is less curvy and more upright. The clean lines lend the new XC90 a more elegant butch looks with a few neat touches to keep it interesting. The main talking point will be the headlamps with T-shaped LED daytime running lights styled like Thor\u2019s Hammer.   The grille is filled with vertical slats and now more in the shape of a rectangle than a trapezoid, emphasizing the new straighter lines used on the rest of the vehicle including the sharper shoulder lines on the sides of the vehicle. At the back the styling is still recognisable as a Volvo with the stepped taillights design that has been subtly evolved.\nThere are two main styling packages highlighted for the new XC90. The \nUrban Luxury\n package looks classier with all the lower section painted in the same body colour with \npolished stainless steel trims\n and a set of \n21-inch\n polished wheels. Another styling package called the \nRugged Luxury\n will get\n matte black trims\n with \nstainless steel skid plates\n, \nintegrated exhaust pipes\n as well as a set of \n22-inch\n wheels.   The interior was revealed awhile ago \nhere\n, packed with latest technology that is claimed to change the driving experience with most of the buttons have been abolished for a simpler interface. Everything is focused on the main tablet-like \n8-inch touchscreen\n to control most of the functions in the XC90.\nThe XC90 will be the first vehicle to ride on their own latest\n Scalable Platform Architecture\n (SPA), which will underpin more Volvo models in the future. The SPA has been designed to be able to support multiple sort of powertrains including a plug-in hybrid powertrain as well.\nThe XC90 will be powered by the new range of\n 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Drive-E\n petrol or diesel engines with varying outputs. The diesel \nD4\n turbo produces \n190 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n, and the \nD5\n twin-turbo produces \n225 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n. The petrol \nT5\n has the output of \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, while in the \nT6\n the engine is turbocharged and supercharged to deliver \n320 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n.\nThe range-topping XC90 will be the\n T8\n \u201cTwin Engine\u201d\n \nplug-in hybrid\n variant with a turbocharged and supercharged petrol 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Drive-E engine paired with a \n60 Kw electric motor \ngenerating a total of\n 400 hp \nand\n 640 Nm\n of torque. All variants will be using the \n8-speed automatic\n transmission. The new XC90 will use a \n4-corner air suspension\n that features an electronically controlled damping system called the Four-C.\nStandard safety equipment in the new XC90 includes the a run-off road protection feature, auto brake at intersection capability, and the \nCity Safety\n that is capable to detect pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles no matter day or night.\nAlong with the rejuvenation of the brand, there will be a limited run of\n First Edition\n XC90 that is exclusively available with the D5 or T6 variant and only available through online order starting 3rd September. All \n1,927 units\n of the First Edition XC90 will be\n individually numbered\n and only available in Onyx Black. It will be fitted with a set of 21-inch Inscription wheels, and on the inside there\u2019s Amber nappa leather seats, Charcoal leather dashboard, Linear Walnut wood inlays, and the \n1,400 watts Bowers & Wilkins\n audio system with\n 19 speakers\n among other extra goodies.\nProduction of the all new XC90 will begin early next year and deliveries should start by May next year.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The highly anticipated Toyota Supra, which is jointly developed with the next-gen BMW Z4, will only come with an automatic transmission.\nAccording to a report by\u00a0\nAutoCar\n, Toyota\u2019s upcoming two-seater sports car will be sharing components with the Z4, such as \nelectronics\n and the\u00a0\nautomatic transmission\n. The latter will be modified to suit Toyota\u2019s hybrid system.\nThe Supra-Z4 twins are scheduled for launch in 2018 with each brand unveiling\u00a0their own separate models. The new Toyota Supra, roughly based on the FT-1 concept as shown in the images here, is offered as a coupe while the new Z4 will be made as a convertible just like before.\nBoth brands played their part to revive their sports cars. BMW supplied the petrol engine and the carbon fibre architecture while Toyota contributed what they do best \u2013 the hybrid system.\nIf you\u2019re let down by the fact that it won\u2019t come with a stick, then take the\u00a0\nNissan GT-R\n\u00a0as an example. Models before the R35 all came with a manual transmission, but how do\u00a0you plan on handling a stick shifting machine that\u2019s pushing anywhere above 350 horses?"
"We\u2019re not sure if anyone else sees it as slightly ironic, but Toyota is giving the \nPrius\n \u2013 which is now basically synonymous for the brand\u2019s eco-focused hybrid technology \u2013 a fresh coat of paint and a unique sporty trim to celebrate its 20th anniversary in the United States.\nCalled the \u201c2021 Toyota Prius 2020 Edition\u201d, the anniversary edition is based on the XLE FWD trim level sold in the country, but equipped with a new blacked-out exterior trim. Toyota says that the exterior is \u201cboth sporty and elegant, with just a touch of mischief\u201d.\nThe 2020 Edition is available in either \nSupersonic Red\n or the new \nWind Chill Pearl\n colour. Exclusive exterior features include a colour-keyed rear spoiler, black inserts for the 17-inch allow wheels, as well blacked-out headlight components, B-pillars, mirror housings, and badgings.\nInside, the Prius 2020 Edition gets a new black shift knob, black interior A-pillar trims, smoked HVAC vents, as well as \u201c2020\u201d branding on the floor mats and key fobs. Otherwise, the rest of the kit is standard XLE variant affair, which now includes Android Auto Support in addition to Apple CarPlay, as well as the new Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Advanced Driver Assistance System.\nUnfortunately, the sporty gains in the aesthetic department does not translate to over to performance. The Toyota Prius 2020 Edition is powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, paired to an electric motor to drive the front wheels. The \u201csporty\u201d special edition also promises the same \n4.5 l/100km\n fuel consumption figure.\nThe Toyota Prius 2020 Edition will be\n limited to just 2,020 units\n."
"Mercedes-AMG has just revealed their open top options for the AMG GT line-up. The AMG GT Roadster and a hardcore \nAMG GT R\n-derived AMG GT C gives a breath of fresh air to the AMG GT family.\nRevealed ahead of the upcoming Paris Motor Show, the two roadsters will feature a fabric roof that folds down in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. The GT Roadster will sit alongside the base AMG-GT variant while the GT C will slot between the AMG GT S and the AMG GT R. This brings the total number of AMG GT variants on offer to five.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG GT Roadster\nMercedes-AMG GT C Roadster\nEngine\n3982cc twin-turbo V8\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n469 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n550 hp @ 5,750 \u2013 6,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n630 Nm @ 1,700 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n680 Nm @ 1,900 \u2013 5,750 rpm\n0-100km/h; Top Speed\n4.0 seconds; 302km/h\n3.7 seconds; 316km/h\nThe fabric roof on both the models are supported by a mixture of magnesium, steel and aluminium structure. This makes the roof \u00a0light yet rigid at the same time. An aluminium cross-member with rollover bars provides additional rollover protection.\nBesides that, AMG has taken great measures to ensure the safety, rigidity and dynamics of the roadsters are on par with their hard top siblings. New aluminium material mix is used to strengthen the chassis and body further, while the front deck is reinforced with magnesium. Elsewhere, greater wall thickness on the side skirts, more chambers, additional struts and a strut tower brace further reinforce the already rigid body structure.   Powering the two roadsters is the same \n4.0-litre twin turbo V8\n in the AMG GT line up. The GT Roadster gets \n469 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque which propels it to 100km/h in \n4.0 seconds\n. Its top speed is\u00a0\n302km/h\n. The roadster outputs slightly higher than the base GT that it is based on, \n13 hp\n and \n30 Nm\n more to be exact.\nOn the other hand, the GT C outputs \n40 hp\n and \n30 Nm\n more than the GT S and is only \n28 hp\n and \n20 Nm\n shy of the track oriented GT R (dubbed the Green Hell Beast). The 0-100km/h sprint is done in \n3.7 seconds\n before hitting a top speed of \n316km/h\n.\nFor the GT C, much of its revisions are taken straight off the GT R. The front grille for example is identical to the GT R. It also features active air management where the grilles close to aid aerodynamics or open to channel more air for maximum cooling.   Also shared between the GT C and R\u00a0is an \nactive rear axle steering\n. This enables the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels under 100km/h and turn in the same direction as the front wheels at speeds above 100km/h.\nUnique to the GT C is an updated AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT \nseven-speed sport transmission\n. The first gear now has a higher ratio while the seventh gear and final drive have a lower ratio. This exercise is to complement the increased output from the twin turbo V8. In the GT Roadster, the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch comes in four different modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual. The GT C adds on a Race Mode for optimal track performance.\nStandard on the GT C is a Variable AMG Performance Exhaust that draws out the raw symphony of the V8. The GT Roadster can have this exhaust as an option. An AMG Sports Suspension comes as standard on the GT Roadster, while the GT C benefits from a more sophisticated adaptive AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension.\nBoth the roadsters can be had in 11 different exterior shades to match either a black, red or beige soft top. Having a roadster means you will be exposing the interior when the roof is down. As such, having 10 different interior colours will surely satisfy those who intend to make a statement. Closer to home, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has the \nAMG GT S \non offer.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite\n only being launched yesterday\n, Great Wall Motors Malaysia (GWM Malaysia) announced that it has already collected over 100 bookings for the \nOra Good Cat EV\n.\nThe company adds that those bookings were also collected only across three days, during the recent Malaysia Motor Expo, where test drives for customers were limited, and pricing and detailed specifications were not announced yet.\n\u201cWe want to thank our customers for placing their trust in Great Wall Motors, and we believe that you have made a correct decision,\u201d said GWM ASEAN region President, Elliot Zhang, during the official launch event yesterday.\nThe Ora Good Cat also received \nwidespread attention in Thailand\n, where the model made its debut in the region. Since its launch in the Land of Smiles in October last year, the Ora Good Cat has already received over 5,400 bookings in Thailand, with just under 4,200 units delivered to date, excluding fleet buyers.\nRELATED: \nGWM Malaysia to launch 9 cars in 3 years, CKD to start in 2023\nOffered here in Malaysia in two variants, namely the 400 Pro and 500 Ultra, the Ora Good Cat is priced from \nRM139,800\n, making it the most affordable EV here on our shores to date. The compact EV hatchback is powered by a single electric motor on the front axle, capable of outputting \n105 kW (143 hp)\n and\n 210 Nm\n.\nDepending on variant, the motor is paired to either a \n47.8 kWh\n or \n63.1 kWh\n battery pack, giving the Ora Good Cat 400 km or 500 km of range respectively (NEDC test cycle), and thus their variant names.\nIn order to provide its customers in Malaysia with added peace of mind, the company has committed to establishing a \u201chigh-quality dealer network\u201d. Five 3S outlets are already operational, and will expand to 15 outlets by the end of 2023, covering 70% of major cities in Malaysia, and 90% of car users nationwide.\nThe aftersales service network will also be built around a spare parts centre in Shah Alam, which will begin operations in December this year. GWM Malaysia assures that spare parts\u2019 availability will be maintained by committing to a higher initial volume at launch, then regulating the stockpile based on actual volume requirements after the brand is fully established in the market.\nALSO WATCH: \nOra Good Cat \u2013 The cheapest EV with 500km range, maybe"
"Kia Motors India (KMI) will be previewing a brand-new concept car at the 2018 Auto Expo in New Delhi next week. The new concept car will be an exclusive model to India, the fifth largest car market, and to nobody\u2019s surprise, it\u2019s another SUV.\nThe new concept, dubbed the SP Concept, will be inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technology. Based on the teaser image, we can tell that the car features \nHyundai Motor Group\u2019s familiar SUV silhouette\n \u2013 bold lines across the shoulders and sloping window design. KMI hints that the new concept will be a compact SUV size that pairs high functionality with bold and stylish design.\nPresident of Kia Motors Corporation, Han-Woo Park commented: \u201cAll of us at Kia Motors are extremely proud to take our first steps into one of world\u2019s largest automotive markets. And we are here to build more than just great cars. We aim to set a new standard in the Indian auto industry by providing consumers with world-class products and services while engaging with and giving back to the local community.\u201d\nAlongside the world debut of the SP Concept, KMI will also showcase the brand\u2019s latest range of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and global models, including the \nall-new Stinger GT\n. Proving Kia Motors is committed to replicate its international success in India."
"Audi\u2019s first order of business for 2017 is a substantially upscale venture. Debuting at the Detroit Motor Show next month is the Audi Q8 Concept which the company claims will unlock a new segment for the full-size luxury SUV category.\nThe Q8 is Audi\u2019s fifth Q model, and being the top dog, it will get all the spaciousness normally associated with SUVs, combined with the emotional styling of a coupe. Think something like the\u00a0\nGLC Coupe\n\u00a0and you\u2019ll have a vague idea of what to expect.\nAudi\u2019s Head of Design, Marc Lichte said the Q8 will offer an adequately spacious interior for four, even with the low roofline. Its design is reminiscent of the Ur-quattro of the 1980s, with prominent flared arches for a proper quattro appeal."
"If you think the \nTiguan\n\u00a0is looking a little too tame, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced a \u201cWILD \u201d package to go with the Tiguan Comfortline.\nThe unruly package adds a chrome trunk garnish, a chrome load lip protector, chrome exhaust tips, scuff plates with the Tiguan logo, finished off with Volkswagen\u2019s window tint.\nProving to punch way above its weight, the Tiguan has been a firm favourite amongst the hip and pragmatic, combining a 1.4-litre turbocharged direct injection TSI engine with a 6-speed automatic wet-clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). Output is rated at \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Tiguan Comfortline is priced at RM 148,990 excluding the \u2018WILD\u2019 package \u2013 which retails at \nRM5,099\n.\nRead about the \nfive reasons why we think the Tiguan Comfortline is the perfect \u201cbalik kampung\u201d\n car along with our \nfirst impressions\n of it here."
"Mitsubishi has given the victorious \nMitsubishi Triton\n from\n our pick-up challenge\n a bright new exterior colour to go with its handsome exterior. The new \nSun Flare Orange Pearl\n colour option is exclusively available for the\n Adventure X variant\n.\nLike the Triton Knight, the striking new colour is also finished with decals but with a simpler silver stripe that runs from the front fenders to the rear doors. The Sun Flare Orange Pearl joins Jet Black Mica and White Diamond colour line-up for the Triton Adventure X.\u00a0\nMechanically, the Triton is powered by the same 2.4-litre MIVEC VGT engine with\u00a0\n181 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n430 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Transmission wise, there\u2019s a\u00a0\nnew 6-speed automatic\u00a0\nalong with a 6-speed manual transmission in the lower variants.\nDepending on which variant you buy, the Triton will be available with a \nnew Super Select 4WD II system which we tested\n\u00a0that comes with four driving modes: Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, and Rock.\nAside from the more premium, fully-loaded Adventure X model, there is also the \nTriton Quest\n starting from RM79,800. Launched late last year, it\u2019s a pick-up in the simplest form, for brick and mortar purposes.\nPrices for the Triton 4\u00d74 models start from \nRM100,200\n all the way up to \nRM137,900\n for the top grade Adventure X model."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just added a new variant to the Polo hatchback line-up. Dubbed the Polo ALLSTAR, it commands a RM3,000 premium over the \nstandard Polo 1.6 MPI\n but you get a RM6,000 worth of exterior and interior aesthetics upgrades.\nVisually, the ALLSTAR gets an additional rear spoiler, subtle black door stripes, black trunk garnish and an \u201cALLSTAR\u201d logo at the B-pillar. Elsewhere it gets the same halogen reflector headlamps, front fog lamps, LED combination taillamps and 15-inch \u201cRiverside\u201d alloys.   Inside, the changes are more apparent with aluminium sports pedals, new leather seats with \u201cALLSTAR\u201d embroidery, \u201cALLSTAR\u201d side scuff plates and \u201cALLSTAR\u201d floor mats. Standard equipment dittos the regular Polo including 5-inch \u201cRCD 330G\u201d touchscreen infotainment with MirrorLink, automatic climate control, rear air vents and cruise control.\nMechanically, the ALLSTAR retains the same 1.6-litre MPI four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox to develop \n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque. Official fuel consumption figures are rated at \n6.3 litres per 100 km\n.\nOn the safety front, the it gets dual front airbags, ABS with brake assist, anti-pinch for all four windows, ISOFIX mounting points and Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS).\nThe \nVolkswagen\n Polo ALLSTAR retails for RM72,888 (OTR without insurance) and comes with a 5-Years manufacturers warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance package. Service intervals for the Polo is scheduled at every 15,000 km. In case you\u2019ve missed it, VPCM is currently conducting a \n\u201cPolo P\u201d Young Drivers Training Programme\n with the Polo, so be sure to catch the Polo\u00a0in action and see for yourself what the German hatchback can deliver.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It matters not if you are a Porsche owner or simply just a fan, you are hereby invited by Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official distributor of Porsche cars in Malaysia, to the inaugural Sportscar Together Day happening this coming Saturday on 3rd August 2019 at the Sepang International Circuit.\nSportscar Together Day is a concept to bring the Porsche community closer where fans can learn more about Porsche\u2019s heritage. The attractions on display include \nevery generation of the iconic 911\n, the \nall-conquering 3-time Le Mans winning Porsche 919 Hybrid race car\n and also the \nMission E augmented reality experience\n previewing the upcoming all-electric Taycan.\nThe 3-time Le Mans winning Porsche 919 Hybrid.\nAll Porsche owners are invited to gather on the track during the day to celebrate the brand\u2019s motorsport DNA and be part of one of the largest recorded gatherings of Porsche cars ever in Malaysia. Enthusiasts can also register for the Porsche Experience activity and get behind the wheel of a Porsche!\nThose of you who are bringing along children, there will also be activities for the family including a Porsche Junior Experience programme specially tailored for young fans. For more information and to register your interest, please head to \nhttp://myporsche.com.my/sctd/."
"The aid towards victims of the recent flooding continues, with the next largest \u2018affected\u2019 group providing a helping hand. The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (or better known as PIAM) has announced a one-off subsidy of up to \nRM500\n for the \nclean-up\n of flood-affected vehicles.\nPIAM said the insurance industry is potentially facing upwards of RM2 billion to RM3 billion in total flood-related claims. With many motor vehicles damaged and facing potentially high repair bills, PIAM via a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is pledging RM2.43 million to a newly established Flood Relief Fund Dec 2021.\nImage credit: Twitter/\nBFMNews\nUnder the fund, a RM500 subsidy is specifically allocated for cleaning up of flood-affected cars and commercial vehicles while RM100 is the limit for motorcycles. The subsidy does not cover repairs. \u00a0\nRELATED: Bosch shares tips to better prepare for flooding and being stranded\nClaimants will need to produce requisite evidence of flood damage to their vehicles and proof of previous insurance cover. The said vehicle must be either currently insured (any type of Motor policy with or without flood cover is eligible) or a vehicle that was last insured on June 1st 2021.\nFile image from PIAM\nApart from the clean-up subsidy, the association members also plan to expedite claims settlement and provide additional special relief measures.\nAs more news coverage of the extend of the devastation, many automotive distributors have also introduced their own flood relief assistance programmes to help ease the burden of their customers who have been affected. You can find them in the list below:\nPerodua\nProton\nSubaru\nHonda\nToyota\nMitsubishi\nNissan\nBMW Group Malaysia\nMercedes-Benz\nVolkswagen\nMain image credit: Facebook/\nSelangorJournal"
"Toyota has developed an automated driving research vehicle called the Platform 3.0 \u2013 one of the\u00a0most perceptive automated driving test cars on the road \u2013 based on a Lexus LS 600hL.\nThe Platform 3.0\u2019s sensor-rich package utilises the Luminar LIDAR system with a \n200 metre detection range\n. While previously only capable of detecting forward directions, it now \ncovers the vehicle in every direction\n. This is possible with \nfour high-resolution LIDAR scanning heads\n, which can precisely detect objects around the car especially those less visible in the dark.\nFour shorter range LIDAR sensors are positioned low on all four corners of the vehicle \u2013 one on each front quarter panel and one each on the front and rear bumpers. They\u2019re able to detect low-level and smaller objects around the car such as children and hazardous debris on the road.\nA weather and temperature roof panel had been created to compact and conceal the sensors while cleverly utilising the space in the sunroof compartment to minimise the overall height of the vehicle. This ingenuity looks to seamlessly incorporate the sensors into the vehicle\u2019s design without making it appear like bolt-on additions (although looking at the pictures, it seems like there\u2019s a long way to go).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Citroen, through Naza Euro Motors have introduced the petrol variant of the \nGrand C4 Picasso THP163\n and is priced at \nRM179,888 including insurance\n and GST. It costs RM10,000 lesser than the oil burning 2.0-litre BlueHDi engine, one that was going for RM189,888 when it was launched last year.\nThis \nseven-seater\n French MPV sits on the brand\u2019s new EMP2 modular platform (underpinning the new \n308 THP\n as well), and has a wheelbase of 2,840mm, an overall length of 4,597mm, is 1,826mm wide and 1,625mm tall. It looks visually identical from the outside when compared to the diesel variant, but new here is the \npanoramic sunroof\n \u2013 a standard feature that was not available on the diesel.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nCitroen Grand C4 Picasso THP163\nEngine\n1,598cc; direct injection, turbocharged\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\nMax Power\n163 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm from 1,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n8.7 seconds; 201 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n\u00a0insurance)\nRM179,888.00 (with GST)\nEXTERIOR\nThere\u2019s no denying the uniqueness of how this one looks, and it\u2019s almost impossible to mistake this for something else when seen in real life or on the road. The front fascia carries the brand\u2019s distinctive look, finished with \nHID headlamps\n, LED daytime running lights, three-dimensional tail lamps (like the \nDS3\n), 18-inch python alloy wheels and Zenith windscreen.   As mentioned before, both the petrol and diesel variants are identical from the outside, right down to the wheels. The Grand C4 Picasso boasts having the \nlongest wheelbase\n in its class, and comes with a class\u2019 first \nheight-adjustable electric tailgate\n.\nINTERIOR\nInside, you get a large \n12-inch digital instrument cluster\n that is customisable and comes pre-installed with GPS navigation. There\u2019s the \n7-inch touchscreen head unit\n for all your multimedia consumption, \naircraft-style trays\n built into both the backs of the front seats and air conditioning vents for the second and third row seats.   Convenience features are as such: dual-zone auto air conditioning, adjustable second row seats, keyless entry and push-start button, active cruise control with speed limiter and automated braking, electric parking brake, \nremovable centre console\n for access to the rear seats, park assist with \n360 degree camera view\n, retractable sun visors for the front passengers and adjustable centre armrest.\nPERFORMANCE\nTasked with moving this family car is PSA\u2019s trusty\u00a0\n1.6-litre Prince engine\n. Displacing 1,598cc and paired with a turbocharger (THP), it makes a healthy \n163 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and\n 240 Nm\n of torque from 1,400 rpm. Together with the \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n8.7 seconds\n, and top speed is rated at \n201 km/h\n. The combined cycle for fuel economy is rated at \n5.8 litres per 100km\n.\nSAFETY\nSafety is one of the key USPs of this MPV. It\u2019s got six airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist, blind spot monitoring system, child Isofix mounts, front and rear parking sensors with all-round camera view, Lane Departure Warning system and Electronic Stability Programme.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are four colours to choose from: Blue Teles, Rouge Babylon (red), Blanc Banquise (white) and Noir Onyx (black). It\u2019s priced at \nRM179,888 with insurance\n and GST and comes packaged with a \n5-year with unlimited mileage\n warranty programme, including the distributor\u2019s \n24-hour roadside assistance\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Almost a year after its launch in Malaysia, the Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription is stepping down to make way for the \nVolvo V60\n Recharge T8 Ultimate\n which fetches a price of \nRM 321,888\n. With some additional features, the V60 Ultimate is RM8k more expensive than the V60 Inscription. Like the \nT8 Inscription\n, the T8 Ultimate is the sole variant for the V60 in Malaysia\nMain additions/changes of the V60 Recharge T8 Ultimate over the T8 Inscription include:\nNew 19-inch 5 triple-spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheels\nNew \u201cBright Dusk\u201d exterior colour that replaces \u201cBright Silver\u201d\nNew optional Maroon Brown Moritz upholstery in addition to standard Charcoal Moritz upholstery\nAndroid Automotive 9-inch touchscreen unit (replaces Sensus Connect 9-inch unit)\nPrice-inclusive Digital Service Package (DSP)\nCrystal White\nOnyx Black\nBright Dusk\nThunder Grey\nOn the outside, the most obvious difference is the new set of 19-inch 5 triple spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheels that replaces the Inscription\u2019s 5-Multi spoke wheels. The number of colour choices remains at 4, but a new \u201cBright Dusk\u201d colour replaces the \u201cBright Silver Colour\u201d. All else, the Inscription\u2019s chrome trims have been carried over to the V60 T8 Recharge Ultimate.\nA new option for the interior is an optional \u201cMaroon Brown Moritz\u201d upholstery on top of the standard \u201cCharcoal Moritz\u201d upholstery. The optional upholstery is available with all four colour options of the V60 Recharge T8 Ultimate. As for interior ambience, the Ultimate also gets a large panoramic sunroof like the Inscription.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription PHEV, from RM314k\nVolvo V60 with Maroon Brown Moritz upholstery\nLike other new Volvo cars, the V60 recharge T8 Ultimate gets the Android Automotive head unit, replacing the old Sensus Connect head unit. The screen size remains the same at 9 inches and with a portrait orientation.\nBumping the V60 Recharge T8 Ultimate\u2019s price over the Inscription is Volvo\u2019s Digital Service Package (DSP) which has been included in the price of the car. The DSP includes access to the following digital services for a period of 4 years:\nGoogle Assistant\nGoogle Maps\nGoogle Play Store\nVolvo Car App remote functions\nData for the said services.\nAfter that period a subscription fee will be required to continue the service.\nRELATED: \nVolvo teases all-electric EX90, calls roof LiDAR a 21st-century design icon\nAndroid Automotive\nThe powertrain remains the same, as the V60 T8 Ultimate houses a hybrid Plug-in Hybrid system with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine. The system makes a maximum combined output of \n462 hp\n and \n709 Nm\n thanks to the Recharge T8 PHEV update in April that boosted both power and the PHEV battery capacity.\nOn its own, the 2.0-litre engine powers the front wheels and makes 317 hp @6,000 rpm and 400 Nm @ 3,000-5,400 rpm. Powering the rear wheels is an electric motor that makes 145 hp @ 15,900 rpm and 309 Nm. With an 8-speed automatic gearbox by AISIN, the V60 recharge T8 Ultimate accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n.\nRELATED: \nVolvo updates Recharge T8 PHEV powertrain for 60, 90 series models in Malaysia \u2013 462 hp, 90 km EV range\nIf you\u2019re deciding between the wagon V60 and the sedan \nS60\n, do note that the Volvo S60 in Malaysia is offered with the R-Design package while the V60 is not. Although both cars share the same powertrain, the R-Design package adds paddle shifters, different upholstery, a sportier gear lever, sportier bumpers, and an R-Design grille. The wagon V60 Recharge T8 Ultimate offers a more Comfort-like package.\nRELATED: \nUpcoming Volvo EX90\u2019s displays will magically show you the right information at the right time"
"Things have not been a bed of roses for UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, not least for the past two years. But with a few promising models that are about to make its way to the market, perhaps there is a silver lining to this distressing episode.\nIt begins with the little things, like setting a moderate but optimistically achievable sales target of 70,000 units for 2017. With the power of elementary mathematics, that\u2019s a full 30 percent lesser than \nthe goal Honda Malaysia has set for themselves\n\u00a0this year. Toyota Malaysia however, did not reveal in\u00a0detail the cars they will be launching this year, though we know for sure the \nLexus LC 500\n\u00a0will.\nIn the same announcement, newly elected President of UMW Toyota Motor, Mr. Ravindran Kurusamy said they will introduce the Vios Challenge to Malaysia sometime in August. The legitimate small-scale motorsports series will be the result of a collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR).\nTGR is globally recognised on the world stage of motorsports, having participated in the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship, 24 Hours Nurburgring and Dakar Rally. In fact, they even commissioned the manual-only, supercharged \nToyota Yaris GRMN\n\u00a0making 205 horsepower.\nThere was however, no mention on whether or not the \nnew Toyota Vios\n\u00a0or \nToyota C-HR\n\u00a0will be launched this year."
"The world was much simpler back in the 80s, there were no internet, social media, YouTube or Netflix. It was also the era of excesses, questionable fashion, of the cold war, and of course, the golden age of TV serials \u2013 the main source of entertainment for families around the world.\nWhile shows such as Charlie\u2019s Angels, Dallas, CHiPs, Knight Rider, The A-Team, Magnum PI (and many more) kept audiences glued to the telly every evening, McLaren Racing were busy winning races on Sundays, racking up a total of five Formula 1 drivers\u2019 crowns and four constructors\u2019 championships in the 80s alone (there would be more in the 90s as well). It was a golden era for them too.\n \nWhatever the motivation, spare time aside as the F1 season is suspended, what the McLaren digital team managed to string together \u2013 a throwback video featuring modern day subject matter rendered in true 80s fashion \u2013 would\u2019ve brought a smile to those fond of the 80s, not to mention an entertaining distraction to the population who are currently confined to their homes.\n \nNow watch a real 80s TV series intro. What do you think of McLaren\u2019s efforts?\nZak Brown as a Bosley (of Charlie\u2019s Angels fame) character type is spot on, while technical director Andreas Seidl needs no cosmetic embellishment as the nerdy comic relief of the team. If only Carlos sported a moustache a la Tom Selleck, along with tighter speedos on Lando, now that would\u2019ve been icing on the cake."
"With the number of new/active Covid-19 cases on the rise,\n \nPerodua\n has stepped up its public service efforts in the Hulu Selangor and Selayang municipals by distributing additional face shields.\nThe company has distributed 10,000 face shields to the District Health Office, dental clinics, and even to morning and night market hawkers in Hulu Selangor. Perodua also distributed the face shields to the Selayang Municipal Council\u2019s Licensing and Enforcement Departments. These face shields will also be distributed to hawkers in the district by the municipal.\n\u201cPerodua\u2019s face shield contributions is the company\u2019s way of giving back to the surrounding communities who have supported and made us feel at home for the past 27 years,\u201d Perodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.\n\u201cWe have given out over 21,000 face shields to date \u2013 we hope they will be worn conscientiously and diligently by those going about their daily duties, bravely continuing to give all of us the services, healthcare and provisions we need,\u201d he added.\nThe effort follows after the \n11,000 face shields Perodua distributed to secondary schools in Putrajaya and Hulu Selangor\n. These face shields consist of a fog-resistant visor made of polyethylene terephthalate for optimal visibility, a sponge cushion for the forehead, and an adjustable elastic band for a comfortable fit.\n\u201cWe are not out of the woods yet in our battle against COVID-19. We hope Malaysians will continue to adopt and adapt to the new normal by exercising caution and complying with all the government\u2019s health and safety guidelines,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Zainal."
"Introduced as the successor to the Grand C4 Picasso, the new Citro\u00ebn Grand C4 SpaceTourer 7-seater MPV has been designed with space, versatility and innovation in mind.\nIt\u2019s powered by a 1.6-litre THP engine paired to a 6-speed transmission, producing \n167 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm with fuel consumption rated at 5.8 litres/100km.\nOn the outside, you get Bi-Xenon headlamps with manual height adjustment and DRLs, while the back features fog lamps integrated into the bumper, to pair with the visually-enticing 3D rear taillights. Filling the arches are 17-inch alloy wheels.\nInside, the Grand C4 SpaceTourer exudes what Citro\u00ebn calls the \u201cHype Grey ambiance\u201d. The equipment list includes a 12-inch HD color panoramic central display, the largest in the MPV segment and a 7-inch touchscreen that offers Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Mirrorlink and USB connectivity.\nOther creature comforts include an electric parking brake, hands-free boot access with height memory, rear aircraft-style tables with LEDs, under-floor compartments and a removable central storage box. Retracting the 2nd and 3rd row seats frees up cargo space from 632-litres to 2,181-litres.\nIn terms of driving aids, the Grand C4 SpaceTourer gets the Active Safety Brake, Speed Limit Recognition and Driver Attention Alert. The Active Safety brakes works at speeds of up to 30 km/h, to stop the car from potential collisions.\nElsewhere, it\u2019s equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Braking Assistance, Electronic Stability Control with traction control, Hill Start Assist and ISOFIX mountings.\nThe Citro\u00ebn Grand C4 SpaceTourer is available in Ruby Red, Lazuli Blue, Onyx Black and Polar White and is priced at \nRM149,888.00\n on-the-road without insurance. For a limited time only, the MPV is offered with 3-year free service, on top of the 5-year or 120,000 km Peace-of-Mind warranty, 24-hour Roadside Assistance and exclusive access to the Sky Lounge at Subang Skypark.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Has it already seen the future of electric mobility? Perhaps.\nThe EV carries Hyundai\u2019s latest design philosophy called \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d that strips away complexity in favour of clean lines and minimalist structures.\nIf anything, it resembles the silhouette of a Porsche Panamera, with a rear end and spoiler that looks like a 911 from the future.\nHyundai said the dynamic and elegant boat-tail line created by the rear quarter panels appear to propel the form forward even when it\u2019s standing still.\nAside from visual appeal, the design provides excellent aerodynamics \u2013 a characteristic indispensable to EVs. Beneath the bumper is an enormous air intake to draw air in to cool the batteries while the propeller-shaped wheels direct air to flow down the side of the body \u201clike water over a stone\u201d, according to Hyundai.\nItems such as the headlamps and spoiler are made of transparent acrylic material to provide a clear view of the components that make up the internal structure.\nThe striking pixel lamp lighting technology can be seen on the spoiler, head and tail lamps. This technology will be carried forward as a signature design element in future Hyundai models.\nInside, the Prophecy fully utilises the spacious cabin that\u2019s common in EV vehicles. Instead of a conventional steering wheel, the Prophecy is fitted with two joystick for a supposedly \u201cmore assuring and intuitive driving experience\u201d.\nBy offering two joysticks that can pivot left and right, one in the centre console and another on the door trim, drivers are able to control the vehicle from a position of comfort.\nThe Prophecy features a \u201cRelax Mode\u201d that when engaged, offers passengers virtually zero visual obstacles. When in a reclined position, all that the passengers see is the horizontal pillar-to-pillar display and the wing-shaped dashboard.\nAlso in this mode, the dashboard swivels, allowing for a spacious interior and seat position from which passengers are able to enjoy content shown on the display.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Forget about the multi-million dollar limited-edition McLaren specials for a moment, because this here is perhaps the brand\u2019s most important model, since the MP4-12C. The McLaren Artura is Woking\u2019s \nfirst series-production hybrid vehicle\n, which will help usher in a whole new era of electrified motoring for the company.\n \nWith the all-new Artura, McLaren has ditched the somewhat-confusing number-based naming scheme in favour of actual names. Also gone is the 3.8-litre V8 engine that has almost become synonymous to the brand, replaced by an all-new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 hybridised power unit.\nOn its own, the petrol-powered engine generates an easy-to-remember 585 hp and 585 Nm of torque, but the electric bits \u2013 consisting of a 7.4 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor housed within the new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox \u2013 raises the output up to a total of \n680 hp\n and\n 720 Nm\n of torque.\nNow normally, a car of this nature will usually add a tonne of weight, but thanks to specific weight-saving efforts throughout the entire car (the entire hybrid powertrain weighs just 80 kg more than the old V8), the Artura weighs just 1,498 kg at the kerb \u2013 or 27 kg more than a 720S.\nWithout the extra weight to lug around, the McLaren Artura reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n3.0 seconds\n, onward to 300 km/h in an impressive 21.5 seconds, and all the way up to an electrically-limited top speed of 330 km/h.\nThe electric motor provides \u201ctorque infill\u201d at lower speeds and during gear changes for an instantaneous throttle response, but if you\u2019re just cruising around at city speeds (up to 130 km/h), the battery pack is sufficient for a fully-electric range of 30 km.\nAlso contributing to the Artura\u2019s feather weight is the new \nMcLaren Carbon-Fibre Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) chassis\n, weighing just 82 kg by itself, alongside the \u201cshrink-wrapped\u201d body panels made from a combination of carbon fibre and Superformed aluminium.\nTo go along with the new powertrain and carbon fibre tub, the Artura \u2013 for the first time ever on a McLaren road-legal model \u2013 is also fitted with an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (E-diff), where the driver can control the slip angle during a drift via the Variable Drift Control settings.\nThe rear suspension is new, too, now a five-link wishbone set-up that further reduces unsprung mass. However, the power steering rack is still the same electro-hydraulic system, which, McLaren insists, best delivers the \u201cimmediacy, on-centre feel and detailed feedback\u201d for the driver over the electric systems used by most rivals.\nAs with all other McLaren models, access to the cabin is done through the dihedral doors, which have been reengineered on the Artura to open closer to the body. Inside, you\u2019ll find a vertically-oriented eight-inch infotainment display alongside a digital instrument cluster running McLaren\u2019s new MIS II software, promising a \u201csmartphone level of responsiveness\u201d, while over-the-air updates will be able to enhance the functionalities of various systems, including the optional advance driver assistance suite.\nWith the Artura, McLaren has essentially jettisoned its existing Sports and Super Series classifications. In its place is a new \u201csupercars\u201d segment, putting it squarely in between the \nMcLaren GT\n and \n720S\n.\n\u201cEvery drop of McLaren\u2019s experience and expertise has been poured into the Artura. Our all-new, High-Performance Hybrid delivers all of the performance, driver engagement and dynamic excellence for which McLaren is renowned, with the additional benefit of EV driving capability,\u201d said McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt.\n\u201cThe introduction of the Artura is a landmark moment \u2013 for McLaren, for our customers who will appreciate and enjoy this car on every emotional and rational level, and for the supercar world.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"The Audi has just unveiled\nits next-generation plug-in hybrids with the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e PHEV spearheading\nthe new line up. The Q5 PHEV offers the efficiency and environmental benefits\nof an electrified vehicle without the anxiety of relying solely on a charging\npoint.\nUp front rests a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI with 252 hp and 370 Nm combined with an electric motor with a peak output of 105 kW (143 hp) and 350 Nm. This gives the Q5 55 TFSI e a system rated output of \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n the latter peaking at 1,250 rpm.\nWith the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n5.3 seconds\n \u2013 only 0.3 seconds off the \n700 Nm SQ5\n \u2013 while top speed is registered at \n238 km/h\n.\nThe 14.1 kWh lithium ion\nbattery pack is located under the luggage compartment and takes 6 hours to be\nfully charged when plugged into a 220V household outlet. On a full charge, the Q5\nPHEV cover over 41 km on pure electric at a top speed of 135 km/h \u2013 which is\nsufficient for the average daily commute.\nBesides the slightly compromised boot space, the additional charging port on the rear three-quarter panel, hybrid-specific MMI displays and subtle TFSI e badging, the Q5 PHEV gets the identical kit as a standard S-Line model.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi Q5 55 TFSI e PHEV in Turbo Blue"
"The \n2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5\n hot hatch has just set a new front-wheel drive car track record around the legendary 20.8 km \nNurburgring Nordschleife\n in Germany, with a new lap record time of \n7 minutes 44.881 seconds\n.\nThis new record didn\u2019t only demonstrate the Japanese hot hatch\u2019s improved dynamic performance compared to its predecessors but also proved itself \n0.508 seconds\n quicker than the \nRenault Megane RS Trophy R\n, the previous 20.8 km Nurburgring Nordschleife record holder.\nFitted with the Japanese hot hatch were the \nMichelin\n Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tyres. This contributed to the 2023 Civic Type R\u2019s enhanced on-track performance and also provided the car with improved dry grip as well as better balanced handling. This track tyre was developed using the knowledge Michelin\u2019s team garnered when developing the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, which is the tyre factory fitted with the Type R FL5.\nCivic Type R FL5 development leader, Hideki Kakinuma said, \u201cUnder the concept of \u2018Ultimate SPORT 2.0,\u2019 we developed the all-new Civic Type R with the spirit of \u2018going beyond our past achievements\u2019 and strived for the ultimate FWD sports car by refining the \u2018essential value\u2019 and \u2019emotional appeal\u2019 unique only to our Type R models.\u201d\n\u201cSix years after the lap record was set by the previous-generation Civic Type R (FK8), we reached this new dimension as a result of all of the passions we poured in and all the advancements we made for this Type R model. Finally, our wish to share this title with all Type R fans all around the world came true,\u201d Mr Kakinuma added.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG One reclaims N\u00fcrburgring throne \u2013 8 seconds faster than 911 GT2 RS!\nBesides the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the Civic Type R FL5 is also the lap record holder at the renowned Suzuka racetrack. The Civic Type R FL5 has yet to be brought into Malaysia. But looking at the one launched in our neighbour country, Thailand, the Japanese hot hatch is retailing for an eye-watering THB 3,990,000 (approximately \nRM 515k\n).\nIf you really want to add a Japanese hot hatch to your garage, don\u2019t worry, as we have the Type R\u2019s closest rival, the \nToyota GR Corolla\n up for grabs at \nRM 335,000\n here in Malaysia.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L Turbo 6-speed MT, RM355k \u2013 5 Things"
"There is a Polestar tuning package for almost every Volvo vehicle out there that offers sharper throttle response, quicker gear changes and increased engine output. Now, Volvo Cars have just introduced a new Polestar-developed software upgrade that promises a more dynamic driving experience on all-wheel drive (AWD) Volvos.\nThe optimisation software increases the amount and frequency of torque being sent to the rear wheels giving the car sharper turn-ins, better control and engagement in a corner and improved traction when pulling away. All these give the driver a more dynamic and engaging driving experience.\nSenior Vice President of Research and Development at Volvo Cars, Henrik Green said, \u201cWe are always fine-tuning the driving experience of Volvo cars, and this upgrade makes the all-wheel-drive both smoother and more dynamic.\u201d\nThe Polestar AWD optimisation software is engaged when the car is in Dynamic drive mode or when Electronic Stability Control is disabled. This software is available for all petrol and diesel variants of the Volvo 90 series, 60 series and XC40 that are equipped with AWD. Plug-in hybrid models are not included in the optimisation programme as the T6 Twin Engine and T8 Twin Engine already features a rear-biased AWD."
"Hennessey, the American tuning house-turned-hypercar maker, is aiming to break the 500 km/h \nproduction car top-speed record\n with its\n Venom F5\n. Now one year after it\u2019s officially unveiled, the company has finally shown off the hypercar in its full power \u2018F5 mode\u2019, and it\u2019s glorious.\nThe Hennessey Venom F5 has been undergoing testing for some time now, but it was previously limited to just 888 hp. With the F5 mode now unlocked, it\u2019s now able to go full send and unveil all of its \n1817 hp\n from the 6.6-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.\n \nHennessey says that they\u2019re currently testing the car\u2019s stability \u201cbeyond 250 mph (402 km/h)\u201d, and while it\u2019s still a ways off the production car speed record target, the car already sounds incredible.\nIf you\u2019re wondering, the name \u2018F5\u2019 comes from the Fujita hurricane strength scale \u2013 with F5 being the highest and strongest rating. While it might be a little clich\u00e9 to say the engine sounds like a storm setting in, the car really does actually sound like that especially in the fly-by shot.\nRELATED: Oops \u2013 the SSC Tuatara world record top speed run video might be faked\nSpittin\u2019 fireballs. Screenshot: Hennessey Performance/YouTube\nAside from the horsepower output, the Hennessey Venom F5\u2019s torque figure is also at an eye-watering \n1,617 Nm\n. And when you pair that to the car\u2019s weight of just \n1,360 kg\n and a drag coefficient of around 0.39 Cd, the Venom F5\u2019s incredible speed won\u2019t surprise you at all.\nBut of course, this is again just a teaser to the Venom F5\u2019s eventual world record attempt, which Hennessey said will be held at NASA\u2019s Florida runway \u201cin the coming months\u201d. We can\u2019t wait to see what this absolute monster of an engineering masterpiece can do.\nAnd if you want one, well, sorry \u2013 it\u2019s already sold out.\nGALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia has announced that it is holding a contest to give away\n 138 child car seats\n at selected Shell petrol stations to promote child safety on the road. Shell says that the contest is a part of their initiative to support the enforcement of \nmandatory use of child car seats\n.\nThe contest, which started last month, will run until the \n12th of April 2020\n, at \n136 Shell stations\n in the \nKuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan\n region. As of now, 70 lucky winners have already won their child car seats, \nworth RM507\n, however Shell says that there are still car seats up for grabs.\nIn order to participate in the contest, customers will have to spend a minimum of \nRM40 in a single receipt\n at participating Shell stations, then \nsubmit your details via a contest form\n at the station. Up to 17 lucky winners will be announced each week until the 12th of April.\nShell says that the contest aims to educate and promote the use of a proper child car seat, or Child Restraint System (CRS). Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain said, \u201cThis is a gesture from some of our stations to promote the use of child car seats. Often, many parents do not know how important it is to have suitable Child Restraint Systems.\n\u201cBy rewarding customers with child car seats, we hope we can educate parents to protect their children when travelling on the road,\u201d he added.\nThe Ministry of Transport has passed a policy that mandates the use of CRS starting from January this year. The government has adopted the\n ECE R44\n and \nUN R129\n standards, which all child car seats on sale locally are \nrequired to comply to\n."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently held the Dealer of the Year awards aimed at recognising the efforts of its vast network of 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide.\nSix awards were conferred \u2013 Best Performance in Financial Services, Best Performance in Business Excellence, Best Performance in After-Sales, Best Performance in Sales, Best Performance in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Customer Loyalty Index (CLI).\nThe most prestigious award, the \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year 2017\n, was presented to Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd Balakong dealership. It achieved the overall highest scores in all aspects of sales, after-sales, customer satisfaction index, customer loyalty index, business excellence and financial services.\nThe other winners are as follow:\nBest Performance in Sales\nAsbenz Motors Sdn Bhd\nBest Performance in After-Sales\nCycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (Johor Bahru)\nBest Performance in Business Excellence\nHap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Kinrara)\nBest Performance in Financial Services\nHap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Jalan Ipoh) \nBest Performance in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Customer Loyalty Index (CLI)\nCycle & Carriage Bintang (Northern) Sdn Bhd (Juru & Bukit Tengah)\nThe cockpit of the \nnew A-Class\n. Malaysia\u2019s next best seller?\nSpeaking at the award presentation ceremony, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, \u201cAs the leading premium automotive brand in Malaysia, we have been setting the benchmark in defining automotive excellence \u2013 especially in crafting a unique and unrivalled customer experience. To this end, we are continuously enhancing customer touchpoints, and currently offer the largest network coverage in the premium segment.\u201d"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has released the updated price list for Porsche Malaysia models, in reflection of the government\u2019s announcement for the \nexemption of sales tax in private vehicles\n, as part of the country\u2019s post-COVID-19 short term economy recovery plan.\nThe new Porsche Malaysia price list, which has gone into effect since Monday the 15th of June, will be valid until the end of the year. The revised Porsche price list sees a reduction in price ranging from 2.7% to 3.9%, with savings of up to RM47,609.\nThe price listed above are all base prices for each model, before options, road tax, and insurance. The \n911 Carrera 4S\n that was included in our \n2019 AutoBuzz.my Best (Driver\u2019s) Cars\n received the largest reduction in price, coming in at 3.9% (RM47,609).\nThe entry-level \nPorsche 718 Boxster\n now starts at RM486,727, which is 2.7% or RM13,273 lower than before; the hard-top \n718 Cayman\n sees a reduction of 3.2% (RM17,410), now priced from RM522,590.\nThe ubiquitous \nCayenne\n is now up to 3.5% (RM32,685) cheaper than before, depending on the selected variant. As for the \nPorsche Macan\n, the higher-specification \nMacan S\n sees a reduction of 3.6% (RM22,271).\nAs an added bonus, bookings made from now up till the 30th of June will be entitled to an additional one-year warranty extension, and up to additional two-years free insurance, depending on the Porsche model.\nAlongside the updated Porsche Malaysia price list, SDAP is also introducing an extension to the Porsche 360 Financing+ for the \nMacan SUV.\n The plan offers a maximum financing of up to 90%, for a financing tenure starting from 12 months up to 60 months.\nWith the Porsche 360 Financing+ plan, the Macan can be yours starting at just RM6,300 a month (based on a\u00a05-year loan tenure and 90% financed value), which Porsche says is up to 30% lower than conventional financing.\nThe new financing plan is now applicable until the 31st of December 2020.\nFor more updates on the latest updated car prices from the other brands in Malaysia after Sales Tax Exemption, do check out our round-up \nhere\n."
"Subaru\n America has just announced that it will be introducing a \u201csharper\u201d and \u201cmore focused\u201d \nSubaru BRZ\n. The said BRZ will be making its debut on \nJuly 23\n this year at Subiefest California, a Subaru enthusiast festival organised by the company itself.\nHowever, it is unsure if this \u201csharper\u201d and \u201cmore focused\u201d BRZ will be a special edition model, an optional package, or a whole new permanent variant. What\u2019s known is that the teaser shows the \u201cBRZ\u201d wording stamped into the headlights is now coloured in red.\nPrior to this, the BRZ\u2019s \nToyota\n twin \u2013 the \nGR86\n received the Upgraded Performance Package which comes with ZF Sachs Dampers and Brembo brakes with red four-piston front callipers and two-piston rear callipers. Available for the US and Canadian markets only, this package was included as standard with the limited edition \nToyota GR86 Trueno Edition\n. Will the Subaru BRZ receive something similar to this? We will just have to wait and see.\nPowering the current Subaru BRZ is a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces a total of \n237 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. The mill is paired to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels only.\nRELATED: \nSubaru EyeSight now available for manual transmission, to debut on the BRZ this fall\nSprinting from 0-100 km/h takes \n6.8 seconds\n with the BRZ. As for its top speed, the 6-speed automatic variant allows you to travel up to \n216 km/h\n, while the manual variant can go 10 km/h faster, at \n226 km/h\n. However, safety should always be a priority, therefore we would advise everyone to drive safely.\nIn the safety department, both the manual and automatic variants come with seven airbags, hill start assist (HSA), blind spot monitor (BSM), and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA). As for the Subaru EyeSight ADAS suite, you will have to opt for the automatic variant.\nThe safety suite comes with active cruise control (ACC), front vehicle departure alert, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for both front and rear, as well as false start suppression control. Speaking of the Subaru EyeSight, Subaru Japan announced last month that it will make its \nEyeSight ADAS suite available for its manual transmission models\n, starting with the BRZ this fall.\nCloser to home, the Subaru BRZ is up for grabs from \nRM229,245\n (on-the-road, without insurance) onwards for the manual variant. The automatic variant, on the other hand, is available from \nRM239,245\n onwards.\nRELATED: \nSpecial edition Toyota GR86, Supra, and GR Corolla debut \u2013 in celebration of their legacy"
"To some people, the Lamborghini Countach is an object of pure lust \u2013 especially the original concept that was shown off in the 1971 Geneva motor show, with its clean lines unobstructed by the various aerodynamic appendages.\nSome argue that it still looks futuristic 50 years later, and while we agree that most of it held up to the test of time, certain elements of the design certainly looks a little dated in the world filled with low profile tyres and fancy LED lights.\nWhile we continue to wait for a possible fifty-year anniversary hommage to the original Countach, design house Arc Design beat Lamborghini to the punch by introducing their own design concept, called simply the Countach 50 Omaggio that\u2019s inspired by Marcello Gandini\u2019s original creation, just freshened-up for the modern times.\nThe Bugatti Centodieci is a hommage to the original EB 110, and it looks like it came from another planet! Check it out here. \nMost of the iconic styling elements of the original Lamborghini Countach concept have been retained on the 50 Omaggio, including the iconic wedge shape, single-slit front air intakes, and the squared headlights \u2013 but all updated with modern design touches befitting of the 21st century.\nThe true party piece of the hommage model though, is round the back, where you\u2019ll find the third brake lights integrated directly into the engine cover glass pane, as well as active cooling and aerodynamic devices in the form of pop-up side air intakes and rear wing that only emerge when needed to retain the clean lines of the concept car.\nThe tail lights \u2013 with slim LED light strips bisecting the mesh back \u2013 even acts as air vents to channel hot air away from the V12 engine underneath the car!\nTake a trip down memory lane with the history of the Countach\u2019s predecessor, the Lamborghini Diablo.\nARC Design says that the Countach 50 Omaggio is based on the Aventador, so in theory, it\u2019s a lot bigger than its source of inspiration. Based on the design renders, it certainly looks a lot wider and planted than the original Countach concept.\nIt\u2019s truly amazing to see how a 50-year-old design can still look so fresh with just a few tweaks \u2013 just goes to show how ahead of the curve Lamborghini was when they unveiled the original Countach, with a design as timeless as this.\nThe Urus is now Lamborghini\u2019s most-produced, fastest-selling model to date. Learn more about it here. \nOf course, this is still just a render by a passionate designer, so it\u2019ll probably never make it into production. Let\u2019s just hope that the higher-ups at Sant\u2019Agata will be equally inspired by the Countach 50 Omaggio and actually make a hommage model themselves. But for now, enjoy the gallery below.\nGALLERY"
"Subaru\n has announced that it is developing its EyeSight advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) for its manual transmission (MT) vehicles. The new EyeSight system will first be introduced on the Japanese-spec manual \nSubaru BRZ\n sports cars, which will be debuting in Japan this fall.\nThe newly developed EyeSight suite for Subaru MT vehicles is based on the existing system already in use on the automatic variants, and as such it mirrors most of the functionalities of the latter, including pre-collision braking (PCB), adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure and sway warning (LDW), lead vehicle start alert, and rear sonar warning.\nThe new features will join the existing blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on the manual Subaru BRZ.\nThe EyeSight stereo camera system on the \nSubaru XV GT Edition\nUnlike many other ADAS suites on the market today, Subaru\u2019s EyeSight system uses only a stereo camera set-up to provide driver assistance functionalities.\nIn addition to giving its customers extra peace of mind while driving, Subaru says that the new EyeSight system is also now \u201ccombined with control tailored to the driving and operating characteristics of MT vehicles\u201d, allowing the system to operate in a wide range of real-world situations while not discounting on driving enjoyment.\nCloser to home, the EyeSight system is available on all of Subaru\u2019s new vehicles. This includes the \nSubaru BRZ\n, \nSubaru XV,\n \nSubaru Forester\n, \nSubaru Outback\n, \nSubaru WRX sedan\n, as well as the \nSubaru WRX wagon\n.\nAccording to Subaru data, the Japanese carmaker has delivered more than 5.5 million cars equipped with the EyeSight system globally since its debut in 2008. Subaru aims to achieve zero fatal road accidents by 2030.\nRELATED: \n2023 Subaru Forester facelift launched in Malaysia, 4 variants, same 2.0L Boxer \u2013 from RM174k"
"As promised before, the Porsche Taycan has made its way here in Malaysia. A total of three variants will be available \u2013 the Taycan Turbo S, the Taycan Turbo and the \nTaycan 4S\n. Prices start from RM725k for the \nTaycan 4S\n, RM 999k for the \nTaycan Turbo\n and RM1.195 million for the \nTaycan Turbo S\n.\nTo put things in perspective, the base model Panamera retails at RM860k but with a whole lot less power. That\u2019s cause the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo is powered by not one but two electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear axle, making the cars all-wheel drive.\u00a0\n \nThe Taycan Turbo S makes 625 hp (761 hp with Overboost) with 1050 Nm, while the Taycan Turbo pushes out 680 hp with 850 Nm. The Turbo S gets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, quicker than the naturally-aspirated V12 Ferrari Superfast while the Taycan Turbo will the same in 3.2 seconds. Launch Control is available throughout the Taycan range.\nThe Turbo S serves up 412 km of driving range while the Turbo model musters more, up to 450 km. Top speed on both all-wheel drive models is 260 km/h.\nAs for the Taycan 4S, it makes 530 hp and 640 Nm for a 0 to 100 km/h time of four seconds however top speed is 10 km/h less than its more powerful Turbo siblings. Electric range is rated at up to 407 km but with the Performance Battery Plus, the Taycan 4S will make 571 hp and 650 Nm of torque. Electric range will also be extended to 463 km.\nPower is delivered through a 2-speed transmission fitted on the rear axle. The first gear gives the Taycan even more acceleration from a standing start, while second gear with a long gear ratio ensures high efficiency and equally high power reserves. This also applies while the Taycan is travelling at high speeds.\nIn just over five minutes, the battery can be recharged using direct current (DC) from the high-power charging network for a range of up to 100 kilometres.\nThe Taycan Turbo S comes with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes as standard, along with carbon exterior trims such as the door sills, sideskirts and rear diffuser. These would be optional in the Taycan Turbo and Taycan 4S.\nIn the Turbo and Turbo S Taycans, brakes are 10-pot calipers in the front and 4-pot at the back, while the Taycan 4S\u2019 stopping power comes from 6-pot calipers in the front and a 4-pot pair at the back.\nLED Matrix Headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) are equipped as standard for the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo, while the Taycan 4S comes with LED Headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus). Wheels sizes are 19-inch for the 4S with 20- and 21-inch options for the Turbo and Turbo S.\nAs the Taycan is fully electric without engines occupying the front, or back for that matter, there are two luggage compartments available. The front section offers 81 litres while the rear can gobble up 366 litres of cargo.\nInside, the curved digital instrument cluster and infotainment displays features a specific user interface designed specifically for the Taycan. The usual physical controls such as switches and buttons have been significantly reduced.\nFor the first time ever, Porsche is offering an entirely leather-free interior for the Taycan. Instead, the interior is made largely of innovative recycled materials.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s strange that we\u2019re not seeing too many of the Audi TT, once a staple fixture on our roads but now with the 0% GST in place effective 1st June 2018, it\u2019s time to pump those numbers.\nWith more than RM 16,000 in price reduction, perhaps higher if you play your cards right, the \nAudi TT 2.0 TFSI\n offers the most affordable solution to a two-door German sportscar, with the nearest alternative placed RM 40,000 away \u2013 in the form of a Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe (price stated with 6% GST)\nIf a coupe is not your cup of tea, you might want to \nlook into the CBU Audi A4\u2019s we\u2019ve sampled before\n \u2013 both the 1.4- and 2.0-litre variants. Supremely comfortable, competent and pleasant on the eyes \u2013 inside and out \u2013 I\u2019d say they\u2019re more than just a worthy alternative for those who want to stand out from being seen in just another BMW 3-series.\nThere will also be a 6% reduction on the prices of the various packages (Tech Pack, S Line etc) that can be specified for the vehicles. All official Audi vehicles are \nfully manufactured and assembled in Europe\n and come with a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty."
"Geely\u2019s latest project, codenamed SX11, was \nshown in its full glory\n earlier and the company has since taken to social media to reveal its official name for the Chinese market \u2013 Geely Bin Yue (\u7f24\u8d8a). Geely is also reaching out to the world to give the Bin Yue an English name.\nThe name Bin Yue is a combination of the brand\u2019s larger sibling \nBo Yue\n and \nBin Rui\n \u2013 \u201cBin\u201d for models sitting on the new B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform and \u201cYue\u201d for vehicles with an SUV body style. Quite a systematic and clever naming logic if you ask me.\nTo recap, the Bin Yue is targeted at the younger (or young at heart) crowd with a stylish and sporty design. The cabin also boasts best in class technologies with floating widescreen infotainment system, LCD instrument cluster, electronic gear selector, electronic parking brake and a panoramic sunroof.\nPowering the Bin Yue is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol mill \nco-developed with Volvo\n, packing \n177 hp\n and\n 255 Nm\n of torque. The new engine is enough to send the SUV sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.9 seconds\n, a figure Geely claims betters even the premium marque.\nThe BMA platform is known for its modularity to help Geely Auto as a Group to achieve \nbetter economies of scale in manufacturing and development\n. It is still a little far-fetched to think about it, but a B-Segment Proton SUV based on the BMA platform does sound good.\nIMAGE GALLERY   SX11 vs Q3\n \n SX11 vs GLA"
"Millennium Welt has become BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s newest representative for the BMW Motorrad brand in Kuantan and also the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia.\n\u201cThe East Coast with its great windy roads down the coast is perfect for motorcycle riding but more importantly, the area delivers over 50 motorcycles annually and has the potential to grow steadily year on year,\u201d said\u00a0\nHead of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, Mr. Owen Riley.\nMillennium Welt has a proven track record representing the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands in Seremban as well as a representative of the BMW brand in Batu Pahat and Kuantan. \nAt the BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s 8\nth\n Dealer Awards ceremony held earlier this year, Millennium Welt took home 13 awards, including the BMW Excellence Club Award.\nManaging Director of Millennium Welt Group of Companies,\u00a0\nMr. Bryan Wong said, \u201cAs the official dealership for the BMW brand in Kuantan since 2016, we have built solid credibility with our customers in Pahang and its surrounding areas. Riding on this momentum, we believe the addition of BMW Motorrad to our portfolio of premium vehicles will translate into a higher number of deliveries in the area.\u201d\nMillennium Welt Kuantan now offers a wider range of products and services consisting of BMW and BMW Motorrad models, as well as MINI Service\u00a0\nand is located at 32, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang."
"Over the past couple of days, we\u2019ve gotten a small taste of the the magic taking place at SEMA in Vegas with \nMazda\u2019s gorgeous MX-5 concept duo\n. Toyota North America it seems, wanted to make a sterling impression on this year\u2019s swarm of visitors with the company\u2019s full size pickup truck native to the North American market \u2013 the Tundra, but this \nain\u2019t\n no ordinary Tundra.\nToyota must\u2019ve thought it to the whimsical to bring a stretched out Tundra, dubbed the \u201c\nTundrasine\n\u201d which is a shade over \n26\n feet long (8 meters) and has\n eight-doors\n. Sounds like a teenager\u2019s prom-night dream come true, really. Sadly, it\u2019s the only one in existence. Now to give you an idea of how just how big this gargantuan pickup is, you could snugly park a \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n in the space between its axles \u2013 that\u2019s over \n20 feet\n long! Toyota showed SEMA that they really do have a witty sense of humour.   Pic credit: Car & Driver \nPowering this \nsense-of-humour \nthat\u00a0some struggle to call a\u00a0limousine is a \n5.7-litre V8\n block producing\n 381 hp\n. We\u2019d reckon that amount would be sufficient for the run-of-mill Tundra which doesn\u2019t tip the scales over at \n4-tonnes\n, which this does. Toyota says there aren\u2019t any changes done to its \n4\u00d74\n system \u2013 now that\u2019s a really, really long drive shaft extension.\nToyota didn\u2019t just bring this rather unceremoniously stock\u00a0(for SEMA atleast) stretch Tundra but also a couple of\n jacked-up monster trucks\n for good balance. After all, it is the largest specialty equipment trade show in the world. Ordinary is a word these folks omitted from their vocabulary."
"Toyota has added more spare parts for the A70 (1986-1993) and A80 (1993-2002) Supra models under the \nGR Heritage Parts project\n.\nNew additions to the A70 Supra heritage parts list that is set to be on sale from July and August this year are clutch master cylinder, brake hoses, side protection mouldings and front suspension lower arm bush.\nThe orange Supra from the original Fast and Furious movie just got sold for RM.million. Find out how much here!\nToyota is also reproducing the air-conditioning control knobs just for the A70 Toyota Supra.\nAs for the A80 Toyota Supra, the front bumper is the latest addition to the rather limited range of reproduced exterior parts that includes the headlamps and door handles. An original Toyota Genuine Part \noxygen sensor\n has also been added to the list.\nThe GR Heritage Parts project was officially introduced at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon and the catalogue has quite a long list of mechanical parts for the A70 Supra and the Toyota 2000GT.\nWatch Nissan Nismo professionally rebuild and restore a R32 Skyline GT-R model\nThe catalogue of reproduced parts can be viewed \nhere\n and is available to the owners in North America, Europe and other overseas countries. Toyota will gradually make reproduced parts available for purchase at Toyota dealers, the same way as normal genuine parts."
"Volkswagen has just presented its new pick up truck concept here at the 2018 S\u00e3o Paulo International Motor Show. The Volkswagen Tarok Concept will be the base of the brand\u2019s next-generation pick-up truck, replacing the Amarok in the near future.\nMeasuring at five-metres long, the Tarok Concept features a design concept that combines the styling elements of an urban SUV with off-road ruggedness. Like with all modern Volkswagen concepts, the Tarok features extensive light bars on the front and rear end which will no doubt be watered down when it hits production floors.   One core design feature of the new pick-up truck is its variable loading area concept which allows the rear seats to be folded down allowing the cargo bay to be extended by another 655 mm to transport even longer items. When the rear seats are in place, the carbo bay still measures 1,206 mm in length.\nVolkswagen is bringing its digital-centric cabin design language currently available in its passenger cars to the pick-up truck segment. The Tarok Concept dons a digital instrument cluster with a glass-covered Infotainment system that controls all the major functions of the vehicle.\nThe Tarok Concept will be available with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol with \n150 hp\n paired to a six-speed automatic as well as a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI turbodiesel also delivering \n150 hp\n. A permanent 4MOTION all-wheel system is standard on all production series Tarok Concept.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember that episode a little over two years back when Volkswagen Group Malaysia \npreviewed three electrified cars, the e-Up!, Passat GTE (B8) and Golf GTE\n? That particular stunt generated tremendous hype, but plans came to a grinding halt following several\u00a0PR disasters that took place after.\nThankfully, someone\u2019s willing to pick up the baton and complete the race. Under the new stewardship of Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) \u2013 officially known here as Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, it seems that there is still hope for those interested in owning a locally assembled plug-in hybrid Volkswagen.\nWill we get the \nVW Tiguan GTE\n one day? Quite possibly, really.\nAlthough the affirmation comes without specifying models nor revealing a detailed roadmap, VPCM\u2019s Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cThe company\u2019s focus this year is not so much on sales volume. That is without a doubt one of our main objectives, but the priority this time around is to rebuild the brand image.\u201d\nBehind closed doors, VPCM, together with Deenan Nadar (new Aftersales Director) and all authorised distributors are working full steam to revamp customer ownership experience."
"The \nToyota Alphard and Vellfire \nare sometimes affectionately known as the \u201c\ntaukey\n car\u201d, a playful jibe at the owner demographic. There\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of \u2013 in this price range, the Alphard and Vellfire provides almost unmatched comfort at the rear seats, and in the right configuration (i.e. Executive Lounge), luxury.\nFor those reasons, the twins have almost become a default purchase for business owners, and weirdly, frequently in white. If perhaps you\u2019re a bit of an eccentric boss and want a bit of pizzazz to go with your class, Toyota has just the right answer for you, in Japan at least \u2013 the \nAlphard S \u201cType Gold\n\u201d and \nVellfire Z-Golden Eyes\n.\nBased on the S specification, the Alphard S \u201cType Gold\u201d gains an exclusive gold emblem positioned front and centre of the grille. All chrome accents on the car has also been replaced with a Black smoked-metallic shade, which includes new grille slats, bonnet and bumper trim pieces, fog light housing, and rear door garnishes.\nAs for the Vellfire Z-Golden Eyes, the Z-specification car gains a gold-trimmed tri-LED headlights, gold-coloured front grille, and gold taillight garnishes. The horizontal slats on the lower front apron is now finished in jet black.\nInside, both cars get a new Ultrasuede perforated upholstery, four-spoke steering wheel and dashboard trims in \u201cMetalwood\u201d, and a blacked-out pillar and roof lining.\nBoth the Alphard and Vellfire Gold special editions also get a gold-plated key fob, and a smart entry power-sliding door \u2013 so the \u201c\ntaukey\n\u201d will never need to touch the door handles again.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Subaru has unveiled the limited edition WRX STI S208 in full here at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. As \nreported earlier\n, the high-performance sedan is limited to 450 units only, among those, 350 units are NBR Challenge Package that comes with additional carbon bits to commemorate Subaru\u2019s involvement in the 24 Hours N\u00fcrburgring race.\nUnder the hood, Subaru has given the standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged boxer engine a slight bump in power to \n325 hp\n and \n432 Nm\n of torque, red lining at \n7,200 rpm\n. Drive is sent to all-four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.   Unique upgrades to the S208 include a quicker steering ratio of 11:1, flexible front tower bar, STI Bilstein suspension with variable damping force, 19-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels and 18-inch Brembo brakes all round. In its standard trim, the S208 comes with a dry carbon lip spoiler, more aggressive bumpers, STI-specific Recaro bucket seats and dedicated sports meter. The S208 is available in two exterior shades: WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl.\nThe NBR Challenge Package adds an exposed dry carbon roof, black wheel finish and the option for a large carbon rear wing. Customers can also choose to have their S208 \nNBR Challenge Package\n to be finished in Cool Grey Khaki paintjob.   Prices for the WRX STI S208 starts from \u00a55.8 million to \u00a56.58 million if you want the large carbon rear wing.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"American Honda Motor Co. has fully unveiled the all-new Civic sedan model in USA, after premiering the \u201c\nprototype\n\u201d design in November and a handout of a \nsingle image\n of the vehicle two weeks ago.\nNearly everything shown in the \u201cprototype\u201d form has been carried over into the production version of the Honda Civic, now in its \n11th-generation\n. In our opinion, the exterior design has significantly dialled back the \u201cboy racer\u201d image for a more mature and upmarket presentation, almost \u201cEuropean\u201d. Unverified images with markings denoting the \nChinese market\n also share the same exterior design.\nThe front character lines have \u201csoften\u201d with more rounded headlamps and bumper profile while maintaining the solid wing grille design. No changes to the width which is 1,800 mm. Lengthwise, however, sees a gain of 26 mm with the \nwheelbase\n an even larger \nincrement of 36 mm\n (2,736 mm).\nThe overall height remains at 1,416 mm. Based on the data available, the all-new Honda Civic sedan for the North American market is up to \n69 kg heavier\n than the outgoing model, with the heaviest variant weighing 1,396 kg.\nThe kink on the C-pillar that first appeared on the 10th-generation \nHonda Accord\n also made its way onto the all-new Civic, tying the two models together in appearance. Tyre and rim sizes are also maintained from the previous generation, measuring 16 inches for the base LX 2.0 variant, 17 inches for the EX Turbo and 18 inches for both the Sport 2.0 and Touring Turbo variants.\nThe rear portion looks more conventional with the taillamps now in a more traditional placement and the lighting units (not \nBMW-inspired\n unlike the smaller \nCity\n) extend deeper into the bootlid. Unfortunately, the rear bumper of the \u201cprototype\u201d with exhaust outlets cut-out did not make it into production, with the dual-exhaust tips of the turbo-variant pointing downwards.\nAt the unveiling, only two engine choices are available for the USA market. American Honda Motor Co. continue to offer the \n2.0-litre\n naturally aspirated engine with outputs of \n158 hp\n and \n187 Nm\n of torque and an improved 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.\nThe turbocharged engine now proudly carries the \nVTEC\n name, as the exhaust camshaft is now fitted with the variable valve timing and lift control technology. Thanks to the \nexhaust-side VTEC\n system plus improved plumbing, the turbocharged engine now delivers \n180 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque, an increase of 6 hp and 20 Nm respectively.\nWhile the peak torque is 20 Nm higher, the spread is shorter, with 240 Nm available from 1,800 rpm to \n4,500 rpm\n. In the current Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo, the 220 Nm is sustained to 5,500 rpm. \u00a0\nHonda has also paid a lot more attention to the CVT-type transmission with improvements focusing on drivability. The transmission has been programmed to provide \nearly downshifts\n during braking and features revised \nStep-Shift\n programming that simulates physical gear changes under hard acceleration for a more familiar and enjoyable driving experience.\nSelection of driving modes (Normal, Eco and \nSport\n) is now available and performed via a toggle switch. The feature is however limited to the higher variants of each engine (Sport 2.0 and Touring Turbo) model which also features 18-inch wheels.\nAmerican Honda Motor Co. also promises that the all-new Honda Civic sedan will drive better and more comfortable for the occupants. The suspension and steering upgrades result in a smoother, more linear and more precise feel in turns while reduction in friction and improved bushings are key to reducing harsh road shocks.\nInside, a more mature theme is also replicated. Under a \nnew design\n language called \u201c\nsimplicity and something\n,\u201d it has an uncomplicated, low and flat dashboard, free-standing infotainment display and fully digital driver\u2019s display with the horizontal mesh vents being the highlight.\nThis striking \nmetal honeycomb mesh\n accent stretches from door to door across the dashboard. It serves both form and function, creating a dramatic visual dividing line between the information display and the air-conditioning controls, while the intricate flow-through design \nconceals the air vents\n that would otherwise mar the uncluttered and harmonious look of the dash.\nIn the highest Touring variant, the driver has a \n10.2-inch\n high-definition (HD) display, a first for a Honda Civic. This large display will be paired with a \n9-inch\n HD infotainment display that has enhanced features such as Smart Shortcuts.\nA 12-speaker \nBose premium sound\n system is also specifically designed with this top-of-the-range infotainment system.\nLower variants will have a smaller 7.0-inch driver\u2019s display paired with a similar-sized infotainment display. Front occupants also benefit from a \nnew front seat\n design. Using Honda\u2019s Body Stabilizing Seat approach, the new-generation seat frame firmly holds the body, enhancing comfort on long drives.\nHonda\u2019s \nSensing\n system has been further improved with better processing power plus the usage of \na single camera\n system as opposed to the radar-and-camera set up in the current generation. The new camera-based system improves on existing functionality, such as \nmore natural\n brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).\nDrivers will also appreciate a more linear and natural steering action when the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) is activated. With the addition of eight sonar sensors, the Civic, for the first time, features \nLow-Speed Braking Control\n, and front and rear false-start prevention.\nThe company that passionately believed in their \nLaneWatch\n camera-based blind-spot detection system (passenger corner only) has finally joined the global bandwagon and provide a dual-corner blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in the all-new Honda Civic.\nFollowing the reveal of the Canadian-made Civic sedan, Honda said the all-new Civic hatchback will be next to take centre stage in a few months after, which for the first time will be made in Indiana, USA.\nGALLERY"
"We all know the the Bentley Bentayga for obvious reasons. It\u2019s ridiculously big, fast and expensive and there\u2019s no two ways about it. This luxurious SUV made its \nglobal debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show\n earlier in September, and shares the same underpinning (PL71) as that of the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg.\nNow, Bentley is debuting the Bentayga First Edition to a group of handpicked customers at an exclusive event that will take place at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in Los Angeles. \nOnly 608 units\n of the First Edition variant will ever be made for the global market.\nFeatures unique to the Bentley Bentayga First Edition include Union Jack badging, illuminated tread plates and a set of \nfive-spoke 22-inch\n two-tone black painted and polished wheels. To highlight the exclusivity of this variant, just ten exterior colours will be offered.\nInside, the leather seats will feature an intricately embroidered pattern with contrast stitching, to which Bentley calls \u2018Diamond on Diamond quilt\u2019. The cabin also gets bespoke ambient lighting, Union Jack fascia badging and other fine trimmings finished in wood, metal and leather. Bentley claims that the First Edition\u2019s cabin will set new standards in automotive design, however the\u00a0pictures alone won\u2019t do it justice.\n \n \nThe number 608 also represents the Bentayga\u2019s metric power output of 608 PS or\n 600 hp\n. This is achieved with an all-new turbocharged W12 engine that makes a mind numbing \n900 Nm\n of torque, effectively earning itself the \nWorld\u2019s Most Powerful and Fastest SUV\n title. It has a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just\n 4.1 seconds\n and a top speed of\n 301 km/h\n \u2013 enough to outrun some supercars despite weighing \n3,250kg\n! It\u2019s also \n11.9 percent more fuel efficient\n than the W12 engine of old, this time equipped with the ability to deactivate\u00a0up to six cylinders depending on engine load. Only one transmission is offered \u2013 an eight-speed automatic.\nBentley Motor\u2019s Board Member for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Kevin Rose\u00a0said\u00a0\u201cWith the First Edition, we have created the ultimate expression of the Bentley Bentayga\u2019s spirit. It is equipped with an array of striking features that celebrate both the pioneering nature of the Bentayga and its unique abilities.\u201d\nAdditionally, each of the 608 customers will receive a unique Breitling watch to complement their brand new luxury SUV. This \nBreitling Bentley Bentayga Edition\n \nwristwatch\n features three bespoke-made high-performance special edition chronographs; the Emergency with an integrated dual frequency personal locator beacon, Cockpit B50 with an electronic multifunction calibre and the automatic Chronomat 38 that\u2019s designed to complement the lady\u2019s wrist.\nAnd if that\u2019s not luxurious enough for your taste, these three models share several signature features; an officially chronometer-certified Breitling movement, an original and powerful design with an all-black case; a black mother-of-pearl dial; bronzetoned hands matching the livery of the first Bentayga presented to the public; and a rubber strap matching certain key interior elements.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It looks like 2016 will be a strong year for Perodua as the company registered\u00a097,400 sales from just three models during the first half of the year. It\u2019s impressive but not surprising, because the number excludes sales from the newly launched \nPerodua Bezza\n.\nOut of the 97,400 units sold, the\u00a0largest chunk goes to the \nAxia\n model with 51,100 units sold, followed by 28,100 units of the \nMyvi\n and 18,150 units of the Alza. Surely, sales of the three models (especially the Axia) will see a decrease in the next six months following the introduction of the Bezza.\nPicture credit: Motorme.my\nDespite MAA\u2019s revised TIV projection (down to 580,000 from 670,000 for 2016),\u00a0Perodua shows no signs of slowing down by maintaining their annual sales target of 216,000 units.\u00a0To do that, Perodua has to sell 118,600 cars for the remaining six months of the year, a feat made slightly more possible with the Bezza\u2019s introduction.\nSpeaking about Perodua\u2019s latest darling, since the Bezza\u2019s official unveiling a week ago, Perodua has collected over\u00a0\n10,115 bookings\n as of 26 July, with 500 units delivered to their respective new homes.\nElsewhere, Perodua records a 5 percent growth in both its aftersales and parts department, although production numbers dropped slightly compared to the same period in 2015."
"Due to regulations and market preferences, most cars sold to the general public these days have very predictable and conservative (read: boring) dashboard designs. But that hasn\u2019t always been the case, especially during the 1980s.\nWe\u2019re not sure if it\u2019s the sci-fi movies such as Back to the Future or the advent of digital displays, but many cars from the 1980s had experimental dashboard designs that are quirky and frankly very cool. Here are just some that we managed to aggregate online.\nImage: dave_7/\nflickr\nAston Martin Lagonda Series 2\nThe Lagonda was actually launched at the 1976 London Motor Show, making it the first production car to use a \ndigital instrument panel\n. However, deliveries of the Lagonda did not start until late 1979 for one reason \u2013 it was really, really difficult to get the digital display to work properly.\nSo much so that Aston Martin actually outsourced the job to another company. Due to the complexity and lack of reliability of the LED displays in the Series 2, Aston Martin switched to a cathode-ray tube display for the instrument cluster of the Series 3 which unfortunately proved to be even less reliable.\nImages: Official brochure via \narchiviostoricocitroen\nCitroen BX Digit \nCitroen is arguably the king of oddball designs, and the 1982 Citroen BX is no different \u2013 both inside and out. The BX stood out with its lack of steering column stalks as all controls are mounted on two protruding panels flanking the instrument cluster, allowing the driver to access the controls while both hands remain on the steering wheel.\nHowever, what truly caught our attention was the 3,000 unit limited-run Digit variant, featuring a completely-digital instrument display which looks \nsuper cool at night\n.\nImage: Official brochure via \noldcarbrochures\nChevrolet Corvette (C4)\nLaunched in 1982, the C4 Corvette featured a completely new design language compared to its predecessor. Just like the exterior styling, the interior architecture has also been completely revised, featuring the same square-ish motif.\nThe C4 Corvette featured a digital instrument cluster with three main display panels for speed, engine speed, along with temperature and fuel information. Due to the resemblance in looks to the Atari games of the early days, the dashboard on the Corvette was also affectionately called the \u201cAtari Dash\u201d.\nImage: \njapanesenostalgiccar\nSubaru XT \nThe experimental dashboard designs were not limited to the Western world either. The 1985 Subaru XT, also called Alcyone in Japan featured an interior with several aircraft-inspired design elements, such as the lighting, wipers and climate controls mounted on two extruding \u201cpods\u201d, along with a joystick gear knob with a thumb trigger button.\nThe XT also featured a digital instrument panel, which moves together with the steering wheel column during adjustments. While we\u2019re on the topic, how cool is that asymmetrical steering wheel design?\nFiat Panda\nWhile the other cars on this list featured some truly extravagant interior designs, the Fiat Panda Mk. 1, launched in 1980, went for a minimalist, yet functional styling true to its original purpose \u2013 an inexpensive, easily maintained, robustly simple, utilitarian vehicle.\nEverything in the spartan interior is restricted to the two rectangular boxes right above the steering wheel column, including the climate and lighting controls. As for the rest of the empty space? Cover it with matching fabric, of course."
"It\u2019s called the \u201cEcoDynamics+\u201d powertrain and it aims to reduce CO2 emissions and offer cleaner diesel engines by supplementing acceleration with electric power from an additional 48-volt battery.\nAs the first new technology under Kia\u2019s powertrain electrification strategy, the 48V mild-hybrid powertain will also serve to extend an engine\u2019s \u201coff time\u201d using a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator unit.\u00a0\nThe EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain features a compact 0.46 kWh 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG) that switches between two modes; motor and generator.\nIn \u2018generator\u2019 mode, the system harvests kinetic energy from the vehicle during deceleration and braking and uses the power to recharge the batteries.\nIn \u2018motor\u2019 mode the battery is discharged under acceleration, providing additional torque to the engine for a slight boost in performance under hard acceleration. Under deceleration, or when driving downhill or towards a junction, the MHSG switches to \u2018generator\u2019 mode, recuperating energy from the crankshaft to recharge the battery on-the-go.\nThe \n2.0L Kia Sportage AWD Turbodiesel\n introduced in Malaysia last year.\nThe compact nature of the system means it can be easily applied into existing vehicles. Depending on the vehicle, the 48V battery will be located beneath the boot floor, minimising the impact on vehicle practicality, with no plug-in recharging required.\nThe Kia Sportage will be the first model to offer the new EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain later in 2018, followed by the new 3rd-generation Kia Ceed.\u00a0Kia plans to launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five battery-electric vehicles and in 2020, a new fuel-cell electric vehicle.\nKia\u2019s EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is compatible with both manual and automatic transmissions, and could be adapted for front-, rear- and all-wheel drivetrain layouts. The powertrain will also be adapted for use in gasoline engines."
"We already know that Lotus is going all-in on EVs, since the British marque already confirmed that the \nEmira\n will be its \nlast pure internal combustion engine model\n. But now, we finally get to hear what those plans are, and let\u2019s just say that they\u2019re \nbig\n \u2013 with four new Lotus EV model planned for the next five years, including two electric SUVs.\nType 132 EV SUV\nThe EV frenzy will kick off with the much-rumoured E-segment SUV next year, codenamed Type 132. This will be followed by the Type 133 E-segment four-door coupe in 2023. A smaller D-segment SUV codenamed Type 134 will make its debut in 2025, and finally one year later in 2026, an all-new electric sports car, codenamed Type 135.\nLotus\u2019 last pure ICE model is powered by the world\u2019s most powerful production 4-cylinder engine, courtesy of Mercedes-AMG. Check out the Lotus Emira in more detail here!\nType 133 EV four-door coupe\nLotus calls the first three (Type 132, 133, and 134) \u201cpremium lifestyle vehicles\u201d, and they\u2019ll be built upon the brand\u2019s new premium architecture called \u201cEvolution\u201d \u2013 one of the four new vehicle platforms announced earlier this year.\nThe premium architecture supports wheelbases ranging from 2,889 mm to 3,100 mm (and could be expanded in the future), which means it\u2019ll fit cars ranging from C+ to E segments \u2013 SUVs included. The platform will use batteries ranging from 92-120 kWh, and will be compatible with 800V high-speed charging. Lotus says that cars developed on this platform will be capable of a 0-100 km/h acceleration in under three seconds.\nThe Radford Type 62/2 is a retro tribute to one of Lotus\u2019 all-time great race cars. Check it out here! \nType 134 EV SUV and Type 135 EV sports car\nAs for the Type 135, the new EV sports car will be built on the E-Sports architecture, jointly developed with Alpine. Not much has been said on the platform at the moment, but the company previously said that it\u2019ll be \u201cflexible and modular\u201d, and will have the same weight targets as their latest ICE sports cars.\nWhile the low-volume hypercars such as the \nall-new Evija\n will still be built in the company\u2019s hometown in Hethel, UK, the three new premium models announced today will be built at the company\u2019s upcoming factory in Wuhan, China that\u2019s due to begin operations later this year.\nConstructed at a cost of eight billion Chinese Yuan (approx RM5.1B), the Wuhan plant will serve as the company\u2019s new \u201ccentre of excellence\u201d for its premium lifestyle models, with an acreage of over 1 million square-metres, and has the capability to produce up to 150,000 vehicles a year.\nIn case you missed it: Lotus Karz has brought Lotus \u201cback to Malaysia\u201d! \nThe new plant includes a new test track with 16 corners, designed to accommodate vehicles driving at speeds of up to 230 km/h, and features intelligent systems where the test vehicles can be transported into workshops using autonomous driving technology without any human intervention.\nThe new site at Wuhan, China will also serve as the headquarters for Lotus Technology, a new division of Group Lotus co-funded by Chinese EV maker\n Nio\n and Zhejiang Geely Group that focuses on the development of EV technology, and integrating them into a new generation of lifestyle products.\n\u201cThis is an important day in the transformation of the Lotus business and brand,\u201d said Group Lotus CEO, Feng Qingfeng. \u201cLotus Technology will accelerate the innovation which has always been at the heart of the business.\n\u201cTogether, the China and UK teams will empower our journey towards an expanded, intelligent and electric future, achieving the ambitions and goals that have been in the making for 73 years of the Lotus brand.\u201d\nLotus Cars Managing Director, Matt Windle added: \u201cTransforming Lotus from a UK sports car company to a truly global performance car company has always been at the core of Vision80. The launch of Lotus Technology is a major milestone on the road to making that a reality, while adhering to the unwavering Lotus principles of pure performance, efficiency, motorsport success and, above all, being \u2018For the Drivers\u2019.\u201d"
"After a \nglobal debut in Dubai\n, Toyota has officially launched the all-new Land Cruiser LC 300 in its home country. There are up to five variants, separated over five- or seven-seater and powered by either new-generation petrol or diesel turbocharged V6 engines.\nThe variant that springs a surprise to the line-up of this new generation Land Cruiser is none other than the GR Sport model, which is also the range-topping variant. This is the first body-on-frame SUV to wear the GR Sport emblem and the company says it is refined and developed at the Dakar Rally.\nToyota first entered the Land Cruiser in the Dakar Rally back in 1995 and has continued to participate in every edition via the team from Toyota Auto Body. Winning the 2020 Dakar Rally made it the Land Cruiser\u2019s seventh consecutive victory in its class of Production Division.\nToyota Land Cruiser 200 on the way to a class win at the 2020 Dakar Rally\nExperience and feedback from the rally drivers were used for the vehicle development of the new Land Cruiser GR Sport, which Toyota plans to then bring it to the Dakar Rally in 2023.\nSimilar to the GR Sport treatment found on the Toyota C-HR and even our \nlocal Toyota Vios GR Sport\n, the Land Cruiser GR Sport features specific bumpers, radiator grille and dark-coloured wheels. Black is used quite liberally, such as on the side mirrors, door handles, side skirts and wheel arches as well as emblems. Similar to the \nToyota GR Yaris\n, colours are limited, with gray metallic joining the palette of white, black and dark red mica.\nCustomers can choose to have diesel or petrol power in their Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport. Both the new engines are twin-turbocharged V6 units, with the 3.5-litre petrol developing \n415 hp\n at 5,200 rpm and \n650 Nm\n of torque. The diesel mill displacing 3.3 litres meanwhile generates \n309 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired with a new \n10-speed automatic transmission\n and four-wheel drive.\nThe new Toyota Land Cruiser comes with a twin-turbo V6 with over 400 hp! Watch an onboard acceleration video here!\nIn Japan, seating capacity is also tied to the type of engine, where the diesel variant only has five seats, but the petrol variant has seven seats.\nMeanwhile, what sets the Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport apart from the regular variants is the fitment of the world\u2019s-first Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System or E-KDSS active stabilisation system.\nE-KDSS automatically and electronically control the front and rear stabiliser bar independently, where hydraulic fluid is used to keep the body level on smooth roads while extending suspension stroke during off-road. The E-KDSS works in tandem with the new linear solenoid-type adaptive variable suspension (AVS) that also offers a Sport S+ setting for more spirited driving. \u00a0\nPower is spread to all four wheels and up to six drive modes can be selected via the Multi Terrain Select. For even better traction on the most challenging terrain, the Land Cruiser GR Sport is also fitted with front and rear electronic locking differential locks. All the various drivetrain modes have been sub-group into three main categories, significantly reducing the number of buttons and knobs as well as ease-of-use for the driver.\nThe new Land Cruiser also features a hydraulic power steering system with an electric steering actuator designed to withstand harsh environments whilst delivering Lane Tracing Assist as well as a crisper steering feel.\nInside, the consistent treatment of the GR Sport package continues with the steering wheel emblem and front seat headrest emblems. Customers have two choices of seat upholstery colours- black or a two-tone black and dark red. Making a Toyota debut is the engine \nstart switch with fingerprint\n authentication.\nA fingerprint sensor replaces the start-stop button on the dashboard. Drivers are still required to carry the smart key into the vehicle.\nToyota in Japan is filtering genuine new Land Cruiser buyers via non-resale agreement. Learn more about this practice here.\nThe Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport is the range-topping variant in the new LC 300 series for Japan. The petrol variant is listed at JPY7.7 million (approx. RM297k), while the diesel variant is JPY8.0 million (approx. RM308k), both prices JPY400,000 dearer than the ZX variant. The entry-level GX grade starts at a more affordable JPY5.1 million (approx . RM197k).\nAt this price level, it is similar to a high-spec Lexus RX 450h but still cheaper than a \nLand Rover Defender 110\n with a 3.0L MHEV D300 Ingenium diesel engine.\nGALLERY\n2021 Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport\n2021 Toyota Land Cruiser (300 Series)"
"Not too long ago, Volkswagen revealed a \nfacelift for the entire Golf range\n including the hottest \nGolf R\n and the zero emissions \ne-Golf\n,\u00a0all except the Golf GTE. Volkswagen has unveiled the specifications for UK models and the plug-in hybrid Golf gets more tech at a reduced price.\nAt launch, the GTE will be available in two variants \u2013 the entry level GTE and GTE Advance. Both variants are powered by a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine with \n148 hp\n coupled with a \n101 hp\n electric motor to deliver a combined output of \n201 hp\n. Transmission of choice is a six-speed (wet clutch) DSG transmission. Despite the eco-friendly nature of the car, the GTE is no slouch as it is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in just \n7.6 seconds\n before maxing out at \n222 km/h\n.\nAn 8.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is tasked to supply juice for the electric motor. Getting to full charge from empty takes 3.45 hours from a domestic power outlet or 2.15 hours from a dedicated charging station. It boasts an all-electric range of \n50 km\n with a top speed of \n130 km/h\n. As a result, the GTE\u2019s fuel consumption is rated at an astonishing \n1.7L/100km\n for the GTE and 1.8L/100km for the GTE Advance. Four selectable driving modes are available with a push of a button \u2013 E-Mode, GTE mode, Battery Charge and Hybrid.\nExterior wise, both variants get new LED headlamps, full LED tail lamps, revised front bumper and a blue lining that runs across the front grille into the headlamps housing. The GTE Advance adds on 18-inch \u201cMarseille\u201d alloys while the entry variant rides on 17-inch \u201cRio de Janeiro\u201d alloys.   Inside, both share the 12.3-inch Active Info Display and Volkswagen Car-Net App Connect while the GTE Advance gets additional luxuries such as Discover Navigation system, heated seats (Winter Pack), tinted windows, a front centre armrest and exterior e-sound.\nOn the safety front, the GTE gets the full range of driver\u2019s assistance including Traffic Jam Assist, Pedestrian Monitoring for Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Trailer Assist and Emergency Assist. This allows the GTE for semi-autonomous driving of\u00a0\nup to 60 km/h\n.\nThe Golf GTE is priced at \u00a330,635 (RM170k) for the GTE and and \u00a332,135 (RM178k) for the GTE Advance. That\u2019s about \u00a33,420 (RM19k) reduction in price! We know for a fact that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has every intention to introduce the \nGTE models here in Malaysia\n, which makes this super frugal Golf a rather interesting proposition.\nWould you want one?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen GTE Advance MK7 Facelift"
"You know the feeling where, you\u2019ve known about something for a while, but choose to ignore it in hopes that it\u2019ll never actually come true? Well, unfortunately for most of us this time, it\u2019s time to face the truth. Mazda MPS is well and truly dead, and the world is now a significantly worse place, especially for the automotive enthusiasts.\nMPS, or Mazdaspeed as it is known in North America, is Mazda\u2019s sub-brand for performance-oriented vehicles \u2013 think \nBMW\u2019s M\n, \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s AMG\n, and more recently \nHyundai\u2019s N\n. While MPS never made it big here in Malaysia, the performance-oriented nameplate still holds a special place in our hearts especially when models such as the Mazda 3 MPS has become sort of a cult icon in recent years.\nWith such a huge fan base, why did Mazda decide to kill off the MPS sub-brand, then? The reason, according to a spokesperson speaking to \nCNET\n, was because the carmaker as a whole has shifted towards a more upmarket image.\n\u201cMazda is focused on becoming more mature and upscale,\u201d the spokesperson said. \u201cIt is our priority to continue to evolve the next generation of SkyActiv technologies. As part of this evolution, we are refining and applying our turbocharged engines to more models to provide better, stronger performance with engaging driving dynamics.\u201d\nThe demise of the Mazda MPS brand has been an open secret for a while now. But while the name is no more, that doesn\u2019t mean that Mazda will also be abandoning performance-oriented vehicles once and for all. In fact, it was only recently that Mazda unveiled the\n Mazda3 Turbo\n, equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering \n228 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n420 Nm\n\u00a0of torque.\nMazda has also recently shown-off its new inline-six engine, currently in development to be used on the next-generation \nMazda6\n, which is said to be capable of more than 350 hp of output. So yes, while the MPS brand is dead, its spirit will still live on. Rest in peace."
"Following the launch of the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia, \nGreat Wall Motors (GWM) Malaysia\n will soon bring the Tank 300 into the country. Looking like a smaller version of the Bronco, the Tank 300 is confirmed to launch in Malaysia according to a representative from GWM.\nTank, like Ora, is a brand owned by GWM. Models under the Tank brand include the Tank 300 and \nTank 500\n. The former looks like a small Ford Bronco, while the latter looks like a small GMC Yukon. According to the company\u2019s website, Tank is a high-end SUV brand by GWM that is \u201ccommitted to leading SUV brands worldwide\u201d.\nPowering the Tank 300 is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine (E20CB) that makes 167 kW (\n227 hp\n metric) at 5,500 rpm and \n387 Nm\n at 1,800-3,600 rpm. The turbocharged petrol engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an electronic part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) system.\nFor off-road capabilities, the Tank 300, in its range-topping version gets a central electronic differential lock, a front electronic differential lock, and a rear electronic differential lock. The is also a low-speed transfer case to help you handle off-road terrains.\nLike other off-roading vehicles, the Tank 300 is built on a ladder frame. The front suspension is a double-wishbone setup while the rear suspension is a multi-link setup. As standard, the Tank 300 comes with 17-inch wheels, covering ventilated disc brakes on all four corners.\nRELATED: \nNew Tank 500 is China\u2019s answer to the Toyota Land Cruiser\nInside, the Tank 300 is equipped with a twin 12.3-inch display, one dedicated as the central head unit and the other dedicated as the digital instrument cluster. The car comes with its own 3D GPS navigation system and a speech recognition system.\nLuxuries in the Tank 300 include power adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger, seat ventilation, and a driver seat waist massager. The Tank 300 also gets a sunroof, ambient lighting, and an off-road dining table.\nWith its retro looks, the Tank 300 looks like a fun little off-roader. Tough and cute, just like the famous \nSuzuki Jimny\n. Set to launch in Malaysia, will the Tank 300 give the Jimny a run for its money?\nRELATED: \nGWM Malaysia to launch 9 cars in 3 years, CKD to start in 2023"
"Lucas DiGrassi emerged victorious in round two of the Formula E 2015/2016 season in what appears to be the toughest race in Formula E history. The high attrition rate due to track degradation and various mechanical gremlins haunted drivers in this 2.56km street track in Putrajaya. Last year\u2019s winner Sam Bird emerged in second place while Formula E rookie, Robin Frijns, rounded up the podium finishers in third place.\nPrior the race, the Renault-powered e.dams ruled qualifying with Sebastian Buemi securing his second consecutive pole position. Venturi\u2019s Stephane Sarrazin who had qualified in second, was forced to start in\u00a0the pitlane due an electrical issue. On lap one, chaos emerged at the first corner involving drivers Jacques Villeneuve, Nick Heidfeld, and Jean-Eric Vergne. The Frenchman emerged the biggest loser with a\u00a0damaged front-right section, sending him into retirement.   The safety car was triggered in\u00a0lap five, courtesy from a collision caused by Oliver Turvey. Despite that, Buemi managed to hold the lead and things were all favouring the Beijing ePrix winner. However, disaster struck Buemi on lap 15 when his car came to a halt, presumably due to a software glitch. The Renault e.dams team subsequently scrambled Buemi into the pits, ending an otherwise home-run of a race.\nTeammate Nicholas Prost was also forced to pit early due to temperature issues, a clear drawback of the hot and sulking heat Malaysian heat which caused both Renault drivers some really valuable championship points. Prost took the lead after Buena\u2019s unfortunate incident, but both Renault e.dams drivers were forced to conserve battery power until the end of the 33 lap race. That spells opportunity for Lucas Di Grassi, and the Brazilian easily overtook the hapless French on lap 24. Eventually, both Renault e.dams drivers fell behind the field.   The drama did not end there as Felix da Costa\u2019s Aguri car repeatedly shut down, each time diminishing his podium chances in the process. Meanwhile, Di Grassi was challenged by the Dragon Racing duo \u2013 Loic Duval and Jerome D\u2019Ambrosio. Malaysia\u2019s notorious heat caused both of team Dragon\u2019s cars to suffer in the process. Duval lost control due to lack of road traction and ran into the wall just three laps before completing the race, followed by D\u2019Ambrosio who suffered the same fate on the final lap.\nWith that, Sam Bird, who started 14th on the grid, drove a trouble-free race to inherit second place. Andretti\u2019s Robin Frijns had battled a severely bent steering after his car brushed against the sidewall \u2013 an incident which took place three laps before the chequered flag was waved. The young Dutch\u2019s perseverance paid off and he finished in third place. Stephane Sarrazin finished the race in fourth, followed by Bruno Senna and Antonio Felix da Costa, who had earlier encountered electronic issues in his Aguri. Last year\u2019s Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr on the other hand, settled for an eighth place finish.\nAll was not well for the Trulli squad after the team failed mandatory scrutiny a day before race day. This means the Italian squad have missed two consecutive races in this season. Di Grassi\u2019s victory moves him up the championship standings with 43 points, and following behind the leader is Sebastian Buemi with 35 points. The next race will see the Formula E contingent travel to Uruguay for the Punta del Este ePrix in December.\nOverall, Putrajaya never fails to deliver excitement and drama just like last year\u2019s edition \u2013 a delight to both race organisers and fans. However, much has yet to be done to increase the number of visitors at the stands. Perhaps roping in a Malaysian driver (Jazeman Jaafar maybe?) and employing a more aggressive marketing tactic should spice things up a little. Also, this has to be done as soon as possible as more cities are keen to host the increasingly popular Formula E Series.\nBelow are the current driver\u00a0and team standings:\nDriver standings after round 2\nTeam standings after round 2\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In yet another edition of Ford\u2019s epic \n\u201cEurope\u2019s Greatest Driving Roads\u201d\n series, the \nFord Mustang BULLIT\n gets taken out for a thrashing around the arduous \u201cMountain Road\u201d \u2013 raced on by daredevils with bikes during the Isle of Man TT Festival.\nThe series has seen the Ford GT dash across the idyllic Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway while a Fiesta ST zips around the virtually empty Via Campocatino in Italy.\n\u201cImagine German autobahns, then add hills and twists, and shrink it to a single carriageway with incredible views, and what you have are these utterly fantastic, and dramatic, roads. The Mountain Road feels \u2013 and is \u2013 an utterly dramatic place to drive. It\u2019s epic, and quite unlike anywhere else,\u201d said British motoring journalist, Steve Sutcliffe of AutoExpress, who was behind the wheel of the BULLITT.\n\u201cThe mountain itself is said to be unique as the only place from which you can see all four countries that make up the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland,\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here it is, at long last. More than a year after its global debut, the \nMcLaren Artura\n has now finally made its way onto our shores, bringing McLaren\u2019s first-ever series-production hybrid supercar here into Malaysia.\nThe new model hopes to help the company usher in a whole new era of electrified motoring, and according to the press release, \u201cleading the transformation among the supercar motoring in Malaysia\u201d in line with the government\u2019s push towards the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).\nEXTERIOR\nThe Artura is the first model in the firm\u2019s line-up to be built on the \nall-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA)\n, which has been designed specifically for the hybrid powertrains, and is built in-house at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MTCT).\nThe MCLA chassis weighs just 82 kg by itself, while the body panels \u2013 made out of superformed aluminium and carbon fibre \u2013 are then \u201cshrink-wrapped\u201d onto the chassis, giving it a pure and functional look, or what McLaren calls a \u201cform follows function\u201d design philosophy.\nAs you could\u2019ve imagined by now, lightweighting is one of the McLaren Artura\u2019s main goals, and they\u2019ve most definitely knocked it out of the park. Parked by the kerb, the entire car weighs just 1,498 kg \u2013 or just 27 kg more than a \n720S\n.\nIn terms of exterior design, the Artura still gets all of McLaren\u2019s signature design touches, including the \u2018Hammerhead\u2019 line in front that runs horizontally from the nose and extends into the deeply inset logo-shaped headlights, the cab-forward silhouette, steeply raked windscreen, and the flying buttresses at the rear.\nDon\u2019t for a moment think that they\u2019re just for aesthetic value, however, as they are all designed with specific aerodynamic and/or cooling purposes; the hammerhead line, for example, helps to split the airflow down into the eHVAC system and over the bonnet, while vents hidden beneath the flying buttresses at the rear help keep the car\u2019s transmission cool.\nThe Artura comes as standard with staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear cast alloy wheels as standard, but the optional flow-formed or forged options help trim unsprung weight even further by 10 kg.\nPERFORMANCE\nA large part of the Artura\u2019s lighweightness actually comes from \u2013 believe it or not \u2013 the engine itself. Despite it being a hybrid power unit, with a 7.4 kWh battery pack, the entire powertrain weighs just 290 kg, or only 80 kg more than the old McLaren V8.\nPowertrain \u2013 3.0-litre, 120\u00b0-angle twin-turbo hot V6 petrol engine, E-motor on rear axle\nTransmission \u2013 8-speed dual-clutch transmission\nDriveline \u2013 Rear-mid engine, rear-wheel drive\nMax horsepower (engine) \u2013 585 hp @ 7,500 rpm\nMax torque (engine) \u2013 585 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 7,000 rpm\nMax horsepower (motor) \u2013 95 hp\nMax torque \u2013 225 Nm\nTotal system output \u2013 680 hp, 720 Nm\n0-100 km/h \u2013 3.0 seconds\n0-200 km/h \u2013 8.3 seconds\nTop speed \u2013 330 km/h\nThanks to the Artura\u2019s minimal weight, the new hybrid supercar boasts a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 488 hp/tonne at its lightest dry weight. And on top of that, it\u2019s also billed as McLaren\u2019s most fuel-efficient car ever produced, with a rated fuel consumption of under 5.6 l/100 km.\nThe electric system is mostly used for \u201ctorque infill\u201d, making up for the turbo lag from the engine to ensure a sharp throttle response at any engine speed. However, on its own, it can also be driven at up to 130 km/h, provided you don\u2019t exceed its measly 30 km electric range.\nAn electrically controlled differential is employed on the rear axle to control torque split between the wheels, while allowing for flashier features such as Variable Drift Control. Meanwhile, the McLaren Artura also comes as standard with the firm\u2019s Proactive Damping Control II that reads the road ahead using sensors to adjust the supercar\u2019s damping settings on the fly.\nINTERIOR\nThe Artura carries on McLaren\u2019s typical minimalist design guidelines inside the cabin, with most of the secondary vehicle functions (aside from driving, that is) stuffed into the vertically-mounted eight-inch infotainment system that is also slightly angled towards the driver for better usability.\nThe infotainment system also comes with the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity support, alongside other telemetry data that will prove useful on the track.\nAs you\u2019d notice from the infotainment display placement, the design of the cabin is very much centred around the driver. To that end, the digital instrument cluster is mounted directly onto the steering column to ensure visibility at any seating position, and the entire steering wheel is devoid of any control buttons so the driver can focus on driving.\nThe McLaren Artura comes as standard with the Clubsport seats, which are developed from those found in the \nSenna\n, and can also be optioned with a harness bar and six-point harnesses if track driving is more your jam. For those who rather do long-distance GT-style journeys, though, there\u2019s also an optional Comfort seat with 10-way adjustability and heating functions \u2013 although you\u2019ll have to add 9.5 kg to the weighing scale.\nOPTIONS, OPTIONS, OPTIONS\nThe Artura is the first McLaren car to offer advanced driver assistance systems, with the list of features including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go functionality and roadsign recognition, Lane Departure Warning, as well as High-Beam assist.\nAlso available is a Technology Pack, which includes the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, the aforementioned ADAS suite, and a 360-degree Park Assist, while the Practicality Pack adds a front axle lift system to aid clearing bumps, eight parking sensors, and power-folding heated wing mirrors.\nOf course, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will also be on hand if you want more customisations beyond what\u2019s offered from the brochure \u2013 just make sure your wallet is able to keep up.\nPRICING\nThe McLaren Artura hybrid supercar is now available to order in Malaysia via McLaren Kuala Lumpur, with a starting price of \nRM1,050,000\n before taxes and any options. A five-year vehicle warranty, six-year battery warranty, as well as a 10-year body warranty are also included in the list price.\nGALLERY"
"Toyota\n has unveiled the all-new \nYaris Cross\n in Indonesia, and if the name sounds familiar to you, that\u2019s because you\u2019re thinking of the \nother Yaris Cross\n for the Europe and Japan markets. Confusingly, despite the two cars sharing the same name, they are really nothing alike.\nFor starters, the ASEAN-specific 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross will be built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) instead of TNGA. It\u2019s also bigger than Europe\u2019s car, measuring 4,310 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm, 1,770 mm wide, and 1,615 mm tall \u2013 or roughly identical to the \nHonda HR-V\n.\nThe ASEAN 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross builds upon a familiar family look, with many of its design touches inherited from its elder brother, the \nCorolla Cross\n. The angular wheel wells and C-pillar styling reminds us of the \nRAV4\n, and the sharp taillights design is also somewhat reminiscent of the outgoing \nfirst-generation Lexus NX\n.\nInside, you\u2019ll find a new sculpted dashboard with the centre control stack tilted towards the driver. At the very top, a freestanding 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display is paired to the Perodua-standard semi-digital instrument cluster. Other highlights here also include a panoramic sunroof, powered driver\u2019s seat, (proper) ambient lighting, and the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance suite.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios launched in Malaysia, from RM90k \u2013 EPB, wireless CarPlay, Android Auto\nThe 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross debuts with two powertrain options in Indonesia. On the low end is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated option, essentially sharing the same powertrain with the \nlatest Vios\n, serving \n106 hp \nand \n138 Nm\n.\nMore interesting, though, is the Yaris Cross HEV, featuring a hybrid 1.5-litre powertrain underneath its bonnet. Essentially a hybrid version of the \nMyvi\u2019s\n engine, the 91 hp/121 Nm 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill is paired to an electric motor that makes 80 hp and 141 Nm \u2013 though total combined figures are not disclosed just yet.\nBoth engines are paired to a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nIt\u2019s still early days for the new compact crossover, so more information will only be available closer to the model\u2019s official launch. Rumour has it, however, that the model will also eventually morph into a \nPerodua\n model, codenamed D66B \u2013 so there\u2019s quite a lot riding on the line here for Malaysians!\nOf course, there\u2019s no official word from Perodua just yet, but if the rumours are indeed true, then the new Yaris Cross-based model will sit above the \nAtiva\n in the local carmaker\u2019s model line-up, going head-to-head against the \nProton X50\n.\nGALLERY"
"Here we have the first few images of Volvo\u2019s new XC90 R Design, an SUV which \nVolvo\n Cars claim to be aimed at buyers who are looking for a head-turner that radiates sportiness and dynamism. The release of the R-Design follows the Swedish carmaker\u2019s recent release of the 1,927 individually numbered First Edition \nXC90\n which were exclusively sold online, and were snapped up in 47 hours.   The exterior includes a number of distinctive details, such as the imposing new grille, front skirting, silk metal window surround, integrated dual exhausts, integrated silver roof rails and matte silver side\u00a0mirror covers. This XC90 sits on the 20-inch R-Design alloy wheels. Underneath the bonnet of this car lies some of \nVolvo\u2019s Drive-E powertrain\n, offering up to \n400 hp\n and a \ncompletely new chassis\n.   Inside\n this XC90 you get paddle shifters, contoured sports seats and wrapped in perforated leather, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob are all finished with special R-Design details. It doesn\u2019t end there, too. The R-Design touches also extend to the sports seats, pedals, floor mats and illuminated tread plates. The driver also gets an exclusive R-Design leather key remote control.\nThe eight-inch touch screen panel in the centre and a 12.3-inch fully graphical driver display remain as standard features in the R-Design XC90, but now features a unique R-Design theme. Fancy yourself a Porsche Cayenne beating Volvo?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This is going to be a pick-up review video unlike any other! Not only are we featuring a pick-up that\u2019s unlike any other from before, but we\u2019re also leaving it to our guests in the video, to comment on the interior quality and ride comfort of the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain instead!\n \nThe model in question is the \n3.0 X-Terrain variant\n, the most expensive D-Max you can get, starting from \nRM141,938\n. For that, you get plenty \u2013 a striking new exterior, a completely new and modernised interior with brown leather seats, wider rear seats, soft touching padding at all the vital touchpoints and not to mention a huge infotainment display, along with many more safety features.\nInstead of the usual format where we tell you how the cabin feels, we got guests to do so instead but there\u2019s a twist. Think of it as car reviewing meets \nTaboo\n; where our host Dom will try to get the guests to mention specific words, such as Premium and Comfortable, to describe their experience in the D-Max without actually mentioning those specific words.\nSounds fun right? Wait till you actually watch the video!\nRELATED: \nOld vs New: A detailed look at the changes in the all-new Isuzu D-Max\nIsuzu D-Max launched in Malaysia \u2013 5 factors that make it more SUV than a pick-up\nPerformance Comparison: Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi Triton"
"After close to 15 years of dependable service, Hyundai has finally introduced the replacement to the Starex multi-seat window van, called the Staria. With the launch in Thailand, the model also made its official debut in ASEAN.\nHyundai certainly thought out of the box when penned the styling for the Staria, as the new model looks futuristic even with a high percentage of \u201cglass house\u201d or windows. The front is devoid of any chunky headlamps or complex grille patterns.\nA horizontal strip of LED lighting functions as DRL, while the simple headlamp with LED technology is housed in rectangular clusters at the corner of the bumper. The styling is unlike anything else from Hyundai, Kia or even European and Japanese designs.\nHyundai Brazil has a \u2018doggo\u2019 as a professional consultant! Check out how \u2018doggo\u2019 sells a car!\nViewed from the side, only the dual-tone wheels stand out, as the body is smooth and simple in styling. At the Thailand launch, two variants are available and the higher-end SEL variant has \u201cParametric Pixel\u201d LED taillamp technology, larger 18-inch wheels as well a power-closing tailgate.\nInside, the configuration allows up to seating for 11, including a half-sized jumpseat in between the driver and front passenger. The second and fourth-row seats are a bench for three, while the third row is a pair of captain seats, perhaps for ease of access to the fourth row. All seats have a three-point seatbelt.\nPowered-sliding doors are standard on both variants, together with retractable sun blinds which are mightily useful for the extra-large windows. The dashboard is used to separate the features between the two variants, with the SEL gaining a full-colour 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, special trim pattern, wireless charger for smartphone and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.\nThe driver\u2019s seat is also powered in the higher-end SEL variant. Other standard interior features include automatic air-conditioning both front and back, seven USB charging ports and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nIn terms of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS features, the SEL also comes with all the bells and whistles, such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-Junction Turning (FCA-JT), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance (BSCA) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).\nOne might think the Staria continue to use the same underpinnings as the previous generation due to its size and capabilities. Hyundai has thoroughly re-engineered the Staria, with the \nturbodiesel engine now driving the front wheels\n and the rear suspension featuring an independent multi-link arrangement.\nHyundai Sime Darby is offering an Extended Warranty Programme for older models such as the Starex. More info here!\nUnder the bonnet lies a modern CRDi turbodiesel unit displacing 2.2-litres. Outputs are \n177 hp\n and \n431 Nm\n of torque, a lower state of tune than in \nthe Santa Fe\n. They both share the same 8-speed automatic transmission though and thanks to the new steering wheel design, the Staria also gets shift paddles to manually select the desired gear ratio. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe new Hyundai Staria in Thailand is priced at \nTHB1,729,000 (RM222k)\n for the S variant and \nTHB1,999,000 (RM256k)\n for the SEL variant.\nBased on social media postings, Indonesia is next in line to officially launch the Hyundai Staria. Closer to home, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors Malaysia is preparing the launch of the large premium \nHyundai Palisade\n SUV.\nGALLERY"
"In response to the Malaysian government\u2019s initiative to\n exempt fully electric vehicles (EV) from tax and duties from 2022\n, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has now announced a revised tax-free pricing for the Taycan here in Malaysia.\nThe revised price list for the Porsche Taycan in Malaysia is as follows:\nPorsche Taycan\n \u2013 RM508,000 (-RM76k)\nCross Turismo\n \u2013 RM555,000 (-RM90k)\nPorsche Taycan 4S \u2013 RM595,000 (-RM105k)\nCross Turismo \u2013 RM617,000 (-RM112k)\nPorsche Taycan GTS\n \u2013 RM708,000\nPorsche Taycan Turbo \u2013 RM793,000 (-RM224k)\nCross Turismo \u2013 RM798,000 (-RM171k)\nPorsche Taycan Turbo S\n \u2013 RM934,000 (-RM218k)\nThanks to the tax exemptions, the entire Porsche Taycan range now slips under the RM1 million mark here in Malaysia. The most significant saving can be found on the Taycan Turbo, which saw a reduction in price of just over RM224k compared to when the model was\n first announced here in Malaysia\n.\nAs part of the 2022 updates, all purchases of a Porsche Taycan \u2013 regardless of variant \u2013 will also now come equipped with the Premium package, which adds on extra features as standard such as a four-zone automatic climate control system, passenger screen, ParkAssist with 360-degree surround view monitor, as well as a 22 kW onboard AC charger (up from 11 kW) and the Mobile Charger Connect charging system.\nThe Porsche Taycan comes with a four-year factory warranty with free scheduled service package, alongside an eight-year battery warranty. Taycan owners will also receive a complimentary three-year Platinum membership for the\n Shell Recharge network\n, offering up to 50% savings when using the DC fast chargers.\nThe first High Performance Charging station in the network, offering up to 180 kW of DC fast charging, is \nnow operational in Tangkak, Johor\n.\nAccording to the Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA), all EVs (both CBU and CKD models) will be exempted from import tax, road tax, and excise duties from 1st January 2022 until 31st December 2023. However, a sales tax of 10% will still apply for imported EVs \u2013 although it\u2019s currently capped at 5% until 30th June 2022, due to the \nongoing Pemerkasa+ stimulus package\n.\nLocally-assembled EVs will enjoy their tax-exempted status until the end of 2025."
"Renault has presented one of the first few outcomes of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance \u2013 a new 1.3-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine co-developed with Daimler. The Scenic and Grand Scenic will be the first to receive them followed by other Renault models from 2018.\n\u201cOur new petrol engine embodies all the expertise of Groupe Renault\u2019s engineers, the Alliance and our partner Daimler. It meets the quality standards of both the Alliance and Daimler, with more than \n40,000 hours of testing\n,\u201d said Alliance Global VP \u2013 Powertrain & Electric Vehicles, Philippe Brunet.\nFrom left: The previous Grand Scenic and Scenic\nThe new engine comes in three power levels \u2013 the Energy TCe 160 engine offers a maximum torque of \n270Nm\n with the EDC gearbox from as low as 1,750 rpm up to 3,700 rpm. The Energy TCe 140 engine produces around \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 rpm to 3,500 rpm.\nThe Energy TCe 115 on the other hand, available only in manual transmission can produce \n220 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 rpm.\n The new engine incorporates several Alliance-developed innovations including \nBore Spray Coating\n, a cylinder coating technology taken over from the Nissan GT-R, for reduced friction and improved heat dissipation.\nIn addition, \nDual Variable Timing Camshaft\n is also introduced \u2013 for more torque at low revs, delivered more consistently across the revs."
"Honda and its manufacturing partner in China, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) has just unveiled their first ever battery powered vehicle for the Chinese market, the Honda Everus VE-1.\nHonda has just unveiled its first ever battery powered vehicle here at the 2018 Guangzhou International Motor Show, the Honda Everus VE-1. Based on the HR-V (Vezel in China), the all-electric SUV will be sold exclusively in China.\nManufactured with Honda\u2019s Chinese partner, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), the VE-1 is juiced by a 53.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that drives the electric motor on the front axle. This gives the VE-1 a maximum output of \n120 kW\n (163 hp) and \n280 Nm\n of twist as well as a pure electric driving range of \n340 km\n \u2013 roughly the same numbers as the world\u2019s best-selling electric vehicle.\nAccelerating from 0 to 50 km/h takes \n5 seconds flat\n and top speed is rated at \n140 km/h\n. The company claims that the battery pack can be fully charged in nine hours or 55 minutes when plugged into a fast charging terminal.   As a result of the complicated electric driving components replacing a standard combustion engine, the VE-1 weighs some \n400 kgs\n more than a standard HR-V. Other than that, the electric powered SUV is virtually identical to a standard, \npre-facelift HR-V\n. The only notable difference is a revised front fascia that houses the charging port, vertical LED daytime running light bars and a sealed front intake.\nOther equipment you\u2019ll find on the VR-1 includes LED headlamps and taillamps, dual-tone paintwork, black 17-inch alloys, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, six airbags, ABS, ESC and electronic parking brake. Curiously, Honda Sensing Advanced Driver Assistance system is not available on the VR-1.\nNow for the price, the VE-1 carries a recommended retail price of RMB225,800 (RM136k). However, thanks to the Chinese Government\u2019s approved incentive, the showroom list price is at RMB170,800 (RM103k).\nProduction of the Honda Everus VE-1 is scheduled to begin in December 2018 with customer deliveries to begin in 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda Everus VE-1 in China"
"New york, the world\u2019s biggest Range Rover market, finally gets the \nRange Rover Velar\n, and it\u2019s accompanied by Ellie Goulding, no less. The sweet singer even gets to drive the Range Rover Velar around town, before being auctioned at the East Side House Settlement charity gala (the Velar, not Ellie).\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7LxuIHOwgg&feature=youtu.be\nThe winning bidder will be among the first customers in the world to get the Velar, but there were no mention whether it includes a dinner date with Goulding. \u201cI have always been a big Range Rover fan and it was a pleasure to be a part of its launch here in the US. Even more rewarding to be supporting a local charity that improves over 10,000 lives every year in one of my favourite cities,\u201d says Goulding. Isn\u2019t that sweet of her?\nProceeds from the gala will be channelled to the East Side House Settlement, a non-profit organisation providing education and social services in the Bronx and north Manhattan. The Range Rover Velar is on sale in UK now, priced at \u00a344,830 (approximately RM248,700), but deliveries won\u2019t begin until late summer.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9UmqKGK6Ys\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7LxuIHOwgg&feature=youtu.be\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor has announced a recall exercise involving \n19,685 vehicles in Malaysia\n, as a precautionary measure to replace the faulty fuel pumps. The recall exercise affects six Mazda models in Malaysia namely \nMazda2\n, \nMazda3\n, \nMazda6\n, \nCX-3\n, \nCX-5\n, and \nCX-9\n, \nmanufactured between 2017 and 2019\n. The full breakdown of the models affected by this recall is available in the table below:\nModels\nNo. of units affected\nMazda2\n2,028 units\nMazda3\n1,441 units\nMazda6\n13 units\nCX-3\n381 units\nCX-5\n15,780 units\nCX-9\n42 units\nAccording to Bermaz Motor, the product recall is a necessary preventive measure to address the possibility of loss of engine power and vehicle stalling caused by the faulty fuel pump. The recall exercise is in line with the global product recall for Denso fuel pumps, which have also affected other brands including \nToyota\n and \nHonda\n in Malaysia.\nCustomers affected by this recall exercise will be notified directly through mail and SMS which will include details of the product recall. The company urges those who have received the notification to contact any authorised Mazda service centre to schedule an appointment.\u00a0\nYou can also check if your vehicle is affected in this recall exercise by entering your chassis number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the Mazda Malaysia website \nhere\n.\nThe replacement of the affected fuel pump will be done free of charge, with all costs borne by Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan. The duration of repair service is estimated to take approximately 1.5 hours, or slightly longer depending on the model and the service centre workload at the time of appointment. The replacement stocks will be available in stages.\nBermaz Motor reassures that it is working with Mazda Corporation to resolve the matter as swiftly as possible. The safety of the customers is of the utmost priority, and the company apologizes for any inconvenience caused to the affected customers."
"Making its grand debut alongside the\u00a0\nPorsche Panamera Sport Turismo\n\u00a0at the Geneva Motor Show\u00a0is the updated Porsche 911 GT3. Built based on the\u00a0\n991.2 Carrera\n, the facelifted GT3 gets a more powerful engine, improved dynamics and a manual transmission, for the first time since 2013.\nThe new 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine from the \nGT3 RS\n and \n911 R\n\u00a0makes its way here, producing\u00a0\n493 hp\n,\u00a0\n28 hp\n\u00a0more than the previous model. As standard, the GT3 will come with a seven-speed double-clutch PDK transmission. But for enthusiasts, a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n can be had as an option.\nOn \nPDK\n equipped cars, the launch control function will enable the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n onwards to a top speed \n318 km/h\n. The manual gets there half a second slower, at 3.9 seconds. It however boasts a higher top speed of \n320 km/h\n.\nTo complement the extra grunt, Porsche engineers have optimised the front and rear aerokit to produce more downforce. It now sits 25mm closer to the ground when compared to the\u00a0\n911 Carrera S\n and features active rear-axle steering that steers the car either to the same or opposite direction as the front wheels. This improves the 911\u2019s overall agility\u00a0through corners.\nInside, there\u2019s a new 360mm GT sports steering wheel taken straight from the \n918 Spyder\n. It comes with manual adjustable sports seats, but an 18-way powered seats can be optioned, as are the sport bucket seats or full carbon fibre-reinforced bucket seats.\nIn addition to that, this track focused two-seater comes with Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation, Connect Plus module and Track Precision app. The latter enables 911 GT3 drivers to display, record and analyse detailed driving data on their smartphone.\nThe Porsche 911 GT3 will go on sale in Europe by May this year, with prices starting from \u20ac152k (RM714k) before options. The previous\u00a0\nGT3 made an appearance in Malaysia\n back in 2014, and we are pretty certain that Porsche Malaysia (Sime Darby Auto Performance) wouldn\u2019t give this bad boy a miss. The only question is, would you rather have the paddles\u00a0or the stick?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the recent unveiling of the new \nProton Exora RC\n or \u201crunning change\u201d as Proton calls it, the motoring boys were sent up to Bukit Tinggi to derive some impressions as to what they thought of the MPV.\nFor what it\u2019s asking, which is \njust under RM60k\n, most bargain hunters would consider the 2019 Exora a steal \u2013 with so much car (or rather metal) for so little money. Bear in mind, for that kinda money you\u2019re only looking at something like\n Perodua Myvi\n or the\n updated Proton Iriz\n.\n \nThe 2019 Exora is available in two variants \u2013 the Executive and the high-spec Premium variant \u2013 priced at RM59,800 and RM66,800.\nThe two models are powered by the sole 1.6-litre turbocharged engine option paired to a CVT gearbox, making\u00a0\n140 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n203 Nm\n\u00a0of torque.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Whether cars are powered by petrol, electricity, hydrogen or even the sun, \nalternative energy sources don\u2019t reduce number of vehicles on the road\n, even if emissions do become cleaner. In light of the ever-growing population of vehicles in major cities, next-generation urban and mobility planning is undoubtedly challenging.\nTo drive the future of mobility, \nToyota Mobility Foundation\n (TMF) has entered into an agreement with the \nMalaysia Digital Economy Corporation\n (MDEC) to launch the \nCity Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge\n \n(CATCH)\n \u2013 a contest where participants \u2013 from start-ups, academics and research institutions to corporates, or even the general public \u2013 can conceptualise and \ndevelop solutions that are data-driven for future city infrastructures\n.\nShin Aoyama, President of Secretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation, said, \u201cTMF was set up to address mobility issues around the world, using a unique approach driven by sustainability, innovation and partnership. CATCH was designed in partnership with the Malaysian government, to encourage data-driven but human-centered interventions to improve city planning and the mobility ecosystem.\u201d\nThe contest will run over \neight months\n, with TMF providing grants at every stage of the challenge; up to \nUS$1.5 million in total\n to support the participants and for trial-testing of the solutions in Kuala Lumpur. Participants will also have access to expert mentors and be part of an incubation programme.\nCATCH will also provide participants with data from partners such as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Royal Malaysia Police, Land Public Transport Agency, Grab, MapIT MSC, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation and Prasarana Malaysia to working out their urban planning solutions.\nTo find out more about CATCH and how to participate, get in touch with Toyota Mobility Foundation at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n or call +81-3-3817-9960."
"Local carmaker \nProton\n has set up a new Regional Parts Centre (RPC) in Kuching to support the growing demands for the brand in East Malaysia. Ever since the launch of the \nProton X70\n in December 2018, total sales in East Malaysia have increased by 120% from 2018 to 2021.\nExpecting a further 20% growth in year-on-year sales, the new 28,000 sq. ft. facility is necessary for Proton to serve its East Malaysian customers. The new facility has three times the storage capacity of its predecessor and will function as a parts distribution centre for aftersales parts and components for East Malaysia.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton is pleased to announce our new RPC in Kuching is nearing completion. It is designed to cater to the needs of our dealers and their customers in East Malaysia and reduce the waiting time for parts in a region where logistics can be challenging. Once completed, we will have the ability to hold up to three months of stock and can even receive direct shipments of parts from overseas vendors.\u201d\nBesides its increased space and capability to handle the direct shipment of parts, the new facility is also capable of storing six containers, allowing it to receive multiple orders concurrently. It will also be able to handle increased throughput, reducing the time it takes to process and deliver orders to outlets.\nRELATED: \nProton exceeds 2021 sales with 2 months to spare \u2013 115,336 cars sold in 2022\nThe Proton Deputy CEO also said, \u201cWe expect to see a significant improvement in waiting time for accident repairs. In addition to the three months of stocks held at the RPC, our dealers are also required to have three months of maintenance parts stock. This is an example of Proton\u2019s efforts to continuously improve aftersales service to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We understand many may be wary, but I would like to reassure both current and future owners, parts are available for your new Proton.\u201d\nIn East Malaysia, Proton\u2019s most popular model is the \nProton Saga\n \nwith 8,692 units sold in 2021, followed by the \nProton X50\n with 2,934 units sold in 2021. Based on the current booking trend, Proton expects the Saga to exceed 10,000 units and the X50 to exceed 4,200 units for 2022.\nRELATED: \nProton to develop own EVs, sending 16 engineers to China for R&D training"
"After several brands have announced that they will not stop making combustion engines, Korean car maker \nHyundai\n has also joined the fossil fuel camp. According to Hyundai, some parts of the world aren\u2019t ready for electric vehicle technology yet.\nSpeaking to \nCarExpert\n, Hyundai Executive Technical Advisor, Albert Biermann said, \u201cWe are continuing for next emission levels [in internal combustion development]. We have no other choices. I mean, we are not giving up on combustion engines, right, we are a global player. And there is no infrastructure available for EVs for quite some time in several regions.\u201d\nBack in December 2021, it was reported that Hyundai shut down its engine development department at the company\u2019s Namyang Research institute. \nBusiness Korea\n reported that Hyundai\u2019s powertrain group was subsequently reorganized into an electrification development team. As for engine manufacturing, Hyundai engines are made in the company\u2019s plants in India, South Korea, Alabama, and the Czech Republic.\nOn whether or not Hyundai will invest in a new combustion engine family, Albert Biermann told \nCarExpert\n, \u201cSo we keep going with combustion engines but will we set up a whole new combustion engine family? Yeah, I mean, you have to follow the emission regulations and that requires sometimes intense development. Euro 7, for example, is quite challenging. So that\u2019s on the agenda.\u201d\nAssembly of Hyundai Sonata\nOther brands that have announced the continuation of combustion engines include Mercedes-Benz which says \nthe AMG V8 engine will live on beyond 2030\n, BMW which will \ncontinue to have a petrol version of the BMW 3 series alongside the electric version\n, and \nBugatti which says it has no EVs in the plan\n for at least until 2030. Currently, Hyundai\u2019s EV lineup in Malaysia consists of the Hyundai Kona electric and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Besides combustion engine cars, Hyundai also has hydrogen fuel cell cars, albeit not sold officially in Malaysia."
"Porsche has just introduced its first ever \u201cShooting Brake\u201d design in Malaysia with the new Panamera Sport Turismo. Here are Things You Need To Know about the three variants available in Malaysia:\nThe three models include the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo (\n330 hp\n/\n450Nm\n), the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo (\n462 hp\n/ \n700Nm\n) and the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo (\n550hp\n /\n 770Nm\n).\nPower is channeled to all four wheels with an 8-speed PDK gearbox with rear-wheel steering, Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and adaptive air suspension with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Blacked-out cars are all the rage these days, especially in the younger car-buying crowd. Joining in the the trend, MINI Malaysia has just released their own version of an all-black car, the MINI Countryman Blackheath Edition.\nJust how black is it? For starters, the MINI Countryman Blackheath is only available in Midnight Black. The headlight and taillight trim, front grille, door handles, front and rear emblem, as well as the Countryman tailgate badge are all finished in black too, as part of the\n Piano Black Original MINI Accessories\n, exclusive to the Blackheath edition.\nThe newly designed LED fog lights and aerodynamic mirror cap are taken from the \nrecently-updated JCW Countryman\n, while a matte brushed aluminium bonnet stripe and 19-inch John Cooper Works Circuit Spoke wheels finish the ominous exterior looks.\nThe ominous theme continues inside, emphasised by the Anthracite headliner, and Leather Cross Punch sports seats in Carbon Black. Although, the Piano Black MINI Yours Illuminated Interior Trim does allow for some colour to splash through the full-black theme.\nTaking centrestage on the dashboard is the larger \n8.8-inch infotainment display\n, with support for Apple CarPlay. The Countryman Blackheath Edition also comes with \nbuilt-in with 4G connectivity\n, which supports features such as Intelligent Emergency Call, Mini TeleServices and Concierge Service, as well as connectivity with the MINI Remote mobile app.\nThe infotainment system is paired to a 12 high-performance-speaker set up from Harman Kardon, with a Class-D DSP Amplifier with a 360-watt output.\nThe Blackheath Edition uses the Cooper S specification as base, which takes on 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, capable of producing \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch sports transmission.\nThe new gearbox (instead of the eight-speed automatic) features a coasting function in the MID and GREEN driving modes, which automatically disengages the drivetrain as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator pedal.\nPerformance wise, the MINI Countryman Blackheath Edition achieves the century sprint in\n 7.5 seconds,\n with a claimed Vmax of \n225 km/h\n. Claimed fuel consumption figure is\n 6.6 l/100km\n.\nOnly \n48 units\n of this all black MINI Countryman will be available, priced at \nRM253,888\n \u2013 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the EEV excise duty reduction (RM17,571). The MINI Countryman Blackheath Edition comes with \nfour-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service\n, along with five-year roadside assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua is offering assistance, including towing service rebates, discounts on selected spare parts and free inspections for Perodua vehicles, to all Perodua vehicle owners who were affected by the floods.\nAs of yesterday, parts of Selangor, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang were affected by floods due to continuous heavy rainfall since Friday. The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department has updated that water levels in the Klang Valley has begun to recede contributed by sunny skies on Monday.\n Image credit: Facebook/\nBernamaOfficial\n \n\u201cOur customers are very important to us and this value-added services are provided to help relieve some of the burdens our customers have to deal with during this disaster,\u201d said Perodua, President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\u201cWhile a few of our service centres are also affected by the floods, our customers are encouraged to refer to any of our service outlets throughout Malaysia for assistance.\u201d\n\u201cWe are doing our best to resume our operations (at the affected areas) as quick as possible,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: Perodua contributes supplies worth RM80k to Sg Buloh hospital\nRegarding the assistance given, Perodua customers can claim towing service up to a maximum of RM100 to the nearest Perodua service outlets. Customers whose vehicles have been damaged by the flood are encouraged to call the toll-free customer care line at\n 1-800-88-5555\n for towing assistance. Do note that terms and conditions apply.\nIn addition, Perodua is also offering 20% off on selected spare parts to owners whose vehicles are damaged due to floods.\n\u201cOur genuine spare parts come with a manufacturer\u2019s warranty and we ask our customers to not use any imitation parts as this may affect the performance of their vehicles,\u201d added Dato\u2019 Zainal.\nThe parts include all electronics items, engine overhaul gaskets, vehicle seats, door trim and carpet.\nMain image credit: Twitter/\nNST_Online"
"Jaguar Classic is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the legendary C-type sports racer by recreating limited units of the C-type Continuation. Only eight units will ever be built, to add to the 53 original units from the early 1950s.\nThe C-type continuation will allow historic motorsports enthusiasts to purchase these\n \nnew factory-built cars from\n \nJaguar\n \nfor the first time. They will be built at Jaguar\u2019s Classic Works facility in Coventry, UK, where each unit will feature the specifications of the original 1953 Le Mans-winning car, including the 3.4-litre straight-six engine, with 220 hp.\nThe C-type was originally built between 1951 to 1953 and went on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans on its debut in 1951. It was also the first of Jaguar\u2019s seven wins at the world renowned endurance race.\nIt was also the first car to adopt the then innovative disc brake technology in motorsport, and went on to score the first win for a disc-braked car, with the late Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel. The C-type won the 24 Hours of Le Mans again in 1953, another first for a disc-braked car.\nExclusive access to original engineering drawings and company records created by the original C-type development team ensure that the original 1953 specifications are accurately maintained.\n\u201cSeventy years on, Jaguar Classic is proud to be able to utilise the latest innovations in manufacturing technology \u2013 alongside traditional skills and unrivalled expertise \u2013 to reintroduce this legendary car, driven by some of the most-admired racing drivers in history, for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy\n,\u201d\n said Jaguar Classic, Director, Dan Pink.\nFor the first time ever, Jaguar Classic is also giving customers the opportunity to visualise their C-type Continuation virtually using a specially designed online configurator. This \nnew tool \nallows users to compare colour and trim options from the 12 authentic exterior colours and eight interior colours available, and apply optional items such as steering wheel and bonnet badging.\nCustomers can also specify the C-type Continuation to be equipped with an FIA-approved Harness Retention System or rollover protection as these new C-types will be eligible for historic racing!\nGALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has launched the updated \nJaguar XF P250 R-Dynamic\n with a refreshed exterior and new equipment on board, priced from \nRM498,800\n including SST without insurance.\nNew on the exterior includes a revised front bumper \u2013 with larger air intakes \u2013 along with a newly designed, larger front grille. The most striking of all is the \u2018J-graphics\u2019 on the headlamps that significantly modernise the aging XF. The previous XF was introduced in Malaysia in \n2016\n.\nUnlike the dual projectors from the pre-facelift model, the new XF feature quad-projectors, tucked between the LED daytime running lights \u2013 much the latest Lexus vehicles. Over to the side, the Jaguar XF gets new fender trims, this time featuring the Leaper badge while the rear bumper design has also been revised.\nInside is where significant changes are at; with a 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen display that\u2019s nearly 50% larger than the previous unit. The infotainment system also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and is linked to a Meridian Sound system. The sound system also features a segment-first Active Road Noise Cancellation technology that reduces cabin noise while the car is on the move.\nOn the dashboard, the \u2018pop-up\u2019 air-con vents have been replaced with conventional air vents while the physical air-con controls have been replaced with a touch-sensitive panel. Also gone is the \u2018pop-up\u2019 gear lever, now replaced with a conventional square gear knob.\nThe switches on the door panels have also been repositioned, leaving just one switch on the arm rest while the rest have been moved higher to the door panels. Also new in the facelift Jaguar XF is the wireless charger, steering wheel design and a fully digital instrument cluster.\nAs it is the P250 variant, the XF gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with \n250 hp \nand \n365 Nm\n, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear-wheels. Only the P300 variant gets all-wheel drive. 0 to 100 km/h in the XF P250 takes 6.9 seconds before it hits an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.\nAccording to Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia, the new XF P250 R-Dynamic was fully booked at the pre-launch phase but is now available for booking again.\nGALLERY"
"Like wealth, luxury goods are one of many things we\u2019ll never get enough of. There will always be something or someone out there pushing the boundaries of the exclusivity to entice us to part ways with our money.\nThis Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition is one such example. As you all may have seen last year, the \nMercedes-Benz GLS 400 4MATIC launched in Malaysia\n is a prime example of plushness on four wheels money can buy. With\n 333 hp\n and\n 480 Nm\n of torque from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine at the disposal of its four wheels, 0 to 100 km/h takes a blinding \n6.6 seconds\n before it tops out at around \n240 km/h\n.\nQUICK\u00a0FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLS 400 4MATIC\nEngine\n2,996cc; twinturbo V6\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n333 hp @ 5,250 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n480 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.6 seconds; 240 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM888,888\nWith the Grand Edition, focus is heightened on the aesthetics rather than the mechanics of this elegant monstrosity. On the outside, its presence is intensified with 10-spoke, 20-inch light-alloy wheels that are painted in black and topped off with a high-sheen finish. Other additions to the exterior include Grand Edition badges on the side of the wings.\nThe exclusive aura in the interior is further heightened with the combination of porcelain and espresso brown, a mix that is only available in this edition. Seats are draped in nappa leather with diamond quilting, seamed in mid brown and special Budapest-design piping. Exclusive to the Grand Edition is the open-pore Radiant lime trim with light stripes.\nThe Interior Package costs 5950 euros (\napprox RM 29,500\n) while the Exterior Package costs 2300 euros (\napprox Rm 11,400\n) \u2013 chump change for those playing at this level; no parting of kidneys required.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As a follow-up to the \n8 Series Frozen Black Edition\n that was introduced in June, BMW Japan has now introduced a 40-units-only limited run of the X7 with the same all-black treatment inside-out.\nStarting life as a regular BMW X7 xDrive40d M Sport, the carmaker\u2019s Japanese arm pretty much dipped the entire car into a tub of black paint, covering everything it possibly (and legally) can in a matte Frozen Black and glossy Jet Black colour combo.\nAnd by everything, we mean \neverything\n \u2013 from the kidney grille, to the tail pipes, roof rails, 22-inch alloy wheels, and the M-sport brake calipers. Even the rear windows are heavily tinted in black for the full sinister effect.\nBMW Japan\u2019s X7 \u201cNishijin Edition\u201d comes with the most exquisite upholstery option we\u2019ve ever seen! Check it out here.\nThe same blacked-out treatment is also applied onto the interior, including an Anthracite Black Alcantara roof liner, Merino leather upholstery, and Piano Black trim pieces all around. Unfortunately, no photos of the BMW X7 Frozen Black Edition\u2019s interior were provided, although to be fair we probably can\u2019t really see anything, anyway.\nPowertrain underneath the limited-edition X7\u2019s hood is unchanged from the base car, which means there\u2019s a 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel mill, aided by a 48V mild-hybrid system for a total output of \n340 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque.\nThe BMW X7 Frozen Black Edition will go on sale tomorrow at JPY14,660,000 (approx. RM530k), exclusively via BMW Japan\u2019s online store.\nHere in Malaysia, the BMW X7 is available solely in the xDrive40i Pure Excellence form, priced at RM648,934 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales and service tax exemption. Check it out here!"
"If you have always fancied an affordable German car, this could be your calling, because Volkswagen Malaysia is offering an interesting financial deal on all Polo models via their \nPolo Goes Zero\n campaign.\nPriced at \nRM89,888\n for the hatchback and \nRM91,888\n for the sedan, both the \nPolos\n can be yours for RM999 per month for seven years. The catch? Well, a good one \u2013 0% interest rate and there\u2019s no need for a down payment.\nAs a quick recap, both the Polo CKD variants come with a \n1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine\n, making \n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque. It gets just one transmission choice, a \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox channeling drive to the \nfront wheels\n. The German B-segment contender sits on 15-inch \u201cRiverside\u201d alloy wheels and comes in five different colours \u2013 Candy White, Flash Red, Pepper Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black.\nThere will be a carnival at Bukit Jalil from 6 to 8 March, giving you the opportunity to test any of the Polo models on site, and visitors can also participate in their safety experience training.\nIf you\u2019re interested in the Polo, do give our \nreview\n a read to find out what we think\u00a0about the German engineered, Malaysian assembled car.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Polo 1.6 CKD Media Drive"
"The 2016 Formula E championship is currently\u00a0one of the weirdest finale in motor racing history as Sebastien Buemi emerged champion by becoming the fastest lap holder in the London ePrix last Sunday.\nIt was a double header last weekend where two races were contested at the street track of\u00a0Battersea Park. Until the finale, two drivers and arch rivals, Renault e.dams\u2019 Sebastien Buemi and Abt Audi Sport\u2019s Lucas di Grassi tied with at the top of the championship standings. Buemi took pole position while di Grassi started third on the grid, so\u00a0basically whoever\u2019s ahead\u00a0by the end of the race wins the title.\nWhen the red lights went off, di Grassi went aggressive by overtaking second place Nicholas Prost, who is also Buemi\u2019s teammate.\u00a0At turn 3, the unthinkable happened when di Grassi did not stop in time, and subsequently collided with Buemi into the barrier. The carnage took out Buemi\u2019s rear wing, while di Grassi\u2019s front wing is basically destroyed.\nPicture Credit: Zak Mauger & FIA Formula E\nJudge for yourself if di Grassi deliberately crashed into his rival, just as Senna did to Prost in the 1990 F1 finale in Suzuka.\nFormula E requires using two cars to complete the race distance, hence finishing the race is not realistic for both drivers. Thus, both rivals began \nPlan B\n by limping back to the pits and began preparations in their second car.\nPicture Credit: Andrew Ferraro & FIA Formula\nThe plan is to secure the fastest lap where two points are up for grabs. The blue and yellow e.dams car is the fastest car in the series but di Grassi is consistently quick. If either driver scores the fastest lap in this 2.925 km street circuit, he will then be crowned the 2016 Formula E champion. But if someone else other than that duo laps quicker, di Grassi will be handed the title (because he scored more third-place finishes than Buemi).\nDi Grassi went out first and clocked\u00a01:27.037 seconds but the e.Dams car proved to be more superior when Buemi set a 1:26.056 second lap before improving to 1:24.582 seconds. Di Grassi retaliated but couldn\u2019t go any quicker than 1:24.9 seconds on his final lap. The title was sealed by Buemi when he clocked the lap in\u00a01:24.150 seconds, effectively making him the quickest driver of the race.\nPicture Credit: Andrew Ferraro & FIA Formula E\nThe race was won by Prost who also won the preceding\u00a0race. His victory also sealed Renault e.dams\u2019 manufacturer title as well, making them the biggest victors of the\u00a0Formula E 2015/2016 season.\nThe following\u00a0Formula E season will kick off in Hong Kong sometime in October, with \nJaguar\n joining the lineup as a new manufacturer. Following the incident, expect bitter rivalry between these two drivers.\nMeanwhile, do watch\u00a0the race highlights below.\nResults and standing are as follows:\n[Source: FIA Formula E]"
"Since the inception of the BMW X3 back in 2003, the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) has made its way to more than 1.5 million homes around the world across two-generations. Just recently, BMW pulled the wraps off the \nthird-generation G01 X3\n and for those of you that have been eagerly waiting, sources have hinted to \nAutoBuzz.my \nthat the all-new X3 will arrive to our shores as soon as the first half of 2018!\nGlobally, the X3 is available in a plethora of specifications and trims, ranging from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder 20i petrol to the fire-breathing 3.0-litre inline-six M40i \u2013 the first ever M Performance for the X3 model range. It remains unclear which variants will make its way to Malaysia, but it is safe to assume that only the petrol variants will make an appearance in our market.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nX3 xDrive 20i & sDrive 20i\nX3 xDrive 30i\nX3 xDrive 20d\nX3 xDrive 30d\nX3 xDrive M40i\u00a0\nEngine\n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol\n3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol\n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel\n3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel\n3.0-litre six-cylinder Twin Scroll turbo petrol\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp\n252 hp\n190 hp\n265 hp\n360 hp\nMax Torque\n290 Nm\n350 Nm\n400 Nm\n620 Nm\n500 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.3 seconds; 210 km/h\n6.3 seconds; 240 km/h\n8.0 seconds; 213 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 240 km/h\n4.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nThe styling of the all-new X3, while familiar, is actually entirely new \u2013 larger kidney grille, headlamps, taillamps, bumpers and all that. All contributing to a more rugged appearance on the SAV. Besides the subtle design tweaks, the X3 is available in three distinct trim lines \u2013 xLine, Luxury Line and M Sport, each getting unique kidney grille finish, underbody protection trim, window trims and wheel options. The \nM Sport M40i\n gets further furnished with M Sport Brakes, M Sport Suspension and M Performance Aerodynamic kit.   Inside, depending on the trim selected, the X3 comes equipped with three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, full colour heads up display, 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control, tri-zone climate control and ambient lighting. Boot capacity is rated at \n550 litres\n or expandable to 1,600 litres with the 40:20:40 spilt rear-seats folded down.\nMotivation comes from a range of petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from \n184 hp\n to\n 360 hp\n. All engine choices are available with the xDrive all-wheel drive system however, the most vanilla \n184 hp\n 20i variant can be had with sDrive rear-wheel drive that is strictly for markets outside of Europe.\nFor the first time ever, the range topping X3 is a full-blown M Sport variant, the xDrive M40i. Motivation comes from a 3.0-litre inline-six TwinScroll turbo petrol that outputs \n360 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all-four corners via an eight-speed automatic and 0 to 100 km/h is clocked in \n4.8 seconds\n. Top speed is limited at \n250 km/h\n.\nOne thing is for sure, the 2.0-litre petrol version(s?) G01 BMW X3 will definitely make its way here to contest against the \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n, \nAudi Q5\n and \nLexus NX\n. On a side note, the xDrive M40i squares-off against the \nMercedes-AMG GLC 43\n which is on sale here in Malaysia with a half a million Ringgit price tag. We have a feeling that BMW Malaysia might just give the GLC 43 a run for its money with the xDrive M40i.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW xDrive M40i M Sport   BMW xDrive 30d Luxury"
"The Audi A8 now comes with the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System to bring unique acoustic character of pure 3D sounds to the rear seats so that for oligarchs and industrialist to indulge in their presumably classical music preferences.\nThe system comes with 23 loudspeakers, where each comes with its individual amplifier, pumping out 1,920-watt of harmonic performance that produce high-resolution sound patterns to impressive effect. In Audi\u2019s words, this is especially profound when reproducing classical concert of high recording quality \u2013 with music unfolding as if it were recorded, not diluted by artificial effects.\nFirst introduced in the Q7 two years ago, the system is now extended to the rear compartment of the new A8. Of the 23 speakers, two of which positioned on the A-pillar and another two on the headlining of the rear seats help create the perfect stereophonic experience. When the system is switched on \u2013 and this is the coolest bit \u2013 \u00a0two tweeters extend vertically from the dashboard.\nEven distribution of sound is owed to the Bang & Olufsen\u2019s Acoustic Lens Technology and to produce the 3D sound Audi has worked together with applied research centre\u00a0Fraunhofer Institute in Erlangen to come with up with an algorithm that adapts invidually to different sounds \u2013 ensuring that sounds produced isn\u2019t distorted.\nThe system also comes with a special function for film sound tracks called Movie Set, playing sounds of the same quality as you\u2019d get in a cinema, also in terms of its sound effect. For instance, if a character appears on the left side of the screen, sounds will follow suit from the left side.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIntegrating the loudspeakers at the right points in the car is the key to 80 percent of the audio quality. They need to be mounted as rigidly as possible, so we fixed the subwoofer in the rear panel, which is made from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. The aim is to isolate the loudspeaker from the body and prevent any vibrations from being transmitted,\u201d explained sound/acoustics developer for the Audi A8, Wolfram J\u00e4hn.\nEven the \nspeaker grilles\u00a0\nplay a role in projecting quality sounds. Audi works closely with B&G to ensure maximum acoustic transparency while providing protective function. In the Audi A8, precision-perforated covers of double-anodised aluminium adorn the loudspeakers in the front and rear doors.\nAudi\u2019s collaboration with Bang & Olufsen has spanned almost two decades and from 2005 onwards, A8\u2019s have been available optionally with the Advanced Sound System by the Danish specialist. This meant Audi was the first carmaker to be able to supply a factory-fitted high-end sound system. In the new Audi A8, Bang & Olufsen will offer both the Advanced and the Premium Sound System.\nVideo Credit:\u00a0\nBartosz _x\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Firstly, it\u2019s not for sale. Secondly, it\u2019s only a replica of the original Iriz rally car. That said, we\u2019re glad it\u2019s on display at the M\nalaysia Autoshow 2018\n cause we\u2019d be reluctant to visit an oil palm plantation just to check it out.\nPerformance figures were not revealed but we\u2019re informed that the Iriz rally car is powered by a \nProton 4B11 1.6 Turbo\n engine, linked to 5-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox, like the one in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 race car we drove recently, except the latter had one extra gear.\nThe original Iriz rally car rides on Riger front and rear MacPherson struts with external reservoir dampers along with 3-way adjustability and built-in Rebound Control and Hydraulic Bump Stops.\nTied to the sophisticated suspension system are a set of 18-inch Speedline lightweight alloy wheels (for tarmac use) wrapped in 235/40/18 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. If it were on gravel, the Iriz utilises a set of 15-inch wheels instead.\nSitting behind those wheels are 4-pot Brembo brakes (front and rear) and while it may not have the MEM-designed bespoke rollcage as the original rally car, the Iriz is displayed with the R5 Aero package.\nThe Iriz rally car was part of last year\u2019s Goodwood Festival of Speed where it took 1st place in the Goodwood Rally Stage.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche has taken the 911 GT2 RS to Nurburgring and emerged victorious with a new record for road-legal production cars. The most powerful production 911 (once upon a time) was driven by Porsche development driver, Lars Kern.\nThe new record, with a time of \n6:43.300\n, beats the \nprevious record set by the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series\n by 4.747 seconds \u2013 with an average speed of 186 km/h. The Mercedes-AMG clocked a lap time of 6:48.047.\nFind out more about the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, now in Malaysia, in detail here! \nTo achieve this Porsche\u2019s engineers worked with Manthey Racing, to develop a Manthey Performance Kit which customers can opt for through Porsche Tequipment as an optional extra.\nThe Manthey Performance Kit consists of items like the Weissach Package\u2019s light magnesium alloy wheels for example. The magnesium wheels (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) are wrapped in Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, and cuts 11.4 kg of fat off the car.\nRead about the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series\u2019 record on the Nurburgring here!\nIt also gets track-optimised suspension developed by Porsche and Manthey, \u201cspecial brake pads\u201d for the Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brake system, and steel-braided brake lines for better brake pedal feedback.\nMore importantly, the 911 GT2 RS received aerodynamic upgrades for increased downforce \u2013 allowing the car to carry higher speeds through the corners.\nThis includes a additional flaps on the front spoiler, new rear spoiler, a modified diffuser, and aerodiscs on the rear wheels. Downforce has been increased from 49 kg to 70 kg at the front, and from 93 kg to 200 kg at the rear \u2013 at speeds of 200 km/h.\n\u201cThe 911 GT2 RS sticks to the track like glue with the Manthey Performance Kit \u2013 you feel as if you\u2019re in a racing car, especially on faster corners. It is truly breathtaking how the car puts its 700 hp and 750 Nm effectively onto the tarmac and how incredibly well it brakes while always remaining easy to control,\u201d says Lars Kern.\nFind out what other records have been set at the legendary Nurburgring circuit here!\nGALLERY"
"After posting a \nsuccessful quarter for Volkswagen Group\n, Skoda will be releasing a dedicated model for the Group\u2019s and Skoda\u2019s single largest market \u2013 China. Unsurprisingly, the specially designed model for the Chinese market will be a compact SUV.\nSkoda\u2019s latest offering will be the third member of the brand\u2019s SUV family for the Chinese market. It will incorporate specific requirements and preferences of Chinese customers regarding concept, design and features.\nAccording to a report by \nAutoCar UK\n, the yet-to-be-named SUV will not share the same MQB platform as the \nVolkswagen T-Roc\n (both are compact SUVs); instead, it will be built on the China-only PQ platform. Skoda will likely position the new SUV at a lower price bracket to attract more Chinese buyers hence it will not be offered with an electrified powertrain to keep the cost low.\nThe new Skoda SUV will be unveiled at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2018) and is expected to grow Skoda\u2019s market share in the SUV space. In 2017, the carmaker delivered 325,000 vehicles in China, a 2.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year."
"The\u00a0\nAston Martin Vanquish Zagato coupe\n we covered a few months back was quite a formidable British specimen, but allow us to introduce the sexier Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante.\nUnveiled just recently at the Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance, this red hot convertible is the latest creation to be spawned by a six-decade long partnership between Aston Martin and the Italian company, Zagato.   New here is of course the folding fabric roof. This replaces Zagato\u2019s trademark double-bubble roof, but otherwise the aesthetics remain identical to the hardtop variant. At the heart of this sexy convertible is a\n\u00a0592 hp 6.0-litre V12\n engine which takes just\n 3.7 seconds\n\u00a0to sprint from standstill to the 100km/h mark, and boasts a top speed of close to 320km/h.\nInterior wise, a new tan colour scheme accompanies the herringbone carbon fibre and anodised bronze detailing. But if you wish to take the styling up one notch, Aston Martin\u2019s \u2018Q\u2019 division will be more than happy to assist you in personalising your prized Aston.\nJust 99 units of the Zagato Volante will be made. At\n \u00a3500,000\n (approximately\u00a0RM2.63 million) a pop, it\u2019s easily twice the price of a regular Aston Martin. But if it\u2019s given the Zagato touch, expect it to be sold out by now.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Car brands that operate in Europe will soon be facing even stricter regulations as the second phase of WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) kicks in this coming September with expanded tests applied to new cars and even selected customer vehicles with mileage up to 100,000 km.\n https://youtu.be/lZXdQYSF1Gk\nThe new phase will no doubt stretch the resources of car makers given that the transition from NEDC to WLTP was anything but smooth last year. To recap, WLTP was a long overdue update to regulations which gave consumers more accurate information (e.g. fuel efficiency and emissions) based on real-world driving data as opposed to NEDC, a standard introduced back in the 1980s. If you have had great difficulty achieving the fuel efficiency rating derived from NEDC, you wouldn\u2019t be alone.\nThe new additions to WLTP include an evaporation test that measures what a vehicle emits (e.g. petrol vapours) when stationary and also random tests to be carried out on customer vehicles with mileage up to 100,000 km. Manufacturers such as Volkswagen will be deploying mobile labs so that measurements can be taken on-site. Meanwhile in Malaysia, we are still running largely on Euro 2M-compliant petrol with Euro 4M to be implemented by 1\nst\n January 2020. Let\u2019s hope there will be no more postponements."
"Electric motor swaps are becoming more common these days in countries like the United States where the regulations allow it. However, this is usually the solution for classic cars with scarce engine parts and not for brand-new sports cars. At SEMA this year, an electric \nToyota GR86\n called the SCR1 made its debut, built by Canadian company Scalar Performance.\nYes, the boxer engine has been chucked out, but the all-electric Toyota GR86 retains its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration. Powering the rear wheels now is an 800-V Stealth electric motor by Hypercraft that makes \n333 hp \n(metric) and \n468 Nm\n. The Scalar Performance GR86 has a top speed of 267 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.9 seconds. For reference, the standard Toyota GR86 with the FA24 engine makes 235 hp (metric) and 250 Nm.\nBuilt as an amateur touring race car, the SCR1 packs a \n65-kWh\n battery pack that allows for approximately \n45 minutes \nof racing time. Recharging takes \nless than 20 minutes\n with a \n150-kW\n DC fast charger, and Scalar Performance says the battery employs an industry-leading battery management system, which means you get every minute of racing possible out of the battery pack.\nA 5.19:1 gear reduction system with straight-cut gears connects the electric motor to the rear wheels. Also equipped on the SCR1 is a Torque Sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential (LSD).\nRELATED: \nToyota GR86 gets GR Yaris engine, but it\u2019s not what you think it is\nCompared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Toyota GR86, the EV GR86 weighs 1,379 kg, which is 119 kg more than the RC-spec GR86. Bearing the weight is a set of bespoke suspension developed by \u00d6hlins, 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels, and Hoosier tyres.\nThe Canadian company says the car\u2019s weight distribution is similar to that of a mid-engine race car. In charge of stopping the SCR1 are six-piston callipers in front and four-piston callipers in the rear.\nRELATED: \nToyota, Subaru celebrate 10 years of Hachiroku with limited-edition GR86 and BRZ models\nThe SCR1 was designed and built by tech entrepreneur, Brian Bourne, and car builder, Joel Fallaise, in collaboration with engineering partners Hypercraft and Ettractive, the SCR1 is the first club racing electric vehicle approved by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) for road racing in their Super Touring Series.\nOnly 10 units of the SCR1 will be made for its launch in summer 2023, dubbed the \u2018Founder Edition\u2019. Each vehicle will feature a numbered plaque and a paint-to-sample roll cage, while the owners will receive support from the engineering team including over-the-air updates. Just in case you were wondering, the SCR1 meets and exceeds FIA safety requirements.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR86 to launch in Malaysia soon? Toyota Gazoo Racing returns for Season 5\nGALLERY"
"The Lexus \nLS 500\n and \nLS 500h\n are a little too sedated for your liking? Well, for those seeking prestige and performance, Lexus has released this teaser image of the LS 500 F Sport, which is\u00a0set to be fully unveiled at the upcoming 2017\u00a0\nNew York Motorshow\n\u00a0in mid-April.\nLexus claims the \nLS 500 F Sport\n pushes its GA-L platform to the limit, making this LS 500 sharper and more agile to drive. The company also claims it\u2019ll be\u00a0\u201c\nthe most engaging LS driving experience yet\n\u201d.\nJudging from the previous F Sport Lexus models, the LS 500 F Sport is expected to don a much sportier and aggressive bodykit together with larger wheels than the standard\u2019s 20-inch items. Inside, the sportier instrumentation that mimics Lexus\u2019 performance models should be included as well.\nPower should come from a\u00a0\n3.5-litre twin turbo V6\u00a0\nwhich cranks out\u00a0\n415 hp\n and \n442\u00a0Nm\n of torque. The rear-wheel driven LS500 can hit from nought to 100 km/h in\n 4.5 seconds\n."
"Lotus has revealed their quickest and most expensive series production model ever at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 3-Eleven.\nSet to deliver pure driving thrills with its open cockpit design, the 3-Eleven \nweighs just below 900 kg\n and packs \n450 hp\n from a \nsupercharged V6\n, enabling it to \nreach 100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds\n.\nThe 3-Eleven will be available in\n two guises\n: \nRoad\n and \nRace\n, and as you would have guessed, the Race is the the more hardcore version of the two.\nEXTERIOR\nLike the 2007 Lotus 2-Eleven (or even the original Lotus Eleven of the late fifties), the 3-Eleven embraces the\n open cockpit concept\n and serious aero work. The body panels are made using\n resin infusion composite technology\n, which is a first for a production car, and as a result the panels are \n40 percent lighter compared to fibreglass\n.\n \n \nThe aggressive kit is certainly not just for show, in the Race version they can generate \ndownforce of up to 215 kg at 240 km/h\n, making sure the 3-Eleven stays grounded wherever it goes.\nEverything is designed to make the 3-Eleven as aerodynamic as possible, and that includes the \nfront splitter\n, the \nside scallop\n, the huge \nrear spoiler\n, and the \nrear diffuser\n. Even the \nroll cage\n is finished with an \naerodynamic cover\n to generate downforce.\nINTERIOR\nDon\u2019t expect leather seats, sat-nav, or even carpet in the 3-Eleven. The interior is so focused on the driver they made the passenger seat as optional item. There\u2019s a\n digital instrument\n cluster to display vital information for the driver, and just a few buttons on the center panel and that\u2019s about it.\nFitted as standard is a \nremovable steering wheel\n and \nsports seat with four-point harnesses\n, but if you want \ndata logger system,\n you\u2019ll have to get the Race version. You will also get an \nFIA-approved racing seat with six-point harnesses\n as well as a\n fire extinguisher\n and \nbattery kill switch\n in the Race version.\nPERFORMANCE\nLotus took the \nsupercharged\u00a03.5-litre V6\n from the Evora 400 and massaged it to produce more power before plonking it in the 3-Eleven. The outcome is \n450 hp\n and\n 450 Nm\n, in a car that weighs less than 900 kilos that translates as \nmore than 500 hp per tonne\n.\nDifferent gearbox combo will be paired to the engine, the \nRoad version\n will get a \nclose-ratio six-speed manual\n with a \nTorsen limited slip differential\n, while the \nRace version\n gets a\n six-speed sequential transmission\n with a \nmechanical limited slip differential\n.\nSprint time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is clocked \nunder 3.0 seconds\n, and the \ntop speed\n is at \n280 km/h\n for the \nRace version\n and \n290 km/h\n for the \nRoad version\n.\nThe 3-Eleven utilises \nfront and rear double-wishbones\n \nsuspension\n with \nEibach springs\n, and owners will get to tweak with the front anti-roll and the \n\u00d6hlins dampers\n to suit their plan of attack.\nThe lightweight \nforged aluminium wheels\n are staggered, the rear wheels are wider and an inch bigger than the front. The tyres measuring\n 225/40 ZR18\n at the front and \n275/35 ZR19\n at the back are either \nMichelin Pilot Super Sport\n for the Road version, or \nMichelin Cup 2\n for the Race version.\u00a0Meanwhile the \nbrakes\n are from \nAP Racing\n, and it consists of\n 332 mm\n two-part grooved and vented brake discs and \nfour-pot calipers\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe 3-Eleven will be limited to just \n311 units\n (of course), and each will be \nhand-built in Hethel\n. Production will kick-off in \nFebruary 2016\n with deliveries starting a couple of months after that. Prices start at \n\u00a382,000\n for the \nRoad version\n and \n\u00a3115,200\n for the \nRace version\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Kia Corporation is incredibly proud of its first dedicated fully electric (EV) model, \nthe Kia EV6\n, with the top-of-the-range GT variant delivering \n585 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n of torque through its dual-motor setup.\nTo highlight how fast this performance is, Kia has decided to pit their new precious EV with five other sportscars with pure petrol-burning twin-turbocharged and high-revving engines.\nThe contenders for this drag race are the \nLamborghini Urus\n, \nMercedes-AMG GT\n, \nMcLaren 570S\n coupe, Porsche 911 Targa 4 and \nFerrari California T\n. Based on a quick data collection, all these cars are capable of launching from standstill to 100 km/h in under four seconds (bar the Porsche), with a larger variation as they reach 200 km/h (between 9.5 to 15 seconds).\n \nThe top speed of the Kia EV6 GT is 260 km/h and it is priced from GBP58,295 in the UK.\nCuriously, Kia did not include the staple name of performance EVs- \nTesla\n models, in this drag race. Furthermore, the contenders in this comparison are what is termed as \u2018legacy\u2019 models, or older cars such as the Porsche \n911 Targa\n 4 (991-generation) that dates to 2016. Apart from the Lamborghini Urus, all sportscars in this race already have successors that are more powerful and faster.\nWatch the video to find out who completes the 400 metre dash first. It is surprisingly competitive!\nVideo: Youtube/\nCarscoops"
"It was only a matter of time before it happened. The usual suspect, \nX-Tomi Design\n, had taken the liberty to render images of what the ST and RS versions of the newly-launched Ford Focus could look like \u2013 evidently, hostile.\nWhile the impending original designs may differ, it\u2019s fun to exercise a little imagination sometimes and ponder on the possibilities on what could be. If anything, Ford can pretty much copy and paste these drawings for production (the RS in particular) cause it looks so good.\nThe new Ford Focus comes with four different engine options with a range of output \u2013 the most coming from a 2.0-litre\u00a0EcoBlue turbodiesel that makes\u00a0\n148 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n370 Nm\nof torque. Transmission wise, there\u2019s either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, with the latter being a first for the Focus.\nThe EcoBoost petrol engines feature Ford\u2019s cylinder deactivation system that automatically shuts off one of the engine\u2019s cylinders while coasting. On-demand propulsion, the cylinder can be reactivated within\u00a0\n14 milliseconds\n\u00a0\u2013 20 times faster than a blink of an eye \u2013 to resume performance.\nSource: \nX-Tomi Design"
"You\u2019ve seen the \nnext generation Renault Captur\n making its debut at the recent Frankfurt motor show, what that means is that the current Captur is in its last leg of service and there are good deals to be struck, such as this limited edition Captur Trophy.\nPriced no differently\n compared to the \nstandard variant Captur at RM107,980\n, the Trophy does come with a few USPs which are quite persuasive, namely its \nVibrant Orange body colour\n and the added convenience of a foot\n-sensing hands-free powered tailgate\n, the jury is however still out on those \nchequered flag decals\n on the sides.\nThe new Captur Trophy is also offered on \nRenault Subscription at RM1,499 per month\n for a \ntwo-year subscription\n contract and \nRM1,699 per month for the one-year plan\n, inclusive of road tax, insurance and regular maintenance fee. Additionally, those who opt for the Switch Prime Plan will also get access to drive other Renault models such as the Koleos and Megane R.S.\nThe Limited Edition Captur Trophy is powered by a Euro 6-compliant turbocharged \n120hp and 205Nm 1.2-litre TCe 120 four-cylinder engine\n with start-stop function mated a six-speed dual-clutch auto.\nThe Captur Trophy will respond to a \u2018kick\u2019 under its tailgate too!\nIts comprehensive equipment list mirrors that of the regular Captur, so \nkeyless entry with \u2018walkaway\u2019 auto locking\n, 7\n-inch infotainment display (reverse camera included)\n and an \ninterior lined with combi-leather\n come standard. \nFive-year unlimited mileage warranty\n and \nfree vehicle maintenance\n over five years or 100,000 km are also included with every purchase of the Captur."
"Believe it or not, it has been five years since the \nW176 A-Class\n\u00a0was introduced. The pictures you see here are of the A-Class Sedan concept, but the striking visuals sure point the way ahead for how the future A-Class will look like.\nMuch of what we see here are all but the real thing. Items such as the funky UV headlamps, 20-inch wheels and flushed doors will undoubtedly be omitted\u00a0in the production stage, so let\u2019s shift our focus to the design.\nEvery modern Mercedes-Benz passenger car you see on sale right now is the result of one man\u2019s work \u2013 Gorden Wagener, who is the sitting Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG since 2008. You can go as far as to say that he singlehandedly helped the Stuttgart brand outsell BMW on a global level in 2016. But more importantly, he\u2019s responsible for widening the Mercedes-Benz appeal to many first-time owners with the compact car range (A-Class, CLA and GLA).\nThe A-Class Sedan you see here is an evolution of Gorden\u2019s \u201csensual purity\u201d design language, and he proudly said that \u201cthe time of creases is over\u201d. He went on to say: \u201c\nWith its perfect proportions and a sensual treatment of surfaces with reduced lines, it is the next milestone of Sensual Purity and has the potential to introduce a new design era.\u201d\nAll told, Mercedes-Benz seems confident that the expansion of their compact cars range will continue the success they\u2019ve achieved in recent years. After all, they did sell over 2 million compact cars since 2012.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Are you a trackday fanatic? Prepare your wallets (and liver), because what is arguably the best track day weapon, the \nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS\n, is now here in Malaysia.\nShown off today at the launch of the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, the GT4 RS is the first ever 718 Cayman model to get the RS treatment, and is said to be designed as a completely uncompromising driver\u2019s car, thanks to an uprated engine, better aerodynamics, reduced weight, and reworked chassis tuning.\nThe 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS has been reworked to now make a massive \n500 hp \nand \n450 Nm\n, with the engine screaming all the way up to 9,000 rpm. For context, the horsepower output is just a mere 10 hp lesser than that of the \n911 GT3\n.\nIn order to feed the engine with enough air, Porsche also had to add extra intake ducts behind the side windows, while the exhaust gases escape from the new twin titanium tailpipe exits, with a design that mimics that of the\n Porsche 935\n.\nJust like the majority of Porsche RS models these days, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is also only available exclusively with a PDK gearbox. Thanks to a retuned gear ratio, along with the more powerful engine, the GT4 RS now accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds \u2013 0.5 seconds faster than the \nregular GT4\n.\nWe all like to row our own gears, but the fact of the matter is that a dual-clutch automatic is just plain faster. And on a track weapon where every millisecond counts, a PDK gearbox just makes the most sense.\nRELATED: \nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 at Sepang \u2013 A Sensory Overload!\nTo complement the increased performance, Porsche has also given the 718 Cayman GT4 RS an extensive aerodynamic package, consisting of new front fender vents, adjustable front diffuser, a new front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades, and over at the back, a larger underbody diffuser, and \u2013 of course \u2013 the massive swan neck rear wing.\nAltogether, the new aerodynamic appendages give the GT4 RS in the track-only \u2018Performance Mode\u2019 up to 25% extra in downforce levels compared to the regular GT4.\nThe rear wing, alongside the front bonnet and fender are also made out of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), which together with the thinner carpets, reduced insulation material, and simpler door panels, help save a total of 35 kg in weight.\nFinal weight tally for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS stands at just 1,415 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of an incredible 353 hp/tonne.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS unleashed at Silverstone Circuit\nAll of that, together with the reworked chassis consisting of modified spring rates, anti-roll bars, as well as a set of adjustable \u201ccircuit-ready\u201d shock absorbers (which lowers the ride height by 30 mm), means that the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is able to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in just 7:04.511, some 23.6 seconds faster than the regular GT4 variant.\nTo be able to enjoy all that, you\u2019ll have to be prepared to fork out at least \nRM1,550,000\n, or about half a million more than the regular GT4 here in Malaysia. A small price to pay for salvation, eh?\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Motors\n has just clocked another milestone by launching three \nBYD\n 3S centres in Klang Valley. Located in Ara Damansara, Glenmarie, and Cheras respectively, the company aims to provide good accessibility, convenience, and sales and aftersales services for BYD customers in the Klang Valley area.\nDeveloped by Sime Darby Motor\u2019s subsidiary, \nSime Darby Beyond Auto\n, the BYD 3S centre in Ara Damansara sits on an approximately 19,375 sq. ft built-up area and is equipped with the latest facilities and retail concepts that comply with BYD\u2019s brand identity. The company has also invested an approximate total of RM11 million into the new 3S centre.\nFacilities available at the centre include a total of four service working bays with the capacity to service up to 270 units of vehicles per month. There are also 48 employees supporting the facility.\nRELATED: \nBYD overtakes Volkswagen as No. 1 brand in China \u2013 440k cars sold in Q1 2023\nThe new 3S centre in Glenmarie, on the other hand, is managed by BYD Sisma Auto. Measuring approximately 21,527 sq. ft, the centre has the capacity to display up to nine vehicles and is equipped with 10 service work bays.\nMeanwhile, the 3S centre in Cheras has been set up by Millenium Autobeyond with an approximately 21,323 sq. ft built-up area. It has the capacity to display up to four cars and is equipped with five service work bays.\nSime Darby Berhad Group CEO, Dato\u2019 Jeffri Salim Davidson said, \u201cAs one of the key players in the automotive industry, the opening of three BYD 3S centres is a testament to our commitment towards spurring more electric vehicle (EV) adoption amongst Malaysians as we strive to provide world-class sales and aftersales services to our BYD customers.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cWe are pleased to have established strong partnership with our dealer partners \u2013 Sisma Auto and Millenium Autobeyond \u2013 and we look forward to offering Malaysians innovative and sustainable BYD vehicles and solutions that meet their mobility needs and contribute to a greener future.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 BYD Atto 3, the best value for money EV?"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) have just announced the availability of the refreshed Hyundai Tucson al all Hyundai showrooms nationwide. There will only be two variants of the facelifted Tucson available \u2013 2.0L Elegance and 1.6L Turbo, with HSDM dropping the \n2.0L CRDi\n from the variant line up.\nPriced at RM123,888 for the 2.0L Elegance and RM143,888 for the 1.6L Turbo variant, the third-generation Tucson is now more affordable compared to when it was first introduced to the market. Besides a styling exercise, the refreshed Tucson also gains a host of new technologies inside. Unfortunately, our local variant does not get the Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assist systems that \ndebut on the facelift model\n.\nName\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance\nHyundai Tucson 1.6L Turbo\nEngine\n1,999cc; 4-cylinder Nu MPI\n1,591cc; 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n7-speed dual-clutch\nMax Power\n155 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n177 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n265 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM123,888\nRM143,888\n\u00a0\nUpfront, the updated gets a new Cascading Grille design \u2013 Metallic Silver finish for the Elegance, Chrome for the Turbo \u2013 complete with reshaped bumpers. The Elegance wears halogen projector headlamps with positioning lamp and halogen taillamps while the more expensive Turbo variant gains full LED headlamps and taillamps as well as chrome door handles with pocket lighting. Both variants sit on the same 17-inch alloy wheel design.\nInside, the cabin gets a fresher design with restyled air-conditioning vents, new instrument cluster and leather seat design as well as a 7.0-inch floating display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Unique to the Turbo variant are the electronic parking brake, electrochromic mirror, eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat, 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display, Smart tailgate and leather trims on the dashboard.\nBoth the Elegance and Turbo variants soldiers on with the \n2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated Nu MPI engine\n and \n1.6-litre TGDi turbocharged\n petrol engines making \n155 hp\n/\n192 Nm\n and \n177 hp\n/\n265 Nm\n, respectively. The latter paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission while the former retains its six-speed auto box to drive the front wheels.\nAs standard, the Tucson 2.0L Elegance gets dual airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control, Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Management. The top of the line Turbo model ups the airbag count to six and adds front and rear parking distance warning.\nEvery purchase of the facelifted Hyundai Tucson comes with a 5-Years or 300,000 km warranty and a 3-Years or 50,000 km Free Scheduled Service.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Tucson Facelift 1.6L Turbo   Hyundai Tucson Facelift 2.0L Elegance"
"As the saying goes, \nimitation is the sincerest\u00a0form of flattery\n. There\u2019s a reason why we see tonnes of tiny sized wheels with the Vossen logo fitted onto everyday cars. Well, that will soon change because Vossen Wheels has officially arrived in Malaysia and the first thing they vowed to do was slap replica manufacturers with lawsuits.\nAlthough imitations have come a long way to look and sometimes \nfeel\n like an authentic product, nothing can trump the amount of R&D that manufacturers put in to ensure quality of the highest standards. Good news for enthusiasts and purists, Vossen has appointed Authentic Wheels Centre (AWC) located in Bandar Sunway as their sole distributor for the Malaysian Market.\nQUICK FACTS\nWheel\nPrice per set of four (Inclusive of GST and installation)\n19\u201d Monoblock & Flow Formed Series\nRM11,000\n20\u201d Monoblock & Flow Formed Series\nRM12,000\n21\u201d Monoblock & Flow Formed Series\nRM13,000\n22\u201d Monoblock & Flow Formed Series\nRM14,000\nVossen Forged (Custom made)\nStarts from RM35,500\nAccording to Ivan, the director of AWC, they have been distributing authentic Vossen wheels in Malaysia for the past few years under Hup Shun Tires. They delivered promising results over the years, prompting the manufacturer to endorse them as an official sole distributor. This is a stamp of confidence on the quality of service AWC provides.\nHere\u2019s a little background on Vossen: they are an aftermarket wheel specialist based in Miami, Florida dedicated to provide consumers a trendy alternative to their rims. As you can see from their products, it really does show.\nUnlike those tiny 14- or 15-inch fakes, Vossen only produces wheels that are aesthetically prominent. As such, authentic Vossens only come in sizes measuring 19-inches and above. Needless to say, the quality of the finish is significantly better over the knock offs.\nVossen Wheels are manufactured to exceed or at least be on-par with OEM wheels. To achieve this, every wheel adheres to TUV and SAE International standards. TUV, short for Technischer \u00dcberwachungsverein is an independent German organisation that validates the safety of products. Meanwhile, SAE International is the Society of Automotive Engineers International based in U.S. that sets global engineering standards for automotive and aerospace industries. With these two internationally recognised qualifications, rest assured that you only get nothing but the best from Vossen.\nTo curb the rampant intellectual property theft, Vossen Wheels and AWC have registered a trademark for Vossen in Malaysia. This is a huge step forward not only in protecting the Vossen brand but also to safeguard consumers from inferior products. No matter how similar the replicas are made to look like the real deal, the engineering and structural properties can never come close to authentic Vossens that follow strict international standards.\nThe next steps, according to President of Vossen Wheels, Jav Azadi, is to take legal actions against distributors and manufacturers of Vossen replicas. They will be working closely with AWC and lawyers to chase these fakes away from the market.\nAs the only authorised dealer in Malaysia, AWC carries the full range of Vossen wheels. Their services include professional consultation, fitment, custom orders and warranty claims. AWC can also arrange for custom made wheels should you prefer your Vossen to be finished in bright pink. Of course, you would have to fork out slightly more for personalisation.\nPrices for the standard wheels start from around RM11,000 for 19-inch and goes well beyond RM30,000, depending on the specifications of your desired wheel. Photos don\u2019t do these wheels any justice. You really need to pop by AWC\u2019s showroom to take it all in.\nAlthough pricing for these wheels are on the steeper end for most, purchasing from an authorised dealer such as AWC will guarantee quality finish, perfect fitment and sturdy structure. Oh, did I also mention that all Vossen wheels comes with a 5-Year manufacturer warranty against manufacturing defects?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you own a \nVolvo\n that is equipped with the Android Automotive head unit, you can now install the Waze navigation application through the Google Play Store. Yes, you are no longer limited to just Google Maps on the fully Google-integrated system of Volvo cars.\nFor those unfamiliar with the matter, new Volvo vehicles are equipped with a fully integrated Google system. Hence, the head unit of Volvo cars would have its own Google Play Store, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. It is a different system than your mobile phone, hence Waze was previously unavailable on the Android Automotive\u2019s version of the Google Play Store.\nThe benefit of Volvo\u2019s Google integrated system is that it does not require you to connect your phone via Android Auto to get Google Maps or now Waze running on the screen. Volvo says that with Waze now being available on the head unit, it \u201cutilises more of the centre screen in the Volvo user interface you\u2019re most familiar with, making navigation more comfortable with a bigger and bolder eye-level display area.\u201d\nVolvo Global Head of New Car Programmes & Operation Strategy, Erik Severinson said, \u201cWe\u2019re continuing to expand our in-car app offer to bring more options and benefits to our customers, allowing them to personalise their car. We\u2019re committed to continuously improving the experience in Volvo cars through our in-house software development and ongoing collaborations with tech companies such as Google and Waze.\u201d\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge \u2013 Google\u2019s Android Automotive OS will make you forget about everything else\nTo develop the Waze application for the Android Automotive system, an Android emulator was offered on the Volvo Cars Developer Portal. With that, the team at Waze could develop and test the in-car app virtually, alongside the in-car infotainment system. This dual testing allowed the team to deliver a high-quality user experience before launching in customer cars today.\nWaze Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Aron Di Castro said, \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Volvo Cars as their car owners around the world can now access the best of Waze real-time navigation, routing and traffic alerts through the car\u2019s infotainment system. Having Waze\u2019s real-time navigation, routing, and alerts seamlessly displayed in the car, without needing to connect your phone to the car, makes for a simplified and seamless driving experience.\u201d\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge \u2013 Is the fixed sunroof suitable for Malaysian weather?"
"The\n Perodua Axia E 2023\n model update was just \nlaunched last week\n. Retailing at just \nRM22,000\n, this makes it once again the most affordable car in Malaysia. However, the topic that triggered the most conversations has been the car\u2019s lack of safety features such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). Ex-transport minister Dato Seri Wee Ka Siong also posted on his Facebook page, questioning the matter, as ABS and ESC are supposed to be minimum safety features required for new cars in Malaysia.\nDespite this, the 2023 Perodua Axia E was rated with a 4-star ASEAN ANCAP rating by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS). In response to New Straits Times regarding the matter, MIROS explained that the 2023 Perodua Axia E is not a new model, but is essentially based on the first generation Perodua Axia launched back in 2014.\nTherefore, the 2023 Perodua Axia E was tested using the old protocol, which did not mandatorily require cars to be equipped with safety features such as ABS and ESC. MIROS also stated that features like ABS and ESC were only made compulsory for new models starting from July 1, 2018, which doesn\u2019t apply to the first gen-based 2023 Perodua Axia E.\nUnlike the base-spec Axia, the DNGA-based second generation Axia that was \nlaunched earlier this year\n was tested using the latest ASEAN ANCAP protocol. The protocol not only requires ABS and ESC, but also advanced driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring (BSM), and lane keep assist (LKA) in order to score 4-star ratings or beyond.\nRELATED: \nPerodua Axia E manual updated for 2023 with RM2K reduction, still no ABS, EBD, ESC \u2013 RM22,000\nPerodua has also made a statement in response to the matter, stating that the 2023 Perodua Axia E is based on the 2017 facelift of the Perodua Axia E. The company has also mentioned the new base-spec Axia\u2019s 4-star ASEAN ANCAP rating during the launch of the vehicle.\nIn the meantime, MIROS is working together with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to make it mandatory for carmakers to make Safety Labels for passenger cars displayed in showrooms, as well as any promoting premises, which includes shopping malls. These safety labels consist of a list of safety features that come with the displayed cars, in order to make them clear to the consumers, and to avoid consumers from being misled.\nRELATED: \nMIROS to assess Perodua Axia safety, no complaints received so far"
"In light of the Ministry of Transport\u2019s policy mandating the use of child restraint system (CRS) starting from 2020, Malaysia Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has published the \nBuku Garis Panduan Kerusi Keselamatan Kanak-Kanak Di Malaysia\n (Guidebook on child restraint systems in Malaysia) at the Vehicle Safety Week 2019.\u00a0\nOfficially launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the guidebook outlines the objectives and strategies for the certification compliance, sales in both business premises and online, as well as the enforcement of laws surrounding CRS that will come into effect on 1st January 2020.\nVehicle Safety Week, jointly organised by MIROS and New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP), aims to impart knowledge and increase awareness of the importance of road safety to the general public.\u00a0\nHighlighting this year\u2019s Vehicle Safety Week were the two crash tests conducted at the Road Transport Academy in Melaka, with the second being the first car seat crash test \nopen for viewing by the public.\n\u00a0\nThe first crash test involved a BMW 318i traveling at 64 km/h in a frontal partial impact, while the second test saw a static 3 Series being hit by a solid cart traveling at 50 km/h towards its side.\u00a0\nThe crash tests were conducted with Maxi-Cosi car seats, which are in compliance with the European Safety Standard \nECE R44\n \u2013 the standard that will be adopted by the Malaysian Government along with \nUN R129\n. In both cases, the car seats remained mounted in its original position after the test, holding the crash dummy in place and unharmed.\u00a0\n \nThe Vehicle Safety Week also featured speeches from MIROS safety officers, medical practitioners, and child passenger safety technicians on the statistics of accidents involving children, child post-impact injury in vehicle accidents, and the importance of a proper child restraint system."
"MINI UK has added the latest special edition to its line-up in celebration of one of the most well-known sporty classic Minis of all time, the 1275 GT.\nCommemorating the entertaining drive, distinctive styling and low running costs (although we\u2019re not sure how the new one replicates this) of the 1969 original, the new 1499 GT is a salutation to one of the most affordable performance cars of its day.\nThe all-new MINI 1499 GT comes with 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Twin Power Turbo engine producing\n 102 hp\n with a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n10.1 seconds\n.\u00a0Power is delivered via a 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching technology and is contained by sports independent rear suspension.\nThe 1499 GT comes in Pepper White and Midnight Black where only 1,499 units will be built between November 2017 and February 2018 in a limited production run.   On the outside the 1499 GT comes with the \nMINI John Cooper Works\n Sports Pack which includes 17-inch Track Spoke alloy wheels in Black. Its appearance is further enhanced with\u00a0 \ndistinctive John Cooper Works\n front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a split level spoiler and John Cooper Works door entry plates.\nInside, a pair of sumptuous John Cooper Work Sports seats in Dinamica and leather\u00a0\u00a0occupies the front section together with a JCW steering wheel in perforated leather with Chilli Red stitching.\nThe interior is also draped in Piano Black and Carbon Black trims and an Anthracite headlining. Entertainment is provided by a Visual Boost radio with MINI Connected smartphone compatibility.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Fans of the Civic hatchback will be delighted, because after \nseveral teasers\n, Honda has finally pulled the wraps off the tenth-generation Honda Civic hatchback, albeit being just a prototype.\u00a0As these images suggest, this could in fact be the most radical Civic hatchback since the days of the bullet-shaped fifth generation Civic (EG) emerged some two decades\u00a0ago.\nThe new model is also 30mm wider, 20mm lower and 130mm longer than the outgoing Civic hatchback, which, just like the ninth-generation sedan model, didn\u2019t quite get the love it deserved.   Despite being just a prototype, the final production model should retain most of its aesthetics. That includes the wheels (although it may be a size or two smaller), suggesting at a much sportier Civic hatchback. It\u2019s more practical too, because the longer wheelbase will actually give you better interior space.\nThe headlights are LED powered and come with integrated LED DRLs, although the green ring surrounding the fog lamps will not make to production.\nThe rear gets a pair of standout C-shaped LED tail lamps, and between them is a small spoiler. Two key issues have been rectified from the previous generation model \u2013 rear visibility and high stance when viewed from the rear.\nIn line with the industry\u2019s path for downsized engines, the new Civic hatchback will debut with two all-new engines: a\u00a0\n127 hp\n\u00a0\n1.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine\n and a\n\u00a01.5-litre VTEC \nturbo engine.\u00a0The oil burner variant is also offered with a revised\u00a0\n1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel\n.\n\u00a0\nThe new Civics will be built in Honda\u2019s UK plant in Swindon with sales expected to commence in April 2017.\nBack at home, the last time we saw a Civic hatchback offered via official channel is the sixth-generation (EJ/EK) model from 20 years ago. Sadly, the sedan proved to be far more popular here, hence the removal of the hatchback. So, what do you think of this Civic hatchback?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As reported previously, \n2017\n will be a great year to catch the World Rally Championship (WRC). New regulations welcomed new manufacturers, including returnee Toyota after a long hiatus. The Japanese giant will unleash the Toyota Yaris WRC car, which could potentially spawn a production hot hatch model.\nFirst, let\u2019s learn about Toyota\u2019s latest rally car. Four-time WRC champion Tommi Makinen will lead the team, and the cars are built by\u00a0\nToyota\u2019s Gazoo Racing\n.\u00a0Interestingly, besides\u00a0Panasonic and\u00a0tech firm DMG Mori, Toyota looped in Microsoft as well. The tech giant is said to allow both companies to collaborate on data analysis, team communication and social media sharing.\nThis Yaris WRC \u00a0is powered by a \n1.6-litre turbocharged mill\n that liberates at least \n380 hp\n\u00a0with power being delivered to all wheels. The Yaris WRC is scheduled to make its first rally assault in Monte Carlo by January 2017. Up to this point, no driver lineup has been announced in the two-car assault.\nA recent report from \nAutoExpress UK\n revealed that Toyota\u2019s European President & CEO,\u00a0Johan van Zyl, has hinted the possibility of introducing a hot hatch based on the Yaris WRC car. Think of the hot Yaris as a GTI variant, much like the Peugeot 208 GTI to the 208 supermini lineup.\nAlso, the hot Yaris will be developed by Toyota\u2019s Gazoo Racing arm instead of\u00a0the\u00a0more familiar Toyota Racing Development (TRD) division.\u00a0The current third-generation Yaris has been around since 2011 and it\u2019s due for replacement. Judging by the pace of things, the hot Yaris should be launched earliest by 2018.\nThis brings us to the good old motorsports mantra of \u201c\nWin by Sunday, sale by Monday\n\u201c. Instead of selling a \n\u201cRally Special\u201d with only decals all-around\n, perhaps buyers would welcome something that\u2019s close to the real deal, minus the roll cage and rally tyres of course. Fancy yourself a 200 hp Toyota Yaris?"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has updated the XC90 for 2023 which will be available in two variants. The B5 Ultimate starts from RM416,888 while the Recharge T8 Ultimate you see here starts from RM432,888. The B5 and T8 variants now cost RM4,000 more than before. Included is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty while the T8 gets an additional eight-year/160,000 km warranty for its batteries.\nFrom now until the 31st of March 2023, customers who place a booking for the Volvo XC90 (both the B5 mild-hybrid or the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid variants) will also receive a\u00a0\ncomplimentary five-year service package (VSA5+)\n. The VSA5+ package provides comprehensive coverage for all of the car\u2019s scheduled servicing needs within its first five years. This also includes wear and tear items that may need to be replaced.\nAt the heart of the Recharge T8 Ultimate PHEV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor to drive all four wheels. While the engine drives the front wheels, the electric motor drives the rear wheels. Together both the engine and electric motor produce a staggering \n462 hp\n and \n709 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia launches new \u2018Shop Online\u2019 e-commerce platform\nThe Recharge T8 is fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a 0-100 km/h time is 5.3 seconds and a top speed of only \n180 km/h\n. Upgraded from before is the 18.8 kWh battery, up from 11.6 kWh, for a pure electric range of up to 77 km. With 3.7 kW AC charging, it takes up to five hours to fully charge the SUV.\nOn the outside, updates for the 2023 XC90 T8 see new 20-inch five-spoke diamond cut wheels fitted onto the Recharge T8 Ultimate while on the inside, there are three trim and upholstery options \u2013 black Nappa leather with Grey Ash trims, Maroon Brown leather with linear lime trims, or Maroon Brown Nappa leather with Black Ash trims.\nAlso updated is the XC90\u2019s infotainment system; which is now powered by the Android Automotive OS just like the \nfully-electric Volvo C40\n. Features like Google Maps and YouTube can now be accessed directly from the nine-inch touchscreen, although it will only be available for four years. Beyond that, a subscription is required. The infotainment system is linked to a 1,400-watt, 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sounds system.\u00a0\nRELATED: \nWatch our full review of the fully-electric Volvo C40 here!\nOther items include a head-up display, wireless charging pad, panoramic sunroof, four-zone air conditioning system, reclinable second-row seats, rear air-con vents with fan speed and temperature adjustments, powered front seats with memory function and air suspension. The air suspension comes with manual adjustments in the boot, to lower the car for easy loading.\nAs for driver assistance systems, the 2023 XC90 T8 features autonomous emergency braking with steering support, lane keeping, oncoming lane mitigation, blind spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic with brake assist, adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist.\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia aims for 75% EV sales by 2025, EX90 to launch next\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n has opened its newest 3S centre by Elmina Motors Sdn. Bhd in Shah Alam \u2013 bringing the total of 3S centres in the Central Region to 28.\nThe Honda 3S centre in Shah Alam is home to 14 service bays, four general repair bays and two tyre service bays. The facility also comes with an air conditioning service bay and a separate bay to accommodate electrical work.\nOverall, the 3S centre can attend up to 30 cars per day while customers can kick back at the lounge area, with complimentary WiFi. Refreshments and snacks are available along with a Kid\u2019s Corner for the young to roam free. Other facilities include a Surau, a car wash area, road tax renewal and insurance coverage renewal services.\nThe Honda\u2019s new 3S centre is located at Lot 72292, Jalan Pekan Subang, Kampung Baru Subang, Seksyen U6, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. It can be accessible via the Guthrie Corridor Expressway, New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), North-South Expressway (NSE) and the upcoming Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH).\nWith the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, Elmina Motors welcomes donations of basic necessities to be distributed to affected families as part of the Honda Dealer Donation Drive campaign.\nLast month, Honda Malaysia also announced that with every BR-V sold, a portion of the proceeds will go into Covid-19 relief programmes as part of the \n\u201cBe Kind with BR-V\u201d\n campaign."
"Subaru Japan has announced that the WRX S4 STI Sport will be launched later this month, priced at\u00a04,093,200 Yen (approx. RM152k).\nEffectively saving all the Japanese fathers from having to reluctantly leave the tuner scene for more comfortable SUVs, the S4 STI Sport adopts Bilstein\u2019s DampMatic II suspension in the front, including rear dampers and coil springs tuned by STI. It sits on 18-inch wheels with twin-pot calipers in the front.\nAs a result, Subaru claims that it\u2019s capable of combining supple ride, with comfort, agile handling and high speed stability.\nUnderneath the hood is a 2.0-litre boxer engine with Direct Injection Turbo, making \n300 hp\n and a whopping\n 400 Nm\n of torque \u2013 more than enough power to make those kids giggle in the backseat throughout the entire journey to school. As it is a Subaru, power is channeled to all four corners of the car, supported by Active Torque Vectoring.\nInside, there\u2019s a leather wrapped steering wheel with an STI logo and paddle shifters, replacing the more flamboyant alcantara from the younger days, a multi-information display with an STI logo, and more noticeably, black and red\u00a0RECARO front seats wrapped with a combination of leather and suede.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Our friends in Europe will be getting another engine choice for their Honda Civic FC, this time a 1.6-litre turbodiesel. The turbodiesel is a comprehensively revised unit that promises outstanding efficiency without compromising on driving performance.\nThe new 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel makes\n 120 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and whopping \n300 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 rpm. Although the century sprint time of\n 10.4 seconds\n is identical to the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC we have here, the turbodiesel triumphs in fuel economy. Honda claims the new engine can return \n3.7 litres per 100 km\n.\nTo achieve this remarkable efficiency, Honda has made significant improvements to the exhaust system and reduced the friction in the cylinders. Additional \ncast ribs\n have also been added to the cylinder block to keep the diesel mills vibration at bay.\nBesides the new turbodiesel, Honda Europe will be introducing a new \nnine-speed automatic\n transmission for the Civic come mid-2018. This will be the first ever application of a nine-speed automatic transmission in a two-wheel drive car.\nCloser to home, our local-spec Civic is powered by a \n1.8-litre i-VTEC\n and a \n1.5-litre i-VTEC Turbo\n. While performance figures match the 1.6-litre i-DTEC, a petrol engine simply can\u2019t outdo a diesel when it comes to efficiency.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the sole distributor for Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has updated the price list for the \nFord Ranger pick-up truck\n. The new price list sees an increase between RM1.5k to RM2k, depending on the variant.\nThe updated price list follows the company\u2019s announcement earlier this week, where it introduced a \nnew 5-year/160,000 km warranty\n for the Ford Ranger line-up. The new price list for the Ford Ranger in Peninsular Malaysia are as follows:\nRanger 2.0L Raptor\n \u2013\u00a0\nRM210,888\n (+RM2,000)\nRanger 2.0L WildTrak 4\u00d74 \u2013\u00a0\nRM152,388\n (+RM2,000)\nRanger 2.0L XLT+\n \u2013\u00a0\nRM131,888\n (+RM2,000)\nRanger 2.2L XLT Automatic \u2013\u00a0\nRM118,388\n\u00a0(+RM1,500)\nRanger 2.2L XLT Manual \u2013\u00a0\nRM111,388\n\u00a0(+RM1,500)\nRanger 2.2L XL Double Cab Automatic \u2013\u00a0\nRM105,388\n\u00a0(+RM2,000)\nRanger 2.2L XL Double Cab Manual \u2013\u00a0\nRM97,388\n\u00a0(+RM1,500)\nRanger 2.2L XL Single Cab Manual \u2013\u00a0\nRM92,388\n\u00a0(+RM1,500)\nAll figures above are on-the-road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of all relevant sales tax. Pick-up trucks are not eligible for the \nsales tax relief under the government\u2019s PENJANA initiatives\n, as they are classified as commercial vehicles.\n \nWhich pick-up truck is the best? Check out our big shoot-out \nhere\n!\nLooking at SDAC-Ford\u2019s website, it also appears that the Ford Everest SUV, \nlast updated in Malaysia back in 2018\n, is now only offered in a single Titanium variant, priced at \nRM268,888\n (+RM10,000 from launch price). Also removed from the website is the \nFord Ranger FX4\n variant, signalling the end of the model\u2019s production run."
"These are the trickiest times to buy a car. On one hand, general car prices (old and new) are lower than usual but on the other, there is genuine uncertainty on whether your job would still be tomorrow, regardless of the occupation.\nIf however, there is a certainty that your savings can outlast the ongoing global pandemic, it\u2019s like a year-end sale at a mall in the used car market \u2013 a paradise for bargain hunters. Choices are aplenty, prices are competitive, and you\u2019ve got loads of bargaining power.\nThis 2015 Renault Fluence \nwe found on Mudah.my\n is one such example. The 5-year old car has clocked around 150,000 km according to the seller, who has produced service records and receipts in the advertisement. And they\u2019re only asking for RM24,800!\nIf there isn\u2019t anything fishy going on there, that\u2019s a real bargain, isn\u2019t it?!\nFor more information on the specifications and features of the Renault Fluence, click here!\nYou get so much car for the money! This is a car that was priced at over RM110k when it was first introduced in Malaysia back in 2014. At one point, TC Euro Cars even slashed prices to as low as RM80k for 2016 models.\nEven when you consider that this Fluence we spotted is only asking for a 1/4 of the original price, in just 5 years. What also makes it attractive is that because the Fluence is only five years old, you could easily secure a longer loan for it \u2013 ideal for those who prefer not to be suffocated by monthly repayments.\nWhat you\u2019re essentially buying is a G11 Nissan Sylphy underneath, but a bit more powerful. While the Sylphy had 131 hp and 191 Nm from a 2.0-litre engine paired to Nissan X-Tronic CVT gearbox, the Fluence made 143 hp and 195 Nm.\nBest part is, we\u2019ve tested this before and firmly remember\n three things that stood out\n. For starters, it had a \nwalkaway auto-lock feature\n, at a time when even some Mercedes-Benz didn\u2019t have.\nIts simple yet somehow elegant exterior design also made it very \npleasing to the eye\n. It isn\u2019t shouty but subtly stands out by being different, in a sea of Hondas and Toyotas.\nThe most memorable bit had to be the \nspace\n. Whether in the boot or in the cabin, the Fluence has plenty of it. This was mainly because the Fluence was built on a proper C-segment platform, unlike the Sylphy which was a stretched B-segment car. The Fluence was not just a Renault body with old Sylphy parts.\nSo for those looking to start a family but with a tight budget for a bigger car, the Fluence is should be considered, at the very least.\nFor the same reason, it also comes with rear ISOFIX seats, and six airbags. It\u2019s also got cruise control for the long trips, reverse camera, Bluetooth connectivity through a touchscreen and auto headlamps and wipers. In some variants, it even comes with leather seats.\nThere are very very few cars (if any) you can buy at this price that will give you so much. For what it offers in terms of space, features, looks, the \u201cConti\u201d feel, it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll find another alternative at this price.\n*Do note that every remark of the Fluence is based on the Mudah.my advertisement and our brief time with the car. As with buying any used car, it\u2019s wise to research the cost of maintenance such as service costs, prices of wear and tear parts, and so on before jumping into it.\nSource: \nMudah.my"
"Mercedes-AMG has revealed their latest gem in the form of the E53 4MATIC+ Coupe with a completely reworked front end that gives the previously elegant look (pre facelift) an angrier first impression and we\u2019ve not stopped gawking at it since.\nThere\u2019s 435 hp and 520 Nm at your disposal courtesy of a 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine, couple with an EQ Boost starter-alternator that adds an additional 22 hp and 250 Nm. The starter-alternator also feeds the 48V on-board electrical system. As its name suggest, the E53 is all-wheel drive; under the command of a 9G Speedshift automatic transmission.\nOpting for the AMG Driver\u2019s Package will allow the E53 to stretch its top speed to 270 km/h, which would otherwise be limited to 250 km/h. 19-inch light alloy wheels are standard with an optional 20-inch set and if you opt for the Carbon Package, Mercedes-AMG will throw in mirror caps and a boot lid made of carbon fibre. Underneath them, are 4-pot calipers in the front and single pot calipers at the rear.\nWhile the interior is a largely familiar setting, the new E53 features a new AMG Performance steering wheel with sensors that recognise if the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time.\nIf the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade is started, which finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.\nAside from the air suspension, the E53 AMG is also offered with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package previously reserved for the V8 models only. This includes red-painted calipers with AMG lettering, a RACE drive program and more importantly, a Drift Mode.\nGALLERY"
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has unveiled a new special edition for the Vantage, called the Dark Knight. Before anyone asks \u2013 no, it has nothing to do with Batman, but we think that it honestly could very well be Bruce Wayne\u2019s next sports car used to attend swanky black tie events. Don\u2019t you think that the understated look of the Aston Martin fits his understated image a little better than the shouty Lamborghinis? Anyway, we digress.\nThe Dark Knight Edition is finished in a Sea Storm exterior colour, which according to Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, is now out of production. This makes the Dark Knight Edition the last Vantage in Malaysia to ever carry this exterior hue, at least officially from Gaydon \u2013 so if you\u2019re one for exclusivity, this is your last chance.\nThe Aston Martin Dark Knight Edition is also equipped with the Exterior Black Pack, which includes a matte black front grille, window surrounds, quad tail pipes, and perforated side gills on the front fenders. The mirror caps, roof, and rear diffuser \u2013 both inserts and blades \u2013 are painted in gloss black, while the the tail lights have also been given a smoked effect, further adding to the stealthy understated effect.\nThe most unique feature on the exterior however, is the Aston Martin Wings logo and script, machined from carbon fibre! The option was only introduced by Aston Martin\u2019s Q customisation department earlier this year. The Aston Martin Vantage Dark Knight Edition rides on 20-inch lightweight forged wheels on all corners, painted in a Textured Dark finish.\nOn the inside, the Dark Knight Edition gets a black-on-black layered colour treatment, thanks to the Metallic Black and Dark Knight leather from Caithness, paired with an Obsidian Black Alcantara headliner. Most of the trims inlays on the interior are satin exposed twill carbon fibre weave, contrasted by shiny Dark Chrome buttons \u2013 Aston Martin calls these interior jewellery, and we can see why.\nOther than the aesthetic options, the car is pretty much the same underneath as the \u2018plain\u2019 V8 Vantage that was launched here in 2018 \u2013 the full breakdown of its specification is available \nhere\n.\nUnderneath the hood is still the Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, making \n510 hp\n and \n685 Nm\n of torque. Paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Aston Martin Vantage Dark Knight Edition completes the century sprint in a brisk \n3.6 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n314 km/h\n.\nThe Dark Knight Edition is specified with the carbon ceramic brakes option, which not only helps with resisting brake fade up to more than 800 degrees celcius, but also shaves off 24 kg off of the car\u2019s mass!\nAs the numbers suggest, it\u2019s still not a slow nor outdated car by any means. Despite being categorised as a grand tourer, the V8 Vantage is still exhilarating to drive hard, as we\u2019ve \nexperienced on the Sepang International Circuit back in 2018\n.\nBesides, the majority of buyers seeking this sort of cars are buying it for the looks or status symbol anyway, so the fancy cosmetic options definitely fits the bill. Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur also recently unveiled the \nVantage AMR Malaysia \u201cMerdeka Edition\u201d\n here in Malaysia \u2013 be sure to check that out too!\nNo pricing has been indicated for the Dark Knight Edition, but prices for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage starts at around RM1.6 million after taxes and before options (RM678k before tax and duties). For more information on the Dark Knight Edition, you may contact Aston Martin KL by \nphone\n or \nemail\n, or schedule your viewing appointment through the online form \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"The Suzuki S-Cross, after making a special appearance at a local motoring show held at the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) recently, was officially launched by\n Suzuki Malaysia Automobile\n (SMA) Sdn Bhd earlier this morning. According to SMA, the SX4 will be \nphased out\n to make way for the S-Cross.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSuzuki S-Cross\nEngine\nM16A; 1,586cc, 1.6-litre 4-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)\nMax Power\n117 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n156 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice\n\u00a0RM129,888 \n(OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nEssentially an upsized \nSuzuki SX4\n, the S-Cross has literally inched its way into the C-Segment crossover category, brawling against several popular models such as the Mazda CX-5, \nMitsubishi ASX\n and \nSubaru XV\n, just to name a few. It won\u2019t be an easy fight, seeing the S-Cross comes packed with a \n1.6-litre engine\n (its competitors have at least 2.0-litre engines) that was taken from the Swift Sport.\nEXTERIOR\nFeatures found on the outside of the car are rather interesting. It dons \nHID headlights\n with integrated LED daytime running lights, roof railings, side mirrors with built in signal indicator, front and rear parking sensors, \n17-inch wheels\n shod with 205/50 R17 series tyres and keyless entry.   So if it\u2019s an upsized SX4, what makes it a C-Segment, you ask? Well, the S-Cross measures a good \n160 mm longer\n, 10 mm taller and is 10 mm wider, allowing for a one-up, segment wise. It\u2019s overall length is now 4,300 mm long, whereas overall width is 1,765 mm and height at 1,575 mm. The S-Cross rides on MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam setup at the rear.\nINTERIOR\nA peek inside reminds us of the Swift, but it\u2019s a clear departure from the hatch in terms of quality and features. In the centre console rests a \n7-inch touchscreen head unit\n with \nGPS navigation\n system and reverse camera to boot. Other creature comforts include \npush-start ignition\n, cruise control with speed limiter and paddle shifters.   There\u2019s another key feature which Suzuki claims is a world\u2019s first \u2013 the \ndouble-sliding panoramic sunroof\n. So if you\u2019re the sun-loving kind, this could very well be the car to get. In terms of luggage space, the S-Cross is capable of storing as much as \n440 litres\n worth of stuff. The seats can be folded, and if done, makes way for nearly \n900 litres\n of storage space.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the hood of this crossover lies the familiar \nM16A 1.6-litre\n naturally aspirated engine (shared with the Suzuki Swift Sport), but is tuned to be more civilised and fuel efficient. It makes \n117 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n156 Nm\n at 4,400 rpm that is mated to a \nCVT gearbox\n with seven virtual ratios, driving the \nfront wheels\n. AWD isn\u2019t optional, we\u2019re afraid, so that\u2019s the only drive type you\u2019ll get.\nIts performance figures aren\u2019t one that you should pay attention to, but we\u2019ll lay it out regardless. The S-Cross completes the century sprint (that\u2019s the 0 to 100 km/h sprint for those who don\u2019t know) in \n11 seconds flat\n, but Suzuki claims that its \n80 to 120 km/h\n time of \n9.2 seconds\n is by far the best in the hotly contested segment. Again, these numbers shouldn\u2019t be a factor to repeal your reasons of purchase.\nWhat the S-Cross promises though, are good fuel economy figures \u2013 consuming just \n5.81 litres\n for \nevery 100 kilometers travelled\n (combined cycle). This feat is achieved thanks to its incredible lightweight, as its kerb weight tips no more than \n1,185kg\n.\nSAFETY\nThe safety kit is where the S-Cross continues to shine. Standard kit list comprise of \nseven airbags \n\u2013 two front and side airbags, two curtain airbags and driver-knee airbag, Electronic Stability Program (\nESP\n), Anti-lock Braking System (\nABS\n) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (\nEBD\n), \nBrake Assist\n and \nHill-hold Control\n. All of these features, according to Suzuki, are bolstered in their Total Effectiveness Control Technology (\nTECT\n) which provides \noptimal safety levels\n for all occupants.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe S-Cross comes with \nfour different colours\n \u2013 Crystal Lime Metallic, Amethyst Gray Pearl Metallic, Cool White Pearl and Boost Blue Pearl Metallic. It is \nfully imported\n from Hungary and is priced at \nRM129,888\n (OTR without insurance). As of now, there are no plans to locally assemble the car, but that is subject to change should the demand be positive.\nSMA is offering \nfive years\n or \n150,000km\n warranty programme (whichever comes first) as well as the Suzuki Assist package which offers 24-hour roadside assistance, lifestyle and concierge arrangements, home assist service and claims approval. The S-Cross will be available for public viewing at the \n[email\u00a0protected]\n mall\n as part of their Nationwide Roadshow.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Admittedly, everything the new RAV4 has to offer has been overshadowed by its astronomical asking price but the scenario is quite similar to when Apple releases a new iPhone.\nWe\u2019ll moan and groan its price but end up buying one anyway we know that with the new phone, it\u2019s always going to be twice as good as the old one. With the new RAV4, we can\u2019t help but think that it has the same effect against its competitors.\n \nLast week, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n invited us for a quick review around Shah Alam in the \nnew Toyota RAV4 \nfollowing the launch of the much anticipated SUV in Malaysia.\nThe Toyota RAV4 comes in two different variants \u2013 a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre \u2013 priced at RM195k and RM216k respectively. The 2.0-litre model makes\n 173 hp\n and \n207 Nm\n, paired to a CVT gearbox while the 2.5-litre pushes out\n 207 hp\n and\n 243 Nm\n, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.\nToyota only provided us with the 2.5-litre model for a quick review but right away, its sitting position was spot on. Power was sufficient in urban areas with stop-go traffic, but on the highways, it felt like the 1.6-tonne RAV4 would benefit with a little more torque from a turbocharged engine.\nWith a non-turbocharged engine, you really have to keep your right foot firmly pressed on the accelerator to get any performance from the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine.\nA couple of things stood out during the Toyota RAV4 review; its ventilated seats and how plush the interior felt. It should be mandatory that every car in the Malaysia be equipped with ventilated seats as standard; they\u2019re just the best thing since ice cold drinks.\nAnd whether you\u2019re in the front or back, it\u2019s hard to not notice during the soft touch materials at all the vital touch points. This includes the arm rest by the door panels and on the centre console, complementing the supremely comfortable seats.\nIn terms of rear leg room, there is no doubt that Honda CR-V still offers the most space, with second place closely contested between the RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. As for boot space, the Toyota RAV4 is rated at 580 litres, the CRV at 522 litres and CX-5 at 442 litres.\nAll in all, it\u2019s good to have the RAV4 officially sold in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor again after a long absence but with looks being a major deciding factor for most, we\u2019re not sure how the RAV4\u2019s design will be perceived by today\u2019s public. Like the Honda CR-V, you\u2019ll either like it or you don\u2019t; in contrast to the more unanimously accepted design of the Mazda CX-5.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has updated the prices of its 3 Series line up with prices for all variants increased (albeit marginally) except for the M340i xDrive variant.\nThe models involved are the 320i Sport, 330i M Sport, 330e M Sport, and 330Li M Sport.\n320i Sport\n \u2013 RM233,269\n330i M Sport\n \u2013 RM274,914\n330e M Sport \n\u2013 RM256,192\n330Li M Sport\n \u2013 RM280,518\nThe M340i xDrive.\nThe model with the most significant increase is the 330e M Sport which now costs over RM1,300 more. The M340i xDrive on the other hand has seen the most significant price reduction and is RM41,000 cheaper than before at RM351,749.\nThe new prices are on the road without insurance and inclusive of the SST exemptions that run till the end of June. All the variants mentioned above are locally assembled and is accompanied by a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nThe facelift BMW 3 Series was revealed recently.\nRecently, BMW in Germany announced the arrival of the \n2022 facelift 3 Series\n with redesigned front and rear bumpers alongside sleeker headlamps. It also features the new BMW Curved Display that was first introduced on the\n iX\n.\u00a0\nLocally, BMW Malaysia announced this week that the\n updated M5 and M5 Competition\n are now available for sale from RM999k. The company also announced the arrival of the \nM3 and M4 Competition models \nnow available with all-wheel drive."
"In addition to the new Ignite Edition variants for the \nMazda 3\n and \nCX-30\n, \nBermaz Motor\n has also introduced an update to the\n CX-3\n compact crossover for the 2022 model year here in Malaysia. Unlike the two aforementioned models, however, the CX-3\u2019s update come in the form of equipment upgrades to the sole variant on sale here \u2013 the 2.0L High.\nWith the new equipment list, the 2022 Mazda CX-3 is now priced at\n RM131,929\n, or a slight RM1,200 increase over the outgoing model. The price includes the 50% SST exemption for fully-imported (CBU) models, as well as a five-year/100,000 km warranty and free scheduled maintenance package.\nNew additions to the 2022 Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia are exclusive to the crossover\u2019s cabin; there\u2019s a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display that now supports wireless Apple CarPlay (but still wired Android Auto connection), alongside a new Qi wireless charging pad for your mobile phones underneath the centre stack.\nAside from these changes, though, the rest of the car remains unchanged from before. Standard kit in the sole 2.0L High variant include 18-inch wheels, LED automatic headlights and LED, powered sunroof, 360-degree surround-view monitor, and built-in window tint.\nInside, the 2022 Mazda CX-3 gets a 10-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory function, leatherette upholstery, single-zone climate control system, as well as a head-up display.\nThe i-Activsense advanced driver assist systems that were added in the \n2021 model update\n still remains here for 2022 as well, with features including Smart City Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking, front and rear), Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, alongside Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nUnderneath the bonnet is also the same SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine making \n154 hp\n and \n206 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\nLike the other models that have been updated for 2022, the Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia will also be offered in a new Platinum Quartz colour, alongside Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, and Polymetal Grey."
"Swedish hypercar manufacturer,\u00a0Koenigsegg, has announced that all 25 units of the Agera RS have been sold out within the time span of 10 months. Interestingly, one of the 25 examples will be making its way to Malaysian, bought by a very wealthy Malaysian figure.\nThe Agera RS was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show with a limited production of 25 units. Customers from all over the world including the United States,\u00a0Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and our very own Malaysia had paid\u00a0$2 million (close to RM9 million) to obtain this exclusive\u00a0hypercar. That said, this has made the Agera RS the company\u2019s fastest selling model, ever.\nThe Agera RS is basically an\u00a0Agera that\u2019s tuned to outperform the already beastly R and S models, while losing out only by a whisker to the more maniacal\u00a0One:1 model. Its \n5.0-litre V8 twin turbo engine\n produces\n 1,160 hp\n with \n1,280 Nm\n of torque at 4,100rpm and is mated with a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. Weighing just\n\u00a01,395kg\n, it can hit from 0-100km/h in a blistering\n 2.9 seconds\u00a0\nand will top out at\u00a0\n439 km/h\n!\nKoenigsegg founder Christian von Koenigsegg said: \u201cI am extremely proud of the Agera RS program. The RS is a classic Koenigsegg, with all the core values and features that the Koenigsegg brand stands for.\u201d\nHe adds, \u201cThe performance, road feel and responsiveness are truly amazing and the level of technical sophistication is second to none. It is a true \u2018pinnacle\u2019 project that has been wholly embraced by our customers and friends.\u201d\nThe cars will be built throughout 2016, with the final unit expected to leave the assembly line by 2017. In Malaysia, the \nKoenigsegg Agera S was offered by Naza Swedish Motors \nfor a cool \nRM5 million\n, and that\u2019s before taxes and GST. Our guess on how much that Malaysian buyer paid for the Agera RS is as good as yours.\nWatch founder Christian von Koenigsegg take\u00a0us around the Agera S when he came to Malaysia during the launch at Naza Swedish Motors."
"The new\u00a0\nsixth-generation\n Chevrolet Camaro\u00a0has been unveiled, marking another installation of the favourite pony car from\u00a0General Motors\u00a0(GM). Offered in\u00a0\nLT\u00a0and\u00a0SS\u00a0variants\n, the \u201cCamaro Six\u201d will go on sale later this year.\nThe styling is still evolutionary than revolutionary, and none of the body panels are carried over from the previous Camaro. In fact, the sixth-gen Camaro is a wee bit smaller than its predecessor when you whip out the measuring tape to compare.\nThe new Camaro cuts a leaner appearance thanks to the exaggerated design elements such as the sculpted bonnet and the muscular rear haunches. It\u2019s not merely for looks too, it\u2019s a result of\u00a0\n350 hours\u00a0worth of testing\n in the wind tunnel. For example, the front fascia incorporates an\u00a0air curtain\u00a0to reduce drag around the wheels, and the\u00a0bonnet vents\u00a0on the Camaro SS function to cool the engine down while reducing front lift at the same time.\nThe interior gets a revamp with more techno-gadgetry. The\u00a0air-cond controls\u00a0are now integrated into the rings surrounding the air vents, while the mechanical hand brake has been replaced by a smaller\u00a0electronic parking brake\u00a0toggle in the center console. The latter frees up crucial space around the center console, which is particularly useful in stick-shift Camaro so the driver will get more room to work with the lever.   There are\u00a0two \n8-inch screens\u00a0\nin the new Camaro. The one on the dash displays the interface to the \nnew\u00a0MyLink system\n, while another one sits under the \ndual-binnacle-style\n instrument cluster hood to provide various details such as the navigation and the car\u2019s performance information. Other than that, the new Camaro features a segment-first\u00a0LED ambient lighting\u00a0system\u00a0in\u00a0\n24 different colours\u00a0\nwith multiple transition effects for some visual drama.\nUnderneath the skin, lightweight materials are used to cut the flab by at least\u00a0\n90kg\u00a0\nbeside increasing the\u00a0structural rigidity\u00a0by\u00a028 percent. Combined with a\u00a0\nnew suspension system\u00a0\nthat consists of a\u00a0multi-link MacPherson strut\u00a0front suspension and a new\u00a0five-link independent rear suspension, together with the equally-new\u00a0\nDrive Mode Selector\n, the new Camaro is claimed to provide a \nbetter drive with improved handling\n. Also available in the Camaro SS is the\u00a0\nMagnetic Ride Control\u00a0\nthat automatically adjusts the damper settings for an optimum ride comfort and control.\nWhat\u2019s more important is under the bulging bonnet. A range of powerplants are offered in the new Camaro, ranging from a \nturbocharged 2.0-litre\n all the way up to the bare-chested hairiness of the \n6.2-litre Small Block V8\n, and a choice of a\u00a0\n6-speed manual\u00a0\nor an\u00a0\n8-speed auto\u00a0\ntransmission.\nThe\u00a02.0-litre turbo\u00a0powers the\u00a0\nmost fuel-efficient Camaro\n ever, delivering an estimated\u00a0\n7.8 litres per 100\n km\u00a0according to GM. It produces\u00a0\n275 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0\n400 Nm\u00a0\nof torque, enabling it to transport the Camaro from 0 to 100 km/h in less than\u00a0\n6.0 seconds\n. There\u2019s\u00a0\nactive noise cancellation\u00a0\nto lessen cabin noise, but a switchable\u00a0engine sound enhancement\u00a0is also available on cars that are fitted with the optional\u00a0Bose sound system.\nThe mid-range Camaro gets an \nall-new\u00a03.6-litre V6\u00a0\nwith\u00a0Active Fuel Management\u00a0\ncylinder deactivation\n function. With\u00a0\n335 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0\n385 Nm\u00a0\nof torque, it\u2019s claimed to produce the\u00a0highest specific output\u00a0of any naturally-aspirated V6 in the segment.\nNext, the top-of-the-line\u00a0\nCamaro SS\u00a0\nreceives a\u00a0\n6.2-litre LT1 V8\u00a0\nfrom the\u00a0Corvette Stingray\u00a0that has been slightly reworked to suit the Camaro\u2019s architecture. The\u00a0\ndirect injection\u00a0V8\n is equipped with\u00a0variable valve timing, as well as\u00a0Active Fuel Management\u00a0on cars with automatic transmission. This is their\u00a0most powerful Camaro SS ever, with\u00a0\n455 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0\n617 Nm\u00a0\nof torque.\nUnlike the turbocharged Camaro, the V6 and V8 Camaro feature\u00a0\nmechanical sound enhancers\u00a0\nand a\u00a0dual-mode exhaust\u00a0with \nelectronically controlled bypass valves\n. A few settings is provided from the\u00a0engine sound management\u00a0where the driver can choose to make their Camaro purr in the lowest \u201cstealth\u201d mode or let the V8 sing its lungs out in the highest \u201ctrack\u201d mode.\nStill want that\u00a0\nMustang\n?\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After opening their order books in March this year, Honda Malaysia has introduce the facelift 2020 Honda BR-V with two variants available as before \u2013\n the 1.5E at RM89,900 \nand the \n1.5V at RM96,900\n. Both models have seen a price \nincrease of around RM3k from when it was first launched in 2017.\nThe facelift brings about some exterior changes to include a more imposing front grille with visibly more chrome, a more futuristic front bumper design, minor body cladding below the doors and a redesign rear bumper with vertical reflector. Rim size remains unchanged from before at 16-inches albeit a new design. Otherwise exterior specifications are as follow:\nEXTERIOR\nAutomatic halogen projector headlamps\nLED daytime running lights\nChrome door handles (1.5V) Body coloured (1.5E)\nRoof rails\nSide mirror with indicators\nColour: Marine Purple Pearl (NEW), White Orchid Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and Passion Red Pearl\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 1.5-litre 4 Cylinder SOHC i\u2011VTEC\nTransmission: CVT\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 120 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nTorque: 145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 12.2 seconds\nTop speed: 160 km/h\nFuel Consumption: 6.4L/100km\nOn the inside the BR-V gets new tweeter speakers, cargo lighting, and a cabin filter. The 1.5V in particular gets a new 7-inch display and a HDMI port. The 1.5 V also gets power retractable side mirrors, paddle shifters and a multi function steering wheel along with Black/Red leather upholstery. Here are the rest of the standard equipment:\nINTERIOR\nKeyless entry with Push start\nSingle zone air conditioning\nRear air vents\n60:40 split folding seats (2nd row)\n50:50 split folding seats (3rd row)\n1 USB port\n6 speakers\nBluetooth connectivity\nBoot space is rated at \n223 litres \nwith the 3rd row in use, but when all the seats are collapsed, the BR-V is capable of swallowing up to \n539 litres of cargo\n. As for safety, here\u2019s what the BR-V is equipped with on both models:\nSAFETY\nDual airbags\nRear seat ISOFIX\nHill Start Assist\nReverse camera (only in 1.5V)\nTraction Control\nABS\nVehicle Stability Assist\nBefore the Movement Control Order lockdown began in March, Honda also introduced the \n2020 facelift Honda Civic\n and the \nall-new Honda Accord\n. Both of which have also \nseen an increase\n following some \nprice revisions by the company last year on the City, Jazz and CR-V\n.\nGALLERY"
"The baddest pick-up truck in the country is now even better. Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has given the Ford Ranger Raptor a mild update for the 2020 model year, and with it comes some additional safety kit.\nThe 2020 Ford Ranger Raptor now comes fitted with\n forward collision warning\n, \nautonomous emergency braking system\n with vehicle and pedestrian detection, as well as \nlane departure warning and assist system\n.\nThe system seems to be identical to that of its younger brother \u2013 the \nRanger Wildtrak 4\u00d74\n, although missing out on the semi-automatic parallel parking assistant.\nOther updates to the baby Raptor include new \nLED projector headlamps\n (HID projector on the \noutgoing model\n), as well as an additional USB charging port on the rear-view mirror \u2013 perfect to power-up your dashcams.\nOtherwise, the Ford Ranger Raptor is pretty much identical under the metal. Motivation is provided by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, delivering \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.\nThe standard-equipment Fox Racing Shox and Baja mode on the Terrain Management System (TMS) will still let you do massive air-time on sand dunes that are truly worthy of the Raptor name.\nThe 2020 Ford Ranger Raptor also remains the same appearance-wise too, featuring the menacing \u2018FORD\u2019 grille and Raptor-specific bumpers and bash plates up front, widened wheel arches, and a taller ride height.\nA new \u2018Ford Performance Blue\u2019 shade replaces the stunning Lightning Blue from the outgoing model, while the other three exterior colours \u2013 Conquer Grey, \nAbsolute Black, Arctic White\n \u2013 remain available.\nWith the newly added kit, the 2020 Ford Ranger Raptor comes with a slight increase in price too. The updated Ranger Raptor now costs \nRM208,888\n (OTR w/o Insurance), which is a RM9,000 jump from before.\nIf you\u2019re interested in booking one of this bad boy for yourself during the Movement Control Order period, perhaps try out Ford\u2019s new \nDigital Salesperson\n feature through WhatsApp live chat."
"Following the announcement by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, 11 economic sectors still under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan are allowed for reopening from today, August 16th onwards. The services are only for customers who are fully vaccinated.\nHere are the most updated movement and travel restrictions for August 2021. More details here!\nBased on the data collected by key ministries and agencies, the government has seen positive progress from the increase in vaccination rates among adults, such as a reduction in Category 3 to 5 patients and a reduction of awaiting patients at the Emergency Department.\nTwo passengers per car? Three passengers for vaccination? Here\u2019s the latest update on it!\nAs mentioned earlier, the government was looking into \nrelaxing movement restrictions\n \nfor those who are fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. The 11 economic sectors that are set to welcome fully vaccinated individuals in states still under Phase 1 are:\nCar wash centres\nCar accessories shop\nCar sales and distribution outlets\nFurniture stores\nHousehold items and kitchenware stores\nElectrical and electronics stores\nSporting goods stores\nMorning market and \u2018pasar tani\u2019\nClothing, fashion and accesories stores\nJewellery stores\nHairdressers, barbers and beauty parlours (only for basic haircuts)\nFor individuals in states under Phase 2, the government has allowed businesses such as toy stores, handicrafts and souvenirs, photography and its services, antiques and used goods as well as cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances, to reopen.\nThe government has set a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for these outlets, where customers are required to show their Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate before they are allowed to enter. A person is only fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose for the two-dose vaccine and 28 days after vaccines that only require a single dose.\nAs of the end of yesterday, the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine (JKJAV) announced that \n32.9% of the total Malaysian population\n \nhave received its second dose\n with two-thirds of the adult population in Klang Valley achieving the milestone.\nAt a bigger scale of the reopening of the economy, the government has also agreed to allow non-essential activities in the manufacturing, construction, mining, and quarry industries regardless of NRP Phase to operate from today.\nA scaled size of operation however is listed as the new SOP. Only companies with 80% to 100% of fully vaccinated employees are allowed to operate at full capacity. The next tier of having between 60% to 79% of fully vaccinated workforce can only operate at 80% capacity, while those with 40% to 59% can only operate at 60% capacity.\nThis is certainly good news for many of the automakers (\nHonda\n, \nToyota\n and \nNaza\n have voiced their concerns) in the country, as they have expressed the prolonged business closure has not only hurt the sales force but also the supply chain. \u00a0\nSource: \nNational Security Council\n and \nJKJAV"
"Just launched in Malaysia, the results for the \n2023 Proton X90\n\u2019s ASEAN NCAP crash test results are out on the official ASEAN NCAP website. The new large SUV by Proton managed to score a 5-star rating in the crash test with an overall score of \n83.75%\n.\nWith four pillars in the ASEAN NCAP safety testing, the 2023 Proton X90 managed to score 30.2/32 in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) Pillar, scoring full 8/8 points in the side impact testing and full 8/8 points for Head Protection Technology (HPT). As for AOP frontal impact, the X90 scored 14.2/16.\nAs for the Child Occupant Protection (COP) Pillar, the Proton X90 scored 45.37/51, also scoring a perfect 8/8 score on the side impact test. The X90 also managed to get a full 16/16 score for COP frontal impact testing.\nIn the Safety Assist pillar, the 2023 Proton X90 scored 16.5/21 full 6/6 points for effective braking and avoidance (EBA) and a perfect 3/3 score for Advance Safety Assist Technologies. As for the fourth pillar of the ASEAN NCAP testing which is Motorcycle Safety (MS), the Proton X90 scored 10/16 with a perfect 8/8 score for Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Blind Spot Visualisation (BSV). It also managed to score a full 2/2 points for pedestrian protection.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 launched in Malaysia, from RM123,800\nIn the \u2018Premium\u2019 and \u2018Flagship\u2019 variants, the Proton X90 is equipped with the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Both the Premium and Flagship are equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Change Assist, Intelligent High Beam Control, and Door Opening Warning.\nThe X90 also introduces several \u2018Proton-first\u2019 safety features. This includes Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Traffic Sign Information. Just launched in Malaysia, the Proton X90\u2019s prices start at \nRM123,800\n for the \u2018Standard variant and top off at \nRM152,800\n for the range-topping \u2018Flagship\u2019 variant.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 first drive \u2013 decent ride, but hard to hide that 3-cylinder sound"
"Ahead of its imminent launch here, Kia Malaysia (joint venture company between Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto) announced that the first \nlocally-assembled (CKD) Kia Carnival\n has just rolled off the production line at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah. The Carnival will be the first Kia model to be produced in Malaysia under the new partnership.\nAs previously reported, the CKD Kia Carnival will be offered in three different variants, in both seven- and eight-seater configurations. Pricing for the locally-assembled models are as follows, on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of a five-year/100,000 km warranty and free service package:\n2.2D 8-Seater \u2013 \nRM 231,228\n2.2D 8-Seater \u2018High\u2019 \u2013 \nRM 247,228\n2.2D 7-seater \u2018High\u2019 \u2013 \nRM 261,228\nThe pricing represents a fairly steep jump over the \nexisting fully-imported counterpart\n, as the latter benefitted from preferential taxation status, with the 11-seater being categorised as commercial vehicle.\nFor the extra dough that you\u2019ll have to fork out, the equipment list does at least get an upgrade. The analogue instrument cluster is now replaced by a 12.3-inch display, while the taillights also now come with LED illumination as standard.\nOther additional equipments, depending on the variant, also include a 12-speaker Bose sound system, Premium Relaxation seats in the second row that can be fully reclined, heated and ventilated seats, one-touch smart power sliding rear doors, as well as the Kia Drive Wise suite of advanced driver assistance systems.\nGlobal model shown.\nThe latter, exclusive to the High variants, will come with features such as autonomous emergency braking with junction detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane centring and lane keeping assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic collision avoidance, as well as automatic high beam.\nAll three variants are powered by the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission to send \n199 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels.\n\u201cThe roll-out of the Kia Carnival in CKD form was an important milestone in the marque\u2019s renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets,\u201d said Kia Asia Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Lee.\nAside from serving its home nation, the company is also planning to make Malaysia the marque\u2019s ASEAN hub, with vehicles built in the Inokom plant to be exported to several targeted markets within the region. Kia Malaysia says that the plan to export is \u201cfirmly on track\u201d, with the maiden shipment to happen soon.\nGlobal model shown.\nDinamikjaya Motors Managing Director, Dato Wong Kin Foo added, \u201cThe consumer\u2019s response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January has been very encouraging, and we are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD Kia Carnival.\n\u201cWe believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle.\u201d"
"This year\u2019s Concorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa de\u2019Este held on the gleaming shores of Lake Como in Italy, saw just what the visionaries at BMW Design are truly capable of. BMW showed the world its tribute to the timeless bejewelled classic of the 70\u2019s, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage.\nOriginally introduced in May of 1972, the 3.0\u00a0CSL was built primarily for the ETCC ( European Touring Car Championship ). BMW accomplished this by using \nthinner gauge steel\n for the body, \ndeleted interior trimmings\n, l\night-weight aluminum for the bonnet\n, \nboot lid\n and \ndoors\n, with \nPerspex\n replacing the glass. Propulsion was provided by a \n3,003cc straight-six engine\n. As a result of this extreme diet, the predestined track dominatrix is \n200kg lighter\n than the road going 3.0CS model ( BMW fitted the CSL with a ludicrous aero-kit earning it the name \u2018The Batmobile\u2019 ). Like the \ni8\n, the 3.0 CSL Hommage is an \u2013\nall-wheel-drive\n.\nThe 3.0 CSL Hommage makes good use of space-age materials such as \ncarbon fibre\n \u2013 or \ncarbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP)\n that has been gracefully sculpted to reflect BMW\u2019s racing heritage and exudes utter elegance of design that continues to win the hearts of fans and purists.\nThe front end lays claim to being one of the broadest, low slung in the BMW family. Judging by the spatial depth and size of its hallmark designed kidney grille is an indication of the true beast that lives under the bonnet. BMW have not said much about the engine, except that it is a \nstraight-six cylinder engine\n that\u2019s equipped with an\u00a0\neBoost hybrid system\n.\nMaking its cameo appearance here is the \nOrganic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED)\n used as the next-gen halo-esque \nDRL (Day Running Lights)\n and \nBMW\u2019s Laser Lighting\n technology that has been incorporated into the headlight assembly, first seen on the \nBMW i8\n super-hybrid model. Arranged in an X-formation, it conjures up memories of the headlight stickers originally used in the motorsport icon of the 70\u2019s.\nSimilar styling cues have been employed for the vehicles rear design. Broad muscular elements bring out the immense presence of the 3.0 CSL Hommage. A particular highlight is the LED light that links the rear tail-lamps via the the CFRP spoiler.\nThe interior however is homage to minimalism. The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage puts its lightweight design on show and renders its racing character ever so elegantly. All interior elements and fixtures are there out of absolute necessity, every part has a high-quality design, structural or drive-related function to it. The steering wheel that greets you looks like it was taken straight out of a \nFormula One\n car.\nFurthermore, you are seated snugly into quilted carbon fibre moulded bucket seats secured firmly in place by a five-point seatbelt just as one would rightly expect. The Tron-esque all-CFRP interior features a wood-like dashboard that houses the instrument panel, eBoost display and the minimalist infotainment system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced that the limited edition \nHyundai Elantra FL\n Sport is now for sale. Only 999 units will be made available locally and is just in time for the upcoming festive season.\nThe Hyundai Elantra Sports Edition comes loaded with a\u00a0\nsporty body kit\n that consists of the \nfront and rear bumpers\n as well as the\n side skirts\n. The rear end is garnished with a \npair of \u00a0twin tail exhaust pipes\n. Standard with all the 999 limited edition units is\u00a0a\n vinyl sticker\n\u00a0with a serial number from \n001\u00a0till 999\n in the style of a \nbarcode\n that\u2019s mounted on the lower rear quarter of the car.\nOn the inside, there\u2019s a \n6.2-inch LCD\n display for the entertainment and satellite navigation system. It also supports \nDVD and Bluetooth\n\u00a0connectivity. A \nreverse camera\n is another RM300 cost option. This limited edition seems to be based on the lower spec \n1.6-litre Elegance\n\u00a0trim that comes with \ndual airbags\n, \nmanual air-conditioning\n and a \nmulti-function steering wheel\n with audio control to be exact.\nPropelling the Sports Edition Elantra forward is a \n1.6-litre\u00a0MPI D-CVVT\n powerplant, one that makes\u00a0\n128 hp\n\u00a0and 157 Nm of torque mated to a \nsix-speed\n, torque converter \nautomatic transmission\n that drives the front pair of wheels. There is no mention of any changes to the suspension setup, though we highly reckon that they remain stock.\nOn the safety front, this Elantra comes equipped with\u00a0\nESC\n (Electronic Stability\u00a0Control), \nanti-lock braking system\n, \nvehicle stability management\n or VSM\u00a0and HAC or\n Hill-Start\u00a0Assist Control\n.\nHSDM is\u00a0offering a \n5-year or 300,000km\n (whichever comes first) \nwarranty\n on all its new cars. Hyundai is also throwing in a \n24-hour emergency road assist service\n for your motoring peace of mind. The Elantra SE retails for\n\u00a0RM91,928\n (on-the-road without insurance) and is available in two shades of paint, namely\u00a0\nCreamy White \nand\n Phantom\u00a0Black.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hot off the presses from the launch of the \nnew Saga\n, Proton has now turned its attention to the upcoming 2022 X70 facelift, with new teasers on its social media channels confirming the launch date on the \n9th of June at 11 am\n \u2013 just two days away from the time of writing.\n The company has published two teaser posts thus far, filled with the usual marketing-friendly buzzwords such as \u201cdiscover new possibilities\u201d and \u201clevel-up your driving experience\u201d. Sift through the fluff, however, and you\u2019ll find some pretty telling hints for what we can expect on the upcoming 2022 \nProton X70\n.\nThe first teaser shows off the X70\u2019s new wheels, which looks to be the same multi-spoke 19-inch items previously seen on the\n 2019 limited-edition Proton X70 Special Edition\n \u2013 which itself was borrowed from the \nGeely Boyue Pro\n.\nDon\u2019t expect the new 2022 Proton X70 to come with the Boyue Pro\u2019s reworked styling, however, given that this facelift should only be a minor-change update; the rest of the aesthetic upgrades \u2013 if any \u2013 should be fairly minimal.\nThe same wheels from the Proton X70 SE.\nWhat we are more excited here is actually in the second teaser post, published earlier this morning, which shows off the SUV\u2019s engine cover. While yes, it does look identical to that of the\n locally-assembled X70 from 2020\n, but there must be a reason Proton is specifically singling out the engine in a teaser post.\nAnd if the rumour mill is right, that\u2019s because the upcoming 2022 Proton X70 will be offered with the \n1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill\n from the\n X50\n.\nProton previously said that the 1.5T powertrain will be \nused in other future models\n, and this could be the first example of that. The same configuration is also being sold for export markets such as Pakistan, so it\u2019s not too far out of the left field for the company to also offer it here in Malaysia.\nWhat\u2019s still a little hazy for now, though, is whether Proton will be offering the new engine across the entire range, or only for the lower-end variants with the premium trims retaining the 1.8-litre turbocharged mill. That\u2019s because even at its most powerful configuration, the 1.5 TGDi powertrain only offers an output of \n177 hp \nand \n255 Nm\n of torque, which is still below the \n181 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n from the existing 1.8 TGDi.\nAt least, we won\u2019t have to wait too much longer to find out. So keep your eyes peeled on \nAutoBuzz.my\n as we bring you the latest coverage of the new 2022 Proton X70 facelift!"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), just less than two weeks after launching the \nfacelifted A-Class\n, have introduced the limited-run A 250 Motorsport Edition conceived to commemorate the brand\u2019s successes in Formula One.\nIt\u2019s essentially a done-up A 250 Sport (one that costs RM238,888), so the bulk of your RM18k premium will go to the rarity and exclusivity of the Motorsport Edition, if you\u2019re into that sort of thing. So what do you get? Aesthetically, it comes finished with Petrol Green highlights (the colour scheme for Mercedes-AMG\u2019s Formula One car) which adorn the front and rear bumpers, including the side mirrors and \n19-inch AMG alloy\n wheels.\u00a0There\u2019s also a large rear spoiler with the sides finished in the same green hue.\nInside, the air conditioning vents get petrol green surrounds, and this extends to the stitching on the seats, floor mats, dashboard trim, centre armrest and door trims. The seats are upholstered in a mix of black leather and Dinamica microfibre, featuring \u2013 yes, you guessed it \u2013 more petrol green decorative strips. Elsewhere, things remain the same as the A 250 Sport; black roof lining, illuminated door sill panels, Audio 20 system with CD playback as well as the 8-inch head unit.\nDespite bearing the word Motorsport in its name, the \nturbocharged 2.0-litre engine\n shared with the A 250 Sport makes identical figures here \u2013 \n211 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 100km/h in\n 6.4 seconds\n before maxing out at \n240km/h\n. Power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, and it rides on the same sport suspension as the Sport which reduces ride height by 15mm.\u00a0\nIf you fancy yourself the A 250 Motorsport Edition, be sure to place your bookings quick because MBM will only be selling a limited number of this fully imported variant. It\u2019s unclear how many will be officially brought in, though. You can have yours in either Cirrus White, Cosmos Black, Polar Silver and Mountain Grey finishes. Unfortunately, the matte grey finish you see here won\u2019t be available.\nSo, dear readers, would you spend RM256,888 for an A 250, or would you spend it on a more practical (but less powerful), locally assembled C 200 Avantgarde for \nRM8,000 less\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota has announced that the order books for the updated Toyota Camry are now open.\u00a0Apart from adding new variants, the 2016 Toyota Camry also receives the same update as the recently updated\u00a0\nCorolla Altis\n and \nVios\n. This means that, at long last, all Camry variants sold in Malaysia come equipped with active safety and seven airbags as standard.\nTo start, four variants are offered, all of which are \u00a0based on the\u00a0\nXV50 Camry\n\u00a0launched in 2012. The entry level variant starts with\n\u00a02.0E\n, followed by the new \n2.0G X\n\u00a0which replaces the G variant. This comes with 17-inch wheels, leather\u00a0interior and\u00a07-inch infotainment unit with DVD support. The range topping Hybrid model now can be had in two trims \u2013 \n2.5 Premium\n and \n2.5 Luxury\n.\nJust like the Corolla Altis, no mechanical changes have been made. But just as a refresher, the 2.0E and 2.0G X variants\u00a0are powered by a \n2.0-litre four cylinder with VVT-iW \nthat\u00a0kicks out \n165 hp\n and \n199 Nm\n of torque. The 6AR-FSE engine remains paired with a\u00a0\nsix-speed automatic with Super ECT\n. The engine can run in both Atkinson and Otto cycle, where the former setting is for efficiency while the latter is more performance oriented.\nThe hybrid meanwhile, soldiers on with a\u00a0\n2.5-litre four-cylinder VVT-i t\u00a0\nthat\u2019s combined with an\n\u00a0electric motor \nto produce a grand total of\n 203 hp\n and\n 270 Nm\n of torque. An\u00a0\nE-CVT box \nis the only gearbox available for the hybrid.\nAlso new to the range is\u00a0\nVehicle Stability Control\u00a0\n(VSC), and this is standard across all four variants. Moreover,\u00a0the total airbag count is now up to\n seven\u00a0\n(Driver, Passenger, Curtain, Side and Driver Knee), and on top of that, the 2.5 Luxury now gets\u00a0\nBlind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert \nas well.\nAs for pricing, the revised 2016 Toyota Camry now starts at \nRM152,900.00\n for the base 2.0E model, an increase of RM3,000 over the last year\u2019s model. The updated 2.0G X\u00a0retains the same pricing as the outgoing 2.0G at \nRM159,900.00\n, and the hybrid variant begins at \nRM164,900.00\n\u00a0for the 2.5 Premium and\n RM174,900.00 \nfor the top of the range\n\u00a02.5 Luxury\n.\nWe\u2019ve reviewed the Camry 2.5 Hybrid last year (video below) and feel that it\u2019s one of the more competent D-Segment sedans out there in the market. You can also check out our \nwritten review\n as well!\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Toyota Camry 2.0G   2015 Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid"
"The Gran Turismo series became an instant hit with gamers since its introduction in 1997, thanks to its pretty graphics and abundance of car and track selections. Now in its seventh iteration, the \nracing simulator \ngame\n even plays host to several international virtual racing leagues, thanks to its renewed focus on realistic driving physics and online racing netcode.\nDespite its successes, no one in their right mind would ever say that one day, Gran Turismo will be a part of the Olympic Games. Yet here we are, in 2021, with the International Olympics Committee (IOC) announcing that the simulator racing game is now officially an Olympic Sport.\nIs it time to brush up your sim racing skills?\nYes really, this is not a joke \u2013 but more accurately, the racing simulator title will be part of the first-ever Olympic Virtual Series. Taking place from\u00a0\nMay 13 through June 23\n, Gran Turismo (representing motorsports) will be joining virtual cycling, rowing, sailing, and baseball\u00a0in an officially-sanctioned virtual event to essentially drive up the hype for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.\n\u201cThe Olympic Virtual Series is a new, unique Olympic digital experience that aims to grow direct engagement with new audiences in the field of virtual sports,\u201d said IOC President Thomas Bach. \u201cIts conception is in line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and the IOC\u2019s Digital Strategy. It encourages sports participation and promotes the Olympic values, with a special focus on youth.\u201d\nUMWT Toyota\u2019s annual Velocity eSports Championships \nalso runs on the Gran Turismo platform.\nSpecific details on the Olympic Gran Turismo event aren\u2019t available yet, but the committee said each virtual sport will operate via the sport\u2019s respective publisher platform (read: game). With this also being a partnership with the FIA, we think that the series may end up a lot like the other \nFIA-sanctioned Gran Turismo events\n, including the World Series Championships.\nIf we knew that playing Gran Turismo could one day make us Olympians, perhaps we would have been more serious about it instead of horsing around the Nordschleife every day after work. Or even maybe, your parents would actively encourage you to play more video games. What a strange world we live in today."
"After months of anticipation, the new Lotus Emira has been revealed to lead the Hethel-based company\u2019s \nnew line of mid-engined everyday sportscars\n.\nThe \nEmira \nis the first all-new sports car from the company\u2019s \u201cVision80\u201d strategic transformation plan to enhance the brand\u2019s presence around the world as it approaches its 80th anniversary in 2028.\nPronounced as \n\u2018Eh-meer-ah\u2019\n, the word has been featured in several ancient languages and often translates as \u2018commander\u2019 or \u2018leader\u2019. The Emira will lead what is set to be the \nlast generation of internal combustion sportscars\n for Lotus as the company transitions to electrification.\nPowering the sportscar are\n two engine options\n, a 3.5-litre V6 engine previously seen in the Exige and Evora. They will be available in the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d launch models followed by a 2.0-litre turbocharged AMG engine \u2013 the most powerful production 4-cylinder engine in the world \u2013 co-developed with Mercedes-Benz. The latter will be available from mid-2022 onwards.\nTransmission options are extensive with manual, automatic and AMG\u2019s dual-clutch options available. Power output is expected to range from \n365 hp to 405 hp\n with up to\n 430 Nm\n of torque to play with.\nCouple that with a (target) weight of merely 1,405 kg, the Emira is capable of 0 to 100 km/h in \nunder 4.5 seconds\n, before topping out at 290 km/h.\nEvija\nEmira\nThe Emira is the first Lotus sports car to embrace a new design language first seen in the \n2,000 hp Evija hypercar\n. The exterior is not only muscular with profound character lines but it\u2019s also blessed with the ability to cut through wind like a hot knife through butter.\nThe body features unique-in-class vents that channel air over the car while sculpted sections on the door help increase airflow into the air intakes, placed ahead of the rear wheels.\nThe Emira sits on 20-inch wheels all-round, wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 are offered as options as both tyres have been specially developed for the Emira. There are a total of five different wheel designs.\nAside from the stunning new exterior, the new Emira is also the\n \nfirst Lotus to wear the company\u2019s redesigned badge\n. It\u2019s available in Hethel Yellow, Shadow Grey, Magma Red, Nimbus Grey, Dark Verdant and Seneca Blue (launch colour).\nThe Emira\u2019s bonded aluminium chassis is also new; built on the latest \nLotus Sports Car architecture\n with a lower centre of gravity and wider track than any Lotus car in recent history.\nAvailable with two suspension and chassis setups, \n\u201cTour\u201d\n delivers a balance between comfort and performance while \n\u201cSport\u201d \n(available through the Lotus Drivers Pack) provides a stiffer setup for better driving feel. To maintain its signature steering feedback, the hydraulic steering system is retained. The Lotus Drivers Pack also offers Launch Control.\nUnlike before in older Lotus\u2019, the days of sparsely furnished interiors are over beginning with the all-new Emira. Not only are there more soft-touch surfaces, better fit-and-finish using luxurious materials but it also offers more storage space! The Lotus\u2019 of old would appear cave-like by comparison.\nCombining the wraparound dashboard, raised gear shifter and flat-bottom steering wheel, the Emira prioritises the driver first, with intuitive controls and minimum distraction.\nGone are the fixed bucket seats of before, in the Exige and Elise. The new Emira offers powered seats as standard, with up to 12-way adjustments for both driver and passenger. Upholstery options include Nappa leather in Black, Red or Grey or Alcantara with different colour stitching.\nThere are two displays to rely on; a 10.25-inch touchscreen for entertainment and a 12.3-inch TFT display for the vehicle\u2019s parameters. The infotainment displays were designed and developed by an in-house team at Lotus, with the system paired to a KEF premium sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.\nThe new glass panels offer much-improved all-round visibility with Lotus also claiming best-in-class ingress/egress and headroom for the Emira. This should be interesting, considering what past Lotus sports cars were like.\nThe new Emira offers up to 208-litre of storage behind the two seats and 151-litres in the boot; enough for one cabin-sized luggage or a set of golf clubs.\nOther creature comforts available include keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and even curtain airbags! If that isn\u2019t impressive enough, the new Emira also offers \u201csemi pure-driving\u201d features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane change assist, an anti-collision system and rear cross-traffic alert.\nPrices are expected to be around \u00a360,000, with the first customers taking delivery in early 2022. Pricing for the Malaysian-spec Lotus Emira has yet to be confirmed however those interested may contact \nLotus Malaysia\n to register your interest.\nFor more info on Lotus cars in Malaysia, reach out to:\nLotus Karz Sdn Bhd (Lotus Malaysia)\n43 , Jalan Astaka U8/84A,\nBukit Jelutong 40150 Shah Alam Selangor\nCall: +60 17 621 7227\nGALLERY"
"Collecting a brand-new car is always an occasion and many car aficionados treat their prized ride to an expensive detailing treatment to celebrate this joyous moment while others settle with a selfie followed with an Instagram post. But not this Chinese national, he took car collection to a different high.\nUpon collecting his BMW sedan (what we think is a G30 5 Series), the Chinese man from Yangzhou, Jiangsu province decided to \nbless \nhis new whip by burning offerings and praying to the car. As you all know, \nfire and cars don\u2019t gel very well\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6G_-NgbsV4\nBased on an \ninterview with the alleged owner\n, the unnamed male left the incense burning \nfar away\u00a0\nfrom the car and left it unattended. Around\u00a020 minutes later, neighbours informed him that his brand new BMW was on fire and the fire department was called to the scene. \nOther reports\n are suggesting malicious practice as CCTV caught children moving the position of the incense.\nAccording to the Chinese media, the BMW was listed at 470k Yuan and the owner did not even have the chance to stick a number plate onto the car. Fortunately, the fire department managed to contain the fire but not before the car was left with bare metal. No injuries were reported from the incident.\nIf you want to thank the Gods on your new car purchase, we suggest going with a ceremony that does not involve burning of any sorts, because we can bet the discussion with your insurance company will not turn out pretty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nothing hits the spots and riles the nerves more than an epic stunt video.\nWith Mr. Block scraping the bottom of the barrel of to keep things fresh \u2013 resorting to hill climbs and swapping multiple cars in one video, the world awaits for the next best thing in automotive video production and this short film could just be it.\nIt\u2019s titled \u201cFlankers in the City\u201d and could not have had a better start, with one of the cast saying \u201cV8 sucks!\u201d and proceeds to laud the merits of Japanese engines being reliable.\n \nTaking some resemblance from the \nZenvo TSR-S\n, the two drift cars piloted by the Evil Empire drift team, is actually based on the Chevrolet Corvette.\nWith Ken Block\u2019s videos taking a repetitive turn, this one\u2019s definitely a refreshing change of pace.\nIt\u2019s 7pm and if you\u2019re wasting the last few minutes in the office pretending to work, this one will help kill another five minutes. You\u2019ll most likely find it more amusing than watching your friend\u2019s Instagram story also!"
"Hyundai Sime-Darby Malaysia has launched the new \nHyundai Palisade\n available in four different variants starting from RM328,888. The Palisade will be available either as a 7- or 8-seater.\nPrices start from \nRM328,888\n for the 8-seater diesel (Exec 8), \nRM338,888\n for the 8-seater V6 (Luxe 8), \nRM348,888\n for the 7-seater Diesel (Exec 7), and \nRM358,888\n for the 7-seater V6 (Luxe 7).\n \nThere are two engine options available for the Palisade; a naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre V6 or a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The turbo diesel variant even comes with additional drive modes including Mud, Sand, and Snow.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine\n3.8L naturally-aspirated V6\n2.2L 4-cylinder turbo diesel\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\n8-speed automatic\nDrivetrain\nFront-wheel Drive\nAll-wheel Drive\nMax Power\u00a0\n295 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n200 hp @ 3,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n355 Nm @ 5,200 rpm\n440 hp @ 1,750 to 2,750 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h\n7.8 seconds\n10.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n210 km/h\n190 km/h\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, both the V6 and turbo diesel variants are equipped with identical features. The Palisade is fitted with MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link suspension at the rear.\nLED head and taillights\nLED daytime running lights\nHands-free powered tailgate\nPuddle lamps\n20-inch alloy wheels\nOnly the V6 comes with the Hyundai Smart Sense driver assistance and the only way to spot the difference between the V6 and the turbo diesel model is the radar sensor at the front bumper of the V6.\nInside, the Palisade is availabe with three different interior colour schemes \u2013 red, black and white. The driver seat comes with 12-way adjustablity while the front passenger seat comes with eight.\nOnly the 7 seater variants get ventilated seats front and back. As for the 8-seater variants, they\u2019re only fitted with ventilated seats in the front.\nINTERIOR\n7-inch TFT multi-info display\n8-inch infortainment display\nHead up display\nDual Sunroof\n7x USB ports\nWireless charging\n3-zone air conditioning\nAs for boot space, the Palisade offers 704-litres of cargo space with the 3rd row seats down. With the 3rd row seats erected, you\u2019re looking at 311-litres.\nSAFETY\nSafety features in the Hyundai Palisade include Safe Exit Alert and Rear Occupant Alert. All variants come with six airbags, however only the 3.8-litre V6 variants come with the full suite of Hyundai Smart Sense features. They include Forward Collision Warning, autonomous braking, High Beam Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s been observed that the Hyundai IONIQ Electric is the cheapest car to own across Europe, out of 66,000 vehicles studied by independent website Sust-It, to help car buyers get the best product for their budget.\nThe IONIQ Electric, which has a battery range of \n280 kilometres\n, was found to cost 0.02 Euro (9 cents) per kilometre to run, or 385.49 Euro (RM 1,836) over one year.\u00a0Sust-it calculated the running cost of all 66,000 vehicles from the amount of energy they use and CO2 they produce over \n19,000 kilometres\n \u2013 the average distance a person will drive every year.\nRead out our first impression of the \nHyundai IONIQ Hybrid\n here.\nFor electric vehicles like the IONIQ Electric, carbon dioxide emissions produced to generate the electricity used during recharging was also taken into account. A major reason why the IONIQ Electric is so energy efficient lies in its design \u2013 minimising\u00a0 air resistance and emissions.\nIts exterior panels are designed to flex to boost aerodynamics further, producing a class-leading drag coefficient value of just 0.24. Its diffuser and rear spoiler generates downforce for better stability at higher speeds, whilst simultaneously minimising the effect of drag.\nThe gentle slope of the roofline merges seamlessly into the rear spoiler, while slim contoured door mirrors help airflow and minimise wind noise, creating a shape that is both sporty and aerodynamically efficient.\nHyundai Motor is the first automotive manufacturer to offer an electric, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid powertrain in one single body type. It has sold more than 28,000 units across Europe since late 2016."
"Mercedes-Benz\n has unveiled the performance variant of its GLC SUV \u2013 the \nMercedes-AMG GLC\n. It is offered in two variants, namely the GLC 43 4MATIC and the GLC 63 S E Performance. The all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC is the brand\u2019s first performance hybrid SUV.\nOn the outside, both the GLC 43 and GLC 63 S come with AMG-specific design elements. This includes the radiator grille with vertical struts, AMG front apron with flics, and chrome-plated trim elements.\nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC\nThe rear apron on the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is given a diffuser-look, while the GLC 63 S gets an additional diffuser board. At the back, there are two tailpipe trims, which are round on the GLC 43 and trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S.\nThe GLC 63 S E Performance is also available with the exclusive Edition 1 for one year from its market launch. Offered in the graphite grey magno or high-tech silver magno colour options, the Edition 1 GLC 63 S is fitted with 21-inch AMG forged wheels finished in matte black, together with a black and yellow interior.\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC, RM430k\nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC\nPowering the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC is a 48V mild hybrid system consisting of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine and a belt-driven starter-generator (BSG). The engine features an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which makes it the only turbocharged production engine in the world to date to feature the technology. However, the Mercedes-AMG GLC is not the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the engine, as it was already available in the \nMercedes-AMG SL 43 roadster\n.\nPaired with AMG\u2019s Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, the mill produces \n421 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. The BSG is capable of providing an additional boost of \n14 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n.\nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC\nWith power sent to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 can sprint from 0-100 km/h in \n4.8 seconds\n, and reach an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nCarrying the performance SUV is a set of aluminium double wishbone suspension with Mercedes-AMG\u2019s Ride Control and Adaptive Damping System. The GLC 43 is also fitted with a hydraulic dual-circuit brake system, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front and back.\nMercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance\nThe Mercedes-GLC 63 S E Performance on the other hand is powered by a 400V plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which produces a rated output of \n476 hp\n and \n545 Nm\n, as well as an electric motor pushing out a total of \n204 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n. Paired with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, the GLC 63 S\u2019 system output is rated at \n680 hp\n and \n1020 Nm\n.\nPower is sent to all four wheels. The engine powers the front wheels, while the electric motor powers the rear, thanks to the \n6.1 kWh\n battery. The century sprint can be done in just \n3.5 seconds\n, and its top speed is electronically limited to \n275 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG SL 43 previewed in Malaysia \u2013 Estimated RM1 million, 2.0-litre turbo, 381hp, 275km/h top speed\nMercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance\nCharging the Mercedes-GLC 63 S can be done via the \n3.7 kW\n on-board AC charger. Because the electric motor is designed to provide fast power delivery rather than the longest possible range, its electric range is rated at \n12 km\n for you to travel around the city, for instance.\nInside the Mercedes-AMG GLC, the AMG-specific design elements continue. This includes AMG equipment such as AMG seats wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut AMG microfibre. The performance SUV is also fitted with a flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather for the GLC 43, and Nappa leather with Microcut microfibre for the GLC 63 S.\nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC\nMercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance\nThe signature set of round AMG steering wheel buttons is here too, allowing drivers to operate various dynamic driving functions, as well as the AMG Dynamic Select drive programs. AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sill panels with AMG lettering are also fitted with the Mercedes-AMG GLC as standard. AMG-specific displays and functions are included with the MBUX infotainment system. Closer to home, the \u201cregular\u201d Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC MHEV SUV is offered at RM430k.\nRELATED: \nNo more dealer discounts \u2013 Mercedes-Benz implements agency model in Malaysia with retail partners\nGALLERY"
"Last year was undoubtedly a runaway success for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) following their rapid lineup expansion and efforts in locally producing some three of their core models. However, this news brings not just one good news, but two!\nFirstly, MBM\u2019s customers will continue to benefit from import duty and excise tax exemptions for both their existing hybrid cars, the \nMercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid\n and \nMercedes-Benz S400L Hybrid\n.\nSecondly, pricing for all Mercedes-Benz models will remain unchanged for the time being, but there\u2019s no guarantee that prices won\u2019t go up later this year. MBM\u2019s Vice President of Passenger Car Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine said, \u201cWe will not increase the prices across the board at the start of 2016, but will continue to monitor all influencing factors.\u201d\nThe company is set to reveal their sales performance throughout 2015 on Friday and have also hinted on launching their range of SUVs (\nbeginning with the GLE\n on 14 January) this year. Meanwhile, be sure to give the price list below a look."
"It has opened up a new line of vehicles for McLaren under the GT series and will go head-to-head with the Aston Martin DB11, Porsche 911 Turbo S and the Ferrari Portofino \u2013 this is the all-new \nMcLaren GT\n.\nBased on the 720S, it\u2019s powered by a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, with an astronomical \n620 hp\n and\n 630 Nm\n to solely drive the rear wheels. As a result, it simply annihilates the 0 to 100 km/h run in just 3.2 seconds!\n \nAccording to McLaren Automotive Asia Pacific and China\u2019s Managing Director, George Biggs, McLaren\u2019s GT series vehicles are designed to offer the best driving experience in any grand tourers while providing ample space for luggage, not so much for passengers and 4-door versions and SUVs are not in the pipeline.\nWithout the rear seats \u2013 which are usually non-functional on other grand touring cars anyways according to Biggs, the Woking-based carmaker was able to push the luggage capacity of the McLaren GT up to a class-leading total storage space of 570 litres \u2013 in a supercar!\nFor more about McLaren\u2019s latest offering, allow Denis to give you a run-through of the GT\u2019s fascinating facts.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Subaru Corporation has announced that production of its all-wheel drive vehicles have \nsurpassed 20 million units \njust last month in June.\nThe milestone was achieved just one year before the company\u2019s 50th anniversary. The first-ever unit was a \nLeone 4WD wagon\n, introduced in September 1972. It was also Japan\u2019s first mass-produced AWD passenger car.\nSubaru Leone.\nCurrently, the company\u2019s AWD models \naccount for 98% of its global sales. \nThese models are equipped with\n \na Boxer engine, to drive all four wheels via Subaru\u2019s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive (AWD) system.\nWith the upcoming \nall-electric Solterra SUV \ndue to arrive in 2022, and subsequently other hybrid vehicles by 2025, Subaru said its all-wheel drive technology will be enhanced along with its electrification technology.\nRecently, Subaru was also recently named the \nfastest-growing SUV brand\n in the UK. This follows after a news report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) where Subaru\u2019s UK sales in the first six months of 2021 have increased by 165%.\nSubaru also recorded a\u00a0\n388% increase\n\u00a0in car registrations in June 2021 compared to the same period last year.\nSubaru has been on-point lately with their cars especially with the new Forester and XV. Both are built on the SGP platform that costed the company USD1 billion to develop.\nThe result is a vehicle with unrivaled traction from its Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system that channels equal power to all four wheels. This new generation of Subaru vehicles also offer high levels of stability and comfort as a result of the extremely rigid chassis which indirectly allows for suspension with softer settings."
"Aside from the Ford Ranger, I honestly can\u2019t think of another pick-up from the vast variety available in Malaysia that can be compared to the \nnew Mitsubishi Triton\n.\nWhile we may not have featured the Hilux in the video, we actually had one as a tracking vehicle and the difference, especially in ergonomics, between the two is startling.\n \nAs such, only the Ranger stands out, alongside the Triton, with a family-friendly passenger car-like cabin. Even so, the Triton has something even the Ranger does not offer \u2013 rear air vents on the headlining \u2013 which vastly changes the experience of being in the back seat.\nSpeaking of which, the angle of the rear seats, although said to have been improved from before, does not offer a profound difference from the model before or even compared to the Hilux we had for the shoot.\n \nFor a closer look at what the Triton offers, throughout the different variants, check out the video above!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In early 2017, MINI pulled off the wraps to its first ever plug-in MINI, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman and it appears that the car will make its appearance in Malaysia very soon. MINI Malaysia has taken to their social media pages to tease the imminent launch of the Countryman PHEV.\nUpfront you\u2019ll find a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine driving the front axle via a six-speed automatic while the rear wheels are driven by an electric motor via a two-stage single-speed transmission; giving it all-wheel drive capabilities. Combined output for the hybrid system is rated at \n224 hp\n and is enough to propel the Countryman PHEV from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.8 seconds\n. Mind you, the souped-up \nCountryman JCW\n is only a fraction quicker than its eco-friendly twin.   MINI claims that the Countryman PHEV will have an all-electric range of up to \n40 km\n (125 km/h electric top speed) on a full charge before the combustion engine assumes its duties. A full charge takes between 2 to 3 hours. The charging socket is located on the passenger side (for RHD models), just like all BMW PHEVs, neatly tucked behind the E side emblem.\nOther unique items for the Countryman PHEV include Electric Lime accents on the badges, E emblems all round, hybrid-specific instrument cluster, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen as well as an \neDRIVE toggle switch\n.\nBMW Group Malaysia\u2019s manufacturing plant in Kulim, which is also where the Countryman petrol is put together, have the technical means to assemble high-voltage vehicles. It would only make sense (pricing wise) for MINI Malaysia to take advantage of the EEV incentives for CKD hybrid vehicles and locally assemble the Countryman PHEV.\nWhat also remains to be seen is whether the \nCooper S Countryman petrol\n will suffer the same fate as the \nBMW 330i\n when it was replaced by the cheaper and more capable \n330e\n or form a three-model line up \u2013 Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper S E.\nRegistration of interest for the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is now open at\u00a0\nMINI Malaysia\u2019s dedicated website\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley is a name (amongst others) that conjures up visions of luxury and grandeur, fit for royalty and the aristocracy, from dignitaries to premiership footballers and of course the Kardashians. The British luxury brand has always taken immense pride in their craft and has stood by it with a burning passion.\nW.O. Bentley was the \nkinda \nchap who believed that luxury lied in the Holy Trinity of automotive luxury, namely \nwood\n, \nleather\n and \nshag\n. With the latter being an innuendo-laden reference to the deep luscious carpets that graced the floor pans in Bentley\u2019s of old. And if we were truthfully honest, that has always been the defining characteristics of luxury cars back in the day. Utter, nay whisper the word \u2018Sports\u2019 or Carbon Fibre and you\u2019d be hustled out the front gate by a burly eastern European security bloke. Such was the exacting standards of Bentley.\nWalnut\n, \neucalyptus\n, \nmaple \nand \ncherry\n; no these aren\u2019t random items on mum\u2019s weekly grocery list but rather it\u2019s just a few veneer types that Mulinner keep around in the wood shed which as one report mentioned, Bentley keeps up to \n\u00a3250,000\n worth in store. Only the top \nfive\n to \nten percent\n of materials produced meet Mulliner\u2019s expectation are \nacquired\n.\nBut that seems to be a passing motion when you consider that Bentley\u2019s spirit of innovation lives on strong as the Crewe-based crafts men have resorted to using stone \u2013 oddly enough, to craft its veneered dash trimming\u2019s and as it happens, it\u2019s a first for the marque.\nJust as those artists picked the choicest wood, the same care and attention has been paid to the type of \nquartz\n selected for this endeavour. Naturally the British-brand sought inspiration from its former colony \nIndia\n where quartzite stone is sustainably sourced by stone masons. Sounds as exotic as a Victorian tale doesn\u2019t it, but in reality that slab of stone is shipped back to England where craftsman \nmatch\n and \ngrind\n the stone down to a thickness of just\n 0.1 mm\n thick. The stone is then \nground\n and \npolished\n so fine that its almost \ntranslucent\n \u2013 almost.\nGeoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner Operations, comments: \u201cBentley is the established expert in the \nhandcrafting\n of wood and leather, and now we are exploring new, fine and rare materials to offer even more \nbespoke\n tailoring and choice to our customers. Stone veneers are another first for Bentley \u2013 but only the beginning of what we plan to do with this luxurious and unique material.\u201d\nMulliner\n for the first time ever is now offering \nStone Veneers\n in a natural finish, in four different colours on Continental and Flying Spur models: \nGalaxy\n, \nAutumn White\n, \nTerra Red\n and \nCopper\n. As is Mulliner\u2019s reputation of coach building, they will handcraft the stone veneer bespoke to their client\u2019s exact requirements. Quality and perfection is the name of the game that the boys from Crewe know all too well and will continue to uphold for times to come."
"BMW Malaysia has just given the entry-level \n320i Sport\n model a spec bump for the 2021 model year, with a new infotainment system bringing it up to par with its more expensive siblings.\nThe new BMW Live Cockpit Professional system, now coming as standard on the 320i, includes a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display \u2013 a big upgrade over the existing 8.8-inch screen and analogue instrument cluster from before.\nWith the new upgrade, the 320i Sport also now runs on the BMW iDrive 7.0 Infotainment System, which includes features such as Apple CarPlay connectivity, \u201cHey BMW\u201d Intelligent Personal Assistant, over-the-air software updates, as well as a more modern user interface with larger tiles.\nRead our review of the BMW 320i Sport here!\nOtherwise, the rest of the 320i\u2019s equipment list remains largely identical from before, including the Sport Line exterior package, adaptive LED headlights with LED fog lights, gloss black side window frames and 18-inch V-spoke style 780 two-tone alloy wheels.\nOver on the interior, the 320i still retains the same Vernasca leather upholstery and aluminium mesh trim with pearl chrome highlights, tri-zone climate control system, power-adjustable front seats with memory function on the driver\u2019s side, six speakers, and the comfort access hands-free kick-open bootlid. Although, the wireless smartphone charging pad has been removed on this update.\nThe Driving Assistant advanced driving assistance suite have been retained from the \nprevious upgrade\n, with features including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear collision prevention. The Parking Assistant feature with Reversing Assist is also included on the BMW 320i Sport, alongside a rear-view reversing camera.\nThe BMW 320i Sport was BMW Malaysia\u2019s bestseller last year, with more than 1,400 units delivered.\nAlso unchanged are all of its mechanical bits, with the 320i continuing to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill with \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 320i takes \n7.1 seconds\n to complete the century sprint, onward to a top speed of \n235 km/h\n.\nWith the new upgrades, the BMW 320i Sport here in Malaysia is now priced starting from \nRM230,764\n, a RM4,000 increase from before. The price is inclusive of the \nSST exemptions\n and a standard two-year unlimited mileage warranty. With the \noptional five-year warranty and free service package\n, the price increases to\n RM243,889\n.\nGALLERY"
"Proton\n has just reported its sales performance for the month of March 2022, which saw a total of \n13,028 units sold \n(domestic and export sales), translating to an estimated \n19% market share\n for the month. The figure represents a \n41.2%\n increase over February.\nThe positive growth was contributed largely by its export sales at 794 units in March, hitting an all-time high since March 2013. Pakistan was the biggest export market last month, accounting for 690 units alone.\nTaking into account the March sales figure, Proton ended its first quarter with a total of \n26,706 units\n in cumulative units sold, which translates to an estimated market share of 17.5%, placing them second in the nation\u2019s overall table. However, when compared to the same period last year, Q1 2022 saw a 5.7% decline in market share, and an 18.6% drop in sales.\nProton says that the drop in sales was a result of a combination of unfortunate events outside its control, including the\n recent devastating flood \nwhich affected its local vendors and logistics services, plus the global chip shortage issue that has plagued carmakers worldwide.\nRELATED: Proton dealers now required to have 3-months holding stock\nAs a silver lining, however, the national carmaker\u2019s overall exports sales grew to 1,117 units in Q1 2022, which is an increase of 175% over the same period last year.\nThe main contributor to Proton\u2019s sales performance in March was again the \nProton Saga\n, the company\u2019s bread and butter model, with 6,422 units delivered last month \u2013 making it not just the best-selling A-segment sedan for the month, but also topping the charts for the entire A-segment in Malaysia.\nThe Proton \nX50\n, \nX70\n, and \nExora\n also contributed to the figure with 1,573, 2,320, and 536 units sold respectively, topping each of their respective segments.\n\u201cThe first three months of 2022 has been tough for Proton and our customers,\u201d says Proton Edar CEO and \nProton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah\n. \u201cProduction issues continue to suppress our true potential and as a result, created a long waiting list for our cars.\u201d\n\u201cOur parts supply and hence, production volumes, began to stabilise in March but we\u2019re expecting a few more disruptions in the coming months as other industries ramp up their production. For the rest of the year however, Proton is still aiming to hit our targets as we work closely with our vendors and dealers to smooth out supply lines to deliver cars to our customers,\u201d he added.\nALSO READ: Proton now has Malaysia\u2019s largest parking lot bi-facial solar panel facility\n\u201cWe are also making progress with sorting out our after sales issues and therefore, the company is confident it can rebound strongly over the next quarter.\u201d"
"The \nSuzuki Swift\n has been a popular Japanese hatchback since it was first introduced to the market in 2004, especially among car enthusiasts. This is for a couple of reasons, including its sporty looks, nimble handling, rev-happy engines, and most importantly, the Swift is a practical, economical, and no-frills daily runabout.\nThe Suzuki Swift is currently in its third generation, which was first launched in 2017, making the current generation Swift six years old in 2023 (time flies eh?), and one would expect a facelift or an all-new generation Swift to be in the process of development already. And you are probably right, as the all-new fourth-generation Suzuki Swift is reportedly making its world debut this year, with its hot hatch sibling \u2013 the Swift Sport coming sometime next year, according to Japanese publication \nBestcarweb\n.\nA rendering of the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift (Credit: \nbestcarweb.jp\n)\nThere has been a number of renderings of what people think the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift might look like being circulated online. However, the actual car has already been sighted testing on public roads, albeit wrapped in camouflage.\nEven though the car was completely wrapped in camouflage, a couple of differences made to the car can be easily spotted. This includes a redesigned front fascia, sleeker-looking LED headlights, and a clamshell-shaped bonnet. The frontal of the upcoming Suzuki Swift was also seen sporting a revised bumper design, new fog lamps, as well as a wider air inlet.\nRELATED: \n2023 Suzuki Jimny Rhino Edition launched in Malaysia \u2013 30 units only, RM175k\nA rendering of the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift Sport (Credit: \nbestcarweb.jp\n)\nOther cosmetic upgrades \nSuzuki\n has given to the upcoming fourth-generation Swift include a sloping roofline design, new LED tail lights, a redesigned rear spoiler and bumper, as well as a tweaked tailgate. Another interesting change is the rear door handles that have seemingly been repositioned from the C pillars back to the conventional rear door position. The car\u2019s overall dimensions are also expected to be larger than those of the third generation.\nPowertrain-wise, Bestcarweb has reported that the regular Suzuki Swift will be sporting a mild hybrid system consisting of a 1.2-litre inline-three engine and an electric motor. As for the sportier Swift Sport, it is expected to be featuring a mild hybrid system as well, but with a more powerful 1.4-litre inline-four turbocharged engine.\nAt the end of the day, none of the details regarding the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift has been officially confirmed just yet. What we can say for sure is that a camouflaged all-new Swift has undergone testing on public roads. Therefore, we can only wait and see if those information will turn out to be true, or not.\nAre you excited about the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift and Swift Sport? Share your thoughts down below!\nRELATED: \nJust like the G-Wagen, the Suzuki Jimny will be going fully electric too"
"Daihatsu Indonesia has unveiled the Daihatsu Ayla EV concept at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2022 (GIIAS 2022), which is basically an EV version of our beloved \nPerodua Axia\n. The concept explores the possibility of a budget EV for the South East Asian market \u2013 something that could possibly boost EV adoption in the region.\nLooks-wise, you can still see the Axia/Ayla chassis that underpins the Ayla EV concept. As with most EVs, the front bumper lacks the \u201cbreathing holes\u201d that an usual petrol car would have. Besides the two-tone colour treatment, a yellow tinge can also be seen on the exterior, helping the car pop out a bit more.\nALSO WATCH: \nPerodua Axia, 5 Things\nSide view canmers on the Daihatsu Ayla EV concept\nLooking a bit out of place on the Ayla EV concept are the side cameras that are hooked up to retrofitted screens on the inside. Shoddy fitment aside, the cameras could be a sign of things to come for budget cars.\nThe original dash of the Ayla/Axia is only slightly adjusted for the Ayla EV. Notice where the steering wheel is taken from?\nThe familiar design of the Ayla/Axia is retained on the inside of the Ayla EV. Things to note inside are the steering wheel from the Ativa/Rocky/Raize trio, the digital instrument cluster, the centre honeycomb AC vent, and the rotary gear selector. Interestingly, the Ayla EV concept is not equipped with Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) as it still features the good ol\u2019 handbrake lever.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Perodua Alza bookings now 39k units strong, 4,000 units delivered\nTime to convert your Axia taillights, boys.\nNow, onto the EV numbers. Replacing the usual 3-cylinder engine in the Axia is a \n60 kW\n electric motor that drives the front wheels. A \n32 kWh\n battery pack powers the Ayla EV concept.\nThe electric range has not been specified, but a battery of this size can usually provide \nabout 200+ km\n of range depending on the weight of the vehicle, and the power output of the motor. For context, the \nMINI Cooper SE\n with its 28.9 kWh battery has 232 km of WLTP range and the \nHonda E\n \nwith its 28.5 kWh battery has a WLTP range of 222 km.\nType 2 socket only \u2013 Does this mean no DC fast charging?\nAs for charging, the only thing we can tell about the Ayla EV Concept is the use of a Type 2 charging socket. From the look of the socket, it seems the Ayla EV concept is only capable of AC charging. No further technical details have been provided on the Ayla EV concept.\nProudly built by Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) Indonesia, Daihatsu says it has equipped the Ayla EV concept with a stronger suspension to cope with the added weight of the battery. They have also worked on the car\u2019s underbody.\nDaihatsu said, \u201cBy exhibiting these vehicles, Daihatsu will convey its approach of promoting the sustainable spread of practical electrified vehicles to visitors. It will also communicate its corporate commitment to contributing to the realisation of carbon neutrality in Indonesia\u201d.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Perodua Alza 7-seater MPV launched in Malaysia, from RM62,500"
"The Germans are on a roll with small but fast premium compact sedans, with \nMercedes-Benz CLA\n and \nAudi A3\n\u00a0taking a healthy chunk in that segment. It didn\u2019t take long for BMW to counter the CLA and A3. With that, BMW stirs competition by previewing the\u00a0\nBMW Concept Compact Sedan\n, revealed in Auto Guangzhou 2015. This could also hint towards a true spiritual successor to the legendary E30 3 Series.\nWhile it is expected to be the company\u2019s\u00a0first look of the \nnext-generation 1 series\n, this concept has a longer wheelbase compared to the current 1 Series. Also to note, this four-door compact\u00a0is built on the \nUKL front-wheel-drive platform\n. That\u2019s right, this will be the first BMW compact saloon to join the ranks of the \n2-Series Active Tourer\n and the brand new \nF84 X1\n.\n \n \nOn the brighter side of things, BMW can still produce fun-to-drive front-wheel-drive cars, as proven with the new MINIs. Perhaps the cheaper FWD configuration will allow the company to position the new 1 Series more competitively, attracting a broader segment of customers (new and old) in the process.\nNo word on the powertrain yet, but it\u2019s expected to utilise the similar\u00a02.0-litre N20 turbocharged unit from the current 128i/228i range. However, never rule out the possibility of putting a \n320hp 3.0-litre\n N55 turbocharged unit as per the\u00a0M235i. After all, hitting 300hp in a front-wheel drive car is pretty common lately, as proven by most recent hot hatches.\nThe current second-generation 1 Series has been in the market since 2011, with the \nLCI facelift\n\u00a0introduced barely a few months back. We might need to wait at least two to three years before the unveiling of the new third-generation 1 series. That should give BMW more than enough time to craft a balanced and well handled front-wheel driven compact saloon car that could silent critics who think front-wheel drive Bimmers\u00a0are nothing but sheer blasphemy.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perhaps the epitome of luxury MPVs, the Lexus LM now enters its second generation. The new Lexus LM has just made its world debut at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n and will be launched in 60 countries worldwide. For the first time, it will be made available for the first time in Europe.\nOn the outside, the second-generation Lexus LM was designed with the key concept of \u201cDignified Elegance\u201d. The main goal of the exterior design was to create a unique identity through proportions that reflect \u201cfunctional purity\u201d and \u201cdynamic performance\u201d.\nAt the front end, the new Lexus LM sports a further evolved version of the Spindle Body, which has been the identity for the Lexus brand. This time around, a dash of body colour has been applied to the grille, making it look like a seamless integral part of the body. Lexus has also minimised the gap between the surrounding parts and body to improve aerodynamics.\nDepending on the variant, the LM sits on either a set of 17-inch of 19-inch wheels. The Lexus LM measures 5,125 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,955 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 3,000 mm long.\nRELATED: \nLexus LM 350 brings First Class hospitality into a vehicle \u2013 RM1.148m\nSo far, there are two powertrain options for the LM, with both of them being electrified. The first is a 2.4-litre inline-4 turbocharged engine hybrid system with the brand\u2019s \u201ceAxle\u201d. The second is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine hybrid system with E-Four/FF.\nInside, the second-generation Lexus LM provides either a 4-, 6-, or 7-seater configuration. The 4-seat version is specially designed for chauffeur-driven use. In the 4-seater version, a partition separates the front and rear seats. The upper portion houses a retractable glass window with a dimming function. Below is a 48-inch widescreen display that can be used for a variety of purposes including online meetings and entertainment. A refrigerator and storage spaces are located under the display.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 Lexus RX to launch in Malaysia this year \u2013 rumoured pricing from RM470k\nThe main focus of the Lexus LM was both ride comfort and quietness. For rise comfort, torsional rigidity is 50% higher than that of the outgoing version. Structural adhesive has also been used for the upper body to help reduce vibration.\nFor seat development, passenger body movements were thoroughly analysed to ensure a naturally relaxed state for both body and mind no matter where you are sitting. Special attention was also paid to reducing head movement and stabilizing the line of sight. The front seats optimize surface pressure distribution on the seat cushion to hold the body, regardless of the amount of G-force during turning.\nRELATED: \n2023 Lexus RZ 450e debuts in Thailand \u2013 fully-electric SUV to launch in Malaysia this year?\nLexus-first features on the new LM include \u201cAVS Suspension with Frequency-Sensitive Piston Valve\u201d and a \u201cRear Comfort\u201d drive mode. The former combines an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) actuator and a frequency-sensitive piston valve in the shock absorber. The latter enables an emphasis on rear-seat comfort. The dampening force characteristics of the AVS are set to prioritize rear-seat comfort, while integrated control of the gas pedal and brake reduces posture changes during acceleration and deceleration.\nSafety features in the Lexus LM include Pre-crash safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with all-speed follow function, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Abnormal Driver Response System, and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). The Lexus LM also features \u201cAdvanced Drive (traffic jam support)\u201d and \u201cAdvanced Park (with remote function)\u201d\nLexus International new LM Chief Engineer, Takami Yokoo said, \u201cThe inspiration for the development of the new Lexus LM was the increasingly diverse lifestyles of customers in the luxury segment. This is where the development concept was born: creating a mobile space where customers can be their true selves. Our goal was to provide an environment that would allow busy individuals to relax in mind and body, free from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives\u2015a space to inspire positive thought and action.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"The facelifted third-generation Nissan X-Trail has finally gone on sale in Europe after its \ndynamic debut in June\n early this year. Packing striking upgrades to the exterior design and new safety features, the world\u2019s best-selling SUV is not going to let its position slide just yet.\nAs reported earlier, the X-Trail now gets Nissan\u2019s latest \u201cV-motion\u201d grille, giving it a bolder road presence. The bumper has also been redesigned with new foglamp housings and black plastic trims. On variants that are equipped with full LED headlamps now benefits from the added \nAdaptive Front Lighting System\u00a0\nthat illuminates the apex in conjunction with the vehicle\u2019s speed and steering input.   The rear benefits from new LED taillamps with revised graphics as well as a chrome trim across the tailgate. Additionally, a chrome trim around the sides gives the refreshed X-Trail a more robust look. New 18-inch alloy wheel design has been added to the options list. New colours include Monarch Orange, Palatial Ruby, Sapphire Blue and Picador Brown.\nInside, the X-Trail now boasts a range of upgrades that elevates the cabin\u2019s overall look and feel. New items include a slimmer three-spoke steering wheel design that gives 17 percent better instrument cluster visibility, heated seats for first and second row occupants, Premium Tan and Black two-tone leather upholstery, leather knee pad, gloss black air vents, redesigned centre armrest and restyled gear lever.   The boot of the X-Trail is now 15 litres larger than before (now \n565 litres\n) on the five-seater configuration, thanks to improved packaging. Boot space on the seven-seater X-Trails remains the same at \n445 litres\n with all seats in place.\nThe biggest upgrade on the X-Trail is the inclusion of \nProPilot \nthat gives semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The ProPilot bundles Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control and Traffic Jam Pilot which helps ease mental load when driving long distances and city commute. \nOther safety technologies\n include \u2013 Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Stand Still Assist, Hill Start Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Park Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor and Lane Departure Warning.\nLike before, the facelifted X-Trail is available in three powertrain options \u2013 a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with \n128 hp\n, 2.0-litre turbodiesel with \n175 hp\n and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with \n161 hp\n. All engines can be paired to either a six-speed manual or X-Tronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) as well as two- or four-wheel drive layout.\nPrices for the facelifted Nissan X-Trail in UK starts from \u00a323,385 (RM133k). Locally, Edaran Tan Chong Motors have the \npre-facelift third-generation Nissan X-Trail\n on sale but is severely lacking in the safety department (it only comes with two airbags!).\u00a0 Perhaps this facelift model is what Edaran Tan Chong needs to hold its fort in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s close now, a little more than a week to go before the official launch of the Perodua Myvi facelift. The outgoing Myvi \nLagi Best\n has been around since mid 2011 and have since swept the \nBest Selling National Car\n title since it was first introduced here.\nFour years down the road and the Myvi gets a new lease of life, this time with a new tagline \u2013 \nThe Love of the Nation\n. It\u2019s open for bookings too, as per the brochure seen on their \nwebsite\n.\nNow, onto the highlights. The Myvi facelift is priced \nslightly cheaper\n than the model it will be replacing, starting from \nRM41,500\n to \nRM58,900\n as compared to the \nRM41,936\n to \nRM61,740\n tags before. It also gets a more straightforward naming convention that\u2019s similar to the \nAxia\u2019s\n.\nThe Myi 1.3L \nStandard G\n\u00a0will replace the current \nMyvi 1.3 XT\n, whereas the \nPremium X\n replaces the Myvi 1.3 SE. Onto the 1.5L Myvi: two trims are available, the \n1.5L SE\n and the \n1.5L Advance\n, no more Myvi Extreme here, and we applaud that.\u00a0Under the bonnet rests the same engines with virtually no mechanical enhancements, with the \n1.3-litre engine\n making \n90 hp\n and \n117 Nm\n of torque, whereas the \n1.5-litre\n makes \n102 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n of torque.\nClick image to visit \nPerodua\u2019s website\nBoth engines can be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed E-AT transmission, however the Premium X 1.3L and Advance 1.5L won\u2019t be getting the stick shifter. Its headlights are new too, featuring \nLED daytime running lights\n. The front bumper now includes \nfront parking sensors\n which were first seen on the Axia. Other new features inside the Myvi include a new multimedia head unit with integrated reverse camera, along with an anti-snatch hook and retractable cup holder.\n[divider]"
"If you could own a drop-top supercar, what would it be? In fact, if you think about it, options aren\u2019t in abundance. Perhaps a \nHuracan Spyder\n? Maybe a \nMcLaren 720S\n? What if you aren\u2019t attracted to the mid-engine design/layout? Where else could you look?\nIf a (fast) grand tourer is what you want \u2013 something with a long nose and a short tail \u2013 and you \nprefer your beauties topless than fully covered up\n \u2013 I don\u2019t think there is anything else more complete than the new 812 GTS that\u2019s now available in Malaysia.\nFor a cool RM1.5 million, obviously before taxes and customisations, the 812 GTS is perhaps the most all-rounded grand tourer you can buy at the moment. \nBentley Continental GT Convertible\n? Well not everyone wants to look like a Kardashian and no disrespect to Bentley, it\u2019s just isn\u2019t as quick as the 812 GTS.\nThey\u2019re obviously for different types of enthusiasts \u2013 the former for someone who prefers everything to appear grand and shiny with the texture of a baby\u2019s bottom while the latter, based on the\n \n812 Superfast we reviewed\n, is for those who\u2019d be inclined to feed humble pies to the GTR tailgating behind, while on a road trip.\nThat\u2019s because the numbers on this thing is just frightening \u2013 \n0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds\n, 0 to 200 in 8.3 seconds, with a top speed of over 340 km/h! In fact, despite the\n additional 75 kg of weight \nfrom the folding roof mechanism, it\u2019s almost, if not as quick as the hardtop 812 Superfast.\nThe source of 812 GTS\u2019 fury lies in the same 6.5-litre V12 engine found in the 812 Superfast, with \n800 hp\n and \n718 Nm\n; and it\u2019s not even turbocharged!\nThe entire rear end of the car including the roof, tonneau cover and luggage compartment, have been redesigned. The retractable hard top can \nopen and close in just 14 seconds\n at speeds of up to 45 km/h. The electric rear screen acts as a wind-deflector and even with the roof up, it can be left opened to allow occupants to bask in the majestic roar of the 812 GTS\u2019 V12 engine.\nThe new Ferrari 812 GTS starts from RM1,538,000 (before duties, customisation options, taxes and insurance). It can be viewed privately at the Naza Italia Ferrari City in Kuala Lumpur.\nGALLERY"
"Proton and Petronas have a long-standing partnership since 1989 with the local oil & gas company supplying lubricants to the national car maker. Now, the two companies have extended their partnership once again for another 10 years.\nPetronas Lubricants\nMarketing Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PLMM), a subsidiary of Petronas Dagangan Berhad\n(PDB) and Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) will develop, supply and deliver\nlubricant products and functional fluids to Proton\u2019s factory fill and\naftersales service, with the key product being the Petronas Syntium SE range of\nengine oil.\nProton & Petronas upper management sharing a moment\nPetronas Syntium SE engine\noils \u2013 SE for \u201cServiced at Edar\u201d is a result from the long-standing partnership\nwhere the fluids were developed specifically to optimise the performance of Proton\nvehicles and reduce the cost of ownership in the long run for Proton owners.\nPetronas Syntium will also be used to service and protect the \nProton X70\n, Malaysia\u2019s first \nintelligent SUV\n which has a service interval of 10,000 km/6 months.\nServiced with Petronas Syntium SE\nProton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong said: \u201cProton and Petronas have a long history of working together so it was only natural for us to extend our partnership. PROTON has a lot of exciting new models in the pipeline and we are eager to explore technical solutions developed together with PETRONAS that will benefit our customers.\u201d\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nProton Deputy CEO, Dato Radzaif Mohamed"
"There\u2019s a new lightweight, manual British sports car \u2013 and no, it\u2019s not a \nLotus\n. It\u2019s called the Vertige, by new British start-up Wells Motor Cars, and it\u2019s making its debut this week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.\nThe Wells Vertige follows the \nLotus Elise\n\u2018s formula almost to a T, in it that values lightweightness more than anything else. Built on super-stiff steel monocoque topped with tubular steel roll-cage, the Vertige weighs just \n850 kg \nall-in. That\u2019s almost 210 kg lighter than the \nMazda MX-5\n, while occupying about the same footprint.\nPower comes from a Ford-sourced 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine mounted behind the passenger compartment, pushing \n211 hp\n and \n209 Nm\n to the rear wheels. And yes, it only comes with a manual gearbox.\nOddly, the all-new Lotus Emira is bigger and heavier than the Elise and Exige it supposedly replaces. What happened to \u2018simplify, then add lightness\u2019?\nWhile the figure sounds mediocre by today\u2019s standards, the Vertige also weighs a lot less than cars these days, so it\u2019ll still have pretty solid performance \u2013 and the numbers back it up. Century sprint is completed in \nunder five seconds\n, and with the accelerator pinned to the floor, the Wells Vertige will reach a top speed of \n225 km/h\n.\nNot too shabby, but the Vertige was never built for straight line races. Just like the Lotus, the super lightweight sports car finds itself most comfortable around the corner, with a set of bespoke cast-aluminium double-wishbones on both ends that even allows you to adjust the toe and camber settings.\nThe focus on simplicity and drivability continues inside, which you enter through the McLaren-esque dihedral doors. The cabin is refreshingly simple, with an analogue instrument cluster, hand-cranked window knob, leather upholstery, and an Alcantara-topped dashboard reminding you of the good ol\u2019 days.\nAlso making its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the experimental dual-motor Polestar 2. Check it out here!\nBut simple doesn\u2019t mean sparse, as the Wells Vertige still offers a vast majority of modern features that buyers expect to find in a new car in 2021. There\u2019s a seven-inch Sony touchscreen head unit that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, USB ports, and even a heater that comes standard with the car (it\u2019s designed in gloomy England, after all). Air conditioning is part of the extra-cost options, however.\nThe Wells Vertige starts at GBP45,000 (~RM259k) before options, and will be hand-built to order in England \u2013 which means if you have a deep enough pocket, you can work directly with the company to create a bespoke unit just for yourself.\nSeries production is planned for the future and will be done in batches at the firm\u2019s new factory in Itchington, Warwickshire, limited to just 25 cars per year to maintain exclusivity. The first batch of seven have all already been sold to founder Robin Wells\u2019 \u201cfriends and family\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"Don\u2019t get your hopes up so quickly though, the driver assistance system offered similarly in the\n updated Axia\n and Myvi, will only be available in the 1.3-litre AV variant.\nPerodua has been quite generous with this \nnewly updated Bezza\n; not just in terms of styling which now adopts a more aggressive stance but also in terms of equipment.\n \nTake the slimmer LED headlamps for example, they\u2019re standard across the board and all 1.3-litre variants get Vehicle Stability Control.The Bezza still available with the 1.0- and 1.3-litre engine options although, the 1.3 variants are only available with an automatic transmission.\nThe Bezza still available with the 1.0- and 1.3-litre engine options although, the 1.3 variants are only available with an automatic transmission.\nPrices for the new Bezza start from RM34k all the way up to RM49k. Instead of the five variants from before, there are now only four variants."
"While everyone is preoccupied with the amazingly futuristic concepts taking the stands at the ongoing Tokyo International Motor Show, Stuttgart-based motoring perfectionist, Porsche has seized the chance to roll out a hot GTS-flavoured Macan SUV that\u2019s slated to sit slap bang in the middle of the \nMacan S and Macan Turbo \nmodels currently on sale.\nIt\u2019s almost inevitable that Porsche would apply its renowned \nGTS treatment\n to the Macan, considering the fact that most of its highly-acclaimed stablemates have received such treatment\u00a0like the \nCayenne\n, \nBoxster, Cayman\n and the daddy-of-them-all \u2013 the \n911\n. We\u2019d reckon it was all but a matter time, and in any case we \nain\u2019t complainin!\u00a0\nInterestingly this souped-up Macan GTS makes for a brilliant \ncompetitor\n to Bimmer\u2019s recently-launched \nX4 M40i\n\u00a0model which, just like the Macan, is a brilliant \nrange-filler\n that sits just short of the their forebearers up in the range. With a\n 360 hp 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6\n churning out \n500 Nm\n of twist (on paper at least) the Macan is primed to go head-to-head with the jacked up Bimmer. Having said that, the century sprint is dealt with in\n 5.2 seconds\n (5 seconds if you opt for the\n\u00a0Sport Chrono\n pack) while top speed is rated at \n257 km/h\n.\nUnlike the Bimmer and a plus point to Porsche is the \nseven-speed PDK\n (Porsche Doppelkupplung if you speak Deutsch) ultra-fast dual-clutch gearbox that\u2019s coupled with the company\u2019s signature\u00a0\nPorsche Traction Management\n (PTM) system with\u00a0\nvariable power distribution\n. This system sends power to each individual wheel, ensuring that the driver will always have the upper hand when tackling the bends.\u00a0As\u00a0if that wasn\u2019t enough, a\u00a0\nsports exhaust\n gives everyone an aural clue to the potency of the heart beating within.\nAlso, the Macan GTS sits 15mm closer to the ground, thanks to a revised\u00a0\nPorsche Active Suspension Management\n (PASM). The \n20-inch\n\u00a0RS Spyder design alloy wheels complete the dynamic image of the GTS. Incidentally, the \nwider\n tyres on the rear axle that are a unique feature of every Macan affords a particularly purposeful stance to the new model.\nOn the inside, Porsche has carried over the exterior\u2019s \nathletic\n theme with twist of luxury starting with the envelopment of everything \nAlcantara. \nBear in mind however,\u00a0being a Porsche \u2013 \npersonalisation\n is a word the marque excels with flying colours.\u00a0The new Porsche Communication Management touchscreen monitor has extended functionalities as first seen in the 911, and now celebrates its debut here in the Macan with \nApple CarPlay\n for good measure.\nThe Macan GTS is now on sale in the UK and is priced from\n \u00a355,188\n (RM359k). However, given the brand\u2019s massive popularity here in Malaysia, it\u2019s safe to say that the Macan GTS isn\u2019t that much farther away from it\u2019s \nlocal debut\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We are\u00a0just\u00a0days away from the launch of the new \nProton Perdana\n, and what we have here is the brochure from Proton\u2019s most anticipated model of 2016. Mind you, this is not a leaked brochure unlike the past as this comes directly from \nProton Edar\u2019s website\n.\nPositioned as Proton\u2019s halo car, it will be our national carmaker\u2019s first re-entry back into the D-segment category after the Perdana V6 of old was put out of service. The next generation Perdana as we know, is based on the eight-generation Honda Accord. After two years serving as an official car for Malaysian government officials, Proton will launch the heavily revised version of the Perdana to the general public.\nAs the brochure suggests, the new Perdana sports updated aesthetics never before seen on any variant (modified aftermarket or not) offered by Honda. Some of them include a sportier and more aggressive headlamps with DRLs, new bodykit as well as a rear spoiler. The interior meanwhile, receives a new touchscreen infotainment with integrated GPS navigation, dual zone auto air conditioning and\u00a08-way power seat for the driver.\nThere aren\u2019t any changes done to the powertrain, so output figures remain the same that of its donor car (refer to table below). Word has it when Proton\u2019s new \nself-developed powertrains\n are ready for production by 2018, the Perdana\u00a0could be powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged\u00a0Gasoline Direct Injection.\nModel\nPerdana 2.0\nPerdana 2.4\nEngine\n2.0-litre R20A3 4-Cylinder\u00a0i-VTEC\n2.4-litre\u00a0K24Z2 4-Cylinder\u00a0i-VTEC\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic\n5-speed automatic\nPower\n154 hp\u00a0 @ 6,300\u00a0rpm\n181 hp\u00a0 @ 6500\u00a0rpm\nTorque\n189 Nm @ 4,300\u00a0rpm\n222 Nm\u00a0@ 4300\u00a0rpm\nJudging by the dimensions, the new Perdana is longer than the Accord (\n5,020mm vs 4,894mm\n) while retaining the width, height and wheelbase. Also to note, judging by our initial reaction during the brief media preview earlier this year, the new Perdana is quite indeed a looker.\nIt will be available in six exterior colours, and the tentative pricing for the new Perdana ranges from RM100k to RM150k. It\u2019s also open for bookings in all Proton Edar showrooms. Watch this space for the latest updates on Proton\u2019s next big thing!"
"Our \nearly sighting\n of the \nthird-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS\n in Malaysia proved to be true as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) officially welcomes the CLS range to their Dream Cars family. Unlike before where it was offered in a single variant, MBM has brought in a variety of variants of the new-generation model to cater to a wider range of customer profile.\nOn the lower end of the spectrum, there is the CLS 350 powered by a road tax-friendly 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder while the \nCLS 53 4MATIC+\n with its AMG credentials are here to suit the performance minded individual.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz CLS 350\nMercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC\nMercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+\nEngine\n1,991cc; 4-cylinder turbo\n2,999cc; in-line 6 bi-turbo\n2,999cc; in-line 6 bi-turbo\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n299 hp @ 5,800 \u2013 6,100 rpm\n367 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,100 rpm\n435 hp @ 6,100 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @3,000 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n500 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n520 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 5,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.0 seconds; 250 km/h\n4.8 seconds; 250 km/h\n4.5 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM530,000 (Estimated)\nRM650,034.58\nRM806,638.35\n\u00a0\nBoth the CLS 450 4MATIC and CLS 53 4MATIC+ are immediately available at launch. The CLS 450 4MATIC wears the AMG Line exterior, diamond front grille, Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels as well as the Night Edition pack that paints the exterior trims in gloss black.\nStepping up to the CLS 53 4MATIC+ and it gets a decidedly more aggressive appearance with the AMG exterior night package, carbon fibre extended mirrors, carbon fibre boot lid and 20-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels.   Inside, the CLS 450 and 53 gets the widescreen cockpit, turbine-style air vents, powered sunroof, AMG Line interior, Command Online with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 64-colour ambient lighting, 360-degree camera with Parking Pilot, powered boot, air-balance package and Thermotronic climate control as standard.\nThe CLS 53 gets additional carbon fibre trim elements, Nappa leather AMG performance steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery and a carbon fibre centre console. Early adopters of the CLS 450 and 53 can be optioned with the Edition 1 specification that adds COPPER ART interior concept and open-pore black ash wood interior trim with Edition 1 laser engraving.   The CLS family is the first generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia to feature the marques new-generation 48-Volt Integrated Starter Generator that gives additional 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque to fills in the torque gaps when the turbochargers are spooling.\nAs a result, the CLS 350 with its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder packs\n 299 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n, CLS 450 with its 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six packs \n367 hp\n/\n500 Nm\n and the CLS 53 with its 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six commands \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of twist. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on all CLS variants.\nAll variants of the Mercedes-Benz CLS are fully imported and are covered with a 4-Years Warranty. Customers can also order their CLS with additional equipment such as heads-up display, Energizing Comfort Control and Driving Assistance Package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC   Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+"
"Pos Malaysia is \ntemporarily suspending\n the renewal of Lesen Kenderaan Motor (Road tax) for private vehicles from today (23rd February) until the \n31st of March\n 2021.\nThis action is instructed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and all Pos Malaysia offices nationwide are affected.\nImages: Facebook- \nPosMalaysia\n and \nJPJ\nHowever, other services including driving licence and vehicle insurance renewals are still available. During this MCO 2.0 phase, licenced drivers with expired road tax have been given an exemption from renewal but \nmust carry a valid\n vehicle\u2019s insurance cover note while on the road. \u00a0\u00a0\nRoad tax renewals can be done online via\u00a0\nMySikap JPJ\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nMyEG\n."
"Just yesterday, McLaren released a whole lot of previously unpublished still images and rolling shots of the\u00a0\nMcLaren 570S Spider\n\u00a0which made its first public appearance at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed.\u00a0\nFull sets of incredibly articulate images which were shot in Spain showcases the McLaren 570S Spider in each of its three new colours \u2013 the Curacao Blue, Silician Yellow and Vega Blue.\nFor recap sake, the 570S Spider is the third body style made available to McLaren\u2019s already eye-watering inventory alongside the Coupe and GT shells, utilising the proven retractable hardtop technology found in the McLaren 650S and 675LT Spiders.\u00a0\nWithout compromise on structural rigidity and with a mere 46 kg increase in weight over the 570S Coupe, the convertible retains the 0 to 100km/h time of \n3.2 seconds\n and 0 to 200 km/h in\u00a0\n9.6 seconds\u00a0\nas set by the 570S Coupe, with launch control engaged.\nFirst deliveries of the hand-assembled 570S Spider in McLaren\u2019s Production Centre will begin in August and the first 400 customers will receive launch edition models to celebrate the success of the\u00a0\n720S\n\u00a0launch edition. How much, you ask? A cool \u00a3164,750 (RM894k) before options.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nCurocao Blue   Silician Yellow   Vega Blue"
"The use of Child Restraint Systems (CRS), or child seats have become mandatory since January 1, 2020. If you still haven\u2019t purchased one for your family, or better yet, recently had a new family member (\ncongratulations!\n), Perodua\u2019s new Care Seat might be of your interest!\nPriced at\n RM680\n in Peninsular Malaysia and \nRM695 \nin East Malaysia, the Perodua Care Seat is suitable for children of all ages up to 12 (or weighing up to 36 kg). The new seat replaces the previous \nGearUp Infant and Toddler seats\n, which retailed for RM785 and RM975 respectively.\n \nThe ISOFIX-enabled child seat complies with the\n ECE R44/04 standards\n, which is \none of the two standards \nadopted by the Malaysian government. It can be installed facing forwards or backwards, and features six recline angles as well as a harness that self-adjusts according to headrest position.\n\u201cThe Perodua Care Seat is more cost-effective as the same seat can be used for thechild throughout, without needing to change from an infant to a toddler seat as the child gets older,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. But of course, this only applies up to the expiry date \u2013 yes, child seats have them!\n\u201cIt bears repeating that all children should be properly secured in child seats in moving vehicles for their safety. In encouraging this, Perodua is bringing out a product that is durable, adaptable, comfortable, affordable and meets safety standards.\n\u201cPerodua will continue to spread awareness, educate and advocate the use of child seats amongst our customers. We hope the use of child seats in Malaysia will become commonplace one day \u2013 this would go a long way in reducing road injuries and fatalities, especially of our precious young ones,\u201d he added.\nThe new Perodua Care Seat is available in either grey or blue, and comes as standard with a one-year warranty \u2013 double the warranty period of the outgoing GearUp Infant and Toddler seats. Buying a new Perodua? The Care Seat can also be factored directly into the hire-purchase agreement.\nThe Perodua Car Seat is now on sale at all authorised Perodua outlets nationwide."
"It feels like the Audi A4 B9 generation was just launched yesterday but the premium sedan has been around for three years. The four rings decided that it is time that they spice up the A4 with a mid-cycle refresher.\nChanges are mostly aesthetics for this refresh exercise with a reshaped front bumper that now has pentagonal contours on the air inlets with aluminium bars along with new alloy wheel designs measuring from 16- to 19-inch.   The \nS line trim\n gets a more extensive update, spotting a new 3D Singleframe grille, more pronounced bumper with separate openings to guide air past the wheel for better aerodynamics. Over the rear, S line variants now get trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes that replace the previous oval design.\nFor the first time, the A4 is available with the\n S line Competition package\n that includes a host of sporty bits include front bumper and the stone-chip guard strip in selenite silver, an RS rear spoiler on the A4 Avant, four rings logo on the lower section of the rear doors, Audi Sport 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, sport suspension and LED headlamps. It also gets a new Turbo Blue paint finish.\nInside the S line Competition builds upon the S line black interior package with RS carbon inlays, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and black partial leather sport seats.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A4 B9 Sedan   Audi A4 B9 Avant"
"After making an unscheduled appearance at the showroom, the Volkswagen Beetle Dune is now officially available for purchase after being introduced alongside the \nall-new Passat B8\n. Just one trim will be made available, and it\u2019s based on the Beetle 1.4 TSI.\nDubbed \u201cthe most rugged Beetle of all time\u201d, the Dune gets finished in a special shade of paint called Sandstorm Yellow (this colour extends to the dashboard and door trims) and sits on swanky 18-inch \u2018Canyon\u2019 alloy wheels. All four corners are shod with 235/45 profile tyres, and the car is raised by 10mm for better ground clearance.   The four-cylinder \nturbocharged 1.4-litre\n engine produces \n148 horsepower \nat 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and\n 250 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. It is mated to a \nseven-speed dual clutch automatic\n driving the \nfront wheels\n. From standstill, the Beetle Dune sprints to the 100km/h mark in \n8.8 seconds\n, and on the combined cycle it will consume \n5.5 litres of fuel per 100km\n. \nExternally, the Dune gets bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps and front fog lamps that function as cornering lights. The front and rear bumper are both redesigned, with the tail now fitted with a large jutted spoiler. But if these cues aren\u2019t shouty enough, both sides of the car come with Dune stripes and plastic mouldings.   Only 50 units of the Beetle Dune will be brought into Malaysia, and they are all fully imported from Mexico. Priced at RM179,990 (excludes registration and insurance), each purchase of the Beetle Dune, like all other Volkswagen cars today, will come with a 5-Year unlimited mileage with manufacturer\u2019s warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To get the weekend off to a flying start, here\u2019s something that would give fans of flying vehicles (we know of one) a new high. \nToyota \nhas just announced that they would be investing an \nadditional US$349 million\n in California-based \nJoby Aviation\n, \u2018an aerospace company developing and commercialising all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to enable the deployment of fast, quiet and affordable air transportation services\u2019.\nAutomakers investing in start-ups that specialise in alternate modes of mobility isn\u2019t a new phenomenon; \nMercedes-Benz\n funds German air taxi outfit \nVolocopter \nwhile \nGeely \neven acquired US-based start-up \nTerrafugia \nwhich develops flying cars.\nJoby\u2019s all-electric 4-seater flying machine is capable of 320 km/h, more than 240 km on a single charge and 100 times quieter than a conventional aircraft.\nMeanwhile, the Malaysian government, led by the \nMinister of Entrepreneur Development\n, has talked up \nnot one but two\n flying car/drone/(fill in the blank) projects that are supposed to take flight but the first test flight was thwarted by the \nlack of an authorisation\n from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia. Oh well.\n\u201cAs we take up the challenge of air transportation together with Joby, an innovator in the emerging eVTOL space, we tap the potential to revolutionise future transportation and life. Through this new and exciting endeavour, we hope to deliver freedom of movement and enjoyment to customers everywhere, on land, and now, in the sky,\u201d said Toyota Motor Corporation President and CEO \nAkio Toyoda\n.\nToyota and Joby are of the view that eVTOLs will create new mobility services to overcome challenges such as traffic congestion, increased environmental burden and the lack of transportation in underpopulated areas."
"Ferrari has revealed their latest one-off build called the \nBR20\n based on the\n GTC4 Lusso\n platform; inspired by Ferrari coupe models from the 1950s and 60s.\nThe BR20 is a combination of timeless elegance with muscular sportiness as it effortlessly incorporates styling elements from some of the most iconic 12-cylinders in Ferrari history, including the 410 SA and 500 Superfast.\nUnlike the GTC4 Lusso, the rear seats in the BR20 have been removed to achieve a dramatic fastback silhouette. It\u2019s also three inches longer than Ferrari\u2019s hatchback, as a result of the redesigned rear overhang.\nThe modern interpretation of Ferrari\u2019s \u201cflying buttress\u201d is an indirect tribute not just to past Ferrari GT cars but also sports cars like the 599 GTB Fiorano.\nFacts & Figures: Ferrari Portofino M \u201cModificata\u201d launched in Malaysia. Read about it here!\nWhile some of the exterior components have been modified from the GTC4 Lusso, such as the headlamps and daytime running lights, items like the exhaust tips and 20-inch diamond-finish wheels were conceived specially for the one-off car.\nAs for the interior, it\u2019s covered with carbon fibre and two different shades of brown leather, as per the customer\u2019s request. Oak trims with carbon-fibre inserts were used to furnish the rear bench and luggage deck.\nThe jaw-dropping Ferrari 296 GTB is here to kickstart Maranello\u2019s V6 hybrid era. Check it out here!\nThe BR20 was ordered and made through the \u201cSpecial Projects\u201d programme for a longstanding Ferrari customer who was deeply involved in every step of its creation and represents a true interpretation of traditional coachbuilder\u2019s art.\nEach project originates from a customer\u2019s idea which is then developed together with a team of designers from Ferrari\u2019s Styling Centre. Once the car\u2019s proportion and form have been decided, detailed design blueprints are produced before the manufacturing process. The entire process lasts on average more than one year.\nGALLERY"
"We spend a large amount of time in our cars daily, be it the commute to and from work, or the weekend drives. For us car enthusiasts, we have no trouble living with the spartan interiors of our project cars. But for the majority of car buyers, interior design and comfort makes up a huge part of the car buying decision.\nThat is why for the past 10 years, WardAuto has been awarding the 10 Best Interiors Award to cars with exceptional cabins, and 2020 is no different \u2013 although the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the judges had to \nchange up their workflow a little\n.\nSelected from a list of 32 nominees, the winners of the 2020 Wards 10 Best Interior were judged based on their aesthetics, comfort, ergonomics, materials, fit-and-finish and user-friendly electronics, with no cap in pricing.\nAccording to WardAuto, this year\u2019s interior trends are: heated second-row seats, reconfigurable digital displays, compelling colour and fabric combinations, bold ambient lighting colours and front passenger seats available with memory position settings.\nKeep in mind that the selection are based on new or updated models available in the United States only, so there might be some omissions or US-exclusive models, but we thought that it\u2019s still an interesting exercise to look at them together and compare against other offerings available here. So without further ado, here are the WardAuto Wards 10 Best Interiors winners, in alphabetical order.\nAudi e-tron\nBentley Flying Spur\nBMW X6 M Competition\nChevrolet Corvette Stingray\nHyundai Venue\nKia Telluride\nLincoln Aviator\nMercedes-Benz GLB \nNissan Sentra\nToyota Highlander"
"While the new \nMazda CX-3\n is probably the most talked-about Mazda since the reveal at the LA Motor Show, \nMazda\n has also given the CX-5 a facelift. The refresh brings styling update inside and out to the compact SUV that has been on sale since 2012.\nEXTERIOR\nThe nose receives a \nnew grille\n with metallic gray horizontal inserts, and a new pair of \nAdaptive LED Headlights\n (ALH) with the new \nLED lighting signature\n that first appeared on the \nMazda2\n. Lower down the front bumper, the foglamps have shrunk and now sandwiched between a couple of horizontal slats.\nAt the back, the taillamps get the LED lighting signature but apart from that the CX-5 retains the rugged black plastic cladding that goes around the lower part of the vehicle. There\u2019s also a new design for the \n19-inch\n wheels and the addition of Sonic Silver Metallic and Titanium Flash Mica to the exterior colour palette.\nINTERIOR\nThe dashboard design is retained, featuring a pop-up \nHead Up Display\n and \nMZD Connect\n car connectivity system but the cabin is now built from higher quality materials. Other than the piano black interior trim, there\u2019s also the metallic-finish trim, and the vertical hairline finish with satin chrome strip.\nNew fabric upholstery is used in the new CX-5, or buyers can also specify leather upholstery that comes in either black or pure white. The seat structures were redesigned which Mazda said to provide \u201ca feeling of comfortable snugness and a good fit, excellent holding characteristics, as well as ride comfort\u201d.\nCurrent CX-5 owners will notice that the new CX-5 is missing a handbrake lever on the center console. The CX-5 is now using an \nElectrical Parking Brake\n (EPB) which also frees up some space in the center console.\u00a0The center console box is larger in capacity and the front door pockets are also bigger on the facelifted CX-5.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe CX-5 continues to use the range of \nSKYACTIV-G\n petrol and\n SKYACTIV-D\n diesel powerplants which includes the \n2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G\n petrol with 158 hp or 163 hp, \n2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G\n petrol with 189 hp, and a \n2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D\n diesel with 148 hp or 173 hp mated to either a\n six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic\n with \nDrive Selection\n or a \nsix-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual\n transmission.\nPower is sent to the front wheels, or all four wheels while\n low-viscosity synthetic oil\n is used for the \nnew-generation AWD system\n that helps to improve the fuel economy. The front lower arms bushings were updated along with a new structure for the front and rear dampers to provide a smooth and flat ride in the new CX-5.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe CX-5 is fitted with Mazda\u2019s \ni-ACTIVSENSE\n advanced safety technologies that uses radars and cameras around the vehicle. They provide information for the \nBlind Spot Monitoring\n (BSM), \nRear Cross Traffic Alert\n (RCTA), \nMazda Radar Cruise Control\n (MRCC), and the new \nLane-keep Assist System\n (LAS) to detect the surroundings.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re anything like us, then it\u2019s likely that the\n Gymkhana videos\n were a huge part of your teenage/early-adulthood years. And the man synonymous with the videos? Ken Block. Block started the phenomenon twelve years ago, and over the years he\u2019s managed to rack up hundreds of thousands of views across 10 instalments of the series \u2013 and that\u2019s not counting the other spinoffs.\nMoving forward though, we\u2019ll be seeing a new face starring in the next video of the series \u2013 Travis Pastrana. Hoonigan has announced that Ken Block will be stepping away from Gymkhana 11, passing the torch over to his former Rally America teammate.\nThe news came following Ken Block\u2019s \nGymkhana Grid: Stay At Home Edition\n video, where he filmed an entire Gymkhana video with his family within the compounds of the Hoonigan Race Shop. At the end of the video, Block challenged \nPastrana to do the same\n.\nDuring a \nlive conference call\n broadcasted on Hoonigan\u2019s social media pages, Block broke the news to Pastrana: \u201cI\u2019d love to see your take on a real Gymkhana now we\u2019ve seen what you do with a Can-Am. It\u2019s time to see a full Gymkhana video from Travis. I will give you my entire crew, I will give you my entire editing . everything. \u201c\nHoonigan co-founder and chief creative officer, who was also in the call, added: \u201cWe\u2019re going to send you the rulebook. You\u2019ll have to read it, you\u2019ve got to sign off on it, but that\u2019s it. Gymkhana for 2020 is yours. You\u2019re officially taking over Gymkhana.\u201d\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by travispastrana (@travispastrana)\nAccording to \nDirt Fish\n, the plan has been in the works for a while now, between Ken Block\u2019s Hoonigan Racing Division, Subaru, and its factory racing partner Vermont SportsCar \u2013 Pastrana intentionally kept out of the loop.\nThe location for the upcoming Gymkhana 11 has yet to be set, but Subaru has already started working on a specialist vehicle to take on the challenge. Yes, you read that right \u2013 Gymkhana is about to feature a Subie again, for the first time since Gymkhana 2.\nPastrana has been featured as a guest on previous Gymkhana videos, too \u2013 he made an appearance in Gymkhana Five with his dirt bike, and later again as a cameo in the credits scene of Gymkhana 10, where he was passed the keys to the\n Hoonitruck\n by Ken Block, foreshadowing this move.\nIn the announcement call, Ken Block also hinted that he\u2019s not completely pulling out of the Gymkhana series. After all, Block only recently showed-off his new \n\u201cHoonifox\u201d Fox-bodied Mustang\n. But just for all time\u2019s sake, here are some of our favourite videos from the series."
"Having served Malaysians for close to a decade as the go-to budget hatchback, the \nPerodua Axia\n has finally been given an all-new refresh after two minor facelifts in 2017 and 2019. The 2023 Perodua Axia has grown larger, and fetches a higher base price tag, starting at \nRM38,600\n for the base G variant.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nA total of 4 variants are available for the Perodua Axia, namely the G, X, SE, and AV. Prices are \nRM38,600\n for the G variant, \nRM40,000\n for the X variant, \nRM44,900\n for the SE variant, and \nRM49,500\n for the range-topping AV variant. You can also equip the car with Gear Up accessories, such as a kickplate set, hood insulation, floor lighting, Gear Up seat upholstery, and more.\nOn the outside, the 2023 Perodua Axia is equipped with LED headlights for the X and above variants, while the G variant still illuminates its way with a set of halogen headlights. The range-topping AV variant is even equipped with an Auto High Beam function for maximum visibility at night. Daytime running lights (DRLs) are also available for the Axia, albeit only on the SE and AV variants. The DRLs are located on the front bumper and are not to be confused with the LED strip on the headlights which are the positioning lights.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia \u2013 now with more space and why it should be better to drive\nThe strip on the headlights is the positioning light, not the DRL.\nThe front end of the all-new Axia is reminiscent of the first-generation Bezza, albeit with a few tweaks. The front end has a very upright styling and the hood even has a bit of an elevation to raise the horizontal surface. On the sides, the Axia gets bulbous wheel arches like first and second-generation Perodua Myvi, giving the car a sporty look. With the standard 14-inch wheels though, the large wheel arches do make the tyres look smaller than they really are.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia from RM38,600 \u2013 here are some never before offered features and items!\nAs for brakes and suspension, the Axia gets disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The car also gets a MacPherson strut suspension setup up front and a torsion beam setup at the back. Overall, the side profile of the all-new Axia is more sophisticated, thanks to the interesting surfaces that have been introduced.\nRELATED:\n 2023 Perodua Axia \u2013 20,100 bookings received, 13.6k converted from \u2018old\u2019 Axia bookings\nThe rear is perhaps the least successful part of the Axia\u2019s design, with a prominent indent that makes the car look like it has been rear-ended. The side and back surfaces of the front bumper also meet at an abrupt angle, making the Axia look unfinished. It is also peculiar that the Axia doesn\u2019t share any familial look with the Ativa and all-new Alza that have horizontal taillights.\nRELATED: \n\u2018Kosong Spec\u2019 Perodua Axia E Manual lives on, price and specs to be revised\nYou would also notice that the Axia no longer has rear demisters for all variants. They have been taken out as most users reportedly didn\u2019t make full use of them. This does create a cleaner look for the rear windshield, and this is complemented by the clear cover of the third brake light. On the roof of the Axia are two bulges, but these have no aerodynamic purposes. They are simply there to make space for the trunk hinges.\nPowering the all-new Axia is the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine as its predecessor. What is new here is the D-CVT which improves the overall fuel efficiency and provides a smoother acceleration. the engine still makes \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n, but fuel efficiency is now up at \n23.3 km/l\n from 21.6 km/l, showing an 8% improvement.\nInside, the Axia gets the same infotainment unit as the Ativa that provides SmartLink connectivity. There is no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity here. The infotainment screen is only available for the range-topping AV variant and so is the digital instrument cluster. The dashboard is now horizontally designed, differing from the old Axia\u2019s vertical design. Digital air conditioning controls are only provided in the SE and AV variants.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia, from RM38,600\nOther new things to the cabin of the Axia are the new seats (which are much more supportive), tilt steering adjustment, and new cubby spaces in front of the twin cupholders and underneath the gear lever. There is also a cover for the vanity mirror now.\nBoot space is now 265 litres, which is 5 litres larger than it used to be. It is also 47 mm deeper, allowing you to load larger items without having to fold the second-row seats down. Like the \nAtiva\n, \nMyvi\n, and \nAlza\n, the all-new Axia still comes with a full-sized spare wheel.\nSafety-wise, the all-new Axia now gets Perodua\u2019s ASA 3.0, with the exception of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) functions. The range-topping variant is also the variant to be equipped with 6 airbags while the rest only get 2 airbags.\nGALLERY"
"More images of the Infiniti QX80 Monograph has been released, now that the mega-SUV is making its appearance at the 2017 New York International Auto Show. It\u2019s not a production car, but a \u201cdesign study\u201d that focuses on Infiniti\u2019s future design language, particularly on the QX80.\nThe face is brasher this time round, featuring a much bigger \u2018double-arch\u2019 grille flanking a pair of \u2018human-eye\u2019 headlamps with \u2018piano key\u2019 LEDs. Another interesting feature are those LED eyebrows that stretches back on the front fenders, leading to a rear-facing camera on each side which replaces the side mirrors.   On the sides, the door handles sit flush to the body panels, and Infiniti says that the vents behind each wheel are not just decorative items, they eliminate turbulent and drag-inducing air from the wheel arches. The rims by the way, are actually 24-inch items, but they look bigger because the outer edges overlap the tyres by a couple of inches; a cheeky way to trick the bystanders. And you may also notice that they have altered the crescent-cut D-pillars with sharper and higher trailing edge.\nThe designers have made the back appear wider than before by playing with more horizontal lines. The tail lights are slimmer and wider, and they also use that same \u2018piano key\u2019 effect as the headlamps. By moving the number plate holder to the bumper makes the rear cleaner too.   Infiniti\u2019s Vice President of Global Product Strategy said \u201cThe QX80 Monograph is an exploration of how we plan to take a step forward in the large SUV segment. This is an important initiative for Infiniti, as the QX80 is popular with buyers in a number of markets \u2013 particularly in North America and the Middle East.\u201d Just in case if you\u2019re wondering, the current-generation QX80 is actually available on sale here in Malaysia, costing just a couple of grand below RM800k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Being based in Shah Alam, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) saw many of its associates fell victim to the recent flooding that devastated many communities.\nCommitted to helping the affected communities get back on their feet quickly, UMWT has stepped up its flood relief initiatives through dispatching staff volunteers, enabling its Shah Alam facility into a flood \u2018Command Centre\u2019 and donating basic household necessities to victims.\nLast Friday, company staff, under the initiative of the Raja Muda of Selangor Foundation, headed to the affected areas to assist with the cleaning of homes. One of the victims in Padang Jawa, Rosli Bin Hassan said, \u201cI am extremely grateful for this timely assistance in easing our burden as well as helping us to regain a sense of normalcy\u201d.\nUMWT volunteers will continue to offer assistance for as long as the requirement is there. Thanks to its spacious compound, UMWT has also converted its corporate headquarters in Section 15, Shah Alam, to a relief distribution centre as well as a soup kitchen. In the future, should there be any unfortunate disaster similar in magnitude and damage as the December floods, the UMWT office will be transformed into a \u2018Command Centre\u2019.\n\u201cUMW Toyota Motor stands in solidarity with the community. Malaysians have been going through an extremely challenging period due to the flood and we want to do what we can to provide some relief. We express our sincerest sympathies to all the victims and families affected and we hope that our initiatives will be of some help,\u201d said UMWT, President, Ravindran K.\nRELATED: UMW Toyota introduces its flood assist program for affected vehicles\nThe company also welcomes up to 100 vehicle owners to park their cars at the premises, regardless of makes and models. Terms and conditions apply.\nThe company, together with its suppliers also provided monetary support to enable the purchase of new basic household necessities such as kettles, stoves and fans to be distributed to affected households in hopes to alleviate some of their burdens.\n\u201cWe would like to take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt gratitude towards our suppliers namely Toyota Suppliers Club Malaysia, Denso Malaysia, Toyota Tsusho and Sime Kansai for stepping up and also providing financial support to our endeavours. This contribution was used to buy household appliances and other necessities to be given as aid to the flood victims\u201d Ravindran K. added.\nIn addition to giving aid to the local communities, UMWT is also assisting its workforce affected by the flood. These include repairs for personal vehicles, financial aid as well as distribution of basic household necessities."
"No, I refuse to believe that\u2019s an over-exaggerated statement. Sure, this particular model previewed by UMW Toyota Motor may have an additional body kit on but I strongly believe the new head and tail lamp design of the new Vios alone is enough to draw your attention.\nAlong with the \nlaunch of the all-new Toyota Camry\n, Toyota also previewed the new Toyota Vios to whet our (and your) appetites, with their \norder books now open\n.\u00a0Prices start from an estimated\n RM 77,200\n for the Vios 1.5 J, \nRM 81,200\n for the 1.5 E, and \nRM 87,300\n for the 1.5G.\nThe new Toyota Vios will be available in five colours \u2013 Dark Blue Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic and Super White II.\nUnder the hood rests the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine carried over from the previous model, paired to a 7-speed CVT gearbox. Output is rated at \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n.   Halogen headlamps with follow-me-home function, 15-inch alloys, keyless entry, Eco and Sport modes, push-start button, automatic air-conditioning and illuminated door sill plates will be available as standard.\nIn the 1.5 E mid-range variant, you get an additional multi-function steering wheel, 360-degree camera, a dashcam, LED tail lights, fog lights, electric side mirrors and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.\nOnly in the highest spec 1.5 G will you get projector headlights, leather seats, a leather steering and leather gear knob, paddle shifters, six speakers, front parking sensors and a 4.2-inch multi-info display.\nSafety wise, all the variants are equipped with seven airbags as standard, along with ABS and EBD, brake assist, stability control. In the E and G variants, you get an additional Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the success of the McLaren \nMP4-12C GT3\n and 650S GT3 race cars, the company has announced plans for their upcoming GT3 track car based on their latest-generation 720S.\nThe 720S GT3 will make its racing debut for the 2019 season and will be fully compliant with the latest GT3 regulations and will be eligible to compete in all GT3 race series\u2019. Building upon the road-going 720S, McLaren has fitted the car with an extravagant aerodynamic kit made from lightweight carbon fibre composites, giving the car superior downforce on-track without adding significant weight.\nA \nrace-prepped M840 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n rests under the hood of the 720S GT3 race car although McLaren did not reveal any key performance figures. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a \nsix-speed sequential gearbox\n. A set of \nadjustable dampers and coil-over springs\n takes over from the independent hydraulic suspension found in the road car.\nMoving forward, McLaren Automotive has confirmed that they will be appointing selective McLaren retailers from its existing dealer network to distribute its \nmotorsport products\n and services; further expanding McLaren\u2019s involvement and support of motorsports with its esteemed clientele.\nFurther down the line, the company is committed to engaging in talent development through two exclusive programmes \u2013 one with its existing McLaren owners and another with young drivers. More details of the talent development programme will be announced next year."
"For those who drive an electric car around a lot, but are troubled by the lack of charging facilities, Mercedes-Benz has a new solution \u2013 the Flexible Charging System.\nThe charging device essentially allows the car to be charged anywhere as it\u2019s equipped with adaptors for household and industrial sockets as well as public charging facilities. Depending on which adaptor is used, the charging system can adjust the charging power accordingly.\nThe system features an integrated Type 2 connector that allows the vehicle to be charged at up to 22 kW from any AC source.\nWith a huge wave of electric cars soon to hit our shores, it\u2019s only normal to wonder if the cables and adaptors are compatible with all models, and future ones.\nNew fully electric 7-seater Mercedes-Benz EQB to be made in China. Find out more about the electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLB!\nTo that, Mercedes-Benz said that the device is compatible with all current and future electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from Mercedes-Benz AG.\nCurrently, Mercedes-Benz already have the \nEQA\n, \nEQB\n, \nEQC\n and the most recent \nEQS \nrange of electric vehicles in their line-up.\nEQA\nEQB\nEQS\nThe company said more than 20 variants of Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be available as plug-in hybrids by the end of the year \u2013 from the A-Class to the GLE, from saloon to estate, whether with petrol or diesel engines.\nThe new Mercedes-Benz EQC is a tech-fest for automotive geeks. Find out why!\nAs for safety measures, the charging device with five-metre cables comes with circuit breakers and integrated temperature sensors to protect against overheating.\nThe latest.\n.Mercedes-Benz EQS!\nIt\u2019s tough against adverse conditions too; capable of withstanding up to 1.1 tonnes of weight if it is driven over, can operate between temperatures of -30 to +50 \u00b0C, and be temporarily submerged!\nThe Flexible Charging System starts from 1225 Euros (approx. RM6,136).\nGALLERY"
"In case you haven\u2019t heard, Maserati is going racing again, with its entry to the 2022/2023 Formula E season. While we wait for the Gen3 season to commence, though, the Trident brand has unveiled the MC Edition line-up for its models to highlight its storied motorsports history.\nThe racing-inspired special edition will be available for the \nMaserati Ghibli\n, \nQuattroporte\n, and \nLevante\n. And since it\u2019s supposed to signify the brand\u2019s \u201cracing style\u201d, they all come with the brand\u2019s range-topping 3.8-litre turbocharged V8 engine (as seen in the Trofeo models) underneath their bonnets, making \n580 hp\n and \n730 Nm\n of torque.\nWell, except if you buy yours in China, where it gets the entry-level \n350 hp\n 3.0-litre V6.\nRELATED: Upcoming Maserati MC20 Convertible already looking hot in first official teaser\nThe new MC Edition models will only be offered in two exclusive colours: Giallo Corse and Blu Vittoria \u2013 which, if you ask us, is a little odd since we don\u2019t associate Maserati race cars with either yellow or blue. According to the marque, the two colours are chosen as they are the colours of Modena, \u201cthe city that symbolises the Motor Valley and is the home of Maserati\u201d. Anyway, we digress.\nNo matter which colour you choose, they\u2019ll be accompanied by unique exterior details in Piano Black, alongside a model-specific badge on the rear fender and B-pillars. The Levante MC Edition also gets 22-inch wheels, while the Ghibli and Quattroporte come with 21-inchers \u2013 all finished in gloss black and complemented by blue brake calipers.\nInside, you\u2019ll find yellow and blue stitching, alongside denim accents across the natural Nero Pienofiore black leather upholstery, alongside blue carbon fibre trims throughout the cabin. The headrest also gets a special MC Edition logo featuring the Italian tricolour flag; the same design can also be found on a plaque on the centre console.\nAs for standard equipment, all Maserati MC Edition models will come with an electronic sunroof, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, as well as the Driver Assistance package from the factory.\nALSO READ: Check out David Beckham\u2019s Maserati MC20 that he \u201cdesigned\u201d himself\nThe MC Edition range will be available in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and China regions starting from February 2022. Pricing wasn\u2019t disclosed, but we don\u2019t think it\u2019ll stray too far away from your other Maserati special editions.\nGALLERY"
"Earlier this week, Lamborghini announced that the Countach name is getting a rebirth. Apart from a silhouette which might not even be the final design, not much was mentioned in the original post which we have covered \nhere\n.\nEarlier today, the company uploaded three more images of the new Countach on their \nInstagram\n page.\nKey details of the new Countach were shared, beginning with a section of the front design. The 2021 Lamborghini Countach looks to pay homage to the 1971 Bertone-designed Countach LP500 concept vehicle, with the \u2018Countach\u2019 emblem placed offset on the front bumper with details featuring vertical lines.\nThe following image is the shot of the engine area, with the transparent cover shaped by the brand\u2019s characteristic hexagonal-shaped windows and V12 engine beneath it. Being a model featuring a V12 engine, it is no surprise to see familiarities with the \nAventador\n, such as the \u201cX-brace\u201d above the engine.\nThe Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae celebrates the legendary V12- 780 hp and 8,500 rpm. More about the swansong Aventador model here.\nFinally, the teaser image focuses on the rear fender, with large engine cooling vents first seen on the original Countach. The size of the air intakes on the new Countach looks massive too, with a much higher opening than the Aventador. Slits from the original Bertone-designed concept have also been incorporated.\nWhile the Aventador has a hexagonal-shaped fuel lid, the new Countach has its circular fuel cap exposed and painted in gloss black. Although not shown, we are positive that the wheel arch will also follow suit of the concept vehicle first displayed 50 years ago. \u00a0\nLamborghini\u2019s coolest vehicle is not a super sports car, but this 4,000 hp.. Find out what it is here!\nApart from celebrating 50 years of Countach, the new V12 model is set to pave the way for a new era of \nelectrification for Lamborghini\n. The company recently presented a \u201cthree-phase road map\u201d to electrification costing EUR1.5 billion (approx. RM7.4 billion).\nThe company is in the first phase, which pays tribute to the brand\u2019s history and iconic products from the past and present. By 2024, the entire line-up of Lamborghini supercars will be electrified, followed by its \nfirst fully electric supercar by 2030\n."
"One of the largest automotive trade shows in Asia, \u201c\nTaipei AMPA\n 2023\n\u201d, combined with \u201cAutotronics Taipei\u201d, and \u201c2035 e-Mobility Taiwan\u201d will be happening from \nApril 12 to 15, 2023\n, at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre. The event will present a comprehensive range of exhibitors from automotive and motorcycle aftermarket parts, automotive electronics, peripherals for electric and autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles (EVs).\nTaipei AMPA 2023 will focus on the latest automotive ecosystem developments, including a look into what the future of the road looks like. It will continue to feature automobile and motorcycle parts and accessories, as well as producers of custom parts.\nFor the first time ever, this year\u2019s Taipei AMPA will take place alongside \u201cAutotronics Taipei\u201d and \u201c2035 e-Mobility Taiwan\u201d. Combined, they will present the entire industry\u2019s present and future under one roof. Alongside exhibited products, the combined event will feature many forums, seminars, and startup activities.\nThe event is perfect for those who are sourcing aftermarket and OEM parts. While the global automotive industry had a dip in production, Taiwan saw a 30% increase in exports based on its ability to customize auto parts and produce aftermarket parts. This year, Taipei AMPA will expand its exhibition to include both gas and electric vehicles.\nRELATED: \nTaipei International Automobile, Motorcycle Parts & Accessories (AMPA) goes virtual!\nBeginning in 1984, Taipei AMPA has become one of the largest automotive trade shows in the world. It presents the latest products ranging from the aftermarket, OEM auto parts, Electric Vehicles (EVs), 5G applications, and solution and fleet management systems (FMS). Among the industry players that will be present at Taipei AMPA will be those involved in automotive lighting, automobile electronics, and aftermarket automotive parts.\nThose who are interested to visit Taipei AMPA may attend the event physically at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall 1 from \nApril 12 to 15\n. Registration can be done \nhere\n. Alternatively, participants can also visit a virtual version of the exhibition from \nApril 10 to 23\n. The virtual exhibition can be accessed \nhere\n.\nRELATED: \nTaipei AMPA aftermarket and automotive electronics expo returns for 2022!"
"The 80s were some eccentric times. Aside from the colourful yet questionable pop culture, the 80s was also a brilliant era for cars. It was a time when manufacturers toyed and tinkered with the new and untested \u2013 without a car in the world for boundaries and limitations.\nHere are ten cars, in no particular order, that made the 80s a wonderful decade for motoring. Only one rule applies to this list \u2013 the cars must be road legal and produced from\n 1980 to 1989\n. On that note, we extend our apologies to \nKnight Industries Two Thousand\n. As much as we love its wits and speed, it\u2019s a \u201cfictional character\u201d.\nAudi Quattro (1980-1991)\nSource: \nWikipedia\nAll-wheel-drive super sedans such as the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution were icons of the PlayStation generation. However, these cars owe their existence to Ingolstadt. It was the Germans who first came up with the idea of channeling power to all four wheels instead of two.\nWhen the Audi Quattro coupe was launched in 1980, it dominated the World Rally Championship\u2019s notorious Group B with 23 wins, cementing its position as an icon. From there on, all-wheel driven cars bearing the four rings were proudly emblazoned with the Quattro emblem.\nBMW 3 Series E30\n \n(1982-1994)\nAs \nGordon Gekko\n made his mark in Wall Street with his charm and persuasion, the go-to toys for the jet-set included the E30 BMW 3 Series. The boxy and compact coupe was not only on the wishlist of yuppies, but similarly adored by petrolheads. From sedans, wagons to coupes, the appeal of the E30 has not waned throughout the years \u2013 just look at the current used car market.\nFerrari F40 (1987-1992)\nFerrari had a great run in the 80s so it\u2019s difficult to shortlist only one car from Maranello. From Magnum PI\u2019s 308 GTS to Outrun\u2019s Ferrari Testarossa; but it was the F40 that stood out above all. Built to commemorate Ferrari\u2019s 40th anniversary, it was the final car that Enzo Ferrari approved before his passing so it\u2019s extra special. The Italians\u2019 pursuit of motoring nirvana made this the most powerful and expensive Ferrari at that time.\nLamborghini Countach (1974-1990)\nSource: \nWikipedia\nThe Countach may have begun production in 1974 but it was on the wall of every teenager\u2019s room up until the 80s. It\u2019s not hard to understand why. Its flamboyant aesthetics, including the iconic scissor doors, made it the car to have among the rich and famous.\nHere\u2019s an interesting bit of trivia. Unlike other Lamborghini names which are related to bullfighting, this one isn\u2019t. It\u2019s actually a slang from Piedmontese, a native language in North Italy.\nDeLorean DMC-12 (1981-1983)\nSource: \nWikipedia\nWe can\u2019t do an article of cars from the 80s without mentioning a stainless steel car that\u2019s capable of time travel when it hits 88 mph. The DeLorean DMC-12 was developed by an ambitious American car designer, John DeLorean. Having a car penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and gull-wing doors seemed like a winning formula for a sports car but sadly, its underwhelming performance and high asking price destined the DMC-12 for failure. Compounded by the troubles faced by the founder, DeLorean was led to oblivion when it declared bankruptcy in late 1982.\nIt was film director Robert Zemeckis who brought the car back to fame via the silver screen; when he didn\u2019t like the idea of a time-traveling refrigerator featured in the earlier drafts of the first Back to the Future movie. Instead, he wanted a car that looked like a spaceship. With its ahead-of-its-time looks, the DeLorean DMC-12 was selected. The rest as they say, is history.\nHonda City Turbo (1982-1986)\nSource: \nRoad & Track\nThe ubiquitous Honda City\u2019s humble beginnings as a supermini originated from the land of the rising sun. Honda opted to turbocharge it and as a result, the 700 kg Honda City made 100hp from 1.3-litre engine. Honda even created a scooter to compliment the City in Honda\u2019s product lineup, the \nHonda Motocompo\n.\nPeugeot 205 GTi (1984-1989)\nSource: \nMotor1\nThe 80s was the era of endless hot hatches and this one from France exemplified it. The Peugeot 205 was a solid offering, but the GTi variant took it to another level. It started life with a 1.6-litre engine before it was replaced with a more powerful 1.9-litre mill. Together with the Volkswagen Golf GTi, the pair were the OGs of hot hatches.\nNissan Skyline GT-R R32\n \n(1989- 1994)\nJust like the Imprezas and Lancer Evolutions, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 was an icon of the 90s. During its six-year production cycle, 44k units were made. The twin-turbo, all-wheel driven coupe gave Nissan numerous trophies in motor racing and an iconic nickname \u2013 Godzilla.\nToyota Levin/Trueno AE86 (1983-1987)\nAnother icon from the East during that decade was the Toyota AE86 \u2013 Toyota\u2019s idea of less is more. With a balanced, lightweight chassis, a high-revving engine driving the rear wheels, and most importantly, an affordable price tag meant that you don\u2019t need the megabucks to have fun.\nProton Saga (1985-2008)\nBeing Malaysians, we can\u2019t simply ignore the car that mobilised us. It\u2019s the car that allowed Malaysia to join the ranks of industrialised nations, but it\u2019s also the car that made . Whether you are for or against it, the Proton Saga is weaved into the Malaysian motoring landscape. Fast forward to 2020, we may not have flying Proton Sagas yet but at least this \n35th Anniversary edition\n of the revised third-generation Saga looks rad for RM40K."
"We have seen some exciting and quirky concept cars from Honda like the \nHonda Sports Vision Gran Turismo\n and \nSports EV\n. But nothing had prepared us for their latest work, the Honda Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept. Yes, you read that right, a Type R Pickup Truck.\nDisplayed at the annual SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) Test Day, the \nCivic Type R\n has been reimagined into a utility vehicle by a Product Engineering team from the Honda UK Manufacturing (HUM) factory in Swindon. The team even has plans to take their creation to the N\u00fcrburgring and try to claim the title of fastest front wheel drive pickup truck.\nProject Lead, Alyn James commented, \u201cWe have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do. The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest creation and we are even considering taking it to the \nN\u00fcrburgring\n to see if we can take the record for the fastest front wheel drive pickup truck!\u201d\nProject P concept\n, as it is called, is based on a pre-production model and has been completely redesigned from the B-pillar onwards, chopping off the sweeping roofline and rear seats for a flatbed loading area. Its massive rear wing,\u00a0triple exhaust\u00a0tips and flared rear arches are retained for \u201cmaximum racing capability on track\u201d.\nMechanics of the car have been left untouched from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder V-TEC engine to the adaptive suspension \u2013 meaning this pickup truck packs \n315 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque as well as a six-speed manual transmission. Century sprint and top speed are identical to the \nrecord-breaking car\n at \n5.8 seconds\n and \n271 km/h\n.\nHead of Car at Honda UK Phil Webb added, \u201cThis Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept by the special team at our Swindon-based plant demonstrates the passion and commitment of the team there \u2013 going above and beyond outside working hours to deliver the final product. There are no plans to put this into production, but we will be using it to transport our lawn and garden products as and when required!\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda Civic Type R Pickup Truck Concept   Honda Civic Type R (FK8R) in Malaysia"
"For the third year running, attractive deals on new and pre-owned models can be had at the 2019 edition of the Volkswagen Fest, to be held between 30th August and 1st September 2019 at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam, Shah Alam. The stunning \nArteon four-door fastback\n will also be present for visitors to get up close.\nIf you do manage to make your way there this weekend, don\u2019t miss out on the Merdeka Voucher worth RM1,000 for bookings made on the spot and also keep your eyes peeled for \u2018Starbuys\u2019 featuring the \nVW Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline at RM114,888\n, along with five-year maintenance and low interest rate promotions on the Tiguan SUV and other Passat models, registered before 31\nst\n December 2019.\nLike the past two Volkswagen Fests, expect a range of activities to keep visitors of all ages occupied. There\u2019s the \nVolks Auto\n area for test drives, car evaluation, hire purchase applications and even free vehicle inspections if you sign up online. Then there\u2019s the classic VW cars display, games, art and hot air balloon ride at \nVolks Lawn\n and when hunger strikes, you can make your way to \nVolks Park\n and raid the food trucks.\nWinter (left) welcomes new co-MD Kurt Leitner.\nOn a separate note, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has also announced the appointment of Kurt Leitner as the new co-managing director of VPCM, working alongside Erik Winter. Leitner replaces Florian Steiner who has moved on after serving four years in Malaysia, Leitner will take on responsibilities in both the Malaysian and Singaporean markets, focusing in human resources, information technology and finance."
"After announcing that\n production for the Ford GT will be extended for an extra two years\n, the Blue Oval has introduced a new \u201cCarbon Series\u201d edition for the \nFord GT\n \u2013 touted as the lightest road-going Ford supercar, both for track and road use \u2013 and is proof that Americans do care about their weight.\nIts appearance is as literal as the name it\u2019s given. Laced with more visible carbon fibre than ever, the limited edition model is approximately\n 18 kg lighter\n than the standard model, with the use of carbon fibre wheels, a titanium exhaust, titanium wheel nuts and a lightweight polycarbonate rear hatch.\nWhat you\u2019re also looking at is the Ford GT\u2019s\n new 10-inch high-res, fully digital instrument cluster display.\nInside, cupholders have been removed although the other creature comforts like air-conditioning have been retained. The \u201cCarbon Series\u201d also features a unique seat pattern with silver stitching, similarly seen on the steering wheel with paddle shifters.\n\u201cThis is an example of how we listen to our customers. While the\n Ford GT Competition model\n appeals to hardcore racing enthusiasts, we found more customers asking for more exposed carbon fibre with the air conditioning and radio still intact,\u201d said Ford Performance, Marketing Manager, Lance Mosley.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here\u2019s a pleasant surprise for Malaysians who are eagerly waiting for the first ever Proton SUV, it appears Tun Dr\u00a0Mahathir had the opportunity to see and test drive the new Proton SUV today as shared on his official Facebook page. The best part is that the SUV is a proper right-hand drive (RHD) model.\nEarlier, Proton\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong revealed that RHD models of the \nGeely Boyue-based SUV\n will be \npresented to the public earliest in July\n while marketing campaigns of the SUV will commence in August. Both Dr Li Chunrong and Geely Chairperson, Li Shufu were also present at the test drive exercise with Tun Mahathir.\nThe premier did not reveal any personal impressions of the new SUV and the photographers were careful to not photograph the whole car in full view. But we can still tell some of the \nkey highlights on the new SUV\n \u2013 five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, 360-degree camera, camera/radar for the autonomous emergency braking, panoramic sunroof and roof rails.\nWe can also tell the design of the national carmaker\u2019s SUV will differ from the Boyue, judging by the horizontal grille. This exercise is in line with the carmaker\u2019s promise to feature minor design differences. Future locally-assembled units will get more substantial design input from Proton\u2019s head of design, Azlan Othman.\nThe soon-to-be-launched Proton SUV will first be introduced as fully imported units from China with an indicated launch date of September or October 2018. Local assembly will only begin in early 2019 at Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In line with the \u201cnew normal\u201d that has been ingrained into our lives since the \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n, BMW Group Malaysia today introduced a new Contactless Door-to-Door Service to better serve its BMW and MINI customers.\nWith the new Door-to-Door Service, BMW and MINI customers can now service their vehicles without leaving the comfort of their home. A service provider will be assigned to collect the vehicle from a location of your choice, and then transported to the chosen dealership for servicing. Once completed, the vehicle will then be dropped off at the customers\u2019 preferred location.\nThe new service is also available for delivery of new vehicles (depending on location and customer preference), where your new BMW or MINI will be delivered straight to your doorstep on a flatbed truck directly from your preferred dealership.\n \nThe BMW M135i xDrive is BMW Malaysia\u2019s latest \u201cfun\u201d car. Check out our launch coverage \nhere\n.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cThe Door-to-Door service was a natural progression for us in providing exceptional customer service. The new service will not only minimise contact between customers and BMW dealers in the new normal, but also improve on convenience by integrating our premium services into the customer\u2019s daily routine.\u201d\nThe Door-to-Door service is a charged option, made in collaboration with Allianz Worldwide Partners. According to BMW Malaysia, transportation for a BMW or MINI vehicle on a flatbed truck starts at RM199 per trip for distances up to 40 km. Meanwhile, the bonded carrier service, which is only available in the Klang Valley, starts at RM230 per trip up to 40 km distance.\nThe fee does not include 6% SST and additional toll charges, and extra charges will be incurred for distances beyond 40 km. For additional information, customers can contact their preferred dealerships directly, or visit the BMW Malaysia website \nhere\n.\nThe latest revised price list for BMW and MINI models in Malaysia can be found \nhere\n."
"\u201c\nThere is no supercar before it \u2013 or since \u2013 that has such purity of purpose.\u201d \nThose were the words of James Elliot, group editor of Classic and Sports Car magazine when describing the sheer greatness of the McLaren F1. It\u2019s hard to believe that the F1 is 24 years old today, after making its world debut in 1992. It\u2019s powered by a BMW-made 6.1-litre 60-degree V12 engine which produces \n618 hp\n at 7,400 rpm and\n 651 Nm\n of torque at 5,600 rpm.\nThe McLaren F1, chassis #69 \nwas recently put on sale with a price tag of RM56 million\n.\nThe world\u2019s most uncompromising supercar is the brainchild of Gordon Murray, and weighs a staggering 1,138kg. It was the first production car in the world to feature a full carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) monocoque and accommodates three occupants, including the driver. Because the engine generates so much heat, Murray resorted to using a gold foil as engine heat shield.\nThe F1 remains to this day as one of the purest, single-purposed supercar ever built, because it didn\u2019t come with airbags, ABS or any form of driver assistive systems. It sprints from 0 to 60mph (97km/h) in 3.2 seconds and maxes out at 323km/h. These numbers may be the norm today, but during its time it was many years ahead of the pack.\nThere were 11 finalists in the running for the coveted title, with big names such as Mercedes 300SL \u2018Gullwing\u2019, Lamborghini Miura, Lamborghini Countach, Bugatti Veyron and McLaren P1 among the mix. Through a worldwide public voting system, the McLaren F1 bagged over 30 percent of the 17,000 votes casted."
"Earlier in the year, Volkswagen introduced the \nTiguan Allspace\n, a stretched Tiguan that seats up to seven. To accommodate the additional third-row seats, Volkswagen has stretched the Tiguan\u2019s wheelbase by 109 mm and overall length has increased by 215 mm.\nRiding on the booming SUV wave, Volkswagen has plans to introduce a five-seater Tiguan Allspace according to \nAutomotive News\n. Thanks to its long-wheelbase and five-seater configuration, consumers will benefit not only from the increased interior room but also greater everyday practicality.\nIn the \nstandard Tiguan\n, boot space is rated at 615 litres while the Tiguan Allspace is able to accommodate up to 700 litres with the third-row seats folded down.\nThe \u201cdoubling up\u201d strategy will give VW expanded offerings in the large and compact crossover segments at relatively low cost, said Volkswagen Group of America CEO, Hinrich Woebcken. \u201cExpanding crossover offerings gives us another scale opportunity to improve our financials,\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia\u2019s (JLRM) \nbrand new showroom launch\n earlier today, the company has decided to sneak in a preview of the upcoming \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n.\nInstead of displaying the \n5+2 variant we saw late last month\n, JLRM showcased the \n5-seater variant\n today and we\u2019ve got a gallery of its interior to go with it.   The Discovery Sport is scheduled to make its arrival in no more than two months\u2019 time, replacing the ageing Freelander model\u00a0and sits between the Range Rover and Defender series. Being a Land Rover, the Discovery Sport comes with the brand\u2019s full array of \noff-road technology\n, namely air suspension,\u00a0differential lock, Terrain Response and a handy 4\u00d74 info display in the centre.\nIt boasts a class-leading \nwading depth of 600mm \nand will be powered by two engines \u2013\u00a0the\u00a0\n2.0-litre turbocharged petrol\n\u00a0(237 hp/340 Nm) or a \n2.2-litre turbodiesel\u00a0\n(148 hp/400 Nm or 187 hp/420 Nm). Transmission choice is the sole \n9-speed automatic\n, although a six-speed manual is available in other markets. In the months to come, the Discovery Sport will be fitted with Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s new range of \nIngenium four-cylinder engines\n, but it\u2019s unclear as yet if the Malaysian-bound model will receive the new engines.\nOther interior features include the multifunction leather wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen display panel with\u00a0\nLand Rover InControl\u2122 Technologies\n, dual-zone auto climate control with air vents built into the B- and C-pillars and a large panoramic sunroof. Parking brake is electric here, and the terrain selector knob pops up when the engine is fired (via push-start button).\nRead all about the Discovery Sport \nhere\n. Meanwhile, enjoy the picture gallery we\u2019ve put together just for you.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford has unveiled the Ford Mustang Bullitt at the 2018 North American International Auto Show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the award-winning movie \u201cBullitt\u201d. The new limited-edition Mustang salutes the classic 1968 movie car and gets a higher output 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8.\nThanks to a new active valve performance exhaust system with Black NitroPlate exhaust tips, new Open-Air Induction System and the Shelby GT350 intake manifold with 87 mm throttle bodies and powertrain control module calibration, the 5.0-litre V8 lump now packs \n475 hp\n and \n569 Nm\n of torque, 61 hp and 39 Nm higher than the \nregular Mustang\n. Top speed now raised to \n262 km/h\n thanks to the higher output mill. You can only have the Bullitt with a manual transmission, just like the movie car.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW60y2x3x0w\nThe Bullitt can be had in either Shadow Black and Dark Highland Green \u2013 as worn in the movie. The exterior also features subtle chrome accents around the grille and front windows, classic torque thrust 19-inch aluminium wheels, red painted Brembo\u2122 brakes, and a unique black front grille.\nOther highlights include heated leather steering wheel, leather upholstery with green accent stitching, 12-inch digital LCD instrument cluster and white cue ball shift knob. Buyers can also choose from three factory options \u2013 Bullitt Electronics Package, MagneRide\u00ae semi-active suspension system and Recaro leather seats.\n\u201cWhen making a Bullitt, there are certain things it absolutely must have,\u201d said Mustang chief engineer, Carl Widmann, \u201cIt has to have the right attitude, it has to be unique in some way from a Mustang GT, and more than anything, it has to be bad ass.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This year has been a mixed bag for McLaren. While their lacklustre Formula One season is best left forgotten, its road car division is having one of the best times yet. All 500 units\u00a0\n675LT Spider\n\u00a0have been snapped up; that\u2019s impressive considering that the car was just unveiled earlier this December!\nThe 675LT\u00a0comes in\u00a0two variants \u2013 \nCoupe\n and \nSpider\n, and we all know that the Spider is one to go despite the\u00a0\n\u00a328,000 premium\u00a0\n(or RM180k)\u00a0over the coupe. The 6765LT is fitted with a revised \n3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8\n, producing a devilish \n666 hp\n with \n698 Nm\n of torque.\nThe\n \u00a3285,450\n\u00a0(RM1.8 mil) Long Tail Spider is capable of reaching 100 km/h from\u00a0nought in a blistering\u00a0\n2.9 seconds\n.\u00a0Its three-piece folding hardtop can be operated at speeds up to 30 km/h, and it weighs 40kg more than the coupe.\nDespite the technical shortcomings of a Spider, the looks of the Spider alone will awaken our subconscious to write a cheque of the car\u2019s worth. Even if we don\u2019t have that amount of money in our bank account, the least we can do is to watch this video from McLaren\u2019s factory driver, Bruno Senna, on the 675LT."
"The \nProton X70 SUV\n has just made its first public debut in Petaling Jaya as the company beings its nationwide exclusive previews to customers, C-level executives and potential corporate buyers.\nThe nationwide preview kicks off in Central with events scheduled in Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kuantan, Ipoh and Kota Kinabalu which will run until 4 November 2018. Expect its official debut to happen shortly after that.\nCEO of Proton Edar, En. Abdul Rashid Musa said: \u201cSince bookings were opened on 8 September, the response from our customers has been overwhelming. The Proton X70 scales new heights for the Company with its modern and sophisticated design so we are organising previews to allow customers to get a closer look to understand the level of engineering and feel the premium materials we have used in this SUV. It goes without saying PROTON is very excited about our new model and we hope, after the preview, customers will feel the same way too.\u201d\nCustomers who had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the X70 shared their excitement with many being impressed by the design and features of the SUV. Mr Darren Ho, General Manager of Hong Leong Bank Berhad said, \u201cI think the car is simply amazing and impressive, from the whole design development as a Malaysian car and also a car that will represent Malaysia to the world, I think it\u2019s really great. Great looking inside out and the features are impressive too.\u201d\n\u201cOutstanding! To be honest, I have never been a big fan of PROTON but after this preview, the X70 is really an eye opener; the design, the safety and other features are really impressive,\u201d said engineer, Shaun Lin Jern Ming to which he estimates the SUV will fall in the RM140,000 to RM170,000 price bracket though he hoped it would be lower than that.\nEn. Marizan Nor Basiran, Chief Technical Officer of WZ Satu Berhad said after viewing the car: \u201cThe best of Proton that I have seen. Well done to the team in PROTON. I think this is the best car that Proton has ever produced so far with the best design so it is going to be a hit in the market.\u201d\n\u201cWe plan to reach nearly 6,000 potential buyers through the preview sessions and while that\u2019s a small portion of the potential buyers we are targeting, it gives those who are considering the X70 a chance to view the SUV so that they can make a decision. Spaces are limited so anybody who wants to attend should visit the PROTON outlet closest to them and speak to the sales team there,\u201d concluded En. Rashid.\nWe have detailed the top spec \nProton X70 Premium 2WD\n while a photo gallery of the new SUV is available \nhere\n. We have also sampled the X70\u2019s Chinese twin, the left-hand drive Geely Boyue and was \ngenuinely impressed by the car\u2019s overall performance, features and most importantly build quality\n. Also, be wary of \nunverified news\n circulating on social media claiming the price tag of the new SUV as Proton yes yet to announced its price nor spec sheet of the X70.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nProton X70 Exclusive Preview in Central   Proton X70 Official Photos"
"Lexus Malaysia has just added a new variant to the \nLexus RX SUV line up\n. The new RX300 Special Edition is the seventh variant of the RX offered by the company and is built upon the specifications of the RX300 Luxury variant.\nPriced at RM434,000 (OTR without insurance), the RX300 Special Edition gains additional functional bits to the exterior and interior. Its appearance is enhanced by a new underbody panel that protects the underbody from debris, side steps for better ingress and egress, sun visors and rear step guard to protect the rear bumpers when loading and unloading items to the boot.   Inside, you\u2019ll find a built-in Touch n\u2019 Go reader and Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or better known as a dash cam, that has been integrated neatly into the cabin. A pair of Lexus puddle lamps completes the equipment list on the RX300 Special Edition.\nAs per the brand\u2019s global direction, the RX300 is essentially an RX200T with a new badge. Under the hood, you\u2019ll find the same 8AR-FTS 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver \n235 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. All-wheel drive is standard fitment.\nAll new Lexus models purchased through Lexus Malaysia are covered with a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus RX300 Special Edition"
"The Italian police force has a new addition to its fleet, in a form of a\u00a0325 km/h supercar. That\u2019s right, a new \nLamborghini Huracan\n\u00a0LP610-4\u00a0is tasked to preserve law and order on Italian streets!\nIn fact, this isn\u2019t the first time a Lamborghini is used to serve the force. The Huracan\u2019s predecessor, the Gallardo LP560-4, has been in the service since 2015\u00a0and will be put into retirement once this Huracan enters service. Just like standard police cars, this Huracan is equipped with a standard cop-issue gun holster, portable extinguisher, communication radio and a tablet computer. Completing its exterior is the\u00a0Police Medium Blue colour.\u00a0\nThe standard all-wheel drive\u00a0Huracan is powered by a naturally aspirated V10 engine that deploys \n610 hp\n\u00a0and runs the\u00a0century sprint in\n 3.2 seconds\n and to a top speed of \n325 km/h\n. Such performance is useful to save lives via delivering precious blood and organs to hospitals during emergencies, apart from chasing speeders on the highways."
"We all knew what we were getting on the M car after the unveiling of the \nBMW 4 Series coupe\n a couple months back. And you know what, after seeing the design for some time now, I\u2019ve come to the realisation that the bucktooth grille is actually not that bad. In fact, I\u2019ll go out on a limb here and say that the all-new BMW M4 actually looks really good.\nIt might be the romanticisation of the letter M, but the gaping kidney grille \u2013 now separate items and completely blacked out with horizontal M slats \u2013 flanked by large lower air intakes at the bottom, does contrast the brilliant Sao Paolo Yellow paintjob quite nicely, in our opinion at least.\nThe look is complemented by the two aggressive bonnet cut-outs on the crests that extends from the grille itself, along with a standard-fit carbon fibre roof, stretched-out fenders with M gills on the front, blacked-out and extended side sills, darkened taillights, boot-mounted spoiler, and the chunky 100 mm exhaust tailpipes, two on each side.\nYes, the polarising grille still draws differing opinions and will make up the majority of discussions on the internet for the next week or so. But really, on an M4 where you should be spending most of your time in, does it really matter that much?\nOn that front, the all-new BMW M4 is powered by the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the same that\u2019s found on the \nX3 M\n and \nX4 M\n. The engine is available in two states of tune \u2013 the standard M4 gets \n473 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque, while the higher-tuned version in the Competition specification serves up\n 503 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque.\nThe output figures on both tunes are actually higher than the outgoing BMW M4 Competition \u2013 48 hp and 59 hp respectively to be exact. Torque wise, the M4\u2019s uprated S58 engine in the Competition form produces 50 Nm more than the unit in the X3 M and X4 M Competition.\nThe base BMW M4 will be equipped solely with a six-speed manual transmission, while the Competition model gets an eight-speed automatic, replacing the dual-clutch transmission of yore. The simpler manual transmission does mean that the base model weighs about 23 kg lighter than the competition model, which BMW claims gives it a better weight distribution, and it also have a rev-matching function that can be toggled on or off.\nThe boost in performance means that the new M4 and M4 Competition now sprints to 100 km/h in \n4.2 second\n time for the M4, and \n3.9 seconds\n for the M4 Competition. Top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n, but buyers can opt for a driver\u2019s package which raises it to \n290 km/h\n in conjunction with Z-rated tyres.\nFor the first-time ever on an M4 (and \nM3\n for that matter), BMW is offering \nxDrive all-wheel drive as an option on the Competition models\n. An active rear differential sends torque solely to the rear wheels until more traction is needed at the front, and like on the \ncurrent M5\n, the M4 Competition\u2019s all-wheel drive system will have a \u201cdrift\u201d mode for maximum slidability.\nTo handle the extra grunt, the chassis from the M440i have been significantly strengthened to increase torsional rigidity with significant use of aluminium bracing elements in the engine compartment, both axles, as well as on the underfloor. Both M4 variants will get adaptive suspension as standard, along with variable-ratio steering, a special mode on the stability-control system for more slip, as well as adjustable brake pedal feel.\nBuyers can also specify the M Drive Professional system on their M4 (standard on the M4 Competition), a track-focused software suite which includes a 10-stage M Traction Control, a virtual coach to encourage \u201cconsistent progress\u201d in your lap times, and even a M Drift Analyser which records and rates how well you stick your rump out through a corner. Times change and technology improves, but an M car will still always be an M car.\nInside, the all-new M4 is pretty standard BMW affair with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display running the latest iDrive 7.0 system \u2013 all with M-specific displays. There\u2019s also a new M steering wheel with two red M buttons, along with carbon-fibre slathered across the dashboard and centre console.\nWhat really stood out to us though, are the optional M Carbon bucket seats on the launch images, which are nearly 10 kg lighter than the standard seats, positioned lower, and can be fitted with a multipoint-point racing harness. But we\u2019re not just intrigued by the seats itself, but the wild Yas Marina Blue, yellow, and black colour combination on the interior upholstery, making sure your interior is just as eye-catching as the Sao Paolo Yellow paintjob on the outside.\nOf course, tamer colourways are available, and if you\u2019re not a trackday nut, you\u2019ll also be able to specify your M4 with the usual M Sport seats, which are covered in fine-grain Merino leather, with seat ventilation available for the first time on the model.\nThere are a tonne of standard features on the all-new BMW M4 as well to make daily-driving a more pleasurable experience, including a Harman-Kardon sound system, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.\nThe Competition model steps it up a notch with the Driver Assistance Professional package which adds on adaptive cruise control with stop and go and traffic-jam assist, active lane-keeping assist, among others.\nAll that\u2019s left is how it really drives. BMW promises \u201csearing performance with everyday usability\u201d, which in our opinion, is what made all the previous M3 and M4s so desirable. Can the all-new BMW M4 hold up to its enormous reputation? We can\u2019t wait to put the new one to the test.\nGALLERY"
"We have earlier reported on the launch of Perodua\u2019s 10\nth\n model to date, the \nAxia\n, which is also the country\u2019s first Energy Efficient Vehicle (\nEEV\n). The Axia has a lot to shout about, mainly because it\u2019s a car designed by a panel of Malaysians. After rigorous surveys and studying the market, Perodua has come closest to what they think is the ideal compact car that many Malaysians could enjoy, and most importantly, afford.\nPresident and CEO of Perodua, Datuk Aminar Rashid announced a set of \nprice reduction\n across all Axia models as compared to the tentative pricing published last month \u2013 a total reduction of RM300 to RM3,000. The \n5-year warranty\n offered for the first time by Perodua on the Axia is also extended to all Myvi and Alza models starting today.\u00a0The Axia was exclusively launched by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato\u2019 Hj Muhyiddin Yassin at KL Convention Centre.   QUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Axia 1.0L Standard E\n \nPerodua Axia 1.0L Standard G\n \nSegment\nA-Segment\nA-Segment\nEngine\n998cc DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection\n998cc DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection\nTransmission\n5-speed Manual\n5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto\nMax Power\n66hp @ 6,000 rpm\n66hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n90Nm @ 3,600 rpm\n90Nm @ 3,600 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM 24,600.00\nfrom RM 29,800.00 / RM 32,800.00\n\u00a0\nName\nPerodua Axia 1.0L Special Edition (SE)\n \nPerodua Axia 1.0L Advance (AV)\n \nSegment\nA-Segment\nA-Segment\nEngine\n998cc DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection\n998cc DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection\nTransmission\n5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto\n4-speed Auto\nMax Power\n66hp @ 6,000 rpm\n66hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n90Nm @ 3,600 rpm\n90Nm @ 3,600 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM 36,800.00 / RM 39,800.00\nfrom RM 42,130.00\n\u00a0\nHere\u2019s the official Perodua Axia product video which you will be able to learn everything about the Axia.\nAll four Perodua Axia Models\n \nBefore we start breaking things down to individually walk you through the cars, it would be best if we point out the standard features of the Axia.\nFor starters, the Axia is powered by an all-new, all aluminium \n1.0-litre engine\n that is either paired to a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The engine, which makes \n66 horsepower\n and \n90 Nm\n of torque, gets all of its power delivered to the front wheels, of which return \n20.1 km/l\n (AT) and \n21.6 km/l\n (MT).   One of the highlights of the Axia is its flexible seating arrangements. The seating arrangements is so versatile that you could have different modes to suit different needs, as seen in the brochure below. Compartments are also aplenty, as demanded by most of us Malaysians. There is also a unique anti-snatch hook integrated to the side of the front seats, which is a first.   So, enough talk. Here\u2019s a walkthrough to see which of the four variants could best suit your needs.\nStandard E\n \nThis base model Axia only comes with the five-speed manual transmission. Equipment list isn\u2019t exemplary, especially with the omission of the radio head unit, four-speakers, rear wiper and defogger. It also sits on the 14-inch steel rims wrapped with 175/65 R14 series tyres.\n\u00a0\nOn the outside, the Standard E gets halogen reflector headlights, red-lens LED type tail lights, body-coloured grille and non-retractable side mirrors. Its seats are wrapped in standard grade fabric, whereas its instrument cluster is lit in amber.   Price:\n \nRM24,600\n (Solid, MT)\n \nRM25,000\n (Metallic, MT)\nStandard G\n \nEssentially a kitted up version of the E, this unit looks the same on the outside, save for the side skirting and 8-spoke 14-inch wheels. Tyre profile remains the same across the range, at 175/65 R14. Side mirrors are now electronically retractable as well.   Inside, the Standard G gets a radio CD-player and three cup holders (two front, one rear). It also gets driver height adjuster, a feature not available in the Standard E trim. This Standard G trim gives you additional front seat pockets, reverse sensors, anti-snatch hook, four speakers and multi-info display.   Price:\n \nRM29,800\n (Solid, MT); \nRM30,200\n (Metallic, MT)\n \nRM32,800\n (Solid, AT); \nRM33,200\n (Metallic, AT)\nSpecial Edition (SE)\n \nThe SE gets a sportier overall look, and is evident from both the front and the rear. The front bumper has a gaping grille that comes with a chrome-finished grille. Headlights are now projector instead of reflectors, but is still halogen. It also has fog lamps and signal indicators integrated to the side mirrors. Rear spoiler now comes with the third braking light (LED type), with its tail lights now transparent-lens instead of red-lens. It gets front corner sensors as well.\nOn the inside, the SE trim gets an audio head unit with CD-player, and supports Bluetooth and MP3. Seats are wrapped in better quality fabric, and are semi-bucket type. Security film for the windscreen and rear glass is standard here, as with the ABS, EBD and Brake Assist.\nPrice:\n \nRM36,800\n (Solid, MT); \nRM37,200\n (Solid, MT)\n \nRM39,800\n (Metallic, AT); \nRM40,200\n (Metallic, AT)\nAdvance\n \nThe top of the line Axia comes with only the automatic transmission, and the whole car is just about the same as the SE trim, save for the touchscreen head unit with integrated navigation system and DVD player. It also supports Bluetooth and TM Wi-Fi hotspotconnectivity.   The cabin comes with\u00a0leather semi-bucket type seats as well.   Price:\n \nRM42,130\n (Solid, AT);\n \nRM42,530\n (Metallic, AT)\nThere are \nsix colours\n to choose from for the Standard E and G variants, while two out of six of them are exclusive to these lower trimmed variants. Midnight Blue, Ebony Black, Glittering Silver and Ivory White are standard colours, whereas the exclusive shade is Lemongrass Green and Cherry Blossom.\nThe SE and Advance models also get two exclusive colours on top of the four standard colours mentioned above. The two exclusive colours would be Lava Red and Sunflower Yellow.\nAll Perodua Axia comes with a \n5-year or 150,000km warranty\n programme \u2013 a first for Perodua. Also, Perodua is extending this warranty programme to newly registered Myvi and Alza, while trading off the three-year free service package.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLAUNCH EVENT   PERODUA AXIA   KEY FEATURES"
"BMW M GmbH (BMW M) will be celebrating their golden jubilee next year and to get fans excited, the company is introducing a special emblem set for new vehicles and it does not necessarily need to be a full BMW M car!\nCustomers who place orders for a BMW M vehicle or a regular model with the M Sport package from end of January 2022 can have their vehicle\u2019s front, rear and wheel centre caps decorated with emblems inspired by the classic \u201cBMW Motorsport\u201d logo, first used in 1973 on the dominating racing cars.\nIn addition to the emblems, 50 iconic and historically significant BMW M paint finishes will be offered for selected models in the anniversary year 2022. Style-defining colours such as Dakar Yellow, Fire Orange, Daytona Violet, Macao Blue, Imola Red or Frozen Marina Bay Blue refer to the various eras of BMW M\u2019s 50-year history.\nA \u2018celebratory\u2019 BMW M50 car already exists, and it doesn\u2019t have any tailpipes! Find out more about the 544 hp BMW i4 M50 electric here.\nBMW M started as the new motorsports office of BMW AG back in 1972, comprising specialists, engineers and drivers. The year after, BMW Motorsport GmbH took to the racetrack with the 3.0 CSL coupe and became the most successful touring car of its day by winning six of seven European Championships.\nAfter picking up more victories as well as technical know-how, BMW then decided to make a purpose-built racing car and then homologated (FIA Group 4) for road use- the 1978 \nBMW M1\n.\nBMW M is now a hugely successful performance brand, \novertaking Mercedes-AMG\n, with a range of high-performance, segment-benchmarking vehicles ranging from an \nM2\n compact coupe to the BMW X6M coupe-SAV and the \nBMW M8 Gran Coupe\n. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nLocally, BMW Malaysia celebrated the 58th Malaysia Day with BMW M themed customer experiences! More here!\nIn conjunction with the 50th anniversary, the BMW M car line-up will be expanded by the arrival of the \nBMW M3 Touring\n, the all-new \nBMW M2\n based on the latest \nG42 2 Series coupe\n as well as the production version of the \nBMW Concept XM\n, said to be the most powerful model ever from the brand.\nBMW M will not only celebrate its anniversary with new products, but also with numerous events. Anniversary performances are planned in May 2022 at the Concorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa d\u2019Este on Lake Como in Northern Italy, followed by the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Concours d\u2019Elegance in Pebble Beach, USA. The 24-hour race at the Nurburgring is also a welcome occasion and BMW has plans to thrill fans on the future of BMW M.\nGALLERY"
"After an illustrious eight year (2010-2018) production run with the Agera series, it has now come to an end with Koenigsegg toasting the \u201cseries finale\u201d with the Thor and Vader \u2013 known as the Final Edition cars.\nThe Final Edition series is made up of three cars \u2013 the Thor, V\u00e4der and the Agera Final One of 1 \u2013 all based on the Agera RS. At first glance they may look identical but as with all Koenigseggs, the devil is in the details.\nPersonally, the Thor gets my pick. It\u2019s finished in two-tone clear carbon with diamond-flake in select sections of the paintwork \u2013 befitting of the stealthy but deadly repertoire Koenigsegg has built over the last two decades. The body features a large LeMans-style central fin for high-speed stability.\nOn the other hand, the V\u00e4der is finished in traditional clear carbon with diamond flake and features two small rear winglets and highlights finished in white gold leaf.\nWhile the colour scheme isn\u2019t exactly for me, its enlarged rear spoiler supported by strakes with bespoke cutouts, revealing the skeleton supporting the active rear wing is pure engineering pornography.\nAs with all good things, the Agera\u2019s end is nigh \u2013\n leaving us with multiple record-breaking memories\n \u2013 with Koenigsegg declaring that a replacement for the Agera will be due at the 2019\u00a0Geneva Motor Show.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has just unveiled two new design themes for the McLaren 720S \u2013 one inspired by a McLaren Formula 1 car and the other inspired from the blues of the ocean. The two themes were specially commissioned to demonstrate MSO\u2019s ability to bring your wildest imagination to life.\nThe 720S Track Theme is finished in Anniversary White, a colour inspired by the championship-winning McLaren F1 car of the 80\u2019s. The sparkling white paint is set-off against Carbon Black touches to the bonnet, doors, rear quarter panels and airbrake. Tarroco Orange, a tribute to the company\u2019s modern F1 car, is applied on the outer rim of the wheels and the lining on the side doors.   Inside, the cabin is furnished with Jet Black Alcantara with McLaren orange stitching. A unique addition to the Track Theme McLaren is a new titanium harness bar that allows the driver to install a six-point harness for track use.\nThe 720S Pacific Theme, on the other hand, gets a Cerulean Blue base paint, as featured on today\u2019s McLaren Formula 1 car, while its door intakes are finished in a darker shade of Estoril Blue. To keep up with the blue theme, all the exposed carbon fibre parts from the front splitter to the engine cover are finished with a Cobalt Blue-tint. The only items that were not painted in blue were the wheels and brake callipers.   The blue theme is toned down towards the cabin with a Jet Black Alcantara theme, bespoke blue inserts and contrast stitching. Both cars also get an MSO dedication plaque in the cabin, reinforcing their status as bespoke commissions from MSO.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 720S Track Theme   McLaren 720S Pacific Theme"
"With the Movement Control Order now in effect for almost two weeks, our lives have all been affected in more ways than one.\nPositively speaking, we\u2019re now arguably a cleaner bunch with proper hygiene being observed, even at the fuel stations. For fear of contracting the virus when refueling our cars, most have now opted to use plastic disposable gloves when lifting the fuel nozzle.\nSure, it\u2019s good to be cautious with what you touch nowadays but there are risks of imminent danger involved \u2013 flash fires from static electricity.\nThe static electric generated as you exit or re-enter your vehicle can ignite the fuel vapour, causing a fire. Instead, motorists are advised to either use a cloth or latex gloves when handling the fuel nozzle.\nIn a statement released last week regarding the maintenance of their petrol stations, \nShell Malaysia also discouraged the use of plastic gloves\n.\n\u201cWe would like to remind customers to remove all gloves and plastic protective gear to avoid static contact when refueling,\u201d the company said."
"BMW \nis planning to significantly slash its production costs per vehicle by the middle of the decade, in a bid to become more competitive against rivals such as \nVolkswagen\n, \nMercedes-Benz\n, and \nTesla\n.\n\u201cWe will lower the production costs per vehicle by 25% by 2025 \u2013 compared with the level in 2019,\u201d BMW board member in charge of production, Milan Ndeljkovic told German newspaper Handelsblatt in a recent interview, as per \nReuters\n.\nThe interview does not mention as to how BMW plans to achieve such a significant cut, especially in such a short period of time. It\u2019s perhaps even more challenging now as we enter the electric age, as prices for many electric components such as high voltage batteries are still relatively high.\nMINI will become the first fully-electric brand in BMW Group.\nAnd then there\u2019s development costs for all-new electric platforms. To make matters even worse for carmakers, the focus on \neco-friendly material sourcing \nand production method will no doubt take a toll on their profit margins, too.\nBMW\u2019s high-voltage battery plant in Thailand.\nThe big question for us consumers though, is if the drop in production cost will result in reduction in car prices. While the intention to become more competitive in the market certainly sounds encouraging, it\u2019s important to remember that car prices are not based solely on cost.\nBMW Group CEO, Oliver Zipse said that there are no plans to stop development of new internal combustion engines.\nOnly time will tell what the cost-cutting measures will translate to in their end products, but for now, we won\u2019t keep our hopes up, as cost-cutting can range from discontinuing variants or models with less demand, to plainly just sourcing for cheaper materials.\nThe new BMW X3 now gets 48V mild-hybrid tech across the board.\nIn related news, BMW said last month that it is still on course to meet its profit targets for 2021, despite the rising costs of raw materials. The company is also bullish on its 2021 targets, even though the global semiconductor shortage could impact its production schedule."
"If you\u2019re one of those extremely well-to-do individuals who feel like the Rolls-Royce in your garage is\u00a0\nboring \nand needs a bit of added spice, then this Carbon Atelier Program will definitely get your composite craving fixed.\nThis programme is brought to you by European design house Bengala Automotive and US-based Vitesse AuDessus who will both customise your Rolls-Royce with forged carbon fibre parts. Forged carbon fibre, according to Bengala, is not necessary for weight reduction or performance properties but more for aesthetics purposes.\nThey have managed to produce carbon fibre to a granite-like finish, unlike the conventional weave like design. From the picture, the material finish looks akin to a piece of fine jewel. Vitesse offers customised body panels for the Phantom, Phantom \u2013 Coup\u00e9, Phantom \u2013 Drophead Coup\u00e9, Ghost, Wraith and Dawn.\nOn top of that, the company also offers custom \nforged carbon fibre wheels\n, which they claim to be\n\u00a0\na\u00a0world\u2019s first. The said wheels are more rigid and lighter than titanium alloys. Bengala and Vitesse guarantee that all parts are of the highest standards and comply with OEM fit and finish. All parts come with a 5-year warranty against any defect or\u00a0yellowing of the materials.\nNow, if you\u2019re in dying need to customise your Rolls with forged carbon fibre components, be glad to know that Vitesse ships \nworldwide\n. You can view their online catalogue \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Michelin announced that it is committed to making its tyres sustainable by 2050. This move has been inspired by the \nVision Concept\n \ntyre \nwhich was introduced in 2017.\nToday nearly 30% of more than 300 components used by Michelin in tyre manufacturing are made of natural, recycled material or sustainable raw material. The main ingredient in making tyres is natural rubber, along with metal, fibers, and synthetic rubber. This also includes components that strengthen the tyres structure such as carbon black and silica.\n \nOne of the efforts in making its tyres sustainable involves using biomass from wood, leaves, corn stalks and other plant waste where over 4.2 million tonnes of wood chips will be used to make Michelin tyres every year.\nMichelin will also be partnering with Canada-based Pyrowave to recycle plastic packaging like food trays and yogurt pots into synthetic rubber. It is estimated that 42 billion pots could be used recycled into Michelin tyres every year. Some four billion plastic bottles will also be recycled for tyre manufacturing each year.\nIn February this year, Michelin announced its partnership with Enviro to build its first tyre manufacturing plant in the world. The Swedish company has developed methods to recover the necessary and high quality reusable materials from end-of-life tyres to be used to manufacture new tyres."
"Back in early September if you recall,\u00a0\nFerrari Challenge Asia Pacific race\n\u00a0made a scheduled stop at our very own Sepang Circuit which saw Steve Wyatt rocket himself to clench the podium\u2019s top spot. They have since made their way back to the Prancing Horse\u2019s sovereign soil in Tuscany for the final stop of the series this year at the \nMugello Circuit\n.\nThe armada was greeted by \n50,000\n cheering fans on the final day. Among the\u00a0crowds were Ferrari\u2019s official drivers Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel and Esteban Gutierrez, including an exhibition of their Scuderia Ferrari cars.\n \n \nJoining these highly-esteemed Formula One drivers were Managing Director \nAmedeo Felisa\n, Vice-President \nPiero Ferrari\n and President \nSergio Marchionne\n. The trio were taken for a blast-session around Mugello with the F1-trio at the helm of three newly-launched limited edition \nF12tdf\n\u00a0cars powered by a slightly uprated \nV12\n motor that churns out an incredible \n780 hp\n.\nFollowing this, the \n458 Italia GTE\n and \nGT3\n competing in the \nWorld Endurance Championship\n (WEC) and in the main national and international GT championships took their places on the track. Thereafter, Ferrari brought out the \n2016\n machines which is the \nnewly-launched twin-turbo 488\n with a couple of flavours, namely \nGTE\n and \nGT3\n specs.\n \n \nSteve Wyatt\n has been on quite a roll this season, a point that was brought home when Wyatt clenched the trophy atop the podium upon winning the \n2015 championship title\n for the\u00a0Trofeo Pirelli race,\u00a0\nbeating Indonesia\u2019s Renaldi Hutasoit.\n\u00a0\nZiad Ghandour\n of Scuderia Lebanon \ntriumphed\n in the\n Trofeo Pirelli Am\n\u00a0after a fierce battle with overall leader, China\u2019s \nWei Xu\n and Korea\u2019s\n Jung Hoon Youn\n.\u00a0\nThe Finali Mondiali\n at Mugello\u00a0will host the final two rounds of the \nThree Series\n that includes \nEurope\n, \nNorth America\n and \nAsia-Pacific\n series.\u00a0\nSunday saw\n all the drivers on track for the two world championship finals, the Trofeo Pirelli (divided into Pirelli and Pirelli Am) and the \nCoppa Shell\n. Keeping up to this tough act to follow was the\n\u00a0F1 Clienti\n and the cars of the \nXX Programmes\n.\n \n \nThe F1 Clienti will offer a glimpse of the \nV8\n and \nV10-powered\n Ferraris which competed in \nFormula 1\n from \n1998\n to \n2011\n, while the \n1050 hp Ferrari FXX-K\n will do the lion\u2019s share of the work for the XX Programmes. However, that isn\u2019t forgetting the\u00a0\nFXX\n of 2005, built on the basis of the \nEnzo\n and the \n599XX\n that was introduced shortly thereafter. Not a bad way to cap off an epic weekend of Prancing proportions.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS will be powered by the same 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six found in the \n718 Spyder and Cayman GT4\n.\nFor the near-ultimate mid-ship experience, these two models will now have \n400 hp\n and \n419 Nm\n at their expenses, through a six-speed manual gearbox. Both models will come as standard with the \nsports exhaust system\n although the 718 Boxster GTS stand to benefit more with its open-top.\nBoth models are expected to complete their 0 to 100 km/h runs in just \n4.5 seconds\n with top speed capped at 293 km/h.\nIt\u2019s a \nmassive departure from the previous Boxster and Cayman GTS\n variants introduced in 2017 which utilised a 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four with only \n365 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n.\nWhile the\n \u201cSport Design\u201d front end\n on both the new GTS\u2019 project a largely similar appearance as the 2017 models it replaces, the rear bumper design has been slightly revised.\nThe dual centre exit exhaust tips from before are now replaced with one on each side. Under the wheel arches are 20-inch light-alloy wheels. Behind them are larger cross-drilled, cast iron brake discs with a 6-pot caliper in the front tasked to cope with the braking needs of the new GTS\u2019.\nAs standard, \nride height is now 20mm lower\n than the standard 718 models, although the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) lowers the GTS\u2019 by just 10mm.\nInside, Porsche did not bother trying too hard with a typically clean and functional interior, with Alcantara garnishing the seats, steering wheel, gear lever and door trims. The 718 Cayman GTS gets the extra touch with the same Alcantara material applied on the roof lining and A-pillars.\nTo spice things up, there\u2019s an optional \u201cGTS interior package\u201d which comes with red seat belts and rev meter, along with the GTS emblem embroidered on the headrests and Porsche lettering on the floor mats.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n718 Boxster GTS\n718 Cayman GTS"
"It was a ticking bomb waiting to detonate; sooner or later this was bound to happen. Those who frequent Genting Highlands or Gohtong Jaya during the weekends would know that the roads heading up and down the hilltop resort have been completely overwhelmed by convoys of fast cars and superbikes.\nWithout trying to generalise, most go about their business and have their fun without causing any nuisance but every now and then you have a few rotten apples who\u2019ve somehow misunderstood the public roads up the hill as their father\u2019s own.\nWell the management of Genting has had enough and has put their foot down. Effective immediately, all convoys made up of mopeds, superbikes and even sportscars are\n banned from driving up to Genting Highlands indefinitely\n, according to a \nvideo that surfaced on Facebook yesterday\n.\nAccording to the policeman in the video, the management decided on the ban due to the loud exhaust noises from large convoys up Genting Highlands. Apparently this has caused a nuisance at hotel lobbies as well \u2013 especially for hotel guests who are checking in for a getaway.\nThere isn\u2019t an official statement from the management so far but we assume this ban applies from the Karak highway exit up to Gohtong Jaya and onwards \u2013 perhaps even from the Batang Kali entry point.\nWhat do you think of this ban? Is it long overdue? Or should Genting only penalise those causing nuisance? Is that even feasible? Let us know!\nImage source: \nResort World Genting Facebook"
"The Nissan GT-R is close to a decade old and although its successor has yet to be seen, potential customers will have to settle for another update, at least for now. Just unveiled in New York, the \nGodzilla\n\u00a0sports a new look both inside and out, including a slight bump in performance as well.\nSo, what\u2019s new with the facelifted GT-R? In the aesthetics department, the front receives the new \u2018\nV-Motion\n\u2019 grille, keeping in line with the Nissan\u2019s current range of products. The front bumper also sports a\u00a0larger front intake and a shorter\u00a0daytime running lights, with a new lower lip spoiler completing the package. The bonnet also receives a redesign that improves high-speed stability.   At the back, the GT-R\u2019s signature quad rear lights and quad exhaust notes are retained, which comes together with a reprofiled rear bumper. The GT-R also sits on updated alloy rims via the 20-inch \u2018Y-spoke\u2019 design, and a bright and striking multi-layered \u2018Katzura\u2019 orange colour paint option.\nThe cabin is a step up from before. Here, it benefits from more liberal use of premium leather, new 8-inch touchscreen head unit, redesigned steering wheel with paddle shifters built onto the wheel as opposed to its predecessor which had them built fixed into the column.\nIt\u2019s the same old engine powering this beast \u2013 a\u00a0\n3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 \nthat is tweaked to give 20 horses more, bringing up the final output to \n562 hp\n and\n 638 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0This is achieved through improved individual ignition timing and more boost from the turbochargers, including an\u00a0all-new\u00a0titanium exhaust. The GT-R\u2019s dual-clutch gearbox is also more refined for less noise and smoother shifts.\nThe GT-R\u2019s handling and agility is also said to be enhanced through its stiffer body shell and new set of suspension. With the added power and improved aerodynamics, the updated GT-R reinforces Nissan\u2019s commitment in the high performance car\u00a0segment.\nCurrently, there\u2019s no price tag put in place, but word is that Nissan is working hard to develop a hybrid GT-R as the successor to the R35. We could possibly be looking at the last generation GT-R that runs on pure internal combustion engine before the next one comes along. How does an electrified \nGodzilla\n sound to you?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As far as luxury 4\u00d74 vehicles go, the Land Rover Range Rover is in a class of its own. With its luxurious interior and superior off-roading capabilities, the Range Rover is highly regarded as a luxury 4\u00d74.\nFirstly, new to the line-up is the\u00a0\nSVAutobiography Dynamic\u00a0\nvariant\u00a0which Jaguar Land Rover boasts as being the most powerful and dynamic Range Rover ever made. The SVAutobiography Dynamic is powered by a \n550 hp\n, \n680 Nm\n \nsupercharged\n \nV8\n paired to a \nZF eight-speeder\n that is good for a 0-100km/h time of \n5.2 seconds\n. Besides that, a retuned suspension lowers ride height by 8mm to provide better handling dynamics is standard fitment. Inside, the interior is spoilt with luxury. Diamond quilted leather seats, contrast stitching and knurled finished controls are all standard affair in the top of the range model.   A new engine choice is also added to the current line-up \u2013 a\u00a0\n3.0-litre supercharged V6\n that produces \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. It is good for a 0-100km/h sprint time of \n7.2 seconds\n.\nJLR added a whole suite of semi-autonomous tech to the Range Rover called Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). New here are Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter and Rear Park Distance Control.\nThe Drive Pro Pack adds on Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Assists, Traffic Sign Recognition, Reverse Traffic Detection, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Driver Condition Monitor as well as Lane Keep Assist.\nIn addition to that, JLR also introduced Advanced Tow Assist that guides drivers to reverse into position when towing a trailer. It uses the cameras to lay out trajectory lines to ensure a perfect fit. Low Traction Launch is also available, which controls the torque delivered to each wheels from standstill on slippery surfaces to prevent wheel spin.\nMoving into the cabin, a new 10-inch\u00a0touchscreen \u2018InControl Touch Pro\u2019 infotainment system is also available as an option on the updated Range Rover. It comes with an integrated app that allows owners to remotely activate climate control, alarm and engine start. The app will also alert the owner if the security system on their Range Rover is triggered.\nThere are 19 new exterior colours available for customers to specify. With the introduction of the 2017 Range Rover, JLR further pushes the luxury benchmark. But does it come with the right dose of grandiose to take on the \nBentley Bentayga\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The first ever M Performance vehicle in Malaysia, the \nBMW X2 M35i\n may come as a disappointment to many enthusiasts who were hoping for the M135i or M340i but let\u2019s not undermine this Sports Activity Vehicle\u2019s sporty credentials.\n \nPacking the most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder from BMW, the X2 M35i commands \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. A ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel-drive system are tasked to send power to the wheels allowing the most potent X2 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.9 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nThere are also some tasty M Performance bits \u2013 not just \ncosmetic\n \u2013 available here too such as M Sport adaptive suspension, M Sport front differential, sports exhaust and M Sport brakes with blue calipers.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X2 M35i Launched in Malaysia\nBMW X2M35i\nBMW_X2M35i"
"Honda Malaysia is set to refresh the Honda Jazz with a raft of updates, but the bigger news is the upcoming introduction of the Honda Jazz Hybrid. Order books for both the regular petrol and hybrid variants are now open, with the former hitting showroom floors sometime this quarter while the latter by Q3 2017.\nAt the same time, Honda Japan has previewed the Jazz facelift on its\u00a0website, giving us a glimpse of how the facelifted Jazz will look like. Known as the Honda Fit in Japan, this third-generation model receives a redesigned front bumper and an extended grille, similar to the \nrefreshed City\n\u00a0that was launched\u00a0recently. The headlights and taillights receive LED treatment just like its sedan sibling. It\u2019s unclear if the Jazz Hybrid will get Honda Sensing (a big range of safety tech) like the JDM Fit, though.\nJust like the facelifted City, the\n\u00a01.5-litre\u00a0four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\n\u00a0mill is carried forward, generating \n118 hp\n and\n 145 Nm\n of torque. It is mated to the same\u00a0\nseven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT). The Sport hybrid i-DCD on the other hand, is a totally different ballgame.\nIt gets the newer\n 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC\n engine that will be paired to a\n seven-speed dual clutch transmission\n. The predecessor\u2019s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) is now gone, replaced by an\n\u00a0Intelligent Power Unit (IPU)\n. This means the car is a full hybrid, capable of running on electric propulsion alone. The motor is juiced by a \nlithium-ion battery\n located under the boot. The hybrid setup makes\n\u00a0135 hp\n, and the new electric power steering is said to improve handling.\nThe 2017 Honda Jazz hybrid is open for public viewing this weekend at the upcoming \nDrive,\u00a0Test & Buy\n\u00a0event organised by our good friends of \nCarlist.my\n. Stay tuned as we bring you live updates of the car soon!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Infiniti has just confirmed that the \nteaser image\n released earlier is indeed the second-generation QX50 and the company has released details of the new SUV ahead of its global debut at the 2017 LA Auto Show.\nThe new QX50 will feature an all-new platform that promises new levels of refinement, rigidity and interior space in the compact premium SUV segment. It shares much of its design elements with its larger sibling the \nQX80\n, continuing the \u201cPowerful Elegance\u201d design language. Inside, Infiniti says the public can expect high-quality materials and advanced craftsmanship.\nMotivation comes from Infiniti\u2019s new \n2.0-litre four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine\n, the world\u2019s first production-ready \nvariable compression ratio engine\n. The engine can alter its compression ratio anywhere between 8:1 to 14:1 for maximum performance and efficiency. Official output for the engine has not been released but engineers are looking at around \n268 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n of torque. The QX50 is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive layout.\nInfiniti has also fitted the QX50 with ProPilot semi-autonomous driving system that can autonomously accelerate, brake and steer during single-lane carriageway driving, similar to the system shared on the \nNissan Serena\n and \nLeaf\n.\nThe Infiniti QX50 world premiere will take place next week with more details to follow."
"When inspired by \u2018by the hills, sand and sea surrounding Pebble Beach\u2019, Rolls-Royce took the liberty to showcase the creative colour capabilities of the artisans back at the factory at Goodwood at the 2019 Concours d\u2019Elegance.\n(From left) Ghost, Dawn and Wraith.\nThe chosen canvas of the Pebble Beach 2019 Pastel Collection is a trio of Rolls-Royce Black badge models. It starts with the Ghost Black Badge in Light Green Solid; the pastel green represents the rebirth of the flora on the Monterey peninsula following the years of drought and fire. The hand-crafted leather interior is black mixed with a splash of Serenity Green.\nThe convertible within the collection is the Dawn Black Badge in Coral Solid; requiring seven coats of paint and more than nine hours of hand polishing in the Surface Finish Centre at Goodwood. The new pastel colour carries over to the Dawn\u2019s aero cowling, giving it a characterful yet aggressive exterior. The Dawn Black Badge interior is finished in Artic White and Sunset, taking after the northern California hills and valleys.\nThe final piece of the trio is the Wraith Black Badge in Semaphore Yellow, a bright and sunny finish for the most powerful member of the Rolls-Royce family. The Wraith Black Badge features a Selby Grey and Lemon interior with the Black Badge Starlight Headliner. Have fun browsing the other 44,000 colours when customising your Roller."
"In a country where cars\u00a0are\u00a0the second largest investment after properties, one can be a car owner with just over RM 20k with the\u00a0\nPerodua Axia\n 1.0 Standard E. At RM24,900, the compact hatchback which comes equipped with a spartan interior and steel wheels is an ideal learner\u2019s car and it\u2019s no wonder then, why it\u2019s seen in the drones at driving schools nationwide.\nBut what about those from our neighbouring countries? We looked beyond our borders to find out which car commands the lowest price tag in their respective countries in bog standard form. In short, what is their Axia Standard E equivalent?\nSingapore and Indonesia\nCar prices in the city state are notoriously known to be among the most expensive in the world, the 1.0 Standard G Perodua Axia automatic is the cheapest new car at \u2018just\u2019 \nSGD\n\u00a0\n63,800\n. That\u2019s approximately\u00a0\nRM 200k\n after conversion;\u00a0\nnot including\u00a0\nthe infamous cut-throat Certificate of Entitlement (COE)!\nIn Indonesia,\n\u00a0\nwith a mere\n Rp 92,550 mil (approx RM 29k)\n,\n\u00a0\nyou can bring home the most affordable car in the country in the form of a 1.0-litre \nDaihatsu Ayla\n with a manual transmission which, as some of you may know, is the car that our beloved Perodua Axia is based on.\nChina\nThe largest automotive market in the world is home to numerous domestic brands, ranging from jointly-formed manufacturers to one of their largest manufacturer formerly known for building\n\u00a0fridges\n. In the Middle Kingdom, the title for the most inexpensive car goes to the \nJiangnan TT\n.\nNot to be confused with a certain \ncoupe from Ingolstadt\n, this hatchback is based on a second-generation\n Suzuki Alto\n from the 1980\u2019s where it retains the original Alto\u2019s 3-cylinder 800 c.c. engine, paired to a 4-speed manual transmission. Additions made by the Chinese included roof rails and a single cup holder. So, \n20,800 yuan (RM 13.2k)\n buys you a time capsule from the 1980\u2019s \u2013 perfect for those with a taste for nostalgia?\nJapan\nIn the land of the rising sun, Kei-cars are known to come with the lowest price tags. For now, two such cars lay claim to the title \u2013 the\u00a0\nDaihatsu Mira e:S\n and \nToyota Pixis Epoch\n.\nEquipped with the same powertrains, they\u2019re propelled by a 660 c.c. engines mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), together with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard. Priced at \n842,400 yen (RM 31.7k)\n, these two cars could possibly be the basis of the next-generation Axias (the current Axia is based on the first generation Mira e:s).\nAustralia\nMitsubishi\u2019s little town-trotter is a firm favourite among the frugal-minded from Down Under. The 3-cylinder\u00a0\nMitsubishi Mirage\n can be had at just\u00a0\nAUD $12,250\n \n(RM 40.4k)\n and despite the meager price tag, it comes with Hill-Start Assist!\nBack home, the Mirage was offered by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia in late 2012 from RM 55-63K range, but it\u2019s no longer on sale. Although, a used example will only set you back RM 25K.\nUnited States\nIt\u2019s not all V8 muscle cars and huge pick-ups in America, motorists on a budget in the US seem to have a liking for the \nNissan Versa\n. More commonly known as the Almera in Malaysia, \nUSD 11,900 (approx RM 50.5k)\n is all you need to buy a brand new example of the Versa.\nIt shares the same 109 hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine as the Almera with several differences; it adopts a seven-speed CVT gearbox, together with the incorporation of the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).\nThe United Kingdom\nThe Perodua Nippa (Kancil) and Kelisa were once the cheapest cars sold in the UK. With Perodua now dormant in the UK, it\u2019s the \nDacia Sandero \nreigns supreme.\nAt\n 6k pounds Sterling (approx RM 33.3k)\n, this cheap and cheerful Romanian hatchback has its components sourced from Renault\u2019s parts bin. There\u2019s a catch to it though, the base spec Sandero has no air conditioning \u2013 not ideal for summer drives. The Dacia Sandero is also the most inexpensive new car to buy in \nEurope\n!\nIndia\u00a0\nLastly, let\u2019s look at India where the \nTata Nano\n is not only the cheapest new car within the nation but also the entire world. Touted as the\n\u00a01 Lakh car (approx RM 6.5k)\n in 2008, bare essentials such as power steering and air conditioning were omitted. However, that did not stop the car from getting over 200k bookings via a ballot system in March 2009.\nAt present, its price tag has ballooned to \n2.69 Lakh (RM17.5k)\n and despite the added luxuries in later Nanos, the microcar has lost its lustre. Torrid safety and image issues have hurt sales, and Tata is looking to axe this once revered, budget means of transportation.\nNote: Prices were taken directly from the manufacturers\u2019 website in their respective countries. No additional options were selected. Exchange rates are based on conversion rates on 7/10/2017."
"The future of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s entry-level/compact models looks uncertain as the latest report by Autocar indicates that the company could remove them from its lineup with further confirmation next week.\nSpeaking to the UK publication, Mercedes-Benz has said that it is not their goal to be a competitor in volume producers, as it is not what the brand stands for. This suggests that Mercedes-Benz\u2019s entry-level models are no longer a priority.\nIn light of the semiconductor shortage situation, the company is now looking to shift its priority and supplies to more profitable models at the cost of lower manufacturing and sales volumes of its smaller vehicles.\nReferring to it as an \u2018unwanted experiment\u2019, the company highlighted that it has made the decision to chase value for customers and the company, instead of going after volume.\nWhat does this mean for the future of the AMG A 45?\nThis follows after Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the A-Class sedan and hatchback would be killed off in the US and Canada after 2022 even though it\u2019s been well-received there.\nThis opens up a pandora\u2019s box of debates as one can only wonder which models would be affected \u2013 likely the A-Class sedan and hatchback. What would this mean for the AMG A 45 and AMG A 35 models?\nThe A 250 AMG Line.\nLocally, \nlocally assembled versions of the A 200 and A 250 sedan\n were launched in 2019, before \nreceiving upgrades\n earlier this year along with a price increase. The A 200 Progressive Line now starts from \nRM220,459\n\u00a0(up by RM9,556) while the A 250 AMG starts from\n\u00a0RM243,858\n\u00a0(up by RM4,000)."
"It\u2019s 4th of April, so this is not a hoax. We are looking for a suitable candidate to take on what is arguably the best job in the world* \u2013 the position of a \nfull-time\n motoring journalist (junior writer). To determine whether you have what it takes, please put yourself through the 10-point checklist below:\nSun screen is optional, but fortitude to learn is a prerequisite.\nI\u2019ve always wanted to get into automotive journalism\nI have a nose for news and will always tell the truth\nI can string sentences in English without messing up the grammar\nI love to drive more than I love to eat\nI\u2019m a fast learner and won\u2019t stop learning\nI\u2019m able to work odd hours and not bitch about it on FB\nI don\u2019t mind working under the sun and getting a tan occasionally\nI have a valid driving license and I behave sensibly on the road\nThe near extinction of cars with three pedals keeps me awake at night\nWhen I grow up, I want to be just like GC Mah\n Inspiration can come to you in odd places, with or without footwear.\nOkay, maybe question #10 is asking too much, but at least pretend that to be the case when you\u2019ve been shortlisted for an interview. If you had answered \u2018yes\u2019 to the majority of the of the questions above, \nplease e-mail your updated curriculum vitae (CV) \nto \n[email\u00a0protected]\n and \nshare your thoughts about the car you currently drive in no more than 400 words\n.\nEasy? We can\u2019t wait to hear from you.   * Characterisation may\ndiffer from actual occupation and subject to change"
"Ferrari has introduced the Omologata, a one-off client-commissioned unit that is based off the \n812 Superfast\n. Finished in Rosso Magma, the Omologata pays tribute to the brand\u2019s historic race cars while remaining uniquely one-of-a-kind.\nFerrari says that the entire process from initial sketch to completion took a little over two years to complete. Visually, it shares only its windshield and its headlights with the model it\u2019s based on, aside from the inevitably-similar proportions.\nThe objective of the design was to exploit the proportions of the 812 Superfast\u2019s mid-front layout to deliver a sleek design defined by smooth volumes and undulating reflections, with surface breaks only present wherever dictated by aerodynamic functions.\nFerrari says that the design team led by Flavio Manzoni, who also penned the award-winning \nFerrari J50\n, carefully studied the and refined the \u201cstance and attitude\u201d of the car from all angles, which resulted in a very defined flat oval grille at the front.\nThe front wheel arches are emphasized by the contrasting stripe that goes across the bonnet. At the rear of the door, the flank develops into a muscular rear haunch that blends neatly upwards towards the three-quarter panel.\nThe rear of the Ferrari Omologata is also frightfully imposing, thanks to the single round taillights on each end set deeply into the body work, surmounted by a prominent spoiler which adds not only downforce but a more aggressive, sporty stance. The louvred rear \u201cwindow\u201d contributes further to the whole retro-inspired look.\nInside the Omologata, the electric blue seats are finished in a tasteful combination of leather and Jeans Aunde fabric and fitted with a four-point racing harnesses, which stands out against a full black interior.\nHowever, the coolest detail inside is definitely the metal trims on the dashboard and steering wheel, finished with a crackled paint effect associated with the Ferrari\u2019s GT racers of the 1950s and 1960s, along with a hammered paint effect on the door handles inspired by the 250 LM and 250 GTO.\nNo specifics have been revealed as to what is powering this one-of-a-kind Ferrari Omologata, though the Prancing Horse did say that it\u2019s the 10th front-engined V12 one-off that has been delivered since the 2009 P540 Superfast Aperta, suggesting the use of the naturally-aspirated 6.5 litre engine from the 812 Superfast, which develops \n800 hp \nand\n 718 Nm\n in stock configuration.\nCommissioned by an unnamed Europe client, Ferrari of course did not divulge on the price for this one-off bespoke model. But seeing the extent that Ferrari designers have gone to recreate some of the most signature Ferrari design cues \u2013 all without falling into nostalgia \u2013 it\u2019s not hard to guess that the number will probably be more than a couple of magnitudes higher than the number we can imagine.\nGALLERY"
"China\u2019s search engine giant Baidu is developing a new fully-electric AI-powered \u201crobo-car\u201d, with an autonomous driving system that will supposedly be a full generation ahead of \nTesla\u2019s\n system, according to its CEO.\n\u201cOur understanding of smart vehicles is that being electric is the semi-final while being intelligent is the final,\u201d Baidu chief executive Robin Li said during its inaugural partner\u2019s conference in Shanghai yesterday.\nBaidu first announced its entrance to the EV space in January last year, joining forces with chinese carmaker giant \nGeely\n to form the Jidu marque, with a focus on popularising autonomous driving and human-machine interaction technologies.\nThe company\u2019s autonomous driving tech will be shown off on a flagship EV due for market launch in 2023 that\u2019s based on the ROBO-01 concept, and will feature a retractable steering \u2018yoke\u2019, which will be automatically stowed away when the car is driving itself.\nRELATED: \nChina\u2019s Didi D1 is a fully-electric car made exclusively for e-hailing\nAside from software wizardry, the ROBO-01\u2019s autonomous driving system also utilises two Nvidia Orin X chips to process data from 31 external sensors, including two LiDAR sensors, five millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 12 cameras.\nUnlike Jidu and most other carmakers autonomous driving technologies, Tesla has decided against LiDAR sensors, with eccentric CEO Elon Musk publicly claiming that they are \u201cexpensive\u201d and \u201cunnecessary\u201d, even going so far as to say \u201canyone who relies on LiDAR is doomed.\u201d\nAlthough now in public beta testing, Tesla\u2019s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is now years late from its original promised delivery date. The American carmaker is also under scrutiny from regulatory boards recently, with California\u2019s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accusing it for misleading customers about the system.\nALSO READ: \nElon Musk is \u201cextremely confident\u201d that Tesla will launch its fully-autonomous system in 2021\nAside from boasting about its autonomous self-driving tech, The company also detailed its \u201c2880\u201d strategy at the partner conference, with a target of 800,000 robot EVs delivered annually by 2028.\nAside from the flagship sedan, which the company says will bear a 90% resemblance to the ROBO-1 concept, the company is also on track to introduce a second mass-produced model in 2024.\nThe production version of the Jidu ROBO-01 concept is expected to be revealed soon, followed by the first public display of the second model\u2019s exterior design at the Guangzhou Auto Show in late 2022.\n \nGALLERY"
"Looks like we have another bad news to bring you, dear readers, this time coming from our homegrown automaker, Proton.\nApparently, due to the depreciating Ringgit, Proton has no choice but to increase the price for their models across the range. This move is to offset the cost of importing parts and materials, though the company hasn\u2019t announced the revised list at press time.\nProton\u2019s CEO Dato\u2019 Abdul Harith Abdullah was quoted saying, \u201cThe weaker Ringgit affects the company\u2019s operation cost and the entire eco-system chain from the vendors to us. Hence, we are evaluating our pricing structure and the percentage of the price increase will depend on the models.\u201d\nWith Proton becoming\u00a0the \nlatest string of brands to announce price increase for next year\n, we can only wonder how much local content goes into the making of Proton cars. Proton Chairman, Tun Dr. Mahathir, once mentioned that there is about\u00a0\n90 percent locally manufactured parts found in Proton\n. So given that price increase to offset the remaining 10 percent (presumably the drivetrain) does raise a few uncertainties. Will the price increase be in the hundreds, or thousands? Will the local contents be impacted as well? Will Proton, in a worst case scenario, introduce variants cheaper than the SV trims to mitigate costing issues?\nAs of now, Proton is offering\u00a0seven models to the Malaysian market, with the \nSaga Plus\n model being the most affordable pick with a starting price of\n RM33,243.40\n. Next year will see the introduction of the new \nPerdana\n model, with the Saga and Persona models both set to be succeeded soon.\nIf there\u2019s one thing we can be certain about, is that the new Proton Perdana will surely cost more than they initially hoped. The better question now is, how much more?"
"The\u00a0Chevrolet \nCamaro\n\u00a0is a car that needs no introduction. Every now and then, a unique edition finds its way to production, and it\u2019s no different here with the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The folks at General Motors said the ZL1 is \u201cdesigned to excel at everything\u201d, so let\u2019s see what it\u2019s really about.\nThis Camaro ZL1 is not as simple as swapping the Bumblebee image for a red hot, more focused machine. Instead, Chevrolet\u2019s prime muscle car receives a huge dose of steroids in the arm, improving performance, refinement and track capabilities. Aerodynamically, it\u2019s enhanced too with a larger lower grille,\u00a0new hood with carbon-fiber inserts, front splitters and rear wing. The ZL1 also weighs\n\u00a090kg\n\u00a0less than its predecessor, thanks to a revised, lighter architecture.\nUnderneath the hood lies a\u00a0supercharged\n 6.2-liter V8 \nfrom the Corvette Z06\u00a0that shoots\n 640 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0868 Nm\n of mind bending torque. New to the Camaro is an all-new quick shifting \n10-speed automatic \ngearbox, although purists get to opt for the six-speed manual gearbox. The new automatic, jointly developed by Ford and GM, will allow the supercharged V8 to\u00a0remain in optimum revs during acceleration or\u00a0while cornering.\nThe handling department is managed by\u00a0Magnetic Ride suspension, electronic limited-slip differential and specially\u00a0crafted Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres. Brakes are supplied by Brembo \u2013 a set of six-pot 390mm two-piece rotors.\nGM is confident that with the Camaro ZL1, they have a car that can rival any sports coupe (think Cayman and you\u2019re not too far off), but the only thing not revealed at this point is its pricing.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \u2018new car smell\u2019 is just as important to most, as the new car itself and Nissan has shared how it goes to great lengths to make sure the smell is just right.\nIntroducing Peter, the Odour Evaluation Lead Engineer as he is called at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe. He has an acute sense of smell, and the sole responsibility of ensuring that the \u2018new car smell\u2019 in new Nissan vehicles deliver a \u2018positive response\u2019.\n\u201cWe aim to provide the best sensory experience for the customer. While tastes and preferences evolve over time, smell remains a constant. Therefore, it is part of our job to make sure that any material we use is always going to be perfect in terms of scent and that all of the senses are harmonised,\u201d said the man with a powerful nose.\nNissan stressed that the new car smell isn\u2019t just a consequence of the manufacturing process but instead is the result of months of work devoted to carefully analysing materials and chemicals used such as the seat fabric and adhesives. This is done to ensure that the materials and adhesive do not generate an unpleasant odour in the new car.\nThis is where the nose of Nissan comes in testing materials such as those used for the diamond-quilted seats and how they change (smell wise) in different real-world conditions. If a material interferes with the new car smell, the nose and his team will identify alternative materials to protect that new car smell.\nGALLERY"
"With a total of \nfive cars planned for launch over 2023\n, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors will be kicking off a busy second half of the year with the \nHyundai Ioniq 6\n, which will be making its Malaysian market introduction this Friday, 21 July, according to teasers published on the company\u2019s social media channels.\nDubbed the \u201cstreamliner\u201d thanks to its \nslippery shape\n, the sleek-looking EV boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21 Cd, which translates to a real-world power consumption as low as 13.9 kWh/100 km, making it one of the most energy efficient EVs out on the market today.\nPaired to a 77.4 kWh battery pack, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 promises an EV range of up to \n610 km (WLTP)\n in a single charge on the single-motor long-range variant. The E-GMP platform\u2019s 800V electrical architecture also enables support of up to 350 kW with DC fast charging, taking just 18 minutes to recharge from 10-80%.\nThe E-GMP platform also supports a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature that enables the Hyundai Ioniq 6 to power other electrical appliances through an adapter.\nREAD MORE: \n3 new Hyundai models teased for 2023 \u2013 Ioniq 6, Santa Fe & Tucson, is that you?\nPerformance wise, the all-new Hyundai Ioniq 6 is offered in both single- and dual-motor configurations, with the most powerful variant delivering up to\n 239 kW (320 hp)\n and\n 650 Nm\n of torque, translating to a century sprint time of\n 5.1 seconds\n.\nThe exact configurations and availability for the Malaysian market will have to wait until its official launch, but some of the globally-available equipment include the Parametric Pixel exterior lighting, twin 12-inch displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as the SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance systems."
"After the reveal of the \nMcLaren 600LT Spider\n in January, McLaren is gearing up for yet another product launch in May. This time, an all-new model that will enter the British supercar maker into the luxury Grand Tourer segment.\nBefore you bring out your pitchforks saying that the \nlegendary F1\n and \nSpeedtail\n are McLaren\u2019s GT offerings, remember those are \nhyper \nGTs \u2013 emphasis on the hyper. The yet to be named model will be a rival to the likes of \nFerrari 812 Superfast\n and \nBentley Continental GT\n.\nMcLaren did reveal that\nthe luxury GT will feature a mid-engine layout powered by the M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged\nV8. The new car combines competition levels of performance with the highest of\nrefinement for long distance journeys and agility that the company claims, \u201cnever\nexperienced before in the luxury GT segment\u201d.\nJudging from the camouflaged\ntest mule, it appears that the new car will feature a sleek silhouette similar\nto the 720S with unique headlamp design and a bulkier rear profile. McLaren\nalso said that the cabin of the new luxury GT will feel spacious, uncluttered\nand modern with only authentic, high quality materials employed."
"It really is inevitable, isn\u2019t it? After holding out for what seems like an eternity, \nMcLaren\n could now be the next supercar maker to turn to the dark side. Speaking to \nAutocar UK\n in an exclusive interview, new McLaren Automotive boss Michael Leiters said that they are open to launching an SUV, and the carmaker is now actively investigating what form such a model may take.\nLeiters is no stranger to SUVs, having overseen two launches of such models, one in Ferrari (as Chief Technology Officer), and one in Porsche. \u201cI love SUVs [.] I think it\u2019s a really important market,\u201d Leiters says. \u201cIt still is, and it continues to grow. It\u2019s very attractive as a market segment.\u201d\nThe CEO says that McLaren will not be building one just because he likes it, however. \u201cWhat we have to understand as McLaren is, \u2018how can we find a product that is in line with our DNA?\u2019. We shouldn\u2019t do a classic SUV,\u201d he added, insisting that the model is still very much in the discussion phase, and McLaren is also open to other ideas and models instead of, or in addition to, an SUV.\nWhy the sudden change of heart from McLaren? At the end of the day, it always comes down to money, especially after seeing its competitors post record-breaking sales figures led by crossovers and SUVs.\nRELATED: \nFerrari is making a new V12 engine for the Purosangue SUV\nPorsche delivered more cars in 2021 than at any point in its 91-year history, with the \nMacan\n and \nCayenne\n together accounting for well over its 300,000 sales. In contrast, the 911 only accounted for 38,464 units.\nThe \nLamborghini Urus\n is now the Italian marque\u2019s \nbest-selling model of all time\n, and the \nDBX\n also made up half of all Aston Martin global sales in 2021 \u2013 and that\u2019s just in its first full year on sale.\nLeiters said that a McLaren SUV will have a knock-on effect onto its current range of sports cars, as it would lead to greater brand awareness and acceptance. He added that at Porsche, many of their Cayenne customers ended up buying a 911 too.\nThe advancement of its own electric technology and \ncarbon-fibre chassis \nalso allowed McLaren to experiment with different sizes, proportions, and body styles.\nALSO READ: \nMcLaren unveils new carbon fibre tub for their upcoming electrified cars\nMcLaren\u2019s first electrified series-production model, the Artura. \nRead our review here\n.\nRumours are rife about McLaren entering into a partnership with another major carmaker, with \ntalks with BMW\n and Audi known to have taken place. The McLaren SUV may be one of the first models to spawn from said partnership. Leiters confirmed that McLaren was interested in working with a partner, although he clarifies that no deal was imminent.\n\u201cYou have two sides of a partnership, one is technology and one is financial,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd if you find both in one, definitely that will be the best. But the first thing is to have a technology partner to create synergies. But it has to be the right partner.\u201d\n\u201cWe have to maintain our DNA; I\u2019m not interested in any partner which gives me only \u2018me too\u2019 technology. So the question is to find the right partner; the question is not to find a partner,\u201d Leiters added."
"The next-generation Mitsubishi cars for sale in Japan will use platforms from Nissan as the former plans to stop the development of new car platforms specifically for their home market. The current Mitsubishi eK Kei car is already a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Nissan.\nPlatforms\n, which not just includes the chassis but also the electrical architecture, are the highest expenditure for any automaker, contributing up to half the vehicle development cost. They are usually used for over a decade in the model\u2019s lifecycle as well as spread upon a few body types, such as the \nMitsubishi Lancer\n sedan and the \nMitsubishi ASX\n crossover.\nThe 2022 Subaru WRX lives on! So what is the reason for the delay for even a mild Mitsubishi Lancer Evo? Here from MMC themselves here.\nAs the shift to legislation for zero-emission vehicles exponentially increases, a medium-sized automaker such as Mitsubishi Motors does not have the resources to fund research and development for multiple platforms and powertrain solutions.\nJapanese news portal \nNikkei Asia\n shared that by 2026, Mitsubishi Motors will offer Kei cars as well as SUVs and vans using Nissan platforms and powertrains for their home market of Japan. The exterior and interior will still be Mitsubishi\u2019s own design and flavour, as seen in the differences in the Mitsubishi eK and Nissan Dayz Kei car joint venture project.\nThe first phase of the next-generation platform sharing has already started, with the all-new \n2021 Mitsubishi Outlander\n sharing many technologies and you\u2019ve guessed it, the platform with the all-new \n2021 Nissan X-Trail\n.\nDropping the budget for a relatively small volume product and adopting an ally\u2019s technology will allow Mitsubishi to focus on further research and development on electric vehicle technologies. The plan is to reduce the current count of eight platforms to just four by March 2026, two of which is specifically for us here in the ASEAN region.\nAs the \nMitsubishi Triton\n pick-up is a huge sales volume and profit contributor to the company, it is no surprise that this will be prioritised with rumours that the all-new Nissan Navara will share the pick-up platform. The second is probably the \nelectrified version\n of the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n MPV that currently enjoying brisk sales in the region.\nThe remaining two platforms are reported to be co-developed with Nissan offering large portions of electrified propulsion such as plug-in hybrid technology as well as fully-electric.\nOther Japanese companies have also embarked on platform sharing and cooperation towards the shift to a line-up of zero-emission vehicles. Toyota and Subaru will offer their first EV in the form of the \nbZ4X\n and \nSolterra\n SUV, while \nHonda has teamed up\n with General Motors (GM) in the US to introduce their range of EVs. \u00a0\nSource: \nNikkei.com"
"Proton\n has long committed itself to reducing its carbon footprint in its entire production change, evident from the launch of its five-phase Proton Green Wheel and Green Policy back in 2015.\nThey\u2019ve now kick-started phase four of the project by unveiling its new solar power initiative at the Tanjung Malim plant, which will help the national carmaker reduce its CO2 emissions by up to 11,536 tonnes a year, while also generating extra utility cost savings.\nThe solar project consists of a 23.4 acre-sized covered parking lot, equipped with 20,544 bi-facial solar panels, alongside extra solar panels mounted on its factory rooftop. Combined, the solar power initiative can generate up to 12 MWp (Megawatt peak), which is enough to meet up to 25% of the plant\u2019s total power consumption.\nThe covered parking lot, which serves as Proton\u2019s motor pool car park, will provide parking spaces for 2,880 cars, and is used as a transit point for cars produced at Tanjung Malim before being distributed to dealers and outlets nationwide. And if you\u2019re a fan of weird and obscure facts, Proton says that it now has the biggest parking lot bi-facial solar panel facility in Malaysia!\nALSO READ: Proton to import and distribute Smart EVs in Malaysia and Thailand\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, bi-facial means the panels can also pick up reflected sunlight from the ground as well as cars parked underneath the panels, significantly increasing the efficiency of the panels by area covered. The panels also provide shaded car storage, to help protect the newly produced cars from the elements.\nBuilt and commissioned by Pekat Group and its associate MFP Solar, the parking lot solar panel facility can generate up to 9MWp by itself, which means Proton could potentially save up to RM4.39 million a year on its energy bill, with a further saving of RM1.46 million available via the 3MWp generated by the factory roof-mounted panels.\n\u201cProton\u2019s solar panel facility is part of the company\u2019s green initiative as the company takes up the challenge to help Malaysia meet the government\u2019s target of becoming a carbon-neutral nation by 2050,\u201d said \nProton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah\n.\n\u201cAside from generating utility savings, the use of a clean and renewable energy source will allow us to remove 11,536 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, benefitting the local community and ecosystem at Tanjung Malim,\u201d he added.\nFollowing the new solar energy facility, Proton is aiming to digitise all of its energy data on the cloud in phase five, using AI and Big Data Analytics technology to provide the company\u2019s energy managers with energy consumption predictions and prescriptive measures, helping to reduce energy consumption across all plants and office facilities.\nProton says that across the five-year period between 2015 and 2020, its green initiatives have achieved an energy bill savings of RM20 million, or equivalent to 55,000 MWh in savings and over 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions reduction."
"Not impressed by the \u201cstandard\u201d Bentley Bentayga? Perhaps sir would be delighted to discover the announcement of the Bentley Bentayga Mulliner by the good chaps of Bentley Motors from the town of Crewe.\nThis is the \ncr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me\n (or is it the creamiest of butter, if you catch my drift) of all SUVs, as Bentley boldly declares their Bentayga Mulliner as the \nultimate luxury SUV\n. Naturally, the flagship Bentayga Mulliner is powered by the biggest block of the lot, the \n6.0-litre W12\n, because the \n4.0-litre triple-charged V8 diesel\n variant basically reeks from its buttocks.\nTo refresh your memory, the W12 generates a healthy \n600 hp\n and a heady \n900 Nm\n of torque to get the \nall-wheel drive\n leviathan from \nnought to hundred in 4.1 seconds\n. And don\u2019t forget that the Bentayga is also the \nworld\u2019s fastest SUV\n, maxing out at \n301 km/h\n. Blimey indeed.\nExternally, the Bentayga Mulliner differs little from the non-Mulliner Bentaygas, apart from the seven-spoke \n22-inch Paragon wheels\n. The \nDuo Tone paintwork\n also makes its debut on the Bentayga Mulliner, but eventually the lesser-Bentaygas can be specced with this option from April onwards.\nHowever, the Mulliner touches are more obvious inside. The front and rear seats are wrapped in different coloured leather, but they\u2019re finished with matching \ncontrast stitching\n and \nMulliner embroidery\n to remind you that you\u2019re sitting in the poshest Bentayga. Meanwhile the \nOmbr\u00e9 Burr Walnut Veneer\n looks as delicious as it sounds, where the Burr Walnut trim seamlessly appear from deep black as it wraps towards the back of the cabin.\nIf you prefer to lounge in the back, the \nMulliner Bottle Cooler\n inside the rear center console holds your bubbly together with a couple of bespoke \nCumbria Crystal flutes\n. Completing the ultimate SUV experience is \ncustomisable mood lighting\n and a \n20-speaker 1,950-watt Naim for Bentley Audio system\n.\nBut those are just the standard items. The option list for the Bentayga Mulliner extends to the \nLinley Hamper by Mulliner\n for that ultra haute cuisine from behind the Bentayga. It includes a refrigerator (yes, a fridge!), fine Linley china cutlery, crockery and crystal glass, and storage area for dry goods. Also not forgetting is the world\u2019s most expensive in-car clock, the \nMulliner Tourbillon by Breitling\n with its own winding mechanism.\nThe Bentley Bentayga Mulliner will be produced in \u201cvery limited numbers\u201d, and it will premier at the \n2017 Geneva Motor Show\n in a special one-off example featuring a unique inlay to the front fascia depicting the stunning Monte Rosa mountain range in exquisite hand-crafted marquetry. Fancy certainly is an understatement.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The sole and exclusive\u00a0authorised distributor of Chevrolet in Malaysia, Naza Quest (a\u00a0subsidiary of Naza Motor) just announced that the sales and service campaign has kicked off for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations that\u2019s just around the corner.\nOwners of Chevy cars such as the \nMalibu\n, Sonic, Captiva, Cruze, Orlando\n and the \nColorado\n pick up truck model\u00a0will receive a\n free 40-point service check\n and a \nfree diagnostic scan\n when they send in their Chevys in for a check\u2013up before embarking on the annual pilgrimage back home.\nNow, what if you don\u2019t happen to own a Chevy ? Naza Quest is holding out\n a limited time offer\n from \n19 June till 31 July\n\u00a0for \ncertain models\n\u00a0which offers \nzero\u00a0downpayment\n and \nfree car insurance\n. It gets better with \nfree road tax\n, \ncash rebates\n plus \nfree shopping and petrol vouchers\n. Not a bad deal at all.\nIn addition to the promotion, Naza Quest is also offering \ntwo lucky participants\n\u00a0the opportunity to \u201cloan\u201d\n\u00a0a Malibu or Cruze for Hari Raya \nthrough their\u00a0Facebook contest. All you need to do is\u00a0just hit the\n \u2018Like\u2019\n button on their \nFacebook Page\n and post a\u00a0creative picture with a\u00a0caption based on the theme and hashtag #rayawithchevrolet."
"Compact crossovers have been making waves on our shores of late, with the \nHonda HR-V\n leading the segment sales chart, while the \nMazda CX-3\n continues to build up its presence on our roads. The Renault Captur has achieved similar success in European markets, being the best selling compact crossover in a segment that has grown 30 percent in the first quarter of 2016.\nWith a proven winner in hand, TC Euro Cars have decided to bring in the contender and take the fight to its Japanese rivals. Question is, does it have what it takes? To find out, we took the Captur out for a spin, and here\u2019s what we think of it. \nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Captur TCe 120 EDC\nEngine\n1,197cc; 4-cylinder Turbo Sequential MPI\nTransmission\n6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch Automatic\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 4,900 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with GST and Insurance)\nRM120,669.63\nEXTERIOR\nThe Captur may be mistaken as the Clio at first glance as it sports the distinctive front end and the large vertical diamond that is part of the Renault\u2019s design language. Free-flowing lines add curves to the car, which in turn bulks up its appearance. Subtle application of chrome detailing on different parts of the car adds a touch of class to it, while the black plastic cladding gives it a more rugged look.   Up front, there\u2019s a pair of \nhalogen projector headlights\n, with the \nLED daytime running lights\n\u00a0housed right above the fog lights. Turning indicators are integrated into the wing mirrors. At the back, conventional bulbs are used in the taillights, nothing fancy but gets the job done. A rear fog light can also be found on the rear bumper. In case you are wondering, the rear door handles are not hidden like its supermini sibling.\nMy favourite part of the exterior is its \ndual-tone colours\n. There are two choices \u2013 Diamond Black and Ivory \u2013 for the top half of the car including the side mirrors, where it is painted from the A-pillar towards the roof, and all the way to the integrated rear spoiler at the back of the car. While the Ivory roof can only be paired with Pacific Blue for the bottom half of the car, there are three options \u2013 Arizona Orange, Ivory and Beige \u2013 to match with the Diamond Black roof.   The car rides on a set of dual tone \n17-inch black diamond-cut wheels\n wrapped in \n205/55 R17\n rubbers, it actually looks quite nice if you ask me.\nINTERIOR\nThe Captur\u2019s dashboard gets its design from the Clio, but the dual barrels that look like sad eyes in the Clio has morphed into a fat butterfly on the Captur. The gear selection and huge speedo reading constantly reminds me not to go over the speed limit, while other useful information can be found above it. However, I had to look up the handbook to find the buttons to scroll through the information display. It is on the tip end of the right stalk from the steering column, where controls of the wipers are.\nThe steering wheel is leather wrapped, the top half of it. The bottom half is glossy plastic, which is a fingerprint magnet. Buttons for the cruise control and speed limiter settings can be found on the steering. Controls for the multimedia head unit is on a stalk hidden behind the steering wheel, which I incidentally stumbled upon\u00a0when\u00a0my knee knocked on it.   On the center of the dashboard, you will find the \nMediaNav 7-inch touchscreen head unit with navigation\n and comes with four speakers plus two tweeters. I had no problem hooking up my phone to the system via Bluetooth, and the USB port on top of the screen makes it easier for me to charge my phone while keeping it out of sight in the closed storage compartment on top of the dashboard. The buttons to adjust the settings for the \nautomatic climate control\n are right below the screen, and once I set it to Auto I can easily forget about the other buttons.\nFurther down, there is this slot to hold your \ncar key card\n (yes, a credit card sized device that is a little too thick to fit into my wallet), and next to it is the \nPush Start button\n. Every time when I have to start the car, I have to reach down to the button, and I actually have long hands. The \nEco\n button and the speed-limiter cum cruise-control button are next to the hand brake, and you really need to train yourself to reach the buttons without looking. All in all, the positions of the buttons seem like an afterthought to me.   Leather seats are not offered in the Captur, instead you will find \nremovable fabric seat covers\n, with three different options \u2013 Ivory and Beige, Orange and Blue \u2013 to match with the shade of the car. Instead of having pockets on the back of the front seat, several stretchy strings are available to hold items that are big enough not to slip through the holes in between. Now that should prevent the back seat passengers from hiding candy wrappers in the pockets. The seats are comfortable, but I find that it lacks the lumbar support to back me through longer drives.\nRear\u00a0passengers can enjoy the ample knee room, which Renault claims to be about\u00a0\n216mm large\n. The boot space of this French crossover is huge, capable of filling \n377 litres\n of load, and can be further enlarged up to \n455 litres\n when the back seat is folded down. Furthermore, the flat-foldable rear seats and the \nslidable bench\n creates different spaces to meet different situations. Another clever feature that is worth mentioning, is the \nadjustable boot floor\n that can be raised to sill level, creating a hidden compartment to conceal things from prying eyes.   PERFORMANCE\nTo satisfy the power-hungry Malaysians, TC Euro Cars brought in the most powerful Captur Renault has to offer \u2013 the \nRenault Captur TCe 120 EDC\n.\nThis compact crossover is powered by a \n1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection\n petrol engine. Renault calls it the\n Turbo Control Efficiency (TCe)\n engine and claims that it uses F1 technology to make it both powerful and frugal.\nIt is paired to a\n\u00a0six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic\n gearbox, which sends up to \n118 hp \n(or 120 PS, hence the name) to the front wheels at just \n4,900 rpm\n. Maximum torque of \n190 Nm\n can be had at a low \n2,000 rpm\n, and the car sips just \n5.4 litres of petrol per 100 km\n.\nThere is also an \nECO mode\n to please environmentalists, which the manufacturer claims will modify the vehicle\u2019s performance characteristics and \nreduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent\n\u00a0when activated.\nOn the safety side, the Captur comes standard with \nfour\u00a0airbags\n (dual front and dual head- and chest- level), \nElectronic Stability Control (ESC) with Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)\n, \nAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)\n, \nElectronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)\n and \nEmergency Brake Assist (EBA)\n. Automatic dipped headlights and automatic wipers are standard features too.\nTHE DRIVE\nI was not expecting much from the car after reading the spec sheet but I was surprised how good it drives from the moment I stepped on the accelerator. On the highway, the Captur feels steady and composed when driven at speed limit (with the help of the speed limiter). Overtaking is also a breeze as peak torque comes as low as 2,000 rpm and the car is supermini light.\nWhen ECO mode is activated, the car immediately feels like it has lost some power, and the climate control automatically adjusts the temperature to a warmer setting. Eventually I had to press the accelerator harder and downshift to maintain the power, which actually defeats the purpose of the ECO mode. The best time to use this is when you\u2019re not in a rush when driving in the city, and this helps soften irregular throttle modulation cars typically suffer in stop-and-go traffic.\nGear shifting is smooth and you get that distinctive shifting sound from dual clutch gearboxes. The automatic gearing ratio is tuned for fuel economy so I prefer to shift the gears myself via the shift stick. It is a pity that there were no paddle shifters equipped. The infamous jerky shifting of dual clutch gearboxes is not obvious, but that doesn\u2019t mean that the car is free from it.\nRide is smooth and the suspension is tuned more for comfort, so I was not prepared for the amount of body roll as I was exiting the highway into a steep curve while carrying some speed. It was then I realise \u00a0that I wasn\u2019t driving a supermini, but a compact crossover instead!\nThe only gripe I have with the car is its steering during parking, which I think is important for a car meant to be used mostly in the city.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nEveryone seems to want a compact crossover nowadays and we have some good options to choose from. If you are in the market and have not been swayed by either the Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-3, then it is worth your time to seriously consider the Renault Captur.\nThe Captur is like the middle child of a three-sibling family, where the eldest always sets the expectations and the youngest gets all the attention. However, we have always overlooked the fact that the middle child is usually the quiet achiever. Once you take a closer look at the Captur, you will know what I mean.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe HR-V has ticked most of the boxes on the checklist of Malaysian buyers seeking practicality and space in a small package. On the other hand, the CX-3 has met the expectations of those after an engaging drive, while looking cool at the same time.\nWhile the HR-V and CX-3 combine a B-segment platform with a C-segment powertrain, the Captur opts to retain both the platform and the powertrain from its B-segment sibling, the Clio. As a result, the Captur does not differ much from the Clio in terms of dimensions, and it is lighter too.\nThe Captur has a tough fight in its hands, so let us examine whether it can capture the middle ground with what it has to offer.\nRenault Captur\nHonda HR-V\nMazda CX-3\nENGINE\nType\n4-cyl turbo, direct injection\ninline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC\n4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,197cc\n1,799cc\n1,998cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n118/4,900\n140/6,500\n154/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n190/2.000\n172/4,300\n204/2,800\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC)\n7-speed Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\n6-speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nDrum\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n205/55 R17\n215/60 R16\n215/50 R18\nWheels\n17-inch Alloy\n16-inch Alloy\n18-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,122mm\n4,294mm\n4,275mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,778mm\n1,772mm\n1,765mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,567mm\n1,605mm\n1,535mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,606mm\n2,610mm\n2,570mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,180 kg\n1,249 kg\n1,211 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n455 litres\n437 litres\n350 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n45 litres\n50 litres\n48 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n5.4 litres\nN\\A\n6.6 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n192 km/h\n188 km/h\n192 km/h\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n10.9\nN\\A\nN\\A\nPrice\nRM\nRM120,669.63 (OTR including Insurance & GST)\nRM121,500.00 (OTR including insurance & GST)\nRM135,082.99 (OTR including insurance & GST)\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nThe compact crossover is a new segment that tries to attract the younger urban generation. For someone who is approaching middle age and grew up in a rural area where a car means four doors and a boot, this car is really not my cup of tea. Rather, I would get a supermini for my city commute and a proper 4-wheel-drive for my off-road excursions. For everything else, there are always rental services when I need it.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S was \nlaunched here in Malaysia\n exclusively in a limited \u2018Edition 1\u2019 trim, which brought onto the car several additional exterior and interior features. For those still holding out on buying the pocket rocket, unfortunately the \u2018Edition 1\u2019 has now run out, and will be replaced by the \u201cregular\u201d A 45 S from here on out.\nHowever, just like its predecessor, the new \u201cregular\u201d model still gets most of the kit that the Edition 1 model offered. Both the \nAerodynamic Package\n (additional aerodynamic fins and splitter on the front apron, rear spoiler, and enhanced rear diffuser) and \nAMG Night Package\n (blacked out trims) have been retained on the new model, with the only noticeable difference being the removal of the Edition 1 decals.\nThe \u201cregular\u201d Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4 Matic+ also gets the iconic Panamericana grille up front, and the 19-inch alloy wheels are unchanged from the Edition 1 variant, matte black and all. Although the Edition 1 kit is no more, exterior colour choices still remain the same from before \u2013 you only get to choose between Sun Yellow and Designo Mountain Grey Magno.\nInside, the new regular model comes without the Edition 1 \u201cdark aluminium\u201d trim on the dashboard, replaced by a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim. The Edition 1 steering wheel, wrapped completely in Dinamica microfibre, is also now replaced with a more \u201cregular\u201d AMG Performance unit that includes a touch of Nappa leather.\nOtherwise, the new variant is essentially unchanged from the \u201cEdition 1\u201d variant. This includes all the mechanical bits, such as the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making \n421 hp\n and \n500 Nm \nof torque, paired to an eight-speed DCT gearbox for a century sprint time of just \n3.9 seconds\n.\nIt still comes with a Drift Mode!\nThe new 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ is priced at \nRM437,673.41\n, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions (until the 30th of June), making it roughly RM5.6k cheaper than before.\nMeanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic+ has also been updated for the 2021 model-year, with a new price tag of \nRM453,374.19\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions \u2013 approximately RM19.6k higher than before (based on the most-recent SST-exempted pricing).\nFor that extra dough, you now get a new head-up display on the dashboard, displaying key driving information closer to the driver\u2019s\u00a0 natural line of sight \u2013 particularly helpful when you\u2019re having a little bit of fun.\nOtherwise, the car is essentially unchanged from before, so do make sure to check out the full facts and figures from our launch coverage, \nhere\n.\nWe\u2019ve also \ncompared the all-new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S\n (in Edition 1 form) against its predecessor, so make sure to give that a read before you splash down the cash!"
"The Toyota Corolla has become one of the most recognisable nameplates in history. In fact, with more than 46 million units sold in over 150 countries, the Corolla is also one of the best-selling cars in history, even surpassing the Volkswagen Beetle in 1997.\nThe Corolla traces its roots back to the KE10, first launched in Japan in 1966, and locally in 1968 when it rolled off the assembly lines of the \nChampion Motors plant in Shah Alam\n. As a celebration of the illustrious history of the Corolla, UMW Toyota set out to give the KE10 a new life with a complete restoration.\nThe Toyota Corolla KE10 used in this restoration has been sitting dormant for the past 15 years. As a result, the engine was completely seized, and the transmission non-functional. After a thorough check by project lead Khairil Anuar Sarmat, who\u2019s a senior technical consultant in the company, it was found that two pistons had completely snapped.\nKhairil initially anticipated issues in sourcing the replacement parts, but fortunately was able to find most of it online, mostly shipped from the Northern states interestingly. As for parts that they were not able to source, UMW Toyota\u2019s engineering department took on the responsibility of refurbishing it into a working state.\n\u201cIf we want to build something, we must have the interest. When we have the interest, the fun will follow, and then finally we can achieve our target,\u201d said Kahiril.\nWhile the KE10 restoration is a one-off project, its spirit will live on with the \n12th-generation Toyota Corolla\n, which was launched late last year. We had a drive in the all-new Toyota Corolla during its launch, and \nfirst impressions were pretty good\n. Stay tuned for more Toyota Corolla content coming soon!"
"As the case with many \npopular car models in Malaysia\n, an extensive wait list is inevitable due to the high demand. As such, there are irresponsible individuals who take advantage of the situation and scam eager buyers with the promise of \u201cquick deliveries\u201d on the condition that they pay a certain \u201cbooking fee\u201d.\nPerodua has just released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) alerting the public to be extra cautious when making vehicle purchase transactions in view of recent arrests regarding a scam involving Perodua vehicles.\nAccording to a report, the culprit posed as a Perodua sales representative to sell Perodua vehicles online and had scammed victims of tens of thousands of Ringgits.\nPerodua\u2019s most popular model, the \nPerodua Myvi\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari Husin said, \u201cThis scam involved the sale of new Perodua vehicles as well as Perodua Pre-Owned Vehicles (POV). Perodua and the affected parties have lodged a police report on the matter and are extending our full cooperation to the relevant authorities. Perodua urges the public to be cautious in order to avoid becoming victims of such scams\u201d.\nDato\u2019 Dr Zahari advised the public to not make payments to personal accounts of sales representatives as the standard operating procedure is to \nmake payments to Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd or its authorised dealers\n. He also asked all customers to insist on \noriginal receipts\n when making any form of payments.\n\u201cWe would like to inform the public that at present, genuine Perodua Certified POV cars are only available for sale at our Perodua Kuala Lumpur outlet located along Jalan Pahang,\u201d added Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) once again reaffirms their lead in the premium car sector by selling approximately 5,913 cars in the first six months of 2017. Their market share currently stands at 2.2 percent.\nThat\u2019s just 104 units down (6,017 cars) from the same period last year, but remember they had the\u00a0\nW212 E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid\n\u00a0on sale at the time. The succeeding E-Class hybrid, the fully-specced\u00a0\nW213 E 350 e AMG Line\n will be introduced within the next two months and costs below RM400k thanks to CKD and EEV incentives.   As it stands, the single most popular model is the W205 C-Class, with 2,075 units collectively sold. The \nE-Class (now also CKD)\n follows closely behind with 1,358 units, whereas the S-Class at 230 units. The Compact Cars range \u2013 \nA-Class\n, CLA and \nGLA\n \u2013 sold about 739 units, the SUV range at 1,233 units and the Dream Cars range at 238 units.\nMBM also recorded their best ever sales record in history, selling 1,210 cars in June 2017. That\u2019s 7 cars more than the same month last year, by the way.\n \n \nTo date, MBM is represented by 31 dealerships nationwide which altogether serviced 61,850 vehicles in 1H 2017. That\u2019s a 17 percent growth over the same period last year. At the same time, the company emerged on top of the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) After Sales charts.\nAs for the second half of the year, the company plans to introduce a handful more cars, including two limited edition models."
"Volkswagen Fest is back for the second year and in the 2018 instalment, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has much more in store for VW fans to celebrate their love for the brand. Volkswagen Fest 2018 will take place from 12 to 14 October (Friday to Sunday) at Setia City Convention Centre. On Friday and Saturday, the festival will run from 10 am till midnight while the closing time on Sunday at 10 pm.\nVisitors will get the opportunity to test drive VPCM\u2019s selected range of models as well as enjoy amazing deals and rebates on new and pre-registered cars. Pre-registered units of the \nVento\n start from RM55,888 while the \nGolf GTI\n can be yours from as low as RM188,888. There will also be free petrol vouchers worth RM3,000 on selected pre-registered cars.\nAs for those wanting to sell off their current vehicle for a Volkswagen, there will also be a free car evaluation and quick loan checks by a partner bank to assist in their hire purchase applications. Existing Volkswagen owners will also enjoy a free 20-point check on their cars at the festival. What\u2019s more, VPCM will be offering a special aftersales membership for the first 200 owners with Volkswagen vehicles that are four years and older.\nOther highlights at the festival include an outdoor movie screening of Herbie Fully Loaded (2005) on 12 October (Friday) 8.30 pm as well as a mini-concert featuring popular artists Paperplane Pursuit, Talitha Tan and Bunkface on 13 October (Sunday) from 7.45 pm onwards. For fitness buffs, a sunrise Yoga and HIIT workout session is available on 14th October, Sunday morning from 8 am till 10 am."
"Malaysia and Singapore have inked three new agreements yesterday, including two for the cooperation in the digital economy and green economy. The agreements were signed between Malaysia\u2019s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, during an official visit led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.\nThe green economy partnership agreement marks the first of its kind for Malaysia, and is expected to strengthen collaboration to decarbonise both countries\u2019 industries, and help businesses and workers seize more opportunities in the green economy, \nThe Straits Times\n reports.\nImage: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook\nElements of the cooperation will include setting of standards and deployment of charging stations for \nelectric vehicles (EVs)\n, as well as exploring joint projects in low-carbon solutions, particularly hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage.\nBoth governments will also exchange information on carbon markets, explore collaboration opportunities in carbon credits projects, and the development of other new and renewable energy-related technology standards to support domestic and regional decarbonisation.\nREAD MORE: \nAC/DC? Common EV terms and jargons explained\nImage: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook\nCurrently, there are no set standards in Malaysia when it comes to EV charging. However, aside from some of the earlier models, most carmakers here have opted for a Type 2 (and CCS for DC) connection for their vehicles. And as a result, most charging stations in Malaysia are also equipped with the Type 2 charging cables.\nWith a set of rules in place, EV carmakers who intend to bring their vehicles into Malaysia will likely have to abide by the standard established by the government in order to pass a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA). This will certainly result in lesser confusion for the end users, however several importers who are bringing in Tesla cars from other countries might be affected by the new code.\nRELATED: \nShell and Porsche announce cross-country 180 kW charging network, six stations in M\u2019sia\nImage: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook\nAs for digital economy, the agreement will see cooperation between the two countries in areas such trade facilitation, cross-border data flows, and electronic payments. The parties also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the cooperation on issues such as personal data protection and cybersecurity.\nIn a Facebook post, PM Anwar Ibrahim said, \u201cAlthough our cooperation has achieved a lot of success in the past few decades, I believe that there is still great potential to improve the relationship between the two countries to a higher level for the benefit of the people.\u201d\nThe visiting delegation also included Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, Minister of Foreign Affairs Zambry Abdul Kadir, Ministry of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil, Premier of Sarawak Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, as well as the Menteri Besar of Johor Onn Hafiz Ghazi.\nDatuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim added that the agenda discussed during the meeting will continue to be refined by relevant agencies and ministries of the two countries in the coming months."
"Volvo\u2019s new \nDrive-E\n powertrain made its debut appearance in Malaysia, residing under the facelifted XC60 body. Revealed by\n Volvo Car Malaysia\n\u2018s Managing Director Keith Sch\u00e4fer in Glenmarie, the refreshed XC60 is \nassembled locally\n at Swedish Motor Assemblies in Shah Alam, and currently offered in the \nT5\n guise with a base price of \nRM288,888\n. A more powerful T6 version of the same Drive-E engine will be introduced by next year.\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQjEryNxYJw\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo XC60 T5 Drive-E\nSegment\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n1,969cc In-line 4 Turbo\nMax Power\n245hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350Nm @ 1,500\u20134,800 rpm\nPrice\nRM 288,888\n\u00a0\nThe \nDrive-E\n powertrain marks a new milestone for Volvo, where future Volvos claimed to deliver a mix of power, driveability and fuel efficiency from it. Formerly known as Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) during its development phase, the \n2.0-litre four cylinder\n engine was developed in-house and built at Volvo Car Group\u2019s high-tech engine plant in Sk\u00f6vde, Sweden.\nEXTERIOR\n The facelift brings a cleaner look to the XC60. The grille is wider than before and the headlamp design is simpler, with the auxiliary light strips moved down to the edge of the front bumper and function as the \ndaytime running lights\n.   At the back, a horizontal chrome strip has been added on top of the number plate garnish. There are still\n twin tailpipes\n on the facelifted XC60, but they are now trapezoidal as opposed to the round pipes on the pre-facelift XC60. The lower part of the body loses the unpainted black cladding thus making the XC60 less utilitarian.\nThe rest of the car remains the same including the silver roof rails, and the new XC60 rides on \n17-inch\n \u2018Valder\u2019 wheels as standard fitment. The side mirrors have lost their cameras, as the new\n Blind Spot Information System\n (BLIS) now uses radar to scan the surroundings.\nINTERIOR\n \nNothing much has been changed on the inside, with familiar dashboard design and Shimmer Graphite aluminium inlay on the floating center console. However, the steering wheel gains a nice pair of \npaddle shifters\n, and the\n illuminated gearknob\n\u2018s face is now finished in black. \nAdaptive Digital Display\n as previously seen on the V40 reviewed \nhere\n is available at a cost.   Leather\n is offered as standard along with \n8-speaker\n High Performance Multimedia\n audio system\n that supports Bluetooth and DVD. In the back there are aircond vents on the B-pillars for the rear passengers and the outer rear seats comes integrated with two-stage \nbooster cushions\n as well as \nISOFIX\n mounts.\nOccupants will be protected by \nSide Impact Protection System\n (SIPS), \nWhiplash Protection System\n (WHIPS), \nRoll Over Protection System\n (ROPS), two \nfront airbags\n, front \nside airbags\n, and \nInflatable Curtain\n (IC). \nCity Safety\n collision prevention system that automatically brakes the vehicle has also been updated to work at speeds up to \n50km/h\n.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nThe new Drive-E powertrain takes center stage in the new XC60. The T5 badge now no longer means it has a 5-cylinder engine under the bonnet, instead a new \n4-cylinder turbocharged\n engine is now on duty to power the XC60 T5.\nThe \nDrive-E\n engine offers incredible flexibility from only a single displacement of \n1,969cc\n. With varying states of tune, it will replace the previous four, five, and six-cylinders engine from the previous T4, T5, and T6.\nIn this T5 guise, it is \nmore powerful\n than the previous 5-cylinder engine in the outgoing T5, providing\n 245 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque 1,500\u20134,800 rpm. Combined fuel consumption is rated at \n6.7l/100km\n.\nDriving the front wheels via a new \n8-speed Geartronic\n automatic gearbox, the XC60 T5 accelerates from\n 0 to 100 km/h\n in \n7.2 seconds\n, with a top speed of\n 210 km/h\n. \nDynamic Stability and Traction Control\n (DSTC) with\n Advanced Stability Control\n is fitted to the XC60, with the inclusion of \nCorner Traction Control\n by \nTorque Vectoring\n that should reduce understeer in corners.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nVolvo\u2019s \n5+5+5 extended coverage\n plan is included in the base price of \nRM288,888\n which means five years \nunlimited mileage warranty\n, five years \nfree scheduled maintenance\n, and five years \nfree Volvo On Call service\n. On top of that, a number of optional packages can be had with the XC60 at a special discounted price until 31st August 2015.\nCandor\n gives you four huge 20-inch wheels at \nRM15,400\n,\n Olav\n is a set of front and rear mouldings with running board and side step at \nRM6,650\n, \nSigrid\n buys you the bumper skid plates at \nRM3,300\n, and \nVidar\n Adaptive Digital Display can be had for \nRM2,600\n. The Twilight Bronze XC60 T5 you see here is decked out with the full \nViking Package\n that includes everything mentioned earlier and costs a cool \nRM25,155\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Electrification is the future and Volkswagen is committed to being part of said future as the brand commence construction of their new dedicated factory for electric vehicles in Anting, China. The SAIC Volkswagen China plant will the first mass production site for e-cars under the Volkswagen Group.\nChairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Herbert Diess said: \u201cThe Volkswagen Group, its brands and their Chinese joint venture partners focus consistently on sustainable mobility and push the transformation of the automotive industry in China and worldwide. In this way, we point out the high importance the Chinese market has for the Volkswagen Group.\u201d\nThe plant will focus on building Volkswagen vehicles based on the \nMEB (Modular Electric Drive Kit) platform\n. The first car to roll out from the new plant will be an \nelectric SUV\n in 2020 and will focus on building medium- and large-sized pure electric SUVs, as well as battery systems.\nThe new 610,000 square meters facility is part of a joint venture between SAIC and Volkswagen, adopting a production network structure based on Industry 4.0, placing emphasis on automation and efficiency. The plant also utilises 27 types of environmentally-friendly technologies with a focus on water preservation, energy saving and carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reduction, turning the factory into a veritable \u201cGreen Field Factory\u201d.\nThe Anting factory has a planned annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles and will operate alongside the FAW-Volkswagen factory in Foshan, which opened this summer."
"The ongoing chip shortage is seemingly wreaking havoc for carmakers worldwide, including our very own Proton, as it just reported a 32.2% drop in sales for the month of April 2022 compared to the \nprevious month\n.\nThe national carmaker sold a total of\n 8,839 units\n (domestic and exports) in the month, which also translates to a 41.1% drop compared to the \nsame period last year\n. Proton\u2019s market share for the month is estimated at 15.6%, down from 18.6% in March, although the year-to-date market share remains largely unchanged at 17%.\nDespite its lower sales figure in April, Proton still maintains that it\u2019s the second-bestselling brand in Malaysia for YTD sales and market share. The company refrained from making the same claim for its monthly sales figure, however, suggesting that it may have fallen down the pecking order.\nThe April\u2019s sales figure was primarily contributed, yet again, by the \nProton Saga\n. A total of 4,579 units of the entry-level sedan were delivered in the month, bringing the YTD total up to 14,028 units. This will also be the current Saga\u2019s last full month of sales, as Proton has announced that the 2022 Saga facelift will be unveiled in May.\nAside from the Saga, Proton also claims that it still led three market segments for the month of April, despite the downturn in sales. The \nProton X50\n was the bestseller for the B-segment SUVs with 1,554 units sold; the \nX70\n for C-segment SUVs with 1,530 units sold, and the \nExora\n for C-segment MPVs, with 301 units sold.\n\u201cAfter two years of pandemic-affected sales, Malaysia\u2019s automotive market continues to show strong growth potential in 2022, as evidenced by the long waiting list for new car deliveries,\u201d commented Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah. \u201cProton is also trying to catch up to market demand, but we also must acknowledge being the most affected by chip supply issues.\u201d\nThe Proton X70 is also used as police vehicles in Kenya. \nRoslan reassures its customers that the company has secured its semiconductor supply for May and June, and is expecting a \u201cquick turnaround\u201d in the coming months. \u201cThe situation is still uncertain for the rest of the year and the global car industry is under pressure from rising costs, but the company is working on countermeasures against these issues to ensure our customers get the best products and value in Malaysia and abroad,\u201d he added.\nProton\u2019s export sales also fell sharply in April to 456 units, although year-to-date figures still represents a 109.7% increase compared to 2021, at 1,573 export units sold. \nPakistan\n was by far Proton\u2019s biggest export market with YTD sales of 1,050 units, followed by\n Egypt\n at 172 units, and \nBrunei\n at 138 units."
"For the first time in the brand\u2019s history, the world of \nFerrari\n was showcased outside of its hometown in Maranello. Through \u201cUniverso Ferrari\u201d, the Italian brand took over Winx Stand at Royal Randwick Racecourse from November 26 to November 29. Lasting four days, the exhibition was open to the public on its last day.\nThe stars of the show were the \nFerrari Purosangue\n \nand the \nFerrari Daytona SP3\n. Making their debut for the first time in the Southern hemisphere, both cars were launched in Australia at the first-of-its-kind event by Ferrari.\nA key consideration of Universo Ferrari is to inspire enthusiasts of the future and to engage all people inclusively. As such Ferrari invited students from the University of Technology Sydney Car Society and welcomed its members to the immersion experience. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to \u2018Save the Children\u2019 which is Ferrari\u2019s long-standing global charity partner.\nThe exhibition showcases Ferrari\u2019s journey right from where it all began for the brand: Racing. The first room of the exhibition transports visitors into Scuderia Ferrari, the brand\u2019s Formula 1 team. From there, visitors walk into \u201cFerrari Classiche\u201d which is a space dedicated to the stories of Ferrari models that have become automotive icons and the factory experts who restore and maintain them to a perfect state.\nALSO WATCH: \nFerrari 812 Competizione 6.5L V12, from RM2.2m\nNext is a room dedicated to the \u201cFerrari lifestyle and spirit of competition\u201d that delves into the customer racing programs of Corse Clienti and Competizioni GT. Also displayed at Ferrari Universo is a preview of the Ferrari Tailor Made personalisation program, which seeks to fulfil specific customer requests through endless customisation possibilities.\nRepresenting the Ferrari Icona series at Universo Ferrari are the \nFerrari Monza SP2\n and the \nFerrari Daytona SP3\n. The Icona series is the brand\u2019s limited-production special edition series. The exhibition ends on the rooftop terrace where Ferrari\u2019s first high-riding vehicle, the \nPurosangue\n is displayed.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Purosangue \u2013 Maranello\u2019s first-ever SUV is finally here\nAt the event, Ferrari Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer, Enrico Galliera said, \u201cFerrari enjoys a time-honoured bond with the motoring enthusiasts in Australia, having been here for the last 70 years while the brand celebrates its 75th anniversary. It\u2019s fitting that we share this occasion with our clients and fans by having this unique exhibition, thus bringing a piece of Maranello to Sydney\u201d.\nRELATED: \nNew limited-edition Daytona SP3 is the most aerodynamic car by Ferrari\nGALLERY"
"Nissan announced that it would expand its series of \u201cAUTECH-enhanced\u201d vehicles in Japan beginning with the unveiling of the new Serena AUTECH minivan.\nThe new brand will co-exist with Nissan\u2019s existing NISMO sub-brand. While NISMO cars draws from Nissan\u2019s motorsports DNA, AUTECH will emphasise on premium craftsmanship, with the use of top quality materials and immaculate attention to detail.\nNissan recently announced \nplans to expand its range of NISMO road cars\n which has already been extended, obviously, \nto the GT-R\n, Fairlady and even the March. On top of that, there\u2019s even a \nNissan Serena NISMO launched just recently\n. Like NISMO, the AUTECH extensions will be rolled out based on Nissan\u2019s model lineup.\nNissan has also introduced the NISMO Heritage programme which will support owners of Nissan performance cars by offering new replacement parts for some of its heritage models \u2013 beginning with the \nNissan Skyline R32 GTR\n."
"Just a few weeks ago, BMW decided to do away with the\u00a0\n6 Series Coupe\n\u00a0to make way for the new 8 Series. It appears that the sacrifice was worthwhile, because the next coupe is set to be more extravagant and lavish \u2013 the BMW Concept 8 Series.\nRevealed at the\u00a0Concorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa d\u2019Este, BMW\u2019s flagship luxury coupe remains a concept for now. Which means technical details, dimensions and powertrain bits are all undisclosed. However, we can\u2019t help but point out the visual similarities it shares with Aston Martin and Maserati. Anyone else think the same way?   At first glance, it features a long bonnet with a sleek sloping roofline \u2013 very much like a regular grand tourer. The headlights are super slim but obviously drowned out by the grossly oversized grille. At the back, there\u2019s the swanky L-shaped tail lamps while the entire look is complemented with a set of 21-inch wheels. If you\u2019re not a fan of the fascia, don\u2019t worry, because BMW did say the end product will be toned down to a more\u00a0conservative and palatable approach.\nInside, it\u2019s a fine combination of luxury and sportiness, as expected from the Bavarian giant. The driver-focused cockpit is wrapped with\u00a0Dark Brown or Fjord White Merino leather. The slim sporty carbon fibre seats aside, there\u2019s an\u00a0iDrive Controller made from Swarovski glass.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrwE9I1CJqw\nThe unveiling of the\u00a0BMW Concept 8 Series could certainly mean one thing: BMW is dead serious about taking on the luxurious Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. More details will be revealed closer to its global debut sometime next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Previewed earlier this year for the first time at My Auto Fest was the\u00a0\nHyundai Ioniq\n, a Toyota Prius rivalling C-Segment hatchback with an immensely attractive price tag of RM130k. The order books have already opened, and will be locally assembled at the company\u2019s plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nDepending on the region, the Ioniq can be had in three different configurations:\u00a0full electric, plug-in hybrid, and petrol-electric hybrid. According to Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM), we will be getting the regular hybrid, and the local assembly will grant the Ioniq its EEV status. This means full tax breaks and incentives, and it is also the first time the Ioniq is being assembled overseas apart from the Ulsan plant in Korea.   It is powered by a\u00a0\n1.6-litre four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (Kappa GDI)\n that makes \n104 hp\n and \n147 Nm\n of torque. But when paired with an electric motor, the Ioniq gets a total output of an estimated \n140 hp\n and\n 265 Nm\n of torque. A \n1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery \nis\u00a0placed just underneath the rear bench and will be tasked with supplying power to the electric motor.\nPower is delivered to the front wheels via an ultra efficient\u00a0\nsix-speed dual clutch gearbox\n, also a world\u2019s first for a hybrid. In pure electric mode, the Ioniq can travel up to speeds of 120km/h!\nWhat\u2019s unconfirmed now is the specification and equipment list of the Malaysian-bound Ioniq. It rivals the \nfourth-generation Toyota Prius\n (which will not make its way here, unless CKD) and comes with a healthy array of active safety features such as\u00a0\nautonomous emergency braking\n and\n blind spot detection\n, just to name a few.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As if we haven\u2019t tripped and fallen head over heels for Toyota\u2019s fiesty new hatchback, here\u2019s another video to whet your appetite for a meal you might never even get to sniff \u2013 in Malaysia at least.\nBefore you jump off your seats, what you\u2019re hearing isn\u2019t exactly the actual exhaust note of the \nroad-going GR Yaris\n as the one in the video has been prepped for a race at the Fuji Speedway circuit although we really wouldn\u2019t mind the Yaris to sound that menacing as standard.\n \nPowering the Toyota\u2019s new pocket rocket that\u2019s been completely developed in-house, \nunlike the other GR sportscar\n, is a 1.6-litre 3-cylinder engine with\n 272 hp\n and\n 370 Nm\n of torque.\nAs a result, you get Golf R-rivalling performance with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just five seconds. That\u2019s if you can shift through the 6-speed manual gearbox quick enough. The driver is also able to tweak the torque distribution for different driving requirements \u2013 60:40 (front biased), 30:70 (rear biased) or 50:50.\nIf the new Camry and Corolla is anything to go by, the new GR Yaris that\u2019s built on the GA-B Toyota New Global Architecture platform (TNGA) should be as potent around the corners as it is on the straights but don\u2019t just take it from us, \ncheck out the testimonies of these WRC greats\n!"
"Here\u2019s a car that makes 600 hp and 620 Nm of torque; here\u2019s also a car that will go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds before every ounce of juice is squeezed out at over 300 km/h.\nThis is also a car that comes with a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system\u00a0 \u2013 for you to enjoy those drives to the track before you\u2019re blown away by a different kind of acoustic feast \u2013 the roar of the 600LT\u2019s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8.\nBut this is not the\n 600LT\n we shared last month, this one\u2019s by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), McLaren\u2019s bespoke division, finished in Stealth Grey.\nIt\u2019s a preview of the lengths of personalisation that can be performed on McLaren\u2019s lightest, most powerful road-legal Sports Series car.\nIts bespoke paint finish gets orange accents and it\u2019s also got a carbon fibre roof scoop with a \ntrack telemetry camera\n seamlessly integrated into it \u201cto record inspirational moments\u201d on the track.\nOther MSO Defined options on the car include all three Carbon Fibre Upgrade packs available for the 600LT, which include door mirrors, exterior door inserts, a front splitter, diffuser, and a rear deck.\nAn MSO Defined Carbon Fibre Roof and Cantrails, plus Carbon Fibre Front Fender Louvres \u2013 which help to further reduce weight \u2013 are also fitted. Completing the \u201cStealth look\u201d is a set of ultra-lightweight 10-spoke Forged alloy wheels with a Gloss Black finish.\nInside is myriad of MSO touches including Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats, plucked out from the \nMcLaren Senna\n, with orange contrast stitching to mirror the exterior and a Carbon Fibre Interior Upgrade Pack. The package includes a central tunnel and door insert panels, harness bar and 6-point harnesses from the MSO Clubsport Pro Pack.\nThe drama inside is also amplified by the carbon fibre roof scoop cover with intake hoses seamlessly incorporated into the headliner and the cabin design, embroidery on the headrests and discrete etching of \u201c600LT\u201d on the throttle pedal.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has posted the latest update on the Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 with the company announcing the official launch date- \n14 January 2022\n. The launch is expected to be broadcast live over its Facebook \npage\n at 9 P.M.\nApart from updating its social media pages and website with a lone image, nothing new has been shared on this self-charging hybrid crossover SUV. \u00a0\nFirst \nteased\n in October and then headed straight to the estimated pricing of \nRM137,000\n, the introduction of the Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 not only coincides with the return of \nlocal assembly (CKD) of hybrid vehicles\n by UMWT in Malaysia but also the commencement of the Corolla Cross \nCKD model\n.\nCompared to the 1.8V variant priced at RM129,000, the increase in feature level is scarce, with UMWT listing just the addition of the digital Optitron instrument cluster measuring seven inches, a similar item that is found in the \nToyota Corolla Altis 1.8G.\nStandard features found in the Corolla Cross 1.8V include 18-inch wheels, acoustic-glass front windshield, LED \u2018curtain\u2019 taillamps, interior ambient lighting, single-zone automatic air-conditioning, powered tailgate with handsfree foot sensor and 9-inch infotainment display.\nQuick Review: Why the Toyota Corolla Cross IS the next big thing on our roads!\nThe Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 ADAS suite includes the Pre-collision System (autonomous emergency braking), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beam. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist features have been enhanced in the CKD variants of the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8V and Hybrid 1.8 to operate at all speed ranges, unlike the earlier version that only activates from 30 km/h.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a 98 hp / 142 Nm naturally aspirated 1.8-litre paired to a sophisticated dual-motor-generator setup (72 hp / 163 Nm) with a power-split device (PSD) that functions as an electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT).\nThe combined system output is \n122 hp\n whilst returning a fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 km or 23.3 km/L (ECE R101). The powertrain first appeared in the fourth-generation Toyota Prius. Find out why the output is lower than the 1.8G and V variant\u2019s 139 hp as well as the difference compared to Honda\u2019s e:HEV system \nhere\n. \u00a0\nThe nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) traction battery is now placed under the rear seats for maximum luggage space as well as improved handling. Coupled with the compact torsion beam rear axle, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 has a very spacious luggage area of at least 440 litres, which is class-leading.\nUMWT is also offering an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty on the hybrid electrical components, which includes the battery, inverter and power management control unit. Customers can even extend it for an additional two years for an estimated RM2,950.\nWe will keep readers posted on new development as well as all the facts and figures after the official launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 in ten days."
"When Ferrari showed the \nFerrari 488 Pista coupe\n in early 2018, a drop top convertible is expected to be the next course of action for the track-focused mid-engine supercar. Fresh off the lawn of Concours d\u2019Elegance at Pebble Beach in California is the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider.\nThe 488 Pista Spider is the 50\nth\n drop-top model from the Prancing Horse to make its grand reveal in the sunshine state California was a natural choice given that North American clients have always been keen connoisseurs of high-performance convertibles.   Like its coupe sibling, the 488 Pista Spider is powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 packing \n720 hp\n and\n 770 Nm\n of twist that drives the rear wheels via a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. Century sprint takes \n2.85 seconds\n \u2013 identical to the coupe \u2013 but 0 to 200 km/h is a touch slower with the roof down at\n 8.0 seconds\n. Top speed is limited to \n340 km/h\n.\nInnovations such as motorsports technology derived from the 488 Challenge and 488 GTE, Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE), ultra-lightweight materials, Side-Slip Angle Control 6.0 and aerodynamic enhancements make the 488 Pista Spider the ultimate road-legal convertible to roll out of Maranello.\nCustomers have the choice to customise their car by Ferrari Tailor Made but standard options include carbon fibre exterior pack, centre stripe livery and 20-inch one-piece carbon fibre wheels.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFerrari 488 Pista Spider   Ferrari 488 Pista Coupe"
"Hari Merdeka\n is just around the corner once again, and this year, a long school holiday follows right after the celebration of Malaysia\u2019s 65th year of independence. In case you still don\u2019t know how to spend your time on our National Day,\n Bosch \nhas 5 suggestions for you.\n1. Plan a freeing road trip\nWhat better way to celebrate \nMerdeka\n than exploring our own country? Not only will you see the Jalur Gemilang proudly flying high all over the nation, you can also enjoy the rich experiences and local food that Malaysia has to offer.\nThis is also a perfect opportunity to reunite with family and friends. Before you head out, Bosch suggests you plan your route with adequate stops, stock up on water and snacks, and create a road trip playlist before hitting the road.\nRELATED: \nBosch shares key tips to better prepare for flash floods/being stranded\n2. Visit the Tugu Negara and enjoy the fireworks lighting up the KL Skyline\nRekindle your pride as a Malaysian by taking a trip to our national monument and honour those who have braved the front lines to give us our independence. Near the Tugu Negara are also picture-worthy places such as the Perdana Botanical Garden, KL Bird Park, and the ASEAN Sculpture Garden.\nSpend your time in KL during the countdown, and you can also enjoy the beautiful skyline as it lights up with fireworks. Good lookout points suggested by Bosch include Taman Titiwangsa, Changkat Semantan, and Bukit Permai. You could also drive up to Genting Highlands to get an even better (albeit smaller) view.\n3. Watch the National Day Parade on 31st August at Dataran Merdeka\nAfter a night of enjoying the fireworks, you could join the crowd at the Dataran Merdeka to witness the National Day Parade. Here, you can expect a host of activities lined up to inspire the patriotic spirit. While in KL, you\u2019ll be just a stone\u2019s throw away from fantastic food and spectacular sights, so take this time to explore the capital and soak up all it has to offer.\nRELATED: \nBosch shares tips on prolonging battery life in cars with Auto Start-Stop\n4. \nMerdeka\n yourself from hassle before you put the pedal to the metal\nIf you\u2019re a bit of a grease monkey, you can use the holiday as an opportunity to \nMerdeka\n yourself from the usual car hassles. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Here\u2019s what Bosch thinks you should check in your vehicle to ensure it runs perfectly:\nSteering \u2013 make sure the steering system is working smoothly\nBrakes \u2013 take note of any unusual sound when braking\nFluid levels \u2013 brake fluid, engine oil, coolant fluid, and wiper fluid\nTyres \u2013 check tread depth and tyre pressure\nBattery \u2013 check on the health of the battery and recharge if required\nWipers \u2013change if they are worn out\nLights \u2013 visual check to make sure they are functional\nCar suspension \u2013 send for checks if you hear any unusual noise\nSeatbelts \u2013 check for any visual damage on the belt and buckle\nBaby car seat \u2013 make sure the car seat is properly installed and no visual damage or cracks on it\n5. Share your most creative \nMerdeka\n photo with Bosch to win exciting prizes\nTo make the celebration even better, Bosch is also holding a photo competition that you can enter via Instagram. Just upload your \nMerdeka\n photo on Instagram with the hashtag #BoschMERDEKAR, remember to tag and follow \n@boschautoparts_my\n on Instagram, and also to make your account public.\nThe contest period is from August 15 to August 31. Five lucky winners with the most creative \nMerdeka-\nthemed photo will stand a chance to win a Bosch C7 Battery Charger each, while 10 other winners will win Shopee vouchers worth RM50 each. Get inspired with creative ideas and let your patriotic spirit shine this \nMerdeka\n!"
"After touring Peninsular Malaysia, the 2022 \nFord Ranger\n is now packing its bags and loading up its truck bed to head to Sabah and Sarawak. Still fresh from the launch of the next-generation Ranger, \nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)\n will be showcasing Ford\u2019s brand-new truck in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.\nThese will be the last two venues for the Ford Ranger\u2019s nationwide tour ahead of its showroom launch. In total, the Ranger tours five regions in Malaysia over the course of five weekends for the public to get a first-hand look.\nIn East Malaysia, the Ford Ranger will first visit Vivacity Megamall, Kuching from \nSeptember 7\n to \n11\n. It will then traverse Northeast to be at Suria Sabah Shopping Centre, Kota Kinabalu from \nOctober 5\n to\n 9\n.\nThose who have received their exclusive event invitation will have a seat at the respective unveiling ceremonies happening from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. They will also be taken through an in-depth presentation on the next-generation Ranger. Registrations are open 30 minutes prior to the unveiling ceremony.\nRELATED: \nFord\u2019s proudest feature on the 2022 Ranger is not what you think it is\nOffered in seven variants (including the upcoming \nRaptor\n), prices for the 2022 Ford Ranger start from the following for the base \u2018XL\u2019 variant with a 6-speed manual transmission:\nRM 108,888.00 (Peninsular Malaysia, Individual Private)\nRM114,888.00 (Sarawak, Individual Private)\nRM114,888.10 (Sabah, Individual Private)\nALSO WATCH: \nAll-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia, from RM109K\nCurrently topping the Ranger\u2019s range is the Ford Ranger Wildtrak with a 10-speed automatic transmission which is offered at the following prices:\nRM 168,888.00 (Peninsular Malaysia, Individual Private)\nRM174,388.00 (Sarawak, Individual Private)\nRM174,388.00 (Sabah, Individual Private)\nDepending on the variant, the 2022 Ford Ranger is either offered with either a 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine (\n170 hp\n/\n405 Nm\n) or a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine (\n210 hp\n/\n500 Nm\n).\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM109k"
"Even though a \ntuning house in Germany has already designed a new front bumper for the new BMW M3\n, realistically, how many M3 owners would actually go through the trouble to purchase them? None, most likely. This then, the new G20 M340i xDrive just launched here in Malaysia at \nRM402,354.15\n inclusive of Sales Tax Exemption, could just be the next best thing!\nFollowing recent launches of the \n218i Gran Coupe M Sport\n and the \nM340i xDrive\n, launched \nalongside the 330e PHEV\n, is the first locally-assembled M Performance vehicle and certainly lives up to its name with more than enough power to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds!\nIt\u2019s just as fast as the new M3 and frankly, far better looking!\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six\nTransmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic \nDrivetrain: All-wheel Drive with M Sport differential\nHorsepower: 387 hp \nTorque: 500 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 4.4 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h\nGuess what, \nthe M3, with all its might, is only 0.2 seconds faster\n from 0 to 100 km/h and in the real world that fraction of a second is almost, if not completely insignificant! Also, we don\u2019t have to point out to you how much better-looking the M340i xDrive is as well, when you compare it with the buck teeth M3.\nEXTERIOR\nBMW Laser Light with high beam assist\n19-inch style 792 M Light alloy wheels with run flat tyres\n4-pot front and single pot rear M Sport brakes\nAdaptive M Sport suspension\nM rear spoiler\nhands-free powered tailgate\nAnd it has some distinct exterior traits too; like the trapezoidal exhaust tips that stand out from the 330e\u2019s single exhaust tip on each side or the quad tailpipes on the M3. Sitting on the M Sport suspension also means the M340i is lower by 10 mm compared to the standard 3 Series.\nThe M340i xDrive is built with a rear biased setup up, with torque distribution controlled by the M Sport differential for optimum traction and power delivery.\nINTERIOR\nM leather steering\nM pedals\nM floor mats\n12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit instrument cluster display\n10.25-inch touchscreen display\n16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system\nSunroof\nHead up display\n3-zone air conditioning\nBMW Individual headliner in Anthracite\nThe new \u201cBMW M3\u201d as we\u2019d like to call it now is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Sunset Orange, and Portimao Blue. The interior will feature Vernasca leather upholstery in Black or Cognac.\nSAFETY\nForward collision warning with brake intervention\nRear collision warning\nRear cross traffic alert\nLane change warning\nLane departure warning with steering intervention\nParking assistant\nThe M340i xDrive is accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service. With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW M340i xDrive can be yours with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 4,468.00 based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Lexus has dropped a shadowy preview of the \nLexus IS\n compact car for the first time. The third-generation IS has been around since 2013 (followed by a powertrain upgrade thereafter), so it\u2019s about time the sharp-looking saloon gets a makeover.\nThe updates are mainly aesthetics, though. Seen here are a new pair of headlights and a more chiselled front bumper, staying true to Lexus\u2019 current design language. And as usual, Lexus\u2019 signature spindle grille will remain in this facelift.\nLexus IS 200 prefacelift model\nNo mechanical changes are planned for the facelift since Lexus \ndropped\n the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre V6 last year. Hence, expect to see the\u00a0\n240 hp\n\u00a0\nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n\u00a0engine and all-new\u00a0\n8-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic \nto soldier on.\nAs tech updates are a norm with facelifts, Lexus could introduce interior updates in the form of an updated infotainment system. Apart from that, Lexus\u2019 \nRemote Touch Interface \ncould make its way with the updated IS, which allows drivers to navigate the MID (\nMulti-Information Display\n).\nLook out for more updates on the IS facelift once the Beijing Motor Show commences on 24 April 2016. Presently, Lexus Malaysia is offering four variants of the IS, beginning with the base IS 200 t \u00a0costing\u00a0\nRM298,000\n, while the range topper IS 300h hybrid costs\n RM452,000\n."
"\u81ea\u6df7\u52a8\u8f66\u578b\u95ee\u4e16\u4ee5\u6765\uff0c\u6211\u4e00\u76f4\u5bf9\u5176\u62b1\u6709\u8d28\u7591\u7684\u6001\u5ea6\u3002\u5404\u54c1\u724c\u6240\u63a8\u51fa\u7684\u6df7\u52a8\u65b9\u6848\u90fd\u5404\u5177\u7279\u8272\uff0c\u4f46\u5728\u6211\u770b\u6765\uff0c\u6df7\u52a8\u8f66\u578b\u8981\u4e48\u662f\u4e3a\u4e86\u89c4\u907f\u6392\u653e\u9650\u5236\uff0c\u901a\u8fc7\u5728\u52a8\u529b\u8f83\u5f31\u7684\u5f15\u64ce\u4e0a\u6dfb\u52a0\u7535\u52a8\u673a\u4ee5\u5728\u4e0d\u589e\u52a0\u6392\u653e\u7684\u524d\u63d0\u4e0b\u589e\u5f3a\u52a8\u529b\uff0c\u8981\u4e48\u662f\u4ee5\u727a\u7272\u9a7e\u9a76\u611f\u4e3a\u4ee3\u4ef7\uff0c\u53ea\u4e3a\u4e86\u5b9e\u73b0\u9ad8\u6548\u7684\u71c3\u6cb9\u6548\u7387\u3002\u7136\u800c\uff0cHonda\u73b0\u5728\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e86\u4e00\u4e2a\u6df7\u52a8\u65b9\u6848\uff0c\u5b83\u6311\u6218\u4e86\u6211\u4e4b\u524d\u7684\u89c2\u70b9\u3002\n\u8fd9\u6b3e\u6700\u9ad8\u7248\u672c\u7684Civic RS e:HEV\u662f\u5728\u5927\u9a6c\u8d29\u552e\u7684Civic\u9635\u8425\u4e2d\u7684\u6700\u9ad8\u7b49\u7ea7\uff0c\u5b83\u7684\u552e\u4ef7\u6bd4\u8d77\u4f4e\u4e00\u9636\u7684Civic RS 1.5T\u8f66\u578b\u8fd8\u8981\u9ad8\u51fa\u5927\u7ea616k\u3002\u800c\u4e14\u8fd8\u628a\u5b83\u8fd9\u53f0\u6df7\u52a8\u8f66\u6b3e\u5b9a\u4e49\u6210Sport Sedan, \u8fd9\u7a76\u7adf\u6709\u4f55\u4f9d\u636e\u5462\uff1f\n\u76ee\u524dHonda\u7684e:HEV\u52a8\u529b\u7cfb\u7edf\u53ea\u6709\u4e24\u79cd\uff0c\u4e00\u4e2a\u662f\u642d\u8f7d\u5728HRV RS e:HEV\u548cCity RS e:HEV\u4e0a\u76841.5\u5347\u6df7\u52a8\u7cfb\u7edf\u548c\u642d\u8f7d\u5728\u8fd9\u6b3eCivic RS e:HEV\u6216\u6cf0\u56fd\u7248Accord 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e:HEV\u4e0a\u6211\u5374\u5b8c\u5168\u627e\u4e0d\u5230\u3002\n\u8be5\u7ed9\u7684\u90fd\u7ed9\u4e86\uff0c\u65e0\u94a5\u5319\u8fdb\u5165\u3001\u65e0\u94a5\u5319\u542f\u52a8\u3001\u65e0\u7ebf\u5145\u7535\u6258\u76d8\u3001\u65e0\u7ebfApple CarPlay\u548cAndroid Auto\u3001\u81ea\u52a8\u8f66\u9053\u5c45\u4e2d\u3001\u81ea\u52a8\u8ddf\u8f66\u7b49\u7b49\u5168\u90fd\u6807\u914d\u4e86\u3002\u5185\u88c5\u548c\u5916\u89c2\u65b9\u9762\u4e5f\u5b8c\u5168\u7b26\u5408\u5c0f\u7f16\u7684\u5ba1\u7f8e\uff0c\u5728\u8bbe\u8ba1\u548c\u914d\u5907\u4e0a\u51e0\u4e4e\u65e0\u61c8\u53ef\u51fb\u3002\n\u7f3a\u70b9\u65b9\u9762\u5f53\u7136\u8fd8\u662f\u6709\u7684\uff0c\u6bd4\u5982\u4e0d\u591f\u9ad8\u6e05\u7684Lane Watch\u548c\u5012\u8f66\u6444\u50cf\u5934\u3001\u5177\u6709\u4e89\u8bae\u6027\u7684\u65b9\u5411\u67f1\u548cHonda Safety Sense\u8bef\u89e6\u53d1\u7684\u95ee\u9898\u3002\u4f46\u662f\u5982\u679c\u4f60\u95ee\u6211\u7684\u8bdd\uff0c\u8fd9\u4e9b\u95ee\u9898\u5728\u8fd9\u8f86\u8f66\u7684\u4f18\u52bf\u4e0b\u90fd\u4e0d\u503c\u4e00\u63d0\u3002\n\u4e00\u8f86\u65e2\u5b89\u9759\u3001\u52a8\u529b\u5f3a\u5927\u3001\u8212\u9002\u3001\u64cd\u63a7\u4f18\u79c0\u7684\u8f66\u578b\uff0c\u600e\u80fd\u4e0d\u5f15\u4eba\u5fc3\u52a8\u5462\uff1f\u6beb\u65e0\u7591\u95ee\uff0c\u8fd9\u4e5f\u89e3\u91ca\u4e86Civic RS e:HEV\u57282022/2023\u65e5\u672c\u5e74\u5ea6\u6c7d\u8f66\u5927\u5956\u4e2d\u83b7\u5f97\u6700\u4f73\u6027\u80fd\u8f66\u578b\u7684\u539f\u56e0\u3002\nHonda\u7684\u8fd9\u6b3eCivic RS 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"Dashboard cameras, or dashcams, have almost become a necessity for daily commuters, as law-breakers are becoming more rampant on the road these days. Heck, there are even various Facebook pages dedicated in share video clips of these local road offenders. \u00a0\nWhen there\u2019s demand, you\u2019ll be sure that there will be supply as well \u2013 dashcams have flooded the market in all forms, sizes and price. Mio, having \njust entered the Malaysian market\n, is here to take on the big boys with its top-of-the-line MiVue 792. But a pretty hefty price tag of RM799, does it have what it takes to justify its asking price?\nThe Mio MiVue 792 comes in an orange box made of thick paper stock. Inside, we have the dashcam unit itself, alongside a Mini USB power cable, windscreen mount with swivel ball joint, a 16 GB microSD memory card as well as a quick start guide.\u00a0\nOn first glance, there are already a couple of things we aren\u2019t too fond of \u2013 the USB power cable (on the 12V power adapter) is fixed and not removable, and there are no additional USB slots on the adapter as well; additionally, the set does not come with a windscreen protective film for the adhesive mount, so that can potentially foul the tint when removing \u2013 but we digress.\nThe design of the MiVue 792 is discreet, with the majority of its body made up of black plastic. Although the looks of the MiVue 792 is not a knock-out, the weightiness of the device gave us a feeling of robustness \u2013 it feels as if it can take a beating, especially under the harsh Malaysian weather.\u00a0\nA large 2.7-inch LCD screen dominates the rear side of the device, which displays the video feed and other information. While not particularly high in resolution, the size of the screen definitely made navigating through the menus a lot easier, which is executed through physical buttons on the device.\nBeside the screen is an orange Event Button, which starts saving a 15-seconds long (including 5 seconds before the button press) video when you press it. More on this later.\nMoving to the side of the device, four unlabelled buttons make up the main navigation soft key buttons, with its actions shown on the right side of the screen.\nSetting up the MiVue 792 is straightforward and simple, especially with the device automatically obtaining the GPS time during set-up. The 3-meter long power cable makes routing and concealing a piece of cake, though if this sounds too daunting to you, you can always make use of the free installation service available in the Klang Valley.\u00a0\nThe Mio MiVue 792 records at a maximum resolution of \n1080p\n at \n60 frames per second\n (fps), though it is set to \n30 fps by default\n. For a dashcam at this price, we would have hoped for a video feed that resolves details better \u2013 which would come in handy when you need to zoom in for a clearer view.\u00a0\nImage quality from the dashcam is just about average during the daytime. On the move, the dashcam sometimes struggles to capture a clear image of the number plate ahead, even when it\u2019s just at a car\u2019s length away.\nAt night, the MiVue 792 fares slightly better, thanks to the \nSony Starvis IMX291\n sensor. Colours are vibrant, and details are well kept even in dimly lit situations. That said, chromatic aberration does seem quite apparent on bright and contrasty areas \u2013 such as number plates.\nDive into the settings menu, and you\u2019ll see where the MiVue 792 truly shines. The inconspicuous dashcam is jam-packed with features that can even make some luxury vehicles drool with envy \u2013 though the long list of features in the menu also makes it slightly intimidating for the regular user.\nThe MiVue 792 comes equipped with various advanced driver assistance features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, driver fatigue alert, and even an eco drive indicator.\u00a0\nOf course, as an aftermarket solution, certain features don\u2019t work as well as the OEM-developed ones. For example, the lane departure warning system makes a loud noise whenever we switched lanes, even with the indicators on \u2013 we switched this feature off as the alerts started to annoy.\nThe MiVue 792 also comes with a traffic enforcement camera warning feature, thanks to the built-in GPS receiver. The camera database is available for download from Mio\u2019s website, but the information cannot be edited by the user. In our experience, most cameras \u2013 including traffic light cameras \u2013 have been mapped, in the Klang Valley at least.\nAs far as dashcam mobile applications go, the MiVue application is one of the simplest and most straightforward dashcam applications we have used in a while \u2013 and that\u2019s not a bad thing.\u00a0\nUsing the built-in WiFi connectivity on the MiVue 792, videos are transferred pretty quickly from device to phone, and we have not experienced any connectivity issues thus far \u2013 something we cannot say for many other dashcams.\nThe MiVue Manager application displays helpful information, in addition to the recorded clip.\nOnce connected, the MiVue application automatically downloads all \u201cEvent\u201d videos \u2013 either those saved via the Event Button, or automatically recorded from activation of the G-force sensor. The instantaneous process makes sharing of video clips quick and direct.\nMio also provides a MiVue Manager application for your PC, which allows you to view recordings in more detail. The application lists your videos based on the recorded date, and shows information such as G-forces, speed, and even a plotted map of your drive.\u00a0\nThe Mio MiVue 792 excels in its versatility, thanks to the extra features it packs. However at a price point of RM799, it gets a tad bit harder to recommend, as it leaves something to be desired in its core functionality \u2013 being a competent third eye on the road.\nAlthough, if you\u2019re looking for something more than just a basic video camera, the driver\u2019s assistance features, as well as the front-and-back recording capability (with an additional camera, sold separately) does make the MiVue 792 a compelling package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During today\u2019s media event for the launch of the updated \n3 Series line-up\n, BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s managing director and CEO, Hans de Visser, announced that the company has sold a total of 14,466 vehicles in 2022, consisting of 13,088 cars and 1,378 motorbikes.\nThe figure represents a 35% increase over the \nprevious year\n, and helped the company maintain the title as the sales leader in the premium segment in Malaysia for three consecutive years.\nFrom the 14,466 figure,\n BMW\n contributed a total of 11,855 units sold in 2022, a 38% year-on-year jump compared to the previous year. The best-selling model from the marque\u2019s line-up still remains the 3 Series, moving over 2,300 units across the year, with the base \n320i Sport\n variant contributing over 34.5% of those.\nThe BMW 2 Series, specifically the \n218i Gran Coupe\n, also enjoyed a successful year in 2022 with over 1,300 units delivered. As for the SUVs, the \nBMW X3\n is by far the most popular model, with over 1,300 units delivered. Overall, the BMW X family line-up saw a total of over 5,100 SUVs sold in 2022.\nThe BMW brand alone has already occupied over 45% of the segment share within the premium car segment, says de Visser.\nMINI\n meanwhile saw a total of over 1,300 units sold in 2022, a record figure for the brand, representing a year-on-year growth upward of 25%. The MINI Countryman was the biggest contributor, with over 800 units delivered, accounting for over 65% of total sales.\nElectrified MINI models also saw an impressive growth here in Malaysia in 2022, where over 24% of MINI models delivered were electrified \u2013 an 83% improvement over the previous year. This includes the \nfully-electric MINI Cooper SE\n, which was also given a mild update yesterday.\nALSO READ: \nBMW Malaysia partners with JomCharge \u2013 10% off on charging sessions, extra free credits for owners\nOn the financial side of things, BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s financing arm, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, announced that it has funded over 5,000 contracts in 2022. More specifically for its BMW Easy Drive product, the company also recorded over 100% in growth."
"Honda Malaysia is on track to achieve its sales target of 109,000 units for 2018 following healthy sales performance in the first half of this year. In the first six months of 2018, Honda Malaysia delivered 51,354 new cars, allowing the company to maintain its lead in the non-national segment for 1H 2018.\nThe \nHonda City\n stood out as the most popular model with over 15,400 units sold or 30 per cent of total sales, a 7 per cent increase from the same period last year. Following closely behind are the \nHR-V\n and \nCR-V\n which accounted for 16 per cent and 13 per cent of total sales, respectively. Additionally, all locally assembled Honda models (City, Jazz, BR-V, HR-V, CR-V, Civic and Accord) maintained their leadership position in their respective segment.\n \n \nIn the month of June, when the new Pakatan Harapan Government announced that the Goods & Services Tax to be zero-rated, Honda Malaysia received the highest number of bookings in its history with 20,000 units booked. As a result, the company has to extend the waiting period for certain models for up to four months.\nMoving forward, the company has previewed their next and final model launch for 2018, the \nHonda HR-V facelift\n in early July. Order books for the refreshed SUV are now open at all 95 authorised Honda dealers nationwide."
"Sony\u2019s electric vehicle (EV) dreams might finally be coming true soon, as the company announces the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese car giant \nHonda \nto establish a new joint venture company, tasked with developing a new range of electric vehicles.\nWhile a MoU is non-binding, the companies said that the new joint venture company will be established formally before the end of 2022, with first customer deliveries slated for 2025.\nAs usual, what exactly will be the first joint venture production vehicle still remains in the dark, but Sony has previously already shown off two concept EVs \u2013 the \nVision-S 01\n and \n02\n \u2013 with the former already \ncarrying out road tests in Europe \nlast year.\nThe new joint venture company will be involved in the planning, design, development, and sales of the new electric cars, while leveraging on Honda\u2019s expertise in vehicle development, manufacturing, and after-sales services. The cars will be built in Honda\u2019s existing manufacturing plants.\nSony, meanwhile, will utilise its \u201cexpertise in the development and application of imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network, and entertainment technologies\u201d to develop a \u201cmobility service platform\u201d.\n\u201cThrough this alliance with Honda, which has accumulated extensive global experience and achievements in the automobile industry over many years and continues to make revolutionary advancements in this field, we intend to build on our vision to \u2018make the mobility space an emotional one,\u2019 and contribute to the evolution of mobility centred around safety, entertainment and adaptability,\u201d said a Sony Group chairman, president, and CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida.\nRELATED: Sony Vision-S 02 SUV shown at CES, could be on sale soon!\n\u201cAlthough Sony and Honda are companies that share many historical and cultural similarities, our areas of technological expertise are very different. Therefore, I believe this alliance which brings together the strengths of our two companies offers great possibilities for the future of mobility,\u201d added Honda president and CEO Toshihiro Mibe.\nSony first entered the automotive world in 2020, with the reveal of the Vision-S (now Vision-S 01) electric sedan concept during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that year. The car was subsequently put through on-road tests in Austria the following year, with a development mule built by Magna-Steyr.\nA second EV concept, the Vision-S 02 SUV, was revealed in CES earlier this year, alongside plans to establish a new Sony Mobility company to \u201cexplore entry into the EV market\u201d while searching for a partner to assist in the development and production of its planned models."
"At the launch of the \nVolvo S90 T8\n, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has expressed that the locally assembled flagship premium sedan will be exported to five markets in the ASEAN region with more markets under consideration. This business move supports the Government\u2019s policies to transform Malaysia to a regional hub for Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV).\nAmong the countries that will receive the Malaysian assembled include Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Laos and Cambodia have been marked as potential export markets as well. VCM estimates that annual export volumes will be close to 5,000 cars within the next few years.   Despite the S90 being built on the company\u2019s all-new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, VCM is able to assemble the premium sedan at their Shah Alam facility thanks to the continuous investment made to modernise the 50-year-old plant. The continuous upgrades are critical for the Malaysian plant to produce future Volvo models especially when the Swedes has plans that \nall Volvo cars will be hybrids from 2019 onwards \nwith the brands \nfirst full EV to be built in China\n.\nChairman of the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation, Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, said at the launch, \u201cMalaysia is a strong proponent of sustainable mobility as it is the future of the transport industry. IGEM is proud to have hosted the launch of the new Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s new entry into the sustainable transport market. I am certain that the new Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine will convert more drivers into green enthusiasts.\u201d"
"Unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show early this year, the \nMercedes-AMG GT Concept\n was the limelight for Mercedes-AMG. Sporting a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, the company hinted that the grand tourer is capable of a 0 \u2013 100 km/h sprint time of less than 3.0 seconds.\nAt the Mercedes-AMG 50\nth\n anniversary celebration, they revealed more details of their upcoming four-door grand tourer. According to Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the GT Concept is the embodiment of \nAMG Future Performance \n\u2013 to produce more high-performance hybrid drive systems.\nAs reported earlier, the GT Concept will be the second AMG model to bear the \u201cEQ Power+\u201d designation, after the \nMercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One vehicle\n. A new, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system will be employed to give drivers maximum traction control.\nThe electric motor sends drive to the \nrear axles exclusively\n and acts as an additional booster for the combustion engine. According to Moers, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, in its final development stages is capable of generating up to \n600 kW\n which roughly translates to \n805 hp\n!\nThe battery pack (passed down from their F1 cars) will constantly be charged whilst the vehicle is in motion for maximum electric boost at any given time. For that, a performance oriented battery pack is developed to be more powerful, compact and lighter than conventional hybrid batteries.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is known for his crackdown against illegal drug trade which he executes with an iron fist. However, drugs are not only President Duterte\u2019s only concern as he recently led the public destruction of smuggled vehicles to show his renewed commitment to combat smuggling. Fair warning because it is not a pretty sight for us petrolheads.\nA total of 68 \u2018luxury\u2019 vehicles and eight superbikes worth P296 million (RM22 million) were bulldozed at Port Irene. Among the \nvictims\n were a Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911, Ford Mustang, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Nissan Fairlady and many more. If you have the stomach to watch the purge take place:\nThe President remains firm on the importance of peace and order in order for a community to become progressive hence the public condemnation of contraband goods. While many netizens voiced out their concern that the seized goods could\u2019ve been auctioned off and the earnings can be put to better use.\nTo reply to naysayers, we would like to extract a quote from a modern classic film: \u201cIt\u2019s not about the money, it\u2019s about sending a message.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When you see a car with the \u2018GTI\u2019 badge, be it the \nVW Golf\n or \nPeugeot 308\n, you know that it means business. But with the automotive world gradually (For the most part) moving towards electric, the \u2018I\u2019 in \u2018GTI\u2019 (which stands for \u2018Injection\u2019, for fuel injection) doesn\u2019t make too much sense any more. So how do you name a performance-oriented EV? For Volkswagen, it\u2019s GTX \u2013 the X stands for crossing over to electric drive, apparently.\nSay hello to the future of the GTI, the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX. But the funny thing is, this is actually not the first time the GTX suffix appeared on a Volkswagen model. Some 30-odd years ago, the German Manufacturer once made a Jetta GTX that was most definitely not electric powered. Anyway, we digress.\nThe main difference on the GTX variant is the addition of an extra motor on the front axle, which means the ID.4 GTX is all-wheel driven \u2013 a first for electric VW models. With the extra paws up front, total system power output is bumped up to \n220 kW (295 hp)\n \u2013 though no mention of the new torque figures.\nThe extra power translates to a 0-100 km/h of \n6.2 seconds \n(down from 8.5s), while the top speed has increased 20 km/h to an electronically-limited \n180 km/h\n. For day-to-day driving, perhaps a more relevant performance figure is the 0-60 km/h acceleration, which VW says the ID.4 GTX can complete in 3.2 seconds.\nThe new powertrain is paired to the same \n77 kWh\n battery pack from the\n standard ID.4\n, which on the GTX, gives it a \n480 km range\n, per WLTP.\nDespite the new additional electric motor up front, the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX will still stay in RWD mode for the most part of your regular daily drives to save electric juice. The front motors are only activated when the onboard sensors detect more traction is needed, or when the driver gives the car the full beans. VW says the switch from RWD to AWD is completed in a matter of milliseconds, and it\u2019s so smooth that the driver won\u2019t even notice it.\nTo mark it out from the normal ID.4, VW gave the GTX a couple of unique exterior features, including the tri-beam daytime-running lights on the faux air inlets up front, reworked bumpers, and fancy 3D tail lights at the rear that supposedly forms an \u2018X\u2019 with its light signature.\nThe interior of the GTX is also suitably (to some people, at least) spiced up, with the top of the dashboard wrapped in leatherette in a colour called \u201cX-Blue\u201d, contrasted by red accents that is synonymous with the previous GTI models.\nThe new Volkswagen ID.4 GTX will go on sale this summer in Europe, with a starting price tag of EUR50,415 (~RM248k) in Germany before the EUR7,500 subsidy. If you had a choice, would you take the new ID.4 GTX over the \nGolf GTI\n \u2013 which is still around EUR5,000 cheaper even with the EV subsidy? Let us know in the comments below!\nGALLERY"
"McLaren Automotive has just confirmed that it\u2019s the McLaren\u2019s F1 spiritual successor, project BP23 will be called the McLaren Speedtail. The new Hyper-GT will make its public debut before the end of 2018.\nThe sold-out Speedtail replicates the ethos of the legendary McLaren F1, to be the greatest GT car to go down in history. With a centre driving position and two seats on either side, top speed in excess of 243mph (391 km/h), the Speedtail will be the fastest (in a straight line) and most luxurious vehicle to roll out of McLaren.\nUnlike the track-oriented Senna, the Speedtail will spot a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain like the P1. Although we can expect the ultimate road-going McLaren will have over \n900 hp\n at its disposal in order to achieve its acceleration and top speed claims.\nThe 106 lucky customers who have placed their deposits will be invited for a private preview of their upcoming car. Production is expected to begin end 2019 with McLaren Special Operations (MSO) working overtime to tailor-made every Speedtail to the owners individual liking."
"\u5728\u7ecf\u5386\u4e86\u6f2b\u957f\u7684\u4f20\u8a00\u4e4b\u540e\uff0c\u6839\u636e\nMotorTrend\n\u7684\u62a5\u9053\uff0cMazda\u73b0\u5728\u6700\u7ec8\u786e\u8ba4\u4e86\u4e0b\u4e00\u4ee3MX-5\u655e\u7bf7\u8f66\u5c06\u88ab\u7535\u6c14\u5316\u3002\n\u8fd9\u4e2a\u786e\u8ba4\u5728\u7ec6\u8282\u4e0a\u5f88\u5c11\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u8fd8\u4e0d\u786e\u5b9a\u201c\u7535\u6c14\u5316\u201d\u5230\u5e95\u610f\u5473\u7740\u4ec0\u4e48 \u2013 \u5b83\u4f1a\u662f\u8f7b\u578b\u6df7\u5408\u52a8\u529b\uff0c\u6df7\u5408\u52a8\u529b\uff0c\u8fd8\u662f\u5168\u7535\u52a8\u3002Mazda\u4e4b\u524d\u786e\u5b9e\u5ba3\u5e03\u4e86\u4e0eRohm Semiconductor\u548cEnvision AESC\u5408\u4f5c\uff0c\u4ee5\u5f00\u53d1\u7b26\u5408Mazda\u201c\u9a7e\u9a76\u7684\u4e50\u8da3\u201d\u54c1\u724c\u7406\u5ff5\u7684\u7535\u52a8\u673a\u548c\u7535\u6c60\uff0c\u6240\u4ee5\u6211\u4eec\u53ef\u80fd\u4f1a\u5728\u4e0b\u4e00\u4ee3Mazda MX-5\u4e0a\u770b\u5230\u8fd9\u4e9b\u5408\u4f5c\u7684\u7b2c\u4e00\u6279\u7ed3\u679c\u3002\n\u5c06Mazda MX-5\u655e\u7bf7\u8f66\u7535\u6c14\u5316\u7b26\u5408\u516c\u53f8\u7684\u603b\u4f53\u65b9\u5411\uff0c\u52302030\u5e74\uff0c\u8fd9\u5bb6\u65e5\u672c\u54c1\u724c\u7684\u6574\u4e2a\u4ea7\u54c1\u7ebf\u5c06\u901a\u8fc7\u201c\u591a\u79cd\u7535\u6c14\u5316\u6280\u672f\u201d\u5b9e\u73b0\u7535\u6c14\u5316\uff0c\u4ee5\u57282050\u5e74\u5b9e\u73b0\u7aef\u5230\u7aef\u7684\u78b3\u4e2d\u548c\u3002\n\u8003\u8651\u5230Mazda MX-5\u7684\u4f7f\u547d\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u8ba4\u4e3a\u8f7b\u578b\u6df7\u5408\u52a8\u529b\u65b9\u6848 \u2013 \u6700\u65e9\u57282021\u5e74\u4f20\u8a00 \u2013 \u5728\u8fd9\u91cc\u4f3c\u4e4e\u6700\u6709\u53ef\u80fd\u3002Mazda MX-5\u4ee5\u5176\u8f7b\u5de7\u3001\u65e0\u534e\u4e3d\u88c5\u9970\u7684\u523a\u6fc0\u6027\u800c\u8457\u540d\uff0c\u800c\u4e00\u4e2a\u4e3a\u6df7\u5408\u52a8\u529b\u6216\u5168\u7535\u52a8\u9a71\u52a8\u7cfb\u7edf\u7684\u5927\u7535\u6c60\u5305\u53ef\u80fd\u5bfc\u81f4\u91cd\u91cf\u548c\u6210\u672c\u8fc7\u5ea6\u589e\u52a0\u3002\nMotorTrend\u62a5\u9053\u79f0\uff0c\u7535\u6c14\u5316\u7684\u4e0b\u4e00\u4ee3Mazda MX-5\u5c06\u57282025\u5e74\u5c3d\u5feb\u63a8\u51fa\u3002\u81f3\u4e8e\u5b83\u4f1a\u770b\u8d77\u6765\u5982\u4f55\uff0c\u53bb\u5e74\u5e74\u5e95\u63ed\u793a\u7684Vision Study Model\u5f88\u53ef\u80fd\u4f1a\u5411\u751f\u4ea7\u6a21\u578b\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e00\u4e9b\uff0c\u5982\u679c\u4e0d\u662f\u5168\u90e8\uff0c\u5b83\u7684\u8bbe\u8ba1\u5f71\u54cd\u3002\n\u7b2c\u56db\u4ee3(ND) Mazda MX-5\u642d\u8f7d\u4e86\u4e00\u53f0\u81ea\u7136\u5438\u6c14\u7684SkyActiv-G 2.0\u5347\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\uff0c\u8f93\u51fa\n181 hp\n\u548c\n205 Nm\n\u626d\u77e9\uff0c\u7406\u60f3\u60c5\u51b5\u4e0b\u901a\u8fc7\u516d\u901f\u624b\u52a8\u53d8\u901f\u5668\u4f20\u8f93\u5230\u540e\u8f6e\u3002\u655e\u7bf7\u8f66\u7684Retractable Fastback (RF)\u7248\u672c\u6700\u8fd1\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u66f4\u65b0\u4e86\uff0c\u914d\u5907\u4e86Mazda\u7684Kinetic Posture Control\u626d\u77e9\u5206\u914d\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u5e76\u4e14\u73b0\u5728\u7684\u4ef7\u683c\u4ece\nRM276,200\n\u5f00\u59cb\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"It\u2019s cute and tongue in cheek, and BMW is having a laugh in conjunction with \nApril Fools\u2019 day,\n but a fully-electric version of its legendary bubble car actually makes a lot of sense as that would not only keep an automotive icon alive (as electric powertrains are much simpler to maintain), but the concept hits the spot as a modern zero-emission urban runabout.\nThe 2002 (background) probably owes its existence to the diminutive Isetta.\nThe history of the Isetta is a tale worth telling. This two-seater came about in the mid-1950s when BMW was struggling to start over in the post war era as a maker of motorcycles and automobiles (they made aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe during WW2). To offer customers an \u2018economic\u2019 option, the company licensed the Isetta from an Italian firm called Iso which specialised in producing small vehicles. Yes, even BMW rebadged when it had to.\nOver 160,000 Isettas were produced by BMW, some still run today.\nOf course, BMW equipped the Isetta with a powerplant of its own \u2013 a 250cc motorbike engine worthy of 12 hp and 14.2 Nm and could power the microcar up to a top speed of around 85 km/h. The four-stroke, one-cylinder motor turned two closely-spaced rear wheels and was mated to a manual transmission with four forward ratios and a reverse gear. The 360 kg-Isetta was a fuel-efficiency record holder then with a rating of 3.8-litre per 100 km, or 26.3 km/l.\nTalk about grocery shopping in style!\nThe Isetta could accommodate two adults, even a child at a pinch and it was revolutionary in that it had a forward-opening door (like a fridge) and an attached steering assembly that folded out of the way, which made getting in and out easy. For its size, the Isetta offered room for luggage and carried a spare wheel. In the event of a frontal collision, occupants could escape through its fabric sunroof.\nIsetta draws the crowd at the BMW Museum.\nOver 160,000 units of the Isetta were eventually sold and the bubbly car kept BMW alive during its period of rebuilding. The Isetta is a collectors\u2019 item these days and are traded for serious money. To experience and see an Isetta up close, make your way to BMW Welt in Munich where a mint Isetta 250 roams the halls offering visitors a unique taste of BMW history. Or we can wait for the launch of the electric-powered i-setta. Well, maybe.\nIf you ever make it to the Welt, ask for a ride in this!"
"Bermaz Motor, the sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has opened for booking the fully imported (CBU), fully-electric MX-30 crossover in two variants \u2013 Mid and High \u2013 with prices starting from \nRM198,780\n. The MX-30 was first revealed at the \n2019 Tokyo Motor Show\n. Deliveries are expected to take place in Q4 of 2022.\nThe Mazda MX-30 comes with a 5-year/100,000km manufacturer warranty, whichever comes first along with an 8-year/160,000 km EV battery warranty, whichever comes first.\nBuilt on the CX-30 platform, the fully electric MX-30 is fitted with a 35.5 kWh battery, to power an electric motor that drives the front wheels. The combination produces \n143 hp\n and \n271 Nm \nand is expected to return up to 199 km of electric driving range.\nUsing a 6.6 kW Type 2 AC charger, the MX-30 can be fully charged in just 5 hours while the quicker 40 kW DC charger can charge the MX-30 up to 80% in 36 minutes.\nOn the outside, both variants \u2013 the Mid and High \u2013 offer similar specifications including items like 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, LED headlights, taillights, and rear along with keyless entry and 10 parking sensors \u2013 four in the front and six at the rear. Exclusive to the High variant are items like a powered sunroof and LED Signature headlights.\nMoving inside, both variants share nearly the same specifications as well. Standard features include a head-up display, 7-inch colour TFT LCD multi-info display, dual-zone air conditioning, electronic parking brake, gear shift paddles, 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports and reverse camera display.\nExclusive to the High variant are features such as the Bose sound system with 12 speakers, frameless rear-view mirror, 360-degree view display, seats wrapped with a mix of leatherette and fabric material, and 8-way powered seats with memory, lumbar and heated functions. The Mid variant only gets 6-way manually adjusted seats for the driver and passenger.\nIn terms of safety and driver aids, the MX-30 comes with seven airbags, along with Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop-Go function, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear in the High variant), lane keep assist and lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and blindspot monitor. The high variant even comes with front cross-traffic alert.\nGALLERY"
"Under the Malaysian government\u2019s latest \n\u201cPermai\u201d\n economy and people\u2019s assistance package, drivers of e-hailing vehicles, taxis, buses, rental cars as well as tourist guides are set to receive a one-off RM500 aid this year.\nPrime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said an allocation of RM66 million has been set aside to support the 118,000 drivers and 14,000 tourist guides who were trying to make ends meet through the services above.\nThe special granting of aid was to ease the burden of the affected group under the \nrecently enforced movement control order (MCO)\n due to the rising daily Covid-19 cases. \u00a0\u00a0\nThis is the \nsecond of such financial aid distribution\n to the individuals from the group above, albeit a much larger group and allotment.\nFor last year\u2019s aid, recipients in the e-hailing category were thoroughly screened and filtered. Only drivers who have obtained all the \nnecessary documents\n from JPJ and APAD with earnings of at least RM 1,200 in either November 2019, December 2019 or January 2020 are eligible.\nBased on news reports, over 68,000 e-hailing drivers qualified and received their RM500 aid which was paid out in stages from June 2020. No announcement has been made yet if the criteria for e-hailing drivers is maintained.\nThe support for taxi drivers and operators has also increased under \u201cPermai\u201d, as the goverment has reduced the condition of transfer and disposal of taxis to private car usage. The ownership requirement has been reduced from seven to five years."
"Honda Malaysia today announced a precautionary recall\u00a0for another 46,710 units of Honda vehicles in sold in Malaysia.\nThis extension involves a total of 26,186 units whose\u00a0recall is likely to linked to the \nTakata\n airbag inflator issue which has affected an estimated 53 million vehicles worldwide making it the biggest recall ever.\nThe Malaysian recall by Honda consists of the\u00a0\nCity\n (2008-2009 manufactured year), \nCivic\n (2007-2009), \nCR-V\n (2007-2008) and \nJazz\n\u00a0(2007 & 2009) for the\u00a0\nfront passenger airbag inflator\n. And\u00a020,524 units of the \nHonda Accord\n (manufactured from 2003\u20132007) which are affected by the \ndriver front\u00a0airbag inflator\n.\n\u00a0\nFront Passanger Airbag Inflator\u00a0\nModel\nManufactured Year\nCity\n2008 \u2013 2009\nCivic\n2007 \u2013 2009\nCR-V\n2007 \u2013 2008\nJazz\n2007 & 2009\nFront Driver Airbag Inflator\nModel\nManufactured Year\nAccord\n2003 \u2013 2007\nHonda is taking the proactive precautionary measure which is in place to swap over the airbag inflator module for a \nnewly made\n part to combat the issue. The \ncost\n of the replacement will be \nborne by Honda Malaysia\n once the parts supply is ready."
"BMW Group Malaysia have just announced the arrival of another F30 variant, this time in the guise of the \nBMW 320i Sport Edition\n. The \nlocally assembled\n premium compact executive sedan is given a price tag of \nRM258,800 (OTR without insurance)\n, up about \nRM17k\n from the regular 320i (RM241,800).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 320i Sport Edition\nSegment\nC-Segment\nEngine\n1,997cc, inline 4-cylinder, BMW TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n270 Nm @ 1,250 to 4,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM258,800 (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nBefore we get into the details of the 320i Sport Edition, here\u2019s a brief idea of where the new variant sits in the F30 stable:\nEXTERIOR\nSo what do you get when you fork out an additional RM17k for what is essentially another 320i? Well, for one, you get the\u00a0\n18-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels\n\u00a0(wrapped with\u00a0\n225/45 R18 series tyres\n) which are found on the 328i Sport Line variant. This effectively\u00a0\nreplaces the 17-inchers\n\u00a0on the cheaper 320i. That\u2019s about it on the outside, though.   INTERIOR\nOn the inside, the 320i Sport Edition gets the same 6.5-inch iDrive head unit but is now smacked with a\u00a0\nGPS navigation system\n\u00a0which BMW calls the \u201cNavigation systems Business\u201d. The\u00a0\ninstrument cluster\n\u00a0is also new with an\u00a0\nenlarged multi-info display\n, reminiscent of the 328i. Also new to the interior are the\u00a0\nnine-speaker HiFi loudspeaker system\n\u00a0with a\u00a0\n205 Watt amplifier\n.   PERFORMANCE\nNo changes have been made under the hood, unfortunately. To recap however, the same effervescent \n2.0-litre\n \nturbocharged\n mill powers the F30, one that is capable of making \n184 horsepower\n at 5,000 rpm and \n270 Nm\n of torque from 1,250 to 4,500 rpm. Such numbers propel the car from standstill to 100 km/h in \n7.6 seconds\n and onto a top speed of \n235 km/h\n. All this is achieved thanks to the proven \neight-speed automatic\n transmission which drives the \nrear wheels\n.\nThe BMW 320i Sport Edition comes in \nsix shades of colours\n:\u00a0Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver, Imperial Blue and Mineral Grey. Priced at \nRM258,800\n, it comes with a \nthree-year or 60,000km\n BMW Service + Repair Inclusive warranty programme.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Thinking of getting an upmarket SUV but the go-to models just don\u2019t seem to fit your taste? Want an SUV that stands out even when you\u2019re stuck in traffic, yet you don\u2019t want to compromise on equipment? Maybe the new flagship SUV from Renault, the Koleos, is the car for you.\nThe Renault Koleos is definitely not for the ones who want to blend in. Its bold design and European built quality may fit the bill for some buyers.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Koleos\nEngine\n2,488cc DOHC with VVT\nTransmission\nX-tronic CVT\nMax Power\n167 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n226 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM172,800\nEXTERIOR\nThe Koleos gives off a very imposing impression that is also pleasant to the eyes. However, its 4,520mm length is actually one of the shortest among its closest\u00a0rivals. It is the widest in its class at 1,855mm. The front grille with the large Renault badge in the middle gives it that masculine SUV look, and it is flanked with those slim full LED Pure Vision headlamps with LED daytime running lights.   The front fog lamps are halogen powered, but at the rear you get this pair of sleek LED combination tail lamps that dominate most of the rear profile. The chrome trims on the front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper all point towards the\u00a0SUV\u2019s adventurous nature, and complementing this are the roof rails. The Koleos rides on 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 rubbers as standard.\nINTERIOR\nOn the inside, the French SUV has an air of exclusivity and quality. The interior upholstery is finished in premium leather, and the first thing that stands out in the black-themed cabin is the huge 8.7-inch touchscreen \nR-Link 2 multimedia system\n. The screen is vertically mounted and houses all the multimedia controls. The screen can be operated\u00a0using swipe gestures the same way you navigate a smartphone or tablet.   Other standard built in amenities are GPS navigation and reverse camera. As expected from a premium grade SUV, the Koleos comes with a suite of additional features. Driving aids such as cruise control, tyre pressure monitor, front and rear parking sensors, parking assistance, auto dimming rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlamps all come as standard.\nBesides that, the Koleos also comes with keyless entry and push-start, electric parking brake, six-way powered driver seats with power lumbar adjustments, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting, cooling function for front cup holders and two USB charging ports at the rear.\nThis large SUV is able to take in 952 litres of cargo with the rear seats folded down. Put the seats back up and it will do 458 litres of boot volume. Although not the biggest in its class, it has a flat loading lip, making it considerably easier to load items.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Koleos is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated VVT engine that produces \n167 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n of torque. Power is mated to an X-Tronic CVT to drive the front wheels. Don\u2019t turn away from the CVT gearbox just yet, because the 1.6 tonne SUV is able to sprint from nought to 100km/h in just \n9.5 seconds\n. This is achieved with\u00a0its\u00a0impressive low end torque with \n200 Nm\n made available from just \n1,800 rpm\n. The Koleos will manage \n8.1 litres\n per 100km on a combined cycle.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD and EBA, Electronic Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist. Blind spot indicator system is also available here.\u00a0Besides that, the car has automatic locking function that is absent in many Japanese cars \u2013 function that most of us take for granted.\nWHAT ELSE?\nCustomers can specify their Koleos in four different exterior shades: Meissen Blue (like the one here), Universal White, Black Metallic or Grey Metallic. As with any modern Renault, the Koleos comes with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty. Bookings are now open for Renault\u2019s flagship SUV. You can catch the fully imported Koleos in the metal at Mid Valley Mega Mall from 7 to 11 September 2016.\nThe Koleos is fully imported from Renault\u2019s production facility in Busan, South Korea. So, for RM172k, you\u2019re really getting a car of real good value. There\u2019s no plans for local assembly yet, though.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nSuzuki Jimny\n was \nofficially launched in Malaysia\n yesterday, and we just couldn\u2019t wait to see it in person. So armed with a camera, we popped by the Suzuki showroom to get a closer look.\n \nWe knew that the Jimny is small, but really, photos and videos that you see online still doesn\u2019t really convey just how tiny it is. Credit where it\u2019s due though \u2013 Suzuki has really nailed the proportions of the Jimny down to a T. Despite its small footprint, the Jimny still looks like a proper (adorable) beast, ready to tackle any terrain it\u2019s being thrown at.\nThe Suzuki Jimny, not in its natural habitat.\nSince it\u2019s really meant as a no-frills, entry-level offroader, the Suzuki Jimny\u2019s exterior equipment list is fairly basic. As standard, you get an automatic LED projector headlights, halogen-illuminated fog lights, 15-inch wheels wrapped in 195/80 section tyres, and a full-sized spare wheel at the back \u2013 and that\u2019s about it.\nSuzuki says that the chunky black plastic bumpers are made up of a anti-scratch material, so you don\u2019t have to worry about brushing up against a tree while traversing the jungle. The same material also extends over the fenders for the proper offroad-ready look.\nThere are four exterior colours available \u2013 pictured here is the Jungle Green hue, but there\u2019s also Medium Grey, Bluish Black (additional RM1,500), and a special Kinetic Yellow + Bluish Black roof combo (additional RM2,500).\nNaza Eastern Motors also introduced the latest Suzuki Swift Sport here in Malaysia earlier this year. Check it out here!\nInside, the no-frills ethos continues with the use of hard plastic all around, alongside manually-adjusted fabric seats. Take a look at the rear seats/cargo area, and you\u2019ll even see some uncovered surfaces that shows off the car\u2019s exterior body colour!\nStandard equipment on the interior include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control buttons, an analogue instrument cluster (covered in a unique offroad-inspired binnacle), a seven7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity, and single-zone automatic climate control.\nUnderneath the bonnet, you\u2019ll find a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine sending \n100 hp\n and \n130 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels, exclusively via a four-speed automatic transmission here in Malaysia.\nAs a proper off-roader, the Jimny comes with a part-time 4WD low-range transfer gearbox called \u20184\u00d74 AllGrip Pro\u2019 with 4H, 4L, and 2H drive modes for different driving situations \u2013 the latter for when you\u2019re just driving around on properly-paved roads.\nIt\u2019s also built on a ladder frame chassis, with three-link rigid front and rear axles and coil springs to handle difficult surfaces. Due to its short overhangs, the Suzuki Jimny boasts a 49-degrees departure angle, 39-degrees approach angle. Ground clearance, meanwhile, stands at 210 mm.\nThe Suzuki Jimny is only available as a single variant here in Malaysia, priced at \nRM168,900\n on the road, without insurance, but inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are valid until the end of the year.\nAlso included in the price is a three-year/100,000 km official warranty from Naza Eastern Motors. For the full specifications breakdown of the adorable little off-roader, do check out our launch coverage \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"With all its horsepower and aerodynamic aids, the McLaren Senna is a formidable track weapon that you can drive to work. Now, there\u2019s proof. Here\u2019s one tearing the tarmac at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, making us feel sorry for the rest.\nThe video starts off with incredible B-rolls of the same car in a garage that is the wet dream of every car nut. It even had another Senna and an old Ferrari Formula 1 race car parked in it!\nThen the madness begins. In a field made up of countless Porsches, Lamborghinis and Ferraris, the Senna just made everyone look like they\u2019re were moving backwards! Even the \nHuracan Performante\n (or what seems like one) with 640 hp and 600 Nm from a 5.2-litre V10 seemed helpless in putting up a fight with the Senna on the main straight.\n \nThis is not the first time the McLaren Senna has been caught bullying everyone in its way on the track. It was so quick, you\u2019d be easily fooled to think the video was sped up, but it wasn\u2019t. Watch it \nhere\n.\nPowering the beast named after one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers known to man, Ayrton Senna, is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that pushes out\u00a0\n789 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n800 Nm\n. It\u2019ll do 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds before topping out at a mind-boggling 340 km/h."
"Waze has just announced that the Waze navigation app is now officially available on Apple CarPlay. Users have to update their iPhones to the latest iOS 12 software to \nenable third-party navigation applications\n like Waze and Google Maps.\nOn compatible devices, users can access the Waze app directly through the infotainment screen. Available functions include shortcut buttons to Home, Work and Favourites. As reported \nearlier\n, manually searching for destination requires you to key in the address onto your iPhone as the Waze on CarPlay does not have a pop-up keyboard.   Once the destination is set, the full route overview will be displayed on the screen to allow users to easily review alternate routes, adjust sound settings as well as receive visual and audio alerts through the sound system. Users can also report any traffic situations via the \u201cSend a Report\u201d button, however, map chat function is not available.\nOur colleagues from \nthe Mandarin site\n has \nsampled Waze on Apple CarPlay\n the day it went live on iOS 12 as a beta version and what he can take home is the cleaner and more minimalist user interface compared to Waze on Android Auto."
"For the longest time, think B-segment sedan and the\n \nHonda City\n and\n Toyota Vios \nnames are usually the first to pop up but all that is about to change; with the \nall-new Nissan Almera\n. Check out our \ncomparison between the three cars\n!\nFor the longest time, the Almera has had an unfortunate image attached to it but for good reason. It was cheap to own, cheap to run, and practical but it lacked aesthetic appeal, and let\u2019s just say, you\u2019ve never seen a viral video of an Almera leaping across a massive drain, have you? It lacked a certain excitement to it too.\n \nFrom a car that you need, the Almera has now become the car you want. From a car that was sold as a cheap and cheerful mode of A to B transportation, it can now boast higher performance, better handling, improved refinement, and unparalleled safety.\nOn the other hand, the City has grown strength to strength. If the Almera has come out of puberty into an attractive young adult, the City has gotten more mature \u2013 evolving from an already accomplished product into one that\u2019s finished with more premium touches. If anything, the cabin design and finishing can easily fool you for a more expensive C-segment car.\nThe new City now\n starts from RM74,000 \nwhile the base model Almera \nstarts from RM79,000\n and they could not be any more different from each other. One\u2019s turbocharged, the other isn\u2019t. One feels and looks sporty and youthful, the other is more grown up and mature now.\nWhich would you choose? Check out the video and tell us why!"
"At the recent \nGoodwood Festival of Speed\n, Ford revealed the \nFocus RS\n, one that was co-developed with Ken Block who described the hot hatch as being on another level.\nThis hatch\u00a0certainly\u00a0has its work cut out with stiff competition from the Deutchland duo \u2013 the\u00a0\n280 hp\n \nVolkswagen Golf R\n\u00a0\nand the beastly\u00a0\n381 hp\n \nMercedes-Benz A45 AMG\n. The plucky Brit (we say Brit, but it\u2019s made in Germany, oddly enough) is powered by the new \n2.3-litre EcoBoost\n\u00a0four banger that\u2019s also shared with the \nMustang\n.\nFord hasn\u2019t gotten around to releasing the full spec sheet of their most focused Focus, but the motor has been significantly upgraded for the Focus RS to deliver \n10 percent\n more power with \n345 hp\n maximum output as opposed to the \n310 horses\n\u00a0of the Pony\u2019s. Torque figures stand at \n440 Nm,\n however the Overboost feature will push it up to \n470 Nm\n, just 5 Nm shy of the A 45 AMG.\nThe significant go factor here is attributed to the new\n\u00a0redesigned,\u00a0low-inertia\u00a0twin-scroll turbocharger\n\u00a0unit that utilises\n larger compressors\n for greater air flow. Cooling is a matter of precedence when dealing with wacky output figures. A much\n larger intercooler\n is in place to\n maximise the charge density\n. The engine also breathes better through an \nenlarged and less restrictive intake\n design which makes for a deep throaty induction sound. The RS just wouldn\u2019t be complete without a \nhigh performance exhaust system\n\u00a0that comes with an electronically controlled\n butterfly valve\n that helps optimise \nback pressure\n.\nPutting all that power down on the road requires some serious machinery, which is why the \nsix-speed stick shifter\n\u00a0co-developed by racing transmission gurus \nXtrac\n is fitted as standard on the RS. Thereafter, power is divided onto all fours via a trick \nnon-Haldex type AWD system\n that employs\u00a0\nDynamic Torque Vectoring\n technology, which basically means that the power can be divided\n up to 70 percent to the rear wheels.\nNow here\u2019s something you would typically find in Need For Speed instead of a car. The Focus RS comes with a driving selector, one of which is labeled as \nDrift Mode\n. Befitting isn\u2019t it, considering that the hatch was unveiled by Ken Block himself. The madness doesn\u2019t end there. There\u2019s also a Launch Control feature to go against the said German hatches.\nFord\u2019s performance division has revealed that the Focus RS is one of \n12 new hot performance models\n that will rolled out globally through to \n2020\n as part of Fords new direction. Needless to say, watch this space for more updates.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Manufacturers are slowly shunning away from the good ol\u2019 stick shifters, pouring their resources into more marketable slushboxes and DCTs (dual-clutch transmission). Manual transmissions then are a rare commodity, but Toyota however, still believes that a good portion of its customers still prefer to row through the gears on their own.\nThis has led the Japanese carmaker to develop a new six-speed manual transmission for its latest line up of cars that sit on the highly acclaimed Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform \u2013 a development framework to make more engaging and efficient cars.\nThe result is a new transmission that is lighter, more efficient and more liveable than ever before. Compared to the existing version, the new six-speeder is now lighter by seven kilograms and engineers have shaved 24 mm in total length. The lighter and more compact transmission contributes to fuel efficiency and helps in the overall packaging of the car. It is also one of the world\u2019s smallest transmissions and boasts \nworld-leading transmission efficiency\n.\nTipping the scale at \n40 kg\n, the new manual transmission is able to accommodate up to \n280 Nm\n of torque hence the new gearbox will find its way to more civilian vehicles and \npotentially\n the low- and mid-range sportscars like the \nYaris GRMN\n and \nGT 86\n.\nThe new six-speed manual also makes use of the iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) controls, an electronic control unit which automatically adjusts engine\u2019s rpm when changing gears (both upshifts and downshifts) to ensure smooth and recoil-free gear shifts \u2013 think of it as a form rev-matching if you will.\n \n \nIt\u2019s a shame however that this new six-speed manual transmission was developed to cater to European markets where the appetite for stick shifters makes a strong business case for manufacturers. Us on the other hand, are getting more and more CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmission) by the day.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Between turbocharged and naturally-aspirated performance cars, it\u2019s always been a personal preference to go with the latter. The reason is simple and should be easy to agree on \u2013 purity. Not only are they more responsive and \u201calive\u201d, but they also sound better. So when Porsche Malaysia rang us up for a drive in the \nPorsche Cayman 718 GT4\n around Sepang, you can imagine the excitement.\nThat\u2019s because the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is one of the last of its kind. Locally, they\u2019ve given it a \u201cPerfectly Irrational\u201d tagline that perfectly reflects the car\u2019s persona and the company\u2019s direction.\n \nAt a time when the company\u2019s focus lies mainly in electric mobility, as is the direction of the industry as a whole, they\u2019ve somehow made a car that, to some, may seem like it\u2019s from a different time.\nIt comes with a manual gearbox and it\u2019s not turbocharged. Instead, Porsche completely reversed the process \u2013 modifying the \n3.0-litre turbocharged engine from the all-new Porsche 911\n \u2013 and gave birth to a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated one with an 8,000 redline that\u2019s loud, raw, and ferocious.\nBy today\u2019s standards, the\n 420 hp and torque\n (up 35 hp from before) may not sound like much, but when the flat-six engine is screaming near the rev limit and you\u2019re upshifting from 3rd to 4th gear at over 150 km/h, there\u2019s nothing out there, even for twice the price, that can deliver the same exhilaration and sensations.\nThe \n911 Carrera S we drove in New Zealand\n does 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, 0.7 seconds quicker than the Cayman GT4, and while it\u2019s outrageously quick, it doesn\u2019t feel as visceral as the Cayman GT4. Between 6,000 to 8,000 rpm in the Cayman GT4, it\u2019s like being in the front row seat to the end of the world.\nYour eyes are peeled to the road ahead that\u2019s approaching quicker than you can comprehend; your ears are constantly overwhelmed by the flat-six noise blaring just behind you while your hands and legs are working overtime just to keep the car on the tarmac. It is truly a sensory overload and needing more power will be the last thing on your mind.\nAnd the fact that the Cayman GT4 requires the manual changing of gears \u2013 something most would be appalled by (or incapable of doing) \u2013 makes it look like dial up modem to today\u2019s 5G broadband. However, unlike the annoying dial up tunes and the slow connection speeds, this Cayman GT4 modem has taken all the good from the past and reintroduced in the digital era with modern enhancements.\nTake the auto blip for example, a feature which pretty much allows you to \u201cheel and toe like a pro\u201d without having to rev match on your own. It truly takes a whole lot off the driver\u2019s mind, allowing him or her to fully experience the car in all its mechanical glory without need professional training.\nIt also makes you realise that if Porsche were to apply the same treatment to its 911 GT models, it would be mandatory for its owners to undergo advanced driving courses. With the amount of fire those monsters breathe, especially the \nGT2 RS\n, having a manual gearbox would be a real handful.\nThe brakes we had on the Cayman GT4 were the best Porsche has to offer the car \u2013 carbon ceramics. It truly showed its worth, durability and effectiveness as after four hours of continuously lapping the South Section of Sepang, it still held its own. Hard braking maneuvers were still met with rapid deceleration without the slightest hint of the brakes fading or losing its bit.\nThey\u2019ve also improved the aerodynamics and stability of the GT4. Porsche says it now \nproduces 50% extra downforce\n from its predecessor, largely contributed by the fixed rear wing and a new, more prominent rear diffuser.\nThe results truly speaks for itself as when we were doing close to 180 km/h on the back straight Sepang, the rear end felt like it was nailed to the tarmac without the slightest flinch.\nThe Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is as analogue as you\u2019ll ever get in a high-performance car without the inconveniences of the past. Irrational? Yes, because this is a typewriter of a car more ways than one but if you\u2019re going to go against a norm, to please a minority of enthusiasts, this is as perfectly irrational as it can get today.\nGALLERY"
"Alongside its July sales report, \nPerodua\n also revealed that the recently-launched all-new Alza has now received \nover 39,000 bookings\n. The figure represents a significant increase over the 30k that was revealed during the model\u2019s launch two weeks ago, which itself was already a record figure for the national carmaker.\n \nOf the 39,000 bookings, Perodua has already delivered 4,000 units of the 2022 Alza to new owners. The company also revealed that 65% of all bookings are for the range-topping AV variant, while a whopping 70% of buyers are also opting for the \nGearUp bodykit\n, which costs RM2,500 and can be installed on all variants.\nPerodua attributes the positive response to the \nexpiring SST exemptions at the end of June\n. However, the 9,000 bookings in just two weeks shows that demand for the all-new seven-seater MPV is still healthy, despite a higher price tag.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Perodua Alza GearUp accessories \u2013 RM2.5k body kit for all variants\nIn order to cater for the demand, Perodua is considering to expand its plant\u2019s production capacity for the Alza from the initially-planned 3,000 units per month up to 4,000. The company reassures that those who have placed their bookings before the expiry of the SST exemptions will receive their vehicles by the March 31, 2023 registration cut-off date.\nAs a brief recap, the all-new Perodua Alza is currently offered in Malaysia in three variants, with prices starting for at RM62,500 for the entry-level 1.5 X variant, moving up to RM75,500 for the range-topping AV.\nAll variants are equipped with the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine making \n105 hp \nand \n138 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via the brand\u2019s Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox. Perodua\u2019s ASA 3.0 advanced driver assistance suite is also standard across all variants.\nFor the full specifications breakdown of the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza, check out our detailed launch coverage here."
"The \nBMW 218i Gran Coupe\n is getting a new limited-edition model here in Malaysia, offering a variety of additional equipment and aesthetic upgrade parts for the compact model. Just like the \nlimited-edition BMW X5 with M Performance parts\n, however, the new model will be exclusive to\n Auto Bavaria \ndealerships nationwide.\nThree different packages will be available to choose from: \u201cAesthetics\u201d, \u201cSignature Sound\u201d, and \u201cBest of Both Worlds\u201d, with only 50 units offered in Malaysia. Pricing ranges from RM227,800 to RM233,800 depending on package, but will all come with complimentary window tint, and a Sttoke Reusable Ceramic Cup.\nThe Aesthetics package (\nRM228,800\n) comes equipped with several M Performance Parts to jazz up the looks of your car, including a gloss black mesh grille with a similar design to the M340i, carbon fibre wing mirror caps, a black boot lid ducktail spoiler, and puddle lights that project a BMW M logo onto the ground when the doors are ajar. Also included are petrol vouchers worth RM3,000 to sweeten the deal even further.\nThe Signature Sound package at \nRM227,800\n, meanwhile, includes the more premium Harman Kardon sound system, alongside a complimentary Harman Kardon bluetooth speaker to take the party outside too. As the name suggests, the Best of Both World package nets you all of the above, at a price of \nRM233,800\n.\nRELATED: BMW Malaysia updates 2022 218i Gran Coupe \u2013 to come with dual screens from RM204k\nAside from these additional items, the rest of the car is unchanged from the base car here in Malaysia, with standard equipment including LED headlights, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, black Dakota leather upholstery, as well as the \nBMW Live Cockpit Professional system\n with twin 10.25-inch displays.\nMotivation comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that makes \n140 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox for a 0-100 km/h time of \n8.7 seconds\n, and a rated top speed of \n213 km/h\n."
"After recently confirming that the \nGT 86 will not be turbocharged\n, Toyota is reportedly developing on the next generation 86 model with Subaru, with an aim to launch it sometime after 2020.\nAccording to \nreports\n, the new 86 could likely have a larger capacity 2.4-litre engine than the out-going 2.0-litre model and will have better stability all-round.\u00a0\nSubaru on the other hand would likely incorporate its Eye Sight driver assistance system in its BRZ \u2013 a move we feel may tamper with the image and simplicity of the BRZ as a purist sports car, with all the added driver aid electronics.\nChief Engineer for the GT 86 and Supra, Tetsuya Tada, recently stressed that the GT 86 will never be turbocharged as it would affect the vehicle\u2019s weight distribution.\nToyota Chief Engineer for GT 86 & Supra, Tetsuya Tada\nWith a power boost, a turbocharged GT 86 would require a change of the vehicle\u2019s dynamics, as it would upset the front and rear balance of the car thus losing the essence of the car \u2013 balance."
"People talk about the advancement of technology and all that, but what\u2019s the point if our current hypercars still can\u2019t beat a 10-year-old Formula 1 race car? Of course, we\u2019re only kidding, but it seemed like the lads at Carwow weren\u2019t, as they\u2019ve literally just pitted a \nBugatti Chiron\n beside the Red Bull RB7 F1 race car in a drag race.\n \nWhile the RB7 is already 10-years old now, its performance is still nothing to scoff at. The 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine at the back can put down \n750hp\n to the rear wheels, and it needs to work against 650 kg plus one David Coulthard.\nOn the other hand, the Bugatti Chiron\u2019s massive\u00a08.0-litre W16 engine packs a whopping \n1500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n on tap, but it also weighs like a pig with all of its leather and luxury touches on-board, tipping the scales at just under 2,000 kg.\nScreenshot: \nCarwow\n/YouTube\nJust based on numbers alone, it already doesn\u2019t look too good for the Chiron. At least it has launch control and all-wheel drive to help put the power down into the ground, I guess.\nCan\u2019t get enough of the Bugatti Chirons in drag races? Check out this one against a fighter jet!\nAnd unsurprisingly, the Red Bull RB7 managed to outgun the Bugatti Chiron in all three drag races \u2013 the F1 racer completed the standing quarter mile run in 9.2 seconds, while the Chiron came in just 0.4 seconds away at 9.6 seconds!\nScreenshot: \nCarwow\n/YouTube\nWe all thought that the F1 car would make the Chiron look like it\u2019s standing still, but the fact that it managed to stay so close to an actual F1 car is already impressive \u2013 granted, F1 cars are never built for drag races, but. it\u2019s still an F1 race car, for heaven\u2019s sake.\nAt the end of the video, the Bugatti Chiron even managed to beat the RB7 from a rolling start on a longer run, thanks to its higher top speed. The downforce-focused design of the F1 car just generated too much drag, even though it managed to accelerate faster at the start. We\u2019ll take that as a win in our books.\nWe at AutoBuzz.my run our own drag races too! Here\u2019s the ultimate Juara Kampung showdown, the Perodua Myvi vs Proton Iriz.\nAll in all, it\u2019s just one hell of a fun video, so make sure you give it a watch, especially because you may not see anything like it again. It\u2019s not every day the F1 cars are allowed to do fun stuff like that. At the very least, you\u2019ll still enjoy the glorious sound of the \u201cold-school\u201d V8 F1 cars."
"Just a few days \nsince its first official teaser\n, Lexus Malaysia has now announced the opening of its order books for the \n2023 Lexus RX\n. The all-new model will be offered in a single RX 350 Luxury variant at launch, priced at \nRM468,888\n (on-the-road, without insurance), and will be available for booking at all Lexus dealerships across Malaysia.\nLooking to renew your vehicle insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa. Renewing online will not only get you a 10% instant rebate, but also cash back at the end of your coverage. Log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n to find out more.\nThe exterior design of the all-new 2023 Lexus RX is arguably more evolutionary than revolutionary, but it\u2019s still undoubtedly a striking look. The most notable feature on its exterior redesign is the new \u2018Spindle Body\u2019 grille; a fresh reinterpretation of the Lexus signature front fascia that\u2019s evolved into more of a three-dimensional mass rather than a grille, and as such does without any of the traditional \u201cframe\u201d around it.\nFlanking the new grille are the new slimmer tri-beam LED headlights, but still with the marque\u2019s signature boomerang-shaped light signature that emphasises on the spindle shape. It\u2019s a cleaner look overall compared to before, yet at the same time a lot more aggressive too.\nOver to the side, the all-new Lexus RX\u2019s profile is also fairly reminiscent of its predecessor, but with several mild touches to bring it up to date, including the new surface line treatment, and an A pillar that has been pushed backwards to elongate the bonnet. The black plastic claddings around the wheel have also been removed for a cleaner appearance.\nAs for the back, there\u2019s a new and substantial full-width tail light assembly that underscores the small Lexus script in the centre of the tailgate. The area around the tail light housing also looks a little more pronounced, thanks to a more rakish rear window. For Malaysia, the Lexus RX 350 Luxury rides on 21-inch alloys, in a classy Hyper Chrome metallic finish.\nThe more significant change is actually found underneath the car, as the all-new 2023 Lexus RX is now built on parent \nToyota\u2019s TNGA-K platform\n. The new underpinnings should significantly improve on the SUV\u2019s handling capabilities, thanks to its 90 kg lower weight (despite a slightly bigger size overall), lower centre of gravity, and increased body rigidity.\nThese improvements are coupled with the all-new 2023 Lexus RX\u2019s aerodynamically efficient bodywork, including flush windows and door mouldings, as well as specific aerodynamic devices all around the exterior, to also enhance the SUV\u2019s overall comfort and ride qualities.\nMoving inside, you\u2019ll find a new two-tiered, wraparound dashboard design, accentuated by a curved black segment consisting of an air vent, semi-digital instrument cluster, and the 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display with integrated climate control knobs, that forms the cockpit area.\nThe driver-focused ethos is based on what the marque calls the \u2018Tazuna\u2019 concept, which is apparently inspired by the interaction between jockeys and their race horses \u2013 think Mazda\u2019s Jinba Ittai. In essence, only the most-frequently used controls are directly accessible to the driver, while everything else is relegated into various menus within the software.\nThis, according to Lexus, makes driving and operating the all-new RX a lot more intuitive to the driver, while at the same time also enhancing visibility from within the cabin. Case in point, the head-up display also shows a button \u201cmap\u201d when you\u2019re touching on the touch-sensitive physical buttons, so you\u2019ll know what you\u2019re clicking on without looking away from the roads.\nOther interior highlights include a three-zone automatic climate control system, 64-colour ambient lighting system, NanoeX negative ion air purifier, 12-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System, the e-Latch electronic door lever, open pore wood trims in black ash colour, and a black leather and microfibre mixed upholstery.\nThe seats \u2013 both front and rear outboard positions \u2013 are also powered (10-way adjustable for fronts, recline and folding for rear), and all come with heating and ventilation systems.\nThe switch to the new TNGA-K platform has also translated to an improvement in interior space for the all-new 2023 Lexus RX. Specifically, kneeroom for the rear passengers have been increased by 12 mm, while the lowered floor also helps with the SUV\u2019s legroom and boot loading height \u2013 the latter apparently lowered by some 30 mm. Boot space here is now rated at 612 litres, enough to fit four golf bags.\nAs a luxury product, Lexus has also taken extra care in regard to the all-new RX\u2019s cabin refinement, particularly in terms of noise and vibration control by way of an active noise cancellation system, improved door sealing, high sound insulation glass, as well as a twin-lock structure for the bonnet to suppress vibrations.\nThe all-new 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia is powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, which is rated for \n279 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an all-time electronically controlled all-wheel drive system, which sends a minimum of 25% of torque to the rear wheels, up to 50%.\nPaired to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox, the all-new Lexus RX 350 Luxury accelerates to 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.6 seconds. Damping, meanwhile, is handled by the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system.\nAs for safety, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia comes as standard with the Lexus Safety System+ advance driver assistance suite, which includes the dynamic radar cruise control with stop and go and curve speed reduction functions, lane departure alert and lane tracing assist, autonomous emergency braking, road sign assist, and an adaptive high-beam system with BladeScan matrix technology.\nThe e-Latch system also works together with the Safe Exit Assist system, which prevents the doors from being opened if it detects a vehicle or cyclist approaching from behind.\nThe all-new Lexus RX 350 Luxury is now open for booking at all Lexus showrooms nationwide, priced at \nRM468,888\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nFive exterior colours are available on offer, including Sonic Copper (pictured), Sonic Quartz, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Titanium, and Graphite Black Glass Flake.\nGALLERY"
"Set to join the \u201cID\u201d electric vehicle (EV) lineup of the Volkswagen brand is an all-electric version of the \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n, which is projected to start production in 2026, as reported by \nHandelsblatt\n. News of the all-electric Tiguan, most likely named the Volkswagen ID.Tiguan, surfaces after a works council meeting at the Volkswagen Wolfsburg headquarters, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz was in attendance.\nJust a day before, the word was already out that \nthe upcoming Volkswagen ID.2\n could be named the Volkswagen ID.Golf and could make its world debut as soon as next month. After having numbers following the \u201cID\u201d prefix for a while now, Volkswagen might pair the \u201cID\u201d prefix with iconic model names like the \nGolf \nand Tiguan.\nAt the LA Auto show last year, Volkswagen Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of passenger cars, Thomas Shafer, explained, \u201cwe have iconic brand names,\u201d adding, \u201cwe will stick with the ID logic, but iconic models will carry a name.\u201d As such, the \u201cID.Tiguan\u201d name is a likely outcome.\nInitially, Volkswagen\u2019s plan was to bring \nProject Trinity\n to reality by 2026. However, due to software development constraints, the plan had to be postponed to around 2028. Part of Project Trinity is an all-electric sedan and the other part is what the company calls a \u201cBusiness Model 2.0\u201d. The all-electric Tiguan or the ID.Tiguan serves to fill this gap to bridge the company toward the new implementation date of Project Trinity.\nRELATED: \nUpcoming Volkswagen ID.2 EV could be renamed as Golf, to spawn electric GTI\nThe first sketch of the Trinity project shows a flat, sporty sedan.\nVolkswagen had already announced at the end of the year that it would be relying more heavily on the Group\u2019s well-known product ranges \u2013 also in terms of design. According to the group, many customers wish that models like the Golf, the GTI, or the Tiguan had a future in the electric age. So far, Volkswagen has not had an offer for this. That should change with the ID.Tiguan.\nAhead of the Volkswagen ID.Tiguan, Volkswagen is set to debut an updated internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Volkswagen Tiguan by this year. In Malaysia, the current Tiguan is only available in the Allspace 7-seater configuration in three variants (Life, Elegance, R-Line).\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 \u2013 520km range EV SUV"
"German tuning company Piecha has taken\u00a0the AMG sports coupe and beefed\u00a0it to match their latest Green Hell Beast, the \nAMG GT-R\n. How much tougher you ask? Approximately\u00a0\n604 hp\n and \n840 Nm\n tougher.\nIt\u2019s called the PIECHA AMG GT \nRSR \nand\u00a0the model you see here is tuned based on the \nAMG GT S\n. The \nRSR \nstands for \nReinrassig \u2013 Sportiv \u2013 Richtungsweisend \nin German. When translated to English, it loosely means Purebred \u2013 Sporty \u2013 Point the way. According to Piecha, it is an innovation that transcends design; it is a masterpiece with purpose and emotion.\nWith their \u20ac4,998 (approximately RM22,765 based on today\u2019s exchange rate) performance module, the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 now produces \n94 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n more than the standard GT S. If that is not impressive enough, the GT \nRSR \nbetters\u00a0even the more hardcore AMG GT-R\u2019s \n585 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n\u00a0setup. With \n840 Nm\n on tap, the \nRSR \nsprints to 100km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n;\u00a0\n0.1 seconds\n faster than the standard GT S and just a shade slower than the GT-R\u2019s \n3.6 seconds\n.\nTo keep the rear-wheel drive beast in check, the GT \nRSR \ncomes with a series of aerodynamic upgrades. The ultra-lightweight body kit serves to improve the car\u2019s overall aerodynamics while maintaining the desirable appeal. The front and sides feature subtle but effective revisions but it is only from the rear that one can tell this is no ordinary AMG GT.\nThe rear now features a more aggressively styled rear bumper, quad exhausts and a huge, fixed rear wing. Interestingly, the fixed rear wing can be mounted with the stock active rear spoiler in place. The carbon wing costs \u20ac4,284 (approximately RM19500) while the body kit \u2013 also made from carbon fibre \u2013 costs a hefty \u20ac19,040 or approximately the price of a brand new \nHonda City\n.\nAccording to Piecha, their GT \nRSR \nis capable of a top speed of 330km/h only if the specially developed tyres with Yokohama is used. The tyres are now 275/35ZR19\u00a0up front and the rear gets shod with 305/30ZR20 Yokohama Advan Sport V105. The wheels are also fitted with 26mm wheel spacers to fit the new tyres perfectly. There\u2019s no indicative price for the wheels and tyres, however the 20-piece wheel bolts will cost you \u20ac90 (approximately RM410).\nBesides that, there is also a height adjustable coilover kit that lowers the car from anywhere between 0-25mm at the front and 10-30mm at the rear. Piecha claims it provides a more dynamic driving experience with the AMG GT. The kit costs \u20ac1,119 (approximately RM5100).\nIn total, the GT \nRSR \nkit will cost upwards of \u20ac29,531 (approximately RM134,436) on top of the base price of an AMG GT S. What do you think folks? In Malaysia, a brand new AMG GT S will cost around RM1.15 million. For around 12 percent of the price, your RM1.2 million GT S can be more powerful than the Green Beast from Hell (AMG GT-R). Not a bad deal really, but the only problem is that Piecha is based in Germany.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Dull, unappetising, and uninspiring \u2013 ask anyone what they thought of the Hyundai Accents of old and the answer should be unanimous. The same can\u2019t be said about the\n new 5th-generation model\n previewed here at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.\nWhile the older Accents (3rd-generation and older) looked as if they were made in the Northern half of Korea, the new designs (from 4th-generation onwards) are a better reflection of the dynamic and progressive South and it\u2019s not just the sharper lines and sleeker looks.\nThose seats, the panels, the trims, even the way the door closes \u2013 the new Accent offers and projects a sense of sturdiness and quality at first impression. Should the car be sold in Malaysia, the Accent will make it hard for you to ignore it as a prospect, when shopping for a B-segment sedan.\nCompared to the City (120 hp/145 Nm) and the \nnew Vios\n (107 hp/140 Nm) , the Accent\u2019s 1.4-litre engine with \n100 hp\n and \n132 Nm\n\u00a0is certainly at a disadvantage.\nThat said, while both the B-segment bestsellers are now equipped with CVT gearboxes, don\u2019t be so quick to discount the new Accent as it\u00a0adopts a 6-speed automatic transmission instead \u2013 a trait that could salvage some points for the Accent in terms of delivering performance and driving feel.\nThe model you see here may just be a preview unit but is a good enough indication of what the Accent could offer should it arrive in Malaysia. It\u2019s equipped with LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, a 3.5-inch TFT LCD colour instrument cluster display, keyless entry and start, cruise control, six airbags and Hill-start Assist Control.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor has introduced the updated 2021 Mazda CX-9 with prices starting from \nRM319,847 \nfor the front-wheel drive and \nRM336,215 \nfor the all-wheel drive (AWD) models.\n \nThe fully imported CBU CX-9 are subject to the 50% sales tax exemption, valid till the end of 2021. They come with 5-years/100,000 km warranty and 5-years free maintenance.\nBoth the front-wheel-drive and AWD variants of the CX-9 are powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with \n228 hp \nand \n350 Nm\n. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with newly added paddle shifters.\nWatch our review of the Mazda CX-9 here!\nThe updated 2021 CX-9 is introduced as the \nIgnite Edition \nand that includes gloss black finishing on the front grille, side mirrors, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Design-wise, nothing has changed.\nAs for features, automatic LED headlamps are a given, with a sunroof, keyless entry and powered tailgate included. Its size will be no obstacle in the parking lot with eight parking sensors \u2013 four each in the front and back.\nMoving inside, the CX-9 features a 9-inch infotainment display with Android Auto \nas per last year\u2019s update\n along with the Mazda MX-5. The new addition here is the Apple CarPlay function, finally.\nThe list of equipment onboard includes a coloured head-up display, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and tri-zone air conditioning.\nSafety and driver aids include six airbags, Mazda\u2019s G-Vectoring Control Plus, Off-road Traction Assist, hill-start assist, and i-ActivSense driver assistance system. It consists of features like Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and autonomous braking for front and rear.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor, the official distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia had another stellar month of sales, with November registering just 14 units less than October, ending the month with 8,486 units. Many of us might have also taken notice of the sudden increase of \nToyota Corolla Cross\n on the highways and even our neighbourhoods.\nThe Toyota Vios, Yaris and Hilux remain popular with Malaysians, with the pick-up contributing to over 1,500 units in November and continues to be the \nsegment leader\n in Malaysia. Thanks to the ongoing sales promotions and its brand equity, \nthe Vios\n contributed 33% of November\u2019s sales.\nYear to date, UMW Toyota Motor has racked up \n63,105\n units of sales, surpassing their original \n2021 target\n of 62,000. At this rate, the company should exceed its 2019 sales of 70,000 units.\n\u201cThe continued growth of the market is a sign that we are steadily progressing towards recovery. The New Normal means that some things have to be done differently and we have to be conscious of SOPs, and at Toyota, we have adapted our processes accordingly. Customers can visit our showrooms or send their vehicles to authorised service centres with peace of mind that they are protected health-wise,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran K.\nRace on Sunday, sell on Monday. UMWT hope fans of Vios and Yaris models will embrace the GR spirit further via these cool add-ons!\nNovember has also been a very busy month for the company, hosting the season-ending Toyota Vios Challenge \nrace weekend\n as well as preparing for the launch of the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. \u201cSince we opened for bookings for the new \nCorolla Cross Hybrid\n, response has been good and we are happy to see that many Malaysians are keen to switch to Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Technology. Toyota has been producing HEVs since the late 1990s and has constantly improved and advanced the technology so Malaysians will benefit from this long experience,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.\nPre-production activities have just started at the \nupgraded ASSB Bukit Raja plant\n, and Mr Takeyama seeks both loyal Toyota owners and prospective buyers to be patient as the company is gearing up for full-scale production and public sales of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8.\nThe new Corolla Cross Hybrid has an estimated price starting from \nRM137,000\n and comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty. Customers can also extend their warranty on the hybrid electrical system for a further two years to make it a total of 10 years, the first such warranty in the local industry.\nBookings can be made at any authorised Toyota dealer or UMW Toyota Motor branch showroom nationwide as well as online, linked \nhere\n."
"They\u2019ve been building this thing since 1999. In 2013, Pagani announced that they were going to retire the Zonda nameplate and four years on, here we are again, with yet another one of Pagani\u2019s creations and a new Italian name to remember.\nRevealed over the last weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance, the HP Barchetta forces the eyes to fixate on every inch of its body \u2013 like every other ballistic Zonda rolled out of Pagani\u2019s iron-gated factory. With \nonly 3 units\n due for production in commemoration of Horacio Pagani\u2019s 60th birthday, one is already due for the boss man\u2019s extensive collection of cars \u2013 \u00a0and rightfully so.\nFirstly, its light. Lighter than your average BMW 3-series, it weighs around 1\n,250 kg only\n and there are a few noticeable reasons for this. Those with a keen eye would notice the lack of a roof and you get this thin, helmet visor-like wrap around as your windscreen. The HP Barchetta also sets itself apart from other Zondas with the addition of an arched central air-intake, covered rear wheels and a large carbon rear wing.\nNot much else has been communicated regarding the specifications of the car except that its source of brute force will come from the Mercedes-AMG, traditionally, in the form of a 7.3-litre V12 naturally-aspirated engine mated to a 6-speed manual that\u2019s good for an excess of 700 hp.\nImage Source: \nAutoblog\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ralliart is back! Well, sort of. As announced six months ago, Mitsubishi will be \nbringing back its iconic rally racing nameplate\n for a range of special edition models alongside actual motorsports activities \u2013 and the first part of the equation has now come to fruition with a trio of Ralliart edition models for the \nMitsubishi Triton \nand Pajero Sport in Thailand.\nStarting with the Mitsubishi Triton, the Ralliart special edition will be offered exclusively on the 2WD low-rider variant, on both single- and double-cab body styles. That means the Ralliart Edition will be equipped with a \n128 hp\n and\n 240 Nm\n 2.5-litre turbodiesel mill, paired to a five-speed manual gearbox.\nIn terms of Ralliart exclusives, the new special edition model comes as standard with 16-inch blacked-out wheels, blacked-out wing mirror covers and door handles, red mud flaps, alongside Ralliart bumper garnishes, unique decals, bed liner, and a set of Ralliart floor mats for the cabin.\nRELATED: Check out the latest special-edition Mitsubishi Triton here in Malaysia \u2013 the Triton Athlete! \nThe range of accessories is also mirrored on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Ralliart Edition, offered solely on the more affordable 2.4 GT Plus variant. To bring home the whole sportiness theme, the Ralliart special editions also get a blacked-out Dynamic Shield grille, black roof, darkened headlight housings, as well as a gloss black roof spoiler on the Pajero Sport.\nAs is standard on special edition models, the Ralliart Edition will only be available in a limited range of exterior colour choices. Two here in particular \u2013 White Diamond and Jet Black Mica. Pricing information for the trio aren\u2019t available just yet, but should be announced soon when they make their debut at the upcoming Thailand International Motor Expo.\nWill you be open to a Ralliart Edition Mitsubishi Triton here in Malaysia, or is it just \u201cyet another special edition\u201d? Either way, it\u2019s good to see Ralliart back in the limelight, and we can\u2019t wait to see them fully sending it around the sand dunes very soon!\nGALLERY"
"So the tax holidays have ended and as the Sales and Services Tax (SST) came into effect on the 1st of September, most cars have experienced a reduction in price \u2013 contrary to what was previously predicted \u2013 leaving potential buyers or even mere market observers scratching their heads.\nWhile many have yet to update their prices with the \nre-inclusion of SST\n, based on what\u2019s been announced, you\u2019d notice that those with a drop in price are mostly locally-assembled vehicles (CKD) but that isn\u2019t entirely definitive either.\nVolvo\u2019s prices, post SST\n, have remained unchanged.\nSo why are most car prices lower than they were before during the GST era? And why are some CKD models cheaper, while some have seen a price increase?\nFor starters, before the GST era, the 10% SST was applied fully to the price from the distributor to dealer and as a result of the implementation of 6% GST, there was a slight price reduction.\nAnd now with the re-implementation of SST, the further price reductions, especially on locally-assembled (CKD) vehicles, is possibly due to the localised and non-localised content of these vehicles, with SST only applying to the latter as opposed to pre-GST days when SST was still in place. As such, CKD models with high local content stand to gain from having a lower taxable base when SST is applied, hence the lower final retail prices, at least that\u2019s our assumption.\nThe \nprice of the BMW X5 xDrive40e has gone up\n, albeit a RM 2,000 increase.\nThat said, not all CKD vehicles have seen a drop in prices, like the MINI Countryman JCW, BMW X5 xDrive40e or even the Toyota Hilux for instance. It does imply that these vehicles probably contain a very low percentage of localised value. Using this reasoning, it should be clear as to why the fully-imported CBU vehicles have all seen a hike in price.\nFind out what will be offered in \nProton\u2019s new SUV, the X70\n, \nhere\n!\nOn this note, Proton has announced that the newly-implemented SST will not affect its prices yet as they will absorb the SST charge for all Proton models in September \u2013 ensuring that buyers still benefit from the tax-free price.\nOn top of that, Proton will be \noffering generous discounts ranging from RM 500 \u2013 RM 1,000 for the Saga, Iriz and Persona\n along with RM 2,000 discounts for the recently launched Proton Ertiga Xtra, in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations."
"After its \ndebut\n at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show, the facelifted Lexus IS is now on sale in Japan. The refresher exercise further enhances the compact sedan\u2019s sporty theme with added refinement.\nThe facelift is largely an aesthetics makeover, with no changes under the hood. Hence, the IS remains motivated by either a 2.0-litre turbo, 2.5-litre hybrid or a 3.5-litre V6. However, it is now equipped with preventive safety package called the\u00a0\nLexus Safety System+\n.\nOn the exterior, the front now sports a more aggressive bumper with larger side intakes and aerodynamic sculpture to house the redesigned LED projector headlamps while maintaining the familiar Lexus fascia. The front grille has bars running across instead of the pre-facelift mesh and bar combination.\nAt the rear, the LED combination tail lamps get\u00a0a new three-stripe graphics as compared to the old dual-stripe design. Completing the rear profile is a pair of rectangular shaped dual exhaust tips. The IS rides on either new 17-inch ten-spoke aluminium alloys or 18-inch multi-spoke aluminium alloys.   Inside, Lexus has made subtle revisions for better cabin ergonomics. Firstly, the standard Lexus Premium Sound System now comes with a 293-watts, 10-speakers (up from the previous 8-speaker) setting. Opt for the Mark Levinson\u00ae and the speaker count goes up to 15 (835-watts).\nThe optional Navigation package upgrades the MMI screen to 10.3-inch from the standard 7.0-inch and a \u201cBack\u201d button on the Remote Touch Interface controller that is not present in the standard system. However, the facelifted IS does get an \u201cEnter button\u201d at the side of the Remote Touch Interface controller for better conveniences.\nTwo new interior colour profile \u2013 Chateau and Nuance Black have been added to the line-up on top of the Black and Flaxen trims. Other minor revisions include revised steering wheel switchgear, cup holder design and gear lever finish.   As mentioned earlier, no mechanical upgrades have been made\u00a0under the hood. Therefore, the base IS 200t is powered by a 2.0-litre longitudinally mounted four-cylinder turbo mated to an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SDS) automatic, pushing out \n241 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n to the rear wheels.\nThe IS 300h is powered by the Lexus Hybrid Drive System, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol pushing out \n178 hp\n and \n221 Nm\n with an electric motor generating\u00a0\n105kW (140 hp)\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred to either the rear-wheels or all-four wheels (most likely we will not be getting the AWD variant) via an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission.\nLastly, Japan\u2019s range topping IS 350, which UMW does not have on offer, gets a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 that produces \n314 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque to drive the rear-wheels via the same eight-speed SDS automatic.\nThe only mechanical difference in the IS facelift is a retuned suspension to further sharpen dynamics and improve damping.\nAlso thrown in the mix this time is the\n\u00a0Lexus Safety System+\n that includes a host of preventive safety systems as standard on all variants. Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and Hi-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control.\nAs with any Lexus models, customers have the option to spec their IS with an \nF-Sport package\n. The F-Sport package adds on a mesh front grille with black accents on the front bumper, twin projector LED headlamps, 18-inch gunmetal grey F-Sport design, rear bumper mesh inserts, F-Sport badges, F-Sport interior trim pieces and a LFA-styled Optitron instrument display.   WHAT ELSE?\nThe IS comes in nine exterior shades \u2013 Sonic Quartz, Mercury Grey Mica, Platinum silver, Sonic Titanium, Black, Graphite Black, Red Mica, Mader Red and Deep Blue Mica. White Nova and Heat Blue are exclusive colours to the F-Sport trim.\nIn Japan, prices for the base IS 200t start from \uffe54.7 million (RM189k) all the way up to the range topping IS 350 F-Sport\u00a0at\u00a0\uffe56,303,000 (RM254k).\u00a0Locally, UMW has the current generation Lexus IS on \nsale\n, therefore we may very well see the IS facelift making its way to our shores in due course.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLEXUS IS   LEXUS IS F-SPORT"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is inviting its customers to bring their cars in for a \nFREE 5 Star Service Check\n at all service centres nationwide.\nAs part of the VW Cares initiative, the 5 Star Service Check is a comprehensive visual check on Volkswagen vehicles conducted by the service advisor in the presence of the customer. This is to review and highlight potential faults or wear and tear on the vehicle.\nThe latest \nPassat and Tiguan \u201cUnited\u201d\n limited edition models launched recently.\nThe body and paint condition, lighting, brakes, windscreens, windows, wheels and tyres are among the areas which will be inspected. Volkswagen says the 5 Star Service Check is transparent, fast and free of charge so as to allow customers to make informed decisions on their next move.\nFrom \nnow till 31st December 2020\n, Volkswagen owners who send their vehicles in for the 5 Star Service Check and opt for replacement parts can enjoy additional savings on the following:\nParts\nOffer\u00a0\nGenuine Batteries\n20% off per unit\u00a0\nTyres\nUp to 20% off\u00a0\nBrakes pads\nRM50 off per set\nBrakes discs\nRM50 off per disc\nFuel Additive\u00a0\nRM40 off per bottle\u00a0\nWindscreen cleaner fluid\nRM5 off per bottle\nWindscreen\u00a0\n5% off per unit\u00a0\nWiper blades\nRM20 off per set\u00a0\nVolkswagen owners are encouraged to \nbook their next service appointment online in advance\n and experience the 5 Star Service Check either at the service centre or via digital format (videos sent to customer by service advisor) for those looking for added convenience.\nOn the 7th of July 2020, customers can book a new Volkswagen on \nthe company\u2019s official Shopee store\n for just RM199. As part of the deal, Volkswagen will also \ndeliver the new car to your doorstep for free\n! Interested customers can visit\n Volkswagen\u2019s eShowroom\n to browse through the different Volkswagen models.\nFor the latest price list on Volkswagen vehicles after the \nSales Tax Exemption \nannounced by the government, click \nhere\n."
"Here are some of the key areas that have been allocated funds under Budget 2022. At RM332 billion, this is also the largest ever budget allocation by the Malaysian government.\nThe biggest announcement for us auto fans is the announcement of the extension of the \nsales tax exemption\n for passenger cars to \nJune 30th 2022\n. The criteria maintain, with completely knocked-down (CKD) models enjoying the full sales tax exemption that is 10% of the gazetted vehicle price, while models that are fully imported (CBU) continue to enjoy only half of the sales tax exemption.\nPick-up trucks, panel and window vans as well as lorries are classified as commercial vehicles, and as such, do not enjoy the sales tax exemption.\nAs for electric vehicles or EVs, the government has also proposed the full exemption of import duty (currently at 30%), excise duty (10%), sales tax and road tax (currently enjoying 50% discount) to promote the usage of zero-emission vehicles.\nAs such, expect to see some price changes to the \nMINI Cooper SE\n, \nNissan Leaf\n, \nBMW iX\n models and the range \nPorsche Taycan\n models.\nUnder Budget 2022 that was tabled by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the government is also proposing a personal income tax relief of up to RM2,500 to individuals for purchasing and assembly cost, hiring, hire purchase costs as well as subscription fees for EV charging facilities.\nIn Attachment 20 of the Budget 2022 proposal, the proposed tax-free timeline for CBU EVs is a 24-month period ending on December 31st 2023. There is also a proposal to spur the local assembly (CKD) EVs, via the same tax-free incentives (excise, import and sales tax) up to December 31st 2025.\nNothing was mentioned on self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the majority of the local assembly plants are churning out.\nAlso allocated is an RM30 million subsidy for the purchase of a Child Restraint System (CRS) or \nchild seats\n, targeting 188,000 users to the tune of 50% or up to RM150 for families under the B40 category.\nPublic transportation users in Klang Valley meanwhile will continue to enjoy the \u2018My50\u2019 unlimited travel pass on bus and rail, while students up to Form 6 only need to fork out RM5 a month for a \u2018MyRail5\u2019 pass.\nThe government is also allocating up to RM1.5 billion will be set aside for rural road projects and inter-rural connection roads which span over 500 km and will benefit 130,000 local citizens.   Meanwhile, the government will allocate RM200 million for the subsidy of transportation and distribution costs of essential items to rural areas, especially in the deeper areas of Sabah and Sarawak.\nImages are screenshots from \nRTM1 \nlive broadcast\nGALLERY"
"The \nJeep\n brand has finally made its comeback to Malaysia after a \n15-year long absence\n from the local automotive playground, and DRB-Hicom is exclusively appointed by Chrysler to distribute the brand\u2019s cars in Malaysia.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nJeep Compass Limited\nJeep Wrangler\nJeep Cherokee\nJeep Grand Cherokee\nEngine\n2,360cc; inline-four cylinder\n3,604cc; V6\n2,360cc; inline-four cylinder\n3,604cc; V6\nTransmission\nSix-speed auto\nFive-speed auto\nNine-speed auto\nEight-speed auto\nMax Power\n170 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n284 hp @ 6,350 rpm\n174 hp @ 6,400 rpm\n284 hp @ 6,350 rpm\nMax Torque\n220 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\n347 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n229 Nm @ 3,900 rpm\n347 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\nTowing Capacity\n1,500kg\n1,000kg (2-dr), 2,000 (4-dr)\n2,200kg\n2,812kg\nPrice\nRM248,889\nfrom RM288,889\nfrom RM348,889\nfrom RM448,889\n\u00a0\nT\noday\u2019s launch saw Jeep Malaysia introduce their all-new full fledged \n3S Centre\n (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) in Glenmarie and the introduction of \nfour popular Jeep models\n \u2013 Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee. \nEight service bays are housed within the 3S facility, as with the waiting lounge with refreshments and Wi-Fi connectivity.\nCEO of Jeep Malaysia, Datuk Hisham Othman\nJeep Compass Limited \u2013 RM248,889\nThe Jeep Compass is the brand\u2019s \u2018cheapest\u2019 model to make the list, and it\u2019s powered by a \n2.4-litre\n, four-cylinder DOHC engine with dual variable valve timing (DVVT) technology. It makes \n170 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n220 Nm\n of torque at 4,500 rpm, and is paired to a \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox driving \nall four wheels\n.\nStandard features on the Compass Limited include the 18-inch wheels wrapped with 215/55 R18 series tyres, six-way electrically powered driver\u2019s seat, leather upholstered seats, sunroof, 6.5-inch touch screen head unit, nine-speaker Boston Acoustic sound system with subwoofer and leather wrapped steering wheel with audio, volume and cruise control switches.\nIts projector headlights are halogen powered, no HIDs here. Safety features are six airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS with EBD and Hill Hold Assist.\nJeep Wrangler \u2013 Unlimited Sports (RM288,889)   The Wrangler line is probably the most distinguishable Jeep of the lot, and it\u2019s offered in three trims \u2013 Unlimited Sports, Unlimited Sahara and Rubicon. All three variants share the same \n3.6-litre V6\n engine with VVT technology, producing \n284 hp\n at 6,350 rpm and \n347 Nm\n of torque at 4,300 rpm.\u00a0It\u2019s paired to a\u00a0\nfive-speed automatic\n\u00a0gearbox interweaving the brand\u2019s Command-Trac 4WD system for superior off-road capabilities.\nStandard features on the \nUnlimited Sport\n are halogen powered headlamps and fog lamps, six-speaker audio system, prominent tow brackets, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches, fabric seats, Uconnect head unit, black three-piece hard top, 16-inch steel wheels, skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case and a full centre console with lockable storage.\nJeep Wrangler \u2013 Unlimited Sahara (RM328,889)   The \nUnlimited Sahara\n trim gives you larger wheels \u2013 18-inch Sparkle Silver wheels with 255/70 R18 series tyres, body coloured fenders, side steps, 6.5-inch touchscreen display unit, premium Alpine sound system with nine speakers, full-framed removable doors and leather upholstered seats; kits that are added on top of all that\u2019s found in the lesser Unlimited Sports variant.\nJeep Wrangler \u2013 Rubicon (RM338,889)   The \nRubicon\u00a0\nis the model\u2019s top specced variant, and it only comes with three doors. It sits on the 17-inch polished aluminium grey wheels shod with 245/75 R17 series rubbers and rides on heavy-duty suspension setup and high-pressure monotube shocks with configurable valves. The front sway bar can also disconnect, and it gets rock rails and \nRubicon embroidered\n leather seats.\nWith the Wrangler, there are ten exterior colours to choose from \u2013 Bright White, Anvil, Black, Sunset Orange Pearl, Billet Silver Metallic, Firecracker Red, Tank, Hydro Blue Pearl, Copper Brown Pearl and Baja Yellow. You get \nfive-years\n or \n150,000km\n warranty too, just like all other Jeeps.\nJeep Cherokee \u2013 Longtitude (RM348,889)\nThe Cherokee is Jeep\u2019s modern interpretation of their SUV lineup, and it\u2019s offered in two trims here \u2013 Longtitude and Trailhawk. Underneath the Cherokee\u2019s hood nestles a four-cylinder 2.4-litre Tigershark engine paired to a \nNINE\u00a0\nspeed automatic gearbox that permanently drives all four wheels. It makes 174 hp at 6,400 rpm and 229 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm.\nThe Longtitude trim getis 18-inch aluminium wheels, chrome roof rails, horizontal rectangular grille, dual-zone air-cond, leather wrapped gear knob and steering wheel with multi-controls, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen head unit with GPS navigation, fabric interior and front fog lamps and cornering lamps.\nJeep Cherokee \u2013 Trailhawk (RM378,889)\nShared between the Longtitude and Trailhawk variants are the self-levelling bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. However, the Trailhawk trim is raised by 51mm for better off-road performance, and it gets off-road suspension top things off. Its shoes are smaller; 17-inch wheels wrapped with Yokohama all-season tyres.\nThe front and rear bumpers of the Trailhawk is also different and appears to be more rugged to suit its off-roading image. Inside, drivers are greeted with a 7-inch multi-info display as opposed to the Longtitude\u2019s 3.5-inch TFT display. Leather seats are accented in red stitching here, and it gets \nten exterior colours\n to choose from.\nJeep Grand Cherokee\n\u00a0\n\u2013 Limited (RM448,889)\nThe fourth generation Grand Cherokee is Jeep Malaysia\u2019s top-of-the-line SUV, and carries a price tag no lesser than \nRM449k\n. It\u2019s offered here in two trims \u2013 \nLimited\n and \nOverland\n. Both variants are powered by a \n3.6-litre Pentastar V6\n engine paired with an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission with E-shift technology. The engine makes \n284 hp\n\u00a0at 6,350 rpm and \n347 Nm\n of torque at 4,300 rpm while it permanently drives on all four wheels.\nWheels fitted onto the Limited trim measures in at 18-inches and gets keyless entry, push-start ignition, power tailgate, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and tinted glass.\nInside, the Limited benefits from the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen head unit, lighted front footwell and centre console, heated steering wheel and leather seats, nine-speaker Alpine audio system, rear-view camera with grid lines as well as front and rear sensors.\nJeep Grand Cherokee\n\u00a0\n\u2013 Overland (RM478,889)\nCosting a good \nRM30k\n more, the Overland option gives you 20-inch wheels, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, air suspension with vehicle management system, ventilated leather front seats, Uconnect voice command, wood-accented leather steering wheel, dual exhaust pipes, \nQuadra-trac II active full-time 4WD\n system and auto high-beam headlights control. That\u2019s quite a kit for RM30k to be frank. Mechanical, in fact.\nThe Grand Cherokee can be had in nine different colours, from Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl to Granite Crystal Metallic and\nWHAT ELSE?\nAll the Jeeps are fully imported from the United States and come with an impressive \n5-year\n or \n150,000km warranty\n programme, whichever comes first. Jeep Malaysia is offering 2 years \nfree road tax\n, 2 years \nfree insurance\n and \n2% financing\n, which can be converted to \ncash\n; for bookings made within this year.\nThe Jeep 3S Centre can be found along Jalan Pelukis U1/46, next to the Mazda and Mercedes-Benz showrooms, and is opened seven days a week. Fancy yourself a Jeep, guys?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has just announced that they are extending operations of their Service Central Hubs till \n31 December 2016\n to facilitate the replacement of faulty Takata airbag modules. Also, additional Mobile Hubs will be dispatched to\u00a0\nselected shopping centres\n around the Peninsular.\nThe three Service Central Hubs \nopen everyday\n\u00a0(except public holidays), from 8am to 5.50pm on weekdays and 8am to 5pm on weekends. They will be operational from now to 31 December 2016. Customers will be able to carry out their Takata driver and front passenger (subject to availability) airbag inflators replacement.\nSERVICE CENTRAL HUBS\nLocation\nAddress\nNorthern Hub (Next to S.M.J.K. Convent Dato\u2019 Keramat School)\nNo.401, Jalan Dato\u2019 Keramat, 10150 Georgetown, Penang.\nCentral Hub \u2013 Soo & Sons Metal Works Sdn. Bhd. (Next to Columbia Asia\nHospital)\nLot 15 Jalan 13/6, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.\nSouthern Hub \u2013 Oriental Assemblers Sdn. Bhd.\n99 & 99A-C, Jalan Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.\nFrom \n8 to 30 October 2016\n, Honda Malaysia will be setting up mobile hubs alongside their Honda Family Road Trip at eight different locations during the weekends, also serving the same cause.\nMOBILE HUBS LOCATIONS FOR OCTOBER\n8 \u2013 9 Oct (Sat & Sun)\n14 \u2013 15 Oct (Fri & Sat)\n15 \u2013 16 Oct (Sat & Sun)\n22 \u2013 23 Oct (Sat & Sun)\n29 \u2013 30 Oct (Sat & Sun)\nLocation\nTesco Extra Mutiara Damansara\nAEON Alpha Angle\nAEON Bukit Tinggi\nMydin USJ\nOperating hours\n10am \u2013 7pm\n10am \u2013 7pm\n10am \u2013 7pm\n10am \u2013 7pm\nLocation\nHonda Family Road Trip\nMelaka AEON Shopping Mall\nHonda Family Road Trip\nTapak Muzium Dungun\nHonda Family Road Trip\nGiant Kangar\nHonda Family Road Trip\nTemerloh Town\nOperating hours\n8am \u2013 7pm\n8am \u2013 7pm\n8am \u2013 7pm\n8am \u2013 7pm\nAccording to Honda Malaysia\u2019s records, about \n23 percent\n of affected Honda vehicles \nhave yet to\n replace their front airbag inflators while the Northern and Southern regions are estimated to be around\u00a0\n9 and 8 percent\n respectively. Honda Malaysia urges its customers to identify whether their vehicles are affected \nhere\n. Should the vehicle be part of this recall exercise, please make an appointment for the replacement as soon as possible.\u00a0For more information on the Mobile Hubs, click \nhere\n.\nMessage from Honda\n:\nHonda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. continues alerting and informing customers of the importance of replacing the affected vehicle\u2019s airbag inflators, via increased frequency of postings on social media and SMS blast. Owners of Honda vehicles affected by the airbag inflator product recall are advised to get their vehicles checked and parts replaced at any authorised Honda dealers, Central Hubs or Mobile Hubs as soon as possible."
"BMW in Singapore has launched the new G24 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe with prices starting from SGD273,888 (RM843,989) for the 420i M Sport, SGD 330,888 (RM1.02 million) for the 430i M Sport Pro, and SGD409,888 (RM1.263 million) for the M440i xDrive.\nStarting with the 420i, underneath the front hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with \n184 hp \nand \n300 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 7.9 seconds with top speed rated at 235 km/h.\nThe 430i is a little quicker, taking just 6.2 seconds to complete the same run with its \n245 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n from the similar 2.0-litre engine but tuned for more power.\nFacts & Figures: G22 BMW 430i Coupe M Sport launched, priced at RM454,800. Find out more here!\nAs for the most powerful variant of the three \u2013 the M440i xDrive \u2013 there\u2019s \n369 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n to play with from a larger 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. As a result, the M440i xDrive takes a brisk 4.7 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h. Top speed is rated at 250 km/h. All variants come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.\nA notable difference on the exterior between the 420i and the 430i/M440i xDrive is that the latter two are fitted with adaptive M Sport Suspension. The wheels on the 430i and M440i xDrive are also larger; measuring 19-inches instead of the 18\u2019s on the 420i.\nBetween the two higher-end models, only the M440i xDrive comes with an M Differential. Inside, the M Sport models come with M sport steering and seats, along with a Harman Kardon sound system.\nGALLERY\nBMW\n \n430i M Sport\nBMW M440i xDrive M Sport"
"Welcome to the inaugural \nweekly round-up\n post, where we take a look at some of the biggest news and stories this past week. We\u2019ll be doing this every Friday from now on to help recap on things that you might have missed, from new car launches globally to oddball stories \u2013 so be sure to leave a comment below to tell us what you\u2019d like to see!\nIt\u2019s been a busy week with quite a few big breaking news happening across the last five days. So without further ado, it\u2019s time to grab yourselves a nice beverage and get stuck in.\nFacts & Figures: Facelift Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM1.1 million \nFollowing the launch of the facelifted E-Class line-up here in Malaysia (which we took a brief look here!), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now also brought out the biggest and baddest of them all \u2013 the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+ \u2013 here onto our shores.\nThe 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine makes a whopping \n612 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n, which translates to a century sprint time of just 3.4 seconds \u2013 and in case you forget, it\u2019s based on a luxobarge executive sedan for businessmen. Pricing starts at RM1.12 million.\nAll-new Honda BR-V launched in Indonesia, Honda Sensing available!\nThe second-generation budget-oriented seven-seater SUV has just been unveiled in Indonesia, and as much as Honda tried to convince us that the smart-looking N7X Concept isn\u2019t the next-gen BR-V, it turns out that our guesses were right after all \u2013 and with that, they\u2019ve also \nfixed one of the biggest design \u201cflaw\u201d\n in its predecessor!\nThe Honda BR-V is offered with just one engine option in Indonesia \u2013 a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine making \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n, and is paired to either a manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission, depending on the variant.\nInterstate travelling to open soon \u2013 tourism sector to reopen from 1st Oct\nPrime Minister Dato\u2019 Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that interstate travelling restrictions will soon be eased-up, alongside the reopening of tourist attractions and vacation islands nationwide, as soon as the Malaysian adult population achieves a fully vaccinated rate of 90%. \u00a0\nAlongside the easing of travel restrictions, several more economic sectors have also been given the green light to operate again at full capacity, provided all patrons and staff are fully vaccinated. Petrol stations, convenience stores, and eateries can also now operate from 6 am to 12 midnight daily, regardless of NRP phase.\nUMW Toyota shares cryptic invite \u2013 CKD hybrid models coming on 27th September?\nUMW Toyota Motor shared a cryptic invite for an online event the 27th of September, with a copy that\u2019s filled to the brim with marketing buzzwords. Nothing specific was mentioned, but the emphasis on \u201csilence\u201d, \u201cenergy\u201d, and \u201cpower\u201d does suggest that it\u2019ll be something to do with its recent announcement of their CKD hybrid plans.\nAre they launching an all-new CKD hybrid-powered model? And if so, which? Well, we narrowed it down to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid based on an educated guess, but UMWT does have a knack for surprises.\nAston Martin KL presents bespoke DBX SUV in Arden Green, from RM1 million\nHot right off the press, this one. Aston Martin KL has just (\nquite literally\n) unveiled a new bespoke DBX SUV in their showroom, featuring a gorgeous Arden Green pain job on the outside.\nThe colour is said to be inspired by Aston Martin\u2019s racing heritage, and although the signature Aston Martin race car colour is green, this one here instead adopts a lighter green hue, mixed with a little bit of grey in between. The unique colour is paired to a tan leather upholstery on the inside. Be sure to check out the pictures in the post, because this one\u2019s a beauty!\nToyota Yaris gets SUV-inspired styling with new X-Urban trim in Thailand \u2013 30 mm lift!\nIt seems like people just can\u2019t get enough of the jacked-up hatchback faux-SUV look, because Toyota Thailand has just unveiled exactly that, based on the Yaris facelift that was unveiled last year.\nAside from the SUV-inspired body appendages including the plastic wheel arch protectors and bashplate-like bumpers, the Yaris X-Urban also gets a 30 mm lift for extra road clearance (\nand SUV-like looks.\n), thanks to a variant-specific suspension set-up.\nVideo: Perodua Ativa vs Nissan Almera Turbo vs Proton Iriz on KLIA runway!\nOf course, we have to end this week\u2019s round-up with our own drag race video, don\u2019t we. In the fourth instalment of our 2021 runway drag series, it\u2019s all about the \u201cpeople\u2019s car\u201d \u2013 the Nissan Almera Turbo, Perodua Ativa, and Proton Iriz.\nAnd just for old time\u2019s sake, we also brought along our friend from \nWapCar\n, Mr. All-about-the-details Adrian Chia to join in on the fun (or show him who\u2019s the boss, you decide). Watch on and find out who is the\n Jaguh Kampung \n3.0!"
"The \nthird-generation Kia Picanto\n was first presented to the world at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show early this year and now it has made a public appearance on our local shores at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow.\nNaza Kia Malaysia (NKM) chose to display the much more aggressive \nPicanto GT-Line\n to the Malaysian public. The GT-Line adds on a unique body kit, rear diffuser, dual exhaust outlets and larger 16-inch dual-tone alloys. It also gets the new headlamp design with U-shaped LED daytime running lights.   Compared to the outgoing model, the new Picanto has grown 15 mm in wheelbase to 2,400 mm and sit 5 mm lower at 1,485 mm while the length and width remain at 3,595 mm and 1,595 mm respectively. Kia claims that the new hatchback offers better headroom, shoulder room and legroom. Boot space has swelled to \n255 litres\n, 55 litres more than before.\nLike the \nStinger GT AWD on display\n, the interior of the Picanto GT-Line is completely sealed from prying eyes, presumably due to finalisation of specification. If international models are of any indication, the Picanto can be equipped with a plethora of luxury features such as centre floating infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, reverse camera, leather upholstery and even a sunroof! We will have to wait for the official launch to confirm the specification.\nIn other markets, the Picanto is offered with an all-new 1.0-litre Kappa Eco-prime three-cylinder petrol engine which produces \n75 hp\n and \n95 Nm\n of torque as well as a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDI engine that outputs \n99 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque (on \nX-Line only\n).\nSafety is the new-generation Picanto\u2019s strongest suit \u2013 seven airbags, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, Vehicle Stability Management with Torque Vectoring Brake Based (TVBB), Straight Line Stability (SLS) (helps the car stay in a straight line under heavy braking), Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) and \nEmergency Brake Assist System\n (AEB). NKM, if you are reading this, please let us have them all!\nPreviously, the second-generation Picanto sold through NKM carried a \nprice tag of below RM60k\n, however with all these features in place, expect the new car to carry a hefty premium. Stay tuned for more updates on the all-new Picanto!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The joy of driving is not only derived from speed but the senses from the steering wheel, changing gears (ideally on your own) and even the sound and smell from the engine bay.\nIf you enjoy all things driving, then perhaps you\u2019d see hybrid/electric cars as the anti-Christ of pure driving pleasure. Peugeot, however, is about to change just that.\n \nCheck out the \nall-new Peugeot 508 that\u2019s coming to Malaysia\n this year!\nWhat they\u2019re set to unveil at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show is the \nPeugeot 508\n Sport Engineered Concept \u2013 the first step towards a range of high performance electric Peugeot vehicles.\nBased on the \nnew 508 Hybrid\n, Peugeot Sport engineers had fettered with its powertrain to now feature the PureTech 200 engine and a \n111 hp\n electric motor powering the front wheels, while another\n 200 hp \nelectric motor is solely in charge of the rear wheels.\nThe result is an all-wheel drive configuration capable of a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n4.3 seconds \nand a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).\nHome to a 11.8kWh battery, the 508 Sport Engineered Concept can go up to \n50 km in full electric mode\n. Inside the 508, the i-Cockpit design concept has been further dramatise by a mix of alcantara and carbon fibre trims.\nThe 508 Sport Engineered Concept marks an important step for the brand towards an electrified future; pledging to provide an electrified version across its entire range by 2023.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor took the opportunity to launch the \nall-new 8th generation Toyota Camry,\u00a0\ncodenamed XV70, in the eyes of the public at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, to mixed reviews, especially on how it looks.\nSome thought it was a bit overdone; diminishing the signature elegant exterior of the Camry we\u2019ve all grown accustomed to, with an unnecessarily radical design. What\u2019s also intriguing is the fact that UMW Toyota will only be offering a single variant for the new Camry \u2013 \n2.5V\n \u2013 priced at RM 189,900 without insurance.\nUnfortunately though, it doesn\u2019t get the new Dynamic Force engine as made available in Thailand. What we get here is a carried-over\u00a02AR-FE 2.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine that\u2019s good for\u00a0\n184 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n235 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed Super ECT transmission with optimised gear ratios for smoother acceleration.\nThe new Camry also gets a double wishbone suspension setup that replaces the old multi-link system, along with inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system.\u00a0 Find out what else is new in the Toyota Camry in video above!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW is reportedly set to introduce the all-electric 3 Series sedan at the upcoming Frankfurt\u00a0Motor Show in September. The BMW 3 Series Electric will be Munich\u2019s second full electric vehicle (EV) model after the i3.\nIt\u2019s likely to based on the outgoing \nF30 3 Series\n and will complement the existing \n330e\n plug-in electric hybrid variant on sale now. The 3 Series Electric will be a counterattack to Tesla\u2019s mainstream model, the \nModel 3\n. Apparently, the latter\u2019s attractive pricing has stolen many of the BMW 3 Series\u2019 customer base.\nBMW is taking EV very seriously, with massive investment made in R&D. Earlier, they joined forces with \nAndretti Autosports\n in the Formula E series as BMW looks into the possibility of participating in the up and coming racing series.\nBMW is also looking to streamline its model lineup, and there are chances of the oil burner models will be slowly phased out. Meanwhile, the replacement of F30 3 Series, the G20, is expected to arrive in 2019.\nSources: \nHandeslsbatt\n & AutoCar"
"TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd has officially launched the Renault Megane RS265 Cup. It may look similar to the existing Megane RS265 Sport, but underneath they\u2019re ever so slightly different.\nThe \nMegane RS265 Cup\n is a step up from the Megane RS265 Sport, and for RM37k more you\u2019ll get the \nCup chassis\n with stiffer suspension and a mechanical slippy diff too.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Megane RS265 Cup\n \nEngine\n1,998 cc 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n265 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n360 Nm @ 3,000 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n6.0 seconds\nTop Speed\n255 km/h\nPrice\nfrom RM234,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nThe RS265 Cup is virtually identical to the RS265 Sport. It has that new Renault face with the oversized Renault badge over a glossy black grille that extends to the headlamps, and the \nF1-inspired wing\n in the lower intake that incorporates \nLED DRLs\n.   The \nflared wheel arches\n accommodate a set of \n18-inch Tibor wheels\n hiding \nred brembo calipers\n behind, while the back didn\u2019t change much from the pre-facelifted Megane, featuring a rear bumper with diffuser and a \ncenter-exit tailpipe\n, and also a \nreverse camera\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is also not much different from the pre-facelifted Megane, and we guess Renault is planning to keep things simple in here. However, the RS265 Cup gets the latest \n2.0 version\n of the \nRS Monitor\n, which records your driving statistics for future reference or for comparing with your other Megane friends.\nIn terms of creature comforts, there\u2019s\u00a0\nkeyless entry and push-start\n, a \n7-inch touch screen\n multimedia system, \nRecaro RS\n sports seats with \nred seat belts\n, \nsix airbags\n, and an upgraded sound system over the RS265 Sport.\nPERFORMANCE\nA \ncentury sprint\n time is clocked in \nsix seconds flat\n, with the help from the \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n mated to a\n six-speed manual\n \u2018box. The engine produces \n265 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n of torque, but that\u2019s only part of the fun.\nThe \nindependent front double-axis strut\n system is said to minimise torque steer, and for maximum fun, the Cup chassis provides \nstiffer and sportier suspension setup\n and a mechanical\n limited slip differential\n. Drivers can play around with the three different driving modes on offer: Normal, Sport, or Race. The last one completely disables the ESC.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Megane RS265 Cup comes with a\n three-year or 100,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty\n. There are four colours to choose from: Pearl White, Oyster Grey, Diamond Black, and the trademark Sirius Yellow; but you have to fork up another RM7,000 for that signature colour.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Volkswagen Group\u2019s electrification efforts thus far were all hinged on its modular electric platform, called the MEB, which allowed it to make cars ranging from the small Cupra Born hatchback, all the way up to the \nID. Buzz Kombi van\n. But in the coming years, the platform will be called the MEB+, thanks to a range of upgrades that\u2019ll enable more range and faster charging speeds.\nThe existing MEB platform has already seen applications in more than 670,000 vehicles on the roads, produced by a variety of brands across the group, but the company will continue \u201cinvesting substantially in its further development in order to leverage the full potential of this successful platform and ensure that it remains competitive\u201d, it said in a statement.\nA key factor in the MEB+ is the new generation of what the company calls \u201cunit cell\u201d batteries, which will be manufactured at VW Group\u2019s own cell factory in Salzgitter. The new battery technology will supposedly enable ranges of up to 700 km, while also significantly improve charging times, with charging speeds of 175-200 kW \u201cpossible in the future\u201d.\nVolkswagen also says that the MEB+ will improve upon its predecessor\u2019s digital infrastructure, bringing \u201csignificant leaps\u201d in automated driving functions.\nThe MEB+ platform will also help realise a significant expansion in the company\u2019s EV range, with the Volkswagen brand itself getting 10 new models to be unveiled by 2026, including an entry-level model that will be priced at around EUR25,000 (approx. RM116k). This will also include a fully-electric SUV model, codenamed the e-SUV for now, as well as other models within the performance and premium segments.\nSpeaking on the updated platform, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Sch\u00e4fer said, \u201cThe MEB still has significant potential. Our ambition is to take this platform to the next level. To that end, we are making substantial investments in advancing this technology. The MEB+ puts us in an excellent position for the coming years.\u201d\nREAD MORE: \nVolkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 \u2013 520km range EV SUV\nAside from MEB+, Volkswagen has also previously announced the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) back in 2021, which was designed as a successor to the MEB. The SSP platform will underscore Volkswagen\u2019s upcoming \nTrinity EV project\n, and was supposedly planned for a 2026 debut. However, the company\u2019s language from the press release, alongside a separate report from last month, suggests that the project has been delayed.\nALSO READ: \nGoodbye DSG, Volkswagen R to go fully electric by 2030"
"Following months of teasing and leaks, Mercedes-Benz has now officially unveiled the all-new C-Class, making its world debut in both sedan and estate forms.\nFollowing in the \u201cjunior S-Class\u201d footsteps as seen on its predecessor, the all-new C-Class was also heavily inspired by the \nW223 S-Class\n, looking like a scaled-down version of the luxury sedan\n \nboth outside and inside.\nIn terms of dimensions, the new W206-generation C-Class has increased substantially in length \u2013 65 mm longer to be exact, along with a 25 mm \nlonger wheelbase\n at 2,865 mm. Width however is just 10 mm wider, coupled with the 9 mm lower ride height to give the all-new C-Class a sportier profile.\nCompared to the \nBMW 3 Series\n, the new C-Class is larger in every dimension, measuring in at 4,751 mm long, 1,820 mm wide, and 1,438 mm tall.\nWhile the silhouette of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class does look quite similar to the outgoing model, the designers actually worked to reduce its lines to a minimum, while emphasising the shoulder line even more in the new C-Class.\nFor the new C-Class, all variants will feature a large central star on the grille \u2013 no option for a standing bonnet ornament emblem in this generation. Depending on the variant, the design and character of the radiator grille will differ in its details. In this AMG Line for example, each of the mini stars (a total of 240 individual stars!) on the grille are finished in the chrome \u2018pins\u2019 design.\nThe highly advanced \nDigital Light\n headlamp system, which debuted with the all-new S-Class, can be had as an option in this all-new C-Class. This revolutionary lighting system, which relies on three extremely powerful LEDs refracted by millions of micro-mirrors, is able to achieve a lighting resolution of over \n2.6 million\n pixels, offering excellent visibility with minimum dazzle to other drivers.\nAdditionally, the lights are also capable of projecting warning signs directly onto the road ahead, warning the driver of any impending dangers while keeping their eyes on the road.\nLike its predecessor, the tail lamps design on the all-new C-Class is also heavily influenced by the design of the all-new S-Class, now employing a slim two-piece design in the horizontal orientation.\nThe second-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (\nMBUX\n) from the S-Class is also found here and the portrait-oriented screen is the main highlight. Two configurations of screen sizes are available, with the basic driver\u2019s display measuring 10.25 inches and the central display in 9.5 inches.\nThe example we see in these press images are the larger \n12.3-inch\n and \n11.9-inch\n for the driver and central display respectively. The dashboard and central display are slightly tilted towards the driver by \nsix degrees\n, a first in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car.\nA fingerprint scanner is located below the central display. This allows drivers to log into MBUX quickly, conveniently, and securely. Different settings of favourites, navigation points-of-interest, calendar entries and even emails are protected.\nThe fingerprint scanner also allows secured payment via Mercedes me.\nMercedes-Benz also wants its drivers to be fit and healthy, and as such, a feature called Energizing Coach is built into the MBUX system. It suggests appropriate fitness and wellness programme based on vehicle and trip data plus the driver\u2019s sleep quality and stress level from data obtained in their wearable smart device.\nBehind the new grille with 240 tiny stars and one big central star is a variety of diesel and petrol-power four-cylinder engines with 48-volt mild hybrid system.\nBoth the C180 and \nC200\n share the same \n1.5-litre\n engine, with the former churning out \n170 hp / 250 Nm\n and the latter with outputs of \n204 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque.\nThe two-litre engine meanwhile is used in the C300, with outputs of \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h sprint can be completed in \nsix seconds\n flat with the C300, while the C200 takes 7.3 seconds and the C180 stops the stopwatch at 8.6 seconds. \u00a0\nAll engines have an additional boost of \n20 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n from the new second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) installation.\nFor the new-generation plug-in hybrid variant, Mercedes-Benz estimates an electric range of around \n100 kilometres\n is possible from the \n25.4 kWh\n (four-times larger) battery. Thanks to a 55 kW DC fast charger, it can be fully charged in \n30 minutes\n. The MBUX can also offer a \u2018power nap\u2019 programme for the interior to refresh the occupants whilst charging.\nNo mention of the combined system output when paired to the two-litre engine, but the electric motor has outputs of\n 129 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, an increase of 49 hp and 100 Nm versus the old C350e.\nAnother key piece of technology from the new S-Class that has trickled down to the new W206-generation C-Class is the rear-axle steering. It allows the rear wheels to turn in either direction by as much as 2.5 degrees.\nAt parking speeds, it turns in the opposite direction of the front wheels for easier entry and reduced effort into the parking spot. At speeds above 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer up to 2.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels, improving handling stability.\nRide comfort and agility have been further improved courtesy of a new four-link axle at the front and a subframe-mounted multi-link axle at the rear. Air suspension will be fitted to the rear axle of the plug-in hybrid models due to the placement of the battery pack in the boot.\nAdvancements have also been made in the aspect of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The Active Distance Assist Distronic can detect stationary vehicles on the road at speeds up to 100 km/h, where the previous version could only be available up to 60 km/h.\nThe new Active Steering Assist helps the driver to stay in lane at speeds up to 210 km/h. The technology now uses the 360-degree surround view camera to better place the vehicle within its lane.\nThe new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will commence deliveries in Europe from summer this year.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan\nMercedes-Benz C-Class Estate"
"The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon facelift was launched here in Malaysia back in July this year \u2013 and now that the travelling restrictions have eased, we can now finally bring you along for a closer look at the sleek fastback.\n \nThe exterior updates on the new Arteon R-Line is tame by modern \u201cfacelift\u201d standards, with the main changes being the new light bar across the front grille, and a new three-dimensional tail light signature at the back.\nJust as before, the Volkswagen Arteon in Malaysia is dressed in the R-Line package, which includes sportier trims such as the front and rear bumper, along with a bootlid spoiler, plus the 19-inch \u201cMontevideo\u201d alloy wheels.\nBut why change what\u2019s not broken, right? The main updates here are in its performance capabilities anyway \u2013 and they\u2019re huge. The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon in Malaysia is now powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making \n280 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a whole 90 hp more than the previous \u201chandicapped\u201d version.\nThat\u2019s not all \u2013 the new Volkswagen Arteon also now gains the 4Motion all-wheel drive system to better translate all that powere into the tarmac, and there\u2019s also the XDS electronic differential lock and adaptive dampers with Dynamic Chassis Control to help with traction and athletism in the corners.\nFor a closer look at the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon, check out our in-depth gallery here!\nIn terms of figures, the engine \u2013 paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission \u2013 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just\n 5.6 seconds\n. While top speed numbers weren\u2019t provided, videos online shows that the powertrain combo on the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is capable of hitting speeds of up to \n250 km/h.\nOn the interior, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon has received a slight nip and tuck, with a reworked dashboard featuring a sportier carbon fibre-like trim element replacing the one in the old model that was lifted pretty-much wholesale from the Passat.\nIn terms of equipment, the only new addition are the new R-Line flat-bottom steering wheel with haptic touch controls, plus the sportier ErgoComfort front seats with integrated headrests, wrapped in a \u201cCarbon-style\u201d Nappa leather upholstery.\nOtherwise, the rest of the equipment is basically unchanged from last year\u2019s model, with standard equipments such as an 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12-speaker, 700W Harman Kardon sound system.\nThe 2021 Volkswagen Arteon in Malaysia is priced \nRM247,671 \non the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are valid until the end of the year. Also included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, three-year free scheduled service package, and five years of free roadside assistance.\nFor the full run-down of the specs and features of the 2021 Volkswagen Ateon R-Line in Malaysia, check out our launch coverage here."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just welcomed the updated Golf family in the form of \nTSI\n, \nGTI and R\n. We have seen the popular GTI in detail, now is the turn of the entry-level Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline. Here are Things You Need to Know about the Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline:\nUnder the hood rests the same 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine carried over from the pre-facelift model. The TSI mill is good for \n147 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque, paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch to drive the front wheels. Century sprint is clocked in \n8.2 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n216 km/h\n.\nVPCM offers the Golf 1.4 TSI in \ntwo variants \n\u2013\n\u00a0\nSportline\n and \nR-Line \u2013\n\u00a0the latter wears a more aggressive exterior kit and gets more tech for the interior. The Sportline is yours for RM155,990 while the R-Line is priced at RM169,990, both on-the-road without insurance. Every purchase of the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI comes with \n3-Years/45,000 km free service package\n, 5-Years Manufacturers Warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline"
"We went on a drive recently to Mangala Resort in Gambang, Pahang with the \nnew 2022 facelift Toyota Camry \nand were pleasantly surprised at what we discovered inside the new car.\nThe rear seats have been fitted with an armrest with controls for the rear air-con but that\u2019s not all. The facelift Camry even comes with reclinable rear seats! That pretty much puts the Toyota Camry, somewhat in the \nsame league as the more expensive Lexus ES\n!\n \nBut it won\u2019t cost you Lexus money. While the \nES 250 Luxury we reviewed\n \nis priced at RM327k, the 2022 Camry is more than RM100k cheaper, at \nRM199,109\n. That\u2019s not all, it also comes with a new 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine along with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The new pairing now offers 25 hp and 18 Nm more than before, with \n209 hp \nand \n253 Nm\n to drive the front wheels.\nThe new engine and transmission are complemented with a more subtle exterior, compared to the pre-facelift model, from the redesigned front bumper.\nCouple that with the new cabin creature comforts and the TNGA platform the car is built on, the new 2022 Camry is not only still very much a Camry \u2013 in that it\u2019s spacious and comfortable \u2013 but also feels youthful. That\u2019s not something you can say about the previous generations!\nGALLERY"
"Almost every SUV today comes with all-wheel drive but they\u2019re mostly for urban use extra traction when driving in slippery and wet conditions but what if you need something that can be a proper off-roader but can apply itself when it\u2019s back on the tarmac? Here\u2019s where the \nToyota Fortuner\n comes in.\nThe \nFortuner\n is equipped with all the necessary convenience features expected of a modern urban SUV including wireless charging, glovebox with cooler, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, surround-view monitor, powered tailgate, and LED lighting all-round.\n \nWhen the going gets tough, there are features such as the Auto LSD, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), seven airbags, and in the case of the 2.8 VRZ Fortuner we had, it was even fitted Lane Departure Alert, Pre-collision system, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.\nThese features are part of the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system which also includes a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.\nUnder the hood is a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine paired to a 6-speed automatic, like in the Hilux 2.8 Rogue, with 204 hp and 500 Nm."
"If you feel like the standard\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n is too commonplace and predictable, then perhaps you\u2019d like to take a look at the\u00a0\ntwo-doored\n\u00a0variant. In fact, in January at Detroit, Mercedes-Benz will unveil the S-Class Coupe Night Edition, a special run for the select few.\nThe \u201cNight Edition\u201d pretty much sums up its exclusivity. Packaged as standard are the new distinctive radiator grille, 20-inch AMG wheels, mirror housings and dark side sills. The exterior is finished with exclusive \u201c\nSelenite Gray Magno\n\u201d with matte finishing. Finally, the \u201cNight Edition\u201d badge appears on each side of the front fender.\nInside, customers can choose the upholstery material, ranging from Nappa leather, AMG Nappa leather or a combination of suede and leather. The hides can be had in black, Crystal Grey, Saddle Brown or Bengal Red. Regardless of your choice, each choice will come with black accents.\nThe Night Edition is offered in three forms: \nS400 4MATIC, S500\n, and\n S500 4MATIC\n. The S400 is powered by a \n3.0-litre V6\n unit that produces \n367 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n of torque. The S500 gets the \n4.6-litre V8\n lump that makes \n455 hp a\nnd 7\n00 Nm\n of torque. The V6 can perform a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds, while the V8 does that in 4.6 seconds.\u00a0\nThis exquisite Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Night Edition will be displayed at the Detroit Motor Show next month. Back at home, the S-Class Coupe is only available in the sole S63 guise and retails from RM1.5 million.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The first offspring from the Proton and Geely marriage has finally made its way to Malaysia and within just a month from its introduction, Proton\u2019s first ever SUV has garnered overwhelming response, with more than 15,000 bookings made and 2,000 units delivered so far.\nIn the video, Adrian would be walking you through all the thoughtful features in tech-laden SUV, some of which you may not have even heard of and would be pleasantly surprised to know \u2013 like the \u201cwindow ventilation mode\u201d for instance.\nWhat you\u2019d also find to be really cool, in case you\u2019ve not noticed, is that all the \u201cbells and whistles\u201d as Adrian puts it \u2013 such as the 7-inch LCD instrument cluster, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air purifier, electronic parking brake and an 8-inch GKUI infortainment system \u2013 are standard across the range. How generous!\nThe Proton X70 is available in four variants and is priced from \nRM99,800\n to \nRM123,800\n. As if that hasn\u2019t whet your appetites, Proton Cars is offering the X70 with an Xtra Package that bundles 5-years Unlimited Mileage warranty, 5-year complimentary 1GB monthly data connectivity powered by Celcom, five Free Labour Service and a low finance rate of 2.34 per cent per annum.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia\n has just launched a new update to the \nBMW Z4\n, bringing along a mild facelift, alongside new standard equipment to the roadster. The new 2022 BMW Z4 will be available in a single variant here in Malaysia, the sDrive30i M Sport, priced at \nRM508,800\n on-the-road, without insurance.\nWhen we say \u201cmild\u201d, we really do mean it, as most people would probably miss it unless you know where to look. New on the 2022 BMW Z4 is a hexagonal mesh insert for the front grille, alongside the slightly reworked side air intakes on the M Sport bumper, Shadowline chrome delete on the exterior, and. that\u2019s really about it.\nYou do at least get a few new exterior colour choices \u2013 Skyscraper Grey, Portimao Blue, and the unique Thundernight Metallic (pictured) from the\n 2 Series Coupe\n, alongside a new set of 19-inch double-spoke style M light alloy wheels which are standard for the BMW Z4 here in Malaysia.\nIt\u2019s a similar story inside, with the only change being the new Aluminium Mesheffect trims. Everything else, including the M Sport steering wheel and seats, are all still inherited from the pre-facelift model. The displays are also unchanged from before, and still runs on the existing Live Cockpit Professional system instead of the Curved Display\u2019s iDrive 8.0.\nRELATED: \nThe latest BMW iDrive 8 system could be the best-looking yet!\nThe new BMW Z4 will only be offered in the sDrive30i guise here in Malaysia, powered by an unchanged B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm of torque\n. The four-banger is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, supplying power to the rear wheels for a 0-100 km/h sprint of\n 5.4 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of\n 250 km/h\n.\nAdaptive M suspensions are also now fitted as standard on the BMW Z4, allowing the driver to further fine tune the roadster\u2019s driving dynamics to their preferences.\nAs mentioned above, the new 2022 BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport in Malaysia is priced at RM508,800 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme.\nThe company is also offering the Z4 via the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM6,023 based on estimates of an 80% loan on a seven-year tenure.\nGALLERY"
"The all-new \nsecond-generation Toyota Rush is now officially launched\n in Malaysia, taking over the baton from the first-generation Rush that had its spare wheel on the rear doors for over a decade. Decked out with new styling and more importantly a vastly improved list of safety features, let Eu Jin take you on a closer look at the new Rush.\nPowered by a modest 2NR-VE 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated DVVT-i petrol engine (shared with the \nAvanza\n and \nnew Myvi\n) and four-speed automatic, the Rush commands \n105 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n of torque that drives the rear wheels exclusively.\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has blown the Rush\u2019s competitors out of the water when it comes to safety features with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, \nPanoramic View Monitor\n, digital video recorder (dash cam), \nBlind Spot Monitor\n, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and a \nPre-Collision System\n \u2013 the last item is exclusive to the top of the line 1.5S variant.\nPrices for the locally assembled Toyota Rush is estimated to be RM93,000 for the 1.5 G and RM98,000 for the 1.5 S. All purchases of the new Rush comes with 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Rush 1.5 S Launched in Malaysia"
"For those celebrating Chinese New Year, nothing else matches up to the auspicious occasion than turning up in a new car; Volkswagen agrees.\nThose looking to own the Tiguan, whether it\u2019s the Highline, JOIN or Sound & Style variants, there\u2019s more motivation as it\u2019s now accompanied with an additional 1-year free insurance and 1-year free petrol rebate.\n \nModel\u00a0\nSavings up to\nMonthly\nPolo\u00a0\nRM4,000\nRM725\nVento Comfortline\nRM8,000\nRM783\nVento Highline\nRM4,000\nRM894\nGolf R-Line\u00a0\nRM2,000\nRM1,750\nTiguan Highline\u00a0\nRM2,000\nRM1,675\nBeetle Sport\u00a0\nRM5,000\nRM1,505\nThe figures above are calculations based on a 9-year loan tenure with 10% downpayment and based on 2.5% interest rates.\nExisting owners are not forgotten. Volkswagen is offering free 20-point inspection, up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres, as well as complimentary Volkswagen angpow packets.\nAdditionally, VW owners with free maintenance vouchers who spend a minimum of RM388 will receive a free \u201cfluid top-up\u201d consisting of coolant, windscreen cleaner and engine oil. Those without only need to spend a minimum spend of RM488. This offer is subject to terms and conditions and is valid till the 29th of February 2020."
"Despite having just unveiled the AMG-specific \nhigh-performance plug-in hybrid powertrains\n, Mercedes-Benz will stop investing in new plug-in hybrid technology, instead shifting their focus towards the simpler and more cost-effective battery EVs.\nSpeaking to Germany\u2019s \nHandelsblatt\n at the 2021 IAA Munich,\n \nMercedes-Benz chief operating officer, Markus Sch\u00e4fer said that the plug-in hybrid\u2019s days at Mercedes are numbered, with no further new developments planned.\nThe main reason, as usual, boils down to money. Having both an engine and electric components in a single vehicle is inherently more complex, and that added complexity always translates to \u201ca cost burden for the vehicle\u201d that customers will have to bear.\nPure battery electric vehicles, or BEVs on the other hand, are significantly easier to make, which means carmakers can already work on driving the price down, despite EV technology still very much in its \u201cinfancy\u201d stage. That doesn\u2019t mean that we won\u2019t be seeing another new PHEV Mercedes-Benz, however.\n\u201cThe investments have been made, so we are using them,\u201d said Sch\u00e4fer. And indeed, the recently-unveiled \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S Hybrid E Performance\n and the \nAMG Project One\n does seem to suggest that there\u2019s at least some life left for the brand\u2019s PHEV powertrain.\nThe former features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that\u2019s paired to an electric motor for a total system output of \n843 hp\n and up to \n1,470 Nm\n of torque. Nought to 100 km/h takes \n2.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of 316 km/h.\nMany carmakers consider PHEVs as a stepping stone towards full EVs anyway, and with the rapid tightening of emissions regulations worldwide, it makes sense to instead funnel more money towards the BEVs.\nHowever, automotive parts supplier ZF doesn\u2019t have the same view. According to CEO Wolf-Henning Schneider, he believes that PHEVs will \u201cplay an important role\u201d in the electrification of personal vehicles, and will still remain relevant in many parts of the world \u201cwell beyond 2030\u201d \u2013 and their order backlogs seem to support his claim."
"Just when you thought the\u00a0\nRenault Zoe\n\u00a0was a cute, docile urban commuter, Renault went on to unveil this at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the Renault Zoe E-Sport Concept. It\u2019s the Zoe\u2019s evil twin, and it packs some serious hardware underneath the carbon fibre skin.\nA \n40 kWh battery\n powers not one, but \ntwo electric motors\n that generate a combined output of \n340 kW (456 hp)\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque. Getting from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is Nissan GTR-like quick at \n3.2 seconds\n, and the Zoe E-Sport Concept takes\n less than 10 seconds\n to reach its \nlimited top speed of 210 km/h\n.   All that jazz sits in a tubular steel chassis crafted by \nTORK Engineering\n, the same company who builds Renault Sport cars competing in hill climbs and ice races. Not only that, the Zoe E-Sport Concept can actually be used on a race track, as it\u2019s also fitted with a \nroll cage with Kevlar panels\n that complies with FIA safety standards.\nThe interior is very minimalistic like that of a proper race car, featuring a couple of \nfull-bucket Recaro seats with racing harnesses\n, and the driver gets a \nrectangular steering wheel\n and a compact digital instrument cluster.\nCompared to the normal Zoe, the Zoe E-Sport Concept sits lower to the ground, has a much wider track and rides on a set of \n20-inch wheels\n. The double wishbone front and rear suspension also features \n\u00d6hlins four-way adjustable dampers\n, like the ones used in the \nMegane R.S. 275 Trophy-R\n.\nAnd by the way, the colour is not called \nSacre Bleu\n. It\u2019s Satin Blue with yellow highlights, a nod to the\n reigning Formula E champion Renault e.dams team\n, which has inspired the guys at Renault to come up with another wacky idea for the Zoe. It\u2019s a shame that it\u2019s just a concept.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you guys are planning to visit Bangkok this weekend when the doors to the 37th Bangkok Motor Show open for public, the one exhibition\u00a0you mustn\u2019t miss is Honda\u2019s. The Japanese car manufacturer is displaying most of their current models, but the one car we looked forward to seeing most, the \nCivic Type R\n, was nowhere to be seen.\nThat doesn\u2019t make things any less interesting though, because the three hottest and most anticipated models pulled such a massive crowd, it dwarfed those at neighbouring exhibitors Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai. Introducing the trio; the Honda BR-V, \nAccord facelift\n and star of the show, the \n10th generation Honda Civic\n.\nHonda Civic Sedan\nThe new Civic is perhaps one of the most prolific launches to take place at this year in Bangkok, if not the world. Right off the bat, the Thai market will get \nfour trims to choose\n from \u2013 1.8 E, 1.8 EL, 1.5 Turbo and 1.5 Turbo RS. None of the Thai-bound Civics will be powered by the 2.0-litre engine of old, instead the range toppers are now powered by a \nturbocharged engine\n \u2013 a decision which sent all Civic loyalists into a frenzy.\nNow, the numbers. The 1.8-litre SOHC four-cylinder engine makes \n141 hp\n and \n174 Nm\n of torque, while the smaller VTEC engine is boosted to make \n174 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s a little less powerful than the \nfacelifted Ford Focus\u2019s 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine\n (that engine makes 177 hp and 240 Nm), but that\u2019s not what you can consider a deal breaker. Both engines are \nmated to a CVT\n \u2013 there\u2019s no five-speed automatic or manual transmission, not even in other markets.   When the Civic was \nofficially launched in Thailand a little over a week ago\n, it was priced from RM101k to RM139k and carried a considerably healthy list of features. Some of them, depending on the variant of choice, include full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (exclusive for the Turbo and Turbo RS only), C-shaped LED tail lamps, \nElectronic Parking Brake\n, 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, \n7-inch touchscreen\n head unit, cruise control, leather seats and automatic air conditioning.\nWe sat very briefly in the back seat and are happy to report that many (ourselves included) will find the headroom and legroom sufficient, if not a tad more spacious than we initially thought. What\u2019s more impressive was the low seating position for the driver \u2013 something the Ford Focus lacks and certainly adds to the Civic\u2019s well established sporty appeal.   At this point, the only thing you need to be concerned of is the pricing for this Civic. It sits on the higher side of the price range in Thailand, but whether or not the Malaysian pricing will mirror this remains to be seen. Let\u2019s just hope there exists a concrete\u00a0plan for its local assembly for now. And yes, the turbocharged powertrain will definitely be offered in Malaysia.\nIf you want to know all about how much the Civic improved from the previous generation, we\u2019ve got a \ncomprehensive report\n readied just for your reading pleasure.\nHonda Accord\u00a0\nFacelift\u00a0\nNext up we have the \nmost technologically advanced Accord\n ever made. Just like the Honda Civic, the full LED headlamps you see featured here belongs to the more expensive trims. Needless to say, it will be made available in Malaysia, and locally assembled too!\n \n \nDifferentiating between the outgoing Accord and the facelifted model is relatively easy, really. If the headlights aren\u2019t obvious enough, the front bumper styling, rear bumper and tail lamps are all given a fresh makeover. In Thailand, the Accord is sold in three trim levels \u2013 2.0 E, 2.0 EL and 2.4 EL. Pricing starts \nfrom RM163k to RM192k\n.\nThe party piece of this Accord is the updated 7-inch touchscreen head unit which now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can gain access to Siri (for iOS) voice command, access messaging apps and a range of other compatible applications.   The Accord will also come with Honda Sensing \u2013 the company\u2019s most comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems and driver-assistive technologies. Some of which include\u00a0Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, multi-angle rear view camera, Expanded View Driver\u2019s Mirror and \nRemote Engine Start\n.\nHonda BR-V\nAny Honda model whose name ends with the initial V is\u00a0bound to find some form of success. The Honda BR-V was introduced shortly after the \nHR-V\n took Malaysia by storm, so it\u2019s only natural for everyone to invest some form of interest in the BR-V.\nFor those who are still not acquainted with the BR-V, it\u2019s a direct competitor to the Nissan Grand Livina and Toyota Avanza. In Thailand, it can be had in either a five or seven-seat configuration. Prices start from RM86,600 to RM94,600.\n \n \nAt its heart is a naturally aspirated \n1.5-litre four-cylinder\n engine, and just like the Honda City, it makes \n117 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n146 Nm\n of torque at 4,700 rpm. Power is sent to the \nfront wheels\n through the Earth Dreams\n\u00a0CVT\n. Some high-spec features include projector-type LED headlights, LED positioning lights, LED tail lamps, 6.1-inch touchscreen head unit and a reverse camera.\nPresently, Honda Malaysia has not revealed plans of introducing the BR-V just yet. They\u2019re in the midst of introducing two very important models (both locally assembled) for the Malaysian market, and there\u2019s a good chance of them being the new Civic and Accord. Now, dear readers, would you pick the new Civic, or the Ford Focus facelift?\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 Honda Civic   O2 sensor, Honda Civic 1.8   Honda Accord Facelift   Honda BR-V"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is welcoming owners to get their vehicles maintained and enjoy special promotions during this MCO 3.0 phase as service centres remain operational.\nOwners who send in their vehicles for service will be able to enjoy \n20%\n \noff Volkswagen genuine engine oil \n(terms and conditions apply), and those who spend a minimum of RM1,200 will receive a \ncomplimentary car care kit\n that consists of wax polish, wax shampoo, glass polish, plastic care, and leather care solutions in 50 ml bottles, while stocks last.\nUnder the \u2018Safe Hands\u2019 initiative, \nVolkswagen service centres\n nationwide follow strict guidelines which include contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, and cashless payments with e-invoicing.\nPayment for service or repair work is now even more flexible with the availability of the \n0% interest-free\n instalment plan. Customers can choose a six- or 12-month instalment plan with further details such as participating banks and terms and conditions available at selected authorised Volkswagen service centres.\u00a0\nVPCM has also prepared a special enhancement package for existing Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace owners. The Tiguan Allspace Highline accessories package is now priced at \nRM6,134\n, a savings of RM1,082. The package consists of scuff plates, aluminium pedal caps, load edge protector, rear mud slaps, running board kit and a luggage compartment liner plus installation charges.\nAll-new Volkswagen Golf launched in Singapore- 1.5l eTSI mild-hybrid and Golf GTI\nAlternatively, the Tiguan Allspace R-Line accessories package sees a reduction of RM787 and is now priced at \nRM4,464\n. The package consists of a load edge protector, running board kit and a luggage compartment liner. Bookings to purchase the kit and future installation appointments can be arranged by calling a Volkswagen service centre.\nIt is also the best time to own the Volkswagen \nTiguan Allspace Highline\n, as VPCM is now offering \neShowroom\n savings of RM4,500 on top of the ongoing promotion. The Allspace Highline is priced from RM164,431 and it comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and a 3-year free maintenance package.\nFor those who prefer the Volkswagen Passat sedan, both the \nPassat Elegance\n and Passat R-Line comes with the increased eShowroom savings of \nRM5,000\n on top of ongoing promotions. The Passat Elegance is priced from RM181,857 while the Passat R-Line will set you back RM203,411.\nThe promotions above run for the entire month of June."
"As the saying goes, \u201cBeauty is in the eyes of the beholder\u201d. In the case of the highly-debated vertical kidney grille, that\u2019s seems to be BMW\u2019s stand.\nWhen the company first premiered the ground-breaking (or to some, glass-shattering) vertical grille design in the \nall-new BMW 4 series\n and subsequently the \nnew M3 and M4\n, the Internet reigned down upon them with lets say, less than encouraging remarks.\nThe 4 Series Convertible\n.\nBMW\u2019s design boss, Domagoj Dukec, the man behind the new look has revealed BMW\u2019s side of the story in a recent interview with\n Top Gear UK.\nHe claims to be acutely aware of what\u2019s going on in social media but also believes that \neveryone is entitled to their opinion\n. Dukec also highlighted that in order to stand out, one must be different.\nA reference was to Chris Bangle\u2019s era when the former BMW design chief completely redefined what a BMW ought to look like especially the E60 5 Series; much to the disagreement of BMW enthusiasts then. In reality though, it did appear that there were more suitors than haters.\nUnclear if it\u2019s the direction of the 4 Series or BMW in general but it seems, to us at least, that BMW is trying to tap into a \nmore niche group of customers\n they refer to as \u201cexpressive performers\u201d \u2013 those want something that much more different; and not just everyday products.\nThe new BMW M4.\nDukec made it clear that \nit is not BMW\u2019s goal to please everyone\n \u2013 something you and I can surely agree on. He did also say it was to please BMW\u2019s customers.\nBut who are these people? Who, including BMW enthusiasts, would look at that kidney grille and clap with approval? Not many as we have observed online.\nYes, even on the M3.\nAs it turns out, those are the exact people BMW wants to cater to, as Dukec highlighted; the remaining few who\u2019ve not been driven away (pun intended) by those gapping nostrils.\nDukec also pointed out that not every BMW customer is a 4 Series customer, but is confident that those who are will see the beauty of the vertical grille and of course, the said car as a whole.\nWell said, but we\u2019ll leave it to time, to tell."
"Single-use surgical face masks have caused a pandemic within a pandemic, as most end up as litter, or worse, as nano plastics in oceans.\nVolvo Car Malaysia\n, Three Little Ahmads, and NanoTextile have launched a collection of batik reusable face masks. They\u2019re not only sustainable but also keep local communities at work in these difficult times.\nTastefully designed by Three Little Ahmads, a Malaysian children\u2019s clothing brand and social enterprise, the masks are \nproduced by single mothers, women in rural neighbourshoods\n and GIATMara vocational alumnus, who lost jobs due to retail factory closures during last year\u2019s MCO.\nRemember the face masks Lamborghini made last year? Check it out again \nhere\n!\nThese \n100% cotton face masks are handmade\n, using the traditional \u201cBatik Tekap\u201d method. They come in a set of three, in different colours and designs \u2013 Dark Blue (Sunflower), Navy Blue (Stargazer Lily), and Sky Blue (Jasmine). Sizes range from medium to large. Priced at \nRM99 per set\n, they\u2019re available at Volvo dealerships nationwide.\nThey\u2019re anti-bacterial and water repellent with viral protection \nup to 100 gentle washes\n. The materials are provided by NanoTextile, which utilises nanotechnology to reduce the penetration of contaminated droplets and prevent fabric infection.\nYou can now leave your old electronics for recycling at any Volvo dealership nationwide! Click \nhere\n to find out more! \nThese masks provide PM2.5 filtration and is tested to effectively filter out 90% of viral particles.\nFor every mask sold, an individual from the communities mentioned above will be compensated. So far, it\u2019s said that the income generated from the production of these face masks have provided these women with a stable income.\nAll Volvo employees to get 24 weeks paid parental leave! Read about it \nhere\n!\nVolvo Car Malaysia, Marketing and PR Director, Akhtar Sulaiman said, \u201cThis collaboration truly falls in line with Volvo\u2019s core philosophy of \u2018Omtanke\u2019, which is a Swedish word and Volvo\u2019s brand ethos that means \u2018to care\u2019 and \u2018to be considerate\u2019. We are honoured to lend a helping hand to our local communities and sustain their livelihoods, especially during these economically challenging and vulnerable times.\u201d\nFor more information about the Volvo Batik Reusable face masks, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019ve all seen our fair share of car advertisement videos. They\u2019re always upbeat, exciting and explosive (sometimes literally) but whatever it is, they\u2019ve always made us anticipate the sight of the car in the flesh.\nThis one though, is a special case; and not necessarily in a good way. There\u2019s no other way to say it \u2013 we\u2019ve never seen anything like this before. It revolves around the exciting \nHyundai i30 N\n \u2013 a 2.0-litre turbocharged fire-breather with an output of \n272 hp\n with \n353 Nm\n of torque.\nWe\u2019re well aware by now what an exhilarating package the i30 N is through foreign media and this over-done video, suffice to say, sings all the wrong tunes of a thrilling hot hatch.\nIt just looks like an awful introduction to a black and white bondage film that will make you cringe from start to finish. Watch it and you\u2019ll know what we\u2019re on about."
"I\u2019m going to be real with you guys. The rate of human idiocy is spiking at unprecedented levels in every part of town and country \u2013 with those refusing to come forward for testing and some still loitering like it\u2019s just another day.\nAs such Covid-19 has shown what it can do to the stubborn and the less intelligent but guess what, there is a silver lining (somewhat; just bad timing).\nThere\u2019s no better time to tell the boss to get off your back, stay put at home, and binge on movies like there is no tomorrow (cause there might not be). So here\u2019s five chase scenes from the movies of yesteryear worth revisiting.\nSpeed \n \nRight, there weren\u2019t any car chase scenes in this save for the one where Keanu Reeves tried to get on the bomb-strapped bus but there were some memorable scenes \u2013 like the one where the same bus jumped a gap on an uncompleted highway as if it had wings.\nWho\u2019d also forget how nerve-wrecking it was watching the bus passengers being transferred to safety, leaving only Bullock and Reeves behind? If this timeless classic has slipped your memory, it\u2019s time to make use of the coming weekend.\nThe Rock\n \nThis Michael Bay film has left a longer lasting impression that I thought. Not only do I remember the Hummer H1 vs Ferrari F355 chase scene like it was just yesterday, as an eight year old, it sparked my adoration for the car \u2013 something that has lasted till this day.\nIt\u2019s still the only Ferrari worth losing your reproductive organ for and I\u2019m sure most would agree. The Ferrari also gets crushed by a tram in the end and rumour was that it was a replica made out of a Pontiac.\nRonin\n \nThe plot of the movie might come off as confusing to most, but there is no confusing the car chase scene involving a E34 BMW M5, a Peugeot 406 and the tight alleyways of Paris.\nTouted as one of the best car chase scenes since Steve McQueen\u2019s \u201cBullit\u201d, it remains the most talked about till this day but only for those precious few minutes as the movie, with an reported budget of only USD55 million, tanked after raking in just USD70 million.\nTransporter\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xewS5I4Eho\nNot only did it put Jason Statham on the map, the E38 BMW 7 Series surely sparked a deeper love among us for the brand. The car used was supposedly a 750iL with a V12 engine and a manual gearbox (for a more dramatic effect) but was identified as a 735i in the movie.\nBMW never made another V12 with a manual transmission, although they really should have.\nTerminator 2\n: Judgment Day\n \n\u201cHasta la vista baby\u201d, \u201cI\u2019ll be back\u201d, \u201cCome with me if you want to live\u201d \u2013 these were only just some of the iconic quotes (and moments) in the movie.\nThe rest, for some reason, involved trucks and at this point, Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the peak of his powers, apparently commanding USD15 million to reprise his role in the James Cameron franchise \u2013 no wonder he kept coming back *wink*"
"If you were to draw a Venn diagram of\n Bentley\n owners and yacht owners, we\u2019d wager that the overlap between the two is probably pretty significant. So it comes as no surprise that Bentley has now unveiled a new special Mulliner Riviera Collection for the \nContinental GT Convertible\n, which is designed to \u201ccelebrate the elegant world of the yachting industry\u201d.\nProduction is limited to only three units, and because \u2018yacht\u2019, it\u2019s also only available exclusively via Bentley Monaco, the \u201celite hub of luxurious Mediterranean sailing\u201d.\nEach of the three cars are painted in either an Aegean Blue, Aquamarine, or Caribbean Blue exterior, all of which supposedly draws inspiration from the colours of the Mediterranean Sea along the French Riviera. The same hue is also applied onto the carbon fibre bodykit, as well as the boot lid spoiler.\nThe highlight of the special-edition model, however, is on the inside. Aside from the usual splash of colour and extra thematic trims like the door sill plates and marine knot embroideries, the entire centre console is also topped with a unique patterned wooden veneer mimicking the wooden deck of yachts.\nLinen hide and Alcantara trims tie up the nautical theme of the interior, while buyers will also receive special Reviera leather key cases to remind you of your car when you\u2019re sailing away on your actual yacht.\n\u201cBentley Monaco\u2019s understanding of the yachting world, a key focus of the principality, together with the know-how of our Mulliner designers, have created truly exceptional and unique cars,\u201d commented Bentley Europe Regional Director, Balazs Rooz. \u201cThis will complement the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline and surroundings where this one-off Continental GT Convertible will likely be driven and enjoyed.\u201d\nThe British luxury carmaker did not divulge on the car\u2019s specifications, but we don\u2019t expect it to be any different to the regular GT Convertible. That means a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine underneath the bonnet and an eight-speed gearbox, sending \n550 hp\n and \n769 hp\n to all four wheels, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of \n4.1 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n319 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nThe Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is opulence at the highest levela=\nGALLERY"
"We were at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show for the \nregional launch of the Subaru EyeSight system\n but we can\u2019t help but to pop by the Volkswagen booth to check out the \nVolkswagen Golf GTI facelift (MK7.5)\n in the metal.\nEarlier, Volkswagen introduced the updated Golf MK7.5 which brought about some styling enhancements, new tech and new engine choices. The GTI, in particular, gets a new headlamp design with restyled LED Daytime running light graphics, honeycomb grille and aggressive front bumper design with aerodynamic elements on the fog lamp housing. Over at the rear, the refreshed GTI gets new taillamp graphics, more pronounced bumper and in typical GTI fashion, dual exhaust outlets.   The cabin architecture remains true to the new-generation Volkswagen family, but with added gizmos and higher-quality materials. The model on display comes with a 12.3-inch Active Info Display, 9.2-inch \u201cDiscover Pro\u201d infotainment with gesture control, revised steering wheel design with more straightforward controls, powered sunroof and leather upholstery with red top stitching.\nUnder the hood of the GTI is an updated 2.0-litre TSI engine packing \n227 hp\n, 9 more horses than before and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a\u00a0\nseven-speed DSG\n that is more efficient than the current six-speeder.   The display unit here is equipped with the \nPerformance Pack\n option as denoted by the red brake callipers and larger front brake discs. Output is bumped to \n241 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of twisting force, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n6.2 seconds\n and a top speed of \n248 km/h\n.\nThe Volkswagen \nGolf MK7.5 range is long overdue in Malaysia\n and the pre-facelift GTI has long sold out. However, we can trust that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will reintroduce the GTI and R in due course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In celebration of \nMINI\u2019s 55th Anniversary\n as well as \nMerdeka day\n and \nMalaysia day\n, \nMini Malaysia\n is introducing the \nLimited 55 Edition MINI Cooper Countryman\n exclusively for the Malaysian market.\nMr. Alan Harris, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, \u201cMalaysia has been our home for more than 10 years now and with the loyal support of our MINI customers here, we are proud to have established ourselves as the number one premium automotive company here. The new 55 Edition MINI Countryman is our way of thanking our Malaysian MINIacs and paying tribute to Malaysia for all that she has been to us\u201d.\nBased on the MINI Cooper Countryman, Limited 55 Edition gets a bespoke trim but the powertrain remains the same as the standard Cooper Countryman. This means under the bonnet there\u2019s a \n1.6-litre 4-cylinder\n engine with \n120 hp\n powering the front wheels via the \n6-speed auto\n box.   Externally, Limited 55 Edition is equipped with \n16-inch 5-Star Single Spoke wheels\n, \n55 Edition Badge\n on the grille, and \n55 Edition Sports Stripe\n that runs across the bonnet, side skirting, and tailgate.\nThere are five main paint colours to choose from; Blazing Red, True Blue, Royal Grey, Light White and Brilliant Copper with contrasting mirror cap and roof in black. However, Blazing Red, True Blue, Royal Grey can also be had with white mirror cap and roof.\nThe cabin is fitted with \nCloth Cosmos Carbon Black\n upholstery and \nPiano Black\n trim with \nPolar Beige inlay\n. Safety-wise there are 6 airbags, ABS, DSC, and Autimatic Stability Control_Traction (ASC+T).   Production of the 55 Edition MINI Countryman will be \nlimited to only 55 units\n, so if you\u2019re interested you better be quick because the on the road price without insurance, with 3 years MINI Service Inclusive is \nRM 188,888.00\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As a part of their corporate social responsibility initiative, \nProton\n is proud to announce their \nPROTON We-Care Prihatin Banjir programme\n now offers\n 30% discount on parts\n for Proton owners affected by the flood. On top of that, there will be\n no charges (FOC) on labour cost for car repairs\n.\nDato\u2019 Abdul Harith Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON said \u201cAs a national car manufacturer, we are responsible to help flood victims as the cost of vehicle repairs from flooding requires a huge amount of money. Through this programme, we hope to ease their burden especially to those whose cars are not covered by insurance for natural disasters\u201d.\nFurthermore,\n free inspection service\n will be provided, along with \nvaluation of damages\n and\n towing assistance\n from the affected location to the selected PROTON service centres.\nProton also shared some\n tips on how to manage a flood-affected vehicle\n:\n 1.   Do not turn on your car engine.\n 2.   Do not use a remote control to open the car door. Instead, do this manually.\n 3.   Make sure to remove the negative terminal of the car battery to stop the flow of electricity in the car.\n 4.   All three measures above are intended to minimize damage to equipment, in particular to electrical and mechanical components of the vehicle.\n 5.   If these steps are taken, some equipment can still be saved.\n 6.   After turning off the car electricity, remove valuables from the car, lock the door manually and get the car towed to an authorized PROTON Service Center.\nThe programme will run until \n15th of March 2015\n, and \nPROTON Customer Care\n can be reached at\n 1800-888-398\n for enquiries, assistance and towing service.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It must be a day of mixed emotions for everyone at UMW Toyota Motor with leaked specifications of the all new RAV4 followed by a price announcement only to be met with a myriad of negativity in the comment section of every local motoring media\u2019s Facebook page.\nInteresting, this comes after yesterday\u2019s announcement that the car was due to be launched on the 18th of June, when all details would be revealed. Clearly, that ship has sailed and UMW Toyota has announced that their order books are now open so let\u2019s have a brief look as to what you\u2019re getting before we get into a \u201ccoffee shop-style\u201d discussion.\nThe fully imported RAV4 will be available in two variants \u2013 a 2.0-litre engine making \n173 hp \nand\n 207 Nm\n, paired to a CVT gearbox while the other gets a 2.5-litre engine making \n207 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n paired to an 8-speed automatic. The 2.0-litre model is priced at \nRM196,500\n while the more powerful 2.5 model is priced at \nRM215,700\n.\nAnd really, that\u2019s all the difference between them as for some reason, UMW Toyota Motor has opted for both to be equipped with the exact same features beyond the engine and transmission department. As for the exterior, you get 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, smart entry, LED tail lights and a powered tail gate.\nAmong the notable items on the inside are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, leather upholstery, an Optitron instrument cluster with a 7-inch multi-information display, powered seats for the driver, a Panoramic View Monitor and Toyota\u2019s very own Digital Video Recorder.\nAside from the seven air bags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist and blind spot monitor, the RAV4 will also come with the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system that includes Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nAs far as features go, it\u2019s as good as it gets. Not only does it come with the Dynamic Force engine which was absent in the Camry, much to the dismay of Toyota loyalist, and of course the ever present keyboard warriors but also a more comprehensive driver assistance system with the addition of the Lane Tracing Assist feature, similar to the one in the\n \nLexus UX\n.\nAnd the fact that it\u2019s fully imported from Japan doesn\u2019t make things any better in terms of pricing but we just can\u2019t have it all if you take a step back and consider all the factors objectively and logically.\n \nWith all things considered, it\u2019s just not possible to have a car that\u2019s made in Japan, packed to the brim with features, and be priced similarly to a locally assembled mid-range 2.0 High (or GLS as it\u2019s known before) Mazda CX-5 that\u2019s price around RM150k \u2013 undoubtedly the most commonly seen SUV in Malaysia \u2013 it\u2019s just not possible unless car companies decide to be philanthropists.\nBased solely on the prominence of the RM150k CX-5 on our roads, it\u2019s clear that most \u2013 the middle class demographic that every SUV-producing brand is after \u2013 are getting an SUV solely for its size, presence and higher seating position. They\u2019re after the essence the of an SUV and nothing more.\nThe same is true with the CR-V. Shortly after it was launched, Honda announced that a large chunk of its buyers either opted for 1.5 Turbo 2WD or the 1.5 Turbo 4WD variant.\n \nThose who buy the 2.5L Turbo CX-5 do so because they want more, to be different and can afford to be.\nJust like those who fork out large chunks of cash for the 2.5 Turbo CX-5, it\u2019s safe to assume that there are primarily two types of SUV buyers \u2013 those who earn and save enough for something sizeable to carry their family daily in relative style and substance and those who buy them as something to be used as and when it\u2019s needed.\nAs such, there\u2019s no other way to put it; the new RAV4, like the Camry, is a real test of a customer\u2019s loyalty to the brand. At that price, it\u2019s more of a luxury good than necessity.\n \nThere is no logic for a middle income family to fork out such a figure for solely to have an SUV at the expense of other basic luxuries, like a full stomach. It\u2019s something that you\u2019d just buy because it\u2019s an SUV, by Toyota; even if it meant selling your wife and kids and working seven days a week because your logic has been overwhelmed by desire or walk away from altogether. Sales advisors do not hold customers hostage at gunpoint to make a sale either.\nWhether it\u2019s Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Honda or Mazda, let\u2019s be real, car companies are out to make money and as much as they try to make their cars as financially appealing and accessible as possible to customers, the ones you\u2019d want to point your finger at are those responsible for our enormous import taxes. We wouldn\u2019t be arguing here and throwing tantrums over the pricing of an SUV by Toyota if BMWs were as affordable as they are in other countries.\n\u201cI might as well top up and buy a BMW 3 series\u201d \u2013 Why are you even looking and complaining about SUV prices in the first place?\nAs for the argument of \u201ctopping up\u201d to buy Harrier just doesn\u2019t hold water as the primary customer base for such vehicles are middle class families (the target demograhic of car companies) where every cent counts. People who are interested and can afford the Harrier will not look at the RAV4, and for those who can\u2019t afford either, would look to grey importers.\nTo compare the RAV4 with a Mercedes-Benz C200 or a BMW 320i, is even sillier. No one would buy a RAV4 over any of the German compact sedans or vice versa. You buy a 320i or C200 simply because you want it; you\u2019re buying into the glamour and prestige that comes with both the German heavyweights. If you\u2019re in the market for a Japanese SUV in the first place, you just wouldn\u2019t bother with a sedan \u2013 unless the car buying culture has been as fickle as our politicians. Let\u2019s hope not."
"Electric cars, hate it or love it but you can\u2019t deny the performance figures it brings to the table. Instant torque, low center of gravity and single gear setup are ingredients for a weapon.\nAtieva\n, an electric car start-up based in California, is out to annihilate every other brand out there. From V12s to electric cars and everything in between, Atieva has their crosshairs on all of them. Their prototype, codename Edna, is a test mule for their powertrain setup. The powertrain is sitting in that\u00a0\nvan\n. Yes, you read that right, under the skin of the Mercedes Viano is an electric powertrain that produces \n912 hp\n. No torque figures were listed but from the looks of the video, it is definitely heaps more than the 570 Nm of the BMW i8, perhaps upwards of 1,200 Nm of twisting force!\nThis is Edna\u2019s second\u00a0attempt at a comparison test where the \nfirst attempt\n saw a 0 to 96km/h time of \n3.08 seconds\n.\u00a0Atieva\u2019s engineers, led by Peter Rawlinson (former VP at Tesla and Tesla Model S Chief Engineer), went on to push the boundaries of the dual-battery motor by fine tuning the software for better motor control across the rev range. The outcome was significant \u2013 Edna crushed its own record by blitzing to the 96km/h mark (60mph) in \n2.94 seconds\n and completed the 1/4 mile drag in 11.3 seconds with a recorded speed of 188km/h, leaving the Viper and i8 to dust. \u00a0According to the company\u2019s official statement, they believe that \u201cthere is still more performance available in Edna\u201d. Especially when it is officially adopted into the company\u2019s first production model which, by the way, will be a sedan and not a van.\nWe live in truly electrifying times ladies and gentlemen."
"Audi\u2019s cornerstone RS model, the 2017 Audi RS 5 Coup\n\u00e9 has just made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The second-generation high performance coup\u00e9 brings a holistic set of upgrades, including the star of the show \u2013 a brand new 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6.\nYes, the engine is rather puny compared to the burbling 4.2-litre V8 from before, but it packs a hell of a punch and is much quicker off the line, thanks to the massive weight reduction \u2013 60kg to be exact. The new 2.9-litre petrol V6 produces \n444 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque, with the latter peaking from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. That\u2019s a lot of power for quite a lot of time, all of which is enough to send the RS 5 to the 100km/h mark from standstill in \n3.9 seconds\n. That\u2019s over 0.5 seconds quicker than before!\nTo generate that much power, two huge turbos have been employed. The drawback to this is the turbines take a longer time to spool (a.k.a turbo lag), but what Audi has done to negate this is by positioning the turbos between the cylinder bank, short-routing air from the intake to the combustion chambers. That\u2019s sorted, then. But it\u2019s not going to sound as glorious as the V8 now, is it?\nApparently, Audi says the new engine produces an unmistakably \u201cfull-bodied\u201d RS soundtrack, much the same as the RS 4 B5\u2019s 2.7-litre V6. The RS 5 has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, but as usual this can be increased to 280km/h for a small fee. Audi\u2019s quattro all-wheel drive is standard issue, and a rear sport differential can be had as an option.\nPower is channelled to all four corners through an eight-speed Tiptronic that\u2019s specifically tuned for the RS 5, with a 40:60 split distribution. Both front and rear get a five-link RS suspension, greatly improving comfort and its dynamic properties. This lowers the car as well.\nOptional extras include ceramic disc brakes, RS-specific dynamic steering, RS sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control and a long list of genuine accessories. Inside, the Audi virtual cockpit gets a special RS display, providing additional data such as tyre pressure, torque and g-forces. Red accents are tastefully littered around the cabin, whereas Alcantara is used for the steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads.\nDon\u2019t fancy the psychedelic red paintwork? Well, Audi Sport has a special colour that\u2019s exclusive to the RS 5 Coup\u00e9, and it\u2019s called the Sonoma Green Metallic.\nPlease bring this here, Audi Malaysia. I know you\u2019re reading this!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re looking for a sedan that\u2019s affordable to own and maintain, offers ample space and practicality without lacking in modern amenities, look no further.\nThe Bezza is now offered in the \nnew 1.0 GXtra variant\n; offering more, for less. Priced at\u00a0\nRM35,500\n (previously RM 36,035)\u00a0for the manual and\u00a0\nRM37,500\n (previously RM 37,980)\u00a0for the automatic, both on-the-road before insurance, the Bezza GXtra also comes with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty.\nThe Bezza is Perodua\u2019s first ever sedan as well as Malaysia\u2019s most affordable Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) sedan. Since its introduction in mid-2016, it\u2019s been Malaysia\u2019s best-selling sedan, with nearly 100,000 units sold to date."
"In line with the announcement of the \nNAP 2020\n which focuses on Mobility as a Service (MaaS), Socar Malaysia has launched Trevo, a new people-to-people car sharing marketplace.\nThe app-based marketplace allows for drivers to book any cars that fits their needs and wants from nearby car owners in the Trevo community. With Trevo, guests can loan cars from as low as\n RM55 per day\n for a \nPerodua Myvi\n, all the way up to luxury cars such as Rolls Royce.\nTrevo General Manager, Susan Teoh said that the app enables Malaysian to try new car ownership models. At the same time, existing car owners can also make additional income by loaning out unneeded cars instead of storing them at home.\nMalaysia is amongst the highest in the region with\n 93% of households\n owning at least one car, while multiple car ownership per household is also the highest globally at 54%.\nTrevo says that the hosts can easily cover their monthly car instalments as long as they share their cars for at least six to eight days a month. Hosts can also \nprice their own cars freely\n, as long as it falls within the pricing band provided by the Trevo algorithm. Additionally, corporate hosts such as car rental companies can also list their fleet on the marketplace.\nHosts are further protected by Trevo Shield, which provides an insurance protection of up to RM3 million in liability coverage for your vehicle. There is also an opt-in Trevo Track service for high-accuracy location tracking.\n\u201cWe want to create a thriving Trevo community of like-minded people who share a goal to improve mobility, contribute to less carbon emissions and enable a better environment for humanity,\u201d Susan adds.\nThe Trevo marketplace is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. More information can be found on the \nTrevo website\n."
"BMW Malaysia has addressed the concerns faced by owners and those contemplating ownership of their plug-in hybrid vehicles \u2013 battery woes and replacement.\nAt the heart of every electrified BMW vehicle are lithium-ion battery packs that houses multiple modules and within each module consists multiple cells. These modules can be individually replaced according to BMW Malaysia\u2019s latest announcement.\n \nTake the \n530e M Sport\n, a newer iteration of the \n530e Sport we reviewed \nfor example, its \nlithium-ion battery pack\n is made up of six modules. If one of the modules become faulty and needs replacement, owners need not replace the entire battery pack.\nInstead, owners can change the faulty module at \nRM5,000 each\n. This applies not just to BMW\u2019s latest electrified vehicles but also to the older F30 330e for example.\nThe all-electric BMW i3s.\nIt\u2019s a form of relief for owners of BMW electrified vehicles when their warranty has expired \u2013 as it commonly triggers an urgency to sell the car for fear of enduring the horrors of a faulty battery pack.\nFor those who have recently bought the PHEV variants of the\n latest 5 Series\n, \n7 Series\n, the \nfully electric BMW i3s \nor even the \nMINI Countryman PHEV\n, worry not; you\u2019d be covered by a 6-year/100,000 km warranty and according to BMW, these batteries are built to last the entire lifetime of the vehicle.\nBook a 530e Sport of 530e M Sport (in picture) and stand a chance to win a BMW i8!\nFrom now until the \n30th of June 2020\n, customers who \npre-book the BMW 530e Sport or BMW 530e M Sport online\n will enjoy 0.00% interest rate and complimentary ChargeNow cards for both models.\nThose who pre-book the \n530e Sport \nwill also receive cash rebates of RM10,000, along with a complimentary BMW i Wallbox. Those who opt for the \n530e M Sport \nwill receive cash rebates of RM20,000 and a complimentary BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable.\n \nWhat\u2019s more, those who book either a BMW 530e M Sport, 530e Sport or the 740Le will \nstand a chance to win the BMW i8 Coupe\n with any purchase of the three models during the campaign period.\nSelected BMW vehicles, such as the newly launched \n840i Gran Coupe M Sport\n and the \nX6 xDrive40i M Sport\n can now be pre-booked online via the\n BMW Shop Online\n initiative that was recently launched during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.\nBMW\u2019s newly launched models \u2013 the 840i Gran Coupe M Sport and X6 xDrive40i M Sport.\nCustomers can also apply for financial pre-approval online via the \nBMW Engage\n, the first-of-its-kind financing tool introduced by BMW Financial Services."
"Effective midnight tonight, the Movement Control Order will see the restriction of movements by the public in efforts to \u201cflatten the curve\u201d of the recent Covid-19 spike.\nInspector General of Police, Tan Sri Dato\u2019 Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said this order will also apply to movements between state to state and district to district.\n\u201cIt\u2019s not a curfew but the Movement Control Order which will see most without work (unless you work remotely) begins from 18th March to the end of the month, shouldn\u2019t be taken advantage of as an opportunity to travel,\u201d said the IGP.\nConfident that this order is able to contain the rapid spread of Covid-19, the IGP said that those who insist (with good reason) on interstate travel should apply for a \u201cspecial document\u201d at the nearest police station.\nHonda Malaysia has \nannounced a suspension of its business operations\n.\nIdeally\n one should provide some form of paperwork to prove the necessity of their travels when applying for the document. This also applies to those travelling between states via public transportation, i.e. buses.\nThere is no quota as to how many of these documents will be issued per day or restrictions of how many individuals can travel together. The IGP also highlighted that it wouldn\u2019t take long to acquire this document at the police station.\nThere will be no police officers placed at state borders although should the situation escalate and require such drastic measures, action will be taken.\nFor now, the public is still free to pop by the shops for supply runs and such although those who ignore this order for unnecessary travels, outings or gatherings, could be fined and jailed up to five years."
"Pressured by economy uncertainties in 2016 which may hurt car sales, Proton jump started the year with their \u201cIt\u2019s in the Drive\u201d sales campaign. The event is currently ongoing at every Proton Edar dealerships nationwide and will end on 31 March 2016.\nThe first roadshow was held at Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam last weekend. Customers looking for a new Proton car were offered an interest rate of\u00a0\n2.8 percent\n\u00a0(applies to all Proton models). For fresh graduates, Proton offers a special graduate scheme that lets you pay a monthly instalment from just\u00a0\nRM258\n a month!\nCustomers with existing Proton cars can trade in their cars and enjoy rebates up to RM3,000 via the Loyalty Reward. There\u2019s also a trade-in rebate of up to RM100 per year for existing Proton owners for each year of their current Proton\u2019s age. This means if your car is 10 years old, you\u2019ll get a rebate of RM1,000. Several Proton models made in 2015 will be given a discount of up to RM6,200.\nApart from that, Proton offers a\u00a0\nfree 30-point safety inspection\n and special vehicle service packages. During the event in Setia City, defensive driving sessions were carried out, showcasing the active safety features found in modern Proton models to the public.\nCustomers who participated in the test drives are also eligible to participate in the\u00a0 \u201cTest Drive & Win\u201d contest, where a Proton Suprima S and other consumer electronic goodies are up for grabs."
"Ferrari\n \nhas just unveiled the Ferrari SP51, a new one-off roadster based on the \nFerrari 812 GTS\n. The one-off Ferrari is designed for a Taiwan-based client who is one of the brand\u2019s leading collectors. Responsible for its design is the Ferrari Styling Centre headed by Flavio Manzoni. Entirely bespoke, the SP51 has been crafted to the specifications of the client.\nBeing based on the Ferrari 812 GTS, a V12 engine sits under the hood. The front-engine layout and chassis are also from the 812 GTS. The V12 puts out \n800 hp \nand \n718 Nm\n with 80% of the maximum torque available at just 3,500 rpm. Power is passed through a seven-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.\nOn the outside, the most striking characteristic of the SP51 is its complete lack of a roof. Ferrari says this makes it an authentic roadster in every aspect, with captivating visuals and an en plein air driving exhilaration.\nThe aerodynamics of the SP51 were honed via processes involving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, wind tunnel testing, and dynamic testing. Even without a roof, Ferrari guarantees ultimate comfort in the cabin and the same standard of acoustic comfort and wind feel as the 812 GTS.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Purosangue: Maranello\u2019s first-ever SUV is finally here\nTo give the SP51 an instantly recognizable identity, it gets specially-designed headlights and SP51-specific wheels. The wheels have carbon fibre wing profiles on each of the spokes which also feature a sophisticated tone-on-tone diamond-cut finish on the forward-facing section.\nThe rear of the car is dominated by an arched theme with the taillights inset below the spoiler. Behind the cabin are two flying buttresses that are visually softened by two deep carbon-fibre scoops. Connecting the two buttresses is a transverse carbon-fibre wing. The one-off SP51 is finished in a new Rosso Passionale three-layer paintwork that has been specially developed for it.\nRELATED: \nFerrari 296 GTS makes SEA debut in Malaysia, from RM1.5m before tax\nAs for the cabin, the personalisation pivoted around two ideas \u2013 to use the custom Rosso Passionale colour for the Alcantara trim and to extend the livery into the cabin. The white and blue stripes can be seen on the central tunnel, the fascia between the two seats on the firewall, and the steering wheel stitching.\nGlossy carbon-fibre trim has been extensively used in the interior and it is paired with Nero Momo Opaco elements. There are also several white embroidered details including the Prancing Horse and car logo, which is also found on the lower rim of the steering wheel.\nThe Ferrari SP51 is part of Ferrari\u2019s Special Projects programme which aims to create unique Ferraris (the so-called \u201cOne-Offs\u201d) characterised by an exclusive design crafted according to the requirements of the client, who thus becomes the owner of a one-of-a-kind model.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia \naims to offer more confidence and assurance to customers and employees at dealerships nationwide with the new \u201cI\u2019m Vaccinated\u201d campaign.\nTo date, 80% of Honda dealers are fully vaccinated and only those who have completed their vaccination will be on duty at the dealerships. On that note, Honda Malaysia targets to fully vaccinate all its dealers by October 2021.\nHonda Malaysia, Managing Director and CEO, Ms. Madoka Chujo said, \u201cWe will not take the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) lightly and will continue to strictly follow all the necessary preventive and precautionary measures that we have been practising since the emergence of COVID-19 in Malaysia.\n\u201cUnder the \u201cI\u2019m Vaccinated\u201d campaign which kicks off this month at all our dealerships nationwide, our dealer associates who are fully vaccinated with 14 days from the date of their second dose will be provided with a badge and mask that have a specially-designed \u2018I Am Fully Vaccinated\u2019 logo for easy identification,\u201d she added.\nHonda Malaysia hopes the initiative shows that they are ready to serve customers in a safe environment while they\u2019re at the showrooms.\nThere is also continuous emphasis to ensure the sanitisation and disinfection of the premises on a frequent and routine basis at all its dealerships.\nIn conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration, Honda Malaysia also introduced a September Special Benefits\n that offers \nrewards worth up to RM6,000. Offer ends on the 30th of September 2021."
"What was supposed to be a casual drive to Sekinchan in the new facelift Arteon turned out to be a surprise preview of the new Golf GTI and R Line. They set to be assembled for the first time in Malaysia at the Pekan, Pahang plant.\nMore details about the all-new Mk8 Golf here!\nThe Mk7.5 Golf GTI and R Line were priced at RM239,990 and RM166,990 respective but with the new generation assembled locally, it\u2019s exciting just thinking about the possibility of significantly lower prices without any less substance.\nWatch the Volkswagen Golf R and AMG A 45 S in a drift battle here!\nHowever, the launch is only expected to take place early next year. For those who have been eagerly awaiting, the new Mk8 Golf is \nnow open for booking\n.\nWhether it\u2019s the GTI or the Golf R Line, it\u2019s clear that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is trying to position the R Line closer to the GTI and flood the streets with their (second) most iconic hatchback.\nR-Line\nGTI\nYou\u2019d have to really scrutinise both cars side by side to narrow down the differences and the best part is, you get the same seats from the Golf GTI, in the R Line, albeit with different upholstery.\nYet, the interior ambience couldn\u2019t be more different. There\u2019s a strong \u201cready-to-race, boy racer\u201d vibe in the Golf GTI, while the R Line projects a more subdued and calm environment with neutral colours.\nThe R-Line\nThat\u2019s not the only difference in the cabin between the two. The GTI comes with sportier graphics on the digital instrument cluster and a flat-bottom steering with red accents and GTI lettering. In the R-Line the steering has a cleaner appearance with R lettering.\nVW Golf GTI Mk8 promises even better handling with the new Vehicle Dynamics Manager..find out more!\nIn case you didn\u2019t notice, there are only two knobs in the entire cabin \u2013 one for the gear controls and the other for adjusting the side mirrors. Everything else, every single control is now controlled with touch-sensitive \u201cicons\u201d.\nThe dashboard trims between the Golf GTI and R-Line are also different. The latter gets a carbon look, while the GTI comes with honeycomb details, just like the lower bumper design.\nInterestingly, the Golf R-Line looks much sportier from the rearview with quad-exit exhaust tips (they\u2019re not real by the way), compared to the single exit, round exhaust tips in the GTI.\nVolkswagen celebrates 45 years of the Golf GTI with an angry-looking Clubsport 45 edition.read about it here!\nThere\u2019s more to tell the two apart from the front, with different bumper designs and a red line on the front grille of the GTI to draw some distinction.\nAs for performance, the GTI continues with the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, paired to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox to drive the front wheels. Output is rated at 245 hp and 370 Nm, a 15 hp and 20 Nm jump from before. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 6.4 seconds.\nThe more interesting news lies with the R-Line, where it continues to be powered by the 1.4 TSI engine from the Mk7.5 Golf but is now paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox from before.\nReally exciting stuff this! Keep your eyes peeled for further developments!\nThe all-new Volkswagen Golf R could be the ultimate every day \u201csleeper\u201d. Check it out here!\nGALLERY\nVolkswagen Golf GTI"
"Mercedes-Benz\n has given a facelift to the \nMercedes-Benz GLE\n, now making it an electrified-only car (including the AMG versions) and introducing a new 400 e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant to replace the 350 e PHEV. Including the AMG versions of the facelifted GLE, there are 7 trims of the car with each trim offered in both SUV and \u2018Coupe\u2019 body styles.\nGLE 450 4MATIC (MHEV)\nGLE 300 d 4MATIC (MHEV)\nGLE 450 d 4MATIC (MHEV)\nGLE 400 e 4MATIC (PHEV) (NEW)\nGLE 350 de 4MATIC (PHEV)\nAMG GLE 53 4MATIC+\nAMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+\nMercedes-Benz GLE Coup\u00e9\nThe facelift has subtly tweaked the look of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving it a new headlight cluster that features a new daytime running light (DRL) design. The facelifted GLE also gets new bumpers and new wheels as part of the refresh. Like the headlights, the taillights have also been refreshed subtly.\nAs for powertrains, there are now 7 powertrains with 2 being AMG powertrains, 3 being mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrains, and 2 being PHEV powertrains. The AMG powertrains are electrified as well.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA debuts with mild facelift, mild-hybrid engine tech\nMercedes-Benz GLE SUV\nNew to the GLE is the powertrain in the GLE 400 e 4MATIC PHEV which consists of a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor. Combined, the system makes 280 kW (\n381 hp\n metric) and \n600 Nm\n. The 400 e accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.1 seconds\n and has a top speed of \n210 km/h\n.\nOn electric drive alone, the 400 e has a maximum WLTP range of \n105 km\n for the SUV version and \n107 km\n for the Coupe version. Charging can be done at a rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging, which is the same for the GLE 350 de 4MATIC.\nRELATED: \nGallery \u2013 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC AMG Line, from RM389k\nMercedes-Benz GLE SUV\nPowertrains for the rest of the lineup are as such for the MHEV versions.\nGLE 450 4MATIC \nGLE 300 d 4MATIC\nGLE 450 d 4MATIC\nEngine\n3.0L turbo\n2.0L turbodiesel\n3.0L turbodiesel\nMax. Power\n381 hp\n269 hp\n367\nAdditional Power (boost)\n20 hp\n20 hp\n20 hp\nPeak Torque\n500 Nm\n550 Nm\n750 Nm\nAdditional Torque (boost)\n200 Nm\n200 Nm\n200 Nm\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic automatic transmission\n9G-Tronic automatic transmission\n9G-Tronic automatic transmission\n0-100 km/h\n5.6 s\n6.9 s\n5.6 s\nTop speed\n250 km/h\n230 km/h\n250 km/h\nFor the PHEV versions.\nGLE 400 e 4MATIC\nGLE 350 de 4MATIC\nEngine\n2.0L turbo\n2.0L turbodiesel\nMax. Power (combined)\n380 hp\n333 hp\nMax. Torque (combined)\n600 Nm\n750 Nm\n0-100 km/h\n6.1 s\n6.9 s\nTop speed\n210 km/h\n210 km/h\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance debuts \u2013 V8 PHEV, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs\nAMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and Coupe\nThe AMG versions consist of the 53 AND 63. Performance remains the same for the AMG 63 GLE, but the AMG 53 has been given a boost in torque thanks to a larger turbocharger and revised programming.\nAMG 53 4MATIC+\nAMG 63 4MATIC+\nEngine\n3.0-litre inline 6 with exhaust gas turbocharger, electric additional compressor and ISG\n4.0-litre V8 with twin\nscroll turbochargers\nand ISG\nMax. Power\n435 hp + 22 hp (ISG)\n612 hp + 22 hp\nMax. Torque\n560 Nm + 200 Nm (ISG)\n850 Nm + 250 Nm (ISG)\nTransmission\nAMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G\nAMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G\n0-100 km/h\n5.0 s\n3.9 s\nTop speed\n250 km/h\n280 km/h\nRELATED: \nLeaked \u2013 Next-gen W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class adopts \u2018EQ\u2019 grille, landscape screen\nInside the GLE now gets the latest-generation steering wheel with touch elements on the left and right. Also new is a \u201cpersonal sound setup\u201d and a Dolby immersive audio experience\u2019\u201d as part of the Burmester surround sound system. Mercedes-Benz has comprehensively integrated many music streaming providers into the MBUX infotainment system.\nOther updates to the GLE include the latest generation of MBUX, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a more interactive \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d voice assistant which is capable of learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App.\nRELATED: \nTo save you time, Mercedes-Benz and Bosch debut world\u2019s first L4 driverless valet parking"
"We are entering the 11th week of lockdown since the first announcement of \nMCO 3.0 (later renamed to NRP)\n was announced at the start of June 2021. With work-from-home directives and minimal travelling, our vehicles are further left unused.\nFor those who have to park their cars without shade, nature is always never too far away from redecorating the exterior with \u201cnew patterns\u201d.\nBut, with modern expertise such as advancements in paint technology, electrophoretic deposition (ED) coating as well as various clear coat finishing, are the bird poo or droppings from the birds so detrimental to a modern vehicle\u2019s paint?\nWhile the composition of bird droppings actually varies from region to region due to their diet, it is essentially a \nvery acidic substance\n that has a typical pH level of between 3 and 4.5. According to detailing experts, the uric acid contained in the bird droppings will react with the hydrocarbons on the clear coat.\nOn a hot day, the clear coat expands at a molecular level and the uric acid from the bird droppings seep in. At night, when it has cooled down, the uric acid is trapped inside the clear coat and it then starts becoming corrosive, harming the paintwork. This though isn\u2019t an immediate process, taking a few cycles of heating and cooling which could leave a permanent blemish.\nEven taking into consideration how often it rains here, which would wash away the bird droppings, it is best to clean the acidic stains without delay to avoid having a long-term defect on the paintwork.\nThe government has allowed businesses to reopen for individuals who are fully vaccinated. One of them is the car wash! Find out more about the list of businesses here.\nFor fresh bird poo on car paint, there is no need to use a special solution. It is recommended to use a soft microfibre cloth and plenty of water to \ngently wipe\n the droppings off, as the droppings tend to have pieces of gravel, nuts and seeds mixed into them, which could cause tiny scratches when they\u2019re cleaned with great force.\nFor those droppings that have hardened, place a wet cloth over it for ten minutes to soften the deposit. Repeat this process if the droppings cannot be lifted off in just one go. Do not wipe/scrub it as the droppings have rough particles with can cause scratches to the clear coat of the paintwork.\nAfter two sessions of evening showers, the majority of the bird droppings have been washed away.\nFor those who have the resources and means, there are specific \nbird-dropping cleaning towels\n made just for the job! We managed to find one, check out the product \nhere\n for more information.\u00a0\u00a0\nPaint and coating technology has come a long way with \nFord\n even creating synthetic bird droppings and tree sap for testing purposes to formulate even tougher coatings. Meanwhile, those who had applied additional ceramic coating will see benefits as the made-to-deteriorate coating will take the brunt of the abuse before reaching the factory-applied clear coat.\nThe water-repelling ceramic coating also allows the droppings to be cleared away with ease.\nFunky colours might actually help with a car\u2019s resale value. Find out more here!\nAnd for additional information, a study by UK\u2019s Halfords has revealed that \nred\n \ncars \nattract more\n bird poo than those with \nblue\n car paint. \nGreen\n vehicles are the least preferred by the flying pest.\nThere is of course the ultimate protection for cars parked outdoors- the full-sized car cover. Avoid parking under tall trees in the evenings too, where a lot of crows tend to gather and start dropping their deposits.\nSources: \nIsland Detail and Color\n, \nCar Bible\ns\n, \nAutoblog\nGALLERY"
"According to the Proton\u2019s sales performance report for January 2021, the national carmaker delivered a total of \n5,964 units\n the month, representing a drop of 7,342 units (55.1%) as \ncompared to the prior month\n, and a 29.9% drop compared to the same month last year. The significant drop in sales also resulted in a 1% drop in market share compared to January 2020, ending the month at an estimated 18.5%.\nAlthough the \nsecond iteration of the Movement Control Order (MCO)\n clearly reared its ugly head, the national carmaker said that the figures were actually a reflection of supply not being able to meet demand due to parts shortage from local suppliers, rather than a reduction in bookings.\nProton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cMeasures like the MCO have naturally affected the number of customers coming to showrooms, but we can receive bookings online helping to boost our sales. However, our supply lines have been disrupted over the last few months by the coronavirus making it difficult to ensure a steady flow of parts needed to build our cars.\n\u201cIt\u2019s something all car manufacturers have been facing for the past year, but we are hopeful that with the arrival of a vaccine things will stabilize by the middle of the year,\u201d he added.\nThe \nProton Saga\n once again led the national carmaker\u2019s sales with 2,583 units delivered in January 2021. Deliveries for the \nProton X70\n and \nX50\n meanwhile, were down to 892 and 1,082 units respectively for the month. For the latter, a total of 4,809 units have been delivered since the model was \nlaunched late October last year\n.\nElsewhere, Proton also managed to move 970 units of the \nPersona\n, while the \nIriz\n and\n Exora\n contributed 153 and 283 units to January\u2019s total figure respectively.\nProton recently expanded their online offerings with the launch of its own\n Certified Pre-Owned car-buying website\n.\n\u201cJanuary was a difficult month for Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry. Hopes were high the momentum built at the end of 2020 would be carried forward especially after the announcement of PENJANA incentives \nremaining in place until the end of June this year\n. Unfortunately, the second MCO announcement put a damper on those hopes.\n\u201cStill, Proton as well as the rest of the industry is in full support of all measures the government has in place to control the rate of infection. The safety of all Malaysians needs to remain as the main priority and companies need to pivot in order to achieve their goals in a changed market environment,\u201d said Roslan.\nDespite the delays in the production line, Proton says that its product launch plans for 2021 are not affected. \u201cWe have an exciting series of improved products in the pipeline while the Proton X50 will now be able to establish its standing in the market by benefitting from a full year of sales.\n\u201cThere will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead until the world is able to control the spread of the virus, but we are aware this is now the new norm for doing business and the onus is on us to innovate our operations to better serve our customers,\u201d he added."
"That was what Industry and Information Technology Minister, Xiao Yaqing highlighted recently and is encouraging these companies to consolidate.\nCurrently, the biggest electric car players in China include Nio and Xpeng, and last year the country saw electric vehicle sales exceeding 1.3 million units. This is mainly due to subsidies for consumers to make electric cars more accessible.\nThe Nio ES8\nTo put things in perspective on just how big the Chinese electric car market is; Malaysia only sold about half a million cars in pre-pandemic 2019. You may argue that this is partly down to population but their focus on electric vehicles is unlike any other country.\nNew Tank 500 is China\u2019s answer to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Find out why!\nThis makes China the largest electric car market in the world but they\u2019re only just beginning. The government recently announced that by 2030, 40% of its cars will be electric.\nThe Xpeng G3 with over 500 km of electric driving range.\nXiao Yaqing said while the direction of the local electric car market is encouraging and prospering, there are too many small players scattered across the country. According to an article by \nFortune\n, there are about 300 electric car makers in China.\nAs such Xiao is encouraging the bigger players to weed out the smaller ones. This approach, according to Xiao\u2019s statement, would further intensify and accelerate EV growth and adoption.\nBloomberg also reported that the Chinese government is already working on new policies to encourage consolidation.\nLynk & Co and Nio from China awarded full 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Find out why it\u2019s such a big deal!"
"Perodua has just released an official teaser video for the updated 2020 \nPerodua Bezza\n, which is also now open for booking. The 15-seconds long video offers a (very) brief look at the changes for the updated Perodua Bezza.\nUp front, the 2020 Perodua Bezza has received a significant redesign to the fascia. The grille now features a trapezoidal shape, and is flanked by the new slimmer full-LED headlights \u2013 which are new to the model.\u00a0\n \nThe front bumper has also been redesigned, which now features angular cutouts for the foglamp housing \u2013 a design similar to that of the Perodua Myvi.\u00a0\nMoving to the rear, the video shows a revised horizontal chrome strip, which has been slimmed down and paired with a gloss-black line underneath.\u00a0\nThe updated Bezza will also feature a redesigned bumper with aggressive cutouts and sharper lines. The redesigned bumper is not shown in the video above, but Perodua has included a small image in the brochure below.\u00a0\nThe video also shows us a glimpse of the updated alloy wheels, which are \n15-inch items\n on the 1.3L. the 1.0L variants get \n14-inch alloy wheels\n.\u00a0\nInside, the dashboard has also been given a refresh. A new matte-silver trim piece across the entire width of the dashboard. The trim piece wraps around the infotainment system, featuring a 2 DIN head unit.\nIn terms of kit, the hero addition to the Bezza line-up is Perodua\u2019s \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0\n advanced driver assistance suite. ASA 2.0 includes pedestrian detection (up to 50 km/h), pre-collision warning (up to 100 km/h), pre-collision braking (up to 80 km/h), front departure alert and pedal misoperation control.\nGiven that ASA 2.0 was also included in the \nfacelifted Perodua Axia\n announced in September last year, it shouldn\u2019t be a surprise to see it being included here for the top-of-the-range AV variant.\u00a0\nOther safety features include ABS with EBD, which are standard across all variants, as well as vehicle stability control and traction control for the 1.3L variants (previously only available on the AV variant).\nClick to enlarge \nAll variants will be equipped with rear reverse sensors, while 1.3L variants will now come with front corner sensors. As before, the AV variant gets a reverse camera, complementing the touchscreen infotainment display.\u00a0\nThe 2020 Perodua Bezza will be offered in six exterior colours, with two new additions \u2013 Garnet Red (exclusive to 1.3L variants) and Granite Grey \u2013 joining the four existing colours on offer, namely Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Ocean Blue and Sugar Brown.\nFour variants are available on offer \u2013 1.0 G MT, 1.0 G AT, 1.3 X AT and 1.3 AV AT (1.3 X MT has been dropped). As with all Perodua models, the 2020 Perodua Bezza will come with a five-year/150,000 km warranty.\u00a0\nNo changes are expected to the powertrain options. The 1.0L variants will be fitted with a \n1.0-litre three-cylinder engine\n, producing \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n of torque; 1.3L variants get a \n1,329cc four-cylinder engine\n producing\u00a0\n94 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0\n121 Nm\n\u00a0of torque.\nThe 2020 Perodua Bezza is now open for booking at all Perodua outlets, and you can register your interest online \nhere\n.\n2020 Perodua Bezza Pricing: \nVariants\nPrices (P M\u2019sia, OTR w/o Insurance)\n1.0 G MT\nRM34,580\n1.0 G AT\nRM36,580\n1.3 X AT\nRM43,980\n1.3 AV AT\nRM49,980"
"Honestly, there\u2019s no need to be ashamed \u2013 it\u2019s neither a sin nor a crime to be gullible. If you\u2019ve been scammed by the auto world\u2019s April Fool\u2019s pranks, don\u2019t doubt your intelligence. With technology being so advanced, who\u2019s to say what\u2019s real and what\u2019s not these days.\nI for one, fell victim to Lexus\u2019 prank of the possible reality that a car can be specified to our exact physical and mental needs through analysis of our saliva. Everyone from McLaren to Skoda was also in on the fun but these are a selection of my favourites.\nHere are the five most convincing (perhaps only to me) April Fool\u2019s pranks of 2018 by car manufacturers:\nMG to use Alpaca poop to power their cars\nWhile the notion of using renewal energy sources to power cars aren\u2019t exactly new, MG\u2019s idea of using Alpaca droppings as a source of power simply emitted a whiff of bull excrement.\nAlpacas, which appear similar to Llamas, can be found primarily in the mountainous terrains of South America. MG claimed that Alpaca waste has been specifically chosen as it doesn\u2019t need to be aged before it can be broken down into pellets and used as fuel.\nHyundai used chocolate as tarmac to test their i30N hot hatch\nI nearly fell for it, before a quick spotcheck on Google cleared the air on Hyundai\u2019s supposed secret proving ground for the i30N hot hatch. Engineers were said to have observed tyre prints left in the Cacao Corner of the test track \u2013\u00a0 made using milk, butter and cocoa.\nThe tyre print analysis was then used to tweak the i30N\u2019s handling characteristics. Parts of the Cacao Corner can also be removed and refrigerated to create a long-lasting record of previous test results.\nLexus using saliva to tailor-make a car for you\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuDYKljzcZE\nAfter last year\u2019s prank where Lexus claimed to have developed a technology that can move lane hoggers involuntarily away from you, this year they introduced the\u00a0\nLexus Genetic Select\n.\nAll it takes is a \nlittle spit of your saliva\n and the system will be able to tell if you\u2019re prone to backaches hence requiring more lumbar support and padding for your seats, for instance.\nHonda launched a CR-V Roadster concept\nIt was supposed to provide a \u201cunique spin\u201d on the world\u2019s best-selling SUV and would be launched \u201cjust in time for summer\u201d. With both B and C pillars completely removed, Honda cheekily claimed structural rigidity was reduced by as much as 100%.\nIts price? \u201cHalf\u201d of an actual CR-V, of course.\nSkoda\u2019s noise-cancelling headrest\nNow if it wasn\u2019t the 1st of April, most parents would be jumping for joy and swarming Skoda showrooms for a piece of their latest development.\nIf it were true though, teenage drivers will also no longer be subjected to their parent\u2019s unnecessary remarks of their driving and it could even revolutionise air travel \u2013 no more crying babies!"
"Back in July 2022, \nHyundai\n unveiled its \nN Vision 74\n concept to the world. Looking like a \nDMC Delorean\n, the concept is powered by a combination of batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell. A recent report from Korean media \nMoney Today\n suggests that a production version of the N Vision 74 could be coming out later this month.\nThe N Vision 74\u2019s design pays tribute to the original Pony coupe concept in 1974. Its design is an uncanny resemblance to the DMC Delorean featured in Back to the Future.\nThe original Pony coupe was designed by legendary automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The supposed production version of the N Vision 74, on the other hand, will reportedly be designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro, the son of the legendary designer.\nAs mentioned above, powering the concept coupe is a combination of batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell, with power sent to the rear wheels. Thanks to two electric motors, the Pony Coupe is capable of generating \n680 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque.\nRELATED: \n3 new Hyundai models teased for 2023 \u2013 Ioniq 6, Santa Fe & Tucson, is that you?\nMoney Today has also reported that Hyundai is planning to reveal the production version of the concept coupe on \nMay 27, 2023\n, at a \u2018Pony Day\u2019 event that will be held at the company\u2019s studio in Seoul. We sincerely hope Hyundai won\u2019t disappoint us, as the N Vision 74 has been one of the most hotly anticipated Korean cars in a while.\nWhat do you think of Hyundai\u2019s N Vision 74? Comment your thoughts down below!\nRELATED: \nHyundai Elantra N facelift revealed, another robocop-ed Hyundai"
"Joining the newly updated \nBMW 1 Series hatchback\n\u00a0is the facelifted \n2 Series\n coupe (F22), which will go on sale from July onwards. You can have it either as a two-door coupe or convertible.\nNew items here are subtle, like the marginally larger kidney grille, new LED DRL graphics and redesigned tail lamps. The two Sunset Orange and Seaside Blue also make their debut here, just like the 1 Series. The convertible comes with a powered soft-top operable\u00a0at speeds up to 50 km/h.\nMuch like the updated 1-er, the cabin of the 2 Series gets exactly the same updates in trimmings and iDrive system. If the M2 is a little too hardcore for your liking, there\u2019s the\n M240i\n variant that\u2019s available for both the coupe and convertible. The \n3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged\n engine cranks out \n340 hp\n and \n500\n \nNm\n of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h sprint in \n4.4 seconds\n. A choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic can be had.\nBack here, BMW Malaysia is only selling the \nActive Tourer\n\u00a0derivative of the 2 Series, and of course the full blown\u00a0\nM2\n\u00a0beast itself. Sales of the\u00a0\n220i\n\u00a0has been discontinued until further notice.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In fact, six and the half times to be exact, with a total of 5,000,000 km in just two and a half years \u2013 that\u2019s 5,500 km a day!\nBut instead of seeing those figures on the odometer of a NASA Space Shuttle, it\u2019s accumulated by 45 units of the Toyota Mirai used by German ride pooling company CleverShuttle, making them the world\u2019s most used Toyota Mirai fleet.\nThe figure completely overshadows the 1.6 million kilometres clocked up in 2019, by 27 units of Toyota Mirai owned by London-based private-car hire and taxi service company Green Tomato Cars.\nWhat\u2019s even more incredible is that the distance was achieved without a speck of emission. As they\u2019re fuel cell electric vehicles, where a propulsion system uses fuel cell stack that mixes hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity to power the car, the Mirai merely emitted water vapour throughout its \u201cjourney to the Moon\u201d.\nWith a tank of fuel, the Mirai can travel up to 500 km and refuelling takes less than three minutes. To put things into perspective, the \nfully-electric Nissan Leaf\n launched in \nMalaysia last year\n, is only capable of around 300 km on a full charge. On that note, Edaran Tan Chong Motor recently \nassured customers of the new Leaf that the car\u2019s battery warranty covers more than just faults\n.\nIn the three years that CleverShuttle has operated this fleet, each have accumulated around 180,000 km and according to them, \u201csuffered no technical or mechanical issues whatsoever\u201d. The company claimed that apart from regular, scheduled maintenance, no repairs or changes of parts were required since they were put into action.\n\u201cFuel cell electric vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai are an important to the operations of our business thanks to their reliability. They have allowed us to provide countless passengers with comfortable rides, emitting nothing but water vapour,\u201d said CleverShuttle co-founder Jan Hofmann."
"The year was 2003; the creative ad men and women of Wieden + Kennedy dug out an old idea originally meant for the Civic and went on to create one of the most incredible car advertisements in recent history.\nIt was called \u201cCog\u201d \u2013 a chain reaction video that wouldn\u2019t feature much of the car but at the same time, quite a lot of it. It required two pre-production units which were almost immediately taken apart for the admen to asses how the components can be put together. Not only did the chain reaction need to work, its sequence had to be clever.\nIt costs 100,000 pounds and required more than six months of developing and testing, before filming could even begin. Once that was done, reports claimed that it cost another one million pounds to shoot. It took them 60 takes in three days to accomplish and apparently, all the original concepts were not even used.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z57kGB-mI54\nThere have been conflicting reports, even from the same source on how many takes it actually took. First it was 600 then later on it was 60, but the slate board in this \nbehind the scenes video\n however, stated \u201c606\u201d, so we\u2019ll leave you to dish it out with Google.\nWhat\u2019s certain is that the entire chain reaction \nwasn\u2019t shot in one take\n but instead was split into two halves as getting a studio that big to accommodate the entire ensemble would\u2019ve been too expensive. Could you tell where the halfway point was? Here\u2019s a clue \u2013 fumes.\nSpeaking of which, even the temperature of the studio was taken into account as it could mess up the movement of the components and in turn, ruining the entire sequence. You can only imagine the level of precision needed to pull the immensely complex chain reaction off.\nNot only did they have to contend with the smoothness of the sequence, lighting, studio conditions (temperature/wind/vibrations), the shoot was also constrained by the limited capabilities of the cameras from that era, which could barely cope with the continuous focus from small to large to small items again.\n \nIf you pay closer attention, you\u2019d notice some movements do appear fake with a healthy dose of CGI and over the years, questions have been raised and mysteries supposedly debunked. Again, you have plenty of time, the Internet is free and the search engine you\u2019re looking for is spelt \u201cGoogle\u201d.\nTake the tyres rolling up the slope for example. The technicians brought in to calculate the physics of that movement claimed that there\u2019s weight at the bottom of the tyres. Once the tyre is nudged, as it attempts to balance itself, it rolls forward too. Even the amount of oil, used to slow down the nuts so that it wouldn\u2019t roll too quick and bounce off the edge, was taken into account.\nAnd what you get is two minutes of mechanical movement perfection, the unveiling of the \nAccord\n and a simple yet effective and lasting message at the end that said, \u201cIsn\u2019t it nice, when things just work?\u201d\nAlthough, I\u2019d argue that it\u2019s true with a Toyota as well."
"To celebrate Polestar Cyan Racing\u2019s win at the FIA World Touring Car Championship in a Volvo S60 Polestar TC1 race car, Polestar has unveiled the Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar Performance World Champion Edition.\nUnlike the limited-run \nMY2018 S60 and V60 Polestar\n, the Champion Edition can be had in\u00a0\nD4, D5, T5 or T6 variants\n. Should you choose to own one of these celebratory models, your S60/V60 will be dressed in a rear diffuser, ducktail spoiler and 19-inch Polestar lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance tyres.   Mechanically, it comes equipped with free-flow stainless-steel exhaust system, sports air filter, uprated suspension dampers and springs as well as Polestar powertrain optimisation. Engine output is bumped by up to \n10 hp\n and \n50 Nm\n of torque (depending on engine choice). Gearshifts and throttle response have been sharpened as well.\nThe Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar Performance World Champion Editions are available for purchase from any Polestar retailer globally whereas the Polestar Performance Parts can be fitted to new or existing Volvo cars.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just issued an important statement regarding the condition of the airbags in their vehicles. The company is conducting a safety recall of potentially affected Takata airbag modules from specific models in compliance with the European type approval.\nThis measure serves to ensure customers\u2019 safety and gain a deeper understanding of the condition of airbag modules in the vehicle after a prolonged period.\nSLK-Class\nC-Class\nTo recap, the company, guided by Daimler AG, decided to execute a worldwide recall in mid-2019 of the affected models of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Vans and MB Trucks. The company will continue to work closely together with the authorities and Joyson Safety Systems (new owners of Takata) to exchange the latest findings and insights.\nIn this latest recall notice, Mercedes-Benz vehicles affected are across a variety of models from the production period of \n2004 to 2016\n, including the: A-Class (169), C-Class (203 and 204), E-Class Coupe and Convertible (207), the \nE-Class (212)\n, ML- and GL-Class (164), R-Class (251), as well as the SLK (171) and the 197 (SLS AMG).\nA-Class\nML-Class\nC-Class, interior\nAll affected Mercedes-Benz owners can check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the recall microsite \nhere\n or by calling the Customer Care Centre \n1-800-88-1133\n to confirm if their car has been identified for this voluntary monitoring program.\nShould the vehicle be required to undergo the replacement, the cost is free and fully borne by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia and Daimler AG reassure their customers that all presently produced Mercedes-Benz passenger cars are\n no longer equipped\n with Takata (or other suppliers) airbags which contains \nammonium nitrate\n as the primary propellant."
"Like most recent Mercedes-Benz models, the company has taken to YouTube to tease their latest product, the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The fourth-generation compact hatch will be making its world premiere in Amsterdam on 2nd February 2018.\nPreviously, \nMercedes-Benz gave us a glimpse\n of what the interior will look like with notable features such as the Widescreen Cockpit Display, Turbine air vents, multifunctional steering wheel and redesigned centre console. A new feature that was not mentioned in earlier releases is the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), an artificial intelligence multimedia system that allows the users to interact with the system by saying \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d.   On the outside, not much can be identified except for the sleek LED headlamps and slimmer taillamp graphics. The new car will spearhead a more youthful brand image for the three-pointed star with its dynamic but more grown-up exterior design. Oh, there is also an \nA-Class sedan\n that \nmight\n become a reality.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAll-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Teaser   Mercedes-Benz A-Class Interior"
"You probably know of them by now but in case you don\u2019t, the boys at\n X-Tomi Design\n are notoriously well-known for their \u201cextremely real\u201d renderings on new cars in different body styles.\nTake the all-new G20 BMW 3-series for example, they\u2019ve rendered the car to appear as a wagon, a GT and one wearing an M3 kit.   Not sure if I\u2019d ever want to see the 3-series in GT form again, as the number of those \u201cthings\u201d on the road also indicate how likable they are amongst the general public but goodness, the M3 looks drop-dead gorgeous!\nIf you haven\u2019t heard, the \nall-new G20 BMW 3-series\n will be available in six different variants \u2013 320i, 330i, 318d, 320d, 320d xDrive and 330d. Transmission options include a six-speed manual (on the 318d and 320d), while the rest will be equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.\nUpgrades on the transmission include a new control unit, shorter gearing and lower ratios for better acceleration. An optional 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is also available for even quicker gear shifts\u00a0and a Launch Control function.\nCredit: \nX-Tomi Design"
"One of the less publicised virtues of modern vehicle platforms that can accommodate electrified powertrains is their enhanced rigidity, due to the need to isolate and shield the high voltage battery pack in the event of a crash. So yes, modern cars are largely safer in the unfortunate event of a crash, even if the drivers aren\u2019t.\nIt should also come as no surprise that the \nMk8-generation\n Volkswagen Golf just scored 5 stars in its maiden Euro NCAP test. The MQB-based \nMk7 Golf \nhaving already achieved the result back in 2012, hence it\u2019s only logical given that the \nMk8 Golf\n, also based on the \nMQB platform\n (but updated) passed with flying colours, though NCAP testing criteria have become stricter over time.\nIn the key areas of safety involving Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users (or Pedestrian) and Safety Assist, the Mk8 Golf scored \n95% (AO), 89% (CO), 76% (VRS) and 78% (SA)\n, whereas the Mk7 scored \n94% (AO), 89% (CO), 65% (VRS) and 71% (SA)\n.\nThe breakdown does make for interesting reading in that the passive safety scores for Adult Occupant and Child Occupant between the two generations of Golfs are \nnearly identical\n, expectedly so, but the Mk8 is superior in Safety Assist systems such as \nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n and \nLane Assists\n and notably safer for \npedestrians \nin a collision.\n \nMaybe that\u2019s why the Mk8 Golf\u2019s front end is droopier and lower than the Mk7\u2019s, apart from just being more aerodynamic."
"The time has come for Lexus to update the look of its sixth generation ES model range for 2016; a look that is both fresh and sleek, mirroring its siblings with better tech and equipment as well.\nWhat we have here is the ES300h\u00a0\nhybrid model\n of the range, and one thing that\u2019s carried forward is the brand\u2019s\u00a0signature \nspindle grille\n. However, a pair of \nLED head lights\n gives the range a more grown up look to compliment the other styling features, such as the new fog lights.   Going around the side, you will come across a set of new \n17-inch alloy wheels\n which are exclusive to the ES range and comes wrapped with\n low-resistance tyres\n. The rear end gets the familiar\u00a0\nL-shaped tail lamps\n. Fans of the \nToyota Camry\n will definitely spot the resemblance here.\u00a0As before, the ES 300h conveys its hybrid identity through subtle cues, including a \ntrunk lip spoiler\n,\n hidden exhaust pipe \nand\n blue hybrid badges\n.\nDrive is provided via the rather familiar powertrain from the current model (also powering our \nCamry Hybrid\n) \u2013\u00a0\n2AR-FXE 2.5-litre single VVT-i twin-cam Atkinson cycle four-cylinder\n unit that makes out \n158 hp \nat 5,700 rpm and \n213 Nm\n at 4,500 rpm and is coupled to a\u00a0\n650V nickel-metal hydride battery pack\n that packs a total combined\u00a0punch of about\u00a0\n200 hp\n.\nFuel consumption is rated by the manufacturers at a healthy \n7.1 litres per 100 km\n on the combined cycle. It has also been designed to run\n without an accessory belt\n, meaning that the \nwater pump\n and \nsteering are electric driven\n.\nThis ES 300h has a knack for safety in mind, with \n10 airbags\u00a0\nas standard to boot. The facelift gets the optional\u00a0\nLexus\u2019 Safety System+ Package\n\u00a0that combines Pre-Collision System (\nPCS)\n, Lane Departure Alert (\nLDA\n) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (\nIHB\n) and \nHigh-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control\n.\n \n \nThe outgoing ES300h was introduced at the end of 2013 and retails for\u00a0\nRM353,000\n on-the-road (excluding insurance), and comes with a \nthree-year warranty\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After many months of teasing, Lamborghini has finally unveiled their first ever hybrid supercar, the Lamborghini Si\u00e1n, and it is an absolute jaw-dropper.\u00a0\nThe name \nSi\u00e1n\n, from the Bolognese dialect meaning \u2018\nflash or lightning\n\u2018, perfectly embodies the idea behind the hypercar, which is a \nsuper-fast electrified vehicle, a first for Lamborghini\n.\nWithout further ado, here are the numbers: \n0 to 100km/h in just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of over 350km/h\n, the Lamborghini Si\u00e1n is powered by a \n6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12\n, which is the same engine used in the Aventador SVJ. What is different from the SVJ though, is the added 45-volt e-motor, making a \ncombined output of 819 hp\n!\nRather than a regular lithium-ion battery, Lamborghini is pushing the boundaries by utilising the \nsupercapacitor technology\n, providing \nthree times more power than a battery of the same weight\n. The entire hybrid system only weighs \n34kg\n, and is a world\u2019s first application of the supercapacitor technology in hybrid vehicles.\nAccording to Lamborghini, the Si\u00e1n \ncharges itself completely\n \u201cevery time the vehicle brakes\u201d through \nregenerative braking\n. The symmetrical behavior of the supercapacitor means that charging can be done at the \nsame power\n as discharging.\nConnected through the gearbox, the\n e-motor \ndelivers instantaneous torque while accelerating and also helps out with low speed maneuvers such as reversing and parking. The e-motor automatically disconnects above 130 km/h.\nAlthough the century run times are basically the same as the \nSVJ\n, the Lamborghini Si\u00e1n pulls ahead in the\n 30 km/h to 60 km/h and 0 km/h to 120 km/h acceleration benchmarks\n, clocking in 0.2 and 1.2 seconds faster than the SVJ respectively.\nThe styling on the Si\u00e1n is unmistakably Lamborghini. The brand DNA is evident throughout the entire design, and we see the \nCountach \nespecially in the rear third section of the supercar. The \niconic \u201cY\u201d and hexagonal shapes of previous Lamborghinis\n are found throughout the car, from the front daytime running lights, air inlets to the rear combination lamps.\nAutomobili Lamborghini\u2019s Head of Design, Mitja Borkert says \u201cThe fastest Lamborghini must be a visual and symphonic feast, as remarkable to those who see it pass by as those privileged to drive it,\u201d and privilege is the word here.\nAs emblazoned on the rear winglets, Lamborghini will only be producing a limited run of 63 units, referencing the founding year of Automobili Lamborghini, and they are all unfortunately \nsold out\n. I guess we will just have to wait for the next one.\u00a0\nLamborghini Si\u00e1n image gallery"
"The Porsche Macan was the company\u2019s best-selling model until the Cayenne overtook it last year. With the all-new and \nfully-electric Macan only due in 2023\n, Porsche has updated the Macan with new styling features and a power bump.\nThe new Porsche Macan features new front and rear bumpers plus the characteristic Sideblades. For the Macan S and Macan models, the new front bumper features a body-coloured inlay to emphasise the model\u2019s width. On the GTS, the centre of the new bumper as well as other elements are finished in black.\nThe rear bumper gets a distinctive looking rear bumper with a pronounced shape like an extension of a diffuser. New 3D patterns on the bumpers and sideblades are also available as an option for further personalise the new Macan.\nThe LED headlamps with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and Sport Design exterior mirrors are now standard on all variants.\nIs this a Porsche showroom or a high-end fashion boutique? New Porsche Studio opens in Vietnam\nCompared to the \nprevious model-year\n, all variants of Porsche Macan all see an increase in power output. The 2-litre four-cylinder unit in the base Macan now delivers \n265 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, launching the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n6.2 seconds\n.\nMeanwhile, the 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine with outputs of \n380 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n previously serving duties in the sporty \nGTS variant \nhas now been moved to the Macan S variant. As such, the new Porsche Macan S does the century sprint in just \n4.6 seconds\n with the Sport Chrono Package.\nWith that powertrain repositioning, the new Porsche Macan GTS gets the \n440 hp/550 Nm\n higher-tuned V6 biturbo engine from the outgoing Macan Turbo. It maintains the same \n4.3-second\n sprint time too. The top speed for the new Macan GTS is a blistering 272 km/h.\nAll engines are paired with the 7-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive system.\nPorsche says the \nnew Macan GTS sits at the top of the range\n, sounding as if the Macan Turbo has been discontinued from this model-year improvement onwards. Being the range-topper with plenty of sporty credentials, the new Macan GTS with sports air suspension fitted as standard.\nThe fastest SUV around the Nurburgring is now available for sale, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT with 640 hp!\nApart from lowering the overall height by 10 mm, the air suspension is also 10% and 15% stiffer on the front and rear axles respectively compared to its predecessor model. The regular Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has been retuned for more sensitivity and more feedback to the driver.\nThis new tuning has been paired with larger standard wheels across the range- 19 inches for the Macan, 20 inches for the Macan S and 21 inches for the Macan GTS.\nInside, a new centre and lower console with touch surface (replacing all physical push buttons) and a new shorter shift lever greet the occupants, while the driver feels even more connected to the road with new steering wheels from the latest 911 model. \u00a0\nThe new Macan model will begin deliveries from October 2021 in Europe, with prices in the UK starting from \nGBP47,780\n (RM276k) for the base Macan and \nGBP64,770\n (RM374k) for the Macan GTS. \u00a0\nGALLERY\n2021 Porsche Macan GTS\n2021 Porsche Macan S"
"BMW Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the first ever \nBMW X2\n which will make its market debut on 21st March 2018. Interested parties can put down a RM3,000 booking fee on their \nofficial website\n to secure an early unit of the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).\nThe company revealed that the X2 will carry an estimated price tag of RM320,000 and will be available in one variant, the\u00a0\nSDrive20i\n. It\u2019s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol delivering \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque, sending drive to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its century sprint is clocked in by\u00a0\n7.7 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n227 km/h\n.   On the outside, our local X2 will wear the \nM Sport package\n that comes with the M Aerodynamic body kit, BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow line, a M rear spoiler and M Sport suspension that lowers the car\u2019s ride height by \n10 mm\n. Other equipment includes LED headlamps with LED fog lamps. The X2 will sit on 19-inch 715 M lightweight alloys wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.\nInside, the X2 is furnished with Dakota leather upholstery, M lettering, M leather steering wheel, sport seats, Aluminium Hexagon interior trims, powered front seats with memory function, dual-zone automatic climate control, six different colours for ambient lighting, an 8.8-inch Navigation Plus iDrive system with six-speakers and reverse camera.\nThere will be four exterior shades to choose from \u2013 Galvanic Gold Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic. Buyers who opt for the Black Sapphire Metallic can pair it with a Magma Red leather interior.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X2 SDrive20i M Sport"
"Aside from\n launching two new Mercedes-Benz GLC models\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced the new and improved, locally-assembled GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC.\nThe single-variant GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC is powered similarly by the new M264 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with \n258 hp \nand \n370 Nm\n of torque. As its name suggests, power finds its way to all four wheels via a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.\nAside from the sloping roofline, the equipment list on the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe is identical to the GLC 300 4MATIC. The new grille is flanked by a pair of new MULTIBEAM LED headlamps while the Night Package gives the car black trims all around. A set of new 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels complete the exterior makeover.\nLike its non-coupe sibling, the AMG Line interior package dresses the interior with AMG floor mats and an AMG super-sport nappa leather steering wheel.\nHowever, there are no wood trims here \u2013 to not dull the Coupe\u2019s sportier appeal. In keeping with the times, the instrument cluster is now a 12.3-inch unit capable of three display styles: Classic, Progressive and Sporty.\nLike the GLC 200 and 300 4MATIC, the Coupe also gets the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system on a 10.25-inch touchscreen display.\nMercedes me connect (Mmc) is another highlight. It\u2019s a feature that connects the car with your smartphone via an app where it allows you to start your engine remotely, check fuel levels and more through the in-built LTE module.\nMost older cars up to 2002 can also receive the service via\nthe Mercedes me Adapter that is available for purchase. It is easy to use too;\njust plug it into the OBD2 port, although some functions, like remote start,\nmay not be available.\nNew features like Active Parking Assist is available, and it\nalso gets items like the 360\u00b0 camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist and more to\nkeep current its safety equipment.\nThe facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC is priced at RM419,888 on-the-road without insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the ministry will propose amendments to the Cabinet for hasher penalties on drunk drivers who cause injury or death.\nThe penalties include up 20 years in jail and a fine of up to RM150,000. Currently, under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987, the maximum sentence for the same offense is only 10 years. If the amendments are passed, first time offenders of the new drunk driving laws can be sentenced to 15 years in jail while repeat offenders will see up to 20 years.\nAs for the fines, it\u2019ll be RM100,000 for the first time offender, up from RM20,000 and RM200,000 for repeat offenders. That\u2019s not all, if found guilty, the offender\u2019s \ndriving license will be suspended for 20 years\n instead of just 10 currently. The new amendments also include those caught driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs.\nTransport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong\nMandatory jail time\n is also being proposed under Section 45A of the Road Transport Act 1987, for those convicted of driving above permissible alcohol levels.\nThe \npermissible alcohol levels\n currently stand at 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood or 107 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine.\nIt has been \nproposed to be lowered\n to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood or 67 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine \u2013 a standard much lower than countries like England for example.\nSo the next time you head out for a couple of drinks, aside from a face mask, maybe bring along a breathalyzer as well?\nImage Source:\n Facebook"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is certainly on the roll here, recording yet again another milestone in sales performance this year after announcing that they\u2019ve sold 1,202 units of cars in June.\nThis follows their previous record achieved in \nMay with 1,143 units sold\n, but their run in the first half this year solidifies Mercedes-Benz as the country\u2019s leading choice of luxury passenger car brand. It also marks their fourth consecutive record-breaking month, selling a total of \n5,163 units\n (year-to-date) compared to the same period in 2014 with 3,366 units \u2013 a \n53 percent year-to-date growth\n.\nCurrent CEO and President of MBM, Roland Folger will be \nsucceeded by Dr Claus Weidner\n in October 2015\nDriving this success is their core products, namely the \nlocally produced C-Class\n, \nE-Class\n and \nS-Class\n models. Combined, the trio make up of \n3,787 units\n, an \nincrease of 62 percent\n from the same period last year. They\u2019re certainly healthy numbers, but the E-Class is by far their best seller with \n1,967 units\n registered \u2013 a whopping \n41 percent increase\n from the first half of 2014.\nThe W205 C-Class on the other hand, registered sales of\u00a0\n1,104 units\n ( a 38 percent increase) whereas the W222 S-Class recorded a monumental \n419 percent growth\n to \n719 units\n. To give you a better perspective of that, the total units sold for the first half of 2015 equates to the S-Class\u2019 \ntotal sales volume from 2004 to 2006\n.\n \n \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s compact car range is also one of their key contributors, registering a growth of \n32 percent to 1,348 units\n. The range is comprised of models such as the A-Class, CLA and GLA. At the press conference, President and CEO of MBM, Roland Folger said, \u201cThe success we have experienced in a short six months speaks for itself. The market loves our new models, and we thank our customers for their support which is a testament and validation of our continued success into the business we have in Malaysia.\u201d   MBM\u2019s Vice President of Sales and Marketing (Passenger Cars), Mark Raine also said the company will continue its product offensive, and customers can look forward to the arrival of the new \nAMG V8-powered C63 and C63 S\n. Just last month, the company launched the \nRM1.15 million AMG GT S\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW celebrated a significant milestone in their journey for electric mobility with the 100,000\nth\n \nBMW i3\n successfully rolled out of the production in Leipzig, Germany. As electric mobility becomes an integral part of their business, the company has laid out sustainable plans to \ndispose \noff these high-voltage batteries.\nSince the introduction of the i3 back in 2013, annual production of the electric supermini has expanded to 26,631 vehicles in 2016. The i8 hybrid sportscar which shares the same production facility, saw 2,783 units leaving the production floor in 2016. Production capacity will continue to grow as the company releases more electric vehicles in the future with the next i-model set to be the \ni8 Roadster\n, slated for market release in 2018.\nWith electrified vehicles paving the way for future mobility, BMW has introduced a new business model called \u201c\nBattery2ndLife\n\u201d to reuse used batteries for a large-scale battery storage in Leipzig. The new battery storage farm can house up to\n 700 used i3 high-capacity batteries\n, equivalent to an electric range of \n100,000 km\n for an i3. The battery farm, which is connected to the public power grid acts as a stabiliser for the grid by absorbing excess electricity and release electricity when there is not enough power.\nThe battery storage farm at Leipzig will open up new potential for cost and energy efficiency, as well as CO2 reduction in the energy sector; demonstrating an innovative, sustainable and profitable application of used high-capacity batteries after a vehicle reaches the end of its lifecycle.\nIn line with \nBMW Group\u2019s plans to offer electrified variants for all MINI and BMW models\n, the company has expressed that by 2025, BMW will have 25 electrified models (hybrids and electric vehicles) by 2025.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Twitter account of Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, is known to be a goldmine for some ridiculous content, such as the \n\u201cbankruptcy\u201d joke\n exactly two years ago on April Fools day.\nHowever in these trying times due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Musk seems to have cooled-down a little on jokes, instead sharing some heart-warming news on his Twitter feed.\nIn a \ntweet published last night\n, Elon Musk announced that the company has extra FDA-approved ventilators, and will be offering these free of charge to \nhospitals within Tesla regions worldwide\n \u2013 both device and shipping fees will be covered by Tesla.\nThe tweet continues, \u201cOnly requirement is that the vents are needed immediately for patients, not stored in a warehouse. Please [let] me or \n@Tesla\n know.\u201d\nWe have extra FDA-approved ventilators. Will ship to hospitals worldwide within Tesla delivery regions. Device & shipping cost are free. Only requirement is that the vents are needed immediately for patients, not stored in a warehouse. Please me or \n@Tesla\n know.\n\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) \nMarch 31, 2020\n \nTesla did not specifically reveal the source of the ventilators or the quantity available, although a \nprevious tweet\n from Elon Musk seems to suggest that the ventilators are bought from China due to over-supply in the region.\nTesla is not the first carmaker to offer ventilators in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. Following pleas from governments worldwide, many carmakers have begun manufacturing ventilators on their production lines, including \nFord\n and \nVolkswagen\n.\nHeader image source: \nNYC Health + Hospitals/Twitter"
"The Nurburgring Nordschleife, affectionately called \u201cThe Green Hell\u201d by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart, is frequently hailed as the most dangerous and difficult race track in the world.\nThe challenging nature of the course is the reason why many manufacturers and car enthusiast alike regard the track as the ultimate proving ground for a car.\nAlthough there has been some changes to the course over the years, the \n20.8 km\n of tarmac on the Nordschleife layout largely remains the same with its \n73 corners\n and more than \n300 metres of elevation change\n.\u00a0\nDriving through the blind corners with little to no room for error is an impressive feat, and that\u2019s why we were left speechless when we saw German car magazine Sport Auto taking the crazy fast \nFerrari 488 Pista\n around the Nordschleife for an all-out hot lap. Just watch how fast the driver had to react to the car and track through instant micro-corrections:\n \nThe 720 hp track monster in the hands of test driver Christian Gebhardt set a blistering lap time of \n7:00.03\n. While the lap is not entering any record books, it is still a respectable time by all means.\u00a0\nJust for comparison\u2019s sake, the fastest lap time by a production car on the \u2018Ring is set by the \nLamborghini Aventador SVJ\n at 6:44.97. The recently released \u201cBeast of the Green Hell\u201d \nMercedes-AMG GT R\n did it in 7:10.92.\u00a0\nAs the seven minutes lap was not set by a \u201cprofessional\u201d driver, nor was it officially sanctioned by the manufacturer, it\u2019s not directly comparable to the traditional lap times above. However, with Ferrari usually being mum about official lap times and avoiding record-chasing runs, this might be the best comparison we will get."
"The \u2018Spirit of Ecstasy\u2019 bonnet emblem is perhaps \nRolls-Royce\n\u2018s most defining feature, but don\u2019t be surprised if the one on your next Rolls looks a little different from what you remember it to be. In the name of efficiency for its future EVs starting from the \nSpectre\n, the British ultra-luxury carmaker has now redesigned the iconic emblem to make it just that bit more aerodynamic.\nAs a result, the new Spirit of Ecstasy now stands a little shorter than before, measuring 82.73 mm tall compared to the previous 100.01 mm, while the overall shape is also slightly more rounded off to reduce drag and pierce the air more gracefully.\nInterestingly, the remodelled emblem \u2013 with a more \u201cdynamic stance\u201d \u2013 actually brings it much closer to the original Spirit of Ecstasy drawings made by her original creator, illustrator and sculptor Charles Sykes, in the early years of the 20\nth\n century.\nThe most visible change in the remodel is the ornament\u2019s stance. Previously, the Spirit of Ecstasy stood with her feet together, legs straight and tilting at the waist. Now, Rolls-Royce calls her a \u201ctrue goddess of speed\u201d, with one leg forward and body tucked low to brace for the wind.\nRolls-Royce also says that \u201cher physical form represent The Expression\u201d, which supposedly is a \u201cvisual device that forms part of the marque\u2019s new visual language\u201d, whatever that means.\nALSO READ: This RM100 million Rolls-Royce is literally a luxury yacht on four-wheels!\nOld \u201cstanding\u201d position\nNew streamlined stance\nAlthough rare, this isn\u2019t the first time that the iconic bonnet ornament was redesigned in its 111-year lifespan. According to Rolls-Royce, the Spirit of Ecstasy has been made in various sizes and materials, and even briefly in a kneeling position.\nThe new Spirit of Ecstasy will debut on the fully-electric Spectre in 2023, and used on all future models. However, the current design will still remain on the \nPhantom\n, \nGhost\n, \nWraith\n, \nDawn\n, and \nCullinan\n, alongside their Black Badge counterparts."
"Not too long ago, the \nVolvo XC90 T8\n received a \ntuning package\n from Polestar. It was only a matter of time for Polestar \u2013 the performance division of Volvo \u2013 to grace the \nS90\n and \nV90\n.\nThe performance package, called Polestar Performance Optimisation is introduced for the D5 PowerPulse diesel which increases the engine\u2019s output from \n235 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n to \n240 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n while maintaining the same emission standards. The other variants will also benefit from the same upgrade sometime in the near future.\nAccording to Polestar, this is not just a power upgrade. The overall drivetrain is optimised as well, from throttle response, gearshift and engine performance are all improved to provide the S90 and V90 a more dynamic edge.\nAll performance upgrades by Polestar will not affect the warranty, fuel consumption and service intervals of the car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Still in the final few months of development, the \nNissan GT-R\n-powered Praga Bohema hypercar has been unveiled by the Czech Republic race car manufacturer. It will be the brand\u2019s first road-legal car and only 10 units will be made in 2023 with the following four years seeing a production volume of 20 per year. The cost of the Bohema is 1.28 million Euros (approx. \nRM6,024,149\n).\nWe\u2019re not kidding when we say the Praga Bohema is powered by a Nissan-sourced engine. Mounted in the middle of the Bohema is the Nissan PL38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine that has been tuned by Litchfield Engineering \u2013 a performance-tuning company based in England.\nNissan supplies its engine to Praga for the Bohema and Litchfield Engineering does the following adjustments:\nConversion to dry sump which reduces overall engine height by 140mm\nSwap to new set of twin turbochargers\nSwap to new titanium exhaust system\nSince the Praga Bohema is in its final stages of development, its performance numbers have yet to be confirmed. Although Litchfield Engineering has a history of tuning the 3.8-litre Nissan engine to 1,000 hp, the targetted numbers for the Praga Bohema are \n700 hp\n @ 6,800 rpm and \n725 Nm\n @ 3,000-6,000 rpm.\nMated with the Nissan-sourced engine is a race-derived semi-automatic gearbox. More specifically, it is a Hewland sequential gearbox with a \u2018robotic\u2019 clutch to allow for semi-automatic driving mode. Interestingly, all power is sent to the rear wheels only and Praga claims that the Bohema can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2.3 seconds. That\u2019s almost as fast as purely-electric hypercars like the \nRimac Nevera\n \nand \nPininfarina Battista\n.\nRELATED: \nRimac says 0-60mph in under 1 second is possible, but pointless\nAs for driving dynamics, the Praga Bohema rests on a fully independent suspension setup with push rod-operated adjustable dampers. The wheels are 18 inches in front and 19 inches in the rear, although the car can also run an 18-inch all-around setup. Behind the wheels are 380-mm carbon ceramic disc brakes with 6-piston callipers. Rubbers on the Bohema are a set of Pirelli Trofeo R tyres.\nThe exterior of the Bohema doesn\u2019t suggest any relation to its Japanese engine supplier with its crazy aero and wild racecar-like design. And it isn\u2019t farfetched to call the Bohema a racecar. Even the tagline on the Praga website reads \u201cThe simple fact that you can drive a race car on the road is enough\u201d.\nRELATED: \nPininfarina Battista sets 6 world records! \u2013 0-100 km/h in 1.86 s; 0-200 km/h in 4.75 s\nThe chassis is a rigid carbon fibre monocoque and attached to the chassis are lightweight carbon fibre outer panels. The front top panel covers the suspension, with subtle bulges to accommodate the horizontal dampers. At the rear, a single panel covers the engine, transmission, and suspension. Praga says the Bohema\u2019s rear spoiler provides over 900kg of downforce at 250 km/h.\nInside, Praga provides a decently luxurious cabin despite the racecar-ness of it all. Praga even says that adults measuring close to 2 metres tall can also fit in its first hypercar thanks to the fully-adjustable driver\u2019s seat.\nLike the chassis and panels, the interior also gets the carbon fibre treatment with 56 individual carbon fibre parts. The targeted weight for the cockpit is 34 kg.\nThe removable steering wheel incorporates a large digital display, showing speed, gear selected, oil and coolant temperatures, driving mode and warning lights. In the slim centre console are further controls including launch control, an in-built fire extinguisher trigger, and the electronic parking brake.\nProduction of the Praga Bohema will begin in the second half of 2023 with a targeted production of 10 units in its first year. In the following four years, Praga targets to build 20 Bohemas per year in the Czech Republic.\nRELATED: \nBugatti leaves Volkswagen, forms new company with Rimac"
"Naza Italia has launched the Maserati Grecale in Malaysia following a preview of the company\u2019s second SUV last year. The Grecale GT starts from \nRM598,000 \nand is accompanied by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty. It\u2019s available in three colours \u2013 Blu Intenso (blue metallic), Bianco Astro (metallic grey), and Bianco (solid white).\nIf you are looking to renew your motor insurance, be sure to check out\u00a0\nwww.motortakaful.com\n\u00a0\nby Etiqa. By renewing online, you will be able to enjoy a 10% rebate on your insurance premium.\nUnder the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with \n300 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. The engine also comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels.\u00a0\nThe Grecale\u2019s 0-100 km/h time is 5.6 seconds, with a 240 km/h top speed. Keeping the Grecale planted through the corners are passive dampers but buyers can also specify the adaptive Skyhook dampers with air suspension. The Grecale\u2019s brakes are made up of four-pot calipers in the front and single-pot units at the rear.\nIn terms of dimensions, the Grecale measures 4,846 mm in length, 1,670 mm in height, 1,948 mm in width, with a 2,901 mm wheelbase. Compared with its competitor, the Macan, the Grecale is 165 mm longer, 25 mm wider, 46 mm taller, with a 94 mm longer wheelbase.\nThe Grecale\u2019s exterior highlights include an MC20-inspired nose grille, triple vents on the front fenders, trident emblems on the C-pillar, flushed door handles and a sloping roof for a sportier silhouette. At the rear, the Grecale\u2019s taillights take inspiration from the 3200 GT, with quad exhaust tips to complement its athletic credentials.\nAs for the interior, the Grecale\u2019s cabin is unlike any other with a flair that even the competent Macan can\u2019t match. Aside from the fancy digital clock, the dual central displays and a digital instrument cluster, the Grecale also features finer details such as the trident tab behind the steering wheel and knurlings on the control knobs to resemble that of luxury watches.\u00a0\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the infotainment system is powered by Google\u2019s Android Automotive OS. Other standard items include a three-zone air conditioning system and a Sonus Faber sound system with up to 21 speakers. What do you think of the Grecale? Does the Malaysian market newcomer have what it takes to knock the popular Macan off its perch? Let us know!\nGALLERY"
"Last week, the Government announced a \n100% sales tax exemption on Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicles and a 50% sales tax exemption for Completely Built Up (CBU) vehicles\n until the end of the year.\nIn line with that, Perodua has released a statement that its model prices (on-the-road without insurance) will be \nreduced between 3% to 6% until 14th of June 2020\n.\nAlthough the tax reduction will only come into effect on the 15th of June, Perodua will begin offering cash rebates beginning today. From 15th of June onwards, the company will incorporate the new prices accordingly.\n \nThe best-selling Perodua in May.\n\u201cDespite the tax reduction only becoming effective 15 June 2020, Perodua will offer cash rebates between 3% and 6% for the purchase of our vehicles beginning today,\u201d Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.\n\u201cWe want everyone to take this opportunity to own a Perodua without worrying about being left out. Please visit any Perodua sales outlet and speak to our authorised sales advisors for the total amount of cash rebates and the full price list that will be effective on the 15th of June,\u201d he added.\u201d\nPerodua is offering \nspecial cash redemptions \nof\n up to RM1,300\n for the Aruz this month.\nLast week, \nthe company announced that it sold 7,886 vehicle\ns\n in May alone \nwith the Myvi being their best-selling model. As of the first five months of 2020, the company has sold 52,090 new vehicles.\nAll current Perodua models have over 90% local content and last year, the carmaker purchased RM5.4 billion worth of components from Malaysian suppliers.\n\u201cThis move to fully exempt CKD cars from sales tax is a confidence boost for the automotive industry \u2013 not just for car buyers but the entire ecosystem of manufacturers, suppliers and dealers. Along with low financing rates in this difficult time, we are cautiously optimistic that this will spur new car sales,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said."
"Volkswagen Group presented its technology roadmap specifically focusing on batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) on its inaugural \nPower Day\n. The company plans to make a lot of batteries at a lower cost as well as a massive leap in fast-charging infrastructure.\nAs the company plans to roll out more and more EVs, securing battery cells within Europe has become a major priority. As such, Volkswagen Group has not only contracted Sweden\u2019s \nNorthvolt\n but also increased its ownership in the cell manufacturing company that aims to deliver the world\u2019s greenest batteries with minimal CO2 footprint.\n\u201cVolkswagen will continue to deepen the collaboration and partnership with Northvolt. They are one of our key battery suppliers as we make the transition to electric mobility \u2013 and there is potential to expand this partnership even further,\u201d said Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components, Thomas Schmall.\nThe supply contract that is reported to worth \n$14 billion\n over the next 10 years sees Volkswagen getting their premium batteries from Northvolt\u2019s Ett gigafactory in Sweden from 2023. Northvolt\u2019s second plant in Salzgitter, Germany, will be under Volkswagen ownership and expected to commence operations in 2025 and both plants will have an annual output of \n40 GWh\n each (equivalent to over 600,000 units of EVs).\nVolkswagen targets to have six battery factories with a combined energy value of \n240 GWh\n per year by 2030 with its partners in Europe. The gigafactories will also manufacture new generation batteries that are simpler and lower in cost to manufacture.\nThe key to this approach is the \nunified cell\n utilisation, where up to 80% of the vehicles in the Volkswagen Group will begin to have it from 2023. Volkswagen is aiming to gradually reduce battery costs in the entry-level segment by up to \n50%\n and in the \nvolume segment\n by up to 30% The company as well as the technology partners view cost savings can be achieved through cell design, production process and the material used.\nVehicles targeted for the entry-level segment that is cost-sensitive will use higher quantity of iron phosphate in their cathode, while the volume segment will use a blend of nickel and manganese in its cathode for the best cost-to-value proposition.\nVehicles that offer the highest performance and price point will use more advanced NMC cells that has a blend of nickel, manganese and cobalt in the cathode. The share of EVs in the group\u2019s fleet is to rise to at least 40% by 2030.\nVolkswagen is also looking into introducing the solid-state battery system, where charging times will be cut to half (\n12 minutes\n) as we enter the second half of this decade in their example using a Volkswagen ID.4 Pro with a 77 kWh battery pack.\nVolkswagen\u2019s battery offensive is being accompanied by a large-scale expansion of the fast-charging network. Along with its partners such as IONITY, BP, Enel and Iberdrola, the company is investing $476 million and intends to operate about \n18,000\n public fast-charging points (150 kW DC) in Europe by 2025.\nThis represents a five-fold expansion of the fast-charging network compared to today and corresponds to about one-third of the total demand predicted on the continent for 2025.\nVolkswagen also has other charging solutions planned, such as the \nmobile charging robot\n that can be used in tight spaces such as car parks. \u00a0\u00a0\nChina itself will see \n17,000\n fast-charging points installed through a joint venture with CAMS, with the USA planned to have 3,500 points in partnership with Electrify America.\nNext year, surplus energy from the grid in Europe can be stored in Volkswagen EVs as the company plans to introduce \nbidirectional\n charging system. Energy stored in the battery packs of the ID.3 or ID.4 can be fed back into the home when needed.\nEVs are great assistance during a disruption to the national grid, as the Japanese emergency services are already using the Nissan Leaf as a \nmobile power bank\n, with the Leaf supplying energy to power simple household appliances during blackouts from natural disasters.\nGALLERY"
"The wraps have been taken off the stage for the unveiling of the facelifted BMW 5 Series in Thailand. Our neighbour up north is the second market after Singapore to launch the refreshed model in Asean.\nThe new 5 Series is represented by three variants- the 520d M Sport, 530e M Sport and the 530e Elite. Thanks to CO2 emission-based taxation, as well as high incentives for hybrid vehicles, a petrol-only option is not available.\nThe look of the \nfacelifted 5 Series\n is highlighted by a better-proportioned, larger kidney grille with slimmer L-shaped LED headlamps in front and the rear features 3D-LED tail lamps with smoked surround.\nThe M Aerodynamics package on the 530e M Sport is matched with dark-coloured specific wheel designs that are 19 inches in size with a staggered arrangement, while the diesel variant are 18 inches. The 530e Elite also runs on 18-inch wheels but an equal-width arrangement.\nBeing the highest-specification variant, the facelifted BMW 530e M Sport is designed for better dynamic performance thanks to the fitment of rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension and M sport brakes.\nBoth the 530e variants are fitted with the updated eDrive plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\u00a0(\n184 hp/300 Nm)\u00a0\npaired to an electric motor with\u00a0\n80 kW\n\u00a0(109 hp)/265 Nm\u00a0giving a\u00a0combined system output\u00a0of\u00a0\n292 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n420 Nm\n\u00a0of thrust. With the 8-speed automatic, the 530e M Sport makes the century sprint in\u00a05.9 seconds.\nThe all-electric driving range for the 530e variants is rated at \n52 kilometres\n courtesy of a larger 12.0 kWh lithium-ion battery placed under the rear seat. The capacity of the fuel tank is listed as 46 litres.\nAs for the BMW 520d, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder \nturbodiesel\n engine delivers outputs of \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque at 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm. The century sprint is completed in 7.5 seconds.\nThe BMW Digital Key that turns an Apple iPhone into the car key is being made a standard feature to all three variants of the facelifted BMW 5 Series. The four doors also come with the soft-close feature as standard.\nThe M Sport variants are equipped with Harman Kardon surround sound system, wireless charger, and a head-up display.\nAdvanced Driving Assists System (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking and rear collision prevention are found in both the M Sport variants, while the adaptive cruise control with stop and go function is only found in the 530e M Sport.\nPricing for the facelifted BMW 5 Series in Thailand starts with the 530e Elite at 2.999 million Baht, the 520d M Sport at 3.539 million Baht and the 530e M Sport is another 200,000 Baht dearer.\nAll three variants are locally-assembled in Rayong, Thailand."
"Alongside the \nlaunch of the new Porsche Taycan\n, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), importers of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia has opened the doors to its newest flagship facility in Ara Damansara. It\u2019s the 3rd state-of-the-art dealership designed and built from scratch in SDAP\u2019s 10-year tenure in Malaysia.\nWith over RM15 million invested, the new Porsche Centre Ara Damansara occupies a 12,102 sq meter (or 130,264 sq ft) built-up area, making it the largest 3S Porsche centre in a single facility in the Asia Pacific region. The facility includes 8,000 square meters (or 86,111 sq ft) of working space across five levels, with two showroom floors, two service and workshop levels, and the importer office.\nIt\u2019s also unlikely that you\u2019d not be able to get up close with the specific Porsche model of your liking, as the showroom is capable of displaying up to 26 cars. It\u2019s not all show and no go as well; in the 2nd and 3rd floors, the facility can handle up to 21 cars at once. The highlight of the workshop is the framelss telescopic hydraulic lifts unique to the Ara Damansara centre.\nThe new Porsche Centre Ara Damansara also features a dedicated Motorsports Zone. Not only is it the first of its kind in Malaysia but on a global scale, showcasing both classic and modern Porsche race cars.\nRacing simulators are available at Porsche Centre Ara Damansara to professionalise the virtual motor racing scene and further develop it into an exciting spectator sport. Customers and guests can take a virtual spin on a variety of circuits. That\u2019s not all; trained instructors can also be at hand to provide customers with a digitally authentic driving experience in the Racing Experience Centre.\nIn line with the launch of the all-electric Taycan, high performance Direct Current (DC) chargers are now available for customers not just at the Ara Damansara centre but at all Porsche centres in Malaysia.\nThese DC chargers are offered for the first time in Malaysia, delivering up to a maximum of 175 kW in total via a modular set-up. This system is also the fastest in the country and fully charges the Taycan within 36 minutes under optimal conditions.\nThe Porsche Centre Ara Damansara is located at Sime Darby Motors City, with the address of 6, Jalan PJU 1A/7, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.\nGALLERY"
"Following the launch of the\n third-generation Toyota Avanza/Veloz\n yesterday at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Daihatsu Indonesia has now followed up with their own version of the seven-seater MPV, called the Xenia.\nWhile the two sister brands in Indonesia always had an arrangement to essentially share models but with different names and a slightly tweaked design (see \nRaize/Rocky\n, Terios/Rush), the all-new Daihatsu Xenia in particular could end up being a little more significant for us Malaysians, as the model is widely-tipped to be debuted here as the next-generation \nPerodua Alza\n!\nThe all-new Daihatsu Xenia\u2019s design is more in line with the Toyota Avanza than the pricier/fancier Veloz, although there are still some significant changes being made here. The upper grille is significantly larger than its T-badged sibling, which completely houses the Daihatsu logo (the Toyota relies on a separate cutout), and both the grille elements use a mesh insert instead of the horizontal slats as seen on the Avanza.\nSimilar to the Indonesian-market Rocky, Daihatsu has also added a red strip across the upper grille to add on a sporty touch to the MPV, this time extending even further into the headlights. Other differences between the two models include the unique fog lamp housing up front, exclusive two-tone wheel design (for the range-topping variant), and a gloss black plastic trim connecting the tail lights at the rear.\nOn the inside, the all-new Daihatsu Xenia is also nearly identical to the Avanza in layout, instead of the plushier Veloz. Although, it has to be said that the materials in the D-badged MPV still \nlooks\n a bit more economically-focused than the Toyota, due to the monotonous dark-toned interior.\nDepending on variant, the Daihatsu Xenia\u2019s interior can be equipped with either a seven- or nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, carbon fibre-looking trims, and manual seat height adjuster.\nRELATED: Six cars in Malaysia under RM100k with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity!\nHowever, the analogue Optitron instrument cluster display, manual lever-operated hand brake, digital (but manual) air-conditioning controls, roof-mounted rear b lowers, and flexible three-row seats design are standard across the board.\nJust like the all-new Avanza, the Daihatsu Xenia is also built upon the new DNGA platform, and makes the switch from rear-wheel drive to now a front-wheel drive.\nTwo engine options are on offer \u2013 a 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill with \n98 hp\n and \n121 Nm\n, as well as a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine offering \n106 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth engines can be paired to either a manual gearbox, or Daihatsu\u2019s own \nD-CVT \ngearbox depending on variant \u2013 the latter is a little different to Toyota\u2019s CVT thanks to the use of split gears in addition to belts at higher speeds.\nSafety wise, only the range-topping variant gets the advanced driver assistance suite, consisting of Pre Collision System (warning and automatic braking), Pedal Mis-operation Control, Leading Vehicle Departure Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.\nRELATED: Learn more about the Perodua Ativa\u2019s new PSDA advanced driver assistance system here!\nThe Perodua Xenia will be offered in five different variants (eight if you count the individual transmission options), with prices ranging from IDR190.9 million (approx. RM 56k) to IDR242.7 million (approx. RM 71k).\nWould you be happy to have this as the next Perodua Alza here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below!\nGALLERY"
"We all saw it coming, an AMG-\nfied\n version of the \nthird-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS\n coupe. Except what we did not expect was an all-new model designation \u2013 the 53-series models. The 53-series slots between the \n43-series\n and \n63-series\n model range \u2013 featuring a 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six hybrid mill with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.\nAt the heart of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ lies a new \n3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six\u00a0\nthat is supported by an \nEQ Booster starter-alternator\n to give a combined output of \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all four corners via a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission. As a result, century sprint completed in \n4.5 seconds\n onwards to an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n or 270 km/h with the AMG Driver\u2019s package equipped.\nThe EQ Boost starter-alternator that delivers an additional \n16 kW\n (21 hp) and \n250 Nm\n of torque is sandwiched between the engine and transmission, this system allows for the electric auxiliary compressor to build up charge pressure without delay, filling up the delay in torque when the turbochargers are building boost. This results in the engine to deliver greater response without \u201cturbo lag\u201d.\nBesides that, the electrical system also allows for mild hybrid functions such as gliding mode, idle speed control and imperceptible restarting of the engine with start/stop function \u2013 adding even greater refinement to the already smooth operating six-cylinder engine.\nThe 53-series models feature fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that and infinitely varies the torque distribution between the front and rear axles for balance of traction. It is worth noting that this system \ndoes not come with\n \nDrift Mode\n that debut on the \nE 63 4MATIC+\n.\nAMG Ride Control +\n Air Suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS+)\n comes as standard fitment to give the car more agility, neutral cornering performance and greater traction. It features a more negative camber on all four corners to increase lateral dynamics.   Visually, the CLS 53 wears the \nsilver twin-blade radiator grille\n \u2013 previously reserved for the V8 models, new side air curtains, front splitters, redesigned rear aprons and round twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome. All these additional design elements contribute to improved aerodynamics. It rides on 19-inch aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels while larger 20-inch items can be had as an option.\nInside, you\u2019ll find additional items in the shape of AMG Performance steering wheel, red seat belts, interior trims in carbon fibre or matt silver, AMG badges and sportier integral seats.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS has yet to make its appearance in Malaysia but rest assured that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is working around the clock to bring this sleek coupe to our shores. You can also count on the new CLS 53 4MATIC+ to be included in the range, and perhaps even the Edition 1 that comes with 64 colours ambient lighting and the exclusive IWC analogue clock.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We are glad to announce that more room has opened up within the AutoBuzz family and we\u2019re looking for a Junior Writer to go \u2018touge\u2019 with on the weekends! As exciting as this may sound, we do have some basic requirements we\u2019re looking for:\nBelow the age of 26 (ideally) with a hunger to stand out in the auto industry.\nCan write and speak in English without a fake accent.\nMust know how cars work. Knowing how to start the engine is not enough.\nKnow how to drive a manual.properly.\nAlways curious and has the ability to curate relevant content for Malaysian readers. I.e. car buying and maintenance guides etc.\nA natural leader (and team player) who is proactive and takes initiatives. No one at AutoBuzz is a sheep, we\u2019re all herders.\nMust laugh at GC Mah and Dominic\u2019s lame jokes.\nProfessional posing lessons from GC Mah included.\nWe don\u2019t need Harvard scholars neither can we afford one. Instead, what we\u2019re looking for \u2013 either male or female \u2013 is someone who can relate to the average Malaysian reader and know what they\u2019re interested to read. We\u2019re looking for someone who can procure and answer the questions our readers didn\u2019t even think they need to know.\nAt the AutoBuzz HQ, the environment can be very relaxed with plenty of snacks, couches to lounge on, and a driving simulator where things can get quite competitive sometimes on Gran Turismo. Some days, it can also get very intense but our founders, GC Mah and Dominic, will always have lame jokes to brighten the mood.\nRed or Blue? GC Mah or Eu Jin? Choose wisely.\nThink you have what it takes? Submit your CV to us \n[email\u00a0protected]\n and tell us why you\u2019re the right person for AutoBuzz in \nno more than 200 words\n.\nIf you were one of those who got angry at Toyota over the new BMW-based Supra and ranted on Facebook about it instead of finding out why and understanding the reason behind it, sorry; you\u2019re not the one for us."
"Honda has formally announced that production of the \u2018RC1\u2019 Odyssey in Japan will end by the end of this year.\nThe closure of the Sayama Automobile Plant in Saitama, which also manufactures the Legend luxury sedan and the alternative-fuel Clarity model will see their productions end by March 2022, as reported by \nNikkei\n.\nHowever, the Odyssey multi-purpose vehicle itself will continue being on sale, as the product has a large enough demand in \nNorth America\n and China and currently have their own design, development and production resources. There are no plans to move production of the Japanese Odyssey model to other Honda plants domestically.\nHonda has earmarked the closure of the Sayama plant since late 2017 and had plans to consolidate other operations to the larger and newer Yorii plant located 40 km away with an annual production capacity of 250,000 units.\nHonda announced the initiatives to evolve its production system and capability to further enhance its \u201cMonozukuri\u201d (the art of manufacturing/making things) processes in Japan due to the rapid advancement of new technologies and demand for electrification. \nHonda plans to completely phase out\n manufacturing the internal combustion engine by end of 2039, entering 2040 with just all-electric powertrains.\nCompletely axing the new Honda Odyssey for domestic sales comes as a surprise, as the model has just undergone a facelift refresh just in November 2020. Honda Malaysia imported the current-generation \npre-facelift RC1 Odyssey 2.4\n model from February 2018 with a price tag of \nRM254,800\n. As for the Clarity models comprising of hydrogen fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid variants, sales have always been low due to the high cost of fuel-cell vehicles as well as the exclusive infrastructure it requires.\nThe Honda Legend luxury sedan on the other hand is similar to what a Lexus LS is to Toyota Motor Corp, supposedly to feature the most advanced technologies. Just early this year, Honda premiered the \nHonda Sensing Elite\n driver assistance system that is \nequivalent to SAE Level 3\n semi-autonomous driving standard.\nThe Honda Legend Hybrid can slow itself down, move to the road shoulder and make an emergency call if it detects that the driver is no longer in control of the vehicle."
"UMW Toyota (UMWT) has introduced new updates to the 2018 \nToyota Vellfire and Alphard range\n. Both models get new equipment, refreshed exterior design while the Alphard 3.5L gets a new powertrain set up.\nStarting with the Vellfire, it gets a full-sized chrome grille for the front face which extends to the lower bumper section to meet the triangular foglamp housings. A pair of restyled LED headlamps with sequential turn signals complements the new front fascia. The rear also features new LED taillamp graphics with sequential turn signals. New 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels complete the facelift look.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Vellfire 2.5L\nToyota Alphard 3.5L\nAlphard 3.5L Executive Lounge\nEngine\n2AR-FE 2,494cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with DVVT-i\n2GR-FKS 3.5-litre, naturally aspirated V6\nTransmission\n7-speed stepped CVT\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n177 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n296 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n235 Nm @ 4,100 rpm\n361 Nm @ 4,600 \u2013 4,700 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM350,800\nRM429,800\nRM540,800\nNew items found in the cabin include power adjustments for the front passenger seat with ottoman function, ventilated front seats, new leather upholstery material and a Wireless Charging Pad. The most interesting item introduced here is the \nDigital Full Display Mirror\n that replaces the conventional rear-view mirror. The digital display projects an image of the rear through a camera for a wider field of view and clarity.   Under the hood, the facelifted Vellfire remains powered by a 2AR-FE 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with Dual VVT-i paired to a seven-speed stepped CVT. Output is rated at \n177 hp\n and \n235 Nm\n of torque, all sent to the front wheels.\nStepping up to the Alphard & Alphard Executive Lounge, cosmetic changes are in the form of a\u00a0larger front grille with stepped cross-section design, restyled headlamps with sequential turn signals, LED taillamp with sequential turn signals as well as 18-inch multi-spoked alloys. Graphite Metallic has been added to the colour option, joining the existing Luxury White Pearl CS, Burning Black CS, White Pearl CS and Black.   Inside, the luxury people carrier gets intricate updates to elevate the cabin\u2019s overall premium feel. For the Alphard Executive Lounge, you\u2019ll find Semi-aniline leather upholstery, more areas covered in leather as well as new armrest ornaments for the second row and woodgrain patterns. For the entire Alphard range, Wireless Charging Pad, Digital Full Display Mirror and ventilated seats have been added to the equipment list.\nToyota has equipped the Alphard with a new 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine that now features D-4S direct injection and Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) system to provide superior fuel economy and enhanced performance. The engine is good for\n 296 hp\n and \n361 Nm\n of torque, \n28 hp\n and \n21 Nm\n up from before. All that is sent to the front wheels via a new eight-speed automatic transmission.   As for safety, the Vellfire and Alphard now gets a Blind Spot Monitor System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert in addition to the standard seven airbags, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), ABS with EBD, Brake Assist and Hill-Start Assist Control. A 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor can be added as an option. Unfortunately, the Toyota Safety Sense safety suite has been given a miss.\nTo date, over 3,000 units of the Vellfire and Alphard have been sold through authorised Toyota dealers nationwide, accounting for 50 percent of the premium MPV market in Malaysia. UMWT attributed to this huge success to the car\u2019s exceptional value and the 5-Years Unlimited Mileage factory warranty and 10 Years assured parts availability, giving customers an added peace of mind.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Vellfire 2.5L Facelift   Toyota Alphard 3.5L Facelift"
"In the limelight at \nChery\n\u2019s booth at \nGIIAS 2022\n are the \nChery Tiggo 7 Pro\n and \nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\n, both of which are now open for booking in Indonesia, and are set to launch later this year. While prices for both cars have yet to be announced, Chery has confirmed that they will both be offered with a headlining 10-year/1,000,000-km engine warranty and a six-year/150,000-km vehicle warranty.\nBoth the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro are among the models that Chery plans to launch in Malaysia soon. With our neighbouring country getting these cars first, it will be interesting to see how the Indonesians respond to the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro before any of us decide to buy one. Another Chery model that will be introduced in Malaysia is the \nChery Omoda 5\n.\nRELATED: \nChery CKD plant for Malaysia in the works, SUV models to compete with Proton X50, X70\nIf you\u2019re unfamiliar with the Chery models, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is the bigger SUV that can accommodate seven people. It is also the brand\u2019s flagship model. The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is the more compact five-seater SUV, although both cars are built on the same T1X Comfort Chassis.\nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\nDesigned with Chery\u2019s \u2018Life in Motion 3.0\u2019 philosophy, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is endowed with a geometric matrix diamond grille and LED headlamps. Occupants of the Tiggo 8 Pro are treated to a Sony surround sound system through eight speakers, multi-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic skylight, and a two-tone black and brown upholstery.\nRELATED: \nHonda HR-V, Proton X50 rival Chery Omoda 5 SUV goes on sale in China \u2013 Malaysia next!\nPowering the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is Chery\u2019s third-generation ACTECO series 1.6 TGDI engine, which produces \n197 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n. The turbocharged mill is paired to a Chery-developed seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nAs for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functions, the Tiggo 8 Pro has 12 functions. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), plus a 360-degree camera to aid visibility.\nChery Tiggo 7 Pro\nTargeted at the urban elite, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro adopts an edgier interpretation of the Tiggo 8 Pro\u2019s styling. The familial geometric matrix diamond grille is flanked by intelligent matrix LED headlamps.\nUnder the hood of the Tiggo 7 Pro is either the same 1.6 TGDI engine as the Tiggo 8 Pro, or a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produces \n156 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n. The transmission in use is a CVT with 9 virtual gears. Chery says the CVT for the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is on par with Aisin\u2019s six-speed automatic transmission.\nRELATED: \nChery Tiggo 7 Pro confirmed for Malaysia launch \u2013 Proton X70 rival with up to 197 hp!\nThe Chery Tiggo 7 Pro features include a seven-inch LCD instrument panel, a 10.25-inch central control screen, 360\u00b0 camera, inductive electric tailgate, wireless charging, electronic gearshift, and voice command.\nAs mentioned above, Chery plans to launch the Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Omoda 5 in Malaysia soon. With that, Chery says it is continuing to work closely with local partners towards establishing assembly operations in Malaysia, as well as towards its brand renewal, which will see the development of a new nationwide sales and after-sales network to best serve Malaysians."
"Official Ferrari importer, Naza Italia and Ferrari Far East introduced the new\n Ferrari California T\n in Malaysia.\u00a0This latest\u00a0turbocharged masterpiece from Maranello\u2019s turbo revolution is available in Malaysia at an introductory price of RM888,800, before duty and options.\n\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFerrari California T\n \nSegment\nS-Segment Grand Touring convertible\nEngine\n3,855cc Twin-Turbo V8\nTransmission\n7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox\nMax Power\n560 hp @ 7500 rpm\nMax Torque\n755 Nm @ 4750 rpm\nPrice\nRM888,800 (excluding tax & options)\n\u00a0\nThe \u2018California\u2019 name\u00a0was first used by the \nFerrari 250 GT\n in the late 1950\u2019s. The name then made a comeback in 2008, when the first Ferrari California debuted in Paris. Now, the second generation California went through a drastic transition, from a naturally aspirated Ferrari engine to a twin-turbocharged Ferrari powerplant.\nThe change does beg THE question, if the supercar maker is slowly leaving naturally aspirated raw power and swerving towards \u2018turbo-lution\u2019 or turbo revolution. The California T is not the first turbocharged in the Italian family tree. There was the iconic \nGTO\n and the \nF40\n in the 80\u2019s. Then of course, the \nF14 T\n, the Ferrari\u2019s 2014 Formula 1 machine.\nExterior\n Italian car design firm and coachbuilder, \nPininfarina\n had a hand in designing the new California T together with Ferrari Styling Centre. As compared to outgoing California, every single panel on this new convertible is said to be entirely fresh, except for the retractable hard top. The original dimension is maintained.   This new look carries a significant DNA of the famous \n250 Testa Rossa\n, the pontoon-fender styling. Portraying a sleek aerodynamic and movement on both sides, with its front wing line stretching towards the rear. Its muscular rear now has a new triple-fence diffuser as a result of thorough aerodynamics research.   The Ferrari California T transforms from a coupe to a convertible in just \n14 seconds\n. Even with the hard top tucked in the boot, there is space for luggage still.\nInterior\n The hand-crated cabin is decorated with premium semi-aniline leather with various colour options, creating a luxurious ambient. Then of course, there\u2019s the F1-style steering wheel, the mesmerizing meter cluster with TFT display combination and the signature F1 bridge on the tunnel, where the gearbox control resides.   One unique feature placed in between two air-cond vents is the Turbo Performance Engineer (\nTPE\n). A sophisticated instrument with touch sensitive digital display that provides pointers on making the most effective use of the new engine\u2019s performance in terms of responsiveness and efficiency.\nPerformance\n \nThe new Ferrari California T is designed and built for more power and maximum fuel efficiency. Under the bonnet is a \n3.9-litre\n twin-turbocharged \nV8\n engine mated with a \n7-speed F1 gearbox\n. Turbo-lag is reported to be inexistent, thanks for the F1-derived flat-plane crankshaft.\nThe car produces \n560 horsepower\n and\n 755 Nm\n of torque in 7th gear. An additional \n70\n horsepower and a massive \n270\n Nm of torque increase as compared to its NA sibling. With that, it it is 0.2 seconds faster from 0 to 100 km/h at\n 3.6 seconds\n. It reaches a top speed of \n316km/h\n.\nDespite the increase in horsepower and almost 50 percent increase in torque, Ferrari has managed to improve fuel consumption figure. A 15 percent reduction \u00a0to be exact thanks for the adoption of turbocharging.\u00a0The car is also equipped with the latest traction control system, the \nF1-Trac\n, that allows maximum acceleration out of corners.\nWhat else.\n \nFerrari revealed that 70 percent of California owners are new Ferrari clients, making it an essential product for the Italian company. When asked if turbocharging is the new direction for Ferrari, \nMr. Giuseppe Cattaneo\n, Managing Director of Ferrari Far East said, it is not a new direction, but an alternative when it comes to better engine efficiency. Same as what Formula 1 cars adopted this season.\nThe new Ferrari California T carries an introductory price tag of \nRM888,800\n before personalization options and tax. Included with the car is a \n7-year maintenance program\n, which covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The arrival of the \nVolvo S60 T8 R-Design\n is a breath of fresh air in the luxury C-segment sedan market. Previously dominated by the Mercedes-Benz C Class and the BMW 3 series, the S60 stunned the market with its staggering performance numbers.\nThe elusive 400 hp mark is usually reserved for high-performance sports cars, therefore rarely or never seen on a C-segment family sedan. But hiding under a relatively civilised styling, the S60\u2019s T8 Twin Engine hybrid powertrain generates \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of twist.\u00a0\n \nWith the Volvo S60 coming in at just under RM300,000, the Swede presents a very enticing price to performance ratio. Just for kicks, we calculated the Ringgit-per-horsepower value by dividing the retail price by its rated output. The Volvo S60 comes in at RM727/hp.\nWith this in mind, we wanted to see how the other German competitors stack up.\u00a0\nThe most powerful \u201cregular\u201d Mercedes-Benz C-Class we can get on our shores is the \nC300\n at \nRM304,888\n. Under the hood, it\u2019s got a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine making \n258 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n.\nPaired with the 9G-Tronic transmission, the C300 does 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.9 seconds\n \u2013 a whole 1.5 seconds slower than the Volvo S60 T8.\u00a0 Just for comparison\u2019s sake, the C300 costs RM1,182 per pony.\nIf you want more performance, you\u2019ll have to step up to the \nMercedes-AMG C 43\n with \n362 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n. The more powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine does churn out a faster century sprint time (\n4.7 seconds\n), but it\u2019s going to cost you a whole RM104,000 more too.\nCuriously though, the large jump in performance means that the Mercedes-AMG C 43 actually scores a better price to performance ratio than its younger brother, coming in at RM1,082/hp.\u00a0\nOn the other side of the ring, Munich\u2019s latest version of the iconic BMW 3 series also posts similar performance numbers to the C-Class. Currently only available locally in the \n330i M Sport\n variant, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine generates \n258 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n of torque, making a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n5.8 seconds\n.\nBMW Malaysia also recently started \nassembling the 330i M Sport locally\n, bringing the price down to \nRM288,800\n. Even with the easier-to-stomach price, the 330i only boasts a performance to price ratio of RM1,120/hp \u2013 not quite up to the S60 T8\u2019s standards.\u00a0\nWhat is the cheapest entry to a brand-new 400 hp car then, you might ask? Funnily enough, after the Volvo S60 T8, the next cheapest car with more than 400 hp is the \nS90 T8 Inscription\n, coming in at RM366,888.\u00a0\nIf plug-in hybrids aren\u2019t your thing, your next best bet will be the \nBMW M2 Competition\n. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo in-line six engine generates \n410 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque \u2013 capable of doing the century sprint in \n4.2 seconds\n.\u00a0\nThe M2 Competition, however, is going to cost you \nRM626,800\n. So if going fast in a straight line is your thing, and you are on a lower budget, there\u2019s almost no better option than the Volvo S60 T8."
"During the launch of the \nTesla Model Y\n in Malaysia, the company also took the opportunity to announce some matters regarding its charging solutions. Known for its supercharger network, Tesla Malaysia has announced two new locations to the initial 10 locations revealed a week earlier. Tesla Malaysia also announced that it will be partnering with Pavillion, Sunway, Gamuda, Quill, Levn Capital, and MRCB.\nWith the addition of the two new Tesla Supercharger locations, there are now 12 total locations listed for Malaysia. The two locations are listed as two unconfirmed locations in Kuala Lumpur. The total 12 locations for Malaysia are as such:\nPetaling Jaya, Selangor\nDengkil, Selangor\nBukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur\nBukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur\nKuala Lumpur (1st additional location)\nKuala Lumpur (2nd additional location)\nKuala Lumpur (3rd additional location) \nNEW\nKuala Lumpur (4th additional location) \nNEW\nIskandar Puteri, Johor\nIpoh, Perak\nNegeri Sembilan\nPerai, Pulau Pinang\nAll Tesla Superchargers are listed for the West Coast only for now and hopefully, the East Coast will see some new Superchargers too. Together with the launch of the Tesla Model Y, the new Tesla Supercharger at Pavillion Kuala Lumpur was also unveiled, albeit not fully operational just yet.\nFor the Pavillion Tesla Supercharger, there are 8 bays and all of them are painted with \u201cTesla Charging Only\u201d lettering on the floor. While the Pavillion chargers are Tesla only, 30% of the Tesla charging network is required by the government to be available to the public.\nRELATED: \n2023 Tesla Model Y officially launched in Malaysia \u2013 BMW iX3 rival from RM199k!\nTesla will have its own payment gateway and the Tesla Supercharger will need to be accessed via the Tesla app. Interestingly, it is also mentioned on the Tesla Malaysia website that \u201cidle fees\u201d may be implemented as this would help prevent hogging by fully charged EVs.\nThe Tesla Supercharger network will help the Malaysian government achieve its target of 10,000 EV chargers nationwide by 2025.\nRELATED: \nTesla to set up HQ, flagship showroom and service centre in Selangor this year\nGALLERY"
"Say what you want about Apple, but they are undeniably trend setters for everything that they do. After earlier reports suggesting that Apple is making their own electric car, new rumours are now saying that archrival Huawei is also planning an entry into the automotive scene.\nThe report came from news outlet\n \nReuters\n, quoting sources close to the Chinese telecommunication devices maker. And while the Apple Car might still be a long way to fruition, the sources said that Huawei could launch \u201csome models\u201d this year!\nThe BYD Han EV, featuring Huawei\u2019s HiCar software and 5G technology\nA Huawei spokesman denied that the company plans to design EVs or produce Huawei branded vehicles, but it is understood to be in discussions with state-owned Changan Automobile, as well as a subsidiary of Beijing-based BAIC Group, to help manufacture its vehicles.\nThe plan is almost play-for-play identical to Apple\u2019s, which \u2013 according to latest rumours \u2013 is \nseeking out Hyundai Motor Group\n to build its autonomous electric car.\nAccording to three of the four sources, Huawei has already started internally designing the EVs and approaching suppliers in China. The sources also said that the company aims to launch the project as early as this year. Huawei\u2019s new electric car will target a \u201cmass-market segment\u201d, said another source.\nHuawei\u2019s head of consumer business group, Richard Yu, who led the company to become one of the world\u2019s largest smartphone makers, is also said to be shifting his focus completely to the EV business. If the rumours turn out to be true, this just shows how serious Huawei is about getting into EVs!\nThat huge central infotainment display on the BYD Han runs Huawei\u2019s new HiCar software, and even features 5G connectivity!\nHuawei currently makes in-car infotainment systems, alongside various sensors and \n5G communications hardware\n. These technologies have already been deployed in several new cars from BYD and SAIC. The company also formed partnerships with Daimler, General Motors, and SAIC to jointly develop other smart vehicle technologies.\nJust this week, Huawei was awarded at least four patents related to EVs, including one for charging between electric cars, and one for checking battery health, according to official Chinese patent records."
"After \nendless teasers\n, Nissan has finally unveiled the second-generation all-electric Nissan Leaf here in its home country Japan. The world\u2019s most advanced mass-market electric vehicle (EV) (Tesla\u2019s price point is far from mass-market), gets an updated powertrain, extended driving range and a series of advanced driver assistance systems.\nInspired by the IDS Concept car, first presented at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the new Leaf has ditched the awkward curvy shape for a more conventional and sporty hatchback design. Its now marginally larger than its predecessor measuring at 4,480 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, 1,545 mm in height with a 2,700 mm wheelbase.\nEXTERIOR\nThe new Leaf features Nissan\u2019s signature V-motion grille like the \nX-Trail\n and \nQashqai\n. Except here, the grille is finished in Blue, a trait unique to Nissan\u2019s EVs. \u00a0Those dual-projector headlamps were designed to express a high-tech feel and gives better forward illumination. The sharp bumper design, aero-optimised wheels and floating roof design collectively help the Leaf slice through air with a drag coefficient of \n0.28\n. The bold lines that runs across the hood and side body further emphasises the sporty element of the car.   The under body and rear diffuser helps reduce drag and creates \nzero lift\n, giving the Leaf better stability at speeds. Besides that, Nissan has shifted the charging port (located at the front) to sit at a \n45-degree angle\n to allow drivers of all heights to connect the charger without bending down.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the cabin has been completely revamped to create a more upmarket feel with generous use of high-quality materials. Using the brand\u2019s \u201cGliding Wing\u201d architecture, the dashboard has been redesigned with one focus in mind \u2013 \nenjoyable drive\n. It\u2019s a high-tech EV after all hence Nissan has fitted an analogue speedometer flanked with LCD multi-information display to give the drivers maximum information at all times.   The cabin\u2019s ergonomics has been redesigned to give additional storage area for the front passenger as well as easier access to controls around the centre console. Boot space has also swelled from 370 litres to \n435 litres\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nDriving the Leaf is an improved e-powertrain that delivers \n110 kW\n (147 hp) and \n320 Nm\n of twisting force from 0 rpm. That is 30 kW (40 hp) and 66 Nm more than the outgoing leaf. Thanks to a larger \n40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack\n, the new Leaf can cover up to \n378 km on a single charge\n, that\u2019s enough to take you from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore! Although you\u2019d need to find a charging port the moment you enter our neighbouring country.\nA full charge from a regular\n 3 kW\n outlet takes \n16 hours\n while a\n 6 kW\n outlet cuts the time down to \n8 hours\n. If you\u2019re in a rush however, plug it into a \nQuick Charging station\n and the battery will charge to 80 percent from empty in \n40 minutes\n.\nAnother innovation that debuts with the Leaf is the\n e-Pedal\n, at a push of a button, drivers can decelerate and come to a complete stop by just lifting off from the throttle, effectively allowing the drivers to operate the vehicle with just the accelerator pedal. However, in aggressive braking situations, drivers can always apply the conventional brakes.\nNissan\u2019s new range of semi-autonomous driving will be made available with the Leaf including \nProPILOT\n that bundles adaptive cruise control and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as well as ProPILOT Park which helps the car park itself.\nThe all-new second-generation Nissan Leaf will go on sale in Japan next month while deliveries in North America and Europe will only begin early next year. Nissan has scheduled the Leaf to be sold in more than 60 markets worldwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW announced on its social media overnight that a new 2022 mid-cycle facelift will be coming soon for the \nBMW 3 Series\n. Normally, we\u2019d already be trying to pore over the short teaser video CSI-style to try and look for any sort of information we can get. But weirdly, not this time \u2013 and that\u2019s because we may have already seen the new 2022 BMW 3 Series facelift in full, courtesy of a little \nChina-exclusive model called the i3\n.\nThe fully-electric 3-er debuted in China at the end of March this year, with a reworked design to the current 3 Series that many presumed to be a preview of the updated 3 Series facelift (for the rest of the world) that\u2019s due to be revealed soon. And based on the shadowy teaser showing off the facelift\u2019s front fascia, we\u2019re inclined to believe that the rumours are true.\nThe most noticeable feature of the new front fascia is the reworked headlights, and surprise, surprise: it matches that of the BMW i3 almost identically. There\u2019s a new housing without the notch at the bottom, while the daytime-running lights have also been replaced by a new twin boomerang-shaped signature, with the main horizontal element running along the top rather than the bottom as before.\nOther changes are not apparent yet, but the grille should also receive a slight tweak to its profile to match the reworked headlight enclosures. The bumpers should also receive some tweaks (and will be largely variant-dependent), while changes to the rear are likely relegated to minor updates on the taillight and fascia designs.\nRELATED: BMW i3 returns as China-only fully-electric 3 Series, previews upcoming facelift\nAside from the exterior design changes, we are also expecting quite a significant change on the 2022 BMW 3 Series\u2019 interior as well, with the major change being a big curved display housing (with two large widescreen displays) similar to the \niX\n, running the firm\u2019s latest \niDrive 8.0 operating system\n.\nThe change will necessitate some other tweaks to the dashboard layout, and recent spyshots have also suggested that the new 2022 BMW 3 Series facelift could also receive a new steering wheel for the driver. Wondering how it\u2019ll all look? Well, luckily for us, there\u2019s already the new i3 for us to refer to.\nWe still don\u2019t know what engines BMW will offer on the new 2022 3 Series facelift, but rumours are suggesting that it\u2019ll mostly retain the same line-up as before, with the addition of a new mild-hybrid 4-cylinder petrol engine. We probably won\u2019t have much longer before we find out, as the official debut is just likely a few weeks \u2013 or even days \u2013 away with the teaser train now rolling in.\nIt\u2019s about to be a busy few months for the BMW 3-er, with the hot M3 CSL scheduled for launch on May 20, and the M3 Touring wagon expected sometime in June. And with the next BMW 3 Series \nrecently confirmed to be fully electric\n, built on the firm\u2019s new Neue Klasse EV architecture, this might just be the final major change we\u2019ll see to the petrol-powered sports sedan. Best savour it while we still can."
"Many BMW M enthusiasts rejoiced when the company announced the availability of a six-speed manual transmission in the latest G80/82 BMW M3 and M4 models.\nWhile downshift rev-matching is an expected feature that is already available even in regular models, the new \nBMW M3\n and \nM4\n equipped with manual transmission now features a launch control function too.\nIt certainly isn\u2019t easy to launch the BMW M3 and M4 with 550 Nm from just 2,650 rpm. In this \u2018Get to know\u2019 video, the team from BMW M highlights the steps to engage the Launch Control function in the new M car.\nWatch the fancy footwork of a pro driver with a BMW M4 on a circuit!\nSimilar to the vehicles with automatic transmission, engaging launch control with the manual gearbox starts with pressing the \u2018DSC\u2019 switch once, which then engages MDM settings (M Dynamic Mode). The parking brake cannot be engaged too.\n \nPress the clutch and slot the shift lever into first gear and apply full throttle. The driver\u2019s display will then inform on the launch control activation which takes approximately four seconds to build up some boost pressure and perhaps prepare the traction control settings.\nThe six-cylinder engine will then spin to approximately 3,400 rpm and the driver has a five-second window to engage the clutch and launch the BMW M3 and M4. With \n480 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n from the BMW S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine, the car reaches 100 km/h in just \n4.2 seconds\n while in second gear.\nBMW also said the computer continues to \nengage in \u201cfull throttle\u201d operation\n even when the driver lifts off to perform gear changes. This is done to ensure the turbochargers are continually building boost pressures.\nThe BMW M3 and M4 Competition models are now available for booking in Malaysia!\nThe engineer also said launch control precisely controls the traction on the rear tyres, hence the operation is M Dynamic Mode and not with DSC completely off. Turning it off will allow constant wheelspin and smoky burnouts.\nThe only other new model launched recently with the availability of launch control function on the manual transmission variant is the \nHyundai i30 N\n. BMW Malaysia currently only offers the Competition variant with an increase in horsepower and torque levels and paired with an 8-speed M automatic transmission, priced from RM664,800 for the BMW M3 sedan.\nTitle image credit: \ndschmdt Instagram\nGALLERY"
"From the moment I joined AutoBuzz.my, a comparison video was all Adrian and I had talked about doing but little did we realise that when the opportunity finally came for us to compare the Honda Jazz and the new Toyota Yaris, that it would be our last as well.\nTruth be told, I was quite relieved that Adrian opted for the Toyota Yaris. While it may be a competent product with improved NVH and high speed stability, I\u2019ve always taken a liking for the Jazz for more reasons than one.\n \nIt\u2019s nippy, perky and more importantly for me, it\u2019s fun to drive. Adrian may have his counter arguments for the Yaris but I chose to believe he was highly intoxicated at the time of filming and may not necessarily comprehend what he was saying.\nCan the new Yaris knock the Jazz off its perch? Or will the long-standing dominance of the Jazz in its segment persist? Here\u2019s some of our views!"
"In case you\u2019re wondering, the Jamara Racetrack Edition is named after the Spanish circuit where the\n GR Supra \nwas first driven by the media, and is \nlimited to just 90 units\n for the European market.\nThe commemorative model is finished with Horizon Blue paintwork, 19-inch forged wheels and red Brembo calipers. Inside however, is where the Jarama Racetrack Edition really stands out.\nIt comes with a carbon fibre dashboard insert with a production number and an outline of the Jamara Circuit. To complement the Horizon Blue paintwork, the black Alcantara seats have been finished with blue stitching.\nTo recap, the Supra is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, making 340 hp and 500 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 4.3 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.\nHowever, if you\u2019ve watch our video, where \nwe put the Supra on a dyno \nto find out its actual performance figures, you\u2019d know the Supra actually makes much more than that. Just how much? Check it out \nhere\n!\nSo powerful was the Supra that it even beat its distant cousin, the BMW M2 Competition, in a drag race! \nWatch it here\n!\nGALLERY"
"Whether you\u2019re just swapping into a set of aftermarket wheels or slapping on a few decals, if you\u2019re the kind that would never leave a standard vehicle alone, this BMW M2 Competition with \nM Performance Parts\n might be your kind of car.\nBased on the recently-launched \nM2 Competition\n, the show car dons the German national colours of black, red and gold. Matching the tri-colour scheme are 19-inch M Performance Y-spoke 763 M forged wheels painted in matte Jet Black (front) and Frozen Gold (rear).\nIts exclusive M Performance Parts not only sharpen the look of the vehicle, but also reduces its weight. The M2 Competition is littered with carbon fibre body parts that includes the M Performance bonnet, the rear spoiler and diffuser.\nInside, the M2 is treated with an M Performance steering wheel and steering wheel cover, gear selector switch and handbrake handle in Frozen Carbon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite its higher price tag, with an \nestimated retail price of RM95,000\n, it seems that the \nToyota Veloz\n is still enjoying strong demand here in Malaysia, with booking numbers now standing at 5,200 units ahead of the model\u2019s official debut, which will happen \u201cvery soon\u201d.\nIn a press statement announcing its \nAugust sales performance\n, UMW Toyota Motor President Ravindran K said, \u201cThe team at UMW Toyota Motor is extremely grateful for the strong support, and we are working around the clock to intensify production to ensure delivery to new car owners.\n\u201cThe introduction of the Toyota Veloz will be a significant moment for us, and we are confident it will be popular among Malaysians with its value for money premium offerings, advanced features and of course, the renowned Toyota quality and reliability.\u201d\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota sets new sales record in August 2022 with 9,091 units sold\nThe Toyota Veloz, as you may already know, is a sister car to the \nall-new Perodua Alza\n, the latter already\n amassing over 51,000 bookings\n as of the end of August \u2013 of which 7,682 units have already been delivered. With both of these seven-seater MPVs being built at the same Perodua facility at Sg. Choh, it really does feel like the \u201cyounger sibling\u201d overshadowing its elder brother.\nBut with all that being said, 5,200 bookings is still nothing to scoff at, especially considering the much lower starting price point of the Alza at RM62,500. So what do you get with the RM20,000 price premium over the range-topping Alza? Well, quite a lot, actually.\nALSO READ: \nSorry Alza, but it\u2019s the Toyota Veloz that\u2019ll get the premium stuff in Malaysia\nThe most obvious difference is of course the looks \u2013 the Toyota Veloz will get a model-specific design with unique front and rear fascias, along with a 30 mm taller ride height (190 mm versus the Alza\u2019s 160 mm), thanks to the larger 17-inch wheels and a different suspension set-up.\nThe Toyota Veloz in Malaysia will also be the \n\u201cpremium\u201d option\n that\u2019ll receive a handful of more creature comfort additions, including leather seats, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, wireless Apple CarPlay, Qi wireless charging pad, LED ambient lighting, as well as a two-tone exterior paint job.\nRELATED: \n3 things we like (and don\u2019t) about the 2022 Perodua Alza!\nYou could also argue about the aftersales service quality and availability, and also the difference in hire-purchase interest rates between Toyota and Perodua, but we won\u2019t go into that today. It\u2019s fair to say, however, that you\u2019ll be getting more than just a Toyota badge for the premium you\u2019ll be paying for the Veloz."
"BMW Group Malaysia,\n through its collaboration with Safe \u2018n Sound in its \nNEXTStep Subsidy Programme\n, has now presented 90 fully subsidised child car seats to parents in the B40 community. A total of 12 seats were delivered during a handover ceremony earlier today, while the remainder were delivered separately to eligible parents nationwide.\nIntroduced in May 2022, the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme is part of the ongoing BMW Safety 360\u00b0 initiative, with funds\n raised via BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia contrasts last year\n. Expecting parents and families with children (weighing up to 36 kg) with a household income of below RM3,500 were eligible to apply for the fully-subsidised child car seats.\nBMW NEXTStep aims to promote road safety for children by making child car seats more accessible to lower-income households, And with over 900 registrations received throughout the application period, the programme further affirms the need for greater accessibility to child car seats amongst lower-income families.\nThe fully subsidised child car seats provided to families, as part of the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme, include the following models (listed with their normal retail price):\nsnskidz Ace (infant carrier) \u2013 RM199\nsnskidz sport (convertible seat) \u2013 RM 279\nsnskidz Whizz (ISOFIX seat) \u2013 RM499\nsnskidz Proto (combination booster seat) \u2013 RM399\nMifold (booster seat) \u2013 RM199\nALSO WATCH: \nHow to Install Child Seat \u2013 AutoDIY\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201cThe overwhelming response we have received for this subsidy programme highlights the crucial need for us to make child car seats more accessible to the public, especially to lower-income families.\n\u201cWe hope to continue advocating for the uptake of child car seats amongst families in Malaysia, while also raising awareness and encouraging more parents to act independently in ensuring the highest level of safety for their children while on the road.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW Group Malaysia has donated over RM20k in child car seats subsidies to date!\nBMW Group Financial Services Malaysia CEO, Matthias Schlesiger added, \u201cWe are pleased to have been able to support the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme with the funds we raised last year through one of our fundraising initiatives.\n\u201cFor every signed contract of a BMW or MINI electrified vehicle (EV), RM100 was contributed to the fundraiser and ultimately channelled to a cause that we hold close to our hearts. In these challenging times, it is our hope to be able to lend a helping hand wherever we can to struggling families, especially new parents, so the safety of their children are secured from day one.\u201d\nSNS Products Managing Director, May Hwong said, \u201cIt is required for every occupant in the vehicle to use a seat belt, but we must remember that it is important that children below 12 years old use a suitable car seat as they may not be tall enough for a seat belt. Their safety should be every parents\u2019 highest priority, and we hope this subsidy programme can make it easier for them to ensure that.\u201d\nBMW Group Malaysia initiated the first subsidy programme as part of the \nBMW Safety 360\u00b0 initiative in 2019 \nto an overwhelming response of over 25,000 applicants. To date, more than 400 families have received subsidised child car seats, including recipients of the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme.\nRELATED: \nIs the child seat rule doomed to fail?"
"You read that right; there\u2019s nothing wrong with the title. It was only a matter of time before it took place and someone in the US has taken the liberties of stuffing bits of the Tesla Model S into his 1981 Honda Accord.\nThe result? Electric R/C car-like acceleration with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just \n2.7 seconds\n.\u00a0Had the tyres and battery been warmed up, the owner claimed that it\u2019s possible to even clock a brisk 2.5 second time to a 100 km/h.\nAs you can tell, the stock ride height had been significantly increased along with the fitment of wider 305 mm drag tyres to contain all that torque upon \u201clift off\u201d. Weight had also been increased by around \n500 kg\n, although it seems to not have hindered performance at all.\nThe owner said that videos of this fascinating build will be uploaded more frequently and we can\u2019t wait to see how the nearly-40-year-old Honda Accord would perform against the modern day supercars. Would it still be appropriate to say, \u201cVTEC kicked in yo\u201d?"
"Radford is not a name that we\u2019re familiar with, but if you were in Britain during the 1960s, they were pretty much \nthe\n place to go if you want a unique, luxury\n Mini\n \u2013 all four members of The Beatles had one!\nThe renowned coachbuilder is currently being revived by F1 World Champion Jenson Button, car designer Mark Stubbs, and TV presenter/car builder Ant Anstead. And for their first bespoke creation, Radford is partnering with another legendary British automotive brand,\n Lotus\n,\u00a0to build a modern take on the 1969 Lotus Type 62/2 prototype race car.\n \nUnless you\u2019re a massive Lotus fan, you probably won\u2019t know much about the Type 62 either. That\u2019s because only two of these prototype race cars were ever built, and they weren\u2019t very successful due to the finicky Vauxhall-derived engine block. Good news is that Radford will build 62 examples of the new supercar, which will be available for order soon.\nNot much has been revealed just yet, except stating that it\u2019ll utilise \u201cLotus technology\u201d as its starting point for the new limited-edition model \u2013 which probably means that we can expect it to be extremely lightweight and agile, like all the existing (\nand upcoming!\n) Lotus cars that we\u2019ve come to know and love.\nRadford\u2019s new owners, from left: Mark Stubbs, Ant Anstead, Roger Behle, Jenson Button\nDespite basing their cars off a Lotus backbone though, Radford\u2019s new owners (see above) are adamant that the new car will be their own.\n\u201cOur first car will be totally new and something very special, it will be a Radford, through and through. And that means it will be unique \u2013 the body will be sleek and elegant, the interior will be cosseting and luxurious, and the drive will be out of this world. Everything about it will be totally bespoke to Radford,\u201d said Mark Stubbs.\nJenson Button added that the new supercar will be \u201ctruly analogue and thoroughly engaging, but with the refinements that you would expect from a Radford\u201d. It will also \u201cdrive like nothing else\u201d, supposedly \u2013 at least, the bloke seems to know what he\u2019s saying, seeing that he has a F1 World Championship title under his belt and all that.\n\u201cThere is a purity to driving that is lost in many cars of today. I will ensure we create a driver\u2019s car, a trait that is embedded within the DNA of all Lotus cars,\u201d he said.\nThe original Lotus Type 62/2\nLotus Cars Managing Director, Matt Windle added: \u201cIt is an Engineering partnership at its heart, but one without the usual constraints of working with a large corporate group . A limited run of the most special of coachbuilt vehicles is engineering nirvana as it allows us to break free of the usual parameters of a more conventional project. Lotus Engineering has a long history of such special collaborations and I\u2019m sure this one will be recognised as among the most unique and fantastic.\u201d"
"There\u2019s a running joke online that Americans can\u2019t drive manuals, but in reality that can\u2019t be farther from the truth \u2013 because aside from the \nupcoming Honda Civic Type R\n, they are also pretty much the only one to get the enthusiast-focused \nCivic Si\n, and the latest-generation model has just been unveiled in the States.\nHonda calls the 11th-generation Honda Civic Si (for Sports Injected) the \u201cbest-handling, best-equipped, and most fun-to-drive Civic Si ever\u201d, thanks to a bunch of performance upgrades including a six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching technology that was inherited from the Type R.\nPowering the Civic SI is a revamped 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, now making \n202 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque. While the horsepower figure has dropped marginally (compared to the \noutgoing model\n), Honda says that the peak torque now comes 300 rpm lower, aiding in the car\u2019s power delivery and launches.\nThe engine should also feel more responsive thanks to a new flywheel that\u2019s 26% lighter than before, and the transmission also boasts stiffer shifts and 10% shorter throws to improve shift feel.\nMugen\u2019s body kit for the all-new Honda Civic Hatchback adds sportiness without being \u201cricey\u201d. Check it out here!\nEven the exhaust of the Honda Civic Si has also been upgraded with a dual-coil silencer system that increases gas flow by 27% (compared to the Civic Touring), so it should sound quite a bit better. But if that\u2019s not boy-racer enough for you, there\u2019s also an active engine noise generator in the cabin that\u2019s also supposedly upgraded for a wider range of engine speeds.\nOn the handling front, the all-new Honda Civic Si benefits from a stiffer body that boasts 8% more torsional rigidity and 13% more bending rigidity than the outgoing model. The suspension has also been optimised with 8% stiffer fronts and 54% stiffer rear springs compared to the standard Civic, while the dampers and front MacPherson struts have been tuned specifically for the Si to handle increased cornering loads.\nFor stability, the rear track of the all-new Civic Si has been increased by 12.7 mm, and the front compliance bushings (sourced directly from the Civic Type R) also boast a 79% increase in stiffness compared to that of the regular Civic sedan. The torsion bar connecting the steering shaft to the pinion gear meanwhile has been stiffened by 60% to improve steering feel.\nTo bring all that to a stop, the all-new Civic Si also gets bigger brakes measuring 12.3 inches up front and 11.1 inches at the rear, helped by standard-fit 235/40R18 performance tyres.\nAll-new Honda Civic now in Singapore, only 1.5 Turbo with a cute 129 hp! Learn more here.\nTo differentiate it from the \nregular Civic sedan\n, the Si gets a sportier 10-spoke 18-inch wheel design as standard, finished in a \u201cSi-specific\u201d matte black colour. There\u2019s also a subtle lip extension on the front bumper, a honeycomb mesh grille up front, as well as a slightly reworked rear bumper to make space for the two large oval exhaust tips.\nThe boot lid spoiler, wing mirrors, as well as window surrounds are all finished in black to contrast with the vibrant Blazing Orange Pearl exterior colour, which is exclusive to the Civic Si.\nInside, the Honda Civic Si gets several model-specific touches to mark it out as the sportier variant, including red contrast stitching all around, red accents on the honeycomb horizontal dashboard trim, sports pedals, as well as a variant-specific sports seats with integrated headrests and better thigh and shoulder support.\nEquipment wise, the Civic Si also gets pretty much all of the range-topping gear, including a seven-inch digital instrument display, nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker Bose sound system, and the full suite of Honda Sensing active driver assistance features.\nNo pricing is announced yet, but Honda USA is scheduled to have the car in dealerships before the end of the year.\nGALLERY"
"Mazda Motor Coporation has unveiled a three-row crossover SUV, the new Mazda CX-8, as their new flagship model that\u2019s only available in Japan. Basically it\u2019s their version of our CX-9.\nPower comes from a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel variable-geometry turbo engine producing \n187 hp\n and \n450Nm\n of torque. Brute power aside, the diesel engine also comes with \nRapid Multi-Stage Combustion\n technology which injects small amounts of high-pressure and extremely fine fuel spray into the cylinder for improved combustion and reduced engine noise.   The new CX-8 comes with the SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission on the side of \nG-Vectoring Control\n and options are available between a front-wheel drive or the i-ACTIV AWD system. It\u2019s suspension is structurally similar to the larger CX-9\u2019s outside of Japan.\nLength wise, its the same wheelbase with the CX-9 so cabin space is rest assured to be abundant. Mazda claims the third row seats will easily accommodate adults up to 170cm tall. With all three rows erected, the luggage compartment offers 239-litres of space which isnt\u2019t too shabby but when the third row seats are collapsed, you get a respectable \n572-litres\n.   Other highlights of the\n nappa-leather clad cabin with real wood trim\n includes sound absorbing materials on the top of your head and around the D-pillar, parting seal around the upper section of the liftgate and aerodynamic roof fails designed to not interrupt air flow. Wow. It\u2019s dynamic front dampers and damping materials in the rear wheel fender also help reduce road noise. Four interior packages are available, two featuring genuine leather and two featuring fabric.\nNew to the CX-8 is the 360-degree View Monitor2 that displays vision from cameras mounted on the front, back and sides of the car on the center display. Apart from that, the new CX-8 retains all the safety systems from the i-ACTIVSENSE inventory. Prices start from \nRM 121k\n to \nRM 159k\n for the new CX-8 in Japan.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Does anyone remember the compact MPV called Honda Freed? The first-generation Honda Freed was launched in Malaysia in 2010 but was quietly pulled out so the company could focus on their volume offerings. Now, Honda just unveiled the second-generation model in Japan, with sales already underway.\nThe new Freed is conceived based on the \u201c\nDynamism and Functionality\n\u201d theme, and at one glance the looks doesn\u2019t differ much from its curvier predecessor. Apart from the updated grille and lights, the new Freed retains the\u00a0rear sliding doors with some minor improvements.   In Japan, the Freed can be had in three variants \u2013 the Freed, Freed+ and a Special-Needs Vehicle. In standard guise, the Freed has three rows of seats, whereas the Special-Needs Vehicle is more wheelchair friendly and is typically offered in Japan. The Freed+ however, loses out on the third row seats.\nPowering this compact MPV is a\u00a0\n1.5-liter direct injection DOHC i-VTEC\n, the same engine that powers the Japan-spec \nJazz\n. A hybrid option is also available, one that shares the exact same powertrain from the JDM Jazz Hybrid. The seven-speed Earth Dreams CVT is offered for the conventional Freed, but hybrid buyers will get the dual-clutch solution.\nThe new Freed also adds Honda Sensing technology as an added option. This new range of active safety tech comprise of lane-departure warning, lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system and a few others.\nAvailable in front or all-wheel drive configurations, the new Freed begins from\u00a01,880,000 yen (approximately RM76,500) to\u00a02,722,000 yen (RM110,700). With the \nToyota Sienta\n\u00a0filling in\u00a0the local compact MPV segment, perhaps Honda Malaysia should consider giving the Freed a second chance?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Reception for Ford\u2019s latest supercar, the Ford GT, has been overwhelming and as such, the company is planning to extend its production for two additional years! The next opening for order taking will take place some time in early 2018.\nOne of the main reasons for this move is to support Ford Performance in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and World Endurance Championship (WEC) series events for the coming years, until 2019. With plans to race the Ford GT in these prestigious events, additional units are needed to support the races.   While the limited production series could not satisfy the demand for all applicants, Ford Performance said that they would like to satisfy some loyal Ford ambassadors with additional production. However, Ford Performance did not reveal just exactly how many extra units will be produced.\nApplicants who were placed on the waiting list will be served by year three of production while year four will serve deferred applicants and those who missed the initial application window. The window for year four production will open in early 2018. Those who have already applied for the Ford GT will only have to update their request.\nIt will be in two years\u2019 time if you would like to apply for one. However, good things are always worth the wait. Such as this 600hp beauty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At \nAutoBuzz.my\n, the proverbial question of \u201cIs this the car for you\u201d appears regularly in our car reviews, but in this article we ought to ask \u2013 does Budget 2016 matter to us as Malaysian motorists?\nWe\u2019ll be dissecting the budget announced by our very own Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, on a note that particularly concerns Malaysian road users. The annual budget announcement came right after the \ntoll rate hikes\n\u00a0that took into effect beginning 15 October 2015. Due to the challenging economy and poor performance of the Ringgit, the 2016 Budget, according to the Prime Minister, was a difficult one to table.\nWHAT WE KNOW:\n1. \nMore boost for Public Transportation\nThe Malaysian Government has injected a massive boost of RM40 billion for the development of the country\u2019s roads and public transportation. That includes:\nThe\n approval of LRT3 extension\n\u00a0costing RM10 billion. The LRT3 is expected to benefit 2 million people across \nBandar Utama, Damansara to Johan Setia, Klang\n. Construction will kick-off in 2016 and will end by 2020.\nThe \nMRT II\n covering \nSg Buloh, Serdang and Putrajaya\n will begin operations in Q2 of 2016. The RM28 billion project is expected to complete by 2022.\nThe \nBus Rapid Transit (BRT)\n that connects KL and Klang has been given an allocation of RM1.5 billion. Also, a BRT line for Kota Kinabalu, Sabah has been planned at a cost of RM1 billion.\n2. \u00a0\nImprovements on public roads\nThe Government will pump RM900 million for 2016 to\u00a0resolve traffic issues on Jalan Tun Razak. Najib said the Traffic Dispersal Project will involve a \u201cstrategic public-private collaboration\u201d.\nHighways such as Damansara \u2013 Shah Alam, Sungai Besi \u2013 Ulu Klang, Pulau Indah and Central Spine Road will all be upgraded in 2016.\n3.\n Improvements for the rural areas\nThe rural development is not forgotten, with RM1.4 billion allocated to build and upgrade rural roads of no less than 700 km across the country.\nThe roads in\u00a0Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) settlements will be boosted with an injection of RM200 million.\nRM67 million is allocated to the MARA Bus Transport Project for operating buses in rural areas.\n4. \u00a0\nHighways for Sabah and Sarawak\nSource: www.sarawakenergynewsroom.com\nIn Sabah, \u00a0a 706km highway from Sindumin to Tawau costing RM12.8 billion will see its construction begin in 2016.\nOver in Sarawak, the 1,091km \nPan-Borneo Highway\n\u00a0project is expected to complete in 2021. The\u00a0RM16.1 billion highway will be \ntoll-free\n, unlike major\u00a0highways in Peninsular Malaysia.\nWHAT WE DON\u2019T KNOW:\n1. \nNo announcement in the automotive sector\nThese are among the questions remained unanswered in 2016:\nThe Government\u2019s incentive for Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV)\n. Under the 2014 National Automotive Policy, incentives in the form of tax breaks are given to lean burning cars that are locally assembled, but the said policy will expire come 31 December 2015. As for now, the \nToyota Camry Hybrid\n,\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid\n,\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid\n\u00a0and several other models of course are among the few cars that are benefiting from this policy. There\u2019s just two more months before we reach 2016, so what are the plans?\nThe controversial \nApproved Permits (AP)\n. Up to now, the Government\u00a0has yet to reveal its study on the\u00a0\nabolishment of open AP\n\u00a0for used vehicles. For many years, the Government has been looking to eliminate the Open AP, but progress has yet to be seen.\n2.\u00a0\nNo concrete plans to improve public transportation service\u00a0\nMuch of the Government\u2019s effort this time revolve around infrastructure developments, but there was no mention on improving its services. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association chief executive Datuk Paul Selvaraj commented that the Government should focus on \nimproving the current public transport\n, rather than the service itself.\nFurthermore,\u00a0\nMalaysiakini\n reports the Transport Ministry\u2019s budget for 2016 got slashed by 14.1 percent, or RM648 million, to \nRM3.955 billion\n. The unprofitable railway routes and rural flights will be discontinued as well. Although the ministry\u2019s operations have been impacted, surely the quality of the public transportation services is a concern in 2016.\nCONCLUSION:\nIn a nutshell, it certainly looks like a mixed budget. Malaysians benefitting from this are for those who often\u00a0use public transportation services, but the announcement leaves corporate automotive players in a limbo, at least for now. There should be a separate announcement for next year\u2019s NAP, though.\nSo, back to the question. \nWill Budget 2016 matter\n to the majority of Malaysian motorists? Yes, to some extent. For those living in the Klang Valley, you can \nexpect an upgrade\n in terms of\n traffic and road conditions\n. This has been a long time coming (but repeated countless times before, so it\u2019s not exactly something new), especially for those who frequent Jalan Tun Razak and Damansara.\nPerhaps driving to work in the city centre could be a thing of the past, should all LRT and MRT projects proceed as planned. Whether or not they complete on time is a different story altogether.\nThe 1,091km Pan-Borneo Highway will supposedly be toll-free\nOther areas that look bright following the announcement are Sabah and Sarawak, thanks to the proposed \nPan-Borneo highway\n. Call it a popularity bid (because the Sarawak state elections will take place in 2016), but it\u2019s about time our friends in \nEast Malaysia\n deserve a proper highway\u00a0that could boost both the economy and tourism.\nHowever, for those looking forward not to drive to work or town hopping in East Malaysia, hold your horses just yet as the Budget will have to be approved by the Parliament. With reports suggesting that Parliament members are seeking a vote for\u00a0\nmotion of no confidence \ntowards Najib by rejecting this proposition, there\u2019s a slight possibility that the recently tabled budget may just be thrown out the window. However, any developments in this regard will be updated here as soon as official announcements are made, so stay tuned!"
"If there\u2019s one thing obvious related to the introduction of this completely redesigned 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, is that competition is now hotter than ever.\nWe\u2019ve seen rivals Toyota who just revealed their \nhandsome new Fortuner\n, Ford with the \nnew Everest\n and Isuzu with its \nMU-X\n. The outgoing Pajero Sport started production in Thailand since 2008, and a full seven years later, the time has come for a successor, bearing the company\u2019s new \u201cDynamic Shield\u201d design philosophy first seen on the \n2015 Outlander\n, no less.   To stack up with the competition, the new Pajero Sport gets injected with a host of advanced safety features as well as having enhanced ride comfort, handling stability and off-roadability. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with the Triton it\u2019s based on, the Pajero Sport will be powered by a \n2.4-litre turbodiesel MIVEC\n engine \u2013 a first for the model.\nNo numbers are available at present, but Mitsubishi claims that the new powertrain, together with an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission will return a \n17 percent improvement\n on fuel efficiency. It gets the company\u2019s improved \nSuper-Select-4WD-II\n four wheel drive system that\u2019s complemented with the \nOff-Road mode\n, a Mitsubishi first.\n \n \nThe Off-Road mode is said to give better all-terrain performance and stability. Its drivetrain features an \nelectronic differential lock\n which cleverly distributes torque to each individual wheel and can be further optimised by selecting the appropriate terrain mode using the electronic diff control.\nAs we\u2019ve mentioned earlier, the Pajero Sport is bestowed with a good list of advanced safety features, beginning with the Forward Collision Mitigation system, Blind Spot Warning system and Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System. Packaged together with it are\n seven airbags\n, Electric Parking Brake, Multi-Around Monitor and Hill Descent Control.\nSales of the Pajero Sport will commence in a few months\u2019 time, starting in Thailand where it\u2019s produced at the Laem Chabang Plant. It\u2019s only a matter of time before it\u2019s officially brought in by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, so be sure to stick around for more details surrounding\u00a0this SUV!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What a surprise! Apart from unveiling the name of the latest limited edition, Ferrari also unveiled a targa (removable hardtop) version of the \nFerrari 812 Competizione\n. The Competizione name was chosen as a new concept of offering all the technologies and experience gained in all the motorsport activities that the prancing horse company is renowned for.\u00a0\u00a0\nAs for the much-rumoured GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) name, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer of Ferrari, Enrico Galliera, said it does not suit the product direction as well as not the right time to use it, as the Ferrari 599 GTO launched a decade ago is the third product to bear the GTO nameplate.\nAs always with each Ferrari, plenty of attention has been given to the \n6.5-litre\n naturally aspirated \nV12 engine\n. Both the 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A (pronounced \u201cAh\u201d, with A for \nAperta\n or open) sport the company\u2019s most high-revving engine, spinning up to \n9,500 rpm\n.\nMaximum outputs of this special engine are \n830 hp\n at 9,250 rpm and \n692 Nm\n at 7,000 rpm, or a 30 hp increase and 26 Nm decrease compared to the regular Ferrari 812 series. For Ferrari to achieve a horsepower increment of just 3.75%, much of the internals of the V12 engine are \nnew items\n.\nTargeting higher engine revolutions requires reducing the mass of the internal components, as such, the new crankshaft is \n3% lighter\n while replacing the con-rods from steel to \ntitanium\n sees a 40% reduction and combined with a \u201clighter\u201d or less viscous specially formulated \nShell Helix\n Ultra 5W-40 \nengine oil\n that cooperates with a new variable-displacement oil pump.\nMeanwhile, to obtained even smoother surfaces for further reduction in friction, key components on the valvetrain are coated with Diamond-like Carbon (\nDLC\n). The valve actuation has been replaced with \nsliding finger followers\n as part of the requirements to smash the high 9,500 rpm target.\nPlenty of work has also been done to the exhaust system, as the melodic soundtrack has now been blocked by gas particulate filters (GPF) to meet the most stringent emissions regulations. The result is a new \n\u201ctrumpet\u201d\n exhaust outlet that also provides a \n\u201cblown diffuser\u201d\n aerodynamic concept, where the hot exhaust gases interact with the new underfloor diffuser\u2019s field to generate up to \n35% more downforce\n than the standard 812 Superfast.\nShifting duties are performed by the existing \n7-speed dual-clutch\n transmission with calibration of the control strategies has reduced shift times by a further 5%. Performance figures for the Ferrari 812 Competizione are \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n2.85 seconds\n, to 200 km/h in 7.5 seconds and lapping the 3-kilometre Fiorano Circuit in 80 seconds, faster than the lighter special series \nFerrari 488 Pista\n.\nThe faster lap time of over a second could be greatly contributed by the new \nfour-wheel independent steering\n control system (PCV 3.0). This new system has independent left and right actuators that allow the wheel to rotate different angles (as opposed to the same/parallel), providing an even better trajectory around curves and bends. \u00a0\nTogether with new software calibration of the \nSide Slip Control 7.0\n that governs the traction control (F1-Trac), differential (E-Diff 3.0) suspension and on-the-limit brake control (FDE), the Ferrari 812 Competizione series offers the most uncompromised driving experience in a Ferrari.\nAs with other special series from Ferrari, aerodynamic attributes has been greatly improved on the Ferrari 812 Competizione. Plenty of \nvortex generators\n are placed at the front, side and bottom of the car, but the main highlight is the area that was once the rear windscreen.\nSix profiled elements on the aluminium rear \u201cscreen\u201d disrupt airflow to the side of the vehicle and enabling the rear spoiler and rear underfloor diffuser to function even better to generate additional downforce. Ferrari says this patented rear \u201cscreen\u201d vortex generator contributes 10% more rear downforce compared to the standard \n812 Superfast\n.\nWhat about Ferrari 812 Competizione A, missing the roof and other bodywork. Meticulously wind tunnel development of the front windscreen and the \nflying buttresses\n with specific aerodynamic profiles managed to generate the downforce level that is essentially the same as the coupe. Compared to the \n812 GTS\n with a retractable hard top, the Aperta has a removable carbon fibre roof piece that can be stored in the boot.\nIn total, the Ferrari 812 Competizione has \n80 kg\n more downforce at 200 km/h than the standard 812 Superfast. A weight reduction strategy consists of carbon fibre bumpers, air intakes, the bonnet \u201cboomerang\u201d, 20-inch wheels together with lighter interior fabrics and lithium-ion 12-volt battery sees the dry kerb weight reduced to \n1,487 kg\n or a 38 kg reduction.   And the price of one of these beauties? At the media Q-and-A session, only prices for the Italian market are available, which is \nEUR500,000\n for the coupe and \nEUR578,000\n for the Aperta and all units have been signed up.\n \nWatch GC\u2019s experience with the 812 Superfast in Fiorano\nFerrari will build \n999 units\n of the coupe and \n599 units\n of the Aperta, with deliveries starting with the coupe in Q1 2022 and Aperta in late 2022.\nFERRARI 812 COMPETIZIONE A\nFERRARI 812 COMPETIZIONE COUPE"
"Perodua today saw its longest-serving President and CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh, 58, retire after nine years at the helm of Malaysia\u2019s second national carmaker. Datuk (Dr) Aminar will be succeeded by Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, previously Vice-President of Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd.\nUnder the leadership of Datuk (Dr) Aminar, Perodua achieved a number of significant product milestones such as the introduction of Malaysia\u2019s first Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV), the \nPerodua Axia\n, launch of Perodua\u2019s first EEV sedan, the \nBezza\n as well as more recently, the market debut of the \nthird-generation Perodua Myvi\n.\n \n \nDuring his time at Perodua, Datuk (Dr) Aminar has also improved the brand\u2019s after-sales significantly, leading to cost efficiency, quality and delivery. Besides that, he also led Perodua to establish an RM1.3 billion Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, which was certified as Malaysia\u2019s first Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) plant by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. All these have expanded Perodua\u2019s market share from 31.2 per cent in 2010 to over 37 per cent year-to-date 2018.\nPerodua Chairman, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin said: \u201cThe Perodua Board of Directors wishes to thank Datuk (Dr) Aminar for his contributions to Perodua and to the Malaysian automotive industry as a whole,\u201d\nPerodua Chairman, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin\n\u201cTo this end, the Perodua Board of Directors looks to Dato\u2019 Zainal to lead the charge as he has the capability in managing Perodua as well as its vendors, suppliers and dealers to become regional players,\u201d added Tan Sri Asmat.\nDato\u2019 Zainal will be the first President and CEO selected from within Perodua when he assumes his duties come 1 January 2019. He is expected to further improve Perodua\u2019s efficiency and competitiveness with the aim of expanding its export business.\nDato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad\nDato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, 52, holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Management Information Systems and Accounting from the Pacific Lutheran University, Washington, USA. He began his career in Perodua in 1995 in the cost control department and was directly involved in creating Perodua\u2019s manufacturing cost structure. He is also involved in the formulation of the National Automotive Policy NAP) and is working closely with the government through the various bodies under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to further improve the policy."
"Unless you\u2019re the king of Thailand, the life of a royalty, Prime Minister or President can be a ball when they\u2019re not cracking their heads over political or social affairs. Clad with the finest clothes, fed with the most decadent meals, even their cars are extra special due to their extra special circumstance.\nRegardless of their make, they\u2019re often fitted and equipped with the best defense systems you never thought a car could accommodate \u2013 ensuring that it\u2019s resistant to gunfire, bomb blasts, or any other threats imaginable on a head of state.\nAbove is a Top 10 list of the most expensive cars used by leaders around the globe compiled by \nMotorEasy\n. The purpose was to show the disparity \nbetween the value of these leader\u2019s vehicles and the value of the best-selling cars in their respective countries\n.\nQUEEN ELIZABETH II\nAs you can tell, the monarch spares no expense when it comes to protecting Queen Elizabeth II and her precious little corgis. Her specially commissioned Bentley is valued at over 10 million pounds yet she has not one but two!\nDONALD TRUMP\nThe Beast as it is known is lined with 5-inches of military-grade armour, electrified doors, and even a stockpile of the President\u2019s blood type! There\u2019s no need to elaborate on why the man with the tan needs so much protection but with that level of defense, you can rest assured those gold locks will remain intact as well.\nKIM JONG-UN\nIt speaks volumes of the car when a dictator known for his taste for the finer things in life, such as expensive cheese and wine, opts for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, more specifically, a Mercedes-Maybach S600 as his vehicle of choice. It\u2019s not like he\u2019ll fit in something smaller anyway.\nVLADIMIR PUTIN\nWith almost everything and everyone beneath his feet, nothing is unattainable for the former KGB officer. He could\u2019ve opted for a Mercedes-Benz, a Rolls-Royce, or even on a cart strapped to a couple of grizzly bears but no, the President of Russia is a man of very distinct taste as his art collection and hobbies have uncovered. Enter the Aurus Senat limousine \u2013 it doesn\u2019t cost as much as Trump or Kim\u2019s ride, but apparently, it took 146 million pounds to develop!\nThe same patriotism is displayed by Putin\u2019s neighbour and yet another iron-fist ruler, Xi Jinping of China whose vehicle of choice is none other than the Hongqi L5, China\u2019s idea of a luxury automobile.\nOn the other end of the spectrum, Jose Mujica who was once known to be the most modest (and to an extent also the poorest) President in the world, only owned a Volkswagen Beetle when he was in power. He also preferred to reside in his personal residences instead of the presidential palace. We need more of such people; not just to lead our world, but in general."
"Although the 2021 New York International Auto Show has been cancelled, Nissan has stuck to its schedule and unveiled the all-new Nissan Z coupe today. The production coupe is almost identical to the\n Z Proto\n that was shown just eleven months ago, and with the model name just called Z.\nThis seventh-generation Nissan Z coupe has unchanged \u201cheritage-inspired\u201d styling elements seen in the Z Proto, including the mesmerising circular LED headlamps that hark back to the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 1970s.\nThe taillamps meanwhile have an oblong 3D lighting signature that is reminiscent of the Z32 Nissan 300ZX. A simple and effective rear spoiler is fitted on the upper Performance grade. Dimensionally, the new Nissan Z and the outgoing Z34 Nissan 370Z shares the same short wheelbase of 2,550 mm. Width is retained at 1,845 mm while the new Z is longer at 4,379 mm.\nUnder the beautifully sculptured aluminium bonnet lies the VR30DDTT 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine that currently serves the \nInfiniti Q50\n and Q60 models plus the Japan market-only Nissan Skyline 400R. Power outputs are similar, which are \n405 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n of torque.\nThe twin turbochargers feature optical speed sensors and electronic wastegate controllers to allow for faster spooling and higher turbine speeds, rotating up to \n240,000 rpm\n during peak demands. \u00a0\nUnlike the new \nToyota GR Supra\n, Nissan is offering the new Nissan Z with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission. Based on the gear ratios, it is a carried-over item from the outgoing Z34 model, as with the carbon fibre composite central propeller shaft. A new motorsport-inspired high-performance Exedy clutch is fitted as standard though.\nYour average Nissan model might soon be built with real carbon fibre structural parts. More about the plan here!\nAs for the automatic transmission, Nissan is offering an all-new 9-speed unit that is also seen in the new 2021 \nNissan Frontier\n pick-up. Both the manual and automatic transmission now have a Launch Control function for smooth and controlled acceleration from a standstill.\nThe automatic transmission features a Sport mode with faster powertrain and steering response, less restrained stability control as well as more pumped-up Active Sound Enhancement (synthesised engine note into the cabin).\nNo mention of the benchmark 0 to 60 mph sprint times, but Nissan says the new powertrain should shave 15% compared to the outgoing model, which is 5.2 seconds. \u00a0\nAnother drag race! Watch the Nissan Leaf drag with the Nissan 370Z here!\nBody rigidity has been increased for the new Nissan Z, with new monotube shock absorbers, new suspension geometry and high-performance tyres help increase the maximum cornering G by up to 13%. Nissan has also fitted an updated mechanical rear limited-slip differential (LSD) in the new Nissan Z, replacing the viscous-based unit.\nIn the USA, which is the Nissan Z model\u2019s largest market, two variants are offered- Sport and Performance. In the namesake variant, the Nissan Z Performance gets sport-tuned suspension paired with larger multi-piston aluminium brake calipers in red, lightweight forged Rays 19-inch wheels wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres and subtle front and rear spoilers.\nInside, the Performance variant gets more niceties too, such as leather-upholstered power-adjustable sports seats, a larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Bose audio with eight speakers and Active Sound Enhancement, sports foot pedals and Nissan Connect services.\nBeing a sportscar, the fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel displays a large tachometer at the centre with a racing driver inspired redline (7,000 rpm) and shift-up light at the \u201812 o\u2019clock\u2019 position. Other vital information such as fluid temperatures and oil pressure are also displayed in large circular gauges.\nThe driver\u2019s instrumentation is completed with a three-pod analogue gauge set consisting of the turbocharger boost meter, turbocharger turbine speed (up to 250,000 rpm) and battery voltmeter. \u00a0\nAt the safety front, all models will come standard with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Assist.\nIn conjunction with the launch in the US, Nissan will offer the Z Proto variant that takes plenty of inspiration from last year\u2019s Z Proto model. Limited to just \n240 units\n, the Proto Spec model includes yellow-coloured brake calipers with Z logo, bronze-coloured 19-inch Rays forged wheels, exclusive manual shift lever knob, Proto Spec leather seats with yellow accents, Proto Spec suede and cloth door trim with yellow stitching and finished with Proto Spec interior stitching.\nSomebody is asking RM2 million for a Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. Crazy or justified? More about the ad here!\nNo mention of the price, but looking at its closest competitor, the Toyota GR Supra with a 388-horsepower straight-six engine is priced from USD51,909 (approx RM220k) to USD54,795 (approx RM232k). The Toyota will continue to enjoy sales this year as Nissan is only planning to deliver the new Nissan Z from \nSpring 2022\n, hence identifying the Nissan Z as a 2023 model. \u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY\n2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec (USA)\n2023 Nissan Z Performance (USA)"
"Washing your car seems like a chore for many, but not any more as Nissan is testing out a new type of nano-based paint on one of Nissan\u2019s test car, an European Nissan Note. The nano paint is specially engineered to repel water and oil and engineers at\u00a0Nissan Technical Centre Europe will be testing the self-cleaning Note over the coming months in a variety of conditions.\nShould the test be successful, Nissan will market this as a possible aftermarket option on its cars.\u00a0Nissan is the first carmaker to apply the technology, called Ultra-Ever Dry\u00ae, on automotive bodywork. The special nano paint is currently sold and marketed by\u00a0UltraTech International Inc\u00ae and the results against\u00a0rain, spray, frost, sleet and standing water is very promising. It works by creating a layer of air between the paint and its surrounding atmosphere, using\u00a0super-hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings."
"Audi is certainly on the offensive now, beginning with the launch of the third generation \nTT Coupe\n. With the Four-Ringed principal helming its operations here in Malaysia, things are bound to get more exciting.\nIn keeping up with the times (and competition, to say the least), Audi has announced their plans to bring in the facelifted A6 and \nA7 Sportback\n. Although the latter has been teased on their website\u00a0since March this year, the former comes somewhat as a surprise.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi A6 Ultra 1.8 TFSI\nAudi A6 2.0 TFSI\nAudi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro\nEngine\n1,798cc; turbocharged inline-4\n1,984cc; turbocharged inline-4\n2,995cc; supercharged V6\nTransmission\n7-speed S Tronic dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n190 hp @ 4,200 \u2013 6,200 rpm\n252 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n333 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 4,100 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n440 Nm @ 2,900 \u2013 5,300 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n7.9 seconds; 233 km/h\n6.7 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\n5.1 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nBefore spelling out all things new to the A6 facelift, let\u2019s first get its dimensions out of the way. The overall length is now up from 4,915mm to \n4,933mm\n \u2013 \nan increase of 18mm\n. The wheelbase remains the same at 2,912mm, so the growth in length is merely from its front and rear overhangs. It still stands at 1,455mm tall and is 1,874mm wide.\nEXTERIOR\nThe facelift, in typical Audi fashion, bestows the A6 with restyled front and rear bumper, new front grille, headlights and tail lights \u2013 some of its most pronounced upgrades. Forward illumination source is LED (Matrix LED is a cost option) and comes with redesigned LED DRLs. The tail lights also share the new styling treatment, with its signal indicators and reverse light powered by\u00a0low-energy LEDs.\n \n \nAt the front is Audi\u2019s signature single-frame\u00a0grille, but this time it comes in a larger one-piece unit that extends to the lower intake. It\u2019s made bolder this time around, featuring eight horizontal chrome struts. Wheel sizes and designs are variant dependent and ranges from 18 to 20 inches.   INTERIOR\nInside, the biggest update is in the infotainment department. The \n8-inch TFT head unit\n still retains its retractability, but Audi\u2019s Multimedia Interface system is now based on their \nnew partner Nvidia\n.\nWith a new Tegra 3 chip powering the system, it boosts processing speed and provides a dedicated 4G data connection, allowing drivers to use online services including a number of compatible media streaming apps via Audi Connect. It also acts as a wireless hotspot that allow up to eight devices to surf the web.   Otherwise, the cabin remains largely unchanged, and build quality is still very much synonymous to the brand. It retains the quad-zone automatic air-conditioning units, as well as air vents built into the B-Pillars.\nPERFORMANCE\nBesides the new look, the engines powering the A6 facelift are also more powerful. Our neighbours in Singapore have three trims to choose from \u2013 \n1.8L TFSI Ultra\n, \n2.0L TFSI\n and \n3.0L TFSI\n units. Sources from Audi Malaysia have hinted\u00a0that we will also be getting the 1.8L Ultra variant for the first time, and all powertrains will be paired to the sole \nseven-speed S tronic dual clutch automatic\n gearbox (previously CVT).\nThe four-cylinder \n1.8-litre turbocharged\n unit is sourced from parent company Volkswagen, but here it is tuned to make \n190 hp\n from 4,200 to 6,200 rpm and \n320 Nm\n of torque from 1,400 to 4,100 rpm \u2013 that\u2019s \n10 hp more\n than our current 2.0L A6! The strong numbers translate to a brisk \n7.9 seconds\n 0 to 100 km/h sprint time, while top speed is clocked at \n233 km/h\n. Fuel consumption on the other hand, is rated at \n5.7 litres per 100km\n.\nNext, the \n2.0-litre TFSI unit\n is the same block powering the outgoing A6, but receives a big bump in power. It now makes \n252 hp\n from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and \n370 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. The century sprint is dusted in \n6.7 seconds\n before reaching an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. It sips just \n5.9 litres per 100km\n traveled.\nIf both four-cylinder engines aren\u2019t your cup of tea, there\u2019s still the \nsupercharged 3.0-litre V6\n unit putting out \n333 hp\n from 5,500 to 6,500 rpm and \n440 Nm\n of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm. Like the lesser two, it\u2019s more powerful than before \u2013 up 23 horsepower from the previous tune. It\u2019s naturally the quickest of the bunch, sprinting from standstill to 100 km/h in \n5.1 seconds\n. Top speed is also electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n7.6 litres per 100km\n.\nSAFETY\nHere, the A6 comes with Audi\u2019s active lane assist \u2013 a system that actively corrects or realigns the car back into the current lane. There\u2019s also Audi Side Assist and Audi Pre-Sense Rear systems, optional Head-Up Display, Secondary Collision Brake Assist, 360-degree Parking System Plus with Park Assist and a host of other safety features.\nWHAT ELSE?\nIn Singapore, the facelifted A6 1.8 TFSI Ultra retails at SGD 250,800 whereas the 2.0-litre variant is going for SGD 276,600 \u2013 both COE inclusive. It will be making its way here in the third quarter this year, alongside the \nA7 Sportback\n. When it arrives, three trim levels will be offered \u2013 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI (FWD only; Quattro coming next year) and 3.0 TFSI Quattro.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Need your BMW or MINI serviced, but just don\u2019t have the time for it? Good news \u2013 introducing the new Service Fast Lane Centre, a new dedicated service centre by \nAuto Bavaria\n Penang with the sole purpose of getting customers back on the road in the shortest time possible.\nLocated along Jalan Sungai Pinang in Georgetown Penang, the new stand-alone facility boasts a built-up area of 30,000 square feet, consisting of a premium customer lounge, six service bays, and two RATC (Reception at the Car) bays.\nThe new Service Fast Lane Centre specialises solely on \nquick service and repairs\n, all tailored for better efficiency and time optimisation. These include regular vehicle maintenance, wear and tear repairs, tyre replacement, and cosmetic repairs.\n\u201cOur Service Fast Lane Centre is designed to fit customers\u2019 routine with minimal interruption. Service appointment scheduling is also flexible, allowing customers to bring in their cars at a time most convenient to them. With Service Fast Lane, service and repairs are done in a fraction of the time while customers sip their coffee and relax at our lounge,\u201d said Auto Bavaria Managing Director, Vi Thim Juan.\nThe estimated cost of service \u2013 both parts and labour charges \u2013 will be provided to the customer during the booking process, alongside the duration needed to complete the service. This is to ensure complete transparency, allowing customers to make informed decisions about the maintenance of their vehicles.\nTo celebrate the new opening, customers who send their cars in for service at the new BMW and MINI Service Fast Lane Centre within the month of May 2021 will be offered a complimentary 72-point check inspection.\nThe new Service Fast Lane centre is located at \nNo. 3, Jalan Sungai Pinang, 10150 Georgetown Penang\n. Operation hours are 8 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday, and 8 am to 12.30 pm on Saturday; the new Auto Bavaria outlet is closed on Sundays and public holidays.\nFor more information, or to book a service at the Service Fast Lane centre, customers can call \n04-2932888\n.\nGALLERY"
"What better way to demonstrate a brand\u2019s commitment towards a specific market than launching a model developed solely for its consumers. The three-pointed star brand has just done that with the unveiling of the all-new first-ever Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan, dedicated to the Chinese market ahead of the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (China Auto).\nBased on the \nW177 A-Class hatchback\n, the A-Class L Sedan boasts a\n 60 mm longer wheelbase\n at 2,789 mm to cater to the Chinese consumer\u2019s preference of generous room for the rear passengers. Key dimensions measures at 4,609 mm in length, 1,796 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height. Thanks to the increased dimensions, the A-Class L Sedan can swallow up to 420 litres of cargo, 50 litres up from the hatchback model.   As for exterior design, the front-end of the sedan is identical to the hatchback up till the C pillar. The rear profile reminiscent of the \nCLA\n with a dynamic sloping roof effect and raised boot lid. The A-Class L Sedan also gets a unique two-piece taillamp design as well as an exclusive Rose Gold paint job.\nThe cabin is largely similar to the hatchback version with equipment such as \nMBUX multimedia system\n, Widescreen Cockpit display, 64-colour ambient lighting, turbine air vents and the new multifunctional steering wheel.   Unique to the Chinese market is WeChatMyCar app integration with MBUX which allow drivers to connect the popular messenger app seamlessly with the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz also took the effort to teach their intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition system (LINGUATRONIC) to be proficient in various \nChinese dialects including Sichuanese and Cantonese\n.\nMercedes-Benz has also fitted the A-Class L Sedan with the latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support taken straight from the \nS-Class\n, giving the compact sedan best-in-class active safety systems.\nAt market launch, the A-Class L Sedan is available with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine putting out \n134\n or \n161 hp\n depending on variant. There is also a larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with \n188 hp\n available at a later date. All engine options are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nMoving forward, the company will be introducing a similar sedan model tailored to the needs of customers outside of China in the second half of 2018. It remains to be seen whether the new sedan model for the rest of the world will follow the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan nameplate or be a replacement of the CLA Class.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan in Rose Gold   Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan in Red"
"Bermaz Motors, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has just introduced the Mazda3 with G-Vectoring control. Like before, the Mazda3 is available in three variants \u2013 Mazda3 Sedan GL, Mazda3 Sedan high spec and Mazda3 hatchback high spec.\nLocally assembled here in Malaysia, the refreshed Mazda3 gets significantly more equipment compared to the \nmodel it replaces\n. Notably, the Mazda3 hatchback is now equally specced as the high-spec sedan, and \nnot settling for second best like before\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda3 2.0L SkyActiv GL\nMazda3 2.0L SkyActiv Hatchback High Spec\nMazda3 2.0L SkyActiv High Spec\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM110,225.30\nRM125,225.30\nRM128,225.30\nVisually, the refreshed Mazda3 gets a new multi bar front grille that resembles the \nMazda6 facelift\n. The front bumper is also reshaped to accommodate the new grille, new headlamp design and fog lamp housing. The entry level GL gets halogen projector headlamps, LED front fog lamps, bulb type tail lamps, rear fog lamps and 16-inch alloys wrapped in 205/60 profile tyres. Stepping up to the high spec variants, both body styles get adaptive LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillamps and 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/45 profile tyres.   Like before, the GL gets fabric upholstery, 7-inch touchscreen MZD connect infotainment system with six-speakers, manual air conditioning, electronic parking brake and new three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel design. Stepping up to the high spec variants, it adds leather upholstery, six-way powered driver\u2019s seats, single-zone automatic climate control, sportier instrument cluster design, paddle shifters, cruise control and full coloured heads-up display.\nMotivating the Mazda3 is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G petrol engine that develops \n162 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. With the update, the transmission now comes with Sports mode that can be activated via a rocker switch near the gear leaver.\nG-Vectoring Control (GVC) is Mazda\u2019s way of elevating the \nJinba-Ittai \nphilosophy. During a corner, the system works by adjusting power delivery and shifting vehicle weight according to the driver\u2019s steering input. This improves handling and ride comfort around the corners and in a straight line.\nAs standard, all three variants come with six-airbags, ABS with BA, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Emergency Stop Signal and ISOFIX mounting points. The high spec variants come with additional Lane Departure Warning System, Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nBermaz Motors is offering the Mazda3 in \nfour\n colours \u2013 Artic White, Blue Reflex, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic. Every purchase of a new Mazda vehicle registered from 1 February 2017 will get a \n5-Years or 100,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty\n and a 3-Years or 60,000 km free maintenance package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The talk of the town has finally been officially unveiled today, as Honda Malaysia introduced the highly anticipated 2014 all-new Honda Jazz. This seasoned B-segment hatchback\u00a0contender now has a new look and comes with better versatility, functionality and affordability. Available in\u00a0three variants; Jazz S, E & V.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n\u00a0Honda Jazz 1.5L\nSegment\n\u00a0B-Segment Hatchback\n \nEngine\n\u00a01,497cc 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC (120hp, 145Nm)\nTransmission\u00a0\n\u00a0Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\nPrice\u00a0\n\u00a0Jazz S RM 72,800\u00a0\n \n(OTR with\u00a0\n\u00a0Jazz E RM 79,800\u00a0\n \ninsurance)\n\u00a0Jazz V RM\u00a0\n87,800\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSince the introduction of the Honda Jazz (better known as Honda Fit in other countries) in 2001, a total of 5.2 million units have been sold worldwide making it Honda\u2019s bestseller.\u00a0As of today, Honda Malaysia sold more than 30,000 units of the first and second generation Jazz.\nHonda Malaysia set up an assembly line for the Jazz offering competitive hatchbacks in the local market for about two years now, with almost 13,000 CKD units of Jazz Hybrid and Petrol variants sold. This \nthird generation\n\u00a0with its good looking \u201cH\u201d design and packed with more goodies starts from an affordable \nRM72,800\n.\n\u201cThe All-New Jazz is set to capture the hearts of customers who demand for a car that is fun yet versatile and functional to meet the needs of their multi-faceted lifestyles.\u201d said\u00a0Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno.\n\u201cThe All-New Jazz comes in an appealing package that is ideal for many Malaysians, from college students and young executives to married couples and families. The All-New Jazz is perfectly suited for any life scenario: work, leisure, sports, shopping and travelling. This Jazz is truly Honda\u2019s most stunning Jazz to date\u201d.\n\u201cThe All-New Jazz will provide the best overall value package in its segment with the 3 variants (S, E and V) that we are introducing. This broad range is in line with our commitment to provide affordable products with excellent value for money for everyone. This would be a great opportunity for all Malaysians to own a Honda!\u201d added Mr. Ueno.\nThe next question would be, what is Perodua going to do about this.\nEXTERIOR\n \nThe Jazz now has an all-new look, which is still recognizable from a quick glance. Honda\u2019s new design identity, the \u201cExciting H Design!!!\u201d\u00a0(High Tech, High Tension, High Touch) gives it a bolder and sportier look, mainly dominated by the front grille or \u201cSolid Wing Face\u201d.   The entry-level S variant gets a \nblack front grille\n while the E and V variant have the \nhigh glossed black\n with chrome plating grille. All three variants are equipped with \nhalogen\n headlights and \nLED tailights\n. The V variant however gets a pair of front fog lights and turning lights on its door mirrors. As for wheels, the V is fitted with \n16-inch\n rims but\u00a0\n15-inch\n for the other variants.\nINTERIOR\n \nHonda applies its \u201cMan Maximum, Machine Minimum\u201d philosophy in the interior of the new Jazz for one main objective, to achieve roomier cabin. With its longer wheelbase and its Versatile Magic Seats, it offers more space for both passengers and cargo.   The interior is where you get a clear differentiation between the variants. The top range V spec is fitted with advanced \n7-inch Display Touch Audio\n with MirrorLink function\u00a0and touch sensitive aircond control panel. The mid range E gets the standard touch screen audio control and manual aircond controls.   While the entry level S gets single DIN audio control and manual aircond controls. Both E and V have the\u00a0Smart Entry with Push Start Button.\u00a0All three variants get the same black fabric seats and NINE cup holders.\nThe \nVersatile Magic Seats\n that are available for all can be configured in four modes for different purposes, making it the car for everyone \u2013 Utility Mode, Tall Mode, Long Mode, Refresh Mode.\nPERFORMANCE\n The third generation Honda Jazz is powered by the improved 1.5-liter 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine, coupled with the newly designed Earth Dreams Technology CVT gearbox. It produces \n120 horsepower\n and \n145Nm\n of torque. Fuel consumption figure is at \n17.81km\n per liter.\u00a0Stopping power relies on front ventilated disc brakes and rear drums brakes for all variants.\nSAFETY\n \nAs for safety, all variants are equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), 4 corner reverse sensor, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) Body and\u00a0rear seat ISO Fix. The E and V are a little safer with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA),\u00a0Hill Start Assist (HSA) and\u00a0Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) too.\nDual Front SRS airbags for both S and E specs, while the highest range V spec are fitted with 2 front airbags, 2 side airbags and 2 curtain airbags. That\u2019s\u00a0\n6 airbags\n in total.\nWhat else.\n \nHonda Malaysia is optimistic that sales figures can hit 1,200 units per month for this new product. As of today, there are 500 bookings already and waiting period is at a bearable 1 month from order date.\u00a0All 2014 Honda Jazz are locally assembled at the Pegoh plant in Melaka, with 70% local parts. A \nhybrid\n variant is still in the pipeline but no words on when that will be introduced.\nThe all new Honda Jazz comes in five colours \u2013 New Tinted Silver, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.   You may have seen and thought the new Jazz looks really cool in\u00a0\nMystic Yellow Pearl\n. It is sadly not included in Honda Malaysia\u2019s colour palette. However, HMSB will be happy to offer the mystic yellow if there\u2019s high demand for it. So start leaving your requests in the comment box below!\nOptional bodykit packages are also available from Modulo and Mugen at RM2,650 and RM4,900\u00a0respectively.\nMugen Package (RM4,900)   Modulo Package (RM2,650)   Now here\u2019s one for the album. One big happy Honda Malaysia family :)\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019s no turning back from electrification, but that doesn\u2019t mean all cars in the future have to be boring. Or at least, that\u2019s what Toyota thinks. \nAutocar\n reports that Toyota\u2019s Gazoo Racing department has already begun testing its first fully electric sports car, and based on what its Chairman Akio Toyoda said, it sounds like it\u2019s going to be a right blast.\nSpeaking to the publication at the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Akio Toyoda \u2013 who is \nstill taking an active role in the development of the EV sports car\n \u2013 said that their first priority is to make these kinds of cars \u201cfun to drive, no matter what powertrain they use\u201d.\nAccording to Toyoda, \u201cfun to drive\u201d consists of fake engine sounds piped into the cabin, as well as three pedals and a \u201cmanual transmission\u201d specifically designed for EVs. \u201cIf you put someone in the car and asked them to drive it and guess the powertrain, they probably wouldn\u2019t be able to tell you,\u201d Toyoda said of the prototype BEV GR model.\nOf course, none of this is actually new. Toyota\u2019s patent for an EV \u201cmanual\u201d \nfirst surfaced in February last year\n, while its luxury subsidiary, Lexus, also \nshown off a manual EV concept in December \n\u2013 but Toyoda\u2019s comments essentially confirms that the system is still in active development, and it\u2019s not just a silly project dreamt up by a \npost-retirement \u2018Master Driver\u2019\n.\nRELATED: \nAkio Toyoda steps down as Toyota CEO \u2013 Here are some of his \u2018greatest hits\u2019\nAs explained by Lexus\u2019 electrified chief engineer Takashi Watanabe, the gear lever and clutch aren\u2019t directly connected to the drivetrain. Instead, they simulate the sensations of a manual gearbox by adjusting the torque settings of the electric motor via software. The EV simulated manual gearbox is apparently so realistic that it\u2019ll roll back on a hill, or even emulate a stall.\n\u201cWhether it makes it to the market or not, what the company is trying to do is explore the idea of what it is that we shouldn\u2019t lose in a car even if it becomes BEV,\u201d Toyoda added. \u201cI can proudly say that this is an example of how Toyota has changed into a company where members can look into an idea that sounds interesting, create a car from their ideas, and then show it for test drives.\u201d\nALSO READ: \nToyota lays out new EV plans \u2013 1,000km range, manual EV, new modular platform"
"At the ongoing \n2021 IAA Mobility Motor Show\n, Volkswagen\u2019s CEO, Ralf Brandstatter, has confirmed that the \nID.X Concept\n he posed with in May 2021, will go into production.\nIn a report by \nAuto Express\n, the CEO said the ID.X Concept was to show what is possible with an all-wheel drive hardware from the larger \nID.4 GTX\n.\n\u201cThe decision is made. We have the ID.4 GTX and the ID.3 GTX will come. We will add a performance engine on the rear axle to give the car more acceleration, more speed,\u201d Brandstatter briefly explained.\nA compilation of photos of the ID.X Concept car\nThe driving enthusiasts plays an important \u2018family\u2019 in the Volkswagen and with the immediate response from electric motors, Brandstatter wants customers to further experience that. The company will also develop autonomous vehicles for those who commute long distances and have no interest in driving.\nVolkswagen showcased the ID. Life Concept, a smaller entry-level hatchback-crossover that targets the young demographics into the ID. electric family. Find out how here!\nBrandstatter also hinted that Volkswagen\u2019s performance-focused GTX nameplate for the ID. line-up could even include the venerable \u2018R\u2019 treatment in the future. \u00a0\nThe \nVolkswagen ID.4 GTX\n currently has a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive traction and a combined system output of \n299 hp\n and a large 77 kWh battery pack. Expect the smaller ID.3 GTX to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h faster than the 6.2-second time set by the larger sibling.\nThe highest performing rear-wheel drive \nVolkswagen ID.3\n is the Pro S with a \n204 hp\n/\n310 Nm\n motor output and 77 kWh battery pack. Equipped with a smaller 58 kWh battery pack sees the driving range decrease by 123 km to 425 km but the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration sprint is completed 0.6 seconds faster at \n7.3 seconds\n. \u00a0\u00a0\nAs for the ID.X Concept car, it was also given a weight reduction program via a lighter battery pack and reported to complete the century dash in just \n5.3 seconds\n\u2013 which the Volkswagen chief did not share if it\u2019s going into the production ID.3 GTX. The latest Volkswagen Golf R completes the benchmark sprint in just 4.7 seconds thanks to a 320 hp/420 Nm powertrain.\nVolkswagen also recently teased the larger \nID.5 GTX\n coupe-SUV that also sees the 299-hp powertrain being used. The dual-motor arrangement is also a rear-biased setup, with the rear motor generating 310 Nm of torque, with the front unit delivering just over half the value at 162 Nm.\nWhile not specifically mentioned, it is only logical to see the ID.3 GTX in 2022, as Volkswagen would want to monetise and fulfil demands on the ID.5 GTX and ID.4 GTX first.\nVolkswagen first said to support the manual transmission, but reported to start automatic-only on new generations from 2023. More about the transition here."
"Want the \nPorsche 911 GT3\n, but can\u2019t afford the RM1.8 million asking price tag? Well, the new 911 Soundbar 2.0 Pro will let you own a piece of it. at a price of a new \nPerodua Myvi \n\u2013 USD12,000 (approx. RM57k).\nCreated by the German carmaker\u2019s lifestyle merchandise arm, Porsche Design, the Soundbar 2.0 Pro turns the exhaust of the current-generation Porsche 911 GT3, into a bespoke \u2013 and somewhat superfluous \u2013 piece of home hi-fi audio equipment.\nOnly 500 units of these will ever be made, probably because the exhausts are taken from used 911 GT3s. We\u2019re kidding, of course, but really \u2013 why are they so rusty? Heck, the sound doesn\u2019t even come from the exhausts, but from the meshed portion behind it.\nQuestionable design choices aside, though, it\u2019s probably quite a competent piece of audio equipment. The Porsche 911 Soundbar 2.0 Pro is a 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos surround sound speaker, with a total power of up to 300 watt.\nRELATED: \nThis Bugatti pool table costs a cool RM1 million each!\nBecause it\u2019s a soundbar, it features a 4K passthrough HDMI port, but can also double as a wireless speaker set thanks to the myriad of connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.0, Apple Airplay 2, Google Chromecast, and Spotify Connect.\nWith all that being said, let\u2019s be honest \u2013 the people buying this won\u2019t care an ounce about its sound. It\u2019s there as a statement piece, or as a conversation starter for the ultimate Porsche fan. Just make sure you have a sturdy surface or wall to mount it to, because the whole thing weighs nearly 65 kg.\nGALLERY"
"Even though sales of sedans is not exactly rosy in Japan, Subaru continues to offer the all-new WRX in its home country, after the model was first premiered in \nthe US\n. \u00a0\nWhile the pink STI emblems are seen on the front grille and boot lid of the Japan-spec Subaru WRX, they are far from being the hot-blooded full-performance STI model. Subaru Japan is using the STI Sport R moniker as a very effective grade differentiator.\nAt launch, there are only two Subaru WRX variants on offer- the entry-level WRX GT starting at \nJPY4,004,000\n (approx. RM149k) and the higher range WRX STI Sport R at \nJPY4,389,000\n (approx. RM163k). For an additional JPY385,000, both variants can then be equipped with the extended advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) called Eyesight X Technology.\nPowering both variants of Subaru WRX is a newly developed 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine with outputs of \n275 hp\n at 5,600 rpm and \n375 Nm\n of torque, higher values than the US model. Only the CVT automatic is available for the Japanese market, called Subaru Performance Transmission that offers eight virtual ratios and clever, intuitive stepped shift logic.\nDrive is sent to all four corners equally via the brand\u2019s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system\nApart from the pink STI emblems, the WRX STI Sport R also gets two-tone wheels and a more electronically-controlled chassis via four drive modes plus individual mode profiles with ZF electronic adaptive dampers.\nInside, STI emblems can be found on the front headrest, the steering wheel and also the instrument panel. Similar to the \nToyota GR86\n and Subaru BRZ, the new Subaru WRX comes standard with six speakers but without an audio head unit system, as consumers have their own preference for units with navigation system.\nThe large 11.6-inch touchscreen central infotainment display paired with other convenience features is a JPY275,000 option. The gorgeous Black-and-Bordeaux Recaro seats meanwhile are only available as an option in the STI Sport R variant.\nFor the ADAS, all variants are fitted with EyeSight Core Technology, which includes Pre-Crash Brake, adaptive cruise control, preceding vehicle start notification and the usual lane and blind spot assist assistance. \u00a0\nThe EyeSight X Technology adds features such as Hands-off and Start Assist during traffic jams, Active lane change assist, Speed control at the tollbooth as well as curves plus Driver Error Response System and Driver Monitoring System.\nThe instrument cluster also gets upgraded to a full-sized 12.3-inch high-resolution unit to display more content related to the higher levels of advanced driver assistance.\nIt is indeed a good sign that the new WRX is also available in right-hand drive orientation, a possibility the vehicle could be offered by Motor Image Malaysia. However, with an engine now displacing over two litres that draw 10% higher excise duties (90%), expect the automatic-only WRX to be priced much higher than the \noutgoing model\n\u2019s price of RM240k.\nGALLERY\n2022 Subaru WRX STI Sport R\n \nEX\n2022 Subaru WRX GT\n \nEX\n2022 Subaru WRX- Others"
"At the preview of the \n2019 Proton Persona\n, the national carmaker released a \nservice cost breakdown\n of their sedan against its unnamed competitors which many portals reported it to be the \nPerodua Bezza\n (Competitor B) and \nHonda City\n (Competitor C).\nThe breakdown suggests that the Persona is up to 32% cheaper to maintain over a 5-Year period compared to the two competitors and Managing Director of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd, Dato\u2019 Dr. Zahari Husin has came out to clarify that the service details of the Bezza is \u201c\ninaccurate and misleading\n\u201d.\nAccording to Dato\u2019 Dr.\nZahari, the inaccuracy in cost difference was due to the Persona\u2019s service costs\nwere calculated as scheduled in its service booklet while the calculation on\nthe Bezza was based on the \noptional\n Preventive Maintenance costs\n(Pro-Care package) which includes tyre alignment and balancing, air\nconditioning maintenance and replacement of components.\nThe basic service cost\nof the Bezza 1.3-litre as recommended in the service booklet are as below:\n Years of Service\n Basic Service\n Pro-Care Service\n Proton Persona 1.6L\n 1\nst\n year\n RM391.02\n RM611.68\n RM381.04\n 2\nnd\n year\n RM796.57\n RM848.51\n RM586.83\n 3\nrd\n year\n RM464.19\n RM1,084.60\n RM934.46\n 4\nth\n year\n RM759.02\n RM810.96\n RM458.57\n 5\nth\n year\n RM684.59\n RM931.96\n RM691.01\n 5-Years\u2019 service cost\n RM3,095.38\n RM4,287.71\n RM3,051.91\nAt the end of 5-Years,\nthe difference in basic service costs between the Bezza and Persona is only RM43.47\nor 1.4%. Perodua attributed the higher service cost to the premium 0W-20 grade engine\noil used in the Bezza instead of the 10W-30 used in the Persona as well as the\nuse of iridium spark plugs.\nOver the course of\n5-Years, the difference in Basic Service and Pro-Care Service is RM1,192.33\nhence Perodua is right that Proton did not made an apple-to-apple comparison\nwhen producing the chart. Opting for the Basic Service package brings the\nservice costs significantly closer to the Persona.\nHowever, it is also worthy to note that the Bezza, an \nA-Segment sedan\n, is a direct competitor to the Proton Saga and not the Proton Persona which is a B-Segment sedan. Let that sink in for a moment."
"BMW celebrates the success of the larger X5, X6 and X7 models with the Black Vermilion edition for the five-seaters while the seven-seater gets a simpler Frozen Black metallic edition.\nClose to 250,000 units of the trio were sold last year, which translates to \nevery eighth newly delivered BMW model was a BMW X5, X6 or X7\n.\nThe paintwork for all three edition models features the Frozen Black metallic. As for the Vermilion portion of the name, red is used on the vertical bars of the kidney grille as well as the M Sport brake calipers on the BMW X5 and X6. The Iconic Glow illuminated grille continues to be fitted on the BMW X6 Black Vermilion edition too.\nCheck out how Frozen Dark Red paintwork looks here on the BMW M5 First Edition!\nBMW Laserlights with M headlights Shadow Line (darkened bezel) are also specified under the Black Vermilion edition. As for the wheels, the 22-inch double spoke 742M design units are finished in Orbit Grey. There are no other red highlights on the sides and rear of the BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion editions.\nMeanwhile, the BMW X7 Frozen Black edition skips the red highlights and maintain high gloss black on the grille bars and M Sport brake calipers.\nInside, the BMW X5 and X6 Vermilion edition gets special Merino full leather in black with special red stitching on the seats and Fineline Black wood trim with aluminium inlays, both from the BMW Individual personalisation catalogue.\nBMW Japan\u2019s new 8 Series Frozen Black Edition is unnecessarily dark but brightened by its speakers. Read about it here! \nCrafted Clarity that applies glass finishing on the iDrive controller, Start-Stop button and gear selector lever are also specified for the limited editions. Finally, an exquisitely crafted Edition logo is fitted on to the cupholder cover in BMW Individual black piano finish.\nBMW mentioned that all three editions go on sale with all engines available for each of their original models.\nHere in Malaysia, the locally-assembled \nBMW X5\n is only available in the xDrive 45e plug-in hybrid variant priced up to \nRM439,444\n with the extended five-year warranty and service maintenance package.\nMeanwhile, the fully-imported \nBMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport\n is priced at \nRM703,947\n with the same warranty coverage as the earlier mentioned X5. The large \nBMW X7\n that saw a significant reduction it retail pricing thanks to local assembly in Malaysia is now priced from \nRM648,934\n.\nGALLERY\n2021 BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion Edition\n2021 BMW X7 Frozen Black Edition"
"Debuting alongside the \n330e M Sport\n is the BMW 118i M Sport, the only rear-wheel drive model in its class. At RM189k, it\u00a0costs RM15,000 more than the 118i Sport, which is \nexactly the deducted amount when the 1 Series received EEV incentives\n.\nFor the money, you get M Suspension package, 18-inch lightweight M alloy wheels, M-specific front and rear bumpers, chromed kidney grille with gloss black slats, BMW Individual Shadow Line and M badges. The 118i M Sport now gets LED fog lamps and Comfort Access system (keyless entry) as standard.\nThe changes inside the car mirrors what the 330e M Sport gets: M leather steering wheel, black headliner and some blue trims surrounding the cabin.\nUnder the hood is a \nturbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder\n engine, capable of pushing \n136 hp\n at 4,400 rpm and\n 220 Nm\n of torque from 1,250 rpm, paired to a sole \neight-speed ZF automatic\n. It\u2019s adequately quick too, sprinting\u00a0from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds before topping out at 222 km/h!\nLike any other BMW purchases, the 118i M Sport comes with 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme. Four exterior colours can be optioned for, beginning with Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey and Estoril Blue.\nShould this pique your interest, \nfind out what our contributing writer thinks of the 118i Sport\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Goodyear has introduced the new Eagle F1 SuperSport range of tyres here in Malaysia, their latest addition to the Eagle F1 line-up.\nThe SuperSport range consists of three tiers \u2013 SuperSport, SuperSport R and SuperSport RS. Categorised as UUHP (for ultra ultra-high-performance) tyres, Goodyear says that the tyres utlises development experience from racing to be used on the road.\nGoodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport\nDesign features of the Eagle F1 SuperSport include a \nU-shaped compound\n for enhanced wet and dry handling, along with \ntread deformation protector\n and \nstiffer sidewall design\n to improve high-speed stability and handling. Cornering grip is also improved thanks to a \nclosed outside tread pattern\n.\nThe lowest of the three tier range \u2013 the SuperSport, will sit above the existing Eagle F1 Assymmetric 5. Rivaling the likes of max performance tyres such as the \nMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S\n, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport will be available in sizes ranging from \n18 to 21 inches\n in diameters.\u00a0\nTaking things up a notch is the SuperSport R, featuring larger tread blocks with shallower tread depth on the shoulders for enhanced cornering grip. The SuperSport R will be available in sizes ranging from \n18 to 21 inches\n.\nThe SuperSport RS veers into track-performance territory with the use of motorsports-inspired compound to deliver \u201chyper grip\u201d in dry conditions. The SuperSport RS has been \nhomologated for the Porsche GT2 RS and GT3 RS\n, and therefore carries a Porsche-approved N0 marking on the tyres. Only two fitment sizes have been announced for the specialised tyres \u2013 \n265/35 R21 and 325/30 R21\n.\u00a0\nThe Goodyear SuperSport range will only be available in local retailers sometime \nnext year\n. Pricing has also yet to be announced, but Goodyear Malaysia says that the SuperSport will be priced very close to that of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.\nGoodyear Malaysia has also taken the opportunity to announce that a brand-new tyre will be introduced in 2020. Designed for high performance at competitive prices, the new tyre will replace the existing Eagle F1 Directional 5 in the line-up."
"Car chargers for \nelectric vehicles\n could become compulsory for new home and office constructions in the England, if a new legislation by Transport Minister Rachel Maclean passes later this year.\nThe law aims to increase the rate of electric car chargers installation in the country, from 500 plug-in points every month, up to at least 700, as the country accelerates adoption of EVs to meet their target of a 2030 ban on new ICE vehicles.\nThe UK currently has around 25,600 public car charging points around the nation, but to reach their 2030 target, that figure will need to increase almost twenty-fold to 480,000 by the end of the decade in order to support the projected uptake in EVs, according to \na report from UK Government\u2019s\n \nCompetition and Markets Authority\n.\nEven the UK Police is going electric, with the new Ford Mustang Mach-E! Read more about it here.\nMaclean\u2019s plan, billed as the first of its kind in the world, will also require all the chargers to be capable of \u201csmart charging\u201d. This means that they will have data connectivity to determine the best times to charge your cars while plugged in, to prevent overloading the national electricity grid.\nThe Vinfast VF e34 is Vietnam\u2019s first electric vehicle. Check it out here!\nSpeaking to \nDrive\n, the MP\u2019s spokesperson told the Australian publication, \u201cWe plan to support people to charge their cars at home by ensuring new homes are electric vehicle ready. We have consulted on plans to introduce a requirement for every new home to have a charge point, where there is an associated car parking space.\n\u201cWe aim to lay regulation in Parliament in 2021. This would make England the first country to introduce mandatory charge points in new homes, cementing its position as a global leader in the race to net-zero emissions.\u201d\nUMW Toyota has announced a RM270m investment to locally-assemble electrified models here in Malaysia. Read more about it here.\nThe plan has already been set in motion since 2019, where the UK government published a public consultation request for charging infrastructure building regulations in England. The consultation results will be published later this year, and will be used to facilitate discussions on the two government houses in order to pass the legislation.\nLast year, the UK Government also announced that it would inject GBP1.3 billion into scaling-up the rollout of charge points for electric vehicles in homes, streets, and motorways, expected to result in 200,000 new charging points in the country.\nIncluded in the initiative is a GBP350 incentive for individual households to install their own charging devices.\n[Source: \nDailymail.co.uk\n, \nDrive.co.au\n]"
"In continuing to support and improve the local healthcare service and quality, Perodua has contributed RM87,967 worth of medical equipment and other supplies to the Shah Alam General Hospital. In May last year, the company donated RM80,000 worth of medical supplies to the \nSg. Buloh Hospital\n.\nAmong the items contributed includes seven stethoscopes, a high-tech jelly pad, three photo lights, a free-standing warmer, a LSCS set for cesarean procedures, and 10 surgical scissors. The contributions are dedicated to the pediatric ward. Along with the contributions, front liners and patients were also presented with hampers.\nThe gifts and contributions were handed out by Perodua, President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin to Shah Alam General Hospital, Director, Dr. Ruzita Othman.\n\u201cWe will continue to communicate with key public institutions and the Ministry of Health to ensure consistent and continuous access to medical supplies for hospitals and add value to our country\u2019s healthcare system.\nSince the country was hit with Covid-19, Perodua has been actively despatching aid and assistance to various institutions; including supplying \nprimary schools \nand\n secondary schools\n with face shields while a further 10,000 units were donated to\n \nthe \nHulu Selangor and Selangor municipals\n."
"After \nexpressing their intentions\n to introduce a new top spec variant of the \nfourth-generation Kia Sportage\n early this year, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has officially added the Sportage 2.0 CRDi GT AWD, which joins the KX 2WD and GT 2WD variants in the lineup.\nMotivating the Sportage is a 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel that churns out \n182 hp\n and a whopping \n400 Nm\n of torque. To put things in perspective, the 2.0-litre petrol engine on lower models only develops \nless than 200 Nm\n of torque. Power is permanently sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic. All Sportage equipped with an automatic transmission comes equipped with \nDrive Mode Select (DMS)\n which allows the driver to put the transmission into three different driving modes \u2013 Eco, Normal or Sport. Fuel economy is rated at \n6.5 litres of diesel per 100 km\n and NKM claims that the oil burning Sportage can cover \nclose to 1,000 km\n in a single tank of diesel.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Sportage 2.0L KX 2WD\nKia Sportage 2.0L GT 2WD\nKia Sportage 2.0L CRDi GT AWD\nEngine\n1,999cc; four-cylinder Nu MPI\n1,995cc; CRDi turbodiesel\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n152 hp @ 5,250 rpm\n182 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n400 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM124,888\nRM144,888\nRM159,888\nFinished in\n GT-trim\n, the diesel Sportage gets all the bells and whistles like its petrol twin. Items such as bi-projector HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights, quad LED fog lamps, tiger nose grille, LED combination tail lamps, shark fin antenna and 19-inch alloys wrapped in 245/45 profile tyres are standard on the Sportage CRDi.   Inside, you get leather upholstery, powered front seats, flat-bottomed three spoke leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, electronic parking brake with auto hold, 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six-speakers, reverse camera, 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents and smart keyless entry with push start button.\nStandard safety features in the Sportage CRDi include six airbags, ABS with BA, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, ISOFIX mounting points, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System as well as front and rear parking sensor. The Sportage qualifies for a \n5 Star EURO NCAP\n crash safety rating.\nThe Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi GT AWD can be had in\n five\n exterior shades \u2013 Cherry Black, Mercury Blue, Fiery Red, Snow White Pearl and Mineral Silver. All variants of the Sportage come with a 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Great Wall Motors (GWM)\n has just opened its first flagship 4S centre in USJ Subang together with Superhub Auto Services Sdn Bhd. This occasion marks an important milestone for the company as it expands its dealer network to cater to its customers\u2019 needs.\nDescribed by the company as an all-in-one sales and service centre, the 3-acre 4S centre encompasses sales, service, spare parts, and body and paint facilities. The brand\u2019s \nHaval H6\n and \nGWM Cannon\n which are slated for a launch in 2023 were also seen at the dealership during the opening ceremony as well. Precisely, the 4S centre is located at Lot 61711, Plot A, Persiaran Subang Indah Kawasan Perindustrian Subang USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor.\nGWM Malaysia\n Managing Director, Mike Cui said, \u201cWe are delighted to introduce our flagship 4S centre with an All-in-One Experience Hall at USJ, a testament to our commitment to delivering excellent service and customer satisfaction.\u201d\n\u201cWith our expanding network and aspirations to launch the Haval H6 and GWM Cannon this year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to offer more quality products in Malaysia,\u201d added Cui.\nRELATED: \nHaval H6 HEV previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 \u2013 Hybrid X70 rival?\nAs part of its ongoing network expansion plan, GWM is actively selecting high-quality dealers to strengthen its network coverage. This strategic initiative is driven by the brand\u2019s dedication to ensuring peace of mind ownership for its customers. By expanding its dealer network, GWM aims to provide widespread access to a variety of its products and after-sales support.\nThe Chinese carmaker reaffirms its brand confidence and commitment to customers in Malaysia through its proactive approach to product development and network expansion. The company is also dedicated to rolling out more high-quality products and network coverage, ensuring that customers can enjoy the latest advancements in automotive technology. Additionally, the expansion of the company\u2019s dealer network demonstrates its commitment to providing sustainable aftersales support for existing \nHaval \ncar owners.\nRELATED: \nGWM Cannon previewed at Malaysia Autoshow 2023, Hilux alternative"
"The Rolls-Royce Dawn Mayfair Edition is a one-of-a-kind, special commission variant to commemorate H.R Owen\u2019s 85 years of expertise in creating exclusive high-end cars.\nH.R Owen is Britain\u2019s leading luxury car dealer group and their association with Rolls-Royce goes back to 1932. Now, the Dawn Mayfair Edition features a number of one-off touches, beginning with the copper dashboard and embroidered treadplates reading \u201cSpecial Commission \u2013 Mayfair Edition One of One\u201d.   The cabin is clothed in luxurious Arctic White seats and the audio speakers are made of copper. Completing the theme is the Berwick Bronze exterior paint. As of right now, the droptop limo is still unspoken for.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Isuzu Malaysia has officiated the opening of a new 3S centre in Taiping, serving the growing customer base in the Matang region. The outlet is operated by GB Motors, and is designed to offer a full range of sales and after-sales services for all Isuzu models, ranging from the \nD-Max\n to medium- and heavy-duty trucks.\nOccupying a 5,300 square metres land and a built-up area of approximately \n1,400 square metres\n, the new showroom boasts a spacious display section, customer waiting area, and service bays manned by trained technicians.\nSpeaking at the opening ceremony, Isuzu Malaysia CEO Koji Nakamura said, \u201cAs one of the largest independent automotive retailers in Malaysia with over 25 years of delivering positive experiences here in the northern region, I believe that this new Goh Brothers outlet will offer excellent professional service and play a key role in developing the Isuzu business here and serving the growing population and businesses around the Taiping area.\u201d\nAlso at the launch was GB Motors Dealer Principal Goh Chern Earn, who commented: \u201cI thank the management of Isuzu Malaysia for choosing the Goh Brothers Group as your business partner. As a member of the Isuzu family, we are committed to enhancing the Isuzu Customer Experience in this region through timely and professional service to customers.\u201d\nTo celebrate the launch of the new 3S centre, GB Motors will be holding a \nmonth-long test drive campaign between October 24 and November 23\n, where the first 100 visitors to test drive any Isuzu vehicle at the showroom will receive a special \ngoody bag\n filled with mystery gifts.\nThe new Isuzu 3S centre is located at \nLot 148, No 25A, Jalan Simpang, 34700 Taiping, Perak\n. Operation hours are 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. The 3S centre can be contacted via phone at \n+605-847 2188\n, or through their Facebook page \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Proton\n has sold \n115,336 cars\n from January to October 2022, already exceeding the total sales for 2021 (114,708 units) with two months left to end the year. In October alone, Proton sold \n13,013 cars\n including both exports and domestic sales.\nProton estimates a market share of 21.1% for October, while the year-to-date (YTD) market share has dropped to 19.9% from the \nprevious month\u2019s 20.1%\n. The local carmaker estimates a Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 60,000 units for October 2022.\nLeading the sales chart for October 2022 is the \nProton Saga\n with 5,262 units sold. Following behind is the \nProton X50\n with 3,602 units, the \nProton Persona\n \nwith 1,697 units, the \nProton X70\n with 1,391 units, the \nProton Iriz\n with 661 units, and the \nProton Exora\n with 400 units.\nAs for the YTD sales figures, the Saga still leads the Proton lineup 45,865 units sold. This is followed by 33,193 units of the Proton X50, 15,536 units of the Proton X70, 12,484 units of the Proton Persona, 4,780 units of the Proton Iriz, and 3,508 units of the Proton Exora. Proton reportedly saw four consecutive years of growth in terms of yearly sales and will have special offers for its first SUV.\nRELATED: \nProton offers 1-year warranty for certified pre-owned cars, now underwritten by Allianz\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton\u2019s fourth consecutive year of volume growth coincides with the brand\u2019s entry into the SUV market with the Proton X70. It\u2019s an achievement the company is proud of and despite the launch of newer rivals, it remains a class leader and was even named Best Large SUV at the 2022 Carsifu Editors\u2019 Choice Awards.\u201d\n\u201cTherefore, to celebrate its upcoming fourth birthday, we are offering customers gifts comprising accessories worth \nRM 1,499\n, interest rates as low as \n2.52%\n, and many other surprises from our dealerships if they purchase a Proton X70 in November.\u201d\nNot only reporting success domestically, Proton also exported another 416 cars in October 2022, contributing to a total of 4,741 cars exported so far in 2022. Contributing to the increased exports is \nProton\u2019s reentry into the South African market\n.\nThe Proton Deputy CEO adds, \u201cThe growth in Proton\u2019s export division in 2022 is in line with our intention to penetrate more overseas markets. While Malaysia will be the company\u2019s main market for some time to come, export sales has more untapped growth potential that fits in with our long-term growth targets to be a major regional automotive brand.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton\u2019s PRO-NET and Petronas\u2019 Gentari to build 20 DC fast chargers in 2023"
"Aside from petrol, your car\u2019s engine oil is one of the most important yet overlooked fluid when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Just as our bodies require enough blood to flow through its veins, our engines too require lubricants and quality ones to prolong its lifespan.\nLiving in the tropics,\n excessive engine heat\n is a common problem for our cars. It takes its toll on the engine without discrimination and can affect all types of vehicles. Excessive engine heat can be aggravated by day-to-day commuting \u2013 from traffic congestion, driving up steep inclinations and continuous hard acceleration. As such, critical components of the engine can be damaged over time leading to compromised\u00a0 performance.\nBut then there\u2019s the\u00a0\nPetronas\u00a0Syntium with CoolTech\n. Two decades of involvement in Formula One has certainly paid dividends for Petronas, as seen with their current range of\u00a0\nPetronas\u00a0Syntium with CoolTech\n engine lubricants.\u00a0 It helps absorb and transfer excessive heat out of the engine efficiently, delivering exceptional heat dissipation to prevent internal engine failure, delays oil thickening and maintaining engine performance.\nOn a side note, during the recent meet and greet session with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, the Malaysian oil giant had pledge its commitment in the pinnacle of motorsports despite the Sepang\u2019s F1nale. From next year onwards, the only Malaysian influence in Formula One will be lead by Petronas."
"After a \npublic preview\n of the Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid in May, Honda Malaysia (HMSB) has officially launched the facelifted Honda Jazz. The Jazz Hybrid nameplate has been revived once again thanks to CKD and EEV incentives, complementing the petrol variants of the Jazz.\nMalaysia is also the only country outside of Japan to receive and assemble the Sport Hybrid variant. It is priced at RM87,500 while the three petrol variants \u2013 1.5L S, 1.5L E and 1.5L V \u2013 are priced from RM74,800 to RM88,400.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda Jazz 1.5L S\nHonda Jazz 1.5L E\nHonda Jazz 1.5L V\nHonda Jazz 1.5L Sport Hybrid\nEngine\n1,497cc; 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\n1,496cc; 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC\nTransmission\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\n7-speed DCT\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 6,600 rpm\n109 hp @6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\n134 Nm @ 5,000 rpm\nElectric Motor Max Power\n\u2013\n30 hp @ 1,313 \u2013 2,000 rpm\nElectric Motor Max Torque\n\u2013\n160 Nm @ 0 \u2013 1,313 rpm\nCombined Output\n\u2013\n135 hp; 170 Nm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM74,800\nRM81,000\nRM88,400\nRM87,500\nEXTERIOR\nThis facelift exercise, much like the \nCity\u2019s\n, is subtle yet impactful. Aesthetic revisions include a revised front bumper, rear bumper and front grille. Standard fitment across the range include halogen headlamps, keyless start and smart entry. All variants get LED daytime running lights, except the entry-level S.   The base S, E and Sport Hybrid variants ride on 15-inch alloys wrapped in 175/65 profile tyres while the V variant rides on 16-inch two-tone alloys wrapped in 185/55 profile tyres. Due to the additional battery pack that takes up extra space, the Sport Hybrid does not come with a spare wheel, but gets a temporary repair kit instead.\nINTERIOR\nInside, you get more features for even greater value. The S variant gets furnished with fabric seats, ECON button, manual air-conditioning, urethane steering wheel, one touch turn signal and standard audio system with four-speakers.\nStepping up to the E and Sport Hybrid will bring\u00a0touch panel air conditioning and 6.8-inch touchscreen Display Audio with reverse camera. Only the most expensive V variant gets power retractable wing mirrors, leather upholstery, semi-leather seats and six-speaker setup.   Inside the Sport Hybrid, it gets a Hybrid Multi Information Display, Shift by Wire gear lever and an additional Sport button.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the petrol variants of the Jazz is a carryover 1.5-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC that produces \n118 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).\nUnlike the previous generation Jazz Hybrid launched in 2012, the Sport Hybrid has a more advanced Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) hybrid system. A 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine with \n109 hp\n and \n134 Nm\n of torque is mated to high power electric motor with \n30 hp\n and \n160 Nm\n of torque to generate a combined output of \n135 hp\n and\n 170 Nm\n. A lighter (42.5 kg) and higher capacity (0.86 kWh) lithium-ion battery sends juice to the electric motor.\nA seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is tasked to send power exclusively to the front wheels. The Sport Hybrid is capable of commuting in pure electric mode. Besides that, Honda has revised the damping settings as well as steering ratio (16.7 petrol vs 14.7 hybrid) to give the Sport Hybrid a more agile and sporty handling. Official fuel consumption is rated at \n4.0 litres per 100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nThe entry level S variant comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA) and ISOFIX mounting points. Stepping up to the rest of the range, airbag count ups to four (six on the V variant), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and the all-important Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).\nWHAT ELSE?\nFor petrol variants of the Jazz, customers can choose between five exterior shades \u2013 Lunar Silver Metallic, Taffeta White, Carnival Red, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. The Jazz Sport Hybrid can be had with three colours \u2013 White Orchid Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic.\nAll variants of the Jazz come with 5-Years unlimited warranty package while the Hybrid battery pack comes with 8-Years unlimited warranty package. A range of Honda genuine accessories and Window tint film are also available.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 12.12 online shopping holiday is one of the largest online shopping event in our country, which means you\u2019ll probably be drowned by exclusive online deals on the day itself. To stand out from the crowd, \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n (VPCM) is celebrating their 12.12 one day earlier on the 11th of December, headlined by a celebrity-hosted \u201cLive With\u201d walkaround on its Instagram page.\nThe live walkaround event is a \u201chistorical first\u201d in the industry, brought to life as a collaboration between Facebook Malaysia and Volkswagen. The celebrities hosting the \u201cLive With\u201d event will carry out a virtual walkthrough of three Volkswagen models, while highlighting key features and answering viewers questions live. By tuning in to watch, you will also stand a chance to win a brand-new iPhone 12!\nThe event will kick off at \n12.30 pm\n on the \n11th of December\n with the new \nPassat R-Line\n, hosted by influencer Clarence Wong. It will be followed shortly at \n3.30 pm\n with actor Pekin Ibrahim, who will be bringing the audience along to discover the \nall-new Arteon R-Line\n. Lastly, radio DJ and personality Fara Fauzana will go live at \n4.30 pm\n with the \nall-new Tiguan Allspace Highline\n.\n\u201cIn efforts to adapt to the new normal, Volkswagen has evolved and increased our digital presence. This is evident in our new sales and aftersales offerings,\u201d said VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter. \u201cWith new formats such as Instagram Live With, this will allow us to connect and reach a wider audience regardless of location.\u201d\nAside from the Instagram Live With programme, VPCM is also offering exclusive 12.12 deals for existing Volkswagen owners, similarly one day earlier. Customers who book their service appointment (applicable between 15th to 31st of December) online on the 11th of December will receive exclusive merchandise worth RM170, along with exclusive discounts under the 5 Star Service Campaign.\nAs for the actual day of the shopping holiday, Volkswagen dealerships will be holding their own celebrations with a nationwide online showroom event from 11 am to 5 pm, where Volkswagen sales consultants will conduct detailed walkthroughs of various VW models."
"Can a robot write a symphony? Can a robot turn a canvas into a beautiful masterpiece? Well, apparently, they can now design car wheels, as \nAudi\n has just showcased with FelGAN, which is the brand\u2019s artificial intelligence (AI)-based software.\n\u201cFelGAN\u201d is essentially a combination of \u201cFelge\u201d, which is the German word for \u201crim\u201d, and \u201cGAN\u201d, which is an acronym for Generative Adversarial Networks. FelGAN was \u2018taught\u2019 to design car wheels by having its \u201cgenerator\u201d produce images that are supposedly car wheels and having a \u201cdiscriminator\u201d (a person) deciding whether the design is generated or an actual real-life image. After enough runs, the generator\u2019s creations are so deceptively real that even the human eye cannot, or can only barely, distinguish them from real photos.\nA designer looking at the AI-generated designs of FelGAN\nAI has been used in various mobile apps to generate various images as you\u2019ve probably seen in your social media feed \u2013 from avatars to keyword-generated images and even automotive renders. FelGAN works similarly but is currently entirely focused on designing car wheels.\nFrom the pictures shared by Audi, it can be seen that FelGAN generates a set of images of car wheels for the designer to take inspiration from. Audi designers can also feed the program with their own designs and photos, adding them to the virtual experimental surface.\nAudi says that often, designers only go on to use individual elements from FelGAN\u2019s creations, refining them into a harmonious overall design. In addition to mastery of the tools of the trade, a creative eye, and professional experience play a decisive role here. Finally, the experts at Audi make the virtual design a reality by producing a prototype of the wheel, either in plastic or aluminium, using a high-tech milling machine.\nRELATED: \nThe all-new 11th-gen Honda Accord looks so dull, it might as well have been designed by AI\nThe use of AI for design does provide a new pool of inspiration for automotive designers. But with it picking up the ability to generate photo-realistic images so easily, one might wonder how soon it will take until AI can oversee an entire design process. And when it does, will the designs have a touch of humanness?\nAudi has also said that in the future, the technology behind FelGAN could be expanded into a comprehensive AI design platform that could also serve as a source of inspiration for designers from other Audi departments. Furthermore, an AI rating system is currently being developed in which each rim generated by FelGAN will be assessed with regard to its carbon balance.\nWhat are your thoughts on Audi using AI to design car wheels? Share your thought with us in the comments below.\nRELATED: \nAudi RS 6 and RS 7 gets even more power with new Performance models"
"To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Ferrari brand in the Land of the Rising Sun, Ferrari has unveiled a bespoke celebratory vehicle \u2013 the Ferrari J50. Based on the \n488 Spyder\n, only 10 examples of the J50 will come out of Maranello. However, there\u2019s no confirmation on whether the J50 is exclusive to Japan, but it\u2019s safe to assume so.\nPut together by Ferrari\u2019s Special Projects department and Ferrari Styling Centre team in Maranello, the J50 wears a distinct bodywork. At first glance, the windscreen and side windows were inspired by Ferrari\u2019s open competition barchettas (Italian 2-seater race cars) \u2013 think GTO, \nF40\n and F50 \u2013 to recreate an aerodynamic \u201chelmet visor\u201d effect. Interestingly, Ferrari has ditched the roof folding mechanism of the 488 Spyder and instead adopted a two-piece carbon fibre hard targa top that can be stowed behind the seats.\nThe front end of the J50 features a unique design, highlighting Ferrari\u2019s ethos of nimbleness and agility. Compared to the standard 488 Spyder, the J50 gets a redesigned front bumper, new LED headlamps and a reworked bonnet. These design cues are not just for show as they all contribute to improved aerodynamics.\nFor starters, Ferrari has positioned the radiators closer together thanks to the new bumper. The windscreen header rails are also lowered allowing more airflow to the rear spoiler. Lastly, the bonnet features two carbon-fibre air channels to channel more air through the body.   At the rear, the J50 gets quad taillights and dual tailpipes positioned under the high downforce wing, effectively giving the car a noticeably wider profile. The rear diffusers were inspired by \njet engine afterburners\n to provide a powerful stance. The J50 rides on specially crafted \n20-inch\n\u00a0\nforged rims\n.\nPowering this mid-engined Ferrari is the same \n3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8\u00a0\nfound in the 488 Spyder. The forced induction mill was given a little rub to push out\u00a0\n680 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n, up \n20 hp\n from the regular 488 Spyder. No word of the J50\u2019s performance figures but expect it to best the\n 3.0 seconds century\n sprint time and \n325km/h top speed\n.\nAccording to Ferrari, each and every one of the J50\u2019s will be tailored specifically to the customer\u2019s requirement. Talk about exclusivity upon exclusivity. Maybe when Ferrari celebrates its 50th year in Malaysia, could we see a Ferrari M50 perhaps? Guess we\u2019ll have to wait another 43 years to find out.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Italia, the sole distributor of the iconic Italian brand Maserati, has previewed the \nall-new Levante\n. Debuted at the Geneva Motor, the \nPorsche Cayenne\n-rivalling SUV is Maserati\u2019s weapon of choice in the booming SUV market.\nThe name Levante is inspired by a Mediterranean wind that is able to change from a mild wind to a powerful force in an instant.\u00a0With unmistakeable Maserati styling (nothing short of artistic), low drag coefficient of 0.31, potent turbocharged V6s, best in class road handling in \u201csport\u201d mode, leading off-road comfort and competitive off-road capabilities, the Levante is worthy of the Trident badge, on paper at least.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2016 Maserati Levante\nEngine\n2,987cc V6, turbodiesel\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n275 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n600 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 2,600 rpm\nPrice\nFrom below RM800,000\nThe car on display\u00a0is a left-hand drive variant brought in by Naza Italia for previewing purposes. Therefore, the specs seen here may not reflect the exact specification that we will be receiving. Prices for the Italian SUV, as hinted by the folks at Naza Italia, starts under RM800,000.\nThe Levante is unmistakably Maserati. The front is bold and menacing with large intake vents and sleek bi-xenon headlamps. Coupled with weaving lines across the hood, the Levante is here to make a statement. The design is based on the Quattroporte and the Ghibli, hence the coup\u00e9-like silhouette from the side.   The side profile brims with elegance and the only telltale signs that this is vehicle is anywhere able to go off-road are the thick tyres. At the rear, the Levante looks extremely tamed yet elegant, save for those quad-tailpipes.\u00a0The 19-inch wheels seen here fits the arches nicely and complements the elegance of the car. However, if the styling doesn\u2019t suit your liking, be rest assured that any styling preference can be optioned for, at a price.\nThe same elegance continues into the cabin. The interior is designed\u00a0to maximise practicality as this is an SUV after all. The interior is laid out nicely with quality touches to be found virtually every inch of the cabin.\u00a0As expected from Maserati, an arsenal of equipment can be specified to personalise the SUV to your own liking.\u00a0\nStarting from just below RM800,000, you have the choice of personalising the interior finish, wheels, exhaust and everything as far as your pocket can stretch.   The Maserati Levante\u2019s official pricing will only be announced closer to the date of its launch, which will take place later this year in December. As confirmed by Naza Italia, only the 3.0-litre turbodiesel will be introduced, because that\u2019s the only variant to come with a right-hand drive configuration. As for the turbocharged petrol mills, only time can tell if they will make it here.\nThe order books for the Levante have already been opened, so if you\u2019re interested, feel free to visit the Naza Italia showroom in Petaling Jaya for an up-close and personal look at Maserati\u2019s newest model.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two years after its concept was previewed to the world, the Infiniti Q30 premium compact SUV will again make its way to the 2015 International Frankfurt Motor Show, but this time in its full production guise.\nInfiniti claims that the Q30 will be a category-breaking model, offering a car that\u2019s developed for customers seeking \u201curban individuality\u201d. The Q30 Active Compact is essentially a re-skinned \nMercedes-Benz A-Class\n, with both sharing the same \n2.0-litre turbocharged engine\n and \nfront-wheel drive\n architecture, of course. This move is part of Daimler and Nissan-Renault\u2019s technology sharing agreement, so that should come as no surprise.\nDespite sharing the same platforms, the Q30 is said to embody the company\u2019s dynamic driving prowess without sacrificing ride and handling. We can also expect Infiniti to roll out the QX30 crossover \u2013 one that will take on the likes of \nBMW X1\n, \nAudi Q3\n and \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n. The Q30 will make its global debut on 15 September 2015 at Frankfurt."
"Chevron\n Malaysia Limited, in conjunction with Havoline\u2019s 111th anniversary, has launched their\u00a0latest \nHavoline\n engine oil \u2013 the Havoline ProDS\u2122 Fully Synthetic ECO 5 SAE 5W-30.\nThe fifth generation lubricant comes with the company\u2019s ProDS (Highest Protection Deposit Shield) technology, which gives a protective coating to the moving metal parts of the engine. The oil is also formulated with\u00a0\nfriction modified technology\n to reduce frictional losses in engine parts and meets the latest ILSAC GF-5\u00a0performance standards for stringent fuel economy tests.\u00a0The result \u2013 as you would expect, is that it yields better fuel economy and is said to be ideal for city driving.\nIt comes in a \n4-litre pack\n and will be readily available at \nselected Caltex service stations\n, authorised Havoline car workshops and spare part shops. The Havoline range extends to \nother ancillary products\n such as coolants, transmission and brake fluids.\nCaltex\n Havoline aims to be the top-of-mind choices for consumers because it is said to provide better fuel efficiency that is not just better for the environment, but is also more practical for city driving and yields a much improved fuel economy.\nChevron Malaysia, while acknowledging the challenges they are facing in the country\u2019s tough marketplace, is offering a \nspecial bundle pack promotion\n for their customers. For every purchase of a Fully Synthetic Eco 5 SAE 5W-30 or LE SAE 5W-40 (4-litre pack), you get a 355ml bottle of Techron Concentrate Plus for free. Promotion starts from 15 June to 15 July 2015 and retails for \nRM242.00 each\n.\nIn celebrating their 111th anniversary and after over ten years of bearing the same look,\u00a0Havoline has rebranded its Fully Synthetic range to Havoline ProDS\u2122 Fully Synthetic and refreshed its entire suite of passenger car engine oils, motorcycle oils and ancillary products that resonates with the company\u2019s belief in its oil and gas heritage.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for \nFord\n \nin Malaysia, will be previewing the \nrecently-unveiled next-generation Ford Ranger\n as it goes on tour around Malaysia.\nStarting with Penang, the all-new Ford Ranger will be displayed at Centre Court of Queensbay Mall from today until August 8, between 10:30 am to 10:30 pm daily.\nFord Ranger Wildtrak\nFollowing Penang, the Ford Ranger will also be making its way to Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak. The schedule for the Ford Ranger tour in Malaysia is:\n3-7 August \u2013 Queensbay Mall, Penang\n10-14 August \u2013 Toppen Shopping Mall, Johor Bahru\n7-11 September \u2013 Vivacity Megamall, Kuching\n5-9 October \u2013 Suria Sabah Shopping Centre, Kota Kinabalu\nAdditionally, those who have received exclusive invitations will also get to attend the official unveiling ceremony on 3 August from 10.30-11.30 am. They will also be taken through an in-depth presentation on the next-generation Ranger.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia, from RM109K\nThe Ford Ranger Raptor will be launched in Malaysia in Q4 2022.\nNow built on the third generation of the T6 platform, the \nall-new Ford Ranger\n will be offered here in Malaysia in 7 variants including the XL, XLT, XLT Plus, and Wildtrak. SDAC has only teased the Ranger Raptor for now and will be officially launching the Baja racing-inspired truck in Malaysia in Q4 2022.\nThe new Ranger was launched last week, and you can check out the full details of it \nhere\n. Besides checking out the new Ford Ranger, there is also exclusive Ford merchandise to be won during the tour.\nRELATED: \nAll the facts and figures you need to know about the new Ford Ranger"
"The children of today must be a hard bunch to please \u2013 I wouldn\u2019t know. Back then, for me at least, it was a \u201ctake it or leave it deal\u201d and further demands or even a slight display of tantrum would land me into a night of playing catch with the cane.\nGuess that wasn\u2019t the kind of upbringing 22-year old Akash from Haryana, India had. It was reported that Akash, who demanded for a Jaguar as his birthday gift, was dissatisfied with the F30 BMW 3-series his parents bought him; deeming it to be too small.\n \nHis parents had reportedly sold their family\u2019s Toyota Innova to buy him the BMW.\nAlthough the media has reported various reasons by Akash\u2019s parents to their son\u2019s defense, including mental issues and that he didn\u2019t push the car into the river but instead swerved to avoid an animal, some quarters have claimed that the brat of the year had recorded a video of him pushing the BMW into the river and sent it to his parents in retaliation.\nI wonder what my dad would\u2019ve done to me if my BMW birthday present ended up in a river, regardless if it was an accident or not; I might\u2019ve required foreign citizenship."
"Isuzu Malaysia has just enhanced the Isuzu D-Max range with upgraded equipment and a new Cavalry Purple Mica colour option. The enhanced variants will see a slight increase in price between RM3,000 to RM6,000.\nThe D-Max Premium variants (2.5L and 3.0L included) and Z-Prestige now come with a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in GPS Navigation and Smartphone Mirroring. The user friendlier system provides added convenience to the users. Besides that, the D-Max Premium 3.0L AT and Z-Prestige will benefit from a new leather seat design.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nIsuzu D-Max Premium 2.5L 4\u00d74 MT\nIsuzu D-Max Premium 3.0L 4\u00d74 MT\nIsuzu D-Max Premium 3.0L 4\u00d74 AT\nIsuzu D-Max Z-Prestige 2.5L 4\u00d74 AT\nIsuzu D-Max Z-Prestige 3.0L 4\u00d74 AT\nEngine\n2,499cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\n2,999cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\n2,499cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\n2,999cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n5-speed auto with sequential shift\n5-speed manual\n5-speed auto with sequential shift\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n174 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n134 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n174 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\n320 Nm @1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM105,811.20\nRM115,249.40\nRM123,517.40\nRM122,559.20\nRM130,354.40\nStandard on the Z-Prestige is a new cargo tray for better convenience when loading/unloading items to the rear cargo bay. Other variants of the D-Max can have this as an option. The new colour Cavalry Purple Mica will replace the existing Nautilus Blue Mica. \u00a0Standard safety features on all variants include dual front airbags, ABS, EBD with BA, hill start assist, ESC with traction control, ISOFIX mounting points for the rear seat, reverse camera with parking guide and reverse sensors.\nIsuzu Malaysia COO, Masayuki Suzuki said: \u201cThe enhanced D-Max retains our core values (fuel efficiency, durability and reliability) and the exterior and interior improvements are made in accordance to the user needs s that it will be favourably acknowledged by the users in Malaysia.\u201d. Every purchase of the Isuzu D-Max will come with a 5-Years or 150,000 km Warranty Package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We first caught wind that Mercedes-AMG is looking into introducing an entry-level variant for its compact A-Class AMG which was subsequently \nconfirmed by the boss man\n himself in early 2018. Now, it\u2019s finally here, the most affordable AMG money can buy, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC.\nThe A 35 is a result of the big appetite for Mercedes-AMG compact model whereby the A 45 spawned a cult-like following since its introduction in 2012. CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, Tobias Moers said the roaring success has encouraged the brand to create a new variant to bridge the gap between the A 250 and full-blown A 45.\nThe idea of the A 35 was integrated into the development process of the W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class right from the beginning, making it possible for AMG to inject some of its DNA into the little detail. The result not only benefitted the \nW177 A-Class portfolio\n as a whole but it also gives AMG a stellar hot hatch platform, to begin with.\nCompared to a regular A-Class, the A 35 gets a reinforced chassis with a new bolted aluminium plate under the engine and two diagonal braces at the front underbody to increase torsional stiffness and turn-in ability.   Under the hood no longer rests the M133 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder instead you get a tuned-up version of the M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo mill found in the new A 250. Power is now up to \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, channelled to all four corners via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic.\nCentury sprint time is rated at \n4.7 seconds\n with Race Start (launch control) engaged and keep your foot planted to the accelerator, the A 35 will hit a restricted top speed of 250 km/h. If you\u2019re wondering what do all these numbers stands for, it means that the new A 35 is only \n0.5 seconds slower\n than the \noutgoing A 45\n and will eat the \nslow \nVolkswagen Golf R Mk7.5\n in a sprint to the one hundred mark.\nOther AMG amenities include AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, five AMG Dynamic Select Drive programmes \u2013 Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping, AMG high-performance brake system as well as the all-important AMG exhaust system with an electronically controlled flap.\nVisually, the A 35 is differentiated from the AMG elements such as twin louvres radiator grille, AMG Line front apron, 18-inch light alloy wheels, sporty rear diffuser inserts, dual exhaust tailpipe and a rear spoiler.\nInside the baby AMG, you\u2019ll find AMG specific widescreen cockpit with three AMG display styles, new-generation AMG performance steering wheel, additional buttons to alter the ESP programme, manual transmission mode and Adaptive Damping system as well as the AMG Track Pace data logger that records track times, acceleration and deceleration values.\nThe new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC will celebrate its public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show and will hit Europe showroom floors in January 2019. So what do you think folks, is the A 35 hot enough for you or you\u2019d rather top up for the rumoured to be \n400 hp A 45\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC"
"Ahead of its world debut in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the \nHyundai Ioniq 5 N \nhas been teased once again, this time on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The first N electric car is currently undergoing its final testing phase and Hyundai has revealed more details about the performance electric car.\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will expand the three pillars of N Performance, namely \u201cCorner Rascal\u201d, \u201cRacetrack Capability\u201d, and \u201cEveryday Sportscar\u201d. Basically an N version of the \nIoniq 5\n, it shouldn\u2019t deviate too far in terms of exterior design, albeit with sporty tweaks.\nIn the latest announcement by Hyundai, the company has revealed that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will get bigger brakes with 400 mm discs. The bulk of the braking will be done by the electric regenerative system and the hydraulic brakes provide additional braking force if necessary. The regenerative braking alone is able to offer 0.6 G of decelerative force, which is an industry-leading figure.\nWhen it comes to electric vehicle braking, some do feel that the transition between regenerative braking and hydraulic braking to be too abrupt. With the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai promises seamless blending between the two. With regenerative braking doing most of the work, the brake pads will last longer on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.\nRELATED: \nThe upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N \u2018hot\u2019 EV will help you drift better\nAn interesting thing revealed about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N would be its fake sound system which is referred to as \u201cN Active Sound +\u201d. With this artificial sound system, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will have three distinct sound choices to choose from \u2013 \u201cIgnition\u201d, \u201cEvolution\u201d, and \u201cSupersonic\u201d.\n\u201cIgnition\u201d is perhaps the most entertaining one as it will simulate the sound of Hyundai\u2019s 2.0-litre turbo engine complete with pops and bangs. You can already listen to this artificial sound in the latest teaser video for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. \u201cEvolution\u201d is inspired by the N signature electronic sound from the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo and the RN22e. Lastly, \u201cSupersonic\u201d is the sound of a fighter jet. All three fake sounds can be customized to further suit the user\u2019s preference.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 5 becomes first \u2018made in Singapore\u2019 EV \u2013 \u2018First 100\u2019 units for charity auction only\n \nWorking together with the \u201cN Active Sound +\u201d system is the \u201cN e-shift\u201d system that simulates the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of petrol-powered N cars. The system simulates gear shifts by controlling motor torque and output and even provides the usual jolts that you feel from shifting gears. All of this is done with the aim of allowing drivers to seamlessly utilize driving techniques honed with ICE cars for a more immersive driving experience that feels closer to ICEs than EVs.\nHyundai Motor Company head of N Brand & Motorsport, Till Wartenberg said, \u201cThe N\u00fcrburgring is where every N model is honed to the Nth degree, so our first high-performance, all-electric N model must also prove itself here. Ioniq 5 N just completed its 10,000 km durability test on the Nordschleife, which is an important milestone that proves the vehicle\u2019s high endurance and racetrack capability. And yet, we just began our second 10,000 km test to push Ioniq 5 N\u2019s limits.\u201d\nIt won\u2019t be long until the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is revealed but it already sounds like the most interesting electric car out there.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 5 shows it can power an entire hotel via V2L tech"
"PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM)\n, the official distributor of \nAudi\n in Malaysia, has launched its new #ReadyToDrive customer care initiative. It is the first aftersales initiative by PHSAM since representing the Audi brand in Malaysia.\nThe #ReadyToDrive initiative by Audi Malaysia focuses on safety, reliability, and peace of mind for Audi owners, and will run from \nOctober 1 \nto \nDecember 31, 2022\n. The initiative will offer Audi owners a comprehensive package which includes:\nComplimentary 30-point vehicle condition check for owners who have not visited an Audi Centre in the past 12 months\nComplimentary pickup and delivery service\n20% savings on Audi Service and selected wear and tear parts\n20% savings on Audi Batteries\nOn the #ReadyToDrive initiative, PHSAM Aftersales Director, Deenan Nadar said, \u201cCustomer satisfaction is very important to us. As such, we are levelling up our efforts across the board. We want to ensure Audi cars are running at their best, always. Audi owners can leverage our latest customer care package which has been designed to offer reliability and safety. In view of the upcoming school holidays and festive breaks, and with the monsoon season around the corner, we want our customers to have a safe and reliable journey.\u201d\n\u201cThis will be a period of peak drives with more cars on the road, road trips and possibly hazard drives with unexpected heavy rains, floods or thunderstorms \u2013 and we want to enable Audi owners to have pleasant journeys with peace of mind,\u201d said Deenan.\nBesides launching the new #ReadyToDrive initiative, Audi Malaysia is also strengthening the quality of its aftersales service. Audi Centre technicians in Malaysia have been undergoing regular upskilling and assessments to improve their service level performance.\nRELATED: \nPHS Automotive named new distributor for Audi in Malaysia, sister company to VPCM"
"Following months of inactivity due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), \nPerodua Tweckbot\n is resuming operations with health and safety measures now in place to protect the company\u2019s staff and customers.\nThe \ncomplimentary vehicle inspection service\n will be stationed at Tesco Extra Bukit Tinggi Klang this Saturday and Sunday (12th and 13th of September), from 9 am to 5 pm on both days.\nTweckbot offers 50 point inspections on \nPerodua vehicles\n and these include the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and the vehicles\u2019 electronics.\nAll Tweckbot customers will be required to undergo temperature checks and will need to comply with contact tracing protocols as mandated by the government. Due to social distancing SOPs, Tweckbot stations will now feature a more spaced-out layout with marked areas for waiting, consultation, and vehicle inspection to minimise movement and contact. The entire station in itself will be evacuated and sanitised twice a day.\n\u201cOur technicians will wear face shields at all times and every vehicle will be thoroughly sanitised before and after inspection. Physical distancing and the wearing of face masks apply at all times. For the protection of the public, the number of vehicles to be inspected has to be limited to a first-come, first-served basis,\u201d Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.\nThe following is where you can catch the Perodua Tweckbot station in other locations, also from 9 am to 5 pm:\nTesco Extra Bukit Tinggi Klang \u2013 12th to 3th September\nTesco Puncak Alam \u2013 19th to 20th September\nTesco Extra Ampang \u2013 26th to 27th September\nCustomers who inspect their vehicles with Tweckbot will get a 20% discount voucher, redeemable for the purchase of selected parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre. Terms and conditions apply.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, has just made its ASX models in particular, that much more tempting to own with cash bonuses up to RM 17,000!\nThe ASX 4WD is priced at \nRM 134,300.00\n while the ASX 2WD is priced at \nRM 119,100.00\n. For the 4WD model, Mitsubishi will be offering cash bonuses up to RM 17,000 while the 2WD variant gets up to RM 15,000. Monthly repayments should set you back around RM 2,000 on a 5-year loan and around RM 1,700 on a 7-year loan.   If this isn\u2019t the time to own the Mitsubishi ASX, it\u2019s hard to imagine when. You\u2019re right, while the ASX may have come of age, having been introduced almost 7 years ago to the local market with the arrival of new competitors along the way, its specifications hardly reflect the reality.\nThe 4WD ASX specifications in particular as still on par with those offered in newer cars today \u2013 a panoramic roof, automatic headlamps (although just halogen units) and wipers, keyless entry and push start button, leather seats as standard, paddle shifters, cruise control, an electronically-controlled AWD system, six parking sensors and more importantly seven airbags.\nFrom now until the\n end of March\n, customers will also receive cash bonuses up to RM 8,000 for the Triton variants.\u00a0\nNo\nModel/Variant\nOTR Price without insurance GST inclusive (RM) in Peninsular Malaysia \nCash Bonus (RM)\nWarranty \n1\nTriton Athlete\n126,990.00\n2,000\nAll Triton variants except Triton Quest: Five years warranty or 200,000km \nTriton Quest: Five years warranty or 100,000km \n2\nTriton VGT Adventure X\n126,990.00\n8,000\n3\nTriton VGT AT Premium\n116,300.00\n8,000\n4\nTriton VGT AT GL\n103,800.00\n8,000\n5\nTriton VGT MT\n107,600.00\n4,000\n6\nTriton MT\n93,920.00\n8,000\n7\nTriton Quest \n77,390.00\n8,000\nThose who opt for the Outlander SUV will receive cash bonuses up to RM4,000. The Outlander 2.0-litre is priced at \nRM\n139,988.00\n while the Outlander 2.4-litre is priced at \nRM155,000.00\n.\u00a0All Mitsubishi Outlander and ASX models come with five years warranty/unlimited mileage."
"Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn Bhd, previously known as Lub Dagangan Sdn Bhd, have launched their Lube Care Programme that sees to reward their trade customers and consumers.\nThe programme comes in the form of a Personal Protection Plan exclusive to Petronas Syntium customers only, and provides an insurance coverage of \nRM22,500\n. Here\u2019s the breakdown:\n1. Accidental Death \u2013 RM10,000\n 2. Total Permanent Disablement \u2013 RM10,000\n 3. Ambulance Fees \u2013 RM500\n 4. Funeral Expenses \u2013 RM2,000\nThe Plan also comes with emergency breakdown assistant, giving you 24-hours roadside repairs and towing service, free battery delivery services, emergency medical assistance, emergency information transmission services, car rental service and legal advisory services.\nTo qualify for the Protection Plan is fairly easy. Simply purchase any one bottle of \nPetronas Syntium\n\u00a04-litre range (7,000, 3,000 or 800) at \none of 800 selected Petronas workshops\n and you will be entitled to a \nsix-month personal accident\n and \nemergency car breakdown service\n.\u00a0Returning customers who purchase the same 4-litre lubricant from the same workshop will be granted an \nadditional six-months coverage\n of the said plan. After purchasing the lube, simply register via SMS (process flow will be explained by your mechanic). As for claims, customers can call their 24-hour help line at 1800-88-3800.\nPetronas Syntium customers could enjoy up to a year of insurance coverage by participating in the Lube Care Programme. However, the policy is limited to 8,000 customers only, and is on a first-come-first-serve basis."
"In the third installment of the 2018 Type R Challenge, the \nnew FK8 Civic Type R\n has set a new lap record at the Silverstone circuit in England at the hands of British Touring Car Champion, Matt Neal.\nThe Civic Type R set a time of\u00a0\n2 mins 31.32 secs\n, a new lap record for a front-wheel drive production vehicle around the 5.8 km Grand Prix circuit. Previous record-breaking feats so far have taken place at the \nlegendary Nurburgring race track\n,\u00a0\nMagny-Cours circuit in France\n and more recently at the \nSpa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium\n.\n\u201cWhere I found the real advantage of the Type R was really in the high-speed corners \u2013 the stability which is a combination of the aero and the new advanced suspension system. Into corners like Copse and Stowe at the end of the Hangar straight, you can carry big entry speed with supreme confidence,\u201d said driver Matt Neal.\n\u201cThere isn\u2019t just one point that makes this Type R the best in its class \u2013 it\u2019s across the board. It\u2019s a completely new platform from the ground up compared to its predecessors and Honda have scrutinised and improved every area from the stability of the handling with the multi-link suspension, the aero, the centre of gravity which is lower, it\u2019s wider, it\u2019s longer, the feedback the driver gets through the steering, the power delivery of the engine \u2013 it\u2019s a step forward in every direction\u201d, he added.\nThe driver line-up for the remaining 2018 Type R Challenge circuit record attempts includes former Formula 1 World Champion and current NSX Super GT driver Jenson Button (UK) and WTCR driver Tiago Monteiro (Portugal).\nStay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Motors\u2019 used car dealership arm, \nSime Darby Auto Selection\n (SDAS), today introduced a new Extended Warranty Programme, offering comprehensive warranty coverage as well as repair and service for its pre-owned cars.\nThe new programme was made in collaboration with Guard My Ride (GMR) and RHB Insurance, with a wide range of items under its coverage, including:\nEngine system\nRare/Front Axle\nElectronic system\nTransmission oil leaks\nSteering system\nTurbo system\nBraking system\nAir conditioning system\nCooling system\nIgnition system\nFuel system\nTransmission system\nCustomers enrolled under the new Extended Warranty Programme are also entitled to complimentary towing service to nationwide panel workshops for repair and servicing, insurance coverage, as well as insurance underwriting.\nTo be eligible for the new Sime Darby Auto Selection Extended Warranty Programme, the pre-owned vehicles must have a total mileage of under 140,000 km, and are less than eight years old.\nSime Darby Auto Selection\u2019s new \nmulti-brand service centre \nin Glenmarie\nThe new programme will be priced between RM2,200 and RM6,900 per year, depending on vehicle age and type, and can be purchased at the \nSDAS Glenmarie showroom\n (for existing customers) or new customers who are purchasing new pre-owned vehicles.\nSDAS Managing Director, Vi Thim Juan said the company aims to be a \u201cone-stop centre\u201d for customers in the pre-owned vehicle market. \u201cSDAS strives to keep innovating our offerings in anticipation of customers\u2019 needs, and hopefully exceed the demand of our customers.\n\u201cWe aim to set ourselves apart from the competition, and we are determined to only offer quality products and services that are akin to the 3S centres,\u201d Vi added.\nOn the collaboration with its partners GMR and RHB insurance, GMR will be the service provider for all the extended warranty claims, towing service, and repair work, while RHB insurance is the motor insurance and insurance underwriter provider."
"Honda Motor Co., Ltd\n has announced that it will be participating in the FIA \nFormula One\n World Championship (F1) from the \n2026\n season. The Japanese carmaker will be playing the role of the Power Unit Supplier for the \nAston Martin\n Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team.\nThe works partnership Honda has agreed to enter into with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team will see the carmaker supplying power units while being compliant with the new F1 power unit regulations which will take effect in the 2026 season. Through the new F1 challenges, Honda will be honing its e-motor and battery technologies, which will later be fed back to mass production.\nHonda\u2019s participation in F1 with Red Bull in 2019\nAccording to Honda, the new F1 power unit regulations are consistent with the direction it is taking, which is heading towards the realisation of carbon neutrality. Having made the decision to take on a new challenge in F1 racing, Honda has also mentioned that working to the regulations will also have profound significance on itself as the experience will provide the carmaker with important opportunities to pursue the development of future technologies.\nIn the journey of reaching its carbon neutrality goal by 2030, F1 will be implementing new regulations with a maximum power output of 50/50 between the engine and the electric motor. These new regulations will be in effect starting from the 2026 season, with participants required to use 100% sustainable fuel as well.\nSpecifically, the 2026 regulations essentially require a reduction of engine output while tripling the output of the energy recovery system (ERS). This can help recover kinetic energy under situations such as braking, converting it into electrical energy. As a result, the race car can have the maximum output that is roughly even between the engine and motor.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin Vantage F1 Edition now in Malaysia, RM978k before taxes\nAston Martin Vantage F1 Edition\nThe Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has become responsible for both the carmaker\u2019s auto and motorcycle motorsports activities since 2022. With that, it will be assuming responsibility for the development of power units, race participation and the management of F1 racing as well.\nHonda Racing Corporation President, Koji Watanabe said, \u201cIn the midst of major changes in our business and the motorsports environment leading toward the transition to a carbon-neutral society, we have re-established HRC as an optimal platform to sustain and further evolve motorsport activities as a Honda strength. We will establish sustainable operational structures for our racing activities and continue to deliver more dreams and excitement for motorsports fans all around the world.\u201d\nAston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll has also welcomed HRC with open arms, saying, \u201cI would like to welcome Honda and HRC to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team. We share a mutual drive, determination, and relentless ambition to succeed on track. Honda is a global titan and its success in motorsport is longstanding and incredibly impressive. I would like to thank Mr Mibe and Mr Watanabe, and the whole team at HRC as we embark on this exciting future together from 2026.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Aston Martin DB grand tourer to debut on May 24 \u2013 \u201cGrand is not enough\u201d"
"After completing the \nProton 1 Tank Adventure East Malaysia leg\n, we joined Proton yet again in the final round of its nationwide fuel efficiency challenge. This time, the organisers challenged Proton owners, celebrities and members of the media to cover a total distance of 700 km on one single tank of fuel.\nYes, you read that right, all 31 cars travelled from Kulai, Johor all the way to Juru, Penang without stopping to refuel. As with most fuel efficiency challenge, there wasn\u2019t any problem completing the distance as long as we were sensible with our right foot, but the question is, how realistic is it in the real world? We find out.\nThe Proton 1 Tank Adventure aims to demonstrate the Proton\u2019s fleet of Saga, Iriz and Persona fuel consumption. All three models were equipped with \nVariable Valve Timing (VVT)\n, \nCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)\n and \nEco Drive Assist Indicator\n. The three technologies work harmoniously to help the drivers to exploit additional kilometres from every drop of gasoline.\nI was handed to the keys to an Iriz for the final round and paired up with \nAmirul\n from \nDSF.my\n \u2013 quite different from the Saga I had in Kota Kinabalu as the Iriz has 100 kgs additional body weight to lug around. But having experienced the fuel efficiency of the Proton models at our respective regional rounds, Amirul and I are very much confident that we can complete the \n700 km\n journey on the same tank of fuel.\nWe flagged off from Proton\u2019s showroom in Kulai, making our way to Melaka for a lunch stop before ending the day at Proton\u2019s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Subang Jaya. Taking our learnings from previous rounds, we took our time to clear any excess trash from the boot, shaving off precious milligrams and inflated the tyres to the recommended pressure \u2013 220 kPa front; 200 kPa rear.\nAmirul and I were a little overly enthusiastic on our way to the durian buffet lunch at Melaka, keeping our foot on the throttle longer than necessary, performing overtaking maneuverers more often than we should and having the air conditioning on full blast (blame the Malaysian sun).\nBy the time we arrived at Melaka, our trip computer was showing \n5.8 L/100 km\n which was respectable but other contestants were posting high 4s and low 5s. We knew if we were to stand a chance to take home the grand prize, we will have to make it up for it in the upcoming legs.\nBack on the highway heading towards Subang Jaya, we capped our top speed to 80 km/h, rpm needle resting under 2,000 rpm and air conditioning on 1. After a long and uneventful drive, we finally arrived at COE with the fuel consumption dropped to 5.0 L/100 km, not too shabby but others were comfortably in the low 4s.\nNothing has prepared us for the final day leaving from Subang Jaya towards Juru, Penang and stopping by Ipoh as a midpoint for lunch. We maintained our strategy from the previous day, 80 km/h speed cut with extremely modest air conditioning. After what seems to be forever (total journey of 6 hours+), we have finally arrived at Petronas station in Juru, covering a total distance of \n699.7 km\n. Total RON95 consumed amounted to 36.657 litres which works out to\n 5.2 L/100 km\n. Not even close to what the winners have posted:\nProton Saga 1.3 CVT: 3.72 L/100 km\nProton Iriz 1.3 CVT: 3.5 L/100 km\nProton Persona 1.6 CVT: 3.92 L/100 km\nThe Proton 1 Tank Adventure once again proves that all three Proton models were able to complete the 700 km journey from Johor to Penang on one single tank of fuel. But if I were you, I would not take these fuel consumption figures of 3.X L/100 km as the gospel. Driving 80 km/h consistently for long hours can be mentally and physically challenging as there is a 30 km/h difference in speed between you and the legal speed limit.\nThere are also instances where you \nneed \nto speed up, be it overtaking a slower vehicle or avoiding an obstacle on the road, hence don\u2019t be afraid to give the car a little more gas. While you consume a little more precious oils, you will be in a safer situation overall. Lastly, leaving the air conditioning fan speed on low can be taxing on the body when it is not enough to cool the cabin comfortably on a hot day. Heat stroke is a very real thing.\nAll in all, the results from this Proton 1 Tank Adventure should be treated as a reference. If you want to achieve good fuel consumption, just follow some of the tips and tricks such as being gentle on the throttle, properly inflate your tyres and maintain a good service record is more than enough to help you and your car achieve more kilometres per litre.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Safety is everything and everything is about safety these days when it comes to driving and vehicle manufacturing. Car manufacturers have been increasingly emphasising the safety aspect of driving, sometimes even over performance and comfort and that\u2019s fine but safety in a vehicle isn\u2019t just about the features and systems it offers.\nIt\u2019s also not about how many airbags a car has, how strong its body is, or even how effectively it crumbles in the event of a collision. The safety aspect also revolves around things that we don\u2019t necessarily see on the brochure or at first glance of the vehicle. Some are only noticeable when we\u2019re actually driving the car \u2013 like avoiding distraction to the driver and keeping the driver\u2019s eyes on the road as much as possible.\nThis brings us to a new and increasingly common trend in new cars recently which has become increasingly disconcerting \u2013 the removal of certain physical controls for the air-con whether it\u2019s for temperature or fan speed \u2013 in favour of modernity and the \u201cwow factor\u201d. This brings us to the emergence of touchscreens or touch-sensitive controls.\nOn the surface it may look like progress \u2013 it looks modern and futuristic \u2013 to control things with the touch of a finger but in reality, it really doesn\u2019t feel that way, especially at a time when driving isn\u2019t just driving.\nThese days, driving involves one hand on the phone, having meals on the move, grooming on the way to work, or even raising children on the go so another distraction or even a possibly fatal hazard is just frightening \u2013 not just to the driver and the vehicle\u2019s occupants but to other motorists as well.\nNothing wrong if it were for rear passengers.\nOne can say, \u201cJust pay attention to the task of driving and not do all of the above whilst on the move\u201d, but that\u2019s another pandora\u2019s box of debate on its own. Simply put, the reality is that social and economic obligations have made us do things beyond the boundaries of safe driving and we have become \u2018OK\u2019 with it.\nWe have now (unknowingly but) willingly accepted the new normal of risking our lives (and that of others) while on the road just so our bosses can get a PDF file on time, or even just to assure the other half that we\u2019re really on the way to meet our friends.\nIt\u2019s true that car manufacturers are making cars safer, but while we wouldn\u2019t expect them to make cars foolproof for the ignorant drivers, we also shouldn\u2019t need or be encouraged to lay our eyes off the road \u2013 over the simple task of adjusting the air-con\u2019s fan speed, for example.\nTiguan Allspace\nThis is something we\u2019ve observed in new cars like those from Volkswagen, specifically the \nGolf \nwhich requires you to lay your eyes off the road to adjust the fan speed, and even then not accurately sometimes cause let\u2019s face it, you\u2019re driving and not every one of us is good at multi-tasking or even competent drivers, to begin with.\nIt\u2019s no better in cars like \nPassat\n or the \nfacelift Tiguan Allspace\n, where the air-con controls are presented on a panel that is touch-sensitive. Based on actual experience, sometimes we can\u2019t even be sure if we\u2019re really adjusting the air-con fan speed or temperature as we want it unless we actually look at the display \u2013 again requiring us to lay our eyes off the road.\nJust to assure you that we\u2019re not picking on a particular car brand but merely highlighting a new (dangerous) trend, it\u2019s also the same with the latest Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Take the \nC-Class\n which was just launched here, for example; most of the centre console is now occupied by a large screen that contains the air-con controls.\nSure, it looks really impressive and cool, but how practical and safe is it really? As we have experienced countless times on our own, with cars of such offerings, not really.\nWhat has left us bald from head-scratching is that even Volvo does it; the brand that is the very epitome of vehicle safety. This is a company that has said that no one would die in their cars after 2020, and while we are confident to put trust in their car\u2019s safety systems and structure itself, we don\u2019t even want to be involved in an accident (major or minor) in the first place; from laying our eyes off the road.\nHonda has experienced it both ways with the previous-generation Civic. The \npre-facelift model \nhad no physical controls to adjust the fan speed and most found it to be an inconvenience than an \u2018upgrade\u2019 so, in the \nfacelift model \nphysical controls for the air-con made a return and based on remarks from new owners on the Internet, all was good again. This is not a paid review by Honda either.\nBefore (pre facelift)\nAfter (facelift)\nRetaining physical buttons or controls for certain functions is just easier, more convenient, and more importantly safer. They\u2019ve always been \u2018touch-sensitive\u2019 in their own way and have (most times) never required us to lay our eyes off the road to use.\nNew isn\u2019t necessarily good and sometimes it\u2019s really difficult to reinvent the wheel, even if the intentions are noble. Retaining some physical controls, especially those that are used often, not only offers a more effective use of the system but more importantly, should not be seen as non-progressive, whether by car manufacturers or customers alike.\nGot a different thought? Do let us know!"
"In good times or bad, when it comes to customising our cars, the heart wants what the heart wants. It wants it fast too; even if it\u2019s just a week-old car, fresh out of the showroom.\nThe same is true with Nazreen, owner of this \n1.0L Perodua Ativa AV\n. Not wanting to waste any time, the car was apparently sent for a wrap at Wrap360 in Glenmarie right after the handover.\nWhat a difference the black grille makes!\nThe \u201cthree spikes\u201d on the lower bumper have also been blacked out.\nWe were actually surprised to hear that the car was booked in early April and promptly received in early May. The Ativa was also specified with the optional Gear Up Blaze body kit.\nHonestly, it didn\u2019t look very good when Perodua first presented it but with some tweaks by Wrap360, this thing actually looks pretty sick!\nThe chrome bits have also been darkened as part of the RM2.6k wrap, and the effects are dramatic, to say the least. You can\u2019t even tell that it\u2019s wearing the Gear Up kit!\nBefore\nAfter\nCan you also tell that those are actually the Ativa\u2019s original 17-inch rims? Cause it is! At first glance, we couldn\u2019t tell them apart either!\nIn the spirit of D-I-Y, the wheels were blacked out by Nazreen himself; with spray paint, finished off with a clear coat. According to him, it only costs around RM50 to do it yourself as opposed to getting it done at the shop for RM400 \u2013 RM500.\nIt\u2019s a task he claims was easy and helps reduce cost. Clearly, he hasn\u2019t seen how clumsy most of us at AutoBuzz.my can be with a spray can. Kipidap Naz!\nWhen asked if Nazreen has owned a Perodua before, he said that the Ativa was his second. The first was a 2014 Perodua Myvi 1.3 SE, of course it would be.\nSince he has started a family, the extra space offered in the Ativa for baby strollers and baby seats was much welcomed. For a car just over RM70k, he thought the \nsafety features offered were impressive\n too.\n\u201cTo me it\u2019s a value for money car. A really good car for a small family,\u201d Nazreen said.\nThe only thing he wished was available in the Ativa, was Apple CarPlay; something we believe should by law, be made available in every car, alongside Android Auto!\n \nGALLERY"
"Have you ever imagined Formula One but without the drivers? That\u2019s soon becoming a reality with the world\u2019s first driverless electric race car, Robocar. The self-driving, all-electric machine was officially unveiled by\n Roborace\n during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.\nThe car was penned by \u2018automotive futurist\u2019 Daniel Simon \u2013 designer of futuristic vehicles in\u00a0Tron Legacy and\u00a0Oblivion. It has four electric motors, each generating \n400 hp\n and they are all collectively juiced by a \n540kW battery\n. It weighs just\u00a0\n975kg\n, making it lighter than the \nbase-level Perodua Myvi\n, and\u00a0is capable of reaching speeds of up to \n320km/h \nwhile on Michelin road tyres!\nThe logic controlling this car is the\u00a0\nNvidia Drive PX2\n, a computer capable of reasoning up to 24 trillion artificial intelligence operations per second. Per second! Several high tech gizmos are used to aid driving, comprised of five LIDARs (Light Detection and Ranging by laser impulses), two radars, 18 ultrasonic sensors, two optical speed sensors, six AI cameras and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).\nThe Nvidia is also capable of processing a\u00a0360-degree view that helps determine the car\u2019s direction as well as preventing it from colliding into a wall or other Robocars.\nRoborace is practically the grandest stage of motor racing for nerds. I mean, how much more appealing can computerised racing cars be to software engineers and tech freaks?\nBefore Roborace gets the green light to its own series, a series of extensive tests is required. However, the first Roborace will serve as a support race in the \nFormula E\n. On behalf of the squealing nerds out there, don\u2019t worry, we\u2019re squealing too.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Motors\n has confirmed that it is currently in talks with Chinese EV carmaker\n BYD\n to become the brand\u2019s official distributor here in Malaysia. The company told \nThe Edge Markets\n that it is currently in \u201cinitial discussions\u201d with BYD, and will make further announcements in the future if necessary.\n\u201cSime Darby Motors continues to grow our line-up of EVs via our partnerships with global brands. Besides \nBMW\n, other EVs in our portfolio include the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n, Hyundai Kona EV\n, Porsche Taycan\n and \nVolvo XC40\n, with many other models in the pipeline. EV sales remain encouraging and we continue to see an increase, with orders outstripping allocation,\u201d the company\u2019s spokesperson added.\nThe business publication reported that Sime Darby Motors will be bringing in 2,000 units of BYD\u2019s EVs into Malaysia by the end of 2022, followed by 10,000 units in the following year, but the conglomerate\u2019s automotive arm did not respond to these speculations.\nWith Sime Darby Motor already representing BYD in Singapore through their Vantage Automotive subsidiary, it won\u2019t be too surprising to see BYD enter the Malaysian market via the same entity, given that they already have a working relationship.\nBYD has been making significant headways in its expansion plans recently, particularly within the Southeast Asian region. Last week, the carmaker announced that it has purchased a new piece of land in Thailand, where it will construct a \nnew EV factory acting as its production hub for the region\n.\nThe Warren Buffet-backed EV maker has also marked its entrance into Australia with the BYD Atto 3, with four other models scheduled for launch within two years. The company aims to achieve a monthly sales target of 9,000 units within the next 12 months.\nRELATED: \nChina\u2019s BYD enters Australia, plans to sell 9,000 EVs per month by next year\nThe BYD Atto 3, which will also make its official debut in Thailand next month, is powered by a single electric motor, providing 204 hp and 310 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Two battery options are available; the Standard Range variant gets 50 kWh offering 345 km of range (WLTP test cycle), while the Extended Range gets a 60 kWh battery pack that\u2019s rated for 420 km.\nWith a price of just under AUD45,000 (approx. RM138k), the BYD Atto 3 is the cheapest EV currently on sale in the country. Customer response has been positive in Australia, too, with the company reportedly already received over 4,500 orders thus far.\nALSO READ: \nChina\u2019s BYD to set up RM2.2 billion EV plant in Thailand as ASEAN production hub\nIf \u2013 or rather when \u2013 the BYD Atto 3 makes its way into Malaysia, it could possibly undercut the Kia Kona EV as the cheapest electric vehicle on sale here, too. The latter starts from RM156,538, with duties exempted as part of the \nMalaysian government\u2019s EV incentives\n."
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as the sole authorised importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia this year. Since its inception in 2010, the company saw 36 model launches in the country, along with 50 driving experiences and track days organised in the country.\nIn the 10 years, SDAP has also managed to expand its geographical footprint with the opening of new Porsche Centres in \nSungai Besi\n, Penang, as well as the new flagship Porsche Centre in Ara Damansara \u2013 the largest in the South East Asia region.\n \nCommenting on the momentous occasion, DAP Chief Executive Officer Christopher Hunter said, \u201cWe can\u2019t help but feel a little nostalgic on all the Porsche moments we\u2019ve created with our supporters and enthusiasts throughout the decade.\n\u201cFrom modest beginnings and only one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie at our inception, we\u2019ve invested substantially to continue to grow our dealer network in major cities across the northern, central and southern region to bring new levels of quality customer and ownership experience.\u201d\n\u201cStarting from our very first local launch with the second generation Cayenne to the recent \n718 Cayman GT4\n and \n718 Spyder\n launch, we hope to continue to achieve greater heights of sports car fascination and evolve the brand in the country even more with our iconic sports cars.\u201d\nTo commemorate the significant milestone, Sime Darby Auto Performance is giving away a 10 years SDAP special-edition Porsche Driver\u2019s Selection polo tee to customers placing orders for any new or pre-owned Porsche model, or make a service appointment from the dealer webpage from now until 17 September 2020.\nFor non-Porsche owners, you can also join in the fun with the creative selfie contest, held on their Facebook and Instagram pages until the 17th of September. All you need to do is to take a selfie with a Porsche vehicle at any Porsche Centres nationwide, and write the most creative congratulatory message to SDAP for its tenth anniversary to to be in the running to win a \u2018911 GT edition\u2019 1:18 diecast model!\nThe Porsche Taycan \u201cstormed\u201d into the Asia Pacific region with a special\n Star Wars launch\n.\nLooking ahead, SDAP is expecting to unveil its new Porsche Centre in Johor Bahru next year. But most importantly, the company has also teased the arrival of the all-electric Porsche Taycan, to be launched in Malaysia \u201csoon\u201d in 2020!\nNo indication as to which variant will be making its way to our shores, but the Taycan is available globally in four variants: the standard Taycan, \nTurbo, Turbo S\n, and \n4S\n.\nStarting with the currently China-only base Taycan model, the single electric motor on the rear axle pushes out \n402 hp\n, and is paired to a special two-speed transmission. If fitted with the larger 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus, power output is bumped up to \n469 hp\n.\nAs for the rest of the world, all Taycan variants currently come with an additional electric motor up front. The 4S is the \u201csmallest\u201d of the bunch, with an output of \n530 hp\n and\n 640 Nm\n on the standard battery (79.2 kWh), or \n571 hp \nand \n650 Nm\n with the upgraded Performance Battery Plus.\nThe Turbo and Turbo S variants only come with the larger battery pack, and performance is once again upped to a staggering \n680 hp/850 Nm\n and \n761 hp/1,050 Nm \n(!) respectively. In terms of range, the Taycan can be driven between 407 km (4S with standard battery) to 489 km (standard Taycan with the bigger battery pack) on a single charge.\nWhich variant would you like to see here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below!"
"Volvo\u2019s first-ever fully-electric model, the \nXC40 Recharge\n, has now made its way into Malaysia. The compact EV SUV will be launched here in \nlocal assembly (CKD) form\n, with only one single variant on offer. However, pricing information will only be furnished on 4 April 2022, alongside the commencement of online bookings. First delivery is scheduled to start by the end of April.\nEXTERIOR\nAlthough Volvo has just unveiled the \nXC40 range facelift\n globally, the XC40 Recharge will arrive in Malaysia in the pre-facelift form, similar to its existing petrol-powered sibling already sold here in Malaysia.\nThere are however several features exclusive to the fully-electric model, including:\nBlocked-out front grille\n19-inch alloy wheels\nRecharge badging\nReworked rear bumper with no exhaust tips\nBecause Volvo opted to place the charging port where the fuel flap used to be, this has also freed up additional storage space underneath the bonnet for a \u201cfrunk\u201d, giving you an additional 31 litres of cargo room.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe fully-electric Volvo XC40 is powered by two electric motors, with one on each axle, making it an all-wheel drive vehicle.\nPowertrain: P8 twin-motor electric drivetrain\nDriveline: All-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 408 hp\nMax torque: 660 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds\nBattery capacity: 78 kWh\nRange: 418 km (WLTP test cycle)\nMax rated charging speed, DC: 150 km\nWith the 150 kW DC fast charging capability, Volvo says that the XC40 Recharge will take roughly 40 minutes to reach an 80% state-of-charge.\nRELATED: Volvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year from 2022 \u2013 XC40 Recharge, C40 this year\nINTERIOR\nInside, the fully-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge remains pretty much identical to its existing petrol-powered siblings, with one key difference \u2013 the \nAndroid Automotive OS \nrunning the 9-inch central touchscreen infotainment display and digital instrument cluster.\nAs it is a fully-electric model, the system also features several exclusive EV-focused displays. But aside from these minor differences, the rest of the cabin is virtually unchanged. Standard features include:\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display with Android Automotive OS, Google Maps and Google Assistant integration\nDual-zone automatic climate control with rear blower\nHarman Kardon sound system\nWireless charging pad\nPowered tailgate\nPowered front seats with driver memory side function\nLeather/Nubuck upholstery\nSAFETY\nIn terms of safety, the XC40 Recharge pure electric crossover will come equipped with Volvo\u2019s Intellisafe advanced driver assistance suite, with features including:\nCity Safety suite (collision avoidance and mitigation with intersection support)\nDriver Alert Control\nLane Keeping Aid\nRun-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection\nOncoming Lane Mitigation\nBlind Spot Information System with Steer Assist\nCross Traffic Alert with Autobrake\nAdaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist\nPark Assist (front & rear)\nGALLERY"
"At the end of the year, Porsche will begin the sale of the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet \u2018America\u2019 that carries on the tradition that began in 1952 \u2013 offering an open-top sports car exclusively for enthusiasts in North America.\nThe long-standing tradition began when Max Hoffman, the first importer of Porsche cars into the US began selling the 356, followed by the 356 America Roadster in 1953. The latter model had all the bare essentials removed and subsequently inspired the 356 Speedster. Only 16 units of the 356 America Roadster were ever built.\n40 years later, Porsche revived the idea with the 964 generation 911. The car featured a wide body, improved brakes and suspension with 17-inch Porsche Cup wheels from the 911 Turbo.\nAs the name suggests, the \u2018America\u2019 edition is based on the 992-generation 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet which means there\u2019s 480 hp and 570 Nm to play with; from a 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder boxer engine. As it is for enthusiasts, it\u2019s only available with a 7-speed manual gearbox, with power sent to the rear-wheels \u2013 music to the enthusiast\u2019s ears.\n\u201cThis is also the perfect time to add another \u2018America\u2019 model to our story as we look back on 70 years since the 356 America Roadster and 30 years since the 964 America Roadster,\u201d says Porsche Cars North America, President and CEO, Kjell Gruner.\nAmong the optional packages which will be standard in the \u2018America\u2019 model is the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport, Sport Exhaust, and the Sport Chrono Package.\nBrakes are cast iron units with six-piston callipers in the front and four-piston units at the rear. Model-specific items also include an instrument cluster in White, seat belts in Red, and a Black leather interior.\nSpecially for the \u2018America\u2019 edition is the Azureblue356 paint job by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, inspired by the 1953 356 America Roadster. Complementing the exclusive paint job are RS Spyder Design wheels finished in White, Silver and Red for a striking appearance. The same White, Silver and Red treatment are applied to the door panel stitching in the cabin.\nGALLERY"
"The Aston Martin DB5 is easily the most iconic car of the James Bond film series. First appeared on the big screen in the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger, the DB5 has become a highly sought-after collectable for fans of both Aston Martin and James Bond.\nNow, the Gaydon based supercar maker has announced that the iconic DB5 seen in Goldfinger will be making a comeback as part of the brand\u2019s continuation project. Only 25 Goldfinger DB5 continuation editions will be made complete with the gadgets that Bond himself used in his undercover operations.\nThanks to a collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces James Bond films, the Goldfinger DB5 will be built to one specification in Silver Birch paint just like the original. Working gadgets such as revolving number plates will be installed by Oscar\u00ae-winner Chris Corbould, special effects supervisor from the James Bond films.\nA total of 25 customer units and three additional units \u2013 one each for EON and Aston Martin, plus another to be auctioned for charity \u2013 will be produced at Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell \u2013 the original home of the DB5. Each Goldfinger DB5 will be priced at \u00a32.75 million (RM14.3 million) and are strictly not road legal.\nPresident and CEO of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer said: \u201cThe connection between Aston Martin and James Bond is something of which we are very proud and it is remarkable that the DB5 remains the definitive James Bond car after so many years. To own an Aston Martin has long been an aspiration for James Bond fans, but to own a Silver Birch DB5, complete with gadgets and built to the highest standards in the very same factory as the original James Bond cars? Well, that is surely the ultimate collectors\u2019 fantasy.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has unveiled two new limited-run special edition models for the \n3 Series\n, specifically the new 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport, with a host of new and added features for the sport sedan here on our shores to sweeten the deal for its customers.\nBMW 330i M Sport Edition\nBefore we get into the details, let\u2019s talk pricing. The new limited-edition BMW 3 Series models comes in at:\nBMW 320i M Sport \u2013 RM262,800\nBMW 330i M Sport \u2013 RM304,800\nBoth variants are locally-assembled here in Malaysia, and the quoted prices above are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the five-year unlimited-mileage warranty programme with free scheduled services. The pricing represents a hike of roughly RM5k for both variants.\nBut if you want the cars at the lowest possible price available, they can be yours at RM246,680 and RM288,680 respectively with the standard two-year warranty.\nBMW 320i M Sport Edition\nStarting with the BMW 320i, the new limited-edition entry-level model now gets the M Sport package on the exterior, previously only available on the higher-end variants. The M Sport package for the 320i consists of sportier bumper designs, alongside a new 18-inch Style 790 M double-spoke M light alloy wheels taken from the existing BMW 330i M Sport.\nInside, the limited-edition BMW M320i M Sport also gains a variable sport steering system, alongside a M leather steering wheel and Individual Anthracite roof lining to \u201cenhance the sporting appeal of the new variant\u201d.\nBMW 330i M Sport Edition\nAs for the 330i M Sport, the main additions on the new limited-edition model consists of an electrical glass roof, alongside a new Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. On the outside, the BMW 330i M Sport also gains a new larger set of Style 791 M 19-inch double-spoke M light alloy wheels.\nAside from these additions, the rest of the two cars remain unchanged from before. Both models are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, making \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n on the 320i, and \n258 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n on the 330i.\nBMW 320i M Sport Edition\nBoth variants have also been updated previously with the \naddition of the Driving Assistance Package\n advanced driver assistance features, plus the \nBMW Live Cockpit Professional screens\n on the 320i, and they\u2019re all still present here, too.\nBoth variants are offered in four exterior colour options (Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, M Portimao Blue), although they\u2019re all paired exclusively to Black Vernasca leather on the inside.\nBMW 320i M Sport Edition\nSo then, why the sudden addition of the two new limited edition models? If we had to guess, the two new variants could well be the \u201crun-out\u201d model for the current 3 Series model, ahead of the introduction of the \nnew facelift 3 Series \nhere in Malaysia.\nThe 2022 BMW 3 Series facelift, which was introduced globally back in May this year, could be introduced here in Malaysia very soon, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest developments.\nGALLERY\nBMW 320i M Sport\nBMW 330i M Sport"
"Apple\u2019s 2022 Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) kick-started last night, and in their keynote presentation, the tech giant showed-off its next-generation \nApple CarPlay\n system that not only runs on your infotainment display, but could power every screen in your cabin as well \u2013 yes, that includes your instrument cluster.\nClimate control settings, baked into Apple CarPlay.\nWhile the current Apple CarPlay mainly only allows you to run your iPhone apps in your car, the upcoming next-generation system is designed for \u201cdeep integration\u201d with all the other vehicle control systems, letting you tune the radio or change your climate control settings, all without leaving the CarPlay interface.\nIn addition to that, the CarPlay system will also now be extended onto the digital instrument cluster screen on supported cars, where your driving information such as speed, RPMs, fuel level, and even temperatures are communicated to the iPhone in an \u201con-device, privacy-friendly way\u201d.\nALSO READ: Six cars in Malaysia under RM100k with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nApple says that the next-generation CarPlay system will work with all sorts of display sizes and shapes, and based on the short virtual preview, it seems like the system will also allow for a large range of customisability, including multiple instrument cluster designs, as well as widgets that can be displayed on various screens to convey information such as weather to users at a glance.\nIt\u2019s unclear at this point in time if the system is running natively on the vehicle, such as Google\u2019s \nAndroid Automotive OS\n, or if it will rely exclusively on your iPhone to provide the processing power. We can\u2019t imagine the instrument cluster switching away to the car\u2019s own software every time your phone is disconnected, though, as that would be a huge UX nightmare.\nApple says that the first vehicles with the next-gen CarPlay system will be \u201cannounced\u201d in late 2023, although it\u2019s unclear if that date refers to the actual market availability, or just a global reveal. So far, a number of big car brands have already signed up to utilise the system, including \nMercedes-Benz\n, \nPorsche\n, \nNissan\n, \nJaguar Land Rover\n, \nVolvo\n, \nPolestar\n, \nHonda\n, and \nAudi\n.\nThe availability of the system on Volvo cars is somewhat of a surprise, as they have already adopted rival Google\u2019s aforementioned Android Automotive infotainment system. Volvo cars also currently do not support Apple CarPlay connectivity at all, although it\u2019s said to be in the pipeline, and will be rolled out to the cars soon via an over-the-air software update.\nIntrigued? Check out some of the features in action in Apple\u2019s keynote presentation below. The CarPlay segment starts at 37:51."
"The first ever all-electric SUV in \nBMW\u2019s X range\n has finally been revealed \u2013 the\n BMW iX3\n \u2013 as the electric powered sibling of the BMW X3 SUV. As a result, the BMW X3 will be the group\u2019s first model to be available with petrol and diesel engines, along with plug-in hybrid systems and pure electric drive. By 2023, BMW plans to have 25 different electrified models, with 13 of them running purely on electric.\nThe drive components of the iX3 \u2013 the electric motor and transmission \u2013 are arranged together in a single housing on the iX3\u2019s vehicle floor. This lowers the car\u2019s centre of gravity by around 7.5 cm compared to the iX3\u2019s BMW X3 siblings \u2013 noticeably enhancing cornering performance.\nThe electric motor, paired to a single ratio transmission, \ncan rev up to 17,000 rpm\n \u2013 making \n286 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n to power the rear wheels. It is the company\u2019s most powerful e-drive system ever fitted into an electrified model. As for performance, we\u2019re looking at 6.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, onwards to 180 km/h. Drive modes include Comfort, EcoPro and Sport.\nThe batteries of the iX3 are positioned flat in the vehicle floor as an integral part of the SUV\u2019s structure. The batteries offer up to\n \n460 km of electric driving range\n on the WLTP cycle; 520 km based on the old NEDC cycle. The new-generation battery weighs 518 kilograms and has a gross energy content of 80 kWh, of which 74 kWh is utilised.\nThe battery is accompanied by a tailor made liquid cooling/heating system. This is to ensure that battery temperatures are optimum at all times. A sophisticated cooling and heating system ensures the high-voltage battery is kept at optimum temperatures at all times.\nThe heater ensures that the battery is in optimum temperatures when the car is started, \neven in temperatures below 30 degress Celciu\ns. The heater is said to use 40% to 80% less energy than conventional electric heating. It extracts excess heat from the electric motor and high voltage battery as well as outside air and feeds it through the air conditioning system.\nWith a Wallbox charger, the battery in the all-electric iX3 will only need \n7 1/2 hours for a full charge\n. Meanwhile, using a direct current (DC) fast-charging station, the batteries can be charged up to 80% in just 34 minutes. A 10 minute charge supposedly offers up to 100 km in electric driving range.\nOn the outside of the, key features include ten-stage active air flaps and light-alloy 19-inch aerodynamic wheels which are 5% more slippery through the air compared to conventional light-alloy wheels. The wheels also weighs 15% less than the last aerodynamic wheels BMW made. The underbody of the iX3 has been completely covered for better airflow underneath the car.\nBoot space of the iX3 is rated between 510 to 1,560 litres with collapsible seats. Here\u2019s the interesting bit; the iX3 sits on adaptive suspension with electronically-controlled dampers but BMW said an Adaptive M Suspension system for a sportier, more responsive drive will be available through over-the-air updates!\nSpeakers are positioned inside and out of the car to simulate sounds for both occupants and pedestrians. The drive sound is an original development by BMW sound designers and acoustics engineers. The Start/Stop composition in the BMW iX3 for example, is the first sound work for a production car; a \ncollaboration between Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and BMW\n.\nOptional items on the iX3 includes 20-inch aerodynamic wheels, adaptive LED headlights, acoustic glazing for the front windows, head up display, Parking Assistant Plus, High Beam Assist, BMW Gesture Control and a Harman Kardon sound system.\nGALLERY"
"Honda has confirmed that the Takata front airbag inflator ruptured in a fatal crash involving a 2004 Honda City on 21st May 2018 in Kuala Lumpur \u2013 the official cause of death has not been determined yet.\nThe confirmation was attained during an inspection with the Royal Malaysia Police. The vehicle involved has been included in a nationwide product recall announced on 21st May 2015, the \nrecall replacement was never completed despite several notification letters sent\n to the owner of the vehicle based on the info from Honda\u2019s database.\nSo far, Honda Malaysia has sent out more than 3.2 million letters, 3.66 million SMSs and phoned more than 71,700 affected customers. Among initiatives to reach out to them included advertisement campaigns and roadshows to reach out to affected customers.\nThe company has also ensured \n100% stock availability\n for replacements of the driver and passenger front airbag inflators and increasing service capacity via Service Central Hubs, Mobile Hubs, Hubs at selected Petronas stations, Hubs at Honda roadshow and prioritising replacement activities at dealerships.\nAs of 29th May 2018, Honda has \nreplaced more than 445,000 units\n of the Takata airbag inflators (driver and passenger), with an 75% completion ratio.\nFor the 2003 \u2013 2008 year model Honda City, Honda has completed replacement of more than 47,500 units of Takata driver front airbag inflators and 47,200 units of Takata passenger front airbag inflators.\nHonda Malaysia strongly and urgently urge all 2003 -2008 year model Honda City owners to get their vehicles inspected and affected airbag inflators replaced immediately at Honda authorised dealers.\u00a0\nThe company also urges all Honda vehicle owners to register their vehicles at the nearest dealers so that any necessary information sent out can reach the owners adequately. \nVehicle owners can check their vehicle\u2019s product recall status at \nwww.productrecall.honda.com.my\n, call Honda toll free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit any Honda authorised dealers. \nHonda Malaysia affirms that the current line-up of Honda models do not have the same type of Takata airbag inflators as previous models affected in the recall."
"The momentum of new model introduction continues at both BMW global as well as BMW Group Malaysia. After announcing the release of the \nCKD BMW X7\n and \nBMW 740Le M Sport\n just three weeks ago, BMW Malaysia announces the introduction of the new facelifted G32 BMW 6 Series GT alongside the \nnew BMW 5 Series\n.\nThe locally-assembled BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (GT) is only offered in a sole 630i GT M Sport variant, and is priced starting at \nRM400,839.05\n inclusive of SST exemption with the standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.\nEXTERIOR\nSimilar to the facelift treatment on the BMW 7 Series, the BMW 630i GT M Sport sees a redesigned front bumper with better integration of the (larger) kidney grilles and slimmer headlamps, which are now \nBMW Laserlight\n units. \u00a0\nThe laser light technology follows the course of the road ahead in high-beam mode, and for the first time, adapts illumination even in low-beam mode. In laser high-beam mode, the range increases to a maximum of 650 metres \u2013 nearly twice as far as that of conventional high-beam headlights.\nKey exterior highlights in the new BMW 630i GT M Sport include:\nM Aerodynamics package\nActive rear spoiler\n20\u2033 wheels in Star-spoke style 817M Bicolour with run-flats\nM Sport brakes with blue calipers\nBMW Individual Shadow Line\nHands-free powered tailgate\nWelcome light carpet\nThe new rear bumper sees subtle profile changes on the diffuser section, while the shape of the taillamps remains untouched.\nThe new BMW 630i GT M Sport is offered in four exterior colours \u2013 the new \nBernina Grey\n amber effect (photographed), Mineral White, Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect.\nINTERIOR\nOpen the frameless door windows and you will be greeted with the familiar BMW dashboard that is also serving the new BMW 5 Series. The G32 BMW 630i GT M Sport shows generosity with space and excellent visibility, partly from raised seating positions (by 50 mm). At the back, headroom has been increased in spite of a lower roofline \u2013 achieved by optimising the seat system.\nSpecific M Sport items which are the steering wheel, foot pedals and door sills continue to decorate the interior of the new BMW 630i GT M Sport, while new items are the \nBMW Live Cockpit\n \nwith a\n \npair of 12.3-inch screens\n as standard. The graphics in the driver\u2019s display follow the theme of the BMW Operating System 7, where more information can be display due to the vastness of the displays.\nOther key comfort and convenience features in the new BMW 630i GT M Sport are:\nSensatec lined dashboard\nHead-up display\nBMW Display Key\nPanoramic glassroof\nSunshades for the rear side windows and windscreen\n4-zone automatic air-conditioning\nHarman Kardon 16-speaker system (464 Watts)\nSports seats for front occupants \u00a0\nAs for the shade of the interior, customers have the choice of either Black or Cognac, both of which are complete with \u2018Dakota\u2019 leather featuring exclusive stitching and leather piping in contrast.\nThe sloping GT rear end in the BMW 630i M Sport delivers an unrivalled \n600 litres\n of cargo space, with the added flexibility of the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. \u00a0\u00a0\nHans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, \u201cThe hallmark BMW DNA is enduring even in our niche models. It is a privilege for us to be able to meet the varied requirements of modern and discerning customers, with a BMW that combines long-distance comfort and sporting ability, with luxurious interior and intelligent functionality \u2013 for when we can enjoy travelling again.\u201d\nPERFORMANCE\nNo changes are found on the powertrain underneath the bonnet here, which continues to be powered by the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine. The newly available \n48-volt starter-generator mild-hybrid system\n that debuted in Europe last year is \nnot offered \nin Malaysia yet. \u00a0\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic, rear-wheel drive\nMax Power: 258 hp @ 5,000 rpm to 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,550 rpm to 4,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h: 6.5 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h (limited)\nFuel consumption: 7.3 l/100 km\nCuriously, the fuel consumption has increased by 0.7 l/100 km compared to the pre-facelift model and the century sprint time has also increased by a blink of an eye to register a time of \n6.5 seconds\n.\nA self-levelling air suspension is featured on the rear axle, where it keeps the ride height constant as well as offer exceptional ride comfort as well as BMWs renowned handling and body control. \u00a0\nSAFETY\nParking and manoeuvring the large BMW 630i GT M Sport is now less stressful, thanks to the addition of the new \nSurround View Camera\n that project\u2019s a bird\u2019s eye view of the vehicle.\nThere are six airbags fitted in the BMW 630i GT M Sport, and the \nBMW Driving Assistant\n continue to be equipped in the car.\nAcitve cruise control with stop-and-go function\nFront Collision Warning with brake intervention\nLane Departure Warning\nLane Change Warning (blind-spot monitoring)\nRear Cross Warning and Collision Prevention\nParking Assistant Plus with surround view camera\nPRICING\nAdding the \nextended warranty and service package\n see the new BMW 630i GT M Sport priced at \nRM417,659.05\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of all EEV incentives and SST exemptions.\nThe price with the standard 2-year warranty and inclusive of sales and service tax exemption see the new BMW 630i GT M Sport priced at \nRM400,839.05\n.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new BMW 630i GT M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,778 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).\nBMW Malaysia also released the price of the new BMW 630i GT M Sport at \nRM430,800\n (or RM413,980 with standard warranty) beginning July 1st 2021 when the government reinstates the SST.\nGALLERY"
"Dacia has been rated as one of the most reliable car brands out of 36 manufacturers in the 2017 Which? Car Guide \u2013 beating other more well-established and premium automotive manufacturers.\nVehicles manufactured by the Romanian car manufacturer aged between zero to three years old as well its cars aged three to eight years old have been awarded a five star brand reliability rating.\nThe annual \u201cWhich? Car Guide\u201d in 2017 which takes into account reliability and customer satisfaction relies on the feedback from more than 44,000 UK car owners based on their experiences in the last 12 months. It also considers repair costs, breakdowns, faults, time spent off the road for repairs and also the most common fault types for each model.\u00a0\nThe annual \u201cWhich? Car Guide\u201d in 2017, measuring reliability and customer satisfaction, is based on feedback from more than 44,000 UK car owners based on their experience in the last 12 months. As well as breakdowns and faults, it considers repair costs, the time a car is off the road for repairs and the most common fault types for each model.\n\u201cWe\u2019re delighted that Dacia has been rated as one of the most reliable car brands in the Which? Car Guide 2017. The Dacia range offers great value for money and are the most affordable cars in their respective segments.\u201d said Head of Dacia UK, Louise O\u2019Sullivan.\nOther awards Dacia have received for its cars include \u201cWhat Car?\u2019s Best Small Car under \u00a0\u00a312,000\u201d for five consecutive years for its Sandero. Dacia has sold over four million vehicles since Groupe Renault introduced the brand in Europe in 2004. In the UK, Dacia has sold over 100,000 cars to date since the brand was introduced in the UK in 2013."
"Twenty months after his last race in a Formula 1 car, it has now been confirmed that two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso will make a sensational return to the sport in 2021 with Renault DP World Formula 1 Team.\nFernando Alonso will be racing alongside Esteban Ocon with the French team, replacing star driver Daniel Ricciardo, \nwho will be leaving Renault at the end of this season to join McLaren\n.\nThe announcement makes Fernando Alonso the first driver in history to have three separate stints with a single team \u2013 having raced under the Renault banner from 2003-2006 where he won two world championship titles, 2008-2009, and now from 2021 onwards.\nCommenting on his return to Renault, Alonso said in a statement: \u201cIt\u2019s a great source of pride and with an immense emotion I\u2019m returning to the team that gave me my chance at the start of my career and which now gives me the opportunity to return to the highest level.\n\u201cI have principles and ambitions in line with the team\u2019s project. Their progress this winter gives credibility to the objectives for the 2022 season and I will share all my racing experience with everyone from the engineers to the mechanics and my team-mates.\n\u201cThe team wants and has the means to get back on the podium, as do I,\u201d he added.\nWith the signing of Fernando Alonso, Renault said in a statement that they intend to \u201cbuild a team around two complementary drivers, combining experience and youth, and pooling their values and talent\u201d in their efforts to return to the top of the sport.\n\u201cThe signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault\u2019s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached.\" \u2013 Cyril Abiteboul \npic.twitter.com/5hkhKqGd1V\n\u2014 BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) \nJuly 8, 2020\n \nRenault Sport Racing Managing Director, Cyril Abiteboul said, \u201cThe signing of Fernando Alonso is part of Groupe Renault\u2019s plan to continue its commitment to F1 and to return to the top of the field. His presence in our team is a formidable asset on the sporting level but also for the brand to which he is very attached.\n\u201cThe strength of the bond between him, the team and the fans make him a natural choice. In addition to past successes, it is a bold mutual choice as well as a project for the future. His experience and determination will enable us to get the best out of each other to take the team towards the excellence that modern Formula 1 demands.\n\u201cAlongside Esteban, his mission will be to help Renault DP World F1 Team prepare for the 2022 season in the best possible conditions.\u201d\nRenault did not reveal the length of the contract, but it is believed to run for two years, with options to continue further beyond that.\nWidely regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers in the history of the sport, Alonso will bring with him a wealth of experience from his 314 Grand Prix starts, 32 wins and 97 podiums. Beyond Formula 1, the Spaniard is also a two-time Le Mans 24 hours winner, and a World Endurance Championship winner.\nFernando Alonso has also raced in the Indy 500 in his attempt to achieve the motorsports triple crown (in addition to Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans victory), as well as the Dakar rally, where he finished a respectable 13th overall."
"Roundabouts \u2013 for most Malaysians, especially in densely populated areas, it rings a bell of frustration and despise. No roundabout will be complete without drivers merging into the wrong lane, trading honks along the way. Of course, not forgetting the ones who speed up intentionally to make their exit a fraction of a second quicker.\nAs \nprofound\n as it may seem, roundabouts are actually designed to promote smoother traffic flow, lower accident opportunities and shorten the time of coming to a standstill as opposed to a traffic light junction. But no matter how you look at it, roundabouts in Malaysia always seem to be taken the complete opposite way. Why is that?\nThe reason is simple, \nwe don\u2019t adhere to the correct methods of using a roundabout.\nHow many near misses have you had with the guy on the left simply because he was in the wrong lane while you were trying to make an exit? How many times have you had to come to a complete stop because the person on your right forcefully merged into your lane because he wanted to take the 9 o\u2019 clock exit?\nAs depicted in JPJs Learners Handbook\nThere are plenty of variations as to \u201c\nthe correct way\n\u201d of using a roundabout; some bizarre, others are just plain moving hazards. This, is how you should do it.\nAccording to the instructions listed in JPJs \nKurikulum Pendidikan Pemandu (KPP) \nor learner\u2019s guide that everyone has studied (at least, we hope you did) when trying to obtain a driver\u2019s license, you need to remember \ntwo things\n: \nbe in the correct lane\n before entering the roundabout and \nalways give way\n to the vehicle on your right.\nYou should be on the left lane if you are taking 9 & 12 o\u2019 clock exits and if you are exiting at 3 & 6 o\u2019 clock you should be on the right lane. If everyone followed this cheat sheet, we will see far less instances of cars from the left lane forcing their way through and blocking those who are making an exit resulting in a congestion.\nThe \nkey point\n here is that for a roundabout to function the way it was intended to, road users must always be on the correct lane before entering. Besides if you are not on the correct lane, you can always go around the circle and make the exit again.\nLet us all be considerate drivers and make the road a safer and better environment for the benefit of our sanity. Happy driving!"
"It seems that \nflying cars \nand \nnot silly-looking drones\n, will have a place in the wealthier circles of our society as \nSinar Harian\n reported that high-flying Kelantanese are opting for helicopters to return to their hometown this Hari Raya.\nAccording to reports, 20 helicopters have been made available for the upcoming festivity, with each costing over RM17,000 an hour to charter.\nGeely recently acquired the company that built this, the \nTerrafugia TF-X\n fully electric flying car, in hopes of commercialising flying cars.\nProvided by Hazmi Dimasyq Group, its owner claims it to be the first time that such a service is provided in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations.\nSo far, 11 bookings have been made \u2013 four of which are flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu \u2013 costing more than RM30,000 one way! Best part is, the helicopter rides to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur will take just three hours.\nNot the quickest around, with flights to Bangkok taking just over two hours but it\u2019s definitely a fraction of what most would spend on the road with stories of up to 18 hours needed just to reach the East Coast state.\nWhat a fantastic Hari Raya these fellas would have!"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia has just announced new zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) prices for its full line up of Ford models in Malaysia. This comes after the announcement from the new Pakatan Harapan Government to revise GST rate from 6 percent to zero.\nWith the new prices, SDAC\u2019s sales driver, the Ford Ranger now retails between RM79k to RM133k, a savings of RM4.6k to RM7.8k compared to before. Customers looking at the top of the line Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost and \n5.0L GT\n will save RM27.6k and RM33.2k respectively. The new prices will remain in effect until the Ministry of Finance (MoF) reintroduces the Sales and Services Tax (SST) so \nMalaysian shoppers will get to enjoy this \u201ctax-free holiday\u201d\n from 1 June 2018 till further notice.\nIn addition to that, SDAC is offering incredible deals in conjunction with the Raya festive season and its 10\nth\n anniversary celebration in Malaysia. Among the promotional items include a brand-new Fiesta 1.5L Sport (worth RM83k) for customers who purchase a new Mustang, 2-Years or 40,000 km free service and maintenance package for the \nRanger Wildtrak\n and lucky draw prizes (1 x Ford Fiesta & 15 x Huawei Mate 10 Pro) for customers who purchase a Ranger during this promotional period.\nCustomers are encouraged to book and submit their loan documents as soon as possible to be in time to register their vehicles in early June."
"BMW AG has introduced two new models to their Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) line-up with the addition of the X5 special edition and BMW X6 M Sport Edition which will be available from December.\nWhile it may look tamer than the \nBlack Fire Editions\n, the X5 Special Edition sports the M Sport Package equipped with Dakota leather trims and heated seats for the two front passengers. Alcantara and leather upholstery combination in Anthracite and Black will be available as an alternative at no extra cost along with M badging on the seat.\nThe BMW X5 Special Edition also comes with sun protection glass and a Multifunctional Instrument Display \u2013 a pair not available for the \nBMW X5 xDrive40e\n \niPerformance\n. All variants of the BMW X5 can be bought in with the Special Edition add-ons, with the exception of the M50d variant.\nOn the other hand, the M Sport Edition for the BMW X6 will be exclusively provided with Long Beach Blue metallic exterior alongside carbon fibre interior trims. Mineral White and Carbon Black metallic paint finishes are available as alternatives. What\u2019s also included in the M Sport package is the set of 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design with 21-inch upgrades as an option. All variants of the BMW X6 can be spec-ed with M Sport Edition trims save for the BMW X6 M50d.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It must have been a bustling Chinese New Year for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), as their \nongoing Chinese New Year promotions\n helped the Triton pick-up truck achieve its highest market share in the past 10 years, with \n22.8%\n for the month of January.\nThe achievement is in spite of the\n downturn in the pick-up truck market\n. In fact, the Mitsubishi Triton was the only pick-up in the segment to achieve a positive sales growth, with\n 1.6% increase\n from April 2019 to January 2020, compared to the same period last year.\n \nThe Mitsubishi Triton double cab also took home number one position in the pick-up truck segment in four states for the month of January \u2013 Klang Valley, Melaka, Penang and Kedah.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, \u201cWe are happy that we closed 2019 and begun 2020 strong with the Mitsubishi Triton that has managed to capture the hearts of Malaysians with the DNA of the \nbest handling pick-up truck\n.\n\u201cWith the achievement of ranking number one in J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI), we are committed to deliver top-notch service to all our customers,\u201d he added.\nThe current Triton line-up was \nlast updated November\n last year, and consists of the \nlimited edition Triton Knight\n, Triton Adventure X, Triton VGT Premium, Triton VGT, and the low-rider \nTriton Quest\n."
"Following its \ninternational debut\n back in 2017 and \nseveral previews\n in our country since 2018, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has now finally launched the highly-awaited Volkswagen Arteon here in Malaysia.\nThe Arteon is available locally in only one single variant \u2013 the R-Line \u2013 locally assembled in Pekan. It\u2019s priced at \nRM221,065\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of the year.\n \nEXTERIOR\nBilled as the Volkswagen CC replacement, the Arteon is characterised by its ultra-stylish looks, featuring a aggressively sloping C-pillar, lower roofline, and frameless doors. Exterior styling highlights include:\nAll Weather Light LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights\nLED taillights with dynamic indicators\nAggressive front chrome grille with R-Line badging\nRear bootlip spoiler in black\nLower chrome trimmings\n19-inch \u201cMontevideo\u201d alloy wheels\nExterior colour choices: Manganese Grey Metallic, Turmeric Yellow Metallic (shown here), Pyrite Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Oryx White Pearl.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe powertrain in the Arteon R-Line is lifted directly from the new \nPassat Elegance\n, featuring the new and improved 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine.\nEngine: 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine\nTransmission: seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG\nDrivetrain: Front engine, Front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 190 hp @ 4,180 \u2013 6,000 RPM\nMax torque: 320 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,180 RPM\nTo help with the driving experience, the Arteon R-Line is also equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as standard, offering up to 15 selectable increments in five different driving modes \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual.\nINTERIOR\nDespite the sloping fastback design of the Arteon, VW says that the long wheelbase paired and interior architecture design still allows for plenty of headroom and legroom for all five passengers, along with a \n563-litre cargo area\n at the back.\nThe rest of the interior is pretty similar to the Passat Elegance, save for the new central analogue clock and other R-Line niceties:\n11.7-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster\n9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink\n700W 11 speakers Dynaudio sound system with 16-channel digital amplifier\n14-way ErgoComfort seats in \u201cCarbon-Style\u201d Nappa leather and R-Line badging\nDriver seat massage function\nTri-zone automatic climate control\nThree-colour ambient lighting\nR-Line flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters\nR-Line stainless steel pedals and scuff plates\nHandsfree powered tailgate with Easy Close (20-second delayed closing)\nSAFETY\nAlthough largely based on the Passat Elegance, the new Arteon R-Line does differ slightly in the safety equipment list, namely the addition of an \nArea View 360-degree camera\n, and removal of the blind-spot monitoring system.\nUnfortunately, advanced driver assistance features such as \nautonomous emergency braking\n is still not available on the Arteon R-Line. Other standard safety features include:\nSeven airbags\nElectronic Stability Control (ESC)\nAnti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA)\nHill-hold Control\nProactive Passenger Protection System with Post Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System (cutting the fuel supply, unlocking the doors, and turning on hazard lights)\nActive Bonnet for pedestrian protection\nElectronic Differential Lock (XDS) to reduce understeer\nTyre Pressure Monitoring System\nManouevre braking (automatically applies brakes to prevent collision with detected objects at speeds of up to 10 km/h)\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the Volkswagen Arteon R-Line is now available in Malaysia, priced at \nRM221,065\n on the road, without insurance, and sales tax. Included in the price is a \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty\n,\n three-year free scheduled maintenance package\n, and \nfive-year roadside assistance\n.\nThe new Arteon R-Line will be on display as part of the \nVolkswagen Tour\n, happening this entire weekend (starting today) at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Following the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Recently, Mercedes-AMG bid farewell to the \nG 65 with an exclusive Final Edition\n and earlier in the year Mercedes-Benz introduced \ndesigner editions\n for the G-Class (G-Wagon) to spice up the ageing off-roader.\nThe company has added three limited edition variants for the G-Class \u2013 \nG 350 d Limited Edition\n, \nG 350 d Professional Limited Edition\n and \nG 500 Limited Edition\n, before officially retiring it from the production line. Only\n 463 units\n\u00a0will be built \u2013 in reference to the G-Class\u2019s internal model series code \u2013 of each, limited edition variants will be made worldwide.\nAll three variants will receive an embossed Sch\u00f6ckl badge on the centre armrest with the \u201cSch\u00f6ckl proved since 1979\u201d and \u201c\nLimited Edition 1 of 463\n\u201d lettering. \u201cLimited Edition\u201d emblems can also be found on the A-pillars and door sill (illuminated).\nThe \nG 350 d Limited Edition\n is finished in Designo Mocha Black Metallic paint job with brushed aluminium inserts on the front grille and outer protective strip as well as the Exterior Stainless Steel package and Chrome Package. It rides on 19-inch 5-spoke AMG lightweight alloy wheels painted in Titanium Grey.\nG 350 d Limited Edition\nInside, the car is furnished in Saddle Brown Designo Nappa leather upholstery. Other creature comfort items include AMG Performance Steering Wheel, Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, powered sunroof and a range of advanced driving technologies.\nBuilding on the G 350 d Limited Edition, the \nG 350 d Professional Limited Edition\n gets a China Blue paintwork, steel front bumper, protective grilles, front mud flaps, Professional Off-Road Package, roof rack and fabric upholstery. Positioned as a robust off-roader, this variant is for the hardcore outdoor enthusiast.\nG 500 Limited Edition\nLastly, the \nG 500 Limited Edition\n embodies the character of an extroverted urbanite with its Designo Platinum Magno with Mango Black trims. The interior features exquisite Black Designo Nappa leather with white contrast stitching for understated luxury.\nNo changes were made to the mechanics \u2013 the G 350 d gets a \n241 hp\n/\n600 Nm\n 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel while the G 500 is powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 pushing out \n415 hp\n and \n610 Nm\n of twisting force.\nLocally, you can purchase the Mercedes-AMG G 63 from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia for a cool \nRM1.18 million\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s not uncommon for car companies in Malaysia to loan test units to law enforcement agencies in an effort to boost fleet sales. Just like other government agencies, police force are customers too and they do get a lot of eyeballs.\nLooks like the PDRM is getting two Honda Civic variants for evaluation, we like the one with the oversized spoiler more.\nSo when a set of images showing the Honda Civic Type R in PDRM colours cropped up on social media, you can imagine the level of interest generated by this 310 hp hot hatch produced by Honda\u2019s Swindon plant in the United Kingdom.\nLet\u2019s hope PDRM catch bad guys faster with the Type R.\nApparently the FK8 Civic Type R is set to undergo \u2018technical evaluation\u2019 by the PDRM on its suitability; of which we believe the Type R will pass with flying colours \u2013 it\u2019s rapid, sticks to the road, rides comfortably and has a spacious enough interior for personnel who may have had one goreng pisang too many. Even hoodlums will find its ample rear legroom rather pleasant.\n \nThe PDRM has over years maintained quite a desirable fleet of fast patrol cars, ranging from the Alfa Romeo Alfetta in the 70s, the Volvo 850 T5 wagon in the 90s and more recently, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X \u2013 all of which we believe have three pedals, so the Type R with its slick 6-speed manual transmission may actually be carrying on a proud tradition."
"After Toyota launched its \nGR Sportscar Series\n in late 2017, the Japanese carmaker has unveiled in full, the Toyota 86 GR Sport. This GR Sportscar Series is Toyota\u2019s initiative to spice up their model range in hopes of cultivating the pleasure of getting behind the wheel.\nThe 86 GR Sport benefits from a sharper exterior styling thanks to GR specific front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler and GR Rays forged aluminium wheel measuring 17-inch in diameter. There are two wheel options for customers to choose from \u2013 17 \u00d7 7.5J front & rear or 17 \u00d7 7.5J front & 17 \u00d7 8.5J the latter comes with mixed tyre size setup.\nInside, the 86 GR Sport gains a new three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, GR branded start button, 7.0-inch GR T-Connect Navi with Toyota Gazoo Racing Recorder that displays various track performance data as well as a white instrument cluster centre dial.\nUnfortunately, Toyota did not give the new 86 variant any power upgrades whatsoever. It still gets the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine pushing out \n200 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. Drive is of course sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed auto or manual transmission.   The only performance enhancing option that customers can spec are the Brembo brakes in two configurations 4 pot front & 2 pot rear or the more aggressive set up of 6 pot front and 4 pot rear, GR front steering rack brace and GR rear suspension member brace.\nExisting Toyota 86 owners can also retrofit all the aforementioned GR parts onto their car beginning October 2018 onwards.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota 86 GR Sport (AT)"
"In light of the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to the 28th of April, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced \non Facebook\n that it will extend its \nservice schedule and warranty grace period\n as a commitment to its customers during these uncertain times.\nFor vehicles where the \nscheduled service period due date\n falls between the \n13th of March and 28th of April\n, customers will be given an extended grace period of \nsixty days\n post the end of the MCO to have their cars serviced. Cars serviced within this extended grace period will not be considered as having missed a scheduled service.\nAs for the warranty grace period, MBM said that it will \ncontinue to honour all vehicle warranties\n expiring between the \n13th of March and 30th June 2020\n. The company urges customers to carry out all warranty repairs \nwithin sixty days\n of June 30.\n In line with the MCO guidelines, all Mercedes-Benz authorised dealerships and service outlets across the nation will remain closed. However, the Service24h Roadside Assistance service will remain operational \u2013 for emergencies and urgent queries, customers are advised to contact the emergency hotline at \n1-800-88-1133\n."
"BMW Malaysia has just unveiled the \nupdated 2023 BMW 3 Series facelift\n here on our shores, featuring a slightly reworked exterior design and an updated interior with the BMW iDrive 8.0 operating system.\nJust like before, the 3 Series line-up in Malaysia will kick off with the 320i M Sport variant, with pricing starting from RM283,800 for the locally-assembled entry-level model. At launch, the 2023 BMW 320i M Sport will also be joined by the \n330i M Sport\n and \n330e M Sport \nin Malaysia, which you can learn more about \nhere\n and \nhere\n.\n \nWe\u2019re not getting the M340i and 330Li variants at launch, but BMW Malaysia confirmed that \u201ctwo new variants\u201d will be launched very soon within the next few months, so it\u2019s likely that they were referring to those two \u2013 keep your eyes peeled!\nFacelift exterior \u2013 M Sport bodykit as standard\nThe main \u201cfacelift\u201d can be found on the new 2023 BMW 3 Series\u2019 front fascia. The kidney grille has been slightly reshaped, now finished with a new double bar pattern. Flanking the grille are the new reworked headlights that now features a more streamlined look without the notch at the bottom, alongside a new twin inverted L-shaped daytime-running lights signature.\nSimilar to the limited-unit 320i Runout Edition, the new 2023 BMW 320i now also comes as standard with the M Sport kit here in Malaysia. Up front, the bumper now features a hexagonal lower air intake flanked by twin L-shaped air curtain intakes, while at the back, there\u2019s also a chunky gloss-black diffuser element that occupies most of the rear bumper.\nAs part of the M Sport package, the new 2023 BMW 320i comes equipped with the 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 848 M (staggered sizing), alongside the larger tailpipes, M Aerodynamics package, M High-gloss Shadowline, as well as additional M badges on the sides.\nRefreshed interior with BMW Curved Display\nThe highlight of the updated 2023 BMW 320i M Sport\u2019s interior is the new BMW Curved Display unit, which combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display under a single curved pane of glass, perched up on the dashboard.\nThe new displays run on the marque\u2019s latest\n iDrive 8.0 operating system\n, and boasts heavily upgraded functionalities with more modern technologies, such as wide range of connected services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 5G connectivity, the \u201cHey BMW\u201d intelligent voice assistant, as well as over-the-air software updates.\nAs part of the new displays, included in the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package, the 2023 BMW 320i M Sport also now comes with a head-up display as standard.\nIn order to accommodate the new displays, the dashboard of the new 3 Series had to be slightly redesigned. The central air vents are now slightly slimmer than before, with the air-conditioning controls moved into the touchscreen itself, while the bank of shortcut buttons below is replaced by new haptic touch buttons for the hazard lights and window defrosters.\nFurther below on the centre console, the gearshift lever has also now been replaced by a toggle switch for a sleeker and more modern appearance.\nAs part of the M Sport package, the new 2023 BMW 320i M Sport is also peppered with a myriad of M furnishing touches to provide for a \u201csportier driving feel\u201d. These include the M door sill plates with a stainless-steel look, M driver\u2019s footrest, M pedals, sport seats for the driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, the M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim, as well as M-specific displays in the instrument cluster.\nThe upholstery in the new 2023 BMW 320i M Sport is covered in black Vernsasca leather, and paired to the M anthracite headliner as standard.\n2023 BMW 320i M Sport performance\nThe powertrain of the new BMW 320i M Sport remains unchanged from before, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine underneath the bonnet making 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 7.4 seconds, onward to a top speed of 235 km/h.\nCourtesy of the M Sport kit, the BMW 320i M Sport in Malaysia also comes with M Sport Suspension as standard.\nAlso unchanged here is the advanced driver assistance system, with the new 2023 BMW 320i M Sport coming with the Driving Assistant package as standard. The package includes features such as lane departure warning with active steering interventions, lane change warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, speed limit info, and manual speed limit assist.\nThe 2023 BMW 320i M Sport also comes with the Parking Assistant package as standard here in Malaysia, which enables features such as Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control, Lateral Parking Aid, a reverse camera, and Reversing Assistant.\n2023 BMW 320i M Sport pricing in Malaysia\nThe BMW 320i M Sport is priced at RM283,800, inclusive of the BMW Warranty and Repair package which extends the vehicle\u2019s warranty to five years (unlimited mileage), alongside five years of free scheduled maintenance. As an option, customers can also purchase the vehicle with a standard two-year warranty at a lower retail price.\nGALLERY"
"Despite the declining popularity and demand for estate/wagon body styled cars, to everyone\u2019s surprise, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has decided to introduce the V90 here in Malaysia. Two variants are available \u2013 T5 and T6 AWD R-Design, priced at RM394k and RM459k respectively.\nLaunched simultaneously as its \nsedan twin\n, Mr Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of VCM explained that the company\u2019s decision to introduce the V90 estate is due of the increasingly dynamic lifestyle of Malaysians, and he believes that more people will rediscover the appeal of a premium estate.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo V90 T5\nVolvo V90 T6 AWD R-Design\nEngine\n1,969cc; in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged\n1,969cc; in-line 4-cylinder supercharged & turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\n\u00a08-speed automatic\nMax Power\n254 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n400 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7 seconds; 230 km/h\n6.1 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM393,888\nRM458,888\nEXTERIOR\nSharing the same Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) as\u00a0the XC90 and S90, the V90\u2019s dimensions are very close to the S90. Compared to the sedan, the V90 measures 4,936 mm (-27 mm) in length, 1,879 mm (-11 mm) in width 1,475 mm (+32mm) in height and a wheelbase of 2,941 mm.   At the front, the V90 looks identical to the S90. As such, it gets LED headlamps with \u201cThor\u2019s Hammer\u201d LED daytime running lights and chrome front grille with Volvo Iron Mark. The V90 gets a redesigned rear profile with a roofline that extends to the tailgate. The taillights are specifically designed to highlight the estate profile of the V90.\nOn T5 models, a 10-spoke 18-inch \u201cTurbine\u201d alloy wheels wrapped in 245/45 profile tyres is specified. T6 R-Design on the other hand gets a five-spoke 19-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels wrapped in 255/40 profile tyres along with several unique design cues such as black accents on the front and rear bumper, gloss black grille and side metal finish side mirror caps. It also gets a more advanced full LED adaptive headlamps and R-Design badge at the rear.\nINTERIOR\nLike the S90, you can specify the interior leather in Charcoal, Amber or Blond in combination with two inlay options \u2013 Iron Ore or Dark Flame Birch. Only difference between the V90 and S90 is the capability to swallow\n 913 litres\n of cargo, which is 413 litres more than the S90! With the seats folded down, the V90 can take up to 1,526 litres of cargo.   Standard equipment dittos the V90 which include 9-inch Sensus Connect Portrait touchscreen infotainment system with 10-speakers, leather upholstery, 12-way powered front seats with driver side memory function, leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive Digital Display, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control system with CleanZone Interior Air Quality system and reverse camera. In addition, the V90 gets a powered tailgate.\nT6 R-Design gets perforated leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Charcoal perforated Nappa leather seats, R-Design sports pedal, heads up display, 360-degree camera, powered sun roof, sun shade for rear passenger windows and powered rear sun blinds. Customers are also able to choose between Metal Mesh or Carbon Fibre deco inlay to go with the Nubuck interior theme.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood of the V90 T5 is the same 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder found on the S90 with the same state of tune of \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Transmission of choice is an eight-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. Due to the heavier body, the V90 T5 goes from 0 to 100 km/h a fraction of a second slower than its sedan sibling at \n7 seconds\n flat. Top speed however remains at \n230 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is also slightly higher at\n 6.8 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe V90 T6 also gets the same 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged in-line four, pushing out \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to all four corners via the same eight-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in \n6.1 seconds\n before maxing out at \n250 km/h\n. The V90 will sip \n7.7 litres of fuel per 100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nLike the S90, the V90 also comes with IntelliSafe package that bundles Collision Avoidance with intersection support, Pedestrian, Cyclist &Large Animal Detection, Rear Collision Warning & Mitigations Support, Run-off Road Mitigation, Pilot Assist with steering assistance (up to 130 km/h), Driver Alert Control with Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Volvo V90 can be had in six exterior shades \u2013 Onyx Black, Ice White, Osmium Grey, Bright Silver, Mussel Blue (exclusive to T5 variants) and Bursting Blue (exclusive to T6 R-Design variants). All purchases of the V90 come with a 5-Year or 120,000km warranty as well as five years Volvo on-call package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo V90 T6 AWD R-Design   Volvo V90 T5"
"Volvo\u2019s official performance arm, Polestar has just reached a significant milestone since \nVolvo took it under its wing in 2015\n\u00a0by tuning 100,000 Volvo cars. In the first five months of 2017 alone, Polestar tuned 12,000 cars, the highest ever for them.\nThe astonishing sales growth is driven by the high demand for Polestar optimisations for the new-generation Drive-E powertrains such as the T5 and T6 variants. The most popular is the \nfirst-generation XC60\n followed by the \nXC90\n and V60. China, Sweden and United States emerged as the top three markets with the highest demand.\nVolvo vehicles with Polestar optimisation boasts enhanced engine performance, throttle response, gearshifts, gear hold functionality and off-throttle response. All modifications done by Polestar does not tamper with emissions, fuel consumption, service intervals and Volvo warranties. Locally, Volvo Car Malaysia offers Polestar optimisations upon request, such as the \nVolvo V40 T5 Polestar\n we\u2019ve sampled recently."
"A limited-edition, bespoke Porsche 911 has been revealed by established independent Porsche specialist Paul Stephens and I think it\u2019s as beautiful as seeing your fiancee in a wedding dress for the first time.\nIt\u2019s called the Le Mans Classic Clubsport and it\u2019s priced at around \u00a3250,000 (approx. RM1.3 million) but may rise depending on the final specification.\nBased on an original 911 body tub, it was restored before its conversion into a Clubsport model. Available in the more forgiving Touring spec or a raw Lightweight edition featuring lightweight roof panels, side mirrors, bumpers and bonnet,\n just 10 of these hand-finished models will be available\n \u2013 to mark the 10th edition of the Classic Le Mans event.\nThe Le Mans Classic Clubsport gets \n304 hp\n of thrust from the back, wherein lies a 3.4-litre air-cooled flat-six which itself has gone through some significant upgrades.\nThe list includes individual throttle bodies, GT3 RS plenum, RS specification camshafts, a lightened and balanced crankshaft, lightweight conrods, a lightweight flywheel mated to a 5-speed Getrag G50 gearbox with a limited slip differential.\nWith a kerb weight as low as 970 kg in Lightweight specification (1,075 kg in Clubsport guise), 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds before\u00a0 it hits a top speed of 282 km/h.\nArguably, you can get to 100 km/h a lot quicker in cars with the same asking price but this car is not about the numbers. You\u2019re paying for the privilege to stand out from those who are already trying to be different and the rewards are from the journey and not at the destination.\nEach of the ten editions are completed with a \nspecially-commissioned Le Mans Classic luggage set\n and hand-painted Le Mans Classic bodywork detailing.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After what seems like years of rumours and speculations, \nAudi\n and \nPorsche\n are now finally confirmed to be joining the \nFormula 1\n circus starting 2026, with the final official word coming directly from the horse\u2019s mouth \u2013 \nVolkswagen\n CEO Herbert Diess.\nAccording to a report by \nReuters\n, Diess said at an event in Wolfsburg this past Monday that the board essentially \u201c[ran] out of arguments\u201d against joining F1, after the brands made a case that the move will bring in more money than it will cost.\nFrom the report, Audi is ready to offer up to EUR500 million (approx. RM2.3 billion) to buy out McLaren (including McLaren Automotive and its racing team) as a mean to enter Formula 1, although \nBBC\n reported that talks are also ongoing with Sauber (Alfa Romeo Orlen Racing), Williams, and Aston Martin.\nMeanwhile, Porsche intends to establish a \u201clong-term partnership\u201d with Red Bull Racing, particularly the team\u2019s new engine division, to mark its entrance into the motorsport series by supplying new engines from 2026. Diess says that as of Monday, Porsche\u2019s preparations for entering Formula 1 were a little more concrete than Audi\u2019s.\nALSO READ: The retro-styled Porsche 911 Sport Classic is the most powerful manual 911 you can buy\nFormula 1 will be introducing a new set of engine regulations in 2026, which are designed to be fully-sustainable, tying in to the sport\u2019s plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 with the \nuse of synthetic fuels\n. Porsche, if you recall, has (\ncoincidentally?\n) been \ninvesting heavily into this area in recent years\n.\nDiess said that the new regulations will be the perfect entry point, as it helps even out the playing field for new competitors. \u201cYou can\u2019t get into Formula 1 unless a technology window opens, you need a rule change to get in there,\u201d he added.\nSince the introduction of the Turbo Hybrid era, Formula 1 has largely been dominated by VW\u2019s German Rival Mercedes, although they\u2019ve not risen to the same standards this year with the newly-implemented aerodynamic regulations."
"The \nupdated 2020 Grand Carnival\n will now only be available in a single variant, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine with \n200 hp \nand \n440 Nm \nof torque.\nIt\u2019s around RM5k cheaper than the high-grade SX variant that has been axed, at RM 179,888. The exterior remains largely the same save for the addition of a roof rack. Otherwise, the Grand Carnival soldiers on with the same 18-inch alloy wheel design with halogen projector headlamps and LED combination tail lamps. The biggest change however, lies within the cabin. In this model, you get fabric seats with the only visible downgrade seen on the instrument cluster.\n \nIt gets a more somber black and white display, unlike the coloured display found in the previous SX high grade model. Not only that, the Grand Carnival is now \nable to accommodate up to 11 passengers\n, compared to the maximum of eight from before.\nSeating layout is versatile as well; the Grand Carnival \ncan be set up to be a six, seven or eight seater\n. If you\u2019re looking for space rather than capacity, simply flip up the middle seats on every row to create an aisle to access the third row.\nAs for equipment, you get four USB ports, a reverse camera, an ioniser, six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 3-zone air condition and electric sliding doors on both sides.\nAs for safety, the Carnival gets six airbags, hill start assist and four ISOFIX points. Another thing we noted was that the middles seats from the 2nd to 4th row only come with lap belts.\nGALLERY"
"Just a short three months since its global premiere, the \nFerrari 296 GTS\n has now made its Southeast Asian regional debut here in Malaysia last night, at the Sepang International Circuit.\nThe 296 GTS is described as the \u201clatest evolution of Maranello\u2019s mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta spider\u201d, and will go on sale here in Malaysia starting at a price of\n RM1,448,000\n before duties, taxes, insurance, and any customisable options.\nAs the name suggests, the 296 GTS is nearly identical to its coupe/berlinetta counterpart, the \n296 GTB\n \u2013 both sharing the same basic aluminium chassis, and most importantly, the new \u2018Picollo V12\u2019 3.0-litre V6 hybrid engine. To account for the removal of the roof, however, Ferrari did have to make several modifications to both the chassis and design (\nobviously\n) of the 296 GTS.\nOn the former, the A-pillars, B-pillars, and sills have been strengthened, improving torsional rigidity and bending stiffness by 50% and 8% respectively compared to previous spider applications.\nALSO READ: Ferrari 296 GTB lands in Malaysia \u2013 from RM1.2 million before tax\nAs for design, the folding hardtop unfortunately meant that the beautiful see-through engine cover had to be shrunk down to just a tiny window now, making space for the roof\u2019s storage. But at least, the redesigned buttresses do give the 296 GTS a unique silhouette, and the virtual fairings at the back also ensures that the aerodynamic performance is unchanged from the GTB.\nOn the mention of the roof, Ferrari says that the unit takes 14 seconds to retract or deploy, and can be operated at speeds of up to 45 km/h.\nThe addition of a retractable hard-top roof does come at a weight penalty of 70 kg, pushing the total kerb weight up to 1,540 kg. But despite the added weight, Ferrari still quotes an identical 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n2.9 seconds\n, with only the 0-200 km/h time taking three-tenths slower at \n7.6 seconds\n, compared to 7.3 seconds of the GTB. Top speed is also identical to the coupe counterpart, which is rated at \nover 330 km/h\n.\nThe \n830 hp\n and \n740 Nm \n(663 hp from engine) output figures also remain identical to the coupe, as is the 25 km of electric driving range when in EV mode, which can be engaged at speeds of up to 135 km/h.\nAll of the 296 GTB\u2019s electronic smarts have also been brought over to the Spider, including eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control), electric traction control (eTC), eDiff, a new ABS evo brake-by-wire control system, and a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) \u2013 the latter is said to enhance the car\u2019s \u201cfun to drive factor\u201d by sending relevant data to the various electronic systems.\nJust like the Berlinetta, the Ferrari 296 GTS will also be offered with the Assetto Fiorano package, as seen here in the photos. The package swaps out several trims both inside and out with lightweight materials for an overall weight-saving of 8 kg, and also adds on additional carbon-fibre aero bits for an additional 10 kg of downforce.\nThere\u2019s also a set of special \u201cGT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use\u201d, plus if you want it, a special design livery (as seen here) inspired by the Ferrari 250 Le Mans race car, running from the front wings all the way to the rear spoiler.\nGALLERY"
"Proton has announced their sales performance figures for the month of September, which saw the national carmaker achieving a total of 8,934 units registered last month.\u00a0\nProton says that this represents a growth of 97% over the same period last year, with an estimated 20.2% gain in market share this month \u2013 the highest in 66 months. The latest sales figures, which takes into account export sales, have helped Proton achieve an estimated year-to-date market share of 15.8%.\nPart of Proton\u2019s success is due to the reception of the Proton Saga, which saw 3,994 units delivered last month alone \u2013 the highest monthly deliveries of any Proton model.\nWith over 20,000 booked since launch, the Proton Saga has reclaimed the best-selling A-segment sedan in Malaysia title after a 3-year hiatus.\nWith September\u2019s sales figure, Proton has delivered 70,330 units so far this year, overtaking their total overall sales of the previous year \u2013 which saw 64,744 units registered \u2013 in just 9 months.\u00a0\nProton\u2019s new corporate image provides a new experience in their showroom.\nProton however has said that opening of new 3S and 4S outlets as well as improving Sales Service Index (SSI) and Customer Service Index (CSI) scores remain a priority for the company. As of the end of last month, Proton has 104 certified 3S and 4S outlets in Malaysia.\nProton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cAs we continue to evolve as a brand, it\u2019s vital that the service delivered at our outlets and dealerships evolves in tandem as the point of contact for our customers are the frontline staff. Therefore, an improvement to our SSI and CSI scores is a priority for everyone at the company as a means to maintain and even improve our sales growth momentum in the future.\u201d"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced the arrival of their megavan, the V-Class. The Malaysian-market Mercedes-Benz V-Class is available in the form of V 220 d, and customers can choose from either the standard or Avantgarde versions followed by a long list of customisation options.\nThe \nV 220 d\n can be had in \ntwo different wheelbases\n and \nthree body lengths\n, ranging from 4,895 mm to 5,370 mm. Depending on which option chosen, it can carry up to eight persons on board.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz V 220 d\nSegment\nPremium MPV\nEngine\n2.1-litre\u00a0turbodiesel\nMax Power\n163 hp\nMax Torque\n380 Nm\nBase Price\nRM434,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nEven though the V 220 d came from a van background, the front is still recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz, with a huge \nthree-pointed star\n sitting in the middle of the grille and a pair of shapely headlamps. \nLED Intelligent Light System\n and \nAdaptive Highbeam Assist\n are optional items, though.\nThis vast vehicle has been aerodynamically optimised for the same basic reasons. The smooth styling at the front, the wing mirrors, the underbody panelling, and even the wheel arches; all play a part in contributing to a rather impressive drag coefficient of\n\u00a00.31\n, making the V-Class the most aerodynamic vehicle in its segment.\nThe sides are sculpted with strong character lines that ties the front and the back, while the rump\u00a0features a \nwide and low tailgate\n. If you\u2019re worried of not having enough space to open the rear tailgate, you can specify it with the optional \nseparately opening rear window\n. Another option to consider is the \npowered tailgate\n that can be stopped in any position.\nINTERIOR\nUp front, the dashboard design is shared with the current crop of Benzes featuring the round air vents and the \nfree-standing central display\n. The \nComand controller with touchpad\n sits in the middle of the dash to control the mentioned screen on top.   Audio 20 system\n is offered as standard, but you can upgrade to the latest generation \nCOMAND Online\n system which allows internet browsing and even a thumping \n16-speaker Burmester surround sound system\n. The front seats can also be specified with \n4-way lumbar support\n and \nactive seat ventilation\n with reversing fans. Speaking of ventilation, there\u2019s an optional \nTHERMOTRONIC climate control system\n that is able to automatically adjust cabin airflow based on the surrounding environment.   Behind the front seats, a multitude of seating configurations are offered. The standard setup is two rows of two individual seats, but buyers can specify two rows of three-passenger benches. Each bench consists of two-piece base and three splitting backrests, and the right-hand can be taken out separately, or removed together with the rest to create a cavernous loading bay. Whichever seat setup you choose you will still get a \nthree-point safety belts\n for each occupants.\nPERFORMANCE\nGetting the V 220 d in motion is a\n 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel\n that produces \n163 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at \n5.7 l/100 km\n, and the diesel lump is mated to the \n7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission\n.\nFour driving modes can be selected from the\n AGILITY SELECT\n: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Manual, and the optional \nAGILITY CONTROL suspension\n allows selective damper adjustments. Remember,\u00a0we\u2019re talking about a five-metre long people carrier here.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe V 220 d retails from \nRM434,888\n onwards, and most of the optional goodies are equipped as standard on the Avantgarde trim, such as LED headlamps, the separately opening rear window, AGILITY CONTROL suspension and get this \u2013 a passenger side rear sliding door. The standard V 220 d has to make do with just a single rear sliding door on the right-hand side.\nOther available options include\u00a0\nActive Parking Assist\n, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, \nDISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control\n with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, and \n360\u00b0 camera\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the reopening of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, the company also released an enchanting drone video with unbelievably dynamic flights like nothing you\u2019ve ever seen before.\nThe video was produced using mini-drones that weighed less than 100 grams, even with high-resolution 4K cameras strapped on them. As you can see from the images, they\u2019re only a tad larger than the palm of an adult, allowing them to fly and hover through the tiniest gaps and openings that resulted in the ultra-cool, dynamic shots.\n \nEven Mercedes-Benz themselves admitted it was a bold idea as there were risks of damaging the exhibits, which were worth millions. However, they couldn\u2019t resist the opportunity to showcase the museum in a way that\u2019s never been seen before, amid the Covid-19 lockdown and the inevitable closure of the Musuem, albeit temporarily.\n\u201cHere at the Mercedes-Benz Museum we\u2019re always trying to implement new things and take unconventional paths on our social media channels. It drew a lot of attention and the response has spoken for itself,\u201d says Mercedes-Benz Museum, Social Media Manager, Michael Abele.\nThe green light for filming was given under the proviso that the vehicles would be protected from being damaged at all times. As such, the filmmakers practised intensively before executing certain shots using real obstacles and digital simulations.\nThe filmmakers from \nminidrone.studio\n expressed relief after the 3-day shoot, but highlighted that the shoot process wasn\u2019t as fun as the video appeared.\nIn order to acquire those incredible shots, they had to fly through the tightest spots at a really high speed \u2013 they were not sped up during the editing process. If anything, the speed of these footages had to be \u201cslowed down\u201d to allow viewers to properly appreciate the exhibits.\n\u201cIn total, we used four different types of drones for filming at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Such drones are not ready-made for purchase and had to be modified using various components to suit our needs\u201d, said Daniel Wagner of minidrone.studio.\nSmaller drones were used indoors and through tight spaces but for the outside/wider shots, the team opted for a larger drone to withstand the winds. Using video eyewear, the team also managed to get long uncut shots which added more \u201coomph\u201d to the final video.\n\u201cWe look forward to inspire more people to visit us with this new video, either in person or from the comforts of their sofa at home,\u201d says Head of Mercedes-Benz Museum, Monja B\u00fcdke."
"Attention E46, E90 3-Series and E60 5-Series owners, you can now purchase engine oil service packages on e-commerce platform Lazada for your vehicles to be serviced at participating authorised BMW dealers. Said packages starts from RM450, inclusive of original BMW engine oil, oil filter and labour.\nHarald Hoelzl, Managing Director for BMW Group Malaysia said, \u201cIn our pursuit to increase the sheer pleasure of a BMW ownership experience, we are excited to be partnering with the leading e-commerce platforms in the country, to make Original BMW Engine Oil and Service more readily available to BMW owners. This marks the first offering by BMW Authorised Dealers after-sales on an e-commerce platform, which enables BMW owners to enjoy peace of mind ownership experience from wherever they are, be it on their computer, laptop, or smartphones.\u201d\nWe wonder how much an oil change for the E60 M5 V10 would cost?\nHere\u2019s how it works; purchase the BMW Oil Change Service via any of the participating dealers on Lazada, the authorised dealer will call within one business day to schedule an appointment, and then show up with your BMW on the day of appointment for the oil change. Simple.\nParticipating BMW authorised dealers include Auto Bavaria Glenmarie, Auto Bavaria Johor Bahru, Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, Auto Bavaria Penang, Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi, Ingress Auto Damansara, Lee Motors Auto Care Alor Setar, Seong Hoe Premium Motors Melaka, Tian Siang Premium Auto Butterworth, Tian Siang Premium Auto Ipoh and Wearnes Autohaus Tebrau.\nIf you\u2019re wondering why your model isn\u2019t on the Engine Oil Service Package list, BMW Group Malaysia and its dealers will be offering oil change packages to cover more models as the BMW Service Inclusive programme runs out on newer models such as F10 5-Series and F30 3-Series."
"Imagine the sight of over 100 different Lamborghinis gathering in one spot, wouldn\u2019t that be unforgettable? Not only will that memory live on with the public who were there to witness the gathering, but it also made its way into the history books.\nLast weekend, members of the Lamborghini Owners Malaysia (LOM) club came out in full force to set a new record for the \u2018Largest Gathering of Lamborghinis at an event\u2019 in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.\nA total of 112 Lamborghinis showed up that day, comprising various models such as the Murcielago, Huracan, Aventador, and the hot-selling Urus SUV.\nThe previous record set in 2013, in conjunction with Lamborghini\u2019s 50th-anniversary celebration, only saw 77 participating owners from Malaysia and Singapore.\nThis time around those present were made up of owners from Peninsular Malaysia only. Interestingly, the previous record set nearly 10 years ago, took place in the exact same venue as the one last weekend.\nMembers of LOM and the public were treated to a lion dance before LOM was handed a certificate from officials of the Malaysia Book of Records to confirm the new record.\nFollowing the record-breaking feat, member conveyed to La Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort in Bukit Tinggi for a gala dubbed the \u2018Bulls Ball\u2019 not only to celebrate the new record but also for charity as members aimed to raise some RM40,000 for four different charities. Full details on that will be announced later.\nLOM was established in 2014 with only 50 members but that figure has since grown to 150 this present day.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Moments\n will look to offer BMW owners with best-in-class services and privileges \u2013 ranging from financial solutions, care and assistance and lifestyle privileges \u2013 through three categories. They consist of BMW Support, BMW Care and BMW Privileges.\nHarald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, \u201cAt BMW, we have always been committed to providing our customers with first-class service that delivers the best-in-class ownership experience. We will continuously deliver the freedom to enjoy the promise of Sheer Driving Pleasure with peace of mind through innovative, industry-first products and services for our valued customers. Now, BMW Moments will allow us to better communicate and deliver the Complete BMW Premium Ownership Experience that we have to offer every customer.\u201d\n With\u00a0\nBMW Support\n, BMW owners are guaranteed absolute peace of mind with the BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.\nAvailable to customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and just a mere call away, qualified specialists from the call centre will take care of absolutely everything that needs to be done in the event of a breakdown or accident.\nThe program offers lifetime phone assistance as well as comprehensive mobility services in case of an emergency or break down at no cost for new owners.\nAs part of the complete\n BMW Care\n package, all new BMW vehicles come with the manufacturer-backed BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.\nBy extension, the programme also includes free scheduled service and maintenance for up to 100,000km. The scope of services with the warranty programme consists of engine oil changes to other vehicle checks.\nThe BMW 2-Year Tyre Warranty programme entitles owners to a comprehensive tyre protection plan that covers tyre damages caused by any sharp objects or by hitting the edge of a curb or pothole.\nBMW Approved Star-Marked Tyres are the only tyres manufactured to the specifications and performance standards of a BMW vehicle.\nBMW Privileges\n are offered via BMW White Card, BMW White Card Elite, or the BMW Excellence Club for the BMW 7 Series owners. Whether it\u2019s receiving invitations to exclusive BMW events or a host of dining, shopping and lifestyle offerings, the BMW owners club is the gateway to an incomparable premium lifestyle."
"The New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) recently put the \nToyota C-HR\n through its latest crash test and performed as you would expect from an RM145k crossover. The C-HR was awarded the full 5-Star crash safety rating with an overall score of 91.31 points (out of 100).\nThe variant tested was a 1.8L CVT, made in Thailand for the regional market including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. Standard equipment for all markets includes seven airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, seatbelt reminders and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.\nAll other markets except Brunei gets Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert while customers in Singapore and Thailand can have the \nToyota Safety Sense\n suite as an option that bundles autonomous emergency braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist.\nIn the \nAdult Occupant Protection\n, the C-HR scored a remarkable 35.80 out of the maximum 36 points, another testament to the rigidity of the \nToyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform\n. It fared equally well in the \nChild Occupant Protection\n with 40.89 points (out of 49) while it did 14.92 points (out of 18) in the\n Safety Assist\n category. All these combined gives a weighted overall score of 91.31 points and a full 5-Star rating.\nPresident of UMW Toyota Motor, Mr Ravindran K. commented on the result: \u201cWe\u2019re very pleased to receive the 5-star rating by ASEAN NCAP for the All-New C-HR which recognises Toyota\u2019s on-going commitment to improve vehicle safety. As distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, it is very important for us to ensure that our vehicles are equipped with the best safety features in order to provide protection for our customers.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota C-HR 1.8L CVT in Malaysia"
"It was just another late night routine; going through the classifieds on Mudah.my, looking through cars and used parts that often times are beyond my financial reach, but like most of us, I do it nonetheless because it\u2019s fun and it keeps me amused.\nMostly because every now and then, I\u2019d stumble upon something that\u2019s totally cool and extremely unusual \u2013 whether it\u2019s a rare performance part for my 26 year old car or a tastefully built JDM or classic car \u2013 and last night was one of those nights.\nAs I refined the searched section for all Honda vehicles equipped or modified with a K20A Type R engine, \nthis very perculiar, completely unexpected set of wheels from Johor surfaced in search results\n.\nIt\u2019s was a second generation Honda CR-V from the early to mid-2000s modified to house the engine from an EP3 Honda Civic Type R, a model specifically for the Japanese and European market, that\u2019s rarely seen in Malaysia. How cool is that??\nWhat also caught my attention was where the manual gear lever was positioned. Just like the EP3, it\u2019s positioned below the infotainment system in the CR-V, albeit slightly lower than the original car, which should completely change the operational dynamics of an SUV whose gear lever was originally by the steering column.\nThe EP3 Honda Civic Type R.\nAside from fitting in a high-revving engine and a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox, upgrades include a racing clutch, open pod air filter and an aftermarket exhaust. Still, that should be plenty enough for an SUV whose original output was only around 150 hp and 190 Nm. The EP3 Civic Type R\u2019s K20A pushes out around 200 hp and 196 Nm, with a much higher redline.\nBest described by the owner, who has placed a RM32,000 price tag on the one-of-a-kind SUV; \u201cIt\u2019s best suited for the speed demons who\u2019ve started a family and for the \u201cpranggg boys\u201d who have become family men\u201d.\nGotta love the classifieds \u2013 you just never know what you\u2019d find.\nSource:\n \nMudah.my"
"Although the car may look familiar, what you\u2019re looking at is the \nHonda e:Ny1\n which is an all-electric compact SUV which has just been revealed by \nHonda\n. Unveiled at Honda\u2019s European media event in Germany, it is the brand\u2019s second fully-electric car in Europe.\nThe Honda e:Ny1 is built on the all-new e:N Architecture F platform, making it a purely built electric car as opposed to just being an electric-converted \nHonda HR-V\n. Honda says that the e:Ny1 \u201cfollows Honda\u2019s human-centred development philosophy, making the most of the model\u2019s fully electric powertrain to deliver an SUV with fun-to-drive dynamics, a smooth and refined ride, and intuitive versatility\u201d.\nPerhaps the most peculiar detail on the Honda e:Ny1 is the \u201cHonda\u201d lettering on the tailgate with only the \u201cH\u201d letter in uppercase. According to the company, it gives the car a \u201cpremium look\u201d which will feature on the brand\u2019s future electric vehicles (EVs).\nAs expected of an EV, the front end gets a closed aerodynamic look. Also at the front is a panel that covers the charging port of the Honda e:Ny1. Wheels are 18 inches in size and based on the images shared by Honda, the wheels are wrapped in Continental UltraContact tyres, albeit in its sixth generation. The UltraContact tyre is now already in its 7th generation. All else, the Honda e:Ny1 looks very much like the HR-V that we are all too familiar with. It is, however, not built on the same underpinnings according to Honda.\nRELATED: \nHonda overwhelmed by Chinese EVs, aims to \u2018fight back\u2019 with new EV plans\nAs for performance, the Honda e:Ny1 is powered by a single electric motor that outputs \n150 kW\n (204 hp metric) and \n310 Nm\n. The e:Ny1 houses a \n68.8 kWh\n battery pack which provides \n412 km\n of range (WLTP). To charge, the e:Ny1 takes \n45 minutes\n to from 10% state of charge (SOC) to 80% SOC with DC fast charging. That is all the information that is shared for the time being.\nInside, the Honda e:Ny1 spruces things up with a vertical touchscreen head unit and a fully-digital floating instrument cluster. It also gets an electronic gear selector on the centre console, blue accents, and a large sunroof. All else, the interior mainly resembles that of the Honda HR-V.\nRELATED: \nHonda Civic Type R FL5 sets new Nurburgring FWD record \u2013 7:44.881\nIn Malaysia, the Honda HR-V is available with three powertrain options which include one hybrid powertrain. No EVs from Honda have reached our soil yet although a few of the brand\u2019s models have been partially electrified. Do you think the Honda e:Ny1 will be a hit if it reaches Malaysia?\nRELATED: \nAll-new Honda WR-V to launch in Malaysia Q3 2023\nGALLERY"
"Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the \nBMW XM\n Label Red is finally here in Malaysia! Offered at \nRM1,615,800\n (OTR without, insurance), the most powerful M car is fully imported (CBU) from \nBMW Group\n\u2019s\n Spartanburg plant in the USA to fulfil the needs of those who desire an even more aggressive BMW XM.\nOn the outside, customers are given a choice between the Toronto Red colour and the Shadowline (black) colour for their XM Label Red\u2019s accent strip. This includes the Sporty Activity Vehicle\u2019s (SAV, as BMW calls it) kidney grille, shoulder line and window trims.\nPotential owners of the XM Label Red will also be spoilt for choice, as the SAV is customisable with up to a total of 50 custom paint options. Just in case you want to preview what your choice of colour combinations looks like, BMW\u2019s got your back with its \nIndividual Visualiser\n.\nTo complement the exterior colours, a total of two wheel options are offered by the German manufacturer for this SAV. This consists of either the bicolour 22-inch M light alloy wheels with red accents, matched with the Toronto Red accent strip, or the bicolour black accent 23-inch M light alloy wheels in style Star-Spoke, matched with the Shadowline accent strip.\nRELATED: \nBMW M3 Touring launched in Thailand, approx. RM1.4 million\nThe bicolour motif continues on the inside, featuring a slew of BMW M equipment with red accents. Among them are the M multifunction seats with diamond-shaped texture, knee pads, an M gear selector lever, an M-specific control panel on the centre console, as well as a BMW Curved Display, and a BMW head-up display.\nThe M leather steering wheel also comes standard together with trim elements in Black Chrome. The M buttons, as well as gearshift paddles with carbon inlays, with its plus and minus symbols painted in red, are also included.\nPowering the most powerful BMW M vehicle is the brand\u2019s M hybrid system, combined with a 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, making a combined output of \n748 hp\n and \n1000 Nm\n of torque. For the curious, the engine itself makes 585 hp at 5,600 rpm and 750 Nm of peak torque, while the electric motor outputs 197 hp and 280 Nm. For comparison, the standard XM makes a total of 653 hp and 800 Nm of torque.\nMated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, the XM Red Label is capable of sprinting from stationary to 100 km/h in under \n3.8 seconds\n. With power sent to all four wheels via the German luxury carmaker\u2019s M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the performance SUV\u2019s top speed is electronically capped at \n250 km/h\n, with the optional M Driver\u2019s Package adding another 40 km/h.\nThe BMW M Hybrid system consists of a \n25.7 kWh\n battery, which can provide up to \n83 km\n (WLTP) of pure electric range. When the battery runs flat, it can be charged at a maximum rate of \n7.4 kW\n via an AC charger. Juicing up the battery from flat to full will take approximately \n4.25 hours\n.\nBMW Group Malaysia\n Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201cWith the New BMW XM Label Red, we are presenting to our customers here \u2013 the most powerful BMW production vehicle ever built! The new iteration of the BMW XM brings more exhilaration and customisation for customers who place luxury-oriented comfort and dynamic performance above all else.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cWith a powerful V8 engine at its core, yet superbly efficient with the BMW M Hybrid system, we are confident that this new Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) will not only turn heads on the road but also shift perspective on electrified performance-oriented vehicles in Malaysia.\u201d\nThe performance SUV is fitted with some performance parts as standard to go with its SAV status. This includes the brand\u2019s adaptive M suspension Professional with Active Roll Comfort, Integral Active Steering, M Sport braking system, and also M Sport differential.\nOwners of the BMW XM Label Red will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience. This consists of a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme from the manufacturer, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW Privileges Card, and BMW Service Online.\nRELATED: \nBMW brings back the clown shoe with new Concept Touring Coupe\nGALLERY"
"And it\u2019s a late 2000s Hyundai Coupe. Bet it was the last car you\u2019d expect but we\u2019re sure you didn\u2019t expect this \nreplica Lamborghini to made out of a Honda Accord too\n!\nJust goes to show that if there\u2019s a will, there\u2019ll always be a way! Judging from the resemblance of the replica to the \nactual Chiron\n, the builder had some pretty strong willpower!\nImagine how many hours the builder from Ukraine took to perfect the shape of that incredibly intricate rear-end; not to mention the fin that splits the rear windscreen and the \u201cC-panel\u201d on the side of the car.\nTo the untrained eye, it could\u2019ve been easily passed off as an actual Bugatti Chiron!\nAnd we\u2019re pretty sure that if you had this \u201cChiron\u201d staring down your rear view mirror, from afar, you\u2019d think that it\u2019s Bugatti 2.4 million euro hypercar!\nLook at those headlamps.surely you wouldn\u2019t be able to tell the difference, from a distance, can you?\nSource: \nGTspirit"
"The \nKuala Lumpur City Grand Prix\n has officially been given the green light by the \nF\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\u2019Automobile \n(FIA)\u00a0for the go ahead of the inaugural street race that will be held in the heart of KL from the 7 to 9 August 2015. The press briefing was headed by YAM Tunku Naquiyuddin ibni Tuanku Ja\u2019afar, chairman of GT Global Race (M) Sdn. Bhd.\nThree different races have been confimed for the upcoming event which includes the likes of the \nLamborghini Super Trofeo Cup\n, \nFormula Masters\n and the premier of the \nGT City Cup\n featuring a collaboration of top marques and the \nV8 Supercars\n series that hails from down under.\nTwo other sporting championship series are in the midst of being confirmed, including the \nPorsche Carrera Cup\n and the \nAudi R8 LMS Cup\n, the latter piloted by our very own homegrown driver, Alex Yoong. More on that to come.\nWith less than 70 days on the clock, work is already underway in making this event a reality. DBKL has already started their preliminary surveying and researching helmed by technical director Simon Gardini, who is delegated with the task of ensuring traffic diversions and the safety of not just the spectators but also the drivers in their formidable machines as they whiz around the city centre at high speeds (up to 230 km/h) and in preparation for the boys over at SIC (Sepang International Circuit) to carry out their marshaling duties.\nThe realisation of this massive undertaking is the stimulation of the local economy, with tourists flocking here from every corner of the earth. In 2014 alone for example, over \n2 million fans\n\u00a0got together for the V8 Supercar series in Australia alone.\nAdvisory firm, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) estimates that over \n100,000\u00a0fans\n\u00a0will potentially flock to the upcoming event. PWC also indicates that, by 2020, this race series would have contributed as much \nRM1.2 billion\n\u00a0to the local economy, providing up to \n10,000 employment opportunites\n.\nIn preparation for this, hotels and businesses in the city and those surrounding the 3.2km raceway are gearing up for the upcoming barrage of tourist and spectators. Private tenants with offices and balconies overlooking the track are given the opportunity to host guests and/or customers to watch the races from the comfort of their units, joining the ranks of exotic locales such as Monaco, Singapore and Macau.\nDeputy Director General of DBKL, Dato\u2019 Haji Mohd Najib said road works surrounding the city are well underway to improve road conditions, citing that majority of the funds will be financed by race organiser, GT Global Race Sdn Bhd. He also added however, that a small portion of the public\u2019s funds will be allocated to aid this development.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKuala Lumpur City Grand Press Announcement"
"Nothing can quite excite Malaysians more than the words \u2018turbocharged Honda Civic\u2019, unless we tell you that it\u2019s coming here sooner than you think. Over in Thailand, the 10th-gen Civic sedan has just been launched with two engine offerings, one of which is the all-new blown powertrain.\nJust like before, Thailand will get to choose between two engines for the new Civic: the base \n140 hp 1.8-litre R18A\u00a0\nengine (which is a carryover from two generations ago) and the range topping\u00a0\n170 hp 1.5-litre turbocharged\n engine. All engines are mated with a \u2018seven-speed\u2019 CVT, which is also a first for the Civic.\nThere will be four trims on offer in Thailand, two for each engine option. The 1.8-litre gets two variants: E and EL, while the 1.5-litre turbo receives an additional RS variant to complement the standard one. Naturally, the 1.5-litre variant will be the ones to come with all the bells and whistles; there\u2019s even a sportier RS offering for it!\nDepending on variants, the Thai-spec Civics receive the following kit:\nProjector Lens headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights\nFull LED headlights for 1.5 Turbo RS\nC-shaped rear lights with LED\n16-inch alloy wheels\u00a0for 1.8 E & 1.8 EL, 17-inch alloy wheels\u00a0for 1.5 Turbo and\u00a01.5 Turbo\u00a0RS\n7-inch touchscreen Infotainment with Apple CarPlay Support\nElectronic Parking Brake\nEngine Remote Start\nHonda LaneWatch blindspot monitoring system   It\u2019s available in five colours:\u00a0White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and Cosmic Blue Metallic. Pricing for them is as follows:\n1.8 E \u2013 THB 869,000 (approx RM100,976.00)\n1.8 EL \u2013 THB 959,000 (approx RM111,434.00)\n1.5 Turbo \u2013 THB 1,099,000 (approx RM127,700.00)\n1.5 Turbo RS \u2013 THB 1,199,000 (approx RM139,321.00)\nAs always with Honda, the Modulo bodykit is offered as an option\nEnough of Thailand, then. Honda Malaysia has confirmed that the new Civic will be making its way here this year, and it will be locally assembled at their production plant in Pagoh, Melaka. Things are certainly heating up in the C-Segment field, especially after Ford introduced their \nturbocharged Focus facelift\n. What will the pricing be like, then? The outgoing Civic is currently priced at RM116,400 to RM135,900.00, so the new Civic to cost somewhere around the same figures.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just brought the thrills and spirit of racing to Sunway Pyramid with the inaugural Toyota Velocity Esports Championship (TVEC). From 21 to 23 of September, over 400 participants raced against each other to claim the top spot as the nation\u2019s fastest simulator driver.\nThe TVEC saw participants blast down Suzuka International Race Track in the Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept available on the Playstation Gran Turismo Sport racing simulator. Participants went through qualifying day which saw 10 finalists with the fastest qualifying time battle each other on the final round for the Championship trophy.   Muhammad Uzair S Abdul Nasir Khan went home with the championship trophy and RM20,000 cash prize while Mior Muhammad Hafiz Mior Lahmudin was awarded RM10,000 for taking P2. Aiman Haziq Aidi, the third podium finisher of the day received an RM5,000 cash prize while the rest of the finalist received consolation prizes of RM2,000 each.\nThe adrenaline filled weekend also saw celebrities from the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival; Diana Danielle, Janna Nick, Shawn Lee and Syukri Yahaya, Khai Bahar, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Akim Ahmad and Nabil Ahmad raced against UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s racers.\nFans will also be able to catch the celebrities in full action at the upcoming Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Racing Festival at MAEPS Serdang happening from 19th to 21st October 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If not for Toyota joining forces with BMW for a one-off\ncollaboration, the third generation Z4 might never have made it to production,\nand an all-new Supra would\u2019ve remained a pipe dream. Thank heavens they got\ntogether and sorted things out.\nFor the third generation Z4, BMW has kept the roofing options to just one \u2013 a powered soft-top that retracts and tucks itself away in 10 seconds; the fastest in its class and you can also do it at speeds of no more than 50 km/h, which is rather cool. Without the hardtop contraption that previously ate into trunk space when folded, the new Z4\u2019s 281-litre volume is permanent and more than adequate for a two-seater.\n \nFor Malaysia, only one variant is offered \u2013 sDrive30i in M Sport trim\n. It comes with all the modern trappings expected of a roadster costing half a million ringgit and is powered by the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with an output of 258 hp and 400 Nm, mated to an 8-speed auto sending drive to the rear wheels. BMW has kept the Z4 fairly light at 1.5-tonnes, so accelerating from idle to 100 km/h only takes 5.4 seconds, with the top down, it feels even faster.\nSo-called purists may prefer a Porsche 718 Boxster for its more focused dynamics, but the Z4 is probably the more complete package for the same money at RM 479,800."
"Ever since the \nnew Toyota Yaris\n was previewed to the public in April, \nwe\u2019ve shared countless articles about its facts and figures\n; and without a shadow of a doubt, the \nlatest rival to the Honda Jazz \ncertainly shows more promise than its predecessor.\nIt\u2019s about time really; for a segment that makes up the majority of Malaysian car buyers, there are surprisingly limited options for something small, practical and reliable.\n \nYou may not have favourable opinions on how the new Yaris looks, with majority pointing out the overly complicated, \u201cextremely busy\u201d front end design but deep down, we all know this thing will keep going for years, as history has dictated with the brand\u2019s Vios line-up.\nPrices for the new Toyota Yaris starts from RM83,888 for the high spec G variant, RM76,888 for the E variant\u00a0and\u00a0\nRM70,888\n for the base model J variant."
"Revealed in July this year\n, Volkswagen has released more information on the new Tiguan R and with those figures, it completely renders the previous generation Mk7.5 Golf R inferior and won\u2019t even need to feel inferior against something like the FK8 Civic Type R!\nThe \nMk7.5 Golf R\n will do the same run in \n4.9 seconds\n while the \nfastest FWD car on the Suzuka Circuit\n in Japan, the \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R \ncan only muster a \n5.8 second time\n. As for the latest \nMk8 Golf R\n, it\u2019ll do 0 to 100 km/h in\u00a0\n4.7 seconds\n.\nThe Tiguan R is powered by the latest version of the EA888 Evo4 engine, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder power plant with\n 320 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n. That\u2019s almost as much torque as the bonkers \nprevious generation Mercedes-AMG GLA 45\n and \n40 Nm more\n than the Mk7.5 Golf R.\nTransmission options are rather interesting; aside from the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, there\u2019s also a 6-speed manual to drive all-four wheels. This process is aided by a 4MOTION system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring.\nThis system does not just distribute the drive power between the front and rear axles, but also distributes it variably between the left and right rear wheels. For a sportier driving experience, there\u2019s a blue R button on the new multifunction steering wheel. As for the exterior, 20-inch or 21-inch wheel options are available along with an optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust system and 18-inch brake discs.\nGALLERY"
"The sixth and final car to join the AMG 43-series model is Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) Masterpiece of Intelligence, the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC. Sitting at the top of the \nE Class range\n, the E 43 currently the most potent 43-series on offer not to mention the most expensive at RM658,888.\nPacking the same 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 as the rest of the 43-series, the mill is massaged to make an additional 34 hp, bringing the total output to \n401 hp\n. Torque however remains at \n520 Nm\n. Power is channelled to all four-wheels via a nine-speed G-Tronic gearbox. The executive sedan will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and on full whack will hit a limited top speed of 250 km/h.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC\nEngine\n3.0-litre bi-turbo V6\nTransmission\n9-speed G-TRONIC\nMax Power\n401 hp @ 6,100 rpm\nMax Torque\n520 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.6 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM658,888\nLike the \nGLC 43\n duo, the E 43 comes standard with AMG Sports Suspension with Air Body Control or airmatic sports suspension. Stopping power comes courtesy of\u00a0a set of 360 x 36 mm four-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm one-piston fixed callipers at the rear.\nDiscerning this purebred AMG from a regular E Class are the AMG diamond radiator grille, large intakes to ensure optimal airflow, chrome finishes, rear lip spoiler, rear diffuser, \u201cBITURBO 4MATIC\u201d lettering on the front fenders and 20-inch five-spoke AMG alloys.   Inside, the E 43 retains all the creature comforts as expected from an E Class \u2013 Nappa leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, powered front seats with memory function, keyless entry and start, 360-degree surround camera, panoramic sliding sun roof, Burmester surround sound system, powered rear sun blinds, powered boot and ambient lighting. Some AMG unique trims include Nappa leather wrapped multifunctional sports steering wheel, AMG instrument cluster, red seat belts, AMG door sill panels and AMG floor mats.   Just like any other cars distributed by MBM, the E 43 comes with a 4-Years unlimited mileage warranty package as standard. Through Agility Financing and Hire Purchase Classic from Mercedes-Benz Financial, monthly repayments starts from as low as RM6,588.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just issued a recall campaign for Toyota 86 manufactured 2012 to 2013 to replace a potentially faulty Engine Valve Spring. A total of 120 units of Toyota 86 sold and distributed through official UMWT distributors are involved in this Special Service Campaign (SSC).\nDue to the discrepancy in design assumption and manufacturing variation, when the engine performance load exceeds the Engine Valve Spring\u2019s fatigue strength it may potentially fracture resulting in the engine to stall and unable to restart.\nUMWT will notify all affected vehicle owners and perform the repair and replacement for free. Owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-88-69682. All Toyota Owners can look up whether their vehicles are involved in any recall campaign by keying in their VIN/Chassis number \nhere\n."
"Volvo Car Malaysia has marked its return in East Malaysia together with appointed dealer, Fotroende Automobile with opening of Volvo Kuching \u2013 a full fledged 3S centre \u2013 located along Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching.\nThe name Fotroende is derived from the Swedish word \u201cF\u00f6rtroende\u201d which means \u201cconfidence\u201d; something the company\u2019s Principal hopes to build in Kuching.\nDon\u2019t think it\u2019ll be any harder to find the place than it is to pronounce that name but you won\u2019t be hearing the last of it.\n\u201cSarawak\u2019s potential in the premium car market cannot be understated. It\u2019s vital that we regain a foothold in Kuching before expanding into other cities within the state. We have worked hard to ensure that the brand is represented by competent and passionate dealer partners that will serve our customers well,\u201d said Volvo Car Malaysia, Managing Director, Mr Lennart Stegland.\nLike walking into an IKEA-themed living room, Volvo Kuching will offer what Volvo calls the \u201cVolvo Retail Experience\u201d or VRE; a customer-centric, Scandinavian-inspired experience that is cool on the outside and warm on the inside.\n\u201cVRE is based on Volvo\u2019s brand philosophy which revolves around people and what\u2019s important to them. I am confident that Fotroende Automobile will deliver the expected level of service to our loyal customers in Kuching,\u201d Stegland adds.\n\u201cDemand for the brand is strong, especially with the arrival of exciting new models from Volvo. We are proud to represent the Volvo brand here in Kuching,\u201d said Fotroende Automobile, Managing Director, David Lai.\nFotroende opens from 8:30 am till 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, and closes at 4:00 pm on Saturday. The showroom is also open on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10:00 am till 3:00 pm.\nFor further information about the showroom, please contact 07 4312222 or you can e-mail the Sales Manager, Brandon Linang Anak Albert Juan, at \n[email\u00a0protected]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has revealed the third generation Porsche Cayenne in Malaysia where it not only continues its excellent balance of performance and practicality but now offers a wider range of standard equipment.\nThe new Cayenne is available in two variants \u2013 the 3.0-litre turbo Cayenne delivering\u00a0\n340 hp\n, 40 hp more than the previous model along with the 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo in the Cayenne S delivers \n440 hp\n, a 20 hp increase. Power is delivered through a new 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox.\nWith the Sports Chrono Package, the new Cayenne S is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. The new third generation Cayenne is now up to 65 kg lighter thanks to its intelligent construction.\nFor the first time, the new Cayenne will feature mixed tyres and rear-axle steering. On-road capabilities are further improved by active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche\u2019s 4D Chassis Control and a three-chamber air suspension.\nThis is further supplemented with the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), electronic roll stabilisation system and a newly developed Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With more than 50,000 units sold and a total of \n133,000 on Malaysian roads\n across all generations, the current best-selling C-segment car in Malaysia \u2014 the 10th generation Honda Civic, will be receiving a refresh and will be launched officially in quarter 4 of 2019. Bookings can now be made at all 98 Honda dealerships nationwide.\u00a0\nThe new Honda Civic will be powered by the same \n1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine\n from the existing variants, producing an output of \n173 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque. The engine is mated to Honda\u2019s Earth Dreams Technology continuous variable transmission (CVT), providing a balance of fuel efficiency and performance.\nMost notably, the new Honda Civic will be getting the full suite of \nHonda Sensing advanced safety system\n . The new system includes adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and auto high-beam.\u00a0\nHonda Sensing promises to assist the driver in three main categories of safety \u2014 driver\u2019s cruising aid, frontal collision deterrence, and side collision deterrence.\nAdditionally, the new Civic also offers the \nHonda LaneWatch\n camera system. The camera-based technology is designed as an improvement over regular blind-spot monitoring system to offer the driver an enhanced view of the left side traffic. A new front parking sensor is also added to the new Civic to make maneuvering in tight spaces more effortless.\nStyling wise, the refreshed Civic receives a new front bumper, rear bumper garnish, tailgate spoiler, painted front grille and 18-inch alloy wheels to enhance the sporty look of the Civic.\nHonda Malaysia has yet to disclose the full pricing and variants for the new Honda Civic. With more than 82% of the C-segment market share captured by the Civic as of July 2019, it\u2019s no secret that Malaysians are attracted to the Honda Civic. Will the refresh of the Honda Civic with new safety features be enough to sway more over?"
"As part of the revised Malaysia Budget 2023 that is being tabled today in the \nDewan Rakyat\n, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed for the government to absorb the driving test fees for the B2 motorcycle licence category, alongside PSV licences for \ne-hailing\n, taxi, and bus drivers.\nThis is similar to what was proposed by the former finance minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, during the original tabling of Budget 2023 last year.\nThe initiative is intended to alleviate the pressure within the lower-income community caused by the rising living cost, as well as to assist in micro- and small businesses, particularly in the food delivery and transportation sectors.\nThe B2 licence tests currently incur a total cost of MR37 split across two parts, and includes rental of test motorcycles as well as the use of the test circuit. However, most driving schools currently charge approximately RM600-800 for the B2 motorcycle licences, as it also includes training sessions.\nAs for the PSV licences, there is currently a RM20 fee for registration purposes. However, e-hailing operators are still required to have a valid competent driving licence (CDL), plus an E-hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP) that costs approximately RM110, among other training and tests, to be able to ferry passengers legally."
"GC Mah is back again with yet another family-friendly Volvo that\u2019s capable of leaving behind most modern sportscars in its electric trail \u2013 the \nS90 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV\n.\nPriced at RM 388,888, the Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV, is what \nmost would consider a bargain for what it offers\n. It\u2019s packed with a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine along with an electric motor, producing a combined \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque.\nAs such, its performance figures (0 to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds) are just as impressive as its equipment list; air suspension for the rear axle, an impeccable 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and the dependable Pilot Assist system."
"\u201cIt can\u2019t be a hybrid, it doesn\u2019t look like one,\u201d mutters a friend. I don\u2019t blame him because there used to be a time when every hybrid car looked almost the same with a peculiar silhouette but now, they look just like any other ordinary vehicle and the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e is no different. Apart from the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 and a few other insane hybrid hypercars, the more pedestrian C 350 e is pretty much reserved in its presentation, allowing you to blend in with the, well, dirtier non-hybrid vehicles on the road.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz C 350 e Avantgarde\nEngine\n1,991 cc;\u00a04-cylinder, turbocharged, with electric motor\nTransmission\n7-speed automatic\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 (petrol engine) 80 hp (electric motor)\n279 hp\n\u00a0(combined)\nMax Torque\n350\u00a0Nm @ 1,200 rpm (petrol engine) 340\u00a0Nm (electric motor)\n600 Nm\n\u00a0(combined)\nPrice\nRM289,888.00\nSame goes to the \nVolvo XC90 T8\n, \nBMW 330e\n, and the \nBMW X5 xDrive40e\n \u2013\u00a0they are just as frugal as the earlier hybrid pioneers, if not better, yet they pack a serious punch with colossal torque figures that eclipse the supercars of yesteryear. Furthermore, locally-assembled hybrid cars are granted special tax relief from the Malaysian government, which explains why the C 350 e is cheaper than the non-hybrid C 300.\nTAKING THE BATON\nThe C 350 e\u2019s price advantage over the C 300 led to the exit of the latter from Mercedes Benz Malaysia\u2019s portfolio, effectively making the C 350 e the range-topping non-AMG C-Class in Malaysia. There are three trims to choose from but even in the cheapest Avantgarde model like ours, the equipment level is impressive.   As standard, it rides on fancy \nair suspension\n as it rolls on a set of flashy \n19-inch wheels\n. And then there\u2019s a sunroof, tri-zone climate control, a\u00a0\nBurmester audio system\n, powered front seats and powered steering column to name a few, so there\u2019s no such thing as a \u201cbase\u201d C 350 e.   Externally there\u2019s little to set the C 350 e from a regular C-Class but upon closer inspection you\u2019ll discover the blue mascara inside the \nLED headlamps\n\u00a0and the same shade of blue can be seen on the brake calipers peeking through those turbine-style alloys. And if you opt for a darker shade of paint you\u2019ll miss to notice the additional charging flap on the rear bumper; very subtle. What\u2019s more, if you top up a few thousand more you\u2019ll receive AMG wheels and bumpers, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, surround view camera, a bigger Comand screen and a more extensive sunroof.\nWHAT\u2019S UNDERNEATH THAT PRETTY DRESS?\nIt\u2019s a fusion of old and new. The \nturbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n petrol mill is the same unit that powers the C 250, yielding 211 hp and 350 Nm\u00a0but the new bit here is the \nelectric motor\n that\u2019s lodged between the engine and the \n7-speed auto\n\u00a0box. In isolation the electric motor generates 60 kW (80 hp) and 340 Nm but wholly the C 350 e dishes out a wholesome \n279 hp\n, with a torque figure that breaches into the AMG territory at \n600 Nm\n. Yes, that\u2019s 80 Nm more than the\u00a0\nC43\u00a0\nAMG \n\u00a0and 100 Nm shy of the \nAMG C 63 S\n. Yikes!\nHaving an electric motor on board means the car also has to accommodate an extra power source and for that reason the boot space has shrunk from 480 litres to \n355 litres\n to make way for the 6.38 kWh battery pack. However, the rear seats\u2019 backrest do split 40/20/40 and fold down to accommodate longer items.\nThe rest of the cabin is unchanged from the regular W205 C-Class \u2013 featuring excellent build quality, classy design and ambrosial leather but we reckon you should splurge the extra \u201cmoolah\u201d and get the AMG Line for the extra swish carbon trim, panoramic glass roof and that classy analogue clock. It\u2019s those little extra bits that make a huge difference to the overall cabin ambiance.\nWALK THE WALK, TALK THE TORQUE\nSo how does 600 Nm feel like? Surprisingly sedated. Even if you do set the driving mode to its sportiest setting, the torque is very well managed almost to the point that you think Mercedes might have been over exaggerating about those figures. Nevertheless, the progress from low to mid range is pretty relentless and overtaking slower vehicles is nothing more than a flex of your right ankle. Don\u2019t get me wrong, with a 0\u00a0to 100 km/h time of\n 5.9 seconds\n the C 350e is a proper quick car \u2013 it\u2019s just that you don\u2019t feel the surge from behind the wheel.\nWith that much grunt Mercedes still haven\u2019t forgotten about the fuel saving part. As with most hybrid cars, the aim is to use as little fuel as possible and as such, Mercedes has come up with a \nhaptic accelerator pedal\n to assist you to drive economically. It may sound gimmicky but it actually works. In E mode, they\u2019ve added a midway pressure point on the accelerator pedal to refrain you from firing up the petrol mill and you will also feel a double tap from the pedal telling you to chill and ease off the throttle.\nMercedes claims that you can travel up to \n31 km\n with a fully charged battery (which takes less than three hours to charge using the standard three-pin charger) but in a hot and humid Malaysian afternoon, yours truly only managed to get 20 km out of it before the engine was awoken to keep the car running. Nothing spectacular if compared to the rivals and the transition from electric to petrol is not the smoothest\u00a0 but replenishing the battery using the Charge mode is quite fast, even if the trade-off meant burning more fuel.\nRide on the air suspension is supple on most occasions although don\u2019t expect it to glide over rough surfaces like an S-Class as those devilish potholes still send jolts to the occupants\u2019 buttocks. Throw it around fast corners and it stays level but the C 350 e doesn\u2019t feel like it wants to play on winding roads and it doesn\u2019t hide its weight penalty over its non-hybrid sibling as well as its\u00a0\nMunich counterpart\n.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you enjoy a spirited drive once in a while the C 350 e is a punchy performer even though there\u2019s not much fun to be had when the roads start to tangle.\u00a0The steering is sharp and there\u2019s plenty of grip\u00a0but the safe and secure handling may not beguile the more avid drivers out there.\nHowever, if you\u2019re a more laid-back type of driver looking for a classy compact premium hybrid sedan, nothing comes close to the C 350 e. It looks great, the spec sheet is long and the abundant torque means it\u2019s effortless across the rev range. The limited cargo space in the boot may be a deal breaker if you have a growing family but that\u2019s just a small trade-off considering that the C 350 e Avantgarde is just RM 2,000 dearer than the less powerful C 250 AMG Line.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Traditionally, the Tokyo Auto Salon has been used as a platform to display customised cars and at next year\u2019s event in January, Toyota will be displaying the GR Super Sport Concept \u2013 a possible hypercar that could be to Toyota, what the \nProject One\n is to Mercedes-AMG.\nThe concept takes inspiration from Toyota Gazoo Racing\u2019s involvement in the World Endurance Championships and is designed to display how technological feedback acquired from motorsports can be incorporated into real-world products.\nThe Toyota Gazoo Racing GT86\nAs far as integration of motorsports know-how into product development goes, Toyota had launched the \nnew \u201cGR\u201d sports car series\n which includes the Vitz, Prius, Mark X and none other than the GT86. Even the \nToyota Harrier\n was involved in the development.\nToyota also recently introduced the \nGR HV Sports concept car\n that\u2019s powered by the Toyota Hybrid System Racing (THS-R). Essentially an automatic, drive controls can be operated with the buttons positioned at the centre console. Switching to a proper manual, the 6-speed \u201cmanual-style\u201d driving with H-pattern shifting can be activated with a push of a button."
"Bentley has collaborated with Akrapovic to offer a new lightweight titanium exhaust for the Continental GT Speed and the GT Speed Convertible.\nThe titanium exhaust is the result of extensive development and testing as it was even fitted onto the record-breaking Pikes Peak Continental GT. The race car holds the 2019 Production Car record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.\nThe new sports exhaust was designed to intensify the deep tones of Bentley\u2019s iconic W12 engine, which is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world.\nAs it is made of titanium at Akrapovi\u010d\u2019s in-house titanium foundry, it\u2019s seven kilograms lighter than the standard muffler. Akrapovi\u010d says it\u2019s stronger and lighter with even more optimised flow compared to the standard muffler.\nLike most modern exhaust systems, the exhaust note can change depending on the drive mode. In Sport mode, the muffler puts out a high-frequency sound with distinctive burbles when on overrun. This is done through a valve mounted on each rear muffler, operated by a dedicated electronic control unit.\nThe muffler will also improve throttle response thanks to optimised back pressure, which also improves the turbocharged W12 engine\u2019s performance.\nThe surface of the muffler has been sandblasted and coated for a smooth finish. The coating also allows the matte titanium muffler to be scratch-resistant.\nGALLERY"
"Audi has just unveiled the third generation all-new Audi TT at the Geneva Motor Show. Not only it shares the same VW Group\u2019s MQB platform with VW Golf, both Audi TT and TTS use the same engine as the Golf. The new Audi TT is now 140kg lighter than the original Audi TT, thanks to its aluminium and ultra-high-strength steel alloy structure.\nThe original Audi TT did look like a stretched out VW Beetle when Audi first introduced it to the world in 1998. Then came the curvy Mk2 TT in 2006 which is well acceptable up until today. This all-new third generation TT appears to be a little boxier and is constructed mainly by straight lines. However, it is still unmistakably an Audi TT.\nThe new design gives the TT a more muscular and aggressive look from all angles. Even with its wider wheelbase by 37mm to 2,505mm, it is about as long its predecessor\u00a0at 4,180 mm.\u00a0It is 1,832 mm wide, and has the same height as the Mk2 TT at 1,353 mm.\nThere will be few models which includes a manual front wheel drive and a 2.0-litre TDI engine from the Golf GTD. It produces 184 hp and 380Nm of torque. It does 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. Then there\u2019s the dual-clutch, quattro 2.0-litre TFSI engine from the Golf GTI engine with Performance Pack. 230 hp, 370 Nm of torque takes you from 0 to 100 in 6.0 seconds, or 5.3 seconds with optional Quattro and six-speed S-Tronic dual clutch automatic.   If that\u2019s not fast enough, Audi has the TTS that is powered by a 310 hp, 380 Nm 2.0-litre TFSI. It can do 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds!\u00a0By the way, at a speed of 120 km/h a spoiler extends from the trunk lid to reduce drag and increase downforce. It also works to practically tell the world \u2018Here, here! I\u2019m speeding!\u2019\nAudi had a total revamp on its interior with \u201cless is more\u201d philosophy in mind. It is so neat, there\u2019s even no central display, as everything is laid out ahead of the driver on a TFT screen, or \u2018Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit\u2019. The controls for the air conditioning system are located on the air vents themselves.\nPassengers in the car can enjoy a slightly roomier space due to the increase in wheelbase. Luggage space in the boot is at 305 litres, which is 13 litres bigger than the previous model.\u00a0The in-car audio system features\u00a0Bang & Olufsen Sound System of 14-channel amplifier and 12 loudspeakers.\nAudi has yet to announce the release date and price. However, it is speculated to be around\u00a0\u00a328,000, or RM185k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While Proton \nclosed off 2021 on a high\n, the company\u2019s sales performance for January 2022 can only be characterised as \u201cunderwhelming\u201d, with only 4,453 units sold (including export) in the month, representing a 25.3% year-on-year drop.\nThe national carmaker attributed the sales drop to the shortage of stock to fulfil orders, caused by the knock-on effect of the devastating floods across the country at the end of last year that affected many of its parts vendors\u2019 production facilities, restricting Proton\u2019s production capacity in January.\nThe effect is most noticeable on the \nProton Saga\n \u2013 usually their best-selling product, the national carmaker only managed to deliver 74 units of the A-segment sedan in January 2022.\nProton says the effect was also compounded by the minimal carry-over stock from last year, as they worked to close the gap between supply and market demand.\u00a0\nRELATED:Proton to import and distribute Smart EVs in Malaysia and Thailand\nAmong all models, the \nProton X50\n and \nX70\n were the firsts to resume production, and this was reflected in their January 2022 sales volume \u2013 2,601 units sold for the X50, and 799 for the X70. Despite the modest numbers compared to the previous month, the company says that the figure still helped Proton retain the title of the \u201cnumber one SUV brand in Malaysia\u201d.\n\u201cAfter a successful end to 2021, January was a very tough month for Proton. Our short supply situation became magnified by the lack of units being produced, creating a severe shortage for our dealers,\u201d said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\n\u201cThankfully, production for all our models resumed in January, though some required more time than others. We are, however, confident of meeting our targets for 2022 based on market projections as well as our sales and marketing plans for the rest of the year.\u201d\nALSO READ: Proton R3 unveils new range of engine oil and motorsports-inspired merchandise\nOn the mention of floods, the company says that over 1,200 flood-affected Proton vehicles have been received at its authorised service centres nationwide as of January 2022. These vehicles are then divided into four categories, depending on the severity of the damage suffered, before assessments are made and repairs get underway.\n\u201cProton would like to remind all customers with flood damaged cars to send their vehicles to our network of authorised service centres to enjoy benefits such as free towing and car wash services, as well as \ndiscounted parts and labour charges\n. We are also thankful to the government for the \nRM1,000 assistance voucher\n, which has proven to be invaluable for many of our customers,\u201d added Roslan Abdullah."
"Previewed at the \n2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)\n, Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) has now officially launched the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe to the local market.\nThere are \nfour variants\n available for the new 7-seater SUV split between 2 powertrain options \u2013 the 2.4L MPI petrol Executive and Premium as well as the 2.2L CRDi turbodiesel Executive and Premium. Prices start from RM169,888 for the entry-level 2.4L Executive, climbing to RM211,888 for the range-topping 2.2L CRDi Premium.\n \nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L Executive \n Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L Premium \n \nHyundai Santa Fe 2.2CRDi Executive \n Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2CRDi Premium \n Engine\n 2,359cc; 4-cylinder\nMPI\n 2,359cc; 4-cylinder\nMPI\n 2,199cc; 4-cylinder\nCRDi turbodiesel\n 2,199cc; 4-cylinder\nCRDi turbodiesel\n Transmission\n 6-speed automatic\n 6-speed automatic\n 8-speed\nautomatic\n 8-speed\nautomatic\n Max Power\n 172 hp @ 6,000\nrpm\n 172 hp @ 6,000\nrpm\n 193 hp @ 3,800\nrpm\n 193 hp @ 3,800\nrpm\n Max Torque\n 225 Nm @ 4,000\nrpm\n 225 Nm @ 4,000\nrpm\n 440 Nm @ 1,750\n\u2013 2,750 rpm\n 440 Nm @ 1,750\n\u2013 2,750 rpm\n Price (OTR\nwithout insurance)\n RM169,888\n RM189,888\n RM191,888\n RM211,888\nThe executive variants\ncome equipped with projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights\nand dynamic bending lights function, halogen units for the front headlamps and taillamps,\n18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/60 profile rubbers and roof rails.\nStepping up to the Premium\nvariants you\u2019ll get upgraded to LED units for the headlamps, taillamps, front\nand rear fog lamps as well as 19-inch alloys shod with 235/55 profile tyres. Distinguishing\nthe petrol and diesel variants are the exhaust outlet (single exit for petrol,\ndual exits for diesel) and 2.2CRDi badging found on the rear.\nThe cabin is well furnished with the Executive variants featuring black leather upholstery, 10-way powered driver seats, smart keyless entry and start, electronic parking brake, analogue instrument cluster with 3.5-inch TFT LCD display, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronically folding middle row seats and 7.0-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nThe RM20,000\ndifference is spent on the additional Burgundy option for the upholstery (Black\nstill available), 8-way powered passenger seat, leather dashboard trim, Deluxe\ncloth or Suede headliner, 7.0-inch Supervision LCD info display (analogue dials\nfor the rev counter, temperature and fuel gauge), Qi wireless charging tray, rain\nsensor wipers and powered tailgate.\nUnder the hood, you\u2019ll find either a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MPI petrol engine making \n172 hp\n and \n225 Nm\n or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDi unit developing \n193 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque. The MPI unit is paired to a 6-speed automatic to drive the front wheels while the CRDi gets the 8-speeder and all-wheel-drive.\nAs standard, all variants of the Santa Fe get six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). On the Premium variants, it adds Rear Occupant Alert, Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BSCW) and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW). Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems were given a miss for the local-spec Santa Fe.\nThere are six\navailable colours for the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe \u2013 White Cream, Typhoon\nSilver, Stormy Sea, Rain Forest, Earthy Bronze and Phantom Black. Every purchase\nis also covered with a 5-Years or 300,00 km Warranty and a 3-Years/50,000 km\nFree Scheduled Service.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium AWD\nHyundai Santa Fe 2.4L MPI Premium 2WD"
"From the start of the fasting month until the end of June, Naza Automotive Group is offering all sorts of deals to help you realise your dream of making your relatives jealous \u2013 with a new car!\nWith every purchase of selected Kia models during the Cuti-Cuti Kia Raya promotion, customers stand to walk away with a complimentary holiday destination of choice, worth up to RM10,000.\nThe \nKia Optima EX\n \u2013 a D-segment sedan for C-segment money.\nEven if you don\u2019t acquire a Kia vehicle, you\u2019d receive complimentary Kia merchandise just by test driving their vehicles from now till 30th May 2019.\nAs with Peugeot Malaysia, customers stand to save up to RM18,000 on selected Peugeot vehicles through the Peugeot Raya Drive campaign including the \nPeugeot 208 PureTech\n, \n5008 SUV\n or the 3008 SUV that comes with 5-years warranty, 3-years free service and 1-year free insurance.\nThe \nPeugeot 3008 SUV \ndeserves more credit than it\u2019s getting. Check out \nAdrian\u2019s review\n and find out why!\nAt the Naza Automall, a candy store for the grown ups, Naza Motor Trading is offering great deals until 5th June 2019 for a wide variety of vehicles for a limited time only with special \u201cweekend prices\u201d on selected vehicles."
"BMW Malaysia today officially launched the BMW 5 Series LCI facelift here on our shores, following the \nmodel reveal in March this year\n. The new executive sedan will be offered in only two variants in Malaysia at launch, being the 530e and 530i variants, both equipped with the M Sport package.\nPrices for the new locally-assembled BMW 5 Series starts at \nRM317,534\n for the 530e M Sport, moving up to \nRM368,122\n for the 530i M Sport, both on-the-road prices, without insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions, and the standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.\nWith the \noptional extended warranty and service package\n, which bumps the warranty period to five years, alongside free scheduled services, the prices go up to \nRM334,354\n and \nRM384,942\n respectively, which are both lower than previously estimated.\nThese prices will be valid \nuntil the 30th of June\n; with SST included, prices will be bumped up to \nRM340,800\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nRM395,800\n\u00a0for the BMW 530e M Sport and 530i M Sport respectively here in Malaysia.\nCompared to the outgoing model, the new models are RM2,000 and RM23,000 (based on non-SST-exempted prices) more expensive than before, but with a significant number of added extra kit coming as standard.\nThe BMW 5 Series facelift was \nfirst unveiled globally last year\n, featuring a refreshed exterior, most notably on the front end. The kidney grille, while still being roughly equal in size from before, now gets a slightly more angular appearance.\nThe grille is flanked by new reprofiled headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights, while the tail lights also gain a new three-dimensional lens with new light signatures.\nBoth the variants of the BMW 5 Series facelift here in Malaysia are dressed with the M Sport package, which adds sportier bumpers featuring larger air intakes up front, and contrasting grey inserts at the rear \u2013 the latter featuring trapezoidal tailpipe exits and diffuser elements.\nBoth models also get the same staggered 19-inch Y-spoke Style 845 M wheels, wrapped in 245/40 and 275/35 profile tyres front and rear. The main differentiating factor between the two models on the outside are the headlights; the 530e is equipped with the standard Adaptive LED headlights, while the range-topping 530i gets the more advanced BMW LaserLights.\nInside, both models are also mostly identical, with standard equipment including the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a new 12.3-inch infotainment display (two inches larger than before), sport seats upholstered in Dakota leather, Smoke Grey Aluminium Rhombicle trim, and black headlining.\nBeing the range-topping model, the 530i does come with a few extra bits of kit, such as a panoramic sunroof, head-up display for the driver, and a 16-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon sound system (standard 12-speaker, 205-watt BMW HiFi system on the 530e).\nIn terms of safety and conveniences features, both cars are fitted with the BMW Driving Assistant package that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Only the 530i is equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, however.\nBoth the 530e and 530i are also fitted with the Parking Assistant Plus suite, alongside a 360-degree surround view monitor and a three-dimensional view \u2013 a notable upgrade from the previous models, which only comes with a reverse camera.\nUnderneath the hood, the BMW 530i M Sport is unchanged from before, with the same B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. The turbocharged mill is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels.\nThe 530e M Sport meanwhile, receives an updated powertrain that mirrors the all-new 330e. The 184 hp/300 Nm B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine here is paired to a 50 kW (68 hp) electric motor, for a total system output of \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n.\nWhile output figures are the same as before, a new XtraBoost function allows the powertrain to temporarily increase its output up to 292 hp on heavier acceleration. Additionally, it also now gets a larger 12 kWh battery (up from 9.2 kWh), which increases the fully-electric range up from 48 km to 67 km. Fuel consumption for the PHEV 530e is rated at 2.3 litres per 100 km combined.\nBMW 530e M Sport with optional M Performance Package\nFor a detailed breakdown of all the features and appointments in both the updated BMW 5 Series models here in Malaysia, be sure to check out our full write-up \nhere\n.\nGALLERY\n2021 BMW 530e M Sport\n2021 BMW 530i M Sport"
"According to a report by \nTheStar Online\n, Serdang OCPD has received a report from a 29-year old woman claiming to have been raped by a Grab driver at 4am on Sunday. The Police have since remanded the 30-year-old suspect at his house in Sungai Buloh on the same day.\nThe victim requested a Grab service back to her home in Sri Kembangan and the accused allegedly committed the heinous act near her residence. The suspect sent the victim home after committing the crime. According to Serdang OCPD Asst Comm Megat Mohamad Aminudin Megat Alias, the victim was unable to fight the suspect off because she was drunk.\nPolice has also seized his Perodua Myvi and clothes that he was wearing when he committed the crime. The suspect will be in police custody for six days according to reports. Grab Malaysia have since released a statement regarding the incident on their \nFacebook page\n."
"Currently, the smallest petrol-powered Nissan model sold in Malaysia is the \nNissan Almera\n. With the unveiling of the all-new Nissan Micra supermini at the Paris Motor Show, we think\u00a0Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) should contemplate expanding the product portfolio.\nKnown as the \nNissan March\n in some markets, this fifth-generation supermini is designed primarily for Europeans. Built in\u00a0Nissan\u2019s Sunderland Plant, this will be another attempt for Nissan to fight in the ruthless supermini market in Europe. Competition is fierce as Nissan\u2019s alliance partner, Renault, has a popular\u00a0\nClio\n\u00a0already on sale. Not forgetting, its Japanese rivals such as the Toyota Yaris and Suzuki Swift will also pose a threat as well.   The Micra\u2019s design falls in line with Nissan\u2019s current design language with\u00a0a new and\u00a0distinctive V-motion grille. It also receives sharper headlights and arrow shaped tail lamps. As is the trend lately, the rear door handles are hidden within the C-pillars. It\u2019s also relatively roomy for a B-Segment; with a\u00a02,525mm wheelbase, Nissan claims it\u2019s among the best in class.\nTwo powertrain options are being offered \u2013 a\u00a0\n1.5-litre Renault-sourced diesel\n and\u00a0\n0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine\n. Both engines generate\u00a0\n90 hp\n. Nissan will add a non-turbo three potter that outputs 73 hp as\u00a0the\u00a0entry-level variant.\nFitted to the Micra is the\u00a0\nNissan Intelligent Driving\n. The system\u00a0consists of Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition,\u00a0Intelligent Around View Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist and Blind Spot Warning. Without a\u00a0doubt, this new Micra has the makings of a 5-Star\u00a0Euro NCAP achiever.\nThis supermini will also share features from the\u00a0\nX-Trail\n, such as\u00a0the\u00a0\nActive Ride Control \nand\n\u00a0Active Trace Control\n. The former is to optimise ride comfort while the latter is to ensure that the car stays glued to the roads, especially when taking a corner, thereby reducing understeer.\nThe Nissan Micra is scheduled to go on sale in Europe by 2017, but whether or not it will reach Malaysia is another question altogether. According to our friends at\n \nCarList.my\n, ETCM won\u2019t be introducing new Nissan models until 2018. With the \nHonda Jazz\n and \nMazda2\n\u00a0flying off the shelves here, it\u2019ll be a wasted opportunity if Nissan misses this bandwagon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Countering the onslaught of\u00a0two-door premium coupes such as \nBMW 4-Series\n and Audi A5, Infiniti unveils the new Q60 two-door coupe, a year after its concept was revealed.\nSlated to replace the G37 coupe, the Q60 looks sharper and more muscular than its predecessor. The new Q60 is also larger than its predecessor, measuring at 4,683mm in length, 1,850mm wide, 1,385mm high with a 2,850mm wheelbase.\n \n \nThe rear-wheel driven Q60 will be powered by the company\u2019s new \n3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine\n from Nissan\u2019s VR family. Two states of tunes are available; the entry level model gets\u00a0\n296 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n400 Nm\n of torque while the top-of-the-range variant gets a heartier\u00a0\n398 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0475 Nm\n of torque. There\u2019s an option for a smaller Mercedes-sourced \n2.0-litre turbocharged\n unit that produces \n205 hp\n with \n350 Nm\n of torque. That said, the 3.7-litre from the preceding Q60 is nothing but history. All variants will be mated to a \nseven-speed automatic transmission\n with adaptive shift control.\nInfiniti has also made significant gains to improve its vehicle\u2019s ride and handling. To begin, the \nDirect Adaptive Steering\n has been retuned to improve feedback. A \nDrive Mode Selector\n is also available, which alters engine and transmission behaviour through Standard, Snow, Eco, Customise, Sport, and Sport+. The V6 models on the other hand, benefits from the\u00a0\nRack Electronic Power Steering\n that provides linear assistance while the 2.0-litre model gets the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion setup.\n \n \nThere are two suspension choices for the Q60 \u2013 the entry model gets a set of\u00a0redesigned shock absorbers and modified shock tuning and bushings. The V6 models benefits from the\u00a0\nDigital Dynamic Suspension\n that receives software and hardware upgrades, including a dedicated set of dampers. A set of 19-inch rims is standard, with 20-inch rims available as option.\nThe Q60 will be available in showrooms by Summer 2016. In Malaysia, the outgoing Infiniti Q60 is being sold at RM411,139.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s getting worse; spreading like wild fire \u2013 it\u2019s fast becoming a plague. Lane hoggers are spawning faster than we can eradicate them and its not just happening here in Malaysia.\nThe state of Nevada in the US too has been experiencing this apparently and has put into effect a new law where drivers can get fined for driving too slow in the left lane (far right for us). Yeap, the same state that\u2019s also home to the vice-infested Las Vegas.\nSpeeding issues aside, the Nevada Highway Patrol says the No.1 cause for most road rage are lane hoggers. Sound familiar?\nSo as of 1st July, if a car is going to be on the left lane, it has to be going at least the speed limit. Based on local news reports, this is not in any way encourage drivers to speed, but to at least keep up with the speed limit to avoid congesting the steady flow of traffic.\nA driver was fined for driving at 59 mph (95 km/h) on a 65 mph stretch (105 km/h), causing unnatural flow of traffic. So far less than a handful of drivers have been fined for breaking the new law \u2013 with fines costing \n50 USD (approx RM 214)\n for the first offence, \n100 USD (approx RM 428)\n for the second and\n 250 USD (approx RM 1070)\n for the third.\nGosh imagine having to pay that kinda amount in Malaysia for hogging the fast lane without \u201cany leway\u201d, the road would be a more pleasant place for sure!"
"In a bold and surprising move, Volvo Cars has announced that every new Volvo model to be launched from 2019 onwards will feature some form of electrification, marking an end to pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.\nVolvo\u2019s new portfolio of electrified cars will include pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and regular hybrids. These cars will still be primarily powered by petrol and diesel engines, but since all of them will be accompanied with electric motors, Volvo looks to be the brand with the broadest range of electrified cars in the market.   Five pure EVs have been slated for launch between 2019 and 2021, three of which are Volvos and the remaining two will be \nhigh performance EVs from Polestar\n, which will be the \nfirst full EV to be assembled in China\n. Full details of these models will be announced at a later date.\nThe push for electrified vehicles is driven by Volvo\u2019s commitment to minimising environmental impact and reducing carbon emissions for a cleaner future. The company also aims to achieve climate neutral (little to no impact onto the environment) operations by 2025.\nH\u00e5kan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars said, \u201cThis announcement marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered car. Volvo Cars plans to sell a total of one million electrified cars by 2025, and we mean it. This is how we are going to do it.\u201d"
"When Porsche launched the top-of-the-range 718 Boxster and Cayman \nGTS4.0\n, \nCayman GT4\n, and \nSpyder\n models, they were billed as the ultimate enthusiast-focused midship machine, thus the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox was never offered on these models. Well, not until now.\nAs reported \nearlier this year\n, Porsche has now announced that all 718 models will now be available with a PDK transmission option, along with some additional minor aesthetic options and new interior upholstery as part of the 2021 model year changes.\nThe enthusiast-grade Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 \nwas recently launched in Malaysia\n.\nWith the new dual-clutch transmission fitted, the 718 Cayman GT4 and Spyder now does the century sprint in just\n 3.9 seconds\n, an impressive \nhalf a second faster \nthan the row-your-own-gears counterparts. The improvement is identical on the GTS 4.0 Boxster and Cayman models, now reaching 100 km/h from standstill in \n4.0 seconds\n as compared to 4.5 seconds from before.\nAside from plain faster acceleration figures, the new PDK-equipped 718 models also benefits from a new PDK Sport mode for maximum performance, a shorter ratio on the seventh gear, as well as an enhanced mechanical locking rear differential with locking values of 30% and 37%, compared to 22% and 27% on the manual siblings. Porsche says that the new differential set-up improves longitudinal and lateral dynamics as well as traction.\nThe Sport Chrono package also comes as standard on all PDK-equipped models, which adjusts the gearshift characteristics according to the selected driving mode, alongside launch control, and a Sport Response button which activates maximum engine and transmission performance for 20 seconds irrespective of the selected drive mode.\nNow, the only question is will you choose the automatic PDK gearbox over a six-speed manual?"
"BMW\u2019s disruptive vertical kidney grille has drawn mixed opinions ever since it debuted in the \nBMW 4 Series\n and now the company has confirmed that there\u2019ll be more kidney grille design changes.\nThis was noted by BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk, who also confirmed to \nBMW Blog\n that the kidney grille design will differ from model to model. Van Hooydonk also said the kidney grille styling will vary based on the vehicle\u2019s size.\nWhen queried about BMW\u2019s new design approach, as seen with the \ni Vision Dee concept\n, van Hooydonk admitted that the i Vision Dee\u2019s radical design appears as if the carmaker has skipped a generation but there\u2019s a reason for it.\n\u201cThe world is changing faster and faster. Some things that, years ago, one could dream of, or you could see it in a sci-fi movie, now become very close, become real,\u201d said van Hooydonk.\nOn the topic of the i Vision Dee, Van Hooydonk is aware that not everyone will like the concept\u2019s grille design but is adamant that design always need to progress and the design team is embracing it. The i Vision Dee revealed recently will be the design catalyst for the next generation of BMW i vehicles."
"What is believed to be the \nfinal unit of the Ferrari LaFerrari\n was just recently auctioned off for a whopping RM31.1 million, which equates to $7 million. This makes the LaFerrari the single most valuable automobile ever sold at an auction in the 21st century.\nIt\u2019s all for good cause, though. The auction was jointly held by a 25-year old classic car auctioneer, RM Sotheby\u2019s and the National Italian American Foundation\u2019s Earthquake Relief Fund. All proceeds of the auction will go to the reconstruction efforts of Central Italy, one that was recently hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake which claimed 296 lives.\nThe LaFerrari sold will get a special commemorative plaque, and is finished in glorious red with white dream lines on the hood and windshield. There is also a small Italian flag on the hood that serves as a reminder that the car is a gift by Ferrari to its home country."
"No, they did not collapse a building with the pick-up in it like what Top Gear did many moons ago, but the \u201ctests\u201d these guys from \nWhistlinDiesel\n put the \nToyota Hilux\n through, was equally painful, yet amusing to watch.\nWithin the first few seconds of the video alone, you know you\u2019re in for something special as the presenter \u201cmade his entrance\u201d with an epic J-turn. It\u2019s not something you\u2019d see often in car videos.\nEvery possible way you can think of to torture a vehicle was performed on the Hilux, including carrying over 1,000 kg of bricks and driving it through bumps, slamming the tailgate and doors a thousand times.\n \nThe Hilux, true to its hardy reputation, just took it and smiled right back. It was even driven into a tree and later on fired right back up almost immediately without even the slightest glitch!\nThey\u2019re even opening up the comment section on other ways to destroy the Hilux in future episodes \u2013 can\u2019t wait to see what else they think of.\nSo what are you waiting for?"
"While the \nHonda HR-V\n runs practically unchallenged at this point in time, we know for sure that some of you are already counting the days till the \nMazda CX-3\n\u2018s Malaysian debut. While Matt, our Associate Editor is on a field trip visiting Mazda\u2019s headquarters in Japan testing out the \nnewly launched MX-5\n, he stumbled upon what we think is the most handsome B-Segment SUV to date, with pictures to keep us sated for the time being.\nThis particular \nCX-3\n is of the clean diesel variant, one that\u2019s powered by Mazda\u2019s\n\u00a01.5-litre SkyActiv-D\n\u00a0engine clad in \nXD Touring L Package\u00a0\ntrimmings. It\u2019s\u00a0finished in Mazda\u2019s revered and signature paint job \u2013 Soul Red Metallic.   We expect the Malaysian-bound CX-3 to share most of the features seen on this very model, of which includes the LED daytime running lights and swanky 18-inch rims. We\u2019re also told that the crossover will be \nvery highly specced\n, so we can look forward to having leather seats, HUD, MZD Connect System with reverse camera, 7-inch touchscreen display, keyless entry and push-start button.\nThe interior, if you\u2019re already well acquainted with the \nMazda2\n\u00a0(click \nhere\n to find out on all the Mazda2 Skyactiv-D\u2019s goodness), is pretty much identical save for additional buttons on the steering wheel which controls speed limit and cruise control.   Now, at its arrival, the CX-3 may only be introduced with the \n2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine\n that makes \n162 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque, sending drive to the\n front wheels\n via a\n six-speed automatic \ntorque converter gearbox. There\u2019s no word on whether or not the peppy diesel engine will make its way here, but let\u2019s just keep our fingers crossed for now.\nSo what will it cost to own one? We\u2019ve \nreported earlier\n that the \nfully imported\n (from Japan) model will carry a price tag \nbetween RM120k to RM125k\n, putting it well above the top-of-the-line HR-V. But take a step back and consider this; highly efficient and powerful direct injected engine, great amenity kit, unrivalled good looks and fun to drive.\nIf you\u2019re not in a rush to get a brand new compact SUV, you might want to hang on to that chequebook for just a few more months. For all you know, it might just be worth the wait.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Gone were the days where Mitsubishi Motors made rally-bred 4WD sedans for the road. Today, the company is almost entirely focused on family-friendly SUVs \u2013 just pop by their \nofficial website\n and you\u2019ll see what I mean.\nMitsubishi\u2019s focus on SUVs is an inevitable one as the current market forces dictate that space and fuel efficiency is everything, hence the birth of the \ne-Evolution Concept\n. But before we dabble into the future, let\u2019s focus on the present \u2013 Mitsubishi\u2019s flagship seven-seater SUV, the \nOutlander\n.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) \nfirst debuted the Outlander\n back in early 2016. Fully imported from Japan, the asking price of the Outlander 2.4L shooed away many interested parties especially when its direct competitor, the locally-assembled Nissan X-Trail had a massive price advantage.\nHowever, that shortcoming has finally overturned with the introduction of the \nlocally-assembled Outlander 2.0L\n. Priced just a shade under RM140k, the CKD Outlander 2.0L not only retained most of the features from its more expensive sibling\u2019s inventory but also some value-added features too. To prove that the Outlander 2.0L is not just a budget exercise, we joined MMM to sample the new variant in a leisure drive to Janda Baik.\nIs the 2.0L up to task? But there are no rear air vents? Do I really need 4WD? After spending a lengthy trip in \nall\n sorts of road conditions, here\u2019s my best take on the most affordable 4WD seven-seater in Malaysia.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi Outlander 2.0L 4WD (CKD)\nMitsubishi Outlander 2.4L 4WD (CBU)\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC\n2,360cc; 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC\nTransmission\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n143 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n165 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n196 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\n220 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM139,988\nRM171,000\nThe 2.0L MIVEC gets the job done\nMost of you must be concerned of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated MIVEC engine\u2019s passable \n143 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque especially when having to lug seven passengers and some luggage. To be frank, you won\u2019t be climbing the speedometer in record time but getting up to highway speeds, the 2.0-litre motor is more than up to the task.\nIn this day and age, calibration of powertrain plays a bigger role in real-world performance than its outright on-paper figures. The \nINVECS-III CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)\n has been tweaked to have \nprovide most of the engine\u2019s power from down low\n, which was apparent during overtaking manoeuvres in the city. On the highway, the Outlander comfortably hits the legal speed limit without stressing all 6,000 revs.   Gunning for top speed, however, the naturally-aspirated mill showed signs of lethargy, especially past \n140 km/h\n. You have to hustle a little more revs to get a speeding fine but then again the sensible family men will hardly touch those speeds, especially when ferrying six other. Should you require a little more grunt from the motor, you can flick the gear lever to\n Ds drive mode\n (essentially Sports mode) that holds the revs 1,000 rpm higher for some extra pulling force.\nNo rear air vents, no problem\nOne particular concern for many is the lack of rear air vents in a 4,695 mm three-row SUV. I am happy to report that while the cabin takes some time to cool down on a hot sunny day, once it forces all the hot air out, the second and third-row seats were comfortably chilled.\nDespite the lack of rear air vents, the Outlander 2.0L\u2019s \ndual-zone automatic climate control\n automatically adjusts the fan speed to ensure the cabin maintains at the set temperature. The front blowers are also exceptionally powerful to reach the rear passengers. Besides that, MMM has equipped the Outlander 2.0L with \nsecurity tint\n from the factory to deter heat from radiating into the cabin.\nIf you\u2019re still unconvinced, ask yourself when was the last time a seven-seater SUV\u2019s rear air vents left a lasting impression?\n4WD makes all the difference\nThe Outlander comes equipped with an \nintelligent 4WD system with Multi-Select\n function to instantly cycle between \u2013 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock. To demonstrate the difference between 4WD Eco (predominantly front wheel drive) and 4WD Auto (fully 4WD), MMM has\u00a0prepared an instrumented test consisting of a wet surface roundabout and a mini slalom course.\nGoing around the cones, immediately we were able to tell that the car is significantly more planted in 4WD Auto with lesser body roll and understeer. However, it\u2019s not to say that the 4WD Eco is unsettling but merely shows that having all four wheels transferring power to the ground gives that extra assurance around the bends. Despite the heavier system in place and large 18-inch alloys, ride quality was exceptionally pleasant with decent suspension travel and minimal rebounds \u2013 perfect setup for a comfortable family SUV.   Fortunately, on our drive to Janda Baik, we were able to stretch the 4WD system even more thanks to the torrential rains on the mountainous section. Setting the car in 4WD Auto with a push of the Multi-Select button is all you need to confidently put power down in the most unpredictable conditions. Given the uncertainty of our weather, the added traction from the 4WD system certainly gives a greater peace of mind.\nWell-equipped and decently priced\nCreature comfort features are in abundance with keyless entry and start, automatic headlamps, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, digital video recorder (dash camera), multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, \nseven-airbags\n, ABS and EBD, Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), Rest Reminder, Hill Start Assist as well as front and rear parking sensors.   With all these feel-good features in place, the entry-level Outlander 2.0L is by no means a budgeting exercise to penetrate the lower price brackets. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate all the bells and whistles available. If there is one thing the Outlander 2.0L needs to make it absolutely perfect, is a powered tailgate. The manual tailgate opens to a reasonably tall position and shorter individuals will have a hard time reaching for the handles.\nIs this car for you? \nIf you\u2019re in the market specifically for a seven-seater SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander is definitely one to look out for. Jam-packed with features, superior driving dynamics and the all-important 4WD system, its everything you could ask for in a family-oriented people carrier.\nFor RM140k, there is nothing else quite like the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L in the market that combines style, safety and features. For those considering the Outlander 2.4L simply because of its fully imported origins, if I may give my honest opinion, save that RM30k for that two-door coupe you\u2019ve been eyeing for because the Outlander 2.0L hits all the right spots.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you are wondering why Mercedes-Benz Malaysia did not include the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC+ sedan in their CKD line up of AMG models, that\u2019s because globally, the E 43 has been phased out and replaced by a meaner and more efficient E 53 4MATIC+.\nAt the heart of the new E-Class variant rests a \n3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six\n with\n EQ Booster\n starter-alternator that first appeared in the \nCLS 53\n, capable of developing a combined output of \n435 hp\n and\n 520 Nm\n of torque. Paired to a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, the E 53 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n on both sedan and estate models. Top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n if you don\u2019t have the AMG Driver\u2019s Package equipped (raised to 270 km/h).\nThe onboard EQ Boost starter-alternator and 48 V onboard electrical system helps to enhance the car\u2019s AMG performance and driving dynamics while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The electrical system gives the E 53 mild hybrid functions through energy recovery, gliding mode and restarting of the engine with start/stop function.\nOtherwise, the E 53 is still a thoroughbred AMG that comes equipped with Dynamic Select drive modes, AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) and larger AMG high-performance brake system.\nVisually the E 53 is distinguished by its dual bulges on the bonnet, round quad tailpipe elements, sportier rear diffuser and optional 20-inch five-spoke AMG light alloy wheels. Inside you\u2019ll find model specific items such as AMG Performance steering wheel with red central marking, leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, red seatbelts and optional Performance seats in Artico leather with Dinamica microfibre inserts.   The entire W213 E-Class range has also been updated for 2018 with the latest generation multifunctional steering wheel with touch function, optional SportStyle Package, new wheel designs, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist that allows semi-autonomous driving functions.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+   Mercedes-Benz E-Class Avantgarde with SportStyle equipment"
"Introduced to the world in 2017, the W213 \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n will be replaced with a version that will be built on an entirely new platform in 2023. That new platform will share underpinnings with the W206 \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n and the W223 \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n. It will also be the last model to be developed by \nMercedes-Benz\n that will be exclusive for internal combustion engines (ICE).\nAlthough the \n2020 facelift\n of the W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gave it the same fascia as the W206 and W223, the chassis is still carried over from the 2017 debut-version E-Class. The facelifted W213 also does not get the same portrait screen as the W206 and W223.\nW213 (facelift) Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior\nW206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class interior\nIn an interview with \nAutomobilwoche\n, Mercedes-Benz development chief, Markus Sch\u00e4fer said (translated), \u201cAs things stand today, the E-Class and its derivatives will be the last Mercedes-Benz model to be created on a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) platform.\u201d\nAs such, future Mercedes-Benz models after the upcoming-generation E-Class would be built to handle electric, ICE, and hybrid powertrains. The German marque has not announced a date to put a full stop to petrol and diesel models entirely as \nnot all regions are ready for full electrification\n. Mercedes-Benz has only said that by 2030, it will be \u201cready to go 100% electric where market conditions allow\u201d.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG to continue making V8 engines beyond 2030 if demand is strong\nW213 (facelift) Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line\nWith upcoming stricter emission standards, Mr. Sch\u00e4fer also said that Mercedes-Benz will significantly reduce the number of engines on offer across its line-up this decade. He told the publication (translated), \u201cIt will be followed by a global engine that we will develop 100% ourselves and industrialise together with \nGeely\n. In order to play at the absolute top in future topics such as infotainment, in autonomous driving, in artificial intelligence or in the topic of chips, we have to concentrate. The future certainly doesn\u2019t lie in ten different powertrains.\u201d\nAs for electric vehicle offerings by Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-Benz \nEQA\n, \nEQB\n, and EQC are built on the same platform as the GLA, GLB, and GLC. The \nEQS\n, EQE, and their SUV counterparts are built on dedicated EV platforms.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde review \u2013 All the premium sedan you\u2019ll ever need"
"Rolls-Royce Kuala Lumpur has launched the Black Badge Ghost in Malaysia starting from RM1.8 million before options and duties. The unit you see here, fitted with specific options, starts from RM2.39 mil before options and duties. There will not be an extended wheelbase version of the Black Badge Ghost.\nThe \nstandard Rolls-Royce Ghost\n starts at RM1,450,000 while the extended-wheelbase model starts from RM1,650,000. Both prices are excluding duties and options.\nFor starters, being a Black Badge, most of the essential details on the outside, such as the badges and Spirit of Ecstacy are finished in black. The front grille is also given the same treatment but can now illuminate when the headlamps are turned on.\nThe car in the images has been finished with an Arctic White colour, along with the optional double coachline stretching across the entire side profile of the car. Rolls-Royce offers over 44,000 different colours to choose from and is also capable of making an entirely new colour to mimic whichever shade the customer wishes.\nThe standard Black Badge Ghost comes with a signature Black exterior and is what Rolls-Royce considers to be the industry\u2019s darkest black. To achieve that, 45 kg of black paint is applied to the body, which has a white base. After two layers of clear coat, the surface is hand-polished by a team of four to achieve a high-gloss piano finish.\nThe 21-inch wheels are also another signature detail of the Black Badge Ghost. It\u2019s made of 22 layers of carbon fibre folded onto itself, creating 44 layers of carbon fibre \u2013 allowing the wheels to be light but incredibly strong at the same time.\nInside, the \u201cRR\u201d logo embossed on the door panel and headrests, along with the Central Cooler Chamber (essentially a fridge behind the rear armrest) are among the options selected in this unit.\nThe highlight of the interior, aside from the Starlight Headliner, are the Technical Fibre trims found on the dashboard, centre console, and door panels of the car.\nThe patterns are aligned by hand to create a 3D effect before a protective coat is applied. Each trim is then cured for an hour at 100-degress Celcius before being sand blasted and coated with six layers of lacquer. Each of the trims are then hand-sanded and polished before being fitted.\nAs for the mechanical bits, the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine now makes an extra 29 hp and 50 Nm, with 600 hp and 900 Nm to drive all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The Black Badge Ghost also comes with rear-wheel steer. As a result, 0 to 100 km/h is 0.1 seconds quicker at 4.7 seconds.\nIn an unconventional focus on driving performance, the transmission has been tweaked to offer 50% quicker gear shifts while the biting point of the brake pedal has been raised and its pedal travel reduced for more confidence-inspiring braking power. The Black Badge even gets a sports exhaust system that\u2019s just a tad growlier than the standard car. Even the car\u2019s air suspension has been tweaked to further reduce body roll!\nGALLERY"
"As it\u2019s approaching its global launch, with the first vehicles scheduled for delivery before the end of this year, Volkswagen has revealed further details of the fully electric compact SUV\u2019s interior. The \nID.4 \nwill be sold not just in Europe but also in China and later on in the USA.\nVolkswagen says getting in the fully electric SUV in itself is already a pleasure as the door handles are flush with the body and they come with electric unlocking. It was also highlighted that the rear seat bench offers as much space as a conventional SUV in the next higher category. We\u2019ll be expecting more space than a \nTiguan\n then. As for cargo space, the ID.4 offers 543-litres of space with the rear seats up.\nThe vastness of the interior is a result of a floating dashboard that\u2019s disconnected from the centre console along with an optional panoramic roof. As darkness falls, there are over 30 colours to choose from to suit every mood inside the cabin.\nThe ID.4 features what Volkswagen calls the ID. Light \u2013 a light strip below the windscreen \u2013 which will be available in all ID. models. It supports drivers in a host of situations with intuitive lighting effects in different colours. The ID. Light perform functions like alerting the driver that the vehicle\u2019s drive system is active or if the car has been unlocked or locked.\nThe ID. Light also works with the car\u2019s navigation system to guide drivers through traffic by blinking. It can recommend lane changes and also warn the driver if the ID.4 is in the wrong lane. In the name of conservation, Volkswagen also said the seats are upholstered with animal-free cover materials.\nParticularly in the ID.4 1st Max Limited Edition model, the seats with massage functions, are made of microfibre material that consists of around 20% recycled PET bottles.\nAs the future of mobility is electric, Volkswagen will be investing 11 billion euros into the effort by 2024 as part of its Transform 2025+ strategy. As the first fully-electric Volkswagen SUV, the ID.4 is the second model within the ID. range after the ID.3. The ID.4 will be celebrating its world premiere before the end of September 2020.\nGALLERY"
"The \nToyota GR Supra\n has sort of fell off the headlines a little bit, ever since the introduction of its younger (and arguably more attractive) brother, the \nGR Yaris\n \u2013 well, on the internet at least. So to gain some brownie points, Toyota USA has unveiled a new limited-edition GR Supra, called the A91-CF. And yes, the CF means carbon fibre.\nWhile \nlast year\u2019s revision\n brought forth some mechanical updates, this year\u2019s model is reserved only to the exterior trim package. Available only in one configuration, the Supra A91-CF is powered by the 3.0-litre inline six turbocharged engine that makes \n387 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, courtesy of last year\u2019s update.\nThe BMW-sourced engine is paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels, resulting in a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of\n 3.9 seconds\n. Standard Supra kit like the reprogrammed Adaptive Variable Sport (AVS) suspension, active rear differential, and the Brembo brake kit are also all carried over from last year\u2019s update.\nAs for the CF in the frankly terrible name, the Toyota Supra A91-CF gets a new front splitter with massive canard fins on the sides, side skirts, duckbill spoiler, and matching canards on the new lower bumper \u2013 all made from unpainted carbon fibre, of course.\nToyota says that these carbon fibre parts are not merely for aesthetic purposes only; they actually improve downforce and stability \u201cduring both everyday drives and hot laps around the local track\u201d. Tying up the new exterior styling treatment is a new set of 19-inch exclusive double-spoke wheels, finished in matte black, alongside red-painted brake calipers.\nInside, the Toyota Supra A91-CF is trimmed in red-and-black Alcantara and leather upholstery, featuring red stitching details on the standard 14-way power adjustable heated sport seats and leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. Despite the new CF name, the carbon fibre trim in the cabin is actually carried over from the regular Supra, and not a new addition on this variant.\nOnly 600 units of the CF-dressed Toyota Supra will be made, with all of it reserved specifically for the North America market. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but Toyota says that the GR Supra A91-CF Edition will go on sale this fall, and will be available in either Absolute Zero White (pictured), Nitro Yellow or Phantom Matte Grey.\nGALLERY"
"BMW has unveiled a one-of-a-kind BMW M3 30 Years American Edition to celebrate the 30\nth\n anniversary of the \nM3\n on US soil. It gets a one-off design, all the M Performance parts checked and an American flag inspired interior theme.\nPut together by BMW Group Designworks and BMW Individual, the unique M3\u2019s exterior combination was inspired by its predecessors. The \nFrozen Red II Metallic\n paint job is a reminiscence of the iconic Henna Red colour scheme of the original M3 from the 1980s while the contrasting M Performance Golden light alloy wheels (19-inch front; 20-inch rear) were inspired by the M3 E30 Warsteiner DTM racing wheels. Wheels are matched with sticky \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n tyres.   It also gets the full range of \nM Performance\n \nparts\n including M Performance Sports adjustable suspension which lowers the ride height between 5 to 20 millimetres, M Performance exhaust system with valve control, M Performance rear wing and M Performance carbon fibre body kit.\nStep inside the one-of-one M3 and you\u2019ll find an Opal White Merino leather interior with Mugello Red Merino and Fjord Blue Merino accents \u2013 the three colours that make up the American flag. A 30th Anniversary graphic embroidery can be found on the seat\u2019s backrest, interior trims and rear sun-shade. Other M Performance items on the interior include Alcantara and carbon trims with M-coloured stitching and a M Performance shift knob.   The M3 30 Years American Edition was based on the \nM3 Competition Pack\n therefore it gets the uprated 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six that pushes out \n450 hp\n. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Century sprint is clocked in\u00a0\n4.1 seconds\n.\nOnly one lucky customer will be able to call this BMW M3 30 Years American Edition his or her own. The car will be on display at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and will be available for purchase after the show.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nunnamed compact SUV\n that was shown off by Daihatsu at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019 was recently revealed to be named Rocky, but it was parent company Toyota that beat Daihatsu to market with the launch of the Toyota Raize in Japan.\u00a0\nUnsurprisingly, The Toyota Raize looks almost like a carbon-copy of the Daihatsu Rocky. Swapped-out badges aside, the only apparent visual changes are at the front-end.\n Does anyone else think that the front end look a lot like a baby \nToyota RAV4\n?\nToyota has given the Raize a redesigned front end, with a large trapezoidal grille at the lower bumper replacing Daihatsu\u2019s hexagonal one. The grille is flanked by angular bumper corner moudings, housing the daytime-running lights and fog lamps.\nOtherwise, the Toyota Raize does nothing to differentiate itself from the Daihatsu twin \u2013 down to the dimensions. Measuring in at approximately the size of a Myvi (100 mm longer and 40 mm narrower), the Toyota Raize still retains it\u2019s compact form factor.\nThe Toyota Raize seems to look bigger than the spec sheet suggests, as the large 17-inch wheels, flared-out wheel arches and the tall front facade give the compact SUV extra road presence.\u00a0\nOn the inside, the Toyota Raize retains nearly all of the driver-oriented dashboard design from the Daihatsu Rocky. The hexagonal motif from the Daihatsu cousin is still present here, but Toyota spices up the interior with a few dashes of red accents.\u00a0\nDominating the dashboard is a freestanding nine-inch infotainment touchscreen display, offering smartphone connectivity with SmartDeviceLink and Apple CarPlay. A seven-inch TFT display makes up the instrument cluster, which can display information in four display styles \u2013 Advanced, Exciting, Simple, and Analog.\u00a0\nDespite its compact dimensions, the Toyota Raize boasts a class-leading luggage capacity of \n369 litres\n. The front and rear seats are 900 mm apart, resulting in improved legroom for the rear passengers.\u00a0\nThe improve in interior space can be partly attributed to the \nDaihatsu New Global Architecture\n (DNGA) platform, which underpins the Toyota Raize. The DNGA, which is \nco-developed with Toyota\n, promises enhanced interior space, highly rigid underbody, and lower centre of gravity.\u00a0\nAs part of the DNGA platform, the Toyota Raize sports a MacPherson Struts front suspension, and a torsion beam set-up at the rear.\nUnder the hood, motivation is provided by a new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, delivering \n98 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque. The powerplant is mated to a \nD-CVT gearbox\n, with power sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels.\u00a0\nThe 4WD variants come equipped with \nDynamic Torque Control 4WD\n, which can distribute the optimal torque output to the rear wheels according to the road surfaces.\nSafety wise, the Toyota Raize is equipped with the \nnext-generation Smart Assist safety suite\n. The Smart Assist system includes safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with All Speed Tracking, Smart Panorama Parking Assist, Collision Warning and Crash Avoidance Braking, and Erroneous Start Prevention.\u00a0\nWith the Toyota/Daihatsu compact SUVs heavily linked to the upcoming Perodua SUV codenamed D55L, this could be the first look at what\u2019s packing when the national carmaker launches their new compact SUV!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Making its comeback since its last appearance at the end of the last millennium, the all-new BMW 8-series returns to offer the performance of a Porsche 911, with the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, according to those within the BMW Group.\nLaunched at the Le Mans 24 Hours along with the introduction of the M8 GTE race car, the all-new 8-series will be initially offered in two variants \u2013 the M850i xDrive with \n530 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with enlarged twin scrolled turbochargers and a 840d xDrive model making\n 320 hp\n and \n680 Nm\n from a 3.0-litre diesel twin-turbo in-line six engine.\nBoth engines are paired to BMW\u2019s 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with Launch Control and revised gear ratios. In the V8 model, 0 to 100 km/h is obliterated in just \n3.7 seconds\n while the in-line six diesel model takes completes the same task in under five seconds.\nAs both their names denote, the M850i xDrive and 840d xDrive are equipped with intelligent, rear-biased all-wheel drive systems. As standard, all the\n power is sent to the rear wheels\n. When taking corners at speed, for example, optimal drive force is transferred to the rear wheels to help the car turn into the bend with supreme accuracy.   The Integral Active Steering is fitted as standard to reduce the turning circle when manoeuvring. It becomes more direct as speeds build up but allows the driver to manoeuvre at low speeds with minimal steering wheel movement.\nOn the outside, the new 8-series gets the slimmest LED headlamps of any BMW model to date. The optional BMW Laserlight with Selective Beam has a high beam range of around \n600 metres\n.\nUnderneath all that grandeur is an underbody that\u2019s almost fully sealed with active air flaps and air curtains to help reduce drag. Also underneath are the double wishbone front and five-link rear axle suspension, active M suspension with variable damper control and a limited slip differential.\nBrakes are 395 mm in size, tucked behind 20-inch wheels wrapped in bespoke Bridgestone tyres. The 840d on the other hand sits on an 18-inch set with 19- and 20-inch options.\nInside, a head-up display comes as standard, along with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional through a\u00a012.3-inch high-resolution instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display.\nDriver assistance systems include the Personal Co-Pilot system that process camera images as well as data gathered by ultrasonic and radar sensors to monitor the vehicle\u2019s surroundings, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking, Active Park Distance Control and the optional Parking Assistant.\nPrices for the 249 km/h (electronically-limited) sportscar starts from \u00a376,270 (approx. RM 404k) for the 840d to \u00a3100,045 (approx. RM 530k) for the M850i.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Those eager to own the \nsoon-to-be-launched Mazda 2\n (also known as Mazda Demio) have another solid reason to look forward and \nbe more convinced\n of their next car purchase, because it has just been named as \nJapan\u2019s Car of the Year 2014\n.\u00a0Mazda last lifted the title in 2012 with the \nCX-5.   It\u2019s a \nstandout win\n simply because it triumphed over other notable nominees, which are: 2015 Toyota Harrier, Lexus NX, Nissan Teana, Infiniti Q50, Subaru Levorg and some other \nnon-Japanese make\n, such as the Peugeot 208, Ford EcoSport, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.\nAll passenger vehicles that are announced or launched in \u00a0in Japan between \n1 November 2013\n and \n30 September 2014\u00a0\nwith\u00a0an \nexpected sales volume of over 500 units\u00a0\nannually\n\u00a0are eligible to take part in the Japan COTY. The Mazda 2 is the \nfifth Mazda model\n to win the prestigious title.   Ideal driving position, high safety levels, well-built interior and exterior styling and a \nnewly developed 1.5-litre diesel engine\n are some of the main reasons why the Mazda 2 was chosen to win the title this year. It is the brand\u2019s \nfourth model\n to adopt the whole line of \nSkyactiv technology\n and the \nKODO-Soul of Motion design language\n.\nLast year\u2019s winner was the \nVolkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI\n, which shocked many people after making it the \nfirst ever non-Japanese model\n to be named Japan\u2019s COTY in the event\u2019s \n34-year history\n. Read \nour review on the Golf Mk7 1.4 TSI here\n.\nThe Mazda 2 is \nnow open for booking with a starting price of RM85k\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Named after the racetrack on which it was modeled and fine-tuned, there will only be five units of the new Pagani Imola.\nThe Imola is said to have undergone the most severe on-track validation test ever imposed on a Pagani vehicle, with over 16,000 km covered on the track at racing speed \u2013 the equivalent of about three times the 24 Hours of Le Mans.\nThe USD 5.4 million Pagani Imola utilises active aerodynamics system introduced by the Huayra, the first road vehicle ever to be equipped with this technology.\nThis means that each of the four mobile winglets behaves according to the driving circumstances immediately and even when braking, by generating even greater stopping power.\nPagani Imola takes the fanatical attention to weight-saving to new heights, With the introduction of Acquarello Light, the new bespoke painting system reduces the weight of the paint by 5 kg while maintaining color richness, depth and shine unchanged.\nNot that it\u2019s a pretty machine, but as Pagani says, it\u2019s built with the purpose of being the most effective track weapon.\n\u201cWe can\u2019t say that it\u2019s an elegant car. We wanted an efficient vehicle, and just as you\u2019d expect if you were looking at an F1 single-seater, this led us to design a car with additional aerodynamic features,\u201d said Founder and Chief Designer of Pagani Automobili, Horacio Pagani.\nUnder the carbo-titanium body is a 6-litre Mercedes-AMG V12, with 827 hp and 1100 Nm, all to power just the rear wheels through a 7-speed Xtrac gearbox.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The BMW 520d Sport launched here by BMW Group Malaysia isn\u2019t a latecomer to the playing field of executive sedans. Instead, it has sold been alongside its other F10 siblings all along, so for those who have been eyeing the 5-Series, you will be happy to know that the 520d Sport comes with the Munich carmaker\u2019s latest diesel engine, and this particular trim will only be limited to \n50 units.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 520d Sport (5-Series, F10)\nEngine\n\u00a01,995cc; inline 4-cyl turbodiesel\nTransmission\n\u00a08-spd ZF automatic\nMax Power\n190 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 1,750 rpm\nPrice\nRM354,800\n (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nIntroduced in conjunction with WTA\u2019s 2015 BMW Malaysian Open in KL, the limited-run 520d Sport benefits from an updated \n2.0-litre turbodiesel engine\n that now makes \n190 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 rpm, up from the previous 184 hp and 380 Nm. The engine is paired to ZF\u2019s eight-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels.   The goodies don\u2019t just end there for the Sport. Outside, it dons the brand\u2019s \nM Aerodynamic\u00a0\nbody kit, front and rear bumper included. It also sits on \n18-inch\n twin-five spoke wheels wrapped with 245/45 R18 series tyres at the front and fatter 275/40 R18 tyres at the rear while riding on suspension with \nDynamic Damping Control\n. The LED headlights also feature the brand\u2019s adaptive lighting technology.\nInside, you get the sportier M leather steering wheel and a multifunctional instrument display in the form of a 10.5-inch digitised instrument cluster.   What\u2019s truly a steal here is that the 520d Sport, for all its additional kit, is sold for the same price as the facelifted 520d at \nRM354,800.00\n (OTR without insurance). Again, it\u2019s only limited to a 50-unit run beginning 1 April, after which the 520d will no longer come with the Sport kit. It will however, retain the updated engine and you can always spec up the car through BMW\u2019s Original Accessories.\nAt that price range, you could also look towards its closest rival, the \nMercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid\n. The Merc also soldiers a diesel engine (204 hp and 500 Nm) that\u2019s paired to a 20 kW (250 Nm) electric motor, channeling drive to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It\u2019s competitively priced at RM349k, so we suggest giving both cars a test drive to truly find out where you\u2019d rather put your money down.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 520d Sport"
"If you\u2019ve been around the block for the past few years, you would\u2019ve already heard about the \nVision Gran Turismo\n range of concept cars that have been \u201cdeveloped\u201d for the \nGran Turismo\n \nvideo game series on the PlayStation.\nAnd if so, you would also know that they are usually nothing more than just a fun design exercise, imagining what \nmight be\n possible in the future of the automotive landscape, even if that means straying away from reality just a little bit. Although, to be fair, that\u2019s the case sometimes for other concept cars too.\nBut according to Porsche, their latest Vision GT concept is \u201cmore than just a gaming fantasy\u201d. Specifically, the new Porsche Vision GT is also supposed to be a preview for its future electric models \u2013 at least in design.\nPorsche AG Director of Exterior Design, Peter Varga, said: \u201cIt is a realistic look into the future that will definitely help us with development in the years ahead.\u201d\nRELATED: Win a trip to Porsche Centre Tokyo courtesy of Porsche Gran Turismo Cup Asia Pacific\nSupposedly designed by a group of Porsche designers who grew up playing the Gran Turismo games, the new Vision GT features several iconic Porsche design elements, but made \u201cfuture oriented\u201d. That includes its proportions, with an \u201cespecially sporty\u201d height-to-width ratio, a low-set bonnet, and pronounced wings.\nOther exterior highlights include the quad-segmented headlights with integrated air intakes in front, a design that was inspired by the Taycan \u2013 a visual link to Porsche\u2019s first EV. The slim light strip tail lights at the back, meanwhile, are an evolutionary version of that on the 911 and Taycan models.\nAs a concept \u2013 and especially one that exists only in virtual form \u2013 Porsche isn\u2019t restricted to any sort of regulations or laws in terms of design. That\u2019s why the concept is also devoid of any actual doors (the occupants climb in from the massive canopy roof) nor mirrors.\nInside, the stripped-back interior is highlighted by a curved hologram display behind the steering \u201cwheel\u201d. And although the car will never be made in real life, Porsche spent an inordinate amount of time thinking about its material choices to \u201creduce weight while increasing performance\u201d, apparently. Someone tell Porsche they can just choose in any figure they want without having to actually make any sense; it\u2019s a game, after all.\nAnyway, the German sportscar manufacturer has chosen carbon and titanium for the interior, both known to be strong and lightweight and is commonplace in most high-performance hypercars. Porsche also specifically mentions that the entire interior will be vegan, too.\nRELATED: Gran Turismo, the sim racing game, is now an official Olympic sport\nPorsche remains coy about any sort of technical information on the Vision Gran Turismo\u2019s powertrain, but you\u2019ll be able to try it out for yourself in \nGran Turismo 7\n next year \u2013 provided that you have a PlayStation 4 or 5. For now, enjoy the pictures below!\nGALLERY"
"As much as we love raspy V6s and thumping V8s, the future of automobile will be a quiet one. Electric vehicles will be the future of commuting, be it sooner or later. As \nboring \nnoble as the cause is for a cleaner environment for us all, what about the petrolheads? What about us who enjoy blasting up a twisty B-road on quiet weekend? Porsche is here to reassure you that the future is not only electric, but an electrifying one.\nUnveiled at the 2017 Electric Vehicle Symposium in Stuttgart is the \nPorsche Cayman e-volution\n. Mitsubishi has an \ne-Evolution concept\n but that is an (God forbid) SUV, Porsche\u2019s e-volution is a proper sportscar. The e-volution will not go into production per se but instead teases what the upcoming \nMission E\n, Porsche\u2019s first pure electric sports car, will have in store for us in the future.\nAccording to \nAutoCar UK\n, the e-volution gets its juice from a 38 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, sending drive to all-four wheels via a PDK double-clutch gearbox. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.3 seconds\n, one-tenth of a second quicker than the 4.0-litre \n493 hp\n \n911 GT3\n, let that sink in for a moment.\nFaster than this 911 GT3?!\nOn a single charge, the e-volution is said to offer a driving range of \n200 km\n. Not impressive to say the least considering the new \nNissan Leaf has an EV range of 400 km\n; but then again, this research vehicle is not slated for the production floor. However, Porsche has promised that when the Mission E arrives, it will offer a real-world driving range of over \n500 km\n.\nPorsche is also redefining the term \u201cTurbo Charging\u201d as we know it.\n Porsche Turbo Charging\n as they call it, is the company\u2019s first ever accumulator-based fast charging system that offers 320 kW of charging capacity per vehicle, allowing areas with medium voltage connection to offer high-speed charging facilities. The system will be deployed on major European traffic routes by 2020 in a joint venture between Porsche, Audi, BMW, Daimler and Ford."
"Parked alongside the \nPerodua X-Concept\n at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) is the Perodua Myvi GT Concept, a design exercise to create a radical version of the popular Myvi.\nYes, we know that the aftermarket scene has put on a ridiculous wide body kit, ginormous GT wings and even dihedral doors on the fourth-generation Myvi. But remember, this Myvi GT Concept is a factory effort which usually has a more tasteful (and neat) finish.\nOn the front, the Myvi GT wears an aggressive bumper with large gaping intakes and a strip of LED daytime running lights. The front grille has been given a black finish and there is now a red pinstriping that runs across the grill into the headlamp housings ala Volkswagen Golf GTI style. Elsewhere you\u2019ll find side skirts, sporty rear bumper with dual exhaust exits and clear taillamps.   The Myvi GT is obviously lowered by some considerable margin, fitting the 17-inch five Y-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Adrenaline RE003 sticky rubbers nicely. Perodua has also given the concept car flared arches to clear the larger alloys, giving it a flushed \u201cstance\u201d.\nInside is where the designers went all out to create a proper \u201chot hatch\u201d. While the cabin architecture remains unchanged from a regular Myvi there are plenty of \u201clook fast\u201d bits in the shape of flat-bottomed carbon fibre steering wheel with Alcantara inserts, Alcantara dashboard and bucket seats (even for the rear passengers!) with leather and Alcantara inserts. The black cabin is contrasted against the red inserts and red topstitching on the seats. A sunroof completes the interior makeover of the Myvi GT Concept.\nPerodua has stressed that this is merely a design concept and has no plans to mass produce the Myvi GT. However, it would be fun if the company can drop in some engine modifications and create a limited-run series for the nation\u2019s favourite hatchback.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua Myvi GT Concept at KLIMS"
"With all that time on your hands to spend on social media of late, you would\u2019ve probably seen images of the facelift 2021 Proton Iriz that has leaked on the line the past couple days. Well, more have surfaced!\nAt first glance, it may look the Proton Iriz version of the Perodua Axia Style, but there\u2019s more to it. Gone is old V-shaped grille, replaced by the Infinite Weave designed first made famous by the Proton X70.\n2021\n2019\nThe lower bumper has seen rather drastic changes too. While the LED fog light strip remains the same, the housing for the fog light has been completely redesigned. The rear bumper is also significantly more eye-catching, highlighted by silver surrounds.\nFurther back, a roof rail has been added, along with wheel arch extensions (err herm Axia Style.literally). What we do find particularly attractive though, is the new wheel design. It\u2019s possibly the most elaborate wheel design we\u2019ve seen from Proton.\nThe changes are less significant at the rear. You get an \u201cActive\u201d badge on the tailgate but the rear bumper design is essentially the same as the previous facelift model back in 2019. It only looks different as the panels are of different colours.\nLook closely and you\u2019d notice the vague diffuser seen in the previous facelift model, is no more.\nInside, all the main consoles and air-con vents are finished with red surrounds. It\u2019s got \u201cActive\u201d lettering on the door panels and on the seats \u2013 a little hyperactive, don\u2019t you think?\nOur favourite Martini-themed seats have been sacrificed for this new theme either \u2013 dislike.\nMore details will be revealed tomorrow (August 5th) as Proton will be revealing the facelift Iriz and Persona at 11:00 am on their \nFacebook page\n.\n \nSource: \nFacebook"
"In addition to the new \n330Li\n, BMW Malaysia today also introduced a new variant of the X3 SUV (or \u2018SAV\u2019 in BMW-speak) here on our shores, in the form of the sDrive20i \u2013 \u2018s\u2019 meaning single-axle drive, with power sent to the rear wheels only.\nA few months ago, BMW also ilaunched the \nX3 M Competition\n while extending the X3 xDrive30i line up \nwith an M Sport model\n.\nThe new locally-assembled BMW X3 sDrive20i will sit at the bottom of the X3 model line-up in Malaysia, priced \nfrom RM270,934\n without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions.\nEXTERIOR\nThe BMW X3 sDrive20i for the Malaysia market is dressed in the xLine package, which adds decorative matte aluminium trims on the front air inlets, side skirts, and bumpers, the latter akin to underbody bash plates.\nOther exterior highlights include:\nLED headlights with cornering lights\n19-inch Y-spoke alloys, Style 694\nBMW Individual Exterior Line, Aluminium Satinated\nRoof rails, Aluminium Satinated\nExterior colour options: Alpine White, Glacier Silver, Black Sapphire, Pythonic Blue\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the bonnet of the X3 sDrive20i is the same B48 TwinPower Turbo petrol engine as found in the \nxDrive30i\n, but down-tuned to a lower output. Unique to the new variant is also the sDrive powertrain, which sends power to the rear wheels only instead of all four wheels on the xDrive30i.\nEngine: B48 two-litre (1,998 cc) four-cylinder turbocharged, petrol\nTransmission: Eight-speed automatic with Steptronic and Automatic Hold Function\nDrivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 184 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nTorque: 300 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 8.2 seconds\nTop speed: 215 km/h\nThe under-tuned engine boasts lowered carbon emissions, alongside a lowered fuel consumption figure of 7.1 l/100km.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the standard features on the new BMW X3 sDrive20i is pretty-much identical to the xDrive30i Luxury, with the only difference being the trim finishers \u2013 the new variant gets a more \u201cyouthful\u201d Black High-Gloss and Pearl Chrome combination, instead of the wood panels on the Luxury variant.\nStandard equipment on the new sDrive20i include:\nBMW Live Cockpit Plus analogue instrument cluster with a 5.7-inch multi-info display\n8.8-inch iDrive touchscreen infotainment display\n12-speaker HiFi sound system\nThree-zone automatic air conditioning system\nPower-adjustable front sport seats \u2013 memory function for driver\nBlack Vernasca leather upholstery, black stitching\nComfort Access System \u2013 handsfree powered tailgate\nStorage Compartment Package\n550 litres of luggage capacity\nCONVENIENCE & SAFETY\nThe new BMW X3 sDrive20i goes one up over the existing xDrive30i with the addition of the BMW Driving Assistant advanced driver assistance systems alongside the existing Parking Assistant, which includes the following features:\nForward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking\nRear collision warning\nSpeed limit assist\nBlind spot monitor\nRear cross traffic alert\nLane departure warning with active steering intervention\nReverse assistant\nAlso standard is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, alongside connectivity features such as the \nnew My BMW app\n, which provides access to a wide range of remote services, on-the-go navigation, as well as e-mobility features.\nPRICING\nThe new BMW X3 sDrive20i is priced from \nRM270,934 \non the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nSST exemptions\n. However, the aforementioned price only comes with a standard two-year warranty.\nFor the full five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, the price rises up to \nRM286,684\n \u2013 a RM15,740 premium.\nGALLERY"
"Among the 500 different companies evaluated by American brand valuation company Brand Finance last year, from the fields of tech, oil and gas, banking, logistics and retail to name a few, these were the top 10 automotive brands.\n1. \nMercedes-Benz\n \u2013 USD65 billion (\nup from USD60 billion\n)\n2. \nToyota\n \u2013 USD58 billion (\nup from USD52 billion\n)\n3. \nVolkswagen\n \u2013 USD44 billion (\nup from USD41 billion\n)\n4.\n BMW\n \u2013 USD40 billion (\nunchanged\n)\n5. \nMitsubishi\n \u2013 USD37 billion (\nup from USD26 billion\n)\n6. \nPorsche\n \u2013 USD33 billion (\nup from USD29 billion\n)\n7. \nHonda\n \u2013 USD33 billion (\nup from USD25 billion\n)\n8. \nHyundai \n\u2013 USD 20 billion (\nunchanged\n)\n9. \nFord \n\u2013 USD18 billion (\nunchanged\n)\n10. \nNissan\n \u2013 USD17 billion (\ndown from USD18 billion\n)\nWhile the Tri-star brand continues to strive, Mitsubishi had a particularly good year with the biggest jump in its valuation, from USD26 billion to 37 billion. Nissan\u2019s valuation had \u201cGhosn\u201d down slightly, possibly due to the controversies of its fugitive former CEO.\n\u201cAfter moving higher up in the Interbrand ranking Best Global Brands, we are proud that Mercedes-Benz is also continuing to progress in Global 500 2020\u201d, says Mercedes-Benz Cars, Head of Marketing, Bettina Fetzer."
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised distributor of\u00a0Porsche,\u00a0has launched the 991\u2019s reiteration of the iconic Targa-bodied variant of the 7th-gen 911 family at its all-new RM16 million flagship showroom located\u00a0in Sungai Besi.\nTarga, for those who aren\u2019t in the know, literally means \u2018convertible\u2019, and this particular 911 Targa 4S is lighter thanks to extensive use of magnesium, steel and aluminium, whereas the soft top is made of high quality fabric. This model shares its underpinnings as the Carrera 4 Cabriolet.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche 911 Targa 4S\nEngine\n3.8L flat-six\nTransmission\n7 speed PDK or 7 speed manual\nMax Power\n400 hp @ 7,400rpm\nMax Torque\n440 Nm @ 5,700rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.6 seconds; 294 km/h\nPrice\nTBA\nEXTERIOR\nThe Targa design has indeed gone back in time to reflect the heritage of its older siblings. The transformation happens in under 20 seconds, where the\u00a0glass rear windscreen opens up to the back and slides out. It tucks away into a small boot space. Then, two flaps on\u00a0the Targa bar open and release the fabric soft top. The soft top is unlatched, and folds to the back into a Z-formation\u00a0behind the rear seats. Finally, the flaps in the bar and the rear window close. Another advange of a Targa bodied 911 is that the targa bar acts as a rigidity tool in keeping the chassis stiffer for a sportier feel.\nThis particular all-wheel-drive model is wider than its 2WD sister by 44mm to be precise, making the Targa 4S more recognisable thus setting itself apart from its siblings. Other telling features include a pillarless windscreen and a trim-special \nLED light strip\n running across the tailgate connecting both tail lamps. The Targa sits on a set of \n20-inch wheels\n \u2013 305/30 ZR20 at the back and 245/35 ZR20 at the front. This particular wheel design may be familiar to some, that\u2019s because it is taken right off the \n911 Turbo\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is bathed in a gorgeous two-tone shade of beige and natural black leather colours. The interior of the Targa 4S can be personalised according to individual tastes, and they come in various shades of hide. For further customisations, owners can choose between mahogany wood, carbon fibre or brushed aluminium finishes and as you would expect of the Stuttgart-based carmaker, they go into excruciating detail with regards to the fit and finish quality of the interior.   Two different audio systems are offered for the discerning audiophile. A 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, powered by a 445-Watt eight-channel amplifier with an active sub-woofer built into the body of the car. The other optional audio system is an 821-Watt, \n12 individually controlled speakers \nthat are\u00a0paired to a 300-Watt dedicated digital amplifier by \nBurmester\u00a0High-End Surround Sound System\n. A mildly different version of this audio system is also found the \nBugatti Veyron\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThis sleek sportscar is powered by what could possibly be the \nlast ever naturally aspirated 3.8-litre\n\u00a0\nflat-six engine\n,\u00a0following several unconfirmed reports indicating the implementation of forced induction. However, the engine that sits in the Targa 4S is an ode to tradition, pumping out \n400 hp\n at 7,400 rpm and puts down \n440 Nm\n of twist at 5,700 rpm onto the road.\nThis quad-cam, \nall-aluminium engine\n directs the power over to either a seven-cog PDK dual-clutch or a seven speeder stick shift which is then distributed by an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that\u2019s kept in check by the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system.\nFor further efficiency, this revvy direct-injection lump comes with an energy-recoup system to provide power for the Start/Stop feature. But once you\u2019re done being environmentally conscious, the Targa 4S come with a button that alters the acoustic characteristic of the exhausts, making a louder, throatier symphony of the flat-six engine while optimising\u00a0performance. The quad-tail pipes is a visual indicator of that fact.\nSAFETY\nThe new Targa 4S puts a rather large emphasis on safety with systems such as\u00a0Porsche Side Impact Protection\u00a0System (POSIP) that throws six airbags into the mix. The Targa bar provides additional rigidity to the already tort chassis design that is borrowed from the cabriolet family.\u00a0These safety features and a host of other electronic driver-aid programs such as the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system make the 911 Targa 4S a contender to the title of being one of the safest convertible sports cars in the world.\nAdding to that is the\u00a0Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) \u2013 Porsche\u2019s adaptive lighting system that improves visibility and safety by adapting and can adjust itself according to weather conditions. This system is also equipped with an active cornering and speed-sensitive systems which allow the headlight to reshape the light cone and follow you around a bend.\nWHAT ELSE?\nFuel efficiency may not be at the top of priority check-list of potential buyers, however Porsche has stated that this slick Targa model is rated to consume from \n10.0 to 9.2 l per 100\nkm\n, depending on the transmission type. To that extend, this particular model has been certified to be Euro6 standard compliant. Helping its case is the\u00a0electro-mechanical power steering. It lowers fuel consumption by at least 0.1 l/100 km as compared\u00a0with the hydraulic power steering fitted in its predecessor.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ah, finally something many of us can look forward to this year. Perodua\u2019s littlest darling, the\u00a0\nAxia\n, will be given a midlife update soon. It\u2019s open for booking and will be receiving the updated engine (more powerful and fuel efficient) shared with its sedan sibling, the \nPerodua Bezza\n.\nLike before, the new Axia will be offered in four trims:\u00a0\nStandard E, Standard G, SE\n and \nAdvance\n. All variants will wear a redesigned front grille, and this time around, projector headlights will be standard across the range! \nInterior changes are dependant on the trim, but Perodua says the Standard G now comes with USB port. Meanwhile, the \nPush-Start Button\n,\u00a0smart entry with smart key, updated instrument cluster and multimedia system with \u2018Smart Link\u2019 (for android only) are exclusive to the SE and Advance.\nThe Lemongrass Green and Cherry Blossom colours have both been dropped. Replacing these colours are\u00a0Solid Sunflower Yellow and Metallic Lava Red, both of which were previously exclusive to the SE and Advance.\nGone is the Toyota-sourced 1KR-DE engine, only to be replaced by an updated engine with\u00a0\nVariable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-I)\n. This improves fuel consumption by 0.9km/L, and the Axia is now capable of doing\u00a0\n22.5 km/L\n\u00a0in eco mode. In case you\u2019re wondering, yes, it\u2019s the same three-cylinder engine powering the Bezza. Power and torque are\u00a0up \u2013 albeit slightly \u2013 to\n\u00a067 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n of torque.\nClick to enlarge\nPricing for the new Axia starts from\u00a0\nRM24,900\n\u00a0(Standard E, MT). The Standard G (manual) has a sticker price of\u00a0\nRM34,900\n, while the automatic costs\u00a0\nRM36,900\n.\nThe SE manual is priced at \nRM37,900\n, and its automatic equivalent costs\u00a0\nRM39,900\n. The range-topper Advance can be had at \nRM42,900\n.\nThe Perodua Axia is the country\u2019s first Energy Efficient Vehicle (\nEEV\n) and proved to be a pivotal model for Perodua since its launch. Look out for the launch of the facelifted Axia in the days to come!"
"The\n Isuzu D-Max \npick-up truck has been updated across its entire range for 2023 here in Malaysia, with several aesthetic upgrades, bumps in its equipment list, alongside a price hike.\nWith the new update, the Isuzu D-Max in Malaysia is now priced from RM94,949, jumping all the way up to RM150,938 for the range-topping X-Terrain variant, on-the-road, without insurance.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\n \nIn terms of visual upgrades, the 2023 Isuzu D-Max is now equipped with a new dual-tone radiator grille garnish across all variants. The new grille is complemented by new 17- and 18-inch wheel designs \u2013 and on the X-Terrain variant, the wheels, alongside several exterior trim pieces, have also been given a dark grey accents for an added splash of pizzazz.\nWrapping up the exterior aesthetic changes are the new colour options, including Islay Gray Mica (pictured), Dolomite White Pearl, and Biarritz Blue Metallic. The new gray and white hues are exclusive to the X-Terrain and Premium variants, while the new Biarritz Blue exterior colour is available on the Premium, Auto Plus, and Standard AT variants, replacing the existing blue offering.\nRELATED: \nIsuzu Malaysia sold 9,211 D-Max pick-ups in 2022, nearly double of previous year\nInside, the main change also comes in the form of aesthetic updates. The upholstery now comes in black across the range, leather on Premium and X-Terrain, and fabric on the other variants, while the X-Terrain also gains additional Cafe Brown accents on the dashboard and door panel trims.\nThe 15W wireless charging pad is now available on the X-Terrain, Premium, and Auto Plus variants, and on the former two, it\u2019s also paired to a 2.1A Type-C fast charging port. The existing USB-A ports are still available on the centre stack and behind the centre armrest, the former used for smartphone connectivity to the nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).\nOther interior updates are exclusive to the range-topping X-Terrain variant, consisting of an integrated front (1440p) and rear (1080p) dashcam, as well as new ambient lighting in the footwells, that are only activated for 60 seconds when the doors are opened.\nThe 2023 Isuzu D-Max will still be offered with the same powertrain options as before: a 1.9-litre turbodiesel inline-four unit, with \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, as well as a 3.0-litre turbodiesel mill offering\n 190 hp \nand \n450 Nm\n. Both powertrains are paired to the same six-speed automatic gearbox.\nFor the 2023 update, all four-wheel drive variants will now get an electronic locking rear differential as standard. The Premium Auto variant meanwhile gets a revised suspension set-up that increases its payload from 580 kg previously up to now 775 kg.\nThe advanced driver\u2019s assistance kit is also unchanged, and is still similarly offered only on the range-topping X-Terrain variant. The suite includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, rear-cross traffic alert, and automatic high beam, among others.\nIn terms of pricing, the Isuzu D-Max line-up is priced as follows, on-the-road, without insurance:\n3.0L AT X-Terrain \u2013 RM150,938.40\n3.0L AT Premium \u2013 RM135,638.40\n1.9L AT Premium \u2013 RM129,149.20\n1.9L AT Standard \u2013 RM111,499.20\n1.9L MT Standard \u2013 RM104,099.20\n1.9L Auto Plus 4X2 \u2013 RM105,499.20\n3.0L MT Single Cab \u2013 RM101,888.40\n1.9L MT Single Cab \u2013 RM94,949.20\nThe Isuzu D-Max is offered with a five-year/150,000 km warranty as standard, except for the X-Terrain which gets an extended seven-year unlimited-mileage warranty.\nGALLERY"
"In an effort to keep their\u00a0\npromise\n, Honda Malaysia\u00a0has confirmed that replacement parts for the driver front airbag inflators is now 100 percent available. As of this week, Honda Malaysia has carried out 175,000 airbag replacement while 55 percent of the remaining vehicles affected have yet to be rectified. Honda urges affected owners to come forward and get the parts replaced.\nHowever, there is a\n global shortage \nfor \npassenger side\n\u00a0front airbags inflators, and replacement parts are not a 100 percent state yet. Honda Malaysia assures that they are working road the clock to resolve this shortage, and apologises for any inconvenience caused.\nAffected Honda owners can schedule an appointment with any Honda authorised dealers or Service Central Hubs to get their Takata driver and passenger (subject to availability) front airbag inflators replaced. List of Service Central Hubs are located at:\nLocation\nAddress\nNorthern Hub (Next to S.M.J.K. Convent Dato\u2019 Keramat School)\nNo.401, Jalan Dato\u2019 Keramat, 10150 Georgetown, Penang.\nCentral Hub \u2013 Soo & Sons Metal Works Sdn. Bhd. (Next to Columbia Asia\nHospital)\nLot 15 Jalan 13/6, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.\nSouthern Hub \u2013 Oriental Assemblers Sdn. Bhd.\n99 & 99A-C, Jalan Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.\nAdditionally, 21 selected Petron service stations and three Honda Family Road Trip locations have been appointed as Mobile Hubs to facilitate airbag replacement. These Mobile Hubs are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 7pm until 25 September 2016. Click \nhere\n for the full list of Mobile Hubs.\nWith this update, there should be no excuse to get those faulty airbags replaced. To find out whether your Honda is affected, click \nhere\n."
"Two months after we first got a \nglimpse of the Kia Rio Sedan at the 2015 ASEAN Auto Show\n, official distributor of Kia vehicles, NAZA Kia Malaysia has finally launched the B-Segment sedan and priced it at RM72,888.\nAs previously reported, only one variant of the Rio Sedan will be offered here, and it\u2019s powered by a \n1.4-litre four-cylinder\n multi-point injection engine \u2013 the same unit found in its RM79k\u00a0\nhatchback brethren\n. The engine makes \n108 hp\n and \n137 Nm\n of torque and it\u2019s mated to an \narchaic four-speed torque converter automatic\n which sends power to the \nfront wheels\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Rio Sedan\u00a0\nEngine\n1,396cc; inline-4 DOHC\nTransmission\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n108 hp @ 6,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n137 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR with\u00a0insurace)\nRM72,888.00\nJust to recap, the Rio Sedan sports a larger \u2018Tiger Nose\u2019 grille, reflector-type headlights, fog lamps, 15-inch wheels wrapped with \n185/55 R15\n Hankook Kinergy Eco tyres and of course, a larger boot space which measures in at \n389 litres\n. Because it\u2019s positioned lower than the Rio Hatchback SX, this variant \nwill lose out\n on LED DRLs, automatic folding side mirrors as well as the signal indicators which have been moved to the front fenders.   Inside the Rio Sedan is also pretty standard stuff. There\u2019s \nno keyless entry or push-start ignition\n, and you only get a basic instrument cluster with a small trip computer screen at the bottom of the speedometer. The polyurethane steering wheel still comes with volume controls and switches for handsfree and Bluetooth operations. There\u2019s also \n800MB of onboard storage\n for you to store all your favourite tunes.\nDespite what you think of its shortcomings, the Rio Sedan impresses in the safety department and \ngets six airbags as standard\n! Other safety systems include\u00a0Electronic Stability Control\u00a0(ESC),\u00a0Vehicle Stability Management\u00a0(VSM) and\u00a0all-round disc brakes\u00a0with\u00a0ABS, Hill-start Assist Control, reverse sensors and Isofix child anchorage at the rear.\n \n \nFor \nRM72,888\n (inclusive of GST and insurance), you can have your Kia Rio Sedan in \nfour different colours\n \u2013\u00a0Clear White, Bright Silver, Deep Blue, and Signal Red. Like other Kia models, it comes with a\n 5-year warranty\n \nwith unlimited mileage\n. For an up-close and personal look at the new Rio Sedan, be sure to head over to PJ Red Cube from 15 to 17 January for their Karnival CNY Kia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia has recently launched the all-new second-generation Lexus NX in the form of the\n \nNX 250 Luxury\n and the more powerful and sporty \nLexus NX 350 F Sport\n. Prices start from \nRM370,888 \nand\n RM389,888\n excluding Sales Tax Exemptions.\nLexus said 95% of the components in the NX are new and on the exterior significant changes have been made to the head and taillight design. The light beams are now positioned in a single row instead of being stacked like before, while the daytime running lights are now integrated into the headlamps.\n \nAt the rear, the taillights now consists of a light bar that runs across the tailgate \u2013 which comes with hands-free opening and closing features \u2013 resembling the likes of Porsche\u2019s Macan, BMW\u2019s 7 Series, and Lexus\u2019 very own LM and UX.\nOpt for the F Sport model and you\u2019ll even get a more stylish Spindle grille design with sportier 20-inch wheels and blacked-out side mirrors, roof rails, and window surrounds. In the NX 250 Luxury, the same is finished in chrome instead. The F Sport model even comes with adaptive suspension for different levels of ride firmness depending on the drive mode selected.\nNX 350 F Sport\nNX 350 F Sport\nNX 250 Luxury\nNX 250 Luxury\nUnder the hood, there are two different engine options. The NX 250 Luxury gets a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 204 hp and 243 Nm, while in the NX 350 F Sport rests a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 275 hp and 430 Nm. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive.\nClick \nhere\n to find out more detailed specifications and images of the NX!"
"The \nMotoGP\n Malaysian Grand Prix will continue to race at the \nSepang International Circuit (SIC)\n for \u201cat least\u201d another three years, with a new contract recently formalised between the circuit and Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of the series.\nStarting from this year, the Grand Prix will also see a new title sponsor, national oil company \nPetronas\n, replacing the previous sponsor \nShell\n. Effectively, the race will now be called the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia.\nPhoto: Sepang Circuit/Facebook\nIn addition to the new contract, SIC, Dorna Sports and all relevant parties have also begun talks to extend the agreement until 2026. The circuit has become a staple in the FIM MotoGP World Championship, having been in the calendar since 1999, with more than 20 motorcycle Grand Prix staged at the venue.\nAs for Petronas, the title sponsorship also represents a step-up to its partnership with Dorna Sports. Prior to the new title sponsorship, the national oil company was already the official fuel supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 series.\nVIDEO: AutoBuzz Best (Driver\u2019s) Cars of 2021 at the Sepang International Circuit\nPhoto: Sepang Circuit/Facebook\nSepang International Circuit CEO, Azhan Shafriman Hanif said, \u201cWith record-breaking crowds year-on-year, we look forward to welcoming the fans back to Sepang after a two-year break due to the pandemic. In line with our #WelcomeHome theme, this year is about the revival of international motorsports with more unique offerings to the fans.\u201d\nPetronas Group Strategic Communications Senior General Manager, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz added: \u201cThrough this strategic partnership with Dorna Sports, we hope to help re-energise Malaysia\u2019s sports tourism for the benefit of Malaysians and visitors as the world collectively rebounds from the pandemic.\u201d\nRELATED: Petronas ends partnership with Sepang Racing Team\nPhoto: Sepang Circuit/Facebook\nThe MotoGP Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia will remain as the penultimate event in the calendar, before the season finale at Valencia. For 2022, the Grand Prix is scheduled for the 21 \u2013 23 October, and tickets are already on sale now on SIC\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nAs for the \nFormula 1\n fans wishing for the return of the Malaysian GP, tough luck. In a virtual press conference yesterday, Azhan confirmed that they have yet to receive an offer from the series just yet, which means no discussions for the return of F1 to Malaysia for the time being.\nHe added that he is open to the idea, but it will still not be a simple task even if an offer is on the table, as it will have to be brought up to the government to assess its financial impact.\n[Featured image: MotoGP]"
"BMW Malaysia has introduced the \nF30 3-Series LCI\n (Life Cycle Impulse \u2013 essentially a facelift) in conjunction with celebrating the model\u2019s 40th anniversary. Now I know what most of you will be thinking. What\u2019s different, besides the new headlights and tail lamps? As is the way of BMW, it\u2019s the little details that set their cars apart from the rest. This new LCI was given a bit of a \u2018freshening-up\u2019 to keep with the times.\nIf there\u2019s one word to describe the F30 LCI, it would be streamlining. From the trimmings to the chromed out badges living on the car\u2019s trunk, it\u2019s all been given an exercise in streamlining. It doesn\u2019t just stop there, but the engines have also been tweaked to provide\u00a0better \nefficiency\n in terms of \nemissions\n and \npower\n output.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 318i Luxury\nBMW 320i Sport\nBMW 320i M Sport\nBMW 320d M Sport\nBMW 330i M\n Sport\nEngine\n1.5L 3-cylinder turbo\n2.0L 4-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Technology\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic gearbox\nMax Power\n136 hp\n184 hp\n190 hp\n252 hp\nMax Torque\n220 Nm\n290 Nm\n400 Nm\n350 Nm\nPrice\nRM208,888\nRM238,800\nRM258,800\nRM268,800\nRM308,800\nEXTERIOR\nIt\u2019s been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. That sentiment resonates supremely here as the brand\u2019s signature \nCorona Ring DRLs\n have been \nreshaped\n ever so slightly that if you were to blink, you might just miss it. We kid though, but in all seriousness, the reshaped DRLs now seem to \nlead\n towards the \nkidney grilles\n.\u00a0Ask any Bimmer enthusiast and\u00a0they will\u00a0tell you that the grilles are the nostrils of the beast \u2013 an \nindication\n of the \npower\n living under the hood.\nFeatures standard on all M-Sport variants are a pair of \nLED fog lamps\n\u00a0built into the reshaped front bumper. The front apron gets a \nbroader side air intake\n for a more aggressive stance. On the rear end, the 3-Series wears the newly-redesigned \nfull-LED tail lamps\u00a0\nwhich bears very stark resemblance to the\u00a0\nM4 GTS\n.   Nothing yells out \u2018Sporty\u2019 more than\n big-exhaust tips\n and fancy \nwheels\n. BMW has taken the liberty in installing twin\n 70mm\n tailpipes for the 320i, 320d and 330i models while the 318i inherits a\n single 75mm\n tailpipe. Bimmer sticks the 318i Luxury with a \n17-inch\n\u00a0multispoke alloy wheels while the 32oi, 320d and 330i models come in a couple of \n18-inch\n\u00a0wheel designs.\nINTERIOR\nThe BMW E36 of the early 90s paved the path forward for a defining feature that will find its way to every Bimmer sketch ever made \u2013 a \ndriver centric cockpit\n. Bimmers are meant to be driven and this new LCI F30 is no exception from that rule. While the LCI regime didn\u2019t see massively radical changes done to the interior save for some mild updates like the new ambient light (a cost option, unfortunately)\u00a0and additional chrome trimmings.   This next feature is one of the most interesting toys to come with the new LCI 3-series. Here\u2019s the catch, it isn\u2019t another hardware, but rather a brand new software powering the\n\u00a0BMW ConnectedDrive\n. The latest-gen \nNavigation System Professional\n fitted to the 320d and the 330i M Sport (formerly known as the 328i) boasts a \nquicker\n start-up time, \nfaster\n route calculation (and re-calculation \u2013 we\u2019ve all been there) along with a more realistic \n3D graphics\n all shown out through a full-colour high-resolution \nHeads Up Display\n.\nA \nSIM\u00a0\ncard is built into each car so that drivers can enjoy BMW\u2019s range of services from ConnectedDrive without the need to hook up to a smartphone. The\n Concierge Service\n feature works a lot like the \nSiri\n\u00a0on iPhones which can bring up places of interests, restaurants, hotels and gas stations.\n \n \nIntelligent Emergency Call\n is another ingenious feature that \nautomatically transmits\n information such as \nairbag deployment\n, \nlocation\n and \ncrash severity\n to the \nBMW Call Centre\n in the event the airbags are triggered. The information is then passed onto emergency services. Alternatively, if you\u2019re a witness to an accident, the driver can \nmanually\n summon for help on behalf of other road users.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe BMW 3-series has always had its roots planted firmly with the tagline \u201c\nSheer Driving Pleasure\n\u201d for the past 40 years. And since its conception, the focus has always been about better \npower\n delivery whilst at the same time combining \nfrugal\n fuel consumption figures. As you would\u2019ve noticed, the 316i variant is no longer offered, and is replaced by the 318i which gets its power from a TwinPower Turbo \n1.5-litre three cylinder\n \nengine\n similar to one found on the i8 sports car and other MINI models. With\u00a0\n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque on tap, it manages the century sprint in a respectable \n8.9 seconds\n and boasts a fuel consumption rating of just \n5.1 litres per 100km\n.\nThe 320i is powered by the same 2.0-litre four cylinder engine that makes\n\u00a0184 hp\n and\n 290 Nm\n of torque, but has been tuned to deliver better \nlow-end grunt\n for better fuel economy.\u00a0Speaking of grunt, the new 330i (it\u2019s a 2.0L, not a 3.0L straight-six) has a power rating of\n 252 hp\n and\u00a0\n350 Nm\n of torque. It manages the century sprint in just \n5.8 seconds\n and has an electronically limited top speed \u00a0of\u00a0\n250 km/h\n. BMW claims that the 330i averages \n6.1 litres per 100km\n.\nAn oil-burning power plant option is available in the form of the\n 320d\n model, and here it makes \n190 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n of twist. It reaches from 0 to 100 km/h in\n\u00a07.2 seconds\n and will do a class-best\u00a0\n4.0 litres per 100km\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe 318i Luxury Line is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver, Melbourne Red and Mediterranean Blue. The M-Sport trimmed cars are available with Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and the ever beautiful shade of \nEstoril Blue\n. On the inside however, the Dakota leather upholstery comes in three shades \u2013\u00a0Black, Oyster Black and Saddle Brown.\u00a0The BMW 3 Series LCI range comes with a\n 5-year unlimited mileage warranty \nand free scheduled service program. Prices start from RM209k to RM309k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"From today, 15th of June till the 26th of July 2020, Shell will be offering cashback and fuel rebates through its \u201cGanjaran Ekstra\u201d campaign in efforts to encourage cashless payments.\nShell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain said, \u201cWe understand that Malaysians are worried and are now making lifestyle changes to fit into the new normal. We strive to do what we can during these trying times by providing an experience that is \u2018senang, mudah dan selamat\u2019 coupled with extra rewards for all our customers when they opt for cashless payments at our stations. We will continue to do our best in ensuring the safety and comfort of Malaysians who visit our stations, especially during this time, as we strive to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic\u201d.\nFollowing are the various cashless payments customers can opt for when refueling or purchasing Shell Select items at Shell fuel stations during the campaign period, and its respective rewards:\nVisa Debit Card\nFor six weeks from 15th June to 26th July, customers who spend a minimum of 3x RM40 per transaction via any Visa debit card will stand a chance to win \nRM12 Shell fuel rebates\n. Registration of the first transaction is required. For more information, click\n here\n.\nTouch \u2018n Go eWallet\nFor four weeks from 15th June to 12th July, customers who spend a minimum of RM40 per transaction via Touch \u2018n Go eWallet will receive \nRM4 cashback\n after 3 working days.\nBoost eWallet\nFor two weeks from 13th July to 26th July, customers who spend a minimum of RM40 per transaction via Boost eWallet will receive \nRM4 cashback\n after 3 working days."
"Citro\u00ebn used to make quirky cars; quirky, but in a good way. The original \nDS\n (or \nd\u00e9esse\n in French, meaning \u201cgoddess\u201d) back in the 50\u2019s was a much-lauded automobile thanks to the innovative technology that goes underneath a graceful body. Things like hydropneumatic independent suspension system, semi-automatic transmission, front disc brakes, and swiveling front headlamps were made available in the DS way before other manufacturers introduced them in their cars.\nFast forward some five decades later Citro\u00ebn is reviving the DS nameplate but this time it\u2019s not on a single model but as a \u201cDifferent Spirit\u201d by-product based on their mainstream \u201cC\u201d cars. The DS badge was re-introduced in 2009 on a three door hatch called the \nDS Inside Concept\n car which eventually entered the production line as the \nDS3\n, the car that you\u2019re seeing on this page right now. So far Citro\u00ebn has three models under their DS-line, DS3, DS4 that we reviewed before \nhere\n, and the DS5.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nCitro\u00ebn DS3\nSegment\nB-Segment 3-door hatchback\nEngine\n1,598cc 4-Cylinder, Normally-Aspirated\nTransmission\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n120 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n160 Nm @ 4,250 rpm\nPrice\nRM 117,888.00\n\u00a0\nAlthough the revival of the DS badge started with the DS3, it\u2019s not the first DS-line car to arrive here in Malaysia. The Citroen DS3 was only \nintroduced here\n after the DS4 and DS5 by \nNaza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd\n recently in February. Six months on, the amount of DS3 can be seen on the roads are so minimal, in fact I\u2019m not surprised if you haven\u2019t even see one on the road.\nEXTERIOR\n \nPreviewed as the DS Inside Concept car, almost every design elements were carried forward to the production DS3, which is a good thing actually. The DS3 is so attractive that it manages to hide the fact that it\u2019s nowhere near as innovative as the original DS.\nEach DS3 sold here comes with a contrasting roof and side mirror colours. If you opt for the\n Jaune Pegase\n with \nNoir Onyx\n top combination like on our test car here, be prepared to get stares from the public. Don\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you.\nAt the front there\u2019s the chrome double chevron grille surround combined with a vertically-stacked \nLED daytime running lights\n on each side in addition to a pair of front fog lights; again surrounded by chrome. Disappointingly the headlights are still using \nhalogen\n bulbs. Although the latest DS3 is now equipped with LED headlights, for the Malaysian market it\u2019s still unsure whether they will be introduced or not.   The side of the DS3 is the most interesting with the \nreversed shark fin\n design on the B-pillar adding some pizzazz to the car. The \n17-inch\n Bellone Black Diamond-tipped alloys complement the flashy chrome accents on the side of the DS3. On top of that the DS3 features a floating roof but on our test it looks like it doesn\u2019t have a roof at all because the roof is black. For the full effect, go for the colour combination that comes with white roof.   The derri\u00e8re is moderately simple in design but the eye candy is the pair of LED tail lights. Like GC mentioned before at the DS3 launch, the 3D lights are indeed mesmerizing. In total the DS3 contains enough wow factor to pull it off as a premium continental hatch.\nINTERIOR\n \nIt\u2019s good to know that the inside is styled to match the exterior\u2019s flair. Despite the fact that the interior\u2019s colour scheme can be a tad too dark, most of the materials used feel premium especially the textured soft touch plastic covering the top section of the dashboard and the\n Mistral Claudia leather upholstery\n for the seats and door panels. Same cannot be said for the plastic used for the lower parts in the cabin especially the one just below the handbrake lever which feels cheap and very rough to the touch. Interestingly, plastic is used for the throttle pedal too.\nThe dashboard is dominated by a slab of \nglossy piano black panel\n. Undoubtedly it looks snazzy, but good luck keeping it fingerprint-free even for at least a few minutes. At the driver side, the hooded instrument binnacle houses a trio of retro-inspired clocks but the panel on the right hand side utilizes a monochrome screen to display the fuel gauge, mileage, and gear indicator, among other things.   In the middle of the dash sits a tiny multi-info display, and the graphics on the display can be either cool or gaudy depending on your preferences. To navigate through the display you have to fiddle with the buttons on the radio unit way down below the dash which feels somewhat awkward. Worth mentioning is the hi-fi sound system that supports USB/Aux/Bluetooth connectivity complete with eight speakers and a subwoofer in the boot that delivers terrific sound.   Another screen is used for the climate control but at least the buttons on either side of the screen are much more straightforward to use. What\u2019s more, the dashboard comes with an \nintegrated fragrance dispenser\n where you can control the strength of the fragrance by twisting the knob next to the center aircond vents.\nGetting the optimum driving position in the DS3 is easy-peasy with the steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake, as well as the manually adjusted seat with thick bolster that hugs you in place during corners. The flat bottom steering wheel itself is a nice thing to hold, but it\u2019s free from any buttons except for the horns. There are\n no shift paddles\n but there are buttons mounted on the steering column for the cruise control and audio, so initially you have to peek over to see which control does what.\nFront passenger space is fine, but the back can be cramped as expected with just enough headroom and limited amount of legroom. Getting in and out is facilitated by the thoughtfully-placed grab handle in the B-pillar. The rear seats come with \nISOFIX\n mounts, and they do fold down (but not flat) and\n split 60/40\n.\nStorage space can be an issue in the DS3, while the \nboot space\n is reasonable at \n285 litres\n, just check out the glove compartment and you\u2019ll see what I mean. The door pockets are wide enough to accommodate a pair of bottles on each side, but I could not find \nany cupholders\n at all. Sorry to disappoint you but there\u2019s no place to put your grande caramel macchiato, unless you\u2019re willing to put it in the door pocket and risk spilling it.   Elsewhere in the cabin you will find a deep uncovered cubby hole just aft the gear lever, and storage space under the center arm rest. Speaking of the center arm rest, the position of the arm rest gets in the way when you want to reach the handbrake lever, but thankfully you can fold the arm rest up.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nWhile the DS3 WRC once piloted by a certain Frenchman called S\u00e9bastien Loeb was known as \nle petit bolide\n which means \u201cthe little racer\u201d; this DS3 1.6 VTi is far from that. Miles away, as a matter of fact. What we get in this DS3 is the normally-aspirated \n1,598cc 4-cylinder\n engine that produces\n 120 hp\n and \n160 Nm\n of torque.\nWith the drive sent to the front wheels via the \n4-speed\n slushbox, don\u2019t bank on the DS3 to set your pants on fire but please bear in mind this DS3 is not a hot hatch. Pin your right foot down it will go from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n10.9 seconds\n but it feels slower than that. \nTop speed\n is claimed to be \n190 km/h\n but if you want attention you don\u2019t even need to go that fast when you\u2019re driving a yellow DS3.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe DS3 is a terrible car at being discreet. Everywhere we went the DS3 attracted attention from all walks of life without even trying. Heck, it even got more attention than the CLA 200 we drove last time. From the driver\u2019s seat you will know you\u2019re being watched as the view out is excellent all round with the generous glass area and minimal pillar intrusion to block your sight.\nThe DS3 is more common than you think even though it looks futuristic it doesn\u2019t really have any futuristic technology inside. It starts off with a twist of the key and you don\u2019t get a start-stop function, or even any driving mode to choose from. It\u2019s an uncomplicated car to drive in town and getting about is a cinch in this pert French hatch. The suspension absorbs road imperfections quite good too for a car that runs on 205/45 R17 tyres.\nWhen taken to the B-roads the DS3 handles pretty well with decent feel from the electric power steering and good predictable brakes, unlike the brakes in the DS4 we drove earlier that was either on or off. Grip from those Bridgestone Potenza RE050A is great but the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on the other hand will not let you drive the DS3 like S\u00e9bastien Loeb. Yes you are able switch it off by pressing the button on the dash, but it will turn itself back on even just after a few meters off the line.\nYou would be tempted to work through the gears manually by nudging the chrome gearlever to \u2018M\u2019 but pressing the \u2018S\u2019 button to hold on to a gear longer should suffice the temptation. With the 1.6-litre engine giving a pleasing soundtrack to the ears, I find it best to keep it between 3,000 rpm and 5,000 rpm even though the specs sheet says max power arrives at 6,000 rpm while max torque at 4,250 rpm. It can keep up with a 2.0-litre Japanese C-segment sedan on the twisty B-roads but just don\u2019t try to do any overtaking maneuver.\nSomething is peculiar about the gearbox. Even though it\u2019s a four speeder, at times it feels like it has more than four. In normal \u2018D\u2019 but depending on your throttle input, sometimes you may feel that the \u2018box already shifted up a gear as you can feel the revs drop but the gear display shows that you\u2019re in the same gear as before. This happens to me most of the time when I\u2019m in second gear and I thought it has already shifted to \u20183\u2019, but the display indicates that I\u2019m still in \u20182\u2019. GC and Daniel also encountered the same experience behind the wheel of this DS3 too.\nBut once you take it to the highway you can confirm it\u2019s a 4-speeder as the engine is spinning more than 3,000 rpm in top gear when cruising at 110 km/h. If it were to be fitted with a six-speeder, the engine would not need to rev that high. It can get rather noisy in the cabin with the sound from the engine and those tyres. Even without a 6-speed box and start-stop function, the claimed fuel consumption is rated at 6.9 l/100 km combined, but yours truly managed to get around 10.5 l/100 km which is still not bad at all.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nIf you\u2019re looking for a second car that\u2019s easy to drive, relatively affordable, and must be a continental brand then the DS3 should be in your list of candidates. Its rarity on the road will no doubt make you stand out from the crowd, especially if you have it in\n Jaune Pegase\n as tested here. Although you have to keep an open mind and don\u2019t expect the DS3 to offer the latest in technology and gadgets, but as a second car these shouldn\u2019t matter that much. If you\u2019re planning to get the DS3 as your only car, there are quite a number of compromises you have to make, chiefly the tight space and maybe the lack of toys in the DS3. If that\u2019s the case you\u2019re better off with a C-segment Korean sedan.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nMost people who saw the DS3 couldn\u2019t help to compare it with the MINI. Unfortunately here the MINI costs a bomb even in the 3-cylinder Cooper guise, so let\u2019s not go there. At the time of writing there\u2019s no other continental B-segment three door hatch on sale here apart from the DS3\u2019s own cousin, the \n208\n. The 208 bears the same technical underpinnings, but it is priced at more than \n20 grand cheaper\n than the DS3.\nBoth measured more or less the same, but the 208 is packed with more tech inside such as the \ninteractive HD touchscreen\n interface and a \npanoramic glass roof\n. Both equally offers a total of \n6 airbags\n and a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty\n but Peugeot claims the ESP in the 208 is further complemented with Anti-Skid Regulator (ASR) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). You could settle for a 208 and get the most out your money but if you want to make a statement the DS3 gives a more lasting impression to the people around you. It\u2019s the matter of taste actually.\nCitro\u00ebn DS3 1.6 VTi\nPeugeot 208 1.6 Allure\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1598\n1598\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n120/6,000\n120/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n160/4,250\n160/4,250\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n4-speed Automatic\n4-speed Automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson strut / Trailing Arm\nMacPherson strut / Trailing Arm\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n205/45 R17\n205/45 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n3,948\n3,962\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,715\n1,739\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,483\n1,460\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,464\n2,538\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,164\n1,150\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n285\n285\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n50\n50\nConsumption\n6.9 L/100 km\n6.7 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n190\n190\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n10.9\n10.7\nPRICE\nRM\n117,888.00\n95,888.00\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThe style and panache did win me over but unfortunately the drivetrain didn\u2019t. The DS3 is such a lovely \u2018feel-good\u2019 car to drive on a daily basis even though driving long distance can be a chore, at least it has cruise control and a banging sound system. And yet, if it were to come with a turbocharged 1.6 powerplant it\u2019ll be more than just a chic accessory. It\u2019s good to have style, but it\u2019s much better to have style with substance, don\u2019t you think so?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen has officially revealed the world\u2019s most recognisable hot hatchback, and it\u2019s a stunner. The Golf GTI has come a long way since 1976, with the eighth iteration of the hot hatch given more power, more equipment, and promising more driving pleasure than ever before.\nCodenamed EA888 evo4, the familiar 2.0-litre turbo four-pot has been massaged to produce \n245 hp\n and a maximum torque of \n370 Nm\n.\nA \nstandard 6-speed manual transmission\n delivers power to the front wheels, and as usual there is an option for a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.\nThe front and rear axles uses a tried and true combination of MacPherson and multi-link setups, and for the first time ever there is a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager. It controls the \u2018sharpness\u2019 of the XDS electronic differential lock, and if the optional DCC adaptive chassis control is specified, the system will also optimise the lateral movement of the dampers.\nAs we know, DCC has four modes, COMFORT, ECO, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL, but interestingly, the final customisable mode can go beyond comfort to \u2018decouple\u2019 the car from the road surface for an even more relaxed ride. It can also go beyond sport mode to make the GTI, well, sportier.\nBoth head lights and tail lights are full LED. Up front, the DRLs stretch across the headlights and radiator grille, broken only by the VW emblem, and on top of the lights is a similarly continuous red accent. Below it is a new (and huge) honeycomb grille that features optional fog lights in a \u2018X\u2019 pattern.\nMove to the rear and you\u2019ll find the iconic \u2018GTI\u2019 letters directly below the VW badge, flanked by newly designed tail light clusters. The spoiler merges visually with the rear windows through black edging, while split twin tailpipes and a diffuser completes the look.\nAt the side you\u2019ll see 17-inch Richmond alloy wheels which\nare unique to the GTI, while 18 and 19-inch options are also available.\nFinally, black side sills run across the car to merge with the splitter up\nfront, and the diffuser at the rear.\nA new multi-function steering wheel comes with touch controls and in a nod to its heritage, the seats have retained that classic chequered pattern called Scalepaper. Red accents abound of course, as it is a GTI after all.\nNew inside here is a \n10.25-inch Digital Cockpit\n and a big \n10-inch infotainment screen\n. If the top range Digital Cockpit is specified, both the screens can be merged to form the Innovation Cockpit. We\u2019re looking forward to see it as well.\nLike \nthe Passat we reviewed\n recently, there are 30 different colours for the ambient lighting and their intensity can be customised. Lastly, for cars with the standard 6-speed manual box, there is a new GTI gear knob, and if specified with the 7-speed DSG, you get this knob-switch thingamajig.\nItems like Lane Assist lane keeping system, Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, XDS electronic differential lock and Car2X (local communication with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure) come standard.\nSafety equipment wasn\u2019t stated in the press release, but one can at least hope for a good suite of them in the Volkswagen Golf GTI when it\u2019s launched here.\nThe Golf GTD and Golf GTE were similarly premiered as well. The Volkswagen Golf GTD has a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that makes \n200 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. The 7-speed DSG is standard in this model.\nFor the hybrid GTE, the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine makes \n150 hp\n while the hybrid module makes 116 hp. Together, the output is \n245 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Unlike the other two models, it uses a 6-speed DSG.\nEquipment across the models are mostly the same and while each model receives obvious visual distinctions, like the red, silver, and blue accents in the GTI, GTD, and GTE respectively.\nIMAGE GALLERY \u2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI\nIMAGE GALLERY \u2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTD\nIMAGE GALLERY \u2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE"
"In case you missed, Bentley is aiming to become an \u201cend-to-end carbon-neutral organisation\u201d, and that includes making only fully electric cars by 2030. That\u2019s not a lot of time left, so the British luxury carmaker is now forging forwards with its \nBeyond100 plan\n with the introduction of its second electrified model, the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid.\nIn addition to the \nmonstrous W12 and V8 engines\n, the Bentley Flying Spur is now available with an electrified powertrain, which combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of \n544 hp\n and\n 750 Nm\n of torque.\nFor those keeping track, that\u2019s 96 hp more than the \nBentayga Hybrid\n that was unveiled about two years ago. With the added electric propulsion, the Bentley Flying Spur hybrid can aceelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in\n 4.3 seconds\n (just two tenths of a second slower than the\n V8 Flying Spur\n, despite its added weight), onward to a top speed of \n285 km/h\n.\nBut of course, performance isn\u2019t the main focus here \u2013 they already have the W12 (or maybe the Continental GT) for that. The new Flying Spur Hybrid is also supposedly the \u201cmost efficient Bentley ever\u201d, capable of travelling over 700 km in a single tank of fuel. Electric juice meanwhile is fed by a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged in \u201cas little as two and a half hours\u201d, depending on region and their charging infrastructure.\nThe Bentley Flying Spur V8 is now available in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nOn top of that, Bentley also says that it\u2019s virtually \u201cunperceivable\u201d when the car switches between its internal combustion engine and electric motor, regardless of driving style or mode \u2013 of which, there are three, which can be controlled via the switch that replaces the automatic start-stop button on the regular petrol-powered car, or automatically by the car\u2019s computer.\nEV Drive, the default mode when the car is switched on, maximises the use of pure electric propulsion, which Bentley says is ideal for city driving and shorter journeys; Hybrid mode maximises vehicle efficiency and range for longer journeys, with the intelligent navigation system providing additional data for the car to automatically adjust its predictive engine coasting and regeneration; and lastly, the Hold mode \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 balances the engine and electric power to hold the battery at a higher charge level.\nSUVs are more your style? There\u2019s the Bentayga Hybrid for that.\nAll of the energy flow can be displayed on the infotainment screen and the digital instrument cluster, where drivers can also pore into the statistics and set various timers for scheduled charging.\nAside from the powertrain underneath the sheet metal, plus all the software wizardries to make it all work, the rest of the car isn\u2019t too different than the regular Flying Spur. Exterior visual differences are confined to just a \u2018Hybrid\u2019 badge on the front fender, quad oval tailpipes, and an extra charging port on the left rear fender.\nStandard customisation choices include seven exterior colours to choose from, alongside 20- to 22-inch wheels. But of course, this being a Bentley, you can always ask the Mulliner customisation arm to make one exclusively for you with all the personalisations your mind can dream of.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai has revealed\u00a0more details of its upcoming Prius rival, the Hyundai Ioniq, just before its official launch in the coming months. Right now, only the rear and interior images have been revealed after \nlast month\u2019s preview of the concept car\n.\nThe Ioniq\u00a0will be the world\u2019s first green car with\u00a0\nthree energy-efficient powertrains\n;\u00a0a \npetrol-electric hybrid,\u00a0\na\u00a0\nplug-in hybrid\n\u00a0and a\u00a0\nfull electric propulsion\n vehicle. Now, we get to know that the Ioniq will powered by a\n 1.6-litre Kappa GDI\n petrol engine running in Atkinson-cycle. \u00a0This \n104 hp \nand\u00a0\n147 Nm \nof torque engine will be paired to a \n72 hp electric motor\n. A \nsix-speed dual clutch\n gearbox will be used, and it will be geared for fuel efficiency rather than performance.\n \n \nIn charge of juicing the electric motors is a pack of lithium-ion polymer battery that\u2019s housed underneath the rear bench of the car. This keeps the centre of gravity low, which will lend a hand at improving the car\u2019s ride and handling.\u00a0Hyundai claims that the battery\u2019s\u00a0thermal efficiency is of\n 40 percent,\n matching the current Toyota Prius. As with many other new Hyundai models, the Ioniq will use as much as 53 percent of\n\u00a0Advanced High Strength Steel\u00a0\nthat\u2019s both lightweight and rigid to save fuel and passengers.\nTo further convince you of its driving capabilities, Hyundai says the rear axle will benefit from a dual lower-arm multilink suspension as standard.\u00a0Good news for the more environmental conscious enthusiasts, we suppose?\u00a0Inside, the interior looks as modern as any new Hyundais get, while the use of blue highlights accentuate the air conditioning vents, central head unit housing and pipings on the leather seats.\nHyundai has been rather sneaky with the Ioniq, dropping teaser images of the rear and interior but not the front fascia. Time will do the trick, no doubt, but the Ioniq will not be the only green car that will roll off Hyundai\u2019s production line.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After making its global debut in 2015, the \nsecond-generation Volkswagen Tiguan\n has been around for the better part of two years. Although not the freshest in the market, the Tiguan was Volkswagen\u2019s strongest model growth in 2017, charting an astonishing \n40 percent growth\n compared to 2016.\nAbout 730,000 units of the Tiguan were delivered to customers last year with China having the biggest appetite for the SUV followed by Germany. The Tiguan is also among the best-selling SUVs in Europe. Volkswagen attributed part of the booming success to the recently introduced \nTiguan Allspace\n \u2013 a stretched version of the Tiguan that accommodates seven.\nThe seven-seater Tiguan Allspace bridges the gap between the five-seater Tiguan and the full-sized Touareg luxury SUV which appeals to a wider range of customers. Besides that, Volkswagen has subtly confirmed that the long-wheelbase Tiguan \u201cis available with five or optionally seven seats\u201d, in line with \nour earlier report\n. With the wheelbase stretched by \n109 mm\n and overall length increased by\n 215 mm\n, the five-seater long-wheelbase Tiguan will give greater comfort for rear passengers and better practicality.\nCloser to home, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has the \nregular Tiguan on sale\n in two variants priced at RM149k and RM169k. It is no surprise that the Tiguan instantly became \nhighly popular among Malaysians\n because we found the car to be a \nhighly capable machine\n and even the \nentry level Comfortline is a great bang for your buck\n."
"At the 2017 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show, Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled two (tastefully) modified\n Stinger GT\n \u2013 the Stinger GT Wide Body and Stinger GT Federation. Both features custom-made accessories and parts to transform Kia\u2019s first performance vehicle to a show stopper.\nNow, wide-body conversions are not Kia\u2019s \nforte\n, therefore the company reached out to custom vehicles specialist,\n West Coast Customs\n for their expertise. Finished in a custom Pearl Blue Metallic paint job, the \nStinger GT Wide Body\n wears a lightweight carbon fibre aero kit and rear diffuser for greater high-speed stability. Shouty items include the quad-port exhaust tips and 21-inch Keen forged alloy wheels complemented by a lowered suspension (-35 mm front; -30 mm rear). Naturally, it gets flared rear arches for that wide-body look.   Inside, the Stinger GT Wide Body gets a custom blue leather seat piping, grey leather dash panel, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a gloss black centre console trim. All bespoke items.\nOver to the \nStinger GT Federation\n, its KMA\u2019s own effort in adding tasteful aftermarket accessories for increased performance and visual impact. Exterior body kit comes courtesy of Air Design USA that includes the rear spoiler, rear diffuser and hood vents; complementing the custom Creamy Orange paint scheme. It rides on 20-inch TSW alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Falken tyres.   The 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 now spots a K&N cold-air intake and low-restriction quad-tipped Borla exhaust, allowing the V6 to breathe more freely, taking the power output by \n15 hp\n to \n380 hp\n. The Stinger GT Federation also gets Eibach springs, thicker antiroll bars and lowered ride height for a sportier driving experience.\nThe \nKia Stinger GT is now on sale in the UK\n for \u00a331,995 (RM180k) to \u00a340,495 (RM228k). We\u2019ve got a feeling that we should be expecting this fine looking machine to arrive on Malaysian soil sometime soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Stinger GT Wide Body   Kia Stinge GT Federation"
"Expected to be unveiled by the end of this year, the \nAudi e-tron\n prototype will be the first car on the market that can be charged with up to 150 kW, following news that \nAudi UK had begun taking orders for it\n.\nThe best part is, the wait will be over\n in just 30 minutes\n and that\u2019s enough for the e-tron\u2019s large lithium-ion battery to provide a driving range of \nmore than 400 km\n. The e-tron can be \u201crefuelled\u201d at AC and DC public charging stations or at home with a 230V household outlet, which will \ntake more than 8 hours\n.\nThe Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage\nIts batteries are located in the vehicle floor, positioned strategically with the intention to attain a near 50:50 weight distribution. The battery pack is said to offer the e-tron with more than\n 400 hp; 500 hp with the overboost function.\nThe e-tron is expected to complete its 100 km/h run from standstill within 4.5 seconds; with ample traction from its trio of\u00a0electric motors \u2013 one at the front axle with the remainder powering the rear wheels.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/23172549/10006en_audi-media-tv_8000k.mp4\nTo celebrate its new milestone of recharging EVs quickly, Audi recently placed the e-tron in a Faraday cage in Berlin. This simply generated a light show, a lightning crackle over 82 feet tall from the roof of the e-tron.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage   The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage\n \n The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage\n \n The Audi e-tron Prototype in Berlin\n \n The Audi e-tron Prototype in Berlin"
"Since its launch yesterday, the all-new Perodua Myvi has received extremely positive response from the public thanks to its high-levels of equipment, sleek design and most importantly a full suite of safety features at an affordable price point.\nOrder books for the new Myvi opened during its first public appearance at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow on 9th November. Within eight days (till its official launch on 16th November), Perodua has collected over 5,000 bookings for the all-new Myvi. Of the 5,000 bookings collected, \n78 \nper cent opted for the 1.5-litre variants with\u00a0\nGranite Grey\n being the most popular colour choice.\n1.5 Advance (AT) in Granite Grey\nMoving forward, Perodua targets to sell an average of 6,000 units monthly, driving sales figures to achieve their \nannual sales target of 202,000 cars for 2017\n. Looking at the response from the public, it won\u2019t come as a surprise if Perodua exceeds their monthly target for the Myvi.\nYou can check out our full report of the launch of the third-generation Myvi \nhere\n, while a pictorial gallery of the Myvi 1.3 Premium X, 1.5 High and 1.5 Advance can be found \nhere\n. The Perodua Myvi is also the cheapest car in Malaysia to come with AEB and all variants of the Myvi received a \n5-Star ASEAN NCAP Crash Safety Rating\n. We\u2019ve also had a short spin in the Myvi on Perodua\u2019s home testing facility and initial impressions of the car are extremely positive. You can read our First Drive report \nhere\n."
"Sime Darby pre-owned cars subsidiary, Sime Darby Auto Selection (SDAS), today launched its new online used car-buying platform, promising customers a \u201cseamless used car buying experience\u201d.\nThe new online store located on their website (linked \nhere\n) will allow customers to choose from a wide range of vehicles, from used to nearly new. The cars listed on the platform are not limited to just the brands under Sime Darby Motor\u2019s stable, too. At launch, the online store has already listed up to 300 used cars available for viewing.\nEach vehicle listed for sale on the SDAS platform will be subjected to a thorough inspection process to ensure it is in the best possible condition and quality. Customers looking to sell or trade in their vehicles can also schedule a car inspection, test drive, or appraisal appointment directly from the website itself.\nThe website also comes with a \u201cSpin Car\u201d feature which offers 360-degree views of both the interior and exterior of the vehicles, allowing customers to inspect the vehicles of their choice in more detail from all angles.\nSime Darby Auto Selection Online Store\u2019s \u201cSpin Car\u201d feature.\nSDAS is also looking to expand the usability of the website in the near future, with addition of features including loan calculators and booking transactions to enable placement of orders at the customers\u2019 convenience without the need to visit a dealership.\nExisting users meanwhile can login to book service appointments with Sime Darby\u2019s aftersales department directly from the website. SDAS Managing Director, Vi Think Juan added, \u201cBy leveraging on the power of the internet and mobile technology, we are able to provide a seamless online used car trading experience for our customers, and we hope to leverage on this capability to grow our business even further.\u201d\nRecently, SDAS also announced an \nexclusive partnership\n with Malaysian online car bidding platform MyTukar to help the company expand its used car business."
"Nearly a year after the global debut of the \nall-new 11th-generation Honda Civic\n, the Japanese carmaker has now finally unveiled the e:HEV hybrid-powered variant, with a simultaneous launch in Thailand and Europe \u2013 sedan in the former (and possibly rest of the world), while the latter gets the \nhatchback\n, where it\u2019ll be sold exclusively as a hybrid model in the continent.\nThe 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV, in both sedan and hatchback variants, will be powered by the marque\u2019s most powerful \ni-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) powertrain\n, almost completely identical to that of the Honda Accord Hybrid.\nThe hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine, paired to two electric motors \u2013 one driving the wheels directly for the most part (via an e-CVT gearbox to the front wheels), and the other acting somewhat as a generator. Altogether, the powertrain makes a combined output of \n181 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n of torque, according to the European spec sheet.\nHonda did however make a few tweaks to the powertrain on the Civic e:HEV hybrid, specifically on the petrol engine. It now gets a direct injection system, alongside several smaller tweaks to increase its thermal efficiency to 41% \u2013 one of the highest in the automotive industry, the company notes.\nThere\u2019s also a new 72-cell battery pack underneath the rear seats, alongside a compact Power Control Unit that is now situated under the bonnet with the rest of the powertrain. Honda says that it\u2019s targetting a fuel-consumption rating of under 5 l/100km based on the WLTP test cycle.\nRELATED: All-new Honda HR-V unveiled in Thailand, only in e:HEV hybrid powertrain\nStandard equipment on the all-new Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid will depend on trim levels, although they do not differ too much with the existing petrol-powered models. There are, of course, several exclusive visual cues on the outside to differentiate it from the non-electrified variants, including a blue-tinted Honda emblems, e:HEV badgings, as well as variant-exclusive wheels.\nOver in Thailand, The Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid will be offered in two variants: the EL+ priced around the region of THB1,150,000 (approx. RM 145k), and the new range-topping e:HEV RS around THB1,270,000 (approx. RM160k). The latter will also replace the existing petrol-powered \nCivic RS\n in Thailand, making it a Hybrid-only offering.\nWill the Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid make its way into Malaysia? Well, that\u2019s a question that only those within Honda Malaysia will know. However, the company previously announced their plans to\n further expand the use of its e:HEV powertrain\n in its model line-up, and with the smaller Honda City (both sedan and hatchback) already received the new hybrid powertrain, we\u2019ll say that it\u2019s not a zero-chance possibility.\nWith that being said though, if it does make its way to our shores, we won\u2019t expect it to be any time soon. The company announced that it\u2019ll be making two new model launches this year, widely expected to be the \nall-new Honda HR-V\n and \nBR-V\n.\nGALLERY"
"Following the announcement by the Prime Minister last Friday to \nrelax the Movement Control Order\n that has been in effect since 18 March, national carmaker Proton said that it will gradually restart operations beginning on the \n5th of May\n.\nThe company expects to reopen its sales and service outlets beginning tomorrow, although only limited to outlets located within the green and yellow zones, subject to requirements from all relevant authorities. Proton says that strict safety protocols are in place to safeguard the health of its customers and personnel.\nAside from the reopening of its customer-facing premises, the company\u2019s corporate office at Centre of Excellence will also spring back to life starting tomorrow. Proton says that new work practices will be adopted to minimize infection and contact between its staff.\nProton\u2019s manufacturing plants at Tanjung Malim and Shah Alam will also \u201cgradually resume production\u201d, according to the statement.\nProton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cProton will begin the gradual resumption of all its business activities. However, the safety of our customers and employees is our main priority and in line with the Prime Minister\u2019s calls to adopt a \u2018new normal\u2019, we will introduce a new set of protocols in all areas.\n\u201cWe would like to reassure all our customers that no effort will be spared in ensuring their safety and health. As a responsible automotive manufacturer, safety is always our primary concern,\u201d added Dr. Li."
"Ford in collaboration with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) youth education programs. It\u2019s no secret that The Blue Oval Company has a generous philanthropic side to them. This one-of-its kind Mustang will be auctioned off and donated\u00a0in the name of charity of which the\u00a0sale will benefit EAA youth aviation education programs. Ford has raised nearly RM 10 million for EAA youth aviation programs to date.\nAnd what has Ford cooked up this time? Judging by the pictures, this aeronautical and dare I say, \u2018interstellar\u2019 concept Mustang has everyone stunned in their tracks at the sheer beauty of the car they\u2019ve whipped up.\u00a0Based on a \n2015 fastback Ford Mustang GT\n, Ford design and engineering teams has transformed the 5.0-liter pony car into the \nApollo Edition Mustang.   The Apollo Edition Mustang features a \ncarbon fiber front splitter\n, \nrear diffuser\n, \nrocker moldings\n and accent treatments, along with unique \nLED under body lighting\n to symbolise atmospheric re-entry. On the inside there\u2019s embroidery on the front seats that mimic the astronauts \nflight suits\n.\nThis Mustang isn\u2019t powered by the Saturn V Rocketdyne F-1 engine, but rather this \n5.0-litre\n pony car kicks out\n 627 hp\n and a scarcely believable \n732 Nm\n of torque. The Performance package\u00a0include enhancements such as, \nFord Performance\u2019s supercharger\n and \nshifter\n. An \nX-pipe exhaust\n system assists with breathing while a sport-tuned suspension,\n six-piston Brembo\n brakes and custom \nForgiato 21-inch\n performance wheels keep all that power grounded and in check.\nThe Apollo Edition was built in collaboration with\u00a0\nMAD Industries\n, led by Chris Mangum.\u00a0Interior enhancements were\u00a0created in-house by Ford\u2019s design fabrication team and parts were contributed by companies like \nEibach, 3M, Brembo, PIAA \nand\n Pirelli\n just to mention a few. All in the name of charity and philanthropy.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Land Rover, after nearly seven decades and two million Defenders made, have decided to create a one-off bespoke model of its iconic workhorse to commemorate this production milestone.\nWhat\u2019s more unique to the production of the \nDefender 2,000,000\n \u2013 yes that\u2019s what it\u2019s officially called \u2013 is the fact that Land Rover invited some well-known figures and special guests to help complete the momentous build. One of them is Bear Grylls, an avid Defender enthusiast and Land Rover ambassador.\nThe special Defender will be unveiled by Bonhams at the \nGoodwood Festival of Speed\n\u00a0taking place later this week. Following the public appearance, it will tour the country and be put on public display throughout the year before being auctioned off for some serious bidding come 16 December 2015.\nIt\u2019s finished in a shade of \nIndus Silver satin paint\n, and on the fender is the \nengraving of the Red Wharf Bay map\n \u2013 the place where original design of a Land Rover was \nfirst drawn in the sand\n. Remember its official name? The \u20182,000,000\u2019 badge is placed at the rump of this Defender, whereas other distinctive touches include \nBlack Santorini finishing\n to the wheels, wheel arches, roof, door hinges, grille and mirror caps.   On the inside, the leather seats also get an imprinted Red Wharf Bay graphics, whereas the head restraints are stitched with the number 2,000,000. A unique aluminium plaque, signed by all those involved in the production process, is fitted to the driver\u2019s seat plinth. Completing this special build is the unique S90 HUE registration plates \u2013 a reference to the first ever pre-production Land Rover (plated HUE 166) \u2013 placed on the front and rear of the Defender.   CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, Dr Ralf Speth said the Defender has been the vehicle of choice for many, ranging from explorers, charity organisations, farmers and even royalties. \u201cWhat started as an agricultural workhorse has transcended the automotive world to become a worldwide design icon. It\u2019s an honour to be part of the Defender 2,000,000\u2019s production and it truly is a special experience.\u201d\nProduction of the original Land Rover Series I began at their Lode Lane facility in 1947 before it was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show on 30 April 1948. Since then, two million examples of the Series I, II III and Defender have been produced at Solihull, UK.\nFunds raised\n during the charity auction event at Bonhams auction house \nwill be donated\n to\u00a0International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Born Free Foundation.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mercedes-Benz GLC finally marks the three-pointed star\u2019s proper entry into the compact SUV segment. It\u2019s been a long time coming especially for us Malaysians because its predecessor, the GLK, never made it here because it was never made available as a right-hand drive. It\u2019s a pity, really, because BMW have been reaping the sales of their X3 since 2004.\nWith the demand for SUVs continue growing all over the world, Mercedes can no longer afford to miss out on this timely opportunity to introduce the \nGLC\n for the global market. Launched in 2015, the X205 GLC rides on the highly-adaptable \nMRA platform\n that debuted on the \nW222 S-Class\n in 2013, and Mercedes also made a sleeker variant called the \nGLC Coupe\n. The GLC is closely related to the \nW205 C-Class\n, therefore the powertrain options are almost similar to the compact sedan.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC\n \nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM328,888\nFor the Malaysian market, we only get the \nGLC 250 4MATIC\n in either the \nExclusive Line\n or the \nAMG Line\n. They differ in terms of equipment level but both are powered by the same hardware underneath; a \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n coupled to a \nnine-speed automatic\n gearbox which sends power to \nall four wheels\n. Now that Mercedes has a contender in this segment, does the GLC have enough to play catch up with the rest of the premium compact SUV pack? Let\u2019s have a closer look.\nEXTERIOR\nIf you imagine a hatchback W205 C-Class on stilts, you\u2019re not far off from it. There\u2019s that sporty-elegance vibe going on with the design \u2013 especially in this AMG Line guise \u2013 but with a dash of ruggedness. The bold front conveys that multiple personality with a bewinged three-pointed star that \u201cfloats\u201d the middle of the grille, and an aggressive \nAMG Line\n front bumper with a wide center air dam. The side vents with double strakes on the front bumper are purely cosmetic though.   Flanking the grille is a pair of shapely headlamps with \nLED DRL\n cum turn indicator \u2018eye brows\u2019, and they are equipped with \nLED Intelligent Light System\n. With these you can crank up the high beam and forget about it, because the computers will make sure that you won\u2019t blind oncoming traffic.\nThe side profile is clean and simple, and even the roof rails are integrated subtly along the roof line. Down below, the rubber-studded side step stands out from the plain and smooth bodywork, although it\u2019s rather pointless for the rear passengers because it tapers off towards the back. The AMG Line also brings a set of \n20-inch multi-spoke wheels\n wrapped in \n255/45 R20\n rubbers, and I find that they fill the wheel arches just about right; any smaller would probably make the GLC look under-wheeled.   The back is probably where the designers dozed off. Remove the three-pointed star on the tailgate and you\u2019re probably looking at some generic SUV, and with the wide horizontal tail lights, some actually thought it was the Audi Q5 from afar. The detailing is nice though, the roof spoiler melds with the design nicely, and I especially like the LED arrangement in the tail lights and the dual chrome tailpipe finishers at the lower edge of the bumper. At least they add some eye candy to the rather uninspiring rear end.\nINTERIOR\nThe slick interior from the W205 C-Class has been ported over to the GLC, and I\u2019m glad that they did it. Save for the screen that stands out like a sore thumb in the middle of the dashboard, it\u2019s hard to fault the solid build quality and the classy ambiance. Leather covers the seats and door trims, but the black \nopen-pored wood trim\n splits opinions. Some say it\u2019s charming, some find it weird, and \nGC\n thinks the wood grain is similar to the pattern on salmon fillets. Hmm.   The \ncolumn mounted gear selector\n also received flak from some, but yours truly find that it\u2019s very intuitive and there\u2019s no doubting that it neatens up the centre console. What\u2019s left between the two front seats is a simple \nComand knob\n to control everything on the screen.\nThe screen not only shows the GLC\u2019s information such as fuel consumption, driving mode, and navigation, it also displays live feed from the \nfour cameras\n outside to stitch together a \nbird\u2019s eye view\n of the vehicle. Very useful when you\u2019re navigating through narrow roads or tight parking spots, and it saves you from craning your neck out of the glass sunroof, which I hope you probably never did anyway.\nHowever, not everything is in favour inside the GLC. A couple of niggles are the wide transmission tunnel that eats up the front occupants\u2019 foot space, and the placement of the audio control next to the Comand knob. It looks like an afterthought when the rest of the buttons are lined up neatly underneath the CD slot.   As we move over to the back, a \u2018robot face\u2019 will greet you every time you step inside. Depending on which side of the robot\u2019s cheek you tap, you can adjust the fan speed or the temperature for the air that comes out of the robot\u2019s round eyes.\nApart from the \u2018robot face\u2019 aircond vents, rear passengers also get some privacy with the roll-up blinds. Space is no issue for three adults in the back; there\u2019s ample head and leg room, although the middle seat passenger won\u2019t get as much space as the two outer seats\u2019 occupants.   With the key in your pocket, doing the foot sweep below the rear bumper swings up the tailgate to reveal the 550 litre boot. If you want more space, the entire backrest split 40/20/40 and fold down flat with the boot floor, granting you a total of 1,600 litres worth of cargo space. The absence of a spare tyre means there\u2019s a cavity under the boot floor for extra storage, and other practical features you can find in the boot include anchor points, hooks, as well as a 12v power outlet socket.\nPERFORMANCE\nLike on the W205 C-Class, the \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n in its \u2018250\u2019 tune yields \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, but on the GLC it\u2019s hooked up to the \n9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission\n. The \n4MATIC all wheel drive system\n on the GLC is permanent but it\u2019s slightly biased towards the rear wheels. It splits the torque 45:55 front to rear under normal load and it will vary the split accordingly when it detects insufficient grip from any of the wheels.\nIt\u2019s quite a brisk car too. Off the line it takes about\u00a0\n7.3 seconds\n to get to 100 km/h, and the \ntop speed\n is \n223 km/h\n. It\u2019s also claimed to be one of the most frugal in its class, sipping \n6.5 litres of petrol per 100 kilometers\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nIf you\u2019ve never driven an SUV before, the GLC 250 is a blissfully easy car to drive. Trekking through a metropolitan maze of narrow streets shouldn\u2019t be a problem with the GLC. The light steering, the raised driving position, and good all-round visibility from the driver\u2019s seat is further boosted by the \n360 degree camera\n, so first-time SUV drivers can quickly gain confidence behind the wheel.\nDespite riding on \nAMG sports suspension\n and wearing a set of huge 20-inch rims swathed in low profile tyres, potholes and road irregularities are filtered out from the cabin very well, just like how the quiet interior is insulated from the outside noise.\nGetting away from the busy city streets, the turbocharged mill will provide you more than enough grunt to rack up speeding tickets, but the GLC seems to prefer a more relaxed style of driving. The throttle pedal promotes a steady gradual progress from stationary and the transmission complements it well for that duty.\nMost of the time it only uses seven out of the nine gear ratios, where under normal circumstances it will skip the first gear unless you\u2019re in \nSport mode\n, while ninth is reserved for highway cruising in \nEco mode\n. Shift quality is butter smooth and you may want to leave the steering-mounted shift paddles alone. There\u2019s really no need to play with them.\nNot only will the GLC cruise in a calm manner, body roll is kept to a minimum if you push it hard into corners. You can put it in Sport Mode to keep the throttle lively and the steering meaty when you feel like taking the GLC to your favourite B-road. But let\u2019s be honest here. That\u2019s not the reason you buy the GLC.\nThere\u2019s loads of traction from the \n4MATIC all-wheel drive system\n to provide you with extra security on slippery twisty roads, so the GLC always feels safe and predictable. However, a permanent all-wheel drive system means it requires more fuel to get moving. Regardless what the claimed fuel consumption is, I averaged around 12.0 litres per 100 km during my stint in the GLC, which is neither shocking nor spectacular.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you wished the W205 C-Class could do more than just glide on the road and carry more luggage, look no further. The GLC retains most of the C-Class\u2019 desirability and adds on a huge dollop of extra practicality allowing you to do more with just one vehicle. The RM40k price difference between them is pretty much justifiable considering the additional ability and the all-wheel drive system the GLC has to offer, so what\u2019s not to like?\nCOMPARISONS\nThe GLC has definitely caught up with the two main rivals, the \nBMW X3\n and the \nAudi Q5\n. Over here in Malaysia, all three compact SUVs are quite evenly matched in terms of hardware, but they differ slightly in terms of power output and not to mention the price. Every car here utilises a turbocharged \n2.0-litre four-cylinder engine\n and \nall-wheel drive\n, but the GLC edges out by having an extra cog compared to the eight-speed auto in the X3 and the Q5.\nYou can\u2019t dismiss the Audi Q5 because it\u2019s the oldest of the bunch. A glance at the stats reveals that it packs the most punch, and it\u2019s cheaper than the less potent GLC. Meanwhile, the X3 is only available in the\u00a0sole\u00a0xDrive20i guise, therefore it\u2019s the least powerful of the German trio. Recent facelift connects the headlights to the kidney grille, otherwise the styling is as fussy as before.\nAlso worth mentioning is the \nPorsche Macan\n, another German that has just been \nrecently updated\n with 252\u00a0hp and 370 Nm. However, if you don\u2019t fancy any of the German brands, there\u2019s the swanky \nRange Rover Evoque\n, the sharp-suited \nLexus NX 200t\n, and the powerful underdog, the 306 hp and 400Nm \nVolvo XC60 T6\n.\nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC AMG Line\nBMW X3 xDrive20i\nAudi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, DOHC, turbocharged\ninline-4, DOHC, turbocharged\ninline-4, DOHC turbocharged\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,991cc\n1,997cc\n1,984cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n211/5,500\n184/5,000\n225/4,500\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n350/1,200\n270/1,250\n350/1,500\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\n8-speed automatic\n8-speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMulti-link\nMacPherson Strut\nDouble wishbone\nRear\nMulti-link\nMulti-link\nMulti-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated & Perforated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n255/45 R20\n245/50 R18\n235/60 R18\nWheels\n20-inch Alloy\n18-inch Alloy\n18-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,656mm\n4,648mm\n4,629mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,890mm\n1,881mm\n1,898mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,639mm\n1,675mm\n1,655mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,873mm\n2,810mm\n2,807mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,735 kg\n1,795 kg\n1,730 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n550\u00a0litres\n550 litres\n540 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n66\u00a0litres\n67\u00a0litres\n75 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n6.5 litres\n7.2\u00a0litres\n7.9 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n223\n210\n222\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n7.3\n8.2\n7.1\nPrice\nRM\nRM328,888.00\nRM296,800.00\nRM324,900.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nWith so many choices, the GLC 250 4MATIC might not be the quickest or the best handling premium compact SUV out there, but it offers just the right amount of style, pace, and practicality rolled into one neat package. It\u2019s not without its\u00a0flaws, but it\u2019s definitely one of the best all-rounder from Mercedes in recent years. If I have to settle with just one car in my garage I\u2019d be happy with the GLC, but I\u2019ll be sure to reverse-park it every time to avoid sight of the rear end.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia today introduced the BMW 330e M Performance Edition and BMW X5 xDrive40e M Performance Edition; each equipped with M Performance Accessories where only 300 units are offered for each of\n BMW Malaysia\u2019s best selling PHEV models\n.\nIn the BMW 330e, you\u2019ll get M Performance side skirts, side sill foils, and front grilles in high-gloss black, as well as the lightweight M Performance Carbon mirror caps for the side mirrors.\nCheck out the BMW 530i dressed in the M Performance Kit \nhere\n.\nYou\u2019ll also get a front splitter in Matte Black, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser, in addition to the aggressive M Performance dark tail lights. Inside, the M Performance kit provides a set of\u00a0\nstainless steel pedals and footrests.\nAs for the X5\u00a0\nxDrive40e, you get pretty much the same items in the 330e M Performance Edition, with the carbon front splitter and carbon rear diffuser being the only difference. Stainless steel pedals are also applied in the X5\u2019s interior.\nThe retail price (on the road, without insurance) for the BMW 330e M Performance Edition is \nRM 258,800.00 \nwith installments starting from\u00a0\nRM 3,278.00\n with the Easy Drive Programme from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. The X5 xDrive40e M Performance on the other hand, goes for\u00a0\nRM 390,800.00\n. With the same Easy Drive Programme, monthly installments start from\u00a0\nRM\n \n4,878.00\n."
"Mitsubishi owners who are affected by the flood in the east coast can at least breathe a sigh of relief, because Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just announced their Flood Relief Program that offers a \n50 percent discount\n on spare parts damaged by the flood.\nHowever, only vehicles purchased through authorised Mitsubishi dealers can qualify for program, which ends on 31 January 2015. MMM will also help clean up some of the flood-hit areas such as Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah and Temerloh from today till 10 January, supported by the \nTriton Tuners Club\n \u2013 the official club for Triton owners in Malaysia.\nThe company has also pledged to give \nRM50\n \nfor every car sold\n last year, which at present amounts to \nRM81,000\n. That\u2019s a total of \n1,620\n Mitsubishi vehicles sold last year, and the fund raised will be used to replenish essential items such as school supplies and household utilities.\nThe Triton Tuners Club leaving MMM\u2019s HQ\nActing CEO and Chief Financial Officer of MMM, Toshiyuki Okumura said, \u201cWe hope that this Flood Relief Program offered by MMM will help ease the burden of our customers through this difficult period. Our heartfelt prayers and best wishes go out to our customers and their families who have been affected by the floods.\u201d\nThose affected can visit any authorised Mitsubishi dealer or contact their Customer Careline at\u00a0\n1-800-18-6611\n for immediate assistance."
"Renderings of the new Zotye T800 due to be launched in China next year has surfaced and its resemblance with the Range Rover is shamelessly uncanny.\nAccording to CarNewsChina.com, the T800 will be the new flagship SUV powered by two engine options \u2013 a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit producing \n200 hp\n and a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid with around \n250 hp\n.   The T800 will be positioned above the \nZotye SR9, the Porsche Macan clone\n and will presumably replace the current outgoing T700. The T800 will only cost approximately 180,000 yuan (RM 112k).\nZotye had recently come to terms with Ford\n in a joint venture to build electric cars in China under a new brand. Volvo, now under the ownership of Geely had also announced that their \nfirst ever full electric car will be made in China\n.\nSource: \nCarNewsChina\n / Image Credit: \nFacebook"
"The next Mercedes-Benz car to be introduced here is the \nC238 E-Class Coupe\n, and it would be slotted right in the Dream Cars range.\nDetails are currently scarce, but the E 200 and E 300 duo will most likely form the launch offensive. Judging by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s most recent track record, we can also expect the hotter E 43 Coupe and E 63 S Coupe to make their way here in the not-too-distant future.\nEssentially, the new E Coupe has grown larger in dimensions, with a wheelbase that is a staggering 113 mm longer (2,873 mm) than before. It gets all the fancy tech trickeries of the four-doored limo, including the ludicrous 64-coloured LED ambient lighting, fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and even the illuminated analogue clock.\nThey will both share the M274 \n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine\n making \n184 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n300 Nm\n of torque from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. The E 300 gets a hotter tune with \n245 hp\n and\n 375 Nm\n of torque. There\u2019s also the E 400 with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 making \n333 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n of torque as the range topper, but it\u2019s unclear at this point if it will debut at the same time. All variants get a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission as standard.\nIt\u2019s only a matter of time now before the E Coupe lands in Malaysia, so best get that chequebook ready. More details of the car will be revealed in due time, so watch this space! Meanwhile, enjoy the gallery below.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When our colleague Nadji reviewed the seventh-generation Passat back in 2014, his piece was titled \u201c\nBusiness as usual\n\u201c. It proved to be a well rounded D-segment sedan that fulfils your daily business needs without drama. In other words, dull.\nHaving owned one in the family, I am well acquainted to all the quirks of the B7 Passat. I\u2019ll admit, considering the other more exciting and dynamic offerings in the D-segment, the B7 has plenty of catching up to do. Therefore, I expect the B8 to be either exceptionally good or just another dull D-segment sedan. When Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) invited us for a test drive in Langkawi, I can\u2019t help but get a little excited.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline\nVolkswagen Passat B8 2.0 TSI Highline\nEngine\n1,798cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology\n1,984cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG (Dry Clutch)\n6-speed DSG (Wet Clutch)\nMax Power\n178 hp @ 5,100 \u2013 6,200 rpm\n217 hp @ 4,500 \u2013 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,400 rpm\nPrice\nRM179,990\nRM198,99\nEXTERIOR\nBuilt on the group\u2019s\u00a0MQB platform, the new generation Passat\u2019s dimensions are measured at 4.76 meters in length, 1.83 meters in width and 1.45 meters in height. Overall wheelbase has grown a whopping 79mm to 2,791mm. However, the biggest merit of the MQB platform is weight savings as the Passat B8 is \n90kg lighter\n than before. For the purpose of the drive, VPCM has prepared two variants \u2013 the Comfortline and Highline. There will be an entry-level Trendline when the car is officially launched.\nWhen I first laid eyes on the B8 in the metal, I have to say VW designed a stunning looking car. Yes, some may argue it resembles a Passat CC (B7), the side profile is\n exactly \nthe same as the previous generation and the rear is basically taken from the Jetta. But if you take a closer look, the new Passat is actually much sleeker than before.\nThe curvy edges on the front gives off a sporty impression and is flanked with stunning LED headlamps. The door mounted side mirrors (previously mounted on the A-pillar) is a subtle yet impactful detail that makes the Passat seem like it\u2019s lowered. Compared to the B7, this Passat reeks elegance. I just wished that it came with the more attention grabbing tail lamps design like the dotted LED design on the B7.   At a glance, it is hard to tell the two variants apart. The only exterior differences are the 280 TSI badge on the Comfortline while the Highline gets a 380 TSI designation. As with the \nfacelifted Jetta\n, VPCM explained that the numbers classify which torque category the vehicles belong to. On the 1.8-litre Comfortline, the engine produces \n250 Nm\n of torque, below the 280 mark hence \u201c280 TSI\u201d. The 2.0-litre Highline produces \n350 Nm\n of torque falling in the \u201c380 TSI\u201d category.\nBesides that, the Comfortline gets a twin exhaust pipe outlet while the Highline gets a trapezoidal outlet integrated to the rear bumper. Lastly, the Comfortline rides on 17-inch \u201cIstanbul\u201d design alloys with 215/55 profile Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 tyres while the Highline rides on larger 18-inch \u201cDartford\u201d design alloys with lower profile 235/45 ContinentalSportContact 5 tyres.   INTERIOR\nInside, the two variants are largely similar. Both get a tri-zone climate control, rear air-cond blowers, cooled glovebox, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, leather seats, 12-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory and massage function, six-way powered front seat for the passenger, keyless entry and start, electronic parking brake with auto hold, cruise control, powered boot with keyless operation, park assist, Park Pilot (helps park the car itself)\u00a0and reverse camera. Yep, quite a mouthful.\nJumping into the Comfortline, you\u2019ll be greeted with a silver chrome trim across the dashboard and around the infotainment system. Truth to be told, the silver trims do reflect sunlight pretty harshly and can be pretty irritable, but at least they are well put together. The 6.5-inch touchscreen head unit runs\u00a0on a simpler operating system that does not come with navigation and smartphone MirrorLink (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). The driver instrument cluster on the other hand is a simpler set of analogue gauges with a coloured display for essential driver\u2019s information.   Inside the Highline, the atmosphere is instantly more luxurious and elegant. With the wood trim and piano black finish in place of the silver chrome trim, the interior looks at least 10\u00a0times more expensive. The same sized touchscreen infotainment system in the Highline comes with navigation and smartphone MirrorLink. Although on both variants, the audio quality from the speakers lack low end bass and high end clarity, even after fiddling with the equaliser. But the setup is more than enough to catch the BFM Breakfast Grille clearly.\nThe Highline also comes with an \nActive Info Display\n that is similar to Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit. The instrument cluster is replaced with an LCD screen to project all your essential driving needs. Like on the \nAudi TTS \nand \nQ7\n, the navigation can also be displayed onto the Active Info Display right in front of you. The display is well-lit and extremely crisp, truly a pleasure to lay eyes on.   Lastly, if you\u2019re the type to be chauffeured in, the Highline comes with a powered rear sunshade for the rear windscreen. The rear doors unfortunately, do not come with sunshades.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe B8 Passat comes with two engine choices: a 1.8-litre TSI for the Comfortline and a 2.0-litre TSI for the Highline. The 1.8-litre TSI is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission (dry clutch) to produce \n178 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n of torque. That is \n20 hp\n more than the outgoing B7 while maintaining the same torque figures.\nThe 2.0-litre mill is taken straight from a Golf GTI, hence it is mated to a six-speed dual clutch DSG transmission with a wet clutch type to produce \n217 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. The difference between the Passat and Golf GTI are only the engine and transmission tuning.\nAs with the Golf GTI, the Highline comes with an electronic differential lock \u2013 \nXDS\n that applies individual brakes on the inner wheel to reduce understeer around bends. The Highline Passat also comes with \nDynamic Chasis Control (DCC)\n that adapts the gearbox and suspension damping settings to five different modes \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual.\nAs some of you may be aware of, the B8 has been \nteased\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nspied\n all over Malaysia for years. VPCM explained that the delay of the launch of the B8 was to facilitate vigorous testing on Malaysian roads to put the minds of DSG nonbelievers at ease.\nAfter more than \n200,000km\n\u00a0on the clock, from rush hour traffic congestion to unforgiving\u00a0undulations of our roads, the Passat B8 has seen them all. Both seven-speed DSG (Dry clutch) and six-speed DSG (Wet clutch) Passat passed the test with flying colours without any breakdowns. Of course, these results were achieved by adhering to the recommended service procedure. Now that we\u2019ve cleared our doubts on potential breakdowns, it\u2019s time to see how is it like to drive.\nTHE DRIVE\nStarting from the 1.8-litre TSI Comfortline, the power delivery is superb and properly managed thanks to the lightning quick DSG and clever traction control. As opposed to the B7 where torque steer is apparent, the B8 kept its composure in a straight line. Off the line, there is no jerking whatsoever despite being a dry clutch type thanks to new gearbox components and tuning. This makes driving around town extremely comfortable.\nWhen pushed around a corner, the Comfortline Passat is well planted to the tarmac. Body roll is kept at a minimum and the turn-in manoeuvre is incredibly agile. Although the chassis is stiffer overall, the pleasant ride comfort on B7 is surprisingly maintained on the B8, possibly due to the higher profile tyres on the B8 (215/55) compared to the B7 (235/45). Regardless if you\u2019re in the driver seat or passenger seat, you will definitely come to appreciate the well balanced driving dynamics and comfort on the Passat.\nThe cabin is well insulated even at ungodly speeds. Driving through a poorly lit road, the LED headlamps do a fantastic job in lighting up the road ahead. Although I have to mention the high beams are a little slow in engaging and disengaging; I had to disengage the high beam a little earlier than any other cars to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Overall, the Passat is off to a great start in my books.\nJumping into the 2.0-litre Highline, the extra \n100 Nm\n is not to be taken lightly. On full throttle, the Highline wheel spins in second gear. It sounds silly to be wheel spinning in an executive sedan but it sure did put a smile on my face. Drive it as any decent human being would, the Highline absorbs the road\u2019s undulations much better than the Comfortline despite having larger wheels. Credit is due to the DCC as the chassis softens up in comfort, perfect for being chauffeured in while you\u2019re enjoying the spacious rear seats. That is until you flick it into Sports Mode.\nWith the DCC in Sport, suddenly the Golf GTI recipe makes so much sense. During upshifts, the six-speed DSG was not as quick as the seven-speed DSG but what you get in return is a raspy exhaust note and the infamous DSG fart. Boy, was it addictive. The Passat, despite its size, is eager to change direction with high precision. The stiffer damping settings and lower profile sports tyres come together harmoniously to keep the Passat planted around the scenic B-roads of Langkawi. Who says you can\u2019t have fun in a D-segment sedan?\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nWith an indicative price of below RM200k, the Passat is a great package for those in the market for a D-segment. It rides comfortably well, boasts exceptional driving dynamics and a well-laid out interior. Checks all the right boxes for a decent executive sedan.\nVPCM will be offering the Passat B8 in three variants, so there is a Passat for everyone. A capable family sedan? Trendline for you. Need a little more tech? Comfortline should do the trick. Been eyeing for that Golf GTI but need to fit the family? The Passat Highline or how other industry colleagues put it \u2013 Golf GTI Sedan.\nCOMPARISONS\nFor D-segment sedans under RM200k, the closest rivals in terms of ride quality and performance would be the \nFord Mondeo\n and the \nMazda6 2.5\n. The Mondeo\u2019s interior is no where as polished nor pleasant as the Passat, although it\u2019s 345 Nm pulling force comes very close to the figures of the 2.0-litre TSI.\nAs for the Mazda6 2.5-litre, it definitely handles better than the 1.8-litre TSI Comfortline but the 2.0-litre TSI Highline with DCC equipped offers much more flexibility in the damping settings. Although the 2.5-litre SkyActiv mill is a smooth and capable operator, the power delivery from a forced induction engine is simply incomparable. There is the \nMazda6 SkyActiv-D \nthat comes\u00a0with \n420 Nm \nwhich you could consider. But be reminded that you don\u2019t have\u00a0the luxury to stretch your legs in the Mazda.\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nIn a heartbeat. Of course, it must come with \n350 Nm\n at my disposal. If the indicative price tag of below RM200k holds true, the Passat B8 is arguably the most all-rounder executive sedan in the market within that price bracket. Regardless of variant, the Passat offers excellent ride comfort and superior performance, it\u2019s the best of both worlds. Now, I wonder if VPCM accepts trade-in for the Passat B7.\nThe Passat B8 is set to be launched on 16 November 2016, and will be locally assembled at the Pekan Production Plant.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nCOMFORTLINE 1.8 TSI   HIGHLINE 2.0 TSI   Passat B8"
"Finished in Zenith Black paint with a satin finish, complete with gold-coloured alloy wheels, a 24-carat gold engine heatshield and gold-colour interior trims, a one of a kind McLaren 720S by McLaren Operations (MSO) with the \u201c1 of 1\u201d plaque will be McLaren\u2019s centrepiece at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show.\nIts unique rear wing bears the famous quote by McLaren founder, Bruce McLaren which goes, \u201cLife is measured in achievement, not in years alone\u201d \u2013 painted across the upper surface of the wing in gold Arabic lettering which echoes Dubai\u2019s city skyline.\nPersonalisation of the car took more than \n120 hours\n on top of the production process where the rear wing alone took \n30 hours\n to complete using stensils produced by MSO.\nThe one-off edition sees an addition of carbon fibre exterior bits which include the front splitter, air intakes, rear bumper and roof panel. Its door mirror arms, rear aero bridge, engine cover and rear diffuser are all from the MSO Defined range of carbon fibre components.\nInside, the black Alcantara and leather trims complement the MSO Defined carbon fibre sill panels, air vents and steering wheel. Satin gold paint is extended to the paddle shifters, along with a centre band and pin-striping of the same colour to the steering wheel and the spokes.\nThe McLaren 720S is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine capable of a 0 to 200 km/h time of \n7.8 seconds\n, before topping out at a top speed of 341 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After confirming that the \nfirst fully-electric G-Class, the EQG\n, will go into production in 2024, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the \nMercedes-AMG G 63\n \n\u201cEdition 55\u201d in celebration of 55 years of AMG.\n\u201cFrom a two-man start-up in 1967 to a state-of-the-art development site including its own engine manufacturing facility for high-performance vehicles and more than 2000 qualified employees in 2022 \u2013 the success story of Mercedes\u2011AMG over the past 55 years is simply impressive,\u201d said Mercedes-AMG, Chairman, Philipp\u00a0Schiemer.\nThe \u201cEdition 55\u201d G 63 is available either in Obsidian Black Metallic or Opalite White Bright paint, complemented with decals of the AMG emblem on the sides. The forged wheels are 22-inch in size, in Matt Tantalum Grey. The exterior is also specified with the AMG Night Package for high gloss black trims on the door lining, front and rear bumper.\nThe interior is predominantly red and black, with \u201cEdition 55\u201d wovened onto the carpets. The AMG Performance steering wheel, just like the one in the AMG GTR, is wrapped in Dinamica microfibre also commemorates the anniversary with the \u201cAMG\u201d and \u201c55\u201d badges. Furnished with AMG seats upholster in Nappa leather, the rest of the interior is decorated with matte carbon fibre trims.\nUnder the square bulges of the front end is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 monster with 585 hp and 850 nm, to drive all four wheels. 0 to 100 km/h only takes 4.5 seconds.\nGALLERY"
"The second-generation Toyota coupe was formally launched in \nJapan last month\n and now resources have shifted to Europe, with Toyota previewing the GR86 at its Kenshiki European Forum.\nWhile the specifications of the vehicle have not changed, maintaining its naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre boxer engine with outputs of \n234 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) said it can only offer the GR86 on the showroom floors for just two years.\nTME did not disclose the reason for such an incredibly short lifespan for the sports coupe that begins from the first half of 2022. One would assume it could be combustion engines and the associated emissions, but the EU is only banning engines in \n2035\n, some 10 years after the timeline that TME mentioned for the GR86.\nYou don\u2019t need to wait, as the Toyota GR86 can already be raced in the virtual world of PlayStation and Gran Turismo Sport, today!\nAs such, \nAutocar UK\n suspects non-compliance to new Euro NCAP regulations as the reason for the short two-year sales period. Euro NCAP has introduced a series of technical and non-technical test protocols from 2020, with the most significant being the Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier (MPDB) crash test, replacing the 23-year-old offset-deformable barrier test.\nMPDB, 2020\nODB, 2015\nExample of a Toyota Mirai under the MPDB assessment\nThis new crash test not only evaluates the protection of occupants inside the car but also assesses how the cars\u2019 front-end structures contribute to injuries in the opposing vehicle. Energy levels are significantly higher, as both the subjected vehicle and the barrier are in motion, unlike the older barrier that is stationery.\nMade by \nSubaru\n, the heavily-revised Toyota GR86 features additional structural bracing and fasteners that increases lateral rigidity by 60% while body twisting rigidity has been increased by 50%, which are essential for corner-carving capabilities but not an \noffset-crash into an oncoming vehicle\n. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAlthough faced with such a short sales window, TME\u2019s vice-president, Tom Fux, told Autocar UK, \u201cWe felt that the vehicle is so good and so needed for Toyota\u2019s image in Europe, and we have a small but very passionate group of customers out there who are searching for vehicles like the GR86.\u201d\n\u201cIn the end, we decided it\u2019s important to offer this vehicle, and then we will need to stop the vehicle because it will not meet the new requirements in the future.\u201d\nAvailable in two transmissions, the manual-equipped Toyota GR86 completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \n6.3 seconds\n, while the six-speed conventional automatic requires 0.6 seconds longer. The time of 6.9 seconds for the automatic is nonetheless still faster than the \noutgoing 200 hp\n 2.0-litre model with three pedals thanks to its sheer power and no increase in weight.\nFor us here in Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor will most likely introduce the GR86, judging by how successful the sales of \nGR Yaris\n and \nGR Supra\n were plus the ever-increasing \nbrand awareness\n of Toyota Gazoo Racing. The model is also not hindered by supply issues, unlike the GR Yaris that was allocated in limited quantities to smaller markets such as ASEAN.\nGALLERY\nMPDM, 2020"
"Proton Holdings Berhad has announced the commencement of their \n\u2018Even More Value\u2019 campaign\n, offering an interest rate of \n1.99 percent per annum\n on selected Saga and \nIriz variants\n. But that\u2019s not all. The campaign will also be granting customers an extended warranty of seven years (selected models only) and a \n100 percent financing scheme\n for government officials.\nThere will also be attractive deals for graduates and undergraduates to enjoy. For those who are starting off fresh out of college/university, a brand new \nProton Iriz 1.3L\n can be had from just \nRM326 a month\n with an interest rate of 1.99 percent annually. For selected new cars bought during the promotion, owners can look forward to paying up to \n26 percent less\n on service packages. Downpayment on the other hand, can be as low as \nRM1,000\n!\nCEO of Proton, Dato\u2019 Abdul Harith Abdullah said, \u201cThe extended 7-years warranty proves that Proton cars, particularly the Iriz, which holds a \n5-Star\n\u00a0\ncrash safety rating\n by ASEAN NCAP and equipped with the latest safety features such as Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) that consists of anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and hill-hold assist apart from the ISOFIX with top tether, is the \nsafest car in its category\n and sold at a very competitive price compared to compact cars of other brands.\u201d\nThe Even More Value campaign runs from \n21 May to 30 June 2015\n and is valid at \nall 211 Proton showrooms\n nationwide. Proton is calling on all those who are interested to test drive any one of the cars at their nearest showroom.\nIf you haven\u2019t already seen our review of the Proton Iriz, be sure to click on the link to it \nhere\n or \nread our full review\n and \ncomparison\n between the 1.3L and 1.6L Iriz.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Continuing our coverage from Naza Kia Malaysia\u2019s \ndouble event\n is the launch of new third-generation Sorento SUV. The Sorento is a full size seven-seater SUV with three variants offered, a diesel and two petrol.\nThe first two generations of the Sorento have both been sold in Malaysia before, and now it\u2019s up to this new Korean model (codename UM) to continue its people carrying duties. All three variants of the Sorento are available as an all-wheel drive.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Sorento 2.2L CRDI\nKia Sorento 2.4L MS\nKia Sorento 2.4L HS\nEngine\n2,199 cc; Common Rail Direct Injection, DOHC\n2,359 cc; 4-cylinder, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n197 hp @ 3,800 rpm\n168 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n441 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n224 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM155,888.00\nRM165,888.00\nRM175,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nWhere the \nSportage\n has edgier aesthetics, the Sorento gets a bolder and more mature stance. Between a pair of projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights (only for the petrol premium variant) sits the large \u201ctiger-nose\u201d grille, quite\u00a0possibly the largest grille ever fitted onto a Kia. This particular grille with distinctive three-dimensional cubic mesh pattern adds the Sorento\u2019s maturing stance.   Just like the Sportage, the Sorento is offered with 19-inch rims with 235/55 R19 tyres, but only for the\u00a0petrol variants. Also to note, two different design of rims are used for two petrol variants as well. The diesel meanwhile settles for the smaller 17-inch rims with 235/65/ R17 tyres.\nINTERIOR\nThe third row seats aren\u2019t the most cramped seats we\u2019ve seen, but still it\u2019s best reserved for small children. Fold these seats and you\u2019ll get 605 litres of space, but with both middle and rear seats are down, the Sorento swallows up to 1,662 litres of goods.   The interior is surrounded by dark soft-touch materials and leather, giving it that hint of luxury that\u2019s usually absent in cars of this price point. It also receives infotainment\u00a0headset, electric seats, rear air conditioning vents, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 7-inch TFT colour LCD supervision cluster. So if you\u2019re looking for maximum creature comforts with lots\u00a0of space and comfort, look at Sorento petrol premium variant.\nPERFORMANCE\nTwo engine choices are available, and for the first time, Kia is offering the diesel engine as the Sorento\u2019s entry level variant, something other brands rarely ever do. The oil burner is powered by a\n 2.2-litre Common Rail Direct Injection\n turbo diesel that produces a healthy \n197 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n441 Nm \nof torque. For the record, that engine is still in use for the current Hyundai Sante-Fe. The petrol variants utilise the same\u00a0\n2.4-litre MPI four-cylinder\n engine from before, and churns \n168 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n225 Nm\n of torque.\nJust like the Sportage, all Sorento variants are mated to a \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n, which is developed in-house by the Hyundai-Kia group.\nSAFETY\nThe new Sorento is\u00a0boosted with class-leading safety features, ranging from six airbags, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and hill-start assist control. To top it off, the Sorento is a 5-Star achiever in the Euro NCAP crash test.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe new Sorento is priced from\u00a0\nRM155,888\n, making it a direct competitor to the \nIsuzu MU-X\n. The other two petrol variants, the standard and premium, are priced at \nRM165,888\n and \nRM175,888\n respectively. All prices are on-the-road figures with insurance and GST included, and it\u2019s available in three colours \u2013 Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, and Silky Silver. All Malaysia-bound Sorentos are locally assembled and is offered with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty.\nSo, dear readers, would you pick this over the newly launched \nToyota Fortuner\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nFord Everest\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Earlier in February this year at the Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin teased the Vulcan, a track-only V12 powered supercar to its fans around the world. For the first time ever at Goodwood, patrons of the West Sussex county, festival-of-all-things-fast witnessed the first public running of the Vulcan when it took the hill climb with Aston\u2019s LM driver Darren Turner behind the wheel.\nThis is the premier of Aston\u2019s offering to the\n ultra-exclusive\n billionaire boys club for adrenaline junkies who desire stripped out megapowered track-only supercars. Other members of this club include the likes of the \nMcLaren P1 GTR\n, the \nLa Ferrari based FXX-K\n and the ageing \nPagani Zonda R\n. So how does this Aston stack up against these hand built tarmac-munching track weapons ?\nThe Vulcan was made in conjunction with \nAston Martin Racing\u2019s\n (AMR) efforts in the \n24 hours of Le Mans\n. Powering the Vulcan is a \n7.0-litre, twelve-cylinder\n nuclear powerplant that seems to have familial ties with the\n million-Pound\n (and then some) \nAston Martin One-77\n. It\u2019s reported to produce\n over 800 hp\n that fires onto the\n rear set of 345/30 X19\n wheels via a \nsix-speed sequential\n gearbox built by British motorsport transmission gurus, \nXtrac\n.\nNow, Aston has kept their cards rather close to the chest here pertaining to the Vulcan\u2019s facts and figures. But what we can tell you is that it does the century sprint in \nunder three seconds\n. The top speed is claimed to be in\u00a0\nexcess of 320 km/h\n. Go figure! Not only that, but the Vulcan also weighs an estimated \n1,350 kg\n, which works out to nearly \n600 hp per tonne!\nThe \nVulcan\n was developed by Aston Martin\u2019s long-term specialist body engineering, manufacturing partner and ally,\n\u00a0Multimatic,\n who helped built the\u00a0\ncarbon composite monocoque\n and \nbody\n. Multimatic then passed the torch over to braking specialist \nBrembo\n who stuck a pair of\u00a0\n380mm diameter\u00a0carbon ceramic racing disc brakes\n upfront with a pair of \n360mm rotors at the rear\n.\nPlanting the wheels to the ground is derived from an \nanti-dive geometry push rod suspension setup\n. Multimatic lent a hand with the\u00a0DSSV or\u00a0\nDynamic Suspension Spool Valve adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars\n. The Vulcan also comes equipped with \nvariable traction control \nand an\n adjustable anti-lock brake system.\u00a0\nOnly \n24\n prime examples will be built and\u00a0tucked away safely by wealthy aspiring owners. Its cost? A\u00a0purported sum of almost\n\u00a01.5 million Pounds\n\u00a0or RM8.9 million at press time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just introduced the facelifted C-Class in the form of three different models \u2013 the C43 AMG 4MATIC, the \nC300 AMG Line and the C200 Avantgarde Line\n and here\u2019s a quick walk-through on what\u2019s new with the latter two.\nThe new C200 Avantgarde is fitted with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and unlike before, the new C300 AMG Line now gets the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission and the AIRMATIC suspension along with a bump in horsepower.\nFind out what are the other new additions to one of the most successful models for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and check out how the new Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC differs from the pre-facelift model \nhere\n."
"The Koenigsegg Regera isn\u2019t a strange car in the world of hyper fast sports car. Having debuted at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, this 80-unit only Swedish beast is one of the\u00a0most technologically advanced car to date.\nHowever, over the past year or so, about 3,000 tweaks have been made, and it takes the grand stage at Geneva this year by storm.\u00a0At around USD 1.9 million a pop (about RM7.8 million without taxes and duties), the Regera is quite simply the beginning of the\u00a0\nmegacar\u00a0\nera.\n\u00a0\nIts closest rival is none other than the\u00a0\nBugatti Chiron\n, but here are five reasons why the Regera deserves to be in the running as the one true megacar of the world.\ni. It makes the Bugatti Chiron look dull\nThe Chiron may have taken center stage this year at Geneva, but it could easily pass off as the Veyron\u2019s facelift. It is undoubtedly an engineering marvel in its own right, but we can\u2019t help feeling as though Bugatti played it safe in the aesthetics department.\nThings are less apparent at Koenigsegg with the Regera. This megacar looks exactly like the HotWheels toy you\u2019ve always dreamed of;\u00a0twin\u00a0radical scissors doors and a hood that could\u00a0put flamboyant Lamborghinis to shame. It\u2019s got looks to kill, but what\u2019s more impressive is the integration of \u201c\nAutoskin\n\u201d which allows the car\u2019s\u00a0doors, front and rear clamshells to be opened via a key knob. The company uses lightweight, tiny hydraulic tubing and small actuators to replace traditional struts and hinges.\n \n \nAnother unique feature is the Regera\u2019s headlights \u2013 they come with a pair of funky looking \u201cConstellation DRLs\u201d, but Christian von Koenigsegg prefers the term \u201cKoenigsegg Cool\u201d. How does this compare to the Chiron\u2019s multiple squared LED DRLs? Well, we\u2019ll let you be the judge of that.\nii. The powertrain is\u00a0bonkers\nUnlike the Chiron, the Regera comes with a self-developed \n5.0-litre twin turbocharged V8\n engine, the same block shared with the Agera and Agera R.\u00a0There\u2019s also three separate electric motors driving the crankshaft. The\u00a0\n4.5kWh battery pack\n\u00a0is located in the center body tunnel that can be charged either internally or via a\u00a0charging port at the back.\nAll these make for a combined output of \n1,500 hp\n and \n2,000 Nm\n of tyre-obliterating torque! It\u2019s a tad slower in the century sprint compared to the Chiron\u2019s \n2.5-second\n benchmark (Regera dusts that in \n2.8 seconds\n), but also remember that the Regera\u2019s engine is a full \n3.0-litre smaller\n and has half the Bug\u2019s W16 cylinder count. That said, the Regera outperforms the Chiron in the \n0 to 298km/h\n sprint, getting there in \n10.9 seconds\n compared to the Chiron\u2019s 13.5 seconds. Not bad at all for an in-house motor!\niii.\u00a0It has no gearbox!\nRemember the three electric motors mentioned above? The electric motors now take up the responsibilities as a power generator, starter motor and a torque assist for\u00a0the V8 engine. In other words, it completely replaces a conventional gearbox! The system, known as\u00a0\nKoenigsegg Direct Drive System\n,\u00a0works via a locking hydraulic coupling which controls the engine\u2019s power through a clutch-slip mechanism.\nWhat they do is convert torque at medium to high speeds during fast acceleration, allowing the engine to gain revs and power, thereby providing the sensation of an actual downshift (plus the blip which we all love).\nShift paddles remain on either side of the steering wheel, though the left paddle is used to enhance regenerative braking which juices up the battery pack. The right paddle is used to activate the hydraulic coupling\u2019s \u2018downshift\u2019 operation.\u00a0Koenigsegg claims their path in electric vehicle technology eliminates the mass and drivetrain losses of a transmission, but it\u2019s probably nowhere near the ideal transmission for an everyday car.\niv.\u00a0Impressive lightweight body\nThe combination of its carbon fibre monocoque and a lightweight battery pack means the Regera\u2019s overall weight down to\u00a0\n1,590kg\n, or approximately 400kg lighter than the porky Chiron. For the record, the Chiron\u2019s monocoque is also made of carbon fibre, but the extra weight comes mainly from the powertrain.\nv.\u00a0It\u2019s not a stripped-down\u00a0race car\nThankfully,\u00a0Koenigsegg had no intentions of making the Regera a full-blown track machine, although that will likely come as the Regera S or Regera R. Instead, Koenigsegg markets the car as being \u201ca fusion of luxury, comfort and race car performance\u201d. Interior goodies for the Regera are\u00a0soft-closing doors (like your Toyota Alphard), leather interior with six-way electronic adjustable seats, climate control, leather carpets, power folding mirrors and infotainment system which supports Apple CarPlay.\nSo there you have it, folks. Just 80 of the Regera will ever be built, so chances of you owning one won\u2019t be nearly as high as the 500-unit Chiron. Now, dear readers, which of the two is your preferred dream car?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In showing appreciation to the frontliners who have literally been at the front lines of the Covid-19 battle, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has been waiving toll charges for these noble souls since March last year.\nThe company which oversees multiple tolls in South Luzon, La Union and Tarlac to name a few, recently announced that as of early June 2021, the \u201cfree toll programme\u201d has \nwaived a total of 230.7 million pesos\n (approximately RM19 million).\nThe initiative is said to have \nbenefitted more than 10,000 front liners\n including doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians living in Metro Manila and its nearby municipals.\nMeanwhile in Malaysia, the toll hike deferment is set to cost our government over RM2.25 billion this year. Read about it here!\n\u201cMore than one year has passed and the frontliners have accomplished so much in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. With most of them now vaccinated, we are honored to have stayed with them and supported them all this time, through this free toll gesture\u201d said SMC president Ramon S. Ang.\nSo far, SMC has been the only toll operator to continue implementing the free toll initiative for front liners. The company also recently announced that it has spent one billion pesos (approx. RM85 million) to vaccinate around 70,000 of its workforce nationwide for free.\nAnother one billion pesos was spent on test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE) and over a million litres of alcohol solution for hospitals around the country.\nSource: \nToll Regulatory Board"
"Three years after it was \nfirst teased\n, Hennessey has now finally unveiled the Venom F5 in the flesh. Only 24 units of this ultra-exclusive hypercar will ever be made, priced at USD2.1 million (MYR8.52 million) each, and they will all be uniquely customised to the owner\u2019s specifications.\nPowering this speed monster is an in-house built 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, affectionately named \u201cFury\u201d by Hennessey, and is paired to a seven-speed single-clutch semi-automatic gearbox. Power output is rated at an eye-watering \n1,817 hp\n and \n1,617 Nm \nof torque at full blast. Yowza.\n \nThe figures sound even more impressive when you realise that the entire car weighs just \n1,360 kg\n, thanks to its various weight-saving measures such as the use of an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre monocoque. Even the entire engine weighs just 280 kg. As a result, the Hennessey Venom F5 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in less than 2.6 seconds, and smashes the 200 km/h point in 4.7 seconds.\nHennessey is so confident in the performance of the Venom F5 that it will be proving its top speed \u201cin excess of 500 km/h\u201d with an independently verified top speed run next year. For full transparency, Hennessey will also be making available the GPS data and uninterrupted video footage\u00a0for the \npublic to inspect\n.\nThe all-American company also says that its new hypercar isn\u2019t just good at straight-line speed. The Hennessey Venom F5 rides on\u00a0double wishbone suspension with Penske coil-over dampers, and is personally tuned by the company\u2019s in-house dynamics guru \u2013 US racing driver John \u2018Heinrocket\u2019 Heinricy.\nHennessey founder and CEO John Hennessey has also provided input in \u201cevery aspect of the car\u2019s specification, design and development\u201d. \u201cOur customers love speed, so we\u2019re fired-up to push the boundaries of what\u2019s possible to attempt the world\u2019s fastest production car record, but the Venom F5 is about more than just speed and power,\u201d said Hennessey.\n\u201cThis car will handle superbly, quality is exceptional, there are more than 3,000 bespoke parts, materials are exquisite, everything is a fitting tribute to 30 years of the Hennessey brand.\u201d\nDeliveries for the Hennessey Venom F5 will begin next year, just in time for the company\u2019s 30-year anniversary.\nGALLERY"
"The 2016 Wards awards for the best interior design have been announced, and most of them are from luxury brands. Out of the 10, just two\u00a0are cars from mainstream brands, which signify a rapid product development from premium carmakers. There were 47 cars shortlisted for this award (based on US market), so lets see who took top honours.\nAudi TTS\nComing out on top is the \nAudi TTS\n. The judges were moved with the brilliant 12.3-inch \nAudi\u00a0Virtual Cockpit\n and surgically detailed cabin finishing.\nBMW G11 7-Series\nBehind the TTS is another German product, the\u00a0\nBMW 7-Series\n. Bimmers don\u2019t generally stand out for its interiors, but the latest G11 7-Series is a glaring exception. The feature laden saloon includes innovative air gesture control, wireless phone charging, massaging seats and the ambient-lit speakers for the Bower & Wilkins sound system.\n2016 Honda Civic\nThere are only two mainstream cars in this Top 10 list, and one to surprise us all is the\u00a0\ntenth-generation Honda Civic\n\u00a0which finished in sixth place. It\u2019s the cheapest car in the list, but its modern exterior trickles into the cabin, a redemption over the uninspiring and easily forgotten ninth-gen Civic. The other mainstream car in the top ten is the Nissan Maxima, which we don\u2019t get in Malaysia.\nOther cars that available in Malaysia apart from the top two are the edgy\u00a0\nLexus RX\n (seventh place),\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz GLC\n (8th place) and taking tenth is the excellent \nVolvo XC90\n.\nTo round up, here are the top ten winners of this year\u2019s best interior awards.\nAudi TTS\u00a0\nBMW 7-Series\u00a0\nCadillac XT5\u00a0\nChevrolet Camaro\u00a0\nChrysler\n Pacifica\u00a0\nHonda\n Civic\u00a0\nLexus RX\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz GLC\nNissan\n Maxima\nVolvo XC90\u00a0\n[Source: \nWards Auto\n]"
"With the launch of the \n2019 Proton Saga Facelift\n, Proton\u2019s core models, the \nPersona\n, \nIriz\n, \nExora\n and Saga \u2013 conveniently abbreviated to PIES \u2013 are now updated to maintain a competitive edge in their respective segment.\n \nThe Saga gains various styling upgrades, new features and most importantly a new 4-speed torque converter automatic that replaces the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The new gearbox is mated to the same 1.3-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder VVT petrol engine pushing out \n95 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n of torque.\nWhat\u2019s even more\nimpressive is that despite the increased in value (features, refinement and quality),\nthe 2019 Saga range is more affordable with prices dipping under the magic\nRM40,000 mark."
"[Update 1:42 PM: Stellantis has announced that the all-new Peugeot 2008 has officially rolled off the assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah]\nDespite being \nname-dropped by Berjaya Auto Alliance \nalmost a year ago, it turns out Thailand actually shot first with the launch of the all-new Peugeot 2008, ahead of the Thai Motor Expo.\nThe new compact SUV is offered in a single Allure variant in the Land of Smiles, priced at THB1,189,000 (approx. RM149k) and will be fully imported from Stellantis\u2019 Gurun assembly plant here in Malaysia.\nUnderneath the bonnet, you\u2019ll find the familiar 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder engine as seen on the \nPeugeot 208\n here in Malaysia.\nHowever, compared to the 208\u2019s 1.2-litre mill, the engine here is now slightly uprated to make\n 130 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n (18 hp and 15 Nm more than before, middle option of three available state of tune globally), and power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.\nRELATED: 2021 Peugeot 3008 facelift launched in Malaysia, one variant from RM162k!\nDesign wise, the Peugeot 2008 is essentially a jacked-up 208, and thus share many of the hatchback\u2019s design cues such as the prominent claw-style LED front and rear lamps, lion fangs daytime-running light signatures, and even the two-tone paintwork.\nIt\u2019s now built on Peugeot\u2019s new Common Modular Platform (CMP), which has also increased the overal vehicle length by some 14 cm over its predecessor. Although, boot space remains at 360 litres, which means there should be quite a significant increase in interior space instead.\nIn terms of equipment, the Peugeot 2008 Allure in Thailand comes as standard with full-LED headlights and tail lights, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-inch digital instrument cluster display, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and a reverse camera.\nThe all-new 2008 in Thailand is also one of the first Peugeot model in the entire ASEAN region to feature advanced driver assistance features, although admittedly still pretty rudimentary. The advanced safety suite consists of forward collision warning and braking, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, and driver attention warning.\nStellantis says that the Peugeot 2008 assembled here in Malaysia has undergone 200,000 km of specific endurance and quality testing in our unique climate and environment conditions.\nThe manufacturing team in Malaysia also used dynamic online tools and methodologies, including collaborating with other teams in China and Europe to meet production timelines while maintaining the company\u2019s global manufacturing and quality standards.\n\u201cWhat we\u2019ve been able to achieve at the Gurun plant in Malaysia over the past few months is a great achievement, and we are now focused on continuing the momentum to keep up with the increased customer demand for locally-manufactured Peugeot vehicles in the region,\u201d said Stellantis ASEAN senior vice president, Christophe Musy.\nWith the all-new Peugeot 2008 now launched in Thailand, it\u2019s only a matter of time that the compact SUV will make its debut here in Malaysia too \u2013 especially seeing that we got the \n3008\n and\n 5008\n one month after they were introduced in our neighbouring country too.\nWe expect the specifications of our Malaysian model to mirror Thailand\u2019s 2008, too; are the standard equipment enough to sway you over to the French brand? Let us know in the comments below!"
"Despite the implementation of the \nmovement control order (MCO)\n in several states, UMW Toyota Motor still managed to deliver a total of \n7,595 units\n during the month of May 2021. The figure represents a 120% jump over the same period last year, which was impacted by MCO 1.0.\nUMW Toyota says that the sharp increase in sales performance year-on-year is driven mainly by the new models that the company has introduced in recent months. In particular, the new Toyota \nVios\n, \nYaris\n, and \nHilux \ncumulatively contributed 78% of the figure in May.\nThe company also attributes the sales performance to the festive campaigns during the Hari Raya period, as well as the sales tax exemptions, which has now been \nextended until the end of 2021\n.\nHow does the \u201csportier\u201d Toyota Vios GR Sport drives? Check out our review here!\nFor the first five months of the year, UMW Toyota managed to sell a total of 34,026 vehicles, a significantly higher figure than the 14,052 units registered in the corresponding period of 2020, putting it on track to achieve its sales target of 62,000 units in 2021.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G gets a \ntax saving of more than RM4,000\n, thanks to the recently-extended SST exemptions period\nUMW Toyota\u2019s sister company within UMW Holdings, Perodua, also achieved a \nstrong sales performance in the past month\n. UMW Holdings President and Group CEO, Dato\u2019 Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said, \u201cDemand for UMWT and Perodua vehicles remains strong, with both marques continuing to register healthy sales.\n\u201cHowever, the semiconductor chips shortage has impacted Perodua\u2019s production, and it is exploring various means to overcome this problem. Both UMWT and Perodua have a healthy level of outstanding bookings that can be fulfilled once the chips problem is resolved.\u201d\nThe gorgeous \nall-new Toyota Harrier \nis now available in Malaysia.\nDato\u2019 Fuaad further added, \u201cUMW expects the automotive sales momentum will continue despite the extended MCO 3.0 especially with the extension of the sales tax exemption to 31 December 2021.\u201d\nSince June 1, the government has imposed a \nfull movement control order (FMCO) nationwide\n in an attempt to contain the recent spread of the virus. During the FMCO period, all automotive manufacturing activities and showrooms are not allowed to operate. Phase 1 of the FMCO is expected to end on the 28th of June, pending on situational data.\nHowever, service centres are allowed to operate during the FMCO period, albeit at a reduced level of operations with strict SOP guidelines. UMW Toyota advices its customers to make an appointment prior to sending their cars for service during this period."
"It\u2019s been more than a year since Chery first announced its intention to re-enter the Malaysian market, but we now finally have a firm date. The Chinese carmaker has announced via its Facebook its official \u201cbrand launch\u201d for Malaysia, set for \nJuly 6\n, where the \nChery Omoda 5\n and \nTiggo 8 Pro\n will also be introduced alongside.\nThe Chery Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro are part of the company\u2019s \u201cPhase One\u201d plans for the brand here in Malaysia \u2013 the former is a B-segment crossover, while the latter a D-segment seven-seater SUV. As a sign of Chery\u2019s commitment towards the Malaysian market, both models are also going to be locally assembled from the get go.\nThe carmaker recently announced its \npartnership agreement with Inokom\n, and production has since begun this month.\nRELATED: \nChery to produce 30,000 cars annually in Malaysia CKD plant\nSetting its sights straight for the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross, the Chery Omoda 5 stands out from the crowded market with its attractive styling and extensive technology package.\nHere in Malaysia, the Chery Omoda 5 will be offered with a single powertrain option at launch, consisting of a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine that makes \n147 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n. The company is also planning to introduce the \nfully electric variant of the Omoda 5 \nin Malaysia in the future, though the timeline for that will depend on the right-hand drive development of the model.\nAs for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, the model that will be launched here in Malaysia next month will be based on the new Tiggo 8 Pro Max in China, with revised styling both inside and out, alongside a more extensive kit list than what was \noriginally previewed in Malaysia last year\n.\nUnderneath the bonnet of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia will be a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill making \n250 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The company is also planning to unveil a\n plug-in hybrid variant\n for the seven-seater SUV later this year.\nThe Chinese carmaker has announced that its models here in Malaysia will be covered by a \n10-year, 1,000,000 km warranty\n for their powertrain components, to ease any reliability concerns for its cars.\nAdditionally, Chery Malaysia has also promised a \n\u201cuser-centric\u201d aftersales network\n here on our shores, with over 70 outlets planned nationwide. At launch, the company already expects \u201cno fewer than 30\u201d up and running across the country.\nALSO READ:\n Chery Omoda 5 EV specs revealed, 450km range \u2013 BYD Atto 3 rival?"
"You may have heard that the Neta V, currently the \nmost affordable EV here in Malaysia\n, recently received a warm welcome into the country with over \n100 bookings collected over one weekend\n. But the budget-oriented electric crossover is far from Neta\u2019s only plans here in Malaysia.\nAs announced during the brand launch at the recent \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n, the Chinese carmaker intends to launch two more EVs here in Malaysia within the next two years \u2013 the Neta U SUV by the\n second quarter of 2024\n, and the Neta S fastback sedan by \nQ1 2025\n.\nIn addition, the company\u2019s custodian here in Malaysia, Intro Synergy, will also be investing RM300 million over the next few years to develop the brand\u2019s sales and aftersales network, alongside a manufacturing plant for local assembly.\nREAD MORE: \nNeta V makes Malaysia debut \u2013 budget-oriented compact EV SUV from RM99,800\nThe Neta U is a fully-electric compact crossover, coming in about the size of the Toyota Corolla Cross. In its home country China, the Neta U is available in a variety of powertrain options, offering a driving range of up to \n500 km (NEDC)\n, and outputs up to \n150 kW (204 hp)\n and \n310 Nm\n.\nWith the latest Neta U-II update that was launched in 2022, the compact electric crossover also boasts a SAE Level 2.5 semi-autonomous driving capability, thanks to an upgraded range of on-board sensors.\nThe Neta S, meanwhile, takes the form of a fastback sedan, not unlike the BMW i4 \u2013 although, its dimensions puts it closer in segment to the Tesla Model S. Thanks to its slippery shape, the Neta S boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.216 Cd.\nPaired to a 91 kWh battery pack, the Neta S is able to travel\n up to 715 km\n from a single charge, based on the CLTC test standard. As for performance, the rear-wheel drive variant of the S puts out \n170 kW (231 hp)\n and \n310 Nm\n, while the all-wheel drive model essentially doubles that with an extra identical motor on the front axle.\nWith multiple other companies, including \nBermaz Auto\n, reportedly interested in representing another Chinese EV brand here in Malaysia, it seems that the EV market here is about to properly heat up. Now, all that\u2019s left is to see if these two upcoming EVs will follow the Neta V\u2019s pricing strategy.\nGALLERY\nNeta S\nNeta V"
"Honda has announced the name of its first electric vehicle \u2013 the \u201cPrologue\u201d. It\u2019s a taste of what\u2019s to come as the company embarks on its vision of selling 100% zero-emission vehicles in North America by 2040.\nNew Civic sedan\nNew Civic hatchback\nThe Prologue is expected to arrive in the US by early 2024, along with an all-electric Acura SUV, with more specific details to come in the following months.\nSo far, Honda has only revealed that the Prologue, along with the Acura, will be \nbuilt on General Motor\u2019s EV platform\n and the company\u2019s own Ultium batteries, as per Honda\u2019s strategic partnership with General Motors. It\u2019s reported that Honda will develop the interior and exterior of the Prologue.\nHonda also plans to launch a \nnew series of EV models between 2025 to 2030\n which will be based on the company\u2019s new e:Architecture. The modular EV platform can be used for various vehicle body types.\nThe Honda e electric hatchback.\nIn April this year, Honda Global CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, announced a carbon-neutral goal for the company\u2019s products and corporate activities by 2050, including electrified vehicle sales targets.\nBy 2030, the company is targeting 40% of vehicles to be made up of electric and fuel cell vehicles. The figure is expected to double to 80% by 2035 and subsequent by 2040, 100% of vehicles sold by Honda will be electric."
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just revealed the official launching date of the \nVeloster 1.6L Turbo\n, and it will take place in mid-April \u2013 on the \n17th\n to be exact. The \norder books\n for this \nRM150k\n (current estimated price) hot hatch were opened since late last month, and we managed to \ncatch it in person\n at the recently concluded Bangkok International Motor Show.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo\nEngine\n1,591cc; Gamma T-GDi petrol\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n265 Nm @ 1,500 to 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\nUnder 8 seconds; 220 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\nfrom RM150,000\n (including GST)\n\u00a0\nHere are some quick bits to get your hearts racing. The Veloster, as you would have known by now, will be fitted with a \n1.6-litre Gamma T-GDi\n petrol engine making \n184 horsepower\n at 5,500 rpm and \n265 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. Power is sent to the \nfront wheels\n via an in-house developed \nseven-speed dual clutch automatic\n transmission. Hyundai claims that its hot hatch will sprint from \n0 t0 100 km/h in under 8\n seconds and manages a top speed of \n220 km/h\n.   It\u2019ll be available in a limited edition \nMatte Grey\n colour, and like other Hyundai models, it will come with a \nfive-year or 300,000km warranty\n programme. So what\u2019s your pick going to be like? The \nFiesta ST\n, Polo GTI, 208 GTI, Clio RS or a new breed of force-fed Korean hatchling?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo at the 2015 BIMS"
"In conjunction with the \n2014 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP)\n held over this weekend, \nShell Malaysia\n held a special preview of its most advanced motorcycle oil to date \u2013 the \nShell Advance Ultra\n with \nPurePlus Technology\n.   What makes this the \nmost advanced\n motorcycle oil lies in the methods in which it is processed. The Shell PurePlus Technology is the result of a \n40-year research programme\n that \nconverts natural gas\n into \ncrystal-clear base oil\n with almost \nzero impurities\n such as those found in crude oil processes. This revolutionary process is called \ngas-to-liquid (GTL)\n process, and is produced at the Pearl GTL plant in Qatar.\nLeo Kin Mun demonstrating the gas-to-liquid process\nShell Malaysia\u2019s Technology Manager for Shell Advanced, Mr Leo Kin Mun explained, \u201cThe GTL base oil is \nas clear as water\n in its purest state. When it goes on sale beginning January next year, the oil will be \nyellowish-gold\n in colour because of the additives we put into the oil.\u00a0GTL base oil gives \nimproved\n and \nmore consistent viscosity\n as operating temperatures increase. It \nimproves engine performance\n on the whole, \nenhancing friction\n and \nvolatility performance\n compared to traditional crude-oil based engine oils.\u201d\nWhen asked if the engine oil is \ncompetition ready\n, Shell indicated that their \nriders\n for the \n2015 season\n of the \nShell Advance Asia Talent Cup\n will be using the Shell Advance Ultra oil in their race bikes. The move to introduce this high-grade engine oil is also to cater to the \nevident\n and \nrising growth\n of \nbig capacity bikes\n in the country.\nShell Trading Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director, Tuan Haji Azman Ismail\nShell recently conducted a \ntrial run\n on several big-engine bikes whose riders \ntraveled across Malaysia\n on a combination of \ntrunk roads\n, \nhilly terrains\n and \nhighways\n. This is to put the new synthetic oil to real world tests and get initial reactions from these riders. According to Shell, about 77 percent of the riders experienced \nsmoother ride\n and \nmore linear power\n \ndelivery\n after running on the \nsynthetic oil\n and \nShell V-Power 97\n.\nThe Shell Avance Ultra with PurePlus Technology will be sold to the public from as early as \nJanuary next year\n, with \ntwo viscosity grades\n to choose from: \n10W-40\n and \n15W-50\n. Both oils are \n100 percent fully synthetic\n.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n has officially been \nrevealed to the world\n (by supermodel \nPetra Nemcova\n, no less), and this time it\u2019s made for the world instead of being limited only to the left-hand drive markets like its predecessor, the GLK.\nFour variants are introduced this time around, and all of them feature the brand\u2019s \n4Matic all-wheel drive system\n that receives power from a \nnine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic\n transmission; except one \u2013 the GLC 350e variant which comes with a seven-speed 7G-Tronic box.\nEXTERIOR\nPreviewed a couple of months ago in the form of \nConcept GLC Coup\u00e9\n and \nspied earlier\n wearing a thin disguise, we can see that the GLC dons a jacked-up W205 C-Class looks, because it is based on the same platform as the C-Class after all.   At \n4,656 mm long\n, \n1,890 mm wide\n, and \n1,639 mm\u00a0tall\n, it\u2019s bigger than the GLK in every way, and even the \nwheelbase\n has been significantly stretched from 2,755 mm to \n2,873 mm\n.\nBuyers will be given the option to choose from three trims: \nExclusive\u00a0\nline, \nAMG\n line, and \nOff-Road\u00a0\nline; but every GLC will come with a huge three-pointed star right smack in the twin-louvred grille. The \nAMG line\n gets a set of \n19-inch wheels\n (an inch up from the other two trims) to complement the \nAMG bumpers\n, while the \nOff-Road\u00a0line\n is fitted with \nunique bumpers\n\u00a0optimised for\u00a0steep climbing angles as well as \nchrome-plated bumper guards\n.\nINTERIOR\nThanks to the \nincreased dimensions\n, occupants get \nmore room\n on the inside compared to the GLK. \nCargo space\n has also been boosted by 80 litres to \n550 litres\n, and the rear seats back rests now split 40:20:40.\nThe cabin architecture follows the \nW205 C-Class\n, with the familiar dashboard and the lot. Choose the \nExclusive\u00a0line\n and you\u2019ll get a combination \nArtico\u00a0leather and fabric upholstery\n\u00a0complemented by\u00a0\nhigh gloss wood trim. Bu\nt if you opt for the \nAMG line\n, you\u2019ll receive a mix of \nArtico\u00a0leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery\n, a sportier \nAMG flat bottom steering wheel\n, aluminium trim inserts, piano black center console, as well as a set of \nAMG sports pedals\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nAt launch there will be four variants of the GLC, two petrol and two diesel. The diesel couple are the \nGLC 220d 4MATIC\n and the \nGLC 250d 4MATIC\n. Both are powered by the same diesel lump but the former gives out \n170 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n while the latter churns out \n204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. Yes, 500 Nm of torque!\n \n \nIf you don\u2019t fancy sharing the fuel pump with the lorries, there\u2019s the \nGLC 250 4MATIC\n with \n211 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n, as well as the \nGLC 350e 4MATIC\n plug-in hybrid that combines a 211 hp petrol engine with a 116 hp electric motor and \n560 Nm\n of total torque.\nSAFETY\nOf course the GLC comes with airbags. There\u2019s the usual front airbags as well as side airbags, and there are airbags on the pillars too. Additionally, there are optional airbag for the driver\u2019s knees and side airbags for the two outer rear passengers.\nOn top of that, the GLC is equipped with a host of driving assistance. Fitted as standard are the \nAttention Assist\n\u00a0or an ESP\u00ae system with \nDynamic Cornering Assist\n,\u00a0Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist, and \nCollision Prevention Assist Plus\n.\u00a0Buyers then can add on more driving assistant systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and \nPRE-SAFE\u00ae PLUS\n, and \nDistronic Plus\u00a0\nwith Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot from the mile-long options list.\nWHAT ELSE?\nWant more? Mercedes offers the \nNight package\n with the GLC. No, it\u2019s not a 3 days 2 nights holiday package, but rather an exterior enhancing kit for the Exclusive and AMG lines which consist of \nmatte black roof rails\n, \ntinted rear windows\n, \nglossy black finish\n on side mirror housings, side window trims, and bumper guards; and a choice of either 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.\nAnother package is called the \nOff-Road Engineering package\n. It features up to \nfive off-road driving programs\n, a dynamic real-time COMAND display, \nDownhill Speed Regulation\n (DSR) as well as \nraising the GLC by up to 50 mm\n.\nSales of the GLC will start this \nNovember\n, but give or take a few months before it lands on our shores and we\u2019re looking at an \nearly-2016\n Malaysian debut for the GLC. Now that we\u2019ve seen the GLC in its full glory, chances are you\u2019re more interested to see the production version of the GLC Coup\u00e9, no?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari has just laid out its bold new strategic plan for the next four years during its Capital Markets Day last night, and there are quite a few things to get excited about. Chiefly, the Italian supercar maker is planning to introduce 15 (yes, fifteen) new models by 2026, including its first-ever fully-electric (EV) model, and the successor to the \nLaFerrari hypercar\n.\nThe first of the 15 models to be announced will be the\n Purosangue SUV\n, which is set to make its global debut in September this year. As before, Ferrari is still doing all it can to convince you it\u2019s a \u201creal Ferrari\u201d; the name Purosangue means \u201cthoroughbred\u201d in Italian, and it\u2019ll even come with a\n new V12 engine underneath its bonnet\n.\nDespite that though, Ferrari says that the Purosangue will only account for a maximum of 20% of its sales throughout its lifecycle, presumably by limiting shipments. That\u2019s a far cry from its chief rival \nLamborghini Urus\n, which just became the brand\u2019s\n best-selling model of all time\n. So, as it turns out, Ferrari themselves aren\u2019t too convinced just yet.\nMoving onto the EV, the brand\u2019s first fully-electric model will be launched some time in 2025. Information on the model is as good as zero now, but the marque says that it\u2019ll also be a \u201ctrue Ferrari\u201d, with the entire powertrain \u2013 including battery modules \u2013 \u201cdesigned, handcrafted, and assembled in Maranello\u201d, promising \u201ca unique driving experience [.] derived from racing solutions\u201d.\nA new assembly line built specifically for its electrified vehicles, and by 2026, Ferrari says its product range will be made up of 40% pure internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, with the remaining 60% being a mix of hybrid and full electric, rising to 20% ICE, 40% hybrid, and 40% full electric by 2030.\nAs for the highly-awaited successor to the LaFerrari halo hypercar, Ferrari says that it\u2019ll feature technologies learned from its racing efforts in \nFormula 1\n and 24 Hours of Le Mans \u2013 the latter represented by the upcoming LMH race car \u2013 all but confirming that it\u2019ll feature electrification of some sort.\nThe upcoming flagship hypercar, alongside the\n Icona line of supercars\n, will be the brand\u2019s rarest offerings, accounting for less than 5% of total volume. The Special Series meanwhile, consisting of models like the \nFerrari 812 Competizione\n and Competizione Aperta, will make up about 10% of total production.\nThe rest will be made up by the \u201crange\u201d models, covering the series-production V6 (\n296 GTB\n/\nGTS\n), V8 (\nRoma\n/\nPortofino\n), and V12 (812 replacement) cars.\nGALLERY"
"The line-up of the Honda City has finally completed in the Kingdom of Thailand. Originally just the sedan body type, the latest generation \u2018GN\u2019 Honda City is also now available in \na hatchback\n.\nBefore the hatch arrived, the City models in Thailand were only offered with one powertrain \u2013 a newly developed turbocharged \n1.0-litre three-cylinder engine\n paired with a CVT. The sedan received its hybrid power unit late last year and now, the unique dual-motor and petrol engine setup is available on the hatchback model as well.\nOn the exterior, the City Hatchback e:Hev is only available in the RS trim, featuring sportier bumper profiles and gloss black highlights on the side mirrors, front grille, rear spoiler, and 16-inch rims.\nSingapore gets the cooler new Honda Jazz/Fit that\u2019s also for Japan and Europe. Read about it here! \nThe City Hatchback e:Hev is available with the special Brilliant Sporty Blue paintwork that was introduced with the facelift Civic in late 2018.\nKey exterior features include automatic on/off LED headlamps with auto high-beam function, DRLs, remote engine start, walk-away auto door lock, rear disc brakes with electronic parking brake with auto-hold function and LED taillamps with L-lighting signature.\nUnder the bonnet is the latest Sport Hybrid i-MMD power unit consisting of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle engine and paired with two electric motor-generators. The combined system output is \n109 hp\n and \n253 Nm of torque\n. In this unique setup, the \nengine functions as a generator \nto the lithium-ion battery and only connects to the front wheels at speeds above 80 km/h.\nAt low speeds, the City Hatchback e:Hev \ndrives like an EV\n as the motors will provide propulsion. While this setup sounds like a step up in fuel reduction, the consumption is rated at \n3.7 litres per 100 km\n; just 0.6 litres lower than the turbocharged 1.0-litre triple.\nSimilar to the City e:Hev available in Malaysia, drivers can adjust the brake regeneration strength via steering wheel paddles.\nThe spirit of \u2018warm hatch\u2019 lives on in Indonesia in the City hatchback DOHC iVTEC with 6MT!\nInside, the users will find the familiar RS items such as red-on-black mixed material front seats, metallic foot pedals, automatic air-conditioning with rear duct, 8-speaker audio system with an 8-inch infotainment system, ULTRA folding rear seats and a variant-exclusive hybrid instrument cluster with a seven-inch TFT screen.\nLike the City sedan e:Hev, the hatchback e:Hev variant will also come fitted with the Honda Sensing suite. The advanced driving assistance suite encompasses autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist system and lane departure warning and prevention.\nPriced at \nTHB849,000\n (approx. RM113,200), the hybrid powertrain commands a THB100,000 (approx. RM13,300) premium over\n \nthe regular RS variant fitted with a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine.\nThe City Hatchback e:Hev RS is also THB10,000 (RM1,330) pricier than the City sedan e:Hev RS sibling, making the model \nthe highest priced variant in the total Honda City line-up\n. The next vehicle up the price ladder is the entry Honda Civic 1.8 at THB874,000 (RM116,500), a similar pattern seen with the City Hybrid and Civic 1.8 in Malaysia.\n \nHowever, unlike Malaysia, where the \nHonda City-Jazz\n and \nToyota Vios-Yaris\n see the \nhatchback models priced cheaper\n, the opposite is practised in the Kingdom.\nIn Malaysia, the City RS e:Hev sedan is \npriced at RM105,951\n. While the City hatchback isn\u2019t available in Malaysia yet, the Honda Jazz is priced in a range from RM72,512 to RM84,956, with the short-lived Jazz Hybrid available from RM75,000.\nGALLERY\nHonda City Hatchback e:Hev RS\nHonda City Hatchback 1.0 VTEC Turbo"
"Geely has just unveiled the Xingyao (FX11) in China, coming in the form of a new C-segment-sized SUV that will reportedly serve as the replacement to the ageing Boyue in its home domestic market. The Boyue also serves as the base model for the \nProton X70 \nhere in Malaysia, which means the new FX11 could eventually be used for the next-gen X70, when the model is due a refresh here on our shores!\nIn terms of styling, the Xingyao adopts Geely\u2019s all-new design language that first made its debut on the \nVision Starburst concept\n. The front is characterised by a new massive grille, which pushes all other design elements towards the edges, including the main headlights which are integrated neatly into the grille design.\nThe entire front fascia is framed between the instantly recognisable inverted L-shaped daytime-running light signatures, which are set deep within the front bumpers. A heavily-contoured, body-coloured trim serves as a nice contrast against the darkened grille, with the angular panels reminding us of the \nBMW iX Sport\n, lending credence to its strong, muscular stance. It\u2019s definitely a striking design, to say the least.\nVIDEO: 2022 Proton X70 with a 1.5L TGDi engine, is it enough? \u2013 AutoVlogs\nThe rear fascia, meanwhile, sports a minimalist yet recognisable design, thanks to the generous use of sharp lines and angular cues. The resemblance to the Vision Starburst is immediately obvious, with the highlight here once again being the lighting fixture, which gets a full-width treatment with vertical elements bookending both ends.\nTechnical information of the Geely Xingyao hasn\u2019t been released by the company just yet, but Chinese media outlets reported that it\u2019ll be available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine taken from the \nXingyue L\n, alongside a range of hybrid powertrain offerings, as denoted by the Hi.X branding on the SUV\u2019s initial teaser image.\nThe FX11 is built on the latest iteration of Geely\u2019s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, dubbed the \u2018CMA1.5\u2019. The exact changes aren\u2019t announced just yet, but media reports also suggest that it\u2019ll feature the GEEA 2.0 computing platform, which will allow for a SAE level 2 autonomous driving capability.\nThe Geely Xingyao will make its public debut next month at the Chengdu Auto Show, so keep your eyes peeled!\n[Source/images:\n CarNewsChina.com\n]"
"The Mercedes-Benz C-Class model, according to \nAutoCar UK\n, is the top selling premium car in Britain. A total of 41,121 units have been sold in the country alone, numbers which are rare for any premium makes to achieve.\nWhat\u2019s rarer is that the C-Class is ranked ninth out of 10 most popular cars in Britain, followed closely by the\u00a0\nAudi A3\n\u00a0(40,817 units). Prices for the four-door C-Class begin at about \u00a330,000 for the base SE spec with six-speed manual and shoots all the way up to \u00a378,000 for the C 63 S Edition 1 (Cabriolet). Between them are the Estate and Coupe variants, as well as C 43 options.\nBack in Malaysia, the \nW205 C-Class\n range begins with the locally assembled C 180 Avantgarde (RM229k) and stretches to the hottest\u00a0\nC 63 S Coupe\n\u00a0which retails for RM774k. A source within Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also confirmed that the C-Class is the best selling premium car in the country as of Q3 2016.\nWell done, Mercedes-Benz. Very well done indeed."
"Lexus has just unveiled the all-new Lexus GX to the world at a premiere in Texas. The all-new GX is set to be gradually released in different regions starting at the end of 2023.\nNot available in Malaysia, the Lexus GX is positioned between the Lexus LX and RX and primarily targets the North American market. It sits on a body-on-frame structure and has always been a capable luxury off-roader. According to Lexus, over 540,000 units have been sold globally as of March 2023.\nLexus says that the all-new GX has been reimagined as \u201cThe Premium Off-Roader\u201d and has been designed to elevate the customer experience in diverse scenarios. According to Lexus GX Chief Engineer, Koji Tsukasaki, the all-new GX is essentially like a diver\u2019s watch in the sense that \u201ceven if its full functionality isn\u2019t always needed, it is great to know it is always capable.\u201d\nAnd the all-new GX\u2019s design certainly embodies that highly capable image. With its pulled-back front pillars, flared wings, and low belt line, the all-new GX\u2019s design has authentic off-roader proportions. According to Lexus, the overall effect that they wanted to achieve was \u201cthe look of a car that has been cut from a solid block of metal.\u201d\nRELATED: \nLexus LBX unveiled \u2013 Mild-hybrid only, based on Yaris Cross\nIn Lexus\u2019 own words, \u201cThe thick, squared-off shape of the bonnet projects toughness, but the bonnet\u2019s low-set centre section ensures the driver has a good view of front corners, so they can manoeuvre the vehicle with confidence. With a shorter front overhang, the GX has a greater approach angle for tackling steeper slopes.\u201d\nAlthough a bit lower in terms of overall height in comparison to its predecessor, the all-new GX is now wider, longer, and also comes with a longer wheelbase.\nRELATED: \n2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia \u2013 over 500 bookings received in one week\nUnder the hood of the all-new GX is a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine that makes \n354 hp \n(metric) and \n650 Nm\n. The outgoing GX with the V8 engine makes 296 hp (metric) and 438 Nm. Paired with the new V6 engine is a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing model\u2019s 6-speed automatic box. Lexus says that customers will appreciate the V6 engine\u2019s quieter characteristics.\nWhile it may be tough, slightly classic, and adventurous on the outside, the interior of the all-new Lexus GX is said to be modern and calming. Lexus says that the human-centred design approach has created a space where people can feel relaxed and secure, whatever the journey may be.\nRELATED: \nLexus Malaysia opens first \u201ceco-friendly\u201d showroom in Klang\nThe Lexus GX is the latest Lexus model to adopt the Tazuna concept in which all the principal controls and information sources are positioned for use with just a small movement of the hand or eye. The horizontal instrument panel and lower belt line ensure a good all-round view so the driver has a good sense of the vehicle\u2019s attitude and position on the road at all times. A prominent 14-inch touchscreen display gives clear and easy access to multimedia functions.\nWith the debut of the all-new GX, Lexus also introduces the halo version of the car which is the Lexus GX Overtrail. The GX Overtrail is equipped with exclusive 18-inch wheels, a 20 mm wider tread, black wheel arch mouldings, side under protection, and aluminium underguards. The GX Overtrail can also be specified with optional raised bumper corners.\nRELATED: \n2nd-gen Lexus LM debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023, previews next-gen Alphard\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s no saying more fitting than \u201cwhen it rains, it pours\u201d. Come 12.00am of 15 October, most major highways in the Klang Valley will see a jump of toll rates from between 20 sen to RM3. Yesterday, \nwe reported about a dozen highways involved\n\u00a0in the move, but it\u2019s now confirmed that LDP or (Damansara-Puchong Expressway), SPRINT and Penchala Link will not be spared.\nThe new rates for Class 1 vehicles on the LDP is\n RM2.10\n \u2013 \nup 50 sen\n from the previous RM1.60. This applies to all four plazas at\n Puchong north and south\n, \nPenchala\n and\n Petaling Jaya\n. Class 2 vehicles will now pay RM4.20 (up RM1.00) instead of RM3.20; Class 3 vehicles\u2019 new rate is RM6.30 (before this it was RM4.80) and taxis or Class 4 vehicle will pay an addition 30 sen at RM1.10. Buses on the other hand, which fall under the Class 5 category, will pay the same RM1.60.\nAnother high-traffic expressway involved is the Western KL Traffic Dispersal Link System or \nSPRINT highway\n. Two\u00a0toll plazas are affected \u2013 Damansara and Pantai, both of which will cost \nRM2.00\n and \nRM2.50 for Class 1 vehicles\n with each toll up by RM1.00 respectively. Last but not least is the Penchala Link Bukit Kiara toll. It will now cost \nRM3.00\n \u2013 also costing RM1.00 more for Class 1 vehicles.\nPicture credits to Wikipedia"
"Volvo Car Malaysia\n has opened the doors to its newest and largest Volvo Certified Damage Repair (VCDR) Centre. Located in Juru, Penang, the new VCDR outlet \u2013 like the other \ntwo in Ara Damansara and Glenmarie\n \u2013 is equipped with modern and state-of-the-art systems to ensure an \u201cend-to-end high quality body repair and paint service\u201d for its customers.\nJuru was chosen as the location for the new VCDR outlet due to its strategic location in the Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia and its proximity to major highways, the company says. With a built-up space of 40,000 square feet, the new VCDR in Juru is capable of handling up to 1,200 repair works per year.\nThe equipment in VCDR Juru, including the Car-O-Liner advanced chassis alignment system and PIVAB paint booth, are all specifically approved by Volvo in Sweden to be used on their vehicles. The latter is also the first of such installation within Malaysia, utilising a fully electric and computerised system to ensure eco-friendliness and quality of paintwork.\nThe Glasurit paints and additives used at the centre, originating from Germany, are also all water-based, which is said to be better for the environment.\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year\nSpeaking at the launch of VCDR Juru, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump, said: \u201cThe opening of our newest and biggest Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre facility in Juru, Penang marks our commitment to providing our customers with top-notch after sales care service.\n\u201cOur customers have always been a priority and with our third Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre opening in less than a year, they can be assured that they are taken care off with Volvo\u2019s international standard of care.\u201d\nThe Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre in Juru, Penang, is located at \nLot 829, Jalan Saga Jaya 3, Taman Perindustrian Saga Jaya, 13600 Perai, Penang\n.\nGALLERY"
"If you own a Nissan Skyline GT-R from the 90s, I am incredibly jealous of you. But more than jealousy, I applaud those who managed to keep these 90s icons in running condition because finding parts for a 20-odd-year-old sportscar can be a nightmare.\nIn the spirit of helping these owners to keep their prized GT-R on the road for many more years to come, Nissan\u2019s official motorsports arm has introduced the NISMO Heritage programme in 2017 to re-manufacture and resupplying \nofficial parts for the Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R\n. Now, the company has added the R33 and R34 generation GT-Rs to the programme.   A total of 62 items ranging from hoses, piston seals to exterior trims of the R33 and R34 G-TRs are available for purchase on the NISMO \nwebsite\n. NISMO has also extended the range of new parts for the R32 GT-R.\nNISMO is going out of their way to keep these 90s legends on the road for many more years to come, allowing future generations to appreciate Skyline GT-Rs maintained with genuine accessories."
"The second model in \nVolvo\n\u2019s\n EX lineup \u2013 the \nVolvo EX30\n has just made its global debut in Milan, Italy. The EX30 is the Swedish carmaker\u2019s fourth electric vehicle (EV) after the \nXC40\n Recharge Pure Electric\n, the \nC40\n, and the \nEX90\n.\nMeasuring \n4,233 mm\n long, \n1,836 mm\n wide, \n1,549 mm\n tall, with a \n2,650 mm\n long wheelbase, the EX30 is just sized slightly smaller than the XC40. Volvo has tuned the EX30\u2019s chassis to provide the best possible driving experience. This is thanks to the car\u2019s low centre of gravity, as well as its relatively low and evenly distributed weight.\nOn the outside, the EX30 looks like a mini EX90, sharing many design elements from its bigger brother, but on a smaller scale. Its front end is closed off, just like many EVs, and is fitted with LED headlights. A digital rendition of the brand\u2019s signature \u2018Thor\u2019s hammer\u2019 daytime running lights (DRL) are here as well. However, the EX30 doesn\u2019t come with a roof lidar, unlike the EX90.\nAt the sides, the futuristic EV SUV sports conventional door handles instead of the flushed ones on some EVs. Unlike other futuristic EVs, the Volvo designers have also retained the EX30\u2019s side-view mirrors, instead of replacing them with side-view cameras.\nRELATED: \nVolvo now supports Waze navigation, no phone connection required\nThe EX30\u2019s rear design is once again inspired by the EX90, featuring a vertical taillight element on the rear windscreen. A separate taillight cluster with a clamp-like design is also included.\nDesigned to have the smallest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car to date, the EX30 is available in three powertrain options and two battery types. The variants offered with the EX30 include:\nSingle Motor\nSingle Motor Extended Range\nTwin Motor Performance\nThe range starts with the single-motor option, which is paired with a \n69 kWh\n Lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) battery. With power sent to the front wheels only via the single motor, the total output is \n272 hp\n and \n343 Nm\n, which results in \n344 km\n of combined WLTP range. The century sprint can be done in under \n5.7 seconds\n, and top speed is capped at \n180 km/h\n.\nFor those who prefer a longer range, the Single Motor Extended Range variant is available with a \n69 kWh\n Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) extended-range battery. Featuring lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt, the NMC battery produces energy in a more efficient manner than the LFP variant.\nWith power fed to the front wheels only, the Single Motor Extended Range variant of the EX30 has the same horsepower and torque output as the regular Single Motor variant and can carry you as far as \n480 km\n (WLTP) in between charges. The century sprint is slightly faster than the Single Motor variant, at \n5.3 seconds\n, while top speed remains the same at \n180 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nVolvo updates Android-based OS with better Apple CarPlay integration, but still no Android Auto\nIf you desire an even more powerful option, Volvo is also offering the top-of-the-range Twin Motor Performance variant. This variant is also paired with the \n69 kWh\n NMC battery but features an additional second e-motor, just as its name suggests.\nWith power sent to all four wheels, the Twin Motor Performance variant produces \n428 hp\n and \n543 Nm\n of torque and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in under \n3.6 seconds\n, making the EX30 the fastest accelerating Volvo vehicle ever. Top speed is also capped at \n180 km/h\n, just like the rest of the lineup.\nCharging-wise, the Single Motor and Single Motor Extended Range variants support up to \n134 kW\n of DC charging, while the Twin Motor Performance Variant supports up to \n153 kW\n. Juicing up all three variants from 10 to 80% using a DC charger takes around \n26.5 minutes\n.\nWhen at home, the EX30 supports \n11 kW\n AC charging, taking \n8 hours\n to charge from flat to 100%. For convenience, users can also set the amperage, maximum charging level, and when they want to start charging via the car\u2019s centre display and the car\u2019s dedicated app.\nTo provide drivers with a piece of mind, a charging reminder will be automatically triggered when the car\u2019s battery percentage reaches 20%. This reminder will offer a list of nearby public charging stations on Google Maps via the central screen, allowing the driver to easily navigate to the location to get the car charged up.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge: Possibly the most creative and practical storage space ever\nInside the EX30, customers are given a choice of four design \u2018rooms\u2019 for the interior. These \u2018rooms\u2019 are namely Breeze, Mist, Pine, and Indigo.\nVolvo has fitted a squared sport steering wheel to the EX30, which delivers a sporty grip. The steering wheel is also packed with switches for driver controls, as well as a heated function.\nElectrically powered and equipped with heated functions, The seats in the EX30 are designed to provide maximum support for the spine, which can help reduce pressure, hunching, and shoulder strain. Despite all these, Volvo designers have kept the seats slim and minimalistic to provide spacious legroom for the rear passengers.\nAt the centre of the EX30\u2019s dashboard is the brand\u2019s vertical 12.3-inch screen. Shaped like a tablet, the screen runs on the latest Volvo infotainment system, and has Google built-in out of the factory, giving users access to Google services like Google Play and Google Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay is also supported.\nEquipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms, the EX30 is capable of receiving updates conveniently via over-the-air (OTA). This eliminates the need of visiting workshops or contacting customer helplines just to get the car\u2019s software updated.\nTo make driving less distracting, which is sadly a very common scene these days, Volvo has added Calm View, which takes away everything but essential driver information. Features such as a wireless phone charger, a 12V boot power outlet, and four USB-C ports are available in the new Scandinavian electric SUV.\nAudio is one of the big topics with the EX30. Featuring a soundbar for the first time in any car, the Swedish electric SUV is not only said to deliver an exceptional audio experience but also more interior space thanks to the soundbar seamlessly integrated into the cockpit. This helps free space from places like the door panels which usually house speakers in most other cars. Just in case the standard soundbar isn\u2019t enough, a premium Harman Kardon audio experience is also available as an option.\nSpeaking of space, the EX30 features a multi-storage central console design which comes with a sliding system for more versatility. The top of the cupholder can be slid out to hold items such as drinks or smartphones and can be moved back to make up for more space.\nThe lower tunnel contains a protective storage area for small items such as sunglasses and headphones. Additionally, larger items such as bags can be stored in the large open space above.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EX90 production delayed till 2024 \u2013 Needs more time for development\nThe Scandinavian influence continues with the ambient lighting in the interior of the EX30. Inspired by Scandinavian nature, the electric SUV provides 5 different ambience themes to choose from, which caters to its diverse users\u2019 needs.\nHere comes the main highlight of this new Swedish SUV, or most Volvo cars in general, its safety features. Packed with a new suite of advanced safety features known by Volvo as Safe Space Technology, the EX30 features a door-opening alert feature, designed to prevent so-called \u2018dooring\u2019 accidents. This system will alert you when you are about to open your door in front of a motorcyclist, cyclist, scooter, or runner.\nBeing a Volvo, safety is in the EX30\u2019s \u2018blood\u2019, which means it also comes with a series of other safety features. This includes Lane Keeping Aid, Run-off road mitigation, Blind Spot Monitoring System (BLIS) with steer assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) with auto brake, Post impact braking, Oncoming mitigation by braking, Pedestrian, cyclist, and scooter steering avoidance, and Driver alert system.\nTraffic Jam Assist (TJA), Adaptive cruise control (ACC), Park Pilot Assist, Rear Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Intelligent Seed Assist (ISA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with auto brake, Intersection auto brake, Oncoming lane mitigation, Whiplash injury protection system, as well as Alcohol lock software are also among other safety features the EX30 has.\nPrices for the Volvo EX30 start from \nEUR36,000\n (approx. \nRM177,401\n), which is similar to internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalents, Volvo says. Customers in Europe and other selected markets can already drop an order for the Volvo EX30. Pre-orders are also open in the United States. As for the rest of the world, order books will be opened at a later stage, Volvo says.\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge PHEV Ultimate \u2013 the all-in-one SUV just got better!\nGALLERY]"
"There is a catch though; the feature is still optional and is available as part of the optional Live Cockpit system.\nIt\u2019s been an interesting week for BMW as they\u2019ve gone from charging for Apple CarPlay and not offering Android Auto at all, to \noffering Apple CarPlay for free\n and now this.\nWhy it has taken so long and why it\u2019s still optional may leave you puzzled but according to reports, BMW says it\u2019s because majority of its customers were iPhones users hence the focus on Apple CarPlay but it\u2019s clear that more and more are requesting for Android Auto, hence the announcement.\nThe system will be available in all BMW vehicles with the BMW Operating System 7.0 such as the new \nG20 BMW 3 series\n, \nG11 BMW 7 series\n and \nG05 BMW X5\n.\nHave you \nwatched our review\n of the new \nG20 BMW 330i\n?\nIt\u2019s reported that Android Auto will only be compatible with a limited selection of Android-based smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 to S10+, Note 8 to Note 10 and the Google Pixel range.\nThe feature will be demonstrated in January before being rolled out globally from July 2020."
"Subaru has just introduced the facelifted Subaru Levorg in its home market, Japan and it\u2019s equipped with advanced safety systems, mechanical improvements and aesthetic revisions. The versatile wagon now offers greater levels of safety and performance.\nTo refresh the three-year-old design, Subaru gave the Levorg a new horizontal slat front grille, reshaped bumper, full LED headlamps and fog lamps as well as 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels. The range topping \nSTI Sport\n variant comes with the \nAerokit\n\u00a0as standard, which adds on a mesh grille, sportier front bumper skirt as well as a rear diffuser. Other variants of the Levorg can have the Aerokit as an option.\nInside, there\u2019s a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation, 5.9-inch multifunctional Colour Liquid Display and instrument cluster decoration panel. Elsewhere, the Levorg facelift benefits from new front console, centre panel, two-tone door switch panel, door handles and one touch folding rear seats (40:20:40). Fabric seats on lower range models now come equipped with heating function.\nThe Levorg range remains powered by a 1.6- and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, producing \n168 hp/250 Nm\n and \n296 hp/400 Nm\n respectively. The former is mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) while the latter is equipped with a Sports Lineartronic CVT. Drive is sent to all four corners via the company\u2019s famous \nSymmetrical all-wheel drive\n.   Mechanically, the Levorg facelift gets revised suspension settings (except STI Sport), electric power steering settings and \nECU optimisation\n (1.6-litre only) to provide greater driving engagement as well as \nenhanced comfort over long distances\n. Besides that, Subaru has also fitted the Levorg with better sound deadening materials and \nhigh performance brake pads\n.\nAs \nreported earlier\n, all variants of the Levorg facelift get the updated \nEyeSight driver assist system with Touring Assist function as standard\n. On top of the existing Pre-collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Prevention Assist, Touring Assists adds autonomous driving operable at speeds of up to 120 km/h.\nA total of six variants and eight colour options are currently on sale in Japan. Prices start from \u00a52.83 million (RM107k) to \u00a54.05 million (RM154k). Locally, Subaru Malaysia has the pre-facelift Levorg 1.6 GTS on sale. Knowing its fully imported from Japan, we may see the facelift arriving to our shores very soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While most of us are familiar with the Toyota Harrier, the Japanese luxury mid-sized SUV was never intended to leave its home country until official distributors of Toyota vehicles in Singapore \u2013 Borneo Motors started selling the third-generation facelifted Harrier earlier this year.\nNow, UMW Toyota, official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia is following the footsteps of our friends across the causeway with this official teaser of the Harrier on its Facebook page. The company will be unveiling the Harrier at the 2017 Malaysia Auto Show happening tomorrow, 9th November 2017.\nBrochures circulating the net hints that the Malaysian market will receive the \n2.0-litre turbocharged variant in its latest facelift guise\n. The facelift exercise brought to the table a pair of smoked LED headlamps, a new front grille, carbon fibre interior trims, Suede and leather combination upholstery and a new leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel.\nMotivation comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection engine spewing out \n228 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. In comparison, the \nHonda CR-V 1.5-litre turbo\n makes 190 hp and 243 Nm of torque. In Japan, the turbocharged Harrier is available in two or four-wheel drive layouts but it\u2019s safe to assume that ours will be \nfront-wheel driven\n. Transmission of choice is a conventional \nsix-speed automatic\n with sequential shift.   Thanks to the increased grunt, Toyota has beefed up the turbocharged Harrier with \nperformance dampers\n that reduced body roll and improved straight line and cornering stability. It also gets a dedicated \nSports Mode\n button that sharpens the throttle and steering response.\nAs standard, the facelifted Harrier range comes equipped with the\u00a0\nToyota Safety Sense P \n(TSS-P)\n\u00a0advanced driver assistance system as standard \u2013 Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) and Automatic High Beams (AHB) are among the features bundled in TSS-P.\nPerformance Dampers\nPrices for the Toyota Harrier turbo starts from \u00a53.38 million (RM127k) in Japan. When the Harrier turbo arrives on our shores, it will most likely be a fully imported unit and will be subjected to our import taxes and duties, bringing prices to a \nballpark figure of RM200k\n.\nBut then again, a Harrier officially brought in by UMWT with a \n5-Years unlimited mileage warranty\n for circa RM200k? Sounds like a better deal than those in the grey market to me.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Harrier Facelift in Japan   Performance Dampers"
"Ahead of the reveal of the upcoming S-Class scheduled in August, Mercedes-Benz has now shared further details of its new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system that will make its debut on the luxury executive sedan.\nNow before we get into it, imagine yourself sitting in a sci-fi spaceship with the most advance artificial intelligence system you can think of \u2013 yup, that\u2019s pretty much the new \nS-Class\n.\n \nJust like what we saw\n in the leaks,\n the next-generation S-Class will be equipped with a 12.8-inch MBUX infotainment display, set-up in a portrait orientation. But what the leak did not show is that the car can be fitted with up to five screens \u2013 two in front, three at the back.\nScreen content \u2013 such as videos, web pages, or even presentation slides \u2013 can be easily shared between the individual displays with a drag and drop. With all settings saved to the individual Mercedes me profiles and saved in the cloud, settings such as favourite radio stations and seat adjustments can also be easily transferred between seats. The new S-Class can support up to seven profiles.\nTo log in to your own profile as the driver, simply authenticate yourself via the fingerprint scanner at the centre console, or use the system\u2019s face recognition system. Remember we said it\u2019s just like a spaceship? Oh boy, we\u2019re just getting started.\nThe driver\u2019s instrument cluster uses an auto-stereoscopic display, allowing a true three-dimensional effect without wearing 3D glasses. The system uses a stereo camera system integrated in the display to track the driver\u2019s eye position, therefore ensuring the view is always accurate.\nAdditionally, the new head-up display, which is now significantly larger \u2013 equivalent to a 77-inch TV screen at a 10-metre distance \u2013 can also overlay augmented reality information during navigation, showing the exact exit to take at a junction with arrows seemingly floating mid-air.\nHardware buttons inside the new S-Class have been significantly reduced \u2013 27 lesser to be exact. Aside from key functions such as lights and windscreen wipers, everything else have been switched to touchpads, or accessed through the main infotainment system. For instance, the air-conditioning control panel has been moved into a persistent display segment at the bottom of the centre infotainment touchscreen.\nSo how do you control things then, you ask? Here\u2019s the really cool part \u2013 using the roof-mounted cameras and learning algorithms, the new MBUX Interior Assist system on the upcoming S-Class can anticipate and recognise the intentions of the occupants through head and eye position, thus carrying out actions without even lifting a finger.\nNo need to utter any magic spells here.\nFor example, if the driver looks behind over his/her shoulder towards the rear window, the rear sun blinds will automatically be lowered, allowing for a clearer view behind. Looking for something in the footwell of the passenger seat? The passenger-side overhead lights will be turned on automatically, almost like telepathy.\nTo adjust your exterior wing mirrors, just look at the one you would like to adjust, and all input will be automatically applied to the mirror you are looking at, without having to select it manually. The system also heavily relies on gesture-based controls \u2013 to open the sunroof blinds, the occupants will just have to swipe their hands mid-air, without actually having to touch any buttons.\nThe MBUX Interior Assist system is extended further into the safety aspect of the S-Class, too. When it detects a passenger intending to leave the vehicle while another car is approaching from a blind spot, the ambient lighting will become the exit warning system, flashing red to warn the passenger of potential danger.\nOf course, the \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d voice assistant system is also updated, now capable of even more natural dialogues and helpful functionalities. Several commands \u2013 such as answering calls and displaying the navigation map, can be activated without using the \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d keyphrase.\nThe voice assistant system can also now be activated from throughout the vehicle, with multiple microphones in the cabin to determine which passenger (and seat) the command was coming from.\nDaimler Group chief design officer, Gorden Wagener said that the new My MBUX system on the upcoming S-Class is designed with \u201cthe desire for beauty and the extraordinary\u201d, as well as \u201cthe Wow of how it works\u201d. Well, consider us wowed \u2013 we can\u2019t wait to feel like a modern-day wizard.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has just unveiled in full the technical details of its plug-in hybrid saloon, the \nG30 BMW 530e iPerformance\n. Introduced back in December 2016, the 530e is going to be the next big news in Malaysia, so let\u2019s dive into the details.\nMotivating this business saloon is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with \n184 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n paired to an electric motor with \n113 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n. Combined, the eDrive system has a rated output of \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 530e boasts a century sprint time of \n6.2 seconds\n and a \n235 km/h\n top speed.\nA 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivers \n46\u00a0km of pure electric range\n with a maximum speed of \n140 km/h\n. In hybrid mode, BMW claims that the 530e is able to return \n1.9L/100 km\n and has a real-world driving range of \n650 km\n. A full charge (from empty) takes just under five hours from a standard domestic power socket or under three hours when plugged to a BMW i Wallbox.\nFrom 2018 onwards, BMW will be offering BMW Wireless Charging as an option. The wireless charging pad can be installed anywhere, outdoors included, and is capable of delivering a full charge (from empty) in 3.5 hours!   BMW also announced that the 530e can be had with \nsemi-autonomous driving features\n when the optional Active Cruise Control and Steering and Lane Control Assistant is specified. With these systems equipped, the vehicle is able to actively maintain a safe distance, accelerate, brake and stay in lane at speeds of up to \n210 km/h\n.\nLocally, BMW Group Malaysia has recently launched the \nG30 5 Series 530i M Sport\n as a fully imported model. Considering that the company has the locally assembled \n740Le xDrive\n, \nX5 xDrive40e\n and \n330e\n on offer, it is only a matter of time before the fully decked out, competitively priced 530e iPerformance joins the plug-in hybrid line-up. Even more so after Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced their plans to introduce the \nE 350 e\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been nearly a year since its launch in Malaysia so there\u2019s nothing we can tell you about the Porsche Taycan that you don\u2019t already know. Except, how it drives.\nShocking is the word we\u2019d use to describe the whole experience. Not only because it\u2019s so fast it can literally reshuffle your organs but also because of how normal it felt.\nFind out all you need to know about the Porsche Taycan in Malaysia here!\n \nIf you have been driving Porsche, or even just a car for the last decade, getting into the Taycan and setting off is as easy as unwrapping a gift.\nIn fact the only unusually bit of the whole experience is the moments before setting off, when you can\u2019t tell if the \u201cengine\u201d is running because it\u2019s totally silent! Once you get it into D, anyone with a valid license will be able to drive with ease and it won\u2019t take more than a few kilometres before you get used to it.\nWhat you\u2019d take longer to get used to, or probably never, is the out-of-this-world acceleration typical of an electric \u2013 and this one\u2019s an electric Porsche. Imagine that!\nAt RM584k, the new Taycan RWD is the cheapest 4-door Porsche you can buy! Read about it here!\n \nIt doesn\u2019t accelerate, it just catapults forward. In the first few seconds, what you\u2019d experience is a throbbing headrush \u2013 like you\u2019d never experience in any car. Once you get past that, the car just keeps going \u2013 surging forward \u2013 until you lift off the throttle out of fear.\nPut it on a track like the Sepang Circuit, and the Taycan shows off even more of its Porsche-ness \u2013 much more than it\u2019s unrivalled ability to go really quick in a straight line.\nIf you\u2019re as big as The Rock, forget about getting into the Porsche Taycan. Read about Dwayne Johnson\u2019s dilemma here!\nWith all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steer, it was as quick through the corners as it is on the straights. It makes it so easy and effortless for you to go fast; sometimes too fast. The abundance of grip and traction makes cornering feel like a roller-coaster ride. The limit of this car lies within the driver itself.\nYet, this is a car with two boots and enough space for four to five occupants. It has left us completely speechless and silent, just like the car."
"As in, literally. The unique-looking hatchback has just made its European debut in the United Kingdom, bearing a new name called Funky Cat. But aside from the name change, the car is essentially identical to the \nGood Cat\n (or Haomao in China), which is \ndue to be introduced in Malaysia soon\n.\nThe Ora Funky Cat is offered exclusively in a First Edition guise at launch, powered by a front-mounted electric motor making 171 hp and 250 Nm of torque \u2013 a pretty significant jump over its Thai counterpart. Translating that into performance figures, the Funky Cat does the 0-100 km/h in \n8.3 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n159 km/h\n.\nElectrons are supplied by a 48 kWh battery pack, which allows for an estimated range of 310 km based on the WLTP test cycle. Charging from 15-80% takes approximately three to four hours using a regular 11 kW AC charger, while an 80 kW DC charger shortens it to around 40 minutes.\nRELATED: The Ora Good Cat starts purring in Thailand, up to 500 km range\nThe First Edition version of the Ora Funky Cat is quite generous in its equipment appointments, with standard items including the 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, 360-degree surround-view monitor, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charger, as well as powered front seats.\nInstrumentation is made up of two 10.25-inch displays on the dashboard, with the infotainment system also supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.\nAs for safety equipment, the Funky Cat First Edition comes equipped with adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keep assist with lane centring functionality, blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking, and rear cross traffic alert with emergency braking.\nALSO READ: Great Wall Motor to return to Malaysia in 2022 with Haval and Ora\nThe Ora Funky Cat is backed by a five-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 100,000 mile (160,934 km) battery warranty in the UK. Pricing wise, the funky hatchback comes in at \nGBP30,495\n (approx. RM 168k), after reductions via the UK government\u2019s Plug-In Car Grant.\nGreat Wall Motors say that there are already over 6,000 registrations of interest for the Funky Cat, which sounds pretty impressive for a new Chinese brand that is only just marking its entry in the country. And as a fun fact, the four exterior colour options (Nebula Green, Starry Black, Mars Red, and Aurora Green) were also selected based on a public poll!\nGALLERY"
"Remember the new Nissan Livina that is \nbasically a Mitsubishi Xpander underneath it\n? Perhaps in a move to differentiate itself a little more from it\u2019s almost-identical twin, Nissan has now introduced a 100 units only \u201cSporty Package\u201d for the seven-seater MPV, exclusively for the Indonesian market.\nThe Nissan Livina with Sporty Package\u2019s exterior features consists of a black paint job, contrasted by red accents on the front splitter, side skirts, rear bumpers, and wing mirror covers. Otherwise, the limited-edition MPV is unchanged from the regular version.\nThe Nissan Livina.\n.with Sporty Package\nInside, the Sporty Package gets premium seat covers with sporty red stitching accents, along with a 360-degree around-view camera that can project a bird\u2019s eye view around the car, making it easier for urban driving.\nThe Nissan Livina with Sporty Package also comes as standard with \u2018Welcome\u2019 and \u2018Coming Home\u2019 Lights, which illuminates the front positioning lights for 30 seconds when locking or unlocking the car \u2013 helpful for dimly-lit parking lots or driveways.\nNissan Livina\nMitsubishi Xpander\nNo changes are made underneath the hood; the Nissan Livina with Sporty Package still comes with the same 1.5-litre engine engine that\u2019s shared with the \nXpander\n, producing\u00a0\n104 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0140 Nm\n\u00a0to drive the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.\nAccording to Nissan Indonesia, the Livina has already become one of the company\u2019s best-sellers, since it\u2019s introduction in the country last year. The firm says that customers are particularly fond of the spacious interior with 17 storage compartments, as well as advanced technologies such as the Smart Connectivity Audio and Intelligent Hill Start Assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Livina"
"This is the finding of Emissions Analytics; that harmful particles from tyres and even brakes are an increasing threat to the environment and it seems that the uprising of SUVs and extremely heavy electric cars.\nUnlike exhaust emissions, tyre wear pollution is completely unregulated. Over the years exhaust emissions have been rapidly reduced with car makers placed under pressure by European emission standards but now, the radar is on \u201cnon-exhaust emissions\u201d.\nNon-exhaust emissions or NEE are particles released into the air from brake wear, tyre wear, road surface wear and resuspension of road dust during on-road vehicle usage. No legislation is in place to limit or reduce NEE although they cause a great deal of concern for air quality.\n\u201cWhat\u2019s frightening is that while exhaust emissions have been tightly regulated for many years, tyre wear is totally unregulated \u2013 and with the increasing growth in sales of heavier SUVs and battery-powered electric cars, non-exhaust emissions (NEE) are a very serious problem,\u201d said Emissions Analytics, Senior Researcher, Richard Lofthouse.\nTo understand the scale of the problem, Emissions Analytics \u2013 the leading independent global testing and data specialist for the scientific measurement of real-world emissions \u2013 performed some initial tyre wear testing.\nUsing a popular family hatchback running on brand new, correctly inflated tyres, they found that the car emitted 5.8 grams per kilometer of particles.\nCompared with regulated exhaust emission limits of 4.5 milligrams per kilometer, the completely unregulated tyre wear emission is higher by a factor of over 1,000.\nEmissions Analytics notes that this could be even higher if the vehicle had tyres which were underinflated or the road surfaces used for the test were rougher or the tyres used were from a budget range \u2013 all very recognisable scenarios in \u2018real world\u2019 motoring.\n\u201cUltimately, though, the car industry may have to find ways to reduce vehicle weight too. Fitting higher quality tyres is also another way to reduce these NEEs and to always have tyres inflated to the correct level,\u201d said Emissions Analytics, CEO, Nick Molden."
"If you\u2019ve been looking to own a Ford Ranger WildTrak, XL or XLT Plus, now is the time to act on it as Ford has announced promotions for the three variants with savings up to RM7,188.\nThose who opt for the WildTrak and Ranger XL will receive \ncash rebates of up to RM7,000\n while those who purchase a Ranger XLT Plus can \nsave up to RM7,188\n.\nThe new 1,400 hp \nFord Mustang Mach-E\n.\n\u201cThe Ranger line-up continues to appeal to a wide range of customers with its reputation as a capable and versatile pickup that is suited for any purpose, be it for work, play or both. By offering these savings, we hope to lighten the financial load for customers who wish to be a proud owner of a tough and versatile Ford Ranger,\u201d said Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.\nThose keen on test driving the Ranger can opt for the \nHome or Office Delivery Test Drive service\n where customers can test drive Ford vehicles without going to the showroom.\nThe new \nFord Ranger FX4\n priced at RM126,888.\nThe service is available for customers \nwithin a 10 km radius\n of their preferred Ford dealership. To request for a test drive, customers can either contact the Ford dealership directly, submit an online test drive request via the SDAC-Ford website\u00a0\nhere\n, or by sending a message to the\u00a0\nFord Digital Salesperson WhatsApp\n\u00a0chat line.\nAside from that, Ford owners can now also \nbook and confirm their service appointments in real-time\n through Ford\u2019s \nofficial website\n.\nCustomers can now schedule a service appointment online up to one (1) month in advance.\nOnce on the site, customers will need to select their vehicle model, select the state they are residing in and their preferred service centre. The available date and time slots will then be shown, and customers can schedule a service appointment up to one (1) month in advance.\nFor now, the service is only available at seven (7) authorised Ford Service Centres in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak with further expansion to come. The seven authorised service centres include\u00a0\nFord Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford Tawau\n."
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot, Citroen and DS Automobile vehicles in Malaysia has just revealed its zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) price list for the entire model range following the 0 percent GST announcement made by the newly elected Pakatan Harapan Government.\nPeugeot models see a price reduction of between RM4,915.48 to RM10,419.10, like many other manufacturers, the more expensive fully imported models see the most drastic price cut. Citroen and DS, on the other hand, gets a price reduction of between RM7,084.77 to RM10,940.96.\nThe new price list is valid from 1 June 2018 until further notice from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to reinstate the Sales and Service Tax (SST). The lower price tag also qualifies for Nasim\u2019s Raya Drive promotion campaign (till 30 June 2018) that offers cash rebates of RM1,000 to RM45,000 on selected models.\nNasim also expressed that they will honour all registration made from 1 June 2018 until the official SST announcement is made. If you\u2019re still undecided whether to jump the gun on a French \nmodel\n, we have dissected in detail on \nwhether you should buy a new car during this \u201ctax-free holiday\u201d\n."
"Ah, the good ol\u2019 small lightweight sports cars. Another motoring ingenuity from the Brits since the introduction of the Bean Mobile \u2013 a prominent, small yellow supermini with Rowan Atkinson as its pilot. Today, the Japanese (with Toyota being the latest) owe its gratefulness to cars such as the Austin Healey and Jaguar E-Type with the introduction of the new and cool\n S-FR\n concept.\nThe new S-FR concept follows the similar playbook from the 86 \u2013 a cheap and fun coupe that carves a smile on the driver\u2019s face. Judging by the aesthetics, the S-FR looks cheeky and playful just like a Labrador puppy. While the concept is a coupe, a roadster variant seems plausible if the roof is taken out.\nThings get better in the spec sheet as the S-FR ticks all the boxes for a sports car that yields\u00a0fun driving pleasure. Despite being propelled by a \n1.5-litre direct-injected 2NR-FKE\n engine that produces \n130hp\n with \n148Nm of torque\n\u00a0(which may not sound a lot), do keep in mind that this is a \nrear-wheel drive\n\u00a0coupe that weighs just\u00a0\n980 kg\n.\nTake into account the fact that Toyota \noffers manual transmission only\n, which makes the S-FR concept an all the more enticing proposition. It\u2019s also what Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota, has\u00a0always envisioned the way lightweight sports cars should be. The car will be targeted to be affordable, just like the 86, although it won\u2019t be middle-class-affordable when it reaches our shores.\n \n \nIn fact, the S-FR is not only a lightweight sports car that represents fun from the Land of Rising Sun \u2013 Honda, Mazda and Daihatsu too have announced such cars, each with its own different interpretation. The next generation NSX-looking Honda S660 roadster has been a \ntremendous success with 8,600 units found new homes\n\u00a0in Japan this year.\n \n Honda S660\n \n Mazda MX-5 1.5L Skyactiv\nFrom Hiroshima, there\u2019s not much to explain on the Mazda MX-5. In fact, our man Matt can explicitly tell you how the new MX-5 drives via \nhis \nreview\n. It\u2019s offered with two engines; a 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv mills, though we only \nbenefit from the larger engine\n and a six-speed automatic transmission. Those preferring the stick shifter will have to wait till July 2016, though.\nWhile both the S660 and MX-5 are rear-wheel driven, the Daihatsu Copen adopts a front-wheel drive approach. Despite that, its striking looks and interchangeable\u00a0body panels will strike the interest for those preferring style over substance. And because Perodua is somewhat related to Daihatsu, how do\u00a0you like the idea of having a small affordable roadster bearing the Perodua logo?\nWe can\u2019t help but to welcome\u00a0the impending\u00a0paradigm shift; the return of small and fun vehicles as only the East knows best. While cars such as the S660 and Copen are still strictly JDMs (Japanese domestic model), the new MX-5 has gained traction all over the world. In light of this, Toyota seems keen to tap into the small coupe market with the S-FR concept, and perhaps will inspire Honda and Daihatsu to follow suit by introducing such models beyond the shores of Japan. With that, we welcome with open arms a new era of small lightweight sports cars, decades after the British had long abandoned them.\nMeanwhile, I can\u2019t seem to decipher the acronym that is the S-FR. What does it stand for? Small Fun Runabout? Stylish Fancy Roaster? Simple Fun Racer? Simple Front-engine Rear-drive concept? The Japanese are pretty wacky with these acronyms, mind you, but the latter certainly seems most plausible given the circumstances. More on this to come!"
"While we are \njust about to receive\n the Hyundai Kona here in Malaysia, the funky crossover has just received a new facelift globally along with a new N-Line option with several aesthetic and slight performance upgrades, going alongside the recently-announced \nElantra N-Line\n as the new entry point to the company\u2019s \nN Performance\n brand.\nThe biggest change on the exterior of the \nHyundai Kona\n is at the front, where the face has been completely reworked for a sleeker and \u201csophisticated\u201d (their words, not ours) look. The front grill is now slimmer and wider, with the Hyundai emblem moved upwards onto the bodywork, replacing the letterbox slit.\nThe unique eyebrow LED daytime-running lights have also been slimmed down, along with the sleeker main headlights lower down, now with three distinct beams. the slim and wide LED signature is also mirrored at the back on the new taillights, while the assembly itself remains identical to the outgoing model.\nOn the regular Hyundai Kona, the quirky SUV embraces a more rugged and robust look with a contrasting plastic cladding all around the bottom of the exterior, most notably the front and rear bumpers, with additional matte silver skid plates on the front and rear adds to further emphasise on the offroad-ready look.\nThe Kona N-Line meanwhile sheds all of the raw plastic claddings for a shiny N-Line front and rear bumpers \u2013 the front featuring the characteristic N-style aerodynamic lip with low corner fins and larger air intake with a mesh design, while a large aerodynamic diffuser in contrast colour takes up the bulk of the rear lower fascia, paired with visible twin mufflers at one side.\nOn the sides, the N-Line\u2019s wheel arches are now finished in body colour, which makes the variant-exclusive 18-inch alloys pop even more. The regular Hyundai Kona gets new 17- and 18-inch wheels, along with the previous 16-inch design that has been carried over.\nIn terms of size, the Hyundai Kona facelift is 40 mm longer than the outgoing version, giving it a sleeker and more proportioned stance. For an even more striking look, buyers can even opt for a Phantom Black two-tone roof and matching mirror housings.\nInside, Hyundai says that they have gone for a more sophisticated (here it is, again!) and progressive design direction on the new Kona, which helps improve the perceived quality of the cabin. Overall architecture remains the same as before, though the centre console has now been disconnected from the dashboard, first seen on the Kona Hybrid.\nNew additions to the interior include an electric parking brake, new ambient lighting around the central cup holder and front foot wells, height-adjustable front seats, rear heated seats and USB ports, as well as rings around the speaker and air vents, finished in aluminium, to give it a classier look.\nThe interior of the new Hyundai Kona facelift also comes with new materials and colour choices, including black leather or fabric seats, or a fancier black and grey houndstooth-design upholstery. If you\u2019re not a fan of black though, there\u2019s also light beige trim colour option with optional Khaki leather seats and matching centre console.\nThe N-Line variant however only comes with the darker colourway with cloth, leather or suede seat options. To emphasise on the sportiness of the N-Line, there are red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and gearknob, metal pedals, as well as the obligatory N emblems littered in the cabin.\nA 10.25-inch display takes the place of the instrument cluster, first seen on the \ni20\n, and can be paired to matching a 10.25-inch freestanding infotainment display, running Hyundai\u2019s latest BlueLink software which provides several connected functionalities such as the brand\u2019s latest Connected Routing navigation system with Last Mile Navigation, as well as live parking information.\nThe base Display Audio infotainment system have been upsized to eight inches in diameter (from seven), which now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system has also been improved, now supporting more in-car functions such as window heating or climate control.\nOn the safety front, Hyundai\u2019s SmartSense system on the new Kona has also received a sizeable upgrade. New features include an improved Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist which can now engage the rear differential brakes, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (previously only a warning), Rear Seat Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.\nThe camera-based Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection is now standard across the range, but an upgraded system which uses an additional sensor can now be fitted, with support for cyclist detection, which Hyundai says can work even in bad weather conditions.\nAs for powertrain options, the Hyundai Kona facelift range is now topped by an enhanced 1.6-litre T-GDi SmartStream engine, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) to deliver \n198 hp\n. The top-of-the-range engine can be optioned with either \nfront- or all-wheel drive\n.\nThe regular 1.6-litre SmartStream engine is now fitted with a \n48V mild-hybrid system\n, bringing the power output up to \n136 hp\n. This can be paired to a seven-speed DCT or the brand\u2019s \nsix-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT)\n, and can be had in both two- and four-wheel drive configuration.\nAt the bottom of the pack is the 1.0-litre T-GDi SmartStream mill, putting out \n120 hp\n as standard. A 48V mild-hybrid system can be fitted to this engine along with the 6iMT gearbox, though only the naturally-aspirated version will have a choice of either the 7DCT or the optional 6iMT.\nThe new \nHyundai Kona hybrid\n powertrain, which was introduced just last year, have been retained on the facelift, featuring a 1.6-litre GDI engine paired to a 32 kW electric motor with a combined output of \n141 PS\n. Power is sent to the front wheels only via a six-speed DCT, with power coming from a 1.56 kWh battery.\nUnsurprisingly, the N-Line will only be available with the top-of-the-range 1.6-litre T-GDi SmartStream option, paired to the all-wheel drive set-up. Though, the N-Line does get a variant exclusive steering tuning to match the sportier characteristic of the vehicle.\nAll other variants of the new Hyundai Kona meanwhile have their steering and dampers tuned for a better ride comfort while still maintaining the sporty driving feel thanks to better lateral movement control.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A study by\u00a0Quickco revealed that Toyota is the most \u201cGoogled\u201d automotive brand on the Internet in 2016, with the Japanese brand topping charts in as many as 74 countries. Malaysians on the other hand, prefer the Honda brand \u2013 a sentiment shared among Canadians, Thais and Brazilians.\nIn terms of global sales volume, Toyota trails behind Volkswagen by a whopping 100,000 units, but by popular vote it came out on top in the United States, Australia, China and many parts of Africa. BMW ranked second in 51 countries (a significantly major feat) while Hyundai came in third in 17 countries.\nThe study also revealed that home advantage is rather irrelevant. Take for instance South Korea and Japan, where the median scale tips in favour of BMW. Only Sweden, France, Germany, and Italy had their local brands topping the charts in their country of origins \u2013 Volvo, Renault, BMW, and Fiat respectively. Interestingly in Niger, Bugatti was the most searched car brand in the country.\nThe fact that Honda became the most searched brand in Malaysia (after discounting homegrown brands Proton and Perodua for their lack of global presence) in 2016 comes as no surprise, really. With a broadening range of good looking products that are competitively priced and decently equipped, Honda seems to be winning big time in Malaysia. They have, for the second consecutive time, outsold Toyota in the non-national make and did so without having a commercial vehicle in its stable!"
"To celebrate Subaru America\u2019s 50th-year anniversary is yet another special edition of the\u00a0\nWRX STI\n sports sedan.\u00a0Unlike the \nBRZ\n, the WRX STI Type RA receives a slight bump in performance.\nRA stands for \u201c\nrecord attempt\n\u201c, indicating this model with race kit will attempt a lap record at the famous Isle of Man TT. In fact, those familiar with the brand will know that it\u2019s not the first RA model to be produced. In 1989, the Legacy model was the first bearer of the RA moniker, breaking the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 100,000km in 18 days and setting a record top speed of\u00a0222 km/h.\nBeing a record breaker, this WRX STI has a few tricks under its sleeve, with lightweight being one of them. It gets carbon fibre roof, a carbon fibre rear spoiler and lightweight BBS 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports rubber. Extra weight such as the spare tyre is removed.\u00a0\nThe engine gets a slight power bump of \n5 hp\n, thanks to upgrades such as cold air intake, retuned ECU, upgraded\u00a0pistons and new performance exhaust. The final output from its \n2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four\n\u00a0engine is\u00a0\n310 hp\n.The revised third gear ratio and short shifter allows for quicker gearshifts.\nOnly 500 units of the Subaru WRX STI Type RA will be commissioned, with sales beginning in early 2018."
"If you\u2019ve ever wondered if the front-wheel drive-only, seven-seater family MPV can handle the odd off-road trails on your camping trips, well \u2013 wonder no more. \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n is organising the Xpander Venture event this weekend, where you\u2019ll be able to experience the \nXpander\n on a purposefully designed obstacle course yourselves.\nThe event will run from \n14-15 January 2023\n, from \n10.00 am to 6.00 pm\n at \nDataran Karnival, Stadium Shah Alam\n, and admission is free for all!\nVisitors to the event can test drive the Mitsubishi Xpander through a unique obstacle course, designed to highlight the MPV\u2019s versatility and handling capabilities. Some of the highlights include the Side Traverse test, where you\u2019ll hike up a steep incline on just one side of the car, the Roller Conveyer challenge to demonstrate the Xpander\u2019s traction control system on slippery or rugged surfaces, and even a water-wading obstacle!\nParticipants of the test drive also stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including a Nintendo Switch game console, G-Shock watch, and a North Face jacket.\nALSO READ: \nThis rally-inspired Mitsubishi Xpander is sure to turn heads!\nAside from the test drives, attendees will also get the chance to meet and interact with some of Malaysia\u2019s top celebrities, including Sherry Alhadad, Sharifah Shahirah, and Bell Ngasri at specific time slots across the entire weekend.\nCustomers who book a Mitsubishi Xpander or \nTriton\n pick-up truck at the event will also receive an 8 oz Stanley lifestyle tumbler for free.\nIn conjunction with the New Year festivities, MMM will be offering the Mitsubishi Xpander at either a low monthly instalment rate starting from RM798, or a low-interest rate of 2.38% (valid with Maybank or Public Bank only).\nCustomers can also take advantage of a special trade-in programme that offers an additional RM2,000 cash rebate when they trade in their existing car for a new Mitsubishi Xpander. These promotions will only run until the 31st of March, 2023 \u2013 so be quick.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold 24,017 vehicles in 2022, Triton hits 100k milestone\nAfter the weekend at Shah Alam, the Xpander Venture event will be making its way to two other states \u2013 Johor Toppen Mall Outdoor Carpark from 4-5 February 2023, and Kota Kinabalu Kompleks Sukan Likas from 4-5 March 2023.\nMore information on the event can be found on Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page, linked \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Making its global debut at the 2015 Bangkok International Motor Show is Ford\u2019s popular workhorse, the \nRanger facelift\n. After over three years of dealing with overwhelming demand and shortage of supply, the Ranger undergoes a mid-life revision to keep things fresh.\nThe Ranger is slated to be\u00a0sold in more than 180 markets worldwide, of which its sales will commence later in the year. Changes that are most prominent on the\u00a0pickup is its front face, sporting a redesigned, more sculpted hood, updated headlights with \nprojectors\n, new grille and revised fog lights which were previously rounded. The rear however, retains the current look.\u00a0Suspension is now tuned for better ride comfort and handling, too.   This facelift also brings about change in the cabin. Right off the bat, the Ranger benefits from an all-new Electric Power Assisted Steering. Behind the steering wheel is also new \u2013 the instrument clusters that now comes with dual-TFT screens, displaying important information such as vehicle status, GPS navigation and air conditioning controls.\nComplementing the updated cabin is the \n8-inch touchscreen\n multimedia head unit with \nSYNC 2\n, Ford\u2019s latest in-car connectivity system. It supports a variety of voice commands, and you can even read your playlist out loud without manually navigating the screen.   Engine choices now include the carmaker\u2019s new \n2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine\n, making \n163 horsepower\n and \n225 Nm\n of torque if fueled with RON 95. (will not be introduced in Malaysia) Otherwise, both the \n2.2L\n and \n3.2L Duratorq\n \nengines\n are retained, with the former making \n158 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque \u2013 an increase of \n10 Nm\n from before.\nThe 3.2-litre oil burner produces the same \n197 hp\n\u00a0at 3,000 rpm and \n470 Nm\n of torque at 2,500 rpm, but features an updated exhaust gas recirculation system to help improve fuel efficiency which is said to be 18 percent better than before.\nWhat\u2019s interesting here is the engines now come with auto start/stop technology which functions by shutting off the engine at idle, thereby improving fuel economy by up to 3.5 percent. It\u2019s definitely a first in class, but let\u2019s see how it\u2019s received here. Drivetrain options are the same, you either get a \nsix-speed automatic\n or a \nsix-speed manual\n.\nNow, the best part of the Ranger is that it comes equipped with a host of advanced \ndriver aid technologies\n. The list includes Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Stability Program, Driver Impairment Monitor, Hill Launch and Hill Descent Assist, Adaptive Load Control and Emergency Brake Assistance.\nIf you ask us, this is how you slice your way up to the top. Read the breakdown below to know how these individual systems work.\ni) \nLane Keeping Alert & Lane Keeping Aid\n \u2013 Work in tandem to prevent drivers from straying out of his/her trajectory. It uses a front-facing camera to do this, and should the driver stray out of the lane, the feature warns the driver through vibration in the steering wheel. If no action is taken after the warning, the Lane Keeping Aid will automatically apply steering torque to get back in lane.\nii) \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n \u2013 Not your average cruise control, because this radar-based feature will decelerate of accelerate based on forward traffic movement. A speed limiter comes as standard, and you can manually set the stopping distance from the vehicle ahead.\niii) \nForward Alert\n \u2013 Works with (ii); this feature automatically applies braking force when the Ranger detects a reduce in speed of the vehicle ahead.\niv) \nFront and Rear Park Assist\n \u2013 Helps drivers manoeuvre in and out of traffic via front and rear sensors, including a rear-view camera.\nv) \nTyre Pressure Monitoring System\n \u2013 Alerts drivers when tyre pressure is low\nvi) \nDriver Impairment Monitor\n \u2013 Uses the front\u00a0camera and on-board sensors to detect if the driver is drowsy. If it notices signs such as drifting off course and sudden corrective steering inputs, the system warns the driver with gradually louder signals.\nvii) \nHill Launch and Hill Descent Assist\n \u2013 Uses the pickup\u2019s Traction Control System to assist in ascent or descent.\nviii) \nAdaptive Load Control\n \u2013 Automatically adjusts the on-board Electronic Stability Control depending on vehicle load\nix) \nEmergency Brake Assistance\n \u2013 Provides additional braking force if the Ranger detects quick brakeforce application during emergencies.\nHere it is! The global reveal of the new#FordRanger! #BIMS\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 22, 2015 at 7:27pm PDT\n\u00a0\nThe new Ranger will be introduced in \nMalaysia\n around the \nthird quarter of 2015\n. All Malaysian Rangers will be built and assembled in Ford\u2019s AutoAlliance plant in \nRayong, Thailand\n. Let us know what you think of the Ranger facelift below!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Ford Ranger Facelift at Bangkok Motor Show   2015 Ford Ranger Facelift Product Photos"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) today launched the locally-assembled Volvo S60 T8, which made its \nlocal debut October last year\n as a fully-imported unit. Similar to the CBU model, the locally-assembled S60 T8 will be available solely in the R-Design trim, along with an identical price tag \u2013 \nRM295,888\n (OTR w/o insurance).\nThe powertrain of the Volvo S60 T8 also remains unchanged, which means the Swedish sports sedan is \nstill the most horsepower you can buy for the money\n. Under the hood sits the T8 Twin Engine powertrain \u2013 a 2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine, paired to an electric motor at the rear axle for a combined output of \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of twist.\nThe hybrid mill is paired to an \n8-speed automatic transmission\n\u00a0with Geartronic manual shift option, for a century sprint time of just \n4.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n \u2013 no 180 km/h electronically-limited top speed on first batch of the locally-assembled S60s, but later ones will be subjected to the new global Volvo directive.\nDespite weighing over two tonnes, Volvo claims a frugal \n2.0 l/100km\n fuel consumption figure for the S60 T8, thanks to the hybrid Twin Engine powertrain.\nAs part of the R-Design trim, the locally-assembled Volvo S60 T8 comes equipped with a variant-specific black horizontal mesh design on the front grille with a Silk Metal-finished frame, along with an aggressively-styled front bumper featuring what Volvo calls a \u201cblack outer grille\u201d for added road presence.\nAt the rear, the S60 T8 R-Design gets a sportier bumper design, featuring black trim accents and chrome-tipped twin exhaust outlets. As part of the R-Design package, the wing mirror housings are finished in black. The locally-assembled S60 rides on 19-inch satin-finished alloy wheels as standard \u2013 identical to that of the previous imported units.\nInside, the locally-assembled S60 T8 R-Design still gets the same understated cabin design, featuring the 9-inch tablet-style Volvo Sensus Connect infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.\nR-Design touches in the interior include the R-Design three-spoke leather steering wheel, R-Design contour seats upholstered in Black Charcoal Leather with Open Grid Textile, and sports pedal.\nThe locally-assembled S60 \nloses the split-folding rear seats\n, though the centre pass-through hole is still available. Other minor equipment changes include the \nremoval of the 12V sockets in the boot\n, along with the \nboot netting\n.\nIn terms of safety, the locally-assembled S60 T8 R-Design comes equipped with the full suite of Volvo\u2019s Intellisafe advanced driver assistance suite, including City Safety with Autobrake function, Pilot Assist radar cruise control system with Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist, Cross Traffic Alert.\nFor the new CKD model, VCM has also included the \nPark Assist Pilot\n function as standard, with support for both parallel and perpendicular parking. The feature was previously unavailable in the fully-imported unit.\nThe locally-assembled Volvo S60 T8 R-Design is available in four exterior colours \u2013 Fusion Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Pebble Grey Metallic, and Onyx Black Metallic. The previously available Birch Metallic exterior hue has been removed in the locally-assembled variant.\nThe S60 T8 R-Design comes as standard with a five-year warranty, and is now available for viewing at all authorised Volvo dealerships nationwide. Additionally, the locally S60 T8 will also be \navailable for booking\n on the Volvo Car Malaysia website, for those more accustomed to the new social distancing measures.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The current \nMitsubishi Lancer\n is reaching the end of its life and a successor is still nowhere to be seen. For our lucky friends in Taiwan and China, they will be getting the closest thing to it \u2013 the 2017 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer.\nThe Grand Lancer\u00a0is largely a major revision of the decade-old Lancer model. Of course, Mitsubishi incorporated the\u00a0\nDynamic Shield\n\u00a0design here, giving it that whole new, sporty exterior appearance. The rear end is a little bit more controversial, but it\u2019s also new and features LED combination tail lamps.\nInside, the dashboard gets redesigned, and the centre dash gets fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system. A smart digital instrument cluster can be had as an option.\nAt heart is the sole four-cylinder\u00a0\n1.8-litre SOHC\u00a0MIVEC\n\u00a0engine. The naturally-aspirated four banger produces\n\u00a0138 hp\n and\n 176 Nm\n of torque, with power being sent to the front wheels via the same\u00a0\nINVECS-III CVT\n. In case you\u2019re wondering, it\u2019s not the same MIVEC engine powering the Proton Inspira.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=83&v=pE9-bFEBCg0\nPricing for the Grand Lancer starts from NT$679,000 (approximately\u00a0RM98k) to NT$819,000\u00a0(approximately\u00a0RM118k) and is available in five variants. So the Lancer gets to live a little longer, eh?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), the people who build the iconic Fiat 500, chose the fourth of July as a date earmarked for the launch of the new Fiat 500. The original compact city car was launched in 1957 and was kept in production until 1975, in which time over 3.8 million examples were produced.\nReincarnated half a century later in 2007, the not-so-compact city car was previewed to the world on the very day that Fiat chose to launch its new 500. In the eight years of production over,\n 1.5 million\n specimens were built. This new model hasn\u2019t grown in terms of size but does get new technological upgrades and more \nefficient powertrains\n.\nJust like the previous model, there will be\n hatchback and convertible\n body shapes. Aside from that, the new 500 will be available in three trim levels namely\u00a0\nPop, Pop Star\n and the range topping \nLounge.\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nNot much has changed in terms of looks. The basic shape and styling has not changed in this new refreshed model. The front end gets a new lower gloss \nblack mesh grille\n with the \nfog lamps and chrome trimmings\n to go with it. The lower light cluster has been reshaped to have a more \nslanted look\n. The 500 now gets \nLED day-time running lights.   Around the side however, there is no changes to the lines that run the length of the compact little Italian scamper. The previous version had a slab of chrome on the lower rear bumper. This new one incorporates a sleeker look with \nreflectors built in\n to it. The tail lamps, which Fiat calls an \n\u201cempty light clusters\u201d\n has a body coloured centre with the lights\u00a0appearing around it to emanate from the bodywork, almost like an illuminated tattoo.\nINTERIOR\nThe interiors have been given a work over with a new dashboard that comes equipped with the \nUconnect infotainment system\n.\u00a0The range topping Lounge trim gets a touch screen display head unit. To accommodate this new unit, the air-cond vents and dashboard dome had to be reworked.   Aside from that, the new 500 gets a new \nmulti-function steering wheel\n and instrument cluster which still retains \nanalog style dials\n for the rev counter and speedometer. Although on the Lounge trim, an \neight-inch\n Magneti Marelli manufactured \nTFT screen\n\u00a0(optional) displays the\n gauges\n just like the newly launched \nAudi TT\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe new Fiat 500 never made to tear the streets of Rome. The newly expanded engine line-up for the British market has yet to be confirmed but \nEuro6 compliant\n bunch consists of the \n69 hp\u00a01.2-litre and the 900 cc two cylinder TwinAir\n duo that puts out\n 85hp and 105hp\n.\nThe range will be expanded after the launch with the \n1.2-litre 69hp\n engine in\n \u2018Eco\u2019\n configuration that\u00a0will be equipped with a \nsmart alternator\n, an \naerodynamic pack\n and a new set of 14- or 15-inch tyres with\n low rolling resistance\n. The result ? The 58 hp TwinAir has an official \nfuel consumption\n figure of just \n3.8 litres per 100 km\n on the combined cycle. Joining it is\u00a0the \n1.3-litre 16v Multijet II 95hp turbo diesel unit. \u00a0\nSAFETY\nThe Fiat 500 boasts as being one of the safest cars in its segment. The 1.2-litre variant is now armed with \nlarger diameter brake discs\n for more effective braking. Standard across the range is \nseven airbags\n (front, window and side airbags, plus a driver\u2019s knee airbag) remain as before. Active safety systems include\u00a0\nABS\n with electronic brake distribution \n(EBD\n), advanced electronic stability control (\nESC\n), anti-slip regulation (\nASR\n), Hill Holder and hydraulic brake assistance (\nHBA\n) to aid the driver in emergency situations.\n \n \nWHAT ELSE?\nA full range of \nMopar\n accessories is also available from launch, including \nvintage-style wheels\n and a range of \nalloy wheels\n with different designs, colours and finishes. The \nmirror caps\n are available either in chrome or painted in a variety of different colours. New distinctive \nside badges, chrome roof mouldings\n, a \nrear spoiler\n and not to mention a whole range of \ndecals\n for the \nsides and roof\n. Prices start in the UK from\u00a0\n\u00a310,890 or RM64,329.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The business of selling new cars have never been more competitive with manufacturers opting for almost any feasible option or channel for even the prospects of the slightest hike in sales.\nFord and Alibaba\u2019s Tmall Vehicle has, unconventionally, opted for a\n \u201cSuper Test Drive\u201d\n centre in a pilot project revolving around an over-sized vending machine for Ford\u2019s cars. The building is equipped with an intelligent lifting system that can accommodate \nup to 42 cars\n at once.\nCustomers will be able to select from Ford\u2019s 10 different models to sample including the Mondeo, the Explorer or even the Mustang. They are given three days to form a bond with the selected car before having to return it for someone else to have a go in.\nAll the test driver needs to do is pay a small fee with Alibaba\u2019s Tmall app. Users with specific Tmall accounts could even be offered further discounts for a Ford of their liking. The user\u2019s face will also be scanned at the self-service centre, presumably for leverage should the car not find its way back.\u00a0If a purchase is finalised, the test drive fee can be returned.\nCredit: \nAlibaba"
"If you\u2019re keen on getting yourself a \nsecond-generation Mazda CX-5\n, here\u2019s another reason why you should. The all-new CX-5 has just been awarded the maximum 5-Stars at the Euro NCAP crash safety rating, endorsing the SUV\u2019s comprehensive passive and active safety features.\nThe vehicle tested by Euro NCAP is equipped with the full suite of \ni-ACTIVESENSE\n driver assistance systems on top of the standard six airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and ISOFIX mounting point. The car you see here is equipped with Advanced Smart City Brake Support \u2013 a standard feature on all variants, Adaptive LED Headlights, Lane-keep Assist System with Driver Attention Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Smart City Brake Support and Adaptive Cruise Control.\nBased on the video above, Mazda\u2019s claim of \u201clowering the risk of pedestrian impact injury\u201d certainly hold its merits. The bonnet features hole and cut-outs to create an easily crushable structure that helps mitigate injury when a pedestrian collides with the car. Energy-absorbing foam within the front bumper helps limit the degree of injury to a pedestrian\u2019s legs as depicted by the dummy.\nMazda\u2019s \nAutonomous Emergency Breaking\n performed superbly in most scenarios by bringing the car to a complete stop while leaving a reasonable buffer between the subject and front bumper. Only during the final test where the pedestrian appears from a blind spot the CX-5 did not manage to come to a complete halt.\nOverall, the all-new CX-5 scored 95 percent (36.5 points) in the adult occupant category, 80 percent (39.4 points) for child occupant, 78 percent (32.8 points) for pedestrian and 59 percent (7.1 points) in the Safety Assist category; earning the prestigious full 5-Stars Euro NCAP.\nIt won\u2019t be long before you can sign a cheque for one as Bermaz Motors has hinted that the \nsecond-generation Mazda CX-5 will go on sale very soon\n and will be locally assembled no less.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda CX-5 UK-Spec"
"Following the \nteaser image\n\u00a0released a few days ago, the new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet has finally been unveiled in full glory. According to Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class Cabriolet is the last member of the \nW213 E-Class\n family, so you can stop wondering whether there will be another variant of the E-Class.\nBased on\u00a0the \nE-Class Coupe\n, the E-Class Cabriolet dons a fabric roof which can either appear or disappear in \n20 seconds\n, and the \nfully-automatic\n roof operation can be done at speeds \nup to 50km/h\n. Comes in four colour options: black, dark brown, dark blue, or dark red, the multi-layered roof is said to offer proper sound insulation for the convenience of the occupants. With the top down, you need to sacrifice 75 litres of the total \n385 litres boot volume\n because the roof folds into the boot.   Those with their hundred-dollar haircut can also drop the top while driving without the risk of damaging it, thanks to the\u00a0\nAircap draught-stop system\n. Comprised of a retractable wind deflector at the top edge of the A pillar and a draught stop behind the rear passenger seats\u2019 headrests, it claims to cut down interior turbulence for everyone on board. There\u2019s also the \nAirscarf neck-level heating\n, but that\u2019s reserved only for the front occupants. The rear occupants have to\u00a0chill their necks out.   Powering the E-Class Cabriolet is a range of the engines already offered in the W213 family, which includes a \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n in either petrol or diesel, and a \n3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol\n. All engines are paired to a \nnine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic\n, and for the first time ever the E-Class Cabriolet is available with \n4Matic all-wheel drive system\n.\nThe new E-Class Cabriolet will be debuting at the \n2017 Geneva Motor Show\n, and who knows, it might just make it to the Malaysian market. The Mercedes-Benz coupe lineup here now consist of the \nSLK\n (we are sorry, we mean SLC), \nC-Class Coupe\n, and the\u00a0\nC-Class Cabriolet\n. Fancy yourselves one of these? Or would you prefer the\u00a0\nE-Class Coupe\n\u00a0instead?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First introduced in 2017, Honda Malaysia has given its Bold Runabout Vehicle (or the BR-V) some updates and it\u2019s set to be launched by Q1 of this year.\nSince its \nlaunch two years ago\n, over 36,000 units of BR-V have been sold in Malaysia as at January 2020. Its 1.5-litre engine with \n120 hp \nand \n145 Nm\n paired to a CVT gearbox soldiers on while the exterior has been refreshed with items such as:\nNew front bumper\nNew front grille\nNew front lower bumper garnish\nNew front fog light garnish\nNew rear lower bumper garnish\nNew shark fin antenna\nNew 16-inch wheel design\nThese will be added to the existing projector headlamps, with LED daytime running lights, and LED combination tail lamps.\nKeyless Entry adds to the Push Start function to complement the new leather seats with Red accents for a touch of that \u201cHonda sportiness\u201d. No red badges elsewhere though.\nTaken from \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n.\nThese will add to the creature comforts currently offered in the BR-V, including a reverse camera, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity.\nOn the safety front, the BR-V comes with dual airbags although Honda has really got to up that number seeing as it is a 7-seater, used mostly for ferrying loved ones no less.\nElsewhere you get ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill-start Assist alongside its 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating for adult occupant protection."
"The Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) has taken to social media to remind motorists that the use of custom \u2018fancy\u2019 number plates is against the law.\n\u201cIt is an offense to fit on number plates that are confusing, blur or \u2018fancy\u2019, the post warned.\nThe Road Transport Department also urged the public to report these illegal number plates to the authorities by sharing images and other relevant details to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\nAccording to their social media post, the owners of the vehicle will then be interrogated by the JPJ. If found guilty, owners of these vehicles will be fined between RM300 to RM3,000 under Section 14(4) of APJ 1987.\nPreviously, JPJ issued guidelines on the appropriate placing and size. Each alphabet or number must be 40 mm wide, 70 mm tall, and spaced 10 mm apart. Between the alphabets and the numbers, there should be a 30 mm space in between.\nFor additional information on number plate specifications, check out \nJPJ\u2019s official site\n.\nExpired road tax and driving licence renewal deadline extended to 31st of December. More about it here!"
"With the launch of the \nProton X90\n in Malaysia, \nProton\n has started its venture into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment. NEV is just how Proton refers to its electrified vehicles. At the launch of the X90, Geely Holding Group Chairman Eric Li Shufu announced that Proton will \u201claunch at least one NEV model every year\u201d.\nIf you didn\u2019t know yet, the Proton X90 is the company\u2019s first hybrid car and it runs a 48V mild hybrid system. The system consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine and a Belt Starter Generator (BSG). The engine itself makes 177 hp and 255 Nm while the BSG makes 13 hp and 45 Nm. Combined, the system makes \n190 hp \nand \n300 Nm\n Being a mild hybrid car, the X90 doesn\u2019t need to be plugged in to charge.\nIf we count the upcoming Smart #1 that will be distributed by PRO-NET (Proton\u2019s subsidiary), Proton is already on track to launch 2 NEVs in 2023. In a slide titled \u201cGeely to add momentum to NEV transition\u201d, images of the Zeekr 001, \nLotus Eletre\n, and the \nGalaxy E8\n alongside the confirmed upcoming Smart #1, but let\u2019s not read into it too much for now.\nRELATED: \nGeely unveils \u2018Galaxy\u2019 sub-brand, 7 PHEV and EV models planned by 2025\nSpeaking at the launch of the 2023 Proton X90, Geely Holding Group Chairman, Eric Li Shufu said, \u201cWe will spare no effort to support Proton with new technologies, new products, new business models, help Proton launch at least one new energy vehicle model every year, cultivate 5,000 talents in Proton in the field of new energy vehicles within five years, enable Proton to become a leader of new energy vehicles in ASEAN countries and build the new energy vehicle ecology in Malaysia.\u201d\nBesides announcing that Proton will launch at least one NEV model every year, Eric Li also announced that Proton cultivate 5,000 NEV talents within the next five years and that the company will build the NEV ecology in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 launched in Malaysia, from RM123,800"
"Every year (for the most part) in the deserts of Nevada or better known to most of us as Las Vegas since 1963, holds a spectacular auto show that brings all the biggest names in the American automotive tuning community. It\u2019s a platform for these guys to showcase everything that\u2019s\n\u00a0rad\n and cool in the custom car industry. And when we say big names, we mean big names such as the likes of Vic Edelbrock Jr, the late Carol Shelby, Chip Foose and Dempsey Wilson; just to name a few. But here\u2019s the catch \u2013 it\u2019s not open to the public.\nSEMA or\u00a0\nSpecialty Equipment Market Association\u00a0\nis a\n closed-door event\n that has been gaining ever more traction since the 60s and to that point, it\u2019s no longer contained to just American brands. It now houses exhibitions from over\u00a0\n6,383\u00a0\ncompanies \nworldwide\n with giants such as BMW taking the stands. Here, over\u00a0\n50,000\n buyers will get a chance to see first hand all the performance and aesthetic mods and parts available for a myriad of car types. This time around,\u00a0\nBMW\n\u00a0decided to put the newly-launched \nM2\n and \nM4\n Coup\u00e9 M Performance parts on display in Vegas.   The BMW\u00a0M4 Coup\u00e9 (not forgetting the\u00a0\nwater injected M4 GTS\n) will come fitted with\u00a0carbon fibre (CFRP) \nfront inserts\n,\u00a0M\u00a0Performance front \ngrille\n\u00a0finished in gloss black,\u00a0\nside sill\n attachments with the \u201cM\u00a0Performance\u201d wording \netched\n in and CFRP \nwing mirror caps\n. And let\u2019s not forget about Bimmer\u2019s \u201cgo-faster-division\u201d \nracing strip decals\n.\nAt the rear end, a motorsport-derived BMW\u00a0M\u00a0Performance CFRP \ndiffuser\u00a0\nand a newly designed M Performance through-flow rear spoiler that\u2019s \u2013 yep you guessed it \u2013 made of carbon fibre which further \naccentuates\n the butch rear section of the M4\u00a0Coup\u00e9. Aside from enhancing the looks, these parts work in tandem with\u00a0the\u00a0car\u2019s \nairflow response\n, so they ensure an \noptimised\n aerodynamic performance for those with an \nambitious\n driving style.   Now what\u2019s an M4 without some additional substance under the hood, right? Some new hardwares include a lightweight \nstainless steel exhaust\n\u00a0system with a rear \nsilencer\n made entirely of \ntitanium\n\u00a0inscribed with the \u201cM Performance\u201d lettering and a CFRP tailpipe to square off the look. Sadly, BMW hasn\u2019t brought out any performance mods for the \n431 hp\n straight-sixer living under the hood.\nBeing an M Bimmer, the interior is nothing short of racey\u00a0and that\u2019s the case here in the M4. Having said that, there aren\u2019t too many mods for it aside from a few trim upgrades such as the\u00a0\nclear-finish carbon fibre steering wheel\n with\u00a0a blue centre-position \nmarker\n atop it.\u00a0Meanwhile, below the driver\u2019s feet, the pedals are fitted with\n stainless steel\n \u2018M\u00a0Performance\u2019 pedal \ncovers\n.   The Munich giant really pulled out all the stops for the M4 at SEMA, and at this juncture it\u2019s only fair to move over to it\u2019s newly-launched baby brother \u2013 the \nM2\n. Pretty much \nall the mods\n available for the M4 is available for the M2 with subtle differences differentiating the duo. Should you be the lucky owner of either of these ultimate driving machines and are keen on getting hold of these exotic mods but aren\u2019t anywhere close to Las Vegas, fret not for these upgrades will be made available\u00a0from the BMW dealer network by \nJune 2016\n, but if you could get a hold of it any sooner, we\u2019d reckon that be the ultimate \u2018\nhaul of fame\n\u2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M4   BMW M2"
"We\u2019ve heard about the electrified Mercedes-AMG GT 73e for quite some time now, be it from leaks, \nrumours\n, or even\n teasers \nfrom Mercedes themselves, stopping short of confirming the existence of the model. Well, the time has now finally come, as the team at Affalterbach has just officially shown off the model in full.\nIn an announcement released right after the launch of the W12 Formula 1 car, Mercedes-Benz placed the new hybrid-powered AMG model next to the \nMercedes-AMG Project One hypercar\n, as well as the 2021 F1 season challenger, giving us a first official look at the GT 73e.\nTo be clear, the company did not specifically name it as the GT 73e, but that\u2019s what everyone is calling it, and we shall follow suit too. But what Mercedes-AMG \ndid\n specifically do, is show off the new \u201cV8 Bi-Turbo E Performance\u201d badge on the fender, confirming the electrical bits underneath the bonnet.\nBut that is just about the extent that the German carmaker is willing to tell us now. Based on previous rumours, the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 73e will supposedly be powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, paired to some sort of electrical assistance to produce a combined horsepower figure\n north of 800 hp\n.\nWith that amount of powered, the AMG GT 73e is also rumoured to complete the century sprint in \nless than three seconds\n!\nAs for looks, the lightly-camouflaged GT 73e doesn\u2019t look all that much different compared to the existing \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S\n. The only differences that we can see are the slats within the lower intakes, with mild changes probably to channel air to cool the battery pack and electric motor.\nThe road-going Mercedes-AMG division has strengthened their partnership with the Brackley-based F1 team, with more in-depth \u201cmutual transfer\u201d of technologies in the development of future electrified technologies for both racing and on the road. That is why the same E-Performance branding can also be found on the W12 F1 car.\nThe press release singles out an \u201celectric turbocharger\u201d, which the company says is \u201cstanding the test in Formula 1 under extreme conditions and will soon be used in AMG production models\u201d.\nThere\u2019s still a lot of uncertainties about this upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 73e, but one thing\u2019s for certain: It\u2019ll be a beast both on track and on public roads.\nGALLERY"
"Nope, we don\u2019t believe it even the slightest; especially not on the 1st of April although what a good looker it would actually be, if they did.\nPosted on the \nAustralian N Performance Facebook page\n are images of the supposed N Roadster that\u2019s said to feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with power sent to the rear wheels.\nThey also went on to say that it\u2019s merely a \u2018concept\u2019 and a \u2018vision\u2019 of South Korean designer, Yeongjoon Park.\nWell, don\u2019t get your hopes up, Hyundai has tinkered with the\n idea of a mid-ship sports car for the longest time\n and there\u2019s still no word on it. They can\u2019t even commit to \nbringing the i30N into Malaysia,\n\u00a0so\u00a0keep\u00a0those\u00a0hopes\u00a0and\u00a0dreams\u00a0buried\u00a0for\u00a0now.\nIt is after all, April Fool\u2019s Day.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda has given its popular B-segment SUV, the \nHonda HR-V\n a mid-life facelift after five years in service. Also known as the Vezel in its home market, the HR-V gets new LED headlamps, more kit and Honda Sensing safety suite as standard across the board.\nNew items on the refreshed HR-V include a redesigned front grille, new front bumper with integrated LED fog lamps and full LED headlamps (reflector type). The \nrange-topping RS\n model gets a sportier treatment in the shape of blacked out grille, aggressive body kit, wing mirror caps in black and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Customers can also choose two additional colour palettes \u2013Aurora Amethyst Metallic and Silver Mist Green Metallic, bringing the total number of colour to eight.   Inside, the HR-V benefits from reshaped front seats with new stitching material to \u201cimprove hold ability and texture\u201d. Selected models also get eight-way powered driver seat with memory function. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard fitment on more expensive variants.\nTo improve the HR-V\u2019s overall ride comfort, Honda has fitted additional damping material for lower NVH levels (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) and a restructured high-pressure fuel pump for suppressed engine noise during acceleration.   There are \ntwo powertrain\n options available \u2013 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol and 1.5-litre i-DCD Sport Hybrid. The petrol mill is still mated to a CVT transmission while the Sport Hybrid variants get a seven-speed dual-clutch with paddle shifters. Front- and all-wheel drive are available on all variants, but the RS models can only be had in FWD guise.\nHonda has also fine-tuned the Sport Hybrid i-DCD system for \nsmoother acceleration\n and optimised the brake pedals for a \nmore natural\u00a0brake feel\n.\nAll variants of the HR-V in Japan come with\n Honda Sensing advanced driver assist system as \nstandard\n which bundles functions such as Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigating Braking System CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).\nPrices for the facelifted Honda HR-V in Japan starts from \u00a52.07 million (RM76k) to \u00a52.9 million (RM106k) for the Sport Hybrid 4WD. The petrol variants of the HR-V will no doubt make its way to Malaysia very soon and noting that Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to assemble \nSport Hybrid i-DCD models\n, we may finally get a hybrid-powered HR-V.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda HR-V Facelift   Honda HR-V RS Facelift"
"With the launch of the all-new 2023 \nPerodua Axia\n \ntoday, one thing some may notice is the lack of a manual variant among the four that debuted. However, a manual base version of the Perodua Axia will still be available, albeit on the non-DNGA body. Perodua has confirmed that the Perodua Axia E will live on to be sold to both driving schools and private owners.\nKnown to some as the \u2018Kosong Spec\u2019 Axia, the Perodua Axia E is famously used by driving schools. Most young drivers would have probably driven one during their learning period, and the \u2018Kosong Spec\u2019 nickname is a very apt one. Some of the features lacking in the Axia E include central locking, a head unit, a tachometer, and a rear windscreen wiper. Possibly the most distinguishing feature of the \u2018Kosong Spec\u2019 Axia are its 14-inch steel wheels.\nLike other versions of the Axia, the Perodua Axia E manual is still powered by the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine that makes \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Upon launch, the Axia used to be available with a manual transmission even in the higher variants, but after the second facelift in 2019, the manual transmission is only available in the \u2018E\u2019 variant.\nIn a presentation by Perodua during the preview of the all-new Axia, Perodua stated that the Axia E will still be continued due to the diverse requirement and income levels of the brand\u2019s customers. Perodua will continue to produce the \u2018old\u2019 Axia E to fulfill its role as the \u201cmost affordable car\u201d in the market.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia, from RM38,600\nIt was also mentioned by Perodua during this announcement that the price and specification of the Axia E Manual will be announced at a later date, hinting at further enhancements to the existing model."
"The past year has been exciting for EV enthusiasts in Malaysia as more than 10 electric cars were launched, ranging from the \u2018affordable\u2019 ones to those in the premium segment. Last of them all was the \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\n \nwhich is essentially a coupe version of the \nVolvo XC40\n.\nSold in one variant only in Malaysia which is the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Ultimate, the C40 fetches a price of \nRM288,888\n. Interestingly, the C40 can be bought through Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s \nnew e-commerce platform\n which was launched together with the car in December last year.\nThe C40\u2019s coupe styling serves more than just an aesthetic function as it makes the car more aerodynamic and thus increasing the total electric driving range from the XC40\u2019s 438 km to \n451 km\n. Coupe roof aside, the C40 is almost identical to the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, even bearing the same set of 19-inch five-double spoke wheels.\n \nPowering the car is a dual-motor setup that makes \n408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n. It is the most powerful EV in its price range and is also the quickest, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of \n4.7 seconds\n. As for energy storage, the C40 gets the same \n78-kWh\n battery pack as the XC40, albeit offering more range at \n451 km\n (WLTP), as mentioned earlier.\nCharging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and this charges the car from 10% to 100% in \neight hours\n. With DC fast charging, the C40 can handle a maximum charging rate of \n150 kW\n, and this charges the car from 10% to 80% in \n28 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k\nMore pictures of the Volvo C40 Recharge \nhere\nInside, the C40 boasts a 100% leather-free interior and almost everything is nature-inspired. One element that takes inspiration from nature is the topography trim that can be found on the dashboard and front door panels. These are inspired by the Swedish mountains, and they are backlit to enhance the look at night.\nThe EV market in Malaysia offers several other options within the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\u2019s price range and this includes several German and Korean options. Is the C40\u2019s powerful drivetrain enough for it to compete with the other EVs? Watch our review to find out.\nALSO WATCH: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, from RM289k \u2013 5 Things"
"Honda is set to officially reveal its most prolific and recognizable machine, the Honda Civic \nType R\n Concept at the upcoming 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The design team calls it \u201c\nracing car for the road\n\u201c, is characterized by its large, fiery diffuser with integrated brake lights and 4-piece exhaust \u00a0system as shown from the official sketch.\n\u00a0\nThere are already video footages of a prototype Civic Type R gunning around N\u00fcrburgring\u00a0months earlier.\u00a0\nA \n2-litre turbocharged\n, direct-injected, 4-pot engine is set to power the new Civic Type R and power is expected at least around \n280PS\n. That is a lot of mad horses!\u00a0This approach also mark Honda\u2019s first attempt in turbocharging its Type R lineup, instead of the old school, high revving,\u00a0VTEC-only powertrain.\nThe official sketch only shows a hatch form,\u00a0and there is no mention whether there are any plans to spawn a sedan version of the Civic Type R just yet. Nothing much is official until Geneva, so stay tuned.\nFor now, check out the videos below as Honda WTCC legend Gabriele Tarquini tackles the green hell in the new Civic Type R.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY"
"Adding yet another edition to the multi-faceted Isuzu D-Max range is the new, limited D-Max X-Series, launched by Isuzu Malaysia today at the Setia City Convention Centre in conjunction with the Drive Autofair 2018.\nThe limited edition X-Series is priced at \nRM 118,000.00\n for the 2.5-litre model while the 3.0-litre V-Cross model is priced at \nRM 124,000.00. \nBoth are\u00a0available only in two colours \u2013 Silky Pearl and Stallion Black Metallic.\nHighlighting the new kit is a front skirting with \u201cdual red tone\u201d highlights and a rear skirting designed to complement the aero sports bars. Also furnishing the exterior are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, LED tail lights, an X-Series Edition front grille and front bonnet stripes.\nAnother new addition to the limited edition X-Series is the welcome light upon unlocking the car which is projected onto the ground for 30 seconds.   The X-Series also adds features like a 360-degree Around View Monitor (AVM) System, built-in electronic tag located inside the arm rest along with honeycomb-shaped stitching on the upholstery. The AVM feature utilises four exterior cameras in order to have a bird\u2019s eye view to help the driver see around the vehicle.\nOther prominent changes on the X-Series Edition are floor mats with X-Series details, the red LED interior accent lights and LED-illuminated scuff plates. Standout features in the cabin also include the X-Series Edition 3-spoke leather steering wheel with audio functions.\nEntertainment is provided for by an 8-inch touchscreen display with mirroring function and 8 speakers while an abundance of vehicle information can be viewed through the e-Lumax Advance Multi-information Display.\nThe D-Max X-Series is powered by two similar powertrains from previous models; a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with\n 136 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n along with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine in the \u201cV-Cross\u201d series producing \n177 hp\n with \n380 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Shift.\nSafety and wise, the D-Max X-Series is safeguarded by dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, ESC, Traction Control while added convenience is provided for by a reverse camera and sensors.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Mobis has developed the world\u2019s first panoramic roof airbag system which aims to reduce injuries by preventing passengers from being thrown out of the car roof in the event of a rollover. It is the first time Hyundai Mobis has acquired such an airbag technology ahead of its competitors.\nThe airbag, developed by the automotive parts division of Hyundai, is installed inside the sunroof and is \ndeployed forward from the rear\n of the car \u2013 resembling the curtain airbag that deploys alongside the windows. When a rollover is detected by sensors, the inflator will deploy the airbag.\nThe cushion is inflated by gas and will cover the entire roof surface of the vehicle in just \n0.08 seconds\n to protect the passengers from risks of being thrown out of the panoramic roof \u2013\u00a0 as had been tested during road tests using dummies."
"There\u2019s no denying that \nBMW i8 plug-in hybrid\n makes environmental friendly cars sexy and desirable. One could have imagined having an i8 with its roof cut off is the equivalent of dating a gorgeous Victoria Secret model with way lesser clothes. Well, the wait is no more, because the Bavarian giant has finally confirmed production for the BMW i8 Spyder.\nAs reported in\u00a0German newspaper\u00a0\nHandelsblatt\n, BMW CEO\u00a0Harald Kr\u00fcger commented that the i8 Spyder is set to arrive in time for BMW\u2019s centennial celebrations next year. Apart from the\u00a0\nremovable roof panels\n, BMW retains the majority of the i8 coupe\u2019s characteristics. That said, expect this sexy spyder to be powered by the similar \n1.5-litre\u00a0turbocharged three-cylinder engine\n and an \nelectric motor\n, coupled with a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n.\nFor those who needs some refresher on the i8 Coupe, the car \u2013 with a total output of\n 362 hp\n and\n 570 Nm \n\u2013\u00a0is capable of hitting\n 0 \u2013 100km/h in 4.4secs\n.\u00a0Rumours say the German automaker is working on the 2.0-liter powertrain capable of 450hp.\nThe\u00a0all-wheel driven i8 was \nlaunched in Malaysia \nearlier in April for a cool RM1.2million. With the emergence of the \ni showroom\n in Kuala Lumpur, we might see the topless i8 in our shores by 2017.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) together with Nikaijaya Resource has just opened a brand new showroom in the Klang Valley.\u00a0\nThe new outlet will be the first authorised Nissan dealer to adopt the new Nissan Retail Concept (NRC) in Malaysia, following Nissan\u2019s globally consistent brand experience. NRC aims to enhance the customer experience and journey of the Nissan brand via improved customer services.\nThe 6,556 square feet showroom features a new exterior with its iconic red Nissan signage, providing a bold impression on arrival. On the inside, the \u2018Nissan Drive\u2019 sales and consultation area provides a warm welcome to customers, while capable of displaying up to five Nissan models.\nAdditional facilities such as a cafe-styled modern customer lounge, kid\u2019s play area, customer parking, and free Wi-Fi connectivity are all available for the convenience of the customers.\nETCM Sales and Marketing Director, Mr Christopher Tan said, \u201cThe Nissan Retail Concept adapts to the latest ways of our business environment and represents our commitment in providing our customers with a high quality experience from the minute they arrive.\n\u201cWe\u2019ll continue to expand and enhance our customer touch points to ensure greater coverage and accessibility for our customers in order to meet the growing demand of our Nissan brand,\u201d he added.\nWe tried the new Nissan Leaf\u2019s e-Pedal system, check it out \nhere\n!\nThe new Nikaijaya Resource Nissan showroom is located at \n923A, Jalan Melor, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara\n, approximately 700m after the Damansara Toll Plaza. Operation hours for the new showroom are as follow:\nMonday to Friday \u2013 9.30 am to 6.30 pm\nSaturday \u2013 9.30 am to 6 pm\nSunday and Public Holidays \u2013 9.30 am to 5 pm\nAs a part of their celebration for the new opening, the outlet will be organising a \nTest Drive Carnival\n on the \n19th and 20th of October\n. Members of the public are invited to experience the range of Nissan vehicles, including the new fully electric \nNissan Leaf\n."
"After eight generations and 47 years, Ford has announced that it will be axing the iconic \nFiesta\n supermini, citing waning demand as the main cause. Production of the Ford Fiesta at its factory in Cologne,\u00a0Germany,\u00a0will stop by the end of June 2023.\nAside from the Fiesta, the American carmaker will also be axing both the \nFord S-Max\n and Ford Galaxy by the end of April 2023. Both MPVs are currently produced at Ford\u2019s plant in Valencia, Spain.\nAs reported by Autocar UK, Ford released a statement earlier today which read: \u201cAt Ford in Europe, we are accelerating our efforts to go all-in on electrification with our passenger vehicles being fully electric by 2030 \u2013 and all vehicles across our Ford portfolio by 2035.\n\u201cAs we get ready to transition to an electric future, we will discontinue production of S-Max\u00a0and Galaxy in Valencia, Spain, in April 2023 and discontinue Fiesta production in Cologne, Germany, by end of June 2023.\n\u201cWe will introduce three new exciting electric passenger vehicles and four new electric commercial vehicles in Europe by 2024. We plan to sell more than 600,000 electric vehicles in the region by 2026, and the electric passenger vehicle production at the Cologne Electrification Centre will reach 1.2 million vehicles over a six-year timeframe.\u201d\nIt\u2019s a sorry state for the Ford Fiesta, especially considering how the model, especially in the ST form, is so adored amongst the enthusiast crowd. According to data from Jato Dynamics, sales for the Fiesta in Europe as of August were down 45% compared to the same period last year, and in August alone, it\u2019s struggling to even break top 50 in terms of sales.\nThe latest-generation Ford Fiesta, despite \nmaking its global debut back in 2016\n, also isn\u2019t even being sold here in Malaysia.\nALSO READ: \nKen Block is selling his \u201cdream car\u201d collection, including two Gymkhana Ford Fiestas\nWith the Ford Focus also confirmed to be axed in 2025, it seems like it\u2019s the end of the road for Ford\u2019s signature hatchbacks. at least for now. Will the new wave of EVs change that? Well, with the whole world basically only buying SUVs these days, we\u2019re not too sure.\nThe company previously announced that it expects to sell 600,000 EVs annually by 2026.\nRELATED: \nMustang Mach-E is Ford\u2019s first step into an electric future"
"Honda Motor Company, together with Hitachi Automotive System have just announced a joint venture to develop and manufacture electric motors for electric vehicles. It\u2019s called Hitachi Automotive Electric Motor Systems Ltd. and is in response to the growing global demand for electric vehicles.\nApproximately \u00a55 billion (RM190.1 million) has been invested by Hitachi and Honda (51 percent and 49 percent respectively). Operations will take place at Hitachi\u2019s premise in Ibaraki, Japan. The two companies will combine their expertise to develop \u201ccompetitive motors\u201d for future electric vehicles.\nThe company also intends to become a global supplier for electric motors to meet the increasing demand of electric vehicles from Honda and other vehicle manufacturers. Plans to expand its operations (manufacturing and sales) to United States and China are among those in the pipeline.\nOf course, Honda will make full use of the electric motors produced by this JVC in the near future when the hybrid-car assault begins."
"When Acura announced that the \nIntegra is coming back\n, hardcore Honda fans were understandably excited \u2013 after all, it\u2019s \nonly\n one of Honda\u2019s most iconic nameplate of all time. But as they say, reality is often disappointing, and it might just be the case here once again. Well, at least in China, anyway.\nPhotos of a new Honda Integra sedan in China has surfaced onto the interwebs, and as you can already see from the photos, looks like it\u2019s just a regular \n11th-generation Honda Civic sedan\n with a slightly tweaked exterior design.\nThe photos, as usual, came from China\u2019s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology\u2019s website. Based on the badging on the tailgate, we gathered that the Honda Integra will be a model unique to Guangqi Honda, while Dongfeng Honda will be selling the regular Civic sedan alongside it.\nConfusing for us who live in the rest of the world, but it\u2019s actually quite a common strategy for carmakers in China and several other countries, due to their collaborations with different local companies.\nThe Chinese ministry might have also just leaked the upcoming Mazda CX-5 facelift. Check it out here!\nAnyway, up front, the Integra can be seen with a new, slimmer set of headlights, flanking the redesigned and slightly more regular-looking front grille. The bumper is also reworked with a more minimalist look and smaller intakes.\nMoving over to the rear, the Chinese Honda Integra also gets a reworked tail light assembly featuring a more three-dimensional design, paired to a slightly tweaked bootlid. From what we can see, there also seems to be at two different types of rear bumpers available \u2013 one with exposed tailpipes, and one without.\nThe rest of the car, though, is recognisably and undeniably a Honda Civic.\nIt\u2019s sleek, sure. And frankly, we\u2019d be overjoyed if Honda unveiled this as the 11th-gen Civic sedan from the get-go instead. But alas, it\u2019s called the Integra, and based on what we\u2019ve seen wearing the iconic nameplate, this sure doesn\u2019t \nfeel\n like one, and we can\u2019t help but feel disappointed.\nStill, we remain cautiously optimistic for the \u201cinternational\u201d version of the Honda Integra \u2013 if it even exists \u2013 since the headlights from the \nteaser image\n does look quite different from this. The \naccompanying image of its silhouette\n also seems to suggest more of an aggressive coupe-like model, rather than a regular ol\u2019 sedan.\nOur hopes are up, but Honda, please, don\u2019t do this again."
"Alongside the launch of the \n2020 Mazda2 facelift\n, Bermaz Motor has also unveiled the updated Mazda MX-5 RF and CX-9 as part of their 2020 vehicle line-up. Both models are now officially available for reservation.\nMazda MX-5 RF \nThe Mazda MX-5 is only available in Malaysia as the RF hard-top convertible variant. For the 2020 update, the MX-5 RF gains new \ni-Activsense\n features, including Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support Adaptive LED headlights, and Lane Departure Warning System as standard.\nOtherwise, the roadster remains unchanged from the \nprevious update in 2019\n, featuring an uprated 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine with i-ELOOP and i-Stop idling technology, producing \n181 hp\n and \n205 Nm of torque\n.\nThe engine can be paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.\nInside, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 RF is unchanged from the 2019 update as well. Equipment list includes the seven-inch Mazda Connect infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, paired to a nine-speaker Bose sound system.\nThe pattern continues to the styling \u2013 the exterior of the 2020 Mazda MX-5 remains identical to the previous update, other than the new Mazda badging and fonts design, in line with the latest Mazda models.\nThe Mazda MX-5 RF is fully-imported from Japan, priced at\n RM266,154\n for the manual variant, and \nRM268,154\n for the automatic \u2013 a RM7,000 and RM7,800 increase from last year respectively.\nMazda CX-9\nMazda\u2019s flagship seven-seater SUV has also been updated for 2020. Just as before, \ntwo fully-imported variants\n are available with pretty much identical specifications, with the sole difference being drivetrain \u2013 \nfront-wheel or all-wheel drive\n.\nIn terms of styling changes, the \nMazda CX-9\n gets new Mazda badging and fonts design, along with a new gray metallic finish to the 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels.\nInside, the black leather seats now come with silver stitching, while the Mazda Connect \ninfotainment display\n has been updated with a larger \nnine-inch unit,\n with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, first introduced in the 2018 rolling update.\nThe seatbelt reminder now covers all three rows of seats (instead of just the driver and front passenger), while the third-row passengers now get two USB ports. There is also a new\n brake auto-hold\n button on the centre console, with the introduction of the new safety feature.\nThe powertrain is pretty much unchanged from before, featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque, now with Mazda\u2019s\n i-Stop idling\n technology. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox.\nMazda\u2019s\n GVC Plus\n torque vectoring control also makes its way onto the 2020 CX-9, which adds on individual brake-control, in addition to varying the engine torque output from the older GVC system.\nSpecific to the AWD variant, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 also comes with the all-new \nOff-road Traction Assist \nfeature. When activated, the system automatically applies the brakes on the wheels off-ground, transferring the torque to the wheel in contact with the ground for better off-road traction.\nSafety equipment is also pretty much unchanged. The CX-9 features the i-Activsense Advance Driver Assistance suite, which includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keep Assist System, and Driver Attention Alert.\nThe \nSmart City Brake Support\n has been updated to now\n detect vehicles as well as pedestrians\n, both forward and rearward.\nThe 2020 Mazda CX-9 is priced at \nRM319,610.40\n for the 2WD variant, while the AWD variant is priced at \nRM336,610.40\n. The new pricing reflects an increase of RM29,000 on both variants.\nBoth the 2020 Mazda CX-5 RF and 2020 Mazda CX-9 are offered with a \nfive-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty\n, as well as a \nfive-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance\n package, inclusive of parts, lubricants, and labour charges.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2020 Mazda MX-5 RF"
"Bentley once made five hand-built Mulliner coachbuilt stretched Mulsanne Grand limousines sometime back in 2015. While they were all delivered to their destination in the United Arab Emirates, they were never used nor registered \u2013 so now more than five years later, Bentley wants to sell them off.\nBuilt specifically for customers \u201cseeking the finest in luxury limousine transportation\u201d as per Bentley, the Mulsanne Grand limo features a stretched body frame that\u2019s 1,000 mm longer than the regular Mulsanne, alongside a raised roof that offers an additional 79 mm of headroom at the rear.\nSilver Frost over Moroccan Blue \u2013 unique, to say the least.\nOf course, being Mulliner coachbuilt, each of these five Mulsanne Grand limousines each have their own unique specifications, which Bentley has helpfully compiled them into a list below \u2013 first come, first served:\nSilver Frost over Moroccan Blue exterior paint, paired with an Imperial Blue and Linen interior completed by Burr Walnut veneer\nDamson over Black Crystal paintwork, complemented by Damson and Twine leathers and Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer\nOnyx over Candy Red exterior, with a Hotspur and Camel interior finished with Olive Ash veneer\nRubino Red over Light Gazelle bodywork, with an interior in Fireglow and Twine leather paired with Burr Walnut veneer\nA single tone Black Sapphire exterior, with an Imperial Blue and Camel interior contrasted by Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer\nOther unique exterior features include the 21-inch wheels that have been painted to match the car\u2019s exterior paintwork, and a custom-commissioned Flying \u2018B\u2019 bonnet mascot with the words \u2018Coachbuilt by Mulliner\u2019 engraved on the base. But for the true standout features of the stretched limousine, we\u2019ll have to head inside.\nMulliner has just made its 1,000th bespoke project! Check out lucky number 1,000 here.\nBentley says that the stretched Mulsanne is designed specifically for a \u201ctruly luxurious travelling experience\u201d, catered for \u201cfour passenger seats of equal comfort\u201d, with their arrangement inspired by luxury private jets \u2013 two facing the front, and two facing the rear.\nThere\u2019s a bottle cooler with crystal flutes for your fancy champagne in between the two front facing seats, while a beverage cabinet with \u201cbespoke crystal tumblers\u201d sits in-between the rear-facing seats. When you\u2019re not celebrating life with your travel partners while sipping on champagne, the folding veneered picnic tables, alongside iPad docking and charging stations, lets you work comfortably on the move.\nThe coachbuilt Bentley Mulsanne Grand limousine also comes with a completely-custom climate control system, allowing each of the four rear passengers to control their own \u201cmicro-climates\u201d without affecting the other travelling companion\u2019s ideal temperatures.\nAn electrochromic \u2018smart glass\u2019 is placed between the front seats and rear seats, which means the true VVIPs at the rear can enjoy complete privacy with just a press of a button. Bentley also built an intercom system into the car, in case you need to talk to your driver that\u2019s separated via the smart glass panel.\nIf you pay them enough money, Bentley\u2019s Mulliner will even build you a yacht to match your car. Check it out here!\nIn order to support the extra weight and length of the car, Bentley had to re-engineer the chassis and suspension for the Mulsanne Grand. The powertrain was not touched, however, as Bentley\u2019s \niconic 6.75-litre twin turbo V8\n, with \n512 hp\n and \n1,020 Nm\n of torque, is more than enough for this purpose.\nOriginally created as a private commission piece, Bentley Mulliner was given consent to build a limited run of these cars for \u201clike-minded customers\u201d, and they five units here are now all available for purchase through Bentley\u2019s UAE retail partner, Bentley Emirates, with delivery anywhere in the world available as required.\nBentley\u2019s latest arrival in Malaysia is the Flying Spur V8. Check it out in more detail here!\nWith production of the Mulsanne \nended last year\n, these five cars are pretty much the last chance you\u2019ll ever get to buy a \u201cnew\u201d Mulsanne from Bentley. Considering that they\u2019re Mulliner bespoke pieces with limited quantities, it\u2019s also safe to say that they\u2019ll only increase in value from the day you get your hands on it \u2013 so multi-billionaires, you know what to do.\nGALLERY"
"Over the years, Audi\u2019s accolades in the area of highly-automated driving speak volumes for itself. There was the driverless Audi TTS that etched the brand\u2019s four rings on the salt flats before scaling Pikes Peak; there was also the RS7 Sportback which lapped the Hockenheim race track at the limits of physical driving \u2013 without an actual driver.\nAudi has since been demonstrating new thresholds of piloted driving on public roads, from the West Coast of the US to Las Vegas, on the Autobahn and in urban Shanghai traffic.\nNow, Audi will put into production the piloted driving system that\u2019s based on its \nadaptive cruise control\n and \ntraffic jam assist\n functions. At speeds between \n0 to 65 km/h,\n the system will take over the acceleration, braking and even steering duties from the driver as and when he or she desires \u2013 for some stress relief on congested roads.\nWhen traffic subsides, the system will automatically prompt the driver to resume control of the vehicle. The \u201cbrains\u201d behind this ingenuity is the\u00a0central driver assistance control unit \n(zFAS)\n. It uses processors to evaluate the signals from all its sensors while a radar scans the front of the car.\nThis is partnered with a video camera which detects lane markings,\u00a0guardrails, pedestrians and other vehicles. A laser scanner delivers high-precision data about objects up to\n 80 meters\n\u00a0(262.5 ft)\u00a0away.\nAs many as \n12 ultrasonic sensors\n and \nfour cameras\n monitoring the surrounding area of the car; for the zFAS system to create a \u201cpicture\u201d of the traffic situation in great detail \u2013 allowing very early detection of vehicles or objects in front of the vehicle.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Restomods\n are all the rage these days, and the 80s in particular are getting a lot of love. The latest in the \u201coutrun-vibes\u201d restomod collection is Legende Automobile\u2019s Renault 5 Turbo 3, and it\u2019s a money-no-object reimagination of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo road homologation cars.\nAs the name suggests, it\u2019s designed to be the third coming of the Renault 5 Turbo (which had two iterations, the Turbo 1 and 2), and their goal was to combine the best bits of both of those cars with modern technologies for a \u201cno compromises\u201d build, specifically for people \u201cthat are as passionate about driving as we are\u201d \u2013 whatever that means.\nWith that in mind, the US-based Legende Automobile took the original three-door Renault 5 Turbo 2, and gave it a completely reworked hand-made body made \u201cmostly out of carbon fibre\u201d.\nThe body has been significantly widened to fit bigger wheels, giving it a properly \u201cstance-y\u201d look, though still keeping it as proportionate as possible in respect of the Bertone-designed original body styling.\nRenault themselves have also made a modern-day Renault 5 \u2013 but fully electric. Check it out here!\nRound the rear, you\u2019ll find the side glass is framed in carbon fibre with bespoke air curtains incorporated into the C pillars, an extended rear wing, and a custom designed two-piece diffuser that houses a set of square exhaust tips. LED on both the head and tail lights further modernises the Renault 5 Turbo for the modern times.\nWhile the exterior stays pretty true to the classic rally-bred looks, with its rally-inspired wheels and decal branding, the interior is a little more reworked than recreated, filled with modern technologies such as a fully digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control.\nDespite that, the inside of the Renault 5 Turbo 3 still exudes an air of proper restomod energy with its spartan interior appointments (no infotainment displays here), with performance capabilities turned up to 11 thanks to the exposed roll cage, lightweight bucket seats, and six-point harnesses built in.\nThe Kimera EVO37 is yet another restomod of an iconic 1980s homologation special. Check it out here!\nLegende Automobile is staying coy about its performance underneath the Turbo 3\u2019s restomod bodywork, though the internet seems to think that it\u2019ll be around the \n400 hp\n mark, which will be a significant increase over the 1.4-litre turbocharged mill from the original 1983 car.\nWe do know that it\u2019ll come with a manual transmission, though, and it\u2019ll also borrow the double wishbone suspension set-up from the Maxi Turbo rally car. Expect more of these infos to surface when the company decides to put a price tag on it.\nGALLERY"
"Blink and you\u2019d easily mistaken the iX3 for a BMW X3 because they look so identical but in fact, they\u2019re anything but.\nFor starters, the iX3 is purely electric. With a rear-mounted electric motor, effectively making the iX3 rear-wheel drive, it produces 286 hp and 400 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.8 seconds although top speed is limited to just 180 km/h.\nPower is supplied by a 73.8 kWh battery that can be fully charged in just 30 minutes using a 150 kW DC charging, or 7.5 hours using an 11 kW AC Wallbox charger. If you\u2019re conservative with the throttle, you could enjoy up to 461 km of electric driving range.\n \nThe iX3 is available in two variants; the \u2018Inspiring\u2019 and the higher-end \u2018Impressive\u2019. While they may both be dressed with M Sport body kits, the Impressive gets the BMW Laser Light technology to power its headlamps, along with larger 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels.\nThe Impressive is also more \nimpressive\n on the inside; differentiating itself from the Inspiring variant with a head-up display, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 360-degree camera, and driving sound composed in collaboration with Hans Zimmer.\nMore about the BMW iX3 \nhere\n!"
"Just like your birthday, the road tax and insurance renewal of your car is an annual occurrence, albeit something you don\u2019t really look forward to. Displaying your road tax sticker is now no longer mandatory, but the renewal of both the road tax and insurance carries on as usual. Among the many motor coverage options, you may have heard of MotorTakaful by Etiqa.\nFirst things first, let\u2019s address the differences between conventional insurance and takaful. The main difference is the type of agreement/contract where conventional insurance is you purchasing \u2018security\u2019 while takaful is you as a participant agreeing to donate (Tabarru\u2019) to an emergency fund, pooling resources with other donators in case of an emergency.\nThe funds pooled are also invested in compliance with Shariah. Takaful also does not involve riba\u2019 (interest). MotorTakaful by Etiqa applies the Wakalah concept whereby the participants appoint Takaful Operator (Etiqa General Takaful Berhad) to act on their behalf to invest and manage the general takaful fund. For managing the general takaful fund, Takaful Operator is entitled to receive a Wakalah fee.\nApart from that, takaful participants are also entitled to receive a surplus arising from the general takaful fund (if any) provided their certificates have not terminated and they have not made any claims within the financial year. A simplified explanation is that takaful is Shariah compliant while conventional insurance is not.\nWhat is MotorTakaful by Etiqa?\nSo, what is MotorTakaful by Etiqa? It is a vehicle takaful program that covers liabilities to other parties for injury or death, damage to other parties\u2019 property, and accidental damage, fire damage, or theft of your vehicle.\nBenefits of renewing with MotorTakaful by Etiqa\nSome benefits that you get by renewing your takaful certificate with MotorTakaful by Etiqa include:\n\u2022 10% rebate when renewing\n\u2022 Surplus Sharing cashback at the end of the takaful period*\n\u2022 Convenience \u2013 online renewal\n\u2022 Etiqa \u201cSmiles\u201d App\n\u2022 Drive Less Save More program\n\u2022 Cashback for no claims\n\u2022 0% interest instalment (for Maybank credit cards)\n*Terms and conditions apply\nMotorTakaful by Etiqa also has a rewards program for safe driving where you receive cashback if no claims were made, and 24-hour roadside assistance where you can enjoy unlimited mileage if you subscribe to the Driver and Passengers Personal Accident (DPPA). Managed by an award-winning claims team, MotorTakaful serves over 1.5 million customers.\nTypes of MotorTakaful coverage\nThere are three types of coverage under MotorTakaful, namely \u201cThird-party only\u201d, \u201cThird-party, fire, and theft\u201d, and \u201ccomprehensive\u201d.\n\u201cThird-party only\u201d coverage, as its name suggests, only covers liabilities to third parties which include:\n\u2022 Death or bodily injury to any person except those specifically excluded under the takaful certificate.\n\u2022 Damage to property, except those specifically excluded under the takaful certificate.\nMeanwhile, \u201cThird-party, fire, and theft\u201d coverage adds the following on top of \u201cThird party only\u201d coverage:\n\u2022 Fire, explosion, or lightning damage\n\u2022 Burglary, housebreaking, or theft\n\u2022 Towing costs\nAnd being the most complete form of coverage, the \u201cComprehensive\u201d coverage adds on:\n\u2022 Accidental collision or overturning\n\u2022 Collision or overturning caused by mechanical breakdown.\n\u2022 Collision or overturning caused by wear and tear.\n\u2022 Impact damage caused by falling objects (subject to certain exclusions)\n\u2022 Breakage of windscreen, windows, or sunroof including lamination/tinting film\n\u2022 Malicious act\n\u2022 Coverage while in transit (limited coverage)\nEtiqa Smile app\nIf you are already participating in MotorTakaful by Etiqa, you can renew your yearly MotorTakaful coverage through the Etiqa Smile app by clicking the \u2018Renew\u2019 button that appears 2 months prior to the date of expiration of your current certificate. Through the Smile app, you can also activate the \u201cDrive Less Save More\u201d program where you can get:\n30% cash rebate per year if you drive from 0-14 km per day\n20% cash rebate per year if you drive 15-28 km per day\n10% cash rebate per year if you drive 29-42 km per day\nThrough the Smile app, you can also view other coverage programs provided by Etiqa that you are subscribed to. If you\u2019re looking to renew your car coverage anytime soon, remember that you can get a 10% cash rebate when you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just visit \nmotortakaful.com"
"Like the Valkyrie, V12 Speedster with a price tag of \u00a3765,000 (approx. RM4 million before taxes) tears up the Aston Martin rule book once again, with 88 examples set to hit the road by 2021.\nCreated by the brand\u2019s \u201cQ by Aston Martin\u201d bespoke customisation service, the V12 Speedster with hints of the DBS Superleggera and Vantage, went from an idea to production in just over a year.\nThere\u2019s also clear lineage from the 1959 Le Mans winning DBR1 to the Centenary celebratory CC100 Speedster Concept in 2013. There\u2019s also a hint of the 1953 DB3S in the mid-section.\nPowering the Speedster is a 5.2-litre V12 quad cam engine, with \n700 hp\n and \n753 Nm\n, paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential.\nLarge numbers indeed but in reality, it\u2019s no quicker than a standard 911 Carrera 4S with a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n3.5 seconds\n. The Carrera 4S does the same in 3.6 seconds. Top speed of the V12 Speedster is capped at 300 km/h, for obvious reasons.\n21-inch forged wheels and carbon ceramic brakes are standard while the body is almost entirely made from carbon fibre.\nAside from being completely exposed to the elements, with the removal of the windscreen, aural pleasure comes from a stainless steel exhaust that exits from the centre of the rear diffuser.\nInside the open-air cabin is a tasteful blend of hand-crafted leather and carbon fibre. The fighter jet-like aura of the cockpit was inspired by the F/A-18 Hornet jet \u2013 a testament of Aston Martin\u2019s intentions for it to be a living show car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion has announced that the new Ford Ranger FX4 will make its local debut on the 3rd of June via a \nvideo livestream\n on both YouTube and Facebook Live. The updated FX4 model was first launched in November last year in Australia and New Zealand, though later introduced in Thailand as an extension to the \nXLT variant\n.\nThe FX4 dresses up the \nfacelifted Ford Ranger\n with a whole swath of stealthy black cosmetic upgrades. Up front, the headlights are darkened, flanking the variant-exclusive mesh-styled grille, finished in Ebony Black.\nThe front and rear bumper on the FX4 also gets the blacked-out treatment, along with the wing mirror cover and door handles. The Ranger FX4 rides on a new 18-inch Ebony Black alloy wheels, while a \u20183D Effect\u2019 Ranger badging rounds up the exterior aesthetic treatments.\nInside, the Ranger FX4 gets a black leather upholstery, finished with red accent stitching. Based on international market specifications, the FX4 should come equipped with the eight-inch SYNC 3 infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, though SDAC might swap it out for an Android-based headunit, as seen on the \nXLT Special Edition\n.\nIf there are no additional changes though, expect to see other standard equipment such as six speakers, 4.2-inch multi-info display in the instrument cluster, six-way power adjustable driver seats, and four-way power adjustable front passenger seat.\nThe Australian Ranger FX4 gets the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine as seen on the WildTrak 4\u00d74 and \nRaptor\n, but our local-spec FX4 will most likely be equipped with the 2.2-litre TDCI turbodiesel unit from the XLT, managing \n160 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox.\nTo celebrate the launch of the new variant, SDAC-Ford will be rewarding the\n first 150 owners\n with \nadditional accessories worth RM5,398\n, including a matte-black sports bar, executive tinting, as well as an in-built digital video recorder.\nThose interested in placing an order before the launch can do so via the\n Ford Digital Salesperson\n, a dedicated WhatsApp chat line to connect you directly to a nearby Ford salesperson. The Digital Salesperson is available at \n+6019-204 1200\n, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm."
"The Lamborghini Huracan Performante has clocked the fastest time on eight different international circuits just a year after its official debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.\nThe eight circuits were the Vairano, Balocco and Le Mans Bugatti circuits in Italy, the Contidrom and Boxberg circuits in Germany, the Mira and Wroughton proving grounds in the United Kingdom and the Anneau du Rhin track in France.\nThe new records are testament to the Lamborghini\u2019s exceptional features including the \nLamborghini Active Aerodynamics (ALA) System\n which won the Autocar Innovation Award last year.\nThis system was made possible by the use of innovative ultra-lightweight materials such as Forged Composite, aero-vectoring, a dedicated chassis set-up, an all-wheel drive system and further enhancements to the powertrain.\nThe Performante is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 naturally-aspirated engine with 640 hp and 600 Nm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in \n2.9 seconds\n\u00a0with a top speed of over 325 km/h."
"It seems that BMW\nMalaysia is not letting Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) taking all the limelight\nin the high-performance crossover segment with the official debut of the BMW X2\nM35i xDrive. It is also the first ever M Performance vehicle to be launched in\nthe Malaysian market.\nYes, we know it\u2019s not a direct competitor to the \nMercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC\n but it\u2019s not a case of David vs Goliath either. The Beemer still packs a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with \n306 hp \nand \n450 Nm \nof torque \u2013 69 hp and 25 Nm down from the AMG.\n \nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nBMW X2 M35i xDrive \n Engine\n 1,998cc; 4-cylinder\nturbo\n Transmission\n 8-speed automatic\n Max Torque\n 306 hp @ 5,000\n\u2013 6,250 rpm\n Max Power\n 450 Nm @ 1,750\n\u2013 4,500 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h;\nTop Speed\n 4.9 seconds; 250\nkm/h\n Estimated Price\n(OTR without insurance)\n RM400,000\nPaired to a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the X2 M35i takes the century sprint in \n4.9 seconds \nwith a limited top speed of 250 km/h. If you look at it this way, the X2 is only half a second off from the GLA 45. Other performance-enhancing bits include the M Sport adaptive suspension with two settings \u2013 Comfort and Sport as well as the M Sport front differentials.\nThe M35i distinguishes\nitself from a regular sDrive20i through the sharp M Sport Aero Kit, larger M Sport\nbrakes with blue callipers, 20-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 721\nM wrapped in 225/40 profile run flat rubbers, Cerium Grey finish for the air\ninlets, exterior mirror caps and the all important M35i emblem at the rear.\nInside, apart from the\nRed Dakota leather upholstery, M Sport Seats and seat belts, it would be hard\nto tell this apart from a regular X2. Other amenities include M leather wrapped\nmultifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Heads Up Display, reverse\ncamera, LCD instrument cluster, 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12-speaker\nHarman Kardon surround sound system.\nBMW X2M35i\nBMW_X2M35i\nDeliveries of the BMW X2 M35i will commence from July 2019 onwards and carries an estimated price tag of RM400,000. Every purchase also comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 5-Years Free Scheduled Service\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X2 M35i Launched in Malaysia\nBMW X2M35i\nBMW_X2M35i"
"The new \nHap Seng Star KL Autohaus \nhas just been launched by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and it\u2019s the first Autohaus with a Luxury Lifestyle Boutique, featuring exclusive Mercedes-Benz design collection and accessories for customers and their Mercedes-Benz vehicles.\n\u201cWith this investment in the first, new Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence in the heart of KL City Centre and the first Mercedes-Benz Accessories and Collection Boutique in Malaysia, we aim to create the best experience for our customers throughout their ownership journey,\u201d said CEO of Hap Seng Group Automotive and Group CEO of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad, Harald Behrend.\nHap Seng Star Kuala Lumpur Autohaus is managed by 20 personnel, seated on a 29,300 sq. ft land and handles everything related to vehicle sales. The lifestyle experience includes Malaysia\u2019s first Mercedes-Benz Luxury Accessories and Collection Boutique, catering to a wide range of customers with a variety of collectables and products for business and pleasure.\nThe boutique offers a range of accessories such as sunglasses, watches, and more. Customers can now choose the right outfit to suit every occasion as well as matching Mercedes-Benz accessories like belts, wallets, and cufflinks.\nThat\u2019s not all. The HSS Autohaus also houses a private lounge on Level 2, overlooking the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. While you\u2019re waiting to be attended to, there\u2019s a stylish and spacious cafe on Level 3 for you to unwind with refreshments. The spacious delivery bays, spanning over 2,000 sq.ft., are fitted with special illuminations delivering a unique vehicle handover experience.\nHap Seng has invested a total of over RM300 million to date in enriching customer touchpoints nationwide, with an investment of RM3.5 million in the Hap Seng Star KL Autohaus alone. They are currently in 11 locations, including Kuala Lumpur, \nKinrara\n, Balakong, Jalan Ipoh, Bukit Tinggi, \nSetia Alam\n, Melaka, and Iskandar in Peninsular Malaysia. In Sabah and Sarawak, Hap Seng is present in Kuching, Miri and \nKota Kinabalu\n.\nGALLERY"
"Accelerating out of a corner in second gear, you increase the throttle input and the engine makes more \nbeautiful intake and exhaust notes\n as it reaches the next bend. Unfortunately, the required shift to fully electric powertrain means the end of noises from combustion engines. Or is it?\nAs BMW is moving towards a product line-up with \nmore electric vehicles (EV)\n, the brand that\u2019s famously known with the tagline \u201cSheer Driving Pleasure\u201d is also moving to reinstate the various acoustic properties generally linked to enthusiastic driving and pleasure.\nHans Zimmer, film music creator and Academy Award winner that has worked on blockbuster movies such as Inception, Gladiator and The Dark Knight, is collaborating with BMW M to compose a soundtrack that is emotionally rich as the driver accelerates in a fully-electric BMW M car.\nZimmer had previously been involved in the development of an inspiring ready-to-drive sound for electrically powered BMWs which instils a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the Start button is pressed. The latest chapter in this collaboration covers drive sounds for the BMW iX and \nBMW i4\n, including a \ndifferentiated sound\n for the M-specification version of the BMW i4.\nZimmer said, \u201cSo for the electrically driven BMW M models we have developed a driving sound which accentuates their emotional driving experience particularly vividly and ensures their performance can be felt with even greater intensity.\u201d\nSimilar to current BMW electrified (PHEV) models, different driving modes have different sound profiles channelled into the cabin. For the \nupcoming BMW iX\n, the new \nIconicSounds Electric\n feature will provide an immersive and pleasant atmosphere under the Comfort driving mode, while Eco Pro mode goes into full silent mode.\nSwitching to Sport mode, the car\u2019s aural spectrum is more dominant and powerful, the sound providing a constant commentary on the driving situation. Drive system processes are registered within milliseconds and acceleration, load changes or recuperation given a suitable acoustic accompaniment.\nIn the version developed specifically for electrified BMW M models, the drive sound of the BMW i4 is charged with extra energy, together with larger differentiation from Comfort to Sport modes.\nAcceleration sparks a rich intensification of the soundtrack\u2019s development, authentically reflecting the car\u2019s performance character. \u201cWhen you press the pedal of an M car, you suddenly get goosebumps all over your body,\u201d says Creative Sound Designer at BMW Group, Renzo Vitale. \u201cWe translated this feeling into a drive sound that expresses a fusion of superior power and flowing energy.\u201d\n \nBMW is certainly putting all the expertise and know-how they have to ensure the brand values are retained with the shift from six- and eight-cylinder powertrains to fully electric systems. The company has been \nfine-tuning\n the input-output parameters of the new BMW i4 to ensure spontaneous reactions to every movement \u2013 not just from the accelerator pedal but also from the steering and brake pedal.\nThe IconicSounds Electric feature is set to be standard in the BMW iX and can be specified as \nan option\n for the upcoming BMW i4. What\u2019s more, the new sounds can be imported retrospectively via Remote Software Upgrade, should the customer wish.\nThe new spectrum includes one ready-to-drive sound and one-stop sound, plus a driving sound which will be made available in the relevant version for BMW models and BMW M cars with electrified drive system."
"The government is still studying and detailing the various appropriate options to reduce the toll rates in Malaysia. The Works Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, also said that the government and highway concessionaires are in a two-way discussion to restructure the financial mechanism of toll collection to ensure a fair return whilst not burdening the road users. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIn a report by \nBerita Harian\n, the short elaboration was part of his ending debate (under Works Ministry) on the 12th Malaysia Plan. Datuk Seri Fadillah also said that apart from his ministry and highway concessionaires, all suggestions will also be deliberated between the Ministry of Finance, the Prime Minister\u2019s Department, the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) as well as other relevant agencies to reach a decision holistically.\nUnder the chapter \u2018Enhancing efficiency of transport and logistics infrastructure\u2019 in the 12th Malaysia Plan, the topic of reviewing the model on highway development and benefit to the people was very briefly mentioned.\nGreen light for interstate travel to be announced soon, as vaccination rate has hit over 88%, just a day or two before the 90% target. Recap the announcement here.\nEarlier this year, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) released a statement that the deferment in toll hikes in 2021 has an estimated compensation value of \nover RM2.25 billion\n.\nOn February 1st 2020, the highway network owned and operated by PLUS Expressways Bhd that includes the North-South Expressway, Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA) and ELITE Expressway reduced its toll charges by 18%, after a concession restructuring agreement with the Cabinet.\nThe 12th Malaysia Plan also touched on the incentives for low emission vehicles. More about the plan here.\nThe reduced toll fares will be maintained until the end of the concession which is 2058- an extension of \n20 years\n. \u00a0\nOther ideas mooted by the previous administration included variable fares for inter-city tolls (LDP, KESAS, SPRINT and SMART) based on peak and non-peak hours. The topic of cheaper toll rates was one of the key subjects and even included as an election manifest by the opposition party in 2018."
"What you\u2019re seeing here is the 10th-generation Honda Civic sedan, a completely redesigned version of the 43-year old model that\u2019s also new from the ground up, Honda says. It will come fitted with two engine options \u2013 a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and a turbocharged 1.5-litre powerplant.\nWe have agree to some extent that the \n9th generation (outgoing) Civic\n missed the mark in terms of design, but Honda seemed to be on the right track when they \npreviewed its concept\n. In full production form, the Civic is effectively wider (50mm), lower (25mm) and has a longer wheelbase (30mm). The front and rear overhangs have been shortened, while design-wise the front end gets an aggressive hood whereas the rump features a fastback-style look, almost reminiscent of the \nAudi A7\n!\nThis Civic features \nextensive use of LEDs\n, and illumination source is also courtesy of the low-energy light source. Headlights and daytime running lights are full LED, whereas the rear gets the distinctive \nC-shaped LED taillights\n as standard. Besides the new look, this Civic boasts having a lower centre of gravity, which means it should \nhandle better\n than the current model. The new chassis sees improvement done to both the front and rear suspension; the former gets a pair of redesigned struts while the rear features a new multi-link setup mounted to the \nultra-rigid\n\u00a0rear subframe.\nBesides that, torsional rigidity is \nup by 25 percent\n, thanks in part to ultra-high-strength steel. Despite the larger footprint, the Civic weighs about \n31kg less\n than before. It\u2019s also more slippery as well, charting aerodynamic improvements that\u2019s \n12 percent better\n, courtesy of the \nfull underbody covers\n.\nThe Civic for the longest time has been\u00a0associated with having one of the noisier cabins in its class, but the 9th-gen facelifted model had that sorted out pretty well. Now, the all-new Civic isn\u2019t just the quietest by far, it\u2019s also said to be the \nmost comfortable\n, \nsophisticated\n \nand premium-feeling cabin\n in the compact class. An additional 105 litres of interior space has been added, while rear legroom space is stretched by 51mm!   Here, the Civic\u2019s standard equipment includes \nautomatic climate control\n (dual-zone controls on higher trim levels), electronic parking brake with\n Brake Hold\n, \nWalk Away\n auto door locks and an adjustable driver\u2019s seat thigh support with 14 degrees of tilt and a new, reconfigurable\u00a0\n7.2-litre storage space\n in the piano-black centre console. Features like soft-touch instrument panel, moulded stitching, new full-colour TFT meter, LED shift indicator and LED cabin lighting, \n8-way powered driver seat\n and 4-way front passenger seat certainly make the Civic an interesting proposition.\nAs mentioned earlier, \nonly two engines\n will be offered in the United States when it goes on sale later this year \u2013 a base \n2.0-litre\n and the new\n 1.5-litre turbocharged\n engines. We\u2019re all familiar with the former unit; a 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder block that will be mated to a \nsix-speed manual\n or a\n CVT gearbox\n. Upper-tier variants will benefit from the new turbocharged powertrain, but output figures remain unknown at present.\nThe 10th-gen Honda Civic Concept\nFinally, the new Civic incorporates better agility and refined ride quality in an effort to lead its segment. As such, it gets \nhydraulic compliance bushings\n to help isolate road vibration \u2013 a technology that\u2019s typically used in more expensive vehicles. Stabiliser bars at the front and rear are beefed up for better handling, and couple that with Honda\u2019s new\n Agile Handling Assist brake-torque vectoring technology\n, the new Civic should altogether spell more fun. The bigger question now is, what form will the Civic take when it arrives in Malaysia?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over the course of last Saturday\u2019s Sportscar Together Day at Sepang, official distributor of Porsche cars in Malaysia Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) confirmed its intention to launch the Porsche Taycan in Malaysia in 2020.\nPorsche\u2019s fully electric Tesla Model S fighter will finally be unveiled to the world at the forthcoming Frankfurt motor show in September, with production to kick off before the end of the year. The Taycan started life as the Mission E concept before being christened \u2018Taycan\u2019 a year ago, which translates to the \u2018soul of a spirited young horse\u2019 in Turkic languages.\nTaycan at Goodwood recently; global unveiling at Frankfurt motor show in September.\nThe Taycan is similar in size to the Panamera and is a four-door coupe-like sedan. It runs on an 800-volt architecture, similar to the system deployed in the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid sport car. The rule of thumb being the higher the voltage, the lower the current, which equates to lower resistance and transmission losses, which in turn raises the efficiency and allows for a faster charging time. Tesla systems currently run on 400V.\n800V architecture shortens charging times dramatically, but will there be rapid chargers to capitalise?\nThe Porsche Taycan\u2019s specifications are no secret; it is expected to have a battery capacity ranging from 80 kWh to 96 kWh, with range rated up to 500 km per full charge. The entry variant is rumoured to be rear-wheel drive while the top \u2018Turbo\u2019 spec to have twin motors and all-wheel drive; the latter having a combined output of over 600 hp and around 900 Nm of torque, good for a sub-3.5 second 0-100 km/h time and a top speed of over 250 km/h.\nPrices are subject to trim and equipment levels, but the Taycan is expected to cost within the vicinity of a Tesla Model S in the US, ranging from US$90,000 to US$130,000. Porsche says they have already received 30,000 orders so far."
"The Ferrari 812 Superfast needs no introduction. With the most powerful naturally-aspirated V12 engine ever made for a production car, it\u2019s \nas bonkers in a straight line as its name suggests\n.\nNovitec Group, tuners of the most high-end supercars money can buy, clearly doesn\u2019t believe that the sky is the limit. Taking a design that\u2019s been revered all over the world, the German tuning house famed for disrupting the natural state of Ferraris, have definitely captured the imaginations of our inner 8-year olds with this new \u201ccreation\u201d.\nThe Novitec edition 812 Superfast has been dressed with a list of carbon fibre bits that includes a front splitter, side skirts, side mirror covers, rear spoiler and rear bumper attachments.\nMechanically, the 812 Superfast gets coil springs with hydaulic adjustments that complements the car\u2019s standard dampers, a set of 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels and several exhaust system options that \nreduces the car\u2019s weight by up to 11 kg\n.\nIf you\u2019ve been living under a rock and have not heard of the 812 Superfast, check out\n our first impressions of it\n here. Better yet, watch our\n 2018 Driver\u2019s Cars of the Year video\n and listen to how it sounds!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford Malaysia is now taking pre-launch bookings of the iconic Mustang, ahead of its arrival sometime in December this year. As you would know by now, two variants of the pony will be introduced upon arrival, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost and 5.0-litre Coyote V8. Pricing starts from RM435k for the former and the latter at RM550k.\nDuring its \npreview at Publika\n, there were rumours of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost carrying a price tag lower than RM500k. Although Ford Malaysia\u2019s indicative pricing isn\u2019t significantly lower than the half-a-million mark, pricing the \nturbocharged four-banger\n between RM435,000 to RM450,000 may seriously shrug off many aspiring first-time owners.\nThe 5.0-litre V8 variant on the other hand, has an indicative pricing between RM550,000 to RM565,000. This motor is good for \n435 hp\n and \n542 Nm\n of torque, whereas the direct injected EcoBoost lump makes \n310 hp\n and \n434 Nm\n of torque. Malaysian bound ponies will very likely be fitted with the ZF-derived \nsix-speed automatic\n as opposed to Getrag\u2019s six-speed manual gearbox.\nBoth Mustangs are fully imported from Ford\u2019s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in the US, and will come in five colours \u2013 Oxford White, Shadow Black, Deep Impact Blue, Magnetic Grey and Race Red. The V8 variant gets an exclusive Triple Yellow Tri-Coat shade. So, dear readers, what do you think of the Mustang\u2019s pricing? Yay, or nay?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Mustang 5.0L V8 in Publika   Ford Mustang Official Photos"
"After an absence of about a decade, Proton is now marking its return to South Africa with the first shipment of vehicles to the nation since 2012, following the signing of CMH Group as its new distributor in the country. The first batch of vehicles, which left Westport, Klang last Friday, consists of the \nProton X50\n, \nX70\n, and \nSaga\n.\nThe cargo ship is expected to arrive in Durban, South Africa, in July this year, ahead of the models\u2019 scheduled launch by the end of the third quarter this year.\n\u201cSouth Africa is a matured and competitive market, but we are confident the Proton X50, Proton X70 and Saga have the right combination of features and value to compete with other brands there,\u201d said Proton Director of International Sales, Steven Xu.\nThe fact that most of the cars you see here in the photos are SUVs is no coincidence. Proton says that most of its export sales growth this year has been driven by the X50 and X70, with both showing an increase in demand of 77% and 31% respectively.\nRELATED: Proton X50, X70, Exora lead segment sales charts in first four months of 2022\nOverall, the national carmaker\u2019s export sales in the first quarter this year have seen a growth of 175% compared to the same period last year. The number is expected to grow to over 300% by the end of the year, as Proton ramps up its assembly operations overseas.\nLocal assembly plants for Proton are already up and running in Pakistan, Kenya, and Bangladesh, while Sri Lanka is set to join the list in the second half of 2022.\nDespite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Proton says that it still managed to increase its representation within Malaysia\u2019s overall vehicle exports, from 12.8% in 2019, to 30.2% in 2020, and 61% in 2021.\n\u201cGrowth in export sales is vital to Proton being able to achieve its long-term goals. The company will need to explore more new markets to push its volume growth rate, and we are making the necessary investments both here at Tanjung Malim and in our overseas operations to ensure we are ready to move quickly to exploit any new opportunities,\u201d added Proton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah."
"You\u2019ve probably seen it multiple times seeing that it was \nintroduced globally last year \nbut nothing beats being in the presence of a supercar sculptured to exude such drama.\nDespite how the aggressive the exterior looks, especially at the back, the interior was surprisingly simple, with a no-frills vibe. You get the sense that McLaren intended for it to be that way so that you\u2019re not distracted from the sole purpose of being behind the wheel \u2013 to drive.\n \nThe latest and possibly hottest open-top supercar in Malaysia at the moment can be had in three trims \u2013 standard, Luxury and Performance \u2013 with a starting price of\u00a0\nRM 1,218,000 before duties and options."
"As luxury cars become more and more commonplace, standout features also become even harder to come by. It\u2019s not like carmakers aren\u2019t trying; in recent times we\u2019ve seen unique materials like tweed or high-tech gizmos such as the Hyperscreen, but nothing has really stood out. So will this gold ring on the\n Bentley Mulliner Batur\n be any different?\nWell, perhaps. Because not only is it 210 grams of 18-carat yellow gold in an 18-unit-only limited-edition special model, it\u2019s also quite simply a technological marvel. Yes, you read that title right \u2013 it\u2019s literally 3D-printed without a cast or mould, much like how you would print a small plastic dog.\nBentley calls the additive manufacturing process to be \u201cground-breaking\u201d, and believes that it\u2019s the first time that it\u2019s been used in the automotive industry. except that we\u2019ve seen 3D-printed metallic car parts before, like this \ntitanium brake calliper from Bugatti\n. Maybe they meant interior ornaments, or specifically for gold? We\u2019ll never know.\nRELATED: \nPorsche begins sale of new 3D-printed bodyform bucket seats\nAside from that one minor pedantic point, though, we have to admit that it does look pretty cool. Beyond the central Charisma Dial, which encircles the start/stop button and is used to change the Batur\u2019s driving modes, you can also opt for a 3D-printed golden Organ Stop vent controls on the dashboard, as well as a gold insert marker on the steering wheel.\nBentley Mulliner worked with renowned goldsmiths Cooksongold to craft the unique 3D-printed parts for the Batur. All the raw gold material is sourced from 100% recycled old jewellery, ground into a fine powder needed for the 3D printing technique.\nThe company says that using recycled material means there\u2019s no environmental impact from mining for new precious metals, and also reflects its commitment to its \nBeyond100\n carbon-neutral strategy.\nEach of these 3D-printed gold parts in the Batur is digitally designed using CAD models, before sending them to laser melting printers. After being printed, the pieces are then hand finished by skilled artisan jewellers, using traditional techniques to achieve the \u201cpolish and quality that is synonymous with a Bentley\u201d.\nThey\u2019re then hallmarked in Birmingham\u2019s Jewellery Quarter as a sign of having solid material authenticity. Additionally, any parts manufactured in 2022 will also receive the Jubilee hallmark, celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s Platinum Jubilee year. It doesn\u2019t get any more British than that.\nALSO READ: \nBentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition is a luxury SUV that wants to save the planet\nEarlier this year, Bentley committed a further GBP3 million investment to double the company\u2019s 3D-printing capacity at the Crewe factory, converting 3D CAD models into physical parts. The expansion will facilitate more low volume manufacturing components and bespoke customer personalisation, such as these 3D-printed gold parts.\nAs for the car, the Bentley Mulliner Batur is the \u201cfastest Bentley in the company\u2019s 103-year history\u201d, taking the form of a coupe that also showcases the brand\u2019s future design DNA for its electric cars. Despite that, it\u2019s still powered by the legendary 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, making more than \n740 hp \nand \n1,000 Nm\n of torque. Too bad they\u2019re only making 18 of them.\nREAD MORE: \nBentley Batur previews brand\u2019s future EVs. while using a W12 engine"
"You\u2019ve probably run out of interesting things to watch on Netflix, and whatever\u2019s tucked aside in the \u201cMy List\u201d section doesn\u2019t exactly interest you enough to embark on. The signs are there \u2013 you\u2019ve probably spent more time than you ever should on the streaming service in one lifetime so here\u2019s something different to keep the mind fresh.\nInterestingly, we\u2019re back to basics again. Like the colouring work Audi has prescribed and the \npaper craft Toyota 86\n with different liveries, it\u2019s back to good ol\u2019 artwork and its therapeutic effects.\nThere are a total of 10 different Mazda models \u2013 of old and new \u2013 including the \nMazda2\n, \nMazda3\n, \nMazda6\n, \nCX-3\n, \nCX-5\n,\n MX-5 \nalong with classics like the Mazda \nLuce Rotary Coupe\n, \nFamilia\n, \nMazda\u2019s first ever car the R360\n \nand the \nCosmo Sport \nto assemble.\nThese models have been differentiated by their difficulty levels \u2013 High, Medium and Low. What you\u2019d need are some scissors, cutters, paper clips and some form of adhesive and you\u2019re good to go. Mazda even provided the cars in White, in case you\u2019d like to opt for a different paint job.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia\n (VGM) has updated the\n Beetle 1.2 TSI \nwith a complete RM10,000 price drop, offering two new trims called \nDesign\n, and \nSport\n. They differ in terms of equipment at\u00a0RM 11,000 difference.\nOn the outside, both specs get auto-folding mirrors, front foglamps with static cornering lights, and \n16-inch \u2018Whirl\u2019 alloy wheels\n. Design spec gets a pair of halogen headlamps but on Sport it\u2019s equipped with \nBi-Xenon\n headlamps with \nLED\n daytime running lights.\nInside, the Design spec comes with\n RCD 310\n radio system with single CD slot, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and 8 speakers. Sport will replace the radio with a touch screen \nRCD 510\n unit with 6 CD changer, SD-card slot, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and 8 speakers. Additionally, Sport will offer more creature comforts with the inclusion of Vienna leather upholstery, front sports seats, 2-zone climate control, cruise control, and shift paddles.\nMechanically, it retains the \n1.2-litre TSI\n turbocharged powerplant and the\n 7-speed DSG\n transmission. Just to recap, the \n1,197 cc\n powerplant generates\n 104 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and \n175 Nm\n of torque from 1,550 to 4,100 rpm. It accelerates from\n 0-100 km/h\n in\n 10.9 seconds\n and the \ntop speed\n is \n180 km/h\n. The combined\n fuel consumption\n is\n 5.9 l/100 km\n.\nFor safety, a \nnew anti-theft alarm system\n with electronic immobiliser is thrown in with this update. Other safety features include ABS with BA, ESC, front and rear parking sensors, hill-hold assist, and front, side, and thorax airbags.\nThe Beetle is offered in Candy White, Tornado Red, Saturn Yellow, Toffee Brown and Deep Black exterior colours. The Beetle \n1.2l TSI Design\n is priced at\n RM131,888\n, while the\n 1.2l TSI Sport\n is priced at \nRM142,888\n and both are now available for booking. In conjunction with the reintroduction of the updated Beetle 1.2 TSI range, VGM invites everyone to \u201cGet Happy with The Beetle\u201d with a number of fun and engaging activities in showrooms happening from 15th to 17th August 2014.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2023 \nToyota Alphard\n and \nVellfire\n are planned to be unveiled in Japan in June this year. However, prior to when we are supposed to see the car officially, photos of the two cars have been leaked online.\nThe pictures that have emerged online seem to be production versions of the car at some undisclosed production facility. With these leaked images, we can clearly see the design elements of the Alphard and Vellfire without referring to any renders or teaser images anymore.\nIn the pictures shown, the Alphard is finished in a solid white colour. At the front of the 2023 Toyota Alphard is a grille that is largely similar to the one in the outgoing generation, however, it is now bigger than ever.\nA new pair of headlights are also present but looks to be slimmer this time around. The hood of the car looks short and doesn\u2019t seem to be touching the grille and headlights either.\nAt the back of the 2023 Alphard is the same iconic boxy design, but with newly redesigned tail lights. There is also a large amount of gloss black finishing that houses the \nToyota\n logo, Alphard emblem, tail lights as well as the number plate. The rear hatch is slightly curved right below the tail lights, giving the rear end a bulbous appearance.\nAs opposed to the white colour of the Toyota Alphard in the images, the Toyota Vellfire is finished in glossy black paint. Like in the past, the Vellfire features a very similar profile to the Alphard but is executed in a sportier manner.\nAt the front of the Vellfire is a more aggressive-looking grille with lots of horizontal chrome slats. To match the grille, the front bumper of the Vellfire features a chrome surround which houses the fog lights. Unlike the front, the back of the Vellfire features a similar design to the Alphard. Interestingly, the design also resembles a certain generation of the \nHonda Odyssey\n.\nThe Alphard and Vellfire are favourite choices for business owners and even politicians in Malaysia. And if one would be excited about the new 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, it would be them.\nRELATED: \nIs Toyota really giving the Prius a GR treatment?\nGALLERY"
"J.D. Power\n has released its annual US vehicle dependability study for 2021, which saw Lexus, Porsche, and Kia rise to the top of the ranks as the most \u201cdependable\u201d vehicle brands on sale in the United States.\nThe study, now in its 32nd\u00a0year, measures the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles (i.e. manufactured in approx. 2018). A lower score in the J.D. Power study means that the model is more \u201cdependable\u201d.\nFor the 2021 study, the company received responses from\u00a033,251 verified owners,\u00a0fielded from July 2020 through November 2020.\nThe \nLexus ES\n ranked first in dependability within its segment.\nWhat is slightly contentious though, is that the study gives equal weightage to all 177 specific problems from eight different categories: audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); engine/transmission; exterior; interior; features/controls/displays (FCD); driving experience; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; and seats.\nThe equal weightage system means that a small Bluetooth connectivity issue with the infotainment system is essentially as \u201cproblematic\u201d as a faulty gearbox. According to\n \nJ.D. Power vice president of global automotive, Dave Sargent, the method is justified as \u201cmost owners aren\u2019t experiencing their vehicles breaking down or falling apart\u201d these days, but vehicle technology continues to function poorly or inconsistently.\n\u201cIf an owner can\u2019t rely on a system to work as they expect, it is also considered a lack of dependability. It affects their overall view of the vehicle and their likelihood of staying loyal to their automaker,\u201d Sargent explains.\nLexus\u2019s infotainment system with its trackpad-based controls is far from ideal.\nWe might not agree with their standards for gauging \u201cdependability\u201d, but even when disregarding that, we were still surprised to see the Japanese luxury brand topping the charts in this study, given that our \nrecent experiences\n with Lexus\u2019 infotainment system have been less than ideal. but we digress.\nAre infotainment systems really as important as a working engine these days?\nIn terms of scores, Lexus took first place again for the ninth time in the last 10 years, with a score of 81 PP100. Porsche ranked second at 86 PP100, followed by Kia at 97 PP100. Toyota loses out on the top three by just one single point, coming in at 98 PP100.\nKia was the Most Improved Player this year, with a reduction of 35 PP100 from its results in 2020. This is also the first time Kia has ranked the highest overall among the mass market brands. However, the \u201cMost Dependable Model\u201d title once again went to the Porsche 911, taking the crown twice in the last three years.\nThe Porsche 911, ranked as the most dependable model in the United States.\nOverall, J.D. Power says that vehicle dependability has improved to the best level ever, with an industry average of just 121 PP100 \u2013 the lowest in the study\u2019s history, and a 13 PP100 (10%) improvement from 2020. This is also one of the largest improvements the study has ever seen in recent times; the past two years had improvements of just 2 PP100 and 6 PP100, respectively.\nOf course, being the cynical bunch that we are, we can\u2019t help to think that a large part of this is due to \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, which means people are driving lesser than before, thus have lesser opportunities to discover these problems.\nAnyway, the results in full can be seen in the chart below. Do you agree with the rankings, and our take on it? Let us know in the comments below!\nTesla, although given a score, was not officially ranked in the results as J.D. Power was not granted permission (by Tesla) to survey its owners in 15 states. If included, it\u2019ll be ranked 30/34."
"Ducati Malaysia\n, under the management of Next Bike Sdn Bhd recently won three awards at the \nDucati\n Global Dealer Conference 2022. The conference was hosted in Italy from October 16 to 18, 2022, finally returning to a physical format after being hosted digitally over the recent years.\nAt the conference, Ducati Malaysia won the following three awards:\n\u201cGlobal Distributor of the Year 2022\u201d\n\u201cBest Marketing Team 2022 APAC\u201d\n\u201cBest Commercial After Sales Team\u201d\nDucati Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Asia Pacific, Mr. Marco Biondi said, \u201cMalaysia has proven to be an incredibly successful market in recent years, and beyond that, the Ducati riders community in the country has continued to grow, attracting new owners and existing owners who have found it such a rewarding affiliation.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cIt comes as no surprise that the Ducati Malaysia team\u2019s relentless passion for the brand and full-throttle efforts by all departments have been a huge driving force behind the country\u2019s high-performance levels across all aspects. Ducati Malaysia is highly deserving of the three accolades, and they have continued to raise the bar even after being recognized in 2021 as the Best Marketing Team and Best Commercial After Sales Team in APAC.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \nFerrari F8 Spider & Ducati Panigale V4S Review\nThis year\u2019s achievement by Ducati Malaysia builds on the momentum from last year when it was awarded \u201cBest marketing Team 2021 APAC\u201d and \u201cBest Commercial After Sales Team 2021 APAC\u201d. Ducati Malaysia expressed its gratitude toward the Malaysian network of Ducati dealers that have helped to bring the brand closer to customers nationwide:\nDucati Sungai Buloh \u2013 Welly World Cycle\nDucati Penang \u2013 Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn. Bhd.\nDucati Kuala Lumpur \u2013 Madani Greatlink Sdn Bhd\nDucati Johor Bahru \u2013 Ultra Maxlink Sdn Bhd\nOn receiving the awards, Next Bike Sdn Bhd Head of Company, Mr. Dennis Michael said, \u201cThis award is a celebration of the entire Ducati Malaysia family, from the working team keeping all the gears turning rapidly every single day, to our passionate community of owners and customers.\u201d\n\u201cThere is no question that the Ducati brand continues to strengthen its global presence, and the teams in every individual country have worked tirelessly. We are just proud, humbled, and grateful that all the work has continued to yield amazing results for us,\u201d he adds."
"It seems that Geely\u2019s first order of business with Lotus Cars is to introduce shared powertrains with other Geely-owned brands. Currently, Lotus employs a variety of Toyota engines throughout its model line up.\nAccording to \nAutoCar UK\n, the decision to adopt shared engines is to make use of shared resources among the Geely Group. Geely also owns Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co and \nProton Cars\n among others. Recently Geely also has become the single largest shareholder in Daimler after acquiring a \n9.69 percent stake in the German giant\n.\nVolvo V90 T6 R-Design can sprint from 0 \u2013 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds\nThat does not mean Lotus cars are going to turn to vanilla hairdresser\u2019s car because Geely wants \nLotus to compete with Ferrari and Porsche again\n. In Volvo\u2019s stable, its 2.0-litre four-cylinder T6 petrol engine makes \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque thanks to TwinCharged technology (turbocharged and supercharged). Imagine that, in a Lotus with a manual box.\nFurther down the line, \nLotus intends to introduce an SUV\n after 2020 which will be built in China for obvious reasons \u2013 China is the single largest automotive market in the world."
"Not that we are biased towards motorists, we have always been open to sharing the roads but this is great news for those who have been inconvenienced and put at risk more than once by ignorant and inconsiderate bicyclists. The government has finally made an announcement to address this issue.\nAccording to local news sources, cycling on highways without permission/permit from the police or the Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) can fined between RM1,000 to RM5,000. The offence also carries a jail term of up to 12 months.\nAccording to the article by Harian Metro, the Director of the Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT), Datuk Mat Kasim Karim said that the offence falls under Section 54 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.\nHe also added that failure to comply with road signs forbidding cycling activities on highways is also an offense under Section 79 (2) of the Road Transport Act 1987. As a result, the bicycles can be impounded under Section 112 (3) of the same act.\nCyclists on highways who do not fit front and rear lights can be found guilty under Section 35 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, with a maximum fine of RM2,000. Under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, cycling in a group but not in a single file is also an offense.\nAccording to Mat Kasim, there have been 150 cycling-related accidents reported between January to September 2021. Of the 150 cases, there were 71 fatalities."
"With the latest announcement by the Malaysian Transport Minister on displaying the road tax sticker no longer being necessary, some have celebrated by peeling off their road tax sticker on the day of the announcement itself. However, others may still be unconvinced and perhaps even confused as to the whole road ta situation in Malaysia. Well, worry not, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has made a \nsocial media post\n to clarify the rule on displaying your road tax on your car\u2019s windscreen.\n1. Is it compulsory to install the MyJPJ mobile application on your smartphone?\n\u201cNo, you don\u2019t. Installing the MyJPJ app is only one option to get a digital copy of your road tax and driver\u2019s license.\u201d\n2. If I fail to download the MyJPJ app now and am not able to show my digital road tax, will I be fined?\n\u201cNo, you will not. Enforcers will be able to verify the status of your road tax and driver\u2019s license through their own systems and gadgets.\u201d\n3. Do I still have to pay to renew my road tax and driver\u2019s license?\n\u201cYes, you will still have to pay for renewal fees. The new announcement only states that the road tax does not have to be displayed.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNo need to display road tax anymore for private vehicles starting today\n4. How about senior citizens and areas with poor internet connectivity?\n\u201cDon\u2019t worry, the digital format of the road tax is not compulsory. You can still get the road tax sticker and physical driver\u2019s license from JPJ should you require it.\u201d\n5. If the car is not being driven by the registered owner, how to show the digital road tax?\n\u201cThat\u2019s simple, the digital road tax can be printed on paper and be kept inside the car. However, failure to present the road tax is not an offence. The enforcers can still check the details through their gadgets and system.\u201d\n6. Why have I not been able to log in to MyJPJ since the announcement?\n\u201cLike all other new systems, there is a bulk of new users trying to register at the same time. Traffic is very high.\u201d\n\u201cI know there are still many questions from the public. We will try to give explanations as clearly as possible. I realise that in any change of process, it will take time to be implemented. There will be parties that disagree with the change. I respect all opinions and will try manage this matter as best as I can. Together with my team from the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), I will try to improve any issues that arise in this period of change.\u201d\nAnthony Loke ends his Facebook posting by we will all work together towards a better future and thanking those who have taken the time read his explanations. There is also a \nFacebook video\n for even simpler clarification.\nWe at \nAutoBuzz.my\n hope that this entry has helped you in case you were still confused about this new announcement. Happy peeling off your road tax stickers."
"Ford \nhas just unveiled the new 2023 Tourneo Custom in Europe. Billed as a \u201cmulti-activity vehicle\u201d, the all-new van will be offered in three distinct powertrain options, ranging from the regular diesel, a plug-in hybrid model (PHEV), and even a fully-electric EV van \u2013 the latter dubbed \u201cE-Tourneo Custom\u201d.\nFord\u2019s press release boasts about the Tourneo\u2019s versatility, letting you mould the car to your own lifestyles and use-cases, be it out camping in the wild, or ferrying execs in suits to the airport, thanks to its rail-mounted seats in the rear quarters.\nFor the former, some (or all) of the six seats at the back can be individually taken out to fit your kayaks or camping gear, and for the latter, you even get hands-free powered side doors, a panoramic glass roof, and even a 14-speaker B&O audio system to keep your passengers entertained.\nFord says that the Tourneo Custom\u2019s new vehicle platform promises \u201csignificantly enhanced levels of comfort\u201d, and the new interior can be optioned with premium materials to offer added refinement to the business crowd.\nThat\u2019s all well and good, but to be honest, we\u2019re actually more excited about the van\u2019s steering wheel. That\u2019s because the Ford Tourney Custom\u2019s steering wheel actually comes with a tilting function for the rim, letting you use it as a table for either your laptop or tablet, or even for food, as demonstrated in their press material. How cool is that?\nThe front passenger airbag has also been moved into the roof, freeing up space in front to keep your laptops or other \u201cA4 folder-sized\u201d items in the dashboard when not in use.\nWATCH:\n Move aside Alphard, the CKD Kia Carnival is the new boss-car! \u2013 AutoVlogs\nOn the diesel-powered Tourneo Customs, Ford is offering a range of EcoBlue diesel engines with outputs ranging from \n136 hp\n, \n150 hp\n, and \n170 hp\n. They can all be paired to either an eight-speed automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual, with all-wheel drive an option for the 136 hp and 170 hp variants (with an automatic gearbox).\nThe PHEV meanwhile uses a parallel hybrid system, consisting of a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, an electric motor, as well as aN 11.8 kWh battery pack \u2013 the latter enabling a targeted pure-electric driving range of 50 km.\nThe most interesting option of the bunch, however, is the E-Tourneo Custom, with an electric powertrain made up of a \n160 kW (218 hp)\n electric motor and a 74 kWh useable battery pack, the latter the same as the \nFord F-150 Lightning pick-up truck\n.\nFord did not publish the E-Tourneo Custom\u2019s driving range for some reason, but it has an on-board 11 kW AC three-phase charger that allows the electric van to be fully recharged in less than eight hours. With a 125 kW DC fast charger, you\u2019ll also be able to add 37 km of driving range in approximately five minutes.\nALSO READ: \nThe all-new Ford Ranger Raptor is here to tear up Malaysian tarmac and more\nEven with an electric powertrain, the E-Tourneo Custom still offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kg \u2013 or just 500 kg less than the diesel variants. Ford says the EV van\u2019s \u201cgenerous payload allowance\u201d will help \u201cadventurous owners carry friends, family and sports equipment with ease, and business operators transport customers and their luggage efficiently\u201d.\nThe Tourneo Custom range will also features Ford\u2019s latest suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including a number of features available on the model for the first time, such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, Reverse Brake Assist, as well as Fully Active Park Assist.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s hard to believe, but it has almost been a decade since \nPagani\n unveiled its latest supercar model, the \nPagani Huayra\n. We\u2019ve known for a while now that the Modenese supercar maker is working on the hotter Huayra R, but Pagani has just posted a teaser video on its Twitter account suggesting that there might be something else in the works too.\nDetails are scarce from the video, but we do know that the new model will be somewhat aerospace-inspired. The video begins with a shot of a pilot tube, used on aeroplanes to determine the air speed, and reads \u201cCaution Airflow Sensor Handle With Care\u201d underneath it.\n https://twitter.com/OfficialPagani/status/1338520684436316162\nThe video then jumps into what seems like an interior shot, with a close up on an air speed indicator with the dials measured in knots, while a digital display shows the Mach number (speed of sound). The read-out jumps from Mach 0.04 (49 km/h) to Mach 0.12 (147 km/h) in approximately three seconds.\nOther than that, there really isn\u2019t much else to go on about in the video, aside from a save-the-date for \nDecember 17th\n. Pagani\u2019s cryptic tweet said that it will \u201ccelebrate air speed\u201d tomorrow, adding \u201cStay with us and hold on tight!\u201d\nWhile Pagani remains tight-lipped, recent rumours on the Huayra R seem to trend towards the use of a naturally-aspirated engine that revs past 9,500 rpm and makes in excess of 900 hp. The engine noise audible in the video seems to suggest a forced-induction set-up, so it\u2019s either the rumour mill is wrong (which can \u2013 and have happened), or we\u2019re going to be seeing a new Pagani supercar tomorrow.\nThe \u201call-out\u201d Huayra variant was also supposed to be unveiled on November 12, but the launch has supposedly been pushed back to the next month. Yet on the other hand, rumours also suggested that the Huayra\u2019s replacement won\u2019t be here until at least March of next year.\nSo yes, your guess is as good as ours when it comes to Pagani\u2019s announcement tomorrow, so we\u2019ll just have to wait and see. Either way, it\u2019s nice to have you back in the spotlight, Pagani."
"For a football club called \nBayern Munich\n, you would guess that BMW are one of its main sponsors. Well, guess again. Since 2002, rival automaker \nAudi\n, headquartered just 80 kilometres north of Munich in a little town called \nIngolstadt\n, has been the 28-time Bundesliga champion\u2019s exclusive automobile partner.\n Hildegard Wortmann, head of Audi sales and marketing and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, football legend and chairman of the board of Bayern M\u00fcnchen.\nAudi and FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen have just announced they will be extending and expanding their partnership till \n2029 \n(Audi is also a shareholder of FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen AG since 2011), and \u2018will be focused on strategic collaboration in the areas of innovative marketing and \nelectrification\n\u2019, and that will see every Bayern player receiving an \nall-electric e-tron\n this year.\n \nThe vehicle partnership under which \nall of FC Bayern\u2019s stars and officials drive Audi models\n is a strategic collaboration to advance the areas of electrification and to utilise innovative marketing to communicate the message.\nDon\u2019t drop that charger, Oliver!\nFor the entire fleet provided by Audi to FC Bayern, an average maximum level of \n95 grams of CO2/km\n has been agreed to over the entire term of the agreement, which practically equates to the legal requirement to be met by manufacturers\u2019 fleets as of January 2020."
"On the same day Mercedes-Benz \nretook the crown for the fastest executive sedan\n around the green hell, the German carmaker also sent their race car for the road, the \nMercedes-AMG GT Black Series\n, out for a run around the \nNordschleife\n. And what do you know, it came back with a lap time of \n6:43.616\n around the \u201ctraditional\u201d 20.6 km layout, claiming the title of the fastest car around the Nurburgring.\nThe new fastest time edges out the \nprevious record \nof 6:44.97 by 1.35 seconds, held by the \nLamborghini Aventador SVJ\n \u2013 In a car that\u2019s 40 hp lower in output, and have the engine placement in the \u201cwrong\u201d place, mind you!\n \nThe shorter layout without the T13 straight was used by the industry at large previously, but since 2019, Nurburgring track officials have established their own official lap time leaderboard that includes the small stretch of tarmac, bringing the total track length to 20.832 km.\nFor the full-track, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series set a time of\u00a06:48.047, making it the first car to be officially recognised by Nurburgring in the \u201cSports Cars\u201d category, and also the fastest road-legal car to officially lap the \u2018ring. You can check the official leaderboards, once it\u2019s updated, \nhere \non the Nurburgring\u2019s website.\nFor the lap time to be officially recognised by Nurburgring, there are a couple of criteria that need to be met. These include professional timing done by a neutral party, videographic evidence of the full run, as well as a third-party notary on site to validate the vehicle and results. No additional modifications \u2013 including tyres \u2013 are allowed on the cars to be qualified for the official leaderboard.\nThe GT Black Series, featuring a\n 720 hp\n 4.0-litre bi-turbo flat-plane-crank V8 engine \u2013 the most powerful production AMG engine to ever come out from Affalterbach, was driven by factory GT3 racing driver Maro Engel. For the run, the car\u2019s adjustable carbon front splitter was set to the \u2018Race\u2019 position, while the rear wings were adjusted to the middle position for a balanced downforce/straight-line speed ratio.\nThe car\u2019s adjustable coilovers were also lowered, the adjustable anti-roll bars set to the hardest setting, and the wheel cambers were adjusted to maximum negative values \u2013 all of these adjustments are also available to customers who bought the car, straight out of the factory. The super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres used for the run are also standard items on customer cars.\nAfter the run, Engel even said that the GT Black Series was \u201csignificantly faster than my GT3 race car\u201d, reaching speeds of up to 270 km/h in the Kesselchen section of the track, and well over 300 km/h on the long D\u00f6ttinger H\u00f6he straight.\nHere\u2019s another fun fact: the 35-year-old driver was switching between position six and seven on the nine-way adjustable traction control knob \u2013 depending where he is on the track. Pros will be pros, as if there weren\u2019t enough evidence to suggest that already.\nWhile Mercedes didn\u2019t say it explicitly, the company strongly suggested in the press release that the GT Black Series could still go faster around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, noting that the conditions when the lap times were set were \u201cnot quite ideal.\u201d The release noted that the track temperature was only about 10 degrees celcius with some damp areas, while the ambient temperature was hovering around the seven-degrees mark.\nAs we all know, tyres need temperature to get up to speed, so perhaps Mercedes could still set a faster lap time when the track is dryer and warmer \u2013 that\u2019s if they\u2019re going to bother doing another official run, now that they\u2019re already the record holder.\nGALLERY"
"Ford\n Asia Pacific just revealed a teaser video of its mid-life T6 \nRanger\n facelift, one that is refreshed to keep looks up to date. It\u2019s been about three years now since the wildly successful \nT6 model\n\u00a0was introduced here.\nIt\u2019s clear from the teaser video that the new Ranger sports a revised fascia, with its grille made bolder and the headlamps now come with projectors and appears to have an integrated LED daytime running light, although that may just be a chrome strip running underneath the headlamps.\nIts fog lights are also new, and from how the Ranger is angled here, the rear tail lights may well be revised as well.\u00a0It remains a tight-lipped affair when it comes to its exact specifications and expected arrival, and we can only assume that Ford will be offering improved powertrains (2.2-litre and 3.2-litre) that are currently powering the T6 Ranger.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Don\u2019t you hate it when you think you\u2019ve done it all with your pickup truck, someone else comes along and shows you a few more mind boggling\u00a0tricks? I mean, a pickup truck is your ever-ready 4\u00d74 companion, your drift mobile (yeah, we know) and most undeniably\u00a0the hardy, trusty workhorse. But what do you do if your 31-tonne hauler breaks down?\nNo biggie. Apparently, all it takes to tow a vehicle the size of Jupiter is 430 Nm. \nPopular Malaysian Girl Drifter, Leona Chin\n, singlehandedly demonstrated the towing capabilities of the \nrecently refreshed Mitsubishi Trition\n. Her variant of choice was the range topping VGT Adventure 4\u00d74 automatic, which is powered by a\n 2.4-litre turbodiesel MIVEC\n producing \n179 hp\n and\n 430 Nm\n of torque. This Triton weighs approximately 1,800kg.\u00a0\nWith an industrial harness anchored to both truck\u2019s chassis, Leona began the seemingly impossible attempt. A few seconds and wheelspins later, the axles creaked and the Caterpillar\u00a0began inching forward. The entire demonstration seemed like a trailer to Jason Statham\u2019s new film, but what the Triton achieved here deserves some applause, however improbable (or staged) the scenario appears to be."
"The automotive world is slowly accepting electric as the new norm moving forward, but old guard Toyota is still adamant that internal combustion technology is here to stay, thanks to the use of \u2018alternative fuels\u2019; Hydrogen in this case.\nFollowing up with the announcement last week that it is \nentering a hydrogen-powered race car\n into the Super Taikyu endurance race, Toyota has now shared a short video clip of its race-prepped to show off its brawny exhaust note \u2013 something you definitely can\u2019t get in an \nEV\n.\n \nThe new engine sounds remarkably similar to a regular petrol-powered car \u2013 and that\u2019s because it is. This isn\u2019t the hydrogen fuel cell technology that we\u2019ve seen on the \nToyota Mirai\n \u2013 instead, it\u2019s actually a modified version of the 1.6-litre three-banger mill found on the \nGR Yaris\n, using liquid hydrogen as fuel.\nIn the video above, test driver Hiroaki Ishiura even said that it\u2019s \u201cnot as different\u201d from a normal petrol engine as he\u2019d expected, adding that he\u2019d probably think that it was one, unless specifically being told that it\u2019s powered by hydrogen!\n \nOf course, the key difference here is that \nit produces zero CO2 from the combustion process, \nwhich is in line with Toyota\u2019s overall carbon-neutrality goals. Just like any other internal combustion engine, a little oil is still used in the process, and a little greenhouse gas is still released from the alternative fuel but it\u2019s already significantly better than what we have now, environmentally speaking.\nThe hydrogen-powered Toyota Corolla Sport will be racing in the NAPAC Fuji Super TEC 24 Hours Race from the 21st to 23rd of May, where it will go head-to-head against the regular race-fuel propulsion.\nWe\u2019re always excited for clean motoring, so we can\u2019t wait to see how this one fares. If things go well, we might even see this technology being applied to road-going cars too! And as a confidence booster, one thing\u2019s already for sure \u2013 it sounds badass!\nGALLERY"
"Porsche has just released its annual report for 2020, and as usual, included all of the financial performance figures for the Covid-struck year. However, more interestingly (to us, at least!), the annual report also outlined the company\u2019s electrification plans for the next decade.\n\u201cIn 2020, a third of all Porsche vehicles delivered in Europe were fully or partially electric; worldwide it was 17%. In 2025, half of all new Porsche vehicles sold will have an electric motor; in 2030, more than 80% of the new vehicles will be electric,\u201d the press release read.\nWe\u2019re guessing that, based on context, that includes hybrid models in addition to fully-electric ones. But still, 80% is a very ambitious figure, and with the 911 being their bread-and-butter model, that should mean that we\u2019ll be seeing an electric 911 very soon. right? Well, no.\nThe \nall-new Porsche 911 GT3\n, which, according to what the company said previously, won\u2019t be the most powerful 911 model.\nIn a media call interview ahead of its annual meeting, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume was quick to pour cold water on that idea, saying that the 911 will be the \u201clast Porsche which is going for full electrification,\u201d if it ever fully becomes fully electric, that is.\nAccording to a report by Hotcars, Blume said in the interview: \u201cThe 911 is our icon. We will continue to build the 911 with a combustion engine. The concept of the 911 doesn\u2019t allow a fully electric car because we have the engine in the rear. To put the weight of the battery in the rear, you wouldn\u2019t be able to drive the car.\n\u201cFor this decade, I\u2019m very clear: the 911 will be a combustion-engined car. It\u2019s too early to tell what will happen in the 2030s,\u201d he added.\nThe \nPorsche Taycan Cross Turismo\n, unveiled just a couple of weeks ago.\nThis seems to fall in line with what the company said previously, where it will be handing the mantle for its all-electric charge to an all-new model, i.e. the \nTaycan\n, instead of destroying the purity of its iconic 911 model, so to speak. But it\u2019s interesting to hear that Blume thinks that for the 911 to become fully electric, the battery pack has to go to the back, where the engine currently sits.\nWe\u2019d imagine that if they were to ever build an electric Porsche 911, it\u2019ll feature the same skateboard battery layout as virtually every other EVs out there now \u2013 having the electric motor at the back sounds \u201ctraditional\u201d enough to us. Anyway, we digress.\nBlume says that a \u201cvery sporty\u201d \nhybrid 911\n will be coming soon, citing its learnings from the 919 LMP1 hybrid race car which took home the Le Mans win for three years in a row. As for the other models, we know that the \nMacan will soon become a fully-electric model\n; recent rumours suggest that the 718 duos might also become fully-electric models, but we\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\nPorsche\u2019s big push in electrification is part of its wider goal to become carbon-neutral throughout its entire value chain by 2030. Recently, the company also invested heavily in\n synthetic \u201ce-fuels\u201d\n, which the company says can make internal-combustion engines as clean as EVs."
"McLaren Automotive achieved yet another record-breaking year, delivering a total of 3,340 cars worldwide in 2017 compared to \n3,286 the year before\n. The UK, its home country, emerged as the brand\u2019s second-largest market after North America.\nIn UK, sales of new vehicles achieved \n23 percent growth\n with 550 new cars delivered to new owners. The success was largely due to the introduction of the second-generation Super Series, the \n720S\n and the first-ever Sports Series convertible, the \n570S Spider\n.\nMcLaren Qualified\n, the brand\u2019s official pre-owned programme saw a staggering \n143 percent growth\n in its domestic market, with a total of 240 pre-owned McLaren\u2019s sold in 2017. The pre-owned programme offers a minimum of 1-Year manufacturer warranty and roadside assistance, multi-point inspection and guarantee use of McLaren genuine parts\nMoving forward, McLaren is looking to expand its UK retail partners from the current six outlets to eight within the coming months due to the unprecedented appetite for McLaren vehicles.\nManaging Director at McLaren Automotive Europe, David Gilbert commented: \u201cI would like to congratulate McLaren Automotive\u2019s entire UK-based retail network for defying the market trend and helping the brand achieve record sales overall in 2017. This achievement is a real testament to the hard work, professionalism and dedication of our retailers, and I look forward to working with them as we unveil exciting new models this year and beyond.\u201d"
"Alongside the preview of the \nall-new Perodua Axia\n, the company has announced that production and sales for January 2023 have jumped to 21,449 units registered. This is a 43.5% increase from January 2022 with 17,444 units.\nIn terms of production, Perodua produced 24,590 units in January this year, up 40.2% from 17,538 units in January 2022. That said, Perodua pointed out that sales and production in January 2022 were hampered by floods, severe semiconductor chip shortages, manpower issues and other factors.\nThe new Perodua Axia\nThe jump in volume for production and sales, however, indicated that the ecosystem is moving as planned. For the year 2023, Perodua is targeting to register 314,000 units and produce 330,000 units.\nAs for the Axia, Perodua revealed that 3,591 bookings have been made so far, with nearly all of the bookings for the previous Axia converted to the new model.\u00a0\nTo recap, the new Axia is available in four variants with tentative prices starting from RM38,600 for the G, RM40,000 for the X, RM44,000 for the SE and RM49,500 for the AV variant. All variants will be powered by the carried-over 1.0-litre three-cylinder 1KR-VE VVT-i engine with 67 hp and 91 Nm. Notable features include a new D-CVT gearbox, six airbags, a new Coral Blue colour, digital instrument cluster and a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen."
"Chevrolet, through NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd \u2013 the official distributor for Malaysia have launched the long awaited D-Segment contender, the \nChevrolet Malibu\n. The mid-sized sedan (originally a North American product, now sold in over 100 countries) is only available in one trim here, is priced at RM153,888 and is fully imported from South Korea.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nChevrolet Malibu LTZ\nSegment\nD-Segment\nEngine\n2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode\nMax Power\n165hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n225Nm @ 4,600 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nRM 153,888\n\u00a0\nThe Malibu carries the brand\u2019s signature dual-port grille design which houses passive blockers that reduce wind resistance. Chevrolet has also used a key element in the design of this Malibu, borrowed from the iconic Camaro coupe, which can be seen from the rear of the Malibu.\n\u201cThe Malibu LTZ is one of the industry\u2019s most iconic and successful nameplate. Its qualities certainly make it a fitting flagship model for the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia,\u201d said Datuk Wira HJ SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, the Joint Group Executive Chairman of NAZA Group of Companies.\nEXTERIOR\n \nThe Malibu boasts finely sculpted contours around the rear quarter of the car, which improves aerodynamic and reduces drag. Its side view mirrors are also optimally designed to complement the car\u2019s overall aerodynamics.   One of the Malibu\u2019s highlights would be the self-levelling \nHID\n headlights with integrated \u2018Tunnel Detection\u2019 feature. Despite its subtle appearance, the car sits on \n18-inch\n wheels, wrapped with 245/45 R18 series tyres and features dual exhaust pipes as standard.\nINTERIOR\n \nA peek inside this mid-sized sedan would have you impressed at its build quality. What\u2019s most striking is the ice-blue ambiance lighting, and the \nseven-inch full-colour touch screen system\n, which pops up to reveal an extra compartment to fit smaller items such as your sunglasses or mobile phones. The \nrear-view camera\n also comes as standard.   Other features in the cabin include \nBluetooth\n wireless technology via Chevrolet\u2019s \nMyLink system\n, single-zone automatic climate control system, cruise control, keyless entry and push-to-start ignition, leather wrapped gear knob and leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise control.\nThe seats are also leather wrapped with vinyl perimeter accents, and the front seats are electrically powered (8-way, including lumbar control). There is one small gripe, however, that is the rear legroom space. Never mind the cavernous \n462-litre boot\n space. It\u2019s huge, but it could have been reduced to accommodate a larger legroom space for the rear passengers.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nAgain, the Malibu rolls in with one engine and one engine only, that is the \n2.4-litre\n, four-cylinder \nEcotec\n engine. No forced induction here, but it does feature the brand\u2019s famed Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing (\nDCVCP\n) and direct injection technology. It makes \n165 horsepower\n and \n225Nm\n of torque, whilst returning a claimed fuel efficiency of \n7.8 litres per 100km\n traveled.\nThe engine gets paired to a conventional \n6-speed gearbox\n (with manual shifting mode, operated via the buttons atop the gear knob), which transfers all the power to the front wheels. Suspension wise, the front gets \nMacPherson struts\n whereas the rear gets the multi-link suspension. Handling is further aided by Chevrolet\u2019s intelligent \nStabilitrak Electronic Stability Control System\n.\nSAFETY\n \nChevrolet is undeniably proud of the Malibu\u2019s safety features. For a start, it\u2019s given a \n5-star rating by Euro NCAP\n, and it was named the \u201c\nTop Safety Pick\n\u201d by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety twice, consecutively. The cabin is fitted with \nfour airbags\n (two front, two side), and comes with four-wheel ABS system with brake assist integration, four disc brakes, anti-theft system, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and power programmable door locking protection.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nNow, the Malibu positions itself as a well-rounded vehicle with many features to boot. Impressive, if I may add, for the price tag it carries. For \nRM153,888\n, it does appear to be a steal over the usual suspects, namely the Honda Accord,\u00a0 Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Camry, Mazda 6 and the slightly costlier Peugeot 508; just a few to boot. It\u2019s also imported (\nCBU\n) from South Korea.\nAll told, the Malibu is quite an interesting proposition if you\u2019re looking to put your money down on a \u2018North American\u2019 product. If you\u2019re the kind to favour a generous warranty scheme, then the \n5-year or 200,000km\n (whichever comes first) \nwarranty\n programme will certainly pull your heartstrings.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems that the \nspeculation that Geely Automobile Holdings\n (Geely) looking into purchasing Daimler shares are true as reported by \nReuters\n. The Chinese carmaker was reported to have acquired less than three percent stake in the German giant.\nGeely, who owns \nVolvo Cars\n, \nLotus Cars\n, \nLondon Taxi\n and has a \n49.9 percent stake in Proton\n, is said to have made this deal to tap into Daimler\u2019s electrification technology. Geely is looking to make an extra effort to advance its electrified vehicles in light of the Chinese Government\u2019s push for EVs.\nChairman of Geely, Mr. Li Shufu\nDaimler currently already has an established industrial partner in China in a joint venture with BAIC Motor Corp. It remains unclear the nature of partnership or venture(s) Geely and Daimler will collectively pursue.\nAs it stands, Daimler\u2019s largest shareholders are Blackrock (5.95 percent), Kuwait Investment Authority (5.33 percent) and Renault-Nissan Alliance (3.1 percent)."
"Groupe Renault announced that it has developed an autonomous control system that can take on and overcome challenging driving scenarios.\nIn an industry first, the system demonstrated obstacle avoidance as well as professional drivers as shown in the video above in an autonomous Renault Zoe called Callie \u2013 a stray from the performance spectrum with the \nRenault Zoe E-Sport unveiled earlier this year with Nissan GT-R performance\n.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/09002156/b870cfc3-63e9-4e2f-be3b-297271c15e1c.mp4\n\u00a0\nAs the video illustrates, the system learns from the professional drivers and with the autonomous system activated, it displayed reflexes in avoiding obstacles that rivals the professional drivers.\n\u201cAt Groupe Renault, we are focused on being an innovation leader in products, technology and design,\u201d said Director of Renault Open Innovation Lab \u2013 Silicon Valley, Simon Hougard. \u201cOur innovation efforts aim to develop advanced autonomous driving technologies that consumers can trust will create a safer, more comfortable journey.\u201d\nThe \nRenault Zoe E-Sport\nThe Renault Open Innovation Lab is a subsidiary within the Alliance focused on improving safety and developing advance autonomous driving technology where it will help drive Groupe Renault\u2019s goal of becoming one of the pioneering brands to offer \u201cMind Off\u201d technology on mass-produced vehicles."
"With UMW Toyota\u2019s \nlaunch of the new Yaris\n yesterday, netizens have been quick to (positively) react to the car\u2019s comprehensive range of features and offerings.\nOn the safety front, particularly in the \nE and G variants\n, the Yaris is equipped with a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system. Also provided in these variants is a front Digital Video Recorder.\n \nWhat most would not realise is that the dashcam also offers Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning features, which are not tied to the car\u2019s system.\nSo here\u2019s the thing. Even if you were to use your indicators before changing lanes, the Lane Departure Warning is still active and will beep regardless.\nThis can be quite annoying, as most of us experienced during last month\u2019s \nmedia drive\n with the \nToyota Vios\n when the car beeped uncontrollably as the Vios shares the same Digital Video Recorder.\n \nWhen asked, Toyota said the Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision warning features \ncan be switched off manually through the dashcam\n, without necessarily switching off the dashcam itself.\nNow that it\u2019s clear, for those of you who get easily annoyed with continuous beeping, here\u2019s the answer to your question."
"Volkswagen has presented their new 2020 Volkswagen Passat at the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The US market exclusive sedan (internally known as Passat NMS) gets a more dynamic profile as well as a host of upgraded advanced driver assistance system.\nWhile it gets a completely redesigned look compared to the \nprevious model year\n, underneath all that glam is a revised PQ46 platform that underpins the Europe market\u2019s Passat B6. The redesigned Passat features a tapering \u201ccoupe-like\u201d roofline, dramatic \u201ctornado line\u201d and dominant horizontal grille similar to the Arteon. Wheel sizes measuring 17- to 19-inch in diameter are available while the LED headlamps and taillamps, as well as the Passat badging across the trunk lid, comes as standard.   Inside, the Passat NMS is not as pretty nor high-tech as the \nPassat B8\n we have here in Malaysia. Standard items include an analogue instrument cluster (we get the option for full LCD Active Info Display), multifunctional steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start as well as a glass covered infotainment touchscreen unit.\nAvailable options on the NMS include V-Tex leatherette and Nappa leather seats, heated front and rear seats, power driver\u2019s seat with memory, and dual-zone Climatronic\u00ae automatic climate control, Voice Control, and Easy Open trunk.   The new Passat NMS debuts with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI petrol engine with \n174 hp\n and\n 280 Nm\n of twist. Interestingly, the TSI unit is paired to a \nsix-speed torque converter with Tiptronic\n to drive the front wheels and not the brand\u2019s famed DSG dual-clutch transmission.\nAs standard, all variants of the new Passat NMS gets Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Other items such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Keeping Assist (Lane Assist), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2020 Volkswagen Passat NMS Debuts"
"From 16 August to 30 September 2015, Caltex Malaysia will be giving away RM110,000 worth of prizes to more than 190 of their lucky customers via the company\u2019s new RON97 Promotion.\nAccording to \nChevron Malaysia Limited\n, which carries the retail brand Caltex, the \nsix-week-long promotion\n takes place at all Caltex Stations nationwide. To be in the running for the prizes, customers have to pump a \nminimum of RM50\n worth of \nPremium 97 with Techron\u00ae\n and send in an SMS. At the same time, participants will also be entitled to an\u00a0\nRM10 discount\n on \nTechron\u00ae Concentrate Plus\n fuel system cleaner.\nDuring the six weeks, \ntwo grand prize winners\n will be selected\n\u00a0on a weekly\n\u00a0\nbasis\n to take home \nRM5,000 in cash\n, while \n30 other lucky winners\n will get \nRM300 worth of StarCash\n. Additionally, participants who are \nJOURNEY Card\n and \nBCARD\n\u00a0holders will be rewarded with\n 10,000 BPoints\n when the transaction is done using their BCARD. For further information on the promotion, kindly visit their website \nhere\n."
"Imagine this: You\u2019re on a holiday and have decided to take your family with you on a three-hour drive to Pulau Redang. You\u2019ve got Ford\u2019s \nRadio Disney App\n on your iPhone 6 and the only way to keep your kids entertained is to have them sing along to some of their favourite Disney songs. in your Mustang!\nThe SYNC unit in the \nFord EcoSport 1.5L\nOkay perhaps not the Mustang, then. Ford Motor Company is developing the mentioned Radio Disney App that\u2019s compatible on both iOS and Android platforms. This smartphone app will be available to all existing and future\u00a0\nFord SYNC\n\u00ae\n\u00a0AppLink\n\u2122\n\u00a0users, and allows music streaming all-day long with the touch of a button.\nWhen a smartphone is paired to Ford SYNC via Bluetooth, a static image of the artist\u2019s CD cover will appear on the screen. Radio Disney is a \n24-hour radio network\n for kids, teens and family, with about 21 million listeners tuning in each week. The Radio Disney App will be on display at next week\u2019s Consumer Electric Show (CES 2015) and will be available to customers in early 2015."
"The Volvo XC60 bagged the coveted title of Japan Car of the Year (COTY) in 2017 and the Swedish marque is back for another with as their compact SUV, Volvo XC40 was crowned as Japan COTY for 2018.\nA total of 60 jurors, made up of motoring journalist and industry experts were torn between the XC40 and Toyota Corolla Sport with the final tally of 363 to 314 votes respectively. The Volvo was praised for its dynamic yet comfortable driving characteristics as well as its petite dimensions that is perfectly suited for Japanese roads.\nIts inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as standard fitment across all variants, high-quality Scandinavian design and substantial functional storage space also helped the compact SUV to edge ahead of the competition.\nJapan COTY 2018 Final Scoring:\nModel\nPoints\nVolvo XC40\n363\nToyota Corolla Sports\n314\nVolkswagen Polo\n197\nToyota Crown\n170\nMitsubishi Eclipse Cross\n156\nMazda CX-8\n111\nAlfa Romeo Stelvio\n106\nBMW X2\n47\nHonda Clarity PHEV\n36\nVolvo Japan CEO Takayuki Kimura said, \u201cAfter the XC60 won last year, we are ecstatic with this back-to-back victory and I\u2019d firstly like to thank our nationwide staff for this award. The XC40 is the perfect size and competitively priced for the Japanese market so we hope to transfer this award into solid sales.\u201d\nThe Volvo XC40 is currently sold in Malaysia in a sole \nT5 AWD R-Design variant\n. Locally assembled in Volvo\u2019s Shah Alam manufacturing plant, the fully equipped (R-Design, City Safety, semi-autonomous driving and more) XC40 is priced extremely competitively at RM255,888.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design in Malaysia"
"This one is big. BMW Group Malaysia, at a special media briefing, made several major announcements. These included the reduction in price, up to 8 percent, on certain BMW models due to the conferment of EEV status.\nIn addition, BMW will begin local assembly of the X1 and X4 SUVs in Kulim from May. And finally, Malaysia will be the export hub for the ASEAN region for the BMW Group with BMW 3-Series, 5-Series and 7-Series models to be exported to Vietnam and the Philippines.\nCertain BMW 1-Series, 3-Series and 5-Series models will now cost less as they have received Customised EEV Status Incentives as Energy Efficient Vehicles. Prices have gone down between RM15,000 for the BMW 118i Sport, and RM39,000 for the BMW 528i M Sport model. The BMW 5 Series received an upgrade in standard equipment (more details after the chart below). Prices below are on-the-road, inclusive of six percent GST but excludes insurance.\nModel\nCurrent Retail Price\nEEV Incentive Price\nReduction\nBMW 118i Sport\nRM188,800\nRM173,800\nRM15,000\nBMW 120i M Sport\nRM219,800\nRM202,800\nRM17,000\nBMW 318i Luxury\nRM219,800\nRM202,800\nRM17,000\nBMW 320i Sport\nRM249,800\nRM231,800\nRM18,000\nBMW 330i M Sport\nRM319,800\nRM297,800\nRM22,000\nBMW 320d GT\nRM296,800\nRM278,800\nRM18,000\nBMW 328i GT\nRM327,800\nRM308,800\nRM19,000\nBMW X3 xDrive 20i\nRM325,800\nRM296,800\nRM29,000\nBMW X3 xDrive 20d\nRM345,800\nRM316,800\nRM29,000\nBMW 520d M Sport\nRM354,800\nRM317,800\nRM37,000\nBMW 520i M Sport\nRM367,800\nRM329,800\nRM38,000\nBMW 528i M Sport\nRM417,800\nRM378,800\nRM39,000\nThe BMW 520i, 520d and 528i now come with M Sport Package, Comfort Access and sports seats for the driver and front passenger. Wheels have also been upgraded with the 520i and 520d receiving 18-inch M Light Alloy Wheel Double Spoke while the 528i gets 19-inch M Light Allow Wheel Double Spoke. The 528i now has a glass roof and an M rear spoiler.\nDeliveries of the CKD X1 and X4 will begin in the second half of 2016. They will be ninth and tenth models to be manufactured in the country. There will be both petrol and diesel variants of the X1 but BMW have yet to share details of equipment levels and prices. From past CKD vehicles though, expect to see almost the same specs but with a significant reduction in price.\nAs with all new BMWs, both will come with BMW ConnectedDrive with Driver Assistance systems. The petrol-engined X1 sDrive20i will come with a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo engine that produces 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, acceleration from 0-100km/h is achieved in 7.7 seconds while its top speed is 225km/h. Colours available will be Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, and Sparkling Storm.\nThe diesel variants will be available in Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and Mediterranean Blue. Both will have Leather Dakota upholstery in a choice of colours. The current price of the fully-imported front-wheel drive X1 sDrive20i is RM279,800, on-the-road, inclusive of GST, excluding insurance.\nThe all-wheel drive X4 will have a 2.0-litre 242 hp, 350 Nm twin-scroll turbo petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The sprint to 100km/h is done in 6.4 seconds. The X4 will come in Alpine White, Sophisto Grey, Carbon Black, Glacier Silver, and Melbourne Red with Leather Nevada upholstery in Mocha or Black. As with the X1, no details were given of equipment or trim levels. The fully-imported X4 xDrive28i is RM435,800 on-the-road, also inclusive of GST, but excludes insurance.\nExports to Vietnam and the Philippines of the BMW 3, 5 and 7 models\u00a0will begin in 2018. To accommodate the manufacture of the left-hand drive cars, BMW Group Malaysia will increase the number of production lines at their plant in Kedah. The assembly of the cars for export is in line with the government\u2019s stated objective, in the 2014 National Automotive Policy, to make Malaysia the regional hub for Energy Efficient Vehicles. BMW Malaysia is the first automaker in Malaysia to announce that it will build EEV cars for export to neighbouring countries.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For the first time ever, in the history of this model, you can drop its top. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet made its maiden debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, which brings the total variant tally up to four body styles \u2013 in Europe, at least.\nNot unlike the bigger brothers the \nS-Class Cabriolet\n and the E-Class Cabriolet, the C-Class Cabriolet uses a \nfabric top\n instead of a folding hard top favoured by the F33 3-Series Convertible. The operation is \nfully automatic\n, of course, and it will take \n20 seconds\n to make the roof disappear or reappear; workable at speeds up to \n50 km/h\n.\nA \nmulti-layer acoustic soft top\n is optional, and if that option box is ticked, the occupants won\u2019t just be enjoying a quieter cabin, but they can also choose the colour of their rag top: black, brown, blue, or red. The rest of the car is pure \nC-Class Coupe\n, so it\u2019s basically a graceful looking thing.\nBuyers can also opt for the \nCabriolet Comfort package\n that features the electric \nAircap\n draught stop system to save the occupants\u2019 hairdos from getting ruined by the wind with the top down, and the \nAirscarf\n system to keeps their necks warm. Another unique feature on the C-Class Convertible is the \nroll-over protection\n that consists of a couple of cartridges behind the rear seats that will be fully retracted\u00a0in roll-over situation.\nTwo diesel options are available, the \nC 220 d\n and the \nC 250 d\n. Both use a \n2.1-litre four-cylinder\n diesel that produces \n170 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n in the C 220 d, or \n204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n in the C 250 d.\nThe petrol range starts with the \n1.6-litre four-cylinder\n petrol with \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n in the\n C 180\n, followed by a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n in three state of tunes. In the \nC 200\n it develops \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n, \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n is available in the \nC 250\n, while the highest state of tune can be had in the \nC 300\n with \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n.\nFurther up the range is the \nC 400 4MATIC\n with \n333 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n from a \n3.0-litre V6\n driving all four wheels. The \n4MATIC all-wheel drive system\n can also be specified on the C 220 d and the C 200, but the \n9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic\n is available across the range.\nThere\u2019s a high chance for the C-Class Coupe to come to Malaysia, but do you think Mercedes-Benz Malaysia should bring this C-Class Convertible too? It may be a bit pointless in our hot weather but we still hope they do. And you, you secretly do too.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just launched today, the all-new 2023 \nPerodua Axia\n has received a total of \n20,100 \nbookings, with \n13,600\n of them being converted \u2018old\u2019 Axia bookings. The other \n6,500\n bookings are new bookings that were made after the booking announcement was made on January 31, 2022.\nThe 13,600 converted bookings were customers that Perodua managed to convince to switch to the all-new Axia from a pool of \n44,000\n original bookings. With all eager customers waiting for their all-new Axia, Perodua says that it will be able to deliver \n2,900\n units of the all-new Axia soon.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cWith the all-new Perodua Axia launched, our focus (for this new model) are twofold, the first is maximising deliveries to our customers and to convert previous generation Axia bookings to the all-new Axia.\u201d\n\u201cWe are thankful and encouraged by the support our valued customers have shown us \u2013 for this new model as well as for all our products and services.\u201d\n\u201cOur 314,000 registration and 330,000 production targets for the year (2023) reflect our commitment to ensure that your bookings and trust will be delivered in the best possible time without compromising on quality.\u201d\nRELATED: \n\u2018Kosong Spec\u2019 Perodua Axia E Manual lives on, price and specs to be revised\nThe Perodua President and CEO added that for the all-new Perodua Axia, the sales target is \n5,700\n units a month. To meet this sales target, Perodua has set the Perodua Axia\u2019s annual production target to over \n82,000\n units.\nUpon launch, the all-new Perodua Axia is available in four variants, namely the \u2018G\u2019, \u2018X\u2019, \u2018SE\u2019, and \u2018AV\u2019. According to Perodua, most of the bookings made were for the two top variants \u2013 the \u2018SE\u2019 and \u2018AV\u2019. Prices for the all-new Perodua Axia start at \nRM38,600\n and the price of the model has increased across the range.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia, from RM38,600"
"Hyundai has just released\nfirst images of their all-new eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata ahead of its global\ndebut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in April.\nLike the \nfacelifted seventh-gen Sonata\n, the new car embodies Hyundai\u2019s Sensuous Sportiness design concept that builds upon the balance between proportion, architecture, styling and technology.\nThe new car is defined\nby the new Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, prominent chrome accents that runs the\nfull length of the front fascia to the side window surrounds, tapering roofline\nand taillamps that runs across the voluminous boot. There are also strong lines\nacross the bonnet and side of the new Sonata to give it a more athletic appearance.\n\u00a0\nWhile key technical details\nof the new car have yet to be announced, the new Sonata has a decidedly sportier\nroad presence thanks to its 30 mm lower height compared to its predecessor. Other\ndimensions have also grown by 45 mm in length, 25 mm in width and 35 mm in wheelbase.\nTell\u00a0me they\u2019re not the same\u00a0\nHyundai claims that the interior architecture was inspired by a Stealth Aircraft, giving off an impression of a floating dashboard mixed with latest digital screens for the instrument cluster, infotainment system and climate control buttons.\nFeatures found in the new Sonata include a new four-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, drive-by-wire electronic gear selector, Bose sound system, ambient lighting in the dashboard and doors as well as an extended centre armrest.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAll-New\u00a08th-gen\u00a0Hyundai\u00a0Sonanta"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n has just delivered its 100,000th \nTriton\n pick-up truck here in the country, and to commemorate the occasion, the company has given away 100,000 km, or up to RM27k worth of diesel to lucky customer number 100,000 \u2013 Muhammad Faerus, a solar panel installer.\nThe Triton has long been MMM\u2019s bedrock in terms of sales numbers. In 2021, where the company \nsold 17,489 vehicles,\n the Triton accounted for 53% of the company\u2019s total sales, which helped the company maintain a market share of 22% in the segment despite the pandemic and healthy competition from its rivals.\n\u201cOur Triton customers come from all walks of life- business owners, off-road enthusiasts, and lifestyle users. Over the years, with Triton\u2019s improved technology and functionality, it has inspired owners to take on challenges and push the boundaries in creating an exciting life journey, while fulfilling their dreams and ambitions,\u201d said MMM CEO, Shinya Ikeda.\n\u201cWe would also like to extend our appreciation to the strong commitment of MMM\u2019s authorized dealers and business partners, as well as gratitude to the Malaysian government and media friends that have spurred Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia to achieve this significant milestone,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM 139,700, only 1,000 units\nIn conjunction with the celebration, MMM is also organising a promotional campaign dubbed \u201c100,000 Triton Ambitions Contest\u201d, to reward four more lucky Triton owners with 25,000 km (or up to RM7,000) worth of diesel each.\nAll Triton owners are invited to participate, and all you need to do is to fill up a contest survey form and submit a photo in either one or all four categories below, starting from 14 September onwards:\nThe Stylo King \u2013 owner\u2019s most memorable leisure activity with the Triton\nTough Champ \u2013 owner\u2019s toughest experience with the Triton\nExtreme Adventurer \u2013 owner\u2019s most memorable long-distance journey with the Triton\nMod Hero \u2013 owner\u2019s coolest modified Triton\nDetailed information and contest terms and conditions can be found on Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\u2019s official website, linked \nhere\n."
"In light of the ongoing health pandemic, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) has introduced a new \u2018Click to Buy\u2019 online car shopping platform to help make buying a Hyundai more convenient for customers during recent \nmovement control orders\n.\nWith a user-friendly interface, the new Click to Buy website makes arranging test drives, placing a booking, or learning more about the Hyundai models at just a simple click away.\nHSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung said, \u201cWe want to help break the chain of transmission during this pandemic and encourage our customers to stay at home, and so we are bringing our showroom to our customers, with an offer of a unique online shopping experience.\u201d\nAside from the booking a new car, customers can also reach out to obtain more information either by phone to the company\u2019s sales personnel or customer service hotline, filling up the contact form, or via the live chat feature on the website.\nThe\n new Hyundai Kona facelift\n was just launched here in April this year!\nThey can also check for their nearest dealership via the website, and pay the booking fees directly online \u2013 which has been lowered to RM300 for all models compared to RM500 at the physical dealership!\nThe new Hyundai Click to Buy website is now live, linked \nhere\n."
"We\u2019ve all heard about the rumours of a \nfully-electric G-Class\n for quite some time already, and where\u2019s there\u2019s smoke, there\u2019s usually fire. In this case, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s has finally unveiled their \u2018fire\u2019 in the form of the Concept EQG \u2013 a \u201cnear-production\u201d version of the upcoming EQG that serves as a preview of what an electric G-Wagen will look like.\nAnd well, it looks like a \nG-Class\n all right. The similarities aren\u2019t just skin-deep either; purists will be happy to know that despite the new electric powertrain, the Concept EQG is also built upon a ladder frame platform, and rides on independent suspension in front with a solid axle at the rear \u2013 which means it\u2019ll be just as rugged as the current G-Class.\nOf course, this being an all-new EQ model, it\u2019s not going to be \u201cjust another\u201d G-Class either. On top of the iconic boxy silhouette, Mercedes-Benz has also incorporated many of the signature design touches onto the Concept EQG, including the illuminated covered \u201cgrille\u201d up front, and the two-tone paint job on the outside separating the top and bottom halves of the car.\nThere\u2019s also a lot of LED lighting fixtures on the Concept EQG, including a halo-like surround on the black panel grille, a light-bar fixture on the roof rack, and even incorporated into the protective strip all around the electric G-Wagen.\nThe Mercedes-Benz G 350d is the new entry-level G-Wagen here in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nWhite LED lights also surround what looks like a spare tyre carrier at the rear, but it\u2019s actually a storage box that pays homage to the traditional G-Class in appearance \u2013 instead of tyres, it stores other items such as the car\u2019s charging cables.\nTying up the external design changes are the unique 22-inch wheels on all four corners, giving the entire Concept EQG a very 90s \u201cBack to the Future\u201d sci-fi vibe as Mercedes-Benz clearly wants you to believe, judging by the press materials they\u2019ve provided.\nMercedes could be merging AMG, Maybach, and G-Class into a single \u201cluxury\u201d group. Read more about it here.\nAs the Concept EQG is still under active development, Mercedes is still keeping mum on the model\u2019s performance capabilities underneath the bonnet. However, they did say that it\u2019ll have four independently-operated electric motors, capable of providing \u201cenormous pulling power and controllability\u201d.\nOff-road fans need not worry, too, as the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG features a shiftable two-speed gearbox that can essentially function as a crawler gear for trickier off-road situations. According to Mercedes, the Concept EQG also boasts a climbing capacity of \u201cup to 100%\u201d on suitable ground, much like its conventionally-driven brethens.\nMercedes-Benz has already made 400,000 G-Wagens since the model\u2019s debut in 1972. Learn more here!\nAnd to prove its off-roading mettle, the German carmaker will be taking the fully-electric Concept EQG up to the legendary off-roading test track on the 1,445-metre high Sch\u00f6ckl mountain in Graz nearer to the end of its development \u2013 a route that\u2019s been regarded in the international off-road scene as one of the \u201cworld\u2019s greatest challenges for man and technology\u201d, featuring gradients of up to 60 degrees.\nThere\u2019s no official release timeframe as yet, though looking at how \u201cproduction ready\u201d the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG already looks, we suspect that there\u2019s not much longer to wait until we can finally see the electric G-Wagen on the roads.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Cars\n \nreported a global sales figure of \n54,317 cars\n in October 2022, with electric vehicles (EVs) accounting for 15% of the total figure. Compared to the same month last year, Volvo Cars reports a 6.9% increase. From January to October 2022, Volvo Cars successfully sold \n483,304 cars\n globally.\nIn October alone, 22,040 cars were sold in Europe, 15,048 cars were sold in China, 9,478 cars were sold in the US, and the remaining 7,761 cars were sold in other regions.\nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\nA quarter of the global October sales was contributed by Volvo\u2019s electrified Recharge models, comprising both plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and EVs with \n11,849 units\n and \n8,148 units\n respectively.\nThe sales of EVs by Volvo more than doubled in October 2022 over the same month last year. In October, Volvo EVs contributed to 28% of sales in Europe, 0.5% of sales in China, and 8.8% of sales in the US. Globally, EVs contributed to 15% (8,148 units) of sales.\nPHEVs contributed to 37% of sales in Europe, 6% of sales in China, and 18% of sales in the US. 11,849 PHEVs were sold worldwide, contributing to 22% of October sales.\nRELATED: \nVolvo teases all-electric EX90, calls roof LiDAR a 21st-century design icon\nVolvo XC60\n Recharge PHEV\nAs for year-to-date figures, the global sales number for 2022 is 16.9% lower (483,304 units) than in 2021 which saw 581,464 cars sold from January to October. However, Volvo EVs still show a positive 121.8% growth in terms of year-to-date figures with \n40,517 units\n sold from January to October 2022. Volvo\u2019s electrified Recharge models saw a 0.3% increase in terms of global year-to-date sales figures.\nLeading the Volvo Cars year-to-date sales chart is the European market with 188,046 cars sold. This is followed by China with 132,792 units and the US with 81,694 units.\nVolvo Cars\u2019 top-selling model for October 2022 was the \nXC60\n with sales of 17,531 cars (2021: 15,399 units), followed by the \nXC40\n at 14,883 cars (2021: 13,987) and the \nXC90\n at 7,651 cars (2021: 8,639 units).\nVolvo Cars October 2022 Sales:\nEurope\nChina\nUS\nTotal\n22,030\n15,048\n9,478\nPHEV\n8,115\n837\n1,693\nEV\n6,172\n80\n835\nALSO WATCH: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge P8 review \u2013 408hp for only RM262k"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM)\n today officially launched its \nNissan Flagship Store on Lazada\n \u2013 an initiative that will offer customers a more convenient and secure vehicle-purchasing experience.\nIn conjunction with the launch along with Lazada\u2019s 5.5 Sale, customers can now book the \nall-New Nissan Almera Turbo\n, facelift, Navara, X-Trail, or Serena S-Hybrid from \nas low as RM 250\n, and the first 55 customers will receive a \nfree Nescafe Coffee Machine worth RM 598\n.\nFind out where the all-new Almera Turbo stands against its competitors, the Toyota Vios and Honda City \nhere\n.\n \n\u201cIn this challenging time of COVID-19 pandemic, digitalisation has been fast-tracked and we are confident that this move is another way for the brand to enhance its services and at the same time offer great deals when purchasing a new Nissan on a digital application,\u201d said Mr Christopher Tan, ETCM Sales and Marketing Director.\nPrices for the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo we reviewed starts from RM79,906 and with the Flexi Financing deal, monthly repayments are set at RM540 monthly. ETCM is also running a promotion for civil servants, offering the base model VL from only RM71,906.\n \nAs for the Navara, ETCM recently launched the facelift model with six different variants available. Prices start from RM91,900 all the way to RM142,200 for the PRO-4X model."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has finally introduced an updated version of the best-selling SUV \u2013 the GLC \u2013 with a fresh new look and some new toys to go with.\nOpinions may vary but while the GLC may conform to current automotive norms of a having a sleeker appearance with slimmer headlamps and more futuristic tail lights, it does seem, to me at least, that the pre-facelift model looks a lot better.\n \nThe biggest highlight of the new GLCs is the addition of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX).finally.as it\u2019s been featured in the new A-Class for over a year now.\nFor those with the older models, fret not, as those dating back all the way to 2002 will be compatible with a Mercedes me adapter."
"These days, races are filmed with the highest grade of video equipment to ensure that the broadcast quality is top-notch. But just like finely-aged whiskey, old video footage just has a certain charm to it.\nIn a spark of genius, YouTuber \nNick Shirrell\n started filming modern race cars with old camera gear as a throwback to the old glory days of racing \u2013 And the result is just glorious.\n \nAfter seeing his previous work, Ferrari brought Shirrell to Italy to work his magic at the 2019 Finali Mondiali. It could be the old film grain, soft focus, or old-timey cinematography methods, but somehow looking at modern Ferraris through old films just adds an extra layer of emotional engagement.\nHowever, what really sold us is the beautifully nostalgic introduction music, paired with the period-correct retro-styled narration. If it weren\u2019t for the cars, you would not have believed that this was filmed in 2019.\nAccording to the description of the video, Shirrell filmed the race with three cameras \u2013 1966 Canon 814, 1968 Canon 1218, and a 1971 Beaulieu 4008 ZM2 \u2013 with a combined age of 155 years. The 10 rolls of Super8 film used to shoot the race were then scanned and edited digitally, but no additional film effects were added.\nAs for sound, a mini-cassette tape recorder was used to record from a shotgun mic \u2013 Super8 films were silent back then.\nWe hope film video cameras make a comeback soon, just like the growing trend of film still cameras. After watching the other videos on \nhis channel\n, we would like all future races to be filmed this way, please."
"Hyundai Motor has pulled off the wraps of the refreshed Hyundai Tucson at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. The facelifted SUV gets a fresh design, revised powertrain line up as well as new advanced driver assistance systems to cater to the increasingly demanding customers.\nThe Tucson now boasts a more modern and athletic look thanks to the new Cascading Grille, reshaped bumper and \nfull LED headlamps\n with revised light signature. Over to the rear, it gets a more elegant taillamp design as well as redesigned rear bumper and muffler. Expect a range of new alloy wheel design too.\nThe cabin design was left mainly untouched, but Hyundai has added new convenience features consisting of a Krell Premium Sound System, wireless charging tray, 7.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rear USB charging port.\nFour powertrain options are available with the refreshed Tucson \u2013 two turbodiesels and two petrol engines. Starting with the most powerful mill is the 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel packing \n183 hp\n, mated to either a six-speed manual or a newly developed eight-speed auto to power all four wheels.\nCompleting the diesel line up is a 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel is available in two different states of tune \u2013 \n114 hp\n and or \n131 hp\n. Both output options are available with a six-speed manual and front wheel drive while the 131 hp mill can be optioned with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic (DCT) and four-wheel drive.\nAs for petrol option, the 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine delivers\n 174 hp\n, paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT with the option for front- or four-wheel drive. The entry-level Tucson, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.6-litre GDI naturally aspirated mill paired to a six-speed manual to develop \n130 hp\n and is strictly front-wheel driven.\nHyundai\u2019s latest \nHyundai SmartSense\n active safety and driving assistance features also made its debut in the refreshed Tucson that bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Speed Limit Indicator Function (SLIF), Hyundai\u2019s Surround View Monitor (SVM) 360-degree camera and High-Beam Assist.\nThe facelifted Hyundai Tucson will make its European debut in the coming weeks with more details to follow. In Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has three variants of the third-generation on sale in the form of a \n2.0-litre MPI\n, \n1.6-litre T-GDI and 2.0-litre CRDi\n. Will the facelifted model with its Hyundai SmartSense technology finally tip the scales to the Korean carmaker\u2019s favour? Only time will tell.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia today announced its newest\n \nPHEV Battery Warranty Programme\n for all its BMW and MINI Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) variants.\nThe current 6-years/100,000 km warranty has been \nextended to 8-years/160,000km\n (whichever comes first). The package applies to models like the \nBMW 330e\n, \nX5 xDrive40e\n, \n530e M Sport\n, \n740Le\n and \nMINI Countryman PHEV.\nFor existing PHEV variant owners, there is an option to upgrade to the extended warranty for a fee. As for 330e, X5 xDrive40e, 530e M Sport and MINI Countryman PHEV, owners can opt to upgrade for \nRM2,200\n while 740Le owners will be charged \nRM7,600\n.\nThe PHEV Battery Warranty Programme is \navailable from now until 31st December\n.\nRegarding the same matter, BMW Group Malaysia also recently announced that the \nbattery modules in its PHEV variants can be individually replaced\n; resulting in substantial reduction in cost of replacement compared to replacing an entire battery module."
"The fully imported Audi Q3 Sportback is \navailable in Malaysia in a single variant\n \u2013 2.0 TFSI quattro \u2013 and is priced at \nRM360,223\n. The price is inclusive of the Audi Assurance Package which includes a 3-year unlimited mileage manufacturer\u2019s warranty and 3-year maintenance. Without the Audi Assurance Package, the Q3 Sportback retails for \nRM351,223\n and is accompanied by a 2-year manufacturer warranty.\nBearing the quattro name, the Q3 Sportback is equipped with all-wheel drive, where all four wheels are driven by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Output is rated at 180 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The Q3 Sportback\u2019s 0-100 km/h time is 7.8 seconds, with a top speed of 220 km/h.\nOn the outside, the Q3 Sportback comes as standard with an S line exterior for sportier front and rear bumpers. The athletic appearance of the Q3 Sportback is further enhanced with a Black appearance package with black accents on the front grille and window surrounds. Filling up the wheel arches are five-spoke Audi Sport rims with a matte finish.\nRELATED: \nWatch us review the Audi Q3 Sportback while on the way to have seafood in Klang!\nBoth the front and rear are equipped with LED lighting, with the headlamps offering high beam assist. Colour options include Mythos Black, Navarra Blue, Glacier White, Daytona Grey, Pulse Orange, Dew Silver, Ibis White, Tango Red, Chronos Grey and in the case of this car, it\u2019s finished in a Turbo Blue colour.\nInside the S line interior is a pair of comfort seats with \u2018S\u2019 embossed on the backrest, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shift paddles, dual-zone air conditioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 12-way electric front seats with lumbar support.\nAt the rear, the hands-free powered tailgate opens up to a 530-litre boot. In terms of driver aids, the Q3 Sportback lane change assist, cruise control and lane departure warning.\nGALLERY"
"In a bid to respond to customer demand for cleaner local emissions as well as own internal environmental goals, Nissan has introduced the Sylphy E-Power variant in China.\nManufactured and distributed by Dongfeng Nissan, the Sylphy is the first sedan to be equipped with the innovative series-hybrid powertrain that provides acceleration pleasures of an electric vehicle (EV) rather than a combustion engine. The reason for this is the propulsion of the E-Power hybrid system is done by the electric motor and not the combustion engine.\nFor this generation of Nissan E-Power system, the internal combustion petrol engine that functions strictly as a battery charger continues to be an ultra-efficient, low-speed 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine. The electric motor meanwhile is taken from the second-generation \nNissan Leaf\n, but tuned to deliver \n300 Nm\n of torque, just 20 Nm lower than in its original installation. \u00a0\u00a0\nRecycling is a norm of life in Japan, so it\u2019s no surprise that first-gen Nissan Leaf batteries are re-used! Learn more about it here.\nRated fuel consumption under China\u2019s urban test cycle is an outstanding 3.9 litres per 100 km or 25.64 km/L. The Nissan Sylphy E-Power is the company\u2019s fourth different model to feature the hybrid system that first debuted in Japan in the Nissan Note. The popular Nissan Serena MPV was next, followed by the \nNissan Kicks E-Power\n that made its debut in ASEAN.\nSubtle differences which are the new \nKumiko\n-like pattern on the grille and \u2018E-Power\u2019 emblems on the doors distinguish this model from the regular Sylphy 1.6 model. New Nissan logos are also used.\nThere is also a Nissan \nNote Aura E-Power NISMO\n, available only in Japan for those who appreciate the high levels of motorsport touches from NISMO.\nThe \nall-new Nissan Qashqai\n is next in line and is said to be featured with a more powerful system to meet the unique requirements of the European market. In Malaysia, Honda uses the same electric motor-prioritised technology for the latest \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n, but set up differently where at high-speed cruising, the engine is coupled directly to the front wheels for better overall efficiency.\nE-Power\n1.6 TOP\nInside, the triple circular central air-conditioning vents have been replaced by a slimmer design and paired with a new larger infotainment system. The shift-by-wire controller also features a smaller knob profile.\nThere is no mention of the retail price, but expect it to be priced competitively, perhaps at the current levels circa CNY150,000 (approx. RM97k).\nThe \nnew-generation Nissan Sylphy\n was launched in China back in 2019, with just one engine choice- a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with outputs of up to \n135 hp\n and \n159 Nm\n of torque and priced up to CNY144,900 (approx. RM94k)\nEven its government thinks so! There are too many EV automakers in China and plans are in to reduce the number. More on the topic here.\nA \nfully-electric version\n of the previous-generation Nissan Sylphy was available too, priced from CNY238,000 (approx. RM154k), out of the radar of other established local brands such as \nGeometry\n.\nGALLERY"
"Ten lucky Malaysians are edging closer to the face-off across the Causeway for Subaru\u2019s Palm Challenge which pits participants against each other in a bid to see who can hold or keep their palms on the car. The last palm standing will drive off with a brand-new Subaru XV Premium.\nAfter keeping their palms on several Subaru XVs for over \n10 hours and 5 minutes\n, the final 10 battled other\u00a0fellow Malaysian participants to qualify for a chance at the \ngrand finale\n in Singapore, dubbed the \nSubaru Challenge \u2013 Asian\u00a0Face Off\n. To be in contest for the prize, they have keep their hands on the car \nAT ALL TIMES\n\u00a0and were only\u00a0granted \n10-minute\n breaks at an interval of every \n6 hours\n\u00a0to grab a bite or visit the loo.\nThe local contest was held at \nThe Curve\n in Mutiara Damansara, where contestants braved all elements as they attempted to the best of their ability for a shot at winning the Subaru XV. Let us introduce you the ten Malaysian representatives; Muhammad Afif b Drani,\u00a0Ronesh Biswas A/L Bisanuth Biswas,\u00a0Tan Hong Sheng,\u00a0Subramaniam A/L Gunasegaran,\u00a0Vimalnath Francis,\u00a0Tan Chuan Meng,\u00a0Tan Chuan Kok,\u00a0Chang Wei Khang,\u00a0Sathivale A/L Sundrammorthy and\u00a0Mohammad Fadhlly R Azmi.\nAt the Subaru Challenge \u2013 Asian Face Off, the 10 Malaysian finalists will battle \n390\n other hopeful competitors from\u00a0\nThailand\n, \nHong Kong\n, \nPhilippines\n, \nChina\n, \nTaiwan\n, \nVietnam\n, \nCambodia\n, and of course \nSingapore\n for the chance to drive away with the Subaru XV. We\u2019ll be covering the event in end-October, so be sure to stay tuned! Also, we at AutoBuzz.my would like to extend our warmest wishes to our local participants. Best of luck, guys!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If the \nRenault Megane RS265 Cup\n is err, not your cup of tea because it\u2019s still not hardcore enough for your liking, then check this out. You\u2019re looking at the car that \nlapped the Nurburgring\n in \nless than eight minutes\n, and it\u2019s Renault\u2019s wildest Megane so far. This is the limited edition two-seater \nMegane RS275 Trophy-R\n.\nWhat\u2019s so special about this car then? Well, it\u2019s built based on the Megane RS275 Trophy that\u2019s not on sale in Malaysia; the \nTrophy-R\n gets a trick suspension setup and all the luxury fittings thrown out, in the chase of achieving a \nlighter kerb weight\n that is so essential to clock that\u00a07 minutes 54.36 seconds Nurburgring lap time.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Megane RS275 Trophy-R\n \nEngine\n1,998 cc 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n275 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n360 Nm @ 3,000 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n5.8 seconds\nTop Speed\n255 km/h\nPrice\nRM300,000.00\nEXTERIOR\nAs the most extreme Megane on sale, the Trophy-R isn\u2019t shy to shout about its serious track-attacking credentials. You can have the Trophy-R in any colour you want as long as it\u2019s \ntwo-tone Pearlescent White\n with \nEtoile Black\n \nroof\n and some slashes of red.   Track junkies will be able to spot the bright red \n19-inch Speedline Turini wheels\n wrapped in \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n tyres and the carbon-tipped titanium \nAkrapovic exhaust system\n. They\u2019re not only for show, they\u2019re actually part of the weight reduction program. Together, they shed almost 10kg out of the entire vehicle\u2019s weight.\nINTERIOR\nYou can scare only one passenger next to you because the rear bench have been removed altogether. What you get in the back is a \nstrut bar\n, a luggage net, and two pair of harnesses that go through the pair of full bucket seats at the front. The \ndeletion of the rear seats\n save 20kg, while the leather and Alcantara \nRecaro Pole Position\n bucket seats are lighter too.   PERFORMANCE\nThe \n1,998 cc four-cylinder turbo\n now delivers \n275 hp\n,\n\u00a0\nwhich is a slight bump from the 265 hp in the 265 Cup, but \n360 Nm\n of maximum torque remains the same for both models. The turbocharged four-banger is mated to a \nsix-speed manual transmission\n, launching the Trophy-R from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n5.8 seconds\n, and yet it\u2019s claimed to sip just\n 7.5 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe Trophy-R gets amped up even further with the fully-adjustable \nOhlins Road & Track dampers\n. Paired with\n Allevard composite springs\n and you\u2019ll get one customisable track machine that suits your own preferences.\nAll the Malaysian-spec Trophy-Rs get the \nNurburgring Pack\n thrown in as standard. It features bigger \n350 mm brake discs\n, lighter \nlithium-ion battery\n, \nracing harnesses by\n \nSabelt\n for the Recaros, as well as \nfour spare wheel covers\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nProduced only 250 units worldwide, \n10 units\n are allocated for the Malaysian market. If you haven\u2019t placed an order yet, we\u2019re sorry to break it to you because all have been snapped up. But then again there\u2019s always the Megane RS265 available for about RM65k less.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The country is currently placed under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), scheduled to be in place until the 9th of June. Although \nrules have been relaxed\n, that does not mean we can just go back to our normal lives as before.\nFor example, any activities garnering a crowd of more than 10 individuals are not allowed, and crucially for the upcoming Hari Raya festivities, \ninterstate travel is still prohibited\n unless with the right authorisation \u2013 \nSorry, but you can\u2019t \nbalik kampung\n for Hari Raya this year\n.\nTo help enforce the interstate travel ban, the Selangor police announced that it will begin scanning the registration number plates of cars parked outside homes and residential areas. The police will cross-check the license plates with their database to determine if they have received the permits to do so, \nThe Star\n reports.\nSelangor Police Chief\u00a0Comm Datuk Noor Azam Jamaludin said, \u201cIf we discover that there are those who flouted the ban on interstate travel, we will detain the vehicle owner, which is usually the head of family.\n\u201cAction will be taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and Police Act 1967,\u201d he added, stating that the time for \u201cplaying nice\u201d with warnings and advice was over.\nThe announcement comes after Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador\u00a0announced yesterday that a special task force \u2013 consisting of the police and army \u2013 has been formed to \ntrack down unauthorised interstate travellers\n in residential areas and villages during the Aidilfitri festivities.\nIn addition to checking license plates, Selangor police are also conducting roadblocks at strategic entry and exit points surrounding the state \u2013 drivers without the necessary authorisation will be asked to turn back.\nComm Noor Azam added: \u201cHonour the sacrifices of the frontliners who braved the sun and storm in the fight against the virus by complying with the regulations of the conditional MCO, especially the ban on balik kampung interstate travel for Hari Raya.\n\u201cI hope the public give their full cooperation with the authorities as the fight [against COVID-19] is not over yet.\u201d"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) has just released their revised price list for all Jaguar and Land Rover models in view of the zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) implemented by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) of the new Pakatan Harapan Government.\nDue to the fully imported nature of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, the 6 percent price difference is a substantial one, between RM11k to RM49k for Land Rover models while Jaguar models have their retail prices reduced by some RM19k to RMk.\n \n Jaguar Malaysia Zero Rated GST\n \n Range Rover Malaysia Zero Rated GST\nThe new price list will take effect from 1 June 2018 until further notice from the MoF to implement the Sales and Services Tax (SST) which Tun Daim Zainuddin, head of the Council of Eminent Persons hinted it will be in \u201ctwo to three months\u2019 time\u201d.\nOn top of the revised prices to exclude GST, JLR is also offering attractive cash rebates and accessories vouchers on selected models in conjunction with the Raya festive season. Looking at these attractive offers and zero-rated GST, we\u2019ve broken down in detail whether \nshould you buy a new car amidst the \u201ctax-holiday\u201d\n."
"In conjunction with the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration, 7 major traffic offences will be non-compoundable from \nJanuary 18\n \nto 27\n. This means that the offenders will be issued a compound fine and will be directly referred to court.\nThe 7 major offences are:\nCutting queues\nOvertaking on double lines\nDisobeying the red-light signal\nDriving over the speed limit\nUsing mobile phones while driving\nNot wearing a seat belt or helmet\nDriving on the emergency lane\nTogether with the on-compoundable offences, goods vehicles will also be banned from using the roads two days before CNY (January 20 & 21) and two days after CNY (January 24 & 25). The ban on goods vehicles aims to reduce traffic congestion.\nAnthony Loke said, \u201cThis ban is aimed to avoid risks of road accidents due to mixed traffic flow between heavy vehicles and light vehicles on the road and on highways.\u201d\nRELATED: \nImproved road tax stickers to be rolled out this year, says Anthony Loke\nThe announcement was made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke after launching the Integrated Ops and Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with the upcoming CNY celebration. Recalling the statistics from the same period last year, the Transport Minister said a total of 11,325 road accidents with 119 deaths were recorded.\nLoke said, \u201cThe number was quite worrying. In my opinion, road safety education among the people of this country has not yet reached the highest level which we can be proud of.\u201d\nDuring the CNY festivities, 2,000 Road Transport Department (JPJ) enforcement officers will be deployed at 14 key locations along highways nationwide to keep tabs on traffic offences. They will be on duty from January 18 to January 27. The JPJ personnel would also travel on express buses as passengers to carry out enforcement activities.\nRELATED: \nChinese New Year 2023 \u2013 Toll-free highways on 20-21 January for all vehicles"
"Last year, Audi pulled the wraps off the\u00a0\nentry level\n \nsecond-generation Audi R8 Spyder V10\n. At the time, they said the hotter V10 Plus variant will soon join the line-up, and that\u2019s exactly what you see here today.\nThe V10 Plus variant weighs lesser thanks to the lighter bucket seats, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer trims and carbon ceramic brakes. It now weighs \n1,587 kg\n (dry) \u2013\u00a0\n25 kg lighter\n than the standard V10. It uses the same fabric roof folding mechanism that opens and closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h.\nSitting on the rear axle of the V10 Plus is the glorious 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 that revs all the way to \n8,700 rpm\n. Power output is rated at \n602 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n of torque, which is\u00a0\n69 hp\n and \n20 Nm\n\u00a0more than the V10 variant. A lightning quick seven-speed S Tronic double clutch transmission helps send power to all-four corners via Audi\u2019s famous \nquattro AWD system\n.\nThis Spyder will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.3 seconds\n before hitting a top speed of \n327 km/h\n. That\u2019s 0.3 seconds quicker to the 100 km/h mark and top speed is up by 10 km/h. Audi claims the V10 Plus is able to return \n8.0 litres per 100 km\n thanks to Cylinder on Demand (COD) tech that deactivates one row of cylinders under low loads. This is also helped by the start/stop system.   Through the Audi Exclusive Programme, the possibilities for customisation is limitless. From matte exterior paint to personal insignias on the side blades, Audi will deliver the exact build according to your taste. The starting price for the R8 Spyder V10 Plus is \u00a3147,470 (RM806k) before options.\nWe were fortunate enough to have sampled the V10 Plus coupe last year and \nloved every bit of drama the 5.2-litre V10 produces\n. Audi Malaysia has plans to \nintroduce the second-generation R8 to Malaysia\n but the question is, will the soft top make its way here? We\u2019ll find out soon enough.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Being late to the game of electrification has its upsides, you get to learn from the mistakes of others and reap from the rapidly advancing EV technologies. Mazda is now making up for lost time with the all-electric MX-30.\nFirst things first, the name. Mention MX and most would think of the Miata. But way back in 1991, Mazda also produced a coupe (based on the 323 platform) called the \nMX-3\n, it was sporty and quirky but like many indulgences of that era, the business case wasn\u2019t strong enough to justify its continued existence.\nThe RX8 suicide doors are revived on the MX-30!\nThe all-electric MX-30 isn\u2019t only first fully electric car developed in-house, but one that Mazda hopes to propagate globally in numbers. According to Mazda, the MX-30 was developed to represent a \u2018new value\u2019 for EVs, just like what the Miata MX-5 does for sports cars. And like many of the current offerings, the MX-30 is styled and packaged to win over hearts by being \u2018\nhuman centric\n\u2019 in its design.\nMazda concedes that the choice of a crossover has to do with the fact that this taller body-style offers more room to stack \nbattery cells on the floor\n, besides people do love SUVs these days, but there\u2019s a twist. Mazda is audacious enough to give the MX-30 a pair of wide-opening\n \u2018freestyle\u2019 doors \nby taking a page out of the discontinued RX-8. Mazda says that the \nrear-hinged doors\n allows users more freedom to maximise the utilisation of the cabin and to aid entry to the sofa-like rear seats.\nA minimalist theme is chosen for the interior, not dissimilar to the new generation Mazda3 but with the introduction of a by-wire, \nelectronic gear selector and a touch screen for the air-con controls\n. What\u2019s unique is the use of sustainable materials in the cabin, you can find \ncork\n lining the surfaces around the centre console, but why you may ask. Mazda was founded in 1920 as the \nToyo Cork Kogyo\n company producing cork bottle caps!\nRelatively modest range, but there could be a twist\ncoming soon\nDuring the press unveiling, Mazda was silent on the technical specifications of the MX-30, perhaps it has to do with the \nmodest range of 200 km\n from its \n35.5 kWh lithium ion battery pack\n, and its \n140 hp and 265 Nm power output\n from a \nsingle electric motor\n driving the \nfront wheels\n.\nYes, nothing much to shout about but on one of the slides during the media reveal, a \nrotary engine range extender\n is shown as being planned, not to power the wheels directly but to act as a generator to charge up batteries.\nPHEV and range extender models to follow soon.\nNot only does it play to Mazda\u2019s heritage, the rotary engine is also quieter and more refined than conventional engines that use the cylinder as its main moving part. Additionally, the rotational structure of the rotary engine means that it can be integrated with the electric motor as a single, compact unit; a solution that Mazda says can be deployed in a \nplug-in or series hybrid\n.\nThe all-electric MX-30 is planned for introduction in Europe by the second half of 2020, before making its way to other countries.\nMazda MX-30 image gallery"
"With incresing demand for automotive parts and chips, the spotlight will be on AMPA this April 14-17. Along with a physical trade show, the first-ever virtual AMPA Online will be held from April 7 to May 6, providing an avenue for global exhibitors to further expand their business.\nAmong the over 400 exhibitors include Tesla suppliers Taya Electric, Fukuta Electric, and K.S. Terminals, as well as PTT Oil (Thailand\u2019s national petroleum provider), Mahle, Texas Instruments, Protec, to name a few.\nLast year, AMPA held an online version of the exhibition, with over 10,000 viewers and 48,000 views on live streaming forums and various media content, with exhibitors showcasing their products from a unique perspective.\n \nIt also allowed exhibitors to showcase their daily operations with behind-the-scenes access. Among the viewers include those from major automotive markets such as USA, Japan, Korea, as well as emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. In addition, over 7,700 viewers tuned in from Taiwan; gaining valuable insight, as well as interacting with international participants in virtual events.\nThis year\u2019s AMPA Online will bring virtual booths, online product catalogues and live chats. AMPA Online will give exhibitors an extra month to promote their products and services, as well as interact with the in-person show buyers during the April 14-17 timeframe, guaranteeing exposure on both ends.\nInterested exhibitors can visit the \nAMPA Online website\n and fill out an application form by March 31 and be a part of this fast-growing event, or visit the \nAMPA website\n for more information."
"We\u2019re less than 24 hours away from the official launch of the 2022 Saga facelift, and Proton has again provided us with yet another teaser on its social media channels \u2013 this time showing off the model\u2019s new push-start button.\n\u201cAre you ready to push towards a new dawn?\u201d the caption reads. \u201cThe new \nProton Saga\n unleashes new features and designs that will make your new ride an Intelligent Proposition!\u201d Zero points for guessing the new tagline for the facelift model.\nThe 2022 Proton Saga facelift will mark the first time that the push-start and keyless entry systems are being offered on the entry-level sedan. While not a major must-have item, the addition of the keyless systems will significantly improve the ownership and driving experience thanks to the added convenience.\nAside from the push-start button, Proton has also published a separate teaser of the 2022 Saga facelift\u2019s new body kit. It\u2019s been rumoured that the body kit \u2013 which consists of a front splitter and side skirts \u2013 will only be offered on the range-topping variant. However, the push-start button\u2019s variant availability is unknown at the moment.\nRELATED: 2022 Proton Saga facelift to launch on 12 May \u2013 New two-tone alloy wheels, body kit\nFurther information will have to wait until the 2022 Proton Saga\u2019s official launch tomorrow, which will be livestreamed on the company\u2019s Facebook page at 9.45 am. However, we do know that the new Saga facelift will come with a\n few exterior tweaks\n, including a new set of two-tone 15-inch alloy-wheels for the range-topping variant, as well as red accents underneath the front grille.\nAs for the interior, recent rumours and spyshots have revealed that the 2022 Proton Saga facelift will also get a slightly reworked dashboard, with red-trimmed air vents, new digital air-conditioning control panel, as well as new graphics on the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display.\nNo changes are expected for the mechanicals, however, with the 2022 Proton Saga facelift retaining the same 1.3-litre inline-four engine, making 95 hp and 120 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels as before, via a four-speed Hyundai-sourced automatic gearbox."
"Toyota\u2019s Gazoo Racing division finally pulled back the curtains to unveil the \nGR Yaris\n last week. If for some reason the words \u201chomologation special\u201d don\u2019t make you tingle with excitement, perhaps these videos will.\nToyota gave access to some of the best rally drivers in the last 30 years, including Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Principal (and one of the most successful WRC drivers of all time) Tommi Makinen, as well as 2019 WRC driver champion Ott Tanak.\n \nAll four rally drivers have different things to say about the GR Yaris, but they can all agree on one thing \u2013 that the GR Yaris is fun and exciting to drive. Just by reading the spec sheet, there weren\u2019t any doubts in our minds that that\u2019ll be the case, but there you have it \u2013 from actual rally drivers no less.\nThe drivers also praised the hot hatch\u2019s GR-Four all-wheel drive system, with Kris Meeke saying that the car \u201cfeels very agile and you\u2019re able to change direction very quickly\u201d.\n \nThe GR-Four system comes with pre-set torque split of 60:40 (Normal), 30:70 (Sport), and 50:50 (Track), making the car able to adapt to all surfaces on the go. \u201cIt seems to have all the correct attributes which you need to make a good rally car,\u201d Meeke added.\nTommi Makinen also gave special mention to the engine, which is the most powerful 3-cylinder engine according to Toyota. The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine generates \n272 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque, with power sent through a six-speed manual transmission.\n \nZero-to-hundred km/h is done in approximately \nfive seconds\n, with an estimated top speed of \n225 km/h\n. Jari-Matti Latavala said that \u201cbasically, it needs to be a car which is fast, exciting, reliable, and easy to drive. So I can see these elements coming together in this car.\u201d"
"Shortly after unveiling the \nmost powerful 911 Turbo S\n, Porsche has become the first vehicle manufacturer in the world to offer lightweight wheels with braided carbon fibre and will be available as an option for the Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series.\nThe innovative wheels are now \n20% lighter\n, weighing around 8.5 kg less than the standard alloy wheels yet \n20% stronger\n. Reduced unsprung weight also mean the tyres trail the surface of the road better and are perfectly optimised for absorbing longitudinal and lateral forces. Lower rotational mass also mean increased immediacy in both acceleration and braking.\nMade entirely of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP), the wheel\u00a0essentially comprise of two components \u2013 carbon fibre fabric for the centre of the wheels and braided carbon fibre for the rim base. The latter is made by what is currently the\u00a0\nworld\u2019s largest carbon fibre braiding machine\n with a diameter of approximately nine metres.\nPorsche is effectively the first company amongst global automakers to adopt this extremely complex technology. This cutting edge braiding technology ensures that the material structure of the carbon is considerably denser and compact, which in turn increases rigidity. It also produces less waste as a result.\u00a0The new carbon wheel is made from \na total of 18 kilometres carbon fibre\n or eight square metres of carbon-fibre fabric.\nBeginning 2018, the new carbon wheels will be available as an option for the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series in \n20-inch x 9J\n for the front wheels and \n20-inch x 11.5 J\n for the rear. In Germany, the price for these pieces of engineering art will be EUR 15,232 (\napprox RM 76,801\n).\nThe new 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series comes with \n3.8-litre twin-turbo\n engine cranking out\n 599 hp\n with \n750 Nm\n of torque \u2013 propelling it from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds with a top speed over \n330 km/h\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Hyundai Ioniq is the first dedicated hybrid car in the world with a platform that offers up to three electrified powertrains \u2013 regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicle.\nFor 2017, the 100 designs were awarded the Green Good Design Award from 23 countries, and the Ioniq was one of them. The Ioniq is recognised as one of the world\u2019s most advanced products, designs and projects that emphasises sustainability. As it stands, the \nIoniq Hybrid\n is currently the most fuel efficient vehicle in the US whereas the Ioniq Electric is the most efficient EV in the US.   Chief Designer of Hyundai Design Centre, Chris Chapman said, \u201cHyundai Motor is committed to progressing the future of eco-friendly driving and the Ioniq\u00a0is just the beginning. The future-focused character of the Ioniq along with its innovative use of recycled and ecologically-sensitive materials has made Ioniq the most fuel-efficient vehicle and a leader in the environmentally-friendly vehicle space.\u201d\nThe Green Good Design Award was given by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The awards is now in its eight year running."
"The \nF30 BMW 330e\n is a common sight on Malaysian roads thanks to its electrifying performance and abundance of features at an extremely attractive price point for buyers in that segment. So much so that the outgoing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 3 Series variant contributes to BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s position as the \n5\nth\n largest market in the world for BMW Hybrid vehicles\n.\nThe newly released G20 330e encompasses all the qualities of the previous generation model and made better with improvements to the eDrive PHEV system for longer pure electric range, sportier transmission mapping as well as increased maximum combined output with the new XtraBoost function. Most importantly, boot space has increased to \n375 litres\n, 5 litres more than the old model variant!\nIn the latest eDrive system, it still adopts a B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with\n 184 hp\n supplemented by an electric motor that generates a continuous output of \n50 kW (68 hp)\n. Although the electric motor has a lower continuous output, BMW has added a new \nXtraBoost\n function that temporarily boosts the electric motor\u2019s output to \n80 kW (109 hp)\n while the vehicle is in Sport mode or having the gear lever in M/S position.\nTogether, the eDrive system gives the 330e a combined system output of \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, allowing the PHEV sedan to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.0 seconds\n flat, beating the old model by 0.1 seconds. The new car also commands a higher top speed at \n230 km/h\n, up 5 km/h from before.\nA new innovation on the eDrive system that will get the enthusiast driver\u2019s excited is a \nnew shifting programme\n for the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission that promises a sporty driving experience, complete with brake downshifts \u2013 a first for a BMW hybrid model. The transmission is also tuned to match the XtraBoost for a more intense acceleration experience.\nLocated under the rear seats is a larger \n12.0 kWh lithium-ion battery\n pack that allows the 330e sedan to boast a pure electric driving range of up to\n 60 km\n \u2013 50 per cent more than the old model. Top speed in \nMAX eDRIVE\n pure electric driving mode has also been increased to \n140 km/h\n compared to 120 km/h previously. Fuel consumption rating has also dropped to \n1.7L/100 km\n and emits 39 g of CO2 per km.\nAvailable with all the trim lines on a standard G20 3 Series \u2013 Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport, the 330e looks no different from its other siblings. With the eDrive badge on the C-pillar gone, the only way you can tell this high-voltage Beemer is through the charging flap cutouts on the front fender.\nThe new G20 BMW 330e will be available for orders in 2019 onwards alongside the rest of the G20 range. To date available variants of the G20 BMW 3 Series include 320i, 330i, M340i, 330e, 318d, 320d and 330d.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nG20 BMW 330e"
"Polestar, the performance electric performance brand of Volvo and Geely Holdings, will add a fully electric SUV to their line-up. The new model will be the third after the Polestar 1 coupe and Polestar 2 fastback.\nSimply called \nPolestar 3\n, the performance SUV will debut the new generation of electric vehicle architecture from Volvo Car Group, which has been designed from scratch for full electrification. The aerodynamic electric performance SUV will feature industry-leading connectivity features based on Google\u2019s native \nAndroid Automotive OS infotainment system\n, as well as high-end, safety-focused autonomous driving features.\nThe Polestar 1 is now the first car you can buy with art!\nThe company has also chosen the US as the production base for the new SUV, at the relatively new Volvo Cars production centre in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The plant currently produces the \nnew Volvo S60\n model and the Polestar 3 will commence from 2022, together with the \nall-new Volvo XC90\n.\n\u201cPolestar 3 will be built in America, for our American customers,\u201d says CEO of Polestar, Thomas Ingenlath. The performance electric SUV segment is constantly seeing new additions, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-e, BMW iX as well as the upcoming \nnew-generation Porsche Macan\n.\nReview: Does the RM283k Volvo S60 T8 R-Design \u2018wow\u2019 us?\nThe move to manufacture in the US is also an additional USD118 million investment into the new South Carolina plant, which has now accumulated to a total \ninvestment value of over USD1.2 billion\n.\nThe manufacturing announcement also underlines Polestar\u2019s commitment to the American retail market, which is undergoing a period of rapid expansion. Polestar will open around 25 retail \u2018Spaces\u2019 across the country this year. The Spaces offer customer conveniences such as home test drives, free pick-up and delivery servicing, and mobile service for consumers in markets still awaiting the opening of a Polestar Space.\nThe South Carolina facility will also be Polestar\u2019s first out of China, where the Polestar 1 is manufactured at the Chengdu plant, while the Polestar 2 at the \nLuqiao plant\n.\nTo recap, the \nPolestar 1\n is a low-volume electric performance hybrid coupe with a carbon fibre body, 609 hp, 1,000 Nm and an electric-only range of 124 km \u2013 the longest of any hybrid car in the world.\nPolestar 1\nPolestar 2\nThe \nPolestar 2\n electric performance fastback is meanwhile a product aimed at higher sales volumes. The Polestar 2model range includes three variants with a combination of standard- and long-range batteries up to 540 km range, and dual- and single motor powertrains with as much as 408 hp and 660 Nm."
"Perodua has a lot to celebrate with their first ever and only sedan in the lineup. Not only is the \nPerodua Bezza\n\u00a0the country\u2019s best selling sedan, it\u2019s also good enough to bag two trophies at the 2017 Frost & Sullivan Excellence Awards.\nThe A-segment sedan won both the \u201c\nMalaysia Car of the Year\n\u201d and \u201c\nDebut Car of the Year\n\u201d awards. Even the\u00a0\nPerodua Axia\n\u00a0did not go home empty handed, after bagging itself the \u201c\nValue for Money (1.3L and Below Category) Car of the Year\n\u201d category.\nThis is on the back of\u00a0the Bezza\u2019s significant sales volume, sales growth, market share and the overall impact to the total industry volume. The Bezza has sold over 50,000 since its launch in July last year.\nDespite the dominance on its home turf, Perodua has yet to rest its laurels as the company introduced some \naesthetic updates \nto the Bezza at\u00a0\nno extra cost\n. The rear bumper has been given a minor retouch while the interior for Premium X and Advance variants receive subtle trimming updates. The Perodua Bezza is now offered in five variants, with prices starting from \nRM37,300\n to \nRM50,800\n."
"Indonesia, the world\u2019s largest reserve of nickel, has received an investment proposal from fully-electric carmaker Tesla.\nThe news, reported by \nReuters\n, was recently released by the country\u2019s deputy head for investment and mining coordination, Septian Hario Seto.\nNickel together with cobalt and manganese are key materials for the high voltage batteries in electric vehicles (EV).\nMr Septian said a virtual meeting will be held this week to get an official explanation after receiving the proposal last week. The focus of their discussions had been on \nbatteries and energy storage solutions\n.\n\u201cIf they only want to buy raw materials, we are not interested. This (proposal) is beyond just taking the raw material,\u201d said Mr Septian.\nOnce the top exporter of nickel, Indonesia stopped nickel shipments last year, in an effort to develop a full nickel supply chain, starting from extraction, then processing into metals and chemicals used in batteries, to meet the exponential growth of demand for EVs.\nTesla has announced plans to not only make their new-generation of batteries in-house in the future but also replace the expensive cobalt with more nickel. Tesla\u2019s current facility in Asia is the \nGiga Shanghai\n factory in China that produces the Model 3 sedan for domestic consumption.\nGlobal lithium-ion battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) has already earmarked a \nUSD5 billion\n investment in Indonesia, with the first batch of batteries to begin production in 2024.\nIndonesia\u2019s president, Joko \u201cJokowi\u201d Widodo, has set the EV industry as the focus for the next several years, intending to make \n20% of new cars in Indonesia electric by 2025\n. The country also seeks to become the global hub for battery and electric vehicle production.\u00a0\nSource: \nReuters"
"UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has just announced minor updates for the MY2018 Toyota Sienta. The compact MPV will now be offered in a sole 1.5 V variant with additional accessories and equipment for the same price tag of RM97,000, on the road sans insurance.\nOn the outside, the updated model gets the same equipment from \nbefore\n \u2013 full bi-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED taillamps, front and rear fog lamps, acoustic front windshield, dual powered sliding doors and 16-inch alloys wrapped in 195/50 profile tyres.\nIt is only when you step inside you\u2019ll find a new\n 6.9-inch DVD-AVX system\n with a\u00a0reverse camera (upgradable to 7.0-inch with navigation), optional 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, \nrear USB charging port\n for the second-row seats and rear cargo trunk mat.\nOther standard items include two-tone multifunctional leather-wrapped steering wheel, Optitron instrument cluster with coloured TFT multi-info display, fabric upholstery and six-speakers.\nMechanically, the Sienta retains the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre four-cylinder DVVT-i engine producing \n106 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels via a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with seven virtual ratios.\nSafety equipment remains the same as before \u2013 three airbags (dual frontal and driver\u2019s knee), ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film.\nOrder books for the updated Toyota Sienta 1.5 V are now open at all Toyota authorised dealers nationwide. For added peace of mind, the Sienta comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Sienta 1.5 V MY2018"
"The all-new Hyundai Elantra was launched here in Malaysia late last year, but seeing one on the roads is almost like catching a unicorn in the wild, in part due to the asking price of its sole variant on offer \u2013 the \n1.6 Premium\n. Well, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has heard your complaints, and is now introducing a new Executive variant for the Elantra that lowers the entry point for the model to \nRM139,888\n.\nTo afford the RM19k reduction in price, a number of creature comfort niceties from the Premium variant had to be omitted. These include the power-adjustable leather seats, now replaced by manual black fabric items. Also gone are the fully-digital instrument cluster, heating and ventilation function for the front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging tray, and the electro-chromic rear-view mirror.\nHSDM also had to compromise on the advanced driver assistance features of the Hyundai Elantra, with only the basic SmartSense features making their way onto the new entry-level variant. These include passive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert \u2013 AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam have been removed from the list.\nBasically unchanged from the outside.\nOther than these changes though, the rest of the car is identical to the Premium variant, including its exterior styling features. Standard items include LED projector headlights, the iconic full-width combination tail lights, and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.\nInside, the Hyundai Elantra Executive still get the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, as well as electronic parking brake with auto-hold as standard.\nAlso unchanged here is the 1.6-litre SmartStream naturally-aspirated engine, which makes \n123 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of around \n10.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n196 km/h\n.\nAs mentioned above, the new Hyundai Elantra Executive, fully-imported from South Korea, is priced at \nRM139,888\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \n50% sales tax exemptions\n. Also included in the price is a\n five-year/300,000 km warranty\n, whichever comes first.\nAnd since there are pretty much no changes to its exterior, be sure to check out our \nfull gallery\n of the Premium variant to see the all-new Elantra in its full glory!\nGALLERY"
"Looking for a practical \u2018family car\u2019 that seats four, but also need an excess of 600 hp for your hooning shenanigans? Well, BMW might have the answer for you.\nAfter teasing us with the handsome \nBMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe\n, the German carmaker has finally added the 4-door coupe to its performance line-up.\nJust like it\u2019s 2-door sisters, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe is powered by the same \n4.4-litre twin-turbo V8\n developing \n600 hp\n, while the competition gets \n625 hp\n. Both models have the same peak torque output of \n750 Nm\n.\nDespite adding 200mm to the wheelbase from the \u201cregular\u201d M8 to accommodate the rear doors and weighing 95 kg more, BMW claims that it will still do 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.3 seconds\n, while the competition model shaves of 0.1 second \u2013 identical figures to its two-door models.\nTop speed is limited at 250 km/h, but if you tick the right boxes while making your purchase, the M Driver\u2019s Package can bring it up to 305 km/h.\nPower is sent to all four wheels through the \n8-speed M Steptronic transmission\n. Equipped with the M xDrive variable all-wheel-drive system, the rear-wheel bias of the system can be felt even in the normal 4WD mode. Want even more slide? The 4WD Sport mode sends even more power to the rear wheels, or just turn it all off with the 2WD mode to lay rubber all day.\nThe other usual M-specific components are all here too, including M Servotronic steering, Active M differential, dynamic stability control with the M Dynamic mode, M specific adaptive suspension, as well as an electronic brake booster, letting the driver choose between Comfort and Sport braking modes.\u00a0\n Styling for the M8 Gran Coupe is pretty much identical to the two-door coupe version, except for the obvious two extra doors. The usual M touches such as the more aggressive bumpers with larger air intakes, M-specific kidney grilles with double black bars, M gills on the side, aerodynamically optimised side mirrors, as well as two pairs of exhaust tips flanking both sides of the rear diffuser all make their appearances on the Gran Coupe.\nAs on the BMW M8 Coupe, the roof of the new M8 Gran Coupe is made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. The new cars will ride on 20-inch M light alloy wheels. Hiding behind the wheels are the M compound brakes measuring 395mm at the front, or 400mm with the optional M carbon ceramic brakes.\u00a0\nStepping inside the M8 Gran Coupe, you will be instantly greeted by the familiar M-styled cockpit. From the red M mode buttons on the steering wheel to the red push-start button, as well as a M-specific gear lever with drivetronic controls, BMW cut no corners to make you feel at home in an M car.\nThe interior of the M8 Gran Coupe is wrapped in perforated Merino leather, while the Competition models have an option for a two-tone leather and alcantara trim.\u00a0\nAlongside the introduction of the M8 Gran Coupe, BMW is making available a special First Edition model, limited to 400 units worldwide. The First Edition model will be painted in a unique Aurora Diamond Green metallic colour, matched with bronze gold ornaments all round, including the M8 badging, side window surrounds, M gills, door sill plates and highlights on the alloy wheels. As for the interior, BMW has given the First Edition a full-leather Merino trim in Taruma Brown.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Toyota Hilux has been roaming on Malaysian soil for the past \n10 years\n. No joke. It\u2019s been refreshed several times over the decade, and now in 2015, UMW Toyota Motor has introduced what may well be the last addition (fingers crossed) to ageing pick up truck\u2019s range \u2013 the \nHilux TRD Sportivo\n.\nThe Hilux TRD Sportivo as seen on \nToyota Malaysia\u2019s website\nPriced at \nRM105,622.20\n and \nRM112,967\n (OTR with insurance) respectively, both the \n2.5G\n and \n3.0G\n double cab variants will benefit from this sporty upgrade, all of which is cosmetic, as expected. The TRD trim is dressed with an \nexclusively designed bodykit\n with built-in LED daytime running lights, blacked out alloy wheels, TRD-specific leather upholstery, carbon fiber printing on the instrument and door panels, as well as TRD carpet mats.\nBuyers of this trim can choose to get the optional TRD sports bar installed at the rear end of the cab that is matched to the exterior body colour, and is made of lightweight ABS material. Again, \nno changes\n are made to the engine or transmission, so you either choose the 2.5-litre (142 hp and 343 Nm) or the 3.0-litre (161 hp and 343 Nm).\nHilux TRD Price List \u2013 \nClick to enlarge\nAs for the non-TRD 3.0G and 2.5G variants, they get refreshed with a set of \ndark grey alloy wheels\n, LED daytime running lights integrated into the front bumper (just above the fog lamps), new interior trim and seat materials. Both G variants will also feature new bodystripes along the side of the body. The base model Hilux also gets new fabric seats, just to keep things fresh before the all-new Hilux rolls in.\nThere will be \ntwo new colours\n for the Double Cab range \u2013 \nGrey Metallic\n and \nAttitude Black\n. All Hiluxes come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty programme, whichever occurs first. Anyone fancy?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari has just unveiled two new \u201ccars\u201d here in Maranello, Italy, the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2. The two limited editions open top barchettas draws inspiration from the most evocative Ferraris of the 1950s with the most advanced sportscar technology the prancing horse has to offer.\nThe Monza SP1 and SP2 pay tribute to the 1948 166 MM which helped Ferrari dominated the World Sports Car Championship in the 1950s. The numeral in the Monza\u2019s name refers to the number of seats available: SP1 a single-seater and SP2 a two-seater barchetta.   You can tell that Ferrari aims to deliver the purest and unique driving experience in the two Monzas by removing the roof and windscreen. This allowed the designers to create a body with truly unique proportions that would not have been possible on a traditional spider model.\nThe bodyshell of both cars is made entirely from lightweight carbon-fibre, giving the Monzas impressive power to weight ratio and vehicle balance. Despite the open seater concept, Ferrari has also incorporated innovative aerodynamic solutions in the instrument panel and steering wheel to diverts some of the airflow away from the cabin to maintain some levels of driving comfort.\nFerrari has employed their 6.5 naturally aspirated V12 in the open top vehicles, giving the Monza S1 and SP2 \n820 hp \nand \n719 Nm\n of torque. Both cars will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n2.9 seconds\n while 0 to 200 km/h takes only \n7.9 seconds\n. Top speed is registered in excess of \n300 km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What happens when\u00a0you pluck the engine out\u00a0of a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and dump it into the engine bay of a \nJeep Grand Cherokee\n? The result is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, an\u00a0SUV that presumably eats the \nPorsche Cayenne Turbo\n and \nBentley Bentayga\n for breakfast!\nThis Frankenstein SUV is powered by a supercharged\n 6.2-litre V8\n that squeezes out\u00a0\n707 hp\n and \n875 Nm\n of torque. Its century sprint is completed in \n3.5 seconds\n which is supercar territory, and with a top speed of\u00a0\n288 km/h\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via an \neight-speed TorqueFlite automatic\n transmission.\nAiding the Trackhawk\u2019s power delivery is an\u00a0electronic limited-slip differential and a new four-point rear axle that complements the launch control system. Bringing\u00a0the Trackhawk to a complete stop\u00a0is a set of brakes by Brembo, which can be seen behind those\u00a020-inch wheels wrapped in\u00a0Pirelli rubbers.\nThe Hellcat-powered Trackhawk makes 187 hp more than the Cayenne Turbo, while the\u00a0Bentayga trails 107 hp behind\u00a0this Jeep. The other V8-powered Jeep, the 461 hp\u00a0\nGrand Cherokee SRT\n, couldn\u2019t stand a chance with this Trackhawk.\u00a0\nThe Grand Cherokee Trackhawk proves that\u00a0you can marry supercar performance with SUV\u00a0practicality into one vehicle. What\u2019s not to like?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In-car connectivity has become increasingly important to buyers in recent years, especially since certain models now come with a \nnatural voice command feature\n. These systems not only wows passengers, but it also offers a safer and more intuitive way of interacting with the infotainment screen.\nBesides built-in Voice Command, another useful but often overlooked feature is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It allows you to pair your Apple or Android device and turn your infotainment screen to a \u201csmartphone\u201d with integrated apps optimised for driving.\nWaze on Apple Carplay\nAt the \nopening of the Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Limited (TCSAT) manufacturing plant\n, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International Limited TCIL, Mr Glenn Tan revealed at the press conference that the Subaru XV sold in Malaysia will be equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as a running update by Q1 of 2020.\nOn the follow-up question as to why the new feature will take such a long time to be introduced, Tan said: \u201cThe process is taking longer because they (Apple Inc) need 6 months to certify Apple CarPlay, so there is the bottleneck. Once Apple certifies, we can roll it out that feature as an update.\u201d\n \nSubaru\u2019s infotainment system for the Malaysian market is sourced locally from Panasonic and the new system will be readily equipped on the \nXV\n and \nForester\n by Q1 of 2020."
"Following the success of\nlast year\u2019s Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Velocity eSports Championship, UMW Toyota\nis back with another season of the racing simulator challenge.\nThe virtual racing\nchallenge compliments the high-performance activities of Toyota including the imminent\nintroduction of the Toyota GR Supra and GR Garage \u2013 UMW Toyota\u2019s dedicated performance\nshow galleries.\nThrough eSports, the\ncompany hopes to engage even more racing fans to be part of its high-octane activities.\nThe TGR Velocity eSports Championship is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and\nabove. To be part of the Grand Finals, racers will have to go through a\ntime-trial phase Cove Esports in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor on 31\nAugust, 1, 14 and 15 September. The top 40 races with the fastest lap time will\nbe eligible to enter the final.\nThis year, the finalist will compete with each other for the prize pool of RM70,000 in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur on 21 to 22 September 2019. All participants will be racing in the 2019 Toyota GR Supra and will be placed behind the wheel of a Thrustmaster racing simulator for the Gran Turismo Sport.\nThis year, the top 10 finalists will be competing head to head on a 10-lap race on a best-of-three tracks which are Kyoto Driving Park, Suzuka Circuit and Fuji Speedway. To register, head on over to \nToyota Velocity\u2019s website\n."
"The year-end is fast approaching, and Shell wants to give you a reason to look forward to the new year with the \u201c\nNak Ekstra\n RM20,000\u2033 campaign.\u00a0\nStarting from now until the \n9th of February 2020\n, Shell customers will stand a chance to cash in \nRM20,000 each week\n. On top of the RM20,000 grand prize, Shell is also giving away a \nRM1,000 consolation prize\n to 20 lucky winners each week.\u00a0\nTo participate in the \u201c\nNak Ekstra\n RM20,000\u2033 campaign, all you have to do is spend a \nminimum of RM40 in one receipt\n at any Shell stations nationwide. Submit your details via the \ncontest form\n together with your receipt either in person or online by scanning the QR code, and you\u2019ll be on your way to winning the RM20,000 weekly grand prize.\nShell Malaysia Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain said, \u201cWhether it is starting a college fund for your children, an Umrah trip, paying bills, or a down payment for a new car, Shell wants to give customers a chance to go a little further and start the year on a high note.\u201d\nClick to enlarge\nAside from cash prizes, Shell has also partnered up with Touch \u2018n Go and Bonuslink to offer every customer something \n\u2018Ekstra\u2019\n. During this campaign period, customers will receive an \nextra RM5 cashback\n when they spend \nminimum RM40\n at Shell by paying with their Touch \u2018n Go eWallet.\u00a0\nThis offer is limited to\n two cashbacks per month\n per eWallet account, and only for the \nfirst 300,000 transactions\n at Shell.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAs for the Bonuslink promotion, card holders will receive \n10x points\n for every litre of fuel purchased at any Shell stations nationwide on the\n 4, 5, and 6 December 2019\n. Thereafter, customers can redeem their Bonuslink points on the \n12th of December\n at Shell to receive a \n50% rebate\n."
"Just one year ago, the Toyota Vios was given a substantial \npowertrain update\n. Now, the \nthird-generation Toyota Vios\n has just been given a facelift in Thailand, the country where this compact saloon was most well received in its class for many consecutive years.\nThe fascia update looks strikingly similar to the \nUS version of the Camry\n, but whether or not that\u2019s a bad thing remains to be seen. The front bumper is entirely new, as are the LED headlights \u2013 a first for the Vios, vertically mounted LED DRLs and redesigned wheels.   Changes are minimal on the inside, with the main differences being trim finishings which depend on the variant of choice. Safety kit is standard across all variants, and read as such: two frontal airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control,\u00a0ABS, EBD, and brake assist. The Vios retains the same\u00a0\n1.5-litre 2NR\n engine, generating\u00a0\n106 hp\n and\n 140 Nm\n\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0mated to the sole seven-step CVT.\nIn Thailand, the 2017 Toyota Vios is sold in four trims \u2013 J, E, G, and S. The cheapest\u00a0J spec begins at\u00a0\nTHB 609k (approximately RM76,600+)\n, followed by the E spec at\n THB 679k (approximately RM85,400+)\n. The G spec costs\n\u00a0THB 729K \u00a0(approximately RM91,700+) \nwhile the range-topper\n S \nis yours for\n\u00a0THB 789k (approximately RM99,300+)\n.\nFollowing this update, the Malaysian Vios could potentially wear the same dress, which leaves us with the launch date. Before that,\u00a0\nread our review to find out what we think of the Vios\u2019 new engine and transmission\n, and be sure not to miss our video review below!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Facing stiff competition recently with challengers such as the \nBMW M8 Gran Coupe\n and the \nMercedes-AMG GT 4-door\n in the niche four-door executive super coupe segment, Porsche has now unveiled the 2020 update to the second-generation \nPanamera\n with more power, new hybrid variants, and a mild cosmetic touch-up.\nThe 2020\n \nPorsche Panamera range is now topped by a new Turbo S variant, replacing the Turbo from the outgoing model. The new \n\u201cfastest executive car\u201d around the Ring\n is powered by a \u201ccomprehensively reengineered\u201d 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, with its power output bumped up by a whopping 80 hp and 50 Nm compared to the old Turbo model to produce \n630 hp\n and \n820 Nm\n of torque.\nAs a result, 0-100 km/h is done in just \n3.1 seconds\n, and 0-200 km/h in \n11.2 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n315 km/h\n. Scary stuff this, in a car that seats four no less! For context, the old Panamera Turbo with the Sport Chrono package does the century sprint in 3.6 seconds.\nBridging the gap between itself and the new ridiculous Turbo S variant, the enthusiast-focused \nPanamera GTS\n also received 20 hp power bump, now making \n480 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n, which equates to a century sprint time of \n3.9 seconds\n.\nPorsche says that particular attention has been given to the power delivery of the GTS variant, which now continuously increases all the way up to the rev limit, just like what you\u2019d from a naturally-aspirated engine. The sport exhaust system is now fitted as standard onto the GTS for a more traditional V8 burble, and is also available as an option for the Turbo S.\nThe 2020 update also introduced a new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid variant, which replaces the ICE-only Panamera 4S from the pre-facelift model. The 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine is now paired to an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, resulting in a combined system output of\n 560 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque.\nWith the electric boost, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid does naught to 100 km/h in \n3.7 seconds\n (with the Sport Chrono package), onward to a top speed of \n298 km/h\n. Battery capacity has also increased to 17.9 kWh as compared to 14.1 kWh from the pre-facelift hybrid variants, resulting in an\n electric-only range of 54 km\n on the WLTP test cycle.\nAs reported by \nAutocar UK\n, Porsche intends to provide more hybrid options for the Panamera, as almost 60% from the total sales of the model in Europe are of the electrified versions. The new 4S E-Hybrid will slot nicely between the base E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid, with the specifications for both to be introduced at a latter date.\nOther performance improvements made to the 2020 Panamera include a standard-fit Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) on all models, along with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) with variant-specific enhancements made to improve damping comfort and sportiness.\nAs for styling, revisions made to all three body styles \u2013 the standard fastback, long wheelbase Executive, and Sport Turismo wagon \u2013 are minor. Changes include the standard fitment on all variants of the previously-optional Sport Design front end, which features larger air intakes, reworked front grille, and a single-bar daytime-running light signature.\nThe Turbo S however gets a variant-exclusive design, with even larger side air intakes with body-coloured accents and twin-bar daytime-running lights.\nAt the rear, the 2020 Porsche Panamera\u2019s fullwidth lightbar taillights have been reworked, with a new light signature that runs seamlessly across the bootlid, along with a dynamic coming/leaving home function.\nChanges inside are even more subtle, save for a new steering wheel that was introduced in the 992-generation Porsche 911. The infotainment system has been updated to now include the Risk Radar live road signs and hazards warning system, along with improved voice command and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Type A USB ports have also been replaced by new Type C connectors.\nAs for safety, the 2020 Porsche Panamera now comes with lane keeping assist and road sign recognition as standard, along with adaptive cruise control, night vision assist, lane change assist, and Park Assist with Surround View."
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now begun accepting bookings for the all-new Hyundai Sonata, which is scheduled to be launched here in Malaysia by the end of this year. Fully imported from South Korea, Hyundai\u2019s \nlatest D-segment offering\n will be priced at \n\u201cRM20X,XXX\u201d\n.\nThe \nHyundai Sonata\n will be offered locally in only one single variant, powered by a Smartstream G2.5 MPI engine. The 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill makes \n180 hp\n and \n232 Nm\n of torque, sent to the front wheels via a six speed automatic transmission.\nThe biggest selling point of the all-new Hyundai Sonata, however, is its looks \u2013 a stark difference in appearance to \nits predecessor\n. Sporting the brand\u2019s latest \u2018Sensuous Sportiness\u2019 design philosophy, the coupe-like roofline and sharp body creases makes the Korean executive sedan truly stand out from the crowd.\nUp front, the face of the all-new Hyundai Sonata is characterised by the large Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, divided into two segments by a chrome strip that runs from the air inlets at both ends.\nHowever, the standout feature in front is the daytime-running lights, which actually extends into the chrome strip that runs across the entire length of the bonnet, and forming the window surrounds. Thanks to the laser-cut perforations on the chrome strip, the lights disappear completely without a trace when turned off.\nOn the side profile, the exaggerated three-dimensional character line extends from the front fender to the taillights assembly \u2013 which resembles the \u201cprawn\u201d from the \nHonda Civic\n, but joined at the bottom by a strip of light. The all-new Honda Sonata rides on 18-inch wheels on all four corners.\nThe extravagant design continues inside, which Hyundai says is inspired by stealth aircrafts. The two-tone colour scheme highlights the floating dashboard design and the free-standing instrument cluster, which is an eight-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nOther interior highlights include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, cooled wireless charging pad, push-button gear selector, power-adjustable seats with driver\u2019s side memory, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, as well as automatic headlights and wipers.\nAs for safety, the Sonata comes equipped with a Blind-Spot View Monitor \u2013 much like Honda\u2019s LaneWatch system, but with a few key differences. Chiefly, it uses cameras on both sides of the car instead of just on the left, and the camera feed is displayed within the digital instrument cluster instead of the infotainment display.\nThe Malaysian-specification Hyundai Sonata also comes with six airbags and stability control as standard, but unfortunately misses out on the Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking \u2013 a feature that will be available on the (cheaper) \nHyundai Kona\n.\nThe all-new Hyundai Sonata is now available for booking at all Hyundai showrooms across Malaysia, with a \nbooking fee of RM888\n."
"The \nMinistry of Transport (MOT)\n is currently working on a new road tax structure for electric vehicles (EV) in Malaysia, according to transport minister Anthony Loke. This new structure is scheduled to be unveiled by the end of this year, 2023, and will also be featured prominently in the MOT\u2019s Budget 2024 proposals, reported Bernama.\n\u201cConsumers are generally concerned about the EV road tax structure because if based on the old formula, the cost impact is high and can reach RM4,000 to RM5,000 a year,\u201d said Loke after attending the Green Mobility and Transport Forum in Cheras on \nMay 16\n, \n2023\n.\nThe transport minister also added, \u201cI have directed officers at MOT to study this matter based on feedback from consumers and companies providing EVs. This is part of our efforts to encourage users to switch to this type of vehicles.\u201d\nThis new EV road tax structure is an important one for Malaysia, according to Loke, as the previous government had given road tax exemptions for EVs which will expire by the year 2025. EV usage policies should be clear in order to facilitate efforts to migrate to a more sustainable transport mode, said the transport minister.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia driving license now renewable up to 10 years, 10% discount\nFor context, road tax for EVs in Malaysia is calculated by the power output of the electric motor, using the Kilo Watts (kW) unit. Below is a breakdown of how road tax for EVs with rated outputs of 80 kW and above is calculated:\nAbove 80 kW to 90 kW\nRM160, and RM0.32 for every 0.05 kW (50 watt) increase from 80 kW\nAbove 90 kW to 100 kW\nRM224, and RM0.25 for every 0.05 kW (50 watt) increase from 90 kW\nAbove 100 kW to 125 kW\nRM274, and RM0.50 for every 0.05 kW (50 watt) increase from 100 kW\nAbove 125 kW to 150 kW\nRM524, and RM1.00 for every 0.05 kW (50 watt) increase from 125 kW\nAbove 150 kW\nRM1,024, and RM1.35 for every 0.05 kW (50 watt) increase from 150 kW.\nSo let\u2019s say you are looking into purchasing a \nBYD Atto 3\n, which electric motor produces a total output of 150 kW. Based on the calculation method mentioned above, you will be paying RM524 + RM500, which totals up to RM1,024 of road tax for the Atto 3.\nThe MOT has been looking at the adoption of the sustainable mobility concept for land vehicles. However, Loke mentioned that the ministry will also be looking to adopt sustainable mobility concepts for air and maritime transports as well.\n\u201cThe concept of using sustainable fuels has also become a choice in the aviation sector, and this matter has gained the attention of the MOT, especially at LIMA 2023 (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023),\u201d said Loke.\nMalaysia will continue to work with Sweden to enable both nations to learn and cooperate on initiatives that promote sustainable transport modes. This was mentioned by Loke during his keynote address at the forum.\n\u201cWe can leverage Sweden\u2019s best practices and expertise in EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and smart traffic systems, among others, to accelerate the transition to e-mobility in Malaysia,\u201d said Loke.\n\u201cI believe that cooperation is key to solving this challenge, and I am glad to see that our two nations are strengthening our relations within the transport sector, particularly in the green transition, in addition to our previous partnership in road safety,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: \nPuspakom monopoly ends: New providers to charge fixed rates, cannot be workshops"
"The all-new \nBMW M3 Touring\n is almost upon us. And as if there\u2019s still not enough hype surrounding the sports wagon, BMW has announced that the upcoming M3 Touring is now the fastest production wagon to ever lap the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife, with a time of \n7:35.06 minutes\n around the Green Hell in the hands of BMW M driving dynamics development driver J\u00f6rg Weidinger.\nTo put it into context, that\u2019s more than 10 seconds faster than German rival \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate\n (unofficial by \nSport Auto\n, 7:45.19), and about half a second quicker than the 1,020 hp\n Tesla Model S Plaid\n (7:35.579). You can check out the full list of official record times \nhere\n.\n \nIt\u2019s still some ways off the incredible 7:20.207 lap set by the \nM4 CSL\n, but make no mistake \u2013 the 7:35 time is still incredibly quick, especially for a car that can carry five adults fairly comfortably, with enough luggage room for a weekend trip at the back.\nFor the record to count, the car has to be exactly the same as it\u2019ll eventually come out from the assembly line, even though it\u2019s wearing a camouflage wrap. T\u00dcV Rheinland was on-site to inspect the car before the run, and a notary was also present to validate the information and measured time.\nRELATED: I might have to move to Europe now that the first-ever BMW M3 Touring is a thing\nScreenshot: \nBMW M/YouTube\nThe BMW M3 Touring, which will make its debut at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, is expected to use the same powertrain found in the G80 M3 Competition xDrive, with an S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine underneath its bonnet delivering 510 hp and 650 Nm.\nPower is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission (and probably a six-speed manual, too), and an M-specific xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nGoodwood Festival is only a couple of days away from now, but we really, really can\u2019t wait already."
"This comes after the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG had decided to reserve the \nMacan \nas a fully electric series and will be the first all-electric compact SUV from Porsche when it\u2019s introduced early next decade.\nThis will add to Porsche\u2019s portfolio of electric vehicles, following the introduction of the \nTaycan \u2013 Porsche\u2019s first purely electric sports car \ndue to be launched at the end of this year \u2013 followed by the\n Taycan Cross Turismo\n.\n\u201cBy 2022 we will be investing more than six billion euros in electric mobility, and \nby 2025 50% of all new Porsche vehicles could have an electric drive system\n,\u201d said Porsche AG, Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Blume.\n\u201cNevertheless, over the next 10 years our focus will still be on optimising petrol engines, plug-in hybrid models, and purely electrically-operated sports cars,\u201d he added.\nPorsche will continue to produce the new Macans at the Leipzig plant in Germany, where currently over\n 90,000 units are built annually\n to fuel the global demand for the compact SUV."
"At the recently concluded 2018\u00a0W\u00f6rthersee Festival in Austria, Volkswagen premiered the Golf GTI TCR, a concept that took inspiration from the race car of the international TCR series.\nThe GTI TCR Concept makes \n290 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n from as low as 1,600 rpm, delivered through a 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission. While its 0 to 100 km/h time has not been revealed, top speed is electronically-limited to just 250 km/h, which can increased to 264 km/h by removing the Vmax electronic speed limiter \u2013 making it the fastest GTI of the current model.\nOn the outside, Volkswagen claims the future production model will wear a set of 18-inch forged \u201cBelvedere\u201d alloy wheels, a 19-inch set is available as an optional upgrade. The GTI TCR will be fitted with two extra radiators to ensure sufficient cooling for the engine.\nAn optional performance package can be had, for racetrack use, which will include an even more dynamic sport chassis and adaptive chassis control.\nWhat denotes the TCR from the regular GTI is the newly-designed front bumper with sharply contoured splitters. The new front end design is continued through the sides with newly-designed side skirts, onward to the rear where it meets the diffuser.\nIt will also sport the \u201cTCR\u201d wordings on the side along with a TCR logo projected on the road upon opening the front doors. The Golf GTI TCR is still in its concept stage and technical details so far are merely \u201cpredictive values\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has just opened the doors to their brand new 4S Centre in Glenmarie, a facility that they claim will attend up to 100 cars per day and an average of 3,000 vehicles a month.\nThe full-fledged \nRM20 million centre\n has a total built-up area of \n165,318 square feet\n, comprising a Showroom, Service and Spare Parts Centre as well as a Body and Paint Centre. This centre also exclusively provides services from MUV Certified Nissan Pre-Owned and Used Vehicles, Hire Purchase and Insurance Division, including a Vehicle Distribution Centre.   Nissan owners living around Glenmarie will be pleased to know that the Service Centre has \n27 service bays\n manned by 22 technicians, six service advisors and a head of workshop, whereas the Body and Paint division is overseen by three technicians. New and prospective Nissan customers on the other hand will be attended by any one of 26 sales advisors.\nVisitors can also make use of the WiFi enabled lounge whilst enjoying a cup of coffee courtesy of the dedicated Coffee Bar. There is also a kids\u2019 corner and, for the first time, a \nGintell Zen lounge\n, V-Kool and official\n NISMO and IMPUL accessories boutique\n.\nThe addition of ETCM\u2019s newest 4S Centre brings their showroom tally to 100 across Malaysia, including 60 Tan Chong Express Auto Service Workshops. The \nshowroom is open daily\n from 8.30am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday, however on Sunday it\u2019s only opened from 10am to 5pm. Its service centre operates from 7.30am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and 8.30am to 5pm on Sundays and Public Holidays.\nIt is located right in the heart of Glenmarie \u2013 No. 39, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park, Shah Alam. For additional information, you may call Nissan\u2019s Customer Care Centre Hotline at 1-800-88-3838.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota has just unveiled a \nGazoo Racing-badged Prius\n, but don\u2019t get too excited. It\u2019s called the Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, but aside from the aggressive body kit, it\u2019s unfortunately mostly a visual makeover with no extra power.\nThe GR Edition model is still a concept for now, designed as a homage to mark the 100th anniversary of the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans race, thus its name. Interestingly, it\u2019s actually part of a joint exhibit between \nToyota\n, \nMazda\n, and the Japan National Tourism Organisation, where the car will be displayed at the race village over the weekend.\nToyota says that the new GR-ified Prius (\nsorry, we\u2019re not repeating the name\n) boasts \u201cexcellent driving performance\u201d thanks to its new aerodynamic devices, consisting of a new front splitter, front and rear canards, a carbon fibre bonnet for weight savings, rear diffuser, and a new fixed rear wing that\u2019s made of carbon fibre, of course.\nTying up its new \u201cgo fast\u201d looks are the new larger honeycomb lower grille up front, flanked by motorsports-inspired multi-headlamps clusters, and new decals all around the exterior, including one that reads \u201cRacing Hybrid\u201d \u2013 which, sadly, doesn\u2019t really mean anything at all here.\nThat\u2019s because the only mechanical upgrades here come in the form of a new \u201cwide tread\u201d suspension set-up, which widens the tracks by 40 mm both front and rear while lowering the car by 30 mm, promising excellent grip and manoeuvrability.\nThe new suspensions are also paired to a set of new 18-inch alloy wheels, shod in wider (and stickier) 235/50R18 Micheline Pilot Sport 4S rubbers for increased grip around the corners.\nREAD MORE:\n Toyota says you will \u201cfall in love at first sight\u201d with the 5th-gen Prius \u2013 gets new 2.0L PHEV drive\nOtherwise, the powertrain underneath the bonnet is still the\n same hybrid unit\n consisting of a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine and a powerful electric motor, for a combined system output of \n223 hp\n. Granted, it\u2019s still fairly quick, taking just\n 6.7 seconds\n to reach 100 km/h from a standstill \u2013 but it\u2019s no GR-quick.\nSo why does the Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition even exist? Aside from the obvious celebratory reason, it\u2019s also perhaps Toyota\u2019s way of reinforcing its point that \nelectric cars aren\u2019t the only way forward\n, for now.\nThe Japanese carmaker has been busy experimenting with various other propulsion methods recently, even going as far as racing with liquid hydrogen fuel in a\n modified GR Corolla\n. With the advancement of\n alternative renewable fuels\n, the GR-ified Prius could also serve as a rolling testbed for Toyota, combining the \u201ce-fuels\u201d with electrification for net-zero mobility in the near future.\nOr, you know, it could just be a way for Toyota to judge public response to the long-rumoured GRMN Prius."
"Have you ever wondered or experienced what it\u2019s like when you car brakes on its own to prevent a collision? Have you ever experienced how Subaru\u2019s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system works? Ever felt what its like to use cruise control in stop-go traffic conditions? Ever experienced all of the above in a safe environment?\nWell, this is your chance as TC Subaru, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, will be hosting a \nSubaru Advanced Technology Drive \nevent from today (8th of July 2022) till Sunday (10th of July 2022), at Plaza Arkadia, Desa Park City, to showcase the updated Subaru XV that now comes with the EyeSight driver assistance system, along with various courses to safely test and experience the vehicle\u2019s safety features.\nAmong the activities the public can experience with the new Subaru XV are:\nPre-Collision Braking\n: When the system senses an obstacle ahead, it will alert the driver and automatically apply the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, if necessary.\n \nPre-Collision Throttle Management\n: If the car in front moves ahead but stops abruptly, the system immediately reduces power from the engine, giving the driver additional time to react to the situation and apply the brakes if necessary.\n \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n: When the system detects that the vehicle ahead is slowing down, the system will adjust the speed accordingly to maintain the preset distance from the vehicle ahead. Once the vehicle ahead starts moving, the EyeSight system will get the vehicle moving again to the preset speed.\n \nAside from the said activities, there are also ramps to showcase how the \u2018X-Mode\u2019 and Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system works in slippery or wet driving conditions. If you want to know more, watch the video below or better yet, head to Plaza Arkadia this weekend!"
"Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific\n is back! \nRound 1\n for \nSeason 2015\n started off in \nSepang International Circuit\n on the bright and sunny weekend of \n14th and 15th March 2015\n. Using the \nFerrari 458 Challenge Evo\n race machines, each round consists of two races of three classes:\n Trofeo Pirelli\n, \nPirelli AM\n, and \nCoppa Shell\n.\nFor \nRace 1\n on Saturday, in \nTrofeo Pirelli\n class only three out of five cars finished the race. Pole sitter \nSteve Wyatt\n from Austalia lost his position momentarily to \nPhillipe Prette\n from Italy but eventually regained his spot and held a comfortable lead towards the chequered flag while \nRenaldi Hutasoit\n from Indonesia secured the final place on the podium.\nZiad Ghandour\n from Lebanon won the \nPirelli AM\n class followed by Thai driver \nVoravud Bhirombhakdi\n who muscled through from seventh position while keeping\n Xu Wei\n from China in third place. First place in \nCoppa Shell\n goes to \nXin Jin\n from China ahead the two Japanese drivers \nKen Seto\n and \nTadakazu Kojima\n in second and third place respectively.\nOn Sunday, \nSteve Wyatt\n took pole position again for \nRace 2\n in \nTrofeo Pirelli\n class, ahead of \nDavid Tjiptobiantoro\n from Indonesia and Italian Philippe Prette. The first two positions remain the same as the starting grid, but Philippe retired on lap 11 and third place goes to \nRenaldi Hutasoit\n.\nMeanwhile in \nPirelli AM\n class,\n Ziad Ghandour\n and \nVoravud Bhirombhakdi\n had to settle for second and third position as \nXu Wei\n managed to clinch himself the top spot on the podium.\nIn \nCoppa Shell\n,\u00a0\nXing Yan Bing\n from China finally took his first win since he joined in 2011 after successfully overtook his fellow compatriot \nJin Xin\n halfway through the race. Jin Xin kept his pace until the end of the race, landing him the second place on the podium ahead of \nKen Seto\n.\nThe next leg of the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific will be in Fuji Japan on the 24th to 26th of April, followed by Shanghai, Zhuhai, and Sentul before finishing it off \nback here in Sepang\n on the \n28th to 30th of August\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRace 1   Race 2"
"Mitsubishi Motors UK has extended it\u2019s L200 range (essentially the\u00a0\nTriton\n for us) with the\u00a0unveiling of a new special edition Barbarian SVP II, the second vehicle to be produced by its SVP (Special Vehicle Projects) division with the \nfirst introduced just last year\n.\nOnly \n250 units\n will be made \u2013 half in a pearlescent Diamond Black appearance with the remaining in metallic Atlantic Grey \u2013 both supplemented by Orange accents. The Barbarian\u2019s facade is enhanced with a set of bespoke 17-inch wheels, also finished in black and orange, together with wheel arch extensions, a new SVP grille and roof rails.\nElsewhere, for added convenience, the Barbaric Triton comes fitted with load bed illumination and a spring-assisted tailgate with soft-opening damper.\nInside, not much is different from the \nTriton VGT Athlete Edition\n we have locally, except that each SVP II\u2019s individual limited-edition number, plus the SVP logo, is stitched onto the headrests of the\u00a0Barbarian-inspired \u2018six-pack\u2019 leather seats with suede-like \u2018Alston\u2019 inserts. There\u2019s something about those seat insert arrangements that remind us of those seen in a Ferrari F430. The distinctive theme continues with orange illuminated door entry guards and front and rear foot-well mood lighting.\nStandard equipment includes\u00a0the Mitsubishi Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, cruise control and a reverse camera. Power is sourced from a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine with \n178 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic\u00a0with steering-wheel paddle shifters. Prices for the limited production \u201cBarbarian\u201d starts from \u00a329,830 (RM 164k) before taxes."
"So if the Audi RS Q3 wasn\u2019t hot and sensible enough for you \u2013 which it still is, not sensible that is, then the folks at Ingolstadt have just the remedy for you. Behold, the 2016 Audi RS Q3 Performance.\nThis Performance model sits at the top of the Q3 lineup, just like the range toppers\u00a0\nRS6 Avant and RS7 Performance\n\u00a0duo\u00a0that were launched not too long ago. Of course, to be at the top you have to have what it takes, and this RS Q3 Performance has a few things to shout about.\n \n \nFirst off, it\u2019s powered by the same award-winning \nturbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder\n\u00a0\nTFSI\n engine, but makes \n27 horsepower\n\u00a0more for a grand total of\n 362 hp\n thanks to a new fuel pump and the radiator\u2019s improved cooling capacity. Peak torque is rated at \n465 Nm\n and is available from 1,625 to 5,550 rpm. But how fast can it sprint? It will do 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.4 seconds\n \u2013 about 0.4 seconds quicker than the \u2018standard\u2019 RS Q3, before \nmaxing out at 270 km/h\n. The run-off-the-mill RS Q3 had its top speed electrically limited to 250 km/h.\nBesides having a hotter engine, the Performance moniker also comes with a quicker-shifting \nseven-speed close-ratio dual clutch\n\u00a0\ntransmission\n\u00a0that sends power to all four wheels via Audi\u2019s quattro technology.\nA new set of RS suspension \nlowers ride height\n by 20mm over the standard RS Q3, though the damper controls can be optioned for. This allows the driver to alter dynamic parameters between the Comfort, Auto or Dynamic drive modes.\nThere are also several distinguishing parts externally, such as the RS-specific front bumper with large air intakes and aggressively styled diffuser for the rear. The matte titanium finish around the car is also an exclusive touch to the Performance variant, but this shade of \nAscari Blue Metallic\n paint job is perhaps the most telling differentiation.\nRounding off the Performance package are \n20-inch Performance Exclusive\n alloy wheels, red RS callipers, sports seats wrapped in a mix of leather and Alcantara, carbon twill blue inlays and more blue-accented elements within the cabin.\nThe Audi RS Q3 Performance is now on sale in the UK with a starting price of\u00a0\u00a349,175 (about RM295k as per current exchange rates). In Malaysia, \nthe Q3 is offered in two flavours\n \u2013 a 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI quattro, with pricing starting from RM218k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following in the footsteps of the other Honda models here in Malaysia, the \nCR-V\n\u2018s exterior colour offerings have now also been updated for our markets, with the introduction of the Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Grey Metallic colours. The two new hues will replace the existing Passion Red Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic colours respectively.\nHonda CR-V in Meteoroid Grey Metallic\nHonda Malaysia says the decision to introduce the two new colours on the CR-V was due to their popularity on its other models including the \nCity\n, \nCity Hatchback\n, \nCivic\n, \nBR-V\n, Accord (only Meteoroid Grey), and the \nall-new HR-V\n.\nIn a statement published today, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Hironobu Yoshimura said, \u201cBoth colours were the popular options in these models; the Ignite Red Metallic colour contributed an average of 18% to the sales of each of the five models, while the Meteoroid Grey Metallic colour contributed an average of 24% to the sales of each of the six models.\u201d\nRELATED: \nHonda City, Accord now offered with new colours in Malaysia\nHonda CR-V in Ignite Red Metallic\nWith the CR-V included, Honda Malaysia has now completed the expansion of the two new colours into the line-up, which means the Passion Red Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic colours are no longer offered on any Honda models here on our shores.\nLaunched in November 2020\n, the facelifted Honda CR-V has already contributed more than 27,000 units to the total sales to-date (63,000 units) for the fifth-generation model. The popularity of the CR-V is also still going strong, with the C-segment SUV contributing 12% to the company\u2019s sales from January to July 2022.\nALSO READ: \n2020 Honda CR-V facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 now cheaper across the board!\nHonda CR-V Black Edition\nThe Honda CR-V is offered in three variants; the entry-level model gets a 2.0-litre inline-four naturally aspirated mill making 154 hp and 189 Nm, while the two higher-end variants are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-banger rated at \n193 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n of torque.\nThere\u2019s also a unique \nBlack Edition model\n, which bases itself off the 1.5L TC-P 2WD variant, but gets blacked-out trims on the front grille, front bumper garnish, rear bumper garnish, and 18-inch alloy wheels, paired to a Crystal Black Pearl exterior paint job.\nAll-new sixth-generation Honda CR-V\nHonda has already unveiled the sixth-generation Honda CR-V globally, which will be available with an e:HEV powertrain in addition to the regular petrol variant, making a combined \n207 hp\n and \n335 Nm\n. The all-new Honda CR-V boasts a much more modern design on the outside, alongside a completely reworked interior based on the 11th-generation Civic."
"Michelin has just officially launched the Michelin Primacy 4 for the ASEAN region here in Pattaya, Thailand. The new premium touring tyres is now available for sale in Malaysia at selected Michelin authorised distributors.\nThe Primacy 4 replaces the outgoing Primacy 3 model and the main technological focus of this latest generation tyre is to create a tyre that provides consistent safety levels throughout the lifespan of the tyres. With the tagline \u201cSafe When New, Safe When Worn\u201d, Michelin has introduced multiple innovations to ensure that the Primacy 4 can maintain its wet braking performance even when the tyre is worn to the tyre wear indicator level (~1.6 mm tread depth).\nTo create this revolutionary tyre, Michelin has adopted the EverGrip technology which uses a new tyre sculpture and new-generation tyre bonding compound. The new tyre groove has 50 per cent more water evacuation space and a squarer design that can effectively disperse water even when it is worn.\nThe latest-generation rubber compound bonds the rubber and silica atoms in the tyres more strongly and evenly to give better road holding capabilities on wet roads even when there is little tread depth left. All these are coupled with Michelin\u2019s second-generation Silent Rib Technology, inter-locking bands that helps minimise the deformation of tread blocks when the tyre is rolling to reduce air pumping effects to create a quieter and more refined ride.   As for key performance index compared to its predecessor, the Primacy 4 brakes 4 per cent better in dry conditions when new and when the tyres are worn, it still performed 2.3 per cent better than the Primacy 3. Wet braking is where the new Primacy 4 shines, being able to stop 1.3 per cent better in the wet when new and a staggering 5.2 per cent improvement when the tyres are worn.\nThe new Primacy 4 is also 0.3 dB quieter and has 4 per cent improvement in grip levels compared to the Primacy 3. Clearly, Michelin\u2019s goal here is to create a tyre that is safe (better wet grip and stopping power) even when the tyres are worn with little tread depth left.\nManaging Director of Michelin Malaysia Pascal Nouvellon revealed: \u201cA tyre\u2019s grip and braking performance \u2013 especially on wet roads \u2013 is critical to road safety in our country. Malaysian consumers today choose their tyres based on their characteristics when they are new. But what happens to grip and braking performance after 50,000 kilometres, or after a few years of use?\u201d\n\u201cIn the tyre industry, performance tests are typically conducted on new products. Michelin is a step ahead. We want to demonstrate that our performance is maintained with mileage and time\u201d added Pascal.\nThe Michelin Primacy 4 is now on sale in Malaysia with available sizes (full list of sizes \nhere\n) ranging from 15 to 19-inch. At the moment, Michelin Malaysia has sizes ranging from 16 to 18-inch in the market while other sizes will only be available later in the year. All Michelin Primacy 4 tyres are imported from Thailand and carry the \u201cST\u201d print on the side wall to denote that these tyres are made for the ASEAN region.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The uniquely styled Nissan Juke appeals to a very niche group of people. The off centred headlamps, large fog lamps and fastback-esque silhouette are certainly an acquired taste and perhaps that is precisely why Nissan has added two limited edition models to the Juke range.\nLimited to \nonly 1,500 units\n, the \nJuke Tekna Pulse\n should interest fellow audiophiles as it comes equipped with a \nsound system by Focal\n, a respected French audio company. This system upgrades the main speakers from 40 watts to 120 watts while the tweeters gets upgraded to 100 watt units. Available in two exterior shades \u2013 Metallic Black and Dark Grey, the Juke Tekna Pulse is dressed with black exterior personalisation pack and black 18-inch alloys.\n \n \nAnother special edition available for the Juke is the \nN-Connecta Sytle\n which adds on\n xenon headlights\n, colour co-ordinated bumper, headlight finishers, mirror covers and Tokyo Black 18-inch alloys. Inside, the Juke N-Connecta Style features sports seats with Tokyo Black trim to match the centre console and door strips.\nTwo engine options are available on both limited edition models \u2013 a \n1.2-litre turbo petrol\n unit with\n 113 hp\n and\n 190 Nm\n and a \n1.5-litre turbodiesel\n with \n109 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n. Prices for the Juke Tekna Pulse starts from\n \u00a320,700\n (RM114k) while the N-Connecta Style starts from \n\u00a318,755\n (RM103k). Locally, if you want a Nissan Juke, you\u2019d have to turn to the parallel importers to source one for you."
"The Volkswagen Arteon is one handsome fella, there should be no dispute there but a group of Volkswagen enthusiasts wanted more so together with Volkswagen USA, here\u2019s what they came up with.\nWhat you see here is called the \nArteon Big Sur\n; named after the scenic coastline in California.\n\u201cHey, I\u2019m here!\u201d.\n\u201cWe wanted the car to make a loud statement and stop people on their tracks,\u201d the enthusiast group said.\nWhat\u2019s sure to stop Volkswagen fanboys on their tracks are the \n20-inch, gloss black Rotiform TUF-R cast monoblock wheels\n that match the car so well, you\u2019d think they were factory wheels.\nStarting life as an Urano Gray Arteon, it now wears a \nForest Green wrap\n; a colour we think Volkswagen should bestow upon the Arteon for the brand\u2019s younger customers.\n\u201cIt was more of an aesthetic design makeover than a performance upgrade. We wanted to keep it in the boundaries of something someone could easily achieve,\u201d said the enthusiast group.\n\u201cWe took all the doors off the vehicle \u2013 along with the front hood and rear hatch \u2013 and spent a good \n50 to 60 hours\n to make sure that the wrap was applied perfectly. We want it to look like a paint job from afar\u201d.\nSupplementing the R-Line body kit by Volkswagen is a custom front splitter, custom panels for the side and a custom rear spoiler. The car has also been \nlowered by around 40 mm\n with a set of coilover suspension.\nFind out more about the Volkswagen Arteon in Malaysia here!"
"Volvo Car Malaysia\n has just announced its 2022 sales performance, where it recorded a total of 3,194 units sold. The achievement marks the seventh consecutive year of sales for the company, and a record high annual sales figure for the company, representing a growth of 43% compared to the \nprevious year\n.\nThe company says that its sales growth is attributed to the launch of the \nXC40\n and \nC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n models here in Malaysia \u2013 the latter already receiving more than orders in just 10 days since its local debut.\nBoth cars are also locally assembled in Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, making them the firs two full EVs to be assembled in Malaysia.\nGALLERY:\n Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, RM289k AWD EV\nCommenting on the achievement, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, \u201cThe launches of our first two locally assembled electric vehicles have been the catalysts of our sales growth. With an increased market share of our fully electric vehicles globally, we are optimistic the same will apply in Malaysia.\u201d\n\u201cIn ending a successful 2022, we are excited to drive an all-electric future as we reinforce our commitment to offer Malaysians freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way,\u201d Frump added.\nIn line with its global ambitions, the company is committed \u2013 and on track \u2013 to becoming a fully electric vehicle company by 2030. Volvo Car Malaysia has also previously announced its target for achieving \n75% of sales from EVs by 2025\n.\nGlobally, Volvo Cars achieved a total sales of 615,121 units in 2022, a result that it says was unavoidably affected by challenges across the supply chain, including production restraints caused by component shortages and Covid-related lockdowns.\nHowever, the company says that demand for its overall Recharge line-up remains steadfast, with its fully-electric models accounting for 20.1% of global sales in December 2022. Together with the plug-in hybrid models, the Recharge line-up accounted for 43.8% of total sales in the same month.\nREAD MORE: \nVolvo Car Malaysia aims for 75% EV sales by 2025, EX90 to launch next"
"BMW Malaysia has deployed\nseven BMW Product Geniuses in three BMW dealerships in Klang Valley: Auto\nBavaria Kuala Lumpur, Auto Bavaria Glenmarie and Ingress Auto Damansara.\nThese trained BMW Product\nGeniuses are not your usual sales advisors. Their role is to take you through\nthe world of BMW and tell you everything you would want to know about the brand\nand the BMW vehicle portfolio to completement the sales advisors.\n \nManaging Director for\nBMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl said: \u201cConventionally, stepping into a car\ndealership can be an intimidating experience for customers, as they may feel\npressured into making purchasing decisions before being allowed to familiarise themselves\nfully with the products. With this in mind, our BMW Product Geniuses are on hand\nto provide customers with a pressure-free experience. From these highly personalised\ninteractions, we aim for customers to derive Sheer Driving Pleasure from the\nvery beginning of their BMW Ownership Experience.\u201d\n\u201cIn addition to being\na friendly face, the Product Genius is equipped with the expertise to explain\nand demonstrate the use of each feature and function of a BMW vehicle, and offer\ninsights on product benefits suited to a particular customer\u2019s specific needs. Overall,\nBMW Product Geniuses occupy a key role as neutral customer consultants, ambassadors\nfor the brand, and knowledge touchpoints within the dealership,\u201d added Hoelzl."
"Hyundai is currently counting down as the \nHyundai Ioniq 5 N\n will be unveiled tomorrow at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Prior to this, \nHyundai\n has teased the car at least twice, showing the car wrapped in camouflage and being tested \non the track\n and even \nin the snow\n. However, just before the car is supposed to be revealed to the world, pictures of the hot EV have been mistakenly (or not) shared by Hyundai Australia but were then removed not long after.\nLooking at the pictures of the performance electric vehicle (EV), it has a much sportier-looking set of front and rear bumpers, together with aggressive-looking side skirts to go along with it. The bumpers are painted in black to give the hot EV a dual-tone look, and together with the side skirts, are given red accents too.\nThe red accents can be found just under the front grille and rear lights, the front and rear body kits, and along the side skirts. The rear spoiler is also shaped to be sportier, with what seems to be a fog lamp or third brake light being housed in the middle.\nThe rims fitted onto the Hyundai \nIoniq 5 N\n are comparatively larger than its regular counterpart, which we think looks rather good on the car. To go along with the Ioniq 5 N\u2019s sporty identity, the car is also given a set of red brake callipers.\nRELATED: \nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will have fake engine sounds with pops and bangs\nHyundai has previously announced that the Ioniq 5 N will be getting bigger brakes with 400 mm discs. The braking system has also been said to be mainly done using regenerative braking, with hydraulic brakes to provide assistance when necessary.\nBoth the flush door handles and the body claddings which are present on the regular Ioniq 5 are here to stay. However, the body claddings have been painted in body colour, with a cut-out at the back, which we think is there to aid with aerodynamics.\nInside, the Ioniq 5 N\u2019s design is naturally based on its regular counterpart, albeit with some \u201cperformance\u201d touches. First up, the steering wheel has been swapped out and replaced by a much sportier-looking steering wheel which features a myriad of buttons.\nThe steering wheel also has the N logo imprinted at its centre rather than the regular four dots featured in the regular Ioniq 5. And just in case you didn\u2019t know, the four dots translates into the letter \u201cH\u201d in Morse code.\nThere are also what looks to be \u201cpaddle shifters\u201d at the back, which should function as a controller for the car\u2019s regenerative braking system. To hold the driver and occupants better during spirited driving, Hyundai has given the Ioniq 5 N with bucket seats at the front.\nOther unique systems that will be fitted onto the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N include the \u201cN e-shift\u201d system which simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of petrol-powered cars. This system is mainly created to help make the driving experience more immersive, and closer to regular ICEs rather than EVs.\nRELATED: \nThe upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N \u2018hot\u2019 EV will help you drift better\nThere will also be an artificial sound system known as the \u201cN Active Sound +\u201d, and it comes with three sound profiles \u2013 \u201cIgnition\u201d, \u201cEvolution\u201d, and \u201cSupersonic\u201d. The \u201cIgnition\u201d sound profile is perhaps the most entertaining one as it will simulate the sound of Hyundai\u2019s 2.0-litre turbo engine complete with pops and bangs.\nAs the first Hyundai N model to feature all-wheel drive (AWD), Hyundai will also be equipping the Ioniq 5 N with the N Drift Optimiser and N Torque Distribution systems. These systems work together with the e-LSD to help drivers drift the car easier, as well as distribute power to all four wheels to provide instantaneous torque.\nWhat do you think of this interesting-sounding hot EV crossover? Share your thoughts in the comments!\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 teased for Malaysia again \u2013 official launch imminent?\nGALLERY"
"Toyota has launched the redesigned Passo in Japan. Boasting a new 1.0 litre engine, it can now yield up to 27km/L, approximately 30% better than its predecessor. Toyota managed to achieve this by raising the engine\u2019s compression ratio, optimizing valve timing, reducing engine friction,\u00a0and using cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).\nIn fact, now standard across the range for the two wheel drive models is the Toyota Start & Stop System, which cuts the engine at approximately 9km/h when slowing to a stop.\nIn terms of safety kit, the safety features across the board includes\u00a0Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Emergency Brake Signal system. Higher specification models get electronic retractable side mirrors, and front door windows which rejects UV rays.   Interestingly enough, the Passo comes with 2 very different models, one for the Passo X and Passo G, while the other is the Passo +Hana. The Passo +Hana features softer front profile than the other Passo models, and has round motifs around the car.\nToyota Japan plans to sell 5,000 units of the Passo per month.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Although this year\u2019s Hari Raya celebrations have already passed, \nShell Malaysia\n is keeping the festive spirit up by extending its \u201cEkstra Ganjaran Setiap Hari\u201d BonusLink loyalty programme promotion until the\n 31st of July 2021\n.\nThe promotion awards customers with up to \n4X BonusLink points\n every time you refuel at Shell during the campaign period. The more you refuel, the more points you\u2019ll earn as the points multiplier increases from 1X up to 4X every visit!\nTo participate, customers just need to swipe their BonusLink card, or use the BLINK app at any Shell petrol station nationwides, and pump a \nminimum of RM50\n of Shell FuelSave 95, Shell V-Power 97, or Shell V-Power Racing fuels in a single receipt.\nThe point multiplication will be reset on a monthly basis, on the 1st of every month \u2013 So you\u2019ll have just one week to build up your multiplier before it gets reset for June. Here\u2019s a more detailed breakdown of how the system works:\nVisit\nBonusLink Points\n1\nst\u00a0\nvisit (min. spend of RM50)\n1X\n2\nnd\u00a0\nvisit (min. spend of RM50)\n2X\n3\nrd\n\u00a0visit (min. spend of RM50)\n3X\n4\nth\n\u00a0visit (min. spend of RM50)\n4X\nIn addition to the extra BonusLink points, Shell is also offering special in-store redemptions from as low as 100 points for a limited time for items including Yeo\u2019s canned drink, Coca-Cola, and many more.\nShell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain said: \u201cWith the traveling restrictions being enforced, we understand that it may be challenging for Malaysians to truly experience up to 4x points with BonusLink every time they refuel at Shell. We hope with this extension, Malaysians will be able to make the most out of their journeys with Shell.\n\u201cThe extension is also Shell\u2019s way of helping out in the economic uncertainties Malaysians are experiencing with the nationwide MCO. We understand it has not been easy for all; we will continue to stand with our customers, and by providing them with the extra value every time they refuel at Shell, we hope to help more Malaysians to make the most of their Ringgit.\u201d"
"Automotive rivalries aren\u2019t a new thing. For years we\u2019ve seen big brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi taking cheeky jabs and little swipes at each other to make a statement, over the silliest thing but they\u2019ve always threaded on the side of caution, good taste, and class. On that note, we\u2019re a little on the fence with this Twitter post by Tata Motors in India earlier today.\nThe post on Twitter took aim at its rival Maruti Suzuki over the Swift\u2019s poor results in the LATIN NCAP crash test. It scored 0-stars and only received 15.53% rating for Adult Occupant Protection and 0% for Child Occupant Protection. Just to give you an idea of where it stands, the Perodua Ativa scored over 40% for Child Occupant Protection and a total of 5-stars in the ASEAN NCAP tests.\nHere\u2019s how the post looked like:\nWithout going into the specifics, it\u2019s safe to assume that our opinions of the post are the same. Even though Tata adopted a relatively \u2018friendly tone\u2019, it could be interpreted very differently.\nThe post was clearly aimed at the Swift with some clever alphabet play and a hint of vulgarity. It\u2019s smart and really creative, especially with the \u201cDON\u2019T GAMBLE WITH SAFETY\u201d tagline and the slot machines.\nThis is more like it. We miss this! \nCredit:\n CarThrottle\nAdding to the post was the caption, \u201cLatest NCAP safety test shows that it\u2019s not safe to ride \u2018Swift\u2019ly. Yet another reason for you to book New Tiago \u2013 the #SeriouslyFun hatchback rated 4 stars for safety by Global NCAP.\u201d\nWe\u2019re guessing that it didn\u2019t sit well with some quarters because as we\u2019re writing this, Tata\u2019s post which was uploaded just today has been removed. Stay tuned for more!\nRemember how Honda took a friendly jab at Toyota before the new City was launched in Malaysia?"
"Alongside the new MINI 3 and 5 Door, as well as the MINI Convertible, MINI Malaysia today also unveiled the updated MINI Cooper SE, or simply called the MINI Electric, here on our shores.\nThe facelifted fully-electric MINI Cooper is now priced at \nRM217k\n on the road, without insurance and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions, making it just a touch more affordable than before \u2013 not that its fans needed any more reasons to buy one, since the \n30-unit limited run\n on its predecessor here in Malaysia was snapped up almost instantly after its launch last year!\nEXTERIOR\nThe new MINI Electric is given a slight makeover on its exterior featuring the new\n goatee-like front fascia\n, in line with its other petrol-powered siblings. Complementing the new hexagonal grille are the restyled front bumpers, which jettisons the round fog lights for vertical integrated air curtain slits for improved aerodynamics.\nTo bring the MINI Electric more in line with its other siblings, the \u2018e\u2019 badge on the front grille is now replaced with a regular Cooper \u2018S\u2019 badge in bright lime yellow colour; the electric logo on the charging port cover and the rear tailgate still remains as before, however.\nFeatures wise, the following equipment comes as standard on the new MINI Electric here in Malaysia:\nAdaptive LED headlights with matrix functionality\nLED tailights with Union Jack graphics\nNew side scuttles (fender decorative plates) with MINI Electric-specific inserts and LED indicators\nBlacked-out tailgate handle\n17-inch MINI Electric Power Spoke wheels\nExterior colour choices: White Silver with black roof and Energetic Yellow accents; British Racing Green with black roof and black mirror caps; Midnight Black with white roof and Energetic Yellow accents (pictured)\nPERFORMANCE\nThe front-wheel drive electric powertrain from its predecessor is unchanged on the new Mini Electric.\nEngine: Front-axle electric motor\nTransmission: Single speed\nPeak horsepower: 135 kW/184 hp\nPeak torque: 270 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 7.3 seconds\nTop Speed: 150 km/h\nBattery capacity: 28.9 kWh\nElectric range: 232 km (WLTP)\nThe MINI Electric requires approximately 36 minutes to charge from zero to 80% at a standard DC charging station, or approximately two and a half hours at an AC charging station or using the MINI Wallbox Plus home charger.\nDuring charging, the progress can be viewed on the side of the charging flap, through the digital instrument cluster, or via the new MINI mobile app.\nINTERIOR\nChanges to the interior of the new MINI Electric are fairly minor, with the most visible one being the new decor panel on the dashboard, now featuring a geometrical design and reworked air vents.\nThere are also new ambient lighting details throughout the cabin, including the new round stylised bezel surrounding the central infotainment display and on the doors. The infotainment controller on the centre console is now finished in black, alongside the multi-function buttons on the new steering wheel.\nStandard features inside the MINI Electric include:\nUpdated 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity\nFull MINI Connected suite: Concierge Service, Teleservice, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI Online\nDigital instrument cluster\nMINI Head Up Display\n12-Speaker, 360-watt Harman Kardon Sound System\nDual-zone climate control\nSAFETY AND CONVENIENCES\nSimilar to the outgoing model, the new MINI Electric is also equipped with the Driving Assistant system as standard. The camera-based advanced driving assistance suite includes the following features:\nAutonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and oncoming traffic detection\nLane departure warning between 70 and 210 km/h\nSpeed Limit info\nDigital high-beam assistant\nAdaptive cruise control\nPark Assistant with front and rear park distance control\nPRICING\nThe New MINI Electric is priced at \nRM217,470.73\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions (\nextended until end of 2021\n). Included in the price is a four-year unlimited mileage warranty, as well as eight-year/100,000 km high voltage battery warranty with free scheduled service.\nWith BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing plan, the New MINI Electric starts from \nRM2,418 per month\n, based on estimates of a 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nThe new MINI Electric is now available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide. However, due to the recent implementation of the new \nMCO3.0 \u201ctotal lockdown\n\u201c, the dealerships will be closed for physical viewings. Customers are encouraged to view the new MINI Electric online through MINI Malaysia\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nCustomers can also book the new MINI Electric directly online via the MINI eShop platform (linked \nhere\n) with a booking fee of RM1,000.\nGALLERY"
"In the interest of the health and safety of the fans, race teams, and personnel, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has officially concluded season three of the \nToyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge\n, unfortunately cut short in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\nAs a result, Tengku Djan Ley, Hayden Haikal, and Shawn Lee are crowned champions for the Super Sporting, Sporting, and Promotional Class respectively, as a reflection of championship standings before the break.\nSeason three of the Toyota Vios Challenge concludes with\n 75% of the scheduled races completed\n. The season finale, originally scheduled on the \n17-19 April at the Sepang International Circuit\n had to be unfortunately cancelled in response to the Movement Control Order (MCO), as well as advice from authorities against holding any public activities and gatherings until the end of the year.\nUMWT Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama said, \u201cIt is certainly not the most ideal way to conclude what has traditionally been a closely-contested championship. [.] Season three had again demonstrated this spirit of competition, but inevitably the final race must yield to an even greater agenda which is to place national interest and public safety ahead of all other matters.\u201d\nUMWT Chief Motorsports Officer and Deputy Chairman also races in the Promotional Class.\nTakeyama, who is also the Deputy Chairman of UMWT, clarified that the final results were made after careful deliberation in adherence to all provisions underlined by the technical and sporting regulations of the championship, as well as in discussion with the country\u2019s motorsports governing body, Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM).\nTengku Djan Ley\u2019s overall win in season three marks his second title in the Toyota Vios Challenge\u2019s Super Sporting Class. Driving for Team 23 Motors, Tengku Djan finished the season 11 points clear of second place winner Mark Darwin (Laser Motor Racing), with Freddie Ang (Telagamas Toyota) a further 14 points behind rounding up the top three positions.\nIn the Sporting Class, 16-year-old Hayden Haikal took the championship in just his second season of the Toyota Vios Challenge, and more impressively second year driving a saloon car after transitioning from karting.\nHayden Haikal took home overall champion with a 12 point lead over second-place Bradley Benedict Anthony (Dream Chaser), also a teenage driver. Haji Sutan Mustaffa (SMS Motorsports) took third place, one point behind Benedict Anthony.\nAs for the Promotional Class, Shawn Lee also claimed his second championship victory in the series. Lee was crowned champion in season one of the Toyota Vios Challenge Promotional Class, and was promoted to the more competitive Sporting Class in season two.\nReturning to the Promotional Class in season three, Lee adopted a more patient and strategic method, which resulted in one of his most dominant season, ending the season 15 points ahead of second place, actor Shukri Yahaya. Third place goes to TV personality Nabil Ahmad, with eight points adrift.\nThe company is already in the advance stages of preparing for the fourth season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge. \u201cSeason 4 will be an entirely different experience, offering racers, teams and participating dealers not only an enhanced racing format but also prize and reward structure,\u201d said Takeyama.\n\u201cWithout revealing too much too soon, I would also like to announce that the Toyota Gazoo Racing spirit will extend beyond the Toyota Vios Challenge and provide racers with additional racing programs to compete in. Another element we are closely looking into is talent development and expansion of \nTGR e-Racing\n.\u201d"
"Since the \nHonda BR-V\n was launched in early 2017, it has gone on to become a firm favourite for those looking to own a compact 7-seater under RM100k. In the first three months following its launch in 2017, Honda received over 10,000 bookings for the SUV and with the 2020 facelift model, the response was just as encouraging.\nHaving spent a week in it, it\u2019s obvious why. For starters, it\u2019s got the SUV look that everyone seems to go for these days and cabin space (whether it\u2019s head, knee, or legroom), is more than generous for a young family of five.\nWe also liked how the second row seats effortlessly tumble forward to allow passengers into the 3rd row.\n \nBut it now has a worthy competitor; in the form of the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n. Launched last year in a single variant, it\u2019s priced at RM91k excluding SST. As for the BR-V, the 1.5 E variant goes for RM86k while the 1.5V goes for RM93k. Both prices are excluding SST.\nBoth are powered by 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engines with more or less the same output but their similarities end there.\nJust how different are they? Which works better as a compact 7-seater? Watch the video and find out!"
"The iPhone equivalent in the world of motoring is most certainly the Tesla Model 3. With a starting price of USD $35,000 (before incentives!), it\u2019s no wonder that the waiting list is over 400,000 long.\nTouted as the BMW 3 Series rival (the entry level 320i variant starts at USD $33,000), the Model 3 will be the most affordable product in Tesla\u2019s stable, making the brand significantly more accessible to an even wider pool of potential customers.\nTesla CEO Elon Musk said the Model 3 is specifically engineered to combined range, performance, safety and utility. It will be cleverly designed to fit five adults and all their belongings, and at the same time be powerful enough for a 0 to 60 mph sprint of \nunder six seconds\n. As comparison, the BMW 320i does that in 7.1 seconds. \u201cTesla doesn\u2019t make slow cars\u201d, said Musk, and this is one way of proving it. The other, it seems, is that faster versions will be introduced in later stages.\nThe Model 3\u2019s lithium-ion battery pack will provide enough juice for a distance of over 320 km, and upon completion will be the safest car in its class. Entry-level variants will be rear-wheel drive, while those opting for the more complex dual motor AWD version will have to wait a little longer.\nProduction is said to take place in phases, with the earliest starting August this year albeit with a limited capacity of 100 units a month. Musk aims to ramp up the process with hopes of producing up to 20,000 units a month by year end.\nAnd oh, like all other Teslas (that would just be the Model S and Model X), there will be two boots \u2013 front and rear. More details will surface come Friday, so watch this space!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s true that Mercedes-AMG\nwill fiddle with any Benz they can get their hands on. Their latest creation,\nthe Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Shooting Brake. Although, we won\u2019t be able to get\nour hands on one because Malaysians favour SUVs over Shooting Brakes/Wagon/Estates.\nMotivated by the uprated M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, the CLA 35 Shooting Brake is the fastest and most versatile (505 litres of boot space) Compact Car to date. That is until the CLA 45 S debuts with the \n416 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n \nM139 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine\n.\nA 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC fully variable all-wheel-drive system allows the CLA 35 Shooting Brake to go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.9 seconds\n, identical to the CLA 35 Coupe. Like the Coupe, the Shooting Brake also gets 5 AMG Dynamic Select drive programs \u2013 Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.\nThe standard AMG exhaust\nsystem has an exhaust flap that alters the tone ranging from discreet to antisocial\ndepending on the drive modes selected. AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers and AMG\nTrack pace data logger are however optional items.\nOther personalisation\nitems include the AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Night Package, 19-inch AMG\nalloy wheels in various design, two-tone AMG Leather interior package, AMG\nPerformance Seats and AMG Performance Steering wheel in different finishes.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Shooting Brake"
"Even if you have been living under a rock for the past five years, you would still have a gist of the on-going global Takata airbag crisis that has affected more than 10 major car brands. Otherwise, to fill you in, Takata Corporation has been supplying defective airbag inflators that will rupture upon deployment and send metal shards in the direction of the occupants.\nBoth driver and passenger front airbags are susceptible to this defect and this saga has affected more than 100 million cars worldwide. In Malaysia, five carmakers \u2013 Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Mazda \u2013 have issued recalls over this airbag concern.\nWhat\u2019s saddening is that despite the extensive effort by manufacturers to publicise their respective airbag replacement initiatives, there are still owners who are oblivious about the whole recall exercise. There are even reports of owners not bringing their cars to a service centre for a replacement citing \u201cexpensive to replace \nla\n, takes up a lot of my time\u201d or worse \u201cit won\u2019t happen to me\u201d.\nEnough is enough.\n Malaysians, please wake up and stop being ignorant of this situation. All charges relating to the airbag recall or any official recall campaign for that matter is completely borne by the manufactures, \nFREE OF CHARGE\n. The airbag replacement exercise takes \nless than an hour\n to have both driver and passenger side modules replaced \u2013 quicker than your average office lunch breaks.\nMetal shards that explode upon deployment\n\u00a0\nTo date, there have been \nseven Takata airbag-related deaths\n recorded here in Malaysia with the most recent incident involving a 2004 Honda City that \ntook the life of the driver last week\n (21 May 2018). How many more innocent lives must these airbags take before we as owners realise the magnitude of the situation that can be mitigated by a simple visit to the respective dealerships?\nNewly-appointed Transport Minister, Anthony Loke has announced that from today (4 June 2018) onwards, owners who have yet to replace their\u00a0faulty Takata airbags will not be allowed to renew their road tax. The Ministry will require affected owners to produce a certificate from an\u00a0authorised dealership to prove that they have completed the airbag replacement \u2013 certainly a welcomed move from Loke.\nAs of 29 May 2018, Honda Malaysia has completed 445,000 units of the faulty airbag which translates to 75 percent completion ratio but there\u00a071,315 Honda models on-the-road that have not responded to the recall. UMW Toyota Malaysia, on the other hand, reported 91 percent of Lexus models have completed the airbag replacement but only 53\u00a0percent of Toyota models have done their replaced. Which means almost half of the Toyota models you see on the road have not replaced their killer airbags.\nIf you are still unsure whether your car(s) are involved in this Takata Airbag recall campaign, log on to these online VIN checkers provided by the affected manufacturers in the link below and follow the instructions provided:\nHonda \u2013 \nProduct Recall Honda\nToyota \u2013 \nSpecial Service Campaign\nNissan \u2013 \nRecall Campaign\nMazda \u2013 \nTakata Airbag Recall\nMitsubishi \u2013 \nMitsubishi Field Fix Campaign\nSubaru \u2013 \nTakata Airbag Recall\nAll it takes is one phone call, one trip to the dealer and one hour to remove a time bomb in your car. Come on people, it\u2019s time to get those faulty Takata airbags replaced, it has claimed one too many lives."
"With a model life spanning 31 years, the Proton Saga you see here is now in its third life cycle, and is repositioned as an A-Segment sedan to take on the \nPerodua Bezza\n. It is available in four trims (exactly like the \nProton Persona\n) \u2013 Standard MT, Standard AT, Executive and Premium.\nIf you think this Saga looks familiar, that\u2019s because it shares the same chassis and body as its predecessor, though largely redesigned to complement Proton\u2019s latest product portfolio. As a result, the Saga is 74mm longer (\n4,331mm\n overall length), \u00a09mm wider (\n1,689mm\n) and its height is reduced by 11mm to \n1,491mm\n. Wheelbase is exactly the same as before, at \n2,465mm\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Saga\u00a0Standard (MT)\nProton Saga\u00a0Standard (CVT)\nProton Saga\u00a0Executive (CVT)\nProton Saga\u00a0Premium (CVT)\nEngine\n1,332cc; inline-4, DOHC with VVT\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\nCVT\nMax Power\n\u00a094 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n\u00a0120 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nFuel Consumption\n\u00a05.4 litres per 100km (MT); 5.6 litres per 100km (CVT)\nPrice\nRM36,800\nRM39,800\nRM42,800\nRM45,800\nEXTERIOR\nExternally, the Saga bears a familiar face, particularly of the second-gen Saga FL. Standard across the range here are halogen reflector headlamps, rear fog lamps, front and rear sensors, chromed front grille as well as side mirrors with integrated signal indicators.   The range topping Premium is the only variant to be fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels that\u2019s wrapped with 185/55 series tyres. It\u2019s also the sole recipient of a chromed rear garnish and reverse camera. One trim down is the Executive which rides on 14-inch alloy wheels (185/60 tyres), whereas the Standard variant get 13-inch steel rims with 175/70 rubbers. Only the Executive and Premium variants get a rear spoiler as standard.\nINTERIOR\nThe seats are draped in grey fabric, contrasted by a dashboard finished in a darker shade of grey. In place of the driver seat is a tilt-only polyurethane steering wheel, but this time it is nicely contoured so as to fit your palms better while driving. The Premium variant is the only one to come with a\u00a0steering wheel with integrated switches that control audio volume, toggle driving information and even answer phone calls via Bluetooth connection. Others won\u2019t even get audio controls.   New additions to the Saga include dual rear USB ports for charging mobile devices (1.5A and 2.1A outputs), six cup holders, powered windows (all four doors) and ECO Drive Assist. Speaker count amounts to just two for the Standard, whereas the Executive and Premium will both get four speakers. Regardless of your choice, the rear bench can be folded down in one configuration only, but it won\u2019t fold completely flat.\nLastly, the Premium comes with a Double DIN head unit while the rest make do with a Single DIN system. All variants however, support Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary inputs, radio, CD, MP3 and iPod/iPhone audio playback. Neat.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Saga is powered by an\u00a0\nIriz-sourced\n\u00a0\n1.3-litre four-cylinder engine\n with variable valve timing, outputting\n 94 hp\n at 5,750 rpm and \n120 Nm\n that peaks at 4,000 rpm. This engine replaces the IAFM+ lump of yesteryear, and adopts the same \nthree-point mountings\n as the Persona for better NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).\nPower is delivered to the front wheels through a \nfive-speed manual\n or \nCVT\n,\u00a0the latter benefitting from an improved TCU which reduces the unpleasant droning noise and gives it a more responsive acceleration. Proton claims the Saga CVT will consume about \n5.6 litres of fuel per 100km\n travelled (5.4l/100km for the five-speed MT), but this is based on a constant cruise at 90km/h. Comparatively, the Bezza 1.3L is rated at 4.5 litres per 100km.\nApproximately 60 percent of the second-gen Saga\u2019s mechanical components have been carried over. Though the chassis remains the same, revisions such as new dampers, springs and more interestingly a front strut bar (this is standard across all variants) help keep stability in check. If anything, the Saga\u2019s dynamics are a tad more superior now than before, as observed during our brief test drive at Proton\u2019s private test track. Its hydraulic power steering is slightly quicker (and more assistive) as well \u2013 16:1 as opposed to the old 20:1 setup.\nSAFETY\nAs for the safety kit, the Premium variant is equipped with ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ESC, Traction Control and Hill-hold Assist. The Executive gets just ABS with EBD, however the Standard variant gets all these passive safety features omitted. Standard safety features are dual front airbags, Isofix mounts and audible seatbelt reminder (driver-side only).\nAlso, Proton is offering a complimentary tint film for Premium buyers only.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe third-generation Saga can be had in six exterior shades: Cotton White, Fire Red, Metal Grey, Topaz Blue, Sterling Silver and Midnight Black. It is awarded a four-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating, and comes packaged with a 5-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty.\nSo, what do you think of the new Proton Saga, dear readers? The Saga is part of a four-model launch this year, with the Ertiga scheduled for arrival sometime in October.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the \ncheeky little teaser\n last month, BMW Malaysia has finally let the cat out of the bag. Lo and behold, it is indeed the \nBMW Concept 8 Series\n under the wraps. This marks not only the concept car\u2019s maiden appearance on Malaysian soil but also in South East Asia.\nFirst presented to the world in 2017, the 8 Series Coupe will be positioned as the brand\u2019s flagship model which is slated for its global debut sometime this year. The Concept 8 Series represents BMW\u2019s pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity which resulted in a product that not only delivers sheer driving pleasure but also appeals to the customer\u2019s emotions.   Taking on a luxury coupe body style, \nprototype testing\n is still underway before the production model hits the showroom floors. The Concept 8 Series will also spearhead BMW\u2019s next-generation of design language which is already apparent on the \nX7\n. New design cues include the flipped kidney grille, angular sculpture and slim LED headlamps.\nThe doors open to a driver-focused cabin with modern luxury. One of the key design highlights is the fluid transition between the centre console and instrument panel \u2013 the latter\u2019s futuristic graphics will find its way into future BMW models.   The carbon fibre shell leather sets, hand-polished aluminium spokes, red-anodised shift pedals strike a sporty intent to encourage the driver to tap into the driving performance of the 8 Series Coupe. In case you\u2019re wondering, BMW has also confirmed that an M8 and M8 GTE race car are already in the pipelines.\nManaging Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr. Han Sang Yun said, \u201cIt is an absolute pleasure for us to be able to share our new brand presence and expression for our luxury cars here at the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion. From Toronto, Canada to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we hope to share our vision of the luxurious appeal of our brand through this one of a kind experiential programme, further demonstrating how we have redefined the idea of modern luxury in the auto industry.\u201d\nMembers of the public can catch the BMW Concept 8 Series in the metal at the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur from 22 February (Thursday) to 7 March (Wednesday) 2018. There will also be BMW\u2019s full line up of iPerformance plug-in hybrid models on display.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW Concept 8 Series in Malaysia   BMW Concept 8 Series Official Photos"
"In June this year, the \nToyota Hilux\n finally outsold the \nIsuzu D-Max\n in terms of monthly sales with a total of \n9,242 units\n sold. The D-Max in comparison, recorded a total of 9,093 units sold last month. In the first 5 months of 2023, the Isuzu D-Max consistently lead the monthly sales chart for pickup trucks in Thailand.\nIn June, the pick-up truck segment in Thailand was led by the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, followed by the Ford Ranger with 2,034 units sold. The rest of the pack includes the Mitsubishi Triton with 1,350 units, the Nissan Navara with 245 units, the MG Extender with 80 units, and the Mazda BT-50 with 78 units.\nIn terms of year-to-date sales figures, however, the Isuzu D-Max remains the chart leader with a total of 66,680 units sold from January to June 2023. The Hilux follows behind with 58,782 units sold. In third place is the Ford Ranger with 13,783 units, the Mitsubishi Triton with 7,601 units, the Nissan Navara with 1,672 units, the Mazda BT-50 with 552 units, and the MG Extender with 551 units.\nThe month of June saw a dip in total sales of pickup trucks with 22,122 units sold compared to 22,424 trucks sold in May. June is currently the second lowest in terms of monthly sales of pickup trucks in Thailand, although the Toyota Hilux leads the pack.\nRELATED: \nToyota\u2019s latest concept could mean that a fully-electric Hilux pick-up is coming soon\nIn Malaysia, the situation is quite the opposite of Thailand for the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max. As of last year, the Toyota Hilux is still the best-selling pickup truck in Malaysia. For the Malaysian market, the Toyota Hilux is offered in single-cab and double-cab versions with either the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine or the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine. There is also a GR Sport version of the double-cab pickup truck.\nThe latest development on the Toyota Hilux is that it will soon be offered with a mild hybrid system. The mild hybrid system will be paired with the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and improve the efficiency of the Toyota Hilux.\nRELATED: \nToyota Hilux to get 48V mild hybrid system with 2.8L engine, to debut in 2024"
"When the fourth-generation Kia Carnival was \nunveiled\n, its exterior design was quite a big talking point. While still a distinct two-box styling, the key elements such as the lighting units and C-pillar garnish really made the grand utility vehicle (GUV) pop out. As such, the global jury panel at GOOD DESIGN has awarded the Kia Carnival with top honours. \u00a0\nPenned at Kia\u2019s California design studio, the Carnival wears a bold and boxy appearance and conveys the visual language found on the brand\u2019s recent and highly successful line of rugged utility vehicles such as Telluride, \nSorento\n and \nSeltos\n, the four-row GUV delivers a premium level of refinement, savvy technology, and flexibility.\nAnd with best-in-class passenger room and best-in-class cargo room there is enough space to accommodate people, playthings, or plywood, depending on the day\u2019s errands or adventures.\n \nKarim Habib, Head of Kia Design Center, said, \u201cSecuring these GOOD DESIGN awards is an endorsement of the approach we took with the styling of the \nKia EV6\n and Kia Carnival, and is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of our talented international design team. It truly has been a pivotal year for us; we launched our brand new design philosophy \u2018Opposites United\u2019, the ethos of which is already transforming our cars, and we are determined to ensure Kia keeps challenging the boundaries of automotive design.\u201d\nJoining the all-new Carnival in the 2021 GOOD DESIGN Awards is the Kia EV6. This fully electric premium car is said to be introduced by \nnew Malaysian principal distributor\n Bermaz Auto/Dinamikjaya Motor within this year thanks to the full duty exemption under Budget 2022.\nThe two accolades are the latest in a string of design awards handed to Kia by the GOOD DESIGN jury in recent years, acknowledging the integrity of the brand\u2019s evolving design ethos. Just last year, the panel awarded the third-generation \nKia K5\n and the fourth-generation Kia Sorento with the same honour. Prior to this, previous iterations of the K5 and Sorento have been awarded GOOD DESIGN awards, alongside models including the Telluride and the Soul crossover.\nThe all-new Kia Carnival is on sale now in Malaysia priced from \nRM196,341\n. Buyers have access to a 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit with outputs of \n199 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n with drive to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nInside, the seating configuration can be as little spacious as a six-seater, expanding up to 11 seats. The flexibility come via the two middle seats that can also be folded to make a walk-through aisle to the fourth row. The fourth row of the new Kia Carnival meanwhile can be neatly hidden and level with the boot floor when not in use."
"Hot off the press, former BBC Top Gear trio landed a sweet deal with Amazon Prime, Amazon\u2019s video streaming service. The news broke out when Amazon posted a picture of the trio with the caption that read, \u201cThe ink is dry and we\u2019re #backonthetrack in 2016.\u201d\nThis news comes as a relief to most fans of the plucky motoring show, when the show\u2019s patriach, Jeremy Clarkson was involved in a fracas with one of the show\u2019s producers, after which the BBC responded by axing the show.\nPic credits: Amazon Prime\nMany moons have past since then, and the trio were initially\u00a0approached by\n iTV\n to do a reboot of the motoring show, however there is\u00a0a clause in their old contracts that is said to \nblock them from hosting a car show\n on a \nBritish channel for two years\n. So the boys faced a predicament, which was to either wait till \nApril 2017\n or sign with a non-brit network such as\n Netflix \nor\n Amazon\n.\nAfter months of speculations, the burning question as to where the trio will end up has been answered. Clarkson, Hammond and May have\u00a0signed a \nthree-season deal\n alongside former executive producer \nAndy Wilman\n.\nWilman, who has been credited for\u00a0turning the show around into the\u00a0format that made Top Gear into the most watched factual show \u2013 over \n350 million viewers annually\n.\u00a0Production on the first series will begin soon and it will launch \nnext year\n. The new show does not have a name yet, with the \nTop Gear\n brand belonging to the broadcasting giant.\n \n \nIt also dawned recently that in the quest to replace the former co-hosts, its been said that former F1 world champion Jenson Button is being considered as a host to join \nChris Evans\n. Other notable names that has been thrown into the mix includes the likes of\n David Beckham, Rowan Atkinson, Steve Coogan\n and bombshell model, \nJodie Kidd\n. However at this juncture, BBC has yet to finalize the decision."
"BMW Malaysia has introduced the all-new BMW X5 hybrid as a follow up to the \nhugely-popular plug-in hybrid variant of \u2018The Boss\u2019\n in our country. Available in a single M Sport trim, the locally-assembled PHEV X5 xDrive45e \u2013 now dubbed \u2018The New Boss\u2019 \u2013 is priced at RM440,745 on the road without insurance, \nsales tax exempted\n.\n \nEXTERIOR\nWe should all be familiar with how the latest-generation BMW X5 looks by now, with the launch of the \nX5 xDrive40i M Sport \nin May last year. The all-new PHEV variant, also optioned in the M Sport trim level, comes equipped with pretty much identical exterior kit.\nSlim Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam\nLED fog lights\n20-inch M light alloy Wheels in Star Spoke style 740 M Bicolour\nSignature M Sport brake\nM Aerodynamics package\nRoof rails \u2013 Aluminium satinated\nM Sport-specific tailpipe finishers\nPERFORMANCE\nWith this being the plug-in hybrid variant, the biggest difference obviously lies underneath the sheet metal. The all-new BMW X5 hybrid pairs a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine (same as the aforementioned xDrive40i) with an additional electric motor for an additional power boost and better fuel economy.\nEngine: B58 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline six \u2013 286\u00a0hp, 450 Nm\nElectric Motor: 113 hp, 265 Nm\nTransmission: 8-speed ZF automatic\nDrivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive\nBattery capacity: 24 kWh\nSuspension: two-axle air suspension\nTotal system max horsepower: 394 hp\nTotal system max torque: 600 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds\nTop speed: 235 km/h (pure electric: 135 km/h)\nElectric range: 77 km\nCombined fuel consumption: 2.5 l/100km\nCompared to its predecessor, total system output has been increased by 86 hp and 150 Nm of twist. As a result, the century sprint time has been shortened by a whole 1.3 seconds(!).\nThe 24 kWh battery is also significantly higher than the 9 kWh on the outgoing model. As a result, the pure electric range has more than doubled from its predecessor (30 km).\nThe larger battery takes six hours and 50 minutes to top-up from empty, using a BMW i Wallbox with a 3.7kW output. On a regular domestic 240v socket using the supplied charger, 0-100% charge takes roughly 10 hours and 30 minutes.\nINTERIOR\nSimilar to the petrol-powered variant, the new X5 xDrive45e M Sport gets a Black Vernasca leather upholstered interior, paired with a fine-wood \u2018Fineline Stripe\u2019 trim with brown high-gloss. Interior equipment include:\n12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument display\n12.3-inch touchscreen display with gesture control\n10.2-inch Rear Seat Entertainment Professional\nFour-zone automatic climate control\nM leather steering wheel with paddle shifters\nSport front seats, memory function for driver seat\nBMW M sill plates\nPanoramic sunroof\n464W 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system\nFEATURES AND CONVENIENCE\nThe all-new BMW X5 PHEV SUV is packed to the brim with convenience technology features, such as the standard BMW Display Key which displays vehicle status such as range and other key vehicle information, and provides convenient access to the vehicle\u2019s climate control system before entering the car.\nThe X5 xDrive45e M Sport is also equipped with Comfort Access 2.0, which uses sensors to detect the car key in proximity and automatically unlock or lock the vehicle without the need to grab or touch the door handles. The car will be automatically locked when the key moves more than two metres away from the car.\nOther comfort-oriented amenities include:\nWireless charging pad\nAutomatic tailgate with contactless opening and closing\nBMW Digital Key on selected Android smartphones\nParking Assistant Plus with Surround View Camera\nReversing Assistant\nSAFETY\nThe all-new BMW X5 hybrid in Malaysia comes equipped with a pretty extensive list of advanced driver assistance systems. The system, dubbed the BMW Personal CoPilot, includes:\nFrontal Collision Warning with brake intervention\nLane Departure Warning\nLane Changing Warning\nRear Cross Traffic Warning\nRear Collision Prevention\nspeed limit information\nADDITIONAL OPTIONS\nFour exterior colours are available for the all-new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport: Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Artic Grey.\nAs an added option, \u2018The New Boss\u2019 can also be specified with additional M Performance parts and accessories, including:\nCarbon fibre front air inlet\nCarbon fibre exterior mirror cap\nCarbon fibre front and rear winglets\nCarbon fibre rear diffuser\nSide decals, side skirts in Frozen Black\nJet Black Matte Star Spoke alloy wheels\nPRICING\nThe all-new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport is priced at \nRM440,745\n (sans sales tax), and will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from 20th June 2020.\nWith BMW Group Financial Service Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing Plan, the new PHEV X5 can be yours with a monthly instalment plan starting from \nRM5,028\n (based on estimates of an 80% loan, on a five-year tenure).\nAs standard, all new owners of the BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport will receive the complete \nBMW Group Malaysia\n Premium Ownership experience, which includes:\nBMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme\nBMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme\nBMW 8-Year/ 160,000KM Battery Warranty (whichever comes first)\nBMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering andservices\nBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline\nThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App \u2013 BMW White Card\nBMW Service Online\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda still sees plenty of strength in its compact Mazda 2 sedan and hatchback models, and with that, introduced a host of new features for the Thailand market.\nThis is the first update on the \nfacelifted Mazda 2\n design that was made available in Malaysia back in March 2020. To keep the model looking fresh amongst the highly competitive compact models in Thailand, Mazda is extending the \nPlatinum Quartz\n light gold paintwork as an option for both sedan and hatchback.\nFans of Polymetal Grey can only select the sedan design to pair that unique colour with.\nAmong the key upgraded feature is the seven-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless smartphone charging pad and a first-in-segment- six-way powered driver\u2019s seat with a two-position memory system.\nAll five variants of the updated 2022 Mazda 2 also get LED projector headlamps with automatic levelling, G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), i-STOP and i-ELOOP start-stop system, a security system with burglar alarm and acoustic-glass windshield.\nAt the other end of the spectrum, the two higher variants, which are SP and XDL, get a 360-degree birds-eye view parking camera system and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The \u2018S Leather\u2019 variant in the middle gets the best mix of goodies such as gearshift paddles, head-up display, cruise control, the new powered driver\u2019s seat and wireless charging pad. \u00a0\u00a0\nAlthough Mazda has increased its visible comfort, convenience and safety features, the compact sedan and hatchback models are still only equipped with just two airbags when competitors have already long offered up to \nseven airbags\n.\nBeing positioned as an Eco-Car in Thailand, the Mazda 3 comes with either a 1.3-litre SkyActiv-G engine with outputs of \n93 hp\n and \n123 Nm\n of torque or a 1.5-litre turbodiesel SkyActiv-D engine generating \n105 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired to only a six-speed automatic transmission.\nLast month, Mazda Europe introduced an all-new Mazda 2 Hybrid, essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris! More here.\nMazda Thailand has not increased the prices of the 2022 Mazda 2 sedan and hatchback improved models, priced from THB546,000 (approx. RM68.6k) for the entry 1.3 E variant to THB690,000 (approx. RM87k) for the 1.3 SP variant and the range-topping high-torque 1.5 XDL variant at THB799,000 (approx. RM100k).\nBermaz Motor in Malaysia offers the Mazda 2 with a 1.5-litre engine (114 hp, 149 Nm) priced from \nRM103,670\n.\nGALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia released a teaser on its official Facebook page hinting at the imminent arrival of the MINI Cooper LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) or facelift in BMW Group speak. The refreshed MINI Cooper will be available in both 3-door and 5-door guise, featuring minor visual enhancements inside and out as well as a new double-clutch transmission.\nExterior changes include a new full-circle LED daytime running light design that double ups as the turn signals as well as a half Union Jack LED taillamp design that have garnered split public opinions. What is your take on this colonial taillamp design?\n\u00a0\nWe can also expect new alloy wheel design as well a more extensive range of the \nMINI Yours Customised parts\n that covers the side scuttles, door sills and wheel caps.\nInside, the changes are more apparent with new steering wheel trim, electronic gear selector (similar to the \nBMW X2\n), 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new user interface and an illuminated Union Jack motif interior trim that changes colour according to the ambient lighting.   Other subtle changes such as the repositioned drive mode selector (now on the centre console) and revised fuel gauge display are already present on \nnewer (pre-facelift) MINI variants\n.\nThe \nCooper\n soldiers on with a 1.5-litre MINI TwinPower three-cylinder turbo petrol engine while the \nCooper S\n gets the same 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower four-cylinder turbo petrol, developing \n136 hp\n/\n220 Nm\n and \n192 hp\n/\n320 Nm\n, respectively. Both engines are paired to a new \nseven-speed dual clutch\n (wet) transmission that promises quicker gear shifts, better refinement and improved efficiency.\nWhile MINI Malaysia did not reveal an official launch date, registration of interest for the refreshed MINI Cooper is up on the brand\u2019s \nmicrosite\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Infiniti is exiting Western Europe so that the brand is able \u201cto restructure operations to drive profitable growth in North America and China\u201d. In other words, Nissan\u2019s premium division hadn\u2019t found enough customers in the most competitive markets in Europe to remain viable as a business.\nThe QX Inspiration concept is expected to become Infiniti\u2019s first fully-electric model.\nAs a result of the withdrawal, the slow-selling Q30 and QX30 models (image above), which are based on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, will cease production by mid-2019 at Nissan\u2019s Sunderland plant in the UK, with operations (including dealerships) to close by early 2020. However, Infiniti pledges to continue supporting customers in after-sales, including maintenance and warranty claims beyond 2020.\nFive new Infiniti models are planned for China; looks good but will it be available as RHD?\nInfiniti\u2019s Europe withdrawal also means it will discontinue its diesel offerings and fully focus on electrifying the model range from 2021 onwards. Suffice to say, Infiniti\u2019s eggs will also be firmly in the SUV basket for the North American market and electrified models which are specific to China. With UK soon to be out of the picture, the fate of future right-hand drive models hangs in the balance with only Japan, Australia and a handful of countries driving on the left side of the road."
"With the launch of the\u00a0\nfully imported Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC\n\u00a0early this year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has sold more than 600 units of the premium SUV. With promising demand for the GLC, MBM has decided to locally assemble the GLC 250 4MATIC.\nThe GLC will be the first premium Mercedes-Benz SUV to be assembled in \nthe company\u2019s assembly plant in Pekan\n, Pahang. As such, the SUV will receive more kit and a slight reduction in price. \nRM3,000 cheaper\u00a0\nto be exact.\nQUICK FACTS \nName\nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC\nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.3 seconds; 222 km/h\nTentative Price (OTR without insurance)\nRM325,888\nTo commemorate the launch of the locally assembled GLC 250, MBM organised a drive for the media to experience first hand the GLC 250. The drive to their Pekan plant went smoothly and comfortably, as expected of a car bearing the three pointed star emblem. To find out how the GLC drives, read our in-depth review of the car \nhere\n.\nDespite being locally assembled, the GLC is not a completely-knocked down (CKD) unit. Instead, it is a semi-knocked down (SKD) unit. What this translates to, is that every part and panel is imported from Germany. The imported parts are then put together in Malaysia. Hence, SKD. However, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will be introducing the GLC as fully CKD when the paint shop is fully renovated and operational. There\u2019s no official statement on the whether or not the price will be brought down further, but we can trust MBM\u2019s management to deliver just that.   With RM3,000 slashed, the \nequipment and specifications are as per CBU\n units, and more. Exterior wise, the GLC wears an AMG-line kit and sits on 20-inch AMG wheels. Drivetrain is the same as well \u2013 a \n2.0-litre turbocharged\n inline-four that produces \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. The engine is mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic. As the 4MATIC badge denotes, the GLC comes with permanent all-wheel drive system. With a fuel economy rated at 7.1 litres per 100km, the premium SUV qualifies as an EEV.\nNew to the SKD GLC is a \nTouchpad with Controller\n on the centre console to provide a more intuitive experience in navigating the infotainment system. Besides that, full \nLED ambient lighting\n with three different colours is added, as well as a new \nstowage space package\n.\u00a0The package includes a tensioner strap in the centre armrest storage, map pockets at the back of the front seats as well as a collapsible box and netting for the boot. A lovely premium touch to the SKD unit are additional \ndoor sill panels\n finished in brushed stainless steel.   The GLC 250 4MATIC SKD is not only more convenient and cheaper, the car is also available with \nMercedes-Benz Agility Financing\n. This will allow customers to finance the GLC with a monthly instalment of only\u00a0\nRM3,258\n (terms and conditions apply)! Bookings are now open for the SKD GLC.\nMBM\u2019s decision to introduce a SKD GLC will definitely contribute to their already\u00a0astonishing \nhalf-yearly results\n.\u00a0No doubt that MBM is gearing to achieve yet another record breaking year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The name Rolls-Royce needs no introduction \u2013 as the beacon of luxury and refinement in the automotive realm, it continues to set the standards for unrivaled ride quality. Also because royalties and industry leaders need absolute silence to hear themselves think.\nWith the aim of creating \u201cthe most silent motor car in the world\u201d, extremely meticulous measures have been implemented on the new eight generation Rolls-Royce Phantom including the incorporation of 6mm two-layer glazing all around the car, together with more than 130 kg of sound insulation and the largest ever cast aluminium joints in a body-in-white for better sound insulation.   Road noise is also dampened with\u00a0employment of double skin alloy on areas within the floor and bulkhead of the aluminium spaceframe chassis construction \u2013 a feature unique to new Phantom. Taking things a step further, dense foam and felt layers are inserted between these skins for increased sound insulation \u2013 a method not witnessed before in the car industry.\nOn the inside of the Phantom, high absorption layers within the headliner, in the doors and boot cavity have further aid insulation and reduce reverberation. Rolls-Royce also worked closely with its tyre supplier to invent something called \u201cSilent-Seal\u201d tyres \u2013 featuring a specific foam layer placed inside the tyre to reduce overall tyre noise by 9db for effortless conversation in the vehicle\u2019s cabin.\nThis contributes to\u00a0approximately 10 per cent quieter than its predecessor at 100km/h. When Rolls-Royce\u2019s acoustic test engineer first reviewed results road and vibration tests, the sound levels were so low they had to check their instruments were calibrated correctly.\nWith the focus on creating the most silent motor car in the world, the Phantom also benefits from a completely new 6.75-litre V12 engine which is now twin-turbocharged. This replaces the previous\u00a0naturally-aspirated V12 engine, for higher low-end output at lower revs to ensure that silence.\nAlso as a result, the V12 powertrain produces a blinding 900 Nm of torque from as low as 1,700 rpm on top of 563 hp, delivering power through an 8-speed ZF gearbox.\nThe new Rolls-Royce also comes with something called the Flagbearer, a stereo camera system integrated in the windscreen\u00a0to see the road ahead, adjusting its suspension proactively rather than reactively up to 100km/h.\nWith that, the new Rolls-Royce Phantom resets the benchmark not only as \u2018the Best Car in the World\u2019, but as the world\u2019s leading luxury item."
"Renault has announced that they will recall approximately 15,800 cars to fix pollution-control systems on one of its diesel-powered models. This news follows the recent \nDieselgate\n scandal that plagued Volkswagen and some of its subsidiaries.\nIt was found that the affected engine is Renault\u2019s \n1.5-litre dCi engine\n which powers the \nCaptur\n\u00a0diesel variant. All diesel Capturs will be recalled to make amendments to the engine\u2019s calibration unit.\u00a0The current filters in the Captur will turn on between 17\u00b0C and 35\u00b0C, just enough to be activated during the European emissions test which are usually conducted between temperatures of 20\u00b0C to 30\u00b0C.\nAt the same time, the company offers voluntary emissions-system updates for about 700,000 vehicles to reduce\u00a0NOx emissions.\u00a0 The engine adjustments will be available for vehicles with the latest Euro 6 generation of diesel engines.\nJust last week, authorities raided Renault\u2019s facilities where several computers belonging to the company\u2019s directors have been seized. Although investigators found \u201cno evidence of a defeat device\u201d installed, the French automaker\u2019s stock tumbled by nearly a fifth of its value.\nLast Saturday, French newspaper \nLes Echos \nreported that some diesel models from Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Ford were shown to far exceed laboratory tests, prompting further scrutiny from the authorities. The Captur was one of the vehicles with emissions exceeding the official limit.\nRenault\u2019s chief competitive officer, Thierry Bollore, said \u201cWe are not cheating, we are meeting the norms, and we are not trying to trick the consumer.\u201d\nBollore also adds they are among the first to admit their mistake and\u00a0will make plenty of room for improvement.\u00a0A classic case of \nmea culpa \nfrom Renault? Meanwhile, when will the other two will take action on this?\nThe diesel-powered Captur is not offered in Malaysia, instead the 1.2-litre petrol variant is offered by TC Euro Cars\u00a0at\u00a0RM123,000. Read our \nreview of the Renault Captur\n."
"After announcing the project in \nMarch 2021\n, Shell and Porsche have officiated the first high-performance charger (HPC) network in Southeast Asia and Shell\u2019s first cross-country electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the ASEAN region.\nThe first of six HPC bays to be located in Shell stations will begin operations today in Tangkak, Johor. Customers will be able to charge their EVs quickly along the North-South Highway in Malaysia for a reliable and seamless drive from Singapore and to Thailand later this year.\nThe other five stations planned will be at the Shell stations in Seremban (Northbound and Southbound), Jalan Ayer Hitam in Johor, Simpang Pulai (Northbound), and Tapah (Southbound) in Perak under Phase 3. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nShell\u2019s new 180 kW high-performance chargers with two CCS Type 2 connectors are capable of charging EVs faster speeds with shorter waiting times. For example, the \nPorsche Taycan\n will only require 30 minutes to replenish its battery from zero to 80%, with up to 390 km of range (under WLTP test cycle).\nPorsche Taycan owners will be automatically registered as Platinum members as part of the partnership program, entitling them to a 50% discount rate for the first 12 hours of charge per year as well as value-added benefits from Shell in both Malaysia and Singapore.\nOwners of other EV makes can register for the Shell Recharge Gold subscription plan which includes a 40% discount for the first 10 hours of charge per year, which is RM12 per 5 minutes for the first 25 minutes.\nPay-per-use is rated at RM20 for every 5 minutes of use. More information can be found \nh\nere\n.\nSimilar to the current \nShell Recharge\n wall box bays in Malaysia, booking of the HPC bays can be done via the \nParkEasy smartphone app\n. Customers can use the amenities at the Shell station while waiting for the EV to be charged. Usage of the HPCs in Singapore meanwhile is done via the Shell-Greenlots app."
"If you\u2019ve heard about the \u201cBoaty McBoatface\u201d incident, you\u2019d probably think that taking advice for anything official off the internet probably isn\u2019t a very good idea. But somehow, Ford managed to make it work, and they even made it into an actual physical model to show for it.\nThis here is the P1 Concept, released under the Team Fordzilla umbrella \u2013 Ford\u2019s own esports team. The Fordzilla P1 Concept is designed in part by the team\u2019s Twitter followers, who were given the chance to vote on different aspects of the P1 Concept\u2019s styling through a series of eight polls on the social media platform.\n \nAfter 250,000 votes, Ford\u2019s designers then went to work based on the design brief, while also opening up opportunities for designers to submit their own fan-based renders. Four proposals were released in April where fans can vote for their favourite one, and the final render \u2013 designed by Arturo Ari\u00f1o and Robert Engelmann was chosen as the final winner.\nAs the Fordzilla P1 Concept is designed to be a virtual race car first and foremost, it is able to try things that are just not possible in the real world. And the results of it is just simply stunning.\nBased on a monocoque structure, the Fordzilla P1 Concept features a large \u201chyper-transparent jet fighter-style\u201d canopy covering the cockpit, a front-end design inspired by the Ford GT, and the most impressive of all, a completely exposed rear-end \u2013 somewhat like the \nBugatti Bolide\n, but a lot more extreme.\nBut despite its digital design brief, that doesn\u2019t mean that the car won\u2019t look good in the flesh too. Ford also took the design and made it into a full-sized physical model, which they will hopefully tour it at shows and events throughout Europe in 2021 so gamers can see their creation in the metal.\nFord Europe\u2019s Design Director Amko Leenarts said during the presentation of the concept: \u201cIt was a really incredible process for the whole team here at Ford. Not just because it\u2019s something that none of us has done before, but also because we discovered gamers make the perfect co-designers.\n\u201cIt makes perfect sense when you think about it. Gaming, especially esports, is all about the thrill of movement, being fast, agile, competitive and most of all being enjoyable.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"We love the Lexus LC500; we love it so much that we featured it in our \nAutoBuzz Best Car\u2019s of Malaysia video\n last year. Where do we even begin \u2013 it looks absolutely stunning, it\u2019s as swanky as a luxury superyatch and most of all, it sounds thunderous.\nWe may have drooled over the Radiant Red on the Lexus LC500, also featured in \nGC Mah\u2019s full review video\n, it\u2019s hard to not be swayed by this alluring Naples Yellow, our new favourite colour for the \n470 hp\n grand tourer.\nIn the video you\u2019ll see the Lexus LC500 doing multiple 0 to 100 km/h runs inside an empty car park, a feat it achieves in just 4.4 seconds and if you dare, you\u2019d find the top speed capped at 270 km/h.\nPower comes from a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 \u2013 good for\n 540 Nm\n of torque \u2013 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Yes, 10."
"You may have read about the \nHennessey Performance Velociraptor 6\u00d76\n making its appearance in SEMA a couple weeks back but if you missed it, there\u2019s now a video to see it in action.\nAt USD 371,000 (RM 1.56 million), it\u2019s a bargain for the load of metal (and wheels) you\u2019re getting \u2013 it\u2019s nearly half the price of a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6\u00d76, valued at nearly 1 million Dollars, without lacking any less presence (or wheels).\nBacked by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, with an option of a 600+ hp ugrade, the Velociraptor is said to be capable of a \n4.9 second\n sprint to 100 km/h.\u00a0The 600+ hp upgrade package comes with upgraded twin turbochargers, stainless steel exhaust modifications, a front-mounted intercooler and a re-tuned ECU.\n\u201cIt really drives a lot like the stock Raptor but you can just feel more to the vehicle\u201d, said founder, John Hennessey. (You don\u2019t say!) He also added that only \n50 units\n will be built for the domestic market with another \n50 units\n for the international market"
"Proton\n has begun exporting the \nupdated CKD version of the Proton X70\n, which was \nlaunched here earlier this year\n, to Brunei. This makes the oil-rich country the first export market for the \nProton X70 we test drove in Kuantan\n.\nBrunei was also the first export market for the \nCBU version of the Proton X70 launched here in December 2018\n. The updated X70 was launched in Brunei on the 6th of September 2020.\n \nThe locally-assembled Proton X70 will be sold in Brunei in three different variants \u2013 Standard, Executive and Premium X \u2013 with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nIt\u2019s powered by the same 1.8-litre turbocharged engine with \n181 hp\n but with the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, torque figures have been bumped up an extra 15 Nm to \n300 Nm\n. Its 0 to 100 km/h time has also been \nslashed by a full second\n to 9.5 seconds.\n \n\u201cPROTON is excited the Malaysian made 2020 Proton X70 has been launched in its first export market as exports will play an increasingly important role in growing our sales. With its combination of innovative features and comprehensive list of safety equipment we believe the X70 will gain support from car buyers not only in Brunei, where it has already attracted a strong following but also wherever it is sold around the world,\u201d said CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\nThe 2020 Proton X70 has been a popular choice amongst Malaysia SUV buyers since its launch in February this year, with 12,732 units delivered up to the end of August 2020.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Proton vehicles in Malaysia, click\n here\n."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced that all Volkswagen Tiguan sold from March 2019 onwards will feature a new Active Info Display and LED taillights across the range.\nThe Tiguan range in Malaysia now consists of the Highline and JOIN, the \nComfortline\n has officially been dropped from the Tiguan line up. Prices remain unchanged from before with the Highline going for RM165,990 and RM175,990 for the JOIN variant. Both prices are on-the-road without insurance.\nUpdated kit includes\nthe new Active Info Display with better graphics (2D and 3D display). The new display\nis also more customisable from before with a three-view customisable screen via\nthe infotainment system with over 30 combinations. Not to mention the navigation\nscreen now displays a full 3D view map.\nOn the outside, the Tiguan\nwears an updated full LED taillamps with sharper graphics. Besides looking good,\nthe new taillamps also incorporates an animation when braking for better visibility\nto other road users.\nThe updated Tiguan continues to feature a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine and 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission pushing out \n150 hp \nand \n250 Nm\n of torque. The front-wheel-drive Tiguan 1.4TSI can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 8.9 seconds\n.\nOther standard equipment\nincludes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Parking Brake\nwith Auto Hold, tri-zone automatic climate control and 8.0-inch Discover Media touchscreen\ninfotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nLike every other\nVolkswagen sold through authorised dealerships, the Tiguan come with 5-Years\nUnlimited Mileage Warranty, 3-Years Free Maintenance and 5-Years Roadside\nAssistance."
"It\u2019s finally here guys! The new Nissan Almera is now on sale in Malaysia with \nthree different variants available\n. The base model 1.0 turbo VL starts from \nRM79,906\n,\u00a0\nRM85,715\n for the VLP variant and\u00a0\nRM91,310\n\u00a0for the range-topping VLT variant.\nAll variants come with a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with \ntechnologies adopted from the Nissan GT-R\n, pushing out a respectable 100 hp and 152 Nm of torque. The 3-cylinder engine is paired to an Xtronic CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nRefinement is expected to be the new Almera Turbo\u2019s strong suit. Aside from the additional soft touch materials and more comfortable seats, Nissan has also \nworked on improving the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels\n in the all-new car.\n \nThe new Almera also promises better stability and driving dynamics with several \nimprovements made to the car\u2019s body and suspension components\n. Having driven it briefly, one thing\u2019s for sure; you\u2019d most likely enjoy driving this Almera more than being driven in it. It has certainly come a long way from merely being a car Grab driver\u2019s use.\nFor those who opt for the lower variants, Nissan is selling accessories through various packages to get your Almera Turbo looking that much more premium. You can check it out \nhere\n.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced their revised price list upon the implementation of GST since 1 April 2015. Mitsubishi cars are now between \nRM200 to RM2,000 cheaper\n, and the following price list is based on the cars\u2019 new on-the-road price including GST but without insurance.\nNo\nModel\nPre-GST Price (RM)\nPost-GST Price (RM)\nDifference (RM) \n1\nMirage GS\n63,940\n63,740\n200\n2\nAttrage SE\n75,796\n75,596\n200\n3\nAttrage GS\n67,978\n67,778\n200\n4\nLancer GTE\n115,590\n115,090\n500\n5\nASX 4WD\n128,879\n128,179\n700\n6\nASX 2WD\n114,743\n114,043\n700\n7\nPajero\n291,177\n289,177\n2,000\n8\nPajero Sport VGT\n172,211\n171,211\n1,000\n9\nTriton VGT GS\n107,809\n107,609\n200\n10\nTriton AT\n95,247\n95,047\n200\n11\nTriton MT\n90,377\n90,177\n200\n12\nTriton MT STD\n82,185\n81,985\n200\n13\nTriton LITE Turbo\n65,529\n65,329\n200\n\u00a0\nPoint in case here, all of Mitsubishi\u2019s cars see a marginal dip in OTR prices now despite having most of them fully imported from either Japan or Thailand. The only locally assembled car of the lot would be the \nASX\n, whereas the Mirage, \nAttrage\n, Pajero Sport and Triton are fully imported from Thailand and the Lancer and Pajero are CBU units from Japan.\nMMM\u2019s \nnewly appointed CEO\n, Mr\u00a0Won-Chul Yang said, \u201cTaking into consideration of difference in the tax rate of 4% (from 6% GST and 10% of Sales and Service tax (SST)) and weakened Ringgit against the US Dollar, we remain committed to provide all Malaysians with a pleasant ownership and value-for-money cars. Customers are encouraged to also take the opportunity of our on-going deals and promotions.\u201d"
"With visibility sometimes reduced to under 50 metres, driving through the torrential rain in Malaysia can be an absolute nightmare and let\u2019s not even start with the parking that can be almost impossible with blur side mirrors.\nHonda e\n\u2018s side camera mirror system, \nsimilar to the one Lexus introduced in the ES\n, could just be the solution to that. Not only is it more aerodynamic \u2013 with reduced drag due to its design \u2013 its wide angle lens offers a much wider view of the road that\u2019s projected onto a screen inside the cabin.\n \nBut it won\u2019t be the only appeal inside the \nrear-wheel driven, all-electric hatchback with torque vectoring\n as the tastefully minimalist and flat dashboard houses at least three additional digital displays.\nLast month, the \nHonda e was revealed in five different colours\n with orders now being taken in Germany, UK, France and Norway. Although pricing has yet to be announced, Honda has already received over 20,000 registration of interests for the EV with deliveries due in 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2018 Volkswagen Passat GT is set to arrive later in the year as the first model developed and engineered by Volkswagen in the United States of America.\nIt was developed in Volkwagen\u2019s North American Engineering Planning Centre in the state of Tennessee, nearby the factory that locally-assembles the Passat and VW Atlas.\nUnder the hood, the Passat GT houses a 3.6-litre VR6 engine tuned for\n 280 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n of torque with power delivered through a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission.\nPaying homage to the Golf GTI, the Passat GT\u2019s grille features a red accent line across its honeycomb pattern while the bumper sports a more aggressive appearance with louvres taken from the Mk7 Golf GTI.\nAt the back, the Passat GT sports a black boot lid along with redesigned rear lamps as it sits on a set of unique sports suspension with 19-inch Tornoda wheels separating the car from the tarmac.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As Volvo is moving towards full electrification of their entire model range, the Swedish marquee together with its parent-company Geely is looking to merge their combustion engine operations into a standalone business.\u00a0\nThe new business will be focused on developing next-generation efficient combustion and hybrid powertrains that would be available to Geely\u2019s stable of brands including Geely Auto, Lotus, LEVC, Lynk and Co, and our national carmaker Proton. It will also look to supply powertrain to third party manufacturers as a new business opportunity.\nThe new entity will consist of approximately 3,000 current employees from Volvo and 5,000 from Geely\u2019s combustion engine operation, with no workforce reduction anticipated. The companies have begun separating their combustion powertrain operation ahead of the merger.\u00a0\nVolvo said that the move will allow it to focus on the development of their fully electric powertrains.\n As reported previously\n, the Swedish carmaker is expecting 50% of its global sales to be fully electric vehicles. Volvo will be launching the \nXC40 EV\n, their first step to realising the new direction.\u00a0\nWhile Volvo is moving towards full electrification, the company still believes that combustion engine will play a huge role in their offerings. The company believes that the electrification of the automotive industry will be gradual, therefore ongoing demand for efficient hybrid powertrains is expected to be substantial.\u00a0\nVolvo Cars\u2019 president and chief executive, H\u00e5kan Samuelsson said, \u201cHybrid cars need the best internal combustion engines. This new unit will have the resources, scale and expertise to develop these powertrains more cost effectively.\u201d\nVolvo and Geely has already worked together on combustion engines previously, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine used in the Geely Binyue, expected to be launched as the highly-anticipated \nProton X50\n. This move could possibly spell a hybrid future for our own national carmaker \u2013 who knows."
"The only thing that VTEC may be kicking soon is the bucket,\nif the latest speech on Honda Motor Co\u2019s business direction by its Chief Executive\nOfficer Takahiro Hachigo is anything to go by.\nWith stricter emission and fuel economy regulations looming, Honda believes that compliance is only possible by adopting hybrid powertrains on an even larger scale, in the absence of charging infrastructure and how consumers use automobiles generally. Hence, the electrification of Honda vehicles in the next decade will be driven by its latest hybrid technologies.\nA more compact version of the i-MMD hybrid system will feature in the all-new Fit/Jazz at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show.\nTo achieve this, Honda will expand the i-MMD (for Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) 2-Motor hybrid system to the entire line-up of Honda vehicles. In addition to the powertrain which has already been seen in the new-generation Honda Accord \u2013 a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine mated to two electric motors \u2013 Honda is developing a smaller i-MMD system for its compact cars, starting with the all-new Honda Fit/Jazz which is expected to make its world premiere at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show.\nTo learn more about the i-MMD hybrid system, click \nhere\n."
"We can\u2019t say we didn\u2019t see this coming. In fact, we were expecting it and we hope you did too but what\u2019s done is done and here\u2019s what you need to prepare for when the nationwide MCO kicks in from the \n12th of May till the 7th of June 2021\n.\nMaximum of three passengers in a car including the driver (private vehicles, taxi, e-hailing)\nSOP for public transportation remains unchanged\nNo interstate or interdistrict travels except for health-related issues, emergencies, work, vaccination appointments, or long-distance couples\nAll public gathering is not allowed including weddings, face-to-face seminars and conferences, government or private events\nAll sports and recreational activities are not allowed, except exercising in open spaces individually such as jogging and cycling, with social distancing practices\nAll education institutions are to be closed, except daycares and kindergartens with strict SOPs while exceptions will be given to students with international examinations\nIn other news, Perodua introduced the \nupdated Aruz\n. More features for the same price!\nDine-ins strictly not allowed\nWorkplace attendance must not exceed 30% of workforce at all times\nNo visiting allowed during Hari Raya, including the cemetery\nPrayers at the mosque are allowed during Hari Raya \u2013 not exceeding 50 persons for mosques with 1,000 or more capacity and not exceeding 20 persons for mosques with less than 1,000 capacity. The same rule applies to Friday prayers\nSOPs in all non-muslim places of worship will also be tightened\nAll economic sectors are allowed to remain in operation\nAs of today, all inter-district and inter-state travel, as well as social, sports and education activities have been disallowed."
"BMW Malaysia announced that the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion, a platform used to showcase the \nBMW Concept 8 Series\n earlier this year, will be back again at the end of the month to premier yet another one of BMW\u2019s interpretation of modern luxury.\nSo far BMW Malaysia has only released a single image (as above) and even those who\u2019ve been vaguely following BMW\u2019s developments would be able to tell that it\u2019s a cutout from the \nBMW X7 Concept iPerformance\n \u2013 especially with that unique headlamp design.\u00a0\nFrom \nWednesday, 18th July 2018 to Sunday, 22nd July 2018\n, BMW Malaysia will preview the brand\u2019s new flagship SUV (sits above the X5) at the Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), Kuala Lumpur.\nThe \nfirst pre-production model has been rolled out of the assembly line\n at BMW Group\u2019s plant in Spartanburg, USA, with an official debut said to take place at the end of this year. The flagship SUV has also been given an official name \u2013 the \nBMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle\n."
"As much as car aficionados love to rave about the latest supercars and their dream garage, talking about cars is just half of the experience of being a car enthusiast. The rest, is about firing your engine, getting it in gear and going for a drive.\nLast year, we joined our friends from Aurizn EVOMalaysia on an epic 2,000 km round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket, Thailand. Over 45 cars participated in the inaugural EVO Enduro that celebrated the ultimate challenge in the automotive world, endurance races.\nEnthusiasts from all ends of the spectrum (and era) gathered with their prized wheels and it turned out to be quite a sight. Modern classics like the Mazda MX-5 (NA), Porsche 964 cabriolet, W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class together with modern machines like the Maserati GranTurismo, Lotus Evora, Mercedes-AMG GT S in an organised convoy was just a sight to behold.   Flagging off from Kuala Lumpur at the break of dawn, our spirits were high, and our minds focused on getting to Phuket the very same day \u2013 exactly 1,000 km away. Hustling our way up north to the border was an uneventful one until Tapah where a civilian car kissed the barrier on slippery roads. That only served as a grave reminder to all of us on the Enduro to exercise extra caution on the road.\nThe AutoBuzz.my contingent had the privilege to pilot a Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Coupe courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Although not the most practical choice to ferry three grown adults with luggage and camera equipment, its 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 with \n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque and 9-speed G-Tronic transmission combo was an absolute joy on the highway and the twisty B-roads of Thailand.\nWe were making good progress and arrived at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border by noon after a delicious brunch stop at Nasi Lemak Ong in Alor Setar. We also made sure to refuel on Malaysian soil (pump prices of RON95 in Thailand was RM4.40!) before queuing at the customs checkpoint, saving a pretty penny in the process.\nThe drive got a little more exciting as we rolled into Thai soil as the organisers (in collaboration with Tourism Authority of Thailand) arranged a police escort to our lunch destination. The officers in their Toyota Corolla Altis who were clearly much more familiar with the routes did make it a little tricky to keep up for some \u2013 goes to show course knowledge sometimes can triumph power and driving skills.   It\u2019s been 12 hours since we began our journey and we were finally on our final leg of the 1,000 km journey. Some decided to break away from the main convoy and go on a little excursion, by the end of the night all we had were wide smiles and fond driving memories to go to bed with.\nThe following day was all about soaking in the Phuket sun and getting to know the popular destination in the comfort of our own cars \u2013 no need to haggle for taxis heh. Later in the afternoon we gathered at Bang Wad Dam for a (few) pictures and took the opportunity to mingle with everyone on the drive, sharing our experience so far and immerse ourselves in all things automotive. We ended our last night in Phuket with a scrumptious dinner and an award giving ceremony for social media challenge winners.   After that, everyone was free to part their own ways, some choose to stay on for another night, others formed a group themselves for the return leg to Kuala Lumpur. We, on the other hand, broke up the return leg to two parts, putting a night in Hat Yai before cracking on to Kuala Lumpur.\nIt\u2019s been a year since then and the fond memories are still etched in our minds. This year, the EVO Enduro is back with the destination set to Hua Hin, some 1,200 km away from Kuala Lumpur.\nThere will be three options for EVO Enduro 2018 \u2013 return to Kuala Lumpur after breakfast at Sg. Petani or option two, spend a night in Hat Yat before continuing to Hua Hin. For the truly hardcore bunch, you can opt to drive straight to Hua Hin on the same day. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the itinerary for your reference.\nTo participate, follow the steps listed on the \nofficial website\n and be sure to be very clear with the terms and conditions. Submission ends on 15 July 2018 and will be limited to 50 cars only. See you guys there at the EVO Enduro 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nEVO Enduro 2017"
"For those who book a new Subaru vehicle, either locally-assembled or imported by TC Subaru from 25th April 2019 onwards, will be eligible for the new, more comprehensive 5-years/100,000km warranty.\nSome of you might be wondering what\u2019s new and rightfully so, as Subaru is already offering such a warranty.\nHave you heard that there\u2019s an\n updated version of the Subaru XV\n?\nPreviously, parts like the front and rear suspension, brakes, exhaust system, steering system, engine, transmission, fuel system, electricals, air-conditioning, cooling system, air bags and other safety restraints \nwere only covered up to the 3rd year or 60,000km\n while the engine, transmission and drivetrain were covered up to the\n 5th year or 100,000km\n but with limited coverage.\nNow, \nall of the above are covered up to the 5-years or 100,000 km\n. This new scheme differs from the extended warranty schemes which provide reduced coverage in the subsequent years.\nThat said, TC Subaru will not be able to extend this programme to drivers who use non-genuine parts or carry out technical alterations not authorised or approved bynthe company."
"You\u2019ve seen our coverage of it at the Singapore Motor Show but the all-new BMW X5 is finally here in Malaysia in the form of the fully-imported xDrive40i M Sport, priced at RM640,000.\nFor starters, the new X5 gets the Adaptive LED headlights complemented by 20-inch light alloy wheels and M Sport Brakes finished in dark blue while at the back, the X5\u2019s LED wrap-around tail lights project a 3D look.\n \nAs for dimensions, the X5 has grown longer by 36mm at 4,922mm, wider by 66mm at 2,004mm and a 19mm higher roofline, standing at 1,745mm tall. With the increase in dimensions, it can gobble up anywhere between 650 litres to 1,870 litres of cargo.\nAs it is the xDrive40i, under the hood rests a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six engine making 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque \u2013 capable propelling it from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds; with fuel consumption rated at 9.2L/100km.\nThe potent powerplant is paired to BMW\u2019s famed 8-speed Steptronic transmission, as it channels power to all four wheels via BMW\u2019s xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nUnder the shell is a double wishbone setup in the front, with a five-link rear suspension taking care of the road\u2019s undulations. The X5\u2019s ride quality, handling and road holding is also enhanced with the Adaptive M Suspension.\nInside, the X5 features a whole new experience with striking aesthetics like never before. Main \u201cM features\u201d include the M leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, M stainless steel pedal, M door sills and sports seats wrapped in Vernasca leather.\nAdding to the conveniences and luxurious touches are the panoramic sunroof with 30% increase in size, 4-zone air conditioning system, BMW\u2019s Rear Seat Entertainment Professional which consists of two touchscreen displays behind the front seats and a cargo cover which can be electrically-retracted.\nWith the Comfort Access feature, the two-piece tailgate can be opened and closed at the touch of a button.\nFrom the driver seat, owners would be greeted by the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional as seen in the \nnew G20 BMW 3-series\n launched here recently, along with a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Looking ahead, drivers would also notice BMW\u2019s new head-up display which is now 70% larger than before.\nSupporting the driver on the road is BMW\u2019s latest Personal CoPilot driver assistance system which includes the cruise control system with braking function, Lane Departure Warning with steering intervention, Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention that also now responds to cyclists on the road, rear cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention.\nDue to the car\u2019s sheer size, parking is made more convenient with the Park Assist feature, supported by the Reversing Assistant system which can trace the car\u2019s route (up to the last 50 metres), take over the steering wheel and reverse itself out \u2013 a highly welcomed feature for those who\u2019ve always struggled to maneuver such a massive vehicle.\nPart of the BMW Connected Drive service also allows owners to utilise BMW\u2019s Digital Key to lock or unlock the car via a smartphone simply by holding it close to the driver\u2019s door handle.\nStarting the engine merely requires the smartphone to be placed on the Near Field Communication (NFC) surface. The Digital Key can be shared with up to five additional smartphones.\nThe all-new BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport is available in Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Artic Grey and Phytonic Blue. The Vernasca Leather upholstery is available in the classic Black with Aluminium Tetragon for Mineral White and Black Sapphire.\n The all-new BMW X5 is accompanied by BMW\u2019s 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Starting of the year with a bang, BMW Malaysia has opened registration of interest for the \nBMW M2 (G87)\n on its official website. The BMW M2 was revealed globally in October 2022 and is a two-door RWD coupe.\nPowering the M2 is BMW\u2019s S58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine that makes \n460 hp\n (metric) and \n550 Nm\n. The engine is paired with either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. All power is sent to the rear wheels, and the M2 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.1 seconds\n with the automatic gearbox and \n4.3 seconds \nwith the manual box.\nSporting a rear-wheel-drive system, the all-new M2 is equipped with BMW\u2019s M Traction Control and Active M Differential. The M Traction control allows the driver to carefully probe the vehicle\u2019s performance limits by setting individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation, with a choice of ten stages.\nThe Active M Differential (at the rear axle) can generate a locking effect of up to 100% whenever required. This optimises traction on road surfaces, offering different levels of adhesion for the left- and the right-hand rear wheel as well as improving power transfer when accelerating hard out of corners.\nRELATED: \nAll-new BMW M2 unveiled \u2013 460hp, 550 Nm, 6-speed manual\nUnderpinning the all-new BMW M2 is a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle with M-specific kinematics. Standard on the all-new M2 are:\nAdaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers\nM Servotronic steering with variable ratio\nDynamic Stability Control (DSC) including M Dynamic Mode\nM Compound brakes with six-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper brakes at the rear.\nRELATED: \nBMW turns the M2\u2019s garish looks up to 11 with new M Performance parts\nThe official product page of the BMW M2 for Malaysia currently highlights the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the M-specific display concept through BMW Operating System 8, the M steering wheel, and BMW curved display.\nAlso on the product page are 5 colour options that include \u2018Alpine White Solid\u2019, \u2018M Zandavort Blue solid\u2019, \u2018Black Sapphire Metallic\u2019, \u2018M Toronto Red Metallic\u2019, and \u2018M Brooklyn Grey Metallic\u2019. There are 2 wheel options, 3 upholstery options, and 2 interior trim options.\nMalaysian customers interested in the BMW M2 (G87) may click on the \u2018keep me informed\u2019 button on BMW Malaysia\u2019s official website.\nRELATED: \nAs if the M2 isn\u2019t exciting enough, BMW wants you to actually drive it in a VR world too"
"While a plethora of electric vehicles (EVs) has been launched in Malaysia in recent years, \nPerodua\n has yet to launch a hybrid (HEV) or fully electric vehicle (BEV). With no fully electric car in sight currently, the company will initiate a new Perodua CKD Hybrid xEV project this year under its production division. Perodua expects to make its first HEV in 2024 and its first BEV in 2029.\nAlthough the \nPerodua Ativa Hybrid\n \nis already present in Malaysia, it is only available on a \nsubscription program\n for a select few customers. The Ativa hybrid is also a rebadged hybrid \nDaihatsu Rocky\n, which is fully imported from Japan.\nOne of the key activities for Perodua in 2023 is the initiation of a new xEV project (see bottom left)\nTo recall on the Perodua Ativa Hybrid, it is powered by an electric motor that makes \n106 hp\n (metric) and \n170 Nm\n and a 1.2-litre engine that only functions as a generator, making 82 hp (metric) and 105 Nm. Limited to 300 units only, the subscription programme is handled by \u201cEZ Mobi\u201d which is an arm of Perodua. The subscription program costs RM500 per month, lasts for 5 years, and requires an upfront payment of RM2,150.\nThe main challenge for an affordable hybrid Perodua vehicle to come to fruition would be the localisation of the parts for a CKD Hybrid Perodua. Perodua cars are currently made of 95% localised parts and the company will \u201ccontinue to maximise component parts localisation as part of industrial development\u201d, and it would take a while before the Perodua xEV can become a reality. In the 2023 outlook presentation, one issue faced by Perodua is its vendors\u2019 \u201clack of exposure to HEV/BEV & advance technology parts due to low adoption in Malaysia automotive industry.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPerodua launches Ativa Hybrid leasing programme \u2013 RM500/month for 5 years\nProjection of cars produced by Perodua in coming years, depicting the company being fully electric by 2040\nIn the same slide shared by Perodua, the company also shared its production plans which shows its production plans for the upcoming years. If the graph shared is anything to go by, Perodua will begin producing its first HEV in 2024 and its first BEV in 2029. The graph also shows Perodua\u2019s internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to be reduced in production starting 2024, the same time the company aims to begin making HEVs. It can also be seen that Perodua aims to be fully electric by 2040.\nFor its CKD hybrid development, Perodua will identify global companies with electrification & advance technologies with the support of Daihatsu Motor Corporation. Perodua will also explore potential for strategic partnership with local vendors for its xEV development.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 Perodua Axia open for booking \u2013 same engine, D-CVT gearbox, est. from RM39k"
"Porsche\u2019s cars in Lego form are increasingly gaining notoriety and although you may have been able to purchase the 919 Le Mans race car and 911 GT3 RS in brick form, their latest creation will, now and forever, only be an item on your wishlist.\nResting in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany is a live-sized LEGO of the iconic 911 Turbo from the 1970\u2019s. Prior to this, Porsche also built a 1:8 scale of the 911 GT3 RS; made up of more than \n2,700 pieces\n of Lego bricks.\u00a0\nWhile it\u2019ll never have the \n296 hp\n and\n 412 Nm\n from the revised 3.3-litre 911 Turbo from the late 70\u2019s, notorious then for killing husbands all around the world, the live-sized model will still have the power to draw the public\u2019s attention, if you can find a way to pry it out of the Porsche Museum\u2019s hands.\nThat said, if you feel like acquiring one that would fit your living room shelves better, major toy stores in Malaysia are actually selling the exact same 911 Turbo and the 911 RSR race car (that comes in a pair) for \nRM 199.90\n \u2013 one that even our fearless leader, GC Mah, couldn\u2019t resist.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \npreviously-mooted\n amendment to the Road Transport Act 1987 has been passed in the Dewan Negara (Senate) this week, with harsher penalties in place to deter drunk and reckless driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.\nThe bill, tabled by Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah, has been approved with majority support from the 16 Senate members from both the government and opposition present at the sitting, reports \nBernama\n.\nHasbi said that the\u00a0objective of the amendment was to make the law a deterrent measure that prevents a person from breaking the rules. \u201cHopefully, this amendment will have a positive impact on road safety the safety of all road users,\u201d he said.\nThe \nRoad Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020\n, as it is called, will contain 15 main clauses. Among them is the amendment to Section 41 of the act involving the offence of causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. The maximum fine for the offence has been increased from RM5,000-RM20,000 to RM20,000-RM50,000, while the maximum jail time has also increased from 2-10 years to 5-10 years.\nSection 44 of the Road Transport Act has also been modified and divided into two categories \u2013 cases causing injury and those resulting in death. Those convicted for reckless driving \nunder the influence of drugs and alcohol\n to the extent of causing death, will be jailed between 10 and 15 years, and fined between RM50,000 and RM100,000, with the driving license being disqualified for 10 years for first time offenders.\nSubsequent offences will see a jail term of 15 to 20 years, and a maximum fine of up to RM150,000, while their driving license will be revoked for a period of 20 years. Previously, the offence act not include a clause for repeat offenders, with a maximum jail time and fine of 10 years and RM20,000.\nAs for drunk driving offences causing injuries without death, first-time convicts will face a jail term of seven to 10 years, and slapped with a fine of RM30,000-RM50,000, while repeat offenders will see penalties increased to 10-15 years jail time, and a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000.\nAdditionally, the bill also reduced the permissible alcohol content limit to 22 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 ml of breath; 50 milligrams (mg) of alcohol in 100 ml of blood and 67 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of urine, in line with the World Health Organisation standards used in many countries throughout the world. These levels were previously 35 microgrammes, 80 mg, and 107 mg.\nAll of us at \nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that it is never a good idea to drink and drive, no matter how little you think you\u2019ve drank \u2013 not only for our own safety, but also the safety of all other road users. Call a Grab, or many of its alternatives when you consume any alcohol.\nIn separate news, the Royal Malaysian Police has taken to its social media channels to remind all Malaysians that cycling on highways is strictly prohibited. Those caught doing so will be in violation of the \u00a0Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, and could be fined between RM300 and RM2,000."
"We\u2019ve all seen memes making fun of BMW\u2019s increasingly large kidney grille, but it looks like the joke\u2019s on us because the memes have become a reality.\nDue to be revealed next month, the all-electric BMW i7 will be the most powerful BMW 7 Series to date. The i7 will feature oblong-shaped headlights and a grille that projects modernity and \u201ca distinct look\u201d. Think they\u2019ve got the latter nailed down already.\nDetails are extremely limited at the moment but BMW has revealed that the headlamps are made of crystal glass while the kidney grille is now illuminated in case you don\u2019t notice how big it is.\nInside, the i7 will feature the latest iDrive operating system, along with the BMW Curved Display, like in the BMW iX. It was also come with the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, with LED light threads that can be individually adjusted.\nIn the back seat, BMW says the i7 will offer a unique cinematic experience with the BMW Theatre Screen, which is tucked inside the roof liner. The ultra-wide 31-inch screen with 8K resolution aims to transform the rear seats into an exclusive, private cinema lounge, BMW said.\nGALLERY"
"Another carmaker to reveal their updated price list since GST took place over SST is Perodua, whose models see a 0.1 percent to 1.6 percent reduction in their OTR selling price. That, if translated into numbers, is a cut\u00a0between \nRM95 to RM650\n.\nBelow is the breakdown of Perodua\u2019s new pricing:\nModel\nVariant\nPrice before GST\nPrice after GST\nDifference\nAxia\n1.0 Standard E MT\nRM 24,612,15\nRM 24,437.16\nRM 175\n1.0 Standard G MT\nRM 29,812.15\nRM 29,637.16\nRM 175\n1.0 Standard G AT\nRM 32,812.15\nRM 32,637.15\nRM 175\n1.0 SE MT\nRM 36,812.12\nRM 36,637.15\nRM 175\n1.0 SE AT\nRM 39,812.15\nRM 39,637.15\nRM 175\n1.0 Advance AT\nRM 42,142.15\nRM 41,967.15\nRM 175\nMyvi\n1.3 Standard G MT\nRM 41,512.15\nRM 40,862.16\nRM 650\n1.3 Standard G AT\nRM 44,512.15\nRM 43,862.15\nRM 650\n1.3 Premium X AT\nRM 47,512.15\nRM 46,862.15\nRM 650\n1.5 SE MT\nRM 50,513.50\nRM 49,968.50\nRM 545\n1.5 SE AT\nRM 53,513.50\nRM 52,968.50\nRM 545\n1.5 Advance AT\nRM 58,513.50\nRM 57,968.51\nRM 545\nAlza\n1.5 Standard MT\nRM 52,427.00\nRM 52,332.00\nRM 95\n1.5 Standard AT\nRM 55,427.00\nRM 55,332.00\nRM 95\n1.5 SE MT\nRM 56,427.00\nRM 56,332.00\nRM 95\n1.5 SE AT\nRM 59,427.00\nRM 59,332.00\nRM 95\n1.5 Advanced Version AT\nRM 65,027.00\nRM 64,932.00\nRM 95\n\u00a0\nThe smallest reduction, ironically, goes to the \nAlza\n with a \nRM95 cut\n across the range. Malaysia\u2019s most popular B-Segment car, the \nMyvi\n, gets the chunkiest cut at \nRM650\n for the 1.3L variants and \nRM545\n for the 1.5L variants, wheras buyers can look forward to buying the \nAxia\n for \nRM175\n cheaper.\nPerodua\u2019s President and CEO, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh also mentioned that the company will be maintaining the \ncurrent price\n \nfor spare parts\n, while further stressing that they will \nabsorb\n \nthe impact of GST\n so customers won\u2019t have to pay more when they get their parts replaced."
"Back in September, we brought you \nnews of an upcoming Navara model\n that was overhauled inside out with the goal of being more car-like in nature. Official Malaysian distributors of the brand Edaran Tan Chong Motors will be leading the charge of exposing eager Malaysians to the all-new Nissan Np300 Navara at Nissan Roadshows that\u2019s currently taking place nationwide.\nNow get this. Even though the Navara only comes with a\u00a0\nsingle\n specifiable power option and two choices of drives, there\u2019s a total of \nsix\n different flavours offered here. The Np300 comes with a choice of a \nsingle\n or \ndouble\n cab guises and on top of that a choice of \ntwo\n or \nfour wheel drive\n options are offered alongside the 2.5-litre four pot oil-burner.\nSpeaking about the oil-burner, the lump here is the\u00a03rd Generation \nYD25DDTi\n engine which produces a maximum\u00a0power output of \n187 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of twist at 2,000 rpm thats mated with a \nseven-speed automatic\n transmission with manual mode.\u00a0A host of other features\u00a0include a first-in-class all-new \nmulti-link\n rear suspension for an SUV-like ride,\u00a0distinctive V-motion \nstrut grille\n\u00a0and new \n18-inch\n alloy\u00a0wheels.\nThe NP300 Navara offers safety features for every driving situation. It\u2019s\u00a0equipped with \nActive Brake Limited Slip\n to provide better grip on slippery roads\u00a0and enhances the vehicle\u2019s stability.\u00a0Other key safety features include \nHill Start Assist\n and \nHill Descent Control\n,\u00a0child seat retainer (\nISOFIX\n), \nVehicle Dynamic\u00a0Control\n, ABS, \nElectronic Brake Force distribution\n,\u00a0Brake Assist, and \nTraction Control System\n to help the driver stay in control and\u00a0avoid danger in emergency situations.\nThe All New NP300 Navara comes in four colours \u2013 the all-new\n Savanna Orange\n,\u00a0\nTungsten Silver\n, \nDiamond Black\n, and \nBrilliant White\n. Below is the estimated pricing structure. Be sure to check out the \nNissan road shows happening nearest you\n.\nDouble Cab\nPeninsular Malaysia\nEast Malaysia\n2.5VL (AT)\nRM125,000\nRM126,000\n2.5V (AT)\nRM115,000\nRM116,000\n2.5SE (AT)\nRM109,000\nRM110,000\n2.5SE (MT)\nRM104,000\nRM105,000\n2.5E (MT)\nRM95,000\nRM96,000\nSingle Cab 2.5L (MT)\nRM85,000\nRM86,000\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the global unveiling of the \nthird-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS\n, Mercedes-Benz UK has just unveiled the pricing and specification for the all-new shooting brake. At launch, UK customers will have the full range of six-cylinder engines \u2013 350 d, 400 d and 450 and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.\nBoth the 350 d and 400 d packs a new in-line six-cylinder diesel engine producing\n 286 hp\n/\n600 Nm\n and \n340 hp\n/\n700 Nm\n respectively. The CLS 350 d completes the century sprint in a blistering\n 5.7 seconds\n while the more powerful 400 d takes only \n5 seconds flat\n. Both variants have a limited top speed of 250 km/h.   On the other hand, the CLS 450 features a 3.0-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder petrol hybrid. The internal combustion engine which produces \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n is further boosted by \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s EQ boost\n \n48-volt inline starter generator technology\n, giving an additional \n22 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of twisting force. Century sprint is done in \n4.8 seconds\n onwards to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Regardless of engine choice, power is deployed to all four corners.\nAll UK-bound CLSs\u00a0are available exclusively in the AMG Line with standard\u00a0equipment including 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, parking package, reverse camera, leather upholstery, 12.3-inch Audio 20 infotainment system, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, 64 colour ambient lighting and Agility Control suspension.\nOther optional equipment include Burmester surround sound system, 360-degree camera, powered sunroof, Airmatic air suspension, Nappa leather upholstery and Driving Assistance Plus advanced driver assist system.\nPrices for the Mercedes-Benz CLS starts from \u00a357,510 (RM314k) for the CLS 350 d to \u00a360,410 (RM330k) for the range topping CLS 400 d. Stay tuned for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) to introduce this sleek fastback to the Malaysian market sometime in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here it is \u2013 the one you\u2019ve all been waiting for. We finally got our hands on Malaysia\u2019s new darling, the \nProton X50\n, and it is every bit as impressive as the hype for it suggests.\nFirst off, it\u2019s the price. The 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant we tested here tops the price list at \nRM103,300\n (inclusive of \nsales tax exemptions\n), which is lower even the entry-level \nHonda HR-V.\n Off to a great start then, but that\u2019s not the even most surprising part of it.\n \nWhat impressed us the most is what it offers with that price tag. Not only does it look great (subjective, we know) both inside and out, the build quality, especially on its interior furnishing, feels like it came from a car twice its price.\nNot only that, it packs a good deal of kit too. The \n\u2018Hi Proton\u2019 voice command\n is still as impressive as ever, but the headline on the Proton X50 is of course the \nlevel two autonomous driving features\n, which to some extent, is able to drive the car by itself. On a car that costs \u201conly\u201d a hundred grand!\nWhat\u2019s underneath the hood is just as remarkable. Critics will scoff at the \nthree-cylinder mill\n and point out its \u201cinherent problems\u201d, but in actual use cases the \naward-winning engine\n remains so smooth and quiet on the move \u2013 at least in the cabin \u2013 most people probably wouldn\u2019t even notice the lack of one cylinder if it wasn\u2019t pointed out to them.\nThe \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n output from the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is also mightily impressive. We all already know about its \ncontroversial 0-100 km/h sprint times\n, but honestly, you wouldn\u2019t care about numbers when you\u2019re driving on the public roads, would you? All you need to know is that it\u2019s certainly fast enough, and it wouldn\u2019t break a sweat when trying to overtake on the highways.\nThere\u2019s a whole lot more to talk about the Proton X50, but we\u2019ll leave GC Mah to it in the video above. But if you\u2019re strapped for time to watch the full video, here\u2019s the TL;DR \u2013 \u201c\nRugi kalau tak beli, bro\n\u201c."
"Daymak, a Canadian company has just made the world\u2019s fastest sprinting go-kart that sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.5 seconds. That\u2019s right, not even F1 or an existing hypercar could manage the same!\nIt\u2019s called the C5 Blast Go-Kart Ultimate, and according to Daymak, this go-kart could even fly. It\u2019s powered by\u00a0a\n\u00a010kW electric motor\n\u00a0that\u2019s juiced by a\u00a0\n2,400-Wh lithium-ion battery\n.\u00a0The\u00a0\nElectric Ducted Fans (EDF)\n motor helps by providing additional power to the kart.\n\u00a0\nThere are four EDF motors located on each side of the driver, and four more right behind. If you do the math, that\u2019s a whopping \n12 EDFs \nstrapped to\u00a0this 200kg go-kart!\nThe price for this pocket rocket? A cool \n$59,999\n (approximately \nRM257k\n) a pop for what\u2019s essentially the fastest go-kart in the world. If that\u2019s too much to stomach, there\u2019s a less hardcore variant on sale, managing the century sprint in 3.9 seconds and costing $9,999 (approximately RM43k). The go-karts are hand-made in Toronto and require 60 days for assembly."
"The new year 2022 kicks off with the Tokyo Auto Salon and Subaru has announced the creation of a new model intended for motorsports use only.\nCalled the Subaru \nSTI E-RA Concept\n, the racing machine is a new project by STI with the aim of gaining experience and training in new technologies for the carbon-neutral era. Details will be available once the vehicle gets its full unveiling in mid-January.\nThe push to have the Subaru STI E-RA Concept, and its racing machine campaign as soon as next year is part of the partnership consisting of Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda to heavily use local endurance races as a testbed to develop and trial \ncarbon-neutral synthetic fuels\n.\nThe added participation comes after the success of the Toyota Corolla racer that used \nhydrogen as fuel\n on the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the Toyota GR Yaris. The idea is to create carbon-neutral synthetic fuels to be used on existing combustion engines as the companies see the total elimination of carbon emissions as not possible.\nSubaru and STI, its performance and \u2018dressed up\u2019 business unit, will also exhibit STI Performance Concept studies of the all-new Subaru WRX, Subaru Levorg, and \nSubaru BRZ\n. \u00a0\nRELATED: Even before officially available, Japanese tuners already tuned-up the Toyota GR86\nThe STI Performance package enhances the exterior design of the new WRX via bodykit package in signature cherry red and performance exhaust muffler.\nLaunched in Malaysia: 2022 Subaru XV GT Edition now with EyeSight from RM139k!\nThe Tokyo Auto Salon, which focuses on aftermarket tuning and performance products, is scheduled from 14th to 16th January 2022. Toyota premiered the GR Yaris at the 2020 show and for this year, expect plenty of personalisation and power-boosting ideas on the \nToyota GR86\n."
"Our Head of Editorial, Denis Wong just witnessed the unveiling of the all-new Nissan Sylphy and along with these pictures, was a text message that said he\u2019s never been so aroused by a Nissan since the GT-R. May seem exaggerated but doesn\u2019t it just look incredible?\nAs you can tell from the pictures, the new car unveiled at the \n2019 Shanghai Motor Show\n is a breakaway from the old car\u2019s subdued appearance. In fact, Nissan says, the all-new car has a lower centre of gravity and a drag coefficient of just 0.26 \u2013 the same as a Nissan GT-R!\nIf the hunkered down stance, accentuated by a meaner new look highlighted by the V-Motion doesn\u2019t rile you up, nothing will.\nInterestingly, Nissan said it will be powered by their all-new 1.6-litre 4-cylinder HR16DE engine with around 120 hp and 158 Nm paired to a Xtronic transmission.\n With looks as sharp as razor, Nissan claims that it will drive as well as it appears as its steering, suspension and body rigidity have been enhanced to improve handling and deliver a more solid driving feel.\nEven the interior has been \u201ctightened up\u201d beyond recognition; as if the Sylphy had undergone a complete gender transformation procedure.\nThe layout of the dashboard and the central air con vents are by far the most attractive bit of the cabin \u2013 lending a much more modern and up-to-date look. If I know Malaysians better, this look will surely generate long queues at Nissan dealerships.\nThe other centre piece of the interior, the 3D Multi-layer ergonomic seats even comes with diamond-shaped quilting on the seat, exclusive for those who opt for the tan upholstery. The cabin can also be had in full black or light grey.\nTowering over the dashboard is an 8-inch colour display while a high-definition 7-inch display is squashed between the meter clusters to display the car\u2019s intelligent driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Cross Traffic Alert.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nbsh"
"No really, that\u2019s what Mazda is calling the all-new Mazda 3 after unveiling it at the 2018 LA Auto Show, as it\u2019s been developed and built according to that theme.\nMazda is also saying that the all-new car can be expected to offer dramatic improvements in the areas of design, driving performance, NVH, performance and quality feel.\nAccording to Mazda 3\u2019s Programme Manager, Kota Beppu, \u201cThe new Mazda 3 is built on the new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, a new set of structural technologies that make riding in a car feel as natural and stress-free as walking on your own two feet.\u201d\nHe added the all-new C-segment vehicle offers \u201ccomfortable quietness\u201d by focusing not only on noise volumes but on the time it takes for sounds to be transmitted and the direction from which they arrive.   Also new to the car is the latest range of SkyActiv gasoline and diesel engines, including Mazda\u2019s new SkyActiv-X engine that incorporates Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition for quick engine response along with a smooth and reassuring driving feel.\nOn the outside, \u201csleek and elegant\u201d has been the design concept of the all-new car and the results truly speak for itself. As an extension of the Kodo design, the new head lamp design is built with \u201cless is more\u201d in mind (as an evolution to the original Kodo design).\nWith a minimalist approach to its design, Mazda\u2019s development team felt that it would create a clean and beautiful look.\nA new Polymetal Gray has been developed exclusively for the hatchback that changes the expression of the car depending on light, to bring out the beautiful form of the hatchback\u2019s body.\nEven the cabin is built with the same \u201cless is more\u201d approach, with every component on the cockpit laid out in perfect horizontal symmetry and is designed to face the driver directly.\nA driver-centric cockpit isn\u2019t the only focus of the cabin. By introducing creases with differing depth and shapes on its leather upholstery in different parts of the car, the new material adds a lively expression to the interior.\nEven the design of the shift panel has been given unparalleled attention to detail. It incorporates a laser-engraved black layer covered by a second clear layer to present a glossy black finish with a look of deep transparency.\nA new Greige colour is available for fabric interiors while a Burgundy interior will be available exclusively for the hatchback.\nThe new Mazda 3 is also fitted with a new sound system with 8-speakers positioned strategically to deliver sound directly to the driver\u2019s ears and set about creating a comfortable cabin space for all vehicle occupants. There\u2019s also an option for a 12-speaker Bose Sound System.\nGoing into the specifics, the new telescopic steering adds 10 mm of movement in both ways, along with a new 8.8-inch infotainment display with the new Mazda Connect that includes a Digital Owner\u2019s Manual.\nWhen a warning appears on the centre display, it also indicates the priority level of the warning sign, where owners can access the manual through an app to get an explanation of the warning. Thinner A-pillars offer better visibility and reduced blind spots with unobstructive views of pedestrians ahead of the car.\nThe all-new Mazda 3 is the first production car to offer Mazda\u2019s new SkyActiv-X engine, assisted by Mazda\u2019s new M Hybrid System. Engine options are 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of the latest SkyActiv-G petrol engines with optimised intake ports and fueling system.\nThere\u2019ll also be a 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine that utilises high flow fuel injectors for more optimised fuel delivery, which as a result offers better fuel economy, reduced noise and reduced exhaust gases.\nThe new i-Activ AWD system which works in tandem with Mazda\u2019s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC) system to control torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. It does so by\u00a0by monitoring the accelerator position, steering angle, brake fluid pressure and even the road\u2019s condition!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s no publicity stunt really, but you\u2019d capitalise on such a majestic sight with a video too, wouldn\u2019t you? And \nthat\u2019s exactly what Porsche did, as seen on Instagram.\nIn celebrating the launch of the new Cayenne Coupe in Brasil, the local team opted for the audacious route by air-lifting the SUV onto the deck of the Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro \u2013 a UNESCO World Heritage Site.\n \nThe Cayenne Coupe is available with two powerful engines \u2013 a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged engine with\n\u00a0340 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n450 Nm\n\u00a0of torque and another 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 making\n\u00a0550 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0\n770 Nm\n\u00a0of torque.\nThe latest expression of Porsche\u2019s best-selling SUV features a lower roof edge (20mm), wider wheel arches and an adaptive spoiler which can extend more than 135 mm at speeds above 90 km/h for better downforce at the rear.\nInside, the Cayenne Coupe sits just four, like Panamera Sport Turismo we reviewed. These seats have been positioned lower, for better rear headroom. Conventional three-seat arrangements can be specified at no cost, according to Porsche.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As if the 600 hp wasn\u2019t quite enough, \nAudi \nhas now given the \nRS 6 Avant \nand RS 7 Sportback models an extra dose of performance. quite literally. Yes, these two new variants for the RS 6 and RS 7 are actually called \u2018performance\u2019 (even without the capital \u2018P\u2019), and it tells you exactly what it is, making the already hot cars even hotter.\nFirst things first, some numbers. Thanks to a larger turbocharger, Audi is able to extract even more power from the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, with a 30 hp and 50 Nm boost in outputs to now make\n 630 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n. The extra power translates to a 0.2 seconds quicker century sprint time, which means both cars now do 0-100 km/h in just \n3.4 seconds\n.\nThe eight-speed automatic gearbox has also been re-tuned for faster shifts and a more noticeable personality change in between drive modes, while the new centre-locking differential is also both lighter and more compact. Audi says that it can now send as much as 70% of torque to the front wheels and 85% to the rear whenever needed, to help improve handling and reduce understeer.\nALSO READ: \nUpdated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron \u2013 tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm\nAudi says it\u2019s also shaved off some weight on the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback performance, with reduced insulation in the engine compartment, interior, and in the rear of the vehicle to drop about 8 kg from the scale \u2013 although you\u2019ll probably notice the louder engine noise more.\nThe more noticeable weight difference comes from the optional (and exclusive) 22-inch 5-Y spoke wheels, which helps shave off an extra 20 kg over the standard car\u2019s 22-inch options, while looking extra badass. The lightweight wheels will also be fitted with new stickier rubber in the form of Continental Sport Contact 7, with a massive 285 mm width, that helps reduce braking distances from 100-0 km/h as much as two metres shorter.\nThe new range-topping performance models will come as standard with the RS Dynamic Package, which includes a rear-wheel steering system with RS-specific software, a Quattro sport differential on the rear axle, and \u2013 perhaps most importantly \u2013 raises the top speed to 280 km/h.\nA RS Dynamics Package plus option is also available, which further increases the top speed to 305 km/h, and swaps the steel brakes for a carbon ceramic brake system, dropping another 34 kg in unsprung mass.\nRELATED: \nAudi RS Q8 launched in Malaysia from RM 1.7m \u2013 in case the Urus is too flashy for you\nOn the appearance front, the new performance models get matte grey exterior trims as standard. Although, customers can opt for a matte carbon or black optics package if they so wish, which blacks out the roof rails and side window trims. Buyers can also choose between chrome or black for the Audi Rings and model badging.\nInside, a smattering of blue accents along with extra Dinamica microfibre tell you that they\u2019re the special performance models. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also gets a new blinking shift indicator mode, because race car.\nQuite surprisingly, there really aren\u2019t that many performance badgings here at all throughout the entire car. The most prominent display of the new variant name actually comes in the form of a front door puddle lamps, which projects a \u2018RS performance\u2019 logo on the ground at night. Weird, but refreshing.\nREAD MORE: \nThe all-new Audi RS3 is now the quickest compact car around the Nurburgring Nordschleife"
"Nothing excites me more than hatchbacks \u2013 whether it\u2019s a Fiesta ST or merely \na humble Kelisa\n, I like their \u201cflickability\u201d (if there is such a word, if not I\u2019m making it mine) all the same. If you knew me, you\u2019d know that horsepower doesn\u2019t matter all that much to me. While they may be fun to have, most times and situations, they can only be enjoyed through short bursts and frankly these aren\u2019t my kind of cheap thrills behind the wheel.\nAs a fellow \u201cindustrymen\u201d (I\u2019m making that word mine too) wrote a couple days back, on the \nLive Life Drive website\n, he claims that these days, horsepower does nothing more than spoil us. While there\u2019s no need to elaborate further, I thoroughly concur. Personally, I prefer to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.   Personally, there\u2019s nothing more thrilling than the sensations of carrying as much speed as you can, riding on a short wheelbase chassis, through a bend. Short bursts of acceleration are for the easily amused 8-year olds. There, I said it, no offence \u2013 only my personal opinion.\nOn that note, the \nKia Rio\n had two sides to its story and I\u2019m going to first embark on the half that made me a little, well, sad. And less thrilled about its hatchback nature. With a mere \n99 hp\n and\n 133 Nm\n of torque from its 1.4-litre MPI engine, it would\u2019ve been enough to haul its 1.1-tonne weight around with some eagerness with the throttle. Keyword: would\u2019ve.\nThat said, they really complement those wheel arches.\nI\u2019m not mad nor disappointed, simply confused. What I don\u2019t understand was why Kia saw the need to slap a set of 17-inch wheels on a 1.4-litre Rio\u00a0 \u2013 whether its a mechanical-based necessity or simply a flaw in the thought process, I\u2019m not sure, but it most certainly felt like the Rio\u2019s performance was hindered by this surplus.\nA set of 15-inch alloys will do. Its ride would\u2019ve probably been even more comfortable with thicker profile tyres and it goes without saying that smaller tyres would be cheaper to replace. That\u2019s all however just my opinion, wouldn\u2019t want you to fully rely on the word of someone who only knows how to complain about cars. I just felt that the Rio lacked a little punch to go with the intimidatingly handsome front end.\nThe other minor setback was its 4-speed automatic transmission. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the Rio climbed up the gears pretty smoothly but quicker downshifts to a lower gear and the kick down to first even, was most times, left for wanting. It was rather frustrating because these two minor and individual setbacks, as a whole, held back what would\u2019ve been a rather fun and well-rounded hatchback to drive whether for leisure or the midnight spin to KK Mart for a nicotine fix.   A drive through the Karak Highway en route to Bukit Tinggi flaunted many of the Rio\u2019s complement-worthy traits (which is the other side of the story) but it also displayed some setbacks. On the highway, at speeds of 110-120 km/h, the Rio was as sure-footed as it gets for a car in its segment. Its weight may have a part to play but underneath the new Rio, everything has been strengthened, stiffened and improved to allow it to be more compliant and planted and the results do speak for itself.\nDuring the same drive, the Rio\u2019s NVH was (and I dare say) simply sublime \u2013 insulation was beyond what a car in its playing field would normally be graced with. There\u2019s a BUT though; wind noise may have been at a minimal BUT the howl from the tyres, good grief, they sure can cause headaches as it did to me. No severe harm done though, reckon a wiser choice of tyres in the next change would be an instant cure.\nOn that same drive, the other half who was so clingy she insisted to tag along for some picture-taking work in mosquito-infested environments, decided to crank up the audio system with tunes on her Spotify via Bluetooth through the 5-inch colour infotainment display. Surprise, surprise. She maneuvered through the system without screaming for help.\nAnd playing her selection of atrocious music at volumes that would cause ear drums to bleed, the fittings and materials used in the Rio\u2019s cabin really held up \u2013 no vibrations whatsoever on any of its panels, especially those by the doors. That really took me by surprise, utterly impressive. I don\u2019t know about you guys, but my car needs to be able to endure loud music. Those vibrations are a no no for me \u2013 it signifies a lack of consideration in the construction process, all in the name of basic comfort.\nWhat I also liked were the seats. No leather upholstery needed \u2013 just soft cushions and firm rib supports is all we (could just be me) need. Oh, this may be trivial and forgive me for sounding harsh but the centre air con vent for the driver was utterly useless. No matter how you adjust it, there\u2019s no way for air to be properly channeled to the driver \u2013 it\u2019s blocked by the thick and grippy steering and as a result your left hand feels like it\u2019s on the verge of a frostbite all the time.   Atop Bukit Tinggi, mixed feelings arose from the drive up the twisties. Again, the lack of any kind of performance (presumably from those 17-inch wheels and gearbox) really overshadowed how nippy and sure-footed the Rio was. After a few pictures, as we left at nightfall, the hill\u2019s silence made me realise one thing; for a 1.4-litre engine, the Rio sure had a pretty sweet burble on idle.\nDeparture was not before some shots of the rear section of the cabin, where ample leg room was evident with the notable rear USB charger which the price-equivalent Jazz doesn\u2019t provide. That said, I felt like its competitor offered more space; the Rio by no means felt cramped but I\u2019d still lean towards the Jazz on overall roominess. Boot space was large and unrestricted and when flattened would probably accommodate anything you see fit to be carried with a hatchback with relative ease.   What it does better than its competitor (the Jazz 1.5E @ RM 78,540) for the asking price of \nRM 79,888\n though, were aplenty. For that figure, you get six airbags instead of the Jazz 1.5E\u2019s four, rear USB port, auto wipers and headlights which by the way also swivel according to the direction of the steering, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and a sunroof.\nIf you ask me, while they may be handy, the lack of it wouldn\u2019t be at all life-changing. For a car that\u2019s meant to be accessible (ownership wise) to the masses, the Rio could\u2019ve done without them and instead be sold at an even lower price for it to be an even more attractive package. The same sentiment extends to the four unnecessarily big shoes, come on now, Kia.\u00a0 Those interactive gear indicators wouldn\u2019t go unappreciated and despite how dark my surroundings were upon arriving home after acquiring a few presentable shots in Bukit Tinggi, just check out the clarity on that reverse camera.\nI can\u2019t help but grow a certain liking for this car as what it had easily made what it lacked, rather negligible. Fuel consumption was as expected of a skinny body with heavy shoes \u2013 decent. For a full tank of fuel, the Rio only managed to nudge the 400 km mark; given, my right foot was real heavy up the hill but I still can\u2019t help but point to those oversized (for such a car) rims as the culprit for lesser kilometres per litre.\nThat said, while it may have its drawbacks (hence the review title), for what you\u2019re paying, this is as good as it can get. To say that it\u2019s better than the Jazz would be unfair to the Japanese hatchback but for what it comes with, at that price, it offers a compelling alternative for those who want something other than what most would go for.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First images of the fully undisguised \nRange Rover Sport SVR\n has been released. Already teased at Goodwood Festival of Speed in June, the Range Rover Sport SVR has subsequently set a \nN\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife\n lap time of \n8 minutes 14 seconds\n, thus ranking it as one of the fastest production SUV to lap The Green Hell. Developed by Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s \nSpecial Vehicle Operations\n (SVO) team as the sportiest Range, this is Land Rover\u2019s first vehicle to wear the SVR badge on its tail.\nThe \n5.0-litre supercharged V8\n has been massaged to deliver an additional of 40 hp and 56 Nm of torque resulting a total of \n542 hp\n and \n680 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels with 50:50 torque split front and rear via a ZF \n8-speed automatic\n transmission. Sprint from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is clocked at\n 4.5 seconds\n, while the \ntop speed\n is limited to\n 260 km/h\n.\nThe exterior features unique aerodynamic front apron, bigger side vents, body-coloured side skirts, and a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad tailpies. The SVR is the first Land Rover to be fitted with a\n two-stage active exhaust\n, featuring electronically controlled valves that ensure a suitable noise is provided in accordance to the engine revs.\nA new set of \n21-inch alloys\n with all-season rubbers are standard equipment, but buyers can opt for a set of \n22-inch alloys\n wrapped in \nContinental SportContact 5\n tyres. The SVR is equipped with an upgraded air suspension system that automatically changes between two ride heights, and a clever \nTerrain Response\u00ae 2\n system will automatically select the most suitable terrain programme in any weather condition.\nThe suspension system has been tuned with the inclusion of \nAdaptive Dynamics\n that constantly monitor the vehicle movements and adjusts the continuously variable magnetorheological dampers to suit the road surface. There\u2019s also the two-channel \nActive-Roll Control\n (ARC) to help keep the Range Rover Sport SVR flat when cornering, by replacing the traditional anti-roll bars with actuators powered by a hydraulic pump.\nMost of the interior are carried over from the Range Rover Sport, but sportier carbon fibre trim is offered as option and there are new\n sports seats\n front and back with SVR logos stamped on the Windsor leather.   Even though the Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest and most powerful Land Rover ever produced, the SVR still keeps its \n850mm wading ability\n from the normal Range Rover Sport, and it is also capable of \ntowing\n loads up to \n3,000 kg\n.\nThe fully undisguised Range Rover Sport SVR will make its global debut at 2014 Pebble Beach. In the UK the SVR is priced from \n\u00a393,450\n and customers can start booking their cars from October 2014. Deliveries will commence from Q1 2015.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The second generation \nPorsche Cayman\n receives yet another hotter variant that sits above the 340 hp Cayman GTS. It is so focused that Porsche calls it the\n\u00a0GT4\n, echoing the spirit of the extreme 911 GT3.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche Cayman GT4\nEngine\n3.8-litre flat-6\nMax Power\n385 hp\n0-100 km/h\n4.4 seconds\nTop Speed\n295 km/h\n\u00a0\nIt appears to be the wildest Cayman to date, with 385 hp from a 3.8-litre flat-six nicked from the bigger brother 911 Carrera S. Previous generation Cayman R had to make do with \nonly\n 330 hp.\nEXTERIOR\nExternally the GT4 is marginally different from the other Caymans. On the GT4 there\u2019s a \nnew front bumper\n with a trio of intake openings and a subtle vent just below the badge. A scoop for the side intakes of the Cayman has been added, to channel the air in a more effective way.\nThe \nfixed rear wing\n is fitted as standard and judging by the size of it, it should keep the GT4\u2019s tail planted on the tarmac better than the standard pop-up spoiler on the base Cayman. A \ndiffuser\n with \ncenter exit twin pipes\n below the simple rear bumper completes the package of this wild Cayman.\nI\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin is pure Cayman, beautifully finished and \ntrimmed in leather and Alcantara\n. Sports seats are standard and there\u2019s a new \n918 Spyder-inspired steering wheel\n wrapped in Alcantara. If you\u2019re trying to find the shift paddles behind the bare buttonless steering wheel you can stop now. Simply because the Cayman GT4 only comes with a manual transmission. Excited yet? Read on.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n3.8-litre flat six\n may be \nslightly\n\u00a0detuned from the 400 hp in the 911 Carrera S, but with\u00a0\n385 hp\n it\u2019s still the most powerful Cayman so far. All 385 horses are transmitted to the rear wheels via a\n 6-speed manual \u2018box\n with\n dynamic gearbox mounts\n. Yes, the hottest Cayman is strictly a manual.\nThis allows for a sprint time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is \n4.4 seconds\n, and the Cayman GT4 tops out at \n295 km/h\n. It\u2019s not all about speed either, the GT4\u2019s chassis is said to have been \u201ccomprehensively fine-tuned with many components shared with the 911 GT3\u201d.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Cayman GT4 will make its first public appearance at the \nGeneva Motor Show\n in March 2015. Buyers who want more can equip their GT4 with the optional \nPCCB ceramic brakes\n, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, a custom \nSport Chrono Package\n with Track Precision app, and a \nClub Sport Package\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia today launched the new locally-assembled Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant in Segambut where it will be contracted to assemble. Nothing on the \nnew Xpander\n just yet.\nThe Outlander was previously launched in April 2016 as a \nfully-imported CBU vehicle from Japan whereby the 2.4-litre 4WD variant\n would still be sold alongside the newly launched CKD model.   The Outlander is power by the already-proven 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC engine with \n143 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque paired with the INVECS-III CVT transmission. Drive is sent to all four wheels with an intelligent \n4WD system\n which will be standard across the range. The system\u2019s \nMulti-Select function\n comes with three different driving modes \u2013 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock.\nIts distinctive design is owed to Mitsubishi\u2019s signature Dynamic Shield facade, with LED daytime running lights and 18-inch wheels as standard. Other standard equipment includes automatic headlamps and wipers, keyless entry, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors.   Inside the spacious, seven-seater, fabric-clad interior you get 7-inch HD touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity with Air Gesture Control. It also comes with a digital video recorder and security tinting while boot space is rated at \n1,608-litre\ns with the second and third row seats folded.\nStandard safety features include\n seven airbags\n, ABS and EBD, Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts and a Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction.\nThe Outlander will be available in Red Metallic, Solar White, and \nRuby Black\n \u2013 a new colour for the Outlander exclusive for the Malaysian market.\nIntroductory prices for the CKD Outlander will be \nRM 139,988\n\u00a0(OTR without insurance) until year end with Mitsubishi\u2019s \n5-year warranty with unlimited mileage\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We have just three months before the year ends, yet Perodua is already on track to another great year. The company has delivered over 20,000\u00a0\nPerodua Bezza\n\u00a0(more as we speak)\u00a0to date, making it the highest recorded delivery within three months.\nLaunched since mid-July, Perodua\u2019s first foray into the compact\u00a0sedan\u00a0segment has kept Perodua busy. Really busy. The Bezza contributed solid numbers to the\n\u00a0150,900 cars\n sold in first nine months of 2016. This mean Perodua captured an estimated total industry volume (TIV) market share of \n36.1%\n.\nHowever, the numbers are still trailing behind 2015\u2019s figures; in that same period, 157,500 Peroduas were delivered. Still, the 6,600 unit deficit\u00a0is amazing considering the weak Ringgit and poor economic sentiment befalling Malaysians this year.\nDespite the incredible numbers, Perodua is not resting on its laurels. They are driven to push for more sales before the year ends, and will be backed by events\u00a0such as the \u201c\nTest Drive and Win\n\u201d contest, where one lucky winner will walk home with a brand new\u00a0\nPerodua Bezza Advance\n!\u00a0There\u2019s also discounts for selected Perodua models for the month of October, where the Alza and Myvi command rebates of RM2,000 and RM4,200 respectively."
"The last time we\u2019ve heard of the BMW\u2019s latest addition to the SUV stable was during the 2016 Paris International Motor Show, dubbed the Concept X2. Recently, BMW, together with \nHighsnobiety\n has released the first official images of the BMW X2; the first model in \nBMW\u2019s elaborate plan to regain its market leader position\n.\nAlthough wrapped in bright orange cameo livery, we can still make out that the production model retains much of the concept\u2019s athletic, coupe-like design. At the front, it appears that the \nflipped kidney grille\n made it to the final design, giving it a distinct yet familiar face.   The lower apron is of a more conventional horizontal slats design as opposed to the large scoops on the concept car. Although, if BMW were to spawn a X2 M or M-Sport variant, the concept\u2019s sharp bumper would not be out of place.\nAt the rear, the tapering roofline and slim tail lamp design sets itself apart from the \nfamily-oriented X1\n. The dual exhaust outlet is also nicely integrated to the rear bumper on either end. On the heavily camouflaged display vehicle, we can tell that there is a circular outline right beside the \nHofmeister kink\n, perhaps the designers really went with sticking a BMW badge like on the concept?\nThe new X2 will most likely ride on BMW\u2019s \nUKL2 platform\n and be front-wheel driven like the X1. Expect a four-wheel drive option for certain variants as well. BMW is holding back on its powertrain options and launch date but promises that the X2 will be a \u201csporty vehicle with bold character\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X2 Teaser   BMW Concept X2"
"Pennzoil is at it again. The American oil company, headquartered in Houston, Texas is no stranger in the YouTube scene for producing epic car videos with the cinematography to rival blockbuster films.\nThere\u2019s been a total of seven epic episodes so far including the\u00a0\nDodge Challenger SRT Demon\n tearing up the tarmac on the streets, another to bid farewell to the \nlast Dodge Viper\n, an \niconic American sportscar\n, and then there\u2019s one on the\u00a0\nBMW M6\n\u00a0running rings in the snow.\nNow there\u2019s this; featuring a \nBMW M4 CS\n piloted by Rhys Millen, the 2005 Formula Drift Champion who has also made a name in the hill climb, rally and rally-cross scenes. That being said, you know you\u2019re in for an epic drift fest \u2013 in the Nurburging and on public roads.\nThe BMW M4 CS is literally infused with carbon fibre with weight watch high on its agenda. Its 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine produces \n500 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque \u2013 29 hp and 50 Nm more than the standard M4.\nThe BMW M4 CS comes with lightened wheels, a carbon fibre front bonnet, front lip and rear diffuser.\nTogether with a 7-speed M DCT gearbox, as there isn\u2019t a manual transmission option, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds onward to a top speed of 280 km/h.\nCredit: \nPennzoil"
"To those who are interested in the new compact B-segment SUV from Ford, we have a good news for you. The soon-to-be-launched \nFord EcoSport\n is now available at Ford showrooms throughout the country for preview and you can even test drive it.\nPrices are estimated to be between \nRM95,888\n and \nRM104,888\n for the two trims available, \nTrend\n and \nTitanium\n. Both are powered by the same engine, but only differ in the equipments fitted to the car.\nSlightly bigger than the Fiesta, the EcoSport measures \n1,675 mm tall\n, \n1,765 mm wide\n, \n4,273 mm long\n with a \nwheelbase\n of \n2,519 mm\n. Although the rugged exterior with black plastic cladding on the lower part of the body and a spare tire mounted outside the rear side-hinged door makes it look like a 4\u00d74, the EcoSport is actually front-wheel driven. It rides on \n16-inch\n alloy wheels with \n205/60 R16\n tyres.\nThe dashboard should be familiar to Fiesta owners, as it shares most of the architecture from the funky hatchback. A total of \nseven airbags\n are offered in the Titanium spec, which will also include goodies such as push start button, automatic climate control, automatic lights, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, and even a powered sunroof.\nThe EcoSport will be offered in one engine, the \n1.5-litre\n 4-cylinder that produces \n108 hp at 6,300 rpm\n and \n142 Nm\n of torque \nat 4,400 rpm\n. There\u2019s only a \n6-speed PowerShift\n dual-clutch gearbox with no manual transmission option.\nOther standard equipments include Traction Control, ESP, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, and Hill Launch Assist. First 500 customers who book the EcoSport during this pre-launch period will also receive a separate \nGPS device\n worth \nRM799\n. There are no official launch date mentioned, but heard through the grapevine it\u2019s probably before end of August.\n[divider]\nPHOTO GALLERY"
"I just can\u2019t get enough with how it looks; it\u2019s as if that rear end speaks to me \u2013 \u201cCome get me, Bite it, Follow me home\u201d \u2013 are the quotes that are ringing in my head just looking at the rear view of the A35 Long wheelbase 4MATIC that\u2019s exclusive for the Chinese market.\nUnveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show, the A35 L 4MATIC is a product of Beijing Benz Automotive, a joint venture between Daimler and BAIC Motor of China.\nAside from an \nadditional 60mm of extra length\n in wheelbase (at 2,789mm) like the\n regular A-Class L sedan \nand some badges with Chinese writings on the car\u2019s exterior, the A35 L 4MATIC is essentially the \nsame as the A35 sedan\n that the rest of the world is getting.\nWhy extra 60mm for the Chinese (who are generally more petite than the white folks) is still a puzzle. Maybe Daimler knows something we don\u2019t; maybe the Chinese are genetically modifying and breeding more Yao Mings \u2013 who knows.\nUnder the hood, the long wheelbase A35 packs the same \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm \nof torque from a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, paired to a 7G AMG Speedshift DCT transmission.\nThe immense power is shared by all four wheels and despite the extra weight from the additional metal, the A35 L 4MATIC is only 0.1 second slower (at 4.9 seconds) compared to the regular A35\u2019s 4.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG A 35 L 4MATIC (2019) Mercedes-AMG A 35 L 4MATIC (2019)"
"After a few digital events to build up the awareness of its first dedicated fully-electric vehicle, Kia Corporation has finally unveiled the EV6 SUV.\nThe new Kia EV6 is almost similar in dimensions to the \nIONIQ 5\n from larger affiliate Hyundai Motor Co., but a 100 mm shorter wheelbase and even lower roofline. At just 1,550 mm tall, the new Kia EV6 is similar in height to the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona which belong to a segment or two lower.\nFor reference, the 4.68-metre length with a width of 1.88 metres put the Kia EV6 in the group of premium SUVs such as \nVolvo XC 60\n, \nBMW iX3\n and Audi Q5.\nThe EV6 was designed under the brand\u2019s new design philosophy \n\u2018Opposites United\u2019\n, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the front, Kia\u2019s \u2018tiger face\u2019 has been re-interpreted for the digital era. Forming part of this \u2018Digital Tiger Face\u2019, daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance and include a \u2018sequential\u2019 dynamic light pattern. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, accentuating its high-tech image.\nThe side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette, which is sleek and aerodynamic. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually elongate the profile of the car. The tail lamps then cut deep into the side of the vehicle, while also integrated into the tailgate lid like a duck tail.\nThanks to the scalable platform in fully electric vehicles, numerous powertrain configurations can be arranged. Kia, together with Hyundai, will be utilising the \nElectric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)\n that allows for differing battery sizes paired with single- or dual-motor propulsion.\nIn its most performance-oriented configuration, the Kia EV6 GT variant will have a battery pack with an energy content of \n77.4 kWh\n and the combined outputs of \n585 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n of torque from the dual-motor AWD layout.\nAcceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in just \n3.5 seconds\n. Meanwhile, for users who purely want the furthest range, the EV6 with the same 77.4 kWh battery, but with only a rear motor with outputs of 229 hp and 350 Nm of torque, has up to \n510 kilometres\n of range.\nThis particular configuration with 800-volt system architecture will also take just four and a half \n(4.5) minutes\n of charging to extend its range by 100 kilometres and \n18 minutes\n to top-up the battery\u2019s state-of-charge (SOC) from 10% to 80% via an ultra-fast charging system. \u00a0\nAn AWD version with a smaller 55 kWh battery pack and 605 Nm of torque will complete the benchmark century sprint in 6.2 seconds.\nThe new Kia EV6 can also be turned into \na power bank\n! Yes, with the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, the battery in the EV6 can supply up to 3.6 kW of power and is capable, as an example, of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. Kia says the V2L system is also able to charge another EV. Sounds like a great vehicle for emergency services!\nInside, the EV6 is incredibly spacious thanks to the flat-floor and the battery pack neatly packaged below. Kia says there are plenty of storage spaces while the robust fabrics in the seats are made from as many as 111 plastic water bottles.\nUnderneath the bonnet is a storage space of up to 52 litres for rear-motor variants. Dual-motor models such as the 585 hp EV6 GT will still have a tiny 20-litre storage space. The cargo space at the rear is abundant though, rated at 520 litres.\nThe high-tech infotainment system includes 12-inch dual screens. A new augmented reality (AR) head-up display system projects vital vehicle operation information in the driver\u2019s line of sight.\nKia is increasing the level of autonomy in the EV6 through the Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) function, where the vehicle will switch lanes should the driver just give a slight click on the indicator stalk, of course after all conditions regarding safe manoeuvring are met.\nKia plans to deliver the mass-market variants from October this year, with the 585 hp GT variant only slated for October next year! Based on markets that have begun the booking process such as South Korea and Western Europe, the prices of the Kia EV6 with 510-kilometre range starts from \nGBP40,895\n (similar to a \nVolkswagen ID.4\n) while the GT variant from \nGBP58,295\n (cheaper than a BMW iX3).\nAll of Kia\u2019s new dedicated EVs will start with the prefix \u2018EV\u2019 which makes it easy for consumers to understand which of Kia\u2019s products are fully electric. This is followed by a number that corresponds to the car\u2019s position in the line-up.\nKia aims to launch as many as seven dedicated EVs by 2026, comprising of three passenger and four recreational vehicle models with the product offence to begin from 2023.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"In terms of electric vehicles (EVs), the Nissan Leaf is possibly one of the most well-known in the industry, and deservedly so. Officially unveiled in 2009, Nissan\u2019s first mass-market electric vehicle went on to sell over half a million units across two generations in the span of 10 years. In 2020, the Leaf was named the best-selling electric car.\nThat said, most are probably unaware that Nissan\u2019s electric innovation began as early as 1947 when the company produced the Tama electric vehicle to cope with the severe shortage of petrol. It was named Tama after the area where the company was based.\nThe Tama was available in passenger car and truck configurations, with 4.5 horsepower and a 34 km/h top speed. It could carry four passengers, with an electric range of 65 km and a 500 kg load capacity. The Tama was made to feature battery compartments on each side where the battery packs can be easily exchanged for fresh ones.\nFast forward to 2010, the first generation Nissan Leaf was introduced with 109 hp, 250 Nm and an electric range of 160 km/h from a 25 kWh battery. A decade later, Nissan debuted the facelift version of the second generation Leaf, and boy, has it come a long way.\u00a0\nNot only does it come with revised styling \u2013 on the front grille, wheels, and rear tailgate \u2013 the new Leaf will also wear Nissan\u2019s new brand logo. New colours will be available including Universal Blue and Magnetic Blue.\nThe Leaf\u2019s electric range remains unchanged; with up to 311 km of electric range (based on NEDC cycle, 270 km based on WLTP) from a 40 kWh battery. As for output, the front-mounted electric motor produces \n150 hp \nand \n320 Nm\n of torque.\nFirst launched in Malaysia in 2019\n, the second generation Nissan Leaf was priced at \nRM188,888\n where a 3-year/100,000 km warranty was included. The Leaf also came with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty for the battery pack.\u00a0\nAfter some price revisions, the Leaf is currently priced at \nRM175,800\n in Malaysia. How much do you think the new one would cost? Can it make more petrol-powered vehicle owners turn over a new Leaf?\u00a0\n \nGALLERY\nNissan Leaf facelift in Europe\n1947 TAMA EV"
"Late last year, the\u00a0\nfifth-generation Honda CR-V\n was launched for the American market and soon it will be making its way here. Thailand will be the first in our region to receive the popular SUV, and among the crop is a brand new 1.6-litre turbodiesel variant, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission!\nThe \n1.6L i-DTEC four-banger\n\u00a0engine is Honda\u2019s latest addition to their Earth Dreams Technology range. It\u2019s \n47 kg\n lighter than their 2.2-litre lump, and generates less friction as well. First introduced in the European-spec Civic hatchbacks, the engine features a two-stage turbo system which \u201cintelligently creates high torque and acceleration to be the most efficient in all driving conditions\u201d.\nThe engine will be\u00a0introduced for the first time in Thailand, outputting\u00a0\n160 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.3L/100km. Unlike the petrol which uses a seven-speed CVT, the diesel variant will get a nine-speed automatic just like the\u00a0\nOdyssey\n.\nAs of now there\u2019s no word about the introduction of the petrol versions in Thailand, but there\u2019s a big probability of it coming to Malaysia, as revealed during a recent \nmedia event\n by Honda Malaysia."
"30 years after the late Formula 1 legend\u2019s first Championship win, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has revealed a unique McLaren P1 GTR with the iconic Rocket Red and Anniversary White colours of Malboro \u2013 a brand synonymous with McLaren for more than 20 years.\nCommissioned by a McLaren collector, the colours donned by the one-of-a-kind P1 GTR was first seen on the MP4/4 Formula 1 race car which Senna drove to the first of his three Formula 1 titles.\nMore than 800 hours were spent on painting and other details such as the \u201cNo.12\u201d on the nose of the car as a tribute to Senna\u2019s 1988 race number and the range of McLaren\u2019s technical partners both past and present.\nNamed \u201cBeco\u201d, in honour of Senna\u2019s given nickname by his parents, other details include the Senna Brand Trademark on the front splitter, the front of the air intake and each door, with the \u2018Senna\u2019 script and \u2018Driven to Perfection\u2019 slogan on the doors and intake.\nThere\u2019s no mention of its performance figures but McLaren highlighted that its \u201cunique engine specification\u201d is complemented by a 24-carat gold heatshield to repel heat and a Lexan poly-carbonate rear cover.\nNew front drive planes, a wider front splitter, a rear Gurney flap, new barge boards and a rear wing with bigger endplates than those on a standard McLaren P1 GTR wing collectively increases downforce by up to 800 kg.\nInside, among the custom additions are Senna\u2019s reproduced signature on the carbon fibre chassis sills, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a Super Lightweight Racing Seats developed for the McLaren Senna.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has just introduced new cosmetic options for the \nW177 A-Class\n for those who wish to give their hatchback a sportier appearance. The new Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment can be ordered\u00a0\n\u00c0 la carte\n on all variants of the A-Class.\nCustomers can choose to have their wing mirror caps, B-pillar cover, front apron spoiler lip, side skirts and roof spoiler finished in Carbon-style \u2013 not genuine carbon fibre mind you. The rear spoiler can also be specified in the car\u2019s body colour if you wish.   Mercedes-Benz has also introduced four new wheel designs as part of the Sport Equipment ranging from 16-inch to 19-inch in size. The 16-inch diameter wheel gets a five-double spoke design painted in Vanadium Silver while the 17-inch gets a five-spoke design finished in the same colour. The 18-inch items are of five-double-spoke design finished in Black with high-sheen rim edge while the 19-inch five-spoke design is painted in Black high sheen.\nAll genuine Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment go through strict manufacturing tolerances that is applied to all parts and meets the company\u2019s high standards of quality and safety. It won\u2019t be long now till the \nW177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class\n hits our shores, fingers crossed Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will offer these sporty bits to our market!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During the unveiling of the \nSubaru Viziv Performance Concept\n at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru hinted that the next-gen Subaru WRX will feature a\u00a0\n\u201csedan body, symmetrical AWD and horizontally-opposed engine\u201d\n. It was also expressed that the new WRX will be powered by an eco-friendlier powertrain in the form of a \nplug-in hybrid\n.\nIt was recently revealed to \nAutocar UK\n that feedback from the public towards the Viziv Performance Concept had been good, and as such Subaru Design Chief, Mamoru Ishii-san, is tempted to \nleave much of the concept\u2019s design unchanged\n for the production model which is due in 2020.\nIshii-san said: \u201cWe have built up this tradition with the Legacy, Impreza and WRX. We want it to look fast even when it is parked.\u201d\n\u201cSuch a car brings lots of expectation, from within the company and from our customers. What we know is that our customer\u2019s lifestyles are changing and we have to respond to that. The question was whether we have done that in a correct way with this concept.\u201d he added.\nIshii-san expressed that while autonomous and connective technologies are well received by many customers, there is still a handful who place driving pleasure in high regard and Subaru is not going to sideline these enthusiasts.\nThe next-gen WRX will undoubtedly be fitted with Subaru\u2019s symmetrical all-wheel drive but Subaru will be exploring alternative powertrain options in addition to the horizontally-opposed boxer engine. A plug-in hybrid set-up is also in the pipeline. Ishii-san explained: \u201cFour-wheel drive is critical to the power and performance levels our customers expect, but on the engine, we have more freedom.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru Viziv Performance Concept"
"Alongside the \nupdated X4\n and the \nall-new 4 Series Gran Coupe\n, BMW today also unveiled the X3 and X3 M facelift models. The mid-lifecycle LCI update brings upon cosmetic updates both inside and out, alongside a line-up of modernised powertrain options.\nOn the outside, the kidney grille on the front fascia has been ever-so-slightly enlarged, conjoined in the middle by a single-piece chrome frame. The frame also houses the front-facing cameras in a black bar right in the centre, separating the two \u201ckidneys\u201d visually.\nFlanking the grille are the new LED headlights, which are now 10 mm slimmer than before and sports a new light signature akin to that of the new BMW 3 and 4 Series models. Adaptive matrix LED headlights are optional items on the X3, as are the Laserlight systems.\nThe front lower apron has also been suitably redesigned for a more modern look, featuring a triangular-shaped side air curtain inlets, alongside a reprofiled lower air intake with an integrated pseudo-skid plate at the bottom.\nThe most drastic changes on the exterior however are at the back, with a completely redesigned three-dimensional taillight cluster, styled in what BMW calls a \u201cpincer\u201d shape and covered with smoked lens for a sportier appearance. The rear bumpers have also been slightly restyled with a more stylish-looking skid plate-esque insert and larger twin exhaust exits.\nDepending on variant, the new BMW X3 is also available with the M Sport package, which gets a specific front apron with larger air inlets, specific rear bumper, and larger 19-inch wheels.\nFor the full sporty SAV experience, though, you\u2019ll have to step up to the M Performance and full-M variants, as they are fitted with specific kidney grille, blacked-out trim elements, exhausts (quad pipes on the X3 M), \u201caerodynamically optimised side mirrors, and larger wheels in 20- and 21-inch sizes.\nThe aggressive touches are continued onto the interior, especially on the X3 M thanks to its variant-specific M sport seats (with fancy colour combinations), M leather steering wheel with M Mode buttons, specific displays on the fully-digital instrument cluster, and a variant-specific centre console button stack.\nAll other variants though still get a completely reworked interior, adopting the dashboard layout and design of the \nBMW 3\n and\n 4 Series\n. As standard, the new BMW X3 comes with the Live Cockpit Plus system which includes a 10.25-inch free-standing infotainment display, and a 5.1-inch display within the analogue instrument cluster.\nUpgrading to the Live Cockpit Professional set-up sees both displays upgraded with 12.3-inch units (fully-digital instrument cluster), while a head-up display is also available as option. Other new interior items include the redesigned sport seats trimmed in Sensatec (Merino leather optional), as well as extended ambient lighting configurations.\nIn terms of powertrain, the regular BMW X3 is available with three petrol (xDrive20i, xDrive30i, M40i), three diesel (xDrive20d, xDrive30d and M40d) engine options, plus a plug-in hybrid xDrive30e variant, while the X3 M will be only be offered in the single Competition guise at launch.\nBoth the\n \nxDrive20i and 30i are powered by a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the former making \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n, and the latter uprated to \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint times are \n8.4 seconds\n and \n6.6 seconds\n respectively, while top speeds are rated at \n215 km/h\n and \n235 km/h\n.\nThe M Performance \nM40i\n variant meanwhile gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six, pushing out \n360 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint of \n4.9 seconds\n, along with an electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nOn the side of the oil burners, the xDrive20d is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill that makes \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, giving it a 0-100 km/h time of \n7.9 seconds\n along with a \n213 km/h\n top speed.\nThe xDrive30d meanwhile gets a larger 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel engine making \n286 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a century sprint time of \n5.7 seconds\n and a \n245 km/h\n top speed. Stepping up to the M40d results in a higher-output 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel mill that\u2019s good for \n340 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque, and a century sprint time of just \n4.9 seconds\n.\nAll six models come with xDrive all-wheel drive as standard, paired to a Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, although the M Performance get the latter in a special \u201cSport\u201d version with specific tunings.\nAll six powertrain engine options above are also equipped with \n48V mild hybrid technology as standard\n, with a starter generator capable of outputting an additional 11 hp (8 kW) for an extra boost of power during hard acceleration.\nThe updated BMW X3 M Competition is now powered by the new S58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mill as found on the M3 and M4 Competition models, which features the use of a new forged lightweight crankshaft, greatly increasing the torque output. Peak power is rated at \n510 hp\n, while torque output has increased to \n650 Nm\n.\nPaired to the M xDrive rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed auto gearbox, the X3 M Competition sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in just \n3.8 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h \n\u2013 the latter can be raised to \n285 km/h\n with the optional M Driver\u2019s Package specification.\nAs for the xDrive30e plugin hybrid, the 2.0-litre engine from the xDrive20i is heavily modified with an \n109 hp/265 Nm electric motor\n integrated into the automatic transmission. Total system output is rated at \n292 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, which translates to a \n6.1-second\n century sprint time and \n210 km/h\n top speed.\nIn full electric mode, the xDrive30e is capped to a top speed of 135 km/h, while the \n12 kWh\n lithium-ion battery pack provides up to 50 km of range. The battery pack can be charged at up to 3.7 kW via the on-board charger, taking approximately 2.5 hours for a full charge from an empty battery.\nThe new BMW X3 facelift also gets an updated list of advanced driver assistance features, with the Driving Assistant Professional package available for the first time on the SAV.\nThis consists of active cruise control with stop and go function at speeds of up to 210 km/h, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, improved autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as front cross-traffic alert.\nGALLERY\nBMW X3 xDrive30e\nBMW X3 M Competition"
"Lamborghini recently concluded the world presentation of its new Super SUV, the \n4.0-litre twin turbo V8 Urus\n, as it visited over 114 major cities around the world \u2013 completing the Urus\u2019 historical introduction within a span of just four months.\nPart of the 650 hp Urus\u2019 worldwide tour, which included stops in cities like Tokyo, Moscow and Sydney, also saw the world\u2019s fastest SUV \narrive in Malaysia recently\n and boy was it just pure pornography.\nCheck out our brief \nintroduction video of the Lamborghini Urus\n here.\nIf there was a company that could build an SUV that looks as dramatic as the Urus, it could only be Lamborghini. Unless Ferrari\u2019s new FUV beats them to it but I dare say, it\u2019s unlikely.\nShortly after the unveiling of the Urus, it was reported that its reception had been way better than expected, particularly \nin Russia and India with 2/3 of the buyers being new to the Lamborghini brand\n. There\u2019s also been a spike in \nfemale buyers\n.\nInside features an aeroplane cockpit-like gear lever; with a Tamburo drive selector offering six different driving modes.\nLamborghini\u2019s overall production volume is expected to hit \nclose to five figures by the end of 2019\n, where half of which will be the Urus.\u00a0Without further ado, here\u2019s the Lamborghini Urus; photographed alongside some of the \nworld\u2019s most iconic locations/landmarks\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n Mount Fuji\n \n Mount Fuji\n \n Mount Fuji\n \n Mount Fuji\n \n Rome\n \n Rome\n \n Rome\n \n Moscow\n \n Moscow\n \n Moscow\n \n Shanghai\n \n Dubai\n \n It\u2019s obvious\n \n Sydney\n \n Sydney\n \n London\n \n London\n \n London\n \n San Francisco\n \n San Francisco\n \n Paris\n \n Paris\n \n Tokyo\n \n Tokyo\n \n Los Angeles\n \n Santa Monica\n \n Beverley Hills"
"The last car to be launched in Malaysia this year is the \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\n, which is essentially a coupe version of the all-electric XC40. Offered in one \u2018Ultimate\u2019 variant only, the C40 Recharge Pure Electric fetches a price of \nRM288,888\n.\nMalaysia straight away receives the 2023 facelift version of the C40 which no longer comes with a dual-tone colour scheme. Body colour options for the Volvo C40 in Malaysia include Black Stone, Thunder Grey, Crystal White, Sage Green, and Fjord Blue. The last colour option is what you see in the pictures here.\nFrom the front, the C40 is identical to the \nfacelifted XC40\n, sharing the same headlight design, front panel, and front bumper. As you shift to the side of the car, the difference between this and the XC40 becomes more obvious. The sloping roofline gives the C40 a sportier appearance and it flows well into the rear end of the car which looks rather wild with the dual spoiler set-up and uniquely designed lights with an alluring Welcome Light sequence.\nThe spoilers and sloping roofline aren\u2019t all just for show though as the C40 has a lower drag coefficient of 0.319 compared to the XC40\u2019s 0.329. Combined with the fact the C40 is also 3 kg lighter at 2,185 kg, the C40 is more energy efficient. Its WLTP (Combined) range is 451 km, 13 km more than the C40.\nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\nDrag Coefficient\n0.319\n0.329\nWeight\n2,185 kg\n2,188 kg\nRange (WLTP Combined)\n451 km\n438 km\nElectric Consumption\n19.8 kWh/100km (lowest)\n21.6 kWh/100km (lowest)\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k\nAlthough the Malaysian-spec C40 is the \u2018Ultimate\u2019 variant, it comes with a set of 19-inch five-double spoke wheels instead of the 20-inch five-spoke design. Like the XC40 Recharge P8 Pure Electric, the wheels are wrapped in a set of Pirelli P Zero ELECT tyres which are specially designed for electric cars. The tyres have a staggered setup with the rear tyres being 255 mm wide and the front tyres being 235 mm wide.\nPerformance-wise, the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric gets a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup that makes \n408 hp\n (metric) and \n660 Nm\n. The numbers translate into a \n4.7-second\n 0-100 km/h acceleration time, which makes overtaking a breeze with this little electric crossover coupe.\nRELATED: \n2023 Volvo XC40 B5, Recharge T5, P8 Ultimate \u2013 from RM269k\nStoring energy in the C40 Recharge Pure Electric is a \n78-kWh\n battery pack, that provides up to \n451 km\n of range (WLTP). Charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11-kW\n with AC charging and \n150-kW\n with DC Fast Charging (DCFC). 11-kW AC Charging charges the battery from 10% to 100% in \n8 hours\n while 150-kW DCFC brings the state of charge (SOC) from 10% to 80% in \n28 minutes\n.\nInside, the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric are identical with an exception for the large fixed panoramic sunroof. The C40\u2019s interior is 100% leather-free and has interesting \u2018topography\u2019 trims on the dashboard and front door panels. These \u2018topography\u2019 trims are inspired by the topography of the Swedish mountains and are backlit to provide an interesting look in the dark.\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 EV powertrain update due \u2013 502km range, 200kW charging, more power\nThe fully-electric coupe-crossover also gets the marque\u2019s full suite of the Intellisafe advanced safety assistance systems, with features including front and rear autonomous emergency braking with intersection support, as well as pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, and cross-traffic alert with auto brake, among others.\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia launches new e-commerce platform \u2013 \u2018Shop Online\u2019 for your next car\nLike the XC40 (B5 and Recharge Pure Electric), the Volvo C40 gets \u2018Google Built In\u2019 and Volvo\u2019s \u2018Digital Services Package\u2019 that includes Google Assistant, Google Playstore, Google Maps, and data for said services. The C40 comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, an 8-year/160,000 km EV battery warranty, 5 years of Volvo On Call, and 5 years of Volvo Inclusive Service.\nRELATED: \nThe fully-electric Volvo EX90 flagship SUV is a \u201ccomputer on wheels\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Following the \n50 units of X70 delivered to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in March\n, Proton has stepped up its efforts to help healthcare workers and frontliners with their onslaught against Covid-19.\nThis time they\u2019ve added another eight units to the tally, for MOH\u2019s use in Sabah. The SUVs, which can now be fitted with an \nN95 cabin filter for just RM79\n, will be used to assist the Ministry\u2019s logistics and surveillance efforts in the East Malaysian state. The handover took place at Fook Loi Corporation\u2019s Proton 4S outlet in Kota Kinabalu.\n\u201cThe Covid-19 pandemic is probably one of the most challenging hurdles we have faced as a nation. As a Malaysian brand, it is our duty to step up, and we have been supporting the government\u2019s efforts. Logistics in Sabah is far more challenging than in Peninsula Malaysia,\u201d said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\nThis batch of eight X70s will serve to ferry doctors, nurses, and MOH officials as and when needed. We hope our contribution will help ease the logistical needs of frontliners in Sabah,\u201d he added.\nAside from loaning out their SUVs, Proton has also \nproduced over 60,000 units of face shields\n at their Shah Alam factory. The face shields were delivered to 46 hospitals around Malaysia. A second batch was subsequently produced in a joint effort with DRB-Hicom, for use by armed forces and the police.\nAs a symbol of gratitude to the frontliners, Proton also introduced the\u00a0\nProton Cares Programme\n. It offers 5-years of free personal accident (PA) insurance coverage to the frontliners or their immediate families with the purchase of any Proton vehicle."
"The 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury, which has only \njust opened its order books for Malaysia last week\n, has already received over 500 bookings thus far. This was revealed by UMW Toyota Motor and Lexus Malaysia President, Datuk Ravindran K., at the unveiling of the \nnew Lexus Klang showroom\n earlier today.\nIts official launch is only due sometime in the coming weeks, but it\u2019s obvious why the new 2023 Lexus RX has already received such warm reception here in Malaysia. Most of it probably boils down to its new looks, headlined by the unique \u2018Spindle Body\u2019 grille, tri-beam LED headlights, and the full-width tail lights at the back.\nThe striking design is further accentuated by the unique Sonic Copper exterior colour, giving the all-new 2023 Lexus RX a look that\u2019s unlike any other SUV on the road today. Want a closer look? Check out our \ndetailed gallery here\n.\nInside, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury also boasts a completely reworked interior that finally ditches the \nmuch-maligned Remote Touch interface\n. Most of the frequently-used controls come with their own physical buttons and switches, although everything else is now wrapped into the new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the dashboard.\nOther highlights in the all-new 2023 Lexus RX\u2019s interior include the powered rear outboard seats with individual ventilation function, a massive customisable head-up display, the e-Latch electronic door lever, and an active noise cancellation system to help keep NVH to a minimum.\nThe 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury is powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, which is rated for \n279 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an all-time electronically controlled all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox for a century sprint time of\n 7.6 seconds\n.\nNow open for booking, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury is priced at \nRM468,888\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nREAD MORE: \nAll-new Lexus RX debuts striking design and new \u2018F Sport Performance\u2019 variant"
"BMW Group Malaysia, together with its long-term partner Safe \u2018n Sound, today announced the new NEXTStep Subsidy Programme that aims to provide fully-subsidised\n child car seats\n to the B40 families. The programme is introduced on the back of a \nsuccessful subsidy programme\n back in 2019 that saw over 300 subsidised child car seats delivered to parents across Malaysia.\nIntroduced as part of the BMW Safety 360 initiative, the new NEXTStep Subsidy Programme will provide parents with child car seats for \nchildren of up to 36 kg\n, with\n donations previously made by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\n.\nClockwise from top-left: snskidz Ace, snskidz Sport, snsKidz Proto, snskidz Whizz, mifold booster seat\nBMW Group Malaysia and Safe \u2018n Sound will be \nfully subsidising\n the seats, including shipping fees to recipients outside the Klang Valley. Eligible parents will be notified by Safe \u2018n Sound via WhatsApp; selected parents from outside the Klang Valley will be notified on the delivery status, while parents within the Klang Valley will be informed of a date, time and place to pick up their new child car seat.\nA suitable seat from the company\u2019s range of products will be selected for the recipient according to their child\u2019s respective weight and height, as well as vehicle requirements. These seats include:\nsnskidz Ace \u2013 From birth to 13 kg, worth RM199\nsnskidz Whizz ISOFIX seat \u2013 From birth to 18 kg, worth RM499\nsnskidz Sport seat \u2013 From birth to 18 kg, worth RM279\nsnskidz Proto seat (ISOFIX optional) Between 13 kg to 36 kg, worth RM399\nmifold booster seat \u2013 Between 15 kg to 36 kg, worth RM199\n\u201cFor over eight years, the BMW Safety 360\u00b0 initiative has focused on raising awareness and encouraging action amongst families for more responsible road and car safety practices in Malaysia,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser.\n\u201cAlthough we have placed a strong emphasis on child car seats in recent years with our \nmany programmes and partnerships \nto advocate for the use of these seats, we recognise that the issue of low uptake must be tackled beyond verbal advocacy and partial subsidies, especially within communities that are in need in a time like this. With the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme, we aim to continue making child safety seats even more accessible to parents who can use a helping hand.\u201d\nThe programme is applicable for families nationwide expecting a newborn or with a child of up to 36 kg, and with a\n monthly household income below RM 3,500\n. Registration for the subsidy programme is now open on Safe \u2018n Sound\u2019s website (linked\n here\n), and will close on 22 May 2022."
"It\u2019s here now, the \u2018new\u2019 \nHonda Civic facelift\n, after less than a week of teasing its arrival on their \nwebsite\n. As per the previous model, the \nCivic\n facelift also comes in \nthree trims\n \u2013 1.8S, 2.0S and 2.0 Navi, and is made cheaper across the range.\nFew key changes have been made to this model, but they\u2019re mostly aesthetics. As a reminder, the Honda Civic is still being offered with two engines \u2013 \n1.8-litre\n and \n2.0-litre\n Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC) \ni-VTEC\n engines that produce \n140 hp\n and \n174 Nm\n of torque and \n154 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque respectively. Both engines are paired to the \nfive-speed automatic\n transmission which drives the \nfront wheels\n.\nNow, the most notable change to this model is the front grille. It now spots a\u00a0\nnew honeycomb grille\n design with the curved chrome bar running under it, while the lower air intake gets a \nhorizontal chrome accent\n. Keyless smart entry and push-start ignition is now standard across all variants, while the top spec 2.0L Navi will benefit from the new 7-inch head unit with GPS navigation.\nWe mentioned cheaper, so here\u2019s the revised price:\nCivic 1.8 S\n \u2013 RM113,800 (previously RM115,980)\nCivic 2.0 S\n \u2013 RM125,800 (previously RM131,980)\nCivic 2.0 Navi \n\u2013 RM132,800 (previously RM136,980)\nDespite the cheaper price tag, the 1.8 S gains auto headlights, cruise control and its exterior door handles are finished in chrome. The 2.0 S on the other hand, gets \ntwo additional curtain airbags\n on top of the side and front passenger airbags, making for a total of \nsix airbags\n.\nAs our previous post read, the facelifted \nHonda\n Civic comes with the new \nTwilight Blue\n colour, on top of the other four \u2013 Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. The Civics come with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and up to six labour-free services for every alternate visits till 100,000km.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festivities, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is holding a promotion which runs from now until the end of January 2020. Special offers include low hire-purchase interest rates for selected models, cash rebates, and free maintenance vouchers.\nStarting with the \nTriton pick-up truck\n, customers purchasing the top-of-the-range Triton VGT Adventure X (RM137,900) and the Triton VGT AT Premium (RM121,000) during the promotion will be entitled to a\n 0.88% interest rate\n (exclusive with Maybank or Public Bank hire purchase), or \nRM6,000\n in cash rebates.\nThe Triton VGT MT Premium (RM112,500) is also offered with \n0.88%\n hire-purchase interest rate, although the cash rebate here is higher at \nRM9,000\n.\nBuyers opting for the \nlimited-edition Triton Knight\n will be entitled to RM2,000 in cash rebates, while the Triton VGT AT (RM105,990) and VGT MT (RM100,200) are entitled to cash rebates of \nRM8,000\n and \nRM6,000\n respectively. The recently-released \nlow-rider Triton Quest 4\u00d72\n (RM79,890) will be offered with \nRM4,000\n in cash rebates.\n \nAll variants of the Mitsubishi Triton comes with a\n five-year/200,000 km warranty\n, with the sole exception of the Triton Quest which comes with a \nfive-year/100,000 km warranty\n.\nPrevious Mitsubishi owners and pick-up truck owners are also entitled to an additional \nRM3,000\n and \nRM2,000\n cash rebates respectively, when purchasing selected Triton variants, on top of ongoing promotions.\nNext up, customers looking to purchase the \nMitsubishi Outlander\n 2.0-litre (RM137,888) will enjoy cash rebates of \nRM4,000\n plus a \ntwo-year free maintenance package\n, while customers opting for the 2.4-litre variant (RM152,888) will be offered with \nRM2,000\n cash rebate along with a \ntwo-year free maintenance package\n.\nLast but not least, the \nMitsubishi ASX\n is also included in the festive promotions. The ASX 4WD (RM133,336) comes with a \nRM12,000\n cash rebate, while the ASX 2WD (RM118,866) is entitled to a \nRM8,000\n cash rebate. Both the Outlander and ASX come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty."
"Oh my god, isn\u2019t this just the cutest thing ever? When these words come out of Kim Kardashian, it could either mean two things. It\u2019s either really cute or really cringy.\nIn the case of her latest publicity stunt, it\u2019s the latter.\nHave you seen the life-sized replica of the Lamborghini Sian built by LEGO? Check it out here!\nIn conjunction with her collaboration with SKIMS on a new line up of summer wear, she\u2019s decided to wrap her entire Lamborghini Urus SUV in the same material.\nFind out more about the Lamborghini Urus in Malaysia here!\nAnd when we say entire, we really mean it because even the Urus\u2019 fighter jet-like interior was not spared from looking like Santa\u2019s overgrown beard. It\u2019s completely covered in the same material used for the undergarment lineup; leaving only the instrument cluster and centre console untouched.\nFans online have not reacted kindly either; saying \u201cit\u2019s the stupidest thing ever\u201d and \u201ca complete waste of money\u201d.\nWell, it\u2019s Kim Kardashian after all.\nWatch her walkaround video here!\nGALLERY"
"Opposition lawmaker, Liew Chin Tong, has urged the federal government to make driving private cars a luxury instead of a necessity.\nThis followed after Liew highlighted that driving is a necessity for most of Malaysia\u2019s population as there are very few public transportations with end-to-end networks and services or \u2018first and last-mile connections\u2019 and this is true even for the city folks of Kuala Lumpur.\nInadequate public transportation.what\u2019s new?\nLiew also pointed out that research has shown that each time petrol prices go up in Malaysia, so does the road death toll. This is because most opt for cheaper modes of transportation, by switching to motorcycles.\nIt was noted that if petrol prices were raised, the government should ensure adequate public transportation for at least 40% to 50% of the population to prevent lower-income earners from switching to motorcycles.\nThe state opposition leader also said cutting down the number of private cars on the road will also reduce carbon emissions."
"Together with the launch of the facelifted BMW 3 Series, \nBMW Malaysia\n and Pentas Flora together signed an MoU to advance circularity efforts in tackling automotive waste. The collaboration is a crucial first step for BMW Malaysia\u2019s RE:GENERATE programme, which aims to achieve 100% participation in repurposing used oils and lubricants from all BMW dealers nationwide\nPrior to the MoU signing, BMW Malaysia and Pentas Flora collected over 30,000 litres of waste oils from four participating BMW dealerships in Klang Valley. All 30,00 litres of waste oil were sent to Pentas Flora\u2019s re-refinery plant in Banting to eventually be turned into re-refined eco-base oil (EBO) that will be channelled back into the automotive sector once again.\nRe-refined oil is a complex but highly reliable product that goes through vacuum distillation, pre-treatment processes such as sieving, dewatering, vacuum dehydration, and short-path distillation. It undergoes a variety of treatment processes to obtain a quality end-product comparable to virgin base oil.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans De Visser said, \u201cFor us at BMW Group Malaysia, our vision for sustainability is clear. In all our efforts to mitigate climate change, we ensure our strategy is both Circular and Responsible \u2013 as we pursue a verifiable and consistent path towards climate neutrality by 2050. In doing so, we drive forward the Group\u2019s global ambition here with a local context, while inspiring more Malaysian industry leaders to place ESG at the forefront of their decision-making in 2023.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW 320i M Sport facelift now available in Malaysia \u2013 RM283,800\nUnder BMW Malaysia\u2019s RE:GENERATE Programme, BMW Malaysia has also collaborated with EV Connection and Precious Plastic Malaysia. The collaboration with EV Connection aims to give EV batteries a second life while the collaboration with Precious Plastics Malaysia aims to convert and upcycle plastic waste into useable everyday items.\nPentas Flora Group Executive Director, Oon Kin Seng said, \u201cThis partnership is a meaningful one for us at Pentas Flora as we recognise the shared commitment between our organisations in championing sustainability and responsibility in our business processes, preserving the environment and ensuring that elements that can be harmful to the earth can be disposed of in a responsible manner.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW 330i M Sport facelift debuts in Malaysia \u2013 RM317,800\n\u201cUltimately, our work in managing scheduled waste for clients across industries by providing end-to-end solutions for hazardous waste management, is part of a larger vision to build a sustainable environment and a better future for all Malaysians and we are pleased to be able to drive its importance with a partner like BMW Group Malaysia.\u201d\nAfter the MoU signing, BM Group Malaysia and Pentas Flora held a roundtable discussion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) with leaders from the public sector, alongside industry experts and innovators.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW 330e M Sport facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM298,800"
"Remember the Polestar 1? When it was first unveiled last year, most went head over heels for it but Polestar\u2019s sequel, the Polestar 2, is like Hangover 2 movie to the original release.\nDoes it not remind you of the forgettable BMW 3-series and 5-series GTs? What body style is that exactly? In my opinion, it simply has no place on this planet. Ship it off to Mars, let us not suffer visually from this travesty anymore.\nAs much as we\u2019re not in favour of the hunchback design of the rear section, the tail lights on the Polestar 2 is quite something to behold.\nCriticisms aside, it does pack more than a few gizmos to excite even the most tech-reclusive soul. The rear lights are \nmade up of 280 LEDs \nthat perform a rather unique welcome sequence when you\u2019re approaching the car.\nGetting closer, you don\u2019t even need a key to unlock it. Instead, by using the Bluetooth function on your smartphone, the Polestar 2 can be unlocked from 1.5 metres away.\nOnce you\u2019re inside, there are sensors embedded into the driver seat to detect that the driver is seated before it automatically fires the car up.\nThe Polestar 2 is powered by two electric motors, with each producing \n204 hp\n and \n330 Nm\n \u2013 effectively offering all-wheel drive capabilities. 0 to 100 km/h is expected to rival that of the Volkswagen Golf R, with a time of \nunder five seconds\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Honda BR-V was just launched in Indonesia yesterday after months of speculation and we\u2019re happy to share that they\u2019ve addressed the previous models\u2019 exterior design flaw.\nIn our comparison video between the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Honda BR-V, we pointed that while the previous generation BR-V had a timeless and easy-to-like exterior design, the side profile looked disproportionate.\nVideo: Proton X50 vs Honda HR-V vs BMW X1 drag race on the KLIA runway. Watch it here!\n \nThis was due to the large rear side windows and a beltline that dips slightly after the B-pillar. The beltline is the line that divides the side windows and the door panel, so to speak. Refer to the image attached.\nThis may have improved visibility and offered more natural light to the cabin but from the outside, you just get the feeling that it\u2019s not as good looking as it can be.\nHonda Malaysia boosts customer confidence at showrooms with \u201cI\u2019m Vaccinated\u201d campaign. Read about it here!\nNow, with a straighter beltline and no less rear visibility, the new BR-V has fulfilled its aesthetic potential. Overall it looks more proportionate, with a face that\u2019s hard to dislike.\nIt\u2019s even better equipped too; with the compact 7-seater SUV getting the Honda Sensing driver assistance system. It also gets convenience features like walk-away auto lock and remote engine start.\nThe compact seven-seater also rides 20 mm higher now, with a ground clearance of 220 mm. Under the hood is an updated 1.5-litre engine with 121 hp and 145 Nm, which means a mere 1 hp increase from the previous model. One. The engine will be paired to a CVT (in Malaysia) while in Indonesia, you can even get one with a 6-speed manual.\n2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid facelift pricing confirmed for Malaysia \u2013 RM114k. Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"In mankind\u2019s pursuit of speed, it boggles one\u2019s mind to where exactly is the limit. Bentley has just unveiled their fastest and most powerful production model to date, the Bentley Continental Supersports. It is unquestionably the fastest four-seater coupe AND convertible in the world.\nThanks to a\u00a0revised 6.0-litre bi-turbo W12 that pushes \n700 hp\n (up 79 hp) and a mind blowing \n1,017 Nm\n of torque (up 217 Nm), the Continental Supersports gets to 100 km/h in \n3.5 seconds\n and accelerates to a top speed of \n336 km/h\n. On the other hand, the convertible completes the century sprint in \n3.9 seconds\n while top speed is registered at a\u00a0\nlowly\u00a0\n330 km/h\n.\nAmong the revisions done onto the W12 engine include\u00a0\nhigher-capacity turbochargers\n, revised charge-air cooling system and upgraded cranktrain. A new ZF sourced \neight-speed torque converter\n is tasked to transfer all its grunt to all four wheels. By default, the Supersports sends 60 percent of power to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front. However, should the need arise, the all-wheel-drive system will adjust the power split for optimum traction.\nManaging the enormous power is an exclusively calibrated torque vectoring system that was first introduced on the Continental GT3-R. This works by applying brake force to the inner wheel, curbing understeer for maximum traction.   As standard, the Supersports come fitted with \ncarbon ceramic brakes\n measuring 420mm at the front and 356mm at the rear. Both Supersports ride on 21-inch forged alloy wheels that shave 20kg off the unsprung mass. For additional weight savings, customers can opt for the\n titanium exhaust system\n that weighs 5kg less than the standard exhaust. Also, it makes \u201crifle-fire crackle\u201d on the downshifts.\nVisually, the Supersports gets a revised front end with carbon-fibre splitter, bonnet vents and gloss-black front wing vents. At the rear, a new bumper with carbon fibre diffuser as well as rifled exhaust tailpipe are seen here. Exclusive to the Coupe variant of the Supersport are the optional rear spoiler, front splitter, Supersports badging and carbon-fibre engine cover.\nAs for the Supersports Convertible, Bentley claims that the multi-layer hood has been tested in \nextreme conditions\n ranging from -30\u00b0C to +50\u00b0C to ensure highest levels of refinement and acoustic insulation that\u2019s synonymous with the brand.\nInside, the Supersports gets a significantly sportier theme with a tri-tone interior, diamond-quilted leather seats and door panels, bespoke Supersports steering wheel and an exclusive gear lever. As with all Bentleys, individual customisation is limitless through their bespoke coachbuilding department \nMulliner\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember that \nsouped-up Subaru\n\u00a0that was supposed to conquer the Nurburgring? Well, it turns out the more hardcore Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special did just that, making it the fastest four-door production sedan around the Green Hell.\nIt clocked a blistering laptime of\u00a0\n6 minutes 57.5 seconds\n, which means it\u2019s faster than the Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce and Nissan GT-R Nismo (cilck\u00a0\nhere to see the top 100 lap times\n). To top it off, it\u2019s just 0.5 seconds slower than the\u00a0\nPorsche 918 Spyder\n!\nThe record breaking WRX STI isn\u2019t the special edition variant that just went on sale in the US. Instead, it\u2019s the same car that broke the \ntrack record at the Isle of Man\n last year. This time, professional tuners Prodrive tweaked the \n2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four\n to produce over\u00a0\n600 hp\n at\u00a08,500 rpm. Rally-spec sequential transmission is thrown in, with obscenely quick gearshifts (in the region of 20 to 25 milliseconds).\nIt also receives an improved aerodynamic kit that\u2019s capable of generating about \n300 kg\u00a0of downforce\n. Also included is Drag Reduction System, similar to that on an F1 car. At the push of a button, the rear wing angle is changed, reducing drag at higher speeds. A set of 9-inch wide slick tyres provided the much-needed grip while attacking this 24.4 km track."
"The \nToyota GR86\n and its predecessors have always been powered by naturally aspirated engines. Now, \nToyota\n has somewhat granted the wishes of Toyota GR86 fans for a turbocharged engine, but not by simply slapping a turbocharger onto the Subaru-sourced FA24 engine. Toyota Gazoo Racing has fitted the 1.6-litre turbo GR Yaris engine (G16E-GTS) into a small batch of Toyota GR86 coupes.\nBefore you get too excited, Toyota\u2019s motorsport division is currently experimenting with this small batch of cars for the development of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels. And these GR Yaris-powered GR86 coupes will be competing in the Super Taikyu Race Series held in Japan. Interestingly, the \nSubaru BRZ\n will also compete in the same race series with a modified version of the FA24D boxer engine.\nCarSales Australia\n \nreports that there are high hopes that the turbocharged Toyota GR86 will eventually find its way to production. With the turbo GR86 currently in its \u2018testing phase\u2019, Toyota Gazoo Racing Chief Engineer, Naoyuki Sakamoto believes that motorsport is the best proving ground to test experimental technology for robustness and durability.\nCurrently, the FA24-powered Toyota GR86 produces \n235 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. The GR Yaris engine produces \n272 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n. Toyota also used the Super Taikyu race series to develop the juiced-up version of the G16E-GTS engine for the \nGR Corolla\n which makes \n304 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n. The performance figures of the synthetic-fuel-powered G16E engine have not been revealed.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR86 Special Edition celebrates the pure fun of sports car driving\nWhen asked whether the Toyota GR86 could get the 304 hp version of the G16E-GTS engine (from the GR Corolla), Naoyuki Sakamoto said, \u201cYes, we are thinking for the future about the possibility of using it, but there are no concrete plans at the moment. For now, we\u2019re just using it to develop carbon-neutral fuels.\u201d\nRELATED: \nAlready a limited-edition in Europe, Toyota GR86 to be discontinued by 2025"
"Cycle & Carriage has unveiled the first Mercedes-Benz Virtual Showroom in Malaysia today, bringing the new Mercedes-Benz brand presence onto the interwebs. Modelled after its \nrevamped Mutiara Damansara showroom\n, the new virtual showroom brings the physical retail experience into an interactive space with simulated touchpoints.\nAt launch, the Cycle & Carriage Virtual Showroom showcases nine Mercedes-Benz models, including the recently-updated \nMercedes-Benz C 200 AMG Line\n. Customers can take a closer look at these models via the 360-degree views for both the exterior and interior of the car, while a full specifications breakdown is also available at just a click away.\nMore popular models will also be accompanied with an in-depth Cycle & Carriage \u201cExpert Review\u201d video which outlines their unique selling points. Customers looking to take the plunge can configure their cars using the built-in car configurator, and place a test-drive appointment at their preferred \nCycle & Carriage Autohaus\n directly from the virtual showroom.\nCycle & Carriage Bintang CEO, Wilfrid Foo said, \u201cThe low-touch economy spurred by e-commerce marketplaces has propelled a need for us to re-engineer our strategy in the luxury car segment. While our physical retail experience will certainly be here to stay, complementing it with an immersive online experience and seamlessly incorporating both channels would make the purchasing journey better for our customers.\n\u201cWe believe that to be a trusted dealer partner, we need to deliver on that promise of meeting our customers\u2019 evolving needs. Our new virtual showroom is one of the many investments we are making to nurture the overall customer experience and together with our physical showrooms, our customers can begin their ownership journey with confidence,\u201d added Foo.\nThe Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz virtual showroom is available now at\u00a0\nhttp://showroom.cyclecarriage.com.my\n. For the updated price list of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia models following the announcement of the \nsales tax exemptions\n, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Ferrari confirming one of this season\u2019s worst kept secrets in Formula 1 didn\u2019t come as a surprise; Charles Leclerc \u2013 Ferrari academy member, 2017 F2 champion and current Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 driver \u2013 will partner Sebastian Vettel in the 2019 season. What\u2019s really surprising is that Kimi Raikkonen, despite his apparent disinterest in all things F1 except when he\u2019s behind the wheel will still be racing in Formula 1 next year.\nAt 38, Raikkonen is the oldest driver on the grid, but with the departure of Fernando Alonso (at 37) by the end of this season, Raikkonen will be unchallenged as the elder statesman of the sport come 2019. Not that his legion of fans will mind at all, the ultra-popular Finn with the lone 2007 drivers\u2019 title to his name will go about his non-conformist ways at Alfa Romeo Sauber next year, and Sauber happens to be the team which gave Kimi his F1 debut in 2001, so this has all the markings of a fitting farewell lasting for at least two seasons, the duration which he has signed on.\nA 20-year-old for a 38-year-old; hot prospect Charles Leclerc swaps places with Kimi Raikkonen.\nAs legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker used to say, \u2018Anything happens in Grand Prix racing, and it usually does.\u201d, so don\u2019t count Kimi out just yet at Sauber, especially when he\u2019s behind a car powered by a grunty Ferrari powertrain underneath the Alfa Romeo engine cover. Only one question remains; will Kimi now play the wingman role for Vettel in the remainder of this season? Let\u2019s just say we won\u2019t be betting our house on that."
"It\u2019s that time of the year again, and one we excited car buyers will always look forward to because well, cars are cheaper and we love flaunting our brand new cars during the perennial\u00a0get together. NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia, is the first to get this ball rolling.\nChevrolet\u2019s \nSurprisingly Rewarding\n sales promo is giving four of their models \u2013 \nColorado\n, \nMalibu\n, \nCruze \nand Orlando \u2013 an attractive package, of which are as follow:\n1. For those purchasing the Malibu, Orlando and Colorado, you get RM8,888.00 Ang Pow\n 2. For new Cruze owners, you get to choose between a complimentary sporty body kit with rims or RM8,888.00 Ang Pow\n 3. The new Malibu, Orlando and Cruze owners will benefit from a five-year or 200,000km warranty programme, whichever occurs first\n 4. New Chevrolet Colorado customers will get three-years or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first\nAll promotional offers stand while stocks last.\u00a0For more information on the Chevrolet Chinese New Year Sales Campaign, call 1-800-22-4389 or visit \nwww.chevrolet.com.my\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the all-new third-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The \nBMW 2 Series Active Tourer\n competitor gets the brand\u2019s new design language as well as the latest advanced driver assistance systems.\nThe Sports Tourer (as MB calls it) has its wheelbase stretched by 30 mm to 2,729 mm while the width is now 1,456 mm (+33 mm), giving occupants a roomier cabin. The designers have tried their best to mask the car\u2019s bulk by giving it a lower roofline and a fascia taken from the \nA-Class\n. This collectively reduces the drag coefficient to 0.24 (0.25 on its predecessor) for better aerodynamics and lower wind noise.   Additionally, customers can also dress the B-Class with the AMG-Line exterior pack which dresses the B-Class with a sportier body kit, diamond front grille and larger alloy wheels (up to 19-inch). Forward illumination ranges from halogen units to Multibeam LED items for the higher spec models.\nLike all new-generation Mercedes-Benz models, the interior is in a class of its own. Three display options are available: two 7-inch displays; one 7- and one 10.25-inch display; two 10.25-inch displays that makes up the Widescreen Cockpit. The cabin is further highlighted by the turbine style air vents inspired by jet turbines.   The cabin is not merely a carbon copy of the compact A-Class, besides seated 90 mm higher in the B-Class, the designers have improved the seat geometry and lower beltline to give off a more spacious feeling. The rear seats can be adjusted up to 14 cm fore-and-aft and reclined to allow the boot space to span between 455 to 705 litres.\nOther equipment you\u2019ll find in the B-Class include MBUX multimedia system with natural sound control, MBUX Augmented Reality, powered tailgate, 64-colour ambient lighting with 10 colour themes, heads-up display, powered front seats with massage function as well as Energizing seat kinetics that support orthopaedically beneficial changes of posture by regularly making minute adjustments to the angle of the seat cushion and backrest.   Powertrain options for the B-Class consist of two petrol engines and three diesel mills. The petrol-powered B-Class gets an M282 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine available in two states of tunes: \n136 hp\n/\n200 Nm\n for the \nB 180\n and \n163 hp\n/\n250 Nm\n on the \nB 200\n. Both are paired to a seven-speed 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission to drive the front wheels.\nThe B 180 d is powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with\n 116 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n paired to the same 7G-DCT while the B 200 d and B 220 d spots the OM654q 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit with\n 150 hp\n/\n320 Nm\n and \n190 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n respectively. The larger diesel units are equipped with a new eight-speed 8G-DCT dual-clutch.\nThe B-Class comes with some of the best-in-class advanced driving assistance systems found on the \nS-Class\n such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and Active Brake Assist to allow the B-Class to drive semi-autonomously when conditions allow.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz B-Class AMG Line   Mercedes-Benz B-Class"
"With the second running of the GR Vios Sprint Cup now concluded, UMW Toyota Motors has announced the launch of its new sim racing championship, now rebranded as the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) GT Cup Malaysia.\nNow in its sixth consecutive year running, the 2023 Toyota GR GT Cup will offer up to RM90,500 in cash prizes \u2013 the highest ever in the series\u2019 history, making it one of the most lucrative sim racing events in the country. Additionally, the winner of the tournament will also represent Malaysia in the GT Cup Asia Pacific Regional Qualifier and race against some of Asia\u2019s best to secure a spot at the Global Finals.\nFirst held in 2018, the GR GT Cup Malaysia sim racing tournament (previously the GR Velocity Esports Chamipionship) has attracted more than 900 participants annually.\nNew for the 2023 instalment, UMW Toyota will be introducing simulator racing experiences at universities across Malaysia to encourage a greater participation of youths, as part of the company\u2019s mission to contribute to the growth of motorsports in Malaysia.\nMultiple stopovers have been planned leading up to the start of the qualifiers, including UNITAR, UiTM Pasir Gudang, UiTM Shah Alam, INTI Subang, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Sunway University, and INTI Penang.\nRELATED: \nMuhammad Iqbal Suji crowned 2022 Toyota GR Velocity champion, top 3 to attend regional finals!\n\u201cThe momentum and the level of interest for virtual racing have grown tremendously and is a boost for both e-sports and motorsports here in Malaysia. We are proud to be able to support this platform of motor racing,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K.\nThe qualifying stage for the Toyota GR GT Cup 2023 will begin on July 15, 2023, where the top 20 fastest drivers will qualify for the semi-finals and subsequently the top 10 drivers will move on to the finale. A grand finale event will be held at Sunway Pyramid from 18-20 August, starting with the Quarterfinals round, for drivers to battle it out in person in front of a cheering crowd.\nRegistrations for the qualifiers are now open at \nwww.toyota.com.my/gtcupmalaysia/\n."
"After what seems like forever, the Supra moniker has returned to Toyota\u2019s inventory list after a 17-year hiatus and while most may have mixed reviews/feelings about it, the fifth generation A90 Toyota Supra offers much to be excited about \u2013 the driving part at least.\nConversations will ensue, especially on how the Supra seems to have received the less attractive end of the deal with an interior that looks similar but different (and less premium) from it\u2019s cousin, the BMW Z4.\nBut first, powertrain options and there\u2019s plenty to choose from. There\u2019s a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six (RZ variant) making \n340 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n while the 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four offers two different outputs \u2013 \n258 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n\u00a0(SZ-R) and \n197 hp\n/\n320Nm \n(SZ).\nThe Americans will only be offered the 3.0-litre engine option while the Japanese will get the\n\u00a0\n2.0-litre powertrains on top of that. Egos will trip and debates will be sparked on who has the more powerful and more importantly, the real Supra.\nIt seems like Toyota has not only shared BMW\u2019s engine and transmission rule book but also their sales guide \u2013 offering something for everyone, as seen with the BMW 1-7 series and X1 to X7 line up.\nAt least they\u2019ve preserved the drive layout \u2013 thank goodness \u2013 a front-engined, rear wheel drive setup with an 8-speed \u201cautomatic only\u201d ZF transmission. The RZ will do 0 to 100 km/h in around \n4.3 seconds\n, the \nSZ-R in 5.2 seconds\n and the \nSZ in 6.5 seconds\n.\nImagine having a Supra that will struggle to pull away from a Golf GTI. I wouldn\u2019t want that, would you?\nWith a mix of aluminium and steel in its skeletal structure, Toyota says the Supra\u2019s rigidity is up to 2.5 times higher than the 86 and even more so compared to the V10 Lexus LFA. In comparison with the modern day \u201cHachiroku\u201d, its wheelbase is also 100 mm shorter. Couple that with a 50/50 weight distribution, it\u2019s fair to expect a nimble and composed drive.\nStyling wise, aside from inheriting the proportions of the FT-1 concept car, the new Supra also draws inspiration from the legendary Toyota 2000GT from the late 1960s with its \u201cdouble bubble\u201d roof design.\nThree different wheel sizes are offered to occupy the wheel arches \u2013 \n19-inch\n with 255/35 (F) and 275/35 (R) for the RZ, \n18-inch\n with 255/40 (F) and 275/40 (R) for the SZ-R and \n17-inch\n with 225/50 (F) and 255/45 (R) for the SZ.\nBrembo 4-pot calipers are offered in the front with single pot calipers at the back, although expect this to be available only in the higher end models. Also offered in the top end of the Supra food chain is the adaptive suspension and an active limited slip differential.\nIt\u2019s hard to not shout \u201cOMG BMW!\u201d when looking at this interior. While it may inherit a similar switchgear, rotary dial, radio controls and even a familiar interface on the 8.8-inch infotainment display, the instrument cluster does stand out as Toyota\u2019s very own.\nYou wouldn\u2019t be completely inaccurate to likened the air con vents to those in a Mazda as well.\nPrices for the Austrian-built Toyota Supra begins at USD 49,990, with deliveries expected to take place beginning from mid this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The mission was classified. All we knew was, we had to fly to Siem Riep, Cambodia, to complete it. You don\u2019t say no to Porsche, Angkor Wat, Cayenne, Macan, offroading, and possibly Lara Croft, do you? Challenge accepted!\n\u201cMission, classified. Set around the ruins of the legendary temples in Siem Reap, you will accomplish various challenges and explore the mystical city in the comfort of a Cayenne and Macan. For your mission, we will supply you and your team with Porsche cars, where you can experience the off-road driving capabilities and functionalities designed to ensure a fun and thrilling drive.\u201d\nThrilling indeed as we got to test the \nCayenne\n and \nMacan\n around the sacred land of \nAngkor\n with missions to be completed. We had to search for treasures in one of the temples, just like Lara Croft in Tomb Raider. Well, minus the sexy part.\nThis unique regional media event was hosted by \nPorsche Cambodia\n to showcase the offroad capabilities of its SUVs. The German automaker set foot in the Kingdom of Cambodia in 2014, joining other premium brands on the roads in the up and coming South East Asian market.   The latest generation Porsche Cayenne was launched in Malaysia last year with an extensive line-up. Ranging from the standard 300 hp Cayenne, all the way up to the 440 hp ferocious sounding Cayenne GTS.\nThe \nupdated Porsche Macan\n was launched recently with a slight upgrade of 20 hp and 15 Nm in the standard 2.0-litre variant. It now produces \n252hp\n and \n370Nm\n of torque. The top of the range 3.6-litre V6 Macan Turbo produces \n400hp\n and \n550Nm\n of torque.\nIt was truly an amazing drive in the Cayenne and Macan in Siem Reap. These premium SUVs with racing car DNA are more than capable in tackling dirt, rock and sand terrains. Also, they are\u00a0really comfortable and fast on the road for a long distance drive. If you are looking for an adventure in one of the best all-rounder premium SUVs, go for one of these, and set yourself a mission.\nWatch our video below and find out what our missions were.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As we already know, the subcompact crossover segment is a growing\u00a0segment in the automotive industry. With Mazda, Honda and Renault enjoying their slice in the market, Volkswagen is keener than ever to have their slice with their new T-Cross compact crossover.\nBased on the \nVolkswagen Polo\n hatchback,\u00a0the T-Cross will be Volkswagen\u2019s second crossover model after the T-Roc (picture above) which was based on the Golf hatchback. Both the T-Roc and T-Cross models will be positioned below the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs.\nThe T-Cross may share similar cues with the \n4th-gen Polo\nThe T-Roc first debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, one that sported a rather unconventional design of a convertible top and two-door setup. The T-Cross will share similar design attributes, ranging from the full-width grille,\u00a0side window graphic and distinctive wheel arches. Volkswagen\u2019s wide range of engines and powertrain means that the T-Cross can be powered either by a TSI, TDI or even electrically powered.\nThe whole idea\u00a0of a Polo with higher ground clearance and bigger wheels brings to mind the Cross Polo model, but a quick check on several Volkswagen websites revealed that the Cross Polo is now no longer being offered. This is where the T-Cross comes into the picture; it succeeds the long-serving and sadly unpopular Cross Polo model.\nThe T-Cross concept is set to be unveiled by Volkswagen at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and production is planned for 2018."
"According to news releases, Bugatti is working on a new \u201cstrictly limited-edition model\u201d called the Bugatti Divo; inspired by Albert Divo, the French racing driver who won the famous Targa Florio in Sicily twice with Bugatti in the late 1920s.\nThe Divo, which will revive Bugatti\u2019s coach-building tradition, will be \nlight and nimble\n with \u201cenormous downforce\u201d and high G-forces. It will also feature a newer and stronger design language.\nAlbert Divo, in the Bugatti Type 35.\n\u201cHappiness is not around the corner. It is the corner. The Divo is made for corners,\u201d says President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., Stephan Winkelmann.\n\u201cWith the Divo, we want to thrill people throughout the world,\u201d the Bugatti President continues. \u201cWith this project, the Bugatti team has an opportunity to interpret the brand DNA in terms of agile, nimble handling in a significantly more performance-oriented way\u201d, he added.\nThe Bugatti Type 35 that won the Targa Florio in Sicily twice.\nOnly \n40 units of the Bugatti Divo\n will ever be made and will retail for a net price of 5 million Euros (approx. RM 23 million before tax). The Divo will be unveiled this August in California, USA."
"In celebrating the Australia\u2019s greatest race circuit \u2013 Mount Panorama \u2013 and Lotus\u2019 success in its 6th largest market, there will be a limited-run of just six units of the AUD110k sportscar.\nThe Australia-only model is based on the \nstandard Elise 250 Cup \nwith \n243 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n from a 1.8-litre supercharged 4-cylinder engine. With a kerb weight of just over 880kg,\n lighter than a Perodua Bezza\n, the 250 Cup will slingshot to 100 km/h from standstill in just 4.3 seconds.\nMade up of independent double wishbone suspension on all four corners, with adjustable front anti-roll bars, the 250 Cup also rides on stiffer Bilstein dampers as compared to the 220 Cup.\nAesthetically, it sports a Monaco White paintjob with forged alloy wheels in black while a pair of carbon fibre race seats and alcantara adorns the interior with special edition plates to highlight the Bathurst Edition\u2019s exclusivity.\nPurchasing the Elise 250 Cup Bathurst Edition will also entitle owners to a free entry to the next Lotus trackday on the infamous circuit.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has just unveiled their first ever electric vehicle (EV) to join NISMO\u2019s road car line up. The Nissan Leaf NISMO which will go on sale in Japan on 31 July 2018, gets extensive chassis upgrades, bolder look and a sportier interior.\nNissan\u2019s motorsports and in-house tuning arm have given the \nstandard Leaf\n a makeover with a new front bumper, front grille, side sills, rear bumper with diffuser inserts and 18-inch aerodynamic aluminium alloy wheels wrapped in Continental ContiSportContact 5 rubbers.   The new look gives the Leaf NISMO improved downforce without compromising on drag coefficient. A total of nine exterior colours are available with the sporty EV with selected colour palette receive a black dual tone finish.\nNISMO\u2019s sporty intentions are extended to the cabin with new seat design with red accents, three-spoke steering wheel with a red centre mark, custom electronic shifter as well as NISMO specific instrument cluster gauges. A carbon-like finish is also applied generously on the interior trims.   Like the \nSerena NISMO\n that came before it, the Leaf\u2019s powertrain was untouched, packing \n147 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of twist from its electric motor. Its theoretical driving range of \n378 km\n is expected to take a slight hit due to the larger wheels and stickier rubbers.\nHowever, NISMO has given the Leaf a comprehensive chassis upgrade, recalibrating the cars electric power steering, shock absorbers, Electric Driven Intelligent Brakes, Vehicle Computer Management, Intelligent Trace Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control (traction and stability control) as well as ABS to allow the hatchback corner harder and faster.\nLocal Nissan distributor, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has confirmed that the \nall-new Nissan Leaf will be making its Malaysian debut\n sometime in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Leaf NISMO"
"While Proton did not disclose the pricing strategy of the \nProton X70 at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)\n, the national did confirm that their first SUV is set for an official launch on 12 December 2018.\nOn display at the Proton Booth at KLIMS 18 are the Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD variants. The only variant that is missing from the motor show is the entry-level Standard 2WD. All units of the X70 will be \nfully imported from China\n until Proton begins local assembly operations sometime in late 2019.\nAlthough patrons will not be able to touch and feel the X70 Standard 2WD, the only items that can distinguish the base model are the halogen reflector headlamps, smaller 17-inch alloys, fabric seats and reverse camera.\nItems such as keyless entry/start, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, full LCD instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air ioniser, electronic parking brake, \n8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with \u201cHi Proton\u201d Voice Command\n, six USB charging ports and rear air vents are \nstandard across the range\n.   The Executive variants add LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres, Black leather upholstery, powered drivers\u2019 seat and a 360-degree surround view camera while the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with tyre temperature and tyre pressure units display is only available on the Executive 4WD and above.\nStepping up to the most expensive X70 Premium 2WD, the cabin gets furnished with Brown Nappa leather seats, powered front seats, panoramic sunroof and a nine-speaker Kenwood premium surround sound system.   All variants of the X70 is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI engine pushing out \n183 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission while 4WD is optionally available on the Executive variant only.\nProton claims that the 2WD variants can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.5 seconds\n and has a claimed fuel consumption figures of \n7.8L/100 km\n. The X70 also features a Drive Mode selector that changes the engine and transmission characteristics between Eco, Normal and Sport. It also changes the LCD instrument cluster hue between Green, Blue or Red as you cycle through the different Drive Modes.\nAll variants of the X70 comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX mounting points. While the Premium 2WD gets the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that adds Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (under 30 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (operable between 30 to 150 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as front and rear parking sensors. This earns the X70 the full \n5-Star ASEAN ANCAP Crash Safety Rating\n.\nThe Proton X70 is available in \nfive exterior shades\n \u2013 Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red with the availability depending on variant selected. Proton has been collecting bookings for their first SUV and even set up an \nonline booking system\n to cater to the overwhelming demand. Now, we wait for the arrival of 12 December 2018 for its official price.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nProton X70 Premium 2WD at KLIMS 2018   Proton X70 Executive 4WD at KLIMS 2018   Proton X70 Executive 2WD at KLIMS 2018"
"Volkswagen is looking to expand its pickup truck footprint with the new Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept that was unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). It will also be the first pickup truck to be based on the groups Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform.\nThe concept car measures at 5,438 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width and 1,844 mm in height while its dual-cab cargo box takes up 1,627 mm in length, 1,450 in width and 530 mm in height. The cargo box has been designed to transport bikes, boards and smaller boats to cater to the adventurous lifestyle of its target audience.   Like most of Volkswagen\u2019s concept cars, the Atlas Tanoak features a sophisticated lighting signature. Other design cues include plastic moulding familiar to pickup trucks, narrow rear doors with hidden door handles and a sporty bumper to boot. However, the production version of the Atlas Tanoak will most likely share its design cues as the Atlas SUV, the car it is derived from.\nInside, the Atlas Tanoak appears to feature a cabin design similar to modern Volkswagen models \u2013 Active Info Display LCD instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system are all familiar items. We can count on Volkswagen to introduce a few purposeful design touches for the pickup truck to cater to the customers\u2019 intended use of the car.\nThe company also revealed the potential engine choice, a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 FSI engine pushing out \n276 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of twisting force paired o an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drive is deployed to all four corners courtesy of Volkswagen\u2019s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.\nAt the moment, the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak will be developed exclusively for the US market and will not be a direct replacement for the \nAmarok pickup truck\n. Although we can look forward to the Amarok\u2019s replacement have its design and technology inspired by the Atlas Tanoak.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just barely a month from the \nMalaysian launch of the Lotus Evora 400\n, the British sports carmaker went on to reveal the lighter and more powerful Evora Sport 410. As the numbers suggest, it\u2019s 10 hp more powerful than the Evora 400, making for a total of 410 horsepower.\nThe Evora 410 gets\u00a0a strict diet by shedding\n\u00a070kg\n\u00a0from the original 400. This is made possible thanks to more extensive use of carbon fibre components for the front splitter, roof panel, tailgate, and rear diffuser. If that\u2019s not enough, forged alloy wheels are used and some of the interior\u2019s items such as the centre armrest, speakers and even the door bins have been ditched.   In the power department, it retains the same\u00a0\n3.5-litre supercharged V6\n, but it\u2019s tweaked to make 410 hp and 410 Nm of torque. The 10 extra ponies and lighter body results in a quicker 0 to 100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds; 0.3 seconds quicker than the 400! It\u2019s also quicker by 3 seconds around the Hethel test track, lapping it in 1 minute 28 seconds.\nPower is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual as standard, but can be upgraded to a six-speed automatic for a little extra \nmoolah\n. The Evora 410 also sits lower thanks to new springs and dampers, and like the\u00a0\nElise 250 Club\n, it gets\u00a0\nLotus\u2019 Dynamic Performance Management\n\u00a0which grants Sports and Race drive modes.\nOnly 150 units of the Evora 410 will be made, with deliveries commencing in June this year. It\u2019s priced at\u00a0\u00a379,900 (approx RM470,000), an additional \u00a38,000 (RM47,000+) over the 400. That said, expect the Evora 410 to cost close to RM700k should it arrive on our shores. Who knows, we might just get 10 tailor-made units!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Mercedes-Benz \nannounced its EQ model line-up\n in October last year, the company tipped that its AMG performance models will also be \u201cgoing electric\u201d in the future, without expanding further on what that might entail. Well, if anything, Mercedes-Benz COO and R&D boss Markus Sch\u00e4fer might have just pointed us at the right direction, while speaking to the journalists at the launch of the \nEQA\n.\nAccording to a report by \nAutocar\n, Sch\u00e4fer confirmed to a group of media during the launch that \u201can electrical platform in the direction of AMG is coming\u201d. Although no specific details were given about the new platform, he followed up the statement by saying: \u201cThere will be performance variants of the EQA, B, S, E.\u201d\nNo further details were given, but we\u2019re inclined to think that the all-new EQA will be the first to receive said AMG treatment, given that it was listed first in Sch\u00e4fer\u2019s list, aside from the fact that it\u2019s a model that already exists.\nOther models in the list also include the GLB-based EQB, as well as the EQS and EQE, which will both be available in sedan and SUV form. Sch\u00e4fer\u2019s list seemingly omitted the C-segment EQC, though we think that it is most likely an accidental exclusion, as the German luxury carmaker will need a model to go up against the likes of the \nTesla Model 3 Performance\n.\nAs for performance, we can expect to see figures around the 600 hp mark for the larger AMG-tuned EQ models, if Mercedes-Benz wants to seriously compete against the other performance-oriented EVs out there. All-wheel drive is also a given for these models, equipped some fancy torque vectoring function, similar to what Mercedes-Benz already shown-off with their\n upcoming EQS sedan\n.\nBranding aside, performance-oriented EVs always seemed like the natural progression for Mercedes-Benz\u2019s EQ sub-brand. The introduction of these models will be exceptionally crucial, seeing that the brand\u2019s traditional rivals are all offering performance-variants of their EVs.\nBMW will soon unveil its\n M-tuned i4\n, and Audi is also offering an RS variant for the \nall-new e-tron GT \nat launch \u2013 not to mention the hugely popular Tesla Performance line-up, which recently added an even-quicker \u201cPlaid\u201d tri-motor powertrain to its \nModel S\n."
"Automobili Lamborghini in collaboration with LEGO has built a life-size replica of the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37, using over 400,000 LEGO pieces!\nFollowing \n1:8 scale LEGO\u00a0Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37\n that was launched last year, this life-size model replicates the limited-edition Italian super sportscar on a much grander scale.\nUsing 154 different types of LEGO elements, including \n20 moulded specifically for this project\n, the life-size replica weights a whopping 2,200 kg. The model features the unmistakable design of the Lamborghini Sian down to the finest details \u2013 perfectly reflecting every millimetre of the car.\nThe Si\u00e1n is Lamborghini\u2019s first hybrid supercar with over 800 hp. Read about it here!\nThe life-size model took a team of 15 people and 8,660 hours (or roughly a year) to develop and construct. Of the 8,660 hours, 5,370 hours were development time, with another 3,290 hours needed to build the replica.\nCheck out this life-size Porsche 911 Turbo, also built by LEGO but with huge pieces!\nNot only the details but the dimensions of the replica is also identical to the real Sian super car. It\u2019s 4,980 mm long, 2,101 mm wide and 1,133 mm high.\nThe body panels are assembled with pieces of custom interconnecting hexagonal LEGO pieces, paying tribute to the six-sided shape that is integral to Lamborghini\u2019s design language. The functioning head and tail lights are also built entirely from LEGO Technic pieces.\nLife-size replicas are nothing new, but what\u2019s noteworthy is the first large-scale model from the LEGO Group to have a paintbrush-effect UV colour coating. The colour, which is a perfect match to the 1:8 scale LEGO Technic model, was painted on by Automobili Lamborghini\u2019s paint shop.\nHave you seen the life-size FK8 Honda Civic Type R? Check it out here!\nGALLERY"
"The \nrear-wheel driven R8\n always\n felt\n like Audi\u2019s unwanted child \u2013 as if \nAudi\n only made it because fans demanded one, and because it doesn\u2019t have the marque\u2019s signature Quattro all-wheel drive system, Audi is punishing it by giving it less power.\nWell, not any more, because the German carmaker has finally updated the RWD \nAudi R8\n with more power on par with its other Quattro-equipped brothers, and with that, also christened it with a new name more in line with its siblings. Welcome to the family, Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD.\nThe 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 (that\u2019s also shared with the Lamborghini Hurac\u00e1n) remains from before, but is uprated to now produce 570 hp and 550 Nm of torque \u2013 30 hp and 10 Nm more than its predecessor. As before, the engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential.\nWith the newfound performance, the RWD Audi R8 can now do the century sprint in \n3.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n329 km/h\n (3.8 seconds and 327 km/h on the Spyder).\nCheck out this stunning red-on-black RWD R8 that Audi unveiled last year, called the \u201cPanther\u201d edition! \nOn top of the upgraded engine, the new Audi R8 Performance RWD gains a reworked ESC software that allows \u201ccontrolled drifts\u201d in the ESC Sport drive mode, while the double-wishbone suspensions also receives specific tuning to suit the driving characteristics of the rear-wheel driven R8.\nThe R8 Performance RWD Coup\u00e9 weighs 1,590 kg with a 40:60 weight distribution between the axles, which is 65 kg lighter than the AWD variant. The Spyder meanwhile is a bit heavier at 1,695 kg (55 kg lighter than the AWD variant).\nAs usual on an Audi, options here are aplenty \u2013 there\u2019s an optional dynamic steering system that supposedly \u201cprovides even more precise reaction and feedback\u201d in corners while making low-speed manoeuvres easier, better ceramic brakes, bigger wheels, and a whole swath of aesthetic options.\nOn a standard car, you\u2019ll get items such as 19-inch twin-spoke forged wheels, Nappa leather sports seats, a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital display for the digital instrument cluster, and body-coloured side blades \u2013 the latter is largely how you differentiate the RWD from the AWD models, but you\u2019ll be better off looking for the RWD badge on the dashboard to tell them apart.\nThe all-new Audi RS3 is now the quickest compact car around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife. Check it out here!\nThe new Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD will be mostly hand-built at the \u201cB\u00f6llinger H\u00f6fe\u201d plant in Neckarsulm, Germany, where Audi also builds its LMS GT4 race car (which supposedly shares up to 60% of its parts with the production-model R8).\nPricing in Germany starts at \u20ac149,000 (approx. RM721k) for the Coup\u00e9, and \u20ac162,000 (approx. RM784k) for the Spyder.\nGALLERY"
"..prepare to pay a handsome figure because it won\u2019t be cheap with estimated prices to be in the ballpark of between RM290,000 and RM310,000 for the fully-imported Arteon, \npreviewed at last year\u2019s Singapore Motor Show\n, when it arrives in the coming months.\nAs for specifications, Volkswagen Malaysia did not reveal much except that it will be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (the wet kind) to power all four wheels via the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.\nWith\n 280 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, the Arteon is capable of a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.6 seconds \u2013 essentially Golf R capabilities, masked under a pin-stripe suit and slick back hair.\nKey features that can be expected in the new fastback includes a new Active Info Display (instrument cluster), 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with Gesture Control, Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nTo help you better maneuver the rather large Arteon, it will also be fitted with a 360-degree camera for a better view around the car through four separate cameras.\nDealer\nState\nDate\nVolkswagen Juru\nPenang\n24 \u2013 25 July\nVolkswagen Ipoh\nPerak\n27 \u2013 28 July\nVolkswagen Kuantan\nKuantan\n2- 3 August\nVolkswagen Skudai\nJohor\n8 \u2013 9 August\nVolkswagen Tebrau\nJohor\n11 \u2013 12 August\nVolkswagen Batu Pahat\nJohor\n16 \u2013 17 August\nVolkswagen Melaka\nMelaka\n24 \u2013 25 August\nVolkswagen Semenyih\nSelangor\n6 \u2013 7 September\nVolkswagen Balakong\nSelangor\n13 \u2013 14 September\nVolkswagen Klang\nSelangor\n21 \u2013 22 September\nVolkswagen Sg Besi\nKuala Lumpur\n28 \u2013 29 September\nVolkswagen TTDI\nKuala Lumpur\n5 \u2013 6 October\nVolkswagen Glenmarie\nSelangor\n12 \u2013 13 October\nVolkswagen Gombak\nKuala Lumpur\n18 \u2013 19 October\nVolkswagen Puchong\nSelangor\n26 \u2013 27 October\nAesthetically, the Arteon\u2019s charm gets a little boost with the R-Line styling package and will be available in a few striking colours like Turmeric Yellow, Romance Red and a bunch silvers, greys and black.\nThose keen on having a closer look at the car before parting with your depreciating Ringgits should take note of the table above.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley Kuala Lumpur has found a new home right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Located within the \u201cGolden Triangle\u201d, the lavish showroom sits adjacent to the \nAston Martin showroom\n that was also recently launched.\nThe boutique showroom spans 6,400 square feet and is meticulously designed to reflect Bentley\u2019s rich 97-year heritage of signature craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is furnished with carefully selected high-quality furniture to give Bentley customers the best vehicle purchasing experience.\nOfficiating the ceremony was Managing Director of Wearnes Quest, Mr Jerry Lee who said, \u201cWhen we took on the franchise in 2008, our vision was to strengthen the brand presence with the establishment of Bentley Kuala Lumpur as a city centre landmark. We did that with the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Gallery eight years ago, and today marks another milestone for us.\u201d"
"When BMW claims that this is the fastest series-production BMW to ever lap the Nurburgring Circuit, it\u2019s time to strap in and pay attention. What you\u2019re looking at is the new BMW M4 CSL, with genes from the competition-ready BMW M4 GT3 race car, that has managed to lap the Nurburgring circuit in seven minutes and 20.207 seconds.\nOnly\n 1,000 units\n of the M4 CSL will be built, beginning in July this year at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.\n\u201cCSL\u201d stands for \u201cCompetition, Sport, Lightweight\u201d, referencing the critical role of weight-minimised design so let\u2019s see where the new coupe stands in those aspects.\nUnder the hood is 3.0-litre straight-six twin-turbocharged engine based on the same power unit as the BMW M4 GT3 race car, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. The combo develops \n550 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n; capable of propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. 0 to 200 km/h takes just 10.7 seconds.\nCompared to the \nM4 Competition\n, the M4 CSL comes with model-specific adaptive M suspension that drops the car\u2019s ride height by a further 8 mm. The M Traction Control function allows the driver to determine how much the car is allowed to slide. On dry surfaces, stages 1 to 5 of M\u00a0Traction Control can help the driver execute controlled drifts. Stages 6 to 10 are based on the application developed for touring car racers and make allowance for both surface conditions and tyre temperature to maximise traction and directional stability.\nIn terms of weight, the M4 CSL weighs 1,625 kilograms. For perspective, the BMW M4 Competition weighs around 1,800 kg. All that weight saving has come from the use of M full carbon bucket seats, removal of rear seats and seat belts, and the use of lightweight M Carbon Ceramic brakes. Extra weight were shed using light-alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) and lighter springs and dampers.\nAll that has shaved over 75 kg off the car. Also in the name of weight-saving, BMW has opted for ultra-lightweight sound insulation, saving around 15 kilograms. More weight loss is contributed by the boot lid, bonnet and roof which are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, along with a titanium muffler. Even smaller items such as the rear lights, floor mats and kidney grille have been made to be lightweight.\nThe body of the BMW M4 CSL is painted in the exclusive Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic as standard. Alternatively, customers can specify the M4 CSL in Alpine White solid or Sapphire Black metallic.\nThe optional BMW Laserlight available for the M4 CSL now comes with headlights that illuminate in yellow, mimicking the look of BMW\u2019s successful GT race cars. The M4 CSL also debuts new taillamps with intricate light threads woven into them and are illuminated using laser technology.\nMoving inside, interestingly, the seat height of the M bucket seats can only be adjusted at the service centre/workshop using a 3-stage screw linkage. The seats can also accommodate a 6-point harness. You also get an Alcantara steering, carbon fibre trims, and storage for two helmets. The M\u00a0Drive Professional system through the centre display comes with features like M\u00a0Drift Analyser and M\u00a0Laptimer. The M\u00a0Mode\u00a0switch activates either the Road, Sport, or Track settings.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia\n has introduced its first dedicated body repair and paint facilities in the country, which are now available at its Glenmarie (Federal Auto Cars) and Ara Damansara (Sime Darby Swedish Auto) dealerships. Known officially as the Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre (VCDR), the new facilities will offer customers \u201cquick and efficient\u201d body repair and paint services, while adhering to the global Volvo standards.\nMalaysia is the second country in the region to introduce VCDR, which integrates the use of sustainable technologies in its repair services, such as a low-pressure ventilation system with automatic controls that reduce carbon dioxide and microscopic particle emissions.\nThe VCDR machinery also utilises batteries when heating the electric system, which helps reduce energy consumption, while the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in paints have also now been replaced with water-based solutions, reducing its employee\u2019s exposure to harzadous chemicals.\nWith a built-up area of around 11,133 square feet, Volvo Car Malaysia says that each of these VCDR outlets are equipped to handle up to 1,260 vehicle repairs per year.\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year from 2022 \u2013 XC40 Recharge, C40 this year\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump commented, \u201cWe want our customers to walk away with a Volvo car in complete peace of mind knowing that we are ready to provide them with Volvo\u2019s international standard of care for their vehicles. By introducing Volvo Certified Damage Repair centres within our dealer network, it enables our customers to enjoy vehicles that provides them a lifelong lifespan.\u201d\nALSO READ: \nVolvo Car Malaysia extends PHEV battery warranty to 8 years\nSime Darby Motors Malaysia Retail and Distribution Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan added, \u201cWe aim to continue delivering the best quality service and offerings to our customers. This includes ramping up the sustainability of our operations to minimise environmental impact, while maintaining service excellence.\n\u201cAs such, we are pleased to adopt the VCDR standard for Volvo vehicles at our Sime Darby Motors Centralised Body and Paint facility, in line with our ESR initiatives to lower carbon transition, continuously invest in solutions and inspire meaningful change.\u201d\n\u201cIn today\u2019s environment, we place as much if not more emphasis on climate sustainability in our business strategies and decisions. We, therefore, wholeheartedly embrace the entire VCDR concept for its environmentally friendly equipment, as well as efficient workflow and processes,\u201d said Federal Auto Holdings Chairman, Wong Fay Lee.\nFor more information about the Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre, customers can contact Volvo Ara Damansara at \n03-7623 3200\n, or Volvo Glenmarie at \n016-248 0878\n.\nGALLERY"
"Following the recall issued by Toyota Malaysia over defective airbag sensor, two Lexus models were also involved in the same recall. The \nLexus NX\n and \nRX\n models manufactured from June 2015 to January 2016, distributed by Lexus Malaysia will require to have their airbag sensors replaced.\nAround 500 units of the NX and RX models will be involved in the recall and like the Corolla Altis, the two Lexus models carried defective Integrated Circuit (IC) chips insulators in the Pressure sensors and G sensors. The insulators could peel off over time, creating an open circuit in the IC chip. This would cause the airbag warning light to illuminate and may potentially cause the front and/or side curtain airbags to become deactivated and not deploy when required to, significantly increase the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash.\nAffected owners will be notified by the company to bring their cars to an authorised Lexus service centre to make the necessary replacements. The replacement job is estimated to take about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the model. All costs will be borne by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT).\nLexus owners can contact any Lexus authorised dealers nationwide or Lexus Freephone line at 1-800-88-53987 or visit lexus.com.my"
"What started out as a joke has turned into reality. (Possibly) inspired by the memes online, BMW has turned the joke back on us starting with the new BMW i Vision Circular concept; a car envisioned for the year 2040.\nFor starters, the i Vision Circular revolves around four main principles \u2013 Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It showcases BMW\u2019s approach to car manufacturing in the future. It\u2019s all about using less and recycling as much as possible.\n \nWith the i Vision Circular, BMW wants to show its focus on circular economy principle and the use of secondary materials such as recycled aluminium and steel. It\u2019s far less harmful to recycle and reuse them than to extract the raw materials to manufacture primary materials.\nCurrently, BMW vehicles are manufactured using nearly 30% recycled and reused material on average, and will gradually increase to 50%. Even the batteries are made of recycled material.\nFor example, the kidney grille is not a chrome piece attached to the body. Instead, it\u2019s projected via a digital surface. The BMW badge in the front is engraved while the vehicle badge is laser-etched to avoid using extra add-on parts.\nEven the body is not painted; it\u2019s made from secondary aluminium with a light-gold anodised finish and that\u2019s it.\nThe \u2018striped panel\u2019 by the side windows isn\u2019t just a design element but is functional. In fact, it even isn\u2019t a trim but also a digital surface much like the front grille. It can project vehicle status but more importantly, guide users to the door opening using light, as the door opens in opposite direction.\nThe BMW i Vision Circular does not have bonded connections with zero use of glue. It uses intelligent types of connection, such as cords, press studs and quick-release fasteners, instead.\nBMW also developed new joining techniques for components to avoid using glue. This allows the components to be dismantled and easily later on. All components and materials are manufactured to fit exactly using 3D printing.\nTake the fasteners for the wheels, seats and instrument panel for example, they can be removed using a special wrench with a single rotation.\nInside, most of the interior bits including the steering wheel were made via 3D printing using bio-based material. The steering is then finished with wood powder for a more natural feel.\nThe audio speakers are located beneath the headrests and allow for each seat to have its own dedicated sound zone. With that, individual audio content can be enjoyed anywhere in the vehicle without acoustic interference.\nOn the C-pillar, a glass iDrive Controller from a BMW iX enjoys a second life with a new function as a lamp.\nBesides offering mobility solutions, the i Vision Circular can also double up as a mobile energy storage device and feed power to its surroundings, like a house for example.\nGALLERY"
"This latest Maserati model from Naza Italia might just have the longest name yet. Behold, the Maserati Levante S GranSport Ermenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta.\nThere will only be\n five units\n available in Malaysia and is the second Levante launched here since the \nMaserati Levante Trofeo arrived in June last year\n.\nBorn from old-world Italian traditions and nurtured with innovative technology, Pellestessuta is a result of years of research. It\u2019s developed from ingenious use of thin Nappa leather strips, replacing conventional fabric yarn, paired with the traditional weaving methods to create an ultra-luxurious \u201cfabric\u201d that is lightweight, soft and enduring.\nNaza Italia says the exclusive Zegna Pelletessuta black interior with Radica wood trims is carefully paired with the Bronzo tri-coat exterior, but customers can also choose to have the Blue Nobile tri-coat colour instead.\nThe Maserati Levante S GranSport will also have sportier front and rear bumpers, full-LED Matrix adaptive headlamps, and 21-inch Helios rims.\n\u201cLike Maserati, the Pelletessuta by Ermenegildo Zegna combines new avantgarde technologies with century-old craftsmanship to create innovation. It comes to life in the Maserati Levante S GranSport to heighten the experience for both driver and passenger, while exquisitely complementing its luxurious, race-inspired performance,\u201d said Naza Corporation, Group CEO, Dato\u2019 Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan.\nThe Zegna Pelletessuta leather has been applied to the sport seats and the door panels. Occupants inside will also enjoy a spectacular aural atmosphere thanks to the inclusion of the 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 1,280-watts.\nA commemorative inscription that reads \u201cErmenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta\u201d adds even more exclusivity to the model that\u2019s seeming perfect for those with a taste for Italian flair.\nThe Ermenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta edition is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol pushing out \n430 hp\n and \n580 Nm\n of torque.\nDrive is channelled to all four corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission and the rear-biased intelligent Q4 all-wheel drive system. The century sprint takes \n5.2 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of 264 km/h.\nThe Levante S GranSport also features the brand\u2019s comprehensive range of Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) that bundles Integrated Vehicle Control, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View Camera, Highway Assist System, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.\nThe five units of Maserati Levante S GranSport Ermenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta that are exclusively allocated to Malaysia is priced from \nRM838,800\n, inclusive of local duties and taxes.\nEvery purchase of this Maserati Levant S GranSport comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and a premium service maintenance package over the same duration or up to 60,000 kilometres of travel.\nGALLERY"
"Within exactly 48 days at the new TOC-Aylezo Racing Academy, drivers of all levels, regardless of experience (or lack thereof), will be able to immerse themselves in\u00a0the expansive realm of motorsports. Yes, just eight weeks spent within the confines of this impressive facility will give you an edge over your peers at the track.\nTo briefly introduce the duo, TOC Automotive College (TOC) is one of the country\u2019s earliest automotive education institute, whereas Aylezo is a formidable homegrown race team that\u2019s gained international recognition through their involvement in many motorsports series. Together, they formed the \nTOC-Aylezo Racing Academy\n that sits on 8-acres of land in 3StonePark, Glenmarie.\nThe Racing Academy is equipped with a cafe, restaurant, gym, an elaborately designed go-kart track (just shy of 1km long), spa, recreational space with pool tables and foosball, as well as hobby stores that sell RC cars. The 8-week long course costs just \nRM9,500\n\u00a0(RM8,500 for TOC students) \u2013 which is rather affordable considering the breadth of knowledge you\u2019ll be taking with you \u2013 and grants you full access to the aforementioned facilities, including several classrooms for theoretical learning and a full-fledge racing simulator. These \nmotion-enabled simulators\n cost \nRM150,000\n a pop, and is fully imported from Australia. Yup, these guys do more than just take you for a spin in their \nfour-stroke 250cc go-kart\n.\nTOC-Aylezo Racing Academy has\n five intakes annually\n, beginning in February, April, July, August and November. The only thing you need to sign up is a valid driving license and/or basic knowledge of cars and motorsports. Every single student will be coached and instructed by established professional drivers. Below is a brief rundown on the course:\nLearning the fundamentals of proper seating positions and how to brake.\nLearn how to properly modulate the accelerator and manage field of view\nImprove fitness levels and race a full week on the go-kart track\nLearn the performance aspects of a car setup and mods to personalise your ride\nGet on the RM150k racing simulator and experience every single circuit around the world\nTime Attack! Just how much have you improved in just 48 days?\nSo, if you\u2019ve got a valid driver\u2019s license and can think of no better way to spend RM9,500, we highly recommend signing up to learn driving from the pros themselves. If you also plan to turn your go-fast hobby into a money-generating career, perhaps this platform would lay down the stepping stones to your personal success down the road. Otherwise, simply drop by their facility to have a blast around their go-kart track, and more!\n \n \nWe at \nAutoBuzz.my\u00a0\nwould like to congratulate TOC Automotive College and Aylezo on the joint venture to promote motorsports at the grassroots level. Thanks for the insightful tour and amazing hospitality, guys!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has expanded its Dream Cars line up with the new \nMercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe in three distinct flavours\n. Aimed squarely against the likes of the \nPorsche Panamera\n, let GC Mah take you on a quick look of the new GT 4-door Coupe.\n \nThe GT 4-door Coupe range starts from the entry-level \nGT 43\n variant powered by the M256 3.0-litre bi-turbo inline-six with EQ Boost integrated starter generator pushing out \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque while the \nGT 53\n uses the same mill with a higher tune of \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n.\nThe top of the line \nGT 63\u00a0S\n gets the full brute M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 from the \nMercedes-AMG GT R\n packing \n639 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. All variants of the GT 4-door feature the 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive as standard.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GT\u00a063\u00a0S 4MATIC+ Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Southeast Asia\u2019s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, Carsome, has opened the doors to its new \nCarsome PJ Automall\n, its biggest experience center to date in Malaysia and the first to offer electric vehicle charging stations.\nThe Automall enables customers to experience prospective cars \u2013 from viewing to selecting, to on-the-spot test driving \u2013 before completing their purchase with on-site financial facilities that can process loan applications and approvals in\n one day\n. The experience centre also offers detailing and tinting services.\u00a0The Automall also plays host to banking partners such as Maybank and Public Bank; Ecotint and Glass Auto.\nCarsome Group CEO, Eric Cheng.\n\u201cThe launch of the Carsome PJ Automall will strengthen our online-to-offline hybrid offering and raise the bar on our customers\u2019 car-buying experience. Our motivation is to make this experience center a lifestyle-centric one, where customers can walk in to enjoy the shopping process, and more importantly, leave the worry and hassle to our dedicated teams,\u201d said Carsome co-founder and Group CEO, Eric Cheng.\nIn conjunction with the launch of the Carsome PJ Automall, Carsome will be organising a two-day Shop and Dine Carsome Carnival from the 11th to the 12th of June (Saturday and Sunday) between 12.00 noon to 8.30 pm.\nVisitors will be served food and can enjoy music performances, activities, and games as they browse through Carsome\u2019s listing of pre-owned cars. There will also be lucky draws with prizes worth up to RM12,000.\nLocated along the Federal Highway in the iconic Naza Automall showroom, the Carsome PJ Automall occupies a built-up space of over 100,000 sq ft. It can accommodate more than 200 cars \u2013 from Carsome\u2019s growing online inventory of over 1,600 cars \u2013 ranging from SUVs, MPVs, 4x4s, sedans, and hatchbacks to the luxury cars.\nRELATED: Carsome Certified Lab launched \u2013 own a thoroughly refurbished used car with warranty!"
"If you think that the regular \nAudi RS 5\n Coupe does not pack the aggression befitting of the RS badge, the Carbon Edition will convince you to sign your name on the dotted line for one. Available for order in the UK at a \u00a312,500 (RM70k) premium over the standard RS 5 Coupe, the Carbon Edition adds motorsport-inspired Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) trims.\nPanels that have been swapped out for \nCFRP\n parts include the bonnet, roof, front and rear spoiler, side sills, diffuser insert and wing mirror caps. Wheels have also been upsized to 20-inch \u20185-arm peak\u2019 design alloy wheels finished in anthracite matt black. Despite the larger wheel diameter, each individual wheel is 2 kg lighter than the standard 19-inch items, giving a total unsprung weight savings of\n 8 kg\n. The Red brake callipers are also a unique addition to the Carbon Edition.   Pop open the bonnet and you\u2019ll be greeted by a CFRP engine cover that nestles the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that continues to churn out \n444 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of twisting force. Drive is sent to all four corners via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in \n3.9 seconds\n while top speed is limited to 250 km/h which can be extended to \n280 km/h\n for a fee.\nDuring the local launch of the \nall-new Audi A4 B9\n, Audi Malaysia has revealed their \nplans of introducing new S and RS models\n. Twelve months have since passed and we have not caught wind of the launch of the S or RS models. Fingers crossed that the good people at Audi Malaysia has not killed the hopes and dreams of owning one of these fire-breathing Audi Sport models.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just when you thought you\u2019ve seen the last limited-edition Chiron to come out of Bugatti, another one pops up for a cool 3 million Euros (before tax) \u2013 the \nhandling-focused Pur Sport\n. Yes, the \nDivo \nis already a track-special based on the Chiron, but that one costs \n5 million Euros\n each and all 40 units have been spoken for, so it\u2019s only natural that Bugatti starts a fresh batch.\n The wing is fixed on the Pur Sport.\nLike the \nChiron Sport\n, the premise of the Pur Sport isn\u2019t to add more horsepower but to make it lighter while optimising other areas of the hypercar.\n \nThe Pur Sport shed a total of \n50 kg\n through the use of \ntitanium \nin the exhaust and brake systems, deletion of the hydraulic actuation for the rear wing, \nmagnesium alloy wheels\n (shod with bespoke Michelin Cup 2 R rubber), even a lighter Alcantara trim on the interior contributed to the weight savings.\nMore Alcantara doesn\u2019t hurt.\nA handling special wouldn\u2019t be complete without work done on its aerodynamics and suspension, to that end, the Pur Sport gets a more aggressive \nnew rear diffuser\n to complement the \nfixed rear wing\n, along with a \nnew front splitter and air intakes\n to achieve higher downforce. The front and rear damping has been retuned with stiffness increased by \n65% and 33%\n respectively, now with carbon-fibre anti-roll bars and revised wheel camber.\nWhile the 1,500 hp and 1,600 Nm 8.0-litre W16 engine is untouched, the ratios in the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission have been \nrecalibrated closer by 15%\n, which enables \u2018shorter gear jumps\u2019 and far stronger in-gear acceleration but it also reduces the Chiron\u2019s top speed from \n420 km/h to 350 km/h\n, partly hindered by the increased downforce as well. Well, you can\u2019t have everything, even for 3 million Euros.\nBugatti Chiron Pur Sport gallery"
"The R version is expeceted to arrive in just under five years, following the \nintroduction of the ID.3 electric vehicle\n just a couple weeks back at the Frankfurt Motor Show.\nIn a report by Autocar UK, the \u201chot version\u201d of the ID.3 will be faster than a Golf GTI with all-wheel drive capabilities, according to Volkswagen. Just how quick remains to be seen but the outgoing \nMk 7.5 Golf GTI we reviewed\n does \n0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds\n \u2013 that should offer some perspectives.\nOn the development of the project, Volkswagen said the R version of the ID.3 would strike a balance between performance and electric driving range as presently, EV range in high performance electric cars are still compromised. For now, Volkswagen isn\u2019t even sure if it would be called the R.\nThe ID.3 is available in \nthree different battery sizes\n \u2013 45 kWh, 58 kWh and 77 kWh \u2013 offering 330 km, 420 km and 550 km of electric driving range respectively. All models are powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous motor with \n201 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n sent to the rear wheels and can achieve a top speed of 160 km/h.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3w3fVS-SgQ&\nVolkswagen has been making headlines recent with their exploits in electric driving with the ID.R race car breaking records at the \nPikes Peak\n and the \nNurburging\n."
"After taking Pipes Peak and \nGoodwood Hillclimb\n, the all-electric Volkswagen ID.R is ready for its ultimate challenge at the Green Hell. Behind the wheel of the ID.R is once again Romain Dumas, who is a four-time winner of the 24-hour race at the N\u00fcrburgring.\nThe ID.R is now the fastest electric vehicle around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife with a record-breaking lap time of \n6 minutes and 5.336 seconds\n beating the previous record holder, the \nNIO EP9\n by a mind-boggling \n40.564 seconds\n.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iZY5IMn0wg\n Romain Dumas\nWhile the EP9 is a road-legal hypercar, the ID.R is a stripped out track machine weighing just under 1,100 kg with two electric motors delivering \n500 kW (680 hp)\n to all four wheels. The slim bodywork and massive rear wing also help it cut through the air more efficiently while keeping itself planted to the track at speeds.\nChairman of the Board\nof Management of Volkswagen Group, Herbert Diess commented: \u201cThe Nordschleife\nof the N\u00fcrburgring is not only the world\u2019s most demanding racetrack, it is also\nthe ultimate test for production vehicles. The ID.R has mastered this challenge\nwith great distinction and has completed the fastest emission-free lap of all\ntime. As further proof of its impressive performance capabilities, Volkswagen\u2019s\ne-mobility can now proudly call itself \u2018N\u00fcrburgring-approved\u2019.\u201d"
"After two years of playing second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg is\u00a0finally crowned as the latest Formula One World Champion. The German took\u00a0second place in the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, five points ahead of teammate and title rival, Lewis Hamilton.\nThe journey to his first-ever F1 title was not an easy one\u00a0for the German. To make things worse, Rosberg had to finish the race in at least fourth position, and this was when Hamilton was leading the race. Pressure also came from Ferrari\u2019s Sebastian Vettel and the Red Bull Racing duo (Max Verstappen and Daniel\u00a0Ricciardo).\nThis season, Rosberg\u2019s performance was sensational at best. He won a total of nine races out of 21\u00a0and secured eight pole positions. He retired just once throughout the year in Spain, but that was because of a collision caused by Hamilton.\nThis is his first world title after joining the pinnacle of motorsports in 2006. He had spent years in Williams F1 before moving to the Mercedes F1 team. His father, Keke Rosberg, was the 1982\u00a0F1 world champion. With that, the Rosbergs are the second father and son pair to win an F1 title since Graham and Damon Hill.\nOur heartiest congratulations go out to Nico Rosberg and the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team for their triumph in 2016!\n[Image Source: Daimler Global Media]"
"Ken Block\n is back with his Gymkhana video in a Ford, but this time it\u2019s not a Fiesta. In \nGymkhana\n SEVEN\n, Ken Block unleashed a tricked-out \nFord Mustang\n aptly-called \nThe Hoonicorn\n.\nThe Hoonicorn is based on a \n1965 Mustang\n that has been extensively modified and packs \n845 hp\n from a \n410 cubic inch\n (that\u2019s 6.7-litres) \nRoush Yates V8\n driving \nall four wheels\n via a \nsix-speed sequential transmission\n.\nThe Hoonicorn was built in a span of two years at \nASD Motorsports\n in Charlotte, North Carolina. Needless to say Ken Block is very pleased with the result, as you can see from his latest Gymkhana SEVEN video where he took The Hoonicorn to the streets of Los Angeles.\n\u201cThis is a project that I\u2019ve been working on for two years, so to see it fully come to fruition and be able to drive it for Gymkhana SEVEN was absolutely amazing. I also knew that working with Vaughn [Gittin Jr.] and his RTR team was the right choice for this project since Mustang\u2019s are their world, but they really went above and beyond on this car. The attention to detail with the fabrication and bodywork blows my mind. This is hands-down the best Gymkhana car I\u2019ve had yet.\u201d says Ken Block.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As car companies become more software-centric, it is no surprise that upcoming cars will be upgradable via software by the manufacturers themselves. As such, \nMercedes-Benz\n has just launched a new \u201cAcceleration Increase\u201d page on its USA customer website. Claiming to make your car accelerate for up to 1 second quicker (0-60mph), the subscription package is listed at a yearly price of $1,200.00 (approx. \nRM5,494.20\n).\nPreviously, companies like Hyundai and Renault have announced their plan for software-centric vehicles. \nHyundai\u2019s Software Defined Vehicle (SDV)\n gives customers the freedom to remotely upgrade the performance and functionality of their vehicles anywhere at any time. Renault has joined forces with Google to also develop future SDVs.\nMercedes-Benz EQS 450+ launched in Malaysia\nAccording to the Mercedes-Benz USA customer website, the \u201cAcceleration Increase subscription\u201d would \u201cunleash enhanced performance for your car\u201d and provide \u201cnoticeable improvement in acceleration of 0.8 to 1.0 seconds (0-60mph times)\u201d. The package essentially boosts the car\u2019s output by 20-24%, depending on the original output from the factory.\nThe torque is also increased, and Mercedes-Benz EQ customers can select the additional output in the \u2018Dynamic Select\u2019 drive programs. The increased acceleration is \u201cavailable irrespective of the \u2018Dynamic Select\u2019 drive program\u201d. The performance boost and the corresponding quicker acceleration times for the selected Mercedes-Benz EQ models are as such:\nVehicle\nStandard Performance\n\u2018Boosted\u2019 Performance\nStandard 0-60mph\n\u2018Boosted\u2019 0-60mph\nMercedes-EQ EQE 350 4MATIC\n215 kW\n260 kW\n6.0 s\n5.1 s\nMercedes-EQ EQE SUV 350 4MATIC\n215 kW\n260 kW\n6.2 s\n5.2 s\nMercedes-EQ EQS 450 4MATIC\n265 kW\n330 kW\n5.3 s\n4.5 s\nMercedes-EQ EQS SUV 450 4MATIC\n265 kW\n330 kW\n5.8 s\n4.9 s\nRELATED: \nMercedes me Store launched in Malaysia \u2013 Navigation now requires subscription\nMercedes-Benz EQE SUV\nBesides the performance increase, the \u201cAcceleration Increase\u201d package also allows you to make \u201cadjustments of the motor characteristic curve, torque, and maximum output\u201d. Currently only available for the EQE, \nEQE SUV\n, \nEQS\n, and \nEQS SUV\n, the EQE SUV shows the greatest improvement in 0-60mph acceleration time by a full second.\nAs all features and technology go, the software-centric performance boost will eventually find its way into more entry-level models. The electric and software-centric future of cars is creating new business opportunities and customer experiences. The \u2018Acceleration Increase\u2019 subscription package is not available in Malaysia at the time of writing, although the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is already available in Malaysia.\nALSO WATCH: \nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC, from RM329k \u2013 5 Things"
"The 2020 Paris Motor Show, originally scheduled to start on the 29th of September, has been cancelled \u201cin its current format\u201d, with organisers citing uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequent economic shockwave.\nAccording to a statement released by the organisers, the main event at the Porte de Versailles will not continue as planned. However, other side events such as the Movin\u2019On summit and Smart City exhibition from the larger Paris Motion Festival will not be affected as of now.\nThe statement adds, \u201cThe deep reinvention of the event that we had already initiated, particularly with the Festival dimension around sustainable mobility as well as an important B2B section, could offer this opportunity.\n\u201cNothing will ever be the same, but from this crisis we must learn to become agile, creative and more innovative than ever.\u201d\nThe Paris Motor Show is yet another addition to the growing list of cancelled or postponed automotive events around the world, including the \nabruptly cancelled\n Geneva Motor Show, \nNew York auto show\n, and recently the \nDetroit motor show\n.\nThe Paris Motor Show, which alternates annually with the Frankfurt motor show, has seen dwindling attendance figures in recent years. It remains unclear if the \u201ctraditional\u201d motor show will make its return as a full show in 2022, based on the \u201cdeep reinvention\u201d mentioned in the statement.\nThe Frankfurt motor show has been\n relocated to Munich\n starting from 2021."
"Lambroghini has just announced a new variant\u00a0to the Aventador lineup, the new Lamborghini Aventador S. Bridging the gap between the base Aventador and the track-focused Aventador SV, the new S offers dramatically improved performance over the standard model.\nAt a glance, the Aventador S gets revised aerodynamic design, increased power, redeveloped suspension and new driver setting. In case you\u2019re concerned, this beast of a car is still naturally aspirated with 12 cylinders.\nWith the intention to dramatically enhance the Aventador\u2019s handling performance, it now wears a new front bumper and rear diffuser. Both were design to maximise aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag and generating downforce. As a result, the new Aventador S boasts\n 130 percent improved front downforce\n, over \n50 percent\n \nimproved overall efficiency\n at high downforce and over \n400 percent\n in low drag situations over the \nAventador coup\u00e9\n.\nThe massive 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 mounted at the rear has been optimised to push out 40 more horses at \n740 hp\n and \n690 Nm\n of torque. Thanks to a better torque curve, maximum \nengine revs have increased\n from 8,350 rpm to\n 8,500 rpm\n. Power is sent to all-four wheels via a single-clutch seven-speed ISR gearbox. Century sprint is done in \n2.9 seconds\n while top speed is rated at \n350 km/h\n.\nNot to forget to give the Aventador S some extra Lamborghini flair, a \nnewly developed exhaust system\n that is 20 percent lighter than the standard model provides an even more exciting soundtrack. In case you didn\u2019t know, the Aventador S is also equipped with \nengine\u00a0start-stop system\n and \ncylinder deactivation technology\n to bring down fuel economy to \n16.9 litres per 100 km\n.\nUnlike the \nAventador SV\n that uses a massive rear wing and stiffer suspension setup to tame the extra horses, the Aventador S keeps all the power in check with \nfour-wheel steering\n\u00a0(a Lambo first) where the rear wheels turns in the opposite direction of the front at low speeds for sharper turn in. At high speeds, all wheels turn in the same direction to provide maximum stability. The Aventador S also gets updated pushrod and Lamborghini Magneto-rheological Suspension (LMS) as well as improved Electronic Stability Control programming. Specially developed Pirelli P Zero sticky tyres and carbon ceramic brakes are standard.\nIn addition to the usual three selectable driving modes \u2013 Strada, Sport and Corsa, Lamborghini has included a new \ncustomisable EGO mode\n. As the name suggests, it allows the drivers to select their desired traction, steering and suspension settings. The EGO mode also enables the driver to configure the new TFT digital instrument cluster to display their preferred digital screens.\nThrough \nLamborghini\u2019s Ad Personam\u00a0\nprogramme, customers are able to customise every detail of the interior from an optional Lamborghini Telemetry System that records track performance to the stitching colour. At the very least we know that Apple CarPlay is a standard feature.\nBase price of the Lamborghini Aventador S starts at \u20ac281,555 (RM1.3 mil) excluding taxes and options. Customer deliveries of the new Aventador S begins in Spring 2017. So dear readers, which Italian supercar would be your pick? This or Maranello\u2019s twin-turbocharged \n488 GTB\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Yeap, you heard that right \u2013 the Kia Picanto GT Line comes with a sunroof! Now which fresh graduate or college kid would not want that? Probably none.\nFor\n RM57,888,\u00a0RM8,000\u00a0more\nthan the\n standard Picanto\u00a0we\u00a0reviewed\n which goes for RM49,888, the sunroof isn\u2019t the only addition to the standard Picanto.\nThe other significant feature added to the Picanto GT Line, which would probably come in handy for those who are constantly on the phone behind the wheel (mostly youngsters) is the Autonomous Emergency Braking function.\nOther attractive goodies that will surely resonate with the younger buying crowd are features such as the automatic air conditioning, cruise control, illuminated vanity mirror and two-tone leather seats which, unlike most cars in this segment, actually looks quite classy and tastefully put together.\nIf there are any young boys and girls who are attentive to their car\u2019s condition, they\u2019d appreciate the Type Pressure Monitoring System feature.\nBut by far the biggest attraction to the car, is how it looks on the outside. If the standard Picanto looked harmless and adorable, the GT Line looks like it\u2019s dress in tactical gear.\nBigger 16-inch rims (standard 14-inch), along with more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and dual exit exhaust pipes makes this Picanto GT Line the most \u201cgaya\u201d car under RM60,000.\nAnd it shows too! At the \n2019 Malaysia Autoshow\n where the GT Line is displayed, the younger visitors can\u2019t resist stopping by for a look.\nDon\u2019t believe me? Come see it for yourself.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I don\u2019t always have the privilege of being at every media drive; not because of the publication I\u2019m at or previously from but probably due to a lack of exposure, I suppose, in this field. But when I do, it almost always never disappoint.\nAnd I\u2019m happy to say, yesterday was one of those days.\nFresh of the boat from the MINI Track Days 2017 just a few days ago, we got to experience two different cars today at the Hyundai Elantra Media Drive. They were the newly launched naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre Elantra and the 1.6-litre turbocharged Elantra Sport.   First impressions were great. It was instantly noticeable how much better looking they were from its predecessor \u2013 with leaner proportions and sharper features. Within the 2.0-liter model itself, comes two different variants, the Executive and the Dynamic where the latter essentially comes with a sporty body kit to differentiate itself from the Executive. Personally, I preferred the clean and simple lines of the Executive but as the saying goes, to each his own.\n2.0-litre Elantra Executive\nMoving on to the drive, the 2.0-liter Elantra was my designated vehicle. Setting aside the interior for now, I find myself checking a lot of boxes pertaining to the Elantra and one of them is throttle response. Equipped with a 6-speed Automatic gearbox, the Elantra\u2019s acceleration and gear changes reacted swiftly to every input of the accelerator \u2013 very connected, very pleasing.   That said, while initial throttle response is superb, and even more so in Sports Mode, the 2.0-liter MPI engine that produces around 150 horsepower and 192 Nm of torque just seemed to lack the extra grunt to pull itself to the end of the rev range.\nAnother thing I\u2019d like to highlight is the ride comfort. There were 3 of us motoring media sharing the same Elantra and we all unanimously agreed on how comfortable the ride was. Whether it was on the PLUS highway or the trunk roads, the Elantra absorbed the humps and bumps on the road so well that its undulations could simply go unnoticed.\n1.6-litre Elantra Sport\u00a0\nWhile the interior\u2019s design remained largely unchanged, there are a few standout features in this turbocharged sports variant. Distinguishing itself from the sombre surroundings of the 2.0-litre\u2019s cabin, the Elantra Sports features additional trims with a carbon fibre appearance, vibrant Red and Black leather combination upholstery with sufficiently supportive Sport Seats.\n.   And you\u2019d need those seats to keep you in place cause this Elantra loves and relishes being thrown around. That\u2019s because the Elantra Sport comes with a multi-link rear axle as compared to the 2.0-litre Elantra\u2019s Torsion Beam setup and the vast difference could instantly be noticed at the first bend. It felt sure-footed and poised even at high speeds and although it has made the ride a tad stiffer, comfort was not at all compromised.\nIts got a different steering too; one that resembles the same unit from the Hyundai IONIQ together with pedal shifters that allows you to seamlessly go through the gears of the 7-speed DCT transmission. It\u2019s performance is something to be reckoned with. With a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing just over 200 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque, the Elantra Sport\u2019s performance was simply unbelievable.\nIf anything, power delivery was so smooth that it did not feel like a turbocharged engine but it instead provided the performance of a strong Naturally-aspirated engine. That said, I stand corrected.\nThe edgy exterior of the turbocharged Elantra certainly reflected the sporty nature of its drive. It\u2019s even got some aerodynamic bits to further enhance it\u2019s stability \u2013 which provided impeccable stability as we stretched its legs on the open road. Not only comes with wheel air curtains, it\u2019s undercarriage is also largely covered up, giving the Elantra a class leading drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd.\nGiven my limited time behind the wheel, I\u2019m afraid there\u2019s only so much that can be shared from my experience with both variants of the Elantra. I\u2019d say this though; as thrilling as it was to drive, it\u2019s still far from being the yardstick of it\u2019s segment but seeing the improvements the Elantra has undergone over the years, this is Hyundai\u2019s most exciting offering to date. To drive, at least.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2.0-litre Elantra Executive & Dynamic   1.6 Turbo Elantra Sport"
"While we\u2019re still waiting for the arrival of the new \nG30 5 Series\n on Malaysian shores, BMW has gone ahead to unveil the G31 5 Series Touring. Sharing the latest tech and the charming good looks of the G30 5 Series Sedan, the G31 5 Series Touring adds more practicality into the mix, particularly at the tail end of the vehicle.\nThe added bulk round the back means it can carry at least\n\u00a040 additional litres \nof cargo in the boot compared to the Sedan (the Sedan\u2019s boot holds 530 litres), and can be expanded\u00a0\nup to 1,700 litres\n by folding the rear seats down. You could fold them down manually, but it can also be done by pressing a button in the boot. The tailgate itself is available with hands-free opening and closing, and the rear window opens separately for a quick access.\nFrom the rear seats forwards it\u2019s the same cabin found in the G30 5 Series Sedan. This means that the top spec car is fitted with \n10.25-inch touchscreen\n display for the iDrive infotainment system that supports \nvoice command and gesture control\n.\nSharing the same tech as the Sedan, the 5 Series Touring can be specced with the semi-autonomous\n Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function\n and \nLane Keeping Assistant\n which keeps the car in its lane for speeds \nup to 210 km/h\n. \nParking Assistant\n lends a helping hand in steering the car into a parking spot, or you can do it from outside the car by simply using the remote.\nAt launch, there are two petrol and two diesel variants. The \n530i\n uses a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n with \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, while a\n 3.0-litre inline-six\n in the \n540i\n develops \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n. The \n2.0-litre four-pot diesel\n in the \n520d\n generates \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, while the\u00a0\n530d\n gets a\n 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel\n\u00a0that\u2019s good for\n\u00a0265 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n.\nOnly the 520d can be had with a \nsix-speed manual\n.\u00a0Otherwise, an \neight-speed ZF automatic\n is tasked to deliver power to the rear wheels. The \nxDrive all-wheel drive\n system is standard on the 540i, but it\u2019s available as an option on the 530d.\nWant one? Don\u2019t keep your hopes high. We doubt that the G31 5 Series Touring will ever make it here in Malaysia, but we\u2019re hearing good news about the G30 5 Series Sedan, so watch this space for future updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following its success last year, where visitors from over 65 countries were attracted to one of the biggest automotive trade shows in Asia, the Taipei AMPA has announced its return for 2022.\nIn 2021, the 2nd largest automotive trade show in Asia attracted the likes of Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mahle, Valeo, Denso, Foxtron, and PTT Oil as a platform to meet and mingle with other aftermarket and automotive electronics manufacturers.\nIf you\u2019re unaware, Malaysia and Thailand have been big consumers of automotive products from Taiwan; importing parts totaling USD237 million in 2019. The same year also saw other ASEAN countries acquire over USD480 million worth of automotive parts and electronics.\nThis year\u2019s edition has seen all major manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories including lighting and EV components have signed up to show off their latest developments.\nEach year, AMPA attracts only the best in OEM automotive parts manufacturing including Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Fisker, and Gogoro here. In focusing on C.A.S.E (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric), Taipei AMPA promises to display only the best in IoV, EV, 5G, and C-V2X technology while visitors (both online and on-site) can expect a display of the future to the automotive industry.\nSince an online version of AMPA was launched in 2021, it has become the first international automotive trade show to be held physically and virtually. For the 2022 edition, the AMPA Digital Go platform has been introduced to not only connect exhibitors and buyers, but will also provide various digital tools for vendors to showcase their products more effectively.\nThe \nonline version \nof the 2022 Taipei AMPA Hybrid Show takes place between the 11th \u2013 24th of April, while the physical expo takes place between the 20th \u2013 23rd April, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall 1.\nThe Taipei AMPA is Asia\u2019s 2nd largest automotive trade show since its inception in 1984 and is also the only show in Asia that offers two and four-wheeled innovations and solutions under one roof.\nFor more information on the TAIPEI AMPA tradeshow and its vendors, click \nhere\n or click \nhere\n to register. Keep in touch with the latest developments of Taipei AMPA through their \nFacebook\n and\n Twitter \nacoount!"
"The \nall-new Subaru BRZ\n, unveiled just last month, has a sort of silly-grin look to it \u2013 to us at least \u2013 probably due to its large mouth-like grille. While it\u2019s inoffensive, the gleeful look probably won\u2019t fly in a more serious setting, like the \nSuper GT\n races that Subaru races in. It\u2019s a good thing then that the changes Subaru made on the BRZ Super GT300 challenger makes it look properly angry.\nThe new race car was revealed during a Subaru Motorsport fan appreciation live stream over the weekend. For those who just want to see and hear it in action, check it out in the video below at 1:54:52.\n \nWhile it\u2019s based on the road-going Subaru BRZ, not much is shared between that and this race car version aside from the general silhouette and the headlights and taillights. Set to compete in the Super GT300 class (the lower-rung class in the series), the race car version of the Subaru BRZ is given a much more aggressive exterior with widened fenders, a huge front splitter, massive two-tiered rear diffusers, and of course, a humongous towering rear wing, because race car.\nThere\u2019s also the obligatory race car ducts and vents, a ventilated front bonnet, race fuelling mechanisms, simplified side mirrors, polycarbonate windows (for weight savings), lightweight BBS wheels, and what appears to be an escape hatch on the roof. Subaru basically did not share any other details regarding the race car specification BRZ, though do expect most of the exterior bodywork to be made out of carbon fibre.\nWhat\u2019s also still a mystery is its beating heart underneath the front bonnet. Based on Subaru\u2019s previous entries into the Super GT300 class, we figure that it will still be a four-cylinder boxer engine underneath the hood, but of course, a lot higher in output than the 228 hp and 249 Nm of torque of the road-going version.\nWe\u2019ll know more about it soon enough, but for those that want to see it in person, the Subaru BRZ race car will be competing in the Super GT 300 series next year, where Sepang has been confirmed to return in the 2021 calendar for a night race \u2013 pending confirmation of dates!\nGALLERY"
"We last heard of the Audi Q8 name \na little over a year ago\n and now the four-rings have kick-started the launch campaign of its upcoming SUV coupe. Slated for global unveiling at the 2018 Audi China Brand Summit in Shenzhen, the Q8 is teased in a series of short films.\nPositioned as the \nBMW X6\n and \nMercedes-Benz GLE Coupe\n rival, the Q8 is essentially a spin-off of the Q7 that sits at the top of Audi\u2019s SUV range. In concept form, the SUV coupe retains much of its family design cues like the hexagonal Singleframe grille, slim headlamps and single stripe trim that connects the taillamps.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfmI_H0mH34&list=PLjUGX1CoBABkBAxF2eC73FQL9jqGsZBKN&index=1\nWhat is noticeably unique to the Q8 is the decidedly angular C-pillar that meets the extended tailgate design, giving the SUV its coupe silhouette. As for cabin design, expect the Q8 to feature items on the \nnew-generation A8\n such as triple-screen Audi Virtual Dashboard and an array of luxury items. It remains to be seen whether the Q8 will be offered as a four- or five-seater.\nTechnical information on the new SUV coupe is scarce but Audi has given the public a glimpse when it displayed the Q8 Concept with a plug-in hybrid powertrain generating \n328 hp\n. The company previously has shown the \nQ8 Sport Concept\n with a 3.0-litre petrol V6 mild-hybrid to deliver \n476 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of twist.   The 2018 Audi China Brand Summit will take place on 5 June 2018 where the first-ever Audi Q8 will be revealed in full. In the meantime, tune in to the \nmini-series\n leading up to the official launch of the Q8.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi Q8 Sport Concept"
"For those who want their Hondas to look a little edgier, Mugen\u2019s body kits are a great place to start. We\u2019ve all seen the Mugen treatment on the \nHonda Civic Type R\n, and now the Japanese aftermarket company has brought a lot of the same design over to the regular Civic, though unfortunately (for us Malaysians) most of the parts currently available are for the Hatchback version only.\nOn the outside, the cosmetic upgrades include a carbon fibre front grille, front bumper garnishes, front lip extension, side skirts, rear lip with integrated diffuser, a two-tiered roof spoiler, and two 19-inch wheel designs to choose from.\nAdditional accessories include ventilated door visors, redesigned replacement LED taillights, carbon-fibre wing mirror covers, hydrophobic wing mirror inserts with integrated LED indicators, carbon-fibre number-plate holder, and even door handle protectors. Of course, Mugen badges and emblems are available to purchase as well.\nThe highlight of the new Mugen kit for us though, is the unusually-shaped tailpipes, which can be purchased as part of the sports exhaust system. Mugen says that the \u201cdual hexagonal\u201d taipipe exits are inspired by the nozzles on the jet fighters, though to us they just look like deformed square steel tubings that don\u2019t really seem right from any angle you look at it.\nEither way, Mugen says that the sport exhaust system is made from lightweight stainless steel, and is certified for use as a replacement exhaust system by the Japanese government. Other performance-enhancing parts include high-performance brake pads, larger brake rotors, micromesh brake lines, high-performance brake fluid, low-temperature thermostat, engine oil treatment, high-performance engine oils developed with Motul, as well as a high-performance oil filter.\nInside, the Honda Civic can be fitted with a flat-bottomed leather/carbon fibre steering wheel, Alcantara FIA-certified full bucket driver seat, quick shifter kit, Mugen push-start button, red or black floor mats, carbon-fibre-like inner door protector sticker, as well as Mugen scuff plates.\nWhile we don\u2019t get have the hatchback version here in Malaysia, the \n2020 Honda Civic sedan\n, launched late February this year, is now available starting at RM109,326 thanks to the \nsales tax exemptions\n in place until the end of the year \u2013 you can see the full updated price list for Honda models \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the same digital launch event that revealed the motorsport-inspired variants of the \nProton Iriz R3\n and \nProton Saga R3\n, the national automaker also introduced \nBlack Edition\n models of the Persona and Exora.\nAs the name implies, Quartz black was chosen at the company felt the colour suggested a sense of elegance and premium-ness. Black also create a favourable impression.\nThe \nPersona\n and \nExora\n Black Edition models are based on the highest Premium grade of both models. Black highlights are found on the upper grille with gold accents applied to the front and rear lower bumper garnish. Black garnish on the headlamps completes the updates upfront.\nThe rims continue with the dual-tone finish but now highlighted in gold, with a matching gold sticker running at the lower edge of both vehicles.\nInside, the Proton Persona Black Edition sees the biggest change compared to the Premium variant it is based on. The two-tone black with light grey interior has been switched to an \nall-black\n affair, from ceiling to the floor.\nBoth vehicles have its centre console surrounding the touch screen finished in gold, with the Persona having additional gold highlights on the control dials of the air-conditioner. All Proton cars are now fitted with an \nN95 cabin filter\n.\nBlack leatherette material with contrast stitching wraps the seats of both family-oriented vehicles. The Proton Exora Bold Edition comes with an added \noverhead monitor\n. \u00a0\nBoth the Proton Persona and Exora Bold Edition models are limited to just \n500 units\n each.\n\u201cThe Persona and Exora Black Edition models certainly add a premium feel and implied luxury to our two family-oriented offerings,\u201d said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar at the digital launch earlier today.\nA quick recap of the features of the Proton Persona Black Edition. The engine has outputs of \n109 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque from the 1.6-litre engine paired with a CVT. Features include automatic headlamps, the seven-inch infotainment system with GKUI voice command, push start button, six airbags and a reverse camera.\nThe Proton Persona Black Edition is priced at \nRM54,700\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions valid until the 30th of June 2021.\nIn the seven-seat Proton Exora Black Edition, the turbocharged engine delivers \n140 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. Comfort and convenience features include cruise control, touch screen infotainment system, armrest on the front seats, ceiling-mounted rear air-conditioning, reverse camera, two airbags and electronic stability control (ESC). \u00a0\nThe Proton Exora Black Edition meanwhile is priced at \nRM67,800\n under similar sales conditions.\nGALLERY\nProton Persona Black Edition\nProton Exora Black Edition"
"Is the regular \nHuracan Evo\n just a bit too big (and too expensive) for you? Thanks to a new collaboration between Automobili Lamborghini and Ravensburger, you can now buy a Lamborghini Huracan Evo in the form of a 3D jigsaw puzzle instead!\nThe collaboration has faithfully recreated the Huracan EVO V10 sports car into a 1:18 scale replica 3D puzzle, and amazingly enough, it managed to capture and replicate the dynamic lines and sophisticated aerodynamic styling of the Huracan EVO through the 108 numbered plastic pieces plus accessories.\nThe 3D puzzle is almost a one-to-one copy of the actual car, from the Y-style front bumper and Y-shape in the headlights, hexagonal details that can be found throughout the car, and even the original\n Arancio Xanto\n orange paint job \u2013 with everything sized down, of course.\nLamborghini\u2019s DNA, such as the iconic low-slung profile, was not discounted eventhough the Huracan Evo has been downsized 18 times. Fully built, the 3D puzzle measures 26 cm in length.\nHowever, to recreate the car in the most true-to-life form, not every part of the Lamborghini Huracan was built in puzzle form. The kit includes 32 high quality plastic feature accessories, such as the axles, the four rotating wheels that faithfully replicate the Aesir rims found on the real car, along with a front splitter and rear diffuser.\nIf you are a Lamborghini enthusiast or simply just enjoy scale model cars, then the Ravensburger 3D Puzzle Lamborghini Hurac\u00e1n Evo could be right up your alley. Should you be interested in the puzzle, it is available on \nRavensburger\u2019s website\n for EUR34.99 (approx. RM170.62).\nGALLERY"
"PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) today handed over 10 units of the \nHonda CR-V 2.0L\n to the Road Transport Department (RTD) or more fondly known as JPJ. These vehicles will be deployed for enforcement duties on various highways by JPJ.\nThe vehicles, totalling RM1.3 million, were presented to Deputy Director General of JPJ, Tuan Zamakhshari Hanipah by PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail at Persada PLUS. The handover ceremony was also witnessed by Deputy Minister of Transport, Dato\u2019 Haji Kamarudin Jaffar and PLUS Chairman, Tan Sri Dato\u2019 Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim.\n\u201cThe presentation of these vehicles will enable PLUS to improve safety on our highways through regular enforcement by the RTD. The handing over of the vehicles to the RTD is an initiative to assist the authority in carrying out its monitoring and enforcement duties on the highways,\u201d Datuk Azman explained.\nThe PLUS-JPJ collaboration as well as other enforcement agencies implemented by PLUS saw a significant drop in the number of accidents on the North-South Expressway (NSE) \nfrom 14,532 incidents in 2016 to 13,269 incidents in 2018\n.\nDatuk Azman also announced that PLUS will be funding the installation of 11 additional AWAS speed cameras at accident-prone areas along the NSE in the coming months."
"Mercedes-Benz describes the mid-life facelift of the current generation E-Class as an \n\u2018extensive update\u2019\n, and we have no reason to doubt that. If anything, the styling makeover looks more like a \nfull model change\n as Mercedes designers wielded their modelling tools over the safe-looking but still \nstrong-selling W213 E-Class\n, which chalked up sales of \n1.2 million units\n globally since its debut in 2016.\nSomehow, the Mercedes designers managed to unlock the latent beauty of the E-Class and given it its just rewards. It\u2019s particularly obvious from the rear where vertically stacked tail-lamps make way for a \nsplit, two-piece LED item\n joined by a tasteful \nchrome strip\n on the \nnew boot lid\n. The bumper is new as well, and the end-product looks \nfar more elegant\n than before.\n \nThe change at the front is perhaps less outstanding compared to the refresh at the back of the E-Class, what Mercedes-Benz has gone for is a more \ndynamic look\n with the sporty \nAvantgarde Line\n being the \nbase trim\n with redesigned headlamps, grille and front bumper. It\u2019s a cleaner, more cohesive-looking face that\u2019s in line with the \nnew design language\n which debuted in the \nCLS\n.\nMercedes didn\u2019t stop at the exterior as the cabin and the rest of the mid-size executive saloon have also been updated with a raft of new technology, particularly in the area of \nelectrification\n. The E-Class range will get \nseven plug-in variants\n (over saloon and estate body styles, petrol and diesel), with the new \n2.0-litre M254 four-cylinder engine\n to come with an \nIntegrated Starter-Generator\n (ISG) and \n48-volt on-board electrical system\n with a \nrated output of 268hp\n plus \n20hp of electrical boost\n when available.\nThe high rate of advancement in the area of \ndriver assistance\n sees the E-Class gaining a new steering wheel with capacitive hands-off detection, Active Distance Assist (as part of Distronic), Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Brake Assist with cornering function, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and an cleverer Park Assist functions.\nLike other newer Mercedes models, the facelifted E-Class is similarly equipped with the latest execution of the \nMBUX interface\n featuring voice command, interior assistant, remote access and augmented reality.\n2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class gallery"
"Mitsubishi Motors\n has unveiled the new XFC Concept ahead of the Vietnam Motor Show 2022, which the company says will preview a new compact SUV that is set to go on sale in several ASEAN markets starting next year.\nBased on previous reports, this \u201ccompact SUV\u201d is most likely referring to the next-gen \nMitsubishi ASX\n, which is set to go up against the likes of the \nHonda HR-V\n, \nMazda CX-3\n,\n Kia Seltos\n, \nHyundai Creta\n, and if it makes it over to Malaysia, the\n Proton X50\n.\n \nUnlike the\n European-market ASX\n that was merely a rebadged \nRenault Captur\n, the XFC Concept here is very much a Mitsubishi design, which the company says is themed around it being the \u201cbest-suited buddy for an exciting life\u201d. whatever that means.\nKey design elements here include the reimagined Dynamic Shield front fascia, joined by a unique T-shaped headlights assembly that somewhat resembles Volvo\u2019s Thor\u2019s hammer look. The T-shaped is also mirrored onto the rear of the car, where the three-dimensional taillights accentuate a unique design \u201cbulge\u201d on the tailgate.\nThe unique flared wheel arches, sculpted bonnet, offroad-inspired bumpers, and swollen rear haunches all help give the compact SUV more visual muscle, although we expect these, alongside the camera-based wing \u201cmirrors\u201d system, to be significantly reworked and/or toned down when it becomes a production model.\nThe interior of the Mitsubishi XFC Concept exudes a sense of premium-ness, with a focus on good forward visibility thanks to a three-tier dashboard design wrapped in a variety of textiles and materials. However, we expect most of these, including the unique seat design and plethora of touch sensitive buttons, to be significantly scaled back in order to fit in the price bracket of a compact SUV.\nWith that being said, the general design of the cabin does look fairly production ready, with the twin floating-style displays most likely being retained in the eventual production vehicle. Mitsubishi also says that the XFC Concept was designed to maximise interior and cargo space despite its small footprint, with a particular focus on rear legroom, offering \u201ctop-level comfort in its class\u201d.\nRELATED: \nFor Europe only, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is a rebadged Renault Captur\nTechnical details for the XFC Concept (or next-gen ASX for the matter) have yet to be disclosed, but Mitsubishi says that the concept vehicle comes equipped with four driving modes \u2013 normal, wet, gravel, and mud \u2013 where the Wet mode in particular is designed with usage in ASEAN countries in mind. We all know how frequently our roads get flooded when it rains.\nMitsubishi Motors president and chief executive officer, Takao Kato also revealed that a hybrid variant for the model is also on the cards. \u201cIn the future, we plan to add an electrified variant to the lineup and to also roll it out in regions outside ASEAN,\u201d he said.\n\u201cWe hope to grow the model from a vehicle for the ASEAN market to a global strategic vehicle, making it a core model like the sales-leading \nXpander crossover MPV\n.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Looks like we will all be having a good start to the new year, because the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, Datuk Seri Hasan Malek, has announced the \nnew pricing for RON95, RON97 and diesel\n.\nEffective at the stroke of midnight of 1 January 2015, RON95 will be priced at \nRM1.91\n per litre, diesel at \nRM1.93\n\u00a0per litre and RON97 at \nRM2.11\n per litre. That\u2019s a good\u00a0\n35 sen\n reduction for RON95, \n29 sen\n for diesel and \n35 sen\n for RON97 from December\u2019s pricing since the adoption of the managed float system.\nIn a press statement, Malek said, \u201cAll oil companies and petrol station operators must abide by the new pricing, otherwise stern action will be taken against those who violate the new rules.\u201d\nAnd oh, remember \nShell\u2019s Win Free Fuel campaign\n? Now\u2019s your chance to pump more fuel! By the way, Happy New Year, guys!"
"Effective today 1st June 2018, there will be no more toll collections at the Sungai Besi toll for the Kuala Lumpur \u2013 Seremban Expressway and Salak Expressway (E37), according to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).\nAs such there will be no toll payments needed when going through the Sungai Besi toll, depending on the vehicle class in the table below. That said, you\u2019d still need to pay the normal rates when exiting at other tolls along the above mentioned highways.\nClass 1\nRM 0.80\nClass 2\nRM 1.20\nClass 3\nRM 1.70\nClass 4\nRM 0.40\nClass 5\nRM 0.60\nHowever, because the E37 is not under PLUS, what you pay at the Sungai Besi toll covers the rates for using the Kuala Lumpur \u2013 Seremban Expressway and the PLUS highway.\nUsers at the Sungai Besi toll will only need to pay the toll charges within the confinements of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) they\u2019re driving through. According to the LLM, this move is set to benefit 130,000 daily users passing through the toll."
"The new Kia 360 in Seoul is the company\u2019s first public space dedicated to showcasing its offerings including future mobility lifestyles, electrified mobility solutions, and design innovations. The centre first opened in 2017 under a previous name, BEAT360.\nThe exterior of the 20,000 sq ft building is remodeled with the brand\u2019s signature colours \u2013 Midnight Black and Polar White. Inside, the building is divided into three sections \u2013 Brand & Design Zone, EV Life Zone, and Kia User Zone.\nThe \nBrand & Design Zone\n showcases Kia\u2019s new DNA and brand strategy after its recent logo change. It\u2019s also used to display Kia\u2019s new design philosophy through \u2018thought-provoking\u2019 art.\nIn the EV Life Zone, visitors can experience what Electric Vehicles (EV) are like and learn other aspects of living with an EV. There\u2019s also a \u2018Connected House\u2019, an experiential cabin where visitors can visualise the future of connected driving.\nAt the Kia User Zone, customers are able to configure and customise vehicles using a 3D configurator. An Artificial Intelligence space also enables visitors to virtually experience Kia\u2019s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) via artificial-intelligence technology.\n\u201cKia360 illuminates the purpose of our new branding; that is to create a space and time thats inspire our customers to bring their ideas to real life,\u201d said Kia.\nGALLERY"
"When a person spends RM475k on a little crossover such as the \nRange Rover Evoque\n, when they can get a much larger, more powerful vehicle such as the \nBMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV launched recently\n for less, it speaks volumes of their preference and taste.\nIt\u2019s hard to imagine anyone buying an Evoque if \u201cvalue for money\u201d is top on their priority list. Just like how those who\u2019d spend thousands on Prada slippers wouldn\u2019t think about that RM19.90 pair from Fippers, which will do the same job.\n \nThe new \nRange Rover Evoque \nmay not have Victoria Beckham\u2019s name associated to it, nor would David Beckham\u2019s be needed. Adopting a somewhat similar design both on the inside and out, as the \nmuch larger Range Rover Velar we reviewed last year\n, there\u2019s enough in the Evoque to draw attention without being too loud or brash.\nThere\u2019s plenty of muscle to go with those good looks too. Its 2.0-litre engine gets you\n 249 hp\n and \n365 Nm\n and although it may not sound like much for a 1.8-tonne vehicle, there\u2019s plenty of performance for your A to Bs and the occasional interstate travelling. Just don\u2019t try to outrun the \nequivalent-priced Porsche Macan\n; to \u201csave face\u201d.\nOverall, despite a few shortcomings, there\u2019s still more to like than loathe about the Evoque but we\u2019ll leave it to you to find out in the video."
"Alongside the launch of the MX-30, Bermaz Motor today also unveiled the updated 2022 \nMazda CX-8 \nthree-row SUV here in Malaysia, with the addition of a new SkyActiv-G 2.5L Turbo variant, alongside more standard kit across the board.\nThe new 2.5L Turbo variant will now be the range-topping offering in the Mazda CX-8 line-up here in Malaysia, coming exclusively in the six-seater High Plus trim (previously known as High). The existing \n2.2D High Plus variant\n still remains available, although it makes the switch from AWD to 2WD; all-wheel drive is now available only on the new 2.5L Turbo variant.\nSimilar to the \nCX-9 \nand \nCX-5 Turbo\n, the SkyActiv-G 2.5L Turbo mill underneath the hood of the new CX-8 also makes a maximum output of \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, with power sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\nNo performance figures were provided, but Mazda says the new turbocharged CX-8 variant will have a slightly higher top speed of \n200 km/h\n (196 km/h on others), alongside a marginally bigger fuel tank (74 litres, 72 litres on other variants).\nBeyond the new variant, the equipment list for the 2022 Mazda CX-8 has also been updated across the board, with new standard additions including the GVC Plus brake torque vectoring system, a larger eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (wireless CarPlay on High and above), six-way power seat for the front passenger, additional USB ports for the 3rd-row seats, hands-free powered tailgate, and auto-folding mirrors.\nThe 2.5L Mid and High (previously Mid Plus) variants also gets updated with a new black leather upholstery, replacing the fabric seats, while the High Plus variants retain their Deep Red Nappa leather upholstery.\nOn the aesthetic end, the 2022 Mazda CX-8 receives a new front grille design with vertical strips on the High and High Plus variants, the latter getting an exclusive gunmetal finish. The range-topping models also get chrome strips around the lower edges of the car, along with new 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels; the lower variants retain the same previous 19-inch wheels, and are painted black on the High variant.\nThe 2022 Mazda CX-8 also gets two new exterior colour options: Platinum Quartz and the Polymetal Grey \u2013 the latter first introduced on the \nMazda 3\n.\nAside from these changes, the rest of the kit list remains the same from before across all variants, barring the name change (Mid Plus to High, High to High Plus). Standard equipment across the board includes automatic LED lighting fixtures, LED fog lights, three-zone climate control, seven-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, 10-way powered driver seat with memory function, as well as a reverse camera.\nMoving up to the 2.5 High variant will net you adaptive LED headlights with Mazda\u2019s \u201cSignature illumination\u201d, LED daytime-running lights, as well as frameless and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while the High Plus adds on a head-up display, rear-door sunshades, 360-degree camera system, as well as seat ventilation and heating for the front seats. Roof rails are only available on the 2.5T and 2.2D variants.\nAs for safety kit, the 2022 Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia comes as standard with six airbags and stability control and traction control systems, and your standard suite of ABS with EBD and BA. The 2.5 High variant adds on autonomous emergency braking (front), blind-spot monitoring system, and rear-cross traffic alert.\nThe High Plus variants meanwhile get the full suite of Mazda\u2019s i-Activsense advanced driver assist features, which has been updated for 2022 with the addition of the adaptive radar cruise controll system with stop-and-go function, lane keeping assist, and a new rearward autonomous emergency braking system.\nDespite the addition of standard equipment across the board, pricing for the locally-assembled 2022 Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia has actually dropped slightly, now starting at RM178k for the entry-level Mid variant.\nMazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD MID \u2013 RM177,674.40\nMazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD HIGH \u2013 RM183.452.40\nMazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD High Plus \u2013 RM197,553.40\nMazda CX-8 2.5L Turbo AWD High Plus \u2013 RM212,225.40\nMazda CX-8 2.2L Diesel 2WD High Plus \u2013 RM204,758.80\nAll prices listed above are on-the-road, without insurance, and also does \nnot\n include the sales tax exemptions, which will expire this Friday. As usual, also included in the price is a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty and free maintenance programme, the latter inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.\nGALLERY"
"The two have since been released but the driver\u2019s license has been revoked and his daddy\u2019s car impounded \u2013 both for 7 days \u2013 as part of an automatic \u201cpunishment\u201d to prevent a repetition of the irresponsible act.\nTwo 19-years olds were pulled over on a highway in Toronto, Canada yesterday after their W204 6.3-litre V8 Mercedes-AMG C63 zoomed past highway patrol officers at 308 km/h. The W204 model was the \nlast of the C63 AMGs to receive a naturally-aspirated V8 engine \nbefore Mercedes-AMG switched to the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engines \nlike in the current\n coup\ne\n model we reviewed recently\n.\n\u201cIt\u2019s the fastest speed I\u2019ve ever seen in my time with the force. That\u2019s over 85 metres per second! Not to mention three times the legal speed limit of that particular section,\u201d said Sergeant Kerry Schmidt who thought it was a joke when his colleague sent a picture of the 308 km/h speed recorded on the radar speed gun.\n\u201cThe officer in charge has been patrolling the highway that\u2019s close to the airport runway so we thought he recorded the speed of a plane taking off or landing but this was just shocking. At that speed, if a car decided to merge into their lane and pull out in front of them, they would have no way of slowing down in time,\u201d he added.\nSergeant Kerry Schmidt even said in his Twitter video that after the Mercedes-AMG was pulled over, other motorists even honked as they drove past \u2013 apparently in resentment \u2013 assuming they all saw how the AMG zoomed past them and just about everything in their way at such an unthinkable speed.\n308 km/h on the \n#QEW\n. Two 19 year kids going for a \u201cdrive\u201d with dads car. Driver charged with \n#StreetRacing\n \nhttps://t.co/iDw5r7nEB9\n\u2014 OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) \nMay 10, 2020\n \nWe strongly recommend that you watch this short \u201clecture\u201d.\nThe driver now facing several charges, including one for street racing/stunt driving and a criminal charge for dangerous driving. The Sergeant also released \na very insightful lecture on Twitter shortly after\n \u2013 we strongly recommend that you \ntake just 12 minutes to watch it\n.\nIt seems the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has given birth to increased hooliganism at just about anywhere with roads. The authorities in Toronto said that they\u2019ve charged over 150 people and \nimpounded 15 cars per day\n since the 1st of May.\nSource: \nTwitter"
"The Nissan Rogue, or better known as the\n X-Trail\n around our parts of the world, could be getting a brand-new engine option soon \u2013 if the US\u2019s Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s official 2021 Fuel Economy Guide listings is anything to go by.\nSpotted by automotive portal \nCar and Driver\n, the government website includes a listing for an unannounced variant of the Nissan X-Trail, featuring a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\nNo other information on the new powertrain were found on the website; it is a fuel economy guide after all. When compared to the current naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine, the new three-cylinder unit is rated for a fuel consumption figure of \n14 km/l\n in the combined EPA cycle, which translates to approximately 10% in improvements.\nCompared to other turbocharged 1.5-litre engines, Nissan\u2019s offering, rumoured to also employ the complex \nvariable compression ratio\n (VCR) technology, supposedly delivers better consumption than the small displacement engines offered by Honda in the \nCR-V\n and Ford in the Escape.\nIt does obviously lose out to the hybrid powertrains from its competitors though, with most of them hovering around the 16 km/l range thanks to electric propulsion.\nAs expected, Nissan USA essentially denied rumours regarding the availability of this new 1.5-litre engine in the Rogue line-up. In its clarification to \nCar and Driver\n, a Nissan USA spokesperson said, \u201cNissan regularly evaluates potential future technologies on existing models. We are planning a \nsmall pilot program\n with a potential new powertrain, utilizing the 2021 Nissan Rogue. We have nothing further to announce at this time.\u201d\nTo further add fuel to the rumour, automotive websites from China have also recently spotted new units of the latest generation Nissan X-Trail, fitted with a \u2018300 VC-Turbo\u2019 badging at the rear \u2013 pointing towards a turbocharged VCR engine underneath the bonnet. The \u2018300\u2019 in the emblem denotes torque outputs of approximately \n300 Nm\n.\nIf the rumours turn out to be true, we could see the Nissan X-Trail with the new engine as soon as in a month\u2019s time, to be launched at the 2021 \nShanghai Motor Show\n.\nThis 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is certainly not a new powertrain; the mill will also be featured in the recently-unveiled \nNissan Qashqai\n, acting as an energy generator for their latest-generation \ne-Power series-hybrid\n system."
"TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault in Malaysia, has updated its Renault Subscription and E-Store offerings today through a virtual media session.\nTCEC says that the new updated plans are designed to help ease car ownership through flexibility and affordability, especially in these uncertain times, where the economic impact of the \nCOVID-19\n pandemic is not fully seen yet.\nStarting with the Fixed Plan, the Renault Captur and \nKoleos\n are now being offered with a \nthree-year tenure period\n, previously reserved for the\n Megane R.S Fixed Plan subscription\n.\nPricing for the existing Captur, Koleos, and Koleos Signature in the Fixed Plan have all increased by RM200 across the board, with the previous lowest price on the two-year plan moved to the new three-year plan.\nCustomers now also have two additional options in the fixed plans \u2013 \nCaptur Plus\n and the \nCaptur Trophy\n, both of which now have their own subscription plans starting from \nRM1,399\n and \nRM1,499\n respectively for a three-year subscription tenure. This is in addition to the recently-announced \nPre-Owned Captur Subscription Plan\n.\nAlong with the introduction of the new three-year plans, TCEC has also introduced \nexpanded add-on options\n, including \nincreased mileage cap\n of up to 40,000 km; wear-and-tear parts; \naccessories pack\n including security and solar tint, Digital Video Recorder (dashcams), child seats; as well as \nSingapore access\n and \ncustom car registration number\n.\nAside from the Fixed Plans, TCEC has also updated the Renault Subscription Switch Plans. The Switch Base plan is now offered with the \nCaptur Trophy at RM1,999 per month\n, while the Switch Prime plan now offers the \nKoleos at RM3,199 per month\n.\nThe Switch Plans are based on a one-year tenure period, and are both eligible to two months of Renault family access, which includes the Megane R.S (limited to two weeks of usage), Captur and the Koleos.\nJust as before, the Switch Plans subscription fees are inclusive of wear and tear coverage, road tax, insurance, and regular scheduled servicing, and does not come with any mileage restrictions or cancellation penalties. The aforementioned accessories pack and Singapore access add-ons are also available for the Switch Plans.\nAfter a successful pilot phase of the \nRenault Subscription Trial Plan\n at the Renault PJ showroom, TCEC is now expanding the Trial Plan to \nall Renault showrooms nationwide\n.\nThe Renault Subscription Trial Plan offers the flexibility to access the Captur for a week, priced at \nRM399\n. Alongside the nationwide roll-out, TCEC has also announced that customers are now \nable to sign up for the Trial Plan unlimited times\n, as opposed to the previous one-time only offer.\nThe company says that the move aims to help customers who may have had their budgets impacted by the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO), or who are not keen on long term commitments in this time of uncertainty.\nAll of the new subscription plans are now available on the \nRenault E-Store\n, where the entire customise, purchase, and subscription process can be completed online. Customers can also utilise the Renault E-Store to arrange for the free concierge service, as announced in the \nRenault Relax campaign\n.\nTo sweeten the deal, TCEC is offering rebates equivalent to \nsix months of instalment payments\n for any vehicle purchase on the E-Store from \n20 April to 31 May 2020\n. Other online-exclusive deals for new customers include a \nfive-year/100,000 km free service\n package, along with\n trade-in rewards worth up to RM8,000\n.\nCustomers who prefer the Renault Subscription plans are entitled to a \none-month free subscription\n, while those who opt for the \nPre-Owned Captur Subscription\n will continue to enjoy \n50% off the first six months\n of their subscription fee.\nAs a teaser of what\u2019s coming next in the brand\u2019s charge into digitalisation, TCEC has announced that it will be launching a \nnew mobile application\n as an all-in one portal to manage their Subscription vehicle. Key functions in the application includes vehicle locking and unlocking, location tracking, trip history, car sharing, service reminders, emergency calls, and a vehicle vital data dashboard.\nThe application is expected to launch in June, and the full functionalities will be shared at a closer date."
"The \ncurrent generation Kia Rio\n is indeed a looker (except maybe \nthe sedan\n), thanks to the bold design language employed by Kia Motors. However, the third-generation Korean supermini is due for a replacement, and now we get a glimpse of what\u2019s to come.\nThese sketches\u00a0suggest the new Rio will retain its sporty outlook, appealing to the younger demographic of buyers. The new Rio\u2019s extended wheelbase,\u00a0sculpted doors, and higher shoulder line point towards a roomier cabin, and remains as a hatchback body for now.\nKia\u2019s signature \u2018Tiger Nose\u2019 grille design is noticeable at the front, and the slimmer grille design is in line with Kia\u2019s latest products. At the back, a new set of taillight design is used together with a small roof spoiler, so the changes aren\u2019t as drastic compared to the model it replaces. Those large wheels you see here won\u2019t make it to production, so don\u2019t hold your breath too long.\nInside, the dashboard looks pretty much straightforward, with a larger central touchscreen for multimedia consumption. The new Rio is expected to be equipped with the latest\u00a0connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nNo announcements are made on the powertrain, but judging from the current UK spec, the 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as the 1.1-litre diesel lump will be carried over. Forced induction variants\u00a0of the 1.4-litre and the all-new three-cylinder 1.0-litre engines are also planned for the new Rio.\nThe new Ford Fiesta rival\u00a0will make its full debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in late September. Production is scheduled to begin by the end of the year. Presently, Kia Malaysia is offering both the third-generation \nRio hatchback\n and \nsaloon\n models, starting from RM72,888.00.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When the Volkswagen group acquired Bentley Motors in 1998, the company founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919 only sold 414 cars that year, most of them handmade. In 2006, sales breached the 10,000 mark, 90% of which was contributed by the Continental range, with the Flying Spur 4-door limousine leading the charge.\nWith the \nBentayga SUV\n firmly established as the best-selling modern Bentley ever, the impending introduction of the Continental Flying Spur, rumoured to have a new name, should see Bentley sales breach new heights. You won\u2019t need to be Einstein to figure out how the Flying Spur is going to look like; just imagine the \nContinental GT Coupe\n with four doors and a boot.\nThe new Flying Spur is expected to be powered by either the amazing 608hp and 900Nm 6.0-litre W12 or a 550hp and 770Nm 4.0-litre V8, with a plug-in hybrid V6 variant to be available later on. But more than that, it looks like Bentley has upped the ante in the hood ornament stakes with a super slick iteration of the \u2018Flying B\u2019 that\u2019s retractable and illuminated. How cool is that?"
"In a special event at \nBMW\n \nWelt, 18 final units of the \nBMW i3s\n \nhave been delivered, marking the epilogue of one of the trailblazers for vehicle electrification. With a little over 250,000 units assembled over nine years, the i3 and i3s have been sold in more than 74 countries around the world.\nPhoto: \nBMW Welt | BMW Museum/Facebook\nAll of the 18 units were sold to Munich-based car rental company CarVia, and were painted in Galvanic Gold Metallic combined with Glossy Black for some of the panels. The Golden i3s will be offered for rent at a rate of EUR44.10 per day.\nThe BMW i3s is powered by a \n33.2-kWh\n battery that provides up to \n245 km\n of range (WLTP). A single electric motor capable of \n184 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n drives the rear wheels, giving a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of \n6.9 seconds\n. Closer to home, the BMW i3s was \nofficially sold in Malaysia\n at a price of RM278,800 between 2019 to 2020.\nPhoto: \nBMW Welt | BMW Museum/Facebook\nAlthough the i3/i3s was sold worldwide in over 74 countries, it never actually made it to China. However, the \u201ci3\u201d name was bestowed upon a China-exclusive electric version of the G20 \nBMW 3 Series\n in the People\u2019s Republic.\nRELATED: \nBMW i3 returns as China-only fully-electric 3 Series, previews upcoming facelift\nPhoto: \nBMW Welt | BMW Museum/Facebook\nThe delivery of the final units of the BMW i3s makes way for the \u201ci3\u201d name to be transferred onto the global electric BMW 3 Series that is set to debut in 2025. Tasked with spearheading BMW\u2019s Neue Klasse platform, the upcoming electric BMW 3 Series will launch together with a \u201cSporty\u201d EV SUV, rumoured to be the next-generation \nBMW iX3\n.\nRELATED: \nNot ready to go full electric, next-gen BMW 3 Series could use different platforms for EV and petrol variants"
"While most developed countries have made it mandatory for cars to come with essential safety systems, some unfortunately still lag behind when it comes to implementing such regulations. The days of shouting about merely having ABS or even pompously making it and optional extra, should be over.\nToday\u2019s consumers have become more aware of, prioritise and demand for safety over everything else (and rightfully so), prompting automakers to feature safety systems such as ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control among other as standard equipment to ensure that if the driver runs out of talent behind the wheel, the vehicle can step in and competently recover the situation.\nA Reddit user recently posted this incident\n that happened while she was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf with her boyfriend and two other friends. They were driving along a stretch that had one of those \u201c\nlittle crests\n\u201d that when you went over it at speed, makes your stomach feel funny. Usually she\u2019d just go pass it within the speed limit (100 km/h) and they\u2019d all have a laugh in amusement.\nThat particular day, she decided to go faster having been influenced by her (what seemed like an mindless) boyfriend to push the boundaries a little and scare the rear passengers but what happened went beyond their expectations. As she sped up to around 140 km/h, the car caught some air and when it landed, she lost control of it and it began swaying hard, from side to side.\nUpon regaining control of the vehicle, she realised had it not been for the \nElectronic Stability Programme (ESP)\n feature in her car, things could\u2019ve ended up worse than it did. She claimed that the wheels had lost traction and it felt as if the car took over, correcting itself back on course.\nHaving took the same way back, she spotted the trail of skid marks her car\u2019s tyres left behind, presumably as it try to regain control on its own \u2013 realising how the little things we usually neglect to know about a car, had saved her.\nThe \nElectronic Stability Programme (ESP)\n essentially helps provide the vehicle with optimum traction at all times and should not to be confused as a performance-enhancing system. In the event the vehicle starts skidding, it automatically applies the brakes on each wheel individually to help the vehicle regain composure and \u201csteer\u201d it back on course. Variations of this system also help reduce engine speed to mitigate the loss of control. All Volkswagens in Malaysia, the \nGolf\n, \nPolo\n,\n Beetle\n, \nPassat\n, \nJetta\n, \nVento\n and \nTiguan\n come with such a feature.\nVideo Credit: \nSalihin Rahim\n / \nSri Narra\n / \nGommeBlog.it"
"A few weeks back, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia launched the all-new Mk8 Golf, with three variants available \u2013 the TSI R-Line, the GTI and the surprise of the night, the Golf R.\nAs it locally assembled, couple with SST exemptions, prices for the Golf GTI and TSI have been slashed beyond recognition. The GTI, assembled outside of Germany and China for the first time ever, starts from RM211k while the TSI R-Line is estimated to be priced between RM155k to RM165k.\n \nShortly after the launch, we were treated to a brief night track session with the TSI R-Line and Golf GTI, in the South section of the Sepang International Circuit. That said, it was enough to tell us what the new Golfs were all about.\nThe biggest takeaway from the new Golf GTI was that it now corners even harder, flatter, and more composed than ever before, and with far less effort and drama. The seats are even more well-padded than before, especially in the lower back section while the exhaust was noticeably louder with more bass.\nIn the TSI, the biggest change has to be the 8-speed automatic gearbox in replacement of the dual-clutch unit in the previous generation model. To sum up the TSI, if you just need a Golf, the R-Line will be more than sufficient. It may not have the quick shifting abilities from before, but it\u2019s equally as quick without any compromise on the characteristics of a Volkswagen Golf. It even comes with the sports seats in the Golf GTI and Golf R!\nMore detailed information on the \nGolf TSI R-Line\n,\n \nGolf GTI\n, and \nGolf R\n here!"
"Brand Finance\n, leading brand valuation and strategy consultancy, has published their annual Malaysia 100 2021 report listing the Top 100 most valuable and strongest Malaysian brands.\nPetronas, Maybank, and Genting continue to dominate the Top 3 positions for the most valuable brands in 2021, with a combined brand value of USD 19 billion.\nPetronas has held the top spot for the 11th consecutive year, with a brand value of USD 12 billion, and is still the only Malaysian brand to surpass USD 10 billion in brand value.\nAccording to Brand Finance, the gap in brand value between first and second just shows how dominant the oil and gas company is despite seeing a 21% drop in brand value this year.\nBrand Finance also measures the strength of a brand by evaluating its marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance.\nAccording to the criteria above, Digi reclaimed the title of Malaysia\u2019s strongest brand from Petronas, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.3 out of 100 and a corresponding \u201cAAA\u201d brand strength rating. Petronas\u2019 BSI score is 87.0.\nAs for other local automotive names in the Top 100 list, Proton came in 41st (up from 44th), while Tan Chong Motor retains its 91st position from the previous year.\nToyota Corolla sales surpass 50 million worldwide \u2013 300,000 in Malaysia alone..read about it here!\nGlobally, Toyota\u00a0overtook\u00a0Mercedes-Benz\n\u00a0\nin becoming the world\u2019s most valuable automobile brand for the first time since 2017, with a brand value of US$59.5 billion.\nFerrari retained its position as the world\u2019s strongest automotive brand with a Brand Strength Index score of 93.9 out of 100. It is also the only brand in the Top 100 to achieve the elite AAA+ rating.\nFerrari reacted proactively to the pandemic, shutting down production promptly and reopening to a safer working environment. According to Brand Finance, this helped minimise disruption and reinforced the brand\u2019s reputation as a high-quality and responsible firm."
"Following the commencement of the \nConditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)\n, Bermaz Motor, the franchise owner of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, have announced the resumption of operation at selected service centres throughout the country starting from 12 May.\nIn an effort to encourage social distancing measures, Bermaz Motor is also introducing the Mazda Contactless Service to minimise human contact.\nCustomers within 10 km radius of a Mazda service centre can opt for the \nCollect and Deliver Service\n, where a Mazda service consultant will pick-up your vehicle to be brought in for service. Once completed, the vehicles will be disinfected and delivered back to your home or designated location.\nOtherwise, the \nMazda Mobile Service Unit\n is also available to perform regular maintenance work right at your doorstep. The mobile service unit is available in Klang Valley and Penang.\nBoth services offered through Mazda Contactless Service, as well as regular maintenance work at Mazda service centres are currently only available via appointment only. Customers can book an appointment using the Mazda Connect Customer Portal, available \nhere\n. The list of selected service centres currently in operation can also be found on Mazda\u2019s website \nhere\n.\nBermaz Motor assures that all operations will be strictly adhering to the new Standard Operating Procedures as set out by the Ministry of Health.\nAs announced earlier, Bermaz Motor will be \nextending the validity\n of warranties and free service package for customers affected by the MCO. Customers can check the eligibility and warranty status of their vehicles by visiting the Mazda Connect Customer Portal."
"BMW is set to unveil a\u00a0new special edition of the \nBMW\u00a0i8\n with shades of red at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. This i8, dubbed as the i8\u00a0Protonic Red Edition, is probably launched just in time in conjunction with the the ongoing Lunar New Year celebrations.\nNot to be confused with Proton\u2019s \u201cProTronic\u201d transmission found in the Preve and Suprima S models, the i8 Protonic Red Edition is equipped with the same 20-inch W-spoke wheels that compliment its new red bodywork that\u2019s finished off with some Frozen Grey metallic trim. The cabin gets\u00a0red double-stitching and additional carbon fibre and ceramic trim.\n \n \nThe i8 is pretty much a masterpiece by BMW\u2019s finest engineers, hence nothing is changed on the mechanical side of things. But just for a refresher, it\u2019s powered by a \n1.5-litre\u00a0turbocharged three-cylinder engine\u00a0\nand an \nelectric motor \nthat produces a healthy of\n\u00a0362 hp and\u00a0\n570 Nm of torque\n.\n\u00a0\nTogether with\u00a0the\n six-speed automatic transmission,\n\u00a0it sprints from 0-100 km/h in\n 4.4 seconds\n!\nThe i8 Protonic Red Edition, priced at around \u00a3112,535 (approx. \u00a0RM678,00+), will begin production in July, with deliveries commencing in September.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Look up this channel called \nWoodworking Art \non YouTube and you\u2019d be shocked at what you\u2019d find. It\u2019s just filled with no-nonsense, no-frills videos of scale models like the\n Bugatti Chiron\n and the \nToyota Hilux \nbeing handbuilt, \nout of wood blocks\n!\nAmong the other creations also include a \nLexus LX570\n, a Ford F-150 Raptor, a Formula 1 race car, an Audi Q7 and a Ford Mustang \u201cEleanor\u201d and the level detail in these builds is just insane! Everything from the wheels, the undercarriage, the interior are all manually or mechanically carved out, either from a block of wood or multiple pieces of wood glued together.\n \nThe builds start from mere outlines drawn on the wood surface and here\u2019s where things get a little mind-blowing. The details are so intricate that these wooden scale models are finished with the finest details \u2013 and we\u2019re talking really fine. So fine that even the window switches on the door panel, the seat levers, and even tyre groove!\nNot much more was revealed about the various builds but in the case of the \u201cEleanor\u201d Ford Mustang, the builder highlighted that it took three weeks to build.\nThink you got mad skills with wood? These videos might make you reevaluate that thought!"
"Forget the 100 different colour ambient lighting systems, quad -one air conditioning systems, or 20 USB port allocations, this is what everything you never knew you wanted in a car \u2013 BMW\u2019s latest Theatre Screen.\nThe Theatre Screen is one of four new \u201cMy Modes\u201d introduced by BMW at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2022. According to BMW, it makes individual mobility in a BMW an \u201cintense and immersive experience\u201d.\nRELATED: BMW\u2019s new colour-changing paint is as cool as it is weird! \n \nWhen activated, the rear of the cabin is transformed into a private lounge with surround sound and 5G connectivity, from the BMW Theatre Screen with 32:9 panoramic display. The ultra-wide screen measures 31-inches with 8K resolution.\nThe large screen extends out from inside the headliner on-demand using rotary dial. The BMW Theatre Screen can be controlled by touch operation or using touch pads integrated into the rear door panels.\nIn achieving this, BMW Group selected Amazon Fire TV to offer TV, movie, and music streaming services, while on the move. This is the first time Amazon Fire TV is integrated into a car.\nThat\u2019s not all; when the Theatre Screen moves out of the headliner, it is accompanied by sounds created by Academy Award-winning music composer, Hans Zimmer. The music, from a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, is programmed to end at the precise moment when the screen reaches its final position.\nWhile all that is happening, the sunblinds for the side windows and the rear window are closed and the ambient lighting in the rear of the vehicle is dimmed.\nRELATED: The iX M60 is BMW\u2019s most powerful electric car yet\nGALLERY"
"At the end of last week, Bentley Motors marked 75 years of car production from its iconic factory in Crewe, England. To mark the occasion, the Mark V stands proudly on display at the famous Pyms Lane factory.\nThe Crewe factory started operations in 1946, moving car production from Derby where the company focused on its aircraft jet engine operations. The Bentley \nMark VI\n became the first car to be built entirely at Bentley\u2019s Crewe works and the first to be offered with a pressed-steel bodyshell as standard.\nBefore being fully administered by the Volkswagen Group from 2003, Bentley built a total of 38,933 units in Crewe. Among that were many iconic models of their time, including the Bentley Blower, the R-Type Continental, Mulsanne, Arnage and Azure. Incredibly, records show that \n84%\n of all cars built in Crewe for the UK market are still on the road today.\nOver the course of the 75 years, \n206 unique\n models have been handcrafted in Crewe and production accumulated to \n197,086\n \nvehicles\n.\nToday, the Crewe facility, UK\u2019s first \ncarbon-neutral car factory\n, manufactures just \nthree models\n\u2013 the \nContinental GT\n, the Flying Spur and the \nBentayga\n. The three models are now built at a record rate of \n85 units a da\ny; a month\u2019s output two decades ago before the modernisation and transformation investment made by Volkswagen Group.\nPeter Bosch, Bentley\u2019s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, said, \u201cFor 75 years Crewe has been synonymous with luxury car manufacturing \u2013 a global showcase of craftsmanship and quality.\u00a0 In that time, our colleagues have produced some of the world\u2019s most iconic and desirable products, including cars for global royalty and unique personal commissions.\u201d\nThe highest volume Bentley model is the Continental GT, representing \n80,000\n sales and the latest Bentayga SUV has reached the production of \n25,000\n units. The company says the overwhelming demand of the Bentayga could surpass total sales of the Continental GT within a decade and become the biggest selling Bentley model in history.\nTotal production of the \nFlying Spur\n luxury sports saloon meanwhile stands at 40,000 units since its introduction in 2005. Bentley ended production of the larger \nMulsanne\n flagship limousine after over a decade and 7,300 examples made.\nUnder the Beyond100 strategy, Bentley aims to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030, with the Crewe factory climate positive thereafter.\n\u201cWith our most recent investment we have transformed our historic factory into a collaborative modern campus; a carbon-neutral, innovative, low environmental impact site that retains the best of our heritage while looking strongly to the future.\u00a0 In many factory areas, modern, digitised production systems complement traditional craftsmanship skills employed on our cars since 1946,\u201d added Bosch.\n2030\n also marks the introduction of the range of \nfully electric\n Bentley vehicles, with the transitional phase beginning from 2026 by offering plug-in hybrids. Background activities have already started, with the planned opening of an Engineering Test Centre and R&D building in the coming weeks.\nGALLERY"
"BYD Cars Malaysia, represented by \nSime Darby Beyond Auto\n, has published a \nnew cryptic teaser\n on its social media channels, simply mentioning \u201cthe new electric wave, coming soon\u201d in a short video depicting waves hitting a beach. If you\u2019ve been keeping up with the news, though, you\u2019ll know that the teaser is hinting at the launch of the \nBYD Dolphin\n, which is part of the Ocean Series of vehicles \u2013 hence the waves.\nThe BYD Dolphin has \nalready been previewed here in Malaysia\n, back when the \nAtto 3\n first made its debut here, alongside the Seal sedan that is also part of the Ocean Series. The Dolphin will be the first of the series to make its formal introduction here on our shores, following its launch recently in \nSingapore, Thailand\n, and \nAustralia\n.\nOver in Thailand, the fully-electric hatchback is offered in two configurations, Standard Range and Extended Range, with prices starting from THB699,999 (approx. RM92,689).\nThe former features a single motor set-up on the front axle, making \n70 kW (95 hp)\n and \n180 Nm\n of torque, and is paired to a 44.9 kWh battery. The Extended Range variant meanwhile gets a more powerful motor on the front axle making\n 150 kW (204 hp)\n and \n310 Nm\n, paired to a 60.5 kWh battery.\nREAD MORE: \nBYD Seal and Dolphin teased in Malaysia \u2013 2 new EVs to launch soon?\nIn terms of performance numbers, the BYD Dolphin in the Standard Range configuration is rated for a 0-100 km/h time of \n12.3 seconds\n, while the Extended Range does it in just \nseven seconds\n dead. The entry-level variant also boasts a driving range of \n340 km (WLTP)\n, while the larger battery pack on the Extended Range allows it to be driven further at up to\n 427 km (WLTP)\n.\nBoth variants get a 7 kW on-board AC charger, though the Extended Range variant does support a faster DC fast charging speeds at up to 80 kW (the Standard Range only supports up to 60 kW).\nComing in at about the same size as the \nHonda City Hatchback\n, the BYD Dolphin in Thailand comes equipped with quite a number of creature comfort niceties including full LED lighting on the outside, a 12.8-inch rotating central infotainment display, and even the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality to supply power to your other electronic devices.\nNotably, the BYD Dolphin is also billed as the cheapest EV in pretty much all of the markets it\u2019s now available in \u2013 and we could see it being repeated here in Malaysia as well, bringing the fight right up to the \nNeta V\n. Don\u2019t expect it to fall under the RM100,000 mark, however, as the current Franchise AP regulations in Malaysia does dictate that all imported EVs must (\nshould?\n) carry an on-the-road price tag of over 100 grand.\nAll that\u2019s left is the launch date. While BYD Cars Malaysia has yet to provide any official information on that, we\u2019ve heard from the grapevine that the BYD Dolphin will be making its official Malaysian debut on \nJuly 27\n \u2013 or exactly two weeks from today.\nWe\u2019ll of course be bringing you the latest coverage whenever it\u2019s available, so do keep your eyes peeled on \nAutoBuzz.my\n. While we wait, though, why not drop us your price predictions in the comments section below?\nALSO READ: \nSime Darby Motors appoints 14 new BYD dealers across Malaysia"
"It seems like we all just can\u2019t get enough of performance SUVs (or SAV \u2013 Sports Activity Vehicle, in BMW speak), as BMW has just unveiled the X5 M and X6 M, now available in Competition guises.\u00a0\nPowering these chunky SUVs to track-worthy speeds require huge muscles, and BMW delivers it with their \n4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo engine\n. The power output raised by 25 hp (and 50 hp on the Competition models) over their predecessors, pushing out a total of \n600 hp \nand \n750 Nm\n of torque, while the Competition gets \n625 hp\n. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through an \neight-speed M Steptronic \u2018box\n with Drivelogic.\nThe specially tuned \nM xDrive all-wheel-drive system\n is able to direct a greater proportion of the engine\u2019s torque to the rear wheels, making it possible to execute controlled drifts. Curiously, the SAVs do not get the same rear-only power lock option from the M5 and M8.\nThe M xDrive also pairs up with the \nActive M Differential\n to optimise traction while exiting a corner. All in all, the grunty V8 will take the X5 M and X6 M from \n0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds\n, while the Competition models shaves off 0.1 second. Crazy town stuff this.\nStopping these big chunks of metal will require some elbow grease. Fortunately, BMW fitted the X5 M and X6 M with \nsix-piston fixed calipers\n at the front with 395 mm drilled inner-vented brake disc, while the rear gets single-piston floating calipers and 380 mm discs.\u00a0\nBMW also \nstiffened the body structure\n and \nsuspension mountings\n, and added model-specific chassis technologies such as the M\n-specific adaptive suspensions with electronically controlled dampers\n, \nactive roll stabilisation \nand \nM Servotronic steering\n and dynamic stability control including \nM Dynamic mode\n.\u00a0\nAll these jargon means that the X5 M and X6 M should feel pretty nimble around the track, even if they weigh in at well over 2 tonnes.\nThe X5 M and X6 M come standard with \n21-inch M light-alloy wheels\n, while a larger size 22-inch rear wheels can be fitted as an option (standard equipment on the Competition models). Due to tyre sizing, the resulting wheel size is still the same on both axles. The different rim diameters also combine with the mixed-size tyres to optimise transmission of lateral control forces during cornering.\nBMW dressed up the X5 M and X6 M with an aggressive front bumper, sporting larger air intakes and \nM-specific BMW kidney grille\n with black double bars, while the rear apron with large diffuser gets accompanied by two pairs of exhaust tailpipes.\u00a0\nThe additional M-specific side gills, rear spoilers (both finished in black), as well as flared wheel arches also give the X5 M and X6 M more road presence. \nCompetition models gain blacked-out kidney grille surrounds\n, \nrear diffuser garnish\n and \nexhaust tips\n, in addition to the all-important Competition badging.\nFor the first time ever, BMW is bringing BMW Individual special paint finish to the X line, with a new Urban Green metallic exterior paintwork.\u00a0\nSeated on the driver\u2019s seat, the M-specific equipment such as red M mode buttons, red push-start button, and M-specific read-outs on the instrument cluster and Head-Up display (now fitted as standard) constantly remind you that you are indeed in an M car.\u00a0\nThe sport seats are wrapped in fine-grain \nMerino leather\n with M-specific hexagonal quilting, available in 5 different bi-colour schemes \u2013 Midrand Beige/Black interior linings are only available on the Competition models.\nSafety wise, the new M cars are fitted with \nActive Guard Plus\n, featuring front collision warning with brake intervention and Lane Departure Warning. Buyers can choose to kit up their cars with a whole range of other driver assistance systems, such as active cruise control, night vision system as well as the Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Professional package.\u00a0\nThe Parking Assistant with active park distance control, as well as Reversing Assistant comes as standard on all four models, with the optional upgrade to Parking Assistance Plus, featuring additional camera views.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following a\n flurry of updates to the local Mazda model line-up\n earlier this year, Bermaz Motor has now also unveiled the updated 2022 \nMazda MX-5 RF\n for Malaysia, with the sole addition being a new Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system.\nThe update nudges the pricing of the Retractable Fastback roadster up a step (+RM5.4k), with the manual variant now priced at \nRM264,029\n, and the automatic now at \nRM265,964\n. Both prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the ongoing SST exemptions applicable until the 30th of June 2022 \u2013 in this case, a 50% reduction in sales tax due to the car being fully-imported from Japan.\nFirst added to the Mazda MX-5 globally last year, the KPC system applies a light braking force on the inner rear wheel during hard cornering to suppress body roll, which results in a sharper steering and better lateral dynamics \u2013 essentially the marque\u2019s version of brake torque vectoring.\nThe system is especially neat on an ultra-light roadster like the MX-5, as it does all of that without the need for stiffer springs and heavier anti-roll bars. As an extension, ride comfort can also be maintained during normal cruising \u2013 win-win.\nAside from the addition of KPC, the rest of the MX-5 RF\u2019s kit list is completely unchanged from before. Underneath the bonnet is still the same SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, with an unchanged output of\n 181 hp\n and\n 205 Nm\n of torque that\u2019s sent exclusively to the rear wheels. As before, you also get a choice of either the six-speed automatic or manual transmission.\nStandard equipment are identical across both variants, too, which includes 17-inch alloys, adaptive automatic LED headlights, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, nine-speaker Bose sound system, leather upholstery, and a single-zone climate control system.\nRELATED: Next-gen Mazda MX-5 will continue to feature petrol engines with mild hybrid\nAs for safety, the Mazda MX-5 RF comes as standard with a host of i-Activsense advanced driver assist features, which includes Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Driver Attention Alert (DAA).\nThe 2022 Mazda MX-5 RF is available in Malaysia in six different colour options, including Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, and Soul Red Crystal \u2013 the same options as before. Similarly, every MX-5 will also come with a five-year, 100,000-km warranty and free maintenance package."
"Are you among the many who missed out on the limited run of the new \nFord GT\n? Well, you\u2019re in luck because Ford has just unveiled a limited edition model of the GT, called the \u201966 Heritage Edition.\nApart from Porsche and Ferrari, Ford also has a rich history in the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The \u201966 Heritage is the Blue Oval\u2019s tribute to its first 1966 Le Mans race winning car, the GT40 Mk 2. In that race some five decades ago, Ford defeated arch rivals Ferrari to clinch all top three positions. Judging by its Shadow Black exterior paint with silver stripe livery and that no. 2 decal, the car pays tribute to the GT40 no. 2 car\u00a0that won the 1966 race. Along with its dark aesthetics, this Ford GT receives gorgeous 20-inch forged aluminium wheels with touches of\u00a0satin gold clearcoat.   It\u2019s\u00a0special on the inside as well, which adds allure to the already sultry sports car. The list of interior goodies include carbon fibre seats wrapped in fine black\u00a0leather which feature pillowed inserts and unique stitching. The instrument panel, pillars and headliner receive touches of black leather trim, with gold accents to give contrast on the instrument panel, seat X-brace and on the shift paddles.\nThese limited-edition GTs also receive a serial identification plate, the no.2 interior graphic outside the doors, and exposed carbon fibre for the door sills, air pods and centre console.\nNo mechanical changes were made to this limited edition GT. But in case a reminder is needed, the standard GT is powered by a\u00a0\n600 hp\u00a03.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 \nmated to a\n\u00a0seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.\nNo price tag has been mentioned at this point of time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has maintained its upward momentum in sales as it records a total of 9,503 cars registered in October.\u00a0\nThe cumulative total sales for the national carmaker in the first 10 months of the year now stands at 79,833 units, inclusive of both domestic and export sales. The data translates to a 46% growth rate, with market share for the year at an estimated 16% \u2013 a 5.2% increase over the previous year.\u00a0\nThe facelifted \nProton Saga\n, introduced in August, is proving to be popular with over 28,000 bookings received. The B-segment model posted its highest sales figure in over four years, with 4,273 units sold in October.\u00a0\nIn the first 10 months of the year, Proton recorded a total cumulative sales of 30,331 units for the Proton Saga, which is a 26% increase over the previous year.\n \nThe \nExora\n, \nIriz\n and \nPersona\n also shown an increase in sales as a whole; sales for the trio along with the Saga have increased 21% thus far over the last year. The four models account for 68% of Proton\u2019s total sales year-to-date.\u00a0\nThe \nProton X70\n also contributed to the brand\u2019s upward trend in sales. With over 24,000 units delivered thus far, the X70 retains the title of the fastest-selling C-segment SUV in Malaysia.\u00a0\nProton\u2019s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Li Chunrong said \u201cIn the space of just eight months we launched our first SUV and updated all our other models, giving Proton the youngest model range for any car brand in Malaysia.\n\u201cWe are now confident of being able to sell 100,000 units this year, providing us with a solid base to move forward in 2020 and beyond,\u201d he added.\nProton now has 108 3S and 4S outlets nationwide, making them the brand with the \nmost number of outlets\n offering sales and services under one roof.\nAs the local carmaker continues to build upon their brand image, Proton said that they are committed to improving customer service levels and building long-term customer loyalty."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the new \nlocally assembled A200 and A250\n in Malaysia with prices starting from RM210,902. The company also launched the \nlocally assembled version of the GLA\n.\nThe A200 Progressive Line gets a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with 163 hp and 250 Nm. The more powerful GLA250 AMG Line gets the bigger 2.0-litre engine paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox with 224 hp and 350 Nm.\n \nNot much has changed with the exterior safe for the brake discs. Previously the fully-imported (CBU) models of the A250 had cross-drilled brake discs but the locally-assembled model comes with conventional brake discs.\nInside, standard equipment includes dual 10.25-inch displays with MBUX, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The A250 AMG Line gets sports seats with leather and suede combination, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and floor mats with AMG lettering.\nFor more, check out the video!\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line\nMercedes-Benz A200 Progressive Line"
"The UK government has just made a bold announcement to ban all diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040. This court-mandated move follows the French government\u2019s recent commitment to ban all cars with internal combustion engines (ICE).\nThis announcement follows after the pressure imposed on the government to introduce new strategies to tackle high levels of pollutants produced on the road after High Court judges said that the government is failing to meet the European Union (EU) pollution limits.\nMore EVs and PHEVs on the road soon?\nUK ministers have also announced a \n\u00a3255 million (RM1.2 billion) fund\n to assist local city councils in the effort to cut emissions. The funds can be used to implement measures such as changing road layouts, restructuring of traffic light timings for smoother traffic flow, awareness campaigns and etc.\nWhile an outright ban on cars with ICE may seem like a drastic measure to curb pollution and can be viewed as \npunishing car makers\n whom offer ICE, many manufacturers have already been making a gradual shift to cleaner means of powering their vehicles.\nLondon EV Company (formerly known as The London Taxi Company) has also taken measures to revolutionise the transportation sector with its new \nelectric-powered taxi\n while premium car makers such as \nVolvo\n and \nBMW Group\n have confirmed that their entire model line-up will offer some form of electrification option. All of which will be production-ready when the bans take effect."
"As many of you out there are aware, DRB-HICOM is a conglomerate company that houses many brands and marques under their umbrella. The company decided that it was due time to let them out for the weekend on the occasion of Autofest which will showcase all 11 brands in a three-day that is currently ongoing, held from 6 to 8 November. Did we mention there\u2019s a whole load of food trucks too?\nAutofest 2015\n\u00a0promises great \ndeals\n and \ndiscounts\n\u00a0across the board. As mentioned, all \n11 brands\n will be on show, and they include Proton, Lotus, Can-Am, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Tata and local motorcycle manufacturer Modenas. The best part of this event is you get to test drive selected models, including hefty discounts as much as \nRM75,000 \nfor a brand new\n Jeep\n!\u00a0Substantial maybe understating it slightly, we reckon. DRB also launched a multi-merchant point-based \nloyalty card\n \u2013 the DRB-HICOM\n Elite Program\n.   While that maybe a titillating offer for some, it just isn\u2019t up most people\u2019s alley, but fret not; Proton will be holding an \nauction event\n which will see over \n200 cars\n of various models including the \nExora Bold\n, \nSuprima S,\n \nPreve, Inspira\n and \nPersona\n going under the hammer for what is promised to be an \naffordable\n affair.\nFor the sports car enthusiast out there, \nLotus\n is offering a \n3-year unlimited mileage factory warranty\n with \ntwo years free service\n. But what if a Lotus is too much performance for you to handle? As if it were a stroke of luck, the Norfolk-based company is throwing in a \ndriver training\n course for one at the prestigious \nLotus Driving Academy\n that\u2019s coupled with a \ncomplimentary\n one-year \nmembership\n\u00a0to join the \nLotus Official Club Malaysia\n.   But hey, if you\u00a0\nain\u2019t lookin\u2019\n to buy a new ride and just want to enjoy the \nfestivities\n, Autofest 2015 has you covered with a whole host of fun-filled activities for the whole family including a\n Wheelie Demonstration\n by the boys from Modenas, a sing-a-long \nkaraoke\n battle and \nlive performances\n by local talents. In addition to that, there\u2019ll be a \nLEGO\n competition, \nmagic shows\n and a barrage of games and quizzes culminating in a\n lucky draw\n that\u2019ll see a few lucky visitors walking away with a brand-new \nProton Iriz\n, Modenas bikes and other goodies. So hurry down to the\n EON Complex\n in \nGlenmarie\n, \nShah Alam\n\u00a0from 9am to 6pm. \nParking\n is a breeze and \nshuttle\n services are provided.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The European Commission has urged the UK government and automakers as part of its reform proposal for new road safety measures to not delay on making the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) a mandatory feature on all new cars.\nWith a growing number of cyclists and pedestrian fatalities, the system that\u2019s now capable of identifying them is expected to be applied in phases for new models\n from 2020 onwards\n.\n78% of the first 5,000 bookings were made up of the 1.5-litre AV variant.\nThatcham Research, a motor insurer automotive research centre in the UK, who has campaigned for AEB to be standard for the past five years found that cars with the system \ncan reduce rear-end accidents by 38%\n.\nIt also believes that AEB has the\n potential to save 1,100 lives\n and more than 120,000 casualties over the next decade.\nAEB has been part of the Euro NCAP safety tests since 2014, compelling automakers to adopt the system. By 2017, \n54% of all cars tested by Euro NCAP has AEB as standard\n. That said, in the UK only 30% of cars on sale have AEB as standard, as it is mostly offered as an optional extra.\nLocally, the most affordable vehicle (under RM 100k) to be equipped with the system is the \nPerodua Myvi\n, more \nspecifically the 1.5 AV\n\u00a0variant (that took up 78% of the initial 5,000 bookings); offering Pre-Collision Braking Assist as part of its \nAdvance Safety Assist (ASA) package\n."
"Production of the all-new \nBMW 5 series\n and the fully-electric \nBMW i5\n has begun at the company\u2019s Dingolfing plant on July 21, 2023. Unveiled to the world back in May this year, the all-new BMW 5 series and BMW i5 are set to make their debut in Malaysia soon, with the registration of interest (ROI) already open \nsince March this year\n.\nThe BMW i5 is the third fully-electric model by the company to be assembled at the Dingolfing plant, following the \nBMW iX\n \nand the \nBMW i7\n. BMW expects fully electric vehicles to account for over 40% of the production volume in Dingolfing by 2024.\nBMW AG member of the Board of Management, Milan Nedeljkovi\u0107 said, \u201cThe BMW i5 and our plant in Dingolfing are perfect examples of how the BMW Group is transforming itself for e-mobility and developing our plants on the road to the BMW iFACTORY. E-mobility is the new normal at our plants worldwide. Between 2021 and 2024, we will have integrated a total of 15 fully-electric vehicles into our production network.\u201d\u2019\nUpon its world premiere, the all-new BMW 5 Series is made available with mild hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), pure internal combustion engine (ICE), and fully electric powertrains. Variants of the all-new BMW 5 Series include the 520i, 530i, 540i, 520d, i5 M60 xDrive, and more. The market launch will take place in October 2023.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5\nThe BMW 5 Series has always been the core model for the Dingolfing plant. With the upcoming production of the all-new M5 and \n5 Series Touring\n, a boost in production numbers at the Dingolfing plant is expected. Plant Director, Christoph Schr\u00f6der said, \u201cThe BMW 5 Series has traditionally been Dingolfing\u2019s core model and will provide valuable impetus for volumes again this time.\u201d\nIn Malaysia, the fully electric models by BMW currently available include the iX1, iX3, iX, and i7. The last two are assembled in the Dingolfing plant together with the i5 and all-new 5 Series. We can expect to see them in Malaysia soon.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 BMW i5 \u2013 fully-electric 5 Series to launch this year, ROI now open in Malaysia"
"In the similar launching ceremony with the \nCKD Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also announced that the GLA compact SUV is now being locally-assembled at their Pekan facility in Pahang.\n \nAs such, the company has managed to introduce a new pricing level for both the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line, now priced from \nRM232,379.06\n and the GLA 250 AMG Line priced from \nRM266,164.84\n. These are inclusive of the sales tax exemption that, as of today, is set to expire on December 31st 2021.\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLA is the third SUV model to be locally-assembled by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia after the \nGLC\n and more recently, the \nGLE\n.\nGLA 200 Progressive Line\nGLA 250 AMG Line\nEXTERIOR\nThe locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class continues to be offered in two distinct trim levels and thus outlook appearance that are also unchanged from the initial model released in \nDecember 2020\n.\nIn the entry-level GLA 200, the Progressive Line exterior fits 18-inch rims in silver finish, a more off-road look front bumper with a basic grille design and higher levels of chrome on both bumpers. The GLA 250 AMG Line gets the sportier-looking front bumper with diamond pin grille, 19-inch dual-tone wheels with lowered comfort suspension and rear bumper with corner indents and central diffuser fins.\nStandard items across both variants are LED head lamps and tail lamps, aluminium roof rails, Keyless-Go package and rain-sensing wipers.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe powertrains available with the CKD models are untouched from the previously-introduced CBU Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUVs. They are also used in the CKD Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedans.\nModel\nGLA 200 Progressive Line\nGLA 250 AMG Line\nEngine\n1,332 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol\n1,991 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission\n7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission\n8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission\nDriveline\nFront-engine, front-wheel drive\nFront-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax hp\n163 hp at 5,500 rpm\n224 hp at 5,500 rpm\nMax torque\n250 Nm at 1,620-4,000 rpm\n350 Nm at 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n8.7 seconds\n6.9 seconds\nTop speed\n210 km/h\n240 km/h\nAs mentioned earlier, the GLA 250 AMG Line rides on lowered comfort suspension, while the GLA 200 rides on a normal comfort suspension that sits 15 mm higher.\nMercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line (CKD)\nINTERIOR\nInside, all the goodies remain, such as the MBUX Infotainment displays with extended functions, power-adjustable front seats with memory function and black roof liner. Standard features in both variants include:\nMercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line\nSpiral-look trim\nLeather multifunction sports steering wheel\nComfort seats with 4-way lumbar support\nSingle-zone automatic climate control\nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line (adds)\nLight longitudinal-grain aluminium trim\nSports seats\nNappa leather-wrapped steering wheel with galvanized shift paddles\nAmbient lighting\nIlluminated door sill panels with \u201cMercedes-Benz\u201d lettering\nFloor mats with AMG branding\nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line (CKD)\nSAFETY\nIt\u2019s great news that the safety features are also unchanged moving from fully imported to CKD assembly. Standard features on both variants include Pre-Safe System, autonomous emergency braking, reverse camera with parking assistance, driver\u2019s knee airbag and Tirefit temporary spare tyre.\nThe higher-range GLA 250 AMG Line adds Blind Spot Assist.\nGLA 200 Progressive Line\nGLA 250 AMG Line\nPRICING\nAs of today\u2019s launch, the incentivised retail pricing is \nRM232,379.06\n for the CKD GLA 200 Progressive Line, and \nRM266,164.84\n for the CKD GLA 250 AMG Line. Compared to the prices of the CBU units with the same sales tax incentives, the local assembly sees a savings of circa RM11,820 for the GLA 200 and RM19,170 for the larger engine GLA 250.\nThe standard recommended retail price, which is scheduled to begin from January 2022, starts at \nRM242,888\n for the CKD GLA 200 and \nRM278,888\n for the CKD GLA 250. Included as standard in all prices is a four-year unlimited mileage warranty, but without insurance premiums.\nWith Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS) Malaysia\u2019s Step Up Agility Financing Plan, the GLA 200 Progressive Line starts at \nRM1,888\n per month, while the GLA 250 AMG Line starts at \nRM2,288\n a month, based on a 5 years tenure period and a down payment of approximately 10%.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line (CKD)\nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line (CKD)"
"Volvo Malaysia has introduced another new model to their lineup, this time to take on key German rivals such as the Audi A4, \nBMW 3-Series\n and \nMercedes C-Class\n. It\u2019s available here in two trims \u2013 a \n1.6-litre\n 180 hp T4 engine and the range topping \n2.0-litre\n 240 hp T5 engine.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo S60 T4 Sedan\nVolvo S60 T5 Sedan\nEngine\n1,596cc; 4-cyl turbo\n1,999cc; 4-cyl turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed Powershift with Geartronic\n6-speed Powershift with Geartronic\nMax Power\n180 hp @ 5,700 rpm\n240 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,800 to 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n9.0 seconds; 225 km/h\n7.5 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM221,888.00\nRM268,888.00\n\u00a0\nThis Scandinavian beauty was one of the four Volvo models to make the\u00a0Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) \nTop Safety Pick+ list\n for \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 being an exceptionally safe vehicle in its class.\nEXTERIOR\nLike the \nXC60\n, the changes done on the outside are somewhat similar and easily differentiated from the pre-facelift model. For instance, the S60 facelift gets a new front fascia and bonnet design, reworked headlights and a horizontally fitted LED daytime running lights. The grille is also bigger here, and the whole exterior package is supplemented by bolder horizontal lines around the car.   Telling the T4 and T5 apart is fairly easy, besides the obvious badge placed on their respective rumps. The T5 variant gets an additional radar box mounted to the grille, which grants you the trim exclusive Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Distance Alert. The radar box is finished in gloss black, helping it blend better into the grille. Both variants sit on \n17-inch wheels\n, but the T4\u2019s are wrapped with 215/50 R17 series tyres, while the T5 gets 235/45 R17 profiled rubbers.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the S60 remains pretty much the same, featuring the Swedish carmaker\u2019s familiar floating centre console design. What\u2019s new here is the digital instrument cluster with 8-inch Adaptive Digital Display (ADD), similar to that of the \nVolvo V40\n and XC60. The ADD, a feature \nexclusive\n \nonly to the T5\n variant, uses an active Thin Film Transistor (TFT) crystal to project essential information to the driver, and there are \nthree themes\n to choose from \u2013 Elegance, Eco and Performance.   PERFORMANCE\nAgain, only two variants will be offered in two engine configurations. The T4 badge grants you a \n1.6-litre GTDi\n turbocharged engine makes \n180 hp\n at 5,700 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm, while the T5 variant gives you a \n2.0-litre GTDi\n unit making an impressive \n240 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n320 Nm\n of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm.\nAll that power gets channeled to the front wheels only via Volvo\u2019s six-speed Powershift dual clutch automatic gearbox with Geartronic. Its numbers are good for a 9-second 0 to 100 km/h sprint with the T4 and 7.5 seconds with the T5, while maxing out at 225 km/h and 230 km/h respectively.\nSAFETY\nAh, if it isn\u2019t\u00a0what all Volvos have come to be known for. Despite costing a good \nRM47k\n less than the T5, the base model T4 doesn\u2019t quite fall short in terms of its safety features. We\u2019re talking about a Volvo after all, right? It gets Active Bending Lights, City Safety tech (up to 50 km/h), Blind Spot Info System with Closing Vehicle Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Drive Info Display, Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring, Advanced Stability Control and Electric Parking Brake.\nAlso thrown into the safety pack are Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Ready Alert Brakes, child ISOFIX mount and a total of six airbags.\nThe T5 on the other hand, comes fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control with full auto braking and pedestrian detection, Driver Alert Control, Lane Departure Warning, Road Sign Information and Active Head Beam (anti-dazzling high beam function).\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe T4 variant is priced at \nRM221,888\n while the T5 costs \nRM268,888\n OTR without insurance. Both variants come with Volvo\u2019s extended coverage plan which includes\u00a0a 5-year warranty, 5 years of free service including parts per scheduled maintenance, and 5 years of free roadside assist (Volvo-on-Call).\nFor those who want your S60 to look sportier, Volvo is offering an \nR-Design Styling package\n on top of the already alluring Swedish sedan. Not long after the XC60 was introduced, a \ntwincharged T6 variant\n came along the way, one that\u2019s good for \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Only time can tell if the S60 will come with such a motor.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just seven years after its inception, Bentley\u2019s Mulliner bespoke personalisation arm has now made its 1,000th project, and it\u2019s a very purple \nBentley Bentayga\n.\nLucky number 1,000 is not the most elaborate customisation work ever, with the customer only requesting for a bespoke interior consisting of Olive Ash (from the \nMulsanne\n) trims on the dashboard, doors, and centre consoles, along with contrast twin stitch on the upper areas of the seats and door trims.\nStill, it\u2019s an impressive milestone for the custom design department, seeing that it has only been seven years since they launched their first project, a small 15-unit run of the Flying Spur \u2018Serenity\u2019 you see in the header photo above.\nThe Serenity focused on \u201cincreased levels of passenger comfort\u201d, with re-engineered seats and headrests featuring the unique diamond quilting that went on to inspire today\u2019s modern diamond design in the\n Continental GT Mulliner\n.\nThe Bentley Bentayga V8 Design Series in Malaysia is a Mulliner commission piece, which means it\u2019s the one in existence! Check out the one-of-one model here.\nMulliner\u2019s curriculum vitae is an impressive one, with works ranging from jet-fighter inspired Continentals, a Bentayga with the interior split down the middle to differentiate between the driver and passenger sides, to completely unique Mulliner creations like the \nBentley Mulliner Bacalar\n.\nAnd their projects don\u2019t just stop at actual cars. The Mulliner team also make accurate scale models for their customers, and were also instrumental in the creation of the optional picnic hampers for the Bentayga, complete with refrigerator, bespoke fine china cutlery, crockery and crystal glass, and storage area for dry goods. The hampers itself can also be removed and used as seats.\nThe new Bentley Bentayga is now available in Malaysia. Learn more about it here.\nCommenting on the milestone, Bentley\u2019s Director of Mulliner and Motorsport Paul Williams said, \u201cSince 2014, our Mulliner Design team has averaged three customer commissions a week, showing just how popular bespoke Bentleys are becoming. The team, led by Design Manager Phill Dean, has worked on everything from Continental GT3 liveries all the way up to the specifications and details of the 12 cars of the Blower Continuation Series.\n\u201cThe only thing all of those designs have in common is that they are for individual customers \u2013 apart from that, each one is as unique as the rest.\u201d\nThere\u2019s almost no limit to what Mulliner can do, with the only constraints being the customer\u2019s imagination and the law, or so says Bentley. We\u2019ll see what they can do for the next 1,000 and beyond, but something tells us that they\u2019re all going to be quite special.\nGALLERY"
"Three years after it was \nfirst revealed at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n in 2018, UMW Toyota Motor has launched the \n2022 facelift Toyota Camry\n. It\u2019s fully imported from Thailand and like before, it\u2019s only available in a single variant; priced from \nRM199,109\n.\n2018 at KLIMS\n2022\nOn the outside, the bulk of the changes lies at the front. With a significantly redesigned front bumper, with an additional camera and some sensors for the Panoramic View Monitor, the changes to the exterior are quite subtle but in our opinion, have made the 2022 Toyota Camry more elegant than before.\nDespite already a 3-year old design (in Malaysia), these minor tweaks have not only made a 2018 car look fresh in 2022 but could also offer a timeless effect in the long run.\nRELATED: \nFind how Toyota transformed the Camry\u2019s driving characteristic with the TNGA platform!\nThe new 2022 Toyota Camry gets a new 2.5-litre engine, with more power and torque at\n 209 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n, along with a new 8-speed transmission that replaces the previous 6-speed unit. The new powertrain promises better real-world fuel efficiency, and better response and performance.\nInside is a larger touchscreen, a head-up display, less old-fashioned trims, and for the first time, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but these, along with the new engine and transmission, still aren\u2019t the biggest gamechanger for the new facelift Camry.\nCamry\nLexus ES\nIt\u2019s what they\u2019ve added at the back, that makes it more Lexus than Toyota \u2013 \na console on the rear armrest with controls\n \nfor the infotainment and rear air-con system\n \u2013 just like the \nLexus ES we reviewed\n. Along with switches on the front passenger seat that allows the rear passenger to move the front seat, Toyota seems to have further raised the premium image of the Camry.\nAlready an overqualified family sedan, it\u2019s now just as suitable to be a limo but that\u2019s not all. The \nrear seats are now reclinable\n! Yes, and adjusted through the armrest console. If that doesn\u2019t make the Camry feel Lexus-like, I don\u2019t know what does. Weirdly enough though, in untypical Toyota fashion, they didn\u2019t offer storage beneath the armrest.\nComing back down to earth, it\u2019s not entirely a bed of roses. Unfortunately, the more high-tech armrest does have a downside. When it\u2019s not used to chauffeur you to work, and instead as a family car \u2013 carrying three at the back \u2013 the passenger in the middle may not have the most comfortable ride.\nThat\u2019s because the armrest doesn\u2019t tuck in entirely, and is almost too upright for the front passenger to enjoy the plush ride and suspension of the Camry. Ooops.\nIt\u2019s as the cliche saying goes, \u201cWe can\u2019t have it all\u201d. That being said, despite having the reclinable rear seats, Toyota said the new feature has not affected the Camry\u2019s boot space, at a generous 493-litres.\nWhat are your thoughts on the 2022 Toyota Camry? Are you thinking about the Passat Elegance or even the R-Line? Stay tuned for the comparison!"
"The \nGT-R\n has been so synonymous with the term \u201cgame-changer\u201d that honestly, I think we wouldn\u2019t give it a pass even if they renamed the Godzilla to be called the \u201cNissan Game-changer\u201d.\nKnown for its ability to punch way above its weight, it shook not just our worlds but the innards of Ferrari and Porsche for its ability to get off the line quicker than your jaws could drop. And it didn\u2019t fail in the corners too.\nThat said, Nissan believes there\u2019s still plenty the GT-R name can offer and they\u2019re confident that the \u201clatest reiteration\u201d could be the fastest supercar in the world.\nAre they done meddling with the \u201csmall boys\u201d? Are they now looking to bring shame to the likes of Bugatti and Koenigsegg? We can only buckle down and wait till at least after 2020 for Nissan to \u201cdrop their new album\u201d.\nWhen kids cry in their sleep, it\u2019s cause the GT-R50\u2019s rear end was haunting them.\nOne thing is for sure; according to Autocar\u2019s sit down with Nissan, the new GT-R will not take inspiration from the \nlimited-production GT-R50\n which was unveiled at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed. Thank heavens. for obvious \u201caesthetic\u201d reasons.\nIt\u2019s uncertain whether or not there would be an \u201celectric\u201d element to the new GT-R\u2019s powertrain but from what I\u2019ve read, Nissan is confident that \u201cbig power\u201d can be achieved regardless and the target is nothing less than \n700 hp\n.\nConsidering the\n GT-R50 debuted recently\n made the same power, it\u2019s not exactly an overly ambitious figure. What\u2019s for certain is that the \u201cbrick-like\u201d stance that forms the imposing and audacious demeanour of the GT-R, will not change either.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has updated its exterior body colour offerings on two of its sedan models, the \nCity \nand \nAccord\n. Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Gray Metallic joins the colour palette for the Honda City, while the Accord only gets the latter.\nThe new colours, first introduced on the \nHonda City Hatchback\n, will replace the existing Passion Red Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic colours respectively.\nIgnite Red Metallic\nMeteoroid Gray Metallic\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Madoka Chujo said, The Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Gray Metallic colours were introduced in the All-New City Hatchback for the first time. Both colours have been well accepted by the market and we expanded the new colour options to the \nAll-New Civic\n.\n\u201cTo further excite the market, we are now offering these new colour options in the City and Accord as well. The new colours further emphasise the styling of the City and elevate the sleek profile of the Accord. We will continue to enhance our products to deliver the Joy of Buying to the customers.\u201d\nRELATED: Looking for a used, less than 5-year old Honda? Check out Honda\u2019s Certified Used Car programme!\nThe Honda City was\n launched here in Malaysia\n back in October 2020, with four variants on offer. Powering the range-topping RS variant is Honda\u2019s i-MMD hybrid system, featuring a 1.5-litre atkinson cycle engine and a traction electric motor that makes \n108 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque.\nAs for the other three variants, they\u2019re powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine that makes \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque, with drive transferred to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\n \nTo date, Honda Malaysia has sold over 32,500 units of the fifth-generation City, with the B-segment sedan even taking the crown as the company\u2019s best-selling model in January and February of 2022, contributing 38% to the company\u2019s total sales during that period.\nAs for the Accord, the all-new 10th-generation model was \nlaunched here in February 2020\n, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine making \n201 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a figure the company claims is higher than what most 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engines make. Since launch, The company has delivered over 2,200 units to Malaysian owners."
"After making its regional debut in \nSingapore\n, it looks like we will soon be able to savour the latest eight-generation \n(Mk. 8) Volkswagen Golf\n as Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has quietly inserted a page for registration of interest in their website.\nOn the website, two variants are teased \u2013 the revered \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n and the \nGolf TSI R-Line\n, which is a mirror of the line-up in Singapore. No mention of features of specifications on the Malaysian units, but highly likely it will also follow suite of what is offered in Singapore.\nThe Mk.8 Volkswagen Golf GTI features the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that is upgraded, now producing \n245 hp\n at 5,000 rpm to redline and \n370 Nm\n of torque from just 1,600 rpm and paired with the ever rapid-shifting DSG transmission with seven ratios driving just the front wheels. 0 to 100 km/h is dispatched in just \n6.4 seconds\n.\nVolkswagen says this latest GTI is also the most digital variant of all time, with the fully computer-controlled chassis handled by the new \nVehicle Dynamics Manager\n. It integrates the ESC, with the new electronic differential locks (XDS and VAQ) and the continuously adaptive electronic damping control system (DCC).\nThe VW Golf GTI Clubsport is ready for the Nurburgring at a touch of a button. Read about it here!\nA new digital environment has been created for the Mk.8 Volkswagen Golf, featuring a 10.25-inch Digital cockpit and a big 10-inch infotainment screen. All the driving and vehicle settings is accessed via the central touchscreen. Other novelties in the interior include a 30-colour ambient lighting, three-zone air-conditioning and a sporty interior theme.\nThe Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI R-Line meanwhile features an all-new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with outputs of \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. In major markets, the powertrain is fitted with a mild-hybrid assist system (eTSI) to return self-charging hybrid-like fuel consumption of just \n4.8 litres per 100 km\n travelled. \u00a0\nMaking its European debut in late 2019, the Volkswagen Golf continued its strong foothold by ending 2020 as the region\u2019s \nbestseller\n. It has been rumoured that VPCM has plans to \nlocally-assemble\n the Mk.8 Volkswagen Golf at their facility in Pekan, Pahang, where it currently churns out the \nTiguan Allspace\n, the \nPassat\n and the latest \nArteon R-Line 4Motion\n.\nGALLERY"
"Following the unveiling of the gorgeous \nfifth-generation Kia Sportage\n last month, the Korean carmaker has now followed up with some more photos of the all-new SUV model, along with a full list of specifications for the Korean market.\nFirstly, the size \u2013 the all-new Sportage will be available in either a long- or short-wheelbase version, depending on market. For the former, the SUV measures 4,660 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height, making it 180 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 25 mm taller than before.\nBut is bigger always better? Here are some reasons you might prefer a sedan instead!\nKia says that the increase in size has enabled to Sportage to boast class-leading rear legroom (1,050 mm), headroom (1,000 mm) and luggage space (637 litres). The rear seats can also be folded down with a button press for a flat cargo space to easily fit in bulkier items.\nAt launch, the all-new Sportage will be available with a choice of two internal combustion engines, both slightly upgraded versions from those in the outgoing model. A hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant will be introduced at a later date.\nThe petrol variant is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine that\u2019s good for 180 hp and 265 Nm, and is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (or a six-speed manual). Meanwhile, the diesel variants get a 2.0-litre turbodiesel mill with 186 hp and 417 Nm, that\u2019s paired as standard to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nOff-road enthusiasts can only opt for the oil burners for now, as they are the only ones to offer a variable all-wheel drive system. Although, it does come with a new Terrain Mode with auto, snow, mud, and sand settings that alters the drivetrain to better suit the trickier terrains.\nFor on-the-road driving though, all of them boast a \u201crefined, stable and comfortable ride\u201d with better handling characteristics, thanks to the new third-generation N3 architecture that underpins the all-new Kia Sportage. Hybrid models will also get something called the \u201cE-Handling system\u201d which supposedly further increase agility and stability on corner entry and exit, through smarter torque and brake force distribution.\nAs for safety, the all-new Kia Sportage comes as standard with an abundance of advanced driver assistance features, including autonomous emergency braking, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), as well as a Remote Smart Parking Assist system.\nThe Kia Sportage also comes with the Highway Drive Assist (HDA) system, which offers level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities with smart cruise control based on navigation data from the on-board infotainment system.\nSpeaking of infotainment, the cabin of the all-new Sportage is dominated by a huge curved display panel, which houses both the instrument and infotainment screens \u2013 both measuring 12-inches in diameter, and features the latest LCD technology for clearer graphics.\nKia says that both the displays have been created to be easy-to-use, highly intuitive and \u201csoft to touch\u201d \u2013 but the ergonomic considerations don\u2019t end just at the touchscreens. The centre console has also been \u201coptimally positioned\u201d for the driver and front passenger, offering storage space, infotainment controls, soft-touch switches, and a shift-by-wire transmission dial.\nThat all sounds great, but frankly, we\u2019re still stuck here staring at this gorgeous white-and-blue upholstery colour combination.\nOf course, we can\u2019t talk about the new Sportage without mentioning its striking design \u2013 although we did leave it to the very end here. You\u2019ve already heard all about Kia\u2019s marketing blurbs when the car was first unveiled, so we\u2019re going to skip that here.\nTake a closer look at Kia\u2019s latest \u201cOpposites United\u201d design language on the EV6!\nBut in terms of specifications, the all-new Kia Sportage will be offered with wheels ranging from 17- to 19-inches in diameter, depending on trim levels. There\u2019ll be a GT-Line model with sportier styling cues, and a new X-Line package that adds rugged front and rear bumper designs, silver skid plates, and roof rails.\nThe all-new Kia Sportage is now available for pre-orders in South Korea, with prices ranging from 24.42 million won (~RM90k) to 31.85 million won (~RM124k). The new model is expected to go on sale later this year, though the specification for other markets (and hopefully Malaysia) will only be revealed at the later global launch.\nGALLERY"
"In the latest announcement made by transport minister YB Anthony Loke, the new rules for vehicle window tinting allow for darker rear windows on all private vehicles.\nThe existing rule of Visible Light Transmission level (VLT) for the \nfront windscreen\n and \nfront side windows\n remain at \n70 percent\n and \n50 percent\n respectively. According to Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ), they stated that it\u2019s permissible to have the rear windows in any VLT percentage once the new rules take effect on 8th of May 2019.\nYou can now go for the all-dark privacy glass look, subject to a few conditions.\nHowever, those who need to have darker front windows for security purposes can submit an application for RM 50. The application will then go through a \nspecial committee\n to ensure the applicant has a clean record and once approved, a fee of \nRM 5,000\n will be imposed and the application is valid for \ntwo years\n.\nThose who are applying for \nhealth reasons\n are exempt from charges, provided they have \nwritten confirmation\n from government medical specialist."
"Exactly 50 years ago, in 1966, the Vietnam War worsened, Star Trek aired its first episode and the first-generation Toyota Corolla was introduced. In the same year, the late Colin Chapman opened the doors to his car manufacturing facility in Hethel, Norfolk, marking the new era of Lotus Cars.\nThe Lotus Elise, widely labelled as a road-legal go kart, was never considered a proper race car and always lived in the shadow of the \nExige\n. Well, not anymore, because the Lotus Elise Race 250 is out to change all that.\u00a0It\u2019s also a beautiful way to celebrate 50 years of crafting great cars in Hethel, no?\nSo, what\u2019s new? Apart from being the \nmost track-focused Elise\n,\u00a0Lotus claims that this Elise can participate in many race series around the world. As a true track car hero, it receives full aero package, including front splitter, rear diffuser, floor extensions and a rear wing for added downforce.\nRollcage, removable steering wheel,\u00a0fire extinguisher and\u00a0harness bar are all part and parcel of a race car, and the Elise Race 250 features all that. Being a\u00a0lightweight specialist, all items deemed unnecessary are removed or replaced. For instance, the front headlamps are replaced with lightweight composite blanking panels, the rear windscreen gets a lighter polycarbonate version, and a\u00a0lighter lithium ion battery is used. If you decide to opt for the Carbon Aero Pack, the car will still weigh just 900kg!\nPowering this beast is the same Toyota-sourced motor shared with the\u00a0\nElise Cup 250\n; a 1.8-litre four cylinder engine strapped to a \nsupercharger\n that pushes out \n243 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Being an all-purpose track car, \na six-speed manual\n gearbox is used here, channeling drive to the rear wheels.\u00a0No top speed and acceleration figures were revealed, but it\u2019s definitely the hottest Elise ever made. Why? Because it lapped the Hethel test track in 1 minute 33.5 seconds. The Elise Cup 250 managed just 0.5 seconds slower.\nTo the folks at Hethel, power isn\u2019t everything because Lotus cars slice through corners. To complement the extra grunt, this Elise comes with adjustable anti-roll bar, Nitron adjustable dampers and Eibach coaxial coil springs. Brakes are supplied by AP Racing; a twin-piston front callipers and Brembo single-piston for the rear. It comes with an ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels shod with Yokohama AO48 rubbers.\nThe Lotus Elise Race 250 is not exactly cheap, at\u00a0\n\u00a353,500\n (approximately\n RM286k\n). But compare that to some of the other race-ready machines in the UK, those typically command a six-figure price. Now, we wonder, will the Elise Race 250 ever reach Malaysian shores?"
"Her name is Simone Giertz, and having been sick of waiting for Tesla to build a truck, decided to take it upon herself to do so.\nKnown for quirky experiments and builds on her YouTube channel with all things electronics and robots, Simone even gave the truck a name \u2013 fittingly called the \u201cTruckla\u201d.\n \nWhat\u2019s even crazier is that the \nModel 3\n was not even sponsored by Tesla, she actually bought the car with the absurd intention to cut it up and literally \u201cbastardise\u201d it.\nTo ease the pain of taking the fully electric car, she even keyed the \u201cTruckla\u201d name across the tailgate \u2013 something which was immensely difficult to watch!\n \nDo not for a second think that it\u2019s a botch job though; everything from weight distribution to chassis/structural rigidity was taken into account. Check out the 30 minute video above and witness what they had to endure to accomplish the project!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Setel\n has introduced a new \u2018One-Tap Fuelling\u2019 feature, which as its name suggests, enables users to activate the fuel pump with just one tap on the app upon arrival at any Petronas stations nationwide. The feature is currently available for the first 1,000 registered Setel users across the country, and will be gradually rolled-out to all users in the next two months.\nCompared to the current process of refuelling with Setel, which requires five clicks in the app, the new feature simplifies the process to just a single tap after completing a one-time setup. As with any other fuel purchases made through Setel, the new One-Tap Fuelling feature will also earn users Mesra points instantly with a linked loyalty card.\nSetel Chief Executive Officer, Mazlin Erawati Ab Manan said, \u201cWe are constantly innovating and developing solutions that meet our users\u2019 ever-evolving needs, especially in this endemic period where Malaysians are travelling more frequently than before. Over the past four years, our loyal users have continuously raved about their refuelling experience at Petronas stations.\n\u201cSetel offers a more personalised and faster refuelling journey for its users. Gone are the days of rummaging through wallets for cash or cards to refuel and earn loyalty points. We understand the scarcest resource a customer has is time,\u201d she added.\nRELATED: \nYou can now pay for EV charging via Setel from RM1.20 per minute\nCan\u2019t wait for the feature to be rolled out to you? You can opt-in for early bird access by posting an Instagram Story or Tweet of your \u2018Dah Setel So Far\u2019 page with the caption: \u201cI want One-Tap Fuelling now\u201d, tag @setel, and include the #SetelOneTapFuelling hashtag.\nFrom now until October 4, 2022, Setel users will also stand a chance to win limited-edition Setel gift boxes when they upload their most creative video on Instagram or Twitter showing their experience using the One-Tap Fuelling feature. Remember to also include the same tag and hashtag in the post.\nSetel says that the app\u2019s future updates will allow users to pre-set their preferred fuelling amount, either by litres or a full tank, when setting up the One-Tap Fuelling feature. Users will also be able to select their preferred payment method, which includes CardTerus for direct payments via debit or credit cards, as well as Setel Share, a feature that allows users to \nshare their Setel Wallet or CardTerus\n with two others to pay whilst jointly earning Mesra points.\nThe latest version of the Setel app can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android via the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.\nALSO READ: \nGet AXA motor insurance in just 3 steps with the Setel app!"
"BMW has showed off how the instrument clusters in future BMWs \u2013 with analogue dials replaced by digital graphics \u2013 would look like and will be presented for the first time in the new X5 set to be unveiled later this year.\nThe new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, designed to portray the signature front end of BMW vehicles, displays all the driver assistance systems grouped on the left side of the screen, while various parameters of the car such as the G-meter and consumption figures can be summoned on the right side.\nPowered by BMW\u2019s new Operating System 7.0, the new iDrive system is not only capable of displaying sharper, more intuitive graphics on the infotainment display but also allows up to four different \u201ctiles\u201d, essentially widgets, to be placed in one page. Up to 10 pages are allocated for \u201cshortcuts\u201d to your most commonly used features.\nVoice control has also been improved, together with two additional gestures added to the system \u2013 bringing the range of gesture controls to a total of seven. The new OS is also able to furnish the driver with information according to the situation the driver is in.\nFor example, if the vehicle is approaching the preset destination, the system will automatically display the parking options available nearby.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just over two months ago, \nMINI\n teased its new round OLED screen that will be featured in its upcoming range of all-electric (EV) models, among other design details. And now, the carmaker has revealed to us some software details and features that will be available with the round display.\nFirst up, the round OLED display, dubbed as the MINI Interaction Unit will be running on the brand\u2019s latest MINI Operating System 9, which will bring a new user interface design that is optimised for touch control. Developed in-house by the \nBMW Group\n, the MINI OS 9 is the first version of the operating system to be based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP).\nDesigned to be simple and easy to navigate, the MINI OS 9 features a start menu at the centre of the screen. The lower section of the screen houses a fixed status bar which contains menu items such as \u201cNavigation\u201d, \u201cMedia\u201d, \u201cTelephony\u201d, and \u201cAll Apps\u201d.\nSwiping up from the bottom of the screen will reveal a tool belt, which is where users can store their favourite functions for easy access. The screen\u2019s upper area, on the other hand, is reserved for driving relevant content. This includes vehicle speed and important vehicle status information. Customers can opt for an optional head-up display which can also display certain important information, without the need to take their eyes off the road.\nRELATED: \nMINI teases new steering wheel, OLED screen for upcoming models\nBuilt upon \nBMW\u2019s\n latest tech stack, the MINI OS 9 will come together with the new MINI Experience Modes, which contains a total of eight of them. Each mode will have its own blend of colour, sound, and user interface design combinations to provide what BMW Group describes as \u201ca particularly immersing driving experience\u201d.\nThere is also an optional light projector located behind the MINI interaction Unit which will match the ambient lighting system with the Experience Mode selected. The content presented on the optional head-up display will adapt accordingly to the selected Experience Mode too.\nJust in case you\u2019re worried about the quiet EV life being too quiet, MINI\u2019s got you covered as it is packaging its next-gen models with new EV sounds and jingles. If you have been missing the classic huge round speedometer featured in older MINI models, the MINI Interaction Unit can also be transformed into the typical MINI-style speedometer under certain Experience Modes.\nThe upcoming EV MINI models will be fitted with the new MINI Connected Store, giving customers access to apps such as Spotify and the AirConsole gaming platform, similar to the one \ndebuted in recent BMW models\n.\nThus far, it is clear enough that the MINI Interaction Unit is stuffed with a myriad of features. However, that\u2019s not all. MINI will be debuting its MINI Interactive Unit with its new cloud-based MINI Navigation system, alongside its brand-new MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is capable of recognising who is speaking to it. Like prior MINI models, the upcoming EV MINI models will continue to come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.\nAlso \navailable with BMW models\n, the new EV MINI models will be fitted with the optional MINI Digital Key Plus feature. It provides digital vehicle access to customers with compatible Apple, Google, and Samsung devices, allowing them to unlock their cars without having to take their phones out of their pockets.\nMINI head of brand, Stefanie Wurst said, \u201cWe are taking a massive leap into the digital world with the new MINI family and, in so doing, underscoring the charismatic heritage of the brand. The iconic central display in the new MINI family is round and will be filled with round content for the first time. I am convinced that the digital power of the new models will delight MINI customers around the world.\u201d\nRELATED:\n \nMINI Electric Resolute Edition now available with new exterior colours, from RM205k\nGALLERY"
"With electrification taking over the automotive world, it\u2019s no surprise that the W16 engine will be retired, perhaps sooner rather than later. Well, the day has finally come, but\n Bugatti\n is at least giving the 8.0-litre monster of an engine a proper send off with the new W16 Mistral.\nThe W16 engine is now synonymous with the Bugatti brand, having been in every model ever since the introduction of the \nVeyron\n back in 2005. Now in its final iteration, the eight-litre, quad turbocharged mill delivers a mighty \n1,600 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n \u2013 or 60% more horsepower than the one first introduced on the Veyron.\nThere really couldn\u2019t be a more perfect way to send off the W16 than a topless roadster, and with that amount of power under your right foot, Bugatti says that the Mistral is the \u201cultimate roadster\u201d, despite being the first \u2013 and last \u2013 topless model in the \nChiron\n era.\nWith that being said, however, Bugatti says the W16 Mistral is much more than just a Chiron with its roof chopped off; the design and existing monocoque chassis have all been completely reengineered exclusively for the model, so performance isn\u2019t compromised despite losing a large part of its structure.\nIn terms of design, the W16 Mistral draws inspiration from the many roadsters in Bugatti\u2019s history, with the most prominent one being the Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid. The majority of the styling touches can be traced back to the 1934 model, including the two aerodynamic humps behind the headrests, the roof-mounted air scoops, and the visor-style V-shaped windscreen that visually wraps around the A-pillars for a clean, motorsports-inspired look.\nEven the paint job on the all-new W16 Mistral harks back to the Grand Raid \u2013 the black-and-yellow duo-tone livery is inspired by a particular unit of the antique model sitting in the Louwman Museum in Den Haag, and is said to be one of Ettore Bugatti\u2019s favourite combinations which he frequently used on many of his own personal cars.\nRELATED: \nA shot of Bugatti\u2019s \u2018espresso\u2019 in its London showroom costs RM267!\nAside from the older roadsters, Bugatti\u2019s designers also tried to bring some of the brand\u2019s more modern styling touches onto the W16 Mistral. The more upright horseshoe grille is inspired by the \nDivo\n and \nLa Voiture Noire\n, while the rear-end also gets the X-theme taillight from the \nBolide\n, which was \nnamed \u201cmost beautiful hypercar\u201d in 2021. \nThese design touches aren\u2019t merely for show, either. The headlights\u2019 three-dimensional surface helps funnel air through to the wheel arch to help improve aerodynamic drag, while the wider grille also allows the high-temperature engine radiator to be fully fed purely from one intake, leaving the two side intakes to focus solely on the intercoolers.\nThe X-taillight vents the side oil coolers through ducts connecting the triangular negative space, while the ram induction air scoop behind the headrests is also built with a bespoke carbon fibre structure to act as a roll hoop in case of a rollover \u2013 the structure is able to support the car\u2019s entire weight.\nAnd of course, with the air intake being right behind the drivers\u2019 ears, the air scoops also help create an orchestral aural experience on the W16 Mistral, with the rumbling eight-litre\u2019s displacement intake noise being heard during throttle, and the turbochargers\u2019 blow-off valve at throttle lift.\nALSO READ: \nBugatti launches new personalisation division with bespoke Chiron Pur Sport \u201cGrand Prix\u201d\nThe interior of the W16 Mistral is based on the Bugatti Chiron, but honed to ensure that everything is functional and visible even when the driver is being face-blasted with wind at 420 km/h. As usual, the highest quality materials are being used here including titanium, milled aluminium, and leather, but the main highlight of the Mistral\u2019s cabin is found on the gear shifter.\nMachined from a solid block of aluminium, the W16 Mistral\u2019s gear shifter features a touch of wood to elevate its luxuriousness, alongside an amber insert featuring Rembrandt Bugatti\u2019s famous \u2018dancing elephant\u2019 sculpture. Iterations of this sculpture adorned the bonnet of the legendary Type 41 Royale, which Bugatti says is the \u201cmost luxurious roadster ever created\u201d.\nOnly 99 examples of the Bugatti W16 Mistral will be built, and they\u2019re priced at EUR5 million nett (approx. RM22.3 million). But even if you are a billionaire, chances are you won\u2019t be able to get your hands on one for now, as the entire production run of the limited-edition swansong model has already been sold out.\nGALLERY"
"Proton\n has just officially launched the Proton DX (Digital Experience) Centre, located at Quill City Mall. Developed by Aco Tech, in collaboration with Proton and China Construction Bank (CCB), The Proton DX Centre is the first automotive digital experience centre in Malaysia.\nThe Proton DX Centre is specifically located on Ground Floor, Quill City Mall, 1018, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. The centre is also open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.\nThe local carmaker says that the Proton DX Centre houses a blend of interactive technology, leisure, and lifestyle elements, to create a unique experiential centre. The Proton DX centre, which spans 5,275 sq ft, essentially comprises six zones, which include the Virtual Cockpit, Activity Zone, Lifestyle Zone, Atlas Mall showcase, Aico Cafe, and Delivery Bay.\nThe Virtual Cockpit is essentially the main highlight of the Proton DX Centre. Visitors can enjoy a virtual drive in an enclosed theatre-like dome to experience Proton\u2019s showcase of smart mobility. Besides showcasing the latest automotive technologies in the market, the Virtual Cockpit also serves as a platform for conceptual experiences that incorporate future mobility innovations.\nThe Activity Zone is an interactive space where visitors of the proton DX centre can enjoy motion-sensing games individually, or with their family and friends. Proton says that the Activity Zone will also be used as a space for collaborative events.\nRELATED: \nScoop: Proton Exora to cease production by end of 2023 \u2013 New MPV coming soon?\nThe Lifestyle Zone consists of exclusive merchandise and souvenirs that visitors can purchase. This zone also showcases unique activewear and lifestyle merchandise from an ongoing collaboration between Proton DX and Joma. This represents the lifestyle component of a greater mobility ecosystem from the local carmaker, which the carmaker says will be available in the centre in the future.\nSeeing the growing preference for online purchases among Malaysians, Aco Tech has enabled customers to purchase neglected products from the Atlas Auto mobile application. And for customers who would like to have a hands-on experience with the products prior to placing their orders, the Atlas Mall showcase is also present in the Proton DX centre.\nIn addition to products on sale in the Atlas Auto app, official merchandise from other brands in the \nGeely\n Group, such as \nLynk & Co\n and \nZeekr\n are also on display here. Last but not least is the delivery bay. Customers can specially request their new Proton cars to be delivered at the centre itself.\nThe local carmaker says that the Proton DX is a centre for car and technology enthusiasts of all ages to gather and be immersed in the latest innovations in the automotive. The Proton DX Centre also aspires to serve as an engaging platform for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) education, and spark interest in the field among the younger generation.\nACO Tech Chief Executive Officer Mr Li Pu said, \u201cSmart mobility in the automotive industry is evolving at an accelerated pace. We are passionate about providing solutions that enhance the driving experience, to make every drive a good one for Malaysians. Proton DX is one of the platforms that showcases our expertise.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cThis centre offers an immersive space for everyone to learn about the innovative technologies that go into an automobile and at the same time, provide an experience that goes beyond being on the road. In our efforts to lead the smart mobility industry, we hope to make Proton DX a platform for STEM education. This is part of our commitment to raise the level of technological awareness and knowledge of the nation.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton commits to launching at least one New Energy Vehicle (NEV) per year"
"Proton\n has announced the appointment of Roslan Abdullah as its new Deputy Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed, who retired at the end of last year. He officially assumed office on the 1st of January 2022.\nPrior to the new role, Roslan Abdullah was the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the national carmaker, as well as Chief Executive Officer for Proton Edar \u2013 roles he had held since the 1st of June 2020.\nHe has a wealth of experience within the automotive sector spanning over three decades, having previously served in Modenas, Isuzu Hicom Malaysia, as well as Honda Malaysia \u2013 the latter where he held dual roles of President and Chief Operating Officer. He also holds a finance and accounting degree from the University of Brighton, United Kingdom.\n\u201cRoslan Abdullah has played a key role in supporting the leadership of Proton and guiding the overall management of the business, particularly by strengthening the sales and marketing functions. I am confident we will be able to form a strong partnership to lead the company to greater heights,\u201d said Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong.\nALSO READ: Proton sold 114,708 cars in 2021 \u2013 now the best-selling SUV brand in Malaysia\nThe new \nProton Iriz Active\nRoslan\u2019s predecessor, Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed, was instrumental in overseeing the eventual partnership between DRB-HICOM and Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely). Having held the role since 1 April 2016, he played an important part in steering the company to its current standing in the automotive industry today, Proton said in a statement.\n\u201cProton would like to place on record our appreciation to Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed for his invaluable contribution and unwavering commitment towards our success. The importance of getting it right in the early days of the partnership with Geely has been critical towards the company\u2019s turnaround thus far, and his leadership during this period was invaluable,\u201d added Li."
"\u201cPractice makes perfect\u201d is how the saying usually goes. For Formula 1 drivers though, it\u2019s really more akin to \u201cpractice until you can do it without looking\u201d.\nF1 cars nowadays have so many settings to adjust on the fly, that even four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel said that it\u2019s like a computer, and is \u201cvery complicated\u201d.\nIn order to change these settings while driving at full throttle, F1 drivers utilise their years of experience and hundreds of hours on the simulator to develop a \u201csixth sense\u201d for the track, enabling them to basically drive with their eyes closed.\n \nAs a demonstration of that very skill, \nMercedes-AMG F1 driver Valtteri Bottas\n takes us around the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, but with a twist \u2013 he\u2019s actually seated in the middle of an empty room, armed with nothing but two chairs and his imagination.\nStarting from the main straight, Bottas goes through each turn with the correct imaginary steering wheel input, while at the same time giving a commentary of the corner itself, or even how the car behaves at certain points of the track.\nFor example, Bottas pointed out that at the exit of turn 10, the car usually oversteers and pushes it wide towards the wall. He even remembers where the tracks are bumpier \u2013 such as the braking zone into turn 13, giving himself a mental note every time on track to be careful under threshold braking.\nBottas ends the lap with a fist bump, along with his iconic \u201cto whom it may concern\u201d radio message, a reference to his win at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.\nIf you can\u2019t tell by now, we are really excited for the start of the 2020 Formula 1 season \u2013 scheduled to start this weekend in Melbourne, Australia, \nif all things go according to plan\n."
"Even though the TC America racing series isn\u2019t something motorsport fans outside of North America are familiar with, it doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t admire the oh-so-delectable \nBMW M2 CS Racing\n which made its North American debut at the \n24 Hours of Daytona\n recently.\nAt the very least, the M2 CS Racing serves as a reference for BMW enthusiasts hoping to emulate its blistered bodywork and gorgeous M Motorsport decals for their road going M2 coupes, but please read up on JPJ guidelines before you transform the car.\n \nBMW Group Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt said, \u201cBMW racing cars have enjoyed regular success in North America since the 1970s and they really thrill the fans. That applies to our GT cars and to the BMW M2 CS Racing\u2019s predecessors that helped BMW customer teams to secure countless wins and titles over the years. From the 2021 season onwards, we are aiming to add a new chapter to our history of success in North American motorsport with the BMW M2 CS Racing.\u201d\nThe new customer racing car is powered by the \n3.0-litre S55 in-line 6-cylinder to the tunes of 280 hp and 365 hp\n, depending on the racing classifications. The maximum torque of \n550 Nm\n is transferred to the rear wheels via a \n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n running specialist motorsport software.\nAnother highlight of the BMW M2 CS Racing is its \nengine management\n (similarly with the BMW M4 GT4) which enables various performance levels to be programmed and retrieved subject to regulations. BMW Motorsport is also developing an \nupgrade variant\n of the BMW M2 CS Racing with \n450 hp\n for the club racing segment that\u2019s gaining popularity in North America.\n \nBMW M2 CS Racing gallery"
"TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, has announced revised prices for its Renault range, which will take effect immediately with the upcoming implementation of the zero-rated GST.\nOn top that, TCEC is also offering additional incentives in the form of \nrebates on the related models\n, to unbelievable price tags.\nAll revised prices above are on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual Malaysian registration only. The revised figures include Renault\u2019s \n5-year full manufacturer\u2019s warranty with unlimited mileage\n for the models listed in the table above.\nAs for the Renault Captur, the new 0% GST price also covers the 5-in-Captur aftersales package including 5-years or up to 100,000 km (whichever comes first) free service and maintenance (parts and labour), 5-years\u00a0manufacturer\u2019s warranty with unlimited mileage, complimentary 24 hours roadside assistance, pick-up and delivery during scheduled maintenance at Renault service centres and vehicle replacement car in the event any part is not available for over 48 hours at authorised service centres, subject to availability."
"We could see this coming as prospective customers always mention range anxiety as their barrier to purchasing electric vehicles (EVs). As charging takes time plus limited spots, the next best solution is bringing the charger and battery to the EV.\nZipCharge has just unveiled the Go at the ongoing COP26 UN Climate Conference, a portable EV charging unit that combines hardware, software, machine learning and innovative ownership models to bring affordable, practical EV charging to the masses.\nThe Go, in essence, is a power bank for EVs that require just that additional charge should the next journey require more travelling. ZipCharge also caters to a specific vehicle usage pattern in the UK, where four in ten car-owning households do not even have designated curbside parking.\nThis is Volkswagen\u2019s robotic power bank and even comes with a grin when it empties itself!\nAs such, the ability to drag along the suitcase-sized Go portable EV charger is quite a blessing. The Go, fitted with the necessary cables and software, is said to provide between \n32 to 64 km\n of range (vehicle dependent), which is sufficient for everyday needs and enough for the average commute in the UK. Charging cost using the home domestic socket (to charge up the Go) is also lower than at public EV chargers, an aspect where ZipCharge is clever to highlight.\nIt only takes up to \n60 minutes\n to fully charge the Go. For those who are incredibly well versed with charging rates and time, the Go can even generate revenue for the owner by selling the energy back to the grid via the bi-directional AC-DC inverter.\nThe MoF of Malaysia has proposed that individuals be given a tax relief when installing home EV chargers. More about Budget 2022 here.\n \nZipCharge is planning to offer the Go for as little as \nGBP49\n (approx. RM278) per month or outright purchase. Owners can also customise the colours and finishes to match their EVs. This power bank surely hits the right note for urban dwellers who want quiet, zero-local emission personal mobility without the hassle of locating public chargers.\nGALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia today announced that it has begun accepting orders for the updated 2020 LX 570 here on our shores. The \nfull-sized luxury SUV\n is available locally in two forms \u2013 standard and a new Sport variant, with prices starting at RM1,225,883 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of \nSST exemptions\n.\nAppearance wise, not much has changed since the third-generation model received its third facelift exercise back in 2015. The marque\u2019s signature spindle grille design gives the large luxury SUV a muscular stance on the road, flanked by LED headlights that\u2019s now equipped with sequential turn signals.\nThe Lexus LX 570 gets a new Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic exterior colour, and the look is completed by 21-inch machine-finished wheels as standard \u2013 an optional item in other markets, which starts at 20-inch items.\nThe Sport variant on the other hand gains new sporty front and rear bumpers, along with a set of sportier-looking 21-inch forged rims with a more \u201copen\u201d design. The spindle grille on the LX 570 Sport also gets a different L-shaped block mesh design, as opposed to the horizontal slats on standard LX.\nLexus LX 570 Sport\nInside, the 2020 Lexus LX 570 remains pretty much unchanged from the previous iteration, introduced here in 2015. Highlights include the 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, the seat back-mounted 11.6-inch Rear Seat Entertainment screens for the second row passenger, as well as third-row powered ventilated seats.\nThe new Sport variant meanwhile gets additional illuminated scuff plates, aluminium sports pedals with rubber inserts, as well as door courtesy lamps (puddle lights), projecting the logo of the car. New interior colours have also been introduced to the LX (on both variants), including Garnet, Sun Flare Brown, and Ocher.\nThe powertrain on the Lexus LX 570 is also unchanged; both variants are powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, putting out \n367 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel drive driveline with variable fore-and-aft torque split.\nPerformance wise, the LX 570 does 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 210 km/h. The full-sized SUV is also said to be capable of towing up to 3,500 kg of cargo.\nHowever, perhaps more importantly in a proper SUV like the LX is its off-roading capabilities. For that purpose, the Lexus LX 570 is equipped as standard with Adaptive Variable Suspension, Active Height Control, Multi Terrain Select, Hill Start Assist, as well as Crawl Control where the vehicle takes care of braking and acceleration on slippery slopes.\nBefitting its name, the LX 570 Sport is fitted with Performance Dampers at the front axle, enhancing the body rigidity of the luxury SUV, and therefore offering better handling and stability, all without sacrificing the overall comfort of the vehicle according to Lexus.\nAs for safety, the new full-sized luxury SUV is fitted as standard with the improved Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) suite of advanced driver assistance features, which now includes the Pre Collision System autonomous emergency braking feature, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, as well as Lane Departure Alert, in addition to the existing blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert features. The LX comes with 10 air bags as standard.\nThe Lexus LX 570 and LX 570 Sport will be fully imported from Japan by Lexus Malaysia, and are priced at \nRM1,225,883\n and \nRM1,281,938\n respectively, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n \nin place until the end of the year.\nIncluded in the price is a comprehensive five-year unlimited mileage warranty, with complete aftersales support by Lexus-trained technicians. The Lexus LX 570 and LX 570 Sport are now available for booking at all authorised Lexus Centres across Malaysia.\nFor the latest updated price list of Lexus models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"The current third-generation \nToyota Vios\n has had a long and successful lifespan, having received multiple iterations since its original debut way back in 2013 to become what it is today. While sales still aren\u2019t slowing down thanks to \nrecent upgrades to its refinement and equipment list\n, nine years is still a very long time, and it\u2019s about time Toyota gave the compact B-segment sedan a full model change.\nAccording to a report by \nHeadlightmag\n, the all-new next-gen Toyota Vios, codenamed D92A, could be unveiled as soon as the third quarter this year, and will be built on the new Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform that also underpins the \nPerodua Ativa\n and \nToyota Avanza/Veloz\n.\nReview: Toyota Vios GR-S \u2013 Stimulates the eyes, sedates the soul\nThe DNGA platform should give the all-new Toyota Vios further enhancements not only in the sense of better ride and handling, but also improvements in refinement and safety. As the platform was also designed with electrification in mind, the Thai publication claims that Toyota will also be offering the all-new Vios with a hybrid powertrain, putting it head-to-head directly against the \nall-new Honda City RS e:HEV\n.\nDaihatsu\u2019s e-Smart Hybrid system\nThe next-gen hybrid Toyota Vios is also said to feature a Toyota Hybrid System II (THS-II) powertrain, pairing a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine to an electric motor, as opposed to the \nDaihatsu Rocky\u2019s e-Smart series-hybrid system\n, where the 1.2-litre engine mostly functions as a generator.\nOf course, regular non-electrified powertrains will still be available, although chances are it\u2019ll still be equipped with the existing naturally-aspirated engines \u2013 depending on region, 1.2 litre in Thailand and 1.5-litre in Malaysia \u2013 rather than the downsized turbocharged mills as previously rumoured.\nAs for how the D92A Toyota Vios will look, the report says that inspiration will be taken from the Daihatsu DN F-Sedan concept car that made its debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) back in 2017.\nThe Daihatsu DN F-Sedan takes on a somewhat fastback-like shape, with a silhouette that very much resembles that of the Tesla Model 3 \u2013 just smaller. Of course, don\u2019t expect the actual production car to carry over the entire design wholesale, but even if it only extracts a little of the concept\u2019s essence, we think it\u2019ll already be a proper looker."
"The \nMitsubishi Outlander\n has just been voted as the most reliable large SUV according to What Car? Magazine\u2019s 2017 Reliability Survey. The survey, which involves in-depth interviews with owners themselves, saw the Outlander, both the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and diesel variants, scored highly in all aspects.\nOver 14,200 owners were involved in the survey, spanning \n32 brands\n and \n169 different\n \nmodels\n. What Car? interviewed owners if they experienced any faults in the past 12 months which were classified into\n 14 groups\n \u2013 \u00a0battery, bodywork, brakes, engine, engine electrics, exhaust, exterior lights, fuel system, gearbox/clutch, interior trim, non-engine electrics, steering, suspension and others. For each aspect, owners then revealed how long and what were the cost involved for the repair to be done.\nCompared to its rivals including those from premium brands, the Outlander emerged as top spot in its category with under 10 percent of examples experienced a fault. Of the vehicles affected, \nall were fixed under warranty\n and almost \n75 percent\n of the faults were rectified in under a day.\nConsumer Editor, What Car? Magazine, Claire Evans said: \u201cLess than 10 per cent of Outlanders suffered a fault, and 75 per cent were fixed in less than a day.\u201d\nThe \nMitsubishi Outlander PHEV Juro\n has been the UK\u2019s bestselling PHEV for three years running \u2013 with over 30,000 units on UK roads today. Closer to home, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has two variants of the Outlander on sale \u2013 a \nfully imported from Japan 2.4-litre petrol\n and a \nlocally-assembled 2.0-litre petrol\n. Watch what GC Mah and our former colleague, Matthew thinks of the Outlander against its closest rival here:"
"After Thailand, Indonesia has welcomed the all-electric \nToyota bZ4X\n to their shores. Just yesterday, the bZ4X was launched in Indonesia in one variant, with a price of Rp. 1,190,000,000 (approx. \nRM356,011\n).\nCompared to the also-single-variant version launched in Thailand, Indonesia\u2019s bZ4X is front-wheel drive (FWD) with an electric motor making \n204 hp\n (metric) and \n266 Nm\n. The Thai market gets the all-wheel drive (AWD) version that makes 218 hp (metric) and 337 Nm. Equipped with the same \n71.4-kWh\n battery pack, the FWD bZ4X has a \n516-km range\n (WLTP), more than the AWD bZ4X\u2019s 460-km range (WLTP).\nAs you may already know, the bZ4X is built on Toyota\u2019s e-TNGA architecture. Measuring 4,690 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, 1,650 in height, and with a 2,850 mm wheelbase, the Toyota bZ4X is about the size of a \nProton X70\n (4,519 mm length, 1,831 mm width, 1,694 mm height, and 2,670 mm wheelbase). An EV contender about this size that will soon be available in Malaysia is the BYD Atto 3.\nAs for charging, the bZ4X can handle \n6.6-kW AC\n charging and \n150-kW\n DC Fast Charging (DCFC). Toyota says that it only takes \n30 minutes\n to charge to 80% from 0 with 150-kW DCFC. The battery comes with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty and Toyota assures that the battery will still have 90% of its storage capacity after 10 years.\nIn Indonesia, the bZ4X is the first electric vehicle (EV) by Toyota and it completes the brand\u2019s electrified offering in the country. Already in its Indonesian lineup are mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).\nOn the outside, the bZ4X features a hammerhead shark-like shape in front, piloting the styling of Toyota\u2019s bZ series. The China-exclusive \nToyota bZ3 sedan\n sports a similar fascia.\nRELATED: \nNew \u2018EV Corolla\u2019 Toyota bZ3 unveiled with 600+ km range, for China only\nOn the inside, the bZ4X gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Toyota Indonesia says the bZ4X is the first electric car in Indonesia to feature an advanced parking assist system. It also gets the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 advanced safety assistance system.\nOver in Malaysia, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n has already installed several new chargers at its headquarters. Previously, registration of interest has been open for the all-electric \nLexus RZ\n, the bZ4X\u2019s luxurious counterpart. Bound for Malaysia, the bZ4X in its FWD version with 516 km of range (WLTP) sounds more appealing than the AWD version."
"We\u2019ve recently returned from a trip to Penang in the \nnew Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid \nwith some pictures and some rather interesting information to share about the crossover. It\u2019s expected to be priced at an \nestimated RM137k\n \nand will be \nlaunched\n \nthis Fri\nday\n \n(14th of January) at 9 pm.\nRELATED: Full range of CKD Toyota Corolla Cross to come \nwith \nLED headlamps and DRLs\nFor the most part, the car looks nearly identical to the standard 1.8 model except for a few minor differences on the interior and exterior. On the outside, the Corolla Cross Hybrid variant comes with blue details by the front and rear badge and in the headlamps.\nStandard exterior features include full LED lighting including the front and rear fog lamps, roof rails and hands-free powered tailgate with kick sensor. The wheels are 18-inch in size, just like the 1.8V variant.\nInside, features offered exclusive in the hybrid variant includes dual zone air conditioning, electrochromic mirrors, floor mats with blue details, and a larger 7-inch multi-information display. In the non-hybrid variant, you get a 4.2-inch display instead.\nAlso available exclusively in the hybrid variant is the drive mode selector; offering four different drive modes \u2013 Sport, Eco, Normal and EV. There are three USB ports \u2013 one at the infotainment system, and two USB-C ports at the rear.\nAs for the trip Penang, we flagged off from UMQ Toyota\u2019s HQ in Shah Alam with a full tank of petrol, that offered around 600 km of range. Upon arrival in Teluk Bahang, Penang, we clocked \n7.6L/100 km\n, with about a quarter tank of fuel and 90 km range left to go.\nQuite impressive when you conside that the Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with a tiny 36-litre fuel tank, to accomodate the hybrid system\u2019s batteries. The standard 1.8 variants \u2013 the 1.8V and 1.8G \u2013 comes with a 47-litre tank. Boot space fortunately is unaffected at 440-litres, similar to the non-hybrid models.\nSpeaking of the batteries, it comes with an 8-year unlimited mileage warranty. The warranty also extends to the inverter unit and the power management control ECU.\nAs for the powertrain, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-litre engine with 98 hp and 142 Nm, paired to an electric motor with 72 hp and 163 Nm. The combo is paired to an e-CVT gearbox, with a \ncombined output of 122 hp\n.\nMore details to come soon!\nRELATED: Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport now available in Thailand, only with 122 hp hybrid\nGALLERY"
"Following \nlast week\u2019s announcement\n by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) on the new deadline for expired road tax (Lesen Kenderaan Motor) and driving licences, Pos Malaysia has released details on the process of renewals at their premises.\nAs Pos Malaysia is expecting a surge in traffic for the renewals of the said driving documents, the offices will not be handling walk-in customers, instead, move to an online appointment booking system. Customers will need to find their preferred post office, time slot here and then make the appointment. Click \nhere\n to access the booking site.\nA customer is permitted to only book one appointment slot per day and perform a maximum transaction per appointment.\nWe tried to access the booking system earlier but seems to be no slots available for the month of August. Hopefully it is signs of the system not online yet rather than all slots fully taken up.\nLast week, the JPJ announced that they will no longer be extended the deadline of September 30th for vehicle owners and drivers with expired road tax and all licences. The JPJ, together with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) are also scheduled to perform enforcement activities on the roads \nfrom October 1st\n.\nHere are the latest updates on\n \nmovement and travel restrictions, beginning August 10th\n.\nThe JPJ also reminds vehicle owners that renewals to be done online through their \nMySikap\n portal as well as \nMyEG\n. All transactions that are not available to be performed online can only be done via \nappointments\n. Walk-ins will not be entertained. Renewal of the road tax can also be done at self-service kiosks at JPJ offices, which also require an appointment.\nFor those who with expire road tax, please ensure your vehicle is covered with valid insurance and bring along the \u201ce-cover note\u201d while driving with an expired road tax slip still in the car.\nSource: \nPos Malaysia"
"BMW i has been\nsupplying Formula E\u2019s Safety Car since day 1 of the sport and the BMW i8 Coupe\nwill hit the race tracks with a new livery.\nPenned by Head of\nDesign BMW Motorsport, Michael Scully, the 2019 livery underlines the relationship\nof the i8 Safety Car and the BMW iFE.18 race cars with its iconic blue and\nwhite elements of the BMW logo. The purple highlights the natural colours of the\nelement that powers the race cars \u2013 raw electricity.\nFormula E vs \nFormula 1\u00a0\nThe i8 Coupe features some bespoke BMW M components to cope with the demands of motor racing, these include a rear wing and rear hatch made of carbon fibre, a front splitter, sports seats from the \nBMW M4 GTS\n, four-point harness, a roof-mounted signal light system, BMW M carbon ceramic brakes and a sports chassis.\nThe standard BMW i8 \u2013 which you can \npurchase one \nbrand\n new from BMW Malaysia\n \u2013 is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine supplemented with an electric motor to put a combined output of \n374 hp \nonto all-four-wheels. Thanks to a larger lithium-ion battery pack, pure electric driving is now up to 55 km from 35 km previously.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nBMW\u00a0i8\u00a0Coupe\u00a0Formula E Safety\u00a0Car"
"The \nfully-electric Porsche Macan\n hasn\u2019t even been announced yet, but the fossil-fuel powered SUV is already on the chopping block, with only a few years left in its life before Porsche pulls the proverbial plug.\nNo, this isn\u2019t some wild speculation or rumour started by an overzealous online blog. Rather, the news came straight from the mouth of Macan product boss Sebastian Staiger. In an interview with \nAutocar UK\n, Staiger said that the ICE-powered Macan will likely be replaced completely by the all-new electric version in just three years\u2019 time.\nWhen probed further on the purported switchover date, Staiger said: \u201cToday, no final decision has been taken, but we assume that 2024 will be the year.\u201d\nAnd the reason? Well \u2013 one of them, at least, is of course our old friend carbon emissions. \u201cThere are several limiting factors in a vehicle project. One of these factors, of course, is legislation. Emission laws are another limiting factor,\u201d Staiger explained.\nThe fully-electric Porsche Macan has already been \u201ccaught\u201d on public roads. Check out the photos here.\nThe strict Euro7 emissions regulations are set to come into effect in 2025 in europe, making it potentially unviable for carmakers to continue making fossil fuel-powered vehicles \u2013 especially high performance models.\nCouple that with new ICE cars being outlawed completely from 2030 onwards in several countries, and the decision becomes even more straightforward for Porsche.\nResearch suggests that EVs might become cheaper than ICE cars by 2027. Read more about the study here!\nAs for the EV Porsche Macan, it\u2019ll most likely be revealed at some point next year, and go on sale in 2023. It will be the first electric model to be built on the new Premium Platform Electric architecture (PPE) jointly developed by Porsche and Audi, with the latter\u2019s Q6 E-Tron also to arrive sometime next year.\nThe PPE platform was first previewed on the \nAudi A6 e-Tron concept\n at the Shanghai Auto Show this year.\nNot much technical information has been revealed just yet, but Porsche said that it\u2019ll be built on the same 800-volt electrical architecture as the Taycan, and promises to be the \u201csportiest model in its segment.\u201d\nThe PPE platform allows for longer ranges (supposedly \u201csignificantly more\u201d than the Taycan), and supports fast charging of up to 350 kW, plus repeatable performance figures.\nThailand is phasing out combustion engines, pushing to have only new EVs in 2035. Learn more here.\nIf you\u2019re still thinking about a petrol-powered Macan, there probably isn\u2019t a better time to walk into the Porsche showroom than right now. The Macan range was only \nrecently updated \nwith minor visual tweaks inside and out, plus performance upgrades across the board with the 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine in the range-topping GTS variant now making \n440 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque."
"The highly-anticipated \nall-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206)\n has just been unveiled here in Malaysia. Offered in two variants \u2013 C 200 Avantgarde and C 300 AMG Line \u2013 at launch, the all-new compact sedan will be fully imported for the time being, priced from RM288,334 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions until the 30th of June 2022.\nC 300 AMG Line\nC 200 Avantgarde\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a completely new design language, in line with the marque\u2019s other latest models, including the\n all-new S-Class\n and \nfacelift E-Class\n. The two models are differentiated by their exterior trims \u2013 the entry-level C 200 comes with the Avantgarde exterior package, while the range-topping C 300 is equipped with the sportier AMG Line trim.\nIn terms of standard features, the two variants are equipped as such:\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde\nAvantgarde exterior package\nLED High Performance headlights with adaptive high-beam assist\nFully-LED tail lights\n18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels\nLowered comfort suspension\nMercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line\nAMG Line exterior package\nMercedes-Benz pattern grille\n19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels\nLED High Performance headlights\nPanoramic sliding sunroof\nPERFORMANCE\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Malaysia is offered with an all-new powertrain line-up, both now equipped with a 48V mild hybrid Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) motor.\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde\nEngine: 1,496 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol; 48V mild-hybrid ISG motor\nTransmission: 9G-Tronic automatic\nDriveline: Front engine, rear-wheel driven\nMax horsepower: 204 hp @ 5,800 \u2013 6,100 rpm + 20 hp from electric motor\nMax torque: 300 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm + 200 Nm from electric motor\n0-100 km/h: 7.3 seconds\nTop speed: 246 km/h\nMercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line\nEngine: 1,999 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol; 48V mild-hybrid ISG motor\nTransmission: 9G-Tronic automatic\nDriveline: Front engine, rear-wheel driven\nMax horsepower: 258 hp @ 5,800 rpm + 27 hp from electric motor\nMax torque: 400 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 3,200 rpm + 200 Nm from electric motor\n0-100 km/h: 6 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nC 200 Avantgarde\nC300 AMG Line\nINTERIOR\nMuch like its exterior, the cabin of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has also been completely reworked, headlined by the new portrait-oriented infotainment screen at the centre of the dashboard. In terms of standard equipment, the interior appointments are mostly shared between the two variants, including:\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen infotainment display\nAll-new MBUX operating system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, built-in Spotify and Apple Music\nFingerprint scanner\nWireless charging pad\nArtico man-made leather upholstery\nPowered comfort front seats with memory function, 4-way lumbar support\nAutomatic climate control system\nAmbient lighting\nAugmented-reality navigation\nThe range-topping Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line variant however stands out with extra AMG Line goodies, including a sportier flat-bottom steering wheel, Sports seats, a variant-exclusive metal weave trim, and AMG floor mats.\nSAFETY\nBoth variants of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Malaysia are equipped with advanced driver assistance features as standard, including:\nActive Lane Keeping and Lane Tracking Assist\nActive Blind Spot Assist\nActive Brake Assist\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\nThe range-topping C 300 AMG Line does however stand out with an additional 360-degree surround-view camera (reversing camera on C 200).\nPRICING\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be fully imported at launch, with local assembly operations planned for the second half of 2022 (currently after the expiry of the SST exemptions). The all-new compact sedan is priced from:\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde\n \u2013 RM288,334\nMercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line\n \u2013 RM330,681\nBoth figures above are on-the-road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the 5% SST exemptions (for imported CBU models) until the 30th of June 2022. Also included in the price is a 2+2 year unlimited-mileage warranty.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde\nMercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, today announced the \u2018Service Relief Promotion\u2019 campaign offering savings and peace of mind to its customers during these challenging times. The campaign runs from \ntoday until July 30\n.\nCustomers making a service appointment at any Ford authorised service centres during the campaign period can benefit from discounts of up to \n20% on selected OEM parts\n, as well as \ntiming belt and lubricant packages\n. Additionally, SDAC Ford is also offering a \n10% discount on the labour fee\n on said packages.\nIf your Ford vehicle is not due for service yet, you can still take advantage of the \ncomplimentary 27-point vehicle inspection\n, conducted by Ford-certified technicians at all authorised service centres to ensure your vehicles are in tip-top conditions.\nSDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said, \u201cWe always aim to deliver value-added benefits and services to our customers. People still need to go about their day-to-day activities in this time of uncertainties and we hope these savings will help lighten their load.\u201d\nFor customers unable to make a warranty service appointment due to the \nMovement Control Order\n, SDAC-Ford is offering a grace period until June 30 for customers to schedule an appointment with any authorised Ford service centres to keep their warranties intact.\nTo book an appointment, customers can either contact their preferred outlets directly, use the online booking form \nhere\n, or by calling the SDAC Customer Care Hotline at \n1300 38 3181\n.\nSDAC-Ford recently also introduced the Ford Ranger FX4 on our local soil. Check out the detailed facts and figures \nhere on our launch article\n."
"Porsche has just recorded a new lap time on the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife with the \n911 GT3 RS\n in the hands of Porsche brand ambassador and development driver J\u00f6rg Bergmeister. The all-new track-focused supercar crossed the finish line in \n6:49.328 minutes\n, and although it\u2019s not a new lap record by any means, it still managed to beat the current, \n\u201cregular\u201d GT3 \nby a whopping 10.6 seconds.\n \nThe sub-seven-minute time places the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS in third place in its class (Sports cars), behind the much more powerful\n GT2 RS \nand \u2013 stingingly \u2013 the \nMercedes-AMG GT Black Series\n. But despite the relatively slower lap time, Porsche says they were still satisfied with the car\u2019s performance.\nRELATED: \nPorsche beats Mercedes-Benz\u2019s N\u00fcrburgring record with 911 GT2 RS\nPorsche Director of GT cars, Andreas Preuninger said, \u201cToday the 911 GT3 RS delivered what it had already promised at first glance \u2013 absolute excellence on the racetrack. Considering the far from ideal conditions, with a strong headwind on the long straight of the D\u00f6ttinger H\u00f6he and cool asphalt temperatures, we are satisfied with this time.\n\u201cThe 911 GT3 RS is setting new standards for aerodynamics and the chassis. Never before has a road car embodied so much motorsport.\u201d\nUnlike the two other cars on the leaderboard podium, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS still believes in the purest form of propulsion, with the 4.0-litre rear-mounted flat-six engine foregoing any sort of forced induction. Despite being naturally-aspirated, the engine still pumps out an impressive\n 525 hp\n while it revs all the way up to a glorious 9,000 rpm.\nThe all-new 911 GT3 RS\u2019 pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance, however, is its incredible aerodynamics. Thanks to the new adjustable aero appendages, the track-focused supercar is able to achieve a total downforce of 860 kg at 285 km/h \u2013 three times as much as a standard 911 GT3. At the straights, the new rear wings can also be opened up a la Formula 1\u2019s DRS system, reducing drag to raise the car\u2019s top speed.\nFor the recorded lap, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS was equipped with the Weissach package, alongside the super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. All of these additions are available as options to the customers, and is therefore valid for the official timing board \u2013 an official was present to check and verify the cars and lap times.\n\u201cWe lost a little downforce due to the strong, sometimes gusting wind, but I\u2019m still very happy with the lap,\u201d says Bergmeister. \u201cIn the fast sections in particular, the 911 GT3 RS is in a league of its own. Here it\u2019s on a level usually reserved for top-class racing cars. The car is also setting new standards in braking. Fast laps on the Nordschleife are simply so much fun in this car.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \nWatch the all-new BMW M4 Competition blitz through the Nurburgring in 7:30 minutes\nVice President for the 911 and 718 model lines, Frank Moser, was following the action from the pit wall: \u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of what the whole team has achieved during the development and testing of the new 911 GT3 RS. Today J\u00f6rg Bergmeister brought everything together and unleashed the car\u2019s full potential. The 911 can still surprise us and proves that the rear engine concept is still supremely suitable for high-performance sports cars.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the \nfirst\n and \nsecond\n edition of the Evo Enduro hosted by our friends over at Aurizn Malaysia but unfortunately have to sit out on this year\u2019s drive to Phuket, Thailand. However, that didn\u2019t stop GC Mah from soaking in the hype at the KL flag-off ceremony.\n \nEvo Enduro 2019 saw over 80 cars started their journey from Kuala Lumpur heading up North to Phuket, Thailand, enjoying the passion for cars and driving with fellow like-minded petrolheads. The convoy is made up of a mad mix of cars from classics like Mini Moke to JDM legends like the Honda S2000 and everything in between.\nBy the time the group returns to home base in Kuala Lumpur, their cars would\u2019ve clocked over 2,000 km throughout the journey."
"Volvo\u2019s latest and smallest SUV, the XC40\n has been named the 2018 European Car of the Year \u2013 the first win of this prestigious award for Volvo Cars.\n\u201cWinning this award with our new XC40 is perfect timing,\u201d said President and CEO of Volvo Cars, H\u00e5kan Samuelsson. \u201cVolvo now has three globally available SUVs in its range for the first time. The XC40 will be a strong contributor to further growth, taking us into a new and fast-growing small SUV segment.\u201d\nEarly orders for the new XC40 have been\n in excess of 20,000 cars\n across Europe and the US, indicating its positive appeal. The XC40 roll-out will soon extend to China, where Volvo is expecting similar strong interest.\nThe XC40 is the first model built on Volvo Car\u2019s Compact Modular Vehicle Architecture (CMA), which will be the basis for upcoming cars in the 40 Series, including fully electrified vehicles.   The XC40 is the first Volvo with a car-sharing feature, via Volvo\u2019s digital key technology which will allow owners to share their car without handing over the physical key. The XC40 also launched Volvo Car\u2019s new subscription service, Care by Volvo, which offers access to their cars via a monthly flat-fee subscription rather than ownership.\nSafety and driver assistance systems on the XC40 include Volvo Cars\u2019 Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert with Brake Support and the 360\u00b0 Camera that helps drivers park in tight spaces.\nThe XC40 is possibly most well-known for its ingenious interior design and storage ideas with more storage space in the doors and under the seats, a slot for phones for inductive charging and a removable dustbin in the tunnel console.\nIn 2017, the company announced its commitment to electrify all Volvo Cars launched from 2019. In line with this leadership position in electrification, a hybridised as well as a pure electric powertrain option for the XC40 will be added later.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus seemed to have gone to extremely extreme lengths to make sure that your Lexus is built with specifications specially for you and you only \u2013 ensuring that your car is as genetically-exclusive as your individual DNA.\nEnter the \nLexus Genetic Select\n \u2013 the world\u2019s first service that uses human genetics to custom tailor the specifications of a car to suit your driving style, behaviour and even personal characteristics.\u00a0All it takes is a little spit of your saliva and the system will be able to tell if you\u2019re prone to backaches hence requiring more lumbar support and padding for your seats, for instance.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuDYKljzcZE\nIt can even tell if your skin is more sensitive to UV rays so as to provide better tinting or if your eyes need prescriptive windscreens for better vision. Best part is, you don\u2019t even need to push a button to start your car anymore!\nSure it sounds far fetched but in this day and age, with technological advancements beyond our wildest imaginations, this is without the next step in car customisation to the very detailed requirements of a human\u2019s specific needs.\nBut there\u2019s a giveaway; and it \u201clies\u201d at the end of the video."
"The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (PS3) tyre has garnered tremendous fanfare over the years, both by driving enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. Due to its superb grip and handling capabilities in both wet and dry conditions, the PS3 has become the tyre of choice for those who value safety and lap times.\nThe new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is said to be inspired from Formula E tyres, which makes it difficult to imagine just how much better road tyres can be. Michelin invited us to push their latest flagship tyres to the limits at the Setia Alam Convention Centre carpark.\nMichelin prepared two courses, a slalom-to-wet braking and a gymkhana course where we pitted the PS4 against its closest rival, the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenaline RE003. For the purposes of a controlled experiment, Michelin has prepared two identical C 200 Coupe and two BMW F30 320d for each of the courses. Naturally, a C 200 will be fitted with the PS4, and the other, the RE003. Once I got into the car, four beautiful words came through the radio: \u201cGentlemen, start your engines\u201d.\nFirst up is the slalom to wet braking course with Michelin PS4s equipped. The road conditions were \nperfect\n. Not in a freshly paved, smooth tarmac way, but with plenty of unevenness and undulations \u2013 just about as good as Malaysian roads can get. The course was also deliberately soaked with running water and was full of potholes and loose gravel. \nThrough the slalom course, immediately the PS4 inspired great confidence. Yanking the steering through dry, wet and even loose patches of the course, the PS4 provided high and most importantly consistent grip. I believe that the tyres will fare extremely well in our ever changing road conditions. In comparison, the RE003 requires me to pay more attention to control the car as the tyre starts to unsettle in the wet.\nThe PS4\u2019s wet performance came to the spotlight during the wet braking course. A full braking from 80km/h across a pile of water may seem like a scary ordeal at first, but the PS4 sliced through the water and clipped onto the road like a leech, stopping the Merc in no time. The same can\u2019t be said for the RE003 as the coupe dives straight past for 2 additional meters. How\u2019s that for a comparison? Next up is the gymkhana course in a \n400 Nm\n BMW 3-Series. I can\u2019t wait.\nOff the line, the PS4 and RE003 feel identical. Come first corner however, it\u2019s a whole different story. The PS4 sticks onto the tarmac as if I was cornering on rails, while the RE003 nips around like a playful cat. As I approach the wet section, I had difficulty putting the power down on the Bridgestones, prompting me to modulate the throttle to keep the car in check. Whereas with the Michelins, all I had to do was to slam the throttle as if I was on dry tarmac and the car was perfectly stable with tons of grip. To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement. The PS4 is truly as responsive as you are.\nIS THIS TYRE FOR YOU?\nIf safety is your utmost priority, the PS4 would serve you well by offering consistent grip rain or shine. For enthusiasts, if you require a high performance tyre without having to venture into semi-slicks territory, the PS4 is arguably one of the best high performance road tyres there is.\nHowever, if you are one of those few (like yours truly) that value driving engagement and fun a little bit more than bettering\u00a0lap\u00a0times, the tyre that would get your Adrenaline pumping is the RE003.\nIf I were to summarise the two tyres in one sentence \u2013 PS4 for ultimate lap times on track; RE003 for ultimate smiles on twisty tarmac.\nDisclaimer: Both tyres, the Michelin PS4 and Bridgestone Potenza Adrenaline RE003 are brand new, unused tyres.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As you are reading this, a heavily camouflaged all-electric \nRolls-Royce\n is enduring a gruesome \n2,500,000 km\n test. Unnecessarily gruelling, some may say, the 2.5-million-km test is meant to simulate more than 400 years of usage of the marque\u2019s first all-electric car, the \nRolls-Royce Spectre\n.\nNot only tasked with this painstaking test, but the Rolls-Royce Spectre also bears the weight of being the first all-electric car by the brand that prides itself as the pinnacle of super-luxury automobiles. Yes, Rolls-Royce has showcased the 102EX and 103EX, but the former was a concept car while the latter was merely a design study.\nOne of the key highlights of the all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre is a proprietary smart suspension system that has been confirmed for production. On straight roads, the system can automatically decouple the anti-roll bars, allowing each wheel to act independently. This prevents the rocking motion that occurs when one side of a vehicle hits an undulation in the road. This also dramatically improves high-frequency imperfections in ride caused by smaller, more frequent shortcomings in road surface quality.\nRELATED: \nRolls-Royce downsizes \u2018Spirit of Ecstasy\u2019 bonnet emblem for EV efficiency\nOnce a corner is confirmed as imminent by satellite navigation data and the Flagbearer system, the components are recoupled, the suspension dampers stiffen and the four-wheel steering system prepares for activation to ensure effortless entry and exit.\nBesides the smart suspension system, the Rolls-Royce Spectre also boasts a 30% increase in rigidity and a 0.25 drag coefficient which makes the Spectre the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce yet.\nRELATED: \nRolls-Royce Wraith Landspeed Collection delivered in Malaysia \u2013 1 of only 35 in the world!\nEarlier this year in Arjeplog, Sweden, the Spectre received the first \u2018lessons\u2019 in a finishing school that is custom designed to teach the motor car how to behave and react like a Rolls-Royce. Now, it will be driven for 625,000 kilometres on and around the French C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur for more formal scrutiny in a location that reflects the motor car\u2019s everyday use.\nSplit into two phases, the first leg of the test includes irrigation units that create standing water, demanding handling circuits with tight corners and adverse cambers, as well as a heavily banked 3.1-mile three-lane high-speed bowl, enabling the Spectre to be tested at continuous high speeds.\nRELATED: \nRolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost in Malaysia from RM1.8 mil, 5 Things\nThe second phase of testing in the region occurs in the Proven\u00e7al countryside surrounding the Autodrome de Miramas. This region is enjoyed by many of the marque\u2019s clients, therefore a significant 55% of testing here has taken place on the very roads that many production Spectres will be driven on following first customer deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2023.\nDespite the Spectre debuting in 2023, the electrification of the brand has been long prophesied by Charles Rolls. Quoting the marque\u2019s founder, \u201cThe electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.\u201d\nThe Electric Super Coup\u00e9 will still be tested for a further one million kilometres before the marque\u2019s engineers will consider this undertaking complete. First customer deliveries of Spectre will commence in the fourth quarter of 2023."
"Audi sure knows how to make a wagon look cool, and the\n Audi Prologue Avant\n is no different. Based on the template set by the \nPrologue concept coupe\n that was unveiled at the LA Motor Show in November 2014, the Prologue Avant further hints at the design elements that will be implemented on future models.\nTake for example the wider \nSingleframe grille\n that stretches across the front accompanied by a pair of \nhigh-resolution Matrix Laser headlamps\n, \nLED taillights\n at the back that runs across the full width of the car, and the \nfolded-out shoulders\n above each wheels; they are likely to appear on the upcoming production Audis.\nFor a vehicle that measures \n5.11 meters long\n and almost two meters wide, the Prologue Avant only seats four including the driver. The cabin features \nindividual seats\n, high-tech \nflexible OLED touch-sensitive displays\n, and the \nAudi virtual cockpit\n for the driver.\nUnlike the Prologue Concept coupe with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the Prologue Avant utilises a hybrid system from the Q7 E-Tron quattro with a\n 3.0-litre TDI V6\n and a \n100 kW electric motor\n paired to an \n8-speed tiptronic\n. It produces a combined output of \n455 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Prologue Avant is set for its debut at the upcoming \nGeneva Motor Show\n this coming March. So what do you guys think? Should Audi stop teasing us with more Prologue concepts and get the car into production?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Exactly one month after the model was \nlaunched in Thailand\n, Berjaya Auto Alliance \u2013 the \nnew sole distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia\n \u2013 has now officially unveiled the new 2021 Peugeot 3008 facelift here on our shores, alongside its larger sibling, \nthe 5008\n.\n \nOffered in a single Allure variant, the locally-assembled (at \nStellantis\u2019 new assembly plant in Gurun\n) 2021 Peugeot 3008 is priced at\n RM161,617 \non the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that has been recently extended until June 2022.\nEXTERIOR\nThe highlight of the Peugeot 3008 facelift exercise is the completely redesigned front end, headlined by the new \u201cborderless grille\u201d. Other touches such as the reworked three-dimensional \u201clion claw\u201d taillights also help make the crossover look significantly more modern compared to the pre-facelift model.\nStandard exterior items on the new Peugeot 3008 in Malaysia include:\nAutomatic LED headlights with new signature \u201clion fangs\u201d daytime-running light and turn indicators, cornering lamps\nNew LED taillight with 3D light signature and sequential turn indicators\n18\u201d Los Angeles wheels\nHands-free powered tailgate\nPanoramic sunroof\nAdvanced Keyless Entry\nExterior colour options: Amazonite Grey, Pearl White, Nera Black, Cuprite Brown (model exclusive)\nPERFORMANCE\nThe powertrain underneath the bonnet is unchanged from the pre-facelift model, featuring the same 1.6-litre twin-scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) mill paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox.\nEngine: 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged, four-cylinder\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 165 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm\nTop speed: 205 km/h\nFuel consumption: 7.0L / 100km (NEDC)\nINTERIOR\nWhile the exterior gets a significant redesign, particularly on its front end, changes to the 2021 Peugeot 3008\u2019s interior are less drastic, with the only differences being the larger central infotainment display, plus a new wireless charging pad.\n12.3-inch digital head-up cluster display\n10-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\n\u201cPiano keys\u201d toggle switches\nDual-Zone air conditioning with rear vents\nMood lighting\nLeather seats\n6-way powered front seats\nElectric parking brake\nSAFETY\nLike the \npre-facelift model\n, the new 2021 Peugeot 3008 in Malaysia comes with a basic set of advanced driver assistance features, including:\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nDriver Attention Warning\nSpeed Limit recognition\nBlind Spot Monitoring\nOther standard safety features include six airbags, Advanced Grip Control (traction control for different terrains), Hill Assist Descent Control, and a 180-degree rear-view camera.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the new 2021 Peugeot 3008 facelift will only be offered in a single Allure variant in Malaysia, priced at \nRM161, 617\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions (100%).\nIncluded in the price is a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty, alongside a three-year/60,000 km free service maintenance programme.\nGALLERY"
"Audi has always been at the pinnacle of sporting excellence and proof of this can be found as far back as the days when the company was known simply as Auto Union. Even in the shaky throws of pre-war times, the company made amazing strides in technological advancement with a apt eye focused solely on speed. Those cars were massively overpowered by great big V16 engines with a rather courageous chap piloting these flimsy rockets past the 300 km/h barrier.\nFor those of you pondering about the \nAuto Union\n car in question here, it\u2019s none other than the\u00a0\n1936 Type C\n racer. And bear in mind, these guys were doing break-neck speeds in an era where television was still black and white and made of polished walnut; telephones were primative to say the least and safety was just a passing thought. To label these cars as dangerous is definitely a raging \nunderstatement\n, especially by today\u2019s standards. Thankfully, Audi has gone with the times in terms of safety but always kept a finger on that insatiable itch for \nspeed\n.\n \n \nLike all big car manufacturers, Audi had to work around the \ndownsizing\n issue that seems to be curbing the enthusiasm of petrol heads far and wide. But since both models carry the RS badge, they share the company\u2019s newest V8 sourced from the\u00a0hot top-shelf limo \u2013 \nthe Audi\u00a0S8\n. With a mammoth load of power and torque figures at the disposal of a right foot, the engine also features Audi\u2019s Cylinder On Demand (COD) technology which shuts off four of its eight cylinders under load. This returns some really eco-friendly numbers in terms of consumption and emissions. Audi it seems, has found the ultimate solution to keeping everyone happy.\nUnder the hood of both these RS6 Avant and RS7 cars is the same \nturbocharged 4.0-litre V8\n, but the one word that makes all the difference here is \u2018Performance\u2019.\u00a0What\u2019s different between this and the regular V8 engine is the additional\u00a0\n40 horses\n and \n50 Nm of torque\n.\u00a0It may not sound like a lot, but consider the fact that these cars make in excess of 500 hp.\nIn full, the V8s here are tuned to the jingle of \n596 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of twist with the help of a couple of \nturbochargers\n. Speaking of which, should you require an additional dollop of power, the engine is able make an additional 50 Nm of torque above the 700 Nm that you already have, bringing to grand total of\n 750 Nm\n!\u00a0Although, truth be told, there aren\u2019t too many circumstances that mere mortals like us would warrant such an \noverboost\n feature, but that said, it is always good to have.\nDespite the additional boost, the sonorous V8 returns up to\n 9.6 litres per 100km\n in the \nRS 6 Avant performance\n and \n9.5 litres per 100km\n in the\n RS 7 Sportback performance\n, corresponding to 223g\u00a0and 221 g/km of CO2 respectively. Years of RS model development has been invested in the upgraded 4.0\u00a0TFSI lump, such as the specific engine management system with increased rpm and boost pressure to the aforementioned Audi \ncylinder on demand\n (COD) system.\n \n \nThe standard \neight-speed tiptronic\n transmission has been designed to handle the increased performance, and drivers can still choose\u00a0to\u00a0change gears manually either by tapping the selector \nlever\n or by using the \npaddle shifters\n on the RS multifunction leather steering wheel. In manual mode, a shift indicator in the instrument cluster or\n optional head-up\n \ndisplay\n indicates the rev\u00a0limit.\nAudi\u2019s\u00a0quattro permanent all-wheel drive system delivers the power to the road and distributes torque as needed via the centre differential. In standard configuration, both cars are rear-biased with a 40:60 front to rear power split. The\u00a0\nwheel-selective torque control\n intervenes as and when necessary. A \nsport differential\n acting on the rear axle is also \nstandard\n, and enables \nactive torque distribution\n between the inside and outside wheel for better cornering.\nBoth RS performance models sit on a set of\u00a0\n21\u2011inch\n cast aluminium wheels with the help of \n285/30\n rubbers on the RS6 and \n275/30\n tyres on the RS7 Sportback. The\n four internally ventilated\n brake discs have a weight-saving wave design, although all four can be replaced by \ncarbon fibre-ceramic discs\n\u00a0for a price.\nThe RS6 and RS7 performance are slated for UK deliveries\u00a0in February 2016, but the order books will be open in the first week of November. The RS6 Avant performance will be priced at\n \u00a386,000\n (about RM561k at press time), while the RS 7 Sportback performance will set you back at\u00a0\n\u00a391,600\n (RM597k). It is rather unlikely that these cars will make it to the showrooms on our shores anytime soon, perhaps hope lies with \nspecialist grey-importers\n. Then again, with Audi Malaysia helming operations here, we could all be in for a real treat.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi RS7 Sportback   Audi RS6 Avant"
"BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the new \nMy BMW App\n and the new \nMINI App\n to replace the current BMW and MINI Connected Apps.\nThe new apps will offers owners remote access to their vehicles for features such as Active Charging, Climate Timer, Vehicle Finder, Remote Engine Start, Remote Software Updates, and Remote Engine Start.\nUsers can also manage their service intervals and receive recall alerts via the apps. In the event of an emergency, users can also reach out to BMW and MINI Roadside Assistance via the apps.\nE-mobility features allows users to monitor fuel/battery level, range, charging station and even charging history. Owners of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles can also benefit from features that can inform of the nearest parking, charging spots, and charging station details.\nA Range Circle feature helps users identify destinations that can be reached within the current range, based on the current location.\u00a0\nSpecifically for BMW owners, users can also pair their BMW Digital Key with the new My BMW app, but it\u2019s only limited to smartphones running iOS.\nThe new apps by MINI and BMW will replace the MINI Connected and BMW Connected apps beginning July this year. Those who are currently using the MINI and BMW Connected apps will not need to register for the new apps which are now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.\nGALLERY"
"Attention everyone, we would like to solemnly report that Peugeot might be killing off the GTi nameplate after the current 208 and 308 models move on to the next generation.\nAccording to \nAutoExpress\n, Peugeot is not expecting to revive the legendary GTi nameplate for the \nforthcoming Peugeot 208 hot hatchback\n either. Peugeot is set to release the performance edition of the 208 hatchback in full electric guise as an upgrade to the e-208 announced during the launch of the new supermini.\u00a0\nThe French firm is now considering to ditch the GTi badge in favour of a \u201cPeugeot Sport Engineered\u201d moniker, first seen on the \n508 Peugeot Sport Engineered Concept\n.\u00a0\nDespite the heritage associated with the GTi name, Auto Express reported that Peugeot executives are trending towards the new naming scheme due to the new all-electric powertrain. The Peugeot Sport Engineered name will spearhead the firm\u2019s future direction for performance models, and will be the naming choice for the rebranded performance arm of Peugeot.\u00a0\nThe 508 Sport Engineered concept looks mean, but the name just doesn\u2019t have the same ring to it.\nHowever, representatives from Peugeot UK are still fighting the change, citing the importance of heritage behind a brand name. The executives used the recently announced \nPorsche Taycan Turbo\n as an example, which uses the Turbo naming scheme popularised by their 911 line even though the car is fully electric.\u00a0\nGroupe PSA\u2019s last used the GTi naming scheme on the \n2017 308 GTi\n, but its usage stretches back all the way to arguably the first hot hatch ever produced, the 205 GTi. Malaysians have long had the privilege of enjoying the GTi models, with both the latest 308 GTi and \n208 GTi\n available for purchase locally. We are definitely going to miss the GTi badge if it does go."
"Despite the gloomy headlines surrounding parent Nissan, premium division Infiniti is pushing on with the development of the Project Black S \u2013 an ambitious plan between Infiniti and the Renault F1 team (which the former sponsors) to turn the Q60 coupe into a cutting edge, electrified sports car incorporating the latest F1 technologies.\nLike the Mercedes-AMG One, the Project Black S incorporates both the MGU-H and MGU-K energy recovery systems alongside a 3.0-litre V6 to produce over 560 hp and a yet-to-be-revealed amount of torque powering the rear wheels. Expect the Newton-metre figure to be substantial due to the electrics involved.\n \nLike an F1 race car, the Project Black S will feature aerodynamics to increase downforce and a \u2018by-wire\u2019 braking system with carbon ceramic rotors. Suffice to say, this will easily be Infiniti\u2019s fastest car yet and the technologies may well feature in the next generation GT-R.\nGo ahead Infiniti, make our day.\nIn fact, Infiniti will decide by end of the year if the Project Black S goes into production after the Renault F1 Team, led by driver Nico Hulkenberg, \u2018signed off\u2019 on the track development of the dual-hybrid system on the prototypes at Salzburgring in Austria recently. Till then, fingers crossed."
"Red Bull might not be joining hands with Porsche in Formula 1 any more, but their existing partnership with Honda does mean that they still have access to some pretty nice toys every once in a while. One such toy is the \nall-new Honda Civic Type R\n, which racer-prodigy Max Verstappen had the chance to wring it around the Euroring Circuit as part of an ad campaign for the highly-awaited hot hatch.\n \nThe premise of the ad spot is pretty simple, if not even a little cheesy. After winning the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen was called in for a meeting by Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner. With two hours to spare, Max decided that there\u2019s something he wants to \u201ccheck out\u201d at the Euroring.\nThe \u2018something\u2019 turns out to be the Civic Type R, and against the advice of his personal assistant, the 2021 F1 World Champion immediately put on his helmet and headed out onto the track. Max enjoyed his time in the new Type R so much that he ends up being late for the aforementioned meeting. So what does he do? He opted to drive himself to the meeting with the hot hatch, of course.\nThe all-new Honda Civic Type R is powered by an updated K20C1 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, now making 9 hp and 20 Nm more than its predecessor at \n315 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels in classic Type R fashion, with the engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission as standard.\nIt\u2019s safe to assume that the gain in track time (\nHonda beat its own FWD Suzuka track record with a pre-production unit\n) comes from more than just the small bump in power. The Japanese carmaker says that they\u2019ve also enhanced the car\u2019s gearbox, LSD, as well as the overall rigidity of the car.\nAccording to Max Verstappen, the all-new Honda Civic Type R is \u201cjust wow\u201d, but we\u2019ll believe it when we actually get to drive it ourselves.\nRELATED: \nHonda reveals 2022 Civic Type R performance figures, \u2018small\u2019 boost from FK8R"
"Minister of Transport, YB Tuan Anthony Loke has made an announcement that the use of a child restraint system (CRS) will be made mandatory \nstarting from next year\n.\nIn a study\n done by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), it is found that fatal road traffic injuries among children (age 0 to 18 years) account for 15.5% of total fatality caused by accidents in Malaysia in 2009.\n \nYet, most parents in Malaysia still do not think that a car seat is necessary, or that it\u2019s even worth the money. \nOther factors\n cited by parents include non-existence of enforcement, and lack of information on selecting a quality CRS.\u00a0\nAccording to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a correctly installed and used child restraint can reduce infant deaths in a car crash by up to 70%!\u00a0\nChild seats are easily accessible now, as even car manufacturers like Perodua sell one.\nStill need more convincing? Well now is your chance because MIROS together with Mamours, Maxi-Cosi and ASEAN NCAP are organising a live crash test to demonstrate the effectiveness of child car seats!\u00a0\nThe event will be held on Saturday, the \n26th of October 2019\n from 10 am to 3.30 pm at \nMIROS PC3, Akademi Jabatan Pengangktutan Jalan, Melaka\n. Registration will cost RM50, but attendees will be entitled to goodie bags and vouchers worth more than RM500.\nSeats are limited, so do register if you are keen! Inquiries and registration can be made via the phone at \n03 7803 6515\n, or WhatsApp at \n012 6862 797\n."
"Porsche\u2019s baby SUV, the Macan is now officially on sale Malaysia, after a \nsneak preview here\n back in May. \nSime Darby Auto Performance\n (SDAP) is bringing not only one Macan variant to our shore, but \nall four variants\n; the \nMacan\n, \nMacan S Diesel\n, \nMacan S\n, and \nMacan Turbo\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche Macan\n \nPorsche Macan\n S Diesel\n \nSegment\nCompact SUV\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n1,984cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged\n2,967cc V6 turbocharged diesel\nTransmission\n7-speed PDK\n7-speed PDK\nMax Power\n237hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,800 rpm\n258hp @ 4,000 \u2013 4,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n350Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n580Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM 420,000.00\nRM 545,000.00\n\u00a0\nName\nPorsche Macan\n S\n \nPorsche Macan\n Turbo\n \nSegment\nCompact SUV\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n2,997cc V6 twin-turbo\n3,604cc V6 twin-turbo\nTransmission\n7-speed PDK\n7-speed PDK\nMax Power\n340hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\n400hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n460Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n550Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM 560,000.00\nRM 785,000.00\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\n \nProportionally the Macan is less imposing but more athletic than the Cayenne, with a sloping roofline that contributes to the Macan\u2019s sporty stance. The Macan stands at \n1,624 mm tall\n, \n1,923 mm wide\n, and \n4,699 mm long\n with a \nwheelbase of 2,807 mm\n. As a comparison, the Macan is 81 mm lower, 16 mm narrower, and 156 mm shorter than the Cayenne, while the wheelbase is shorter by 88 mm.   Some of the design elemets are derived from the 918 Spyder which includes the headlamps shape, the 3D effect taillights, and even the steering wheel design. The \nsignature sideblades\n at the bottom of the front and rear doors are painted in Lava Black as standard on the Macan S and Macan S Diesel but buyers are able paint them the same colour as the body like on the Macan Turbo, or opt for the Genuine Carbon sideblades.   INTERIOR\n \nThe interior mimics the rest of the current Porsche models with a tall dashboard and a wide center console flooded with buttons around the gear lever. As mentioned earlier the steering is inspired from the one in 918 Spyder while the rest of the interior should be finished in the typical Porsche high quality.   On top of the dashboard sits\u00a0an \nanalogue and digital stopwatch\n if the Sports Chrono package option is included. A selection of trim finishes and leather are available for customers to choose from as well.   PERFORMANCE\n \nThe most affordable \nMacan\n has a \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol\n under the one-piece wraparound bonnet. Its \n237 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n power output enables it to accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n6.9 seconds\n, and to a \ntop speed\n of \n223 km/h\n. The 4-cylinder Macan is claimed to be one of the most efficient compact SUV in its class with a fuel consumption of\n 7.2 l/100 km\n.\nA step up the ladder will bring us to the \nMacan S\n. Powered by a \n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n, the Macan S produces \n340 hp\n and \n460 Nm\n that\u2019s good for sprinting from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n5.4 seconds\n and a \ntop speed\n of \n254 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated \nbetween 9.0 and 8.7 l/100 km\n.\nThe \nMacan Turbo\n sits on top of the Macan range, with a \n3.6-litre twin-turbo V6\n that generates \n400 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque. Fuel consumption is rated \nbetween 9.2 and 8.9 l/100 km\n and this range-topping Macan will accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in just \n4.8 seconds\n, and a \ntop speed\n of \n266 km/h\n.\nNot forgetting the sole diesel in the Macan range, the \nMacan S Diesel\n. Under its bonnet is a torquey \n3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel\n with \n258 hp\n and \n580 Nm\n. Yes, that\u2019s \n30 Nm more than the Macan Turbo\n. Acceleration time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is \n6.3 seconds\n while the \ntop spee\nd is \n230 km/h\n. The Macan Diesel S is even more economical, sipping \nbetween 6.3 and 6.1 litres of fuel per 100 km\n.\nAll Macan variants are paired with a \nseven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung\n (PDK) transmission with coasting and start stop function as standard. Power is sent to all four wheels with\n Porsche Traction Management\n (PTM), \nAutomatic Brake Differential\n (ABD), and \nAnti-Slip Regulation\n (ASR) for optimum traction.\nSport Chrono package\n is optional, and it includes a \nSport Plus\n button that activates the sportiest driving mode in the center console, an \nanalogue and digital stopwatch\n on the dashboard, as well as the additional \nperformance display\n on the optional \nPorsche Communication Management\n (PCM) system. There\u2019s also a \nLaunch Control\n in the Sport Chrono package that \nshaves 0.2 seconds off\n the sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nThe base price excluding insurance for the \nMacan\n is from \nRM 420,000.00\n, the \nMacan S Diesel\n is from \nRM 545,000.00\n, the \nMacan S\n is from \nRM 560,000.00\n, and the \nMacan Turbo\n is from \nRM 785,000.00\n. All Macan variants come with \n4-year factory warranty\n and a \n4-year complimentary service, parts and maintenance package\n. Bookings are now open at Porsche Centre Damansara and Porsche Centre Glenmarie, and the Macan will be making an appearance in Paragon Mall, Penang from 19th to 21st September 2014 and Bangsar Shopping Centre from 15th to 19th October 2014.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the \nM5 Safety Car\n that was unveiled at the tail end of last year\u2019s MotoGP season? Well, now is your chance to get up close with it as it makes its appearance in Bangsar Village 2 along with\u00a0\na meet and greet session with BMW M MotoGP expert and three-time World Champion, Loris Capirossi.\nThe car will be there along with a convoy that consists of the \nBMW M5\n, \nBMW 530i M Sport\n, BMW S 1000 RR, and the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike, at 12 pm (31st October 2018).\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, the M5 MotoGP Safety Car isn\u2019t just any M5 with fancy stickers; it actually has a few distinct additions unique only to itself. Its front splitter for example, is a prototype developed specifically for the car.\nIts bonnet latches have been adopted from race cars while occupying the interior are bucket seats from the BMW M4 GTS to ensure maximum support and security of the occupants.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Yaris Cross that\u2019s built on Toyota\u2019s TNGA-B platform, similar to the \nYaris hatchback\n, will take the fight to the likes of\n Nissan\u2019s Juke\n.\nThe Yaris Cross comes with AWD and is powered by the same 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor like in the standard Yaris, with a total output of \n116 hp\n. Toyota says the powertrain focuses on power delivery, for a more responsive drive.\nBeing the younger brother to the C-HR, the Yaris Cross hasn\u2019t exactly inherited the same design DNA and it\u2019s probably a good thing. While we may unanimously agree that the C-HR looks futuristic, its design is certainly not for everyone. Instead, it takes more from the \nnew RAV-4\n and the \nnew Harrier\n which was just revealed recently for a more neutral, more widely acceptable look.\nIt\u2019s got a slightly sleeker front end than the RAV-4 with sharper edges but a quick side-by-side comparison and you\u2019d instantly know where the Yaris Cross\u2019 inspiration came from. It even sports the same squared wheel arches, a blacked-out roof and near-identical C-pillar design with the RAV-4, with tail lights that stretches across the entire tailgate like the Harrier.\nEven though it shares the same wheelbase as the standard Yaris hatchback, it\u2019s been extended by 240 mm in length for more space in the cabin. For the same purpose, the Yaris Cross is also 20 mm wider, with 30 mm more ground clearance than the hatchback.\nThe Yaris Cross is available with 18-inch wheels and a new colour called Brass Gold. Not much has been shared on what will be available inside but a powered tailgate, height adjustable boot floor, 40:20:40 split folding rear seats were mentioned. Judging from the images, Apple CarPlay, auto brake hold, and the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system will also be offered.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-AMG continues to show the world that they make some of the world\u2019s best engines, and their latest V8 found in the \nAMG GT\n now makes nest in the gorgeous \nAston Martin DB11\n.\nThis broadens the DB11 range to a whopping two variants, both pushing over 500 hp. The first engine to come with the DB11 is a 5.2-litre V12 that\u2019s developed in-house, turbocharged to belt \n600 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. The AMG-built V8 (wet sump) makes\n 503 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and\n 675 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm and it is also twin-turbocharged (single scroll turbos).   At Aston Martin, things aren\u2019t as simple as plug and play, no. The engineers developed a brand new air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication system to complement the DB11\u2019s driving characteristics. In place is a new ECU unit with reprogrammed engine and throttle mapping to produce the all-important feel and sound of Aston Martin cars. Since it is four cylinders down, weight correspondingly drops by 115kg. The DB11 V8 tips the scales at 1,760kg (49% front, 51% rear).\nAston Martin says, \u201cThe\u00a0new V8 derivative brings further significant benefits in markets where car taxation policy is structured around engine capacity, such as China.\u201d Yeah, Malaysia too, don\u2019t forget.\nOne can also visually tell apart the V8 and V12 variants. The former gets new 20-inch 10-spoke alloys, dark-tinted headlamps and dual hood vents (the V12 has four) that can be finished in black or titanium mesh.\nBack at home, \nWearnes is asking from about RM2 million for the DB11 V12\n, but we have every reason to believe that the V8 will soon find its way here. So stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is ready to unveil their first all-electric model under their EQ brand on 4 September 2018. Said to be called the \nMercedes-Benz EQC\n, the EQC is very much the production version of the Concept EQ that \nMalaysia had the privilege to host\n on local shores.\nEQ, for Electric Intelligence, will be the three-pointed star\u2019s umbrella group for fully-electric models. The company estimates that by 2025, they will have no less than 10 fully electric vehicles (EV) marketed under the EQ branding.\n\u00a0\nThe first of its kind will be based on the Concept EQ, a four-seater (expect the production model to be a five-seater) SUV that packs over \n400 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of twist from two electric motors, one on each axle. It is said that the all-wheel-drive SUV will offer up to \n500 km\n of electric driving range courtesy of its 70-kWh battery pack.\nLooking at the teaser video, it appears that the flat surface front grille of the concept car will be replaced for horizontal slats with openings while the LED strip will split at the headlamp housing. We can also tell that the production car will not have a flat hood panel instead replaced by a more conventional (and stylish) kink just like a regular Mercedes-Benz model. The digital side cameras (mirrors) have also made way for conventional side mirrors.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz Concept EQ in Malaysia   Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ"
"One of the key enjoyments to many James Bond movies is the clever disguise of gadgets in everyday items. As for travelling around, Mr Bond\u2019s vehicle from MI6 also come with additional firepower to escape from the pursuers.\nInspired by the 25th James Bond action thriller film, The Little Car Company (TLLC) together with Aston Martin and EON Productions have released a \u2018No Time To Die\u2019 special edition Aston Martin DB5 Junior.\nSimilar to the initial two-thirds scale fully electric \nAston Martin DB5 Junior\n introduced by TLLC a year ago, this gadget-laden special edition is also finished in the iconic Silver Birch paintwork and fitted with Smiths instruments. TLLC and Chris Corbould OBE, the Oscar-winning special effects supervisor who has worked on 15 James Bond films, was consulted to develop the scale model\u2019s complex gadgets.\nThe iconic machine guns, now popping out from the headlamps, have been accurately reproduced and even masterfully mechanised via a switch panel hidden in the passenger\u2019s door. Visual and audio effects accompany the operation of the guns.\n \nThe next gadget to escape other drivers, perhaps in pursuit by a similar-sized \nFerrari Testa Rossa J\n,\n is the smokescreen, when at a press of a button, safely generated \u2018smoke\u2019 is ejected through the Aston Martin DB5 Junior\u2019s \u2018exhaust\u2019 port.\nTo fully recreate the action scene from the movie, a \u2018skid\u2019 mode allows drivers to perform \u2018donuts\u2019 or circular burnouts. A digital LED panel is placed at the license plate section to allow the freedom to project any license plate as well as messages one desires. \u00a0\nIn true Bond style, the special edition boasts even greater power (21 hp) and range over the standard DB5 Vantage Junior. The makers said that while the movie features an \nAston Martin DB5 coupe\n, the scale model uses a convertible to allow seating for an adult and a child side by side with batteries that can allow driving for up to 129 km (80 miles).\nThe DB5 model is so significant in Aston Martin\u2019s history, it is used as the vehicle icon inside the DBX\u2019s digital instrument panel! Learn more about it here!\nA quick-release steering wheel allows for a speedy entry and exit for the driver, and when the need to stop in a hurry, he or she can rely on both regenerative braking and high-performance Brembo disc brakes. Bilstein dampers and coilover springs make sure the suspension can handle the performance squeezed into this two-thirds scale marvel.\nOnly \n125 units\n of the Aston Martin DB5 Junior \u2018No Time To Die\u2019 edition will be built and is priced from \nGBP90,000\n (approx. RM516k). That is even pricier than the latest \nLotus Emira\n V6 First Edition and double the standard DB5 Junior!\nThe \u2018No Time To Die\u2019 movie is scheduled for premiere in Malaysia on \nSeptember 30th\n. Check out your favourite cinema chain for showtimes as well as various additional sensory-enhancing viewing experiences. \u00a0\nAston Martin has made quite a headlines in the state of Johor! The Johor Southern Tigers football club and Aston Martin have inked a partnership. More information here!\nGALLERY\nThe Aston Martin DB5 Junior \u2018No Time To Die\u2019 Edition\nThe Aston Martin DB5 Junior by TLLC"
"History has been re-written again with the introduction of yet another body style by Mercedes-Benz and it\u2019s now for sale here in Malaysia.\nThe\n Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan\n will be available locally in two different variants \u2013 the\n A200 Progressive Line\n at RM227,888 and an \nA250 AMG Line\n at RM267,888.\n \nAside from the attractive pricing that\u2019s borderline irresistible, unlike the Mercedes-Benz CLA, head room is actually abundant in the A-Class sedan which does away with the CLA\u2019s sloping, coupe-like roofline.\nAnd you get a reasonably-sized boot too. The boot in the A-Class sedan is rated at 420-litres while the hatchback makes do with only 370-litres.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance has just launched the new \nPorsche 718 Spyder \nin Malaysia with prices starting from RM970,000, alongside the Cayman GT4 from RM990,000.\nThe 718 Spyder is powered by a naturally-aspirated engine with rev-matching function that makes \n45 hp\n \nmore than before\n. The engine is a redesigned version of the 3.0-litre turbocharged unit from the \ncurrent 992-generation Porsche 911\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 4.0-litre flat-six boxer engine\nTransmission: 6-speed manual\nHorsepower: 420 hp\nTorque: 420 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 4.4 seconds\nTop speed: 301 km/h\nThe 718 Spyder\u2019s roof can be stowed away in just a few steps and unlike the GT4 which comes with a fixed spoiler, the 718 Spyder has an active spoiler that pops up at 120 km/h. A rear diffuser also means the 718 Spyder is the first model in the Boxster family to generate downforce at the rear axle.\nA front lip spoiler with \u201cSpyder\u201d lettering helps channel air through the front air intakes, exiting at the back of front bonnet for better downforce. The 718 Spyder is built on the same chassis as the Cayman GT4, with 30mm lower ride height than before. The lightweight suspension assembly with ball joints ensures more precise handling and a more direct connection between the car, driver and the road.\nEXTERIOR\n20-inch alloys\nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres\nPorsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)\nAluminium monobloc fixed caliper brakes\nActive rear spoiler\nInside, occupants would be first greeted by a pair of massive bucket seats, with generous amounts of leather, brushed aluminium trims and Alcantara-like material splashed across the cabin. Only the rev counter is analog while the other four dials flanking it \u2013 two on each side \u2013 adopts a digital display.\nThe optional Spyder Classic interior package gives the cabin a more retro look reminiscent to Porsche\u2019s historic racing cars with Bordeaux Red and Black combination upholstery.\nRecently, Sime Darby Auto Performance also launched the\n limited edition 911 Speedster where only 1,948 units are available\n, priced from RM2.7 million. For more information on the Porsche 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4 models, click\n here\n.\nGALLERY"
"Naza Italia unveiled the first Maserati Grecale in Malaysia today, an all-new SUV range from the Italian marque with three engine variants \u2013 the Grecale GT, Grecale Modena, and Grecale Trofeo. The \nGrecale \ntakes its name from a north-easterly Mediterranean wind.\nPERFORMANCE\nGrecale GT & Modena\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with MHEV\nDrivetrain: All-wheel drive\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic\nMax Power: 300 hp @ 5,750 rpm (Modena \u2013 330 hp @ 5,750 rpm)\nMax Torque: 450 Nm @ 2,000 to 4,000 rpm \n0 to 100 km/h: 5.6 secs (Modena \u2013 5.3 secs)\nTop Speed: 240 km/h\nGrecale Trofeo\nEngine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\nDrivetrain: All-wheel drive\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic\nMax Power: 530 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque: 620 Nm @ 3,000 to 5,500 rpm \n0 to 100 km/h: 3.8 secs\nTop Speed: 285 km/h\nIn the Grecale Trofeo, active shock absorbers and air springs are standard but optional in the GT and Modena variants. Also standard in the Grecale Trofeo are Brembo 6-pot brakes in the front and 4-pot at the rear. As a result, the Grecale can get from 100 km/h to 0 in under 40 metres.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Grecale is the first of many to adopt Maserati\u2019s new design language, with headlamps inspired by the MC20 supercar and a taillight design that mimics the 3200 GT from the early 2000s.\n19-inch wheels (GT), 20-inch (Modena), 21-inch (Trofeo)\nLED daytime running lights\nLED headlights\nIt should be noted that the Modena and Trofeo are actually 34 mm longer than the GT variant, with specially designed bumpers and side skirts for a sportier look. Only the Trofeo variant comes with air suspension as standard.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior features a digital clock on the dashboard as its centre piece, the first time in a Maserati. The first-ever digital clock also functions as a compass and G-meter.\n8.8-inch centre console display\n12.3-inch infotainment display\nDigital instrument cluster\nSonus Faber sound system with 14 speakers\nThe clean minimalist look of the cockpit is also the result of removing most of the physical buttons; almost all the controls are touch-sensitive. A panoramic sunroof can be specified while the doors are opened from the inside using a switch like the new Lexus NX\u2019s e-Latch system.\nPrices for the Maserati Grecale have yet to be confirmed so contact Naza Italia \u2013 Maserati in Petaling Jaya, Selangor at 03 7956 8599 or 1700 81 5051 for more info on the new SUV.\nGALLERY"
"In a move to strengthen their after-sales services, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB) has opened not one, but two new 2S (Service and Spare Parts) and Body & Paint (BP Centres) in Melaka and in Penang.\nThe Penang branch is operated by JM Motor Services Sdn Bhd, while Kah Motor Sdn Bhd \u2013 Cheng operates the new Melaka branch. This brings the total number of Honda Authorised Dealers nationwide to 91.   As of May 2017, HMSB is servicing an average of 100,000 cars monthly with the Southern and Northern region charting 19 percent and 11 percent growth respectively. Total service intakes for the former is 203,109, whereas the latter is up to 176,326 cars. HMSB recorded a 14 percent increase in service intakes nationwide in 2016 compared to the year before.\nMr Katsuto Hayashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HMSB said, \u201cThese two new 2S and Body & Paint Centres in Melaka and Penang will be able to cater to our customers there, providing an after-sales location nearer to them. The move to open 2S and BP Centres is part of our commitment to improve our service to customers, and to elevate the joy of buying for them.\u201d"
"Dread it, fear it, but you can never run from it. We\u2019ve \nknown for a while now\n that Ferrari is building an SUV, supposedly named the \u2018Purosangue\u2019 that\u2019s due for launch later this year, but it supposedly won\u2019t be the last of its kind in the Prancing Horse stable.\nIn a major departure from the Italian supercar maker\u2019s ethos (and the displeasure of some Ferrari purists), \nCar Magazine\n has \nreported\n that the Purosangue will spawn a range of \u201cmore practical, crossover-flavoured models\u201d, and will be powered solely by electrons.\nThe \nGTC4 Lusso\n is the closest thing to an SUV Ferrari has ever made.\nAccording to the report, \ntwo fully-electric spin-offs\n, codenamed F244 and F245, will follow the Ferrari Purosangue in 2024 and 2026. The two SUVs will help the Italian brand usher in an era of full electrifications. Fully-electric cars for Ferrari are perhaps inevitable in a world of \ntightening emissions regulations worldwide\n, but not many would\u2019ve thought that it\u2019d be on an SUV.\nThe British publication reports that the SUV platform is already \u201celectric-ready\u201d, with the chassis capable of accommodating a skateboard-styled battery packs and four electric motors, capable of outputs \nupwards of 620 hp\n. The batteries on Ferrari\u2019s electric SUV will also be scalable, and will start with a base capacity of \n80 kWh\n.\nFerrari\u2019s upcoming Purosangue SUV will rival the likes of the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, and the\n Aston Martin DBX\n.\nPerhaps fortunately for some, the Purosangue won\u2019t be an electric model just yet. Ferrari\u2019s first SUV will reportedly be launched with a \n810 hp V12 engine\n and all-wheel drive, while a 700 hp hybridised V8 is to follow later \u2013 the latter supposedly a detuned version of the 1,000 hp hybrid powertrain currently used in the \nFerrari SF90 Stradale\n."
"As part of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), which very much centred around environmental-friendliness and sustainable green technologies for the automotive sector, the government has also announced that it will be revisiting the idea of a vehicle end-of-life (ELV) policy for old cars in Malaysia.\nNot much info has been revealed as part of the announcement, aside from a single line in chapter eight of the document, which reads: \u201cA study to identify mechanisms in phasing out old vehicles in a sustainable manner will also be undertaken.\u201d\nThe government is introducing incentives for manufacturing and purchase of green vehicles as part of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Learn more here.\nImage Source: Wikipedia\nThis is not the first time that the government has toyed with the idea of an ELV policy; the first revision of the National Automotive Policy already mooted the idea way back in 2009, and over the years, various government departments and agencies have repeatedly called for the introduction of an ELV policy.\nThe Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said in 2016 that such a scheme will be critical in ensuring the growth of the automotive industry in Malaysia, and in 2018, former transport minister Anthony Loke also said that his ministry was looking to reintroduce its \u201ccash-for-clunkers\u201d programme, a cash rebate system to reduce the number of old cars on the road.\nThe government recently introduced the \u201cAuthorised Automotive Treatment Facility\u201d programme to recycle abandoned cars safely. Learn more about it here. \nRecently in March, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) in conjunction with the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme (ASEAN NCAP) also launched a survey to gauge the public\u2019s opinion on vehicle scrapping.\nHowever, unlike previous suggestions that mostly factored the vehicle\u2019s safety performance and road-worthiness in their discussion, the new study will most likely focus on environmental reasons to tie in with the \ngovernment\u2019s 2050 carbon-neutrality goal\n, as it was included in chapter eight of the 12MP document titled \nAdvancing Green Growth for Sustainability and Resilience\n.\nImage Source: Wikipedia\nMany countries in the world have already implemented a similar scheme, where in order to keep their older vehicles on the road, the cars will need to be tested annually for roadworthiness, and sometimes even incurring an accompanying penalty cost to offset the environmental damages. This year, India has also introduced a new Vehicle Scrappage Policy, where the car owner will be given a discount on the purchase of a new car after their old, \u201cexpired\u201d vehicle is scrapped.\nBut as usual, the Malaysian public did not respond positively to the suggestion by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday, with many online citing the high cost of vehicles, alongside sub-par public transportation systems as reasons that such a scheme will not work in Malaysia.\nDespite the merits of keeping old cars off the roads, the people\u2019s complaints are also valid factors to consider if the government wants to implement an ELV policy for old cars. Do you think it\u2019s still too early for Malaysia to adopt a vehicle end-of-life scheme? Let us know in the comments below!"
"If you are an owner of a\u00a0Proton Inspira or Exora CPS, this news warrants your fullest attention. Proton is issuing a recall for Inspira\u00a0manufactured between\u00a02010 to 2014 and Exora CPS made between 2009 to 2015.\nThis recall exercise for the Inspira is to replace a potentially faulty\u00a0\nright-turn indicator switch\n, and is an extension of\u00a0Mitsubishi Motors Japan\u2019s recall (on 20 February 2016) regarding the same issue. About\n\u00a020,330\u00a0\nunits\u00a0of the Inspira are affected, which is a rebadged model of the tenth-generation Mitsubishi Lancer saloon.\nAs for the Exora, owners are urged to send their cars to the nearest authorised Proton service centers for a\u00a0precautionary inspection of the\n fuel line\n. This impacts\u00a0approximately\n 90,000 units\n of Proton Exora models powered by the 1.6-litre CPS engine.\nOnce again, owners of the affected models\u00a0are advised to make an appointment with their preferred service outlets for inspection. All rectification and labour costs, if any, will be borne by Proton."
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia has just announced the arrival of the \nJetta Limited Edition\u00a0\nand they come in two forms \u2013 \nClub Edition\n and \nSport Edition\n. They carry a price tag of \nRM122,888\n and \nRM132,888\n respectively, and both \nlocally assembled\n variants are limited to \n500 units each\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVW Jetta Club Edition\nVW Jetta Sports Edition\nEngine\n1,390cc; 4-cylinder, twincharged\n1,390cc; 4-cylinder, twincharged\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG\n7-speed DSG\nMax Power\n158 hp @ 5,800 rpm\n158 hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n240 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.3 seconds, 221 km/h\n8.3 seconds, 221 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\nRM122,888 \n(with GST)\nRM132,888 \n(with GST)\n\u00a0\nFor the RM123k Jetta Club Edition variant, the only thing that\u2019s new to the \nC-Segment sedan\n is on the inside \u2013 a new Blaupunkt Philadelphia 835 touchscreen head unit. The \n7-inch screen\n comes with \nGPS navigation \n(Garmin) as well. Everything else remains the same and it retains the same fabric seats as before. Unlike the Sport Edition, this variant looks exactly the same on the outside, featuring the same \n16-inch alloys\n with 205/55 R16 series rubbers.   Next up is the Jetta Sport Edition which costs a full \nRM10,000 more\n and for that you get Volkswagen\u2019s original Zubehor full bodykit, a lip spoiler and new 17-inch Silex alloy wheels wrapped with \n225/45 R17\n Goodyear Assurance TripleMax tyres. Both variants however, are priced cheaper than the normal Jetta CKD, which is sold at RM134,888 (without insurance) and will be sold concurrently.   Under the hood is the same \ntwincharged 1.4-litre TSI\n engine making \n158 hp\n at 5,800 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. It\u2019s paired to a \nseven-speed dual clutch\n gearbox that drives the \nfront wheels\n. The century sprint is done in \n8.3 seconds\n before topping out at \n221 km/h\n. Fuel economy is rated at a combined \n6 litres per 100km\n.\nAs per all Volkswagens, both limited edition Jettas come with a \n5-year with unlimited mileage\n warranty programme and a 5-year \nmobility guarantee\n package. There are \nfour colours\n to choose from \u2013\u00a0Candy White, Reflex Silver, Platinum Grey, and Deep Black. Also, if you\u2019ve missed the news, Volkswagen is running their \n0% interest campaign\n for the Golf 1.4, Jetta 1.4, Tiguan 1.4 and Passat 1.8.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019s really nothing like watching a testosterone-charged battle amongst the latest supercars and if you\u2019ve not been following this series of drag races, you\u2019ve been missing out!\n12 cars of different makes and performance figures make up the race; there\u2019s the \nlatest Supra\n, a \nBMW M2 Competition\n, a \nMcLaren Senna\n, an \nAston Martin DBS Superleggera\n, \nan American\n and \neven an SUV\n. Strangely though, there isn\u2019t a Ferrari.\nHow is a Ferrari not invited to the greatest muscle flex in the world?\n \nCuriously, it was not clearly shown who had the better start but if you observe closely, you\u2019d notice how the Porsche and Mercedes-AMG was superior in this department.\nIn fact, you\u2019d also notice the Supra getting the better of a Shelby Mustang initially before getting caught up.\n \nFunnily enough, the M2 Competition appears to be marginally quicker than the Supra; pulling an even bigger lead with the race extended from a quarter mile to half a mile (from 400 to 800 metres).\nHow did the Supra end up pulling such a big lead over the M2 Competition in our very own drag race will always remain a mystery."
"The \nBMW M3 Competition M xDrive Touring\n has just been launched in Thailand. First introduced globally last year, the first-ever M3 Touring is now offered in the Land of Smiles for \nTHB10,399,000\n (approximately \nRM1,339,102\n).\nOn the outside, the performance-oriented wagon features BMW\u2019s frameless kidney grille, with large side intakes as well as sculpted wheel arches. The M3 Competition M xDrive Touring also comes with extended side skirts which, together with the attachment parts for the front and rear aprons, form a Black high-gloss band around the whole of the car.\nOther features found on the outside of the BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Touring are the M gills in the front side panels and the exhaust tailpipes. No matter the exterior colour chosen, the M3 Touring will come standard with a roof finished in black high-gloss. The roof rails and the Gurney air-directing flap on the roof spoiler are also painted in the same shade.\nJust in case black roofs aren\u2019t up your alley, the roof can opt to be painted according to the body colour. An M Carbon exterior package is also available as an option to spice up the sportiness of the car even further.\nAs standard, the BMW M3 Touring is fitted with forged M lightweight alloy wheels, measuring 19 inches at the front, and 20 inches at the rear. Track tyres are available as an option, and the optional M carbon ceramic brakes can also be ordered as an alternative to the standard M Compound braking system. The M3 Touring is also fitted with adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers out of the factory.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 BMW M2 tested in Arizona \u2013 the only M you\u2019ll ever need!\nPowering the performance wagon is a 3-litre 6-cylinder with M TwinPower Turbo petrol engine. Mated to an M Steptronic 8-speed automatic transmission with Drivelogic, the BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Touring is capable of pushing out \n510 hp\n (metric) and \n650 Nm\n of torque.\nPower is sent to all four wheels, via BMW\u2019s M xDrive All-Wheel Drive system, which comes with the Active M Differential at the rear axle. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint can be done in \n3.6 seconds\n while going from stationary to 200 km/h can be done under \n12.9 seconds\n. For those who desire even higher speeds, the M Driver\u2019s Package is also available as an option, which increases the electronically limited top speed from \n250 km/h\n to \n280 km/h\n.\nThe M3 Touring\u2019s AWD setting can be selected via its Setup Menu, which provides the option of an even more intense experience with the M xDrive system\u2019s rear-biased tuning. The M-specific control/operation system includes the Setup button, which provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system, and M xDrive. BMW M3 Touring drivers can also choose between the Road, Sport and Track settings.\nDrivers of the M3 Touring are also given the choice of switching off the car\u2019s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to enable the 2WD mode or pure rear-wheel drive. With the 2WD mode, drivers are given the freedom to adjust the intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation through ten stages in order to carefully approach the physical limits under hard cornering on the track.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5\nInside the M3 Touring features BMW\u2019s Curved Display. This fully digital screen grouping essentially consists of a 12.3-inch information display and also a 14.9-inch control display. The information display is in charge of displaying driving information, while the control display shows M-specific widgets, with information on the car setup and tyre condition via its home screen. On top of that, a BMW head-up display is also offered as an option.\nAs a modern BMW, the performance wagon comes with the latest generation BMW iDrive. Based on the BMW Operating System 8, the BMW iDrive allows users to interact with it via touch control and voice command. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported.\nOther features that come with the M3 Touring as standard include three-zone automatic climate control, the BMW Live Cockpit Plus, the BMW Maps navigation system, ambient lighting as well as the Harman Kardon sound system. The electrically adjustable M Sport seats with memory function and seat heating plus Merino leather trim also come with the M3 Touring out of the factory.\nSafety-wise, the BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Touring is specified with a series of automated driving and parking systems. This includes Front Collision Warning (FCW), Speed Limit Display (SLD) with no-overtaking indicator, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Park Distance Control (PDC).\nOptional safety features are also offered by BMW, which consists of Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant, and Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function. Traffic Light Detection and Active Navigation, as well as Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, are available as well.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW 7 Series now in Malaysia \u2013 750e xDrive PHEV, M Sport and Pure Excellence variants, from RM650k\nGALLERY"
"For the first time in Perodua\u2019s 22 years of existence, a sedan model will finally roll out of its new RM1.3 billion production plant in Seremban (Perodua Global Manufacturing). Introducing the Perodua Bezza, another Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) whose platform is shared with the company\u2019s current best seller, the Axia.\nA total of five variants and two engine choices are offered, with prices beginning from as low as RM37,300 to RM50,800 for the decked out variant. Since the order books opened five days ago, Perodua received 4,028 orders for the Bezza, and interestingly over 50 percent goes to the range topping Advance 1.3L.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G (Manual)\nPerodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G (Auto)\nPerodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (Manual)\nPerodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (Auto)\nPerodua Bezza 1.3 Advance (Auto)\nEngine\n998cc; DOHC, 3-cylinder\n998cc; DOHC, 3-cylinder\n1,329cc; DOHC, 4-cylinder\n1,329cc; DOHC, 4-cylinder\n1,329cc; DOHC, 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed auto\n5-speed manual\n4-speed auto\n4-speed auto\nMax Power\n67 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n94 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n91 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\n121 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM37,300\nRM39,300\nRM42,800\nRM44,800\nRM50,800\nWithout further ado, allow us to break the variants down for easy digestion while you be the judge for which suits your needs best.\nPerodua Bezza Standard G (1.0-litre Auto and Manual)\nAs per the table above, only the entry level model, the Standard G, will get the \n1.0-litre three-cylinder engine\n. It\u2019s essentially an improved version of the same all-aluminium motor powering the Axia, except that it\u2019s slightly \nmore powerful\n and \nfuel efficient\n. Two choice of transmissions are offered \u2013 a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.   They both sit on \n14-inch wheels\n (as do the rest, just different designs), manual side mirrors, polyurethane steering wheel, fabric upholstery, power windows, dual frontal airbags and an audio system that supports USB connectivity. There\u2019s also reverse sensors, remote boot release, ABS with EBD but loses out on the electronic side mirrors with integrated signal indicators.\nPerodua Bezza Premium X (1.3-litre Auto and Manual)\nFrom this variant onwards, the Bezza gets fitted with a larger \n1,329cc four-cylinder engine\n (this engine is bigger and much improved over the Myvi\u2019s 1,298cc engine), producing \n94 hp \nand \n121 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s an increase of 5 horsepower and 4 Nm over the old engine, thanks to redesigned cylinder head, reconfigured intake and exhaust ports and a slighter\n higher compression ratio of 11.5:1\n (up from the previous 10.0:1), just to name a few. The Premium X variant is also available with the same four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions.   Here, the head unit is replaced and thus supports Bluetooth connectivity. Also thrown into the mix are keyless entry with push-start button, chromed door handles, front fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, rear 5V/2A USB charging port, window tinting and jam protection power window (driver side only). The cabin looks better here thanks to more gloss black and silver touches, including cloth-wrapped door trims.\nPerodua Bezza Advance (1.3-litre Auto only)\nAt press time, over 50 percent of the total bookings goes to this range topping variant, which gets the 1.3-litre engine. It is the only variant in the range to not come with a manual transmission. However, exclusive to this variant is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, quilted leather seats, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, electronic side mirrors with signal indicators, side skirts and reverse camera.   Another standout feature is the \nEco Idle System\n which shuts off the engine to conserve fuel, a first for its class. The multimedia head unit benefits from \nGPS navigation and Smart Link\n (this lets you pair your smartphone for more connective features), while the exterior packaging gets a pair of additional side skirts for a sportier stance.\nWHAT ELSE?\nJust two airbags are offered as standard across the range, but those prioritising practicality will be glad to know that \nboot space is 508-litres large\n. That\u2019s mighty cavernous for an A-Segment car, so kudos to Perodua. The tyres (175/65 profile) are also uniquely developed and supplied by Bridgestone and Silverstone; the former is the Ecopia variant reserved for the 1.3-litre, whereas the 1.0-litre Standard G gets Silverstone Kruizer rubbers.\nPerodua brimmed with confidence when announcing the Bezza Advance\u2019s 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating, while the remaining four variants get a 4-star rating. Buyers can select any of the \nsix colours offered\n \u2013 Ocean Blue, Sugar Brown, Lava Red, Ebony Black, Glittering Silver and Solid Ivory White. All purchases of the Bezza come with a \n5-Year or 150,000km manufacturer\u2019s warranty\n package, and can be spruced up with Perodua\u2019s GearUp original accessories.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua Bezza Standard 1.0G   Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X   Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance"
"While we all stay at home to help #FlattenTheCurve in our fight against the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, most of our cars\u2019 aftersales needs are put on hold due to the temporary closure of service centres, in line with the Movement Control Order (MCO).\nAs part of the Volkswagen Cares initiative, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the \u2018Welcome Back\u2019 aftersales campaign to help get the servicing needs of Volkswagen owners back on track after the MCO period.\nTo that end, VPCM is inviting VW owners to register and book their appointments on the \nVolkswagen website\n. Upon submission of the interest form, a VPCM personnel will be in contact to sort out the necessary arrangements.\nAll VW owners taking part in the campaign will receive a \nfree merchandise\n. Additionally, those who are not redeeming their free maintenance voucher, and are not Volkswagen Cares Plus (VCP) members, are also entitled to a \nRM50 discount on engine oil\n.\nTo take advantage of this offer, all appointments must be made \nwithin 30-days after the MCO is lifted\n. All Volkswagen owners must also required to download the \nVolkswagen Cares\n mobile application to enjoy the benefits.\nIn regards to warranties, Volkswagen Malaysia says that it will \ncontinue to honour the warranty\n of cars that were not able to meet the scheduled maintenance service due to the MCO."
"An experience made famous by the BMW M5 is about to take a silent turn as Jaguar will be offering taxi rides around the Nurburgring in the\n all-electric I-PACE\n for the first time.\nThe \n2019 World Car of the Year\n makes \n400 hp\n and \n696 Nm\n of torque from two electric motors \u2013 one to power the front wheels and another the rear \u2013 allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 4.8 seconds.\n \nImagine this, but in complete silence.\nIf you\u2019re wondering just how many times the I-PACE can lap the 20.8 km circuit before its 90 kWh fizzles out, the answer should be plenty as it\u2019s rated to offer \nup to 500 km of driving range\n. However given the nature of ring taxi experience, that distance could be half that.\nOn the topic of electric cars, \nNissan recently launched the all-new fully-electric Leaf in Malaysia\n which \naccelerated faster than a Nissan 370Z\n in a short drag race. The Leaf is fitted with a smaller 40kWh battery, offering up to 311 km of electric driving range per full charge."
"Previously, there was the \nMission E \nthat evolved into the \nTaycan we drove on Sepang International Circuit\n, and now Porsche has introduced the \nMission R\n.\n\u201cThe Mission R is the latest vision from Porsche. With this study of an all-electric GT racing car, the pioneer of sustainable mobility is revealing what customer racing could look like in the future.\u201d\n \nThese were the words used to describe the vision for the new Porsche Mission R concept on the \ncompany\u2019s Instagram page\n after it was launched at midnight last night. That should leave plenty to be excited for and loads of jealousy if you\u2019re not on Porsche\u2019s guest list.\nNot much was disclosed except that it has over \n1,088 hp\n and a top speed of 300 km/h. 0 to 100 km/h only takes 2.5 seconds. Unlike the Taycan\u2019s 800V electrical system, the Mission R goes one up with a 900V system whereby allowing the batteries to be charged up to 80% in just 15 minutes. Porsche said the Mission R is capable of matching the 911 GT3 Cup on track.\nSee that \u201cX\u201d architecture that stretches across the roof? That\u2019s actually an \u2018integrated roll cage\u2019 made out of carbon fibre that forms the roof structure. The transparent segments are made of polycarbonate, and also serve as an escape hatch for the driver as part of FIA regulations.\nPorsche to locally assemble CKD cars in Malaysia by 2022. Read about it here!\nAt just 1,190 mm high, 4,326 mm long and 1,990 mm wide, the Mission R is shorter, lower and wider than a standard \n911 Carrera\n \n4S\n.\nMore than 85% of the Mission R\u2019s add-on parts, such as the doors, front splitter, side skirts, rear centre section and diffuser, are made of natural fibre reinforced plastic (NFRP). It\u2019s said to \ncreate 85% less carbon emissions than carbon fibre\n.\nThe natural fibres are produced from agriculture and are said to be as light as carbon fibre while delivering the same stiffness. This however isn\u2019t something new as Porsche first introduced biofibre composite body panels in the \n718 Cayman GT4\n Clubsport back in 2019.\nThose incredible 18-inch wheels are made of magnesium, wrapped in new slicks by Michelin exclusively for the Mission R. Additionally, the tyres can be fitted with sensors to indicate tyre wear and inform the driver of the next pit stop. At the end of their life cycle, the used tyres can even be recycled into new ones.\nBrakes are 6-pot units in the front and 4-pot at the rear. Under its skin is a double-wishbone setup in the front and McPherson struts at the rear.\nThere\u2019s plenty of aerodynamics too. The Mission R\u2019s \nDrag Reduction System or DRS\n consists of three louvres in the air intakes on each side of the nose section as well as an adjustable rear spoiler. For maximum downforce, the louvres are closed and the spoiler is at its steepest position.\nFor now, the Mission R is only a working prototype and more development is needed according to the company, who hinted at a more complete unit by 2025/26.\nThe Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is a bad-ass tribute to Manthey\u2019s 25 years of racing success.read about it here!\n \nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s called dual-sided dieless forming and the method will see the use of robots to makes car parts for discontinued models out of sheet steel.\nThe proprietary technique \nuses two synchronised robots working on opposite ends of a steel sheet\n, using diamond-coated tools to gradually shape the steel.\n \nOnce thought to be too difficult to commercialise due to the complexity of programming two robots to operate synchronously, the new technique now makes it commercially-viable to produce and sell replacement parts in small volumes for cars that Nissan no longer makes.\nThis was also not possible before due to the long lead times to develop and make dies for stamped parts while existing techniques have primarily relied on single-sided forming, which limits the complexity of shapes that can be created.\nBy placing robots and tools on opposite sides of a steel sheet coupled with advanced programming to control the robot\u2019s accuracy, they can now create more detailed convex and concave shapes.\nNissan is a firm believer in keeping its car alive and well. In recent times, they\u2019ve also announced that the \nengines for the Nissan Skyline R32\n along with \nother official parts\n for the \nR33 and R34 \nwill be reproduced through the \u201cNismo Heritage programme\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan has developed \u201cdual-sided dieless forming,\u201d a technique using robots to make car parts out of sheet steel. This could make replacement parts for discontinued models more widely available for customers. Thanks to its flexible production, short lead times and minimal upfront costs, the new technique could make it commercially viable to produce and sell a wide variety of after-service and replacement parts in small volumes for cars that Nissan no longer makes. This was previously not possible due to the high upfront costs and long lead times to develop and make dies for stamped parts."
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the official distributor of Hyundai cars in Malaysia has quietly displayed the \nsixth-generation Hyundai Elantra\n\u00a0at the Mid Valley Shopping Centre. The variant on display is actually the top-spec Elantra Sport and yes, it comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine to go against the\u00a0\nCivic 1.5 turbo\n.\nBased on the spec-sheet available, this Elantra Sport share the same 1.6 T-GDI engine as the\u00a0\nVeloster Turbo\n. However, the Elantra here develops a whopping \n201 hp\n and\n 265 Nm\n of torque. That makes it \n30 hp\n and \n45 Nm\n more powerful than the Civic! Power is transferred to the front wheels via a seven-speed double clutch gearbox.   If this preview is a true reflection of the actual car, our local-spec Elantra will be dressed with a hexagonal chrome grille, sportier front bumper with large side intakes, HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights, LED combination tail lamps, rear diffuser with central mounted fog lamps, powered sunroof, dual exhaust tips and 17-inch five-spoke alloys wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.\nNow we apologise for not being able to provide you with pictures of the cabin because it\u2019s off limits. But from what we can tell, the Elantra Sport comes with a two-tone black and red interior theme with Sport embroidery on both front seats. Other notable features include leather upholstery, multi-functional steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, manual parking brake, keyless entry and start, drive mode selector and cruise control.   Order books for the sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra are now open and you can catch it in the metal at Mid Valley Megamall, Centrecourt. What do you think, dear readers? Is the Elantra Sport enticing enough to swing you over from the Civic? One thing is for sure though, it certainly seems capable of outperforming the Civic!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley is not letting its sister model, the \nLamborghini Urus\n taking all the limelight as the world\u2019s first super SUV. The British carmaker has big plans for their Bentley Bentayga \u2013 the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.\nWhat has been six-months of preparation work, a race-prepped Bentayga is ready to take home the title of fastest Production SUV. \u00a0Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, now in its 96\nth\n instalment sees cars from around the world attempting at the 20 km course which features 156 corners and 4,720 ft climb. The Bentayga will have to clock a minimum average speed of 60 mph (96.5 km/h) to achieve its target.\nPiloting the ultra-lux SUV is two-time overall Pikes Peak champion Rhys Millen who said: \u201cWe\u2019ve honed the Bentayga\u2019s incredible abilities and ensured we have a car for Pikes Peak that\u2019s both safe and fast through two very productive test sessions with the Bentley Motorsport team.\u201d\nThe Bentayga in question is a largely \nstandard W12-powered production car\n with some tweaks that fall within the hill climb\u2019s regulations. This includes stripping away\n 300 kg\n worth of interior trim, added a roll cage, fire suppression system, racing seats, \nAkrapovic sports exhaust\n and sticky Pirelli tyres.\nThe Radium Satin paintwork is contrasted against a range of Bentley\u2019s Styling Specification kit which adds a carbon fibre front splitter, diffuser, side skirts and aerodynamic rear spoiler. Other than that, its 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, adaptive air suspension and 48V electric active anti-roll control remain untouched.\n\u201cThe course is one you can only attack with a car that can gain and lose speed very quickly, because it\u2019s so tight and twisty. The combination of \n600 hp\n,\n 900 Nm\n and carbon ceramic brakes means that the Bentayga can accelerate and decelerate incredibly hard \u2013 and that\u2019s what I\u2019ll be counting on for my run. I can\u2019t wait to get started at the mountain later this week,\u201d said Millen."
"For most of us, the phenomenon that Covid-19 has created \u2013 crippling industries, stalling economies and panic buying \u2013 is nothing like we\u2019ve ever seen before but while some quarters of society are behaving worse than they\u2019ve ever been, there are some silver linings.\nAnd its the other section of humanity coming together \u2013 putting aside all differences \u2013 unlike the politicians we (are forced to) call leaders, to fight a common cause and the auto industry is no different.\nMcLaren\n and \nNissan\n, led by an engineering company called Meggitt, announced that they have come up with an emergency ventilator prototype that\u2019s set for production within four weeks.\nWhile McLaren is working on designing a simpler version of the ventilator, Nissan is supporting existing ventilator producers.\nBentley, Porsche and Skoda\n have also stepped up; offering their support to parent company \nVolkswagen\n as the quartet looks to produce ventilators via 3D-printing.\nThe company is reported to have more than \n125 industrial 3D printers\n and is actively testing materials as medical equipment manufacturing is clearly uncharted waters for the automotive giant. However, as soon as they understand what\u2019s needed to build the ventilators and have received the blueprint, manufacturing can begin.\nGeely on the other hand, has \nadopted a \u201ccontact-free\u201d method for delivery of new car keys\n.\nAs for \nGeneral Motors\n, the company is working with Ventec Life Systems by allowing the medical device company to take advantage of GM\u2019s logistics, purchasing and manufacturing expertise to scale up production of ventilators.\nEven General Motors\u2019 parts suppliers are gearing up for war as they\u2019re preparing to manufacture parts which will be used \nto produce over 200,000 ventilators\n.\nFiat Chrysler\n announced that it will utilise its facilities in Asia, converting them to produce face masks intended for healthcare workers. The company is \ntargeting to produce a million masks a month\n in the coming weeks.\nDaimler \nhas reportedly received requests from authorities for support on the matter and is said to be weighing their options. The company, together with Volkswagen have \ndonated over 300,000 face masks\n, according to reports."
"Not long after \nVolvo announced their ambitious plans\n\u00a0of converting all models to hybrid or full electric by 2019, France went a step beyond with a plan to ban all cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE).\nThe revolutionary move was announced by the\u00a0country\u2019s ecology minister, Nicolas Hulot. He understands the hurdle, but remains surefooted in displaying the country\u2019s commitment in combating climate change. This also follows Paris\u2019 pledge of banning diesel-powered cars by 2025.\nFrench carmakers such as Peugeot, Citroen and Renault will have to invest more in R&D to develop zero emissions technology, but it\u2019s an uphill battle because EV sales account for just 1.1 percent of all new car sales in France last year. About 52 percent were diesel powered, while the remainder were petrols.\nThat said, the French could look at their northern\u00a0neighbours for inspiration. Norway scored the highest percentage of non-ICE car sales in \n2016\n, made possible by government incentives. The Nordic country plans a 100 percent adoption of electric or plug-in hybrid cars by 2025.\nBelieve it or not, even India plans to get rid of ICE by 2030. What does the Malaysian government have to say about this?"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has just introduced the \nHyundai Ioniq Hybrid\n in Malaysia as a locally-assembled unit. Thanks to tax break incentives, HSDM has manage to secure a very attractive price tag of RM114k for the range topping variant that comes with a host of autonomous safety features.\nWell, more good news then, because Euro NCAP has just awarded the Hyundai Ioniq with a \nmaximum 5-Star crash safety rating\n. The Ioniq achieved top marks in the Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety Assist, making it one of the safest vehicles in its segment. If you have to ask, the crash model is identically specced as our\u00a0RM114k Ioniq HEV Plus!\nTo recap, the Malaysian spec Hyundai Ioniq comes with seven airbags, ESC, VSM, ABS with EBD, BA, hill-start assist and ISOFIX mounting points as standard. However, only the more expensive model gets the full range of autonomous safety features such as Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist System(LKAS), Lane Departure Warning System and Blind Spot Detection.\nSCC allows the driver to keep a constant distance with the vehicle ahead while AEB works in three stages \u2013 first alerting the driver visually and acoustically of an imminent collision, controls braking force according to the collision state and finally applies maximum braking force just before the moment of collision. AEB is operable at speeds of 10km/h and above.\nSo, the attractive price tag, exceptional fuel economy (4.0L/100km), 5-Year or 300,000km extended warranty, 8-Year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery, 3-Year or 60,000km free service package and now a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating? What are you waiting for? Head on over to your nearest Hyundai showrooms to give the Ioniq a good hard look!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton and Bank Rakyat are offering special financial packages for fresh graduates and government employees on specific Proton models. The offer runs until 31 December 2019 and provides up to 100% financing.\nThe packages consist of two special financing rates, the \nAn-Naqlu 1 \n\u2013 which offers 90% financing starting at an attractive rate of 2.88% per annum and \nAn-Naqlu 2\n \u2013 which offers 100% financing starting at 3.30% per annum.\nThe offer is limited to Malaysians who are \nnew graduates aged between 20 to 30 years\n, and \ngovernment employees aged between 18 to 60 years\n for the purchase of the \nnewly updated Saga\n, \nPersona\n, \nIriz\n and \nExora\n.\n\u201cUnder this special scheme, Bank Rakyat offers customers easy financing approval, while PROTON makes it more attractive with a \nfree service package of up to two years\n, depending on the models that they choose. The Saga is being offered with one year free service, while the Persona and Iriz with two years, including free labour and parts,\u201d said Proton Director of Corporate Sales, Fazli Hisham Shukor.\n \nOn top of this, customers stand to benefit from an enhanced insurance package. Designed with Etiqa Takaful and Zurich Takaful, the Proton Insurance Programme provides customers special coverage which includes key care cover, flood relief allowance and also all driver coverage, including a guarantee of zero excess charges for Proton vehicles up to 10 years old."
"Infiniti will soon unveil a striking concept car called the Prototype 10, an electrified vehicle in speedster form that\u2019ll lay the foundations for the brand\u2019s vision and desire to deliver driving pleasure and thrilling performance from electrified powertrains.\nIn creating the single-seater Prototype 10, Infiniti has re-imagined the classic speedster form to adopt a cool, clean, forward-looking design. The concept is a natural evolution from the design language of the INFINITI Q Inspiration and hints at future design cues for the brand. The company plans to electrify all of its new production cars from 2021 onwards.\n\u201cThe Infiniti Prototype 10 echoes the layout and design of some of the most evocative car designs of all time, where power was celebrated through high-powered single-seat competition cars. Our new concept speaks of an electrified future, something which is reflected in its form and details. It is appropriate that we found inspiration in an optimistic bygone era in which cars were characterized by the simple love of driving,\u201d said\u00a0Infiniti Executive Design Director, Karim Habib."
"Honda last week released a short but smartly executed \u201cKeep up\u201d video advertisement, featuring some of their latest line of products, including the popular \nJazz\n, \nHR-V\n, the new \nCivic Type R\n\u00a0and reborn mid-engine supercar, the \nNSX\n.\nThe Civic Type R as we now know, features a \n2.0-litre direct injected turbocharged VTEC engine\n that could potentially make upwards of \n280 horsepower\u00a0\nand is capable of reaching a top speed of \n270 km/h\n, thanks to \nthorough aerodynamic revisions\n. It\u2019ll also get a six-speed manual transmission that drives the front wheels.\nThis hot hatch seen in the video appears\u00a0to come equipped with some fancy LEDs, with the headlights donning strip-LED, presumably daytime running lights. Main light source is very likely to be LED as well, while the conventional halogen fog lamps (refer to top image) are omitted in favour of more LED lighting, just like the Type R Concept. This may well be a trim issue, but we\u2019ll find out for sure when the wraps are completely off.\nAlso teased\u00a0in the video is the new mid-engined NSX. This hybrid supercar will get a \ntwinturbo V6 engine\n (displacement unknown) aided by \nthree electric motors\n, making for a combined output in excess of \n550 hp\n. Transmission choice is a \nnine-speed dual clutch automatic\n, and drive system is powered by the carmaker\u2019s advanced \nSport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive\n (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD).\nBoth these hot cars will be making their world appearances at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, set to take place from 5 to 15 March.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Honda Civic Type R   2015 Honda/Acura NSX"
"The 3D printer is probably one of the most important inventions in recent times. Amid the coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging the world now, the 3D printer might just prove its significance once again.\nAccording to a report by \nDeutsche Welle\n, Volkswagen Group has released a statement announcing its plan to set up a task force looking into using their 3D printers for the production of hospital ventilators.\nThe announcement comes after governments around the world sought to enlist carmakers including Ford, General Motors, and even Ferrari, to assist in the production of health and medical equipment in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.\nThe Wolfsburg-based carmaker has 125 industrial 3D printers, and is currently working closely with various government departments and authorities to assess the requirements, according to a VW spokesperson.\n\u201cMedical equipment is a new field for us. But as soon as we understand the requirements, and receive a blueprint, we can get started,\u201d Volkswagen said.\nWorkers have been sent home as VW plants across the globe are shutdown.\nVolkswagen has shutdown its production facilities across the globe last week in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus.\nSeparately, the German carmaker has also pledged to \ndonate approximately 200,000 protective face masks\n to support the health workers in the country. Volkswagen will also supply the city of Wolfsburg with additional medical material."
"If you own a truck you probably notice that your popularity among the people around you increased exponentially upon they finding out you own a truck. This is because your truck could carry everything on the truckbed, or at least that\u2019s what your stereotype friends and relatives think. Chances are that you\u2019re the designated driver for the weekly cycling outings, and you probably get calls from them when it comes to transporting furniture or durians from the orchard.\nI must admit that I never driven a truck prior to this. When I was tasked to review this black behemoth I wasn\u2019t so keen on taking it for a spin as I always look at trucks as cumbersome, inconvenient, and definitely won\u2019t stir any emotion from behind the wheel. Despite that I kept an open mind and went ahead to collect the truck and see whether will it change my perception towards it.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nChevrolet Colorado 2.8 LTZ Muscle Power\n \nSegment\nDouble cab pickup truck\nEngine\n2,776 cc 4-Cylinder, Turbodiesel\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n193 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n500 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM 106,888.00\n\u00a0\nChevrolet has been building trucks for close to a century, but they are somewhat late to join in the truck market here in Malaysia. Everyone knows that Chevrolet is an American brand, but the Chevrolet vehicles that are currently on sale here are more Asian than you think.\nThis \nsecond-generation Colorado\n for example, is assembled in the land of smiles, Thailand. The first-generation Colorado wasn\u2019t sold here but it existed spiritually in the form of the Isuzu D-Max, as both were conceived from the same platform co-developed with General Motors.\nWhile the current second-generation D-Max is powered by a huge 3.0-litre turbodiesel generating 175 hp and 380 Nm of torque, the Colorado trumps that figures by having 193 hp and 500 Nm of torque from just a 2.8-litre turbodiesel. With so much torque Chevrolet even dubs it as the \nColorado Muscle Power\n. It may be the truck with the highest torque output at the time of writing, but how long will it stay at the top of the hill until the rivals catch up?\nEXTERIOR\nThe Colorado is one dapper truck, it\u2019s probably the only truck to wear a bowtie in Malaysia. Yes I mean the gold \nChevy\n bowtie that it wears proudly on the center bar that splits the dual port grilles. The imposing and upright front end conjure a very confident and purposeful appearance but there\u2019s an undeniable flair from the shapely \nprojector headlamps\n.\nUnlike some of the range-topping trucks currently on sale, the Colorado is refreshingly devoid of any add-on body cladding. The flared wheel arches flow seamlessly with the body panel but there\u2019s a distinct rising character line starting from just behind the front wheels and continue towards the end of the truck bed.\nUnder those massive wheel arches are a set of chunky \n17-inch alloys\n wearing road-biased \n255/65 R17\n Bridgestones. Side steps are essential for a vehicle this tall, on the Colorado they blend in nicely with the simple design of the truck.   You don\u2019t get a roll bar on the Colorado but it comes with \nroof rails\n that will support \nup to 75 kg worth of load\n. Behind the lined truck bed is a separately lockable tailgate, obligatory chrome bumper with reverse sensors, and LED taillights.\nINTERIOR\nSimilar to the rest of the new trucks currently in the market today, Chevrolet has put in the effort to make the interior as car-like as possible by fitting it with many creature comforts. Climb aboard the driver\u2019s seat and you will notice that it adjusts electrically. The seats on this top-spec Colorado are upholstered in \ngrey leather\n although they\u2019re not using the most supple of leather out there.   The steering wheel diameter is just about the right size, and comes complete with controls for the audio and cruise control. The dials in the instrument cluster sport an interesting design, and there\u2019s a useful \nData Information Center\n display screen in the middle. In an attempt to promote an environmentally-conscious trucker, there\u2019s even an \nEco menu display\n to rate how economical your driving style is.   The \n7-inch touch screen\n for the \nChevrolet MyLink\n is a great feature, but it is not without quibbles. During my time with the Colorado the unit failed and shut down itself a couple of times, but in terms of usability it\u2019s pretty easy to navigate around the menu. Below that is a round cluster for the \nautomatic climate control\n and further down you\u2019ll find \ntwo 12v power outlets\n and a couple of buttons for the traction control and hill descent control.   On the center console there\u2019s only one lever, which is for the 6-speed automatic transmission. Switching the drive from 2WD to 4WD is done by an \nelectronic knob\n, not like some trucks that are still using a secondary lever placed next to the transmission lever. A conventional handbrake still exists, and yet there\u2019s still ample space for a couple of cupholders next to it and a deep cubby with a USB slot and an Aux In port under the center armrest.\nThe dashboard design is pleasing to the eyes with the materials used feel robust and suits the image of the truck. \nNumerous storage space\n can be found on the dashboard alone, from the \npull-out drawers\n below the aircond vents at each end of the dashboard, a shelf and a \npop-down compartment\n just aft the driver\u2019s knees, to the \ndual glovebox\n at the passenger side of the dashboard.   There\u2019s also a\n lidded compartment\n on top of the dashboard like in the \nHyundai Santa Fe\n but GC won\u2019t be able to \nwarm up his cupcake\n since the compartment is too shallow to accomodate a cupcake. Before returning the Colorado I literally had to double check every compartment just to make sure I didn\u2019t leave anything for the next journos.\nPERFORMANCE\nChevrolet doesn\u2019t call their truck as Colorado Muscle Power for nothing, it has torque figure to back that up. The \n2.8-litre 4-cylinder Duramax\n engine is equipped with a \nVariable Geometry Turbo\n, pumping out \n193 hp\n at 3,600 rpm and\n 500 Nm\n from a lowly 2,000 rpm. Chevrolet claim it will go from\n 0 to 100 km/h\n in \nless than 10.0 seconds\n, with a \ntop speed of 180 km/h\n.\nThe diesel unit certainly feels lazy, but it\u2019s definitely not shy to hide the fact it\u2019s the torquiest diesel around by being audible from afar. You surely can\u2019t miss the \nturbo whistle\n as the Colorado drives by. It can sound pretty rude with the grunting and whistling and your friends might think you arrived in a lorry, but fret not because you\u2019re still the popular one among your friends because you own a truck.\nTHE DRIVE\nFor a person who never driven a truck before, the initial impression can be quite intimidating. Even though the \nelevated seating position\n is a plus you can\u2019t really see where the bonnet ends, therefore navigating the truck in a multi-level parking lot for the first time was quite a challenge. Parking the truck is only aided by \nreverse sensors\n, so getting it right on the first try was a rather huge achievement for this novice trucker.\nOn paved tarmac the Colorado drives well, with nice heft to the steering that invokes a sense of confidence and solidity. Minor road imperfections and cats eyes are masked by the high profile tyres, but bigger potholes will send jolts to the cabin and it can get wallowy on winding roads.\nI\u2019ve been told that current generation of trucks are more refined than the trucks of yore but such refinement in a vehicle with agricultural and commercial background can only go so far. At least the Colorado is equipped with cruise control.\nPowering down the highway with excess speed can put your senses on alert, bear in mind that even with good brakes you still can\u2019t defy physics. For normal driving using \n2H\n is sufficient, and it helps to save fuel as well. The Colorado averaged \n8.3 l/100 km\n during my stint, which is actually better than the \nofficial claim of 9.2 l/100 km\n.\nIn 2H, even with the traction control switched on it is still possible to set the rear tyres scrubbing for grip when powering out from stationary, so exercise your right foot with caution. Full 4WD modes are better left when the going gets tough, as I venture off the beaten path.\nNaturally when you have a truck you just have to take it off-road. Twist the knob to \n4H\n, I took the Colorado for some mild (honest!) off-roading and it managed to tackle the gravelly and muddy terrain without breaking a sweat. Steep gradients were conquered with gusto and muddy trails were traversed without worry.\nTowards the end of my off-road shenanigans the \nroad-biased tyres\n had accumulated enough mud to cover the whole thread, and the inevitable happened. The Colorado was beached in a thick sludge of mud making the driver to break out in cold sweat instead. This wouldn\u2019t happen if I didn\u2019t stop the Colorado in the middle of the muddy path. Such foolishness of an urbanite trying to be an outdoorsman.   Thankfully a friend that didn\u2019t mind to get himself covered in mud was willing to be my spotter. I turned the knob to\n 4L\n and fed the Colorado with some light throttle input while trying to calm myself down at the same time. With the help of my spotter and a little bit of physical rocking to the Colorado, we managed to slither out of the mud triumphantly.\nAll the dirty work was handled by the Colorado (and the friend outside) while yours truly was seating comfortably on the leather seat in the chilled cabin. It shows that the Colorado is very much capable of handling the rough stuff and the only limiting factor would be the driver behind the wheel.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re the type that doesn\u2019t really like to show off the Colorado may be the truck for you. Even with the amount of grunt it has under the bonnet the Colorado looks very discreet without anything to indicate it\u2019s the torquiest truck on sale. If you strongly believe that a truck should carry an American badge then the Colorado should also appeal to you.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe pickup truck market is quite crowded and you should able to find a truck that suits your specific preferences. Among the top-of-the-range trucks that are locking horns against the Colorado Muscle Power are the \u201cbrother from another mother\u201d \nIsuzu D-Max V-Cross\n, the recently revamped \nMitsubishi Triton VGT GS\n, and a fellow \u201cAmerican\u201d rival \nFord Ranger Wildtrak\n.\nThe \nD-Max V-Cross\n comes with a bigger engine but less power than the Colorado. Its equipment list is also shorter than the Colorado, with fabric seats and a simple audio system. Although you could have leather seats and a 6.2-inch touch screen with GPS navigation by opting for the \n\u201cSafari Pack\u201d\n. For RM 10,000 more it also includes truckbed lid and an all round bodykit and unique alloys.\nThe \nRanger Wildtrak\n not only has the most horses under the bonnet, the 5-cylinder mill is also the most refined if compared to the rivals listed here. It\u2019s the \nmost expensive\n here and yet it doesn\u2019t come with any touchscreen in-car entertainment system but it has a bluetooth-enabled sound system with voice recognition, leather seats, auto headlamps and wipers, and a reverse camera that displays the view on the rearview mirror.\nThe revised \nTriton\n may be looking a bit long in the tooth, but it still is one of the hottest selling trucks here. The Triton also packs a variable geometry turbo making the 2.5-litre mill more powerful than before. The Triton is\n fully decked\n with leather seats, touchscreen audio interface with reverse camera, security window tint, sunroof, powered back window, and the trademark \nRV Meter with compass\n.\nSafety-wise every truck is equipped with \nABS\n and \nEBD\n, \ntraction control\n, and dual \nairbags\n but the Ranger Wildtrak adds four more airbags in the cabin. The Colorado is the biggest among the four but the Ranger has the longest wheelbase while the Triton is the most compact and it also has the shortest bed.\nChevrolet Colorado 2.8 LTZ\nIsuzu D-Max V-Cross\n \nFord Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak\nMitsubishi Triton VGT GS\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder turbodiesel\n4-cylinder turbodiesel\n5-cylinder turbodiesel\n4-cylinder turbodiesel\nDisplacement\ncc\n2,776\n2,999\n3,198\n2,477\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n193/3,600\n175/3,600\n197/3,000\n176/4,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n500/2,000\n380/1,800 \u2013 2,800\n470/1,500 \u2013 2,750\n350/1,800 \u2013 3,500\nSTEERING\nType\nPower-assisted\nPower-assisted\nPower-assisted\nPower-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed Automatic\n5-speed Automatic\n6-speed Automatic\n5-speed Automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nDouble wishbone, coil springs / Leaf springs\nDouble wishbone, coil springs / Leaf springs\nDouble wishbone, coil springs / Leaf springs\nWishbone, coil springs / Leaf springs\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nDrum\nDrum\nDrum\nDrum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n255/65 R17\n255/65 R17\n265/60 R18\n245/65 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n5,347\n5,295\n5,274\n5,115\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,882\n1,860\n2,163\n1,800\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,821\n1,795\n1,821\n1,780\nWheelbase\nmm\n3,096\n3,095\n3,220\n3,000\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n2,062\nn/a\n2,118\n1,870\nCargo area L / W / H\nmm\n1,552 / 1,534 / n/a\n1,552 / 1,530 / 465\n1,549 / 1,560 / 511\n1,325 / 1,470 / 405\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n76\n76\n80\n75\nConsumption\n9.2 L/100 km\nn/a\n8.9 L/100 km\nn/a\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n180\nn/a\nn/a\n175\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n10.0\nn/a\nn/a\nn/a\nPRICE\nRM\n106,888.00\n104,468.40 (Safari 115,208.40)\n \n117,488.00\n107,809.60\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nI must say after driving the Colorado, it changed my perception of trucks. I appreciate it more now considering its ability and even think it\u2019s a logical choice to have especially with our road condition and the occasional floods that we have.\u00a0I still feel it\u2019s cumbersome to drive but I did enjoy it in a different kind of way. I love the fact that the Colorado is not as showy as the other trucks but unfortunately if I\u2019m in the market for one, it won\u2019t be my pick due to the rough and noisy engine.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has always prided themselves with the intricate details and craftsmanship of the \nGT-R\n, especially the twin-turbocharged V6 engine which is hand-built by one of four \ntakumis\n \u2013 master craftsmen who have perfected their skills over years of painstaking work and dedication.\nBut what if mere mortals like us would like to have a crack at building a race car, and that engineering degree is too little, too late? LEGO and Nissan have partnered up to create the LEGO Nissan GT-R NISMO, for you to get your hands dirty, figuratively.\u00a0\nMade out of 298 individual LEGO elements, the LEGO Nissan GT-R NISMO aims to capture the authentic and intricate details of the life-size race car into a relatively small LEGO model. Although, the Speed Champions series \u2013 which the GT-R NISMO will be a part of \u2013 has been enlarged by 25% this year.\u00a0\nLEGO design lead, Chris Stamp said, \u201cAuthenticity is always our main concern, and we spent a lot of time exploring different building techniques to correctly recreate the taillights, as they are one of the most recognisable details on the car.\u201d\nNissan seemed pretty happy with the work that LEGO has done with the GT-R NISMO too, with chief product specialist for the GT-R, Hiroshi Tamura \u2013 or sometimes affectionately called \u201cMr. GT-R\u201d \u2013 himself giving the stamp of approval.\nTamura said, \u201cThe GT-R has been part of my life since I was 10 years old. Working with the LEGO Group was like awakening my inner 10-year-old self to rediscover what makes the GT-R so special to me. It\u2019s amazing how much the LEGO Group\u2019s attention to detail reminds me of our own craftsmen.\u201d\nLEGO says that the brick version of the Nissan GT-R NISMO is also designed to inspire children to learn more about engineering. While we applaud the intention, we all know that it\u2019s actually us grown adults who would buy this \u2013 just ask GC Mah and his collection of LEGO models.\u00a0\nThe LEGO Nissan GT-R NISMO will be available globally from January 2020."
"Aside from the \n218i Gran Coupe\n, BMW also gave us a taste of what the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe was like while we were in Portugal earlier this year and it has made us pray for its arrival in Malaysia ever since.\nWith near identical output as the \nMercedes-AMG A35\n launched \nin Malaysia last year\n, the M235i xDrive will have to carry the torch in competing with the most compact AMG in Malaysia at the moment.\nMore so after the Head of BMW\u2019s M division claimed that there wouldn\u2019t be an M2 Gran Coupe because it\u2019s simply not necessary.\n \nThat makes the M235i xDrive the halo model for the all-new 2-series Gran Coupe. Throughout the short 50 km drive back to Lisbon from a surfer\u2019s town we drove to in the\n 218i Gran Coupe\n, the biggest takeaway was how comfortable the car was.\nBeing in Sport Mode throughout the entire drive merely made the car more alert to your inputs but in no way compromised comfort. In terms of appearance and stature, seeing as it\u2019s completely draped in M Sport apparel both in and out, it\u2019s hard to undermine how the M235i looks if parked next to the AMG A35.\nTo be fair though, the AMG A35 does look more proportionate, with a rear end that\u2019s certainly easier on the eye. On the other hand, the 2 Series Gran Coupe line up in general, bearing similarities with \nBMW\u2019s GT models\n, might need some getting used to."
"Before the \nRolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge\n, \nAudi A4 Black Edition\n and the ludicrously named \nBMW X5 and X6 Black Fire Edition\n, Honda had a limited run of a \nCivic Type R Black Edition (FK2R)\n. Now, the second car to be blacked out by Honda is the Honda HR-V. Yes, let that sink in for a moment.\nAs peculiar as it may be, the HR-V is the brand\u2019s most popular crossover on sale, so it makes good business sense for Honda to give it a little spicing up. It\u2019s based upon the standard SE variant, but gets blacked out running boards, skid plates, front grille, mirror caps and 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.   Inside, the Black Edition HR-V gets unique leather and carpet trims. Mechanically, the UK-spec HR-V is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC making\n\u00a0129 hp\n and\n 155 Nm\n of torque mated either to a six-speed manual or CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) gearbox.\nPrices for the Honda HR-V Black Edition start from \u00a325,000 (RM139k), a \u00a33,805 (RM21k) premium over the standard variant. Fancy yourself one of these?"
"Kia has released the first images of the updated Stinger ahead of its market debut later this year, and no \u2013 we promise we did not choose the wrong photos.\nExterior changes on the facelift is relatively minor, with most of the updates visible on the new 18- and 19-inch geometric-design alloy wheels, along with the new taillights that now run across the entire width of the rear end \u2013 its turn signals now made up of 10 individual LED units arranged in a chequered flag pattern.\nAt the front, Kia also says that it\u2019s given the headlights a little nip and tuck, with a newly redesigned LED daytime running lights signature in the shape of sharp slashes slightly angled towards the front of the car. Oddly enough, those in the photos provided doesn\u2019t seem to be all that different from the \ncurrent Stinger\n, and does not tally with the \npreviously leaked photos\n of the Stinger facelift \u2013 which looks a lot more like the description.\nDepending on market, Kia will also be offering two optional packages to jazz up the exterior: a Dark Package which includes gloss black diffuser surround at the rear and black wide-bore muffler tips, and for North America a Black Package which brings new 19-inch wheels in matte black, new bootlid spoiler, blacked out side mirror caps, and blacked-out side fender trims.\nBuyers of the higher-performance variants can also individually opt for the larger wide-bore bright silver exhaust mufflers, which comes with a more pronounced and functional performance-inspired rear diffuser.\nThe redesign restraint continues on the inside of the updated Kia Stinger, with the most notable change being the new infotainment display \u2013 now upgraded to 10.25-inches in size, up from the previous eight-inch unit. There\u2019s also the new 64-colour ambient lighting, while buyers can opt between aluminium or faux carbon fibre trim for the centre console.\nKia also says that the material choices within the cabin have also been upgraded for a more luxurious ride. Depending on the market, Kia will offer a variety of interior colour options, such as the Dark Brown monotone interior with quilted diamond Nappa leather as seen in the photo, exclusive to the Koreans.\nOther international market gets to choose from Saturn Black, Red and Beige \u2013 the former being a combination of black suede on the seats with red contrast stitching in a \u201cchain\u201d pattern, designed to mimic the links of a watch strap.\nAside from these images, other information will only be revealed closer to the actual launch. However, recent rumours suggest that the updated Kia Stinger will receive a pair of more powerful engines \u2013 the \n304 hp\n \n2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four\n, and a \n380 hp\n \n3.5-litre twin-turbo V8\n lifted from the \nGenesis G80\n.\nLocally, the Kia Stinger is \navailable in two variants\n \u2013 a 2.0-litre GT-Line model producing \n255 hp \nand \n353 Nm\n of torque, as well as a 3.3-litre Stinger GT that makes \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of torque from its twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Both variants are equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox."
"The Lexus NX just underwent a \nfacelift in early April\n this year, however, Lexus has already rolled out a further enhanced version of it or in Lexus-speak \u2013 Minor Change model in Japan. The latest model gets subtle aesthetic tweaks and new convenience features.\nThe facelift exercise before this brought about a new bumper design, restyled headlamps and taillamps as well as new aluminium wheel designs. New items to the updated NX include a five-spoke 18-inch Bronze coloured aluminium alloys and a \nhands-free powered tailgate\n which can be operated through a kicking motion under the rear bumper.   Besides the abundant colour choice for the Japanese domestic model, the latest NX gets a new colour \nHeads-Up Display\n while F-Sport variants gets additional upholstery colour options of White and Flare Red.\nAs before, two engine choices are available on the updated NX \u2013 a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with \n235 hp\n/\n350 Nm\n and a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid with \n197 hp\n. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (a technology shared with the new \nLC 500\n) that computes 650 instantaneous compression and damping adjustments to give superior ride comfort and handling gets a new Custom Mode which allows drivers to select a combination of engine, suspension and gearbox settings to suit their driving needs.   Lexus Safety System+\n which made its debut on the facelift model, bundles Collision Avoidance Support Pre-Crash Safety, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Control Function, Automatic High Beam and Radar Cruise Control.\nPrices for the updated Lexus NX ranges from \u00a54.4 million (RM164k) to \u00a55.9 million (RM220k). The facelifted NX has yet to make its local debut, perhaps Lexus Malaysia was waiting out for this Minor Change model?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sitting at the top of the second-generation MINI Countryman range is this, the high performance John Cooper Works Countryman. The introduction also completes MINI Malaysia\u2019s JCW model range, from the JCW Cooper 3-Door and 5-Door to the \nClubman\n and now the \nCountryman\n.\nUnder the hood is a hotter 2.0-litre inline-four engine equipped with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology, tuned to produce \n231 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels (MINI All4) through the sole \neight-speed Steptronic Sports automatic\n transmission. Paddle shifters come as standard too.\n \nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI John Cooper Works Countryman\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4, twin-scroll turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic Sports auto\nMax Power\n231 hp\nMax Torque\n350 Nm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.5 seconds; 234 km/h\nPrice\nRM348,888 (OTR excluding registration)\nThere are three drive modes to choose from \u2013 Sport, Mid and Green, each altering engine acoustics, shift characteristic and throttle response. Exclusive to the JCW Countryman is Dynamic Damper Control which adjusts stiffness according to the selected drive mode. In Green mode, the drivetrain is decoupled between 50 km/h to 160 km/h when the driver\u2019s foot is off the pedal. This reduces engine drag and improves fuel efficiency. Braking power comes from Brembo with a 4-piston callipers that\u2019s finished in red.   To match the grunt, the JCW Countryman comes dressed with go-quick bits that are exclusive to the variant. These include JCW aerodynamic bodykit, 19-inch JCW Course Spoke wheels finished in Burnish Black, JCW grille, Chili Red roof and side mirror caps, Chili Red body stickers, rear spoiler, JCW side scuttles, Door Sill and stainless steel exhaust pipes.\nInside, the sports seats are wrapped in black Dinamica Leather that\u2019s contrasted in bright red. The seats also come with better bolster support, and the driver now benefits from a high contrast head-up display which feed vital data such as speed, current gear and ideal shift times. \nIn the centre dash rests a super crisp 8.8-inch screen with split-screen function that\u2019s surrounded by a multi-coloured LED ring. The head unit supports MINI Connected, Bluetooth and has 20GB built-in storage for multimedia consumption. The Countryman is fitted with a 410-watt Harman Kardon sound system with two central bass speakers positioned beneath both front seats.   Several convenient features such as foot-activated automatic tailgate, reverse camera, a Picnic Bench that folds out of the boot and LED MINI logo that\u2019s projected onto the ground from the side mirror.\nThe MINI JCW Countryman is available in Rebel Green, Midnight Black and Light White, all of which come with the mandatory dual-tone Chili Red finish. Every purchase comes with a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, as well as \nMINI Roadside Assistance\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While Malaysians are anticipating the arrival of the Smart #1 through PRO-NET, \nSmart\n has teased the \nSmart #3\n, a fully-electric coupe SUV which is also the brand\u2019s second car since its revamp. Only shown in camouflage for now, the coupe SUV will make its world debut on April 18, 2023 at Auto Shanghai.\nIn the teaser video shared by Smart, key highlights of the new Smart #3 include an all-new SUV coupe design and an \u201cextended range\u201d, although details have not been disclosed. The Smart #3 also boasts \u201cexceptional aerodynamic efficiency\u201d, as Smart says that the Smart #3 has a drag coefficient of 0.27.\nAero highlights on the new car include air curtains on the front bumper, front wheel air deflectors, active grille shutters, and a roof spoiler. The car also features aerodynamic mirrors, an optimized underbody, and a rear diffuser.\nSmart Europe CEO, Dirk Adelmann said, \u201cAfter launching the \nSmart #1\n, we are excited to present the second model since our rebranding: The Smart #3. It will be unveiled at Auto Shanghai and the car will be a vital element of our product portfolio that enables us to further shape urban mobility.\u201d\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 \u2013 Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here\u2019s what we know so far\nThe front end of the Smart #3 looks very similar to the Smart #1, albeit with a more aggressive bumper design. The air curtains/vents flare out more, giving the car a wider and sportier appearance. The continuous front light design is carried over, but the Smart #3 seems to sport a newly-designed headlight cluster.\nThe panel gap lines at the front look the same as the Smart #1, and the Smart #3 still appears to have the same all-around body claddings (albeit hidden by the camouflage). It also employs flush retractable door handles. Interestingly, the Smart #3 appears to have the brand\u2019s emblem on the front fender.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023\nOf course, the main exterior highlight of the Smart #3 would be its coupe styling. The C-pillar curves straight into the rear end and the transition seems to be a little abrupt. At the back, the car also sports a continuous LED taillight design.\nMercedes-Benz AG Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagner said, \u201cThis muscular, yet elegantly sensual and perfectly balanced attraction of opposites makes the design an important milestone in the evolution of smart\u2019s premiumness\u2019 core value. The design of the #3 is emotionally confident, attracting and even thrilling the viewer.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPRO-NET is Proton\u2019s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network"
"Eager fans of the \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n can finally look forward to seeing the SUV in the flesh, for all are afforded a sneak peek at what could only be described as one of the world\u2019s most versatile premium compact SUV.\nJaguar Land Rover Malaysia\n will bring the all-new Discovery Sport to the \n1 Utama Shopping Centre\n\u00a0in PJ to sneak a preview for potential owners and to all adoring fans of this particular Landy. The event will be taking place this weekend from\u00a0\n22\u00a0to\u00a023 August \n(Saturday and Sunday)\u00a0from \n11am\n\u00a0to \n9pm.\nThose interested can make your way to the \nground floor fore court\n in the old wing and head out to the\n\u00a0outdoor carpark\n for the opportunity\u00a0to see first hand what the Discovery Sport is capable of doing. The SUV will make its grand performance with the\n Terrapod Mobility Track\n\u00a0that transforms into\n steep slopes and inclines\n at the touch of button.\nIf this piques your interest, click \nhere\n to\u00a0register for an up-close view of the Discovery Sport.\u00a0\nEarly birds\n\u00a0who register \nonline\n will also receive a limited edition\n Land Rover gift\n. The Discovery Sport will make its Malaysian debut this Friday, 21 August 2015."
"It may not have been a household name on this side of the planet but those familiar with the Dodge Viper should be well acclimatised with its fearsome nature and its stature as one of the most exhilarating high-performance vehicle to come out of the US.\nBut as they say, all good things have to come to an end and we\u2019re afraid, the finish line has arrived for the Viper. It has ceased production with the last unit rolled out in red while the final customer-destined Viper is a Yellow ACR with black racing stripes.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by @ralphgilles\nIts been reported that \nlow sales volumes\n and \nnew federal safety standards\n for side-curtain airbags have contributed to the extinction of the American icon. It prospered through five different generations, striking fear as the tyre slayer since it first saw the light of day back in 1992.\nCost was an issue as well as the current Viper was mostly hand-built, it could never be as cost-efficient and competitive as the Corvettes. Following the announcement, it also marks the end of the Detroit plant that had churned out some of the most frightening wheels the world has ever seen.\nWhile there are rumours of a comeback, for now, a moment of silence in celebration of iconic Viper is in order.\nSource: \nAutoblog\n /\n Road\n & \nTrack\n /\u00a0\nInstagram\nImage credit: \nDodge.com"
"Are \nEVs\n only for the rich? While they may be cheaper to run than their internal combustion-engined counterparts in the long run, the current entry point to EVs \u2013 with prices north of RM140k \u2013 means that it\u2019s still a rich man\u2019s game for now.\nFortunately for the most of us, the government is now looking to change that. In a\n \nFacebook post \nyesterday, Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said that the National EV Task Force (NEVTF) is currently exploring ways \u201creduce EV prices in our country so that more citizens can afford them\u201d.\nThe announcement is in line with the ministry\u2019s recent statements on bringing in more affordable EVs into the country. Just last week, deputy secretary general of industry, Datuk Seri Norazman Ayub, said there will be more EV models \u2013 priced from as low as RM120,000 \u2013 to be introduced in Malaysia starting Q2 2023.\n\u201cWe have now encouraged the importation of more EVs, particularly from China, because we want to have more EVs which are affordable for the rakyat,\u201d said Norazman. This could be in reference to the \nBYD Dolphin\n, which has already been teased here in Malaysia during the launch of the \nAtto 3\n last year.\nCurrently, the most affordable electric vehicle on sale in Malaysia is the \nOra Good Cat\n, with prices starting from RM139,800 (on-the-road, without insurance) for the base 400 Pro variant.\nALSO READ: \nMalaysia, Singapore sign cooperation agreements for EV charging standards\nAside from reducing EV prices, the NEVTF has also committed to increasing the number of charging stations across the nation in support of the growing EV ecosystem in Malaysia. The ministry previously targetted a total of 10,000 EV chargers across the nation by 2025, as part of the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030.\nThe expansion of the charging infrastructure is also in line with the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), where the country aims to achieve carbon-neutral status by 2050, the minister added.\nREAD MORE: \nTNB Electron 180 kW charging stations now in operation at R&R Tapah, Ayer Keroh and Paka\nREAD MORE: \nShell Recharge HPC network now fully operational in Malaysia \u2013 6 DC chargers along North-South highway"
"Honda Thailand has released a teaser image via their social media channels, containing a glimpse of what appears to be the new Civic Hatchback with a message telling viewers to be patient and wait for the countdown.\nAccording to sources, Honda Thailand is prepping for the launch of the Civic Hatchback which is said to be within this month. Only a single variant will be offered, powered by the\n L15B7 turbocharged 1.5-litre\n with \n171 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n, paired to a \nCVT\n.\nThe Civic Hatchback is said to be \npriced between the Civic Sedan 1.5 Turbo and the Civic Sedan 1.5 Turbo RS\n, which is currently selling at \nTHB 1,099,000\n and \nTHB 1,199,000\n respectively. More details will be released nearing to the launch, and it will eventually make an appearance at the upcoming \n2017 Bangkok Motor Show\n in March.\nIt\u2019s a shame that the Civic Hatchback \nwon\u2019t make it here in Malaysia\n, so we\u2019ll just have to make do with these press images. Gorgeous isn\u2019t it? Meanwhile, you can \nread\n and \nwatch\n our review of the booted sibling, the \nCivic Sedan Turbo\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions \nMazda\n would be the brand\u2019s use of the rotary (or Wankel) engine. Last used in the Mazda RX-8 back in 2012, Mazda has just restarted production of its rotary engine, albeit for the \nMazda MX-30 R-EV\n. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is an electric vehicle by Mazda with a range extender rotary engine.\nThe production of the rotary engine for the Mazda MX-30 will take place at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima City. The production of the rotary engine marks a return after an 11-year hiatus. Before the hiatus, Mazda had cumulatively produced \n1.99 million\n rotary engine vehicles.\nAlthough the rotary engine is making a comeback for the Mazda brand, it won\u2019t be driving the wheels this time as it functions as a generator or a range extender for the Mazda MX-30 R-EV. The engine in question is an 830-cc single-rotor unit called the Mazda 8C.\nWith the rotary engine in the MX-30 R-EV, what drives the wheels is a single electric motor setup that makes \n170 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n. It is slightly faster than the non-range-extender version of the car by 0.6 seconds in the century sprint. The MX-30 R-EV clocks \n9.1 seconds\n while the MX-30 clocks 9.7 seconds.\nThe Mazda MX-30 REV houses a \n17.8-kWh\n battery that is only able to provide \n85 km\n of range. However, with the range extender/generator, the Mazda MX-30 REV is essentially a series hybrid with a \n50-litre\n fuel tank. You basically don\u2019t have to worry so much about charging the car, but should you choose to do so, the MX-30 R-EV can still be charged like the usual electric vehicle via either AC charging or DC charging.\nRELATED: \nMazda MX-30 R-EV \u2013 The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it\nIn Malaysia, the MX-30 is only available in its non-range-extender version. It houses a 35.5-kWh battery that provides 199 km of range (WLTP). The Malaysian-spec Mazda MX-30 is propelled by a single-motor setup that powers the front wheels, making 143 hp and 271 Nm. The Mazda MX-30 fetches a price of \nRM198,780\n in Malaysia.\nThe rotary engine is an iconic engine that has become quite synonymous with the Mazda brand. Now, it has made its return, albeit in a \u2018greener\u2019 iteration.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mazda MX-30 updated with faster charging, still has only 200 km of range"
"The \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R\n was launched in Malaysia more than a few months ago after endless fanfare but it seems like the dust will take awhile before it settles. Having established itself as the\n\u00a0fastest FWD car to lap the prestigious Nurburgring\n, Honda was up for another challenge with its highly-decorated sportscar.\nThis time they\u2019ve pitted the real car against its virtual reflection, piloted by a race car driver against a professional gamer. The actual car comes with a \u201cmixed reality windshield\u201d that projects the virtual car in real time.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2DPAnkOPkA\nFor those who\u2019ve ever questioned if a virtual racer can be as quick as a real race car driver, given that he isn\u2019t bound by the fear factor, by the consequences of his mistakes and the sensation of speed, here\u2019s your answer.\nThe FK8 Honda Civic Type R\u00a0is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine with \n305 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n400 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Aided by a slick 6-speed close ratio transmission, 0 to 100 km/h is done in\u00a0\n5.8 seconds\n, with non-stop exhilaration all the way to a\u00a0\n272 km/h\n\u00a0top speed.\nCredit: \nYouTube"
"The \nBugatti Chiron\n is one of the fastest cars known to man and at approximately RM 11 million before taxes, it is arguably one of the most expensive too \u2013 especially if you live in Malaysia.\nThat said, it seems like even the \n418 km/h hypercar\n is not immune from recalls but as it is a Bugatti, certain levels of service is expected and obviously delivered.\nThe exact car that was sold for a 1 million pound profit.\nBugatti recently announced that it will be recalling some of its Chirons due to\n faulty welds in the front seat recliner brackets\n. Not only will Bugatti personally phone the owners, they will also send their concierge technicians \nto retrieve the affected Chirons\n!\nThey will be then transported in an enclosed truck to the closest Bugatti dealership. Bugatti will be replacing the entire seating assembly should improper welding be found.\nIn total, 47 units are affected globally, 12 of which are in North America. In recent news, aside from its \nappalling 21.4L/100km fuel consumption\n, one lucky owner in the UK \nmade a cool 1 million pound\n (RM 5.6 million) profit for reselling his 1,000 mile (1,609 km) Bugatti Chiron \u2013 supposedly the first used Bugatti Chiron in the market."
"Volvo purists are tested with every passing generation of their beloved automobiles. First, the disappearance of rulers and set squares from the design studio. Next there was something called the C30 which didn\u2019t make sense to them, because it was not a station wagon and thus not the vehicular equivalent of the word \u201cutility\u201d. Most recently, their tears fell once again at the death of their beloved five-pot engine. \nThis \nupdated V40\n is the culmination of all of those incidents. It has curves, is a hatchback and carries the Drive-E 2.0-litre mill in a strength setting of T5. And then some. Because now, Volvo\u2019s in-house tuning arm, Polestar, is offering add-on packages which also reach under the hood and through the chassis for a little added spice to the standard Volvo fare.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo V40 T5 Polestar\nEngine\n1,969cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\nMax Power\n253 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n6.2 seconds;\nPrice\nRM240,888 (inclusive of RM60k Polestar kit)\nEXTERIOR\nSmall touches will make the aesthetic deal here. Huge star V-spoke Polestar 19s on Pirelli P-Zero (!) shoes, side mirrors finished in black, a spoiler where the roof ends and a diffuser down below. Quite how much benefit these confer on a car with these output numbers, and being front wheel drive, I\u00a0cannot say; but the package does serve to turn up the menace of the V40\u2019s looks. The icing on the cake would have been the inclusion of the Thor\u2019s hammer headlight DRLs but alas, they are unfortunately not to be found on local spec cars.   The bigger picture is pleasant, even if it doesn\u2019t raise your blood pressure the way a \nMegane RS\n or \nFocus ST\n might. At the rear, the character line sporting the spaced capitals of the word Volvo is a focal point for the glass of the hatch and the concavity beneath. From the side, especially with the stumpy D-pillar, this makes the V40 look like a wedge-y sports shoe. Lovely. \nINTERIOR\nThis is probably the last time we\u2019ll see the \u201cwaterfall\u201d floating centre console in a Volvo. Yes, Volvo lovers, that\u2019s the next quirky feature to go the way of the dodo. In its steady upmarket push, Volvo interiors will no longer be the stoic, matte affair that we\u2019ve become accustomed to and the \nrecent reveal of the XC60\n has all but confirmed this.   For the time being, there is character yet in the cabin. The 8.0-inch Adaptive Digital Display instrument cluster and the 7.0-inch infotainment screen are the regions of the dash your eye will undoubtably be drawn to, but not because the rest of it is dull. \nThere is a calmness to this execution that feels indescribably Swedish in the best way, and for those who find things a bit too dichromatic there\u2019s a little Polestar square on the stubby gear knob begging to be gripped hard. Elsewhere, the only other changes are sports pedals and a footrest finished with rubber grips along with Polestar door sills.\n \nA word of caution however; if there is anyone riding shotgun, pay careful attention when you reach for the handbrake. It\u2019s on the wrong side of the tunnel console and can lead for some awkward unintentional touching.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe note is a strange one, clearly the work of a four-pot and emanating as a constant grumble through the Polestar pipes. The gains are there however, on torque alone the Polestar-ed V40 gains an additional 50 Nm alongside about 8 hp to \n400 Nm\n \u2014 from a low 1,500 rpm to 4,800 rpm \u2014 and \n253 hp\n. This trims a tenth off the century sprint time from 6.3 seconds to\n 6.2 seconds\n, and completely leaves the burbly, characterful five-pot and its 6.9 seconds in the dust.\n \nFor comparison, the Volkswagen Golf GTI \u2014 the world\u2019s go-to hot hatch \u2014 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Just pray you don\u2019t run into an \nS60 T6\n when you\u2019re flicking the paddle shifters through the six\u00a0cogs in a world of your own.\nChucking the V40 into a corner on the optional absorber/spring combo and Pirellis is a satisfying experience, but the downside (of course, with a skinny section of 235/35) is\u00a0it will crash over bumps and eat into comfort. The feel through the wheel however, not so satisfying.\n \nThe electric power steering tends to shimmy playfully (torque steer) when you bury the throttle in a straight line, but if you get on the power midway through a corner there is not much in the way of direct feedback. You can, however, choose between three steering settings which mostly seem to affect steering weight.\nOn the whole, progress is smooth when you behave and sufficiently urgent when you don\u2019t. \nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nThe standard V40? Maybe. But you have to be a real masochist to spend roughly a third of the V40 T5\u2019s value to completely spec it up, as per this unit here. For some, it\u2019s perfectly acceptable as everything that the Polestar package augments under the skin is covered by Volvo Car Malaysia warranty.\n \nThis is as left field as sporty hatch choices get, for the rebel in you who is just completely averse to going with the grain. But a sensible rebel, one for whom safety and build quality matters. So if you\u2019re part of this small subset of car-driving society who want a very warm hatch \u2014 not hot \u2014 that may or may not pass under the visual radar with some of the best active safety systems available in a car of this price, then yes. Go for it. If you live for the Ironmark, even more so.\nWOULD I BUY THIS CAR?\nAs a tool to irritate mainstream hot hatches, it\u2019s hard to think of a better car. The Uncle stigma may be slowly waning but I\u2019m willing to bet that being overtaken by a Volvo, regardless of whether or not drops of Polestar cyan dot the exterior to subtly hint that this is no average V40, would not sit comfortably with a significant set of drivers.\n \nTo answer the question: I\u2019m a sucker for sleepers, so I just might. If I had maybe two to three other cars in the garage especially, but I digress. To keep up the\u00a0fa\u00e7ade, my ideal Polestar Performance Optimisation pick \u2019n mix would only include the chassis, intake and exhaust and optimisation options, leaving out the interior and exterior trim bits alongside the ludicrous RM21,000 wheels and tyres pairing. There, now I only need to spend RM30,000 to cause Swede nuisance wherever I go.\n[Words by V.B]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"500 units of the \nBYD Atto 3\n are now on their way to Malaysia, as posted on the \nBYD Asia Pacific Facebook page\n. Launched in Malaysia in December last year, the BYD Atto 3 is available in two variants in Malaysia, namely the Atto 3 Standard Range and the Atto 3 Extended Range.\nIn the Facebook posting, BYD says that the 500 units already on their way to Malaysia demonstrate the company\u2019s \u201crobust supply chain and in-house production capacity\u201d. The latest report on BYD\u2019s sales in Malaysia shows that \nover 1,000 bookings were received in 10 days\n for the Atto 3. It looks like almost half of those customers will be getting their car soon.\nThe launch of the Atto 3 in Malaysia spearheads the brand\u2019s entry into the country. Officially distributed by \nSime Darby Beyond Auto\n, the brand target to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by the end of 2024.\nPrices of the BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia start from \nRM149,800\n for the Atto 3 Standard Range and \nRM167,800\n for the Atto 3 Extended Range. The Standard Range model has a \n49.92-kWh\n battery that provides \n345 km\n of range (WLTP). The Standard Range houses a \n60.48-kWh\n battery that provides \n420 km\n of electric range (WLTP).\nRELATED: \n2023 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, X70-size EV from RM150k\nCharging the batteries can be done at a maximum rate of \n6.6 k\nW with AC charging for both variants. DC fast charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n70 kW\n for the Standard Range and \n80 kW\n for the Extended Range. Like some Korean EVs, the BYD Atto 3 is also capable of vehicle-to-load (V2L) function. This can be done at a maximum rate of \n2.2 kW\n.\nSafety features on the BYD Atto 3 include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Door Open Warning (DOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nRELATED: \nBYD to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by end of 2024, first in KL to open Dec 2022\nWhile the Atto 3 isn\u2019t the cheapest EV you can buy (that goes to the Or Good Cat), it is one of the more affordable ones that could boost EV adoption in Malaysia. BYD has also \nteased the BYD Seal and BYD Dolphin\n in Malaysia, which will soon join the brand\u2019s all-electric lineup here.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 BYD Atto 3 electric SUV now in Malaysia, from RM149,800"
"Last year, Roll-Royce revealed a new luxury concept, catered to the very specific needs of a customer. It was not for an affluent individual, but a medical institution; one that\u2019s situated in the marque\u2019s hometown of Chichester in West Sussex, the St. Richard\u2019s Hospital.\nNamed the \nRolls-Royce SRH\n, the toy car was hand-built for the hospital\u2019s Pediatric Day Surgery Unit to allow children awaiting surgery to drive themselves to the operating theatre.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35rkuwdf9xQ\nThe self-driving initiative to the operating theatre \u2013 through the Pediatric Unit corridors which are lined with \u2018traffic signs\u2019 \u2013 has been\n proven to reduce child patient stress\n.\nA year later, the car has performed flawlessly, with no \u2018failures to proceed\u2019 and was given the technical green light to continue its service. An average of\n one child per day has driven to the operating theatre\n in the Rolls-Royce SRH.\nSue Nicholls of St Richard\u2019s Hospital, said, \u201cRather than being anxious about their upcoming procedure, our young patients are positively distracted by the fun experience of negotiating the corridors to operating theatre in a car they can drive all by themselves. We\u2019ve also noticed that dads especially love to admire the engineering and design specification and often ask for a turn.\u201d"
"Hyundai unveiled a brand-new concept at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). Officially named \u201cLe Fil Rouge\u201d, the concept car serves as a preview of Hyundai\u2019s next-generation design theme \u2013 \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d which will trickle down to all future Hyundai vehicles ranging from sedans to SUVs.\n\u201cLe Fil Rouge\u201d loosely translated to \ncommon thread\n in English, reflects the Korean carmaker\u2019s belief that all its design \u2013 past, present and future are linked with one another. Drawing inspiration from the 1974 Hyundai Coupe Concept, the \u201cLe Fil Rouge\u201d aims to create emotional value and desirability in Hyundai vehicles.\nThe proportions of the concept car is based on the \nGolden-Ratio\n \u2013 a mathematical formula that is commonly associated with aesthetically pleasing objects. This resulted in a car with long wheelbase and short overhangs. This Golden-Ratio proportion is then combined with what Hyundai calls \u201cLight Architecture\u201d \u2013 seamless panels and body lines blended into the silhouette as though as the car is continuously moving forward. Lastly, Hyundai\u2019s \nCascading Grille\n is further enhanced with 3D effect to make it instantly recognisable as a Hyundai from afar.\nVice President and Head of Hyundai Styling, Sang-yup Lee commented: \u201cOur goal is to build a beloved brand by creating vehicles with heightened emotional value to reshape the landscape of car design. This is the foundation of our concept.\u201d   Inside, the designers took the approach of \u201cTube Architecture\u201d, carrying the car\u2019s sensuous exterior and sporty character into the cabin. The design goal is drastically different for the driver and passenger. A comfortable bench with ample leg room was prioritised for the rear passengers while the driver seat was conceptualised to create an engaging but ergonomic cockpit.\nWhile Hyundai promised that the \u201cLe Fil Rouge\u201d concept\u2019s design will make its way to future models, it remains to be seen whether Genesis, Hyundai\u2019s luxury sub-brand, or Hyundai Cars will be the early recipient of the design language.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve seen the \nsketches\n and the \nspy pictures\n, and now it\u2019s official. Kia\u2019s best selling model in Europe, the Sportage, enters its fourth generation with the unveiling of the all-new Sportage at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.\nThere\u2019s a saying that if you keep doing a silly face, it will stay that way for the rest of your life. Unfortunately this new Sportage is stuck with the face that we saw in the spy pictures. Kia claims by repositioning the \ntiger-nose grille\n lower at the front creates an \u201cimposing appearance and a more stable-looking stance\u201d, but we\u2019ll reserve our judgement until we see it in the metal\nDesigned by Kia\u2019s European design studio, the new Sportage is \nlonger\n than before by 40 mm at \n4,480 mm\n and the \nwheelbase\n has been extended by 30 mm at \n2,670 mm\n. The \nwidth\n and \nheight\n remains the same as its predecessor at\n 1,855 mm\n for the former and \n1,635 mm\n for the latter.\nIn contrast to the shocking face, the rest of the Sportage takes an evolutionary approach similar to the all-new Optima. The side profile is retained with the familiar window line and the unpainted black plastic cladding that underlines the whole vehicle, while the bulging wheel arches accommodate a choice of 16, 17, and \n19-inch wheel\n options.   The back is slightly different, though. The LED tail lights are sharper and they are bridged together by a metallic strip. Those who want more can opt for the \nGT Line\n specification. It will add on the \nice cube front fog lamps\n, a special set of \n19-inch wheels\n, metal-effect diffuser and \ndual tailpipes\n.\nThe cabin is said to be an improvement over the predecessor, with more space, upgraded materials, and greater soundproofing. The dashboard is more driver-oriented this time, and buyers can specify a \ntouchscreen infotainment system\n up to 8.0-inches with navigation and \nKia\u2019s Connected Services\n. The standard six-speaker audio system for the infotainment system can be upgraded to a \n320 W eight-speaker JBL audio system\n too.\n \n \nWireless charging\n pad is a standard feature, but for devices that don\u2019t support wireless charging there are \ntwo USB charging ports\n included as well. Several driving assistance systems are offered on the new Sportage, and it includes the\u00a0\nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n (AEB), the \nLane Departure Warning System\n (LDWS), and the High Beam Assist (HBA).\nFront occupants get extra leg room, while the rear passengers sit more naturally with a comfortable posture thanks to the 40 mm lower floor and 30 mm higher rear bench hip point. The rear seatbacks recline in 17 positions, and behind it is a \n503-litres\n worth of cargo space with adjustable boot floor.\nIn Europe, the Sportage will be offered in two petrol and three diesel engine choices. The base petrol is a \n1.6 GDI four-cylinder\n paired exclusively to a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission, delivering \n130 hp\n and \n161 Nm\n to the front wheels only. The other petrol engine is a \nturbocharged 1.6 T-GDI four-cylinder\n delivering \n175 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque, with an option of a \nsix-speed manual\n or a \nseven-speed DCT\n. The manual T-GDI can be had in either a FWD or an AWD guises, but the DCT-equipped T-GDI can only be had with AWD.\nThe \n1.7 CRDi four-cylinder diesel\n churns out \n113 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque, and it\u2019s also available only with the six-speed manual driving the front wheels. The bigger \n2.0 CRDi four-cylinder diesel\n comes in two different tunes. In \u2018low\u2019 tune it produces \n134 hp\n and \n373 Nm\n, while the \u2018high\u2019 tune offers \n182 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Fitted with a six-speed manual, the 2.0 CRDi is available as a FWD or an AWD guise, whereas the optional six-speed auto is only reserved for the AWD variant.\nOpt for the \nGT Line\n and you will not only receive the enhanced exterior looks, it also comes with the\u00a0new \nrack-mounted electric motor-driven power steering system\n (R-MDPS) as standard, bundled together with a \nspecially tuned suspension\n.\nDon\u2019t hold your breath just yet, because the all-new Sportage will only go on sale in Europe in\n Q1 2016\n, so don\u2019t expect it to arrive in Malaysia any time soon.\nVIDEO GALLERY   IMAGE GALLERY"
"Lamborghini has launched the new Huracan Tecnica here in Malaysia less than three months after its global unveiling. The Huracan Tecnica sits between the Huracan STO and the Huracan EVO RWD to offer a balance between a road-friendly supercar and a track-focused weapon.\nThe Huracan Tecnica is essentially a \u2018tamer version\u2019 of the Huracan STO but still shares the same 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine with 640 hp and 565 Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is channeled solely to the rear wheels, but unlike the STO, the Huracan Tecnica is 0.2 seconds slower from 0 to 100 km/h at 3.0 seconds.\nThe Huracan Tecnica\u2019s top speed is also higher than the STO, at 325 km/h compared to 310 km/h, as it does not have as many aerodynamic components. Weighing just 1,379 kg, the Huracan Tecnica is the second lightest Huracan behind the Huracan STO. With the new Huracan Tecnica, Lamborghini has developed a sharper sound from the V10 engine, with more immediate throttle response similar to the STO.\nAesthetically, the Huracan Tecnica is easily identifiable through its new front bumper design with a distinct Terzo Millennio Ypsilon design element to separate it from the rest of the Lamborghini range. Unlike the STO, the Huracan Tecnica does not come with a clamshell front bonnet but is nonetheless made of carbon fibre.\nThe Huracan Tecnica has been fitted with a carbon fiber front bonnet but unlike the STO it has a proper rear windscreen and a new carbon fibre rear bonnet, offering a peek into the V10 engine bay. It\u2019s also fitted with a more subtle rear spoiler with the rear end sporting hexagonal exhaust tips compared to the STO\u2019s round exhaust tips.\nLike the carbon fibre front bonnet, the rear engine cover is also made of the same material. Unlike the Huracan STO, the Tecnica comes with a vertical rear windscreen for better visibility. Under the wheel arches are 20-inch rims inspired by the Vision GT, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tyres.\nMoving inside, there are certainly more creature comforts than the STO, with features like cruise control and height adjustable carbon fibre bucket seats. Standard features include a digital instrument cluster and infotainment display to access various features and parameters of the car. The rest of the interior can be specified to the customer\u2019s like via the Lamborghini Ad Personam customisation programme.\nTo the most exciting bit; the new Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica starts from RM1.05 million before options and duties. For more details on the Huracan Tecnica, click \nhere\n.\nOtherwise, watch our track session in the Huracan STO at Sepang \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"Just over six months after its global introduction that began in Australia in September 2020, Isuzu Malaysia has unveiled the all-new D-Max pick-up truck, with Malaysia being the latest country to offer the new generation after the Philippines.\nThe all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max will be offered in seven variants across two engine choices (1.9L or 3.0L single cab, 1.9L Standard manual or automatic transmission, 1.9L Premium, 3.0L Premium, and 3.0L X-Terrain), with prices starting at \nRM88,599.20\n for the workhorse single cab 1.9L model and all the way to \nRM141,938.40\n for the flagship \n3.0L X-Terrain model\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThere aren\u2019t any revolutionary design changes transitioning from the current to the new generation Isuzu D-Max. Upfront, the bonnet is now placed 15 mm higher for a sleek silhouette while the \u201cfour-prong\u201d accent on the radiator grille gives a more masculine look.\nBi-LED projector headlamps with \u201cfollow-me-home\u201d function and LED DRLs are used from the double cab Standard 1.9L AT. The Premium variants get roof rails, LED tail lamps and fog lamps together with chrome finishing on the grille, door handles and side mirrors. The wheel sizes are 17 inches for Standard while the Premium variant gets 18 inches.   Identifying the flagship X-Terrain variant will be easy, as the model is only available in Valencia Orange or Sapphire Blue paintwork and highlighted by dark grey-painted overfenders that blend cleanly onto the front bumper.\nThe X-Terrain variant also receives dark grey finishing on the radiator grille, side mirrors and door handles, as well as the tailgate and 18-inch rims.\nFive colours are available for the Standard and Premium variants- Mercury Silver, Onyx Black and the above-mentioned orange and blue colours. The fifth colour, white, is split into two finishing- Premium gets Silky Pearl White while Standard variant gets Splash White.\nPERFORMANCE\nTwo choices of engines are continued to be on offer for the new-generation Isuzu D-Max. The recently launched \n1.9L turbodiesel\n with outputs of 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque will be available in the single cab, the Standard variant and the Premium variant.\nVariant\n3.0 X-Terrain AT, 3.0 Premium AT, 3.0 Single cab MT\n1.9 Premium AT, 1.9 Standard MT & AT, 1.9 Single cab MT\nEngine\n3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (4JJ3-TCX)\n1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (RZ4E-TC)\nMax horsepower\n190 hp @ 3,600 rpm (+13 hp)\n150 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax torque\n450 Nm @ 1,600 rpm \u2013 2,600 rpm (+70 Nm)\n350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,600 rpm\nThe new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, codenamed 4JJ3-TCX, has been improved with a new piston and combustion chamber design, delivering \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, an increase of 13 hp and 70 Nm respectively, compared to the outgoing model. Isuzu also highlights that the new 3.0-litre engine is quieter, more efficient and more durable.\nBoth engines have been upgraded to be compatible with biodiesel and petroleum diesel blend of up to 20% or \nB20\n, surpassing the previous \nB10\n design parameters.\nAll variants are offered with the Terrain Command shift-on-the-fly 4\u00d74 system, with the two engines in the single cab variants paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Apart from the 1.9L Standard MT, all other double cab variants are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential shift mode.\nOther additional performance upgrades include a wading capability of \n800 mm\n thanks to a redesigned air intake system, plenty of under-engine protection plates and larger brakes both front and rear.\nINTERIOR\nHere we arrive at the biggest visual change for the new-generation Isuzu D-Max- the interior. In the Premium and X-Terrain variants, the dashboard, centre console and door panel feature \nsoft-touch plastic\n, which the X-Terrain exclusively in a brown hue.\nThe wheelbase of the new-generation D-Max has been increased by \n30 mm\n to measure 3,125 mm, which creates a more spacious cabin. And with that, the rear seatback is now angled less upright for a more comfortable seating position, together with an increase of \n20 mm\n in shoulder room.\nAll variants get a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display for key driving information. Two sizes of infotainment screens are assigned- 7 inches for the Premium and 9 inches for the X-Terrain. Both variants also have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.\nSAFETY\nAll the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) goodies are only offered in the flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant, which not only offers autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning, but also adaptive cruise control with \nstop and go function\n, which is a best-in-segment feature.\nHere\u2019s the full list of ADAS features that are featured on the all-new Isuzu D-Max:\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nAutonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Turn Assist\nPedal Misapplication Mitigation (AT variant only)\nAdaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (ACC)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nAutomatic High Beam (AHB)\nBlind-Spot Monitor (BSM)\nRear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)\nOne notable feature that is not found in many other vehicles but only in the new D-Max is the \nTurn Assist\n. The ADAS system monitors opposing traffic when turning into junctions and automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.\nThe larger ladder frame chassis now has \neight cross members\n, the most among its competitors. The result is an increase in torsional rigidity by 20% while longitudinal rigidity is up by 26%. The ASEAN NCAP has also awarded the new Isuzu D-Max with a \nfive-star\n rating.\nThe Premium variants only get the blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert features. Standard safety features across all variants (also in the single cabs) include two airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, brake override system, seatbelt reminders and emergency stop signal.\u00a0\u00a0\nPRICING\nThe new-generation Isuzu D-Max will be officially launched in Malaysia on \nApril 26\n.\nPricing for the 2021 all-new Isuzu D-Max \ndouble cab 4\u00d74\n in Malaysia starts at \nRM99,599.20\n for the 1.9L Standard MT and \nRM106,999.20\n for AT, \nRM121,549.20\n for the 1.9L Premium AT, \nRM128,038.40\n for the 3.0L Premium AT and \nRM141,938.40\n for the new flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant. All variants are fully imported (CBU) from Thailand for now.\nPrices mentioned above are on the road, without insurance, individual private registration and valid for Peninsular Malaysia that has higher road tax pricing than East Malaysia. As for warranty coverage, all models come with a standard five-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first), but the flagship 3.0L X-Terrain variant comes with a best-in-segment \nseven-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage\n.\nThe sports bar found at the deck is an optional accessory and is priced at RM1,320.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s the season of new pick-ups and as other brands have introduced theirs in recent months, including the likes of\n Toyota\n and \nIsuzu\n, Nissan has joined in on the action and brought out their new facelift Navara to play.\nThere are a whopping\n six variants availabl\ne\n, starting from RM92k for the single cab variant, all the way to RM142k for the range-topping PRO-4X variant.\nThe PRO-4X sports a blacked-out grille design that\u2019s different from the other variants, blacked-out Nissan emblems, roof rails..well, you get the drill. Bringing all the blacked-out details together is the Stealth Grey paint job that just makes the PRO-4X stand out from the rest.\n \nTell you what though, it looks incredibly menacing too with those quad projector headlamps. Everywhere we went, the PRO-4X just stood out and turned heads as if someone just walked by completely pantsless.\nAll variants except the single cab and SE Manual variants get \n190 hp\n and\n 450 Nm\n, from a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine paired to a 7-speed automatic. The lower two variants get significantly less power with \n163 hp\n and \n403 Nm\n, from the same engine paired to a 6-speed manual.\nAs for the inner bits, and how it drives, we\u2019ll leave it to you to find out. Pssst.this VLOGs just a little different from the rest, so check it out and let us know if we should do more of these!"
"It has been 30 months since the Kia Grand Carnival made its international debut, but now the eight-seater people carrier is finally being previewed for the first time at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow. Kia Malaysia have also started taking orders for the MPV, which they say will be launched within the first quarter of 2017.\nWith an indicative price tag between RM160k to RM165k, the Grand Carnival (known as the Sedona in several markets) will be fully imported and is powered by the sole 2.2-litre CRDi four-cylinder diesel engine. It is turbocharged to make\n 191 hp\n and\n 440 Nm\n of torque, while drive is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed torque converter automatic.   Standard features include xenon projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, 19-inch wheels, LED combination tail lamps, powered sliding doors and a powered tailgate. The Grand Carnival dwarfs the Sorento with a massive footprint, spanning 5,115mm long and boasts a wheelbase of 3,060mm. The 19-inch chromed alloys are optional, we\u2019re told.\nThe interior of this display unit is draped in brownish-beige hide, but we are more likely to get an all-black interior once the equipment list gets finalised. In place of the driver\u2019s seat is a sporty leather wrapped multifunction three-spoke steering wheel, but all seats in this trim are manually adjustable. We can\u2019t say for sure if we will be getting powered seats, though our chances seem pretty good at this point.   With all the seats up, the Grand Carnival can swallow up to 960 litres of cargo. Fold the second and third row seats and this blows up to a cavernous 4,022 litres! Creature comforts include tri-zone climate control with cluster ioniser, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera and cruise control.\nAs for safety, it gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, hill-start assist and Isofix anchors for the second and third row seats. If you\u2019re in the market for a proper MPV, this one seems to fit the bill quite adequately.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Beginning this week, the BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing, Germany which has been integrated with self-driving transport systems and smart devices, began production of the new BMW 8 Series Coup\u00e9.\nIntelligent lightweight construction, with a clever mix of steel, plastic, aluminium and carbon fibre, has been used in the body of the new sportscar. In addition to the supporting structures at the front and rear of the vehicle, other components such as the roof, doors, bonnet and the front firewall of the all-new BMW 8 Series Coup\u00e9, are made of aluminium.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/06173052/PF0006112_264.mp4\nFor the first time in a series-production BMW model, the roof is available in carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), also manufactured at the Dingolfing location.\nThe luxury sportscar, which will roll off the assembly line alongside BMW 5 Series and 7 Series models, relies on tried and tested manufacturing processes.\nVirtual reality glasses have been used for the first time in training assembly staff whereby specific assembly processes for the new BMW 8 Series Coup\u00e9 were recorded and viewed by employees through VR glasses. This enabled them to familiarise themselves with the new model and the correct fitment process before production ramped up."
"The \nMitsubishi Xpander\n is a 7-seater MPV that has been successful in markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, as well as Malaysia. However, it seems like the Japanese carmaker isn\u2019t going to just stop at that, as the hybrid variant of the Xpander has just been teased to be launched in 2024. It is to note that no details regarding the hybrid MPV have been confirmed as of yet.\nBased on Mitsubishi\u2019s financial results presentation slides, the Xpander hybrid\u2019s exterior looks to be featuring an identical design to the one on the existing facelifted petrol model. Details such as the LED headlights should remain, but the grille design might be tweaked a little.\nThe car might also feature one or two \u2018HEV\u2019 or \u2018Hybrid\u2019 emblems on the outside as well. As for its interior, it is expected that the Xpander hybrid will feature a similar design to the petrol model, with an energy-flow indicator displayed on the central touchscreen display as the exception.\nPowering the hybrid MPV could be the same 1.5-litre 4A91 MIVEC 4-cylinder, but that is just a possibility for now. Of course, an electric motor will come into play to complete the hybrid powertrain. However, details are scarce for the time being. The transmission could also be one that is specially made for a hybrid powertrain.\nThis combo should be able to provide better fuel economy and reduce emissions produced by the car. And just like the petrol variant Xpander, when made into reality, the Xpander hybrid is expected to be launched in Indonesia and Thailand first, with Malaysia receiving the hybrid MPV later.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Triton, Xpander now cost up to RM3.3k more, Phantom Plus dropped\nOther than the Xpander hybrid, Mitsubishi has also teased and is planning to launch other models within its Financial Year 2023 (April 2023 \u2013 March 2024) as well. Based on the timeline provided by the company, these models include the next-generation Triton pickup truck, Colt, ASX, Delica Mini and a compact SUV based on the \nXFC Concept\n, which are all expected to be launched by this year.\nA 2-row hybrid SUV is also planned to be made into reality by late 2024. As for 2025, a 3-row petrol-powered SUV and a PPV (Pickup-based Passenger Vehicle) seem to be in Mitsubishi\u2019s plan as well.\nALSO WATCH: \nHow to go CAMPING with a BABY! (Part 1)"
"Great Wall Motors (GWM) Malaysia\n has officially begun deliveries for the \nOra Good Cat\n here on our shores, just in time to nip it in before the end of 2022. In conjunction with the festive season, the cars were delivered to their new owners in a giant transparent \u2018gift box\u2019 that also travelled around Klang Valley for display.\nThe personal door-to-door delivery was a special surprise organised by GWM Malaysia, specifically for the first batch of Ora Good Cat owners who have pre-ordered the car before its official launch.\nCommenting on the special delivery, GWM Malaysia Managing Director, Mike Cui said, \u201cWe are proud to have delivered the first batch of Ora Good Cat, GWM\u2019s first fully electric car to our Malaysian customers. As much as we value our customers, we hope that they enjoyed our surprise delivery of Ora Good Cat as a giant \u2018holiday gift\u2019 to their doorsteps!\u201d\nSubang Jaya resident, Ms Liow, was one of the first few customers visited by GWM Malaysia with the giant transparent gift box. Sharing her excitement, she said, \u201cI have always wanted to own an electric car. So when I first saw this car on GWM\u2019s website, it\u2019s unique cat-like design immediately caught my attention, and I just couldn\u2019t take my eyes off it.\n\u201cAs I have not owned an electric car before, I can\u2019t wait to experience driving this EV and be the first few to drive Ora\u00a0Good\u00a0Cat\u00a0on the road to showcase its beauty.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGWM Malaysia collects over 100 bookings for Ora Good Cat EV in just three days\nThe Ora Good Cat made its \nofficial launch in Malaysia\n late last month. It\u2019s offered in two options at launch: 400 Pro and 500 Ultra, with prices starting at RM139,800 making it technically the cheapest EV currently on sale in Malaysia.\nAside from equipment, the main differentiator between the two variants is their battery size: the 400 Pro comes with a \n47.8 kWh\n battery pack for a fully-electric driving range of roughly 400 km (based on the more forgiving NEDC test cycle), while the 500 Ultra boasts a larger \n63.1 kWh\n that gives the electric hatchback a driving range of 500 km (NEDC).\nBoth variants are powered by the same single electric motor on the front axle, providing \n105 kW (143 hp)\n and\n 210 Nm \nof torque for a 0-100 km/h sprint in\n 7.9 seconds\n.\nFollowing the delivery of the initial batch, GWM Malaysia says that they will continue to deliver cars to their customers in time for Chinese New Year.\n\u201cWe aim to deliver more Ora\u00a0Good\u00a0Cat\u00a0electric vehicles in the coming weeks ahead of Chinese New Year and hope that our customers get to drive their brand-new car around while visiting their friends and family during the New Year,\u201d Cui added.\nREAD MORE: \nGWM Malaysia to launch 9 cars in 3 years, CKD to start in 2023\nGALLERY"
"Following the launch of the facelift Hyundai Kona, the 1.6 Turbo and N Line variants were subsequently launched in July last year. The\n 1.6 Turbo\n comes with an RM146,888 price tag while the range-topping N Line variant goes for RM156,888.\nBearing in mind, the highest spec Honda HR-V RS is priced at RM118,581 while the CX-3 has an RM126,829 price tag. Even the newly launched \nSubaru XV GT Edition with EyeSight\n comes in lower with an RM146,788 price tag, and these are the usual suspects the Hyundai Kona will be going up against.\nSo what do you get for all that money?\nFor starters, the Kona N Line is \nbased on the 1.6 Turbo Kona\n but stands out with a far more funky exterior. We\u2019re talking about different wheel designs, different front grille, and bumper designs, and some N Line badges here and there to remind you that it\u2019s different.\nUnder the hood is a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired to a 2nd generation Hyundai Smart Stream 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There\u2019s 198 hp and 265 Nm to drive the front wheels, with 0 to 100 km/h rated at 7.7 seconds.\nThere\u2019s no shortage of gear on the outside, you get slim and sleek LED daytime running lights with unique LED headlamps underneath them. The front bumper also gets additional extensions on sides with blacked-out trims for a more aggressive look. The same applies to the rear with the Kona N Line sporting dual exhaust tips and a sportier rear bumper.\nInside, the seats are upholstered with a mix of suede and leather and offer plenty of support, especially in the rib section. Both the front seats are electronically adjustable but the lumbar support is only available for the driver. The seats even come with cooling and heating functions \u2013 a feature we used as religiously as the air conditioning.\nUpfront is a head-up display that doesn\u2019t pop up every time you start the car. If you\u2019re not the type to use head-up displays, the one in the Kona N Line can be buried forever.\nOther features include a terrain selector which includes Sand, Snow and Mud, along with drive modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco. The foot lighting which comes on and goes off once you start driving is definitely a simple but effective feature.\nThere are three USB ports, including one for charging, and if you hate dealing with cables and wires, there\u2019s also a wireless charging pad. What\u2019s also wireless is the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature \u2013 without a doubt one of the Kona\u2019s key selling points.\nIf that\u2019s not impressive enough there\u2019s also a 10.2 inch fully digital, coloured instrument colour with different displays according to the drive mode selected \u2013 again, another standout feature of the Kona against its competitors.\nAnother practical plus point worth mentioning in the Kona N Line is the cupholders; which were large enough to hold 1-litre bottles. On the topic of storage, the small bin above the rear USB for smartphone storage is also another practical feature.\nThere\u2019s also plenty to note on the safety front as the Kona is equipped with the Hyundai Smart Sense driver assistance system.\nIt includes features like forward collision warning and autonomous braking with pedestrian and vehicle detection. It also has lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control, front vehicle departure alert, high beam assist, safe exit warning, rear-cross traffic alert, and a blindspot monitor.\nMost useful of all, especially for young families with newborns is the Rear Occupant Alert feature which triggers the horn if a child is detected to be in the car, once it has been locked. On top of that, the Kona N Line comes with six airbags, hill start assist and hill descend control as standard.\nThe facelift 2.0 Kona\nThe Hyundai Kona N Line, like the 1.6 Turbo and 2.0 variants, come with a 5-year/300,000 km warranty and a 3-year/50,000 km free maintenance package.\nIf the 1.6 Turbo or N Line is a little steep, there are other options as the Kona starts from as low as \nRM119,888 \nfor the 2.0 base\n \nmodel and \nRM136,888 \nfor the 2.0 Active \u2013 more information on those two variants \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"In the final round of the Type R Challenge, Honda stops by the Hungaroring GP circuit in Hungary and like the four rounds before this, they set a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car.\nDriven by none other than Jenson Button, the Hungaroring GP holds a special significance for the retired Formula One World Champion, where he won his first ever Grand Prix with Honda in 2006. Speaking about the lap record, Button said: \u201cWe came here to the Hungaroring, where I won my first F1 race in 2006 with Honda, to set a new front-wheel drive production lap record in the new Type R, and I\u2019m very happy that we did it!\u201d\nThe 4.38 km circuit is a twisty and narrow track with 180-degree corners and a complex chicane, making it one of the more technical tracks in Europe. Button managed a new lap record of 2 min 10.19 seconds around Hungaroring GP.\nCommenting on the Type R itself, Button said: \u201cThe first thing I noticed when I left the pit lane was how neutral the car was. I come from a background that is not front-wheel drive focused, so it was very different for me but because the Type R is so well balanced it was instantly really enjoyable and more natural,\u201d\n\u201cThe thing that surprised me most is how late you can brake with this car. The manual gearbox works really well, too. Most cars these days don\u2019t come with manual boxes, so it\u2019s nice to have that manual feel. You always feel a lot more connected to the car.\u201d he added.\nTo recap, the challenge saw five of Honda\u2019s racing champions put the car through its paces around five tracks in Europe, setting new record lap times for a front-wheel drive production car.\nWTCR driver, Tiago Monteiro, set a lap record of 2:01.84 at Estoril circuit in Portugal\nBTCC legend, Matt Neal, set a lap record of 2:31.32 at Silverstone in the UK\nJapanese Super GT star, Bertrand Baguette, set a record of 2:53.72 at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium\nWTCR driver, Esteban Guerrieri, set a new 2:1.51 lap at the Magny-Cours GP circuit in France\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Many years ago, there was an annual event called the\u00a0\nCamel Trophy\n. This extreme off-road event pits men and Land Rovers to Mother Earth\u2019s toughest obstacles, ranging from rainforest to deserts. That event has been long discontinued, but closer to home there\u2019s something similar, and it\u2019s called the Borneo Safari. This time, Isuzu is dispatching their SUV, the\u00a0\nMU-X\n\u00a0to traverse a path not many dare to follow.\nThis specially modified MU-X, known as the\u00a0`\nMonster\n\u2019,\u00a0will lead Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd\u2019s four-vehicle team in this exhibition. Modifications to this MU-X are mainly the addition of large kangaroo bars and the fitment of bigger tyres. The MU-X\u2019s \nturbocharged 2.5-litre\n VGS diesel engine and the \nfive-speed automatic\n gearbox, are bone stock.\nAlso, they need to extract every ounce of the MU-X\u2019s talent as the path for this year\u2019s event is not for the faint-hearted. The terrain will see them cover the grounds along the base of Mount Kinabalu and stretches across the districts of Ranau and Kota Marudu. This also includes nearly 40km of hardcore trails comprised of dense forest\u00a0paths, abandoned logging trails, and several river crossings.\nIsuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd Executive Director Hajime Machimura said,\u00a0\u201cAlthough it is a lifestyle SUV, the Isuzu mu-X shares the same tough DNA as our Isuzu D-Max pick-up, which has repeatedly proven itself in every edition of Borneo Safari since its debut in 2005.\u00a0 It is definitely all set for more.\u201d\u00a0\nThis year\u2019s Borneo Safari will kick start from 30 October to 6 November. Best of luck, Isuzu! Meanwhile, do you think the MU-X is good enough for your daily needs? Take a look at our video below or do read our review \nhere\n."
"The 2022 Volkswagen Passat R-Line was introduced in\n early 2022 \nand is now priced at \nRM212,938\n on the road without insurance including SST exemptions. That\u2019s around RM8,500 more than the \nmodel first introduced in 2020\n so what do you get for the extra money?\nAs it turns out, even more. For starters, it\u2019s a lot more powerful. The new Passat R-Line produces \n30 hp and 30 Nm more\n than before, with \n220 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n on the taps from 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to drive the front wheels. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox from before has now been replaced with a 6-speed unit.\nThe Passat also comes with five different driving modes, including \u2018Individual\u2019 that allows users to separately adjust the firmness of the suspension, the responsiveness of the engine, transmission and also steering.\nAs the R-Line variant, the Passat gets more aggressive front and rear bumpers with fake exhaust outlets. Completing the exterior are 19-inch Verona wheels, along with the newly designed Volkswagen logos in the front and back.\nIt gets more exciting inside with a myriad of convenience features, space and practicality. The rear seats can be collapsed 60:40 to accommodate longer items with plenty of leg room for passengers even with the front seats pushed back to fit a 180 cm tall driver.\nFor an even more luxurious ride in the back seat, there are rear sunshades too; for the sides and rear windscreen.\nMoving forward, in typical Volkswagen fashion, the front seats offer plenty of support in the rib section to minimise body movement when cornering, with memory function for the driver side. By the way, the seats are upholstered in Nappa leather!.\nFor entertainment, the Passat R-Line is fitted with a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers and subwoofer. Other features include a 30-colour ambient lighting system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, 3-zone air-conditioning, a highly customisable digital meter display, touch-sensitive air con panel, and three USB-C ports.\nThe glovebox even comes with a cooler function! Boot space is rated at 568-litres. For safety, owners can rely on six airbags, a blindspot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert and hill hold control.\nGALLERY"
"SEMA is currently abuzz with hype as all the titans of the industry descent upon the sandy desert plains of Vegas. This year, Mazda has decided to bring out a couple of really snazzy party tricks in the form of the\u00a0\nMX-5\n. SEMA is typically the one place on the planet where imaginations run wild and free when it comes to customisation. Mazda couldn\u2019t just show up at the world\u2019s largest\u00a0specialty automotive product and tuning trade show with a couple of store-bought \nMiatas\n, could they?\nAs we\u2019ve seen from the \nBMW stands\n, \nlightweight\n seems to be all the rage right now and Mazda jumped onto the bandwagon with a\u00a0couple of \nlightweight concepts\n that, if we\u2019re completely honest, haven\u2019t yet stopped drooling over. The concepts we see here are in two guises \u2013 a Speedster and Spyder.   The engineers sought inspiration from classic vintage roadsters for the \nSpyder\n concept that features a\n bikini-type rag top\n holstered in place by a\n\u00a0carbon fibre aero kit\n and a\u00a0Mercury Silver exterior finish. The lightweight theme keeps on going with a set of\u00a0lightweight 17-inch Yokohama ADVAN Racing RS II wheels. The interior and trimming is decked out in \nSpinneybeck PRIMA\n natural hide. The result of all this weight saving brings the car\u2019s kerb weight down to just\u00a0\n1,043 kg\n. If you think that\u2019s featherweight, you\u2019ve yet to clap eyes with the Speedster.\nWe\u2019ve all heard of the term \u2018\nChop-top\n\u2018 but we\u2019ve an uncanny suspicion that Mazda may have take the term way too seriously with the Speedster. Say what you will, but the bottom-line is that the Speedster is simply \ndrop-dead-gorgeous\n. The concept does away with a windscreen and in its place is a \ndeflector\u00a0\nfor an \nol-school\n wind-in-the-hair sports car experience. Mazda took its weight-cutting passion to extremes with\u00a0\ncarbon fibre doors\n and \nseats\n as well as custom 16-inch RAYS 57 Extreme Gram Lights wheels.\nThe Speedster tips the scales at only \n943kg\n, and is also\n 30mm\n lower than the production MX-5 thanks to an \nadjustable\n coilover suspension. Powering the Speedster is the same mill in the bikini-top concept which makes for a brilliant\n power-to-weight ratio\n. That being said, these two Mazda MX-5s are in a class of their on, one that even Floyd Mayweather Jr. would find hard to contend with.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor has just launched the new \nfacelift Toyota Innova \nwith\n three variants available\n \u2013 2.0E, 2.0G, and 2.0X. Prices start from \nRM 111,622\n for the 2.0E, \nRM121,483\n for the 2.0G, and \nRM129,677\n for the range-topping 2.0X. All variants are accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nUnderneath the hood is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with \n139 hp\n and \n183 Nm\n, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels.\n \nAs for the exterior, the new 2.0X comes with a redesigned grille (losing the chrome strips from before), and its signal and fog lights are now separated instead of being clustered together previously. On the side, the Innova 2.0X comes with additional body cladding by the doors while the rear now features a blacked-out lower bumper along with a chrome strip on the tailgate.\nThe cabin of the facelift Innova is where the magic really is. In our opinion, they\u2019ve done a really good job in making the Innova feel luxurious on the inside.\nFor one, you get \ncaptain seats with arm rests\n and a cupholder in between. There\u2019s also a collapsible table on each side with air-con blowers for the 2nd and 3rd row passengers.\nFeatures in the facelift Innova include a 4.2-inch Multi-information display, a 9-inch touchscreen with 6 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.\nFor safety, the facelift Innova relies on seven airbags, a blindspot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert. Unlike the \nnew facelift Fortuner\n, it does not come with the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system.\nHowever, it is available with Toyota\u2019s Vehicle Telematics System that\u2019s able to track the MPV\u2019s movement and location via GPS.\nGALLERY"
"PT Astra Daihatsu held a groundbreaking ceremony to initiate the construction of its second plant line in Karawang to replace its aging plant in Sunter. With the groundbreaking ceremony, \nDaihatsu\n hinted that it may start to assemble electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia.\nThe new line in Karawang aims to help Daihatsu to continue providing high-quality vehicles to customers at prices that remain competitive while maintaining the sustainability of the company. The new factory has a total investment value of around IDR 2.9 Trilion (approx. \nRM823 million\n) and will adopt the E-SSC (Evolution, Simple, Slim, Compact) concept. It will also have a production capacity of 140,000 vehicles per year.\nDaihatsu says that the construction of the new Karawang factory proves the company\u2019s commitment to carbon neutrality which is in line with sustainable development or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Indonesia in the future. The new factory will utilize renewable energy which can reduce carbon emission levels by up to 20%. Not officially stated in the press release, Daihatsu is also hinting at the production of EVs in Indonesia to complement the carbon neutrality efforts.\nAt the groundbreaking ceremony, \nCNN Indonesia\n reports that Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. Executive Vice President, Hiromasa Hoshika said, \u201cWe already have electric car products in Japan and we are conducting studies to introduce them in Indonesia in 2024.\u201d\nRELATED: \nDaihatsu Ayla EV concept unveiled \u2013 Electric Perodua Axia in the making?\nDaiuhatsu Ayla EV concept was unveiled last year\nThe groundbreaking ceremony was carried out by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Dody Widodo; Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Kenji Kanasugi, and Representative of the Regional Government of Karawang Regency, Ir. H. Hanafi, MM.\nAlso present were three representatives of the shareholders of PT Astra Daihatsu Motor, such as the Executive Vice President of Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (DMC), Hiromasa Hoshika; Director of PT Astra International Tbk, Hamdhani Dzulkarnaen Salim; Regional Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Tsusho Asia Pacific, Mitsuhiro Tsubakimoto; President Director of ADM Yasushi Kyoda, and Deputy President Director of ADM Erlan Krisnaring Cahyono.\nAstra Daihatsu has been present for almost 45 years since 1978. Daihatsu\u2019s production achievements in 2022 also recorded the highest record in history.\nRELATED: \nThe Indonesian 2022 Daihatsu Sirion is built in Malaysia, but gets more features than the Myvi!"
"It\u2019s no secret that Mercedes-AMG has been rolling out \nspecial edition models one after another\n to celebrate its \n55-year anniversary\n. We even \njoked about it on Facebook\n recently asking you, our dear readers, to guess which is next, but the company ended up pulling a fast one on everyone because the latest anniversary model is not even called \u201c55 Edition\u201d. Instead, it\u2019s called the \u201cF1 Edition\u201d, and it\u2019s exclusive to the recently-launched \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance\n.\nAs the name suggests, the new F1 Edition model is meant to emphasise the proximity between its E Performance hybrid tech in their road cars, and the hybrid engines used in the F1 race cars.\n\u201cTo celebrate 55 years of AMG, the performance and sports car brand not only looks back with pride on its successful past, but also celebrates the present with the \u2018Edition 55\u2019 models. With the special \u2018F1 Edition\u2019 model, Mercedes-AMG is now making the electrified future even more visible,\u201d the statement read.\nMuch like the Edition 55 models, however, the F1 Edition package\u2019s scope is reserved mostly to just aesthetic upgrades, with the oily bits left untouched. At EUR23,800 (approx RM110k)\n on top\n of the car itself, you\u2019ll get a unique coat of Manufaktur alpine grey, topped with an exclusive AMG decal set that fades from grey to black.\nRELATED: Mercedes-AMG continues 55-year celebration with more special edition models for A 45, CLA 45\nAs part of the package, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance F1 Edition will also come with the AMG Aerodynamics and AMG Night packages as standard \u2013 the former adding a larger front splitter, high-gloss black rear wing, and an optimised diffuser, while the latter essentially replaces all external chrome trims with gloss black items.\nInside, the F1 Edition gets red accents littered throughout the cabin, including red seatbelts, carbon fibre trims with red accents, black nappa leather upholstered AMG Performance seats with red contrast stitching, AMG door sill plates with red illumination, and special floor mats with an exclusive Edition badge.\nTo top it all off, buyers will also receive an indoor car cover that features the F1 logo, with the inner fabric made from an antistatic flannel material that\u2019s designed to protect the car from dust and scratches.\nWhile the special edition model only include aesthetic changes, the \u201cidea\u201d of the F1 Edition is \u2013 of course \u2013 all about the powertrain. That\u2019s because the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance comes with a\n new hybrid powertrain \njust like their F1 cars, with a twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 paired to a rear-mounted electric motor to give the car a combined output of \n843 hp \nand a whopping\n 1,470 Nm\n of torque.\nThe output figure translates to an incredible century sprint time of just \n2.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n316 km/h\n. While you\u2019re not hooning it on a circuit, however, the range-topping GT model can actually travel up to 12 km on electricity alone."
"While motor shows are usually the default platform to launch a car, Porsche chose to unveil theirs at the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) video game exhibition. Behold, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS \u2013 the return of the GT2 moniker in seven years since the 997.\nPreviewed in all its glory during the preview of the\n Forza Motorsport 7 \nfor the Xbox One,\u00a0the 911 GT2 RS will be featured in this long-running\u00a0racing game series coming out later this year. Details of this\u00a0super\u00a0911 remain sketchy, although it\u2019s safe to say that it\u2019s a \n911 Turbo S\n on steroids. \nIt\u2019ll be powered by the same\u00a0\n3.8-litre twin turbo flat six engine\n\u00a0shared with the 911 S Turbo, enhanced with larger turbos and water spray intercooler. The final output figure will surely be more than the donor\u2019s 580 hp, which means it will sprint faster than the Turbo S\u2019 2.9 seconds century sprint. Drive is sent to the\n rear wheels\n via a\u00a0\nseven-speed PDK dual clutch transmission\n.\nThe new 911 GT2 RS is expected to be equipped with \nrear-axle steering\n with\n Porsche Torque Vectoring\n\u00a0and a fully variable locking rear differential. Exterior wise, it gets clothed with motorsports-inspired aerokit and a huge rear wing.\nThe Porsche 911 GT2 RS is scheduled for launch in \nlate 2017\u00a0\nand\u00a0will be the final hurrah to the current 991 generation. We can\u2019t think of a more fitting sendoff than this, really, until we make way for its\u00a0\nelectrified successor\n.\nImage Source: Auto Week"
"The official importer and distributor of \nSmart\n vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand, \nProton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET)\n has appointed five new dealerships to be in charge of Smart electric vehicles (EV) in Peninsular Malaysia. Stationed across the Peninsular in strategic areas such as Bangsar, Ipoh, Penang, Kedah, and Melaka, the appointed dealerships include Smart Mobility, GB Auto, Eleganz Lifestyle, Lee Motors, and Sigma Energy.\nThe Smart Mobility dealership will be located in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, and is set to target a diverse spectrum of customers. This includes expatriates and high-profile corporate individuals.\nIs that the Brabus Smart #1?\nGB Auto will be located up north, in Ipoh, Perak. Eleganz Lifestyle, Lee Motors, and Sigma Energy EV, on the other hand, will be in charge of Smart\u2019s dealerships in Penang, Kedah, and Melaka. The dealerships will also be occupying their standalone buildings.\nIn total, seven dealers have been appointed by \nSmart Malaysia\n, which includes the previously appointed Hap Seng Smart and Edaran Otomobil Nasional (EON). This is done as part of the EV company\u2019s strategy to attract customers ahead of the launch of the \nSmart #1\n in Malaysia, which will be taking place in the fourth quarter of this year.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1: Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here\u2019s what we know so far\nSmart #1\nPRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang said, \u201cWe are working hard to ensure that our EV mobility ecosystem is ready before the launch of the Smart #1 at the end of this year and we will share more news about other major developments in the coming months.\u201d\nSmart Malaysia is also considering more dealerships for collaborations, including its expansion into East Malaysia next year. The dealer appointments come as part of the company\u2019s strategy to introduce its new all-electric auto brand to the local market, which includes the establishment of an all-new Smart brand centre, known as \u201cSmart Space\u201d as a one-stop centre for EV adoption and convenience.\nInterior of the Smart #1\nAll of the centres will be equipped with full sales and service support, as well as additional services such as quick charging, quick repair services, and a delivery centre. Additionally, the Smart app will be introduced soon.\nThe Smart app will allow customers to conveniently access product information, ordering, and payment options. An integrated EV charging map with easy-to-navigate DC charging facilities will also be included.\nRELATED: \nEON appointed as dealer for Smart Malaysia, Smart #1 to be sold at Glenmarie facility\nBrabus Smart #1\nThe CEO of PRO-NET said, \u201cSmart epitomises the pinnacle of premium EV mobility solutions with a combination of futuristic design and advanced technology, hence it is paramount that our appointed dealers deliver on our brand promise with unparalleled service that reinforces the exciting customer journey regarding ownership of smart vehicles,\u201d\nHe added, \u201cWe believe EV is not only about positioning premium products but most importantly it is how we can strive to be an inspiring creator and urban companion to provide a new premium service experience to customers and invite them to co-create a better future together.\u201d\nRELATED: \nHap Seng Smart appointed as first Smart authorised dealer in Malaysia"
"As promised\n, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) will be launching the all-new Elantra \nvia their official Facebook page\n tomorrow morning at \n11:00 am\n.\nThis follows after a teaser video was released on their Facebook page today revealing snippets of the 7th generation Elantra which was \npreviewed to us in detail last week\n.\nThe Elantra will available in a\n single variant \nin Malaysia, powered by the company\u2019s latest 1.6-litre SmartStream engine with \n123 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n. Power is sent to the front wheels via \nthe company\u2019s own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) gearbox\n.\nAs for the price you\u2019ll have to wait till tomorrow morning to find out although HSDM has hinted that it would cost \n\u201cRM1XX,888\u201d\n on its site and that bookings can be made at \nRM777\n through HSDM\u2019s official site or at any authorised Hyundai dealership.\nThe Hyundai Elantra is another offspring of the company\u2019s latest \u2018Sensuous Sportiness\u2019 design language following the \nlocal launch of the all-new Hyundai Sonata \nat the end of October.\nHSDM\u2019s competitor for the \nToyota Camry\n and \nHonda Accord\n is available in a single variant and is fully-imported from South Korea, with a price tag of\u00a0\nRM206,888\n.\nHowever, the Sonata is available at a special introductory price of\u00a0\nRM189,888 for the first 50 units\n\u00a0inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year.\nGALLERY"
"It has been almost five years since the untimely death of the Fast and Furious franchise star, Paul Walker. What better way to celebrate and remember the man that sparked and fueled our interests and passion for cars than with a documentary?\nThe initiative will be led by the same team that brought us the \u201cI am Heath Ledger\u201d and \u201cI am Evel Knievel\u201d biopics. The film which will be titled, \nI am Paul Walker\n, will shed light on Paul\u2019s rise to fame, his passion for philanthropy and conservation of marine life.\nWe would\u2019ve loved to see Paul drive this new Supra.\nThe film, supposedly \ndue for release sometime this year\n, will also include interviews of Paul\u2019s closest friends and cast mates as well as the obvious mention of his undying love for cars as he has been known to have collected most of the \u201chero cars\u201d from the F&F franchise.\nWalker was riding shotgun in a Porsche Carrera GT when it went out of control and smashed into a tree; killing both himself and the driver. Porsche, initially involved in safety accusations, has been cleared of any wrongdoing.\nImage Credit: \nCar Crushing"
"When it comes to people carrying in absolute convenience and comfort, there\u2019s no denying the practicality of an MPV such as the Toyota brothers or Honda\u2019s Odyssey for example. What if you needed a 6- or 7-seater but refuse to conform to social norms? The AWD Mazda CX-8 we reviewed may offer a solution.\nThe \nMazda SUV\n launched \nlast year \nis one such example. There are 6- and 7 seater options of the CX-8 but the one you\u2019d want to look at is the \nMID PLUS variant\n with a centre aisle to access the 3rd row from the 2nd for the closest MPV experience in an SUV.\n \nThere are \nfour different variants of the Mazda CX-8 \nwith prices starting from RM173k to RM206k, \ndown from RM179k to RM217k\n, following \nprice revisions\n after the recent \nSales Tax Exemption\n announcement.\nTwo engine options are available \u2013 a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine making \n192 hp \nand\n 258 Nm\n for the front-wheel drive models, along with a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D engine making \n188 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n in the Mazda CX-8 AWD we reviewed. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode."
"Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor for Haval vehicles in Malaysia is currently previewing the new Haval H9 at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2018\n held in MAEPS, Serdang.\nDue to be launched as a \nfully-imported\n unit by the end of 2018, the H9 comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection dual VVT engine producing \n160 hp\n and\n 324 Nm\n torque.\nInformation as been scarce with Go Auto being extremely tight-lipped, in building the suspense for the\n all-wheel drive\n Haval H9; to the extent that we couldn\u2019t even get shots of the interior.\nAlthough, what has been revealed is that the H9 will come with \nactive and passive safety features\n such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Descent and Ascent Control,\n ABS\n, \nElectronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)\n, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and a total of 6 airbags.   The\n seven-seater\n is expected to \ncost below RM 200,000\n and will come in two variants \u2013 \nLuxury and Ultra\n \u2013 with five colours to choose from including Alaskan White, Ebony, Sleek Silver, Kakadu and Bronze.\nCKD units of the Haval H9 on the other hand is expected to be available towards the end of Q2 in 2019. Existingly, Haval Malaysia exports to Cambodia, Brunei, Batam and Indonesia, with plans to penetrate the Myanmar and Philippines market.\nFor more information, customers can contact Customer Care at 03-5569 7332 or email us at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n. Customers can also visit www.haval.my or our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/havalmy or instagram page at www.instagram.com/havalmy.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lamborghini has etched its name in the history books with the unveiling of the world\u2019s first Super SUV \u2013 the Lamborghini Urus. Six years after the concept was revealed, \nthe landmark Lamborghini has arrived in Malaysia\n.\nPriced at approximately RM 780k before taxes, the Urus is as much a Lamborghini as it is a SUV. Named after Spanish fighting bulls, everything about the Urus\u2019 intricately sculptured body is about aerodynamic efficiency. Being aerodynamic not only ensures the Urus\u2019 high speed stability, it also keeps cabin noise at a minimal.\nThe Lamborghini Urus, the world\u2019s fastest SUV with a 305 km/h top speed is implanted with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 650 hp and 850 of torque. It\u2019s also perfectly capable of keeping up with today\u2019s modern supercars with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds.\nIt\u2019s all-wheel drive system is supplemented by rear wheel steering, which allows the Urus to be nimble at low speeds and around tight bends while maintaining stability at high speeds. Active torque vectoring is also standard, along with an\u00a0Electromechanical Active Roll Stabilisation system, used in a Lamborghini for the first time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following in the footsteps of its new \nelectric sub-brand Ioniq\n, Hyundai has now unveiled its hydrogen fuel cell-focused division, adorably called the HTwo (styled HTWO). The new company will continue building upon Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s background in hydrogen fuel cell development, which reaches back over 20 years.\nThe HTwo name stands for H2, the molecular name for hydrogen, as well as \u00a0\u2018Hydrogen\u2019 and \u2018Humanity\u2019, the \u201ctwo main pillars\u201d of its fuel cell business, according to the press release.\nWhile the company did not disclose a development roadmap for the technology, it claims that the next-generation fuel cell system can be adapted for various forms of vehicles, including cars, (marine) vessels, trains, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) \u2013 a flying car project that Hyundai is working together with Uber.\nAccording to Hyundai, the HTwo sub-brand will have a global reach, with existing strategic partnerships with hydrogen, energy, and logistics companies around the world already in place. However, initial focus will be on the major hub regions \u2013 Korea, the United States, Europe, and China.\nThe \nHyundai Nexo\n hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.\nSince the introduction of the \u201cworld\u2019s first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle\u201d Tucson (also called the ix35 in certain regions) back in 2013, the South Korean carmaker\u2019s line-up of hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles has expanded to now include the \nNexo SUV\n, Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck, and a fuel cell electric bus.\nFor its upcoming next-gen fuel cell system, Hyundai promises to deliver an \u201cenhanced performance and durability\u201d at an affordable price, alongside a lighter architecture and improved energy density.\nHyundai Motor Group is now pretty much all-in on its future \u201calternative fuel\u201d strategies. In August this year, the company launched the Ioniq battery electric vehicle sub-brand, with three separate EV models already planned over the next four years.\nThe South Korean conglomerate aims to sell 1 million units of BEVs annually by 2025, which should represent a 10% market share to become a leader in the global EV field. No such plans have been laid out for HTwo and the hydrogen fuel cell operations as of yet."
"It\u2019s the 25th anniversary since the first\n Honda Civic Type R\n first made its global debut back in 1997. So as a celebration, Type R fans in Japan organised the Honda Civic Type R All Japan Meeting 2022, which saw 400 Civic Type R from all over the country descend onto the Mobility Resort Motegi (previously Twin Ring Motegi) circuit.\nPhoto: kiyochanEK9VTEC/Twitter\nThe 400-strong line-up in the gathering includes Civic Type Rs of all generations, from the EK9, all the way up to the most recent \nFK8\n. But aside from fan-owned cars, the gathering also saw displays from Honda themselves, alongside many of the Japanese marque\u2019s partners, including Spoon, \nMugen\n, J\u2019s Racing, BBS, and even our own national petroleum company Petronas!\nRELATED: \u2018Ride along\u2019 in the latest Honda Civic Type R as it breaks a new record in Japan!\nPhoto: hayate24wa8615/Twitter\nEven the Drift King himself,\n Keiichi Tsuchiya\n was also present at the gathering to host a talk show, in partnership with Honda Access. But the main highlight of the day is definitely when all 400 Honda Civic Type Rs descended onto the track for a parade lap during sundown \u2013 the photos just speak for themselves.\n \nOwners were also given the chance to take their Honda Civic Type Rs on the track, although it\u2019s a separate entry fee of JPY19,200 (approx. RM645) \u2013 a small price to pay to explore the limits of your car safely, around a whole swarm of other enthusiasts.\nIt\u2019s safe to say that the love for the Type R is truly still alive and well in Japan (and the rest of the world, too!) \u2013 we can only imagine the reception when Honda finally unveils the \nnext-generation Civic Type R\n, slated for the second half of this year.\nGALLERY\nPhoto: Nuko3_FK8/Twitter\nPhoto: kiyochanEK9VTEC/Twitter\nPhoto: hayate24wa8615/Twitter\nPhoto: civictyper_0409/Twitter\nPhoto: civictyper_0409/Twitter\nPhoto: civictyper_0409/Twitter\nPhoto: civictyper_0409/Twitter"
"While an electric \nAudi\n has yet to officially debut in Malaysia, Audi is innovating the electric vehicle (EV) space with the Audi Charging Hub, now with its second location in Zurich. Aiming to serve those in urban areas without access to fast chargers, the brand\u2019s charging hub also boasts innovative ideas that make the charging experience more pleasant.\nAudi\u2019s charging hub in Switzerland is not its first, as it has previously opened one in Nuremberg in 2021. Compared to the one in Nuremberg, the Swiss Charging hub forgoes a lounge since it is located at \u2018the Square\u2019 at Zurich Airport which offers a wide range of services in the vicinity. Its main innovation is the \u2018charging cubes\u2019 which are modular energy storage components made of used lithium-ion batteries from disassembled Audi test vehicles. The hub also has a photovoltaic system on the roof, allowing for 100% renewable energy for the facility.\nAudi Head of Business Innovation and the Audi project leader for the Audi charging hub in Switzerland, Martin Wosnitza said, \u201cThe second-life batteries serve as buffer storage, the advantage of which is the fact that we don\u2019t need an elaborate, expensive infrastructure with a high-voltage grid and transformers. The hub only requires minor power demands from the local power grid. The Audi charging hub is in a position to bring a sustainable quick-charging infrastructure with second-life battery storage to all the places where the power grid would prove insufficient.\u201d\nAnother highlight of the charging hub are the \u2018swivel arm\u2019 charging cables that hang above the vehicle. Like the fuel pumps in a racing paddock, the \u2018swivel arm\u2019 charging cables can reach the car\u2019s charging socket easily without tensioning the cable, regardless of where the socket has been located by the manufacturer. This also means that the Audi charging hub is also open to EVs of other makes.\nRELATED: \nAudi\u2019s idea of an EV charging station is, of course, a first-class luxury lounge\nProvided at the Swiss Audi charging hub are 4 sheltered high-power charging (HPC) points that are rated at \n320 kW\n each. This means EVs with 800-V architecture like the \nAudi e-tron GT\n can make full use of their fast-charging capabilities of up to 270 kW. Audi says its Swiss hub can supply power for up to 60 electric vehicles per day.\nAlso provided at the hub are two 55-inch screens that provide essential information, in addition to tips on maximising your charge. The operating displays at the charging points are height-adjustable, and the areas between the charging cubes and vehicles are wide enough for wheelchair users.\nRELATED: \nUpdated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron \u2013 tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm\nTo use the chargers at the hub, Audi customers can use the myAudi app to book a charging slot. Details on how other makes can access the charger have not been specified, but the chargers are open to the public.\nNow under the management of \nPHS Automotive\n, Audi Malaysia may soon bring in an electric car. For now, the Audi charging hub certainly shows some interesting innovations that we could learn from.\nRELATED: \nPHS Automotive named new distributor for Audi in Malaysia, sister company to VPCM\nAn EV charging spot in Subang Jaya. Notice how the Tesla has to be reverse parked for the cable to reach its charging flap."
"Since the company started selling its first road car in 2010, McLaren Automotive has recorded increased sales every year. 2018 was no exception, with sales up by 43.9 per cent over the previous year.\nIn 12 months, 4,806 new McLaren cars found its way to new owners worldwide. North America remains the largest single market for the British supercar maker, accounting over one-third of global sales. European sales rose 44.2 per cent but the biggest sales growth was seen in China with 122.5 per cent more cars sold compared to 2017. This strong sales growth was attributed to the introduction of the \n570S Spider\n and \n720S\n.\n \n \nMcLaren\u2019s in-house customisation division, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) saw more customers ordering bespoke options to their cars leading to MSO order books to triple in 2018.\nCEO Mike Flewitt said: \u201cRecord sales highlight what a momentous year 2018 was for McLaren Automotive when over 4,800 cars left our Production Centre. That compares to 1,650 in 2015 showing the remarkable expansion in just three years as we work to consolidate growth to 6,000 cars a year by the end of our Track25 business plan.\u201d\n1 of 3 \nMcLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection by MSO\n\u201cIn 2018, we achieved our broadest product offering, launching differentiated, world-beating products such as \n600LT\n and the first two cars under our Track25 business plan in the sublime forms of the \nSpeedtail\n and \n720S Spider\n both of which have been enthusiastically welcomed by the market,\u201d Flewitt added."
"Following the announcement of the \nreturn of Sales and Services Tax (SST) in September\n, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also announce that the \nrakyat\n will receive 50 percent discount on all tolled roads across the country for two days before Hari Raya.\nCome June 13 and 14 (Wednesday & Thursday), Malaysians will enjoy half price on their toll fares while travelling back for the festive season. Without revealing any further details, it is unclear whether the toll discount is offered on behalf of the Pakatan Harapan Government or the toll concessionaires themselves.\nTraditionally, only major toll concessionaries offered a discount on toll fares on days leading to or during festive seasons. It remains to be seen whether toll operators will extend the discounted fares to more days throughout Hari Raya."
"Alpine has been earmarked to be \nRenault\u2019s performance brand\n in Groupe Renault\u2019s latest strategic business plan. All planned models will be fully-electric or EVs.\nThe move to shift Alpine to be a \nfully-electric\n performance brand for Renault was first \nrumoured six months ago\n together with the arrival of new Groupe Renault CEO, Luca De Meo.\nA fundamental transformation is the consolidation of all the high performance-oriented resources in the group. Current activities of Alpine cars, Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Racing (Formula 1 operations) will be united as \none entity under the Alpine brand\n.\n\u201cThe new Alpine entity takes three brands with separate assets and areas of excellence to turn them into an empowered, fully-fledged business. The craftsmanship from our plant in Dieppe, the engineering mastery from our Formula 1 and Renault Sport teams will shine through our tech-infused, 100% electric line-up, taking the beautiful Alpine name to the future,\u201d said Laurent Rossi in the accompanying press release. He was promoted to the role of CEO for the brand as recent as four days ago.\nAlpine\u2019s upcoming fully-electric propulsion product line-up will feature the replacement of the \nA110\n mid-engine sports car, \nto be developed with \nLotus\n. Both companies have already signed a memorandum of understanding to study several areas for joint cooperation.\nThe current-generation Clio RS is only available as a motorsport/competition car\nThe new sports car will be joined by a \nB-segment hot-hatch\n based on the Renault Clio\u2019s Alliance CMF-B platform and \na\n \ncrossover\n based on the Alliance CMF-EV platform.\nIs the Megane eVision concept car the precursor to the Alpine performance crossover?\nThe CMF-EV platform is currently the basis for the Nissan Ariya and has also been showcased through the Renault Megane eVision concept car.\nThe Renault F1 Team will also be \nrenamed to Alpine F1 Team\n, leveraging on the huge global audience the sport enjoys. The sales of Alpine fully-electric performance cars and the business unit are also expected to return profits by 2025."
"To date, the Gigafactory in Nevada, USA is Tesla\u2019s biggest and most important endeavour.\nThe name comes from the factory\u2019s planned annual battery production capacity of 35 gigawatt-hours (GWh) where one GWh is the equivalent of generating (or consuming) one billion watts an hour. When completed, the US 5 billion dollar investment is set to occupy a space of 108 football fields and provide 10,000 jobs.\n\u00a0\nThe Tesla Gigafactory which itself would run on renewable energy sources, will serve to supply enough batteries to support its projected vehicle demand and also to achieve its goal of producing\u00a0400,000 preordered Model 3S\u00a0by the end of 2018. Built in phases, the Gigafactory is expected to reach full capacity by the same year, producing more lithium ion batteries annually than there were produced worldwide in 2013.\nWith a projection of manufacturing half a million cars per year in the later half of this decade, Tesla alone will require today\u2019s entire worldwide supply of lithium ion vehicles.\nIn 2015, Tesla sold just 50,580 Electric Vehicles, proving there is plenty of room for growth.\u00a0To keep up with increasing demands related to all things production of Electric Vehicles, Elon Musk has also confirmed that there are additional two or three factories in the pipeline. These factories are set to be opened in the USA in the coming few years, even though the first factory isn\u2019t even completed!\nWith a reported total of 10 Gigafactories expected to be erected in the US and beyond, Musk expects most new cars in the USA to be Electric Vehicles within 10 years with the aim of dominating the market in 20. Without having enough factories in place, Tesla would risk losing businesses when electric transportation eventually goes mainstream.\nIn cooperation with Panasonic and other partners, the Gigafactory will produce batteries for a fraction of today\u2019s high cost with innovative manufacturing, waste reduction and by having most of the manufacturing process under one roof."
"Is the \nLotus 3-Eleven\n even worth the money, you ask? Well, only 311 units will make it out the production line, so yes, get it while you still can. Pricing starts from RM640,855 for the road-going version, but the tricked out race\u00a0version costs RM868,214!\nNow, Lotus Cars Malaysia brought in two units of the 3-Eleven with the chassis number 001 and 007. Both units have been spoken for. It is to date the quickest production Lotus ever, succeeding the iconic 2-Eleven of yesteryear. What\u2019s unique to the 3-Eleven is its bespoke bonded aluminium chassis, though largely reworked from the \nLotus Exige\n of which it\u2019s based on.\u00a0The bodywork is also completely new and features no doors!\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLotus 3-Eleven (Road Version)\nLotus 3-Eleven (Race Version)\nEngine\n3.5-litre supercharged V6, DOHC, 24V, water-cooled\nTransmission\n6-speed sports ratio manual\n6-speed sequential automatic\nMax Power\n410 hp @ 7,000 rpm\n460 hp @ 7,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n410 Nm from 3,000 to 7,000 rpm\n525 Nm @ 3,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.4 seconds\n3.0 seconds\nPrice\nfrom RM640,855\nfrom RM868,214\nYou\u2019ve got to wear a helmet to drive this two-seater tyre shredder around. Besides the helmet to keep you safe, the carbon fibre seats come with a 4-point harness. Behind your head is the roll-cage (atop it is a roll bar cover finished in gloss black) with twin side bars for additional protection.   The mid-mounted supercharged (Edelbrock) 3.5-litre V6 engine is shared with the \nLotus Evora Sport 410\n, producing \n410 hp\n 7,000 rpm and \n410 Nm\n of torque from 3,000 to 7,000 rpm. Brain this: it tips the scales at 925 kg dry, and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n. Top speed is rated at \n280 km/h\n and is available with a \nsix-speed open-gated manual transmission\u00a0\nand Torsen-type limited slip differential.\nPower is sent to the rear wheels, and speaking of which, the fronts are 18-inch (225/40) and the rears measure 19-inch (275/35). The road version gets Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres as standard, whereas the race version gets Michelin Cup 2 tyres. Keeping the 3-Eleven in check is a large GT wing that gives 65 kg of downforce at 160 km/h and 150 kg at 240 km/h. In typical Lotus fashion, all four corners get independent double wishbone suspension with fixed anti-roll bars, Eibach springs and Ohlins single adjustable dampers.   The cabin is as bare as it gets, but the driver now gets a brand new full-colour TFT multi-info display. Of course, Lotus Cars Malaysia would be more than happy to assist those with a penchant for personalisation, but the options list does command a pretty penny, right down to the paint colour.\nThen there\u2019s the race version, one that\u2019s heavily modified and purposely conceived for track use only. By Lotus\u2019 estimates, the fully-specced 3-Eleven Race version would lap the Sepang circuit with a time of 2 minutes 20 seconds. To give you some perspective, that\u2019s almost as quick as a full-blown MotoGP superbike! If you\u2019re mad enough to spend close to RM900k for an open-cockpit track toy, I need you as a friend.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Access to AMG levels of performance just got that much easier, as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched the CKD C 43 AMG 4MATIC in Malaysia. How accessible? RM 408,888 worth of ease.\nIt\u2019s got the same 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, mated to an AMG-tuned 9G-TRONIC transmission \u2013 with substantially reduced shift times. The V6 engine produces \n367 hp\n with \n520 Nm\n of torque.\nThere are five different AMG Dynamic Select modes \u2013 ECO, Sport, Comfort, Sport Plus and Individual.\nInside the V6 engine is a NANOSLIDE coating on the cylinder liners, just like the ones protecting the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 V6 hybrid engine.\nThe C 43 AMG 4MATIC\u2019s ride is enhanced with the standard-fit AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. The four-link front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints \u2013 all enhanced for rigidity.\nIts striking exterior is based on the AMG Line exterior, distinguished with a few specific features. They include the diamond radiator grille, with \u201cchrome pins\u201d and AMG lettering.\u00a0The AMG spoiler lip on the boot is the same as the one on the AMG Performance model.\nElsewhere, the unmistakable silhouette of the C 43 is finished with 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black.\nInside, standard equipment includes a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports seats with enhanced lateral support and an exclusive AMG instrument cluster.\nThe seat covers, door centre panels and also upper part of the dashboard are finished with red stitching \u2013\u00a0 a signature AMG appearance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We all know that Singapore is one of the most expensive places to buy cars, thanks to the Certificate of Entitlement mechanism which can sometimes cost more than the car itself. But still, every once in a while, you\u2019ll see a price figure so absurd that it still stuns you a little bit.\nThat\u2019s the case with the \nPerodua Aruz\n, which has just been launched in Singapore as its first export destination. So how much does it cost to buy the budget-oriented seven-seater (topping out at RM78k with SST here in Malaysia at launch) in the tiny island nation? How does \nSGD92,999\n (~RM286,409) sound?\n \nJust for some perspective, the Malaysian supercar, Perodua Myvi is\n priced at SGD69,800\n (~RM215k) for the range-topping 1.5AV variant in Singapore, while the all-new Honda Jazz \u2013 that\u2019s not available anywhere else in ASEAN \u2013 comes in at\n SGD98,999\n (RM305k) for the base variant.\nThe Perodua Aruz comes in a single 1.5X variant over in Singapore. Just like in Malaysia, it\u2019s powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes \n102 hp\n and \n133 Nm\n of torque, paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.\nStandard equipment on the Singapore-spec Perodua Aruz include 17-inch two-tone wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, touch-screen infotainment system with reverse camera display, as well as fabric seats (60:40 split-folding second row, 50:50 split-folding third row configurations).\nAs for safety, because the Perodua Aruz is offered in the sole 1.5X variant in Singapore, they won\u2019t get to enjoy the\u00a0Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 that\u2019s only available in the AV. Standard safety kit include six airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, emergency stop signal, and hill start assist.\nThe Perodua Aruz in Singapore is available in four exterior colours, Granite Grey Metallic, Electric Blue Metallic, Glittering Silver Metallic, and Ivory White. Included in the purchase price is also a five-year or 100,000 km warranty.\nPerodua is represented by Perocom Auto in Singapore (since 1997!) at their sole outlet in Ubi, and has sold the Kancil, Kembara, Kelisa, first- and third-generation Myvis, Viva, Axia, and Bezza in the island nation before the Aruz.\nBesides Singapore, Perodua also exports to Brunei, \nSri Lanka\n, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Fiji, and Indonesia (where the Myvi is sold as the Daihatsu Sirion)."
"Together with the launch of the \nC-Class Cabriolet\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) unveiled the SLC Roadster for the Malaysian market. Essentially an updated R172 SLK, the name change also brings refreshed styling and an even bigger change under the bonnet.\nUnlike the outgoing SLK 200 BlueEfficiency, the SLC gets a new engine and gearbox pairing, and there are now two variants available \u2013 the \nSLC 200\n and\u00a0\nSLC 300\n. Both are using the same engine but they are separated by a few horses and about RM70k.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz SLC 200\nMercedes-Benz SLC 300\nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder, DOHC\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic, 9G-Tronic Plus\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n6.9 seconds; 237 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM398,888.00\nRM468,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nThe biggest exterior difference between the SLK and the SLC would be the front-end. The sharp fascia of the SLK has been softened with more rounded air intakes and headlamps, and the updated roadster now sports the flashy diamond grille. Side profile is unchanged, but the SLC is fitted with a new set of \n18-inch wheels\n, while the rear gets a reprofiled bumper and a pair of redesigned LED lights.   Only the SLC 300 is equipped with the AMG Line, which means it gets chrome pins inside the diamond grille, sportier bumpers and multi-spoke design alloys. Standard on both cars are \nLED Intelligent Light System\n with \nAdaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin has been spruced up with some \nnew switchgear\n, but the basic architecture from the SLK remain. A redesigned meter cluster can be seen behind the \nnew steering wheel\n which was inherited from the C-Class, and there\u2019s now a different style gear lever sprouting out of the centre console.   There\u2019s a larger\n 7-inch screen\n stuck in between the centre air-con vents for the infotainment system. The SLC 200 is equipped with \nAudio 20 system\n with Garmin Map Pilot and \nApple CarPlay\n, while SLC 300 adds \nComand Online\n, DVD changer, and \nHarman Kardon Logic 7 Surround sound system\n. Also exclusive to the SLC 300 is the \nMagic Sky Control\n panoramic glass roof, where the opacity of the glass roof can be adjusted accordingly.\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth the SLC 200 and SLC 300 are powered by the same \nturbocharged M274 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n tuned to give out different horse count. On the \nSLC 200\n it generates \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n, while the same engine in the\n SLC 300\n produces \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n.\nThe four banger is mated to a\u00a0\n9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic\n which sends drive to the rear wheels. \nZero to 100 km/h\n time is clocked at\n 6.9 seconds\n for the SLC 200 and \n5.8 seconds\n for the SLC 300, while the top speed is \n237 km/h\n and \n250 km/h\n respectively.\nWHAT ELSE?\nCompared to the previous SLK 200 BlueEfficiency which retailed at RM460,888, the SLC duo offer far better value in terms of pricing. At \nRM468,888\n the \nSLC 300\n is just RM8k dearer than the outgoing SLK, and the \nSLC 200\n undercuts the SLK by a whopping RM62k at \nRM398,888\n. Like the rest of the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia range, the SLC 200 and the SLC 300 are covered with 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty. So is this your dream Mercedes-Benz, or would you rather top up a bit more for \na fellow Stuttgart breed\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz SLC 300   Mercedes-Benz SLC 200"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has finally launched the \nnew Hyundai Kona we tested recently\n in Malaysia with three variants available \u2013 2.0, 2.0 Active, and 1.6 Turbo. Prices start from \nRM123,888\n for the 2.0, \nRM 138,888 \nfor the 2.0 Active, and finally \nRM151,888\n for the 1.6 Turbo.\nTo sweeten the deal, HSDM is offering a \n\u201cspecial introductory price\u201d of RM115,888 for the 2.0, RM130,888 for the 2.0 Active,\n and RM143,888 for the 1.6 Turbo. You and I both know why.\nPERFORMANCE \n2.0 and 2.0 Active\nEngine: 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 149 hp\nTorque: 180 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 10 seconds\n1.6 Turbo\nEngine: 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 177 hp\nTorque: 265 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 7.7 seconds\nEXTERIOR\nStandard across the board are items such as the daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, keyless entry, and auto-folding side mirrors. In the \nbase model 2.0\n, you get halogen projector headlamps, bulb type tail lights, only rear fog lamps and 17-inch wheels with 215/55/R17 tyres. In the 1.6 Turbo model, it stands out from the rest of the variants with a dual-tone exterior and roof rack.\n2.0 Active and 1.6 Turbo\nBi-Beam LED\nfront and rear fog lamps\nLED combination tail lights\n18-inch wheels with 235/45/R18 tyres\nINTERIOR\nItems like the 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 speakers, and a multi-function steering wheel are standard across the board. All three variants also get an automatic headlamp feature, a tyre pressure monitoring system, two USB ports, reverse camera, and cruise control. In the Standard variant, the Kona comes with fabric upholstery and a smaller 3.5-inch TFT LCD multi-infomation display while the 2.0 Active is finished with a mix of leather and fabric.\nSpecific in the 1.6 Turbo variant are features like auto high beam, auto stop-start, a wireless charging pad, electronic chromatic rear view mirror and full leather upholstery. As for boot space, the Kona can gobble up to \n361 litres\n of cargo.\n2.0 Active and 1.6 Turbo\n8-way powered driver seat with 2-way lumbar adjustment\n4.2-inch TFT LCD multi-information display\nSingle-zone automatic air conditioning\nHead-up display\nSAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE\nAll variants are equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, traction control, hill-start assist, hill descent control and two ISOFIX child seat points. Only the 1.6 Turbo variant gets front parking sensors in addition to the rear sensors in the 2.0 variants. The 2.0 Active and 1.6 Turbo variants will get rear cross traffic alert and a blind spot monitor.\nOnly 1.6 Turbo\nAdaptive cruise control\nLane keeping assist\nForward collision warning\nAutonomous emergency braking\nGALLERY\nHyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo\nHyundai Kona 2.0 Active\nHyundai Kona 2.0"
"The Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar that is based on an actual \n700-horsepower\n 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 Formula 1 racing engine was \nfirst unveiled\n at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Due to the sheer technical challenge of tuning that V6 engine to be daily driveable, such as starting up with just a touch of a button, the completion of the production vehicle has been delayed by more than a year.\nEarlier this year, Mercedes-AMG released a couple of \nvideos\n portraying the near-completed hypercar undergoing rigorous testing at their Immendingen proving ground. For those lucky customers who have waited four years since its introduction, it looks like Mercedes-AMG is set to reach mass production soon.\nTiny shift paddles though\nFormer Formula One driver with McLaren-Mercedes, as well as a Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador David Coulthard, was invited to test drive the Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar recently. The 13-time Grand Prix winner has nothing but praises about the new hypercar.\nThis is Aston Martin\u2019s interpretation of F1 for the road. Ride along inside the Valkyrie and put the speakers to 11!\n\u201cPerfect. \nI love it!\n You have just taken me back twelve years. I feel like a Grand Prix driver again. You don\u2019t need to leave this planet to have an out-of-this-world experience,\u201d as he congratulated the project members.\nEven in his Instagram account, Coulthard said he hasn\u2019t been able to stop grinning since test driving the hypercar.\nApart from the sheer power delivery of the hybrid powertrain that is reported to generate over \n1,000 hp\n, the Mercedes-AMG Project One also features active aerodynamics. Upper body surfaces see control flaps extending and retracting, while a full width multi-profile rear wing works in conjunction with a deep underbody diffuser to provide racing car-like downforce levels.\nApart from the aerodynamic grip, mechanical grip is also at top-tier competition car levels. The lightweight monocoque carbon fibre tub becomes the structural unit to support the engine, transmission and front suspension arms, similar to the Formula One machine.\nThe new-generation Mercedes-AMG hybrids can recharge the batteries by drifting! More about the feature here!\nUltra-precise double wishbone suspension with pushrod actuation and bell-crank linkages ensure maximum contact patch of the large tyres. However, with the tiny 1,600 cc V6 engine, it certainly will not annoy the neighbours, as similar to current Formula One machines, it doesn\u2019t deliver much \naural thrills\n.\nMercedes-AMG will be building just 275 units of the Project One hypercar and all have been reported to be sold carrying a price tag starting from \nEUR2.3 million\n (RM11.4 million).\nSource: \nMercedes-AMG Instagram\nGALLERY"
"Earlier this year, Akio Toyoda unveiled the new \nLexus LC Coupe\n, successor to the iconic Lexus LFA. It packs a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, tuned to make 467 hp and 527 Nm of torque. It\u2019s brutal, yet frugal, thanks to the 10-speed single-clutch automatic gearbox.\u00a0Yes, 10 actual planetary gearsets.\nSo when Lexus announced that they will be making a \nhybrid version of the LC\n, it\u2019s natural to assume that it\u2019d be a high-tech powerhouse. Well, we\u2019re both right and wrong. Its\n\u00a03.5-litre naturally aspirated V6\n\u00a0(295 hp, 348 Nm of torque) isn\u2019t quite the performer we\u2019d expect, but it\u2019s coupled to a 60 hp electric motor, giving it a \ntotal system output of 354 hp\n. It\u2019s not as high as the \u2018500\u2019 its name suggests, but Lexus says it\u2019s enough to do the century dash in \nunder 5.0 seconds\n. To give you some perspective, the 5.0-litre V8 LC does that in 4.5 seconds.   Let\u2019s take our eyes off the brawn and focus on the brains. Never mind not powerful, but what this car has achieved, technologically, is something relatively unheard of, for Lexus at least. Channeling all the power to the rear wheels is the familiar \ne-CVT gearbox\n, but this parallel hybrid system (read \ndifference between parallel vs series drivetrain here\n) it mated to a \nfour-speed conventional automatic\n. Lexus calls it the \nMulti Stage Hybrid System\n, and here\u2019s how they work.\nThe e-CVT is known to many as \nToyota\u2019s Hybrid Synergy Drive\n, used commonly across the Toyota and Lexus range. Within this hybrid transmission is a powerful electric motor paired to a set of planetary gears, both working in tandem to produce an infinite number of gear ratios. Computers then, depending on throttle input, decide which gear ratio is best suited for the kind of drive.\nBut the LC500h can\u2019t be fun, precise and engaging with the e-CVT alone. To mitigate this without adding more weight (hypercar hybrid drivetrains are extremely intricate and complex, adds weight as well), Lexus engineers decided to marry the e-CVT gearbox to a lightweight, compact four-speed automatic. Note, the keywords here are \nlightweight and\n\u00a0\ncompact\n, so it doesn\u2019t add more\u00a0weight which will upset the car\u2019s balance.\nThe four-speeder is positioned behind the e-CVT, and functions by giving the car actual mechanical gearshifts. This is important because without it, there won\u2019t be the \n\u2018M\u2019 Mode\n. For the first time in a regular full hybrid Lexus vehicle, drivers can manually change gears when driving the LC500h \u2013 something its hybrid cars couldn\u2019t have possibly\u00a0done since, well, the Prius debuted back in 1997. Also, by marrying both drivetrains, Lexus says that the Multi Stage Hybrid System allows the engine\u2019s rpm to better match hard-driving input. Imagine yourself commanding a Prius or CT200h to hold its rev at 5,000 rpm when you sweep the corners up Fraser\u2019s Hill. You can\u2019t, even if you tried, can you?\nAt this rate, if you\u2019re still not convinced of Lexus\u2019 ingenious formula, allow us. In short, Lexus\u2019 Multi Stage Hybrid System weighs exactly the same as the e-CVT, despite adding the four-speed gearbox. How? The electric motor is slightly more compact and the lithium-ion battery pack is made of lighter materials to offset the mechanical gearbox. Lexus could, for all they care, slap a six-speed, eight-speed or 10-speed gearbox into the mix, but then you won\u2019t be getting a hybrid LC Coupe now, would you?\nUnderpinning all that new technology is the company\u2019s all-new GA-L (short for Global Architecture for Luxury vehicles) platform, one that will be the blueprint for all future front-engine, rear-wheel drive Lexus cars. Its layout allows the engine to be positioned just behind the front axle for optimal weight balance.\u00a0Aluminium is extensively used throughout the car, primarily for the front hood, fenders and door skins. There\u2019s no spare tyre, so all LC500h will be shod with run-flats tyres while riding on 20-inch cast aluminium or 20- and 21-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels.\nMore details on the LC500h will surface in a little over a week\u2019s time, so be sure to watch this space for more updates! Meanwhile, what do you think of Lexus\u2019 new hybrid drivetrain, dear readers?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Round two of the Toyota Vios Challenge drew to a close after two days of drama-filled racing, with more than 10,000 spectators attending the race-weekend at the \nBandar Malaysia circuit\n.\nNoise and smell filled the air as dozens of race-specification Toyota Vios took to the airstrip-based circuit, featuring 1.2km of straights and 10 corners. Here are the results after two days of exciting races:\nSPORTING CLASS\nAfter a thrilling three-way battle at the front, SMS Motorsports\u2019 Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin clinched victory ahead of 17-year-old Bradley Benedict Anthony of Dream Chaser, with Dannies Ng taking home third position.\u00a0\nSutan led the race from pole position, but it was far from a walk in the park as Bradley\u2019s relentless charge forced him into defense.\u00a0\nBradley, however, did not manage to find his way around the leader throughout the 20-lap race. His aggression even lead him into a mistake, losing track position to Dannies momentarily before regaining it two laps later when the latter missed a gearshift.\u00a0\nSUPER SPORTING CLASS\nIn the grid of professional racing drivers, Kegani Racing\u2019s Kenny Lee drove to a textbook finish from pole position, denying 23 Motors\u2019 Tengku Djan Ley of a double race victory. Coming in third is Laser Motor Racing\u2019s Mark Darwin.\nStarting from sixth on the grid, Tengku Djan Ley managed to slingshot himself to third from the get go due to an incident ahead of him. Combined with his victory in Race 1, Tengku Djan concludes the weekend by leading the overall point standings.\u00a0\nPROMOTIONAL CLASS\nTV presenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad managed to lead the pack of celebrities from lap one to the chequered flag despite starting fourth, with singers Khai Bahar and Nabila Razali trailing in second and third positions respectively.\u00a0\nDrama broke out in the promotional class when Shukri, running in third place, was knocked out by Shawn Lee when the latter missed his braking point. Meanwhile, actress Diana Danielle found herself pointing in the wrong direction due to a nudge from actor Syafiq Kyle.\nBesides the high-octane racing, spectators were also treated with drift performances by professional Japanese drivers and a concert. Toyota\u2019s fleet of vehicles were also available for test drive, alongside racing simulator and beyblade challenges.\u00a0\nVisitors to the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival were also able to get up close and personal with the the all new \nToyota GR Supra\n, fitted with TRD carbon fibre parts."
"Ferrari Naza Italia\n has launched the new\n 296 GTB V6 PHEV\n; the second plug-in hybrid model from Maranello after the \nFerrari SF90\n. Prices start from RM1.228 million before options and duties.\nAs the first V6 in more than 50 years, the 296 GTB produces \n830 hp\n and \n740 Nm \nfrom a 2.9-litre twin-turbo engine, aided by an electric motor. Despite the new, smaller engine, it\u2019s still capable of reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in under three seconds. Top speed is well in excess of 300 km/h.\n \nAmong the noteworthy features of the exterior is the active rear spoiler for better downforce while the all-new chassis of the 296 GTB is shorter than the \nF8 Tributo\n. This Ferrari says, provides a fun-to-drive, go-kart feeling. Most of the controls inside the car are touch-sensitive, while the light switches, turn indicator switches, and eManettino switch are among those still operated with physical switches.\nThe 296 GTB can be specified with the\n Assetto Fiorano\n package for extra carbon fibre bits, additional downforce, race-derived suspension, and weight reduction of up to 15 kg."
"Subaru of America has finally launched the 2022 Subaru WRX, three weeks later than scheduled due to the cancellation of the New Year International Auto Show. The company was planning to use the international event to present the new performance sedan after a series of teasers, including an oversight by a prominent auto website that uploaded the\n \nthumbnail\n of their walkaround video 12 hours too soon.\nThe exterior design of the new 2022 Subaru WRX takes plenty of cues from the \nSubaru Viziv Performance Concept\n that was first shown at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. At the front, much of the Subaru styling elements are seen such as the hexagonal grille, compact LED headlamp with a pointy DRL signature (like the \nLevorg\n wagon), all-black lower grille and of course, the hood scoop for directing air to the intercooler.\nAt the side, the much-talked-about black cladding were carbon fibre items in the concept car, but in the new Subaru WRX, they are unpainted black resin (textured aerodynamic hexagonal pattern) that is commonly found on SUVs and crossovers. Subaru has cleverly incorporated aerodynamic air breathers into the front wheel arch extensions which are hexagonal, looking similar to a Lamborghini and particularly, the \nCountach\n.\nSubaru has continued with 17-inch wheels and 235/45R17 tyre size on the new WRX base variant, with the higher GT model comes equipped with larger 245/40R18 performance tyres and 18-inch rims.\nLED tail lamps with a horizontal decorative strip in gloss black as seen on the new \nSubaru BRZ\n coupe is said to \u201cglow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma\u201d. A rear spoiler completes the sporty look of the all-new Subaru WRX.\nAs speculated by the American fans, a new 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine from the larger Ascent SUV powers the new 2022 Subaru WRX. The unit develops a higher output of \n271 hp, \njust three more than the \noutgoing 2.0-litre unit\n whilst maintaining the torque curve of \n350 Nm\n available from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm. Responsiveness is said to be improved in this new boxer engine.\nGiven the preference for manual transmission in the USA, it is no surprise that the new Subaru WRX continues to be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, which is said to have its shift qualities improved. Yet, a lot of development work has been done to further improve the CVT automatic transmission, now called the Subaru Performance Transmission. Both transmissions continue to deliver power to all four wheels via the \nlegendary\n Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring.\nYou can now subscribe to the 268-hp Subaru WRX from RM2,699/month. More about the program here!\nGear \u201cratios\u201d or steps have been retuned for up to 30% faster upshifts, better ratio coverage as well as an increase in durability via the fitment of an external transmission fluid cooler. Drivers can cycle through eight pre-set ratios or steps via the shift paddles on the steering wheel.\nSimilar to the all-new \nSubaru XV\n and \nSubaru Forester\n, the new WRX is built on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) which offers increased safety, improved dynamics, a lower centre of gravity and a drastic reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. For the new WRX, the chassis has been further strengthened to achieve 28% increase in overall torsional rigidity and a massive 75% increase in suspension mounting rigidity.\nThis allows the chassis and dynamics team to design a longer suspension stroke for an increase in stability and lateral grip under uneven surfaces. For the first time in a WRX, the shock absorbers now feature a new \nelectronically controlled\n system that has settings for Comfort, Normal and Sport.\nThe new e-dampers are paired with the new Drive Mode Select that includes a customisation feature, allowing the driver to mix different SI-Drive powertrain responses with steering feel and damper setting. Steering feel and feedback to the driver is said to have been improved via a new dual-pinion electric power steering system. \u00a0\nInside, the new Subaru WRX shares the same dashboard with the Japan-only Levorg wagon, with the large 11.6-inch full HD infotainment display taking centre stage, literally. The large screen, in portrait orientation, is segmented to display vehicle information, navigation, selected media for audio as well as air-conditioning settings.\nThe majority of the interface with the Starlink Multimedia Plus uses touch controls, but physical switches for audio and air-conditioning have been included.\nHere are five types of drivers that will grow fond of the Subaru XV quickly!\nThe instrument cluster for the driver meanwhile continues to be a classic dual analogue setup with a multi-information display nestled in between the dials.\nSports seats are standard fitted, but the new range-topping GT trim gets Recaro items with increased support. They are power-adjustable and wrapped with black Ultrasuede material.\nThe \nEyeSight Driver Assist Technology\n that includes adaptive cruise control and new Automatic Emergency Steering is also standard in the GT trim, together with 18-inch wheels and the electronically controlled damper system.\nThe new Subaru WRX will be available at North American dealerships in early 2022.\nGALLERY"
"Chairman of Lotus Group PLC and PROTON Holdings Bhd, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, has recently visited Norfolk, England to visit the Lotus plant in Hethel where the former PM was briefed on the company\u2019s current business plans and also to preview the brand\u2019s full model line-up.\nOnce the presentation was over, the entourage proceeded to the\n production floor\n where the new \nEvora 400\n was being \nassembled\n meticulously by\n hand\n. The 400 has already started making its way to showrooms across Europe and will be making its \ndebut here\n before the year is up.\n\u201cOver the last 12 months since my last visit to Hethel, I have been\n greatly impressed\n with\u00a0the \u00a0progress\u00a0that has been made by the management team at Lotus. The business has made\n great leaps forwards\n\u00a0and it is clear that the turnaround of Lotus is underway. It is always a pleasure to visit the home of Lotus and having seen the\n progress achieved\n and the forthcoming range of Lotus cars, I am \nencouraged\n and\n excited\n for the future of the company,\u201d said Tun Dr Mahathir.\nJean-Marc Gales echoed the sentiment of the company\u2019s chairman as well. The former premier then strapped himself into the marque\u2019s\n 400 hp flagship\n\u00a0sports car and took it for a spin around the \nHethel test track\n where he witnessed first hand the thoroughbred capabilities of the \nEvora 400\n. Be sure to stay tuned to its Malaysian debut soon!"
"You would\u2019ve probably seen by now the most talked about video of the day on Facebook \u2013 a dashcam recording of a Toyota Yaris colliding head-on with a Proton Wira in Ulu Yam.\nTo most, it\u2019s just another fool who can\u2019t tell the difference between what he sees on YouTube and reality; someone who lacks experience and wisdom, or even someone who can\u2019t tell the difference between a \nstandard Yaris\n \nand \nthe GR Yaris\n.\nBut there\u2019s a bigger problem here; what we see is a person who is unaware of the limits of his car, the limits of his car\u2019s tyres and what happens when you go into a bend with too much speed.\nWhat you see may just be another accident caused by a mindless fool who is probably influenced by those he saw on the YouTube but really, the root of the problem is far deeper than the Internet and social media influence.\nIt\u2019s a problem that has persisted for decades and it has completely rotten the core of it. Continually ignoring the problem has also spawned generations of Malaysian drivers with zero awareness of the dangers of speeding, and even worse, with little to no consideration for other motorists.\nMassive understeer was probably the main reason for the accident and it\u2019s possible that the driver doesn\u2019t know what that is, until this morning. It\u2019s also very likely that the driver didn\u2019t know his Yaris would react that way as he swung through the bend.\nEveryone can drive fast, but does everyone know how to drive fast? Those are two different things.\nThe root of this problem can be traced back to our rubbish driving schools, hopeless transport authorities and the high levels of complacency both parties have adopted over the years. It might seem like we\u2019re speaking the obvious, but it\u2019s something that somehow slips our minds time and time again.\nIn these driving schools, we are not taught to drive; they only teach us how to operate a car but not to \u201cdrive\u201d one. We\u2019re not talking about grooming race car drivers, we\u2019re talking about handling a piece of machinery that can injure ourselves and others.\n\u201cThis is how you manage the clutch, this is how you move the lever from P to D, this is how you parallel park, this is how you do a 3-point turn\u201d \u2013 all necessary but too elementary.\nHow does this test benefit us in our daily adventures?\nWhat they don\u2019t teach you is what to do when your car goes over standing water, how does your car feel when it\u2019s hydroplaning, what happens when you brake hard in the middle of the corner.or in the case of this K-POP star and his foolish driving, what makes a car understeer and how you can counter or better yet avoid it altogether.\nIt\u2019s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. We mock his K-POP style, laugh at and insult his driving out for amusement but the tone and reactions would\u2019ve been very different if an innocent live was taken due to his lack of skill to back up that complete lack of discretion.\nIt\u2019s time for a drastic change at the very core of the problem. It\u2019s time to revamp the driving school syllabus. It\u2019s time to teach the upcoming generation how to properly handle a car, the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts of driving on slippery roads in the heavy rain, but most of all cultivate the mindset of being considerate for others.\nThe Wira and its driver may be lucky today, others may not be so next time."
"It\u2019s no secret that every major car manufacturer is going full steam into electric mobility and Porsche is no exception; at the expense of diesel powertrains and with numbers to back the move.\nIn Europe, \nmore than 63% of Panameras sold are hybrids\n while demand for diesel models have dipped and since 2017, the number of diesel Porsches sold have dropped by 12%. As such, the\u00a0company has decided to no longer offer new models with diesel powertrains.\nFind out what former F1 driver, \nMark Webber, thinks of the new Porsche Taycan\n.\n\u201cPorsche is not demonising diesel. It is, and will remain, an important propulsion technology. We as a sports car manufacturer, however, for whom diesel has always played a secondary role, have come to the conclusion that we would like our future to be diesel-free. Naturally, we will continue to look after our existing diesel customers with the professionalism they expect,\u201d says CEO of Porsche AG, Oliver Blume.\nIn 2019, Porsche will mark its first step into the foray of purely electric sports cars with the \nnew Taycan\n; capable of generating \n400 km of pure electric range with just 15 minutes of charging\n.\nRest assured that Porsche will still breed petrol-powered monsters such as this 911 GT2 RS.\nBy 2025, Porsche expects every other vehicle sold to be equipped with an electric drive \u2013 either hybrid or purely electric.\nThat said, Porsche is still looking to please its purists and enthusiasts with the assurance that they\u2019re still working on optimising internal combustion engines within their product portfolio."
"When it comes to sports/performance cars, a half a million Ringgit war chest opens you up to a tonne of options. From the Mercedes-Benz AMG line-up alone, you\u2019d be left scratching your head for days.\nThen you have the Porsche 718 Boxter, 718 Cayman and the BMW M2; all in the RM 500k ball park. Sure they may be quick, exciting and extremely competent but can they project the same extravagance in a way the 2018 Jaguar F-Type can? From its silhouette alone?\nIn an easily impressionable society, it\u2019s hard to believe so \u2013 which brings me to this\n refreshed 2018 Jaguar F-Type Coupe\n that Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has just brought in the local market \u2013 with interior and exterior updates along with the new 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.\nUnderneath the hood packs \n300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, with 0 to 100 km/h done in 5.7 seconds before it tops out at an electronically-limited 250 km/h.\nIt\u2019s got new LED head and tail lights, redesigned bumpers, a new single-exit exhaust tailpipe design, new 18-inch wheels and a new Silicon Silver exterior colour. The new headlights come with three different beam pattern modes (city, highway and bad weather), for the best possible visibility in different driving conditions.\nInside are slim-lined seats, moulded from magnesium alloy that\u2019s not only stronger but also lighter, with new chrome and aluminium trim finishing. Such weight-saving measures makes the update model 8 kg lighter than its predecessor.\nThe 2018 F-TYPE 2.0-litre Ingenium is priced at RM 575,800 (excluding road tax and insurance) and is now available at all Jaguar showrooms nationwide.\nAll Jaguar vehicles distributed by authorised dealers comes with a Jaguar Care Programme that offers a 5-year Warranty or 150,000km, 5-year Servicing or 65,000km (whichever comes first) and 3-years Roadside Assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ah, TikTok, the land of weird trends and viral cats. While we here at \nAutoBuzz.my\n still haven\u2019t really got into \nTikTok\n yet (\ncoming soon.?\n), there\u2019s no denying that it\u2019s definitely one of the top social media platforms now, with over a billion active users scrolling through an endless stream of videos each day, including ones about cars.\nThe all-new BMW X1\nA new study was published by \nConfused.com\n recently highlighting some of the most popular car brands, models, and car-themed influencers on TikTok. And if you need an indication on how fast the industry (and social media trends) move, here\u2019s one.\nCompared to a \nsimilar study from last year\n, there\u2019s only one thing in common between the two: \nBMW \nremains as the most popular marque on TikTok, with a total of 49.2 billion views on BMW-related videos published on the platform. Coming in a distant second is \nMercedes-Benz\n at 27.1 billion views, while third place is shared between\n Audi \nand \nHonda \nat 20.4 billion views.\nApparently the most popular car on TikTok.\nIt\u2019s again a completely different story when it comes to the most popular car models, as the top spot here goes to the \nall-new Ford Maverick pick-up truck\n with 10.9 billion views, putting it slightly ahead of the \nMustang \nat 10.7 billion views. That means the first two spots both belong to\n Ford\n, even though the marque only came in a joint fifth in the overall brand rankings.\nThird place went to the \nToyota Supra\n (9.3 billion views), which I guess you\n can\n argue that it\u2019s somewhat a BMW. And just as a comparison, the Dick Lovett study from last year placed the Audi TT at the top spot, followed by the \nBMW M4\n \u2013 although it has to be noted that the two studies use a different methodology to compile their data.\nAs for the influencers, Daniel Mac \u2013 known for his \u201cexcuse me I love your car what do you do for a living\u201d video \u2013 is the most popular car-themed profile on TikTok with 12.6 million followers. Alex Hirschi, or more commonly known by her online persona Supercar Blondie, follows closely in second place with 10.6 million followers on TikTok, while Dima Gordey comes third with 5.1 million followers.\nDo you consume automotive content on TikTok? Let us know if these results tally with what you see! Drop a comment on what we need to know about car TikTok, too, as you might just see us there very soon!"
"For those who\u2019ve been keen on trying their subscription service, now\u2019s the time to get on board the Flux train.\nFlux provides a range of cars for subscription and to celebrate the upcoming festive season, your first month\u2019s subscription will be just RM99. This limited-time offer is available from now until the 3rd of June 2020.\nThe promotion is applicable for subscription plans of \n24 or 36 months\n and \nmileage packages of Lite (1,250km) and Standard (2,000km)\n. To further sweeten the deal, this offer is applicable across the entire range of new and pre-owned Flux cars \u2013 whether it\u2019s a Toyota Yaris or Mercedes-AMG CLA45.\nAmong the many cars in the Flux offers for subscription.\nAlong with the recently launched \nSubscribe to Own\n, the Raya Style & Savings promo with Flux now makes your first-year expenses even cheaper, with up to 36% savings over a loan for the same car.\nThose interested will need to \ncreate an account\n on the official site, proceed to choose and reserve their car. Once selected, users will \nreceive the car within seven days\n. All successful subscriptions will only be billed RM99 in subscription fees for their first month.\n\u201cDuring these extraordinary circumstances we live in today, private mobility continues to play a critical role in helping people move from point A to B in a socially responsible manner. To that end, the Raya Style and Savings with Flux campaign aims to lower the barriers of car ownership, especially during this festive season. Everyone at Flux wishes all Malaysians celebrating a Selamat Hari Raya,\u201d said Flux founder and CEO, Aziz Ayman."
"Just like virtually every carmaker out there today, Maserati is also currently going through an electric renaissance right now, with a plan to \nbecome fully electric by the end of the decade\n. They\u2019ve already unveiled the \nhybrid Ghibli\n and \nLevante\n, and now it\u2019s time for its first fully-electric powered model, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore.\nThe Italian luxury carmaker has just released a couple of teaser photos for the \nall-new second-generation GranTurismo\n, which is slated for market debut in 2023. It\u2019ll be offered in both petrol- and fully electric-powered guises, with the latter offering \u201cway over\u201d 1,200 hp.\nProviding all that grunt are its three electric motors \u2013 two on the rear axle, and one in front \u2013 powered by a large \u201cbone battery\u201d mounted low and through the centre of the car.\nAs a result, the fully-electric GranTurismo Folgore will become Maserati\u2019s most powerful model ever produced, promising a 0-100 km/h sprint time of under three seconds, towards a top speed of \u201cover\u201d 300 km/h. The company also says that its DC fast charging capabilities will be \u201ctop class\u201d, whatever that means.\nNot much else has been said about the GranTurismo Folgore, but at least we do get quite a good look at it, courtesy of Maserati\u2019s teaser photos.\nThe second-generation model still retains its iconic long hood and rearward cab silhouette (the petrol engine for the non-EV version still needs to go somewhere), and the front end is also clearly inspired by the \nMC20 sports car\n, particularly seen on its slender headlights profile.\nAs per usual, the new GranTurismo coupe will also spawn a GranCabrio convertible twin, which will also be offered with Folgore electric power.\nAside from the GranTurismo Folgore, Maserati also plans to launch six new EVs by 2025, which it says will make it the \u201cfirst luxury brand to complete the EV line-up\u201d. This means that all of its models, consisting of two SUVs (all-new\n Levante\n and the upcoming \nGrecale\n), one sedan (new \nQuattroporte\n), and two sports (all-new GranTurismo) or supercars (MC20) will all be offered also in a fully-electric form by then.\nAll of these full EVs will wear the \u2018Folgore\u2019 badge, which means \u2018lightning\u2019 in Italian."
"Following the launch of the\n facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe\n last year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now launched the performance variant of the Coupe-styled SUV, GLC 43 4Matic Coupe, here in Malaysia.\nUnlike the \noutgoing model\n, the facelifted 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe is assembled locally (CKD) here in Malaysia, which means that the performance SUV enjoys quite a significant price drop. Paired with the sales tax exemptions which are applicable until the end of the year, the new GLC 43 Coupe is priced at \nRM498,723\n\u00a0on-the-road without insurance, which represents a savings of more than RM80,000!\nThe 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine underneath the hood has been revamped to now produce \n390 hp\n (+23 hp) and \n520 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, paired to an ninespeed\u00a0AMG Speedshift automatic gearbox.\nCuriously though, the 0-100 km/h time of the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe remains identical to the outgoing model at \n4.9 seconds\n, despite the increase in power output. Top speed is also identical, electronically-limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nThe new sporty SUV rides on AMG Ride Control+ air suspension on all four corners, which is based on the Air Body Control air suspension but with AMG-specific Adaptive Damping System. As is standard on an AMG model, the GLC 43 Coupe also comes with the Dynamic Select drive mode select system, with the addition of a variable-ratio speed-sensitive steering as standard to further enhance the driving feel.\nIn terms of appearance, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe takes on the updated styling of the GLC 300 Coupe with AMG Line exterior pack, with a couple of AMG-specific styling elements tacked on. These include Panamericana grille up front, quad round tailpipe exits at the rear, and 21-inch five-twin-spoke two-tone alloy wheels all round.\nJust like the GLC300, the AMG-variant also received an overhaul on the inside, with the main highlight being the new 10.25-inch infotainment display with the latest MBUX infotainment software, paired to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.\nAMG-specific touches include a meaty AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa microfibre, red contrast topstitching on the upholstery, Designo Red seatbelts, and AMG-specific displays on the MBUX system.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 AMG also now comes with the Driving Assistance advanced driver assist package, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, and a 360-degree around view monitor.\nOnce again, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe is priced at \nRM498,723\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales tax exemptions. With Mercedes-Benz Financial Malaysia\u2019s Agility Financing Plan, the GLC 43 Coupe can be yours starting from RM4,987 per month, based on a 28% downpayment and a tenure of five years.\nGALLERY"
"After months of suspense since its global unveiling in January, Ford has finally revealed the performance figures for the \n2020 Shelby GT500\n and the numbers simply boggle the mind.\nThe hand-built 5.2-litre supercharged V8 will make\n 760 hp\n with \n847 Nm\n of torque; making it the most power- and torque-dense supercharged production V8 engine in the world.\n \nTo put things into perspective, the most powerful V8 Ferrari ever built (\nfor the F8 Tributo\n) only makes \n720 hp\n! But that\u2019s just on paper, we wouldn\u2019t doubt which of the two is actually faster when pitted against each other.\nFor more V8 goodness, check out \nGC Mah\u2019s review of the 5.0-litre V8 Ford Mustang \nfeaturing a very special guest!"
"We were supposed to be free today; free from this \u201cMCO mental and physical restraint\u201d that has made us all restless beyond our wildest imagination.\nBut \nit has to be done\n. With a cure no where to be found, this is the only way to effective contain the virus, if not overcome it. We have to stay put, refrain from all social interactions before our entire system, whether governance or healthcare, is overwhelmed with numbers we have no way of coping. \nStaying home is OUR ONLY WEAPON against Covid-19\n, for now.\nAnd our local enforcers are making sure it stays that way. Moving into the 2nd phase of this Movement Control Order, which begins today till the 14th of April 2020, the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) Subang Jaya District Headquarters have announced that it would be conducting 24-hour road blocks and road closures at the following locations.\nRoad blocks:\n1. Seafield USJ Toll Plaza\n2. Jalan Subang Utama to NPE highway\n3. Puchong Selatan Toll Plaza, Batu 14, Puchong\n4. PJS 7 Toll Plaza, LDP (Southbound)\n5. Putra Heights Toll Plaza, Elite Highway\nRoad closures:\n1. KESAS to USJ 1\n2. KESAS to Persiaran Subang USJ 1 (Summit)\n3. KESAS to Persiaran Kemajuan\n4. From Subang Kelana Link to Persiaran Kewajipan Subang Jaya\n5. LDP to Persiaran Kewajipan (from One City Hotel) \n6. LDP to Persiaran Kewajiapan (from Persiaran Klang)\n7. Persiaran Tujuan to Federal Highway\n8. Jalan Persiaran Kemajuan to Federal Highway\n9. Shah Alam to Persiaran Tujuan (Federal Highway exit)\n10. Kuala Lumpur to Persiaran Tujuan (Federal Highway exit)\nAlternative exit routes from Subang Jaya for SS12 and SS19 residents \n1. Jalan Persiaran Kemajuan to Subang Kelana Link\n2. Jalan Persiaran Tujuan / Persiaran Kewajipan to LDP\n \nAlternative exit routes from Subang Jaya for USJ 1 to USJ 22 residents\n1. Persiaran Kewajipan\n2. Jalan Persiaran Tujuan\n3. Subang Kelana Link\n4. LDP\n5. Federal Highway\nBandar Sunway residents can still access the LDP and NPE while Putra Heights residents can still use Persiaran Harmoni to LDP route. The LDP route is still accessible for those living around the Bukit Puchong area. Those with further enquiries on the Movement Control Order are encouraged to call the Covid-19 hotline at 03-78627107 or 03-78627108."
"The updated Mitsubishi ASX has just hit the showroom floors in the UK. Four variants will be on offer for the UK market, with two diesel and one petrol engines to choose from.\nOn the exterior, the ASX now wears the signature \u201cDynamic Shield\u201d grille similar to the ones on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Elsewhere, similar to our locally refreshed ASX, the UK-bound ASX gets a shark-fin antenna as well. Wheel choices include a 16-inch for the base model while other gets a two-tone 18-inch alloys. A new colour, \nLighting Blue\n,\u00a0is added to the colour line-up.\nStarting from the base ASX 2, the updated ASX gets front fog lamps, multifunction colour instrument display and leather wrapped steering wheel. Power is derived from a 1.6-litre petrol engine putting out \n117 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n of torque driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.\nMoving up to the ASX 3, it adds on automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, cruise control, automatic xenon projector headlamps, automatic wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated front seats, power folding mirrors and a reverse camera. Besides the 1.6-litre petrol engine, the front-wheel drive ASX 3 is also offered with a 1.6-litre turbodiesel that delivers \n114 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque via a six-speed manual.\nThe ASX 4 trim comes with leather upholstery, black roof rails, aluminium pedal kit, panoramic glass roof and a 7-inch touch-screen display with Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) with satellite navigation. Available only in four-wheel drive layout, customers can choose from either the 1.6-litre turbodiesel or a more powerful 2.2-litre turbodiesel that churns out \n150 hp\n and\n 260 Nm\n of torque via a six-speed automatic.\nLastly, the top of the range ASX 5 gets Nappa leather interior with a choice of Claret Red, Porcelain Cream and Gunmetal Grey, colour matching floor and boot mat, heated rear seats, powered driver\u2019s seat, twin rear USB charging port, LED interior lighting and front-door entry guards. Similar to the ASX 4, the four-wheel drive ASX 5 is available with either a 1.6-litre or 2.2-litre turbodiesel.\nStandard safety features across the board include seven airbags, Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTCC) and hill start assist on top of the other usual suspects.\nPricing for the ASX facelift in the UK starts from \u00a315,999 (RM83k) to \u00a325,649 (RM132k) with a 5-Year or 62,500-mile warranty and 3-Year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance. There is also a 3-Year Mitsubishi Service Plan available for \u00a3500 (RM2.6k) for 1.6-litre petrol and turbodiesel versions and \u00a3675 (RM3.5k) for the 2.2-litre turbodiesel.\nThe facelifted ASX will surely be introduced to our market in due course, and will more than likely be locally assembled. Fancy this, folks? In the meantime, check out what we think of the \nMalaysian spec Mitsubishi ASX\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There used to be a time where manual transmissions were only reserved for entry level models; with automatic and dual clutch gearboxes available for the higher-end variants of a particular car.\nSpeaking to \nCarAdvice\n, BMW M division CEO Markus Flasch says this perception and approach is set to change with BMW\u2019s \u201cnew M strategy\u201d.\n \nOn that note, it\u2019s said that the \u201cpure M models\u201d such as the upcoming BMW M3 and M4 will continue to be offered with manual transmissions as a \u201cflagship option\u201d.\nThis approach is similar to that of Porsche\u2019s \u2013 with manual transmissions only available for its \u201chotter\u201d 911 models such as the \n911 T,\n \n911 GT3 Touring Package\n and the \n911 R\n.\nA spyshot of the \nnext generation BMW M3\n.\nMarkus claimed that while the manual transmissions may not translate to faster shift/lap times, there are advantages such as weight, character and visceral effect to the driving experience.\nCiting huge demand from the USA as the largest motivation for BMW to continue producing manual transmissions, Markus did highlight that the \u2018traditional mode gear changing\u201d will not be carried over to the facelift M5 and the M5 CS due to a lack of interest.\nThe\n F10 BMW M5\n was the last of the \u201clarge saloon supercars\u201d to come with a manual gearbox.\nWhether this will pan out the way BMW hopes and follow suit the successes of Porsche\u2019s manual-only models remains to be seen but it\u2019s worth noting that none of the BMW M3 and M4\u2019s rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S aren\u2019t available with manual gearboxes.\nCould this help with the appeal of the said models? Perhaps even their long term resale value? Judging from the current situation, it does seem that way."
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has just revealed the \nnew Triton at a global launch in Bangkok, Thailand\n and judging from these pictures, it\u2019ll no doubt be one of the most good-looking pick-ups when it arrives in Malaysia.\nWe are expecting it to be available as early as Q1 of next year after its preview at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2018 but we\u2019ll just have to wait for the announcements at the show. For those aching for a closer look, you know where to be!\nThe Triton in White Diamond \u2013 a new colour for the rejuvenated pick-up.\nWord is that the 4\u00d74 models will be available first before the 4\u00d72 models make its way to Malaysia. Exact details on its availability should be announced at KLIMS.\nThe new Triton features a more sleek yet aggressive new look with more profound, flared arches along with a comprehensive list of driver assistance systems.\nAlthough power output, as it stands, is identical to the current model in Malaysia with \n181 hp\n and\n 430 Nm\n of torque, a new 6-speed automatic gearbox replaces the 5-speed unit used at the moment.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After receiving funding by parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Maserati has announced their plans for the production of electrified vehicles, and development of new autonomous driving technology.\u00a0\nIn an unexpected announcement, Maserati has confirmed that all new models moving forward will either be fitted with a hybrid powertrain or fully electric. The first model to receive an electrified powertrain is the updated \nMaserati Ghibli\n, slated for next year.\nThe D-segment luxury sedan will also be equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, with Maserati looking to progress to Level 3 in the near future, equipped with technology that would require minimal human intervention.\u00a0\nNext in line will be the eagerly-awaited Maserati sports car, which will be Maserati\u2019s first all-new model since 2015, as well as a new SUV which is expected to sit below the \nLevante\n.\u00a0\nAs part of the five billion Euro investment programme, Maserati will extensively upgrade its production facilities, but production of all vehicles will still remain in Italy.\u00a0\nThe brand\u2019s headquarter in Modena has begun carrying out major production line upgrades to accommodate the electric powertrain of the new sports car. The carmaker\u2019s Cassino and Turin production plants have also received 800 million Euros in investment, with the former to build a brand new production line.\nThe Modena plant will also feature a new paint shop, as well as a dedicated customisation workshop for Maserati\u2019s new customisation programme for bespoke one-of-a-kind exclusive cars.\nProduction of the new models will complement the existing line-up of current Maserati range such as the Quattroporte and Levante, while the carmaker will be introducing the updated \nGranTurismo and GranCabrio\n to \u201cherald the full electrification era for Maserati.\u201d"
"The \nLexus LC 500 Coupe\n when it debuted, was the cornerstone in automotive design featuring the brand\u2019s new design language. As the design has been slowly trickled down to the rest of its fleet, Lexus probably felt like they needed to push the design envelope again.\u00a0\nIt is a blessing for us car enthusiasts that Lexus is still \ncontinuously raising the bar\n despite potential production woes, because they\u2019ve just put out another stunner \u2013 the Lexus LC 500 Convertible.\nUnsurprisingly, the LC 500 Convertible looks pretty much identical to the Coupe on first glance, other than the removal of its hard-top roof.\u00a0\nHowever upon closer inspection, the rear trunk is visibly lifted with a \u201ckicked up\u201d design, where the entire integrated ducktail spoiler has been broadened to emphasise the low-and-wide stance of the convertible.\nLexus has decided to opt for a soft top on the LC 500 Convertible. Made up of four layers, the soft top roof has been designed to retain the flowing roofline from the Coupe.\nThe frame of the roof is hidden underneath the fabric too, so as to not disrupt the overall shape, while the entire roof is tucked neatly under an integrated tonneau cover when retracted.\nThe roof takes \n15 seconds\n to open and \n16 seconds\n to close at speeds up to \n50 km/h\n, while an animation on the instrument cluster shows its progress. The fabric for the roof has also been carefully selected to ensure optimal tension to prevent wrinkling, while improving the sound insulation inside the cabin.\u00a0\nOn the topic of its interior, Lexus has made significant effort to maintain the luxurious ambiance of the cabin, even with the top down. The wrap-around body shape of the LC 500 Coupe, along with the transparent polycarbonate wind deflector helps restrict unwanted air from entering the cabin. An additional wind screen is also available to further reduce wind buffeting at higher speeds.\nOther than physical sound insulation and absorption techniques, Lexus also utilises \nActive Noise Control\n to further suppress unwanted harshness within the cabin.\u00a0\nAs with the Coupe, the entire cabin is still lined with premium materials all round, with a \n10.3-inch\n split-screen multimedia display taking centre stage on the dashboard, which now supports \nAndroid Auto\n in addition to \nApple CarPlay\n.\nThe Lexus Climate Concierge has also been upgraded to automatically adjust the temperature when the top is raised or lowered. Air blowers are designed to send cold or hot air to the steering wheel, while the seat and neck heaters ensure the cabin is at ideal temperature when the top is down.\nDespite the removal of the roof, Lexus has made significant effort to maintain the driving characteristics of the Coupe. Chassis rigidity has been strengthened with the addition and relocation of various structural braces.\u00a0\nThe suspension has also been tuned specifically for the LC 500 Convertible\u2019s change in weight, while new performance dampers is adopted for a improved ride comfort.\nThe Lexus LC 500 Convertible utilises the same 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 from the Coupe, rated to produce \n471 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque. The powerplant is mated to the DirectShift-10 automatic transmission.\nLexus did not provide any performance figures for the topless LC 500, but we figure the century sprint time should be a touch slower than the Coupe due to the added weight.\u00a0\nThe Japanese luxury brand is quick to point out that no electronic sound generation is used for the engine note. Instead, a specifically-designed sound pipe sends the engine roar into the cabin through a diaphragm.\nA computer-controlled valve also actively controls the exhaust back-pressure, while optimising exhaust tone and volume at higher engine speeds.\nAs for safety, Lexus Safety System+ comes as standard on the LC 500 Convertible, which includes a whole suite of advanced safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Intelligent High Beams.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar is looking to launch the SVR version of the \nF-Type\n\u00a0at the Geneva Motor Show, a few days after its sales brochure was leaked online. The SVR moniker represents a product from Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s Special Vehicle Operations department, and the F-Type is the\u00a0second vehicle after the \nRange Rover Sport\n to receive the exclusive treatment.\nAs the brochure reads, the \n5.0-litre V8\n\u00a0produces\u00a0\n567 hp\n with \n700 Nm of torque\n, a slight increase of 25 hp and 20 Nm of torque over the standard F-Type V8. Mated with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, power is delivered to all wheels.\n \n \nIt\u2019s not surprising to see performance improvements in the SVR cars. This F-Type SVR smashes the century sprint in just\u00a0\n3.7 seconds\n; about 0.4 seconds quicker over the standard and already brutal F-Type V8. The\u00a0F-Type SVR is also capable of hitting a top speed of\u00a0\n320km/h\n;\n\u00a0\n22km/h faster than the standard V8. That said, the F-Type SVR is now Jaguar\u2019s fastest car, succeeding the F-Type \nProject 7\n.\nApart from performance upgrades, the F-Type SVR, available in both coupe and convertible forms, will receive aerodynamic improvements as well. This includes a more glaring rear diffuser, a large front spoiler and a rear spoiler that improves downforce by\u00a0reducing lift of up to 80 percent. The SVR also receives lightweight components in the form of carbon ceramic brakes, titanium exhaust and\u00a0forged aluminium wheels, saving up to 43kg over the standard F-Type.\nThe brochure also indicates that the convertible will only top out at 310 km/h instead of the 320 km/h achievable with the coupe. Despite all this, pricing for both cars have yet to be revealed, and it will certainly cost more than the standard F-Type V8 which costs RM1,158,888 in Malaysia. But the bigger question is, will it arrive in Malaysia? Seeing how two prime examples of the\n F-Type Project 7\n made it to our shores last year, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia may just introduce their first ever SVR car here. Fingers crossed!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi\n Motors has been teasing its upcoming compact SUV for quite a while now, but we\u2019re now finally getting a firm launch date. Based on the \nMitsubishi XFC Concept\n it unveiled last year, the all-new Mitsubishi compact SUV will be making its official debut at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), which will be open to the public from \nAugust 11-20\n this year. Pre-orders for the car have also been opened on \nMitsubishi Motors Indonesia\u2019s official site\n.\nMitsubishi XFC Concept\nThe new compact SUV is widely rumoured to be the successor of the \nMitsubishi ASX\n, although it has yet to be confirmed whether the upcoming SUV will continue to carry the ASX name just yet. What we do know is that the upcoming SUV is a five-seater B-segment SUV, and will rival the likes of the \nHonda HR-V\n, \nToyota Yaris Cross\n, as well as the \nChery Omoda 5\n which will be launched in Malaysia next week.\nAnd before you ask, yes \u2013 there is already a \nsecond-gen Mitsubishi ASX\n in the European market, but that model is essentially a rebadged Renault Captur.\nMitsubishi describes the new compact SUV as stylish yet robust, all while being practical with ample interior and storage spaces. The Japanese carmaker also says that it\u2019s specifically designed for the ASEAN market, with specific design considerations and tunings to handle our local environment, be it rough surfaces or flooded roads.\nAccording to Mitsubishi Motors president and chief executive officer, Takao Kato, however, the model will also be introduced to other markets, with a hybrid variant also already on the cards.\nRELATED: \nHere\u2019s your first look at the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Triton \u2013 global debut on 26 July\nThe design of the rumoured ASX successor, in particular its exterior, is said to look very much like the XFC Concept headlined by a modern reinterpretation of Mitsubishi\u2019s signature Dynamic Shield front fascia, and the new T-shaped lighting signature for both its head- and tail-lights.\nWe still don\u2019t know much about its interior just yet, but Mitsubishi recently confirmed that it\u2019ll feature a Yamaha Dynamic Sound audio system that promises a \u201cpremium and immersive sound experience.\u201d\nAs for performance, rumours suggest that the new XFC-based compact SUV will be built on the same chassis as the Mitsubishi Xpander. Does that mean it\u2019ll be powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) engine too? We will have to wait and see.\nREAD MORE: \nMitsubishi XFC Concept gives us a taste of how the next-gen ASX will look like!"
"The premium mid-sized SUV segment is a cruel space to compete in. From the \naffordable luxury\n \nMercedes-Benz GLC 200\n to the fully decked out \nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus\n, BMW Malaysia will have to up their ante to survive. Here are Things You Need To Know about the \nall-new BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury in Malaysia\n:\nPriced at RM320k on-the-road without insurance (estimated), the G01 X3 is available in a sole Luxury trim. Under the hood you\u2019ll find a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder paired to an eight-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive, giving it the \nxDrive30i badge\n. The petrol engine dishes out \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, enough to send the X3 from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.3 seconds\n and a limited top speed of \n240 km/h\n.\nCustomers who purchased a BMW X3 through authorised BMW dealers are taken care of with a \n5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 5-Years/100,000 km Free Scheduled Service\n, 2-Year/24 Month Tyre Warranty, Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, \nBMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App\n, BMW White Card membership and BMW Service Online.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury (Glacier Silver) Launch   BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury (Terra Brown) Press Photo"
"Tan Chong Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia has just announced that the company will be providing 150 units of the \nRenault Captur\n to \nGoCar\n, Malaysia\u2019s leading on-demand car-sharing platform.\nThe collaboration was announced at a handover ceremony at the Renault showroom in Petaling Jaya where TCEC handed over the first 50 units of Captur to GoCar. The remaining 100 units will be fulfilled in the coming months. This addition brings the GoCar fleet to 450 units compromising of other models such as Nissan X-Gear, Almera and Grand Livina.\nCEO of TCEC, Kuan Kim Luen said, \u201cRenault Captur is the perfect embodiment of 120 years of Renault know-how and technical expertise including breakthroughs like turbocharging and excellent efficiency. Through this collaboration with GoCar, we hope to offer more opportunities for Malaysians to experience a crossover model that has been Europe\u2019s segment leader for many years.\u201d\nThe locally-assembled Captur is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch automatic (EDC) pushing out \n120 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque. Europe\u2019s best-selling compact crossover features a vibrant two-tone paint job, excellent fuel efficiency and safety rating.\n\u201cThe fashionable yet sporty Renault Captur is an excellent choice for GoCar members. Its stylish and vibrant exterior adds a distinct French flair to our fleet while its impressive equipment and features deliver enjoyable driving performance in addition to offering comprehensive safety features,\u201d said CEO of GoCar Mobility Sdn Bhd, Alan Cheah.\nIn conjunction with the Renault Captur joining its fleet, GoCar is offering new users RM30 off the Captur with a minimum booking of 10 hours through the special promo code \u2018\nGOCARCAPTUR\n\u2019. The Renault Captur is offered on the GoCar app at a rate of RM18.90 per hour, RM189 daily, RM1,323 weekly or RM5,670 for a month.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRenault Captur CKD Launch in Malaysia"
"NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are undeniably the hottest thing on the internet right now. And when there\u2019s money to be made, everyone naturally wants a piece of the pie \u2013 even carmakers are joining in the fanfare, including \nVolkswagen Malaysia\n and \nLamborghini themselves\n.\nWith the virtually unending ocean of NFTs out there, you\u2019ve got to do something pretty special to catch the attention of the rich art-loving techbros. For conceptual artist Shl0ms, that apparently meant blowing up a perfectly good \nLamborghini Huracan\n into shreds, and then selling the fragments as art.\nImage: Shl0ms/Cryptoland PR via\n Motor1\nAccording to \nFortune\n, the whole process took a team of about 100 people to carry out \u2013 from transporting the car to an empty desert, rigging the explosives, to on-site camera work \u2013 all for the sweet, sweet taste of digital money.\nThe artist did not disclose the type nor amount of explosives used, but the team clarified to\n \nMotor1\n that an engineering and explosives team was on site to dial everything in to make sure the Lambo shreds were \u201caesthetically pleasing\u201d.\nRELATED: Lamborghini\u2019s \u2018Space Key\u2019 is a piece of carbon fibre that unlocks an NFT art piece\nScreenshot: \nShl0ms/Twitter\nAfter the explosion, the scattered remains were then collected by the team and filmed individually \u2013 it\u2019s these videos that will be eventually sold on the blockchain.\nIn total, Shl0m created 999 individual NFT \u201cartworks\u201d from the explosion as part of the $Car project, ranging from stray camshafts to charred seats. Among those, 888 will be auctioned off as NFTs starting from 0.01 Ether (approx. RM100), while the remaining 111 will be given to the artist\u2019s team and used for an upcoming project.\nThe full video of the Lamborghini Huracan\u2019s demise will be released when the auction goes live tomorrow. But until then, there\u2019s a teaser of the whole stunt on the \nartist\u2019s Twitter page\n.\nScreenshot: \nShl0ms/Twitter\nNow, we can\u2019t say that we understand art, but to us the whole stunt just feels incredibly wasteful, especially when the perfectly functional Lamborghini Huracan itself \u2013 even if used \u2013 would\u2019ve already cost them anywhere between USD200,000 to USD300,000 (approx. RM837k to RM1.3 million).\nAccording to the \nFortune\n report, Shl0ms said that the $Car project was created to protest the \u201cgreed\u201d surrounding cryptocurrency and NFTs. We imagine that the only reason they actually went ahead with the project is because they felt that they\u2019d make more money than what they would spend on the car itself \u2013 which, \nI dunno\n, sounds quite a bit like \u201cgreed\u201d.\n[H/T: Motor1]"
"Porsche AG has just issued a global recall for the \nsecond-generation Porsche Panamera\n manufactured between 21 March 2016 to 6 December 2018 over a potential electric power steering (EPS) failure. A total of 74,585 units of the Panamera distributed worldwide is affected in this recall.\nThe potential failure is identified to be a software error where the EPS may be unavailable resulting the steering to be unassisted for a limited time. During this time, the car is completely functional but requires more effort to steer due to the lack of power steering assistance.\nTo counter this, Porsche will install updated software for the EPS control unit completely free of charge for its customers. So far, no accidents or casualties have been reported due to the EPS failure. Porsche will contact affected customers to send their Panamera to a Porsche Centre to perform the fix. The software update will take approximately one hour to perform."
"Naza Kia Malaysia has just introduced the latest EX variant to the Optima family, priced at RM139,888 on-the-road without insurance.\nAt the front, the new Optima EX comes with a different, more prominent grill, LED headlamps and fog lights along with LED rear combination tail lights. Powered by a 2.0-litre engine paired to a 6-speed automatic, the new EX sits on 17-inch wheels.\nThe \nfacelifted model\n that debuted in Korea.\nNotable features include an Around View Monitor (AVM) that utilises four cameras positioned in every corner of the car and a 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with seats wrapped in black fabric.\nThe New Optima EX is available in Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl and Platinum Graphite."
"Honda has pulled the wraps off the new fifth-generation Honda CR-V for the American market. The new CR-V features a bolder character, more spacious interior and more importantly, a turbocharged powertrain sourced from the tenth-generation \nHonda Civic\n.\nKnown as the\u00a0\nCompact Recreational Vehicle\n, the CR-V has been fulfilling the needs of SUV-crazy Americans for over two decades. The new CR-V complies with Honda\u2019s current design language, with its aggressive grille, sharper headlights, and the Type-R inspired bumpers and body panels. The rear\u2019s double exhaust tips, chrome plate finishing and angular taillights portray\u00a0excitement compared to the predecessor\u2019s uninspired looks.\nHonda is also debuting its first ever\u00a0\nAutomatic Shutter Grille System\n and\u00a0\nHands-Free Access Power Tailgate\n system. The former reduces aerodynamic drag while the latter uses foot-activated sensor to open\u00a0the tailgate.\nThe new CR-V also embraces turbocharging for the first time. It gets the \nCivic\u2019s 1.5-litre forced inducted unit\n that develops\u00a0\n190 hp at 5,600 rpm\n and \n243 Nm of torque\n\u00a0from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. In case you prefer a larger displacement engine, there\u2019s the 2.4-litre DOHC direct injected unit as an option as well. That lump, which is a carryover from the predecessor, makes 184 hp at 6,400 rpm and 244 Nm at\u00a03,900 rpm.\nOnly the \nseven-speed EarthDreams Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\n is offered for all CR-Vs. As before, a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive variant will be available.\nBeing the experts in interior packaging, the new CR-V promises superior cabin\u00a0space and best rear legroom in its class. Creature comforts comprise of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate controls, electronic parking brake, rear USB charging ports, electronic seats and so on. Despite its improved interior space (thanks to the new model\u2019s longer wheelbase), the new CR-V remains strictly a \nfive-seater\n.\nSafety in the CR-V is reinforced with the inclusion of \nHonda Sensing\n across all CR-V variants, minus\u00a0the entry-level variant. The kit includes Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). Also part of the package are Blind Spot Information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) and Auto High Beam (HSS) headlights.\nSo there you have it, an SUV with a much-improved interior spacing, first in class safety, and a new turbocharged engine. It\u2019s only a matter of time before we get our hands on the CR-V. But until then, how will this appeal to you, dear readers?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019ve heard of countries harnessing electricity and reselling them but have you heard of using the electricity from your electric vehicle to pay for parking? Well, you can now do just that at the recently opened Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama.\nA world\u2019s first; electric car owners will be able to \ndischarge power from their EV\u2019s battery pack to pay for parking\n while at the Nissan Pavilion. The temporary exhibition space will be open from the 1st of August till 23rd October 2020.\n\u201cThe Pavilion is a place where customers can see, feel, and be inspired by our near-future vision for society and mobility,\u201d said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. \u201cAs the world shifts to electric mobility, EVs will be integrated into society in ways that go beyond just transportation.\u201d\nAlso at the exhibition, visitors can lounge at the Nissan Chaya Cafe which operates on power supplied by the Nissan Leaf and solar energy. As for the entire 100,000 sq ft exhibition centre, it\u2019s supplied by renewable hydroelectric power.\nWhile at the Pavilion, visitors can also get up-close and test drive the \nfully electric Nissan Ariya crossover launched recently\n and participate in virtual tennis matches with Nissan\u2019s ambassador, Naomi Osaka. Naomi Osaka won the US Open in 2018 and the Australian Open in 2019. Visitors will also get to experience the thrill of Formula E electric street racing via virtual reality.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, click\n here\n.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has managed to further lower the price point of the \nG12 BMW 740Le xDrive plug-in \nhybrid LCI \ndespite the upgraded tech, enhanced safety systems and a new 3.0-litre in-line 6 mill. Now priced at RM594,800 (OTR without insurance), the refreshed 7er is a whopping RM64k cheaper than its \nequivalent rival\n.\n \nOut goes the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, now replaced by the B58 3.0-litre in-line 6 turbo petrol for a more refined driving experience. Coupled with the eDrive electric motor, the 740Le xDrive PHEV has a combined output of \n394 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of twist.\nIn the midlife cycle\nupdate of the G11/G12 BMW 7 Series, the designers took on customer\u2019s feedback\nthat they want more road presence from their luxury limousine which resulted in\nthe enlarged kidney grille, a taller hood (+50 mm) and sharper lower bumper."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the 2020 C200 AMG Line priced at RM251,587 on-the-road without insurance. The updated C200 AMG Line will replace the previous 1.5-litre EQ Boost Hybrid facelift model introduced at the end of 2018.\nUnder the hood now is a 2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged engine making \n204 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n and is paired to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.1 seconds, onwards to 250 km/h. Compared to the \nG20 320i Sport\n launched last year, the C200 makes \n20 hp more\n with the same amount of torque and interestingly, with the same 0 to 100 km/h time.\nThe exterior of the 2020 C200 bears plenty of resemblance to the model it replaces. You get the same radiator grille design, while front and rear bumpers resemble the C300 from the facelift model. As for the 18-inch wheels, it\u2019s the same design found in the \nA Class sed\nan launched in June last year.\n Still, it\u2019s a \nhuge step up from the C200 AMG Line we had back in 2018\n.\nInside, the dashboard and centre console sports the same interior design from before, unlike \nthe new A-Class\n that comes with a single strip for the air con controls. Among the notable items on board include a Nappa leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a 12.3 infotainment display, a 10.25 digital instrument cluster, roller sun blinds for the rear windows and open pore Oak wood trims.\nIn keeping with the times, the C200 AMG Line gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and two USB ports at the rear. Also available is the Mercedes me connect feature that allows one owner to register multiple Mercedes-Benz under one account to monitor various parameters of the car. Users of the connected car service can lock/unlock, start the car, monitor the car\u2019s brake pad wear, fuel level and so on through the app.\nAs for safety, the 2020 C200 seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking and blind spot assist. With the EaseProtect Financing plan, the C200 AMG Line can be \nyours from RM2,988 per month\n. The figure is based on a 5-year tenure and downpayment of approximately 20%. It also comes with comprehensive motor insurance along with rim and tyre insurance for the first year of ownership.\nFor the latest price list of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Toyota is set to debut an all-new 1.5-litre petrol engine which will power the next Yaris supermini that will be sold in Europe. The new engine is expected to meet both the Euro 6c and the\n\u00a0\nRDE (Real Driving Emission) homologation standards.\nThe four-cylinder mill is part of the\n ESTEC (Economy with Superior Thermal Efficient Combustion) \nfamily, replacing the outgoing 1.3-litre petrol engine. Its output of \n111 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n\u00a0isn\u2019t impressive by any margin, but it is about 0.8 seconds quicker to the 100km/h mark. But that\u2019s not its USP.\nJust like their critically acclaimed hybrid engines, the new 1.5-litre motor achieves a class-leading thermal efficiency value of\u00a0\n38.5 percent\n. Compression ratio is also rather high \u2013 \n13.5:1 \n\u2013 and was\u00a0made possible thanks to a new cooled \nexhaust gas recirculation system (EGR)\n. Together with a new \nvariable inlet valve timing system (VVT-iE)\n, the engine is capable of alternating between Otto and Atkinson cycles, which greatly improve fuel efficiency, even as much as 12 percent!\nAnother new feature is the\u00a0\nwater-cooled exhaust manifold\n, with the Yaris being the first Toyota car to receive it. This brings down exhaust gas temperature, allowing the engine to run with a better\u00a0fuel mixture. This also contributes to fuel efficiency and emissions."
"After what felt like\n almost\n an \neternity \nof rumours,\n Mazda\n has now finally confirmed that the next-generation \nMX-5\n roadster will be electrified, according to a report by \nMotorTrend\n.\nThe confirmation is light on details, and we\u2019re still not sure what \u201celectrified\u201d truly entails \u2013 whether it\u2019ll be a mild-hybrid, hybrid, or fully electric. Mazda did \npreviously announce\n its collaboration with Rohm Semiconductor and Envision AESC to develop electric motors and batteries that aligns with Mazda\u2019s \u201cjoy of driving\u201d brand essence, so we could possibly see the first offsprings of those collaborations here on the next-gen Mazda MX-5.\nThe move to electrify the Mazda MX-5 roadster is in line with the company\u2019s overall direction, which will see the Japanese marque\u2019s entire line-up be electrified through \u201cmultiple electrification technologies\u201d by 2030, ahead of reaching end-to-end carbon neutrality by 2050.\nConsidering the Mazda MX-5\u2019s M.O., though, we think that a mild-hybrid approach \u2013 \nfirst rumoured back in 2021\n \u2013 seems most likely here. The Mazda MX-5 is known for its lightweight, no-frills thrill, and a large battery pack for a hybrid or full-electric drivetrain could lead to an excessive increase in weight and cost.\nREAD MORE: \nMazda to kill pure ICE \u2013 Hybrid and EV only by 2030\nMotortrend\n reports that the electrified next-gen Mazda MX-5 will be launched as soon as 2025. As for clues on how it\u2019ll look, the\n Vision Study Model\n, unveiled end of last year, will likely donate some \u2013 if not all \u2013 of its styling influences to the production model.\nThe fourth-generation (ND) Mazda MX-5 is powered by a naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre engine, sending \n181 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels, ideally via a six-speed manual transmission. The Retractable Fastback (RF) variant of the roadster was \nmost recently updated here in Malaysia\n with Mazda\u2019s Kinetic Posture Control torque distribution system, and is now priced from \nRM276,200\n."
"It\u2019s finally here, the new Toyota Camry, and it\u2019s charging a different ballgame altogether this time around. No longer wanting to live under the shadows of its competitors, the Camry is now offered in three trims, and they all bag some really serious surprises \u2013 a word that that\u2019s very rarely associated to the Camry nameplate.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Camry 2.0E\nToyota Camry 2.0G\nToyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid\nEngine\n1,998cc; DOHC with VVT-iW\n1,998cc; DOHC with VVT-iW\n2,494cc; DOHC with VVT-i & ACIS\nTransmission\n6-speed auto Super ECT\n6-speed auto Super ECT\nE-CVT\nMax Power\n165 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n165 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n158 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n199 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\n199 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\n213 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\nHybrid Motor Output; Battery type\n\u2013\n\u2013\n141 hp & 270 Nm; NiMH\nFuel Consumption\n7.3 litres per 100km\n7.3 litres per 100km\n5.2 litres per 100km\nPrice (OTR with insurance & GST)\nRM149,900\nRM159,900\nRM174,900\nBandied as the new Camry instead of a facelift, the popular D-Segment sedan gets an entirely new front face with a touch of changes round the body as well. The changes, as we all have come to know, aren\u2019t just aesthetics, because it\u2019s mechanically superior too when compared to the outgoing model.\nAs per the table above, the Camry is now offered in three flavours \u2013 the base \n2.0E\n, \n2.0G\n and range topping \n2.5L Hybrid\n.\nEXTERIOR\nSay what you may, but we think the new Camry\u2019s front fascia is a far departure from the model launched in 2012. Its design is inspired by Toyota\u2019s \n\u2018Under Priority\u2019\n design philosophy, bestowing the Camry with an evidently better road presence. Telling the hybrid from the non-hybrid variants apart can be easily done through their front grille. The Hybrid variant gets a mesh-type grille, whereas the E- and G-spec variants get horizontal-type grilles.   Externally, the non-hybrid Camrys get auto-levelling \nHID projector lamps\n with integrated \nLED daytime running lights\n as standard. Chrome bits are aplenty around the car, and the E/G spec are the only ones with dual exhaust tips. The Hybrid gets just one. This comes equipped with a new set of \n16-inch wheels\n wrapped with 215/60 series tyres.\nFor the hybrid, its signal indicators aren\u2019t built into the headlamps, but are integrated into the bumper right next to the fog lamps. Illumination source is \nfull LED\n, and the rear combination lamps get a blue tint to further set itself apart. This top-of-the-range variant sits on a larger \n17-inch alloy\n wheels fitted with 215/55 profile\u00a0Bridgestone Turanza ER33 tyres.\nINTERIOR\nLike the \nrecently updated Vios\n, all variants of the new Camry get a \nblack themed interior\n. Toyota says this is so to appeal to younger customers, as is the trend with many D-Segment sedans of late. Keyless entry and push-start system is made standard across the range as well.   The only variant to get fabric seats is the base 2.0E Camry, whereas the rest get upholstered in a combination of \nsmooth black leather\n. In seat adjustments, the E-spec gets a 6-way manual adjuster and 4-way for the front passenger, whereas the G-spec and Hybrid both get \n8-way power adjustable\n driver and passenger seats.\nGreeting the driver is a new instrument panel featuring the brand\u2019s \nOptitron meters\n sourced from Lexus. The combination of a blue background and white wordings have said to improve visual clarity under most lighting conditions. Built in between the meters is a\n 4.2-inch\n \nmulti info display\n, feeding the driver with gear, shift range, warning messages, fuel consumption and temperature information.\nThe Hybrid variant gets a \u2018Nanoe Ioniser\u2019, a feature releasing nano-sized electrostatic atomised water particles from the driver\u2019s side air-cond vent that moisturises the hair and skin! Other exclusive features include a Qi-compatible wireless charging tray like the one in the \nLexus NX\n, \n10-speaker JBL sound system\n with 5.1 surround sound\u00a0(2.0L variants get six speakers) and a 7-inch touchscreen with DVD, MP3, USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. MirrorLink is also available here, which enables your smartphone\u2019s display to be shown and operated through the screen.\nPERFORMANCE\nThis is where things get interesting, and complex too. The \n2.0-litre\n inline-four engine in the E/G variants is a new 6AR-FSE unit, making a respectable \n165 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n199 Nm\n of torque at 4,600 rpm. This advanced unit can operate in both Atkinson or Otto cycle, depending on current driving condition.\nThe former cycle is optimised for fuel efficiency, whereas Otto cycle is geared for better power delivery. In short, the new AR engine gets the best of both worlds. Tasked with driving the front wheels is a \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n with Super ECT and Sequential Shifter. No more four-speeder \u2018box here. It\u2019s got a 70 litre fuel tank, whereas the Hybrid makes do with a smaller 65 litre tank.\nNow, the Camry Hybrid is powered by a \n2.5-litre four-cylinder VVT-i\n engine paired to \ntwo intelligent electric motors\n. This pairing produces a total system output of \n203 hp\n (158 hp engine, 141 hp electric motor) and torque numbers are \n213 Nm\n for the engine and \n270 Nm\n from the electric motor.\nIt\u2019s also a full hybrid like the Prius, meaning propulsion can be obtained from just the electric motors below the 40 km/h mark. Also to note, Toyota Malaysia is giving an \neight-year assurance\n with \nunlimited mileage\n programme for the NiMH battery pack. Drivetrain option is an \nE-CVT box\n, also driving the front wheels only.\nSAFETY\nThe safety kit may not be as impressive and extensive as the others, and the absence of VSC in the previous model caused quite a stir. Standard safety features are ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. Front and rear parking sensors too, if that counts for something. The 2.0G and Hybrid variants will get VSC and Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal, so yes, the RM150k base model will still not come with VSC.\nAnother active safety feature is the Blind Spot Monitoring system that\u2019s exclusive to the Hybrid, as with the seven airbag count. The 2.0L variants have just two front airbags.\nWHAT ELSE?\nLet\u2019s start with the pricing. The new Camry starts from \nRM149,900\n for the 2.0E; \nRM159,900\n for the 2.0G and \nRM174,900\n for the 2.5L Hybrid. All prices are \ninclusive of GST\n and \ninsurance\n. There are \nfive colours\n to choose from \u2013 Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, White Pearl CS and a new shade called the Grey Metallic. Just so you know, the Camry Hybrid, if without its EEV incentives, should be priced around RM250k, and this EEV qualification will expire at the end of this year.\nAll Camry models including the advanced Hybrid variant will be assembled at Toyota\u2019s Shah Alam assembly plant, and Toyota aims to sell \n9,000 units\n of the Camry by this year\u2019s end, 7,000 units of which will be the Camry Hybrid. That\u2019s more than 75 percent of their total sales projection!\nThe new Camry will be on display at the Sunway Pyramid shopping centre from 3 to 5 April, so be sure to head on down to catch the car in person! Otherwise, keep a lookout for our \nFirst Look\n video of the hot new D-Segment sedan which will be uploaded tomorrow.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Toyota Camry 2.5L Hybrid   2015 Toyota Camry 2.0G"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM)\n today officially launched the \nXC40 Recharge T5\n, the plug-in hybrid variant of the compact SUV here in Malaysia. With the launch of the new variant, the entire VCM model line-up has now been completely electrified, with PHEV variants available for every Volvo model on sale here in Malaysia.\nLocally-assembled at Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia\u2019s plant in Shah Alam, the new PHEV XC40 is priced at \nRM241,997\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions (100%). This puts the new Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 at an approximately RM10k over the \nnon-PHEV T5 variant\n, which now goes for RM231,651.\nEXTERIOR\nSimilar to the existing T5 variant, The new XC40 Recharge T5 variant is also dressed in the same sportier trim R-Design trim, which includes the blacked-out front grille, door mirrors, side windows, skid plates, alongside the two-tone roof painted in Black Stone.\nIn terms of exterior features, the PHEV XC40 is also similarly equipped to the petrol-powered T5 variant, with standard features such as:\nFull-LED headlamps with Active High Beam and Active Bending Lights\nLED daytime-running lights with iconic \u201cThor\u2019s hammer\u201d signature\nLED combination tail lamps, fog lamps\n19-inch five-double-spoke alloy wheels with matte black diamond cut accents\nIntegrated roof rails\nFive exterior colour options: Crystal White Pearl, Bursting Blue Metallic, Black Stone, Coral Red Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic\nTo differentiate between the PHEV and non-PHEV siblings, the XC40 Recharge T5 comes with an additional charging port on the left front fender, while a Recharge emblem is emblazoned on the C-pillars. At the rear, the PHEV XC40\u2019s rear bumpers are also devoid of any integrated exhaust exits.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is powered by a \n1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine,\n paired to a single electric motor sandwiched between the engine and \nseven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission\n.\nEngine max rated output: 180 hp, 265 Nm\nElectric motor max rated output: 82 hp, 160 Nm\nTotal combined system max horsepower: 262 hp @ 5,800 rpm\nTotal combined system max torque: 425 Nm @ 1,500-3,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 7.3 seconds\nTop speed: 180 km/h (electrically-limited)\nJust like the T5, the Malaysian-specification XC40 Recharge T5 is also equipped with the sports chassis as standard. However, due to the placement of the electric motor, drive from the powertrain is only sent to the front wheels, instead of all four wheels like the existing petrol-powered T5.\nJuiced by a 10.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 boasts a 44 km pure electric driving range from one single charge, and can be recharged with the onboard 3.7 kW AC charger in three hours (five hours using a regular 2.3 kW wall socket).\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is also similarly equipped to the petrol-powered T5 version. Standard equipment include:\n9.0-inch Sensus Connect infotainment touchscreen; Android Auto, Apple CarPlay\nEight-speaker, 250-watt audio system\nWireless mobile phone charging pad\nR-Design sports front seats, power adjustable with driver\u2019s side memory function\nLeather/Nubuck upholstery\nDual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Zone\nPower-operated tailgate with hands-free operation\nSAFETY AND CONVENIENCE\nIn terms of safety, the XC40 Recharge T5 is equipped with Volvo\u2019s Intellisafe advanced driver assistance suite, with features including:\nCity Safety suite (collision avoidance and mitigation with intersection support)\nDriver Alert Control\nLane Keeping Aid\nRun-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection\nOncoming Lane Mitigation\nBlind Spot Information System with Steer Assist\nCross Traffic Alert with Autobrake\nAdaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist\nPark Assist (front & rear)\nOther standard equipment on the PHEV XC40 include seven airbags as standard, alongside the passive safety systems such as Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the new Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is priced at RM241,997 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exceptions\n. Included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage factory warranty, alongside an eight-year/160,000 km PHEV battery warranty.\nThe Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is now available for booking in Malaysia, either online via the website linked \nhere\n, or at all Volvo authorised dealerships nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"The day was sunny and the track was dry; perfect conditions for what UMW Toyota had in stored for us that day. The itinerary was split into three that day; three test drives involving two cars \u2013 the \nGR Yaris\n and the \nnew Vios GRS\n \u2013 on the Sepang International Circuit.\nSold out almost immediately\n after it was launched, there\u2019s much to be jealous of when you see one of the 130-odd units allocated for Malaysia. After just three laps in the hot hatch around the 5.5 km circuit, it was enough for us to conclude that it\u2019s truly something special \u2013 it\u2019s every bit a rally car for the road.\n \nIt was engaging, it was lively and the sense of connection you get with the car just keeps you on your feet. Plenty of traction it may have, but it\u2019s also eager to go sideways with the slightest misbehaving.\nAnd that sound; whoever thought a 3-cylinder could sound so good, howling at the top of its voice. We didn\u2019t manage to hit 6th gear but the shifts on the manual gearbox were short and clunky \u2013 every gearshift felt like the perfect handshake.\nThe Vios GRS on the other hand, was a completely different experience. It did not have the muscle of the GR Yaris, nor did it have the all-wheel drive traction of the hot hatch but it\u2019s possibly the best handling, factory Vios to date.\nThe most interesting addition to the car had to be the CVT gearbox with 10 virtual ratios. You can just hear the \u201cgears shift\u201d prominently, especially on the long straight, as if it was Volkswagen\u2019s DSG dual-clutch gearbox.\nTo sum up, it\u2019s a CVT gearbox with the sensations of an automatic gearbox but the benefits of a CVT gearbox. Now you must be wondering, does it really sound like a DSG? Watch the video and be the judge."
"BFGoodrich\n, a Michelin tyre subsidiary, has unveiled the g-Force Phenom T/A here in Malaysia, a new ultra-high performance (UHP) tyre that promises \u201cunparalleled performance at a phenomenal value\u201d. The new UHP tyre will be offered in a total of 25 sizes ranging from \n16- to 20-inches in diameter\n, which BFGoodrich says covers the \u201cmajority of the Malaysia market\u201d.\nThe new BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A is based on the Performance Racing Core construction, which the company says helps maintain an optimal footprint shape during cornering, thus resulting in better handling performance, as well as better traction at off-the-line launches and hard braking situations.\nThe tyre\u2019s Ulti-Grip technology, which includes the new wide circumferential rain grooves, help evacuate water quickly to increase tyre-to-road contact, resulting in better handling and braking performance during wet weather driving.\nRound the sides, the larger solid shoulder blocks not only improves handling feel around the corners, but also help maintain a consistent performance level throughout the tyre\u2019s life. The lateral groove dampers, meanwhile, help reduce the tyre noise, resulting in a more comfortable drive inside the cockpit, despite the tyre\u2019s performance credentials.\nThe new BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A tyres are now available at authorised dealerships across the nation, with prices ranging from \nRM500 to RM1,300\n. A six-year warranty covers the tyre against defects in design, workmanship, and materials. A full listing of sizes are available on BFGoodrich\u2019s website, linked\n here\n.\nRELATED:\n BFGoodrich Advantage Touring launched in Malaysia \u2013 13 to 20 inches for all vehicle types"
"Following the government\u2019s announcement of the \nsales tax exemptions\n for both locally-assembled and fully-imported vehicles, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has now released a revised price list which will go into effect from 15th June to 31st December 2020.\nThe revised price list features price reductions ranging between \n1.1% to 3.3%\n, with the highest reduction being RM9,485 (3.1%) on the \nfully-imported Volkswagen Golf R\n. For the full breakdown on the revised retail price on all Volkswagen models available, do refer to the table below.\nIn terms of percentage changes, the locally-assembled \nPassat Elegance \ncomes in highest at 3.3% \u2013 a RM6,134 reduction. Meanwhile, the \nBeetle Sport\n does not see a reduction in price.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cWe are always working towards making German engineering affordable to Malaysians. This good news translates to more savings for car buyers and offers a much-needed boost to the automotive sector made that has been dormant during the Movement Control Order.\u201d\nThe new \nVolkswagen Passat Elegance.\nAside from the price reductions, customers can also enjoy other ongoing Volkswagen promotions, such as \nsix-months free instalment for the Tiguan\n registered by the 30th June, as well as other exclusive online rebates on the \nVolkswagen eShowroom\n. Customers located within 20km of their preferred dealerships can also have their \nnew car delivered right to their door step\n for free.\nAs before, all Volkswagen models come with a three-year free maintenance package, along with a five-year manufacturer\u2019s warranty, and five-year complimentary roadside assistance.\nFor more information on the revised price lists from other brands during the sales tax exemption period, do check out our posts \nhere\n \u2013 we\u2019ll continuously update as we get them!"
"As we move closer and closer into the future where sentient robots take over the driving of our cars, carmakers seem to think that our cars should really not be \u201ccars\u201d anymore, or at least as we know it anyway. Instead, they seem to all trend towards the idea of moving living room on wheels; \nmost\n large \ncarmakers\n have \nalready\n shown off such a concept one way or another, and now it\u2019s Mini\u2019s turn with its new Vision Urbanaut concept.\nThe Mini Vision Urbanaut is a digitally-rendered concept vehicle that the company says is an \u201call-new interpretation of a vision of space\u201d. Just as any other concept vehicles ever made, the press release is filled to the brim with hyperboles such at those; the one above is just a mere teaser of what\u2019s to come \u2013 so be forewarned.\nSimilar to any Mini models these day, the Vision Urbanaut also comes at a relatively small size with short overhangs, along with the the same cute cheerful look to it. But that\u2019s about where the similarities end, aside from the Union Jack-inspired taillights.\nSpeaking of lights, both the head and taillights are embedded deep within a milled aluminium structure, and are only visible when switched on. It\u2019s illuminated by what Mini calls \u201cmulticolour dynamic matrix\u201d, which basically uses the lights to display various multi-coloured graphics, creating a \u201cnew form of communication between the car and the outside world\u201d to suit each \u2018moment\u2019 \u2013 more on that later.\nEven the wheels are also illuminated, and displays different graphics depending on the \u2018moment\u2019 again. The entire wheel \u2013 including the tyres \u2013 are finished in Ocean Wave, a turquoise blue which \u201csparks associations with the beach and the sound of the sea\u201d.\nThe side panels of the Mini Vision Urbanaut is completely seamless, with the Zero Gravity seafoam-like colour extending and fading away well into the glasshouse. MINI says that this creates a \u201charmonious transition\u201d from body to windows and roof, while also providing privacy without having to tint the windows \u2013 thus ensuring the interior remains bright.\nOnto the \u2018moment\u2019 thing \u2013 The Vision Urbanaut will let the occupants choose between three \u201ccurated\u201d Gen-Z-licious moods \u2013 \u201cChill\u201d, \u201cWanderlust\u201d and \u201cVibe\u201d, which will alter the set-up of the cabin including the seat positions, lighting and graphics, music and even fragrance.\nThe Mini moments are activated by a \u201cMini Token\u201d (see image above), which the occupants have to put it into a slot under the table of the car. There\u2019s also a \u201cMy Mini Token\u201d, which is basically a user-programmable mode where you\u2019ll be able set your own \u201cmood\u201d, so to speak.\nYes \u2013 there\u2019s a table in the cabin, as well as swivelling front seats, and a flexible rear seating set-up. The dashboard can be folded down into a daybed, where the dashboard can also open upwards into a Street Balcony window. At the rear of the cabin is what Mini calls the \u201cCosy Corner\u201d, which can be transformed into various seating and lying positions where the occupants can \u201cenjoy some time to themselves\u201d.\nIf it still isn\u2019t abundantly clear yet, all of these \u201cvisionary\u201d space ideas can only be achieved thanks to the skateboard EV platform, and autonomous driving. Mini skipped any mention of the technical specifications \u2013 probably because it\u2019s still a far-fetched imaginary concept, but you probably wouldn\u2019t bother anyway since the car will be driving itself most of the time.\nWe\u2019re unsure if this is the right direction cars should be heading towards, but hey \u2013 the world consists of more than just us, the driving enthusiasts. We could possibly see a use case of a vehicle like this for camping purposes, but let\u2019s just skip the hyperbolic PR speech next time, OK?\nGALLERY"
"Following the tragic passing of the late and great Mr \nTetsuya Oda\n, former CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the company went on to appoint then Senior VP, Mr \nWon-Chul YANG\n as their \nnew CEO\n effective 12 February 2015.\nMr Tetsuya Oda-san (left most) posing at the launch of \nMitsubishi ASX Designer Edition \nYANG is no stranger to the automotive industry, having served \nover 20 years\n in Japan and Korea before joining MMM. During his tenure as Senior VP, the head of Strategic Planning and Coordination helped achieve a milestone launch of the \nlocally assembled Mitsubishi ASX\n \u2013 the Japanese brand\u2019s \nfirst ever CKD\n model.\nMMM\u2019s Board Chairman, Tan Sri Marzuki bin Mohd Noor said, \u201cWe believe that YANG\u2019S strong automotive experience, passion and commitment towards Mitsubishi Motors will continue to drive the Mitsubishi Motors brand and company in Malaysia to the next level, building on the solid foundation and growth achieved.\u201d\nAs the new CEO, YANG\u2019s first priority is to continue building Mitsubishi Motors\u2019 network and ensuring that the brand will always strive to maintain innovative and competitive products and services in Malaysia.\nOda-san was pronounced dead after he was hit by a one-tonne lorry in the wee hours of the morning whilst jogging."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has just launched the all-new fully-imported (CBU) 2023 \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n (X254) today, introducing a single-variant line-up that consists of the mild hybrid (MHEV) GLC 300 4MATIC with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The price of the single-variant 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is \nRM429,888\n.\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nWhile the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC is now an all-new model, the design change is more of an evolution of the X253 generation rather than a radical all-new look. The front end has been given a redesign, now sporting a bigger grille and sleeker headlights.\nAt the back, the GLC SUV now gets a bridged taillight design. Their interior has a three-dimensional look, and as an optional extra, they are available with an animation. The rear end also has a simulated chrome underguard, which encases the simulated chrome-look tailpipes.\nKey standard exterior features include:\n20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels\nAMG line exterior\nDIGITAL LIGHT LED High Performance headlamps\nAdaptive Highbeam Assist\nElectrically folding exterior mirrors\nUnderbody protection\nPolished aluminium roofrails\nMirror package\nAluminium look running boards with rubber studs\nWindscreen wipers with rain sensors\nAs for powertrain options, the GLC\u2019s global variant line-up is fully electrified. In its most basic form, the GLC 200 4MATIC (not available in Malaysia) is powered a 2.0-litre inline-4 with mild hybrid (MHEV) assistance. The GLC 300 4MATIC for Malaysia is also powered by an MHEV 2.0-litre turbocharged system, albeit slightly more powerful.\nDetails of the GLC 300 4MATIC\u2019s powertrain are as such:\nEngine: MHEV 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged (M 254)\nMax. Power: \n258 hp\n + \n23 hp\n ISG boost\nMax. Torque: \n400 Nm\n + \n200 Nm\n ISG boost\nTransmission: 9G-Tronic automatic\nDrivetrain: AWD (45:55)\n0-100 km/h: \n6.2 seconds\nTop Speed:\n 240 km/h\nInside, the cabin of the GLC is now more in tune with the current-generation \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n (W206). There is a much larger central screen now and in portrait orientation. Naturally, with the revamped cabin, the GLC also gets the latest steering wheel generation. Standard interior features include:\nAMG Line steering wheel\nAMG Line interior\nArtico man-made leather upholstery\nPower driver seat with memory function\nPower front passenger seat with memory function\nSun protection package\nAmbient lighting with projection of brand logo\n11.9-inch central display\n12.3-inch driver display\nApple CarPlay\nAndroid Auto\nMBUX Augmented reality for navigation\nAs for safety, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 for Malaysia gets passive cruise control, blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, active brake assist, and the brand\u2019s PRE-SAFE system. It also comes with the Parking Package with 360\u00b0 cameras and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.\nGALLERY"
"The Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) is offering\n free parking \nat bays along road shoulders from \ntomorrow until August 31st\n.\nThe decision was announced by Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa in his \nTwitter page\n.\n\u201cI have agreed that all roadside parking within the surrounds of Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur will be FREE,\u201d said the tweet.\n\u201cRoad users do not need to pay and it is hoped that the savings will be used for the purchase of other family essentials,\u201d.\nDBKL implementing new \u201cScramble Crossing\u201d in Bukit Bintang. Check out the creative comments from netizens!\nCurrently, parking rates differ from location to location under the jurisdiction of DBKL, with high-traffic areas such as Bukit Bintang and Jalan Petaling are the highest at RM1.50 hour and the subsequent hour is RM2.50. Users are also discouraged to \u201chog\u201d the parking bay longer than two hours as the payment only allows just two slots of one-hour parking for each transaction. \u00a0\nOuter locales such as housing areas meanwhile can be as low as RM0.80 per hour and offer full-day payment per transaction.\nWill other councils and \u201cmajlis perbandaran\u201d follow suit with this generous directive? We noticed the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) still issue summons for users who could have \u201cforgotten\u201d to pay for their parking, assuming the enforcement team were not working.\nPayment for roadside parking is now easier through smartphone apps, with the \nFlexiparking\n app covering the DBKL and Selangor municipals."
"Making its first appearance here in South East Asia at the \n2019 Malaysia Autoshow,\n Honda Malaysia has taken to stage an\n FK8 Civic Type R\n dressed in the Mugen Concept kit.\nAnd if the Civic Type R in its standard form isn\u2019t loud and shouty enough for you, pray that Honda will eventually make this kit as it is only a concept so far \u2013 used to weigh in on consumer interest.\nFor starters, it wears a dazzling set of 20-inch wheels, carbon fibre grille garnish, a front lip, and super aggressive rear under spoiler. It\u2019s even dressed with a different spoiler.\nElsewhere, the Mugen concept kit also comes with carbon fibre mirro caps, different design for the tail lights, and Mugen scuff plates.\nMugen details on the inside include a Mugen gear knob, some carbon fibre trims by the dashboard and doors while the floor mats are tagged with Mugen badges.\nReligious or not, if you\u2019re digging this Mugen kit, pray to all the gods that Honda deems this kit fit for production \u2013 it could come to Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Racing Development (TRD), the in-house tuning division for Toyota and Lexus models has just released new F Sport Parts for the newly launched \nLexus ES sedan\n. While the kit is called F Sport, it is designed entirely by the guys at TRD.\nStarting from the exterior, the ES now comes with extended front splitters, aerodynamics side mirror covers, side skirts, sports diffuser and sports muffler with quad exit layout. TRD has also introduced new lightweight forged aluminium alloy wheel options measuring at 19- and 20-inch in diameter. The former weighs 9.3 kg per wheel and is shod with 235/45 profile rubbers while the larger wheel tips the scale at 12.2 kg per wheel, wrapped in 245/35 profile tyres on all corners.   20-inch forged aluminium\n \n 19-inch forged aluminium\nThe tuning house claims that the aero kit and new wheels add to the sedan\u2019s high-speed stability and handling yet maintains the ES\u2019 supple ride comfort. The sports mufflers also add a sportier character to the cars exhaust note.\nItems that are not apparent to the naked eye include a set of TRD Member Brace that introduces a more consistent load holding capabilities as well as improved ride comfort. TRD recommends the Member Brace to be installed with the forged aluminium wheel for maximum effect.\nIn Japan, the Aerodynamics Package (all exterior bits) retails for \u00a5636,000 (RM23k) while the alloy wheels will set you back at \u00a5652,000 (RM24k) and \u00a5512,000 (RM18k) for the 19-inch items. Lastly, the TRD Member Brace is priced at \u00a595,000 (RM3.5k).\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus ES 300h with TRD F Sport Parts   20-inch forged aluminium\n \n 19-inch forged aluminium"
"Collaborations are all the rage these days and car manufacturers are no exception to this phenomenon. Simply slap a name with some pop culture influence, \nas Lamborghini did with Supreme\n, and you\u2019d have something that kids of today can relate to and take notice \u2013 as the assumption go at least. As far as I\u2019m concerned, I\u2019m more of a \nBMW M50i xDrive Gran Coupe \u201cKyoto Edition\u201d\n kinda guy.\nLike Lamborghini, BMW has done the same thing but with \nKITH, a New York lifestyle brand\n. The end result is a limited edition \nBMW M4\n Competition with visual enhancements both on the inside and out. There are no performance upgrades on this one although \nall 150 units have found its way to a new home\n.\nWithout further ado, we\u2019ll get to the \nmost interesting bit of the car \u2013 its roof\n. The \u201cKITH\u201d lettering is not merely a sticker nor is it painted on. Instead, it\u2019s actually woven into the roof\u2019s carbon fibre surface!\nAt the front, the BMW roundel gets an additional ring made up of BMW M\u2019s colours \u2013 \nthe first time BMW has ever altered its badge for a collaboration partner\n. Elsewhere, the \u201cKITH\u201d lettering can also be found on the boot lid, the seat headrests, arm rest and the centre console.\nThe limited-edition M4 is available exclusively with Frozen Black, Frozen Dark Silver and Frozen Brilliant White matte paint finishes. The three colours pay homage to the three most popular colours for the BMW E30 M3 back in the day. Inside, the hideous colour combination on the M4\u2019s seats continue with the tri-colour M Carbon bucket seats.\nAside from the car, also launched is a \n96-piece collection of exclusively-designed apparel\n \nand accessories by KITH\n as a result of its collaboration with BMW. We\u2019ve seen them; they\u2019re not very attractive and way too expensive.\nAs for performance figures, everything remains unchanged. You get \n510 hp\n and\n 650 Nm\n from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power is sent solely to the rear wheels, although if you need even more assurance, the M4 Competition can be specified with an all-wheel drive system.\nGALLERY"
"The 400,000th unit of the \nMercedes-Benz G-Class\n has just rolled-off from the production line of the Magna Steyr manufacturing plant in Graz, Austria. The milestone Gelandewagen, or G-wagen for short, is a red G 400 d, delivered to a long-time customer who now owns around 20 G-Wagens!\nThe G-Class came to life in 1972 from a collaboration between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the Austrian city of Graz. Now in its second generation more than 40 years since its market launch, the G-Wagen has become the brand\u2019s longest-produced model in its history.\nMoving forward, Mercedes-Benz says that the G sub-brand\u00a0\u2013 which includes all of the brand\u2019s SUV models \u2013 will play a key role in the company\u2019s \u201cstrategic realignment\u201d, focusing on luxury experience that\u2019s electric, software-driven and sustainable.\u00a0\nTo that end, Mercedes-Benz head of the Off-Road Vehicles division and CEO of Mercedes-Benz G Dr Emmerich Schiller said, \u201cwe\u2019re electrifying this series so the G will have a zero-emissions future, making our icon future-proof.\u201d Yes, you read that right \u2013 the next G-Wagen will be fully electric!\nAside from electrifying the iconic boxy off-roader, Mercedes-Benz has also committed to helping all of its suppliers and partners to become carbon-neutral, including the Magna Steyr manufacturing plant where the G-Wagen is built.\nThe second-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class was unveiled back in 2018. Closer to home, the G 350 d was\n recently launched here in Malaysia\n, with a price tag of \nRM999,888\n (on the road without insurance), making it the only Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offering aside from the top-of-the-range \nMercedes-AMG G 63\n.\nThe Mercedes-Benz G 350 d is powered by the OM656 3.0 litre inline-six cylinder turbo-diesel mill, which makes\u00a0\n286 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n600 Nm\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and a 40:60 torque split transfer case, for a 0-100 km/h time of\u00a0\n7.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\u00a0\n199 km/h\n."
"Following the huge success of the inaugural Toyota Vios Challenge One-Make series at the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Racing Festival last year, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that the Vios Challenge will be back for season two and will commence from August 2018 to April 2019.\nThis year we will see the same three race categories \u2013 Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting. Promotional Class consists of a line up of celebrities with familiar faces including Janna Nick, Diana Danielle, Shawn Lee and Syukri Yahaya. Six new celebrities, Aiman Tino, Khai Bahar, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Akim Ahmad, and Nabil Ahmad will be given training at the Vios Academy before facing the veterans.\nWhile the Vios Challenge will be the main attraction for the TGR Racing Festival, there will also be plenty of fun-filled activities for the visitors and families. Brands such as Toyo Tyres, Denso, TRD Asia, Enkei, Moty\u2019s, Drive M7 Energy Drinks and Toyota Capital Services will make a return as sponsors for Season 2.\nThe Vios Challenge will follow the same four race format at different locations around Peninsular Malaysia with confirmed venues as below:\nVenue\nDate\nStadium Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu\n2 \u2013 4 August 2018\nMAEPS, Serdang, Selangor\n19 \u2013 21 October 2018\nBatu Kawan Stadium, Penang\n22 \u2013 24 February 2019\nSepang International Circuit, Selangor\n12 \u2013 14 April 2019\nThe Vios Challenge is sanctioned by the FIA and all competitors will be using identical and specially-prepared Toyota Vios\u2019 (manual J spec) which conforms to regulations. This is to ensure that the competition is all about the driver\u2019s skills."
"Honda is set to premier the fifth-generation Honda\u00a0Odyssey MPV at the upcoming 2017 North American Auto Show in Detroit. The large MPV, commonly\u00a0know\u00a0as a minivan in the United States, is teased for the first time ahead of its launch.\nInterestingly, the new\u00a0Odyssey is inspired by the\u00a0scribbles made by the\u00a0children of the Odyssey Development Team. The reason was simple, yet effective. Since many children in the States travel in minivans, their feedback and imagination could shape minivans of the future.\nAs a whole, the new model looks similar to the outgoing model, particularly the thick D-pillar and low but wide design. One notable difference are the new C-shaped tail lamps, adjoined by a chrome trim.\nHonda has hinted that the new MPV will be powered by an all-new powertrain. Thus, it could share the\n\u00a0190 hp 1.5-litre turbocharged\n\u00a0four-cylinder unit that powers the new \nCR-V\n. \nHonda Sensing\n active safety technology could also be featured.\nThe new Odyssey has big shoes to fill, simply because it has been a popular choice for families in the United States for over than two decades. Back at home, Honda Malaysia is selling the fourth-generation model at \nRM255,500\n, and is fully imported. Stay tuned for more updates on the new Odyssey!"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance, distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia has just introduced the limited edition Porsche 718 Cayman Sport Design with only 15 units available. Word is, a third of the RM625,000 (OTR w/out insurance) sports car have already been sold out.\nFor starters, the Cayman SportDesign gets carbon fibre stripes, new front and rear apron and central-positioned black tailpipes. Black accents also extend to the door handles, side air vents and the rear spoiler.\n \nOther standard features includes Porsche\u2019s Dynamic Light System Plus and 20-inch five-spoke alloys.\nInside the Cayman SportDesign is a mix of carbon fibre and alcantara trims. Notable items include 14-way power adjustable seats, a Bose Surround Sound System with 10 speakers and the drive mode dial on the steering wheel as part of the SportChrono Package to allow drivers easy access to the different drive modes.\nThe button in the middle of the dial provides the Cayman with the highest possible performance, limited to just 20 seconds.\nPerformance wise, the rear-wheel drive 718 Cayman SportDesign is propelled by a 2.0-litre flat-four engine making \n300 hp\n and\n 380 Nm\n of torque, paired to a 7-speed PDK transmission.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in just 4.7 seconds with top speed rated at 275 km/h. As the 718 Cayman is equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management, ride height is lowered by 10mm.\nThe Porsche 718 Cayman SportDesign is available in three colours \u2013 Racing Yellow, Guards Red and Carrera White Metallic (five units per colour). Each comes with a 4-year warranty and free maintenance package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After opening the\n registration of interest (ROI)\n for the Atto 3 last month, BYD via Sime Darby Motors Malaysia has announced through its Facebook page that the compact SUV will officially launch in Malaysia on the 9th of December, with a \u201cGrand Launch\u201d event taking place over the entire weekend.\nThe launch event will take place at Bandar Malaysia, the former Sungai Besi airport and RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base, and the company is inviting the public to attend the event, although you\u2019ll want to act fast and register your attendance\n here\n, as limited spots are available.\nScreenshot: \nBYD \u2013 Sime Darby Motors Malaysia/Facebook\nThe Atto 3 is one of the two BYD models (alongside the e6 MPV) already earmarked for Malaysia. Specific variant details for our country have not yet been provided, but the compact EV SUV is offered with a choice of two battery capacities globally, including Thailand where it was launched just \nearlier this month\n.\nThe line-up kicks off with a \n49.92 kWh \nStandard Range variant, offering up to \n345 km\n of range (WLTP test cycle), while the Extended Range variant promises up to \n420 km\n of emission-free driving thanks to its \n60.48 kWh\n Blade EV battery pack.\nRELATED: \nChina\u2019s BYD enters Australia, plans to sell 9,000 EVs per month by next year\nNo matter which battery size, however, the electric motor will be the same across the board. A single electric motor mounted on the front axle is capable of providing the BYD Atto 3 up to \n150 kW (204 hp)\n and\n 310 Nm\n of torque.\nAs for charging, the entry-level model will support up to 70 kW of DC fast charging, while the Extended Range gets 80 kW, the latter allowing for a 0-80% charge in approximately 45 minutes. Both variants also feature an on-board AC Charger capable of receiving up to 7 kW of power via the Type 2 connector.\nFinal pricing will also only be revealed at launch, although it\u2019s widely rumoured to retail between RM150k to RM170k, putting it right alongside the upcoming\n Ora Good Cat\n at the more affordable end of the EV spectrum. The Ora Good Cat is expected to cost around RM150k, and has been reported to have received over 100 bookings before its official launch.\nCurrently, the most affordable EV in Malaysia is the Hyundai Kona Electric, which is priced between RM 157k and RM208k.\nALSO READ: \nChina\u2019s BYD to set up RM2.2 billion EV plant in Thailand as ASEAN production hub"
"Honda Malaysia has just issued yet another statement to urge Honda vehicle owners to get their \nfaulty Takata airbag inflators\n replaced immediately. The company is currently working closely with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Road Transport Department (JPJ) to urge affected owners to replace their faulty Takata airbag inflators.\nIf you drive any of the following models, please contact your nearest authorised Honda dealer to make an appointment or simply walk-in at any of the Mobile Hubs located at selected shopping malls or Petronas stations:\nList of Mobile Replacement Hubs for September\nAs of 20 September 2018, Honda Malaysia has replaced more than 236,800 units of Takata driver front airbag inflator which translates to a 90 per cent completion ratio. The company has completed 496,400 units or 84 per cent of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements.\nIn case you are not aware, all Takata airbag inflator replacement, regardless of make and model, is \nfree of charge\n and the whole process only takes less than one hour. Stock availability for both driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements are at 100 per cent, so no excuses to delay your replacement anymore.\nFor owners of parallel imported (reconditioned) Honda vehicles which were not brought in by Honda Malaysia, the company urges the owners to contact Honda authorised dealers to check whether their vehicles are involved in the Takata airbag replacement exercise. Costs of parts and labour will also be borne by Honda Malaysia and will come at no cost to owners."
"The new Volvo 3S centre in Skudai, Johor that \nwas announced earlier\n has just been officiated by Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM). The sales, service and spare parts centre will be operated by dealer-partner, Pekin Auto Sdn. Bhd., and is aimed to cater to the growing demand of Volvo vehicles in the southern region of the country.\nThis follows after the opening of a \n3S centre by AJ Premium Motors in Batu Pahat\n in July last year.\nLocated in the outskirts of Johor, the new Volvo 3S centre features a showroom designed in adherence to Volvo Cars\u2019 latest retail standard, the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE).\nCommunicating the brand\u2019s Scandinavian-inspired values, the 3S centre will be housing the brand\u2019s latest models, as well as a fully-equipped service centre with a \ntotal of five repair bays\n.\nPekin Auto\u2019s Managing Director, Mr Yo Kok Yong said, \u201cWe are proud to represent the Volvo Cars brand in Johor Bahru and to cater to the ever-growing customer demand for its exciting line of products and services.\u201d\nThere has been a surge in Volvo Malaysia\u2019s sales volume thanks to their new attractive products and a stronger retail presence \u2013 a result of Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s transformation plan. In the first half of 2019, \nVCM recorded more than 60 per cent year-on-year growth\n \u2013 a record figure for VCM.\nThe Volvo 3S Centre is located at\n PTD144228, Jalan Sutera Kenanga 10/1, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor\n, and will be open from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm from Mondays to Saturdays, and from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on Sundays.\nThe service centre opens from 8:30 pm till 6:00 pm from Mondays to Fridays, and from 8:30 am till 1:00 pm on Saturdays."
"Honda\n has just conducted its 2023 Business Briefing, following the recent \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n exhibition. \nAutomotive News Europe\n reports that at the briefing, Honda CEO, Toshihiro Mibe admits to falling behind in the electric vehicle (EV) and that \u201cthey [Chinese EVs] are ahead of us, even more than expected.\u201d\n\u201cWe are thinking of ways to fight back. If not, we will lose this competition. We recognized we are slightly lagging behind, and we are determined to turn the tables,\u201d he adds. The same sentiment is echoed by the company COO, Shinji Aoyama who said \u201cWe were overwhelmed by the Chinese.\u201d At the recent auto show, Chinese brands flooded the exhibition hall with sophisticated, advanced EVs of all kinds.\nHonda e:NS2 Prototype\nTo \u2018fight back\u2019, especially in the Chinese market, Honda is set to launch the Honda e:NS2 and e:NP2 in China in early 2024. There will also be a production version of the e:N SUV x\u00f9 concept car that was shown recently at Auto Shanghai 2023.\nFor the Chinese market, Honda aims to introduce 10 new EV models by 2027, including the 3 models mentioned earlier. The company aims to make its line-up 100% electric for the Chinese market by 2035.\nRELATED: \n2023 Honda CR-V transformed into 800 hp hybrid track weapon\nHonda e:N SUV x\u00f9 concept car\nFor the North American market, Honda will introduce a mid-to-large size EV model which adopts the brand\u2019s new E&E architecture based on its original dedicated EV platform. This model will go on sale in 2025. In preparation for the electrification, Honda will re-tool three existing Honda plants in Ohio to establish highly efficient and highly flexible production lines and position these plants as Honda\u2019s EV Hub for production in North America.\nIn its country of origin, Honda will introduce a Honda N-Van commercial mini EV that will go on sale in the first half of 2024. There will also be an EV model based on the N-ONE and 2 small EV models (including an SUV) that will go on sale in 2026.\nGlobally, Honda aims to make its line-up fully EV and FCEV by 2040. It also aims to produce 2 million EVs annually by 2030.\nRELATED: \nHonda Civic Type R FL5 sets new Nurburgring FWD record \u2013 7:44.881\nHonda e:N2 concept car\nBesides cars, Honda will also roll out 10 or more electric motorcycles by 2025. Honda aims to increase its annual sales of electric models to 3.5 million units (equivalent to approximately 15% of total unit sales) as of 2030. Japan, Europe, and Indonesia will welcome the \u201cHonda EM1 e:\u201d electric scooter with swappable battery technology before the end of 2023.\nOther than vehicles, Honda will also roll out its vehicle charging service. Based on the Honda SmartCharge (an EV charging service currently available in North America), Honda is planning to roll out an energy business that utilizes the power supply capability of EVs. For public charging, Honda will work toward the establishment of an EV charging services environment for its customers in collaboration with providers of convenient and reliable charging networks.\nRELATED: \nHonda e:N2 Concept is an EV with no screens, previews China-only Hondas"
"When first-generation Bentley Continental GT was introduced back in 2003, its launch marked a significant milestone for the British carmaker \u2013 it was the first model to be conceived under its new owner, Volkswagen AG. The two-seater grand tourer was also the brand\u2019s first \nmass-produced \ncar that brought the entry point to this luxury brand to more affordable levels.\nThe first- and second-generation luxury grand tourer enjoyed flying success, with the company subsequently released performance-focused variants and limited editions for the Continental GT. Fast forward to the present day, the third-generation Continental GT is set to continue Bentley\u2019s legacy.\nEXTERIOR\nLike the second-generation Continental GT, the designers at Bentley again went for an evolutionary design to ensure that the new car is unmistakeably Bentley. But the devil is in the details.\nUnderpinning the new Continental GT is an all-new Porsche-developed MSB (Modularen Standardantrieb Baukasten) platform for full-sized luxury vehicles just like the \nPorsche Panamera\n. It helps the new car shed\n 80 kgs\n while increase chassis rigidity compared to the outgoing model.   Keen eyed readers will notice that the new car is more muscular than the model it replaces. What Bentley has done is by shifting the front wheels \n135 mm\n further forward, allowing the designers to create a lower and longer bonnet profile. Its new sculpture and lines were derived from the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car.\nForward illumination is of Matrix LED units but the headlamps were inspired from diamonds; fine sharp transparent internal surfaces were arranged meticulously to disperse light similarly to an illuminated gem resulting in a three-dimensional depth of the optics. The taillights also feature the same cut-crystal effect but the housings are now oval in shape to mirror the tail pipes silhouette. Intricate details like these is what separates Bentley from its sister companies.\nCustomers can have their new Continental GT to be fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels, with two distinct styles as standard or pay a premium to upsize to 22-inch lightweight forged alloy. Hand-polish finish is another item on the bill. A total of \n17 exterior paint\n choices are available but esteemed customers can always knock on Mulliner\u2019s door to tailor to their unique colour palette.\nINTERIOR\nAnyone who has seen, touch, let alone experienced a Bentley will know that the guys at Crewe makes one of the finest interior on the planet. The new Continental GT dials it up to 11.\nFor starters, the controls now feature new materials that promises softer and more refined haptic feel, elevating the premium feel of the already luxurious interior. The bezels and rotary knobs now comes in with a new knurling design that not only gives off refined visual impact but provides even more precise technical feel during operation.\nDiamond quilting is so last decade, have a look at Bentley\u2019s new \u2018\nDiamond in Diamond\n\u2019 quilt pattern. It took Bentley 18 months to develop this embroidery, using a total of 712 stitches to create a floating diamond shape surface that are, to quote Bentley \u201c\nextraordinarily soft to the touch\n\u201d. Now that\u2019s taking things to the next level.\nIn-car technology is also taken to the next level with an industry-first \nBentley Rotating Display\n. When the 12.3-inch retina MMI display is not in use, the blank cover creates an uninterrupted flow across the dashboard. Upon start up, the elegantly designed MMI display rotates from the dashboard and is instantly ready to use. The third side of the Bentley Rotating Display consists of three analogue dials displaying outside temperature, a compass and chronometer.   On top of the high-tech rotating display, the instrument cluster is now fully digital with three-dimensional graphics to replicate the classic Bentley analogue dials. A choice of three audio systems is offered in the new Continental GT \u2013 a standard 650-watts 10-speakers set up, 1,500-watts 16-speaker Bang & Oufsen system and a 2,200-watts 18-speaker system.\nComplementing the high-quality audio systems are new laminated acoustic glass on the windscreen and side windows that reduces exterior noise by \nnine-decibels\n versus the outgoing model.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the hood of the all-new Continental GT is a revised 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that now outputs \n626 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. A new \neight-speed double clutch transmission\n replaces the old ZF torque converter unit. Drive is sent to all-four wheels as before but the new Active all-wheel drive system can now infinitely vary the torque split between the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation.\nWith Launch Control activated, the W12 powered grand tourer will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.7 seconds\n and will continue to accelerate to the acclaimed \n333 km/h\n top speed. All this performance and yet Bentley claims the new Continental GT sips only\n 12.2 litres per 100 km\n.\nBentley has also revised the air suspension to balance the increased performance. In its softest setting, the air chambers have \n60 percent more air volume\n than the previous model, giving the engineers a wider scope for suspension tuning.\nWHAT ELSE?\nTwo distinct upgrade packs are available immediately from launch \u2013 a \nCity Specification\n that adds powered boot, pedestrian warning, traffic-sign recognition and city braking systems and a top-view camera while the \nTouring Specification\n equips the car with adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, active lane assist, heads-up display, night vision with infrared camera, and pre-sense braking.\nAs with all Bentleys, the Continental GT can also be handed over to Mulliner, Bentley\u2019s personal commissioning division, to customise their Bentley\u2019s to their hearts content.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The recently concluded \n2021 IAA Munich Mobility\n Motor Show was a great first step back to normalcy for many, with plenty of new and concept models were introduced. The Porsche Mission R Concept however stole the show with its beautiful exterior design and a minimalistic but high-tech racing car interior.\nMany of us would certainly assume it\u2019s just \nanother static design study\n as the main video highlighting the concept car looks digitally rendered.\nWhile Porsche said it is a study of an all-electric GT racing car for the future, Porsche has just released more details about the Mission R Concept and it is certainly not just that!\nThe next-gen Porsche Macan is set to be exclusively EV! Find out more with the road test that has already begun. \n\u00a0\nBeneath the beautiful red and white bodyshell made from sustainable fibres hide a very potent \u201crolling chassis\u201d. The naked car that Porsche development driver \nLars Kern\n is testing looks to be based on the current 718 Boxster, with the Porsche engineering team adding many borrowed items from the motorsports catalogue such as the seats, foot pedals, steering wheel.\nThe EV-only items such as motor mounts, next-generation oil-based cooling system and suspension arms are designed specifically for this development chassis.\nA 3D-printed transmission case is also made to bring the weight down as much as possible, with this component weighing 30% lighter than a cast unit. The target is to achieve under 1,500 kg, similar to the current \n718 Boxster GTS 4.0\n.\nPorsche is planning to offer a smaller EV sedan. Find out more about the project here!   At 4,326 mm in length, the Porsche Mission R is slightly shorter than the current \n718 Boxster\n, but it is noticeably wider at 1,990 mm and naturally lower being a full-fledged racing sports car. While the concept car is said to have up to \n1,088 hp\n via a dual-motor set up and a century sprint time of just \n2.5 seconds\n, Kern said the development car already provided a lot of fun as it is.\nGALLERY"
"Following the launch of the \nVolvo Selekt \ncertified used car programme back in June last year, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) today unveiled a brand-new digital service, bringing its Volvo Selekt pre-owned car buying experience online.\nCalled the Volvo Used Car Locator, the new digital service\u2019s online inventory includes both Volvo Selekt cars and other Volvo quality used cars from all Volvo dealerships nationwide, making it easier and more convenient to shop for a certified used Volvo model.\nVolvo Selekt models are only available at Sisma Auto in Glenmarie, Selangor, and iRoll Auto in Juru, Penang, while the \u201cVolvo quality used cars\u201d models are made available at 12 other dealerships nationwide. Through the new Volvo Used Car Locator service, you\u2019ll be able to browse through all of these listings at the comfort of your own home, as soon as they are listed for sale by their respective dealers.\nThe website also provides full details of all the cars listed for sale, alongside financing calculator and contact forms to the respective dealerships directly. Customers will be able to filter for the used cars based on location.\nVolvo Selekt cars are guaranteed to be under five years old with less than 100,000 km on the clock. They each also come with a minimum of 12 months warranty, a complimentary 1-year maintenance service package (VSA 1), as well as 12 months of Roadside Assistance.\nThe Volvo Selekt cars will have also received a 125-point inspection, alongside all software upgrades and genuine part replacements to ensure that they are road-ready from day one.\nIf you\u2019re located further away from the two Volvo Selekt outlets, there\u2019s nothing to worry, too \u2013 all Volvo pre-owned vehicles are also checked by their respective dealerships, using the same criterion as the Selekt models, to ensure that they are all up to Volvo\u2019s standards.\nThe Volvo Selekt programme has enjoyed a warm welcome by Malaysians since its introduction, with Volvo Selekt cars contributing 15% to the total Volvo used car sales in 2020.\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Nalin Jain said, \u201cThe positive response we have received from Volvo Selekt has motivated us to give customers more choices on how they can purchase a used Volvo car while maintaining all the criteria of excellence, reliability and performance that is expected of a premium car.\n\u201cIn line with our move to be technologically savvy, we now introduce the Volvo Used Car Locator, to elevate customers\u2019 experience in acquiring and owning a Volvo car, all from the convenience of their smartphones or laptops. This initiative comes at an apt time as we continue to be mindful of our safety and health, and practise physical distancing wherever possible,\u201d Jain added.\nThe Volvo Used Car Locator service is available via the new website, linked \nhere\n.\nIn related news, Volvo Car Malaysia is also scheduled to launch the\n XC40 Recharge T5 plug-in hybrid\n this Thursday, so do keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest coverage!"
"BBR, a tuning specialist based in the UK has just unveiled their tuning package for the \nND 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5\n. Their BBR \u201cSuper 200\u201d successfully increased the naturally aspirated motor\u2019s output, cut the century sprint time by a significant margin while maintaining factory safety features.\nThe end results are staggering. The 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G with BBR performance package now produces \n208 hp\n and \n244 Nm\n;\u00a0a respectable\n\u00a050 hp\n and \n44 Nm\n more than the stock motor. It may not seem like much, but remember that the ND MX-5 weighs a scant 970kg. This is enough to cut the 0-60mph time of\u00a0\n7.3 seconds\n\u00a0down to \n5.65 seconds\n. Yes, \n5.65 seconds\n from a naturally aspirated MX-5. No turbos, no superchargers.\nAll of Mazda\u2019s SkyActiv direct injection engines feature high compression ratios, making them difficult to tune. Aftermarket tuners can\u2019t just slap on a forced induction kit and make massive gains as the engine is susceptible to knocking \u2013 combustion of air/fuel ratio outside of the optimal moment for ignition. Therefore, modifications are not as straightforward as the previous generation NC.\nThe guys at BBR kept the naturally aspirated route and added high performance billet steel intake, upgraded exhaust camshafts, 4-1 stainless steel exhaust manifold and cold air intake. However, all these upgrades will only work for the 2.0-litre SkyActiv with their StarChip ECU software tune that revises fuel, ignition and cam timings to optimise the upgraded parts while maintaining the OEM fail safes.\nThis exercise unleashed the restricted power across the rev range, allowing for an increase of \n40 Nm\n of torque from as low as\u00a03,500 rpm. The tuned motor redlines at the same rev of 7,100 rpm. As such, drivers will be able to reap the power gains during every day driving. Releasing the MX-5 from its cage will cost around \u00a32,750 (approximately RM14,900). For enthusiasts preferring DIY, the kit will cost \u00a3600 less.\nShould the basic \u2018Super 200\u2019 not suffice, BBR has a \u2018Super 200+\u2019 package that brings out the ultimate performance of the engine. The \u2018Super 200+\u2019 adds a stainless steel exhaust centre section and silencers to boost peak power to \n217 hp\n and \n248 Nm\n of torque. No performance figures are available yet, but it will surely better\u00a0the \u2018Super 200\u2019 pocket rocket. Pricing for this kit is only available upon request.\nBesides extracting more power from the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G, BBR offers a range of chassis upgrades for the ND MX-5. To enhance the dynamics of the car, BBR has developed: BBR Sports Suspension, BBR/Eibach adjustable Anti-Roll Bar kit and lightweight BBR/Willwood four piston front brake caliper upgrade package. Prices for the chassis upgrades are \u00a3995 (approximately RM5,400), \u00a3312.25 (approximately RM1,700) and \u00a3595 (approximately RM3,200) respectively.\nSo what do you think folks? A tuning package for your MX-5 that \nsafely\n bumps up the power across the entire rev range, seems compelling isn\u2019t it.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Mazda MX-5 2.0L Skyactiv-G"
"Honda Malaysia has just announced the latest addition to its City Hatchback variant line-up, the V-Sensing, following a successful introduction of its \nsedan counterpart late last year\n.\nThe new Honda City Hatchback V-Sensing is now the range-topping petrol-powered model, slotting in between the V and\n RS e:HEV\n hybrid variants, priced at\n RM91,708\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the 100% SST exemption for locally-assembled models applicable until the 30th of June.\nAlso included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, and a five-times free labour offer for scheduled services.\nFor a mere RM3,848 over the regular V variant, the all-new City Hatchback V-Sensing variant comes equipped with the full suite of the Honda Sensing advanced driver assist (ADAS) features, which utilises a front wide view camera for the following functions:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nLane Keep Assist System (LKAS)\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nAuto High Beam (AHB)\nAlongside the addition of the ADAS features, the V-Sensing variant also gains a new seven-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, as seen on the RS e:HEV variant. But aside from these changes though, the rest of its equipment list remains identical to the V variant, including the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display, black leather upholstery, automatic climate control, Honda LaneWatch camera, and the signature Ultra seats.\nSemi-digital instrument cluster.\nFor motivation, the Honda City Hatchback V-Sensing gets a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated i-VTEC inline-four engine with an output rated at \n121 hp \nand \n145 Nm\n. The engine is paired to a CVT gearbox to send drive to the front wheels.\nFor the full specifications and figures breakdown of the all-new Honda City Hatchback and all its variants, click here. \nHonda City Hatchback V variant shown.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, \u201cWe introduced the City V-sensing variant to the City line-up in November 2021, and our record shows that it has been well accepted in its segment.\n\u201cFor the first quarter of 2022, the City V-Sensing contributed 34% to the total City sales, which shows a positive trend for this variant and also the recognition of Honda Sensing, our advanced safety technology. We are now excited to introduce the V-Sensing variant to the All-New City Hatchback.\u201d\nHonda City Hatchback V variant shown.\nThe Honda City Hatchback V-Sensing is available in five exterior colours: \nthe new Ignite Red Metallic and Meteorite Grey Metallic\n, as well as Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, and Lunar Silver Metallic.\nInterested? You can now place bookings for the all-new City Hatchback V-Sensing variant at all 102 Honda dealerships nationwide. With the new variant, the model\u2019s pricing structure is as follows:\n1.5 S \u2013 RM75,670\n1.5 E \u2013 RM83,080\n1.5 V \u2013 RM87,860\n1.5 V-Sensing \u2013 RM91,708\nRS e:HEV \u2013 RM107,783"
"For those of you who have been looking for an alternative to the \nPorsche Macan\n, here is something for you. Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) has just confirmed that the all-new \nRange Rover Velar\n will make its Malaysian debut in Q2 of 2018.\nSharing the same aluminium platform with the \nJaguar F-Pace\n, the Velar has the same wheelbase at 2,874 mm. The Velar boasts the slimmest full LED headlamps ever to appear on a Land Rover. Other highlights include the retractable door handles, slim LED taillamps and low drag coefficient of \n0.32\n \u2013 the most aerodynamically-efficient Land Rover ever produced.\nJLR has said that our local-spec Velar will come with the new \nTouch Pro Duo infotainment system\n that combines two 10.0-inch touchscreen displays to form the centre console. Resulting in a minimalistic and elegant cabin with unrivalled performance and functionality.\nGlobally, the Velar can be had with \nsix engine options\n \u2013 three turbo petrol and three turbodiesels. All engine choices are paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and will be available\n exclusively as an all-wheel drive\n with Configurable Dynamics and\n Terrain Response 2\n off-road system.\nName\n2.0L D180\n2.0L D240\n3.0L D300\n2.0L P250\n2.0L P300\n3.0L P380\nEngine\n2.0-litre Ingenium turbodiesel\n3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel\n2.0-litre Ingenium turbo petrol\n3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n178 hp\n237 hp\n296 hp\n247 hp\n296 hp\n375 hp\nMax Torque\n430 Nm\n500 Nm\n700 Nm\n365 Nm\n400 Nm\n450 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n8.9 seconds\n7.3 seconds\n6.5 seconds\n6.7 seconds\nn/a\n5.7 seconds\nTop Speed\n208 km/h\n216 km/h\n240 km/h\n216 km/h\nn/a\n250 km/h\nPrices and full specification of the Velar have not been announced but the new Velar will be positioned between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport and order books for the mid-sized SUV are now open for booking at all JLR showrooms nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The AMG brand is \nturning 55 years old\n, and in addition to the \n55 Edition G Wagen\n, it has also now unveiled the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series to celebrate its anniversary. And before you pass it off as \u201cjust another special edition model\u201d, hear this: the Track Series is the \u201cmost powerful AMG customer car ever built\u201d, and it\u2019s so hardcore that it\u2019s not even road legal.\nThat\u2019s right: even though it\u2019s for sale, you won\u2019t be able to drive it on the road. That\u2019s because the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series is built according to FIA standards for car racing, which means there\u2019s a stripped out interior, full on roll-cage, a carbon fibre driver safety cell, five-point racing harness, and even a fire extinguisher system built-in.\nAt the heart of the AMG GT Track Series is the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 as found in the\n Black Series\n, complete with the reworked flat-plane crank. However, the Track Series also gets additional motorsport fuel injectors and a tuned ECU, which boosts engine output up to \n734 hp \nand \n850 Nm\n of torque, or a 14 hp and 50 Nm bump over the Black Series.\nRELATED: 55 years of AMG \u2013 10 things you may not know about the brand\nPower is sent to the rear wheels via a new Hewland HLS six-speed sequential racing transmission, plus an adjustable differential.\nTo go along with the amped up powertrain, the Track Series also gets racing-spec four-way adjustable Bilstein dampers that have both low-speed and high-speed settings for the rebound and compression, racing steel brakes, a 120-litre fuel tank, and a 12-mode racing traction control and ABS system to ensure you get the most out of it on track.\nALSO READ: The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is now the fastest road-legal car around the Nurburgring\nWhile the car is, of course, super driver-focused, those standing outside can still easily tell it apart from the now-peasant-spec Black Series thanks to its aggressive aerodynamic appendages on the outside, including the extended front splitter, additional cooling ducts by the side sills, new air outlets on the wheel arches, and a tub-like air outlet on the bonnet that helps cool the engine while also increasing downforce.\nNow, remember when we said it\u2019s a race car you can buy? Well, that\u2019s still \ntechnically\n true, but in practice you\u2019ll probably have to be really lucky to even get your hands on one (even if you have the cash ready) because Mercedes will only be building 55 units (\nno prizes for guessing why\n) of these.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series starts at EUR369,000 (approx. RM1.7 million) before tax, and comes with air conditioning as standard. Lucky you.\nGALLERY"
"When Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) pulled the covers off the beautiful \nS90\n and\n V90\n in the form of T5 and T6 R-Design 7 months ago, the handsome Nordic\u2019s looks made popular by the XC90 certainly caught the market\u2019s attention. And we could almost hear fans of the brand asking \u2013 when is the T8 PHEV coming?\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo S90 T8 Inscription\nVolvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus\nEngine\n1,969cc; four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 2,200 -5,400 rpm\nElectric Motor\n87 hp & 240 Nm\nCombine Output\n407 hp & 640 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM368,888\nRM388,888\nAt least TNB doesn\u2019t revise prices every week\nThanks to our unique tax structure that favours locally assembled Energy Efficient Vehicles(EEV), plug-in-hybrids are sold at a lower price compared to their diesel/petrol brethren. The fuel savings may not mean much to the well-heeled buyers but the thought of paying for the car instead of government coffers makes PHEVs an enticing proposition.\nPeople were eager to see how would VCM price the car against the Germans and they certainly did not disappoint. The S90 Inscription and S90 Inscription Plus were priced competitively at \nRM368,888\n and \nRM388,888\n respectively. Yes, the flagship version with the bells and whistles sells for the \nsame as the entry level T5\n. For RM20,000 more than the Inscription, the Plus comes with \nair-suspension at the rear axle\n, and a much touted\n 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins\n sound system.\nVCM has not been stingy with the equipment too. Being a Volvo, the S90 T8 comes packed with safety features. Apart from the usual alphabet soup, the more notable safety features include \nBlind Spot Info System\n, \n2 built-in child booster seats\n, \nelectric child safety door lock\n, \nairbag disable function\n and \nCity Safety (with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection) \u2013 \nfeatures we hope would never have to be put to use.\nThe car drives itself up to 140km/h\nOf course, it also comes with active cruise control (part of the excellent \nPilot Assist \nsystem) which offers autonomous driving up to 140km/h. This feature should be par for course in this segment which is missing in the CKD-ed version of its German rivals \u2013 but why, even the RM114k Hyundai IONIQ comes equipped with it. The only gripe is that the S90 T8 is\n not equipped with a sunroof\n (standard in both the E350e and 530i) although it doesn\u2019t deprive the cabin with any less flamboyance.\nAt the morning of the media preview, AutoBuzz.my was lucky enough to be handed the key to the Inscription Plus for the drive up to Ipoh. Visually, the best way to differentiate a PHEV from one that isn\u2019t is its charging flap. Like the XC90, it\u2019s placed on the front left fender together with the same diamond cut 19-inch wheels.\nDuring the briefing, much emphasis has been placed on the 1400W Bowers & Wilkins stereo system. With 19 strategically-placed tweeters, drivers and subwoofers that are designed into the cabin structure, VCM was gracious enough to provide lossless audio files to pamper our ears. The system has\n 3 settings \u2013 Studio, Individual Stage\n and \nConcert Hall\n.\nThis sound system is truly impressive, even to the rather untrained ears of yours truly. The sound reproduction is faithful and detailed, percussion was crisp and clear \u2013 definitely an option you\u2019d want to spec that beautifully-made cabin with. Speaking of which, the\n yellow Kevlar speaker cones\n peeking from the aluminum speaker mesh (a B&W trademark) and the Nautilus tweeter perched atop the dashboard did make the cabin visually more pleasing.   The interior of the test units were clad in plush and soft \nNappa leather\n used in the XC90 T8, only this time it\u2019s in a \nharder wearing black shade\n. Piano black panels were used on the center console instead of open-pore ash wood \u2013 the cabin is decidedly more business like compared to its SUV counterpart.   Also like the XC90 T8, the S90 T8 packs a \n2.0-litre 320 hp twin-charged engine\n and an \n87 hp electric motor\n, pushing out a combined output of \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n. This makes for a hot-hatch beating century sprint time of\n 4.8 seconds\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\nway faster than the E350e\u2019s 6.2 seconds\n\u00a0and much closer to the fire-breathing Mercedes-AMG C43\u2019s 4.7 seconds!\nAlmost as fast as an AMG to 100km/h\nThis AWD sedan has a\n slightly unorthodox layout\n.\u00a0In place of a driveshaft, lays the \n10.4kw/h battery\n that powers the rear wheel \u2013 that means \n87hp goes to the back\n, making the S90 T8 essentially a front-wheel biased AWD car.\nTwist the starter knob, flick the\n Orrefors gear lever\n\u00a0and the S90 glides stately off the line. When the Drive-E engine kicks in at motorway speeds, it operates with a refined, unobtrusive hum; push it, and the car surges ahead with urgency to the double century mark. Put it in Sport mode and the engine\u2019s growl gracefully slither\u2019s into the cabin.\nThe sight its German rivals better be getting used to\nWind noise is rather audible but vibration and harshness levels are impressively low. The ride is plush on highways, thanks to the air suspension at the rear axle. The car irons out road undulations rather well but its\n\u00a0chassis feels rather inert \n\u2013\u00a0I have a feeling it would not beat BMW when it comes to fluidity around corners. In any case, the car is shod with \nhighly-acclaimed Michelin PS4 rubbers\n.\nAll that said, the S90 T8 is a car best enjoyed in town. Put it in Eco mode, plant yourself into the armchair-like seats and switch on the Pilot Assist system and the electric motor will propel the big Swede along in a stately manner while steering itself in hectic city traffic. Be mindful though, the \nPilot Assist system is not entirely fool proof \n\u2013\u00a0it deactivates when it can\u2019t detect lines on the road which is more than often the case in Malaysia.\nFor most Malaysians above 30 years old, Volvo is a brand that invokes a lot of fond memories. It\u2019s staid, solid lines with equally solid build quality has garnered itself a strong following among doctors, lawyers, estate managers and individuals of other esteemed professions.\nHowever, during the 10 years under Ford\u2019s ownership, Volvo Cars have nothing stellar in its stable, bar for the truly impressive XC90. That changed when Geely Holding Group bought over the brand in 2010 where the Chinese owners allowed Volvo to get on with what they do best \u2013 make good, safe cars.\nThe next-gen S60 should be Thor-rifically good looking\nAs the first model built under the SPA platform, the second-gen XC90 was as well-received as the first-gen. The ensuing S90 and V90 continue to give their German rivals a good run for their money for the same reasons \u2013 distinctive handsome Nordic looks and comprehensive active safety systems. Thor\u2019s hammer has certainly struck loud and clear in the German trio\u2019s territory.\nStill want that German SUV?\nTo sum it up, the S90 T8 Inscription is\n better spec-ed in most aspects compared to the E350e\n, its closest German rival in Malaysia while the 4-year warranty package offered by VCM sounds attractive too. The truly outstanding part is its sports car level of speed which is useful for pulling away from Mercedes-Benz owners before they could finish saying, \u201cYou buy Volvo ah? No resale value lah\u201d.\nPicture Credits: \nVolvo Car Malaysia\nImage Gallery"
"While the \nToyota Supra race car concept\n is making headlines for Toyota at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), the Japanese carmaker also debuted the third-generation Toyota Auris for the European market. Also known as the Corolla hatchback in certain markets, the new car could point towards the design language of the next-generation Corolla sedan.\nDimension wise, the new Auris is longer by 40 mm, lowered by 25 mm and wider by 30 mm for a more sportier appearance. The new car also rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform which promises more dynamic driving experience thanks to its lower centre of gravity, more rigid body shell and multi-link rear suspension.\nExterior design-wise, the Auris embodies the latest evolution of Toyota\u2019s Under Priority Catamaran and Keen Look design philosophies which resulted in a flat clamshell bonnet, narrow upper grille and slim headlamps.\nAt the rear, you\u2019ll find a roof spoiler as standard on all model grades, a pronounced bumper design, sharp tail lamp graphics and a large C-pillar. Customers can also opt for the optional black roof that gives the car a two-tone paint scheme.\nExecutive General Manager, Toyota Global Design, Simon Humphries said: \u201cOur primary goal with the new Auris was to create the most bold and dynamic hatchback on the market, without compromising on interior usability.\u201d\nUnder the hood, you\u2019ll have the option for a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and two hybrid options \u2013 \n122 hp\n, 1.8-litre or a \n180 hp\n, 2.0-litre. The reason for adopting two hybrid powertrains is catered to customers who appreciate the traditional benefits of fuel efficiency as well as the keen drivers who look out for a sportier ride.\nThe 1.8-litre system is able to offer pure-electric driving in most conditions while the 2.0-litre engine takes full advantage of the TNGA\u2019s chassis, promising ride comfort, stability, handling and driving enjoyment.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"CEO of Bentley Motors, Wolfgang D\u00fcrheimer earlier this year said a smaller SUV dubbed the baby Bentayga is in the pipeline and is en route to send an even bigger ripple in the growing SUV market, according to a report by \nAutoExpress\n.\nThe smaller SUV will most likely be built on the MSB platform which underpins the new 2016 Porsche Panamera and 2017 Bentley Continental GT. Its lightweight architecture is optimised for rear wheel or four-wheel drive, putting rivals Audi Q5, \nJaguar F-Pace\n and \nPorsche Macan\n right in the centre of Bentley\u2019s crosshair.\nInset: The recently launched \nBentley Bentayga First Edition\nThe mid-size SUV segment is currently the world\u2019s fastest growing segment, so to see Bentley filling in the luxurious compact SUV gap comes as no surprise. In fact, the introduction of the baby Bentayga will help\u00a0boost annual sales volume from 8,000 units to over 15,000 units by 2018. It\u2019ll take some time before we get to see Bentley\u2019s new mid-size SUV in the flesh, so save up folks!"
"Ford Motor is exploring a joint venture (JV) with Anhui Zotye Automobile Co, the Chinese company behind the \nPorsche Macan clone\n, to build electric vehicles in China under a new brand according to \nReuters\n. The JV, if penned down, will see the two brands hold a 50-50 stake in the yet to be named company.\nThe Chinese Government has been aggressively pushing for electrified vehicles to combat its rising pollution levels. Incentives and tax breaks are awarded to companies that invests in the development and production of clean vehicles locally. Volvo is also another major car brand that will be taking advantage of the said incentives to \nbuild their first electric car\n.\nZotye has recently revealed their \nfirst ever hybrid car\n, in the body of a Macan no less, signalling their focus to low-emission vehicles. Ford on the other hand is committed to develop no less than \n13 electrified vehicles globally in the next five years\n. This JV will propel the two brand\u2019s electrification goals but the moment, the two firms remain quiet on the details of it.\nSource: \nReuters"
"Good news to end the working week. Proton is said to be planning to offer new as many as seven models and definitely not including additional projects like the recently introduced \nspecial editions\n.\nCGS-CIMB\u2019s analyst Mohd Shanaz Noor Azam said in a note today with \nThe Edge\n business daily and DRB-Hicom, Proton is focusing on an active product lifecycle management as it plans to introduce \nsix to seven models\n based on \nnew technology\n integration and joint-development programmes over the next seven years as part of its mid-term strategy.\nThe national carmaker plans to be the \nthird-largest\n in ASEAN by 2027 with a reported sales figure of 400,000 units. The company has been on a steady sales growth path since its acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in May 2017, with two models from the Chinese giant aiding in both sales volumes and a much more positive brand experience. \u00a0\nProton closed the tumultuous 2020 with \n109,716 units\n which is a growth of 8.8% over 2019. Its market share also increased to an estimated 21.1%.\nIn order to achieve third in ASEAN, Proton must first overtake Perodua that plans to sell 240,000 units this year, thanks to the addition of the \nAtiva\n compact SUV.\nThe business daily also reported that Proton is continuing to ramp up production of the in-demand new X50 and X70 models at its Tanjung Malim plant, where they both have an order backlog of over three months.\nThe partnership with Geely has been on a positive note and that is a win for the customers and the industry as a whole. \u00a0\nSource: \nThe Edge Markets"
"As a celebration of the upcoming festive season and in the spirit of giving, \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n (VPCM) has teamed up with PichaEats over the weekend to deliver a total of 280 meals to the less fortunate through its \u201cDriving Kindness\u201d campaign.\nThe Driving Kindness convoy consisted of two classic Beetles and two Kombi vans driven by their owners who have volunteered for the project, alongside a \nTiguan Allspace Highline\n and a \nPassat Elegance\n.\nThe team \u2013 including their cars \u2013 all dressed up in Christmas adornments, and headed off to deliver meals to the Hiichiikok Foundation, Trinity Community Children\u2019s Home, Lighthouse Children\u2019s Welfare Home, Sunteck Handicap Welfare Home, and Charis Sheep Pen Shelter, all within the Klang Valley.\nAdditionally, VPCM and PichaEats also delivered a total of 100 meals to the doctors and nurses at the Covid-19 testing station at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, as well as five more to individuals and families selected through a Facebook contest, which called on netizens to nominate those going through tough times and deserved a special meal as a show of love and appreciation.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cChristmas is the season of giving, and it is a privilege to be able to give back to the community and to the less fortunate. The year has been extremely challenging for everyone, and it is so important to stay connected, be kind and to give back whenever possible.\n\u201cThe Volkswagen group has been committed to aiding refugees via numerous social platforms since 2015, and here we are honoured to partner with the charismatic team at PichaEats, who are doing an amazing job creating opportunities for refugees in Malaysia.\u201d\nPichaEats is a Malaysian social enterprise committed to empowering the refugee community in Malaysia through its food business. To date, they have served over 250,000 meals cooked by people from refugee communities in Malaysia.\nAs Malaysia is currently not part of the United Nations Refugees Convention, they cannot be formally employed as they are not recognised as asylum seekers. Through PichaEats, the refugee chefs are able to prepare the food in their own homes in accordance to strict quality standards.\nWith each meal ordered through PichaEats, 50% of the sales goes to chefs, while the other 50% helps PichaEats to cover operation costs, logistics, packaging, as well as reinvestment to create more opportunities and bigger impact for the Refugee community here in Malaysia.\nPichaEats CEO and co-founder, Kim Lim said, \u201cAt PichaEats, we are all about making an impact. For this Christmas and year-end season, we especially wanted to emphasise the idea of bringing joy and spreading kindness to the community at large. It was a pleasure working with Volkswagen Malaysia to realise this, who were all-in for putting a smile on the faces of those who needed some good cheer.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz\n revealed their latest \nC 450 AMG 4MATIC\n at the \n2015 North American International Auto Show\n in Detroit, together with the\n Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 4MATIC\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz C 450 AMG 4MATIC\nEngine\n2,996 cc V6 twin-turbo\nTransmission\n7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n367 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n520 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n\u00a0\nThe C 450 AMG 4MATIC is the second model under the new AMG sports model range after the \nGLE 450 AMG Coup\u00e9\n. It also uses the same 3.0-litre biturbo V6 seen in the bigger GLE 450 AMG Coup\u00e9.\nEXTERIOR\nAlthough it\u2019s not a full AMG model, the C 450 AMG gets a number of visual enhancement to set it apart from the non-AMG variants. The front bumper receives a \nbigger set of air intakes\n with silver chrome trim underneath while \ndiamond grille\n with chrome pins is fitted to the C 450 compared to the mesh grille that appears on the \nC 63\n.   The\n side window frames\n are now finished in \nhigh-gloss black\n, alongside the \nblack side mirror caps\n. Standard fitment to the C 450 AMG is a set of \n18-inch 5-spoke black AMG light-alloy wheels\n with high-sheen finish wrapped in 225/45 R 18 rubbers at the front and 245/40 R 18 rubbers at the back. Optionally a range of 19-inch wheels in various designs are offered as well.\nThe tail features a bumper with \nintegrated diffuser\n and\n twin tailpipes\n, and there\u2019s a small \nboot lid spoiler\n on the sedan or a \nroof spoiler\n on the wagon.   There\u2019s also the \nNight package\n that consists of dark-tinted rear windows, front bumper trim and rear diffuser finished in high-gloss black, and black chrome tailpipes.\nINTERIOR\nFront occupants are greeted by a pair of sports seats wrapped in\n ARTICO/DINAMICA upholstery\n with \nred stitching\n, and complemented by \ndesigno red safety belts\n. The driver gets a flat bottom 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in nappa leather, while the dials bear a sporty chequered flag design with red needles.\nThe rest of the interior remains the same as with other C-Class, with free-standing screen displaying an assortment of menu using the COMAND controller on the center console.\nPERFORMANCE\nA \n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n resides under the bonnet, paired with the\u00a0 \n7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission\n. Power output is rated at \n367 hp\n at 5,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm and \n520 Nm\n of torque at 2,000 \u2013 4,200 rpm. Acceleration time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is just\n 4.9 seconds\n with a limited \ntop speed of 250 km/h\n, and yet it\u2019s claimed to sip\n 7.6 litres of fuel per 100 km\n.\nThis is helped by \nEco driving programme\n that utilises the \nECO start/stop\n function and \nsailing function\n that decouples the engine from the powertrain to use less fuel. It can be selected from the \nAMG DYNAMIC SELECT\n settings among the other driving programmes that include Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual.\nAt the opposite side of the driving programme from Eco is the \nSport Plus\n, that heightens the driving sensation by providing faster gear changes with sportier engine soundtrack.\nFor better handling, C 450 AMG 4MATIC is equipped with the adjustable\n AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension\n, that combines independently developed axle components with high aluminium content and electronically controlled shock absorbers. This ensures for a minimum amount of body roll and better traction in corners.\nThe \n4MATIC all-wheel drive system\n also contributes to the better traction in corners. In the C 450 AMG 4MATIC, the power is distributed 33:67 front to back for higher agility. The \nESP\u00ae with Curve Dynamic Assist\n has been tuned with a sportier setup too.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe C 450 AMG 4MATIC comes in either sedan or wagon bodystyle, and both comes complete with ADAPTIVE BRAKE, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, and ATTENTION ASSIST as standard. Option list include 19-inch wheels, performance seats, and designo or Lugano leather upholstery.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen has unveiled their all-new eighth-generation Passat, in sedan and wagon guise. Totally new from the ground up, the new Passat is \nlighter\n (by up to \n85kg\n) than the outgoing model. The new Passat codenamed B8 is also\n more economical\n by up to \n20 per cent\n.\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aMuy6-939g\nThe exterior now appears more dynamic with shorter front and rear overhangs and the \nwheelbase stretched\n to \n2,791mm\n, 79mm more compared to the current B7 Passat. The sedan is now actually\n shorter\n by 2mm at \n4,767mm\n and \nlower\n by 14mm at \n1,456mm\n, but it has grown slightly \nwider\n by 12mm at \n1,832mm\n.   The exterior design is sleeker with prominent horizontal crease at the sides that act as the main character line that wraps around the car. Horizontal lines on the front also help to make the Passat look wider than before, with the top chrome strip from the grille now extends all the way to the headlamps. At the back LED lights are standard equipment, and bigger-engined versions have their tailpipes integrated neatly within the rear bumper.\nA total of \nten engines\n with power outputs from 118HP to 276HP will be offered in the new Passat, and all equipped with a \nstop-start system\n and a \nregenerative braking\n mode. A \nplug-in hybrid\n drivetrain is offered for the first time in the Passat, coupling a 154HP \n1.4 TSI petrol\n engine with a \n80-kW electric motor\n. In total it produces \n208HP\n and able to run on \nelectric power\n alone for up to \n50km\n. It has a super-amazing fuel consumption of \n1.5l/100km\n.\nAnother highlight drivetrain is the new \n2.0-litre four-cylinder twin turbo diesel\n, which is VW\u2019s \nmost powerfu\nl four-cylinder diesel engine to date. It generates \n236HP\n and \n500NM\n of torque. With such high amount of torque, it only comes with a \n4MOTION all-wheel drive\n system and a \n7-speed DSG\n transmission, yet its fuel consumption is rated at just \n5.3l/100km\n.\nInside, not only the interior length is \n33mm longer\n than before, the new Passat is also filled with the latest tech such as the \nActive Info Display\n and the \nHead-Up Display\n. As seen on the latest Audi TT, the optional Active Info display uses a high-resolution \n12.3-inch scree\nn that displays everything from the usual speedometer and rev counter, to a detailed \n3D map\n for navigation.\nMeanwhile the Head-Up Display is customisable where the driver can select which information should be displayed on the extendable glass panel that sits below the windscreen. The dashboard also features an \nair vent that stretches across\n the front passenger which should help to control the cabin temperature more effectively.   A host of driving assistance will be available in the new Passat such as \nArea View\n which displays a 360-degree view around the car, and \nPark Assist\n to help with parking, with additional \nTrailer Assist\n to help manouver the car when a trailer is attached at the back. When the vehicle is on the move, there are \nSide Assist with Rear Traffic Alert\n to alert the driver on what\u2019s happening around the car, and \nTraffic Assist\n that not only controls the car\u2019s acceleration and braking in heavy traffic, but also steers the car and it\u2019s claimed to work at speeds \nup to 60 km/h\n.\nOther than that there\u2019s \nEmergency Assist\n that helps to warn the driver if the system detects no input from the driver; if there\u2019s still no feedback the system will help to stop the car and even activates the hazard lights.\nIn Europe, Volkswagen will start taking orders for the new Passat from 10th July, with prices start from \u20ac25,875 for the sedan and \u20ac25,950 for the wagon.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Malaysian government\u2019s Covid-19 fund received a timely contribution of RM1.25 million in cash from the Naza Group. The fund, which was launched on 11\nth\n March by the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO), provides assistance to Covid-19 patients and those under quarantine who don\u2019t hold a job.\nAs of 30\nth\n March, the amount of cash received by the Covid-19 fund stood at RM14.2 million, this is further complemented by tens of millions worth of medical equipment pledged by various corporate bodies and private entities. The Covid-19 fund is managed by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) under the purview of the Prime Minister\u2019s Office.\n(Photo credit: BERNAMA)\nThe cheque of RM1.25 million from the Naza Group was presented to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Prime Minister\u2019s Office at Putrajaya, by SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin (above, second from left), Group Executive Chairman and CEO of Naza Corporation Holdings.\nSM Nasarudin said, \u201cWe hope the contribution by Naza Group will help alleviate the plight of those financially impacted by job disruptions and loss of earnings resulting from this global pandemic. We are all thankful for the selfless commitment shown by our medical practitioners, the police, armed forces and other frontliners in helping to manage this situation and keep us safe.\u201d\nYou can also donate directly to the Ministry of Health.\nIf you would like to help our brave healthcare personnel in their battle against Covid-19, you can also contribute directly to the Ministry of Health\u2019s Tabung Covid-19, the proceeds of which are channelled to the purchase of critical medical equipment for the infected patients and front-liners."
"Thanks to the government\u2019s intention to extend the \nSST exemption\n, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has introduced the Nissan Great Rewards campaign that offers desirable monthly repayments and more.\nThe \nall-new Nissan Almera Turbo\n VLT we reviewed with the retail price of RM91,310, can now be had from RM680 per month thanks to the Flexi Financing deal. ETCM is also running a promotion for civil servants, offering the base model VL for only RM71,906.\n \nWith the Flexi Financing deal, the civil servants\u2019 Nissan Almera VL comes with a very attractive monthly repayment starting from RM530. ETCM is also including the Urban accessories package worth over RM5,000 in both promotions of the Almera Turbo VLT and VL.\nThe Nissan Serena Highway Star now includes a three-year service and maintenance package inclusive of parts and labour with an attractive monthly repayment from RM1,080 under the Flexi Financing offer.\nThe popular Nissan X-Trail now comes with \nImpul\n or Aero Edition accessories package worth up to RM5,600 and a desirable Flexi Financing offer from RM1,020 monthly.\n \nAs for the Navara, ETCM recently launched the \nfacelift model\n with four variants available standard-fitted with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) advanced driver assistance systems. Prices start from RM116,900 and with the Flexi Financing offer, monthly repayments start from RM960.\nCustomers can now book the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo, facelifted Navara, X-Trail, or Serena S-Hybrid from as low as RM250 at the recently launched \nNissan Flagship Store on Lazada\n.\nAs always, terms and conditions apply, so do check the details of the promotion as well as monthly repayment commitments with the dealership and sales advisors."
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has quietly updated the\n Toyota Yaris\n hatchback for 2023, with a refreshed two variant line-up consisting of the 1.5E and 1.5G variants. The previous base J variant has been removed, and the compact B-segment hatchback now starts from \nRM83,300\n in Malaysia, on-the-road, without insurance.\nIt should be noted that pricing for the Toyota Yaris has not changed since the end of the SST Exemption period; the Toyota Yaris 1.5G is still priced at \nRM87,600\n.\nRed on black Optitron instrumentation, and gearshift paddles on steering wheel. Photo from \nVios GR-S\n.\nUnlike our \nneighbours up North\n, our version of the 2023 Toyota Yaris only comes with fairly minimal updates. Most of these items are on the inside, where both variants now get a black-and-red themed Optitron instrument cluster, new seat pattern on the fabric upholstery, and two new USB-C ports behind the centre console for the rear passengers, replacing the USB-A ports from before.\nStep up to the range-topping G variant, and you\u2019ll also get new gearshift paddles behind the leather steering wheel.\nAside from these changes, the rest of the 2023 Toyota Yaris remains essentially identical to the facelifted car that was launched back in 2021. Underneath the bonnet is the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, making \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm \nof torque. The engine is paired to a CVT gearbox with seven virtual gears.\nStandard kit across both variants include the LED headlights and combination tail lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen headunit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as a rudimentary set of advanced driver assist systems consisting of autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.\nThe RM4,300 premium for the 1.5G variant nets you the additional automatic climate control system, leather shift knob, six speakers, an electronically dimming rearview mirror, as well as additional parking sensors in front.\nGallery: Honda City Hatchback vs Toyota Yaris \u2013 Which is the better-looking hatch?"
"Honda has unveiled the all-new Vezel in Japan (HR-V for us in Malaysia) for the first time in a digital launch to welcome the new decade. The car will be available in the Japanese market from April 2021 onwards.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u4ymKRZcVk&feature=youtu.be\nNot much of the car has been revealed in detail however Honda did mention that it will available with a 1.5-litre engine paired to a CVT gearbox. It will also feature Honda\u2019s e:HEV two-motor hybrid system.\nThere will be three different drive modes \u2013 Normal, Sport and Econ \u2013 along with all-wheel drive capabilities.\nAt the front, the new crossover\u2019s grille now follows after the body colour along with the addition of dynamic turn signals in the hybrid variants. Also available now is the hands-free powered tailgate feature.\nInside, the all-new HR-V infotainment display is no longer integrated into the dashboard but instead given a floating effect, much like the new generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It was also pointed out that the cabin lights can now be activated with touch-sensitive controls.\nThe air conditioning system now comes with what Honda calls the \u201cBreeze outlet\u201d which creates a \u201csoft wind flow\u201d in the cabin. The controls to create a \u201ccomfortable breeze-like flow\u201d is located at both ends of the dashboard.\nFor safety, the all-new HRV utilises a front wide angle camera for its Honda Sensing features such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane keeping assist, and off-road deviation suppression function. It\u2019s also available with a blind spot monitor, and auto high beam.\nOther new additions to the all-new Vezel/HR-V includes the Honda Digital Key that uses a smartphone as a key, in-car Wi-Fi, and automatic map update service.\nGALLERY"
"BMW\n has unveiled a new hands-free driving feature on highways in the United States and Canada, dubbed Driving Assist Plus, which is enabled by the use of HERE\u2019s HD Live Maps in its cars.\nThe high-definition mapping system provides accurate lane-level additional information, including road geometry, route profile, and traffic signs, to further support the sensors on-board BMW\u2019s cars, letting the vehicle know exactly where it is on the road, and what road features lie ahead.\nWith the new system, which will be rolling out first on the\n all-new 7 Series\n in the region and later to other models, drivers will be able to remove their hands completely from the steering wheel at speeds of up to 85 mph (137 km/h) while driving on interstates and highways.\nIn addition to keeping the car in the lane completely unassisted, the all-new BMW 7 Series will also come with an automatic lane-change system. However, as the system still requires the drivers to immediately take over control, the carmaker is branding it as a SAE Level 2+ automated driving system, instead of SAE Level 3 like the \nMercedes-Benz EQS \noffers.\nRELATED: \nNew Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS now with Drive Pilot Level 3 automated driving in Germany\nHERE\u2019s mapping system on the all-new BMW 7 Series also features a predictive routing functionality, which learns the driver\u2019s individual driving patterns to propose more personalised journeys. The HERE Real-Time Traffic system, offered in 70 countries worldwide, also provides detailed information on traffic congestion with lane-level precision and potential road hazards ahead, and will automatically re-route to help drivers save time.\nAfter the initial roll-out, the companies said that the Level 2+ system will also eventually be expanded to \u201call types of roads\u201d in the future, in addition to just highway driving."
"Volvo made a brilliant comeback last year beginning with the launch of the \nall-new XC90\n,\u00a0and already it has been collecting awards like Michael Jackson at the 1984 Grammy\u2019s. But apart from the dozens of accolades to its name, the award in question here is the Euro NCAP title, which as anyone will tell you, is like winning Grammy\u2019s itself.\nThe Scandinavians won the coveted 2015 Euro NCAP Best in Class award for both \nLarge Off-Road\n and\n Overall Performance\n categories. Not only did they win, but they trounced it by scoring a \nperfect 100 percent\n score in the \nSafety Assist\n category and an outstanding \n97 percent\n in the \nadult occupant protection\n category which reflects well on the marque who has set unprecedented standards in the industry for passenger safety.\nVolvo has loaded the XC90 with a myriad of safety programs and systems such as the \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n with \nPilot Assist\n and \nDistance Alert\n, \nPedestrian and Cyclist Detection\n with \nFull Auto Braking\n. Being an SUV of large proportions means that some drivers will find parking a troublesome chore, which is why the Swedes kitted it with \nAutomated Parking Assist\n. Additionally,\u00a0\nRoad Sign Information\n, \nLane Departure Warning\n and \nLane Keeping Aid\n help keep drivers safe while on the road.\nActing Director of Volvo Cars Safety Centre, Jan Ivarsson said, \u201cWe are always happy to receive further recognition for the work we do. The XC90 embodies everything that Volvo Cars stands for, and this is further proof of our continuing leadership in the field of both active and passive safety systems. Our vision is that by 2020 \nno-one\n should be \nkilled\n or seriously \ninjured\n in a new Volvo car. With the latest safety and semi-autonomous drive functionalities in the XC90, we are well on our way to fulfilling that vision.\u201d\nWith a billion-dollar cash injection from their adoptive Chinese parents, Volvo is on track to setting the automotive world ablaze when it comes to question of safety and state-of-the-art in-car technology. So much so that, major manufacturers such as\n Mercedes-Benz \nand Tesla are already on their way to developing new\n semi-autonomous\n capabilities in order to cut down the human-error in most unfortunate accidents that happen all the time. Good on you, Volvo.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Celebrating its one millionth car sold here in Malaysia, Honda Malaysia\u00a0has launched a \n\u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d campaign\n where the company will be giving away seven cars. Yes you read that right, Honda Malaysia will be giving away one \u201c1 Million Edition\u201d special edition model of every car in its current line-up to contest winners, all fit with unique touches to make them truly one in a million.\nThe exterior of the 1 Million Dreams special edition models are characterised by the dual-tone, blacked-out roof, body trims, and wheels. These are accented by red stripes on the front fascia, side mirrors and wheels \u2013 all properly painted in detail, and not just \nyellow stickers\n! A \u201c1 Million Dreams special edition\u201d emblem on the front fenders tie up the entire exterior look.\nMoving inside, the special edition models get a \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d logo embossed on the front seat headrests, along with red stitching and a centre marker on the leather steering wheel. There\u2019s also a special edition sticker on the dashboard, but if we\u2019re being honest, we\u2019d rather do without that.\u00a0Each \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d model will also be accompanied by a special edition leather key pouch.\nLooks nice, right? Well \u2013 the bad news is they are all one-off models, and you will not be able to purchase them, no matter how hard you try to convince Honda. Good thing that there are quite a few ways that you can actually win them.\nOne of these seven cars is reserved specifically for the frontliner workers, who have worked tirelessly throughout the entire Covid-19 pandemic. As for the other six, you\u2019ll be able to gain entries to the giveaway via the following methods:\nDownloading and signing up for the HondaTouch app \u2013 2 entries\nPlaying the 1 Million Dreams Quiz Game at\u00a0\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s official website\n \u2013 1 entry\nTest driving a Honda vehicle \u2013 1 entry\nBooking a new Honda vehicle \u2013 3 entries\nServicing or repairing a Honda vehicle \u2013 3 entries\nRegistering a new Honda car within the \u201c\n1 Million Dreams Campaign\n\u201d period \u2013 4 entries\nHowever, you\u2019ll stand a better chance if you complete any of the tasks above via the\n HondaTouch application\n, as all of your entries will be counted fivefold! Once you collected as many entries as possible, the completed entry form must then be submitted to any authorised Honda dealerships, or via Honda Malaysia\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nBeyond the methods listed above, Honda has also partnered with Cuckoo, Shopee, and Watsons to offer their customers to win one of the special edition models.\nCustomers who purchase selected products from Cuckoo\u2019s Beyond Standard range or A-Series mattress will stand a chance to win the Honda City 1 Million Edition, while Shopee customers can also stand a chance to drive home the HR-V 1 Million Edition by playing the Shopee Lucky Prize game on the mobile app.\nAdditionally, Shopee will also be giving out one million Shopee coins to 150 lucky winners weekly, alongside other prizes worth 5 million Shoppee coins. Watsons members who spend a minimum of RM50 in a single receipt will also be entered to win the Honda BR-V 1 million Edition.\nThe Honda 1 Million Dreams campaign runs\u00a0\nfrom 25th of February to the 24th of March 2021\n. Winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled in March 2021.\nGALLERY\nHonda City 1 Million Edition\nHonda Jazz 1 Million Edition\nHonda Accord 1 Million Edition\nHonda Civic 1 Million Edition\nHonda CR-V 1 Million Edition\nHonda HR-V 1 Million Edition\nHonda BR-V 1 Million Edition"
"If there was an award for the most improved product, it definitely has to be the Nissan Almera Turbo. The new sedan is leaps and bounds better in every aspect than the outgoing model that was often criticised not only for looking unattractive but also lacking in updated features.\nThe all-new Nissan Almera Turbo comes in \nthree variants\n (VL, VLP and VLT) to cover a wider budget range and also user preference. Prices range from RM79,906 to RM91,310.\n \nBut being an automobile with so many parts, some items are still carried over from the 2012 Nissan Almera into this new generation. Let\u2019s find out what they are.\nPOWERTRAIN\nThis is the first highlight of the new Nissan Almera Turbo. Out goes the simple naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and in comes a turbocharged unit. The Almera Turbo is also the first Japanese make to feature a turbocharged petrol engine in the B segment.\nRather than outright high outputs seen in the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost and Volkswagen Vento TSI engines, the Nissan unit, which is co-developed with Renault and comes with Nissan \nGT-R technology\n, emphasises on fuel economy and daily driveability.\nAll variants of the Almera Turbo are installed with the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with the transmission being only an Xtronic CVT automatic unit. Peak power output is better than the outgoing naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, with the new engine delivering \n100 hp\n at 5,000 rpm versus 6,000 rpm with a higher and wider torque band of \n152 Nm\n at 2,400 to 4,000 rpm versus just 139 Nm at 4,000 rpm.\nWhat does all this mean? It means the Almera Turbo, together with its infinitely variable transmission can access the full torque and majority of the horsepower outputs at lower engine speeds to move the car, and as such, it accelerates more effortlessly and refined compared to its predecessor.\u00a0\nFuel consumption has also improved tremendously, with a reading of \n18.4 km/l\n or as much as 20% reduction seen in the standardised NEDC test cycle (ECE R101).\nEXTERIOR\nThe next single biggest change for the all-new Almera is the exterior design. As always, looks and styling are a subjective matter, but consensus on the previous generation is the disproportionate design. It was tall, narrow and needed the \nBlack Series\n treatment to bring its look to be more acceptable.\nThe concept sedan\nStyling influence for the new Almera actually dates back to 2014. Nissan introduced the \nSport Sedan Concept\n at the 2014 North American International Auto Show as their key design language and theme for future sedan models. The new Almera is the second most recent sedan to receive the design language that must have the signatures of V-Motion front aspect, \u201cfloating roof\u201d and boomerang-shaped lamps.\nAs a result, the new Almera Turbo looks unmissable, distinctive and well, sporty, thanks to the core ideas and signatures from the Sport Sedan Concept.\nIn terms of dimensions, the all-new Almera Turbo is 45 mm wider (1,740 mm) with the all-important roofline 50 mm lowered to a height of 1,460 mm, the lowest in the segment.\u00a0 The wheelbase has been increased by 20 mm to measure 2,620 mm on the ruler.\nThe styling by Nissan is spot on, that no body kit is necessary for the Almera Turbo. A subtle boot lid spoiler is used as a variant differentiator for the top-spec VLT rather than as a serious styling enhancement.\nWheels are also designed to be larger in diameter at 632mm, the largest for a currently on sale B segment sedan with the VLT and VLP using 16-inch dual-tone machined rims and running on 205/55R16 tyres. The base VL rides with 15-inch single-coloured rims and 195/65R15 tyres, just a notch wider compared to the outgoing Almera.\nThe Almera Turbo VLT variant also sees a hefty price increase versus the predecessor, and as such, the exterior wears it proudly. You get LED lighting for the headlamps, boomerang DRL, front and rear fog lamps as well as the boomerang signature lighting at the rear.\nThe concept sedan\nThe VL and VLP variants have halogen headlamps, front foglamps and bulb-type DRLs at the front. LED-type indicators on the vertical-standing side mirrors are standard across the range.\nThere was no shark fin antenna seen in the Sport Sedan Concept, so the Almera Turbo does not have that and radio reception is accomplished by the antenna embedded in the rear windscreen.\nINTERIOR\nThe degree of change in the cabin matched the outlook of the new Almera Turbo. Gone is the basic and functional all-black dashboard, replaced with a padded two-tone design containing two digital full-colour display screens embellished with high-quality looking switchgear.\nEven the lower console feels sporty, thanks to its raised placement of the start-stop button and the short shift lever.\nThe seven-inch driver\u2019s multi-information display certainly displays a lot more information than the simple LCD in the outgoing Almera. It also displays the operation status of the \nNissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM)\n advanced driver assistance features which we will cover in the Safety section.\nNissan also promised even more comfort for the front occupants with the Zero Gravity Inspired seats, where the shape and cushioning of the seat alleviates fatigue. The added telescopic adjustment for the steering column further improves the driver\u2019s comfort levels.\nThe rear seatback can now fold down in a 60:40 split, enable users to carry long and bulky items from their favourite furniture store. The old car actually had a \u201cV-brace\u201d in placed for structural stiffness, hence the rear seatback was fixed.\nOccupants will also notice \na quieter cabin\n thanks to added insulation and sound cancelling materials. This is further enhanced by a stronger bodyshell and fitment of higher range Continental UC6 tyres.\u00a0All these advancements also have a trickling effect which is better driving dynamics. We have covered this aspect more in detail \nhere\n.\nSo, what have they \nnot changed\n? The steering wheel is the common flat-bottom design that is currently used in the\n X-trail\n, \nSerena\n and part of the improvements in the final edition of the 2020 Black Series Almera.\nThe Nissan \u201cIntelligent Key\u201d key fob, first seen in the Nissan Latio model, is still the same item in the new Almera Turbo. Even the mighty Nissan GT-R and all-new \n2021 Nissan Rogue\n still use this oblong-oval shaped key fob with no replacement in sight.\nAnd of course, the famous astonishing legroom space is still here in the new Almera Turbo. A USB charging port is also available for rear occupants.\nSAFETY\nSafety has also taken a significant step up in features, but that is only because the previous sedan was lacking in many aspects. Nevertheless, the Nissan Almera Turbo remains to be the \nlowest priced\n non-national sedan to have standard fitment of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) or Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB) in Nissan lingo.\nThe full \nNIM suite\n that includes the 360-degree Around View Monitor (IAVM) parking camera system and factory-fitted blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) are only available in the VLT variant. Critics also have a lot fewer bullets to attack the Nissan Almera Turbo, as it now comes standard electronic stability control and hill start assist with two airbags on the base VL variant.\nSix airbags are available in the VLP and VLT variants and all these are matching current levels of safety features available in the Honda City petrol-only variants and Toyota Vios.\nPRICING\nThe all-new Nissan Almera Turbo is priced at\n RM79,906\n for the base VL, \nRM85,715\n for the VLP and \nRM91,310\n for the top-spec VLT. All are on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nCompared to the previously listed pricing of the outgoing Almera with Black Series package, the new models are significantly more expensive, entering into the over-RM80,000 region which is dominated by the Toyota Vios and Honda City mid-range variants.\nHowever, if we were to compare both generations of Almera VL variants, the new Turbo VL offers greater value thanks to fitment like the AEB, ESC, a better powertrain and more comfortable seats for the same under-RM80,000 price tag. \u00a0\nSo there you have it, the Nissan Almera Turbo has changed so much from one generation to another with only two items that are carried over- the key fob and the flat-bottom steering wheel.\n \nGALLERY"
"It was just a year ago (almost exactly, down to the day!) that Lamborghini announced they\u2019ve built their \n10,000th Urus\n super-SUV, the fastest they\u2019ve ever achieved that figure. But it seems like the momentum is nowhere close to slowing down, as the Italian supercar maker has just broken yet another production milestone with the Urus, with the figure now sitting at 15,000 units.\nThat figure means that the Urus is Lamborghini\u2019s most produced model to date, in the shortest amount of time since its debut. Sorry, purists \u2013 Lamborghini is now mainly an SUV manufacturer.\nIf you\u2019re like us, our chances of owning an actual Lamborghini Urus is pretty much non-existent. So how about a Urus-inspired body kit for the Toyota Harrier?\nThe milestone was achieved just days after the marque achieved its sales record for the best half-year ever, delivering 4,852 cars globally. As you would expect, the Lamborghini Urus contributed significantly to that figure.\nIn fact, Lamborghini says that the Urus has significantly contributed to the overall increase in the company\u2019s sales since its presentation in December 2017. The super-SUV even helped Lamborghini double its total volume in 2019, the first full year the Urus is available on the market.\nThe Lamborghini Urus has been certified as the fastest production car on ice, thanks to its all-wheel traction! Check it out here.\nThe Urus has been so successful for Lamborghini that it had to expand its headquarters to fit a dedicated production line for the Super-SUV, replete with an AI-controlled dedicated paint shop.\nFinished in a shade of Grigio Keres Matte, with Verde Scandal details, and a two-toned interior in Nero Ade/Verde Scandal (all part of the brand\u2019s latest \u201cGraphite Capsule\u201d collection), the Lamborghini Urus with lucky number 15,000 will now head off to a customer in the UK."
"After 5,000 hours (approx. 208 days) and 467,854 pieces of LEGO bricks weighing over a tonne; behold, a 1:1 scale of the McLaren Senna.\nOf the 5000 hours, 2,725 hours were needed by a team of 10 specialist assemblers to piece together the Ultimate Series McLaren, which weighs 500 kg more than the actual car at 1,700 kg.\nIn the same time it took to built this live-sized Senna, McLaren said they would\u2019ve been able to hand-assemble nine real McLaren Sennas.\nWhile you \nmay not be able to drive it like the LEGO-fied Bugatti Chiron\n, viewers can still hop in and \u201cstart the car\u201d with a push start button to hear a simulation of the engine coming to life \u2013 with fully functional lights and infotainment system.\nThe interior also comes with a lightweight carbon fibre driver seat, steering wheel and pedals from the actual car. Actual McLaren badges are fitted and the wheels and Pirelli tyres are exactly as specified on the real car.\nThis, however, is not the first collaboration between McLaren and LEGO. In 2017, the British supercar maker and Danish company unveiled a 1:1 scale of the McLaren 720S which required 200,000 less LEGO bricks to build.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen AG has just announced that the facelifted\u00a0\nSharan\n\u00a0will be getting a new range of more efficient diesel and petrol engines, as well as new networking features that are iOS and Android compatible.\nThe premium seven-seater people carrier is now in its second generation and contends with the likes of \nBMW 220i Gran Tourer\n\u00a0and the \nMercedes-Benz B-Class\n. It takes to the table a new set of tweaked engines and an infotainment system to keep the kids busy.\nThe oily bits are tweaked in order to make it more efficient and as a result, t\nwo TSI and three TDI engines\n are afforded the change. Both updated\u00a0\nTSI\n mills produce\n 147 hp and 216 hp\n respectively, up by almost 20 hp for the pair.\u00a0The former\u00a0engine achieves a fuel consumption rating of \u00a0\n6.4 litres per 100km\n when mated to a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission.\nOn the other hand, the\u00a0\nTDI\n trio pumps out\u00a0\n113 hp and 147 hp\n\u00a0\u2013 up by \n10 hp\n\u00a0each while the\n 181 hp\n oil burner gains \n7 hp\n in total. Fuel efficiency, as goes without saying, is an impressive \n5.0 litres per 100km\n\u00a0achieved with a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission.   With the exception of the smallest diesel lump, \nall engines\n can be mated to\u00a0an \nautomatic six-speed dual clutch\n gearbox or \nDSG\n, which now comes with a\n \u2018coasting\u2019\n function that essentially reduces drag when your right foot is off the throttle pedal.\nThe Sharan is also more connected with systems such as \nAndroid Auto\n for Google and\n Car Play\n from Apple Inc. Both systems allow the driver and passengers to use\u00a0\nApp-Connect\n and feed the apps directly onto the \n5\u00a0or 6.5-inch\n displays. The sat-nav can even be mirrored to a tablet via Wi-Fi.\n \n \nThe Sharan comes also with \n9 airbags\n, \nBlind Spot Monitor\n, \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n and a first for this model \u2013\u00a0\nCity Emergency Braking\n system which is active up to \n30 km/h\n. The Sharan is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in July.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hari Raya is just right around the corner. While this year \u2013 once again \u2013 will be quite a different experience for many people as interstate travels are still not permitted, Goodyear Malaysia is still committed to keeping the Raya spirit alive by spreading some joy and love with their customers, especially for those who might be looking for a new festive ride.\nThat\u2019s because for this Hari Raya festive season, Goodyear Malaysia is giving away three units of the Ativa X \u2013 with \nGoodyear Assurance TripleMax 2\n tyres fitted right out of the factory \u2013 to three lucky customers.\nThe mid-year promo contest will run from \nApril 15 up to July 13\n. To be eligible for the contest, all you have to do is to purchase at least two pieces of Goodyear tyres from any Goodyear Authorised Branded Retail Outlet or distributor, and register online via Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s Worry Free Assurance web page during the contest period.\nAdditionally, customers will also need to complete the slogan, \u201cI choose Goodyear tyres because.\u201d, without exceeding an additional 25 words. Every two tyres will count as one entry, so you\u2019ll be able to submit multiple entries if you purchase more tyres!\n \nIn addition to the three Perodua Ativa X grand prizes, Goodyear Malaysia is also giving away seven sets of four tyres as special prizes \u2013 the same ones that the winners registered for the contest, and can be redeemed within two years.\nWinners of the contest will be announced on Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s official website (www.goodyear.com.my) as well as their own Facebook page (@GoodyearMalaysia), and will be contacted directly for the prize collection.\nWorry Free Assurance is Goodyear\u2019s tyre warranty programme that covers road hazard damages that are beyond repair, such as punctures, cuts, bulges, or impact during the course of normal driving on a maintained road.\nIn order to receive a free tyre replacement under the programme, customers will need to present their Goodyear Worry Free Assurance card or online warranty registration, along with the original receipt of purchase, and the damaged tyre itself, within six months of the purchase at any Goodyear Autocare or Servitekar store in Malaysia.\nGoodyear Malaysia Managing Director, Alex Ng said, \u201cIt has been more than a year since we have all been impacted by the pandemic, but hopefully things will start to get better within the next few months.\n\u201cWe would also like to take the opportunity to remind Malaysians to stay safe while celebrating this Raya season, by driving safely once interstate travel is once again allowed, and to also always practise social distancing\u201d, he added.\nMore details as well as the terms and conditions for the contest can be found on Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s 2021 Mid-Year Promo Contest web page, linked \nhere\n."
"Proton has just expanded its model offerings in South Africa, with the launch of the \nnew 2023 Saga\n facelift yesterday. The Proton Saga will join its SUV brethens, the\n X50\n and \nX70\n, that were launched in South Africa last September, and will also be fully imported (CBU) from Malaysia.\nThree variants of the Proton Saga are being offered in South Africa, starting with the 1.3L Standard MT that is priced at ZAR199,900 (approx RM49k), followed by the 1.3L Standard AT at ZAR219,900 (approx. RM54k), and finally the 1.3L Premium AT at ZAR239,900 (approx. RM59k).\nThe equipment list for each of the three variants in South Africa closely mirrors those of our own. Starting with the Standard MT, these include the halogen headlamps, 14-inch steelies, analogue instrument cluster with an LCD multi-info display, fabric seats, and manual climate control with a N95 cabin air filter built-in.\nA standard head unit with Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers are also included as standard, alongside the basic safety kit such as two airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as two rear parking sensors.\nThe Standard AT adds on a set of 14-inch alloy wheels, alongside two USB charging ports, and an upgraded safety kit that includes electronic stability control, traction control, and hill start assist.\nMove up to the 1.3L Premium AT, and the equipment list further adds a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, alongside LED daytime-running lights, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with media control buttons on the steering wheel plus two more speakers, reverse camera, and two additional front parking sensors.\nRELATED: \nProton sends 1000th car to South Africa \u2013 5,028 global exports as of Nov 2022\nBuyers in South Africa will unfortunately miss out on the \nPremium S variant\n that tops our variant offering here in Malaysia, which includes creature comfort niceties like keyless entry and push-start button, semi-leatherette seat upholstery, external boot release button, and the automatic power window feature on the driver-side door.\nBased on the photos provided, it seems that the Proton Saga in South Africa will also continue to utilise the older centre stack layout from the model\u2019s previous facelift in Malaysia, thus losing out on the newly redesigned air-conditioning control knobs.\nJust like our car here in Malaysia, all three variants of the Proton Saga in South Africa are also powered by the 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine, offering \n95 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n to the front wheels. Depending on variant, the powerplant is paired to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.\nProton only \nrestarted its export activites to South Africa last year\n, after a 10-year hiatus. Despite its recent addition to the company\u2019s export roster, South Africa is already now in second place in terms of volume for Proton\u2019s export business."
"With the taste for SUV expanding exponentially around the world, manufacturers are offering SUVs of various sizes to capture a piece of the market share. What this means for consumers? SUVs will no longer have to be a \u201cone size fits all\u201d package.\nAudi\u2019s SUV range is extensive, ranging\u00a0from large full-sized models like the \nQ7\n to the more compact series such as the\u00a0\nQ5 \nand \nQ3\n. Now, enter the Q2 \u2013 the new compact SUV contender from Audi to go head-to-head with the \nMercedes GLA class\n. Audi UK has just revealed the pricing and specification for the new Q2 that is set to hit UK showroom floors by 12 November 2016.\nAs we have previously covered in our \nlaunch report\n, while compact in size, the Q2 is packed with standard\u00a0equipment. In the UK, the Q2 is offered in four different trims, beginning with the SE, Sport, S-line and the top of the mill Edition #1. Standard Q2 is available as a front-wheel drive layout while higher powered Q2 can be had with Audi\u2019s quattro all-wheel drive system.\nStandard equipment for the UK-spec Q2 includes progressive steering, Audi smartphone interface and Audi pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition. Optional equipment includes Audi virtual cockpit, Audi Phone Box wireless charging, Bang & Olufsen sound system and a heads-up display.   Alloy wheels for the Q2 ranges from 16-inch for the SE variant, 17-inch for the Sport variant, 18-inch for the S-line variant and 19-inch for the Edition #1.\nAll variants of the Q2 except Edition #1 are available with a \n1.4-litre TFSI\n petrol engine producing \n148 hp\u00a0\nor a \n114 hp\n \n1.6-litre\n TDI turbodiesel mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. Drive option is limited to FWD.\nFor Q2 Sport and above, customers have an additional choice of a \n2.0-litre TDI\n turbodiesel that develops \n148 hp\n mated to a sole seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. With the 2.0-litre oil burner, the Q2 can be had in either front-wheel drive or \nquattro all-wheel drive\n.\nFor the Edition #1, only two engine choice are available which are the \n1.4-litre petrol\n and the \n2.0-litre turbodiesel\n. Transmission choice for the petrol are a six-speed manual or the seven-speed S Tronic gearbox. The diesel powered Edition #1 can only be had with the seven-speed S Tronic.\nDriver assistance systems for the higher range models include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function and Traffic Jam Assist, Audi Active Lane Assist, rear cross-traffic assist and emergency assist.\nPrices for the all-new Audi Q2 begin from \u00a322,380 (RM117k) for the base variant all the way up to\u00a0 \u00a335,730 (RM187k) for the fully decked-out Edition #1 2.0-litre TDI quattro. There will be an entry-level Q2 with a 1.0-litre TFSI petrol engine that is set to be introduced at at later date, with\u00a0a base price tag of\u00a0 \u00a320,230 (RM106k).\nCloser to home, word has it that Audi Malaysia has \nplans\n to introduce the all-new Q2 in our shores in the very near future. If equipped\u00a0and priced right, would you rather have this over the RM239k GLA 200?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Jaguar F-Type R made its \nintroduction in Malaysia\n some two years ago. With a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 under its hood, the 550 hp and 680 Nm British beast will sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. That is not slow even by today\u2019s standards, but tuning company \nViezu Technologies\n begs to differ.\nThe ECU-tuning specialist based in UK extracted a full 100 hp and 250 Nm out of the engine, taking the supercharged V8\u2019s final output to a staggering \n650 hp\n and\n 930 Nm\n of torque. Fortunately, the car comes with all-wheel drive to keep the power levels in check (sort of). It also comes with a menacing name \u2013 Jaguar F-Type Predator.\nViezu technical director Simon White explains that their primary focus was to unleash the engine\u2019s full potential while maintaining reliability and everyday drivability. Therefore, the only mechanical changes were an upgraded intercooler and a Predator semi-free-flow exhaust.\nPower gains were mainly from optimising the supercharger to release its full potential. White expressed that there is more power to the engine than it suggests. This modification can also be applied to similar Jaguar Land Rover cars fitted with this engine.   Viezu also provides a series of cosmetic upgrades such as 20-inch gold-finished alloys, carbon fibre visual parts, lowered ride height (20mm lower) and stiffer suspension bushings. The power upgrade will set you back at \u00a38,108 (approximately RM42k). Drag race, anyone?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance, the sole distributor for Porsche here in Malaysia, is closing the year 2021 with the launch of another new model \u2013 the all-new 992-generation \nPorsche 911 GT3\n. The launch is a few days ahead of the Porsche World Roadshow Malaysia 2021 that is being held at Sepang International Circuit.\nThe icon of arguably the best track day machine has its price in Malaysia starting from \nRM1,766,244\n (with SST exemption) and SDAP has opened the pre-ordering process.\nPERFORMANCE\nHeadlining the seventh-generation Porsche 911 GT3 is naturally the 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine that actively serves in motorsports. Renowned for its acoustics, response and high-revving nature, the compact engine features individual throttle bodies for each of its six cylinders and is utilised practically unchanged in the new 911 GT3 Cup racing cars.\nEngine: 4.0-litre flat-six boxer engine, naturally aspirated\nTransmission: 7-speed PDK \nor\n 6-speed GT sports manual \u00a0\nDrivetrain: Rear engine, rear-wheel drive\nHorsepower: \n510 hp\n @ 8,400 rpm\nTorque: \n470 Nm\n @ 6,100 rpm\nMaximum engine rpm: 9,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: PDK- \n3.4 seconds\n; 6MT- 3.9 seconds\nTop speed: PDK- 320 km/h\nPorsche has made the 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch transmission) a standard item, but customers can choose to select a 6-speed manual GT sports transmission at no additional cost.\nThe chassis of the 911 GT3 is bespoke to the model, with the front axle featuring a double-wishbone arrangement that is taken from the Le-Mans-winning 911 RSR race car. On the exterior, a huge swan-neck rear wing mounting and deep underbody diffuser work in tandem to generate up to 150% more downforce than before in its more aggressive setting.\nEXTERIOR\nWhile some consumers love the motorsports image projected by the 911 GT3 and its highly efficient aerokit, other customers just want to discreetly blend with the crowd.\nAs such, clients can choose a simpler \nGT3 Touring package\n. SDAP, CEO, Christopher Hunter said,\u201d While the 911 GT3 makes for an ideal Sepang companion for the active community of track-going Porsche owners here in Malaysia, those who prefer to experience the dynamic qualities of the GT3 in a more understated fashion across longer journeys can go for the Touring Package which transforms the GT3 into a more road-oriented grand tourer,\u201d\nReplacing the large rear wing is an electronically deployed spoiler that adds back some of the lost downforce points of the fixed unit. A new engine cover with mesh grille has the \u2018GT3 Touring\u2019 emblem and third brake light completes the look at the rear.\nKey features on the new Porsche 911 GT3 include:\nBonnet and rear wing made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)\nWindows from lightweight glass\nSports exhaust system\nForged lightweight centre-locking rims\nMixed tyre sizes: 20-inch front (255/35), 21-inch rear (315/30)\nThe optional features such as colour combinations, carbon fibre roof panel, LED headlights with Dynamic Light System, Porsche Ceramic Brakes (PCCB), front axle lift system and darkened LED matrix headlight with matching the smoked taillamps. Up to 105 classic shades from Porsche\u2019s past catalogue can be accessed via the special \u2018Paint to Sample\u2019 programme.\nINTERIOR \u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe interior of the is designed in line with the current \n992-generation\n, with standard features include:\nDual 7-inch high-resolution driver\u2019s information display with GT3-specific content\nVirtual shift assistant coloured bars for gear changes\nCentral 10,000-rpm rev counter\n10.9-inch central PCM touchscreen infotainment display\nThe options list include seat variations, advanced driver assistance systems, audio systems and the Sport Chrono Package. The Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur personalisation programme also allows clients to further add their own touches to the 911 GT3, such as coloured rev counter, seat belts, dashboard trim materials, wrapping and more.\nPRICING\nThe all-new Porsche 911 GT3 here in Malaysia is priced from \nRM1,766,244\n on the road, without insurance, before options, and inclusive of the SST exemptions which will be valid until the 30th of June 2022.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz together with local partners Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant and Thonburi Energy Storage Systems have begun production of plug-in hybrid batteries in Bangkok.\n\u201cWe have been successfully producing Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the local market at our Thai plant for more than 40 years beginning with the W123 model. With the start of production of our battery factory in Bangkok, we are taking another important step in the expansion of our global battery production network at Mercedes-Benz Cars with nine factories worldwide,\u201d Mercedes-Benz said.\nThe Thai production plant currently assembles 10 different models such as the GLA, C-Class Sedan, C-Class Coup\u00e9, E-Class Sedan, CLS, S-Class Sedan, GLC, GLC Coup\u00e9, GLE and A-Class Sedan. In 2018 alone, TAAP produced more than 15,000 cars for Mercedes-Benz.\nThe battery production and plant expansion is part of a 100 million euros investment by both Mercedes-Benz and their Thai partners in response to the high demand for electric mobility, particularly plug-in hybrid vehicles in Thailand.\nThe battery systems manufactured in the new battery factory, are used among others for the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, S-Class as well as for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLC Coup\u00e9. It\u2019s said that plug-in hybrid models for the C- and E-Class are high in demand in Thailand.\nThe move is in line with Mercedes-Benz\u2019s long term goal of producing a carbon neutral fleet by 2039. By 2030, every second vehicle sold should have an electric drive; whether they\u2019re fully electric or plug-in hybrids.\nThe battery factory in Bangkok will meet this requirement by using large solar systems on the roofs of the plants. Excess solar power, for example, is temporarily stored in \u201c2nd-life battery storage systems\u201d from recycled electric vehicle batteries.\nIn total, the battery production network consists of nine factories at seven locations on three continents. The first factory in Kamenz is in series operation. The second factory in Kamenz (Germany), the battery factory at the Beijing site (China) and in Bangkok (Thailand) started series production in 2019. The battery factories in Stuttgart-Untert\u00fcrkheim (Germany), Tuscaloosa (USA) and Jawor (Poland) will start at the beginning of the next decade."
"Porsche has revealed first-ever Porsche Macan T \u2013 where T stands for \u2018Touring\u2019 \u2013 which will sit between the standard Macan and the Macan S. The \u2018T\u2019 moniker was previously reserved only for the 911 and 718 models.\nThe letter T has represented a unique form of dynamic driving at Porsche since the 1960s. Its designation is reserved for models that offer an \u201cespecially authentic driving experience\u201d thanks to precise tuning, exclusive equipment and efficient engines.\nRELATED: \nFacelift Porsche Macan launched in Malaysia \u2013 3 variants from RM433k\nJust like the 911 T from 1968, the new Macan T features a dynamic set-up and a lightweight, two-litre turbo engine which produces 265 hp and 400 Nm, paired to a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. With the Sport Chrono Package, the Macan T accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 232 km/h.\nCompared to the 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 engine in the Macan S and GTS models, the powertrain in the Macan T is 58.8 kg lighter on the front axle. According to Porsche, this gives the vehicle good off-the-line performance and high cornering ability.\nThe Macan T is the only Porsche at the moment to feature passive suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management, with a 15 mm lowered ride height. The optional air suspension lowers the car\u2019s ride height by an additional 10 mm. For even more precise steering and stability, the anti-roll bars on the front axle are more rigid.\nThe Porsche Traction Management on the Macan T on the other hand has been tuned to be rear-biased; meaning that more power is sent to the rear wheels.\nThe Macan T differentiates itself from the standard Macan with Agate Grey Metallic trims on the front side and rear including the roof spoiler, side mirror caps, and doors. Sports tailpipes and black window trims are standard in the Macan T. Under the wheel arches are 20-inch items from the Macan S, finished in Dark Titanium.\nInside, the cabin is finished with Porsche\u2019s Black Leather package, while front and rear seats feature Sport-Tex Stripe patterns. The front headrests come with an embossed Porsche crest.\nThe Macan T also inherited new additions from the \nupdated 2021 Macan \nsuch as the new centre console with a glass-look and touch-sensitive surface, as well as the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen and online navigation as standard.\nRELATED:\n Petrol-powered Porsche Macan models likely to cease production in 2024\nGALLERY"
"Aston Martin has revealed pretty much the final renderings of the upcoming DBS GT Zagato model that\u2019s based on the\n DBS Superleggera\n we got to check out a couple months ago at Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur\u2019s HQ.\nThe DBS GT Zagato will be paired with the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation to make up the \nDBZ Centenary Collection\n \u2013 where only 19 will be made and priced at \nsix million pounds (approx. RM30 million)\n for each pair.\nCheck out \nour video of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera\n!\nAston Martin has spared all but \ntwo vital details about the car\n, and they simply baffle the mind! The DBS GT Zagato is fitted with a \nnew active grille that\u2019s made up of 108 individual diamond-shaped carbon fibre pieces\n \u2013 capable of projecting two totally different looks when it\u2019s on the move and when it\u2019s parked.\nWhen stationary, the \u201cflaps\u201d remain flush but upon start-up, each of the 108 pieces open up like the gills on a fish \u2013 making the DBS GT Zagato seem as if it was coming to life.\nAston Martin Lagonda, CEO, Marek Reichman said, \u201cThis is a car that\u2019s not only focused around beauty, but drama too. Our dynamic grille gives us an opportunity to provide the car with two very different identities.\nHe added, \u201cWhen parked, DBS GT Zagato will almost look like it\u2019s resting, but with the rear of the car still appearing muscular and primed for action. Only on start-up will the car truly become alert and ready to perform, delivering both an aural and visual treat for onlookers\u201d.\nThe second most intriguing part of the DBS GT Zagato is the \nsingle-piece carbon fibre covering the entire rear windscreen\n. As such the cabin of the Zagato has been fitted with a camera-operated rear view mirror.\nPretty cool, but if you ask me, it\u2019s somewhat a solution to a problem that shouldn\u2019t exist. Funnily enough, Aston Martin actually said that the Zagato is treated to a pure and simple roofline \u201cwithout any compromises to practicality\u201d.\nHow is removing the entire rear windscreen, for the sake of aesthetic appeal, NOT compromising practicality though?\nThe DBS GT Zagato is set for production in 2020, joining each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato cars set to be created at Aston Martin Works this year."
"Porsche has a long and illustrious history in motorsports that dates all the way back to the 1960s. Of course, that means that the more successful cars have their liveries forever ingrained in Porschephiles\u2019 minds.\nFor this year\u2019s \nAmelia Island Concours event\n, Porsche decided to wrap three \nall-electric Taycan\n in historic Porsche motorsport colours, and boy oh boy do these evergreen liveries look good on the Porsche Taycan.\nFirst up is the red and white livery, with racing number 23 \u2013 the iconic livery of the Porsche 917 Kurzheck (which means short-tail) that gave Porsche its first Le Mans victory in 1970.\nThe white car with red and blue stripes, carrying the number 59 is based on the Brumos Racing Team livery that was present on the four-time 24-hour of Daytona-winning Porsche Carrera RSR.\nBut none of those can beat the livery of the 1971 Le Mans contender, the \u201cPink Pig\u201d, which quickly rose to fame due to its quirkiness \u2013 I mean, it\u2019s a pink car with the different cuts of meat labelled in German.\nWhat other liveries would you like to see brought back onto modern Porsches? For us, it would have to be the Gulf Oil and Martini Racing colours."
"With the prevalence of the Internet, it\u2019s no secret that car companies are finding it increasingly difficult to contain their secrets.\nToday\u2019s hottest news is a case in point; with images and a short clip of the all-new Toyota Harrier floating around the Internet. It\u2019s just human behaviour I suppose \u2013 the more you forbid them to do something, the more they want to do it. How most Malaysians have behaved, especially in the earlier stages of the MCO is one such example.\nFor now, there\u2019s really no point speculating when it would arrive in Malaysia and what it would be equipped with, because we\u2019re not even certain if humanity can exist beyond this year so let\u2019s talk about what we can see at the moment.\nDon\u2019t know about you, but the front end of the Harrier does look a fair bit like the \nToyota Crown\n, although it\u2019s grille isn\u2019t as large and doesn\u2019t drop as low as the Crown. As for the headlights, now this is going to trigger a lot of Toyota fanboys as personally, even I think it\u2019s offensive but don\u2019t you think it looks like the sleeker version of the\n Geely Binyue\u2019s (a.k.a Proton X50)\n head lights?\nSorry if you can\u2019t unsee it.\nAnd then you a rear three quarter angle that immediately made me think of the \nJaguar F-Pace\n, while the tail lights which stretches across the entire tailgate, whispers \u201c\n992 Porsche 911\n\u201d and the \u201c\nLexus UX\n\u201d to me.\nThere\u2019s more. Notice how the edges of the tail lights protrude out of the body \nmuch like the Lexus UX we tested recently\n? In the UX, not only are the tail lights look like sculptured, they also serve as spoilers/rear wing \u2013 to increase the crossover\u2019s downforce.\nWe can only hope it serves the same purpose for the Harrier. For now, we\u2019ll leave you with the review of the previous generation that has for so long been coveted by so many that UMW Toyota finally decided to bring some in themselves.\n \nGALLERY"
"Launched alongside the \nall-new BMW 430i M Sport\n is the \nlocally-assembled (CKD)\n BMW X7, the full-sized seven-seater Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) positioned above the X5.\nPriced over \nRM153k lesser\n at an estimated \nRM708,000\n with the sales tax exemption, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i now joins other CKD BMW models that comprised 87% of the group\u2019s total \n2020 sales\n. The addition of the X7 means all SAV models in the X family are now locally-assembled in Kulim, Kedah. \u00a0\nAs for the main specifications and features, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i does not differ from the \nCBU\n variant launched in 2019. The colour palette sees a reduction from seven to five- Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Phytonic Blue, Mineral White and the new Manhattan Metallic.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Design Pure Excellence line continues in the CKD model. The window surrounds, air breather and \u2018hockey stick\u2019 door mouldings are in bright chrome, with front and rear bumper underbody protection in stainless steel styling. Key features in the BMW X7 xDrive40i includes:\nBMW Laserlight headlamps\nAluminium roof rails\nAluminium running boards\n21\u2033 wheels in Y-spoke style 753 Bicolour with run-flats\nSoft-close doors\nPowered split tailgate\nWelcome light carpet\nINTERIOR\nInside, the features continue to remain as similarly nicely equipped as the fully imported model. There are three interior schemes with Vernasca leather paired with their respective exterior colours.\nThe display unit in Phytonic Blue is paired with all-black interior\nAll three rows get to control their own air-conditioning preference with the automatic five-zone control system. High-gloss brown wood trim continues to decorate the interior with other key features below:\n\u201cCraftedClarity\u201d glass application on the gear selector, iDrive controller, volume knob and start/stop button\nBMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and similarly sized infotainment system\nFront active seat ventilation\nPower-adjusting second-row seats in 40:20:40 split, with one-touch easy-access\nPower-folding third-row seats in 50:50 split\nPanorama glass roof Sky Lounge\nHarman Kardon surround sound with 16 speakers\nRear seat entertainment with two 10.2-inch touch screen monitors\nThe X7 in the xDrive40i guise is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine pushing out \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint takes \n6.1\n \nseconds\n while the top speed is capped at 245 km/h.\nA new addition into the CKD model is the fitment of the \nIntegral Active Steering\n that marginally turns the rear wheels in the opposite or same direction as the front wheels for either better low-speed agility or high-speed comfort and stability.\n \nCheck out GC\u2019s experience with the BMW X7 xDrive40i \nAn 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, xDrive all-wheel drive and air suspension with active roll stabilisation are standard items. Like the imported variant, ride comfort is further enhanced by the Dynamic Damper Control system, which can process data from the navigation system and front camera.\nAlso carried over are the Driving Assistance Professional features like the Active cruise control with Stop & Go, steering and lane control assistant, a head-up display, and Reversing Assist.\nAs mentioned earlier, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i is priced at an estimated \nRM708,000\n and accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service programme. With the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing Plan, the X7 xDrive40i can be had with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM7,848 (based on an 80% loan estimate on a five-year tenure).\nCustomers can register their interest in the BMW X7 xDrive40i CKD starting today on \nBMW Shop Online\n.\nFollowing the new pricing structure announcement in January 2021, for the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Land Rover\n will soon debut an all-electric (EV) version of the \nLand Rover Defender\n. \nAuto Express\n reports that the refreshed Defender line-up that is due for 2025 will see fully electric versions of the Defender 90, 1110, and 130. The brand\u2019s first EVs are expected to reach customers in 2026.\nThe all-electric Land Rover Defender will not be alone in the EV off-roader league as Mercedes-Benz is also working on an \nall-electric version of the G-Wagon\n. Images of the G-Wagon in camouflage have surfaced on the internet and it has even been seen showing off its new \u2018\ntank turn\n\u2019 trick which rotates the car 360\u00b0 in the same position.\nReportedly, the refreshed Land Rover Defender will sit on a new platform, most likely Land Rover\u2019s MLA Flex platform. The platform can support both fully electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains, so a fossil fuel-powered Defender is still in the picture.\nAlthough it will be on a new platform, the looks of the Defender will not deviate too far from its current aesthetics. The UK publication reports that the look and dimensions of the Defender are likely to remain the same. It would be interesting to see how Land Rover differentiates its fully electric models from the ICE models in terms of styling.\nRELATED: \nWatch the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG do a stationary tank turn\nLike the exterior, the interior is also not expected to change too much as \u201cthe [current] cabin design has been so well received by customers\u201d. However, do expect to see an increase in the use of sustainable materials as the brand looks to a more sustainable future.\nLand Rover\u2019s engineers believe the electric drivetrain will boost the off-road performance of its iconic 4\u00d74 model. They believe that greater control can be achieved through software management of electric power delivery along with advanced torque vectoring.\nALSO WATCH: \nRM1mil Land Rover Defender 110 P400 MHEV full review\nNo technical details have been officially revealed but a Land Rover Insider has told \nAuto Express\n that a \n100-kWh\n battery would easily fit the MLA platform of the upcoming Defender. With such a capacity, the company aims for a minimum 300-mile (\n482 km\n) range for the EV Defender.\nAlongside the Defender, the \nLand Rover Discovery\n is also set to go fully electric. In Malaysia, Land Rover models available include the Defender, Discovery, and models from the \nRange Rover\n family.\nALSO WATCH: \n2021 Land Rover Defender 110 P300 & P400 MHEV, 5 Things"
"Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia (MMM) has officially announced a new variant to join its crossover, the ASX\u2019s lineup. Prior to this, the ASX was only available in two trims, one being the 2WD and the other range topping 4WD variant. As of today, the ASX 2WD GL will mark its entry as the base and third variant of the model, and it will carry a sticker price of RM105k, making it the cheapest variant of the lot.\nBesides the additional variant, the ASX also gets enhancements across the range. Features new to the crossover\u2019s exterior include\n LED daytime running lights\n built right into the fog lamp housing, shark fin antenna and a new set of \ndual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels\n. The new colour you see in the picture above is called \nSporty Blue\n, and is available across the range.\nInside, the 2WD (GL not included) and 4WD ASX gets a\n new touchscreen head unit\n that supports USB, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS Navigation and reverse camera. The centre console gets a new design, whereas the door switch panel is finished in piano black. Finishing off the interior kit is Mitsubishi\u2019s Virtual Acoustic Positioning System for better audio reproduction. However, the 4WD is the only variant to get\n seven airbags\n, whereas both 2WD variants will come with dual airbags and a driver\u2019s knee airbag.\nTo recap, the ASX is powered by a naturally aspirated \n2.0-litre four-cylinder DOHC engine\n that produces \n148 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and\n 197 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm. Nothing is changed here, and the same can be said for its\n INVECS-III CVT gearbox\n. Pricing for the ASX starts from RM104,791.87 for the 2WD GL; RM112,571.39 for the 2WD and RM125,040.67 for the 4WD variant. Prices stated here are inclusive of GST but excludes insurance. Bundled together with the crossover is a\n 5-year factory warranty\n, and it can be had in\n four colours\n including the new Sporty Blue shade.\nIn conjunction with MMM\u2019s 10th year anniversary, the company is rewarding its customers with an additional \ncash rebate of up to RM12,000\n when purchasing selected models. Customers can also stand a chance to \nenjoy additional cash deals\n when booking any Mitsubishi models \nfrom now till 31 March 2016\n. To find out how we liked the ASX, be sure to \nread our review\n of the locally assembled crossover!"
"Audi Sport has introduced a range of retrofittable performance parts for the \nAudi R8\n and \nAudi TT\n, but the items are currently limited to suspension, exhaust, exterior and interior upgrades.\nFor the R8, customers can now opt for the sport brake linings, offering greater resistance to fading than standard brake linings. The carrying plates are made of featherweight titanium and are painted red. This alone shave off 1 kg of unsprung mass. A set of 20-inch fully milled alloys can be had for both the R8 and TT, reducing weight by 8 kg and 7.2 kg respectively.   A two or three-way coilover suspension is available, as well as a cross-member reinforcement bar for the rear axle. Everyone\u2019s favourite exhaust specialist, Akrapovic designed an exclusive titanium muffler and trims just for the TTS and TT RS.\nIn the aero department, all components were developed in the wind tunnel, comprised of front air inlet, side sills and rear diffuser. Each are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together, they give 250 kg of downforce to the R8 \u2013 approximately 100 kg more than before. Other optional CFRP parts include paddle shifters and strut cross brace, saving up t0 20 kg with the rear seats omitted.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Modern day Jaguars are definitely good lookers,\u00a0from the hunky \nF-Pace\n, the athletic\u00a0\nF-Type\n\u00a0to the sophisticated and classy \nXJ\n;\u00a0every Jag is characteristically unique. There is however, a new cat on the block called Jaguar I-Pace, albeit in concept form.\nAt one glance the Jaguar I-Pace Concept looks like a slightly larger C-segment hatchback, but it isn\u2019t. According to Jaguar, it\u2019s a sporty SUV that seats five comfortably, has plenty of space (with\u00a0\n530 litres \nof boot space) and get a digital cockpit design. It\u2019s also an electric vehicle, so it rides on an entirely new and bespoke aluminium architecture.   Exterior wise, the futuristic cab-forward design is the main theme of the I-Pace. The front wears the same grille and slim lights design as the F-Pace, followed by the coupe-inspired\u00a0side profile which ends with a slab rear end that is aerodynamically optimised. It also boasts a class leading drag coefficient of \n0.29\n, something quite unheard of from an SUV.\nPowering this SUV are two \ncompact electric motors\n, with each motor slotted in the front and back axles for better weight distribution. Total output from the all-electric I-Pace is rated at \n400 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque. Being an EV also translates to a blistering century sprint of \n4.0 seconds\n, which is impressive for an SUV that weighs around 2,000kg! Both motors deliver power to all four wheels. In terms of dynamics, the I-Pace is equipped with independent double wishbones for the front and Integral Link suspension for the rear.\nIt has a\u00a0\n90kWh lithium-ion\n battery pack (liquid cooled) which takes just 90 minutes to reach 80 percent capacity when charged from zero! The charger has an input rating of 50 kW. A full charge is achieved in two hours flat. Once charged, the I-Pace boasts a cruising distance of\u00a0\n500km mileage\n.\u00a0\nOverall, the I-Pace Concept looks just as stunning as any\u00a0other Jaguar concept cars. That\u2019s good news because many of these concept Jags remain hardly changed when they make it to production, and we have legendary designer Ian Callum to thank for that. Speaking of which, the I-Pace should be hitting showroom floors by mid-2018.\nThe Jaguar I-Pace Concept will be on display at the Los Angeles Motor Show this month. While no pricing has been announced, UK sources reportedly say it will cost about 10 to 15 percent more than the standard F-Pace.\nIMAGE SOURCE"
"There are pick-up trucks, and then there\u2019s the Ford Ranger \u2013 the pick-up that constantly redefines what trucks are capable of, both in the wild and within the confines of the urban jungle.\nIn the new and updated Ranger XLT Plus, Ford is once again leading from the front with class-leading features that no other pick-ups can lay claim to.\n2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo diesel engine\nWith an exceptional output of \n180 hp and 420 Nm\n from justa\n 2.0-litre\u00a0engine\n, the all-new single-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel unit in the Ford Ranger XLT Plus not only trumps other 2.5-litre diesel engines in performance, fuel efficiency, emissions and refinement, but its lower cubic capacity means significant savings on annual road tax.\n10-speed automatic transmission\nThe all-important supporting act of the all-new powertrain of Ford Ranger XLT Plus is its \n10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift\n \u2013 a first for pick-ups in this segment. Due to its 10-speed configuration, this newly-developed gearbox has a suitable gear for every occasion, whether it\u2019s crawling on a river bed or cruising on the highway, in 4WD or 2WD mode.\nThe wider spread of gear ratios also brings about greater fuel efficiency through reduce engine revs at higher speeds, not to mention drivetrain refinement as well.\n8-inch display with SYNC3 infotainment system\nIn-car connectivity matters in the digital age, and it is no different for pick-up owners. The Ranger XLT Plus is equipped with \nFord\u2019s cutting-edge SYNC 3 infotainment system\n.\nApart from functions such as voice command, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, the\n 8-inch touchscreen\n also shows the reverse camera and status of the dual-zone climate control. If that\u2019s not enough, \nApple CarPlay\n and \nAndroid Auto\n are standard\nFirst-in-class Easy Lift Tailgate\nEven though the Ranger is built Ford tough to take on the most challenging terrains, Ford prefers to do the heavy lifting for its owners. Take for example the ingenious \nEasy Lift Tailgate\n which requires only the strength of a finger to operate what used to be a task that required both arms.\nBy incorporating a torsion rod to support the weight of the tailgate, Ford has managed to make pick-up trucks that much easier to live with.\nBest-in-class water wading and payload\nWhile the new Ford Ranger XLT Plus comes loaded with functionalities that can only be found on premium vehicles, owning a Ranger is also knowing that you have a pick-up truck with proven 4\u00d74 off-road performance, built on a robust chassis with \nbest-in-class water wading capability\n as well as a \ncargo payload\n that shades other trucks.\nIt is all about winning\nWhether you appreciate the Ranger XLT Plus for its luxurious leather seating or admire its ability to go-anywhere while looking smart and stylish, it is undoubtedly the most complete and best value-for-money pick-up that stands out in a crowded segment.\n In short, winning doesn\u2019t come any easier with the Ford Ranger XLT Plus."
"Hyundai\n has unveiled the Hyundai Elantra N facelift at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n, sporting a new look that is more in line with the brand\u2019s current design trend. The debut of the \nElantra\n at Auto Shanghai also marks the \u201cN\u201d brand\u2019s entry into China.\nJoining the facelifted Sonata, Staria, Stargazer, all-new Kona, and Grandeur, the Elantra N now gets the same LED lightbar treatment at the front. It is based on the new Elantra standard model which was launched in Korea in March of this year (which does not sport the LED lightbar front end).\nHyundai N brand & Motorsports Vice President, Till Wartenberg said, \u201cThe new Elantra N, one of the most beloved N brand models around the world, will be a game changer in the Chinese market.\u201d\nThe front of the new Elantra N has a lower stance with enlarged black trim and exterior color garnish compared to the base model. It also has bolder bumper design details. Perched at the front and the back of the car are black anodized Hyundai emblems, which will be the new design identity of the N brand, piloted by the new Elantra.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Sonata facelift unveiled \u2013 Staria lights, BMW-like curved display\nOn the sides, N-specific red strips across the front and rear bumpers, including the side sill moldings, differentiate the N model from the standard. At the rear, the black bumper has been enlarged and a boat tail detail has been added to emphasize the car\u2019s sporty image while improving aerodynamics.\nPowering the new Hyundai Elantra N facelift is the same 2.0-litre turbocharges inline-4 engine that outputs \n276 hp\n (\n286 hp \nwith N Grin Shift) and \n392 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is an 8-speed \u2018N\u2019 wet dual-clutch transmission. All power is sent to the front wheels only.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Creta open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 Proton X50, Honda HRV, Toyota Corolla Cross competitor\nThe new Hyundai Elantra N and the Hyundai Mufasa at Auto Shanghai 2023\nHyundai Motor revealed that it plans to launch the new Elantra N in China in the second half of 2023. Following that, Hyundai will introduce the \nHyundai Ioniq 5 \nN\n in July this year. Wartenberg said, \u201cWith all three of N brand\u2019s core driving characteristics, Ioniq 5 N marks the beginning of a new era of high-performance electrification, and we are confident that it will set a new benchmark for sustainable high performance.\u201d\nIn Malaysia, the Hyundai Elantra is available in a single variant only \u2013 the Elantra SmartStream G 1.6L Premium. The single variant costs \nRM168,888\n and is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that outputs \n123 hp\n (metric) and \n154 Nm\n. The engine is paired with Hyundai\u2019s iVT transmission, which is a CVT.\nRELATED: \nThe upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N \u2018hot\u2019 EV will help you drift better"
"It\u2019s a common misconception that Rolls-Royce Black Badge models only come in the darkest of the dark paint jobs \u2013 As we\u2019ve mentioned in our \nWraith Black Badge review\n, RR is happy to paint your car in any colour you like from their 44,000-strong colour palette, as long as you pay them enough money.\nBut if for some reason none of the 44,000 colours available are not quite your taste, perhaps the new Neon Lights collection for the \nRolls-Royce Black Badge models\n will suit your fancy. Initially developed for clients in the United States, the bright bespoke \u201cnature-inspired\u201d colourways are now available for three further commissions worldwide for the Black Badge cars, making it a limited run of just four of each colour \u2013 if you find it a little too ostentatious, don\u2019t worry as you\u2019ll probably never see one on the road.\nThe first of the trio is Lime Rock Green, which is applied onto the Wraith Black Badge here. The near-luminous hue was inspired by the Australian green tree frog, which RR Bespoke Paint Specialist Sami Coultas\u2019 encountered during his trip to Tamworth, just north of Sydney.\nTo match the eye-popping exterior paintjob, the interior of the Wraith Black Badge is swathed in Scivaro Grey leather, with Lime Rock Green accents in the form of stitching and piping all around the cabin space.\nThe Dawn Black Badge seen here meanwhile is draped in a striking Eagle Rock Red hue, which supposedly mimics the flowers of \n\u2018\u014chi\u2018a lehua\n evergreen tree that is native to Hawaii. Inside, the Dawn Black Badge gets Selby Grey leather, finished with Koi Red stitching and piping details.\nLastly, there\u2019s the Cullinan Black Badge in Mirabeau Blue. The powder blue colour is inspired by wings of the \nRhetus Periander\n butterfly, also known as the Periander metalmark that is found across Central and South America. Unlike the other Neon Lights models though, the Arctic White leather in the Cullinan is contrasted by Lime Rock Green instead of a similar blue hue.\nThe dashboard on all three cars also get a dash of the exotic Neon Lights colours \u2013 Rolls-Royce calls these the Technical Fibre fascia. According to the British bespoke luxury carmaker, the line-art pattern is supposed to depict the \u201cdistortion of artificial light with speed\u201d, but we can\u2019t help but see them as those \n80s Jazz design painted on paper cups\n.\nThis isn\u2019t the first time that Rolls-Royce is creating bespoke colours specifically for their customers. Just last year, the company unveiled three \nlimited-edition pastel-coloured Black Badge\n models at the Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance event. In a surprise to no one, the ultra-rich like to spend their wealth on things that make them stand out even more.\nThat\u2019s by no means a criticism though; in fact we think it\u2019s pretty awesome that Rolls-Royce is also catering to the more left field requests \u2013 how many carmakers in the world would let you do that?\nGALLERY"
"MINI have taken the wraps off their five-door \nMINI\n variant unimaginatively called, the\n\u00a0MINI 5 door\n. Unfortunately (or fortunately) this variant did not get christened with \u2018-man\u2019 suffix but at least it\u2019s easier for us to identify which MINI that has five doors.\nOn a separate note, this is not the replacement to the quirky Clubman, as the MINI Clubman is getting its own successor with six (yes, six) doors. Stretching at\n\u00a0161mm\n\u00a0over the standard three-door third generation MINI,\n\u00a072mm\n\u00a0of it contributes to the\n\u00a0wheelbase\n\u00a0expansion, so the MINI 5 door should better accommodate the three passengers sitting abreast in the back seat.\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Tp-CHAP64\nEverything else is increased inside the cabin apart from the wheelbase, there\u2019s\u00a0\n15mm\n\u00a0\nmore headroom\n\u00a0and\n\u00a061mm more interior width\n, but magically the car\u2019s exterior width is still the same as the three-door MINI at 1727mm. The\u00a0\ntrunk\n\u00a0is still tiny at\n\u00a0278 litres\n\u00a0but that\u2019s actually 67 litres more than the three-door.\nCodenamed the \nF55\n, the looks are typical MINI, so everyone won\u2019t be mistaken it as a car other than the MINI. From the round headlights, the hexagonal grille, the floating roof, to the rear lights, the MINI design features are still present on the MINI 5 door. Additional pair of rear doors have shortened the front doors slightly while the rear hatch now appears to have a more sloping glass than the three-door MINI.\nFour different turbocharged engines with\u00a0\nMINI TwinPower Turbo Technology\n\u00a0are offered on the MINI 5 door, a pair of petrol and a pair of diesel. The\u00a0\n1499cc 3-cylinder petrol\n\u00a0in the\n\u00a0Cooper\n\u00a05 door generates\u00a0\n136hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n220Nm\n\u00a0of torque while the\n\u00a01998cc 4-cylinder petrol\n\u00a0in the\u00a0\nCooper S\n\u00a05 door produces\u00a0\n192hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n280Nm\n\u00a0of torque. With overboost, the Cooper and Cooper S gets additional 10Nm and 20Nm of torque respectively.\nOn the dark side of the fuel pump, the two diesel engines offer more torque than the petrol engines. You get\u00a0\n270Nm\n\u00a0of torque and\u00a0\n116hp\n\u00a0from the\u00a0\n1496cc 3-cylinder diesel\n\u00a0in the\n\u00a0Cooper D\n, and if that\u2019s not enough the\n\u00a0Cooper SD\n\u00a0will deliver a heady\u00a0\n360Nm\n\u00a0of torque and\n\u00a0170hp\n\u00a0from its\n\u00a01995cc 4-cylinder\n\u00a0powerplant.\nSprint time from\u00a0\n0-100 km/h\n\u00a0for the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D, and Cooper SD are\u00a0\n8.1\n\u00a0seconds,\u00a0\n6.9\n\u00a0seconds,\n\u00a09.4\n\u00a0seconds, and\u00a0\n7.4\n\u00a0seconds for cars equipped with the\u00a0\n6-speed manual\n\u00a0transmission while the\u00a0\n6-speed Steptronic automatic\n\u00a0shaves 0.1 second off those time except in the Cooper D, which adds 0.1 second to 100 km/h. They sip fuel between\u00a0\n5.9 litres to 3.6 litres per 100 kilometres\n\u00a0so they\u2019re efficient as well especially when combined with the so-called extensive\n\u00a0MINIMALISM\n\u00a0technology that includes the now-ubiquitous\n\u00a0auto start/stop\n\u00a0function and optional\u00a0\nGREEN\n\u00a0mode.\nApart from GREEN mode, the driver will be able to choose from the standard\u00a0\nMID\n\u00a0mode and\u00a0\nSPORT\n\u00a0mode via the optional\u00a0\nMINI Driving Modes\n, controlled by a rotary switch at the base of the gear lever. With single-joint spring strut front axle and multilink rear axle suspension setup combined with stiff weight-optimised contruction, MINI promises the same go-kart feeling on the MINI 5 door.\nThere\u2019s also electric power steering with\n\u00a0Servotronic\n\u00a0function along with\u00a0\nDynamic Stability Control\n\u00a0(DSC) including\u00a0\nDynamic Traction Control\n\u00a0(DTC), additional\u00a0\nElectronic Differential Lock Control\n\u00a0(EDLC) in the Cooper S and Cooper SD with optional\u00a0\nDynamic Damper Control\n.\nThe interior have been carried over from the three-door MINI, along with the fancy LED ring that surrounds the circular central instrument. A screen of up to 8.8 inches is available where the navigation, entertainment, telephone, and vehicle functions can be displayed and controlled by the\u00a0\nMINI Controller\n\u00a0that resides in the center console.\nDriving Assistant included in the MINI 5 door is not a human assistant, instead there\u2019s camera-based active cruise control, rear view camera, Parking Assistant, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant, and road sign detection.\nMINI Connected\n\u00a0in-car infotainment program will ensure online connectivity ranging from online radio, RSS feeds, and not forgetting social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. LED lights are available as option for almost all the lamps throughout the car. The extensive option list include automatic lamps, rain sensors, powered glass roof, automatic dimming mirrors, 2-zone climate control, navigation system, and Harman/Kardon hi-fi speaker system to name a few.\nSafety is not compromised in the MINI 5 door, each of the five seats come with\u00a0\nthree-point safety belts\n, and there are\u00a0\nfront\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nside airbags\n\u00a0along with side\n\u00a0curtain bags\n.\u00a0\nISOFIX\n\u00a0mounts are available as standard on the rear seats and optional on the front passenger seat. There\u2019s also\n\u00a0active engine compartment lid\n\u00a0to protect the pedestrian in an event of a collision.\nNo launch date has been set for the Malaysian market yet but most likely the diesel models might not make it to our shores. Pricing-wise the MINI 5 door should command a slight premium over the three-door MINI. While a five door hatchback format is considered normal for any other car, for MINI this is somewhat a new niche (not counting the not-so-MINI Countryman). To those who always wanted a MINI with a little bit more practicality, get your chequebooks ready.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Those who are working in nine-to-five office jobs know it all too well. We go from sitting in our cars during our commute, to sitting at our desks during work.\nAccording to a World Health Organisation (WHO) research, a quarter of people worldwide (1.4 billion) are living increasingly sedentary lifestyle.\nBesides increasing the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, a sedentary lifestyle could also shorten and weaken muscles in the lower body \u2013 increasing the risks of injury from falls or strains.\n \nOf course, there are ways to reduce time spent sitting down \u2013 such as using a standing desk at work. However, you don\u2019t have such luxury while driving. That is why \nJaguar Land Rover\n is developing a new shape-shifting seat to tackle this very issue.\nThe \u2018morphable\u2019 seat, as it\u2019s called, uses a series of actuators in the seat foam to create constant micro-adjustments that \u201cmake your brain think you\u2019re walking\u201d.\nThe seats simulate the natural walking rhythm, a movement called \u2018pelvic oscillation\u2019, and can even be individually tailored to each driver and passenger.\nJaguar Land Rover\u2019s Body Interiors Research division is currently trialling the shape-shifting seats, but the company did not disclose if the seats will ever make it into production.\nJaguar Land Rover, Chief Medical Officer Dr Steve Iley said, \u201cThe wellbeing of our customers and employees is at the heart of all our technological research projects.\n\u201cWe are using our engineering expertise to develop the seat of the future using innovative technologies not seen before in the automotive industry to help tackle an issue that affects people across the globe,\u201d he added."
"After making its \nfirst public appearance\n at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 not too long ago, Perodua has finally unveiled in full the all-new fourth-generation Myvi. As \nreported earlier\n, Malaysia\u2019s favourite hatchback is available with two engine options across five variants.\nDespite a slight increase in price across the board, the all-new Myvi is still competitively priced against its closest rival, the Proton Iriz with the range-topping 1.5 Advance (AT) undercutting the \nProton\u00a0Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT\n by some RM5,500.\n\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (MT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Premium X (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 High (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 Advance (AT)\nEngine\n1.3-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i\n1.5-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n94 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n101 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n121 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n136 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM44,300\nRM46,300\nRM48,300\nRM51,800\nRM55,300\nEXTERIOR\nThe Myvi now sits on a heavily reworked platform, now measuring at 3,895 mm in length 1,735 mm in width, 1,515 mm in height and 2,500 mm in wheelbase. That\u2019s 205 mm longer, 70 mm wider, 30 mm lower and 60 mm longer in wheelbase than its predecessor. For the first time, the Myvi no longer shares its design with its Daihatsu twin. Instead, the whole outer body was designed completely in-house with Daihatsu, Perodua\u2019s strategic partner providing technical assistance in the areas of product planning and others.   Across the board, LED headlamps and taillights are standard. The front headlamps come with auto-off and follow me home functions while the wipers now come with a speed-sensing function. The new Myvi comes with front air spats across the range, while the rear air spats and a spoiler is provided for the 1.5-litre models.\nAerodynamic enhancements in the new Myvi have contributed to a drag coefficient of \n0.296\n, an improvement from the out-going Myvi\u2019s 0.306. The 1.3-litre variants get 14-inch wheels with 175/65 section tyres while the more powerful 1.5-litre H and AV variants come with 15-inch wheels with 185/55 section tyres.\nINTERIOR\nAs shown in the teaser video, the new Myvi gets an all-new interior architecture. As standard, all variants of the Myvi comes equipped with smart entry and a push start button while the built-in toll reader, a new addition, is only available for the 1.5-litre models. All models come with 4 speakers, adjustable steering and height-adjustable driver\u2019s seat.\nA multimedia system with navigation & Smart Link (for Android) is provided in the range-topping 1.5-litre AV while the other models come with a standard audio system with USB compatibility. Upwards from the 1.3-litre X variants, a leather steering with call function and a USB port on the driver seat are standard equipment. Leather upholstery is only available in the range-topping 1.5-litre AV variant while the rest are draped in the fabric upholstery.   With the rear seats up, boot space is rated at \n277-litres\n, 69-litres more than the outgoing Myvi. With the rear seats folded flat, the Myvi can ferry up to \n823-litres\n of cargo.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe 1.3-litre 1NR-VE Dual VVT-i engines come with \n94 hp\n and\u00a0\n121 Nm\n of torque while the 1.5-litre 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i engines come with \n101 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n of torque. The Eco Idle system is available upwards from the 1.3-litre X variant to the 1.5-litre models. With the Eco Idle system in the 1.3-litre X variant, fuel consumption is rated at\n 21.1 km/L\n while the 1.5-litre models are able to return \n20.1 km/L\n.\nAll the engines are built at the Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing plant in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan. The aluminium block engines are lights, more efficient and meet the Euro 4 emission standards.\nSAFETY\nThe 1.3-litre variant comes with 4 airbags while the 1.5-litre offerings are provided with 6 (front, side & curtain). ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Emergency Stop Signal, reverse sensors, anti-snatch hook, seat belt reminders (front and rear passengers) and ISOFIX are standard equipment in all models. Elsewhere Hill Start Assist and four corner sensor are only available upwards from the 1.3 X variant.\nExclusively for the 1.5-litre AV variant, the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA), reverse camera and security tinting are provided. The ASA utilises a stereo camera mounted on the windscreen to reduce low-speed accidents with 4 main features:\nPre-Collision Warning\n \u2013 alerts the driver when a collision is imminent\nPre-Collision Braking Assist\n \u2013 assist drivers in applying the brakes if they are still unaware of an impending collision\nFront Departure Alert\n \u2013 warns the driver that the vehicle ahead has moved\nPedal Misoperation Control\n \u2013 if the driver accidentally selects \u201cDrive\u201d instead of \u201cReverse\u201d, the feature suppresses the engine if there is an obstacle ahead.\nSix colours are available for the new Myvi \u2013 Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Mystical Purple, Lava Red, Peppermint Green (for 1.3-variants only) and Granite Grey (for 1.5-litre variants). A 5-year/150,000 km warranty is offered as standard throughout the range.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sometimes, carmakers set their cars up for rather interesting challenges like how Land Rover recently pitted their \nDiscovery Sport against a team of Husky Sled dogs around a course\n. Now Jaguar wants to challenge the \nGuinness World Record for fastest towed speed on skis\n and with their \nXF Sportbrake\n, they did just that; bringing home with them the coveted title.\nThe record breaking attempt was held at Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s Revi Test Centre in the Arctic Circle, with the XF Sportbrake S towing former British Olympic Skier Graham Bell by a rope. With the conditions all set, the XF Sportbrake S set off, pulling Bell to a top speed of \n189.07 km/h\n, smashing the previous world record by over \n75 km/h\n!\nWatch how they did it here:\nPowered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6, the XF Sportbrake S packs \n375 hp\n and\n 450 Nm \nof torque. Drive is channelled to all-four corners via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. \u00a0Century sprint is clocked in \n5.3 seconds\n while top speed is at a limited \n250 km/h\n.\nJaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks said: \u201cThe XF Sportbrake\u2019s superb traction, handling and high-speed stability made it the perfect choice for this speed record attempt. We\u2019re extremely proud to have supported Graham in this incredible world-beating achievement \u2013 it\u2019s this kind of trail-blazing activity that really tests our cars to their limits.\nLink to Guinness World Record \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai has developed the world\u2019s first Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology and will be featured first in the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine.\nThe new Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi is a V4 turbocharged engine making \n180 hp \nand \n265 Nm\n and will be fitted first into the new Hyundai Sonata Turbo which will be introduced in the second half of 2019. It also marks the first in a series of new Hyundai and Kia vehicles to feature the engine.\n \nThe CVVD system offers a balance between performance and fuel efficiency \u2013 achieving a\n 4%\n increase in performance, \n5%\n improvement in fuel efficiency while cutting emissions by \n12%\n.\n\u201cThe development of the CVVD technology is a good example of how Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening its powertrain technology,\u201d said Hyundai Motor Group, President and Head of R&D, Albert Biermann.\nAlbert Biermann, former head of BMW\u2019s M division, was brought in to transform Hyundai and Kia\u2019s fortunes and has since introduced formidable vehicles like the \nHyundai Elantra Sport\n and the\n Hyundai i30N\n which had garnered positive reviews from the media.\nThe \ni30N\n \u2013 possibly the most exciting and lethal Hyundai hatchback ever built.\nUp until today, an internal combustion engine\u2019s performance and efficiency relied on the variable valve control technology that manages the timing of the valve\u2019s opening and closing but they \ndo not regulate valve duration\n \u2013 as in how long a valve is open and that\u2019s where CVVD comes in.\nIn short, when a vehicle is moving at a constant speed, CVVD helps improve fuel efficiency but during hard acceleration, the system works in a way to offer more torque."
"Hyundai Motor Group has just showcased their next gen fuel-cell powered vehicle at a special preview event in Seoul. To nobody\u2019s surprise, the \u201cnear-production-ready\u201d model is an SUV. Hyundai has yet to give the hydrogen-powered SUV a name but it is expected to hit the market in early 2018.\nWith the new model, Hyundai has greatly improved the hydrogen-electric powertrain found on the \nix35 Fuel Cell\n (Tucson Fuel Cell in some markets) giving better hydrogen (fuel) consumption, greater performance and overall efficiency. The new enhanced powertrain is good for \n161 hp\n and can cover \n800 km\n on a single tank of hydrogen.\nAlso contributing to the extended driving range is the new hydrogen tank that is larger but lighter than its predecessor thanks to innovations on plastic liner and efficient layering pattern.\nThe new powertrain has also addressed the biggest issue with fuel-cell vehicles \u2013 \ncold start capability\n. To ensure that the hydrogen-powered powertrain starts up in temperatures below freezing, Hyundai have reworked the vehicles architecture as well as incorporating enhanced components such as MEA (membrane electrode assembly) and bipolar plates to allow it to start smoothly at -30 degrees Celsius. Rest assured that we won\u2019t be having this problem here in Malaysia.\nNo point having a highly advanced powertrain if no one wants to drive one eh? Hyundai has also paid great attention to the SUVs design, drawing inspirations from mother nature \u2013 namely water, the car\u2019s only emission. Emphasizing its non-polluting nature, the new vehicle takes on flowing and smooth lines, giving a claiming presence on the road. Its SUV characteristics are not lost too, with high ground clearance for off-road expeditions incorporated to its design.\nIts curvaceous shape is not just for the Grammy Award\u2019s Night; Hyundai has incorporated \nlow-drag and aerodynamic\n elements to complement not only the vehicles overall efficiency but also its soothing design.\nThe calm design theme is also reflected inside the cabin where the designers have adopted a minimalistic approach to emphasise a welcoming and uncluttered interior. Hyundai will also be using eco-friendly certified bio-materials on the interior, giving the new SUV a complete eco-friendly profile.\nThe new hydrogen powered SUV will be officially launched in Korea early next year followed by North American and European markets. Hyundai is also looking into expanding its new fuel cell model to markets with high growth potential for eco-friendly vehicles such as China."
"Artists, fashion designers, or even big gaming companies \u2013 these are perhaps some of the people you\u2019d think of (or at least makes sense) when a car brand unveils a special one-off model. Never in a million years we\u2019d think of a chef creating a special-edition car, but yet here we are, with the new Maserati Levante Trofeo \u2018Fuoriserie Edition\u2019.\nWhat you\u2019re looking at here is the fruit of a collaboration between Maserati and Massimo Botturo, a world-renowned three Michelin-starred chef hailing from Modena, Italy. And as you\u2019d imagine growing up near the Motor Valley of Italy, he quickly grew an affinity towards cars and motorsports, owing to his frequent racetrack visits with his brothers in his adolescence.\nThe passion for cars was what eventually landed the cuisine connoisseur a partnership with Maserati (also from the Emilia-Romagna region) that dates all the way back to 2005. From the carmaker\u2019s own website, Maserati CEO Reid Bigland said \u201cMassimo has shown true genius in expressing a modern or even futuristic vision of this tradition in every flavour, without ever betraying its origins.\n\u201cAll this is very close to the Maserati tradition of designing, developing and building cars here in Italy that can excite and delight their drivers all over the world,\u201d which explains their partnership, I guess.\nAnyway, enough of the man \u2013 time to talk about the car itself. Taking the\n range-topping Trofeo variant \nof the Maserati Levante as a \u201cblank canvas\u201d, the chef Massimo\u2019s Fuoriserie Edition is given a coat of Blu Stradale exterior paint, contrasted by huge splats of multi-coloured paint all around the car, something Maserati calls \u201cexplosion of creativity\u201d.\nCheck out the Maserati Levante Trofeo Launch Edition \u2013 only three available in the whole of Malaysia! \nMassimo was inspired by the splashes of mud plastered on the cars\u2019 bodies every time he went racing through the Emilian countryside in vintage cars with his older brothers \u2013 \u201cracing scars\u201d, as he affectionately calls them.\n\u201cLife is very similar in that each one of us is the protagonist of an adventure: we are transformed by experiences lived, shaped by encounters, moulded by victories and defeats, and contaminated by the vibrant colours of culture.\n\u201cIn the end, while still remaining ourselves, we have also become something different,\u201d the press release reads. Apparently, the mud was such a huge influence in Massimo Bottura\u2019s life that he habitually did not wash the mud off his cars for days after his off-road races.\nThe multi-coloured splashes can also be found on the trim elements on the interior, which is otherwise a pretty standard affair. Also standard \u2013 as is usual on a special one-off model \u2013 is the powertrain underneath the bonnet, a Ferrari-sourced 3.8-litre Twin Turbocharged V8 that makes \n590 hp\n and \n730 Nm\n of torque.\nHere\u2019s another special one-off from the Fuoriserie programme, created in conjunction with the \u201cGodfather of Japanese street culture\u201d\nBottura\u2019s one-off creation is a part of Maserati\u2019s Fuoriserie customisation programme, in which the company offers a wide selection of personalisation options to customers, through three basic collections as starting points: Corse, Unica, and Futura, plus an additional \u201cSartoria\u201d level which offers even more bespoke treatments for even more tailor-made requirements.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s amazing to behold the evolution of a car, like an ugly duckling turning into a swan. Back in 2006 when Porsche unveiled the Cayman to the world, they were absolutely adamant that there would never be a track-focused Cayman; something uniquely reserved for Porsche\u2019s top dog \u2013 the 911.\nCall it a range-filler if you like but the \nCayman\n really did fill a gap between the \nBoxster\n and the \n911\n models. Now almost 10 years to date, Porch took the sheets of the \nRM840k GT4 model\n and shortly thereafter, the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport came along. It features all the hot bits you\u2019d expect in a trackie. Did we mention that it was also \nFIA compliant\n ?\nWe\u2019ll circle round back to that in a bit. Powering this Clubsport \u2013 just like its stablemate \u2013 is a tried and tested \n3.8-litre\n flat-sixer pushing out\u00a0\n385 hp\n mounted in the middle. Instead of the stick shifter in the GT4, Porch has elected to dump a slightly modified version of the\n six-speed dual-clutch\n PDK box that\u2019s hooked up to a pair of \npaddle shifters\n\u00a0and a mechanical rear-axle\n locking differential\n specifically for the track.\nBecause the 911 GT3 Cup is more suited for this sort of \nmuckin\u2019\n about, Porsche fitted the Clubsport with a lightweight \nstrut front axle\n, so is the\u00a0lightweight \nstrut suspension\n with\n transverse arms\n. On the safety front, the brand threw on\u00a0\n15-inch\n vented \nsteel rotors\n on all corners, squeezed by \nsix-piston calipers\n up front and\u00a0\nfour-piston\n units at the rear. The brakes are paired up to \n18-inch\n\u00a0forged alloy \nwheels\n wearing fat, sticky \nMichelin\n racing slicks. Even the\u00a0\nElectronic Stability Programme\n has been reconfigured to adapt to these \u2013 all of which are FIA sanctioned.\nPorsche gutted the interior to make way for the\n\u00a0welded-in roll cage\n, a racing \nbucket seat\n as well as a \nsix-point harness\n. The result? It tips the scales at just\n 1,300 kgs\n.\u00a0The basic version is equipped with a \n90-litre\n standard fuel tank, with an optional\n 70-litre\n or\n 100-litre FT3\n safety tank available as a cost option.\nThe new Cayman GT4 Clubsport is available from 111,000 euros (\nRM507k\n) and\u00a0can be ordered immediately from \nPorsche Motorsport Centre\n in Weissach, Germany. The GT4 Clubsport\u00a0homologation is planned for a number of race series\u2019 in 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Gazoo Racing in Japan has officially introduced the Hilux GR Sport to their range of ever-growing fun-to-drive vehicles.\nSimilar to the variant launched in \nThailand\n in late August, the Hilux GR Sport arrives in Japan almost unchanged. The exclusive front fascia of the Toyota Hilux GR Sport consists of a tastefully done black-and-body-coloured grille that has \u2018TOYOTA\u2019 spelt out like the \nLand Cruiser GR Sport\n, added with side steps, as well as body-coloured wheel arches, dual-tone 18-inch wheels and black-painted mirror caps and rear bumper.\nThe sporty red brake calipers are also maintained, but not the sports bar in the cargo deck area. As part of the genuine \nToyota GR Sport recipe\n, the shock absorbers on the Hilux GR Sport have been upgraded to monotube unis for better steering response as well as flatter cornering. Only white and black colours are available for the Toyota Hilux GR Sport in Japan. \u00a0\nHere is the new Toyota GR86 with very aggressive GR parts. Can we just call it the Toyota GGRR86? \n\u00a0\nHowever, engine power in the Japan-market Toyota Hilux GR Sport will continue with the 2GD-FTV 2.4-litre turbodiesel mill that has outputs of \n150 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, unlike the \n204 hp/500 Nm\n unit we have here in ASEAN. A six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is then paired with a part-time 4\u00d74 transfer system with \nAuto LSD\n as well as Active TRC for additional traction out of the tricky conditions.\nInside, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport maintains all the fine items from the Toyota GR catalogue such as the GR-specific instrument cluster (welcome logo and red needles), multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with red centre-marking, and perforated suede and leather seat upholstery with red stitching.\nMeanwhile, the little Toyota Yaris Cross also wants to join in the off-road fun. These modifications surely make it look the part!\nSmoke silver and metallic black are applied to the trim inserts as well as air vents and are well coordinated with the metallic brake and accelerator pedals.\nThe Toyota Hilux GR Sport takes over as the range-topping variant in Japan with a price starting from \nJPY4.312 million\n (approx. RM158.8k), like the circa USD38k when converted from its Thai pricing of THB1.3million.\nThe other two variants in the range, X and Z, have also been upgraded with better comfort and safety features. All Toyota Hilux models of this generation in Japan are fully imported from Toyota Motor Thailand since 2017.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the new \u201c\nVolkswagen Marketplace\n\u201d, a permanent e-platform for customers to reserve a new Volkswagen vehicle and enjoy exclusive online offers.\nThe platform is the first of its kind in Malaysia and in conjunction with the launch, VPCM introduced \n20 units of the Passat 1.8 TSI Trendline Cyber\n with additional leather seats, for an exclusive online-only deal at RM 135,888.\nThe \u201conline-only price\u201d is accompanied with 5-years free maintenance and 1-year free insurance.\u00a0Customers will also be able to enjoy a low interest rate of \n0.88% per annum\n on the Passat 1.8TSI Trendline Cyber.\nOnce you\u2019re on the \nVolkswagen Marketplace website\n, simply follow these few steps:\nStep 1: Select Volkswagen model.\n Step 2: Select the preferred dealership.\n Step 3: Enter customer details to continue with the reservation.\n Step 4: Finalise reservation by submitting a fee of RM1,500 (credit card only) \u2013 to be deducted from total price\n Step 5: The selected dealer will guide and assist the customer throughout the purchase process, car registration up till the car delivery/collection.\nThe Polo hatchback can now be yours from RM 756 per month and is offered with Vienna leather seats as an option.\nThis effort is on the trail of a successful partnership with Lazada recently where VPCM sold 12 Volkswagen Beetles in just 20 minutes on the e-commerce website.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Polo Hatchback with optional Vienna leather seats"
"If you\u2019re one of the few extremely lucky car owners, you may have never experienced a cracked windscreen. And we hope it never happens to you. Unfortunately, windscreen cracks are a rather common occurrence, simply because high-speed driving makes even the smallest of airborne rocks a potential hazard. And thus why car windscreen coverage exists.\nWith \nmotortakaful.com\n by Etiqa, car windscreen coverage is additional coverage that will cost an extra contribution. What does it protect? Well, under the services provided by motortakaful.com, the coverage protects:\n\u2022 Front, rear, and side window glasses\n\u2022 Sunroof glass\n\u2022 Tinting & security film on the glasses\nWindshield coverage protects just about every window on your car.\nIf you\u2019ve only experienced minor damage to your windscreen, the damage is usually repairable without costing too much. The damage will still be visible but your windscreen would still be structurally sound. However, some windscreen damages are just beyond repair, and depending on the car model, it can cost a fortune.\nSome windscreens and windows are made with advanced technologies (double glaze, acoustic glass, etc.) and could cost in regions of RM10,000 per piece. Thus it would make a lot of sense to extend your car coverage to include the windscreen to avoid a hefty bill sometime in the future. Of course, different types of cars would have different contribution rates for windshield coverage.\nRELATED: \nGet 10% rebate and cashback with your car coverage \u2013 Introducing MotorTakaful by Etiqa\nSome windscreens could cost a fortune to replace\nShouldn\u2019t comprehensive coverage cover windscreen damage?\nTo recap, we\u2019ve gone over the common types of car coverage in a \nprevious entry\n and if you have read them, you would already know what third-party-only and comprehensive coverage are. Clearly, with third-party-only coverage, your car windscreen is not covered. Thus, an additional contribution would be required to protect your windscreen.\nAs for comprehensive coverage, you could claim your car coverage under \u201cOwn Damage\u201d (OD) to fix your cracked windscreen if you don\u2019t contribute to windscreen protection. However, this would affect your No Claim Discount (NCD) during your next policy renewal. To avoid affecting your NCD, you could opt to extend your car coverage to include windscreen protection. Claims made under windscreen coverage will not affect your main comprehensive policy.\nWhat types of windscreen coverage claims are there?\nIf you\u2019ve extended your coverage to include windscreen protection, you could use it to claim either a \u201crepair\u201d or a \u201creplacement\u201d. In the event of a \u201crepair\u201d, the repair cost will be deducted from the sum covered for the period of the policy.\nFor example, should your windshield coverage cover up to RM1,000, a repair cost of RM200 would be deducted, from the sum insured after making a claim. The remaining RM800 will still be available to be utilised for the rest of the policy period.\nHowever, in the case of a \u201creplacement\u201d, the remaining balance from the sum insured will no longer be available to use during the policy period. For instance, if your windscreen coverage covers RM1,000 but a replacement costs RM600, you will have RM400 remaining. However, this remaining RM400 can no longer be used. The sum insured for your windscreen can be reinstated with an additional contribution.\nRELATED: \nThird-party Only vs Comprehensive car coverage \u2013 What\u2019s the difference?\nOh and just in case you were wondering, claims for windscreen coverage with motortakful.com by Etiqa will not require a police report. Windshield coverage is something you wouldn\u2019t know how t appreciate until the one day comes when you are handed a hefty repair bill. Get your windscreen protected today by extending your car coverage to include windscreen coverage with \nmotortakaful.com\n by Etiqa.\n*Terms and conditions apply"
"In conjunction with the first ever Ferrari Racing Days event in Malaysia, the \nFerrari 458 Speciale\n was launched on Friday by the official importer of Ferrari, Naza Italia in Sepang. Organized by Ferrari Far East, Ferrari Racing Days 2014 is a three-day event from February 21 to 23, which features\u00a0the first round of the Ferrari APAC Challenge 2014. However, the highlight on Friday was the launching of Ferrari 458 Speciale.\nMany of you may think this is just a Ferrari 458 Italia with some fancy bodykit and awesome-looking go faster stripe. Well, you are wrong. Firstly, there are 20 new styling features to begin with. This one as what the Italians call it, is \u2018Speciale\u2019. Much like if you are buying a \u2018Ramlee Burger Special\u2019, you expect it to be special. This burger is powered by the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine ever made. Derived from the same engine as the Italia, Ferrari managed to churn out\n 597 horsepower\n from this baby. That\u2019s 35 horses more than the standard 458 Italia! Which translate to 133hp per liter, and that\u2019s a world record for a road going naturally aspirated engine. Maximum torque figure maintains at 540Nm. It takes off from 0 to 100kph in \n3 seconds\n flat!\nThe recipe behind this massive power from the naturally aspirated V8 engine is the \nimproved combustion efficiency\n. Compression ratio in the Speciale has been increased to 14:1, from\u00a012.5:1 in the standard 458 Italia. With this, Ferrari has achieved the highest compression ratio in a naturally aspirated V8 engine, hence the extra horses.\nBefore I go into the high-tech aerodynamics, let\u2019s discuss the weight-loss programme. Ferrari shed a total of \n90kg\n of weight from the Italia to create the fittest 458. By removing some carpets, steels, comfort and certain basic functionality. It has 20kg lighter chassis and bodyshell, has saved 8kg from engine weight, 20kg from interior, 13kg from exterior and etc. With the 90kg of the dead weight removed, it changes the performance drastically.\nOne of the features that makes this Ferrari 458 Speciale really unique is the Side Slip-angle Control or \nSSC\n.\u00a0Fitted for the first time in a Ferrari, it allows the driver to go sideways when exiting a corner while the car calculates the car angle and maintaining traction control at the same time to ensure nothing goes wrong. License to go sideways in a Ferrari! How cool is that!\nNow, to the state-of-the-art aerodynamic engineering. There are a few new functions and design changes on the 458 Speciale that allows it to achieve the highest aerodynamic efficiency ever, at 1.50. The front of the car has a pair of vertial flaps and a horizontal flap that open when the car is going at the speed of more than 170kph. This allows better air flow which then reduces drag and eventually increases downforce for better grip.\nThere is a pair of aero fins on both sides of the car to increase downforce. At the back where the rear diffusser is, there are a tripel-flap mechanism that will be lowered to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. It retracts and back to the origianl position to increase vehicle downforce.\nWhen asked if the numbers on the production units will be limited and to how many, Managing Director of Ferrari Far East, Giuseppe Cattaneo said, the production units will not be limited. However, he added that, since the Speciale is a performance breed of the 458, orders will not be overwhelming as many will still opt for the standard 458 Italia.\nTill the day of the launch, there have been 20 orders in Malaysia for the special one. According the Naza Italia, potential customers will be flown to Ferrari HQ in Maranello for test drive session. The price of the Ferrari 458 Speciale is \nRM1,238,800\n. And that is before the duties. Knowing how Malaysia\u2019s automotive scene works, the final price for the Speciale to go on Malaysia roads will be \u2018speciale\u2019, a whopper! Watch the videos below to learn more on how Ferrari made an even better car than the already superb 458 Italia.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mercedes SL-Class has always been an icon, ever since the gullwing 300SL first made its debut back in 1954. Now almost 70 years later, the icon is now finally back again, returning to its roots with a drop-dead design and a classic soft top.\nThe all-new SL-Class will be offered exclusively under the \nMercedes-AMG \numbrella, which means you know that it\u2019s a proper performance model first and foremost. On top of living up to its name, though, the all-new SL will also serve as the replacement for the\n AMG GT Roadster\n and the already-dead \nS-Class Cabriolet\n. No pressure, then.\nAt the very least, Mercedes has knocked the design part of the car right out of the park. The all-new Mercedes-AMG SL doesn\u2019t have anything particularly new about its design, but it takes all the elements of the marque\u2019s latest design language and distils it into what\u2019s perhaps the best-looking Mercedes model in recent years \u2013 at least in our opinion.\nAnd the reason it all works so well is due to its well-judged proportions. Despite actually being quite a lot big bigger than its predecessor (93 mm longer, 38 mm wider, and a 115 mm longer wheelbase), the short overhangs, muscular fenders, and massively-raked windshield all help to make the SL look smaller and tauter.\nThe choice to return to a fabric roof was a weight-influenced decision, according to Mercedes. Compared to the powered folding hard top of its \npredecessor\n, the new three-layer fabric top helps shave off about 21 kg in weight, which significantly helps to lower the SL\u2019s centre of gravity, which should translate into better handling. After all, SL stands for \nSport Light\n.\nOther design elements of note include the two \u201cpower bulges\u201d on the long bonnet inspired by the original 300 SL, a retractable active rear spoilers with five different angular positions to either optimise handling stability or reduce drag, aerodynamically-optimised wheels up to 21-inches in diameter, and even an aerodynamic louvre in the underbody to create a \u201cVenturi effect\u201d, sucking the car to the road.\nThe interior of the Mercedes-AMG SL has already been extensively shown-off previously, so no surprises here. It\u2019s a 2+2 layout, and features the brand\u2019s latest MBUX infotainment system, running on a central 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen display that can be tilted from 12 to 32 degrees.\nMercedes uses the word \u201chyperanalogue\u201d to describe its interior design, which supposedly means a \u201cmix of analogue geometry and digital world\u201d. The best example of that is the \u201chigh-tech visor\u201d housing around the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, instead of the usual free-standing ones we see on other new Mercedes-Benz models.\nRead more about the Mercedes-AMG SL\u2019s interior here.\nAt launch, the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL-Class will be offered in two variants \u2013 SL 55 and SL 63, both powered by 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engines. The SL 55 gets \n476 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n, while the SL 63 comes with \n585 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth engines are paired to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G automatic multi-clutch gearbox, which translates to 0-100 km/h times of \n3.9\n and \n3.6 seconds\n respectively, onward to a top speed of \n295 km/h \nand \n315 km/h\n.\nMercedes says that an E Performance hybrid variant will be coming soon, which should feature the same powertrain as the \nnew GT 63 S E Performance. \nThe all-new Mercedes-AMG SL will feature an unique all-aluminium chassis. Learn more here.\nAll-wheel drive is also offered here for the first time on an SL, specifically the marque\u2019s 4MATIC+ fully-variable set-up. The engine is connected permanently to the rear axle, but an electromechanically-controlled clutch controls the amount of torque that\u2019s sent to the front wheels.\nAlso available here for the first time is a rear-wheel steering system, which helps reduce the SL\u2019s turning circle, and sharpen up its handling.\nMercedes isn\u2019t quite ready to share the all-new SL\u2019s pricing just yet, but the model is expected to hit showrooms in the first half of 2022.\nGALLERY"
"After Toyota decided to work with BMW on the \nA90 Toyota Supra\n, there\u2019s rumour of another manufacturer looking for some muscle from Munich, this time from the British Isles.\nYes, we\u2019re talking about Jaguar, the maker of the handsome F-Type. The rumour was first \nreported by AutoExpress\n, which claims that Jaguar sees BMW as a likely source for V8 engines for their upcoming models. Here\u2019s what the story said:\n Beautiful British coupe with some German burble. Why not?\nIt\u2019s strongly rumoured that Jaguar Land Rover sees BMW as a suitor to provide eight-cylinder motors in some of the group\u2019s more potent future products.\u00a0\nAs the two carmakers are already collaborating to develop future electric models, sharing combustion engines wouldn\u2019t be out of the realm of possibilities.\nIf we were to see the most powerful BMW V8 engine (the one from the \nBMW M8 Competition\n) make its way into the Jaguar, the \n625 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n from the TwinPower turbocharged V8 will offer an increment of 50 hp and 50 Nm from the current V8 F-Type SVR. Not too bad at all."
"The second generation Volvo XC90 after its \nworld premier\n last August has proved to be quite a hit, and here\u2019s one reason why the luxury SUV is so well received \u2013 it\u2019s got over \n16,000 orders\n even before hitting the showrooms! That\u2019s a substantial number considering the fact that nobody has yet to see the car in the metal, well at least not all 16,000 of them owners.   To keep things fresh, the XC90 has been redesigned from the ground up, featuring a \nThor\u2019s\n hammer-like\n LED daytime running lights at the front. This bold design cue is complemented with the horizontally slatted grille and sharper, bolder lines around the car. It\u2019s also the \nfirst vehicle\n to ride on the brand\u2019s latest \nScalable Platform Architecture\n (SPA).\nInside\n the XC90 is truly where its charm is. It loses almost all of the conventional Swedish carmaker\u2019s styling from decades ago, and also lost here is the \nfloating centre console\n. Smacked right in the centre is the controversial \n8-inch touchscreen\n panel where most of the in-car functions including air conditioning can be controlled. Touch-based controls coming from the maker of the world\u2019s safest cars? Baffling.   Engine choices are aplenty, ranging from the new\n\u00a0\nturbocharged\n 2.0-litre inline-four cylinder Drive-E\n petrol or diesel engines. The oil burning\u00a0\nD4\n\u00a0engine makes\u00a0\n190 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n, while the \nD5\n twin-turbo produces \n225 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n.\nThe petrol \nT5\n\u00a0belts\u00a0\n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, whereas the \nT6\n\u00a0is twincharged to deliver \n320 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n. There\u2019s also the \nT8 plug-in hybrid variant\n, one that gets a \ntwincharged 2.0-litre petrol\n motor paired to a \n60kW electric motor\n punching \n240 Nm\n nestled at the rear axle.\nProduction of the seven-seater luxury SUV began late January, and deliveries will begin as soon as March this year. It\u2019s unclear as of now what variants we will be getting, but we hope the \nR-Design variant\n will also find its way in the XC90 lineup when it arrives in the fourth quarter this year. Fingers crossed!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo XC90 R Design   Volvo XC90   Volvo XC90 T8 \u2013 Plug-in Hybrid"
"BMW\n broke Concorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa d\u2019Este (and the internet) again. The German carmaker brought out something called the \u2018Concept Touring Coupe\u2019 at Lake Como this year, and it\u2019s truly giving us \u2018Clown Shoe\u2019 vibes; a modern revival of the odd-ball Z3 Coupe from some 25 years ago.\nThe BMW Concept Touring Coupe is essentially a shooting brake variant of the\n Z4\n, replacing the soft top convertible with a bread van-esque roofline and the iconic hoffmeister king on the rear three-quarter panel.\nBMW did give it some unique touches to differentiate itself from the production Z4, though, including the vertical slats on the kidney grille, exclusive 20-spoke staggered wheels, and the Sparkling Lario brown paint job, which BMW specifically created for the concept, utilising blue glass flakes for added depth.\nInside, the layout of the cabin is also essentially carried over from the production Z4, but spruced up with fancy vintage-looking upholstery from Italian leather workshop Poltrona Frau. The unique leather-wrapped boot space is also complemented by custom-made luggages from Schedoni, a Modena-based brand that specialises in high-end leather goods.\nBMW says that the Concept Touring Coupe is merely just that \u2013 a concept. As such, the Bavarian carmaker also didn\u2019t bother releasing full technical specifications for the car, merely noting that it\u2019ll be powered by an inline-six engine, with power sent to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission.\nAlthough, head of BMW Group design Adrian van Hooydonk \ndid\n hint at the possibility of it being a limited-production model during a media roundtable at the event. So uh, those with deep pockets, you know what to do.\nRELATED: \n6-speed manual only, the BMW 3.0 CSL is more than just an M4 with a better grille\nGALLERY"
"China\u2019s leading vehicle exporter, Chery Automobile will start selling passenger cars in Europe within the next few years under an all-new nameplate.\nThe first model on sale will be a\n compact SUV\u00a0\ndesigned with focus on the young and progressive-minded customers. It will also aim to meet the needs and expectations of European car owners in terms of design, quality, dynamics and most importantly crash worthiness. Not sure how though, considering the track record they\u2019ve had with their cars in Malaysia.\nIt is expected to be revealed globally for the first time in its \u201cpre-production form\u201d at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 12th Sept 2017. A new design together with R&D facilities in Europe will also help accelerate Chery\u2019s plan for global expansion.\n\u00a0The new design and future R&D facilities in Europe will accelerate Chery\u2019s plan for global expansion. The company has also indicated plans to sell a range of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV\u2019s) and battery electric vehicles.\n\u201cOur brand will target open-minded, younger customers in particular, with a product rollout strategy that focuses on quality, with low and zero-emissions powertrain. All Chery vehicles sold in Europe will feature class-leading connectivity, excitement behind the wheel, practical interiors and \u00a0comprehensive personalisation options, all of which are aligned with our high standards of product quality and aftersales support,\u201d said Chery CEO, Dr. Anning Chen."
"Like a rockstar capping a stellar performance with an encore of hit songs at the end of a concert, the \nFord Ranger Raptor\n is the icing on the cake for the existence of pick-ups, in Malaysia at least.\nFor the last two decades, we\u2019ve seen pick-ups in Malaysia evolve from workhorses, to family-friendly vehicles to what is now essentially a \u201cfashion statement\u201d.\nNot only does it stand out as the mother of all trucks in Malaysia with its sheer size, emasculating other pick-ups with its preposterous dimensions, there\u2019s plenty (of trims and vibrant stickers) to remind the most ignorant of automotive observers that this isn\u2019t just any pick-up.\nWhile it may have been the most anticipated pick-up of last year, the impact it had was profound \u2013 at least to one particular Nissan Navarra pick-up owner who \nchased me down only to give me a thumbs up\n.\nAs he frantically weaved through traffic and tailed me to a traffic light, the tastefully-customised Navarra stopped right next to me when there was clearly much more space ahead of him.\nSensing something was amiss, I looked over to my right and that gleaming \u201cwide-eyed\u201d expression that greeted me was something I\u2019d never forget.\nI\u2019m not sure if the young-ish Navarra driver would ever look at his bride or even his new born the same way. Seeing his enthusiasm, I wound down my window and said \u201cHi\u201d.\nNow I\u2019ve been faced with a bombardment of profanities during confrontations on the road before but I\u2019ve never had adoration and compliments poured out to me like that.\n\u201cBro gaya la bro.you are the king of the road bro.it looks so cool bro.I really salute you.you menang habis bro!\u201d\nI\u2019ve never had nor even remotely attracted such a reaction before, even in the newest of Ferraris, the latest Lotus\u2019, or even in the obnoxious \nRM1.4 million Mercedes AMG G63\n \u2013 this was just a RM200k Ford.\nTo be honest, I\u2019m not exactly a big fan of the Raptor; it\u2019s a symbol of excess living \u2013 a sentiment I was not shy to reveal amongst my colleagues who gawked over it but I lament its existence, in Malaysia at least.\nIn our society where enough is never enough; where the largest, flashiest and newest attracts the most attention, the Ranger Raptor is one of the most fitting accessories to have, as a proof of intent to be different.\nDespite how much I\u2019m repulsed by the notion of a materialistically-inclined society, looking at it objectively, I see why people are attracted to it.\nWith extended wheel arches, raised ride height, bulging proportions and a Lightning Blue colour that you can spot from a mile away \u2013 slapped on an undoubtedly handsome Ranger exterior \u2013 it has all the ingredients to attract even the most oblivious of on-lookers.\nYou don\u2019t buy a Raptor because you need it, you buy it because you want one.\nBecause there\u2019s nothing a Raptor can do, that a standard Ranger can\u2019t \u2013 aside from doing 10-feet \u201cBaja style\u201d jumps \u2013 a privileged conferred to the Raptor by its heavy-duty FOX shocks absorbers.\nIn reality though, the only thing you\u2019d be able to jump off, are speed bumps \u2013 not that I\u2019m encouraging it.\nIf anything, the Raptors coil spring rear suspension could render it slightly impotent. Sure the ride is now more comfortable in comparison to the leaf spring setup of conventional pick-ups but the latter does allow a truck to do what it does best \u2013 haul heavy cargo \u2013 something coil springs can never accommodate.\nThat\u2019s even if you bother using the Raptor for hauling cargo. It\u2019s so jacked up that you actually need to use the high-strength aluminium alloy step board with Raptor wordings engraved onto it, to climb into the cabin.\nBut once inside, you\u2019re immediately greeted by the most comfortable bucket seats, partially wrapped in suede, a car manufacturer could ever fit into a pick-up.\nNothing is conservative about the Raptor and the same goes to its interior \u2013 even the gearknob feels larger than usual \u2013 as if it was suited to the grip of an American than an Asian.\nI may not favour the Raptor for what it represents, but I do like the font-style of its name \u2013 plastered onto the seats, the steering and even floor mat.\nErgonomics was were typical of any Ford vehicle, simply spot on. And so was the drive at low speeds \u2013 smooth, refined and calming \u2013 except when you\u2019re driving around Bangsar or Uptown.\nGood luck squeezing through the narrow roads, although if you so wish to park it on a kerb, gosh that thing looks majestic paraded on a slab of concrete. Again, I do not encourage such barbaric behaviour.\nThe same can\u2019t be said when you\u2019re driving it with a bit more urgency though. With the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine making \n213 \nhp and \n500 Nm\n, it just didn\u2019t feel as quick as it should.\nNot only did it not feel as brutal as it looked, it felt docile compared to the power delivery of the previous 3.2-litre 5-cylinder engine, with the same 500 Nm.\nMaybe it\u2019s the additional weight, or maybe it\u2019s the new 10-speed gearbox with magnesium paddle shifters but when you buy a truck that looks like the Raptor, wouldn\u2019t it be right to expect a certain amount of brute?\nThe same can be said about the brakes, with rotors now applied to the back in replacement of drums. Considering the weight of the truck and the speeds it can attain, the brakes could bite a little harder \u2013 as it can be quite a hairy experience having to slow it down rapidly from an unusually high speed.\nWhat was quite surprising though, was the all-terrain tyres. Looking at the grooves, you\u2019d expect the rolling noise to be unbearable, like the wail of a bag pipe, but the opposite is true. It may not offer the most traction for enthusiastic driving on the tarmac but it sure is silent for what it is.\nThis being such a unique vehicle, we wouldn\u2019t have done it any justice just taking it through our usual review routine; take it out somewhere nice, shoot a couple pictures and be done with it. No.\nWith the Raptor\u2019s availability coinciding with our \nannual \u201cCar of the Year\u201d shoot\n, GC Mah thought it would be a good idea to borrow it for a review while at the same time use it as a \u201ctracking car\u201d for the likes of \nFerrari\u2019s 812 Superfast\n, \nAston Martin\u2019s new V8 Vantage\n, the \nLamborghini Urus\n and \nMercedes-AMG\u2019s E63S\n.\nAnd almost instantly, the Ranger Raptor integrated into the fleet of supercars we had miraculously assembled for a two-day shoot. In fact, together with the \nVolkswagen Golf R\n, it looked as if it was part of the \u201cGalaticos\u201d we were\n featuring in our video\n.\nIt was so useful in so many ways too; because the truck stood so tall, we barely needed a ladder to get an aerial shot of the ensemble of cars.\nThe best part of all, was the three-pin socket behind the arm rest which was so useful when it came to charging our camera\u2019s batteries. Being a pick-up, guess we don\u2019t have to tell you how much cargo it could carry too!\nHaving the Ranger Raptor for that few days did not make it any more desirable to me but it made me understand why a truck such as this would garner the attention that it does.\nWould I ever buy one, even if it was RM100k? Hell no, but I\u2019d applaud those who would spend RM200k for it; for their sheer desire and dedication to be different.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Six months after its global unveiling in January, the \neighth-generation Toyota Camry\n is now officially on sale in the US. Besides getting an all-new design and Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the US market gets three engine options, while the Toyota Safety Sense-P active safety systems come as standard!\nPowertrain options for the US Camry include the 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol, 3.5-litre V6 and 2.5-litre Toyota Hybrid System (THS II). The petrol engines are mated to a new Direct Shift eight-speed automatic for better power delivery as well as improved fuel efficiency. The hybrid mill gets an e-CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with six virtual ratios instead.\nThe new 2.5-litre Dynamic Force has a rated output of\n 206 hp\n and \n252 Nm\n of torque. This new engine features direct injection and Dual VVT-i with Variable-Valve-Timing-intelligent Electric VVT-iE technology with a compression ratio of 13:1 for increased thermal efficiency and power output.\nOn the hybrid, Toyota has increased the compression ratio of the 2.5-litre mill to 14:1 and slapped on an updated Power Control Unit with improved cooling and larger lithium ion battery pack. Power output of the hybrid motor is rated at \n176 hp\n and \n221 Nm\n of torque.\nStepping up to the big boy, the 3.5-litre V6 is an all-new engine with D-4S direct injection system and VVT-i that produces \n301 hp\n and \n362 Nm\n of torque \u2013 an increase of 33 hp and 26 Nm over the old V6 mill. Toyota also claims the new V6 is also eight percent more fuel efficient.\nIn the US, Toyota is offering the Camry in five variants \u2013 L, LE, XLE, SE and XSE, each differing in exterior trim, interior equipment and wheel sizes. However, Toyota did not compromise on safety equipment as all Camrys sold in the US come with \nToyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P)\n \nactive safety system as standard\n.\nTSS-P includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) and Automatic High Beams (AHB) as standard. Only Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) system are available on selected models.   All Camrys come with 10 airbags, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, reverse camera and Smart Stop Technology as standard.\nPrices for the eight-generation Toyota Camry begin at US$23,495 (RM101k) for the 2.5L petrol while the 3.5L V6 retails from US$34,400 (RM148k). The Camry Hybrid on the other hand starts from US$27,800 (RM119k).\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Camry\n\u00a0\nPetrol XSE   Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE"
"The Swedish company just doesn\u2019t seem to know how to take a break \u2013 as relentless as the acceleration of its hypercars, Koenigsegg has recently clocked in yet another milestone.\nIt has just set a new world record for the highest top speed by a production car at \n277.9 mph\n (445.7 km/h) in the 5.0-liter turbocharged V8\u00a0\nAgera RS producing over 1,300 hp.\nThis follows after their recent feat of setting the \nfastest 0 to 400 km/h to 0\n time of just \n36.44 seconds\n, beating the \nBugatti Chiron\u2019s \nonly recently set record of \n41.96 seconds\n.\nThe two-way average of 277.9 mph (445.7 km/h) overtook the previous record held by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport by 12 mph (19 km/h), and pipped the Hennessy Venom\u2019s by just 7 mph (11 km/h) \u2013 although the Venom\u2019s did not count as it only did one attempt as opposed to the required two for an average to be taken.\nPiloted by Koenigsegg\u2019s factory test driver, Niklas Lija, the record-breaking attempt took place on a deserted 11-mile (17.7 km) highway in the Nevada, USA which was kindly closed by the state specifically for this run."
"Two of Volkswagen\u2019s latest SUV offsprings \u2013 the \nwell-received T-Roc compact SUV\n and the Tiguan Allspace seven-seater SUV \u2013 had been given a dash of styling substance with the R-Line trim.\nIn the \nnew T-Roc\n, the R-Line trim translates to 19-inch Suzuka alloy wheels, R-Line design front and rear bumpers, black wheel arch extensions and unique R-Line badging.\nInside, the T-Roc benefits from a flat-bottomed R-Line leather multi-function steering wheel, Carbon Flag upholstery, chrome R-Line door sill inserts, aluminium pedals and R-Line carpet mats.\nThe same has been applied to the \nnew Tiguan Allspace\n \u2013 with larger 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels, a sports suspension that can be supplemented with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control.\nLike the T-Roc, the Tiguan Allspace R-Line also features a Piano Black front air intake and rear diffuser.\nInside, the Tiguan Allspace gets a leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with aluminium inserts and a \u2018R-Line\u2019 logo,\u00a0 \u2018Race\u2019 cloth upholstery with \u2018San Remo\u2019 microfibre inserts, R-Line logo on front seat backrests and unique \u2018R-Line\u2019 door sill protectors.\nThe R-Line T-Roc retails from\u00a0\u00a326,450 (RM 143k) while the\u00a0Tiguan Allspace R-Line starts from\u00a0\u00a335,755 (RM 193k)."
"Mercedes-AMG has introduced an additional model to the AMG GT line up of roadsters, the AMG GT S, to sit between the AMG GT Roadster and the most powerful AMG GT C Roadster.\nAll three are powered by a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, combined with a 7G AMG Speedshift dual clutch transmission. The GT makes \n476 hp/630Nm\n, the GT S makes \n522 hp/670Nm\n and\n 557hp/680Nm\n is delivered in the AMG GT C.\nUnsurprising the GT C is the quickest to 100 km/h from standstill, needing just 3.7 seconds (3.8 in the GT S and 4.0 in the GT). Top speed in the GT C is 316 km/h \u2013 probably best experienced with the roof up.\nThe AMG GT rides on standard AMG sport suspension while the more exclusive GT S and range-topping GT C, is fitted with AMG Ride Control sports suspension with Adaptive Damping System. Three damping modes are available \u2013 Comfort, Sport and Sport+.\nAmong the drive modes are Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, RACE and Individual. Push the \u201cM\u201d button in the centre console and the manual transmission mode will be activated.\nThe GT S and GT C are equipped with electronically-controlled locking differential at the rear axle to not only improve the traction of the drive wheels but to also increase cornering speed. As a result they\u2019re able to accelerate out of corners earlier and with more potency thanks to the improved traction.\nPutting the leash on the AMG GT S and GT C are the 390 mm brake discs in the front with 6-pot calipers and 360 mm discs with single-pot calipers at the back. Carbon ceramic rotors are available as optional upgrades.\nIn the GT, 19-inch 10-spoke light alloy wheels are standard while the GT S and GT C gets a 19-inch pair in the front and 20-inch at the rear. Elsewhere on the exterior, the AMG GT is sheltered with a three-layered fabric soft top supported by a structure made of the magnesium, steel and aluminium combination.\nElsewhere, the AIRPANEL active air management system is technical highlight. Vertical louvres at the bottom of the front apron are opened and closed electronically within a second for optimum cooling. At normal speeds the louvres are closed for reduced drag and the air is directed at the underbody.\nAnother aerodynamic enhancement worth noting is the extendable rear spoiler that reduces lift at the rear axle at higher speeds.\nAs standard the AMG GT S Roadster comes with the AMG Silver Chrome Interior package with the centre console surround, air vent bezels and trim strips in the door armrests in silver chrome.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Groupe PSA and Naza Corporation Holdings have just jointly announced Laurence No\u00ebl as the new CEO of the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant in Gurun, Kedah. This new appointment comes after Groupe PSA acquired a controlling stake in NAM in February 2018.\nNo\u00ebl will be based in Kuala Lumpur and will be tasked with accelerating the group\u2019s development in Southeast Asia as part of their \u201cPush to Pass\u201d plan, focusing on expanding the group\u2019s global footprint. In addition to that, No\u00ebl is also appointed Groupe PSA\u2019s Senior Vice President, ASEAN effective 1 May 2018.\nSigning ceremony between Naza Corporation Holdings and Groupe PSA\nNo\u00ebl joined Groupe PSA in 1995 and has held various positions in Powertrain Projects and Programmes and subsequently took charge of the Powertrain, Platform and Module Programmes in 2014.\nGroupe PSA, the second largest carmaker in Europe, signed a share sale agreement and a joint venture agreement in February 2018 with NAM, officially establishing shared operation of the NAM plant in Gurun, Kedah, as the first manufacturing hub in ASEAN for Groupe PSA. The first models to be assembled under the new management are the \nPeugeot 3008 SUV\n and \nCitroen C5 Aircross\n.\n \n \nAnother notable function of the agreement is Naza Group will be the sole distributor of Peugeot, Citroen and DS Automobiles vehicles in Malaysia and will be assisting Groupe PSA in exploring distribution prospects in other ASEAN markets to tap into the 680 million potential customers in the region."
"So, you\u2019ve got yourself into a car accident. It is not a situation anybody wants to be in, but what do you need to do now? Well, you\u2019ve come to the right place, let\u2019s get straight into it.\nWhat not to do\nFirst things first, let\u2019s clarify what you shouldn\u2019t do in this situation. Here\u2019s a list of that. \nDO NOT\n:\nAdmit it was your fault\nPlay the blame game\nSign documents from a towing company\nAgree to accept or offer any \u2018settlement\u2019\n*Terms and conditions apply\nAs guilty as you may feel, your judgement may be cloudy in an emergency such as a car accident. In such a scenario, the other party may blame you even when you have done absolutely nothing wrong. So don\u2019t be quick to admit it was your fault in a car accident. Stay calm.\nAlthough you\u2019re not supposed to easily admit the accident was your fault, \nDO NOT\n play the blame game as well. While some of us may resort to admitting guilt, there are also times when we are quick to blame the other party. Again, stay calm. Do not escalate the situation as things can get horrible when both parties involved get too emotional.\nRELATED: \nThird-party Only vs Comprehensive car coverage \u2013 What\u2019s the difference?\nAlso, do not simply sign documents from towing companies. In the event that your car requires a towing service, your car coverage provider should be able to provide it for you. Verify with your coverage provider first, before agreeing for your car to be towed. Yes, you can get a towing service first and claim later with your coverage provider, but the towing cost claim is limited to RM200, at least for car coverage provided under \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa.\nLastly, do not agree to offer or accept any \u2018settlements\u2019 with the other party involved. It is tempting to just leave the accident unreported to not affect your (or the other driver\u2019s) No Claim Discount (NCD), but the right thing to do is to submit a police report. If you\u2019re inexperienced, the other party could overclaim the damage cost in your agreed \u2018settlement\u2019.\nWith things \u201cyou should not do\u201d out of the way, here is what you should do instead.\nWhat to do in the event of a car accident\nSo, here\u2019s what you need to do. Firstly, you should check and ensure the safety of yourself and those involved right after the crash/accident. Mainly, you should:\nImmediately turn on your hazard lights. This simple step will help save you from further collisions.\nCheck that you and your passengers are not badly injured. Immediately get help if needed.\nMove all involved vehicles to the side of the road. Get your passengers out and away from the vehicle.\nWith the safety of everybody and the vehicles ensured, you should make sure to capture the following details:\nTime of accident occurred\nVehicle number plate\nDriver\u2019s NRIC\nDriver\u2019s driving license\nContact number\nVisible damage to vehicles\nPhysical marks on surroundings (skid marks, knocked down lamp post, potholes)\nLocation (road name, landmarks)\nSave the dashboard video recording\nHaving a dashboard video recording would be extremely helpful but make it a habit to get all the above-listed details. They would be very helpful when submitting your police report. which we shall get into now.\nRELATED: \nGet 10% rebate and cashback with your car coverage \u2013 Introducing MotorTakaful by Etiqa\nSubmitting a police report\nYou should be quick to submit your police report in the event of a car accident. For the report to be valid, it must be done within 24 hours of the accident. Both you and the other party involved will have to go to the police station that is nearest to the location of the accident. Usually, this will involve two stages and the second one will have to be done at the traffic police station. Depending on where the accident occurred, this might be quite a distance from the first police station.\nIf possible, you should take your car to the police station to lodge the police report. Why? Because they will have to take pictures of the cars involved to complete the report and for further investigation. The picture is usually taken at the second stage of the report at the traffic police station.\nRELATED: \nIs it worth getting windscreen coverage for your car?\nAnd when you are submitting the report, make sure to purchase the printed version of your report. It wouldn\u2019t cost much but it would be necessary to submit to your car coverage provider to proceed with the claims. Sometimes if a report is made during non-office hours, the printed version will be available for collection when office hours resume.\nNow that you have completely submitted your report and have the printed version with you, you can proceed to contact your coverage provider to proceed with the claims. Everything else from here onward will be taken care of by them. Need a car coverage provider? Allow us to suggest \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa for you."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), through its authorised dealer Auto Raya Timur, has opened the doors to its latest 3S centre in Temerloh, Pahang, bringing the total number of authorised Mitsubishi outlets in Malaysia to 52, of which 46 are 3S centres.\nBoasting a build-up area of over \n11,000 sq. ft.\n, the Auto Raya Timur 3S centre features a showroom built to Mitsubishi\u2019s latest \u2018Drive Your Ambition\u2019 brand image, with sufficient space to display up to three cars.\nAdditionally, the service centre is also fully-equipped with \nsix service bays\n to service every Mitsubishi vehicle. Other amenities in the 3S centre include a comfortable customer lounge with free WIFI connectivity.\nTomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of MMM said, \u201cI would like to congratulate Auto Raya Timur for successfully launching its first showroom here in Temerloh! As MMM progressively work towards introducing the \nnew Mitsubishi Xpander\n here in Malaysia, this new showroom [.] represents our commitment to put customers as a priority, including providing them with a comfortable sales and after-sales experience when they visit our showrooms.\u201d\nAlso speaking at the launch, Auto Raya Timur Dealer Principal Basharuddin Bin Abdullah said, \u201cOur group has been in the automotive business for over 50 years mainly on trucks and heavy commercial vehicles. Mitsubishi cars have now become one of the most preferred and most searched cars and as such we see a tremendous growth potential for the Mitsubishi brand in Malaysia.\u201d\nThe new Auto Raya Timur Mitsubishi 3S Centre is located at \nLot 9301 & 9297, Batu Tiga, Jalan Mentakab, 28000 Temerloh, Pahang\n. Operating hours are \n8.30 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday\n, and \n8.30 am to 1 pm on Saturday\n; the 3S centre is closed on Sundays.\nGALLERY"
"We have reached a point where a car\u2019s name and/or moniker no longer reflects its identity, at least for\u00a0\nMINI\n. What\u2019s originally a brand that used to create small cars have grown into a much larger player, in more ways than one. The car before you now\u00a0is the 2017 MINI Countryman \u2013 a C-segment crossover, which is the biggest MINI model ever!\nThe second-generation Countryman, a beneficiary of the \nUKL2\n platform, is larger than the one it replaces. It\u2019s now\u00a0200mm longer and 30mm wider than the old car. The additional 75mm on the wheelbase translates to more room inside; boot space is now at \n450 litres\n or 1,309 litres when the rear seats are folded.   Aesthetically, the fascia is slammed with larger LED headlights and a wider gaping grille. At the back, the license plate is now located on the boot lid,\u00a0in line with the current MINI models. All Countryman variants will receive silver roof rails and side sill tops as additional spices.\nStepping inside is an all-familiar MINI affair. The centre console gets an integrated digital display, whereas the bulk of the dashboard design is lifted off the current Countryman. According to MINI, refinement levels are much improved this time, and included in the package are vertical air vents as well as ambient lighting.\nApart from becoming MINI\u2019s biggest car, the new Countryman is also MINI\u2019s first foray into the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) class, via the \nCooper S E Countryman ALL4\n. Sharing similar electrification technologies from BMW\u2019s eDrive range, the S E Countryman gets an electric motor to assist the 1.5-litre three-pot petrol. Power is sent to all four wheels, as the ALL4 moniker denotes.\nThe PHEV Countryman has a total system output of \n224 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque, and completes the century sprint in \n6.9 seconds\n\u00a0while maintaining an astonishing fuel consumption of \n2.1 litres/100km\n. On electric power alone, it can travel up to 40km with a top speed of 125km/h.\nIf you\u2019re not a fan of PHEV, there are two petrol and two diesel engines on the sides. There is a standard\n 1.5-litre turbocharged\n\u00a0three-cylinder petrol that makes\n 136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque, and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged lump (powering the Cooper S variant)\u00a0which develops \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or\n six/eight-speed\u00a0Steptronic transmission.\n Also offered on all variants is the ALL4 all-wheel drive system and\u00a0Dynamic Damper Control.\nThe new MINI Countryman will make its worldwide debut in\u00a0Los Angeles Motor Show next month. Look out for the debut of the new Countryman for SUV-loving Malaysians by 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During the unveiling of the second-generation Tiguan, Volkswagen also showcased the Tiguan GTE. Still billed as a concept, the Tiguan GTE is the first plug-in hybrid SUV from VW.\nThe \nTiguan GTE Concept\n is anything but, because it looks production ready. Externally, it looks almost like the \nR-Line Tiguan\n but with \nunique bumpers\n and a \ndifferent set of alloys\n. Even the \ninterior\n is identical apart from the lighter colour scheme and the \nflat-bottomed steering wheel\n nicked from the \nGolf GTE\n, but that\u2019s not important.\n \n \nWhat\u2019s important is what\u2019s underneath. Under the front bonnet is a \n1.4-litre TSI\n\u00a0four-cylinder engine mated to a \nsix-speed DSG\n and an \nelectric motor\n. Also included is an inverter to convert DC power from the battery to AC power for the electric motor. A \n13 kWh lithium-ion battery\n is located in the floor and can be \ncharged externally\n as well as from the \nsolar panel built into the roof\n.\nWith the solar module, VW calculates the Tiguan GTE should add \nup to 1,000 km of driving range\n depending on regional solar radiation power, while the hybrid powertrain allows it to achieve an average combined fuel consumption of\n 1.9 litres per 100 km\n.\n \n \nBy default, the Tiguan GTE will start off in \nE-Mode\n using only the electric motor to propel itself \nup to a range of 50km\n\u00a0with speeds \nup to 130 km/h\n. The \nHybrid Mode\n kicks in when the battery runs low on juice, juggling the duties between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine.\nA full-on \nGTE mode\n should be the mode of choice for petrolheads out there, where it changes the throttle, steering, and gearbox mapping to be \u201c\nmore dynamic\n\u201c, while the TSI and the electric motor belts out maximum power and torque. In total, the powertrain generates \n215 hp\n. Getting to \n100 km/h from standstill\n takes \n8.1 seconds\n, and the Tiguan GTE will go on until it reaches its \ntop speed\n of \n200 km/h\n. Not too shabby for a hybrid vehicle.\nNo mention on the the exact launch date of the Tiguan GTE, but it shouldn\u2019t be too long because it looks like it\u2019s just a production vehicle disguised as a concept.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In an effort to boost the national and regional automotive growth, a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) has just been signed between three key parties: the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), Grand Prix International Public Company Limited of Thailand (GPI, organisers of Bangkok International Motor Show) and Aideah Communication Sdn Bhd (Malaysia Autoshow organiser).\nThe objective of the collaboration is for the two motor show organisers to leverage and improve on automotive technology within ASEAN. It also aims to increase the efficiency of informing the public regarding the state of progress of the industry, particularly on upcoming techs such as electric vehicles, autonomous cars, e-hailing and alternative fuels.\nGPI has organised a whopping 37 shows to date, and has expressed deep interest in helping grow the Malaysian automotive industry through Malaysia Autoshow. The local motor show is held annually at the Mines International Convention Centre since 2010.\nThis year\u2019s instalment will take place at the same venue from 10 to 13 November (four days, Thursday to Sunday), with over 150 exhibitors from various car brands, aftermarket and accessory products. Adult visitors will have to pay an entrance fee of RM10 (free entry for students), and those who place their bookings on a new vehicle will stand a chance to win a brand new Kia Rio X 1.4 Sedan worth RM78,000.\nIf all goes well, GPI may take up a minority stake in Malaysia Autoshow in the future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Kia has been on a bit of roll lately and with this, the company is announcing plans on\u00a0an all-new low emissions vehicle to its growing model line-up. The car in question here is hailed as the Niro HUV. The brand has gone to the extent of inventing a new acronym for the Niro \u2013\u00a0Hybrid Utility Vehicle or HUV.\nIn essence, the HUV means that the car will be \ndimensionally\n proportionate to the likes of an \nSUV\u00a0\nwhile offering \ngreater fuel economy\n figures. Not a bad formula at all considering how buyers are more geared toward SUVs these days.\nThe designers at\u00a0Kia faced a bit of pickle when it came to designing the Niro simply because it\u2019s a brand new model with\u00a0\nno\n \npredecessors\n,\u00a0yet at the same time it has to embody the marque\u2019s current styling language such as the\u00a0signature \u2018\ntiger-nose\n\u2019 grille.\u00a0\nRecognisability\n\u00a0is a key factor here when it comes to design.\nSpeaking of the main focus, the Niro\u2019s engineering team has been tasked with\u00a0delivering class-leading fuel economy digits in the compact SUV segment. Kia has set a benchmark for the Niro and the figure to beat is a\u00a0\nCO\n2\n emissions\n rating of\u00a0\n90 g/km\n (combined, based on the New European Driving Cycle).\nKia reckons\u00a0that they could do the job with a\u00a0\n1.6-litre\n \u2018Kappa\u2019 \ndirect injection\n engine with \n103 hp\n and\n\u00a0147 Nm\n of torque. That doesn\u2019t sound like much but with a\n\u00a01.56 kWh\n lithium-polymer battery pack and\n 32 kW\n electric motor, it should be adequate for the job at hand. The powertrain will be mated up\u00a0to a highly-efficient\n six-speed double-clutch\n transmission, Kia says.\nBased upon a bespoke new platform, the Kia Niro\u2019s body is made of more than\n 50 percent ultra-high strength steel\n, which is responsible for better safety ratings and contributes to a weight \nreduction\n of around\u00a0\n5 percent\n.\nThe new Kia Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle is due to be \nunveiled next year\n, with production for overseas markets scheduled to start in late \n2016\n. The Niro will be built at Kia\u2019s Hwasung manufacturing plant in \nKorea\n."
"Bermaz Motor recently celebrated the graduation of 163 talents from their talent pool, all of whom will join the company to further strengthen Mazda\u2019s technical and after sales support.\nBack in 2010, Bermaz Motor established the Mazda Apprenticeship Programme (MAP) to develop a skilled workforce under a positive training culture. To date, Bermaz Motor has invested more than RM10 million to this human capital development programme. This convocation celebrates 51 graduates from batch four and five from MAP, 15 from Body and Paint Programme, 69 from Mazda Master Technician and 28 from Mazda Master Senior Service Advisor.   The MAP is sanctioned by the Ministry of Human Resources, Institute of Motor Industry Awards Limited, UK and Mazda Motor Corporation as an Accreditation Centre on Motor Vehicle Mechanic Training provider. As such, all MAP graduates are awarded with a Malaysia Skill Certificate (Level 3, K-Worker), Diploma from IMIAL-UK and Mazda Master Level F. Graduates are also offered employment opportunities at Mazda\u2019s After Sales Service Centres throughout Malaysia.   This training programme is primarily for high school leavers whom are interested in pursuing a career as a automotive technician. Candidates who meet Bermaz Motor\u2019s requirements are entitled to a full scholarship by Bermaz Motor, plus a\u00a0guaranteed employment with the Bermaz Motor\u00a0for a minimum of three years. Scholarship recipients will also receive monthly allowances throughout their programme.\nAs a sign of support to this nation building initiative, Shell Malaysia will be contributing RM50,000 annually for the next five years. Shell has been a preferred lubricants partner for Bermaz Motor since its inception back in 2008. \nAutoBuzz.my\n would also like to extend our heartiest congratulations to all graduates from the training programme.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 7th edition of the annual \nArt of Speed (AOS) festival\n recently took place at MAEPS Serdang, and as expected, it didn\u2019t fail to draw in hoards of visitors of all age and gender.\nThere was literally something from everyone; whether you\u2019re into tattoos, custom bikes, aftermarket components, used/new automotive apparels, classic/tuner cars, die-cast models, the list was as exhaustive as a housewife\u2019s grocery list.\nHot Wheels even took the opportunity to officiate and kick off their 50th Anniversary Southeast Asia Tour there, on the side of launching its 2019 Car Culture designs. The new collection was developed in collaboration with Japan-based Porsche tuner, Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB), led by the mythical character that is Akira Nakai.\nWithout rambling further, among all the cars that were present and on display, here are our Top 5 picks from the weekend, based on their custom work, rarity, \u201ccleanliness\u201d, tastefulness and more importantly, elegant simplicity.\nPorsche 911   What started out originally as a Porsche 911 SC has now been turned into a tastefully backdated model with a RS duck tail and RSR front bumpers. It may look like something out of Magnus Walker\u2019s garage but it\u2019s just too clean and meticulously-built to be labelled as one of his own.\nWith such a \u201chot-rod\u201d appearance, you\u2019d be surprise how tactile and svelte the fit and finish on this car is. Definitely my pick for the No.1 spot of our Top 5 highlights of the show.\nE36 BMW 3-Series   This one takes second place in my books. It\u2019s a car I have a soft spot for, partly from being a proud owner of an E36. I grew up in it, learnt to drive (and drive fast) in it and is also the first car I crossed the \u201cdouble century\u201d mark in for the first time.\nBut this isn\u2019t anything like the lame, bone-standard 325i I have in my porch. This one\u2019s been given the full \u201cM treatment\u201d \u2013 with every single \u201cM mod\u201d a BMW E36 owner can dream of. It\u2019s got a V8 engine jammed into the front, Vader seats inside, slick BBS wheels and the list just goes on.\nI teared a little inside, realising how long, how much and how difficult it would be for me to get my car just to look like this.\nMini Cooper   This Mini looked like it had just completed the Monte-Carlo rally, had a \u201cproper bath\u201d and driven straight to the Art of Speed Festival. Everything about it was simplistically elegant and functional. As is always the case with a Mini, it drew so much more attention than those around it, with twice its size and asking price.\nThis was another AOS show-stopper that captivated me. Growing up, my old man \u201crescued\u201d one that was left to die\u00a0on the street from imminent rust. It was bought for a grand total of RM 1,000 in the mid-90\u2019s, restored to full operating condition and sold for nearly RM20,000 a few years later.\nMy old man didn\u2019t go to such extreme lengths to get his Japan-spec Cooper to such show-car conditions though \u2013 citing budget issues but looking back, I\u2019m confident it was just plain ol\u2019 laziness.\nNissan Bluebird 1600 SSS Coupe   To get the owner to part with this car, I think you\u2019d have to pass him one of your kidneys should both of his fail. Looking at the attention to detail, examining every inch of the Bluebird, you can tell how much patience, blood, sweat and tears have gone into making it look the way it does.\nIf my calculations and back-tracking is correct, this car could easily be 50-years old if not approaching it. I\u2019ve not seen a 50-year old human being age that gracefully, let alone a car. I just wished I had the chance to have a few words with the owner which was no where to be found; I suspect he could\u2019ve been the one who was rigorously polishing a set of chrome wheels.\nToyota Corolla AE86   What\u2019s a car show without one of the most iconic faces of all time \u2013 the AE86. This may not have been the liftback model but really, does it matter when the car you\u2019re driving is as recognisable as Tun M\u2019s face in the automotive world? I guess not.\nCars like this Levin, and the Bluebird always make me wish I could\u2019ve realised it earlier and told my grandparents that these cars would some day be cult classics \u2013 buy them and keep em\u2019 till I\u2019m legally able to drive.\nCars like these also show what a car (whether it\u2019s a cult-classic or an immaculate AE101 SEG) represents and can mean to different people, rather than being just mere \u201cA to B modes of transportation\u201d.\nWhile it\u2019s clear these days that the tuner scene is in slight jeopardy of falling out of favour within those in their early 20\u2019s and younger, with \u201cmodifications\u201d mostly confined to making a standard Civic look like a Type R, I\u2019m glad there are still festivals like the AOS to show that there are still people out there who strive to keep what society deems as scrap metal going (and strong).\nWay I see it, they\u2019re not just another owner; not just beacons of influence for today\u2019s 5-year olds but more importantly relentless caretakers of these \u201ctime capsules\u201d, preserving them for generations to come.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Unconvinced by Hyundai\u2019s latest design identity with \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d and more specifically, the \u201cParametric\u201d motif? The company\u2019s assertive design direction on the\n \nall-new Hyundai Elantra\n has earned it the \nGOOD DESIGN Awards\n.\n \nGet to know more about the all-new Hyundai Elantra \nhere\n\u201cHyundai\u2019s design vision to provide lifestyle mobility that coexists with people\u2019s lives has been recognized by winning these awards,\u201d said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe all-new Hyundai Elantra features Parametrics Dynamics design elements that sculpture a futuristic and innovative look and feel. Unconventional lines and divided surfaces broke a taboo in the automotive design.\nThere is plenty of attention to detail, such as the \nparametric-pattern jewel grille\n that cleverly hides the turn indicators. \u00a0\nAt the rear, the tail lamp creates a \nHyundai \u201cflying H\u201d logo-like\n shape. All these elements, together with a sporty four-door coupe look make the design of the all-new Elantra always a topic of conversation or disagreement. \u00a0\u00a0\nInside, the \u201cimmersive cocoon\u201d interior layout envelops the driver like an aircraft cockpit. \nHigh-quality materials\n, together with carefully selected colour swatches, create an ambience that feels much higher than its price-point suggest.\nJoining the all-new Elantra in the 2020 GOOD DESIGN Awards are the Electric Vehicle (EV) \nconcepts of the 45 and \nthe Prophecy\n.\nHyundai\u2019s ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure dubbed the \u2018\nHi-Charger\n\u2019, also won the hearts of the jurors, as it offers a completely new charging experience through an innovative \u2018weight-free\u2019 system.\nThe charging cable can swivel around its \u2018ring\u2019 to accomodate various placements of vehicle charging ports.\nEntering its 70th year, the GOOD DESIGN Awards program is one of the oldest design competitions in the world. The international jury comprised of experienced experts from different disciplines assesses the aesthetic merit of each entry. Other parameters are also included, such as material selection, the level of craftsmanship, ergonomics, innovation, sustainability, and functionality."
"Of all the historic Ferrari race cars, the 250 Testa Rossa is perhaps one of the most well-known, or at least, most desirable model. It\u2019s not hard to see why; the 250 TR collected 18 victories under its belt in its five years of service, including three championship titles and four wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans \u2013 the only Ferrari to ever do so.\nIn fact, an original unrestored Ferrari 250 TR was reportedly sold for an eye-watering 29 million Euros (~RM144 mil) back in 2014 \u2013 so yes, there are still people who would jump at the first opportunity to own one, no matter the cost.\nThe only problem is that most people don\u2019t have 29 million Euros to spend on a car \u2013 and that\u2019s also assuming that prices has stayed stagnant since 2014, which we all know is impossible. So what if we said that you can own a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa for just a cheap price (by comparison) of 93,000 Euros (~RM461k)?\nEnter the Ferrari Testa Rossa J, a 75% scale replica of the iconic 250 TR. And before you lament that it\u2019s \u201cjust another replica\u201d, let us stop you right there \u2013 this here is a proper Ferrari product, with actual Ferrari engineering work put into it.\nPeople really do go all out to \u201cown\u201d a Ferrari. Check out this Ferrari 458 replica that looks as close as it gets to the real one!\nIt\u2019s made in collaboration with The Little Car Company, the same firm that made the \nmini Aston Martin DB5 and \nthe\n life-sized Tamiya Toy Car\n, but Ferrari says that they\u2019ve led every aspect of the project to make it a \u201cfaithful reproduction of the 1957 250 Testa Rossa\u201d \u2013 even down to the chassis.\nTo build the mini race car, Ferrari even went as far as to retrieve the original paper drawings of the 250 TR from the Ferrari Classiche Department. As such, the Testa Rossa J retains the same steering and suspension geometry as the original car, giving it an \u201cauthentic handling\u201d feel.\nOther than the lack of exhaust pipes, you can hardly tell that it\u2019s not a real Ferrari 250 TR when it\u2019s seen just by itself!\nThe body work is constructed from hand-beaten aluminium, the same process that was employed in the historical models, and the paint work comes from the same palette as the current Ferrari road car range, as is the Ferrari emblem up front.\nFerrari\u2019s Styling Centre in Maranello, meanwhile, oversaw the overall proportions of the 75%-scale car, and the recreation of all 14 historic liveries that have adorned the original race car.\nThe interior of the Testa Rossa J is also meticulously recreated detail for detail, including the single leather seat that incorporates the piping motif of the original car. The steering wheel is made by Nardi, the same company that supplied the 1957 model, and even features an actual quick-release system \u2013 Ferrari\u2019s smallest-ever.\nBehind the steering wheel are the same classic dials, featuring the original design and fonts. But because the Testa Rossa J will be electrically-powered (\ndoes this make it the first fully-electric Ferrari?\n), the dials have been reworked to display relevant information such as battery and motor temperatures, regenerative braking, and battery reserve levels.\nWhile Ferrari hasn\u2019t actually made an EV yet, they\u2019ve just kicked off their electrified era with the hybrid 296 GTB. Check it out here!\nThe Ferrari Testa Rossa J is powered by three batteries, with power sent to the electric motor at the front of the car. Ferrari claims a driving range of approximately 90 km, depending on your driving style of course.\nThere\u2019s even a \u2018Manettino\u2019 switch that offers a choice of four driving modes \u2013 Novice (1 kW output, max speed of 20 km/h), Normal (4 kW / 45 km/h), Sport, and Race mode (\u201cover 60 km/h\u201d). Also taken from an actual Ferrari car are the pedals, which were borrowed directly from the \nF8 Tributo\n.\nDespite being based on a race car made in 1957, Ferrari says that they\u2019ve thoroughly modernised the Testa Rossa J for the 21st century, with reinforced metal side panels and an optional roll bar for enhanced safety. The original drum brakes are replaced by Brembo disc brakes, and there\u2019s also an actual functioning hydraulic handbrake.\nThe tyres are even supplied by Pirelli(!), fitted onto the hand-made 12-inch wire wheels. Suspension meanwhile is taken care by Bilstein coilover dampers with custom springs, which were fine-tuned and signed off by Ferrari\u2019s test drivers at the Fiorano test track. Are you convinced that this is an actual Ferrari yet?\nIf you\u2019re looking for a full-sized Ferrari instead, the latest arrival in Malaysia is the SF90 Spider. Learn more here!\nFerrari says that the Testa Rossa J is designed to be driven by anyone over the age of 14, although it\u2019s not homologated for road use anywhere in the world. But if you can afford a 93,000 Euro toy, you probably can also afford to build yourself a mini race track.\nOnly 299 units of the mini Ferrari 250 TR will be built, so act quick, before they inadvertently increase in price, just like the actual car.\nGALLERY"
"The current FC-generation Honda Civic is an incredibly popular car, taking the nation by storm with its sporty and aggressive looks. But when it comes to driving, it really isn\u2019t all that. Don\u2019t get us wrong, it\u2019s not a bad experience by a long shot, but when compared to its more recent peers, its dynamic capabilities do tend to fall a little short.\nIt seems as though Honda has completely flipped the script, then, for the\n 11th-generation (FE) all-new Honda Civic\n that\u2019s right about to make its official launch here in Malaysia. Because in terms of looks, Honda has significantly toned-down the \u201cboyracer\u201d outfit on the Civic for a way more matured suit.\nAnd on the driving experience, well, the all-new Honda Civic might have just set the new benchmark for the C-segment sedans, based on our short experience flinging it around the Sepang South Circuit yesterday.\nHonda Malaysia offered us a three-way head-to-head comparison between the all-new Civic, the current \nFC-generation Civic\n, and the \nToyota Corolla Altis\n. But even though we jumped into the brand-new Civic right away, the differences were immediately tangible.\nSetting off from the pits for the first time, and the powertrain immediately feels a lot more eager. While the 9hp and 20 Nm increase from its 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine doesn\u2019t seem much on paper, it\u2019s the way the revised CVT gearbox works in symphony with the engine that brings out the true magic.\nYes, it is \u2013 perhaps unfortunately \u2013 still a CVT gearbox here. While we would have preferred a conventional automatic (or a manual; a man can dream), Honda has made significant changes to the Civic\u2019s CVT gearbox that it almost behaves like a modern automatic gearbox at full pelt, with near-instant simulated gear \u201cshifts\u201d even if you left it to its own devices, in the Normal driving mode no less.\nPut it into Sports, and you get an immediate jump in throttle and gearbox response that\u2019s noticeable even from a standing start. With the gearshift pedals behind the steering wheel, you might even sometimes forget that it\u2019s a CVT-equipped sedan.\nHowever, it\u2019s when you approach the first corner that you truly appreciate what Honda has done to the all-new Civic. At turn in, the properly-weighted steering provides you with confidence to attack the corners, and the sharp and agile front end turns in with little to no hesitation, probably helped by its factory-fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and 18-inch wheels.\nAnd once you reach the apex, the all-new Honda Civic\u2019s impressive body control means it\u2019s able to maintain its tight lines with minimal body roll. Even high-speed direction changes through the esses at turn 12 and 13 were handled with poise and a sense of fluidity; the chassis obediently tracks your steering inputs without protest.\nThis was a characteristic that we \nspoke highly about \non the Toyota Corolla previously, but on back-to-back outings round the Sepang South Circuit, it felt almost as if the Corolla was somewhat \u201clost\u201d on track, not communicating the same amount of confidence that we received from the Civic.\nOnce the car gracefully settles into a straight line, it\u2019s time to brake hard, turn in, and power off again through the back straight. The sense of control that it provides makes the experience almost addictive, making the four laps we had around the half circuit fly by in a flash.\nGranted, a C-segment family sedan\u2019s main use case won\u2019t be on the track; there\u2019s still comfort, space, visibility, and even tech to consider when you\u2019re putting down money for one of these. For those aspects, we\u2019ll still have to evaluate it on the open roads \u2013 but on a first impression, the all-new Honda Civic has left us grinning from ear to ear."
"During a Q-and-A session at a civil servants gathering last week, International Trade and Industry minister\u00a0Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali revealed that a \u201cluxury carmaker\u201d will soon be setting up shop to produce its vehicle in Malaysia, saying that \u201cthey have already agreed\u201d.\nAccording to \nMalay Mail\n, although Azmin Ali was not able to reveal the brand itself just yet, he did say that it will be the \u201cfirst plant [for the carmaker] outside that particular country\u201d, and the company focuses on \u201cprecision engineering\u201d to produce \u201camong the most expensive [cars] in the world.\u201d\nThe comment tracks well with a report by \nThe Edge\n \nearlier last month\n, which suggested that Porsche might be setting up an assembly plant at Kulim, Kedah. First plant out of Germany? Check. Precision engineering and expensive cars? Check and check.\nThe report said that Porsche will partner with Inokom, a subsidiary of Sime Darby, to set up the new Kulim assembly plant. And as many of you would know, Sime Darby, under the Sime Darby Auto Performance brand, has been Porsche\u2019s sole distributor in Malaysia since 2010 \u2013 everything so far makes a whole lot of sense.\nIt is understood that the new Kulim assembly plant will cater towards Porsche\u2019s SUV models, namely the Macan and Cayenne. These cars would also be exported to other neighbouring countries, making Malaysia its ASEAN hub.\nBased on the minister\u2019s comments, it really does seem like CKD Porsches might soon(-ish) become a reality. Aside from us Malaysians being able to enjoy \u201ccheaper\u201d Porsches, the move will also help give our automotive production sector a much-needed boost, at a time when major carmakers are mostly opting for Thailand and Indonesia.\n\u201cSo we are moving towards that direction. Of course, they will ask us whether we have that capacity. So we need to develop our human capital, we need to develop talent, there needs to be skills. Otherwise we will lose to our neighbours,\u201d he added."
"Proton\n has announced its strategic collaboration with Affin Bank with the launch of the Affin Avance Proton Affiliate Credit Card/-i (\u201cAffin Avance Proton Affiliate Credit Card\u201d & \u201cAffin Avance Proton Affiliate Credit Card Islamic\u201d). The card is targeted towards Proton customers and is said to provide exclusive privileges and benefits to them when they use the credit card to make payments at authorised outlets.\nAmong privileges that can be enjoyed by the Affin Avance Proton Affiliate credit card/-i holders include:\nLifetime annual fee waiver.\n3X Affin Rewards points for dining, online/e-commerce, and transactions at Proton outlets.\n1X Affin Rewards points for other retail transactions.\nHassle-free Overdraft/Cash line application.\n0% Easy Instalment Plan for up to 24 months \u2013 0% Interest/Profit Rate for purchase at Proton outlets including servicing.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cThe Affin Avance Proton Affiliate Credit Card/-i was created specifically for Proton customers. By offering a host of benefits and privileges, we believe the affiliate card will further enhance the ownership experience while rewarding them when they service their cars or purchase our products.\u201d\nThe Deputy CEO added, \u201cAny Proton buyer who finances their purchase with Affin Bank will automatically be offered this new card and we encourage all existing owners to also apply for it to enjoy its special privileges.\u201d\nAffin Bank President & Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said, \u201cAffin Bank is proud to be a partner with Proton, Malaysia\u2019s automotive company, in the year it celebrates its 40th anniversary. We believe the collaboration exemplifies the spirit of innovation inherent to both Affin Bank and Proton while helping to reward and grow the customer base for both brands.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton DX Centre officially launched \u2013 Malaysia\u2019s first automotive digital experience centre"
"After taking home five \u2018Pick-up Truck of the Year\u2019 awards in the past year, Isuzu Malaysia has launched the new and improved D-Max X-Terrain with more features and creature comforts.\nAdded to the D-Max\u2019s already impressive list of features is a wireless charger, an Around-View Monitor aided by cameras on the front grille and side mirror. The feature will not only offer a bird\u2019s eye view when in reverse but also a selectable \u20183D guide\u2019 for more precise parking.\nBetter visibility will also comes from the addition of LED puddle lamps tucked underneath the side step, along with illuminated door sills bearing the words \u2018X-Terrain\u2019.\nSilky White Pearl\nOnyx Black\nOtherwise, standard equipment on the exterior remains the same. The D-Max X-Terrain gets automatic Bi-LED headlamps with \u2018Follow Me Home\u2019 lights that work in tandem with the LED puddle lamps, front and rear LED fog lamps, a sliding cargo tray, dampers for the tailgate and 18-inch wheels.\nAlong with the new features, the D-Max is now also available in Silky Pearl White and Onyx Black, supplemented by the existing Valencia Orange colour.\nThe D-Max X-Terrain also comes with a host of driver aids such as automatic high beam, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rear-cross traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist to mention a few.\n \nUnder the hood, the D-Max X-Terrain continues to be powered by a 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, with 190 hp and 450 Nm.\nThe updated Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain with its fancy new gear is now priced from \nRM146,938\n, a marginal increase from its previous launch price of RM141,938\u00a0back in April 2021.\nGALLERY\nSilky White Pearl\nOnyx Black"
"Last year, when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) \nlaunched the all-new W213 E-Class\n, the company announced that a range topping E 300 will join the line up soon after. For those of you who have been desperately waiting for the more potent E-Class, this one is\u00a0all yours for a cool RM458,888.\nMotivating this Masterpiece of Intelligence is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four found in the rest of the E-Class range. Only here in the E 300, it pushes out \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a \nnine-speed automatic transmission\n. Key performance figures are: \n6.2 seconds\n century sprint time and \n250 km/h\n electronically limited top speed. The E 300 consumes slightly more fuel at \n6.3 litres per 100 km\n compared to 5.9L/100 km rated on the lower range models.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde\nMercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde\nMercedes-Benz E 250 Exclusive\nMercedes-Benz E 300 AMG\nEngine\n1,991cc; in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top speed\n7.7 seconds; 240 km/h\n6.9 seconds; 250 km/h\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM395,888\nRM420,888\nRM425,888\nRM458,888\nAs revealed during the launch, the E 300 is kitted with\u00a0\nAMG line\n, receiving goodies such as a\u00a0sportier AMG exterior pack, lowered AGILITY CONTROL suspension, 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloys, sports seats, AMG three-spoke flat bottom multifunctional steering wheel, extended aluminium pedal shifters, AMG floor mats and AMG sports pedals.   Standard equipment include Nappa leather upholstery, powered front seats with four-way lumbar support, ambient lighting, thermotronic automatic climate control, keyless-GO, powered boot and powered sunblind.\nThings like Multibeam adaptive LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof, Qi wireless charging tray, Comand Online infotainment system with Apply CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree camera, Parking Pilot and a 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD instrument cluster are all standard. Exclusive to this trim are\u00a0\nheads-up display\n and \n640 watts\u00a013-speaker Burmester\u00ae Surround Sound System\n.   If you\u2019re in the market for a fully kitted premium executive sedan, the E 300 AMG would be just the car for you. However, if you\u2019re patient enough, maybe you can wait a little longer for the all-new\u00a0\nBMW G30\n arrives on our shores.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After two long years, a one-off Pininfarina-designed XK120 SE restored by 13 Classic Motor Cars (CMC) staff in a top secret project is set to be unveiled at Pebble Beach, California.\nFirst introduced in 1948, production of the XKs went on till 1954 in coupe, drophead coupe and roadster form but as the only XK120 SE to be produced by Pininfarina, this is \none of the rarest Jaguars in existence\n; one that was discovered by CMC.\u00a0CMC purchased the car from a German gentleman and have spent thousands of hours carrying out a full nut and bolt restoration.\nThe \u201c120\u201d of the XK\u2019s name was in reference to the 120 mph (193 km/h) top speed the aluminium-bodied Jaguar was capable of, making it the world\u2019s fastest production car at the time of its launch. SE on the other hand, stood for Special Equipment which offered increased power, stiffer suspension and a dual exhaust system. The earlier XK\u2019s came with a 3.4-litre straight-six engine good for 160 hp with later models producing 220 hp with double Weber carburetors.\nFirst delivered to Mr. Max Hoffman, a New York-based importer of luxury European automobiles into the United States during the 1950\u2019s, it was later unveiled at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show. A purebred petrolhead, he later inspired the production and refinement of several vehicles from their original manufacturers, earning him a spot in the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2003.\n\u201cThere is little trace of the car\u2019s history, but we are certain that \nthere was only one XK120 by Pininfarina produced\n, which makes this one of the rarest Jaguars in existence, Chairman of CMC\u2019s operating board\u201d, David Barzilay.\nCover photo credit: \nTelegraph.co.uk"
"So the end is here. It has been confirmed that the Beetle will not be replaced and will cease to be produced once its current generation goes out of production; possibly the biggest announcement from the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.\n11 years since the reintroduction of the new Beetle in 1997, followed by a new model in 2011, the Beetle will be replaced by the production model of the Volkswagen ID Buzz Concept, as the retro-styled model in Volkswagen\u2019s line-up.\nThe \nMicrobus \nwill replace the Beetle as Volkswagen\u2019s retro-style model.\nIt seems that Volkswagen has decided to embark on a new journey with its MEB electric car platform, rather than having more \u201cnew versions\u201d of the Beetle. A point we\u2019d all agree on seeing as there\u2019s not been an actual new Beetle but at the same time, it\u2019s legitimately saddening to know that the adorable Beetle will be killed off entirely.\nFocus will now be on the re-creation of the \nMicrobus\n, a production version of the ID Buzz concept, which will be due for introduction early next decade.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The legendary Lexus LFA has finally had a follow-up with the\u00a0unveiling of the Lexus LC at the ongoing Detroit Motor Show. Inspired by the LF-LC concept, this 2+2 coupe is Lexus\u2019 hint on its future cars when it comes to the company\u2019s engineering and design capabilities.\nThe LC uses the familiar V8 powerplant that powers the \nRC-F\n and \nGS-F\n models. That said, its \nnaturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8\n\u00a0is capable of \n467 hp\n and\n\u00a0527 Nm\n of torque. It uses a\n\u00a010-speed\u00a0automatic gearbox\n setup. Power is delivered through the rear wheels.\n \n \nLexus claims that the new single-clutch gearbox weighs less and can swap gears as quickly as a double-clutch setup. This lends its hand at the LC\u2019s century sprint time of 4.5 seconds.\nWhile the LFA uses the lightweight but expensive carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), the LC uses a combination of CFRP,\u00a0aluminium and high-strength steel which increase its torsional rigidity. Handling is improved with the usage of all-aluminium double ball-jointed upper and lower suspension arms, together with grippy Michelin Pilot Super Sports tyres. It also boasts having a weight distribution of\u00a0\n52:48\n.   Apart from the humongous Spindle grille as seen in most modern Lexus cars, the LC also features the company\u2019s new\u00a0digital dash display and Multimedia package \u2013 something that may well be a standard fitment in future Lexus models. Optional items for the LC include all-speed dynamic cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation, automatic high-beam and a\u00a0carbon-fiber roof.\nAs for now, no details were made on the car\u2019s pricing and official launch date. Just like the LFA, the LC will carry Lexus\u2019 mantle as the company\u2019s Halo car, boosting its performance credentials to its customers. Judging from the impression this LC has given, we can\u2019t wait to see what Lexus can deliver in the coming years.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the \nToyota C-HR\n? An all-new version of the stylish-looking SUV that was once sold in Malaysia will debut on \nJune 26\n, \n2023\n. And just before the debut takes place, a teaser of the upcoming SUV has just been put out.\nLooking at the 6-second-long teaser clip, a rear silhouette of the C-HR can be seen. The car looks to be sporting full LED rear lights which extend across the rear of the car, with an illuminated \u2018TOYOTA C-HR\u2019 inscription positioned in between. A roof spoiler and shark fin antenna can also be spotted.\nThis isn\u2019t the first time the Japanese carmaker showcased the upcoming SUV though, as it has once released a concept known as the C-HR Prologue. The Prologue concept, just like the outgoing model features rather angular styling cues, with a fastback-like profile.\nAt the front of the Prologue is Toyota\u2019s hammerhead shark look, which is also worn by the all-electric bZ4X and the latest Prius together with C-shaped LED headlights. The concept also looks to feature flush door handles.\nThe Toyota C-HR Prologue features a sporty-looking roof spoiler at the top, and together with protruding rear lights, forms a sporty yet futuristic rear look. The concept also features an aggressively styled rear bumper at the bottom and a pair of what looks to be side-view cameras. This is a pretty crazy feature to be fitted onto a C-HR, considering it is no luxury vehicle. But this is a concept, so that is a given right?\nRELATED: \nThe new bZ Compact SUV Concept could be the electric successor to the Toyota C-HR\nBesides the C-HR Prologue concept, Toyota also showed off the \nbZ Compact SUV Concept\n at the opening of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. Speculated to be a smaller model slotted underneath the bZ4X, the bZ Compact Concept\u2019s exterior styling sported a design similar to the Prologue. This includes sections of the car like the hammerhead shark look at the front, the fastback-like profile, the similarly looking spoiler, and the protruding rear lights.\nFast forward to late last month (May), a C-HR prototype covered by camouflage wrappings was seen being tested on the Nurburgring. And much like the Prologue concept, the prototype sported the brand\u2019s hammerhead shark look at its front, with a sporty-looking black honeycomb grille below. The C-shaped headlights were there as well, judging from the outlines of the camouflage wrappings.\nThe fastback-like profile was also present, and the car was seen fitted with a set of black wheels. The door handles, both front and back are flushed to the doors, which is an interesting and unexpected feature to see on the C-HR.\nHowever, as expected, unlike the Prologue concept, the side-view cameras didn\u2019t make the cut, with door-mounted side-view mirrors in place instead. The rear of the Toyota C-HR prototype retains the majority of the Prologue concept\u2019s sporty outline, with the roof spoiler, sharkfin antenna, and sporty-looking rear bumper present to complete the sporty looks of the prototype C-HR.\nWhat do you think of this upcoming stylish-looking SUV? Like what you\u2019re seeing? Let us know in the comments!\nRELATED: \nLeaked: Next-gen Toyota Alphard & Vellfire \u2013 The new VIP-mobile?\nGALLERY"
"Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua, Perodua launched yet another new edition of its Myvi, the colourful \nPerodua Myvi XT\n. It now comes with more goodies and with the same price as before, from RM41,936.45 to RM45,436.45. Launched alongside it are the upgraded Myvi 1.5 Extreme and \u201cWhat\u2019s up Graduate?\u201d program.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Myvi XT\nSegment\nB-segment hatchback\nEngine\n1,298cc In-line 4, 16-valve DOHC with DVVT\nMax Power\n90hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n117Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice\n1.3 XT (MT) \u00a0 RM 41,936.45 (Solid)\n1.3 XT (MT) \u00a0 RM 42,436.45 (Metallic)\n1.3 XT (AT) \u00a0 RM 44,936.45 (Solid)\n1.3 XT (AT) \u00a0 RM 45,436.45 (Metallic)\n\u00a0\nFirst introduced in May 2005, Perodua Myvi celebrates its 9th Anniversary this year, maintaining its good track record since then. A total of 750,000 units have been sold making this B-segment hatchback the best-selling model for 8 consecutive years, contributing 50% of Perodua\u2019s sales. At its peak, 99,000 units were sold\u00a0in 2013 alone.\nLaunched with catchy and young tagline \u201c\nOMV\n (oh-my-vi)\u201d, the new Perodua Myvi XT is now the standard 1.3-litre Myvi, targeting tertiary students and fresh graduates who are looking for their first car, hence the \u201cWhat\u2019s Up Graduate?\u201d program. Perodua is looking at selling 1,600 XT a month.\nPrice List\nWhat\u2019s New?\nThe\u2019XT\u2019 stands for \u2018Extra\u2019, which means the new Myvi XT comes with more goodies. In fact, there are \nRM1,600\n worth of new features that come without extra cost.\n1. 5-spoke alloy rims\n2. Audio system with USB & Bluetooth, with painted painted center cluster\n3. New seat fabric\n4. New body colours: Lime Green, Dazzling Red\n5. Chrome front grille\nIn terms of performance, it is still powered by the same 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC with DVVT engine. It produces \n90 horsepower\n and \n117 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Upgraded Perodua Myvi 1.5 Extreme\nThe improved Myvi 1.5 Extreme now comes with solar and security film tinting, PVC coil mat, multimedia system with red illumination and new leather seat cover design. Price is maintained as before, starting from \nRM61,240.50\n. Only automatic transmission is available.   What\u2019s Up Graduate?\nUniversity students and fresh graduates can now own a Perodua vehicle with more perks! The second national carmaker now offers a voucher worth \nRM500\n, petrol card worth \nRM500\n and a free \nRM20,000\n personal accident policy covery for one year.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai, in an apparent gutsy move, is aggressively creeping up the luxury rank to join the likes of popular German trio \u2013 Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Their weapon of choice is none other than the Genesis \u2013 the second generation executive\u00a0sedan tasked to brawl in a four-cornered ring against the A6, 5-Series and E-Class.\nTo some, paying RM400k for a Korean executive sedan that is practically unheard of in this region can stir quite an outrage, but this Hyundai is not just a grown-up-Sonata. Perhaps the only thing shared between the Sonata and the Genesis is its design language \u2013 Fluidic Structure 2.0. These two were both \nawarded the \n2014 Good Design Award\n from the Chicago Anthenaeum.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Genesis\nEngine\n3,778cc; GDI V6, DOHC\nTransmission\n8-speed auto with Shiftronic manual mode\nMax Power\n311 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n397 Nm @ 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.5 seconds; 240 km/h\nPrice (with GST and Insurance)\nRM399,888.00\nJust by way of dimensions, the Genesis boasts a best-in-class. It has a wheelbase that is 42 mm longer than the 5-Series, at 3,010 mm. Its overall length is just 10 mm shy of the 5,000 mm magic mark; is 1,890 mm wide and towers over the German trio at 1,480 mm. That\u2019s something to shout about from the Land of the Morning Calm.\n EXTERIOR\nFrom a subjective standpoint, the overall design of the Genesis is still very much a Hyundai, albeit emanating a negligible resemblance to the \nSonata LF\n. However, Malaysian-spec Geneses won\u2019t carry a single Hyundai badge inside and out, and they are replaced with the Genesis badge. The luxury sedan sits on a set of \n18-inch wheels\n, wrapped with \n245/55 series\n Hankook Ventus Prime2 tyres.\n \n \nStandard equipment here includes \nauto leveling HID headlights\n with LED DRLs and\u00a0\nActive Cornering Lights\n, an imposingly large \nhexagonal grille\n with six horizontally chromed bars, \nLED fog lamps\n and \nLED combination tail lamps\n. The door handles are given a chrome finish and all four sides will come with pocket lighting. Its side mirrors have an integrated puddle lamp each, and the mirrors are electro-chromic.\nAn interesting feature to note is the \npower door system\n. There are multiple sensors built into the door latches that, when senses the doors aren\u2019t properly shut, will activate an actuator motor to give any one of the four doors a proper closing. Another familiar feature is the \nSmart Trunk System\n which automatically opens the trunk lid after three seconds upon detecting the Smart Key.\nINTERIOR\nWhile the exterior look has yet to grow on us, the cabin, on the other hand, is impressive by any standards and is as you would expect from a RM400,000 car. Like the Sonata, the cockpit design is based on Hyundai\u2019s \nHuman Machine Interface\n that allows the driver to intuitively operate the raft of buttons and switches on the fly.\n \n \nMaterials here are top notch, beginning with the \nfull grain Nappa leather\n upholstered electric seats. The rear seats feature a \nsliding function\n \nthat tilts\n and changes seating position when needed, and can be individually controlled via the rear centre armrest. It also allows rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat (only) in case legroom becomes lackluster.\nStandard in the Genesis is the ultra-premium \nLexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround audio system\n that comes with \n14-speakers\n, Logic 7 Surround sound processing and a \n12-channel digital amplifier\n with \n900-Watts\n of output. It supports HD Radio, iPod,USB and auxiliary connectivity. In Hyundai\u2019s pursuit of luxury, the cabin is smothered with sound-absorbing materials all-around.\n \n \nCompleting the interior kit mix is an \n8-inch touchscreen display\n in the centre dash which feeds a full array of vehicle info, multimedia consumption, reverse camera as well as 360-degree camera view.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the bonnet lurks the largest petrol engine of Hyundai\u2019s Lambda family \u2013 a \n3.8-litre V6 GDI\n unit that sends power to the \nrear wheels\n via an in-house developed \neight-speed automatic\n torque converter. This \nnaturally aspirated\n engine makes \n311 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n397 Nm\n of torque at 5,000 rpm, allowing the Genesis to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk \n6.5 seconds\n before topping out at \n240\n \nkm/h\n.\nInterestingly, this chassis architecture allows the Genesis to achieve a front-to-rear weight distribution of \n51.2:48.8\n. Ride quality is courtesy of a \nmulti-link type suspension\n on both axles, while the rear suspension benefits from \nhigh performance dampers\n to provide optimal comfort for rear occupants. Three driving modes can be selected \u2013 Normal, Eco and Sport.\nSAFETY\nIn the safety department, the Genesis passes with flying colours and is the first vehicle to achieve the highest score (36.88 out of 37 points) in the Australasian New Car Assessment Program\u2019s 21-year history. The feat was managed through an extensive use of \nhigh-strength steel\n (about 51.5 percent of the car\u2019s structure is made of this) and Hyundai\u2019s full suite of active and passive safety technology.\nThe safety kit reads as such: nine airbags, ESC, ABS, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Pre-Safety Belt. It\u00a0is also fitted with a \ncarbon dioxide cabin sensor\n to continuously monitor air quality, thus preventing the driver from feeling drowsy.\nAs for driver\u2019s convenience, the Genesis gets \nSmart Cruise Control\n, Smart Park Assist System, Around-View Monitor, \ncoloured head-up display\n measuring 9.7-inch in size and tyre pressure monitoring system. In the event of a pedestrian collision, the Genesis\u2019 Active Hood Lift system automatically raises the hood to reduce head impact.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Hyundai Genesis, priced at \nRM399,888\n with GST and insurance, is available in \nthree colours\n \u2013 Marble White, Onyx Black and Platinum Silver, each with two choices of interior trim (two-tone Beige or Black). Hyundai is offering an \n8-year or 300,000 km warranty programme\n; five years or 300,000 km standard warranty whereas the engine and gearbox gets three-years extended coverage.\nOwners of the Genesis will also benefit from \n5-years or 100,000 km free service\n (interval is every 10,000 km) that covers all scheduled maintenance including labour, parts and lubricants. There\u2019s also a 2-year The Leader free membership \u2013 Hyundai\u2019s proprietary concierge service exclusive to owners of premium Hyundai models. It grants various VIP services including \nfour chauffeur service passes\n\u00a0within Klang Valley and four airport premier lounge passes at selected major airports in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We shift our focus to three products that offer seating for seven while still within the RM90k price range. This is a follow-up to \nour earlier comparison\n feature which highlighted the differences in performance between the B-segment Japanese sedans in Malaysia.\nWe will be looking into the features available in the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n, the \nHonda BR-V\n and the \nToyota Rush\n. For the simplicity of comparison, as well as feedback from the market, we will be examining the fully-loaded, \nhighest grade variants\n of each model.\nWarm-up: The Competitors\nIn this feature comparison, we start things off with the Honda BR-V. Among the trio of models we are assessing here, it is the oldest with its launch dating back to early 2017.\nHonda Malaysia has updated the BR-V last year, with the scope just limited to the usual cosmetic changes and some additional comfort features. The 2020 facelift \nHonda BR-V 1.5V is priced at RM93,420\n.\nOur next contestant is the \nToyota Rush\n. We have selected the Toyota Rush over the Perodua Aruz as we are keeping things fair with regards to the price level. Introduced back in late 2018, the second-generation Toyota Rush ups the ante with more safety features such as \nsix airbags\n and\n autonomous emergency braking\n.\nThe Toyota Rush is priced at \nRM91,885 for the fully-equipped 1.5S variant\n.\nThe third entrant is also the latest addition to the Malaysian market. It took Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia a little longer time to introduce the \nXpander here\n as the company needed to set up their own assembly plant in Pekan, Pahang.\n \nOnly one variant of the Mitsubishi Xpander\n \nis available and\n the price is set at RM91,359\n, which is the lowest among our trio of fully-loaded, highest grade compact seven-seaters. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRound 1: Features for the DRIVER\nIn terms of most features available to the driver, we feel the Mitsubishi Xpander is the winner. The Xpander has \ncruise control\n to make long-distance journeys a little less tiring, as well as an \nautomatic front wiper\n system.\u00a0 The steering column is also adjustable for reach (towards or away) aiding to a more comfortable driving position.\nThe infotainment system in the Mitsubishi Xpander is also the most up to date, thanks to the availability of \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\n. It is also the largest display screen measuring 9 inches.\nOur feature comparison also noted that the number and size of storage spaces are also better in the Xpander, thanks to under-seat storage, a dedicated smartphone storage area, sleeves and pockets on the dashboard and behind the front seats as well as a centre console with lid. It also comes with an organiser under the boot floor.\nThe \ncoloured multi-information display\n in the Mitsubishi Xpander is also more pleasing to the eyes.\nIn the Toyota Rush, a high contrast black-white dashboard welcomes the driver. The infotainment only supports \nUSB-mirroring\n which is not as user friendly. Fitment of an \nintegrated toll card reader\n is welcomed and only available in the Toyota. \u00a0\nThe updated \nHonda BR-V\n sets a sportier theme with \nred highlights\n on the leather seats and door inserts. \nShift paddles\n also allow more control of the engine and transmission. There is only one 12-volt power socket in the whole interior, as opposed to USB charging points in the other two competitors.\nRound 2: Creature Comforts\nHere is the section that matters; the reason why anyone would specifically buy a seven-seater compared to a sedan that is within the same price level.\nThanks to the competitive nature of the seven-seater segment in the ASEAN region, all three of our contestants \ncome equipped with the same core features\n: ceiling mounted air blower, one-touch tilt-and-tumble second-row seats and split-folding third row. Cupholders are everywhere too.\nThere is little to separate each of the three, as the Mitsubishi Xpander has the seats with plenty of pockets slots. There is also a centre armrest on the Xpander.\nThe Toyota Rush meanwhile has an advantage of \none USB charging slot\n for the second-row passengers, mounted on the side of the driver\u2019s seat (the other two doesn\u2019t even have!). A 12-volt power socket is located on the third row of both the Mitsubishi and Toyota models.\nAll three provide decent space at the luggage area with the third row of seats up. The third-row seats on the \nXpander folds flat\n, flush with the luggage floor. The Toyota Rush meanwhile require the user to unlatch the seat base and tumble forward. Similar results but more effort is required.\nIn our feature comparison, we note that once folded down (two-row mode), the luggage capacity is pretty much the same for all three models: BR-V the most at 539 litres, followed by the Rush at 514 litres and the Xpander just 5 litres below the 500-litre mark.\nRound 3: Safety features\nThe Toyota Rush has the \nPre-Collision System (PCS)\n that applies autonomous emergency braking at up to speeds of 80 km/h. This feature is \nonly found in the Malaysian-made Toyota Rush\n, so kudos to UMW Toyota!\nAnother active safety feature that only available in the Toyota Rush is the \nblind-spot monitoring system\n. This feature is also active when one is reversing out of a parking spot, alerting if there are vehicles approaching (commonly known as Rear Cross-Traffic Alert).\n \nIf airbag count was given plenty of points, then the Toyota Rush bags the most too. 6 airbags are provided, compared to \njust\n \ntwo air airbags in the Honda and Mitsubishi\n.\nBoth the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Rush come with the ever-useful 360-surround parking camera system, while the Honda BR-V only comes with a reverse camera.\nAll three vehicles come with \nelectronic stability control\n (VSA/VSC/ASC), Hill Start Assist and two \nchild seat ISOFIX mounts\n located at the second row.   Putting on the 3-point seatbelt for the centre occupant is also the same in all three vehicles: \nceiling-mounted retractor mechanism\n with the two locking buckles. One family-friendly feature in the Toyota Rush is the \nseat belt reminder for all seven occupants\n!\nIn case you missed it, all three 7-seaters will also have \ndirty \nspare tyres\n that are difficult to dismount when you need them, as it is \nfitted externally\n beneath the rear of the vehicle. They will also be difficult to inflate due to this placement. We try our best to find out and inform in our feature comparison.\u00a0\nSo, as a family-oriented 7-seater, which would suit you best? Let us know in the comment section!"
"Geely\n has just published the first interior photos of the \nRD6 electric pick-up truck\n, under the firm\u2019s \nnew Radar sub-brand\n. From first glance, the cabin of the Radar RD6 gives off a modern minimalist, and utilitarian look, yet still very familiar \u2013 so let\u2019s take a closer look at it, shall we?\nIf you feel like you\u2019ve already seen this design somewhere before, you\u2019d be right. That\u2019s because the Radar RD6\u2019s interior is essentially borrowed from the existing \nGeely Haoyue/Okavango\n, with the digital instrument cluster, infotainment display, air vents, and steering wheel pretty much taken wholesale from the seven-seater SUV.\nThere are, however, a few exclusive touches to differentiate the Radar RD6 from the Haoyue (aside from the emblem change), including a unique dashboard top, and a new aeroplane throttle-style gearshift lever on the centre console.\nWhile technical specifications for the Radar RD6 hasn\u2019t been published just yet, we do know that the EV pick-up truck will be built on Geely\u2019s \nSustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)\n, with preliminary info suggesting an electric range of up to 600 km in a single charge (unspecified test cycle).\nALSO READ: \nGeely Xingyao (FX11) unveiled in China \u2013 could this be the next-gen Proton X70?\nThe Radar RD6 is scheduled for launch in China on September 9, with the company targeting urban Chinese customers with an adventurous side, especially now that the Covid-19 restrictions are slowly being relaxed.\nAside from China, however, it was also reported that the Radar brand could expand into other markets in the near future including Southeast Asia and the United States, where pick-up trucks are more widely-accepted. With the Geely Haoyue heavily rumoured to be introduced here in Malaysia as the Proton X90, could the RD6 also become a Proton-badged electric pick-up truck? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!\nRELATED: \nProton to launch three all-new models in the next two years \u2013 what might they be?\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has provided a new series of updates related to the ongoing \nTakata airbag inflator recalls\n. This time, the company announces three new service central hubs and adds compensation for owners who have not been able to use their cars due to the delay.\nFirstly, three new service central hubs will be set up to mitigate the increasing number of airbag module replacements, which should help alleviate the high volume of repairs at authorised Honda service centres. The hubs will begin operations from\u00a0\n1 August 2016 to 30 September 2016\n and is open seven days a week (excluding public holidays), from 8am to 7pm. Owners can also arrange for an appointment via the toll-free number at \n1-800-88-2020\n.\nThe mentioned locations are as follows:\nNorthern Hub\n\u00a0\u2013 \u00a0No.401, Jalan Dato\u2019 Keramat, 10150 Georgetown, Penang.\nCentral Hub\n\u00a0(\nSoo & Sons Metal Works Sdn. Bhd)\n\u00a0 \u2013 Lot 15 Jalan 13/6, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.\nSouthern Hub (Oriental Assemblers Sdn. Bhd)\u00a0\n\u2013 \u00a099 & 99A-C, Jalan Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.\nAt the same time, a total of \n24 Mobile Hubs\n will be setup\u00a0at 21 selected Petron service stations and three Honda Family Road Trip locations. These Mobile Hubs will open from \n5 August 2016 until 25 September 2016\n and will be operational every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at three different locations from 8am to 7pm. The mobile hubs will allow affected Honda owners more options to get their vehicle\u2019s airbag inflators replaced. The locations are shared at the image below (click to enlarge).\u00a0\nHonda Malaysia also formed\u00a0\nMobile Teams\n to support both the service central hubs and mobile hubs. The hubs will be staffed by trained Honda associates from Honda\u2019s Melaka plant, providing additional manpower to overcome the massive recall.\nFinally, Honda Malaysia offers compensation of \nRM50 per day\n to affected owners for\u00a0\u201c\nLoss of Use of Car\n\u201d. However, this is only valid for\n\u00a0driver\u2019s airbag inflator\n \nonly\n and not applicable for those seeking replacement for front passenger airbag.\nAffected users can register at\u00a0\nwww.productrecall.honda.com.my\n to receive their compensation. Once parts have arrived, the affected owners will be notified and\u00a0advised to replace the airbag inflators within two days. The compensation period begins on \n28 July 2016\n and ends on \n31 August 2016.\nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to give a friendly reminder to all affected Honda owners to take this recall seriously. To check if your vehicle is affected, log on to\u00a0\nwww.honda.com.my\n or \nwww.productrecall.honda.com.my\n. We urge you to please\u00a0get them replaced soonest at any authorised Honda service centres. All parts and labour costs will be fully borne by Honda Malaysia."
"Over in Thailand, the \nOra Good Cat\n is leading the year-to-date sales chart of fully-electric vehicles with \n2,965 cars\n sold from January to September 2022. In September alone, \n450 units\n of the Ora Good Cat were sold in the land of smiles.\nOver in Malaysia, the Ora Good Cat is available for rent by certain car rental companies, but the official price of the car has not yet been announced. In Thailand, the Ora Good Cat is offered in several variants that include the \u201c400km Tech\u201d, \u201c400km Pro\u201d, and \u201c500km Ultra\u201d. Prices of the Ora Good Cat start at 763,000 baht (approx. RM 93,391). In the \u201c500km Ultra\u201d guise, the Ora Good Cat has a reported NEDC range of 500 km.\nThere is also the Ora Good Cat GT which is a souped-up version of the regular Ora Good Cat that makes \n171 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n, over the regular \n145 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n. The Ora Good Cat GT fetches a price of 1,286,00 baht (approx. RM 157,406).\nFollowing behind the Ora Good Cat in terms of year-to-date sales numbers in Thailand (January to September) is the \nMG EP\n with 1,764 units, the the MG ZS EV with 228 units, the \nNissan Leaf\n with 135 units, and the Neta V with 24 units, as reported by Thailand\u2019s \nHeadlight Magazine\n. The Ora Good Cat has a year-to-date market share of 57.95%.\nRELATED: \nGreat Wall Motor officially returns to Malaysia, Ora Good Cat EV previewed ahead of launch\nAs for the month of September, the \nMG EP\n leads the sales chart with a total of 648 units. Its is followed by the Ora Good Cat with 450 units, the MG ZS EV with 150 units, the Neta V with 24 units, and the Nissan Leaf with 0 units.\nWith the Ora Good Cat not yet fully ready for the Malaysian market, the most affordable electric car for Malaysians is the \nHyundai Kona Electric\n e-lite\n that retails at RM 156,538. The Ora Good Cat\u2019s price is estimated to be around \nRM 14X,XXX\n.\nALSO WATCH: \nOra Good Cat EV by GWM now in Malaysia, First Look"
"In early 2017, we heard rumours that Mercedes-AMG is toying with the idea of a \nmore affordable, entry-level version of their 45-series\n to bridge the performance gap between a regular Benz (250 models) and an AMG (45 models). It appears the folks at Affalterbach are on track to this vision as reported by \nCar and Driver\n.\nAccording to the report, AMG Boss, Tobias Moers has said: \u201cThere will be a new AMG 45, but in addition to that, we will launch an AMG 35 with around 300 horsepower.\u201d. This model strategy is similar to what Audi is doing with their A3 models \u2013 there is a sporty \nS3\n with \n300 hp\n and a full-blown \nRS3\n with \n395 hp\n.\nIt is also said that the new generation A 45 will soldier on with the \nM133 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine\n but boosted to \nover 400 hp\n to retain its title of \u201cmost powerful series production four-cylinder engine\u201d. Apparently, the company will continue its one-man, one-engine philosophy with the new generation 45-series, hand-built engines at AMG\u2019s headquarters.\nThe new \nW177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class\n has made its global debut and it won\u2019t be long before Mercedes-AMG to apply their magic touch. A little too soon to tell, but one can\u2019t help to wonder how much an A 35 would cost in Malaysia .\nIMAGE GALLERY\nW177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class"
"Carbon fibre is the material of choice in many of the upper echelon super cars, thanks to its ability to maintain structural integrity while being \nvery lightweight\n. However, it\u2019s complexity in construction means it costs a lot to manufacture, never mind the cost of the material itself, thus its usage is still limited to only the most advanced sportscars.\nNissan\n though, claimed to have found a breakthrough in the production of carbon fibre parts \u2013 or more accurately carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) \u2013 where it claims that it is able to cut the lead time to develop such components by as much as half, and cycle time for moulding by about 80%.\n \nWith the use of computer aided engineering (CAE), Nissan engineers were able to simulate the permeability of the resin in carbon fibre, visualising the resin flow behaviour in a die. Grooves are then added accurately to certain parts of the mould within the stamping process, helping the resin flow across the entire CFRP part faster and more evenly.\nAdditionally, the resin is also injected into the mould when the stamp is held partially open, reducing the time it takes for the resin to spread across the entire mould, thus reducing the cycle time for the entire compression resin transfer moulding process.\nAs a result, Nissan says that the overall cost of manufacturing for these CFRP parts can be brought down, significantly enough to be used in mass-production vehicles.\nThe company says that it plans to use CFRP as a structural component in its future line-up production models such as the B-pillars to bring down overall weight, as well as lowering the centre of gravity, which means safer cars with better fuel efficiency and handling potential."
"Here\u2019s an interesting nugget that\u2019ll surely titillate the Subaru fan in us all. The marque has put on show that\u2019s not just a stunning impression of their world-renowned Impreza moniker, but a new design language that will be echoed throughout their future models. This magnificent looking concept is one way we\u2019d like to describing it.\nTime and time again, we are reminded of the phrase \u201cthe eyes are the windows to the soul\u201d \u2013 mostly by frizzy-haired poets in tweed jackets. How uncanny for those words to ring true to\u00a0Subaru\u2019s hallmark \u2018\nhawk-eye\n\u2019 headlights. They really do project ever-so vividly, the image of a marque, in the same way a pair of \u2018\nangel eyes\n\u2018 immediately distinguishes a \nBimmer\n from the crowd. The hawk-eyes gives the\u00a0 Impreza 5-door Concept\u2019s a sense of quality and \nmodernity\n, they say.\nHere\u2019s an interesting bit of trivia. I\u2019m sure we all familiar with the \nDeLorean DMC-12\n. And just like the one from Back to the Future or any other DeLoreans for that matter, it was finished with a \nbrushed\n metallic look and the reason being is that the DMC-12 was never given a coat of paint, but rather its \nstainless-steel\n body was textured and brushed to a brilliant finish. Clapping eyes with the Subaru Impreza 5-Door Concept\u2019s \nremarkable\n paintjob job conjures up memories of that \nicon\n of the 80s.\nThe product of that extensive design study exhibits a wide and low stance, suggestive of the innate stability that Subaru is famed for. Sporting \npedigree\n and a world-renowned \nheritage\n that was forged in the \ncrucible\n of motorsports \u2013 the World Rally Championship. The \nhexagonal\n grille develops that very visual identity further. But with all that said done, we are stoked to see Subaru\u2019s new sedign direction. Exciting times ahead for sure."
"If you need any more proof that electric vehicles (EV) are taking over the world, you don\u2019t need to look much further than this. The 2022 World Car Awards have just unveiled the finalists in all six categories, and for its overall \u201cWorld Car of the Year\u201d award, well, they\u2019re all EVs.\nThis isn\u2019t the first time that an EV has been nominated for the World Car of the Year award; some of them even won it before, with the \nJaguar I-Pace in 2019\n and \nVolkswagen ID.4 last year\n. But for the first time in its 18-year history, there\u2019ll be an all-electric showdown in the award\u2019s ultimate category.\nTo qualify for the awards, the cars must have a manufacturing run of at least 10,000 units per year, be available in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) on two different continents between January 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022, and priced \u201cbelow the luxury-car level\u201d.\nFor 2022, the contenders are the \nFord Mustang Mach-E\n, the\n Hyundai Ioniq 5\n, and the \nKia EV6\n \u2013 the latter two even sharing the same platform, so some would argue that they\u2019re essentially the same car. The two Korean EVs are also nominated in the World Car Design category.\nRELATED: Kia EV6 named 2022 European Car of the Year\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 was also nominated in the World Electric Vehicle category, alongside the Audi E-Tron GT and Mercedes-Benz EQS. As for the other categories, the finalists include:\nWorld Car of the Year\nFord Mustang Mach-E\nHyundai Ioniq 5\nKia EV6\nWorld Electric Vehicle\nHyundai Ioniq 5\nAudi E-Tron GT\nMercedes-Benz EQS\nWorld Urban Car\nOpel Mokka\nToyota Yaris Cross\nVolkswagen Taigun\nALSO READ: Hyundai IONIQ 5 named UK Car of the Year 2022\nWorld Luxury Car\nBMW iX\nGenesis GV70\nMercedes-Benz EQS\nWorld Performance Car\nAudi E-Tron GT\nBMW M3/M4\nToyota GR86\n / \nSubaru BRZ\nWorld Car Design\nAudi E-Tron GT\nHyundai Ioniq 5\nKia EV6\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 was \nrecently launched in Malaysia\n in three different variants, with prices starting from RM199,888. The Lite and Plus variants are equipped with a single motor set-up offering \n170 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, while the range-topping Max variant gets a dual-motor AWD set-up, with \n305 hp\n and \n605 Nm\n.\nFor the full breakdown of the Hyundai Ioniq 5\u2019s facts and figures in Malaysia, click here. \nAll winners of the 2022 World Car Awards will be announced ahead of the New York Auto Show on April 13."
"Jaguar\u2019s answer to the BMW 5-series, the\n XF sedan \nand \nSportbrake\n, has just been unveiled with a new look \u2013 featuring interior, exterior and performance enhancements.\nThe Chequered Flag edition models distinguishes itself with unique badging on the side vents, a sportier front bumper, a boot spoiler and 18-inch wheels.\nChequered Flag edition models will only be available in three colours \u2013 Yulong White, Santorini Black and Eiger Grey.\nInside, the XF Saloon and Sportbrake is garnished with R-Sport leather upholstery, dark aluminium instrument panel finishing and a some unique badging.\nThe Navigation Pro with InControl Connect Pro system, usually an optional extra in the standard XF, is now standard equipment in the Chequered Flag edition models.\nOther notable features include a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display, laser Head-up Display and the 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nBelow are the model year updates for Jaguar\u2019s petrol and diesel engine options:\nPetrol\n250 hp Ingenium 2.0-litre four-cylinder, RWD / AWD\n300 hp Ingenium 2.0-litre four-cylinder, RWD / AWD\nDiesel\n180 hp Ingenium 2.0-litre four-cylinder, RWD / AWD\n240 hp Ingenium 2.0-litre four-cylinder, AWD\n300 hp 3.0-litre V6 twin turbocharged, RWD\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the bespoke division of McLaren Automotive has introduced \nyet another\n limited-edition McLaren 570GT MSO Black Collection. The all-black, stealthy sportscar is limited to just 100 examples worldwide.\nThe special model gets Carbon Black paintwork, developed by MSO to create a striking and extremely deep colour. The stealth theme is further extended with the \nMSO Defined Black Pack\n that adds a black finish onto the front and rear splitters, side skirts and air intakes. Even the brake callipers and 19-inch five twin-spoke alloys are finished in black.   MSO has fitted the 570GT with a new Sports Pack which gives the car a sharper mapping, carbon-ceramic discs and a \nTitanium SuperSports exhaust\n that sheds five kilograms and increases the exhaust note by 5 dB compared to the standard system.\nThe monochrome theme continues to the cabin with Jet Black leather and Carbon Black Alcantara upholstery. Unique MSO touches include the seat embroidery and Dedication Plate under the centre console. Other standard equipment includes Vehicle Lift system, rearview camera, power adjustable steering column and a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Audio System.\nDesign Director at McLaren Automotive, Rob Melville commented, \u201cMcLaren Special Operations allows our customers to fully express themselves through their cars, and the new 570GT MSO Black Collection is no different. Black is a colour associated with elegance, power and authority whilst also surrounded by a certain air of mystery.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus has just confirmed that the \nsingle teaser image\n released earlier is indeed the all-new Lexus ES. The Japanese carmaker has also shown the seventh-generation premium sedan in full ahead of its scheduled world premiere at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.\nDetails of the new ES are scarce, but the company promises \u201cathletic performance and renowned refinement\u201d. Expect the new ES to share the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform as the \nall-new Toyota Camry   Visually, the ES wears the familiar family fascia only here, it gets a new vertical slats Spindle grille design as opposed to the 3D mesh style of its larger sibling, the LS. Slim LED headlamps with the signature \u2018arrow tick\u2019 LED daytime running lights are present while the taillamps are reminiscent of the \nLC Coupe\n\u2019s design.\nNo word on the interior either but expect the ES to take inspiration from the LS in terms of cabin architecture and design. Lexus Malaysia has the ES in their stable and judging from its latest product offensive (LC, \nLS\n & \nRX L\n), the all-new model should also make its way here in due course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ever since it was launched in March of 2019 for a cool \nRM1 million\n, the\n M850i xDrive\n has been at the very top of our test drive list for more reasons than one.\nNot only does it replace the now retired 6 Series as BMW\u2019s \u201cbig bad coupe\u201d, but it also bears the burden of living up to the 8 Series legacy left behind by the E31 model series, produced for nearly 10 years beginning from the early 1990s.\nSuffice to say, it did exactly that and then some!\n \nWith over \n500 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque in M850i, you\u2019re never going to run out of power; not even the slightest opportunity to feel inferior but that\u2019s not the biggest appeal of BMW\u2019s flagship coupe.\nIt\u2019s the fact that the M850i can be so docile, serene and comfortable when you\u2019re just cruising along, whether on the highway or in mid-day traffic but with the slightest flex of your right toe, it instantly turns from a comfortable living room into a cockpit of a jet fighter.\nAnd for a car the size of a living room, the M850i simply danced through corners with the agility and gracefulness of a ballerina; with the aid of rear-wheel steering.\nIt\u2019s simply the best grand tourer BMW has produced yet but we won\u2019t spoil it for you entirely. Watch the video above and find out!"
"Mazda Motor Corporation has just announced their \u201cSustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030\u201d plan, a new long-term vision for future technology developments. The first innovation conceived from this new plan is the \nsecond-generation SkyActiv engine\n \u2013 SkyActiv-X which will make its debut in 2019.\nSkyActiv-X will be the world\u2019s first gasoline engine to use compression ignition technology to ignite fuel. More commonly referred to as homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), the SkyActiv-X works similarly to a \ndiesel engine\n. During the HCCI process, air-fuel mixture is compressed by the pistons only before igniting the fuel to drive the crankshaft.\nMazda SkyActiv-D Diesel Engine\nMazda said that SkyActiv-X engines will still come with spark plugs to allow compression ignition to happen more efficiently while achieving a seamless transition between compression ignition and spark ignition. Mazda has coined the combustion method as \nSpark Controlled Compression Ignition\n, the first of its kind.\nThe new engine promises \n10 to 30 percent increase in torque\n and \n20 to 30 percent better engine efficiency\n compared to the current SkyActiv-G engines. Mazda even went as far as saying the new SkyActiv-X petrol engine \nequals or exceeds\n the latest \nSKYACTIV-D diesel engine\n in terms of fuel efficiency!\nMazda SkyActiv-G Petrol Engine\nBesides the new SkyActiv-X engine, the company is aiming to introduce electric vehicles and other forms of electrified vehicles, confirming our \nprevious report\n. Mazda is looking to first introduce EVs and other electric drive technologies in regions that use a high ratio of clean energy for power generation or restrict certain vehicles to reduce air pollution.\nAll these are Mazda\u2019s initiatives to create a sustainable future for people and cars alike and with the SkyActiv-X, it just goes to show how much more potential internal combustion engines still have locked away in them. Hopefully with more innovations to come from Mazda, western countries may rethink the \nblanket ban on internal combustion engines\n."
"Perhaps the worst thing anyone can experience during a festive season, be it Hari Raya or Chinese New Year, is not being with their loved ones.\nWith Chinese New Year \u201ccancelled\u201d earlier this year, and now Hari Raya Aidilfitri, it\u2019s hard not to feel for those who are unable to make their interstate trips. We really miss visiting our friend\u2019s houses for lemang and rendang too.\n \nFeaturing local actor and comedian, \nJihan Muse\n, it\u2019s obvious that \nvideo\n serves to showcase the \nXpander\u2019s unique selling points\n \u2013 such as the rear underfloor storage, good ground clearance, cruise control to name a few \u2013 but there\u2019s also a deeper meaning to it.\nIn a way it\u2019s much like the saying, \u201cHome is where the heart is\u201d. No matter where we are, Hari Raya can be just as special. Perhaps we can take this time to reminisce and reflect on past celebrations, build on this difficult time to make the upcoming ones even better.\nThe most random but hilarious scene in the video!\nIt may be easier said than done, but a positive attitude goes a long way in times like these. When things are down, the only way is up. Hang in there and stay safe everyone!\nCheck out Mitsubishi\u2019s \nother recent video\n, where they turned the Shah Alam Stadium into a playground for the Triton!\nSelamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!"
"Porsche\n is perhaps more well-known for their road-hugging, rear-engined sports cars, but they\u2019ve actually been pretty proficient at off-roading, too. Look back some 40 years ago, and you\u2019ll see that they\u2019ve even won the Paris-Dakar Rally outright.\nThese days, the only off-roading Porsche you\u2019ll see are ones that have been \nSafari-modified by rich owners\n. But that\u2019s all about to change because Porsche is finally rolling out their own off-road ready \n911\n, dubbed the 911 Dakar, which comes from the factory with all-terrain tires, lifted suspensions, and even a roof rack. We\u2019re \nso\n here for this.\nFirst up, let\u2019s get the numbers out of the way. The Porsche 911 Dakar is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six mill, making \n480 hp\n and \n570 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the same as you\u2019ll see on the \n911 GTS\n.\nThe engine is paired to an eight-speed PDK gearbox as well as an all-wheel drive system taken from the Carrera 4S for a 0-100 km/h time of \n3.4 seconds\n, onward to a limited top speed of 240 km/h, which porsche says is due to the all-terrain tyres. We assume those figures are done on the asphalt, but it should also be pretty close off the beaten track.\nThe powertrain has been modified for off-road use, such as using side intercoolers (like the 911 Turbo) instead of centrally mounted to improve ground clearance, and a new airbox design that\u2019s meant to prevent dirt and dust intrusion.\nBut more importantly, the electronics package has also been significantly tuned for off-road performance. There are two new driving modes on the Porsche 911 Dakar, including a Rallye mode which lets the car do big naughty slides, and Off-Road mode which is meant for slower driving on tougher terrains. But on both modes, the launch control system has been tweaked to allow for around 20% more wheelspin, giving you \u2013 counterintuitively \u2013 the best traction on loose surfaces.\nRELATED: \nNo roads? No problem \u2013 Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato exterior unveiled\nOf course, powertrain alone isn\u2019t what makes this an off-road Battle 911; the magic of the Porsche 911 Dakar is in its suspension and tyres. To that end, Porsche has equipped the safari 911 with a two-mode height-adjustable suspension, adding 50 mm to the standard 911\u2019s ground clearance, and an additional 30 mm on lift mode (at speeds of up to 170 km/h) to give it a ramp angle that\u2019ll \u201crival those of conventional SUVs\u201d.\nThe 911 Dakar also rides on specially-developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres, sized 19- and 20-inches with 9 mm-deep tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls to give it that extra bite and durability on rally stages. But don\u2019t for a moment think that it\u2019s only meant for the gravel \u2013 Porsche claims that the 911 Dakar will work just as well on the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife, with a time similar to the 996-generation GT3. Sure, that\u2019s now a few generations old, but it\u2019s still a GT3, on aggressive tyres too.\n(The normal P Zero tyres are also offered as an option, but we\u2019re not sure why anyone would ever want those on the 911 Dakar.)\nTo match its off-road capabilities, the Porsche 911 Dakar comes with a carbon fibre fixed rear spoiler, as well as a carbon-fibre front \u201cluggage compartment lid\u201d (can\u2019t call it a bonnet here), which has air outlets borrowed from the \n911 GT3\n. The side air intakes on the front bumpers get additional stainless steel grilles to protect against flying rocks, while the wheel wells have been widened to fit the chunky all terrain tyres.\nThe Porsche 911 Dakar also gets additional off-road details, such as the red aluminium towing lugs on both ends of the car, alongside the stainless steel protective elements on the sills. The roof even gets a 12-volt power outlet to power the additional rally lights on the optional roof rack.\nALSO READ: \nSinger\u2019s ACS is the Safari 911 that I\u2019ve had unspeakable dreams about\nAs for the interior, the 911 Dakar focuses much of its modifications on lightweighting. The windows are equipped with lightweight glass, and the only option you\u2019ll have for the front seats are full buckets; the rear seats are completely removed, too. Paired to the lightweight battery, the Porsche 911 Dakar weighs in at just 1,605 kg, or only 10 kg heavier than the standard 911 Carrera 4 GTS.\nOpting for the Rallye Sport Package adds a roll-over bar, six-point seat belts, as well as fire extinguisher to the cabin. And for those who are more. shall we say sentimental, there\u2019s also a Rallye Design package from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur which gives the 911 Dakar a two-tone livery-like paint work in White/Gentian Blue Metallic, alongside the red and gold rally stripes and Roughroads decals on the side, plus white-painted wheels, all of which inspired by the 1984 Dakar-winning rally car.\nAll of these sound completely brilliant, but there\u2019s bad news. For some reason, Porsche doesn\u2019t think that the safari 911 is worth of series production, so only 2,500 units of the 911 Dakar will ever be made. Even worse, they\u2019re priced from starting from USD223,450 (approx. RM1 million before tax), and as is always on a Porsche, it only goes up from there.\nOh, how we wish to be rich.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo is set to unveil the pure electric XC40 on the 16th of October. Ahead of its launch, the Swedish carmaker has released more information, this time on how it will look like.\nNot surprisingly, we can see that the fully-electric XC40 retains most of the styling of the original car. With their target of achieving \n50% electric vehicle sales by 2025\n, Volvo is focused on offering electric versions of existing models. It\u2019s a good thing then Volvo chose to start with one of their best-selling (and arguably best-looking) models.\nFrom the drawings provided by Volvo, it appears that the battery-powered XC40 follows the trend of most electric vehicles with the removal of the front grille. In its place is a body-coloured panel that also houses the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors.\u00a0\nDue to the reduced cooling requirement for electric drivetrains, EVs tend to not have traditional grilles and this also improves upon the vehicle\u2019s aerodynamics.\u00a0\nOver at the rear, the electric XC40 is also void of any tailpipes. A redesigned rear bumper gives it a cleaner look on the otherwise unchanged exterior. It will be available in 8 different exterior colours, including a new Sage Green metallic option, while a contrasting black roof comes as standard on all paint jobs. Buyers can choose between two new 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels.\u00a0\nThe electric SUV will also feature a \u201cfrunk\u201d under the hood, due to the move from an internal combustion to a smaller electric drivetrain, which frees up approximately 30 litres of space.\u00a0\n \nOn the inside, Volvo designed a completely-new driver interface, unique to electric vehicles in the pipeline. The interface will carry vital driving information such as battery reserve and the new ADAS system. Expect the cabin to also feature interior trim made of recycled materials.\nBuilt on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), the Geely-owned carmaker had to \nmake some changes to the platform\n to accommodate the new electric powertrain. However, Volvo maintains that there will be no compromises to the cabin space."
"Only two days after taking delivery, an owner of the all-new \nPerodua Alza\n was met with an accident in her brand-new car in Negeri Sembilan. Dubbed as the first Perodua Alza accident, the unfortunate event was entirely beyond the control of the Alza driver.\nPhoto: \nKaki Komen/Facebook\nThe owner of the all-new Alza, a 37-year-old female teacher, was stopping at an intersection when the incident took place. A \nProton Saga\n exited the junction abruptly and crashed into a Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Tucson then lost control, subsequently crashing head-on with the Perodua Alza, also colliding with a Perodua Kancil behind the Alza.\nRELATED: \n2022 Perodua Alza 7-seater MPV launched in Malaysia, from RM62,500\nPhoto: \nCempedak Cheese/Facebook\nClearly not at fault, this incident shows that even with modern safety features, some accidents are just impossible to avoid, given not all cars on the road are as well-equipped. In this case, the Alza was stationary and staying in its own lane, and despite being equipped with Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist suite (which is now standard across all variants), the driver can unfortunately only be a sitting duck.\nPanduLaju\n reports that the Perodua Kancil driver suffered head injuries, and is receiving treatment at Tampin Hospital. There are currently no updates on the condition of the driver of the Perodua Alza.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Perodua Alza GearUp accessories \u2013 RM2.5k body kit for all variants\nPhoto: \nKaki Komen/Facebook\nSome were quick to point out how badly the Alza was damaged in comparison to the Hyundai Tucson. However, from the images shared we can see that the crumple zone of the Alza worked perfectly, absorbing the impact of the crash. The A-pillars seem unscathed and the structural integrity of the cabin remained.\nJust for posterity\u2019s sake, the Perodua Alza managed to obtain a \n5-star\n rating in the ASEAN NCAP tests, scoring 28.96/30 for Adult Occupant Protection, 43.04/51 for Child Occupant Protection, 19.5/21 for safety assist, and 8/16 for Motorcyclist Safety.\nHowever well-equipped our cars are today in terms of safety, some incidents still remain beyond our control as drivers.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Perodua Alza, most value for money under RM80k?"
"The \nGLE Coup\u00e9 range\n unveiled earlier consists of \nGLE 350 d\n, \nGLE 400\n, and \nGLE 450 AMG\n. Now they are joined by a pair of full-AMG variants, the \nGLE 63 Coup\u00e9 4MATIC\n and the\n GLE 63 S Coup\u00e9 4MATIC\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 4MATIC\nMercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coup\u00e9 4MATIC\nDrive Type\nPermanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC)\nEngine\n5,461 cc V8 twin-turbo\nTransmission\nAMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC\nMax Power\n557 hp\n @ 5,750 rpm\n585 hp\n @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n700 Nm\n @ 1,750 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n760 Nm\n @ 1,750 \u2013 5,250 rpm\nContinuing their high-performance SUV legacy that started off by the ML 55 AMG in 1999, the GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 debuts at the \n2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit\n, and it packs a serious hardware to take on the rivals in the still-niche segment.\nEXTERIOR\nWhile the standard GLE Coupe is not short on drama, the GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 gets a shot of attitude with unique AMG parts to distinguish it further from the standard variants.\nThe front features the \ntwin-louvre AMG grille\n, \nLED headlamps\n, and the trademark \u201c\nA-wing\n\u201d inside the bumper capped off by a pair of black flics for optimum airflow into the huge air intake.\nThe black wheel arches are flared to accomodate a set of \n21-inch AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels\n. They are shod with 285/45 R 21 tyres at the front, and 325/40 R 21 tyres at the back. The rubber-studded side running boards you see in these pictures however, are optional.   At the back the changes are minor, where a new rear bumper houses a pair of \ntwin tailpipes\n and a diffuser. \nAMG badges\n can be found on the front grille and on the bootlid, as well as \u201c\nV8 BITURBO\n\u201d lettering on the front fenders.\nThe \nGLE 63 S Coup\u00e9\n is further differentiated by bigger \n22-inch wheels\n with 285/40R22 tyres at the front and 325/35R22 tyres at the back, hiding a set of \nred-painted brake calipers\n behind the \ncross-spoke light-alloy wheels\n. The A-wing gets a high-gloss black treatment too.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior trim is finished in light longitudinal-grain aluminium, while \nnappa leather\n is used on the \n3-spoke Performance steering wheel\n and the seats. Apart from nappa leather, ARTICO man-made leather is used to cover the dashboard.\nLike any other AMG models, the dials have carbon-fibre face with red needles and a speedometer that sweeps to a maximum of 320 km/h. Also included is the \nAMG start-up screen\n and \nRACETIMER\n in the main menu.\nThe GLE 63 S Coup\u00e9 adds \nDINAMICA microfibre\n to the grip area on the steering wheel, grey decorative band on the dials, and higher-grade nappa leather upholstery with contrasting grey stitching and grey seat belts.\nPERFORMANCE\nMoving up from the 3.0-litre biturbo V6 in the GLE 450 AMG Coup\u00e9, the GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 gets a \n5.5-litre biturbo V8\n. In the \u2018base\u2019 \nGLE 63 Coup\u00e9\n it generates \n557 hp\n at 5,750 rpm and \n700 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 \u2013 5,500 rpm; while in the \nGLE 63 S Coup\u00e9\n it produces \n585 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n760 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 \u2013 5,250 rpm.\nBoth guises are equipped with the \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC\n transmission that features dual-turbine torsional damper with speed-sensitive centrifugal pendulum to minimise vibration. The gearbox transfers the power to the \nrear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive\n\u00a0system with 40:60 ratio front to rear.\nThe GLE 63 S Coup\u00e9 gets from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n4.2 seconds\n while the base GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 is only 0.1 seconds slower, and both have a limited\n top speed\n of \n250 km/h\n.\nThe GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 uses \nRIDE CONTROL\n sports suspension with \nAIRMATIC\n package combined with \nACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM\n that stabilises the vehicle during cornering.\nFive modes can be chosen from the \nDYNAMIC SELECT\n via the rotary control on the center console: Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. Each mode alters the steering, throttle response, dampers, and the gearbox shift pattern to suit every driving conditions.\nWHAT ELSE?\nNot only the GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 is performance-oriented, it\u2019s also fully equipped with numerous driving assistance. It includes the \nPRE-SAFE\u00ae system\n, \nCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS\n, \nADAPTIVE BRAKING\n, \nATTENTION ASSIST\n, and \nCrosswind Assist\n.\nMeanwhile the \nDriving Assistance Plus package\n, \nDISTRONIC PLUS\n, \nCOMAND Online\n, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, and Harman Kardon\u00ae Logic 7\u00ae surround sound system are a part of the long options list.\n[divider]\n\u00a0IMAGE GALLERY"
"To learn about New Energy Vehicle (NEV), \nProton\n has sent 16 staff members to Hangzhou, China for a six-month training program. Taking place at the \nGeely\n \nResearch Institute in Ningbo, the 16 staff members will be trained in multiple disciplines involved in the development, integration, manufacturing, and sales and service of a new generation of vehicles.\nThe 16 staff sent to China are the first staffers to undergo NEV training. Part of the groups are experienced industry workers and part of the group are young engineers who graduated from the company\u2019s Young Talent programme. Proton plans to send more staff members in the future to leverage on Geely\u2019s technical knowledge on NEVs.\nProton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chun Rong said, \u201cWhen PROTON and Geely started collaborating in 2017, one of the pillars of the partnership was for PROTON to accelerate its model development timetable by incorporating technologies readily available from Geely. That has been successfully done and now, we are leveraging on the global experience of the group in NEVs to give our own model development timeline a boost.\u201d\n\u201cOur initial plan was for the programme to begin sooner but this was put on hold by the pandemic. However, with travel restrictions having eased recently, PROTON can now reap the benefit of being part of one of the most diverse and forward-thinking collective of automotive brands.\u201d\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023\nBesides training the 16 Proton staff on the various aspects of NEV, the team sent to China will aid in deciding the final specifications for products such as the \nSmart #1\n. The Smart #1 will be the first EV to be sold by \nPRO-NET\n, which is Proton\u2019s newly formed subsidiary. It is dues to arrive in Q4 2023.\nLi Chunrong adds, \u201cProton invests in knowledge acquisition for our staff as we believe it is the best way for the company to move forward. The experience and training they gain will not only benefit the company but indirectly, it will also help raise the skill level of Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry as more staff members are sent for training. This is one of the reasons why PROTON was established, and the company is proud to be able to fulfil that aim.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPRO-NET is Proton\u2019s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network"
"There are few cars that leave us in awe by its design, but the \nall-new Volvo S60 in R-Design trim\n is definitely one of them \u2013 so much so that we spent hours in the rain just to photograph it.\nStyling is not its only selling point either, as the T8 hybrid powertrain under the hood also makes it by far the most powerful car in it\u2019s class. Priced at \nRM295,888\n (OTR without insurance), is this the dark horse among luxury C-segment sedans?\n \nThe T8 Twin Engine hybrid powertrain in the Volvo S60 T8 R-Design generates \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque, transferred to all four wheels via the \n8-speed automatic transmission\n with Geartronic manual shift option.\nThe Volvo S60 T8 R-Design does zero to 100 km/h in a brisk \n4.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Despite weighing over 2 tonnes, the hybrid engine manages a fuel consumption figure of just \n2 l/100km\n."
"There is no doubt that this is what a sneakerhead\u2019s dream car could possibly look like but then again, a little far fetched cause they would\u2019ve spent all their money on pointlessly expensive shoes \u2013 and not be able to afford an M3.\nBeijing-based graffiti crew, 400ML collaborated with tuners, iAcro, to bring two icons together \u2013 Air Jordan and the E46 BMW M3. The result, an M3 that deserves to be displayed at all basketball games like a circus elephant as it now dons the iconic colours of the cult \nNike Air Jordan 1 \u201cChicago\u201d\n shoes.   The famed M3 which makes\u00a0\n341 hp \nwith\n 365 Nm\n\u00a0of torque, is capable of a\n sub 5 second\n sprint to a 100 km/h from standstill. The sneakerhead\u2019s wet dream features a massive Nike swoosh on its sides and Michael Jordan\u2019s trademark Jumpman logo on the rear window and engine bonnet.\nIf we\u2019re completely honest, we absolutely dig it; especially in that red, white and black colour scheme.\nSource: \nBMW M\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you find the \nLexus\u2019 deep Structural Blue\n doesn\u2019t quite bring out the sexy lines of the LC Coupe, perhaps this limited edition Lexus LC Coupe Yellow Edition is the colour to go for.\nThe vibrant Flare Yellow paint finish helps accentuate the styling flair of the LC Coupe to its greatest extent. Equipped with the Sport+ equipment specification, the Yellow Edition spots polished 21-inch forged alloy wheels, active rear spoiler and a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof \u2013 the exact exterior specification \noffered by Lexus Malaysia\n.   The Yellow theme is continued into the cabin where the black door panels are contrasted against the warm Yellow Alcantara inserts and top stitching, exemplifying the Takumi craftsmanship which Lexus is extremely proud of. The white semi-aniline leather seats complete the tri-colour theme of the cabin.\nTwo powertrain options are available on the LC Coupe Yellow Edition \u2013 the LC 500h Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid system or a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 in the LC 500 guise. The latter was featured in our very own \nAutobuzz.my Best Cars of 2017 (#ABC2017) video\n.\nThe Lexus LC Coupe Yellow Edition will be displayed at the upcoming 2018 Paris Motor Show in October and customers deliveries will commence shortly after.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Malaysian racing sensation, Alex Yoong has emerged at the top of the driver\u2019s championship standings at the action-packed finale of Audi R8 LMS Cup 2016. Alex\u2019s victory in Shanghai effectively seals his status as the one and only three-time champion, and does so in three consecutive seasons!\nHis third title was hard fought, because there were five other drivers who were in the running to win the driver\u2019s title. Prior to Shanghai, Alex had 148 points and was second in the overall standings, with three points behind leader Alessio Picariello of Belgium. Alex\u2019s title defense began in style by securing the Superpole, meaning he will begin round 11 in pole position.\nThe former F1 driver\u2019s game plan during the first race in Shanghai was to get onto the podium and finish ahead of Alessio. He did it by securing second place while the Belgian settled for third place. Following that, Alex had one point advantage at the end of race 11, before moving onto the final race of the year.\nIn round 12, Alex and Alessio started from fourth and sixth on the grid, respectively. Drama ensued on the final\u00a0lap\u00a0when the aggressive Belgian collided with Alex. The contact damaged Alex\u2019s R8, who was then forced into retirement. Shortly after, the race stewards gave Alessio a 30-second time penalty, which handed Alex his title on a silver platter.\nBoth races were won by\u00a0Martin Rump, becoming the\u00a0first Cup driver ever to win while carrying a 50kg ballast. Check out the race highlights below!\nOur heartiest\u00a0congratulations go out to Alex for his well-deserved hat-trick!\n[Image Credit:\u00a0Credit: Audi R8 LMS Cup Official Facebook Page]"
"When McLaren Automotive rolled out its first \nMcLaren 720S\n off the production line, they revealed their Track22 Business Plan to produce\u00a0\n15 new McLaren models by the end of 2022\n. Among the 15 new models, a full-electric concept car and several hybrid models have been hinted.\nIn its annual sales report, the company revealed its objective of producing more than 4,500 vehicles annually by 2022 with \n\u201cat least 50 percent of these cars featuring hybrid powertrain technology\u201d\n. McLaren\u2019s only hybrid vehicle today would be the discontinued \nP1 hypercar\n with only 375 examples ever made. This suggests that future models may feature some form of electrification to achieve its target of 50 percent hybrid sales.   Following the discontinuation of the P1, McLaren is evaluating the feasibility of a full-electric powertrain in its next-generation hypercar. Prototype works started in 2016, shortly after the \nfinal P1 rolled off the production line\n.\nIn 2016, McLaren recorded its fourth consecutive profitable year with \u00a37.3 million (RM40.7 million) in profit after tax compared to the \u00a32.8 million (RM15.6 million) in 2015. Deliveries to customers have also doubled in 2016 compared to the year before \u2013 3,286 units versus 1,654 units thanks to the introduction of a \ntwo-shift system at\u00a0McLaren Production Centre (MPC)\n."
"We may not have covered bike related news in the history of AutoBuzz.my but since it\u2019s got four wheels and is completely bonkers, we\u2019ll make an exception.\nWhat you\u2019re seeing here is a Suzuki quad bike with a 1,000 cc 4-cylinder engine from another Suzuki superbike. It\u2019s got 140 hp; about the \nsame as the new 1.8-litre Toyota Corolla\n but weighs close to nothing at just 220 kg!\nA Lotus Elise S2, widely known as one of the lightest production cars in the business, makes about the same power from a 1.8-litre engine but even then it\u2019s considered overweight in comparison, with a kerb weight of around 850 kg!\n \nWith a power-to-weight ratio comparable to a \nBMW M2\n, this unassuming death trap can easily chalk up a 229 km/h top speed!\nIt\u2019s immensely frightening just thinking about manhandling this little rocket let alone actually doing it. In the video, you\u2019d notice how wildly it behaves with the rider from New Zealand coming real close to crashing it on a couple of occassions.\nPoints should be given for applying front and rear wings onto the quad bike, with air brakes even! Although judging from the video, it doesn\u2019t seem to be of much help; you\u2019ll see why."
"After announcing that the company will be \nfielding their Bentley Bentayga at the 96\nth\n Pikes Peak International Hill Climb\n, the two-tonne ultra-luxury SUV manage to achieve what it set out to do \u2013 taking the title of fastest Production SUV.\nDriven by two-time Pikes Peak champion, Rhys Millen, the Bentayga completed the 20 km uphill course in just \n10:49.9\n \u2013 nearly two minutes faster than the previous record holder, set by \nLand Rover Range Rover Sport\n in 2013.\nWith\n 600 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n at their disposal from the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 petrol engine, the Bentayga clocked an average speed of 107 km/h \u2013 way faster than its initial target. Its eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive system, adaptive air suspension, 48V anti-roll control and carbon ceramic brakes helped to set the new record.\nThe record-breaking Bentaya underwent minimal modifications as stipulated by regulations which include stripping away 300 kg worth of interior trim, roll rage, racing seats, \nAkrapovic Sports exhaust\n, Pirelli tyres and fire suppression system.\nSpeaking immediately after his run, Millen commented: \u201cWhat an incredible machine. To take a luxury SUV with minimal modifications and be able to drive up this course in under 11 minutes is a huge testament to the performance and level of engineering in the Bentayga. I had a great run \u2013 the car was planted all the way up and gave me the confidence I needed to push hard. I\u2019m delighted to take the SUV record for Bentley and for everyone that\u2019s been involved in this project.\u201d\nTo celebrate the record-breaking run, Bentley has announced a Limited Edition Bentayga created by Mulliner, the brand\u2019s bespoke customisation arm. \nOnly 10 units\n of the Pikes Peak Bentayga will be made.   Finished in either deep Beluga Black or Striking Radium (as pictured), the special edition car gets the Black Specification pack as standard that replaces all exterior chrome with gloss black components. Carbon fibre splitter, side skirts, diffuser, rear spoiler, Pikes Peak decals and 22-inch two-tone alloy wheels complete the exterior look of the car.\nInside, the Bentayga is furnished in Beluga leather with Key Lime accents, Alcantara inserts and Eliade cloth headlining. A Pikes Peak logo decorates the carbon fibre trim and numbered Pikes Peak treadplates complete the interior.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBentley Bentayga Takes Pikes Peak Record   Bentley Bentayga Pikes Peak Edition"
"Leaked images of the new 2023 Honda City minor change facelift have surfaced online, ahead of its scheduled official launch in India on the 2nd of March.\nThe minor facelift update is set to unveil approximately three and a half years after the\n fifth-generation Honda City\n made its global debut in Thailand back in 2019 \u2013 but Malaysians might be caught off guard by how soon it\u2019s released, since the B-segment model was \nonly launched here in October 2020\n.\nChanges on the minor facelift update are fairly minimal. On the front, the new 2023 Honda City gets a reworked front grille with a slimmer chrome trim paired to a honeycomb mesh insert, while the lower bumper also receives a slight nip and tuck to its fog lamp housing design.\nThe updates are even more minimal at the rear, with the only visible change being the new diffuser-like element on the rear bumper. Otherwise, the rest of the car\u2019s exterior seems to be untouched.\nREAD MORE: \nHonda City Hatchback \u2013 SUV-like practicality in a small car, thanks to ULTRA seats\nIt\u2019s also the same story on the inside, where the only visible update for the new 2023 Honda City facelift seems to be a slight tweak on the steering wheel controls, now incorporating what looks like a volume wheel on the left button cluster. The infotainment display is also unchanged from before, but any changes in specifications and equipment will likely only become obvious when the car is officially launched.\nThe fifth-gen Honda City has always been offered with a wooden trim on the dashboard over in India, so don\u2019t worry \u2013 we\u2019re fairly certain it won\u2019t make its way into our Malaysian cars when the facelift update is launched here.\nOver in India, the existing fifth-generation Honda City is currently offered in both petrol and diesel variants. However, the latter will likely be dropped on the new facelift model due to the introduction of stricter new emissions standard in India.\nAs for the former, it\u2019s the same 1.5-litre inline-four naturally-aspirated unit as we have here, making \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n. Just like us, the Honda City in India is also offered with an\n e:HEV hybrid powertrain\n making \n126 hp \nand \n253 Nm\n, although it\u2019s only available on the range-topping ZX variant.\n[Images: Team-BHP]"
"While it\u2019s uncertain when the all-new Jazz, officially \nrevealed at last year\u2019s Tokyo Motor Show\n, would be available in Malaysia, Honda has definitely intrigued us with the new hatchback\u2019s airbag technology.\nThe new airbag is fitted at the back of the driver seat and expands into the space between the driver and the passenger \u2013 around the arm rest area \u2013 and it\u2019s \nonly one of 10 airbag units\n available in the new Jazz. At present, the highest variant Jazz in Malaysia offers six airbags \u2013 in the \n1.5 V variant\n.\nTo ensure that the airbag deploys into its intended position, it uses three attachment tethers to guide the airbag around the curve of the driver seat. As such, Honda engineers also had to ensure that the airbag design would fit into the the upper bolster section of the driver seat.\n \nThe new airbag works in tandem with the seat belt pre-tensioners and the centre arm rest, which has been raised, to reduce lateral occupant movement. As a result, Honda says the new approach can \nreduce head injury for near-side passenger by 85%\n and \nby 98% for the far-side passenger\n according to their internal testing.\nAlso new to the Jazz is the rear seat i-side airbag, a double-structure airbag installed in the rear seat pad to protect rear occupants in the event of collisions against the hatchback\u2019s rear door or C-pillar. The new Jazz also gets a driver\u2019s knee airbag to reduce the impact on the lower limbs while increasing occupant protection for the head and chest by restricting forward movement of the body \u2013\n \na feature even the new Accord launched in Malaysia doesn\u2019t have\n.\n\u201cOccupant safety is of the utmost importance for our designers when we develop a new car. We completely redesigned the latest generation Jazz from the ground up, which meant that we were able to incorporate new advanced structural technologies and the latest passive safety features to provide exceptional protection from all kinds of accidents,\u201d said Honda Large Project Leader, Takeki Tanaka.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s probably not for those with supercars wrapped in alcantara or those so wired up with LED they belong in a Christian living room on Christmas Day.\nOnly 44 units of the \nAudi R8 \u201cSport Performance Parts\u201d version\n based on the Audi R8 V10 will be available worldwide, with only \nfive in right-hand drive\n heading to the UK. To be part of that exclusive club, Audi Sport will be asking\u00a0\u00a3176,560 (RM943k) for it.\nThe R8\u2019s front end is homage to the first-generation Audi R8 GT \u2013 with more defined air inlets, a deep front splitter and sculpted canards on both corners of the front bumper.\nAmong the \u201cSport Performance Parts\u201d you get includes an aero kit developed in the wind tunnel, made exclusively from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP); as is the large fixed rear wing and diffuser.\nAll the extra aerodynamic add-ons are no fuss; with a significant increase in downforce. At 205 mph (330 km/h), the R8 generates 100kg more than the standard R8 V10 plus.\nCoping with all the aerodynamic wizardy is a set of lightweight 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (305 rear width) clawing onto the tarmac. Also lightweight is the three-way coilover suspension setup, accompanied by ceramic brake discs for road and track use."
"Ever since Toyota Japan \nbegan export operations\n of the popular Toyota Harrier, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) was quick to bring in the grey market\u2019s favourite premium SUV in \nJanuary 2018\n. The company received positive response from the market and has delivered over 500 units of the Harrier to customers throughout Malaysia.\nHowever, the number of outstanding orders mean that the waiting period is stretched beyond 12 months, according to a local dealership. To combat this, Toyota Motor Corporation has increased the supply of the SUV and customers can expect their new car to arrive a little sooner.\nPresident of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K. said: \u201cWe understand that our customers had to wait for a longer period to get delivery of their vehicle. The global demand for the Harrier has been great right from the start and for Malaysia, it surged further during the three months of tax break. The production in Japan is now able to supply more to suit the demand and we will have more vehicles available for delivery.\u201d\nEquipped with the latest facelift fascia, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, Toyota Safety Sense Package (for Premium variant) and most importantly a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, it is easy to see why consumers are willing to wait for an official import Toyota Harrier instead of a reconditioned/parallel imported unit."
"From its \nglobal debut\n, to the \nopening of our order books\n, the winning of some\u00a0\nprestigious awards\n, its \nThailand unveiling\n, \nleaked Malaysian price list\n,\u00a0\nspy shots\n\u00a0prior to the \nofficial\u00a0launch\n, \nfirst look video\n of the supermini to\u00a0the \nfull blown review\n of it; we\u2019ve pretty much covered all areas pertaining to this little Japanese wonder.\nIf reading isn\u2019t your thing which, frankly speaking, is a luxury many cannot afford lately, then we\u2019ve got our full review put into an eight-minute video hosted by our editor GC Mah and his lovely co-host, Jenn Chia.\nAs a recap, the Mazda2 is one fine example of a hatch done well in all areas that matter to Malaysians. You want affordable, well built cars? One that has the looks, drives as well and is comfy enough for both city and leisurely excursions? The Mazda2 doesn\u2019t just have those qualities to back, because underneath the bonnet is purpose-built \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine. Never mind that it makes \n114 hp\n and \n148 Nm\n of torque, because it\u2019s perfectly matched to the brand\u2019s \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\n gearbox driving the front wheels.\nIf that isn\u2019t enough to get you going, wait it out a little, at least till the \n1.5L Skyactiv-D (D for diesel) variant\n enters the market. That \noil burning\n Mazda2 punches \n103 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque, more than enough to have you play with the Sport Switch.\nIf you\u2019re all about the looks and find that the Mazda2 hatchback/sedan isn\u2019t all that cut out for you, then you may want to wait till the B-Segment compact crossover vehicle from Mazda \u2013 the \nCX-3\n \u2013 arrives sometime in July. Meanwhile, enjoy the video and do give the \nfull story\n a read!"
"An acquaintance of mine expressed his displeasure not too long ago about modern cars being too \u201cdetached\u201d from the driver. The thought, although emotionally fostered by retrospect, was largely counterrevolutionary in a world that\u2019s headed towards complete autonomous mobility.\nBut it got me thinking: why in the world would Honda, makers of affordable mass production cars, \ntake it in stride to introduce this SUV abounding in tech\n? I mean, the CR-V can half drive itself, and to do that it had to have sensors, radars, a camera and hundreds \u2013 if not thousands \u2013 of microcomputers processing billions of data per second. Can Honda even guarantee that it\u2019s never-failing? No, of course not. But it\u2019s as polished as it gets, for now.   I had a brief go in the all-new CR-V, the one fitted with all the Honda Sensing thingamajig. It\u2019s basically a blend of seven driver assistive systems that are specifically concocted to make driving a hell less taxing, and at the same time safer for you, your passengers and other cars around you.\nI\u2019ll start by singling out the one feature that every car sold in Malaysia should have \u2013 Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS). This Godsend of a tech constantly reads road markings through the camera to make sure the driver remains centred in the lane, and is only operable between 72 km/h to 180 km/h. That\u2019s stage one.\nThe next, called Lane Departure Warning (LDW), subtly applies steering force to realign driving trajectory (relative to road markings). This only works when the driver veers out of the lane without using the signal indicator. God bless Honda. Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) on the other hand, is a more aggressive lane-keeping aid that reads solid lines. If the CR-V leaves the lane, RDM brakes and steers it back in. Don\u2019t sweat it though, the trio here are just assistive features, not assertive. You can still cross lanes without signalling, but quit being that fool and exercise your civic duty.\nLoony late brakers and religious tailgaters should be wary of this thing called Forward Collision Warning. The CR-V\u2019s camera and radar continuously monitor frontal traffic, readily able to reduce, if not prevent a collision from happening. Brake force is automatically applied through Collision Mitigation Braking System.\nThe most welcoming driving aid would be Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF). The former is great for lengthy drives and operates between 30 km/h to 180 km/h, with presettable cruising speed and distance behind vehicle. LSF is basically ACC but for urban use, which can prove to be especially useful in traffic jams. When engaged, the car automatically accelerates or brakes to a complete stop, depending on traffic.   In terms of its execution, Honda Sensing proved to be far more than rudimentary. It is precisely the opposite; polished and fully ready for mass usage. All instances of braking and acceleration were refined and properly graceful, never jolty nor unnaturally intrusive throughout. Guess who Honda benchmarked Sensing against? The same as those found in modern Mercedes-Benz cars.\nThis comes on top of other stuff such as six airbags, Honda Lane Watch, full LED headlamps and even LED fog lamps. Cars priced below RM170k rarely come with even half the tech, and for the first time ever the CR-V is turbocharged! But why does Honda Malaysia even bother doing this?\u00a0\nConsumerism. Honda is doing the very thing their rivals often take advantage of. In fact they are proactively giving consumers exactly what they want in a modern car, and the CR-V is the entire caboodle of that commitment.\nIf you\u2019re among the few critics wanting a seven-seater version or Honda Sensing with AWD, don\u2019t feel scammed just yet. When the demand justifies the means, you can count on Honda Malaysia to deliver \u2013 just like how they did when you asked for this high spec CR-V.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda CR-V 1.5TC-P 2WD   Honda CR-V 1.5TC 2WD"
"Toyota has set a new world record with its \nsecond-generation Mirai\n, a fuel cell-powered vehicle, after clocking 1003 km on a single fill.\n \nThe \n1003 zero-emission kilometres\n were driven on public roads, south Paris, central and western France areas. The distance and consumption were certified by an independent authority at the finish line.\nFind out more about the second-generation fuel cell-powered Toyota Mirai \nhere\n!\nGreen hydrogen was used during the record attempt and the average fuel consumption was 0.55 kg/100km, with the \nMirai \ncapable of storing 5.6 kg of hydrogen.\nRiding on a new rear-wheel drive platform, the new body structure allows the Mirai to have larger hydrogen tanks. The second-generation Mirai is expected to offer up to 30% increase in driving range; from 500 km previously to about 650 km.\nIn setting a new record, the drivers adopted an \u201ceco-driving style\u201d but no special techniques, that could not be used by everyday drivers, were attempted.\nThe Eiffel Tower illuminated for the first time using hydrogen power.\nThe four drivers in the record-setting run included the founder of Energy Observer, PR Manager of Toyota France, Mirai Product Manager, and an engineer from Toyota Europe. Energy Observer, a partner of Toyota, is the first boat equipped with a Toyota fuel cell.\nDuring that event, the Eifel Tower was illuminated for the first time by green hydrogen, thanks to the GEH2 hydrogen generator developed by EODe where Toyota is a shareholder.\nGerman ride hailing company clocked five million km in just two years with the Toyota Mirai! Read about it \nhere\n!"
"Not too long ago, Lexus released a teaser for its upcoming concept car dubbed the \nLexus LF-1 Limitless\n. Now the company has unveiled the show car in full at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).\nThe new concept car serves as a design study for the brand\u2019s flagship crossover, the RX. The designers adopted a design concept called \nMolten Katana\n, inspired by the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword. Lexus exemplified their new design language with this: \u201cImagining that shift from a smooth, flowing mass into a solid, chiselled shape formed the basis for the fluid, yet aggressive design of the LF-1 Limitless.\u201d\nThe LF-1 Limitless\u2019 proportions start off with an exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio to give it an athletic profile that resembles a grand tourer rather than a jacked-up wagon. Its lowered roofline and tall ride height scream a car designed for performance with practicality.\nLike all modern Lexus vehicles, the spindle grille is the main highlight of the car\u2019s front profile. Except here, the grille now features a three-dimensional effect and no chrome was used on the surface of the spindle grille. Instead, the grille is illuminated by \nLED lighting\n.   Luxurious comfort for every passenger was the main focus when creating the cabin of the concept SUV. Like the \nLS sedan\n, the cabin design adheres to the Japanese tradition of \nOmotenashi\n or Japanese hospitality. The cockpit was designed with minimal buttons to create an unobstructed dashboard for the front passengers.\nAlthough there are only four seats present on the concept car, rest assured that the production version will come with five or more seats.\nLexus has big plans for the LF-1 Limitless, expressing that the concept car was designed to cater to all types of powertrains \u2013 fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline and even all-electric. This is in accordance with Toyota Motor Corporation plans to have \nall Toyota and Lexus models to come with an electrified powertrain by 2025\n.\nPresident of Lexus International, Yoshihiro Sawa said, \u201cLexus models such as the RX have helped drive the global popularity of the luxury SUV category. This new crossover concept captures a future that involves a high level of dynamic capability and utility matched by a more exciting, emotional design that we hope challenges expectations in the category,\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Volvo brand has just expanded their presence in the northern region of the peninsular with the launching of a brand new 3S Centre in Juru, Penang, and operations are completely facilitated by their newest dealer \u2013 iRoll Auto Sdn Bhd.\nThe Juru showroom is the second authorised dealership in Penang (the other is run by Federal Auto in Georgetown) and prides itself with the convenience of location. Situated alongside the North-South Expressway (NSE), the combination of accessibility and Juru Auto City\u2019s established reputation as an auto hub makes it a very attractive location, said Ang Hock Guan, Managing Director of iRoll Auto.   Volvo Juru\u2019s concept showroom adheres to the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) standards, promising a Scandinavian feel from their specially designed showroom, clean air and warm interior lighting. Almost like a \u2018living room\u2019 concept, if you will. \nThe showroom, which faces the NSE, opens from 9am to 6pm on Monday to Saturday. The founders have a combined experience of nearly 50 years in the auto industry, starting as a used car dealer in the 1980s. iRoll Auto is also the sister company of Western Circle Sdn Bhd and Western Motor Sports Sdn Bhd.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Catalytic converter theft isn\u2019t a new phenomenon, but with the economic challenges and difficulties of late, it\u2019s getting more rampant and in the case of this Facebook video, more rampant.\nFrom the video, the attempted theft took place just outside Hotel De Palma along Jalan Ampang. Three men were involved, with two on the watch by their silver Proton Iriz with the number plate \nBNJ 2473\n, and the third under the Toyota Innova.\nAs the third person emerged from under the car, which seemed to be jacked up, he was also holding a ratchet-style cutter commonly used for cutting exhaust pipes.\nIn brief, a catalytic converter serves as a \u2018filter\u2019 for harmful fumes waste gases from a car\u2019s engine and reduces the emissions released into the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe. It usually contains precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and in some cases even gold.\nThe value of the catalytic converter usually depends on which car it came from and can range from a few hundred Ringgit to a couple thousand per piece.\nCoincidentally, one of us removed the catalytic converter from an old 1994 BMW 3-Series recently, and to our surprise, a \u2018chop shop\u2019 was eager to buy them over and very promptly offered and transferred RM1,500 for the pair of catalytic converters. It was only then we found out from a BMW workshop that it could\u2019ve easily fetched a much higher price. Bummer.\nSo how do you protect your car against such thefts? Well, aside from not parking in dark and quiet places, there\u2019s really not much else.\nEven so, look where this \u2018near-theft\u2019 happened; in broad daylight right by the side of a busy street.\nSource: \nFacebook"
"The floodgates of electric vehicles have opened and the rightfully so. The days of fossil fuel-powered cars are numbered and soon, their production numbers will dwindle till it becomes completely obsolete. So what is the fate then for precious old classics driven by a finite natural source?\nWhile that future may still be a distant reality, these are three prime examples of how classic cars could be sustainable as much as it\u2019s hard to accept, should the day ever come when petrol pumps get replaced with electric charging stations.\nJaguar E-Type Zero\nOnce dubbed the most beautiful car ever built by Enzo Ferrari himself, the Jaguar E-type Zero offers performance more outstanding than its original petrol-powered self. With \n295 hp\n on the taps and 46 kgs off the original weight, 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n5.5 seconds\n, a second quicker than the original Series 1.\nIts \n40kWh\n lithium ion battery which shares the same dimension and weight as the original engine takes up to 6-7 hours of charging offers a \u201creal world\u201d range of \n270 km\n, assisted by low weight and good aerodynamics. As the electric powertrain is placed precisely in the same position as the original engine, weight distribution is unchanged \u2013 ensuring that it drives, brakes, rides and handles the same as the orignal E-type.\nAside from modifications to its powertrain with tech and components borrowed from the upcoming \nI-PACE\n, \nJaguar Land Rover\u2019s first production all-electric vehicle\n, it also adopts LED lighting for energy efficiency.\nFerrari 308 GTE\nIt\u2019s strange to not hear the bellow of a V8 from a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS. This poor soul of a car was actually a victim of a nightmarish fire that ultimately led to its EV conversion after being completely stripped to its frame. Now its famously known as the GTE due to its ultra complicated electric powertrain conversion.\nUtilising a \n46 kWh\n lithium battery that offers a driving range of about \n240 km\n depending on how its driven, it produces around \n330 hp\n with the same amount of torque.\nIts three electric motors transmit power to the rear wheels through a 5-speed Porsche G50 manual tranmission \u2013 a truly sacrilegious Frankenstein of a project. Like the E-type, the 308 GTE also comes with LED daytime running lights and head lamps.\nPorsche 911 E\nThis is a 1979 Porsche 911 SC Targa that originally came with a 3.2-litre engine. After a complete restoration and electric vehicle conversion, driving it sensibly will net you around \n300 km\n in driving range.\nAs you can see in the video, the conversion is as thorough as it gets \u2013 with the fuel filler section replaced with a charging point and the boot in front occupied by\u00a0\n54 kWh\n battery packs. The batteries power two electric motors placed one each in the front and back.\nWith the option to drive in Eco or Power mode, 0 to 100 km/h now takes around \n6 seconds\n with a top speed of around \n240 km/h\n. The space that used to house the source of its performance, the engine, has been emptied out to create some boot space \u2013 unorthodox for a 911. A Porsche 911 that\u2019s front heavy with a boot in the back \u2013 what do you think of that!\nSource: (911)\u00a0\nFully Charged Show\n\u00a0/ \nElectric Classic Cars\n\u00a0 (308) \nElectric GT"
"In order to combat air pollution in urban cities, many countries in Europe has established what\u2019s known as \u201clow emission zones\u201d in major cities to limit the entry of heavy pollutants.\nAlthough these areas usually do not affect modern petrol and diesel cars, BMW has joined the cause by rolling out a new feature called \u2018BMW eDrive Zones\u2019 to all BMW plug-in hybrid models in Europe.\nThe feature uses GPS geofencing technology to prespecify low-emission zones, with the eDrive Zones clearly marked on the on-board navigation system. When the vehicle enters an eDrive Zone, it will then \nautomatically switch to a fully-electric driving mode\n, thus releasing zero emissions to the air.\nThe vehicle will remain in EV mode in the eDrive Zones for as long as the battery allows. In the event that the battery-reserve runs out, the internal combustion engine will automatically kick in \u2013 no need to worry about being stranded on the streets.\nThe BMW eDrive Zones have now been introduced in approximately \n80 European cities\n, including major cities in Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France.\nBMW says that the eDrive Zones will be expanded in the future to include other cities and countries to further increase electric-only driving on PHEV vehicles.\nIn order to incentivise BMW drivers to activate the BMW eDrive Zones, the brand will be introducing a BMW Points loyalty programme later this year. Each electrically driven kilometre will count as a point, and within an eDrive Zone, the points are doubled.\nBy collecting a sufficient number of points, BMW owners can gain access to attractive rewards such as free charging credits on the BMW Charging network."
"It\u2019s been a long time coming, for the \nthird-generation Nissan X-Trail \nis finally open for bookings. It first appeared at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and was launched in Japan earlier this year, so it\u2019s about time now we receive a refreshed version of what was once a successful SUV in its prime.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan X-Trail 2.0L 2WD\nNissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD\nSegment\nCrossover; Midsize SUV\nCrossover; Midsize SUV\nEngine\n2.0-litre MR20DD engine with direct injection technology\n2.5-litre QR25DE-k2 engine with twin CVTC technology\nTransmission\nXtronic CVT with 7-spd manual mode\nXtronic CVT with 7-spd manual mode\nMax Power\n142 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n168 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\n233 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nBelow RM150k\nBelow RM170k\n\u00a0\nTwo trims\n of the X-Trail will be offered here, the base model being the \n2.0-litre front wheel drive\n (2WD) variant, whereas the range topping variant gets the \n2.5-litre\n \nfour wheel drive\n (4WD) configuration. The smaller engine (now with direct injection tech) makes \n142 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n200 Nm\n of torque at 4,400 rpm, while the 2.5-litre twin CVTC makes \n168 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n233 Nm\n at 4,000 rpm.\nBoth engines share the same gearbox pairing \u2013 Nissan\u2019s next-gen \nXtronic Continuously Variable Transmission \n(CVT) with seven-speed manual shifting mode and an ECO driving mode as well. Features new to the X-Trails are \nActive Ride Control\n, a system that improves ride comfort on bumpy terrains and the \nActive Engine Braking\n helps the driver to reduce speed when cornering or stopping.\nThere\u2019s also the \nActive Trace Control\n, which is Nissan\u2019s first application on any of their cars, that individually brakes any one wheel to reduce understeer. On the 2.5-litre variant, it benefits from an \nAll-Mode Intelligent 4\u00d74 System\n that is operable via a knob near the centre armrest, changing three drive types between 2WD, Auto Mode or Lock Mode for permanent 4WD.\nNissan says that the seats are leather wrapped and inspired by \u2018Zero-Gravity\u2019 which already sounds comfortable on its own. There\u2019s also a first-in-class \n360-degree Around View Monitor\n that makes manoeuvring in tight spots easier. Full details of the Malaysian-specced X-Trail will be revealed soon at its launching, so do keep an eye out for that!\nThe all-new X-Trail is scheduled for delivery beginning \nJanuary next year\n, and can be had in \nfive different colours\n: Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Diamond Black, Graphite Blue and Brilliant White. The 2.0-litre variant will be priced below \nRM150k\n, whereas the 2.5-litre variant cost you a little less than \nRM170k\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The first 100 units of the \nBYD Atto 3\n have been delivered in Malaysia in a \u2018Grand Delivery\u2019 Ceremony over the weekend. Taking place at Sime Darby\u2019s International Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, the 100 units of the Atto 3 were flagged off, officially making their first EV steps into the world.\nLaunched in Malaysia in December 2022, the Atto 3 is available in two variants, namely the Atto 3 Standard Range which costs \nRM149,800,\n and the Atto 3 Extended Range which costs \nRM167,800\n.\nOver 1,000 bookings\n were received for the Atto 3 in the first 10 days since its launch and just last week, \n500 units were shown being shipped to Malaysia\n. Now, 100 units of the EV SUV are officially on Malaysian roads.\nThe two variants of the Atto 3 come in two battery sizes. The Standard Range gets a \n49.9 kWh\n battery for \n345 km\n of driving range (WLTP), while the Extended Range variant houses a \n60.5 kWh\n battery for \n420 km\n of emissions-free driving. Charging can be done via the on-board \n6.6-kW\n AC charger, or \n70 kW\n of DC fast charging on the Standard Range variant, and \n80 kW\n for the Extended Range.\nRELATED: \n2023 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, X70-size EV from RM150k\nPowering the Atto 3 (as standard) is a single electric motor that drives the front wheels only. The motor delivers \n203 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n and the Atto3 does the century sprint in \n7.3 seconds\n.\nWhile the exterior of the Atto 3 is nothing to shout about, the interior features a unique \u201cMuscle Streamline\u201d design language that sets a \u2018Fitness\u2019 theme for the cabin. Going along with the theme are the treadmill-inspired armrest and the dumbbell-inspired air conditioning vents.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 BYD Atto 3 electric SUV now in Malaysia, from RM149,800\nThe BYD Atto 3 pilots the BYD brand into Malaysia, leading the way for BYD cars like the Seal and Dolphin. BYD is officially distributed by Sime Darby Beyond Auto and the company plans to have 40 showrooms in Malaysia by the end of 2024.\nRELATED: \nBYD to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by end of 2024, first in KL to open Dec 2022"
"Aside from the \nBMW i4 M50\n and \nxDrive-equipped M3 and M4 Competitions\n, BMW Malaysia today also unveiled the facelifted 2022 BMW M5 and M5 Competition, as part of its celebration of the \nperformance division\u2019s 50-year anniversary\n.\nThe most significant update on the 2022\n \nBMW M5\n and M5 Competition models come in the form of the LCI styling changes that were introduced on the \n5 Series model in Malaysia last year\n. These styling tweaks include a redesigned conjoined kidney grille, sleeker headlights (with LaserLight technology on both variants), and new three-dimensional tail lights.\nThe M-specific bumpers have also been redesigned, with the front corner air inlets getting additional black trims, while the rear gets a new gloss-black insert surrounding the unchanged diffuser elements.\nAs standard, the new 2022 BMW M5 and M5 Competition both come with the\n BMW M 50 Years Emblem\n, alongside other M-specific exterior equipment such as the double bars grille design, rear bootlid spoiler, carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof, and trademark M side mirrors.\nHowever, the M5 Competition stands out with more exclusive items including the M Sports exhaust system, as well as additional fins on the front corner air inlets.\nInside, the infotainment display on both the BMW M5 and M5 Competition now measure 12.3 inches diagonally, up from the previous 10.25 inches. Although, they\u2019re still part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package (alongside the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster), which means they\u2019re still running on the older iDrive 7 operating system.\nThere\u2019s also a new button layout for the vehicle dynamics settings on the centre console; the individual buttons for the suspension, powertrain, and steering settings are now replaced with just two buttons \u2013 Setup and M Mode \u2013 with most of the functions now being relegated into a menu within the infotainment display.\nThe M Mode button works somewhat like a shortcut button to let drivers alternate between Road and Sport driving modes, while a long press engages Track mode. The M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel are still retained from before, allowing drivers to set up quick access to their two personalised driving modes.\nPower wise, the engines underneath of the new 2022 BMW M5 and M5 Competition models remain unchanged from before. Both are powered by the same 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo V8 engine, with the M5 getting \n600 hp \nand\n 750 Nm\n of torque, while the Competition boosts it up to \n625 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n.\nJust as before, both models also get an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission as standard, alongside the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Performance figures are also unchanged, with the M5 taking \n3.4 seconds\n to reach 100 km/h from a standstill onward to a top speed of\n 250 km/h\n, while the M5 Competition does it one-tenths quicker at \n3.3 seconds\n, and maxes out at \n305 km/h\n (with standard M Drivers Package).\nHandling prowess is managed by the standard-fit adaptive dampers and variable steering system on both variants. The Competition model takes it one step further with stiffer engine mounts, tweaked suspension and springs, as well as a 7 mm lower ride height.\nThe new 2022 BMW M5 is priced from \nRM998,800\n, while the M5 Competition comes in at a RM190k premium over the regular model at \nRM1,188,800\n. Both prices are on-the-road and without insurance, but includes the sales and service tax as deliveries are only expected after June 30 this year.\nIncluded in the prices is also a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, roadside assistance hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ mobile app and BMW Privileges Card, as well as access to the BMW Service Online portal. Both models are now available for pre-booking on the BMW Shop Online platform at a fee of RM5,000.\nGALLERY"
"The current BMW 5-Series (F10) will reach the end of its lifecycle after debuting in 2011. Hence, the Bavarians decided to pay a final tribute to its most powerful 5-Series model, the M5, with the unveiling of the\u00a0BMW M5 Competition.\nProduction of the M5 Competition will be limited to just\u00a0\n200 units\n; 100 will be finished in\u00a0the\u00a0Carbon Black shade while the remaining half gets Mineral White finishing. All M5 Competition units are to receive aesthetic enhancements, ranging from M-Performance bodykit, gloss-black front grille and 20-inch black alloy rims. Inside, the front head restraints are embroidered with the M5 lettering, and the seats get upholstered in black Merino leather. The dashboard is draped in carbon fibre which comes with\u00a0the unique serial number. \nBut what\u2019s a Competition variant without the extra bang?\u00a0Under the hood is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, but here it gets a slight\u00a0performance boost of \n40 hp\n and \n20 Nm\n, bringing the final output up to\u00a0\n592 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. It manages the century sprint in just\u00a0\n3.9 seconds\n while the top speed, being typical Germans, is electronically limited to 250km/h.\nApart from the engine, the M5 Competition\u00a0is\u00a0sharpest handling M5 to date. Attacking the black ribbons is surely a walk in the park for this M5 Competition thanks to lower suspension, stiffer springs and dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and upgrades to the M-specific Dynamic Stability Control.\nAs we wave goodbye to the F10 version of the M5, be reminded that you may need to part a good\u00a0\n\u00a3100,995\n (approximately RM540k based on today\u2019s conversion rates) from your bank account to buy one of these. The only silver lining? The new 5-Series is on the way, and it\u2019s coming soon!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has launched three models this year, and it looks like their cash registers are looking positively busy. The sales uptrend is certainly a confidence booster for Proton Holdings, and they have one more bullet in their chamber to close off the year.\nThe \nProton Perdana\n, being the first model launch for Proton in 2016, received more than 1,100 bookings. A total of 720 units have been\u00a0delivered to customers to date. The Perdana, a reskinned edition of the eight-generation Honda Accord, is also currently the most affordable\u00a0brand new D-segment sedan in Malaysia.\nAs for the \nProton Persona\n, the order tally has clocked beyond 14,000 orders, and a good 4,000 of them have already been delivered to buyers. That\u2019s pretty impressive considering that the \u201c\nIriz\n\u00a0sedan\u201d was launched just a little under two months ago. As Proton has expected, the range-topping RM60k Premium variant is the most popular variant among buyers.\nThe recently unveiled third-generation \nProton Saga\n meanwhile saw up to 4,000 bookings being made. In just two weeks, a total of 500 new Sagas have reached its new owners.\nThese numbers surely\u00a0drive the confidence of our national carmaker after years of struggling with diminishing market share and tighter competition. Proton\u2019s positive momentum is set to continue with the upcoming launch of the \nErtiga MPV\n later this month. The compact MPV model will mark the first ever collaborative product between Suzuki and\u00a0Proton."
"Nissan has just confirmed that its latest prototype, the \nNissan GT-R50 by Italdesign\n will be heading for the production floors! Set for its global debut at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Italdesign will build no more than 50 units of the 50\nth\n anniversary GT-R.\nThe ethos behind the GT-R50 was \u201ca car without any restrictions\u201d and combine the GT-R\u2019s 50 years history and Italdesgin\u2019s 50-year heritage. The result is a one of a kind Japanese muscle car dressed in an eye-catching Italian suit.\nStarted life as a \n2018 Nissan GT-R Nismo\n, the GT-R50 has all its exterior panels reworked for greater road presence and function. The roofline is now lowered by 54 mm and the rear three-quarter body panels have been extended and raised for greater visual impact. A set of 21-inch alloys shod in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres fills up the wheel arches nicely. To top it all off, Italdesign has given it an active rear wing that deploys when additional downforce is needed.\nNissan\u2019s senior vice president of global design, Alfonso Albaisa said: \u201cThe Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ideal setting to showcase the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign, which combines power and artistry to celebrate 50 years of inspiring the dreams of our customers.\u201d   Nissan is asking for \u20ac900,000 (RM4.2 million) per pop before personalisation options and each car will be tailored to each individual customer liking. This means the GT-R50 costs just as much as a \nMcLaren P1\n when new.\nThe GT-R50 by Italdesign retains its supercar killer credentials with \n720 hp\n and\n 780 Nm\n at its mercy thanks to a heavily reworked VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6. Drive is deployed onto all four wheels via a reinforced six-speed dual-clutch sequential transmission. Nissan did not reveal key performance figures for this bespoke GT-R but expect a sub-three-second sprint time and a top speed exceeding the 300 km/h mark.\nAlbaisa added: \u201cAlthough this is not the next-generation GT-R, it is an exciting celebration of two anniversaries in a provocative and creative way \u2013 wrapping one of Nissan\u2019s best engineering platforms and Japanese design with Italian coachbuilding\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"So, which is the world\u2019s best-selling car? Statistically, it\u2019s always been the \nToyota Corolla\n, but one of Blue Oval\u2019s most successful model, the\u00a0Ford Focus\u00a0is also\u00a0known as world\u2019s best selling nameplate. Which appeals more, a reliable but relatively boring Altis or the more engaging Focus?\nWhile model facelifts are mainly nip-and-tuck changes, the \nfacelift\n for the Focus is more than just a change of looks. The much revised Focus finally gets the new EcoBoost powertrain and SelectShift gearbox (that\u2019s a torque converter by the way), new touchscreen panel, neater audio instrument and an all-new grille design.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Focus Trend\nFord Focus Titanium+\nFord Focus Sport+\nEngine\n1,498cc; turbocharged inline-4, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed SelectShift automatic with paddle shifters\nMax Power\n177 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\nPrice (before taxes and insurance)\nRM118,888\nRM139,888\nRM139,888\nThe Focus Mark 3 (codename C346) was introduced in 2012 with the 2.0-litre Duratec engine mated with a six-speed Powershift twin-clutch gearbox. The Focus back then gained much attention for being the first car in Malaysia to automatically park by itself via the Active Park Assist system.\nWatch our First Drive Review in Adelaide, Australia\nIt also handled impeccably, but its glorious ride and handling characteristics were eclipsed by the unsettling judder produced by the gearbox. It\u2019s also common for owners to repair or replace the gearbox, but Ford plans to change all of that with the introduction of this facelift model. And at first glance, things have indeed paid off. Ford Malaysia is offering three variants for the Focus: the Trend hatchback as its entry model, followed by the Sport+ hatchback and Titanium+ saloon. Here, we sampled\u00a0the latter two, each with its own distinctive characteristics.\nEXTERIOR\nApart from the new and obvious\u00a0\ntrapezoidal front grille, \nActive Grille Shutter is also fitted at the front to reduce drag which improves fuel efficiency. Both Sport+ and Titanium + models get LED daytime running lights and rear lights, as well as heated side mirrors. Oddly, the inclusion of halogen headlights in this era is akin to savouring a delicious cake, minus the cherry on top.   The rim design has changed, with each model receiving a different set of multi-spoke rims. The hatch rides on\u00a0\n215/50\n \nR17\n series rubbers while the booted variant settles for a smaller 16-inch wheels with larger profiled\u00a0\n215/65\n\u00a0tyres.\nAs far as its exterior packaging goes, my preference leans towards the pre-facelift\u2019s Kinetic design over the \u201cAston Martin\u201d lookalike, although if given enough time, it\u2019ll grow on me.   INTERIOR\nThe facelift also sees some glaring difference on the inside. To start, the four-point steering from the predecessor has been replaced by a leather-wrapped multifunction steering with a sportier three-spoke design. Notably, the inclusion of paddle shifters is a welcome addition, removing the awkward button-styled \u201c+\u201d and \u201c-\u201d shifters on the gear lever as seen in the preceding model. Thank you, Ford.\nThe 4.2-inch screen of old is also removed to make way for a larger, \nhigh-res 8.0-inch\n\u00a0Sony\u00a0\ntouchscreen\n\u00a0panel. Ford\u2019s more advanced SYNC2 system is deployed here to manage all in-car connectivity and entertainment systems. Strangely through, GPS navigation is not offered with Malaysia-spec Focus, making touchscreen panel in the Focus feels incomplete, like a jigsaw puzzle\u00a0minus one single piece. Oh, there\u2019s also no reverse camera too.   Just like its predecessor, the beige leather seats are reserved for the saloon while the Sport+ gets black leather upholstery. For reasons unknown, the six-way power adjustable seat is only offered for the driver\u2019s seat in Titanium+ and the rest, including the sedan\u2019s front passenger seat, are adjusted manually. The dual zone climate control is also available for the two pricier models, but sadly, the rear air-cond vents remain absent in this Focus.\nThe Focus Mark 3 did not score well in the interior space department and it seems that Ford could do little to improve it here, probably leaving a memo to its designers to add more space in the next-gen Focus. While space at the front is sufficient, legroom for the rear passengers can be of an issue, especially if \u00a0you\u2019re over 180cm. Thankfully though, headroom is sufficient, and the seats\u00a0do hold the occupants well.\nWhile the interior is quite a bit of a hit and miss affair, the Focus gets class-leading safety equipment list, perhaps some of the best in its class. Both the Sport+ and Titanium+ variants get \nsix airbags\n, \nElectronic Stability Program, Blind Spot Monitoring System (BLIS)\n \nwith Cross Traffic Alert, Enhanced Active City Stop\n and the all-improved \nEnhanced Active Park Assist\n. To add up, both variants receive keyless entry, push start button, cruise control, overhead sunglasses compartment and folding rear seats.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe big news here is the absence of the old naturally aspirated\u00a02.0-litre Duratec Ti-VCT GDI engine. In its place is a\u00a0\n1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\u00a0\nthat produces a healthy 180 hp at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 revolutions. The Focus is off to a very good start, then.\nTo put that into perspective, the hot hatch of last decade, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk5, has just 17 hp more than this Focus. Also, such performance figures could put a few entry model BMWs to shame. The official 0-100km/h figure is absent, but that\u2019s fine as we\u2019ll get to that in a minute.\nThe Focus also ditched the dual clutch Powershift gearbox for a \nsix-speed SelectShift automatic\n, which means the Powershift\u2019s irritable jerkiness during city driving speeds is history. It shifts slower than the dual-clutch equivalent, but judging from the negative perception surrounding the latter, it\u2019s a fair compromise.\nTHE DRIVE\nFord\u2019s compact car is well known for its razor sharp drive and this Focus delivers it in spades. Via its signature independent control blades at the back, the Focus\u2019 top notch handling characteristic is retained here, attacking curves with much bravado. Ford markets the Focus as a \u201cseriously fun to drive car\u201d and this stands true to both saloon and hatchback variants. The Focus\u2019 steering is nicely weighted, thanks to an enhanced\u00a0\nElectric Power Assisted Steering\n (EPAS).\nThe turbocharger just completes the package because when it kicks in at 2,000 revolutions, a volley of power gets liberated, and you don\u2019t need to floor the throttle to get it up to speed. It\u2019s effortless, and to think that you can have the same brilliant engine in a C-Segment hatchback for less than RM120k? Steal.\nThe six-speed SelectShift does its job adequately, and most importantly\u00a0it delivers silky smooth gearshifts without the jerky characteristics suffered from the PowerShift gearbox. When adrenaline kicks in, you\u2019ve got the paddle shifters right where they\u2019re supposed to be, but you\u2019ll certainly be pleased just leaving it in regular Drive mode the entire time.\nFord claims that the 1.5-litre EcoBoost consumes just 6.2 litres per 100km, but during my sampling of both variants, they averaged\n\u00a09.4 litres per 100km\n. That\u2019s impressive considering the number of times I\u2019ve let slip my right foot when the roads ahead cleared up.\nOf course, we have got to sample the\u00a0\nEnhanced Active Park\n \nAssist\n\u00a0\nwhich helps park the car either parallelly or perpendicularly. It takes a fair bit of trial and errors before you get the hang of it, but it\u2019s not a completely fool-proof system that you should rely on all the time. However, it proves to be a significant step up from the pre-facelift\u2019s self-park feature. If this isn\u2019t a big deal for you, then opt for the base variant. Nothing much to lose there.\nHowever, I would love to have my Focus with the \nActive City Stop\n.\u00a0This system automatically stops the car when you approach the car ahead too quickly, but the system works at speeds no more than 50km/h.\nUsing better-insulated\n materials \nin the interior, the Focus absorbs most of the noises from the outside, thus creating a much quieter and comfortable space for all occupants. With the Titanium+\u2019s comfortable ride and rather sedated looks, it\u2019s the one you should pick if you want a continental-esque driving car with a hint of Japanese reliability.\nPerhaps it would be great to explain both variants\u2019 driving experience, and I\u2019ll start with the Titanium+. There is no sports suspension fitted to the Sport+ variant, but the combination of a more comfort-oriented suspension and\u00a0Goodyear Assurance Fuel Save comfort tyres, this Focus tends to roll a fair bit when you carry too much speed into the corners. But drive it in cruising speeds and the Focus rewards you with its top-class refinement.\nMove over to the Sport+ hatchback and it delivers a different level of drive. The hatchback\u2019s lowered sports suspension and grippy Michelin rubbers means business. Unlike the saloon, body roll is better controlled and makes driving more encouraging and confidence inspiring. The tradeoff for hatchback\u2019s sharper drive is the ride comfort, but it\u2019s one we\u2019re happy to live with.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nWhile there are some niggling reservations on the product packaging as a whole, both the Focus saloon and hatchback are well-refined C-segment cars that carry a massive improvement over their predecessors.\nBe it the saloon or hatchback, the Focus\u2019s tremendous fun to drive factor is there, coupled with its stellar powertrain that should eliminate all the mechanical troubles faced by its predecessor.\u00a0Certainly,\u00a0those who\u00a0prioritise practicality and comfort will feel at home with the Titanium+, while those seeking a competent warm hatch, the Sport+ will be their choice.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe C-segment passenger car suffers from a middle-child syndrome, no thanks to an\u00a0abundance of B-segment and D-segment cars stealing away sales from the usual Civics and Corollas. \u00a0Given the Focus\u2019 stunning dynamics, its fairest competitor will be our favourite C-segment car, the Mazda3, in both saloon and hatchback variants.\nBoth the Focus and Mazda3 share similar formulas; fun to drive, good powertrains and lack of a decent interior space. The Mazda costs almost RM20k less thanks to local assembly, unlike our Thai-produced Focuses. Mazda\u2019s suite of SkyActiv technologies are praiseworthy, but Blue Oval\u2019s equally impressive EcoBoost engine isn\u2019t all that inferior as well.\nFord Focus Titanium+ Sedan\n \nFord Focus Sport+ Hatchback\n \nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan\n \nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Hatchback\nENGINE\nType\nInline 4-cylinder, turbocharged\nInline 4-cylinder, turbocharged\nInline 4-cylinder,\nInline 4-cylinder\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,498\n1,498\n1,998\n1,998\nMax Power\nhp\n177 @\u00a06,000 rpm\n177 @\u00a06,000 rpm\n162\n162\nMax Torque\nNm\n240 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n240 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n210\n210\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront/Rear\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n205/60 R16\n215/50 R17\n215/45 R18\n215/45 R18\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,538\n4,360\n4,585\n4,460\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,823\n1,823\n1,795\n1,795\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,492\n1,467\n1,450\n1,455\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,648\n2,648\n2,700\n2,700\nKerb Weight\nkg\n1,366\n1,380\n1,220\n1,292\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n372\n316\n408\n308\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n55 litres\n55 litres\n51 litres\n51 litres\nConsumption (Combined)\n\u00a0L/100km\n6.4\n6.4\n6.5\n6.5\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\nN/A\nN/A\n210\n210\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\nN/A\n8.8\n8.8\nPRICE\n \nRM\n139,888\n139,888\n120,705.30\n120,705.30\nWILL I BUY IT?\nOn a personal note, I once had a profoundly deep interest on the pre-facelift Focus until I saw for myself all the issues related to the PowerShift gearbox. However, with that being sorted, the new Focus hatchback will be my pick if I\u2019m shopping for a new ride.\nMatthew\u2019s Take: One of the Ford Focus\u2019 key strengths in this midlife cycle is the new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, and it is nothing short of stellar. No other cars in its class can dish out 180 horses, and the induction noise it makes when you rev it past 4,000 revolutions adds to the perpetually increasing\u00a0sense of enthralment. Like Travis, my only gripe with it is the slower six-speed automatic gearbox. But Ford\u2019s decision to go down the path of reliability as opposed to full-blown drivability just goes to show how committed they are in the C-Segment arena.\u00a0And then comes the new turbocharged Honda Civic.\u00a0\nBravo, Ford Motor Company. Bravo.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First unveiled at the \n2015 Geneva Motor Show\n and subsequently made the Asian debut at the \n2015 Shanghai Motor Show\n, \nAutomobili \nLamborghini\n announced that the production of the \nAventador LP 750-4 Superveloce\n is limited to only \n600 units worldwide\n.\u00a0Out of the total 600, \nfive units\n have been allocated for the \nMalaysian market\n.\nAs a refresher, the \nAventador\n LP 750-4 Superveloce is an Aventador that has been working out at the gym. Not that the \u201cnormal\u201d Aventador is a slow car to begin with (not by any chance!), the SV betters that by shedding away 50 kg and adds on another 50 hp.\nThe SV is powered by a naturally-aspirated \n6.5-litre V12\n mated to a \n7-speed ISR transmission\n. Producing \n750 hp\n and \n690 Nm\n of torque, drive is sent to an\n all-wheel drive system\n that utilises a \nfourth-generation Haldex coupling system\n. The result is a \ncentury sprint\n time of \n2.8 seconds\n, and a \ntop speed\n \nin excess of 350 km/h\n.\nApart from the wild exterior add-ons that provides \nbetter downforce\n as well as a stripped-out cabin with \nnew sports seats\n and lightweight material, the SV gets more toys as standard. It includes a new \nlightweight exhaust sytem\n, \nlightweight forged multi-spoke wheels\n, \nCarbon Ceramic Brakes\n, pushrod suspension system that incorporates \nadaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension\n (MRS), and also electromechanical \nLamborghini Dynamic Steering\n (LDS).\nNo info on the Malaysian price for this beast just yet, but in Europe, the SV carries a base price tag of \n\u20ac327,190\n (approximately RM1.33 mil). If you\u2019re keen on getting one, there\u2019s a potentially disappointing news for you.\u00a0All five units have been taken up by the time you read this. However, it is also reported that \nLamborghini KL\n is looking to bring in more units to satisfy the demand here.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the\n \nCoronavirus pandemic\n continue to worsen, many countries are forced into some form of movement restriction to help flatten the epidemic curve. In response to the world essentially shutting down, \nKia\n has introduced the \u2018Kia Promise\u2019 global warranty extension campaign to support customers who may not be able to service their vehicles due to the situation.\nKia vehicles with their \nwarranty expiring between February 1 and April 30 2020\n, will automatically be eligible for the campaign. Kia Promise will extend the warranties of these vehicles to the \n30th of June 2020\n.\nThe Korean carmaker estimates that more than 500,000 customers from 142 markets could benefit from the warranty extension. Kia customers in Malaysia are also included in this global warranty extension programme.\nKia Motors Corporation President, Ho-Sung Song said in a note, \u201cI hope that this small gesture results in many Kia owners like yourself having one less thing to worry about during the uncertain couple of months that lie ahead for many communities.\u201d"
"Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presented, for public display, the rarely seen trio of Black Badge cars for the first time at a specially-prepared Pavilion located in Puteri Harbour, Johor.\nThe trio comprised of two Wraith Black Badge cars (fastback coupe) \u2013 the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built \u2013 and Ghost Black Badge (saloon). Both models are bestowed with 6.6-litre twin-turbo\u00a0\nV12 engines producing 624hp/603 hp capable of hitting 100 km/h from standstill in 4.5 and 4.8 seconds.\nBlack Badge Rolls-Royce vehicles differ from standard models with bolder styling, use of contemporary materials such as carbon fibre and subtle engineering enhancements for added performance. The lengths of customisation is such that Rolls-Royce customers can choose from over 44,000 different colours.\n\u201cWe are confident of a positive response to Black Badge, as Malaysia offers good driving conditions and a growing customer base of successful people who are younger and dynamic. Malaysia has a vibrant luxury and car culture. The development of Johor\u2019s luxury \u2018hot spots\u2019 such as Puteri Harbour and the Iskandar region, along with interest from potential customers, contributed to our decision to launch this exclusive range of cars here for the first time in Malaysia,\u201d said\u00a0\nQuill Motorcars Sdn Bhd, Director, Anas Zawawi Khalid.\nSince it was launched, the Black Badge series has made noticeable presence in the ultra-luxury landscape. The series is Rolls-Royce\u2019s response to an elite group of clients\u00a0\nBlack Badge is Rolls-Royce\u2019s response to a small and select group of clients who have asked the marque for motor cars with specific, focused characteristics that reflect their different take on life, success and the luxury they consume.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival returns for its third consecutive season starting from September 2019 to April 2020.\nWith four rounds scheduled, season three of \nTGR Festival\n covers both on and off track racing consisting of the \nToyota Vios Challenge\n One-Make Races as well as the \nGazoo Racing Velocity E-Sports\n series.\nThe Toyota Vios Challenge One-Make Races maintains its race format of two races per round for three race categories \u2013 Promotional, Sporting, and Super Sporting. Previous seasons\u2019 on-track racing battle have been teeth-grindingly intense, and interestingly for season three Toyota promises \u2018explosive on and off track racing for motorsports fans\u2019. We\u2019ll see about that.\nApart from the race events, visitors can expect a \nGazoo Racing Outlet\n which is said to showcase a line-up of special models inspired and derived from Toyota\u2019s motor-racing involvement which includes the \nGazoo Racing Supra\n.\nYes, the Supra will be there!\nMr Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor said \u201cToyota has accomplished so much in motor-racing and we want to bring enthusiast and customers closer to the Toyota brand and products by leveraging on Toyota\u2019s rich motorsports heritage.\u201d\n\u201cMotorsports is not purely confined to competition but involvement at so many levels. It is also about cultivating greater interest, passion and appreciation and we believe the combination of on track racing, virtual racing, motorsports-inspired and derived models, and bringing the spectacles of motor-racing closer to the people will contribute to giving Malaysian motorsports a further boost,\u201d added UMW Toyota Motor President Mr Ravindran K.\nRound one for the TGR Festival season three will be in \nKuala Terengganu\n on the \n6th and 7th September 2019\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Looks like the official unveiling of the midlife refresh for the\u00a0\nMazda3\n is approaching soon, as seen here in\u00a0the leaked images snapped by Japanese sources. Known as the Axela in Japan and\u00a0the Mazda3 elsewhere, the model was introduced in 2013, making it three years old now.\nThis is the second leak on the facelift 3 following our \nreport\n two months back. As expected, the changes will be mainly cosmetic as Mazda\u2019s excellent\u00a0SkyActiv technologies are expected to soldier on for the years to come. Over these set of photos, what we have here are a clear representation of the facelift\u2019s front, rear bumper, and interior. Changes are mainly minimal and subtle at best, with the front grille resembling more like\u00a0\nMazda6\n.   As a start, the chrome on the grille appears to be thicker and the badge is positioned slightly lower than the outgoing model. Another notable omission is the rounded fog lights, while the headlights remind us of the new \nCX-9\n. \u00a0Meanwhile at the back, the rear log lights have been redesigned and it uses a single exhaust setup instead of the dual-tip exhaust.\nThe changes remain subtle on the inside as it retains its premium touches, which is a good thing. However, the leaked pictures suggest a new feature to come \u2013 an electronic parking brake, ditching the conventional lever type for more stowage space.\nAs reported on \nCarAdvice Australia\n, the Mazda3 facelift, one of the most popular cars at Down Under, will be launched later this month. This means its Malaysian debut should either be scheduled towards the end of this year or early 2017.\n[Source: \nLivedoor\n blog and \nCarAdvice\n]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As cool as the DMC-12 is, it\u2019s been 40 years since the DeLorean first burst onto the scene, and it\u2019s about time we got a refresh. And this time instead of being just a prop in a movie, DeLorean is \nactually back and embracing the future\n with a new EV coupe called the Alpha5.\nMuch like the \noriginal DeLorean\n, the all-new Alpha5 is also penned by \nItaldesign\n, and takes on the shape of a stylish coupe. There\u2019s still the massive gull-wing doors on each side, alongside the rear glass louvres and multi-spoke wheels to serve as nods to the original car. But aside from those touches, however, the rest of the design is thoroughly modern.\nInstead of the boxy silhouette, the all-new DeLorean Alpha5 features a much more curvacious body, highlighted by a single wraparound character line that joins the slim headlights to the taillights at the back.\nGone is also the trademark brushed aluminium look of the original movie car; you now get proper glossy paint finishes, with a two-tone blacked-out roof to separate the glasshouse (with actual windows, by the way) from the rest of the bodywork.\nRELATED: Someone actually stuffed a V8 into the front of a DeLorean\nUnfortunately, you won\u2019t find a flux capacitor at the rear compartment of the Alpha5. Instead, it\u2019s fitted with two individual rear seats, making the reborn DeLorean a four-seater \u2013 and accessing the rear seats should also be a breeze, as the gull-wing doors open to a large cavity thanks to the absence of a B-pillar.\nUp front, the DeLorean Alpha5 follows the trend of favouring on-screen controls instead of physical buttons, with most of the vehicle functions adjusted through a floating touchscreen on the centre console. The centre screen is paired to a large widescreen instrument cluster behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel, and that\u2019s pretty much all you see on the dashboard aside from the wide full-width air vents.\nNot much has been revealed in terms of powertrain yet, as the car is currently still in concept form, and will only be shown off in metal for the first time at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance in August this year.\nHowever, DeLorean does say that the \u201cBase Performance Model\u201d of the Alpha5 can hit 96 km/h (60 mph) from a standstill in \nunder three seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n249 km/h\n (155 mph). 0-88 mph (142 km/h) takes around 4.35 seconds, if you\u2019re thinking of time travelling.\nThe car will also come with a battery pack larger than 100 kWh, which should be enough to provide a driving range of \nover 483 km\n (300 miles) based on the EPA test cycle. That is in part thanks to the DeLorean Alpha5\u2019s relatively low drag coefficient of around 0.23 Cd.\nThe Alpha5 will be produced in Italy, with production slated to begin in 2024, while its powertrain sourced from a supplier from the UK. The DeLorean Alpha5 will be sold initially with a limited run of just 88 Launch Edition cars \u2013 we don\u2019t need to explain the reference.\nFollowing the Alpha5, the DeLorean Motor Company is also planning to extend its line-up to include a V8-powered coupe, electric sedan, as well as a hydrogen-powered SUV.\nGALLERY"
"Toyota USA has just released a \nteaser video\n with the accompanying caption of \u201cThere\u2019s something bold and mysterious in the darkness.stay tuned to discover more!\u201d\nThe incredibly quick seven-second video just focuses on the Toyota logo, now in black, on an equally black paintwork.\nThe fitment of a camera unit informs that this is the rear of the vehicle, so that is a start. A quick check on the close proximity of the Toyota logo and reverse camera indicates this new model isn\u2019t a Toyota GT86 or \nCorolla\n.\nIt also eliminates \nthe Camry\n and the \nGR Supra\n as these models have their names spelt just under the Toyota corporate emblem. Hybrid models meanwhile have emblems with blue inserts, such as the Prius.\nA sporty \nToyota RAV4\n coming then? Perhaps, as the model now packs 306 hp thanks to the addition of two motors and a large battery pack with the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine. \nThe Toyota RAV4 Plug-in hybrid\n model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n6.0 seconds\n. Electric range from the new 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is rated at around 75 km based on WLTP cycle.\nIn Malaysia meanwhile, UMW Toyota introduced a higher-performance version of the evergreen Vios sedan, called the \nToyota Vios GR Sport\n. It does not black emblems, but plenty of well-matched gloss black treatment on the side mirrors, 17-inch wheels and specially designed GR Sport bodykit.\nInside the cabin, we counted a total of eight \u2018GR\u2019 emblems. So, what could this all-black Goth-like Toyota special model be?"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n today announced that from January to July 2020, they\u2019ve sold over 4,008 vehicles. This represents a 1.7% market share, up from 1.4% from the same period (January to July) last year.\nThe Triton continues to carry the sales torch for Mitsubishi Malaysia, with an increased market share of 22.2%; up from 16.9% in the same period. The sales boost also means that the Triton is now the No.1 double-cab pick-up truck in Malacca, Penang and Kedah.\n\u201cMitsubishi Malaysia is pleased to see positive sales take off after being under pressure by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. This is driven largely by the 100% sales tax exemption from the government which applies to both our locally-assembled SUVs the ASX Compact SUV and Outlander seven-seater SUV. The good sales also reveal brand and customer\u2019s loyalty in these very tough times,\u201d said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.\nThe good news is set to continue for MMM following their recent announcement that the \nnew Mitsubishi XPANDER would be launched by this year\n. Aside from that, recently MMM also launched the\n \n\u201cTest Drive2U\u201d online test drive booking\n \nservice\n where you can now book test drives without leaving your home.\nAdditionally, Mitsubishi owners can now also book their service appointments via the \nMitsubishi Connect app\n, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, for \nfree\n.\n \nThe Mitsubishi CONNECT app allows customers to\u00a0\nschedule service appointments\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nmonitor their vehicle\u2019s maintenance history\n. Owners can also receive reminders on their next service and more conveniently, register more than one vehicle under one account.\nIn preparation for the arrival of the new XPANDER, a selected number of \nMitsubishi Malaysia showrooms will be upgraded to Mitsubishi Motor\u2019s latest Visual Identity (VI)\n this year to maintain the company\u2019s number one position in providing excellent after-sales service.\nFor the latest price list of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, click\n here\n."
"Volvo Cars have begun introducing the new infotainment system with Google apps and services built-in that is powered by Android into its existing model line-up.\nVolvo Car Group is the first company to \nteam up with Google\n on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built-in, and the \nfully-electri\nc XC40\n Recharge became the first Volvo car to carry the system.\nThe centrepiece of the Digital Services package is access to Google apps and services, which offer hands-free help with Google Assistant, best-in-class navigation through Google Maps and a broad offer of native in-car apps via Google Play.\nThe company will gradually offer the new Android-powered infotainment system on the \nS90\n, \nV90\n and V90 Cross Country models in the upcoming months.\n \nThe popular Volvo XC60 also get some minor styling updates on the exterior. The grille and bumpers receive subtle styling refinements, with the rear bumper now completely devoid of exhaust outlets.\nThe interior meanwhile gets luxurious leather-free choices plus other materials such as the City Weave textile for the increase in personalisation. A quick glance at the driver\u2019s meter panel also shows a reworked interface, again, first seen in the XC40 Recharge.\nProduction for the new XC60 for key markets will begin in May 2021.\nGALLERY"
"BMW has unveiled the iX, the brand\u2019s next big frontier into the future of electrification and the \u201cnew age in mobility\u201d, and well \u2013 it\u2019s quite. \nsomething\n. Based on the \nVision iNEXT concept\n, BMW says that the iX is a new interpretation of design, sustainability, driving pleasure, versatility and luxury.\nWe\u2019ll start with what\u2019s underneath it, because frankly, that might be the easiest thing to do here. BMW says that this reveal is only the \u201cdesign world premiere\u201d, so a large chunk of the technical details were still kept hidden until the car\u2019s eventual launch in late 2021.\nHowever, we do know that it is built on a new modular and scalable chassis, consisting of an aluminium spaceframe and a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) inner structure. It will be powered by BMW\u2019s\n \nfifth-generation eDrive powertrain\n, featuring two electric motors to make \nat least 500 hp\n, which will result in a 0-100 km/h time of \nunder five seconds\n.\nThe battery pack will have a capacity of \nover 100 kWh\n (at least on the range-topping variant), which should translate to a range of \nover 600 km based on the WLTP cycle\n, or a power consumption figure of 21 kWh per 100 km. Charging the battery from 10 to 80% capacity will take only 40 minutes \u2013 or 120 km range in about 10 minutes \u2013 using a 200 kW DC fast charging, while a complete charge using a standard 11 kW AC wallbox takes 11 hours.\nNow with that out of the way, let\u2019s dive straight into the design, because there\u2019s a lot to take in here. The BMW iX being the production version of the Vision iNEXT concept, its design has obviously been toned down to make it more street friendly.\nHowever, the key distinguishing features are all still here, including the controversial large kidney grille \u2013 now divided down the middle by a black plastic separator, the slim headlights and taillights design, squared off fender bulges, as well as the general dimensions and proportions.\nSpeaking of dimensions, BMW says the iX is similar in size to the \nX5\n, with the height of an \nX6\n, and a wheel house size of an \nX7\n. Compared to its fuel-chugging siblings, the A-pillars on the iX have been pushed forward, shortening the front end to provide more cabin space \u2013 BMW says the interior size is comparable to the range-topping BMW X7.\nOn the front, the LED headlights \u2013 standard on the model but upgradeable to BMW LaserLights \u2013 loses the iconic corona ring lights for an eyebrow-style daytime-running lights. The grilles are also shut off with a piece of acrylic-like material featuring a triangular mesh design, and coated with a layer of self-healing polyurethane to deal with stray rocks.\nDue to the reduced requirement of cooling in an EV, the solid \u201cgrille\u201d now hides the cameras and sensors for the autonomous driving features, as well as the heaters and washers to keep them clear. BMW calls these \u201cshy tech\u201d, concealing its useful functionalities almost in plain sight.\nThe clamshell-style bonnet is also completely closed off, as BMW says there is no need to access that space. As a result, the windshield washer reservoir is hidden under the BMW emblem above the grille for the owner\u2019s access.\nThe largely unadorned sides with no obvious creases or character lines, minimised shutlines all round, minimal air ducting within the front bumper, flat underbody panelling, integrated door handles, and the tapered glasshouse, all contribute to the aerodynamic performance of the iX \u2013 BMW says the fully-electric SUV has a drag coefficient of 0.25.\nThe wheels are also optimised aerodynamically, measuring up to 22-inches in diameter to fill the X7-sized wheel houses. Buyers will also be able to order the iX in both standard and M Sport styling \u2013 the latter with a more exaggerated bumper design all round.\nInside the cabin, the iX is again unlike any BMW we\u2019ve seen before, with a focus on minimalism to create a sense of space in the lounge-like interior. The instrumentation is now replaced by a large sheet of curved glass panel, suspended by hollow structures to give it a floating effect.\nThe glass panel is split into two, one side for the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and the other a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display \u2013 all tied into BMW\u2019s next generation operating system. There\u2019s no traditional centre console right underneath the dashboard, which frees up space for more leg room and storage options.\nAdding to the spacious atmosphere is the large panoramic sunroof, which spans the entire length of the cabin with no supporting struts in between \u2013 the largest single glass surface ever fitted on a BMW \u2013 and can be optionally specified with electrochromic shading \u2013 a first in the industry.\nShy tech is also used within the cabin, as seen on the speakers integrated out of sight, heated surfaces, and the head-up display projected integrated seamlessly into the surface of the instrument panel. Most physical touch controls have also been replaced by haptic touch panels, though the iDrive controller has been retained, and is placed at the end of the centre armrest.\nThe BMW iX also features a hexagonal steering wheel, a first in a series-produced vehicle made by the company. The company says that the \u201ctrack-inspired\u201d contour helps with ingress and egress, while also giving the driver a better view at the instrument panels.\nBMW says that the iX will feature an extensive list of advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving features \u2013 though as mentioned above, no information has been provided on what that actually consists of. For now, we know that the iX will be equipped with a \u201cnew technology toolkit\u201d including super quick processors, powerful sensors, and 5G capabilities to enable these advanced features.\nThere\u2019s still at least about a year or so until the car will be seen on the roads, which gives us a little more time to perhaps get used to how it looks. But barring that, the BMW iX sounds like a significant advancement in the company\u2019s electrification efforts, and will be a big deal in the company\u2019s plans moving into the future. What do you think?\nGALLERY"
"Honda Automobile Thailand has just officially launched the all-new Honda HR-V compact SUV and this new generation only comes with one sole powertrain- the e:HEV hybrid.\nOn the exterior design, Thailand also debuts the RS design, which is not available in Japan (under the \nVezel\n name) or Europe. The RS treatment gives the all-new HR-V a bold front grille with chequered chrome design, a thin red highlight on the RS lower grille with a pulse marking called \u2018Amp Up\u2019, gloss black lower body treatment like the current \nHR-V RS\n, exclusively-designed 18-inch rims, panoramic glass roof as well as smoke coloured tail lamp.\nThe all-new Honda HR-V RS e:HEV also comes with an exclusive Ignite Red metallic two-tone paintwork featuring a gloss black upper half. Available in two other non-RS variants which are E and EL, the all-new HR-V comes standard with LED headlamps and taillamps, auto-folding side mirrors and keyless entry with walk-away auto-locking.\nThe EL variant adds a powered handsfree tailgate with a walk-away auto closure system and LED fog lamps. Inside, standard features include synthetic leather seats, automatic air-conditioning system with front air diffusing vents and rear air vents, 7-inch driver\u2019s digital instrument cluster, drive mode toggle switch, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity as well as the versatile 60:40-split rear seat.\nThe range-topping Honda HR-V RS e:HEV hybrid meanwhile adds a wireless charger, 8-way powered driver\u2019s seat, RS exclusive interior upholstery with red thread highlights, touch-sensitive overhead map lights and reverse-tilting left side mirror as an aid to parking.\nAs mentioned earlier, only one powertrain is available across all three variants of the new Honda HR-V- the 1.5-litre e:HEV hybrid engine that debuted in the Malaysian \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n. Overall power outputs have been raised to cope with the larger body of the HR-V, with the electric motor pushing out \n131 hp and 253 Nm\n of torque (additional of 22 hp) and the 1.5-litre engine with Atkinson-cycle churning out 105 hp and 127 Nm (additional of 7 hp).\nIn the UK, Honda quotes a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of \n10.6 seconds\n.\nThis Honda i-MMD full hybrid setup that focuses on propulsion through the electric motor with the petrol engine only complementing power to the system at high speeds sees a fuel efficiency of \n25.6 km/L\n or 3.9 L/100 km. All variants are also fitted with deceleration paddles selectors (replacing manual gear selection function) on the steering wheel to adjust the regenerative braking force. One-pedal driving is not available in the new Honda HR-V e:HEV unlike the \nNissan Kicks\n or the recently launched \nDaihatsu hybrid\n \nsystem that could be offered in a Perodua Ativa.\nOne aspect that is standard (nearly) is the fitment of the safety systems. All variants come standard with the latest Honda Sensing ADAS suite that adds Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) as well as improved Collision Mitigation Braking System and Lane Keeping Assist System with ACC and Low-Speed Following. The Honda LaneWatch single-camera-based blind-spot monitoring system is available from the mid-range EL variant.\nPrices are unannounced, with the company only planning to formally release the price of all three variants on November 19 th, with the HR-V E e:HEV variant is expected to continue to be priced under THB1 million (approx. RM125k) and the HR-V RS e:HEV under THB1.2 million (approx. RM150k).\nHonda Automobile Thailand is also offering an extended hybrid battery warranty coverage of up to 10 years, while the overall hybrid system gets a five-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage. \u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently celebrated an early Christmas with over 30 children from Rumah K.I.D.S in the 11th installation of the company\u2019s annual social initiative known as \u201cChristmas in a Shoebox\u201d. The occasion was held at Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club.\n \nIn collaboration with Nicol David Organisation (NDO), the event began with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia employees chauffeuring the children to the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club. Upon arrival, they were treated to exciting and interactive sports activities to nurture talent development, build team spirit, and cultivate positive values through sports.\n\u201cAt Mercedes-Benz, we are committed to nurturing and empowering these little ones and hope to support them as much as possible to build a better tomorrow. Throughout our 11 years of this Christmas in a Shoebox initiative, our employees have come together to give back to the community in a meaningful way and we\u2019re glad to be able to organise this with Datuk Nicol David through her new organisation,\u201d said President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Ms. Sagree Sardien.\nAfter the activities, the kids were treated to a sumptuous lunch and special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, played by VP of Sales and Marketing, Michael Jopp and Ms. Sagree. The gifts given out were purchased by Mercedes-Benz employees based on the children\u2019s Christmas wish list.\nCome next year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia along with NDO aims to empower boys and girls from B40 and M40 families with three core values of positivity, confidence, and respect through sports and education. The children will be taught valuable life skills around self-awareness, healthy habits, while boosting their English proficiency.\n\u201cThis is the new beginning for NDO and myself to give back to the local community and to share the knowledge that I gained from my squash career. I realised that I had other experiences from squash that I can tap onto and do new things to create an impact for the future generation,\u201d said Founder of Nicol David Organisation, Datuk Nicol David."
"By the end of this year, the ever-popular Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky compact crossover / SUV twins would have been in the Japanese market for 24 months. A mid-cycle product or facelift is unexpected after a relatively short length of time in the market, but reports suggest the twins are having an update.\nApart from the usual cosmetic updates such as bumpers and rim design, the facelifted compact crossovers are expected to be fitted with a new hybrid system. According to Japanese auto news portals Mag-X and \nCreative311\n, the hybrid system is more than just a belt starter-generator (BSG) mild hybrid assistance set up.\nWorld\u2019s first Toyota Raize GR Sport introduced, but not in Japan. Find out where here!\nUnder the moniker\n e-Smart Hybrid\n, the system features a series system, where a small capacity petrol engine is used as a generator to continuously charge the lithium-ion battery. Propulsion is meanwhile exclusively delivered by a strong electric motor.\nThe series-hybrid system is currently popularised by Nissan under the e-Power technology. In the new Nissan Note as well as Nissan Kicks, a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine spins at a constant engine rpm to recharge the onboard batteries.\nThe electric drivetrain meanwhile is from the larger Nissan Leaf with changes made to suit the respective engine bay and vehicle mass. With the three-cylinder engine only operating when needed and at a prescribed speed, the \nmade-in-Thailand Nissan Kicks\n consumes fuel in a much more optimised manner, returning Toyota Prius-level of fuel consumption of 4.2 L/100 km or 23.8 km/L.\nThe Japanese news portals also indicated that e-Smart Hybrid system is a Daihatsu system, rather than from parent company Toyota. Toyota\u2019s smallest hybrid system is found in the \nall-new Aqua\n and \nYaris\n, comprising of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine mated to two electric motor-generator units (MGU) to deliver a combined output of \n116 hp\n whilst returning approximately 24 km/L.\nToyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky launched in Indonesia, two choices of engines available. More information here!\nAs for the two compact crossovers, the turbocharged three-cylinder engine displacing just 1.0-litre consumes 18.9 km/L, a figure lifted from the \nAtiva\n\u2019s brochure, Perodua\u2019s version of the compact SUV.\n \nToyota and Daihatsu in Japan will launch the new facelifted compact SUV twins on \nNovember 1st 2021\n, according to the information sighted by the news portals. As for our Perodua Ativa, it\u2019s relatively new, thus we do not expect the new powertrain to be introduced into Malaysia so soon."
"In the music industry, \u201cgoing platinum\u201d means the record has sold more than one million copies. While we have no doubts that the \nPorsche Panamera\n is a popular model, selling one million units is a huge ask for any car model, and even more so for a luxury sportscar maker like Porsche.\nSo what do we mean when we said the Panamera has gone platinum? Well, we\u2019re referring to a special edition model called the Porsche Panamera Platinum Edition, of course.\nAs its name suggests, The Platinum model stands out from the regular Porsche Panamera with unique platinum-finished touches on its exterior. These include the 21-inch Exclusive Design Sport wheels, side air outlet trims behind the front fenders, as well as the model designation badges at the rear (plus \u2018e-hybrid\u2019 badges, if applicable).\nBut that\u2019s not all, as the Panamera Platinum Edition also comes as standard with the Porsche Dynamic Lighting System Plus headlights, Exclusive Design tail lights, blacked-out window trims, and a set of black-painted \u201csports tailpipes\u201d.\nThe new Porsche Panamera facelift is now available here in Malaysia. Check it out here! \nPorsche has also loaded up the Platinum Edition\u2019s cabin with several options as standard, including brushed aluminium trims in black, soft-close doors, 14-way comfort seats, heated rear seats, four-zone climate control, a lane change assist system, plus a Bose Surround Sound system.\nThe \u201cPlatinum Edition\u201d lettering is also plastered on the brushed aluminium sill guards (in black), as well as the headrests. But the main highlight, according to Porsche, is that every Panamera Platinum Edition will come with an analogue clock in the dashboard as standard.\nRELATED: The CKD Porsche Cayenne has been confirmed for Malaysia, priced from RM550k! Check it out here.\nThe Platinum Edition\u2019s powertrains are unchanged, depending on which variant you chose. But as standard, all of them will come with the Adaptive Air Suspension system that ties into Porsche\u2019s Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, alongside Power Steering Plus that automatically adjusts the weight and ratio of the steering wheel, making it easier to turn at lower speeds.\nAvailability of the different variants will depend on the market region, and Porsche says that the Platinum Edition will come in at a \u201cparticularly attractive price\u201d \u2013 some outlets in the US calculates it to be around USD6,000 to 7,000 lesser than if you were to choose all of these options \u00e0 la carte.\nThe Porsche Panamera Platinum Edition will celebrate its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 17 November. Deliveries are estimated to start at the end of January 2022.\nGALLERY"
"With the unveiling of a new stamping machine at Perodua\u2019s supplier IQM Sdn Bhd\u2019s facility, Perodua has centralised parts production for its past models.\nThe move is one of Perodua\u2019s many initiatives to help expand its supplier\u2019s business and capabilities, bringing them one step closer to becoming global automotive suppliers.\nUltimately though, the move also seeks to continue supporting owners of past models with quality, quick and affordable parts through its Body & Paint business.\nThe 1,600-metric tonne hydraulic press stamping machine, a RM7 million by Perodua, will produce body parts such as bonnets, side outer panels, rear quarter panels, fenders, doors and roofs for past Perodua models like the first-generation Myvi, Viva, Kelisa and even the Kancil.\nThe dies, specialised tools used to cut or shape materials using a press, have also been moved to IQM. This allows Perodua to free up more space in its plant, simplify operations and reduce lead time and cost \u2013 making it easier to monitor its operations under one roof.\nSince 1994, Perodua has sold over 3.7 million cars in Malaysia and currently, a 1/3 of demand for Perodua parts is for past models.\nWith all its \ncurrent models having over 90% local parts content\n, Perodua is naturally the biggest buyer of automotive components in the country \u2013 having spent RM4.5 billion on parts so far this year out of an earmarked RM5.4 billion for the whole of 2019.\nIQM has been a Perodua\u2019s supplier since 2002. It currently supplies metal stamping, body assembly parts and brake tube components to Perodua.\nIt began making Viva parts when production of the model ended in 2014, and last year it began making parts for the second-generation Myvi on a dedicated new line."
"Well well well, if it isn\u2019t our old friend, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MITT). Ahead of its scheduled launch later this year, images of the sixth-gen \nHonda CR-V\n has now been leaked in full courtesy of the government\u2019s website, giving us our first clear look at the all-new SUV.\nphoto: autolifethailand.tv\nIn terms of appearance, the upcoming sixth-gen Honda CR-V has adopted a sharper and \u2013 arguably \u2013 more minimalist design, with several styling elements inspired from the \nall-new HR-V\n. The front fascia now features a flatter, more upright design, characterised by the slim headlights that extend into a large, hexagonal front grille.\nThe top edge of the grille looks to be framed by a chrome trim underneath the bonnet shut line, with the horizontal fin-like element even bisecting the headlights itself, giving it a pretty unique appearance.\nALSO READ: Honda to introduce 30 new EVs by 2030, including two sports cars\nphoto: autolifethailand.tv\nOnward to the rear, the taillights still feature the same L-shaped design as the\n current-gen CR-V\n, but now sports a thinner light signature and a less-pronounced protrusion at the bottom corner, with the design as a whole reminding us a little of the \nVolvo XC60\n. The light signature gets broken up in the horizontal section into two L-shaped elements, which helps give it a little aggression when viewed from the back.\nThe entire rear fascia has also been cleaned up with fewer lines and creases, while the twin exhaust finishers at the bottom still feature the same trapezoidal shape that was first introduced in the current facelift model.\nWe don\u2019t have the exact dimensions of the car just yet, but rumours and leaks previously have suggested that the upcoming all-new model will take up a larger footprint than the current CR-V.\nphoto: autolifethailand.tv\nphoto: autolifethailand.tv\nOther details that were revealed as part of the filing include the usual Honda Sensing and Lanewatch cameras and sensors, as well as the \u2018240 Turbo\u2019 badging on the tailgate, which suggests that the all-new model will retain the same existing 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo mill \u2013 at least in China.\nThe \u2018240\u2019 most likely denotes the engine\u2019s 240 Nm torque output \u2013 the same as the new\n VTEC Turbo-powered Honda HR-V in Indonesia\n \u2013 which, curiously, will be lower than the outputs of the \nHonda CR-V that\u2019s currently offered here in Malaysia\n.\nALSO READ: The US-market Honda HR-V looks completely different, because it actually is\nPreviously-leaked patent image of the all-new Honda CR-V | \nphoto: autolifethailand.tv\nThe all-new sixth-gen Honda CR-V has also been rumoured to be offered as a hybrid model, likely borrowing the \ne:HEV hybrid powertrain from the Civic\n, with a 2.0 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and a pair of electric motors (one driving the wheels) to offer a total of \n184 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n of torque.\nMore information of the all-new sixth-gen Honda CR-V will likely be revealed very soon, so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest info!"
"Infiniti has released a sole image of the QX80 Monograph, which will be fully revealed at the 2017 New York International Auto Show. The monster SUV is a design study of what could possibly be Infiniti\u2019s new design language for their future production models.\nBased on the existing QX80, the QX80 Monograph receives a new face with a bigger double-arch grille and a reshaped crescent-cut D-pillars. Roland Kreuger, President of Infiniti Motor Company said \u201cQX80 Monograph shows our concept of luxury and style on the road, and is an exploration into how we could enhance our future Infiniti offering in the luxury SUV segment.\u201d\nThey claim their latest design language combines \u201cpower with elegance, creating a commanding and sophisticated presence\u201d. Well, if you ask us, the last thing that the QX80 needs is more road presence. This gigantic SUV easily eclipses the Range Rover if you put them side by side."
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has launched the new\n fully electric IONIQ 5\n with three variants available. The Lite starts from \nRM199,888\n, Plus from \nRM229,888\n and the Max from\n RM259,888\n. All variants come with a 2-year/50,000 km warranty, while the batteries are back by an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.\nHaving seen the car in person, it\u2019s safe to say that the IONIQ 5 is the most complete, feature-packed electric we\u2019ve seen so far. In terms of features, it\u2019s probably even more impressive than the \nMini Electric\n and the \nPorsche Taycan\n!\n \nYou get leg rests for the front seats, a movable \u2018island\u2019 (centre console), reclinable rear seats, front and rear boots, comprehensive safety features, and the most unique of all, charging points for your electronics under the seat and outside of the car!\nIn terms of size, the IONIQ 5 may look like a regular hatchback but in reality, it\u2019s anything but one. It shares the same wheelbase the enormous \nHyundai Palisade\n and is almost as long as the BMW 7 series!\nThe most powerful \u2018Max\u2019 variant produces \n305 hp\n and \n605 Nm\n with an electric motor in the front and back, driving all four wheels. 0 to 100 km/h is sorted in just 5.2 seconds. The top speed for all variants is limited to just 185 km/h.\nThe Lite and Plus are fitted with a 58 kWh lithium-ion battery, while the Max gets a larger 72.6 kWh battery. As such the Max offers up to 430 km of electric driving range while the Lite and Plus will return up to 384 km.\nEver wanted to blow dry your hair while on the way to the office? Now you can!\nUsing a Type 2 AC (11kW) charger, the IONIQ 5 can be charged from 0 to 100% in just 5 hours. With the quicker DC charger, the IONIQ 5 can be charged up to 80% in just 18 minutes. Find out more in the video!\nMore images of the IONIQ 5 \nhere\n!"
"Haval\n has begun teasing a new mid life-cycle update model for its popular\n H6 SUV\n, via images published on Chinese social media network Weibo. Reportedly launching in Q3 of 2023, the new 2023 Haval H6 features a completely redesigned front fascia that looks suspiciously like a \nLamborghini Urus\n.\nThe headlights on the new 2023 updated Haval H6 seem to have retained the same shape as before, but with what appears to be a new, more intricate lighting signature for the daytime-running lights.\nThe biggest change, however, comes in the form of a new grille. or lack-thereof to be more accurate, as the new 2023 facelift update seems to have ditched the chrome grille of the petrol model, as well as the frameless grille look of the PHEV, for a completely unique look dominated by a wide and tall lower grille element.\nRELATED: \nGreat Wall Motor to return to Malaysia in 2022 with Haval and Ora\nNo detailed specifications have been revealed so far, nor were there any images of the new 2023 Haval H6\u2019s interior.\n CarNewsChina.com\n reports however that it\u2019ll be more than just a mere facelift, as it measures some 58 mm longer and 54 mm wider than before.\nThe publication also says that it\u2019ll be offered in petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid guises, with powertrain options likely to remain unchanged from before, depending on markets.\nHere in Malaysia, the hybrid variant was previously already \npreviewed for our markets during the Malaysia Auto Show 2023\n. Underneath the bonnet was a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired to a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) that makes a combined \n243 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n.\nGiven how Chinese carmakers often have different variants of the same vehicle for different markets, we\u2019re unsure if this new 2023 Haval H6 facelift will eventually make its way into Malaysia. Do you prefer the new look, or the frameless one that was previewed in Malaysia earlier this year? Let us know in the comments below.\nREAD MORE: \nHaval H6 HEV first impressions \u2013 Looks great, rides comfortably, and packs a whole lot of punch\nGALLERY\nHaval H6 HEV previewed in Malaysia"
"As the title reads, at least 25% per cent of the plastics used in every new Volvo car will be made from recycled material by the year 2025.\nTo demonstrate this possibility, Volvo unveiled a specially-built \nXC60 T8 plug-in hybrid\n that\u2019s identical to the existing model but with several plastic components replaced with those made of recycled materials.\n\u201cVolvo Cars is committed to minimising its global environmental footprint. Environmental care is one of Volvo\u2019s core values and we will continue to find new ways to bring this into our business,\u201d said President and CEO of Volvo Cars, H\u00e5kan Samuelsson.\nIn the specially-built XC60, its tunnel console is made from renewable fibres and plastics from\n discarded fishing nets and maritime ropes\n. On the floor, the carpet contains fibres made from \nPET plastic bottles and a recycled cotton mix\n from clothing manufacturer\u2019s offcuts.\nThe seats also use PET fibres from plastic bottles. \nUsed car seats from old Volvo cars\n were used to create the sound-absorbing material under the car bonnet.\n\u201cVolvo\u2019s move to integrate plastic waste into the design of their next fleet of cars sets a new benchmark that we hope others in the car industry will follow. Extensive recycling and reuse of plastic is vital to our efforts to turn the tide on plastic pollution,\u201d said Head of UN Environment, Erik Solheim.\nThe recycled plastics ambition is the most progressive statement on the use of recycled plastic by any premium automotive manufacturer.\nIn terms of operations, Volvo Cars aims to have climate-neutral manufacturing operations by 2025. In January this year, the engine plant in Sk\u00f6vde, Sweden became its first climate-neutral facility. An organisation is climate-neutral when it can demonstrate that there are zero CO2 emissions from its operations.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems to be in fashion now that every reputable metropolis needs to be invaded by some sort of Monster. In the case of our beloved KL city, Ducati Malaysia has unveiled yet another romping & stomping Monster. Bigger & meaner than those before.\u00a0Right here at Monkey Garage Caf\u00e9, Bangsar, the Ducati Monster 1200 & Monster 1200s were unleashed for citizens of the biking community & the media to behold its power and beauty.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n\u00a0Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S\nSegment\n\u00a0Superbike\nEngine\n\u00a01198cc Testastretta 11\u00ba DS Ignition engine (135hp / 145hp, 118Nm)\nPrice\n\u00a0RM\u00a0\n106,888 / RM 119,888\n\u00a0\nRecognising the need to satisfy Malaysian Monster fans with even more monstrosity,\u00a0 Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of Naza Group of Companies states that \n\u201c We are aware that there are still enthusiasts who want something more serious which is why we have decided to bring in the Monster 1200\u201d\nBeing the more serious track machine of the Monster family, the Monster 1200 is still everything a Monster should be. Naked Performance bike, the unmistakable Trellis frame, the Monster really requires no further introduction as it has been an iconic motorcycle right from birth in 1992.\nThis incarnation of the Monster has a wheelbase that\u2019s longer by 60mm for greater stability, handle bars 40mm higher & likewise, 40mm closer to the rider. Creature comforts include a height-adjustable seat that can be set between 810mm standard ride height all the way down to 745mm. A feature that\u2019s a first for Ducati and has the lowest seat height ever. This is something most Malaysian bikers will be very pleased with. With better handling & rider ergonomics, this beast is surprisingly. friendlier than its other cousins.\nHowever, do not mistake it\u2019s improved manners for a lesser machine as it now packs a whopping \n135hp \n@ 8,750rpm & \n118Nm\n of torque @ 7,250rpm. The heart of this Monster is a \n1198cc Testastretta 11\u00ba Dual Spark (DS) Ignition engine\n derived from the legendary 1198 Superbike.\u00a0 Yes, Dual Spark means TWO plugs per cylinder for a more efficient combustion in a shorter time. Engine management also dedicates a lambda probe to each header for precise fueling & electronically controlled mid-section valve in the exhaust system ensures optimal exhaust pressure throughout the rev range.\nOther evolutionary changes to this Monster include constructing the chassis in a similar method used in the Panigale Superbike where the frame\u2019s attachment points move directly onto the new engine\u2019s cylinder heads. This compact frame design and large diameter steel tubing enables greater torsional stiffness than before. All of this in a 182kg package, just 15kg heavier than it\u2019s 167kg Monster 796 brother.\nThis high tech monster further connects man and machine via \nRide-By-Wire\n ( RbW ) that uses Ducati\u2019s innovative e-Grip throttle that works in varying degrees with the \nDucati Traction Control\n ( DTC ) system providing 3 riding modes \u2013 Sport, Touring & Urban.\u00a0 The added \nDucati Safety Pack\n ( DSP ) includes a three-level ABS System & eight-level DTC.\nThe Monster 1200 is also equipped with a state of the art 1199 Panigale inspired \nfull-TFT instrument panel\n. The display\u2019s configuration is variable and automatically adapts to variations in environmental light, also changing according to the selected Riding Mode or is fully selectable by the rider.\u00a0With all these technology as standard, this Monster takes great care to protect its master.\nDucati takes great pride in its product quality & reliability which is reflected in it\u2019s convenient 30,000km major service interval. With this, the Monster 1200 is not only a worthy opponent on track day but also a reliable every bike.\nPriced at \nRM106,888\n the Ducati\u00a0 Monster 1200 comes in two colours \u2013 Star White & Ducati Red. For RM13k more you get the even more accomplished Monster 1200s has front & rear \u00d6hlins shocks & another 10hp of muscle (\nRM119,888\n).\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the global unveiling of the \nLynk & Co 03\n, Geely Auto Group has made bold announcement that all Lynk & Co products will come with a Lifetime Product Warranty and free data traffic access as standard. The newly founded carmaker also confirmed that the \nLynk & Co 01 SUV\n is production ready and will enter the Chinese market later this year.\nLynk & Co will become the world\u2019s first automaker to offer free internet connectivity for live-traffic view,\u00a0and every vehicle purchased globally will benefit from this. As a statement of quality and confidence in their products, all Lynk & Co cars will come with a \nlifetime warranty\n and roadside assistance. More details of the internet connectivity and lifetime warranty package will be revealed in due course. The Chinese brand will also venture into the US market by 2019.\nAlso in the pipeline is\u00a0the\n\u00a0Open-API (Application Programme Interface)\n where app developers can develop apps for Lynk & Co. Owners can then download these apps via a dedicated app store.\nInspired by the business models by fashion and tech giants, Lynk & Co are moving away from the conventional way of offering multiple trim levels and options. Instead, all cars will be offered in its highest specification. And like fashion, each season will feature a different \u2018theme\u2019.\nLifetime warranty, free internet, open-API and subscription-based ownership; all these are unheard of from any automaker, period. Surely, we can expect more details about its extremely ambitious business plans when the first Lynk & Co vehicle goes on sale come end-2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Lynk & Co 03 Sedan   Lynk & Co 01 SUV"
"Der 918 Spyder\n\u00a0\nstole the limelight away from its two siblings that were being launched here in Porsche Malaysia\u2019s latest flagship centre in Sungai Besi. This is the first time Malaysians have seen Porsche\u2019s new halo car in the flesh thanks to Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP).\nMalaysia will be receiving three units out of the 918 units that will ever be produced. It\u2019s unconfirmed who the owners are.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche 918 Spyder\nEngine\n4.6L V8 with 2 electric motors, one on each axle\nTransmission\n7-speed transaxle PDK\nMax Power\n887 hp + 2 electric motors @ 9,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n1,275 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; 0 \u2013 200 km/h; 0 \u2013 300 km/h\n2.5 seconds; 7.2 seconds; 19.9 seconds\nFuel Economy\n3.0 litre per 100km\nPrice\nRM7,000,000 (est)\nIn march 2010, Porsche made the boldest decision to announce at the\n Geneva Motor Show\n, that they will be making what is essentially a daily-driver plug-in hybrid hypercar. There were two target goals the development team had\u00a0to accomplish. Firstly, the 918 Spyder must be able to achieve a\n fuel efficiency\n rate of \n\u00a03.0 litre per 100km\n. Secondly it must be able to clock the \nfastest lap time\n at the\n Nurburgring Nordschleife\n racetrack.\nTwo polar opposites on the\u00a0automotive scale. At first, even the team wasn\u2019t sure if this project was possible and with less than \n1,000 days;\n\u00a0the team had to develop, build and test one of the most ultra-lightweight, powerful Porsche hypercars ever built.\nThe 918 Spyder, uses a carbon fiber reinforced polymer \n(CFRP)\n monocoque chassis taken from the rare, limited-edition run \nPorsche Carrera GT\n supercar of which only 1,720 prime examples were built. The engineers made lightness\n an absolute priority\n, and this is evident in the fact the they\u2019ve managed to get up to\n 80 percent of the total weight below the center line of the car\n.\nThis exercise greatly improves the cornering speed of the 918 Spyder. Typically, in sports cars of this nature, the weight is a 50:50 balance. However, in the 918 Spyder, \n56 percent\n\u00a0of the weight is towards the rear of the car. Even the bespoke made rims are made from \nmagnesium\n, saving up to\n 14kg\n of weight. All in the quest for featherweight lightness.\nPowering Porsche\u2019s hypercar is a \nLe Mans derived\n 4.6L direct-injection V8 engine taken straight from the \nRS Spyder\n, after which was put on a crash diet by Porsche\u2019s engineers to be further lightened and modified. The con-rods are made from forged\n\u00a0titanium\n;\u00a0the walls of the cylinder have been \nthinned\n down, the \ncrankshaft\n\u00a0has been\u00a0\nredesigned\n so that an oil channel runs through it, saving unsprung weight whereas the airbox for the intakes is made from \u2013 you guessed it \u2013\u00a0\ncarbon fiber\n.\nThe result is a whaling banshee that\u2019s able to rev its engine all the way up to \n9,000 rpm\n. At a mere \n140kg\n, this engine is almost \n100kg lighter\n than the heart that beats in the\n \nPorsche 911\n. The engine is built by a single engineer that takes up to\n 20 hours\n to build from the scratch.\nBut that\u2019s not all.\u00a0The 918 Spyder, in addition to it glorious V8 engine, is also powered by \ntwo electric motors\n. Located in the front of the car, a \n130hp\n motor is tasked with powering the V8 to life and is in charge of the \nStop/Start\n\u00a0function of the car. The second motor is located at the back, providing a \n160hp\n and works in tandem with the gasoline engine to ferry the 918 along very quickly, effectively making the 918 an \nall-wheel-drive\n hypercar.\nMade bespoke by \nZF\n in their state-of-the-art Friedrichshaufen factory in Germany, these motors start out in life as a \n200-sheet\n \nmetal stator\n \nmotor\n core that is coiled over with copper wires, which is then attached to the rotor assembly that has \n32 high-powered magnets\n built into the motor.\nTo keep heat away from these liquid cooled electric motors, the engineers had to find another way to divert the hot exhaust gases away from them. The solution was form following function. The \n900\u00b0\nC\n\u00a0\ngases emitted from the engine are channeled via the twin top mounted exhaust pipes.\nPowering these immense motors is a \n312 cell\n, \n6.8 kW/h\n lithium-ion battery pack. That\u2019s the equivalent to almost \n2,600\n AA batteries that you would normally find in your TV\u2019s remote controller. The result of all of these technological advancements means the 918 Spyder has a combined output of\n 887hp\n at \n9000 rpm\n\u00a0providing an unbelievable \n1,275 Nm\n of torque. It does the century sprint in \n2.5 seconds\n\u00a0and reaches a top speed of \n340kph \nvia a transaxle mounted\n\u00a0seven-speed PDK\n gearbox. The Spyder would make Dominic Toretto proud with a quarter mile time of \n9.8 seconds\n.   The guys\u00a0at Porsche have come up with a rather handy \nDriving Mode Selector\n knob on the steering wheel that comes with five settings. The first is the\n E-mode\n following, which makes the 918 Spyder a \nfront-wheel-drive only Electric Vehicle (EV)\n with a range of up to\n 20km\n and capable of speeds of up to 150km/h. Exhausting the charge in the battery pack, it switches over to the \nH-Mode\n, or Hybrid-mode which fires up the engine and uses a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) and recharge the battery pack.\nIn \nS-mode\n or Sports mode, the 918 comes to life by first activating its \nActive Aerodynamic\n features such as the opening a flap in the front grille to allow cooling of the \n406mm Brembo\n built carbon-ceramic brakes which is capable of braking the 918 Spyder from \n100kph to standstill in 28.6 meters\u00a0\nand deploying its wing which is engineered to withstand up to\n 3,200 newtons of force \n\u2013 that or the weight of three adults sitting on it.\nIn \nRace-mode\n the huge rear spoiler is inclined a further 8\u00b0 to maximise downforce. Hitting the red button in the center of the selector, engages the \nHot Lap\n mode, which throws caution and energy conservation to the wind, all three elements are there for one reason only. \nSpeed\n. And to coincidentally shatter the\n production car lap record\n at the Nurburgring circuit with an impressive time of\n 6 minutes 57 seconds.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Short film aficionados out there, this one\u2019s ought to get your attention. BMW Group Malaysia has just announced the return of the BMW Shorties, which is the country\u2019s premier short film competition. Each participant would have a shot at winning the RM75,000 pot, which also comes with a list of other distinguished awards, should you win of course.\nThis year\u2019s theme is \u2018Connections\u2019, and\u00a0BMW Shorties are asking Malaysians to challenge their story telling abilities by exploring the essential human need of being connected, whether with other human beings or with the world around us.\nManaging Director of BMW Group Malaysia\u00a0Mr Alan Harris said,\u00a0\u201cIn today\u2019s world of hyper connectivity, the challenge for society is to be able to discern and consume value from the clutter. The theme of \u201cConnections\u201d thus seeks to challenge Malaysians to seek out and explore the meaning of the connections which we have to one another, to our nation or to our world, through their own original perspectives.\u201d\nThe panel of judges will comprise of experts from Malaysia\u2019s film making industry,\u00a0\u00a0including four-time BMW Shorties veteran and commercial film maker Lina Tan; feature film producer Nandita Solomon; actor, screenwriter, and director Bront Palarae; highest grossing Malaysian film director Chiu Keng Guan as well as one of Malaysia\u2019s original and most celebrated short film directors, Tan Chui Mui.\nBesides the RM75,000 production grant, the winner will be given recognition\u00a0for his or her film making talent in a line-up of awards which includes Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing and Best Sound Engineering as well as the ever popular People\u2019s Choice Award.\nEntries for the BMW Shorties is now open. For all the budding short filmmakers out there, you have until the 3\u00a0November 2014 to submit your short film entries. For further information regarding the BMW Shorties and how to participate, visit the \nofficial BMW Shorties Facebook page\n or the \nofficial BMW Shorties website\n.\nBest of luck, guys!"
"We are now in Day 30 or rather Phase 3 of the Movement Control Order in Malaysia. It\u2019s safe to assume that the restricted movement has taken a toll, both physically and mentally, not just on us adults and parents, but also to the kids who have been yearning but forbidden to go out \u2013 not comprehending the magnitude of the situation.\nCar makers, aside from efforts to support hospitals and healthcare workers, have also taken the strain of the lockdown into consideration and interestingly, have prescribed art work and handy crafts to alleviate the strain of this lockdown.\nIt started off with \nAudi and their colouring book\n, then\n Toyota\n and \nMazda \ncurated paper crafts modeled after their cars and it\u2019s now BMW\u2019s turn. The models included in the collection includes the E30 BMW 3 Series, the 8 Series Gran Coupe, the BMW X5 and what is essentially the next 4 Series.\nFor higher resolution images, \nget them here\n! It\u2019s a Czech Republican site so just allow Google to translate it and you\u2019d easily find the attachments."
"UMW Toyota Motor has just announced the arrival of the new 2019 Toyota Avanza with three variants available. There\u2019s the range-topping 1.5S+ that replaces the 1.5G, priced at \nRM87,888\n, 1.5S at \nRM83,888\n and 1.5E at \nRM80,888\n.\nColour options are Dark Red Mica Metallic, Silver Mica Metallic, White and Black Metallic.\nAs you can tell from the pictures, visually, the front end almost resembles that of a Vellfire, with two-tier Bi-LED headlamps, while its sleek profile is complemented with chrome trims below the front doors, a sharkfin antenna and power folding side mirrors which are only available in the 1.5S and 1.5S+ models .\nEmphasis on refinement and aerodynamics are apparent in the new Avanza. Wind noise has apparently be reduced by reshaped side mirror covers, while a spoiler with LED stop lamps offer smoother air flow over the roof, reducing drag in the process.\nWhile it may still be utilising the 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine with 105 hp and 136 Nm, certain measures have been taken to improve Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).\nThe dashboard for instance, has been lined with sound insulating material to reduce penetration of engine noise. High damping urethane material has also been used for the tunnel silencer and rear deck silencer to reduce intrusion of gear noise from transmission & the vehicle differential.\nWorking with the original equipment tyre supplier, Toyota engineers were able to reduce road noise generated from tyres by about 1.5 dB through changes in tyre construction and rubber characteristics.\nSpeed sensitive wipers are now available at the front, while at the back the rear wipers can operate automatically when the reverse gear is selected \u2013 if the front wipers are in operation.\nThe new-look is also enhanced with new 15-inch light alloy wheel designs with full-sized spare wheels.\nChanges to the new Avanza are beyond skin deep. Inside, you now get a two-tone dashboard, dark fabric seats with red accents, a multi-function steering wheel, a Digital Air-Conditioning System with Clean Air Filter, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on the 6.75-inch capacitive touch screen.\nSmaller details such as the meter cluster has also been given some attention, with the 1.5S and 1.5S+ getting Red accents while the 1.5E models are finished in Blue.\nAs for safety, the 1.5S+ gets the cream of the crop which includes a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, reverse camera (standard in 1.5S+) and dual SRS airbags.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia invited a handful of media personnel to the Porsche Centre\u00a0Damansara for the sneak preview of Porsche\u2019s first compact SUV, the Porsche Macan.\nThis smaller version of the widely successful Porsche Cayenne is born, bred and Made in Germany at the 500 million euro Leipzig plant. It inherits traits and styling cues from its siblings such as the sloping roof line of the 911 and even the headlights of the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar.\nThe word \u2018\nMacan\n\u2018 means \u2018\nTiger\n\u2018, which comes from the Indonesian term \u2018Barong Macan\u2019 or\u00a0Tiger Barong. A powerful compact SUV that\u2019s ready to pounce.\n\u201cThe Macan is the first sportscar in the compact SUV segment and it is the fifth model line-up for the Porsche brand. It combines all the typical Porsche driving characteristics with all the benefits of what a compact SUV can offer in the everyday life. I am certain that with the new Macan, we will be able to reach out to owners who are looking into joining the Porsche family for the first time as well as to excite our long-term customers,\u201d said Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer, SDAP.\nThe Porsche Macan will be available in four variants, the Macan (4-cylinder), Macan S, Macan S Diesel, and the top range Macan Turbo. All models come with active all-wheel drive and Porsche Traction Management (\nPTM\n).\nFor the first ime in a new Porsche model range, the Macan variants are fitted with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (\nPDK\n), which provides\u00a0fast gear changes without any interruption in tractive force, short reaction times, low fuel consumption and outstanding shift comfort.\nSDAP announced that the Porsche Macan will only launch in fourth quarter this year, most probably \nAugust 2014\n.\nPorsche Macan (4-cylinder)\n \nThe entry level Macan is powered by a \n2.0-litre in-line four\n cylinder turbocharged engine. It produces \n237 horsepower\n and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. It reaches at top speed of 223 km/h. Fuel consumption of the Macan is 7.2 litres per 100km,\u00a0making it among the most efficient compact SUV in its class. Price estimated from\n RM460,000\n.\nPorsche Macan S\n \nThe Macan S is has \n3.0-litre V6 biturbo\n engine delivering \n340 horsepower\n. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package fitted). It reaches a top speed of 254 km/h, and its fuel consumption figures are between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km.\u00a0Price estimated from \nRM550,000\n.\nPorsche Macan S Diesel\n \nThe Macan S Diesel is the most economical of the three Macan variants. Powered by a \n3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine\n, delivering \n258 horsepower\n with fuel consumption figures between just 6.3 and 6.1 litres/100 km. The Macan S Diesel accelerates from 0 to 100 km in just 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package fitted), up to a top speed of 230 km/h.\u00a0Price estimated from \nRM560,000\n.\nPorsche Macan Turbo\n \nThe top range Macan Turbo is powered by the\u00a0\n3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine\n that is used for the first time in a Porsche model. It produces \n400 horsepower\n, which accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. (or 4.6 seconds\u00a0with the Sport Chrono package fitted). Fuel consumption figures are between 9.2 and 8.9 litres per 100km.\u00a0Price estimated from \nRM785,000\n.\nWhat else?\n \nThe Porsche Macan Turbo previewed at the Porsche Centre Damansara came straight from Thailand after its appearance in the recent Bangkok Motor Show. If you would like to have a sneak peek at the Porsche Macan Turbo, it will then be displayed at Bangsar Shopping Centre from May 21st to 25th 2014 for a public preview.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When it comes to paintwork, we can all trust Lexus to push the boundaries of conventional paint jobs, especially after displaying the stunning \nyellow-on-silver LF-C2 Roadster Concept\n at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.\nThis time around, Lexus Australia collaborated with creative agency M&C Saatchi in a brilliant marketing ploy to promote the \nRC Coupe\n. The one-off high performance RC F\u2019s (5.0-litre V8; 470 hp & 530 Nm) body panels are finished in \nelectro-luminescent paint\n produced by US-based paint specialist, Luminor.\nThe paint on its own doesn\u2019t glow, however. To activate the pulsating effect, various technologies have been integrated into the car to monitor the driver\u2019s heartbeat. The data collected will then send electric charges through the bodywork, reacting with the paint to produce an intense glow that pulses in the exact same rhythm as the driver\u2019s heart rate.\nFrom the video above, it seems that the special paint only comes to life once your heart beats over 100 bpm, and the effects are nothing short of spectacular. It\u2019s certainly an interesting and very innovative way of promoting a car, so hats off to Lexus at the land Down Under.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI has just updated its entire model lineup with a range of new design, functionality and infotainment improvements from July 2017 onwards.\nStarting from the MINI Clubman and Countryman, Apple CarPlay will be available for customers opting for the Media Pack XL and MINI Tech Pack. Connected to the 8.8-inch MINI Central Display, passengers will be able to access iPhone apps such as the \nBFM official iPhone App\n via the MINI Touch Controller or the touchscreen.\nAll MINI models will benefit from a swankier instrument cluster that offers better clarity (the standard one is already impressively crisp) and enhanced graphics display. Cabin buttons and dials now get white illumination instead of orange. This new colour scheme is also applied onto the Heads-Up Display (HUD). Besides that, a new fuel level display on the right section of the instrument cluster offers improved precision and clearer display.\nSwitching between drive modes is now easier with a new toggle switch positioned underneath the climate controls. HUD settings will be accessed from a separate menu in the MINI operating system as well. Owners can now store individual height settings for the HUD, wing mirror adjustment and powered seats adjustment in the personal profile on the vehicle key.   Alertness assistant \u2013 a safety feature that reminds drivers to take a break when erratic driving is detected \u2013 will be introduced to the MINI 3 Door, 5 Door and Convertible. This however, is a cost option for the\u00a0MINI Visual Boost screen, MINI Navigation or MINI Navigation XL package. Again, it\u2019s only available from July onwards.\nLocally, MINI Malaysia has just introduced the \nsecond-generation MINI Countryman\n as well as the \nupdated MINI 3 Door and 5 Door\n that come with enhanced equipment. In case you are not aware, you can now own a MINI from RM1,348 a month with \nMINI Full Circle Financing Programme\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Apple iPhone users will soon be able to unlock and start their cars using just their phones, thanks to the new CarKey feature announced earlier today at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). At the keynote speech, Apple also announced that the new \n2020 BMW 5 Series\n will be the first vehicle to integrate this new feature.\nBMW and Apple has had a long history of partnership. The German carmaker was the first to integrate the iPod in their vehicles, and more recently the first to offer wireless CarPlay. The new Apple CarKey joins the\n existing Android feature\n on BMW cars \u2013 where it\u2019s called BMW Digital Key, enabling customers to unlock and drive their cars without having the physical key around.\n \nAfter setting up the Apple CarKey, which can be done through the BMW mobile application, customers can unlock the vehicle by just tapping their iPhones on the door handle. Once the CarKey-enabled iPhone is placed on the smartphone charging tray, a sensor will detect the NFC chip in the phone, and you will then be able to start the car by pushing the start button.\nOwners can also share their digital key access with up to five friends through text messages, including a configurable car access option (similar to the \nVolvo Care Key\n, just without the actual physical key) which restricts top speed, horse power, and even maximum radio volume. Access to the CarKey can be managed from inside the car, as well as through Apple Wallet \u2013 where the \u201ckey\u201d is securely stored.\nIf your phone runs out of juice, don\u2019t worry as the iPhone is designed with a power reserve that will keep your digital key functional for up to five hours. CarKey will also support the Apple Watch, which means you\u2019ll be able to unlock the car without pulling out your mobile phone, too.\nApple and BMW says that they have been working closely with the Car Connectivity Consortium for a standardised digital key specification. The Digital Key Specification 2.0 using NFC has been released in May this year, while the companies are currently working on a digital key using Ultra Wideband technology to enable a true \u201ckeyless\u201d experience.\nBMW said in a press release that the Apple CarKey function will be enabled on almost every BMW model (except the 7 Series, X1, X2, X3, and X4, oddly) manufactured after July 1st 2020 in 45 countries.\nApple CarKey is compatible with the iPhone XR, iPhone XS or newer, as well as Apple Watch Series 5 or newer. Introduced as a feature on the forthcoming iOS 14 operating system, Apple says that the feature will be backported onto iOS 13 to allow for quicker adoption.\nLocally, a BMW representative said that there is currently no scheduled timeline for the introduction of this feature in Malaysia, stating that it will likely not make it to our country this year."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has finally introduced the locally-assembled Outlander 2.4L, joining the recently launched \nOutlander 2.0L CKD\n. The Outlander 2.4L CKD is now competitively priced at RM155k (OTR without insurance) \u2013 RM11,720 savings over the \nCBU variant\n when it first went on sale in early 2016.\nDespite the lower price tag, MMM has managed to introduce additional features to the Outlander 2.4L CKD. \nNew items\n include 18-inch two-tone multi-spoke alloys, an aerodynamic rear spoiler, 7.0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Air Gesture Control, All Round Monitor (360-degree camera) and Digital Video Recorder.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi Outlander 2.4L CKD\nMitsubishi Outlander 2.0L CKD\nEngine\n2.4-litre DOHC, inline-4 MIVEC\n2.0-litre DOHC, inline-4 MIVEC\nTransmission\nINVECS-III CVT\nMax Power\n166 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n143 hp\nMax Torque\n222 Nm @ 4,100 rpm\n196 Nm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM155,000\nRM139,988\nElsewhere, standard\u00a0kit remains the same for the locally-assembled Outlander 2.4L with full LED headlamps, LED taillamps, leather upholstery, electronic parking brake with auto hold, paddle shifters, eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat, powered sunroof, powered tailgate with anti-pinch and an intelligent 4WD system.   Power comes from the same 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated MIVEC four-cylinder that belts out\u00a0\n166 hp\n and \n222 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels via an INVECS-III CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).\nThe Outlander 2.4L CKD continues to offer best-in-class safety features with \nseven-airbags\n, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX mounting points and Rest Reminder.\nCustomers can choose from three striking colours \u2013 Red Metallic, Solar White and \nRuby Black\n \u2013 a newly added colour that is available exclusively for the Malaysian market. Every purchase of the Mitsubishi Outlander comes with 2-Years free service and 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The recently unveiled \nGeely Bin Yue\n compact SUV is now officially on sale in China, once again setting a new benchmark in equipment and technology for the segment.\nSitting on the new global \nB-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform\n, the Bin Yue measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,609 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. One of the unique characteristics of the BMA platform is the optimised layout for a spacious cabin and the Bin Yue boasts a 68.7 per cent wheelbase utilisation rate for the interior.\nOn the outside, the Bin Yue takes much of its design cues from the larger \nBo Yue SUV\n albeit with a more dynamic and youthful approach thanks to the angular front splitters, quad exhaust outlets, rear diffuser inserts, dual-tone paint scheme, red painted brake calipers as well as a sporty rear spoiler.\nThe decked-out variant of the Bin Yue gets full adaptive LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, carbon fibre finish body kit and 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/55 \nContinental UC6\n rubbers.   Step inside and you will not believe that this is a car that rivals against the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nMazda CX-3\n because the design and equipment levels are well above the competition. In the Bin Yue you\u2019ll find dual tone leather upholstery with brushed aluminium inlays, 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster display, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 10.25-inch floating touchscreen display, electronic gear selector, 360-degree surround view camera, \nair ioniser\n, panoramic sunroof and more.\nOn higher grade models, the infotainment system is powered by the latest \nGKUI (Geely Smart Ecosystem user interface)\n that comes with an AI engine with natural Voice Command. The system operates similarly to what will be available on the soon-to-be-launched Proton X70 except, the prompt on the Geely model is \u201c\u4f60\u597d\uff0c\u7f24\u8d8a\u201d (Hi, Bin Yue).   The Bin Yue is available with two powertrain options \u2013 a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder or a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo. Both engines feature direct injection technology and are front-wheel driven. The 1.0-litre TD engine is found on lower grade models and is paired to a six-speed manual transmission to deliver \n136 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at \n5.3 L/100 km\n.\nThe \n1.5-litre TD engine co-developed with Volvo\n is paired to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission to deliver \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of twist, capable of sending the Bin Yue sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.9 seconds\n whilst returning a fuel consumption rating of \n6.1L per 100km\n.\nAs a global model, the 1.5-litre TD engine has covered more than \n12 million kilometres of testing\n through Asia, Africa, Europe and North America while the seven-speed DCT has completed over 6 million km of testing. Ensuring the powertrain is able to serve global markets reliably.\nGeely has also paid special attention to the Bin Yue\u2019s Advanced Drivers Assist technologies, achieving\n Level 2 autonomous driving\n with the onboard tech. Using a combination of radar and high-definition cameras, the Bin Yue comes with ICC Intelligent Cruise Control with Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Detection. This allows the Bin Yue to follow vehicles at speeds of up to \n150 km/h\n and can even perform lane changes automatically.   Geely\u2019s G-Safety technologies are also available in the Bin Yue, bundling Electronic Stability Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking system with pedestrian recognition, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with temperature readouts, HD driving recorder and others.\nIn China, there are six variants of the Geely Bin Yue on sale with prices starting from RMB78,800 (RM47k) for the base 1.0L (MT) to RMB118,800 (RM71k) for the range-topping 1.5L DCT. Every purchase of the new compact SUV in China comes with an 8-Years or 300,000 km mileage warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars has been recognised for its sustainability strategy by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing an A-score for its actions aimed at cutting emissions, lessening climate risks and becoming a climate-neutral company.\nThis places Volvo Cars in the highest tier of CDP\u2019s climate change list, together with only a smaller number of global companies. More than 13,000 companies around the world took part by disclosing data on their environmental impacts, risks and opportunities, and Volvo Cars\u2019 high score reflects its position as a leader in environmental ambition and climate action.\n\u201cWe are very proud to see that our hard work to cut emissions and becoming climate neutral is being recognised by CDP,\u201d said Volvo Cars, head of global sustainability, Anders K\u00e4rrberg. \u201cReceiving the prestigious A-score shows that we are on the right track, and hopefully we can inspire other companies to do even more.\u201d\nVolvo Cars aim to be a fully electric car maker by 2030, before the \nban of engines in Europe\n, and plans an aggressive roll out of new-generation electric vehicles with the \nreplacement of the XC90\n due in the coming months. Volvo also sees the longer-term benefits of changing the seat upholstery to \nnon-animal material\n. \u00a0\u00a0\nRELATED: Volvo says making EVs generates up to 70% more carbon emissions compared to traditional engines. Using it wisely offsets it though. More here.\nShifting to electric power also means partnering with \nNorthvolt\n to develop and produce sustainable batteries that will reduce the carbon impact, responsible sourcing of raw materials and even remanufacture or reuse batteries. A new \u2018Gigafactory\u2019 will also be built in Europe, where the site will be powered by 100% clean energy and is expected to employ around 3,000 people, with production scheduled to start in 2026.\nVolvo dealerships in Malaysia have a dedicated collection point for e-waste and more! Additional info here.\nVolvo says that by producing batteries near its own manufacturing facilities in Europe, it can reduce the environmental footprint attributable to battery sourcing and production for its future cars.\nAt the recently concluded UN Climate Change Conference COP26, Volvo Cars became the first automaker to announce the introduction of an internal carbon price of SEK1,000 (approx. RM465) a tonne as part of attempts to ensure all future projects are sustainable. The company aims to be climate neutral by 2040."
"Normalcy is certainly coming back to Malaysia, as more and more product launches are being scheduled.\nThe latest car to hit the social media pages is Honda Malaysia and the new Honda City Hatchback! The company posted a short teaser video on their \nFacebook page\n portraying a red City Hatchback.\nPausing the video reveals it\u2019s an \nRS e:HEV\n variant, the range-topping hybrid variant of the all-new Honda City range in ASEAN.\nOur neighbours in Thailand and \nIndonesia\n have already launched the City Hatchback as a replacement to the beloved \nHonda Jazz\n. In \nThailand\n, the same Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV is quite an expensive product even after factoring in generous incentives, approximately RM3k separating it and the entry-level Honda Civic 1.8 (FC).\nTo recap, the Honda e:HEV hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, with the latter primarily driving the car. The engine will be used as a generator or supplement extra power when needed, such as overtaking. The combined system output is \n109 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n.\nClaimed performance figures on the Honda City sedan RS e:HEV, priced at \nRM105,950\n,\n are 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.9 seconds\n whilst delivering ultra-low fuel consumption of just 3.6 litres per 100 km.\nBeing entirely based on the latest, seventh-generation \nHonda City (GN)\n, the City Hatchback model shares the same front design, front doors as well as dashboard of the sedan, similar to what Toyota did to the Toyota Vios (NSP151) to create the ASEAN Toyota Yaris.\nHonda City Hatchback RS e:HEV, Thailand\nFor reference, the outgoing \nHonda Jazz (GK)\n is priced at a range from RM72,512 to RM84,956, with the short-lived Jazz Hybrid i-DCCD available from RM75,000.\nWe will keep updating the website as we receive more information on the new Honda City Hatchback. It is indeed good to be heading towards normalcy!"
"If the fire-breathing \nVolkswagen Golf R MK7.5\n does not sound as mean as you hope it to be, Volkswagen has the solution for you. They\u2019ve introduced the R-Performance Pack that heightens the drama to another level with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system and a high-performance brake system.\nDeveloped in partnership with \nAkrapovic\n, the R-Performance titanium exhaust system is designed to give the Golf R completely new acoustic profile at high revs and gear shifts. Volkswagen claims that its akin to the sounds typically heard in \nmotorsports\n. Besides the more aggressive aural note, the exhaust system saves \nseven kilos\n at the rear axle compared to the standard system. Not to worry though, as the signature quad exhaust design is retained.\nAfter helping the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine exhale better, you might want to have the \nR-Performance brake system\n to go along with it. Besides shaving overall weight by \n2\u00a0kg\n, additional\u00a0\nhigh-performance brake pads\n with superior hot braking response ensures that the driver gets consistent bite during track outings. The R-Performance brake system is identifiable by the \nsilver brake calipers with R-lettering\n.\nConsidering the sheer amount of Golf R owners opting for aftermarket exhaust systems to their prized ride, perhaps Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) should toy with the idea of bringing in the R-Performance Pack as an option when the \nGolf MK7 facelift arrives to our shores\n. An Akrapovic titanium exhaust backed by manufacturers warranty? Please, take my money.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW\n has confirmed that the ninth-generation iDrive (iDrive 9.0) infotainment operating system will be making its debut in 2023 \u2013 just two years since the\n iDrive 8.0 system\n was launched.\nAccording to a report by \nAutocar UK\n, the new iDrive 9.0 software will forgo a Linux-based operating system for an Android-based package, which BMW says will enable faster and more seamless operational capabilities.\nBMW iDrive 8.0 system on the\n BMW iX xDrive40\nThe iDrive 9.0 system will launch in the second-generation BMW X2, before being rolled out to other BMW models. It\u2019ll feature a new \u201ccontent-driven\u201d interface that replaces the existing tile-based home screen, alongside updated touchscreen and voice-based functionality.\nThere will also be a new app store function, which will take advantage of the 5G connectivity capabilities for faster downloads, in addition to over-the-air software updates. Other refinements will centre around digital air-conditioning controls, which have reportedly been extensively reworked and simplified.\nAside from the X2, Autocar says that the iDrive 9.0 operating system will also be introduced to the \nall-new BMW X1\n and \nBMW 2 Series Active Tourer\n. Both of these models have already removed the iDrive controller in the centre armrest, which could be a hint of what\u2019s to come in the next-generation software.\nHowever, according to BMW Group senior vice president of electronics and software, Cristoph Grote, the iDrive controller \u2013 which has been part of every new BMW since 2001 \u2013 will still continue to be present on other upcoming BMW models.\nMini \nmodels due for launch in 2023, including the new hatchback and a production version of the Aceman concept, will also receive the new iDrive 9.0 system, albeit with a Mini-specific interface.\nFor the current BMW models with iDrive 8.0, a software updated dubbed iDrive 8.5 will be delivered via over-the-air updates to provide a similar interface and functionality to the upcoming iDrive 9.0 operating system, but without the new app store function."
"Honda Malaysia has introduced the CR-V Black Edition available exclusively with the 1.5-litre TC-P 2WD variant, priced at RM161,913.99. The new variant adds to the existing three variants of 2.0L 2WD, 1.5L TC-P 2WD and 1.5L TC-P 4WD.\nThe CR-V Black Edition features a front grille, front bumper garnish, rear bumper garnish and 18-inch alloy wheels in black. The exterior is finished in Crystal Black Pearl.\nThere\u2019s a one-of-a-kind Honda CR-V \u201cType R\u201d for sale in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nInside, items like the steering wheel, TFT display and air-con vent surrounds are finished in Piano Black. Also complementing the Black Edition theme are the centre console, dashboard and door trims that sport a black wood garnish.\nElsewhere the headlining is now also in black, along with the front seats that are finished with a \u201cBlack Edition\u201d embroidery.\nUnder the hood, output remains the same at 193 hp and 243 Nm from a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired to a CVT gearbox.\nFind out more about the facelift Honda CR-V here; now cheaper across the board!\nGALLERY"
"Alfa Romeo will be bringing two ultra-exclusive models to the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) \u2013 the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia Quadrifoglio Nurburgring Edition (NRING). Only 108 units of each model will be made for collectors and most loyal Alfa Romeo customers worldwide.\nBuilding on the standard Quadrifoglio specification, the NRING series gets a bespoke Circuito Grey paintwork, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fibre front badge, mirror caps and side skirt inserts, tinted windows and a bare carbon roof.   Inside, the limited model gets new carbon shell Sparco racing seats with red stitching, Mopar automatic transmission knob with carbon inserts and Alcantara steering wheel. Standard equipment reads Harman Kardon premium audio package, 8.8-inch Alfa Connect Connect 3D Nav infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nBoth cars are powered by the same 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 delivering \n510 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. The \nfastest SUV around the Nurburgring\n completes the century sprint in\n 3.8 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n283 km/h\n. The hot sedan, on the other hand, gets from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.9 seconds\n with a top speed of \n308 km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has started producing high-performance batteries for its latest EQS limousine, the fully-electric model of the S-Class family.\nThe high voltage lithium-ion battery cells are manufactured at Mercedes-Benz\u2019 latest dedicated Stuttgart-Hedelfingen plant, as part of the Unterturkheim location in Stuttgart, Germany. In addition to scaling up the EQS battery production, this new electric-mobility technology competence centre called \nMercedes-Benz Drive Systems Campus Unterturkheim \nalso focuses on the\n \ndevelopment of highly efficient motors, power electronics and software testing.\nThe upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS will feature one of the highest gross energy content battery in the EV segment with \n108 kWh\n, targeting a range of \n700 kilometres\n. The launch of the EQS will be followed by the EQE, which will also source its batteries from the Stuttgart-Hedelfingen plant. Besides its CO2-neutrally produced cells, the EQS battery cell chemistry includes nickel, cobalt and manganese in a ratio of 8: 1: 1, cutting the cobalt content to around 10%.\nThe MBUX Hyperscreen will be the key highlight in the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS\nAll sub-assembly systems including the massive 141-cm \nMBUX Hyperscreen\n will then be moved to highly advanced Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, where the final assembly of the Mercedes EQS will take place. The full unveiling of the all-electric limousine is slated for \nApril 15th\n with deliveries to customers expected in August.\nMercedes-Benz launched the entry-level \nEQA\n in January that, in the most general terms, is a fully-electric version of the latest GLA crossover. Its smaller 66.5 kWh battery pack is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz. This battery plant, which was also the company\u2019s previous battery production competence centre, supplies battery pack for the \nEQC\n SUV model as well as various \nplug-in hybrid\n models. \u00a0\nMercedes-Benz is investing more than one billion Euros in the establishment of a global battery production network that consist of nine factories at seven locations on three continents, including one in \nThailand\n operated by Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant (TAAP).\nThe investment into the extensive battery plant network is to support the \nmid-term product offensive\n of over 10 fully electric models and 25 plug-in hybrid models by 2025, with EV models doubling by the end of this decade."
"The response to the discounts of up to 80% on traffic summonses by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has been beyond overwhelming, to the point the organisers at the KL Convention Centre (KLCC) had their counters closed and even been issued a fine of RM1,000 for failing to adhere to SOPs.\nAs such, both the JPJ and PDRM have extended the deadline of the \u201cpromotion\u201d, which was originally scheduled to end yesterday.\n JPJ \nwill extend the offer of up to 80% discount to \nDecember 15th\n, this Wednesday. Summonses can be paid at the JPJ payment counters at their state offices, branches, or UTC and cashless payment is encouraged.\nTerms and conditions of the discounts have not been changed, with discounts only offered to compoundable offences.\nMeanwhile, due to the sheer volume of unpaid summonses as well as lack of transaction channels (we have seen postings of long queues at traffic police stations), the \nPDRM\n has extended their deadline to \nDecember 31st\n.\nApart from physically performing payments at PDRM Traffic payment counters as well as Police Contingent Head Office (IPPK), summonses can be paid at Maybank ATMs, Pos Malaysia as well as on the \u2018MyBayar Saman\u2019 smartphone application.\nIn a separate announcement on \nBernama\n, PDRM has seen 2.3 million summonses cleared over the four days of promotion, amounting to RM109 million. The Inspector-General of Police Datuk Sri Acryl Sani Hj. Abdullah Sani has instructed his team to add more payment counters nationwide to reduce congestion.\nThe \npromotion\n to encourage road users to settle their unpaid summonses was in conjunction with the government\u2019s \u201c100-Hari Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia\u201d (AKM) programme that was held in KLCC over the weekend.\n[Source:\u00a0\nPDRM/Facebook\n,\u00a0\nJPJ Malaysia/Facebook\n]"
"Kia has really taken their tagline \u201cThe Power to Surprise\u201d a notch further here. Unveiled in all its red glory is the Kia Stinger GT, currently the most powerful variant of the new Stinger lineup.\nAvailable either with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (Stinger) or a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 (Stinger GT), the Korean \ngran turismo \nis evidently the most hotly anticipated model in recent Kia history. The Stinger rivals cars such as the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe, and the recipe is broadly similar as well.   The\n 3.3-litre V6 Lambda II\u00a0\nengine\u00a0pumps \n365 hp\n\u00a0at 6,000 rpm and\n 510 Nm\n of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm, and it is strictly \nrear-wheel drive\n. This combo rockets the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.1 seconds\n, which is just tenths of a second slower than the comparable straight-six 440i Gran Coupe. It will only come with an \neight-speed automatic transmission\n (developed in-house). Can we get one with a six-speed manual, Kia?\nAlso introduced for the first time is the Dynamic Stability Damping Control. This essentially allows drivers to choose between five drive modes which alter damping and agility, which varies from Personal, Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart. Kia went with MacPherson struts for the front and a multi-link setup for the rear.\nAll hot bits aside, the Stinger GT sits on 19-inch alloys as standard \u2013 225/40 front, 255/35 rear. Resting snug behind the wheels are a pair of quad-piston Brembo brakes up front and a dual-piston setup for the rear. The two axles sit 2,906mm apart, making the wheelbase even longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Lexus GS. Fascia treatment include full LED headlamps, LED DRLs and fully functional air ducts.\nThe cabin is delightfully premium and is unlike anything from Kia we\u2019ve seen of late. The centre air-conditioning vents mimic those found in the \nAudi TT\n, but minus the fancy integrated controls. The cockpit gets a\u00a0sporty three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel and analogue instrument clusters. Being a Kia, the Stinger GT comes fitted with a host of passive and active safety systems, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Multiple Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.\nFor audiophiles, you can opt for the 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. It outputs 720 watts through an external amplifier and gets subwoofers mounted underneath the seats. A next-generation QuantumLogic Surround Sound software is tasked with extracting signals from original recordings and apparently \u201credistributes them into an authentic, multidimensional soundstage that\u2019s full of clarity and detail.\u201d\nWell, Kia, you\u2019ve certainly piqued our interest. Will it ever come to Malaysia, though? We have a funny feeling that it just might.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Waze, the social navigation application has just released their rush hour guide for the upcoming Ramadan month and listed some tips for road users to beat the crowd in Klang Valley during this fasting month.\nOne tip that is most\nrelevant to all of us is the best and worst times to visit the petrol station.\nAccording to Waze, if you want to avoid a potential queue be sure to be at the\nstations before 8 am and after 7 pm. Peak hours at petrol stations are between\n3 to 6 pm where most people would refuel on their way home after work.\nIf you have to visit the malls, 7 pm onwards is when the crowd starts to disperse while 5 pm to 6 pm is when shopping centres tend to be busy as shoppers tend to be there before \nBuka Puasa\n.\nThose looking during to dine at fast food joints and are not a fan of crowds (like yours truly) will have to wait out till 9 pm onwards. Waze estimates that 4 pm to 7 pm would be peak hours as individuals are getting ready to \nBuka Puasa\n with their friends and family."
"When we say China, the first thing you\u2019ll think about are the extended China exclusives. Okay, probably not, but the Chinese market does have a certain weird affinity with the long-wheelbase models, and it\u2019s now the turn of the Range Rover Evoque to get the stretch.\nThe long-wheelbase \nRange Rover Evoque\n, called Evoque L, is \n160 mm longer\n than the standard-spec model. But despite its extended length, they did not fit another row of seats into the SUV. It\u2019s still a five-seater, though the rear passengers can now enjoy an \nadditional 125 mm of legroom\n.\nThe new Range Rover Evoque L will be available in three new colours: Belvia Green with Narvik Black roof, Seoul Pearl Silver with Rossello Red roof, and Santorini Black with a Seoul Pearl Silver roof. And just in case you didn\u2019t notice the longer rear doors, there\u2019s also an \u2018L\u2019 badge on the C-pillar to tell you that it\u2019s a long-wheelbase Evoque.\nAs standard, the Range Rover Evoque L in China comes with the R-Dynamic trim, which includes sportier bumpers, along with the 20-inch machined alloy wheels.\nThe all-new Range Rover Evoque is now available in Malaysia. Everything you need to know is available here!\nInside, the new Range Rover Evoque L gains an upgraded dual-10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the marque\u2019s new InControl OS 2.0 operating system, along with a large panoramic sunroof. The rear seats, along with the increased legroom, can also be electrically reclined to up to seven degrees backwards.\nOtherwise, the long-wheelbase Range Rover Evoque is pretty much identical to the standard-wheelbase car that it replaces.\nThe long-wheelbase Range Rover Evoque starts at 430,000 yuan (~RM279k), which is understandably 55,000 yuan (~RM36k) more than the outgoing standard-wheelbase model.\nCustomers can also pair their new car to Land Rover\u2019s new wrist-worn smart key bracelet, which allows the doors to unlock automatically when in close proximity, alongside functioning as a watch with its OLED touchscreen.\nThere are no indications that the long-wheelbase Range Rover Evoque will be sold outside of China for the time being, but seeing how BMW has started expanding their LWB line-up to other countries and finding success, it\u2019s perhaps not long until other carmakers follow suit too.\nThe BMW 330Li M Sport is now launched in Malaysia. Find out more here. \nGALLERY"
"Soon to enter the Malaysian market, the\n Smart #1\n is now available in one more new variant, the Smart # 1 Pulse. It is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant, which is a first for the non-Brabus version of the Smart #1. Introduced in Europe first, the Smart #1 Pulse is positioned between the \u2018Premium\u2019 and the \u2018\nBrabus\n\u2019 versions of the car.\nAlthough housing a dual-motor setup, it isn\u2019t exactly the same powertrain as the Smart #1 Brabus. The Pulse\u2019s 0-100 km/h acceleration time is listed at \n4.5 seconds\n, which is slower than the Brabus\u2019s 3.9-second century sprint time. The Pulse is also quicker than the normal rear-wheel drive Smart #1 which clocks the century sprint in 6.7 seconds.\nIts power outputs aren\u2019t specified, but the faster acceleration times do suggest a larger total output compared to the RWD Smart #1. With the extra motor on the front axle, the range of the Pulse is a little bit lower at \n400 km\n compared to the RWD version\u2019s 440 km range (WLTP). That\u2019s not much range sacrificed for AWD traction.\nAs for battery and charging, the Pulse supposedly still houses the same \n66-kWh\n battery pack. The battery can be charged at a maximum rate of\n 22 kW\n with AC charging and \n150 kW\n with DC charging. The former takes less than \n3 hours \nto charge from 10% to 80%, while the latter takes less than \n30 minutes\n to do the same.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 Brabus spied in Malaysia \u2013 428hp, 543Nm, 400km range\nAppearance-wise, the Smart # 1 Pulse can be differentiated by its different wheel design. Like other versions of the Smart #1, the wheels are 19 inches in diameter. Exterior highlights on the Smart #1 Pulse include concealed door handles and a hands-free power tailgate.\nInterior highlights of the Smart #1 Pulse include ambient lighting, a wireless mobile phone charger, and a head-up display. Additionally, the new smart #1 Pulse is equipped with a wide range of active safety technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and further intelligent features like an automatic parking assistant.\nRELATED: \n5 new Smart dealerships appointed across Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia expansion in 2024\nSmart Europe CEO, Dirk Adelmann said, \u201cWe are especially excited for the #1 Pulse as it offers a further all-wheel drivetrain option for European customers. Our development and production setup enables us to stay on top of changing demand situations and incorporate according solutions for our customers quickly.\u201d\nRELATED: \nEON appointed as dealer for Smart Malaysia, Smart #1 to be sold at Glenmarie facility"
"Following the success of last year\u2019s \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n where they were sold out just a few days from launch, Proton has launched the new Saga R3 edition.\nThere will only be \n2,000 units\n of the limited-edition model available, with enhancements solely in the aesthetics department. There are no power upgrades on the 1.3-litre engine paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission introduced in the \nSaga Premium AT variant\n, with \n95 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n.\nAs for the front end, the Saga R3 looks exactly the same as the Anniversary Edition with yellow strips beneath the grille and on the front lower lip. Just to highlight the R3-ness even more, the Saga R3 also comes with a massive sticker across the front and rear windscreen.\nOn the side, the Saga R3 stands out with additional motorsport-inspired decals across the doors and on the C-pillar glass. The yellow side mirrors and side skirts, along with the 15-inch wheels were previously seen in the Anniversary Edition.\nAt the rear, the Saga badge has been replaced with an R3 badge, flanked by a \u201cLimited Edition\u201d badge on the left.\nInside, the yellow accents can be found on the steering, along with an \u201cR3 Limited Edition\u201d badge ahead of the front passenger. The yellow accents on the air con vents and meter cluster were previously available in the Anniversary Edition.\nThe cabin also gets R3 branded carpets, and the words \u201cR3 Limited Edition\u201d embroidered on the leatherette seats. Unlike the Anniversary Edition, the seats are now finished with yellow stitching.\nThe same yellow stitching can be found the steering of the Saga R3 \u2013 a detail previously not available in the Anniversary Edition.\nSo how much does the R3-sticker edition costs? For the extra effort, it\u2019s yours for \nRM42,300 with SST exemptions\n until the 30th of June 2021. Beyond that, it will cost RM42,800. Previously, the Anniversary Edition was priced at RM39,300.\nGALLERY"
"In a recent interview with Toyota UK, Chief Engineer of the new Supra, Tetsuya Tada, revealed a distressing reality not just of the Supra but also on the future of sportscars \u2013 one that we\u2019ve all lamented but will have to accept as the \u201cinevitable\u201d future.\nSpeaking at the unveiling of the all-new Toyota Supra at the recently concluded Goodwood Festival of Speed, he said, \u201cLooking at the current automotive industry, the talk is all about autonomous driving, electrification and artificial intelligence.\u201d\n\u201cWhat that\u2019s doing is giving rise to a lot of strict regulations, and that limits our capacity to make emotional sports cars; it\u2019s getting much more difficult to do that,\u201d he added.\nAs such Tetsuya Tada believes that the new fifth-generation Supra will be the last present from Toyota to those who enjoy and appreciate the audio purity of a petrol-powered engine, screaming at high revs.\nIf you haven\u2019t heard, the new Z4 and the fifth-generation Supra shares similar mechanical underpinnings.\nHe added that in the efforts to extend and preserve the legacy of the Supra, certain design elements from the fourth-generation Supra (A80) had been carried over into the all-new model so that when people look at the new car, they can immediately identify it as a Supra.\nDespite inheriting the front engine rear-wheel drive and straight-six engine attributes made famous in the Supras of old, most aren\u2019t aware that the new Supra actually sits on an even shorter wheelbase than the GT86, with twice the body rigidity and even lower centre of gravity."
"The \nPerodua Myvi\n, arguably the quintessential people\u2019s car in Malaysia, is reaching the one millionth production milestone. That\u2019s an amazing feat\u00a0considering the Myvi was Perodua\u2019s first foray into the B-segment.\nIt\u2019s also not just a rebadge of the Passo \u2013 the car which it\u2019s based on. Instead, the company sent their finest engineers to Japan to collaborate with Daihatsu and Toyota for a new B-segment hatchback. The Japs went on to launch the Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon/Sirion in 2004, while Perodua released the Myvi a year later.\nThe Myvi moniker was derived from \u201c\nMy Vehicle, My Vision\n\u201c, in which \u201cMy\u201d stands for\u00a0Malaysia (no surprises there). Launched in May 2005, the Perodua Myvi became a runaway success and was quickly named the best-selling car in Malaysia until 2014. The only other car capable of dethroning a Myvi is another\u00a0\nPerodua model\n.\u00a0\nBesides doing exceedingly well in Malaysia, the Myvi also fared reasonably well in Indonesia. The Myvi was rebadged as a Daihatsu Sirion. Perodua claims that nearly 31,000 units of the Myvi found new homes in Indonesia (the world\u2019s fourth most populous nation) since 2007. Approximately 35,000 of the Myvis were exported since 2006.\nToday, the Myvi, currently in its second-generation\u00a0guise, is the third best-selling Perodua model in its lineup. Perodua sold 13,900 Myvis in the\u00a0first four months of 2017, and they are expecting the millionth Myvi to roll off the production line sometime this month. It is undeniably the country\u2019s most produced vehicle, ever.\nNow, with both Toyota and Daihatsu unveiling the new \nPasso\n and \nBoon\n in Japan last year, it\u2019s only a matter of time before the new-generation Myvi comes along."
"Triton fanatics in the East rejoice! Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just introduced the\u00a0\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Red Peak Limited Edition\u00a0\nin conjunction with the launch of the \nMitsubishi Red Peak Challenge\n at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Red Peak Limited Edition\nEngine\n2.5-litre turbodiesel with Variable Geometry Turbo technology\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic with Sports Mode\nMax Power\n176 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm of torque @ 1,800 \u2013 3,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM114,550 (Sabah), RM114,640.60 (Sarawak); OTR without insurance\n\u00a0\nThere are no changes under the hood here, so customers are only paying for the limited edition aesthetics. On the outside, you get a \nmatte blacked 17-inch wheels\n, some Ralli Art vinyls around the car including\u00a0the racing number of Dakar Rally legend Hiroshi\u00a0Masuoka on the bonnet.\u00a0On the inside, it gets a two-toned red and black treatment on top of the leather seats.\nAs it\u2019s based on the \nTriton VGT\n, \u00a0the Red Peak Limited Edition Triton shares the same\u00a0\n2.5-litre turbodiesel\n producing \n176 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque at 1,800 to 3,500 rpm. Power is delivered to the wheels via a \nfive-speed automatic\n transmission with Sports Mode. It also comes with Mitsubishi\u2019s Easy Select 4WD system which allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD at speeds of up to 100km/h.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton VGT Red Peak Limited Edition is currently offered with a cash rebate of RM7,000 with 2-Year Free Maintenance and or cash rebate of RM9,000. Find out more about \nMitsubishi\u2019s Year-End Deals here\n!\nAbout the Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge\nThe Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge is inspired by Mitsubishi Motors\u2019 victory in the 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Challenge. This 4\u00d74 event sees Mitsubishi 4WD models perform amazing feats on a specially tailored obstacle truck. Visitors can also experience test rides over various challenging obstacles including the \u201csky\u2019 ramp that extends over 8-metres high at a 45-degree angle.\nThe Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge is currently touring Malaysia, scheduled as below:\nMitsubishi Red Peak Challenge\nNo\nState\nArea\nVenue\nFrom\nTo\nDays\nTime\nNov- Dec 2014\n1\nSarawak\nKuching\nGiant Tabuan Jaya Mall Car Park\n12 Dec 2014\n14 Dec 2014\n3\n10am-8pm\n2\nSarawak\nSarikei\nCentral Market Car Park\n18 Dec 2014\n20 Dec 2014\n3\n10am-8pm\nJan-March 2015\n3\nSarawak\nSibu\nTown Square Phase 2\n9 Jan 2015\n11 Jan 2015\n3\n10am-8pm\n4\nSarawak\nMukah\nPasar Lama Car Park\n15 Jan 2015\n17 Jan 2015\n3\n10am-8pm\n5\nSarawak\nBintulu\nOld Airport\n23 Jan 2015\n25 Jan 2015\n3\n10am-8pm\n6\nSarawak\nMiri\nBoulevard Shopping Mall Car Park\n30 Jan 2015\n01 Feb 2015\n3\n10am-8pm\n7\nSabah\nTawau\nBazaar Fuji Mart Car Park\n13 Feb 2015\n15 Feb 2015\n3\n10am-8pm\n8\nSabah\nLahad Datu\nBandar Sri Perdana\n27 Feb 2015\n01 March 2015\n3\n10am-8pm\n9\nSabah\nSandakan\nGiant Superstore Car Park\n06 March 2015\n08 March 2015\n3\n10am-8pm\n10\nSabah\nLabuan\nKompleks Sukan Laut Antarabangsa\n13 March 2015\n15 March 2015\n3\n10am-8pm\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda has announced that it will be\n sunsetting the second-generation NSX\n at the end of 2022, just six years after the model was first unveiled. To see out the model, Honda has just unveiled the NSX Type S at the Monterey Car Week as its one last hurrah \u2013 and we\u2019ve gotta say, what a way to send off the reborn cult icon.\nThe main upgrade for this run-out model is in the performance department. Specifically, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain now churns out a total of \n608 hp\n and \n667 Nm\n of torque, 27 hp and 22 Nm more than the regular NSX.\nThe power bump is largely thanks to new turbochargers that are borrowed from the \nNSX GT3 Evo \nrace car, with a 6% increase in boost pressure. There are also new fuel injectors and improved intercoolers, and on the electric side, the batteries now have a 20% bump in capacity, and 10% increase in output.\nHonda has also tweaked the NSX Type S\u2019 nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a new gear ratio of 8.050:1 (down from 10.382:1). The gearbox can now apparently up-shift by up to 50% quicker, and also has a new Rapid Downshift Mode that allows it to skip gears when moving to a smaller cog.\nWatch the old and new Honda NSX battle it out in a touge battle!\nOther upgrades come in the form of retuned dampers, updated ECU software, new five-split-spoke forged alloy (in matte Shark Grey or gloss Berlina Black) for a 10- and 20-mm wider track front and back, and new bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres that offers up to 6% more lateral grip.\nAnd on top of that, there are also new aerodynamic devices in the form of new front splitters, side sills, rear spoiler, and a new rear diffuser that\u2019s modelled after the GT3 Evo race car. All in, Honda claims that the new Type S laps the Suzuka Circuit a whopping two seconds faster than the \noutgoing NSX \n\u2013 not bad at all for a final upgrade.\nOn the aesthetics end, the Honda NSX has been given a pretty significant makeover for the Type S, particularly on the front fascia. There\u2019s a new hexagonal grille that\u2019s paired to a sharper nose, while at the back, the rear bumpers have also been significantly reworked with more angular vents at the side, surrounding the aforementioned new carbon fibre diffuser.\nThe head- and tail-lights are both darkened, alongside the blacked-out wing mirrors, door handles, exhaust tips, and badges. The roof is now made with carbon fibre as standard, and customers can also opt for a Lightweight Package with carbon fibre engine cover, interior trims, and carbon-ceramic brake discs that supposedly drop the kerb weight by 26.2 kg.\nSome good news instead: Honda is bringing back the Integra next year! Read more about it here.\nJust \n350 units\n of the new Honda NSX Type S will be built, and it\u2019s the only variant that Honda is making for the rest of the model\u2019s life, until end-2022. 300 out of the total is earmarked for the United States (wearing the Acura badge), and 70 of them in the new Gotham Gray exterior colour. So long, NSX.\nGALLERY"
"Isle of Man, a small island among the British Isles is quite the motoring destination. For the uninitiated, the island is best known for its 60km TT (Tourist Trophy) road course, also home to the world\u2019s deadliest\u00a0motorcycle race. Its also the same track where Subaru once dominated the course with the WRX STI, and this year the company is all game to shatter some records.\nCertainly this means getting the best Subaru tuners in the world. Thus, \nSubaru Technica International\n (STI) and British motorsport company \nProdrive\n\u00a0will both be working together for this very purpose. There isn\u2019t an STI variant for the \nnewly launched Impreza\n, so Subaru has chosen the fourth-generation WRX STI instead.\nSetting records require some serious hardware. This WRX STI will receive substantial aerodynamic upgrades, gripper tyres, sportier suspension, a stripped out interior and a roll cage. It\u2019s unclear at this point if there\u2019s any performance gain, though.\nThe regular WRX STI is powered by a \n296 hp 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer\n engine paired to a\u00a0\nsix-speed manual transmission\n.\u00a0Piloting the STI this year is British Rally Champion Mark Higgins, the same person who clocked 19 minutes 15 seconds back in 2014. Higgins is scheduled to tackle the Isle of Man sometime between 29 May to 10 June.\nMeanwhile, do read our written review of the WRX STI \nhere\n, or watch the video review below."
"In recent years, Audi, like many other German carmakers, has been under fire for employing the \u201cRussian Doll\u201d\u00a0 design philosophy which resulted in the range of models to look like one another. However, according to a report by \nAutoCar UK\n, the four-rings is ready to inject more defined looks for each individual model.\nAccording to Audi Boss, Rupert Stadler, the reasoning behind its repetitive design was to make Audi vehicles more recognisable in newer and emerging markets. Now that the company is a known brand in major markets like China, they will begin to give each car its own look.\nAudi E-Tron\nAudi Design Boss Marc Lichte added: \u201cWe recognise that there is a place for more differentiation now. Since our cars are in production for a minimum of six years, in today\u2019s world I think each model should have its own design to be attractive for this long time.\u201d\nLichte hinted that the biggest leap (in design) for Audi will come in the new range of electric vehicles after the \nE-Tron \nquattro SUV which is due for next year. \u201cDesign will go in a very different way,\u201d Lichte continued. Commenting on the design of electric vehicles, Lichte added, \u201c[Designers] will have more material space to play with, so we\u2019ll be able to produce [vehicles with] shorter overhangs and lower bonnets. It makes for a more attractive design overall.\u201d"
"By now, you should have already seen the numerous videos posted by various publications, where the Proton X50 was pitted against a BMW X1 and a Honda HR-V during the media preview event at Sepang International Circuit on Wednesday.\nIf so, you\u2019ve also probably seen or heard someone yapping on about how the Proton X50 beat the BMW X1 hands down in a drag race. While it\u2019s true that the new \nX50\n was indeed faster than the \nBMW X1\n in this instance, we felt that some clarification is needed, as it really isn\u2019t as straightforward as it seems.\n \nFirst up, it\u2019s the format. Unlike a drag race in the traditional sense, the three cars during the event were not exactly pitted against each other, per se. Instead, we were asked to pay attention to the 0-100 km/h times, as shown on the timing equipment placed in each of these cars. So realistically, the cars didn\u2019t even need to be beside one another, other than for the \u201cwow\u201d factor.\nThere are several advantages in doing it this way, but it removes the human aspect in the comparison \u2013 poor reaction time to the lights (or in this case, voice) will not result in any particular car losing out in the contest, as each car is evaluated individually.\nSecondly, there\u2019s also the choice in vehicles. For one, the Proton X50 used in this comparison was the \nrange-topping Flagship variant\n, packing the 1.5 TGDi engine which makes\n 177 hp\n and\n 255 Nm\n of torque. Meanwhile, the BMW X1 chosen for the test was the\n \nsDrive18i variant\n, which only packs \n140 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n on a very similar 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill.\nBut nevermind the power output \u2013 because the weight of the vehicles itself can tell you the whole story. Unladen, the BMW X1 weighs \n1,505 kg\n, which is actually quite significant for a compact SUV.\nAs for the Proton X50, while the company has not released its complete specifications yet, looking at its foreign cousins from China (Bin Yue) and Philippines (Coolray) will tell you that it should weigh around the \n1,340 kg\n mark \u2013 more than 100 kg lighter than the German rival.\nLooking back at our tests on the day \u2013 \nwhich you can see in full in our video\n \u2013 the \nProton X50 Flagship\n ranked first with a 0-100 km/h time of 10.22 seconds, followed by the BMW X1 sDrive18i at 11.10 seconds, and last but not least the Honda HR-V 1.8L V at 11.88 seconds. Interestingly, even when coming in first in the shootout, the Proton X50 Flagship\u2019s times were still miles away from the 7.9 seconds claimed on paper.\nIt\u2019s no surprise that the Proton X50 Flagship would rank first in the 0 to 100 km/h test even when just based solely on its weight and engine output figures on paper \u2013 otherwise, why would Proton even arrange such a \u201cperformance\u201d in a media preview event? The story could be very different if the\n sDrive20i \nvariant was chosen for this test, not to mention the \nHonda HR-V 1.5L Hybrid\n.\nCredit where it\u2019s due though, it is commendable that Proton is now taking the initiative to challenge these brands that were once thought to be untouchable by our measly local carmakers \u2013 even if it\u2019s the cheapest BMW available in Malaysia. Does anyone remember the promise of \u201cAsia\u2019s answer to BMW\u201d? Well, our dreams might actually come true now."
"Joining the \nKuga\n in a limited-time-only Special Edition trim is the \nFord Focus SE\n, and its on-the-road price is \nRM131,888\n with insurance but excluding the RM379.50 road tax.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Focus Special Edition\nEngine\n1,999cc; direct injected with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TI-VCT)\nTransmission\n6-Speed Powershift Automatic (dry-type dual clutch)\nMax Power\n170 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n202 Nm @ 4,450 rpm\nPrice\nRM131,888 (OTR\u00a0\nWITH\n\u00a0insurance)\n\u00a0\nThe Focus SE is essentially a Focus Sport + with several enhancements, most prominently the \nblacked out\n hood and side mirrors. Other additions for nearly \nRM2,000\n gets you the custom made full bodykit, LED daytime running lights, the SE decals, interior sport carpet mats and leather seats. There\u2019s also a \nspecial body colour\n to go with this trim \u2013 Winning Blue, as seen in the pictures here. We think it\u2019s a no-brainer deal.\nNo mechanical changes here, and the Focus SE soldiers on with its \n2.0-litre naturally aspirated\n four-cylinder engine shared with the other Focuses. It makes \n170 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n202 Nm\n of torque at 4,450 rpm, whilst returning a combined fuel consumption of \n6.6 litres per 100 km\n.\nTransmission choice is also the same here, with the brand\u2019s six-speed Powershift dual clutch (dry type) automatic transmission driving the front wheels.\nJust to remind you, the Focus comes with \nsix airbags\n as standard, on top of its impressive safety kit that\u2019s comprised of Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Electronic Passive Anti-Theft Alarm System and Fuel Cut-off Inertia Switch \u2013 just to name a few. Headlights are bi-xenon and the car comes with powered sunroof as standard.\nAgain, for just a little less than RM2,000 you get what\u2019s already a bargain buy. Leather seats and all-around bodykit? That\u2019ll easily cost you RM3,000 to RM4,000 in the aftermarket. As with other Fords, this Focus SE gets 5-years or 200,000km warranty programme (whichever comes first) including Ford\u2019s 3-year or 60,000km Extended Service Plan that covers parts and labour for free.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed has just concluded after a four-day event from the 8th to thw 11th of July 2021 with the \nMcLaren 720S GT3X\n emerging as the fastest car in the annual \nTimed Shootout Final\n.\nThe GT3X was piloted by McLaren factory driver Rob Bell through the 1.8 km course to a time of \n45.01 seconds\n. Second place was clinched by Travis Pastrana who was 1.19 seconds behind at 46.2 seconds in his Subaru WRX STI while third was a Spice-Cosworth SE88 at 47.1 seconds.\nFind out more about the RM1.2 million McLaren 720S in Malaysia!\n \nThe \noverall hill climb record\n still belongs to the \nVolkswagen ID.R\n with a time of \n39.9 seconds\n. The record was set in 2019 by the 680 hp electric race car, beating a 20-year record from 1999.\nWatch the video and you\u2019d realise how large the 720S GT3X and how little room there was to maneuver through the course that was first used in 1936. It would be more nail-biting to watch an on-board footage so here\u2019s to hoping one would be released soon.\nIn case you haven\u2019t heard, the 720S GT3X may not be more powerful than the \nstandard 720S\n, with the same 720 hp and 770 Nm but it\u2019s lighter. Compared to the standard model, it weighs about 70 kg less; mainly from the removal of the cabin trims. At the push of a button, the GT3X can deliver 30 hp extra albeit momentarily."
"So Perodua invited a few of us over to their headquarters today to test drive the \nall-new Perodua Ativa\n \u2013 a name if we can now confident use for Perodua\u2019s first ever turbocharged vehicle with a CVT gearbox.\nUnfortunately, we were \nnot allowed to film nor shoot any of the test activities \nfrom today so you\u2019ll just have to make do with words.\nWhile 98 hp and 140 Nm from a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine paired to a CVT may not sound like much in the context of an SUV, all prior concerns about it being underpowered were completely forgotten the moment we tapped on the throttle.\nTwo words came to mind \u2013 responsive and eager. Firstly we brought to test the Ativa on a slope, to see how it would cope on an uphill climb.\nGranted there were only two passengers in the car (myself and the instructor) but even when we lifted off the throttle midway through the slope, the Ativa had no problems getting the momentum going again.\nOn the long straights, the Ativa yet again proved that it\u2019s more powerful than what is suggested on the spec sheet \u2013 speaking strictly in the context of a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, of course.\nBetween the 70 km/h to 80 km/h, acceleration was eager and almost effortless all the way up to 130 km/h. At least that\u2019s what we clocked; other media representatives claimed that the Ativa still had more to give beyond that speed.\nWhen we tried to manually up and downshift through the CVT gearbox\u2019s seven virtual gears, like the engine, the CVT gearbox was also quick to respond. Positioned on the steering is a POWER button that sharpens the engine\u2019s response even more.\nAt speeds in excess of 100 km/h, the environment in the cabin was calm with minimal wind noise and even when we tested the Ativa on a stretch of uneven tarmac and a series of speed bumps, the Ativa absorbed all the shocks with the refinement of a car twice its price.\nWe suspect that this is due to the Ativa\u2019s stiffer, more rigid chassis which allows the car\u2019s suspension to be more comfort-oriented.\nGiven the surprise performance package from such an assuming exterior, and coupled with superb stability unmatched by any Perodua before this, it\u2019s hard to ignore that this could be Perodua\u2019s new King of the Road.\nCan the Ativa do for Perodua what they Myvi achieved in the last decade? Only time will tell but we suspect that it will attract more suitors than haters solely from the way it drives and handles.\nUnfortunately, that\u2019s all the feedback we can share for now although there\u2019ll be more coming your way from \n3rd of March onwards\n. Stay tuned!"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just dropped word that the \nsixth-generation Elantra\n\u00a0will be on its way to our shores sometime this year. Apparently, two engine choices may find its way here \u2013 a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder.\nSpotting the brand\u2019s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, the new Elantra will feature a complete design overhaul with a sleeker front end and a more aggressive rear end. The first of the two engines is the\u00a0\n2.0-litre Nu MPI\n pushing out \n154 hp\n\u00a0and \n195 Nm\n of torque. It is paired to a \nconventional\u00a0six-speed automatic transmission\n.\nAlternatively, the Elantra can be had with a \n1.6-litre Gamma GDI\n engine found in the \nVeloster Turbo\n. Like the Veloster Turbo, the mill is mated to a \nseven-speed dual-clutch automatic\n transmission and delivers\u00a0\n201 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque.\nTo recap, the \ncurrent generation Elantra\n sold in our market comes with either a 1.6-litre Gamma MPI naturally aspirated engine or a 1.8-litre Nu MPI naturally aspirated engine putting out \n128 hp\n and \n148 hp\n respectively.\nIf you are just as excited as we are about the new Elantra, be sure to keep tabs on our website for more information!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"DK Leather Seats Sdn Bhd, a prominent automotive upholstery manufacturer in Malaysia is expanding their business reach by directly targeting the end user.\nFounded in 1997, DK Leather Seats (DKLS) manufactures, distributes and installs automotive leather seat covers for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Replacement Equipment Manufacturer (REM) market segments with multiple international marques both locally and abroad.\nWith this new Business to Consumer (B2C) market approach, DKLS through their domestic retail arm brand, \nDK Schweizer\n, will offer bespoke services to individual vehicle owners who wish to have their very own \npersonalised\n and \ncustomised\n leather seats.\n\u201cUltimately, we want our customers to experience the feeling of luxury and comfort at a reasonable price regardless of the vehicle their own. The first of its kind product offerings in the region to meet individual expectations who desire to have an enjoyable driving experience.\n\u201cAlso, customers would not need to worry about the leather fittings as we have an in-house test centre that ensures all materials and fittings are put through vigorous and meticulous Quality Control (QC) testing for durability and reliability are not being compromised,\u201d said Director of DK Leather Seats, Lesley Koek.\nStaffed with talented master craftsmen and leather from tanneries in Italy and South America, DKLS factory is also equipped with the latest technology and automation, ensuring high production and efficiency to meet the demand of customers whilst minimising wastage and carbon footprint.\nThe company also has its own research and development team that works tirelessly towards developing materials and customisable templates for the latest car models. There are \nover 10,000\n seat patterns and car models in their database comprising of domestic and foreign brands.\nSide airbags are commonly fitted in the seat\nSide airbags are commonly fitted in the seat\nWith a growing number of vehicles fitted with \nside airbags\n in the seats, DKLS has invested in the technology and know-how to ensure their products perform as expected. The finished products are tested and \ncertified by TUV Rheinland \nGroup as\n \ncompliance of airbag deployment.\nDKLS hopes to be a trendsetter for car seat personalisation and customisation whilst delivering quality, durability and value for money products for customers enjoyment at a premium level of comfort."
"We all know that 2016 will either be a make or break year for Proton. Right after the launch of the \nProton Perdana\n, the next model to take the limelight would be the Proton Persona. The good news is, we are some two weeks away from the launch, as teased by the picture above on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n.\nThe second-generation Persona is essentially the \nProton Iriz\n with an extended boot. Proton\u2019s new strategy means the new Persona is now downgraded from a C-segment car to a B-segment car.\u00a0Meanwhile, the teaser confirms one thing \u2013 the Persona\u2019s front aesthetics will be slightly different compared to its\u00a0hatchback equivalent. The front headlights also wear\u00a0a different design, while the circular fog lights marks a departure from\u00a0the Iriz\u2019s flat lights. Noticed the new emblem? That\u2019s Proton\u2019s new logo, accompanied by their new \u201cIt\u2019s in the Drive\u201d motto.\nThe Persona will be sharing the same\u00a0engine as the Iriz, meaning it\u2019ll receive the all familiar\u00a0\n107 hp \u00a01.6-litre Campro VVT\n engine paired to either a Getrag-sourced five-speed manual or CVT with seven virtual ratios. Just like the video above depicts, the Persona hasn\u2019t lost its appetite for having fun while retaining a decent list of safety features, thanks to a\u00a0variety of electronic aids such as ABS, EBD and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).\nWatch this space for more updates on the Persona!"
"The C-segment market is getting more and more crowded today and buyers are now spoiled for choice. With offerings from Europe, Japan, Korea, and even Malaysia, each manufacturers are using different approach to woo in buyers into their brand. Mazda is banking on their soulful approach, where terms such as Soul of Motion, \nJinba-ittai\n or \u2018feeling of being completely at one with the vehicle\u2019 (taken right out of the brochure, yes I\u2019m not kidding), and even this special Soul Red Metallic paint featured here on our review unit of the \nMazda3\n\u00a02.0 SkyActiv Sedan was developed as part of Mazda\u2019s \nTakumi-nuri\n (master painting craftsman) technology with a layer of \u2018high-chroma red pigment\u2019 embedded under the clearcoat. Sounds like Mazda is waxing lyrical about their product, but I\u2019m sure that means they\u2019re passionate.\nWatch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review\nThis review unit here is the first batch Completely Built-Up (CBU) model imported from Japan as the local assembly is tipped to be in the near future. Being the only sole trim offered on this initial batch, this Mazda3 is weirdly-equipped as it\u2019s lacking some of the creature comforts offered by its rivals, but at least it comes with traction control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and six airbags as standard. Let\u2019s check out what this new Mazda3 has to offer to take on the packed C-segment sedan category.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan\n \nSegment\nC-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n1998cc 4-Cylinder\nMax Power\n162 hp @ 6000 rpm\nMax Torque\n210 Nm @ 4000 rpm\nPrice\nRM138,950.80\n (OTR without insurance)\nWatch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review\nEXTERIOR\n \nBy now you should be familiar with Mazda\u2019s beautiful \nKODO\n design language which is now evident throughout most of the current Mazda range on sale here in Malaysia. The front greets you with a mischievous smile and the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) looks like a menacing pair of eyebrows on top of the \nBi-Xenon\n lamps. A pair of round foglamps however look a bit out of place just below the turn indicators at the lower part of the front bumper.   From the tip of the headlamps there\u2019s the prominent body line that arches all the way down towards the rear wheel. This particular line tricks the eyes into thinking that the car has a long nose and making it look like the cabin has been pushed backwards. There\u2019s a crease on the lower flank that gently rises up towards the rear wheel while another shoulder line starts from the middle finishes off at the pointy edge of the rear lights.\nThe LED in the rear lights mirror the pattern of eyebrows from the front headlights while the stubby tail now has the numberplate mounted on the bootlid instead of the bumper on the previous Mazda3. Although it has twin tailpipes, it\u2019s a shame that Mazda chooses to hide them underneath the rear bumper. Overall it looks like a Mazda6 that got shrunk in the dryer, which is not bad at all. It\u2019s one of those cars that demands your second glance after you parked it and walk away from it.\nINTERIOR\n \nThe driver\u2019s seat is where this writer likes to be in, but this Mazda3 splits opinion with the design layout of the dashboard. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the build quality is solid with soft-touch plastic is used to cover the top part of the dashboard and the rotary knobs operate with quality feel. However, the seven inch touch-sensitive screen that sits atop of the center console looks like an afterthought, and the carbonfibre trim looks like a DIY job from a local accessories shop. Other minor niggles are the location of the start-stop button which is hidden behind the wiper stalk, the cheap-looking glovebox, and the blanked-out buttons and panels scattered around due to this particular specification currently offered here.   You get a centrally-located speedometer in the instrument cluster, flanked by LCD displays on each side. The left displays a digital rev-counter which is a tad too small while the right LCD displays vital information such as fuel consumption and distance to empty. It\u2019s all very clean and clutter-free but for me it doesn\u2019t really invoke the \nJinba-ittai\n sense of oneness between driver and car that Mazda claimed to offer.\nThe driver\u2019s seat adjusts manually and the steering adjusts for reach and rake so there shouldn\u2019t be a problem to find your preferred driving position. The seat itself is comfy enough, especially when wrapped with the optional leather upholstery. The center console has been simplified where you can only find the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) controls and a CD slot at the bottom.\nAll the other controls are now grouped in the new \nMZD Connect\n controller that controls the menu displayed on the seven inch Multi-Information Display (MID) screen. The MID displays the vehicle\u2019s settings, fuel consumption, audio function, and even GPS navigation. You don\u2019t necessary have to use the controller because the screen is also touch-sensitive.   The gearlever loses the gated shifter on the previous Mazda3 and gains itself a leather boot with red stitching. You still get Manual override option and the paddleshifters now adopts the common setup of left paddle to downshift, right paddle to upshift, instead of pull to upshift, push to downshift on both sides on the previous Mazda3. There are a couple of cup holders in the center console and a two-tiered cubbyhole under the armrest with a 12v DC outlet, an SD card slot, an Aux in port, and two USB ports. You also get a glass sunroof as standard which is always a nice addition to have.   Rear passenger space is decent and there\u2019s a surprising amount of headroom available. You get the usual drop down center armrest with cupholders and there are \nISOFIX\n mounts included as well but no rear air conditioning vents. The rear seats is splitted 60/40 so you can always fold them down flat if you find the \n408 litres\n of boot space is not enough.   PERFORMANCE\n \nMazda is boasting about their 2.0 litre \nSkyActiv-G\n powerplant with its high compression ratio of \n14.0:1\n which is said to have better energy extraction out of the engine. Personally I don\u2019t find anything spectacular with that claim as it only produces \n162hp @ 6000rpm\n and \n210Nm\n of torque \n@ 4000rpm\n. However it is currently the most powerful car among its rivals but not by much.\n\u00a0\nThe power delivery is linear and you will get the power gradually as you venture up the rev range. It\u2019s a pretty buzzy engine but once you rev it up the redline it sounds pretty good. With this powerplant, the Mazda3 sprints from \n0-100km/h\n in about \nnine seconds\n and top speed is in excess of \n200km/h\n.\nTHE DRIVE\n \nAs mentioned earlier, the 2.0 litre SkyActiv powerplant is definitely not shy to prove its presence under the bonnet with the lack of under-bonnet insulation, it can get pretty loud at times. Together with the \ni-ELOOP\n technology, it will harvest energy from deceleration and stores it into a high-capacity \nElectric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC)\n. The accumulated energy then will be used to power the electrical equipment in the car.\nThe \ni-stop\n system works in conjunction with i-ELOOP, by shutting down the engine when stationary while the energy from EDLC continues to power the car\u2019s equipment. Mazda doesn\u2019t use the starter motor to restart the car but uses the combustion energy itself, claiming it provides smoother and quicker restarts but the result is still a jerky re-start. The outcome from all that techno-wizardry, you should be able to get \n6.5l/100km\n but during my time with it I managed to get 8.3l/100km with mixed driving.\nIn town the ride is well-composed. With the \n18\u2033 rims\n and low-profiled tyres combo you expect it to be crashy on the potholed city roads, but it doesn\u2019t. The \nElectric Powered Steering\n (EPS) feels natural as it doesn\u2019t have that artificially light feel that some EPS systems tend to have. Traveling on the highway, you will notice the wind noise from those large side mirrors. At the maximum highway legal speed (which is 110km/h, should you need to be reminded) in top gear, the engine is only revving at 2000rpm but you have to maintain the throttle yourself as the cruise control is absent in this car. Slotted in \u2018D\u2019, the gearbox is always eager to shift up to the highest gear in order to promote better fuel efficiency.\nIf you want to hold on to a particular gear, you can move the lever to \u2018M\u2019. Work with the shift paddles behind the wheel and the gearchanges are fast enough in response to your input. On flowing roads it\u2019s a sweet handling car with the 215/45 R18 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx provide more than enough grip to tackle the corners. The steering is properly weighted and the brakes performed well which makes the drive really enjoyable on the winding roads. It\u2019s good to know that the Mazda engineers still hasn\u2019t lost their \nmojo \nwhen it comes to tuning their cars\u2019 handling.\nAt the end of your drive, you will get a summary of your driving from the MID, showing how economical was your driving and how much fuel was saved with the i-stop technology.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nIf you already own the previous-generation Mazda3, you might want to keep your current car. The previous Mazda3 was already a neat-handling car to begin with so you\u2019re not missing out that much enjoyment from behind the wheel of the new Mazda3. Unless you really must have the latest SkyActiv technology under the bonnet, it is advisable to double-check the equipments sheet carefully to find out what you\u2019re getting (or what you\u2019re not getting) from the new Mazda3. I know it\u2019s quite tempting to trade up when the new Mazda3 looks this good.\nIf you never owned a Mazda before, the looks alone might have convinced you already but might be put off by the equipment list. Those who value driving enjoyment shouldn\u2019t be bothered by that and instead they should be heading to the Mazda showroom for a test drive.\nNew vs Old: We compare the new 2014 Mazda3 SkyActiv with the old 2009 Mazda3\nCOMPARISONS\n \nIt\u2019s pretty tough to pick the nearest rivals for Mazda3 because there are so many contenders in this tightly contested C segment. So let\u2019s compare it with the most \u2018bang-for-your-buck\u2019 \nKia Cerato\n and the infamous \nToyota Corolla Altis\n. The Cerato packs the best value for money hands down with the feature list so long it makes the Mazda3 look like an entry level base-spec car. It is also a pretty close match on power as well so it\u2019s quite hard to dismiss this Korean offering.   The Altis is another competent rival, with brand faith and expected reliability, it\u2019s almost a default choice to most buyers. Although the 2.0 litre engine is carried over from the previous generation, the engine itself is not really an old unit. Down on power and equipped with CVT transmission, it might not sound as interesting but at least it\u2019s been kept up-to-date with the striking new styling and generous equipment (compared to what Mazda3 has to offer). If buyers can look pass the enticing offer of goodies from Kia and the generic-ness of the Toyota, they will be rewarded with a fine handling car in the shape of Mazda3.\nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv\n \nToyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\n \nKia Cerato 2.0\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder direct injection petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection petrol\n4-cylinder multi point injection petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1998\n1987\n1999\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n162/6000\n145/6200\n161/6500\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n210/4000\n187/3600\n194/4800\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nMotor driven power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed SkyActiv Drive\nCVT with 7-speed Sports Sequential Shift\n6-speed Automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nMacPherson struts / Torsion Beam\nMacPherson struts / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n215/45 R18\n215/45 R17\n215/45 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4585\n4620\n4560\nOverall Width\nmm\n1795\n1776\n1780\nOverall Height\nmm\n1450\n1460\n1445\nWheelbase\nmm\n2700\n2700\n2700\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1220\n1300\n1339\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n408\n470\n482\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n51\n55\n50\nConsumption\n6.5L/100km\n8.0L/100km\n7.0L/100km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n210\n185\n210\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n8.8\n10.0\n9.3\nPRICE\nRM\n139,950.80\n139,915.30\n118,888.00\nNew vs Old: We compare the new Mazda3 SkyActiv with the old Mazda3\nWILL I BUY IT?\n \nI love the way it handles but the price is such a deterrent considering how it is specced. If you can afford it you will love it but you may want to wait a little while for the CKD units to be introduced. They are usually cheaper unless Bermaz decides to keep the same price but throw in more goodies in the car.\nWatch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Auto Alliance\n is holding the \nPeugeot\n Roadshow at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Showcasing models such as the \nPeugeot e-2008\n battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV, the \n2008 SE\n B-segment SUV, as well as the \nLandtrek\n pick-up truck, the roadshow will be held from \nMay 17\n to \n25\n, \n2023\n, at the shopping centre\u2019s LUXE Concourse from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.\nAfter being previewed at the recently held \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n, the \ne-2008\n is now making an appearance once again at the Peugeot Roadshow at 1 Utama. The Peugeot e-2008 is the BEV equivalent of the petrol-powered Peugeot 2008 and is powered by a front-mounted single-motor system that is capable of making \n136 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque.\nPeugeot e-2008\nThanks to a \n50 kWh\n battery, the e-2008 is capable of achieving \n320 km\n of range (WLTP). The BEV SUV supports \n100 kW\n DC charging and can be charged from 0 to 80% in \n30 minutes\n.\nHowever, we can only expect the Peugeot e-2008 to be launched in \nQ3 2023\n. But for those who missed the car during the MAS 2023, Bermaz Auto Alliance is now giving you yet another chance to take a look at the car. So do grab the chance while you still can!\nRELATED: \nPeugeot e-2008 previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 \u2013 up to 320km range, 100kW DC charging\nPeugeot 2008 SE\nThe Peugeot 2008 SE is the special edition variant of the brand\u2019s 2008 B-segment SUV. It comes with the SE accessories package, which includes black front, rear and side bumper garnishes, piano black rims, vehicle decals, and SE badges. Together with the SE accessories package, the 2008 SE costs \nRM141,003\n (OTR without insurance and without additional accessories).\nPowering the Peugeot 2008 SE is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces \n130 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, power is sent to the front wheels only.\nRELATED: \n2023 Peugeot 2008 SE launched in Malaysia \u2013 adds RM2,900 in accessories\nPeugeot Landtrek\nThe Peugeot Landtrek is the French company\u2019s pick-up truck offering and is priced at \nRM120,072\n (OTR without insurance) in Malaysia. Based on Changan Automobile\u2019s Kaicene F70 pick-up truck, the Landtrek is available in one variant only and is powered by a 1.9-litre four-cylinder common rail turbodiesel engine that makes \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Landtrek is equipped with a part-time 4WD system.\nTogether with these three cars, Bermaz Auto Alliance is also showcasing the regular Peugeot 2008 and the 3008. The Peugeot 2008, just like its special edition sibling, is powered by the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Costs-wise, the regular 2008 is available at the price of \nRM134,103\n (OTR without insurance).\nRELATED: \n2023 Peugeot Landtrek launched in Malaysia, RM120k \u2013 ASEAN debut for French truck\nPeugeot 3008\nThe Peugeot 3008, on the other hand, is the French carmaker\u2019s C-segment SUV and is offered in a sole variant. Priced at \nRM170,288\n (OTR without insurance), the 3008 is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the French SUV is able to churn out \n165 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels only.\nRELATED: \nPeugeot 2008 facelift unveiled \u2013 up to 406 km range for e-2008"
"Jaguar\u2019s latest sports car, the \nF-Type Coup\u00e8\n was just introduced to the Malaysian market at Sisma Auto\u2019s \nnew showroom\n located at the ground floor of \nMenara Worldwide\n along \nJalan Bukit Bintang\n. The sports coup\u00e8 comes in two different flavours, the \nF-Type S\n with the \n3.0-litre supercharged V6\n and the range topping \nF-Type R\n with the \n5.0-litre supercharged V8\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nJaguar F-Type S\u00a0Coup\u00e8\nJaguar F-Type R\u00a0Coup\u00e8\nEngine\n2,995cc supercharged V6\n5,000cc supercharged V8\nTransmission\nEight-speed Quickshift automatic\nEight-speed Quickshift automatic\nMax Power\n380 PS @ 6,500 rpm\n550 PS @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n460 Nm @ 3,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n680 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top speed\n4.9 seconds; 275 km/h\n4.2 seconds; 300 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM899,888\nRM1,158,888   After \n40 long years\n since Jaguar\u2019s last sports car (the E-Type) was made, the F-Type was made to take on some of Germany\u2019s finest breed of sports cars, such as the Porsche 911.\u00a0First off, the F-Type is\n fully constructed of aluminium\n. Its body is moulded from a single sheet of aluminium, eliminating the need for multiple panels and cosmetic joints. This increases its \nstructural rigidity\n and \nimproves handling dynamics\n as well.\nJaguar says the F-TYPE Coup\u00e9 visual message is defined by\n three key \u2018heartlines\u2019\n, beginning with the twin \n\u2018shark gill\u2019\n openings that sit on both sides of the grille, making the first heartline. The front headlights are accentuated by the \nLED \u2018J-Blade\u2019\n styled DRLs.\u00a0The Coup\u00e9\u2019s second heartline begins at the rear edge of the door where lines are muscular, creating a strong visual impression of the rear wheel drive sports car.\u00a0The third heartline forms the Coup\u00e9\u2019s sweeping roof profile that gives it that distinctive silhouette.\nJaguar F-Type R \u2013 RM1,158,888\nThis range topping F-Type\u00a0Coup\u00e9 is powered by Jaguar\u2019s \n5.0-litre supercharged V8\n petrol engine that is made entirely out of \naluminium\n. It makes a whopping\n 550 PS\n and \n680 Nm\n of torque, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 4.2 seconds\n and onto an \nelectronically limited\n top speed of \n300 km/h\n. The high-tech aluminium engine is also considerably efficient for its displacement, thanks in part to the \nSpray-Guided Direct Injection\n (SGDI) and \nDual Independent Variable Cam Timing\n (DIVCT) technologies.   Features exclusive to the F-Type R are the \npanoramic glass roof\n, powered tailgate,\n quad exhaust tailpipes\n, the 20-inch Gyrodyne wheels, Jaguar\u2019s Super Performance Brakes (\n380mm front\n and \n376mm rear\n disc brakes) and Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by braking. The interior colour scheme can be chosen from either the dual tone red and black leather seats with red stitching or plain black leather seats with red stitching.\nJaguar F-Type S \u2013 RM899,888\nThere are two supercharged V6 engines found in the F-Type range, and they can be found in the F-Type and F-Type S. The former however, isn\u2019t brought in by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia, and it is unclear if they ever will. That aside, the F-Type S gets the \nmore powerful\n supercharged V6, making \n380 PS @ 6,500 rpm\n and \n460 Nm\n of torque at 3,500 to 5,000 rpm. Such numbers are good for a 0 \u2013 100 km/h sprint in \n4.9 seconds\n while managing an electronically limited top speed of\n 275 km/h\n. For comparison\u2019s sake, the F-Type\u2019s V6 makes \n340 PS\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, gets to 100 km/h in\n 5.3 seconds\n and onto the \n260 km/h\n top speed.\nVisual differences that separate the R and the S variants are the 20-inch Tornado wheels, twin exhaust pipes, slightly smaller rear brakes (380mm front discs and 325mm rear discs), a mechanical limited-slip differential and body-coloured roof.   Differences aside, both the F-Types do share quite a number of standard features to suit your likings:\n\u2013 Active Sports Exhaust (driving modes dictate exhaust sound)\n \u2013 Dynamic Stability Control with Trac DSC mode\n \u2013 Bi-function HID xenon headlights\n \u2013 Deployable door handles and rear spoiler\n \u2013 Paddle shifters\n \u2013 Cruise control with speed limiter\n \u2013 Twin dial instruments with built-in 5-inch display\n \u2013 14-way electrically powered seats with memory\n \u2013 Configurable ambient interior lighting\n \u2013 8-inch touch screen display with GPS navigation, USB, Auxiliary and iPod connectivity\n \u2013 Single slot CD/DVD player\n \u2013 380Watt Meridian Sound System\n \u2013 Front and rear sensors with reverse camera\n \u2013 Pedestrian contact sensing system\n \u2013 Roll over protection system\nAll told, the F-Type Coupes both come with a \nfive-year warranty programme\n with scheduled servicing and Jaguar\u2019s premium \nroadside assistance\n. Both cars are available in \nthree different exterior colours\n \u2013 Polaris White, Salsa Red and Stratus Grey.\nSo what do you think? About time for the Coventry-based carmaker to build a successor to the iconic E-Type, no?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nJaguar F-Type S\u00a0\nCoup\u00e8   Jaguar F-Type R\u00a0\nCoup\u00e8"
"And it\u2019s almost as quick as the \nnew Ferrari Roma\n, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds; the Roma does it in 3.4 seconds.\nBaffling isn\u2019t it? It\u2019s simply staggering to witness how far we\u2019ve come with automotive production. Just over 10 years ago, shock waves would\u2019ve been sent around the globe if a sports car could do the same run in under four seconds.\n \nThese days, even the wagons are doing it and for the \nlatest 2020 Audi RS6 Avant\n \u2013 a Super Wagon of sorts \u2013 it\u2019s merely a walk in the park.\nHere\u2019s a list of supercars and super saloons introduced in the past 12 months or so in Malaysia that the RS6 can antagonise, pounce on and potentially make mince meat out of:\nBMW M5\n \u2013 3.4 seconds\nMercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+\n \u2013 3.4 seconds\nMercedes-AMG GT C\n \u2013 3.7 seconds \nMercedes-AMG GT R\n \u2013 3.6 seconds\nAston Martin DBS Superleggera\n \u2013 3.4 seconds\nBMW M850i xDrive\n \u2013 3.7 seconds\nWhat else did we miss?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nStatic photo\nColor: daytonagray matt"
"The standard \nBentley Continental GT Convertible\n already screams lavishness as it is, but for those looking to always go one step further, Bentley\u2019s coachbuilding division is taking opulence to a whole new level with the new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.\nDubbed as \u201cthe pinnacle of roof-down automotive luxury\u201d, the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is set to make its global debut at Cheval Blanc in St. Tropez, as part of the brand\u2019s European Summer Tour.\nThe new exterior flourishes, although minor, are immediately noticeable: 22-inch 10-spoke wheels featuring a self-levelling wheel badge, unique Double Diamond front grille, along with Mulliner-branded side vents \u2013 all of which feature a unique silver-on-black diamond theme.\nNotice a pattern yet? Bentley says that the diamond theme is inspired by the brand\u2019s Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting design concept, which can be found on all four seats, door trims, rear quarters, and also for the first time ever the tonneau cover in the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.\nEach diamond in the quilting contains exactly 712 individual stitches \u2013 each one precisely aligned to point to the centre of the diamond it creates. Bentley says that there are almost 400,000 stitches throughout the entire car, and the development of the embroidery process alone took 18 months.\nInside, the exquisite interior can be configured in eight three-colour combinations \u2013 all custom made by Mulliner \u2013 featuring a third accent colour to the interior in the form of a distinctive design line across the dashboard. Customers of the Mulliner convertible will even receive their keys in a handcrafted presentation box that matches the three-colour interior configuration of their own cars.\nthe luxurious diamond-quilted leather is paired to a Grand Black walnut veneer dashboard, but customers can choose any one of 88 different piano-finished wood veneers through Bentley Mulliner Personal Commissioning.\nThe walnut veneer is hand sanded and polished, then painted to match the colour of he customer\u2019s choice. Once dry, the veneer is polished to achieve a \u201cmirror-like\u201d finish, with chrome details \u2013 including a Convertible silhouette and a \u2018B\u2019 motif \u2013 overlaid directly into the wood.\nThe centre console on the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible features a tactile three-dimensional \u201cDiamond Milled Technical\u201d finish, which also houses a bespoke Breitling for Mulliner clock with a brushed metallic face and bejewelled hour marks. The clock is surrounded by chrome to accompany the air vents.\nAs an added option, customers can also choose to equip their cars with the top-of-the-range Naim for Bentley audio system, consisting of eighteen speakers and two Active Bass transducers, driven by a 2,200-watt, 20-channel amplifier.\nThe Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible remains unchanged under the hood; buyers can choose between a \n6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12\n or a \n4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine\n. The former outputs \n635 hp\n and \n900 Nm \nof torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of \n3.8 seconds\n. Meanwhile, the\n 550 hp\n V8 option does 0-100 km/h just a tad slower at \n4.1 seconds.\nThe Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is available in any of the extended Bentley Mulliner paint range of 88 colours. If you\u2019re looking for something really, really specific tough, the company\u2019s artisan paint specialists can even colour-match the paint job of your new car to any item or sample you bring to them \u2013 pretty much giving you infinite choice.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Because one of the baddest pick-ups in the world needs one of the baddest V8s out of Mercedes-Benz.\nRemember the W204 version of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG? The one famously known for having an enormous M156 6.3-litre V8 engine wedged in the front, powering only the rear wheels?\n \nStrapped with the first ever engine built by the Mercedes-Benz\u2019s AMG subsidiary, it had the acceleration qualities of a missile and would not think twice about throwing you sideways in an instant if your talent dries up behind the wheel.\nMercedes-Benz went on with the same source for the CLS 63, the SL 63 and E63, to name a few, of that decade.\nSource:\n Speed and Sound Magazine\nNow someone in South Africa has decided to jam the same M156 V8 engine with anywhere between \n475 hp to 518 hp\n (depending on model) and \nup to 600 Nm\n, into an unassuming Toyota Hilux \u2013 for a potent shot of acceleration at the slightest flex of his right toe.\nThe bigger surprise is that the V8 is mated to a manual, and a quick check affirmed that the W204 C63 never had a manual option. Not much is known beyond that except that this Frankenstein is also daily-driven.\nWith that noise, why the heck not?"
"Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium carmaker has just announced at the Shanghai Motor Show 2017 that the company will be building its first full electric car in China! The electric vehicle will go on sale in 2019 and China will be the export hub for these zero emission vehicles.\n\u201cVolvo Cars fully supports the Chinese government\u2019s call for cleaner air as outlined in the latest five-year plan. It is fully in-line with our own core values of environmental care, quality and safety,\u201d said H\u00e5kan Samuelsson, Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. \u201cWe believe that electrification is the answer to sustainable mobility.\u201d\nChina is the world\u2019s largest market for electrified cars thanks to the government\u2019s initiative to address congestions and air-quality issues in its major cities. China\u2019s exponential growth as an automotive manufacturing hub will play a significant role in assisting Volvo\u2019s plans for electrified mobility.\nVolvo\u2019s first electric car will feature the company\u2019s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), designed for compact cars. They are also currently developing a fully electric car based on its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform that underpins the 90 series and 60 series models.\nVolvo is aiming to sell a total of one million electrified cars \u2013 full electric and hybrid included \u2013 by 2025. Coincidentally, that\u2019s the \nsame figure as Volkswagen\n. Currently, Volvo has three manufacturing facilities in China \u2013 Daqing that produces 90 series cars, Chengdu for its 60 series cars and Luqiao making its 40 series cars.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Through a video titled \u201cSupra Improvement Video\u201d uploaded onto the company\u2019s Facebook page, UMW Toyota has now officially teased the \nupdated GR Supra\n, hinting at the imminent debut of the highly-acclaimed sports car here in Malaysia.\nThe video features a stopwatch overlay which stops exactly at 4.1 seconds \u2013 suggesting at the century sprint time of the updated GR Supra, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the official figure of the \ncurrent model\n.\nThe video ends with the slogan \u201cevery second counts\u201d, along with an accompanying caption: \u201cKeep your foot on the brakes Toyota fans. The Supra is warming up its engine for a huge surprise.\u201d\nLaunched back in \nFebruary this year\n, the new Toyota GR Supra features an uprated 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, now producing \n387 hp\n, up from the current 340 hp. Torque figure pretty much remains the same at \n500 Nm\n, but the peak twisting force is now available all the way \nup to 5,000 rpm\n.\nOver in the United States, Toyota quotes a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds on the updated Supra, which when extrapolated to 100 km/h should be roughly \n4.1 seconds.\n However,\n through our own testing\n, the current Supra already produces nearer to the 370 hp mark, so expect the actual century sprint times to drop even further \u2013 we\u2019ll definitely test it out when we get our hands on one!\nOther improvements on the new Supra include new\n\u00a0lightweight aluminium braces\n\u00a0that for increased lateral rigidity, along with\u00a0\nupdated front and rear bump stops\n,\u00a0\nnew damper tuning\n, as well as some software tuning to improve roll resistance and cornering stability especially during quick direction changes.\nThe American-spec Supra also gets an upgraded infotainment display and the addition of Toyota Supra Safety System \u2013 both of which already standard on our local variant. However, the updated GR Supra will also come with \nwireless Apple CarPlay\n, a feature currently still limited to only a handful of cars on the road.\nLet\u2019s just hope that the updated Toyota GR Supra will be launched here in Malaysia with the gorgeous Refraction Blue exterior colour as seen on the limited-edition \u201cA91 Edition\u201d Supra!"
"Geely Auto has just announced their forthcoming products that will make its debut towards the end of 2019, the Bin Rui compact sedan and a compact SUV code-named SX11. Both models will be based on the group\u2019s latest global B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform.\nThe Bin Rui sedan appeals to the younger consumers through its sporty design, dynamic driving experience and high levels of onboard technology. No other information was revealed but the BMA platform is compatible with existing conventional internal combustion engines and electrified powertrains.\nThe SX11 SUV will be officially unveiled in Q4 of 2018 and will be competing against the likes of \nMazda CX-3\n and \nHonda HR-V\n. Geely has confirmed that their new SUV will utilise a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol mill that was co-developed with Volvo Cars \u2013 the same engine that is found on the \nVolvo XC40 T3\n.\nThe 1.5TD engine will command \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of torque, capable of propelling the SX11 from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.9 seconds\n. Geely claims this is faster than many of its rivals including those from luxury brands \u2013 in the gallery you can see Geely taking a swipe at the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.\nIn a series of teaser images, it would appear that the SX11 will be a shrunken down version of the marques Boyue SUV albeit with a sportier image to appeal to the younger audience. The SX11 and Bin Rui will play a vital role in strengthening Geely\u2019s market position by providing more diverse product offerings to the global market and supporting Geely in meeting their \u201c20200\u201d strategic goal of achieving 2 million in annual sales by 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGeely SX11 SUV   SX11 vs GLA\n \n SX11 vs Q3   Geely Bin Rui Sedan"
"The government has decided to not proceed with the targeted fuel subsidy programme (PSP) that was first mooted by the previous Pakatan Harapan government \nback in 2018\n, reports \nMalay Mail\n.\nAnnounced in the parliamentary hearing today, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Rosol Wahid said that the decision was made together with the Ministry of Finance after considering the price difference of fuel between the peninsula and East Malaysia, among other factors.\n\u201cThe decision was made on July 9 in a meeting between the ministry and the Finance Ministry due to several reasons,\u201d Rosol told the Parliament today. The matter will now be brought forward to the Cabinet for a final decision, according to Rosol.\nThe PSP, first announced in \nNovember 2018\n and then later updated for the 2020 Malaysia budget, was set to benefit nearly eight million Malaysians from the B40 and M40 group, with RM2.2 Billion allocated for the programme in the national budget.\nAs part of the targeted fuel subsidy programme, fuel prices will also be floated in peninsular Malaysia according to the world market crude oil prices, while Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan will see fuel prices capped at the current levels. However, the execution of the programme, originally scheduled to begin on January 1 this year, was delayed indefinitely.\nRosol added that the government would take an alternative approach to helping the people where subsidies are concerned."
"Subaru might be best-known for their all-wheel drive technologies and \nhorizontally-opposed boxer engines\n, but the Japanese carmaker has announced its plans to \u201capply electrification technologies to all Subaru vehicles sold worldwide\u201d by mid-2030s, in a technology briefing held in Tokyo.\nThe news comes as Subaru and Toyota strengthened their capital ties \nback in September\n last year. The partnership will see the two brands jointly developing a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platform.\n \nThe first BEV from the joint effort will arrive sometime later in the decade according to \nReuters\n, who was in attendance at the meeting. However, Subaru is also planning to develop a \u201cstrong hybrid\u201d using Toyota technology, also to be released around the same timeframe.\nSubaru Chief Technical Officer, Tetsuo Onuki said at the briefing, \u201cAlthough we\u2019re using Toyota technology, we want to make hybrids that are distinctly Subaru.\n\u201cIt\u2019s not only about reducing CO2 emissions. We need to further improve vehicle safety and the performance of our all-wheel drive,\u201d he added.\nAs part of the same announcement, Subaru also plans to make \nat least 40% of its global sales hybrid or EVs\n. The company also plans to reduce well-to-wheel CO2 emissions from new vehicles sold worldwide by at least 90% by 2050, compared to 2010 levels.\nSubaru has already developed its own e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, pairing the iconic Boxer engine to a electric motor. The e-Boxer powertrain is currently available on the \nXV\n and \nForester\n.\nSubaru President, Tomomi Nakamura said, \u201cWith the aim of making Subaru different from other brands, we will further hone the distinctive qualities that make a Subaru a Subaru, maintaining the unique attributes our customers have come to expect.\n\u201cAt the same time, as we work to fulfill our social responsibilities, including the protection of the global environment, we will leverage Subaru\u2019s unique character and technological innovation to contribute to the creation of a carbon-free society,\u201d Nakamura added."
"As Indonesia is preparing for the return of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), teaser images of certain key models have surfaced.\nHowever, Mitsubishi Motors Corp (MMC) in Japan thought differently and decided to release one lone image of the soon-to-be-launched Xpander facelift.\nThe single image of the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift was shared during the automaker\u2019s second-quarter financial results presentation (link \nhere\n), with a simple \u2018coming soon\u2019 tag accompanying the image.\nMMC is seeing great recovery in ASEAN, with Indonesia experiencing the greatest growth moving from 2020 to 2021, increasing sales and thus its market share from 8% to 12.6% based on MMC\u2019s intelligence. The Mitsubishi Xpander certainly contributed plenty to that, as it was the \nbest selling car\n in May 2021.\nFind out more on how the Mitsubishi Xpander compares against the Honda BR-V in our comparison here.\nTeaser image and \nvideo\n from Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia\nAs for the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander, the frontal design sees quite a significant update, headlined by the new LED headlamps housed in a T-shape design.\nThe turn signals are now housed within LED elements at the top lighting \u2018brow\u2019. A larger emphasis on the main grille is also done by moving the licence plate holder to the lower grille area.\n2022 design, official release\n2020 design, Malaysia\nMitsubishi in Indonesia is reported on planning to reveal the facelifted 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander on Monday, November 8th, ahead of the GAIIS that is scheduled from the 11th to 21st."
"In what might be the world\u2019s worst-kept secret, Mazda has now officially confirmed that its rotary engine-powered range-extender EV powertrain will be unveiled in 2022.\nIf you\u2019ve been following the news, you\u2019d know that this isn\u2019t exactly new \u2013 in fact, the Japanese carmaker actually sneaked \u201cRotary Engine Range Extender\u201d into the slides during the \nglobal unveiling of the MX-30 EV\n. However, Mazda has since mostly kept mum about its very existence, well, until now.\nAs part of its quarterly financial results briefing, Mazda included a slide on the company\u2019s electrification plans. In which, Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto said that the company will introduce \u201cmild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids for Large products, as well as multiple electrification technology utilising rotary engine\u201d in 2022.\nThe statement stopped just short of expanding on what \u201cmultiple electrification technology\u201d means, but based on previously-available information, it\u2019s not hard to guess that they\u2019re referring to the rotary engine range extender.\nOther interesting things of note include the introduction of a \u201cnext generation\u201d diesel engine, also in 2022, as well as the Mazda Co-Pilot Concept autonomous technology in 2025. The company also said that it\u2019s committed to electrifying its entire vehicle line-up by 2030.\nThe Mazda MX-30 is powered by a \n140 hp \nand \n265 Nm\n electric motor\u00a0driving the\u00a0front wheels, with electric juice coming from a comparably tiny \n35.5 kWh \nlithium-ion battery pack. As a result, the rated range of the MX-30 stands at only a measly 200 km per charge.\nWith a range-extender engine, which \u2013 in its most traditional form \u2013 functions solely by burning fossil fuels to charge the batteries, the range of the MX-30 can realistically be more than doubled, putting it more in-line with other EVs of the same size segment.\nThe \nMazda MX-30\n.\nBut why specifically a rotary engine? Well, aside from it being in Mazda\u2019s wheelhouse, a rotary engine is also quieter and more refined than conventional engines. The rotational structure also produces more power than regular engines of comparable size, which means the range extender engine can be integrated into a small, compact unit, reducing weight and thus making the vehicle more efficient overall.\nEither way, we\u2019ll learn more about Mazda\u2019s solution very soon, and we already can\u2019t wait. Rotary is back!"
"The \nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4\n was basically designed as a race car for the roads, so it\u2019s not too surprising to see one donned in racing livery every once in a while. But this particular unit is a little more special than usual, as it\u2019s designed specifically by Porsche to honour its victory at the fourth Japan Grand Prix back in 1967.\nDubbed the 718 Cayman GT4 \u201cTribute to 906\u201d, the Porsche Exclusive Manufactur-made one-off model pays tribute to the Porsche 906 (chassis number 145) that won them the race, in the hands of legendary racing driver Tetsu Ikuzawa.\nThe commemorative one-off model is decked out in a unique white, silver, and yellow livery that\u2019s inspired by that of the 1967 race car, using specially-concocted hues and numbers from Porsche\u2019s Paint to Sample (PTS) system. Plenty of details are also applied on the outside to reference the original chassis 145 Porsche 906, including the race number 8 on the doors, as well as the special badges on the GT4\u2019s rear quarter windows.\nThe special touches also continue inside, with custom door sills featuring the Fuji Speedway\u2019s layout in 1967, along with the race-winning time printed in red next to it. Red accents seem to be the theme here, with it being littered across the entire interior, most notably on the custom embroidered headrests showcasing the track name, layout, and year of victory.\nALSO WATCH: \nThe Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a complete riot in Sepang!\nNo changes are made mechanically, however. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is powered by a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine that makes \n420 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Being a classic race car tribute, this example here is of course equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, which helps the GT4 \u201cTribute to 906\u201d accelerate from 0-100 km/h in \n4.4 seconds\n.\nThe special one-off is created specifically for Porsche Japan, and won\u2019t be offered for sale, no matter how much money you\u2019re willing to throw. However, for those of you who really want something similar, Porsche says all the unique specifications that make this car special can also be obtained through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur when you order your own Cayman GT4.\nThe Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 \u201cTribute to 906\u201d will be on special display at the Porsche Experience Centre Tokyo until August 31, 2022.\nALSO READ: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 \u201cSports Cup Edition\u201d unveiled to celebrate 15 years of club sport racing\nGALLERY"
"DS Automobiles has introduced a limited-edition DS 4 Crossback Moondust, of which only 25 units will be made available in the UK.\nBased on the \nCrossback bodystyle of the DS 4\n, the Moondust edition gets a unique Matte Platinum Grey paint that resembles the matte-finish on the DS 3 Performance Black model. It also gets a set of 18-inch gloss black \u2018Brisbane\u2019 alloy wheels. Inside, the Moondust receives a unique Basalt Black leather upholstery. Other than that, the interior dittos the ones on the regular DS 4 Crossback.\nTwo engine choices can be had with the DS 4: a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder PureTech 130 with \n130\n \nhp\n and \n230 Nm\n and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel BlueHDi 120 with \n118 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n. The petrol engine can only be had with a six-speed manual gearbox while the turbodiesel can be specified with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.\nOrder books for the DS 4 Crossback Moondust are now open with prices beginning from \u00a326,410 (RM145k) for the 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine. What do you think folks, do you think our local DS 4 could use a little. spicing up?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda North America has debuted the 2017 Honda Civic Si via its YouTube broadcast. Available in both two- and four-door variants, the Civic Si is the third Civic model after the \nhatchback\n and the \nType-R\n\u00a0hot hatch that are not arriving in Malaysia.\u00a0\nIn-line with last year\u2019s \nprototype\n, Honda claims the new Civic Si is the \nbest handling Si\n ever created. Just like the \ntenth-generation Civics\n, this is the first Si to utilise forced induction powertrain. Thus, underneath the hood lies the \n1.5-litre\n\u00a0\nfour-cylinder turbocharged\n engine that liberates \n205 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s the same amount of horsepower generated from the old model, but it gains 24 Nm more than before.   The Civic Si remains front-wheel driven, and the good news is that the\u00a0short-throw \nsix-speed manual transmission\n is the sole transmission here. The new Civic Si has a few tricks under its sleeve when it comes to providing driving excitement. To begin, the power and torque are available at a lower rev range than the old model.\nThe body is stiffer and lighter than its predecessor\u00a0and includes an arsenal of driving enhancements such as\u00a0sport-tuned suspension, mechanical limited-slip differential, adaptive damper system, and electric power steering system. The Civic Si also shares the \nultra-rigid front upper control arm\n with the Type R hot hatch.\nExterior wise, the Civic Si is draped with a much sleeker yet aggressive aerokit with a decked lip spoiler at the back. Inside, a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen is located on the center console and supports both\u00a0Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nThe 2017 Honda Civic Si will be in dealerships in North America next month.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the new iOS 12 set to be introduced later this year, you no longer have to resort to Apple Maps in your Apple CarPlay interface, provided your vehicle is equipped with it of course.\nThe new update will allow users to turn to more familiar apps like Google Maps and Waze (also owned by Google) to be reflected onto their vehicle\u2019s display.\nWhile Android Auto had incorporated Google Maps into its system from the get-go, with Waze following suit last year, iOS users have been stuck with the terrible Apple Maps, since the launch of Apple CarPlay in 2014 (yes, it took them this long)."
"Citroen and Peugeot both seem to be ditching their MPV venture in favour of SUVs. When they unveiled the \nC5 Aircross\n, it\u2019s only a matter of time before they scale it downwards to a more compact model. Enter the Citroen C3 Aircross.\nInterestingly, the C3 Aircross\u2019 exterior looks largely the same as its\u00a0\nconcept\n, minus the funky airbumps on the side. The wheels look much less radical than that on the concept, but the design is definitely not to everyone\u2019s taste. It\u2019s a Citroen after all. \nIn terms of dimensions, it measures 4,150 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, 1,640 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,600mm. Despite the small footprint, Citroen says cabin comfort and spaciousness will impress most shoppers of this segment, so much in fact that the C3 Aircross prides itself with class-leading space for five occupants.\nThe boot is good for\u00a0\n410 litres\n with rear seats up, but expands to 1,289 litres with the rear bench down. The\u00a0modular cabin design allows for the rear seats to slide back and forth by up to 150 mm.\u00a0Inside sits a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre dash and the cabin has up to\u00a090 trim combinations and five interior colour schemes.\nAs always with Citroen, choices of\u00a0\nPureTech three-cylinder petrol\u00a0and diesel\n engines are available. However, the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol that making 128 hp is mated to a six-speed automatic could be our best bet if it comes to Malaysia. Features like Active City Brake and Lane Departure Warning System are some of the active safety kit available for this C3 Aircross.\nThe Citroen C3 Aircross SUV will go on sale later this year and goes up against formidably popular rivals like the\u00a0\nHonda HR-V\n, \nToyota C-HR\n, and\u00a0\nRenault Captur\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In an expedition named \u201cEmission Impossible\u201d, the \nHyundai Kona Electric\n SUV has broken the record for \u2018Highest Altitude Achieved in an Electric Car\u2019, marking its place in the Guinness World Records.\nThe feat was achieved by Hyundai Motors India, using one of their made-in-India Kona Electric. The completely-stock electric SUV reached an altitude of \n5,731 metres\n at the Sawula Pass in Tibet, beating the \nprevious record\n of 5,715.28 metres, set by a \nNio ES8\n.\nDuring the expedition, the Kona Electric was put through harsh conditions such as low temperatures, icy tarmacs and constant snowfall. With the record now in hand, it\u2019s safe to say that the Kona Electric performed admirably.\nHyundai Motor India, Managing Director and CEO, S S Kim commented, \u201cKona Electric has brought Electric Revolution by demolishing various myths about electric vehicle and is a true expression of Hyundai\u2019s spirit of staying ahead of the curve.\n\u201cUnder the Emission Impossible Mission, Kona Electric has proved its mettle in the world\u2019s toughest terrains without compromising its performance,\u201d he added.\nThroughout the entire attempt, the Kona Electric was charged solely through the portable charger that comes as standard with the car.\nAs power is provided through a chemical reaction in the battery pack, the Kona Electric did not experience any performance issues, nor were any modifications necessary (as opposed to the \ninternal combustion record\n)."
"Upon their return in motorsports with the\u00a0\nContinental GT3\n\u00a0race car which is now competing in the\u00a0\nFIA Blancpain Series\n\u00a0in Europe and the\n\u00a0Pirelli World Challenge\n\u00a0in North America, there were talks of a road-going version of the racer. Finally after many months, Bentley made it official with the announcement of the\u00a0\nContinental GT3-R\n. Although not a direct translation from the race car for the road, the GT3-R is said to be the\u00a0\nmost dynamic\n\u00a0among the GT range.\nThe GT3-R is powered by a\n 4.0-litre twin turbo V8\n, tuned to deliver \n572 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and\n 700 Nm\n of torque from 1,700 rpm. That\u2019s \nmore than 50 hp increase\n from the \nContinental V8 S\n. Compared to the V8 S, the GT3-R is also \nlighter by 100kg\n, and the\n 8-speed\n ZF \ntransmission\n has been recalibrated with shorter gearing which helps to slingshot the car from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in just\n 3.8 seconds\n.\nA lighter \ntitanium exhaust\n sheds 7 kg but gains \u2018a unique baritone roar\u2019 tuned by Bentley\u2019s acoustic engineers. If you must know, the combined fuel consumption is rated at \n12.7 l/100km\n.\nThe chassis of the GT3-R is performance-oriented, but Bentley claims the GT3-R is still refined to be driven daily. The air springs and dampers setup from the V8 S have been further developed for the GT3-R, with modified \u2018sport-focussed\u2019\n Electronic Stability Control\n (ESC) and \ntorque vectoring\n on the rear wheels (Bentley\u2019s first), it promises a \u2018new level of handling dynamics and turn-in agility\u2019. The brakes are 420mm \nCarbon Silicon Carbide\n (CSiC) discs up front and 356mm at the back with 8-piston front, single-piston rear calipers painted green.\nLimited\n to just\n 300\n examples, all GT3-R will be finished in \nGlacier White\n with two-tone green slashes on the each side of the body. Contrasting \ncarbon fibre\n addenda can be found in the form of a \nfront splitter\n and a \nfixed rear spoiler\n. Everything that was chrome in the vanilla Continental GT such as the matrix grille, headlamps bezels, bumper strips, and window surrounds are now finished in gloss black.\nTwo vents punctured in the bonnet are not only inspired by the GT3 Race Car, but they also help to cool the engine down. The GT3-R rides on gloss black \n21-inch\n lightweight machine-forged alloys wrapped in \n275/35 ZR21\n sticky Pirellis.\nInside, the rear seats have been deleted, and all that\u2019s left are the two bespoke front sports seats wrapped in \nBeluga black leather\n \nand Alcantara\n diamond-quilted with contrasting green thread. The steering wheel and gear shifter are hand-trimmed in the same leather and Alcantara with matching green stitching.\nThe rest of the interior are no less luxurious, retaining the\n 440W 8-speaker\n sound system and navigation system with \n8-inch touchscreen\n, but the usual wood trim has been replaced by a more serious carbon fibre trim. No price has been announced, but booking is now open with deliveries starting in late 2014.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia announced today that it would be recalling the Odyssey (2014-2017) and Accord (2013-2016) to replace the battery sensor and a defective door mirror component.\nAs for the \nBattery Sensor failure\n, 20,233 units of the Accord made \nbetween 2013 and 2016\n will be recalled.\nThe issue is due to inaccurate forming on the printed circuit board in the battery sensor during its production process.\u00a0It may cause electrical short circuit of the sensor, causing smoke to emerge from the front hood and in worst cases, a possible fire.\nAs for the \nDefective Door Mirror component\n, 27,912 units of the Accord made \nbetween 2013 and 2016\n along with 971 units of the Odyssey made \nbetween 2014 and 2017\n will be recalled.\nThe defect is due to inconsistent surface treatment of the movable contact area inside the door mirror retracting switch, which may cause the affected door mirror to retract during driving or parking.\nAs to date, \navailability of replacement parts is at 50%\n for both the battery sensor and defective door mirror component. Affected customers are advised to make an appointment with any of the 91 Honda authorised dealers to replace the parts.\nFind out if your Accord or Odyssey is affected \nhere\n.\nSo far, there is no incidence of fire, crashes or injuries related to the two issues reported in Malaysia. This is \na preemptive measure\n by Honda Malaysia to ensure their customer\u2019s safety and all inconveniences caused are deeply regrettable.\nHonda Malaysia assures that \nall other current selling models are not affected \nby this product recall. Affected customers will be \ninformed via notification letters\n which will include details of the product recall. Upon receiving the letter, customers are advised to send their vehicles to the nearest Honda authorised dealer for inspection and replacement where \nall charges will be borne by Honda Malaysia\n.\nHonda Malaysia strongly encourages all affected customers to replace the defective battery sensor as it may become a fire hazard and the door mirror component for a safer drive. Honda customers can \ncheck their vehicle recall status\n either by logging on to \nwww.honda.com.my\n or\n www.productrecall.honda.com.my\n or by calling the Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just partnered with South Korean car-sharing app, SOCAR by delivering 50 units of the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 MPI to join the extensive fleet of SOCAR vehicles.\nLaunched in Kuala Lumpur in January 2018, SOCAR offers urbanites a flexible mobility solution, giving users access to a variety of vehicles from \nfun hatchbacks like the Polo\n to 7-seater people carriers.\nChief Executive Officer of SOCAR Malaysia, Leon Foong said, \u201cThe beauty of the car-sharing model is that as a member, you have several types of cars at your fingertips serving your different needs from a leisurely cruise out of the city to a trunk heavy trip to Ikea.\u201d\nL \u2013 R: Erik Winter, MD of VPCM, Bojeng Bari, CEO of HICOM Auto Sdn Bhd and Leon Foong, CEO of SOCAR Malaysia\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said, \u201cWe are pleased to collaborate with SOCAR. Through this partnership, we are able to offer the members of the public easy access to Volkswagen cars and have them enjoy its German engineered capabilities. The Polo is perfect for city driving and though it may be small in stature, it offers a dynamic drive without compromising on safety and comfort.\u201d\nUsers of the SOCAR app will now have access to a nippy hatchback powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder MPI petrol engine offering \n105 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque. The Polo will be available from the month of May onwards and users can drive the Polo starting from \nRM13.90 per hour\n.\nThe SOCAR app is available for download from the \nApp Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n and details of the app can be found on SOCAR\u2019s\u00a0\nofficial website\n."
"Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, sole authorised distributor of\u00a0Chevrolet cars since March 2010, have just launched their new 3S Centre in Inanam, Kota Kinabalu through dealer Boston Auto Sdn Bhd.\nThis addition brings the total number of Chevrolet showroom to \n14 centres in East Malaysia\n, 6 of them in Sarawak, 7 in Sabah and 1 in Labuan. Chevrolet has a total of 28 centres nationwide.\u00a0The RM20 million Inanam branch was officiated by\u00a0Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah,\u00a0Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph\u00a0Pairin Kitingan and Vice President of Naza Quest Sdn Bhd,\n\u00a0Thoo Ai Wuen\n.\nThe facility spans\u00a0\n5,400 sq-ft\n\u00a0which houses a showroom space for Chevrolet\u2019s latest models. Naza Quest has also indicated that \u00a0more service outlets are going to spring up in East Malaysia between \n2015 and 2016\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The McLaren 600LT Spider that \nwe drove recently\n was given the Long Tail name to signify more power, less weight, optimised aerodynamics, and track-focused driving experience. We thought the 600 LT truly deserved the prestigious name, as the pinnacle of McLaren\u2019s Sports Series models.\u00a0\nBut now just a \nlittle over a year\n since its launch, the Woking-based supercar maker has just released an even more bonkers Sports Series model, the McLaren 620R. The brand even goes as far as calling it a \u201croad-legal version of McLaren GT4 race car\u201d.\nThe McLaren 620R is \u201cborn\u201d from the 570S GT4, and thus share many parts with the race car. Starting with the engine, the same M838TE 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the McLaren 620R produces (surprise, surprise) \n620 hp\n and\n 620 Nm\n of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG).\nNaught to 100 km/h takes just \n2.9 seconds\n, and 0-200 km/h is done in \n8.1 seconds\n. Gunning it, the McLaren 620R reaches a top speed of \n322 km/h\n.\nThe 620R features \ncoilover motorsports dampers\n, which features 32 levels of manual adjustment per corner. McLaren says that the dampers are 6 kg lighter than the ones fitted on regular Sports Series models, contributing to the dry-weight of just \n1,282 kg\n.\u00a0\nThe lightweight aluminium wishbones and upright suspension are mated to stiffer anti-roll bars and springs, while the rubber top mounts are replaced with solid stainless steel ones for improved steering control and feedback.\u00a0\nContinuing the race-car on the road theme, the 620R features \nactive aerodynamic elements\n derived from the GT4 race car. Perhaps the most noticeable exterior feature \u2013 the adjustable carbon fibre rear wing from the 570S GT4 \u2013 now houses a third braking light, and is raised by 32 cm for enhanced aerodynamic.\u00a0\nThe large rear wing is adjustable in three different angles by a McLaren retailer. Together with the dive planes at the front and twin nostrils on the\u00a0carbon fibre bonnet, the 620R produces a maximum downforce of \n185 kg at 250 km/h\n.\nAs standard, the McLaren 620R comes with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres. However, a full-slick motorsport tyres, specially developed for McLaren by Pirelli\u2019s Motorsport team, can be fitted on the 620R without any mechanical adjustments, allowing the owner to arrive at the circuit and obliterate lap times without the need of a full team of mechanics.\u00a0\nBehind the staggered \n19-inch front and 20-inch rear\n wheels are the carbon ceramic brake discs, measuring 390 mm in front and 380 mm at the rear. Forged aluminium brake calipers are used on all four corners.\nOf course, being a true \u201crace car\u201d means that many creature comforts are omitted. On the inside, the McLaren does not come with floor carpets or a glovebox. As standard, air-conditioning, navigation and audio systems are also not included, although they can be selected at no additional cost. A lightweight Bowers & Wilkins upgraded audio system is also available, as a cost option.\u00a0\nSuper-lightweight carbon fibre racing seats with six-point racing harness is fitted as standard. The 620R also features many race car elements such as a red 12 o\u2019clock mark on the steering wheel, as well as door pull straps to aid door closure when the driver is held in place by the harnesses.\u00a0\nCarbon fibre elements are also found throughout the cabin, including the extended shift paddles, steering wheel spokes, as well as the centre console. A 7-inch touchscreen mounted in the centre displays the McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) system as standard.\nOnly \n350 units\n of this street-legal race car will be made, and a dedication plaque on the centre console tells you exactly which lucky number belongs to you. The McLaren 620R can be ordered in three racing-inspired colours \u2013 McLaren Orange, Silica White, or Onyx Black \u2013\u00a0and each can be optioned with racing decals,including the McLaren Senna GTR-inspired one pictured here.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve all seen those cars on the road with the tacked-on massive rear wings, all in the name of downforce \u2013 though we\u2019re unsure how many of these wings actually provide any aerodynamic advantage.\nHowever, Toyota\u2019s Gazoo Racing division is claiming that you don\u2019t actually need the extravagant wings and fins to improve the aerodynamic performance of your car.\u00a0\nThe Toyota GR division has developed the \u201c\nGR Aero Stabilising Body Coat\n\u201c, designed to enhance the aerodynamic characteristics of the body of car, just by spraying on a layer of coating.\nAccording to the \nofficial website\n (and some shoddy Google translation), when the body of the car slices through the air, a positive static charge is generated on the surface, which disrupts the positively-charged airflow.\u00a0\nBy applying the spray to the body, the static electricity charge on the surface is suppressed, and \u201cbrought closer to the ideal aerodynamic environment\u201d. Toyota claims that the spray can enhance the handling and stability performance, by ensuring that the body panels work as they should.\nSeems too good to be true? Well, Toyota Gazoo Racing even made a video to demonstrate its capabilities. But if you\u2019re still skeptical, you can always try it out yourself, with a pretty reasonable price tag of just 3,980 Yen (approximately RM150) per bottle."
"In case you somehow haven\u2019t got the memo yet, 2022 marks Mercedes-AMG\u2019s 55 years of existence. As part of their celebrations, the German carmaker\u2019s performance outfit has been busy unveiling special edition models one after another, starting with the \nG 63\n, then the \nA 35 and CLA 35\n, and now it\u2019s finally the turn of the \nA 45\n and \nCLA 45\n models to get the \u201cEdition 55\u201d treatment \u2013 and it probably won\u2019t be the last.\nIf you think we\u2019re just pulling their legs for no reason, even Mercedes-AMG themselves can\u2019t help but acknowledge that it\u2019s getting a little out of hand too \u2013 the subheading of the press release reads: \u201cyet more special models in the compact class\u201d. Anyway, we digress.\nJust like all the previous Edition 55 models, the pair of new special edition models follow along the same template with a larger emphasis on cosmetic changes, rather than actual mechanical upgrades \u2013 not that you\u2019ll be complaining about the 45-series\u2019 performance anyway.\nThese include two new exterior paint job options \u2013 Cosmos Black and Digital White, exclusive traditional AMG emblem decals, as well as a set of 19-inch cross-spoke forged alloy wheels. There\u2019s also a special AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome, which the company says demonstrates the model\u2019s \u201cgreat attention to detail\u201d, but it\u2019s not like you\u2019ll see it that often anyway.\nRELATED: 55 years of AMG \u2013 10 things you may not know about the brand\nThe Edition 55 A 45 and CLA 45 also comes bundled with the AMG Aero Package and AMG Night package as standard, which really should just come with the car at this point \u2013 both packages being standard equipment on the\n A 45 S and CLA 45 S here in Malaysia\n too.\nThe former adds the larger front splitter, additional flics, larger rear wing, and diffuser, while the Night Package essentially replaces all chrome surfaces with gloss black.\nInside, the Edition 55 models are treated to a coat of black-and-red paint, with the AMG Performance seats and door cards upholstered in leather. \u2018Edition 55\u2019 accents are littered throughout the cabin \u2013 with those on the floor mats embroidered in red. Dark brushed aluminium trim is also standard, as are the illuminated door sill plates, and the Alcantara steering wheel with a black 12 o\u2019clock marking.\nTo top it all off, the Edition 55 A 45 and CLA 45 will also come with an AMG indoor car cover as standard for you to protect your investment. According to the press release, it\u2019s made of a \u201cbreathable outer panelling made of tear-resistant synthetic fibre fabric and antistatic inner fabric made of flannel\u201d to help prevent scratches and dust build-up.\nALSO READ: Mercedes-AMG partnered with Will.i.am to make a weird G-Wagen Coupe one-off\nThe Edition 55 kit will be available as an equipment package for the Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA 45 at a price of EUR14,280 (approx. RM65k), and EUR12,614 (approx. RM58k) for their S counterparts. You probably don\u2019t need to rush out to buy one, though, as we\u2019re pretty sure there will be more Edition 55 models coming soon.\nGALLERY"
"Wearnes Automotive, a distributor and retailer of premium cars across Southeast Asia, has just announced that the company have signed an exclusive deal with Koenigsegg, Pininfarina, and Rimac hypercars as their sole distributors in Singapore and Malaysia. Wearnes Automotive can also distribute these brands throughout Asia.\nThe new brands will be part of the Prestige Division of Wearnes Automotive, joining a stable of exotic brands such as Bentley, Aston Martin, as well as the recently added Alpine and Lotus.\nThe \nRimac Concept_Two\n \u2013 an all-electric supercar with 2,300 Nm of torque!\nWearnes Automobile\u2019s Chief Executive Officer Mr Andre Roy said, \u201cThere is an increase in demand and a growing appetite among Asian customers for hypercars. Our customers form an exclusive group of automobile collectors in search of the very best.\u201d\nThe upcoming lineup of the latest hypercars from the newly announce brands could include the\n Koenigsegg Jesko\n, \nPininfarina Battista\n, and Rimac C_Two.\nTo help high-end collectors preserve and protect their investments, Wearnes Automotive has also announced plans to build a \nclimate-controlled bonded car storage facility in Singapore\n to allow luxury cars to be stored in a secure environment."
"The long weekend is just around the corner and with expectations of heavy traffic on our urban and interstate highways being more accurate than 4D predictions, Waze has shared a few traffic predictions to help users better navigate through traffic.\nAccording to their internal data from 2018, Waze is predicting an increase of up to \n39% more active users on the road against a normal week\n.\nIn hindsight, with the public holidays, there\u2019ll inevitably be more Grab drivers hustling some side income too so if driving can be avoided, it should. Spare yourself from time being spent behind the wheel and in the backseat instead will ya!\nIf you insist, you\u2019d likely be joining the rest of the urbanites heading out of town, which equates to more congestion at petrol stations especially on the interstate highway.\nWaze predicts that there\u2019ll be an \nincrease in navigation to petrol stations by as much as 38% \nduring the Hari Raya Haji weekend compared to the same day of the week in July.\nFunnily enough, knowing the typical Malaysian\u2019s appetite for culinary adventures, Waze also predicted a\n 95% increase in food related searches on the app, particularly to fast food joints\n. That being the case, it\u2019s probably wise to just stock up the kitchen cabinets and have a fun little cook out at home!\nNot forgetting the Malaysian\u2019s love for shopping malls, \nnavigations to Klang Valley\u2019s hotspots are expected to increase by 25%\n."
"Alongside the \nGLA35 AMG 4MATIC\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced an updated version of the AMG A35 sedan with more features onboard. Like the GLA35 AMG 4MATIC, the AMG A35 sedan is also locally-assembled.\n \nPrices for the AMG A35 sedan start from\n RM325,090 \nwith SST exemptions, but book one after the 30th of June and the AMG A35 4MATIC sedan will cost an extra RM18k, at \nRM343,888\n.\nCutting straight to the chase, not much has changed on the exterior of the A35 sedan which was launched in\n September 2019\n. It still gets the same grille design, 19-inch wheel design, and AMG body kit from before, along with Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus.\nIn fact, the bulk of the changes lies on the inside. As it is now a locally-assembled model, the A35 sedan has been fitted with more features and they include creature comforts like a head-up display, wireless charging, MBUX Interior Assistant, and switches on the AMG Performance steering wheel.\nOtherwise, the bulk of the interior remains the same. You still get the same dashboard trims from before, 64-colour ambient lighting, AMG door sills and floor mats, a head-up display, dual 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester sound system.\nUnder the hood, the powertrain remains unchanged. The A35 sedan soldiers on with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 306 hp and 400 Nm to drive all four wheels. Unlike the GLA35 AMG that\u2019s equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the A35 AMG sedan is fitted with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission instead.\nBetween the two new AMG35 models launched today, the A35 AMG 4MATIC sedan is still the quicker model, getting from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds while the heavier GLA35 AMG does it in 5.2 seconds.\n GALLERY"
"It\u2019s going to be an MPV showdown for UMW Toyota, as they have three big models (quite literally as well) to introduce throughout the rest of the year. The order books are now open, with pricing for all three MPVs have been announced as well.\nLet\u2019s begin with the\u00a0\nSienta\n. As reported previously, the Indonesian-sourced compact MPV recently made its Malaysian debut at the 2016 My Auto Fest and will arrive in two trims, at best. The good news is the funky-looking Sienta, powered by the same \n1.5-litre DVVT-i\n powertrain from the Avanza, will get decent levels of safety features. Prices begin from\u00a0\nRM92,900.00 \nto\n RM99,900.00\n.\n \n \nThe\u00a0\nVellfire\n\u00a0on the other hand, will cost you\n\u00a0RM355,000.00\n for the 2.5-litre variant. The Alphard, being Toyota\u2019s most premium large MPV, will have two variants on offer. Both powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, the Alphard starts from \nRM419,900.00\n for the standard variant to \nRM519,900.00\n for the \nExecutive Lounge\n variant. The latter will have luxurious seats just like\u00a0business class seats from a full fledge airbus, serving as a decent alternative to the usual limos for captains of all industries.\nAll aforementioned prices are OTR with insurance. Packaged with the purchase is a 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage."
"Porsche has just released its entry-level variant for its latest 992-generation Porsche 911, the 911 Carrera. Not only the new base model gets an uprated 3.0-litre bi-turbo flat-six engine, but it also features some of the technology from Carrera S models.\nVisually, the Carrera gets the wider body treatment (no more wide- and narrow-body differentiation in the 992-gen), bar-type LED tail lamps with the third brake light resembling a \u201cpause\u201d button, dual exhaust outlets and mixed sizes alloys (19-inch front, 20-inch rear). A set of 330 mm brake discs with four-piston callipers are tasked to anchor the 911 down.\nInside, the cabin is identical to the Carrera S models with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Porsche Advanced Cockpit with 5 display dials and electronic gear selector.\nThe 3.0-litre bi-turbo flat-six while carried over from before, now generates 15 more hp courtesy of new turbochargers, now developing \n385 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Drive is transferred to the rear wheels via an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch. Century sprint takes \n4.2 seconds\n (4.0 seconds with Sport Chrono Pack) on the Coupe while the Cabriolet with a 70 kg weight penalty gets there in \n4.4 seconds\n (4.2 seconds with SC pack).\nThe 911 Carrera Coupe commands a top speed of 293 km/h while the Cabriolet is slightly down at 291 km/h. Porsche\u2019s Wet Mode is featured here on the 911 Carrera which limits the car from slipping in wet conditions, particularly helpful for these rear-wheel-drive sports cars.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n992 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe\n992 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet"
"Porsche will be using the upcoming LA Auto Show 2021 as a platform to present a few key models with the latest 718 Cayman GT4 RS as the showstopper. Designed as an uncompromising driver\u2019s car, the mid-engine sports car gets an uprated engine, aerodynamics and reworked chassis tuning.\nAt 420 hp, the outgoing \n718 Cayman GT4\n already has plenty of grunt propelling such a light sports car, as experienced by Eujin at Sepang International Circuit (video \nhere\n). For this RS variant, Porsche has gladly increased the output and redline of the 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six to a whopping \n500 hp\n and \n9,000 rpm\n, just 10 hp shy of the magnificent \n2021 Porsche 911 GT3\n.\nWeighing in at just 1,415 kg, the power-to-weight ratio per tonne is a phenomenal 353 hp/tonne, just 6.3 units lower than the more powerful 911 GT3. Maximum torque also sees an increment from 430 Nm to \n450 Nm\n. The 500 hp engine breathes better thanks to intake ducts fitted on the side windows with the burnt gases exit through a titanium exhaust system that mimics the \nPorsche 935\n. \u00a0\nWhile it was extraordinarily enjoyable rowing through the shift lever and a clutch pedal that is so communicative, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is exclusively available only with the Porsche Dual Clutch Transmission (PDK), a trend in every modern RS model. The additional power and slightly revised gear ratios shave 0.5 seconds off the regular GT4\u2019s benchmark 0 to 100 km/h sprint time to just \n3.4 seconds\n and topping off to a top speed of 315 km/h.\nModifications to the chassis are expected being an RS model and this new Cayman GT4 RS gets modified spring rates, anti-roll bars as well as adjustable, circuit-ready shock absorbers with 30 mm lower ride height. Ball joints bind the chassis tightly to the body to deliver even more precise and direct handling.\nOn the exterior, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS replaces many body panels including the bonnet and front fenders with lightweight carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) material. Adding to the list of items for the lightweight recipe are thinner carpets, reduction in insulation materials and simple door panels- all contribute to a total of 35 kg in weight savings.\nAn extensive aerodynamic package has also been given to the new GT4 RS, featuring front fender vents, multi-adjustable front diffuser, a new front spoiler lip with flow-around side blades while the rear end sees the prominent larger swan-neck rear wing working in conjunction with a larger and deeper rear underbody diffuser.   All these, together with a track-only \u2018Performance Mode\u2019 add up to an increase of close to 25% in downforce levels compared to the regular GT4. With the higher engine power, better chassis, lighter weight and improved aerodynamic grip levels, the new Cayman GT4 RS easily clocked in a time of \n7:04.511\n around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, 23.6 seconds faster than the regular Cayman GT4. \u00a0\nAs usual, every bit of performance enhancement come at a cost, in the region of over GBP23,000 extra when compared to the current Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 with Clubsport Package. Priced at \nGBP108,370\n, (approx. RM607k), the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is 37% pricier than the base GT4 model, which was available from Sime Darby Auto Performance at a price of \nRM999,000\n.\n \nAn optional Weissach package is also available to be added onto the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, consisting of exposed carbon-weave finish on the body panels and rear wing, the stylish 935-type exhaust tips, titanium roll cage, dashboard featuring Race-Tex material and even the choice for forged magnesium 20-inch rims.\nPorsche will also unveil the track-only 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport racing version at the LA Auto Show, plus showcasing the new \nPanamera Platinum Edition\n to the members of the public for the first time.\nGALLERY"
"If you find the standard\u00a0\nPorsche 911 Turbo\n\u00a0too sedated for your liking, and fancy yourself an out-of-this-world 911 cabriolet, then you\u2019re in luck. Allow us to introduce to you the TechArt GTstreet R Cabriolet.\nBased on the drop-top Porsche 911 Turbo, this particular unit was tuned by famed German tuner specialising in Porsches \u2013 TechArt. This independent tuner has 30 years of experience in crafting ridiculously fast Porsches, something the folks at Stuttgart\u00a0would have been proud of.\nFor starters, this 911 is reskinned with active aero bodykit that\u2019s made of carbon fibre, with the sole purpose of generating massive downforce. It\u2019s super lowered as well, which is why you can option a lift system to raise ride hide by 2.4 inches at the front. The wheel arches have been blown to fit a custom-made 20-inch forged alloys.\u00a0Completing the back are quad pipes and an unreasonably large GT wing. Inside, the dashboard and seats are draped with a combination of\u00a0Alcantara and leather.\nBeing tuners, TechArt managed to massage the 911 Turbo\u2019s 3.8-litre engine to produce\u00a0\n711 hp\n and \n919 Nm\n of torque, which is close to hypercar territory. The 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in\n 2.7 seconds\n, and top speed is clocked at\n 338 km/h\n!\nSo to 911 Turbo Cabriolet owners who might have missed their chance to own the 918 hypercar, consider giving TechArt a call to help dress that wound?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The fourth-generation Kia Carnival, which \nofficially debuted in Malaysia earlier this year\n, is now making a reintroduction in our country as a locally-assembled (CKD) model. The CKD 2022 Kia Carnival will be offered in three variants with two different seating configurations, priced starting \nfrom RM231,229\n here in Malaysia.\nThe existing 11-seater model will continue to be offered here, and will remain in the existing fully-imported (CBU) form.\nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of appearance, not much has really changed on the 2022 Kia Carnival CKD, with the only differences being the smaller, more car-like wing mirrors, as well as the new LED full-width tail lights at the back, both of which are standard across the range.\nAll other exterior equipment are also shared across the CKD variant line-up, and they include:\nAutomatic LED headlights\nNew LED Rear combination taillights\nLED front fog lights\nAutomatic windshield wipers\nDual power sliding doors with smart entry system\nSmart power tailgate\n18-inch alloy wheels\nExterior colour options: Astra Blue, Sonic Silver, Meteor Gray, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl\nPERFORMANCE\nAll variants of the 2022 Kia Carnival CKD will be powered by the same 2.2-litre inline-four turbodiesel engine, as found in the existing 11-seater variant.\nEngine: 2,151 cc, turbocharged inline-four, Diesel\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 199 hp @ 3,800 rpm\nMax torque: 440 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\nTop speed: 190 km/h\nRated fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km\nINTERIOR\nThe new locally-assembled 2022 Kia Carnival will be offered in either a seven- or eight-seater configuration, with the former exclusive to the range-topping High trim level.\nThe seven-seater model gets two captain seat-style \u201cPremium Relaxion seats\u201d for the second row, while the eight-seater variants are equipped with a 40:20:40 split-folding, sliding, and detachable seats, which can also be reconfigured to face rearwards.\nAs for the third row seats, they are 60:40 split-folding, reclinable, and can also be folded flat into the floor for an extended boot space at the back. With the fourth-row seats now gone, both second- and third-row passengers now also benefit from additional legroom.\nThe equipment breakdown between the variants is as follows:\nStandard Equipment, 8-seater MID\n12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n12-speaker Bose sound system\n4.2-inch TFT multi-info display\nReverse camera\nElectric parking brake\nDual-zone front automatic climate control\nSingle-zone rear automatic climate control\nRear sunshade\nLeatherette upholstery\n8-way power-adjustable front seats, 2-way lumbar support for driver\n7 USB ports\n8-seater HIGH\n \n(adds)\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n360-degree surround-view monitor\nMemory function for driver seat\nHeated and ventilated front seats\nLED interior lighting\n360-degree surround view monitor\nDual power sunroof\n7-seater HIGH (adds)\nPremium Relaxion seats for second row, with heating and ventilation functions\nLeather upholstery\nSAFETY\nThe Kia Drive Wise advanced driver assistance suite is offered exclusively on the two higher-end HIGH variants, with features including:\nAutonomous emergency braking with junction turning support\nSmart Cruise Control\nLane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist (lane centring)\nBlind-spot collision-avoidance assist\nRear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist\nDriver attention warning\nHigh-beam assist\nPRICING\nThe new 2022 Kia Carnival CKD will be locally-assembled at the Inokom Assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah, managed by the new joint-venture company, Kia Malaysia. Pricing for the Kia Carnival variants in Malaysia are as follows, on-the-road, without insurance:\n11-seater (CBU) \u2013 RM196,341\n8-seater MID \u2013 RM231,229\n8-seater HIGH \u2013 RM247,229\n7-seater HIGH \u2013 RM261,229\nIncluded in the price is also a five-year/100,000 km warranty with free scheduled maintenance programme.\nGALLERY"
"We all know Volvo is serious about safety, with an ambitious goal that no one should be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo. And they\u2019re not all talk and no show either \u2013 starting from last year, all new Volvo cars will come with a \ncontroversial 180 km/h speed limit\n.\nIn yet another example of their commitment to car safety, Volvo has now become the first carmaker to achieve the highest Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) rating \nacross all of its models\n in the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety evaluations, known to be one of the toughest in the world.\n \nThe monumental accomplishment was achieved last month when the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge EV\n was given the TSP+ rating. Volvo has already been awarded 15 said ratings in 2021 award, which makes it the most single-year TSP+ awards earned by any carmaker since the honours began in 2013.\n\u201cRegardless of body style, engine or trim, every Volvo offers innovative protection in a crash,\u201d said Volvo Car USA President and CEO, Anders Gustafsson. \u201cWe are proud that IIHS has recognised this by awarding a Top Safety Pick Plus to every vehicle we produce today. No other company has been awarded this honour across all car lines.\u201d\nA large part of that achievement comes down to the fact that its advanced driver assistance systems are standard equipment on every trim level on every model they sell. Granted that their cars are on the premium side of the spectrum, sure, but it\u2019s still a commendable effort \u2013 the same can\u2019t be said for every premium carmaker out there.\nAnd that\u2019s in addition to the fact that Volvos are made with some of the hardest steel found in modern cars, plus years of safety engineering know-how.\nI guess all of those\n expensive simulators\n, the \ndaily crash tests \n(for the past 20 years!), the \n30-metre crane drop tests\n, and even the barrage of hate mail they received after the 180 km/h speed limit mandate, they\u2019re all worth it now. Volvo is truly putting the money where their mouth is."
"Over the Le Mans 24 Hours weekend, Aston Martin Racing\u2019s (AMR) not only unleashed its latest creation, the \nAston Martin Vantage GTE\n onto the 24 hours endurance race, the British racing subsidiary also revealed two other racing derivatives of the super sports car, the Vantage GT3 and GT4.\nBoth race cars are set to find its way into the hands of customers. Like the GTE, the GT3 and GT4 shares the same \n4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8\n engine, making \n542 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque in the application of the GT3.   The Vantage GT3 will officially make its way to race tracks after homologation work is completed on 1 March 2019 and will officially replace the \nV12 Vantage GT3\n, the one we had the opportunity to let loose at the Sepang International Circuit. Weighing in at 1,245 kg (dry), the new Vantage GT3 features a steel roll cage, Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox, Alcon motorsport multi-plate clutch, \u00d6hlins four-way adjustable dampers, Alcon brakes and Bosch Motorsport ABS.\nVice President and Chief Special Operations Officer David King said, \u201cThe Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is a worthy successor to the V12 Vantage GT3 and represents the core future of our customer racing programme. With the continued growth of GT racing in general and the GT3 category in particular, this new car and its Vantage GT4 brother will lead our expansion in the GT markets around the globe and particular target areas of the US and Asia. We\u2019ve already seen a high level of interest from potential customers and we only expect that to grow as the car evolves closer to its homologation date.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAston Martin Vantage GT3   Aston Martin Vantage GT4"
"In an age where SUVs are engineered and manufactured to be just as, if not more powerful than most sportscars, sheer brute performance and impeccable refinement simply won\u2019t cut it anymore. Visual appeal sells, and Porsche probably got that figured out.\nEnter the\n Porsche Macan Turbo Exclusive Performance Edition\n \u2013 one that is based on the \nMacan Turbo with a Performance Package \nand now with some youthful vibrance to go with its brute.\nThe Exclusive Performance Edition utilises a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine which delivers \n440 hp\n, 40hp more than the Macan Turbo along with \n600 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes a mere\n 4.4 seconds\n before the Macan tops out at 272 km/h. With all that torque comes a meaty mid-range; with 80 km/h \u2013 120 km/h taking just \n2.9 seconds\n to complete!\nThe Macan Exclusive Performance Editions comes with a grooved, high-performance brake system as standard, along with the \nPorsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)\n tuned to accommodate the Macan\u2019s lowered ride height of 15 mm. It also comes equipped with the Sport Chrono Package and a sports exhaust system.   But this is where the Exclusive Performance Edition stands out from the other Macans; how it looks on the outside and in its cabin. Exterior wise, it comes with\n 21-inch 911 Turbo Design \nwheels with lateral spokes painted in high gloss black. LED headlamps and tinted LED taillights comes as standard while trims on the front spoiler, rear apron and side skirts are painted in Carmine Red.\nThe black and red theme is also carried into the Macan\u2019s\u00a0interior. It is highlighted by the Garnet Red leather and Alcantara combination, specifically designed for the Exclusive Performance Edition. The exclusive colour is also applied to the contrasting stitching, embroidered \u201cturbo\u201d wording, seat belts, the ring of the Sport Chrono stopwatch and the vehicle key wallet.\nThe same Garnet Red leather treatment is applied to the aluminium PDK gear selector while the long model description, the \u201cMacan Turbo Exclusive Performance Edition\u201d logo has been added to the door sills and dashboard trim.\nThe Macan Turbo Exclusive Performance Edition finished by hand at the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur department, is only available in selected countries with prices start from EUR 116,091 (\napprox RM 577k\n).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The same year we Malaysians celebrated our first independence, an iconic small car was born. On July 4th 1957, the first unit of the \u201cworld\u2019s original city car\u201d rolled out from Fiat\u2019s\u00a0Mirafiori plant in Turin. This car, the Fiat 500, is officially 60 years old.\nDesigned by\u00a0Dante Giacosa, the original Fiat 500 epitomised the term \u201c\ncheap and cheerful motoring\n\u201c. Over 4 million units were sold worldwide before production ended in 1975. Of the total amount, it\u2019s believed that there\u2019s over 400,000 units of the first-generation 500 still roaming around Italian roads today.\nThe original 500 was powered by a 479cc engine, producing a meagre 13 hp. It weighed 479 kg and proved to be an affordable and reliable transportation to the masses for its time.\nFast forward to 2007, and inspired by the resurrection of similar icons such as the MINI and the Beetle, the second-generation 500 was conceived. The new 500\u00a0captures the style and essence just like its predecessor, and since then two million units have been sold.\nThe current 500 is now a decade old can be had with a choice of \n0.9-litre Twinair turbocharged petrol engines\n, \n1.2-litre petrol\n, and a\n 1.4-litre turbocharged\n petrol mill which powers the Abarth variants. In fact, the \u2018500\u2019\u00a0nameplate\u00a0has gone beyond the two-door hatchback; it\u2019s also available as a convertible (500C), a compact MPV (500L) and a crossover (500X).\nEarlier this year, Fiat unveiled a limited edition \n500-60th\n in the UK to commemorate the 500\u2019s 60 years in existence.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Malaysia Car of the Year (COTY) 2018 is an annual initiative by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) that highlights and celebrates the year\u2019s best and most popular cars as well as recognising the personalities that have played key roles in elevating the automotive industry to its current standing.\nThe COTY 2018 not only awarded entry-level cars and premium limousines, but it is also enthusiast driven with a Hot Hatch of the Year category which the Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk7.5 took home the coveted title. The full list of winners is as below:\nEntry Level Car of the Year\n \u2013 \nPerodua Myvi 1.5\nHot Hatch of the Year\n \u2013 \nVolkswagen Golf GTi Mk7.5\nPick-up Truck of the Year (Twin Cab)\n \u2013 \nFord Ranger 2.2 WildTrak\nCompact Crossover of the Year\n \u2013 \nPeugeot 3008 Active\nMid-size Crossover of the Year\n \u2013 \nMazda CX-5 2.2 GLS SkyActiv-D 2WD\nPremium Crossover of the Year\n \u2013 \nMercedes-Benz GLC 200\nMPV of the Year (Below RM200,000)\n \u2013 \nKia Grand Carnival 2.2D SX\nMPV of the Year (Above RM200,000)\n \u2013 \nToyota Alphard 3.5\nEntry Level SUV of the Year\n \u2013 \nSubaru XV 2.0i-P AWD\nMid-size SUV of the Year\n \u2013 \nMitsubishi Outlander 2.4 4WD\nMid-size Premium SUV of the Year\n \u2013 \nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription\nPremium SUV of the Year\n \u2013 \nMercedes-AMG GLC 43\nExecutive Sedan of the Year\n \u2013 \nMercedes-Benz C 200 AMG Line\nPremium Executive Sedan of the Year (Above RM300,000)\n \u2013 \nMercedes-AMG C 43\nLimousine of the Year\n \u2013 \nMercedes-Benz S 450 L AMG Line   The nominees of the Malaysia COTY 2018 Awards were judged based on the coherence of exterior and interior design, technical specifications and engineering innovations for the car\u2019s intended purpose, safety features and ratings, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness and overall value for money.\nHowever, one car stood out among the rest and named as the \nMalaysia Car of the Year (COTY) 2018\n which went to the \nPeugeot 3008\n Active, joining over 60 other international awards the SUV has already received since its global market introduction in 2017. The 3008 went home with a hat trick that evening, earning the \u201cGood Design Award\u201d for its outstanding overall design.\nAdditionally, the COTY Awards also presented the COTY Lifetime Automotive Award to Prime Minister YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamand, the father of the nation\u2019s automotive industry. The Premier\u2019s industrial vision for Malaysia pushed the formation of our first national car, Proton which stirred the countless component manufacturers that exist within the supply chain.\nAt the same award\u2019s night, President of the Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA), Datuk Aishah Ahmad was honoured as 2018\u2019s Automotive Personality of the Year, for her years of contribution as a prominent leading voice towards the development of the Malaysian automotive industry. MAA\u2019s most recent stint was the organisation of the \n2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n.\n \n Dato\u2019 Samson Anand George receiving the Malaysia Car of the Year 2018 Award for the Peugeot 3008\n \n Group photo of all the winners of the Malaysian COTY 2018\n \n Tun Dr Mahathir receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Datuk Darell Leiking\nMinister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Darell Leiking also took the opportunity to announce that the Malaysia Automotive Institute will be rebranded as the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) which will expand the scope of the MITI agency towards enhancing the competitiveness of the automotive industry and overall mobility.\nOn the rebranding of MAI to MARii, CEO of MAI, Dato\u2019 Madani Sahari commented: \u201cThe advancement of automotive technology will create a convergence with overall mobility towards a higher degree of automation and connectivity. This is expected to spur greater cross-functional applications in Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced IT, with robotics and IoT applications rapidly becoming a fundamental requirement particularly in achieving Industry 4.0 compliance. It is for this very reason MARii will be tasked to undertake the adoption of these two key areas to complement the development of the automotive industry.\u201d"
"Bermaz Motor has introduced the \nupdated\n \n2021 CX-9\n that\u2019s fully imported from Japan starting from \nRM319,847\n for the 2WD (front-wheel) and RM336,215 for the all-wheel drive model.\nThe only other difference between the two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive model is that the latter gets an additional \u2018Off-Road Traction Assist\u2019 feature.\n \nThe rest of the equipment list spells the same features like LED lighting, sunroof, and blacked-out 20-inch wheels, side mirror caps, and front grille as part of the Ignite Edition exterior package. In case you haven\u2019t noticed, the front grille has been redesigned too.\nInside, the standard black interior previously has now been replaced with burgundy upholstery that fortunately, does not make the cabin look like a giant ang pow.\nStandard creature comforts include 3-zone air conditioning, ventilated seats, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system while new additions such as paddle shifters, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging makes life onboard the 7-seater even more pleasant.\nSafety-wise, the 2021 CX-9 is fitted with Mazda\u2019s i-ActivSense driver assistance system that includes autonomous braking, a blindspot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.\nBoth the 2WD and AWD variants are powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 228 hp and 350 Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.\nCheck out our gallery of the CX-9 here!"
"CTOS Digital Berhad, through its subsidiary CTOS IDS, has just unveiled a new service, dubbed CTOS Vehicle Check, in collaboration with Otofacts for consumers to check the history of vehicles in Malaysia, including reconditioned or \u2018recon\u2019 vehicles imported from Japan and the United Kingdom.\nThe new service will be particularly beneficial to those who are shopping for used cars, as you\u2019ll be able to obtain comprehensive reports for the vehicles being considered for purchase with just the vehicle\u2019s chassis number.\nScreenshot: \nCTOS Vehicle Check\n\u201cThe challenge with buying a used car is that buyers more often than not have little to no access to verify the background information of the car,\u201d said CTOS Digital Group CEO, Eric Hamburger.\n\u201cBy providing easy and immediate access to extensive data through CTOS Vehicle Check, we can help reduce fraud and improve transparency in the sale and purchase of used vehicles in Malaysia, giving consumers the peace of mind with a used car report they can trust.\u201d\nRELATED: \nCarsome PJ Automall now open \u2013 a \u2018shopping mall\u2019 for cars with over 200 examples under one roof!\nThe new service is made possible thanks to its partnership with Otofacts, Malaysia\u2019s \u201cfirst online automotive bureau\u201d with the largest database of automotive records in the country, including information from auction houses, insurance companies, and several government agencies.\nCTOS Vehicle Check will enable consumers to check information such as a vehicle\u2019s accident history, mileage, car ownership history and status, service and maintenance records, vehicle registration, any open manufacturer recalls, and even airbag deployment history (for Japanese vehicles).\nOtofacts CEO, Shahir Ali added, \u201cAn important step in any used car purchase is getting a vehicle check report that can be trusted. This will enable consumers to make informed decisions based on hidden details behind the vehicle to determine the car\u2019s market value and ensure years of reliable and safe transportation.\u201d\nThe new vehicle check feature is CTOS\u2019 latest service offering in the automotive industry, following the launch of CTOS Car Insurance last month. The feature is now available at the CTOS IDS website, linked \nhere\n."
"In case you weren\u2019t aware,\n Goodwood Speed Week\n took place last weekend. While this year\u2019s iteration of the iconic event is a little different (in the sense that no public audience was allowed), carmakers were still determined to make it an unforgettable spectacle.\nIn the case of Lotus, the British sportscar maker brought the Evija electric hypercar for its \u201cdynamic debut\u201d at the historic hill climb track, draped in a retrolicious John Player Special black and gold livery as a reminder of the brand\u2019s glorious F1 days of the past.\nFor those who are unfamiliar, John Player Special is a tobacco brand that sponsored Lotus Formula 1 endeavours in the 1970s and 1980s. As a result of the sponsorship deal, the Lotus cars donned a black and gold livery. But not only did the cars look good, they also starred some of the most successful drivers during its time, such as Ayrton Senna and Jacky Ickx, making the black and gold cars an instant classic.\nTo us, black and gold just looks right on a Lotus, and the \nLotus Evija\n looks right at home when parked next to the trio of black and gold Lotus F1 cars, that were also brought out of storage for a photo op and shakedown at Goodwood.\nOf course, the Evija wasn\u2019t just there for posing duties only (although it looks so good doing it). Lotus prepped the car for a full entry in the Supercar Run, where it was pitted against other supercars such as the \nMcLaren Elva\n for a top spot on the coveted timing board. We\u2019re still waiting for the footage from the official timed run, but in the mean time, enjoy this short video that Lotus shot during the warm-up day.\n \nWhile the interior of the car is still far from production-spec, what stood out to us in the video is just how loud the electric motors\u2019 whirring noise actually is within the cabin. Sure, it\u2019s nothing like the screaming howls that can be heard from the other black and gold Lotuses, but it certainly does not lack drama, just in its own futuristic flavour.\nLotus Cars, Director of Vehicle Attributes, Gavan Kershaw said, \u201cBringing the cars to an event like this is a welcome break from the hundreds of hours spent on proving grounds, where there\u2019s a huge amount of open space and long straights to test the car\u2019s performance limits.\n\u201cGoodwood is a fast and flowing circuit with numerous undulations in the surface, and so is a fantastic test and demonstration for the Evija as it\u2019s the type of environment where many owners will use the car.\u201d\nThe \nGBP1.7 million\n all-electric hypercar features four electric motors to produce a mind-warping \n2,000 hp\n and \n1,700 Nm\n, which is enough to complete the century sprint in under three second, and 0-300 km/h in under nine seconds.\nBut it\u2019s not just about raw power \u2013 the Evija is also a \u201ctrue Lotus\u201d too, according to the British brand. Significant focus was placed on making the all-electric hypercar as light as possible, starting with a carbon fibre monocoque that weighs less than 130 kg. When it comes out, the Lotus Evija will be the lightest electric hypercar ever made, not as though there\u2019s much competition anyway.\nOnly 130 units of the Lotus Evija will ever be built, and as of August this year, more than 70 units were already spoken for."
"Last year, Toyota was named the\u00a0world\u2019s top automotive brand in terms of brand value by \nInterbrand Rankings\n. Now, the Japanese giant has just proven themselves one again by being the most valuable automotive brand of 2017.\nToyota is currently valued at \nUSD\n\u00a0\n$28.7 billion\n\u00a0and ranks 30th, according to the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands. BMW and Mercedes-Benz took second and third spots, with the former valued at\u00a0\n$24.6 billion\u00a0\nwhile the three-pointed star comes in at\u00a0\n$23.5 billion\n.\nFord meanwhile settled for fourth at\u00a0$13.1 billion, followed by Malaysia\u2019s current favourite non-national brand, Honda, with an incredible brand value of\u00a0$12.2 billion. Nissan took the final 100th spot with a brand value of $11.3 billion.\nTesla, while not among the top 100, is one of the fastest rising automotive brands of 2017. Elon Musk\u2019s pet project has a brand value of\u00a0\n$5.9 billion\n, making it the eighth most valuable automotive brand in the world. \nAccording to \nBrandZ\n, they are the largest global brand equity platform that\u00a0measures the contribution of the brand that is validated to in market sales. In this year\u2019s list, five technology firms dominated\u00a0the top five, and chances are you\u2019ve probably guessed it right. They are \nGoogle\n,\n Apple\n,\n Microsoft\n,\n Amazon\n, and \nFacebook\n. Google\u2019s brand value is almost nine times more than Toyota\u2019s.\n[Source: Brandz]"
"Before the all-new Nissan Serena arrives, here\u2019s a complete and detailed look at the current facelift model which to date, is possibly the best-looking version. \nLaunched last July\n, there are two variants of the facelift Serena S-Hybrid \u2013 the Highway Star at \nRM149,888\n and the Premium Highway Star at \nRM162,888\n. The model you see here is the range-topping Premium Highway Star variant.\nFirstly, here are the changes from the pre-facelift model. The bulk of the design revisions is shown on the front end that now sports a full-height V-motion grille that stretches down to the front bumper. The chrome trims on the bi-LED headlamps now stretch from the headlamps to the bottom of the grille.\u00a0\nAt the rear, the LED taillamps design has been revised with a more futuristic look. The taillamps are also larger than before. Take a closer look and you\u2019ll notice that the taillamps now stretch past the rails for the sliding doors. Overall, the new look of the facelift model gives the impression that the Serena is now finally a finished (polished) product \u2013 at least for its generation.\u00a0\nRELATED: \nNissan Serena \u2013 the \u2018dual back door\u2019 feature should be an industry standard for all MPVs!\nColour options include Radiant Red, Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver and Diamond Black. The Radiant Red is available only to the Premium Highway Star variant. As standard, the variant also comes with a black roof and 16-inch wheels.\nInside is where the Serena shows off its MPV prowess; with legroom, headroom and even walkways in abundance. There are plenty of storage spaces too \u2013 the glovebox, above it, ahead of the steering, by the driver\u2019s left and right knee.\u00a0\nNew to the cabin include a larger 9-inch infotainment display (up from 6.75-inches), silver surrounds on the gear lever console and quilted Nappa leather, a first for the Premium Highway Star. Also, larger is the roof-mounted monitor, now 10.1-inches from 11.6.\nStandard features include seven USB ports, a 360-degree monitor, six speakers, and hands-free power-sliding doors while exclusive to Premium Highway Star are door visors, V-Kool tinting, and front and rear dashcams. Safety features consist of autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blindspot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert, along with six airbags.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Nissan Serena revealed in Japan with Transformer-esque looks, e-Power hybrid\nThe only thing that has remained unchanged is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an Xtronic CVT gearbox. The powertrain drives the front wheels with 150 hp and 200 Nm, aided by an electric motor for better acceleration.\nGALLERY"
"Good news to those who were eyeing for the \nNissan\u00a0Almera\n, as it just received a facelift to the nose without facelifting its price. Yes the prices remain the same throughout the range (as \nreported earlier\n), but with the additional \nNISMO Performance Package\n to spice things up a little.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan Almera\nEngine\n1,498 cc; inline-4 cylinder with\u00a0Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control (CVTC)\nTransmission\n4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual\nMax Power\n102 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n139 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM 66,900 (E variant manual)\n RM 69,900 (E variant automatic)\n RM 76,900 (V variant automatic)\n RM 79,900 (VL variant automatic)\n\u00a0\nThe facelifted Almera comes in three main variants: \nE\n, \nV\n, and \nVL\n and all are powered by the same \n1.5-litre four-cylinder\n engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. A five-speed manual however, is only offered in the base E variant.\nEXTERIOR\nAs mentioned in our earlier \nscoop\n, the front received a more aggressive pair of headlamps and a \nnew bumper\n incorporating the \nnew grille\n. There are a dash of \nchrome\n near the fog lamps, and the side mirrors now include \nLED turn signal\n. The \n15-inch wheels\n get a \nnew design\n as well to complement the facelift.\nIf that\u2019s not enough, you could opt for the \nNISMO Performance Package\n. Externally it adds \nall round skirts\n, a \ntrunk lid spoiler\n, a \nsports exhaust muffler\n, and the wheels grow an inch up from the standard items. The \n16-inch wheels\n are wrapped in a set of \n205/50 R16 Continental Max Contact MC5\n tyres. It rides lower too with the help of the \nNISMO Performance Suspension System\n.\nINTERIOR\nNew steering wheel\n is fitted to the facelifted Almera, complete with\n integrated audio controls\n. Peeking through it is the \nFine Vision Meter\n cluster with \nMulti Information Display\n. Meanwhile the \ncenter console\n is now finished in \npremium piano black\n, with an option to include the a \n6.5-inch screen\n for the \nAndroid-based Multimedia Navigation system\n.\nThe system also offers \ninternet connectivity\n with \nVirtual Acoustic Positioning System\n (VAPS),\n \nrear view camera\n, iPod connectivity, USB and Bluetooth.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \nHR15DE 4-cylinder\n unit is carried over to the new Almera, producing \n102 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n139 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. Paired with the \n4-speed automatic\n transmission, it is claimed to achieve \n14.9 km/l\n or an \nextra kilometer\n with the \n5-speed manual\n transmission.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are five colours to choose from; Graphite Blue, Diamond Black, Bronze Gold, Brilliant White and Tungsten Silver.\u00a0The new Almera is priced at \nRM 66,900 (E variant Manual)\n, \nRM 69,900 (E variant Automatic)\n, \nRM 76,900 (V variant)\n and \nRM 79,900 (VL variant)\n and all variants are covered with the \n3-year or 100,000 km warranty\n.\nThe\n NISMO Aero Package\n (bodykits only) costs \nRM 9,000\n while the full \nNISMO Performance Package\n with the sports muffler and sports suspension is \nRM 14,000\n.\nOther than that, there\u2019s the \nRM 750 Elegance Package\n that consists of \nLED Stainless Steel Kicking Plate\n, \ndoor visor\n, \ntrunk tray\n, and \nsports pedal\n (only for auto variants). The 6.5-inch Multimedia system is part of the \nNavi with DVD Player Package\n which costs \nRM 6,000\n and includes\n combination leather upholstery\n and \nSolar Gard Armorcoat\n tints. If you need internet connectivity, that will cost you \nRM 7,000\n for the \nNavi with Internet Connectivity Package\n.\nThe facelifted Almera is now available for viewing in Nissan showrooms nationwide, or you can view it at \nNissan Roadshows\n that will be held at selected venues nationwide. Below is where you can catch the Nissan Roadshows.\nDate\nRegion\nVenue\n6 January \u2013 11 January\nCentral\n1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya\n8 January \u2013 11 January\nNorthern\nVillage Mall, Alor Setar\n9 January \u2013 11 January\nEast Malaysia (Sabah)\nGiant, Tawau\n14 January \u2013 18 January\nCentral\nAlamanda Shopping Centre, Putrajaya\n15 January \u2013 18 January\nNorthern\nQueensbay Mall, Penang\n16 January \u2013 18 January\nEast Malaysia (Sabah)\nCenter Point, Kota Kinabalu\n18 January \u2013 24 January\nEastern\nTesco Kota Bharu\n23 January \u2013 25 January\nEast Malaysia (Sarawak)\nStarMegamall, Sibu\n30 January \u2013 1 February\nCentral\nParadigm Mall, Petaling Jaya\n30 January \u2013 1 February\nEast Malaysia (Sarawak)\nImperial City Mall, Miri\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here\u2019s some good news for you gear-rowing folks. Try to contain your excitement, because Porsche is making available a seven-speed manual transmission option for the \nnew Porsche 911\n.\nAnd it doesn\u2019t just stop there, because Porsche is making the manual transmission as a no-cost option. Yes, you read it right. The same Porsche that charges for coloured seat belts will be giving you the option for a manual gearbox for free \u2013 and it even comes with the Sport Chrono Package!\u00a0\nThe Sport Chrono Package \u2013 usually a USD2,720 option \u2013 features Dynamic Drivetrain Mounts, PSM Sport Mode, a rev-matching function, as well as a swivel switch on the steering wheel to select between driving modes.\u00a0\nThe seven-speed manual transmission comes standard with a mechanical limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PVT), replacing the electronically controlled one from the eight-speed PDK gearbox.\n \nNaturally, a manual transmission will be slower than a latest-generation dual-clutch gearbox. Porsche says the manual transmission 911 Carrera S can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in \u201cabout 4 seconds\u201d, but who really cares about the extra 0.3 seconds when you\u2019re already grinning from ear to ear?\nThe manual version of the 911 Carrera S also claims a top speed of over 305 km/h, and tips the scale at 1496 kg \u2013 at least 9 kg lighter than the PDK variant.\nHere\u2019s the kicker though, Porsche has confirmed that the manual gearbox will not be making its way to the standard Carrera and Carrera 4 models. If you want a manual 911, you\u2019ll have to shell out extra cash for the more powerful Carrera S models."
"BMW Malaysia has followed up with the launch of the \n850i xDrive Coupe last year\n, with the introduction of the new 840i Gran Coupe M Sport, priced at RM968,800 on-the-road without insurance.\nFor starters, the Gran Coupe is accompanied with the M Sport Package and M Aerodynamics Package which not only means more aggressive styling at the front along with a rear diffuser but a completely sealed underbody, active kidney grille slats and more. Complementing the raw stance of the 840i are 20-inch light alloy style 728 wheels with run-flat tyres.\nNot like you\u2019d have much time to admire it on the road because this thing is fast. It\u2019s got a 3.0-litre straight six engine making \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, good enough to get it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds.\nThe engine is paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a sports exhaust to fuel the exhilaration between gear changes. The 840i Gran Coupe also gets the coveted items by the enthusiastic driver \u2013 the M Sport Differential for better traction and adaptive suspension for versatility in different driving conditions.\nGetting in and allowing the soft-close doors and panoramic roof to gently ease you into the warm cabin, it first greets you with an M Sport steering wheel, headlining and leather upholstery from the BMW Individual catalogue and gloss metallic wood trims. Up ahead is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customisable displays and a 10.2-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay projected on BMW\u2019s latest interface.\nThe equipment list may require toilet rolls to list down but among the notable ones are ventilated front seats, Gesture Control, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head up display and surround view monitor. Further at the back, boot space is rated at 440-litres.\nThe near-million Ringgit 840i Gran Coupe isn\u2019t short on safety equipment and driver aids either. Among them are Active Cruise Control, Lane Control Assistant, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, autonomous emergency braking and the Parking Assistant Plus feature.\nThe 840i Gran Coup\u00e9 M Sport is available in Barcelona Blue, Sonic Speed Blue, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Sunset Orange. They can be paired in different shades of leather from the BMW Individual catalogue such as Black, Night Blue, Cognac, Tartufo and Fiona Red.\nThe 840i Gran Coupe comes with a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service. With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, owning the 840i Gran Coupe costs \nRM11,058.00 a month\n, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nGALLERY"
"Come June 2022, BMW will build the very last V12 engine to be fitted in a production car. As such the company will offer \u201cThe Final V12\u201d, a limited series of 12 vehicles for customers in the USA. Only those who have had a long history of V12 7 Series ownership will be invited to buy the car.\nThe Final V12 will be based on the M760i xDrive and is exclusive to the US market. Its 6.6-litre engine produces 609 hp and 800 Nm, paired to an 8-speed automatic.\nDespite its size and weight, The Final V12 is capable of leaving most supercars behind with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds. The standard 760i does it in 3.8 seconds.\nOn the outside, The Final V12 differentiates itself with a V12 badge at the rear, 20-inch style 760M light-alloy wheels in either grey or black, along with blue or black brake calipers.\nUpon entry, passengers will be reminded of what a special car The Final V12 is, with inscriptions on the door sill and a console-mounted plaque with the serial number \u201c1 of 12\u201d.\nThe \nBMW 740Le in Malaysia\n, from RM592k.\nInside, The Final V12 stands out with the Luxury Rear Seat package, a Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system. The \u201cfurniture\u201d is finished with Merino leather, in various colours for customers to choose from.\nUpon receiving the car, customers will also receive a custom-built desk trophy; an exact replica of the car\u2019s specifications and colour.\nBMW first introduced a V12 engine in a production car in 1987 where the naturally-aspirated, 5-liter V12 engine produced 295 hp.\nRELATED: \nThe new BMW M760Li x\nDrive will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds!"
"September has been a busy month for the local automotive scene, mainly due to the intense rivalry between \nProton\n and Perodua which resulted in a barrage of prelaunch pictures being teased online. But here we have the country\u2019s \nfirst\n \nEnergy Efficient Vehicle\n (EEV) in all its glory, so let\u2019s get straight to the point.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Axia 1.0L Standard E\n \nPerodua Axia 1.0L Standard G\n \nSegment\nA-Segment\nA-Segment\nEngine\n998cc DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection\n998cc DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection\nTransmission\n5-speed Manual\n5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto\nMax Power\n66hp @ 6,000 rpm\n66hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n90Nm @ 3,600 rpm\n90Nm @ 3,600 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM 24,600.00\nfrom RM 29,800.00 / RM 32,800.00\n\u00a0\nName\nPerodua Axia 1.0L Special Edition (SE)\n \nPerodua Axia 1.0L Advance (AV)\n \nSegment\nA-Segment\nA-Segment\nEngine\n998cc DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection\n998cc DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection\nTransmission\n5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto\n4-speed Auto\nMax Power\n66hp @ 6,000 rpm\n66hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n90Nm @ 3,600 rpm\n90Nm @ 3,600 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM 36,800.00 / RM 39,800.00\nfrom RM 42,130.00\n\u00a0\nThe \nAxia\n is Perodua\u2019s 10\nth\n model, and also their\n first EEV vehicle\n. It has received more than \n13,500 bookings\n form the public since 15 August. \u201cWe are humbled by the overwhelming response from the public and we will honour that trust by giving you the best we at Perodua can offer,\u201d said Perodua\u2019s President and CEO, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\n \nThis EEV looks strikingly similar to its older brother \u2013 the Myvi Lagi Best \u2013 at first glance, and possibly from different angles from the front. Datuk Aminar said, \u201cAt least 90 percent of the Axia was designed locally, and this is to meet Malaysian\u2019s demands as well.\u201d   The Axia comes in four variants \u2013 Standard E, Standard G, SE and Advance trim. The standard trims get \nhalogen headlights\n, subtler looking fascia and red-lense \nLED tail lights\n. Fog lights are omitted, however. Rims on the Standard E and G measure at \n14-inch\n, shod with 175/65 R14 series tyres.\nThe SE and Advance trim get halogen projector headlights, chrome grille, fog lamps and clear-type LED tail lamps. Rims are \n14-inch\n, twin-five spoke wrapped with 175/65 R14 series tyres.\nINTERIOR\n \nThe inside of the Axia is impressive, with plenty of space and versatility. There is plenty of compartments, just the way Malaysians would love. Two interesting features not seen in any cars out there would be the \nbuilt-in tissue\n compartment and \nanti-snatch hook\n that\u2019s integrated to the inner side of the front seats.   The SE variant gets fabric semi-bucket type seats, whereas the top trim gets the \nleather semi-bucket type seats\n. The base E and G variants get standard \nfabric seats\n. Seats are flexible and the front seats can be flat-out retracted. Boot space is larger than the Myvi, measuring in at \n260 litres\n.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nPowering the Axia is the new all-aluminium 1KR engine that is lighter, more economical and quieter at the same time. All variants get the same 1.0-litre Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC) engine that makes \n66 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n90 Nm\n of torque at 3,600 rpm. The numbers here aren\u2019t all that flattering, but the engine features Electronic Fuel Injection and returns \n21.6 km/l\n with the five-speed manual, and \n20.1 km/l\n with the four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.\nThe claimed fuel consumption figures have helped the Axia earned its EEV incentives, but there\u2019s one thing to bear in mind. The engine uses fully-synthetic engine oil (0W-20 API SN) which helps in reducing fuel consumption. However, if a different type of oil is used, the engine will not be damaged, but will only suffer from increased fuel consumption.\nPRICE\n \nAt a media preview late last month, Datuk Aminar didn\u2019t rule out the possibility of a price reduction \u2013 and that\u2019s precisely what happened at the launch. Every variant of the Axia, including the base model, gets a price reduction as seen in the picture below.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nDuring the press conference held earlier, Datuk Aminar announced that the Perodua Axia will be given a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty as a sign of confidence with their latest model. Also, this warranty program extends onto their Myvi and Alza models. However, the 3-year free service package will be traded off in favour of the new 5-year warranty programme.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sometimes you wonder if the world has gone mad. Make an announcement to produce 500 units of an insanely expensive but not especially good-looking supercar (\u00a3750,000) named after a bloke who used to drive for the factory F1 team, and it gets sold out in no time. You can\u2019t buy a new one anymore. So, what do you do?\nLike the real thing it is modelled after, the LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Senna is also hand-assembled but takes appreciably less time to complete one, all 219 pieces of it. The \nfastest road-legal Ultimate Series McLaren\n takes 300 hours to put together at Woking, and heaven knows how many billionaires are ahead in the queue. With the LEGO, you control your own waiting time and we reckon the supply won\u2019t be as scarce.\nNot only that, you also get your own \u2018wind tunnel\u2019 in the box so that you can check out if the front splitter, roof snorkel, diffuser and giant rear wing on the LEGO are generating micro-downforces. The LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Senna is finished in Victory Grey with contrasting orange highlights, and comes with interchangeable wheel rims, a removable windscreen and its own Mini-figure driver, attired in a McLaren race suit complete with Pirelli partnership logo.\nHow much? The LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Senna retails for RM79.90 on \nBrickMagic Asia\n \u2013 Malaysia\u2019s official Lego certified E-commerce site. Hurry up then."
"One of our, if not the nation\u2019s, most favourite compact crossover, the Mazda CX-3 has been given, albeit minor, an abundant of cosmetic updates and we think it would sit really well with those eager to get their hands on one.\nFor starters, the most notable change in the front end is a \nnew grille design\n with dual horizontal lines, along with chrome finishing on the lower end of the front bumper and the sides of the car. A new optional Soul Red Crystal paint is also available. At the back, the CX-3\u2019s tail lights get a new design with a more cylindrical look to go with the more visually-appealing 18-inch wheel design.\u00a0\nThe most drastic change lies inside the CX-3 with a newly redesigned centre console and arm rest. This is the result of opting for an electronic parking brake that has freed up space for designers to relocate the cupholders, provide more storage space in the centre console and an integrated armrest with soft padding.\nThe seats have been redesigned too \u2013 to be wider and now stuffed with high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam that creates a firm, supportive seating surface.\u00a0\nThicker door panels, rear-door glass, headliner and upgraded door seams will also ensure a quieter and more refined cabin that\u2019s now laced with suede-like materials on the dashboard and door trims. For rear-seat passengers, their ride will now be enriched with a center armrest with built-in cupholders.\nUnderneath it all sits a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre, direct-injection petrol engine that\u2019s been retuned to push out \n148 hp\n and \n201 Nm\n\u00a0for increased torque across the RPM range. The CX-3\u2019s suspension and power steering have also been optimised for better shock absorption\u00a0 steering responsiveness.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Volkswagen brand\u00a0has been under heavy fire over the past two years, plagued locally by poor after sales support and the \ndieselgate scandal\n which sparked the beginning of an international probe into emissions tests.\nBut amidst all the noise is this product so thoroughly refined, one that\u2019s evidently honed to absolve the vilified Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) of its recent unbecoming \u2013 or at least the start of this changing tide. To do that, the company introduced the updated \nGolf 1.4 TSI\n and the facelifted Polo Sedan, now effectively known as the \nVento\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVento 1.6 Trendline\nVento 1.6 Comfortline\nVento 1.2 TSI Highline\nEngine\n1,598cc; 4-cylinder MPI\n1,197cc; 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with Tiptronic\n7-speed DSG\nMax Power\n104 hp @ 5,250 rpm\n104 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n153 Nm @ 3,800 rpm\n175 Nm @ 1,550 \u2013 4,100 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM80,646\nRM87,646\nRM94,461\nAs an introduction, the Polo Sedan is sold as the Vento in India, where it is built. Just like the preceding model, the Vento is locally assembled at VGM\u2019s production facility in Pekan, Pahang. It\u2019s offered in three trims \u2013 1.6 Trendline, 1.6 Comfortline and 1.2 TSI Highline. The multi point injection \n1.6-litre engine\n is a carryover unit that we\u2019re all familiar with, and its output (104 hp and 153 Nm) remains unchanged from before. This powertrain choice comes with the same six-speed automatic gearbox as well.\nNew to the model, mechanically, is the \n1.2-litre turbocharged\n (TSI) four-cylinder engine. Don\u2019t let its conservative on-paper performance fool you though, because it\u2019s legitimately the most successful engine in the history of the international \u201cEngine of the Year Award\u201d after Volkswagen bagged \neight\u00a0consecutive trophies\n. This direct injection engine packs just as much horsepower as its naturally aspirated counterpart, but churns more torque \u2013 all \n175 Nm\n of it from just 1,550 rpm.   Tasked with managing the peppy little firepower up front is a \nseven-speed\n, quick shifting dual clutch gearbox (dry clutch DSG). As you read on, you\u2019ll find out that it\u2019s no longer the Freddy Krueger transmission\u00a0of yore. In fact, it\u2019s much improved, refined and reliable than before.\nBefore we go into the details of the drive, we\u2019d like to bring your attention to the Vento 1.2 TSI Highline\u2019s overall packaging. On the outside, the Highline is the only variant to get the \n16-inch\n \u201cSyenit\u201d alloy wheels (7J x 16), shod with fat 215/45 series \nContinental ContiPremiumContact 2\n tyres. Elsewhere, the Highline looks identical to the Trendline and Comfortline, including the front bumper, headlights, tail lamps and the repositioned chrome bar that spans the tailgate\u2019s width.\nThe cabin benefits from a few upgrades as well, and\u00a0it didn\u2019t take us long to get comfortable with the new leather wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel. If you think it looks familiar, that\u2019s because it\u2019s taken straight off a Mk7 Golf. Also new here is the Radio 320G head unit that supports USB, iPod, SD card, auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity. All Ventos come with \nfour speakers\n as standard. To give credit where it\u2019s due, they sound just as good as a conventional six-speaker setup, perhaps even better.   The new matte silver trim surrounding the centre dash and air conditioning vents ups the look and feel, but its highly reflective surface can be a tad too glaring when driving in mid-day. Another gripe of mine when driving the Vento over long periods is the lack of lumbar support. Both front seats are manually adjustable; the rear bench can be folded down to make way for more cargo space, and all seats are upholstered in the new \u2018Cable\u2019 fabric.\nWith all that out of the way, how does the turbocharged Vento drive? As the \nonly turbocharged B-Segment sedan\n (remember, the keyword here is \nsedan\n) in the market right now, it punches well above its weight. Power delivery is decidedly urgent, yet suitably linear for all driving conditions. We\u2019ve sampled the Vento\u00a0on a good mix of city and highway, but the former setting is where the old DSGs writhed erratically. Much work has been done to iron out the drivetrain\u2019s flaws, and to say I wasn\u2019t impressed with the\u00a0result is downright blasphemous.\nHighway cruising is also \nremarkably stable\n for a B-Segment car, and the Vento is easily the most reassuring car in its class to drive at speeds above 100 km/h. Comparatively, the 1.6-litre variants which sit on smaller 15-inch wheels with narrower tyres manage to deliver a similar experience (as far as I remember, that is), but the extra width on the turbocharged Vento gives you the added confidence to carry more speed into corners.\nIt\u2019s not quite as zippy and agile as the Ford Fiesta or the Mazda2 around the bends, but steering feedback is quick enough (albeit slightly muted) to enjoy a decent drive through the winding roads of Balik Pulau. Granted, agility isn\u2019t the Vento\u2019s strongest suit, but it\u2019s definitely the most planted car of the lot, matching that of a C-Segment sedan.\nOne thing you can consistently count on a continental car to deliver is \ncabin refinement\n. Despite being produced in India (the parts are imported here from India, then assembled in Pekan), the Vento comes with premium insulating materials such as felt lining on all four doors. This greatly reduces wind noise, which only started creeping into the cabin way above the legal speed limit. The wheel wells don\u2019t generate a lot of humming noise as well, hinting at proper use of vibration-absorbing material.\nIn short, there\u2019s plenty to like about the new Vento, and hardly anything irksome that would be off-putting. Would I recommend the Vento to my friends and family? Without a shadow of a doubt. Forget everything you\u2019ve heard about Volkswagen Malaysia. To some of you, the Vento may just be another passing thing, but really, it\u2019s them starting on a clean slate.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While Honda is late to the EV game in China, it is making up for lost time with the introduction of the X-NV Concept \u2013 an electric-powered, near production-ready crossover based on the popular HR-V \u2013 at the ongoing Shanghai motor show.\n Looks familiar? Yeah, it\u2019s the HR-V, but this one is electric.\nThe X-NV is a joint development between Honda Motor China Technology\nand its local partner, Dongfeng Honda (the other partner being Guangzhou\nAutomotive Group, or GAC) and is planned to hit showrooms in the second half of\n2019, which is pretty soon in automotive speak.\nStance is raised to accommodate floor-mounted battery pack.\nIf the emblem on the concept crossover looks unfamiliar, that\u2019s because the X-NV is expected to sport Dongfeng Honda\u2019s NEV (New Energy Vehicle) brand logo with a theme centred on \u2018Seeing the future\u201d. Oh, the front grille of the X-NV also doubles up as the charging port cover, let\u2019s hope future owners see and track the traffic up ahead diligently too.\nUnder the skin, the X-NV is likely to be identical to GAC\u2019s \nEverus VE-1 \nlaunched at the Guangzhou motor show last November, so expect an output of 163 hp and 280 Nm from an electric motor driving the front wheels, backed up by a relatively large 53.6 kWh battery pack that\u2019s good for 340 km on a full charge, on paper at least."
"Peugeot is finally back in Malaysia \nunder a new brand representative\n, and they\u2019re coming back with a vengeance and even more swagger. After launching the \n3008\n and \n5008\n SUVs just a couple of months ago, Bermaz Auto Alliance has now unveiled the \nall-new Peugeot 2008 \nhere in Malaysia.\nThe ultra-stylish crossover will be offered in one single variant, called the Allure, priced at \nRM126,753\n. It\u2019ll also be assembled locally in Malaysia at the Stellantis manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah, and exported to neighbouring nations.\nOn the outside, the all-new Peugeot 2008 carries many of Peugeot\u2019s latest signature design hallmarks, such as the lion fang daytime-running lights (although physically disconnected from the main headlight element here), and the claws tail lights at the rear, connected by a gloss black trim piece.\nIn terms of standard equipment, the Peugeot 2008 in the Allure trim comes as standard with 17-inch Black Onyx diamond-cut wheels and all-LED lighting fixtures. It\u2019s also now physically larger than before thanks to its longer body and wheelbase, resulting in a larger bootspace (by 74 litres).\nLearn more about the all-new Peugeot 2008 in Malaysia here!\nInside, the mini Pug gets the signature Peugeot i-Cockpit dashboard design, characterised by the tiny steering wheel (which is supposed to be aligned \nbelow\n the instrument cluster), floating infotainment display panel, and the piano keys control button stack in the centre.\nThe infotainment display is sized seven-inches diagonally, and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard. But to us, the key highlight on the interior is the 3D holographic instrument cluster.\nAccording to Peugeot, the 3D instrument cluster projects animated displays and data on a \u201cholographic\u201d layer according to importance or urgency, and supposedly helps improve reaction time by half a second.\nIn our tests, although we couldn\u2019t quantify the specific reaction time gains, we definitely agree that it helps us concentrate better on the road, as the most important information such as driving speed is presented up front and \u201cin your face\u201d, making it significantly easier to understand at a glance.\nThe Peugeot 2008 here in Malaysia is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech turbocharged engine that\u2019s inherited from the previous generation. However, the French marque says that the engine has been significantly improved, not only for better reliability, but also a higher system output at \n131 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.\nSafety wise, the all-new Peugeot 2008 comes equipped with several advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, alongside blind-spot monitor and six airbags as standard.\nA full review of the mini (but also bigger) Pug is coming soon, but for now, feast your eyes on these photos!\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has just published its sales data for May, which saw the company sold a total of \n7,579 units\n consisting of 7,442 cars from \nToyota\n, and 137 from \nLexus\n. The latest figure represents an increase of roughly 9% compared to the \nprevious month\n (6,946 units: 6,848 Toyota, 78 Lexus).\nAs of May 2022, the company has registered a cumulative total of 36,972 vehicles (inclusive of both Toyota and Lexus) year-to-date, compared to 34,026 in the \nsame period last year\n, which translates to an 8.6% jump.\nThe company says that the positive sales performance is despite the forecast that vehicle sales in Malaysia will be slow for the rest of the year, stemming from production slowdowns caused by the knock-on effects from the silicon shortage.\nAdditionally, the end of the sales and service tax (SST) exemption after June 2022 will also put a damper on sales, although the company says that customers who are looking to take advantage of the current pricing have helped ramp up its sales somewhat.\nRELATED: Government mulling extension of SST exemption beyond June 30\n\u201cAs we rev up for the second half of this year, we at UMW Toyota are truly appreciative and emboldened by the support we have received from our customers. It has always been our policy to put our customers first, and we are always ready to extend our assistance to the many Toyota fans as we journey out of these uncertain times,\u201d said UMW Toyota President, Ravindran K.\n\u201cWe are looking forward to continued confidence in our products and servicing capabilities, backed by our advanced automotive technology and comforted by the security features of all our products. Here\u2019s to a more positive outlook forging ahead,\u201d he added.\nContinuing with its monthly promotions, UMW Toyota is currently offering benefits worth RM4,000 to customers looking for the Yaris and Vios, alongside special mid-year savings and other cash rebates for the month of June. The company is also teasing about its \u201c\nupcoming product launches\n\u201d in the press release, which it expects to help further increase its sales."
"Audi has had a solid track record in motorsports, from rallying three decades ago to its recent exploits in touring cars in DTM and endurance racing. One of its famous victories was last year\u2019s 24 Hours of\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring won with the R8 LMS supercar.\nTo top it off, the victory was one of 323 races won by the same car since its birth back in 2009. To commemorate the occasion, Audi is unveiling the limited-edition R8 V10 Plus \u2018Selection 24\u2019.\u00a0The car may not have bare stripped interiors and a single driver seat just like the GT3 race car. Instead, this road car equivalent has 50 percent of the LMS\u2019 components. It retains the same\u00a0\n602 hp\n\u00a0\n5.2-litre\n\u00a0\nV10\n that translates to a century sprint in\n 3.2 seconds\n with a top speed of \n328 km/h\n.\nInstead of oversized GT wings and racing splitters, Audi adds \u2018competition-inspired styling enhancements with an exceptional specification\u2019. This includes a\u00a0more subtle rear spoiler, diffuser and wing mirrors made\u00a0from gloss-finish carbon\u00a0fibre. The R8\u2019s body is finished in\u00a0Suzuka Grey, with Mythos Black and Misano Red highlights that altogether makes the striking difference in this special edition supercar.\nCustomers are also allowed to customise their R8 \u2018selection 24\u2019 with lighting options and\u00a0 illuminated door sills which display\u00a0its serial numbers to mark the car\u2019s exclusivity. Speaking of that, just like the hours in N\u00fcrburgring and Le Mans endurance races, only 24 cars will be made, with pricing beginning at\u00a0\n229,000 Euros\n (approx \nRM1,054,000.00\n based on today\u2019s conversion rates).\nMeanwhile, do check out our brief but enthralling experience with the Audi R8 V10 Plus in Germany \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia surprised everyone at the \nNEXTGen Malaysia event\n today by bringing out the \nfully-electric i4 Gran Coupe \nin metal for the first time in the country. So naturally, we couldn\u2019t resist but to get up close and personal with it to bring you some live photos.\nOrder books for the car is still not open yet, so we don\u2019t know how much it\u2019ll cost, but the company did release some preliminary info for us to pore over in anticipation!\nAs the name suggests, the i4 Gran Coupe is essentially the fully-electric version of the \nBMW 4 Series Gran Coupe\n \u2013 and thus it looks nearly identical to its fossil fuel-powered twin.\nHowever, there are still several exclusive exterior touches to differentiate it from the 4-er, such as the partially shuttered-off kidney grille (with an indented gloss black panel), unique rear bumper with massive diffuser elements, as well as the blue accents around the BMW emblems, front grille, and rear bumpers. Obviously, there aren\u2019t any exhaust tips here too.\nHere in Malaysia, the upcoming i4 Gran Coupe will come \u2013 at the very least \u2013 with standard equipments such as the M Sport exterior package, BMW Laser Light headlights with LED daytime-running lights, as well as a pretty sweet-looking set of 20-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels, hiding the M Sport brakes with blue callipers.\nALSO READ: BMW iX xDrive40 electric SUV now available in Malaysia!\nMoving inside, the design once again mostly mirrors that of the 4 Series \u2013 except for one key update. The BMW i4 Gran Coupe is equipped as standard with the BMW iDrive 8 infotainment system, which presents itself as a single curved panel above the dashboard housing the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display.\nThe area surrounding the central air vents have also been reworked, with the air conditioning controls being moved into the infotainment system itself. Meanwhile, the bank of shortcut buttons for the infotainment system have also been replaced by new haptic touch buttons for the hazard lights and window defrosters.\nAs for standard equipment on the interior, the brief press release mentions a head-up display, alongside the three-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.\nNothing to see here.\nAccording to BMW Malaysia\u2019s press release, the all-new i4 Gran Coupe will be offered solely in the eDrive40 guise, which packs BMW\u2019s fifth-generation eDrive powertrain consisting of a single electric motor at the rear axle, paired to an \n80.7 kWh\n modular battery pack.\nOutput is rated at \n340 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a century sprint time of \n5.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of 190 km/h. With such a sizeable battery, the i4 eDrive40 also boasts a pretty respectable driving range of\n 590 km \nbased on the WLTP test cycle.\nRELATED: Budget 2022 \u2013 EVs fully tax-free and Sales Tax Exemption extended to June 2022\nThe BMW i4 Gran Coupe comes with a Type 2 CCS charging port. Confused? \nLearn more here\n.\nWith a standard 11kW AC wall box, topping off the battery pack from empty takes approximately 8.5 hours. If you manage to find a 200kW DC fast charger around, it\u2019ll take you just 31 minutes to charge from 10-80%.\nPricing information isn\u2019t available yet, but we do know that \u2013 just like all other BMW i models \u2013 it\u2019ll come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, alongside an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty.\nThe all-new BMW i4 Gran Coupe should be launched here in Malaysia very soon, so keep your eyes peeled!\nGALLERY"
"Despite countless public service announcements (PSA) online, parents are still leaving their child inside their cars for an extended period. Parents, stop. Do not, under any circumstances, leave your children unattended inside the vehicle. A two-year-old girl died after her mother left her inside the car for four hours.\nAccording to \nThe Star\n, the mother who was a lecturer at Port Dickson Vocational College left the toddler locked in the car at the college\u2019s parking lot since morning. It was not only until 1 pm the mother realised that her daughter was still strapped onto the child seat at the front passenger seat of her Proton Saga.\nPort Dickson OCPD Supt Zainuddin Ahmad said \u201cShe only realised that her child was still in the car at around 1 pm. When she rushed to the vehicle, the victim was already unconscious,\u201d. The victim was brought to a health clinic but was pronounced dead shortly after.\nAgain, we cannot stress how dangerous it is to leave your children \u2013 regardless of their age \u2013 locked in a car without supervision. An enclosed space without ventilation will soar to ridiculous temperatures in a matter of moments, especially in our country\u2019s hot and humid climate."
"Ahead of the 2019 Tokyo motor show, Nissan has previewed some of the stars, including this cute IMk concept \u2014 incorporating chic design, the latest technologies and electric drive to create the \u201cultimate urban commuter.\u201d\nNissan turned to traditional Japanese design for inspiration. On the outside, the IMk is characterised by flowing lines, adopting the minimalism design cues of the past. However, the signature Nissan cues are all there \u2013 particularly the V-motion front-end \u2013 albeit redesigned for a modern look.\n \nNissan\u2019s executive design director Satoru Tai said that the bumper, wheels, tires, windows, tail lamps, roof and high mount spoiler are inspired by \nmizuhiki\n, a thin twine made of Japanese rice paper. The combination taillights also borrows from traditional Japanese lattice woodwork.\nDipped in a red-copper paint job, named Akagane, the IMk pays homage to traditional artists who formed copper into works of art.\nHowever, what really stands out is the interior design of the urban commuter concept, more specifically, the bezel-less \u201cprism\u201d screen, acting as both the instrument cluster and infotainment display, information \u201cfloats\u201d on the glass pane in a holographic manner.\u00a0\nNissan even used lighting strips under the prism display area, mimicking the display\u2019s colors for a subtle halo effect. During operation, the designers added scene transitions in the form of a flock of birds flying across, a design detail that can also be seen as a faint pattern on the prism itself \u2013 signifying how the display can come to life.\nElsewhere in the interior, the IMk is fitted with bench-style seats, wrapped in dimpled leather to give an impression of \u201csitting on a floating cloud\u201d, or so says Nissan. The dashboard and door sections are upholstered in light-tonal material, giving an airy yet cozy atmosphere, with Akagane accent finishing to add a luxurious touch.\u00a0\nThe interlocking wooden panels between the lower dashboard and door panels are inspired by traditional Japanese wood joinery \u2013 \nkigumi\n and highlighted by hidden lighting around it.\u00a0\nYou might have realised from the images that the IMk does not have any sideview mirrors. Nissan has opted to have cameras instead, reducing drag. We think that these cameras will also be used as an additional pair of \u201ceyes\u201d for the ProPilot 2.0 system, Nissan\u2019s advanced driving assist system.\nOther than single-lane autonomous driving on highways, ProPilot also communicates with your smartphone. The ProPilot Remote Park feature allows you to step out of the car and let the IMk look for a parking by itself \u2013 perfect for busy cities. Once you are ready to get back on the road, a press of a button on your phone summons the car to you.\u00a0\nNissan is also showing off their Invisible-to-Visible (I2V) technology in the IMk, merging data from the sensors inside and out of the car, together with data from the cloud. The technology will help the IMk better understand its immediate surroundings, anticipating events even around the corner, outside of the direct line-of-sight.\u00a0\nThe IMk concept will be built on Nissan\u2019s expertise in electric vehicles. However judging by its dimensions, we expect this compact urban car to remain a Japanese domestic market model, if it ever gets built. As a concept, we should expect to see some of these cool features incorporated into production cars in the near future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite the global demand for SUVs has increased substantially over the recent years, it seems that no one wants a sleek but impractical two-door SUV. Land Rover has decided to cut the three-door Range Rover Evoque from its line up because of this according to \nAutoCar UK\n.\nSince the global debut of the Evoque nameplate in 2011, the compact crossover is available in three body styles \u2013 five-door, three-door and convertible. Since the introduction of the topless Evoque, the three-door has been the slowest-selling body style and sources have touted that the five-door accounts for almost 95 per cent of sales.\nJust look at how impractical this thing is.\nA Land Rover spokesman said: \u201cFrom the 2019 model year, Land Rover has rationalised its Range Rover Evoque body style offering to concentrate on the five-door model and convertible, which account for the majority of sales.\u201d\nWhen the Evoque first landed onto Malaysian shores in 2011, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) offered both the three-door and \nfive-door\n guise but have since dropped the less practical twin in the 2016 revision."
"At long last, the poster child for EVs has now\n made it into Malaysia\n with the launch of the\n Tesla Model Y\n today. The fully-electric compact SUV will be offered here in three variants \u2013 Model Y RWD, Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD, and Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD, with prices starting from RM199,000.\nThe Tesla Model Y is now available to order on Tesla\u2019s official online configurator (linked \nhere\n), with first deliveries slated to begin in early 2024.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa for a 10% instant rebate, cashback, and many more. Head on over the \nMotorTakaful.com\n to learn more.\nTesla Model Y exterior design, equipment for Malaysia\nEssentially a crossover version of the \nModel 3\n, the Tesla Model Y also sports the sedan\u2019s minimalist design language, but with a taller roof, reworked rear hatch, and larger wheels. The Tesla Model Y measures 4,751 mm in length (2,890 mm wheelbase), 1,921 mm in width, and 1,624 mm tall, putting it in about the same ballpark as the \nBMW iX3\n and \nMercedes-Benz EQC\n.\nExterior equipment highlights on the Tesla Model Y include:\nLED headlights\nLED tail lights\nKeyless entry with access card and smartphone entry\n19-inch Gemini wheels (21-inch Uberturbine wheels for the Performance Dual Motor AWD variant)\nPearl White exterior colour\nThe Tesla Model Y is also offered with several options, including:\n20-inch Induction wheels \u2013 RM10,000\nSolid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic exterior colour \u2013 RM5,000\nRed Multi-Coat exterior colour \u2013 RM10,000\nTesla Model Y performance, electric range\nThe Tesla Model Y is powered by either a single- or dual- motor set-up, depending on variant. All three variants of the Model Y utilise a 400V electrical architecture, though Tesla does not advertise their actual battery capacities, instead opting to differentiate them via their driving range.\nRWD\nLong Range Dual Motor AWD\nPerformance Dual Motor AWD\nMax horsepower\n347 hp\n514 hp\n534 hp\nMax torque\n420 Nm\n493 Nm\n660 Nm\n0-100 km/h\n6.9 seconds\n5.0 seconds\n3.7 seconds\nTop speed\n217 km/h\n217 km/h\n250 km/h\nBattery capacity\n57.5 kWh\n75 kWh\n75 kWh\nRange (WLTP)\n455 km\n533 km\n514 km\nDC charging support\n170 kW\n250 kW\n250 kW\nThe Long Range Dual Motor AWD variant is also offered with an Acceleration Boost feature (paid option, activated via Tesla Mobile app), which reduces the century sprint time to just 4.5 seconds.\nBefitting its sporting credentials, the range-topping Performance Dual Motor AWD also comes equipped with a Performance Brake system, lowered suspensions, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, and aluminium pedals on the interior.\nTesla Model Y interior\nTesla\u2019s signature minimalist design language, with the simplistic dashboard only interrupted by the single 15-inch touchscreen display in the centre, that serves as both the infotainment system and instrumentation display for the driver.\nWhile the Tesla Model Y is offered globally in both five- and seven-seater configurations, the SUV will only be available in a five-seater layout here in Malaysia. Standard interior equipment across all variants of the Tesla Model Y here in Malaysia include:\n15-inch touchscreen display\nDual wireless mobile charger\nAutomatic climate control with HEPA air filter and Bioweapon Defence mode\nElectrically adjustable front seats\nFront and rear seat heating\nVegan leather upholstery, black (white upholstery colour available as option, RM5,000)\nPanoramic glass roof with UV and infrared protection film\n13-speaker sound system\n4 USB-C ports\nSentry Mode video recording (as dashcam)\n854 litre rear cargo space, 117 litre \u2018frunk\u2019 storage area\nTesla Model Y Autopilot, Full Self Driving available in Malaysia\nAll three variants of the Tesla Model Y will come as standard with the basic Autopilot advanced driver assistance suite, which includes autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane centring assist.\nAn Enhanced Autopilot option (RM16,000 extra) is also available, and adds an automatic lane change system, a \u2018Navigate on Autopilot\u2019 feature that automatically moves your car into the right lane for highway exits, an automatic overtaking function, automatic parking assistance, and a Smart Summon system that can drive the car autonomously through a car park.\nCustomers can also opt for the \u201cFull Self-Driving\u201d (FSD) package at RM32,000, which currently consists of all the features in Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot, with \u2018Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control\u2019 and \u2018Autosteer on city streets\u2019 listed as \u201cupcoming\u201d on the company\u2019s website. The system can also be updated in the future via automatic software updates.\nDespite its name, however, the driver assistance suite (which is currently still in beta testing) is not truly an autonomous driving system just yet.\n2023 Tesla Model Y pricing in Malaysia\nThe 2023 Tesla Model Y is offered in three variants in Malaysia, priced as follows (on-the-road, without insurance, before options):\nTesla Model Y RWD \u2013 \nRM199,000\nTesla Model Y Long Range AWD \u2013 \nRM246,000\nTesla Model Y Performance AWD \u2013 \nRM288,000\nIncluded in the price is a four-year/80,000 km Basic Vehicle Warranty, as well as an eight-year/160,000 km Battery & Drive Unit Warranty.\nGALLERY\n2023 Tesla Model Y RWD\n2023 Tesla Model Y Performance"
"Stellantis, the new company formed following the merger of Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), announced yesterday that they have obtained full ownership of Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) and its manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah. The plant was previously operated on a \njoint venture basis\n between Groupe PSA and Naza.\nThe completed acquisition reinforces Stellantis\u2019 commitment to the Southeast Asian market. The company plans to \u201cinvest and dramatically expand its footprint as part of a robust localisation strategy\u201d in the region, according to a statement released yesterday.\n\u201cStellantis is deeply committed to growing our presence in ASEAN, and taking full ownership and responsibility of the plant in Gurun, Kedah is a very important step towards strengthening our operations, production outputs and workforce in the region,\u201d said Stellantis Senior VP of ASEAN and general distributors, Christophe Musy.\n\u201cWe have an ambitious growth strategy that will enable us to build on the existing production outputs in Gurun, as well as extend the breadth of brands and models within the Stellantis portfolio built in ASEAN for ASEAN. This is a very exciting proposition. We are focused on our mission to achieve world-class manufacturing in Gurun, to build high-quality, Malaysian-produced vehicles for South East Asia.\u201d\nRelated: \nBerjaya, Bermaz JV replaces Naza as sole distributor for Peugeot in Malaysia\nProduction at the Gurun plant has recently restarted, with the \nfacelifted Peugeot 3008\n and 5008 models already being exported and rolled-out across the region. The company says that the\n Peugeot 2008 \nwill also follow suit this month, and just like its elder siblings, will also be exported across the ASEAN region.\nThe company previously already confirmed that it is planning to \nunveil the Peugeot 2008 here in Malaysia \u201cin the near future\u201d\n.\nRelated: Malaysian-made facelift Peugeot 3008 goes on sale in Thailand\nMusy said that the company has seen increased demand for Peugeot in the region despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and production at the plant has now already returned to pre-pandemic levels. Volume is now being ramped up for the remainder of 2021 to re-establish supply to Malaysia, Thailand, and other ASEAN markets.\n\u201cWe are working closely with our partners to increase plant capacity by almost 40% to meet demand, and this combined with our strong product plan and determination to achieve the highest standards in quality and safety has set us up for great success in Malaysia,\u201d he added. The Gurun plant has an annual capacity of 70,000 units."
"Remember when we shared last week about \nMcDonald\u2019s giving out a die cast Supra by Tomica\n, with every purchase of the Happy Set in Japan? They\u2019ve launched the campaign with a rather elaborate video featuring two heavyweights from the drift scene.\nThey\u2019re Nobuteru Taniguchi, the first ever D1 GP champion and multiple D1 GP winner Daigo Saito, in their drift cars based on the \nnew Toyota Supra\n and while such collaborations are rarely seen, the stunts are rather familiar \u2013 if you\u2019re familiar with the Ken Block name.\n \nWhat was really cool though was how they ended the video; with an \u201cM\u201d initial left behind by burnout marks. It\u2019s a witty short film nonetheless, with Daigo performing donuts around a serving of french fries while Nobu took a more \u201cno-nonsense approach\u201d.\nNow if only McDonald\u2019s Malaysia can get off their rear ends and work something out with UMW Toyota Motor. We won\u2019t expect to see such a drift video, we promise. We just want the toy!\nGALLERY"
"Created in collaboration with Chinese fashion designer and entrepreneur, Mr. Cabbeen, McLaren has revealed the McLaren 570GT Cabbeen at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show; the first bespoke model to introduce distinctive Chinese classic design elements.\nOnly\n five examples\n of the 570GT will be available. It\u2019s finished in custom Obsidian Black paint \naccompanied by dragon motifs\n, hand-painted in Speedline Gold. The same paint is also applied to the new 15-spoke GT wheels and brake callipers.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJzWroTCqQY\nLike most manufacturers today, the 570GT MSO Cabbeen was created to \nsatisfy the brand\u2019s Chinese customer\u2019s\n endless demand for customisation and is a mark of the growing interests in MSO services from the China market.\nThe same dragon motifs embroidered in gold can also be seen inside \u2013 applied on the 570GT\u2019s centre console and rear luggage deck\u2019s Alcantara surface.\nThe motifs are an example of \nChao Embroidery\n, which is recognised as part of China\u2019s cultural heritage. They\u2019re sewn by the Director of the Professional Embroidery Committee of China\u2019s Arts and Crafts Institute, Kang Huifang, who has \nspent four decades preserving the art of Chao Embroidery\n.\nThe 570GT is part of McLaren\u2019s Sport Series line-up. It\u2019s equipped with a\u00a0\n562 hp \n3.8-litre\u00a0twin-turbo V8 engine\u00a0paired to a\u00a0seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. Since its introduction, McLaren has \nspawned various models from the standard model\n, more notably the \nMcLaren MSO X\n."
"Just one month after the \nsecond-generation Subaru XV\n was officially launched, Subaru Japan has recorded over 10,000 bookings for this compact crossover! In its home country, the XV is offered in four different trims: 1.6i, 1.6i-L, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, retailing between \u00a51.98 million (RM75k) to \u00a52.68 million (RM102k).\nOf the\n 11,085\n total units booked, the 2.0-litre variants were the most popular, accounting for 79 percent of the bookings (\n8,718 units\n). The range topping 2.0i-S was the most popular of the two, at 4,719 units (43 percent). The remaining 2,367 units (21 percent) is broken down to: 255 units of the 1.6i and 2,112 units of the 1.6i-L.\nOf the nine exterior colours on offer,\n Crystal White Pearl\n was the most popular, making up 30 percent of the bookings. This is followed closely by Cool Grey Khaki at 28 percent. Curiously, only 4 percent of the customers selected the model\u2019s hero colour, Sunshine Orange.\nAt the \nSubaru XV regional launch\n, Subaru Malaysia confirmed that the 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S will go on sale in Malaysia early next year as a CKD model. However, it remains to be seen whether our local-spec will come with the \nEyeSight active safety system like the JDM models\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru XV 2.0i-S   Subaru XV 2.0i"
"Shortly after its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, right-hand drive versions of the \nVolkswagen Arteon\n is now on sale in UK. The flagship model is available in a total of 11 variants along with a range of factory options for customers to own their perfect Arteon.\nThe Arteon is the successor to the Passat CC and is the better-looking twin of the \nPassat B8\n. Sitting on the group\u2019s modular MQB platform, the Arteon dwarfs the Passat at 4,862 mm in length (+95 mm), 1,871 mm in width (+39 mm), 1,450 mm in height (-6 mm) and 2,837 mm in wheelbase (+46 mm). Body rigidity is also up by 10 percent and drag coefficient has been slashed from 0.28 to \n0.265\n.\n \n Passat B8\n \n Arteon R-Line\nUK-bound Arteons will be available in two distinct trims \u2013 \nElegance\n and \nR-Line\n. As the name suggests, the Elegance models gets dressed in a more sophisticated fashion for that sleek and mellow appearance. R-Line on the other hand is the sportier alternative with aggressive bumpers and a ducktail spoiler to boot. Lighting source are identical on both trims \u2013 LED headlamps and tail lamps with dynamic indicators. Both trim levels however, can be specified with alloy wheels ranging from 18- to 20-inch in diameter.   Inside, \nstandard equipment\n reads \nNappa leather upholstery\n, 12.3-inch Active Info Display, tri-zone Air Care Climatronic air conditioning, 8.0-inch Discover Navigation touchscreen infotainment system, eight speakers and Volkswagen Media Control which allows remote control of the infotainment system via compatible smart device.\nFor a small fee, UK buyers can have their Arteon to come with heads up display, a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with gesture control, a 700-watt 12 speaker Dynaudio \u2018Confidence\u2019 sound pack, panoramic roof, front massaging seats and heated steering wheel.   At launch, buyers can have their Arteon to be powered by a \n276 hp\n 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol, \n237 hp\n 2.0-litre turbodiesel TDI or a 148 hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel TDI; all transversely mounted four-cylinder units. All engine choices will be equipped with a seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission while the lower output \n148 hp\n 2.0 TDI can be optioned with a six-speed manual.\nHigher outputs of the TSI and TDI engines gets\n 4MOTION all-wheel drive system\n as standard while other models driven by the front wheels only. The most powerful Arteon (\n276 hp\n 2.0 TSI, 4MOTION) will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n5.4 seconds\n.\nA 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI EVO with \n148 hp\n (first featured on the \nGolf MK7 facelift\n) and \n187 hp\n 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI will join the Arteon line up in due course.\nOn the safety front, the new Arteon comes equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with predictive cruise control, City Emergency Braking, Front Assist, Speed Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Assist and Driver Alert fatigue warning system. The Arteon is also awarded with full 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.\nIn UK, the Volkswagen Arteon Elegance retails from \u00a334,305 (RM191k) to \u00a339,170 (RM218k) while prices for the R-Line ranges from \u00a335,090 (RM195k) to \u00a339,955 (RM222k). Since Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is able to locally assemble the Passat B8, could there be a slim chance that the Arteon will make its way here as a CKD model? If so, how much would you pay for one?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Arteon R-Line   Arteon R-Line   Volkswagen Arteon Elegance"
"McLaren Automotive has just entered a new chapter in their automotive history with the completion of the first production model \n720S\n. As the second-generation Super Series and the first replacement model since the company\u2019s inception in 2010, the 720S is truly a significant milestone for the British marque.\nThe previous-gen P11 Super Series. Which is your favourite?\nHand-assembled by McLaren\u2019s craftsmen and craftswomen, the first 720S to roll out of the McLaren Production Centre is finished in Glacier White \u2013 an Elite colour on McLaren\u2019s colour palette. Compared to its predecessor, the 720S packs a new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing \n710 hp\n (720 ps) and \n770 Nm\n. Key performance figures are\n 2.8 seconds\n century sprint time, 0 to 200 km/h in \n7.8 seconds\n and top speed of \n341 km/h\n.\nThe 720S is also the first of \n15 new McLaren models to come by the end of 2022\n under the company\u2019s Track22 business plan. That may seem a tall order but to put things into perspective, in a span of six years (2010 to 2016), the company has rolled out no less than \n12 models\n (Coupe, Spider, non-road legal variants and derivatives included). Can\u2019t wait to see what McLaren have in store for us!\nIMAGE GALLERY   The McLaren 720S Super Series"
"Proton has just \npreviewed their first ever SUV\n to the media behind closed doors at Proton Centre of Excellence (COE). Besides the long-awaited official naming of the SUV, we had the chance to get up close and personal with the top of the line Proton X70 Premium and here is everything we\u2019ve learnt so far.\nAs standard, all variants of the X70 is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with \n183 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque. The X70 Premium is front wheel drive, but Proton will be offering an all-wheel drive alternative on the lower Executive spec.\nOn the outside, the X70 Premium comes equipped with projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED foglamps, LED taillamps, smart keyless entry, dual exhaust outlet, roof rails and 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile Hankook DynaPro HP2 tyres. Other visual cues include a satin finish foglamp housing, chrome side sill trim and a TGDI badge on the front doors.\nCompared to the Geely Boyue that the X70 is based on, Proton Design has added their own input to the front grille and a new tailgate trim with a Proton badging. There are also Proton wordings added inside the headlamps and taillamps. You will not find a powered tailgate even on this range-topping Premium variant.   Moving inside, you\u2019ll be greeted by brown Nappa leather upholstery complemented with black soft-touch materials on the upper dashboard and door cards. From what we can observe, the X70 Premium comes equipped with three-spoke flat-bottom multifunctional steering wheel, LCD instrument cluster touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control with AirClean ioniser, rear air vents, electronic parking brake, powered front seats and six USB charging ports and a tonneau cover for the boot (Boyue uses a fixed cover).\nFrom the centre console layout, we can tell that Proton and Geely have put in considerable effort to make a proper right-hand drive conversion and not just moving the steering wheel to the \nright\n side. The switch gears on the centre console tunnel \u2013 EPB, drive mode selector, parking sensors \u2013 have been flipped with the essential controls placed to the driver side. (Mercedes-Benz, please take note)\nAnother observation is the LCD instrument cluster on the Proton features a new design with blue hue as opposed to a clear design on the Boyue. Like the Boyue, the instrument cluster can cycle through different design and layout according to the drive mode selected \u2013 Eco, Normal and Sport.\nOn the safety front, the X70 Premium comes equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Hill Descent Control and 360-degree camera.\nKeep in mind that this is a media preview event and Proton has yet to officially confirm the full specification of the X70 line up. This list was compiled based merely on our observation and short time with the Proton X70 Premium.\nFor now, the company is keeping a tight lip on their pricing strategy but did reveal that the X70 will be on display in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu in the coming weeks as part of Proton\u2019s campaign leading up to the official launch of their new SUV."
"Maintaining a car is not as easy as refueling and washing it but the full magnitude of it extends beyond what you can see on the surface. Take the engine oil for example; without it, the components inside the engine has no way to function and move as fluidly as they should.\nOlder engines are a little trickier; they tend to gobble up engine oil consistently which as a result, requires your constant attention on the oil levels by checking it with the dipstick.\nLucky for us, the guys at \nFifth Gear\n have taken the liberty to explain and illustrate on what it would be (and sound) like if your engine is \ndrained completely\n of its lubricants.\nCoincidentally, their test subject was one that we\u2019re familiar with and can relate to \u2013 the Proton Wira. Watch the video in its entirety to understand briefly why your engine needs an optimum amount of oil to operate efficiently.\nSource: \nYouTube"
"After decades of its existence, Toyota Australia has finally revealed the world\u2019s first convertible Hiace to be sold exclusively Down Under in a limited run of just 2,019 units.\n\u201cThe ground-breaking shape of the new Hiace, with its semi-bonnet and stiffer frame, lends itself perfectly to a convertible design while maintaining rigorous safety standards,\u201d said Toyota Australia, Head of Public Affairs, Brodie Bott.\nToyota Australia also revealed an optional extra \u201cbuilt-in pie oven\u201d for the convertible Hiace, called \u2018PieAce\u2019, disguised neatly behind the rear tailgate.\n\u201cIt works a lot like a slow cooker. All you do is pop an uncooked pie or sausage roll in the PieAce, set it to the desired temperature using the buttons on the steering wheel, and away you go.\u201d\n\u201cAn alarm on the dash lets the driver know when the pie is cooked and ready to eat. When it\u2019s safe to do so, the driver can bring the Hiace to a complete stop to open up the rear tailgate to access the retractable PieAce,\u201d said Bott.\nIn conjunction with the exciting news, the company would also like to wish everyone, \u201c\nHappy April Fool\u2019s Day\n\u201c.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton plans to return to the European market (particularly the UK) by 2017 with new or existing models powered by their\u00a0\nnew engines\n\u00a0that is said to meet stringent European emissions standard, said Chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.\nIn his personal blog, Tun Dr. Mahathir mentioned that Malaysia used to export a good number of Proton cars to the UK. However, due to new emissions and fuel efficiency standards, current Proton cars cannot be sold over there.\nWith the new Proton-Ricardo engines, Proton has high hopes of reentering these markets, thanks to the more advanced\u00a0Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and turbocharging technologies, albeit still in testing phase.\nThe \nProton Iriz\n, currently powered by Proton\u2019s new NEF engine, is Euro-4 rated and does not meet Euro regulations. If Proton plans to export the Iriz to the UK in 2017, the best case scenario is that the Iriz will be powered by either the 1.3-litre four-cylinder GDi or\u00a01.3-litre 4-cylinder Turbo-GDi units. The Iriz could potentially be joined by the Suprima S model, one that may do well in a continent favouring such body types.\nProton first started exporting cars to the UK in the mid-80s with the Saga\u00a0and Wira models. Apart from making an appearance in the world\u2019s most popular \ntelevision program\n, Proton sold a decent number of cars in the UK and was once\u00a0among the most reliable and recommended cars in Britain.\nHowever, just like Perodua, the lack of modern engines means Proton couldn\u2019t go beyond Australian and South East Asian markets, despite producing new models like the Preve, Suprima S and the Iriz.\nOn another note, Tun Dr. Mahathir\u00a0urged Malaysians to give Proton cars a chance, and acknowledged the negative public perception towards the brand.\u00a0\u201cI think Proton cars deserve a test drive by Malaysians. Tell us about your experience. Criticise these cars. We want feedback so we can further improve the cars,\u201d he said.\n\u201cWhen you buy a local car, money stays in the country, workers earn money, dealers and agents and their employees enjoy the business they do and the local economy grows. Thousands of families enjoy a good life.\u201d\n[Source: \nThe Malaysia Insider\n]"
"Honda Malaysia has officially unveiled the \n2020 Honda CR-V facelift\n here on our shores. Aside from a couple of minor styling updates and new features, the CR-V model line-up has dropped from four variants down to just three now \u2013 a 2.0-litre 2WD base variant, and two TC-P variants \u2013 2WD and 4WD \u2013 powered by the 1.5-litre turbocharged mill.\nPrices for the 2020 Honda CR-V starts at \nRM139,913\n for the base variant, up to \nRM162,910\n for the range-topping TC-P 4WD variant. All prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of \nsales tax exemptions\n.\nEXTERIOR\nUpdates to the exterior styling on the 2020 Honda CR-V is fairly reserved, with the main difference being the bumpers on both end of the mid-size SUV.\nIn front, the new lower fascia significantly cleans up the busy look of the outgoing model for a more modern and sophisticated appearance thanks to generous use of matte black plastics, highlighted by a chrome strip that forms the slats surrounding the lower air intake grille. Meanwhile, the large chrome trim on the upper grille has been replaced by an gloss black item, in line with the \nnewer Honda models\n.\nThe cleaner, classier look is also mirrored on the rear bumpers, underscored by a matte chrome strip. The bumper also no long moulds around the dual exhaust exits, which are now trapezoidal items in chrome (on the turbocharged variants).\nOther exterior highlights include the smoked rear taillights assembly, slightly tweaked automatic LED headlights with darker surrounds (standard across the range), and a new design for the 18-inch alloy wheels on the turbocharged variants. The two upper variants also get a powered tailgate with foot detection.\nThe 2020 Honda CR-V facelift in Malaysia is available in five exterior colours: Lunar Silver Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl \u2013 the last option being a new addition to the model, but carries a RM357 price premium.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned above, the 2020 Honda CR-V will be offered in three variants, featuring two powertrains under the hood \u2013 both unchanged from before.\n2.0L 2WD\nEngine:\u00a02.0 litre SOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol\nTransmission: Continuous Variable Transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 154 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax torque: 189 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 11.5 seconds\nTop speed: 192 km/h\n1.5L TC-P 2WD and 4WD\nEngine: 1.5-litre DOHC VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder petrol\nTransmission: Continuous Variable Transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 193 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax torque: 243 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 2WD \u2013 8.9 seconds, 4WD \u2013 9.3 seconds\nTop speed: 200 km/h\nINTERIOR\nWhile on first glance the cabin seems to be largely identical to the outgoing model, Honda has actually included a few creature comfort improvements to the interior of the 2020 CR-V facelift. These include two additional USB ports at the front centre stack below the gear lever, the aforementioned powered tailgate, as well as a new remote key fob that supports remote engine start (on the turbocharged models) and folding wing mirrors.\nOther standard equipment across the board include a seven-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multi-angle rear-view camera, seven-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, leather upholstery, and power-adjustable front seats \u2013 eight-way driver seat and four-way on the passenger seat.\nThe two higher variants also gets a premium wood-like interior trim, along with automatic windshield wipers.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety equipment across the board on the 2020 Honda CR-V include a new rear seatbelt reminder system, six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, Agile Handle Assist, ABS, Brake Assist (BA) with EBD, Hill Start Assist, as well as the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera \u2013 a new addition to the 2.0-litre 2WD variant. The turbocharged variants get four additional parking sensors in front; the base 2.0-litre variant only comes with the rear parking sensors.\nThe two turbocharged variants are also equipped with Honda\u2019s latest Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, which includes the following features:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nLow Speed Follow (LSF)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM)\nLane Keep Assist System (LKAS)\nAuto High Beam (AHB)\nPRICING\nThe 2020 Honda CR-V is priced as follows in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n until end 2020:\n2.0L 2WD \u2013 RM139,912.53\n1.5L TC-P 2WD \u2013 RM157,615.91\n1.5L TC-P 4WD \u2013 RM162,910.18\nPricing is reduced across the board compared to the outgoing model, which started at RM144,629.66 (without SST) for the 2.0L 2WD variant. As standard, all purchases also include a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, and a five-time free labour service within five years/100,000km.\nFollowing the announcement of the sales tax exemptions, for the full updated price list of Honda models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"The\n Rimac Nevera\n just had a world record-attempt outing at the Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) facility in Germany, and in one day, it managed to break, not one, not two, but a whopping 23 world records in one day. If you\u2019re just here for the figures, here\u2019s everything that it managed to beat:\nResults verified by two independent third-party verifies. Click to enlarge.\nJudging it plainly by numbers might not convey how truly bonkers they really are, so you might want to check out the video below. But just for context, the Rimac Nevera can accelerate all the way to 300 km/h (9.22 seconds) before most common cars here in Malaysia even touches 100 km/h.\nIts 0-200 km/h times are also twice as fast as the latest\n Porsche 911 Turbo S\n (which is already crazy fast, at 8.9 seconds), and it\u2019ll reach 300 km/h nearly three seconds faster than a\n Bugatti Chiron Super Sport\n. Quarter mile in 8.25 seconds? That\u2019s more than a second quicker than the \nTesla Model S Plaid\n (on a prepared surface, too, mind you), which was the previous record holder for production vehicles.\nFor a hypercar, though, the 0-400-0 test is possibly one of the most important, as it challenges not just the car\u2019s acceleration, but also aerodynamics and braking performance. With a time of 29.93 seconds, Rimac says that the Nevera smashes the previous record holder by more than a second.\nWhat makes all of these new record numbers even more impressive, is the fact that they\u2019re all done on normal, non-prepared asphalt, with the road-legal Michelin Cup 2 R tyres that come as standard on the car off the showroom floor. Maintaining over 1G of acceleration all the way up to 200 km/h, and in these conditions? You\u2019ll have to watch the video to believe it.\n \nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) earlier in the evening held a special viewing for some of the models that they \nplan to introduce\n to the Malaysian market sometime next year. Models like the \nall-new Passat B8\n, the plug-in hybrid Golf GTE and the all electric e-Up! were specially flown in for the event.\nThe Passat you see here features the German carmaker\u2019s new and most powerful \n2.0-litre\n four pot \ntwin turbodiesel\n mill that makes \n236 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque and is paired to the \nseven-speed dual clutch automatic\n transmission, permanently \ndriving all four wheels\n. We\u2019re certain that the new Passat will make its way here, but it\u2019s very unlikely for VGM to introduce this exact variant.   Next up is the Golf GTE \u2013 the model\u2019s first plug-in hybrid variant which Volkswagen claims to be a fusion of sportiness and sustainability. Under the hood rests the \nfamiliar 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol\n engine belting \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque, coupled to a \npermanent-magnet synchronous AC motor\n outputting \n101 hp\n and \n330 Nm\n of torque. Combined output is \n201 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque.   According to Volkswagen, the Golf GTE\u2019s top speed is \n222 km/h\n, its century sprint laps at \n7.6 seconds\n, while consuming as little as \n1.5 litres of fuel per 100km\n traveled. This one\u2019s likely to be introduced here because it doesn\u2019t require any special charging infrastructure, yet can be fully charged under four hours at any normal charging socket. In \nfull hybrid mode\n, the Golf GTE has a range of \n939km\n.   Last up is the \nall-electric e-Up!\n; Volkswagen\u2019s interpretation of an ideal environmental protection mission on four wheels. It emits zero emissions, zero fuel consumption and is virtually noiseless. It gets the 18.7 kWh lithium ion battery pack that weighs about 230kg and is placed underneath the car. The motor punches \n81 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque, while offering a continued cruise of up to \n157km\n. If you must know, the e-Up! sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n12.4 seconds\n.\nTransformative Sales & Aftersales Services\nAt the event, VGM also announced several key strategies that will improve their sales and aftersales experience, after having previously launched the \nMobility Guarantee programme\n. Some of the transformative actions include:\ni) \nInvestment in local talent\n \u2013 Training about 100 newly recruited Malaysian technicians\n ii) Establishment of three \nTechnical Competence Centre facility\n by 2016 (one in 2014, two in 2015)\n iii) \nVolkswagen Brand Store\n \u2013 Unique sales showroom and dealer training centre\n iv) Opening of a dedicated\u00a0\nVolkswagen Parts Centre\n \nv) \nService Concierge\n \u2013 Ensuring professional delivery and expert concierge services to customers\nVGM\u2019s Managing Director, Mr Armin Keller said, \u201cMalaysia is an important market for our business and as the brand progresses, our continued investment in \nimproving our customer service\n will remain as a cornerstone in our activities; be it sales or aftersales. We have embarked on a journey to bring this change and these initiatives will help us earn the trust of our Malaysian customers.\u201d\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nEvent   Volkswagen Golf GTE   Volkswagen Passat B8   Volkswagen e-Up!"
"As part of a year-long celebration for the iconic bug, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is giving away a brand-new Beetle in its \u2018Win the Icon\u2019 Instagram contest!\u00a0\nThe contest rides on Volkswagen\u2019s tagline of \u201cbetter experienced than explained\u201d. In order to participate, just test drive a Volkswagen at any authorised dealerships and document your experience. Here are the detailed instructions:\nStep 1: Test drive any Volkswagen model at authorised dealers\nStep 2: Record a one-minute video of your experience and upload it on Instagram\nStep 3: Complete the slogan \u201cMy #BetterExperiencedThanExplained story is.\u201d\nStep 4: Follow and tag @VolkswagenMalaysia in the post\nEnsure that your Instagram profile is set to public, and you\u2019re off to the races! The contest will run from 1st October to 30th November 2019, and is open to all Malaysians with a valid driver\u2019s license.\u00a0\nThe lucky winner will be \nannounced in December\n, and will drive home in a new \nVolkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI\n.\u00a0\nProduction of the current Beetle has stopped\n globally and there will be no newer versions as Volkswagen shifts their focus towards the MEB electric car platform. There has been talks of bringing the \nBeetle back in EV form\n, but Volkswagen has not confirmed that.\nAs a farewell to the beloved \u2018people\u2019s car\u2019, VPCM released the \nVolkswagen Beetle Collector\u2019s Edition\n, the last variant of the Beetle limited to 75 units only."
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced a new set of assistance measures for those affected by the recent devastating floods. Among the RM1.4 billion \nKeluarga Malaysia\n Flood Aid initiative that was announced yesterday, the government will be distributing RM1,000 vouchers to motorists whose vehicles were damaged by the flood waters.\nThe RM1,000 cash voucher can be used for the repair of water-damaged private vehicles, or towards the replacement of a vehicle deemed as a \u201ctotal loss\u201d, as reported by \nBernama\n.\nPhoto: \nSelangorJournal\n/Facebook\nIn addition, Ismail Sabri added that most car companies have also agreed to provide free towing services, as well as discounts of 25% or higher on spare parts and repair services at their authorised service centres.\nThe new measures come after the government announced a \nsix-month loan moratorium\n on housing or property loans, car loans, credit cards, and personal loans for flood victims, as well as interest-free personal loans up to RM5,000.\nSeparately, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will also be providing \nfree replacements for flood-damaged documents\n, including road tax, driving licence, and vehicle grant.\nPhoto: JPJ\nOther measures as part of the initiative include a RM1,000 compassionate aid (BWI) for every head of household (KIR) affected by the floods, interest-free financing from \nBank Simpanan Negara\n (BSN) of up to RM10,000 with a repayment period of up to 3.5 years, as well as a 100% discount on the victims\u2019 December electricity bills, among others.\n\u201cTogether we work and pray that the impact of this flood disaster can be tackled immediately so that we can focus our efforts on the economic recovery and growth next year,\u201d the Prime Minister said.\nRELATED: Insurance Association announces RM500 subsidy for flood-damaged vehicles\nOther initiatives by the respective automotive distributors and companies can be found below:\nPerodua\nProton\nSubaru\nHonda\nToyota\nMitsubishi\nNissan\nBMW Group Malaysia\nMercedes-Benz\nVolkswagen"
"Fresh from the introduction of the all-new \nMcLaren Senna\n, a 340 km/h hypercar \nthat\u2019s even more hardcore than the McLaren P1\n, McLaren has revealed its forthcoming new \u201cHyper-GT\u201d, codenamed BP23.\nIt is said that the new \u201cHyper-GT\u201d is capable of exceeding the 243 mph (391 km/h) top speed previously set by the \nlegendary McLaren F1 road car\n. The new addition to McLaren\u2019s \u201cUltimate Series\u201d \u2013 which includes the McLaren Senna, P1 and P1 GTR \u2013 will be the fastest and most luxurious McLaren ever.\nLike the McLaren F1 from the late 1990s, it will feature a \nthree-seat cockpit with a central driving position\n where the driver would sit in the middle with two passengers on each side at the back.\nWith an electric hybrid powertrain to boost the potential of its V8 twin-turbo engine, the \u201cHyper-GT\u201d is expected to be more powerful than the already insane \n986 hp\n, track-only \nMcLaren P1 GTR\n. Here\u2019s an idea of how McLaren\u2019s horses rank in terms of top speed:\nModel \nTop Speed\nMcLaren P1 GTR (Ultimate Series)\n362 km/h\u00a0\nMcLaren P1 (Ultimate Series)\n350 km/h\u00a0\nMcLaren 720 S (Super Series)\n341 km/h\nMcLaren Senna (Ultimate Series)\n340 km/h\nMcLaren \u00a0650 S (Super Series)\n333 km/h\u00a0\nMcLaren 675 LT (Super Series)\n330 km/h\nMcLaren 570 GT (Sport Series)\n328 km/h\nAlthough production won\u2019t be due until the end of 2019, \nall 106 units of the \u201cHyper-GT\u201d are sold out\n. Each of them will be personalised to each owner\u2019s taste by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division of McLaren Automotive responsible for bespoke customer commissions."
"Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, will be \nrunning a promotion till the 31st of May 2021\n, in conjunction with the upcoming festive period.\nCustomers stand to enjoy up to 20% savings on selected parts and engine oil, 20% discounts on brake and timing belt packages, 20% discount on lubricants, along with 10% discount on labour.\n \nThose who spend more than RM350 in a single receipt will receive a travel mug while service customers will receive free green packets. Ford customers will also be treated to a free 27-point vehicle inspection by Ford-certified technicians.\nAll Ford genuine parts are covered under warranty for a period of 12 months or 20,000kms, whichever comes first, excluding wear and tear parts.\nFor added convenience, Ford customers can \nbook a service appointment\n via the Ford website. Customers can also book \ne-Service appoinments \nin real time for these seven Ford service centres \u2013 Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford Tawau."
"Proton recently launched it\u2019s own official store on e-commerce website \nShopee\n, and more than 200 bookings have already been made for the \nProton X70\n since the start of the e-commerce platform\u2019s \n12.12 Birthday Sale\n.   The online campaign offers customers to place a booking for the Proton X70 Premium 2WD at just \nRM99\n, instead of the usual RM1,000. The first 50 customers who successfully register their Proton X70 before 31st December 2019 will also receive Shopee vouchers worth \nRM2,000\n, and enjoy other ongoing promotions for the month from the local carmaker.\n \nThe partnership between Proton and Shopee isn\u2019t the first time the national carmaker has utilised online avenues for vehicle sales. Prior to the official launch of the X70 last year, Proton introduced \nonline bookings\n through its own website, which helped push the pre-launch order book to over 10,000 units.\u00a0\nProton\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cCommerce today has changed drastically from what it was even as recently as just five to ten years ago. Proton has to keep up with these changes to remain relevant and while we are pursuing our strategy to increase customer touch points via the growth of 3S/4S outlets, we must also utilise technology to drive mobility for the business.\n\u201cWe started to enable online bookings of our cars since late 2018 and over the next few years we could expand the use of this as a sales platform. With improved online security and transaction platforms becoming widely accepted, there could be a time when financing could be applied for and approved online so Proton aims to be at the forefront of adopting these new technologies,\u201d added Dr. Li.\nProduction of the\n locally-assembled X70\n has officially commenced at Proton\u2019s upgraded Tanjung Malim assembly plant. The locally assembled C-segment SUV will sport an retuned engine with increased torque, Proton\u2019s \nnew emblem\n, and possibly a new seven speed dual-clutch transmission."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n and Minsoon Star Sdn Bhd have opened a newly relocated Mercedes-Benz AutoHaus in Seremban. Easily accessible from the Plus Highway, the new AutoHaus covers a land area of 136,070 square feet and is managed by a 50 personnel team.\nNewly opened, the Seremban AutoHaus is currently a 3S centre and with plans of expanding into a 4S centre by 2023. The showroom is 13,149 square feet, making space for 10 display cars. Alo at the AutoHaus is the Star Lounge and Mercedes-Benz Luxury accessories and collection boutique. There is also a children\u2019s area to keep the little ones busy.\nSpanning over 17,431 square feet, the service area covers almost one third of the AutoHaus\u2019 total built up area. At full capacity, the service facility and team can service up to 700 cars per month. The Seremban AutoHaus service team offers \u201cExpress Service 2.0\u201d, door-to-door and drop and go service booking, 24 HRS roadside and emergency assistance, wheel alignment and balancing, electrical diagnosis and repairs, paint coating, glass tinting along with insurance and warranty claims.\nWith over RM 20 million invested in the new AutoHaus, a wide range of demo vehicles including the latest C-Class and Mercedes-EQ are available here. It also has a dedicated area for Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles within the compound. Also available at the new Autohaus are EV fast chargers, making it a convenient location for EV vehicles driving up north or down south to charge their vehicles.\nRELATED: \n3 luxury features on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 300 that were unnecessary, but yet so charming\nDuring the launch ceremony, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia & Head of Region, South East Asia II President & CEO, Sagree Sardien said, \u201cWe would like to congratulate Minsoon Star on their new Autohaus and thank them for their joint commitment to redefine the luxurious brand experience that is synonymous with Mercedes-Benz. We are continuously working with our dealer partners to grow the brand\u2019s luxury retail concept presence while ensuring our customers expectation, needs and demands are met and exceeded.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 and EQC 400 prices confirmed \u2013 RM 329k and RM389k\nMinsoon Star Sdn Bhd Dealer Principal, Jim Tan said, \u201cSeremban has a growing population and township that is booming with affluent communities, and we believe that this is the right location for us to further cater to our customers in this region. We are the only authorised Mercedes-Benz Sales and Service dealer in Negeri Sembilan since 1968 and we are proud to showcase our new Autohaus showcases the brand\u2019s latest luxury retail presence for our customers.\u201d\nThe location at Seremban 2 offers close proximity to the existing and potential affluent residents of Seremban town and with the new development townships where Minsoon Star is strategically located with fast and easy access from Plus Highway.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ now in Malaysia, from RM699k"
"Auto Parts Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (APM), a subsidy of Malaysia\u2019s largest automotive parts manufacturer (APM Automotive Holdings Berhad) has recently signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Japanese automotive parts manufacturer Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Delta) to manufacture and supply seat components in the ASEAN region.\nUnder a newly incorporated Malaysian company named APM Delta Seating Systems Sdn. Bhd. (JV Co.), the JV company will see APM owning a majority share of 60 percent while Delta owns the remaining 40 percent.\nFrom the joint venture, a new production plant with a built up area of\u00a012,856 square meter will be erected in Kulim, Kedah. The plant is strategically located within five minutes from Mazda\u2019s CKD plant. This helps in ensuring a good flow of operations between the two plants. The plant is expected to be completed by February 2017.\nWith over four years of collaboration between APM and Delta, the two automotive parts manufacturer will soon channel their focus to emerging markets in the ASEAN region. JV Co. will be supplying seats, seat frames and components to Mazda\u2019s CKD operations in Malaysia, which may potentially be exported to other markets in the future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Whenever a new Subaru WRX is revealed, it\u2019s safe to assume that a WRX STI model will follow suit eventually but in the case of the latest generation as \nr\nevealed last year\n, that won\u2019t be the case.\nAs you\u2019d expect, it\u2019s all down to \nregulations.\n A spokesperson for the company said that with regulations changing so quickly it just wouldn\u2019t make any sense to develop an STI version.\nIt was added that if the new STI were to be designed now, it would only be revealed later on and hence it would have a very short and limited shelf life. As such, it wouldn\u2019t make financial sense for the company.\nSubaru also hinted at what a Subaru WRX STI of the future could be like, highlighting that it is exploring opportunities for the next-generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification.\nIn a company press release, Subaru said, \u201cAs the automotive marketplace continues to move towards electrification, Subaru is focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve to meet the needs of the changing marketplace and the regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses and zero-emissions vehicles.\u201d\nThe company also highlighted that the next-generation internal combustion engine WRX STI \nwill not be produced based on the new and current WRX platform\n.\nIn assuring its customers, Subaru said the STI brand represents the pinnacle of Subaru\u2019s performance vehicles built from Subaru\u2019s rally heritage and its next generation of vehicles will incorporate the essence of STI.\nRELATED: \nNew Subaru WRX gets launched in Japan, STI Sport R has new chassis tech"
"Mercedes-AMG has just announced that their latest four-door super saloon will be making its way to showrooms in Europe starting September 2018 after its world premiere in early March. The V8 powered \nMercedes-AMG GT four-door\n will be available in two flavours \u2013 63 S 4MATIC+ and 63 4MATIC.\nSporting a four-door fastback layout, the AMG GT four-door takes inspiration from the AMG GT sportscar but with the added practicality and comfort for four occupants. Visually, the four-door wears the Panamericana grille, wide bumper cutouts for better cooling, large AMG alloy wheels, adaptive rear spoiler and quad exhaust outlets.   Inside, the AMG GT four-door features one of the most luxurious interiors the three-pointed star has to offer with Widescreen cockpit, AMG Performance steering wheel, Nappa leather, Burmester sound system, ENERGIZING comfort control and more. The sleek centre console design is also unique to the AMG GT four-door.\nThe 63 S 4MATIC+ variant is powered by the brands famed 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that pushes out \n639 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque, enough to propel the fastback to 100 km/h in \n3.2 seconds\n with a limited top speed of \n315 km/h\n.\nThe non-S variant is no slouch too, commanding\n 585 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n at its disposal. It will complete the century sprint 0.2 seconds slower at \n3.4 seconds\n and a \nlowered \ntop speed of \n310 km/h\n. Both engine variants are paired to a nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system.\nPrices for the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door 63 4MATIC+ starts from \u20ac150k (RM711k) while the hotter S variant retails at \u20ac167k (RM791k). There is also the limited-run Edition 1 that adds \u20ac18k to the price tag of the 63 S 4MATIC.\nWith Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) track record of offering an exciting line up of AMG vehicles in the country, it would not come as a surprise for them to attempt at redirecting some prospective customers of the Porsche Panamera to their premise. Of course, you can always place a special order from MBM\u2019s network of dealers.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There were technical glitches, the race was trimmed to 25% distance (14 laps) and the action wasn\u2019t pretty at times, but Formula 1 did manage to carry out its \nfirst virtual race\n at the \nBahrain GP\n with Chinese driver \nZhou Guanyu\n emerging victorious.\nIn field featuring a mix of actual drivers from different motorsport disciplines, Esports drivers, a former Olympian and even a professional golfer, the variance in skill levels was always going to make racing unpredictable.\nThat\u2019s how Zhou looks like in real life.\nZhou, a product of the \nRenault Sport Academy\n, Formula 2 competitor and \ntest driver for the Renault F1 team\n, qualified third behind Phillip Eng (of German DTM fame) and Esteban Gutierrez (Formula E) and drove a clean race to finish well ahead of \nStoffel Vandoorne\n (ex-F1 and now Formula E) and \nEng\n.\n \nZhou credited his win to an early pitstop (to mediums) and also the fact that he\u2019s familiar with the game which keeps him sharp when not behind the wheel of an actual race car.\nZhou won by a margin of over 11 seconds in the end.\nOther notable finishers include \nLando Norris\n who missed qualifying due to a server fault but fought through the field to take fifth, Williams new boy \nNicholas Latifi\n in sixth and just-retired \nNico Hulkenberg\n took his Force India to 10\nth\n place. The next race is the Vietnamese GP, scheduled in two weeks\u2019 time."
"Good news! In announcing its sales performance for the month of October, which saw a 6% increase from September, UMW Toyota Motor also slipped in some additional news.\nFor those looking to eventually own the locally assembled \nToyota Corolla Cross\n, the company has just announced that all three variants will come with \nBi-LED headlamps\n and LED DRLs as standard. This replaces the incandescent or filament-type headlights and DRLs in the Thailand-sourced 1.8G variant.\n \nA roof rail is now included as standard to add to the sporty and adventurous image.\nToyota Thailand spices up the Corolla Cross with new limited-edition Modellista kit. Check it out here!\nBoth the 1.8V, and the soon-to-be-launched Corolla Cross Hybrid also highlights the fitment of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). This ADAS suite includes the Pre-collision System (autonomous emergency braking), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Automatic High Beam.\nIn the announcement, UMW Toyota also highlighted that the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist features have been enhanced to operate at all speed ranges, unlike the earlier version that only activates from 30 km/h.\nNew Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid to start from est. RM137,000. More info \nhere\n!\nThe 1.8G continues to be equipped with the standard cruise control feature, alongside standard features such as the blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, 3D Panoramic View Monitor, Driver Start Control and a tyre pressure warning system (TPWS).\nA front Driving Video Recorder (DVR) is also standard and the new Toyota Corolla Cross variants will also include two Type-C USB charging points for use by the rear passengers.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross is powered by a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine paired to a CVT gearbox with \n139 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n. The locally assembled 1.8G starts from \nRM123,000\n while the 1.8V starts from \nRM129,000\n.\nAs for the upcoming Corolla Cross Hybrid, UMW Toyota has released an estimated price tag of RM137,000. Stay tuned for more!\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross, too, gets the GR Sport treatment in Taiwan..check it out here!\nNote: The article has been edited after a late correction issued by UMWT regarding the availability of TSS only in the 1.8V and Hybrid variants."
"After announcing last month that the \norder books have opened\n, UMW Toyota Motor has launched the new facelift Fortuner with a new variant and new colour options to go with its revised styling and upgraded safety features.\n \nThere are now two variants of the facelift Fortuner available \u2013 2.8 VRZ 4\u00d74 at \nRM203,183\n and 2.7 SRZ 4\u00d74 at \nRM172,244\n. The 2.8-litre VRZ is a new variant that replaces the previous 2.4-litre VRZ.\nThe 2.8 VRZ features a new 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine\n like in the new Hilux\n, with \n204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. Meanwhile the 2.7 SRZ model soldiers on with the same 2.7-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with\n 166 hp \nand \n245 Nm\n. Both models are fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission but enhanced with a new Sport Mode function.\nBoth the variants of the facelift Fortuner will also come with \nthe new Auto Limited Slip Differential for 2WD mode\n, to supplement the Active Traction Control (4WD mode). The system controls the braking of the slipping wheel while sending more power to the wheel with better traction to get you of sticky off-road situations.\nThe 2.8 VRZ features quad projector LED headlamp, with redesigned front and rear bumpers. Adding to the sporty ruggedness of the 2.8 VRZ is a new skid plate below front bumper. \nSpecifically in the 2.8 VRZ\n, the roof, A-pillars, and rear spoiler have been finished in black \u2013 effectively giving it a two-tone look.\nThe 2.7 SRZ variant.\nAs for the 2.7 SRZ, it gets less aggressive wheels and front bumper design with a more subtle single-tone paint job. Both the 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ are fitted with 18-inch wheels but the former comes with a more aggressive design.\nA new colour has been introduced for the 2.8 VRZ \u2013 Bronze Mica Metallic \u2013 with a black roof. The black roof can also be paired with the Super White II exterior colour.\nInside, new to the facelift Fortuner includes a new instrument panel with revised graphics for the multi-information display. Other features consists of the 8-way powered seats for the front, and an electrochromic rearview mirror.\nSafety systems come in the form of the newly added Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) driver assistance system. The TSS, which includes the Pre-collision system, lane departure alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, is \nonly exclusive to the 2.8 VRZ variant\n.\n \nThe pre-collision system works between speeds of 10 km/h up to 180 km/h, while DRCC works from 30 km/h onwards. There\u2019s also a Yaw Assist Function functions like a lane departure prevention system. It uses the brakes on the inner wheels to steer the vehicle back to the lane.\nAmong the optional items for the Fortuner are the roof-mounted cabin display, rear digital video recorder, hands-free tailgate and wireless charging.\nThe new facelift Fortuner is accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with a revised service package. Instead of servicing every 5,000km/3 months, the interval has been extended to 10,000km/6 months.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen\n has unveiled a new special edition \nGolf R\n \u2013 the Volkswagen Golf R 333 Limited Edition. Producing a maximum output of \n333 hp\n, just like its name suggests, this special edition hot hatch is limited to 333 units only.\nOn the outside, the Golf R 333 Limited Edition is fitted with the German carmaker\u2019s IQ.Light LED matrix headlights. Featuring the exclusive Lime Yellow Metallic paintwork as per the pictures, the special edition Golf R is also available in other colour options such as Pure White, Lapiz Blue Metallic, and Deep Black Pearl Effect.\nTo give the hot hatch\u2019s exterior some sporty contrast, Volkswagen designers have added a series of black accents to go with the car\u2019s primary colour. This includes a black-painted roof, black side mirrors, black 333 limited edition design decals, and black accents on the rear spoiler. On top of all of that, the special edition Golf R is also fitted with black 19-inch Estoril wheels, together with semi-slick tyres.\nPowering the Volkswagen Golf R 333 Edition is the same 2.0-litre TSI 4-cylinder petrol engine found in the regular Golf R. But for this special edition, it has been tuned to offer 333 hp, just like its name suggests. This makes it the most powerful version of the humble Golf. The torque figure however is unchanged, at \n420 Nm\n.\nWith power sent to all four wheels, the Golf R 333 Limited Edition goes from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.6 seconds\n. It can also reach a top speed of \n270 km/h\n, which is the highest ever in a Golf.\nRELATED: \nMk8 Volkswagen Golf is the last petrol Golf, major 2024 update before going full electric\nThe limited edition Golf R is packed with Volkswagen\u2019s R-Performance Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamic Manager. This helps distribute the drive power not just between the front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels.\nBeing a hot hatch, the German carmaker has equipped the Golf R 333 Limited Edition with \u2018Drift\u2019 and \u2018Special\u2019 driving profiles, which are designed for spirited driving. At the back is the brand\u2019s R Performance exhaust system from Akrapovi\u010d, together with titanium rear silencers.\nVolkswagen R Head of Product Marketing, Hakim Halimi said, \u201cThe Golf R 333 is the first R model with a specification predefined by us that leaves no customer wishes regarding performance unfulfilled \u2013 thanks to its extensive equipment.\u201d\nMoving inside the special edition hot hatch, standard equipment available include Nappa leather seats, as well as Harman Kardon\u2019s 8+1 loudspeaker setup that can output a total of 480 W. Volkswagen has also included the limited edition Golf R 333 sequentially-numbered badge, to remind owners of their limited edition purchase.\nVolkswagen hasn\u2019t skimped on the safety department for the special edition Golf R either. Equipped with the brand\u2019s IQ.Drive package, the hot hatch comes with Travel Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Assist, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go function.\nThe Volkswagen Golf R 333 Limited Edition is ready for customers to order in German dealerships from \nJune 2\n, \n2023\n, with a price tag of \nEUR76,410 \n(approx. \nRM377,182\n). Production is scheduled to start in September this year at Volkswagen\u2019s plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, and deliveries will start later in October this year.\nRELATED: \nUpcoming Volkswagen ID.2 EV could be renamed as Golf, to spawn electric GTI\nGALLERY\nThe \u201cEstoril\u201d rim, blue brake caliper and dynamic hub caps with upright Volkswagen R logo in driving mode"
"After five fruitful years at the helm of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), it\u2019s time for outgoing President and CEO, Mr Roland Folger to move onward. His departure will make way for Dr Claus Weidner as his successor, one who has had over 20 years of brand experience.\nDr Weidner has held many different positions with Mercedes-Benz, from Sales and Marketing to Corporate Strategy at the company\u2019s headquarters in Germany. Before this, Dr Weidner was also the Head of Sales and Marketing of Passenger Cars in China, leading the luxury automaker\u2019s business in Hong Kong, Macau and most recently Indonesia where he led the brand to the top of the marketplace.\nDr Claus Weidner\nFolger in a press statement said, \u201cMy five-year tenure in Malaysia has been a fulfilling experience, and the successes we achieved are a testament to the strength of our team. I extend my best wishes to Dr Weidner and welcome him to Malaysia. I have no doubt that under his leadership Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will not only continue to deliver quality premium vehicles and customer service that exceeds expectations, but will also stay on course to dominate the luxury segment.\u201d\nUnder Folger\u2019s leadership since 2011, MBM has progressed to become the top premium automotive manufacturer in the country.\u00a0He also spearheaded the \nEmployer of Choice 2014\n project, which went on to earn the company a \nregional HR award\n, making it \none of the best companies to work for\n in 2014.\nMBM President and CEO, Mr Roland Folger (right) with former MBM Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mr Kai Schlickum\nDr Weidner will assume the new role in \nOctober this year\n, while Folger will take up the task of leading \nMercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd\n as the new \nManaging Director and CEO\n."
"Over a year after the\u00a0\nAlfa Romeo Giulia\u00a0Quadrifoglio\n\u00a0was revealed, the Italian carmaker went on to unveil a less powerful version of the sedan called Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce. It will take the spotlight at the upcoming Paris Motor Show later this month.\nThe exterior differences are mainly subtle, with the Veloce sharing the same designed alloy wheels as the Quadrifoglio. The Veloce also receives an aggressive rear diffuser\u00a0that houses the dual exhaust setup. Sporty interiors and xenon headlights are offered as standard in the Veloce.\nDespite sitting just\u00a0below the\u00a0Quadrifoglio, the Veloce is still capable of delivering thrills. That\u2019s possible thanks to the revised\u00a0\n2.0-litre turbocharged\n petrol engine that now pushes out \n280 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. It might be 230 hp down, but come think of it, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Subaru Impreza both proved that fun can be attained with just 280 hp.\nThe Giulia Veloce is also available with a \n2.2-litre turbodiesel\n mill that produces \n210 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque. Both petrol and diesel variants get \nall-wheel drive\n and an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission as standard.\nSo here we have an all-wheel drive 280 hp sports saloon that somehow sounds like a spiritual successful to the rally-bred saloons from Japan. Sadly, Alfa Romeo is now unrepresented in Malaysia since Sime Darby Auto Italia pulled out in late 2013. That said, with DRB Hicom carrying the \nJeep\n brand from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), perhaps the distribution rights should be given to them. Fingers crossed!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Age is truly just a number, because while our responsibilities keep piling up, we\u2019re still the same little kid inside. I mean, let\u2019s be honest \u2013 how many of you still scour e-commerce shopping sites in search of RC cars? I know I do. So you can imagine my excitement when I came across this new Tamiya Wild One that\u2019s an actual, driveable, life-sized car.\nYes, you read that right \u2013 an actual Tamiya \u2018RC\u2019 model that you can physically drive! If you\u2019re like me, you\u2019ve probably dreamt about this every night when you were a kid.\nCalled the Wild One Max, the Tamiya buggy is developed in partnership with The Little Car Company \u2013 the company behind miniaturised models such as the \nAston Martin DB5 Junior.\n But instead of miniaturising existing models, this one here is obviously enlarged by quite a bit when compared to the original Wild One RC toy.\nMeasuring in at 3.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide, the Wild One Max actually comes in at an 8:10th scale of the original model \u2013 big enough for \u201ckids\u201d with heights ranging from 160 cm to 195 cm.\nThe single-seater buggy is built on a spaceframe chassis, and when fully built, weighs around 250 kg. And yes, that\u2019s not a typo. Just like the actual Tamiya toys, the Wild One Max can also be built at home by yourselves.\nEverything here is sized-up proportionally almost one-to-one, including the massive coil-over springs and wheels on all four corners, the latter now 15-inch off-road tyres on lightweight wheels. And just like the RC toy, the fronts are slimmer tyres with a relatively smooth surface, while the rears are chunky, proper off-road tyres with stud-like treads.\nRemember those sticker sheets that you\u2019ll have to painstakingly apply by yourselves? Same thing here \u2013 except that they\u2019re now as tall as you!\nIt probably doesn\u2019t come with this cute replica box, but they did include it on the website!\nJust like the Tamiya toy cars, this here is also powered by electric. As standard, the single electric motor on the rear axle is pared to a single \u201cPowerPack\u201d battery, making a maximum power output of 4 kW (5.5 hp). Top speed is rated at 48 km/h, and you\u2019ll be able to drive up to 40 km on a single charge, depending on terrain and driving style of course.\nHowever, a range of \u201cHop-Ups\u201d are available for the Wild One Max for you to upgrade your ride, just like how you can swap out parts on the mini 4WD Tamiya cars. These include modular PowerPacks that can be added to increase performance and range, four-point racing harness, and even high-performance suspensions and brakes \u2013 which as standard, are already Brembo items.\nOn top of the individual Hop-Ups, the Wild One Max will also be offered with complete \u2018Packs\u2019, including a Tarmac Pack which comes with road-biased tyres and mud-guards, and even three individual Road Legal Packs with items such as brake lights and turn indicators, that \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 make the electric buggy fully road legal!\nThe Tamiya Wild One Max starts at GBP6,000 (~RM34k) for the bare-basic set-up; no prices were announced just yet for the various Hop-Ups and packs. Now, the hard part is to convince our \u201cparents\u201d to buy us a new toy."
"BMW Group Malaysia and Sime Darby Auto Engineering (SDAE), a division of Sime Darby Motors has officiated the opening of the SDAE Engine Assembly Facility in Kulim, Kedah.\nThe plant has been in operation since April this year and has produced over 50 engines so far. It\u2019s expected to churn out 40 to 50 engines per day.\nOver RM 130 million have been invested into this new engine assembly plant; employing an additional 60-strong Malaysian workforce.\nOnce the engines are completed, they\u2019re subjected to three different tests. In the \n\u201chot test\u201d\n, the engines are checked for leakages, component (such as sensor) failures and such in ambient temperatures of 30 degrees Celcius, for about 15 minutes. The engines turbochargers are also tested up to temperatures of 800 degrees Celcius.\nThe engines are then subjected to \u201c\nperformance tests\n\u201d for two hours where the RPM and air/fuel ratios etc. are monitored. The engines subsequently go through a \u201c\ndynamic test\n\u201c, where it runs for 48 hours before they\u2019re reopened for assessment of its internal components.\nThe assembly facility will be responsible for producing three and four cylinder petrol engines, 4-cylinder diesel engines as well as three and four-cylinder engines for the plug-in hybrid vehicles.\nAt this point, the engines produced are catered exclusively to BMW\u2019s locally-produced vehicles with plans for them to be exported to Vietnam and Philippines in the near future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In \nour previous article\n, we reported that Mercedes-Benz will be introducing no less than 10 fully-electric models under its new EQ (for Electric Intelligence)\u00a0sub-brand and the first to be unveiled will be based on the Concept EQ in the video.\nThe \nConcept EQ\n displayed in Malaysia recently, rumoured to be named the EQ C, will offer \n500 km of electric driving range\n from its 70kWh battery pack mounted in the floor.\nIt\u2019s also said to produce around \n400hp\n and \n700Nm\n, where power is channeled to all four wheels with 0 to 100 km/h done in under five seconds."
"Yesterday, our Sepang International Circuit was awoken by the thunderous roars of Ferrari 488 Challenges as it hosted Round 5 of the Ferrari Challenge Asia 2017. It also offered a select few, privileged media representatives to (briefly) get up close with the new 812 Superfast and unleash the frightening power of the V12 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso and the V8 GTC4 Lusso T to maximum effect!\nRepresenting \nTeam NAZA Aylezo (No.69)\n is Malaysian motorsport veteran Zen Low who is the \nsole Malaysian\n in the race series and also the \nfirst Malaysian\n to compete with the new Ferrari 488 Challenge. He will be competing in the Trofeo Pirelli category in the 2017 season. The \u00a0Ferrari 488 takes over from its predecessor, the 458 Challenge, as the first turbocharged Ferrari and also the most powerful car in the history of the series.\nNAZA World Group Executive Chairman, Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri Nasimuddin said, \u201cIt has been a thrill to follow Zen Low\u2019s progress in the Ferrari Challenge APAC and we are excited to have the opportunity to watch him live in action here in Sepang. Not only has he done us proud with his performance so far, he has also earned tremendous support from fellow Malaysians.\u201d   Zen Low had got off to a spectacular start in the season so far; earning 2nd place in the first race and 3rd in the subsequent. This was followed by two other podium finishes in the 3rd and 4th races held in Shanhai and Zhejiang, China.\nEver since Zen founded Aylezo Motorsport in 2009, he\u2019s taken part in a variety of motorsport events both locally and regionally, including the Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race, the Gulf 12 hours, Asian LeMans series, Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, GT Asia, Sepang 12 hours and even the Bathurst 12 hours.\nThe Ferrari Challenge race series was established as a one-make series in 1993, spanning over three regions; North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. This year, the Ferrari Challenge sees drivers being grouped in various categories including Trofeo Pirelli, Trofeo Porelli AM, Trofeo Pirelli 458, Coppa Shell, Ladies\u2019 Cup and Gentlemen\u2019s Cup. The next round of the Ferrari Challenge APAC will be in Singapore on the 15th \u2013 17th September.\nMore on the brief sampling of the V12 GTC4 Lusso and the GTC4 Lusso T soon!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor has rebranded the Toyota Merit customer rewards and loyalty programme to \nLoyal-T. \nThe revamp brings greater value, enhanced convenience and better rewards that extends to all Toyota owners.\nSimilar to the outgoing Toyota Merit programme, Loyal-T continues to award points to customers who service their vehicles, purchase spare parts and \nnew vehicles\n as well as body and paint repairs at any authorised Toyota outlets. Annual renewals of insurance premiums are also eligible for the collection of points.\nThinking of getting a Toyota Vios but also need to know the differences compared to a Yaris? Find out more here!\nAccumulated points can be exchanged for E-service vouchers which customers can then redeem for future services. All transactions are catalogued via the smartphone app called \nToyota Drive\n, which also store copies of service records.\nLast week, the company also introduced a new smartphone app that is concentrated on providing customers with free roadside repairs and towing called 24Seven. More about the new app \nhere\n.\nTo sign up for the Toyota Loyal-T Programme, download the free Toyota Drive smartphone app that is available on both the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n. Customers are required to register their and vehicle details with UMW Toyota Motor and all information is maintained and safeguarded in accordance with the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2010.\nUMW Toyota could be introducing the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in Malaysia as soon as this coming Monday, Sept 27th! More about the plan here!"
"These days, it\u2019s not only about the rich getting richer. It\u2019s also about those who\u2019ve came into \u201cnew money\u201d and according to Bloomberg, there were over 13 million people with seven-figure net worths as of the end of last year \u2013 imagine nearly half the population of Malaysia (32 million) being millionaires!\nWith such a spike of individuals with spiked net worths, Italian powerhouse Ferrari claims that demands for their supercars have soared to a point where production is planned to increase next year.\nAccording to the same Bloomberg report, in order to meet demands, Ferrari will \ndouble factory shifts to two a day\n to meet the delivery target of almost\n 9,000 cars in 2018\n. When \nFerrari eventually introduces its first ever SUV\n, expect those numbers to jump even higher.\nGlobally, Ferrari recently introduced the new \nPortofino V8 GT\n, successor to the California, that produces \n591 hp\n with\n 760 Nm\n where 0 to 100 km/h takes a mere \n3.5 seconds\n to achieve. Locally, aside from attaining the \nFerrari Classiche Authorised Workshop\n certification, Naza Italia has also launched the \n6.5-litre V12 Ferrari 812 Superfast\n where our very own \nGC Mah got to test in Ferrari\u2019s test track in Fiorano, Italy\n.\nSource: \nBloomberg"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM)\n has confirmed that it will soon launch locally assembled (CKD) electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. Earlier revealed to us \nfrom an inside source back in March\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now confirmed its CKD EV plans.\nAt the \nlaunch of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+\n \ntoday, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO & President, Sagree Sardien said (on the sidelines), \u201cWe are certainly working on localizing the EQ models. In 2023, we will announce our first EQ model that will be localized, so I ask you to stay tuned for that.\u201d No further details were revealed.\nAs for the location of the assembly, it will most likely take place at the same Pekan assembly plant where the hybrid Mercedes-Benz S-Class 580e is made. Back in March, our inside source told us that the first CKD EV by Mercedes-Benz would be the EQS. We\u2019ll have to wait until the first quarter of 2023 to find out as MBM will make an \u201cexciting announcement\u201d during the said period.\nThe first EV that was launched in Malaysia by Mercedes-Benz is the \nMercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line\n \nwhich was launched in March. The EQA is a compact SUV with a single electric motor that makes \n190 hp\n and \n375 Nm\n. A \n66.5-kWh\n battery gives the EQA an electric driving range of \n429 km \n(WLTP).\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia to locally assemble fully-electric EQ models\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line was the first EV by MBM in Malaysia\nNext was the \nMercedes-Benz EQS 450+\n which was launched in July, which is an all-electric version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The EQS 450+ has a phenomenal EV range of \n782 km\n (WLTP) thanks to its large \n107.9-kWh\n battery pack and rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration.\nThe EQS was followed by the \nEQB 350 4MATIC\n and the \nEQC 400 AMG Line\n which \nboth had their prices confirmed in September\n. With the \nnewly-launched EQE\n, MBM now has five models in its Malaysian EV lineup.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s new extended warranty offers up to RM250k of coverage\nLaunch of the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ in July this year\nWith MBM\u2019s CKD plans for its electric cars, it will be the second brand in the country to assemble its fully electric vehicles after Volvo Car Malaysia. CBU Electric Vehicle exemption from import tax, excise duty, and road tax in Malaysia will last until the end of 2023. CKD electric vehicles will enjoy a longer exemption period until the end of 2025.\nRELATED: \nMercedes me Store launched in Malaysia \u2013 Navigation now requires subscription"
"You might have heard of a certain Ken Miles person, possibly thanks to the recent Ford vs Ferrari movie. If so, you would have also known about the historic 1966 Le Mans race that Miles should have won but did not.\nWhile we concede that it serves as a fantastic plot device and climax point in the movie and a great story in general, it also meant that the other momentous moment for Miles and the Ford GT40 \u2013 the first 24-hour endurance win at the 1966 Daytona which was also featured in the same film, was often forgotten. Yes, where Shelby held up the \u201c7000+ GO LIKE HELL\u201d sign.\nTo bring justice and tribute to Ken Miles and his incredible feat in the GT40 Mk. II, Ford has now unveiled the latest Heritage Edition of its storied\n \nFord GT\n \nsupercar inspired by the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental, making it the first Heritage Edition to feature liveries not from a Le Mans race.\nFord GT programme manager, Mike Severson said, \u201cFor this Heritage Edition, the Ford Performance team went deeper into the Ford GT\u2019s race history and crafted a limited-edition model that stylistically honors the 55th anniversary of the Daytona 24 Hour endurance race that would eventually lead to our successes at Le Mans.\u201d\nJust to jog your memory a little, Ken Miles and co-driver Lloyd Ruby led nearly every lap of the 1966 24-hour race with the number 98 Ford GT40, outpacing the competition by 30 miles (48.3 km) by the chequered flag and led a 1-2-3-5 Ford domination at Daytona.\nThe win kicked-started the magical season for the Ford GT40 Mk. II, winning 1-2-3 at the Sebring 12-hour and the now-iconic Le Mans 24 Hour.\nMimicking the white, black and red exterior of the 1966 endurance-winning car, the new Ford GT Heritage Edition features a Frozen White exterior colour, contrasted by exposed carbon fibre on the bonnet, as well as asymmetrical Race Red accents on the front fascia, roof edge, driver\u2019s side door, and underneath the rear wing.\nThe Heritage Edition also carries the signature \u201c98\u201d roundel number graphics on the bonnet and doors, the latter formed by exposed carbon fibre (i.e. unpainted surfaces). Unique Ford graphics on the lower rear-quarter panels and red-lacquered Brembo brake calipers complete the exterior of the homage car.\nInside, the new Ford GT Heritage Edition gains black Alcantara detailing on the instrument panel, headliner, and steering wheel rim, while the seats are upholstered in red Alcantara, paired to red anodised pedal shifters.\nThe new Heritage Edition model rides on one-piece Heritage Gold 20-inch forged-aluminium wheels, but opting for the Heritage Upgrade Package replaces it with 20-inch exposed carbon fibre wheels with gloss red-painted inner accent barrel, along with black-painted brake calipers with red Brembo letterings. The Heritage Upgrade Package also adds \u201cghosted\u201d 98 roundels to the interior on both of the door panels.\nOtherwise, the new Ford GT Heritage Edition still retains the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, pushing\n 647 hp\n to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h is done in \n3.0 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n348 km/h\n.\nAlongside the Heritage Edition, Ford has also introduced the Ford GT Studio Collection graphics package, featuring customisable colour highlights on key styling elements, including the functional cooling ducts.\nWith production of the Ford GT\n slated to end in 2022\n, only 50 units of the new Heritage Edition and 40 units of the Ford GT with Studio Collection graphics package will be made across the 2021 and 2022 models.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely has been awarded the \u201cChina Automotive Industry Science and Technology Award\u201d by China\u2019s Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE-China), the entity\u2019s highest honour, for the development of the 1.5-litre turbocharged three cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission powertrain combo \u2013 also used in the\n Proton X50 Flagship\n.\nSAE-China is the country\u2019s most prestigious non-governmental professional association for scientists, academics, engineers, and technicians working in the world\u2019s largest and most competitive automotive market. According to Proton, winning the award is equivalent to winning a Nobel Prize for the industry.\nEach year, automotive industry peers in SAE-China nominate and award achievements and innovations that have \u201cadvanced and influenced the automotive industry\u201d. In 2020, Geely\u2019s 1.5TD + 7DCT powertrain was selected for the award among 170 other innovations developed by top Chinese Universities, science academies, and global automotive R&D centres.\nAccording to the press release, the powertrain combo was selected for the award for its strides in three major challenges faced by the industry \u2013 developing a highly versatile compact engine, balancing performance with fuel efficiency, and increasing the utilization and reliability of hybrid power.\nA product of a RMB20 billion (RM13 billion) R&D investment by Geely over the last 10 years, the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder powertrain developed by China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT) \u2013 a joint venture of sorts between Geely and Volvo \u2013 is designed to be highly versatile, and offer sufficient performance for a wide range of vehicle segments.\nThe 1.5TGDi configuration used on the Proton X50 is the engine\u2019s peak standalone output, capable of generating \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 7.9 seconds under ideal conditions. The \nport fuel injected variant\n, good for \n150 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n, also made its global debut on the Proton X50.\nThe modular engine is also designed from the onset with electrification in mind, and have already been integrated into four different electrified configurations \u2013 48V mild hybrid, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrids, and range-extender EVs. The\n seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox\n used in the Proton X50 as well as the\n X70\n also boasts an industry leading 97.2% transmission efficiency with a torque ceiling of 450 Nm, and can shift gears near instantaneously in 0.2 seconds.\nThree-cylinder engines are commonly associated with stigma surrounding its NVH trade-off due to the unbalanced forces in the engine. To combat the NVH drawbacks, the engine is equipped with \nover 120 parts specifically engineered to improve NVH performance\n, reducing perceivable engine jitter and noise.\nAt idle, Geely says that engine noise inside vehicle cabins can reach as low as 38db \u2013 we did not have any scientific instrument on board to measure, but we can certainly\n \nconcur that it was almost imperceptible\n!\nIn just over two years, more than 600,000 vehicles under the Geely Group banner have already equipped with the powertrain combo, and can be found in multiple models in various segments such as the \nGeely Coolray/Bin Yue\n, \nVolvo XC40\n, all \nLynk & Co\n models, the \nLEVC TXe\n, and of course not forgetting the hottest car in our country, the Proton X50.\nThe powertrain has been deployed to over 11 countries including Sweden, UK, Russia, Malaysia, and Philippines, a testament to its \nreliability and versatility in different climates\n. Geely plans to increase that number to 27 countries by 2021."
"For those vehicles with tinting that fall below regulated Visible Light Transmission (VLT), you may want to take this news with a bit more sense of urgency. The Malaysian Road Transport Department (RTD or JPJ) said those who fail to adhere to the latest regulations will be incarcerated for up to one year.\nFor the uninitiated, the current regulations set by the RTD reveals that\u00a0the permissible VLT level for the \nfront windscreen\n is\n\u00a070 percent\n\u00a0while the\u00a0\nrear windows\n and \nrear windscreen\n are set to \n30 percent\n, a change from 50 percent last year.\u00a0The rules are per the\u00a0\nMotor Vehicles (Prohibition of Certain Types of Glass) (Amendment) Rules 2016\n.\nAccording to the report in The Sun, first-time offenders will be fined up to \nRM2,000 or six months jail\n while repeat offenders can be punished up to \nRM4,000 fine or face a 12-month jail sentence\n, or \nboth\n. That\u2019s a drastic increase from before where fines are ranged from RM500 to RM1,000, which includes a maximum of one-month jail term.\nJPJ\u2019s Director-General, Datuk Ismail Ahmad said car owners will be given enough time to meet the new regulations, and has announced that no special operations will be conducted to nab offenders in the near future. Well, better get going, guys!\nSource: \nThe Sun Daily"
"Forget the \u201csilver spoon\u201d, this is the way to begin a child\u2019s life in a lap of luxury while you look snazzy yourself \u201cbehind the wheel\u201d \u2013 with the new Mercedes-Benz stroller, the Avantgarde, by Hartan.\nThe Hartan name has been synonymous with producing high quality \u201cMade in Germany\u201d baby carriages since the 1950s.\nThe first thing you\u2019d undoubtedly notice are the AMG design-inspired 5-twin-spoke wheels it sits on, like the ones you get on the \nCKD Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC\n.\nWhat you don\u2019t know is that it also comes with adjustable suspension and air-chamber tyres as well! Other features included in the 8.9 kg aluminium stroller, which can accommodate either a seat or a baby carrier, are parking brakes and a telescopic handlebar.\nAlso available are accessories such as a sunshade umbrella, changing bag in a stylish Mercedes-Benz design, a foot muff, a head restraint and a wind shield for the seat.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has finally introduced the \nfifth-generation Nissan Serena S-Hybrid to the Malaysian market\n and here are Things You Need 2 Know about the latest seven-seater MPV:\nPowered by an updated MR20DD 2.0-litre Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-Valve Timing Control) four-cylinder petrol hybrid system and XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the hybrid powerplant is good for 150 hp and 200 Nm of torque. Drive is deployed exclusively to the front wheels.\nWith a plethora of premium features available such as LED projector headlamps, hands-free dual powered sliding doors, dual-back door, seven USB charging port, 360-degree Intelligent Around View Monitor and more, the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid\u2019s equipment list is uncontested in the market.\nPricing starts from RM135,500 for the Highway Star variant while the Premium Highway Star is RM12k more expensive (RM147,000), both prices quoted are on-the-road without insurance. A 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty comes as standard while early adopters will enjoy a complimentary 3-Years or 60,000 km maintenance service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star   Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star"
"We\u2019re only a matter of hours away from the global debut of the AMG-only sports car, the \nAMG-GT\n. Despite all the camouflaged pictures seen circulating on the net, there\u2019s no denying that the next car that\u2019s set to roll out of the \nAffalterbach\n-based \nperformance oriented arm\n of Mercedes-Benz does indeed look good.\nThe AMG-GT has set its sight to \nset standards\n in the world of performance cars, and will be \nbenchmarking\n the segment as the \nbest all-rounder\n. Some engineers from AMG have also claimed that the GT possesses \ngo-kart-like handling\n abilities.\nUnderneath the long, sleek bonnet of the GT lies an all-new \n4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8\n engine, with \n510 horsepower\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque as output figures. It\u2019s been said that at this point in time, the GT will have the \nseven-speed dual clutch\n transmission that will deliver all of the engine\u2019s power to the \nrear wheels\n.\nKeep an eye out for this space to get the latest updates about the new sports car."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) together with authorised dealer, Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd has officially launched its first Nissan 3S centre in Negeri Sembilan. Strategically located in the town of Seremban, the 3S centre aims to provide convenient and efficient services to the surrounding Nissan customers.\nWith an investment of RM10 million, the newly minted 3S centre covers a total built-up area of 12,000 sq. ft. The space encompasses one showroom that can display up to eight Nissan models, 13 service bays as well as an indoor airconditioned new vehicle delivery bay. The service centre can cater up to 40 vehicles a day.\nDirector of Seremban Victory Credit, Mr Trevor Tham said: \u201cWe are pleased to present you the new Seremban Victory Nissan 3S Centre, with an improved, larger, and more accessible 3S centre to fulfil the needs of the Seremban community. With the additional facilities, we will be able to provide our customers with a complete Nissan experience all under one roof\u201d\nAlso present at the opening ceremony is newly appointed Transport Minister, Anthony Loke who was accompanied by Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM. Loke took the opportunity to get up close with the Takata Airbag Replacement procedure.\nSales and Marketing Director of ETCM, Mr Christopher Tan said: \u201cAs the state capital of Negeri Sembilan, Seremban\u2019s economic and human capital growth has been steadily growing. It is crucial for us to make our presence even stronger here in Seremban, and support Nissan owners with a Nissan 3S Centre that complies with Nissan\u2019s Global Retail Standards.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"All \nHyundai Grand Starex\n registered from May 1 onwards are now pre-installed with the marque\u2019s own telematics system, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) announced today. The system makes it easier for customers to book a service appointment, locate and report stolen vehicles, or provide assistance during accidents or breakdowns.\nHyundai\u2019s telematics system comprises six services \u2013 eCall and Manual eCall for emergency assistance, bCall for breakdown assistance, Service Assist, Stolen Vehicle Tracking, and connected security features through its accompanying mobile app.\nFor emergencies, customers can contact HSDM\u2019s Secure Operating Centre (SOC) by pushing the SOS button (eCall) mounted on the map console of the Grand Starex. The vehicle owner will then receive a call from the SOC, and assistance \u2013 whether it\u2019s for an ambulance, the police, or a tow truck \u2013 will be dispatched upon confirmation.\nShould the Telematics System detect a significant impact to the vehicle, a crash alert will automatically be activated (without the need to press the SOS button), and the SOC will then immediately contact the vehicle owner to assess the situation. If no response was received from the vehicle owner, an ambulance and the police will automatically be dispatched to the location based on GPS information.\nSimilarly, Honda Malaysia is also now offering its telematics suite, Honda Connect, on its latest models. \nIn the event of a breakdown, customers can also use the bCall function, and the breakdown service will immediately be dispatched to the location.\nThe accompanying Hyundai Telematics mobile app, meanwhile, offers several convenient features such as a car finder that activates the smart alarm to help you locate your car via its horn and blinkers, missing vehicle reporting, and other non-emergency reports.\nThe Hyundai Kona N-Line is now available for booking in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nLast but not least, the Service Assist helps track the vehicle\u2019s mileage via satellite, and sends a ticket to an authorised Hyundai service centre when it\u2019s time for the next scheduled service. The service centre will then contact the vehicle owner to make an appointment.\nThe concierge service also helps remind vehicle owners for the renewal of insurance and road tax.\nHSDM also recently introduced a new Extended Warranty Programme for older models. Check it out here.\nThe Hyundai Telematics Service will be \ncomplimentary for new Grand Starex owners for the first three years\n. After the three-year period, customers can opt to renew annually at\n RM380 per year\n.\nExisting Grand Starex owners who are keen can also retrofit the entire telematics system at any Hyundai authorised service centres, priced at \nRM1,998\n including installation."
"About 700 key Shell Helix trade partners gathered at the \n2015 Shell Helix National Trade Dinner\n to celebrate another successful year as the leading passenger car motor oil brand in Malaysia. The event, held at Genting Highlands, saw a \n26-year-old lady\n from Teluk Intan, Perak, walk away with a brand new \nF30 BMW 3-Series\n Luxury sedan.\nShell Lubricants GM, Leslie Ng with Ms Cheong Chuu Yng, winner of the BMW 3-Series\nTo mark Shell and BMW\u2019s recent global partnership, Ms Cheong Chuu Yng was given the keys to the brand new luxury sedan by Shell Lubricants\u2019 General Manager, Mr Leslie Ng. Also given the \u2018Platinum Heroes\u2019 recognition were 12 mechanics from Helix Branded Workshops around the country \u2013 an award that\u2019s earned via measuring their skills, knowledge and passion in serving customers.\nDuring the event, Ng said, \u201cThis is all about rewarding our trade partners for their partnership, dedication and commitment towards our end consumers. These trade partners are extremely important to us as they are the trusted experts in the eyes of consumers. We are delighted that they share the belief that our revolutionary Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is far superior to any other motor oil the market.\u201d"
"With waiting list stretching\ninto the three-month time frame, the locally assembled Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design\nproves that the Swedish marque maiden attempt at a small SUV has been well received\nby Malaysians. But is it any good?\n \nPowered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in the T5 tune delivers \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n driving all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n6.4 seconds\n, making it the quickest sprinting car in its segment.\nDespite being the smallest\nand most affordable SUV in Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s (VCM) line up, the XC40 is\nequipped with the full suite of IntelliSafe Advanced Driver Assistance System\nand Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving feature that operates up to 130 km/h. All\nthat for RM255,888 (OTR without insurance)? Sounds like a steal to me."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) sold a total of 17,489 vehicles throughout 2021, the company announced through a press release today. The figure represents a 91% year-on-year growth over 2020, despite the ongoing challenges brought forth by the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n.\nThe increase is largely credited to the performance of the\n Mitsubishi Xpander\n, with a total of 7,397 units sold last year. With that, MMM says that the Xpander is now the \u201cbest-selling Japanese seven-seater crossover in Malaysia\u201d \u2013 a category that is likely only shared with the \nHonda BR-V\n.\nMeanwhile, the company\u2019s best-selling model crown is retained by the \nMitsubishi Triton\n, which also enjoyed strong sales performance throughout 2021 with a total of\u00a09,268 units sold \u2013 a 34% increase over the previous year.\nGALLERY: Check out what might possibly be the most \u201cgaya\u201d Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia!\n\u201cDespite another year of being disrupted by Covid-19, we are thankful for our customers for showing trust, confidence, and loyalty towards the Mitsubishi Motors brand. We are pleased that Xpander has enjoyed strong sales performance thanks to the extension of the tax-free incentive period,\u201d said MMM\u2019s new Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda.\n\u201cThis decision by the Malaysian government has certainly helped the industry to sustain itself during this challenging phase. At Mitsubishi Motors, we have now progressed to increase our production volume for Xpander, to cater for higher production capacity, and to fulfill all booking demands.\u201d\nRELATED: Mitsubishi will now let you test drive their cars without a sales consultant\n\u201cThe continued growth of Mitsubishi Motors market compared to last year is a sign that we are steadily moving towards recovery. As we look forward to advancing and progressing into 2022, we have heard every customer\u2019s feedback regarding our products and services, and we will continue to improve for an ownership experience of the highest standard,\u201d Ikeda added.\nIkeda also extended his heartfelt sympathy to those who were affected by the recent devastating floods throughout the country. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will offer a 30% discount on spare parts, and 50% discount on labour costs from today until the 20th January 2022 for vehicles that have been damaged by the floods.\nAdditionally, the company will also be offering free towing services for the flood-hit customers. If you require the services, do contact the Mitsubishi Assist 24-hours customer careline (MA24) at \n1-800-88-2166\n."
"The Ford Mustang is an American muscle car icon made famous by its loud thumping, naturally-aspirated V8 with brute power delivery since its inception in 1962.\nTraditionally, the Mustang was built exclusively for the US market in left-hand drive configuration, but since the Blue Oval brand made the popular muscle car available to fans around the globe in 2015, it has since set off the Mustang to become the best-selling sports coupe in the world for three consecutive years (2015 \u2013 2017).\nIn 2017, Ford recorded 125,809 new registrations across 146 countries with US being the leading market with 81,866 units sold. Despite only being available to markets outside of US for three years, already \none-third of all new Mustang registrations come from export markets\n.\nFord sales analyst, Erich Merkle commented: \u201cThe world is falling in love with Mustang. Mustang represents the best of American design, performance and freedom, with an unmistakable personality that appeals \u2013 regardless of your postcode.\u201d\nAccording to the company\u2019s internal data, \nEurope\n took delivery of 13,100 Mustangs in 2017 while \nChina\n also showed a growing appetite for the Pony Car with 7,125 units sold. The most popular configuration worldwide is the Mustang GT with a 5.0-litre V8, although a smaller 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost is offered to penetrate markets that imposes high tariffs against large capacity engines.\nIn Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion has both the \nMustang GT 5.0 and 2.3 EcoBoost on sale\n priced at RM489k and RM599k, respectively. GC Mah and our friend Reuben Kang from JinnyBoyTV both enjoyed the Mustang GT 5.0 very much, especially the \nLine Lock feature\n."
"MINI Malaysia has just announced enhanced specification for the MINI 3 Door and 5 Door for 2017. Upgrades include exterior styling as well as additional creature comforts.\nStarting from the MINI Cooper 3 Door, it now gets a gloss black front grille, tailgate handle as well as LED headlamps and fog lamps. Inside, the entry level MINI now comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control and a 6.5-inch MINI Visual Boost infotainment system with MINI Connect Ready App.\nStepping up to the Cooper S 3 Door and John Cooper Works 3 Door, both variants now add Comfort Access system (keyless entry and start) to the equipment list. The JCW 3 Door further adds auto dimming rear view mirror and reverse camera.\nLike the Cooper 3 Door, the Cooper 5 Door also gets updated with gloss black front grille, tailgate handle, LED headlamps and foglamps and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Cooper S 5 Door on the other hand adds the Comfort Access system.\nNo changes were made to the powertrain, as such the Cooper variants get a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n, Cooper S with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing\u00a0\n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n while the JCW gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with\n 231 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n.\nPrices for the updated MINI are as below:\nModel\nVariant\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nMINI 3 Door\nCooper\nRM188,888\nCooper S\nRM229,888\nJohn Cooper Works (JCW)\nRM293,888\nMini 5 Door\nCooper\nRM193,888\nCooper S\nRM239,888\nAll purchase of the MINI 3 Door and 5 Door come with a \n4-Years unlimited mileage warranty\n with free scheduled service.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI Cooper S 3 Door   MINI Cooper S 5 Door"
"The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is planning to introduce a new method to test students in obtaining their Class D licence, moving to an automated driving test or \u201ce-testing\u201d.\nJPJ Director-General Datuk Zailani Hashim told reporters that the system is currently undergoing trials and is expected to be launched in April, in conjunction with the department\u2019s 76th-anniversary celebration. One key benefit of the \u201ce-testing\u201d approach is the speed of the test results.\n\u201cThose taking their driving test through this system will be able to get their results immediately, compared to the previous two-week waiting time,\u201d he said.\nImage credit: Facebook/\nJPJPulauPinang\nWhile the driving licence test is based on the current measurement of six points such as parking, starting from an ascend (slope test) and three-point turn. However, instead of being seated next to students in the car, JPJ officers will be observing the students from a control room. The process will be assisted by a variety of cameras and sensors. The on-road test will still proceed without any changes. \u00a0\nOpinion: Time to revamp the outdated driving licence syllabus in Malaysia\nPresently, six to seven officers are required to evaluate students when they take their test and with \u201ce-testing\u201d, the personnel count is reduced to just two or three. Datuk Zailani said the manpower can then be delegated to other tasks such as enforcement.\nSeveral driving schools have been testing the new system and will be implemented gradually with the 232 driving schools nationwide free to take up the e-testing application from service providers. Similar \u201ce-testing\u201d systems have been adopted in countries like Japan and South Korea.\nImage credit: Facebook/\nArinahHoldings\nThis driving school offers tutoring in sports and luxury cars! Find out more here!\nUpon passing the practical driving test, drivers will have the Probationary (P) licence for two years before moving to the Competent Driving Licence or CDL. \u00a0\nSource: Twitter/\nBernama"
"It was only last week that we saw BMW unveil the M4 CSL to celebrate 50 years of BMW\u2019sM division. However, the CSL was only available for the German and selected European markets.\nThis time, BMW has made sure that different regions will be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW\u2019s M division by releasing limited amounts of the 50 Jahre Edition of the BMW M3 and M4. To be specific, only 500 M3s and 1,000 M4s will be produced. The North American market will be getting the M3, while Europe gets 500 units of the M4 and the remainder goes to China.\nBoth models of the 50 Jahre BMW M edition don\u2019t have any mechanical upgrades and still puts out 480 hp and 550 Nm while the competition variant produces 510 hp and 650 Nm. BMW also says that the models can be optioned to come with a 6-speed manual to drive the rear wheels or an 8-speed automatic with M xDrive all-wheel drive technology depending on the model variant.\u00a0\nThe key feature that makes this edition of the M3 and M4 stand out are its cosmetic enhancements. BMW is resurrecting a selection of colours from the last 50 years of M paired with double-spoked 19-inch M forged wheels at the front and a 20-inch pair at the rear, making this selection of M models even more desirable.\nFor the European market, the BMW M 50 Jahre edition M4s will be offered in Carbon Black, Macao Blue, Brands Hatch Grey, Imola Red and San Marino Blue colours paired with Orbit Grey Matt and Gold Bronze Matt rim colours that are offered for the first time.\u00a0\nMoving east into the Chinese market, the M4 will be offered in two colours; Fire Orange and Status Grey. This selection of colours were introduced in conjunction with the 50th anniversary coinciding with the year of the Tiger in the Chinese calendar. Hence, the M4s in Fire Orange will be matched with Orbit Grey Matt rims while the Status Grey cars will be paired with Gold Bronze rims.\u00a0\nFor the interior of the M4, \u201cEdition 50 Jahre BMW M\u201d lettering can be seen on the door sill panels, and an \u201cM4 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M\u201d plaque is placed on the centre console. The anniversary logo is stitched onto the headrest of the M sport seats which can be optionally upgraded to the M carbon bucket seats.\u00a0\nFor the US and Canadian markets, they\u2019ll only receive the special edition M3 only. They come in five different colours that pay tribute to past M3 models including Vermilion Red, Techno Violet, Interlagos Blue, Fire Orange and Limerock Grey.\u00a0\nUnlike the M4 however, all models of the M3 will be only offered with M forged wheels in Orbit Grey Matt but with extra M performance goodies consisting of a front carbon splitter, rear carbon spoiler, and titanium exhaust pipes finished with carbon tips.\nInside, the M3 isn\u2019t very different from the M4 with optional M carbon bucket seats. The biggest difference that splits the two is that the M3 includes a metal plaque on the cupholder cover on the centre console that reads \u201cM3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M\u201d along with the reference \u201c1/500\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"Not only did he get to jog through the infamous tunnel of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, he also drove there and around the narrow but glitzy streets of Monte Carlo in this, the \nall-new 2018 Peugeot 508 GT\n.\nSo far we can confirm that it will be coming to Malaysia, which is good news and it will \narrive by Q2 of next year\n. It\u2019ll supposedly begin life here as a locally-assembled model (CKD) with two possible variants, while other countries will be getting the\n PHEV models\n.\nThe 1.6-litre turbocharged PureTech engine can offer either an output of \n180hp/250Nm\n or \n225hp/300Nm\n. The four-cylinder engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"GTI (Grand Tourer Injection), the three magical alphabets that transforms any ordinary cars into pocket rockets. Volkswagen has the Polo GTI and Golf GTI, and now comes the Up! GTI.\nThe Up! (yes, the exclamation mark really exists!) is Volkswagen\u2019s entry-level hatchback which is powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine that produces 60 to 100 horsepower depending on variants. An electrical version, the e-Up!,\u00a0is also available and made its \nappearance\n two years ago in Malaysia, but it\u2019s not for sale.\nBut what could this little unpretentious GTI-bearing city car offer to petrol heads? To start, the new and\u00a0powerful\u00a0\nthree-cylinder turbocharged 1.0-litre engine\n\u00a0adheres to the company\u2019s new tagline of \u2018\naffordable performance\n\u2019. The new engine will be mated to a\u00a0choice of a \nsix-speed manual\n or \nseven-speed dual-clutch\n automatic gearbox.\nVolkswagen hasn\u2019t released the engine\u2019s figures, but it will apparently sprint from nought to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 200km/h!\u00a0That might not sound much but do note that the Up! weighs less than a tonne, so this is a recipe for a true pocket rocket, much like the original Golf GTI Mk1.\nIn line with the additional power, the Up! GTI will receive suspension upgrades and revised chassis tuning. As always, the GTI badge means the Up! will receive visual enhancements like larger wheels, bodykit, dual exhaust outlets, and of course, the traditional golf ball gear knob\u00a0on the inside.\nNo word on its confirmed production, but the Up! GTI is setting its sights on another city car \u2013 the Fiat Abarth 595. Regardless, both cars are welcomed, showing that smiles per km can be obtained in small packages, something a certain brand has long forgotten. Mini, I\u2019m looking at you.\n[Source: Autocar UK]"
"Honda\u2019s recent form in motorsports is best described as disappointing. The NSXs in Super GT have been consistently outperformed by the Lexus LC500, and let\u2019s not even get talking about Honda and their F1 exploits.\nIt\u2019s not all gloom and doom though, because Honda just introduced the NSX GT3 race car. It\u2019s built by their American team Honda Performance Development (HPD), and adheres to FIA\u2019s GT3 specifications. The lighter and more rigid\u00a0body structure aside, the hybrid system from the standard NSX is removed. Thus, power comes solely from the\u00a0\n3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6,\n\u00a0producing an estimated\u00a0\n500-600 hp\n.   The engine\u2019s\u00a0block, heads, valve train, crankshaft, pistons and dry-sump lubrication system are shared with the production-spec NSX. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the\u00a0\nXTRAC semi-automatic six-speed sequential\n transmission. The NSX GT3 tips the scale at \n1,240 kg\n, which is 11 kg lighter than the \n10th-generation Honda Civic 1.8-S\n!\nSo far, the NSX GT3 (which has racked up over 90,000km of race time) which competed under the\u00a0\nAcura\n banner, has\n won two races\n in\u00a0a few endurance races in America. The car is eligible to compete in the\u00a0Blancpain GT Series, Super GT (under the GT300 category) and regional GT championships.\nInterested parties can purchase the NSX GT3 for\u00a0\n\u20ac465,000\n (approximately \nRM2.32 million\n).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Tired of changing the batteries of your toll reader? Now you\ndon\u2019t have to anymore with LokaTag \u2013 the first built-in toll reader for\naftermarket installations is now available in Malaysia. And it shouldn\u2019t come\nat a surprise that the device is distributed by EFKON, the Austrian technology provider\nof Malaysia\u2019s nationwide infra-red electronic toll collection system otherwise\nknown as SmartTAG.\nPriced at RM 499 each, the LokaTAG built-in toll reader is an alternative to the portable MaxTAG device launched in October last year. LokaTAG differs in that it is an integrated unit powered by a vehicle\u2019s battery. LokaTAG is also compatible with all vehicle models and features a back-lit display with card error and low credit alerts.\n \nAccording to EFKON Asia\u2019s director Helmuth Blasch, brisk sales of the MaxTAG since its launch and increasing orders from car manufacturers for built-in toll readers was testament that the infra-red system retains high preference among road users due to its reliability.\n\u201cMarket response to the portable MaxTAG has been excellent with average monthly sales of about 12,000 units. As for our built-in toll readers, we currently have five major car brands featuring our customised products with more coming on board soon. The combined total monthly sales of the portable and built-in units are about 25,000 units,\u201d he revealed, adding that EFKON is targeting sales of about 1,000 units a month and that new functions such as Bluetooth connectivity (with other devices) and voice alerts may be introduced later.\n LokaTAG retails for RM 499; convenience does come at a price.\nLokaTAG can be purchased from the official LokaTAG online\nstore on Shopee Malaysia and it will come with free on-site installation in the\nKlang Valley, Penang and Johor, along with 0% Easy Payment Plan (EPP) for just\nthe addition of RM1. Customers outside these regions can install their LokaTAG\nfor free at selected authorised dealers."
"Mercedes-Benz started the new year just as well as it ended 2017 \u2013 with over 193,414 units delivered in January alone \u2013 making it the best start to the year for the three-pointed star, ever.\n\u201cWith more than 193,000 Mercedes-Benz cars sold in January, we achieved the most successful start to a year in the company\u2019s history. And with the presentation of the new G-Class, we had an emotional start to the new year,\u201d said Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, Britta Seeger.\nSales of Mercedes-Benz SUVs in Malaysia have been primarily driven by the \nGLC 200\n and \nGLC250\n.\nIn Europe, \n65,286\n customers received the keys to their new Mercedes-Benz with sales records set in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Poland and Sweden.\nOver here in the Asia-Pacific region, \n94,439 units\n were snapped up with \nChina raking in the most sales\n with \n68,425 units\n. This is followed by South Korean, Taiwanese, Indian and \nMalaysian markets\n.\nEven sales from the \nMercedes-Benz Dream Cars\n line-up achieved an all-time high, \noutselling even BMW\u2019s M cars\n, with over \n170,000 units delivered in 2017\n. Among the 12 cars from the Dream Cars line-up, the most favoured models were the \nC-Class coupe\n and \nCabriolet\n."
"Mazda Co Ltd has developed a bio-engineering plastic that can be used as exterior trims and will apply it as the front grille of the\n Mazda CX-5\n. A wider range of interior and exterior trims made of the material is expected to see its way into future models.\nThese plastic bits are made using \nplant-derived materials \nwhich can reduce reliance on petroleum-resources commonly used in the manufacturing of plastic items. The plastic trims made from the organic material is said to be able to \nproject the smoothness of a mirror surface even without being painted on\n.\nThe all new Mazda CX-5 in \nSoul Red Crystal\nThe flexibility of the material also allows large exterior trims of complicated shapes and designs to be easily molded. The bio-engineering material was first applied in the MX-5 Roadster and has been so far used in the\u00a0\nCX-9\n, MX-5 RF and will eventually be introduced across the model range beginning with the CX-5 SUV.\nMazda USA has recently \nsaid no to AWD systems in their Mazda 3 and Mazda 6\n where the latter now houses a new powertrain \u2013 \na turbocharged 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The most extreme MINI 3 door is ready for its \nofficial debut in 2020\n and the public will have a first taste of the prototype model at the 24 Hours N\u00fcrburgring.\nThe 2020 MINI John\nCooper Works GP continues the success story of the GP and like its predecessors,\nwill be available in limited production units. Although the new model is \nsignificantly\nmore \nat 3,000 units worldwide.\nBased on the \nfacelifted JCW 3 door\n complete with Union Jack LED taillamps, MINI has given the GP a distinctive body kit with flared wheel arches, massive roof spoiler and larger diameter exhaust outlets which are still dual exits and centrally mounted.\nUnder the bonnet rests a reworked 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine \u2013 presumably, the B48 unit found in the \nBMW X2 M35i\n, \nJCW Clubman and Countryman\n \u2013 pushing \n300 hp\n to drive the front wheels. Expect the JCW GP to gain stiffer suspension, beefier brakes and hardier transmission to match the new engine output.\nN\u00fcrburgring lap times appears to be the benchmark for performance these days and MINI claims their new JCW GP can lap the Green Hell in under 8 minutes. Seeing that Renault recently posted its record-breaking lap with the \nMegane R.S. Trophy-R\n recently, MINI may take a chance for the title of fastest Front Wheel Drive with its production model.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI John Cooper Works GP"
"Driving simulators are great fun. Over here in the \nAutoBuzz.my\n office, we use ours not just to let off some steam after a long work day, but also to help keep our car handling chops in check \u2013 especially useful now that we can\u2019t just go out for a drive in this \nCovid-19\n climate. We\u2019d wager that most people use their simulators like us, but the engineers at Volvo take their simulators a little more seriously.\nDubbed the \u201cultimate driving simulator\u201d, Volvo\u2019s set-up consisting of a moving seat, steering wheel with haptic feedback, and a virtual-reality headset is used to help engineers test out their safety features of their cars, as well as study authentic human reactions using these systems, all in a safe environment and at a fraction of the cost of a real test.\nTo that end, the simulators are tied-in to the real-time 3D development platform Unity, which allows the virtual-reality experts from Varjo to generate life-like 3D graphics and driving situations in real-time. Test subjects also wear a full-body Teslasuit that provides haptic feedback from the virtual environment, while also monitoring the user\u2019s bodily reactions.\nVolvo\u2019s Open Innovation Arena\u2019s senior leader of User Experience, Casper Wickman said, \u201cWorking together with great companies like Varjo, Unity and Teslasuit has allowed us to test so many scenarios that look and feel totally real, without having to physically build anything. It lets us\u00a0test drive actual cars through traffic scenarios that look and feel real, but can be adjusted at the touch of a button.\u201d\nVolvo uses their simulators to test out imaginary new active safety and driver assistance features, upcoming autonomous drive user interfaces, and even future car models. As mentioned above, these features can be put to the test in \u201cliterally endless\u201d scenarios, such as specifically-designed test tracks\u00a0or a simulated real-life traffic situation, and\u00a0every scenario is\u00a0fully\u00a0customizable.\nTesting is a crucial procedure in the development of safety systems for cars, but testing these systems in reality can be dangerous, time-consuming, and not to mention \u2013 expensive. As these simulation technologies continue to mature to a point where it\u2019s becoming almost impossible to differentiate virtual to reality, it\u2019s immediately obvious why more and more car manufacturers \u2013 not just Volvo \u2013 are including driving simulators as part of their development process.\n\u201cBy using this cutting-edge technology, we are exploring and leading the development for creating safe cars in the future. It\u2019s great to play a part in that,\u201d Wickman added. The \u201cultimate driving simulator\u201d was shown off at a live-stream event yesterday \u2013 you can see it in action \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"After years of confusion and \u2013 to be honest \u2013 neglect, the \nAudi\n brand in Malaysia will finally be getting a much-needed rejuvenation thanks to the announcement of a new official distributor, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM).\nPHS stands for Porsche Holding Salzburg, a Volkswagen Group subsidiary who is one of the largest and most successful automotive distributors in Europe, now operating in 29 markets worldwide. And if that name sounds familiar to you, that\u2019s because they are also the same company behind \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)\n.\nWholly owned by PHS, PHSAM will be representing the wholesale, marketing and aftersales for the Audi brand in the country, and is led by two Managing Directors, Erik Winter and Kurt Leitner, who also hold the same positions at VPCM.\n\u201cThe premium automotive landscape is extremely competitive, and we have plenty to do and multiple challenges to overcome, but we are fully committed to the growth of the Audi brand. Audi is one of the world\u2019s leading premium brands and has a loyal local following that spans generations, so there is untapped potential in the Malaysian market,\u201d said Winter.\n\u201cOur focus will be on strengthening the SUV, S line and quattro range, with electrification playing a major role in the Company\u2019s future planned roadmap. With the strength of our team\u2019s experience and backed by PHS\u2019 global expertise, we are confident of sustainable growth for the Audi brand,\u201d he added.\nThe press release also specifically mentioned that Erik and Kurt together played key roles in successfully helped VPCM expand its CKD product line-up here in Malaysia. Could this be pointing at CKD operations for Audi here in Malaysia? Only time will tell.\nGallery: Audi A5 Sportback quattro \u2013 Making heads turn everywhere it goes\nManagement processes for the handover are already in place, with PHSAM\u2019s other priorities being expanding aftersales services and strengthening the existing dealer network to achieve profitable growth. \u201cCustomer satisfaction is top of the list for us, and we recognise the importance of a strong working relationship with our dealer partners to grow and reach our targets and enhance the ownership experience for our customers,\u201d added Leitner.\nAs part of the new distributor\u2019s offering, All Audi cars purchased from July 1 will be offered with a three-year free maintenance programme, alongside a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five years of free roadside assistance.\nThe brand\u2019s dealership network currently consists of three outlets nationwide including two Audi Centres in Juru and Glenmarie, alongside an authorised Service Centre in Ipoh. The Audi Centre in Setia Alam will resume operations on August 1, 2022."
"In a bid to encourage the public of Hong Kong to get the Covid-19 vaccine, several major firms have initiated campaigns with extremely enticing prizes including cash, iPhones, a Tesla Model 3 electric car, and even gold bars!\nGoodman Group, an industrial development company organised a raffle where those vaccinated by the 31st of August can stand a chance to win up to HK$1 million in prizes, including a Tesla Model 3 worth HK$500,000.\nCK Group, a company owned by the richest man in Hong Kong, Li Ka-shing, announced that they\u2019re giving away HK$20 million worth of cash vouchers via a lottery to those who have received two doses of the vaccine.\nTesla Model 3.\nThis month alone, Henderson Land Development Company announced that those who have been vaccinated will stand a chance to win gold bars while Sun Hang Kai Properties Ltd is offering iPhones.\nSino Group, a local property and real estate developer said it would \noffer a HK$1.4 million apartment \nin the Kwung Tong area as a grand prize for those who have been fully vaccinated, to win.\nThe total value of prizes from these different campaigns is said to be \nvalued at over HK$120 million\n according to controversial Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam.\nThe move has proven to be effective almost immediately, with a sharp increase in vaccine bookings last month. So far, only 15% of the country\u2019s 7.5 million citizens have been vaccinated."
"Despite the ongoing chip shortage issues, which had prompted Honda Malaysia to warn about a 12-month-long lead time for the \nall-new Honda HR-V\n, it seems that delivery for the highly-awaited model is still going strong. At a special delivery ceremony for the \u201cfirst customer in Malaysia to own the All-New HR-V RS e:HEV\u201d, the company announced that it has now delivered over 1,300 units of the B-segment SUV in the one month since its \nofficial launch back in July\n.\nHonda Malaysia\n Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hironobu Yoshimura said, \u201cThe response we have received for the All-New HR-V has been overwhelming, and we believe this new model will be sensational once again as it did in the past. Today, we are excited to deliver the All-New HR-V to the first owner, Ms. Nurul Hafida.\u201d\nAs the first customer, Nurul Hafida Binti Mhd Jais also received a special gift pack worth RM5,700, consisting of Honda authorized accessories, ultra glass body coating, Honda official merchandise, as well as a token of appreciation from Honda Malaysia to celebrate the milestone.\nALSO WATCH: \nAll-new 2022 Honda HR-V now launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\n\u201cI did my research even before the official launch of the All-New HR-V in Malaysia. The exterior styling and looks caught my attention and that\u2019s when I decided to book the model the moment it was opened for booking,\u201d said Nurul Hafida, who was present at the event together with her family to receive the car.\n\u201cI have been anticipating the delivery of my new car. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that I was the first customer to receive the car. And what\u2019s even more exciting is the additional surprise of receiving gifts from Honda! I am looking forward to taking my family out and about on my new ride,\u201d she added.\nLaunched here in July, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V is available in four variants, with prices starting at RM114,800 (on-the-road, without insurance) for the entry-level S variant, and topping off at RM140,800 for the range-topping RS variant that was delivered to Nurul Hafida in the ceremony.\nUniquely in Malaysia, the B-segment SUV is offered in three different powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated mill with \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n, a turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC engine with \n181 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n, as well as the headlining 1.5-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain that delivers \n131 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque, available solely on the range-topping RS variant.\nFor the full specifications breakdown of the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V, check out our detailed launch coverage here."
"Alongside the launch of the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza (which you can\n check out in more details here\n), the local carmaker has also unveiled a full range of GearUp accessories, ranging from exterior aesthetic upgrades to actual practical items, and even extra safety gear to go along with the brand-new seven-seater MPV.\nThe GearUp accessories can be specified when you place your order for the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza, which allows for the cost of these items to be financed through your vehicle loan as well. All accessories have undergone strict quality testing, and will also come with a one-year warranty to ensure additional peace of mind for customers.\nStarting with the looks, we have the new Prime bodykit at RM2,500, consisting of front and rear bumper lip extensions, alongside a more prominent roof spoiler at the back. The installation of the kit will require the drilling of a permanent hole, as well as an additional wire harness, the latter sold separately at RM75.\nMoving inside, Perodua is also offering a set of Prime seat covers for all three rows of seats. Priced at RM1,000, the seat covers are made of easy-to-clean PVC material in a red and black two-tone colourway, and offers additional storage space thanks to the additional seat pockets behind the front seats.\nThe rest of the GearUp accessories for the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza are not branded under the \u201cPrime\u201d name, but still includes a variety of aesthetic upgrade parts including door visors (RM160), illuminated door sill plates (RM300), interior floor lighting (RM250), and coil mats (RM200).\nFor the utility accessories, there\u2019s the luggage tray (RM80), luggage mat (RM75), as well as a luggage organiser (RM37). Perodua is also offering a RM390 bundle of accessories as part of the Utility Package, consisting of the luggage tray, door visors, and coil mats.\nFor customers who are looking for a quieter ride, the local carmaker also offers under-bonnet insulation at RM80, and vibratile insulation at RM285 \u2013 the latter fitted behind the door trim for improved insulation.\nAs for the safety accessories, Perodua is offering a digital video recorder (or more commonly known as dashcam) at RM500, alongside wheel lock nuts (RM200), tyre pressure monitor (RM430), as well as a ISOFIX child seat at RM680, designed for children aged 0-12 years old (up to 36 kg).\nBut that\u2019s not all, as Perodua\u2019s comprehensive list of accessories also include items such as a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, 300-amp booster cable, magnetic phone houlder, smart tracker, and even a magnetic trap for the engine oil filter. The full list is available in the catalogue brochure below.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after announcing that the all-electric \nAudi e-Tron SUV goes into production\n, the four-rings has presented its first battery-powered series production model here in San Francisco, USA. Sporty, practical and suitable for everyday use is the name of the game with the new Audi e-Tron.\nVisually the e-Tron did not differ too far from a regular Audi SUV. Styling cues like the Singleframe grille (with active shutter grille), slim LED headlamps, bold hood lines and familiar silhouette shows that Audi wants the e-Tron to be seen as a mainstream model. The e-Tron also features a rear taillamp that extends the length of the tailgate similar to the ones on the \nQ8\n.   Sitting on the Group\u2019s MLB modular electric platform for premium electric vehicles, the e-Tron measures 4,901 mm in length, 1,935 mm in width, 1,616 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,928 mm. Put the e-Tron on a weighing scale and you\u2019ll read 2.49 tonnes \u2013 \n700 kg\n comes from the 95 kWh battery pack alone. Despite its weight, engineers have harnessed the dark arts of aerodynamics to achieve extended driving range.\nFor starters, the standard specification e-Tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28 thanks to its active shutter grille, flat underbody and aerodynamically optimised 19-inch wheels. With the optional \nvirtual exterior mirror\n that uses a camera mounted on the slim housings that feeds a clear image of the side view to the high-contrast OLED displays by the door cards, brings the drag coefficient down to 0.27. The best result in the SUV segment.   Audi integrates the screen into the door panels\nInside, the e-Tron gets the latest-generation Audi cabin styling with dual display screens that make up the centre console as well as an LCD instrument display. The gear selector is surprisingly conventionally shaped with your usual P, R, N, D/S layout. Only when you look closely you\u2019ll find an e-Tron designation on the upper dashboard as well as the virtual exterior mirror displays on either side of the doors you\u2019ll find that this is no ordinary Audi SUV.\nAudi says the e-Tron can swallow up to \n660 litres\n of cargo in the boot and with the rear seats folded down, that space extends to 1,725 litres. There is also a neat little 60-litre\u00a0\nfrunk \nto store away the vehicle tool kit and mobile charger cable. Other equipment on the e-Tron includes a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control with ionizer and aromatization as well as ventilated seats with massage function.   Driving the e-Tron SUV is a dual-electric motor set up, one on each axle to give a combined output of \n265 kW\n (360 hp) and \n561 Nm\n of torque. This allows the electric SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just\n 6.6 seconds\n and the electric motors can deliver peak power consistently for 60 seconds or until the e-Tron hits its governed top speed of \n200 km/h\n.\nShifting the gear selector into S, the driver can active \nBoost Mode\n which momentarily (8 seconds) raises the output of the electric motors to 300 kW (408 hp) and 664 Nm of torque. In this maximum output configuration, the e-Tron will complete the century sprint in\n 5.7 seconds\n.\nAs standard, the e-Tron SUV rides on air suspension that varies the ride height according to road conditions and speed to allow the SUV to trek rough terrains while maintaining the low centre of gravity for better stability and aerodynamics.\nThe e-Tron comes with 11 kW AC chargers as standard that can fully charge its 95-kWh battery in eight and a half hours when plugged into a 230-volt household outlet. From 2019 onwards, the e-Tron can be ordered with the connect charging system that doubles the charger power to 22 kW. On full charge, the e-Tron is estimated to cover up to \n400 km\n of driving range based on the WLTP test cycle.\nPrices for the Audi e-Tron starts from US$74,800 stretching up to US$86,700 for the limited Edition One model that adds an Antigua Blue exterior colour, virtual exterior mirrors, 21-inch forged wheels, Audi e-Tron Edition One puddle lights, orange brake callipers, sport seats and other goodies.\nThe global premiere of the all-electric e-Tron is a timely one as their arch-rival, Mercedes-Benz has also recently presented to the world their version of electric mobility in the form of the \nEQC 400 SUV\n. The future is slowly but surely moving towards a quieter albeit environmentally friendly one, but which side of the camp you sit? The four rings, three-pointed star or Tesla?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi e-Tron Global Premiere in San Francisco   Audi integrates the screen into the door panels   Audi e-Tron Edition One"
"No, unlike the \nF90 BMW M5 launched recently at the Sepang International Circuit\n, we didn\u2019t get to fire the GT2 RS\u2019s cannons around our former F1 Grand Prix circuit with unlimited discretion.\nThat said, there\u2019s still loads of cool stuff we\u2019d like to share with you on the \nfastest Porsche 911 ever built\n (probably the 10th time we\u2019ve emphasised this) so here are things you need to know about the latest fire-breather to be unleashed from Zuffenhausen.\nIn summary, it\u2019s a beast of a car. With \n700 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six delivered exclusively to the\u00a0\nrear wheels\n, it\u2019ll take someone with courage, skill and more importantly wealth, to tame.\nWhy? Because you\u2019d arrive at the 100 km/h mark in just 2.8 seconds from standstill and if you\u2019re resilient with the upshifts on its PDK transmission, the GT2 RS will only tire out once it nudges 340 km/h."
"The \nBMW iX was launched here in Malaysia \nquite some time ago now \u2013 August 26th of last year, to be exact. However, since the car is fully imported from Germany in low quantities, there hasn\u2019t really been a chance to check it out in person yet, until today.\nBMW Malaysia, at their \nNEXTGen Malaysia event\n today, brought out the trio of their latest electrified models for the media to put their grubby hands all over, so we took the opportunity to bring you a set of photos to show you what\u2019s so special about their new electric flagship!\nRight off the bat, we have to address the elephant in the room \u2013 the huge kidney grille in front. Accept it, we\u2019re not moving away from this new shouty design, or at least not in the near future. So our only choice is to just accept it and move on \u2013 not that \nI\n really had too much of a problem with it in the first place.\nAt least, BMW tries to make it a little bit more stylish here, with the gloss black acrylic cover taking on a triangular mesh design. It\u2019s functional too \u2013 the advanced driver assistance features\u2019 cameras and sensors are all hidden neatly behind the cover \u2013 something they like to call \u201cshy tech\u201d.\nALSO READ: BMW i4 Gran Coupe EV shown-off for the first time in Malaysia!\nIn terms of size, BMW says that it\u2019s roughly similar to the X5 SUV, although with a height of the X6, and a larger wheelhouse size of the X7. Proportion wise, the A-pillars here have also been pushed slightly forward to give it a shorter bonnet and a larger passenger compartment, and as a result it does look a little more MPV than SUV in our opinion.\nThe unit that was shown off today was the xDrive40 Sport variant, which comes with the Sport Line bodykit, fancier-looking BMW LaserLight headlights, and larger 22-inch wheels.\nStill not a fan of the exterior? Take a look inside, and I guarantee it\u2019ll change your mind. The cabin is designed to look and feel like a lounge, and the dashboard architecture plus the new\n iDrive 8 infotainment curved display panel\n just makes the whole look work.\nBut the main highlight for us in the BMW iX\u2019s cabin is without a doubt the crystal knob for the iDrive controller that comes together with the Sport package. The way it\u2019s designed makes it look and function like a crystal puck just floating above real wood panel underneath it \u2013 flashy, clean, and futuristic all at the same time!\nRELATED: Check out the iDrive 8 system in action here!\nOther interior niceties include the electrochromic panoramic sunroof that turns opaque at a touch (literally) of a button, two USB-C ports behind every seat, and most importantly, the absolute tonne of space that\u2019s exaggerated by the flat cabin floor \u2013 even in the front seats.\nThe BMW iX xDrive40 is powered by two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 alongside a 76.6 kWh battery. Total power output is rated at 326 hp and 630 Nm, and it\u2019s able to drive up to 425 km (WLTP test cycle) on a single charge.\nA higher-end xDrive50 model will also be offered in Malaysia, which will pack more performance and a larger battery \u2013 however it\u2019s still currently not available on our shores just yet.\nWith the recently-announced tax exemption for EVs starting from this year as part of Budget 2022, the BMW iX xDrive40 now starts at \nRM361,430\n, on-the-road without insurance, which is RM58,200 lesser than when it was first announced here in Malaysia back in August last year.\nAnd when you tick the Sport package box at checkout, the price goes up to just \nRM407,430\n (+RM46k), or a whopping RM65,200 cheaper than before! A bargain, if you ask us, especially after seeing it in person today. All you have to do is get over its looks.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz will be launching its next full-sized electric vehicle (EV) at this year\u2019s IAA Mobility motor show in Munich. The Mercedes-Benz EQE is the brand\u2019s answer to a sporty and comfortable electric executive sedan.\nSimilar to the larger \nEQS\n, the EQE will be based on the new dedicated Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture (MB.EA) platform.\nMercedes EQS\nIn the lone teaser image of the exterior, the general shape of the EQE shares many similarities with the large EQS, such as the ellipse-shaped window line and short boot lid, all for the purpose of slicing through the air as smoothly as possible for the best driving range.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia to introduce new CKD models this year. Find out what we think they have planned here\n.\nThe image of the interior meanwhile shows a dashboard that is also similar to the EQS with the Hyperscreen fully-digital setup. Apart from the Mercedes-Benz EQE debut, the company will also be unveiling the \nfirst battery-electric luxury sedan from\n \nMercedes-AMG\n as well as a concept vehicle from Mercedes-Maybach.\nThere will also be \nSUV variants\n of both the EQS and EQE models which will be unveiled at a later date. The IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich will open its doors to the public \nfrom September 7th to 12th\n and is perhaps the largest global motor show to be held following last year\u2019s postponement.\nRemember the cute and tiny Smart cars from Mercedes? They are making a comeback.click here to find out more!\nThe traditional motor show format will also change with this edition of the IAA, with a stronger focus on mobility and interactions not just confined in a large exhibition hall but is extended to parks and squares, where the general public gather."
"The nationwide move, which will see a switch from the traditional light bulbs to LED units, is said to be able to save as much as 50% of energy.\nThe pilot project will go on for three months after the tender process for contractors is completed some time in June. The pilot project will take place in Ampang, the constituency of Housing and Local Government Minister, Zuraida Kamaruddin.\nThe \nG63 AMG\n under the Putrajaya night lights.\nNationwide implementation of LED street lights is expected to take place, in stages, by September.\nAs of now, \nThe Star\n reported that 80% of streetlamps in Malaysia are using non-LED lighting but is said to still be more energy efficient than the traditional bulbs.\nThe ministry is also looking to have illuminated signage on shops and buildings changed to LED lighting as well."
"As you may have already digested, the new \nF90 BMW M5\n is a real hectic piece of machinery. With over 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque on the taps from its 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo engine, it takes a mere 3.4 seconds to propel to 100 km/h from standstill.\nNow BMW has offered a range of M Performance aerodynamic components made from elaborately-handcrafted, lightweight carbon fibre. They include newly-designed front air scoops, side sill attachments, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre rear spoiler Pro and a rear diffuser.\nEnhancements aren\u2019t just limited to the visuals but also goes beyond skin deep. A new BMW M Performance coilover suspension has been developed with an even sportier setup with adjustable spring plates and red coil springs for visual enticement.\nIf those standard M compound brakes on the standard M5 aren\u2019t enough for you, although unlikely, BMW now offers carbon ceramic brakes with sport disc pads for additional stopping power, improved brake response as well as higher thermal resistance.\nPart of the offerings also include a new M Performance sports exhaust system, where the muffler is made from titanium with carbon fibre tailpipes. Unfortunately, they\u2019re exclusive only to the USA and Canada.\nEquipment wise, the M Performance Drive Analyser offered is derived from motorsports \u2013 an innovative tool for recording\u00a0and evaluating all important vehicle dynamics data. All the driving data acquired, including use of accelerator and brakes, engine speed etc can be transferred to your smartphone via the M Performance Drive Analyser App \u2013 free to BMW customers.\nIf that\u2019s not enough for you to bask on your exciting drive, the M Performance range also offers the Trackfix action camera holder which can be mounted in the towing lug either at the front or rear of the car. At the engine bay, the M Performance carbon fibre engine cover extension kit adds more visual zing to the physical forces of the V8 powerplant.\nAt the cockpit, the M Performance range offers a grippy steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, attached with a carbon fibre steering wheel cover. Shift paddles are also made of carbon fibre along with the gear lever cover. M Performance floor mats and M Performance LED logo projectors are other additions to the interior that exemplifies BMW\u2019s motorsport design and functionality.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"One year after the \nMcLaren 720S Coupe\n made its global debut, McLaren Automotive has pulled off the wraps to its convertible twin, the McLaren 720S Spider. Like its class-leading Coupe twin, the Spider version boasts some of the best in class numbers and innovations ensuring a convertible without compromise on dynamic agility and performance.\nLet\u2019s get the numbers out of the way, adopting a bespoke carbon fibre MonoCage II-S (S for Spider) monocoque and a new carbon fibre Retractable Hard Top (RHT), the 720S Spider tips the scale at \n1,332 kg dry\n, only a scant 49 kg more than the Coupe variant. This makes the McLaren the \nlightest in class\n, being 88 kg lesser than the 1,420 kg dry weight of its closest competitor, the \nFerrari 488 Spider\n. On that note, the 720S Spider is also 48 kg lighter than the stripped out, track focused \n488 Pista Spider\n. Amazing.\nThe new MonoCage II-S monocoque and RHT have been designed to provide enhanced rollover protection and maintains high levels of chassis rigidity without the need for additional strengthening. Attention has been given to the glazed flying buttress to give a smoother airflow through the cabin, 12 per cent better over-the-shoulder visibility compared to the \n650S Spider\n and maximum luggage space.\nThe Retractable Hard Top is a completely new design and comes with a one-piece, carbon fibre roof panel as standard. The folding mechanism is the fastest-operating convertible roof of any supercar \u2013 able to be lowered or raised in just \n11 seconds\n \u2013 six seconds quicker than the 650S Spider\u2013 at rolling speeds of up to \n50 km/h\n. It also boasts improved refinement compared to its predecessors.   Should the passengers want some natural light into the cabin without being exposed to the elements, the optional carbon fibre-framed, glazed RHT features electrochromic function that can change its opacity from transparent or tinted at the touch of a button.\nAll these innovations come together to ensure that the 720S Spider will share the same key performance figures as the Coupe \u2013 0 to 100 km/h in \n2.9 seconds\n, 0 to 200 km/h in \n7.9 seconds\n (0.1 seconds slower) and a top speed of \n341 km/h\n with the roof raised. With the roof lowered, top speed is also lowered to \n325 km/h\n.\nThe M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant continues to serve \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque that is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels via a\u00a0seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The active rear spoiler has also been tweaked to automatically adapt to closed- or open-roof driving for maximum aerodynamic performance.\nAs with the Coupe, the Spider variant also features familiar items such as rotating LCD instrument cluster, 8.0-inch touchscreen Central Infotainment Screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport seats and the option to customise every stitching and material with McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Options unique to the Spider variant include two new exterior colours \u2013 Belize Blue and Aztec Gold, as well as new 10 spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubbers.\nPrices for the McLaren 720S Spider starts from \u00a3237,000 (RM1.25 mill) with customer deliveries to commence in March 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 720S Spider"
"Volkswagen, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz have emerged as the top 3 best-selling brands in Europe in the year 2022, according to JATO Dynamics. Volkswagen sold a total of 1,198,926 units, while Toyota and Mercedes-Benz shipped 766,227 and 647,880 units respectively.\u00a0\nAmong the 50 brands survey in 30 markets, the top 11 brands sold more than 500,000 units last year. That said, the total sales volume in Europe last year, which amounted to 11,309,310 units, is 4.1% lower compared to 2021 and is the lowest figure recorded since 1985. The figure also represents a 29% drop compared to pre-pandemic 2019.\n\u201cThe fallout of the pandemic, followed by the semi-conductor shortage throughout 2021 and 2022, was only compounded by Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent energy price increases, impacting consumer confidence and spending,\u201d said Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics.\nAs for the best-selling car in Europe last year, the \nPeugeot 208\n has dethroned the \nVolkswagen Golf\n, the most popular vehicle in Europe since 2007. Second place went to the Dacia Sandero (200,550 units) while the \nVolkswagen T-Roc\n (181,153 units) was the third best-selling car in Europe.\nAs for electric vehicles (EVs), the best-selling EV was the \nTesla Model Y\n, which came in 13th on the overall chart with 138,128 units sold. Other notable performers include the \nHyundai Tucson\n, which came in 8th as the best-selling C-segment SUV with 150,803 units sold. Chinese automakers that made the list include the likes of BYD, Hongqi, DR Automobiles and Geely-owned Lynk & Co.\nGALLERY"
"The \nMercedes-AMG GT 4-Door\n always had a polarising look, especially with those \nretro-inspired launch-spec wheels\n \u2013 you either love them or hate them, no in-between. And that\u2019s before factoring in the practical drawbacks due to its coupe-like silhouette and limited seating arrangement.\nSo for 2021, Mercedes-AMG set out to make the GT 4-Door a little more universally approachable, with more exterior styling options across the range, plus a new rear-bench seat for the first time ever on the model, bringing the total seating capacity up to five.\nIn terms of updates, this year\u2019s \u201cfacelift\u201d for the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is perhaps as mild as it gets. There are barely any changes to the exterior \u2013 in fact, Mercedes said it themselves in the press release that \u201cthe design of the six-cylinder versions remains unchanged\u201d.\nWhat you do get in this update, is a range of new extra-cost options that have now been moved down the line from previously being exclusive to the GT 63 model. These include a slightly spruced-up front bumper with additional gloss black and chrome trims, as well as the AMG Night Package II (dark chrome Panamericana grille and badgings) and Carbon Fibre Package.\nThere\u2019s also a range of new colour options for this year\u2019s GT 4-Door, including Starling Blue Metallic, Manufaktur Starling Blue Magno and Manufaktur Cashmere White Magno, plus a new Manufaktur Exclusive Edition for the GT 53 which wears a handsome shade of Rubellite Red metallic, equipped with the silver chrome exterior package, and trim-specific 21-inch AMG wheels.\nOn the inside, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door receives the latest AMG double-spoke steering wheel that we first saw on the \nE 63\n, which comes as standard with the AMG steering wheel dials.\nThe steering wheel can be optioned in either Nappa leather or Nappa with Dinamica suede, while the rest of the cabin\u2019s upholstery options have also been expanded with a variety of new interior leather colour options like Sienna Brown, Classic Red, Yacht Blue, Deep White, and Neva Grey.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe was launched in Malaysia back in 2019. Here\u2019s everything you need to know!\nFor an even more upmarket look, buyers can also splurge on the Exclusive Nappa Leather in Titanium Grey Pearl with yellow contrast stitching, or Exclusive Auburn Brown Nappa leather with black diamond stitching. And as we\u2019ve mentioned above, buyers can now opt for a five-seater configuration with an optional rear bench.\nAs for the mechanical bits, the 43 and 53 variants of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is essentially unchanged on the performance front. Both models are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine; the GT 43 makes \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, while the GT 53 gets \n435 hp \nand \n520 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth mills are paired to an additional 48V EQ Boost mild hybrid system that provides an additional 22 hp and 250 Nm of boost during hard acceleration, and are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution as standard.\nThe updated V8 variants will only be unveiled at a later date, but the big news will be the introduction of the\n all-new GT 73e plug-in hybrid variant\n which supposedly packs a total system output of over 800 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.\nPowertrain aside, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door gains a revised AMG Ride Control+ suspension set up, featuring new adaptive dampers with dual pressure-limiting valves \u2013 one each for rebound and compression damping \u2013 which allows the damping force to be \u201cadjusted even more precisely to different driving conditions and drive programs\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"Ever looked at the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire twins and thought: \u201cHmm, perhaps I can use with a little bit more \nsuave\n\u201c? If you\u2019re one of those people, well \u2013 today\u2019s your day, because the \nLexus LM350 luxury MPV\n is now officially making its way into Malaysia, and it\u2019s now open for booking.\nThe Lexus MPV will be available in our country in the LM350 form and a four-seater configuration, with prices starting at RM1.15 million a pop.\nThe LM is essentially a rebadged \nToyota Alphard\n of sorts, but given the customary Lexus premium touches. On the outside, the most visible change is obviously the large spindle grille on the front, flanked by 3-beam LED projector headlights featuring the iconic Lexus daytime-running lights design.\nThe Lexus LM also gets a whole swath of chrome trims to differentiate itself to the \u201clowly\u201d Toyota Alphard, including a Z-shaped swoosh on the side windows, alongside 18-inch noise-reducing alloy rims finished in \u201chyper chrome metallic\u201d.\nBut of course, the highlight of the Lexus LM350 is on the inside, particularly at the rear passenger compartment. With only four seats in total, the abundance of space is able to accommodate a pair of \u201cVIP lounge seats\u201d with generous legroom to spare, even when the seats are fully reclined.\nThe seats are filled with Adaptipedic cushioning for extra comfort, and even comes with an Ottoman massage function, alongside individual seat cooling and heating functions.\nWhile you lie down, why not catch-up on your favourite movies and shows with the 26-inch full HD display, paired to a 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference sound system that is supposedly \u201copera-house clarity\u201d grade.\nOr perhaps, you might want to flip through your magazines stored on the fold-out magazine rack while you enjoy a perfectly-chilled flute of champagne thanks to the mini fridge. There\u2019s also an electronically-operated glass partition between the front and rear passengers to ensure maximum privacy.\nUp front for the driver, the dashboard has been revamped with Lexus\u2019 own 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside the system\u2019s own touchpad controller, but that\u2019s pretty much it. For seats, the front driver and passenger gets a set of plush semi-aniline leather seats.\nThe driver will appreciate the inclusion of Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+), which includes features such as the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nUnder the hood of the Lexus LM 50 is a 3.5-litre quad cam V6, capable of generating \n296 hp\n and \n361 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. Most of the time though, you wouldn\u2019t even notice, or require that power, as the LM is designed to cruise along sedately for the most opulent travelling experience.\nAs mentioned above, the luxury MPV is now available for booking at all six authorised Lexus Centres nationwide. The Lexus LM350 is available here in Malaysia in two different exterior colours: Black and White Pearl Crystal Shine, and is priced at \nRM1,148,000\n on the road, without insurance.\nIncluded in the price is a comprehensive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. The official Malaysian launch of the Lexus LM350 is scheduled for May next year, with first deliveries beginning a month later."
"This is getting out of control. Yesterday evening when the AutoBuzz team was on the way to dinner at 1 Utama in a Nissan Serena test unit, we saw something that was just beyond our belief; beyond all realms of sensibility.\nA delivery rider was seen riding across traffic on the inner lane leading up to the 1 Utama cross junction, during peak hour traffic. The incident happened at around 6:45 pm, as indicated on our dashcam recording.\u00a0\nAs you\u2019d expect, there were cars everywhere you looked at that hour and most were being driven by smartphones, and not with both hands on the steering wheel. Needless to say, not only does the mind-boggling act put the rider at risk of possible injuries or worse in the event of an accident, but it also puts other innocent motorists in harm\u2019s way. It could\u2019ve very easily turned very ugly.\nWhile we\u2019ve seen countless reports of vehicles going against traffic, this was a motorcycle with the rider completely exposed to all types of calamities. Whatever reason the rider had to resort to such a mindless act is beyond us, but it wouldn\u2019t have been valid.\u00a0\nIf we\u2019re pointing fingers, it would be on those who are in the position of power. Mindlessness aside, the extent of such errant behaviour is a testament to the zero enforcement by authorities and more importantly, by the relevant companies these riders are attached to. It\u2019s not even a lack of it, it\u2019s zero.\u00a0\nLet\u2019s hope this will be addressed under the new \u2018Malaysia Madani\u2019 (Civilised Malaysia) initiative announced by our new Prime Minister recently. This shouldn\u2019t happen in a civilised world."
"We\u2019ve all seen this coming, as announced by the government earlier this year regarding a possible price hike for petrol.\u00a0\nFuel prices for \nRON95\n and \ndiesel\n will both be increased by \n20 cents\n tonight at 12.01am, according to a report by \nThe Star\n. New pricing for the RON95 is \nRM2.30\n per litre, whereas the diesel will be priced at \nRM2.20\n per litre.\nThe move was in line with the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry\u2019s subsidy rationalisation plan to ensure that the country\u2019s finance remain strong. It\u2019s also a move to curb fuel smuggling by irresponsible parties.\n\u201cDespite the increase, the Government will still need to spend more than \nRM21bil\n on fuel RON95, diesel and LPG subsidies for this year.\u00a0The Government will continue to implement the subsidy rationalisation in stages so as to not burden the lower income group.\u201d\n\u201cWe understand that fuel price increase will affect the economy and the people. Therefore, we will continue to provide incentives to the lower income group to alleviate their burden,\u201d said the Ministry.\nThe current market price for RON95 is \nRM2.58\n per litre while diesel is \nRM2.52\n per litre."
"You open your eyes instinctively and the clock is showing 7.05am. Mental alarm bells go off because the real alarm clock had failed to ring, and the kids need to be at school by 7.25pm \u2013 one of many nightmare scenarios parents who handle the chore of sending kids to school face each day.\nOval exhaust outlets flank the rear diffuser, nice touch.\nNo, you don\u2019t really need an SUV with over 300 hp to get to school on time (a more reliable alarm clock would do), but you\u2019ll want one anyway, because Moms and Pops need to catch some breaks too. The new GLB 35, when it does arrive here, will no doubt be a standout amongst the sea of MPVs hogging the school grounds with its angry \nPanamericana grille\n.\nThe first implementation of the Panamericana grille on a compact class model.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 can execute \nrace starts\n and get from \nidle to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds\n (top speed limited to 250 km/h), while \nseating up to seven with its three-row configuration\n. AMG cranked up the \nM270 turbocharged four-cylinder engine\n to produce \n306 hp and 400 Nm\n, and mated it to an \n8-speed dual-clutch transmission\n which sends drive to all four wheels via an \nAMG-specified 4MATIC\n \nall-wheel drive\n system; of which up to \n50% of the torque\n can be sent to the rear wheels when required.\nDepending on how late the parent may be running, he or she will have \nfive different drive modes\n and \ntwo chassis settings\n to cater to the conditions, this is on top of a reworked chassis by the AMG division that sees \nlarger brakes, upgraded steering knuckles, control arms and suspension subframes\n. We know, it\u2019s overkill for school-related chores but one can\u2019t never be too careful, just in case you run into a pesky \nBMW X2 M35i\n or the odd Volkswagen Golf R."
"Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) said it is ready to further support the country\u2019s drive towards carbon neutrality. According to them, the transportation industry accounted for 21% of the country\u2019s total CO2 emissions in 2016.\n\u201cWe are very serious on the EV front,\u201d said Datuk Fazlur Rahman Zainuddin, TNB\u2019s chief strategy and ventures officer during an Energy Sector Roundtable Engagement meeting. TNB has already installed \n73 charging stations\n at 31 locations last year in partnership with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre and ChargEV.\nTNB Energy Services\nChargEV\nTNB also iterated it is ready to work with any private-sector party that wants to transition to electric mobility, in line with the government\u2019s low-carbon agenda. The company revealed it has signed an agreement with international logistics company \nDHL Express\n recently to install charging stations along the latter\u2019s key service route.\nShell and Porsche ensure your Porsche Taycan can be driven from Penang to Singapore without delays! More on their plans here!\nThe move is the first step in preparation for our local DHL to switch to electric vehicles in the near future.\nExample of a Nissan Electric NV200 being used by DHL in Europe\nThe government is expected to announce a \nnational policy on electric vehicles this month\n with key highlights being tax reductions that could translate to 50% reduction in prices of electric vehicles.\nVolkswagen made a mobile powerbank for EVs! The cute robots \u201ccrawls\u201d to your car to charge up! \nApart from the vehicle itself, the new EV-focused policy will also make it more attractive to switch to EV via lower annual road tax, green parking scheme, installation of charging facility as well as toll rebates.\n \nCurrently, ChargEV is Malaysia\u2019s largest public charging network with over 300 public charging facilities across the country. Interested owners are charged a subscription fee of RM240/year to have access to the charging points, with the electricity itself free. \u00a0\nSource: \nFreeMalaysiaToday.com"
"Porsche has yet again taken to Nurburgring to stretch the legs of its new car, the \n991.2 GT3 RS\n, against its older sibling\u2019s lap time \u2013 setting a significantly faster lap, with visuals to immortalise the feat.\nAnd this video of the new GT3 RS lapping the 20.6 km track, with Porsche works driver Kevin Estre and Lars Kern, is just the cup of extra strength coffee you need for this gloomy Monday.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65jW-FVAd2o&t=3s\nThe fastest time set in the GT3 RS was 6:56.4 \u2013 a \nfull 24 seconds faster\n than the best time achieved in the previous GT3 RS. This feat also made the 991.2 GT3 RS the third production Porsche sportscar with an official lap time \nof less than seven minutes\n around the Nurburgring.\n\u201cThe 911 GT3 RS is as close to racing as Porsche can get with a production sportscar; with countless innovative ideas transferred from the 911 GT3 R for example,\u201d said Frank Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars.\nHe added, \u201c\nAll four lap times of both drivers were below seven minutes\n and only tenths of a second apart. This proves not only the outstanding power of the GT3 RS but also its extraordinary driveability at the limit.\u201d"
"In keeping up with the high, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) introduced yet another model to Malaysia, the \nMercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe\n.\u00a0This fully imported \u201cBaby S-Class\u201d is priced from RM308,888 and can be had in three trims \u2013 C 200 Coupe, C 250 Coupe and C300 Coupe.\nOutput and equipment levels are very much similar to that of the \nlocally assembled W205 C-Class\n, and all three variants are powered by the same\n 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n engine, albeit in differing states of tune.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Coupe\nMercedes-Benz C 250 Coupe\nMercedes-Benz C 300 Coupe\nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder, DOHC\nTransmission\n7-speed automatic, 7G-Tronic Plus\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n7.3 seconds; 235 km/h\n6.8 seconds; 250 km/h\n6.0 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM308,888.00\nRM333,888.00\nRM388,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, all the C-Class Coupes are given the AMG Line treatment, which means you get a sports grille, AMG front and rear bumpers (the latter with integrated body-coloured diffusers), welcoming lights, full LED headlamps and AMG wheels. The wheels on the C 200 are of the five-spoke design and measure at 18-inch, wrapped with 225/45 series tyres up front and 245/40 profiled rubbers at the back. Move one trim up and you\u2019ll get 19-inch hoops (also a five-spoke design), but are shod with lower profile 225/40 and 255/35 tyres for the front and rear respectively.   Standard on both C 200 and C 250 are the twin exhaust system. For RM389k, the C 300 comes with extra toys such as Adaptive Highbeam Assist, powered panoramic sunroof, a more sonorous sports exhaust system and a multi-spoke 19-inch AMG wheels.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin is standard W205 issue, with the C 200 and C 250 both settling for the Audio 20 head unit with CD player. This supports Garmin GPS navigation, AM/FM radio and Bluetooth handsfree connectivity. All four seats (yes, this car accommodates just four) across the board are wrapped in leather and come with interior lighting package as standard. Other factory fitted items include push-start button, illuminated door sill panels, cruise control with speed limiter, electric parking brake, reverse camera (this pops out through the Mercedes-Benz emblem on the tailgate) and powered seats.   The range topper comes with Burmester surround sound system, COMAND online head unit that supports DVD playback, ARTICO leather dashboard, carbon fibre centre console, open pore ashwood trim (the cheaper duo get aluminium trimmings) and a\n fancy analogue clock\n just below the air conditioning vents.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the hood of all three cars lies the same \nM274 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine\n that is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. \nAll three are turbocharged\n, but outputs range from 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque for the C 200; 211 hp and 350 Nm for the C 250 and 245 hp and 370 Nm of torque for the C 300. Drive is sent to the rear wheels only.\nAt the flick of a switch, drivers can change engine, throttle and transmission behaviour through Dynamic Select \u2013 a feature standard on all variants. There are five drive modes to choose from: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual.\nWHAT ELSE?\nWith Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Agility Financing package, the entry-level Mercedes-Benz Dream Car can be yours from just RM3,277 a month, assuming you paid a downpayment of 15 percent. Again, pricing starts from RM308,888 for the C 200, RM338,888 for the C 250 and RM388,888 for the C 300 Coupe. If this isn\u2019t the car for you, let us tell you that the C 63 Coupe will be making its way here in the not-too-distant future.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C 300 Coupe   Mercedes-Benz C 250 Coupe   Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupe"
"Following the announcement of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to be zero-rated from 1 June 2018 by the newly installed Pakatan Harapan Government, Honda Malaysia is taking the initiative to support its customers by absorbing the 6% GST for customers who purchased selected Honda models from 18 to 31 May 2018; before the zero-rated GST comes into effect.\nModels that qualify for the \nGST Bonus scheme\n include City (non-hybrid), Civic, HR-V and CR-V. Under this GST Bonus scheme, customers are also entitled to the on-going \u201cWelcome Ramadhan Rewards\u201d (cash bonus of RM 500 \u2013 RM 3,000 depending on model and variant).\nHonda Malaysia will announce its new vehicle pricing like \nVolkswagen\n, \nBMW and MINI\n in due course. We expect fully-imported models (\nCivic Type R\n and \nOdyssey\n) to command the most drastic price change.\nHowever, Tun Daim Zainuddin, head of the Malaysian Government\u2019s Council of Eminent Persons have expressed that Sales and Services Tax (SST) will be reintroduced in place of the 0% GST in \u201ctwo to three months\u2019 time\u201d."
"The 2019 Tokyo motor show is just around the corner, and preparations by car makers are well underway. Ahead of the motor show, Mitsubishi has just announced the Mi-Tech Concept.\u00a0\nThe Mi-Tech Concept is designed as a compact electrified SUV, featuring a new downsized and lighter plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain. Instead of a traditional petrol-powered engine, Mitsubishi has introduced a smaller gas turbine engine-generator to fit in its petite body size.\u00a0\nMitsubishi claims that the new PHEV drivetrain will allow both pure-electric and series hybrid driving modes, providing smooth and powerful performance characteristics inherent to electric vehicles.\u00a0\nThe Mi-Tech Concept will also feature a brand-new 4WD system, powered by quad electric motors. The new system utilises two motors each for both front and rear axles \u2013 rarely seen in electric cars these days, with dual-motor active yaw control. Mitsubishi promises optimum torque delivery to all four wheels with this new 4WD set up, delivering precise handling for both urban and off-road driving.\nMitsubishi\u2019s latest advanced driver assistance and active safety systems will also make its appearance on the Mi-Tech Concept. Utilising augmented reality (AR) technology, the Mi-Tech Concept\u2019s human machine interface (HMI) projects a variety of information detected via its optical sensors onto the windshield.\nBased on the images provided by Mitsubishi, the Mi-Tech Concept appears to be without roof nor doors, therefore will probably not be anywhere near production ready. However, we are excited to see the new technologies make their way onto regular road-going cars soon!\u00a0\nOther than the compact SUV concept, Mitsubishi will also be showing off the Super Height K-Wagon Concept, as well as the new Engelberg Tourer electric SUV \u2013 which was hinted as a replacement for the Outlander PHEV \u2013 at the 2019 Motor Show."
"Honda Malaysia has announced through its Facebook page that the \nall-new City\n was the best-selling B-segment sedan in the country in the first quarter of 2022, besting the likes of the \nToyota Vios\n, \nNissan Almera\n, and even the \nPersona\n from national carmaker Proton.\u00a0\nThe company\u2019s claim was based on its own internal data report, and although it did not provide any sales figures, Honda Malaysia said in a recent press event that the City has already sold \nover 30,000 units\n since its launch in 2020\u00a0 \u2013 averaging at more than 1,500 units per month, which also includes the period when production was stopped due to the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n.\nFor context, the Proton Persona moved 1,675 and 1,411 units in the months of February and March, placing them in second and third place respectively.\u00a0\nThe Honda City has always been a favourite amongst Malaysians as it offers ample space and flexibility for daily usage, at the same time while packaging advanced technologies into a compact city car body style.\u00a0\nThe latest-generation Honda City, launched here in Malaysia back in October 2022, is now offered in five variants in total thanks to the addition of a new \nV Sensing variant\n late last year.\nRELATED: 5 new features that sets the new Honda City apart from the old\nFour of those (S, E, V, and V Sensing) are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine paired to a CVT transmission that pushes out \n121 hp\n and \n145 nm\n. The range-topping RS variant meanwhile houses Honda\u2019s e:HEV hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle naturally-aspirated engine paired to an electric motor and an e-CVT gearbox for a total power output of \n108 hp\n and \n253 nm\n.\nEquipment list varies according to variants, but the main highlights include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control, remote engine start, reverse camera, and cruise control \u2013 all of which are available from the S variant and up.\nSafety-wise, the V Sensing and RS e:HEV variants come equipped with the full suite of the Honda Sensing advance driver assistance features. These include:\nAdaptive Cruise Control\u00a0\nCollision Mitigation Braking System\nForward Collision Warning\nLane Keep Assist System\nRoad Departure System\nLane Departure Warning\nNot a fan of sedans? Honda also now offers the City in a \nhatchback\n form, with similar specifications and equipment in tandem with its sedan counterpart, but promises additional legroom and flexibility thanks to its signature Ultra seats.\u00a0\nRELATED: All-new Honda City hatchback vs Honda Jazz\n \u2013 What are you getting more (or less)?\nPricing for the Honda City sedan starts from \nRM74,191 \nfor the entry-level S variant, topping out at \nRM90,212 \n(V Sensing) for the petrol-powered variants. The RS:eHEV variant, meanwhile, is priced at \nRM105,950\n.\u00a0\nThe hatchback is priced slightly higher in comparison, starting at \nRM75,670 \nfor the S variant and tops out at \nRM87,856\n for the petrol variants, while the RS e:HEV is priced at \nRM107,783.\nAll prices stated are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of SST exemptions until the end of June 2022."
"Demand for the SUV has gained unprecedented traction with manufacturers responding by churning out SUVs of various shapes and sizes to meet the immense demand. Our local players have jumped on this bandwagon as well; Proton is set to unveil its first SUV based on the \nGeely Boyue\n\u00a0with Perodua also looking to launch a new SUV.\nWhile it seems that Perodua could be creating yet another winner, history will unfold a particular model that was best forgotten. That unfortunate\u00a0son is the Perodua Nautica. Years before, Perodua had a successful compact SUV with the Kembara. Launched in 1998 and based on the Daihatsu Terios, the Kembara had a fantastic run in this country.\nThe Kembara\u2019s affordability made it one of Malaysia\u2019s top-selling SUVs for many years. A successor was needed and Perodua adopted a different strategy for its compact SUV.\nFor starters, Perodua dropped the Kembara nameplate in favour of the\u00a0\nNautica\n. Seen as a creative spin from the word \u201cNautical\u201d, most believed that Perodua was charting into unfamiliar waters with this new SUV. Riding on the Myvi and Viva\u2019s wave of success, Perodua was willing to take the gamble.\nInstead of the usual local assembly approach, Perodua instead went ahead with\u00a0\nfully imported units from Japan\n (based on the second-generation short wheelbase Terios), a first for Perodua.\nOnly a handful\u00a0of (mostly aesthetic) adjustments were made in what was essentially a rebadging exercise; with redesigned bumpers, steering wheel, and tweaks to the Perodua logo.\nPowering this compact SUV was a \n1.5-litre\u00a0SZ-VE\n engine, which was good for\u00a0\n109 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n of torque. Offered with a sole four-speed automatic transmission, it also came with permanent \nall-wheel drive\n.\nThe Perodua Nautica was launched in mid-2008 and Malaysians were taken aback, unfortunately for the wrong reason. Priced at \nRM89,900\n, it made the Nautica the most expensive car to wear the Perodua badge. To put things into perspective, the most expensive Perodua vehicle then did not breach the RM 60k mark, and for the same money, one could\u2019ve purchased the less costly but larger, 7-seater\u00a0 Toyota Rush. The Nautica\u2019s \u201cvalue for money proposition\u201d was out the window.\nDespite Perodua\u2019s modest target sales of 200 units per month, it was widely regarded as a sales flop. If Wikipedia figures are anything to go by, \nless than 500 units\n found new homes, making it one of Malaysia\u2019s rarest cars on the road. Perodua gracefully swallowed that humble pie and (discreetly) discontinued the Nautica in 2009.\nOne could only wonder what could\u2019ve been if the Nautica was launched a decade later at a time when buyers are flocking towards compact SUVs. That said, RM 90k still sounds like a lot of money for a Perodua but come think of it, this is also a time where the Honda City and BR-V (both priced rather similarly to the Nautica then) are sold by truckloads.\nRegardless of how Perodua\u2019s third attempt on its SUV will shape up, it would be hard to dismiss the painful lessons learnt from the Nautica.\n[Image Source: Perodua]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"According to research and consulting provider J.D. Power, Mitsubishi vehicle owners in Malaysia are the most satisfied when it comes to after-sales customer service, based on the latest Customer Service Index (CSI) study which measures customer satisfaction with the servicing and vehicle-return process.\nAmong the eight automotive brands ranked in this year\u2019s study, Mitsubishi led the field with an overall score of 814, with Mazda coming in second with 786, followed by Volkswagen and Nissan tied in third with scores of 776. Mitsubishi was ranked second (with Toyota first and Mazda third) in the 2017 and third in 2016 (Toyota first, Mazda second) \u2013 testament to the brand\u2019s steadfast efforts to improve after-sales service.\n\u201cMMM is happy to be ranked highest for the CSI Mass Market Study conducted by J.D. Power 2018. This reflects MMM\u2018s commitment in providing a rewarding and positive customer\u2019s experience from the first initiation of purchase to a satisfying after-sales service. This is an encouragement for us to aim to do better and to strive to maintain number one every year!\u201d said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.\nThe results of the J.D. Power 2018 CSI study were based on responses obtained from 2,957 owners who took delivery of their new cars between March 2015 and July 2017 and serviced their vehicles at an authorised dealer or service centre between March 2017 and July 2018. The study was fielded from March through July 2018.\nSource: J.D. Power\nThe study, now in its 16\nth\n edition, measured overall satisfaction among vehicle owners who visited an authorised service centre for maintenance or repair work during the first 12 to 36 months of ownership and is based on five factors (in order of importance): service quality (25%); vehicle pick-up (21%); service initiation (20%); service facility (17%); and service advisor (16%). Overall satisfaction for the industry averages 754 points."
"The Malaysian government has just announced the nationwide implementation of Phase One- Full closure of the social and economic sectors or \n\u2018full lockdown\u2019\n for 14 days beginning \nJune 1st 2021\n.\nIn a statement by the Prime Minister\u2019s Office, all sectors are not allowed to operate except \nessential economic and service\n sectors that have been listed by the Majlis Keselamatan Negara (National Security Council).\nPrime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said, \u201cThe decision was reached after taking into account the latest Covid-19 situation in Malaysia, with daily cases exceeding 8,000 and over 70,000 active cases.\u201d Today marked a new high of 8,290 new cases, the fourth day in a row that Malaysia registered new daily records.\nThe government hopes this move will see the daily Covid-19 cases reduce significantly during the 14-day period, which then the government will progress to Phase Two and Phase Three. Additional information about Phase Two and Three is as follows:\nPhase Two\n\u2013 Reopening of certain economic sectors that do not involve large gatherings and able to adhere to social distancing. The duration planned is four weeks\nPhase Three\n\u2013 Similar to current MCO where social activities and gatherings are disallowed, limited attendance at workplaces and opening of almost all economic sectors with strict adherence to SOPs and physical distancing\nThe forward transition between phases is dependent on the risk assessment by the Ministry of Health (MOH) that takes the development of daily cases and hospital capacity into account. \u00a0\nThe government is also pushing for the increase of vaccination in the coming weeks to achieve herd immunity in the country."
"Berjaya Auto Alliance (BAASB),\u00a0\nnew distributors of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia\n\u00a0from a joint venture between Berjaya Corporation and Bermaz Auto, has taken yet another step in improving the ownership experience of new Peugeot owners.\nStarting from the 1st of June, all-new Peugeot vehicles sold in Malaysia will come with a 5-year warranty and free maintenance. This covers models such as the Peugeot 2008, 3008, and 5008.\u00a0\nThe latest Peugeot 2008 now in Malaysia. For more pictures, check out our gallery \nhere\n!\nLabour, parts, and lubricants will all be covered in the free maintenance package provided to new Peugeot vehicle owners. The free maintenance package follows the newly approved maintenance schedule from the manufacturer.\n \nFor more information, you can email \nPeugeot Customer Support\n or contact 03-7627 8818.\nAs of now, you can only get your hands on three models from Peugeot Malaysia. At the bottom of the list, we have the 2008 starting from RM 127k, followed by the 3008 from RM 162k, and finally, the 5008 from RM 177k."
"Quirky or ugly, however you see it, these Porsche prototypes paved the way for those that made it to production and saw the light of day.\nWith most of us being unaware of their vague existence, Porsche\u2019s new \nTop 5 series\n sheds light on what could\u2019ve been.\nJudging from their designs and proportions, we\u2019re really glad they weren\u2019t put into production but were instead used to spawn much better looking machines.\nWhether it\u2019s the Porsche Boxster, the Cayenne or even the hybrid powerhouse, the 918 Spyder, check out the \u201cinitial designs\u201d Porsche had in mind for them here. We\u2019re just very grateful that Porsche decided against the idea of a convertible Cayenne."
"Chery has revealed design sketches of the first model from its all-new model line for global markets which although still bears the Chery nameplate, incorporates a new \u201cLife in Motion\u201ddesign philosophy. It will be due for its world premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.\n\u201cThe world premiere of our new compact SUV marks the start of our approach to European sales with a new model line. Launching within a few years, all models in the line-up will feature characteristic styling, user-focused technology, electrified powertrains and advanced safety features,\u201d said Chery R&D Centre Shanghai, Executive Vice President, Ray Bierzynski.\nThe man behind Chery\u2019s new \u201cLife in Motion\u201d design direction is Chief Designer, James Hope whose aim is to attract the young, urban and forward-thinking demographic with a preference for sophisticated, high quality products.\nThe new design direction is \ninspired by nature\n with the incorporation of \u201chydrodynamic surfacing features\u201d to convey the seamless flow of running water. It\u2019s muscular proportions project confidence, bolstered by a sense of stability with its wide track and large wheels.\nThe brand\u2019s unique face features full LED headlamps, a sharp chrome horizontal bar, complemented further by chrome trims on the front bumper, side skirts, window surrounds topped off with a neat rear light cluster design at the back.\nChery plans to start selling passenger cars in Europe \nwith a focus on SUV and crossovers\n after dominating the Chinese export market with over \n1.2 million units sold\n overseas since it was founded in 1997. \u00a0As it cements its status as China\u2019s leading vehicle exporter for 14 consecutive years, domestically, it is also the \nfirst Chinese car manufacturer\n to surpass the six million mark in vehicle sales.\nIn 2016 alone, Chery sold over\n 700,000 vehicles\n, with a year-on-year rise of 28%. Of those figures, approximately 100,000 vehicles were exported, representing almost 30% of all Chinese vehicle exports."
"The hypercar scene is all about bragging rights of who has the \u2013 fastest sprint time, loudest exhaust or highest top speed. Because why else would you spend millions on a car with two seats. Hypercars like the \nHennessey Venom F5\n was built for one absolute purpose, to be the first production car to hit over 483 km/h (300 mph).\nThe 1,600 hp hypercar wants to \nhumiliate\n other big players like the \nBugatti Chiron\n and \nKoenigsegg Agera RS\n to claim the title of fastest car in the world. But there is one problem, the stickiest tyres out there are not ready to handle 300 mph.\nAccording to a report by Bloomberg, Michelin said the real limiter to over 483 km/h is not engine horsepower because sticking \nover 1,000 hp\n in a\u00a0car can be done, often it boils down to downforce (wind resistance) and friction \u2013 the contact between the wheels and the road. If anything goes wrong with the tyre while attempting the high-speed run, the situation can turn fatal.\nThe challenge here is to mitigate heat, pressure and wear as the tyre will have to repeatedly withstand high speeds for up to minutes at a time because official record is awarded after taking the average speed of multiple runs. The current record holder, Koenigsegg Agera RS comes fitted with \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres\n, the \nsame tyres it used to achieve 447 km/h or 278 mph\n.\nMichelin\u2019s product manager for original equipment, Eric Schmedding said: \u201cWe are knocking on the door of 300 mph\u201d. \u201cIt\u2019s a big game, with fierce competition, and it\u2019s very fast-moving,\u201d he added."
"With only a Facebook page being the official channel for the brand in Malaysia, \nChery\n has announced that it is currently working closely with local partners towards establishing a CKD plant here.\nExample of a Chery Assembly plant (not in Malaysia)\nAs part of the brand\u2019s revamp here in Malaysia, Chery is working on introducing the \nOmoda 5\n and key models under the Tiggo Pro series in the short term. Besides that, Chery is also developing a new nationwide sales and after-sales network to serve Malaysian customers, with more details set to be announced in the near future.\nIf you\u2019re unfamiliar with the brand, Chery has previously brought in vehicles like the Tiggo SUV, as well as the Eaststar Maxime MPVs.\nRELATED: \nHonda HR-V, Proton X50 rival Chery Omoda 5 SUV goes on sale in China \u2013 Malaysia next!\nChery Omoda 5\nIn the Tiggo Pro series are several models that could provide serious competition to existing Proton cars if priced correctly. The Tiggo 4 Pro and \nTiggo 7 Pro\n could directly compete with the \nProton X50\n and \nProton X70\n respectively. Also in the Tiggo Pro series is the Tiggo 8 Pro which could compete with the upcoming rumoured Proton X90.\nRELATED: \nChery Tiggo 7 Pro confirmed for Malaysia launch \u2013 Proton X70 rival with up to 197 hp!\nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\nWhile Chery makes its CKD plans for Malaysia, the brand is also making moves in our neighbouring country, Indonesia. Already invited to discuss on EV investment plans in Indonesia, Chery and Indonesia are in talks to build a production and manufacturing base in Indonesia for new energy vehicles, which will integrate research and development, manufacturing, and sales.\nIn a statement released by the Chinese carmaker, Chery International Executive Vice President Zhang Shengshan Mr Zhang reiterated the importance of the Southeast Asian market in the firm\u2019s further globalisation plans, with Indonesia and Malaysia being the key regions \u2013 the former for having the largest economy and population in ASEAN.\nRELATED: \nChery exported 35,818 cars in June 2022, the highest monthly exports in 21 years"
"With the first customers expected to receive their hypercars as soon as February 2020 \u2013 the cars are being built now at Woking, this high-speed validation programme of the McLaren Speedtail at the proving grounds of \nKennedy Space Centre\n is as much a PR exercise as it is for the purpose of \u2018testing\u2019.\nNevertheless, the Speedtail\u2019s appearance in Florida does offer another tasty preview of the \n1,070hp hybrid hypercar\n out doing its thing, and by golly, the spiritual successor of the McLaren F1 looks simply spectacular and out of this world, as if it was conceived by alien technology.\nThe driver putting the Speedtail through its paces is human however, with chief tester Kenny Brack completing over 30 runs that hit \n403 km/h\n (the McLaren\u2019s maximum speed) in a prototype dubbed the \nXP2\n. The test also concludes the Speedtail\u2019s dynamic development process held at different test venues around the globe, according to McLaren.\nThe 3-\nseater Speedtail\n is catogorised as a \nhyper-GT\n by McLaren and sits at the pinnacle of the Ultimate Series (for now), and is limited to a production run of 106 units. Power output is rated at \n1,070 hp and 1,150Nm\n, generated by a \n4.0-litre twin turbo V8 with a parallel hybrid system\n. McLaren has not revealed the 0-100 km/h time but expect it to be in the low 2.0-second region.\nMcLaren also claims that the Speedtail has the best power-to-weight ratio among automotive high voltage battery systems, and that the battery pack is either self-charged when driving, or \ntrickle charged\n when stationary via a \nwireless charging pad\n which comes with the car. It has no physical charging port."
"Mazda has for years pride itself on building cars that encourages man and machine to act as one, based on the Jinba Ittai philosophy. It means a sense of \noneness between horse and rider\n and now, they\u2019ve taken it to another level.\nTogether, Mazda and Mizuno have come together to deliver what they believe is the purest driving shoe out there. It\u2019s made of a rubber sole with a mix of authentic and synthetic leather and priced at approx. \nRM1,349\n. Designed by Mazda\u2019s designers, it will be available from March 2022 onwards.\nWhen pressing a pedal.\nWhen lifting off.\nIn the words of Mazda, the shoes were created \nbased on the concept of communication with the car\n. For instance, the area around above the ankle is made of Mizuno\u2019s \u201cposture control technology\u201d initially used for making swimsuits. The material helps support the leg\u2019s movements between accelerating and braking maneuvers, with less strain on the muscles.\nNew Mazda 2 \u201cSunlit Citrus\u201d in Japan injects C-segment luxury into a hatchback. Read about it here!\nAs with most driving shoes, their thin and hard soles may offer plenty of pedal feel but they only serve one purpose and can\u2019t be used to walk 10,000 steps in.\nWatch the new Honda Civic sedan vs the Mazda 3 & Toyota Corolla in a drag race!\nTo achieve the duality of a driving and walking shoe, Mizuno\u2019s COB technology helps enhance pedal feel without compromising on cushioning. The surface of the inner sole is made of a \nspecial uneven structure\n that can give more accurate feedback from the outer sole. This, Mazda says offers more feedback from the pedals.\nLastly, with round soles, the shoe supports smoother and more controlled pedal depression, while stabilising the heels when the feet is moving between the throttle and brake pedals.\nMazda even claimed to have learnt a thing or two from Mizuno on how to use leather and elastic materials from this collaboration with Mizuno.\nMazda still believes in combustion engines, unveils three electrified RWD platforms! Find out more here!\nGALLERY"
"The \nAudi R8\n is perhaps one of the most recognisable sports cars in the world, perhaps thanks to its insistence of sticking to its own signature formula (even though there\u2019s now a \nRWD variant\n). But as with most things in life, you can only hold on to your beliefs for so long before reality catches up to you \u2013 and for the R8, the reality is that the industry is moving towards electric power, and there\u2019s no running from it any more.\nIn a recent interview, Audi Sport\u2019s head of product marketing, Linda Kurz confirmed to \nCNET\n that the \u2018R\u2019 brand will also be transitioning to all electric power, in line with the company\u2019s overarching strategy moving forward.\nKurz said that Audi Sport\u2019s \u201cnext challenge\u201d will be to \u201ctransform the R segment\u201d into a fully electric brand. \u201cThis is our job the next decade\u201d she added. Although, to be clear, that doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that it\u2019s going to be a next-generation R8.\nBasically, whatever that\u2019s in the pipeline to replace Audi Sport\u2019s halo car (which is the R8 for now) is going to be a fully-electric model, whether it\u2019s called an R8 or not.\nRELATED: Ken Block joins Audi to work on new EVs\nThe electrification works will start happening pretty quickly, according to Kurz. Aside from the \u2018R\u2019-badged cars, models under the RS segment will also be leaning heavily into electrification, too. By 2026, 80% of the RS line-up will feature some sort of electrification, which also includes fully-electric RS models.\nA recent report from \nAuto Bild\n in Germany claims that the R8 will survive into a third-generation, and will ditch the current model\u2019s naturally-aspirated V10 engine for a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, similar to what\u2019s currently used in the Lamborghini Urus and other VW Group models.\nThe report also claims that the third-generation Audi R8 could feature some form of hybridisation, and will deliver around the region of 700 hp. Even an electric version of the Audi R8 isn\u2019t out of the question, apparently, which lines up with Kurz\u2019 statement.\nFor now, the second-generation Audi R8 will soldier on with the sole \u201c\nV10 Performance\n\u201d variant on both rear-wheel drive and Quattro models, which stretches the output of both models up to \n570 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n."
"Our cars these days are filled to the brim with technology. Some of them, such as the active driver\u2019s assistance systems, are designed to keep us safer on the roads. However, some of these technology features might actually make us worse drivers.\nA new research by\n IAM Roadsmart\n, a UK-based independent road-safety charity formed in 1956, shows that the use of in-car infotainment systems \u2013 specifically Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can impair driving to potentially dangerous levels.\nThe research \u2013 undertaken by \nTRL\n,\u00a0\nthe FIA\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nthe Rees Jeffreys Road Fund\n \u2013 shows that the use of these infotainment systems can \nincrease reaction times by up to 57%\n during music selection via touch, and up to 30% during navigation when controlled via voice command.\nFor comparison, a person driving at the drink-driving limit will have their reaction times increased by approximately 12%. Texting while driving saw an increase of 35%, while hand-held phone calls increases reaction time by up to 46%.\nThe study also found that participants \nlooked away from the road for 11-13 seconds on average \nto perform a task on these systems. Participants in the study also significantly underestimated their time looking away from the road by as much as five seconds.\nWith more and more cars being equipped with these modern infotainment features, it is a legitimate cause for concern on the topic of road safety. While it may provide convenience to the drivers, it might be a better idea to set up your navigation and music before getting onto the open roads."
"Europe\u2019s vehicle safety assessment entity, \nEuropean New Car Accessment Programme (Euro NCAP)\n, has just released its final list of cars it has tested for 2022. Among the list of 14 was the Malaysia-bound \nChery Omoda 5\n, which scored a full five stars in the Euro NCAP rating.\nThe Chery Omoda tested in the Euro NCAP results listed a left-hand drive Lux variant with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and 4X2 drivetrain, although the rating will be valid for both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive versions.\nIn terms of scores breakdown, the Chinese compact crossover scored 87% in adult occupant protection, 87% in child occupant protection, 68% in vulnerable road users\u2019 protection, and 88% in terms of safety assist systems.\n \nAccording to the report, the Chery Omoda 5 performed competently for occupant protection in most of the crash tests, with the best result coming from child occupant crash tests, scoring 23.7 points out of a total possible 24.\nThe lower vulnerable road users score, meanwhile, was primarily caused by some poor results for pedestrian protection recorded on the stiff windscreen pillars, and at the base of the windscreen. The test comments also noted that the bumper offered good protection to pedestrians\u2019 legs, but protection of the pelvis was mostly poor.\nREAD MORE: \nSmart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023\nREAD MORE: \nAll-new Honda HR-V Hybrid scores four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests\nThe test notes does mention that the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system on the Chery Omoda 5 does respond well in response to pedestrians and cyclists, with collisions avoided in most cases, which also helped bring the score of the safety assist systems tests to a fairly high 88%.\nThe lane support system has been noted to \u201cgently correct\u201d the vehicle\u2019s path if it\u2019s drifting out of lane, and also intervenes in some more critical situations. Meanwhile, the camera and digital mapping-based speed limit warning, as well as the in-car driver fatigue detection system, has gained the Omoda 5 some extra points.\nChery has recently previewed the Omoda 5 here in Malaysia, alongside a range of other SUVs from its Tiggo Pro line-up that are earmarked for launch in Malaysia. Here on our shores, the Omoda 5 will also be offered with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine making \n154 hp \nand \n230 Nm\n, alongside the 1.6-litre variant used in the Euro NCAP tests.\nThe Chery Omoda 5 will be part of Chery Malaysia\u2019s \u201cPhase One\u201d product plan, alongside the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n, however a concrete timeline has yet to be provided.\nFor more information on the Chery models that were previewed in Malaysia, check out our previous coverage here.\nGALLERY"
"The \nBMW i4 M50\n has finally made its debut in Malaysia, a year after being \nannounced for our local market\n. Displayed to the public for the first time at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n, BMW\u2019s first electric M-badged model will join the line-up here in Malaysia alongside the \nregular i4 eDrive40 variant\n.\nPricing for the BMW i4 M50 starts at RM430,210 here in Malaysia, although that\u2019ll only come with the standard two-year warranty. With the extended five-year warranty and service package, pricing goes up to \nRM445,800\n. Either way, the high voltage batteries are covered by an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty.\nDespite wearing the revered M emblem, the BMW i4 M50 doesn\u2019t look too different from its regular counterpart, with only a couple of extra touches setting it apart. These include the BMW M 50-year anniversary emblem (not pictured), the M badge on the front grille in place of the i logo, the BMW M wing mirrors, and extra blacked out touches all around, most notably on the rear diffusers with grey highlights.\nThe BMW i4 M50 also gets a set of 20-inch BMW Individual Style 862 aero alloy wheels, while an extra black strip on the rear spoiler ties up the exterior makeover.\nALSO READ: \n2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 launched in Malaysia, RM286k \u2013 440km range\nMoving inside, the M treatment on the BMW i4 M50 adds carbon fibre trims on the dashboard and centre console, alongside the M Sport front seats, M tricolour seat belts, and M Anthracite headliners. The seats are wrapped in Vernasca leather, and there\u2019s also an additional sliding glass roof, both of which are not available on the regular i4 eDrive30 variant.\nAside from these, though, the rest of the interior equipment is identical to the standard i4. Perched atop the dashboard is the BMW Curved Display panel consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, running on the BMW iDrive 8.0 operating system.\nOther interior equipment highlights also include the three-zone climate control system with rear blowers and controls, Qi wireless charger, hands-free powered tailgate, a 17-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, as well as the BMW IconicSounds Electric system that \u201crecreates the sporty M engine sound\u201d.\nThe BMW i4 M50 is powered by a twin-motor all-wheel-drive eDrive set-up, for a maximum total system output of \n400 kW (544 hp)\n and \n795 Nm\n of torque. Those figures are only available for 10 seconds at a time in Sports Boost mode, but it enables the M-badged variant to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n3.9 seconds\n \u2013 nearly two seconds quicker than the regular eDrive40 variant. Top speed has also been increased from 190 km/h to \n225 km/h\n on the i4 M50.\nPowering the motors is the \n83.9 kWh\n battery pack, giving the electric M model a driving range of \n510 km\n in a single charge (WLTP). Charging takes eight hours and 15 minutes using the on-board 11 kW AC charger, or around 31 minutes from 10-80% using a 200 kW DC fast charger.\nRELATED: \nBMW iX xDrive50 Sport now available in Malaysia \u2013 more power at RM546,800\nAs for safety equipment, the BMW i4 M50 in Malaysia comes with the full Driving Assistant Professional package, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, lane centring and lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring and collision prevention.\nThe 360-degree surround view monitor is also standard equipment here, as part of the Parking Assistant Plus package, as is the adaptive high-beam and acoustic pedestrian warning features.\nGALLERY"
"This is one topic that will make Porsche purists sweat with derision. Porsche is generally regarded amongst loyalists as a marque that doesn\u2019t just keep up with the times, but also one that doesn\u2019t forget its\u00a0origins. The look has yet to change since the mid 60s, yet despite the gradually progressive styling, it hasn\u2019t hampered its recognition as the world\u2019s best selling sports car.\nIn over half a century of the 911 moniker, the brand has insisted beyond all else that the layout be left untouched by time and design. Until now, the engine still hangs \nover\n the \nrear axle\n. Porsche purists scoffed in contempt when,\u00a0at the turn of the millennium, the German company decided that the traditionally\n air-cooled\n powerhouse would give way to \nliquid cooling\n. The \n996\n thus represented one of the biggest changes to the denomination.\nTurbocharging was first introduced in \n1975\n with the\u00a0\n930\n model. Porsche had been developing this technology since the \nearly sixties\n and, in a bid to bow to\n FIA\n rulings in order to go \nracing\n, Porsche introduced the 930 model. Many moons have passed since that momentous decision, and the \nTurbo\n badge was reserved for the higher performing models of the 911 range.\nHowever, with changing winds of\n stringent environmental regulations\n blustering stronger by the day, Porsche had to comply. Engines are now \ncleaner\n, more \nefficient\n and \nfrugal\n as a result. Displacement has taken a dive without sacrificing power. While some may say that Porsche hadn\u2019t bothered with styling, they\u2019ve spent their time \nhoning\n and \nperfecting\n the \n911\n-trademarked \nrecipe\n. Sounds all good and swell \u2013 on paper atleast.\nWith this \u2018new\u2019 991 model, nothing much has changed in terms of looks, with the exception of a \ncouple\n of \nnew vents\n at both extremities in the \nlower rear quadrant\n of the \nbumper\n to channel hot air from the \nintercoolers\n. Other than that, all the changes are under the skin. Starting with the business end of a Porsche.\nTraditionally, to extract more power from the engine, you need\n\u00a0bigger displacement\n, as\u00a0is the case of the recently launched\u00a0\u00a0\nGT3 RS\n\u00a0with its\n\u00a04.0-litre\n\u00a0flat-six engine. \nTurbocharging\n effectively \nreduces\n the displacement area needed for more power. The mill that sits in the new 911 is \n3.0-litres\n in displacement. That being said, kerb weight of the all-aluminium block is also\u00a0\nlower\n than before.\nIn base\u00a0\nCarrera\n guise it churns out \n370 hp\n while the \nCarrera S\n flavour makes \n420 hp\n.\u00a0In both cases, this represents a power boost of \n20 hp\n over their predecessors, thanks in part to\u00a0\nmodified turbine compressors\n, a \ntrick exhaust\n system and\n tuned engine management\n. Torque figures on both models have surged upwards with this new shift,\u00a0with a maximum of \n450 Nm\n and \n500 Nm\n respectively, delivered constantly from \n1,700 rpm\n up to \n5,000 rpm\n.\nThe 911 Carrera, together with the brand\u2019s\u00a0\nPDK\n and \nSport Chrono Package\n, sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in \n4.2 seconds\n. The hotter S variant breaks the magic three-second mark at \n3.9 seconds\n. Top speeds of both models have also increased further; the 911 Carrera now has a top speed of \n295 km/h\n \u2013 an increase of 7 km/h, while the 911 Carrera S now reaches \n307 km/h\n, up by 5 km/h.\nThe new Carrera comes with a rotary \u201cmode switch\u201d selector (borrowed from the \n918 Spyder\n) that allows drivers to change driving modes on the fly, choosing between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus\u00a0and Individual. The \nPASM\n (Porsche Active Suspension Management) chassis lowers the ride height by \n10 mm\n, is now a \nstandard feature\n of every Carrera model. It improves stability during \nfast cornering\n. At the same time, new dampers enhance \ncomfort\n thanks to the precise response characteristic as well as improving body control during spirited drives.\nOn the inside, nothing much has changed besides the new\u00a0\nPorsche Communication Management\n (PCM) system. The 7-inch display works just like a smartphone and supports Apple CarPlay as well. All the bells and whistles that you\u2019d come to expect from Porsche is present here too.\nAs it stands, the new 911 is now on sale in the UK with deliveries slated for December. Prices start from\u00a0\n\u00a376,412\n (RM505,578) for the base Carrera model and\u00a0\n\u00a385,857\n (RM568,071) for the Carrera S guise.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What do you do when the 639 hp, Nurburgring record-breaking \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+\n isn\u2019t powerful enough for you? You build a rocket!\nAnd that\u2019s what Brabus has done. They\u2019ve used larger turbos, a new stainless steel exhaust system and a carbon fibre air intake system among many, increased boost and the end result? You\u2019re looking at \n900 hp\n (where the car got its name) and over \n1,250 Nm\n of torque.on a 4-door \u201ccoupe\u201d!\nTranslate that into the real world and its performance is befitting of the \u201cRocket\u201d name. 0 to 100 km/h is decimated in just \n2.8 seconds\n, before 200 km/h is reached in just 9.7 seconds. Leave your foot on the accelerator long enough and you\u2019ll eventually see the needle pointing at 330 km/h.\nThe Rocket-ship look is credit to Brabus\u2019 very own air suspension and wide body extensions made of carbon fibre and kevlar that widens the body of the GT 63 S by almost 8 cm! Completing the look are mixed size wheels \u2013 21-inches in the front and a 22-inch pair at the back wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres all round. If you\u2019re into exposed carbon fibre, those wheels will leave you gawking!\nThe most impressive aspect of all on the Rocket\u2019s exterior is perhaps the air intakes by the front grille that lights up! If that doesn\u2019t scream menacing to you, especially in the dark, nothing will.\nThe Rocket\u2019s out-of-this-world theme is also continued inside; with all sorts of stitches, quilting, colours and trims to temporarily distract you of the performance its 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 is capable of.\nOnly 10 units\n of this ultra bonkers machine will ever be made and they\u2019re priced at 435,000 Euros (approx. RM2.1 million) a pop. Well, no one ever said it\u2019d be cheap to go to outer space!\nGALLERY"
"Just after Toyota launched the \nPasso\n model, Daihatsu joined the fray by debuting the Boon supermini model for the Japanese domestic market. Surely, the next generation \nPerodua Myvi\n could take hints from this new Daihatsu Boon.\n \n Daihatsu Boon X variant\n \n Daihatsu Boon Cliq variant\nAlso known as the \nSirion\n in some markets in the world, the \nBoon\n shares many similarities with the Passo.\u00a0Offered in\u00a0two variants, the entry level \nX\n and the modern looking \nCliq\n\u00a0which looks identical to the \nModa\n variant offered by Toyota.\nIt also shares the similar powertrain, lies underneath is\u00a0a\u00a0\n1.0-litre\u00a01KR-FE\n engine mated with a\u00a0\ncontinuously variable transmission (CVT)\n. Needless to say, the Passo\u2019s stunning fuel consumption of\u00a0\n28.0 km/L\n is also achievable in the Boon.\n \n \nDaihatsu\u2019s \nSmart Assist II\u00a0driver assistance system \nis also\u00a0included, meaning modern safety capabilities such as\u00a0collision warning system for vehicles and pedestrians,\u00a0brake assist function, and lane departure\u00a0warning are available.\nPricing wise is more or less the same with the Passo, with the Boon starting\u00a0at\u00a0\n1,150,200 yen\n (approx \nRM41,350.00\n in today\u2019s rates) to \n1,853,280 yen\n (approx \nRM65,800.00\n).\nBased on the previous two generations, Perodua\u2019s interpretation of the Passo and Boon models will take off a year after its Japanese counterparts launched their models. Hence, a new Myvi should certainly coming to Malaysia in 2017.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY   Daihatsu Boon X variant   Daihatsu Boon Cliq variant"
"Sime Darby Auto \nS\nelection\n (SDAS), the conglomerate\u2019s pre-owned and used car dealership arm, has opened the doors to its first multi-brand service centre in Glenmarie, Selangor.\nAvailable as an alternative option to all owners of vehicles past their warranty period, SDAS says that the new multi-brand service centre will offer the same quality of service provided by brand-specific authorised service centres, at a price point competitive with independent workshops.\nThe new purpose-built \n4,117 square feet\n facility houses a total of \nsix service bays\n, filled with state-of-the-art equipment to support every car brand\u2019s servicing needs. Each service bay is also manned by highly-trained and skilled technicians, providing consistent and high standards of service.\nAside from basic services such as engine oil replacement, tyre alignment and balancing, and air-conditioning and car disinfection service, the Sime Darby Auto Selection Service Centre also offers repairs, car washes, and vehicle inspections for vehicle of all marques.\nThe facility also houses a cosy customer lounge equipped with free WiFi, coffee and tea-making facilities, as well as complimentary snacks to ensure customers are comfortable while waiting for their vehicles to be serviced. For added convenience, the new SDAS Service Centre is also offering a pick-up and delivery service, which should come in handy during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, as we should all be practising social-distancing measures.\n\u201cThe opening of this new after-service facility is very timely to meet the changing demands of car owners, who are always on the lookout for alternatives after their car warranty expires,\u201d said Sime Darby Motors Malaysia Retail & Distribution Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan.\n\u201cWith this one-stop service centre, car owners and especially those with multiple car brands will enjoy the convenience of a one-stop service centre that offers high quality service, at an unrivalled price,\u201d he added.\nThe Sime Darby Auto Selection Service Centre is located at \nLot 33, Temasya Industrial Park, Glenmarie, Shah Alam\n. Operating hours are \n9 am to 5 pm on Monday to Friday\n, and \n9 am to 12.30 pm on Saturday\n; the service centre is closed on Sunday.\nTo book a service, customers can fill up their details on the Sime Darby Auto Selection website \nhere\n, and a service adviser will be in touch with them. For more information on the new service centre or to book a service, customers can also call \n03-4065 2502\n."
"Proton has announced a nationwide recall of close to 100,000 units of CFE-powered models such as Exora, Preve and Suprima S mainly due to a faulty oil cooler hose. Apparently, the national carmaker is adamant on completing all repair works within a six-month period.\nIt\u2019s understood that the oil cooler hose is prone to breakage after clocking 40,000km, and the main cause of this is the degradation of another hose within in, caused by poor heat tolerance. To put it simply, the hoses weren\u2019t able to withstand the high heat generated by the engine.\nIn an effort to raise customer ownership experience, Proton will bear the repair costs in full (subjected to warranty, as we were told), and affected owners are encouraged to bring their vehicles to the nearest authorised service centres to get it rectified. For those not covered by the factory warranty, you will still be entitled for replacement, but this is subjected to your service interval.\nThe breakdown of the recall is as follow:\nProton Exora \u2013 59,663 units\nProton Preve \u2013 28,642 units\nProton Suprima S \u2013 6,290 units"
"Tech giants Xiaomi has acquired autonomous driving startup Deepmotion for USD70 million, with a bold plan to invest a further USD10 billion in the electric car industry over the next decade.\nWith the acquisition of Deepmotion, the company hopes to speed up \ndevelopment for Level 4 autonomous driving technology\n quicker, allowing them to market their new product sooner. Xiaomi has since strengthened its team as well, hiring over 500 new engineers to kick start their project.\nThe company \nannounced earlier this year\n that it will be entering the electric car business through a wholly-owned subsidiary. It is one of the latest big Chinese tech companies to join the business following the likes of Baidu, Alibaba, and Didi.\nThe Sony Vision-S\nMore about it \nhere\n.\nThe expansion beyond smartphones and gadgets into the automotive industry will be personally led by Xiaomi\u2019s co-founder and CEO, Lei Jun, according to Chinese media reports.\nInternal sentiments are extremely positive with Lei Jun claiming that the company is in the right financial position to endure the long and costly journey into vehicle manufacturing.\nXiaomi has also said that it\u2019s been talking to several automakers but has \nyet to name a partner\n. Without one, it would be even more challenging when faced with specialised Chinese electric car companies like \nNio\n, \nXpeng \nand not to mention Tesla.\nXiaomi\u2019s market share grew by over 80% between June 2020 and June 2021, after it shipped 52.8 million phones last year. It is currently the world\u2019s second top-selling smartphone brand, behind Samsung but ahead of Apple.\nHyundai and Kia deny talks about developing the Apple car.read about it here!"
"As the entire automotive industry shift towards electrification, the need for proper charging infrastructures is also rapidly increasing. As a result, many carmakers themselves have jumped in to provide their own service, in order to sway customers into their camp.\nTesla has their Supercharger network, Volkswagen has the \nID charger\n; heck, even traditional combustion fuel companies like Shell also \nwant a piece of the pie\n. Audi, not wanting to be left behind, is also coming up with their own stations \u2013 and with them being a luxury carmaker, their charging station concept is quite predictably, a luxury affair.\nThe photos you\u2019re looking at here depict Audi\u2019s concept of a high-class charging hub, replete with a lounge not unlike those that you\u2019ll see at airports for first-class passengers. While you wait for your\u00a0EV\u00a0to charge, the lounge lets you pass time while enjoying a range of snacks, drinks and other \u201cnon-food items\u201d.\nThe six chargers at the hub \u2013 which you can reserve before arriving \u2013 will be capable of delivering \nup to 300 kW\n, which means it\u2019ll be able to charge the \nAudi e-tron GT\n (which maxes out at 270 kW) from 5-80% in roughly 23 minutes \u2013 perfect time for a coffee and some snacks.\nAudi intends to power these station with what it calls \u201ccubes\u201d, which are basically \nold batteries disassembled from used EVs\n. Not only does it make the whole EV life cycle more sustainable, but also makes it significantly easier \u2013 both logistically and monetarily \u2013 to deploy these stations at more places, as there\u2019s no need for complex infrastructures such as high-voltage lines and expensive transformers.\nIn total, a single charging station will be capable of storing \n2.45 MWh of energy\n, and only requires a standard 400V power source. The cubes can be charged overnight, while solar panels on the roof supplement it with additional green energy during the day.\nAudi says that a pilot project will commence in the second half of the year somewhere in Germany, with talks with potential partners currently underway. The findings about day-to-day operations and customer acceptance from this pilot project will then decide if the company will further implement the concept.\nWhile the building is clearly Audi branded, the carmaker says that owners of other EVs can also use the pilot station to charge up their cars \u2013 although, you won\u2019t be able to make prior reservations, so it\u2019s up to luck if any of the six bays are taken when you arrive. Also, you\u2019d only have access to \u201cparts of the lounge\u201d, so you want the full first-class experience, perhaps it\u2019s time to splash some cash on those four rings."
"After almost five years since it was introduced at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Black Badge family has finally made its way to Malaysia. Rolls-Royce Kuala Lumpur is the only distributor in this region to have the complete line-up; made up of the \nCullinan\n, the \nWraith\n, the Dawn and the Ghost.\nCreated for a new category of Rolls-Royce clientele, the Black Badge aims to appeal to the bold and youthful, the innovators and the disruptors hence the menacing image.\n\u201cWe are seeing a distinct change in the Super-luxury arena within Malaysia. Increasingly, we are welcoming younger, adventurous Rolls-Royce customers alongside our more established clientele. We have refreshed our Black Badge range for 2020, and have already seen strong interest from customers who are looking for something very contemporary and bold,\u201d said Quill Motorcars Sdn Bhd, Executive Director, Anas Zawawi Khalid.\nBut that\u2019s not all, each of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge models are distinguished with a few distinct features. For one, the silver badges with black details on a standard Rolls-Royce have been inverted \u2013 they now appear with a black base and silver details.\nThe Spirit of Ecstasy which has appeared in various forms throughout the marque\u2019s history is now presented in high gloss black chrome. For the first time, black chrome is also seen on the mascot\u2019s mounting plate.\nAlthough Rolls-Royce expects most of its clientele to opt for the Black Badge\u2019s signature Black finish, there over 44,000 in-house colours to choose from should they decide not to. Multiple layers of the Black paint has been applied meticulously, and hand polished 10 times before a Coachline is hand-painted along the sides.\nExclusively for the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan are 22-inch forged alloy wheels and high gloss Red brake calipers \u2013 the first ever coloured caliper in a Rolls-Royce. The Cullinan\u2019s brake bite point has been raised and pedal travel decreased, if you\u2019re interested to know.\nInside, each of the Black Badge models are presented with Technical Carbon trims, with exposed carbon fibre weaves for 3D look. Six coats of lacquer are applied on it before it\u2019s left to cure for 72 hours. All 23 pieces of these trims are then hand-polished, in a process taking 21 days!\nAnd then you have the Starlight Headliner that\u2019s made up of 1,344 handwoven fibre optic lights to mimic the night sky. They\u2019ve even got eight shooting stars that move about the headliner randomly over the front occupants \u2013 how cool is that!\nIf you\u2019re wondering what the \u201cinfinity symbol\u201d represents, it\u2019s called the Lemniscate and it represents infinite power. The symbol was first seen on Sir Malcolm Campbell\u2019s record-breaking Rolls-Royce-powered Blue Bird K3 hydroplane which meant it was in a category of boats with infinite engine power.\nIn the Rolls-Royce \nBlack Badge Cullinan\n, an extra 29 hp and 50 Nm has been extracted from its 6.75-litre V12 engine, bringing the new total to 600 hp and 900 Nm. The \nBlack Badge Wraith\n still makes 632 hp but gets an additional 50 Nm for a total of 870 Nm.\nThe \nBlack Badge Ghost \nsees a 41 hp and 20 Nm increase, now at 611 hp and 840 Nm. Lastly, the \nBlack Badge Dawn\n\u2018s figures stand at 601 hp and 840 Nm, with a 30 hp and 20 Nm increase. Prices of these Black Badge models are excluding duties and of course, Rolls-Royce\u2019s endless threshold for customisation so take a deep breath:\nBlack Badge Wraith \u2013 starts from RM 1.7 million\nBlack Badge Ghost \u2013 starts from RM 1.4 million\nBlack Badge Dawn \u2013 starts from RM 1.8 million\nBlack Badge Cullinan \u2013 starts from RM 1.7 million\nGALLERY"
"The sixth-generation BMW M3 is due to launch sometime in Autumn this year, which means there\u2019s at least two more months of waiting. To keep the eager fans excited, BMW has now given us an official first look at the upcoming M3 while it undergoes testing at Nurburgring.\nWe\u2019ll address the the topic everyone seems to be the most interested in first \u2013 the next-generation BMW M3 does not look like it will be sporting the large buckteeth grilles as seen on the \nall-new 4 Series.\nAlthough heavily camouflaged, the front grille on the upcoming sixth-generation BMW M3 seems to be directly lifted from the\n \ncurrent 3 Series\n. Keep in mind though that this is still a pre-production, so the final product might differ completely.\nOtherwise, the exterior design (as far as we can see now) is pretty much everything you\u2019d expect from an M car, such as the aggressively-widened fenders, larger air intakes, and the quad exhaust set-up that we\u2019ve seen before on \npreviously-leaked spy shots\n.\n \nIn the video, BMW M head of driving dynamics system, Christian Flessa also confirmed officially that the sixth-generation BMW M3 will be available with the marque\u2019s M xDrive all-wheel drive system \u2013 a first for the iconic M3.\nThere\u2019s no confirmation yet if this system will be similar to that of the BMW M5 where 100% of the drive can be sent to the rear wheels, but the purists need not raise their pitchforks yet as the sixth-generation BMW M3 will also be offered with a rear-wheel drive only option.\nAs expected, the sixth-generation BMW M3 will be offered with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, though BMW has already \npreviously confirmed\n that a manual option was also in the works.\nThe video does not mention the powertrain under the hood of the upcoming M3, though we expect to see the same S58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine from the \nX3 M \nand X4 M to make its appearance here."
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur\n has just launched the \nAston Martin DBX 707\n in Malaysia, another addition to the DBX line-up, albeit not just a bespoke specification this time around. The DBX 707, as its name suggests, boasts \n707 hp\n, which is 157hp more than the DBX\u2019s 550 hp. In its most \u2018basic\u2019 form, it fetches a price of \nRM 1,098,000\n. The DBX707 you see in the pictures here is the \u2018Launch Edition\u2019 which is priced at RM 1.5 million.\nPowering the Aston Martin DBX 707 is still a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine sourced from \nAMG\n. In addition to the boosted power, the maximum torque figures have also jumped to \n900 Nm\n from 700 Nm. The twin-turbo V8 sends power through the same 9-speed automatic gearbox, but this time around, a multi-plate \u2018wet clutch\u2019 pack replaces the good old torque converter.\nOrchestrating the V8 twin-turbo engine is a straight stainless-steel exhaust with active valve control. At the end of the exhaust system are black quad exhaust tips. The DBX 707 completes the century sprint (0-100 km/h) in \n3.3 seconds\n, 1.2 seconds faster than the \nDBX\n.\nDBX 707 owners can choose from five driving modes with one of them being for \u201coff-road\u201d purposes. Just so you know, the DBX offers six drive modes with two \u201coff-road\u201d modes instead.\nHinting at the added performance is the sportier and more aggressive exterior of the DBX 707. A different set of bumpers adorn the DBX 707, and a \u201cDouble Vane\u201d grille dominates its front end. Almost looking like fangs at the front, additional breathing vents near the horizontal Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) give the DB707 a sinister appearance.\nMove on to the rear, and the DBX 707 somewhat mimics a race car with its sculpted rear diffuser, side aero winglets, and black quad exhaust tips as opposed to the DBX\u2019s twin exhaust tips. The rear wheel arches also get breathing vents, just like the front wheel arches.\nPerched on the rear window is a \u201cBatman\u201d-style spoiler that completes the look of the DBX 707. You would also notice that the Aston Martin badges on the DBX 707 have been given the blacked-out treatment.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin DBX \u201cThe One Edition\u201d launched in Malaysia from RM1.1 million\nAs standard, a set of 22-inch Aston Martin Sport wheels in gloss black/diamond turned finish sit under the DBX 707. Customers can also opt for satin black/silver on the 22-inch Sport wheels.\nAlternatively, they also can choose other wheel designs at additional cost such as the 22-inch Ribbon wheel (Gloss Graphite Diamond Turned, Satin Black Diamond Turned, or Satin Black & Bronze Diamond Turned). Another wheel design option is the 23-inch Forged wheel (Satin Black/Diamond Turned, Satin Black/Halo Diamond Turned, or Textured black).\nRELATED: \nAston Martin KL presents bespoke DBX SUV in Arden Green, from RM1 million\nInside, the Aston Martin DBX 707 gets the Monotone \u201cAccelerate Environment\u201d as standard. Also standard on the DBX 707 are 16-way sports seats, dark satin chrome jewellery, a touchpad infotainment controller, a wireless phone charger, and a set of Aston Martin satin designer keys. Those who opt for the \u2018regular\u2019 DBX can opt for these features at an additional cost. The Interior of the DBX 707 is finished with leather/Alcantara upholstery.\nLike the DBX, the DBX 707 comes with a 10.25-inch thin-film-transistor (TFT) head unit and a 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster. The head unit supports Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto. An Aston Martin Premium Audio System with 14 speakers is standard in both the DBX and DBX 707.\nRELATED: \nMild hybrid Aston Martin DBX to be China-only, PHEV due in 2024\nAs for safety, a full suite of ADAS is present in the Aston Martin DBX 707. Adaptive cruise control (ACC), Auto Emergency Braking (AEB), Auto park assist, Auto vehicle hold, Blind spot warning (BSW), Lane change warning (LCW), Door exit warning (DEW), Forward collision warning (FCW), Lane departure warning (LDW), Lane keep assist (LKA), Rear cross traffic detection (RCT) are all provided on this 707-hp luxury SUV.\nFor Malaysia, the Aston Martin DBX 707 is fully imported, being hand-built in in St. Athan, United Kingdom. The first DBX 707 customer car was completed in May 2022, and the DBX 707 is sold in 50 countries.\nALSO WATCH: \nAston Martin DBX 4.0L V8 twin-turbo SUV review\nGALLERY"
"BMW has added a new entry-level variant to its \n6 Series Gran Turismo (GT)\n line up, the BMW 620d GT. With the new addition of the four-cylinder diesel engine, it brings the total powertrain options available for the 6 Series GT to five.\nThe N47 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel and eight-speed Steptronic automatic combo \u2013 the same one found in the F30 320d \u2013 generates \n190 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque between 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. The oil burner 6 Series GT is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.9 seconds\n while sipping 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 km. V-Max is quoted to be \n220 km/h\n.\nAll suspension options including Adaptive Two-Axle Air Suspension, Integral Active Steering and the Executive Drive system with Active Roll Stabilisation are available for the 620d GT. So are wheel options ranging from 19- to 20-inch in size as well as multiple trim limes.\nBMW Malaysia has confirmed that the \nG32 BMW 6 Series GT will be coming to Malaysia\n to replace the outgoing 5 Series GT. Knowing that the company has quietly phased out diesel variants in their line up in favour of cleaner plug-in hybrid iPerformance models, we may not see the 620d GT to hit our local shores.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 6 Series Gran\u00a0Turismo"
"The late Virgil Abloh, who unfortunately died last Sunday aged 41, was no stranger to Mercedes-Benz having previously collaborated on the \nG-Wagen race truck concept\n. Now, in honour of his family\u2019s wishes, the German carmaker has unveiled the world-renowned fashion designer\u2019s latest work \u2013 an outlandish off-road concept vehicle called the Project Maybach.\nDescribed as a \u201ccollaborative electric show car designed to inspire the next generation, and forever question the status quo\u201d, Abloh worked in tandem with Mercedes-Benz\u2019 chief designer Gorden Wagener to create from the ground up something unlike anything the marque has ever made before.\nThe German carmaker says that the concept is \u201cinspired by the great outdoors\u201d, and has been styled with the aim of \u201crecontextualising a traditionally urban brand within a distinctly off-road environment\u201d \u2013 the brand, of course, refers to the ultra-luxurious \nMaybachs\n.\nRELATED: This is what happens when the founder of Off-White helps pen a G-Wagen race truck\nThe Project Maybach is technically a two-seater battery-electric coup\u00e9, but you wouldn\u2019t have thought so by just looking at it thanks to its huge Gran Turismo proportions. The overall length spans six metres long, which is even longer than the extended wheelbase version of the \nMercedes-Maybach S-Class\n.\nTo balance out the massive body work, the duo gave the concept large off-road wheels and distinctive wilderness-friendly attachments, including an exoskeleton over the glasshouse of the car that also integrates a roof rack.\nInside, the concept car is surprisingly spartan for a Maybach. The seats in particular look like it came out of a 70s passenger car, although Mercedes says that it can be folded completely flat for the occupants to sleep in during camping trips.\nWith such a massive footprint, there is of course a lot of space to store all your outdoor equipment. There\u2019s even a Maybach-branded axe integrated into the side panels, accessible when you open the doors.\nThe entire concept vehicle is also finished in a brown hue inspired by the desert \u2013 and yes, that includes the interior. Although, the brown bodywork on the outside is contrasted by black on the central facets. The black paint job hides the solar panels underneath the \u201ctransparent\u201d bonnet, which is said to increase the \u201cimagined range\u201d of the BEV vehicle.\nALSO READ: The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS previews an electric future for the ultra-rich\nMercedes didn\u2019t reveal much about the Concept Maybach\u2019s powertrain and performance capabilities, although it probably doesn\u2019t matter that much since it most likely wouldn\u2019t go anywhere near the production line.\nRevealing the project after his passing, the German marque said in a statement: \u201cMercedes-Benz is devastated to hear of the passing of Virgil Abloh. Our sincere thoughts are with Virgil\u2019s family and teams. Now opening the world of our collaboration, and Virgil\u2019s unique vision, to the public we want to respectfully celebrate the work of a truly unique design talent, who created endless possibilities for collaboration through his unbridled imagination and inspired all that knew his work.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"50 years since the debut of the last front-mounted V12, the 365 GTS4 also known as the Daytona Spider, Ferrari has introduced the most powerful production convertible in the market with the new 812 GTS \u2013 an open top version of the most powerful car we\u2019ve driven at AutoBuzz.my \u2013 the \n812 Superfast\n.\nThe 812 GTS\u2019 greasy bits are essentially the same as the 812 Superfast; sporting a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 producing 800 hp and 718 Nm paired to a 7-speed F1 DCT dual-clutch gearbox.\n \n0 to 100 km/h is done \nunder three second\ns (2.9 seconds in the 812 Superfast), 0 to 200 km/h in 8.3 seconds and despite weight 75 kg more than the hardtop model, due to the folding roof, the 812 GTS is only 0.4 seconds slower to 200 km/h.\nTop speed rated at 340 km/h; similar to the F8 Spider launched alongside the 812 GTS.\nThe Retractable Hard Top (RHT), like in the F8 Spider, can be opened and retracted in just \n14 seconds\n, at speeds of up to 45 km/h.\nTo accommodate the RHT, the aero ducts as seen in the 812 Superfast have been replaced with additional flaps on the rear diffuser. For the same reason, the entire rear deck of the 812 GTS was redesigned and now features integrated rollover protection humps.\nDrag, on the other hand, was cut by using the air vents on top of the rear flank to efficiently channel excess pressure build-up out of the wheel well.\nThere was huge focus on minimising both turbulence inside the cabin and aerodynamic noise to ensure occupants could converse undisturbed even at high speeds.\nAs with the LaFerrari Aperta, two small L-shaped flaps on the upper corners of the windscreen generate a coherent concentrated vortex that creates outwash in the velocity field immediately above the rear screen, thereby avoiding excess pressure behind the occupants\u2019 heads.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia together with its authorised dealer, Auto Pacifica, has launched a new 4S centre in Bintulu, Sarawak. With that, there are now seven Mitsubishi showrooms in Sarawak.\nWith a built-up space of 10,000 sq ft, the 4S centre showcases the company\u2019s brand identity and features a customer lounge with WiFi and a kid\u2019s corner, five service bays along with insurance renewals and trade-in services.\n\u201cAuto Pacifica started operating as a Mitsubishi Motors dealer in 2007, shortly after MMM was established in 2005. Besides this showroom in Bintulu, Auto Pacifica has another Mitsubishi showroom in Miri and soon will be launching its third outlet in Kota Samarahan by the end of March 2023,\u201d said MMM, CEO, Shinya Ikeda.\nAuto Pacifica is located at Lot 4463 to 4470 (Ground Floor) and Lot 4467 to 4468 (1st Floor), Pier 99-3 Storey Shophouse, Subdivision of lot 4474, 97000 Bintulu. The showroom is located along the main road of Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi. Operation hours are from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm."
"Volvo Car Malaysia\n has announced its sales figures for 2021, of which it sold a total of 2,229 units. The figure represents a 14.3% increase over the previous year, and also marks the sixth consecutive year of sales growth for the marque here in Malaysia.\nThe sales performance also sets a new record for the highest sales performance since the establishment of Volvo Car Malaysia, and is further boosted by the milestone of the highest sales performance per month on record, with 524 units sold in December 2021 alone.\nThe company says that almost 73% of all new Volvo cars sold in Malaysia were Recharge (electrified) models.\n \nVIDEO: 2021 Volvo XC60 facelift now in Malaysia \u2013 B5 and Recharge T8, from RM292k\n\u201cWe are proud of our record-breaking achievements in 2021. Despite a challenging year, we have gained customers\u2019 confidence in providing them with the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way,\u201d said Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump.\n\u201cThe collective efforts of our dealers and staff have laid the groundwork for an electrifying 2022, encouraging us to charge towards our goal of becoming a fully electric car company by 2030,\u201d Frump added.\nGlobally, Volvo Cars sales also grew by 5.6% to 698,693 cars in the full year 2021. Sales of its Recharge models grew by 63.9% in 2021 compared to the previous year, which continues to demonstrate the popularity of Volvo\u2019s line-up of electrified cars with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain.\nRecharge cars made up 27% of the company\u2019s total sales volume in 2021, and almost 40% of all new Volvo cars sold in December were Recharge models, while fully electric cars made up 7.4%.\nBack home in Malaysia, Volvo Car Malaysia has also begun teasing a new plug-in hybrid model on its social media pages, widely rumoured to be the \nVolvo V60 wagon\n \u2013 so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest news!"
"There\u2019s no denying the fact that hybrid cars at present day is advancing at a phenomenal rate. In just the span of a decade, hybrid technology has proved that cars can be blisteringly quick yet remain frugal, with the only\u00a0palpable downside being the reduced boot space where the battery usually sits.\nOne prime example of an industry leading hybrid car is this \u2013 the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid, Malaysia\u2019s \nfirst ever diesel hybrid car\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid\nEngine\n2,143cc; inline-4 two-stage turbodiesel with 20kW electric motor\nTransmission\n7G-Tronic Plus, dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n204 hp @ 4,200 rpm (Electric motor: 27 hp)\nMax Torque\n500 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 1,800 rpm (Electric motor: 250 Nm)\nPrice\nRM\u00a0348,888\u00a0(OTR without insurance)\nOil burners (diesel cars) naturally return impressive kilometers per litre of fuel, and the equivalent BMW F10 520d is capable of covering over 1,000km of land in one full tank if driven tamely.\nBut how does \n2,000km on a single tank of fuel\n sound to you? British journalist Andrew Frankel drove this exact variant across two continents, from north Africa to Goodwood, UK, covering a total distance of \n1,968km\n with an \nadditional 160km\n of juice left to spare. To put things into perspective, that\u2019s like driving from KL to Bangkok, and then back to Hat Yai without even needing to refuel!\nIt took some time for Mercedes-Benz to tap into the local hybrid foray, but it\u2019s never too late to bring your cake to the table, so let\u2019s get down to business and see what Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has to offer.\nEXTERIOR\nAccording to MBM, all E300 BlueTEC Hybrids destined for the Malaysian market will get the \nAMG Sports treatment\n. This gives you the 18-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels (245/40 R18 \u00a0front, 265/35 R18 rear), AMG design front bumper with chrome diffuser, more prominent side skirts while the rear bumper dons the AMG touch, with its twin exhaust system finished in chrome.   Other visually distinguishable differences are the larger ventilated front discs and twin-louvre grille with the marque\u2019s emblem smacked right in the middle. Look closer and you\u2019ll find \nthree cameras\n at the front \u2013 one right under the logo, and the other two cleverly masked at each side of the enlarged air intakes.\nHeadlights are fully LED here, and features the carmaker\u2019s Intelligent Light System (ILS) which basically means bending light beams as well as auto-dimming headlights when oncoming traffic is detected.\nINTERIOR\nThe E300\u2019s cabin is given a sportier, darker tone, and the rear passengers now benefit from the 8-inch high-resolution screens built into the front seats\u2019 headrests. Behind the AMG-style flat-bottom steering wheel are the paddle shifters.   Like all E-Classes, the E300 gets its gear lever mounted on a column behind the steering wheel, and its instrument clusters remain largely the same, save for the \nnew animated graphic display\n that pops up in the digital window that shows real-time energy flow from the battery, much like the Audi A6 Hybrid and Toyota Prius.\nDespite the larger\n 80-litre fuel tank\n and hybrid battery pack, rear legroom isn\u2019t compromised and is as good as the other E-Classes. Complementing the AMG theme are the floor mats, and they come printed with the AMG badge. \nPanoramic sunroof\n is also standard and retractable.   Boot volume remains the same here at \n540 litres\n. But the addition of the lithium-ion battery pack means forgoing the spare wheel, which is replaced with a \nfix-a-flat tyre kit\n. Simply plug the inflator into the DC socket and fill the flat tyre with the supplied solution and you\u2019re good to go.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood beats the familiar \n2.1-litre diesel\n engine (shared with the European E250 CDI) with two-stage turbocharging, and the E300 benefits from a \n20 kilowatt electric motor\n that puts out \n27 hp\n at 1,800 rpm and \n250 Nm\n of torque right from the get go. MBM assures that the diesel engine is \nspecifically tailored\n to run on the lower grade oil in Malaysia, citing \nno loss of output figures\n while only suffering from a marginal increase of carbon emission.\nThe numbers: \n204 hp\n at 4,200 rpm and a thumping \n500 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 1,800 rpm. Contrary to popular trend, it\u2019s metrically incorrect to add figures of the combustion engine and the electric motor to form a unified output figure, reason being the latter is merely assisting the engine in power delivery.\nTasked with handling all that torque is Mercedes\u2019 trusty modular \nseven-speed\n \ndual clutch\n 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission that drives the \nrear wheels\n. The hybrid drive unit is taken from the S400L Hybrid, but has been reengineered by omitting the hydraulic torque converter in favour of a \ndual clutch system\n (wet clutch) also found in the AMG series models. \nThis is done so that the high voltage electric motor could be integrated within the gearbox without taking up too much space. Size still grows, but only by a mere 65mm, and the dual clutch transmission can \ncompletely disengage\n from the engine, allowing it to \u201csail\u201d at speeds up to 160 km/h, effectively \nreducing drag\n and fuel consumption.\nAs a result, it sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in \n7.1 seconds\n and goes on to a top speed of \n242 km/h\n. Now for the best part \u2013 fuel consumption is rated between 3.8 litres to 4.1 litres per 100km travelled, or \n26.32km per litre of diesel\n at best.\nLike the S400L Hybrid, the E300 can also run on \nfull electric\n at up to 35km for up to one kilometer. If your battery charge is more than 35 percent full, \nbasic ancillaries\n such as your steering wheel, brakes and air-con compressor \nwork electrically\n. Any less than that, the engine seamlessly restarts and charges the lithium-ion battery which by the way, is refrigerant-cooled to facilitate optimum thermal efficiency.\nOne of the perks of an electric motor is that torque delivery is \nvirtually instantaneous\n, in this case, all 250 Nm of it. It also aids the diesel engine by \nsupplying a surge of torque\n \u2013 Boost function \u2013 during sudden accelerations, such as an overtaking attempt.\nSAFETY\nFitted standard on the E300 is the \nCollision Prevention Assist\n, a radar-based collision warning system working in unison with the adaptive brake assist system which greatly \nreduces the risk of rear ending\n the car ahead. Attention Assist is also standard; a system that actively monitors your level of inattentiveness and drowsiness while driving. It\u2019s also capable of informing the driver on his level of fatigue and total driving time \u2013 things your wife would do.\nAs per mentioned earlier, the cameras on the exterior feed a stitched \n360-degree visual\n (bird\u2019s eye view included) onto the 7-inch high-res head unit via the \nSurround View Camera\n feature. Parking lines appear on the screen, aiding drivers in manoeuvring tight parking spaces; or simply use the \nActive Parking Assist\n to automatically have your E300 parked. When activated, this feature turns the steering, applies the throttle and brakes automatically and can perform parallel or end-on parking.\nFrequent travelers or grocery shoppers would be pleased to know that the car comes with \nHands-Free Access\n to the boot compartment, and works simply by \nwaving your foot\n beneath the rear bumper. Wave again and the boot lid closes.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe first batch of E300 BlueTEC Hybrid are fully imported, with local assembly at their Pekan production plant scheduled to begin soon. Electrical engineers working at the E-Class assembly line have already been trained to properly execute the production of this E300.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley has always been associated with prestige, refinement, luxury and of course, power. The English carmaker has made a drastic move in diversifying their model line-up with their luxury SUV, the \nBentayga\n. It seems that Bentley are challenging themselves yet again with their first diesel powered Bentley \u2013 the Bentayga Diesel.\nDiesel engines are getting more technologically advanced, slowly moving away from the assumptions that they lack refinement and produces lorry-like noises. With Bentley behind the drawing board, one can only expect a diesel engine like no other.\nResting under the bonnet of the luxurious SUV is a \n4.0-litre triple-charged V8 diesel\n that produces \n429 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque developed in-house by Bentley. This next generation V8 diesel is mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.\nThis allows the Bentayga to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in \n4.8 second\n. That\u2019s only less than a second slower than the W12 petrol\u2019s \n4.1 seconds\n! The oil-burner Bentley is capable of a top speed of \n270 km/h\n. These figures crown the oil-burning Bentayga as the world\u2019s fastest road-going diesel SUV ever.\nThe diesel engine consists of a pair of variable-geometry, sequential twin-scroll turbocharges, supported with an additional electric supercharger. Bentley\u2019s supercharger adopts an innovative 48V system that allows the supercharger to spool up within \n30 microseconds\n, effectively eliminating turbo lag. The full \n900 Nm\n of torque from the triple-charged V8 diesel is accessible from as low as\u00a0\n1,000 rpm\n.\nOfficial fuel consumption figures are pending approval at the moment but it is said that the Bentayga is able to travel over\u00a0\n1,000km\n on a single tank of diesel. It also boasts the lowest CO2 output of any Bentley at \n210 grams per km\n.\nElsewhere, the Bentayga wears the same shell as the petrol powered twin, with a full range of personalisation options available for customers to choose from. Deliveries of the diesel Bentley will commence in Europe by early 2017, with Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan to follow suit.\nConsidering that Bentley Malaysia does not officially offer the petrol powered Bentayga just yet, it may take some time before the diesel variant makes it way to our shores. Meanwhile, check out what we think of the petrol Bentayga W12 that we \nsampled\n in Singapore.\nIMAGE GALLERY   BENTLEY BENTAYGA PETROL"
"The weekend is here, so it\u2019s time to ogle at one of the most recognisable posteriors in automotive history. The Porsche 911 needs no introduction; and the accounts here all have their own interpretation of the iconic car. Time to hit that \u201cFollow\u201d button.\nOn a separate note, the 911 was originally unveiled in 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show as the 901. However, Peugeot argued that it had exclusive rights to cars with \u201c0\u201d in the middle of their names (for eg. 408, 508) and so, the 911 came into existence.\nSinger Vehicle Design\n \n@singervehicledesign\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Singer Vehicle Design (@singervehicledesign)\nThe company was founded in 2009, and their tagline is \u2018The Porsche 911 Restored. Reimagined. Reborn.\u2019 Customers supply a 911 (964 generation and older), and SVD will handle the restoration and modifications \u2013 tailoring it to their customer\u2019s needs and even personality.\nSinger Vehicle Design is arguably the most well-known company handling 911 restomods, with good reason, and their Instagram page is full of pictures of completed builds and the work that went into it.\nGunther Werks\n \n@guntherwerks \n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Gunther Werks (@guntherwerks)\nAnother restomod specialist, but with a totally different interpretation. Gunther Werks is obsessed with building the ultimate Porsche 993 911. They are based in California, and their Instagram page is a feast of delicious carbon fibre.\nMagnus Walker\n \n@magnuswalker\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Magnus Walker (@magnuswalker)\nYet another recognisable name (and possibly beard). Walker started collecting and customising 911s as a hobby in the early 90s, and become a familiar name when \na short film about him and his collection took the Internet by storm\n. \nHis take on 911s are interesting\n because he approaches it from the perspective of a fashion designer.\n000 Magazine\n \n@000magazine\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by 000 Magazine (@000magazine)\nThis is a handle for an actual magazine that you can buy or subscribe to, and it\u2019s a celebration of all things Porsche. 911s are featured prominently on the page, but you\u2019ll more often than not see supercars like the 918 Spyder or race cars like the Porsche 962.\ntype 7 \n@type7\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Type 7 (@type7)\nAnother Insta account for a physical magazine, but with a different take. Type 7 celebrates good design so the page is a beautifully eclectic mix of architecture, landscapes, fashion, and of course, Porsche 911s. Pictured above is another classic, the Porsche 924."
"Jaguar recently celebrated the shared DNA of the XE 300 and the \nSV Project 8\n with a super long, 1000 metre \u201cartwork\u201d that resembled the pattern of a \u201cDouble Helix\u201d DNA molecule.\nThe XE 300 Sport and SV Project 8 shares the same lightweight aluminium body structure and all-wheel drive system to name a few. As the stunt required a large space to perform, the two cars did so on the Pendine Sands of Wales \u2013 where the same location had been used for motorsports for over 100 years.\n\u201cThe aluminium-intensive body construction of the XE enabled Jaguar to create a car as special as Project 8. These two saloons share the same DNA, delivering excellent handling, peerless performance and unrivalled dynamics,\u201d said Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar Land Rover.\nRecently, both the cars also achieved incredible feats individually where the \nXE 300 Sport raced against an ice-skater\n\u00a0while the SV Project 8 recently blitzed through the \nLaguna Seca circuit to a new record\n, on top of being \nthe fastest saloon to lap the Nurburgring\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the \nupdate earlier this year\n to the 2021 Honda HR-V line-up, Honda Malaysia has now finally unveiled the pricing information for the HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD variant, which starts at \nRM113,954.82\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n that is valid until the 31st of December.\nAs a recap, the Honda HR-V Hybrid received a significant update as part of the refresh that was announced in January this year, bringing its spec sheets closer to parity with the 1.8L V variant.\nOn the outside, the HR-V Hybrid finally gets LED headlights, LED fog lights, LED combination tail lights, and chrome door handles as standard. As for the interior, the hybrid variant is now equipped with a new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.\nHonda HR-V buyers can now opt for a 360-degree surround view monitor at an additional cost of RM3.3k. Learn more here.\nBut of course, the big ticket upgrade for the HR-V\u2019s interior this year is the new 7-inch centre infotainment display, which also makes its appearance here on the HR-V. The new Display Audio unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, and comes with two USB ports for added convenience.\nThe Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is also now available in the Platinum White Pearl colour, alongside Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic.\nPre-update model pictured.\nPowertrain wise, the Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD remains unchanged from before. Underneath the bonnet is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with 132 hp and 156 Nm, paired to a 22 kW (30 hp)/160 Nm electric motor for a combined output of \n152 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n.\nThe hybrid powerplant is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to send power to the front wheels. Unlike Honda\u2019s newer i-MMD series hybrid technology as seen on the new Honda City RS, the i-DCD system is more akin to a traditional hybrid set-up, where the electric motor provides additional assistance to the petrol engine.\n2021 Honda HR-V finally comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto as standard! Check it out in detail here.\nAs mentioned above, the new 2021 Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is now priced at \nRM113,954.82\n, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions. The HR-V Hybrid was previously priced at RM120,800, although that was inclusive of the sales tax \u2013 the HR-V Hybrid was not given an SST-exempted pricing prior to this.\nWith the new price, customers can now essentially choose between two different powertrains with near-identical standard equipment (1.8L V and 1.5L Sport Hybrid i-DCD) at around the RM113k mark, with a price difference of only around RM500.\nThe 2021 Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is now available for pre-booking via Honda\u2019s new online-booking site, linked \nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch application on their smartphones. Customers can also enquire with their preferred dealership, which are now all back in operation, alongside the marque\u2019s assembly plant in Melaka.\n\u201cWe will continue to adhere to the guidelines and SOPs at our dealerships to ensure customers\u2019 safety when visiting our dealerships,\u201d said Honda Malaysia\u2019s new Managing Director and CEO Madoka Chujo. \u201cWe hope that the resumption of businesses will contribute to the nation\u2019s economic recovery phase and elevate the livelihood of Malaysians.\u201d"
"Polestar\n, Volvo\u2019s electric car brand, is by all measures, a very small carmaker. As of the beginning off this year, the Swedish EV maker only officially sells their cars in nine countries. And so, just like how we make our annual resolutions, Polestar is targetting to double that figure this year \u2013 and unlike the rest of us, they\u2019re actually on track to achieve their goal.\nA big part of the success lies on its plans to expand into five new markets in the Asia Pacific region, as Polestar \nannounced back in March\n. These markets include South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand.\nThe expansion will also see the carmaker double its retail outlets to around 100 locations. These \u201cretail environments\u201d will include the existing Polestar Spaces retail approach which are usually found in city centre locations, a new Polestar Destinations concept that can be found \u201ceasy-to-access out-of-town locations\u201d, as well as some \u201ctemporary pop-up locations\u201d.\nPolestar did not expand further on these pop-up locations, but noted that the other two will offer \u201cthe same experiential approach for customers to immerse themselves in the Polestar brand\u201d, including test drives and vehicle handovers.\nPolestar has just announced the Polestar 3, a performance EV SUV to be built in the USA. More details here!\n\u201cWe are expanding both within markets in which we already have a presence and into new markets extremely rapidly. As a brand that has only been fully operational for just over 12 months, this sort of footprint is unprecedented,\u201d sais Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.\n\u201cWe aim to expand at a similar rate in terms of new markets in 2022 as well. This continued pace, combined with new retail concepts, will support our goal to exceed our owners\u2019 expectations,\u201d he added.\nPolestar took an experimental (read: more powerful) Polestar 2 to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Watch the video here!\nAside from the physical locations, Polestar will also be ramping up its online car-buying environment, which the carmaker says fits some of their newer markets particularly well.\nCustomers will not need to visit a showroom to buy a car, though the brand recognises how important it can be for customers to take a closer look and test drive the cars. To that end, it will be adding around 60 test drive locations by the end of 2021, while handover centres are also expanding rapidly alongside other formats such as home delivery.\nAs for aftersales, the company aims to increase its service points in Polestar markets from 650 to over 780 by the end of 2021.\nGALLERY"
"Nearly seven months after the Sime Darby Auto Performance\u2019s \nofficial announcement last year \nto locally assemble its cars here in Malaysia, the first-ever CKD \nPorsche Cayenne\n has now finally rolled off the assembly line at the Sime Darby assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nNot only is it the Cayenne the first Porsche model to be assembled in Malaysia, the assembly plant is also the first assembly facility for Porsche vehicles outside of Europe. It\u2019ll be staffed 100% by Malaysians, all of them comprehensively trained by Porsche of course, and supported by a local network of suppliers and service providers.\nPorsche Executive Board member for Production and Logistics, Albrecht Reimold said that the new assembly site in Malaysia meets the specific market needs, and operates alongside the company\u2019s established network of production facilities in Europe.\n\u201cIn particular, it meets comprehensive quality standards set forth by Porsche when assembling Porsche sports cars,\u201d he added.\nIn addition, the new Kulim assembly plant also meets Porsche\u2019s sustainability standards, with solar panels on the roof to provide renewable energy for production, and rainwater harvesting technologies to reduce wastewater.\nRELATED: CKD Porsche Cayenne now open for pre-orders \u2013 RM550k, deliveries start March 2022\nThe Cayenne is the only model currently planned to be assembled here in Malaysia, and Porsche says that the CKD operation is only intended to serve the local market. \nAs announced last year\n, the locally-assembled Porsche Cayenne will start from RM550,000, making it RM115k cheaper than its CBU counterpart.\nOn top of the price reduction, the locally-assembled Cayenne will also come with additional standard features previously only available as options. These include:\nLED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)\n21-inch RS Spyder design wheels\n14-way power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function\nBose\u00a0Surround Sound System\nFour-zone climate control\u00a0\nPorsche Communication Management system\n12-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple\u00a0CarPlay\u00a0connectivity\nPark Assist with front, rear and surround views\nPorsche Advanced Cockpit\nSports steering wheel\nAside from the extended list of equipment, Porsche will also be offering a specially-curated Exclusive Manufaktur package option which adds additional exterior styling elements and a sports exhaust system for RM58,000, as well as a Carbon Interior Package and other lifestyle-oriented Tequipment accessories.\nAs for power, the base-model Porsche Cayenne is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that sends\n 340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission.\nGALLERY"
"Malaysia will soon be welcoming yet another Chinese EV brand, called Neta. The first model from the marque to be launched here will be the Neta V, which will make its official debut at the upcoming Malaysia Autoshow 2023.\nThis was revealed in the announcement of the appointment of Intro Synergy, a wholly owned subsidiary of \nGoAuto Group\n, as the sole distributor for the Neta marque here in Malaysia.\nThe partnership with Hozon New Energy Auto, Neta\u2019s parent company, will \u201ccome into force in five years\u201d, with an investment plan of RM300 million being earmarked for the development of a manufacturing and assembly plant, as well as sales and after sales network here in Malaysia.\n\u201cWe are excited to announce our partnership with Neta, which will enable us to bring our innovative electric vehicles at affordable and competitive prices to more customers in Malaysia,\u201d said GoAuto Group chairman Datuk SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal. \u201cWe hope that this brand will be well received by the public and further boost EV acceptance in the country.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGovernment working to reduce EV prices for the rakyat \u2013 Tengku Zafrul\nThe Neta V is a budget-focused fully-electric crossover, coming in about the same size as your run-off-the-mill B-segment model. Launched in Thailand earlier this year, the compact Chinese EV features a 38.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers a single electric motor on the front axle, making \n70 kW (94 hp)\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque.\nThe relatively small battery means it only has a NEDC-rated range of\n 384 km\n, so expect a real-world range of around 200 km. Though, with an official top speed of just 101 km/h, you probably won\u2019t be driving the Neta V on the highways that much, anyway. No official 0-100 km/h sprint time figures were given, but 0-50 km/h will take just 3.9 seconds.\nFor charging, the Neta V comes with an on-board AC charger that supports up to 6.6 kW, translating to a full charge in roughly eight hours. DC fast charging is also supported up to 100 kW, which can take the car from 30-80% charge in 30 minutes.\nDespite its small battery, the Neta V will also still come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system that can output up to 3.3 kW of electricity to power external accessories.\nIntro Synergy labels its upcoming event at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 as a \u201csoft launch\u201d for the Neta V, where visitors will have the opportunity to \u201csee and experience the latest innovation in sustainable transportation\u201d. Customers who book the Neta V during the motor show (4-7 May 2023) will also get to enjoy \u201csignificantly lower prices\u201d, according to the press release."
"Shortly after introducing the 2020 model update for the FK8 Civic Type R, Honda has announced a limited-edition, street legal, track-focused version for the U.S market.\nThe lighter and faster model which will arrive in America later this year, will feature \nall of the 2020 model year updates such as the Honda Sensing\n suite of driver assistance systems.\nThe limited edition model not only sports a new Phoenix Yellow paint job and lightweight forged aluminium wheels from BBS but has also experienced a 28 pound (12.7kg) weight loss from reduced sound deadening materials.\nThe rear wipers, tonneau cover and rear heater ducts have also been removed, all in the name of weight reduction. Aside from the new exterior colour and wheels, the Civic can also be distinguished with contrasting gloss black paint on the roof, side mirror caps and intake vents on the hood.\nThe 600-unit limited run model with individual serial number plates also come with specially-tuned dampers and recalibrated steering for better feedback and control.\nPricing details have yet to be confirmed although Honda says it will be revealed closer to its launch.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sick of not being able to keep up with your monthly commitments, let alone own the car of your dreams? Fret not, \nFlux\n is here and the service they\u2019re offering will alter your views on \u201ccar ownership\u201d.\nFlux is an all-inclusive monthly car subscription service, offering all the benefits\u00a0of having your dream car without the drawbacks. Members pay a monthly fee\u00a0to drive a car of their choice without commitment.\nThe range of cars in their inventory vehicles like the Honda CR-V, BMW 6 Series GT, Toyota Yaris,\u00a0Volvo XC40, Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and Kia Sportage.\nTheir cars are sourced from reputable automotive groups and retailers which have been independently inspected to determine that each and every one is maintained to the highest standards and free\u00a0of major accidents and flood damage.\u00a0\nOnce members have selected a car, they then choose a \nsubscription plan\u00a0\nwhich starts at month-to-month for total flexibility or up to three years for best\u00a0value.\nSubscription plans indicate how long members intend to use the Flux\u00a0service, not a specific car as they have the privilege to switch throughout their\u00a0subscription.\nMembers also choose a mileage package\n \nbetween \nLite\n, \nStandard \nand \nUnlimited\n which offers a monthly maximum of 1,250 km, 2,000 km and cap-less mileage respectively.\nUpon selecting a car, Flux offers the freedom to switch car after a minimum of one month use with just a standard switching fee. After the switch, members would just have to pay the monthly rate of the newly chosen car \u2013 no one else can offer you such a flexibility at the moment.\nIf for some reason you\u2019re not enjoying the selected car, Flux offers 3-day Risk Free Returns before assisting you with a car that suits your needs.\nUnlike other new-age\u00a0mobility solutions where cars have to be returned to a collection point, your\u00a0Flux car stays with you throughout the duration of your subscription.\nAlso, unlike traditional car ownership which requires visits to the service centre, road tax renewals and such, a membership with Flux means these hassles are eliminated.\nShould your car be involved in an accident, using their telematics device, Flux will send emergency services to your location so that medical attention is received as soon as possible.\nFlux has partnered with leading automotive insurers for comprehensive protection and 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance to ensure your safety and assist you in every step of the\u00a0post-accident process.\u00a0\nFlux allows both Malaysians and non-Malaysians to become Flux members, as\u00a0long as they have a Malaysian credit card, mobile contact number and are\u00a0above 25 years of age. International driving licence holders are also accepted.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In preparation towards the first round of \nBlancpain Endurance Series 2015\n at Monza in April, \nAutomobili Lamborghini\n sent their \nHurac\u00e1n GT3\n to the official two-day test session at \nCircuit Paul Ricard\n in the South of France.\nAll six official \nLamborghini Squadra Corse\n drivers involved in this year\u2019s Blancpain Endurance Series were present during the test session managed by St\u00e9phane Ratel Organisation (SRO) on the 11th and 12th of March.\nOn the first day of the testing, \nFabio Babini\n, \nJeroen Mul\n, and \nAndrew Palmer\n took the #19 car out to the track while \nAdrian Zaugg\n, \nMirko Bortolotti\n, and \nGiovanni Venturini\n drove the #63 car the next day.\nAccording to Automobili Lamborghini, the two Hurac\u00e1n GT3 machines fielded by the Austrian \nGRT Grasser Racing Team\n \u201cdemonstrated its potential as it covered an impressive number of laps\u201d. The team will be out for another test session on the 1st and 2nd of April at Autodromo di Vallelung, before heading to the opening round in Monza on 11th and 12th of April.\n2015 Blancpain Endurance Series Calendar\n11-12 April\nMonza, Italy\n23-24 May\nSilverstone, Great Britain\n19-20 June\nPaul Ricard, France\n23-26 July\nSpa-Francorchamps (24 hours), Belgium\n19-20 September\nN\u00fcrburgring, Germany\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The\n 4th generation A80 Toyota Supra\n is the stuff of legends. Over the years, we\u2019ve seen 500 hp, 700 hp and even 1,000 hp builds but it seems even the sky isn\u2019t the limit for the Supra\u2019s mighty 2JZ engine, on the topic of making power.\nWe bring you this video from the Middle East; where the Supra owned by\n Ahmad Daham\n, a professional drifter from Jordan is being tuned on the dyno by \nNMK Performance\n.\n https://web.facebook.com/NMKPerformance090/videos/270735607485570\nThe Supra\u2019s standard 2JZ 3.0-litre engine of the Mk4 has been upgraded (or rather stroked, in tuning speak) to 3.2-litres. Marry that with tonnes of other top shelf upgrades and the Supra is now said to be pushing out \nover 1,400 hp\n.\nAccording to NMK performance, the Supra has achieved some incredible milestones. It is the first 3.2-litre Supra in Jordan and the first 2JZ Supra to rev over 9,000 rpm in the country, with a top speed of over 300 km/h.\n \nNow watch how the Supra and its 2JZ engine absolutely tears its rear drag tyres apart, as it exceeds 275km/h on the dyno. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the tuning and filming process, according to NMK Performance.\nFor more insights on the development of the monster Supra, \nwatch Ahmad Daham\u2019s videos here\n!\n \nSpeaking of the Supra on a dyno, we did a little test of our own as well on the \nA90 Toyota Supra\n that \narrived in Malaysia last year\n. This follows after reports that the Supra\u2019s B58 3.0-litre BMW engine actually made more power than advertised. Just how much more? \nWatch it here\n!"
"Ever since the Toyota C-HR had its maiden debut at the \n2017 Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy event\n in May, UMW Toyota Malaysia (UMWT) has been making rounds around Malaysia, at Toyota showrooms, shopping malls and roadshows. The compact SUV has garnered so much interest from the public that UMWT has decided to host additional public display for the C-HR.\nFor the month of \nSeptember\n, here\u2019s where you can catch Malaysia\u2019s most anticipated SUV in the metal:\nDate\nVenue\n6 \u2013 10 September\nOne Utama Shopping Centre (LG Oval)\n12 \u2013 17 September\nAeon Tebrau, Johor Bahru (Centre Court)\nTo recap, \nUMWT has confirmed\n that we will be getting a \n1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Dual VVT-i\n engine mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with sequential shifter. Other features include side mirror puddle light, follow-me-home headlamps, a \u201cluxurious interior\u201d, \u201cfull range\u201d of safety features and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) that should be bundled with Blind Spot Monitoring.\nOur local-spec C-HR will be available in no less than \nsix exterior shades\n \u2013 White Pearl CS, Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black while Red Mica, Radiant Green Metallic and Blue Metallic will come with a blacked-out roof.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The wait is finally over. After Polestars announcement that they will \nbreak away from Volvo Cars\n to establish a sub-brand under Volvo Group, the Swedish brand is ready to unveil their first ever Polestar badged high-performance car on 17 October 2017.\nThe launch event will be held in Shanghai, China, further emphasising the company\u2019s value towards the Chinese market. Polestar has unveiled a series of teaser images on their Instagram page which points towards a design that resembles the \nS90 Coupe Concept\n unveiled back in 2013. However, we\u2019ll have to wait for the official launch to view the car in full.\nAs announced earlier that Polestar will focus on developing high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) using its access to Volvo\u2019s existing technologies and engineering database. These information points towards a car that features Volvo design with a monstrous electric powertrain to boot. Of course, we wouldn\u2019t mind a mean sounding petrol engine either.\nEven more recently, Volvo announced that they will be building their \nfirst electric vehicle in China\n, suggesting that future Polestar models could potentially be built in China too. The new Polestar model will not only bear the Polestar logo, but will also be shipped globally.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S90 Coupe Concept"
"Just a day after the \nannouncement to review\n the making and selling of low emission vehicles under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), RHB Bank has launched the RHB Sustainability Financing Programme (SFP) that focuses on financing products for green products and services.\nTo cover as many products and services that support low carbon emissions as well as sustainability to the environment for both businesses and individuals, RHB Bank has set four categories for the SFP, namely Green Building, Green Process, Green Energy and Green Products.\nTo promote the purchase of eco-friendly products such as \nhybrid\n, \nplug-in hybrid\n and \nelectric vehicles\n, RHB Bank via the Green Products in the SFP is offering an \u2018Auto Financing\u2019 plan with an attractive interest rate as low as \n1.99%\n (flat rate equivalent) across all financing tenures for up to nine years amounting to a maximum loan of RM500,000.\n \nIn true European culture, the Polestar 1 is the first car you can buy with works of art! More about the method here.\nTo further keep customers within the RHB Group, an additional discount of up to 10% in premiums is provided when they opt for insurance coverage by RHB Insurance.\nSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) meanwhile can benefit via lower preferential rates and longer tenure plus relevant tax incentives, for example, a business might need financing for equipment and machinery towards supporting customers\u2019 decarbonisation efforts or even design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings with eco-friendly features.\nPrices of EVs are expecting to match and even go cheaper than engines. When? Find out here!\nRHB Bank targets to grant a total of RM1 billion in new financing via the RHB Sustainability Financing Programme by 2025. More information about the new programme can be found on their \nwebsite\n.\nAs of May 31st 2021, RHB Group\u2019s Green Financing Commitment stood at RM3.25 billion, of which approximately 20% is in renewable energy projects. In line with the governments move to discontinue the construction of new coal-fired power plants, RHB Group also naturally will not be pursuing opportunities or provide financing for power plants projects that consume such fuel."
"The wild-looking all-terrain \nLamborghini Huracan Sterrato\n has finally made its world debut, and it is rather historical for two things. It is Lamborghini\u2019s first all-terrain supercar, but also the last Lamborghini to be purely petrol-powered. With only \n1,499 units\n planned and production will start in February 2023.\nFrom a sales report last in November, \nLamborghini\n said, \u201cA final farewell to the pure combustion engine will be made at the end of the year at Art Basel in Miami with an all-terrain version of the Hurac\u00e1n, a model once again destined to impress and create a new segment in the super sports car world.\u201d\nBased on the \nLamborghini Huracan EVO\n, the Huracan Sterrato is powered by the same 5.2-litre V10 engine that makes \n610 hp\n (metric) and \n560 Nm\n. The V10 engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that sends power to all wheels, and the car does 0-100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n and 0-200 km/h in \n9.8 seconds\n.\nCompared to the Huracan EVO, the Huracan Sterrato gets an updated version of Lamborghini Integrated Vehicle Dynamics (LDVI) system with specific \u2018Strada\u2019 and \u2018Sports\u2019 calibrations. There is also a new \u2018Rally\u2019 mode which is introduced to the Huracan line for the first time.\nLamborghini Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr said, \u201cWith the high-speed all-terrain concept of the Sterrato, we have uniquely combined the driving experience of a true super sports car and the fun of driving a rally car. Lamborghini cars always deliver emotion: the Sterrato delivers a new degree of driving thrills.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNo roads? No problem \u2013 Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato exterior unveiled\n\u2018All-terrain upgrades\u2019 on the Sterrato include the increased ground clearance by 44 mm, a 30mm wider front track, and a 34 mm wider rear track. For protection, the underbody is equipped with aluminum front underbody protection, reinforced sills, and a roof-mounted intake for the V10 engine.\nThe tyres are much beefier than usual, and they are a set of Bridgestone Dueler AT002 tyres that have been custom-engineered for the Huracan Sterrato. The wheels are 19 inches on all four corners and the tyres are 235/40R19 in front and 285/40 R19 in the rear. For a worry-free \u201coff-road\u201d experience, the tyres are of the run-flat type that can still be driven at 80 km/h with 0 pressure.\nCompleting the adventurous look (and nature) of the Huracan Sterrato are wheel arch claddings, front LED spotlights, and roof rails. There is also a \u2018Sterrato\u2019 design on the sides just in case you didn\u2019t notice how special this new car by Lamborghini Automobili is. Remember, only 1,499 units will be made.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini\u2019s last non-hybrid car is the all-terrain Huracan Sterrato, to debut by year end\nInside, the Huracan Sterrato is upholstered in the exclusive \u2018Alcantara Verde Sterrato\u2019 and has a \u201cfeel like a pilot\u201d philosophy that places the driver right in the centre of the cockpit. No official images have been posted on the Lamborghini website yet, but the various videos on the car already show its interior.\nAlso equipped in the Huracan Sterrato is the Lamborghini Connect service that includes integration with Amazon Alexa. With Alexa, drivers can adjust car features such as air conditioning and lighting, as well as control navigation, phone calls, and entertainment with a simple voice command. The car can also be controlled remotely via the Lamborghini UNICA app.\nThe Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is an exciting new car by Lamborghini Automobili that also spearheads a new genre. However, it is also the brand\u2019s \u201cfinal farewell to the pure combustion engine\u201d.\nRELATED: \nThe Porsche 911 Dakar is a sports car you can drive anywhere\nGALLERY"
"The thing about social media is anything can be spread out that could misinform or mislead others. The latest round involves a viral image that says jump-starting certain Proton model will lead to\u00a0irreparable damages to the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). Proton has issued a statement which vehemently denies this claim, and went on to say that all their cars can be jump started.\nIn light of that, here\u2019s a quick recap on \nCar Maintenance 101\n\u00a0on the correct way of jump-starting a car:\nConnect the positive (+) terminal from a healthy battery (assisting car) to the positive terminal of the battery of the affected car. Use the red cable to connect this two terminals.\nThe negative (-) terminal from the source must be connected to the body of the affected car.\u00a0Use the black cable to connect these two ends.\nTo paint a better picture, refer to the picture provided by Proton below:\nAlso, please take note on the correct procedure to jump start a car as recommended by Proton:\nVehicles should be close enough so that the jumper cables can be connected, but be sure that the vehicles aren\u2019t touching each other. If they are, it could cause an undesirable ground connection. It will not be possible to start the vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems (Transmission Control Unit, TCU).\nThe assisting vehicle must have a 12-volt battery and the capacity (Ah) of the booster battery should not be significantly lower than that of the discharged battery, this is to avoid damage of circuit shorting both vehicles.\nOnly use jumper cables with insulated battery clamps.\nVehicle must be positioned in \u201cP\u201d (PARK) for automatic transmission and \u201cN\u201d (NEUTRAL) for manual transmission.\nTurn off the ignition on both vehicles beforehand.\nWhen connecting the booster cable, do not connect the positive (+) cable to the negative (-) terminal or it can cause sparks and battery can explode.\nThe negative jumper cable (black) must never be clamped to fuel lines with metal sheath or to the fuel filter or brake lines as this could cause a fire.\nStart the engine in the vehicle, which has the booster battery, let the engine idle for a few minutes and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.\nAfter the engine is started, disconnect the cables in reverse order.\nAfter all, the engineer\u2019s adage of \u201c\nwhen in doubt, read the manual\n\u201d aptly fits\u00a0this circumstance. Therefore, here\u2019s our parting message: Viral messages aren\u2019t necessarily verified information, so\u00a0\nalways read the manual\n!"
"Rolls-Royce cars are usually known for their ultimate luxury experience, from the cabin materials to the ride quality \u2013 the race track is pretty much the last place you\u2019d expect a Rolls-Royce to be at.\nHowever, that doesn\u2019t mean that it is not capable of handling the curves once in a while. In an effort to prove the point, YouTuber \nMisha Charoudin\n and his friend Faby (who owns the car featured in the video) took the \nRolls-Royce Ghost\n to the ultimate race track of them all \u2013 the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\n \nIn case you didn\u2019t know, Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW, who themselves have quite a reputation for driving dynamics. The Ghost featured in this model shares the same chassis as the fifth-generation BMW 7 Series.\nOf course, the air suspension set-up on the Rolls-Royce is tuned for comfort, soaking up the undulations, surface imperfections, and even the kerbs. This might have possibly been the most comfortable lap around the \u2018Ring ever.\nRolls-Royce Silver Ghost\nThe Rolls-Royce doesn\u2019t lack in the horsepower department too, with a giant 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine under the hood, producing \n563 hp\n and \n780 Nm\n of torque. Pair that to a silky smooth eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, and the Ghost can reach 100 km/h in just\n 4.9 seconds\n from a standstill.\nThe driver commented that the Ghost actually handles pretty well around the track, but it was later revealed in the comments section that he was not pushing the car as hard due to the winter tyres.\nFor something weighing over 2.5 tonnes, the Ghost certainly looks pretty comfortable around the Green Hell. It\u2019d be interesting to see how the Rolls-Royce performs with proper performance tyres!"
"Tough times may be clouding the middle and lower income groups but supercars and luxuru automobiles are still flying off the shelves for the well-to-do.\nAccording to finance provider, JBR Capital in the UK, there have been \u201crecord volumes of lending\u201d on models from the Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche and Rolls-Royce brand in recent weeks.\nWatch our on-road and on-track review of the all-electric Porsche Taycan here!\nThe final 991-generation 911, the limited-edition 911 Speedster.\nLast month, Porsche was again the company\u2019s most financed brand. While the all-electric Taycan generated the highest loan applications in March, it was the 911 that was most popular overall, alongside the Macan and Cayenne.\nDriving the new 992-generation Porsche 911 in New Zealand with epic views and sceneries! Watch the video here!\nInterestingly, it\u2019s the 991-generation models of the 911, not the latest 992-generation that\u2019s been flying out of the dealerships. As for Lamborghinis, the Huracan has been preferred over the Aventador, making up more than 50% of all Lamborghinis financed by JBR Capital, followed by the Urus.\nThe Ferrari 458.\nAs for the Prancing Horse, JBR Capital reported that the 458 Italia is the most in-demand Ferrari at the moment, making up more than half of all the loans by JBR Capital for Ferraris.\nOver the course of 2020, UK households have accumulated a total of \u00a3200billion with savings coming from reduced commuting and restrictions on leisure activities.\nThe company said since the lockdown, there\u2019s been a stark increase in demand for high-end cars with buyers having more funds allocated, following a permanent work-from-home regime.\nThe McLaren 570S made up more than 80% of loans for McLarens, ahead of the 720S and 650S.\nOver the course of May, JBR Capital experienced the largest number of loan applications since the business was launched in 2015.\nJBR Capital, Founder and CMO, Darren Selig said, \u201cDemand for sports cars, supercars, and prestige vehicles continues to be incredibly strong. We experienced a record March and April \u2013 and May has now eclipsed those months. Without doubt there has been pent-up demand, and as restrictions have eased, this has been unleashed onto the market with our dealer introducers reporting luxury cars being snapped up quickly and a lack of stock.\n\u201cWith customers unable to take expensive overseas holidays, many are looking to treat themselves. Plus, many are fortunate enough to have more money in their pockets through lockdown savings too.\u201d\nThe Huracan has been preferred over the Aventador\nThere are the top 10 most-in-demand vehicles with the most loan applications in May according to JBR Capital:\nAston Martin V8 Vantage\nBentley Continental\nFerrari 458 Italia\nLamborghini Huracan\nLand Rover Defender\nMcLaren 570S\nMercedes-AMG GT\nPorsche 911 (991)\nRange Rover Sport\nRolls-Royce Cullinan\nJBR Capital is the only independent finance lender in the UK dedicated to high-end vehicle financing. To date they\u2019ve loaned over \u00a3500m (approx. RM2.9 billion)."
"Kia\u2019s official distributor, NAZA Kia Malaysia has finally revealed the pricing for the \n2015 Kia Cerato Koup after seven months since it was put on public display\n at the One Utama Shopping Centre. This turbocharged Korean coupe is priced at RM135,888 \u2013 about RM14k shy of its initial pricing, which is big news for those who have been eyeing it.\nBefore talking about its performance, let\u2019s glance through the kit list to see what comes packaged with this red-hot Koup. At the front, the Cerato Koup bears Kia\u2019s signature Tiger-nose grille that\u2019s slimmer than its sedan sibling and a sportier front bumper complete with a lower grille finished in faux carbon fibre.\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Kia Cerato Koup 1.6L Turbo\nEngine\n1,591cc; inline-4, turbocharged direct injection, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n201 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n265 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.4 seconds; 222 km/h\nPrice\nRM135,888\nIllumination source is HID, and the headlights also come fitted with LED daytime running lights as standard. Round the side, you\u2019ll spot the sleek \n18-inch rims\n shod with\n 225/40 series Nexen NBlue HD tyres\n, black-finished side mirrors and keyless entry. At the back, the taillamp clusters differ from the sedan\u2019s, as is the bumper which features an integrated diffuser. Its rump is finished off with dual tail pipes and a rather oddly placed reverse camera. The shark fin antenna comes free of charge, of course.   Upon opening the\n frameless doors\n, you\u2019ll first notice the firm leather-wrapped sports seats, but unfortunately both the front seats are manually adjustable. There\u2019s some minor \ncarbon fibre trimmings\n on the air conditioning vents and door trims which can be a hit or miss to some.\nThis sole-trim Cerato Koup comes with \ndual-zone automatic climate control\n with cluster ioniser, smart welcoming light system, electrochromic rear view mirror with integrated reverse camera, a miniscule screen in the centre dash and passive cruise control.   This Korean\u2019s party piece resides under the hood \u2013 a \n1.6-litre Gamma T-GDi\n (Turbo, Gasoline Direct Injection) four-cylinder engine that\u2019s capable of producing \n201 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and\n 265 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The \nfront wheels\n receive power from a \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n (torque converter, not \ndual-clutch like the Veloster Turbo\n), allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a respectable \n7.4 seconds\n before topping out at \n222 km/h\n. Keep your hands off the paddle shifters and you\u2019ll likely manage \n7.4 litres per 100km\n, or at least that\u2019s how much fuel Kia claims it\u2019ll sip.\nOther stuff worthy of keeping check are the \nsix airbag count\n, front and rear parkings sensors, Brake Assist, Hill Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Management. It\u2019s available in just \nthree exterior colours\n \u2013 Racing Red, Aurora Black Pearl and Clear White. The pricing (RM135,888) excludes insurance, and each purchase comes with a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty\n. The 2015 Kia Cerato Koup 1.6L T-GDi is now available for viewing at your nearest authorised Kia showroom.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019d be forgiven if you quickly dismissed the \neight-generation Volkswagen Golf\n as \u201cjust another Golf\u201d, and that is mostly true, at least for the evolutionary exterior styling.\nHowever, if you\u2019ve never made it past the exterior, you\u2019d be missing out on the completely revamped cockpit of the Golf 8. In case you missed it, Volkswagen has just released some additional information on the Digital Cockpit, so let\u2019s dive in and see what\u2019s new.\u00a0\nVolkswagen says that the Golf will come with a \u201crevolutionary\u201d cockpit that is clearer, neater, and completely digitalised, and it is immediately evident with the generous usage of screens on the dashboard.\nThe Digital Cockpit \u2013 comprising of the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and multi-function steering wheel \u2013 forms the first functional level, in which virtually all displays and controls are digital.\u00a0\nAlthough simplified, Volkswagen still promises quick and intuitive controls for all systems. Touch sliders are utilised for volume and temperature controls, while a touch island underneath the infotainment system provides direct access to additional air conditioning functions and assistance systems.\nPositioned beside the instrument cluster on the other side of the wrap-around dashboard is a second touch island for the lights and vision (windscreen and rear window heating) functions.\nThe infotainment system can be upgraded to a 10-inch Discover Pro unit, along with an optional head-up display for critical driving information such as speed, and navigation information.\nThe simplification continues on to the centre console, where the old and bulky gear shifter is replaced by a significantly smaller shift-by-wire gear knob for the DSG models.\u00a0\nJust like most latest-generation vehicles, the all-new Volkswagen Golf also features a natural voice control system that reacts to intuitive voice commands by saying \u201cHello Volkswagen\u201d.\u00a0\nUnlike most vehicles though, is the digital microphones, capable of locating the person who is speaking (driver or front passenger) and respond accordingly. For example, the voice control system can identify which zone\u2019s temperature needs adjusting!\u00a0\nThe eight-generation Volkswagen Golf is also always connected. Individual driver settings such as seat position, exterior mirror settings, and even the ambient lighting can be saved in the cloud, and will still be available even with a change of vehicle.\u00a0\nConnectivity to the cloud is enabled via an online connectivity unit (OCU) with an integrated eSIM, coming as standard on all models. The OCU is also used to interface with\u00a0the We Connect online-based functions, allowing the car to be \u201cupgraded\u201d without heading back to a dealership."
"BMW Singapore has officially launched the \nBMW M2 Competition\n at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show. The baby M car with its new engine and fully loaded options dial the car\u2019s aggression to 11.\nThe M2 Competition is powered by an S55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line six taken from the M3 and \nM4\n but in detuned for this application to \n410 hp\n and\n 550 Nm\n. A six-speed manual is a standard option for the enthusiast but if you want to hit the century mark in \n4.2 seconds\n, you\u2019ll have to opt for the seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission (the manual gets there in 4.4 seconds). The standard 250 km/h top speed can be raised to\n 280 km/h\n with the M Driver\u2019s Package.   The car on display is fully kitted with all available options including the 19-inch Y-Spoke forged alloys, M Sport brakes that measure 400 mm in diameter front and 380 mm at the rear as well as bucket-style M Sport seats with illuminated M2 logo on the backrest. Wonder if BMW Singapore will offer the radical \nM Performance Parts for the M2\n.\nCompared to the standard M2, the M2 Competition features larger kidney grilles, restyled air intakes, M side mirror caps, larger rear diffuser and a new exhaust system with quad outlets. The new exterior kit collectively gives the car smoother airflow for better aerodynamics and cooling.\nNot obvious to the naked eye is new carbon fibre high-precision strut and bulkhead strut taken from the M4 to for increased front-end rigidity and better steering precision, recalibrated electronic power steering for more accurate steering and tweaked Dynamic Stability Control system for more delicate control at the limit.\nCost of having one of these beauties in the land across the causeway is SGD324,888 or RM984k based on today\u2019s exchange rate. In Malaysia, you can get the \nF90 BMW M5\n for the same money.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M2 Competition at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show"
"After unveiling the\n facelifted 2018 Mitsubishi Triton in Bangkok, Thailand\n just last month, the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) which concluded just yesterday,\n gave Malaysians a preview\n into what the new Triton would look like when it goes on sale here early next year.\nWe even got to sit down with Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia CEO, Mr. Tomoyuki Shinnishi\u00a0and Chief Product Specialist, Mr. Yoshiki Masuda to speak on all things Mitsubishi Triton. Having been lavished with so many new additions and improvements in so many areas, we had to ask, what was the main focus of the new pick-up.\n\u201cImprovements have been aplenty; the exterior for one, is a reflection of our new Engineered Beyond Tough design concept with an emphasis on robustness and toughness,\u201d said Masuda.\nThe most drastic change lies in the front end of the new Triton. It features the new-generation \u201cDynamic Shield\u201d design concept, with Bi-LED projector headlamps for a more imposing presence. Take the headlamps for example, they\u2019re now positioned \n700 mm off the ground\n, so they wouldn\u2019t be vulnerable to flooding, should the Triton take on extreme driving conditions.\n\u201cEmphasis is also given to the improvement of the Triton\u2019s off-road capabilities, with the new Super Select 4WD II from the Pajero Sport which automatically adjusts torque split between the front and rear wheels,\u201d Masuda added.\nAlong with the Hill Descent Control, featured for the first time in a Triton, there are also various off-road driving modes including Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock available.\n\u201cSafety was also another major focus point for the new Triton. It offers more than what most current pick-ups are equipped with,\u201d said Masuda.\nFeatures like\u00a0Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) are all offered in the new Triton.\nAside from braking performance from bigger calipers and rotors and smooth power delivery from a new 6-speed automatic transmission, comfort had also been enhanced with the use of larger dampers at the rear.\nTo that Masuda said, \u201cThis is not only to improve the ride quality but also the stability of the pick-up when tackling different road undulations, with lesser body roll.\u201d\nWhen asked if the Triton\u2019s new, fancy driving aids/electronics can withstand the harness of off-road driving, Masuda said there\u2019s \u201cno meaning\u201d for us to incorporate these systems if they can\u2019t work between road and off-road conditions, as it has undergone extensive testing.\nWhen asked if the testing of these safety systems were conducted in Malaysia, Masuda, who\u2019s been a testing development engineer at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, added that these systems have endured months and countless kilometres of testing.\n\u201cConsidering that the Triton will be sold in more than 150 countries around the world, different teams are often dispatched to different countries \u2013 some as far as Chile and Peru \u2013 including Malaysia to collect data on all things driving and road conditions. Data collected from these harsh conditions \u2013 both in extremely high and low temperatures \u2013 will be applied onto the simulators in MMC\u2019s R&D centre in Okazaki, Japan,\u201d said Masuda.\nWith the Triton\u2019s rivals offering 7-speed, some even 10-speed transmissions, studies have been conducted where results have shown that the new 6-speed transmission is the best option to fully optimise and harness the potential of the Triton\u2019s 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine \u2013 offering a \u201cfunctional balance\u201d.\nConsidering the diverse applications of the pick-ups in Malaysia and such high levels of emphasis on comfort in the new Triton, we also asked Masuda if there could be a model in the future to \nfeature coil springs rather than leaf springs\n \u2013 for the Triton owners who confine themselves in the urban jungle.\n\u201cThe use of coil springs have always been a long-standing debate within MMC. However, based on consumer sentiments around the world, those who purchase pick-ups do so for a very specific reason like its ability to carry cargo etc.\u201d\n\u201cHence, retaining the leaf springs is to retain the pick-up capabilities of the Triton despite the increased focus on comfort. This retains the duality of the Triton where it can offer comfort, while at the same time, still be able to carry cargo,\u201d said Masuda.\nJust for kicks, we also asked Masuda on whether the Triton will be available in a \u201cmore extreme\u201d version like the one its rival recently launched in Malaysia for a sub-RM200k price tag.\n\u201cIt\u2019s human nature, especially when looking for a pick-up, to want it big and imposing,\u201d said Masuda as he acknowledged this global trend but said that while there may not be any imminent plans for an \u201cextreme Triton\u201d in the near future, consumer response and demand will play a huge role in the consideration for the development of such a vehicle.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua\n has just reported its sales performance for the first quarter of 2022, which saw a total of \n61,624 units sold\n, marking a 6.4% increase in sales over the same period last year (57,909 units).\nThe figure is bolstered by a healthy sales performance of \n26,759 units \nin March alone, which translates to a 9.5% increase over the same period last year, and a 53.2% increase over February.\nPerodua also boasted that its March sales figure is just a whisker away from its record monthly sales figure of 27,858 units, which it achieved in \nOctober last year\n.\nRELATED: 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift unveiled \u2013 from RM45,700\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the effects of \nCovid-19 and component supply issues\n are still present currently. However, the company was able to work with its suppliers and dealers to reduce the impact.\n\u201cOur focus is now to expedite the vehicles delivery to our customers before the sales tax exemption deadline ends on 30 June 2022,\u201d he said.\nIn a statement today, Dato\u2019 Zainal said that he expects the second quarter of 2022 to be the \u201chighlight of the automotive industry\u201d, as car brands are trying to deliver as many vehicles as they can within the three-month period before the scheduled end of the sales tax exemption period.\n\u201cWhile semiconductor chip supply and Covid-19 would still influence production, we expect that production and registration will continue to improve. We do not foresee other factors such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to have a major impact on Perodua\u2019s production moving forward,\u201d he added.\nAs such, the company is forging forward with its \n2022 sales target of 247,800 units\n \n\u2013 a massive 37.5% jump\n compared to its 2021 sales figures.\nALSO READ: Perodua donates RM87k worth of supplies to Shah Alam General Hospital\nWith that being said, the company is still hoping that the government would consider extending the sales tax exemptions period once again past its original scheduled end date, as requested by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).\n\u201cPerodua also echoes MAA\u2019s request to further extend the sales tax exemptions as factors such as the global semiconductor supply disruption and Covid-19 cases are still impacting the industry,\u201d he said, adding that the initiative was key in sustaining the industry and its local ecosystem throughout the worst of the pandemic.\n\u201cRight now, the local automotive ecosystem is starting to recover and an extension in the sales tax exemption is what the industry needs for sustained growth during this recovery period,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal added."
"Just after BMW revealed their gorgeous\u00a0\nG30 5-Series Touring\n, Mercedes-AMG went ahead to steal the limelight by introducing the 2017 E 63 Estate.\nIt essentially shares the same recipe as the \nsaloon-bodied E 63\n, and is available in a hotter E 63 S trim as well. Both are powered by the same \n4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n, but the latter is tuned to produce more power. The company\u2019s 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system is standard, and the sole nine-speed Speedshift dual clutch auto is also standard fitment.   The E 63\u2019s V8 belts\u00a0\n571 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque, while the E 63 S pushes out a ludicrous \n612 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n of torque. The former sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds while the latter manages that in 3.5 seconds. Another feature this car comes with is \u201cDrift\u201d mode for some sideway fun. When AMG Driver\u2019s Package is optioned, the electronically limited top speed will be lifted and the E 63 S will go on to hit 290km/h!\nAll that brute force comes hand in hand with practicality, because all that additional rear estate in the back gives it 630 litres of boot space. Fold the rear seats down and it expands to 1,820 litres!\nThe\u00a02017 Mercedes-AMG E 63 Estate will make its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The E63 S estate has clearly cemented\u00a0itself as the fastest production estate in the market, dethroning even the Audi RS6 Avant. Will we ever see the BMW M5 Touring come to life?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi\u2019s most compact model, the first-generation Audi A1 first made its global debut back in 2010, allowing the four rings to tap into the premium supermini segment virtually uncontested. After eight long years of service, Audi has finally released a replacement model.\nAvailable exclusively as a five-door Sportback model, the A1 now measures at 4,029 mm in length (+56 mm), 1,940 mm in width (+34 mm) and 1,409 mm in height (-13 mm) while the wheelbase is now 2,563 mm (+94 mm). Occupants will enjoy a substantially more spacious cabin with a more practical boot at 335 litres, 65 litres more than before.   Visually, the A1 gets distinctive daytime running light graphics on the optional full-LED headlamps which Audi coins as hydrofoils that were inspired from sailing. Its taillamp graphics are also never seen before on previous Audi models. These work in combination with the more expressive design to give the supermini a wider stance.\nA total of 10 colour choices are available for the A1 with the option for a contrasting roof, side mirror caps, side front spoiler lips and side sills. At launch, Audi is offering a limited run \nEdition model\n that adds a little more flare to the A1 S-Line \u2013 18-inch alloy wheels in bronze, white or black, tinted headlamps and taillamps as well as dechrome for the Singleframe grille and badges.   Inside the A1 is touted with \u201cthe sportiest interior in the compact class\u201d with the cabin dominated by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (Audi Virtual Cockpit with extended functions available as an option) and an optional 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system. The interior was penned to create a seamless and driver-focused cockpit. Other available options include wireless charging tray, \n560W 11-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System\n and 30-colour ambient lighting.\nAvailable powertrains on the A1 include a range of turbo petrol engines with output ranging from \n95 hp\n to \n200 hp\n. A six-speed manual and seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission are available for all engines but the top-of-the-range \n200 hp\n A1 gets the six-speed S Tronic instead.   Safety is regarded very highly in this supermini with standard driver assist systems including lane departure warning, Audi pre-sense front collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control with stop-go assist, Audi park assist, and reversing camera are however reserved for more expensive models.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A1 Sportback   Audi A1 Sportback Edition Model"
"Only 800 units of the Stinger GTS will be available and they be had either purely as a rear-wheel drive or opt for the new all-wheel drive system.\nIt\u2019s not like we\u2019ve had a chance to \ntry the ones that came to Malaysia\n but to think that there\u2019s an even hotter version of a car that\u2019s been lauded by foreign media as something comparable to the BMW 5-series, triggers even more hunger and curiosity to know.\nWhy? Because the development of this thing was led by Albert Biermann. And who in the world is this Albert dude, you ask?\nOnly the guy who\u2019s been developing BMWs for the last 30 years; serving as Vice President of Engineering in the BMW M Division. I guess that says enough about the man.\nThe Hyundai i30N.\nHe is now, however, the man who\u2019s charged with elevating Hyundai and Kia\u2019s fortunes as the Head of R&D in both companies to develop new high performance cars.\nAnd he\u2019s brought us the impeccable\n i30N\n. Again, enough said. Back to the Stinger GTS, the all-wheel drive system, dubbed the D-AWD, has been tweaked to offer a mix of all-wheel traction and pure rear-wheel fun.\nA mechanical limited-slip differential supports the D-AWD system by distributing power more evenly between the rear wheels should there be a slip.\nThree different drive modes accompany the car \u2013 Comfort, Sport and believe this, Drift Mode. In \nComfort Mode\n, 60% of power goes to the rear wheels, 80% in \nSport \nand 100% in \nDrift Mode\n.\nOutput wise, the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 still makes the same \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n which we\u2019ve not had a taste of.\nAs for the frivolous bits, the Stinger GTS gets an exclusive Federation Orange paint job, some carbon bits by the front grille, side mirror, hood vents, side vents, rear bumper and a custom Stinger emblem that replaces the Kia logo.\nThere\u2019s not much to highlight on the inside save for an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and suede-like material for the headlining. As for costs, the RWD version is set to cost USD44,000 (RM182k) while the D-AWD model asks for USD46,500 (RM193k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Joining the third-generation Audi TT lineup is the new TDI quattro variant, which Audi says will\u00a0deliver strong performance, excellent traction and high efficiency/frugality. It\u2019s offered in both hard top coupe and soft top roadster variants.\nThe TT TDI was initially available as a front-wheel drive, but customers in selected markets can now opt for the all-weather quattro version. Powering this TT is a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel\n engine, putting out \n182 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque, with the latter peaking from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm.\nThe RM400k Audi TTS is a monstrosity of a coupe, belting 286 hp and 380 Nm of torque from a 2.0L four-potter!\nAll four wheels will receive power from the sole \nsix-speed S tronic twin-clutch\n transmission. This results in a healthy century sprint of 6.7 seconds (7.0 seconds for the Roadster), and maxes out at 233km/h (228km/h for the Roadster). The six-speed stick is only reserved for the FWD TT 2.0 TDI.\nBack at home, Audi Malaysia is offering just two variants of the TT \u2013 the \n2.0 TFSI\n and \nTTS 2.0 TFSI\n. Unfortunately, the former isn\u2019t equipped with quattro, and neither TDI variants will come to Malaysia. On the flip side, there\u2019s a small chance the TT RS will hit our shores next year, so fingers crossed!\nMeanwhile, read our reviews of the \nAudi TT 2.0 TFSI\n and \nTT S 2.0 TFSI\n to find out if either one of the duo is the car for you!\nVIDEO GALLERY"
"Originally scheduled to be launched early next month, Hyundai has unveiled the all-new i20 ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, following the leaks that has been circulating online.\nOn the outside, the all-new Hyundai i20 carries a striking design featuring Hyundai\u2019s \u2018Sensuous Sportiness\u2019 design language. Most notably is the more dynamic stance of the car, thanks to the wider body and lowered roof.\nThe all-new i20 stands out with its use of sharp angles and creases, especially on the front and rear bumpers. Up front, the large grille dominates the front fascia, with the slim headlights integrated neatly into the \u201cwings\u201d of the front grille.\nThe rear of the all-new i20 is characterised by the LED taillights, which runs across the entire width of the tailgate. Hyundai says that the new lighting signature further emphasises the width and dynamic stance of the i20.\nLooking from the side, the wedge-style shape is amplified through a prominent (if not a tad busy) character line, as well as an unique C-pillar design. The two-tone roof and large\n 17-inch wheels\n complete the sporty look of the \nVolkswagen Polo\n rival.\nInside, Hyundai says that the all-new interior of the Hyundai i20 offers enhanced aesthetics, comfort, and best-in-class connectivity. Although the interior of the supermini has not been revealed yet, Hyundai has published a detailed sketch which provides us a good look at the newly redesigned cabin.\nThe dashboard now features a sculptured look that continues from door to door. Sitting up high on the dashboard are the \ntwo 10.25-inch displays\n \u2013 one each for the infotainment and instrument cluster. The infotainment display sits above the horizontal \u201cblades\u201d which runs across the entire width of the dashboard, hiding the air-con vents.\nThe all-new Hyundai i20 comes equipped with \nwireless Apple CarPlay\n and \nAndroid Auto\n connectivity, along with\n Hyundai\u2019s Blue Link system\n, which includes a navigation system with live traffic updates from TomTom, and remote access through a mobile application.\nHyundai has also included the brand\u2019s \nSmart Sense advance driver assistance suite\n, which includes safety and convenience features such as Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Assist with rear collision avoidance and cross-traffic alert, Driver Attention Warning, and High-Beam Assist.\nUnder the hood, the all-new Hyundai i20 will be offered with three different powertrain options, starting with the entry-level \n1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine \nwith \n84 hp\n, paired to a five-speed manual transmission.\nA \n1.0-litre turbocharged engine\n is also available on the B-segment hatchback, in either \n100 hp\n or \n120 hp\n guises. A \n48-volt mild hybrid system\n can be applied to the engine, either as an option for the 100 hp or as standard with the 120 hp.\nAccording to Hyundai, the mild-hybrid system contributes to a three to four percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The mild-hybrid powertrain can be paired to a seven-speed DCT gearbox, or a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT), which decouples the engine from the transmission automatically when coasting.\nThe non-hybrid 1.0-litre turbocharged engine will be available with the seven-speed DCT or a regular manual six-speeder."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today announced the confirmed price tag for the S 400 Hybrid variant; the Mercedes-Benz \nS400L Hybrid\n is selling at \nRM587,888\u00a0\nOTR without insurance. The all-new \nMercedes-Benz S-Class W222 was launched\n in March this year, with a three-model line-up; S 400 Hybrid, S 500 and S 63 AMG.\nThe confirmed selling price is about RM300,000 lower than its initial estimation somewhere below RM900,000 during its launch.\u00a0The massive \u2018reduction\u2019, thanks to the full duty exemptions granted to the locally-assembled hybrid car, means Malaysian buyers can now own a brand new S-Class for less.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia has invested RM15 million to equip its Pekan plant to roll out the completely-knocked-down S400L Hybrid.\u00a0The move is in support of Malaysia\u2019s direction of making the country an \nEnergy Efficient Vehicle\n (EEV) hub.\nKai Schlickum, Vice President, Sales and Marketing said, \u201cWith the S400L HYBRID qualifying and receiving full duty exemptions, we are proud to be able to contribute in helping Malaysia fulfil its ambition of becoming a regional EEV hub.\u201d\n\u201cWe have worked hard to bring the S-Class as a hybrid vehicle to the Malaysian market. Having invested a considerable amount in preparing our assembly line and manpower at our Pekan Plant. This marks another great achievement and certainly a milestone for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.\u201d said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Roland Folger.\nThe all-new S-Class codenamed \u2018W222\u2032, is the first car in the world to use only LED for its interior as well as exterior lighting system. That\u2019s almost \n500 LEDs\n used. Up to 112 of them are fitted in the headlights, 70 in the rear lights and 300 LEDs for interior\nThe S400L Hybrid, it is powered by a\n 3.5-litre V6 CGI\n engine and a electric motor, producing \n306 horsepower\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque; and 27 hp and 250 Nm of torque respectively. Mated with the 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox, acceleration figure is at 6.8 seconds, with top speed of 250 km/h.\nRead more about the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 here\nSpecifications\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Think \u2018hot hatch\u2019, and you\u2019ll think of the\n Golf GTI\n. But Volkswagen also has another (lesser celebrated) hot hatch called the \nPolo GTI\n, which is turning 25 this year. So to celebrate the anniversary, Volkswagen has unveiled the new limited-edition Polo GTI Edition 25, with only 2,500 units to ever be made.\nAs special as it may sound, though, the new special edition model is unfortunately all show without any additional \u2018go\u2019, as all you\u2019re getting for the extra money are just some visual mods. These include the blacked out roof, wing mirrors, and 18-inch wheels, complemented by exclusive decals on the sides, red brake calipers, and chrome-plated tailpipes at the back.\nThese extra touches do work quite well on the Ascot Grey paintwork, but the colour is not exclusive to the limited-edition model either (though not available on the regular GTI). What you won\u2019t be able to get on the regular Polo GTI, though, is the unique door sill plates that read \u2018One of 2500\u2019, denoting its limited-edition status.\nALSO READ:\n 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI updated in Malaysia with IQ. Drive ADAS system \u2013 from RM246k\nOtherwise, the rest of the car is essentially identical to the regular Volkswagen Polo GTI. Underneath the bonnet is a turbocharged two-litre inline-four engine, making \n207 hp\n and \n320 Nm \nof torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n6.5 seconds\n.\nAs with the standard Polo GTI, the new Edition 25 variant here comes with the specially-tuned suspension that also lowers the car by 15 mm. A XDS electronic differential lock system \u2013 also standard on the standard GTI \u2013 helps improve traction out of corners.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen celebrates 45 years of the Golf GTI with an angry-looking Clubsport 45 edition!\nGALLERY"
"With only 50 units of them made available by the Bespoke Collective department of Rolls-Royce, not only are owners be purchasing a really rare set of wheels, they\u2019re also acquiring a significant piece of history.\nThat\u2019s because the Wraith Eagle VIII was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of the most significant events of the 20th century \u2013 the first non-stop transatlantic flight by Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown.\n \nFriends of Sir Henry Royce, the two began their non-stop flight from St. John\u2019s, Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland in a modified World War I bomber aircraft which was powered by two 20.3-litre Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines (hence the name of the car), each making \n350 hp\n.\nThe two endured every possible setback imaginable as pilots with radio and navigation equipment failing almost immediately, leaving them to fly unguided through freezing temperatures and thick fog and sometimes, even upside down.\nThe Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines were the only components that were indestructible \u2013 propelling the plane at previously unimaginable speeds, averaging 185 km/h.\nEventually, using Brown\u2019s extraordinary skill as a navigator, the duo flew by the stars to the coast of Ireland.\n Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, CEO, Torsten M\u00fcller-\u00d6tv\u00f6s said, \u201cThis Rolls-Royce Collection demonstrates the extraordinary skill of our Bespoke Collective at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex.\n\u201cBespoke remains the jewel in the crown of the marque, creating luxury items that defy the trend of mass luxury manufacturers using \u2018tick-box\u2019 options to answer customer demand,\u201d he added.\nAnd one of 50 of these tributes to mankind\u2019s achievement is said to be heading to Malaysia \u2013 a true honour for the local clientele.\nIn anticipation of its arrival, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur, Director, Mr. Anas Zawawi said, \u201cIncreasingly, we are seeing demand for highly bespoke, limited edition cars in Malaysia. Our customers are connoisseurs of luxury, always seeking the rarest and most exclusive in the luxury world.\u201d\nLooking at the aesthetics, Rolls-Royce has gone out of their way to ensure that not only are customers buying a piece of rare history, they could even be buying the immersive experience of being Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown.\nTake the exterior for example, the black grille vanes pay tribute to the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engine of the bomber aircraft while brass speaker covers depict the flight distance of 1,880 miles (approx. 3,025km).\nInside, smoked Eucalyptus wood is vacuum metalised in gold to depict the night time images of the Earth from above. To replicate the frozen instrument panel experienced by the pilots, Rolls-Royce fabricated a clock with an iced background effect which glows in faint green in night time driving conditions.\nThe craziest detail of the cabin, typical in a Rolls-Royce, is the starlight headliner which in this case, more than 1,183 starlight fibres were used to re-enact the night sky at the time of the flight.\nWhat makes the headlining even cooler is that even clouds were embroidered on it, complemented with the flight path embroidered in brass thread, while red fibre optic lights indicate the point at which the pilots began navigating through the stars."
"A few days ago, UMW Toyota Motor\n launched the facelift Toyota Fortuner\n which will now feature three variants \u2013 the 2.7 SRZ, 2.8 VRZ and a 2.4-litre variant exclusively for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.\nThe Fortuner comes with list of changes on both design and on-board features. At the front, the facelift Fortuner now comes with redesigned headlamps, more prominent \u201ceye brows\u201d, a new grille design and smaller fog light housing.\n \nAt the back the rear now features a completely blacked-out lower rear bumper, a black strip across the tailgate and L-shaped rear fog light trims.\nThe new facelift Fortuner 2.8 VRZ shares the same engine with the new Hilux, with 204 hp and 500 Nm. Meanwhile, the 2.7 SRZ model soldiers on with the same 2.7-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with\n\u00a0166 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0\n245 Nm\n.\nBoth are equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions with a new Sports mode, along with the new Auto LSD feature. The facelift Fortuner\u2019s off-road capabilities have also been enhanced with the addition of Active Traction Control (in 4WD) to go with the Downhill Assist feature.\nAlso new in the Fortuner is the Variable Flow Control (VFC) power steering. The system puts the power steering pump on standby when the vehicle is not being steered. This helps reduce the strain on the engine, to improve fuel economy.\nAs for safety, the Fortuner comes with seven airbags and Toyota Safety Sense features such as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and autonomous braking.\nThe new facelift Fortuner is accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with a revised service package. Instead of servicing every 5,000km/3 months, the interval has been extended to 10,000km/6 months.\nGALLERY"
"No, this isn\u2019t the flying car our Entrepreneur Development minister is so enthusiastic about, but when you go around the Nordschleife quickly, the car tends to get \u2018airborne\u2019 over the seemingly endless crests and dips of the infamous Green Hell.\nThe Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept looks the part.\nLynk & Co isn\u2019t the first Chinese-owned brand to break records at the Nurburgring, but it\u2019s the emphatic manner which they achieved it with their motorsport and performance partner \nCyan Racing\n \u2013 previously known as \nPolestar\n but the brand been acquired by Volvo for their \nnew electric division\n \u2013 that grabbed headlines.\n \nWatch how Thed Bj\u00f6rk tamed the Green Hell.\nThe weapon of choice was a \nfront-wheel drive 03 Cyan Concept sedan\n based on the WTC Cup race car, powered by a \n2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine\n churning out an extraordinary \n528 hp and 504 Nm\n output (with an 8,000rpm limiter), mated to a \n6-speed sequential transmission\n and supported by a \nlimited slip differential\n for the benefit of traction.\nThe road-going 03 Cyan Concept sedan is capable of accelerating from \nzero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds\n, 0-200 km/h in 10 seconds and tops out at \n310 km/h\n. It rides on \nOhlins adjustable dampers\n and 20-inch \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 \nrubber on all four corners.\nWith 2017 WTC champion \nThed Bj\u00f6rk\n (below) behind the wheel, the 03 Cyan Concept shattered the \nexisting FWD and four-door saloon records\n with a time of \n7:20.143\n around the full 20.8 km North Loop, beating the FWD mark held by the \nRenault Megane R.S.\n \nTrophy-R by 20 seconds, and it also eclipsed the\n \nJaguar Project 8\n \nfour-door saloon record by 3 seconds on a slightly shorter version (20.6 km) of the same track with a time of 7:15.123. Ouch!\nAccording to Cyan Racing, the objective was to \ndemonstrate the potential of the Volvo-Geely developed CMA platform\n which not only underpins the Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept sedan, but also the \n40-series Volvo\n models (including the \nXC40\n and upcoming ones) and the \nGeely Xing Yue crossover\n."
"Perodua has just launched the Perodua Bezza Limited Edition at the \n2019 Malaysia Autoshow\n.\nOnly 50 units\n of the specially-built budget sedan will be available and you can only purchase one exclusively during the autoshow weekend at \nRM44,890\n.\nBased on the Bezza 1.3 Premium X, the Bezza Limited Edition exterior is finished in Ivory White to contrast the GearUp body kit in matte black with red lower pinstripe.\nIt also features an exclusive matte black rear spoiler, blacked-out roof, red door mirror covers, geometric graphics and dark grey alloys measuring 14-inches in diameter.\nInside, it features GearUp seat covers with red topstitching, red air vent surrounds and GearUp coil mats.\nOther than that, kit count remains the same as before with halogen reflector headlamps, keyless entry and start, rear USB charging ports, front and rear parking sensors.\nUnder the hood lies the same 1.3-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine making\n 94 hp\n and\n 121 Nm\n of torque. The Bezza Limited Edition is only available with the 4-speed automatic transmission.\nThe Perodua Bezza Limited Edition will only be available for booking at the 4-day event at MAEPS, Serdang and not anywhere else, not even Perodua showrooms nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua\u00a0Bezza\u00a0Limited\u00a0Edition\u00a0at\u00a02019\u00a0Malaysia\u00a0Autoshow"
"Joining the recently facelifted\u00a0\nFord Mustang\n is this drop-top variant. Among notable changes include a revised fascia and a new 10-speed automatic transmission.\nApart from having its roof chopped off, many of its features are carried over from the facelifted coupe. This includes the brand new, high-res\u00a0\n12-inch digital gauge\n\u00a0which replaces the conventional analogue gauges. \nThe Ford GT\n\u00a0also received similar upgrades to the instrument binnacle.\u00a0\nJust like the coupe, the Mustang convertible can be had with either a\u00a0\n2.3-litre EcoBoost\n four-cylinder engine\u00a0or the\u00a0\n5.0-litre V8\n. Optional items include\n\u00a0MagneRide\n suspension which improves handling and\u00a0\nactive valve exhaust\n that gives off a raspier note under load.\nWill it ever come to Malaysia? We can\u2019t say for sure, but if there\u2019s demand."
"UMW Toyota Motor\n (UMWT) sold \n6,637\n cars in July 2022, of which 6,624 were Toyota cars and 13 were from the Lexus brand. The \nToyota Hilux\n played a major role in the month\u2019s sales figures, with a total of 1,788 units delivered last month, retaining the Hilux\u2019s title of the best-selling pick-up truck in Malaysia since 2005.\nNaturally, UMW Toyota\u2019s month-on-month sales have been affected by the \nreinstatement of the Sales & Service Tax (SST)\n, showing a 25% drop from the \n8,939 units in June\n. However, its year-to-date performance from January to July 2022 still saw a 48% year-on-year improvement over the same period in 2021 (35,561 units), with a total sales of \n52,548 units\n (Toyota and Lexus) recorded thus far.\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K said, \u201cUMW Toyota Motor is committed to ensuring prompt vehicle delivery. We are working around the clock to intensify production to ensure faster delivery to new car owners who have been patiently waiting. We thank all our customers for their patience and understanding.\u201d\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota sales up by 35% in first half of 2022, Veloz to launch soon\nRiding on the confidence of on-time vehicle delivery, the month of August sees UMWT offering \nYaris\n and \nVios\n buyers benefits worth RM4,000 on top of cash rebates. The carmaker expects sales to steadily increase as Malaysians take advantage of deals and savings to upgrade to newer vehicles.\nAligning with the Toyota Global commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and in support of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, UMWT recently held two events \u2013 a tree planting programme at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park and a Hike and Clean event at Bukit Broga, Semenyih.\nRELATED: \nHonda City hatchback vs Toyota Yaris \u2013 Who is the B-segment hatchback king?"
"In light of the government-imposed \nMovement Control Order\n beginning \n18\nth\n March\n till the end of this month to contain the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, \nEdaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)\n showrooms and \nTan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS)\n service centres will \ncease operations\n temporarily.\nIf you are supposed to take delivery of a new Nissan car or had scheduled a service appointment over this period \n(18\nth\n to 31\nst\n March, 2020)\n, you will be contacted by ETCM and TCEAS via voice, SMS or the \nDriveOn app\n on the next course of action, if not already.\nETCM and TCEAS expect to \nresume business operations\n on\n 1\nst\n April 2020\n. To get in touch with the \nNissan Customer Care Centre\n, call \n1-800-88-3838\n."
"Having previously announced the imminent arrival of the \nA6 and A7 facelift\n, sources from Audi Malaysia have also said that the refreshed Audi Q3 will be joining the lineup later this year.\nJust as before, the Q3 will be offered with two engine options \u2013 a \n1.4-litre TFSI\n or \n2.0-litre TFSI Quattro\n. The smaller engine powering this compact SUV is currently offered at a sub-RM220k price tag and produces \n150 hp\n from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and \n250 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. Power is sent to the\n front wheels\n only via a \nsix-speed S tronic automatic\n transmission.   The larger\n 2.0-litre TFSI\n unit on the other hand, has \ntwo states of tunes\n; a \n180 hp and 320 Nm\n or the \n220 hp and 350 Nm\n configuration, both of which will send drive to all four wheels via Audi\u2019s \nQuattro system\n through a \nseven-speed S tronic automatic\n transmission. The 1.4 TFSI manages the century sprint in a brisk \n8.9 seconds\n before topping out at \n204 km/h\n, whereas the 2.0 TFSI (180 hp) does it in \n7.6 seconds\n and\n 217 km/h\n respectively.\nThere\u2019s not much going on for a facelift to be honest, but you can always expect a refresh in styling if Audi is the subject at hand. Things new to the Q3 are the \nbi-xenon headlights\n that come with a redesigned LED daytime running lights as standard (LED headlights optional), the \nnew Singleframe \u20183D\u2019 grille\n with extra bits of chrome, various wheel design choices ranging from 16-inch to 20-inch and a new pair of \nLED tail lights\n.\n \n \nInside remains relatively unchanged, and the Q3 still comes with \nAudi\u2019s Multi Media Interface\n (MMI) built just underneath the centre air-conditioning vents. The system supports multiple connectivity if customers opt for the Audi Connect system, granting handsfree call function, GPS navigation, voice control and internet accessibility via the integrated WiFi hotspot.\nAlso worth mentioning here is the RS Q3, but let\u2019s first come to terms that this variant will not be making its way here. It\u2019s powered by a \n2.5-litre five-cylinder\n TFSI engine (also shared with the \nRS3\n) but is tuned to make \n340 hp and 450 Nm of torque\n, compared to the RS3\u2019s \n367 hp and 465 Nm\n of AMG-beating numbers.\nDespite meeting the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard, the range topping Q3 variant accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in a blistering \n4.8 seconds\n before reaching an electronically limited\n 250 km/h\n. It also gets \nAudi\u2019s Quattro system\n, and the \nseven-speed S tronic dual clutch automatic\n transmission.   Besides what lies underneath the hood, the RS Q3 gets appropriate RS-exclusive styling, like the restyled front bumper with larger intake scoops, standard 19-inch alloy wheels and a new rear bumper with built-in diffusers. The side mirrors are also finished in satin aluminium.\nThe outgoing Audi Q3 is priced marginally below the RM220k and RM260k mark for the 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI respectively. If you wish to find out more about Audi\u2019s baby SUV, do stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi Q3 Facelift   Audi RS Q3 Facelift"
"It all began with the first-generation Prius in 1997, and since then, brands under the Toyota group has sold a total of 15 million hybrid vehicles spanning a period of 23 years.\nToyota made the decision to develop a hybrid electric vehicle some 25 years ago, referring to the Prius as a \u2018car for the 21\nst\n century\u2019. The team was led by chief engineer \nTakeshi Uchiyamada\n, who rose through the ranks to assume the current position of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Toyota Motor Corporation.\nTakeshi Uchiyamada was the chief engineer of the first Prius, now he\u2019s the Chairman.\nUchiyamada\u2019s brief was to engineer a car that would emit low greenhouse emissions and tailpipe pollutants in order to achieve Toyota\u2019s vision to become a leader in vehicle emissions in the world. The breakthrough product was the Prius \u2013 \nthe world\u2019s first mass produced hybrid car\n, with many models following thereafter.\nDespite being first automaker to make cutting-edge hybrid technology available to the average consumer, Toyota hybrid vehicles have also led the field in reliability and dependability, and contributed to a savings of more than \n120 million tonnes of CO2\n compared to equivalent petrol-powered vehicles. Well, here\u2019s to the next 15 million then."
"Ever since the Mercedes-Benz brand was founded in 1926, the carmakers have already been experts in automobile manufacturing and quickly became one of the first few brands to venture into luxury vehicles. Almost a century later, the three pointed star has evolved into a household symbol of prestige, luxury and elegance that many others aspire to become.\nWith their rich heritage and German expertise in building some of the greatest vehicles in automotive history, Mercedes-Benz today\u00a0has progressed leaps and bounds to offer a wide variety of cars to suit every single palette. To help customers to identify their passenger cars fleet, Mercedes-Benz has categorised their fleet to four distinct tiers \u2013 Limousine, Compact Cars, Premium SUV and Dream Cars.\nLimousine as the name suggests, refers to the four-door saloons \u2013 \nC Class\n, \nE Class\n and \nS Class\n. Compact Cars refers to the \nA Class\n, \nCLA\n and \nGLA\n, whereas the SUVs all fall under the\u00a0\nPremium SUV\n\u00a0portfolio. Lastly, everything else that oozes desirability, screams attention and appeared in your teenage wet dreams fall under the \nDream Cars range\n,\u00a0which will be the focus for today.\nFor the longest time, the Dream Cars range was perceived as cars sold to those in their midlife crisis, privileged child, attention seekers; you get the drift. However, during a brief trip with the team behind Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), we get to sample the entire Dream Cars range over the course of two days. Suffice to say, it\u2019s far, far more than just fashion accessories and symbol of status.\nThose are a given, of course, but the experience that comes with driving those cars transcends rationality and practicality. it\u2019s quite literally, \nliving the dream\n.\nOur drive from Desa Park City led us up the scenic roads of Cameron Highlands before putting a night at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh. I started my day in the track focused \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe\n. Armed with a burly\u00a0\n4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n\u00a0handcrafted by an AMG engineer, the C is every bit a track weapon. It slices through corners like it\u2019s on rails, blasting into the horizon at neck breaking speed, all while providing constant aural symphony. It\u2019s as if I was driving through kilometres after kilometres of fireworks. Proper AMG stuff, this.\nYet, despite all that performance, it maintains every luxurious aspect of a regular C Class. That is the beauty of 21st\u00a0century engineering, to produce a monster so that regular Joes like myself are able to properly enjoy without having to go through Formula One driver training. Driving the C 63 S Coupe was truly an exhilarating experience, and to this day I still distinctly remember its epic soundtrack.\nTo the untrained eye, it\u2019s a \nboy racer\n C Class coupe. But it\u2019s perfect for those looking to \nquietly \nget around town during the weekday and tear the race track apart on weekends. Oh, and did I mention that it seats \nfour people\n too?\nHopping into the \nMercedes-AMG GT S\n for a short cruise around the busy town of Cameron Highlands, one might expect that this beast of a machine will make your palms sweat and heart rate accelerate from just the sheer grunt and brutality alone. Yes, it\u2019s all that, but there\u2019s most certainly more.\nHustling along the busy roads under 60 km/h showed a different side of the GT S. It was composed, manageable and surprisingly comfortable; qualities that are hard to wrap your head around this RM1.2 million g\nrand tourer\n. Even so, the attention that it was getting does not fall short of an all-out \nsupercar\n. It truly is a special car for every single occasion on the calendar.\nAt the lowest end of the Dream Cars range is the \nC 200 Coupe\n which was the vehicle of choice for our final leg from Cameron Highlands to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. Jumping from the AMGs to this little comfort cruise was a little underwhelming in the performance department, but boy did the feel-good factor make up for all that was missed.\nMaybe it was the sophisticated good looks (the C 63 S Coupe gets all the AMG bits, packing far far more aggression), or perhaps it was the relaxed nature of the car. Maybe a little of both. Whatever it is, it made arriving at the \n5-Star hotel\n no less of an event.\nLast but certainly not the least are the cabriolets that make up the rest of the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars range. MBM brought along the \nSLC 200, SLC 300\n and \nC 300 Cabriolet\n with us and after spending some time with it, I came to realise that having a convertible in Malaysia is no longer a foolish decision.\nThe common logic is \u201c\nMalaysia so hot la, why would you want a\u00a0convertible\n\u201d? Well, that is precisely why Malaysia is one of the best country to own a convertible. Located close to the equator, we enjoy day-long sunshine with fairly predictable downpours as opposed to unpredictable snowfall and gloomy weather in other parts of the hemisphere. In short, we have just the perfect climate to put the roof down.\nBeing able to feel the wind in your hair and the sky as your roof is an indescribable feeling that needs to be experienced first-hand to appreciate. Driving a convertible does not mean that you need go everywhere with the roof down. Professor Oak said, \u201cThere\u2019s a time and place for everything\u201d, and a convertible is something you take out with your hair down as you drive your problems adrift.\nJalan Kuching on a Monday morning is not the only time you get to drive your beautiful Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet anyway. Now the question is, would you rather share the experience with just\u00a0one other person, or with three others?\nAfter this wonderful media drive with the entire Dream Cars range, I\u00a0have personally developed a newfound appreciation for these \nmid-life crisis \ncars. Because they are not just for middle aged individuals who are reevaluating life decisions, but also for those who love to live life in the moment; those whose appreciation for the finer things go beyond having black caviars as snacks.\nIt\u2019s a symbol of prestige, luxury and elegance; the finest works of Mercedes-Benz. The million dollar question now is, which would be your pick?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Engine technology in cars, from variable valve timing to low pressure\u00a0turbo, has brought to light many familiar acronyms such as VVT-i or VTEC. Now, there\u2019s a new tech in town, and its called the VC-T, short for variable compression ratio developed by Infiniti.\nNissan\u2019s luxury arm just revealed the\n 2.0-litre\n\u00a0\nvariable compression-turbocharged \u00a0petrol engine\n, which is the world\u2019s first production-ready\u00a0variable compression ratio engine. As the name implies, the engine\u2019s compression ratio varies depending on situations, made possible by seamlessly raising or lowering the height of the pistons\u2019 travel.\nClick to enlarge\nWant the extra oomph for speed? The compression ratio\u00a0will go as low as\u00a0\n8.0:1 for high performance\n. How about saving fuel? Not a problem as well, as the engine\u2019s compression ratio can go as high as\u00a0\n14.0:1 to achieve optimum fuel economy\n. The engine control logic is responsible for facilitating the entire process.\nThis technology took Nissan two decades to develop, and seeks to deliver the best traits of a turbocharged diesel and petrol engine. Not only does this improve fuel consumption and emission figures, but the new engine is also lighter and is lower on noise and vibration levels. However, no details have been unveiled on the engine\u2019s output at this point of time.\nThis brings to the question: does this mark the end of the oil burner? By looking at the recent \u201c\ndieselgate\n\u201d scandal and with cities looking to ban diesel vehicles, this high-tech lump from Infiniti could put a nail into the diesel\u2019s coffin. However, we might need to wait for more details on this impressive tech during its official unveiling at\u00a0the\u00a0\nMondial de l\u2019Automobile\n on 29 September 2016."
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has officially launched the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre where the Terrapod was brought along to demonstrate just how capable this machine really is.\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy)\n on \nAug 20, 2015 at 9:35pm PDT\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLand Rover Discovery Sport\nEngine\n1998cc inline-four turbo\nTransmission\nZF 9-speed automatic gearbox\nMax Power\n236hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n340 Nm @ 1,750 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n8.2 secs\nTop Speed\n200 km/h\nPrice\nRM399,000\nEXTERIOR\nAs far as looks go, this landy has certainly grown and gained its striking looks from its siblings along the same totem pole. There\u2019s an interesting culmination and blend of various styling cues borrowed from other models; the front end has a whiff of the \nEvoque\n about it upon first glance while back end has a hint and a dash of the \nRange Rover\n.\n \n \nHowever, the \nDiscovery Sport\n stands bold with a rather sleek side profile. The Disco sits on a choice of wheels ranging from \n18 to 20 inch\n wheels. It sits closer to the ground than its predecessor and as its \u201cSport\u201d name suggests, it\u2019s weighs lesser and appears much smaller than the model before.\nINTERIOR\nJLR is hailing the new Discovery Sport as the world\u2019s most versatile compact premium SUV and from the looks of it, it really looks the part. But therein lies an issue, for JLR has said that the Disco Sport is a \n5+2 seater\n but upon closer inspection,\u00a0the third row would be a bit of a squeeze for even the most petite of adventurers. Kids fewer than \nfive feet tall\n should fit in just fine though.   Powered seats\n and ambient\u00a0\nmood lighting\n is as you would expect from the JLR family. Plush\n leather seats\n are needless to say at this juncture. And note also, for those with an astute ear from music and sound quality, JLR has thrown in a \n17-speaker Meridian Surround Sound\n system with subwoofer for good measure (as a cost option) that comes compatible with \nBluetooth, iPod and USB\n connectivity.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Disco Sport can be had in two flavours \u2013 the\u00a0\n2.0-litre Si4 petrol\n\u00a0powered version and an oil burning\n\u00a02.2-litre SD4\n\u00a0model. Each of these engines are mated to ZF\u2019s\u00a0\nall-new nine-speed\n\u00a0\u2013 yes, you read that right. And what this means is that the Disco Sport is now more fuel efficient and gives the driver\u00a0\nbetter power delivery\n.   The Discovery Sport is packed together with the Efficient Driveline, \nfulltime all-wheel drive system\n that has the power to scale inclines of up to \n45 degrees\n. That\u2019s almost \n14 degrees\n more than its competitors, says Land Rover.\nWith a wading depth of up to \n600mm\n, \noptimised approached\n, \ndeparture and break-over\n angles, it is said to give drivers proper feedback on the surroundings and allows them to pushthis Landy to greater heights. On that note, the Disco Sport is equipped with HDC or \nHill Decent Control\n.\u00a0\nThose familiar with the brand will be stoked to discover that the brilliant\n Terrain Response\n \nSystem\n lent over from the Range Rover is present here as well. This system tailors the steering, throttle response, gearbox, braking and centre-coupling to the terrain underneath.\nSAFETY\nAll that said, safety hasn\u2019t taken a back seat as the Discovery Sport comes with a total of seven airbags. Other safety features include \nABS, ETC, Hill Start, Roll Stability Control \n(RSC)\n, Dynamic Stability Contro\nl (DSC) and a plethora of other three-lettered acronyms.\nWhen it comes to the safety of younger passengers, the Disco has \nISOFIX\n anchor points for child seats and a \npassenger cut-off switch\n for the front airbag if you choose to have a child seat affixed. And for when the roads in front of you get treacherous and find yourself braking hard, the\n hazard lights\n come on to warn other motorist of the impending hazard.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Disco comes with all the bells and whistles of an SUV of this caliber. You will be met with luxuries such as \ncruise control, passive entry, push to start, colour reverse camera \nand a \nGPS navigation\u00a0system\n. Three interior colour varieties are offered \u2013 \nEbony, Cirrus/Lunar \nand\n Glacier/Lunar\n which can be paired up to match the \n12\n different exterior licks of paint available. Jaguar Land Rover has recently upgraded its warranty package, and the Disco Sport now comes with a \nfive-year or 300,000 km warranty\n, \nfive years or 80,000 km\n of free scheduled maintenance and a \nthree-year roadside assistance service.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aseel Al Hamad has raced in different race tracks around the world but has never turned a wheel in her home country. Sound\u2019s weird? That\u2019s because Saudi Arabia only officially lifted the ban on women driving on 25 June 2018.\nAseel, who is the first female board member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and Saudi Arabian representative at Women in Motorsport Commission for F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\u2019Automobile (FIA), joined Jaguar in a lap of honour on a race track in her home country to commemorate this historic moment. She got to do it in style too, behind the wheel of a Jaguar F-type.\nJaguar is also taking this opportunity to call for 24 June to be known as World Driving Day \u2013 a day when finally, the whole world can enjoy the thrill of behind the wheel of a car.\nAseel said: \u201cHaving loved cars since I was a child, today is highly emotional for me. This is the best driving moment of my life. What better way to kick off World Driving Day than a lap of honour in my home country in a Jaguar F-TYPE \u2013 the ultimate car to roar around the track. I hope people around the world will share in our joy today by sharing their most memorable driving story using #WorldDrivingDay.\u201d\nJaguar Land Rover spokesperson, Fiona Pargeter, Customer Experience Director comments: \u201cIt\u2019s easy to forget and take for granted the enjoyment of driving and just what a privilege it is to get behind the wheel of a car. World Driving Day is a commitment from Jaguar to celebrate this key moment annually for both men and women. This year, we\u2019re really excited to collaborate with the brilliant students from Saudi Arabia to shape the future of mobility for people around the world.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"According to Land Rover, half of its customers are dog owners and occasionally bring their furry friends along with them on car journeys. Which is why the British carmaker has since introduced a range of accessories to make car rides even more comfortable for man\u2019s best friend.\nEach Pet Pack includes a selection of specially chosen accessories to suit different needs whether is it for getting from point A to B or even living life on the road. They include a premium quilted load spaceliner to protect against paw prints, a foldable pet carrier, access ramp, spill-resistant water bowl and a portable shower for those muddy walks.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9VDIof9Ods\nProduct Marketing Director, Finbar McFall said: \u201cLand Rover is all about enjoying the great outdoors and that goes hand-in-hand with dog ownership for many customers. Our customers told us that the comfort of their dogs on car journeys is crucial. They are part of the family and we recognise that. Our new Pet Packs will allow dogs to travel in real comfort and make journeys simpler and more relaxing for animals and at the same time protect the inside of owners\u2019 vehicles.\u201d\nThe new Land Rover Pet Pack are available for Land Rover models in the UK \u2013 Discovery Sport, Discovery, \nRange Rover Evoque\n, \nRange Rover Velar\n, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz\u2019 appetite for excellence appears boundless \u2013 like that cousin at Chinese New Year gatherings who just wouldn\u2019t stop eating.\nAs if making the \u201cbest or nothing\u201d and \nshattering vehicle sales records in consecutive years\n aren\u2019t enough, they\u2019ve gone on to slap their name on a stadium in what was dubbed the biggest sponsorship deal in Mercedes-Benz\u2019 history.\n \nWhat makes the staggering \n72,000 seating capacity\n stadium really cool is the eight-panel retractable roof (with each weighing over 500 tonnes) resting on the top of the dome-like structure like a crown and that it\u2019s home to the\n world\u2019s largest video board\n.\nThe retractable roof is said to take just \neight minutes to fully open or close\n with a truly dramatic effect from an aerial view. The \u201chalo LED video board\u201d that provides spectators with a 360-degree view on the other hand, is simply in a league of its own.\n \nNo matter where you\u2019re sitting in he stadium, you\u2019ll be able to catch the action from the screen. Lay them out in a line and it\u2019s \neven taller than the Eiffel Tower\n (1,063 ft) at 1,100 feet!\nWork on the USD1.6 billion stadium that\u2019s home to the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) began in 2014 and was opened in August 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems every car manufacturer should worry about Global NCAP test. A latest run involving a number of budget cars for the Indian market has ended with devastating results. Five models have scored zero stars in a crash test performed by Glocal NCAP, showing the dire lack of safety features on budget cars sold in developing countries.\nThe flunked cars are the\u00a0\nRenault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco,\n \nHyundai Eon\n\u00a0and \nMahindra\n \nScorpio\n. They\u00a0are all not sold in Malaysia (the Scorpio was offered for a brief time about a decade ago). These cars are made for budget-conscious consumers in India, prioritising pricing and fuel economy over everything else. The price? Well, enough to neglect safety, which explains why India is having one of the highest traffic death rates in the world.\nAll these cars crumpled like papers when tested at speeds of 64 km/h. Most of these cars (except the Kwid) are sold without a single airbag in their standard trims, but even with the inclusion of an airbag did little to save lives as their structure collapsed during testing. Global NCAP is certainly not pleased with Renault, which has long positioned itself as a global safety leader.\nSpeaking about Renault, the Kwid\u00a0is one of India\u2019s best-selling cars and three variants were tested by Global NCAP. The initial one, without a single airbag, scored\u00a0zero stars in adult occupant protection and two stars in child occupant protection. Renault then sent an updated Kwid\u00a0with a strengthened bodyshell (with and without a single airbag fitted). Sadly, both cars failed to pass Global NCAP as it suffered from the same structural collapse.\nPresently, all cars sold in Malaysia are tested by \nASEAN NCAP\n.\nThe following below are the videos from the aforementioned cars."
"For the first time in\nthe history of the Audi S5, the Sportback and Coupe are now powered by a\n3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel TDI engine coupled with a 48V mild hybrid system. The new\npowerplant promises best in class power, torque and efficiency.\nThe 3.0-litre TDI pushes out \n347 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque paired to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. A rear-biased Quattro permanent all-wheel drive (40:60 front to rear) is standard, allowing the S5 Coupe to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.8 seconds\n (4.9 seconds for the Sportback) and will continue to accelerate to an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nTo refresh your memory, the \n3.0-litre V6 TFSI S5\n packs \n354 hp\n/\n500 Nm\n and completes the century sprint a touch quicker at \n4.7 seconds\n. Most importantly, the V6 petrol engine makes some authentic pops and crackles, something a diesel engine can\u2019t produce without some electric trickery.\nHowever, the new oil burner is a far more efficient than the TFSI unit especially with the additional onboard 48V integrated starter generator (ISG) which \nreduces fuel consumption\n by up to 0.4 litres per 100 km. The new ISG system also provides greater comfort during engine start/stop operations.\nThe updated S5 is still a dynamic model at its core with S-specific tunings for the steering rack, adaptive dampers, multi-link suspension and optional sport differential to give the car an engaging driving experience.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAudi\u00a0S5\u00a03.0L\u00a0V6\u00a0TDI"
"The \nLego Technic\n\u2018s garage of brick replica cars has grown again, this time the Ferrari 488 GTE race car that competes in the \nFIA WEC 24 hour of Le Mans\n.\nWhile this is not the first time Lego has worked with the the Italian carmaker \u2013 in fact the two companies have had a 15-year-long partnership to date, the Ferrari 488 GTE \u201cAF Corse #51\u201d will be the first \nFerrari \nmodel to be made into Lego Technic form.\nFor the less nerdy crowd, Lego Technic means working mechanical parts, in hand-pieced brick form of course. In this instance, the Lego Ferrari 488 GTE features working front and rear suspension, a V8 engine with moving pistons, as well as a steering wheel \u2013 complete with the Prancing Horse logo \u2013 that actually turns the wheels.\nOf course, it wouldn\u2019t be called a replica if it doesn\u2019t at least somewhat look like the actual car. Measuring 48 cm long, the 488 GTE Lego Technic kit will also come with the original race number (#51) and sponsor stickers as seen on the actual AF Corse race car piloted by James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi, as well as an \u201cauthentic\u201d Tricolore paintjob for the full Italian race car effect.\nThe Ferrari 488 GTE \u201cAF Corse #51\u201d is built from \n1,677 individual Lego Technic pieces\n, good for hours of fun even for a man-child like yours truly. Yes, it doesn\u2019t quite match up to some of the top-of-the-line Lego Technic models such as the \nLamborghini Sian FKP 37\n, but at least the price reflects that.\nThe Lego Technics Ferrari 488 GTE is priced at \nRM799.90\n, and will be available at all Lego Certified Stores, the official Lazada and Shopee stores, Legoland, and major retailers and department stores across Malaysia starting \nJanuary 4\n.\nGALLERY"
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the brand Peugeot in Malaysia, has announced the arrival of the limited-run \nPeugeot 208 S\n. This pretty French hatch is priced \nRM1,000 more\n than the regular 208 VTi, and all you\u2019re getting for that extra bit of dough are cosmetic enhancements on the outside.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 208 S 1.6 VTi 5-Door\nEngine\n1,598cc; inline-4 DOHC\nTransmission\n4-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n120 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n160 Nm @ 4,250 rpm\nPrice\nRM\u00a086,888 (OTR with insurance)\n\u00a0\nSo what do you get besides the obvious \nred and black stripes\n smacked around the car? If we were to be frank, not much, really, but you do get a blacked out side mirror with red accents, a\n sportier grille\n taken from the 3-door VTi model and a \nred-accented front lip\n. At the back, you get the model\u2019s \nexclusive rear spoiler\n finished in gloss black, and like the rest of the car\u2019s dual-tone theme, it gets highlighted\u00a0in red.   That\u2019s practically it for RM1,000. Under the hood beats the same old \n1.6-litre naturally aspirated\n VTi engine, one that makes \n120 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n160 Nm\n of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired to a \nfour-speed ZF automatic\n gearbox that drives the front wheels.\nThe kit list remains the same as the 208 VTi 5-door, because that\u2019s the model it\u2019s based on. Its road-going price is \nRM86,888 with insurance\n, and the 208 S is available in \none colour\n \u2013 Digital White \u2013 only.\nThis particular unit (below) is\u00a0wrapped in yellow vinyl, a test drive unit at Peugeot Blue Box showroom in Glenmarie. Yup, no idea why too.\nThe 208 S (wrapped in yellow vinyl) test drive unit at Peugeot Blue Box showroom in Glenmarie\nAs part of Peugeot Malaysia\u2019s Chinese New Year promotion, every purchase of the 208 S (and all other Peugeot models for that matter) comes with a complimentary iPhone 6. Yes, a \nfree iPhone\n.\nIt also comes with a \nfive-year warranty\n with \nunlimited mileage\n, together with Nasim\u2019s 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service, complimentary access to the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nall-new Honda BR-V\n is widely tipped to be the \nnext model that Honda Malaysia launches here in 2022\n. But while we Malaysians continue to wait, our friendly neighbours up north in Thailand have now beat us to the punch with the official launch of the all-new seven-seater MPV/crossover today.\nAvailable in just two variants in the Kingdom, the all-new Honda BR-V is priced at THB915,000 (approx. RM115k) for the entry-level E variant, and THB973,000 (approx. RM122k) for the range-topping EL, making it quite a bit dearer than its predecessor, as well as its chief rivals, the \nToyota Veloz\n and \nMitsubishi Xpander\n.\nSo what do the Thais get for the extra dough? For one, the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite is now standard on both variants, with features including autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and, road departure mitigation and lane departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beam.\nThe Honda LaneWatch camera is also included as standard, alongside a reverse camera and the usual suite of passive safety kit. The only difference in terms of safety between the two variants is the airbag count, with the entry-level variant receiving four, while the range-topping EL variant gets six airbags as standard.\nRELATED: \nNew Honda BR-V has fixed a \u2018flaw\u2019 in the previous gen\u2019s exterior design\nAside from safety kit, Honda was also pretty generous in terms of standard equipment for the all-new 2022 BR-V in Thailand, with items such as the leather upholstery, automatic climate control, remote engine start, and seven-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto shared across both variants.\nThe range-topping EL variant stands out with the addition of the larger 17-inch wheels (16-inch on the E), piano-black front grille, LED front fog lamps, auto-folding side mirrors, all-black combination leather upholstery, gearshift paddles, and six speakers on the inside.\nBoth variants are powered by the same, unchanged naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC inline-four engine with \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n on tap, with drive sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nBack home here in Malaysia, the current-gen Honda BR-V is also offered in two variants only, priced at RM90,700 (on-the-road, without insurance) for the base E variant, and RM97,700 for the range-topping V. Given the price increase on the second-generation model in Thailand, we can probably assume the same will happen here, when it\u2019s eventually launched here in Malaysia.\nWhile the Honda HR-V enjoyed quite a significant success here in Malaysia when it was\n first launched back in 2017\n, competition has since heated up in the segment with the addition of the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n, \nall-new Perodua Alza\n, as well as the\n upcoming Toyota Veloz\n \u2013 the latter estimated to be priced around the RM95k mark.\nCan the all-new 2022 Honda BR-V still enjoy the same success? Only time will tell, but are you excited to see the much better-looking BR-V here on our roads? Let us know in the comments below.\nGALLERY"
"While self-driving cars are the inevitable future of transportation, the journey towards autonomous driving varies from manufacturers to manufacturers. Audi has recently displayed their vision for autonomous driving using AI technology at the NIPS conference in California, USA.\nAudi\u2019s latest flagship model, the \nA8\n features Level Three autonomous driving where the driver can completely leave his/her attention off the road and let the car handle the rest. Using multiple sensors and radars, the \nAudi AI Traffic Jam Pilot\n allows autonomous driving at speeds of \nup to 60 km/h\n. However, the only limitation of the system is that the system is \nnot operable above speeds of 60 km/h\n due to the inability to accurately detect its surroundings 100 percent of the time.\nAudi AI traffic jam pilot in the new Audi A8\nNow, Audi is attempting to change that with its subsidiary company Audi Electronics Venture (AEV) working on using \nArtificial Intelligence\n to capture the exact surroundings of the car. The new AI system uses conventional front cameras as sensors and delivers 15 images per seconds at a resolution of 1.3 megapixels to a central computer which then processes the information.\nThe neural network (or AI) will then use semantic segmenting to identify each of the objects in the images and classifies it to 13 object classes allowing it to differentiate other cars, trucks, houses, road markings, people and traffic signs. The neural network will be trained using \u201c\nunsupervised learning\n\u201d which allows it to learn from observations of scenarios, cutting down the time needed to process information.\nAudi hopes that the AI will eventually be able to independently generate a model of the environment from camera data and drive the car itself without needing a preloaded or localised map data."
"Since 1999 BMW\u2019s M cars have been the Official Car of Motor GP and when the new season kicks off on the 28th of March at the Grand Prix Qatar, both riders and spectators will be greeted with a new line up of M cars.\nThis year marks the \nfirst time BMW M has presented three new safety cars \nand a safety bike. This includes the \nBMW M3\n,\n M4\n, \nM5 CS\n, and M 1000 RR Safety Bike \u2013 the latter being the first M bike from BMW Motorrad.\nThe M3 Competition in Frozen Grey Dark Metallic\nThe M4 Competition in S\u00e3o Paulo Yellow\nWith the new fleet of safety cars and bike for the 2021 Moto GP season, BMW M has foregone the classic motorsport colour scheme and instead \nopted for the exclusive colours offered to the production fleet\n.\nThat\u2019s not all. These cars have been slightly modified to be equipped with light bars, flashing front lights, quick-release bonnet latches, and emergency power shut-off switches.\nThe M5 CS in Frozen Deep Green Metallic.\nThe rear seats in the BMW M4 Competition have been removed but for the front seats, 4-point harnesses have been installed. The M3 and M4 in particular come with modified exhaust systems.\n\u201cWe are very proud to be starting the season with four new vehicles for the first time in our 20-year history as the \u2018Official Car of MotoGP\u2019. Our three new safety cars are \nbased on production models\n, which deliver outstanding performance and driving dynamics that make them ideally suited to appear in the Moto GP,\u201d said BMW M, CEO, Markus Flasch.\nGALLERY"
"Hankook Tire has introduced the latest iteration of their ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres in Malaysia, the Ventus Prime 3 (K125). Hankook claims that the tyre is designed to deliver the perfect balance between performance, comfort and safety.\nTo achieve that audacious claim, The K125 features \nfour channel grooves\n for rapid water drainage, and the grooves are also optimised for each tyre position to minimize\u00a0\u00a0the trade-off between dry and wet performance.\u00a0\nThe \ntread block stiffness\n has been enhanced to improve dry handling and braking performance, while the \nmain groove positioning\n is specifically tuned for reduced pattern noise even after wear.\nA \nhigh-grip silica compound\n is used in the Hankook Ventus Prime 3 for lower rolling resistance, while also providing improved dry and wet traction.\nThe Hankook Ventus Prime 3 has been recognised worldwide by various awards, including the Red Dot Award for Product Design in 2016, first place in the 2018 summer tire test held by Germany\u2019s automobile magazine Auto Bild, as well as top overall mark \u201cGood\u201d from the German Automobile Club (ADAC) in the 2018 summer tire test.\u00a0\nAccording to a Hankook Tire spokesperson, the Ventus Prime 3 will be available in sizes ranging from \n15 to 19 inches\n, where the larger two sizes are suitable for SUV applications as well.\u00a0 Pricing starts from \nRM180\n per piece for the K125, and is now available at all authorised Hankook dealers and workshops.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For those of you who have been eagerly waiting for the Volkswagen Golf MK7 facelift, sources in Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) hinted to \nAutoBuzz.my \nthat it will come as soon as Q3 of 2017. And yes, this includes the GTI and the R.\nThe \nGolf MK7 facelift\n gets a number of aesthetic revisions as well as an updated interior that adds goodies such as \nActive Info Display\n (found on the \nPassat B8\n and \nTiguan\n). Internationally, the base Golf gets a new EA211 \n1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n TSI engine that produces \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. Thanks to \nActive Cylinder Management\n (ACT) technology that shuts down the middle two cylinders during light throttle load. The Golf in this guise is capable of \n4.9 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe \nGTI\n soliders on with the 2.0-litre TSI but the engine has been massaged to churn out \n9 hp\n more to \n227 hp\n. Opt for the \nPerformance Pack\n\u00a0and the engine will push out another \n14 hp\n to\n 241 hp\n. A new \nseven-speed DSG\n that is more efficient will be replacing the current six-speed unit.\nAs for the \nR\n, the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot now makes \n10 hp\n and \n27 Nm\n more than before, bringing the total output to a whopping \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. This enables the R to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 4.6 seconds\n, a cool 0.3 seconds faster than the old unit. Like the GTI, transmission of choice is a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG.\nWhen asked whether the Golf has a chance of being a locally assembled model, our source explained that it is a hard business case to make as the Golf does not command the volume as their sedan and SUV range, therefore the company will be focusing on their core models for the time being. Regardless, we can\u2019t wait to get our hands on the updated Golf. Prepare your cheque books, people!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two years after the \nintroduction of the original prototype vehicle\n at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the\n Nissan GT-R50\n by Italdesign was finally shown-off in production guise at the \nTazio Nuvolari\n circuit in Cervesina, Italy.\nDesigned to celebrate the \n50-year anniversary\n of both the GT-R nameplate and the revered Italian design house, only \n50 units\n of the million-dollar (\n\u20ac990,000\n) will be built. The GT-R50 will be finished with \nliveries inspired by the most successful race cars to carry the GT-R nameplate\n, likely making all 50 units to be \ncompletely bespoke\n.\nBased on the \nNismo version of the Nissan GT-R\n, Italdesign has almost completely overhauled the exterior look of the GT-R. While the overall silhouette and signature elements such as the twin round taillights are still present, the Italian design firm has added significant styling touches with heavy use of design elements you\u2019d only imagine to see on an Italian supercar.\nUnder the hood, the GT-R50 gets an uprated version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, hand-built to produce \n720 hp\n and \n780 Nm\n \u2013 up from 600 hp and 652 Nm from the original Nismo car. Other additions to the car include a adjustable rear wing that is not available on the normal production car.\nItaldesign has originally planned to show the car in production guise during the 2020 Geneva Motor Show. However, with the show \ncancelled due to the ongoing health crisis\n caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Italdesign moved the launch more than two months later, to the race track where the team carried out all of the dynamic tests required in the development of the car.\nItaldesign CEO, J\u00f6rg Astalosch said in a statement, \u201cAfter we had to renounce to the world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show and, after the partial stop of our production activities due to COVID-19, in early May we have returned 100% operative and can confirm the \ndelivery of the first cars between the end of this year and early 2021\n, as planned.\u201d\nIf you happen to be a billionaire who \u2013 for some reason \u2013 have not yet placed a booking for the 50-unit ultra-exclusive work of art disguised as a supercar, you\u2019re in luck because although \u201ca significant number of deposits\u201d have already been taken, there are still a handful of units still available.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Formula 1 season will see significant changes \u2013 more distinctively with a new logo, the departure of shark fins and T-Wings at the rear and possibly the most profound, the Halo.\nIt\u2019s a cockpit protection structure that will further improve driver safety in the event of an accident. Also, it should help deflect debris from hitting the driver\u2019s head. It\u2019s unclear whether it\u2019s an eye sore for the drivers but it has caused an outcry among fans as it restricts their view of the drivers.\nSo far, according to reports, it hasn\u2019t been an issue for the driver\u2019s and their line of sight and the \nWilliams Martini Racing F1 team\n has decided to give us a taste of what it\u2019s like behind the wheel.\nFormula 1 cars this since, as it has been since 2014, are equipped with 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engines capable of churning out more than \n700 hp\n alongside a sophisticated electrical system. It can also rev up to 15,000 rpm, almost twice as high as your standard commuter.\nCredit: \nYouTube"
"With \nmore than 350 units of the fully-imported BMW 330i M Sport sold since its launch in March this year\n, BMW Malaysia has introduced the locally-assembled equivalent of the sports sedan.\nPriced RM40,000 lesser at\n RM288,800\n on-the-road without insurance, the CKD 330i M Sport now joins eight other locally-assembled BMW models in Kulim, Kedah.\n \nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the CKD 330i M Sport can be owned \nfrom RM3,298 \nbased on estimates of an 80% loan on a five year tenure.\nThe 330i M Sport is accompanied by a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, 2-year/24 month Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and BMW White Card privileges.\nThe 330i M Sport in Portimao Blue\n just like the one our Head of Editorial test drove in Portugal\n.\nAs for the specifications and features, the \nCKD will not differ from the CBU model \nlaunched earlier this year. Only thing to note is that the colour offerings for the CKD model is limited to just Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey.\nThe Portimao Blue and Sunset Orange paint jobs seen at the launch of the CBU model will only be available from January and March 2020 respectively.\nSunset Orange will only be available by March 2020.\nIt still sits on the M Sport suspension offered in the fully-imported model, tucked behind the 18-inch style 790 wheels in Orbit Grey which is unfortunate as BMW fanboys have voiced their visual displeasure of the wheel\u2019s less than aggressive styling in comparison to how feisty the car looks.\nTaking over from the CBU model which \nwe got to thrash at the recent BMW Driver Training programme\n, the new 330i also gets M Sport brakes with Blue calipers, adaptive Bi-LED headlights and a spoiler lip at the rear.\nThe 18-inch style 790 wheels.\nInside, owners will still have the option of their Black Vernasca or Cognac Vernasca upholstery to go with the M Sport leather steering, 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touch sensitive control display powered by the latest BMW Operating System 7.0.\nAlso carried over are features like the Intelligent Personal Assistant, Digital Key, Park Assist and Reverse Assist.\nAs a refresher of the sport sedans potency, its \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n is provided by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine that\u2019s paired to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We thought we were ready for this with the amount of \nteasers\n and leaks, but we were wrong. What you\u2019re looking at is the all-new, seventh-generation \nBMW 7 Series \n\u2013 and yeah, it\u2019s a lot. Best to take a seat while you look through the pictures.\nBMW says that the seventh-generation model is now significantly larger, more spacious, and more luxurious than at any time in its 45-year history, and for the first time ever, it\u2019s also being offered in a fully-electric guise, called the i7.\nBut first, we have to address the elephant in the room, and that\u2019s the 7-er\u2019s looks. BMW says the new design is driven by customer feedback in some of their largest markets such as China and North America, and it\u2019s. bold, to say the least.\nThe German carmaker does have a penchant for the more daring and \nexpressive\n designs (see: Bangle-butt), but we think that this all-new 7 Series takes the cake as the most egregious of all \u2013 even more so than the\n buckteeth M3\n \u2013 and is sure to stir up \u201cheated discussions\u201d within online communities.\nThe kidney grille, which was\n already humongous on the previous-generation model\n, is now even bigger and surrounded by an illuminated frame. Flanking those massive nostrils are the new split headlight that was recently introduced on the \nBMW X7 facelift\n, and if there\u2019s one thing we can say about the new headlights, it\u2019s that they work \nbetter\n on darker-coloured body hues.\nFor how loud the front fascia is, the back does seem oddly bland. The boot line tapers down slightly, while the LED taillights get a slim horizontal design much like that of the \nBMW iX\n, giving the new 7 Series some additional visual width, and that\u2019s about it for the rear.\nSay what you want about the looks, but you can\u2019t deny that it does give the car some real sense of presence, to the point where it reminds us a little of the \nRolls-Royces\n. The three-box silhouette is familiar, especially with the characteristic long bonnet. The sides, however, remain largely smooth and unadorned across the entire surface, save for a light shoulder line visually connecting the headlights to the tail lights.\nIn terms of sizing, the 7 Series has grown in every single dimension, by quite some margin specifically in terms of length \u2013 measuring 130 mm longer than before. Unlike before, though, it will no longer be offered in two different wheelbase options. Instead, all seventh-gen 7 Series models will come with a standard 3,215 mm wheelbase, which in itself is already a 5 mm increase over the previous long-wheelbase model.\nTold you it looks better on darker paint jobs.\nAnd despite it being a proper luxobarge, BMW will also be offering three different M styling packages \u2013 M Sport, M Sport Pro, and M Performance \u2013 to add some more aggressive styling cues, if you so wish. These include a selection of blacked-out exterior trims,more aggressive bumpers, and wheel sizes ranging from 19- to 22-inches in diameter \u2013 the latter a part of the range-topping M Performance pack.\nAs for the fully-electric i7, it too gets its own unique design touches, including a largely blanked-off grille with a BMW i logo, as well as blue decorative elements on the bumpers, side skirts, and the ring around the BMW roundel emblem.\nSimilar to its exterior, the cabin of the all-new BMW 7 Series is also quite unlike anything we\u2019ve seen before. The dashboard features a non-symmetrical tabletop design, with a scalloped wooden section (carbon fibre-look trims on M-badged models) that houses the new floating\n iDrive 8\n curved display panels.\nBut the more interesting bit here is actually the Interaction Bar, which is a touch-sensitive transparent surface that spans across the entire front half of the cabin from door to door, hiding many of the control surfaces for the climate control system, lights, and even a \u201cbutton\u201d on the passenger side to open the powered door.\nThe air-con vents are hidden neatly in tiny slits beneath the panel, and the entire bar actually lights up to serve as ambient lighting for the cabin, with the light playing off the multi-faceted, jewel-like surface for a unique look.\nWith all that being said, though, the main highlight of the interior is of course in the rear seats. As usual, the seats here can be specified with power adjustability and ventilation/heating function, and if you want to go one level higher, there\u2019s also an Executive Lounge option with up to 42.5 degrees of seat recline, and a built-in gapless ottoman.\nBut those are things you\u2019ve already come to expect in a 7 Series. For the ultimate \u201cwow factor\u201d, how about a 5.5-inch control touchscreen housed in each rear door to access settings like your seat angles and climate control? Or a massive roof-mounted 31-inch 8K BMW Theatre Screen TV with integrated Amazon Fire TV? Yeah, we weren\u2019t joking.\nOther optional items here include a 1,965 watt, 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with \u201cexciters\u201d built into the seat backrests, a Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof with LED lights ingrained into the glass itself, and even automatic powered doors.\nAs for the touchpoints, the new BMW 7 Series can be specified with a wide range of different upscale upholstery appointments, including the Veganza faux leather as standard, optional extended Merino leather, or even cashmere wool if you feel even more fancy.\nThe all-new 7 Series \u2013 including the i7 \u2013 is built on the same CLAR platform as the previous-generation model, but for improved comfort, BMW says that it has completely redesigned the suspension setup of the 7 Series, with double wishbones at the front and multilinks at the rear, fitted with standard air springs, adaptive dampers, and new rear hydro mounts.\nFor an even more serene ride, buyers can also opt for the Executive Drive Pro option, that adds a 48V electronic active roll stabilisation system to manipulate the body roll characteristics during cornering \u2013 M-badged models also get specific tuning for the system.\nAt launch, only the fully-electric i7 will be made available globally, specifically the\n \ni7 xDrive60, which packs two electric motors for a combined total system output of \n544 hp\n (400 kW) and \n745 Nm\n of torque.\nThe motors sip electric juice from a \n101.7 kWh\n battery pack located underneath the floor, propelling the 2,640 kg behemoth from a standstill to 100 km/h in\n 4.7 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of \n240 km/h\n. Driving in ideal conditions, the battery is also enough to give the all-new i7 an electric driving range of \n625 km\n based on the WLTP test cycle.\nCharging port for the i7, fuel port for the 7 Series.\nFor charging, the i7 supports AC charging of up to 11 kW via a Type 2 connector, with a full charge taking approximately 9.5 hours. DC fast charging meanwhile is supported up to 195 kW, which translates to a 10-80% charge of roughly 34 minutes.\nAside from cabled charging, the BMW i7 also recharges itself via an upgraded adaptive regenerative braking system, which takes into account the geographical data from the navigation system, as well as traffic lights or junctions along a planned route to ensure optimal power recuperation on the fly.\nBMW will also be unveiling a new i7 M70 xDrive variant in the near future to top the 7 Series\u2019 model range. While no official figures have been provided yet, the carmaker says that the new flagship will feature over 600 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful BMW model ever made for the roads.\nAs for the ICE-powered models, BMW says that the exact offerings will differ from region to region, but all of them will feature electrification of some form.\nUS and China will receive a 740i variant with a 380 hp/520 Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six, alongside a 760i xDrive with 544 hp and 750 Nm from a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, both of which are mild-hybrid powertrains, and are paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe Middle East will receive a slightly less-powereful 735i variant with 286 hp and 435 Nm, while Europe will be the sole region to receive an oil-burner powertrain (coming later), with the 740d xDrive offering 300 hp and 650 Nm from its 3.0 litre turbodiesel inline-six.\nStarting next year, BMW will also be offering two plug-in hybrid models for the global market \u2013 a 750e xDrive and a M760e xDrive, the latter billed as the first M-badged car based on the 7 Series. Both models pair a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine (from the 740i) to a 200 hp (145 kW) electric motor, raising their combined outputs to 490 hp/700 Nm and 571 hp/800 Nm respectively.\nThe batteries for the PHEV have been increased by more than 50% in this latest-generation model, now 18.7 kWh in capacity, allowing for an all-electric driving range of 80 km. Charging can also be done at up to 7.4 kW now with a Type 2 AC charger, which mean a full charge can be completed in less than three hours.\nAs for safety, expect nothing but the best in BMW\u2019s new flagship model. As usual, features will differ based on the options you tick during your purchase, but the top-of-the-line pack will include features such as hands-free driving on highways at up to 130 km/h with automatic lane changes (in North America).\nBMW says that SAE Level 3 autonomous driving technology is also already built into the architecture of the car, with the feature arriving at a later date via an OTA software update.\nGALLERY"
"Before you embark on these two classic Proton Sagas, all credit is due to the English presenter, Steph, who actually took the effort to pronounce what Proton stands for; which is \u201cPerusahaan Otomobil Nasional\u201d and where the Proton acronym came from. She couldn\u2019t have been more polite and respectful about it too, by apologising if she pronounced it wrongly.\nThere are simply no words to describe how detailed, how original and immaculate these two classic Proton Sagas are. After nearly three decades, everything is still intact including the quality control approval sticker that says \u201cOK Proton\u201d on the rear quarter glass. These two classics are owned by the same person.\n \nThe \nProton Saga\n in the first video is known as the Black Knight Edition, a special edition model reserved only for the UK market. Apparently, only 201 units were ever made and the one in the video is the last surviving unit of its kind. It was registered in 1989 but was stored until the early 2000s. When he first acquired it, the seats were still covered by the original plastic seat covers!\nInterestingly, the classic Proton Sagas did so well upon its arrival in the UK that it was given the accolade of the fastest-selling new car brand to ever enter the United Kingdom.\nThe second video features a Proton Saga LE (LE for Limited Edition) that even came with an electric sunroof! Like the first Saga featured, the Saga LE is also the last of its kind. Also included were optional items such a power steering, along with seats and tailored floor mats embroidered with the \u201cLE\u201d acronym in cursive.\n \nThe Saga LE\u2019s interior stands out from the Black Knight Edition with a digital clock, and more notably, rear speakers! It just put things into perspective on how far we\u2019ve come with cars. Surprisingly, the electric sunroof still works!\nAside from all the stories on how Proton first started out with Mitsubishi, how it subsequently fared in the UK and driving impressions of both cars, there are also stories directly from the owner of these two classics on how owning these two classic Proton Sagas have absolutely agitated his spouse. As the saying goes in England, what a lad!\nSource: \nidriveaclassic"
"This is the new entry point to a four-door BMW sedan, the first-ever BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport. Priced at RM211,367, it\u2019s the second most affordable BMW in Malaysia, behind the \nX1 sDrive18i \nlaunched in July.\nThe front-wheel drive 218i Gran Coupe M Sport is based BMW 1 Series and is locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah. It\u2019s powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine, paired to a 7-speed Dual-clutch transmission. It\u2019s good for \n140 hp\n and\n 220 Nm\n with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds.\n \nIf you can look past the somewhat questionable rear quarter design, which has drawn mixed opinions online, the BMW 218i Gran Coupe is actually quite generously specified. For starters, it\u2019s dressed with the M Sport kit both on the inside and out.\nThat means sportier front and rear bumpers, along with 18-inch M Sport wheels and M Sport suspension as well. On the inside, that translates to a pair of supportive M Sports seats in the front, a paddle shifter-less M Sport steering and even M Sport floor mats.\n \nUp ahead is a digital instrument cluster just like the one in the\n G20 BMW 320i \nlaunched earlier this year alongside the \nX1 sDrive 20i M Sport\n. To the side is an 8.8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay compatibility, although it will only be available upon subscription.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW 218i Gran Coup\u00e9 M Sport can be yours from RM 2,418.00 monthly based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure. Following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Lamborghinis and Ferraris have been the subject of replication of late. Some do a\n decent job\n at it, some just turn out \ncompletely awful\n. This \u201c\nLamborghini Urus\n-inspired\u201d Toyota Harrier body kit is neither.\nThat\u2019s because its creator, \nCraftech of Japan\n, only bothered to replicate the front end of the Lamborghini SUV. As for the rear section, there\u2019s nothing that shouts Lambo, with the exception of the prominent rear diffuser and fake exhaust outlets!\nThe Toyota Harrier body kit consists of 5 pieces including a front bumper, front grille cover, side steps, and a rear spoiler. The kit is made entirely of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) in Japan.\nThe 3-piece front end alone will set you back \n\u00a5240,000 (approx. RM9,300) \nbut if you\u2019re mad enough to opt for the entire conversion, you\u2019re looking to spend \n\u00a5380,000 (approx. RM14,000)\n.\nLocally, the Harrier has been \non sale since early 2018\n. There are two variants available \u2013 \nPremium at RM234,510\n and \nLuxury at RM256,396.00\n. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired to a 6-speed automatic, with 228 hp and 350 Nm.\nThe \nlatest Toyota Harrier\n,\n on the other hand, was \nintroduced in Japan in April this year\n. The turbocharged engine has been axed in favour of naturally aspirated engines.\nNow, there\u2019s either a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirate engine with 171 hp and 207 Nm or a more powerful 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain with a combined 218 hp. There\u2019s also an all-wheel drive hybrid model with E-Four technology with a combined\u00a0222 hp\u00a0with the aid of a rear-mounted electric motor.\nGALLERY"
"Youths are in a very\nawkward and often challenging position in today\u2019s society. Often deemed as \u201cinexperienced\u201d,\nsometimes \u201cna\u00efve\u201d by the elders. But as valuable and important as experience is,\nthe unadulterated minds of eager youths have given birth to some of the most impactful\nand creative ideas which is why Proton is looking to engage Youth Power in\ntheir latest campaign.\nOrganised in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the \nIntelligence that Inspires Challenge\n engages university students nationwide to lead and execute meaningful community-focused marketing campaigns surrounding the Proton X70.\nParticipants executing their respective campaigns\nThe competition serves\nas a platform for the 51 teams from 20 tertiary institutions to experience the\nfull journey of executing a marketing plan from conceptualising the idea to getting\ntheir hands dirty with the groundwork. Proton hopes that the participants will\nbe able to develop the essential soft skills needed to excel in the corporate\nworld.\nThe challenge, now in\nits second phase, will see 19 selected teams to plan and execute their marketing\ncampaign for the X70 in the city where their university is located as well as organise\na community relations event in their district/city. Proton will be supporting\nthe teams throughout the journey, indirectly giving back to the communities.\nOn top of that, to be\ncrowed as champions, the participating teams will have to also prepare an\nexecutable sustenance plan to maintain the X70\u2019s sales leadership in Malaysia.\nThe competitors will be judged in the final round by a panel of experts from\nthe automotive industry as well as in the field of marketing.\nCEO of Proton Dr Li Chunrong said: \u201cI strongly believe that leadership is cultivated from a young age, and so through this competition we hope to provide the opportunity to our next generation of leaders from established universities in Malaysia to shine on a national level and equip them with the skillsets to excel in the corporate world. We also hope to instil strong communication skills among our young contestants as this is the foundation to working effectively in a team.\u201d"
"As we\u2019ve seen with the \nGeely Boyue\n, the \nBin Yue\n, \nJia Ji \nand the\n FY11 \nto name a few, the Chinese are at the very forefront of all things automotive technology development.\nBut they\u2019ve taken a step further with this publicity stunt and landed themselves in the Guinness World Record books for the \nlargest parade of autonomous cars\n.\n \nA total of \n55 Changan CS55\n built by Changan Automobile formed a single-file convoy while travelling at 30 km/h over a distance of 3.2 km.\nEach car was separated by no more than \ntwo car lengths \nand accompanied by a driver with strict instructions to not interfere with the car\u2019s controls.\nReports claimed that there were initially 56 cars in the convoy, although one of them was disqualified when the driver took control of the car mid-way through the \u201cautonomous run\u201d.\nTo accomplish this attempt, Changan made some adjustments to the car\u2019s sensors that detect the road lines and the position of the car in front. Each vehicle was capable of correctly positioning itself between the car in front and behind to within a few centimetres."
"Mazda has given their line up a refresh for the 2019 calendar year with the latest technologies. After announcing the refreshed \nMazda CX-5\n last week, Mazda Malaysia has now revealed the full specifications as well as pricing for the 2019 Mazda6.\u00a0\nThe Mazda6 will come with\n 3 engine choices\n \u2013 SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engines, and SkyActiv-D 2.2-litre turbodiesel. All engines are mated to a \nsix speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic gearbox\n.\u00a0\nNewly added to the 2019 Mazda6 is \nGVC Plus\n, Mazda\u2019s torque vectoring vehicle dynamic control system with independent brake activation. GVC Plus varies the torque output of the engine by constantly monitoring the roll, pitch and yaw of the vehicle, together with direct yaw moment adjustments through the braking of the outer wheels during cornering, resulting in a smooth and controlled driving experience.\u00a0\nMazda has also upgraded the infotainment system across the board, with \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n now integrated to the 8-inch touchscreen display.\u00a0\nAll variants except for the 2.0-litre sedan will come with a \nBose 11 speaker setup \nand a \n360-degree view camera\n, while the 2.0-litre will only be equipped with a standard 6-speaker system, as well as a back-up monitor with guide lines.\nThe 2.0-litre sedan gets\n 17-inch alloy wheels\n, while all other variants will be equipped with \n19-inch wheels\n. Mazda\u2019s\n i-ActivSense advanced safety technologies\n, such as adaptive LED headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, and smart city brake support, are present on all variants of Mazda6 except for the 2.0-litre variant.\u00a0\nThe 2019 Mazda6 will be \nimported from Japan\n, and starts at \nRM173,659\n for the 2.0-litre sedan, jumping to RM211,148 for the 2.5-litre sedan, while the touring version is priced at RM215,148. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel will be priced at RM219,851.\nVARIANT\nSEDAN\nTOURING\nMazda6 2.0L\nRM173,659\n\u2013\nMazda6 2.5L\nRM211,148\nRM215,148\nMazda6 2.2L Diesel\nRM219,851\n\u2013\nAs part of Mazda\u2019s effort for ownership of their cars to be more enticing, all new Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50 pickup) registered from 1st January 2019 will come with \n5-years manufacturer warranty\n and \n5-years free maintenance\n (or 100,000 km, whichever comes first)."
"From a fusion of the East and West, Rolls-Royce has created a \nPhantom\n in collaboration with Hermes. Known as the Phantom Oribe, it was created to reflect the personality and passion of its owner, Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa.\nThe car\u2019s striking two-tone exterior is inspired by the green and cream glazes of antique Japanese Oribe ware, of which Maezawa is a prominent collector. The upper part is finished in Oribe Green, a fully Bespoke colour created exclusively for the client; in an unusual move, Rolls-Royce has made the paint available for use on the client\u2019s private jet the Phantom will be paired with.\nAntique Japanese Oribe ware\nDo you see the resemblance?\nDeveloped over many months by specialists in the Surface Finish Centre at Goodwood, it perfectly captures the lustrous, deep-green glaze of the 16th century ceramics. The effect is beautifully completed by the cream-white lower section.\nAs for the interior, it\u2019s finished in \nHerm\u00e8s Enea Green leather\n as seen on the dashboard, steering wheel, duchess handles, gear selector and the rotary controls for the motor car\u2019s climate settings.\nEven the glove compartment and luggage compartment lining, centre console, decanter stowage compartment and Champagne cooler of the Phantom is lined with the good stuff from Herm\u00e8s.\nHerm\u00e8s\u2019 delicate craftsmanship can also be seen on the seat piping, the headrest cushions and calf supports of the rear seats, while soft Seashell White accents and matching lambswool floor mats create a sense of light and space throughout.\nThe speaker covers\nThe Hermes horse motif on the dashboard\nThe wooden speaker covers were created using Open Pore Royal Walnut wood while the interior features Herm\u00e8s \u2018Toile H\u2019 canvas \u2013 the same stuff they use to make their handbags \u2013 on the door armrests, centre and rear consoles and, most notably, the signature headliner.\nThe famous Herm\u00e8s horse motif is hand-painted on Open Pore Royal Walnut wood and is presented behind a glass, as if it were displayed in an art gallery.\nGALLERY"
"As part of its annual \u2018Christmas in a Shoebox\u2019 CSR initiative, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) hosted 40 children from the Yayasan Sunbeams Homes \u2013 a multi-racial foundation fostering displaced children of single-parents \u2013 to an early Christmas \u2018party\u2019 that went beyond material gifts and presents.\nCan\u2019t beat being chauffeured to a Christmas party in a Mercedes.\n\u2018Christmas in a Shoebox\u2019 sets out to fulfill Christmas wishes of a charitable organisation with MBM employees contributing towards making the children\u2019s wishes come true. The activities this year included a speech and drama workshop organised by the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) for a deeper engagement with the children, on top of fostering team spirit, skillsets and encouraging creativity.\nThe special day began with a chauffeured ride to KLPAC on the latest Mercedes-Benz cars, the children were then treated to a picnic in the serene compounds of KLPAC and got to meet Mercedes-Benz Malaysia ambassador and eight-time world champion in women\u2019s squash, Datuk Nicol David who shared her journey to success in sports, followed by a drama and speech workshop conducted by the Actors\u2019 Studio Academy.\nFun and games with Datuk Nicol David.\n\u201cCommunity responsibilities begin at a local level and we are proud to proactively contribute towards the needs of Malaysians in various significant ways. This annual initiative remains a key ingredient in building a positive corporate culture and allows us to share the festive cheer with the children of Yayasan Sunbeams Home.\nWith our longstanding affair as the founding members of klpac, we were also able to showcase our support toward the local art scene by organizing mini drama and dance workshops to inspire positive character building through skillset development amongst the children,\u201d said Dr. Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia."
"Mini\n has announced the return of the manual gearbox for selected models in the USA. To celebrate the joy of rowing your own gears, the carmaker is launching a new Mini Manual Driving School programme designed to help those who are less familiar with the three pedals.\nThe Mini Manual Driving School will be located at the BMW Performance Centre in Thermal, California, where a team of experienced instructors will guide their \u201clearner\u201d drivers through a theoretical portion of the course in the classroom, before setting out onto the test track for an actual hands-on experience, much like an actual driving course.\nMini says the course is designed to \u201ccreate a foundation\u201d for drivers to build up their comfort levels driving a manual transmission \u2013 so experienced drivers might want to look elsewhere.\nThe curriculum will focus on things such as vehicle controls, finding the friction point, as well as practising smooth starts, stops, and acceleration. Although, participants will get the chance to test out their skills at the conclusion of the course on a timed course.\nRELATED: \nToyota thinks that only 25% of buyers will opt for the manual Supra\nAccording to Mini, the course \u201cwelcomes a new generation of manual drivers, while allowing others to sharpen their skills after years of driving automatic\u201d. The carmaker adds that consumers in America have ranked Mini as the \u201cmost fun to drive brand\u201d for over a decade, which is also why they decided to bring back the manual transmission, something their owners have \u201clong valued\u201d.\nHere in Malaysia, every single Mini \u2013 including the \nJohn Cooper Works models\n \u2013 is only offered with an automatic transmission. Would a course like this help Malaysian customers rediscover the joy of driving a manual? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!\nALSO READ: \nMini to become BMW Group\u2019s first fully-electric brand, by early 2030s"
"Shell Malaysia\n has launched a new remote control car collection that consists of seven of its motorsport cars from seven different types of motorsports \u2013 ranging from rally to Formula One. Not just for display, the car collection can be remotely controlled via Bluetooth with your smartphone on the global Shell Racing App which can be downloaded for free on both Android and Apple phones.\nEach model from the collection represents a significant moment in Shell\u2019s long-standing motorsport history. Speaking at the launch event, Shell Malaysia General Manager of mobility, Seow Lee Ming said, \u201cShell was there alongside the earliest motorsport pioneers and had an embedded history within motorsport. The latest collection celebrates some of the best race cars that redefined the racing world such as the Hyundai i20 hybrid rally car and Team Penske\u2019s Indycar.\u201d\n\u201cOur customers have always been at the heart of our business. Every time they stop at Shell, we want them to have an opportunity to create unforgettable memories with their family and friends. With our latest collection, we are happy to offer our customers a quick escape from reality, while enjoying an adrenaline-thrilled RC race with their loved ones, anywhere\u201d she further added.\nLeading the pack of seven is the Ferrari SF90 Formula One car which competed in the 2019 Formula One World Championship with Sebastien Vettel and Charles Leclerc behind the wheel. Powering the real-life version of the SF90 Formula One car is a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine with assistance from an electric drive system. Weighing only 743 kg, the SF90 made 740 hp from the engine and 161 hp from the electric drive. The SF90\u2019s name was in celebration of the company\u2019s 90th anniversary and the SF90 won three races with the first win in the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix and the last win in the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix.\nNext up is the \nHyundai i20\n \nWRC car which happens to be a hybrid car. It recently won the WRC in Greece and Shell says the rally team racing with the Hyundai i20 are favourites to win the upcoming WRC in Spain. Its hybrid system consists of a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor. Combined, the system makes more than 400hp and more than 400 Nm of torque.\nBesides the Ferrari SF90 and Hyundai i20 WRC car, Shell Malaysia is also offering the BMW M4 Motorsport DTM Racing Car, the Nissan Formula E Gen 2 racing car, the Team Penske Indycar 500 racing car, the Team Penske Ford Mustang GT, and the Shell V-Power Racing Team Ford Mustang GT.\nThe seven cars that make up the motorsport collection are:\nFerrari SF90 F1\nHyundai i20 hybrid WRC car\nBMW M4 Motorsport\nNissan Formula E Gen 2 Race Car\nTeam Penske Indycar 500\nTeam Penske Ford Mustang GT\nShell V-Power Racing Team Ford Mustang GT\nSix of the seven Bluetooth-controlled cars can be purchased with the Bluetooth battery at \nRM30\n when you pump at any Shell station for purchases of \nRM50\n and above. The exclusive Ferrari SF90 racing car and battery can be obtained for free upon purchase of selected \nShell Helix Lubricant 4L\n. The custom Shell Motorsports Collector\u2019s box (box only) will be available at \nRM80\n after fuelling with Shell V-Power for \nRM80\n. Shell Malaysia will be releasing one individual model per week beginning from October 8 until December 8, 2022."
"BMW Group AG has appointed \nHans de Visser\n as the New Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BMW Group Malaysia, effective \nMay 1st 2021\n.\nDe Visser, amassing over 29 years with BMW Group, first began his career having started as a manager in Marketing Communications at BMW Motorrad, Munich. Before his current role in BMW Russia as the Marketing Director, de Visser served in various Sales and Marketing roles across several markets globally, including the Middle East, Central Eastern Europe, Spain as well as the Group\u2019s Munich headquarters.\nDe Visser will take on the role and responsibilities from current MD and CEO Harald Hoelzl, who in turn, will take on a new role at BMW Group in Vienna, Austria.\n\u201cHans\u2019 broad experience in various roles in marketing and sales, as well as his international background will be extremely valuable in his new position,\u201d said Senior Vice-President Region Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hendrik von Kuenheim.\nIn his time in Malaysia, Hoelzl led BMW Group Malaysia back to the \nnumber one\n position with over \n52%\n market share, the highest for the premium automaker in the world. BMW Group Malaysia also recorded its highest achievements of over \n90%\n positive satisfaction responses in its \nNet Promoter Scoring\n (NPS) for its customer satisfaction- the second-highest achievement in the BMW Group\u2019s network.\nOutgoing BMW Group Malaysia MD and CEO, Harald Hoelzl\nHoelzl also successfully led BMW Group Malaysia to become the number one \nelectrified mobility\n provider as well as \nlocal assembler\n in the premium segment. \u00a0\n\u201cI also want to take the opportunity to thank Harald for his work over the last few years in Malaysia. He and his team made BMW number one in the segment and strengthened the position of the company in the country,\u201d von Kuenheim added."
"Lexus seems to be on quite a roll here, making back-to-back announcements of a brand new concept car at some of the biggest motor shows. This time at Geneva, Lexus will display yet another concept car after the last \nLF-C2 2+2 Roadster Concept\n debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year.\nColour corrected image reveals radically redesigned Spindle grille\nRolling onto the limelight for Lexus this time around is the city car concept, the \nLexus LF-SA\n. We have nothing more than the picture above to show you what Lexus has in store for us, but we can safely say that the premium Japanese carmaker has completely deserted its conservative styling that once appealed to, say,\u00a0\nuncles \nof past\n.\nIn their press statement, Lexus said the LF-SA is an illustration of the brand\u2019s exploration into unexpected (not uncharted) territories, whilst staying true to their bold and emotional execution in car designs. If that is to be the case, then we could be looking at a subcompact Lexus, pitting head to head against the likes of \nMINI\n, \nAudi A1\n, \nBMW 1 Series\n and Mercedes A/\nCLA-Class\n.\nThe \nLexus LF-C2 2+2 Roadster Concept\nWe also expect Lexus to showcase further developments to their LF-C2 roadster concept at Geneva, so stay tuned for the latest news on both these cars!"
"Together with the debut of the \nfacelifted X5\n, the 2023 \nBMW X6\n facelift has been unveiled, now with the M Sport package as standard. With the 2023 facelift, three variants are available, namely the X6 xDrive40i, X6 M60i xDrive, and X6 xDrive30d.\nWith the M Sport package as standard, the 2023 BMW X6 facelift gets double bars and an M logo for the BMW kidney grille, M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss, exhaust system tailpipe trim in the hallmark M quad-pipe style, and a rear spoiler in Black high-gloss for the BMW X6 M60i xDrive.\nNew colour options for the X6 include Blue Ridge Mountain metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Skyscraper Grey metallic, Frozen Pure Grey metallic and around 40 BMW Individual special paint finishes. Exclusive to the range-topping X6 M60i xDrive is a new M Isle of Man Green Metallic body colour.\nIn the powertrain department, all variants now get electrified with 48V mild hybrid technology with different internal combustion engines (ICE). The X6 xDrive40i gets an MHEV powertrain with the latest-generation 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that makes a combined \n380 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW X5 facelift revealed \u2013 up to 530 hp, 750 Nm, curved display, increased EV range\nThe X6 M60i xDrive gets a new 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine that together with the MHEV system makes \n530 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n. Lastly, the X6 xDrive30d gets an MHEV drivetrain with a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel engine that makes \n298 hp\n and \n670 Nm\n. This sports version of the X6 does the century sprint in just 4.3 seconds.\nAll powertrains are paired with the same eight-speed Steptronic transmission. They also all get the same electric motor that generates an output boost of up to 9 kW/12 hp and 200 Nm of torque, helping the combustion engine to deliver a smooth, dynamic drive along with high efficiency.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW XM V8 hybrid price revealed for Malaysia \u2013 from RM 1.3m\nInside, the standard specification for the X6 includes an instrument panel with surfacing in leather-like Sensafin and a curving trim element in fine wood. Another new feature is the ambient light bar with LED backlighting integrated below the trim element in the front passenger area.\nComfort seats for the driver and front passenger can be specified as an alternative to the standard sport seats with Sensafin surfaces. Also available as an option are BMW Individual Merino extended leather upholstery, BMW Individual full Merino leather upholstery, active seat ventilation, and a massage function.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 BMW M2 launched in Malaysia \u2013 3.0L turbocharged pocket rocket from RM599k\nLike other new BMWs, the X6 gets integrated with the latest BMW Operating System 8 and the latest generation of iDrive control/operating system. Two digital displays on the dashboard are a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch head unit.\nAmong the other highlights of the options list is the new Comfort Package with panel heating and a \u201cthermo\u201d function for the cup holders, the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof illuminated by LED units, glass applications for selected controls, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the newly designed Travel & Comfort System.\nRELATED: \nBMW iX \u2013 nearly 1,000 units sold in 2022, over 300 MINI Cooper SE"
"TC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder for Renault cars here in Malaysia, has officially released the newest entry-level model to the French brand. The Clio GT Line is designed specifically for customers who wants a little spice to their ride but not the full blown RS flavour. Seems fitting, then.\nThe Clio may not be the first name that pops right into mind when we Malaysians think of small, funky runabout compacts. Chances are the \nFiesta\n or \nPolo\n came screeching straight to mind. But in continental Europe, it\u2019s a another affair altogether. In the \n24 years\n that the moniker has been in existence, over \n12.5 million\n units have gone flying off the shelf.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Clio GT-Line\nEngine\n1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed dual-clutch automatic\nMax Power\n118hp @4900 rom\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 2000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n9.4 seconds\nTop Speed\n190 km/h\nPrice (estimated price)\nRM118,000\nEXTERIOR\nThe French compact has done a fair bit of growing up and evolved as time progresses. It now follows in the footsteps of the Renault family\u2019s new face, while bearing the most resemblance to the outgoing \nMegane\n. The front fascia does have a striking yet \naggressive stance\n to it, and it means business.\nThe \nlarge\u00a0badge\n\u00a0sitting smack-dab in the middle of the grille is one very telling sign that it\u2019s a Renault. Its headlights are the same as the steroidal RS, and are halogen powered. Along the sides though, the same touch is apparent. Large chunky\u00a0\n17-inch\n alloy wheels that\u2019s wrapped around \n205/45 Michelin Primacy 3\n rubbers finish off the look. But not before you realise that the rear doors haven\u2019t any\n door handles\n. Can you spot them?   Round the back, the Clio carries most of the RS\u2019 looks, save for the lower recess which is finished in a contrasting gloss grey colour. The tail lights are identical, but over here you only get a single exhaust outlet and a GT Line badge to cap off its look.\nINTERIOR\nErgonomic\n springs immediately to mind here. Well placed buttons on the dashboard and centre console give the Clio its\n driver-centric\n feel that the exterior has been bragging about. Bearing in mind that the Clio is a compact car, it does give you a nice \ncosseting feel\n to it. Aside from that, it does give off the vibe of being tuned in to the\n modern\n times we\u2019re in.   A quick rummage around and you discover upon an \nECO\n button located near the parking brake that is said to\n improve\n\u00a0fuel efficiency by up to\n 10 percent\n. The seats are upholstered in\n fabric\n while a\n leather wrapped\n two-tone-esque \nsteering wheel\n greets you. Before climbing in, you would have noticed the\u00a0Renault \nSport-badged\n \nsill guards\n that are offered as\n standard\n on the Clio.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the bonnet of this \u00a0Clio GT-Line features the company\u2019s \nTurbo Control Efficiency\n or \nTCe 120\n\u00a0engine \u2013 a\u00a0\nfour-cylinder\n engine\u00a0with a \nturbocharger\n, delivering performance figures equivalent to that of a naturally-aspirated\n\u00a0\n1.8-litre\u00a0engine. Or at least that\u2019s what Renault is saying. The 1.2-litre unit kicks out\u00a0\n118 hp\n at \n4,900 rpm\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0190 Nm\n of torque.\nMated to the engine is\u00a0a\n six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch\n (EDC) transmission which will propel the Clio from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 9.4 seconds\n.\u00a0At the same\u00a0time, this spirited yet frugal engine also offers fuel efficiency of up to\n 5.2 litres per 100km\n,\u00a0equivalent to CO2 emissions of \n120g/km\n. The Macpherson-type front suspension is linked to a \nright-angled\n triangular\u00a0lower \nwishbone\n with twin bushes. This configuration delivers better \nroad holding\n, more\u00a0\nresponsive handling\n and better\n steering precision\n.\nThe rear suspension setup is comprised of a programmed-deflection\n torsion beam\n with coil springs and an\u00a0\nanti-roll bar\n to optimise cornering stability. Effective shock absorption is assisted by \nbump stops\n\u00a0made from polyurethane. All of these means that the Clio delivers a sporty drive without being uncomfortable.\u00a0On the face of it, the Clio is paced to take the 1.2-litre VW Polo head on.\nSAFETY\nFor starters, the Clio is\n\u00a0EuroNCAP five-star\n rated and comes with t\nhree ISOFIX\n child seat anchors as standard. Other safety features include Electronic Stability Control (\nESC\n) with \nRoll Movement Intervention\n,\u00a0\nABS\n and \nEmergency Brake Assist\n,\u00a0\nHill Start Assist\n plus the latest-generation\n ESC traction control\n complete\u00a0with \nseven active sensors\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe sporty five-door hatchback will be available in four colours \u2013 \nMalta Blue\n,\u00a0\nDiamond Black\n,\n Glacier White\n and \nFlame Red \n\u2013 this paint job costs RM5,000 more, by the way.\u00a0Like all Renault passenger cars, service intervals for the Clio are\u00a0\n10,000km\n or \nsix months\n, whichever comes first. It also comes with a \nfive-year unlimited mileage\u00a0manufacturer\u2019s warranty\n, which unlike other new vehicle extended warranties, is fully-backed by\u00a0Renault for enhanced ease of ownership as there are fewer complications with terms and\u00a0conditions.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren has just introduced\na new aero kit for its Sports Series range, the MSO Defined High Downforce Kit for\nadditional downforce and killer looks.\nDesigned and engineered\nfrom McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the High Downforce Kit consists of a fixed\nrear wing finished in gloss exposed carbon fibre with silver chromatic MSO\nbranding on the endplates.\n \nThe rear wing adds \n75 kg\n of downforce at speeds, allowing for higher cornering limits and highspeed stability. The additional downforce is balanced with new guide vanes on the front underbody to create a low-pressure zone at the front of the car, reducing drag.\nAll that technical bits aside, a majority of customers would probably opt for the High Downforce Kit simply because it looks absolutely gorgeous. Existing \n570S\n or \n570S Spider\n customers can have this kit fitted at all authorised McLaren retailer."
"BMW Group Malaysia\n, together with its dealer-partner Seong Hoe Premium Motors, have opened the doors to the newly-refurbished showroom in Melaka, serving as the new home to \nBMW\n and \nMINI \nmodels in the state \u2013 the latter a recent addition to the dealer\u2019s portfolio.\nWith a built-up space of over 7,100 square feet, the new outlet in Melaka features a showroom capable of displaying up to 10 BMW and three MINI vehicles, the latter on the mezzanine floor.\n BMW Premium Selection\n pre-owned cars are meanwhile displayed at a separate new facility nearby the dealership.\nThe dealership also features a New Car Handover Lounge, a RATC (reception at the car) bay, new BMW AC (22 kW) and DC (30 kW) charging stations accessible via ChargEV, as well as an Isetta Bar with complimentary WiFi internet access for customers.\nThe new outlet is staffed by 50 highly-trained personnel, who will provide a range of premium services at its updated facility, including BMW and MINI Service, Fast Lane Service, BMW Lifestyle, BMW Financial and Insurance Services, Original Parts and Accessories, Pickup and Delivery Service, as well as Roadside Assistance.\nREAD MORE: \nBMW Malaysia partners with JomCharge \u2013 10% off on charging sessions, extra free credits for owners\nSeong Hoe Premium Motors General Manager, Loy Suan Chiow said, \u201cWe owe it to the support of our loyal and strong customer base, who continue to put their trust in us for over the past four decades in delivering the Premium Ownership Experience. To date, we have successfully delivered over 400 units of vehicles annually, complemented by the highest standards in customer service.\u201d\nSeong Hoe Premium Motors is the longest-serving BMW authorised dealer in Melaka, having operated its dealership since 1979.\n\u201cIt is a point of pride for us here at Seong Hoe Premium Motors and one that we intend to extend to our newly enhanced dealership, allowing us to better serve our customers in Malacca and the surrounding areas,\u201d Loy added.\nThe new Seong Hoe Premium Motors dealership is located at Lot 2020, Jalan Semabok, Taman Sinn Semabok, 75050 Melaka. They are open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays and public holidays.\nFor more information on the new outlet, visit the dealership\u2019s website, linked\n here\n.\nGALLERY"
"In 2015, Rolls-Royce announced that the ultra-luxury carmaker will be venturing into the SUV business. Today, the British firm has just confirmed that their \nBentley Bentayga\n rival will be called the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.\nThe name Cullinan was inspired from the Cullinan Diamond. Extracted from a deep mine in Magaliesberg Mountain, South Africa in 1905, it remains the largest diamond ever unearthed at 3,106 carats. Today, the Cullinan Diamond takes up its place in the British Crown Jewels.\nCEO of Rolls-Royce, Torsten M\u00fcller-\u00d6tv\u00f6s commented: \u201cIt is the most fitting name for our extraordinary new product. Cullinan is a motor car of such clarity of purpose, such flawless quality and preciousness, and such presence that it recalibrates the scale and possibility of true luxury. Just like the Cullinan Diamond, the largest flawless diamond ever found, it emerges when it is perfect and exists above all others.\u201d\nThe Cullinan will be the second Rolls-Royce model to sit on the company\u2019s all-new \u201cArchitecture of Luxury\u201d platform following the \neight-generation Phantom\n. Testing of the new SUV is currently underway at various extreme locations around the globe to ensure the Cullinan lives up to its tagline \u2013 Effortless, Everywhere.\nM\u00fcller-\u00d6tv\u00f6s concludes: \u201cQuite simply, the name Cullinan is perfect and brilliant.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There is a very common, almost cliche saying that goes \u201cLet\u2019s not reinvent the wheel\u201d \u2013 with the notion that if something is already as good as it can ever get, it can\u2019t be improved; like the wheel for example.\nWell, if everyone thought that way, we\u2019d still be using ICQ instead of Skype, MySpace instead of Facebook and having KFC instead of Texas Chicken, wouldn\u2019t we? Continental, one of the leading tyre manufacturers, are probably \u201ctyred\u201d of KFC. They\u2019ve came up with something which will be demonstrated at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show called the \nNew Wheel Concept\n \u2013\u00a0in every sense of the word.\nHere\u2019s \nfive things you absolutely need to know\n about it, along with \nan animation to help you better understand\n the concept of this new system.\nA Completely New Operation Process\nThe wheel rim consists of two aluminum parts, the inner aluminium carrier star with the aluminium brake disk and the outer aluminium rim well with the tire. In contrast to conventional wheel brakes, the New Wheel Concept brake engages the aluminium disk from the inside, allowing for light but sturdy brake caliper construction.   Allows flexible options for larger diameter brake discs\nSince the space available in the wheel is optimally-utilised, this offer a lot of allowance for particularly large diameter brake disk applications, which benefits the braking performance.\nPrevents formation of rust\nThe corrosion-free aluminium brake disk also prevents the formation of rust, as would normally occur on conventional cast-iron disks which can impair braking performance.\nEasy access for replacement works\nThis concept allows for easy replacement of wheel and brake pad changes. Based on results from initial practical tests, it is presumed that the aluminium disk itself is not subject to wear, unlike cast-iron disks.\nReduced noise\nThis design has a favourable effect on the \u201cnoise behaviour of the brakes\u201d. The reduced noise is a particularly attractive plus point that adds more quality to the already quiet EV ride.\nAnd yet they say, \u201cDon\u2019t fix it if it\u2019s not broken\u201d.\nVideo / Snapshots credit: \ncaroto.gr"
"Together with the launch of the launch of the new \nPeugeot 308 THP Active\n, Nasim Sdn Bhd, through their Peugeot CNY Prosperity Drive is offering big discounts on selected models, and up to RM32,888 off for the Peugeot 408 Turbo!\nThe 408 Turbo is powered by PSA\u2019s \n1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged\n four-cylinder engine making \n163 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and\n 240 Nm\n of torque from 1,400 rpm. It sends drive to the front wheels via a \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n with Tiptronic and sport mode. As such, the 408 Turbo will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.2 seconds\n before maxing out at \n215 km/h\n, all while sipping \n8.2 litres of fuel per 100 km\n.   Also part of the CNY promo is a \n5-Year free service\n which covers parts and labour costs. This comes on top of \nPeugeot\u2019s 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n and Peugeot Protect. Other models eligible for this offer are the 508 THP, 5008 MPV, 308 THP and 2008 Urban SUV.\nAny purchase of the aforementioned Peugeot models will\u00a0grant you access to the Peugeot Lounge at the Subang Airport, Peugeot Privilege membership and Nasim\u2019s 24-hour Peugeot Assistance Service.\nIf this piece of news piques your interest, be sure to head over to your nearest Peugeot showroom for viewing and test drive! And oh, just in case you\u2019re wondering how much the Peugeot 408 Turbo costs now, it\u2019s \nRM86,888\n \u2013 from RM119,638 before!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Say whatever you want about the looks of the \nBMW 6 Series Gran Turismo\n but there is one aspect of its design you can\u2019t argue against \u2013 innovative functionality. The BMW 6 Series GT was just crowned the winner of the 2017 EuroCar Body Award, after the \ni8\n in 2014 and \nG12 7 Series\n in 2015.\nVoted by automobile construction experts from all over the world, the jury decided that the 6 Series GT\u2019s body construction, efficient development and customer benefits provided by the body makes it a clear winner of the prestigious award. The \u201cGran Turismo\u201d concept was first initiated by the 5 Series GT, which combined the comfort of a luxury sedan, aesthetic appeal of a coupe and unprecedented practicality in a single package.   The 6 Series GT perfected the design concept by reducing overall weight by \n150 kg\n, stronger structure and improved aerodynamic properties. The jury members were particularly impressed by the design solutions implemented by BMW for the rear end by creating a large single-section tailgate for convenient rear opening with maximum view as well as increasing luggage compartment volume to\n 610 litres\n; 110 litres more compared to its predecessor.\nThe BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo sets a new benchmark for body design, outshining its rivals in development, construction, production efficiency and customer benefits while satisfying the most rigorous crash safety requirements. If you are just as intrigued by its design as 550 other body experts, have your chequebooks ready because the \n6 Series GT is coming to Malaysia real soon\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just moments after Kia Motors released \nsketches of their fourth-generation Kia Sportage\n, Facebook page \nBobaedream leaked images of the SUV\n\u00a0that was supposed to make its grand debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.\nIn an era where cameras can easily be fitted into a ballpoint pen, one would think that Kia would go the extra mile by adopting precautionary measures in keeping their concept cars under the radar. However, both leaked photos appear to have originated from a source within the company itself, judging from the sheets of plastic covering the Sportage and other Kia models in sight.\u00a0\nThanks to these photos, it\u2019s clearer now that the next generation Sportage will bear very little resemblance to the outgoing model, although we don\u2019t necessarily fancy their latest design path. We pray that some parts of the SUV (most notably its front fascia) will see further styling tweaks as the concept progresses, otherwise it may very well\u00a0lose out to sister company\u2019s new \nHyundai Tucson\n. More on this to come, so be sure to\u00a0stay tuned to \nAutoBuzz.my\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Great Wall Motor (GWM)\n has chosen Thailand as the location to set up its new battery pack assembly plant. Costing an estimated total of \n$30 million\n (approx. \nRM137.7 million\n), the new plant will also be responsible for a compact car the company will be producing next year, reported \nReuters\n.\nBesides the battery pack assembly plant, GWM is also planning to establish a research and development centre in the country, where it might consider developing fully electric pickup trucks, according to Great Wall Motor Thailand managing director, Narong Sritalayon. When fully established, this development hub joins the other 10 similar R&D centres the Chinese carmaker owns globally.\nNarong also mentioned that the company\u2019s goal in making this investment in Thailand is to become the region\u2019s main electric vehicle (EV) producer. However, this would depend partially on the subsidies given by the country\u2019s government. The Thai government plans to convert around \n30%\n of the country\u2019s annual vehicle production, which is about \n2.5 million vehicles\n into EVs by \n2030\n.\nThe Heibei-based company launched its \nOra Good Cat\n EV in Thailand in late 2021, which quickly became the top-selling EV in the country last year. The feline-like car is priced from \nTHB828,500\n (approx. \nRM110,013\n) onwards according to GWM Thailand\u2019s official site, thanks to the local government\u2019s \nTHB230,500\n (approx. \nRM30,607\n) subsidy, which helped keep the EV\u2019s price tag low.\nThe Ora Good Cat in Thailand is currently a fully-imported unit (CBU). But this will change soon as the EV will be produced locally in Thailand starting next year. In order to meet the government\u2019s incentive scheme requirements for carmakers, GWM will also be attempting to locally source more components such as battery packs, according to Narong.\nSetting up a battery pack assembly would require an investment of \nTHB500 million\n (approx. \nRM66,312,230\n) to \nTHB1 billion\n (\nRM132,645,537\n). This will highly depend on the actual size of the facility, which is said to be finalised by the end of this year.\nIn his own word, the GWM Managing Director said, \u201cWe may become a contract manufacturer of batteries to other (automakers) as well. That would also scale up the capacity of the battery plant.\u201d\nThis is the GWM Cannon pickup truck. GWM is also considering making EV trucks in the future.\nChinese carmakers \u2013 GWM and \nBYD\n have been majorly investing in Thailand, the world\u2019s tenth-largest auto manufacturing economy. However, the majority of the country\u2019s domestic market is still dominated by Japanese rivals such as \nToyota\n and \nIsuzu\n, with pickup trucks contributing to over 50% of sales last year. On the dominance of the Japanese trucks in Thailand, Narong Sritayalon said, \u201cI think there is a lot of things we can learn from Thailand\u2019s unique market for pickup trucks.\u201d"
"The \nVolvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus\n comes decked out in the highest trim level available from the Swedish marque, advanced driver assistance systems and a sophisticated hybrid system with\n 407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque.\nCoupled that with the attractive selling price of RM409k, it makes the RM373,888 \nVolvo XC90 T5\n not that much of a bargain. But GC Mah thinks that Volvo\u2019s entry-level 7-seater SUV still has its charm and appeal.\n \nPowered by a \nsimpler\n 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, it makes \n254 hp\n and 350 Nm of torque in the T5 tune. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system allow the XC90 T5 to make the century sprint in \n7.9 seconds\n with a top speed of \n215 km/h\n. Pretty brisk for a two tonne SUV.\nDespite losing on some trim pieces here and there, Volvo\u2019s brilliant \nIntelliSafe \nAdvanced Driver Assistance System and \nPilot Assist\n semi-autonomous driving assistant are still featured on the XC90 T5.\nWhile some may argue to go for the T8 Inscription Plus trim for the \nmere\n RM36,000 price difference, others would appreciate the no-frills ownership experience (no need to charge the batteries, adapt to PHEV driving style) offered by the no less good looking XC90 T5."
"Since its \nlaunch in September 2014\n, the amount of \nProton Iriz\n on the road today looks to be steadily increasing. With prices starting from \nRM 41,077\n for the basic \n1.3 Standard\n all the way up to \nRM 61,691\n for the \n1.6 Premium\n and combined with charming looks it\u2019s not easy to dismiss the Iriz.\nThe \n1.3\n delivers\n 94 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n of torque, while the \n1.6\n produces \n107 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of toque. Both drives the front wheels, via a choice of either a\n 5-speed manual\n or a\n CVT\n. We got our hands on the range-topping \n1.6 Premium\n and a mid-spec \n1.3 Executive\n for a closer look and while both might look the same at first glance, there are a few differences to set them apart.\nStarting from the front, the heavy nose shares the same \ndual grille\n design and \nhalogen headlamps\n. On the 1.3 the \nProton wings\n are finished in matte silver but on the 1.6 it\u2019s chromed. The lower side \u201cintakes\u201d are also different, on the 1.3 it\u2019s blanked out while on the 1.6 it\u2019s adorned with a pair of \nLED DRL\n. The front skirting are identical but on the 1.6 they\u2019re finished in dual tone, and same goes to the side skirts as well.   Moving to the side, the wheels are the obvious giveaway. The 1.3 is fitted with a\n six-spoke 14-inch alloys\n covered in \n175/65 R14 Sime Tyres Synergy M3\n whilst the 1.6 is wearing a hibiscus-inspired \n15-inch rims\n wrapped in \n195/55 R15 Sime Synergy M5\n. The electrically-operated door-mounted side mirrors are the same with integrated turn indicators but on the 1.6 they gain powered folding capability. Additionally, the window frames on the 1.6 are finished in matte black, as opposed to the body coloured window frames on the 1.3.   Finishing it off at the back, both variants look similar (apart from the badges) but on the 1.6 Premium you can spot the tiny \nreverse camera\n on top of the rear number plate holder, and the\n roof spoiler\n sports a different design from the 1.3 Executive. Both bumpers are garnished with a diffuser except that on the 1.6 it\u2019s painted in a matte dark brown.   Keyless entry\n is featured on the 1.6 Premium where you can spot the tiny rubberised button on the front door handle to lock and unlock the car. Stepping inside, the 1.3 and 1.6 are differentiated by trim. In the \n1.3 Executive\n you get\n fabric seats\n, basic head unit that supports \nBluetooth connectivity\n, \ndual USB ports\n, \ndual front airbags\n, and \nall round power windows\n.   The \n1.6 Premium\n adds\n leather upholstery\n, audio controls on the steering wheel, \nAndroid-based 6.2-inch touch screen head unit\n with \nGPS navigation\n, and \nextra four airbags\n. It also gets a \npush start button\n unlike the 1.3 that requires a jack knife key. Other than that both offers exactly the same storage compartments and \n60/40 split-folding rear seats\n with \nISOFIX mounts\n.   The Iriz appears to be a great value for money especially the 1.6 Premium variant with best-in-class safety equipment, but how is it like to drive? Check out the full review here, and don\u2019t forget to watch\n GC & Jenn\u2019s adventure\n with the Iriz to the heart of Malaysia!\n\u00a0\nVIDEO\u00a0GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY\nIriz 1.6 Premium CVT   Iriz 1.3 Executive Manual   Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT & Iriz 1.3 Executive Manual"
"Approaching its 40th-anniversary celebration this year, \nProton\n will soon launch the \nProton X90\n, its first new energy vehicle, and its third SUV. Full details of the Proton X90 will be revealed upon launch, but for now, Proton has already unveiled its new SUV and announced that there will be four variants to choose from \u2013 Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship.\nBased on the Geely Haoyue, most of us already have a grasp of what Proton\u2019s new SUV would look like. Being a Proton model, the large SUV sports the brand\u2019s signature Infinite weave grille, albeit an evolved one. Perched on the grille is the latest iteration of the Proton emblem.\nThe Proton X90 will be available in both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations. The former will be equipped with captain seats, adding a dash of luxury to Proton\u2019s upcoming new SUV.\nPowering the Proton X90 will be a 48V mild hybrid system that consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine and an electric drive component. The system is said to be 15% more fuel efficient than its pure-petrol version. Combined, the system makes \n190 hp\n (metric) and \n300 Nm\n. The 48V system provides an additional boost of \n13 hp\n (metric) and \n45 Nm\n. Paired with a 7-speed DCT, Proton says that the powertrain has received accolades in China and the Philippines.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 \u2013 Several \u2018Proton-first\u2019 features debut \u2013 What are they?\nThe Proton X90 also introduces new safety features to the brand such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and Traffic Sign Information (TSI). These features will most likely find their way into other Proton models eventually.\nSpeaking at the media preview, Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cProton is proud to continue playing a leading role in the development of the local automotive industry. With our commitment to \u201cIntelligence That Empowers,\u201d we are introducing the Proton X90 as our first mid-hybrid model, showcasing innovative technologies and intelligent solutions that empower our customers. The 48V EMS System delivers improved fuel efficiency, performance, and reduced emissions, and represents our first step into the New Energy Vehicle segment.\u201d\nCustomers eager to get a first-hand look at the new Proton X90 SUV will have their chance during a series of preview sessions across six cities starting 8 April 2023. The sessions will provide the public with an opportunity to view the vehicle and its features and for those eager to book a unit of the newest Proton model, order books will soon be open so keep a lookout for the announcement. Proton has also yet to announce the Proton X90\u2019s launch date.\nGALLERY"
"Trust us, you\u2019re looking at the all-new Audi A4 here. The conservative styling might trick you into thinking it\u2019s a mere facelift, but the familiar styling hides a larger overall profile and cutting-edge technology to battle against the BMW 3 Series and the Merc C-Class.\nIt has been more than two decades since the \nfirst generation B5 A4\n rolled off Audi\u2019s Ingolstadt plant in \n1994\n; now Audi\u2019s compact executive is entering its \nfifth generation\n with the introduction of the \nB9 A4\n. It might not look like it but the new A4 is \nbigger\n than before but at the same time it\u2019s \nlighter\n by up to 120 kg as well.\nEXTERIOR\nIs it really the new A4? Of course it is, the\n sharp headlamps\n are the dead giveaway, and they can be had with \nLED\n or the snazzy \nMatrix LED\n innards for better illumination. From the side it\u2019s even harder to tell, but the \nside mirror stalks\n are now\n mounted on the doors\n instead of the corner of the front windows. The back looks, well, familiar, but there\u2019s a more sculpted pair of tail lights and additional light features lower down on the bumper as well.\nBelieve it or not, Audi has poured in a lot of effort with the design to achieve the\n lowest drag coefficient value\n possible. The bits like the above-mentioned side mirror stalks position, the front intakes that regulates the air flow over the wheels, and the aerodynamically-optimised underbody help to achieve the\n Cd value of 0.23\n for the Sedan and 0.26 for the Avant.   Physically, it has grown in size. At \n4,730 mm long\n, \n1,840 mm wide\n, and \n1,430 mm high\n, the B9 A4 is around \n30 mm longer\n, almost \n20 mm wider\n, and slightly taller than the outgoing B8 A4. The wheelbase has also increased by around 20 mm.\nINTERIOR\nThe grown dimension translates to a \nroomier interior\n, freeing up more head room, shoulder room, and rear passengers\u2019 leg room while the \nA4 Avant\n offers even more space at the back, ranging from \n505 litres to 1,510 litres\n with the back seats folded down.\nThe lavish use of horizontal lines also help to increase the impression of more space inside the cabin. The dashboard appears to be stretched lengthwise, especially with the use of the \ncontinuous air vent strip\n on the passenger side.   The stunning \n12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit\n that debuted in the TT is available as an option, but there\u2019s still another \nMMI screen\n on the dash that measures \nup to 8.3 inches\n to display the navigation and infotainment info. Controlling the MMI screen is via the \nrotary controller\n with optional \ntouch function\n. There\u2019s also a smarter \nvoice control system\n that\u2019s claimed to be able to understand\u00a0the normal everyday speech.\nAn \nAudi phone box\n under the center arm rest utilises\u00a0\nnear-field communication\n (NFC) connectivity with wireless charging and it supports \nApple and Android operating systems\n. More options include a \nHead-Up Display\n, \nambient lighting with up to 30 colours\n, a \nBang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound\n, and also \nAndroid-based 10.1-inch tablet\n for the rear passengers.\nPERFORMANCE\nA choice of \nthree petrol\n and \nfour diesel\n engines (all turbocharged) are provided, driving either the \nfront or all four wheels\n via a selection of a \nsix-speed manual\n, \nseven-speed dual-clutch S tronic\n, or an \neight-speed tiptronic\n gearboxes.\nThe smallest engine of the bunch is a \n1,395 cc 4-cylinder\n with\n 150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. The \n1.4 TFSI\n will get from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n8.9 seconds\n and it has a\n top speed\n of \n210 km/h\n. When mated to the S tronic transmission, the 1.4 TFSI sips just \n4.9 litres per 100 km\n.\nSitting above it is a \n1,984 cc 4-cylinder\n with two different states of tune. The base \n2.0 TFSI\n generates \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n, while another version generates \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm \n(the same one in the coming \nA6 facelift\n). The acceleration time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is \n7.3 seconds\n for the former and \n5.8 seconds\n for the latter. The higher-powered 2.0 TFSI has a \ntop speed\n of \n250 km/h\n while the other one has a 10 km/h slower top speed. The 2.0 TFSI has a \nfuel consumption\n of around \n4.8 to 5.7 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe \ndiesel\n A4 lineup consists of a 2.0 TDI and a 3.0 TDI with two different power outputs each. The base\n 1,968 cc 4-cylinder\n produces \n150 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n while another one generates \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, and it drinks around \n3.8 to 4.2 litres per 100 km\n.\nDepending on the gearbox pairing, the base 2.0 TDI can get from \n0 to 100 km/h\n as quick as \n8.7 seconds\n while the more powerful 2.0 TDI gets there \n1.0 second quicker\n than the base 2.0 TDI. The 150 hp 2.0 TDI has a \ntop speed\n of \n219 km/h\n, while the 190 hp 2.0 TDI maxes out at \n237 km/h\n.\nThe \n2,967 cc six-cylinder diesel\n in the \n3.0 TDI\n develops either \n218 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n or \n272 hp\n and a dizzying \n600 Nm\n. The latter is able to sprint from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in just \n5.3 seconds\n, with the \ntop speed\n limited to \n250 km/h\n. The fuel consumption is rated from \n4.2 to 5.1 litres per 100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nFitted as standard is the \nattention assist\n that alerts distracted drivers and \nAudi pre sense city\n that warns and brakes the car when it senses imminent collision. It can be enhanced with the \nAudi pre sense basic\n that helps to tighten the seatbelts, close the windows, and activate the hazards lights whenever it detects unstable driving conditions.\nMaking use of the\n sensors and radars\n around the car, the new A4 can be a semi-autonomous driving vehicle when fitted with the optional \nStop&Go adaptive cruise control\n including \ntraffic-jam assist\n. There\u2019s also a lane departure warning system called the \nAudi active lane assist\n and \nAudi side assist\n, while the \nrear cross-traffic assist\n, \ncollision avoidance assist\n, and \nparking assist\n are some of the new systems available as option.\n \n \nWHAT ELSE?\nThe \nA4 Sedan\n and the \nA4 Avant\n is set for a \nEuropean launch\n this \nfall\n, and later next year Audi will launch the \nA4 Avant 2.0 TFSI g-tron\n that can run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or Audi e-gas that produces \n170 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n, but we all know that you\u2019re eagerly waiting for the hotter\u00a0\nS4\n and the \nRS4\n models, right?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A4 B9 Sedan   Audi A4 B9 Avant"
"If you have the Grab app in your smartphone, you can now use it to book Lyft rides in the U.S. The two-way integration with Lyft also means Lyft users can book Grab rides in Southeast Asia (SEA). In whole, Grab-Lyft integration will provide users with access to rideshare services in 30 cities across six countries in SEA and 200 U.S. cities.\n\u201cGrab has always put the freedom of choice, flexibility and convenience in the hands of our customers, including providing a seamless travel experience across borders, as we seek to outserve our users. Southeast Asia is a huge growth market for international visitors and we welcome our American friends and travellers from the U.S. to experience ride-hailing via taxis and cars in our region.\u201d said\n Tan Hooi Ling\n, \nCo-Founder of Grab\n.\nLyft\u2019s Head of International Product\n,\n Kristina Gibson\n\u00a0said, \u201cAs more and more people travel to and from the U.S. and Southeast Asia, our work with Grab gives travellers peace of mind when abroad. It\u2019s as easy as opening up the app you already know and love, requesting a ride and jetting off to where you need to be.\u201d\nThis is the first two-way integration to go live in the \nglobal rideshare agreement\n between \nDidi Chuxing\n, \nGrab\n, \nLyft\n, and \nOla\n that was announced in \nDecember 2015\n. The roaming integration enables international travelers to \naccess local on-demand rides without worry\n of local currency, language, downloading a new app or setting up new payment accounts. \nAll rides are cashless\n and transacted \nvia credit card or alternative payment options\n such as PayPal wallet, enabling for a seamless ride experience."
"In case agent double-o-seven ever needed a car for a holiday trip in Spain, \nAston Martin\n has unveiled the perfect car for the job \u2013 the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster. But as special as Mr. Bond is, he\u2019d still need to be lucky enough to be one of the 249 customers who have already reserved all 249 units of the V12 Vantage Roadster.\nUnveiled during the Monterey Car Week, the V12 Vantage Roadster is the flagship of the Vantage range. Like the V12 Vantage Coupe, the V12 Vantage Roadster is 40mm wider than the \u2018normal\u2019 V8 \nAston Martin Vantage\n.\nThe V12 Roadster also features a new front bumper design and a dramatic rear wing that comes as standard. Customers who wish for a subtler appearance can opt out of the dramatic spoiler, and Aston Martin assures that will not significantly affect the aerodynamic balance of the car. Standard on the Vantage V12 Roadster is a set of 21-inch wheels, although an optional lightweight forged wheel option is available. Wrapping both standard and optional wheels are a set of \nMichelin\n Pilot 4S tyres.\nAs the name suggests, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster houses a sonorous 5.2-litre V12 engine that produces a total of \n700 hp\n and \n753 Nm\n. The beauty of the roadster is that you can now clearly hear all 12 cylinders harmoniously at work. The V12 engine is paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a \n3.5 seconds \n0-60 mph (98 km/h) time, or only 0.1 second slower than the coupe counterpart. A mechanical LSD is fitted in the rear, and the V12 Vantage Roadster comes with Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) as standard.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin KL reveals customised Vantage \u201cBohemian Edition\u201d\nNaturally for convertibles, the V12 Vantage Roadster is a bit heavier than its coupe counterpart. But even with all lightweight options selected on the Roadster, it weighs a total of just 1,855 kg, or only 60 kg heavier than the V12 Vantage Coupe (1,795 kg). Standard lightweight components on the roadster include:\nCarbon fibre front bumper, clamshell bonnet, front fenders, and side sills\nWeight-saving composite material rear bumper and deck lid\nLightweight battery\n1mm thick stainless-steel exhaust (7.2 kg lighter than V8 Vantage)\nCarbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) (23kg lighter than steel brakes)\nRELATED: \nThe new Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a 700 hp swan song to mark the end of an era\nOther optional weight-saving components include:\nCarbon Fibre Seats with manual adjustment (7.2kg lighter than Sports Plus Seats)\nLightweight forged wheels (total 8kg lighter than standard wheels)\nInside the cabin, the V12 Vantage Roadster offers Sports Plus Seats trimmed in full semi-aniline leather as standard. All 249 customers who have reserved the V12 Vantage Roadster can also engage with \u2018Q\u2019, Aston Martin\u2019s bespoke personalisation service to further boost the exclusivity of their car.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin DBX \u201cThe One Edition\u201d launched in Malaysia from RM1.1 million\nAston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Roberto Fedeli said, \u201cWe have worked extremely hard to ensure the V12 Vantage Roadster possesses the same potency and dynamism that characterises the V12 Vantage, while surpassing it in terms of raw sensory excitement that you only achieve with roof down driving.\n\u201cWith more power and torque than any Vantage Roadster before it, a wide-track chassis with precisely tuned suspension calibration, and up to ten times the downforce of the series production Vantage Roadster, this is a breathtaking machine created for our most enthusiastic customers\u201d.\nProduction of the V12 Vantage Roadster is due to commence in Q3 of 2022, with first deliveries scheduled to begin during Q4 2022.\n \nGALLERY"
"Driven by double-digit growth in China, Europe and Japan, Lexus achieved a new global sales record of 765,330 units over the calendar year of 2019, which is an increase of 10% compared to 2018.\nThe upturn in sales was attributed to the positive reception of the all-new \nUX crossover\n, and the popularity of the redesigned \nES sedan\n and the facelifted \nRX SUV\n, as well as the growth in the Chinese luxury segment.\n\u201cBased on our \u2018Lexus Electrified\u2019 vision, we will expand our line-up of electrified vehicles starting with the launch of our first BEV production model, the \nUX300e\n. We will further evolve the Lexus DNA to achieve the ideal balance of ride comfort and quietness with driver confidence and engagement.\nThe all-electric LF-30 concept previews Lexus\u2019 future line-up.\nBy applying advanced Lexus technologies such as the integrated control of drive power, learned over many years developing electric motor control technologies in our hybrid vehicles, we will provide an inspiring and enjoyable driving experience unique to Lexus,\u201d said Lexus International President Koji Sato.\nIn a year where the premium segment contracted in Malaysia, \nLexus Malaysia\n achieved a sales total of \n918 units over 2019\n, which is slightly lower than the 1,011 units achieved in 2018."
"After launching five new models \u2013 the\n F8 Spider\n, \n812 GTS\n, \nthe Roma\n, the \nSF90 Stradale\n and the \nF8 Tributo \n\u2013 last year, it seems this year would be a slightly quieter one for Ferrari.or is it?\nTwo years ago, we \nshared news on what looks like a Ferrari 488\n \ntest mule in Fiorano\n, pulling away in \ncomplete silence\n \u2013 fueling further anticipation on the V6 hybrid powerplant Ferrari confirmed in 2018 it would develop. It would be the first time Ferrari has introduced a V6 engine since the 1970s.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by CocheSpias (@cochespias)\nWell it seems the same car has resurfaced and was spied making its rounds at Ferrari\u2019s Fiorano test track once again. You\u2019ve seen the hybrid bit of the prototype in our previous article, this time the test mule displayed its V6 qualities, based on the noise emitted at least.\nWord is that \nthe new Ferrari could be called the Dino\n \u2013 reviving the moniker from the late 60s, early 70s model named after Enzo Ferrari\u2019s son. Foreign reports have also claimed that the new V6 engine could be derived from \nAlfa Romeo\u2019s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6\n fitted into the Giulia Quadrifoglio; only time will tell.\nRecently, Ferrari announced that its factories in Modena and Maranello are gradually returning to full production with the \nMonza SP2\n as the first car to come off the production line since the start of the country\u2019s lockdown.\nSource: \nInstagram"
"Not even a full day of reveling in the magnificence of the a new Genesis and this pops up in the news.\nAfter over three decades, BMW is no stranger to making hardcore sports coupes/sedans. Generation after generation, E30 M3 and the six-cylinder M3\u2019s have been our firm favourite. As kids from the late 80\u2019s, the E46 M3 CSL was probably the most hardcore M3 in our books growing up \u2013 before the bigger V8 E92s came into the picture with some powertrain variety.\nWord is that BMW is about to revive the almost forgotten namesake again since 2004 \u2013 snatching away the introduction of the day, the \nGenesis G70\u2019s \nbright but brief spotlight. Sure they may be of different classes, but you can\u2019t stay on top without beating everyone and everything along the way. We\u2019ve not even gotten over how good looking the \u201c\nalmost M2\n\u201d is yet!\nThis time however, the \nBMW M2 that we sampled in South Korea\n just a few months back will bear the prestigious tag \u2013 one that is synonymous with brute and raw forces according to reports by UK\u2019s leading auto site, \nAutocar\n. Hardly surprising as the M2 has been the sportcars of choice to ply the safety car role \u2013 formerly with the \nMoto GP\n and in the future, in the \n24-hour LeMans\n.\nIf we know and remember the CSL correctly, expect the M2, which was \nbestowed to the Malaysian public just last year\n, to follow the former CSL\u2019s stripped out form with no creature comforts and loads of carbon fibre bits, as the swansong model of the current-generation M2. With \nreports of an impending facelifted M2\n, expect this to come not long after.\nAutocar\n also reported that performance figures will likely be in the 400 hp ball park with their sources claiming that it would inherit the powerplant of the current M3 and M4. It also quoted in its report that BMW had been encouraged to produce the M2 CSL due to sales figures which have exceeded beyond expectations.\nSource: \nAutocar.co.uk\nCover photo: \nBMW Blog"
"Perodua expected to deliver more than the 20,299 units it recorded in November, but intermittent disruption has impacted production and thus deliveries to customers. Compared to last month\u2019s figure of 27,858, which was the \ncompany\u2019s record\n thus far, it was a 27.1% decline.\nAs such, Perodua is aiming for 30,000 units registrations in December. With a full uninterrupted working month (as the Christmas public holiday is on a Saturday) as well as internal countermeasures in place, the company also hopes the record sales figure will end 2021 with over 200,000 units of sales.\nPresident and CEO, Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cWe wish to apologise for the delay in delivery and thank all our customers for their support and patience, especially in the most challenging year so far. We are working with the automotive ecosystem to overcome these issues,\u201d\nOn the \nnew Perodua Myvi\n, Dato\u2019 Zainal said the company has accumulated 14,600 orders as of December 2 nd, of which, 7,189 orders were converted from the previous variants. For the first eleven months of 2021, Perodua has sold 42,288 Myvi models.\nThe Perodua Alza 5+2 has been in service in Malaysia for over a decade. With the all-new Daihatsu Xenia featuring a new front-wheel drive layout be the basis for the new MPV?\nDato\u2019 Zainal also spoke about next year\u2019s preliminary sales target of \n240,000 units\n, a figure that was first presented for \n2020\n \nand then again for\n \n2021\n. Before the global pandemic affected the world, Perodua in 2019 sold 240,341 units.\n\u201cWe believe that the worst is behind us in terms of Covid-19 related lockdowns\u2013 Insya Allah \u2013 and while there are other risks in the market, we foresee the year 2022 as a year of recovery. The 240,000 registration number is important as we want to grow the Malaysian automotive ecosystem,\u201d\nIn case you missed it, Perodua also launched their first turbocharged model, the Ativa, earlier this year, priced from under RM62k\n\u201cWith this growth, we expect to see auto component purchase to be back to around RM6.5 billion for next year. We will share the total number of purchased component parts for this year in January,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Zainal.\nThe company will announce a more accurate forecast in late January 2022, together with a briefing on its 2021 sales and after-sales performance."
"McLaren Automotive has just teased their upcoming product launch on 16 January 2019, hinted as the fifth model to carry the Longtail (LT) name. Based on the single teaser image, no doubt the British supercar maker is pointing towards the McLaren 600LT Spider.\nJudging from the top mounted exhaust system and engine bay cover that are unique to the \n600LT\n, the new model should be a Spider alternative of the 600LT based on the flying buttress line that cuts the engine bay cover for the retractable roof mechanism.\nWhile the company has not revealed the new car\u2019s official name, we are almost certain that it will be called the 600LT Spider because such a clinical company like McLaren are not the kind who complicate their model line up.\nThe standard 600LT Coupe is powered by the M838 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 pushing out \n600 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque. Expect the Spider version to have the same century sprint time of \n2.9 seconds\n \u2013 equal to the \n675LT\n mind you \u2013 but sprint to the 200 km/h a touch slower than \n8.2 seconds\n due to the weight penalty from a folding roof mechanism. Top Speed should also be close to the Coupe\u2019s \n328 km/h\n figure.\nWhat makes the 600LT Coupe the most extreme Super Series is the 100 kg weight savings compared to a standard 570S, lighter and stiffer suspension components from the \n720S\n as well as optimised aerodynamic performance for greater cornering grip and high-speed stability. The Spider version will follow this same ethos and recipe."
"After a \npublic premiere\n at last year\u2019s Nissan Next brand event, Nissan has officially opened the order books for the Nissan Ariya fully-electric crossover in Japan. In line with the current demand for online tools and services, customers can pre-order the Ariya without travelling to the dealership.\nThe Nissan Ariya is a breakaway from the usual Nissan design language, with the stylish crossover a combination of many Japanese aesthetics that Nissan calls Timeless Japanese Futurism.\nDimensionally similar to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Nissan Ariya\u2019s variant planning is straightforward with 2WD or AWD powertrains and two different battery sizes.\nThe base variant Ariya B6 2WD has \n218 hp\n / \n300 Nm\n and does the century sprint in \n7.5 seconds\n and return a range of 450 km via the 63-kWh battery. A larger 87-kWh battery (or B9 naming) provides the furthest range of \n610 km\n.\nMeanwhile, the range-topping Ariya B9 AWD does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just \n5.1 seconds\n thanks to the dual-motor system output of \n394 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. The range, all estimates, is expected to reach 580 km.\nNissan will also debut their latest electric all-wheel drive system\n \ne-4ORCE technology in the Ariya. Engineers developed the e-4ORCE technology to specifically manage electric vehicle power output, steering tracing and braking performance to be smooth and stable.\nAnother benefit of the e-4ORCE technology is minimising vehicle pitch and dive. This was accomplished by employing regenerative braking from both front and rear motors, making city stop-and-go traffic less jostling. Similarly, on rough, bumpy roads and when accelerating, motor control is optimized to maintain ride comfort by minimising irregular movement.\nTo coincide with the domestic launch, the Nissan Ariya will have a limited edition variant with two-tone paintwork (Burgundy or Shell Blonde) as well as bronze-coloured 19-inch wheel covers. Inside, the limited-edition model also gets a panoramic glass roof, a 10-speaker BOSE sound system and seats upholstered with premium Nappa leather in blue.\nThe luxurious floor carpets meanwhile convey both traditional Japanese beauty and a zen-like feeling from the Japanese stone garden motif. Imagine using your toes to simulate \u2018raking\u2019 of the sand while waiting to charge the Ariya. With the domestic CHAdeMo charging system at 130 kW power, 30 minutes of usage will top up about 375 km of range in the Ariya.\nCruising on the expressways is made a little easier in the Nissan Ariya with the availability of the ProPilot 2.0. Apart from hands-free single-lane cruising, the technology also supports automated lane changes, overtaking as well as highway exiting, when possible. The Nissan Ariya will also come with ProPilot Remote Park, turning the Ariya into a full-sized remote-control car.\nThe ProPilot Remote Park feature is only available at parking speeds, where the driver can move the Ariya into tight parking spaces while standing outside.\nPricing for the Ariya Limited Edition starts from \n6.6 million Yen\n \n(approx. RM248,554)\n for the B6 2WD, all the way to 7.9 million Yen (approx. RM297,512) for the B9 e-4ORCE AWD. A standard variant priced from 5 million Yen (approx. RM188,299) after government subsidies will be available later. \u00a0\nFor reference, the most popular \nNissan Leaf\n retails at 4 million Yen and Lexus\u2019 UX300e starts from 5.8 million Yen. The compact \nHonda e\n meanwhile starts from 4.5 million yen.\nGALLERY\nNissan Ariya Limited Edition\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nNissan Ariya"
"In conjunction with the 100-year anniversary of the Mazda brand, Bermaz Motor has officially unveiled the \n2020 Mazda2 facelift \non our shores, and is now available for booking.\nThe 2020 Mazda2 facelift is now only available with a single specification, in both hatchback and sedan body styles. The updated Mazda2 is priced from \nRM103,670\n, which is an increase of over RM9,000 over the pre-facelift model.\nMechanically, no changes were made to the SkyActiv-G 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. As before, power output is rated at \n114 hp\n and \n149 Nm\n of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode.\nNew to the 2020 Mazda2 is the \nGVC Plus\n torque vectoring system, which uses brakes individually on each wheels in response to throttle and steering input, in addition to varying the engine torque output, to enhance handling performance of the car.\nStyling wise, the facelift includes a new front grille design in line with Mazda\u2019s newer \u201cseventh-generation products\u201d, such as the \nMazda3\n and \nCX-30\n, along with a cleaner slim-line front and rear bumper design.\nInside, the Mazda2 receives an updated seven-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, which now supports \nApple CarPlay\n and\n Android Auto\n.\nThe interior trim has also been reupholstered in a blue-gray leather, while the seats also receive a new sculpture to provide more resistance to head movements, improving the driver\u2019s sense of balance.\nMazda also says that the driving experienced has been enhanced with a \u201chuman-centered\u201d philosophy. The suspension setup has been tuned for smoother vehicle movement and comfort, while the gearbox has also been tuned for smoother acceleration which minimises head and body movements of the passenger.\nOtherwise, the kit arsenal remains unchanged. This includes full-LED auto-levelling headlights with LED daytime running lights, and bulb-type rear combination lights, along with newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels.\nThe hatchback variant gets LED reverse and rear fog lights, while the sedan remains bulb illuminated. The hatchback bodystyle also gets a rear spoiler as standard.\nInside, the Mazda2 features keyless entry and start, coloured head-up display, paddle shifters, and single-zone climate control system.\nSafety wise, the Mazda2 remains unchanged with two front airbags, ABS with EBD, dynamic stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, emergency brake assist, and emergency stop signal. The Mazda2 does not come with any advance driver assist features.\nThe Mazda2 hatchback is available in 10 exterior colour options \u2013 Ceramic Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue, Eternal Blue Mica, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Soul Red Crystal, and Titanium Flash.\nThe sedan bodystyle meanwhile is available with 8 \u2013 with the omission of Deep Crystal Blue and Polymetal Gray. The\n Soul Red Crystal\n shade is a \nRM500 premium\n on either body styles.\nAs with all other Mazda vehicles, the Mazda2 comes with a \nfive-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty \nand \nfive-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance\n, inclusive of parts, lubricants, and labour.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferruccio Lamborghini, born in 1916, was a visionary man. The Italian\u00a0industrialist had begun manufacturing his own grand tourer when he discovered that Ferraris weren\u2019t to his tastes, so the tractor builder built his own sports car. And the rest they say, is history.\nFast forward today, Lamborghini is paying tribute to the 100th anniversary of their late founder with the unveiling of the Lamborghini Centenario. The\u00a0Centenario was not named after a fighting bull (not like other Lambos). Instead, it means \u201ccentenary\u201d in Spanish. Based on the \nAventador\n, the car made its debut at this year\u2019s Geneva Motor Show. Armed with razor sharp carbon fibre bodywork, ultra-low stance and humongous\u00a0rear diffusers that\u2019s designed to produce as much\u00a0downforce as possible, the Centenario is probably the\u00a0Aventador\u2019s perfect form.   The Centenario remains a pure naturally aspirated bull,\u00a0powered by a\u00a0\n6.5-litre V12\n that pushes out \n760 hp\n and\n 690 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to all\n four wheels\n. This translates to a nought to 100km/h sprint time of\u00a0\n2.8 seconds\n and a top speed of \n347 km/h\n.\u00a0The Centenario\u2019s stopping power is equally ludicrous; the active rear wing and carbon-ceramic brakes can bring the Centenario to a standstill from 298 km/h in just \n290 meters\n!\nAt\u00a0\n\u00a31.6million \n(RM8.4million based on today\u2019s conversion rates) per pop, only \n40 units\n (20 each for the\u00a0coupe and convertible) will ever be\u00a0made. Each of the 40 units will have its own identity, personalised through Lamborghini\u2019s Ad Personam programme. As expected of this ultra exclusive model, all units have been snapped up long before it even debuted at Geneva.\nSo, the least we can do now is to watch this video of the Centenario in all its glory, bombing through the Nardo circuit. Without a\u00a0doubt, the Centenario is a perfect car to pay tribute to its charismatic\u00a0founder. Not bad for a man who once made a living out of making tractors, eh?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda\u2019s new SUV product offence is now in full force. After the launch of the \nMazda CX-50 \nand \nCX-60\n in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the Japanese carmaker is now following up with its next big entry, the CX-90, which will be making its official debut on \n31 January 2023\n.\nAhead of its launch, Mazda has now released several teaser videos in an attempt to build up hype for the large three-row SUV. As usual, the teasers still keep basically everything under wraps. But in a short press release released by Mazda, the company did reveal something very important \u2013 the CX-90\u2019s powertrain.\nImage: Mazda\nWe\u2019ve known for a while now that Mazda is planning to \nequip its new SUV line-up with inline-six engines\n, and we now finally have a taste of what\u2019s coming. Underneath the bonnet of the upcoming Mazda CX-90 will be an all-new 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six e-Skyactiv mild-hybrid engine, with the drive sent to the wheels via a \u201crear-biased\u201d all-wheel drive system.\nDubbed as Mazda\u2019s most powerful mass production petrol engine, the 3.3-litre turbocharged mill will make up to \n345 hp\n and \n500 Nm \nof torque \u201cwhen using the recommended premium fuel\u201d. There will also be a plug-in hybrid variant, although no details on that were revealed yet.\nRELATED: \nMazda MX-30 R-EV \u2013 The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it\nImage: Mazda/YouTube\nAside from the engines, Mazda also says that the automatic gearbox has been completely redesigned. Thanks to its smaller footprint, the Japanese carmaker says it was able to fit a \u201csports car\u201d suspension to the car to deliver a more performance-focused driving experience.\nAnd to tie it all off, the Mazda CX-90 will also be equipped with the Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system to \u201cmaintain Mazda\u2019s signature driving dynamics\u201d, despite it being a massive three-row crossover. The KPC system, first introduced on the MX-5 Miata, uses minute and accurate brake applications on individual wheels to help the cars feel more balanced and planted while exiting from corners.\nAll of these just sounds like Mazda still really wants to build a sports car, but the market demands an SUV, so it\u2019s doing what it can to achieve both of that \u2013 at the same time. Kudos if they can pull it off, though.\nThe inline-six engines will likely be Mazda\u2019s final combustion powerplants, before the marque fully devotes itself to electrification. While they\u2019ve already taken a first step into fully-electric BEVs with the \nMX-30\n, it seems Mazda is still\n taking it slow with full EVs\n based on their electrification timeline, as they\u2019re only \nkilling off pure EVs from 2030 onwards\n \u2013 hybrid models are still on the cards."
"Remember the \nNight Sky Edition\n of the \nBMW M850i xDrive\n Coupe that was garnished with materials from outer space?\nBMW has followed up with another new unveiling and it\u2019s called the\n \u201cFirst Edition\u201d M850i xDrive Coupe\n \u2013 not exactly out of this world, but it isn\u2019t any less spectacular.\nThe First Edition, which is due to be launched in June 2019, is set to be garnished with BMW Individuals cream of the crop items.\nIt will be finished in BMW Individual\u2019s special Frozen Barcelona Blue metallic paint finish while the kidney grille, window surrounds, air vents and tailpipes are finished in black.\nUnder the arches are 20-inch M light alloy wheels finished in Jet Black, while other M items such as a carbon fibre roof and other exterior trims are included.\nInside the First Edition is also furnished with BMW Individual items but at first glance, it really doesn\u2019t look all that different from your standard 8-series save for the prominent First Edition lettering and serial number on the centre console.\nNotable items on the equipment list includes an M leather-wrapped steering wheel, alcantara roof lining and a banging Bower & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.\nOnly 400 units of the BMW M850i xDrive First Edition will be made with only 10 units allocated for the UK market, at 121k pounds (approx RM636k) each."
"What does it take for a centenarian to push his own cart? Well, the folks at Gaydon will quite convincingly say \u201call you need is a V12\u201d as they present their second century strategy for further growth and development helmed by new CEO Dr Andy Palmer.\nThe 102-year old British sports and grand touring carmaker will hold the Aston Martin Estate \u2013 an exclusive private venue at Pebble Beach, California on 13 August 2015 to some 1,000 friends and customers. These visitors will get a glimpse into some of the brand\u2019s latest cars, including the DBX Concept (the GT crossover pictured below) which \nreceived interest beyond expectations\n when it debuted at the Geneva\u00a0Motor Show earlier this year.\n \n \nAston Martin has just \nconfirmed that the DBX\n will go into production, a move which will see the brand competing in the blazing crossover territory. Its road to creation also signals at Andy Palmer\u2019s vision to develop the company\u2019s strongest and most diverse product portfolio in its history. At this time of writing, the DBX Concept remains an \nall-electric vehicle\n, with individual electric motors powering each wheel. There\u2019s no word on what engine will be thrown up front, but the four-seat GT crossover will be \nenvironmentally responsible\n. Goodbye V12, perhaps?\nNevertheless, the Estate will be paraded by some of Aston\u2019s most vicious V12 monsters to date, namely the \n6.0-litre DB9 GT\n,\u00a0\n7.0-litre Vulcan\n\u00a0and the 5.9-litre V12\u00a0Lagonda Taraf super saloon \u2013 a model hand built by the company\u2019s finest men and women at Gaydon, under the very roof that gave birth to every One-77 supercar.\nThe very exclusive Aston Martin Estate\nSay, not bad for a company that has survived two crippling world wars and a bankruptcy, right?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, in partnership with authorised dealer Supreme Priority Sdn. Bhd. has just unveiled their latest 3S centre in Tampoi, Johor Bahru.\nWith a built-up area of 18,000 square feet, the 3S centre is capable of displaying a total of seven vehicles on the showroom floor, and further accommodate a monthly throughput of 100 vehicles with its \ntwo service bays.\u00a0 \nThe new Kia Tampoi 3S centre will be joining the existing 5 outlets in Johor, and will be able to service Kia customers from Tampoi New Village, Skudai, Nusajaya and Larkin.\nNaza Corporation Holdings Deputy Group CEO of the Automotive Group, Mr. R. Devaraju, said that \u201cJohor has been a significant market for us as 90% of Korean car owners here own a Kia.\u201d Mr. Devaraju also added that they are also planning on enhancing and extending the reach of their current network of 45 outlets nationwide.\u00a0\nIn the RM5 million investment, Supreme Priority Sdn. Bhd. has outfitted the Kia Tampoi 3S centre with sales, service and spare parts facilities. There is also a customers\u2019 lounge, kids\u2019 area, meeting room, surau, parts storage room, washings bays and ample parking spaces for customers.\n The Kia Tampoi 3S Centre is located at \nLot 703, No. 58, Jalan Tampoi, Tampoi New Village, 81200 Johor Bahru\n, and is now open for you to check out the latest Kia vehicle line-up and service your Kia vehicles."
"The name \u2018Ingress\u2019 is perhaps more synonymous with the blue and white roundel, but you\u2019ll soon be able to acquire and service a Volvo at its facility as Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has appointed Ingress Swede Automobile as its newest \u2018dealer-partner\u2019.\nThe new 3S centre (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) will be located at Mutiara Damansara, occupying the space where the Proton Edar Platinum showroom previously resided, a stone\u2019s throw away from IKEA, The Curve and Ikano retail complexes. The showroom is expected to operational within the next couple of months.\nNalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia aims to transform the Swedish brand in Malaysia.\nVolvo Car Malaysia is strengthening its dealership network across the country as part of the brand\u2019s transformation plan which was kickstarted earlier this year. \u201cAs a people-centric brand, we would like to ensure that we consistently deliver a premium and holistic experience to our customers throughout their ownership journey,\u201d said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.\n \nFancy buying your next Volvo from Ingress?\nIngress Swede Automobile is a subsidiary of publicly listed Ingress Corporation Bhd which has a core business of manufacturing automotive components across the ASEAN region"
"Super-luxury British brand Rolls-Royce has brought out yet another bespoke edition of the \nWraith\n. This edition is dedicated to the history of rugby. Roller\u2019s Bespoke Team have been hard at work creating an all-Brit affair this new edition embodies. From the colour schemes to the upholstery, everything is there to remind you what the theme stands for.\nThis bespoke Wraith is steeped in history and can be compared to the time when the two pioneers of the brand set out to\n rewrite\n the rules for what a motor car should \nrepresent\n, and what the best car in the world should be able to do. In \n1823\n, one young man blazed a similar trail in establishing the game of \nrugby\n \u2013 \nWilliam Webb Ellis\n\u00a0\nRugby School\n in Warwickshire was founded in \n1567\n, where a plaque still stands today to tell Ellis\u2019 story and mark the point in time where \nrugby\u2019s history began\n.\n \n \nThe Roller\u2019s exterior is adorned with a brilliantly finished white paint job, but not just any regular white. This shade of white will be\u00a0familiar to followers of English rugby. The\u00a0colour scheme of \nEnglish White\n pays homage to the white rugby shirt worn at\n Rugby School\n, a tradition continued till today by the England rugby team. The shoulder line of the front fender bears the \nred rose\n which is expertly applied by hand at \nGoodwood\n.\nIt\u2019s business as usual on the Roller interior with only the choicest \nbull\u2019s hide\n tanned in \nSeashell White\n and Navy Blue for contrast. Where you\u2019d normally find the \u2018\nDouble-R\n\u2018 insignia stitched to the \nheadrest\n, here you will find the very same red rose regalia on the fenders sewn onto the headrests in\u00a0Hotspur Red. The theme ensues onto the \ndashboard\n panel, \nseat\n as well as the \ndoor piping\n.\nRegional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Europe, James Crichton said \u201cThis truly unique Wraith \nemphasises\n vision and individuality, inspired by the role it plays within a team. While the game of rugby may have been inspired by the act of one individual, it is one of the \nworld\u2019s most popular team sports\n. In a similar vein, this one car represents the efforts of the team of engineers and craftspeople working at the Home of Rolls-Royce in \nGoodwood\n, producing the most individual motor cars in the world.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Goodyear is no stranger to science fiction-esque concepts, such as the \nphotosynthesis tyre\n, and the \nAero flying car tyre\n. Like the term \u201cconcept\u201d suggests, they\u2019re mostly products based on out-of-the-box thinking, and would probably never see the light of day.\nThe latest concept by the American tyre company might be the most absurd yet, using one of the oldest science fiction trope of all time \u2013 technology in pill form. But is it weird that we think this is the one that should definitely be made into a real product?\n \nGoodyear\u2019s latest concept is called the reCharge Concept, and at its core (literally) is a reloadable and biodegradable tread compound, packaged into replaceable individual capsule form.\nThe capsules are filled with customised liquid compound that regenerates the treads automatically. By using capsules with different compounds, the tyre can be adapted to different driving conditions and climate circumstances without the need to replace the tyres.\nWith the help of artificial intelligence (another science-fiction buzzword, albeit a more realistic one), you will also be able to create a liquid compound customised specifically for you.\nThe capsule is placed in the middle of a narrow non-pneumatic frame, promising low-maintenance to the end user without the need to look after tyre pressure, or deal with punctures.\nGoodyear also says that the reCharge concept is completely biodegradable. The compound would be made from biological material, reinforced with fibres inspired by one of the toughest natural materials in the world \u2013 spider silk. Aside from being sustainable, the material will also make the tyres \u201cextremely durable\u201d.\nOf course, being a concept, Goodyear did not reveal how the reCharge will actually work, or if it\u2019ll ever make it to the production line. But with \ntyre wear contributing to a large chunk of air pollution\n, it is about time that we think about how tyres are going to be made in the future."
"Volkswagen has decided to drop the Volkswagen Golf GTI facelift (Mk7.5) from the hatchback line up ahead of the introduction of the more stringent WLTP (World Harmonised Test Procedure) emission test.\nThis move only concerns the \nstandard \nGolf GTI while the \nGolf GTI Performance\n with \n245 hp\n/\n370 Nm\n will continue to be offered in Europe as reported by \nAutoCar UK\n. It would seem that Volkswagen will not reintroduce the standard Golf GTI as the new-generation Golf Mk8 is set to make its world debut in 2019.\nGolf GTI Performance gets more power, uprated brakes & an electronic front differential\nThe company might skip the hassle as they would have to refine and re-homologate the Golf GTI Mk7.5 to conform to WLTP standards. However, the German marque will push on with the more powerful Golf GTI TCR variant that is scheduled for market launch later in the year. The \nGTI TCR\n will be the most powerful production Golf GTI in existence with \n290 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n from its uprated 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.\nThis piece of news may raise concern for many in Malaysia since Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) had just launched the standard \nGolf GTI Mk7.5\n. Speaking to VPCM\u2019s personnel, the company are still accepting orders for the Golf GTI for now but will eventually follow the footsteps of the global product strategy, although the company did not commit to a timeline.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Golf GTI Mk7.5 in Malaysia"
"The \nall-new Audi A4 B9\n was supposed to arrive much earlier in the year, but it\u2019s fashionably late, and that makes for quite a paradox. As a less \u2018established\u2019 brand in a market dominated by locally assembled BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes and Volvos, Audi\u2019s fully imported selection can only swing buyers with an alternative taste. Or so it seems.\nWhere the A4 shows up late, it makes up for it in fashion. Some may label the familiar look unimaginative or lazy, but the styling tweaks rivets the eye of this writer. Introduced today is the sole 2.0 TFSI variant, but Audi Malaysia said the 1.4 TFSI and hotter 2.0 TFSI quattro will join the lineup by January 2017.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi A4 1.4 TFSI\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro\nEngine\n1,395cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\n1,984cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\nTransmission\n7-speed S tronic\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n190 hp @ 4,200 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n252 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n8.5 seconds; 210 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 210 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nTBA\nRM248,900\nTBA\nThe more chiselled body cleverly masks its growth, because it is bigger in every way. With an overall length of 4,730mm, the A4 is longer than the 3-Series, C-Class and S60. It\u2019s also considerably wider than the other German duo \u2013 at 1,840mm (versus the 3-Series\u2019 1,811mm and C-Class\u2019 1,810mm). A 20mm wheelbase (now 2,820mm) increase gives the A4 better legroom for the rear passengers.\nEXTERIOR\nOne way of identifying the new A4 is through the full LED headlamps, each featuring two separate LED DRLs. The fascia is further complemented with the same hexagonal \u201cSingleframe\u201d chromed grille. This time, the side mirrors are mounted on the doors as opposed to being affixed to the A-pillars, increasing aerodynamic efficiency. The A4 is now more slippery than ever with a drag coefficient value of 0.23.   Round the back, the A4 gets a new, slimmer pair of LED lamps with dynamic indicators across the range. Completing the exterior package is the dual exhaust outlet and the 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the 2.0 TFSI variant benefits from a tri-zone climate control, leather seats (front seats are electronically adjustable, including lumbar), manual rear window blinds and a 180 watts \n10-speaker Audi Sound System\n with 6-channel amplifier.   The steering wheel is of the sportier three-spoke kind, is wrapped in leather and comes with paddle shifters. Unfortunately, the fancy 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit we get with the Q7 and TT will not be available as standard, but customers can opt for the Technology pack (pricing to be announced soon) which also comes with Matrix LED headlights, front dynamic indicators, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi smartphone interface and a rear view camera.\nThe dashboard is swathed with soft-touch materials, but remains rather flat. This is actually to free up more legroom for the driver and front passenger. The air vents now stretch the length of the dashboard, just like the Q7. Resting in the centre dash is a fixed\n 7-inch\n high-res Audi Driver Information System.\nWith 480 litres of boot space, the A4\u2019s practicality is on par with the competition. It does edge the 3-Series in terms of expandable volume, because the rear seats can be folded with a 40:20:40 split configuration. Up to 965 litres of space can be had.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderpinning the A4 B9 is the same \nMLB platform\n shared with its stablemates such as the A6 and Q7. This allows Audi to mount the engine longitudinally, either for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration. The variant launched today is the non-quattro 2.0 TFSI, and the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is tuned to punch greener with an output of \n190 hp\n and\n 320 Nm\n of torque.\nThe 2.0 TFSI quattro that will be introduced this coming January will deliver 252 hp and 370 Nm of torque. All variants come with a \nseven-speed S tronic\n (dual clutch) transmission. Key performance figures are as follow: the 0 to 100km/h dash is dusted in \n7.3 seconds\n before reaching a top speed of \n210 km/h\n. The quattro variant gets there much quicker at 5.8 seconds before maxing out at a governed top speed of 250km/h.\nThose opting for the entry-level variant will settle for a \n1.4-litre four-cylinder engine\n, turbocharged to produce \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s considerably more powerful than the BMW 318i\u2019s 136 hp and 220 Nm output.\nSAFETY\nRegardless of which variant you choose, the safety equipment remains the same throughout. The A4 comes with six airbags, ESC, electronic vehicle immobilisation device, tyre pressure warning system, electrically operated child lock, brake hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, frameless anti-glare rear view mirror and pop-up bonnet for pedestrian protection.\nWHAT ELSE?\nYou\u2019re paying RM248,900 for a fully imported Audi A4 B9, and one of the key points for CBU models is you get much more exterior colour options. Audi Malaysia is offering up to 10 different exterior shades for the car: Glacier White, Floret Silver, Matador Red, Tango Red, Argus Brown, Scuba Blue, Monsoon Grey, Manhattan Grey and Mythos Black.\nA special Daytona Grey Pearl (my personal favourite) colour can be specified for vehicles purchased with the optional S Line package. When optioned, the RM25,000 S Line pack comes with a sportier front and rear bumper, 18-inch twin-five spoke alloy wheels, illuminated front door sill trims with aluminium inlays, Alcantara leather front sport seats, S Line sport leather steering wheel and a raft of other sporty aesthetic upgrades.\nThe first 100 adopters will get the A4 at a special introductory price of RM239,900, which is priced exactly the same as the outgoing A4 B8. All purchases of the A4 comes with a 4-Year or 120,000km warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After 13 years of steadfast service, the Perodua Alza is finally getting a brand-new replacement model in 2022, with the all-new seven-seater MPV making its official debut today. Based on the \nToyota Avanza\n, the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza will be offered in three variants here in Malaysia, starting from \nRM62,500\n for the entry-level X variant, moving up to \nRM68,000 \nfor the H, and at the very top is the AV variant priced at \nRM75,500\n.\nEXTERIOR\nAlthough the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza shares most of its styling with touches with its Toyota counterpart, it does get a couple of unique touches on the outside, including a vanity grille up front with chrome detailing, as well as exclusive bumper designs \u2013 the latter with Perodua\u2019s signature X-shaped motif up front.\nbuilt atop the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) which also underpins the \nAtiva\n, The second-generation Perodua Alza also now larger than the outgoing model across all dimensions, measuring 205 mm longer (4,425 mm), 35 mm wider (1,730 mm), up to 50 mm taller (1,660 mm for the X variant, 1,670 mm for H and AV due to larger wheels), with a 5 mm taller ground clearance for the AV variant at 160 mm. Wheelbase, however, is unchanged at 2,750 mm.\nIn terms of equipment, the variant breakdown is as follows:\nStandard equipment, Alza 1.5L X\nLED headlights with auto high-beam and follow-me home function\nRoof spoiler\n15-inch alloy wheels (185/65 R15)\nAlza 1.5L H (adds)\nSequential turn indicators, front\nAutomatic headlights with adaptive driving beam\nAutomatic headlamp levelling\nLED front fog lamps\n16-inch alloy wheels (195/60 R16)\nElectronically retractable side mirrors\nAlza 1.5L AV (adds)\nRear disc brakes\nPERFORMANCE\nAll variants of the second-generation Alza are powered by the same 2NR-ZE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine and D-CVT gearbox combo that is shared with the \nrecently-updated Myvi\n, which supposedly boasts a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency when compared to its predecessor, says Perodua.\nEngine: 2NR-ZE 1.5-litre DVVTi naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, petrol\nTransmission: Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT)\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 105 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 138 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nFuel consumption: 4.55 l/100 km (Malaysia Driving Cycle), 5.29 l/100 km (NEDC)\nINTERIOR\nThe interior of the Perodua Alza also gets a significant redesign on the second-generation 2022 model, utilising a horizontal and layered dashboard architecture with a two-tone colour treatment (on AV variant) to emphasise on the width and \u201csophisticated feeling\u201d of the cabin.\nThanks to the larger dimensions, Perodua says that the cabin space in the all-new 2022 Alza has also grown by 35 mm in terms of interior width, and 115 mm for length, allowing for more room for passengers and cargo \u2013 for the latter, it now measures 137 litres (+54L) with the third-row seats up, and 498 litres (+150L) with the seats folded down.\nThe variant breakdown for interior standard equipment can be found below:\nStandard equipment, Alza 1.5L X\nAnalogue instrument cluster with 4.2-inch monotone multi-info display\nRear air-con vents with blower speed controls\nDigital head-unit with Bluetooth connectivity\nKeyless entry with push-start button\nFront and second-row seats centre armrest\nTricot fabric upholstery\nAlza 1.5L H (adds)\n9-inch Display Audio touchscreen head-unit\n7-inch digital instrument cluster\nLeather steering wheel with drive mode selector (Normal, Eco, Sport) and switch controls\nAdditional tweeter speakers\nAlza 1.5L AV (adds)\nElectronic parking brake\nWired Android Auto connectivity (first for Perodua)\nSemi-leather upholstery\ntwo-tone dashboard\nFront dashcam (DVR)\n360-degree panoramic surround view monitor\nSAFETY\nIn terms of safety, the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza comes as standard with six airbags, alongside the company\u2019s third-generation Advanced Safety Assist (ASA 3.0) system, consisting of the following features:\nAutonomous emergency braking with pre-collision warning\nLane Departure Prevention (LDP)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nFront departure alert\nPedal misoperation control\nAutomatic high beam\nThe range-topping AV variant adds on even more advanced driver assist features, including SAE Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities:\nAdaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality\nLane Keep Control\nBlind spot monitor\nRear cross-traffic alert\nAdaptive driving beam (1.5L H and AV)\nFront corner and rear parking sensors (1.5L H and AV)\nPRICING\nPricing for the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza in Malaysia is as follows, on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales and service tax:\n1.5L X \u2013 RM62,500\n1.5L H \u2013 RM68,000\n1.5L AV \u2013 RM75,500\nAlso included in the price is a five-year/150,000 km warranty. The all-new Perodua Alza will be offered in five exterior colours: Solid Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Elegant Black, Garnet Red, and Vintage Brown \u2013 the latter two exclusive to the AV and H variants.\nPerodua says it has received over 30,000 bookings for the all-new Alza, and the waiting list currently stands at four months. However, the company assures that all bookings placed before June 30 will still be delivered before March 31, 2023, in order to take advantage of the sales tax exemptions.\nGALLERY"
"Since the launch of the BMW 2 Series Coupe in 2013, \nM-thusisasts\n all over the world have been wishing for the M vesion of the car. Now their prayers have been answered, as BMW announced the hottest 2 Series Coupe ever, the BMW M2.\nUnlike the predecessor that was called \n1 Series M Coupe\n, the \nM2\n doesn\u2019t need to be called as such because the name doesn\u2019t clash with BMW M\u2019s legendary mid-engined supercar of the 70\u2019s, the M1. However, both the 1 Series M Coupe and this latest M2 owe a lot to the original compact coupe from BMW M division, the \nE30 M3\n, as featured in the YouTube video below.\nThe M2 is built on the same formula, by taking the standard base car and given the usual M-treatment. The wild styling on the outside with its swollen wheel arches and aggressive bumpers are said to have been inspired by the previous M cars such as the \n3.0 CSL\n, but we can see it\u2019s the evolution of the modern interpretation that appeared on the 1 Series M Coupe.\nThe aero job not only contributes to a mean-looking coupe, but it \nreduces lift by 35 percent\n and drag by 5 percent compared to the donor car, the \nF22 2 Series Coupe\n. Most body panels are new to the M2, the \nfenders\n in particular, have been \nwidened\n by 55mm at the front and 80mm at the rear as a result of the increased track width. They also accommodate a wider set of \n19-inch lightweight alloys\n wrapped in \nMichelin Pilot Super Sport\n rubbers measuring 245/35 ZR19 at the front and 265/35 ZR19 at the rear.   Other M bits such as the \ndouble-louvered grille\n and the vents on the front fenders are present here, but the double-arm side mirrors from the bigger M cars are noticeably absent here. The boot lid carries just a tiny spoiler like on the F80 M3 instead of a redesigned lid like on the F82 M4, but at least \nquad tailpipes\n still make their appearance under the rear diffuser, and they are also fitted with a \nspecial flap system\n to play the distinctive tune of BMW M soundtrack.\nChanges are minimal on the inside. The \nsports seats\n have been re-trimmed in black Dakota leather with blue contrast stitching and an M logo in the backrests, while the the instrument cluster have also been M-ified. Additionally there\u2019s a \nknee pad\n on the center console, an \nM footrest\n, bits of Alcantara on the door cards, and porous\n carbon fibre trim\n pieces.\n \n \nVarious options are available for the standard iDrive system via the \nConnectedDrive Services\n. M-thusiasts should be interested with the \nGoPro app\n and the \nM Laptimer app\n which records the car\u2019s details including the speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine revs and which gear engaged, the steering angle, and the accelerator position. They can use it to analyse their driving, or simply just to boast about their lap time on Facebook.\nBut of course most of you want to know what\u2019s going on underneath the pumped up looks of the M2. \nAluminium\n is used extensively for the \nfront and rear axles\n, suspensions struts, anti-roll bar, and the gorgeous 19-inch wheels to trim down the weight.\nThe same material is also used for the \n2,979 cc six-cylinder petrol\n engine under the bonnet. Armed with \nM TwinPower Turbo\n technology, the unit puts out \n370 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n465 Nm\n of torque from 1,400 to 5,560 rpm. There\u2019s also an \noverboost\n function which increases the total torque to \n500 Nm\n between 1,450 and 4,750 rpm.\nPurist will be delighted to know that the M2 comes with a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n as standard, and power is still sent to the rear wheels, with \nActive M Differential\n for optimum agility. Getting from \n0 to 100 km/h\n takes \n4.5 seconds\n, while the\n top speed\n is limited to \n250 km/h\n. The optional \nM Driver\u2019s Package\n will unlock the \n270 km/h top speed\n, and it will also include the \nBMW Driving Experience\n voucher for a track training course. The optional \nseven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission\n (M DCT) is quicker still, clocking 100 km/h from standstill in \n4.3 seconds\n.\nAutomatic throttle blipping\n is available on both transmission choices, but the M DCT ups the ante with \nLaunch Control\n and its innovative \nDrivelogic functions\n that works in conjunction with the three driving modes accessed from the \nDriving Experience Control\n switch. The M DCT is also equipped with the \nStability Clutch Control\n (SCC) which prevents oversteer by disengaging the clutches when necessary, and the \nSmokey Burnout\n function which is said to allow the driver to \u201cindulge in a degree of rear wheel spin while the car is moving at low speeds\u201d.   For the more serious drivers, \nM Dynamic Mode\n (MDM) can be activated automatically in \ntrack mode\n (Sport +). The \nDynamic Stability Control\n (DSC) will allow extra wheel slip and freedom to the driver to control the car, meaning huge drifts are possible in this compact coupe, but depending on the driver\u2019s skills of course.\nThe \nElectric Power Steering\n has been tweaked to give the M-specific characteristics with direct steering feel and precise feedback, and the brakes have been given an upgrade too. The \nM compound brakes\n measure 380 mm at the front and 370 mm at the rear, and they are paired with 4-piston calipers at the front and 2-piston calipers at the rear.\nWe\u2019re not sure about you guys, but the specifications of the M2 made us drool. We\u2019ve driven the \nF22 220i Coupe\n and it is such an enjoyable car to drive around, so imagine what the boffins at BMW M can do to a car that\u2019s already good. We hope that the M2 will make it to our shores.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia, together with its dealer-partner Millennium Welt today unveiled two new BMW i Charging stations at the Gamuda Gardens residential township in Rawang.\nThe new AC chargers are located strategically in front of the\u00a0Gamuda Gardens Experience Gallery to benefit not just the residences, but also the public around the area, as the charger will be open to the public.\nThe new BMW i Charging stations are equipped with a BMW Wallbox each, providing up to 11 kW of power. Just for some context, that should fully charge the \nBMW iX xDrive40\n in about seven hours.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201cWhen we look to expand the availability of charging infrastructures across Malaysia, we also look to power beyond public malls and landmarks to equip townships and residential areas as well \u2013 where there is also high demand for access to charging facilities amongst electric vehicle users.\u201d\nALSO READ: BMW Group Malaysia sold 8,400 cars in 2021 \u2013 retains No. 1 position in premium segment\nMillennium Welt Managing Director, Bryan Wong added: \u201cWe are confident that the future of mobility in Malaysia is electric . as we continue to see a rise in uptake and interest for electrified BMW vehicles amongst our customers. This shift towards electrification also inspired our partnerships with like-minded industry players who, like us, make environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles central to their business operations and plans.\n\u201cThe introduction of these new BMW i Charging facilities in Gamuda Gardens underlines our commitment, in tandem with BMW Group Malaysia, to provide electric vehicle owners across the country an ownership experience that is hallmark of the BMW i.\u201d\nMeanwhile, Gamuda Land Product Management Unit Executive Director, Jess Teng said, \u201cWe have mindfully thought through the masterplan of Gamuda Gardens township, which includes climate-responsive design towards a green future. The installation of BMW i Charging facilities which encourages greener modes of transport underscores Gamuda Land\u2019s approach to ESG under the Gamuda Green Plan 2025.\u201d\nWith the two new additions at Gamuda Gardens, BMW Group Malaysia now has 79 i Charging facilities across Malaysia. The charging network is further complemented by the 16 charging points with \nShell Recharge & Park Easy\n, as well as 319 charging facilities with GreenTech Malaysia and its ChargEV platform."
"It seems that not only were you \nsearching for \u2018Toyota\u2019 last year\n, you lot were buying them by the truckloads, too. The Japanese carmaker has just announced its annual sales report for 2022, where it recorded a total of \n9,566,961 units\n sold worldwide. Despite a 0.5% decline over the previous year, that figure still firmly places \nToyota \nat the top of the leaderboard as the world\u2019s best-selling carmaker for 2022, ahead of \nVolkswagen Group\n.\nToyota GR Corolla \n\u2013 set for launch in Malaysia in 2023!\nIn fact, Toyota actually outpaced Volkswagen by quite a considerable margin. The German carmaker \u2013 across all of its brands \u2013 moved a total of 8,262,800 units, representing a 7% decline compared to 2021. For the Toyota Group, with \nDaihatsu\n and commercial vehicle manufacturer Hino included, that figure rises up to 10,483,024 units \u2013 a 0.1% reduction.\nBoth of these car giants can likely attribute their decline in sales to the supply chain issue, as well as the silicon chip shortage \u2013 both of which have been plaguing the automotive industry for the better part of the last two years.\nALSO READ: \nAkio Toyoda steps down as Toyota CEO \u2013 Here are some of his \u2018greatest hits\u2019\n\u201cThe situation remains difficult to predict due to semiconductor shortages and Covid-19. However, we will continue to carefully monitor the parts supply situation and minimize sudden decreases in production as much as possible while making every effort to deliver as many vehicles to our customers at the earliest date,\u201d Toyota said in a statement.\nIn spite of the challenges, however, Toyota\u2019s global production was actually up 5.2% compared to the previous year, with a whopping 9,026,713 units manufactured (Toyota Group: 10,610,604). The majority of the heavylifting was actually done by production outside of Japan (up 11.7%), thanks to increased capacity and product optimisation in North America and Asia. For the carmaker\u2019s home country, production shrunk by 7.7% last year.\nRELATED: \nThe new bZ Compact SUV Concept could be the electric successor to the Toyota C-HR\nHere in Malaysia, Toyota also picked up the title of the \nbest-selling non-national carmaker \nwith 100,042 units sold, inclusive of the Hilux pick-up truck. For purely passenger cars, however, \nHonda Malaysia takes the cake\n with 80,200 units sold, compared to Toyota\u2019s 72,844.\nToyota Malaysia has a busy year ahead planned for 2023, with multiple new models planned for Malaysia, including the \nfully-electric bZ4X\n, alongside a \nnew hybrid model\n, plus a \ntrio of GR vehicles\n consisting of the GR Corolla, GR86, and manual GR Supra."
"Back in March 2021, Volvo Cars announced that it will become a fully electric car company by 2030. Later in November 2022, the company re-confirmed its ambitions by targeting half of its global sales to be electric cars by 2025. In pursuit of a fully electric future, Volvo believes that plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are the ideal first step to achieving this, as we spoke with \nVolvo Car Malaysia\n Managing Director, Charles Frump during an exclusive interview.\nVolvo Cars has even made the bold move of forming Aurobay, a powertrain operation that is jointly owned by Volvo Cars and \nGeely Holding\n. Aurobay is a stand-alone business, separate from Volvo Cars, and the formation of the new company allows Volvo Cars to focus fully on the development of its new range of all-electric premium cars. There is no doubt on Volvo\u2019s commitment to going fully electric.\nVolvo C40 Recharge\nAs for the company\u2019s \u201cbet\u201d on going fully electric, Mr. Frump says that from his past experience with the company, Volvo has a track record of being spot on with its \u201cbets\u201d \u2013 first with the discontinuation of its V8 engine in 2010 and second with the end of development of its diesel engines in 2020. His career with Volvo began in 2009 when he served as Director of Marketing for Volvo in Japan.\nBeing realistic with electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Volvo Car Malaysia is firm on its stance that PHEVs are the ideal first step for this. That firm stance comes from understanding that not all of its customers have immediate access to charging facilities. Customers who wish to switch to electrification may also have the fear of not having enough electric range during unexpected situations.\nRELATED: \nVolvo now supports Waze navigation, no phone connection required\nVolvo XC90 Recharge\nWith PHEVs, you can choose to either fill up the car with petrol as you would with a normal internal combustion engine car, but also have the option of plug-in charging and also driving in fully electric mode. With Volvo\u2019s latest update to its PHEV powertrain, users can even drive up to \n90 km\n on pure electric only. Speaking of its latest update, Volvo introduced a bigger \n18.8 kWh\n battery to its PHEVs in May 2022. At the same time, the rear electric motor was given a power boost to \n145 hp\n.\nFor Malaysia, Volvo\u2019s current PHEV options include the XC40 Recharge T5, XC60 Recharge T8, XC90 Recharge T8, S60 Recharge T8, S90 Recharge T8, and V60 Recharge T8. Volvo Car Malaysia also offers mild hybrid options, but they do not make up the bulk of the brand\u2019s lineup.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EVs can now be purchased online \u2013 RM7k wallbox voucher included\nVolvo EX30\nDuring the interview as well, the Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director answered a few questions about the company\u2019s EV plans. What we can safely say for now is that the newly unveiled \nVolvo EX30\n will make its debut in Malaysia ahead of the \nVolvo EX90\n. You can read more about that \nhere\n.\nVolvo Car Malaysia is also open to expanding its lineup that is available for purchase through its online store. Currently only featuring the Volvo XC40 recharge Pure Electric and the Volvo C40 Recharge, the brand\u2019s PHEV models may also be available through the online platform in the future.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EX30 to launch in Malaysia before EX90, but not so soon"
"To be honest, I wasn\u2019t exactly enthusiastic about attending the launch of the \nnew DS7 Crossback \nhaving\n spent the entire day at the Sepang International Circuit spanking \nthe \nBMW M2\n and\n M5\n but it all changed the moment I had a glance at the press release and brochures presented to me upon arrival at the Naza Automall.\nSupposedly aimed at giving the \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n a go, the new DS7 Crossback\u2019s \nRM199,888\n price tag makes it a more viable competitor for the \nBMW X1\n and the \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n but here\u2019s the thing, there is just no competition.\n \nBecause the equipment list, features and offerings of the DS7 just trumps its German counterparts. The best part is, not only does it match up to the Germans with its features but the DS7 distinguishes itself with flair.\nTake the front end for example, not only does it get LED headlamps, DRLs, and fog lights with cornering function, the headlamps fixtures literally \u201cperform a dance\u201d upon starting the engine! Check out the video and find out what else makes the DS7 such an interesting prospect!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group has just announced their NUMBER ONE > NEXT group corporate strategy: to offer electrified versions of every single BMW and MINI vehicles from 2020 onwards. Additionally, the company\u2019s next generation vehicle platforms will also be designed to cater to full-electric powertrains.\nThe first model to go full-electric will be the \nMINI 3-Door hatchback\n, due for production in 2019. This all-electric 3-Door hatchback will join the existing MINI line-up of combustion engines and plug-in hybrids. Production of the all-electric powertrain will happen in BMW Group\u2019s e-mobility centre in Landshut and Dingolfing, Germany before incorporating into MINI\u2019s production plant in Oxford, United Kingdom.\nOn the Bavarian side, the first model to adopt an all-electric powertrain will be the\n X3 SUV\n that will come as soon as 2020, presumably when the Life-Cycle Impulse (LCI) or in lay man terms, facelifted, model is due. BMW has also hinted that the all-electric iNEXT, rumoured to feature a crossover body will join the i3 model in 2021.\nBMW Group projects that by 2025, electrified vehicles will account for 15 to 25 percent of sales and are committed to put 100,000 electrified vehicles on the road in 2017. Currently, there are 10 plants worldwide capable of producing electrified vehicles and \nMalaysia\n is fortunate to be one of them, producing the \n330e\n and \n740Le xDrive\n plug-in hybrids.\nAs with the case of our local tax incentives for locally produced electrified vehicles, BMW Group has expressed that factors such as regulations, incentives and infrastructure will all play a key role in determining the scale electrification from market to market. Hence, the move to build flexible platform(s) is so the company can rapidly react and adapt to changing customer demands when, not if, required."
"The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric has been unveiled at the ongoing 2021 IAA Munich Motor Show, one of the very few production vehicle launches unlike the many concept vehicles and even a \nracing car\n.\nWhile the \nMegane\n model has always been a C-segment hatchback, Renault first placed the Megane nameplate on a concept EV model called Megane eVision just about a year ago. Much of the styling elements have been retained in the production vehicle, the name simply called Megane E-Tech Electric.\nThe Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is the first model to sport the company\u2019s latest diamond logo called \u2018Nouvel\u2019R\u2019, bringing the brand to a new era of EVs, connected cars and mobility. At the front, the DRLs appear to extend beyond the projectors and continue their path up to the side air vents on the shield. At the rear, numerous laser-cut micro-optic fibres laid in criss-crossing lines create an intriguing 3D-like shimmer effect.\nIn addition to the elegant indicators, the brake lights are displayed in two clear lines, much like a \u2018pause\u2019 sign.   Similar to many upcoming EVs, the door handles are flush with the body, but the rear door handles are mounted high up at the C-pillar. For added personality and to convey a message of electric, the front and rear bumpers have gold highlights, an element that was well received in the Megane eVision concept car.\nBuilt on the new CMF-EV platform that is shared with Nissan, the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is said to offer interior space that is similar to the current generation Megane hatchback. A long wheelbase of 2.7 metres and repackaging of the air-conditioning hardware allows for a spacious cabin and a rethink of the dashboard layout.\nThe new OpenR single-screen infotainment system now measures 12 inches in portrait format (1,250 x 1,562 pixels). The system incorporates the latest-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 4K multiple display capabilities and advanced connectivity with USB-C ports.\nBoth the 12.3-inch driver\u2019s instrument cluster and the infotainment system are powered by the latest Android Automotive OS that includes familiar apps and services like Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. Plenty of customisation on the screen as well as over the air updates are designed as highlights of the system.\nTwo options of power output are available in the Megane E-Tech Electric \u2013 \n130 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n or \n218 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n with both sending propulsion to the front wheels. The fastest 0 to 100 km/h sprint time is \n7.4 seconds\n.\nBuyers will also have the option to choose the battery capacity with the larger 60 kWh offering a driving range of \n470\n \nkm\n, while the smaller 40 kWh model offers up to \n300 km\n.\nRenault to use Geely hybrid tech for China and Korean markets. Find out which brand under Geely is set to benefit here!\nIn both capacities, the battery\u2019s dimensions remain unchanged, including the record height of 110 mm (1,960 mm length and 1,450mm width). They come with an 8-year guarantee, during which they will be replaced free of charge should they deteriorate to less than 70% of their nominal capacity.\nLG together with Renault are using a new lithium-ion NMC (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) battery chemistry technology to achieve the compact dimension that is 40% smaller than the battery in the \nRenault Zoe\n. The efficient battery pack also benefit from a new liquid cooling system that includes die-casted aluminium tubes.\nCompared to Nissan, Renault\u2019s alliance partner, the \nNissan Ariya\n has better range and power due to even larger battery sizes and dual electric motors for a new all-wheel drive system called e-4ORCE.\nAt just 4.21 metres in length, the Megane E-Tech Electric is also a smaller SUV versus the Nissan, placing it in the footprint of its Captur\n \nsibling. The lower overall height of the battery pack also promises better driving dynamics in the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.\nVia a high-capacity DC fast charging station, a WLTP-rated range of up to 300 km can be seen after 30 minutes at a 130-kW fast-charging station.\nAlpine to take over as Renault\u2019s performance brand with full EV line-up from its next generation of vehicles. More about the bold plan here.\nNew advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) in the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric include the Active Driver Assist, where it can slow the vehicle down to 29 km/h when nearing a roundabout and then accelerate back up to speed when exiting.\nOther safety features include a digital smart rearview mirror that feeds live rearward image for an unobstructed view of the rear, occupant safe exit and rear AEB that is very useful to avoid contact while parking.\nThe new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is the first model to be 100% \u2018Made in Electricity\u2019, the company\u2019s new industrial hub and European leader of EVs located in the North of France.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a little over 18 months since the \nnew Ford GT was revealed\n to the world. Shortly after, the first batch of 500 units have subsequently been snapped up, with bookings soared 13 times the allocated units. Those who missed out on the first batch had their chance at the \nGT \u201966 Heritage Edition\n, though.\nNow, Ford Motor Company has announced that the GT can be had in eight exterior shades; matte black, silver, grey, black, white, red and yellow, including the striking Liquid Blue option in the picture above. Of course, the iconic racing stripes can also be optioned for.\u00a0\nIn order to boost desirability and exclusivity, the GT\u2019s interior can also be personalised to your liking. An array of stitching options, ribbing and fabric colours are available. This extends to the six-piston calipers. Originally, the calipers are anodised in a black coat, but buyers can change them to silver, red, blue or orange.\nFord\u2019s design manager, Barb Whalen said, \u201cThe GT will only be available in small selection of exterior colours and not with the near infinite number of options some other supercar makers offer because these colours aren\u2019t trendy. The GT isn\u2019t a trendy car. It\u2019s a classic \u2013 a veritable race car for the road.\u201d\nThere\u2019s no word as yet whether the Ford GT will officially be sold in Malaysia through sole distributor Sime Darby Auto ConneXion. Since the first 500 units have all been sold, we can at best expect no more than five units, if ever it finds its way here."
"Yes you read that right, eat your hearts out Bugatti Veyron, McLaren P1, LaFerrari, Porsche 918, et cetera, this latest creation from Mr. Christian von Koenigsegg packs an insane amount of fireworks courtesy of a very unique powertrain underneath that svelte Swedish body.\nWhere do we start? Well, they named it fittingly that\u2019s for sure, \nRegera\n means \n\u201cto reign\u201d\n in Swedish. And to do that, the Regera is powered by a \n5.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n that dishes out \n1,160 hp\n at 7,800 rpm and a maximum of \n1,280 Nm\n of torque at 4,100 rpm. But wait, there\u2019s more. The V8 is then accompanied by \nthree electric motors\n, one crank-mounted and two driveshaft-mounted; and they generate a \ncombined 300 kW\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque. Yes, this is Koenigsegg\u2019s first \nhybrid megacar\n.\nWhen the V8 and the three electric motors join forces, they produce \na total of 1,500 hp\n and \n2,000 Nm\n of torque, and all that goes to the rear wheels. Yup, the Regera is a \nrear-wheel drive\n vehicle despite that torrential amount of power.\nTo ensure its driveability, the Regera is fitted with an \n\u201cF1-style\u201d Traction Control\n system and \nKoenigsegg Electronic Stability Control\n system with three different handling modes.\nThere\u2019s no multi-speed dual-clutch gearbox to be found in the Regera. Instead, the Regera uses an industry\u2019s first \nKoenigsegg Direct Drive Transmission\n (KDD-T). In layman\u2019s term it\u2019s a single speed gearbox. Say what? Koenigsegg didn\u2019t release any 0 to 100 km/h time but they mentioned that the Regera is capable of accelerating from \n0 to 400 km/h\n in\n less than 20 seconds\n.\nAll that is housed in a \ncarbon fibre with aluminium honeycomb chassis\n, and draped in a rather outworldly-looking body panels. Measuring 1,110 mm tall, 2,050 mm wide, and 4,560 mm long with 2,662 mm wheelbase, the Regera is a two-door targa with \nremovable hardtop\n that can be stored in the front hood. The\n Dihedral Synchro Helix Doors\n swing out and rotate 90 degrees automatically too.\nAnd get this, the LED DRLs are not merely rows of LEDs lined up at the edge of the headlamps. On the Regera they\u2019re called the \nConstellation DRL\n because they\u2019re scattered around to give the effect of \u201cstar constellations on a night sky made up of polished carbon fiber\u201d. No, we\u2019re not kidding.\nElsewhere there\u2019s the \nworld\u2019s first top mounted active rear wing\n that helps to contribute to a total of \n450 kg worth of downforce\n when traveling at 250 km/h.\nThe wheels are bespoke\n Aircore Superlight carbon fibre wheels\n measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, wrapped in either a set of \nMichelin Supersport\n or the optional \nMichelin Cup2\n rubbers.\u00a0The \nceramic brakes\n measure 390 mm with 6-pot calipers at the front and 380 mm with 4-pot calipers at the back.\nThe interior features adjustable\n carbon sports seats\n along with\n adjustable pedals and steering column\n, leather upholstery, and even leather carpets. On top of that, the \n9-inch infotainment system\n supports 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, and Apple CarPlay, among others.\nThe Regera debuts at the \nGeneva Motor Show\n, and Koenigsegg quotes a base price of \nUSD 1,890,000\n. Only 80 units will be made because apparently 80 symbolizes \u201cthe principle of domination, control and achievement in Pythagorean Numerology\u201d. Small price to pay for a bonkers egg car, no?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has announced that the new \n5th generation Honda \nC\nity RS i-MMD \nwill come with \nHonda Sensing\n; utilising a front wide view camera. The list of Honda Sensing features include:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nAuto High-Beam (AHB)\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cI believe the upcoming 5th Generation All-New City will excite Malaysians with its advanced safety technology and class-leading features. We are delighted to receive high interest and positive feedback from the public and bookings have been very encouraging following the City\u2019s nationwide tour last month. The All-New City RS i-MMD offers first in segment features such as Remote Engine Start, Honda LaneWatch, and Electric Parking Brake. We are now raising the benchmark further to introduce the most complete Honda SENSING feature in its segment which was previously only available in the C, D, and SUV segment.\u201d\nThe Remote Engine Start is a first-in-segment feature which allows drivers to start their vehicle while the doors are locked and activate the air-conditioning to cool down the cabin with a simple push of a button on the keyless remote.\nThat\u2019s not all. The City has also received various technological enhancements such as inner frame welding to enhance its body rigidity and a new spray polyurethane foam to reduce body noise and vibration.\nWith the new City, Honda Malaysia is also the first and only car manufacturer in the country to assemble an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) from individual lithium-ion battery components to a complete power unit. The assembly process is said to be on par with the technology in Honda Japan.\nThe all-new City measures 4,553 mm in length, 1,748 mm in width, and 1,467 mm in height. Compared to its 4th Generation predecessor, the All-New City is now longer by 111 mm, wider by 54 mm, and lowered by 10 mm.\nHowever, it comes with a shorter wheelbase than before but with tweaks on the front seat structure, the new City is still expected to offer more space than before. The body size dimensions of the all-new City is larger than the average B-segment sedan and is comparable to a C-segment sedan.\nItems specific to the RS variant includes a front lip with carbon fibre-like finish, rear bumper with diffuser, a Gloss Black ducktail spoiler, Gloss Black side mirrors, and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.\nHonda Malaysia has begun taking booking for the all-new City since the 14th of August. Customers will receive a RM1,000 service voucher, valid for one year, when they place a booking for the new City under the Special Early Booking Programme.\nGALLERY"
"After an exciting first round in Kuala Terengganu, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival brings the heat back to Klang Valley at its most unique stopover yet.\nThe former airport and home to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in Sungai Besi will play host to the second round of the street racing series \nfrom 9 to 10 November 2019\n, with the 1,199 metre long runway acting as centrepiece of the 1.7 km circuit.\nUMW Toyota\u2019s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama said \u201cAs a street racing series, one of the most challenging tasks is to find a venue that is not only large enough to accommodate both the racing circuit and festival ground, but more importantly accessible and as close as we can to fans and spectators.\n\u201cThese challenges however, also present us with the unique opportunity to explore venues never before used or envisioned as a racing circuit,\u201d he added.\nConstruction of the Bandar Malaysia circuit will take approximately 3 weeks to complete. The transformation involves transporting, positioning and interlocking hundreds of four-tonne concrete blocks. Toyota says that the track will be built to FIA safety specifications.\u00a0\nAs with all Toyota Vios Challenge race weekends, round 2 of the Toyota Vios Challenge will feature two days of racing in three categories \u2013 Promotional, Sporting, and Super Sporting.\u00a0\nThe Promotional Class will feature local celebrities such as Shawn Lee, Diana Danielle, and Janna Nick, while amateur and professional racing drivers will take part in the Sporting and Super Sporting classes respectively.\u00a0\nAs for spectators, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will be packed with drift performances by professional Japanese drivers, concerts, test drive sessions, bey blade and simulator challenges, as well as sale of Toyota GR merchandises.\u00a0\nWe took the A90 Toyota Supra for a drive on the same airstrip!\nEntry to the festival is \nfree of charge\n, and visitors can also get up close and personal with the recently launched \nToyota GR Supra\n! The event will be happening from \n9 am to 6 pm\n on both Saturday and Sunday."
"You may have been aware that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) recently launched three facelifted models of the Golf \u2013 the \nTSI\n, the\n GTI\n and the most powerful of all, the \nGolf R\n.\nThere was supposed to be a R-Line variant to the TSI but it was never revealed then but now it\u2019s been launched at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2018\n in MAEPS, Serdang and is opened for public viewing.\nPriced at \nRM 166,990 (OTR without insurance)\n, the Golf\u2019s aesthetics has been enhanced with R-Line front and rear bumpers, rear spoiler, R-Line badges on the radiator grille and the fenders and most notably 17-inch \u201cSingapore\u201d alloy wheels.\nStrange name to give a set of wheels but there is nothing strange about its performance. The 1.4-litre TSI engine mated to a 7-speed dry clutch DSG transmission produces\n 148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\nElsewhere, you get automatic Full LED head and tail lights; only the rear comes with dynamic turn indicators. Inside, the Golf TSI is equipped with fabric seats, a 12.3-inch HD Active Info Display, and an 8-inch touchscreen display linked to 8 speakers along with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nFor added convenience, the Golf TSI R-Line is fitted with eight parking sensors (4 front & 4 rear) while passenger safety is safeguarded by seven airbags, \nABS\n with \nElectronic Brakeforce Distribution\n and \nBrake Assist\n and\n Electronic Stability Control (ESC)\n.\nThe Golf TSI R-Line comes with 3-years Free Maintenance, 5-years Manufacturer\u2019s Warranty and 5-years Roadside Assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two months ago, Toyota reportedly thought of the idea to venture into the\u00a0\nhot hatchback\n segment. But now, Toyota confirmed that they are working on a high-performance Yaris to go against the \nFord Fiesta ST\n, \nRenault Clio RS\n and Polo GTI.\nThe car\u2019s rough sketch (pictured below) was teased during the\u00a0unveiling of the Toyota Yaris WRC (pictured above) car. The latter also marks Toyota\u2019s return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) after 17 years in hiatus.\nThe teaser revealed a\u00a0three-door Yaris with larger wheels, bigger brakes and\u00a0\nrally-inspired\n aero kit. One thing is for sure, the Yaris won\u2019t be getting the over-the-top aerodynamic parts seen on the WRC version. Instead, the\u00a0red and white colour scheme is the only common theme shared between the duo.\nThe new hot hatch is likely to be debuting alongside\u00a0the next-generation Yaris, which should arrive sometime in 2017. As for now, the Yaris WRC car is largely based on the outgoing third-generation Yaris subcompact hatchback, which trails behind established rivals such as Volkswagen Polo and \nFord Fiesta\n in Europe for they both are based on the latest\u00a0models.\nThe development of the hot Yaris could be run by\n\u00a0Toyota\u2019s Gazoo Racing\n arm. Previously focused only in Japan, they have just expanded to Europe\u00a0and will foresee the\u00a0development of more fun and performance-oriented Toyotas in the near future. The development of a hot Yaris could also indicate that Toyota is serious about making fun driving cars, shifting the perception of dull-driving Toyotas of late.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars, for the first time in its 91-year history, launches an all-new three-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine. The new motor will first make its way in the \nXC40 SUV\n and other \u201cVolvo Cars in general\u201d.\nMeasuring at 1.5-litre (1,477cc) in capacity, the three-cylinder Drive-E engine was developed in-house using the same modular design as the other four-cylinder Drive-E engines in Volvo\u2019s stable. Thanks to turbocharging, the in-line three transversely mounted engine pushes out a healthy \n154 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque, the latter peaks from 1,850 to 3,850 rpm.\nBadged as T3, will be employed on front-wheel drive vehicles only. A sole six-speed manual transmission is tasked with power transfer, but Volvo said an eight-speed automatic will be available starting next year. The new engine with the stick shift will propel the XC40 from 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.4 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n200 km/h\n.\nSenior Director Cluster 40 at Volvo Cars, Alexander Petrofski said, \u201cOur new three-cylinder engine is an exciting development for the XC40 and for Volvo Cars in general. This compact engine design provides the flexibility we need as we introduce more powertrain options for XC40 customers.\u201d\nFurthermore, the T3 engine was also designed for integration into Twin Engine plug-in hybrid setup from the start, affirming the company\u2019s plan to \nelectrify all Volvo cars from 2019 onwards\n. Volvo expressed that a hybrid and pure electric variant of the XC40 will be offered in due course and more information will be released at a later date.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo 1.5L 3-cylinder Drive-E Petrol Engine   Volvo XC40 Inscription T5 AWD"
"As we approach the third quarter of 2016, we witness the automotive sector experiencing slow growth and decline in sales. However, that is not stopping Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) from introducing yet another variant to their C-class line up.\nHere we have is a preproduction C-class C350e plug-in hybrid on preview. With the overwhelming success of \u00a0\nS400h\n and \nE300 Bluetec\n\u00a0hybrid models , MBM are taking their hybrid game to the next level. As you all know the S400h is a conventional hybrid, the E300 Bluetec hybrid is a diesel hybrid. Now to up the hybrid game, the C350e comes with a petrol plug-in hybrid system.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz C350e\nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four with battery motor\nTransmission\n7G-Tronic; 7-speed automatic\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nHybrid Motor Output\n80 hp & 250 Nm\nCombined Max Power / Torque\n279 hp / 600 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.9 seconds; 250 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n2.4 litres per 100km\nEstimated Price\nRM299,000\nRight after the launch of the \nSKD GLC 250\n, MBM has no intentions to slow down and let their competitors take a breather. The C350e is clearly MBM\u2019s answer to the upcoming\u00a0\nBMW 330e plug-in hybrid\n. The C350e will be locally assembled here at their \nPekan plant\n in Pahang. Therefore, it will benefit from the incentives offered by the government for CKD hybrids. As such, the new C-class variant is expected to carry a RM299k price tag.\nThe price may be a huge turn off for some, considering the BMW 330e only asks for RM240k. However, reflecting on MBM\u2019s line-up, the new plug-in hybrid is set to replace the RM307k \nC300 AMG\n. In that respect, the C350e is definitely value for money for a top of the range non AMG C-class.   Under the hood, the C350e employs the same engine and transmission from the C250. The 2.0-litre turbocharged unit delivers \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n when paired to a seven speed automatic transmission. On top of that, the C-class is propelled further with an electric motor with\n 80 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n of torque. This results to a combined figure of \n279 hp\n and a whopping \n600 Nm\n! With those figures, you will reach the century mark in \n5.9\n seconds while sipping \n2.4 litres\n of fuel per 100km.\nOn the hybrid performance side, the C350e is capable of \n31 km\n in pure electric mode with a full charge and a limited top speed of \n130km/h\n. The battery requires two hours of charge time from a Mercedes-Benz charging box or four hours from your regular 240V three-pin socket.   The charging point on the C350e accessible at the right rear bumper is not compatible with the public chargers in Malaysia because the car comes with a more advanced Mark 2 adaptor while the public stations uses a Mark 1 point. However, MBM claims that with their Intelligent Powertrain Management, the battery is being recharged efficiently while you\u2019re driving.\nThe hybrid engine comes with 4 different driving modes: \nHYBRID\n, the default setting to manage the powertrain based on driving needs, \nE-MODE\n, full electric driving mode, \nE-SAVE\n, full petrol mode to preserve battery power and lastly \nCHARGE\n, as the name suggests, charges the battery pack. Besides that, drivers are able to switch the transmission and AIRMATIC dynamics into five different modes: Individual, Sport+, Sport, Comfort and Economy.   One clever feature of the C350e is the \nhaptic throttle pedals\n. When E-Mode is engaged, the throttle paddles will send small nudges to the driver indicating that the electric performance is at its maximum. This will remind drivers that any throttling beyond that point will bring the combustion engine to life.\nBesides that, there are also intelligent radars that scans the vehicle in front. If the vehicle in front is slowing down, the haptic pedals will nudge the drivers twice to recommend the driver to lift of the throttle to coast, effectively recharging the battery.   The preproduction car here wears an Exclusive trim but the production version will come standard in the sportier \nAMG trim\n. Customers will also get \n19-inch AMG wheels\n as standard. Other than that the equipment list according to Mark Raine, VP of Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Malaysia are identical to the C300 AMG and more. Features such as \nfull LED-intelligent headlamps\n with high beam assist, \nelectric panoramic sliding sunroof\n and 590 watts 13-speaker \nBurmester surround sound system\n are all carried over to the C350e.\nIn addition to those goodies, MBM has also thrown in \ntriple-zone climate control\n, \nAIRMATIC suspension\n, \n360\no \nview camera\n and \nPre-conditioning\n function as standard. The air suspension is the first in the segment to come as a standard feature. The pre-conditioning system is basically turning on the climate control to cool your cabin before you enter the vehicle. The air conditioning will be turned on for a maximum of 50 minutes before switching itself off.\nWith the introduction of the C350 CKD, the top of the range C-class (barring the AMG models) has become more accessible than ever. Compared to the outgoing C300 AMG, the new variant has the performance to match, more equipment and most importantly almost RM9k of savings; there\u2019s nothing to miss about the outgoing C300 AMG. Now, the problem is the \nBMW 330e\n, which is launching this Friday (August 26th 2016)!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ring any bells? The \nToyota GR Super Sport\n concept\n first broke cover\n way back in 2018 at the Tokyo Auto Salon, originally planned as a limited-run homologation special to the new GR010 Hybrid racecar, competing in the World Endurance Championships.\nHowever, it was none other than the Covid-19 pandemic that managed to wreak havoc on the sport, forcing FIA to update the rulebooks for the Le Mans Hypercar class (LMH) with several cost-cutting measures \u2013 among which, the 20-unit homologation requirement has been scrapped.\nDespite that,\n \nAutocar UK\n reports that Toyota is still forging forward with its plans for the GR Super Sport, acting as the halo model for its Gazoo Racing model line-up which now consists of the \nGR 86\n,\n GR Yaris\n, and \nGR Supra\n, drawing links between its road cars and racing programme.\nAs part of the cost-cutting measures, the max power output of the LMH cars were slashed by 32% \u2013 down to only 680 hp. But according to \nAutocar\n, the\n initially-claimed 1,000 hp output\n (to match the original GR010 prototype) will still be retained on the road-going Super Sport.\nPower will be provided by a 2.4 litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, adapted from Toyota\u2019s previous WEC Constructors\u2019 Championship winner, the TS050 Hybrid. No information on how the Toyota Hybrid System \u2013 Racing (THR-S) will be utilised here, but sources say that it could feature a tri-motor hybrid system, even potentially exceeding the initial 1,000 hp goal.\nEven though the powertrain is not a direct descendent of the GR010 (thanks to the rule changes, necessitating the switch to a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo engine), the Toyota GR Super Sport will still bear resemblances to the new WEC racecar in its looks, as seen on the working prototype that the company shown off in last year\u2019s Le Mans race.\nThe LMH rules dictates a largely fixed bodywork and aerodynamics package on its race cars, with manufacturers given certain areas in which they have freedom to style the bodywork in line with the road cars. Toyota Motorsport chiefs have confirmed that the styling of these portions was done by the GR road car division, so expect to see these elements being replicated on the Super Sport too.\nAlthough the prototype was shown as a topless cabriolet at its performance debut last year, it is believed that the actual car \u2013 at least at launch \u2013 will be sold as a coupe. Toyota did file a patent for the open canopy concept though, so we won\u2019t be surprised if they introduce a roof-less, door-less variant.\nSince there isn\u2019t a 20-unit requirement for the homologation road cars any more, there\u2019s also no indication as to how many units of the GR Super Sport Toyota will actually build. But with the significant amount of money that Toyota has invested in this car, plus the intention for it to be a halo model, we\u2019re guessing that Toyota would probably like to sell more of these.\nInterested in one of these? Reservations are not yet open, but you can fill in a questionnaire on the \nToyota GR website\n \u2013 with questions such as \u201chow many high performance sport cars you own now\u201d \u2013 to register your interest.\nGALLERY"
"What happens if we have a Formula One constructor collaborating with a renowned supercar marque? What if you get Red Bull Racing\u2019s (RBR) technical genius, Adrian Newey, involved? The result is this, the AM-RB 001, a mind-boggling hypercar that could seriously give Formula One and LMP1 race cars a run for their money.\nThe AM-RB 001 hypercar will consist of two variants \u2013 a \nroad car\n and a \ntrack-only\n car. The latter will run in limited numbers and will also be equipped with more downforce and lighter components. Apart from that, the track variant is expected to match the performance levels of the LMP1 cars from Audi, Porsche, and Audi and will meet the lap times of an F1 car in Silverstone in race trim.   Aerodynamics has always been Newey\u2019s expertise, evidently proven by the number of championships racked up during their glory years in F1. Newey\u2019s slippery touch extends to this project, and features an extensive \u2018\nground effect\n\u2019 aerodynamics, thanks to humongous front and rear diffusers. The back comes with a curiously small active/adjustable rear wing.\nMore amazingly, unlike the holy trinity of hypercars that uses\u00a0hybrid and electric power, the AM-RB 001 is strictly naturally aspirated, courtesy of a\u00a0\nmid-mounted V12\n lump, presumably the same 7.0-litre motor powering the Vulcan. However, both Aston Martin and RBR remained coy with the technical specs, probably a deliberate move to awe people with the car\u2019s design \u2013 for now. The car is projected to boast a 1:1 power to weight ratio and weighs less than a tonne. Hence, expect no less than\u00a0\n900 hp\n\u00a0from this beast.\nJust like the engine, details on the gearbox, suspension, and interior are limited as well. Speaking of the interior, it\u2019s strictly a two-seater and contains familiar creature comforts seen in recent Aston Martins. More details should surface by earl 2017.\nThe AM-RB 001 is limited to just 100 units, and under the words of Aston Martin\u2019s CEO, Andy Palmer, it will be \u201cterribly expensive\u201d at \n\u00a32-3 million\n (approx RM16 million based on today\u2019s exchange rates). If you aren\u2019t expecting this, the car is hot on the market as over 300 interested parties are looking to secure themselves this masterpiece. However, priority is given to those who have purchased the \nVulcan\n or One-77.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia\n has announced a new partnership with local charging network operator JomCharge to introduce BMW Charging, a special one-time offer for its customers.\nIn addition to granting access to more than 100 charging facilities operated by Jom Charge, including Gentari chargers by Petronas, the BMW Charging package also offers \nBMW\n and \nMini \ncustomers a\n 10% discount \non all charging sessions for a year.\nThe BMW Charging package is priced at a \none-time fee of RM640\n, and will be valid for a year from the month of registration or until the credits run out, whichever comes first.\nThe RM640 will be credited into the customer\u2019s account to be used for charging sessions, and as part of the exclusive package for BMW and Mini EV owners, the package will also include extra \ncomplimentary JomCharge credits worth RM160\n, for a total package value of RM800.\nAfter the expiry of the package, customers will be able to continue using the JomCharge charging network via the standard pay-per-use basis.\nRELATED: \nAC/DC? Common EV terms and jargons explained\nBMW Group Malaysia\u2019s Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability, Sashi Ambi said, \u201cAn integral part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the electromobility landscape in Malaysia are our strategic partnerships with industry leaders in the charging infrastructure for EVs such as JomCharge, as well as ChargEV and Tenaga Nasional Berhad in the coming months.\n\u201cWith our shared goals and diversified expertise, we are bringing more key infrastructure and access to these charging platforms to our ever-growing community of existing and potential EV owners here.\u201d\nManaging Director of EV Connection, Ir. Lee Yuen How added, \u201cAs the operator of the JomCharge network in Malaysia, our goal is to promote greater Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) adoption in Malaysia by offering transformative, customer-centric infrastructure \u2013 which is exemplified through our extensive public charging network.\n\u201cThis partnership with BMW \u2013 a leading premium EV automaker here, enables us to meet our ZEV adoption goals by working together to instil greater confidence amongst the public in our local electromobility ecosystem.\u201d\nTo date, BMW Group Malaysia has provided BMW and Mini EV owners with access to over 550 charging facilities nationwide, mainly powered by its industry partners including Jom Charge, Gentari, and ChargEV \u2013 the latter including \n26 chargers at 17 Starbucks stores\n within Klang Valley, Penang, Malacca, and Johor.\nThere are also over 80 BMW i charging facilities available at most authorised BMW and Mini dealerships nationwide, accessible\n via the ChargEV\n and GO TO-U mobile applications. BMW Group Malaysia adds that a strategic infrastructure expansion plan is already in place for 2023.\nMore information on the new partnership and BMW Charging package can be found at BMW Malaysia\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n."
"For the first time anywhere in the world, a racetrack has now been named after one of the most recognisable brands in automotive and it\u2019s called the AMG Speedway.\nSituated in South Korea, it\u2019s seen as an important Mercedes-AMG market as the German brand recorded a significant double-digit growth and a new sales record in 2017.\nThe 4.3 km track located not far away from Gangnam, Seoul will allow visitors to experience the brand\u2019s Driving Performance as intensively and exclusively as nowhere else in the region.\n\u201cThe AMG Speedway is the world\u2019s first racetrack bearing our name. It underlines the importance of South Korea as one of our main markets. The AMG Speedway also paves the way for our face-to-face communication with customers and fans who\u2019ll now be able to\u00a0experience the essence of our brand here first hand\u201d, says CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, Tobias Moers.\nThe AMG Speedway is based on South Korea\u2019s first permanent racetrack, inaugurated back in 1995. It was later on reconfigured and expanded in 2011, knitting together a circuit consisting of 17 turns; stretching into the grounds of the Everland Resort theme park."
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just introduced its first 3S centre here in Batu Pahat, Johor together with its newest authorised dealer, AJ Premium Motors. The new 3S centre not expands the Volvo brand\u2019s footprint in the bustling town of Batu Pahat but also provide greater aftersales coverage for customers in the Southern region.\nManaging Director of VCM, Lennart Stegland said: \u201cThere is growing interest for our models in Malaysia and we are actively setting-up dealerships in strategic areas around Malaysia to better service this need.\u201d\nMD of VCM, Lennart Stegland & MD of AJ Premium Motors, Jacky Ong\nThe newly minted 3S centre adheres to Volvo\u2019s latest global corporate image, providing the same Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) as other dealerships not only in Malaysia but also in Europe. The VRE covers not only the aesthetical aspect of the showroom but also the level of service from shopping, buying and servicing a Volvo vehicle.\nManaging Director of AJ Premium Motors, Jacky Ong said at the opening ceremony: \u201cOur presence in Batu Pahat makes it more convenient for owners from the surrounding areas of Muar, Kluang and Segamat to service their cars or for prospective customers to view new Volvo models.\u201d   Since it began operations on 1 July 2018, Volvo Batu Pahat has collected over 30 bookings in one week! A clear sign of the growing appetite for the Scandinavian Premium carmaker in the region. The bookings were made up of the Volvo XC60 and XC90 SUVs. One lucky owner also took delivery of his brand-new Volvo XC60 T5 in conjunction with the showroom\u2019s official opening ceremony.\nIMAGE GALLERY   First Volvo Customer taking delivery of his new Volvo XC60"
"Electric vehicle start up NIO has just launched its first production car \u2013 a high performance, all electric SUV called the ES8. The 7-seater crossover, which can be customised and will be made to order, retails at a base price of RMB 448,000 (RM 276k) before subsidies. It can be bought via the NIO App.\nWith front and rear motors, the ES8 which sits on active air suspension, produces\n 643 hp\n and a mind-boggling \n840 Nm\n, channeled to all four wheels. As a result, 0 to 100 km/h take a brisk \n4.4 seconds\n.\nAt a constant speed of 60 km/h, the ES8 is said to be capable of returning \n500 km of driving range\n. The ES8\u2019s drag coefficient is rated at a lowly 0.29 and has \nundergone over 3,000,000 km\n of road testing before delivery to customers.\nWith a length of over 5 meters and a wheelbase stretching over 3 meters, the ES8\u2019s Nappa leather-clad interior is almost unrivaled in terms of space. Its cabin also comes with innovative lounge seats and a child care mode. Its smart air quality system includes an activated carbon and HEPA filter and negative ion generator.\nSafety wise, the ES8 is the first car to have an all aluminium body and chassis \u2013 \nadopted from aerospace applications\n \u2013 to provide exceptional torsional stiffness. Elsewhere it\u2019s equipped with 21 active safety features to complement its passive safety design.\nIn line with the launch of the ES8, NIO also introduced the NIO Pilot \u2013 a comprehensive advanced driver assistance system that\u2019s enabled by 23 sensors, a trifocal front-facing camera, four surround exterior cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a driver monitor camera.\nThe ES8 is the \nfirst vehicle in the world\n to be equipped with the Mobileye EyeQ4 and is programmed with NOMI, the \nworld\u2019s first in-car Artificial Intelligence system\n. Powered by both in-car and cloud computation, NOMI is capable of interacting with people sitting in the vehicle.\nNOMI combines the ES8\u2019s intelligence and car connectivity functionalities to turn the ES8 into a fun, expressive and intuitive companion that can listen, talk, and help drivers along the way. Power Mobile, as part of the NIO Power system that allows the ES8\u2019s batteries to be swapped in three minutes, enables the ES8 to run\n 100 km after charging for just 10 minutes\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s called the \u201c\nMandatory Tree Planting for Every Motor Vehicle Sales Act\n\u201d and has been filed for debate in the House of Representatives by local congressman, Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr.\nIf it goes on to become the law, all \u201cdealers and retailers\u201d involved in the sale of motor vehicles shall be required to plant 10 trees for every sales transaction, within six months of the vehicle sale. The initiative seeks to boost reforestation, to \nmitigate the effects of typhoons in flood-prone\n areas of the country.\nThe term \u201cmotor vehicle\u201d was defined as any self-propelled four-wheeled road vehicle designed to carry passengers such as sedans, SUVs, pick-ups while the term \u201cdealers and retailer\u201d includes those who sell new motor vehicles directly to the public or retail buyers.\nInterestingly, bulldozers and cranes, which are responsible for nature\u2019s death were not included.\nThey can\u2019t just pick a spot, plant 10 trees, and call it a day though. The locations and even types of trees will be determined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Failure to act will warrant a maximum fine of up to 30,000 pesos (approx RM2,500).\nThe Philippines is one of the most hard hit countries by typhoons in this region. According to the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre, the countries endures an average of 20 typhoons per year with June till September being the most chaotic months.\nIn 2012, Time Magazine reported that the Philippines was the most exposed country in the world to tropical storms."
"It\u2019s never easy leaving your prized possession, whether it\u2019s an Axia or a Mercedes-Benz, in the hands of a complete stranger from the valet \u2013 I wouldn\u2019t even let my own girlfriend drive my car.\nIf I must, I\u2019d rather leave it to a robot. Sure they may be prone to glitches like a human would be to \u201cdrive-texting\u201d, but \nStanley Robotics\n seems to have got it figured out with the \nworld\u2019s first outdoor valet parking robot\n.\n \nCheck out the video and find out how it works!\nStan, as the robotic valet is called, is \ncompletely autonomous and fully electric\n, led by artificial intelligence \u2013 allowing it to efficiently park the cars without wasting any space.\nCapable of handling vehicles up to \nsix metres long\n and \n3,000 kg\n in weight, Stan is equipped with sensors that allow it to adjust its movement and avoid obstacles.\n \nFirst outdoor car park in France managed by Stan.\nSo far the concept is catered to airport terminal parking lots with test-runs taking place at the Paris-Charles De Gaulle airport in France in 2017.\nThe first outdoor car park managed by Stan was opened to the public in early 2018 at the , also in France.\nLondon\u2019s Gatwick airport is the next to implement this system with trials from the second half of 2019 to early 2020.\nAnd it\u2019s just such a brilliant idea! This means that there\u2019s no need to look for parking spaces if you\u2019re ever late for a flight. What\u2019s even more comforting is that these parking lots are closed to the public \u2013 with only robots roaming about.\nThe system is also connected to the user\u2019s real-time flight information so the robot will automatically retrieve the car, with the user receiving an SMS once the vehicle is ready.\nMust say, can\u2019t wait for the hundreds of shopping malls in Klang Valley to implement this, if ever.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Majority of the cars on the road are front-wheel drive (FWD) for good reason. It\u2019s cheaper to make, more compact in design and at times, give better traction as compared to rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles \u2013 because the weight of the engine is pressing onto the driven wheel.\nBut despite the technological progresses in tyres and electronic nannies to keep you on the road, it still does not change the fact that FWD vehicles are prone to understeer when being pushed to its limits. Does it mean you\u2019ll have to be on the car\u2019s physical limits to experience understeer? Not quite.\nThe all-new Perodua Myvi is an example of an FWD\nUndersteer, in a nutshell, is when the \nfront wheels do not turn according to your steering inputs\n and continue to track a straight line. This can be a terrifying experience when the car suddenly does not react the way you expect it to. Understeer is more apparent in FWD vehicles but RWD can too experience understeer if the driver is not careful.\nUndersteer happens when you carry too much speed into a corner and the front axle is unable to cope with the bend, resulting in the front tyres losing traction before the rear. The car then slides forward instead of turning as it\u2019s supposed to.\nAnother scenario that can induce understeer is when you apply hard braking through a corner and that causes the front wheels to lock up. When that occurs, the front wheels may not turn as desired and instead send you sliding off the course of the road.\nThe safest way to get out of the sticky situation is to keep the steering in the same steering lock as you have entering the corner while gently easing off the throttle to allow the front tyres to regain grip without upsetting the balance of the car. Thus, allowing you to regain control of the car and safely exit the corner.\nOn the other hand, if you were to slam on the brakes the moment you start understeering, the weight of the car will be transferred suddenly to the front and may upset the balance of the rear axle \u2013 causing the tail end of the vehicle to slide. This is known as snap-oversteer. Remember, \ndon\u2019t panic\n, if your car is not turning, hold on to the steering wheel and gently release the throttle.\nHowever, driving a FWD vehicle does not mean you\u2019d be dealing with understeer at every corner, especially if the car is equipped with \nABS\n and Traction Control. The most pragmatic advice we can give you to reduce the chances of understeer is to have high-quality tyres fitted on your car and to slow down gradually but substantially when approaching a corner."
"Aston Martin is on a roll. Not long after its \nDB11 \nGrand Tourer debuted and subsequently received glowing\u00a0reviews, the Gaydon-based company is set to embark on a seven-year project called \u201cSecond Century Plan\u201d. This ambitious project, spearheaded by CEO Andy Palmer,\u00a0will see Aston Martin unveiling seven new models\u00a0until 2022.\nThe seven new models will consist of model replacements, as well as all-new models. The latter includes a crossover and a mid-engine supercar, two territories previously unexplored by Aston Martin. With the DB11 out of Plan 7, its platform and technology will be passed on to develop the new \nVanquish\n and \nVantage\n. That of course will allow both the models to receive the all-new aluminium architecture and Mercedes-AMG\u2019s\u00a0\n4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine\n.\nNext, the Aston Martin DBX will be Gaydon\u2019s first ever crossover, and will also be the first model to feature hybrid technology. Apparently, the DBX\u2019s design is inspired by a four-door coupe (albeit with the added ground clearance) and will compete directly against the Porsche Cayenne. The DBX will be built at the company\u2019s new facility in Wales. Interested? You\u2019ll have to wait till 2019 to own one.\nThe luxury saloon segment will also be revived with\u00a0the\u00a0\nLagonda\n model, with additional variants such as the Lagonda Taraf that will compete with Maybach. The saloon models, which is also set to replace the Rapide, will be offered with a hybrid powertrain.\nWhat better way to end this project with a bang? During the final year, in 2022, a\n mid-engine Aston Martin\n\u00a0supercar will emerge. Remember the mega-successful \nAM-RB 001\n hypercar concept that drove the internet crazy? Development of the maniacal car has provided Aston the necessary knowhow to producing a proper\u00a0mid-engined sportscar.\u00a0\nSeven years, seven new models, and each model\u00a0will have a seven-year life span. Looks like it\u2019s seven times the excitement for us!"
"The long overdue locally-assembled VW Jetta, which was initially said to be rolling out from the Pekan plant right after the Passat in 2012 is now confirmed.\u00a0The new Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia, Christoph Aringer today announced that the \nVolkswagen\n Jetta CKD will be launched in a month\u2019s time.\nThe announcement which was made at the Volkswagen Group Malaysia Media Luncheon in KL Hilton this afternoon, was kept simple with no further information such as on the specifications. According to reliable sources, the Malaysian-assembled Jetta will maintain its TSI engine and the DSG gearbox.\nVolkswagen Group Malaysia is setting a high sales target this year, at 20,000 units. The figure set for 2014 doubles what VGM managed in 2013, which may be a steep hill to climb. Mr. Aringer however is confident that his team can achieve the target via sales volume from the newly launched \nPolo 1.6\n and the upcoming Jetta CKD.\u00a0\u00a0\nShould the Jetta CKD is powered by the same engine and gearbox as the CBU model, how much will it cost and will it fit in comfortably in the local C-segment market? Let us know what you think."
"After just recently introduced the updated \nInnova\n and the \nCamry 2.0G X\n, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd now introduces two fully-imported MPVs from Japan simultaneously, the \nToyota Previa\n and the Toyota Alphard.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Alphard\nSegment\nMPV\nEngine\n2,362cc In-line 4, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-i\n3,456cc V6, 24-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-i and ACIS\nMax Power\n170PS @ 6,000 rpm\n275PS @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n224Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n340Nm @ 4,700 rpm\nPrice\n2.4G \u00a0 RM338,000\n3.5G \u00a0 RM398,000\nUnlike the Previa which was previewed at the last year\u2019s KL International Motorshow, the introduction of the Alphard by UMW Toyota Motor is quite a surprise. The huge MPV made popular by the grey importers are now available officially in two guises, \n2.4G\n and \n3.5G\n. This is great news to those who were contemplating to buy one but were put off by the dubious service and warranty offered by the grey importers. Imported directly from Japan, UMW Toyota Motor provides\n 3 years\n or \n100,000km\n \nwarranty\n.\nSpecifications\nExterior\n Being the flagship model in the current Toyota range in this country, both variants are kitted generously to reflect its status. Huge chromed grille adorns the nose, with High-Intensity Discharge (\nHID\n) headlamps for both 2.4G and 3.5G models, but Adaptive Front-lighting System (\nAFS\n) cornering lights is exclusive for the 3.5G only.   Both models run on\u00a0\n17\u2033 alloys\n\u00a0wrapped in 215/60 R17 rubbers. There are four exterior colours offered; White Pearl CS, Gold Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, and Black.\nInterior\n No keys needed to get inside, as the Alphard comes with \nSmart Entry\n and Start System. Powered sliding rear doors which can be controlled from the overhead console or buttons on the \nSmart Key\n are only offered on the 3.5G model but once inside, acres of cream-coloured leather covers the seats while the driver gets an \neight-way powered memory seat\n. The dashboard is trimmed with Black Wood Grain and silver accents, and also reflected on the four-spoke steering. The meter cluster is the standard Optitron unit which ensures visibility in any lighting conditions, and the centre console comes equipped with \n7-inch touch screen\n monitor for its DVD-AVN (Audio-Video Navigation) System and Reverse Camera. There\u2019s \nTriple Zone\n Automatic Climate Control with \nnanoe\u2122 ion generator\n to freshen the interior air quality. The cool air is distributed to the rear passengers by air vents on the ceiling and lower levels as well.   As if the Alphard is lacking interior space, twin \npowered moonroofs\n further enhances the sense of space in the cabin. LEDs lined on each side of the roof illuminates the interior in a warm hue for an added luxurious feel. The best seats in the house is no doubt the two middle row power \ncaptain seats with Ottoman feature\n and individual footrest. The middle row seats also equipped with International Standard Organization Fix (\nISOFIX\n) anchors for child safety seats. The third row seats three, but they\u2019re split \n50:50\n and folds on their side agains the wall.   To ensure the cabin\u2019s quietness, \nspecialised sound insulating materials\n are strategically-placed in various areas to prevent the engine noise from entering the cabin.\nPerformance\n Two different powertrains are offered, the \n2.4-litre\n 16-valve 4-cylinder Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) producing \n170PS\n at \n6,000rpm\n and \n224Nm\n of torque at \n4,000rpm\n, and the \n3.5-litre\n 24-valve V6 Dual VVT-i with ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System) churns out \n275PS\n at \n6,200rpm\n and \n340Nm\n of torque at \n4,700rpm\n. A \n7-speed CVT\n transmission is used in the 2.4G while the 3.5G gets a \n6-speed Super ECT\n Automatic transmission and both transmissions offer manual override.\nSafety\n The Alphard is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (\nABS\n) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (\nEBD\n) and Brake Assist (\nBA\n). The Vehicle Stability Control (\nVSC\n) is included to keep traction in check. A total of \nseven\n Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) \nairbags\n can be found inside the Alphard, located in front of the driver, front passenger, front side, curtain, and also below the steering column for the driver\u2019s knee. Front and rear \nsensors\n are included to aid parking maneuvers. UMW Toyota Motor will also install \nToyota Premium Security and Solar Film\n as standard on both variants.\nWhat else.\n With the official introduction of the Alphard by UMW Toyota Motor, we can expect a growing number of this MPV on our roads especially with the addition of complete official after-sales support and warranty offered. The Alphard \n2.4G\n is priced at \nRM338,000\n while the \n3.5G\n is at \nRM398,000\n with additional RM800 for the two pearl colour options.\nUMW Toyota Motor also offers\u00a0\nthree years free service\n, first year\u00a0\nfree road tax and insurance\n\u00a0to the first 300 customers to sweeten the deal. For more information, visit Toyota\u2019s\u00a0\nwebsite\n\u00a0or view the brochure\u00a0\nhere\n.\nRead about the introduction of\u00a0\nToyota Previa by UMW Toyota Motor here\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The facelifted Toyota Corolla Altis was \nrevealed for the first time in March this year\n, \nspied a few months later on the road\n\u00a0and \nteased on UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s website just about a month ago\n. It\u2019s finally here now, and priced from RM121k to RM139k.\nThree trims are immediately available for purchase \u2013 base 1.8E, mid-spec 1.8G and range-topping 2.0V. The pictures you see here are of the 2.0V variant, fitted with genuine Toyota accessories \u2013 body kit and illuminated LED door sills \u2013 and finished in the brand new Red Mica Metallic.\nQ\nUICK FACTS\nName\nCorolla Altis 1.8E\nCorolla Altis 1.8G\nCorolla Altis 2.0V\nEngine\n1,798cc; inline-4, DOHC with Dual VVT-i (2ZR-FE)\n1,987cc; DOHC with Dual VVT-i (3ZR-FE)\nTransmission\nCVT with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic Mode\nMax Power\n138 hp @ 6,400 rpm\n144 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n173 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n187 Nm @ 3,600 rpm\nPrice\nRM120,900.00\nRM123,900.00\nRM138,900.00\nSo, what\u2019s new? Visually from the get go, the obvious differences are the sleeker \nfull LED headlamps\u00a0\n(but only for the 2.0V, high beam is also LED now)\u00a0with LED DRLs, slimmer front grille and redesigned front bumper and fog lamps housing. Round the side, the 2.0V sits on a brand new set of \n17-inch alloys\n (offered as five-piece as standard), shod with 215/45 profiled Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. The redesigned wheels are admittedly better looking than the old 2.0V\u2019s, which also came wrapped in the same PS3 tyres. However, 1.8-litre variants sit on 16-inch alloys with 205/55 series tyres.   The good news continues rearwards. The tail lamps are of the same shape but differ in graphics. Adjoining\u00a0them is a chrome trim that\u2019s slimmer than the one before. Another nifty aesthetic touch is the bezel-free parking sensors which can be found on both the front and rear bumpers (two and four sensors respectively).\nInside, the Corolla Altis receives a brand new touchscreen multimedia head unit as well as updated single-zone air-conditioning controls. All trims come with a three-spoke leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel (tilt and telescopic), keyless entry with push-start button, Sports Mode, \nacoustic windshield glass\n and illuminated entry system.   Only the 1.8E gets fabric seats, while the more expensive pair\u00a0come with black leather combination seats. Also exclusive to the duo are Optitron instrument cluster with a digital multi-info display between the analogue gauges. The 2.0V is the sole recipient of sports seats (8-way power adjustable, driver only), electro-chromic rear view mirror and passive cruise control.\nNow, the facelift commands just a slight price hike over the older model, but you do get more than the premium you\u2019re paying for. Together with the acoustic windshield glass, all Corolla Altis now come fitted with thicker floor mats and insulated wheel wells for a quieter, more comfortable cabin. Also thrown into the mix \u2013 as standard, mind you \u2013 are \nseven airbags\n (with driver knee), Isofix mount for the rear, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control.\u00a0\nMechanically, not much has changed. The same 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines are carried forward, producing 138 hp and 173 Nm and 144 hp and 187 Nm respectively. Both mills are paired to a \nCVT\n with\n seven-speed sports sequential shift\n mode, but only the 2.0V comes with paddle shifters. Suspension tuning on the other hand, pays more focus to comfort.\nAll purchases of the Toyota Corolla Altis come packaged with a\n 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n. It scored a 5-Star rating in the ASEAN NCAP\u2019s Adult Occupant Protection category as well. Original aftermarket options include a five-piece bodykit (as seen with the variant here) and a 7-inch DVD-AVN system with reverse camera and GPS navigation. The camera, for those who are asking, feature parking guide lines.\nA total of six exterior colours are offered: Phantom Brown Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Attitude Black and White Pearl CS which requires an additional top-up of RM848.00.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It is as predicted, that the fuel price for the month of February will see a \nconsiderable plunge\n\u00a0following the continual downtrend in global crude oil prices.\nThe price for \nRON95 in January\nEffective beginning\u00a0\n12:00am\n on 1 February till 28 February 2015, the price for RON95 will drop by \n21 sen\n to \nRM1.70\n. Diesel is also priced at \nRM1.70\n after dropping \n23 sen\n, while RON97 dipped the least at \n11 sen\n to \nRM2.00\n per litre.\nSeveral petrol stations are facing shortages with their RON97 supplies due to a surge in popularity\nSince the removal of our fuel subsidy in November last year, fuel prices have dropped from \nRM2.30 for RON95\n\u00a0in October last year, to \nRM1.91 in January\n and now further down to the current RM1.70 per litre mark \u2013 a full \n60 sen less\n compared to October last year."
"It\u2019s no secret that the Lamborghini Aventador lineage is coming to an end after more than 10 years in production since it made its debut in 2011 and the final version, the \nAventador LP 780-4 Ultimae\n, has been launched in Malaysia.\nThere are only 600 units of the Ultimae worldwide, made up of \n350 coupes and 250 roadsters\n, and as it is the last version of the V12 Aventador, all 600 units have been sold. In Malaysia, the coupe starts from RM1.888 mil while the roadster is priced from RM1.988 mil. Both prices are excluding duties and options.\nThe Ultimae you see here is finished with a grey-on-grey exterior colour theme, just like the global launch unit. The splitters and \u2018teeth\u2019 at the front, as Lamborghini calls it, are finished in Matte Red. The wheels are 20-inch in size, paired with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini\u2019s first EV will launch between 2027-2028!\nAs for the ceramic brakes, Lamborghini claims that it can stop the car from 100 km/h to zero in just 30 metres. With the generous use of carbon fibre, the Aventador Ultimae is 25 kg lighter than the Aventador S.\nWhile the Ultimae isn\u2019t fitted with a huge rear wing, its carbon fibre rear diffuser and active rear wing combo is capable of generating the same downforce as the \ntrack-focused Aventador SVJ\n.\nRELATED: \nFive records by Lamborghini cars you may not know about\nThe grey-on-grey exterior colour theme is applied to the interior as well; with black leather and Alcantara materials complementing the \u2018Y\u2019 seat insers. The LP 780-4\u2019s comfort-oriented seats are taken from the Aventador S, with the \u2018Ultimae\u2019 name embroidered into the seat bolster. The A-pillar on the other hand features a plaque that reads 001 of 350/250 \u2013 in reference to the units available for the Coupe and Roadster body styles.\nAt the heart of this bull is a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine paired to a 7-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox to drive all four wheels. The Ultimae also gets rear-wheel steer. The non-turbocharged V12 makes 780 hp and 720 Nm, and is capable of catapulting the Ultimae from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds. Its top speed is rated at 355 km/h.\nGALLERY"
"Motor Image Malaysia,\nthe official distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia has just introduced an\nenhanced version of their popular crossover. Here\u2019s a closer look of the Subaru\nXV GT Edition.\n \nThe new additions include a unique body kit designed in collaboration with Giken Co Limited and Masahiko Kobayashi who is a former chief designer at Subaru Corporation. Inside, it also comes with new two-tone leather seats and side view monitor system on top of all the standard features you\u2019d find on the 2.0i-P.\nMechanically it retains the FB20 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine and Lineartronic CVT combo developing \n156 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque."
"After the launch of the facelifted \n2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class\n and \nits AMG versions\n in Malaysia today, many thought that was it. But we were given a surprise as \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has also previewed the \nMercedes-AMG SL 43\n! As this is just a preview, no official retail prices for the AMG SL 43 are available just yet. The recommended retail price Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has provided for the roadster so far is just shy of RM1 million, at \nRM999,888\n (with 10% SST).\nServing as the entry-level model of the AMG SL roadster series, the 2+2 seater soft top roadster is described by Mercedes-Benz as a combination between the sportiness of the original SL race car and the luxury and technological excellence of the modern \nMercedes-AMG\n models. On the outside, the AMG SL 43 sports the AMG-specific radiator grille on its front end, and features luxurious bits such as the flush door handles.\nThe German luxury carmaker also boasts about the defining features of the AMG SL 43\u2019s body design. This includes the roadster\u2019s long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, as well as its steeply-raked windscreen.\nClosing the German roadster\u2019s three-layer fabric soft top takes about 15 seconds, thanks to the Z-fold design, which also simultaneously helps save space. Closing the soft top can also be done up to speeds of 60 km/h.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM510k\nOther equipments that come standard with the AMG SL 43 include the brand\u2019s Digital Light headlights system and integrated rear wing that extends itself automatically. When the roadster is officially launched in Malaysia, the AMG SL 43 will be available in twelve paint finishes, including two exclusive SL colours \u2013 hyper blue metallic and Manufaktur Monza Grey Mango.\nPowering the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, which makes \n381 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n. The new roadster is the first series-produced vehicle in the world to feature an electric exhaust gas turbocharger.\nThis technology comes from Formula 1 and helps solve the trade-off between a small fast responding supercharger that only provides a comparatively low peak power, as well as a large supercharger that gives high peak power but with delayed response. The turbocharger is operated via the car\u2019s 48V electrical system, which also feeds the brand\u2019s belt-driven starter generator (RSG) that is capable of providing an additional short-term boost of 14 hp and 150 Nm in certain driving situations.\nPaired with AMG\u2019s Speedshift Multi-Clutch 9G transmission, power is delivered solely to the rear wheels. Going from a standstill to 100 km/h with this roadster takes \n4.9 seconds\n, and the top speed is \n275 km/h\n.\nThe AMG SL 43 also comes stock with sports suspension and is the first production Mercedes-AMG vehicle ever to be fitted with a multi-link front axle with five links arranged entirely within the rim. Mercedes-AMG says that this setup significantly improves the car\u2019s kinematics. The rear axle on the other hand features a 5-link design.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift launched in Malaysia, from RM239k\nSitting inside the AMG SL 43 roadster, one will find the interior featuring what Mercedes-Benz describes as \u2018hyperanalogue\u2019, which is a combination between analogue geometry and the digital world. The hyperanalogue interior consists of the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, which is integrated into a three-dimensional visor in order to prevent reflections caused by sunlight, especially when the soft top is open.\nThe centre display features the brand\u2019s MBUX infotainment system and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a head-up display (HUD), as well as the MBUX augmented reality (AR) display for navigation.\nAs an AMG vehicle, the AMG SL 43 comes fitted with the AMG Performance steering wheel, wrapped in Nappa leather and finished in AMG aluminium trim. There are also multicontour seats and the front seats specifically come with heating and ventilating functions.\nThe dashboard of the roadster is shaped like a power dome, which houses the four air-cond vents that look like galvanised turbine nozzles. Safety-wise, the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is equipped with the brand\u2019s Driving Assistance Package, as well as the Parking Advance with a reverse camera.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM650k \u2013 687hp, 1020Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs\nGALLERY"
"When the first-generation Toyota Prius rolled out of the factory in 1997, they probably didn\u2019t imagine that hybrid cars would make the vast impact it did up till today. Not only have set the bar high with the Toyota Hybrid System, they have also shifted a collective volume of 10 million hybrid cars!\nToday, the Japanese are the biggest adopters of Toyota\u2019s hybrid\u00a0models, followed by North America. Unsurprisingly, the \nPrius\n is Toyota\u2019s best seller with close to 4 million units shipped worldwide. Its smaller equivalent, the Prius C, fared well with 1.38 million units sold globally since being introduced in late 2011.\nThe THS has now moved beyond the Prius nameplate, and the \u201c\nHybrid Synergy Drive\n\u201d logo can now be found in 34 models. From compact hatchbacks to family movers and even the TS050 Le Mans racer, Toyota\u2019s hybrid technology is here to stay and they are in it for the long run.\nBack home, the \nToyota Camry Hybrid\n is still offered by UMW Toyota from RM164,900.00."
"If you\u2019ve been lusting over Jaguar\u2019s \nfastest and most powerful\n production vehicle to date, good news for you, \nJaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd\n has announced that the \nF-Type Project 7\n is now available here in Malaysia! \nOnly two units\n (out of 250) have been allocated for the Malaysian market, so you have to be as quick as the limited edition cat to get yours hands on one.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nJaguar F-Type Project 7\nEngine\n5.0-liter supercharged V8\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n567 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n680 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 5,500 rpm\nPrice\nOn application\n\u00a0\nHand-built by \nJaguar Land Rover\u2019s Special Operations team\n, the F-Type Project 7 was created to honour the 60th anniversary of the \n1954 D-type racer\n last year. A fairing behind the driver\u2019s head rest is a nod to the D-Type, with the windscreen that has been trimmed by 114 mm for that sleeker profile.\nThe Project 7 is also fitted with bespoke \ncarbon fibre aerodynamic add-ons\n, as well as a set of \n20-inch gloss black Storm alloy wheels\n wrapped in Pirelli P Zero or the optional Continental ForceContact tyres.\nThe cabin features a \nnumbered plaque\n signed by Ian Callum between a pair of diamond quilted leather-wrapped\n lightweight bucket seats\n, while the driver gets \nAlcantara wrapped steering wheel\n with \naluminium shift paddles\n.\nThe special two-seater is motivated by a tuned \n5.0-litre supercharged V8\n from the F-Type R, giving out \n567 hp\n and \n680 Nm\n of torque. The V8 is then mated to an \n8-speed automatic\n to send all the power to the rear wheels.\nThe Project 7 blitzes from \n0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds\n, and it will keep on going to a limited \ntop speed\n of \n300 km/h\n. Bringing it back to a halt is a set of\n Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes\n measuring \n398 mm\n up front and\n 380 mm\n at the back.\nThere\u2019s a \nnew suspension setup\n, along with other handling enhancements such as the \nTorque Vectoring by Braking\n (TVbB) that works together with the \nElectronic Active Differential\n (EAD) and the car\u2019s Dynamic Stability Control.\nThe \nprice is on application\n, but if you\u2019re keen to get one you can contact \nSime Darby AutoConneXion\n and \nSISMA Auto\n branches.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re looking for something out of the ordinary, something that\u2019s different from your neighbour\u2019s BMW or your business partner\u2019s Mercedes-Benz, Audi may have something of your interest.\nIt may cost a little more than its Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series counterparts, but it\u2019s also a heck of a lot more stylish and the charm of the Audi A5 Sportback, lies in that sloping roof design.\n \nIt\u2019s got the wheels to match too! Couple all that with the pale yet striking District Green paintjob and what you get is a sedan that gives the impression of coupe with plenty of performance to boot. With 249 hp and 370 Nm, the A5 Sportback offers sufficient \noomph\n to feed all four wheels via Audi\u2019s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.\nCurious? Have we caught your attention? Check out the video and let GC Mah tell you more about it.\nOr else, check out our comprehensive gallery of the Audi A5 Sportback quattro \nhere\n!"
"Despite stating earlier that it will \ncontinue making ICE cars even after 2030\n, it seems like the days of petrol-powered Aston Martin cars are numbered. According to a report by \nAutomotive News Europe\n, Aston Martin will be transitioning from internal-combustion engines to fully-electric powertrains on the next-gen \nVantage\n and \nDB11\n.\n\u201cThe succession of our traditional sports segment has to be full electric, no doubt,\u201d Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers told the publication at a recent event.\nAston Martin\u2019s transition to EV is not news, as the company has already previously outlined its plans following the signing of a \nstrategic technology agreement \nwith Mercedes-Benz last October.\nThe British sports car maker initially said it will introduce its first EV product in 2026 as part of the transition plan. However, according to Moers\u2019 latest comments, the EV roll-out could be fast-tracked to a 2025 launch, though there\u2019s no indication if that will be for the Vantage or DB11.\nThe Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition, inspired by Formula 1\u2019s latest safety cars\nBefore going fully-electric though, Aston Martin will first introduce a plug-in hybrid variant of the \nDBX SUV\n, then followed by a new mid-engine PHEV model that will slot below the \nValkyrie\n and \nValhalla \nflagships, with styling allegedly inspired by the \nVanquish Vision Concept\n.\nAston Martin also previously said that all of its road-going models will be electrified by 2030. Specifically, 50% of the line-up will be fully-electric, 45% to be some form of hybrid, and the remaining 5% to be \ncombustion-powered track-only models. \nNo information is available just yet on the performance metrics of the new fully-electric powertrain, though Moers said that it\u2019ll have an estimated range of around 600 km, and will retain Aston Martin\u2019s usual driving characteristics.\n\u201cHow you experience the brand, the customer journey. These are the things that are going to make the difference,\u201d he told \nAutomotive News Europe\n. \u201cIt will be about the experience, the driving dynamics, how we are going to serve our customers.\u201d\nYou\u2019d be surprised at how much work actually goes into making the Aston Martin badge on their cars. Check out the video here!\nAston Martin officially unveiled its first-ever hybrid supercar, the Valhalla, just \nlast week\n. Instead of the in-house designed and built V6 engine that was part of its initial announcement, the Valhalla now packs a Mercedes-AMG-sourced rear-mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, paired to a pair of electric motors \u2013 one on each axle.\nIn total, the setup makes \n950 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque. Although, its electric-only range is just a measely 15 km \u2013 though to be fair, it was never designed for ecological reasons in mind."
"Together with the launch of the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC in Malaysia, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n also launched the all-new Mercedes-Benz metal credit card, a result of a partnership with Maybank. It is the first of its kind in Malaysian automotive history.\nApplication for the Mercedes-Benz card is open to all with a minimum annual income of RM100,000. The card will allow customers to earn accelerated points on selected purchases at any Mercedes-Benz Autohaus nationwide when the card is used. Holders of the Mercedes-benz card will be entitled to the following Mercedes-Benz exclusive offers:\n10% discount* on Mercedes-Benz parts, official merchandise, and accessories\nAccumulation of 10x TreatsPoints* with every RM1 spent per visit\nUp to 8% discount* on comprehensive Mercedes-Benz Extended Limited Warranty Programme\nUp to 20% off* MobilityPlus (a Mercedes-Benz car replacement program)\nAs for the non-Mercedes-Benz exclusive benefits, they include:\n3% cash back on petrol spend (capped at RM50 a month)\ncomplimentary Accor Plus Explorer membership*\ndining discounts up to 40%* in premium dining venues at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels in Malaysia\ncomplimentary green fees* at 100 golf courses worldwide\nand many more.\nMore value awaits the cardholders as successful applicants of the Mercedes-Benz card will enjoy a two-year Annual Fee waiver, while subsequent year annual fees will be waived with an accumulated card spending of RM80,000 per annum.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC launched in Malaysia, RM430k \u2013 single variant, MHEV\nMercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Managing Director, Anamika Talwar said, \u201cWe are excited to launch our first credit card product with Maybank and Visa to offer an exclusive branded metal credit card that complements the luxury brand experience for our customers. The Mercedes-Benz Card is designed to enrich the experience of cardholders who are lifestyle enthusiasts. Our customers can now have the prized 3-pointed Star, not only in their garage but also in their wallet.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line updated in Malaysia with new equipment list \u2013 RM400k\nMaybank Senior Executive Vice-President and Head, Cards, Group Community Financial Services, Mr. B. Ravintharan said, \u201cMaybank is honoured to partner with Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and become the first in Malaysian automotive history to introduce a one-of-its-kind, metal card offering exclusive and luxurious benefits to its customers.\u201d\n\u201cAs the market leader for cards in Malaysia, Maybank continues to offer customer-centric, new value-added offerings and best-in-class products for our customers. In line with the bank\u2019s mission of Humanising Financial Services, we constantly look at new opportunities in emerging lifestyle trends to improve customer offerings and fit their current needs and way of life. This is also aligned to the Bank\u2019s strategy to continuously build on its strong franchise in the region by offering distinct value propositions for different market segments.\u201d\n*Terms and conditions apply\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC launched in Malaysia \u2013 Locally-assembled EV, RM649k"
"The \nhigh-tech, futuristic Hyundai IONIQ\n has now got a new upgrade \u2013 it now comes with a voice to compliment its brains. There\u2019s a but though, it will be offered in a separate variant from the \ninitial two launched last year\n.\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced that the \npreviously reviewed IONIQ\n will now come with an advanced \nAudio Visual Navigation (AVN) system\n. Built around the Android operating system, the 8-inch AVN system comes with an array of functions and applications including:\nMusic \u2013 Radio, MP3 playback, Spotify app\nConvenience \u2013 Built-in Bluetooth wireless communication and phonebook transfer as well as My Hyundai app to place a service booking or call for 24 hours road assistance\nNavigation apps with Waze and Google Maps installed\nClock and Weather widgets that are updated via Wifi\nThe AVN system, with\n iOS \nand\n Android compatibility\n, also supports standalone applications such as Spotify, Waze and Google Maps so as to not disrupt incoming phone calls.\u00a0\nThe new system also comes with a\u00a0\n3-year or 100,000km warranty\n (whichever comes first).\nWith that, HSDM now offers a third variant to supplement its two current models; the \nIONIQ Hybrid HEV\n at RM 100,388, the \nIONIQ Hybrid HEV Plus\n at RM 114,088 and lastly the \nIONIQ HEV Plus with AVN System\n at RM 116,488. All prices are excluding insurance.\nExisting IONIQ customers can opt for this upgrade by trading in their existing head unit and topping up the difference. For more information about the AVN system or to place booking for the IONIQ hybrid, customers can head over to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai\u2019s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.\nWith that, the already tech-packed IONIQ, now offers the full monty of driver assistance and \nsafety\n systems which is sure to shame vehicles twice it\u2019s asking price. The list of features included in the current models consists of the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Front and Rear Parking System, a seven-airbag system and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).\nFeatures that are exclusive to the HEV Plus variant include Wireless Charging System for Smartphones, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB), Smart Cruise Control System (SCC), and a Rain Sensor."
"Mercedes-AMG has pulled off the covers (and roof) of their latest Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). Unlike the \nAMG GT R Coupe\n, the Roadster is only limited to 750 units worldwide.\nAt the heart of AMG\u2019s ultimate open-top sports car lies the M178 4.0-litre biturbo V8 packing \n585 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of twist. Paired to a 7-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch tranny, century sprint is achieved in \n3.6 seconds \n(identical to the coupe) and will continue to accelerate to \n317 km/h \n\u2013 just 1 km/h shy of the Coupe\u2019s maximum velocity.\nThe wider body (+46 mm\nfront; +57 mm rear) compared to the standard GT and GT S model, active aerodynamics\nfront louvres, active rear-wheel steering and fixed rear wing all comes\ntogether to keep the AMG GT R Roadster planted to the ground when carving corners.\nTrack-oriented items\nsuch as the optional Ceramic composite brakes (15 kgs lighter than standard\nbrakes), 9-Stage AMG Traction Control, AMG coil-over suspension and AMG Ride Control\nadaptive dampers from the AMG GT R coupe are also found in the new Roadster.\nInside, the cabin is furnished with the latest technologies found in the \nfacelifted AMG GT range\n which includes 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch multimedia display (non-touchscreen) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new-generation AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG steering wheel buttons as well as the display buttons on the centre console.\nTo further highlight\nthe car\u2019s limited production, every AMG GT R Roadster will feature a \u201c1 of 750\u201d\ninscription badge in the centre console.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\u00a0\nMercedes-AMG GT R Roadster\u00a0at\u00a0Geneva"
"Shortly after its global debut late last year, Michelin Malaysia have just introduced the new ultra-high performance (UHP) \nMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S (PS4S)\n to the Malaysian market. Available for wheel sizes of 19-inch in diameter and above, the PS4S is the replacement of the Pilot Super Sport.\nDeveloped in partnership with Ferrari, Porsche, Ford, BMW\u2019s M division and Mercedes-AMG, the PS4S was developed with one objective in mind \u2013 to best complement the high-performance vehicles from these renowned carmakers. The PS4S promises superior handling capabilities, shorter braking distance in wet and dry roads as well as \nextended longevity\n.\nDesigned for sports cars and premium sedans, the PS4S offers unparalleled steering precision and directional stability. A new bi-compound technology is applied to offer excellent grip and braking performance in both wet and dry conditions. Excellent steering control with \n\u201cDynamic Response\u201d technology\n ensures that steering input is accurately translated to the vehicle\u2019s direction change on the road.\nLike all of Michelin\u2019s high performance tyres, the PS4S also gets \nMichelin Premium Touch Technology\u00ae\n at the sidewalls, giving the tyre a velvet-like tyre writing. The velvet finish also makes the tyre instantly recognisable and acts as a rim protector that cushions the rims from harsh contact with the kerb.\nIn a comparison test conducted by independent organisation \nT\u00dcV S\u00dcD in Germany\n, the PS4S came out on top in four key aspects \u2013 dry braking, wet braking, lap time and longevity. The test was conducted with \n255/35/R19\n\u00a0tyres against \nfive other main competitors\n \u2013 Bridgestone Potenza S001, Continental SportContact 6, Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2, \nGoodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3\n and Pirelli PZero Nero GT purchased on the European market.   In the dry braking test, the PS4S came to a stop from 100km/h in just\u00a0\n33.66 meters\n, besting its closest competitor by \n0.83 meter\n. In the wet from 80km/h, the PS4S takes only \n27.73 meters\n although Goodyear trails behind by a mere\u00a0\n0.1 meter\n. Around a 2.6 km track, the PS4S took \n1 minute and 20.33 seconds\n beating its rivals with a gap of up to\u00a0\n1.39 seconds\n.\nPerhaps the most significant edge the PS4S has over its competitors is its longevity. The PS4S is the only tyre to break the 50k mileage barrier at \n52,032km\n while its closest rival only manages \n48,910 km\n. That\u2019s almost \n3,122\u00a0km\n lesser than the PS4S!\nThe UHP Michelin PS4S is now available across all Tyre Plus and Michelin authorised dealers nationwide with recommended retail prices starting from RM1,100. If you don\u2019t have massive 19-inch alloys and above, perhaps the \nPilot Sport 4\n would be of your interest.\nAVAILABLE SIZES\nSection\nRim Size (inch)\nLoad Index \nSpeed Rating\n265/30\n19\n93\nY\n275/30\n19\n96\nY\n225/35\n19\n88\nY\n235/35\n19\n91\nY\n245/35\n19\n93\nY\n255/35\n19\n96\nY\n225/40\n19\n93\nY\n235/40\n19\n96\nY\n245/40\n19\n98\nY\n285/30\n20\n99\nY\n245/35\n20\n95\nY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The boys at Maranello have just given those looking into the \nMcLaren 720S Spider\n something to think about with the new Ferrari F8 Spider; dubbed \u201cthe less extreme version of the 488 Pista Spider\u201d.\nCompared to the 720S Spider, the F8 Spider makes an identical 720 hp and 770 N with a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 but as an improvement from the \n488 Spider\n, it makes \nextra 50 hp, 10 Nm\n and is \nlighter than its predecessor by 20 kg\n (18 kg of which were from the weight reduction of the engine).\nTo achieve the 50 hp increase from the 488 Spider, the new intake is derived directly from the 488 Challenge. In the F8 Spider, the air intakes have been moved from the flanks to the rear where they are located on either side of the blown spoiler for better air flow to the engine.\nAs a result, the F8 Spider is \n0.1 second faster\n from 0 to 100 km/h than the 488 Spider at 2.9 seconds and tops out at 340 km/h.\nIf these details excite you; despite \nweighing just 20 kg more than the 488 Pista Spider\n, it is only \n0.1 second slower than one of the fastest open-top Ferrari ever\n.\nThe F8 Spider\u2019s Retractable Hard Top (RHT) takes just \n14 seconds\n to deploy and retract at speeds of up to 45 km/h.\nThe 720S Spider on the other hand, takes 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h \u2013 figures that could offer insignificant bragging rights at the golf course or whatever outdoor activities owners can indulge with just 200-litres of cargo space offered.\nThe F8 Spider\u2019s state-of-the-art aerodynamics were adopted from Ferrari\u2019s GT and Challenge racing experience. Repositioned front radiators not only meant better cooling but also improved the F8 Spider\u2019s downforce.\nThe result is a 10% improvement in the car\u2019s overall air-flow efficiency compared to the 488 Spider.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n has announced the appointment Hironobu Yoshimura as its new managing director and CEO, who has assumed office since April 1, 2022. Yoshimura succeeds Madoka Chujo, who will be heading back to Japan to take on a new role within Honda Motor Company\u2019s automobile operations sales supervisory unit.\nYoshimura brings with him 34 years of experience, with a particular expertise in the areas of corporate planning, business planning, marketing, as well as aftersales services. Prior to his new positions in Malaysia, he served as the president and CEO of Honda Atlas Cars in Pakistan, and has also held key roles in other countries like Japan and Thailand.\nCommenting on his new role at Honda Malaysia, Mr. Yoshimura said, \u201cI am excited to take up this new role at Honda Malaysia. This unique and diverse nation is truly an important market in the Asia and Oceania region for us at Honda. My predecessors have built the Honda brand to become the success that it is now in Malaysia; as the forerunner in introducing Honda\u2019s advance technology in the region, launching exciting new models and leading the Non-National Passenger Vehicle segment for many years.\n\u201cMost importantly, Honda Malaysia has persevered through and overcame many challenges over the years. I look forward to leading the Company in a post-pandemic business environment and to contribute positively towards the growth of the company,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: Honda Malaysia targets 80,000 sales in 2022, two all-new car launches\nYoshimura\u2019s predecessor, Chujo, joined Honda Malaysia \njust a year ago in April 2021\n. Despite her short tenure as Managing Director and CEO, she helped lead the company to several significant milestones, including the launch of the \nall-new City Hatchback\n and \nCivic sedan\n, as well as achieve the No. 1 position in the non-national passenger car segment for the eighth consecutive year since 2014.\nJust last month, Chujo also oversaw the company\u2019s\n one millionth production unit\n at its assembly plant here in Pegoh, Melaka.\nALSO READ: Looking for a used, less than 5-year old Honda? Check out Honda\u2019s Certified Used Car programme!\nJust five days into the new role, Yoshimura has already dived straight in on his responsibilities, starting with the company\u2019s sales performance for the first quarter of 2022. \u201cI am also pleased to share that based on our internal data, three Honda models have ranked No.1 in their respective segments for Quarter 1 of 2022. The models are \nCity\n, All-New City Hatchback and All-New Civic,\u201d he said."
"Mazda is celebrating it\u2019s 100th anniversary this year ever since the company was founded in 30th of January 1920. In doing so, they\u2019ve announced a line up of 100th Anniversary Special Edition models which will go on sale until March 2021.\nThere will be a special edition model for every vehicle in Mazda\u2019s line-up \u2013 from the \nMX-5\n to the\n CX-5\n, \nCX-8\n, \nCX-3 \nand\n CX-30\n crossover. For now, these models are exclusive to the Japanese market.\nEach of the models will feature a two-tone Snow Flake White Pearl and Burgundy colour scheme much like the R360 from 60 years ago \u2013 the first car Mazda ever made.\nThere are also generous doses of the 100th Anniversary logo. This can be seen on the hubcaps, key fob, headrests, floor mats and front fenders. Burgundy is also featured inside the cabin, on the floor carpets.\nThe two-door, four-seater R360 was powered by a 356 c.c engine making just 16 hp. It may not seem like much, but it didn\u2019t matter as the R360 only weighed 380 kg and was capable of hitting a top speed of 90 km/h. The engine was paired to a four-speed manual and with an optional semi-automatic transmission \u2013 Japan\u2019s first torque-converter automatic transmission at the time.\nMazda said the 100th Anniversary Special Edition series was designed to express gratitude to the millions of people who have had dealings with the company over the years and pledged that although it may aim for the stars, the company would never forget its roots.\nGALLERY"
"Malaysia is the first country outside of Germany and China to locally assemble the \nGolf GTI Mk8\n when the hot hatch was \nofficially launched here last year\n. It appears that that history is set to repeat itself again, but this time even more momentous than before, as sources close to the matter have told \nAutoBuzz.my\n that the updated 2023 \nVolkswagen Golf R\n will also soon be locally assembled here in Malaysia.\nWhen production begins, Malaysia will become the first nation in the world outside of Volkswagen\u2019s home country to assemble the Golf R.\nAccording to our sources, the updated 2023 Volkswagen Golf R will be launching in Malaysia soon, and will come with \u201cminor updates\u201d. Looking at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) line-up, we are expecting the new 2023 Golf R to also similarly to be updated with the IQ.Drive advanced driver assistance suite that was also \nadded to the locally-assembled Golf GTI earlier this year\n.\nWith the hot hatch now being locally assembled, we can also expect to see a price reduction in one form or another, as the Golf R will now be exempted from the 30% import duty, plus further reduction in excise duty depending on the degree of localisation for the model here in Malaysia. For context, the fully imported Volkswagen Golf R now retails at RM431,162 on-the-road, without insurance.\nALSO READ: \n2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace now with IQ.Drive, from RM175k with VAP\nThe powertrain underneath the bonnet will however remain unchanged, with the EA888 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged inline-four engine continuing to make \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, with drive sent to all four wheels via a Seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox and the marque\u2019s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.\nWith a lowered price point, the new locally-assembled 2023 Volkswagen Golf R will be positioning itself to go right up against the \nFL5 Honda Civic Type R\n that\u2019s \nalso scheduled to launch this year\n. The latter will be coming to our shores directly from Honda\u2019s factory in Japan."
"Honda Malaysia together with authorised dealer Yong Ming Motor has just officiated the 12\nth\n Honda dealership in Johor, bringing the total number of Honda dealerships in Malaysia to 97.\nThe new 77,000 -square foot Honda 3S Centre Pasir Gudang is a result of a total investment of RM18.5 million by Yong Ming Motor. The four-story building (including a basement parking) houses 14 work bays that can accommodate up to 30 cars per day, showroom floor, waiting lounge, Kids Corner and prayer rooms for Muslim patrons.   Director of Yong Ming Motor, Mr. Kenneth Cheng said, \u201cWe are grateful for the opportunity given to us by Honda Malaysia to grow our customer base in this area. Previously customers in this area had to travel far to view the latest models or to service their cars but with our new dealership, we aim to offer them the best Honda experience closer to where they are. This showroom that we are opening today represents our continuing commitment to Honda Malaysia.\u201d\nThe Southern region was the second highest contributor to Honda Malaysia\u2019s overall sales from January to October with more than 17,000 units sold, a 2 per cent increase when compared to the same period in 2017. Model-wise, the Honda City tops the chart as the best-selling model in the region followed by the Civic and CR-V.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cWe believe this dealership expansion in Johor will provide more convenience to our customers, particularly in Pasir Gudang. Customers will be able to enjoy high-quality service and after-sales offerings at an authorized Honda dealership nearer to them with upgraded facilities to enhance their Joy of Buying.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda 3S Centre Yong Ming Motor, Pasir Gudang"
"At the launch of the \nMercedes-AMG GT C\n and \nMercedes-Benz CLS\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also revealed the E-Class Cabriolet, joining the existing E-Class sedan and coupe.\nPriced at RM588k, there will only be one variant of the E 300 Cabriolet AMG Line available for purchase. Motivation comes from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot capable of \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred exclusively to the rear wheels via a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. Century sprint is completed in \n6.5 seconds\n onwards to a governed top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet AMG Line\nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n370 Nm @1,300 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.5 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM588,888\nVisually, the cabriolet is identical to the coupe save for the foldable acoustic soft top that is available in either dark brown, dark blue, red or black. Elsewhere it wears the AMG Line exterior with diamond front grille, Multibeam LED headlamps, 19-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels and a Sports exhaust system.\nThe soft top that is derived from the S-Class Cabriolet can be opened or closed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. With the roof up, the E Cabriolet can stuff up to 385 litres of cargo but that shrinks to 310 litres with the roof opened. The rear seats now come with a 50:50 folding function that adds to everyday practicality.   Inside, you will be greeted with Nappa leather upholstery, Widescreen cockpit, Nappa leather multifunctional sports steering wheel, open-pore black ash wood trim, Command Online with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Burmester surround sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, heads-up display, Cabriolet Comfort package with Airscarf function and Air-Balance package.\nOn the safety front, standard equipment reads seven airbags, roll-over protection system, Parking Pilot with PARKTRONIC, Lane Tracking package, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and 360-degree camera.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last weekend, one blue \nPerodua Myvi \nrolled out of the Perodua Rawang plant and it wasn\u2019t just any ordinary Myvi. Well, bone stock it was, but it carries a significant meaning because it\u2019s the one millionth Myvi to be produced, making it the most produced Perodua model ever.\nTo celebrate this milestone, Perodua held a special \u201cline-off\u201d ceremony at Rawang and was officiated by Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd (PCSB) President, Masanori Takahashi and PCSB Vice President, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nIntroduced in May 2005 and still on sale as a second-generation model, the Perodua Myvi\u00a0was the nation\u2019s number one car model until the end of 2014. The Myvi, together with other Perodua models such as the\n Bezza\n, \nAxia\n and \nAlza\n, are respective market leaders in their own segments.\nHowever, Perodua has remained mum on the Myvi\u2019s replacement, which is due soon. It looks like the third-generation Myvi would surface somewhere between 2018, if not 2019."
"Perodua has just announced its best-ever sales performance in 2018 with 227,243 new cars delivered to customers. The 10.9 per cent increase in sales compared to the previous year was attributed to the three-months tax holiday.\nIn 2018, the Myvi remains Perodua\u2019s best-selling model with 82,122 units registered out of the 117,844 bookings in that year alone. To-date, there are over 91,500 units of the \nthird-generation Myvi\n on Malaysian roads and the company expects the hatchback to continue to be a growth driver for 2019.\nWill last year\u2019s stellar performance be the green light for the \nMyvi GT\n?   The \nAxia\n, \nBezza\n and \nAlza\n remain to be their respective segment leaders with 70,821, 49,911 and 24,389 units sold respectively in 2018. Perodua\u2019s model line up was recently expanded with the recent introduction of the \nAruz seven-seater SUV\n.\nNewly appointed Perodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said: \u201cFor Perodua, the Myvi is expected to remain popular this year, and since we started order-taking for the Aruz on 3 January, we have collected nearly 5,700 bookings to date. Given that our sales target is 2,500 units monthly, the figure is very encouraging indeed.\u201d\nThe company aims to better last year\u2019s sales performance by 1.7 per cent to 231,000 units by end-2019 underpinned by the Myvi and the Aruz."
"Despite the \nsecretive teaser\n and open invitation to view the Z4 replacement at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019ELEGANCE, BMW is not ready to officially launch the convertible sports car just yet. Instead, what was displayed at Pebble Beach is the Concept Z4 car \u2013 possibly too soon to call it the Z5?\nWith the Concept Z4, BMW has gone for a \nsporty and progressive design language\n that complements the raw driving experience of a roadster. The Concept Z4 also adopts textbook roadster design cues: long wheelbase, low-slung and stretched silhouette with a compact rear end. Flanked with precise and bold lines across the body work, the Concept Z4 gives off a modern and \nemotionally engaging impression\n.   At the front, the concept car wears BMW\u2019s new kidney grille design that is wider and slimmer than before. The brand\u2019s signature \ncorona LED daytime running lights\n will also make an appearance on this next-generation roadster. Following the body lines to the rear and you\u2019ll find a pair of ultra slim tail lamps. The rear end gets a sharp and athletic rear apron to create a dynamic impression.\nInside, BMW went to great lengths to create a space that is driver-centric to heighten\u00a0the focus on what matters most \u2013 \ndriving\n. The instrument cluster will be a single piece LCD screen like the \nG30 5-Series\n, giving the driver a clear view of driving information. The centre console is also angled towards the driver, giving he or she maximum reach without having to divert their attention from the road.   Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, Adrian van Hooydonk said, \u201cThe BMW Concept Z4 in an all-out driving machine, stripping the car back to the bare essentials allows the driver to experience all the ingredients of motoring pleasure with supreme directness. This is total freedom on four wheels.\u201d Production-ready version of the BMW Concept Z4 will debut next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW Concept Z4   BMW Concept Z4\u00a0\nDesign"
"You might be thinking, \u201cSpoiler alert!\u201d but really, it\u2019s more about giving context and knowing this story would give even more meaning to the latest installment of the most iconic movie franchise you\u2019re about to watch.\nIn the making of the new Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker film, a team of seven designers from Porsche and Star Wars came together for a very special task over the course of six weeks.\n \nThe goal was to design and build a new starship \u2013 a republic light assault star ship. Not being a Star Wars fanatic, this one\u2019s an unfamiliar topic to me but the idea was interesting to keep me from cutting the video short.\nThe new star ship should feature a maximum of four engines, or a minimum of two, with room four two pilots and a crew of five.\nThe result? The \nTri-Wing S-91X Pegasus Starfighter\n with the distinguishable headlamps of a Porsche Taycan which will be immortalised in the Star Wars universe.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Along with the announcement of the imminent arrival of the \n1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel\n to the Malaysian market, Isuzu Malaysia also assured consumers that their current line up of engines are compatible with the B10 Biodiesel.\nIsuzu\u2019s current line up of diesel engines consists of the 2.5- and 3.0-litre VGS turbos that power their D-Max and MU-X. B10 Biodiesel contains 10% palm oil blend and is found on Euro2M rated diesel (Euro5M diesel still uses B7 blend).\nThe company also added that their light and heavy-duty vehicles (lorries), both new and old models, are also compatible with the new B10 Biodiesel.\nHowever, the company did not confirm whether their new 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel will be compatible with B10 Biodiesel let alone Euro2M rated diesel."
"The Toyota Avanza is no stranger to the world of mini MPVs in Malaysia. Since its introduction in 2004, the Avanza was one of Toyota\u2019s most popular models thanks to its Herculean reliability. Little of that notion has changed with the introduction of this 2015 version (launched in Indonesia earlier in the year), but the most significant upgrade lies under the hood.\nBut first, let\u2019s get the basics out of the way. The Avanza remains a \ntri-row seven-seat people carrier\n, with the second and third row seats offering a multitude of seat adjustability (up to nine configurations) to suit all types of hauling needs. Also standard on all Avanzas is the \ndual-blower air-conditioning system\n with independent rear blower adjuster that directs air throughout the cabin, so passengers in the third row won\u2019t suffocate from the lack of ventilation.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Avanza 1.3E\nToyota Avanza 1.5E\nToyota Avanza 1.5G\nToyota Avanza 1.5S\nEngine\n1,329cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\n1,496cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n97 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n104 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n121 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\n136 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice\nRM69,072\nRM75,787\nRM78,477\nRM80,810\nEXTERIOR\nAesthetically, the Avanza\u2019s look has been updated to fit Toyota\u2019s latest design language, although the bulk of this styling tweak is especially more prominent on the front end. The grille and bumper designs also vary depending on the model of choice, but the range topping 1.5S trim will get a larger grille with horizontal slats finished in gloss black.   Avanza 1.5S on the left, 1.5G on the right\nAlso new to the exterior design is the wheel design; both 1.3E and 1.5E variants will sit on 14-inch wheels shod with 185/70 series rubbers, although the latter makes do with a basic set of steel wheels. The more expensive 1.5G and 1.5S duo on the other hand, sits on a sportier set of 15-inch wheels wrapped with 185/65 profiled tyres. None of the Avanzas come with keyless entry or push-start ignition, but they all feature electric side mirrors with integrated signal indicators.\nINTERIOR\nIt\u2019s no secret that the Avanza\u2019s cabin remains fairly simple even by today\u2019s standards. Standard here are the three-spoke two-tone urethane steering wheel (more expensive models feature volume controls), fabric seats, manual air-conditioning, \npowered windows\n and 50:50 split configuration for both the second and third row seats. There\u2019s also an ISOFIX child mount for the second row seat, and all variants will get a centre console box with armrest and drop-down cup holders.   The touchscreen head unit seen here is actually an optional kit. In typical UMW Toyota fashion, there are two in-car systems available for a cost \u2013 the DVD-AVN and DVD-AVX systems that come with reverse camera, although the former choice supports GPS navigation and internet browsing capabilities (via WiFi hotspot on your mobile device). Other available options are the exterior bodykit with LED DRLs and Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film. Interestingly, all Avanzas come with a \nportable tyre pump\n as standard.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood is where most of the changes happen. Two naturally aspirated engines \u2013 a 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre \u2013 are on offer, but both hail from the NR family which features Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence). The previous VVT-i engine had its duty on the intake side, but with Dual VVT-i on both intake and exhaust ports, the engines provide better fuel efficiency and cleaner exhaust emissions than before and at the same time produce better output figures.\nAs such, the \n1.3-litre inline-four\n DOHC unit makes \n97 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n121 Nm\n at 4,200 rpm, whereas the \n1.5-litre\n churns \n104 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n136 Nm\n at 4,200 rpm. The smaller engine gets a sole\n five-speed manual\n transmission, though the larger unit will only get the antiquated but reliable \nfour-speed automatic\n gearbox. Drive on both variants are sent to the rear axle. Its suspension is also tweaked to provide better comfort and stability, while engine noise has been reduced thanks to use of \nsound deadening materials\n.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety kit on the Avanza reads as such; dual SRS front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Toyota\u2019s \u2018GOA\u2019 or \nGlobal Outstanding Assessment\n. In simple terms, the Avanza comes with Toyota\u2019s Enhanced Body Structure that is capable of achieving \n4 stars\n in the ASEAN NCAP frontal collision crash test.   WHAT ELSE?\nThe Avanza comes in \nfour exterior colours\n \u2013 Dark Red Mica Metallic, Silver Mica Metallic, Black Metallic and Solid White. Packaged along with each purchase of the Avanza is a \n3-year or 100,000km\n warranty programme, whichever comes first. Again, \npricing starts from RM69,072\n for the 1.3E, RM75,787 for the 1.5E, RM78,477 for the 1.5G and RM80,810 for the range topping 1.5S.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A few months after the \nToyota 86\n received a facelift, it\u2019s now Subaru\u2019s turn to get a makeover with the unveiling of the facelifted BRZ.\nSo what\u2019s new this time around? To begin, the most obvious difference is the new front bumper and\u00a0headlamps that include LED DRLs and LED fog lights. The BRZ also receives a new set of redesigned rims, making the aesthetic difference meaningful.\nChanges on the inside are minimal as well, apart from the inclusion of a new\n 4.2-inch LCD display\n\u00a0within the instrument cluster and new three-spoke steering wheel. Also updated here are the air conditioning controls.\nJust like the facelifted 86, the BRZ receives updates in the performance department, but unfortunately it\u2019s not turbocharged or supercharged like many of you\u00a0hoped\u00a0for. Instead, Subaru modestly adds 5 hp and 7 Nm of torque into the BRZ\u2019s \n2.0-litre FA20 direct-injected flat-four engine\n, means the sports car now makes\u00a0\n204 hp\n and \n212 Nm\n. Only the\n six-speed manual\n gets that upgrade, whereas the \nsix-speed automatic \nsettles with no performance increase.\nThe handling department has received a number of improvements, with the BRZ\u2019s chassis and suspension now tweaked. The rear axle now gets a larger stabiliser bar too. An \nIncline Start Assist\n system, which prevents cars from rolling back, is also standard in the BRZ.\nBuyers\u00a0who seek thrills in the corners can opt for the\u00a0\nPerformance Package\n, which consists of Brembo brake calipers on all four wheels,\u00a0SACHS Performance shocks and a different set of black 17-inch rims.\nThe facelifted BRZ will be available in Limited and Premium variants by September\u00a0while the Performance Package will only arrive by the end of 2016. Back at home, the BRZ is offered by Motor Image Subaru at \nRM247,461\n for the automatic variant.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n Pic Source: CarScoops"
"McLaren has now extended the Track Pack option for the \nMcLaren 570S Spider\n. Previously available only on the \n570S Coupe\n, the Track Pack adds lightweight options and Sport Exhaust for maximum driver engagement on track.\nAvailable only on new vehicle purchase, cars with the Track Pack can be differentiated through the Dark Palladium Roof, super-lightweight 10-spoke forged alloy wheels in stealth finish and a Sports Exhaust with Stealth Exhaust tips. The new alloy wheels alone save a total of \n15 kg\n compared to the standard wheels while having the full carbon fibre exterior pack delivers an additional weight savings of \n6 kg\n.   Inside, the Track Pack adds Carbon Fibre Race Seats that saves \n13 kg\n compared to the standard Sport Seats, Carbon Black Alcantara Steering Wheel, carbon fibre interior pack and McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) that provides a full rundown and data-logging of the cars on track performance. Buyers can choose from one of six By McLaren Designer Interior Sport Design themes.\nNo upgrades were done to M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8, continue to deliver \n570 PS\n (562 hp) and \n600 Nm\n of torque driving the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With launch control activated, the convertible will go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.2 seconds\n, 0 to\u00a0200 km/h is achieved in 9.6 seconds onwards to a top speed of \n328 km/h\n (roof up) \u2013 identical to the Coupe variant. With the roof down, the 570S Spider can still hit V-Max of 315 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 570S with Track Pack   McLaren 570S in Curocao Blue   McLaren 570S in\u00a0Silician Yellow"
"Also making its maiden appearance at the 2018 New York International Auto Show is the Maserati Levante Trofeo. The holy grail of the \nLevante range\n is powered by a Ferrari-sourced V8 powerplant with extensive mechanical upgrades to be the ultimate Maserati SUV.\nPeeping under the hood, you\u2019ll find a Ferrari-sourced 3.8-litre Twin Turbocharged V8 pumping out \n590 hp\n and \n730 Nm\n of torque, the latter peaking from 2,250 to 5,000 rpm. The petrol engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, deployed to all four corners via the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System.\nWith Launch Control engaged, the Levante Trofeo will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 3.9 seconds\n and will register a top speed of \nover 300 km/h\n. The chassis has also been tuned to handle the higher outputs without compromising on comfort while it\u2019s \n50:50 weight balance\n and low centre of gravity are maintained to ensure balanced handling and lateral stability.\nThe designers have given the Levante Trofeo a much sportier appearance to match its high-performance credentials. The front is defined by a new bumper with aggressive side intakes, carbon fibre side bezel blades, a carbon fibre splitter, a vented bonnet, a piano black front grille and honeycomb mesh at the lower fascia.   Moving to the rear the Levante Trofeo gets a sharper carbon fibre bumper to complement the oval quad exhaust tips. A set of 22-inch forged aluminium \u201cOrione\u201d alloy wheels, available in either polished or matte finish, completes the look of the car.\nInside, the Levante Trofeo is furnished with sculpted sport seats with \u201cPieno Fiore\u201d natural leather upholstery complemented with contrast stitching and \u201cTrofeo\u201d embossing on the headrest. Other touches include matte carbon fibre interior trims and paddle shifters, specific instrument cluster graphics, floor mats with metal Trofeo badges, a unique Maserati analogue clock and a 1,280-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound audio system.   For the US and Canada, early customers can opt for the limited-run Launch Edition that adds a Grigio Lava matte paintjob, matte-finished 22-inch alloys, red brake calipers, black window surround trim, fog light rings, as well as Black Chrome Maserati badges, Trofeo \u201cSaetta\u201d logos, side air vents and boot accent.\nThe cabin of the Launch Edition features natural \u201cPieno Fiore\u201d leather sport seats available in Black leather with blue or yellow stitching, Tan or Red with contrast stitching, matte carbon fibre weave interior trim as well as a serialised badge with the customer\u2019s name on the centre console.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMaserati Levante Trofeo Launch Edition"
"Euro NCAP\n has just published its latest round of test results, which includes the \nall-new Honda HR-V\n that was \nlaunched in Europe \nlate last year. Available solely with the e:HEV hybrid powertrain in Europe, the all-new HR-V managed to score four stars out of five in the extensive safety tests.\n \nBreaking the scores down to its individual components, the Honda HR-V hybrid scored 82% in adult protection, 75% in child occupant protection, 72% in vulnerable road users protection, and 78% in safety assist, for a total score of 31.3 points.\nThe Honda HR-V performed decently throughout the crash tests, however the restraint performance, in particular for children seated in the rear, was less than ideal, resulting in a drop in score that moved the compact crossover into the four-star band.\nRELATED: New tech, looks, and more space \u2013 Can the new Honda HR-V keep its crown?\nThat being said, the Honda Sensing advanced driver assist features performed admirably in the tests, scoring 5.7/6 points for the AEB Car-to-Car test, 3.5/4 points for Lane Support tests, and 2.5/3 points for the Speed Assistance tests; points were mostly dropped in the Occupant Status Monitoring category, due to the system\u2019s lack of a driver monitoring feature.\nThe Honda HR-V is widely believed to be making its way into the Malaysian market sometime this year, rumoured to also feature the same e:HEV hybrid powertrain as the Europe-spec car. Powered by an Atkinson cycle 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine and two electric motors, the hybrid system sends \n131 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.\nHowever, if Honda Malaysia\u2019s recent product strategy is anything to go by, the e:HEV hybrid powertrain will only be reserved for the range-topping RS variant; the other lower variants will instead adopt the more traditional 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated VTEC engine making \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque.\nRELATED: All-new Honda HR-V unveiled in Thailand, only in e:HEV hybrid powertrain\nHonda also recently unveiled the \nnon-hybrid RS variant in Indonesia\n, which features a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine underneath its bonnet, packing \n177 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque. However, we believe that it\u2019s quite unlikely that we\u2019ll see this particular configuration here in Malaysia.\nWhile the ASEAN NCAP might arguably be more relevant in our parts of the world, the (more stringent) Euro NCAP tests should still give us a good idea on how these cars will perform under emergency situations.\nGALLERY"
"It means \u201c110\u201d in Italian. Now that it\u2019s out of the way, let\u2019s talk about how this thing looks.\nTo emulate and more importantly pay homage to the EB110 that coined a significant milestone for Bugatti in the supercar hall of fame, the front end gets a wedged, flat look and a smaller horseshoe-shaped radiator \u2013 a look inspired by the 1990\u2019s supercar but with a modern twist.\n With \u201cAsian eyes\u201d stretched over the front fenders, it looks almost evil \u2013 so full of malice.\nThe C-shaped B-pillar on the Chiron is significantly smaller in the Centodieci with five round vents on each side serving as air intakes to feed air into the 8.0-litre W16 engine.\nIt makes \n1,600 hp\n and to give the Centodieci a 0 to 100 km/h performance of \n2.4 seconds\n. By the time a standard Volkswagen Golf GTI has hit the century mark (6.1 seconds), the Centodieci would\u2019ve touched 200 km/h.\nAs for top speed, it makes you wonder what the Centodieci is really capable of, when Bugatti claims that it\u2019s been \nelectronically-limited to 380 km/h\n.\nThe engine, like the EB110, can be seen through a transparent glass \u2013 a small hiccup in Bugatti\u2019s weight-shedding exercise that includes using lightweight windscreen wipers and carbon fibre stabiliser. The result is a 20 kg weight reduction compared to the Chiron.\nThe Bugatti Centodieci is limited to just \n10 units\n and unsurprisingly, they\u2019ve all been sold out to those with extra-terrestrial wealth, at \n8 million Euros each\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As expected after a short \nteaser\n campaign on social media pages, Naza Eastern Motors, the current distributor of Suzuki cars in Malaysia, has just launched the new Suzuki Jimny 1.5.\n \nFully imported (CBU) from Suzuki Kosai Plant in Japan, the Suzuki Jimny is priced from \nRM168,900\n on-the-road without insurance and inclusive of ongoing SST exemption.\nEXTERIOR\nMeasuring just 3.65 m in length (inclusive of the spare wheel) and 1.65 m in width even in this wide-fender \u201cSierra\u201d exterior, the three-door Suzuki Jimny is incredibly compact, even smaller than the recently launched \nHyundai Casper 1.0\n. The \nPerodua Ativa\n looks like a mid-size SUV when parked next to the little Jimny.   Suzuki says the upright and thin A-pillars and the flat, clamshell bonnet allow great visibility when traversing on very rough terrain.\nKey exterior features in the Suzuki Jimny include:\nAuto on-off circular LED projector headlamps with washer\nSquared-off bumpers in scratch-resistant material\nUnpainted wheel \u2018over fenders\u2019\n15-inch alloy rim, 195/80R15 H/T tyres\nTailgate-mounted full-sized spare tyre\nApart from the signature Kinetic Yellow on offer, other colours available are Bluish Black Pearl, Jungle Green and Medium Grey.\nINTERIOR\nSimilar to many previous generations, the new Suzuki Jimny only has space for four occupants. The compact interior offers the usual gadgets such as:\nFabric seats\nSplit-folding 50-50 rear seat\nMulti-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches\n7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity\nAutomatic air-conditioning system\nPassenger grip bar (horizontal)\nThe rear seats also fold fully flat with the quarter trim panels and seatbacks have been carefully designed to increase storage width. The backs of the rear seats and luggage room floor are coated with plastic for easy removal of dirt or stains.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder, VVT\nTransmission: Four-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Part-time 4WD with low-range transfer\nMax power: 102 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 130 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nTop speed: 140 km/h (limited)\nFuel consumption: 6.8L/100 km\nThe Suzuki Jimny in Malaysia follows the powertrain option offered to the rest of the world- a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine with outputs of \n102 hp\n and \n130 Nm\n of torque. In true SUV format, the powertrain is position longitudinally, driving the rear wheels by default.\nNaza Eastern Motors restarted the Suzuki brand in Malaysia this year via the launch of the Swift Sport Turbo. More about the fan favourite here!\nA four-speed automatic is tasked to performed gear shifting duties, with a part-time 4WD low-range transfer gearbox called 4\u00d74 AllGrip Pro apportion the drive to the front wheels in 4H or 4L modes. Selection of the 4WD mode is done by a traditional lever directly connected to the transfer case rather than an electronic dial switch.\nApart from the 4WD system, the Jimny is built on a robust ladder frame and suspended via a 3-link full-width rigid axle on both the rear and front ends. Usage of the non-independent rigid axle allows maximum tyre contact to the loose and uneven terrain.\nThe ground clearance might sound modest at 210 mm, but the Suzuki Jimny with its short overhangs and wheelbase provide pick-up truck levels of obstacle clearance, such as ramp break-over angle of 28 degrees, an approach angle of 37 degrees and a departure angle of 49 degrees.\nTo further increase traction while having wheel slip, the Suzuki Jimny also comes with Electronic Brake Actuated Limited-Slip Differential (or Brake LSD), a feature again only found in pick-ups such as Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the Suzuki Jimny is only equipped with two airbags. The three-door SUV also comes equipped with other safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, side-impact door beams, ISOFIX child seat tethers and a decoupling mechanism for the brake pedal during impact.\nCheck out some of the outrageous modifications for the little Jimny here! \n\u00a0\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the new 2021 Suzuki Jimny is now available in Malaysia, priced at \nRM168,900\n on the road, without insurance, but inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are valid until the end of the year.\nThe price for the 2021 Suzuki Jimny in Malaysia is also inclusive of a three-year/100,000 km warranty coverage as standard.\nGALLERY"
"The Monterey Car Week has commenced in California, USA with all the major manufacturers present to announce their new products and so far Acura has made the loudest noise.\nAside from introducing the \nnew and final NSX\n, Acura has also revealed the best-kept secret in automotive so far this year \u2013 the Integra is making a comeback! The last Integra introduced by Acura was in 2001.\nIntegra Teaser Sketch\n\u201cThe legendary nameplate, one of two models in the original product lineup when Acura launched on March 27, 1986, will rejoin the performance brand\u2019s product portfolio as a new compact premium entrant next year,\u201d said Acura Vice President, Jon Ikeda.\nAside from the announcement, Acura also added that more details of the Integra will be available closer to its 2022 introduction."
"It\u2019s interesting how every new Geely model launched elsewhere is greeted with anticipation now that Proton is part of the Geely group, and it\u2019s no different with \nGeely\u2019s Icon SUV\n which has just gone on sale in China.\nAs a refresher, we dubbed the Icon as \n\u2018design study made into reality\u2019 \nfor its \nrectangle and minimalist styling theme\n conceived by different Geely design studios around the world \u2013 and the end product is eye-catching but also polarising. Well, if the Land Rover Freelander had a wild successor, this could pass off as one.\nUnder the Icon\u2019s highly creased and angular sheet metal is Geely\u2019s \nB-segment BMA platform\n which also underpins the \nBinyue \ncompact crossover and what\u2019s likely would be Proton\u2019s highly anticipated X50 as well. Of course, being the newest kid on the block means the Icon has new equipment not seen on the Binyue, at least not yet.\nIn China, the Icon is available as a \nmild hybrid with the 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine\n (seen on the Binyue) complemented by a \n48V system incorporating a starter generator\n; the quoted system output is \n190 hp and 300 Nm\n, which \n14 hp and 45 Nm more\n than the non-hybrid 1.5-litre turbo 3-pot variant. Power is sent to the front axle via a wet-clutch 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, capable of propelling the Icon hybrid from \nidle to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds\n.\nApart from a wide array of digital displays on the Icon\u2019s chunky dashboard, the air of its upright cabin is filtered through an \nIntelligent Air Purification System\n that is N95-compliant \u2013 \nthe first Geely model to be equipped\n as such. The Icon also features \nLevel 2+ driver assist functions\n, \nautonomous braking with pedestrian recognition\n, \none-button self-parking\n along with remote access via the smartphone.\nBeing a \nunique style icon \n(pardon the pun) for Geely, it is unlikely that the Icon will be allowed to be passed off as a Proton via some grille and bumper rework, which goes against the spirit of a styling adventure. Considerable investments would also be required to turn the Icon into a RHD model, particularly its cabin. However, expect to see those cool new tech incorporated in the X50 when that arrives.\nGeely Icon image gallery"
"Toyota C-HR (Coup\u00e9 High-Rider) crossover\u00a0that was \nunveiled last February\n has an audacious exterior that surely attracts attention. What remains is the interior, in which Toyota has released some preview shots of the C-HR\u2019s interior.\nThe coupe-inspired crossover surely has sporty aspirations and that\u2019s replicated on the inside as seen in the driver-focused cockpit.\u00a0The \nToyota C-HR\n receives the\u00a0 \u2018\nSensual Tech\n\u2018 design concept that combines technology with style.   Overall, the inside is predominantly black with a single coloured stripe that providing contrast on the dashboard. This two-colour interior trim will be available in three colour schemes : Dark Grey, Black/Blue (pictured here) and Black/Brown. The piano-black trim applies on the dashboard, doors, gear lever and steering wheel.\nThe dashboard design is \nasymmetrical\n, allowing buttons and controls reachable by the driver and\u00a0allowing front passenger access to the relevant switchgear. Also notable is a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that housed at the middle of the console.\nLook closely and\u00a0notice the switches are reflecting the \u201c\ndiamond motif\n\u201d of the \nToyota\n C-HR exterior aesthetic design. Also, audiophiles will be delighted to know the C-HR gets 9-speaker JBL premium audio system.\nMarketed as a C-segment crossover, the C-HR will be equipped with a choice of a\n 1.2-litre turbocharged\n engine that outputs\n 114 hp\n and \n185 Nm\n of torque, or\u00a0a \n2.0-litre naturally aspirated\n lump that generates \n148 hp\n and \n193 Nm\n of torque. It can be had with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive variant, and a choice of either a six-speed manual or \nseven-speed CVT transmission.\nThe C-HR will also have \nToyota Safety Sense\n (comprises of\u00a0Pre-Collision System,\u00a0Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist),\u00a0S-IPA system (Simple Intelligent Park Assist), and 18-inch wheels.\nThis agile and sporty crossover positioned between the Auris hatchback (Corolla) and the RAV4 SUV, will be ready for delivery in Europe by the end of 2016. Looking at it,\u00a0should UMW Toyota brings the C-HR to our shores, it might\u00a0be priced at around RM130K to 150K in a form of a 2.0-litre front-wheel drive variant with CVT. Judging from the overall packaging, expect a home run\u00a0hit from UMW Toyota next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"NextEV is a Chinese startup company that is adamant on producing world class electric vehicles, proof of which can be seen in the company\u2019s exploits in the \nFIA Formula E\n series. What NextEV has in store for us next will attempt to shame even the highest performing hypercars of today, or at least that\u2019s the claim.\nIn the opening season of Formula E, NextEV came out on top, winning both driver\u2019s and manufacturer\u2019s title. The following year they started developing powertrains in-house that will be used in a mysterious sports car (pictured below) that was doing its test runs in the UK last month.\nImage Source: Autocar UK and Autohome\nNew details have emerged, suggesting that the pictured EV will be powered by an electric motor (or motors) capable of producing over \n1,360 hp\n. NextEV says it will sprint from standstill to 100km/h in \nunder 3.0 seconds\n, which we doubt not the slightest bit. When materialised, the Chinese hypercar will charge (pun intended) straight towards two equally mind bending modern hypercars, the Aston Martin/Red Bull\u00a0\nAMR-RB 001\n and Mercedes-Benz\u2019s F1 powered hypercar.\nHowever, just like the AMR-RB 001, NextEV\u2019s hypercar is not for mass production. Just like many high performing cars of this level, the asking price is close to seven figures and will only be limited to the privileged few.\nMost importantly, it\u2019ll serve as a technological test-bed for the company\u2019s EV technology. It will make its world debut in London on 21 November. Watch out, Tesla and BMW."
"Proton has handed over 28 units of the \nProton X70\n via Spanco Sdn Bhd to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). The SUVs will be used by KPDN for enforcement activities.\nPresent at the handover ceremony was Deputy Director of UCM and Corporate Sales, Wan Ahmad Fadzli and Head of Corporate Sales, Fazli Hisham. The X70 SUVs will be distributed to all states by the Secretary General of KPDN who will hand over the vehicles to the Chief State Enforcement Officers.\nPrior to the handover, Spanco and Proton representatives conducted a vehicle briefing programme in the presence of the KPDN\u2019s enforcement officers. The programme was held at Spanco Services located in Bandar Baru Bangi.\n\u201cProton is proud to assist the government in running its official activities and looks forward to more collaborations in the future,\u201d the company said in its Facebook post.\nCurrently, the Proton X70 MC (minor change) is powered by the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine found in the Proton X50, with 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque. With the minor change, new to the X70 includes a new wheel design, gloss black exterior trims and black headlining on the inside. Prices now start from \nRM98,800\n for the 1.5 TGDI Standard 2WD up to \nRM128,800\n for the 1.5 TGDI Premium 2WD."
"It has only been a month since Elon Musk\u2019s \ncatastrophic unveiling of the Tesla Cybertruck\n and as rudimentary as its design was, we didn\u2019t think someone would actually bother to replicate it.\nAnd like all the Lamborghini replicas we\u2019ve seen shared before, this one\u2019s no different; with ludicrous proportions and wheels so small they appear more comical than extra-terrestrial.\n https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Oo67wiaPg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again\nWe\u2019re definitely not expecting armoured glass windows or ultra-hard cold-rolled steel body panels here, unlike in the original, which are strong enough to withstand 9mm rounds.\nIt\u2019s no slouch either. \nThe original Cybertruck\n will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds \u2013 as quick as a \nFerrari 812 Superfast\n! Highly necessary in our opinion; when driving something which looks that unfortunate, you\u2019d want to drive fast to avoid being seen.\n \nAs much as it\u2019s a strain to the eye, the Cybertruck should be much easier on the bottom as it\u2019s equipped with air suspension that can increase or lower the car\u2019s height by up to 40cm.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lee Motors Autocare, an authorised BMW dealer in Alor Setar, has just launched its newly refurbished showroom to better serve its customers in the northern region.\nOperating in the existing\n15,000 square feet compound, the refreshed showroom now proudly wears the brand\u2019s\nlatest Corporate Identity complete with Grand Klasse (GKL) sales workstation,\nBMW Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar and BMW Lifestyle merchandise counter.\nFrom left: Eugene Lee, MD of Lee Motors Autocare & Harald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysia\nThe facility is also a\nfully equipped 4S centre for the BMW brand and employs over 20 staff members.\nIn addition to that, Lee Motors Autocare will now serve as a BMW Premium\nSelection dealership for the region. The new showroom is capable of displaying seven\nnew BMW vehicles and six BMW Premium Selection units.\nManaging Director of\nLee Motors Autocare, Eugene Lee said, \u201cWe have over a decade of experience in\ndelivering Sheer Driving Pleasure in the country. We believe and take pride in\npushing the BMW brand forward by providing excellent service and an enriching driving\nexperience to our customers. With this newly refurbished space, we aim to exceed\nall expectations by giving our customers a fresh glimpse into the BMW brand.\u201d\nLast year, Lee Motors\nAutocare achieved a double-digit growth of over 30% compared to the year 2017, with\nover 200 new deliveries of BMW vehicles.\nHarald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW\nGroup Malaysia said, \u201cOur network of dealers have contributed to our success of\ndelivering our promise of Sheer Driving Pleasure to customers across the\ncountry. To date, we have delivered over 5,000 vehicles, charting more than 6%\nof growth compared to the same period last year. We look forward to growing\nfrom strength to strength with dealers such as Lee Motors Autocare who continuously\nstrives to raise the game to provide top-of-the-line service to our customers.\u201d"
"Porsche has revealed a new commemorative model \u2013 the 718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition \u2013 at the Sportscar Together Day to celebrate the opening of the Porsche Experience Centre in Hockenheimring and the season finale of the Porsche Sports Cup.\nThe Sports Cup Edition, which will only be available in Black or White with red stripes is the culmination of experts from Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur \u2013 the latter made up of 30 highly qualified employees whose attention is solely devoted to optimising, by hand, every aesthetic detail of special edition Porsches to perfection.\nThe No.15 on the doors refers to the anniversary of the Porsche Sports Cup. To protect this special edition model, dressed in 20-inch Satin Gloss Black wheels, the Sports Cup Edition will also be delivered with an \u201cexclusive indoor car cover\u201d.\nTypical of a Porsche, the Sports Cup\u2019s interior gets a subdued leather and Alcantara combination interior and just in case there is any confusion on where the driver sits, which is unusual, Porsche also made sure to distinguish the passenger seat from the driver\u2019s with different coloured back rests \u2013 in red and black.\nThe Sports Cup Edition is based on the standard Cayman GT4 with \n420 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n from a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six, paired to a 6-speed manual. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds \u2013 just like the \nstraight-six BMW M2 Competition with 10 hp less\n.\nThe Porsche Sports Cup has been the most successful customer and club sport series in the world with up to 1,200 drivers per season. The Porsche Sports Cup consists of six race series where races are held on famous race tracks.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Launched yesterday, the Perodua Ativa is \navailable in three variants\n with prices starting from RM61,500 for the X variant, RM66,100 for the H variant, and RM71,200 for the highest spec AV variant. Check out the \ndifferences between all three variants here\n!\nAside from sharing the same engine and transmission, all three variants also share a significant feature \u2013 the Advance Safety Assist (ASA) 3.0.\nThe ASA 3.0 now feature \ntwo new stereo cameras\n with \nLevel 2 autonomous driving\n capabilities, following the addition of features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.\nFollowing the upgrade from the \nprevious ASA 2.0 in the Myvi\n, Bezza and Aruz, its basic features, which is available across three variants, such as pre-collision warning, pre-collision braking, pedal misoperation control, and front departure alert have also been upgraded as well.\nThe most important thing to note howeever is that the pre-collision braking (or autonomous braking) feature is \nno longer limited to just three stops; it\u2019s now unlimited!\nPreviously in the Myvi, \nonce the system has been activated three times\n, you\u2019d have to kill the engine to reset the system. You don\u2019t have to do that anymore with the Ativa.\nAs for operation speed, the autonomous braking feature in the ASA 2.0 only worked up to speeds of 80 km/h, but in the ASA 3.0, it has now increased to 120 km/h against other vehicles. Against pedestrians, the autonomous braking feature works up to 60 km/h, up from 50 km/h.\nAs for the pre-collision warning, operation speed has increased from 100 km/h to 120 km/h against vehicles, and from 50 km/h to 60 km/h against pedestrians.\nThe pre-collision warning and braking features in the ASA 3.0 system has also been upgraded to detect bicycles and motorcycles. Before, it was only limited to vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, the ASA 3.0 now also works at night, but can only detect cars if their taillights are switched on.\nImpressed? For a RM61,000 car, we sure are!"
"After opening its order books \na month ago\n, Daihatsu Motor Co. in Japan has officially launched the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid compact SUV, delivering an astonishing \n3.57 L/100 km\n (or 28 km/L) of fuel consumption in the WLTP cycle. That\u2019s a \n38% reduction\n in fuel consumption versus the \nPerodua Ativa\n which closely resembles the Daihatsu Rocky Turbo.\nThe latest e-Smart hybrid system is unlike any other hybrid system from Toyota Motor Corp and a first for Daihatsu. Designed to be used in compact vehicles, the e-Smart hybrid system is termed as a series hybrid system, meaning the energy only flows in a series layout.\nUMWT has just opened the order books for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid with 122 hp and 4.3 L/100 km consumption. More details here.\nIn this Rocky e-Smart Hybrid, the petrol engine, featuring a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with high thermal efficiency, has outputs of just 82 hp and 105 Nm. Its sole purpose is just to recharge the battery pack, similar to the Nissan E-Power system in the \nNissan Kicks\n.\nThe e-Smart hybrid is a self-charging hybrid system, meaning there isn\u2019t any external power port to replenish the small battery pack.\nEnergy from the battery pack, located under the rear seats for maximum space efficiency, powers the electric motor that has an output of \n106 hp\n (78 kW) and \n170 Nm\n. Daihatsu says this new parallel arrangement of the motor-generator unit allows for a compact dimension.\nThanks to being 100% electric motor motive force, the overall driving sensation is similar to an EV. However, the petrol engine will frequently ignite to a constant engine speed to charge the tiny battery pack, but not drive the wheels. A \u2018Smart Pedal\u2019 feature allows for one-pedal driving, with strong braking regeneration from the electric motor slowing down the Daihatsu Rocky tremendously in normal traffic conditions.\nDuring this model upgrade timing, Daihatsu has also included an electric parking brake (EPB) with auto-hold function that also aids with stopping the SUV when adaptive cruise control is activated.\nBlue tinted Daihatsu badges, e-Smart hybrid emblems and a dual-tone wheel design are just the identifiers for this new hybrid variant. Inside, the \n7-inch TFT full-colour\n digital multi-information display has its graphics updated to display an energy flow meter and hybrid-specific information.\nThe ignition button also is coloured in blue, a similar design seen in Toyota hybrid models.\nJoining the Rocky 1.0 Turbo is a non-electrified version of the 1.2-litre engine, with increased outputs of \n87 hp\n and \n113 Nm\n. Paired with a CVT-type transmission, the fuel consumption is respectable 4.83 L/100 km (20.7 km/L), while being 90 kg lighter than the e-Smart hybrid variant at just 970 kg. This variant debuted in \nIndonesia\n.\nDaihatsu is expecting only 30% of sales to be contributed by the new e-Smart hybrid variant, with a total of just 2,000 units per month across all three powertrains.\nThe new Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart hybrid is only offered in two variants- XHEV at \nJPY2.116 million\n (approx. RM77k) and Premium G HEV at JPY2.347 million (approx. RM85.1k) which is slightly higher than the turbocharged variants.\nThe new 1.2-litre variants meanwhile start from JPY1.667 million (approx. RM60.5k) to JPY2.058 million (approx. RM74.7k).\nIt is only a matter of time before Perodua starts introducing the e-Smart hybrid system into the Ativa, and even other models featuring the DNGA platform, as the company is also committed to \nriding on global trends\n.\nGALLERY"
"American electric carmaker \nTesla\n is now officially in Thailand, and has launched the \nTesla Model 3\n alongside its SUV high-riding counterpart, the \nTesla Model Y\n. In Thailand, the Tesla Model 3 is offered in 3 variants, with prices starting from 1,759,000 baht (approx. \nRM221,403\n).\nThe three variants of the Tesla Model 3 in Thailand are:\nSingle Motor RWD \u2013 1,759,000 baht (approx. \nRM221,403\n)\nDual Motor Long Range AWD \u2013 1,999,000 baht (approx. \nRM251,611\n)\nDual Motor Performance AWD \u2013 2,309,000 baht (approx. \nRM290,630\n)\nOrders for the Tesla Model 3 have been opened starting today, and deliveries in Thailand will begin in the first quarter of 2022. In Southeast Asian (SEA) region, Tesla is now officially present in Singapore and Thailand.\nMeasuring 4,694 mm in length, 1,849 mm in width, 1,443 mm in height and with a wheelbase of 2,875 mm, the Tesla Model 3 is about the size of a \nBMW 3 Series\n or a \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n. Designed by former \nMazda\n designer Franz Von Holzhausen, there are elements in the Model 3 that would remind one of the Japanese make.\nRELATED: \nThe Tesla Model S Plaid has apparently set a new EV lap record at the Nurburgring\nTesla Model 3 Singe Motor RWD\nThe entry-level Single Motor RWD Tesla Model 3 is powered by one rea-mounted electric motor that makes \n283 hp\n (metric) and \n420 Nm\n. It has a 0-100km/h acceleration time of \n6.1 seconds\n and a top speed of \n225 km/h\n. With a \n57.5-kWh\n battery, the Single Motor RWD Model 3 has a range of \n495 km\n (WLTP).\nUp a tier is the Dual Motor Long Range AWD, that as its name suggests, has a dual-motor setup. The two motors have a combined output of \n498 hp\n (metric) and \n493 Nm\n. The Dual Motor Long Range accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.4 seconds\n and has a top speed of \n233 km/h\n. The Long Range has a \n614-km\n (WLTP) all-electric range thanks to a \n75-kWh\n battery capacity.\nRELATED: \nSomeone stuffed an actual V8 engine into a Tesla Model S\nTesla Model 3 Dual Motor Long Range AWD\nTopping the range is the Dual Motor Performance AWD Model 3 which has a system output of \n513 hp\n (metric) and \n660 Nm\n. The Performance model does the century sprint in \n3.3 seconds\n and has a top speed of \n261 km/h\n. With the same \n75-kWh\n battery as the Long Range AWD, the Performance model has a shorter \n547 km\n range (WLTP) that is compensated by its higher performance.\nBesides the added performance over the \u2018Long Range\u2019, the Performance AWD model also adds on 20-inch alloy wheels with Uberturbine wheel design, a Performance brake system, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, and aluminium alloy foot pedals.\nRELATED: \nONE\u2019s experimental battery tech gives Tesla Model S 1,210 km of range on a single charge\nTesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance AWD\nAs for charging, the Long Range and Performance versions of the Tesla Model 3 can support \n250-kW\n DC fast charging. The Single Motor RWD can only handle \n170-kW\n DC fast charging. AC charging is standard at \n11 kW\n for the Model 3.\nThai customers of the Tesla Model 3 get a 4-year/80,000 km general warranty as standard. The Single Motor RWD gets an 8-year/160,000 km battery and drive system warranty, while the Dual Motor Long Range AWD and Dual Motor Performance AWD both get an 8-year/192,000 km battery and drive system warranty."
"These days, it\u2019s all about who has the fastest, the most luxurious, and so on. In the case of Aston Martin, luxury alone clearly isn\u2019t enough for its SUV, the DBX so here it is, the new DBX 707, the most powerful luxury SUV in the world.\nHow much more powerful is it compared to the \nstandard DBX we reviewed\n?\nRELATED: \nWe recently \u201cbought\u201d an Aston Martin and here\u2019s how we customised it!\n \nThe new DBX 707 produces\n 157 hp\n \nand 200 Nm more\n than the standard car, now producing 707 hp (hence the name) and 900 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h ends quicker than a 911 Carrera 4S, at just 3.3 seconds. In fact, it\u2019s even quicker than the \nLamborghini\n \nUrus\n!\nRELATED: \nAston Martin \u201cHunter Edition\u201d arrives in Malaysia!\nAll that comes from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired to a 9-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Other mechanical upgrades include a strengthened electronic limited-slip differential to cope with the increased torque and revised suspension for better steering response.\nThe DBX 707\u2019s 48-volt active roll stabilisation system and electric power steering have also been revised for better agility and driving feel.\nAs for the exterior, the DBX 707 projects a more sinister appearance with an even larger front grille, a new front splitter, new brake ducts and air intake along with slimmer LED daytime running lights.\nThe 22-inch wheels remain, albeit a different design. There are optional 23-inch wheels that supposedly offer better steering response and body control. Production of the DBX 707 is set to take place within Q1 of this year, with deliveries expected to take place in early Q2 2022.\n \nGALLERY"
"Just shortly after Subaru\u00a0\nteased us earlier this month\n\u00a0with the new Impreza, the small Japanese company went on to unveiled the car in New York, and it can be had in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback variants. At launch, it will go against cars like the \nFord Focus\n, \nHonda Civic\n and Volkswagen Golf.\nThe new Impreza is Subaru\u2019s first model to sit on the company\u2019s new \u201c\nGlobal Platform\n\u201c. Thanks to that, it\u2019s now larger and wider than its predecessor. The sedan variant is already 25mm longer than before, whereas overall length and width are up by 41mm and 38mm respectively. Height on the other hand, has been reduced by 10mm which lowers centre of gravity. The new platform also ensures an increase in body rigidity with improvements up to 70 percent over the older car.\nInside, the new Impreza gets a newly designed dashboard with a pair of screens located in the middle. The top screen\u2019s function doesn\u2019t differ much from the model today, which displays essential driving data. Below that is a \n6.5-inch touchscreen panel\n with built-in Starlink multimedia system which also supports GPS navigation.\nEven more promising is its safety aspect. Debuting in this Impreza is the all-new \u201c\nEyeSight\n\u201d system, which includes a raft of safety gadgets such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning. The system utilises stereo cameras to monitor the road ahead for potential hazards. The headlights have been updated with cornering beams and auto high-beam lights.\nMost importantly, Subaru\u2019s signature boxer engines and all-wheel drivetrain are retained here, but this time the engine will come with cylinder deactivation technology to improve fuel economy. The Impreza is expected to be powered by a \ndirect-injected 2.0-litre flat-four\n engine that produces \n152 hp\n. Transmission choice is the same\u00a0\nLineartronic CVT\n.\nSubaru states that the new platform is\u00a0designed to deliver higher standards of driving pleasure, agility, crash protection and ride comfort. The platform will underpin most of Subaru\u2019s next-generation cars, including a four-wheel drive performance hybrid.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize was \nlaunched in Indonesia\n earlier this year, and just like its Malaysian sibling, the \nPerodua Ativa\n, the duo in Indonesia also comes with a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine.\nThe marque\u2019s Indonesian arm, Toyota Astral Motor said during the launch that a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated variant for the Toyota Raize will be available at a later date. Now just less than two months after the local launch, the company has made the entry-level variant available in the country ahead of schedule, marking the global debut for the model-powertrain combo.\nUnderneath the bonnet of the 1.2L Toyota Raize is a WA-VE 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine, good for \n88 hp\n and \n113 Nm\n of torque. Compared to the 1.0L turbocharged engine, the NA mill puts out 10 hp and 27 Nm less, and peak torque is only achieved at 4,500 rpm, compared to 2,400 rpm on the turbo engine.\nHow powerful is the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine on the Perodua Ativa? Watch our review here!\nThe engine is paired to either a CVT gearbox, like the Perodua Ativa here in Malaysia, or a five-speed manual transmission \u2013 the latter an Indonesian exclusive.\nIn terms of equipment, the 1.2L Toyota Raize comes as standard with full-LED headlights, 16-inch wheels, and digital air conditioning controls. It does lose out on the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance features, and the infotainment system is one inch smaller than those found on the more expensive variants, coming in at eight-inches in diameter.\nThe Toyota Raize 1.2L starts at IDR202 million (~RM58k) for the manual variant, while the 1.2 G CVT costs IDR215 million (~RM62k), both with the full luxury tax exemption that\u2019s in place to spur the nation\u2019s automotive industry. That\u2019s almost identical to the \nPerodua Myvi\n (or Daihatsu Sirion) in Indonesia, which starts at IDR201.75 million in the Archipelago. Which would you choose?"
"If you\u2019re like us, November 18 can\u2019t come soon enough as we await the global launch of the next-generation Subaru BRZ. However for fans of back-to-basics no frills sports cars, we bear bad news \u2013 A Subaru spokesperson has told \nAutocar UK\n that the all-new BRZ will be a US-only model.\nThe company said that it has \u201cno plans\u201d to bring the rear-wheel driven coupe over to Europe, and most likely over to the rest of the world too \u2013 which sadly includes Malaysia. It is unknown at this time if its Toyota twin, \u2013 \nrumoured to be called the GR86 \n\u2013 will suffer the same fate, but we certainly hope it doesn\u2019t. The GR86 does not have a launch date as of writing.\nDespite the BRZ\u2019s imminent debut, we are still in the dark on most of the details for Subaru\u2019s latest sports car. We \nroughly know how it\u2019ll look\n from the front thanks to our rough Photoshop chop job, but that\u2019s about the extent of what\u2019s been made known to us.\nA recent rumour, along with a \nleaked image\n of the car from the recent \nSubiefest event\n, suggests that the BRZ/86 will be powered by a Subaru-sourced naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine. No turbocharger as previously rumoured, but the power output of \n220 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n is still a decent bump from the outgoing model.\nAnother conflicting rumour is the chassis under the upcoming Hachiroku twin.\n Early rumours\n suggested that it will be built on the celebrated \nToyota TNGA platform\n \u2013 the same ones underpinning the\n all-new Toyota Corolla\n, but the more recent words around the grapevine seem to point to a revised version of the current underpinnings.\nAll of that will be answered by Subaru themselves in just over a week\u2019s time. For now though, we\u2019ll be spending all our efforts praying that the BRZ\u2019s Toyota counterpart will make its way over here."
"Having experienced it \non track\n and on the \npublic highway\n, the facelifted Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT continues to surprise us during this extended test drive. We scrutinised and dissected the little hatchback even further and found that this may be your best bang for your buck if you want a fun yet sophisticated city car.\n \nThe range-topping 1.6 Premium CVT as tested is powered by a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated VVT petrol engine offering \n107 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque paired to a recalibrated Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for better refinement, response and efficiency.\nBeyond the new looks and enhanced features, the improvements that Proton has done to the car goes skin deep. The Iriz may be old (first launched in 2014), but this \n2019 facelifted model\n is still right up there with the competition, both national and non-national."
"BMW will be expanding its\nmodel line up with the first-ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe at the upcoming 2019\nLos Angeles Auto Show happening in November. This will be the first time the 2\nSeries is available as a front-wheel driven four-door saloon.\nThe success of a four-door Gran Coupe has been well documented in upper segments like the \n4 Series\n and \n6 Series\n (even the \n8 Series may get a GC variant\n). The 2 Series Gran Coupe expands BMW\u2019s footprint in the compact segment with a practical but design-oriented model for urban consumers.\nStyling to be inspired by its larger sibling, \nG20 3 Series\nIt will share the same\nunderpinnings as the upcoming new BMW 1 Series which builds upon the brand\u2019s front-wheel\ndrive architecture. The company has also hinted that buyers can expect a degree\nof electrification in the new 2 Series Gran Coupe.\nWhen launched, the 2 Series Gran Coupe will go up against the likes of \nMercedes-Benz CLA\n and BMW will need to bring out the big guns to hold its ground against the sleek and particularly high tech CLA. The car will make its global debut in November 2019 with a subsequent market launch scheduled for 2020."
"The fourth-generation \nMazda MX-5\n has added another major accolade as it won the \n2015-2016 Japanese Car of the Year\n award. This is the second consecutive year the Hiroshima-based automaker won Japan\u2019s most prestigious title, after bagging the crown jewel with the \nMazda2 last year\n.\nCompetition this year certainly wasn\u2019t easy, with runner up (also a JDM favourite) Honda S660 trailing just 41 votes behind. Meanwhile, the \nBMW 2-Series\n finished in third place, and also\u00a0obtained\u00a0Import Car of the Year award for this year. Looking at the scale of things, all the top three contenders are some really fun-to-drive cars!\nDuring the award ceremony, Mazda\u2019s Vice President \u2013 also in charge of product planning and head of the company\u2019s Skyactiv technology R&D \u2013 Kiyoshi Fujiwara said, \u201cWe went through some tough times during the financial crisis and 2011 earthquake, but we stuck to our founding principles and created a winning formula. We think the jurors\u2019 response to our MX-5 shows that sports cars are making a strong comeback in Japan. This award means a lot to our development team.\u201d\nThe previous winners of Japan\u2019s COTY include the Toyota Prius, Honda CR-Z, Nissan Leaf, Mazda CX-5 and the Volkswagen Golf. The Golf was the first ever non-Japanese make to walk home with the award.\nFind out what we thought about the \nMazda2\n and \nMazda MX-5\n!"
"Is it just us, or does it feel like an election is coming? Regardless, the Government has announced a kind gesture not just for those heading back to their hometowns this Hari Raya but also for those staying back in Kuala Lumpur and other respective states.\nBetween the \n30th of May to the 1st of May \nand the \n7th of May to the 8th of May\n, interstate highway users will get to enjoy toll-free drives. This will take effect from midnight (30th April) to 11:59 pm (1st May) and midnight (7th May) to 11:59 pm (8th May). The highways involved are:\nNorth-South Expressway\nNorth-South Expressway Central Link (Elite)\nSeremban \u2013 Port Dickson Expressway (SPDH)\nButterworth \u2013 Kulim Expressway (BKE)\nMalaysia \u2013 Singapore Second Link Expressway (Linkedua)\nPenang Bridge\nEast Coast Expressway (LPT 1 & LPT 2)\nKL \u2013 Karak Expressway (KLK)\nFor those who will be staying back in Kuala Lumpur to enjoy the less congested roads, fret not; we\u2019ve not been forgotten as most major highways will be giving out \n50% discounts on toll charges\n. These include:\nDamansara \u2013 Puchong Expressway (LDP)\nSungai Besi Expressway (Besraya)\nNew Pantai Expressway (NPE)\nAmpang \u2013 KL Elevated Highway (AKLEH)\nKL \u2013 Putrajaya Expressway (MEX)\nDuta \u2013 Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)\nShah Alam Expressway (KESAS)\nCheras \u2013 Kajang Expressway (Grand Saga)\nToll charges on certain highways will also be \nreduced by 30%\n and they include:\nStorm Management and Road Tunnel (SMART)\nGuthrie Corridor Expressway\nKL \u2013 Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR)\nButterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB)\nKemuning \u2013 Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA)\nKajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)\nSultan Abdul Halim Muad\u2019zam Shah Bridge\nSouth Klang Valley Expressway\nSPRINT\nKajang \u2013 Seremban Expressway (LEKAS)\nNew North Klang Straits Bypass (Grand Sepadu)\nSenai \u2013 Desaru Expressway (SDE)\nWest Coast Expressway (WCE)\nThe toll-free and discounts on toll charges are \napplicable to all vehicle classes\n."
"Shortly after the introduction of the updated Ford Everest, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) is gearing up for another product launch before we bid 2018 goodbye. The company is not being discreet about it either, highlighting the features that will be available on the facelifted Ford Ranger.\nAccording to the brochure listed, it appears that SDAC will offer three engine options for the Ranger \u2013 2.2-litre TDCI turbodiesel, 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo (single turbodiesel) and 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbodiesel. The 2.2-litre TDCI that powers the entry-level Ranger is a carried over from the previous model paired to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission making \n160 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of twist.\nThe new 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo pumps out a healthy \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n while the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo pushes out class-leading outputs of\n 213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. Besides annual road tax savings from the 1,996cc capacity engine, the EcoBlue diesel engines\u00a0are paired to a first-in-class 10-speed automatic transmission that offers improved acceleration and best-in-class fuel efficiency.\nAs for trim levels, SDAC offers the Ranger in three trims \u2013 XL, XLT, Wildtrak as well as the first Ford Performance model, the \nRanger Raptor\n. Curiously, the official leaflet that was uploaded to SDAC\u2019s website did not list the Ranger Raptor variant.\nThe\n base XL range\n is powered by the 2.2-litre TDCI unit with the option for a single cab or double cab and three colour options \u2013 Cool White, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic. Standard equipment reads halogen reflector headlamps with daytime running lights, 16-inch alloys wrapped in 255/70 profile tyres, fabric upholstery and audio head unit with four speakers (Single Cab gets two speakers).\nSafety kit reads dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, ESC with Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and Adaptive Load Control (ALC).\nStepping up the range, the \n2.2 XLT\n Manual and Automatic is powered by the same engine as the XL while the 2.0 XLT+ (AT) gets the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo mill with 10-speed auto. The XLT builds upon the equipment trims of the XL with the addition of automatic halogen projector headlamps, rain sensing wipers, front and rear fog lamps, 17-inch alloys (265/65 profile tyres) premium fabric upholstery, leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, 4.2-inch audio head unit with 6 speakers and a rear-view camera.\nThe \nXLT+\n gains a bit more kit with HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys with 265/60 profile tyres, 8.0-inch touchscreen Sync3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual 4.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and keyless entry with push-start. Colour options on the XLT range are Aluminium Metallic, Lightning Blue, Frozen White, Magnetic, Absolute Black.\nLastly, there are two \nWildtrak variants\n on offer, the 2.0L Widltrak 4\u00d72 High Rider and 2.0 Wildtrak 4\u00d74 High Rider. The 4\u00d72 High Rider gets the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo while the 4\u00d74 High Rider gets the more potent 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo. Colour options include Frozen White, Magnetic, Absolute Black and Saber.\nOn equipment levels, the Wildtrak builds upon the XLT+ with the addition of eight-way powered adjustable driver\u2019s seat, Wildtrak Premium leather upholstery and six airbags while only the Wildtrak 4\u00d74 comes equipped with Active Noise Cancellation and advanced driver assist systems such as Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning & Assist, Semi-automatic Parallel Parking and Adaptive Cruise Control.   While SDAC did not disclose the specifications and equipment levels of the Ranger Raptor, expect it to come dressed with the flared arches, F-150 Raptor inspired front grille, magnesium paddle shifters, centre marking on the steering wheel, sportier seats and the all impressive Terrain Management System (TMS) that puts the souped-up pick up truck into six driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja.\nNo news on the pricing details, but don\u2019t expect them to come cheap especially the top of the line Wildtrak 4\u00d74 and Raptor.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It all started wit the \nPorsche Cayenne\n. Immediately after its success, Aston Martin and Lamborghini went on to announce the\u00a0\nDBX\n and \nUrus\n models respectively, and \nBentley with the Bentayga\n. All these while, Ferrari remained hell-bent at making \nsuper fast grand tourers\n, but a recent report by Car Magazine UK suggests otherwise.\nApparently, Ferrari is working on an SUV codenamed\n F16X\u00a0\nand is developed alongside the next GTC4. Both are scheduled for world debut in 2021. The SUV will purportedly get suicide doors, eliminating the need for B-pillars and makes ingress and egress easier. Of course, it\u2019ll get a reasonably higher ground clearance as well.\nWill the new F16x look anything like the GTC4 with higher ground clearance?\nIt will get the GTC4\u2019s\u00a0aluminium architecture and all-wheel drive platform. What\u2019s more interesting is the powertrain \u2013 it may be powered by a \nV8 petrol\n or a new\u00a0\nhybrid\n powertrain, making this the second hybrid model after the \nLaFerrari\n.\nThe F16X SUV is expected to be priced around \u00a0\n\u20ac300,000 (approximately RM1.47mil)\n when it arrives in showrooms. As SUVs and crossovers get mainstream, Ferrari\u2019s new SUV will certainly help push the numbers to 16,000 units. Fancy yourself an SUV with a Ferrari badge?\nSource: \nCar Magazine UK"
"Forget the SUV\n for now; in marking the 70th anniversary of when founder Colin Chapman built his first car in 1948, Lotus has revealed the extreme, race-bred, limited-edition, Lotus Elise Cup 260. With inspirations taken from the Exige Cup 380, the Evora GT430 and the Elise Race 250, it is said to be the most accomplished car Lotus has ever produced.\nBeing 15 kgs lighter than the Elise Cup 250 at just \n902 kg\n (unladen weight), weight savings come from its large rear wing, front access panel, engine cover, two piece brake discs, lightweight race seats and forged alloy wheels along with a polycarbonate rear screen.\nThe Elise Cup 260 took lessons from the \nGT 430\n with its louvred front wheel arches, a new oversized motorsport-derived rear wing, developed from the \nLotus 3-Eleven\n. Together with the carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, it generates up to \n180 kg\n (a 44% gain from the Elise Cup 250) of downforce when the Elise Cup 260 reaches its \n243 km/\nh top speed.\nThe Elise Cup is powered by a supercharged 1.8-litre engine delivering \n250 hp\n and\n 255 Nm\n of torque through a 6-speed manual gearbox. A race-derived air-filter and a tuned exhaust note ensures that\u00a0the Elise Cup 260 retains the \u201cbest-sounding forced-induction four-cylinder\u201d crown.\n0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.8 seconds\n to complete in a composed manner, supervised by independent double wishbone suspension, adjustable anti-roll bars and two-way adjustable Nitron dampers, fitted for the first time to an Elise.\nStopping power is provided by twin-pot AP Racing calipers in the front and Brembo units at the rear tucked beneath 16-inch ultra-lightweight motorsport forged alloy wheels in the front and a 17-inch pair at the back. 10 mm wider Yokohama Advan Neova tyres than the Cup 250 promises increased mechanical grip to fully utilise the brute power of the Elise Cup 260.\nCentre pieces inside include an in-house manufactured, carbon race seats in Alcantara together with a new carbon fibre instrument cover. The car seen here is painted in Championship Gold to commemorate the forthcoming 70th anniversary of Lotus.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the \nXE SV Project 8\n \u2013 the car that\n set a new record for the fastest saloon car around the Nurburgring\n back in 2017?\nWell Jaguar\u2019s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division has developed a more restrained, road-oriented version of the extreme model that features a new, more discreet rear spoiler with removed body decals that masks the car\u2019s fire-breathing ferocity.\nThere will only be \n15 examples of the Touring specification Project 8\n, as it is called, fitted with a fixed front splitter and a fixed \u201cTouring spoiler\u201d that replaces the more extreme version\u2019s carbon fibre rear wing.\nUnder the hood, thankfully nothing about the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 has been tampered with, delivering the same \n600 hp\n with\n 700 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.3 seconds with top speed limited to 300 km/h.\nNot contented with its achievement around the Nurburgring, the more extreme XE SV Project 8 recently also set a \nnew record for the fastest production sedan around the Laguna Seca circuit\n."
"Sime Darby Auto Selection (SDAS) \nhas announced a new partnership with \nTrevo \nin the form of the new \n\u2018Fund your Drive\u2019\n programme, which seeks to make car ownership more affordable and accessible for Malaysians.\nThe programme, which runs from \n2 September until 18 November 2021\n, provides an opportunity for SDAS car buyers to also generate income from their vehicles by listing it on the Trevo platform, at the same time offering a guaranteed resale price at the end of a 12-month period through the BuyBack option.\n\u201cDuring this time of economic uncertainty for many, those who need to own a vehicle may be thinking twice due to the financial outlay required,\u201d said Trevo\u2019s parent company Socar Mobility Malaysia\u2019s CEO, Leon Foong.\n\u201cThrough a programme like \u2018Fund Your Drive\u2019, owners not only have a variety of reliable, pre-owned vehicles that suit their budget from SDAS to choose from, Trevo also offers them additional means to fund the expenses associated with owning a vehicle.\u201d\nTrevo wants to be the AirBnB for cars in Malaysia. Learn more about it here!\nTrevo promises a \u201cguaranteed income\u201d from listing the cars up on its platform, which will cover at least 70% of the monthly loan repayments, essentially providing car owners with loan instalment support for 12 months. As part of the programme, customers will also enjoy\n free car servicing\n from SDAS for the 12-month period.\nFor example, Foong said that a Trevo host with a 2015 Hyundai Grand Starex can earn approximately RM850 a month if their car is booked for seven days, while leaving the car available for personal use on the other 23 days of the month. The supplemental income is estimated to cover \u201calmost the full amount\u201d of the monthly loan instalment.\nSDAS recently also launched a new Extended Warranty Programme for used cars through its multi-brand service centres. Check it out here!\nInterested customers can choose from a range of car models marked with the Trevo logo on the \nSime Darby Auto Selection online marketplace\n, linked \nhere\n. For more information on the \u2018Fund Your Drive\u2019 programme, visit the programme microsite here, or contact Trevo\u2019s customer service via WhatsApp (\n+6019-205 2803\n) or email (\n[email\u00a0protected]\n).\nThe \u2018Fund Your Drive\u2019 programme is open to all Malaysians."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), together with partner Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (CCB) have jointly launched their newly renovated Autohaus in Georgetown, Penang.\nThe \nRM4 million upgrade\n shows both companies\u2019 commitment to strengthening their presence in the northern region and spans a total built-up area of\n 33,489 square feet\n. It\u2019s home to the latest Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity, featuring most key aspects of the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II. In short, it\u2019s a through-and-through modern facility built within the confines of a UNESCO heritage building.   The Georgetown Autohaus features \nseven display vehicles\n, an upgraded lounge area and 14 advanced mechanical service bays. Cycle & Carriage and Mercedes-Benz\u00a0have been business partners for 65 long years, and CCB has a sizeable 40 percent share in MBM.\nCycle & Carriage Bintang\u2019s CEO, Dato\u2019 Wong Kin Foo said the company will continue to invest into the brand and retail network. CCB now operates 28 authorised dealerships across Peninsular Malaysia, which is the country\u2019s most extensive Mercedes-Benz dealer. He also announced that an additional RM30 million will be invested over the span of two years, all of which will facilitate upgrading works for the six remaining Autohauses throughout West Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)\n and Goh Brothers Motor have opened Volkswagen Setia Alam, the latest addition to the Volkswagen network in Malaysia. After the Juru and Ipoh outlets, this is the third Volkswagen dealership under Goh Brothers Motor.\nOpening as a 4S centre, the Volkswagen Setia Alam facility spans \n60,000 square feet\n and is four storeys high. 2,790 square feet is dedicated to the Mezanine Floor showroom where a total of eight cars can be displayed, complete with a guest lounge.\nThe service centre, which sits on two floors and spans a total of 10,200 square feet, is manned by 15 experienced aftersales staff that can service up to 30 Volkswagen vehicles per day.\nIn conjunction with the opening, Volkswagen Setia Alam is inviting Volkswagen owners who have not serviced their cars for over six months for a complimentary 20-point safety diagnostic and health check, which is available throughout the month of October.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cOur good relationship with our dealer partner, Goh Brothers, has culminated to the opening of the Setia Alam dealership. This opening further expands our network of dealers and the presence of Volkswagen in the country. \u201cI would like to extend our congratulations to Goh Brothers on the opening and our appreciation for your commitment to the Volkswagen brand.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGet up close and personal with the Volkswagen ID.4 EV at VW Fest 2022!\nOn the opening, Goh Brothers Motor Managing Director, Mr Goh Kian Sin said, \u201cWith the expansion of the business in the new area, Volkswagen Setia Alam will serve the community within the township and surrounding areas, including Shah Alam and Klang. We would like to welcome all Volkswagen fans and customers to visit our authorised 4S centre and enjoy an enhanced ownership experience with Goh Brothers Motor.\u201d\nVolkswagen Setia Alam operates from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (sales), while aftersales services are available from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 5:30 pm.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace adds new entry-level \u2018Life\u2019 variant in Malaysia, from RM173k"
"After a busy April with plenty of new vehicle launches, we now have some time to dissect the features of the latest pick-up trucks in Malaysia.\nThe all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max is making quite a strong presence via digital advertising and rightfully so as the product has been improved tremendously.\nFor this edition of comparison, we take a more detailed look at the first three pick-up models in Malaysia, which are all top-of-the-range and within the same price range.\nHorsepower and torque\nLet\u2019s get the ball rolling. The all-new \nIsuzu D-Max 3.0L X-Terrain\n is powered by a new engine that is still displacing \n3.0 litres\n and carries a price tag of \nRM141,938\n.\nWhilst the output of the \nnew engine\n has increased over the previous generation, \n190 hp\n at 3,600 rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque at 1,600 to 2,600 rpm are still below the outputs of \nToyota Hilux\u2019s latest 2.8-litre\n turbodiesel.\nThe latest iteration of Toyota\u2019s 1GD-FTV engine delivers \n204 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and \n500 Nm\n of torque. More impressive is the peak torque is generated from 1,600 rpm to 2,800 rpm. There is a premium to this performance though, as the Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue is priced \nfrom\n \nRM146,880\n.\nThe third model we have for the comparison is the \nMitsubishi Triton Athlete\n 2.4 MIVEC. Being the smallest in displacement, it also has the lowest output at \n181 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque. The engine doesn\u2019t have a flat torque band, unlike the Isuzu or Toyota, with all 430 Nm peaking at 2,500 rpm.\nBut being a smaller-displacing 2.4-litre engine, the \nroad tax\n in Peninsular Malaysia is also the lowest of the trio, at just \nRM793.60\n per year with the vehicle on-the-road selling price at \nRM141,500\n.\nWhile the data is not available here, the \nfuel consumption\n figures from the Australian market ranks the new Isuzu \nD-Max the best\n of our trio at 8.0 litres of diesel consumed per 100 km travel. The Toyota Hilux clocks 8.4 litres per 100 km, whilst the smaller 2.4-litre engine in the Mitsubishi Triton consumes 8.6 litres. The same pattern (albeit lower figures) is also seen in Thailand\u2019s fuel consumption declaration.\nTransmission and traction\nAll three pick-up vehicles have six-speed automatic transmission with an \nelectronic shift-on-the-fly\n dial switch to select between 2WD or 4WD modes. The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete however does offer an extra fourth mode via the 4H without locking of the centre differential, instead via an \noil-based viscous coupling\n. There are the usual 2H, 4HLc and 4LLc with the two 4WD modes locking the centre differential.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Athlete\u2019s\n Super Select II AWD\n system in 4H (four-wheel drive at highway speeds, such as windy roads that are wet or slippery) allow better cornering comfort, as the front and rear axles spin more freely via the viscous coupling which translates to \na lot less vibration and noise\n.\n \nAlso evident is the better turning radius in the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, requiring just \n5.9 metres\n.\u00a0View the video above for more details.\u00a0\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Athlete also comes with an \noff-road mode\n that controls the engine, transmission and brake control according to the conditions of gravel, mud, sand and rock. The system will perform the \nBrake-LSD\n procedure to transfer the engine torque to the wheel with the most grip (or least wheelspin).\nBoth the Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue and Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain might not have the easy-to-use off-road mode, but they have something well-liked in the off-road community which is the \nelectronic-locking rear differential\n.\nLocking the rear differential means both left and right tyres will have equal amounts of torque, allowing for much better traction out of the trickiest conditions and terrain. This fully mechanical approach is better as it does not depend on the braking system which could overheat.\n \nThe aforementioned Brake-LSD or simulated LSD (limited-slip differential) is also featured in the Toyota Hilux under the name Active Traction Control (A-TRC) and \nAuto LSD\n. Isuzu meanwhile doesn\u2019t have this feature.\nHere is a tip we found from Toyota, which recommends that Hilux users switch to 4H mode and drive for about 16 km each month to keep the front drive components well lubricated. Such a procedure was not mentioned by Mitsubishi and Isuzu.\nOther features\nBeing global vehicles, all three flagship variants of the pick-up trucks are fitted with autonomous emergency braking (\nAEB\n) and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is only not available in the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete while Isuzu D-Max\u2019s ACC can operate in all speed range, including \nstop-and-go\n traffic.\nThe Mitsubishi has a 360-degree surround bird\u2019s eye view camera system as standard, while it is a hefty RM2,600 option in the Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue. Unfortunately, the large 9-inch display in the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain only displays the rear-view camera, with no option to upgrade to a surround camera system.\nHowever, on a hot sunny day parked out in the open, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is the only pick-up truck that has a \nremote engine start\n feature that can turn on the engine and air-conditioning to cool the interior first, before stepping inside. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSpeaking of air-conditioning, all three models here have air-conditioning vents for the rear, but the fitment in the Mitsubishi Triton is on the ceiling and has fan speed selection.\nPricing and warranty\nIn the aspect of accessories, the sports bar is a cost option on all three models, plus it\u2019s the only accessory for the Isuzu D-Max. Bedliner and tailgate assist (easy manual open and closure) are cost option in the Mitsubishi Triton, while Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max include the bedliner in its retail price.\nAs such, ticking all the accessories (360-degree camera, tailgate assist and sportsbar) in the Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue bumps the retail price to\n RM152,020, \nwith\n \nwarranty coverage of five-year/ 150,000 km. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete arrives at a price tag of \nRM147,225\n and warranty coverage of five-year/200,000 km.\nAs mentioned earlier, the bedliner and tailgate assist is already included as standard in the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, as such, including the sports bar prices the vehicle at \nRM143,258\n. The Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain is the only pick-up truck with a \nseven-year/unlimited mileage warranty\n coverage.\nSo there you have it, with more detailed information about the performance of these new pick-up trucks in Malaysia. A few features that are standard in Isuzu and Mitsubishi are found to be optional in the Toyota, as such, happy shopping for the best deals!"
"The Ralliart name has not been mentioned as Mitsubishi\u2019s performance and motorsport division for more than a decade but all that\u2019s about to change.\nAfter \nannouncing its return\n in May this year, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan has revealed a teaser of \nEV kei car concept \nand a\n Ralliart concept car\n. The pair will be fully revealed at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 which will be held on the 14th till 16th of January 2022.\nAccording to Mitsubishi, the kei EV concept is a new generation of all-electric kei cars that are built around safety, security, comfort, and environmental-friendliness. It combines the practicality of a kei-car with the smooth performance of an EV while offering advanced driver assistance systems and connectivity.\nOn the other hand, the Ralliart concept car brings together Mitsubishi Motors\u2019 engineering and passion for\u00a0\nMonozukuri\n (craftsmanship)\u00a0challenges. It exudes a premium feel with a strong presence, indicating Mitsubishi\u2019s vision for the new Ralliart.\nThe return of Ralliart name will not only see new custom-made accessories for Mitsubishi\u2019s model line up but also the company re-entering motorsports with it, according to Mitsubishi CEO, Takao Kato.\nIn Thailand, Mitsubishi has wasted no time celebrating the return of the iconic name with the launch of two special editions; the \nTriton and Pajero Sport Ralliart Edition\n.\nTriton Ralliart\nPajero Sport Ralliart\nThe special edition models are fitted with blacked-out wheels, wing mirror covers and door handles along with red mud flaps. Other additions include Ralliart bumper trims, decals, and Ralliart floor mats for the interior."
"Proton has just broken a 17-year-old record in the Malaysia Book of Records recently, a very peculiar one too we might add \u2013 \u201cMost People in an MPV\u201d. The record-breaking attempt was part of the national carmaker\u2019s Ace the Space Challenge where participants squeeze as many people as they possibly can into a Proton MPV.\nIn the preliminary rounds, participants from different states managed to fit up to 41 persons into an Ertiga. In the final round (also the record attempt), participants were challenged to squeeze their teammates in the seven-seater Exora.\nTeam Girls Power from Universiti Perlis Malaysia emerged as the new record holder after successfully fitting 55 persons in the Exora with the doors closed. The closest competitors were team KVT Girl from Kolej Vokasional Temerloh and Senawang Triggers of Politeknik Port Dickson which managed 53 persons respectively.\nBesides walking home with their names penned in the Malaysia Books of Records, team Girls Power also received RM1,000 worth of Proton Sales voucher each, one smartphone each, one pair of TGV movie tickets each, RM10,000 cash prize and the invitation to the Proton SUV Launch ceremony.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Can you believe we\u2019re actually into Day 44 of the Movement Control Order (MCO) already? The outdoors are increasingly unfamiliar territory while we spend more time with LED lights than sunlight.\nIt\u2019s no matter, there are more arts and crafts to go about and this time it\u2019s by Nissan and I reckon it\u2019s one of the coolest and most \u201cbalanced\u201d of them all. Why?\nNot only does it intrigue the new/next generation of car buyers/enthusiasts, with the Gran Turismo Concept for example, but it also appeases the enthusiasts, those who grew up side by side with Nissan\u2019s arsenal of four-wheel weaponry such as the \nR32 GTR Skyline\n \nand the \nDatsun 240Z\n.\nThere are also outlines of the new \nAriya Concept\n, the \nnew more desirable Juke \nand the\n Leaf \nand \nSerena\n that\u2019s available in Malaysia, to name a few.\nCar manufacturers have been steadfast in keeping their presence felt throughout this Covid-19 madness. Not only have they mobilised resources to support healthcare workers with the production of essential protective equipment but they\u2019ve also curated activities for those who\u2019ve been stranded at home (you and I) to past time.\nToyota\n and \nMazda\n curated paper crafts, while \nAudi\n, \nVolkswagen\n and \nBMW\n were responsible for some pretty interesting colouring books. As for the Nissans, you can get the\n higher resolution copy of the complete collection here\n.\nGALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia Trading has launched a low viscosity Shell\nHelix HX8 engine oil specially developed to meet the requirements of modern\npassenger cars (read fuel efficiency) while providing engine protection\nexpected from a fully synthetic blend.\nRated at \n0W-20\n, the latest variant of the HX8 range is affordable as well, starting at a recommended retail price of \nRM 199 for a 4-litre pack\n, and \nRM 53.90 for a one-litre pack\n. It promises to deliver \u2018maximum performance, improved fuel economy and better engine protection during cold starts\u2019 courtesy of its \nFlexi Molecule Technology\n which adapts to every driving style and condition.\nShell Lubricants Marketing General Manager May Tan said Shell was always developing innovative products to meet the market\u2019s evolving needs.\n\u201cGlobally, there is a continuing migration to low viscosity passenger car motor oil with many car manufacturers converting their factory first fill and service fill requirements to these low viscosity grade products. The new Shell Helix HX8 offers premium fully synthetic engine oil performance at an affordable price so that car owners can now give the best to their cars without compromise,\u201d she said.\n Shell Lubricants Marketing General Manager May Tan launching the new Helix HX8 0W-20.\nThe new Shell Helix HX8 0W-20 is available at participating Shell Helix branded workshops and Shell retail stations. To ensure authenticity, consumers are advised to purchase from these Shell outlets and also to look out for the \u2018\nUntuk Pasaran Malaysia\n\u2019\n label on the packing.\nThe new Shell Helix HX8 0W-20 joins two other Helix HX8 variants already on sale \u2013 the \n5W-40 at RM165 per 4-litre pack\n and \n5W-30 at RM180 per 4-litre pack\n. All three \u2018Made for Malaysia\u2019 HX8 grades now come with attractive new \u2018skyline\u2019 labels.\nIn conjunction with the launch, Shell Malaysia is offering \nRM 25 off\n for any of the three Shell Helix HX8 variants upon the customer registering the purchase on the \nShell Advantage and Rewards (SHARE) \nloyalty programme. The promotion is valid until 30 November 2019."
"In celebrating the 70th anniversary of Land Rover, 632 vehicles gathered in what was the largest parade of Land Rovers, setting a new Guinness World Record in the process.\nThe record-breaking 7.4 km parade in Bavaria, Germany beat the previous record of 516 Land Rovers set in Portugal in 2014.\nThe fanfare featured a wide range of models including many classic Defender models, accompanied by the newer Land Rover Discovery, Discovery Sport and Freelander models and the complete Range Rover line-up \u2013 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Evoque and Velar.\n\u201cIt was a fantastic atmosphere on the day and a great pleasure for us to celebrate the 70th anniversary of our brand with more than 1,500 enthusiastic Land Rover fans, friends and families. We thank everyone who helped us to bring this together\u201d,\u00a0\nManaging Director of Jaguar Land Rover Germany,\u00a0Jan-Kas van der Stelt.\nLocally, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has been busy introducing new models like the \nRange Rover Velar\n and the \nJaguar F-Pace 2.0L Ingenium Turbo\n which will be available in three variants \u2013 Prestige, R-Sport (Mid-Spec) and R-Sport (High-Spec)."
"The organisers of the V8 Supercars have confirmed this year\u2019s\u00a0Kuala Lumpur City 400 Supercar Extravaganza is a no go, due to the ongoing legal dispute involving the promoters of the event. This means the 2016 edition of the \nKL City Race\n\u00a0is not going to happen this year.\nSupercars CEO James Warburton said that due to ongoing legal action between the organisers, there isn\u2019t much time to prepare the street circuit of Kuala Lumpur during the weekend of 12 to 14 August. It\u2019s not possible to move the race to the Sepang International Circuit, hence they have no choice but to scrap this race.\nRegardless, the organisers of the V8 Supercars are hopeful to return by 2017 as they have an agreement\u00a0to race in the streets of Kuala Lumpur until 2019. Meanwhile, the other races planned for this year\u2019s event such as the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Audi LMS Cup and so on, could move to Sepang, or potentially meet the similar fate as the V8 Supercars.\nLast year, during the inaugural KL City Grand Prix, the race exhibition by five \nV8 Supercars\n was enough to warrant much interest for a full race this year despite the hiccups faced by the Malaysian organisers and the outcry from the public. While this is disappointing news for motorsports enthusiast, perhaps KL city folks could show some signs of relief, for now.\n[Source:\u00a0\nV8 Supercars\n]"
"McLaren has released an image on \nits Facebook page\n that points at the imminent arrival of the 570LT, the more hardcore version of the \n570S\n that\u2019s part of McLaren\u2019s entry-level Sports Series.\nIt shows the unmistakable rear end of the 570S but with more aggressive aesthetic enhancements and more notably, the lack of an exhaust by the corner of the rear bumper.\nNotice the difference in the rear bumper design and absence of the exhaust?\nCould it come with a top-exit exhaust? There\u2019s no word on it just yet but expect it to be revealed real soon, according to Autocar which reported that the car was complete and merely awaiting an appropriate time for it premiere.\nSaid to posses in excess of\n 600 hp\n, expect it to undergo significant weight reduction and aerodynamic enhancement \u2013 much like the \n675LT\n from the Super Series model."
"While \nLot\nu\ns\n still has a huge appeal to the true driving enthusiasts, it\u2019s hard to ignore the fact that its ageing cars (aside from the the ultra-millionaire-only Evija) barely attracts regular car buyers any more. The \nLotus Elise\n and \nExige \nin their latest iterations are now a decade old, and the \u201cmore comfortable\u201d \nEvora\n was unveiled more than twelve years ago.\nIt\u2019s no secret that \nLotus has been working on a new \u201cglobal appeal\u201d sports car\n to reinvigorate its model line-up, with rumours floating about ever since Geely took over ownership of the famed British brand. But according to a new report by \nAutomotive News Europe\n, the new model \ncould be unveiled as early as June this year\n.\nSpeaking to the publication, Lotus CEO Phil Popham said that the new internal combustion engine sports car \u201cwill focus on usability\u201d, and is \u201cdesigned so you can live with it on a day-to-day basis\u201d. He also said that the new sports car will hopefully broaden Lotus\u2019 appeal in the United States, giving the Hethel-based sportscar maker \u201cquite substantial growth\u201d.\n\u201cThis car will have a wider price point, and that gives us an opportunity in the US,\u201d said Popham. \u201cTo be successful in the sports car market you have to be successful in the US.\u201d Due to legal issues and safety regulations, Lotus currently only has the Evora on sale in the states.\nAccording to Popham, the still-unnamed model will be offered in various versions with prices ranging from GBP55,000 (~RM304k) to GBP105,000 (~RM581K), roughly matching that of the marque\u2019s current offerings. Production will begin next year at Lotus\u2019 revamped factory in Hethel.\nThe new sports car will feature modern electrical architecture to allow for a higher degree of connectivity, Popham said. The platform has also been redesigned to remove some of the practical disadvantages of the current Lotus cars, such as the ingress/egress body contortion one has to perform to get in or out of the cabin.\nNot much else is known about this new sports car as of now, but according to several people in the know, this might well be the \nlast internal combustion-powered model \nfrom Lotus.\nRecently, the British sportscar maker announced a partnership with Renault\u2019s Alpine brand to \ndevelop fully-electric sports cars\n. But even before that, Lotus has already signalled its intentions with the RM10 million Evija fully-electric hypercar \u2013 which is expected to begin delivery by year-end after development was delayed by the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n.\nNo matter what the model ends up to be though, rest assured that it will most likely be available on our shores too, with\n Lotus Karz now taken the reins of the brand here in Malaysia\n."
"The entirety of Malaysia has been placed under various stages of the \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n since March 2020. As of the 15th of June 15, 2021, a \nfour-phase National Recovery Plan (PPN)\n kicked in, to gradually relax restrictions depending on each state\u2019s progress in managing the Covid-19 pandemic.\nStarting August 4, 2021, Perlis, Sarawak, and Labuan has entered phase 3 of the PPN, while the rest are still placed in phase 1 and 2.\nWith so many different variations and versions of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in each stage of the MCO, it\u2019s bound to cause confusion. For clarity, we\u2019ve rounded up all the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts for the PPN period, so here\u2019s everything you need to know in case you need to move around!\nInter-state and inter-district travels\nPhase 1 and 2\n: Inter-state and inter-district travel is\n \nnot allowed, unless with express permission from the police.\nPhase 2 and 3\n: Long distance couples may now travel across state and district lines between Phase 2 and 3 areas, with police permission\nPhase 3\n: Inter-district travel is now allowed, although inter-state travel is still forbidden.\n*Travel for funerals and natural disasters are allowed, with police permission.\nVaccination and medical care\nUp to \nthree passengers\n, including the patient, can travel to seek healthcare, medical care, screening test, vaccination, or attend to any medical emergencies, within a \nradius of 10 km\n or to the nearest provider.\nInter-state and inter-district travel for vaccination at Vaccines Administration Centres (PPV) is allowed, with proof of appointment via the MySejahtera mobile application, website, or SMS notifications.\nGrab is offering discounted rides to seniors heading for vaccination. Find out more here!\nThe new Hyundai Elantra. More info about it \nhere\n.\nEssentials and daily needs\nPhase 1 and 2\n: Only\u00a0\ntwo per household\n are allowed in one vehicle to purchase food, medicine, dietary supplement, and other necessities, within a radius of 10 kilometres.\nPhase 3\n: Up to \nthree per household\n may now travel in one vehicle to purchase food, medicine, dietary supplement, and other necessities. No distance limit, although inter-state travels are still not allowed.\nTaxis, e-hailing and public transport\n \nPhase 1 and 2\n: All public transportation to operate at \n50% capacity\n, schedules and frequency reduced.\nPhase 1 and 2\n: Taxi and e-hailing rides restricted to \ntwo passengers\n, inclusive of driver. Passenger must be seated at the back.\nPhase 3\n: All public transportation can now operate at 100% capacity.\nPhase 3\n: Taxi and e-hailing rides are now restricted to \nthree passengers\n, inclusive of driver. Passengers must be seated at the back.\nThe government is mulling the easing restrictions for individuals with two complete vaccine doses. More info here!\nWork\nOnly businesses included in the various phases\u2019 approved list can operate during the PPN period.\nPhase 1: Critical essential services only\nPhase 2: Essential industries only\nPhase 3: Most economic sectors reopened\nEmployer\u2019s letter of authority, alongside the letter of approval from the Ministry of International Trade of Industry (MITI), are required for all employees\u2019 travel to work.\nMiscellaneous\nPhase 1\n: Petrol stations can operate from \n6 am until 8 pm\n, except for those on tolled highways, which can operate \n24 hours\n.\nPhase 1\n: Vehicle workshops allowed to operate from \n8 am to 8 pm\n.\nPhase 2\n: Petrol stations can operate from \n6 am until 10 pm\n, or 24 hours for those alongside highways.\nPhase 2\n: \nCar wash centres\n can operate from \n8 am to 8 pm\n.\nPhase 2\n: Vehicle workshops allowed to operate from \n6 am until 10 pm.\nPhase 3\n: Petrol stations can operate from \n6 am until 12 am\n, or 24 hours for those alongside highways.\nPhase 3\n: Dine-in at restaurants are now permitted from \n6 am to 12 am\n, with physical distancing of at least 1 metre.\nAlthough travelling is permitted during this PPN period, we at \nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to implore everyone to please try \u2013 as much as possible \u2013 to \nstay home, and stay safe\n.\nKeep travelling to a minimum, and for essential purposes only.\nThe more we do our part, the sooner we can defeat the pandemic and return to normalcy. Also, please get vaccinated!\n[source: \nNational Security Council\n]"
"While taking a casual stroll along the streets of Lisbon, Portugal, a man named Patrick Kramer came across a strikingly coloured SUV that was being shot for commercial. As it turned out, it happened to be the all-new\u00a0\nHyundai Kona\n, completely undisguised and\u00a0in my opinion, it does look pretty good!\nThe new Kona gets Hyundai\u2019s signature cascading\u00a0grille design with muscular hunches up front. Illuminating elements seem really interesting and is unlike anything in the Hyundai stable right now. The wheel arches\u00a0are clad with hard plastics, and it also appears to come with a two-tone paintwork, just like the \nRenault Captur\n.\nNamed after a coastal Hawaiian region, the Kona will be Hyundai\u2019s smallest crossover that will be sold to the rest of the world. According to Hyundai, it has the best in class interior space and driving dynamics.\nThe Hyundai Kona will go against the mighty \nHonda HR-V\n and\u00a0\nToyota C-HR\n. Expect the Kona to make its world debut later this year.\nSource: \nAutoWeek.nl\nIMAGE GALLERY   Not even the CX-3\u2019s headlamps comes close in terms of slimness."
"Effective 1st of June 2018, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is to be set at 0% and we suspect it\u2019ll make the Toyota C-HR an even more attractive prospect from now.\nIf you haven\u2019t already seen, here\u2019s \nAdrian\u2019s first impression on the new Toyota C-HR\n.\nBy not paying the extra 6%, the asking price for the C-HR has \nnow dropped to RM 137,300\n (without Insurance); a full RM 8,000 cheaper than before at RM 145,500 \u2013 a figure most thought were a little \n\u201cout of reach\u201d\n, to say the least.\n\u00a0\nSedans\nCurrent Price\nWithout GST\nVios\n1.5J M/T\n74,980\n70,752\n1.5J A/T\n77,980\n73,582\n1.5E A/T\n81,980\n77,356\n1.5G A/T\n87,980\n83,016\n1.5GX A/T\n90,980\n85,847\n1.5S A/T\n93,980\n88,677\nCorolla\nCorolla Altis 1.8E\n117,400\n110,790\nCorolla Altis 1.8G\n120,300\n113,526\nCorolla Altis 2.0V\n134,900\n127,305\nCamry\nCamry 2.0G X AT\n155,400\n146,645\nCamry HV 2.5 LUXURY AT\n169,900\n160,352\nThat said, it\u2019s still not as competitively priced as the 2017 \nCBU Mazda CX-3\n with G-Vectoring Control (RM 131 k) and the\n Japanese-import factor\n of the CX-3 still has the edge in terms of appeal to most buyers, against the C-HR from Thailand.\nMPV\nCurrent Price\nWithout GST\nAvanza\nAvanza 1.3E MT\n70,200\n66,242\nAvanza 1.5E AT\n76,600\n72,281\nAvanza 1.5X AT\n82,700\n78,035\nAvanza 1.5G AT\n79,200\n74,733\nAvanza 1.5S AT\n81,500\n76,903\nSienta\nSienta 1.5V A/T\n97,000\n91,528\nInnova\nInnova 2.0E M/T\n107,800\n101,739\nInnova 2.0E A/T\n115,800\n109,287\nInnova 2.0G A/T\n123,800\n116,834\nInnova 2.0X A/T\n132,800\n125,324\nVellfire & Alphard\nVellfire 2.5\n350,800\n331,010\nAlphard 3.5\n429,800\n405,626\nAlphard 3.5 Executive Lounge\n540,800\n510,343\nAs for the SUVs, the \n2.0-litre Harrier Turbo \u201cLuxury\u201d we reviewed recently\n\u00a0is now priced at RM 245,233 instead of the RM 259,900; \nnearly RM 15,000 cheaper\n from when we had it \u2013 wonder what that will do to the waiting list/duration for the car.\nSUV & 4\u00d74\nCurrent Price\nWithout GST\nFortuner\nFortuner 2.4 AT 4\u00d74\n169,800\n160,251\nFortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4\u00d72\n185,800\n175,346\nFortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4\u00d74\n195,800\n184,779\nFortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4\u00d74\n181,800\n171,594\nHilux\nHilux S/CAB 2.4 MT 4\u00d74\n87,200\n82,327\nHilux D/CAB 2.4 STD MT 4\u00d74\n96,900\n91,478\nHilux D/CAB 2.4G MT 4\u00d74\n106,700\n100,723\nHilux D/CAB 2.4G AT 4\u00d74\n116,300\n109,779\nHilux D/CAB 2.4 L-Edition AT 4\u00d74\n119,300\n112,610\nHilux D/CAB 2.8G AT 4\u00d74\n130,900\n123,581\nHilux D/CAB 2.8 L-Edition AT 4\u00d74\n133,900\n126,411\nHarrier\nHarrier 2.0T Premium\n238,000\n224,573\nHarrier 2.0T Luxury\n259,900\n245,233\nC-HR\nC-HR 1.8L A/T\n145,500\n137,300\nPresident of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd,\u00a0Mr. Ravindran, has assured all its customers that any relief and benefit from the new tax structure will be fully passed on to its customers and any price revision will be considered in the best interest of its customers.\nFurther information on the reduced On-The-Road prices of Toyota vehicles can be obtained through the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682) or by visiting any authorised Toyota sales outlet."
"Whether you\u2019re in a Ferrari or a Perodua Myvi, the self-proclaimed \u201cfastest car in Malaysia\u201d by the automotive community, road-racing is never a smart move; not to mention a selfish and inconsiderate act.\nAnd recently, one unlucky Ferrari 360 Modena owner found that out the hard way. In what seems like a test of skill and ego on a Japanese highway, a dashcam footage showed a Ferrari F50 being chased down by another Ferrari, a 360 Modena.\nThe video, as tragic as it is to watch, does offer a lesson \u2013 to be tactful of your surroundings when travelling as such high speeds and be ultra careful and considerate when swerving across multiple lanes as the Ferrari F50 owner should\u2019ve.\nThe ultimate lesson though, is to resist the urge and temptation. The spur-of-the-moment temptation to indulge in such immature behaviour on the road and the urge to go beyond the scope of reasonable driving \u2013 not on public roads at least."
"After a successful inaugural year in 2014, \nAston Martin On Ice\n returns for the second time next February, offering its customers the chance to experience their sports cars on roads far removed than the usual.\nAston Martin V12 Vantage On Ice\nThe three-day On Ice programme will see drivers manoeuvring around several specially designed tracks covering a total area of \n435,600\n square foot. The tracks were meticulously constructed over some odd \n250 man hours\n.\nStaged in the town of Crested Butte in Colorado, owners will be put through braking and cornering exercise loop, slalom, skid pad as well as a full circuit. None of this will be unsupervised of course, so every driver will be put under expert tuition and strict guidance before they are allowed to drive on the full 1.6km track.   The ice driving event isn\u2019t the only bespoke driving experiences held by Aston Martin in the US, though it is one of their most interesting. After all, you don\u2019t always get to drive any V8s or V12s on ice now, do you?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Available exclusively in the \nPremium variant\n, the limited edition Proton X70 will be available in either Snow White or Flame Red and is priced at \nRM126,100\n \u2013 about RM2,300 more than the standard model.\nThe 62 units available commemorates the 62nd anniversary of Malaysia\u2019s independence and judging from the \nX70\u2019s high demand\n, Proton believes they\u2019ll be snapped up in no time.\n \nMechanically, they\u2019re identical to the Premium variant on sale with a few aesthetic differences. Both the Snow White and Flame Red paint jobs are complemented with Quartz Black painted on the roof and A-pillar. Window visors have also been added to the limited edition look.\nA rear bumper scuff plate has been added, finished with a customised \u201cMerdeka Edition\u201d emblem on the tailgate. On the inside, the limited edition X70 gets new floor mats, a plush trunk mat and numbered emblems at the corner of the dashboard.\n\u201cThe Proton X70 Merdeka Edition was born out of Proton\u2019s desire to celebrate Malaysia\u2019s 62nd Merdeka anniversary. We are extremely thankful for the support of the Malaysian government and more importantly, the Malaysian car buyers so as a small gesture of gratitude, the limited edition X70 is Proton\u2019s way of saying thank you,\u201d said Proton CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Mazda CX-30 was \nlaunched earlier this year\n and almost immediately, we were treated to a \ndrive up to Bukit Tinggi on a day trip for a quick review\n. The Mazda CX-30 is a bit of an interesting propositon; it sits between the CX-3 and CX-5 but is priced somewhere between the CX-5 and CX-8.\nAt launch, the CX-30 was introduced with three variants; a 2.0G, 2.0G High as well as a diesel-powered 1.8D High. In May of this year, \nBermaz Motor, distributors of Mazda vehicles\n in Malaysia, \nadded another variant \u2013 a\n \n2.0-litre High AWD variant\n that sits right at the top of the CX-30 range.\n \nAside from that, Mazda also added a few more features to the base model 2.0G variant. They include\u00a0\nkeyless entry\u00a0\nand\u00a0\nwalk away lock feature\n\u00a0for a more \u201catas\u201d feel to the overall ownership experience.\nTo recap, the front wheel driven 2.0G base model and 2.0G High along with the highest spec 2.0G High AWD is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine with\u00a0\n162 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n213 Nm\n. As for the 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engine, that makes \n114 hp\n and a healthy dose of \n270 Nm\n.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption, here\u2019s the \nlatest price of the CX-30 we reviewed and other\n Mazda vehicle\u2019s in Malaysia\n."
"Season five of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival\n is setting up for an epic Finale showdown next weekend, with a night race weekend at the Sepang International Circuit, happening on September 24-25, 2022. And for 2,000 lucky fans, you\u2019ll also be able to witness the spectacle live from the Sepang Circuit itself at an exclusive rooftop party.\nThe entire rooftop length of the Sepang International Circuit\u2019s main paddock building will be transformed into a festival ground during the weekend, with a myriad of activities lined up including the opportunity to mingle with their favourite celebrities during walkabouts, as well as meet-and-greet and autograph sessions.\nThe main event of the festival, however, are the two headlining back-to-back concerts over the weekend. Saturday\u2019s stage performances\nwill be led by TGR racing celebrities Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali, and will conclude with a special 40-minute \u2018Rappers & Racers\u2019 concert anchored by K-Clique.\nSinger and fellow TGR racing celebrity Khai Bahar will spearhead Sunday night\u2019s entertainment ahead of an exciting \u2018Rockers & Racers\u2019 concert, feature Malaysian rock queen Ella and girl group Dolla. Selected Toyota car clubs will also be invited for a track-day event to experience the blood-pumping adrenaline themselves.\nThere will also be a lucky draw exclusive to the attendees of the festival, with prizes including four units of iPhone 13 Mini, two iPads, and two Apple Watch Series 7. Interested? Look out for the special contest on TGR Malaysia\u2019s Facebook and Instagram pages to win yourself five passes. Attendance is limited to 1,000 fans each day, so good luck! More information on the contest can be found \nhere\n.\nRELATED: Muhammad Iqbal Suji crowned 2022 Toyota GR Velocity champion, top 3 to attend regional finals!\nAs for the actual racing itself, each of the four classes will all see the championships come down to the wire in the Finale event. The battle in the Promotional Class for celebrities will again be down to actors Zizan Razak and defending champion Shukri Yahaya, with the former having a slight advantage.\nIn the Rookie Class, the fight for the championship will be between simulator-turned-racers Nabil Azlan and Muhammad Hamdany Abdul Hamid. The Sporting Class meanwhile will see young driver Naquib Azlan from Axle Motorsports fight it out in hopes for his second straight overall title after winning last year\u2019s Rookie Class championship.\nThe battle of the professionals in the Super Sporting Class meanwhile will be nothing short of nail-biting, with at least four drivers still in contention for the overall crown. They are Prima Pearl TD Racing\u2019s Tengku Djan Ley, Laser Motor Racing\u2019s Mark Darwin and Eddie Liew, and Telagamas Toyota\u2019s Freddie Ang \u2013 all of whom have been trading places on the winners\u2019 podium throughout the season.\nIn total, the GR Festival\u2019s Vios Challenge is offering up more than half a million Ringgit in prize monies, which includes RM70,000 and RM50,000 to the overall champion of the Super Sporting and Sporting Class champions respectively, making it the most lucrative motorsports event in the country over the last five years."
"Remember the \nLexus UX concept\n that surfaced back in 2016? Well, the Japanese premium carmaker has confirmed that the new crossover will make its way to the production floor with official images and video to show.\nSlated for a global premiere at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), the UX is a compact crossover that sits below the \nNX\n in the Lexus SUV line up. It is said to ride on Toyota\u2019s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that underpins the new \nToyota Camry\n and \nC-HR\n. Lexus promises the new car boasts exceptional body rigidity and low centre of gravity for exceptional handling.\nAs expected, the production car is a mellowed down version of the concept car. Familiar Lexus design cues include large spindle grille, sculptured wing mirrors, pronounced wheel arches and tapering roofline. It also appears that the UX will get some of its own unique design quirks like the \u201ctick\u201d LED daytime running light positioned above the main headlamps and an uninterrupted taillamp strip that runs across the tailgate.\nInside, Lexus promotes a driver-focused cockpit as well as an inviting passenger space to cater to a wider and younger group of audience. In the teaser video, we can spot a digital instrument cluster, new panel layout, large central display screen and top mounted drive mode selector \u2013 similar to newer generations of Lexus cars like the \nLC Coupe\n and \nLS Sedan\n.\nThe Lexus UX will make its dynamic debut at the upcoming 2018 GIMS and consider that Lexus Malaysia very quickly introduced the \nseven-seater Lexus RX L\n one month after its \nglobal debut\n, we may see the UX rolling on Malaysian streets very, very soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus UX Teaser Image   Lexus UX Concept Car"
"The highly successful \nToyota GR Yaris\n is available in almost every market the Toyota operates in, except its biggest- the United States. Why? Well, the whisper surrounding the industry that Toyota will instead create a bespoke GR vehicle using the Corolla hatchback to better suit the local requirements and branding there.\nA GR Sport treatment for the Toyota Corolla Hatchback in Europe\nAlthough the US is an SUV and large pick-up truck dominated market, the Corolla still brings in sales of an average of 130,000 units annually for the past two years, lagging behind the \nHonda Civic\n by quite a steep margin. Thus, a \nhot Toyota Corolla\n with all the performance and technology can better create image and association with consumers rather than the now-discontinued Yaris, which is actually a rebadged Mazda 2 from Mexico.\nCan you find the Toyota GR-inspired \u2018easter eggs\u2019?\nIn this single \nInstagram\n posting by Toyota USA, nobody in the motoring content industry picked it up as it looks like a regular interior of the Toyota Corolla. However, the nerds in the \nGR Corolla forum\n noticed a few things abnormal in this particularly old image (they have seen it before).\nThe first item that caught the eye of the forumers was the digital clock in the instrument panel, showing \u2018G:16\u2019, indicating the engine code of G16E-GTS for the turbocharged three-cylinder engine displacing 1.6-litres.\nThe 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Special Edition was the \u2018States sportiest variant\nThe nerds then associated temperature settings on the air-conditioning switch panel that readout \u201872 68\u2019 with the engine output of 268 bhp (272 hp) found in the Japanese-market Toyota GR Yaris. The next easter egg seems farfetched, especially in the low-resolution image, but the eagle-eyed readers managed to decipher the pixelated text in the navigation screen as \u2018GR Four\u2019, the high-performance 4WD system in the GR Yaris.\nThe Toyota GR Yaris is truly a hot hatchback very worthy of its glory and status. Find out what Eujin has to say while enjoying it at Sepang Circuit!\nFinally, the one easter egg that verified that the forumers are indeed leading to something substantial, is the little car in the background. It is certainly not a random vehicle in the background, as the colour, or rather, the camouflage wrapping the vehicle is the same pattern used on the teaser images of the \nToyota GR Yaris\n and \nGR Supra\n.\nThere we have it, thanks to dedicated customers of Toyota models in the USA, we finally have confirmation that the Toyota GR Corolla is happening for the folks in the US. It\u2019s something to finally give the Honda Civic Type R, Ford Focus RS, \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n, Hyundai Veloster N and other hot C-segment models a good battle. \u00a0\nCredit: \nMotor1.com/news"
"We all looked forward to the news of the liberalisation of the motor insurance premium over three years ago. It was led to believe that ultimately, our insurance premiums would be lower after taking into account more parameters and building an individual risk profile.\nBank Negara Malaysia (BNM) began the move to liberalise the motor insurance premium in July 2017 with the idea of inculcating good driving behaviour plus rewarding lower-risk users. Fast forward to 2021, the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (or PIAM in the national language) in a statement clarified that while the gradual removal of requirements under motor tariff has begun, the pricing continues to be \nregulated\n by the industry regulator.\n\u201cIt is important to note that PIAM is not involved in the pricing decisions of its members. Going forward, the industry eagerly anticipates further liberalisation and looks forward to working with BNM on the eventual opening up of the motor market,\u201d PIAM said.\nPIAM, which represent 26 members companies, said its members were allowed to introduce new products, but the pricing is still \ncapped to a 10% variation\n (cheaper or pricier) compared to the tariffs set in 2016.\nThis was done to soften the impact of any sudden or significant changes in premium on consumers. \u00a0\nWhile it is true that different insurance and takaful providers offer different rates and coverage, yours truly didn\u2019t find any significant savings changing from his current motor insurance provider, hence decided to continue for the third successive year.\nPIAM also said the full liberalisation will lead to fairer pricing that will benefit safe drivers and lead to more product innovation, technologically-driven consumer solutions and a better overall consumer experience.\nOn the subject of motor insurance, remember to carry along your renewed e-cover note in your vehicle, as road tax (or LKM in JPJ lingo) renewals are not encouraged to reduce crowding and congestions at JPJ branches. \nPoslaju\n has temporarily halted road tax renewals at their physical outlets until March 31st.\nDo not peel off or remove the expired road tax too, as driving without a road tax is a punishable offence, as reported by \nHarian Metro\n.\nThe Ministry of Transport (MOT) yesterday announced \nan extension\n to the exemption period for road tax renewals until May 31st \u00a02021."
"Aston Martin\u2019s return to Formula One has been well-orchestrated, especially considering the first race of 2021 has not even started. Apart from operating with a proven race team and got hold of four-time world champion \nSebastian Vettel\n on board, the luxury British carmaker has also made agreements to feature the Vantage as the championship\u2019s Safety Car together with the Mercedes-AMG GT R.\nNow, Aston Martin is offering the \nVantage Safety Car\n for sales under the simple name of \nVantage F1 Edition\n. The car will feature the exact same performance updates as the Safety Car, except for the interior with is still targeted for road-going comfort.\nThe engineers increased the performance in areas of engine, chassis and aerodynamics performance to meet the tough objectives set by Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers. The Vantage F1 Edition is Moers\u2019 first model to have direct input by him after leaving Mercedes-AMG (the car company) for Aston Martin in August 2020. \u00a0\n\u201cI set the engineering team a tough target, as I was insistent that gains in performance came via genuine improvements in the car\u2019s dynamics, and \nnot by fitting track-optimised tyres\n.\u00a0 The results speak for themselves.\u00a0 A Vantage to appeal to the most discerning drivers and a new model that marks an exciting moment in Aston Martin\u2019s history\u201d, said Moers.\nSimilar to the Vantage Safety Car, the peak output of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine has been raised by 25 hp to \n535 hp\n with a peak torque of \n685 Nm\n sustained longer to further increase tractability and in-gear urgency. The melodic exhaust notes from the V8 engine are further amplified by a \nquad-exhaust\n system which is also carried over from the Safety Car.\nThe control unit in the eight-speed rear-mounted automatic transmission has been tuned to optimise torque during upshifts for a reduction in shift times and increased feeling of directness and precision plus stability during braking and downshifts.\nMoving to the chassis, the team\u2019s focus centered on the suspension and steering, with further detailed underbody modifications to increase front structural stiffness for a further improvement in steering feel and response.\u00a0\nReworked damper internals have increased the dampers\u2019 effective force range.\u00a0 This increase in bandwidth brings a noticeable improvement in vertical body control \u2013 both through high speed compressions and over crests \u2013 without any deterioration in low-speed compliance.\nTyres and rims meanwhile have been upsized to \n21 inches\n, a first time for a Vantage, and fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres specifically designed for the Vantage F1 Edition. Aston Martin calls these 21-inch rims the Satin Black Diamond Turned alloy wheels.\nCompleting the Vantage F1 Edition\u2019s performance enhancements is a comprehensive aero kit as featured on the Vantage Safety Car, bringing improvements that can be felt from the driver\u2019s seat and measured against the clock. Together with a full-width front splitter under the special vaned grille, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes, a rear wing and the existing rear diffuser, the aerodynamics kit produce \n200 kg\n more of downforce than the standard Vantage.\nAston Martin did not share what were the improvements on the lap times with all these upgrades and enhancements.\nThree colours are available in either satin or gloss finish- Aston Martin Racing Green, Luna White and Jet Black but without the Vantage Safety Car graphics. Inside the Vantage F1 Edition features new Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara upholstery and trim, with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching.\nThe Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is priced from \nGBP142,000\n (a cool GBP20,000 extra over the standard Vantage) and is also available in the roadster model.\nAston Martin will also provide a fleet of \nDBX\n luxury SUV for use as Medical Car. It is not unwise to assume there will be another edition-variant coming, as the DBX SUV contribute more sales to the company too.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new collection in collaboration with American designer Heron Preston made of recycled airbags and other discarded materials from their vehicles.\nThe clothing line pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the airbag patent and the 40th anniversary of the first airbags in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, in the S-Class back in 1981.\nThis also made Mercedes-Benz the first car manufacturer to integrate the airbag in passenger cars more than 40 years ago.\nA very interesting statement in the press release also caught our attention. It said \u2018The functionality of the airbag is mirrored through the collection\u2019s ability to inflate and deflate\u2019, suggesting that the 6-piece one-off clothing line could inflate and deflate but they did not elaborate further.\nThe upcycled airbags will be available via a giveaway on the global lifestyle platform \nGOAT\n from September 10th.\nGALLERY"
"Previewed alongside the \nlocally assembled W213 E-Classes\n was the Mercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG Line, a plug-in hybrid version of the sedan that will replace former range topper\u00a0\nE 300 AMG Line\n.\nThe E 300 was previously sold at RM458,888, but the electrified variant will be considerably cheaper, dipping just below the RM400,000 mark. Comparatively, the \nimpressively-specced G30 BMW 530i\n is priced dangerously close at RM398,800, but remains as a CBU unit for the time being.   The hybrid system in the E 350 e is broadly similar to that of the \nC 350 e\n. It\u2019s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque (exactly as the E 250), but gets boosted by an electric motor that belts \n87 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque. Together, the hybrid powertrain gives \n286 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque, enabling a century sprint time of \n6.2 seconds\n.\nTop speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, whereas top speed in full electric mode is capped at 130 km/h. On a full charge, it will give you a pure electric range of 33 km. The claimed fuel consumption figure is between 2.1 to 2.5 litres per 100km. Like the C 350 e, it will be fully kitted to the brim, dressed in the suitably sporty AMG Line package. The E 350 e will come with:\nMultibeam LED Headlamps\nPanoramic sliding glass roof\nActive Brake Assist\nAirmatic suspension\n19-inch AMG light alloy wheels\nAMG Line exterior\nNight Package\n60 litres of fuel tank\nAMG Line interior\nBurmester premium surround sound system\nAMG sports steering wheel\nNappa leather upholstery\nPre-entry air conditioning\nFully digital instrument cluster\nBlue-coloured brake callipers\nThe approximate launch date is unknown at press time, but Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said it will officially be introduced in Q3 2017. Only a few more months to go, guys!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-AMG recently confirmed that they are moving to electric power \u2013 in both \nhybrid\n and \nfully-electric guises\n. But aside from some of the key facts, the company has kept most of its operational features under wraps.\nAs is usual these days, Mercedes-AMG will be revealing these in a slow-drip manner to build up hype for its new car \u2013 and we\u2019ve already just got a taste of what\u2019s to come in the near future, thanks to a new \u201cInside AMG\u201d video on the company\u2019s own YouTube channel.\n \nWe\u2019ve all heard of regenerative braking, which recharges the batteries every time you brake on an electrified vehicle. But AMG being AMG, they\u2019ve of course gone one up from the conventional and built a new charging solution that refills the batteries while drifting. As Felix, the video host rightly says, \u201cthat\u2019s the most AMG thing I\u2019ve ever heard\u201d.\n\u201cOne Easter egg out of the software development: when drifting, you can also recuperate,\u201d said Mercedes-AMG hybrid strategy developer, Jochen Schmitz. \u201cWe use the electric system to slow down or take the load out of the ICE, putting it into the battery. And then, when the slippery condition is over, the ICE is already at full load, and you can accelerate much faster.\u201d\nNow, the company didn\u2019t go into too much detail on how this whole drifting-charging system works, but if we had to guess, it\u2019ll be tied into the slip-limiting traction control system, like the central yellow dial seen on the \nMercedes-AMG GT R\n.\nEssentially, instead of cutting engine power to maintain the ideal slip angle, the traction control system now leaves the ICE at full bore, while regulating the power at the wheel via the electric motors, which recharges the batteries \u00e0 la regenerative. Or at least that\u2019s how we think it works.\nAside from this little tidbit, the video is also jam-packed full of interesting information about the hybrid technologies on the upcoming Mercedes-AMG cars, such as the different driving modes and how the P3 hybrid system can alter the strength of the regenerative braking.\nIf you\u2019re like us and would nerd out over the smallest details, be sure to check out the video in full above. The drifting bit is at 12:17."
"Mitsubishi Motors\nMalaysia (MMM) is giving you an opportunity to experience first hand the thrill\nof high-speed rides with 2-time Dakar Rally Champion, Hiroshi Masuoka and Malaysian\nMotorsports Athlete, Leona Chin behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Triton.\nAttendees can\nexperience the capabilities of the facelifted Triton as Masuoka and Leona tackle\na makeshift course with speed and precision. With the four USP pillars under 4Sure\nHandling USPs \u2013 4Sure Power, 4Sure Control, 4Sure Agility and 4Sure Safety, customers\nwill be able to feel the Triton\u2019s toughness and performance \u2013 especially with professionals\nbehind the wheels.\nThis money-can\u2019t-buy\nexperience is happening this weekend (9 to 10 March 2019) at Setia City\nConvention Centre, Outdoor carpark from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission is completely free\nof charge and there are plenty of activities for the family too.\nVisitors can also test\ndrive the facelifted Triton on an off-road track with a descending slope to\ntest the Hill Descent Control feature. That\u2019s not all, if you\u2019re among the\nfirst 100 participants to complete all three courses (high-speed ride, off-road\nobstacle and on-road test drive) you\u2019ll receive a complimentary Starbucks\ncoffee.\nWhile you\u2019re there, be\nsure to join the 4Sure Thrill photo/vide contest and be in the running to win RM800\npetrol card voucher, RM500 Touch & Go card and RM300 Tesco vouchers for the\nfirst, second and third prize respectively."
"If reports are to be proven true, then \nGoPro\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0manufacturer of one of the world\u2019s most famous versatile cameras, will face some \nserious PR nightmare\n or worse, a \nlawsuit\n.\nMichael Schumacher\n fell victim to an \nill-fated accident\n after Christmas last year \nwhile skiing\n in the \nFrench Alps\n with his family. The 45-year old former\u00a0\nFerrari driver from Formula One\n, while skiing,\u00a0struck a rock partially covered by snow and catapulted head-first into another. He sustained severe brain injuries and was put into an \ninduced coma\n to facilitate his recovery.\nFrench Formula One commentator Jean-Louis Moncet said in a radio interview, \u201cMichael\u2019s son told me that his father is\n\u00a0\nwaking up very, very slowly\n.\u201d\u00a0\nHe also revealed that the brain injury was \ncaused\u00a0by the GoPro mounting\n on his helmet, instead of the impact of the fall. Experts from the world-renowned skiing and climbing academy \nconducted extensive tests\n to the exact helmet Schumi wore and found that the helmet \nwould not have caused the brain injuries\n he had sustained.\nWhat the experts did find was that the GoPro mounting \nsignificantly weakened the helmet\u2019s structure\n, which quite possibly caused the helmet to \nshatter into pieces\n and caused Schumi\u2019s injuries. As you would expect, the \nGoPro wasn\u2019t damaged\n at all, and the video footage provided investigators crucial information regarding the fall.\nAfter nearly a year since the accident, Schumi remains \nimmobile\n and \nunable to speak\n. He was moved from a rehabilitation centre in Switzerland and is currently being taken care by a team of 15 experts in a specially designed facility at his \nRM145 million home\n by Lake Geneva."
"What do you do when you\u2019ve owned a Bugatti? You buy a pool table from the same company and park it right next to the car. It\u2019d be weird to own a Bugatti pool table but not have the car first, right?\nEither ways, if you\u2019re reading this, these exquisite images are the closest you\u2019ll ever get to one. That\u2019s because like all Bugatti hypercars, this thing isn\u2019t just top shelf but costs many many many piles of cash.\nA whopping \u20ac250,000 euros to be exact! That\u2019s\n \napproximately\n RM1.26 million\n after you\u2019ve converted it to our shambolic currency.\nWhat does that get you then? The perfect man cave accessory made out of machined aluminium and titanium, with a carbon fiber finish.\nHave you seen a Bugatti surround sound system?\n \nCheck it out \nhere\n!\nThe ball pockets made from stainless steel are lined with leather and are attached with titanium screws and nuts to prevent corrosion but that\u2019s not all!\nThe cue holder is finished in carbon fiber, and comes with a 13-inch, high-resolution touch screen to keep track of scores. The carbon fiber pool cues come with CNC-machined aluminum tip that is a \n1:1 copy of the buttons\n in a Bugatti hypercar!\nThis is the timepiece to go with the Bugatti pool table! Check it out \nhere\n!\nAnd the accessories are equally impressive; there\u2019s dimmable ceiling light made of carbon fiber to complement the table and a suitcase made with Bugatti leather to store and transport the balls!\nThe most impressive part of all has to be the \nauto-levelling feature\n of the table.\nIf you decide to have this table in your yacht, \neach of the four legs can adjust itself to stay level\n, when the yacht is on water. The system, using\n \ngyroscopic sensors, can adjust in five milliseconds and move vibration-free, in total silence.\nThe pool table made by IXO to tournament standards is only \nlimited to 30 units\n, with five to be completed this year. Every owner will be presented with a USB pendrive, in an aluminium case wrapped in leather. The USB drive contains images and videos of the table being made.\nGALLERY"
"Remember Volvo\u2019s decision last year to impose a \n180 km/h electronic speed limiter\n on all of its new cars?\n Of course you do\n. Despite the controversies, it seems like Volvo isn\u2019t the only carmaker to think that 180 km/h is as fast as you should go.\nAccording to a report by \nSpiegel.de\n, Renault is also planning to impose a 180 km/h speed limit on its new cars, following in the footsteps of Volvo. The announcement was made by Renault CEO Luca de Meo at the company\u2019s shareholder general meeting in Paris last Friday, citing excessive speed as the reason for a third of all fatal car accidents.\nDe Meo said that Renault is also currently working on a new automated speed regulation system called Safety Coach, which will further adjust the vehicle\u2019s speed limits automatically according to local laws, while taking into account tricky conditions such as sharp corners, hazardous weather, and the driver\u2019s attention levels.\nThe system will also be integrated into the onboard navigation system, where accident-prone areas will be flagged on the map to serve as a warning for the driver.\nThe system will also include a new \u201csafety score\u201d feature, which uses the vehicle\u2019s sensor array to judge how careful you are as a driver \u2013 similar to those eco indicators in many modern cars. Renault says that the system will be done in partnership with insurers, so you might be able to save on insurance premiums in the future if you drive more carefully!\nAlpine cars are supposedly excluded from the new 180 km/h speed limit.\nThe new 180 km/h speed limit will supposedly be applied across all Dacia and Renault models \u2013 including Renault Sport models such as the \nMegane RS\n and Clio RS. However, a report by French publication \nCaradisiac\n says that the models under the French carmaker\u2019s sportscar division, Alpine, will be excluded from the new blanket limiter.\nSo what do you think \u2013 should more carmakers follow suit, or should the decision fall in the hands of the driver? Sound off in the comments below.\nAs for us, we at \nAutoBuzz.my\n have always believed that 180 km/h is more than plenty for the public roads \u2013 lest we forget that the national speed limit is 110 km/h! Keep your spirited driving to the racetrack, where you can safely explore the limits of your cars (and yourselves), and everyone will be better off for it."
"Hyundai will be revealing the newest addition to its eco-vehicle line up next week in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show next week.\nThe new fuel cell EV\u2019s name will be revealed and will be equipped with new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technologies. Also set to be revealed is Hyundai\u2019s new idea for its future vehicle\u2019s interior with the\u00a0Intelligent Personal Cockpit, featuring artificial-intelligence-enhanced voice recognition and vital sign-based wellness care, all from the comfort of the driver\u2019s seat.\nHyundai will also be demonstrating how its progress and breakthrough in hydrogen-powered mobility can be transferred to hydrogen-powered applications at home under the Hydrogen Life Vision.\nBased on what we\u2019ve known to be possible, this could mean that home appliances and other electrical needs could be powered by fuel cell electric vehicles in the future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the government\u2019s decision to \nhalt the grace period\n for expired road taxes, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced that all 39 Puspakom locations in Peninsular Malaysia will be made available in stages for private vehicle road tax renewal beginning September 1, 2021.\nThe new road tax renewal service at Puspakom outlets is currently offered only to passenger cars, for both private and company registrations. However, JPJ says that they are working to expand the service to both motorcycles and e-hailing vehicles, and is expected to be available by November 2021.\nImage: \nJPJ Malaysia/Twitter\nPrior to today, road-tax renewals at Puspakom centres were only offered to decontrolled vehicles (i.e. goods vehicles weighing 7,500 kg and below). The service has been in operation since 2020.\nIn an effort to prevent overcrowding in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, customers are required to make an appointment online (via the web portal linked \nhere\n) prior to visiting the outlet; walk-ins will not be entertained. Do note that only cash payments will be accepted at Puspakom counters for the time being.\nJPJ is offering 70% discounts for summonses until September 16, 2021. Find out more here.\nAs a reminder, expired road tax and driving licences will only be valid for use \nuntil the 30th of September 2021\n. JPJ advises road users to renew their documents as soon as possible, and reassures that sufficient stocks of road tax and driving licence cards are available at all premises.\nAside from Puspakom outlets, road users can also renew their documents through the \nJPJ drive-through counters\n, online via \nMySikap\n JPJ and MyEG, as well as \nPos Malaysia outlets (by appointment only)\n."
"At this year\u2019s SEMA show, which happens to begin today, Acura has teamed up with a tuning firm called Science of Speed to create and display what they call the \u201cDream Project\u201d Acura NSX.\nIt\u2019s been given a GT3-inspired looks without looking over the top and we absolutely love it!\nThe hybrid supercar\u2019s output has been massaged to \n610 hp\n with\n 687 Nm\n of torque, an increase of around 30 hp and 40 Nm from the standard version \u2013 contributed by liquid injection for the intercoolers and freer-flowing high-performance downpipes and exhaust.\nOn the outside, its been given a more aggresive GT3-like exterior with aero ducts on its new front splitter, a massive rear wing and a new rear diffuser.\nThe Dream Project sits on a lowering kit and an iLIFT system which uses sensors to automatically\n increase the front of the car by two inches\n to avoid obstacles like speed bumps.\nThe exterior is otherwise finished with a set of 20/21-inch forged Advan GT wheels wrapped in Pirelli Trofeo R tyres and a striking Nouvelle Blue paint.\nOn the inside, the Recaro Pole Position full bucket wrapped in black leather and blue accents steal the show \u2013 as is the theme for the most part of the interior including the dashboard and door panels.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Set to launch soon, the ASEAN NCAP crash test result for the \nPerodua Axia\n has been released. On the all-new platform, the Perodua Axia managed to score a 4-star rating with a 73.55% overall weighted score.\nNew safety enhancements for the Perodua Axia include the introduction of 4 more airbags in the highest-tier variant, resulting in a total of 6 airbags overall. Lower-tier variants are still equipped with 2 airbags only for the time being.\nAlso new on the Axia is the availability of Perodua\u2019s A.S.A 3.0 advanced safety system on the higher-tier variants. The third generation of Perodua\u2019s safety system includes auto high beam (AHB), lane departure warning & prevention, blind spot monitoring (BSM), and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA). However, the Axia doesn\u2019t get the full suite of A.S.A. 3.0 as Lane Keep Control (LKC) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are not available.\nStandard safety equipment on the all-new Perodua Axia includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Pedestrian Protection technology, and Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for both frontal and rear seat occupants.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia revealed in camouflage \u2013 3,591 bookings made, from RM38k to RM49k\nThe crash test report shows the all-new Axia scoring 25.65/32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 43.43/51 in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 16.5/21 in Safety Assist (SA), and 7/16 in Motorcyclist Safety (MS). Combined, this results in a total weighted score of 73.55% and a 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.\nCurrently, the all-new Perodua Axia is estimated to fetch a price of between \nRM38,600\n to \nRM49,500\n. Prices have increased for all variants, but Perodua ensures that the improvements made to the car outweigh the much higher price tag. To date, \n3,591 bookings\n have been made for the all-new Axia with most of them being for the SE and AV variants.\nRELATED: \nPerodua January 2023 sales and production sees 43.5% jump from 2022"
"Toyota has announced that the new GA-B version of the Toyota New Global Architecture platform will soon find its way into its smaller vehicles \u2013 a move that would totally transform the way Toyotas drive as we\u2019ve experienced locally with the C-HR and the new Camry.\nExistingly, the C-HR and the new Corolla that\u2019s set to be launched locally, sits on the \nGA-C version\n of the platform while models like the Camry we reviewed a few months ago and the all-new RAV4 is built on the\n GA-K version\n.\nCheck out our\n review of the C-HR \nhere.\nThe GA-B is a modular platform that allows for a \nvariety of wheelbase lengths, vehicle heights and track widths\n \u2013 allowing Toyota designers to design visually-appealing vehicles, with low and wide stances, of different sizes and body types.\nThe platform also \nmaximises interior space\n, offers a \nhighly rigid underbody\n, \nlower centre of gravity\n with the driver\u2019s seating position set lower and further back towards the centre of the car. With the GA-B platform, Toyota can also opt for either a torsion beam or multilink setup at the rear.\n \nHere\u2019s how the TNGA platform has completely transformed the way the Camry rides and drives!\nSo the foreseeable outcome from all this seems really promising. It simply indicates that future compact Toyotas would not only be practical with abundance of space, good-looking but also a joy to drive.\nThat\u2019s a lot of promise to deliver, Toyota.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Electrification is the future for most, if not all, car makers. BMW has committed to this trend as outlined in their \nNUMBER ONE > NEXT group corporate strategy\n which details their next generation platforms will be designed from the start to cater to electrified powertrain(s). But what will happen to BMW M?\nIt would seem that BMW M is already preparing for this change. In an interview with BMW M CEO, Frank Van Meel, he said \u201cFor sure, all M vehicles will be electrified by the end of the next decade,\u201d\n\u201cThat\u2019s going to happen step-by-step. The important question is the timing question \u2013 what\u2019s the right time for that? If you\u2019re too late then you\u2019re too late, but if you\u2019re too early then you don\u2019t have the \u2018straight to the point\u2019 technology.\u201d Van Meel told by CarAdvice AU.\nHe added: \u201cLook at today\u2019s electrification components, they are quite heavy and, for us as a motorsports company, overall vehicle weight and power-to-weight ratio is key.\u201d\nNo more V8s?\nHowever, with the group\u2019s advancements in electrification technologies, the weight issue is slowly being overcome but M division is in no hurry to implement electrified technologies to their vehicles without getting the perfect balance of driving performance and electrification.\n\u201cBut the real question from our customers was whether the M3 was driving like an M3. I don\u2019t really care if we use a HEAT or another configuration, it should drive like an M3. The basic target is not so much the components of the technology itself. It\u2019s more the philosophy,\u201d concluded Van Meel."
"First \nannounced earlier this year\n through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), \nProton \nand \nSmart Automotive\n have now officially finalised their partnership between the two companies, at a signing ceremony held today.\nThe agreement formalises Proton as the official distributor for Smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand, and also makes way for the national carmaker to introduce their own new energy vehicles in the future. The first Smart model to make its way into Malaysia under the new partnership will be the \n#1\n, and is scheduled to be launched in \nearly Q4 2023\n \u2013 making us the first right-hand drive market for the model.\nDespite this collaboration being primarily a retail operation, Proton says that there are also big picture developments beyond the scope of the agreement to pave way for its entry into the new energy vehicle market. A New Energy Vehicle arm has already been established within the company.\nThrough providing aftersales service for Smart, the company can upskill its workforce for high voltage works in preparation for its own EVs in the future. The entry into a new exciting market segment will also attract new young talents within the industry.\nProton also announced that it is investing in a public charging network by collaborating with local charging providers, and will also be providing home charger installation services in the future.\n\u201cToday marks a big step for Proton\u2019s entry into the new energy vehicle market. The first phase of business with Smart is focused on retailing but it provides us with valuable knowledge and experience on not only how to service and charge EVs but also how to transform the way we interact with our customers,\u201d said Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong.\n\u201cThe move into this market segment will also help drive Proton\u2019s move towards being more environmentally friendly in all facets of our operations as we work to help Malaysia achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2050,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: \nProton to launch three all-new models in the next two years \u2013 what might they be?\nWith the Smart #1 EV only arriving at our shores towards the end of next year, Proton is also imploring the government to extend the tax exemptions for fully-imported electric vehicles to a later date, in order to help spur the transition to new energy vehicles here in Malaysians.\nThe company plans to sell 800-1,000 units of the Smart #1 per year here in Malaysia, ramping up in the future to achieve a total of 10,000 units sold by the end of 2027.\nALSO READ: \nSmart #1 EV gets Brabus treatment \u2013 hot compact SUV EV to have over 400 hp"
"In addition to the new \nBMW \n320i\n and \n33\n0\ne\n, BMW Malaysia today also unveiled the updated 2023 330i M Sport facelift, as part of the \nrefreshed 3 Series\n line-up here on our shores. The BMW 330i M Sport is priced at RM317,800, and will be locally assembled here at the company\u2019s assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nWe\u2019re not getting the M340i and 330Li variants at launch, but BMW Malaysia confirmed that \u201ctwo new variants\u201d will be launched very soon within the next few months, so it\u2019s likely that they were referring to those two \u2013 keep your eyes peeled!\n \nFacelifted exterior\nThe 2023 BMW 3 Series features a reworked exterior, particularly on the front fascia. The kidney grille bears a slightly reworked outline, now finished with a new double bar pattern, and flanking it are the newly redesigned headlights that now feature a more streamlined look, without the notch at the bottom, which supposedly helps emphasise the width of the car.\nJust like before, the new 2023 BMW 330i also comes as standard with the M Sport kit here in Malaysia. Up front, the bumper now features a hexagonal lower air intake bookended by twin L-shaped air curtain intakes, while at the back, there\u2019s also a chunky gloss-black diffuser element that occupies most of the rear bumper.\nOther M Sport highlights include the 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 848 M (staggered sizing), the larger tailpipes, M Aerodynamics package, M High-gloss Shadowline, as well as additional M badges on the sides.\nRefreshed interior \u2013 BMW Curved Display\nThe highlight of the updated 2023 BMW 330i M Sport\u2019s interior is the new BMW Curved Display unit, which combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display under a single curved pane of glass, perched up on the dashboard.\nThe new displays run on BMW\u2019s latest\n iDrive 8.0 operating system\n, and boasts heavily upgraded functionalities taking advantage of more modern technologies, such as a wide range of connected services, 5G connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the \u201cHey BMW\u201d intelligent voice assistant, as well as over-the-air software updates.\nAs part of the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional package, the 2023 BMW 330i M Sport also comes as standard with a head-up display.\nIn order to accommodate the new displays, the dashboard of the new BMW 330i M Sport had to be slightly redesigned. The central air vents are now slightly slimmer than before, with the air-conditioning controls moved into the touchscreen itself, while the bank of shortcut buttons below is replaced by new haptic touch buttons for the hazard lights and window defrosters.\nThe traditional gearshift lever on the centre console has also now been replaced by a toggle switch for a sleeker and more modern appearance.\nThanks to the M Sport package, the new 2023 BMW 330i M Sport is also peppered with a myriad of M furnishing touches on the interior to provide for a \u201csportier driving feel\u201d. These include the M door sill plates with a stainless-steel look, M driver\u2019s footrest, M pedals, sport seats for the driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, the M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim, as well as M-specific displays in the instrument cluster.\nCustomers can opt between black or Mocha brown for the Vernsasca leather upholstery, but the headliner is wrapped in M anthracite as standard.\n2023 BMW 330i M Sport performance\nThe powertrain of the new BMW 330i M Sport remains unchanged from before, with the turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine underneath the bonnet making 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, the 330i M Sport sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. Top speed meanwhile is electronically capped at 250 km/h.\nCourtesy of the M Sport kit, the new BMW 330i in Malaysia also comes equipped with M Sport suspensions as standard.\nAlso unchanged here are the advanced driver assistance features, with the new 2023 BMW 330i M Sport coming as standard with features such as lane departure warning with active steering interventions, lane change warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, speed limit info, and manual speed limit assist.\nThe 2023 BMW 330i M Sport also comes with the Parking Assistant package here in Malaysia, consisting of Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control, Lateral Parking Aid, a reverse camera, and Reversing Assistant.\n2023 BMW 330i M Sport pricing in Malaysia\nThe BMW 330i M Sport is priced at RM317,800, inclusive of the BMW Warranty and Repair package which extends the vehicle\u2019s warranty to five years (unlimited mileage), alongside five years of free scheduled maintenance. As an option, customers can also purchase the vehicle with a standard two-year warranty at a lower retail price.\nGALLERY"
"At long last, the Volkswagen IQ. Drive advanced driver assistance suite is now available in Malaysia. The feature will be introduced first on the updated 2023 model-year \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n, now priced at \nRM246,012\n on-the-road, without insurance.\nIncluded in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, three-year free maintenance programme, as well as five years of free roadside assistance.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe Volkswagen IQ. Drive ADAS suite consists of several features, including:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (Travel assist)\nLane departure prevention with Adaptive Lane Guidance (Lane assist)\nAutonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist support(Front assist)\nblind-spot monitor (Side assist)\nRear cross-traffic alert\nThe most interesting feature on the list is the Adaptive Lane Guidance function, which keeps the car within its own lane \u201con an ideal line learned from the driver\u2019s driving characteristics\u201d \u2013 perhaps in terms of how closely the car sticks to the lane markers, or even providing a smoother cornering line at the bends.\nAside from the new ADAS kit, the new 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI has also been given a slight update to its equipment list both inside and out. On the former, there\u2019s now a new wireless charging pad on the centre console, new \u2018GTI\u2019 embroidery on the front seats, as well as an additional centre airbag, bringing the total number up to seven.\nAs for the exterior, the new 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI now comes equipped with new fog lights on the front bumper\u2019s honeycomb mesh inserts, alongside new heating and (finally) folding functionality for the wing mirrors.\nOtherwise, the signature hot hatch remains unchanged from the model that was \nlaunched here in Malaysia back in February last year\n. Underneath the bonnet is still the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making \n245 hp \nand \n370 Nm\n. Here in Malaysia, the Golf GTI can only be had with a seven-speed DSG (wet) dual-clutch transmission, with power sent to the front wheels as usual.\nThe new price does represent roughly a RM20k increase over the outgoing model, although we think that the price increase is at least justified with an updated equipment list.\nIn related news, the good ol\u2019 regular\n Volkswagen Golf R-Line\n has now been discontinued here in Malaysia. So if you want a VW Golf here in Malaysia, you\u2019ll now have to spring at least RM246k for the Golf GTI."
"Mercedes-AMG has set a new benchmark for product and brand experience with its first AMG Experience Centre in the world. The new AMG Experience Centre is situated two hours outside of Shanghai, China and is a stone\u2019s throw from the Zhejian International Circuit.\nThe AMG Experience Centre is home to four display areas over two floors with the showroom on the ground floor providing an insight into the history of Mercedes-AMG. The vehicles and technologies on display can be experienced either physically or using VR technology.\nThere\u2019s also a cafe; aptly named \u201cCafe63\u201d after the \n63 series AMGs\n, a lounge and an exclusion selection of AMG accesories from the AMG store. AMG enthusiasts in China can even rent the place for special occasions and gatherings as the premise also doubles as an event location.\nOn the first floor, motorsport enthusiasts can experience racing simulators and Augment Reality but the highlight has to be the slot car race track controlled via brainwaves, for the most raw AMG experience.\nVisitors will also get to experience a wide range of AMG vehicles including GT3 and GT4 race cars on the Zhejian circuit, under the guidance of instructors from the AMG Driving Academy. There are monthly track days where customers/visitors can either choose to take part in their own vehicles or in AMG vehicles booked from the Experience Centre.\nGALLERY"
"Just days after the \nnew Toyota Hilux was launched\n, pictures of what appears to be a limited edition Isuzu D-Max at an official photoshoot have been leaked online.\nThe pictures don\u2019t tell much of a story here, but some of the obvious styling tweaks point towards another special edition variant of sorts, just before the facelift model arrives later in the year. Unlike the D-Max Diablo which was available in Black, this Limited Edition D-Max can be had in either Silver Metallic or Solid White. Naturally, decals will surround the car, as seen on its sides and the tailgate.\n \n \nThe side mirrors, headlamps, tail lamps, front bumper guard, wheel arches and alloy wheels all appear to be black in colour, except for the dark grey front grille and engine hood garnish. From afar, the roof rails also appear to be finished in black. We\u2019re not sure if this D-Max will get LED daytime running lights, but judging from the special edition variants introduced prior to this, we can expect them to come as standard.\nApparently, the Limited Edition D-Max will also come with premium dual-tone Italian leather seats, dark grey interior trims and a touchscreen multimedia head unit with reverse camera and integrated parking guide. Liking what you see so far, guys?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s official. The outgoing Kia Sportage will soon meet its successor, albeit in its early stages of designing. The fourth-generation crossover SUV will make its global debut as a concept car at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show that\u2019s set to take place on 15 September 2015.\nThe all-new Sportage is said to feature a bold, progressive design that supposedly \u2018exudes power and agility from every angle\u2019. If there\u2019s anything history has proven is that we shouldn\u2019t take Kia\u2019s word with a pinch of salt, because when the current-generation Sportage made it off the production line, most of the design cues from its concept stages were carried over.\nThere\u2019s no word in the mechanical department, but at the going rate, we Malaysians will most likely be getting the \nnaturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four\n GDI engine (not to be confused with the current NU 2.0L MPI engine) with possibly a six-speed automatic gearbox. As it stands, there is a total of six engines (four petrol and one diesel) powering the Sportage.\nOn the inside, the new Sportage embodies simplicity, married to modern contemporary style with rich material quality; a combination that Kia proudly claim will be their most refined, highest quality cabin to date.\nThe design is led by an European team based in Frankfurt, and the outcome of this vehicle will spearhead the future direction and face of Kia Motors. Interesting times loom ahead, we reckon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"PRO-NET (\nProton\n\u2019s new energy vehicle subsidiary) and Gentari (\nPetronas\n\u2019 clean energy subsidiary) exchanged MoU documents at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM). Together, PRO-NET and Gentari will build \n20 DC fast chargers\n in Malaysia in 2023.\nThrough the collaboration, PRO-NET will be responsible for providing charging locations and power facilities. Gentari, on the other hand, will be responsible in providing the charging infrastructure and operatorship solutions. Proton says that this signing with Gentari is the next step taken by Proton to establish its presence and add to the ecosystem in the national EV and NEV space after signing a \ngeneral distributorship agreement with Smart\n in August.\nProton has signed a general distributorship agreement with Smart in August 2022\nThe document exchange was performed between Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET, and Shah Yang Razalli, Head of Clean Energy Solutions Transition at Petronas on behalf of Gentari. Witnessing the event were Dato\u2019 Seri Ir. Dr Zaini Ujang, Secretary General, Ministry of Environment and Water, Dato\u2019 Iskandar Bin Abdul Samad, Chairman, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), along with YM Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Petronas, and Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cAddressing the needs of EV and NEV customers in Malaysia will require the participation of many parties and collaboration between automotive industry players. This is especially true with regards to a charging infrastructure that addresses the needs of users throughout the country and PRO-NET will offer customers a comprehensive charging solution.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022\nA new 180-kW DC fast charger in Petronas Pedas Linggi (Northbound) by Gentari. Photo: \nPetronas Brands\n\u201cWe also foresee NEV customers having a different set of motivating factors compared to traditional car buyers and as such, we want to create a new experience that caters to their needs. Therefore, PRO-NET will actively recruit new dealers and welcome proposals for an innovative brand and transactional experience,\u201d added Roslan Abdullah.\nAt the MoU exchange ceremony, Proton also announced that \nit will develop its brand-own EV\n and will be sending 16 of its engineers to China to be trained in all aspects of the field. Proton says that besides providing a charging network, it must pay equal attention to other areas of the business if it wants to have a comprehensive business solution.\nRELATED: \nProton to develop own EVs, sending 16 engineers to China for R&D training"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has appointed Michael Jopp to head sales and marketing for Malaysia and selected South East Asian countries following the reassignment of Mark Raine, who has since assumed the role of Vice President of Product and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Korea (catch his \u2018exit interview\u2019 below).\nPrior to joining Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Jopp served as the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing in India for close to three years. During his time there, Mercedes Benz India topped JD Power\u2019s Sales Satisfaction ranking and saw various new digital initiatives introduced.\n \nJopp was an instrumental in maintaining Mercedes Benz India\u2019s lead in the luxury vehicle segment for four consecutive years. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, the majority of which with Daimler and Mercedes-Benz in Germany.\nThe Mercedes-AMG A45 is coming to Malaysia in 2019. Can\u2019t come soon enough!\nNow, we wonder which model will be Jopp\u2019s first launch? The\n421 hp, 500 Nm Mercedes-AMG A45 S would kick things off rather nicely."
"Right after the launch of the facelifted\u00a0\nLexus CT200h\n, another Toyota hybrid gets updated, though strictly only for the Japanese market. The Toyota Prius C gains minor\u00a0nip and tuck as well as an interesting new Crossover variant.\nNew to the Prius C are the front and rear bumper design and reworked headlamps and taillights. The standard Prius C also rides on 185/60 tyres for improved ride comfort, while retaining its 15-inch wheel size.\u00a0\nThe TFT\u00a0multi-information display is the biggest change on the inside, and it\u2019s offered as standard. The new soft synthetic leather is applied on the seats and trims.\nNow, onto the\u00a0\nCrossover\n. It\u2019s basically a Prius C with \u201cactive lifestyle\u201d trimmings which add wheel arch mouldings, roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels. Toyota claims to have tuned the ride and handling characteristic to make it more \u201ccrossover-esque\u201d.   Mechanically, it soldiers on with the same\n 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine\n paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of \n99 hp\n.\u00a0The updated Toyota Prius C, available in 14 different hues, is priced from \n1,785,240 yen (approximately RM69k)\n onwards, with the Crossover commanding a price tag of \n2,062,800 yen (approximately RM80k)\n.\n\u00a0\nIt wasn\u2019t clear if the \u201cC\u201d is this Prius means \u201cCompact\u201d or \u201cCity\u201d, but in Japan it\u2019s commonly known as the\n Aqua\n. Its closest competitor now would be the\u00a0\nHonda Jazz Sport Hybrid\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Unlike the recently-announced 2015 Sharan, the 2015 Touran is not just an update of the existing model. It\u2019s a new model based on the \nMQB platform\n and it\u2019s \n130 mm longer\n than its predecessor while at the same time \nlighter by\n up to \n62 kg\n.\nThe growth translated to an increased interior space with a choice of \nfive or seven seat configurations\n. \nCargo space\n is a humongous \n1,040 litres\n, and all the seats can be folded flat to free up even more space.\nThe dash features a sharper driver-angled center console, and the infotainment system on the top models has the \nMirrorLink function\n that supports \nAndroid Auto\n and \nCar Play\n. A \nPure Air 3-zone\n automatic air conditioner with anti-allergen filter is offered as an option.\nOn the outside, the new Touran looks almost exactly like the outgoing model. Upon closer inspection, the new Touran is more angular, and the side features a deep crease that runs from the front fenders to the taillights. A more aggressive styling can be had by opting for the \nR line package\n.\nThe new Touran is fitted with the \nAutomatic Post-Collision Braking System\n as standard, but a host of driving assistance are also available such as the \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n system and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, \nTraffic Jam Assist\n, Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, and Trailer Assist.\nA variety of \nturbocharged\n engines can be specified with the new Touran, and they are equipped with \nStop/Start\n and \nbrake energy recuperation\n systems as standard making them up to \n19 percent more economical\n than before. The engines include a \n110 hp 1.2 TSI\n, \n150 hp 1.4 TSI\n, \n180 hp 1.8 TSI\n, \n110 HP 1.6 TDI\n, \n150 HP 2.0 TDI\n, and a \n190 hp 2.0 TDI\n.\nThe 2015 Touran will join the 2015 Passat Alltrack and 2015 Sharan at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I remember walking a female friend to her car after a long day in university. As we walk further across the deserted carpark, I asked \u201cWhere\u2019s your car?\u201d. Curious I was, not seeing any small-sized cars in the vicinity that suit her 5-foot petite frame. \u201cRight here\u201d as she unlocks the doors to a pick-up truck.\nYou can imagine my blank expression as I watched her climb into the driver\u2019s seat and cranking up the diesel engine to life as she waved me goodbye. That was when I realised that pick-up trucks are no longer just workhorses to carry cargos across a beat-up trail. It\u2019s a sound alternative to the modern urbanites too.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was keen to let the members of the media to sample what their updated, \nMIVEC turbodiesel equipped Mitsubishi Triton VGT\n has to offer in the urban and countryside landscape of Kota Kinabalu. We are completely blown away by the new engine and are convinced that this MIVEC-equipped Triton, sets the new\n benchmark for refinement in the pick-up truck segment\n and here\u2019s why.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi Triton VGT MT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishi Triton VGT AT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure AT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishis Triton VGT Adventure X AT (4\u00d74)\nEngine\n2,442cc; MIVEC Turbo Diesel DI-D Common Rail VGT Intercooler\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n5-speed automatic with Sport Mode\nMax Power\n179 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n430 Nm @ 2,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM107,600\nRM114,400\nRM123,130\nRM130,900\nThe 2.4L MIVEC Turbodiesel is by far the most Refined Engine in its class\nBack in \n2016, MMM has retired the old clunky 2.5-litre turbodiesel mill\n for an all-new 2.4-litre aluminium MIVEC turbodiesel that weighs 30 kgs less and returns 15 percent better fuel economy. The new MIVEC engine serves up \n179 HP\n and \n430 Nm\n of twisting force, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with Sport Mode.\nOn start-up, the engine fires up characteristically like any other diesel, but the moment we set off, we were pleasantly surprised by how \nsmoothly\n the engine climbs up the revs almost like a petrol mill if you will. The diesel clutter and roar is \nnoticeably lower\n compared to the old engine and miles better than its main rivals like the \nToyota Hilux\n, Mazda BT-50 and \nIsuzu D-Max\n.\nAs the five-speeder shifts through the cogs getting up to highway speeds, the power delivery was \nimpressionably linear\n with minimal drop in torque, contributing immensely to the passenger ride comfort on long journeys.\nMellow but No Less Competent\nAs smooth operator as the MIVEC engine was, it would be pointless if it couldn\u2019t handle the offbeat trails. To prove the Triton is as equally as capable and robust on and off-road, MMM took us on a \nhike\n up a jungle trail. We\u2019ve managed to sample the Triton through rough gravel, muddy trails, crossed a river, climbed steep elevation, basically every possible scenario you can think off that will immobilise a two-wheel drive car. Except snow, of course.\nThe first half of the trail through gravel and loose sand proved to be child\u2019s play for the Triton as we ride along in \n2WD-Hi\n. Coming up to a muddy area, our instructor advised us to dial our \nEasy Select 4WD system\n to \n4WD-Lo\n, just for precautionary measure. Once engaged, there\u2019s no stopping the Triton with constant throttle input and quick steering action, we slip past the muddy trail and crossed a relatively shallow river without breaking a sweat.   Going at an incline, the smooth engine proved to be of great help with consistent power delivery all the way to the top. The \npaddle shifters\n with manual override was exceptionally convenient in going through the gears without having to leave my hands away from the steering wheel. Once we\u2019re at the top, the rain Gods decided to give the fleet of Tritons some challenge by pouring down on us.\nOn the way down, the brakes were much more effective compared to the pre-update Triton despite no modifications were done to them, thanks to the significantly \nlighter engine\n (-30 kg) resulting in lesser weight on the front axle. Even on slippery trails, the Triton delivered magnificently without any purposeful off-road modifications.\nPremium Cabin for Everyday Commute\nThe Triton VGT range are all decently equipped, with the base VGT spotting keyless entry and start, touchscreen infotainment system with six-speakers and leather wrapped steering wheel. Credit must be given to the seat designers because the seats on a pick-up truck bests even some of the more expensive passenger cars out there. The sculpture is very snug and accommodating and finding a \ncomfortable seating position\n is done in no time at all.\nMMM prepared a chauffeured journey to our dinner stop as we wind back for the day and the same statement applies to the \nrear bench\n. I had plenty of legroom and kneeroom while the seats are tilted ever so slightly that made the 20-minute journey extremely pleasant.   Hopping into the more expensive variants and you get much more bells and whistles to play with such as leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control system, reverse camera and cruise control as standard. With features that rival most C-segment vehicles, who says that pick-up trucks are bare boned.\nWhat Is Not to Like?\nTo be honest I am struggling to find faults with the Triton because for all its intended purpose, the MIVEC powered Triton performs extremely well while delivering high-levels of comfort and refinement. It even comes with \nActive Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system\n as standard on all VGT models. It truly is the benchmark for overall package in the pick-up segment.\nAlthough, if there\u2019s one thing I must nit-pick about is that the Triton looks\n too luxurious and tame\n. It\u2019s like a fine piece of art especially the Adventure-X variant finished in Impulse Blue. I was biting my nails as we drove past tight bushes, fearing the branches will damage the stunning paintjob. It was quite an ordeal for someone like me who appreciates the fine art of keeping cars in pristine condition at all times.\u00a0But then again, there are those who appreciate the fine aesthetics of the Triton over its rugged rivals.\nIs This Car for You?\nIf you\u2019re an outdoor enthusiast that wants a competent off-road companion that you can live with day-in and out, the Triton VGT range will fit all your daily needs and more. Even if you only require a punching bag to carry out all your heavy duty works, the recently introduced \nTriton VGT GL at Rm103k\n should interest you as well.\nAs for the first-time pick-up truck owners, you will certainly appreciate the nifty features and refinement of the Triton VGT to ease your transition from a passenger vehicle to a pick-up truck. Not to forget, looking stylish at that.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Media Drive   Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure-X"
"After much speculation about the \nfate\n of the Formula One (F1) race in Malaysia, now it\u2019s been confirmed that 2018 will be the final year for the country to host an F1 race. This follows confirmation from Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, citing that it\u2019s less attractive to the crowd and more importantly, costs too much to host.\nNazri\u00a0said that the government spends about \nRM300mil\n a year to host the F1 race in Sepang but with little returns. Factoring the declining spectatorship and the lack of local motorsport talent, it\u2019s time for the country to hit the brakes on F1, therefore the current F1 contract which ends in 2018 will not be renewed.\nOn the contrary, the government remains supportive with two wheels racing, particularly \nMotoGP\n. This year, the MotoGP round in Sepang was the best-attended race event with a sellout crowd of over 100k fans. Meanwhile in F1, this year it recorded its lowest attendance and television ratings in the event\u2019s history.\u00a0\nThe future of F1 in this region is looking bleak\u00a0following\u00a0F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, who hinted that Singapore could host its final race by 2017. Sepang circuit first hosted its F1 race in 1999, and by 2018 it will be two decades for the circuit to host\u00a0the pinnacle of motorsports in our country."
"Lynk & Co, the subsidiary of Geely Auto Group has unveiled the Zero Concept electric SUV, designed by Lynk & Co\u2019s Gothenburg design studio. The studio is responsible for the Lynk & Co range of vehicles where over 300,000 units have been sold in China since the \n01 SUV\n in 2018.\nWith the Zero Concept, it\u2019s the first look into the future of Lynk & Co as the leader in pure electric vehicles on the global stage. It\u2019s marketed as a luxury pure electric vehicle based on Geely\u2019s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) \u2013 the basis of future electric vehicles by Geely.\nWhat\u2019s even cooler is that the SEA architecture will be the\n world\u2019s first open-source architecture\n that will be shared with other 3rd party vehicle manufacturers for their own electric vehicle development. The move is similar to what Volvo did for the auto industry with its safety systems back in the 1960s.\nIt\u2019s a complete shift in the world\u2019s superpowers too. Before it was the Chinese imitating the world, now it\u2019s China\u2019s turn to open itself up to the world, to be copied. What a time to be alive.\nWith the SEA architecture, Lynk & Co has been able to design a vehicle with perfect proportions with low front and rear overhangs. Also, the result is a sportier profile that suits the Concept Zero\u2019s image as a tech-oriented, performance touring coupe with a wheelbase of \njust under 3,000 mm\n.\nTo give you a perspective of how spacious the car would be, the \nfirst-ever Mercedes-Benz GLB seven-seater \nlaunched in Malaysia just a few days ago measures\n 2,873 mm\n. If the GLB is capable of offering seven seats within the platform given, imagine what the Zero Concept can offer as it is void of running gears, a fuel tank and such.\nThe Zero Concept is expected to offer \nupwards of 700 km of electric driving range\n and is capable of doing the 0 to 100 km/h run in under four seconds. Production will begin in 2021 at Geely\u2019s new facility in Eastern China.\nGALLERY"
"What you\u2019re about to see, or rather be reminded of, is undoubtedly the most epic split ever performed by any human being. The stunt was performed back in 2013 and 5 years on, it still send chills down our spine.\nThe star in question is none other than the King of Splits, Jean Claude Van Damme \u2013 whose claim to fame included films like the Kickboxer and Universal Soldier. If you\u2019re that old, you\u2019d probably remember Van Damme\u2019s unmistakable ability to defy gravity with his kicks and undeniable flexibility to perform splits no man would even dare to attempt.\nAnd no man would certainly dare attempt what the great Belgian did, in collaboration with Volvo Trucks to demonstrate the precision of Volvo\u2019s Dynamic Steering. It\u2019s simply goosebumps-inducing; so many questions surfaced in our minds but ultimately, how?\nHow is he that brave? How is he that calm and how are the drivers that smooth? What kind of injuries would he sustain if he fell?\u00a0 Perhaps it was Volvo\u2019s Dynamic Steering working its magic but you really have to give as much credit to the truck drivers, as you would to the \u201csplitter\u201d himself.\nCoupled with Enya\u2019s evergreen \u201cOnly Time\u201d as the soundtrack along with the receding sunlight, it\u2019s possibly the most epic stunt performed between man and machine to date. Certainly worth the throwback!\nCredit: \nYouTube"
"Believe it or not, BMW made a front-wheel drive coupe and it has been on sale since 2018. Yes, it\u2019s the BMW X2 sDrive20i; it is front-wheel drive, and according to BMW, it\u2019s also a coupe. More specifically, a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). It\u2019s a term they coined back in 2007 when they introduced the game-changing E71 X6.\u00a0\nAs heart-breaking as it sounds, we have arrived at an age where sDrive BMWs doesn\u2019t necessarily spell RWD excitement anymore and a coupe may not translate into a sleek two-door car anymore.\nThis makes the X2 evil, but a necessary evil because of the obvious gap between the X1 and the X3 that has been vacant for quite some time.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nF39 BMW X2 sDrive20i\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch\nMax Power\n192 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n280 Nm @ 1,350 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM328,800\nThe creation of the \nE71 X6\n was arguably an ingenious one by BMW because it\u2019s a car that no one needs yet desired by most. It went to show that consumers were willing to pay for style even if it lacked practicality.\nHow the X6 and the X4 complement the mainstream X5 and X3, the X2 is the \u2018coupe\u2019 version of the X1.\nA new beginning\nAs repeatedly mentioned at launch, this is the \u2018first-ever X2\u2019, and BMW took a slightly different approach for their smallest SAC not only in terms of design but also powertrain. We\u2019ll get to the powertrain in a moment; in the meantime let\u2019s talk about the looks.\nInstead of grafting a new backside to the \nF48 X1\n and calling it a day, the design team had gone to great lengths to hatch an entirely new shell. You\u2019ll either love or loathe it and at AutoBuzz at least, most of us grew to like the X2\u2019s design, emphasised further by the \nGalvanic Gold\n paint job.\nThe front three-quarter is probably the X2\u2019s best angle; with its mean mug and stocky stance that just screams a serious intent. From another standpoint, personally I think it looks like a certain Korean compact SUV, which probably explains the need to include the Bavarian roundels on the C-pillars to remind the onlookers that it\u2019s a BMW.\nAn intimate moment\nDespite the shouty exterior, the interior is a carryover from the F48 X1. There\u2019s nothing wrong with it though; the dashboard and center console are logically laid out but after sitting in the G20 3 Series, you can\u2019t help but to notice that the X2 is still using the switchgear from one generation before.\nBy now you should have recognised that chunky \nM Sport steering wheel\n and the iDrive controller and speaking of which, you can\u2019t talk to the X2 the same way you could in the G20 3 Series.\nSuffice to say that the X2 makes you feel more cocooned than the F48 X1. The low roofline and the rising window sill gives the impression of a more focused driver\u2019s car that complements the SAC label to a tee.\nAs expected, your three friends seated in the back will be more \u201cphysically intimate\u201d than they would be in the X1 with over-the shoulder visibility is compromised, the X2\u2019s reverse camera counters that adequately.\nHaving said that, the X2 has lost none of the X1\u2019s practical features. It still comes with 40:20:40 folding rear seats while the powered tailgate opens and closes with just a swipe of your feet under the X2\u2019s tush.\nIt may not look like it but the \n470 litre boot space\n is actually bigger than the \nCountryman\n\u2018s, with enough space to squeeze in a couple of laptop bags underneath the boot floor.\nPull, not push\nStill shaking fists at front wheel drive BMWs? Don\u2019t; because BMW has been churning out front-wheel drive MINIs for yonks and MINIs are known to be fun little machines.\nThe X2 is no different. It loves to be chucked around narrow winding roads like a hot hatch, which is rather weird because it\u2019s far from hot and you sit higher in it.\nThe steering may not be the sharpest in its segment but the X2 is blessed with the same poise of a MINI hatchback. Throw it in the corners and there\u2019s barely any body roll, although you\u2019d wish it had more grunt when you\u2019re in the mood for some spirited driving.\nThe \nturbocharged\n \n2.0 litre 4-cylinder\n \u2018B48\u2019 mill under the bonnet is a sweet revver and in this \n20i\n state of tune, with \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n, it has proved to be a cracking engine in the \nCooper S hatch\n.\nHowever, the X2\u2019s extra flab blunts the performance by quite a bit and for something that\u2019s labelled as an SAC, it feels rather underwhelming.\nAlthough the \n7-speed dual clutch transmission\n reacts rather quickly, I still prefer a torque converter automatic in crawling traffic. Driving in everyday traffic, the X2 is on the firm side of the ride quality scale and apart from the roar of those low-profile \n19 inch\n rubbers, the cabin is pretty quiet even in Sport mode. Likewise on the outside, there\u2019s none of the flatulent symphony you get from a Cooper S. This is one polite rebel.\nWill I buy it?\nThe X2 in this sDrive20i variant is far from perfect but as a lifestyle accessory, the X2 should appeal to those who are seeking something different from BMW.\nIt\u2019s a competent little mini SUV but at the same time, you get the sense that BMW is holding back in the fun department. They may have done it on purpose and that\u2019s only because they have reserved the extra poke for the \nM35i\n variant.\nAnd then there\u2019s the price. Not only do rivals in the same segment offer more for less, BMW themselves have three other sedans pegged at the exact figure.\nOf course it\u2019s unfair to judge a vehicle by its price alone but when you\u2019re shopping for a Bimmer, why settle for the X2 sDrive20i when you can have the \nG20 330i M Sport\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia\n has revealed the official price of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) \nBMW XM\n, starting at \nRM1,316,450\n (without extended warranty & service package). Available in two variants, the XM costs RM1,398,800 with the extended warranty & service package included.\nThe two variants are virtually identical, namely the XM Shadowline and the XM Night Gold Line. On the outside, both variants get the M aerodynamics package and the BMW kidney \u2018Iconic Glow\u2019 grille. They even sit on the same set of 23-inch style 923 M wheels, albeit in different colour schemes that can also be seen on the trims around the car\u2019s body. Both variants cost the same at RM 1.3 million.\nBMW XM Night Gold Line\nBMW XM Shadowline\nBMW XM Night Gold Line\nBMW XM Shadowline\nPowering the XM is a PHEV powertrain that consists of a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine and a 145-kW electric motor. Combined, the PHEV powerplant makes 653 hp (metric) and 800 Nm. Paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the powertrain launches the XM from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.3 seconds\n and provides a top speed of \n270 km/h.\nJust in case you were wondering, the V8 engine itself makes 489 hp (metric) and 650 Nm, while the electric motor makes 197 hp (metric) and 280 Nm. Supplying power to the electric motor is a high-voltage \n29.5-kWh\n lithium-ion battery. The battery can be charged at a rate of \n7.4 kW\n and takes \n4 hours and 15 minutes\n to charge from 0 to 100%. The BMW XM can be driven in a fully electric mode at speeds of up to \n140 km/h\n. In ideal conditions, the pure electric range can go up to \n88 km\n.\nRELATED: \nBMW XM V8 hybrid standalone M Car, open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 est. RM1.4m\nIf the XM\u2019s performance numbers aren\u2019t exciting enough for you, BMW previewed the \nBMW XM Label Red\n back in October 2022. Although still in development, BMW has stated that the XM Label Red is capable of producing 750 hp and 1,000 Nm. For now, only the \u2018regular\u2019 XM is available.\nStandard features on the BMW XM that we get in Malaysia include:\nAdaptive M Suspension Professional\nM Sport brakes\nDriving Assistant Professional\nParking Assistant Plus\nM Sport differential\nFlexible Charger (Mode 2)\nPublic Charging Cable (Mode 3)\nBMW IconicSounds Electric\nM Driver\u2019s Package\nRELATED: \nBMW previews the XM Label Red, in case the XM wasn\u2019t bold enough \u2013 750 hp, 1,000 Nm\nAs for the interior, the BMW XM is equipped with BMW Individual leather \u2018Merino\u2019 with exclusive contents, M interior \u2018Carbon Fibre\u2019 finishers, an M Leather Steering wheel, M multifunctional seats, M seat belts, and BMW Individual instruments finished in leather.\nThe BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch touch-sensitive display. Other luxuries include BMW Gesture Control, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a wireless charging tray.\nRELATED: \nBMW XM bookings open for Malaysia starting 20 Oct, RM1.4 million estimated price"
"The all-new Suzuki Swift hatchback has finally been unveiled, with sales slated to begin by January 2017. This Swift is now powered by an all-new hybrid and turbocharged powertrains.\nThis JDM Swift is built atop a new lightweight yet rigid platform. Wheelbase is up by 20mm (now 2,450mm), though its overall length is now trimmed by 10mm. Its width and height remain the same as before. Cargo space measures at \n265 litres\n, but with the seats down, this expands to\u00a0\n579 litres\n.\nThere are two engine options offered in Japan. One is the\u00a0\n1.0-litre Boosterjet\n turbo petrol powering the RS variant (same engine in the Suzuki Baleno), while the\n 1.2-litre Dualjet mild hybrid\n petrol engine is strictly reserved for the RL. The hybrid benefits from the company\u2019s\u00a0\nSHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki)\n mild hybrid system.\nThe new Swift comes with\u00a0\nDual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS)\n autonomous braking system and \nadaptive cruise control (ACC)\n. Just like most cars sold in the land of the rising sun, it can be had in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive!\nSuzuki confirmed that its global compact car will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. Back at home, the Swift was quite a popular choice before the Japanese carmaker\u00a0\npulled the plug on its operations\n. The question now is, will this Swift be rebadged as a Proton, or will it just not come to Malaysia?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Britain\u2019s fastest snowboarder Jamie Barrow broke his previous Guinness World Record, clocking a new fastest speed on a snowboard while being towed on a frozen lake.\nPreviously, Barrow set a record of \n99.87 km/h\n in 2016 but this time, he returned to the same lake in St. Moritz, Switzerland with a more powerful vehicle. He was towed by a \nMaserati Levante\n with Pirelli Scorpion winter tyres \u2013 with \n474 studs per tyre\n\u00a0where each were 4mm long.\nCredit to Maserati\u2019s active Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System and its newly-developed Electronic Power Steering System, the advanced technology allowed the Levante to perform on the frozen lake surface, without losing the razor-sharp steering feel expected of any Maserati.\nAs a result, after two 100m runs in separate directions as required to meet Guinness World Record guidelines, the average speed recorded was \n149.65 km/h\n \u2013 a new Guinness World Record for the fastest speed recorded on a snowboard."
"After eight long years, Isuzu has finally given the D-Max a full-model change with newly improved mechanical innards to go with its refreshed exterior styling! And boy, does it look fresh!\nThe third-generation Isuzu D-Max gets a brand new outfit that is much more aggressive compared to its predecessor. The new large grille takes over the the entire height of the front facade, with the signature dual chrome bars neatly integrated at the top.\nFlanking the massive front grille is the new slimmer bi-LED projectors headlights, accompanied by \u2018U\u2019 shaped LED daytime running lights. The top-of-the-line variants get an indicator and fog lamp stack that is moulded directly into the bumper, while other variants get a smaller grille and a more reserved bumper design.\nOver at the rear, Isuzu gave the D-Max new ring-style LED combination taillights, paired with clear lenses that we think makes the D-Max look sleeker and sharper than before.\nIsuzu has also neatly integrated the stepping shelf into the bumper for a more streamlined look. Overall, the new wedge-shaped silhouette is a result of testing done in the wind tunnels of the Japan Railway Technical Research Institute for improved aerodynamics.\u00a0\nIsuzu said the new D-Max is designed to reflect their three keywords: bold, emotional, and smart and we can\u2019t help but think that they\u2019ve nailed it!\nChanges to the inside of the D-Max is also immediately apparent. Right in the centre of the dashboard is a new 9-inch infotainment display \u2013 compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto \u2013 accompanied by two air-con vents at the side in a hexagonal housing. Underneath, the old odd-looking (in our opinion) circular climate controls are replaced with a toggle-switch design for the dual-zone automatic air conditioning that gives a more modern and upmarket look.\u00a0\nThe entire dashboard of the new D-Max is also taller and wider, with contrasting materials and textured surfaces to achieve a high-end and sporty look. For workhorse applications though, you can still opt for a simple and practical instrument panel and door trim.\nIsuzu said that the electrical components in the new D-Max has been completely revamped to make way for the Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electrified (CASE) era. Although advanced driver assistance systems aren\u2019t present yet, the D-Max is now offered with a Blind-spot Monitoring System and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert for the first time ever!\u00a0\n \nOther improvements focused on optimising convenience and comfort include keyless entry with walk-away lock, remote engine start, 8-way parking sonar, automatic headlights and wipers, as well as the new voice-controlled infotainment system.\u00a0\nFurther work has also been done on the inside to improve the comfort and ergonomics of the D-Max, such as the tilt and telescopic-adjustable steering wheel, additional seatbelt reminders, as well as a new polyurethane cushion material for the front seats to reduce fatigue on long journeys \u2013 available on an optional 8-way power adjustable driver\u2019s seat.\u00a0\nIsuzu has incorporated more high-tensile steel plates to the structure of the new D-Max, improving body rigidity by up to 20%. Although still riding on the ladder frame platform, a new shear mount is used in place of the body mount for better driving dynamics and improved NVH levels. The improved structure rigidity and packaging allowed Isuzu to extend the loading bed on all cab types.\u00a0\nTo further improve driving dynamics, Isuzu has also completely revamped the suspension setup of the D-Max. At the front, the third-generation D-Max gets a double-wishbone suspension with higher upper-link mounts, while the rear leaf suspension has been manufactured with a process called \u201cwarm stress shot peening\u201d to make it more durable, yet more flexible for a more comfortable ride. The rear track of the truck has also been widened, together with a reduced mounting angle to aid stability.\u00a0\nElsewhere, the steering rack has been tuned for a tighter turning radius and improved handling, while requiring less effort to turn the wheel. Brakes have also been upgraded, now featuring a larger 320 mm discs at the front, paired with two-pot calipers.\u00a0\nThe 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine on the current D-Max will be used in the third-generation as well.\nAs we expected, Isuzu is using the 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine that was \nrecently introduced in Malaysia\n, alongside a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel mill on the all-new D-Max. The former produces an unchanged \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque (albeit paired with a new gear ratio and control system), while the bigger 3.0-litre engine has been revamped with a new turbocharger, higher injection pressure, new combustion chamber design, and double-scissor timing gears among other changes to push output up to \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n \u2013 13 hp and 70 Nm increase over its predecessor!\u00a0\nBoth engines are available with 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions. The smaller 1.9-litre mill gets a downsized torque-converter with a lockup clutch integrated with a wide-angle damper to improve fuel efficiency and response.\nThe four wheel drive system has also been updated, now with a single aluminium propeller shaft to achieve significant weight savings. The new D-Max also gets an electromagnetic differential lock at the rear to enhance drive transfer between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, as well as between high and low ratios.\nHaving just received the facelifted Isuzu D-Max in Malaysia a while ago, we are probably not going to see Isuzu\u2019s new baby on our roads anytime soon. Over in Thailand, the all-new Isuzu D-Max will go on sale on 19th October, and as usual offered in both commercial and consumer variants, with single cab, extended cab and double cab body styles.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Earlier this year, Bugatti and Jacob & Co released the new line of Bugatti Chiron timepieces. What separated these Tourbillon timepieces from others was the \nmovement of a tiny crankshaft in a W16\n engine layout-replicating the actual Chiron.\nThese new versions of the Bugatti Chiron timepieces are reimagined with new material choices for the ultimate pairing with one\u2019s attire and accessories. And of course, when you\u2019re driving in \nthe actual car. \nA total of five designs are curated for this series. The first two were built upon a theme of sapphire crystal in natural or blue. The next two designs ups the ante with the liberal use of white diamonds.\nThe case is made with either \n18-karat Rose Gold \nor\n White Gold\n material. Jacob & Co have placed sparkling white diamonds on the casing with the rose gold material while the white gold edition is encrusted with \n391 black and white diamonds\n (approximately 20 carats).\nBoth diamond-encrusted Bugatti Chiron timepieces are embellished with baguette-cut white diamonds on the crowns and pushers. A total of only\n 52 pieces\n will be crafted by Jacob & Co. \u00a0\nFor those who prefer the Bugatti Chiron timepiece without the sapphire crystals or 20-carat white diamonds lining the entire casing, the final design features a more \u201cminimalist\u201d look.\nIn this design, an 18-karat Rose Gold case is paired with a special anti-reflective sapphire crystal finished with black DLC titanium crowns and pushers. The relatively low-profile appearance is only limited to\n 72 pieces\n.\nAs mentioned earlier, the flying Tourbillon movement maintains, together with the 60 hours of power reserve. Although no prices were accompanied in the release, this new \u201cextra bling\u201d Bugatti Chiron timepieces will be \nwell above the US$ 280,000\n asking price of the previous titanium-made series."
"Toyota is celebrating 70 years of Land Cruisers with a new special edition model. with a twist. Instead of a Ninja King Land Cruiser, Toyota is actually making a 70th Anniversary Edition Land Cruiser Prado \u2013 a model that was only introduced in 1984.\nAnyway, to celebrate 70 years of land cruising, the Japan-exclusive model is fitted with blacked-out details all around the exterior, including the front grille, wing mirror, roof rails, and the 18-inch alloys. The black accents are complemented by a choice of five exterior paint colours, including an exclusive dark green hue (seen above) that\u2019s only available on the 70th anniversary Toyota Prado.\nInside, the special edition model comes upholstered with a coat of luxurious Saddle Tongue brown leather, alongside a new silver-painted dashboard trim on the passenger side. The 70th Anniversary embossed floor mats, however, are optional extra cost items. Customers will also be able to opt for either the five- or seven-seater configuration.\nThe Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 70th Anniversary Edition will be offered with two powertrain options: a 2.8-litre turbodiesel (similar to that of the new\n Hilux Rogue\n), which produces\n 204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, or a 2.7 litre petrol that makes \n161 hp\n and \n246 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, driving all four wheels.\nWith Toyota set to introduce a brand-new replacement model for the Land Cruiser Prado, the 70th Anniversary Edition might also be the SUV\u2019s last hurrah after 12 years of service. Rumours have been swirling around a new model to be launched as soon as this year, built on a new TNGA-F body-on-frame platform that will also underline the next-generation Toyota Hilux.\nThe biggest news in the next-generation Land Cruiser line-up however, is of course, electrification. Previous leaks have suggested that the big-boy Land Cruiser will ditch the large V8 engine for its next generation model, in favour for a smaller, twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 engine, and it\u2019s likely that the Prado will also follow suit.\nThe Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 70th Anniversary edition will be available exclusively in Japan, starting at JPY4,290,000 (~RM160k) before optional extras.\nGALLERY"
"The wraps on the all-new \nMazda\n CX-3 have just been removed at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show, revealing what appears to be one of the best looking compact crossover SUVs at present time.\nWe must say that it looks nothing compared to the speculated (maybe rendered, even) picture \nwe previously posted\n, not even by a slight margin. To best serve your memory, the CX-3 is Mazda\u2019s \nfifth vehicle\n to adopt the new \nKODO design language\n, with KODO meaning \nthe expression of life within a vehicle\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThe aggressive looking front view of the CX-3 is mainly contributed by the front grille with \nseven horizontal chrome lines\n.\u00a0\nThe grille is joined to the headlights with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights, where to its side you\u2019ll find the signal indicators.\u00a0\nIts front fenders are pushed rearwards, underneath the A-pillars.\u00a0\nDimensions wise, the CX-3 measures at 4,275 mm in overall length, 1,765 mm width and 1,550 mm height, while the wheelbase spans 2,570 mm long. It sits on \n18-inch\n wheels wrapped with \n215/50 R18\n series tyres, although it\u2019s quite unlikely that we\u2019ll be getting such large wheels.   This compact SUV gets Mazda\u2019s full suit of \nSkyActiv\n Technology, including the SkyActiv-Chassis. It rides on MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam axle on the rear.\nINTERIOR\nInside, it looks largely like the \nMazda2 \nwith minor changes done to distinguish between the models. Mazda has added fine piping seen in the pure white leather seats, whereas the door trims and get accented in \ndark red trims\n. Essential information is displayed onto the multi-info display built into the instrument clusters, and the familiar \n7-inch LCD screen\n with \nCommander Control Switch\n is carried over from the Mazda2.   Mazda Connect\n or \nMZD Connect\n \u2013 Mazda\u2019s in-car connectivity system \u2013 also comes standard here. It boasts internet connectivity and communications that function even when driving. This Bluetooth operated system can even \ndisplay text messages\n and perform hands-free phone operation, and in some regions \u2013 internet radio.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere are two engines being offered in the CX-3; a 1.5-litre clean diesel Skyactiv-D engine and the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine. In Japan, the CX-3 gets the 1.5-litre diesel and \nsix-speed Skyactiv-MT\n manual transmission configuration, whereas the US gets the 2.0-litre petrol with \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive\n automatic transmission.\nWe are certain that we\u2019ll be getting the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G variant (if there are no changes to the engine offering), but remain in the dark in terms of specific output. In its default state of tune, the 2.0-litre engine (shared by the \nMazda3 \nand Mazda6) makes \n155 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n200 Nm\n at 4,000 rpm. The Mazda3 sold by Bermaz Motor here is tuned to produce 162 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque.\nThe CX-3 is front-wheel driven, although it can be had with the company\u2019s next-generation \nAll-Wheel Drive\n\u00a0system with \nactive torque control coupling\n, similar to the one in the CX-5. It also employs the world\u2019s first \nfront wheel slip detection warning system\n. Also carried over from the Mazda2 is the power take-off and rear differential unit.\nWHAT ELSE?\nWith the Mazda2 now slated for arrival in the first quarter of 2015, it\u2019s only a matter of time before the CX-3 gets introduced here as well. The CX-3 goes against the likes of the Peugeot 2008 (RM120k) and \nFord EcoSport\n (from RM93k), both rocking engines smaller than 2.0-litre.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen will be axing\nthe production of the much-loved Volkswagen Beetle this year, 80-years after\nthe original Beetle, designed by Ferdinand Porsche, made its debut in 1938.\nOf the 21.5 million units sold globally, many have found its home in Malaysia and to give the automotive icon a proper send-off, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be organising the Beetle, An Iconic Gathering, the biggest Beetle gathering in Malaysia.\nThe celebration will kick-off on 13 July 2019 with a 150 Beetle Sunshine Tour convoy, flagging off from the heart of Kuala Lumpur, making its way through the streets of Golden Triangle before proceeding to the gathering at the open-air carpark Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.\nVPCM will be attempting to break the current Malaysian record of the largest Beetle gathered at one location during the event and is calling out to all classic and current Beetle owners to join in the gathering. Beetle owners in Malaysia and interested participants can register their cars on VPCM\u2019s \nwebsite\n.\nParticipation is free\nand event details will be provided during the online registration. Participants\nwill also receive a certificate of participation from Volkswagen.\nManaging Director of\nVPCM, Erik Winter said, \u201cVolkswagen ends production of the much-loved Beetle\nthis year, and we want to give this global bestseller the send-off it deserves\nby celebrating its legacy. We would like to invite owners and Beetle\nenthusiasts to the gathering to help us break the record and celebrate the\nworld\u2019s favourite Bug.\u201d"
"The\n all-new Ford Focus ST \nwas just revealed a few days ago and while its might has been established with \n280 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, it\u2019s also supremely intelligent.\n \nYou get an Borg Warner electric LSD that sends up to 100% of torque to the wheel that\u2019s slipping, with greater precision than a traditional mechanical LSD.\nAs for the EcoBlue engines, they come with Torque Vectoring Control for better road holding and reduced understeer by automatically applying the brakes.\nSpeaking of brakes, the Focus\u2019 Electric Brake Booster (EBB) helps build brake pressure faster than a hydraulic system for more progressive pedal feel and braking performance.\nThe system can also automatically adjust the brake\u2019s performance according to different Drive Modes.\nAlso incorporated is Ford\u2019s Continuous Controlled Damping (CCD) that monitors the suspension, body, steering and brake inputs \nevery two milliseconds\n to adjust damping response.\nIn each of the five different drive modes \u2013 Slippery, Wet, Normal, Sport and Track \u2013 the car can automatically adjust the eLSD, CCD, throttle, electronic stability control, the Electronic Sound Enhancement (ESE) and even the climate settings to suit the driving conditions.\nESE serves to amplify the genuine engine and exhaust notes in Sport and Track drive modes \u2013 unlike the 3-door Volkswagen Golf R we tested recently.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The small and quirky Smart cars of yore is no more. Following the 50% stake acquisition by Chinese giant Geely, the brand is now in the process of a \nradical reinvention\n, and they\u2019ve now shown off the Concept #1 at the 2021 IAA Munich Motor Show to give us a taste of what\u2019s coming next \u2013 a preview of \nSmart\u2019s first SUV model\n.\nSmart says that the Concept #1 is now in a near-production-ready form, which means the eventual model \u2013 whenever it\u2019s launched \u2013 will look pretty much just like this, aside from a few tweaks mostly for regulations purposes.\nThe Concept #1 measures in at 4,290 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,698 mm tall, which is just a touch smaller than the \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n from Smart\u2019s parent company. However, the two will not be sharing the same platform; as part of the agreement, Geely will be helming the engineering works for future Smart models, while Daimler will handle the design.\nAnd in terms of styling, design chief Gorden Wagener said that the Concept #1 is represents an evolution towards a \u201ccool, grown-up\u201d brand image. The defining elements of the usual Smart models, such as the short overhangs and unique C-pillars are still here, though all reimagined with a modern flavour, fitting for a new \u201cregular\u201d SUV in this day and age.\nSmart\u2019s communication materials dedicated a huge portion to the Concept #1\u2019s \u201clight shows\u201d starting from the large illuminated \u201cgrille\u201d up front which moves and shines along with the music, moving towards the sides, and towards the rear diffuser.\nThe narrow headlights assembly is mirrored almost one-to-one on the rear, and their light signatures \u2013 both front and back \u2013 feature some sort of starburst effect, characterised by thousands (we\u2019re guessing) of tiny illuminated triangles that scatter out towards the edges.\nEven the door \u201chandles\u201d are made up of touch-sensitive light panels, which opens up the suicide doors with frameless windows (note the lack of B-pillars). Heading inside, the first thing you\u2019ll realise is, once again, the \u201cattention-grabbing light show\u201d consisting of LED ambient lights on the dashboard, seats, and even on the floor.\nWe\u2019ll have to wait and see how much of the \u201clight show\u201d actually makes it into the production model, but what\u2019s not going to change is the amount of space offered on the interior.\nDespite the relatively compact size, Smart says that the wheels being pushed out to the corners of the Concept #1, plus the 2,750 mm wheelbase, has allowed them to offer elbow room, legroom, and storage space on par with vehicles in higher segments.\nThe huge panoramic glass roof further adds to the spaciousness of the cabin \u2013 at least in perception \u2013 and the entire centre console (which houses the 12.8-in infotainment screen) is \u201cfloating\u201d in mid-air, offering additional legroom for the front passenger thanks to the flat floor offered by the EV platform.\nAlthough the concept car is a four-seater, Smart says that the eventual production car will feature five seats.\nTechnical details about the powertrain and other oily bits still remains under wraps, but Smart says that the upcoming SUV model promises \u201cthe highest level of dynamic handling and passive safety\u201d afforded by the \nGeely-built SEA platform\n.\nOther features include a smart app that can also function as a digital key, a connected infotainment system with over-the-air update capabilities, as well as advanced driver assistance systems.\nGALLERY"
"Fans of station wagons, you\u2019d be please to know that the \nVolkswagen Golf R\n \u2013 for the first time since its inception \u2013 can be had in \u2018\nstation wagon\n\u2018 trim. It will be making its first world appearance at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show that starts from today till 30 November.\nQUICK FACTS\nOfficial Name\nVolkswagen Golf R Variant\nEngine\n2.0-litre, inline 4-cylinders, turbocharged\nTransmission\n6-Speed DSG dual clutch transmission (wet type)\nMax Power\n296 hp @ 5,500 to 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n380 Nm @ 1,800 to 5,500 rpm\n0-100km/h; Top Speed\n5.1 seconds; 250 km/h\u00a0(electronically limited)\n\u00a0\nIt shares basically the same mechanics as the \nRM249k Golf R\n\u00a0that we all love (and \ndrove on the Sepang F1 Circuit\n), just that it\u2019s \nunconventionally longer\n due to its wagon nature. Here are the numbers: the \n2.0-litre EA888\n turbocharged engine produces \n296 horsepower\n at 5,500 to 6,200 rpm and \n380 Nm\n of torque at 1,800 to 5,500 rpm.\nSuch numbers allow the car to do the century sprint in \n5.1 seconds\n \u2013 that\u2019s just 0.1 seconds slower than the Golf R. That\u2019s impressive. Top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n, and the Golf R Variant is \npermanently driven on all wheels\n (4Motion AWD) via Volkswagen\u2019s \nsix-speed dual clutch transmission\n (DSG, wet type).\nThe Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) remains optional, a feature which grants a total of \nfive driving modes\n \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Race \u2013 that are selected via the touchscreen head unit placed in the centre console.\nThe Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Sport system comes as standard and can be toggled by a \ntwo-stage switch\n on the centre console. Flip the switch once and the Golf R Variant makes for controllable slip, but if you hold the switch for \nthree seconds\n, it completely deactivates the ESC. Something the boy racer in you would appreciate on the track.\nThat said, the highlight of this Golf R Variant is of course its increased cargo space, now at \n605 litres\n. Fold the rear seats down and you get a total of \n1,620 litres\n of cargo space. That\u2019s enough space for 16 golf (no pun intended) bags. How\u2019s that for enhanced practicality?\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, the 18-inch \u2018Cadiz\u2019 wheel design offered as standard on the Mk7 Golf R model can now be had with the optional and larger 19-inch size, also \u2018Cadiz\u2019 design.\nBut before you get excited at the prospect of buying one, we\u2019ll have you know that the Golf R Variant is built to meet European demands. So until we give Volkswagen Group Malaysia a solid reason to bring this in, our guess is that the Variant \nwill not\n see the light of Malaysian day.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Now that interstate travel restrictions are loosened, Malaysians have begun travelling for leisure again \u2013 and Shell Malaysia wants to better its customers\u2019 journeys by rewarding them with a RM5 voucher for every 200 BonusLink points earned at Shell fuel stations nationwide once in the month of November and December, respectively, as part of their new \u201cEvery Little Point Counts\u201d campaign.\nThe new campaign will run from now until the \nend of December 2021\n. And aside from just purchasing fuel, customers can also accelerate their BonusLink Point collection by getting everything they need for their road trips at Shell stations, be it snacks, ready-to-eat meals, or even a freshly brewed cup of Costa Coffee.\nTo participate, customers simply need to swipe their BonusLink card or use the BLINK app with any purchase at the Shell stations and start collecting BonusLink points. Once they\u2019ve accumulated 200 standard points, a RM5 voucher will be automatically sent to them via the app or registered email address, and can be used immediately at Shell stations nationwide.\nCustomers are entitled to only one RM5 voucher in the month of November and December respectively.\nThe BonusLink Points can also be used to redeem special treats in-store for as low as 100 points, including popular favourites such as Deli2go Firecracker sausages, miniature Vanilla Sultana roll, and Shell Select Keropok Ikan.\nRELATED: Shell reveals new FuelSave 95 for extra kilometres without extra costs. Learn more here.\nCustomers can sign-up for BonusLink at all Shell stations nationwide, while the BLINK app is available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. First-time users will also receive a RM4 Shell voucher and 100 BonusLink Points as a welcome offer, using the referral code B214419233.\nMore information on the campaign can be found on Shell Malaysia\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nNote: The article has been updated following the correction issued by Shell Malaysia on November 15th 2021."
"As the good start to the 40th anniversary year celebration of \nProton\n, the company has sold a total of \n48,702 cars\n for the first quarter of 2023, which is 39.8% more than last year. As for the month of April, the local carmaker has sold \n9,415 cars\n which includes the domestic sales and export. This is a growth of 6.5% compared to the same month last year.\nCompared to February 2023, Proton\u2019s sales in March was down by more than 41.4%, after the company set a new record high in March this year. This recession was caused by factors such as the holiday period throughout April, as well as the ending of deliveries for orders placed during the PENJANA tax-free incentive scheme, according to the company.\nProton also managed to capture an estimated 20.4% of the market share. This helped the carmaker maintain second place in the national automotive sales table.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton\u2019s export volume for 2023 has been slow to reach the expected volume due to several external global economic factors. However, we remain positive about our overseas sales prospects this year and are actively working with our partners to raise the profile of the brand as well as promote our intelligent products.\u201d\n\u201cWith the \nProton X90\n due to be officially launched by the Prime Minister on 7 May [this statement was made on May 5, 2023], the company will soon have a three-model SUV range to strengthen our position in the segment as well as its first model in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market. This will help form a good base for our future model offerings and give Proton\u2019s network of outlets invaluable experience in selling and servicing these vehicles,\u201d added Roslan Abdullah.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 launched in Malaysia, from RM123,800\nThere are three models that have led their respective segments in sales and have contributed to Proton\u2019s sales in the first quarter, as well as the month of April 2023. These models include the \nProton X50\n, which had \n2,644 units\n delivered in April, making it remain as the overall best-selling SUV in Malaysia.\nThe \nProton Persona\n was also the B-segment sedan sales leader, with \n1,236 units\n delivered in April as well. This allowed it to retain overall leadership in its segment throughout the first quarter of the year.\nProton sold a total of \n465 units\n of its \nExora\n MPV, which is by far this year\u2019s highest record for the model. As a result, the Proton Exora retains as the best-selling C-segment MPV, with a total of \n1,559 units\n sold this year.\nProton also recorded positive numbers for its other models. The carmaker delivered a total of \n3,040 units\n of the \nSaga\n, making it second place in the A-segment sedan sales chart, and the best-selling Proton model. The Proton \nX70\n had \n756 units\n sold, while the \nProton Iriz\n had \n338 units\n sold.\nLooking at Proton\u2019s export sales, the company had their best month of the year in April, with a total of \n187 units\n shipped to overseas markets. The Proton Saga, X50 and X70 are the most popular export models by far in Q1 2023, contributing to a total export sales of \n603 units\n throughout the quarter.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 scores 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating \u2013 Full points for side impact test"
"In these challenging times, with the pandemic and floods causing various disruptions to the country, Honda Malaysia has extended its support to the less fortunate communities in Pahang and Melaka.\nAs such the company has distributed \u201cFlood Safety Kits\u201d to 500 families who were affected by the floods in Pekan, Pahang, along with face masks and laptops to students this month.\nAlso benefitting from this are schools in Malacca, where four secondary schools received laptops from Honda Malaysia. These laptops will be handed out to low-income families who lack the means for Home-based Teaching and Learning classes.\nAcross the South China Sea, the company will also provide assistance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu by providing 1,000 face shields for the frontliners there.\n\u201cWith the new norm, students have no choice but to opt for online schooling. Devices such as computers become a necessity for students to cope with distance learning and this has affected students who have limited access to technology devices. We hope through our contribution the students will have a better study environment and be more motivated to continue their education,\u201d said Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama.\nHe added, \u201cIn addition to the laptops, we provided 500 boxes of facemasks to 10 primary schools and 10 secondary schools in Melaka. Each school was allocated with 1,000 pieces of facemasks for students to remain protected and to adhere to the SOPs.\u201d"
"As we have previously announced, we\u2019ve decided to hold our very own \nAutobuzz.my Best Cars of 2017 Awards\n based on popular demand, following last year\u2019s \nAutobuzz.my\u2019s Best Cars of 2017 video\n.\nThere are almost\u00a0\n300 cars\n\u00a0in a comprehensive list, ranging from A-segment vehicles like the\u00a0\nKia Picanto\n\u00a0to supercars like the\u00a0\nMercedes AMG GT-S\n, where they will be segmented into\u00a0\n35 different categories\n. Here are the \nTop Three Cars\n that have emerged top of their categories based on our scoring system.\n#ABC2018 AutoBuzz.my Best Cars of 2018 \u2013 Finalists\nCity Car\nPeople Carrier\nLuxury Flagship Car\nKia Picanto\nHyundai Starex\nBMW 7 Series\nPerodua Bezza\nPeugeot Traveller\nMercedes-Benz S-Class\nProton Saga\nWeststar Maxus G10\nPorsche Panamera\nCompact Hatch\nPremium MPV\nPremium Compact SUV\nHonda Jazz\nMercedes-Benz V-Class\nAudi Q3\nPerodua Myvi\nToyota Alphard\nBMW X1\nProton Iriz\nToyota Vellfire\nMINI Countryman\nSupermini\nCrossover\nPremium Midsize SUV\nMazda 2\nMazda CX-3\nLexus NX\nPeugeot 208\nSubaru XV\nToyota Harrier\nVolkswagen Polo\nToyota C-HR\nVolvo XC60\nCompact Sedan\nMidsize SUV\nPremium Sports SUV\nHonda City\nHonda CR-V\nBMW X4\nMazda 2\nMazda CX-5\nMercedes-Benz GLC Coupe\nVolkswagen Vento\nVolkswagen Tiguan\nPorsche Macan\nMid Size Hatchback\nFamily SUV\nPremium Large SUV\nFord Focus\nHyundai Santa Fe\nBMW X5\nHyundai Ioniq\nKia Sorento\nLexus RX\nMazda3\nMitsubishi Outlander\nMercedes-Benz GLE\nMid Size Sedan\nOffroad SUV\nLuxury Sports SUV\nHonda Civic\nFord Everest\nBMW X6\nMazda 3\nIsuzu MU-X\nMaserati Levante\nVolkswagen Jetta\nToyota Fortuner\nPorsche Cayenne\nFamily Exec Sedan\nPickup Trucks\nPremium Family SUV\nHonda Accord\nFord Ranger\nAudi Q7\nNissan Teana\nMitsubishi Triton\nMazda CX-9\nToyota Camry\nToyota Hilux\nVolvo XC90\nSports Executive\nCoupes\nLuxury SUV\nKia Optima GT\nKia Cerato Coup\nBentley Bentayga\nMazda 6\nSubaru BRZ\nLexus LX\nVolkswagen Passat\nVolkswagen Beetle\nMercedes-Benz GLS\nSportwagons\nPremium Compact\nPremium Coupe\nMazda6\nBMW 1 Series\nAudi TT\nPeugeot 508 SW\nMINI 3 Door\nBMW 4 Series Coupe\nVolvo V90\nVolvo V40\nMercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe\nCompact MPV\nPremium Family\nDriver\u2019s Car\nHonda BR-V\nAudi A4\nBMW M2\nPerodua Alza\nBMW 3 Series\nHonda Civic Type R\nToyota Sienta\nMercedes-Benz C-Class\nMini JCW 3 Door\nMidsize MPV\nPremium Executive\nDream Cars\nCitroen C4 Picasso\nBMW 5 Series\nAston Martin DB11\nNissan Serena S-Hybrid\nMercedes-Benz E-Class\nLexus LC\nToyota Innova\nVolvo S90\nPorsche 911\nLarge MPV\nExecutive Coupe\nFord S-Max\nBMW 6 Series GT\nHonda Odyssey\nMaserati Ghibli\nKia Grand Carnival\nMercedes-Benz CLS\nThese cars have been judged internally based on the aspects of value for money, safety, performance, handling, ride comfort and build quality to name a few, and have been given a rating from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest score.\nFollowing this announcement, we will also be curating related content based on these selected cars where the winner from each respective category will be announced by\u00a0\nmid-2018\n."
"You may not know this, but the Nissan March (known as the Nissan Micra in Europe and the West) is one of Nissan\u2019s most popular model. Over 7 million units of the March have been sold worldwide since 1983, half of which were sold in Europe alone.\nAccording to Nissan, the new March is among the lowest and widest B-segment hatchbacks around, and it has a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.29! LED daytime running lights are standard across the range, but the full LED headlamps are optional. Halogen reflectors are standard here. Wheel sizes vary from 15- to 17-inches, and there\u2019s a total of five trims: Visia, Visia+, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna.   Customers have up to 10 choices of colours, three of which \u2013 Energy Orange, Pulse Green and Passion Red \u2013 come with \u2018tinted clear coat\u2019 technology for a truly vibrant finish, a first for Nissan.\nInside, the March receives an incredibly good looking steering wheel, albeit looking a lot like Mazda\u2019s. The cabin has a two-tone finish, with great emphasis paid to enhance improve sound deadening. In fact, Nissan claims that the March has best-in-class \u2018eyes off the road\u2019 time. Boot capacity is 300 litres, expandable to 1,004 litres with the rear bench folded down (60:40 split). Interestingly, customers can opt for the BOSE Personal audio system that comes with speakers built into the driver seat\u2019s headrest!   As for the oily bits, three engines will be offered: a \nnaturally aspirated 1.0-litre\n making 71 hp and 95 Nm of torque, a \n0.9-litre turbo gasoline\n engine with 90 hp and 140 Nm of torque or the \n1.5-litre turbodiesel\n churning 90 hp and 220 Nm of torque. All engine variants get paired to a \nfive-speed manual transmission\n driving the front wheels. Additional engines and automatic transmissions will be announced at a later date.\nThe new Nissan March/Micra will be produced at the company\u2019s plant in Flins, France, which is operated by their partner Renault.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the launch of the \nfacelifted Kona\n in April this year, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has now introduced two additional variants to the model line-up here in Malaysia, in the form of the Kona 1.6 Turbo and 1.6 Turbo N Line.\nThe Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo is priced at\n RM146,888\n, while the 1.6 Turbo N Line goes for \nRM156,888\n, both on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that is valid \nuntil the end of 2021\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo\u2019s exterior styling is pretty much identical to that of the 2.0 Active variant, which features the same chunky, rugged plastic-clad look on the outside. Standard features are from the existing range-topping variant, which includes fully-LED headlights with day-time running lights, LED tail lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.\nTo distinguish the 1.6 Turbo from the 2.0 Active variant, look out for the roof rack and dual-tone blacked-out roof, both of which are only available on the 1.6 Turbo variant.\nCheck out the Hyundai Kona 2.0 variants in more detail here! \nHeadlining this launch, though, is of course the Kona N Line, which gets its own unique, sportier exterior touches. These include:\nBody-colour claddings\nN Line-specific front bumper, with \u201cN-style\u201d aerodynamic lip and corner fins, larger air intakes with unique mesh design\nVariant-specific rear bumper with central diffuser element in black\nTwin tailpipe exits\n18-inch variant-specific alloy wheels\nExterior colour options: Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Pulse Red, and Misty Jungle\nPERFORMANCE\nThe main highlight to the two new variants is, of course, the new Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI turbocharged inline-four mill underneath the bonnet, which provides a significant power bump over the 2.0-litre models.\nEngine: 1,598 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: Second-gen Smartstream seven-speed dual-clutch transmission\nDriveline: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: \n198 hp\n @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: \n265 Nm\n @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nHyundai did not share the new model\u2019s 0-100 km/h times and top speed, though with a 21 hp increase over its predecessor, do expect it to be slightly quicker than the outgoing model\u2019s 7.7 seconds.\nOwn a Hyundai? HSDM is offering discounts of up to 15% off on servicing labour and parts. More details here!\nPhoto from the new Kona 2.0 Active\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of both the Kona 1.6 Turbo and Kona N Line sports the identical updated design and architecture to the existing 2.0-litre models, featuring the new centre-console area, and new circular air vents at the both ends of the dashboard. Standard features are also unchanged from the Kona 2.0 Active, which includes:\n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\n8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity\nElectric parking brake\nAmbient lighting system with centre cup holder illumination\nAutomatic climate control\nPower-adjustable driver seat\nLeather upholstery in black or light beige\nThe Hyundai Kona N Line meanwhile comes with a dedicated N Line colour package, featuring a black leather/suede upholstery, red cross stitching, metal pedals, and N badging on the gear lever, steering wheel, and seats.\nIn addition, the Kona N Line also comes with a ventilated and heated seat function for the driver and front passenger, a feature that is unique to the new range-topping model.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, both new variants are fully equipped with the Hyundai Smartsense active safety and driving assistance suite, with features including:\nForward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and vehicle detection\nBlind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)\nRear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)\nLane Keeping Assist (LKA)\nLane Following Assist (LFA)\nSmart Cruise Control with stop-and-go function (SCC)\nDriver Attention Warning (DAW)\nLeading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)\nHigh Beam Assist (HBA)\nSafe Exit Warning (SEW)\nRear Occupant Alert (ROA)\nSix airbags is standard on the Hyundai Kona, alongside ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill start assist, and hill descent control.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the new 1.6-litre turbocharged Hyundai Kona line-up starts at \nRM146,888\n for the 1.6 Turbo variant, and \nRM156,888\n for the Kona N Line here in Malaysia. Both prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions valid until the end of 2021.\nIncluded in the price is a five-year/300,000 km warranty, and a three-year/50,000 km free scheduled maintenance programme.\nAs the country is still under various stages of the Movement Control Order, interested customers can book the new Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo variants online via HSDM\u2019s new online shopping platform, \nCl1ck to Buy\n, linked\n here\n.\nHSDM has also recently introduced the step-up financing plan, with tenures of up to nine years. Learn more here.\nGALLERY\nHyundai Kona 2.0 Active"
"MINI has just presented\nits most powerful models in the brand\u2019s sixty-year history and as the world would\nhave it, they\u2019re both SUVs \u2013 the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman and Countryman.\nBoth models are powered by BMW Group\u2019s B48 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that first debut in the X2 M35i. The uprated mill now makes \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of twist thanks to reinforced crankshaft, new pistons, larger main bearings, lower compression ratio of 9.5:1 and a larger turbocharger.\nThe updated four-cylinder mill is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission while the MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive is standard on both the Clubman and Countryman JCW. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n4.9 seconds\n on the Clubman JCW while the heavier Countryman gets there in \n5.1 seconds\n \u2013 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than their respective outgoing models.\nCoupled with the new\nengine output are further developed Sport Chassis (adaptive chassis with adaptive\ndampers available as option), larger sport brake system (360 mm front; 330 mm\nrear) and a new sport exhaust system to give drivers an exhilarating driving experience\nMINIs are known for.\nStyling has been updated on the JCW Clubman with new LED Matrix LED headlamps, Union Jack design LED taillamps and a new electronic gear selector for the 8-speed auto. Other standard items include 18-inch JCW light alloy wheels, Sport Seats and JCW sport steering wheel.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI JCW Clubman\nMINI JCW Countryman"
"Honda Malaysia has introduced a new line of official merchandise for the Honda aficionado. It\u2019s called the TEI Series, which stands for \u2018Trust, Equality & Individuality\u2019, and is inspired by Honda\u2019s brand philosophy.\nThe word \ntei\n also stands for shape or form in the Japanese language. All items in the series are injected with a combination of Japanese elements in its design.\nThere are \n21 items\n featured in the Honda TEI Series, divided into four self-explanatory collections \u2013 Corporate, Lifestyle, Activewear, and Travel.\nThe Corporate Collection will feature smart casual clothings for the working adult\u2019s wardrobe, while the younger and more stylish crowd can choose from the Lifestyle Collection, featuring items such as the Reversible Bomber Jacket and the \u2018TEI\u2019 fine print 30-inch umbrella.\nFitness enthusiasts can opt for the Activewear Collection, featuring the newly-launched Sports Hijab, and reflective Activewear Shirt. Last but not least is the Travel Collection, which includes items such as the two-in-one Detachable Travel Luggage Bag, featuring a backpack attached to a cabin-sized luggage.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cApart from providing the Joy of Buying Honda cars to our customers, we would also like them to experience the joy of owning items from Honda\u2019s Official Merchandise collection which can be incorporated into their daily lives.\n\u201cIt is therefore our delight to share the new line of Honda Official Merchandise with them which embodies the core values of Honda\u2019s Philosophy, he added.\nThe merchandise in the TEI Series are priced between \nRM32 and RM320\n, and can be purchased at Honda Malaysia\u2019s 92 dealerships nationwide, as well as mobile roadshows. The full list of items and additional information can be found on\n Honda Malaysia\u2019s website\n."
"Maserati in the UK has introduced a new series that is decked up with features. The fully-loaded Sportivo X and Sportivo Special Edition range is tailored to the Levante V6 and Ghibli Hybrid models.\nThe Levante Sportivo X ticks all the boxes in the options list with key features such as the \nNerissimo (extremely black in Italian)\n highlight package where key exterior trim pieces are in black, body-colour rear spoiler, adaptive Matrix LED headlamps, 21\u201d Anteo matte-coloured staggered wheels, soft-closing doors, premium perforated leather upholstery, ventilated seats and Driver Assistance Package Plus.\nThe \u201csimpler\u201d Sportivo, sans X, is specified without the features above and comes with 20\u201d Efesto staggered wheels, Handling package for the suspension tuning, body-colour exterior trim pieces, and black leather upholstery.\nThe \nLevante V6\n is equipped with a 3-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with outputs of \n350 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. The Q4 variable-split all-wheel drive system with a limited-slip differential in the rear axle takes care of sending power to just the rear, or all four wheels.\nIn the Ghibli sedan with the \nhybrid powertrain\n, the fully-loaded Sportivo X follows similar suite with 21\u201d Titano forged wheels, body-coloured bumper trim pieces, gloss black rear diffuser, adaptive Matrix LED headlamps, Driver Assistance Package Plus and power closing doors and trunk lid.\nFully-loaded Sportivo X build-list means the Ghibli also gets the Skyhook electronically controlled \nadaptive suspension\n system, which is standard in the Levante SUV. The interior meanwhile is fitted with a wireless charger and premium leather upholstery highlighted by red stitching.\nThe dark-theme Nerissimo package is available from the Ghibli Sportivo variant. Wood trim also lined the interior, together with all-black leather upholstery. Gloss black 20\u201d Urano staggered wheels are fitted with Brembo brake calipers now painted red beneath it.\nThe Ghibli Hybrid is the first generation of Maserati vehicles to feature the marque\u2019s 48-Volt Belt Starter Generator (BSG) with an electric supercharger mounted to a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The combined system output is \n330 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. \u00a0\nThe powertrain, together with the ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, sends the Ghibli Hybrid from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.8 seconds\n. Maserati said they opted for this mild-hybrid approach over a plug-in system primarily to avoid increasing the weight.\nOn the exterior, \ndark blue\n is used as the identifying highlight and can be found the fender air vents and the thunderbolt portion of the pillar emblem. \u00a0\u00a0\nAll four fully-loaded Sportivo Special Editions are offered in the choice of three colours; Grigio Maratea (Grey), Blu Emozione (Blue) and Nero Ribelle (Black)."
"With international borders reopening, those with deep pockets looking to experience driving heaven (quite literally) with all the privacy and amenities expected by a high-income earner, should take note of the new \nMagarigawa Club\n \u2013 a private driving club with the facilities of a country club house.\nLocated an hour from the Tokyo International Airport, at the centre of the Magarigawa Driving Club is a 3.5 km circuit with 22 turns, featuring two long 800 metre straights.\n \nThat\u2019s not all, other facilities include a spa, hot springs, gym, clubhouse, fitness center, bar and lounge, restaurants and even long term vehicle storage facilities (with vehicle maintenance) for its members. To top it all off, members will also be surrounded by spectacular views, including that of Mount Fuji.\nAccording to sources, the luxury villas overlooking the race track have already been sold out while the first batch of membership applications have been closed. The exclusive driving club is limited to just 50 members, at the rate of 29.9 million Yen each (approx. RM1.02 million).\nConstruction of the Magarigawa Club begun in 2020 after a groundbreaking ceremony with the private driving club expected to open by end of 2022.\nGALLERY\nDCIM100MEDIADJI_0010.JPG"
"After a little \nteaser\n, Kia Motors has just premiered its new concept car, the Kia SP Concept at the 2018 AutoExpo in India. The new SUV concept gives a glimpse of what Kia Motors India (KMI) has in store for the India\u00a0market in the future.\nInspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technologies, the SP Concept was designed to cater to \nyoung Indian customers\n, combining sophisticated beauty with high functionality. Resulting in the concepts wide stance with sporty and long hood profile.\nThe brand\u2019s signature design elements are present in this concept too like the Tiger Nose grille, slim headlamp graphics and bold body lines. Inside, the SP Concept boasts eye-catching and high-tech elements to depict a modern and trendy cabin design, suited for the young demographic clientele.\nChief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation, Peter Schreyer commented, \u201cOver the last few years, SUVs have become the vehicle-of-choice among Indian buyers.\u00a0 Combining the comfort and space of a sedan with the ability to tackle all kinds of terrain, we intend to storm the market with an SUV that will set new parameters in motoring. It\u2019s still a concept \u2013 so it\u2019s a little bit exaggerated \u2013 but the actual production car will be very close to what you see here at AutoExpo 2018.\u201d\nThe world premiere of the Kia SP Concept at the 2018 AutoExpo also marks the Korean carmaker\u2019s official market debut in India, the fifth largest automotive market in the world. Managing Director & CEO of KMI, Kookhyun Shim said, \u201cWe at KMI are thrilled to start operations at such a favourable time, and additional forecasts predict that India will be amongst the world\u2019s largest car markets in a few years. We are here in India to be part of that success story, which has been put into motion by progressive government policies and decision making.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda\u2019s most popular crossover, also the winner of Best Compact SUV Award at last year\u2019s inaugural \nASEAN Car of The Year Awards\n, is back with a facelift and it will be locally assembled at the Kulim plant.\nA total of four variants are offered, two each for both the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre lumps. The 2.0-litre gets a mid-spec GL range, which means you won\u2019t be getting leather seats and the fancy LED daytime running lights. Only the 2.5-litre variant gets an all-wheel drive option, and they both come exclusively with the 19-inch wheels.\n \n \nThe output these engines make remains unchanged; the 2.0-litre makes \n155 hp\n whereas the larger four-banger makes \n185 horsepower\n. Both engines are mated to the same \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\n. Of all four variants, only the range topper (priced at RM171k) gets all-wheel drive. The rest are 2WD.\nAs with all facelifts, there are subtle cosmetic changes for the CX-5. It receives a new front grille and signature wing design, new LED front headlamps and updated LED Daytime Running Lights (again, the GL trim loses out on this). The tail lights are also new and look more in line with Mazda\u2019s latest crop of vehicles.   Inside, all variants of the CX-5 facelift will come with a\u00a0\n7-inch\u00a0MZD CONNECT Infotainment\n\u00a0system automatic air-conditioning system. At the same time, all variants will receive \nsix airbags\n, \nABS, EBD\n, \nBA\n,\u00a0\nDynamic Stability Control\n, \nTraction Control System\n and\n i-stop\n as well.\nIt\u2019s available in four exterior colours \u2013 Artic White, Blue Reflex, Meteor Grey and Aluminium Metallic; every purchase of the CX-5 will come with a 3-Year warranty and 3-Year free scheduled maintenance. Do note that the \nSoul Red Metallic\n paint shown here \nwill not be available\n as it was sold very briefly as a fully imported unit. Below is the pricing for all the variants:\nPRICE LIST: MAZDA CX-5 SKYACTIV OTR\nModel\nPricing (Solid)\nPricing (Metallic)\n2.0G 2WD GL (Mid Range)\nRM132,272.63\nRM132,672.63\n2.0G 2WD GLS\nRM146,658.47\nRM147,058.47\n2.5G 2WD GLS\nRM159,415.90\nRM159,815.90\n2.5G 4WD GLS\nRM171,219.05\nRM171,619.05\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Installing counterfeit parts into your car is never a good idea, no matter how much \ncheaper\n it is over original manufacturer equipment. Simply because they are inferior in quality and can jeopardise the safety and performance of your vehicle.\nRecently, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has found an auto parts dealer in Gombak and Puchong have been selling fake Hyundai and Kia parts as reported by \nThe Malay Mail\n. The raid carried out by the ministry seized items such as air filter, oil filter, timing belt and more. Some even packaged as \u201cKia Motors Genuine Parts\u201d.\nIntellectual property Manager of Hyundai Mobis, Jaeho Lee who was present at a press conference said: \u201cHyundai Mobis views this offence of selling fake parts as very serious as compromise the safety of the consumers.\u201d. Lee added that the auto parts dealers were selling the counterfeit parts at the same price as originals.\nPurchasing parts from an authorised service centre almost guarantee a 100% Genuine Part\nLee advises consumers to be wary of these counterfeit products and urged them to purchase parts from authorised resellers to ensure that they are guaranteed 100 per cent genuine parts.\nWe would like to also add, you can source your parts from authorised service centres as well as approved stockist from the principal. If you are unsure whether the part you are getting is genuine, you can always refer the label and cross check with information available online. Remember, if you come across a deal that is too good to be true, then it probably is."
"Recently, Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia organised the Mazda Skyactiv Challenge, sending 30 selected motoring journalists on a mission to prove just how economical their Skyactiv technology is.\nThe objective is to arrive in Johor Bahru (that\u2019s \napproximately 348.3km\n from Mazda\u2019s HQ in Glenmarie, Shah Alam to Permas Jaya, JB) in \nno more than seven hours\n (lunch break included), so time and speed are definitely of the essence.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda2\nMazda3\nMazda CX-5 2.0L\nEngine\n1,496cc; inline-4 with VVT and DOHC\n1,998cc; inline-4 with VVT and DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed Skyactiv-Drive auto\nMax Power\n114 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n155 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n10.0 seconds\n\u2013\n\u2013\nTop Speed\n184 km/h\n\u2013\n\u2013\nPrice (OTR w/o insurance)\nRM85,470.00\nfrom RM106,105.30\nfrom RM126,165.50\nThe 30 journalists (yours truly included) were split into 15 pairs and each team\u00a0was assigned to\u00a0either a \nMazda2\n, \nMazda3\n or the \nCX-5\n; some of Mazda\u2019s most well received models in Malaysia. Sure they\u2019re in different segments, but what they share in common is the revered \nSkyactiv-G engine\n, albeit in differing displacements.\nPrior to the flag off, President of National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), Mr Chin Sung Chew was on site to verify that all cars had their fuel tanks filled (Shell FuelSave RON95) to the brim and made sure \nnothing could be tempered with\n, including the air conditioning, side mirrors, fuel tank and bonnet. This leveled the playing field and from an objective standpoint, the only variable involved in the challenge is how light one\u2019s right foot is throughout the journey. And also, with a bit of luck, traffic conditions.\nSo there we were \u2013 15 teams piloted by drivers with dogged determination, all eager to set a personal record of their slowest drive from KL to JB, ever. The predetermined route, measuring \n348.3 kilometers\n, is comprised largely of highways (PLUS highway) with just eight percent of the entire stretch being in the city.\u00a0\nWhilst keeping our objective in check, the natural thing to do is ensuring that our speed is kept constant between 80 to 100 km/h. This required religious surveillance over the speedo and tachometer, including the \u2018Current\u2019 or instant fuel consumption gauge. Now, on a typical long-haul journey like this, it\u2019s best to take scheduled stops and not drive over two hours at a time, so that\u2019s the opportunity we took to swap drivers.\nSeven hours and some 300 kilometers later\n, we\u2019ve almost reached our destination \u2013 a Shell station in Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru. Believe it or not, it was at this very moment that we realised our fuel gauge had \nfinally dropped one bar\n. And that\u2019s after getting caught in a 45-minute bumper-to-bumper crawl along the way! We weren\u2019t sure about the gauge\u2019s accuracy, but the folks at Mazda leapt at the opportunity and said, \u201cThat\u2019s Skyactiv for you\u201d. We\u2019re not kidding.\nMuch has been said and heard about Mazda\u2019s Skyactiv technology. But really, what is it? The engineers over at Mazda Corporation Japan thought there\u2019s still potential for \nInternal Combustion Engines\n (ICE; petrol and diesel) to be developed further, providing more power and increased fuel efficiency at the same time, all \nwithout going the hybrid way\n. Mazda added\u00a0that hybrid cars are costlier to manufacture and maintain, which is true to some extent. Replacing the costly battery pack could potentially be the start of one\u2019s balding process.\nSo back on the drawing board, Mazda\u2019s engineers upped the ICE ante and developed the Skyactiv-G engine that operates with a\u00a0\ncompression ratio of 14:1\n, an unusually high compression for a gasoline engine. As a rule, petrol powered engines generally operate between 9:1 to 11:1 compression ratio. Any higher would invite premature detonation risks, but the challenge was dealt with a unique in-house developed chamber design. The result? An engine so flexible that\u2019s \ndelightfully powerful and frugal\n, as and when either is needed. Just so you know, some sports cars like Porsche have a compression ratio of 12.5:1.\nThe same mentality applies to the development of conventional torque converting gearboxes or slush boxes, as some would call it. Mazda\u2019s six-speed\u00a0\nSkyactiv-Drive automatic transmission\n features a unique \nlock-up mechanism\n that operates at speeds above 8 km/h. What it does is \neliminate inherent slips\n commonly found in traditional slush boxes, thereby \nimproving torque delivery\n and \nfuel efficiency\n. Another fuel saving technology to complement this regard is the \ni-Stop system\n which shuts down the engine at idle, but fires it back up again by injecting fuel into the engine.\nNow, back to the Skyactiv Challenge. Once we\u2019ve covered exactly 348.3km, each of the 15 cars were refueled and facilitated by Mr Chin himself. The end result may appear to be unrealistic and \u2018too good to be true\u2019, but remember, the figures achieved were corroborated by the President of NUJM himself, as well as the journalists involved in the drive. The results, as per the table below, are in the following order: Purple \u2013 Mazda2, Red \u2013 Mazda3, Green \u2013 CX-5.\nPurple \u2013 Mazda2, Red \u2013 Mazda3, Green \u2013 CX-5 (2.0L)\nWe\u2019re sure by now you\u2019re questioning, \u201cHow can a CX-5 possibly be more fuel efficient than a Mazda2 or Mazda3? Or, even if it could, how is it that a 2.0L SUV consumed a full 3 litres less of fuel compared to the Mazda2 when both are driving in the same traffic conditions from KL to JB?\u201d Admittedly, we were equally dumbfounded as well, but the fuel tank wouldn\u2019t take an additional drop of fuel after the pump read 6.90 litres. If we are to cast the anomaly aside and focus on the how the rest fared, the results speak for themselves and are truly impressive. To answer your question \u2013 no, nothing \u2018fuel conserving\u2019 could be tempered with, not even the air conditioning.\nMost of the cars (except for the anomalistic CX-5) had their fuel gauge dropped one bar, and the multi-info display indicated that all cars, at the very least, could manage to cover an additional \n520km to 620km\n of tarmac. Mazda, through 30 motoring journalists who have just recorded their longest drive to JB, proved that a small change in driving pattern can yield astonishing fuel consumption, regardless of the car\u2019s propulsion nature. To average it out, based on the results, one can \npotentially get from KL to JB with just RM25 of fuel\n, or even less! This is dependent on fuel prices and type of fuel used, of course. Technically, the less fuel you burn, the longer it will take for you to arrive at your destination.\nSo, with the Hari Raya holidays coming up, here\u2019s something from us \u2013\u00a0\nfive key ways\n you can conserve fuel for those planning their \u2018Balik Kampung\u2019 trip:\n1. \nAvoid hard acceleration and braking\n. A smoother throttle input will go as far as to save you 20 percent of fuel.\n2. Make sure your \ntyres are properly inflated\n. If you\u2019re planning a journey with the entire family, refer to your car\u2019s handbook to find out its optimal tyre pressure when the car is fully loaded. This will save you as much as 3 percent of fuel.\n3. \nAvoid long idling time\n. If you\u2019re taking a toilet break at an R&R stop, it\u2019s best to shut the car off until everyone is ready for the next drive.\n4. \nAdhere to speed limits\n. It\u2019s much easier on the wallet when you don\u2019t get speeding tickets and drive within the car\u2019s comfortable pace. The faster you drive, the higher the engine revs. Also take into account the drag at higher velocities.\n5. Lastly, make sure your \ncar is properly serviced\n. Dirty oil and air filters, old spark plugs and low fluid levels spell poor fuel economy. Do yourself and your car a favour by sending it for a \nmulti-point check\n. This eliminates unnecessary wear-and-tear risks and keeps you driving at peace, especially when Hari Raya is upon us.\nIf you\u2019re keen to find out why Mazda makes some of the best all-rounder cars around, you may read up on our reviews of the \nMazda2\n and \nMazda3\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia announced that it has sold \n39,000\n cars between January and June 2022, showing a 60% increase over the same period in 2021. With a \ngoal of 80,000 car sales in 2022\n, Honda Malaysia is well on track to achieving its target.\nSo far this year, Honda has managed to attain 12% of the Total Industry Volume (TIV). Of the 39,000 cars sold, 39% of sales were the \nHonda City\n, 23% were of the \nHonda City Hatchback\n, and 18% were of the \nHonda Civic\n. The highest number of sales was recorded in March with 10,500 cars sold.\nThe Honda City has contributed to 39% of sales by Honda Malaysia in the first half of 2022.\nRELATED: \nHonda City reclaims title as best-selling B-segment sedan in Q1 \u201922 \u2013 over 30k units sold since launch\nAs for bookings, Honda Malaysia has received \n105,000 bookings\n between January to June 2022. High demand was seen approaching the end of the Sales Tax exemption period.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, \u201cHonda Malaysia started 2022 on a high note with the launch of the Civic in January, which left a strong impression in the market with its attractive and premium features.\n\u201cRecently in July, we kept the momentum going with the launch of our popular Compact SUV, the \nAll-New HR-V\n. Since its launch, the all-new model, featuring exceptional styling and advanced technology, has received outstanding response from the market. The positive acceptance of the Honda models helped to boost our sales performance this year.\u201d\nRELATED: \nFive things to know about \nt\nhe all-new 2022 Honda HR-V in Malaysia!\nThe company also thanked the Malaysian government for the \nextension of the sales tax exempted vehicle registration period\n. \u201cHonda is working hard to ensure that the new cars are delivered to the customers in a timely manner while maintaining the highest quality,\u201d added Yoshimura."
"In conjunction with the year-end festivities, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, is offering sales promotions for selected models, as well as services discounts.\nFrom now until 31st January 2020, customers who purchase the\n Ford Ranger WildTrak\n or \nRanger Raptor\n will enjoy a \ntwo years/40,000 km free maintenance package\n, in addition to a free christmas gift worth RM2,000 and a Ford Performance golf umbrella. The Ranger WildTrak also comes with a \nRM3,000 cash rebate\n during this promotional period.\n \nAll existing Ford owners are eligible to a\n free 27-point vehicle inspection\n by Ford-certified technicians, perfect for ensuring your vehicles are in serviceable conditions before the holiday road trip.\u00a0\nWithin the promotional period, selected parts and engine oils for selected Ford models are also available with up to \n20% discount\n. Additionally, a \n10% discount\n is available on labour fees for lubricant, brakes, and timing belt service packages for selected models.\u00a0\nAll customers who pay in cash with a spending of more than RM350 in a single receipt will receive a complimentary set of travel cutleries. As the promotional period coincides with the Chinese New Year celebrations, Ford will also be giving out free Ford \u2018Ang Pao\u2019 packets to all service customers.\u00a0\nThe Ford Ranger was launched in 2018, and has proven its popularity with the Malaysians, with a \n16.2% market share\n in the pick-up truck segment within the country as of October this year.\nTwo variants of the WildTrak are available \u2013 the WildTrak 4\u00d72 is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue single-turbo diesel mill that pushes out \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, while the WildTrak 4\u00d74 gets an additional turbocharger to bump the output figure up to \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\nThe 4\u00d74 variant also comes packed with advanced driver assist features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection (AEB), Lane Departure Warning and Assist as well as Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP).\nThe performance-oriented\n Ranger Raptor\n shares the same powerplant from the WildTrak 4\u00d74, but gets \nFOX shock absorbers \nas standard for better off-road capabilities. The Ranger Raptor has also been recently added into the \nUK Police vehicle fleet\n for testing, a testament of its off-road performance.\nBoth the Ranger WildTrak and Raptor, as with the rest of the Ford Ranger line-up, come with \nthree years/100,000 km\n full manufacturer\u2019s warranty as standard."
"The official organisers of the event has announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix of the 2020 Formula 1 calendar will take place without spectators \nthrough a statement issued on Sunday\n, according to a report by \nmotorsport.com\n.\nThe announcement comes just two days after tickets sales were halted as the organisers move to evaluate its response to the escalating situation surrounding COVID-19.\nThe Gulf Kingdom said in the statement, \u201cIn consultation with our international partners and the Kingdom\u2019s national health Taskforce, Bahrain has made the decision to hold this year\u2019s Bahrain Grand Prix as a participants-only event.\n\u201cAs an F1 host nation, balancing the welfare of supporters and race goers is a tremendous responsibility. Given the continued spread of Covid-19 globally, convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travellers and local fans to interact in close proximity would not be the right thing to do at the present time,\u201d it said.\nHowever, the race weekend will still go ahead as a \ntelevised event\n, to ensure that the sport and global supporters are not \u201cunduly impacted\u201d by this decision.\nOn the prevention of spread of the virus, Bahrain said that its early actions to identify and isolate individuals affected by COVID-19 has been very successful to date.\n\u201cAggressive social distancing measures have further increased the effectiveness of preventing the virus\u2019 spread, something that would clearly be near impossible to maintain were the race to have proceeded as originally planned,\u201d the statement said.\n\u201cWe know how disappointed many will be by this news, especially for those planning to travel to the event, which has become a cornerstone event of the international F1 calendar, but safety has to remain our utmost priority.\u201d\nOn the same day of the announcement, Italy has also announced the lockdown of several northern regions, including Modena where Ferrari is based.\nOn the \nFacebook post\n of the announcement, a Bahrain International Circuit spokesperson said that the sales team is currently contacting all ticket holders in regards to the refund process.\nThe Australian Grand Prix this weekend is still scheduled to go ahead."
"In an unprecedented turn of events, Volvo Car Malaysia has dropped a bomb right in the \nBMW 330e iPerformance\n\u2018s spotlight. The \nVolvo S60 T6\n, a 306 hp 3-Series rival had an original sticker price of RM281k, but thanks to EEV incentives granted by the government, it now costs RM238,888 \u2013 a full RM42,000 cheaper than before.\nThis news follows the \nrecent price reduction of the V40 T5, XC60 T5 and XC60 T6\n, all of which are incentivised by the government thanks to Volvo\u2019s newest developments in their Drive-E powertrain. Unlike its electrified counterparts (the BMW 330e and \nMercedes-Benz C 350 e\n), the S60 T6 is powered solely by an internal combustion engine but is twincharged to produce a class\u2019 best \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Swedish sedan gets an Aisin-made \neight-speed automatic transmission\n which sends all the power to the \nfront wheels\n, unlike both the aforementioned German plug-in hybrids. In case you\u2019re wondering just how quick the S60 is, it is tied with the C 350 e in the century sprint at \n5.9 seconds\n. The 330e iPerformance manages the same a tad slower at 6.1 seconds.\nFive exterior colours\n can be specified; Ice White, Seashell, Ember Black, Saville Grey and Bright Silver. The Volvo S60 T6 is locally assembled at the Swedish Motor Assemblies in Shah Alam and can be widely personalised with Volvo\u2019s selection of genuine accessories."
"Following the \u201cwrongdoing\u201d of Daihatsu on the UN-R135 side pole impact test for the \nToyota Raize\n/\nDaihatsu Rocky\n that made news on \nMay 19, 2023\n, Toyota has announced that the car has passed an internal re-test of the UN-R135 procedure. The re-test is only an in-house test, and \nToyota\n is still awaiting confirmation on the certification status by the relevant certification authority.\nFor those unfamiliar with the situation regarding the Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky, Daihatsu Motor Corporation committed a \u201cwrongdoing\u201d for the UN-R135 pole side impact test. The company submitted side impact results for the left door to replace results for the right (driver) door instead. Quoting Daihatsu\u2019s statement, \u201cThis time, the passenger seat side (left) was tested in the presence of witnesses. For the driver\u2019s seat side, we submitted the left-side data instead of the right-side in-house test data.\u201d\nThe in-house re-test was conducted on \nMay 24, 2023\n, at the Daihatsu Shiga Technical Centre. The purpose of the UN-R135 test is to confirm the safety of a vehicle when it collides with a utility pole from the side. In the test, the side of a vehicle was crashed into a utility-type pole at a speed of 32 km/h. Through the test, it can be confirmed:\nIf the occupant impact (injury value) meets legal standards\nIf the door does not dislodge or release\nIf the amount of fuel leakage is below a certain value\nRELATED: \nToyota Raize sales suspended, another Daihatsu safety scandal appears\nToyota and Daihatsu have also shared the results of the test, showing that the Raize/Rocky meets regulatory safety standards concerning occupant impact injury to the head, shoulders, ribs, abdominal muscles, lower spine, and pelvis. The car also meets safety requirements concerning vehicle damage such as door dislodgement and fuel leaks.\nAs mentioned earlier, the re-test is an in-house test and has not been confirmed by the certification authority. The necessary procedures for shipment and sales resumption of the Toyota Raize will be implemented, such as conducting tests in the presence of certification authorities and confirming other certification items in consultation with the authorities.\nRegarding the UN-R135 issue, Toyota\u2019s official statement reads, \u201cWe view this case not as an individual or workplace issue, but rather a company-wide issue where an individual or workplace was forced to commit a wrongdoing. Together with Daihatsu, we are committed to listening to the voices of those on the front lines and carefully responding to the situation.\u201d\nAs for the Raize/Rocky\u2019s Malaysian counterpart, the \nPerodua Ativa\n, no official statements have been released regarding the issue.\nRELATED: \nToyota Yaris Ativ sales suspended in Thailand, Vios unaffected in Malaysia \u2013 Here\u2019s why"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced a range of exclusive service privileges for \nHyundai Ioniq Hybrid\n owners in Malaysia, including special discounts for aftersales services, plus a complimentary 20-point vehicle inspection.\nStarting\n 1 October until 30 November 2021\n, all Hyundai Ioniq owners who send in their vehicles to any authorised Hyundai service centre will enjoy discounts of up to 25% on selected parts, and 10% on labour charges. The selected parts eligible for the 25% discount include gaskets, oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, and more.\nIn addition to the parts and labour charges discount, Hyundai Ioniq customers who are also members of the \nHyundai Loyalty Card\n programme will also be entitled to exclusive monthly promotions, including 20% discounts on KLIMA Fresh and BlueChem products.\nThe Hyundai Loyalty Card is a complimentary programme for all Hyundai owners; customers can sign up for the card at any authorised Hyundai service centres nationwide.\nAlthough HSDM has stopped retailing the current Ioniq Hybrid model, Managing Director Low Yuan Lung said that its customers are not forgotten. \u201cWe have a big customer base for the Ioniq. and we would like to continue to show our appreciation to our customers by offering them this special service privilege.\u201d\nThe Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid was first launched in Malaysia back in 2016, at an attractive price point due to its hybrid powertrain and local assembly of the model. Unlike other Hyundai models, the Ioniq only requires service every 15,000 km, or once in every nine months.\nFor more information on the service promotion, customers can contact Hyundai Sime Darby Motor via the hotline at \n1300-13-2000\n or log on to \nwww.hyundai.com.my\n."
"Lexus could be unveiling an all-new sports car based on the \nToyota GR86\n/\nSubaru BRZ\n twin, and we might see it as soon as by the year-end, if rumours from Japanese automotive website \nSpyder7\n is to be believed.\nMarin Kawasaki/Twitter\nThe new entry-level sports car is reportedly called the UC for \u201cUrban Coupe\u201d, and will feature the same naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four boxer engine as seen on the Hachiroku twins (\ntriplets?\n). However, the report claims that the Lexus UC will set itself apart from the other two models with a new electrification system tacked onto its powertrain.\nTurbo kits are already being developed for the Toyota GR 86, with power output boosted up to over 300 hp! Check them out here.\nWill it be a plug-in hybrid, or a 48V mild-hybrid solution? Well, nobody knows for now, but seeing that the model is meant to be a lightweight rear-wheel drive sports car, the latter seems more likely. Either way, \nSpyder7\n says that the overall length of the car will be lengthened slightly to accommodate the hybrid battery pack.\nThe all-new Toyo-baru twins\nFor context, the all-new Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ\u2019s boxer engine makes \n235 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n stock, and can be paired to either a six-speed manual transmission as standard, or an optional six-speed automatic gearbox. Seeing that the Lexus will probably be positioned as the luxury variant, we think that the latter will be more likely on the UC.\nMarin Kawasaki/Twitter\nA spyshot of the Lexus UC development mule was supposedly spotted by Japanese Twitter user marin_kawasaki. If the photo is indeed of the actual model, we can expect to see the usual Lexus design touches, such as the iconic Spindle grille, more angular lighting elements, and possibly a set of larger wheels on the final production car.\nProbably not 14-inches in size, but should feature the same software!\nThe Lexus UC\u2019s interior should also be a step above the GR86 and BRZ to fit its brand image. Expect to see the new Lexus Link infotainment system that was unveiled alongside the \nall-new NX \nbeing adapted for the new sports car, alongside a swath of premium leather upholstery.\nThe older Lexus infotainment system is, in all honesty, a complete mess. Read more about it in our Lexus UX review here.\nLexus did not respond directly when journalists pressed about the new sports car, only responding with the standard boilerplate about not commenting on future product plans and all that jazz. Although, they did tell US publications that there\u2019s \u201csome exciting things coming up for Lexus\u201d \u2013 we can only hope that a new entry-level sports car is in the works!"
"It\u2019s finally here now, after nearly nine months since its global debut in South Korea. The \nseventh generation\n Hyundai Sonata is undoubtedly a handsome looking car, and \nas per previously reported\n, its design is based on the evolved \nFluidic Sculpture 2.0\n, and looks strikingly similar like the flagship \nGenesis\n, also on its way here.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L\nEngine\n1,999cc; inline-4 cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) technology\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic, conventional torque converter\nMax Power\n152 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n194 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM143,163.30 (\nOTR with insurance and road tax\n)\n\u00a0\nThe new Sonata is offered here in \nthree flavours\n \u2013 Elegance B being the base model, Elegance and Executive. All three variants will be powered by the same \n2.0-litre naturally aspirated\n\u00a0Nu MPI engine, so gone is the 2.4-litre mill previously offered in the superseded sixth-gen YF Sonata.\nEXTERIOR\nHyundai\u2019s designers are evidently outdoing themselves here in their pursuit for visually alluring aesthetics, and this Korean D-Segment sedan\u2019s styling revolves around the brand\u2019s evolved Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language and Human-Machine Interface technology. To put it simply, the whole design of the new Sonata is made to be \nmore driver centric\n, as you\u2019ll see in a bit.   Standard exterior feature across the range are projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillights, trapezoidal single exhaust pipe, electric folding side mirrors, welcoming lights on the door handle and LED rear fog lamps. Both the Elegance variants sit on \n17-inch alloy wheels\n wrapped with 215/55R17 profile tyres, while riding on MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link type suspension at the rear.\nAnother interesting feature of the Sonata is the new \nSmart Trunk System\n which automatically opens the trunk when you stand at the back of the car for \nthree seconds\n. This only works when the car detects the smart key though, so don\u2019t be surprised if the boot suddenly opens when you carry out casual conversations behind the car for the first time.\nFeatures exclusive to the range-topping Executive trim are the 18-inch wheels shod with 235/45/R18 series rubbers, auto leveling \nbi-xenon HID headlights\n with \nActive Cornering Lamp\n and rain sensors.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Sonata\u2019s cabin is a clear departure from the model it replaces, and this time it is designed to be more driver centric, meaning that its ergonomics are easily operable via intuition.   The change begins with what Hyundai describes as \nT-shaped centre fascia\n, where the dashboard and centre fascia is obviously laid out. This layout proves Hyundai\u2019s claims of improved ergonomics, which we tested on your behalf.\nNow, standard interior features in all Sonatas are: dual zone air-conditioning with rear air vents, keyless entry with push-start ignition, rear reverse sensors, leather seats, 12-way electrically powered driver\u2019s seat, leather wrapped gear knob, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches and auto headlights.\nThe \nElegance\n trim gives you Hyundai\u2019s Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) head unit with Bluetooth and Micro SD card functionalities, as well as additional front parking sensors and a reverse camera. The AVN runs on Android 4.4.2, and it supports \nWaze and Youtube\n, too.\nIn the \nExecutive\n trim, you get electric chromic mirror, 4.2-inch colour LCD multi-info display (also shared with the Elegance variant), 8-way electrically powered front passenger seat, retractable panoramic sunroof and rain sensors.\nThe top two trims also come with a built-in \nSafe Drive Recorder\n, one of the more popular in-car aftermarket gadgetry these days. Its placed between the windscreen and the rear view mirror, and comes with an 8GB SD card for storage purposes.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the Sonata is Hyundai\u2019s trusty \n2.0-litre\n inline-four naturally aspirated engine that now makes \n152 horsepower\n at 6,200 rpm and \n194 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. It\u2019s paired to the familiar \nsix-speed\n \nautomatic\n torque converting gearbox, driving the front wheels only.\nDriving modes can be selected through the \nDrive Mode Control System\n, and there are three modes to choose from \u2013 Active Eco, Normal and Sports. It works by tweaking the \nMotor-Driven Power Steering\n (MDPS), throttle response and air-conditioning to optimise vehicle performance.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety side of things, dual front airbags, ABS, ESC, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) are standard, but the upper two variants get four additional airbags (two side and two curtain airbags), making a total of \nsix\n. Wrapping up the new Sonata\u2019s safety front is the extensive use of Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS; 30 percent more than the previous generation Sonata) in the body structure, which is two times stronger than ordinary steel.\nWHAT ELSE?\nPricing of the new Sonatas, OTR with insurance and road tax are as such \u2013 \nElegance B\n (RM143,163.30), \nElegance\n (RM149,845.30), \nExecutive\n (RM158,053.30). There are six colour options to choose from, namely Ice White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Remington Red, Dark Horse and Phantom Black.\nFirst hand owners of this Sonata will benefit from the country\u2019s first \n8-year\n \nor 300,000km\n \nwarranty programme\u00a0\noffered by Hyundai Sime Darby Motors. The first five years covers manufacturing warranty, whereas the additional three years will cover the engine and gearbox. All buyers will also be entitled to a 2-year free membership of Hyundai Malaysia\u2019s proprietary concierge service known as \nThe Leader\n.\nMembers of \nThe Leader\n can enjoy VIP privileges such as worldwide access to the Plaza Premium Lounge at selected airports in Malaysia, and a one-time complimentary chauffeur driven ride to or from KLIA, KLIA2 or Subang Skypark. There\u2019s also the personalised medical assistance and priority will be given to you when you service your Sonata at selected 3S Centres nationwide.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia must believe that too many people want to experience the best or nothing behind the wheel, so they\u2019ve come up with this, the new AgilityPlus plan, to make sure no man (or woman) is denied their dream Mercedes-Benz.\nAs an extension to the Agility Financing plan,\n as we\u2019ve been explained to\n, which offers flexible end of agreement options to settle or extend their contracts or return their Mercedes-Benz vehicles, \nAgilityPlus\n offers customers the option to equip their Agility Financing plan with either one or a combination of value add-ons.\nThey include the Mercedes-Benz Comprehensive Motor Insurance, Tyre and Rim Insurance, Return to Invoice (RTI) Insurance as well as the Mercedes-Benz Service Package (Compact or Compact Plus).\nThe \nGuaranteed Future Value\n is another key feature which protects customers against depreciation, while enjoying lower monthly instalments.\n\u201cWith the inclusion of the Mercedes-Benz Service Package, customers are assured their Mercedes-Benz vehicles are cared for by trained and experienced technicians, equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and guaranteed use of genuine parts. Our presence at touch-points throughout our extensive network further guarantees convenience for our customers nationwide,\u201d explained\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, Managing Director, Mike \nPonnaz.\nBesides the \nfreedom to adjust the tenure\n of each financing and insurance solution, customers also benefit from savings as a result of being protected against the fluctuations of volatile market prices through the Guarantee Future Value and Mercedes-Benz Service Package.\nThe tenure options for Agility Financing, RTI and Mercedes-Benz Service Package (Compact) is \nbetween one to five years\n\u00a0while the tenure for Comprehensive Motor Insurance and Tyre and Rim is one year (renewal basis). The Mercedes-Benz Service Package (Compact Plus) is a one-off add-on.\nThe C350e now falls under Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s\u00a0\nnew EQ Power sub-category\n.\nCustomers who choose to finance their Mercedes-Benz GLC200, for instance, with the Drive360+ option for five years (20,000 km per annum), with a five year RTI, one year Comprehensive Motor Insurance and Tyre and Rim and Service Package (Compact Plus) will \nonly pay RM 4,715 per month\n.\nThrough AgilityPlus, MBSM is also running the Performance Agility Care campaign \nfrom 25 April to 30 June\n. The campaign offers Agility Financing for all Mercedes-Benz AMG 43 and 45 models for an ownership tenure of one to five years, complemented by a service package and exclusive AMG merchandise.\nOn the side note, MBSM also recently introduced the EQ Agility Care campaign, which \nruns until 30 June 2018\n, to compliment the newly-launched EQ Power products. Through the campaign, customers who are also eligible to add on AgilityPlus solutions, will receive scheduled vehicle maintenance and servicing, along with an EQ Power charging wallbox packaged with their new EQ Power C350 e or E350 e for an ownership tenure of one to five years."
"National carmaker Proton managed to close the month of May with \n9,440 units\n, bringing a total of \n57,283 units\n for the first five months of 2021.\nIts sales in May moved in tandem with the decline of the overall Total Industry Volume (TIV), which it is forecasted to have \nreduced by 20%\n due to the semiconductor chip shortages as well as the reintroduction of the more stringent movement control order (MCO).\nProton last month started construction of the \nTanjung Malim plant expansion\n, dedicated to stamping of large panels\nThe monthly market share of \n20.3%\n is the second-lowest for the year with \nJanuary\n being the lowest due to shortages in parts and kits.\nWhile it wasn\u2019t a great month for domestic business, its \nexport division\n celebrated on the back of the successful delivery of \n669 units\n in May, a 98-month high. With just \nexports\n of Proton Saga, X50 and X70 models, total sales for 2021 are now less than 100 units behind the total for the whole of 2020.\nAs with the trend for the first four months, the top three Proton models in May are the Saga with 3,786 units, the X50 with 1,899 units and the X70 closed the month with 1,523 units.\nWhile suffering a large sales fall (-1,684 units), the Proton X50 is also said to be May\u2019s \nbest-seller\n in the B-segment SUV, where it was placed second in April with strong sales of over 3,500 units.\nThe Proton Persona saw a reduction of nearly 1,000 units versus April to register sales of 1,303 units while the Iriz and Exora ended the month of May with 526 units and 399 units respectively.\nWith the closure of retail car sales due to the ongoing MCO 3.0, Proton is taking the opportunity to work with their dealers on restudying the sales plan for this year, as the government on Monday announced the \nextension of the SST exemption\n to the end of this year.\nThe extension might not have an effect on lower-priced models such as the Proton Saga and Persona, but it makes a significant impact on the Proton X70 and X50, where the former is \nRM4,900 cheaper\n and sees a starting price of RM89,900.\nThe introduction of \nupcoming new models\n will also be rescheduled, as Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar concluded, \u201cWe are also finalising our model launch plans for the rest of this year. The current MCO will push some of these dates back, but Proton remains committed to meeting our launch targets and creating some excitement for our customers in 2021.\u201d\nThe models that are rumoured to be launched this year are the improved \nProton Persona\n as well as a \ncrossover-theme Proton Iriz\n."
"It has been two years since the \narrival of \u2018The Boss\u2019\n to Malaysian shores, and now the F15 BMW X5 is joined by a plug-in hybrid variant, the X5 xDrive40e M Sport. Being locally assembled granted this hybrid vehicle\u00a0the EEV status, which explains the attractive price tag of RM389k \u2013 a whopping RM145k cheaper than the X5 xDrive30d.\nNot only is the xDrive40e the\u00a0\ncheapest variant\n in BMW Malaysia\u2019s X5 lineup, the price also undercuts its closest rival to date, the recently-announced CKD version of the \nVolvo XC90 T8\n. After the \ni8 supercar\n, the X5 xDrive40e is the first \niPerformance\n model to be introduced here, and BMW Malaysia hinted that more iPerformance models will be introduced\u00a0in the near future.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X5 xDrive40e M Sport\nEngine\n1,997 cc;\u00a04-cylinder, turbocharged, with electric motor\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n245 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm (petrol engine)\n111 hp @ 3,170 rpm (electric motor)\n308 hp @ 5,000 rpm\n (combined)\nMax Torque\n350\u00a0Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,800 rpm (petrol engine)\n250\u00a0Nm @ 0 \u2013 3,170 rpm (electric motor)\n450 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n (combined)\nPrice\nRM388,800.00\nEXTERIOR\nWhat caught us by surprise is that the \nmost frugal X5\n in the range is also the \nsportiest looking X5 variant\n in Malaysia, because the full-fat\u00a0\nX5 M\n is not on sale here. Dressed with the \nM Sport\n kit, the X5 xDrive40e gets a unique set of bumpers, side skirts, and body-coloured wheel arch extensions.   At the front, there are \nbigger air dams\n on each side of the bumper, and \nAdaptive LED headlamps\n and LED foglamps are fitted as standard. Drag-reducing aero work is\u00a0still present here, most notably the \nAir Curtains\n at the edge of the front air dam that work together with the \nAir Breathers\n on the front fenders.\nThe reprofiled rear bumper houses a pair of \nbigger trapezoidal tailpipe finishers\n, and the whole package sits on a set of \nstaggered 19-inch M Sport light alloy wheels\n wrapped in 255/50 tyres at the front and 285/45 tyres at the rear. More subtle signs that indicate this is the hybrid X5 are the badges on the front doors and on the rear tailgate, and a flap on the passenger-side front fender that conceals the charging port.\nINTERIOR\nIt\u2019s the same X5 cabin as we all know it which means it comes the \nBlack Panel instrument cluster\n, a \nHead-Up Display\n, \n10.25-inch screen\n on the dash, and \niDrive touch controller\n with handwriting recognition. However, being an \nM Sport\n model, the cabin has been spiced up with some M Sport accessories such as the \nsports steering wheel\n with shift paddles and the front \nsports seats\n. The seats are wrapped in either Leather Dakota Black or Leather Dakota Terra as appeared on the display car.   The \u2018\neDrive\n\u2018 wording on the center console hints at its hybrid powertrain, and there\u2019s a dedicated \u2018eDrive\u2019 button on the center console that allows the driver to choose from \nthree eDrive modes\n (Auto eDrive, Max eDrive, and Save Battery) that works on top of the existing three drive modes (Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport).\nAdditional menu is also embedded into the ConnectedDrive menu in the iDrive system, which shows hybrid-related information such as the battery charge status and charging timer. \nRear Seat Entertainment Professional\n is also provided for the rear occupants with two 10.2-inch screens just behind the front seats\u2019 headrests.\nThe boot will haul \n500 litres\n worth of cargo, and it can take another 1,220 litres with the rear seats folded down. However, since the battery pack occupies the boot floor, it denies the xDrive40e of its seven-seater capacity like its xDrive35i sibling.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the bonnet is a \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n \u2018B48\u2019 that\u2019s already in use in various BMW models such as the \nG11 730Li\n, but in the X5 xDrive40e it\u2019s assisted by\u00a0a \nsynchronous electric motor\n. While the petrol engine develops \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, the electric motor alone is capable to generate \n83kW\n (111 hp) and \n250 Nm\n from zero rpm. In \nMax eDrive\n mode, the X5 xDrive40e is claimed to go \nup to 120 km/h\n or travel \nup to 30 km\n using just its electric motor. Providing the juice for the electric motor is the \n9 kWh lithium ion\u00a0battery\n under the boot floor, which can be \ncharged\n in just \nunder four hours\n using the standard 3-pin wall socket using the provided adapter.\nWhen the petrol engine and the electric motor\u00a0join forces, they produce a total of \n308 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, and as the \u2018\nxDrive\n\u2018 badge suggests, the drive is sent to all four wheels, via an \n8-speed automatic\n gearbox. For comparison, the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six in the X5 xDrive35i produces 305 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Getting from \n0 to 100 km/h\n takes \n6.8 seconds\n, and it will reach a \ntop speed\n of \n210 km/h\n. But the highlight has to be the fuel consumption, the X5 xDrive40e sips just \n3.3 litres of petrol per 100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nOther than the usual \nfront and side airbags\n, there are also \nhead airbags\n for all except the middle rear seat passenger. While on the move, the \nDriving Assistant System\n keeps the driver alert with the \nLane Departure Warning\n, \nCity Collision Warning\n, and \nPedestrian Collision Warning\n. Front and rear parking sensors are standard, and on top of that there\u2019s also the \nSurround View camera\n to facilitate parking in tight spaces.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are four exterior colours to choose from: Glacier Silver, Mineral White, Space Grey and Carbon Black. The X5 xDrive40e would retail for RM582,800.00, but the \ngovernment-approved hybrid incentive\n brings down the price to just\n RM388,800.00\n.\u00a0It\u00a0comes with \nBMW\n \n5-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n with free scheduled service, and the\n 24-month BMW tyre warranty\n is included too. Meanwhile, the \nbatteries\n are guaranteed for the first 100,000 km or the first \nsix years\n, whichever comes first.\nThe \nBMW i Wallbox\n is also available for an additional RM6,000, which reduces the battery charging time to less than 3 hours.\u00a0Furthermore, BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s partnership with \nMalaysian Green Technology Corporation\n (GreenTech Malaysia) entitles the customers access to \nChargEV charging stations\n using the \nChargeNow\n card at a fee. Currently there are 19 ChargEV stations located throughout Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Melaka, and Johor, and they are targeting to open a total of \n300 charging stations\n towards year end.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With more and more SUVs filling the roads in all shapes and sizes, we are now neck-deep into the age of SUVs and every manufacturer has been cashing in on the trend. \nLamborghini\n is no different from the Urus and it\u2019s already paying off dividends as the 20,000th unit has just rolled off the production line; making it the best-selling Lamborghini ever after just four years of being in production.\nTo give you some perspective of how quickly the Urus has been flying off the shelves, the company announced last July that it has sold \n15,000 units\n,\n \nand exactly a year before that, the company announced its \n10,000 units\n sold milestone.\nFinished in Viola Mithras with black rims and brake callipers, this 20,000th unit will be shipped off to a customer in Azerbaijan.\u00a0\nThe next best-selling model from Lamborghini is the Huracan with 2,586 units made in 2021 alone. As for the Urus, Lamborghini has made 5,021 units in 2021 alone.\nThe Urus was in such high demand that Lamborghini had to double the volume and size of the Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese factory from 861,000 sq ft to 1.7 million sq ft along with the introduction of 500 new staff members to facilitate production demands.\nThe Urus has come a long way as Lamborghini\u2019s first attempt at making a super SUV didn\u2019t go very well with the introduction of the LM002 back in 1989.\nBack then, the LM002 sold poorly with only 301 units getting the opportunity to roll off the factory. It was initially designed as a military vehicle for the US but unfortunately, plans didn\u2019t take off so Lamborghini converted it to a consumer pick-up truck.\nPowered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 641 hp and 850Nm paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Lamborghini Urus launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, earning a spot on top of the list as one of the fastest production SUVs in the market as well as being the fastest to roll off showrooms."
"Alongside the launch of the\n fully-electric MINI Cooper SE\n, MINI Malaysia today also introduced the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the most extreme MINI ever built.\nLimited to only 3,000 units globally, \nonly 10\n will make its way onto our shores, priced at \nRM 377,490,70\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the\n \nsales tax exemptions\n.\n \nEXTERIOR\nOf course, the JCW GP is still a MINI after all, so it still has the iconic silhouette, along with the elliptical headlights and Union Jack taillights \u2013 though the latter two have been darkened to suit the loud and aggressive stature of the JCW GP. Model specific exterior features include:\nGP-specific front and rear fascias\nJCW hood scoop and honeycomb grille design\nHexagonal radiator grille\nFlared wheel arch with \u201cspats\u201d, hand-crafted from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and numbered 0000 to 3000 depending on serial number\u00a0\nRoof-mounted rear wing\ndouble stainless steel tailpipes \u2013 largest diameter ever on a MINI\n18-inch lightweight (less than 9 kg) forged wheels a JCW GP model-specific four-spoke design\nExterior in Racing Grey metallic, roof and exterior mirror caps finished in the contrasting Melting Silver metallic; Hexagonal radiator grille, lower air intake inserts, and the inside of the roof spoiler finished in high-gloss Chili Red leaves\nPERFORMANCE\nThe MINI JCW GP is powered by the new uprated 2.0-litre turbocharged John Cooper Works engine, first seen on the \nJCW Countryman and Clubman\n.\nEngine: 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder petrol\nTransmission: Eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 306 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,250 RPM\nMax Torque: 450 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,500 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds\nTop Speed: 265 km/h\nThe additional 74 hp and 100 Nm of output compared to the previous JCW models comes from the upgraded engine internals, newly engineered turbocharger, larger intakes and reworked exhaust. The JCW GP is also equipped with a model-specific upgraded oil and cooling system to ensure that oil and air supply is uninterrupted during track driving.\nAs a result, the JCW GP gains an additional 15 km/h at the top end of the speedometer compared to the other JCW models.\nOther performance improvements include an improved braking system featuring 360 mm discs and four piston front calipers, reinforced engine bay and chassis, a stiffer and more complex suspension set-up and bushings, and a mechanical differential lock for the front wheels.\nThe track widths of the MINI JCW GP have also been increased, while the body lowered by an additional 10 mm compared to the regular JCW models to increase agility on track.\nINTERIOR\nThe ridiculousness of the JCW GP continues inside, with the rear seats completely stripped out, replaced by a cross brace to make the JCW GP a two-seater only. MINI says that 3D printing is extensively used on the interior, on items such as the interior trims bearing its own serial number (out of 3,000), aluminium shift pedals, and steering wheel clasp.\nOther interior highlights on the MINI JCW GP include:\nJCW sports seats in Dinamica leather with silver side edges, red accentuation seams, and GP badges\nRed seat belts\nJCW leather steering wheel with aluminium shift pedals\n3D printed passenger-side interior trim featuring specific serial number\nTECHNOLOGY\nAlthough the MINI JCW GP puts significant focus on all-out performance, it is still packed with numerous technology features to make everyday driving easier and more pleasant. These include:\n8.8-inch MINI Visual Boost infotainment display, with navigation and Apple CarPlay connectivity\n5-inch black panel digital instrument cluster with analog and digital display modes\nDual-zone automatic climate control\nWireless charging pad\nMINI Connected, with functionalities such as Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI TeleServices and Remote Services\nCruise control with braking function\nPRICING\nThe MINI John Cooper Works GP is priced at \nRM 377,470.90\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions. Included in the price is a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, along with five-year MINI Roadside Assistance programme.\nWith BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing programme, the MINI John Cooper Works GP can be yours starting at RM4,184 per month, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After two consecutive years of a foreign make winning the Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) title, specifically Volvo with the XC60 and XC40, the 2019-2020 crown has reverted to a home manufacturer with Toyota clinching it with the \nRAV4\n.\nThe win by the Toyota RAV4 makes it \nthree in a row for SUVs\n, even though there were only three SUVs in the final 10 nominees this year. The panel of judges rated the RAV4 well ahead of the \nMazda 3\n and \nBMW 3 Series\n. Here\u2019s how they fared in the points tally:\n \n \nTop 10 finalists of 2019-2020 Japan Car of the Year\nToyota RAV4\n (436 pts)\nMazda 3\n (328 pts)\nBMW 3 Series\n (290 pts)\nToyota Corolla\n (118 pts)\nJaguar I-Pace\n (109 pts)\nJeep Wrangler\n (56 pts)\nHonda N-WGN\n (54 pts)\nMercedes-Benz A-Class\n (53 pts)\nNissan Dayz/Mitsubishi eK\n (35 pts)\nDaihatsu Tanto\n (21 pts)\nThe judges commended the RAV4 for its \nfour-wheel drive\n system, new \nplatform\n (for comfort and driving enjoyment), ample luggage space as well as its connected infotainment system.\nWhen will we see you in Malaysia, RAV4?\nIf there\u2019s one model to complete the Toyota line-up in Malaysia, it has to be a mid-size SUV in the shape of the RAV4. The last we heard was it is still \u2018under consideration\u2019 and that a \n2020 launch is likely\n, though it will be fully imported, and is expected to be priced higher than other CKD rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail.\nBMW 3 Series bagged \u2018Best Import\u2019 for JCOTY.\nOther notable category winners of this year\u2019s JCOTY includes the \nBMW 3- Series\n with \u201cImport Car of the Year Award\u201d, the \nNissan Skyline\n for \u201cBest Innovation Award\u2019\u2019 (for its ProPilot 2.0 autonomous drive technology), \nJeep Wrangler\n for \u2018Emotional Category Award\u2019 and the \nNissan Dayz/Mitsubishi eK\n for \u201cSmall Mobility Award\u201d.\n(An \nearlier story\n referring to the Nissan Dayz and Mitsubishi eK as winning the JCOTY crown was inaccurate; that win by Nissan and Mitsubishi carried the title of RJC COTY. Both COTY awards have judging panels comprising automotive journalists in Japan.)"
"The \nVolkswagen ID.3\n is barely three and a half years old, but the German giant is already giving it a \u201csecond-generation\u201d model. Before you get all excited, though, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is really more of a mid-cycle facelift update than an all-new model; the only changes here are mild design updates, alongside some (much-needed) technology revisions on the inside.\nOn the outside, the main updates are seen on the front, with a re-profiled front bumper featuring new vertical air curtain intakes on the corners. The bonnet has also been updated as well, with an all-new panel pressing that does away with the black panel near the cowl, giving the ID.3 a slightly more conventional look, and a slightly improved drag coefficient.\nVolkswagen says the tail lights have also been updated with a new X-shaped lighting signature that illuminates across the entire housing on the boot lid (as opposed to only the main enclosure on the pre-facelift). But the update that we\u2019re genuinely most excited about is the new exterior colour pictured here, dubbed \u2018Dark Olivine Green\u2019, which comes with a blacked out roof and matte silver accents. Tasteful.\nInside, the most notable change comes in the form of an updated software on a new larger 12-inch central infotainment display, which is now standard across the range. The revised software promises improved performance across the board and revised UI/UX design, both of which perhaps sorely needed for the model; previous software issues and development delays were so significant that they were widely rumoured as the reason for Herbert Diess to step down as Volkswagen CEO last year.\nOther interior changes include improved materials and more soft-touch surfaces across the cabin. The door cards have also been remodelled with larger and softer armrests, a change stemming from user feedback.\nPowering the new 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is the unchanged rear-mounted electric motor, which is rated for an output of \n204 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n of torque. For juice, buyers have two choices of lithium-ion batteries \u2013 a 58 kWh pack for the base Pro variant offering \n426 km\n of range (WLTP), and a 77 kWh pack for the Pro S that serves up \n546 km\n.\nThe larger battery does mean a slightly slower 0-100 km/h sprint time (7.9 seconds, 0.6 seconds slower than the Pro), although top speed is limited at 160 km/h on both variants.\nThe main update in terms of powertrain comes in the form of an uprated DC charging rate on the Pro S, now up to 170 kW, which shortens its charging time to 30 minutes (5-80%). The Pro will have to stick with a slower 120 kW DC charging rate, taking 35 minutes to charge from 5-80%.\nGALLERY"
"Groupe PSA\u2019s EMP2 platform makes yet another entrant here, with the\u00a0\nPeugeot 3008\n\u00a0and the classy\u00a0\nDS 7\n SUVs being the latest duo. This time, the newest addition to the range is the 2017 Citroen C5 Aircross, which will be making its debut at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show.\nThe C5 Aircross is offered as a \nfive-seater SUV\n, incorporating their unique hallmark \u201cairbumps\u201d design on the side of the car\u2019s body. It is 4,500 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, 1,670 mm tall and has a \nwheelbase of 2,730 mm\n. The C5 Aircross has the longest wheelbase in its class, offering \u2018\nBest in Class legroom\n\u2019 for occupants. Boot volume meanwhile is rated at\u00a0\n482 litres\n.   Just like the soon-to-come 3008, it is powered by a\u00a0\n1.6-litre turbocharged\n petrol engine producing two states of tunes: \n165 hp\n and\n 200 hp\n. Power is delivered to the front\u00a0wheels via a\u00a0\nsix-speed automatic transmission\n. Diesel variants\u00a0are offered as well, but for selected markets only.\nThe bigger news here is the availability of a plug-in hybrid variant, making it the company\u2019s most powerful production car ever. Just like the 3008, the C5 Aircross will get two electric motors that\u2019s paired to the 1.6-litre engine, producing a combined output of 300 hp. It\u2019s also the only variant to come with all-wheel drive, all while boasting a full electric range of 60 km.\nComfort is prioritised here, as it comes fitted with\u00a0\nProgressive Hydraulic Cushions\n. This system adds two hydraulic stops to each suspension unit \u2013 one for rebound and one for compression, making this the most comfortable SUV in its class. The autonomous \nActive Safety Brake\n, Active Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function are all part of this SUV\u2019s safety repertoire.\u00a0\nThe 2017 Citroen C5 Aircross will go on sale in China later this year, followed by Europe around Q2 2018. What do you guys think of the C5 Aircross?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Having \nbeen presented to the world\n in late 2017, the BMW Wireless Charging is now officially available for purchase in selected markets. This makes the Munich-based carmaker to offer the world\u2019s first factory-fitted wireless charging technology for electrified vehicles.\nBMW Wireless Charging uses an Inductive Charging Station (GroundPad) installed on the ground and a secondary vehicle component (CarPad) fixed to the underside of the vehicle. The contactless charging works similarly to a wireless charging tray that is widely available for mobile phones where the GroundPad generates a magnetic field and electric current is induced in the CarPad which then charges the battery pack.\nWith a charging power of \n3.2 kW\n, the system can fully charge a 530e iPerformance in around 3\n.5 hours\n from empty. At the moment, BMW is only offering this Wireless Charging function for the plug-in hybrid 5 series.\nTo activate the wireless charging, all the driver has to do is line up the 530e according to the parking guidance on the Control Display into the optimum position. Once the car is lined up, a simple push of the \nStart/Stop button\n will initiate the charging process. The system automatically switches off once the battery is fully charged.\nThe GroundPad can be installed \nboth indoors and outdoors\n, where it may be used regardless of weather conditions. Rain, snow and even driving over the GroundPad will not damage the component in any way. During charging the GroundPad is permanently monitored to only induct electricity with the CarPad, should any foreign matters be detected, the electric current will be immediately switched off.\nPlug-in hybrids account for over \n50 percent\u00a0of BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s vehicle deliveries\n,\u00a0offering the most comprehensive PHEV line up in Malaysia consisting of the \n330e\n, \n530e\n, \n740Le\n and the \nX5 xDrive40e\n. It remains to be seen whether the company will offer this convenient feature for its Malaysian customers.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Subscription services already offer a substantial increase in flexibility over a traditional car ownership. But with its latest update, Toyota Capital Malaysia and UMW Toyota\u2019s \nKinto One subscription service\n now promises even more options for those who prefer subscriptions, thanks to the newly enhanced packages and additional plans.\nCustomers interested in the Kinto One service can now choose from different yearly mileage packages (between 20,000 km and 30,000 km), plus the option to choose a longer subscription of up to five years.\nOf course, the existing benefits of a subscription service are still here, with everything from admin fees, annual comprehensive insurance, road tax, as well as periodic and preventive maintenance all included into one monthly fixed subscription fee.\nA new locally-assembled hybrid Toyota SUV is coming soon! Learn more about it here.\nFor those who want to save a few pennies (and don\u2019t mind the added hassle that comes with it), there\u2019s also a new Lite Package, which does not include wear and tear maintenance. Customers will be responsible for repairs or replacements of wear and tear parts at their own costs when required.\nThe company says that the Lite Package is a natural reaction to the market demand, where customers now travel much lesser than before, but still require an easy and straightforward \u201ccar usership\u201d programme.\n\u201cSoon after we launched Kinto One, the country was ushered into another major lock down and this has encouraged us to be more adaptive of the local happenings,\u201d said Toyota Capital Malaysia president, Thomas Chai.\n\u201cThrough our spirit of Kaizen and structured discipline in product development, we took advantage of the recent lock down to improve our Kinto One features. We listened closely to what the market needs and has come up with additional varieties of Kinto One to cater to the growing car subscription market.\u201d\nThe Toyota Corolla has sold over 50 million units worldwide \u2013 300,000 in Malaysia alone. Learn more about the landmark achievement here!\nOn top of adding more flexibility for the general consumers, Toyota Capital Malaysia has also introduced the new Kinto One Business service, designed as a full-service leasing option to cater for companies and corporations\u2019 growing need of fleet vehicles.\nThe new business plans will offer a variety of commercial vehicle options, and just like the regular consumer-facing offerings, everything related to the vehicle throughout the subscription period is also taken care of by the subscription service, allowing the companies to focus on their own bottom lines.\nLaunched in January this year, the Kinto One subscription service now includes nearly all popular models under the UMW Toyota umbrella, including new additions such as the \nToyota Corolla Cross\n, Hiace vans (Business), and the Hilux pick-up truck (Business), as well as Lexus models such as the \nUX 200\n.\nThe Kinto One inventory and subscription prices can be found at \nwww.kinto-my.com\n. Learn more about the Toyota Kinto One subscription service \nhere\n."
"Diesel engines will soon be a thing of the past for Volvo Cars as the Swedish carmaker announced that they will not be producing new generation diesel powertrains. This highlights Volvo\u2019s commitment to a clean and electrified future beyond the traditional combustion engine.\nIt is said that all new Volvo models \nintroduced from 2019 onwards\n will only be available in either\u00a0\nmild hybrid petrol\n, \nplug-in hybrid petrol\n or \nfully electric-powered\n. This product strategy will be present in the \nall-new S60\n which is due this year, powered by a range of four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engines as well as two petrol plug-in hybrid versions. Mild-hybrid variants will join the line up in 2019.\nSpyshot of the new Volvo S60\nThis should not come as a surprise as several European countries are already in motion to \nban petrol and diesel engines\n. Volvo\u2019s move to drop diesel\u00a0engines is a step towards a cleaner future without internal combustion engines as it has been widely reported that \ndiesel-powered cars are not cleaner than its petrol-powered counterparts\n despite offering superior mileage.\nVolvo\u2019s commitment towards electrification was underlined last month at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show where the company said that it aims for \nfully electric vehicles\n to make up \n50 percent of its global sales\n by 2025. China, the world\u2019s leading market for electrified will be the company\u2019s stronghold, where \nVolvo\u2019s first ever fully electric car will be made\n.\nPresident and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars, H\u00e5kan Samuelsson commented, \u201cWe will phase out cars with only an internal combustion engine, with petrol hybrid versions as a transitional option as we move towards full electrification. The new S60 represents the next step in that commitment.\u201d"
"Mazda has shared its powertrain concept planned till the end of this decade, with slightly more details being shared on the rear-wheel drive (RWD) platforms.\nUnder the revised Medium-Term Management Plan, Mazda will introduce new platforms comprising of diesel and petrol engines, mild to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as well as \nrange extenders\n as part of their plan to reduce carbon emissions and be climate neutral.\nBetween next year and 2025, Mazda will offer the electrified \nrear-wheel drive platform for large vehicle\n projects. The six-cylinder petrol and diesel engine will have a \n48-volt\n \nmild-hybrid setup\n, while the PHEV is limited to a four-cylinder petrol unit under the Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture technology.\nMazda intends to offer five hybrid models (which will also use Toyota\u2019s \nfourth-generation hybrid system\n), five PHEV models as well as three EV models to major markets including Malaysia and the \nASEAN\n \nregion\n.\nPlug-in hybrid, RWD\nSix-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid, RWD\nConcurrently, the Hiroshima-based company will also develop a dedicated platform for EV called Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture and expected the first vehicle to be launched between 2025 and 2030.\nBy 2030, the company expects \n25% of its cars to be EVs\n and the rest have some degree of electrification (mild, full hybrid or PHEV). Mazda currently only offers the Mazda3-based \nMX-30\n in fully electric or mild-hybrid powertrains and only in selected markets.\nThe big question mark floating in our minds is the models under the proposed large vehicle products, as the largest Mazda vehicles are only the Mazda 6 sedan and \nMazda CX-9\n multi-seat SUV. A straight-six engine stretches the bonnet with only BMW championing it, so perhaps the \nnext Mazda 6\n will compete directly with a BMW 3 Series? Is the \nRX-Vision\n finally going into production now that a six-cylinder engine has been given the green light?\nThe Mazda RX-Vision Concept was showcased back in 2015\nBermaz introduces 2021 Mazda6 sedan from RM171k\nMazda is also not neglecting the growing demands of more semi-autonomous driving, as the brand has always placed driver involvement very highly in the development of all their vehicles.\nMaking further advancements of the Mazda i-Activsense driving assistance system is the \nMazda Co-Pilot Concept\n that will also be included in the new large vehicle products.\nThe proposed system is designed to monitors the driver\u2019s condition at all times. If a sudden change in the driver\u2019s physical condition is detected, the system switches to autonomous driving, \nnavigating the car to a safe place, stopping the car\n and placing an emergency call.\nIt is indeed great news that Mazda is still heavily investing in a platform with a six-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, given our daily reports are about varying battery sizes and charging times."
"The makers of the well-loved Suzuki Swift have once again come around with the unveiling of their newest hatchback yet. The brand claims that the Baleno is \u201cheld back by nothing\u201d whereby it utilises a\u00a0flowing design language dubbed \u2018liquid flow\u2019, superb performance achieved through ground-breaking technology and packed up handsomely.\nThe inspiration for this all-new model stems from the company\u2019s determination to build the\u00a0\nideal hatchback\n, one that makes no compromises, giving it an elegant, sophisticated and \ngrown-up\n character. The Baleno perfectly embodies all the elements expected in a car of this size \u2013 design, utility, comfort, manoeuvrability, superior driving performance and fuel efficiency, says\u00a0chief engineer \nKunihiko Ito\n.   Let\u2019s start with the looks of it all. It is indeed a more grown up and matured version of the\n Swift\n,one might say. The front fascia exudes \nsporty lines\n from the lower extremity of the bumper. Couple that to the \nangular\n \ngrille\n and headlamp design, it sets the tone for the Baleno. Lighting is up to the job of a pair of \nHID\n (high intensity discharge) bulbs and a strip of \nLEDs\n that make up the \nDRL\n.\nThe same styling cues can be found as you make your way around the back where the angular theme continues. The longer you stare at it, the Baleno reminds you of the \nDacia Sandero \nwhich is hardly surprising considering that this hatchback will be going head-to-head against the Romanian auto manufacturer. The \nLED\n tail lamps are housed in an inner lens for \nbetter\n light projection.   There are two engine choices that power the Baleno. One of it is the \n1.0-litre Boosterjet\n\u00a0and the other is the range-topping\n 1.2-litre DualJet\n mill.\u00a0The smaller block is a newly developed \ndirect-injection turbo\n mill that delivers good fuel economy by\u00a0controlling the \nwastegate\n valve. It closes to create higher \nboost\n pressures during heavy acceleration and remains opened during normal driving, thus achieving both power and fuel efficiency. Its output figure is \n110\n \nhp\n and \n170\n \nNm\n of torque.\nThe range-topping DualJet variant however comes with a \nmild hybrid system\n\u00a0that uses an ISG (\nIntegrated Starter Generator\n) to assist the engine during acceleration and generate electricity via \nregenerative\n braking that\u2019s stored in a\u00a0compact high-charging-performance \nlithium ion battery pack\n.\u00a0In the Baleno, the system aims to lessen the environmental footprint by setting CO\n2\u00a0\nemissions target to an ambitious\u00a0\n93 g/km\n.\nChanneling drive to the front wheels is a\n\u00a0five-speed manual\n\u00a0with a specially designed \nconvergent\n \ngear\n locating system that helps \nreduce frictional\n losses and improve shift feel. The other gearbox is\n\u00a0six-speed automatic\n transmission that enables better performance at low speeds and optimum fuel-efficiency at higher speeds. A \nCVT\n transmission is also available on the range-topper.\nThere is a total of\n nine exterior colours\n to\u00a0go with the Baleno, of which\u00a0include \nPremium Silver Metallic\n\u00a0(which brings out the body\u2019s curving lines) and\n Ray Blue Pearl Metallic\n, pearlescent paint that changes from a\u00a0\ngreen hue\n\u00a0to a \nred\n tinge, depending on surrounding lighting conditions. Suzuki is poised to reveal more about the Baleno soon. However, the company has indicated that the Baleno will go on \nsale\n starting \nnext year\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While they may have shown \nwhat the road-going version of the GT-R50 would look like\n, Nissan is not about to give up on the \u201cold\u201d GT-R just yet.\nThat\u2019s cause they\u2019ve just revealed a special edition model,\n specifically for the Japanese market\n, in commemoration of the company\u2019s partnership with tennis Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.\nBased on the\n GT-R Premium variant\n, Nissan has earmarked \nonly 50 units for production\n with very specific trims. They will be offered in three body colours namely Midnight Opal, Brilliant White Pearl and Meteor Flake Black Pearl.\nThe special edition model pays tribute to Naomi Osaka as the first Japanese tennis player to win a women\u2019s singles Grand Slam championship in September. Naomi also helped match the colour schemes for this limited-production model.\nOne of the main highlights of the exterior is the LED brake lights mounted on the dry carbon rear spoiler and a golden model-number plaque\u00a0in the engine bay.\nRecently, Nissan also showed its persistence to preserve the older GT-Rs by \noffering official parts for the R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R\n through its \nNISMO Heritage programme\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the \nunveiling of the F90 BMW M5\n, the company has also unveiled a \u201cFirst Edition\u201d special commemorative model to celebrate the launch. The First Edition is limited to 400 examples worldwide and will be available for order alongside the regular M5.\nFor\u00a0\n\u20ac19,500 (RM99k)\n premium over the standard M5, the First Edition is only available in exclusive\n Frozen Dark Red Metallic\n matte finish paintwork. It also gets the BMW Individual high-gloss \nShadow Line trim\n that blacks out the kidney grille, M gills and four tailpipes. The black finish 20-inch seven double-spoke light-alloy are standard items here (optional on the regular variant).   Inside, the First Edition is furnished in Smoke White leather upholstery with \nred contrast stitching\n, reflecting the exterior theme. Piano Finish Black is applied on several trim panels as opposed to metallic finish on the regular model. The M multifunctional seats are also fitted as standard here. First Edition models also get a \n\u201cM5 First Edition\u201d plaque\n on the centre console with the car\u2019s accompanying production number e.g., \u201cM5 First Edition 22/400\u201d.\nNo mechanical changes were made to the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The powerplant generates\n 600 hp\n and\n 750 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all four-wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the \nM xDrive all-wheel drive system\n, the First Edition M5 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n with a limited top speed of\n 250 km/h\n. The latter can be extended to \n305 km/h\n with the M Driver\u2019s Package optioned.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The annual Malaysia Autoshow scheduled to take place in July this year at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) has been postponed to 2021 due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.\nAccording to organisers Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), the Autoshow is \nexpected to take place in April 2021\n \u2013 subject to developments of the pandemic.\nMARii CEO, Dato\u2019 Madani Sahari said, \u201cDespite the postponement, MARii is looking at potential technologies to host a digital version of an automotive sales and education show. With the absence of this year\u2019s event, we\u2019ll rethink and innovate the way we gather the automotive community in a safe and secure way\u201d, said Dato\u2019 Madani Sahari, CEO MARii.\n\u201cWe hope that the situation improves this year so we can start planning for an even bigger Autoshow next year, showcasing the latest mobility technology and creating a new experience in automotive and mobility exhibitions for the tech-savvy consumer\u201d, he added."
"Following the\n teasers from earlier this week\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has now officially opened the order books to the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion. The model will be locally assembled (CKD) here in Pekan, Pahang, with prices estimated to be \nbetween RM245,000 to RM255,000.\nCementing its position as VPCM\u2019s flagship model here in Malaysia, the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion will be powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine, with a significantly higher output of \n280 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque compared to \nlast year\u2019s model\n (190 hp, 320 Nm).\nThe engine is paired to a seven-shift wet dual-clutch DSG transmission and the marque\u2019s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in just \n5.6 seconds\n! Other standard items on the performance side include the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers, as well as the electronic differential lock (XDS).\nThe\n facelift Volkswagen Arteon\n gets a mild refresh on the outside, with changes including a slightly redesigned front fascia featuring light bar daytime-running lights across the front grille, as well as a new 3D lighting signature on the tail lights.\nBefore the new facelift arrives, check out how the current VW Arteon in Malaysia drives!\nOur Malaysian model is dressed in the R-Line exterior package, featuring sportier R-Line trimmings such as the more aggressive bumpers, rear bootlip spoiler, and 19-inch \u2018Montevideo\u2019 alloy wheels. The Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion will also be the first model to carry the new Volkswagen and R logos here in Malaysia.\nAs for the interior, the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion here in Malaysia will come equipped with a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment display with wireless App-Connect for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired to a fully-digital instrument cluster behind the new steering wheel with haptic touch controls and gearshift pedals.\nWe won\u2019t be getting this specific colour here, but perhaps this special Arteon will give you some inspiration when you decide to modify yours!\nOther highlights include the ErgoComfort sports seats wrapped in \u2018Nappa Carbon\u2019 leather, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a premium 700-watt 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.\nOn the safety front, the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion in Malaysia adds on new rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot alert (Side Assist), as well as a lane departure alert feature. However, other advanced features such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control is still not available on the Arteon in our country.\nThe new Arteon R-Line 4Motion is now available for bookings at the \nVolkswagen eShowroom\n, linked \nhere\n. Five exterior colours are available for selection \u2013 Lapiz Blue Metallic, Manganese Grey Metallic, Pyrite Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Oryx White Pearl.\nGALLERY"
"The new car is set to come with 300 hp from a new 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo Technology \u2013 making it the fastest and most powerful MINI ever to be allowed for use on the road.\nOnly 3,000 units of the MINI John Cooper Works GP will be made, after \nmaking its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show\n two years ago.\nAt the moment, development of the car is in its most crucial phase, where track testing will take place for the next few months.\nThe car\u2019s suspension especially, will be under scrutiny to ensure that it can cope with the new engine\u2019s exceptionally high output.\nThe new MINI John Cooper Works GP will have a lot to live up to; seeing as its predecessor achieved a Nurburgring lap time of 8:23 minutes.\nOnly 2,000 units of the GP2, as it was commonly referred, were built with 218 hp, a 6-speed manual and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds.\nWhether it\u2019ll set a new \nFWD lap record around the Nurburging\n, eclipsing the Civic Type R, remains to be seen but with 300 hp at the Works GP\u2019s disposal, it\u2019s hard to not be optimistic.\n\u201cWe are well aware of the enormous fascination exercised by the MINI John Cooper Works GP, not just from the euphoric reactions to the concept vehicle but also from past experience: after all, every one of its predecessors was completely sold out even before the official market launch,\u201d said Vice President Product and Launch Management, Thomas Giuliani.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s a Ferrari none of us will likely ever own \u2013 likely even see for that matter. It\u2019s the latest offspring from Ferrari\u2019s One-Off programme and was unveiled in Fiorano, home of Ferrari, for a handover to one of Ferrari\u2019s most dedicated customers.\nThe SP38 is based on the chassis, engine and drivetrain of the 488 GTB and was tailored to the very specific requirements of a client with a \u201cdeep passion for racing\u201d. If you ask me, that\u2019s not the only thing he has that\u2019s deep.\nIt\u2019s claimed that Ferrari builds no more than three of these \u201cone-off models\u201d and some quarters have reported that they\u2019re sold out till 2021.\nThe all-new bodywork is layered with three coats of metallic red paint, where the twin-turbo twin intercooler setup it inherited from the 488 GTB led designers to draw inspiration from the legendary F40 for the primary direction of the project.\u00a0\nThe air scoops you\u2019d normally find on the side of the 488 GTB has been concealed without compromising air flow to the intercoolers positioned at the base of the side window.\nAt the back, the glass engine cover is replaced with a carbon-fibre piece \u2013 with slats, three on each side \u2013 to reminisce the rear end of the F40.\u00a0\nWhile paying homage to one of the greatest horses out of Ferrari\u2019s stable, the slats are also meant to evacuate engine heat while the smooth integration of a substantial rear spoiler is a hint at the famous rear wing of the F40."
"Perodua has just announced that production of their best-selling model, the \nPerodua Myvi\n have been temporarily halted, citing supply disruption from one of its vendors. As a result, some 3,000 customers will not be able to register their new Myvi before the end of August.\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari Husin said: \u201cWe wish to apologise most sincerely to our customers who have been waiting patiently for their new Myvi.\u201d\n\u201cWe take full responsibility for this issue and are putting all the necessary measures in place to ensure that production resumes as soon as possible,\u201d he added.\nThe company is now focusing on completing the orders of the Myvi to the 3,000 affected customers who were originally scheduled to receive their cars before 1 September. There has been a surge in demand for vehicles since the \u201c\nTax-Free Holiday\n\u201d (zero-rated GST) came into effect on 1 June 2018, ahead of the imminent reintroduction of the Sales & Services Tax (SST) come 1 September 2018.\n\u201cWe fully understand and are deeply concerned with the frustration of the customers involved. As such, we are currently working on a suitable form of compensation for said customers and will get in touch with them very soon via our outlets.\u201d Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari said.\n\u201cWe are working as hard as we can to remedy this supply disruption and resume Myvi production as soon as possible. That said, production of our other models are running normally and deliveries of our Axia, Bezza and Alza continue to be on track. We invite our valued customers to speak to our authorised sales advisors for more information on our models as well as the estimated delivery times of their Myvi.\u201d said Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari."
"BMW Thailand has just introduced the new BMW 220i Gran Coupe that now packs a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder engine.\nWith the introduction of the 220i Gran Coupe, BMW Thailand has also discontinued the lesser 218i variant.\nJust two variants are on offer for the locally-assembled BMW 220i Gran Coupe- Sport and M Sport. The largest difference moving from the 218i to the 220i is the engine, with the latter mounted with the B48A20A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.\nPower outputs are significant over the 1.5-litre engine, with \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque; 52 hp and 60 Nm plus one cylinder more than the existing model.\nIs the FWD BMW 218i Gran Coupe still a BMW?\nPaired with the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and still driving the front wheels, the BMW 220i Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.1 seconds\n, similar to the \nBMW 320i M Sport\n and shaving 1.6 seconds off the 218i\u2019s time.\nThat is the regular BMW steering wheel, a rare sight in Malaysian BMW dealership these days\nFor features, the Sport variant gets a normal steering wheel, single-zone automatic air-conditioning, standard instrument cluster, power-adjustable front seats in Dakota leather and an 8.8-inch Central Display.\nThe M Sport variant gets larger 18-inch style 819 M Bicolour wheels, M Aerodynamics package, M Sport steering wheel and foot pedals and black headlining- similar to the \nRM211,367-priced BMW 218i Gran Coupe\n in Malaysia. However, the Thai model adds a fully digital instrument cluster and panoramic glass roof.\nNow for the pricing. In a surprising move, BMW Thailand is offering the 220i Gran Coupe M Sport at just \nTHB1,999,000\n (RM264,000) and the M Sport variant at \nTHB2,169,000\n (RM286,000) with BSI standard (three-year or 60,000 km maintenance package) plan.\nCompared to the BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport that debuted in February last year, it is a significant reduction from the THB2,399,000 (RM320,000) price tag. For reference, the next most accessible BMW sedan in Thailand is the 320d M Sport, priced at THB2,549,000 (RM336,400).\nBMW and Sime Darby opens new engine assembly plant in Kulim\nWe should expect the BMW 220i Gran Coupe to reach Malaysian BMW dealerships soon too, as this powertrain is actually in service in the \nMINI Cooper S Countryman\n as well as the \nfacelifted BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport\n.\nFor reference, the price gap of the \nBMW X1\n moving from the 1.5-triple to the 2.0-litre four-banger is RM22,042, inclusive of a 5% excise duty increment for the larger engine displacement. \u00a0Thus, we can expect BMW Malaysia to price the upcoming BMW 220i M Sport at circa RM230,000, a reasonable RM20,000 more than the current BMW 218i M Sport once it reaches our dealerships.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after news broke that McLaren Automotive is building a replacement for its P1 hypercar, the company has confirmed that a new addition to the Ultimate Series will be revealed in the first quarter of 2018. Like all limited-edition McLarens, all examples are spoken for ahead of its global debut.\nThe British carmaker claims the new car will be the most extreme, track-oriented road car to ever roll off their production line. Yes, it will be road legal unlike the \nP1 GTR\n that came before it. Certain degree of daily drivability has been sacrificed for the \u201c\nmost intensive driver experience around a circuit\u201d\n.\nMcLaren describes the design as \nbrutal\n and will be the most extreme representation of the company\u2019s philosophy of \u201cform follows function\u201d. All these statements are consistent with \nAutoCar UK\u2019s \nreport on the P15\n; supposedly McLaren\u2019s next hypercar. If the report holds true, we may be looking at a sub 1,300 kg hypercar with \n789 hp\n, courtesy of an uprated M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8.\nThe P15 is rumoured to be petrol powered only unlike the P1\u2019s cutting-edge hybrid powertrain \u2013 all in the name of weight savings. On the topic of \u201cform follows function\u201d, McLaren is not invested in creating an aesthetically pleasing machine but one that will outperform anyone and everyone on track. Are they going as far as installing a fixed rear wing like the sketches? Only time will tell.\nMcLaren has however unveiled a single teaser image of the exhaust and it appears to be a triple outlet unit arranged in a triangular pattern, much like the \nLamborghini Aventador S\n and \nLexus LFA\n. We sure hope the new Mac will sound as good if not better than the latter two. If you want to get your hands on one of these bad boys, you will have to start searching through the classifieds section."
"It\u2019s about time the \nHonda HR-V\n meet its most worthy competitor.\u00a0Introduced officially at its \nworld premiere\n last November at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the especially\u00a0handsome \nMazda CX-3\n\u00a0is now on sale in Japan.\nAs per our \nprevious report\n, Japanese customers will only be getting the \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-D\n\u00a0clean diesel engine paired to either their Skyactiv-Drive \nsix-speed automatic\n or Skyactiv-MT \nsix-speed manual\n. Before we go down to the numbers, the CX-3 is offered in \nthree trims\n \u2013 XD, XD Touring and XD Touring L Package.\nMazda claims that their 1.5-litre diesel engine performs better than some 2.5-litre petrol engines. With its output rated at \n104 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n270 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 2,500 rpm whilst returning \n25km\n per litre of fuel, the numbers certainly look healthy, on paper at least.\nMazda is also offering two drive types here, and customers can choose between the FWD or the new i-Activ AWD drive system. This generous offering sums the lineup to 12 different configurations (refer to table below).\nModel Grade\nEngine\nDrive Type\nTransmission\nFuel Economy\nXD\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nFWD\n6-spd manual\n25.0km/l\nXD\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nFWD\n6-spd auto\n23.0km/l\nXD\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nAWD\n6-spd manual\n23.4km/l\nXD\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nAWD\n6-spd auto\n21.0km/l\nXD Touring\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nFWD\n6-spd manual\n25.0km/l\nXD Touring\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nFWD\n6-spd auto\n23.0km/l\nXD Touring\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nAWD\n6-spd manual\n23.4km/l\nXD Touring\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nAWD\n6-spd auto\n21.0km/l\nXD Touring L\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nFWD\n6-spd manual\n25.0km/l\nXD Touring L\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nFWD\n6-spd auto\n23.0km/l\nXD Touring L\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nAWD\n6-spd manual\n23.4km/l\nXD Touring L\n1.5L Skyactiv-D\nAWD\n6-spd auto\n21.0km/l\n\u00a0\nThere\u2019s also a world\u2019s first technology here, that is Mazda\u2019s \nNatural Sound Smoother\n (factory installed in Japan only) which reduces diesel knock sound, resulting in a smoother and quieter running engine.\u00a0The CX-3s are priced from\u00a02,376,000 yen (RM72k est) to\u00a03,024,000 yen (RM92k est) including taxes.\nMazda Japan aims to sell a highly ambitious \n3,000 units\n a month, hinting at some really strong\u00a0product confidence. Back to us Malaysians, the CX-3 is set to arrive here this year but there\u2019s no specifying when, most probably between late Q3 and Q4.\nPricing is suggested to be around the \nRM130k ballpark\n or less, though we will have to wait till much later before getting a glimpse of its spec sheet. Read the full details of the Mazda CX-3 \nhere\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Not long after the global debut of the \nfourth-generation Suzuki Swift\n, Suzuki Motor Corporation confirmed that the hotter \nSwift Sport\n will make its debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show happening in September. The company has just released official images of the upcoming hot hatch before its debut.\nNow in it\u2019s third-generation, the Swift Sport is completely redesigned from the ground up and promises \n\u201call-new levels of excitement for sport-minded drivers across the world\u201d\n; highlighting that the new variant will also be a global model. Like the regular Swift, the new Swift Sport will ride on Suzuki\u2019s\n \u201cHEARTECT\u201d platform\n that is stronger and safer than before.   Based on the images, the new Swift Sport gets a more angular front-end design, front lip, side skirts, new rear bumper and \ndual-exhaust outlets\n. The extra bits are finished with a\u00a0\ncarbon-fibre\n \nlike\n appearance. It also gets a set of \ndiamond cut alloys\n to set itself apart from its regular siblings.\nInside, the most obvious difference are the red trims (silver on regular models) and \nred background tachometer\n. It also gets red stitchings and more supportive front seats with a \u201cSport\u201d embroidery at the headrest.\nSuzuki is keeping the car\u2019s technical details a corporate secret although rumour has it that the 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine from the Vitara S will be employed here. Stay tuned for the full reveal of the Suzuki Swift Sport in September! Unfortunately, \nSuzuki is no longer represented here in Malaysia\n but we can always keep our hopes up.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Professional racing drivers who make a career of out motor racing require plenty of training and participation in various categories. With the UK having a large motorsports industry, many drivers who wish to get the most exposure in racing and presence move there to build their profession.\nToyota UK recently provided Japanese female racer Miki Koyama with a \nToyota Corolla GR Sport Hybrid\n. The 23-year old currently competes with the number 54 under Sirin Racing in the all-female \nW Series championship\n.\nTaking delivery of her new Corolla GR Sport, provided by Toyota Financial Services (UK), she said: \u201cIt\u2019s a very cool car and I can\u2019t wait to start driving it. It will also be a new experience for me, as\n I haven\u2019t driven an automatic before!\n\u201d\nA racing driver that has not driven an automatic car before! That\u2019s quite a surprise given their busy schedules of travelling, meeting up with sponsors and others which require a lot of movement and rental of vehicles.\nPhoto from Miki Koyama\u2019s \nTwitter page\nKoyama has her sights set on becoming Japan\u2019s first female Formula 1 driver, having progressed from karts to single-seater F4 competition and winning Japan\u2019s all-female Kyojo Championship two years running before entering the W Series in 2019.\nThe Toyota Vios GR Sport looks really good, but what about the drive? Read the review here!\nAt this season\u2019s opening race in Austria, the 23-year-old from Sagamihara, near Tokyo, put in a strong performance moving up from 13th on the grid to finish in fifth place. Yesterday\u2019s Race 2 meanwhile did not go so well for Koyama, finishing 18th after a series of mechanical issues that hampered her driving all weekend. \u00a0\nPhoto from Miki Koyama\u2019s \nTwitter page\nThe W Series forms as a support race for this year\u2019s Formula 1 season with eight rounds scheduled, starting in Austria and ending in Mexico.\nAs for Koyama\u2019s new Toyota Corolla GR Sport, it has a sportier front grille, side skirts and a rear diffuser to separate it from the regular Corolla hatchback. The GR Sport also has dedicated 18-inch machined alloy wheels, two-tone paintwork and LED headlights.\nToyota and Subaru rumoured to jointly build an AWD hot hatch! More scoop here!\nInside, the cabin features sports seats in combination fabric-leather materials with red-on-black stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and dashboard. The Corolla GR Sport is available in either a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid powertrain delivering \n122 hp\n and \n184 hp\n respectively. The clever powertrain that does not have any physical gears is rather new to Koyama, surprising considering Toyota hybrid models are incredibly popular in Japan.\nThe Toyota Corolla GR Sport is also available in Thailand and Taiwan, and all three models are developed independently to meet the local taste and price points.\nGALLERY"
"The \nBMW 5 Series Touring\n and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate have finally met its match, coming all the way from Coventry, UK. That\u2019s the all-new\u00a0Jaguar XF Sportbrake, the gorgeous wagon penned by one of the world\u2019s greatest automotive designer, Sir\u00a0\nIan Callum\n.\nIt shares the\u00a0\naluminium-intensive platform \nthat\n\u00a0\nunderpins the sexy\u00a0\nRange Rover Velar\n SUV and boasts a perfect\n\u00a050:50 weight distribution\n. While the front is exactly like the\u00a0\nsedan\n, but this gets a full-length \n1.6sq m panoramic roof\n\u00a0with a sloping rump. It is super slippery as well, with a drag coefficient of\n 0.29\n.   New to the XF Sportbrake is the cabin air filtration system, digital dials, and a 10-inch infotainment system. Jaguar claims the new XF Sportbrake\u2019s longer wheelbase improves rear passenger space compared to its predecessor.\u00a0The additional space means it can swallow up to\u00a0565 litres of boot space when rear seats are up, and \n1,700 litres\n when folded down.\nThe XF Sportbrake is now offered with a choice of Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. The \n296 hp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel\n mill will propel the range topper, followed by the \n247 hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol\n engine. The 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel mill is offered in two different tunes \u2013 161 hp and 178 hp. All engine tunes are available with\u00a0ZF \neight-speed automatic\n transmission and rear-wheel drive, while the base diesel gets a six-speed manual.   All-wheel drive is also offered in certain trims, with Jaguar\u2019s \nAll Surface Progress Control\n system providing assistance when traversing in\u00a0low-grip surfaces. Other driver aid technologies include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and reverse traffic detection technology as well as park assist.\nThe\u00a0Jaguar XF Sportbrake is now open for sale with prices beginning from \n\u00a334,910\n (approximately\n RM190k\n). Look out for a possible introduction of the XF Sportbrake in Malaysia right after the launch of the Range Rover Velar by distributor, Sisma Auto.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Now that we\u2019re done being obsessed with the launch of the most anticipated Malaysian car launch of the year, \nthe all-new Perodua Myvi\n, one that \nwe had a first taste\n of even before its unveiling, the next one to look forward to has to be the new Lamborghini Urus SUV.\nDue for its \ninaugural unveiling at the end of the year\n, the Urus will be powered by a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 and is set to produce something in the ballpark of \n600 hp\n with \n800 Nm\n of torque available. The possibility of a plug-in hybrid is also on the cards but its arrival won\u2019t be due till late next year.\nIn fueling the fire, Lamborghini has released a teaser video on its \nofficial page on YouTube\n \u2013 where the Urus\u2019 \u201cNeve mode\u201d (Italian for snow) and four-wheel drive prowess was put to the test. The Urus has so far been reported to also come with four-wheel steering and electronic dampers.\nIn the video, you\u2019d notice that the Urus is also developed to be competent in various other environments with different driving modes namely Strada (road), Sport, Corsa (track), Sabbia (sand), Terra (dirt) and Neve (snow). Just a week ago, Lamborghini released a similar teaser video demonstrating its \nSabbia (sand) mode\n as it was driven through a dessert.\nLamborghini has predicted that Urus SUV would account for half of its global sales before the end of the decade. The Italian supercar maker also recently revealed plans \nto build a four-door sedan\n."
"Porsche has collaborated with Embraer Group, an aviation company, to create a very unique, limited-edition\n 911 Turbo S\n but this is not something you can just ask Porsche to sell to you.\nOnly those who purchase the \nEmbraer Phenom 300E\n business jet, which is limited to just 10 units, can purchase the 911 Turbo S which has been customised to match the private jet.\nFor starters, both share the same exterior finish \u2013 a two-tone Platinum Silver Metallic and Jet Grey Metallic with Brilliant Chrome and Speed Blue \u2013 which were painted on by hand.\nThere\u2019s even a special logo created for this collaboration, mimicking the wings of an aeroplane. The logo is embossed on the 911\u2019s headrests and is also featured on the limited edition badge.\nEach 911 Turbo will also come with a registration number of the jet that it accompanies; positioned on the underside of the 911\u2019s rear wing and on the sides of the key fob.\nElsewhere, the logo from the collaboration is also projected onto the ground when the doors open, while a special emblem can be seen on the B-pillars. Get this, everything you see in this interior is not available for the standard production 911 Turbo S.\nThe door sill trims feature \u201cNo step\u201d lettering illuminated in red \u2013 a reference to the sign seen on an airplane\u2019s wings. As for the dial of the stopwatch on the 911\u2019s dashboard, it\u2019s finished with a printed-on artificial horizon. The 911 Turbo even comes with an indoor car cover that says \u201cRemove Before Flight\u201d.\nAside from the private jet and car, the 10 extremely wealthy owners will also receive a \n1919 Globetime UTC timepiece\n. Its black leather strap is made of genuine Porsche interior leather with Speed Blue contrast stitching to match.\nGALLERY"
"I concede that most people probably don\u2019t share the same enthusiasm, but wagons (estates) make me unreasonably happy, and this one even more so because this isn\u2019t just any regular wagon \u2013 it\u2019s the \nfirst ever BMW M3 Touring\n in the history of the company, in actual production form at least.\nThe Touring body style will join the regular cast of the \nM3 Sedan\n, \nM4 Coupe\n, as well as the M4 Convertible, albeit at a later date than all of the aforementioned, as it is still currently in the early stages of its development. The BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe is due for launch in September, while the Convertible will follow next year.\nAside from the new body style, the attached photo also gives us one of the clearest look at the sexy rump of the new M3, pretty much confirming what \nwe saw in the leaks. \nJust like the rest of the crew, the M3 Touring will also be powered by BMW\u2019s S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, available in the standard tune of \n480 hp\n, or in Competition form which brings the output to \n510 hp\n.\nThe \u201cregular\u201d M3 and M4 is available with either an eight-speed automatic transmission (gone is the previous dual-clutch unit) or a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n, but the Competition models are only available with the former. It does, however, get the xDrive all-wheel drive system as standard.\nThe BMW M3 Sedan for comparison.\nExpect to see the camouflaged BMW M3 Touring undergoing road testing in the coming months as it prepares to take on the \nAudi RS4 Avant\n and the \nMercedes-AMG C63 Estate\n. BMW M says that the new M3 wagon will also undergo the same testing and tuning process at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, because \u201cthe first BMW M3 Touring is, after all, first and foremost a BMW\u00a0M3\u201d.\nIt\u2019s unclear if BMW Malaysia will be bringing in the M3 Touring over to our shores, but seeing that the wagon body style doesn\u2019t get as much love here, chances are probably slim \u2013 we don\u2019t even get the regular 3 Series Touring here. But of course, anything is possible with enough money, probably."
"Koenigsegg has just recently showcased the new Regera Aero Package that will see an increase in downforce to 385 kg from the 310 kg on a \nRegera\n in standard trim.\nThe Aero Package includes new front and rear winglets and a deeper spoiler whereby the new rear winglets would complement the top-mounted fully stowable rear spoiler. And you\u2019d need all the downforce you can get with \n1,500 hp\n and a whopping \n2,000 Nm\n of torque at your disposal courtesy of 3 electric motors and a twin-turbocharged V8 engine.\nCentury sprints are child\u2019s play when you\u2019re putting out such figures. The \nRegera\n boasts a 0 to 100 km/h time of just under 3 seconds, 0 to 300 km/h in just 10 seconds and 0 to 400 km/h in a mind-boggling \n20 seconds\n. All that power is sent to the rear wheels only without a transmission thanks to its Koenigsegg Direct Drive.\nThe Regera also features other world\u2019s first with its \n800V electrical system\n in a production car, the highest electrical output used in a production hybrid, the first use of a fully robotized body and the first time a vehicle has featured a fully stowable, top-mounted rear spoiler."
"It\u2019s as if \nLamborghini\n knew that we\u2019d have loads of free time with a \nsecond lockdown (MCO) due to take place\n as the idea behind this diecast shoot was, \u201cIf you can\u2019t drive a Lamborghini, make it look like you did!\u201d.\nPhotographer Kunaal Kelkar was supposed to fly to Italy last year, to drive and shoot a\n Lamborghini Urus\n, but we all know how 2020 went \u2013 with Covid-19 still relentlessly disrupting lives this year.\n \nSo instead of flying to Italy, to shoot the SUV on the Amalfi Coast, he decided to take photos of a 1:18 scale diecast sent by Lamborghini India \u2013 who instructed the photographer \u201cto go crazy with it\u201d. The original shoot was meant to showcase how the Urus was able to access a scenic coastal area where there are no roads.\n\u201cMy partner suggested using our swimming pool to mimic the sea and shoot the diecast from inside the water to make it look like the Urus was right up close to the coastline,\u201d said Kelkar.\nHe added, \u201cThe casing of the Lamborghini Urus scale model proved to be a perfect fit for the camera, so we used that to keep the camera semi-submerged and prevent it from getting wet."
"Lexus, while highly valued for their terrific quality and customer satisfaction, still finds itself trailing behind the Germans in one big aspect: them is the sense of envy and admiration. Don\u2019t pretend you don\u2019t know what we\u2019re talking about.\nTo realise \u201cLexus envy\u201d, Lexus International President,\u00a0\nTokuo Fukuichi\n has stepped down to become the brand\u2019s \nchief branding officer\u00a0\nand hopes to enliven the Lexus identity. At the \nLC coupe\n launch in Japan, Fukuichi said \u201cWhen you\u2019re stuck in traffic, people look at the driver in the Mercedes as a person who has made it in society, and they will envy you. We haven\u2019t fully achieved that compared with the German three.\u201d\nWhile Lexus\u2019 biggest disadvantage has always been the lack of heritage,\u00a0Fukuichi believes the\u00a0design will be the key to win over customers. He also added, \u201cAfter you purchase a Lexus, your whole lifestyle changes. The people you meet and circulate with will change. That means with just one car, your total life image will change.\u201d\nLexus aims to achieve this through their new range of products, beginning with the LC Coupe and flagship limousine, the \nnew LS\n. Lexus also previewed the one-and-only \nSport Yacht\n concept (pictured below), which is a carbon fibre yacht propelled by two of their own 5.0-litre V8 engine. Yes, two!\nThe company also displayed digital renderings of the \u201c\nSkyjet\n\u201d spaceship, which will be featured in the upcoming science fiction movie \nValerian \nand\n\u00a0The City of a Thousand Planets\n.\n\u00a0\nThe Skyjet is part\u00a0of the movie\u2019s endorsement deal, and will prominently showcase the Spindle grille and Lexus logo. Maybe future space travel in a Lexus can be a reality too!\nSource: \nAuto News"
"Isuzu Malaysia\n has just published its March sales performance report, recording a total of 1,233 registrations of the \nall-new D-Max pick-up\n truck, marking the company\u2019s highest monthly sales tally since its inception in 2005.\nThe new figure represents a significant leap over its previous record of 885 units recorded in December 2014 following the introduction of the 3.0-litre V-Cross variant back then.\nIsuzu D-Max 1.9 Premium AT\nThe company says the sales figure was buoyed by a generous shipment received to address the backlog of orders, with a ramp up in deliveries from the factory to relieve some of its customers\u2019 wait for their new vehicles.\n\u201cAs a customer-centric brand where our owners depend on Isuzu vehicles to serve them faithfully, our priority was to hasten supply to meet the increased demand for this highly-popular and versatile pick-up truck, said Isuzu Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo. \u201cWe hope to continue ramping up supplies over the coming months to further reduce the waitlist for our vehicles.\u201d\nRELATED: Old vs New \u2013 A detailed look at the changes in the all-new Isuzu D-Max\nIsuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain AT\nIn terms of variants sales, the 1.9 Premium Auto was at the top of the leaderboard in March, with 350 units finding their new owners. The flagship X-Terrain variant also saw an increase of sales with 163 deliveries last month, although the Isuzu Malaysia says that supplies for the particular variant are still limited globally.\nIsuzu says that a majority of its customers chose the 1.9 Premium Auto variant primarily due to its stylish design, premium interior features, and affordable road tax. As for the X-Terrain, the key highlight there is the segment-leading advanced driver assist features, which even includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go function!\nALSO READ: Demand for the all-new Isuzu D-Max increased by 140% in Malaysia compared to its predecessor\n \nAside from the sales record, Isuzu Malaysia also welcomed its new Chief Executive Officer Shunsuke Okazoe last month, who will take the helm from Koji Nakamura. Okazoe has been involved in the Isuzu business for the past 26 years, having served in various international postings in Japan, America, India, and Thailand, and has held positions ranging from corporate to sales planning.\nOkazoe says that his priority during his stint in Malaysia will be to strengthen the Isuzu network, in an effort to build greater customer satisfaction through improved sales and aftersales services.\n\u201cWhile Isuzu Malaysia is still a relatively young company, our customer base has grown significantly in the past 17 years. Isuzu\u2019s strong brand reputation, dependable product line-up and a strong support network has helped us create a very strong platform for growth. Our immediate aim therefore will be to enhance our support system in tandem with the growing population of Isuzu customers,\u201d said Okazoe.\nIsuzu Malaysia currently has 54 authorized dealerships across the country, positioned strategically in populated centres. The company says that it will soon embark on a \u201cnetwork enhancement exercise\u201d to offer customers a more comprehensive experience in a \u201cconducive and comfortable environment\u201d."
"One of the key issues with electric vehicles (EV) is the durability of their battery pack. Many seem to fail prematurely or had its entire pack replaced due to simpler warranty claim processes.\nThe Nissan Leaf has been around since 2011 and the company has explored many ways to restore and reuse the unfit lithium-ion batteries. Nissan together with Sumitomo Corp started the 4R Energy Corp. company to develop the technology and infrastructure to \nrefabricate\n, recycle, resell and reuse the batteries in Nissan EVs \u2013 not for their scrap value, but to power other things.\nOne of the key benefactors of the reconditioned batteries are the automated guided vehicles (AGV) at Nissan\u2019s Oppama plant. The AGVs, used to tow trolleys to transport tiny parts and sub-assemblies for the final fitment at the assembly line, were designed to use lead-acid batteries, like our regular petrol-powered cars.\n \nEight years ago, the AGVs were redesigned to use three new lithium-ion modules that are lighter and charge faster. Today, these AGVs can use the repurposed Nissan Leaf battery modules by 4R Energy.\nThese repurposed Nissan Leaf batteries are the perfect fit for the AGVs, as the AGVs has a fixed travelling loop that allows for a speedy charge up. This automation saves a great deal of time.\nThe Oppama plant, which now primarily assembles \nthe new Leaf\n and Note e-Power models, has \nover 700 AGVs\n circling the assembly lines, travel on a dedicated magnetic path and equipped with sensors to avoid colliding with personnel as well as other AGVs.\nEdaran Tan Chong Motor has been offering both generations of the Nissan Leaf in Malaysia, and the latest Leaf can be had with \na subscription plan\n rather than outright purchasing it.\n \nThe plan offers the usage of the Nissan Leaf at \nRM 2,500\n per month on a two-year contract and it includes all scheduled maintenance, a wall box charger and first year\u2019s insurance coverage.\nOn a relatively similar note on promoting recycling and proper disposal of automobiles, the Malaysian government through the Department of Environment (DOE), recently launched a pilot project called Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility (\nAATF\n) to properly dispose of vehicles that are abandoned or at end of life.\nIt is good to know that there are not just one but eight approved places in the country to properly separate, segregate and dispose of a complete automobile responsibly to reduce harm into the already battered environment."
"It\u2019s been three years since Bugatti lifted the veils on the \nDivo\n, and unfortunately, its 40-unit run has now run out. The last unit of the coachbuilt hypercar will be heading to a customer in Europe, marking a new milestone in the French luxury brand\u2019s 110-year history.\nThe Divo is Bugatti\u2019s first coachbuilding project in the 21st century, where the idea came about shortly after Stephan Winkelmann became the President of the company. \u201cI read a lot about it, took a look at the iconic bodyworks produced in the 1920s and 1930s, and began to wonder whether we could transpose this excellent asset to the company\u2019s modern era,\u201d Winkelmann recalls.\nThe car was shown to a select group of Chiron customers in discreet one-to-one meetings in 2018, and all 40 units were spoken for even before the car was unveiled to the public at Pebble Beach that year!\nVolkswagen has sold off a majority of its stake in Bugatti to electric supercar maker Rimac. Read more about it here.\nBeing coachbuilt, none of the 40 Divos are identical \u2013 customers get to choose the colours and materials themselves, and this lucky number 40 is no different. The exterior is painted in a primary shade of Bugatti EB 110 LM Blue, a colour that\u2019s inspired by the company\u2019s last official Le Mans factory race car, with Blue Carbon serving as the secondary colour for contrast.\nInside, you\u2019ll find even more blue, specifically French Racing Blue and Deep Blue. The blue hues are paired to matte gray carbon elements on the centre console and dashboard, which Bugatti says \u201ccombine history with the present day\u201d.\nCan the 1,500 hp Bugatti Chiron beat a 10-year old F1 car? Watch the drag race here!\nWhile customers get to personalise the colours and looks, the rest of the car will come as-is from the factory. But that doesn\u2019t mean that the Bugatti Divo isn\u2019t special \u2013 quite the opposite, actually.\nIt\u2019s still based on the Chiron underneath, down to its 1,500 hp quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine, but it\u2019s undergone significant development work to its chassis and aerodynamic that results in a completely unique driving experience. Winkelmann once famously said that the Divo is \u201cmade for bends\u201d, and we believe every word of that.\n\u201cAs well as unique design, customers who buy a coachbuilt model enjoy a new, individual driving experience,\u201d explains Bugatti Head of Overall Vehicle Development, Pierre Rommelfanger. \u201cEach small series undergoes the same degree of development as would a larger production run.\u201d\nWith all the custom work put into the car, there\u2019s no doubt that it\u2019ll be expensive \u2013 starting at 5 million euros (~RM25 million), to be exact, the most expensive Bugatti model at the time. But with the extreme rarity, plus bespoke nature of every single Bugatti Divo, its value will only increase from here on out.\nGALLERY"
"The EV upheaval has entered a new milestone as consumers pushed the Tesla Model 3 to become the best-selling car in Europe for the month of September.\nData compiled by Jato Dynamics found that 24,591 units of \nTesla Model 3\n were registered in September, overhauling popular classics such as Dacia Sandero, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and the perennial favourite- the \nVolkswagen Golf\n. This is the first time that an EV has dominated the monthly sales charts and also the first time that a vehicle manufactured outside of Europe secured the top spot. Tesla sources its Model 3 from \nChina\n as well as the US.\nSeptember has been historically strong for Tesla in Europe, with the month alone accounting for 74% of its third-quarter volume with over 33,000 units. The brand is also looking at an approx. \n80% growth\n in volume compared to the same period last year.\nThe Tesla Model 3 is also the top-selling EV in Europe, almost tripling the sales of European models like the \nVolkswagen ID.3\n, \nRenault Zoe\n and Fiat 500. Only one Asian brand is in the top 10- the \nKia Niro\n in sixth.\nVolkswagen is a staple product in Europe, and as such, it is a huge deal when they announce plans to end the combustion engine by 2035. More on it here.\nMeanwhile, the \nHyundai Kona electric\n is in 11th placing, Nissan Leaf in 13th and the MG ZS managing to sneak up into the 20th spot for the month of September.\nLooking at the EV market share, Tesla leads with 24% with just the sales of Model 3 and Model Y, overtaking regional favourite Volkswagen by 2%. The Stellantis group consisting of Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Fiat have 13% market share, ahead of Hyundai-Kia at 11%.\nIn terms of total sales for the first nine months of 2021, Volkswagen Golf is still the leader with over 176,00 units, surpassing \nECOTY-winner Toyota Yaris\n, the first of the compact cars. Dacia Sandero, \nRenault Clio\n and \nPeugeot 208\n then follow with circa 145,000 units each."
"Waze has announced that users are now able to download Leona Chin\u2019s voice from the app. Yes, our renowned motorsport darling Leona Chin will be giving Malaysian Wazers a dose of her bubbly personality as a new voice option in conjunction with this year\u2019s United Nations (UN) Road Safety Week.\n\u201cFor this UN safety week, we are very excited to have Leona\u2019s voice available in-app for all to use. Both safety and fun have always been important to Waze, so we thought that someone with a bubbly personality and who understands driving well would be a suitable choice to share safety reminders in a fun way,\u201d said Kelvin Sim, Country Manager of Waze Malaysia.\n\u201cWhen it comes to motorsports, I think everyone believes it is all about speed, but the truth is, as motorsport athletes, we value safety above all else. I\u2019m very glad to be a part of this opportunity as I believe in the importance of safety reminders and tips to all road users. I want all Malaysian drivers to remember never to take road safety for granted!\u201d, said the Leona Chin.\nTo download her voice, just follow these easy steps:\nTap the Menu , then Settings\nTap Voice & Sound\nTap Waze voice\nSelect \n\u201cEnglish (UK) \u2013 Leona Chin\u201d\n from the list available under Voice directions"
"Mazda Motor Corporation\u2019s best selling SUV model, \nthe CX-5\n, has a new successor. Unveiled just recently at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the mid-size SUV now boasts a much quieter cabin with improved levels of insulation and comfort.\nIt is still powered by the same Skyactiv engines \u2013 the \n2.0-litre\n and\n 2.5-litre\n gasoline mills, as well as a \n2.2-litre turbocharged clean diesel\n engine. Details on the engines\u2019 outputs have yet to be revealed, but we can either expect a slight bump in performance and further reduction of emissions, if not both.   The styling is an evolutionary take on the outgoing CX-5 and looks just like a smaller version of the \nflagship CX-9\n, minus the obvious exterior bling. Also making its debut is the new Soul Red Crystal paint, achieved using the same \nTakuminuri\u00a0\npainting technology (an advanced three-coat spraying technique that\u2019s said to be as good as hand-painted finish). The end result gives the paint 20 percent greater saturation and 50 percent more depth!\nOn the outside, the CX-5 dons slimmer headlamps, sits on a new five-spoke alloy wheels and gets an entirely new pair of LED tail lamps. The trademark shark fin antenna soldiers on. Overall, the side profile gives off a very familiar silhouette, but the changes are more drastic once you step inside the car.\nThe cabin is entirely new, starting with the chiseled three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.\u00a0Embedded into the centre dash is the MZD display panel (size unknown for now), whilst controls for the MZD Connect System get a design overhaul. Still no touchpad, just good old rotary dials and buttons.   New to the CX-5 is a futuristic windscreen heads-up display which Mazda claims to be one of the firsts in class. Also pictured in this trim\u00a0is a central locking switch for the front passenger, something not commonly found in cars within the CX-5\u2019s price bracket.\nWith that, how will the second-generation Mazda CX-5 fare against the \nall-new turbocharged Honda CR-V\n and \nPeugeot 3008 1.6 THP\n? Share with us your thoughts, and watch this space for future updates on the CX-5!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has taken to its social media channels to announce that the \nX50\n, \nX70\n, and\n Exora\n are their respective segment\u2019s best-selling models for the first four months of 2022.\nThe Proton X50 takes the crown in the B-segment SUV class, with 8,730 units sold year-to-date; the X70 leads the B-segment SUV pack with 5,768 units, while the Exora claims the top spot in the C-segment MPV space with 1,048 units sold in the first four months of 2022.\nThese figures are propped up by the company\u2019s \nApril sales performance\n, where Proton also claimed sales leadership for the three models in their respective segments with 1,554 units of the X50, 1,530 units of the X70, and 301 units of the Exora sold \u2013 in spite of the chip shortage issue that has plagued the national carmaker\u2019s production capabilities.\nOverall sales for Proton in April 2022 fell by more than 32% when compared to the previous month. As a result, its monthly market share also dropped to an estimated 15.6% (from 18.6% in March), although the company says that its overall year-to-date market share remains unchanged at 17%, and the three models are a testament to that.\nAs for the entry-level A-segment sedan, Proton\u2019s best-selling \nSaga\n still trails behind the \nPerodua Bezza\n in terms of market share, despite selling 4,579 units in April \u2013 the last full month of sales for the pre-facelift model.\nWith the\n new 2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift\n announced earlier this month, the national carmaker is hoping that the creature comfort upgrades will help the entry-level sedan reclaim the top spot in its segment, although that is still ultimately dependent on overcoming the chip shortage issues.\nFacts & Figures: 2022 Proton Saga facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM34,400\n\u201cThe situation is still uncertain for the rest of the year and the global car industry is under pressure from rising costs, but the company is working on countermeasures against these issues to ensure our customers get the best products and value in Malaysia and abroad,\u201d said Proton Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah, adding that the company is expecting a \u201cquick turnaround\u201d in the coming months.\nIn related news, Proton announced at the launch of 2022 Saga that it will be unveiling three brand-new models in the next two years. Curious as to which models they were referring to? \nCheck out our \u201cinvestigative\u201d report here!"
"Honda Malaysia has just announced that the \nHonda WR-V\n \nis now open for bookings in Malaysia, ahead of its launch which is set to happen in the third quarter of 2023. The Honda WR-V is a small 5-seater SUV and WR-V essentially stands for \u201cWinsome Runabout Vehicle\u201d.\nWith the BR-V set to be discontinued in Malaysia, the WR-V will take its place in the brand\u2019s Malaysian line-up although it is a smaller SUV that sits two fewer people. The Honda WR-V measures 4,060mm in length, 1,780mm in width, and 1,608mm in height. It will be competing against the likes of the \nPerodua Ativa\n.\nJust like some Honda models, the WR-V will be offered with an RS variant. This will variant will sport a newly designed RS emblem, a variant-exclusive front grille, and 17-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels. The all-new WR-V also features power-retractable door mirrors, auto LED Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED front fog lights, and LED sequential turn signals.\nPowering the Honda WR-V Is a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that generates a maximum power of \n121 hp\n (metric) and a maximum torque of \n145 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-design shift technology.\nSafety-wise, the Honda WR-V is equipped with the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced systems which includes Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, \u201cWe are thrilled to be the first Japanese mass market manufacturer to introduce a brand-new Small SUV in the Non-National Segment to Malaysians, set to launch in Q3 2023. The All-New WR-V delivers a unique experience to our customers with the distinctive character of a Honda SUV by combining sporty style, advanced technology, safety features, top-notch performance, and high ground clearance. The All-New WR-V is the ideal companion for young adults and families who seek a Small SUV that exudes a vibrant and bold personality to complement their active lifestyle.\u201d\nHonda Malaysia will be conducting exclusive previews of the upcoming g Honda WR-V starting June 16. Customers can already make their bookings for the Honda WR-V now. Details of the exclusive preview are as such:\n16-18 June\n: Ban Lee Heng Motor Seremban, Kah Motor Co Johor Bahru, Unite Automobile Pontian\n23-25 June\n: Formula Venture Butterworth, Kah Motor Co Ipoh, Tan Siang Auto Teluk Intan\n30 June \u2013 2 July\n: AutoWorld Asia Sg Buloh, Elimna Motors Elmina, HZN Cars Glenmarie, MH Prestige Auto Damansara\n7-9 July\n: Chuan Thye Motor Temerloh, Syarikat Tan Eng Ann Kuala Terengganu"
"Ahead of the official unveiling of the Nissan Z Prototype \u2013 called Z Proto \u2013 on the \n16th of September\n, Nissan has taken to its YouTube channel to release a new teaser video, this time hinting at the inclusion of a manual transmission on the upcoming Z car!\nRight at the end of the teaser video, a short segment depicting a hand moving onto a manual gear shifter flashes for approximately two seconds, before transitioning to the new Nissan logo, seemingly confirming that the Z Proto and the next Z car will indeed come with a manual option \u2013 blink and you\u2019ll miss it!\n \nAside from the transmission, the video also gave us a closer look at some of the heritage-inspired exterior design elements. These include the headlights with split daytime-running lights signature, a Datsun 240z-inspired silhouette, as well as a horizontal light-bar taillights influenced by the\n Z32 300ZX \nof the 1990s.\nThe slim horizontal taillights design was also confirmed by Nissan\u2019s design boss Alfonso Albaisa, who posted a line-art drawing of the new rear-end of the Z Proto on his own Instagram account.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Alfonso Albaisa (@alfonsoalbaisa)\nAll that\u2019s left now is what\u2019s underneath the hood. Recent rumours suggest that the Z Proto and upcoming Z car \u2013 said to be called the 400Z \u2013 will be powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 taken straight from the Infiniti Q60, which will be good for 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque.\nSince the launch on the 16th of September will be for the prototype though, there may still be some time before we find out about this part of the car. Still, we can\u2019t wait to finally see the complete car next Wednesday, which you can watch the live stream \nhere\n at 8.30 am!"
"It\u2019s been \nmore than a year since its launch \nand we still think the Mitsubishi Triton is one of the best in its class. Malaysia seems to agree with us as the big boy \nclaimed 22.8% of market share\n in the month of January this year.\nThe Triton strikes a good balance between striking design, useful features, and it has the reputation of Japanese reliability in its favour. Here we listed five features of the Triton that we think elevated it above its competition.\n1. Supportive seats\nSeats are high on our list of things that make or break a driving experience. The front pair in the Triton are cossetting in all the right ways, while the rear has been re-positioned to give a bit more recline for extra comfort.\nWhat\u2019s more, they are finished in leather in the Adventure X and Premium A/T variants, which highlights the truck as a people-mover as much as it\u2019s a beast of burden.\n2. \u201cKnee pads\n\u201c\nYou\u2019ll never know that you need it until you\u2019ve experienced it. These pads are finished in leather to provide an extra bit of comfort to bony knees when bracing against all that jostling whenever you go off-road or even just on a long drive.\n3. Rear air-conditioning vents\nUncommon in pick-ups, the vents are incorporated into the headliner and the fan speed is also adjustable. This saves space in the centre console area which is then transformed into a cubby hole for phones. There\u2019s even an arm rest at the rear for additional comfort.\n4. Super Select 4WD II\nLike any pickup truck the Triton has a few driving modes, but with one extra special sauce. In 4H mode, power is sent to every wheel and it is regulated by a viscous coupling. This enables every wheel to spin independently of one another. It\u2019s a technology used in SUVs, but a first in a pickup truck. Here\u2019s \na video\n of Eu Jin explaning it.\n5. \n \nUltrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS)\nUltrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System is a feature to lessen the impact of accidental acceleration or even reversing into objects. Sensors at both ends of the car will detect an object \nup to four metres away\n, preventing drivers from accidentally slamming into a wall or reversing into their pets.\nWe also liked some other facets of the car, like \nthe turning circle\n and its macho exterior. Check out \nour video review \nof the \nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X \nhere."
"Lexus Malaysia has just launched the new 2019 Lexus RX300 with three variants available \u2013 Premium at RM399,888, Luxury at RM424,888 and F Sport at RM439,888.\nThe new 2019 Lexus RX is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder making \n235 hp \nand \n350 Nm\n, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.\nOn the outside, the RX now comes with slimmer, redesigned headlamps, new front and rear bumper design, new grille design, repositioned fog lamps, and new tail light design.\nThe LED combination rear lamps features an \u201cL\u201d shape motif, further emphasising the Lexus brand signature.\nThe new RX also rides on a \nnew suspension setup\n that promises a mix of comfort and poise when the roads start curving. Under the wheel arches of both variants are 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 tyres.\nOn the inside, the cabin which can be had in three different colour schemes \u2013 Orcher, Black or Noble Brown \u2013 comes with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nOther interior upgrades include paddle shifters, a smartphone holder on the centre console, wireless charger as well as dual USB ports at the front and in the rear seat. Power adjustable and ventilated front seats are also available.\nThe new RX is also equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ on all variants. The system includes Pre-Collision System with Brake Collision Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Active Cornering Assist and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.\nThe RX is also equipped with the world\u2019s first BladeScan type Adaptive High Beam System (AHS), which unlike the one found in the NX, produces a wider illumination area allows driver to maintain the headlamps on high beam mode, without dazzling oncoming or preceding vehicles.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche has premiered the \nPorsche Taycan\n for the Asia Pacific region in Singapore last week, ahead of the regional market launch in 2020.\u00a0\nAs part of a global partnership between Porsche and Lucasfilm, the all-electric Taycan was \u201cmarched\u201d on stage alongside Stormtroopers from the Star Wars films, while a drone show took place above.\nThe partnership between the two companies also saw the design teams at Porsche and Lucasfilm collaborating to design a fantasy starship in support of the upcoming Star Wars film.\u00a0The sketches of the starship was also presented at the event.\nLucasfilm, VP Executive Creative Director Doug Chiang, highlighted the shared idealogy between the two brands. Chiang said, \u201cAlthough one brand is placed in a fantasy universe and one in the real world, it\u2019s interesting that both are defined very much by their iconic design principle.\n\u201cThe basic challenge of the design brief was to design a starship that would both be true to the Star Wars universe and Porsche design DNA,\u201d He added.\nPorsche AG\u2019s Vice President Style Porsche, Michael Mauer, who was present at the event, shared the design philosophy behind the vehicle. He said \u201cDesigning the Taycan was one of the most exciting tasks, because the only certainty was that it had to be recognisable as a Porsche at first glance.\n\u201cJust like what the 911 has achieved, my vision is that the Taycan will become an icon of this new era, a synonym for a purely electric sports car,\u201d he added.\nThe Porsche Taycan is the German brand\u2019s first foray into electrification. Two electric motors generate up to \n761 hp\n overboost power on the flagship Turbo S model, which translates to a zero to 100 km/h time of \n2.8 seconds\n.\u00a0\nThe Turbo S model does \n412 km\n based on the WLTP cycle, while the toned-down Taycan Turbo has a range of \n450 km\n.\u00a0\nPorsche Taycan is also the first production vehicle utilising 800 volts system voltage. The doubling of the usual 400 v system resulted in enhanced charging performance, achieving 100 km of range with just five minutes of charging using a direct current (DC) high speed charger.\u00a0\nThe \n93.4 kWh\n battery can be charged from five to 80% in just 22.5 minutes under ideal conditions, using the maximum charging power of \n270 kW\n."
"Porsche Cars North America have come together with renowned auction house RM Sotheby\u2019s to host an \u201cOnline-only\u201d auction on the latter\u2019s website where proceeds from the auction of a rare 991 generation Porsche 911 will go to a Covid-19 fund.\nAnd the car in question is the \n911 Speedster\n, the last of 1,948 units \u2013 a car built to commemorate 70 years of Porsche. The GT silver metallic Speedster is yet to be registered and only has 20 km on its odometer. It\u2019s powered by a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six and fittingly mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.\nThe 911 Speedster has been specified with the \nHeritage Design package\n \u2013 which allows customers to choose their preferred plaque number (X of the 1,948 units available) to be mounted between the seats and from a variety of paint work, leather and trim finishes.\nIt\u2019s also accompanied by a one-of-a-kind book illustrating the assembly and completion of the car, including photographs and an original sketch by the Speedster design team. Also, the lucky owner will receive a letter of authenticity from Porsche confirming the chassis number of the car is indeed the last of the 991 generation to pass through the production line.\nThey\u2019ve even thrown in a watch into the package to further sweeten the deal \u2013 a \n911 Speedster Heritage Design Chronograph by Porsche Design\n. The watch incorporates the Speedster\u2019s historic design features, including a strap made with the exact same cognac leather used inside the Speedster and a silver winding rotor that mirrors the car\u2019s unique wheels.\nThe case back of the watch, with COSC-certification and flyback function, also displays the engraved chassis number of the last 991 generation 911 \u2013 making it a truly one-of-a-kind collector\u2019s item.\nLastly, the car will be handed over to the winning bidder by Porsche Cars North America, President and CEO, Klaus Zellmer. He/She will also be invited to take a personal, behind-the-scenes tour of the Porsche AG Weissach development headquarters \u2013 including experiencing the test track \u2013 with Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser and Andreas Preuninger, heads of the 911 and GT model lines respectively.\nGALLERY"
"You never know what you can find on the net these days and on a slow final week of the year such as this, with everyone being on holiday or bogged in year-end lethargy, there really isn\u2019t a lot of new developments in the auto industry to spread about.\nThat\u2019s when the luxury of spending hours on YouTube is afforded; to scour the world for interesting content to share and be amused with. What do you know, I stumbled upon a really pleasant surprise \u2013 the kind of video content that\u2019s right up my alley and hopefully, yours too.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NokxivBEtQo\nFeaturing four of the greatest from the 1980\u2019s \u2013 a\n Lamborghini Countach\n, a \nRUF CTR Yellowbird\n, a \nFerrari Testarossa\n and an Aston Martin most would not have been aware of save for its modern interpretation,\n the classic Vantage V8\n made from the late 70\u2019s to the late 80\u2019s.\nThe casts in this video of cars from an era which knew no limits when it came to vehicle design and performance were nothing short of a talented bunch as well. It featured Valentino Balboni, former chief test driver at Lamborghini and the one and only Stefan Roser, the man behind the wheel of \nthe famous RUF CTR Yellowbird\u2019s run on the Nurburgring in 1987 \nto name a few.\nSource:\n YouTube"
"Subaru Japan has just updated its EyeSight driver assist system with Touring Assist function which allows for autonomous driving from traffic jam to highway commutes. The new system will be available exclusively for the Japanese domestic market for now, starting with the Subaru \nLevorg\n and \nWRX S4\n.\nTouring Assist operates under \nthree scenarios\n \u2013 traffic jams, congested roads and high-speed cruising. Building upon the existing EyeSight driver assist systems such as Pre-collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Prevention Assist, Touring Assists adds automated steering to keep the vehicle in its track and is able to accelerate, decelerate, corner and come to a complete stop without driver input at speeds of up to \n120 km/h\n.\nUsing Subaru\u2019s original Stereo Camera Technology, the car is able to recognise road markings, obstacles and vehicles in front for the systems to operate consistently in a multitude of real-world settings. Subaru claims that the new Touring Assist system greatly reduces the driver\u2019s burden as well as facilitate a safer journey every time.\nIn addition to that, Japan-spec models equipped with EyeSight safety package will benefit from a new \nReverse Automatic Braking\n that automatically applies brakes when it detects an imminent collision when reversing. Again, it will debut in the Levorg and WRX S4 and remains exclusively for the Japanese market \u2013 for now.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru EyeSight with Touring Function   Subaru Levorg   Subaru WRX S4"
"Mazda\u2019s new SKYACTIV-X engine,\u00a0which combusts through compression ignition, shows potential of reduced emissions even compared to an electric vehicle when measured well-to-wheel. The company believes there is still potential from maximising\u00a0the efficiency of the internal combustion engines to improve on real-world emissions.\nIn measuring CO2 emissions over the life cycle of a vehicle, Mazda is ditching the \u2018Tank-to-Wheel\u2019 evaluations (which consider only emissions whilst driving), for a\n \u2018Well-to-Wheel\u2019 method\n\u00a0which also considers fuel extraction, manufacturing and shipping. At the moment, a SKYACTIV-G engine produces less CO2, \u2019Well-to-Wheel\u2019, than EVs whose electricity is generated by coal or petroleum.\nThe \nMazda Kai Concept\n, which could be the new Mazda 3, was unveiled with the new SKYACTIV-X engine.\nA mid-sized electric car consumes about 20 kilowatt-hours of electricity per 100km. Production of this power with coal translates into CO2 emissions of 200g/km; with petroleum, 156g/km; and with LNG (liquefied petroleum gas) 100g/km.\nWhen converted to a \u2018Well-to-Wheel\u2019 figure, the average CO2 emissions of an EV are some 128g/km, depending on the power generation source while Mazda\u2019s SKYACTIV-G petrol engine of comparable power is 142g/km. This means that with as little as a 10% improvement in efficiency, SKYACTIV-G engine emissions will be on a par with those of electric vehicles.\nMazda\u2019s new SKYACTIV-X engine is the world\u2019s first commercial petrol engine to use compression ignition, in which the air-fuel mixture ignites spontaneously when compressed by the piston.\nCombined with a supercharger to boost intake pressure, compression ignition can deliver improved engine response and an \nincrease in torque of 10-30%\n over the current SKYACTIV-G petrol engines whilst \nimproving engine efficiency by\n \nup to 20-30%\n. The SKYACTIV-X even equals or exceeds the latest SKYACTIV-D diesel engines in fuel efficiency."
"Lexus Malaysia\n, together with its dealer-partner PCM Klang Motor, has opened the doors to their first \u201ceco-friendly showroom\u201d here on our shores. Taking over the previous Toyota outlet in Klang, the new Lexus showroom has been completely refurbished around sustainable and eco-friendly values, in line with the marque\u2019s \ncommitment towards carbon neutrality by 2050\n.\nThe new Lexus Klang showroom is designed with the latest in green building technology, including the use of sustainable materials, motion-activated LED lighting, and advanced bidet and taps in the washrooms, all to reduce the building\u2019s energy consumption and water usage, while at the same time enhancing its customers\u2019 experience.\n\u201cWe are excited to open the first eco-friendly Lexus showroom here in Klang and hope to pave the way for more sustainable efforts moving forward,\u201d said Lexus Malaysia president, Datuk Ravindran K. \u201cBy integrating sustainable materials and energy-saving technologies into the design of our showroom, we are demonstrating our commitment to environmental-consciousness and reducing our carbon footprint.\u201d\nRELATED:\n 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury now open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 RM469k\nIn addition to the marque\u2019s usual luxury showroom experience, the new Lexus Klang dealership will also be able to offer Toyota customers in the Klang vicinity the opportunity to upgrade their cars to Lexus models through their trade-in programmes, as PCM Klang Motor is also a \nUMW Toyota Motor\n dealer.\nThe new Lexus Klang showroom is located at \nLot 1137, Jalan Kepayang, 41050 Klang, Selangor\n, and operates from 8:00 am \u2013 5:30 pm on weekdays, and 10:00 am \u2013 5:00 pm on weekends. Further enquiries can be done via phone at \n+(603) 3345\u00a06482\n.\nGALLERY"
"Porsche is further expanding the \nsecond-generation Panamera\n lineup with the Panamera Sport Turismo. This is Porsche\u2019s first attempt at a wagon offering and brings the Panamera range to a total of three body styles \u2013 saloon, \nextended wheelbase\n and wagon.\nSet for its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week, all five variants of the Panamera Sport Turismo will be on display, beginning with the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4S Diesel Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo and Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo.\nWith the Sport Turismo, the Porsche engineers completely redesigned the rear profile. The tapering roofline is less pronounced here, but is tastefully executed to meet the tailgate. Boot volume is up by 25 litres over the standard Panamera, giving it a grand total of 520 litres. With the back seats folded down, this can be extended to a massive \n1,390 litres\n.\nInside, the Sport Turismo is available as a five-seater as standard, though a four-seater arrangement can also be optioned for. Standard items on the Sport Turismo include digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, adaptive cruise control, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and four-wheel drive with rear axle steering. Higher range S models get adaptive air suspension as standard.\nRemember that futuristic active rear wings on the standard Panamera? The Sport Turismo will instead get a high tech \nadaptive rear spoiler\n. It works at speeds of up to 170km/h, and its degree of angulation varies depending on speed to reduce drag and fuel consumption.\nAbove 170km/h, the spoiler moves into \nPerformance Position\n\u00a0to generate additional downforce of up to 50kg on the rear axle, thereby improving driving dynamics. However, in Sport and Sport Plus mode, it would go into Performance Position from 90km/h upwards. Not only that, if the panoramic sliding roof is open above 90km/h, the spoiler will incline to +26 degrees to minimise wind noise.\nLike on the Panamera Saloon and Executive, a total of five engine options are available, including a 3.0-litre V6 turbo with \n326 hp\n, 2.9-litre V6 turbo with \n434 hp\n, 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 hybrid with \n462 hp\n, 4.0-litre V8 with \n542 hp\n and a 4.0-litre bi-turbodiesel V8 with \n422 hp\n.\n\u201cDespite the new wagon styling, the Panamera Sport Turismo is a step forward into a new segment, but retains all of those values and attributes that are characteristic of Porsche,\u201d said Porsche\u2019s Director of Style, Michael Mauer. So folks, when the second-generation Panamera \nhits the Malaysian market\n\u00a0later this year, which would be your pick?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has taken to its social media channels for a teaser of the \nall-new BMW M3\n and \nM4\n, hinting at an imminent launch of the new M duos, which were just launched globally in September this year.\nThe all-new BMW M3 will be the latest flagship to the packed 3 Series line-up in Malaysia, which recently saw the addition of the 330e M Sport as well as the \nM340i xDrive \u201cBaby M3\u201d\n. On the other hand, the M4 will mark the introduction of the \nG22 4 Series in Malaysia\n.\nBased on the past M models introduced in Malaysia, we will most likely see the all-new BMW M3 and M4 in Competition form, which sees the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine serve up \n503 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n650 Nm\n \u2013 59 hp and 100 Nm more than the outgoing \nCompetition models\n, and 50 Nm more than the \nBMW X3 M\n and \nX4 M Competition\n which packs the same powertrain under their hoods.\nThe engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox for a 0-100 km/h time of just \n3.9 seconds\n\u00a0in competition form. For the first time in the M3 and M4, buyers can also opt for a rear-bias xDrive all-wheel drive configuration \u2013 although this set-up will only be available globally from \u201csummer 2021\u201d, so we will most likely see the rear-wheel driven versions here in Malaysia.\nThe new M3 and M4 in Competition form also comes as standard with the M Drive Professional system. The track-focused software suite includes a 10-stage M Traction Control, a virtual coach to encourage \u201cconsistent progress\u201d in your lap times, and even an M Drift Analyser which records and rates how well you can stick your rump out through a corner.\u00a0\nCompetition models also get the Driver Assistance Professional package as standard, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go and traffic-jam assist, and active lane-keeping assist in addition to the standard safety suite, making it more liveable at times when you\u2019re not whipping it hard on the circuit.\nIt\u2019s about time we all get used to the new looks on the BMW M3 and M4, but if the large grilles really aren\u2019t your thing, you\u2019ll be pleased to know that the aforementioned \u201cBaby M3\u201d M340i xDrive \u2013 \nwhich starts at RM402k\n \u2013 isn\u2019t too far off in terms of performance.\nGALLERY"
"Perodua has sold 99,700 cars for the first six months of the year, marking an increase of 2.4 percent \ncompared to the same period last year\n. According to the company\u2019s internal estimates, their market share is approximately 35.1 percent of the total 284,200 vehicles sold.\nAs it stands, all Perodua models are number one in their respective segments. They sold 32,600 units of the \nAxia\n, 28,300 units of the \nBezza\n, 24,000 units of the \nMyvi\n and 14,700 units of the Alza. The Axia is currently the company\u2019s most popular model.\u00a0In the export markets, Perodua shipped\n 1,854 vehicles\n to six countries in six months.\u00a0\nInterestingly, the total industry volume has improved by 2.3 percent or 284,200 cars for 1H 2017, up from 275,500 cars last year. Perodua\u2019s President and CEO Datuk Dr Aminur Rashid Salleh said, \u201cDespite the improvement in sales, we foresee that the tighter lending guideline is still by far our greatest challenge to overcome because most of our customers are first-time buyers.\u201d\nIn fact, Perodua will be running a special campaign for the Myvi with cash backs of up to RM7,500. Dr Aminar also encouraged customers to drop by their nearest Perodua showroom and stand a chance to win up to RM12,000 in cash when they take part in the Myvi\u2019s 12th year anniversary celebrations.\nAs for after sales, Perodua serviced 1.02 million cars in 1H 2017, an increase from 1.01 million intakes last year. The company plans to sell 202,000 sales this year and are cautiously optimistic. \nThroughout 2016, Perodua sold 207,100 cars\n, the highest number they\u2019ve achieved, ever."
"Honda Malaysia has just reached a significant milestone in its history, with the rollout of its one millionth vehicle built in the Pegoh manufacturing plant in Melaka \u2013 a red\n Civic RS\n, the company\u2019s latest model to be locally-assembled here in Malaysia.\nThe historic milestone is reached just short of 20 years since it begun locally-assembly here in Malaysia back in 2003, and roughly one year since the company marked its \none-millionth Honda vehicle sold\n here on our shores.\n\u201cIt has been 20 years since Honda Malaysia\u2019s establishment in the country. We have evolved and recorded significant achievements since then,\u201d said Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Madoka Chujo. \u201cIn March 2021, we achieved the one millionth sale unit milestone with all Malaysians. Just one year later, I am now celebrating another significant milestone with all of you \u2013 the one millionth production unit.\u201d\nALSO READ: Honda City, Accord now offered with new colours in Malaysia\n\u201cI would like to express my deepest appreciation to all Honda associates and suppliers for their effort and hard work to ensure smooth production process and supply chain operations even with many challenges faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global chip shortage and recent flood incidents.\n\u201cWith their dedication, Challenging Spirit and working \u2018Together As One\u2019\u2019 we are able to achieve this remarkable one million production unit milestone,\u201d she added, while also extending her appreciation to its dealer network, federal and Melaka state government, as well as its customers.\nHonda Malaysia opened its No. 1 Line at the Pegoh Plant in January 2003. Built on an area of 46,543 sqm. The plant had an initial production capacity of 50,000 cars annually, and it wasn\u2019t until the addition of the 49,190.5 sqm No. 2 Line in 2013 that brought that figure up to 100,000 units per year.\nThe first Honda model that rolled out from the No.1 Line was the 2nd Generation \nCR-V\n, while the No. 2 Line was introduced together with the launch of the locally-assembled \nHonda Jazz Hybrid\n back in 2014.\nRELATED: 2022 All-new Honda Civic launched in Malaysia from RM125k\nUniquely, Honda is one of the very few marques in Malaysia that assembles its entire model-line-up (City, City Hatchback, Civic, Accord, BR-V, HR-V, and CR-V) locally, with the sole exception being the recently-launched \nOdyssey MPV\n.\nHonda Malaysia says that the flexible production capability is in part due to its investment into a range of state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies at the Pegoh Plant, which are on par with the Honda plants in Japan.\nThese include the \u201cLaser Brazing\u201d technology, which creates a smooth and clean roofline for a sleeker exterior appearance, alongside Inner Frame Welding to enhance the car\u2019s body rigidity, and Spray Polyurethane Foam that reduces noise and vibrations in the cabin while driving.\nThe Pegoh plant has also fully adopted Honda\u2019s latest powertrain and safety technologies, which means it will be able to continue expanding the use of its e:HEV hybrid powerplants, as well as Honda Sensing and Honda Connect tech to its other models, starting with \ntwo new models slated for launch this year."
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has introduced the Toyota Flood Assist Program for customers whose vehicles have been affected (or damaged) by the flood last weekend.\nThose who have suffered damages through their Toyota vehicles will be entitled to a \n25% discount\n on the total bill inclusive of labour charges and free towing service.\n\u201cWhile nothing can fully compensate the loss and distress suffered by those affected by the flood, we hope that our Toyota Flood Assist Program will provide some sort of relief. Through this program, we want to ease their burden, even if it\u2019s just by a little, to help those impacted get back on their feet quickly. We sincerely hope for the quickest possible recovery of these communities and the team at Toyota extends our heartfelt prayers for the safety of all Malaysians,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran. K.\nTo further aid its customers, UMW Toyota Motor is also offering a 0% interest \u201cEasy Payment Plan\u201d for eligible customers. All Toyota service centres and body & paint centres will remain open during this period.\nToyota owners can also contact Toyota\u2019s 24SEVEN Road Assist for further assistance if needed. The service is open to all Toyota owners and runs 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.\nFor assistance, call our 1-800-8-869682 (1-800-8-TOYOTA). For more details on the Toyota Flood Assist Program, click \nhere\n."
"Well what do we have here, BMW Malaysia has uploaded a single teaser image onto their \nofficial Facebook page\n and if our eyes are not fooling us, the silhouette points towards the brand\u2019s new flagship luxury coupe, the \nBMW Concept 8 Series\n.\nNow, the Concept 8 Series has not gone into production as \ninitial testings are still underway\n, so if anything, BMW Malaysia will be bringing in the concept show car that was on display at the Concorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa d\u2019Este in May 2017. The company has asked Malaysians to save the date 22 February 2018 at Kuala Lumpur City Centre for the (presumable) unveiling of the Concept 8 Series here on local shores.\nTo recap, when the Concept 8 Series goes into production, will be \nreplacing the 6 Series Coupe\n and will go up against the likes of \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s S-Class Coupe\n. The firm has also confirmed that developments of a fire-breathing M8 and M8 GTE race car are currently underway.\nOn the outside, the Concept 8 Series did not take design lessons from the \nG12 7 Series \nbut\u00a0instead, builds upon the 6 Series Coupe\u2019s existing design \u2013 only here it\u2019s bigger, sleeker and more angular. Inside the concept car sports a driver-focused cabin architecture with sporty carbon fibre seats, iDrive Controller made from Swarovski glass and a centre console unlike anything in its current line up.\nThe Bavarian giant has hinted that the new BMW 8 Series Coupe is slated for debut this year and with BMW Malaysia looking to display the concept car here in the capital of Malaysia, we may very well see the luxury flagship coupe make its official introduction in our the local market. Albeit, sometime in the future.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW Concept 8 Series"
"Not long after announcing its \nbreakaway from Volvo\n to develop high performance EV\u2019s as a sub-brand, Polestar has revealed the Polestar 1 \u2013 \nthe company\u2019s first car \nset for production by 2019.\n\u201cPolestar 1 is the first car to carry the Polestar on the bonnet. A beautiful GT with amazing technology packed into it \u2013 a great start for our new Polestar brand. All future cars from Polestar will feature a fully electric drivetrain, delivering on our brand vision of being the new standalone electric performance brand\u201d, said Chief Executive Officer of Polestar, Thomas Ingenlath.   With\u00a0\n600 hp\n\u00a0and a whooping 1000 Nm of torque the taps, the Polestar 1 is a two-door, 2+2 seater Grand Tourer Coupe with an \u201cElectric Performance Hybrid\u201d drivetrain. Unlike any hybrid cars we know of today, where an electric motor supports the main engine, the Polestar 1 will be \nan electric car supported by an internal combustion engine\n.\nRelying purely on electric power, it will have a range of \n150 km\n \u2013 the longest electric range of any hybrid on the market. It\u2019s based on Volvo\u2019s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) but with \n50% of Polestar\u2019s custom input\n \u2013 it shall not be called a Volvo.   The Polestar 1 comes fitted with the all-new, class-leading \u00d6hlins Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CESi). It will also come with a carbon fibre body which will \nincreases structural stiffness by up to 45%\n as well as lowering the car\u2019s centre of gravity.\nTorque Vectoring\n will also be present, through a double electric rear axle layout, which will elevate the driving experience with precise acceleration on each wheel while providing maximum traction.\nPolestar is ready to receive orders of the Polestar 1, which will be put together in the purpose-built, state-of-the-art Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China which is due for completion by the middle of next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The facelifted baby Merc has been revealed with subtle exterior refresh and an updated engine line up. Debuted back in 2012, the latest enhancements brings the \nW176 A-Class\n up to date with sharper looks and improved efficiency throughout the range.\nAs tradition follows, the \nA 45\n also gets an update, which includes engine revisions to extend its lead as the world\u2019s most powerful series production four cylinder engine in the world. Mercedes also announced that the new A 45 AMG will instead be known as Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC from this point onwards.\nEXTERIOR\nThe exterior tweaks carry \nminimal changes\n to the \nlights\n and \nbumpers\n front and back. The dazzling \ndiamond grille\n is retained, but the signature \neyebrow LED DRLs\n in the headlamps have been given an update to a single LED tube on each side. There\u2019s an option to equip the A-Class with \nLED High Performance headlamps\n too.\nThe sides are left untouched but at the back the \ntail lights\n receive new LED pattern while the \ntailpipes\n are now \nintegrated\n into the new rear bumper.   Among several trims available for the new A-Class is a special \u201c\nMotorsport Edition\n\u201d that pays tribute to the \nMERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team\n. Available on the A 200/A 200 d upwards, it features an \nAMG kit\n that looks almost like the ones fitted to the AMG A 45, but with \nflashes of petrol green\n on the bumpers, wheels, side mirror caps, and the rear spoiler.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin is largely similar as before but you can spot there\u2019s a \nnew steering wheel\n, and behind that Mercedes said they\u2019ve given the \ndials\n some \nnew graphics\n. The \nbuttons\n on the center panel are also redesigned, while the \nfree-standing screen\n at the top grows up to \neight\u00a0inches\n.   The \nseat cushion depth\n can now be adjusted by \nup to 60 mm\n on all A-Class models, and there\u2019s an option for an \nambience lighting\n with \ntwelve colours and five dimming levels\n.\u00a0\nMobile connectivity\n comes in the form of \nApple CarPlay\n and \nMirrorLink\n, but it will only be available from early next year.\nLike the exterior, the interior of the \u201c\nMotorsport Edition\n\u201d is decorated with \npetrol green highlights\n, on the air vents, seats, and even on the seat belts.\nPERFORMANCE\nFive diesel\n variants or \nseven petrol\n variants can be had on the facelifted A-Class. The\n A 160 d\n and \nA 180 d\n use a \n1,461 cc 4-cylinder\n diesel that generates \n90 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n, and \n109 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n respectively. Both sips around \n3.7 litres to 4.1 litres per 100 km\n, but there\u2019s another variant of the A 180 d that sips only \n3.5 litres per 100 km\n, which is the \nA 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition\n.\n \n \nAnother diesel engine is a \n2,143 cc 4-cylinder\n in the \nA 200 d\n and the \nA 220 d\n. It generates \n136 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n in the former, and \n177 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n in the latter. Fuel consumption is from \n3.8 litres to 4.9 litres per 100 km\n, and both the \nA 200 d\n and the \nA 220 d\n have the option of the \n4MATIC all-wheel drive system\n.\nThe petrol engine starts with a \n1,595 cc 4-cylinder\n used in the \nA 160\n, \nA 180\n, and the \nA 200\n. Power outputs are \n102 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n in the \nA 160\n, \n122 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n in the \nA 180\n, and \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n in the \nA 200\n, while fuel consumption range from \n5.1 litres to 5.7 litres per 100 km\n. Like the A 180 d, the petrol \nA 180\n is also available in \nBlueEFFICIENCY Edition\n that sips only \n5.2 litres per 100 km\n.\nAnother petrol engine is a \n1,991 cc 4-cylinder\n in the \nA 220\n and the \nA 250\n. In the former it produces \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n while sipping from \n6.3 litres to 6.6 litres per 100 km\n, in the latter it produces \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n with a fuel consumption from \n5.8 litres to 6.7 litres per 100 km\n. Another variant is the \nA 250 Sport\n, which gets its power increased to \n218 hp\n.   The \n4MATIC all-wheel drive system\n is \nstandard\n on the \nA 220\n, but \noptional\n on the\n A 250\n. A \nseven-speed 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission\n with \u201c\nLaunch Assist\n\u201d function is available as an option to all models except the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models, which only available with a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n.\nStandard in the A 200 d, A 220 d, A 220, and A 250 (optional on the other A-class models) is the \nDYNAMIC SELECT system\n where the drivers can select from four driving modes: \nComfort\n, \nSport\n, \nEco\n and \nIndividual\n via the controller on the center console. It adjusts the ride and handling characteristics of the car as well as throttle response to suit each driving mode selected.\nSAFETY\nFitted as standard, the \nATTENTION ASSIST\n drowsiness detection system has been upgraded to work between 60 km/h to 200 km/h. Other than that, \nDISTRONIC PLUS\n distance control is offered, as well as \nCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS\n with autonomous partial braking.\nWHAT ELSE?\nIn Europe, the facelifted A-Class will be available as early as \nJuly\n, but there\u2019s no word on the Malaysian launch date. The W176 A-Class range in Malaysia currently consists of the \nA 200\n and the \nA 250\n, so expect the similar range repeated again for the facelifted A-Class.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz W176 A-Class   Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC"
"Mansory\n isn\u2019t known for their subtlety, but even then, this one might just have taken the cake for their most outrageous mod. Unveiled as a celebration for their first showroom in Dubai, Mansory\u2019s new \nCullinan\n \u2018Special UAE\u2019 has been given an extreme makeover both inside and out, with everything taken to the next level including its paint job.\nYup, your eyes aren\u2019t deceiving you. That\u2019s a two-tone paint job in the most literal way, fading partway through the bodywork from a graphite-like grey colour in front to a sinister matte black at the rear. On top of that, there\u2019s also a full body kit that adds a deeper front bumper with an integrated splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler, and even a pretty sizeable rear diffuser.\nAs if that\u2019s still not enough, Mansory\u2019s bodywork also include massive flared wheel arches covering the 24-inch forged wheels, alongside black/grey camo-like trims all around that somewhat resembles granite on closer inspection.\nRELATED: Rolls-Royce Black Badge family arrives in Malaysia\nThe same granite-like finish is also applied onto most trim pieces on the Cullinan\u2019s interior. The black and grey upholstery (different colour on each integrated seats) meanwhile has been given a new wave-like motif on the centre consoles and door panels.\nFinishing off the interior touches are theis an outline of the United Arab Emirates, illuminated on the headlining just like Rolls-Royce\u2019s own starlight headlining. The same outline can also be found embroidered onto the headrests and seatbelts \u2013 the latter also gets a Mansory-branded stripe bisecting it lengthwise.\nALSO READ: The Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge\u2019s paint job weighs 45\u00a0kg just by itself\nMansory did not disclose what they\u2019ve done to the powertrain, but we do know that there\u2019s an additional boost in performance, with the Special UAE Cullinan now outputting \n610 hp\n and\n 950 Nm\n \u2013 a pretty sizeable increase even when compared to the Black Badge Cullinan\u2019s 600 hp and 900 Nm from its 6.75-litre V12 engine.\nAlso not mentioned is the price, although if you had to ask, the Mansory UAE Special Rolls-Royce Cullinan probably isn\u2019t for you.\nGALLERY"
"While it\u2019s still uncertain when the \nKia Stinger GT\n would make its \ndebut in Malaysia\n, if ever, it recently went on sale in the UK at a retail price from\u00a0\u00a331,995 (approx RM180k) to \u00a340,495 (approx RM228k) with deliveries starting in early 2018.\nOfficially the \nfastest Kia in the world,\n with over\n 365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of torque from a 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 engine in the highest spec GT, along with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo model.\nBoth would be paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox where the more powerful Stinger GT will take a mere 4.9 seconds to a 100 km/h from standstill.\nLike the \nextreme\u00a0Hyundai IONIQ\n and the \nboy-racer Elantra Sport\n we recently featured, the Stinger GT too will be displayed at Kia\u2019s booth in typical SEMA form and fashion after Kia teamed up with our childhood favourite West Coast Customs to show off a uniquely-modified version.\nAesthetically, the all-new fastback sedan will be enhanced with a gloss black front grill, a carbon fibre aero kit, widebody fender flares and a rear diffuser.\u00a0It will also be fitted with lowered suspension, sitting on 21-inch forged wheels and squared quad exhaust tips.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-electric variant of the \nPeugeot 2008\n, the \nPeugeot e-2008\n has just been previewed at the \nMalaysia Auto Show 2023\n. Underpinning the e-2008 is the same Common Modular Platform (CMP) as the petrol 2008. Only previewed for now, no details regarding the price of the e-2008 have been confirmed as of now.\nDimensions-wise, the e-2008 is identical to the regular 2008, which is on sale in Malaysia. It measures \n4,300 mm\n long, \n1,770 mm\n wide and \n1,550 mm\n tall. On the outside, the Peugeot e-2008 pretty much looks identical to the regular 2008. Looking funky just like the 2008, the e-2008 includes features such as full LED lighting, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch Black Onyx Diamond-cut wheels. However, the fog lights are most probably not going to make the cut in Malaysia.\nHowever, Bermaz Auto has mentioned that the fog lights will most probably not be available with the e-2008 when it reaches Malaysian shores. The e-2008 can be distinguished from the petrol-powered model through the \u2018e\u2019 badge, located on the front side panel and tailgate.\nPowering the e-2008 is a single motor system that pushes out \n136 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque. With a \n50 kWh\n battery, the French BEV SUV is able to carry you as far as \n320 km\n (WLTP range). When the e-2008 runs out of juice, you can also charge it from 0 to 80% in just \n30 minutes\n, via \n100 kW\n DC charging.\nALSO WATCH: \nPeugeot 2008 review \u2013 the alluring French alternative\nInside of the e-2008 features a futuristic looking interior identical to the regular 2008\u2019s. Features such as Alcantara and leatherette seats, Peugeot\u2019s 3D i-cockpit hologram display, a head-up display (HUD), a 10-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electronic parking brake and ambient lighting are present as well.\nSafety-wise, the Peugeot e-2008 comes with High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Active Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Active Safety Brake, as well as Adaptive Crusie Control (ACC) with stop and go function. As for when the car will be launched, Bemaz Auto said we can expect the Peugeot e-2008 to be officially launched in Malaysia in \nQ3 2023\n. Those interested can check out the car itself by giving Malaysia Auto Show 2023 a visit. The show will be held from \nMay 4\n to \n7, 2023\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Peugeot 2008 SE launched in Malaysia \u2013 adds RM2,900 in accessories\nGALLERY"
"BMW will enter its next phase of electric vehicles (EV) development with a new dedicated platform, dubbed Neue Klasse. The EV architecture is currently under development, and is expected to go into production in 2025 with the next-generation \nBMW 3 Series\n \u2013 and yes, it will be fully electric.\nSpeaking during the company\u2019s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse said that the new platform will initially focus on models in the mid-size premium segment. \u201cWhen it hits the market, it will be concentrated on the 3 Series segment and at that point, in time the market will have developed into a size where it is reasonable to have only one drivetrain in that architecture,\u201d said Zipse.\nUnlike the \nChina-only i3\n, which is essentially the G20 BMW 3 Series transplanted with an electric powertrain, the Neue Klasse platform underpinning the next-generation fully-electric 3 Series EV is designed exclusively for pure electric powertrains only \u2013 not even hybrid power.\nZipse claims that the Neue Klasse architecture will represent a \u201cquantum leap in technology\u201d, with electric powertrains that offer \u201cmore output, new cell chemistry and new cell formats\u201d. With a new dedicated EV platform, it\u2019s also safe to expect a larger battery pack in the fully-electric next-generation 3 Series, instead of the relatively small 66.1 kWh unit that\u2019s shoehorned into the Chinese-market BMW i3.\nRELATED: BMW CEO says combustion engines still important, don\u2019t be too reliant on EVs\nReview: BMW M340i xDrive \u2013 the best of both worlds\nFollowing the initial launch with the midsized cars, BMW is also planning to expand the scope of the Neue Klasse architecture for use in the other market segments. Citing a source from BMW, \nAutomotive News Europe\n reports that there will be a full range of fully-electric models based on the architecture, ranging \u201cfrom the high-volume segment to exclusive high-performance models\u201d.\nThe publication adds that the strategy shift to use the platform on only mid-sized models for the time being will allow BMW to keep its combustion engines for longer on larger models.\nThe Neue Klasse EV architecture will play a major role in BMW\u2019s plans to hit cumulative sales of two million EVs by 2025, on its way to a target of having half of its sales being fully-electric models by 2030. \u201cWe are doing everything we can to meet this goal earlier,\u201d said Zipse."
"Proton\n recorded a total sales number of \n40,287 cars \n(domestic + export) in the first quarter of the year, showing a 50.9% growth from last year. As for the month of March alone, the local carmaker sold \n14,753 cars\n (domestic + export), a 3.8% growth from February and an 11.9% growth from the same month last year.\nAccording to Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah, the first quarter results \u201cwere inflated because brands were rushing to deliver cars for bookings made during the PENJANA incentive period\u201d. A better reflection of the market sentiment will be seen in the second quarter.\nOf the 40,287 cars sold in the first three months of 2023, the best-selling model was the Saga with 17,446 units sold. This was followed by the X50 with 9,668 units, the Persona with 6,773 units, the X70 with 3,186 units, the Iriz with 2,120 units, and the Exora with 1,094 units.\nAs for the month of March alone, the Saga leads the charts with 6,313 units sold. The sales figures reflect the Q1 numbers with the X50 following behind at 3,429 units. This is followed by the Persona with 2,421 units, the X70 with 1,272 units, the Iriz with 712 units, and the Exora with 426 units.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cThe first quarter of 2023 has been exceptionally good for PROTON and our achievement of over 40,000 units sold is something we are justifiably proud of. However, we must consider that sales for the first three months were inflated because brands were rushing to deliver cars for bookings made during the PENJANA incentive period.\u201d\n\u201cThis is especially true for this month as the deadline to deliver those bookings was 31 March 2023, helping to explain the record estimated TIV number of 78,000 units. A better reflection of market sentiment would emerge by the end of Q2, but we remain confident of maintaining our sales momentum.\u201d\n\u201cWe will be launching the Proton X90 soon and will also have more additions to the range later in the year. At the same time, we recently announced our commitment to expanding our future New Energy Vehicle (NEV) offerings and this will take the brand into new market segments as we seek out long-term growth to fulfill our ten-year plan. Yes, the runway to Malaysia being a hub for Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV) is still long but PROTON is excited to lead the automotive industry to new horizons in the future.\u201d"
"At the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022 held in Las Vegas, Volvo and Qualcomm have formally announced their next step in collaboration in enhancing infotainment systems.\nNext-generation Volvo and Polestar fully electric models will be using Qualcomm Technologies\u2019 third-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms to take the next level of a digital interior environment.\nThe new Snapdragon Cockpit Platform is capable of fulfilling highly demanding graphics, audio and artificial intelligence requirements in the forthcoming \nPolestar 3\n and Volvo\u2019s upcoming all-new fully electric model that is \nreplacing the XC90\n, all while having a very low power consumption.\nUsing the latest Snapdragon Automotive Platforms, Volvo Cars\u2019 next-generation infotainment system will be more than twice as fast, while its graphics generation will be up to ten times faster. The user interface will still be the familiar \nGoogle Android Automotive\n-based infotainment system.\nInteriors of future Volvo vehicles to be vegan and from sustainable materials. More here.\n\u201cVolvo Cars is a company that believes in collaborating with technology leaders like Qualcomm Technologies and Google to deliver the best experience to our customers,\u201d said Henrik Green, Volvo Cars Chief Product Officer. \u201cWith Qualcomm technology in our forthcoming fully electric SUV, our Google Android-based infotainment system will reach the next level.\u201d\nRELATED: Volvo Cars has engaged with NVIDIA to power its ADAS system\nWith Google\u2019s Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), the Polestar 3 and Volvo Cars\u2019 upcoming fully electric SUV will feature hands-free help from Google Assistant and precise navigation with Google Maps, as well as a broad ecosystem of automotive applications and services on Google Play.\u00a0 Future improvements will be rolled out as over-the-air (OTA) updates."
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)\n today announced a new five-year warranty for the Ford Ranger line-up in Malaysia, a two-year extension to the previously three-year warranty previously offered on the pick-up truck.\nThe new warranty is applicable to all new \nFord Ranger pick-up trucks\n manufactured from 2021 onwards, including those purchased before the announcement today. The new warranty is valid for\n five years or 160,000 km\n, whichever comes first. Previously, the Ford Ranger is only offered with a three-year/100,000 km warranty.\nSDAC-Ford Head of Sales, Turse Zuhair said, \u201cWe understand that for our Ranger customers, their vehicles are not just point-to-point modes of transportation. They are an extension of their lifestyle \u2013 for work and play besides daily commutes for families and loved ones.\n\u201cWith the new 5-year manufacturer\u2019s warranty for our Ranger line-up, we aim to provide added value to customers as they go about their life\u2019s adventures.\u201d\nAs for existing Ford Ranger owners who currently are on the three-year warranty, SDAC-Ford is also offering an \noptional two-year/60,000 km warranty extension\n, which can be purchased at any Ford Authorised Service Centres across Malaysia.\nTwo types of warranty extensions are available: the PremiumCARE plan, priced at RM5,000 for the Ford Ranger, provides a two-year comprehensive coverage on over 1,000 components, or the PowertrainCARE, priced at RM3,500, which only covers 29 key components in the engine, transmission, and drivetrains.\nThe warranty extension plans are backed by Ford Motor Company, which means that all repairs and maintenance works will be carried out by factory-trained and certified technicians, using only genuine Ford components. The warranty extension is transferable to the new owner if you decide to sell your car.\nSDAC-Ford\u2019s website also lists the \nEverest\n as eligible for the new warranty extension plans. The PremiumCARE comprehensive plan is priced at RM5,800 for the SUV, while the PowertrainCare is priced at RM3,800."
"If we want to see radical car designs, we can always trust the Koreans to give us that with their concept cars. Here we have the \nKia Sportspace Concept\n wagon, which hints rather largely at how the fourth generation \nKia Optima\n will look like. If the Sportspace is indeed the Optima\u2019s new face, then it would be the first time the mid-size Korean sedan can be had in a wagon body, brawling in the arena alongside its sister company\u2019s\u00a0\nHyundai i40 Tourer\n.\nThe Sportspace is 4,855 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, 1,425 mm tall and sits on a 2,840 mm-long wheelbase. Comparatively, the outgoing Kia Optima\u2019s overall length is 10mm shorter, 40mm narrower, 30mm taller and a full 45mm shorter wheelbase that of the Sportspace. So expect better rear legroom space when the Sportspace makes it to production, although the concept only appears to accommodate four persons.\nOn the outside, the Sportspace\u2019s front features the brand\u2019s signature \u2018Tiger nose\u2019 grille with rotatable inlets, allowing greater air intake if need be. Profile-wise, Kia\u2019s designers highlights the strong character line running along the body, visually connecting the front and rear. Its high beltline, shaped flanks and carbon fibre kick-plate exudes a sense of muscularity and athleticism.\nThe D-pillar is brought forward and is positioned to give the car a more hatchback-like rear door arrangement. Finished here in a shade of \u2018Ignition Red\u2019, the sporty wagon sits atop 20-inch 10-spoke wheels with carbon fibre inserts.\nOn the inside, the all-black cabin seats four, and the carbon fibre seats are hand woven \u2018cuoio intrecciato\u2019 wrapped with polished black leather. The dashboard appears to be simple, though it\u2019s a very unlikely character when production begins. Other visually evident design cues include the sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, intricate-looking user-customisable\u00a0instrument clusters, huge infotainment screen with split-screen function that is operated via the console knob just below the gear lever.\nApparently, Kia\u2019s removed the conventional rear view mirror, replacing it with a slim screen feeding continuous stream of visuals fed by the rear view camera. It\u2019s unclear whether this feature will make it to production, but this author believes that the traditional electro-chromic rear view mirror does a better job at addressing long term reliability concerns.\nPowering the Sportspace is Kia\u2019s latest \ndiesel-electric T-Hybrid system\n, featuring a lightweight \n1.7-litre twincharged\n oil burner supported by an electric booster. The \n48-volt booster\n increases low end torque and provides better acceleration for highway overtaking. The Sportspace can also be driven in all-electric mode, with Kia claiming that this T-Hybrid system is simpler and lighter than conventional hybrid-drive systems.\nSo, what do you think of the Optima wagon? Let us know what you think of the Sportspace concept in the comments section below!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"One year after the global unveiling of the fastest Lotus Evora ever, the Lotus Evora Sport 410 has arrived at our shores. The Evora 410 boasts more power, weighs less and is sharper around the corners compared to the standard \nEvora 400\n.\nIn true Pure Driving spirit, Lotus Cars Malaysia is offering the Evora 410 with a manual and automatic transmission. Powering the Evora 410 is a mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 that is slapped on with an Edelbrock supercharger to make \n410 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque.\nPower is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual with sports ratio or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters transmission. The automatic Evora 410 will complete the century sprint in 4.1 seconds \u2013 0.1 seconds quicker than its three-pedalled twin. Top speed however favours the manual variant at \n305 km/h\n compared to the automatic\u2019s \n285 km/h\n. Only the manual\u00a0Evora 410 comes with Torsen Type limited slip differential.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLotus Evora Sport 410 Manual\nLotus Evora Sport 410 Automatic\nEngine\n3.5-litre supercharged V6\nTransmission\n6-speed sports ratio manual\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n410 hp @ 7,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n420 Nm @ 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.2 seconds; 305 km/h\n4.0 seconds; 285 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM640,999\nRM651,999\nTipping the scale at 1,291 kg (dry, without fluids), the Evora 410 gets a comprehensive carbon fibre package as standard. These include front splitter, roof panel, tailgate, rear diffuser and engine cover. The car now sits 5 mm closer to the ground thanks to revised suspension calibration. Malaysia-bound Evora 410 gets ultra-lightweight satin black 10-spoke forged wheels as standard, measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear.   Inside, the more hardcore Evora 410 ditches a number of features for additional weight savings. Items omitted include the infotainment system, cruise control and rear seats. However, you still get air-conditioning, tyre pressuring monitor system, active exhaust valve control, driver selectable ESP modes, leather upholstery, paddle shifters, engine start button, power windows and power folding wing mirrors. Still a whole lot more premium than the Cup variants Lotus has on offer.\nLotus Cars Malaysia offers a variety of cost options for the Evora 410 and below is the breakdown:\nOptions\nPrice (exclusive of GST)\nTitanium Exhaust\nRM28,862\n4-speaker double DIN ICE unit with navigation and reverse camera\nRM10,492\nCruise Control\nRM1,575\nFull Alcantara Steering Wheel\nRM1,575\nSound Insulation Pack\nRM1,315\nMud Flaps\nRM788   According to Tengku Djan Ley, Head of Lotus Cars Malaysia, customers can also personalise their Lotus cars to their heart\u2019s content via the Lotus Exclusive Programme. For a handsome fee, no less. The Lotus Evora Sport 410 has a limited global production run of 150 units per year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To many, the \nProton X50\n is just a rebadging exercise of the \nGeely Binyue\n. While it might be true to a certain extent, it also does no justice to the amount of work that Proton\u2019s research and development teams have put in on the car. Key among them are the improvements on the safety front of the Proton X50, so much so that these changes are also being implemented into future \nGeely\n models too.\nAdapting a car from left-hand drive to right-hand drive (or vice versa) often surfaces some small, but critical issues \u2013 some of which remain hidden unless examined by a keen eye. For Proton, this task \u2013 in terms of safety, at least \u2013 fell under the watchful eyes of Zanita Zainuddin, Proton\u2019s head of Safety and Intelligent Drive.\nProton\u2019s head of Safety and Intelligent Drive, Zanita Zainuddin.\nFor example, in Proton\u2019s efforts to achieve a full five-star \nASEAN-NCAP\n safety rating for the X50, her team\u2019s initial development tests often found tearing in the front floorboard area in frontal collisions. This is unacceptable in the ASEAN-NCAP certification, as the standards are extremely strict on tears affecting the feet area.\nAs a remedy, Proton engineers had to reinforce these areas with ultra-high-strength steel, thereby shifting the force of impact to other areas that do not present any threat to occupant safety. Overall, 40% of the body, including the front, side, and back, was made using a combination of high-strength steel variants.\n \nAnd when we said \u2018small\u2019 issues, we meant it quite literally. Due to the engine placement, which is always on the right side of the vehicle regardless of the driving position, the carmaker said that the driver of a right-hand-drive Proton X50 would always be more vulnerable to foot injury as compared to the driver of a left-hand drive Geely Binyue in the event of a collision.\nTo protect the driver\u2019s resting foot from excessive injuries, the footrest for the Proton X50 had to be modified to ensure that the foot remains on the footrest, with minimal slippage. It\u2019s things like these that shows just how detailed Proton\u2019s R&D team were in the development phase of the X50.\nAccording to Proton, the curtain airbags on the Proton X50 has also been tweaked to provide better protection to the head areas during an impact.\nAlthough this was done initially to comply with the ASEAN-NCAP criteria, which emphasised that the curtain airbags must cover a wide range of body types, the improvement in occupant protection from this slight change was so impressive that Geely has also committed to adopting this new design for its future models.\nThe timely partnership between Geely and Proton also presented them with the opportunity to work together on the Child Occupant Protection (COP) assessment. Interestingly, the C-NCAP which Geely\u2019s cars are mostly developed for do not currently assess the safety of baby seats for child occupants, but will likely introduce this assessment in 2021.\nChanges that Proton made in this area included lengthening the hook on the ISOFIX interface, making it easier to fit the baby seat, as well as readjusting its angle so that seats can be placed into the car securely.\nWith both Geely and Proton being subjected to different safety approval and market standards, both brands can benefit from each other in terms of technical knowledge during the development phase. In the end, it\u2019s ultimately a win for us consumers, as we get to enjoy safer drives on the road.\n\u201cProton has always emphasized safety as one of its unique selling points unbiased to any country or platform. It is not surprising then, that we continue to challenge ourselves so that this DNA is inherent throughout our range of models, be it our locally produced car or the current joint development with our partner Geely,\u201d Zanita said."
"Still hungover from the launch of the \nPorsche 911 GT3\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) shot us with the \nBeast of the Green Hell\n, the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Coincidentally (or intentionally), the GT R carries an estimated price tag of RM 1.7 million just like the Porsche.\nEssentially a road legal version of the \nAMG GT3 race car\n, the AMG GT R draws exterior and aerodynamic inspirations from the race-winning car. Compared to the standard GT S, the GT R wears more aggressive bumpers, a Panamericana grille, a carbon fibre fixed rear wing and multi-spoke alloy wheels (19-inch front; 20-inch rear).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG GT R\nEngine\n3,982cc; bi-turbo V8\nTransmission\n7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT\nMax Power\n585 hp @ 6,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n700 Nm @ 1,900 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.6 seconds; 318 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nEst. RM1.7 million\nThe new front splitter with additional air curtains help reduce front axle lift, improve air flow to the radiators and reduce drag coefficient. Other aerodynamic items that aren\u2019t obvious to the naked eye are the electronically-controlled louvres on the front bumper that opens and closes to achieve an optimum balance between drag and cooling together with an active underbody that lowers the car by \n40 mm\n at \n80 km/h\n in \nRace mode\n for better downforce.   Besides the aerodynamic components, the GT R gets a beefed-up chassis too. It\u2019s upgraded with an AMG coilover suspension with AMG Ride Control adaptive damping system, \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n tyres, active rear-wheel steering, speed-sensitive sports steering, an AMG performance sports exhaust system and an AMG high-performance composite brake system (carbon ceramics available as an option).\nAll that improved performance is paired to an uprated 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission deploying \n585 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n3.6 seconds\n and top speed is capped at \n318 km/h\n.\nThe key highlight of the GT R is a \nnine-stage Traction Control system\n \u2013 not to be confused with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme). In ESP Off, drivers can pre-select nine-stages of slip on the rear axle \u2013 Level 1 for maximum safety reserve and Level 9 for maximum slip on the rear wheels. Mercedes-AMG GT3 driver, Peter Hackett explained that although it shares the same system with the GT3 race car, the road car is much better refined for maximum driving pleasure on road and track.\nAs standard, our local spec AMG GT R comes equipped with AMG Performance seats while a lighter, manually-operated AMG Bucket Seat available as option. Other standard issue items include the AMG Night Package and Piano Black trims. Of course, customers can opt for the interior to be draped in Matte Black carbon fibre for a small fee.\nA spokesperson from MBM expressed that while the Mercedes-AMG GT R is highly sought after worldwide, Malaysian customers can expect a three to six month waiting period from the day they place their order.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re afraid of heights, best look away right now. In celebrating the adventurous spirit of the Ford Explorer plug-in hybrid, Ford has parked its SUV atop the tallest free-standing climbing tower in the world.\nThe SUV was placed atop the climbing tower \u2013 47 metres off the ground \u2013 situated in southern Norway. The climbing tower took six months to plan and build after detailed scrutiny by engineers and architects; to ensure that the tower can withstand the additional weight.\n \nFord said the tower, made of solid wood and aluminium, was so tall that you can see neighbours Denmark at the top.\nFord made a fragrance for EV drivers who miss the smell of burning petrol.find out more here!\nOnce completed, Ford invited Norway\u2019s climbers to scale the tower, where the fastest climber would walk away with a free 2-year lease for the Explorer plug-in hybrid. Don\u2019t they deserve to keep the car, Ford?\n14 climbers competed in the challenge, with a 21-year old climber taking just 3 minutes 33 seconds to scale the tower.\nThe Ford Explorer plug-in hybrid combines an EcoBoost petrol engine and an electric motor to produce \n457 hp\n and \n825 Nm\n, resulting in a six-second 0 to 100 km/h run.\nCheck out our gallery of the \u201cTrue Red\u201d Ford Ranger Raptor X in Malaysia!\nGALLERY"
"The team at \nVolkswagen\n is celebrating the Golf R\u2019s 20th anniversary by setting a new fastest \u201cVolkswagen R\u201d lap time around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife, with development driver Benjamin Leuchter at the wheels of the \nspecial edition Volkswagen R \u201920 Years\n\u2018.\nClocking in a time of 7:47.31, the \u201920 Years\u2019 Golf R is roughly four seconds faster than the standard Golf R, but curiously, still (marginally) behind the \n2016 Golf GTI Clubsport S\n \u2013 a model that was developed specifically to tackle the Green Hell.\nStill, it\u2019s a hell of an achievement, especially for a car that you can drive to the grocery store after your track excursions, and a large part of it comes from the uprated powertrain underneath its bonnet.\nPowering the Golf R \u201d20 Years\u201d is a tuned version of the 2.0-litre turbo engine from the \u2018normal\u2019 \nGolf R\n that now make \n333 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. Besides enhanced engine tuning that boosts power by 13 hp, Volkswagen R says the anniversary edition also gets a preloaded turbocharger and a continuously open throttle valve.\nAlso modified is the seven-speed transmission. VW says the shift characteristics have been modified to create more intensive feedback. These enhancements to the powertrain result in a \n4.6 second\n 0-100 km/h time, or 0.1 seconds faster than the non-anniversary version.\nRELATED: \nNew Volkswagen Golf R \u201920 Years\u2019 is the most powerful Golf to date\nAs for handling, the Volkswagen Golf R \u201c20 Years\u201d is equipped with an R-Performance package that comprises a Driving Dynamics Manager and R-Performance torque vectoring. The special-edition model also comes with additional \u201cSpecial\u201d and \u201cDrift\u201d modes on top of the usual \u201cComfort\u201d, \u201cSport\u201d, and \u201cRace\u201d modes.\nSpecially developed for the N\u00fcrburgring, the aptly named \u201cSpecial\u201d mode includes adjusting the shock absorbers to a more soft and comfortable setting due to the enormous loads at the maximum performance level when driving on such tracks. The \u201cDrift\u201d mode is self-explanatory.\nThere is also an \u201cIndividual\u201d mode of the Driving Dynamics Manager, making it possible to manually adjust all parameters, such as R-Performance Torque Vectoring or the engine sound, and adapt them in line with personal preferences.\nVolkswagen R development driver, Benjamin Leuchter said, \u201cWith this car, I can drive here on the N\u00fcrburgring and the next stop is then the baker\u2019s or the DIY store. The vehicle is really an all-rounder that can do everything.\u201d\nIt has to be noted, however, that the lap time is made around the shorter 20.6 km loop of the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife that ignores the 200 metres in between the T13 grandstand, instead of the longer 20.8 km lap that\u2019s now used for official timekeeping.\nYou\u2019ll need to be quick if you want the keys to the special edition Volkswagen Golf R \u201c20 Years\u201d as the production period is limited to approximately one year only. Who knows, maybe you too could clock 7 minutes and 47 seconds on the Green Hell.\nALSO WATCH: \nMk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI & TSI R-Line at Sepang \u2013 the best just got better!\n \nGALLERY"
"Alongside the launch of the \nG20 320i Sport\n, BMW Malaysia has also made available the facelifted BMW X1, this time in sDrive20i M Sport guise.\u00a0\nThe sDrive20i M Sport is the only variant available in our market for the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) X1, which adds more standard equipment, a refreshed exterior, as well as M Sport goodies.\u00a0\nThe updated X1 is locally assembled, and priced at \nRM233,800\n \u2013 RM13,000 more from the \npre-facelift \nvariant in Sport trim which is still available in limited quantities.\nThe most striking changes on the facelifted X1 are at the front end \u2013 featuring a restyled front bumper with larger air inlets and integrated LED fog lights. The kidney grilles have also been slightly enlarged, and are now joined by a chrome strip.\u00a0\nFlanking the trapezoidal-shaped kidney grilles are the redesign headlights, which takes on the more modern hexagonal-shaped \u201cangel eyes\u201d corona rings daytime-running light. The taillights have also been tweaked with new internal graphics, and they\u2019re now \nfully LED\n.\u00a0\nThe locally-assembled X1 also comes with the \nLights Package\n, which includes a Welcome Light Carpet. When the vehicle is unlocked, a light-source on the driver-side exterior mirror projects the \u201cX1\u201d graphics onto the ground.\u00a0\nThe sporty front bumper is part of the \nM Aerodynamics Package\n, along with the more elaborate bumper at the back, and body-coloured skirtings on the side. The updated X1 rides on \n18-inch\n double-spoke Style 570 M two-tone alloy wheels.\u00a0\nAlong with the styling upgrades, the M Sport designation also brings with it the \nM Sport suspension\n, which provides a slightly firmer ride, and lowers the X1 by \n10 mm\n to 1588 mm.\nOn the inside, the updated F48 X1 gets a new \n8.8-inch touchscreen navigation infotainment system\n, which wasn\u2019t available in the pre-facelift model. The infotainment system runs on the previous-generation iDrive \nOperating System 6.0\n, with access to the BMW ConnectedDrive services.\nInstrument cluster here remains as analogue items, paired to a \n5.7-inch multifunction\n digital display. The LCI X1 also gains a M leather steering wheel.\nThe dashboard trims are finished in aluminium, with Pearl Chrome highlight trim finishes. The driver and front passenger get power-adjustable sports seats, upholstered in black Dakota Leather.\nUnder the hood, the updated X1 uses the same \n2.0-litre inline-four TwinPower Turbo engine\n from the pre-facelift model, making \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque.\nPower is sent to the \nfront wheels\n via a \nseven-speed dual-clutch Sport transmission\n. BMW claims a zero-to-100 km/h time of \n7.6 seconds\n, and a rated top speed of \n224 km/h\n.\nThe updated BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport will be available in four exterior colours \u2013 Misano Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White and Mineral Grey. As with all new BMW vehicles, the X1 comes with \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service\n, as well as a 2-year tyre warranty programme for the run-flat tyres.\nThe BMW X1 can also be financed using the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, with monthly installment plans starting from \nRM2,668\n (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).\nIn conjunction with the launch of the X1 and 320i, BMW will be organising two road shows in Kuala Lumpur \u2013 The Square, Bangsar on \n10-12 January\n, as well as Bangsar Shopping Centre on \n10-19 January\n. Test drives for the newly released cars will be available, along with exclusive BMW \nang paus\n and fortune cookies giveaways.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you missed out on the BMW M4 GTS, here\u2019s a good news: the BMW M4 CS have just been unveiled at the Auto Shanghai 2017. Although don\u2019t expect the GTS\u2019s exclusivity and performance figures on the M4 CS, because it\u2019s positioned below the water-injected special.\nWhat\u2019s the difference, you ask? The \n3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six\n in the \nM4 GTS\n develops 500 hp and 600 Nm courtesy of the water injection system, but the M4 CS foregoes that fancy tech. Therefore the same engine in the M4 CS produces \u2018only\u2019\n 460 hp\n but still delivers \n600 Nm\n of torque.\nBear in mind, that\u2019s still \n29 hp\n and \n50 Nm\n more than the \nstandard M4\n, and 10 hp more than the \nM4 Competition Pack\n. And no, there will be no manual transmission option, because the M4 CS only comes with a \nseven-speed M DCT\n. Century sprint is done in \n3.9 seconds\n, and the M4 CS has a limited top speed of \n280 km/h\n.\nLike its cooler sibling, the M4 CS is very concerned about its weight. There\u2019s the same carbon fibre bonnet and rear diffuser as the M4 GTS, but the carbon fibre front lip is not adjustable and on the boot lid sits a simpler carbon fibre gurney flap instead of the taller and adjustable wing spoiler.   The lightweight wheels are new in design, but they follow the GTS\u2019s setup. The fronts are 9 J x 19 and the rears are an inch bigger at 10 J x 20. They are wrapped in bespoke \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n rubbers measuring 265/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. As standard, the M4 CS is fitted with BMW M compound brakes, but BMW M carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option. You\u2019ll also notice that the M4 CS also gets the flashy \nOLED rear lights\n from the GTS at no extra cost.\nInside, the M4 CS retains the lightweight door cards from the GTS, but everywhere else it\u2019s more lavish and more habitable for the daily grind compared to the GTS because the M4 CS sits four like a normal M4, and there\u2019s none of that orange scaffolding behind the front seats like in the M4 GTS.   This San Marino Blue Metallic is exclusively available on the M4 CS along with Lime Rock Grey Metallic, but there will be limited units of the M4 CS painted in Frozen Dark Blue II. While the production of the M4 GTS was limited to 700 units, BMW will churn out the M4 CS for two years from July, which roughly translates around 2,000 to 3,000 units. In Europe, the BMW M4 CS is priced at \u20ac116,900.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You know you are living in the digital age when new cars are launched online, which is logical given the target customer of the new generation Mercedes-Benz GLA. The original SUV model of the compact class (there\u2019s now the \nmore upright GLB\n) will premiere on the \nMercedes me communications platform\n on 11\nth\n December, 2.00pm CET (Central Europen Time) or 9.00pm local time.\nWith the majority of the second-generation compact class models already launched, there shouldn\u2019t be many surprises left in terms of powertrain or technology, leaving only the \nfinal styling\n of the new GLA to be unveiled.\nJudging from the official camouflaged teasers released by Mercedes-Benz, the GLA is expected to retain its \nsporty, low slung crossover look\n while incorporating new design details of the compact class models. It should come with a more spacious interior as well as the latest version of the MBUX interface.\nWe expect the GLA to be made available in \n200 \nand \n250 \nvariants initially; the former being a 163 hp and 250 Nm 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder driving the front wheels, while the latter a 224 hp and 350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It will likely be joined later on by the GLA 35 and 45 with proper AMG muscle power."
"Back in 1997, Volvo unveiled the Volvo V70 XC which stands for Cross Country. Essentially a jacked-up version of the V70 wagon that combined the stylish practicality of a wagon with increased off-road capabilities. The XC moniker has since moved on to be on Volvo\u2019s SUV body styles but the company is still committed to making cars for the jacked-up wagon segment.\nEnter the all-new Volvo V60 Cross Country, a handsome looking wagon that you can take off-road without the slightest worry. The new V60 Cross Country completes the Swedish carmaker\u2019s 60 Series model line up, joining the \nXC60\n, \nV60\n\u00a0and recently unveiled \nS60\n.   Volvo did not simply raise the V60 Cross Country to give it \nadditional 75 mm \nof ground clearance compared to the standard V60 but also bespoke Cross Country chassis (based on the SPA platform like other 60- & 90- series models) and suspension to allow the car to take on the challenging terrains. The V60 Cross Country also features All-wheel-Drive, Hill Descent Control, Corner Traction Control and Off-Road driving mode to fully exploit the off-road ready chassis.\nAt launch, the V60 Cross Country is available with a T5 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and a D4 2.0-litre turbodiesel, giving the car \n254 hp\n and \n190 hp\n respectively. Mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants will be available at a later date.   Equipment available on the V60 Cross Country is identical to the rest of the 60 Series models which include LCD instrument cluster, 9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, powered tailgate, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, autonomous emergency braking, Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane amongst others.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Effective 12am on 1 October 2015, all fuels \u2013 RON95, RON97 and diesel will see an increase of 10 sen per litre, no thanks to the weakening of Ringgit against the Greenback.\nThis follows after two months of sustained fuel pricing, with RON95 costing RM1.95 per litre, RON97 at RM2.35 per litre, Euro2M diesel at RM1.80 and Euro5M diesel at RM1.90 for the month of August and September.\nAs for October, the new pricing will be \nRM2.05 per litre\n (RON95), \nRM2.45 per litre\n (RON97), \nRM1.90 per litre\n (Euro2M diesel) and \nRM2.00 per litre\n for the newer Euro5M diesel.\nIf you haven\u2019t seen our video on tips to save fuel, be sure to watch our video by clicking the embedded thumbnail below!"
"BMW Malaysia has just unveiled the\n new 2023 BMW X7\n, featuring significant updates to the luxury SUV nicknamed \u2018The President\u2019. Locally assembled in Malaysia, the new 2023 BMW X7 in xDrive40i Pure Excellence form is priced from \nRM654,800\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the five-year extended warranty and scheduled service programme.\nBMW X7 M60i in Palm Springs, California \u2013 local specifications differ\n2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence Exterior: New front fascia\nThe biggest update to the 2023 BMW X7 comes in the form of a new front fascia, featuring the new split headlights design that will form the new look of the marque\u2019s luxury class of vehicles.\nComplementing the new headlights are the double-slat kidney grille, alongside the two chrome trims that frames the lower air intakes on the bumpers. Round the back, the BMW X7 also gets redesigned tail lights with a reworked internal graphics layout, joined together by a new glass-covered chrome strip that helps emphasise the width of the X7.\nComing in the Pure Excellence trim here in Malaysia, the new 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i is equipped with satinated aluminium exterior trims, paired to new 22-inch alloy wheels. Customers can choose between five exterior colour options: Sparkling Copper Grey Metallic, Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic, Skyscraper Grey Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, and Black Sapphire Metallic.\n2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence Performance: New mild-hybrid powertrain\nAnother significant update to the new 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i in Malaysia is its powertrain, as the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine is now paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system for increased efficiency and driving dynamics, says BMW.\nMaximum outputs are now rated at\n 375 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n, which drops the luxury SUV\u2019s century sprint time by 0.3 seconds to now \n5.8 seconds\n. Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, and the marque\u2019s xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nJust as before, the new 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence in Malaysia is equipped with a two-axle air suspension (with automatic level control) as standard, alongside rear-wheel steering to help with low-speed manoeuvrability.\nBMW X7 M60i in Palm Springs, California \u2013 local specifications differ\n2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence Interior: BMW Curved Display\nSimilar to all of the other BMW models updated recently here in Malaysia, the new 2023 BMW X7 is also now equipped with the\n BMW Curved Display\n on the dashboard, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display underneath a single curved pane of glass.\nIn order to accommodate the larger screens, the dashboard has also been adapted with new discreet central air vents. A new backlit ambient light strip can also be found on the dashboard, and is paired to a new Welcome Light Carpet when the doors are opened on either side of the SUV.\nComing in the Pure Excellence trim, the new 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i in Malaysia comes dressed with Lindenwood Fineline wood trim on the interior, paired to a mix of real and vegan leather on the steering wheel and seats, plus Alcantara on the headliner.\nAs with before, the BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence is offered in a sole six-seater configuration, with two power adjustable individual seats for the second row. Other standard interior appointments include the large head-up display, Crafted Clarity interior trims, and a panoramic glass roof for a more airy interior ambience.\n2023 BMW X7 xDrive Pure Excellence Safety\nThe new 2023 BMW X7 xDrive Pure Excellence in Malaysia will be offered with an extensive list of advanced safety systems, including lane departure warning and prevention, rear cross-traffic warning and collision prevention, autonomous emergency braking, as well as the Parking Assistant Professional package.\nHowever, it seems that the previously-available Driving Assistance Professional package, which includes the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems, have now been removed on the new 2023 facelift model.\n2023 BMW X7 xDrive Pure Excellence Pricing in Malaysia\nThe new 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence in Malaysia is priced at \nRM654,800\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the five-year extended warranty and service package, representing a significant price drop of RM70,000.\nWith the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence can be had with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM7,581 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a seven-year tenure).\nREAD MORE: \n2022 BMW X7\u2019s new split headlights might be even more divisive than the kidney grille\nGALLERY\n2023 BMW X7 M60i in Palm Springs, California"
"A 10-second Instagram post by Volkswagen to promote the\n new Mk 8 Golf \nhas been taken down after it generated the wrong kind of hype \u2013 sparking racial outcries by netizens.\nThe video showed a man of colour being lifted up by a massive white hand like a puppet and subsequently flicked into a cafe. The cafe as it was pointed out, was called \u201cPetit Colon\u201d \u2013 a French term when translated to English means \n\u201cLittle Colony\u201d\n \u2013 something viewers perceived as a reference to colonialism.\nApparently, the video was part of a series that depicts a love story between a man of colour and a white woman. Netizens however, did not react positively to the way the story was presented.\n \nSome eagle-eyed viewers even pointed out that when the \u201cDer Neue Golf\u201d slogan in German first faded into the video, it first spelt \u201cNeger\u201d for a very brief moment before the complete slogan appeared. According to reports, the term \u201cNeger\u201d can be used as the German version of the N-word.\nOne viewer even went as far as to assume that the person responsible for this video knew what they were doing, in a report by \nAl Jazeera\n.\nWhether or not that is true, is not for us to say but in case case you\u2019ve not been taught by pop culture, absolutely no one is allowed to used the N-word except for people of colour to address their \u201chomies\u201d (friends). It\u2019s just a fact \u2013 an unspoken universal rule.\nIt could be intentional, it could be sheer coincidence or perhaps that was just how the slogan appeared when special effects were applied during editing, we will never know.\nThe new Mk 8 Volkswagen Golf.\nFrom a different point of view though, could netizens perhaps be a little oversensitive about it? Overthinking things perhaps? Just a little food for thought; a different perspective, if we may. We too, do not tolerate such ideas but often times, it\u2019s easier to be negative than positive.\nVolkswagen initially responded by saying they were shocked at the response of the video and how it was perceived so wrongly. However, the company apologised later on and removed the video altogether; saying it was distasteful and unacceptable.\nGiven that Volkswagen\u2019s history is heavily linked to World War 2, the company also released a statement saying that it firmly rejects such forms of racism, xenophobia and discrimination, according to a report by the \nBBC\n.\nThe company said it would get to the bottom of the matter and there will be consequences for those responsible. *chills down our spine*"
"It\u2019s not uncommon for Uber rides to be subject to surge charges, especially during peak hours and when there\u2019s more ride requests than there are Uber drivers in the area.\nPersonally, I\u2019ve been quoted three times more for a ride that would usually cost around RM 20 but this guy in Toronto, Canada was faced with a real shocker.\nBased on an article from The Comeback, the rider was was charged a mind-boggling $18,518 Canadian dollars (approx USD 14,000/RM 57,000) for a 20-minute ride that would normally cost around $10 to $ 12.\nAlthough Uber initially stood by the insane charges, the fee has since been refunded with Uber claiming there to be \na glitch in the system\n.\nSource: \nThe Comeback"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, recently announced a Flood Relief Effort for Mitsubishi owners affected by the recent flood disaster in Penang.\u00a0\u00a0\nA 40% discount will be offered on spare parts and labour prices from today until\n 31st December 2017\n for vehicles damaged in the flood. The only condition is that only vehicles purchased from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\u2019s authorised dealers are eligible and cases are subject to verification to ensure authenticity.\n\u201cWe hope that this Flood Relief Effort will help ease the burden of our customers through this difficult period. Our prayers and best wishes go out to our customers and their families who have been affected by the floods,\u201d said\u00a0\nChief Executive Officer of MMM, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\nMMM is also offering free towing services for vehicles involved in the flood to the nearest Mitsubishi service centre. Customers merely need to lodge a police report and then make a call to Mitsubishi Motors Customer Careline at \n1-800-88-2166\n or \n03-7803 1566\n for the free towing service.\nRecently MMM have also partnered up with 120 Triton Tuners Club members alongside authorised Mitsubishi dealers to initiate clean-up programmes in some flood-hit areas."
"BMW Malaysia has launched the new, locally assembled BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. It\u2019s priced at \nRM211,367\n (on-the-road without insurance) with the Sales Tax Exemption and is accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free schedule service programme.\nLike the new 1 Series, the BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport is yet another torchbearer for BMW\u2019s revolution of front-wheel drive cars. Yes, the 218i Gran Coupe is front-wheel drive! You may be as appalled as we are but when we first got to drive the \nexact car in Portugal earlier this year\n, BMW said most of their customers \ndon\u2019t care if their BMWs are front or rear-wheel driven\n!\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 1.5-litre 3 cylinder turbocharged\nTransmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission\nHorsepower: 140 hp\nTorque: 220 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 8.7 seconds\nTop Speed: 213 km/h\nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of dimensions, the 218i Gran Coupe measures 4,526 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,420 mm in height. To give you a little perspective, compared to the G20 BMW 3 Series, the 218i Gran Coupe is only 39 mm shorter, 27 mm narrower and 22 mm lower. As for wheelbase, the 218i Gran Coupe measures 4,670 mm. Compared to the G20 3 Series, it\u2019s 181 mm shorter.\n18-inch M Sport light alloy style 819 wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres\nM Sport Suspension\nM Sport front and rear bumpers\nKeyless entry\nHands-free powered tailgate\nLED head and tail lights\nThe new BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Snapper Rock Blue, Storm Bay, and Melbourne Red.\nINTERIOR\nDespite the significant difference in wheelbase compared to the BMW G20 3 Series, the 218i Gran Coupe which is based on the BMW X1 and X2 platform still manages to offer plenty of legroom, with sufficient head and knee room for a 180 cm tall passenger. As a \u201cbased model BMW 2 Series, the interior isn\u2019t what you\u2019d call bare either; just check out the list of features and equipment!\n8.8-inch touchscreen display with 6 speakers\nDual-zone air conditioning\nDigital instrument cluster\nWireless charging pad\n4 USB charging ports (only 1x USB-A)\nBlack leather Dakota upholstery\nM Sport seats\nM Sport steering\nM Sport floor mat\nM Sport door sill\nSAFETY\nForward Collision Warning with brake intervention\nLane Change Warning\nLane Change Assist with steering intervention\nRear Collision Warning\nCross Traffic Alert\nParking Assistant\nReversing Assistant\nIt will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting from today and customers can place their booking for it with just RM1,000 on \nBMW Malaysia\u2019s online store\n.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW 218i Gran Coup\u00e9 M Sport can be yours from RM 2,418.00 monthly based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nGALLERY"
"The all-electric Formula E racing series will have the \nMINI Cooper SE\n joining as the third vehicle for Safety Car duties from next month onwards.\nMINI is calling it the MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW and it is more than just a MINI with flashing lights. Wide wheel arches, a signature John Cooper Works elements, are required for the fitment of wider tyres together with a deep front aerodynamic spoiler with corner splitters.\nThe rear bumper has been swapped with a more aerodynamic efficient item through the usage of diffuser fins plus cut-outs for better airflow. A rear wing, larger than the on the \nMINI John Cooper Works GP\n, is tastefully blended to the trailing end of the MINI, with the signal light unit integrated into it. The aerodynamic pieces are 3D-printed from \nrecycled carbon fibre\n in Oxford, England.\nThe MINI Electric Pacesetter gets a custom livery and graphics, with the main body colour in matt silver until the rear one-third of the MINI. From there on, a two-stage colour gradient shifting from Highspeed Orange to Curbside Red metallic is applied.\nMINI says yellow accent lines and surfaces on the aerodynamic elements (the spats, skirts and rear wing) provide a nod to the airflow optimisation taking place in these areas and add a visual flourish to the air deflectors and aero edges. The four-spoke forged 18-inch rims from the MINI John Cooper Works GP model are given a bi-colour black-neon/orange design.\nThanks to the removal of all the unnecessary road-car fittings and equipment from the interior, the MINI Electric Pacesetter now weighs just 1,230 kg- a \n130 kg reduction\n from the MINI Cooper SE. The interior also features many items replaced with construction out of carbon fibre, as well as innovative removable cushioning pads in the racing seats.\n \nPower output from the front-mounted electric motor remains at \n184 hp\n with torque gaining an extra 10 Nm to peak at \n280 Nm\n. The lighter weight launches to a much quicker 0 to 100 km/h time of \n6.7 seconds\n (0.6 seconds faster than the standard model). Charging time to reach 80% capacity for the 28.9 kWh battery (net) in the standard model takes just 35 mins through a 50 kW DC fast charger.\nTechnical upgrades for sustained high-speed driving around tight \nmakeshift street circuits\n, a common layout in Formula E, includes a larger four-piston braking system from MINI JCW, fully-adjustable racing shock absorbers, coil springs and suspension control arm mountings with a 10-mm increase in track width.\nThe MINI Electric Pacesetter will also be fitted with the \nsame Michelin Pilot Sport control-tyres\n as used by the Formula E machines, measuring 245/40 R18.\nBernd Korber, Head of MINI, said: \u201cWe have already shown how well \ndriving fun\n and electric mobility go together with the MINI Electric. However, the MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW goes at least a step further and blends the performance character of the John Cooper Works brand with electric mobility. For me, the message is clear: electrification and John Cooper Works are a good fit.\u201d\nFormula E has not retired the \nBMW i8 Safety Cars\n (Coupe and Roadster) and will rotate duties at selected events with the new MINI Electric Pacesetter. Three other electrified BMWs are also used during the race events- the \nBMW 530e\n serves as the Medical Car supported by the \nBMW X5 xDrive45e\n as the Rescue Car while the fully-electric \nBMW i3s\n is allocated for the Race Director.\nThe MINI Electric Pacesetter will see action for the first time in Rome at the second event of Formula E\u2019s 2021 season with Bruno Correia behind the wheel.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) introduced the \nfifth generation Mitsubishi Triton\n last year. The new model came with a series of new conveniences which add to the appeal of the already popular pick-up truck. However, the biggest let down was that we were given a miss on the new aluminium diesel engine, mainly due to the poor diesel quality that is not compatible with their clean diesel engine.\nThis year, with the Euro5M diesel become increasingly more accessible, MMM is confident to finally introduce the new Mitsubishi Triton with MIVEC Turbo Diesel engine.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi Triton Quest 4\u00d72 MT\nMitsubishi Triton 4\u00d74 MT\nMitsubishi Triton VGT 4\u00d74 MT\nMitsubishi Triton VGT 4\u00d74 AT\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure 4\u00d74 AT\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X 4\u00d74 AT\nEngine\n2,477cc DI-D Common Rail Intercooled Turbocharged\n2,442cc MIVEC Turbo Diesel DI-D Common Rail VGT Intercooler\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n6-speed manual\n5-speed automatic with Sport Mode\nMax Power\n108 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n134 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n179 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n324 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n430 Nm @2,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM73,438\nRM88,997\nRM102,619\nRM109,446\nRM118,198\nRM125,005\nEXTERIOR\nThe new Triton VGT variants come with some refreshed bits to bring the Triton up to competition. Standard on all VGT variants are \nautomatic Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps\n with LED day time running lights and \nrear fog lamps\n. The top of the line VGT Adventure X adds on a\u00a0\nShield Extender\n for the front bumper, \nSports Bar with Fullbox\n and \ndual-tone 17-inch alloys\n.   Other than that, the basic Tritons wear the same fascia as before. Both the VGT Adventure\u2019s 17-inch alloys is wrapped in 245/65 rubbers while the rest ride on 16-inch alloys wrapped in 245/70 rubbers. Only the Triton Quest rolls on 15-inch alloys with 195 R15C profile tyres. The Quest also gets reflector headlamps and power adjustable side mirrors as standard.\nINTERIOR\nAs is the aim during the launch of the fifth generation Triton, Mitsubishi aims to introduce more passenger-car like features to the robust pickup. Here, the base Quest variant comes with a single\u00a0DIN audio system with USB, MP3, AUX and CD player, a three spoke urethane steering wheel, two speakers and fabric seats. The Triton 4\u00d74 variant adds on four speakers.   Standard features in the VGT models include auto headlamps with manual levelling, keyless entry and push-start, power folding side mirrors, touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, auto climate control and leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.\nThe VGT Adventure models get additional reverse camera, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel voice control, paddle shifters, cruise control and leather seats as standard.\nExclusive to the VGT Adventure X are automatic wipers.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the updated Triton is a new 2.4-litre aluminium MIVEC turbodiesel. The all new engine is developed from the ground up to be lighter, more powerful and cleaner in emissions. As such, it now produces \n179 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque, up 1 hp and 30 Nm from the old 2.5 mill. NVH levels are also greatly improved compared to the previous mill, but Mitsubishi claims that it maintains the same sturdiness expected from a Triton.\nThe new engine is also 30kg lighter and promises 15 percent better fuel economy. The new engine is now compatible with Euro2 grade diesel, but MMM recommends Euro5 quality for better emissions and fuel economy. The engine\u2019s output remains the same regardless of fuel grade. Speaking of fuel economy, the new 2.4L MIVEC consumes \n6.2 litres per 100km\n, but this result was obtained by driving on Malaysian roads.\nThe \nEasy Select 4WD system\n that is on all 4\u00d74 models optimises torque distribution between the front and rear axles in any driving conditions. Drivers can switch between 2WD-Hi and 4WD-Hi via the rotary dial at speeds of up to 100km/h. 4WD-Lo can be selected when the terrains get really tough. Another noteworthy feature of the Triton is the best-in-class turning radius of\n 5.9 meters\n that allows for easy manoeuvre of the pickup truck.\nSAFETY\nStandard on all Tritons are\u00a0ABS with EBD, dual airbags, Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution that absorbs and dissipate collision impact force and ISOFIX mounting points. However, no stability or traction control is found in any of the Triton.\nWHAT ELSE? \nAll Tritons come with a 2-Year free maintenance and a 3-Year or 100,000km warranty package. There is a total of eight different colour choices to choose from, but these vary according to the variant of your choice.\u00a0Mitsubishi targets to deliver 500 units of Triton a month through their network of 54 showrooms and 52 service outlet nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMitsubishi Triton 2.4L VGT Adventure X (A/T, 4\u00d74)   Mitsubishi Triton 2.4L VGT M/T (4\u00d74)"
"Alongside the range-topping \nBMW M340i xDrive\n, BMW Malaysia today also introduced the highly-awaited 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid variant of the G20 generation 3 Series here on our shores. Replacing the ever-popular \nF30 330e M Sport\n, the new locally-assembled PHEV 3 Series is at\u00a0\nRM264,613\n, on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the\n sales tax exemptions\n until the end of 2020.\nThis puts the BMW 330e M Sport right smack in the middle between the \n330i M Sport\n and \n320i Sport\n variants in terms of pricing. However, it is kitted out almost identical to the petrol-powered 330i M Sport, which means you\u2019re getting nearly the same car but with a discount of nearly RM22,000, thanks to its electrified powertrain.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe BMW 330e M Sport is powered by a detuned B48 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine \u2013 with the same output as the 320i \u2013 paired to a electric motor.\nEngine: B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol (184 hp, 300 Nm)\nElectric motor: 50 kW (68 hp)\nTransmission: eight-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive\nSuspension: Adaptive M suspension\nTotal system horsepower: 252 hp (292 peak with XtraBoost)\nTotal system torque: 420 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds\nTop speed: 230 km/h\nNew to the PHEV BMW 3 Series is an XtraBoost feature which provides a \ntemporary boost of 40 hp\n during acceleration, resulting in a \npeak horsepower output of 292 hp\n. The feature can be enabled in the Sport drive mode, under kickdown, and in the gearbox\u2019s sport and manual modes.\nCompared to the outgoing PHEV 3-er, the new BMW 330e M Sport is 0.2 seconds faster to 100 km/h, while the top speed has also been increased by 5 km/h. Fuel consumption figure is rated at 2.2 l/100 km \u2013 though as usual on a PHEV vehicle, the \nreal world figure will be higher\n depending on your battery charge levels.\nElectric power is provided from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which now provides nearly double the \nfull-electric range at 56 km\n. The 330e M Sport can also now travel up to 140 km/h in pure electric drive mode, which is 20 km/h higher than the previous outgoing model.\nTopping off the battery to full from 0% in the BMW 330e M Sport takes approximately six hours (4.3 hours to 80%) with a standard Malaysia 240-volt domestic AC power outlet, or 3.6 hours (2.6 hours to 80%) using an AC wallbox or public charger with a maximum charging capacity of 3.7 kW.\nUnique to the new BMW 330e M Sport is an \nadaptive M Suspension set-up\n, which should help soften the firm and crashy ride of the 330i (which only has passive M Suspension). Aside from that, other M Sport parts are identical to the petrol-powered variant, including the M Sport brakes with blue callipers at the front.\nEXTERIOR\nJust like the range-topping 330i M Sport, the new PHEV variant is also dressed in the same M Sport exterior package, with nearly identical features to its elder sibling. These include:\nadaptive LED headlights\n18-inch double-spoke Style 790 M two-tone alloy wheels \u2013 mixed tyre sizes\nBMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line\nTwin high-gloss chrome tailpipe finishers\nM Aerodynamics package\nExterior colour options: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, Mineral Grey, and Sunset Orange\nINTERIOR\nThe interior kit of the new 330e M Sport is also identical to the 330i, which includes as standard the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system with BMW Operating System 7, featuring a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster \u2013 the former supporting Apple CarPlay but still requiring a subscription for the service.\nOther interior highlights include:\u00a0\ntri-zone automatic climate control,\n10-speaker, 205-watt sound system\nAluminium Tetragon interior trim finishers with Pearl Chrome highlights\nLeather Vernasca upholstery \u2013 in Black or Cognac\nM leather steering wheel\nM-specific pedals\nSport seats for the driver and front passenger\nhands-free opening boot lid\nSAFETY\nAs for safety, the BMW 330e M Sport comes as standard with six airbags, reverse camera, and the Dynamic Stability Control suite, which includes traction, cornering brake, and dynamic brake controls, along with Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist.\nJust like the rest of the 3 Series model line-up in Malaysia, the 330e M Sport also gets Driving Assistant advanced driver assistance package, which includes the following functions:\nfront collision warning with brake intervention\nlane departure warning\nlane change warning\nrear crossing traffic warning\nrear collision prevention\nParking Assistant with Reversing Assist system\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the BMW 330e M Sport is priced at \nRM264,613\n in Malaysia on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales tax exemptions. The price is valid until the end of December 2020, after which it will be reverted back to its original recommended retail price of RM268,800.\nIncluded as standard with every purchase is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, and BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline. From now until the 31st of December 2020, BMW Malaysia is also offering customers an extended hybrid battery warranty for the 330e M Sport for up to 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.\nThe new BMW 330e M Sport will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting 24th October 2020, or can be booked through the new \nBMW Online Shop service\n starting today at RM1,000. Following the sales tax exemptions period, for the full updated price list of BMW models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"BMW had in August announced that it would recall over 480,000 diesel vehicles in the European and Asian region affected by the above said problem after some 30 cars caught fire in South Korea this year.\nUpon further internal investigations, on engines with similar configurations, it is found that those \u201cnot included in the initial recall\u201d posed no significant risk to its owners.\nNonetheless, BMW has decided to expand its initial recall campaign to involve four and six-cylinder diesel engines produced from August 2010 until August 2017, to a total of 1.6 million vehicles.\nWhat in the world is going on, you ask?\nWell, internal investigations have revealed that leaked coolant from the vehicle\u2019s exhaust system could melt the intake manifold in \u201cvery rare cases\u201d. In more \u201cextremely rare cases\u201d, it could result in a fire \u2013 something which has occurred around 30 times in South Korea.\nSpeaking to the Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia, Sashi Ambi, he said, \u201cIn the initial technical campaign which was undertaken on the specific models from the experience Korea, the cars from Malaysia were excluded as we offered different engines.\u201d\n\u201cThe campaign has been expanded and we are now verifying if the vehicles in Malaysia are involved in this precautionary technical campaign. If there are vehicles involved in this campaign, BMW Malaysia will be in touch directly with our customers together with our dealers. To clarify, there have been no similar incidents of that in South Korea, occurring in Malaysia\u201d, he added."
"A few weeks back we saw Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) holding for the first time, a child passenger safety campaign in collaboration with the\u00a0Persatuan\u00a0Pengasuh Berdaftar Malaysia (PPBM) which saw VGM proiding a\u00a0\nroundhouse awareness training program\n to reduce child fatalities on the road.\nVGM has made good on their deal to help spread the message far and wide when they contributed\n\u00a0200 Volkswagen child\u00a0seat units\n and a further \n10,000 copies\n of the A-Z of road\u00a0safety flash cards given out to participants of the \nChild Passenger Safety (CPS)\n\u00a0campaign.\nThe \nCPS workshop\ns will be conducted nationwide for \n280 childcare\u00a0centres \nuntil\n August \nthis year. The workshop training includes \nhands-on assistance\n with proper use of\n\u00a0child restraint systems and safety belts\n. VGM\u2019s Director of Human Resource, Sharifah Salmah Syed Harun said, \u201cStatistics revealed that the use of child seats \nreduces the risk of death by 71 percent for infants\n and \n54 percent for\u00a0children aged between one to five\n.\u201d\nWe couldn\u2019t agree more with VGM and their stand on this matter. \nExposure, awareness and proper training\n needs to be conducted on a wider scale to\n curtail this problem\n and nip it in the bud. And as proof that Volkswagen cars are keeping to the time and ideology,\n \nall models in the family\n lineup come with \nISOFIX mounting points.\nThere is sound reasoning behind the use of child seats.\n\u00a0Seat belts\n are designed to work most effectively with \ngrown adults\n in terms of height. \nInfants and children\n\u00a0on the other hand, are required to be holstered down in\u00a0\nrear and front facing seats respectively\n whilst older kids should be strapped onto a\n booster seat\n which \nmaximises\n the effectiveness of a \nseatbelt,\u00a0\ngiven the height of the passenger. So guys, always remember to buckle up, even when taking the back seat. It will go a long way."
"The new \nFord GT\n\u00a0is undeniably one heck of a supercar. Just last month, the car won the\u00a0Rolex 24 Hour race at Daytona. To celebrate their remarkable feat, the Blue Oval unveiled a limited edition variant called the Ford GT Competition Series.\nThis\u00a0track special doesn\u2019t benefit from performance gains, but is actually lightened to improve the power to weight ratio. In place of the glass cover is a Perspex acrylic engine cover, which is supported by carbon fibre prop rods. The glass separating the cockpit and engine bay is made of Gorilla Glass. Wheels are now made entirely out of carbon fibre, screwed securely in place by titanium lugs and the entire exhaust system is now titanium.   Luxuries such as air conditioning, cup holders, infotainment system, and even storage bins are removed in pursuit of quicker lap times.\nAesthetic wise, the\u00a0Ford GT Competition Series is\u00a0differentiated with the use of a unique, high-gloss carbon fibre stripes, mirror caps and A-pillars. Apparently, to save more weight, some interior carbon fibre components are not even painted over!\nInside, the seats are finished with dark Alcantara with red accents. Ford is offering six exterior colours, beginning with Shadow Black, Frozen White, Ingot Silver, Liquid Blue, Liquid Grey and Triple Yellow.\nDespite all that extensive weight loss programme, Ford remains mum on the total weight reduced. Well then, let\u2019s just be reminded that the standard Ford GT packs 647 hp and weighs just 1,385kg. That\u2019s quick enough to\u00a0\nobliterate the McLaren 675T\n, so go figure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda\n is finally serious about EVs, with a new investment plan worth USD40 billion through 2030 in an effort to catch up to its international rivals. This includes a USD3.5 billion joint venture with LG for a new battery plant in the US, as the Japanese aims to push its hybrid and fully-electric vehicle sales up to 40% of its sales by the end of the decade.\nDespite its commitment to electrification, however, Honda still thinks that the internal combustion engines (ICE) could still be around beyond 2040. \u201cThe charging infrastructure is not at a place that it needs to be for our customers,\u201d said Honda President and CEO, Toshihiro Mibe in a \nReuters\n report.\nAs such, the company has been running feasibility studies on everything from chargers and advanced batteries, to aerial vehicles and rockets, as well as the new carbon-neutral synthetic fuels that could help keep the ICEs around \u2013 particularly for performance cars, big trucks, and planes \u2013 for another decade or two.\nHowever, Mibe added, \u201cas we move toward carbon neutrality, we are focused on electrification and fuel cells \u2013 those are the two core components of future mobility.\u201d\nRELATED: \nEurope passes law to officially ban new petrol and diesel cars from 2035\nThe Honda Civic RS e:HEV hybrid made its debut in Malaysia late last year. Learn more about it\n here\n.\nThe Japanese will be establishing a new standalone business unit next month, which will oversee the development of its EV and battery business. This could eventually lead to an investment in charging stations, most likely in the United States, to rival the likes of Tesla\u2019s Supercharger network \u2013 the latter recently added CCS charging cables to several of its stations to support other EVs other than Tesla\u2019s own.\nHonda is also developing its own EV architectures, and will arrive sometime in the 2026 alongside its own advanced batteries for its future models.\n\u201cI\u2019ve been in the engine development business for more than 30 years, so personally [electrification is] a little threatening. But I have to separate my own feelings from what is best for the business,\u201d Mibe added."
"After the introduction of the Macan, the Cayenne is now receiving a facelift to keep it looking fresh alongside the lithe Macan. On this refresh also debuts the first \nplug-in hybrid\n variant in the Cayenne family, while the Cayenne S loses a couple of cylinders under its bonnet with a twin-turbo V6 in place of a normally-aspirated V8.\nPorsche claims that their designers \u201chave given the Cayenne an even sharper design with precise lines and purposefully placed light refracting edges\u201d. Well from what we can see in the pictures it still looks like a Cayenne but certainly looks sharper with crisper lines especially in the nose area.\nThe front middle air intake now features automatically-controlled \nactive air flaps\n that open or close to aid the engine cooling or to improve aerodynamics. There are also \nairblades\n on the edge of the side intakes to guide air to the intercoolers. All Cayenne will get \nBi-Xenon\n\u2122 headlights with the now-familiar \u201chovering\u201d four-point LED daytime running lights as standard, except on the Cayenne Turbo which gets the \nhigh performance LED headlights\n with \nPorsche Dynamic Light System\n (PDLS).\nAt the back the tailgate has been slightly redesigned with slimmer LED tail lights, and the exhaust pipes are now integrated into the rear bumper. Changes are very minimal on the inside, the 918 Spyder-inspired steering wheel as seen previously in the Macan is now offered as standard across the range. The rear seats are now said to be more comfortable with optional rear seat ventilation.\nOne of the highlights on the 2015 Cayenne is the new \nCayenne S E-Hybrid\n. Touted as the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment, it combines a\n 3.0-litre supercharged V6\n with electric motor to generate a total of \n416 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n590 Nm\n of torque from 1,250 to 4,000 rpm. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid sprints from \n0-100 km/h\n in\n 5.9 seconds\n and the \ntop speed \nis\n 243 km/h\n. The \n10.8 kWh lithium-ion battery\n provides enough energy to power the\n 95 hp electric motor\n in the Cayenne S E-Hybrid up to 126 km/h in pure electric mode. The fuel consumption is rated very low at \n3.4 l/100km\n.\nAnother highlight is the new \n3.6-litre twin-turbo V6\n in the Cayenne S. Even though the new Cayenne S is ditching the old 4.8-litre V8 with a smaller unit, it gains 20 hp and 50 Nm more and 0.4 seconds quicker from standstill to 100 km/h. The new engine sips less fuel at \n9.5 l/100km\n but produces \n420 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n550 Nm\n of torque from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm. \n0-100 km/h\n is achieved in \n5.2 seconds\n while the \ntop speed\n is \n259 km/h\n.\nThe rest of the Cayenne range consists of the Cayenne Diesel, the Cayenne Diesel S, and the Cayenne Turbo retain the same powerplants as the pre-facelift model but have been tweaked to provide better performance and efficiency. The \n3.0-litre turbocharged V6\n in the \nCayenne Diesel\n generates \n240 hp\n and \n580 Nm\n, and the \n4.2-litre twin-turbo V8\n in the\n Cayenne Diesel S\n develops \n385 hp\n and a whopping \n850 Nm\n of torque. Meanwhile the \n4.8-litre twin-turbo V8\n in the \nCayenne Turbo\n now produces \n520 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n. Fuel consumption for the Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne Diesel S, and Cayenne Turbo are \n6.8 l/100km\n, \n8.0 l/100km\n, and \n11.5 l/100km\n respectively.\nEvery Cayenne models are equipped with an updated \nauto stop-start function plus\n and optimized thermal management for greater efficiency. Porsche didn\u2019t mention about the base Cayenne model replacement in the new Cayenne range but it will make its public debut at the Paris motor show in October.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As you all know by now, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced not one, not two but three new E-Class variants during the recent lockdown.\nThere\u2019s the \nE 200 Avantgarde\n, the \nE 300 AMG Line\n, and the \nE 300 Coupe AMG Line\n. There\u2019s also the \nGLE 450 AMG Line\n but we\u2019ll save that for another day.\nAs soon as the showrooms were allowed to opened, I was contacted by Cycle & Carriage who invited to spend a day with the E 200 Avantgarde. Frankly, I would\u2019ve preferred an \nAMG E 63 S 4MATIC+\n *wink* but after nearly three months of driving no further than five kilometres, you can imagine the excitement when Mercedes offered the keys to a Benz and said \u201cEnjoy the car\u201d.\nSo what do you do when you get such a car for a day? You call your friend and show off the car; and go for a joy ride. So we went to lunch at Damansara Perdana and boy was I glad to be in the E 200 Avantgarde instead of the AMG E 63 S.\nIf you have been to the DP (for Damansara Perdana) area, you\u2019d know what a mess it is over there with the ongoing DASH Highway construction. The roads conditions are poor and half of the main road is poorly lit as a result of the overhead highway.\nIf I was in the E 63 S, I\u2019d be cursing and swearing harder than someone who has cryptocurrency in a pen drive he/she can\u2019t unlock. But no, I was in the E 200 so it was calm and serene in the cabin. The noise from the surrounding construction was mostly drowned out as well.\nThe first thing James pointed out upon climbing onboard was how cool the dual-screen setup looked \u2013 Mercedes-Benz calls it the Widescreen Cockpit. He also singled out the futuristic graphics and how easy it was to use; something I agree with as well.\nFor someone who uses an iPhone such as myself, how easy a device is to use and how smooth its operation feels really matters. With the MBUX operating system, even your 60 plus-year-old parent who isn\u2019t tech-savvy will be able to adapt to it very quickly.\nWhat may be a slight inconvenience (at first) would be the Type-C (only) charging port that Mercedes_Benz has adopted across its range. Sure, it helps charge your devices quicker but you\u2019d now have to have a whole new set of cables just for the car. Stuck in the ice age, it was a good thing I had a 12V USB charger with me; problem solved.\nThe roads are pretty narrow in DP so having a smaller turning radius in the E 200 was certainly helpful. After lunch, I was off to bake in the sun at a park in Subang Jaya for some photos of the car and it was only then that I got to take in the (almost) new look.\nIt\u2019s got a new hexagonal grille with clear references to the Panamericana grille which at first sight looked a little too busy but once you take it in, it actually makes sense. Compared to the previous model, the new one along with its new headlamps no doubt extends the current generation E-Class relevance a few more years.\nThose taillights as well. Put the \npre-facelift model\n and the E 200 side by side and they\u2019ll look worlds apart. If no one told you, the E 200 could\u2019ve easily been passed off as an all-new model.\nIt was only when I started using the boot, to store my bag, was when I started questioning the car. It costs \nRM326,943\n and I have to manually pull the boot cover down to shut it, instead of hitting a switch? I\u2019m aware it\u2019s just an E 200 but it\u2019s an E-Class nonetheless.\nThe switch only opens the boot, not close.\nBoot\u2019s massive though.\nAs for the inside, to me at least, nothing about it was jarring to the eye \u2013 from the silver door trims to the oak wood centre console but the steering, although looks really sporty, has just a bit too much gloss on it.\nIt\u2019s about time carmakers, whether it\u2019s Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, or Volkswagen to figure out an alternative to a panel surface that oftentimes looks like a crime scene once it\u2019s in use. Worse, if your hands are sticky or grimey, it makes the controls less responsive. Gloss panels (in any car for that matter) should be buried and never be dug up again.\nAs usual, I didn\u2019t get to test the rear seat as most of these test drives are unfortunately experienced alone. While taking pictures of the interior, I did get to spend a few minutes in the backseat and with those sunshades (side windows and rear windshield) up, it\u2019s just a pleasant place to be \u2013 irrespective of whether it\u2019s an E 200 or E 300.\nUnder the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder paired to a 9-speed automatic, with 197 hp and 320 Nm. If sheer power is what you need in your E-Class, the E 200 isn\u2019t the one to look at but if you\u2019re getting the E 200, its unlikely that its performance would disappoint you. 7.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h is not slow at all.\nWhen you compare E 200\u2019s price with its BMW equivalent, you\u2019ll be getting a more powerful and sportier-looking \n530e M Sport\n for about RM3,000 less, but what if you wanted something simpler, with extra complications of a plug-in hybrid, something more subdued?\nNot everyone who\u2019s looking for an E-Class needs it to look fast, they might prefer something more understated but with no less prestige. If you\u2019re one of those then look no further \u2013 you can\u2019t go wrong with one of these.\n GALLERY"
"Here it is, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s track focused\u00a0supercar that\u00a0is crafted not only to obliviate track records but also gunning down the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Meet the\u00a0new Mercedes-AMG GT R, a mean sports car in\u00a0AMG Green Hell Magno shades which has N\u00fcrburgring in\u00a0its blood.\nThe AMG GT R is the road legal version of its GT3 race machine that took top glory in this year\u2019s \nN\u00fcrburgring 24-hour\n race. To start, the aesthetics is\u00a0enhanced with the inclusion of Panamericana grille taken from its GT3 race car. \nActive aerodynamics\n is available underneath the body where at speeds above 80 km/h while in race mode, the\u00a0front axle lift can be significantly reduced for better traction.\u00a0It also receives a huge\u00a0carbon fibre rear wing at the back.   The powertrain choice of a \n4.0-litre twin turbo V8\n mated with a \nseven-speed dual clutch automatic\n remains the same with the standard car. However, the engine receives a pair of new turbochargers and a revised engine mapping program. The result is power has been bumped from\u00a0503 hp to\n 585 hp\n, together with the torque has risen from 650 Nm to \n700 Nm\n. The gearbox has been reworked with a\u00a0longer first gear ratio and a shorter top gear, allowing rapid response to boost acceleration.\nThese improvements allow the AMG GT R to hit \n100 km/h\n from nought in\n 3.6 seconds\n, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the GT S. The car also reach a top speed of\u00a0\n318 km/h\n, around 10 km/h faster than the GT S. Obviously with the added performance, the AMG GT S gets upgraded brakes with carbon-ceramic set is available as an added cost.\nFour-wheel steering\n is the car\u2019s party trick and the first for Mercedes. Two electro-mechanical actuators\u00a0replace\u00a0the\u00a0conventional control arms on the rear axle, together with\u00a0\u201cby-wire\u201d system that adjusts the tow angle of the rear wheels at most 1.5 degrees.\nThe result is when at speeds below 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn the opposite of the front, shortening the wheelbase in the process. The wheelbase will be\u00a0virtually lengthened when speeds above 100 km/h. This complements the heavily modified suspension system, allowing the AMG GT R to attack\u00a0corners and straights on the track at ease.\nThe AMG GT R rides on a set of\u00a0new lightweight ten-spoke forged rims, with\u00a0\nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n tyres \u2013 275/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 20 at the rear.\nThe \u201cGreen Hell\u201d on\u00a0wheels is developed extensively in the\u00a0\nN\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife\n track, and will go on sale by November. Price tag has yet to be unveiled at this point in time.\nMeanwhile, here\u2019s the launch video featuring Lewis Hamilton!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW describes the 3 Series as the heartbeat of the brand. We think it goes deeper than that. If there\u2019s a car that reflects the soul of BMW, it has to be the 3 Series. It goes without saying that the original sports sedan remains as BMW\u2019s most popular model despite the deluge of SUVs and crossovers.\nChina consumes the most 3 Series, followed by the EU and the US.\nWhich is why every new generation of the 3 Series is greeted with deep interest and scrutiny, not only by enthusiasts but by the car-buying public in general. What is BMW bringing to the table this time around, is the new 7th-generation 3 Series the car to beat once again ?\nNew G20 face bears more aggression than before.\nDesign\nThe styling of the G20 generation was always going to be evolutionary because there\u2019s only so much you can reinvent a four-door, three-box saloon. That said, BMW has done more than enough to distinguish the G20 from its predecessor on the basis that you can tell them apart quite easily. But is it pretty?\nWider front and rear tracks give the G20 a naturally sporty stance.\nWhile the G20 may not jump at you from images, in the metal, it harnesses a lot more aggression with more contours on the sides and bonnet, the fenders also flare out more while the front and rear ends have eye-catching cosmetics. Even the good old Hoffmeister kink on the C-pillar has a new presentation with the rear door frame having an exposed glass edge.\nLong bonnet, short overhangs, coupe-like profile and a tidy rump; hallmarks of a 3 Series. The Hoffmeister kink lives on too.\nThe kidney grilles are now technically a single piece as the chrome surrounds have been joined, they are also larger and wider. The full-LED headlamps sport a kink that harks back to the E46, with the outlines of the daytime illumination expressing a focused scowl.\nCould this be the sexiest butt seen on a 3 Series ever?\nYet it is the shapely but tidily rendered rear end that will get most attention. As the G20\u2019s stance is wider (at both ends), the view from the back is sporty, not surprisingly. The taillamps are slim with the sculptured L-shape lighting element accentuating width, contrasted against a recessed smoked housing. The boot also sports an upturned trailing lid that forms a natural spoiler. Nice.\nJust about everything has changed inside, and about time too for the 3 Series.\nInterior and\ntechnology\nIf the exterior is an evolution, the interior is a revolution. There is where the departure from the previous generation is most obvious \u2013 the G20 following the footsteps of the 8 Series. The flowing aesthetics of old have made way for sharper, diamond-cut outlines that shape the primary elements in the cabin. BMW also arranged the controls within defined clusters, so you now have the start/stop button where the glossy gear selector and iDrive controller reside. The climate control and multimedia buttons have swapped places as well.\nStop/Start button relocated to centre console; electronic park brake replaces manual one.\nThere\u2019s more technology fitted in the car as standard, as\nyou\u2019d expect from a premium German product. What greets you is the new 12.3-inch\ndigital driver\u2019s display (as part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package)\nand the 10.25-inch touch-and-gesture sensitive Control Display (what used to be\nreferred to as iDrive display) running on BMW\u2019s latest Operating System 7.0.\nWe are not so sure about the symmetrical graphics on the driver\u2019s display, on the one hand it is a welcomed break from the past, but the anti-clockwise rev counter really takes some getting used to, especially when there\u2019s no option to change to more familiar circular virtual dials. Otherwise, BMW\u2019s iDrive user interface is probably still the best in the business \u2013 snappy, logical but getting a bit more complex with every iteration.\nAnti-clockwise rev counter takes time to get used to, and you can\u2019t change it.\nThe addition of a voice-activated personal assistant is somehow of a commercial necessity these days, and like others before it, BMW\u2019s version will get better over time and since the operating system can now be updated over the air, we won\u2019t judge it too harshly for now.\nCup-holder cubby is bigger and has a proper lid; Qi wireless charging is available too.\nThe gains in overall dimensions of the G20 means that there are now more shoulder room but the increase in width also makes for storage spaces that are more accommodating, particularly the door pockets and centre console area. There\u2019s more rear legroom too with the addition of 41 mm to the wheelbase (to become 2,851 mm) and the rear seats do feel more supportive to travel long distances in.\nCabin is roomier and better presented, but does it have the measure of the C-Class?\nWhat about perceived quality? The F30 can be patchy in certain areas but also properly premium in others. The G20 is a step up in that the quality is more consistent across the board and more importantly, that much more attractive to look at. Take for example the door cards, in the F30, the presentation is subdued even if the build quality is competitive, whereas in the G20, you can find different materials that contrast each other, and while they aren\u2019t necessarily better than what\u2019s found on an F30, they are more visually appealing.\nChassis\nThis is where BMW\u2019s magic sauce usually lies. The G20 starts with a 25% stiffer structure overall and suspension mountings (up to 50%!), which allows the G20 to run 20% stiffer spring rates without compromising comfort, BMW claims. The engineers also widened the front track by 43mm (and upped the wheel camber too) and the rear by 21mm, all substantial increases.\nFront track widened by 43 mm, which is a lot.\nIt speaks volumes that BMW elected not to launch the 330i with adaptive dampers (the M340i xDrive M-Sport had them though). Instead you\u2019ll find newly developed \u2018lift-related\u2019 passive dampers on each wheel. We will let BMW literature explain the complex workings of these dampers:\n\u201cThe introduction of lift-related damper control reduces body movement perceptibly when evening out vibrations caused by bumpy road surfaces and dynamic cornering, which paves the way for sporty, authoritative handling. The system adds extra hydraulic damping at the front axle and a compression limiting system at the rear. It is continuously variable and adjusts the damper firmness progressively according to the changing spring travel. This prevents excessive body dive when driving over large bumps and so avoids uncomfortable, nervous damping response.\nBMW developed new passive dampers that can rival adaptive ones.\nAt the front axle, the\nfirst line of defence against body vibrations is an additional element within\nthe inner sleeve of the damper. Only when greater loads are encountered does\nthe entire damper become active. The rear dampers also adapt continuously to\nthe driving situation. Even when the vehicle is carrying heavier loads, they\nprovide the ideal degree of hydraulic damping for the situation at hand.\nLift-related damping\nis as an active element of the suspension set-up and is designed specifically\nto optimise the balance between sportiness and comfort. However, the positive\neffect of progressive suspension adjustment can also be felt in less demanding\ncircumstances; even small bumps can trigger damper lift, which makes a\nnoticeable difference.\u201d\nAll of this is further complemented by aluminium front control arms, beefed up subframes and recalibrated kinematics for a more precise steering.\nPowertrain\nFor Malaysia, the launch variant is expected to be the fully imported 330i M Sport with 258 hp and 400 Nm, an increase of 6 hp and 50 Nm over what the previous generation 330i could muster. The raise output of this updated B48-series turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is mainly due to improved cooling in the engine bay, it is mated to the slick 8-speed ZF automatic \u2013 now with shorter gearing for lower ratios and faster shift times. Idle to 100 km/h for the 330i takes 5.8 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250km/h. No complaints there.\nBetter cooling in the 3 Series\u2019 engine bay means the 330i now has a higher output.\nWe may possibly see a return of the 320i to the 3 Series range when local assembly begins later in the year, its \u2018detuned\u2019 B48 engine is rated at 184 hp and 300 Nm; good for a 0-100km/h time of 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 238km/h. The \nnew 330e\n could also join the fray then with an improved plug-in hybrid powertrain capable of 252 hp and 420 Nm, along with an electric range of up to 60 km.\nDriving impressions\nWhenever a car does exactly what you want it to do, you know you have something special in your hands. The last generation F30 was a 3-Series that catered for many, it rode well and handled competently, but for the G20, there is a renewed focus towards driving.\nThe best driving sedan in its class once more? Never a doubt.\nEven on the passively damped 330i M-Sport, the balance struck between sporty and comfort is near perfect right off the bat. Compared to the F30, there is a noticeable increase in composure through the steering when the 330i settles into a tight corner. Resistance to roll is high but the car never feels too stiff or harsh when running over bad surfaces. The \u2018calmness\u2019 of the front axle translates into a lighter, \u2018quieter\u2019 steering feel, which is also far more delicate in response.\nAnd because of that, the front end of the new 3 Series is that much more willing to go where you point the steering at, it simply shrugs off road cambers and imperfections as if they weren\u2019t there. If the handful of laps on the Portimao circuit in the 374 hp and 500 Nm M340i xDrive is anything to go by, there is a lot to look forward to in the G20-generation 3 Series."
"The \nrecently unveiled Sorento\n will be the first Kia in Europe to feature the new advanced driving assistance system.\nThe \nBlind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)\n consists of two wide angle, high-resolution cameras \u2013 positioned on each of the side mirror housings. The live video feed is then displayed on the Sorento\u2019s new fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.\nThe live view can be projected either on the left or right side of the TFT LCD instrument cluster when the driver indicates to change lanes. This is unlike most systems currently available, like \nHonda\u2019s LaneWatch system in the new Accord\n for example, that projects the view of the vehicle\u2019s blind spot on the infotainment display instead.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x8LAWG4bt8\nSupporting the Sorento\u2019s Blind-Spot View Monitor is the \nBlind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) \nwhich will intervene to pull the vehicle back into its lane if the system detects an impending crash with another vehicle in the Sorento\u2019s blind spot.\nThe BVM is also bundled with other features as a package for the European-specification Sorentos. Among them are the Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) and a Bose Performance Series sound system.\nGALLERY"
"It was known that motorsports is a brilliant platform to develop road cars \u2013 something probably only Ferrari and Mercedes would agree with their billion dollar\u00a0endeavours in Formula One. On the side note, the crystal ball predicts the future of motoring lies in autonomous motoring. That said, it could require a motorsport in a form of driverless cars racing in neck-breaking speeds to accelerate the development of autonomous cars. With that, enter\u00a0\n\u2018\nRoborace\u2019\n.\nNo, this is not a B-grade movie title from the \u201980s, instead it was created via a\u00a0partnership between\n\u00a0Formula E\n and \nKinetik\n. This new championship will become a competitive platform for autonomous driving solutions, allowing tech companies and universities to create autonomous cars that will duke out to become the fastest autonomous car on the track and\n\u00a0eventually be programmed to kill and enslave humanity in the years to come\n. Just kidding!\nRoborace is set to become a\n support race\n for the ever growing Formula E championship, with the first race commencing during the \n2016-2017 season\n. Ten teams with two cars will compete in one-hour races prior the main Formula E race in major cities across the world.\nRoborace. Imagine this, minus the drivers!\nThe unique part of\u00a0\n Skynet\n Roborace is, instead of raw horsepower and driver skills, computing and brain power will determine a race victory or retirement. Teams will compete using similar cars while allowing real-time computing algorithms and AI technologies to draw speed and performance. One of the teams will be a\u00a0crowd-sourced community, allowing smart regular joes a chance to shame\u00a0bigger manufacturers. Can you imagine your nerdy socially awkward classmate be crowned the champion? Yeah.\nAs exciting as it sounds, I as a motorsports enthusiasts who plies his trade in the IT industry, can\u2019t help to think how ridiculous the races can be in the first few years. Among the possible scenarios include:\nA car retired not because of an engine failure but due to its Windows Operating System. You know, the blue screen of death.\nCrashes caused not because of driver error but because of bad coding.\nInstead of racing drivers, programmers and nerds are celebrated. There\u2019s even a programmer\u2019s world championship in which the winner will obtain life supply of cloud data space or unlimited broadband.\nAn old abandoned race car was found by a young boy. His father, who used to be a Formula One driver, rebuilt and reprogrammed it before sending this to compete in Roborace 2030. Against all odds, that car defeated the fastest autonomous car and wins the title. A movie adaptation \u00a0starring Hugh Jackman\u2019s son follows.\nAs crazy as it sounds, I\u2019m looking forward to the first Roborace action next year!"
"When there\u2019s space to work with, packaging an electric drivetrain on an existing body is a lot less complex. Mercedes-Benz has shrewdly leveraged on its V-Class platform to produce the EQV \u2013 its first all-electric premium MPV that can seat up to eight passengers.\nUnlike RWD or AWD variants of the V-Class that are internal combustion powered, the EQV is \nfront-wheel driven\n with an \nelectric motor mounted over its front axle\n. This arrangement frees up space on the floor which is now taken up by \nlithium-ion batteries with a total capacity of 90 kWh\n, enough for a range of up to \n405 km per charge\n.\nMercedes-Benz is silent on the EQV\u2019s 0-100km/h achievement, only revealing that it has an output of \n204 hp and 362 Nm\n, and that \ntop speed is limited to 160 km/h\n. The battery pack of the EQV can be replenished from \n10% to 80% in 45 minutes via a 110 kW quick charger\n, or it\u2019ll require overnight charging when using Mercedes-Benz\u2019s 11 kW wallbox charger. The EQV\u2019s on-\nboard charger is also water cooled\n.\nAside from a new \nblack panel radiator grille\n on the outside, the V-Class\u2019 practical interior is largely unchanged in the EQV; seating is still multi-configurable while the dashboard gets some gold accents and a \nnew MBUX interface\n with a 10-inch centre display."
"The second-generation Porsche Panamera is scheduled to make its debut in Germany by the\u00a0end of June, but now there are leaked images unveiled on the Internet. While the predecessor\u2019s look polarised opinions, the new Panamera is certainly a looker!\nFor those familiar with Porsche\u2019s design philosophy of having subtle differences for each successive models, the new Panamera incorporates some fresh design.The front LED headlights and a double strip of LED running lights add\u00a0character to the fascia, but\u00a0the rear receives the most overhaul. This time, the curves look more natural and elegant, removing the awkward rear from the old model. Completing the back are a set of thinner taillights and dual quad exhaust seen underneath\u00a0as well.\nWhile the interior pics are limited, we can see it\u2019s strictly a four-seater saloon, with a touch screen interface located in the middle of the rear seats. The\u00a0instrument cluster remains similar with the predecessor but perhaps some add-ons are expected in this new model.\nUnderneath the bonnet lies a\u00a0\n4.0-liter turbocharged V8\n for power. No figures are known at this point of time, as are the engine options for the new car. But one thing\u2019s for sure: the Porsche PDK dual-clutch gearbox will definitely come with the Panamera.\nThe new Panamera is set for its worldwide debut on 28 June in Germany.\u00a0Dubbed as \u201c\nthe fastest luxury sedan on Earth\n\u201c, it looks like Porsche is game-on to challenge other established rivals from Maserati, Bentley and BMW in that segment.\nMeanwhile, here\u2019s a teaser video\u00a0of the new\u00a0Panamera!\n[Source: \nMotor1\n]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen has teased the return of the Kombi van for years, and in 2017, finally confirming that it will be\n coming back as an electric model\n \u2013 called the Volkswagen ID. Buzz \u2013 in 2022. Since then though, not much has been said or shown about the electric microbus, but a new announcement from last Friday might have just given us our first look!\nVolkswagen\u2019s commercial vehicle department (VWCV) announced that they are currently developing a new autonomous driving system for the ID. Buzz to be used for ride-sharing and ride hailing applications, but what truly caught our eyes was the sketch attached alongside the press release, with significant changes to the design since it was first announced three years ago \u2013 so much so, we think that this could well be a near-production-ready render.\nFirst of all, we\u2019re happy to report that just like the original ID. Buzz concept, the iconic shape of the microbus is (mostly) being retained here, as is the greenhouse and quarter windows at the A pillars.\nThe front end did get a significant restyling effort though, with a new set of rounder-looking headlights, similar to that seen on the VW ID.4. Further down, the bumper also gets new intakes that look to be a bit more functional than that found on the original concept vehicle.\nOther new bits on the new design sketch include more protruding fender arches, new tail lights that are thicker than before, plastic claddings around the lower body, a more prominent roof spoiler round the back, as well as a new set of wheels \u2013 the latter seems to be taken from the existing VW parts inventory.\nThe iconic metal trim around the body seems to be missing here, but the sketch does show a slim line running across the body and down the front \u2013 we hope that means that it\u2019ll still be offered in retro-inspired two-tone colour schemes!\nAs for the hump on top of the roof, that is most likely the housing for the autonomous driving sensors, so we probably won\u2019t see that on the final production model for consumers.\nUsing technology developed by Argo AI, which Volkswagen made a major investment in last year (alongside Ford), the autonomous ID. Buzz is currently being developed as a ride-hailing and pooling concept, similar to what the brand\u2019s own Moia service currently offers today.\nWith field trials on track to begin this year in Germany, Volkswagen says that the autonomous system will be ready for use in real-life traffic by its commercial vehicles in 2025 in \u201cselect cities\u201d. The same technology will also be utilised by VWCV to build other special purpose vehicles, such as robo-taxis."
"Ralliart\n is back, and they\u2019re going racing. As part of its first motorsports endeavour since the brand\u2019s racing arm\u2019s revival, Mitsubishi will be participating as a semi-factory-works team in the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), and they\u2019ll be fielding a trio of race-prepped \nTriton pick-up truck\n to challenge for the crown.\nThe three Mitsubishi Tritons, consisting of two competition cars and one high-speed support vehicle, have been modified according to the FIA\u2019s Group T1 (prototype cross-country rally car) specifications. Except, when we say \u201cmodified\u201d, it\u2019s really not by much.\nThe 2.4-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder mill that is powering the rally truck is essentially the same unit that you\u2019ll find on a road-going Triton. It\u2019s been slightly reworked to reduce friction loss and improve on responsiveness, along with a \u201cvery very slight\u201d tune, but the \n181 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n outputs is pretty much unchanged. According to Team Director\u00a0Hiroshi Masuoka, even the pistons and crankshafts are left as-is.\nEven the six-speed manual gearbox and Super Select AWD system are also unchanged from the Triton you see at the showrooms, but the rally truck does get a pair of Cusco LSDs added to the drivetrain in order to help with off-road traction, alongside racing brakes from Endless, Cusco adjustable front and rear dampers, and beefy Yokohama Geolandar tyres wrapped around a set of 17-inch aluminium alloys from Work.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi is bringing back the Ralliart name and re-entering motorsports\n \nThe AXCR is a 2,000 km, six-day long endurance rally that will run from Buriram in Thailand to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Like the Dakar Rally, since the drivers will be driving for long periods, comfort and reliability is much more important than outright speed \u2013 and that\u2019s why the Triton is perfect for this task, instead of a purpose-built race car.\nWe were offered a taxi ride during the team\u2019s second endurance test at the Grand Prix Motor Park in Thailand, and we were all surprised by how plush the ride quality is. The drivers also praised the Mitsubishi Triton\u2019s agility on the gravel, which is truly a testament of the pick-up truck\u2019s quality, even in standard form.\nTo save weight, the car\u2019s bonnet and door panels have been replaced with carbon fibre parts to save weight, while the interior of the truck has also been stripped out, and glass windows replaced by plastic. The rest of the body has also been strengthened with a roll cage and under guards to handle the challenging terrain.\nSince the AXCR also involves several river crossings, the rest of the modifications are for added water-proofing, such as stronger sealing, as well as an air-intake snorkel on the A-pillars.\nALSO READ: \nMitsubishi rewards 100,000th Triton customer in Malaysia with 100,000 km worth of diesel\nTeam Mitsubishi Ralliart will be led by two-time Dakar Rally winner Hiroshi Masuoka, who has been working as the brand\u2019s Chief Expert in the Product Strategy Division, and will be joined by three driver pairings, consisting of Rifat Sungkar and Chupong Chaiwan, Chayaphon Yotha and Peerapong Sombutwong, as well as Sakchai Hantrakul and Kittisak Klinchan.\nSpeaking after the endurance test, Rifat Sungkar said: \u201cRally drivers pass through many different corners, one by one. Therefore, it is crucial for the rally car to have excellent manoeuvrability and drivability as the driver intends, and high durability and reliability over rough roads.\n\u201cA good co-driver who can navigate accurately and quickly is also important for a successful result. Through the endurance tests, we were able to confirm that the Triton rally car delivers excellent performance in terms of rough road drivability and durability.\u201d\nChayapon Yotha added, \u201cSpeed is not everything in rally competition. In order to win, it is important to maximize the sense of unity between the driver and the rally car, and to control the tempo flexibly between acceleration and deceleration. We have confirmed that the Triton rally car has a great finish and responds precisely and agilely to driver input.\u201d\nThe rally car even comes with air-conditioning, and the gear lever is also unchanged!\n\u201cIt is a privilege to welcome such talented drivers to the team. Rifat has lots of experience in sprint rallying, so if we do a good job as a team to manage the long-distance aspect of a cross-country rally, he will deliver a great performance,\u201d said Hiroshi Masuoka.\n\u201cChayapon has extensive experience in cross-country rallies and improves every time he gets in the car, so I\u2019m expecting good outcomes from him. With regard to the Triton, the two endurance tests enabled us to identify issues and deal with them. We will carry out a shakedown test in November before AXCR 2022, but the Triton is looking good so far and I believe the drivers will be able to deliver tough, solid performances.\u201d\nAs to why Mitsubishi chose AXCR as their first challenge for the Ralliart revival, Masuoka explained that the Triton is a very important model for Mitsubishi Motors, especially in the Asian market. Participating in the AXCR will not only act as marketing for the pick-up truck, but also help accelerate the development of the Triton pick-up truck for regular road use.\n\u201cMy personal dream is to bring bigger challenges to Triton and bring Triton to the world stage,\u201d he added.\nGALLERY"
"British marque Aston Martin announced that it there will be a committed funding of \n\u00a3200 million\n for product expansion activities. With that, the management has also confirmed that the \nDBX\n, Aston\u2019s first crossover will be brought into production.\n\u00a0\nAccording to the official press release, the hefty sum of investment is set to develop \u201csignificant new luxury models\u201d as part of its strategic business plan. Aston has received half of the investment to begin work, while the remaining\u00a0\u00a3100 million will be issued in the next twelve months.\n\u00a0\nAston Martin Lagonda CEO Dr Andy Palmer commented: \u201cThis additional long-term funding, will enable us to add extra model lines and broaden our presence in the luxury market segment by the end of the decade. The DBX concept, has generated interest far beyond our expectations. The additional investment announced today will allow us to realise the DBX and other new luxury vehicles that will form the strongest and most diverse portfolio in our history\u201d.\n\u00a0\nThe DBX Concept was first shown to the world at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show. It is said to have no engine compartment as it uses \nelectric\n motors mounted inboard of the wheels and powered by \nlithium sulphur cells\n. In additional it is fitted with drive-by-wire electric steering, toughened glass with an auto-dimming \u2018\nsmart glass\n\u2019 inter-layer, bespoke driver and passenger head-up displays, active LED exterior lights, and carbon ceramic brakes with a kinetic energy recovery system (\nKERS\n).\n\u00a0\nDr Palmer said, \u201cA concept car such as this should, in my view, challenge conventional thinking and explore the art of the possible. In the DBX Concept, I believe we have created a new type of luxury car that can not only broaden the appeal of Aston Martin to a whole new generation of customers, but sit with pride alongside the rest of our range.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in setting up a production of \nelectric vehicle (EV) platform\n in Thailand.\nState-owned PTT is Thailand\u2019s largest business group covering all aspects of the petrochemical industry, similar to Malaysia\u2019s Petronas.\nThe move by both parties will enable automakers in Thailand to have access to the entire value chain of services offered by a newly formed JV, providing instant scale to the local EV industry in Thailand.\nThere is no actual full-sized car production here, as the platform will be the \nMIH open-source EV\n that was spearheaded by Hon Hai Technology Group. The MIH (Minimalism Intrinsic Harmonic) combines various experienced hardware and software vendors and suppliers to create an EV kit- \na rolling chassis\n with the powertrain and the necessary control electronics.\nCustomers using the MIH EV open platform will then build a body on top of the EV platform to form a complete automobile. To date, Foxconn says there are \nover 1,640 members\n in the MIH project, with key partners include Qualcomm, Mediatek, Texas Instruments, CATL, Bridgestone and Applied EV. Earlier this year, \nFoxconn and Geely\n announced a JV to contract-manufacture EVs for anyone who is interested.\nThe collaboration will bring together PTT\u2019s innovation & technology and proven track record in the energy business, and its network of partners, subsidiaries and existing ventures, into the EV landscape and Foxconn\u2019s proven capabilities in smart manufacturing and its experience in reducing product-development cycles and overall speed in bringing products to market. \u00a0\u00a0\nMr. Young Liu, the Chairman of Foxconn, said that as a leader that innovates in the global technology industry, the MIH platform and Foxconn\u2019s unique business model that it advocates will meet the demand of the future EV market. This cooperation with PTT and the Thai government to realise the vision of sustainable development of the EV industry, demonstrates that the MIH ecosystem is growing.\nMr. Auttapol Rerkpiboon, President and Chief Executive Officer, PTT, revealed not only that this JV was a significant milestone for PTT\u2019s overall business, but also help Thailand to lead Asia as a regional hub for EV manufacturing.\nBoth parties believe Thailand can show the world that the \n\u201cEastern Detroit\u201d\n can continue to shine in the field of EV.\nThe government of Thailand recently announced \nbold plans\n to accelerate the supply and adoption of EVs in the country. By the end of 2025, Thailand hopes to have 25% of new vehicles sold are zero local emissions, with the figure increasing to 50% by the end of this decade, up from 30% previously proposed.\nThe kingdom plans to only offer \nzero-emission new vehicles from 2035\n, the earliest country in the ASEAN region to wave goodbye to the internal combustion engine."
"To say that family MPVs are meant for the tame and domesticated is like saying that Chess is only for those who wear spectacles. Family MPVs don\u2019t necessarily have to be boring and Naza Kia Malaysia stands by this with the introduction of the\u00a0\nGrand Carnival 2.2D\n SX to add a little flair to its already majestic MPV.\nOn the outside, the SX gets model-specific 19-inch chrome Sputtering Type alloy wheels, compared to the 18-inch set on the KX variant. At the front rests new wrap-around HID headlamps with Diamond Glitter Type Positioning Lamp and Auto Levelling System. The front grille gets refreshed with a new design that somehow strikes a resemblance with the one found on a Mercedes-Benz.\nInside, the interior is furnished with burgundy two-tone leather seats with wood grain garnish for a heightened sense of comfort and luxury. Also new to the Grand Carnival\u2019s interior is a second row console tray. A Rear Entertainment System now provides Dual Monitor screens with WiFi connectivity for the second row \u2013 adding to the carried-over 8-inch audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.\nPower still comes from a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine paired to a a torque converter six-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at\n 190 hp\n with \n440 Nm\n of torque. The Grand Carnival\u2019s poise and comfort is a tribute to the front MacPherson suspension and rear multi-link suspension.\nThe Grand Carnival 2.2D SX is available in a model-specific Silky Silver, along with the new Blackberry to go with the standard Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black Pearl.\nBookings are now open for the 2.2D SX which goes for RM188,888 (OTR without insurance). The SX will replace the EX which will be discontinued with immediate effect.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Named after the picturesque town of Portofino in Northwestern Italy, the newest addition to the Ferrari stable replaces the Ferrari California T that\u2019s been around for more than 10 years.\nAt the heart of the Portofino is a 3.9-litre twin-turbo engine making \n592 hp\n and\n 760 Nm \nof torque. The V8 engine\u2019s redline is capped at 7,500 rpm, as it climbs to 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, onward to a top speed of 320 km/h.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFerrari Portofino\nEngine\n3.9-litre twin turbo V8\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch transmission\nMax Power \n592hp @ 7,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n760 Nm @ 3,000 \u2013 5250 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h ; Top Speed\n3.5 seconds ; 320 km/h\nPrice\nRM 948,000 (before duties and options)\nAs a replacement to the California T, it\u2019s got almost 40 hp more than its predecessor and is lighter too. Revisions to the engine, adopted from the GTC4 Lusso T includes new pistons, conrods and a revised air intake system.\nAttention has also been paid to its chassis as well, with the new platform \nweighing more than 80 kg\n\u00a0\nless\n than its predecessor. Furthermore, it is the first GT in this range to be fitted with Electric Power Steering (EPS) that reduces steering ratio by 7% for a more responsive steering.   Combined with an F1-inspired 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Portofino features the third generation electronic differential (E-Diff 3) and the magnetorheological damping system (SCM-E) which has been upgraded with dual-coil technology to help reduce body roll while simultaneously improving absorption of road surface unevenness; our Malaysian roads will not pose the slightest problem.\nDesigned to be a \u201cBerlinetta\u201d with the ability to transform into a drop-top \nin just 14 seconds\n at speeds of under 50 km/h, the Portofino has been crafted to house a 2+2 seating configuration inside, along with a new air-conditioning system, steering wheel. backrest design that boosts leg space and a new wind deflector that can cut air flow inside the cabin by 30%.   Like the GTC4 Lusso, the Portofino is fitted with an additional LCD display that projects speed and other parameters of the car ahead of the front passenger \u2013 to scare them \u2013 presumably.\nThe Ferrari Portofino can be had at a base price of RM 948,000 (excluding duty and other optional extras).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Now this is something you certainly don\u2019t hear about everyday and is certainly a bet one would place in a heartbeat with a ten-to-one odds. Vauxhall is brand that us Malaysians haven\u2019t heard of in awhile, or worse still \u2013 never at all.\nIf you\u2019re into football, chances are you would\u2019ve heard of this bloke by the name of \nChris Kamara\n, former British football player and team manager who\u2019s now taken the role of \ncommentator\n beyond the walls of the club arena. The \n#kamarachallenge\n, in essence, brings together the past and present of football into a couple of cars that most would agree don\u2019t belong in the same wavelength as each other.\nIt\u2019s simple, this. Tottenham Hotspurs\u2019 player \nHarry Kane\n will be in the hot seat of the pukka \nCorsa VXR\n while the \nAventador\n is piloted by former English national football player, \nJohn Barnes\n.\u00a0The two cars jostle for pole position with the Lambo easily moving ahead on the straights. But, even as the underdog, the new Corsa VXR makes short work of the \nspeed bumps\n\u00a0while the Lambo has to slow right down in order to take care of that low-lying nose. The Corsa\u2019s \nnippy\n, \nnimble\n skills leave the supercar waning as it is filmed chicaning through an empty underground car park.\nNow if this was out on the open track in \nSilverstone\n or \nSepang\n, then it would have been obvious that the Aventador would\u2019ve just munched Corsa VXR out of the water even \nbefore\n the duo got to \nTurn 1\n. But in the tight and narrow isles of the parking garage \u2013 in which both cars had to fight for one parking spot \u2013 the Corsa immediately has the \nadvantage\n. Undoubtedly the stunt driving wasn\u2019t done by the pitchmasters but rather the legend himself \u2013 \nPaul Swift\n (and team, obviously).\nAn impressive result nonetheless for the plucky hot hatch. The Corsa is propelled via a 1,600cc four-potter that chucks out 205 hp with 280 Nm of twist on overboost. The VXR does the century sprint\u00a0in a mere\n 6.5 seconds\n and will hit a top speed of \n230 km/h\n. Not bad considering that the \nFiesta ST rival\n starts at only \u00a318,245 (\nRM117,041\n).\nNow, due to the unique way of how copyrighting and geography are somehow intertwined, we \ncan\u2019t\n bring you the official video via Vauxhall\u2019s Youtube page but as is the way of the Internet \u2013\n anything is possible\n. Video credit goes out to the \nDailyMail\n. Enjoy the video."
"It\u2019s been a long time coming, but the 1.9-litre turbo diesel D-Max has finally arrived in Malaysia with a starting price of RM80,149.20.\nThe highlight of the D-Max, aside from some minor aesthetic changes, has to be the new \nRZ4E-TCX engine\n, with a new Variable Geometry Turbo and fuel injection system, which makes 10% more power and 9% more torque than before with \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque on the taps.\n \nThe outgoing 4JK1-TCX 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine from before made \n136 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. Funnily enough, the 3.0-litre model makes just 27 hp more at 177 hp and 30 Nm more at 380 Nm which speaks volumes of the \u201cnew\u201d 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine.\nWhat else is new? How else has Isuzu improved the D-Max? Check out the video to find out!"
"Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the all-new GLA crossover, in an online-exclusive digital world premiere event on the Mercedes me media site.\u00a0\nWith Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola K\u00e4llenius claiming that the all-new GLA being \u201cbetter in every respect\u201d than its predecessor, does it pack the punch to challenge the \nBMW X2\n in the ever-growing compact crossover market?\nThe all-new GLA has been given a complete restyling, and now looks less like a jacked-up hatchback. Proportions wise, the GLA is now significantly higher (104 mm) than its\n predecessor\n, while being 14 mm shorter and 2 mm narrower. However, the wheelbase of the compact SUV has been extended by 30 mm, and its track increased by 46 mm on both axles.\u00a0\nAs a result, the front headroom has been significantly increased, as well as the rear legroom with an increase of 114 mm. Boot capacity has also grown by 14 litres to 435 litres.\u00a0\nThe body of the all-new GLA now features smoother body surfaces, while black-plastic claddings around the wheel arches and bumpers give the compact SUV a more rugged exterior. The bigger wheel arches can accommodate wheel sizes from \n17 to 20 inches\n.\nStyling elements are also more coherent with the current Mercedes-Benz compact car line-up, with the large diamond pin grille up front, and a slimmer and rounded taillights design inspired from the \nA-Class\n.\u00a0\nInside, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA feels familiar to other recent Mercedes models, featuring a free-standing digital display panel on the dashboard. The panel contains two 7.0-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system as standard, which can be upgraded to 10.3-inch displays.\u00a0\nThe screens run on Mercedes\u2019 \nMBUX operating system\n, which features the \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d advanced voice control system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard in the MBUX package.\u00a0\nThe new GLA is built on the second-generation Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform. Unlike some of its other compact siblings the new GLA features McPherson struts up front, and a more sophisticated\n 4-link suspension set-up\n at the rear on all variants, instead of a torsion beam.\nAt launch, the GLA will be offered with two powerplants. The \nGLA 200\n utlises the M282 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine developed in conjunction with Renault. The 1.33-litre mill produces \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque, good for a zero to 100 km/h time of \n8.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n210 km/h\n.\nFor those looking for more performance, the \nMercedes-AMG GLA 35 4Matic\n features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that generates \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint in the GLA 35 takes a brisk \n5.1 seconds\n, and is capable of reaching a top-speed of\n 250 km/h \nflat out.\nThe optional 4Matic all-wheel drive system \u2013 which comes as standard on the GLA 35 \u2013 includes the \nOff-Road Engineering package\n, which adds an off-road driving mode which regulates power delivery and ABS intervention, hill descent control, as well as an off-road function for the Multibeam LED headlights.\u00a0\nWith the off-road function, the cornering lights on the Multibeam LED headlamps are continuously switched on up to a speed of 50 km/h, resulting in wide and bright light distribution immediately in front of the vehicle.\nAdditional information such as gradient, inclination angle, as well as technical settings are also displayed on the MBUX screens to help with tricky off-road driving.\u00a0\nSafety wise, the GLA comes equipped with autonomous emergency braking as standard. An optional Driver Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, Active Steer Assist with lane keeping and lane change functions, Evasive Steering Assist, traffic sign recognition, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Pre-Safe Plus which can detect potential rear impact.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Visitors at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow finally got a closer look at the facelifted Nissan X-Trail, which is now available in four variants with the addition of a Hybrid model.\nWith new front and rear bumpers, redesigned front headlamps and rear tail lights, it does seem to have sharpened up the looks of the ageing X-Trail that\u2019s been in the market now for more than three years.\n \nThe distinctively larger V-Motion grille, sleeker fog lights, and a darker finish for the rear tail lights has helped the facelifted X-Trail appear more classy and mature.\nThis maturity has also extended into the interior, with the flat-bottomed steering wheel being the most profound and welcome difference. It makes the old steering wheel look as if it were from the 90\u2019s.\nThe facelifted X-Trail also keeps up with current trends with the offering of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a new look for the gear selector.\nThe centre console is now also home to buttons for the electronic parking brake and the Auto Hold feature, placed ahead of the gear lever \u2013 replacing the old foot brake \u2013 thank goodness. Extensive sound proofing material have also been applied to the cabin, for a quieter ride.\nThe hybrid model gets the same \n144 hp\n/\n200 Nm\n 2.0-litre engine found in the base and mid 2.0-litre 2WD models, but is supplemented with an electric motor that makes an additional \n41 hp\n and \n160 Nm\n. All four variants are fitted with a 7-speed Xtronic CVT transmission.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, the 5-year unlimited mileage warranty which accompanies the X-Trail, also covers the SUV\u2019s batteries. The hybrid model, however, is only limited to five seats while the other three variants come with 5+2 seating configurations.\nThe most prominent addition to the X-Trail range, is the host of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features such as Intelligent Engine Brake, Trace Control, Ride Control and Moving Object Detection. It now also comes with an Around View Monitor.\nWhile the previous models only came with dual airbags, the base model now gets four, while the rest gets six airbags. Excluding the base model X-Trail, features like Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking and High Beam Assist are offered.\nThe base model X-Trail goes for\n RM133,888\n, \nRM145,888\n for the 2.0L Mid model, \nRM153,888 \nfor the 2.5-litre 4WD model while the Hybrid model is asking for \nRM159,888\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid Facelift at 2019 Malaysia Auto Show"
"It does ring a bell, doesn\u2019t it? That\u2019s cause it took place almost four years ago now, at a time when flashmobs were all the rage. Whether it\u2019s four years or 14 years, when there are BMWs and drifting involved, it\u2019s going to be hard to forget.\nBut in the name of \nThrowback Thursday\n, we reckon this memorable stunt is worth a revisit.\nAlthough filming was originally planned to take place in Santiago, Chile, an earthquake forced a last minute relocation but the idea of drifting at a roundabout \u2013 thought of in Chile \u2013 was retained for the shoot in Cape Town, South Africa.\nThe shoot required one of Africa\u2019s grandest roundabouts, the Coen Steytler Roundabout, to be \nclosed down for two full days\n\u00a0\u2013 all for a one minute 47 second video; a video that reportedly \ndid not even have an official plot to begin with\n!\nThe then Marketing Manager for the 1- through 4-series models at BMW AG reportedly said, \u201cThere is no official plot like most commercials would have. The use of the M235i was intended to portray a message of nimbleness of BMWs\u201d.\nThough the roads were closed for filming, the on-lookers obviously had no idea what was to unfold. The entire video was reportedly \nshot by one of the guys from The Fast and the Furious franchise\n.surprise, surprise!\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhqN6k3wvR8\nThe five drivers involved \u2013 Rhys Millen, Dai Yoshihara, Sam H\u00fcbinette, Conrad Grunewald and Rich Rutherford \u2013 were all household names in either the drifting or the stunt driving scene.\nThe BMW M235i(s) used were \nautomatic transmission prototypes\n which were apparently destined for the crusher and were mostly stock except for the modifications done on the handbrake to allow the car to be drifted more easily.\nNone of them were even equipped with the M limited-slip differential, an essential ingredient to get the M235i to kick its tail out. Instead, those involved\n opted to weld the rear differentials instead\n! According to one of the drivers, they were driving at 75% of their potential, because\n BMW did not bring any spare cars\n.\nAs epic as the video and the stunts were, the drivers credited the video\u2019s success to the M235i\u2019s steering feel, overall balance, sheer performance and its transmission\u2019s ability to hold the engine at redline without automatically upshifting.\nA particular automotive media in the US even went as far as to say that, \u201cthe Epic Driftmob is also the equivalent of hurling five sleek red middle fingers at Audi and Mercedes-Benz\u201d, as they did not have RWD models then that were capable of such a stunt.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the successful launch of the \nall-new Chevrolet Colorado\n in October last year, Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, has decided to spice things up with the new Colorado X-Edition.\nThe X-Edition is purely of cosmetic upgrades to add flair to the pick up truck. Taking the Colorado 2.5 LTZ as base, the X-Edition adds three unique flavours to the pick-up truck \u2013X, X-Urban and X-ADV. Prices for the X-Edition start from \nRM118k to RM151k\n (on-the-road with insurance).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nChevrolet Colorado X\nChevrolet Colorado X-Urban\nChevrolet Colorado X-ADV\nEngine\n2,499cc; inline-4 with Variable Geometry Turbo, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with Manual Mode Function\nMax Power\n180 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n440 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM117,736.23\nRM136,782.33\nRM150,920.58\nStarting from the Colorado X, it now gets Black Bowtie emblems, \nX-brand decals\n, black chrome fuel cap, black tailgate decal with \u201cCOLORADO\u201d branding and Black Coated 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/60 profile tyres. The X-Urban gets all the extra bits of the X with the addition of black fender flares and massive \n20-inch Black Fuel Rims\n with Rim Cone wrapped in 265/50 profile tyres.\nStepping up to the Big Daddy X-ADV, it further adds a new Sport Bar, black side step, black fender flares, black paint job on the front grille, rear bumper, side mirrors and door handles as well as 16-inch Black Fuel Rims wrapped in 265/75 profile tyres. However, the bulk of the RM35k premium goes to the new Old Man Emu 4\u00d74 Suspension system that increases the Colorado\u2019s ride height, ride comfort and improves load carrying capability.   Elsewhere, the Colorado X-Editions dittos the equipment of the 2.5 LTZ such as halogen reflector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, halogen fog lamps, \nseven-speaker Premium Sound System\n, multi-functional steering wheel, 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, cruise control, leather upholstery and electrochromic rear-view mirror.\nMechanically, the Colorado X-Editions retains the same 2.5-litre Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel with Variable Geometry Turbo that puts out \n180 hp\n and \n440 Nm of torque\n. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard issue across the board. An electronic 4WD system, which comes as standard for all, allowing the driver to select 2WD or 4WD on the fly.   Standard safety equipment include three airbags (two front, one driver knee), rear view camera, rear sensors, ABS with EBD, Panic/Emergency Brake Assist,\u00a0\nForward Collision Alert\n, \nLane Departure Warning\n, front parking sensors, ESC, Traction Control System, Anti-Rolling Protection, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control and \nTyre Pressure Monitoring System\n.\nFor those who have already purchased a Colorado and are drooling over these X-Editions, you don\u2019t have to break the bank and purchase a brand new unit. Naza Quest is working on allowing existing owners to enhance their Colorado with the X-Edition bits at all authorised Chevrolet dealers, but for a small fee, of course. The best part is, owners can select the parts a la carte and mix-and-match to their hearts\u2019 content. Just skip the decals, please.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nChevrolet Colorado X   Chevrolet Colorado X-Urban   Chevrolet Colorado X-ADV"
"After rumours and hearsay by netizens, Toyota has officially confirmed the incredibly long waiting period to get hold of a brand-new \nLand Cruiser 300-series\n. The latest model is an all-new product, replacing the LC200 that served customers since 2007.\nToyota in Japan has officially notified prospective buyers of the new Land Cruiser that the wait list stretches four years via the product website. The information roughly translated to,\u201d The delivery time for ordering from now on (19 January 2022) may be about 4 years. We will do our utmost to shorten the delivery time of our customers, and we appreciate your understanding.\u201d\nToyota cites incredibly strong demand globally as the main reason for the long customer waiting period. Earlier, it was reported that Toyota dealerships in Japan formally request buyers to sign an \nagreement to keep and not sell\n the new Toyota Land Cruiser for at least a year.\nScreen capture from : \nToyota.jp/LandCruiser\nIn the ASEAN region, Indonesia is the first market to sell the new Toyota Land Cruiser, available in the VX-R grade and the \nGR Sport\n grade. Both variants are powered by a new \n305 hp / 700 Nm\n 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that drives all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.\nToyota Land Cruiser twin-turbo V6 accelerates like a hot-hatch! View the video here!\nBuilt on the new GA-F platform that is designed to be stiffer yet lighter, with the overall weight of the new Land Cruiser some 200 kg lower than its predecessor. Apart from a lighter chassis, advancement in powertrain technologies also means the more compact engine and transmission units are used in the new Land Cruiser.\nBoth are priced over \nIDR2.3 billion\n (approx. RM680k), with the Land Cruiser GR Sport the pricier model. For reference, that is even more expensive than a \nBMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport\n and just slightly cheaper than a \nRange Rover Velar\n.\nBeing a product that is designed to be in the market for more than ten years, we guess a four-year wait is still manageable, given the facelift styling program is not due yet."
"Launched at the end of April, the introduction of the\n all-new Civic sedan\n was followed by the \nall-new hatchback version\n two months later. Honda later also announced that the \nall-new Civic Type R\n will arrive in 2022.\nWatch Honda\u2019s new sedan race against its rivals the Mazda 3 and the Toyota Corolla here!\n \nLike before, the all-new Civic comes with either a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine or a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. The turbocharged engine now gets an \nadditional 6 hp and 20 Nm\n, at 180 hp and 240 Nm.\nThat should be plenty enough for most of us but it seems there\u2019s even more power to be had, and easily too, according to US-based, world renowned aftermarket specialist for all things Honda, Hondata.\nCivic Sedan\nCivic Hatchback\nAfter a simple reflash of the car\u2019s ECU, the turbocharged sedan easily made an additional \n34 hp and 68 Nm\n; bringing the new figure to 214 hp and 308 Nm..in a Honda Civic!\nThat\u2019s even before fitting in an aftermarket exhaust and other upgrades. According to Hondata, there\u2019s more on the table with further tuning!"
"Instead of the initial plan to drift his Mustang around the Nurburgring, Vaughn Gittin Jr. decided to make things more interesting by taking the new Ford F-150 Raptor on a hot lap, completely sideways.\nThe Raptor houses a new 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine kicking out a respectable\u00a0\n450 hp\n with \n691 Nm\n of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.\nLocally, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has already announced that the \nnew and tamer Ford Ranger Raptor\n will be\n arriving soon\n.\nIt will also adopt a 10-speed automatic gearbox but is instead combined with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine. Output is said to be in the region of \n213 hp\n with \n500 Nm\n of torque."
"Remember the \nHyundai Staria\n? We\u2019re sure you do, because it sure is hard to forget when it looks that cool. Well, Hyundai Australia has just unveiled the significantly toned-down commercial van version of the Staria called the Staria-Load, and good news \u2013 it\u2019s still just as good-looking as the regular MPV.\nAs is standard on commercial cargo vans, the Hyundai Staria-Load is only available with either a white or silver exterior paint job. The side rear windows have all been swapped with solid metal panels; the lights replaced with more rudimentary reflector units, and the wheels are standard steelies. And still, it just looks \ncool\n.\nRead all about the futuristic Hyundai Staria MPV here!\nObviously, the most important aspect of a cargo van is its cargo space. Hyundai says that the Staria-Load\u2019s cargo area is now rated at 4,935 litres, a huge improvement over its predecessor, the iLoad\u2019s 4,426 litres. In simpler terms, the difference is as much as one additional Euro-sized palettes (three vs two).\nThe Staria-Load also comes equipped with a solid rear axle and leaf spring rear suspension (as opposed to the independent multi-link units on the passenger-spec car), allowing it to carry heavier loads, and the ability to tow up to 2.5 tonnes.\nPower comes from a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which churns out \n174 hp\n and \n430 Nm \nof torque \u2013 a slight increase over its predecessor. The oil-burning mill is paired to an eight-speed automatic to drive the front wheels.\nHyundai is also pretty generous with the standard equipment on the Staria-Load, with creature-comfort items such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging pads all present on the LCV.\nOn the safety front, the Staria-Load is also equipped with the Hyundai SafetySense advanced driver-assistance suite as standard, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert with collision-avoidance, blind-spot monitor, Lane Keep Assist / Lane Following Assist, and even Smart Cruise Control with stop and go functions.\nDigi is helping commercial vehicle owners to be safer drivers using telematics. Learn more about it here.\nThe Hyundai Staria-Load is now available in the Land Down Under in two-seat or five-seat configurations, with the option of a liftback or twin door tailgate. Local prices start at AUD45,740 (approx. RM139k) for the two-seat model, and AUD48,240 (approx. RM147k) for the five-seater.\nGALLERY"
"Size does seem to matter \u2013 we\u2019re not going any further into it, full stop. Or may it matters for the inflated egos with swollen bank accounts to compensate for a lack of presence elsewhere \u2013 we will never know. While the world\u2019s leading manufacturers are scrambling to build the most efficient and frugal of electric-powered cars, we have anomalies like \nRezvani, founded in 2014 by a former fighter jet pilot.\nAnd that\u2019s not exactly a bad thing. While we\u2019re aware that the days of the petrol-powered cars are numbers, it\u2019s interesting to see what where the limits are when it\u2019s bound only by imagination. You have mainstream car manufacturers pushing the limits of EV driving range and autonomy then you have small-volume manufacturers like the Rezvani, with their new military-inspired, UDS 178,000 (\napprox. RM 755,343\n)\u00a0\nTank\n. Pun unintentionally intended.   Dubbed the \nXtreme Utility Vehicle (XUV)\n, not much was mentioned on the Rezvani site aside from the prominent fact that its monstrous 6.4-litre V8 produces \n500 hp, \ngiving the\u00a0Tank freedom to scale almost any terrain, on or off-road with its 4WD system. It comes with 20-inch wheels that looks ready for a post-apocalyptic landscape, off-road suspension and as you\u2019ve noticed, rather high ground clearance.\nThe Tank doesn\u2019t only come with powered rear doors, it also opens the same way a Rolls-Royce would \u2013 suicide style. While it may look tough and rugged on the outside, you\u2019d find no such crudeness inside the Tank\u2019s luxurious, leather-clad interior.\nAlso occupying the plush interior is a heads-up display showing speed, navigation, calls, texts, fuel level and speed limits on the road the XUV is on. The Tank, and get this, also comes with a\n Thermal Night Vision System\n that displays heat signatures, alongside its standard night vision system. Fittingly, it also comes with \nBallistic Armour Protection\n.surprise surprise.\nAside from the Tank, Rezvani had been responsible for existence of the the\u00a0\nRezvani X,\u00a0\nAlpha\n and\u00a0the \nBeast, \na supercar\u00a0aimed at replicating a fighter jet\u2019s driving experience. We all know what happened to the car company that tried to emulate a fighter jet\u2019s experience.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Counterfeit or illegal lubricants have made significant gains in market share locally due to their lower prices. In 2018, Shell conducted laboratory tests on a random sample of Shell lubricants bought through online channels and local hypermarkets. The lab found that \n4 out of 12 bottles\n tested were counterfeits \u2013 that is \nmore than 30%\n!\nUsing these counterfeit lubricants can greatly damage a vehicle\u2019s mechanical package due to the unknown source and quality of content.\nTherefore, in an continuous effort to protect consumers as well as the integrity of their brand, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. has engaged with enforcement agencies to prevent these lubricants from being passed on as genuine products to unsuspecting consumers and workshops.\nRecently, Shell conducted a \nspecial training workshop\n with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) and Royal Malaysian Customs.\nThe workshop saw an attendance of near 100 enforcement officers, where they were taught on how to identify counterfeit lubricants when conducting raids.\u00a0\nPreviously, Shell held a \nconsumer education campaign\n on how to recognise counterfeit Shell lubricants, and the introduction of \u201cUntuk Pasaran Malaysia\u201d branding and QR code genuine checks.\nIf you think you have inadvertently purchased counterfeit Shell lubricants, you should contact Shell customer service immediately at 1300 88 1808 or through \nemail\n."
"A new EV record has been set by \nPininfarina Battista\n by setting a \n1.86-second\n 0-100 km/h acceleration time and a \n31-metre\n braking distance from 100-0km/h. The new records were set by Luxury Italian carmaker \nAutomobili Pininfarina\n \nduring the Battista\u2019s debut in UAE.\nDuring its performance demonstration at the Dubai Autodrome, the Pininfarina Battista celebrated the following records:\n0-100 km/h in 1.86 seconds\n0-200 km/h in 4.75 s seconds\n100-0 km/h in 31 metres\n482 km (300 miles) range (combined EPA) \u2013 a world record for an electric hypercar\nIn non-metric units, the Battista set:\n0-60 mph in 1.79 seconds\n0-120 mph in 4.49 seconds\nWith that, the Luxury Italian carmaker Automobili Pininfarina has a car that is officially faster than the \nRimac Nevera\n. The Croatian hypercar accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.97 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 9.3 seconds.\nPowering the Pininfarina Battista is a Rimac-sourced quad-motor setup that makes \n1,900 hp\n (metric) and \n2,340 Nm\n. Storing power in the Battista is a 120-kWh battery pack that provides a WLTP range of 476 km, although it helped the Battista set a 482-km (EPA) \u2018EV hypercar\u2019 range record. On the Pininfarina website, the Battista is said to have a 0-300 km/h time of less than 12 seconds, which means it might be a little slower than the Rimac Nevera in this speed range.\nRELATED: \nRimac Nevera is now the world\u2019s fastest EV \u2013 412 km/h top speed\nCelebrating the Battista\u2019s achievements, Automobili Pininfarina Chief Product and Engineering Officer, Paolo Dellacha said, \u201cI am proud that our new electric hyper GT delivers on the promises we made when we set out our development plan. In Battista, we have achieved performance beyond our original, extreme targets.\u201d\n\u201cPerfectly optimized weight distribution and low centre of gravity are at the heart of this result. The combination of bespoke chassis and suspension tuning, tyres proven over many thousands of test miles and four-motor torque vectoring delivering unprecedented power enables Battista to be the fastest accelerating road-legal car in the world.\u201d\nRELATED: \nRimac says 0-60mph in under 1 second is possible, but pointless\n\u201cBattista\u2019s incredible technical package includes a carbon ceramic brake system, helping the Italian hyper GT become the fastest braking electric car in the world. Our discerning clients here in the UAE have been overwhelmed by the Battista driving experience, which is as breath-taking as its award-winning design.\u201d\nAlso in the fraternity of the Pininfarina Battista and the Rimac Nevera is the \nLotus Evija\n which is currently the \u201cWorld\u2019s most powerful production car\u201d. With a quad-motor setup, it makes 2,000 hp (metric) and 1,704 Nm and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.\nPininfarina Battista\nRimac Nevera\nLotus Evija\n0-100 km/h\n1.86 s\n1.97 s\n<3 s\n0-200 km/h\n4.75 s\nNA\nNA\n0-300 km/h\n9.3 s\n<12 s\n<9 s\nRELATED: \nLotus is engineering its Evija electric supercar to sound like its former F1 car\nGALLERY"
"Regional offices of Shell and Porsche have announced a partnership to establish a network of high performance charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) that will enable road trips between Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with travelling times comparable to conventional cars. \u00a0\u00a0\nShell is planning to have the high-speed charging points at these five Shell stations located along the North-South Expressway (PLUS)- \nSeremban\n (two locations), \nTangkak, Simpang Pulai and Tapah\n. The completion of three charging points at PLUS\u2019 Rest and Service Areas (R&R) is scheduled for the end of this year, with the latter two in the northern region to be operational by the first half of 2022.\nThe sixth location will be a Shell station in Jalan Ayer Hitam, Johor and is expected to go on-line by the second half of this year.\nAll charging points will have a \n180 kW\n high-performance direct-current (DC) charger (HPC) with two \nCCS Type 2\n connectors, allowing a single vehicle to be charged at up to 180 kW, or two vehicles to charge simultaneously at up to 90 kW each.\nThe sites will be integrated into the existing Shell charging networks, comprising 18 Shell Recharge 50kW fast charge points at Shell stations and 87 Greenlots public charge points in Singapore, as well as 18 \u201c\nReserve + Shell Recharge\n\u201d charge points in Malaysia.\nFurthermore, they will complement the established 175 kW high-performance chargers available at all \nPorsche Centres\n in Malaysia, as well as the growing \u201cPorsche Destination Charging\u201d network at selected hotels, airports, sports clubs, and other lifestyle venues.\nAn illustration of a HPC in Europe\n\u201cThe ASEAN markets hold strong potential for Porsche to unlock and we see an opportunity to shape electric mobility in the region. Our high-performance network across Singapore and Malaysia will serve as a lighthouse project for other countries to follow,\u201d says Matthias Becker, Vice President Region Overseas and Emerging Markets of Porsche AG.\nThe HPCs are equipped to charge the \nPorsche Taycan\n from zero to 80% battery capacity in \naround 30 minutes\n, providing up to \n390 km\n (WLTP test method) of extra travel distance, making it possible to travel from Orchard Road in Singapore to Penang Island with just additional 30 minutes of travel time compared to a vehicle with a petrol engine.   Shell is also offering additional benefits to Porsche customers such as reserving the HPC points in Malaysia in advance using their smartphone app, special rates on the charging service plus preferential prices for food and beverages at the Shell Select shops while you wait for your Taycan to be charged.\nUnfortunately, these CCS chargers are \nnot compatible\n with the \nNissan Leaf\n, as the DC charging connector in the Leaf is CHAdeMO standard that is favoured by Japanese automakers.\nThe CCS connector, the default connection for European EVs\nThe CHAdeMO connector (left) in the Japanese Nissan Leaf\n\u201cCustomers are at the heart of everything we do. We have been investing in building EV charging infrastructure to reduce range anxiety for our customers and this initiative is one of many examples of Shell providing solutions catered to our customers\u2019 need for cleaner energy solutions.\n\u201cIn 2019, we introduced EV charging in Singapore and in 2020, we introduced \nsolar-powered\n retail stations in Malaysia. Now EV customers across the borders can experience Shell Recharge, and also recharge themselves with drinks and snacks at our Shell Select shops,\u201d said Shell Cluster Managing Director, Mobility Malaysia and Singapore, Mr Shairan Huzani Husain.\nIn a piece of related \nnews\n, Porsche\u2019s increased investment into the ASEAN region is said to be taking a huge step forward, as Malaysia\u2019s International Trade and Industry minister gave very specific values of a foreign company that will be setting up an \nassembly plant\n, all pointing to Porsche."
"These days, nothing escapes the internet any more. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve seen the plethora of leaks, sometimes even years before the actual scheduled launch. That is why carmakers are now trying to take control of the narrative, coming out with all sorts of different methods to outrun the spy photographers \u2013 by \npublishing their own \u201cleaks\u201d\n, or cameo appearances in totally unrelated scenarios.\nIn Audi\u2019s case, the German carmaker has taken to its annual sustainability report to \u201cleak\u201d the upcoming RS3 hot hatchback and sedan. Well, we say \u201cleak\u201d, but it\u2019s more akin to a preview, since it\u2019s plastered right front and centre in the report\u2019s headline photo.\nBoth the RS3 hatchback and sedan shown here are wrapped in promotional camouflage, but looks to be pretty much production-ready, judging by the lack of any paddings (to hide details) or blacked-out window tints.\nAs expected, the upcoming Audi RS3 turns the visual aggression knob one notch higher than the already warm S3. You don\u2019t need to look any further from just the front to know that it\u2019s all serious business, thanks to the enlarged air intakes and even wider wheel arches (with new cooling vents behind the front wheels).\nAt the back, the bumpers also get a more aggressive design featuring a full-width trim piece and more aggressive diffuser element, and of course, housing the signature oval-shaped dual exhaust tips. A new set of larger (19-inch, we\u2019re guessing) Y-spoke alloy wheels fills the arches, hiding the Audi Sport-branded performance brakes.\nThe \u201cleak\u201d did not mention any mechanical specifications of the upcoming RS3, but the \u20181-2-4-5-3\u2019 branding on the side of both cars is a clear reference to the cylinder firing order of \nAudi\u2019s unique 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine\n, the same one used in the \noutgoing RS3\n, thus all but confirming the engine in the new model.\nThe same engine is also used in the \nAudi RS Q3\n and \nTT RS\n, which in all three instances, make \n400 hp \nand \n480 Nm\n of torque, and paired to a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission. There are no indications if we\u2019ll see a power bump on the RS3, but even with the same output figure, the RS3 is already pretty much at the top of the hot hatch performance leaderboard, second only to the \nall-new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S\n.\nWhile the carmaker basically makes no mention of the Audi RS3 throughout the entire press release, they did speak on the future of the Audi Sport and RS brand; it\u2019s a sustainability report after all. Most notably, Audi Sport Managing Director Sebastian Grams confirmed that future RS models will adopt electrified powertrains moving forwards, in ther form of high-performance PHEVs and EVs.\nAudi Sport\u2019s sales and marketing boss, Rolf Michl, added: \u201cWe expect to offer more than half of our high-performance models in partially or fully electrified form as early as 2024. And by 2026, this figure will likely even be as high as 80 percent.\n\u201cBy the end of the decade, we plan to only offer electrified models in the high-performance segment \u2013 in other words all-electric vehicles and high-performance plug-in hybrids.\u201d\nIn other words, the upcoming Audi RS3 might well be the last of the non-electrified Audi performance model, featuring the brand\u2019s inline-five engine. So for those \u201cpurists\u201d (or the more stubborn bunch), you know what to do.\nGALLERY"
"The rich and famous, the high and mighty are always more eccentric than us commoners, with the tendency to do things very differently. How they dress, their interests and habits even, always seem to come off as a little odd and quirky to us.\nMaybe that\u2019s why they\u2019ve been able to attain such fortunes \u2013 by being different and challenging conventions \u2013 or they could just be two-bit white-collar thieves that steal from society to enrich their own lives, who knows.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by FINISH MY CONDO (@finishmycondo)\nAmong all the weird tendencies we\u2019ve come across, like owning a pet tiger or never wearing the same underwear twice, this one takes the cake (in the automotive sense) for the most bizarre ever.\nThe undisclosed owner of an 8 million US dollar condo in Miami just used his 1.5 million US dollar Pagani Zonda R, one of only 15 ever built, as a partition for his living room! Call it sacrilegious, call it protective or even an ego boost \u2013 this is by far the maddest thing I\u2019ve ever seen anyone do with a car.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by FINISH MY CONDO (@finishmycondo)\nThe Zonda R was once the fastest non-road-legal hypercar to lap the \nNurburgring\n with a time of 6:47.50 before it was recently \neclipsed by the de-restricted Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO Le Mans race car\n.\nWith a 6.0-litre V12 Mercedes-AMG engine that pumps out\n 750 hp\n and \n710 Nm\n of torque, it propels the 1,070 kg hypercar from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.7 seconds before hitting its top speed in excess of 350 km/h.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by FINISH MY CONDO (@finishmycondo)\nThis makes those millionaires in Singapore with their supercars elevated and parked in their high-rise condos look like elementary children playing in mud by comparison.\nApparently, it was a nightmare getting the car into the 4,200 square-feet beachfront unit. The renovators had to use a crane to hoist the car up in the air and into the luxury condo via the balcony.\nImagine what it\u2019s like to dangle a 1.5 million US dollar piece of automotive marvel several stories in the air! Once inside, it was rotated sideways and supported by a stand made of custom aluminium and carbon fibre."
"Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia bagged a historic 1-2 victory in the prestigious \nSepang 1000KM (S1K) endurance race\n, with a dominant performance across the entire weekend. In what is only its second year participating in the race as a factory team, three Toyota entries finished top five in the overall classifications as well as the top-flight Malaysian Touring Car (MTC) Class, after a gruelling nine-hour, 181 laps race.\nOut of a total of 77 entries, the Toyota Vios #37, driven by Gazoo Racing Malaysia ambassador Tengku Djan Ley and reigning \nVios Challenge\n Sporting Class champion Naquib Azlan, crossed the finish line 6.2 seconds ahead of their nearest rival, Wing Hin Motorsport\u2019s #39 Yaris piloted by Hayden Haikal and Jwan Hii.\nComing in third place was Hi Rev Dream Chaser\u2019s Mitchell Cheah and Brendan Paul Anthony, piloting the #100 Suzuki Swift, while in fourth position was the #38 Wing Hin Motorsports Yaris driven by Boy Wong and Dannies Ng. R Engineering HMRT\u2019s Honda City, Driven by Lee Wee Sing and Leon Khoo Beng Koon, rounds up the top five.\n\u201c2021 was all about learning and gaining track time to develop both the Vios and Yaris to take on the prestigious 1000KM challenge. We had an extensive program in place as well as competitive cars, and we went on to win the race but we had to accept a penalty which classified us third in the MTC Class,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\n\u201cGoing on to win the race this year and doing it in the manner where we not only led from start to finish but had three cars in the top five positions overall more than makes up for that setback.\u201d\nRavindran added that the Vios has now firmly established itself as a competitive model on the track, but more importantly, the brand\u2019s involvement in Malaysian motorsports has also contributed to helping uncover and groom many new young driving talents.\nMost notably, Naquib Azlan who started his career as a sim racer, went through the Toyota Gazoo Malaysia\u2019s\n Young Talent Development Programme\n to transition into saloon car racing. He \nwon the Toyota Vios Challenge Rookie Class in 2021\n and moved on to win the overall Sporting Class this year\n. Now, he\u2019s clinched the S1K title on his very first try.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR Festival Season 5 concludes with nailbiting finale \u2013 record-high 3.1 million online viewers!\n\u201cI\u2019ve done so many endurance races on simulator, but this was the first time I\u2019ve started an endurance race in real life. I\u2019m happy to say there weren\u2019t too many butterflies and I managed to calm my nerves,\u201d said Naquib.\n\u201cIt was unfortunate that someone clipped my rear bumper in the first corner and we lost some time after being flagged in to come in for repairs. All in all, it was a great race. We wanted to make sure we had a clean race and that everything went according to plan.\u201d\nEight drivers in the top five finishers of the Sepang 1000KM this year were also regular participants of the Vios Challenge series.\nAs for the Standard Production (SP2) Class entry, Toyota GR Malaysia\u2019s entry led by a trio of young drivers consisting of the 2022 Vios Challenge Rookie champion Nabil Azlan, Muizzudin Musyaffa, and Muhammad Hamdany, finished 11th in their first ever S1K race. They originally qualified on pole position, but dropped back due to a troubled start.\nThis year\u2019s S1K also saw the second running of the Gazoo Racing Vios Enduro Cup Class, with 14 entries racing exclusively with the Toyota Vios Challenge cars. The father and son team of Al Farouk and Abdul Miqail driving for 23 Motors stormed to victory, ahead of teammates Ady Rahimy and Amir Husin Mubarak, while in third place was Carroof Motorsport\u2019s quartet of Mirza Syahmi Mahzan, Aiman Haziq, Khair Nur Adi, and Khair Nur Adli.\nThe victory earned Al Farouk and Abdul Miqail RM10,000 in prize money, while the second and third place finishers bagged RM8,000 and RM6,000 respectively. The GAZOO Racing Vios Enduro Cup offered a total of RM30,000 in prize monies with the fourth and fifth place winners also taking home RM4,000 and RM2,000 respectively.\nALSO READ: \nMuhammad Iqbal Suji crowned 2022 Toyota GR Velocity champion, top 3 to attend regional finals!\nGALLERY"
"Other than their wacky concept cars, not many vehicles that wear a Hyundai badge can garner so much attention from the public due to its bizarre appearance. The previous Hyundai Coupe RD came close, but this latest oddity from Hyundai called the \u201cVeloster\u201d takes it to another level. Hyundai wants us to refer it as a coupe, but the Hyundai Veloster is probably what you will get when you crossbreed a coupe and a hatchback.\nIt has all the sleek low roofline of a coupe but at the same time it provides some of the practicalities of a hatchback from that rear hatch and an additional rear door. Yes, we did mention an additional rear door because it\u2019s only available on one side. Why not on both sides we\u2019re not quite sure, but it sure does make the Veloster stand out from the rest. Compared to its more sedated siblings such as the \nSanta Fe\n, the \nSonata\n, or even the \nnew Tucson\n, the Veloster is that child who wears his underwear on his head just because he could.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Veloster Turbo\nEngine\n1,591cc; inline-4 turbo\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n265 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM154,437.49 (with GST)\nWe can confirm that the Veloster name wasn\u2019t derived from \u201cvelour lobster\u201d, apparently it was conceived by combining the words \u201cvelocity\u201d and \u201croadster\u201d. The Veloster is a totally new model in Hyundai\u2019s lineup which picks up the legacy from the Hyundai Coupe GK that was discontinued a few years back. It started life as a concept car in 2007 before entering production in 2011, and finally reaching Malaysian soil in late 2012.\nFitted with a \n1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol\n engine, the base Veloster can be yours for RM139k. However, the car you see here is the\u00a0\nVeloster Turbo\n and it costs \nRM154k\n, because Hyundai has bolted on a turbocharger and swapped the six-speed auto with a \nseven-speed dual clutch transmission\n. That \nRM15k difference\n buys you a more pumped-up styling and grants you an additional 50 hp and 100 Nm over the \u201cbase\u201d Veloster, giving you a total of \n184 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n.\n\u00a0\nSounds like quite a potent combo indeed, but does it drive as intriguing as it looks? Let\u2019s find out.\nEXTERIOR\nWe won\u2019t call the Veloster pretty but it\u2019s definitely eye catching, more so when it\u2019s lacquered in bright sunflower shade like on our test car here. Still under the \nFluidic Sculpture 2.0\n design philosophy, although the interpretation differs from the rest of its siblings, the end result is\u00a0some sort of a mechanical insectoid shape that never fails to spark curiosity to those nearby.   Like the \u201cregular\u201d Veloster, the Veloster Turbo shares the coupe-ish silhouette with the shallow side windows and a sloping roof that ends to an almost horizontal rear hatch, but there are a few things that set the Turbo apart from the regular variant. The nose is immediately different with the huge single frame grille, but other differences are somewhat subtle.\nThe foglamps front and rear are now round in shape, as are the \ndual central-exit tailpipes\n, while the bumpers are more aggressive and the Veloster Turbo comes dressed with side skirts. It wears a different set of alloys, which means it loses out the colour-coded spokes on the rims, but the wheels still measure 18 inches in diameter, wrapped in \n225/40 R18 tyres\n.   It goes without saying that the Veloster\u2019s USP is its \nasymmetrical doors\n. Recent example can be seen on the R55 MINI Clubman, where the third door is rear-hinged on the right-hand side of the car, but MINI\u2019s configuration only favours the left-hand drive markets because the third door is conveniently built on the passenger side. The third door on the Veloster is just like any other regular door, but Hyundai one-upped the MINI by reversing the layout depending on where the steering wheel is, so the third door will always remain on the passenger side. MINI has then since fitted regular doors on their latest \nF54 Clubman\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is visually pleasing, particularly the center panel on the dashboard where you will find the controls to almost everything inside and a \n7-inch touchscreen\n display. Although there\u2019s no navigation included, the infotainment system covers the basic stuff such as Bluetooth connectivity and external media input, and it\u2019s hooked up to the Mobis premium sound system with a subwoofer in the boot.   Hyundai has put some nice touches to uplift the sporty vibe on the inside, and this begins with the\u00a0\nstainless steel pedals\n and thick bolsters on the front seats, although we do think that the instrument cluster could be more interesting. It looks too plain here but the graphics used are crisp\u00a0and clear. Leather-wrapped steering wheel with \nshift paddles\n is standard along with \nleather seats\n, and the driver gets a semi-powered seat that reclines manually.\nThe rear seats can accommodate a couple of full-grown adults and there\u2019s just about enough leg room, but the seats are best treated as temporary perches for your passengers because headroom is really tight back there. The third door does add a smidge of convenience to get into the back, but getting to the seat behind the driver requires your passenger to do a little crab dance over the cupholders in the middle seat base.   While the rear space is slightly compromised, the Veloster is far from impractical. There are \nISOFIX mounts\n behind the seatbacks, and they split 60/40 and fold to increase the \n320 litres\n boot space. Elsewhere there are \u201chis and hers\u201d \n12v outlets\n at the base of the dashboard, a two-tiered storage space under the front center armrest, a well-sized glovebox and a cupholder for all four occupants on board. They are also protected by \nsix airbags\n.\nThe tilting and sliding \nglass roof\n helps to create a more airy interior, although the view out from the driver\u2019s seat isn\u2019t really generous. The first thing you\u2019ll notice is the poor over-the-shoulder view out when reversing, but that\u2019s where the \nreverse camera\n come into play.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n1.6-litre four-cylinder\n lump under the bonnet of the regular Veloster serves up 130 hp and 158 Nm of torque. Fitted with a turbocharger, it bumps the figures to \n184 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n respectively. In some markets, there\u2019s a more potent version of the same engine, increasing the pony count to 201 hp.\nThe six-speed torque-converter auto \u2018box on the regular Veloster has also been replaced by a\n\u00a0seven-speed dual clutch transmission\n (DCT) developed in-house by Hyundai, while power is sent to the front wheels. Hyundai claims that the Veloster sprints from\u00a0\n0 to 100 km/h\n\u00a0in \n8.0\u00a0seconds flat\u00a0\nbefore maxing out at\u00a0a \ntop speed\n of \n214 km/h\n. Apart from the \nS mode\n on the transmission, there\u2019s no Sports mode to play with but there\u2019s an \nactive ECO mode\n to lower fuel consumption.\nTHE DRIVE\nWith the striking looks and the fancy tech under its bonnet, we were expecting the Veloster Turbo to be the car that will finally put Hyundai\u2019s name within the big league of manufacturers who produce entertaining cars. Initial impressions weren\u2019t great, in town the DCT takes awhile to react and will make anyone look daft when exiting a junction. It gets worse on slopes, because the absence of hill-hold assist means you have to play with the throttle balancing to prevent\u00a0the car from sliding backwards.\nOnce on the move it didn\u2019t get any better. The DCT seems to be confused on which gear it should be in, and when it does it\u2019s always a gear too high. If you think\u00a0you can take matters into your own hands by overriding it with the shift paddles, you\u2019d be wrong. The input given from the paddles was lost in translation because the gear you want is delivered to you a few moments after you flick the paddle. Talking to the gearbox in Korean didn\u2019t help to quicken things up either, trust me I tried.\nHyundai fans by now would expect that this writer will say something good about the engine as its saving grace; unfortunately it is not. Like riding a horse that\u2019s been stuffed with cotton balls up his nostrils, getting it up to speed is a torture, and you\u2019ll feel bad for asking it to do so.\nThe lag from standstill doesn\u2019t go away until peak\u00a0torque arrives from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, and then you reach a twilight zone where the revs climb and nothing happens until the power arrives at 5,500 rpm. Keeping the engine in the power band is almost a black art, but for most of the time we suggest you to keep it between 2,000 to 4,000 rpm for good progress.\nThe car is capable of doing big numbers on its speedo, but once you get there you wouldn\u2019t want anyone to spoil your tempo because getting back to the previous speed is a huge effort. Forget about overtaking too, because that requires a meticulous planning which might involve some paperwork. Floor the loud pedal and the car will literally do that, increasing the engine noise without any substantial gain of the numbers on the speedo, a sensation familiar to that of a CVT gearbox.\nRide quality is acceptable on those low profile 18-inch tyres, and while the powertrain doesn\u2019t appreciate being hustled, handling is adequate but it won\u2019t inspire you on the twisty B-roads. Loads of grip are provided by the excellent \nHankook Ventus S1 Evo2\n rubbers, but mid corner bumps will unsettle the rear end so the tail can feel twitchy sometimes. You could alter the steering\u2019s behaviour by toggling between three modes offered on the \nFlex Steer system\n but it still feels numb most of the time. I took it to the short and sweet Bukit Tinggi route and he just wanted it to end as soon as possible.\nEventually, we gave up treating it as a hot hatch because it simply isn\u2019t one, not even lukewarm. We figured it\u2019ll be better off doing what its owners are presumed to do, which is to cruise around town to been seen by others. It works like a charm, and the sunflower hue amplifies its magnetic charge of attraction. In fact, the attention it got was borderline embarrassing, although we reckon this is how it feels like driving a Lambo, without the power to escape the attention, of course.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re looking for a hot hatch that can will entertain you on your weekly \ntouge\n with your mates, you need to look elsewhere. The Veloster Turbo may have the ingredients to create a cracking little car but the execution falls short to make it a proper contender to some of the more established brands. However, if you like your car to\n stand out from the rest\n, the Veloster fits your bill. While you\u2019re at it, you may be inclined to go all the way and spend another RM4k on the \nSport package\n, which will add some orangey bits on the interior and some chequered decals on the exterior, if that tickles your fancy.\nCOMPARISONS\nWe\u2019re comparing the Veloster to its closest cousin, the \nKia Koup\n. Both share almost the same mechanical gubbins underneath, particularly the \n1.6-litre turbo four\n, but the Koup gets the \nhigher-tuned version\n of the engine. Unlike the Veloster, the Koup\u2019s turbocharged engine is mated to a \nsix speed torque converter auto\n and yet, it gets from 0 to 100 km/h \nquicker\n and has a \nhigher top speed\n than the Veloster.\nThe Koup is \nslightly bigger\n and offers more space inside too, but even though the Koup is a handsome coupe, we don\u2019t think it will be able to match the Veloster for street cred. We haven\u2019t sampled the Koup at press time, but based on the specs sheet it appears to have the upper hand over the Veloster.\nHyundai Veloster Turbo\nKia Koup 1.6 T-GDI\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,591cc\n1,591cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n184/5,500\n201/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n265/1,500-4,500\n265/1,750-4,000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n7-speed DCT\n6-speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n225/40 R18\n225/40 R18\nWheels\n18-inch Alloy\n18-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,250mm\n4,530mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,805mm\n1,780mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,405mm\n1,410mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,650mm\n2,700mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,360\u00a0kg\n1,364 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n320\u00a0litres\n433\u00a0litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n50\u00a0litres\n50 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n7.1\u00a0litres\n7.7\u00a0litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n214\u00a0km/h\n222\u00a0km/h\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n8.0\n7.4\nPrice\nRM\nRM158,988.00 (including insurance)\nRM135,888.00 (including insurance)\nWILL I BUY IT?\nI personally wanted to like the Veloster Turbo. During the reveal, it appeared as though the Veloster Turbo could finally change my perception on Hyundai and their ability to make an\u00a0\nenjoyable driver\u2019s car\n, but\u00a0the end result is not what I hoped for to say the least. If anyone tells you that the Veloster Turbo can run rings around the likes of the \nFord Fiesta ST\n or the \nPeugeot 208 GTi\n, do console them and offer some sympathy. The future\u2019s not bleak though for Hyundai, for they have just setup a performance-oriented \nN division\n and it\u2019s headed by the former VP of BMW M. Hopefully their future N cars will deliver more excitement other than just looks.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hennessey Performance (HPE) just unveiled its latest weapon, the VelociRaptor 6\u00d76 today at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Only 50 of these Brabus 6\u00d76 rivalling six-wheel off-road vehicle will be made, making it one of the most exclusive pick-up truck money can buy.\nBased on the Ford Raptor F150, HPE has added 6\u00d76 locking rear axles, upgraded suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels paired to Toyo off-road tyres, new front and rear bumpers, roll bar and LED lights. The tuning company also has a VelociRaptor 600 twin-turbo engine upgrade that bumps the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 to over \n600 hp\n.   For those who went for the massive power upgrade, it would also be a good idea to beef up the brakes with the optional Brembo brake system for a cool US$22,000 (RM93k). The whole kit, including the Brembo brake kit will set you back at US$371,000 (RM1.56 million).\nFounder & CEO of Hennessey Performance, John Hennessey said, \u201cThe VelociRaptor 6X6 is the ultimate off-road vehicle\u201d. \u201cOur VelociRaptor 6X6 is pure aggression on wheels \u2013 all six of them\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The past weekend saw the tragic death of Hollywood actor, Anton Yelchin, who was reportedly crushed when his SUV rolled backwards, pinning him\u00a0against his brick mailbox pillar just outside his residence in Studio City, California. The SUV, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, is one of three models being recalled by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) due to a known e-shifter issue.\nThe e-shifter used in the\u00a0\nDodge Charger,\u00a0Chrysler 300\n and the 2014-15 \nJeep\u00a0Grand Cherokee\n models was not giving drivers an accurate indication of being shifted into P, hence causing the cars to roll away unexpectedly. A total of 41 injury cases linked to this fault have been reported, but Yelchin\u2019s death is the first of its kind.\nAnton Yelchin, 1989 \u2013 2016\nInvestigators ruled out mechanical failure and an autopsy proved that Yelchin was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the fatal incident occurred. The actor\u2019s cause of death was due to blunt force asphyxiation, and succumbed to it in under 60 seconds. In light of this, FCA will, in their latest recall exercise, update all affected car\u2019s software that will prevent them from rolling away under certain circumstances, including when the driver fails to select Park.\nThe 27-year old actor is set to make a\u00a0posthumous appearance as\u00a0Pavel Chekov in the upcoming movie \u2013 Star Trek Beyond, in July. Meanwhile, FCA is conducting a full investigation into the incident.\nThe \nJeep brand made its return to Malaysia in 2014\n and its cars are distributed exclusively by DRB-Hicom. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is sold at RM448,889."
"Sim racing\n has shot up in popularity recently, ever since the stay-at-home orders came into effect globally last year \u2013 heck, it\u2019s \neven an Olympic sport now\n! If you\u2019ve been keeping up with the proper SOPs, chances are you\u2019re probably a pretty good racer by now \u2013 so why not show off your skills in the new Michelin Virtual Racing Series?\nThe new sim racing series by Michelin Malaysia will run from now until mid-July, starting off with a time trial event until 11:59 pm on June 27. From there, the top-94 participants with the fastest times will move on to verification time trials, and after that onward to the knockout rounds split into Advanced and Expert classes. Grand Finals will be held on the 18th of July.\nThe Michelin Virtual Racing Series is open to all residents of Malaysia, and the best part is that you don\u2019t even need to win to receive prizes! The first 1,000 participants to successfully register will each receive one Michelin exclusive merchandise, and if you make it to the top 24 in each category, you\u2019ll also take home a full set of merchandises.\nThose placed from fourth to 12th in either categories will also be walking away with a set of Michelin passenger car tyres of up to 16-inches in diameter, but it\u2019s the top three places (obviously) that get the most goodies \u2013 a set of tyres of any diameter, a Michelin office chair, and cash prizes of \nRM500\n, \nRM1,500\n, and \nRM3,000\n for third, second, and first place respectively.\nAdditionally, there\u2019s also a Best Livery Challenge, where the winner will take home a set of Michelin tyres (up to 16 inches), alongside Michelin merchandises!\nMichelin has a strong presence globally in the sim racing scene, but the Michelin Virtual Racing Series 2021 is actually the brand\u2019s first endeavour into the local e-sports industry here in Malaysia, as part of its new Motion for Life brand direction celebrating all-inclusive mobility.\nMichelin Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Managing Director, Oliver Biggart said, \u201cAs an active supporter of the e-sports and e-gaming industry on a global level, we are proud to channel our support locally as well, with the first-ever Michelin Virtual Racing Series in Malaysia.\n\u201cIn Motion for Life, Michelin recognises that a key area of what makes life special revolves around social interaction with other human beings; and in light of the pandemic, we are continuously finding ways around physical interaction to still bring people together to continue fostering connection, even on a virtual platform,\u201d added Biggart.\nThe Michelin Virtual Racing Series 2021 will run on the Gran Turismo Sport game on the Sony PlayStation 4, and is officially sanctioned by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM). For more information or to register for the e-Racing series, head on over to Michelin\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n."
"If you somehow haven\u2019t heard yet, Lotus is \ndiscontinuing the Elise and Exige\n to make way for a new generation of sports cars. But not all endings have to be bitter; in fact, it was pretty much the complete opposite in this case, because the final Elise that just rolled off the factory floor in Hethel last week has been delivered to a very special person: Elisa Artioli, the Elise\u2019s namesake. A perfect full circle.\nImage: \nLotus Cars/Twitter\nElisa\u2019s grandfather, Romano Artioli, was the Chairman of Lotus and Bugatti from 1993 to 1996. And when it was time to name the sportscar that would ultimately change the marque\u2019s fortune, Artioli looked to his granddaughter. It was an obvious choice for him: he loves both dearly, and her name too begins with the letter \u2018E\u2019 \u2013 a perfect match for Lotus\u2019 eccentric naming structure.\nCome 1995, when the Lotus Elise was unveiled for the first time ever at the Frankfurt Motor Show, little Elisa \u2013 who at that time was just two and a half years old \u2013 even helped with the car\u2019s presentation!\nImage: \nElisa Artioli/Facebook\nHer new Elise is a\n Sport 240 Final Edition\n, which she has named Sunshine after its championship Gold paint. The 240 in the name stands for 240 bhp (243 hp), supplied by the Toyota 2ZR-FE 1.8 litre supercharged inline-four cylinder engine. Specs wise, Elisa\u2019s Sunshine comes decked out in blacked-out trims both inside and out, alongside anthracite wheels and red brake calipers.\nAside from the new Final Edition, Elisa also has a Series 1 Elise that was gifted to her by her grandfather when she was just four years old \u2013 more than a decade before she can even (legally) drive it! Elisa still drives the silver-coloured S1 almost daily as part of her motoring life, which she documents on her \nInstagram account\n and \nYouTube channel\n, which also features interviews with her grandparents.\nTwenty-seven years and 35,142 units later, the Elise\u2019s saga has now come to a close, but Lotus\u2019 new era is just about to begin, starting with the\n Emira \n\u2013 the Elise\u2019s direct replacement and Lotus\u2019 last pure internal combustion sports car \u2013 and to be followed by the \nEvija\n, kick-starting the marque\u2019s \nelectrification future\n.\nSending off the iconic sports car, Elisa penned an emotional letter which ended with this tearjerker: \u201cDear Elise, I accompanied you from start to finish, just as you will with my life.\u201d\nCloser to home, the Lotus Elise and Exige\u2019s Final Edition models are still available for sale via Lotus Car\u2019s distributor here in Malaysia, \nLotus Karz\n. Although, as the name suggests, very limited units are available."
"Alfa Romeo has introduced two special edition models in Japan, the Giulia and Stelvio \u2018GT Junior\u2019 Editions, based on the Alfa Romeo GT1300 from 1965.\n99 units of the Giulia and 40 units of the Stelvio SUV will be available exclusively in Japan at 6.8 million yen (approx. RM246k) and 7.9 million yen (approx RM286k) respectively. Both editions are based on the Veloce variant.\nThis means both the Giulia and Stelvio \u2018GT Junior\u2019 editions are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with \n280 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. The only difference is that the Giulia is rear-wheel drive while the Stelvio channels power to all four wheels.\nTo mimic the car from 1965, the new Giulia and Stelvio \u2018GT Junior\u2019 editions were finished with the \u201cReaper Ocher\u201d exterior colour. According to Alfa Romeo, it\u2019s a modern interpretation of the colour used by the original GT1300 Junior. The GT1300 Junior was so popular for its stylish design and sporty character that Alfa Romeo sold over 100,000 of them.\nMatching the striking exterior finished are new 19-inch wheels for the Giulia and 21-inches for the Stelvio, paired with black brake calipers. For a more sinister appearance, the front grille, side mirror covers, and exhaust tips are also finished in black.\nThe sinister theme continues inside with a full black leather interior and a sports steering with paddle shifters, a Harman Kardon sound system, 8.8-inch touchscreen display, and brushed aluminium trims.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n has introduced its latest range of engine oil for its vehicles, called the SP Grade, in line with the latest American Petroleum Institute (API) SP oil standards.\nThe new SP Grade engine oils will replace the existing SN Grade range, except for the SN 0W-30 fully-synthetic oil, which will still be available for high-performance models such as the \nHonda Civic Type R\n.\nHonda Malaysia says the new SP Grade engine oils have been formulated in accordance to the requirements of their own engines, and is approved and recommended by Honda Research & Development.\nAmong the key upgrades to the SP Grade engine oil range is its enhanced protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), an abnormal combustion phenomenon which can cause significant damage to the engine, as well as timing chain wear protection to minimise chain elongation.\nALSO READ: Honda Malaysia introduces new City variant with Honda Sensing \u2013 \u201cV-SENSING\u201d\nIn addition to improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, the SP Grade engine oils also provide better sludge and varnish control, valve train and intake lifter wear protection, higher oxidation stability, as well as emission control system protection.\nThe new SP Grade engine oil range, which consists of 10W-30 (mineral), 5W-30 (semi-synthetic) and 0W-20 (fully-synthetic) SAE viscosity grades, is now available at all 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide."
"For all the calamities that the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n brought us, there were also many wonderful gems, thanks to the communities and companies that have stepped up to make the world just a little brighter. Throughout the pandemic where people were mostly staying at home at different capacities, we\u2019ve seen car companies create \ncolouring books\n and even \npaper models\n, but the new Nissan Family Cookbook might be the most wholesome one that we\u2019ve seen so far.\nThe Nissan Family Cookbook is made by Nissan\u2019s U.S. manufacturing team, created with hopes of helping people feel connected to one another, and breaking up the pandemic-induced monotony this holiday season. It features 140 recipes \u2013 from appetizers and soups to main dishes and desserts\u00a0\u2013 all curated from the team members\u2019 personal family vaults.\n\u201cWhile our team is best known for assembling some of the highest-quality vehicles for consumers, they are also quite crafty in the kitchen,\u201d said Nissan North America, Senior VP of manufacturing, supply chain, and purchasing, Steve Marsh. \u201cThe kitchen is typically the centre of holiday activity. It\u2019s where everybody wants to be, and there\u2019s no reason why this can\u2019t continue, even during these unprecedented times.\u201d\nMany of these recipes carry special meaning to the team members, too. For instance, Christy Boisseau\u2019s \u2018Boss Hogg\u2019s Tennessee Swamp Cabbage\u2019 is a tribute to her dad, who has retired from the Smyrna Assembly Plant a few years ago \u2013 where Christy currently works at. \u201cHis recipe is well-known, and I\u2019m happy to keep the family tradition going by sharing it with our Nissan family and neighbours.\u201d\nBill Thompson of the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant contributed his recipe for \u2018Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast\u2019 in the family cookbook. \u201cI have a son with special needs that loves to help me cook. He loves bacon and chicken so much that we had to put it together,\u201d said Thompson.\nThe Nissan Family Cookbook is the company\u2019s gift to the community for this extraordinary holiday season, and it\u2019s available to download \nhere\n."
"Kia has just revealed its\nnew global B-Segment SUV model, the Kia Seltos at a press event in Delhi, India.\nThe Seltos is aimed at youthful and tech-savvy buyers who are looking for the\ntotal package in design, technology, practicality and safety.\nOn the outside, the Seltos has a tall and commanding presence thanks to the large Tiger Nose grille, intricate LED headlamps and chunky lower front section. The LED taillamps, red brake calipers and sharp lower rear apron add a touch of sportiness to the SUV. Wheel options include 16-, 17- or 18-inch premium crystal cut alloys.\nThe cabin, although not pictured, is furnished with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof, 8.0-inch Heads-up Display, 8-speaker Bose surround sound system, 3D-patterned surface on the door panels as well as a Sound Mood Lighting system (8 colours, 6 themes) that pulses to the beat of the music playing. Sounds like something the youngsters would like, eh?\nPowertrain options are straight forward on the Seltos with a 1.6-litre turbocharged T-GDI petrol with \n177 hp\n, 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol with \n149 hp\n and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with \n136 hp\n. All engines are of a four-cylinder layout and are paired to either a 7-speed dual-clutch, 6-speed automatic and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).\nOn the safety front there\nare all the basic electronics with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Start\nAssist Control, front and rear parking sensors. However, the Seltos doesn\u2019t come\nwith Advanced Driver Assistance systems to keep the pricing low in developing\nmarkets.\nThe new Kia Seltos will be produced in Kia\u2019s production facilities in Andhra Pradesh, India and Gwangju, Korea with market sales due from the second half of 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Seltos Global Debut"
"We brought you news in February that UMW Toyota will be launching \nthree key products in the second and third quarters this year\n, and they are the Toyota Hilux, Alphard and Vellfire. We are however, closer to the official debut of the \nall-new Hilux\n, so here\u2019s a preview of the top-of-the-line 2.8G variant we saw at the Bangkok Motor Show.\nThe eight-generation workhorse has been on sale in Thailand since June 2015 and is available in many trims, beginning from a\u00a0single cab 2.4 4\u00d72 manual and twin cab 2.4 4\u00d72 manual; 2.4 Standard 4\u00d74 manual, 2.4G 4\u00d74 manual and 2.4G 4\u00d74 auto models. Indicative prices (not confirmed) are said to range between RM93k to RM135k, which could spell bad news for some.   We\u2019ve also \nhighlighted on the advanced new engines\n powering this Hilux, but here\u2019s a recap, just in case. At launch, two engines will be offered \u2013 a 2.4-litre or 2.8-litre diesel engines, both inline-fours and turbocharged. The former makes \n148 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and\n 330 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 2,000 rpm, whereas the larger motor produces \n174 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and\n 450 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 2,400 rpm.\nThe 2.8G 4\u00d74 Auto here comes with all the bells and whistles, but can\u00a0they justify the RM135k asking price? We\u2019ll break them down for you. Features offered on the range topper here include \nLED projector headlights\n, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels (Malaysian-spec will differ in design, and they look sportier), leather-wrapped steering wheel, \neight-way powered driver seats\n, leather upholstered seats and a touchscreen head unit.   However, Malaysian-bound Hiluxes will not receive automatic air conditioning system, bold front bumpers and plastic body claddings on the outside. The beige leather upholstery you see here will also be omitted from our market, but hey, at least we get the cool Optitron instrument cluster, right? To add salt to injury, only the 2.4G and 2.8G (auto variants only) will come with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control and Hill-Start Assist Control.\nWith everyone else putting in their best foot in the pickup segment, it\u2019s crucial for the Hilux to bring the right ingredients to the table.\u00a0Stay tuned for more updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 Toyota Hilux 2.8G Auto & 2.4 Single Cab"
"Peugeot\u2019s B-Segment crossover, the \n2008\u00a0was just given a midlife refresh\n earlier this year, and within the span of a few short months, the French carmaker has already shifted close to 100,000 units worldwide.\nOriginally introduced here in Malaysia in January 2014, Peugeot had a hard time swaying customers over from the usual suspects (Honda City, Toyota Vios, etc), and sales of the 2008 took a back seat. It wasn\u2019t the only B-Segment crossover to take the hit, because the pain was equally shared and felt by rival \nFord EcoSport\n.\nHowever, things in Europe seem far more different than the 2008\u2019s fate in our region. Since its launch, \nover 500,000 units\n of the crossover have been sold, with at least 40,000 of them being in the UK alone. A quick word with Peugeot Malaysia revealed that the facelifted Peugeot 2008 is scheduled for market introduction by March 2017, and seeing the success Honda is enjoying with the \nHR-V\n, perhaps the French\u2019s \u2018second coming\u2019 may stand the chance of bearing fruit.\nUnlike the outgoing 2008, the facelift comes with a handful of updates, including two new engines; a \n1.2-litre turbocharged petrol\n with three states of tunes (82 hp, 110 hp and 130 hp), and a \n1.6-litre turbocharged diesel\n engine outputting either 75 hp, 100 hp or 120 hp. When it arrives here, expect the French crossover to come fitted with a \nsix-speed automatic\n, as opposed to the four-speed currently offered.\nTrim levels vary by region; there\u2019s the entry level Access, Active, Allure and range topping GT Line (seen in the pictures here). In Europe, the Allure and GT Lines get updated with wheel arch extensions, new gloss black front grille, front and rear scuff plates. As it is, the most popular colour are Bianca White, Nimbus Grey and Ultimate Red.\nJudging by Peugeot Malaysia\u2019s recent strategy, we can expect them to introduce either the Allure or GT Line trim, both potentially equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen panel that supports Apple CarPlay and MirrorScreen functionalities, reverse camera, Active City Brake and Park Assist. If the safety features do make their way here, it would be a class-first.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2015 Subaru WRX STI is set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week. As you would have expected, photos of the all-new STI have leaked online. This new STI is instantly recognizable, as it comes complete with the legendary blue, huge spoiler and golden wheels.\nOther than the signature STI theme, this Subaru WRX STI is almost identical to the \n2015 Subaru WRX\n. Save for what would to be fitted under the hood. The WRX STI will be more powerful than the WRX which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine derived from the Forester, producing 268 horsepower.\nThe all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI would probably be powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine similar to the previous model. However, it is expected to have a maximum output of more than 300 horsepower.\nCheck out the gallery below and do stick around for more 2015 Subaru WRX STI when it debuts.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The\u00a0\nDefender\n and \nRange Rover\n models aside, the other quintessential Land Rover model is the Discovery. Four iterations later, the new Land Rover Discovery finally made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show.\nLand Rover boldly describes the fifth-generation Discovery as the best SUV in the world. The predecessor\u2019s boxy shape has been replaced by curvier design cues lifted from the\u00a0\nDiscovery Sport\n. It also adopts the aluminium-intensive D7 architecture which helps shed over\n\u00a0480kg \nof mass over the previous model!   Step inside and it seats \nseven full-size adults \ncomfortably. Land Rover also says the third row seats could fit individuals up to\u00a06\u20192\u201d tall. The Discovery\u2019s flexible seating positions can be configured through your mobile phone (\nIntelligent Seat Fold\n)\n technology\n. When all rear seats are folded, it frees up\u00a0an astonishing 2,500 litres of luggage space. The interior is draped in premium Windsor leather, while other surfaces are finished with fine oak veneers and other optional extras.\nThe new Discovery is powered by\u00a0a four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines. This includes the all-new\n \nIngenium four-cylinder diesel engine\n that\u2019s available in two tunes: the TD4\u2019s \n180 hp/430 Nm\n and SD4\u2019s \n238 hp/500 Nm.\n The TDV6 is the most powerful oil burner of the lot, with a V6 lump churning\u00a0\n254 hp\n and\n 600 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Si6 petrol unit is a\n\u00a03.0-litre supercharged V6 mill\n\u00a0that belts \n335 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. All engines are paired with a\n\u00a0\nZF-sourced\n eight-speed\n \nautomatic\n. Key performance figures are a \n6.9-second century sprint\n for the TDV6, whereas the SD4 gets there in 7.7 seconds.\nLand Rover also claims the new Discovery is the company\u2019s most capable off-roader yet. They updated the\u00a0\nAll-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC)\n in the new Discovery. This system assists the driver to select the appropriate crawling speed when it comes to traversing challenging surfaces. The\u00a0\nTerrain Response 2\n system chooses the best possible settings via a\u00a0turn of the rotary controller while off-road. Even when on normal surfaces, the Discovery brags superior road handling made possible by its advanced integral link rear suspension.\nAvailable in four trims \u2013\u00a0S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury, the new Discovery begins\u00a0from \n\u00a343,495\n (approximately RM233k after conversion) to \n\u00a365,695\n (RM352k) before options. Expect a Malaysian debut of the new Discovery sometime in 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota has announced that its second-generation Toyota Safety Sense Active Safety Packages will be available in its 2018 line-up onwards. The next-generation Toyota Safety Sense builds upon its existing technology to mitigate or completely avoid imminent collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.\nWhen the first-gen Toyota Safety Sense-C hit the market, it utilised a single-lens camera and laser-based radar to enable Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for vehicles at speeds of \nup to 80 km/h\n. Later versions called the Toyota Safety Sense-P (as equipped on the \nToyota Harrier\n) allows AEB at speeds \nup to 180 km/h\n for vehicles and \nup to 80 km/h\n for pedestrians in the day.\nAEB for cyclists\nThe \nnext-generation Toyota Safety Sense\n adopts the same single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar combination but enhanced with AEB for Pedestrians in the night as well as AEB for cyclists (Day). Both are operable at speeds of 10 to 80 km/h. Other new features include \nLane Tracing Assist\n that autonomously follows the lane with minimal driver input, \nSteering Assist Function\n and \nDynamic Radar Cruise Control\n (adaptive cruise control).\nThe \nLane Departure Alert\n (LDA) has also gotten an upgrade to now detect road edges and warns the driver when the vehicle sways unintentionally (Vehicle Sway Warning Function). The new Toyota Safety Sense also includes \nRoad Sign Assist\n for the first time that recognises and displays road signs such as: Stop, No Entry, No Passing Through and Speed Limits.\nThe second-generation Toyota Safety Sense will be rolled out in stages with Japan, North America, and Europe as the early adopters with their 2018 Toyota models. Toyota will also be rolling out this system in other regions after extensive localisation and market research has been conducted.\nIMAGE GALLERY   AEB for cyclists\n \n AEB for pedestrians at night\n \n Lane Tracing Assist"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering further incentive to those looking to own a \nVolkswagen Golf GTI \nor \nGolf R \nwith RM2,000 rebates on both the hot hatches.\nThat should add extra persuasion to the 3-years free maintenance, 5-years unlimited mileage warranty and 5-years roadside assistance currently offered on all Volkswagen models except the \nTiguan and Passat which is accompanied by 5-years free maintenance\n.\n \nModel\nSavings up to\nPolo\nRM4,000\nVento Comfortline\nRM10,000\nVento Highline\nRM6,000\nGolf R-Line\nRM2,000\nBeetle Sport\nRM5,000\nTiguan Highline\nRM2,000\nPassat Comfortline\nRM15,000\nPassat Highline\nRM4,000\nThe Tiguan Highline, Passat Comfortline and Passat Highline comes with 5-years free maintenance and \nlow interest rate of 1.88% per annum\n.\nAside from that, VPCM also recently introduced a\n \u201cWalnut Blasting\u201d service\n that gently removes carbon build up in the engine valves to prevent higher fuel consumption and engine power loss at all authorised dealerships from as low as RM 515.\nThe Golf GTI in its element. Here\u2019s \nwhat we think about it\n.\nLast week, VPCM also introduced the \nVolkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP)\n \u2013 an insurance programme that offers comprehensive coverage with minimal hassle to Volkswagen owners. VIP offers prioritised claim approval, roadside assistance with 24-hour emergency towing and more.\nOther on-going promotions include a Liquid Power Kit consisting of a 1-litre bottle engine oil, 1-litre windscreen cleaner and 200ml fuel additive for RM199, 20% off on shock absorbers, tyre promotions from RM184 and 20% off on battery replacements."
"If you ask me, every car needs a name; and I don\u2019t mean personal pet names like Peter or Sally. I prefer a car to be called Enzo, rather than 850i for example.\nWhat\u2019s in a name? To have a name is to have a story behind it and we\u2019ll all agree \u2013 stories are just nice. So here are the meanings behind the names of the Toyota models we\u2019ve grown up \u2013 or some have even grown old with!\nCorolla \nThe \u201cCorolla\u201d is the ring of petals that forms a flower. Ever since the Toyota Crown, subsequent Toyotas have been named after the word \u201cCrown\u201d. Corolla means \u201csmall crown\u201d in Latin.\nThe \n\u201cbeautiful monster\u201d\n as Toyota calls it.\nCamry\nThe name is derived from the Japanese word \u201ckanmuri\u201d which means Crown. Again, the name is an extension of Toyota\u2019s tradition of using the Crown name.\nCorona\nLike the Corolla, which means \u201clittle crown, Corona is the Latin name for Crown.\nCelica\nThe Celica name is derived from the word \u201ccoelica\u201d which means \u201ccelestial\u201d or \u201cheavenly\u201d in Latin \u2013 presumably sensation from being behind the wheel of the car.\nThe new \nA90 Toyota Supra\n.\nSupra\nIt seems the Spanish have a lot of influence on the naming of Toyota vehicles as the Supra\u2019s name was taken from the Latin word for \u201cabove\u201d.\nYaris\nFor a change, the Yaris\u2019 name is a combination of \u201cCharis\u201d \u2013 the name of Greek goddesses of charm and beauty \u2013 and the word \u201cya\u201d for Yes in German.\nHave you watched \nAdrian\u2019s video of the new Vios\n?\nVios\nSuprise surprise, we\u2019re back to Latin again as Vios means \u201cto move forward\u201d. Your welcome for the free language classes.\nAlphard\nThe name was inspired by the brightest star in Hydra, a group of stars that form the outlines of animals, mythical gods and creatures."
"Proton\n has unveiled a new range of lubricants and merchandise under its motorsports brand, R3 (which stands for Race, Rally, Research). With the brand now parked under Proton Global Services (PGS), Proton says the launch marks a new direction for R3 to \u201cbring its heritage and products closer to the public\u201d and \u201creconnect with fans\u201d.\nThe launch was held today at the \nSetia Gemilang Auto 4S Centre in Shah Alam\n, where the outlet was also named the first Premium Merchandise Partner of the new PGS programme.\nFans of the R3 brand who want to deck themselves in R3 gear can choose from a variety of new merchandise clothings, including snapbacks and baseball caps, as well as cotton and dry-fit t-shirts and polo shirts. Prices for these gears range from RM49 to RM60.\nAs for the lubricants, R3\u2019s range of Premium Genuine Oils is developed together with Petronas, and is offered in both fully- (P1) and semi-synthetic (P2) formulations. Both are formulated with Petronas\u2019 latest Etro 6+ base oil, and are designed to fight excessive heat, promising better performance for modern direct injection turbocharged engines.\nThey\u2019re rated at SP and SN Plus respectively according to the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is priced at RM208 for the P1 fully-synthetic, and RM158 for the P2 semi-synthetic formulation. However, the company will be offering them at an introductory price of RM178 and RM128 respectively until the 30th of April this year.\n\u201cThe launch of our new R3 Premium Genuine Oil range and merchandise products is the first step in R3\u2019s rebranding journey,\u201d said Proton Global Services CEO, Lee Yeet Chuan.\n\u201cThere will be more product launches coming up in the future, including accessories for Proton car owners, which will help us build our connections with R3 fans.\u201d\nThe new range of Proton R3 engine oil and merchandises is now available at the 20 Premium Merchandise Partner outlets across the nation, including the first at Setia Gemilang Auto, and \nProton\u2019s recently revamped Centre of Excellence\n.\nGALLERY"
"Following the Nissan\u2019s recent announcement that Mitsubishi would be part of its\u00a0\nnew Alliance together with Renault\n\u00a0after\n\u00a0acquiring a 34% stake in MMC\u00a0\nwith 12 new EVs and fully autonomous vehicles due for 2022, it has made EV headlines again with the new longer range, zero-emissions van called the e-NV200.\nClaiming to go further than ever in a single charge, the fully electric e-NV200 with a new \n40kWh\n battery offers a 60% extended range of up to \n280 km\n. There will be no compromise with load space or pay load either, as there has been no increase in the battery size.\nNissan Europe, Electric Vehicle Director, Gareth Dunsmore said, \u201cWith its longer range and excellent cargo capacity, the new e-NV200 is the perfect last mile delivery solution for urban deliveries and collections. Given the huge impact that business deliveries/collections and professional drivers have on air quality and traffic congestion, especially in city centres, helping cut the level of CO\n2\n\u00a0emissions they create is a vital part of creating a more sustainable future\u201d.\nNissan is no stranger to making to such incredible EV feats. Its recently \ndebuted, all-new LEAF\n, with Nissan\u2019s signature V-Motion grilled like the one found in the\n X-Trail\n, is capable of\n 378 km\n of driving range on a single charge. This is served on the side of \n147 hp\n and a whopping \n320 Nm\n of torque \u2013 on an electric car for the masses mind you. It will also come with \nNissan\u2019s ProPilot\n, a semi autonomous technology which will rival the Honda Sensing.\u00a0Better yet, the all-new Leaf has been confirmed for Malaysia, \ndue\u00a0in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the \nlaunch of the ninth-generation Audi A4\n, the management of Audi Malaysia revealed their immediate plans going forward. In an effort to widen their presence here, Audi\u2019s expansion will begin with appointing more dealers, three of which will be fully operational by the end of this year.\nThese new dealerships are located at Puchong (Setia Walk, formerly a Volkswagen showroom), Ipoh and Melaka. There are also concrete plans to introduce the \nfacelifted A3\n, \nall-new Q2\n and \nA5 Sportback\n\u00a0(that\u2019s the four door; the coupe might not make it) in 2017.\nWe recently reviewed the R8 V10 Plus in Germany. \nFind out what we think of the brutal AWD supercar\n!\nPrior to this, Audi\u2019s halo car, the first-generation Audi R8 was officially sold through Euromobil Sdn Bhd. Now it\u2019s just a matter of time before we get the second generation V10 model. Joining the performance lineup are some S and RS models, although Audi Malaysia has yet to name exactly which. If we were to guess, it would likely be the \nS4\n, \nS5\n, S6 and quite possibly the \nTT RS\n.\nThis expansion plan, despite the slow pace, will hopefully be the cure to the Four Rings\u2019 Achilles heel \u2013 the lack of a dedicated local assembly facility. Currently, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are at the top of the country\u2019s luxury volume game, with Audi trailing far behind in terms of sheer numbers.\nThe A4 is the most important Audi model in Malaysia, which means it will be the go-to model for local assembly\nSetting up a CKD plant requires a huge sum of money. To justify the investment, a company must first be able to provide a reasonable return on investment (ROI), among other criteria. Audi Malaysia\u2019s Marketing Director, Rudi Venter said there are existing talks between them and Audi AG for local assembly. Though the timeline isn\u2019t particularly clear, Mr Venter specifically said \u201cwithin the next two years\u201d. Four core models will be CKD, but they remain unidentified for now. Chances are, the A4 and A6 will be among the four.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi RS3 & RS7   Audi A4 B9 2.0 TFSI   Audi R8 V10 Plus"
"The \nBMW Concept X7 iPerformance introduced just last year\n has been unveiled at the Bangsar Shopping Centre and will remain on showcase from Wednesday, 18th July 2018 to Sunday, 22nd July 2018.\nThe Concept X7 \u201cSports Activity Vehicle\u201d is not only here in Malaysia for the first time, it\u2019s also making its first-ever appearance in South East Asia. It\u2019s a very important introduction for BMW, as the Concept X7 will serve as the brand\u2019s new beacon which will set the tone for luxurious mobility.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpfJYXKLZMk\nIt will also set the tone as the new face of the BMW \u201cX family\u201d and the most noticeable change to its front end is the introduction of a new \u201cvertical kidney grille\u201d. How will most take it? We\u2019re not sure; but it\u2019s certain that we\u2019ll see them by the truckloads on the road before long.\nWith BMW not straying too far from the elongated twin headlights (as seen in the spy shots), the Concept X7 will resemble the face of the \u201ctaukes\u201d that would undoubtedly be lured into that imposing presence.   Although what may unlikely follow the Concept X7 into production are those 23-inch wheels which are housed under circular wheel arches \u2013 another first in the BMW X series.\nAt the back, the new rear end of the upcoming X7, supposedly due for launch by early next year, is exemplified by sharp three-dimensional L-shaped tail lights, flanking a prominent chrome strip across the tailgate.   Inside the six-seater cabin \u2013 representing BMW\u2019s new design language that focuses on vast, open surfaces and clear edges \u2013 is a panoramic roof, leather trims and upholstery in dark Olive-Bronze with gold pigmentation and Smoke White, and strands of laser light on the roof.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a long wait, the \nninth-generation Audi A4\n has finally found its way to our shores with the tagline Progress is Intense. However, one might question whether the A4 entered the market a little too late.\nAudi Malaysia explained that this is to secure a better deal for the A4 (that indirectly means pricing the A4 a little more competitively) with parent company that\u2019s based in Ingolstadt. The negotiations delayed Audi Malaysia\u2019s plans to introduce the A4, which was supposed to take place as early as the second quarter of this year. However, good things are worth the wait.\u00a0\nIn this case, the biggest winner from this exercise are the consumers. Audi Malaysia has managed to bring in the Audi A4 B9 as a CBU unit (built in Ingolstadt itself) yet maintained an extremely competitive price positioning. Just how competitive, you ask? Allow us break it down for you.\nFor starters, the Audi A4 is a premium compact executive priced at \nRM249k\n. In this analysis, we shortlisted models that competes in the same price, power and segment bracket. This greatly narrowed the number of candidates for this comparison.\nNaturally, the two other German contestants come into play \u2013 the \nBMW 320i Sport\n and the \nMercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde\n. Other left-field choices include the Swedish \nVolvo S60\n and the Japanese \nInfiniti Q50\n. Before jumping into the analysis, here are some quick facts:\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 320i Sport\nVolvo S60 2.0 T6 Drive-E\nInfiniti Q50 2.0T GT\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI\nEngine\n2.0-litre 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower\n2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinCharged\n2.0-litre 4-cylinder, turbocharged\n2.0-litre 4-cylinder, turbocharged\n2.0-litre 4-cylinder, TFSI\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\n8-speed automatic\n7-speed automatic\n7-speed G-Tronic Plus automatic\n7-speed S Tronic dual cutch automatic (Wet)\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,000 rpm\n306 hp @ 5,700 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n190 hp @ 4,200 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n290 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,250 rpm\n400 Nm @ 2,100 to 4,800 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n0-100km/h; Top Speed\n7.3 seconds; 235km/h\n5.9 seconds; 230km/h\n7.2 seconds; 245km/h\n7.3 seconds; 235km/h\n7.3 seconds; 210km/h\nFuel Economy Rating\n5.8L/100km\n6.7L/100km\n7.3L/100km\n5.3L/100km\n5.0L/100km\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM231,800\nRM238,888\nRM239,800\nRM248,888\nRM248,900\nAssembly\nMalaysia\nMalaysia\nJapan\nMalaysia\nGermany\nAs you can see from the table, all five cars share the same formula under the hood \u2013 a \n2.0-litre forced induction engine\n. The Audi A4 edges the competition by being the only one to offer a \ndual-clutch transmission\n. In case you are wondering, this S Tronic adopts a \nwet clutch\n that works more reliably in our hot climate.\nPerformance wise, hands down the Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E takes the most powerful car title. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive E engine is boosted by a supercharger and a turbocharger, which helps extract a mind bending \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, making it the most powerful car of the lot. In the century sprint, the others are brisk but none dip below the 7-second mark, but the S60 obliterates the course in just \n5.9 seconds\n.\nThe A4 is being advertised as the most slippery car in its segment, and it is far from a marketing gimmick because it yields some real world benefits too. With a drag coefficient of just \n0.23\n, the A4 is able to slice through air much efficiently. Coupled with its improved S Tronic gearbox, the A4 is the most frugal of the bunch, consuming only\u00a0\n5.0 litres\n of fuel for every 100km travelled.\nAmong its German rivals, the A4 is the most expensive at RM248,900. Though, it is only marginally costlier than the RM248,888 C 200 Avantgarde. But don\u2019t forget, the Audi is fully imported from Germany, while the BMW, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are all locally assembled in Malaysia.\nNow that we have laid out the quick facts about the car, Audi\u2019s facts and figures are very competitive. Audi Malaysia has done a great job bringing in the ninth-generation A4 at a reasonable price point. This usually comes by sacrificing equipment. Did Audi Malaysia make that compromise? Let\u2019s find out.\nEQUIPMENT\nName\nBMW 320i Sport\nVolvo S60 2.0 T6 Drive-E\nInfiniti Q50 2.0T GT\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI\nRim Size\n17-inch\n18-inch\n17-inch\nTyre Size\n225/50R17\n235/45R17\n225/55R17\n225/45R18\n225/50R17\nKeyless Operation\nKeyless entry and start\nKeyless start only\nKeyless entry and start\nInterior Upholstery\nLeather\nPowered Seats\nDriver side only with memory function\nBoth driver and passenger. Memory function for driver only\nBoth driver and passenger with memory function for both\nBoth driver and passenger\nInfotainment System\n6.5-inch BMW iDrive with 9-speakers\n7-inch touchscreen navigation with 8-speakers\n8.0-inch Infiniti InTouch with 6-speakers\n7-inch Audio 20 CD\n7.0-inch Audi MMI with 10-speakers\nRear Blinds\nPowered rear windscreen blinds\nManual rear passenger windows\nN/A\nPowered rear blinds and manual rear passenger windows\nManual rear passenger windows\nSteering Wheel\nLeather wrapped multifunction\nLeather wrapped multifunction with paddle shifters\nLeather wrapped multifunction\nLeather wrapped multifunction with paddle shifters\nParking Brake\nHandbrake\nElectronic parking brake with auto hold\nFootbrake\nElectronic parking brake with auto hold\nAirbags\n6 airbags\n7 airbags\n6 airbags\nParking Sensors\n4 front, 4 rear\n6 front, 6 rear\n4 front, 4 rear\nReverse Camera\nN/A\nAvailable\nAutonomous Safety Features\nN/A\nAutonomous braking, lane keep assist, blind spot radar monitoring and pedestrian detection\nN/A\nCollision prevention assist.\nN/A\nFrom the comparison chart above, the A4 fares very well in-terms of equipment. Despite being a CBU-unit, Audi Malaysia did not skim on features to bring the price down. Essential features such as keyless entry and start, leather powered seats, Audi MMI and reverse camera are all standard affair.\nAs expected from Volvo, the S60 is the only one here that comes with a suite of autonomous safety features. Otherwise, the A4 is on par with the rest of its rivals in the premium compact executive sedan segment.\nCONCLUSION\nAudi Malaysia is without a doubt late to the game. Its rivals have been charging full steam, with Mercedes-Benz \nconsecutively smashing monthly record sales\n. As mentioned earlier, Audi Malaysia worked their best to secure a fair price for its latest model offering. Although priced slightly steeper than its competitors, thanks to their efforts, the A4 still offers great value for your money.   Bear in mind that the \n320i\n, \nS60\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nC 200 \nare all EEV-incentivised. As a CBU import, the A4 cannot be entitled for the same incentive, but things may steer in favour of the Four Rings in the near future when they get the green light for their \nCKD operations\n.\nTo be fair, the A4 offers great value for money; unrivalled build quality, perfectly aligned body panels (be sure to inspect the gaps between panels yourself) achieved thanks to laser welding, premium interior, generous equipment list and best of all, 10 different exterior colours to choose from.\nThis is of course just an on-paper comparison based on facts and figures. To really know how the A4 stacks up against the other offerings, stay tuned for our review of the Audi A4 B9!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the \nBMW X3M Competition\n \nand\n X4M Competition\n, BMW Malaysia also launched the \nM8 Coupe\n and \nM8 Gran Coupe\n, priced at RM1.425 and RM1.455 million respectively.\nBoth are powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged engine making \n600 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque. The mighty V8 engine is paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox that drives all four wheels via the xDrive system.\n \n0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.3 seconds\n while top speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h. With the optional M Driver\u2019s Package, the M8 Coupe is capable of hitting a 305 km/h top speed. Both the M8 Coupe and Gran Coupe comes with an M-specific exhaust featuring a Sound Control button to allow drivers to adjust the sound of the vehicle according to their personal preference.\nDrivers can select either the default 4WD setting or 4WD Sport mode, where the latter channels more power to the rear wheels. Deactivating the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) switches the car into 2WD mode. Both are fitted with M Adaptive suspension and M six-pot caliper brakes as standard. As an alternative, the new M8 duo is also available with optional M carbon-ceramic brakes.\nFor those who want something a little more exclusive, BMW Malaysia says there is one and only one unit of the BMW M8 Coupe in BMW Individual\u2019s Frozen Bluestone exterior available for an additional RM30,000.\nFor a limited time only, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models \nfrom 15th August to 30th September 2020\n. The limited-time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the BMW M2 Competition, BMW M4 Coup\u00e9, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000 respectively.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n.\nGALLERY\nBMW M8 Coupe\nBMW M8 Gran Coupe"
"Honda announced that US sales of vehicles fitted with Honda Sensing has reached the one million mark. By 2022, Honda Sensing will be incorporated across the entire lineup.\nThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety IIHS, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes, issued a report on the Honda Sensing\u2019s effectiveness which claims that there have been significant reductions in vehicle damage claims and traffic injuries to people.\nLooking into the benefits of Honda Sensing, particularly its Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking features, the report concluded that even if a crash is not avoided, it is likely that the vehicle at least slowed down sufficiently before the crash due to the systems, noting the \nlikelihood of injury is reduced when speed is reduced\n.\n\u201cThe data are clear. The role of Honda Sensing is reducing crash risk,\u201d said Senior Vice President of Highway Lost Data Institure (HLDI), Matt Moore. \u201cWe commend Honda for rapidly expanding the application of this safety technology throughout its lineup.\u201d\nThe full-suite of Honda Sensing\u00a0advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Low Speed Follow (LSF).\nCurrently, in our local market, Honda Malaysia has offered the Honda Sensing system for the \nHonda CR-V\n, \nAccord\n and the recently rejuvenated \nHonda Odyssey\n."
"Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium car maker is starting 2018 with a bang after reporting an increase in global sales of 22.4 percent in January (year-on-year), amounting to 43,439 cars compared to 35,475 cars in the previous year.\nVolvo saw strong growth in all its main markets with Europe leading in sales figures followed by China. Year-on-Year, Europe recorded an increase in 11.7 percent to 21,061 cars while China maintained a strong growth of 38 percent to 11,537 cars. The US also started the new year strong with 60.5 percent increase in sales to 5,567 cars in January 2018. Other markets saw 10.1 percent increase to 5,274 cars.\nThe strong growth was driven by the sales of the new XC60 and 90-Series models. Globally, the new XC60 was the best-selling model in January 2018, with 11,656 units sold, followed by the \nXC90\n at 6,772 units and \nS90\n at 6,057.\nIn Malaysia, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just introduced the \nXC60 SUV in three variants\n as well as the updated XC90 Inscription Plus that comes with the premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system."
"Mark your calendars \u2013 Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just announced a virtual launch event to take place at \n3pm\n on the \n30th of October\n, where both the \nHyundai Kona\n and\n Sonata\n will be making their debut here in Malaysia. Both models were recently previewed in the last month, and are both currently available for booking.\nThe launch of the Hyundai Kona will come just three days after its rival, the \nProton X50\n, which is \nscheduled for launch tomorrow (October 27)\n. Fully imported from South Korea, the Hyundai Kona will be offered in three variants \u2013 2.0 Standard, 2.0 Mid, and 1.6 TGDi High \u2013 with prices starting at \u201cRM115,XXX\u201d.\nThe first two variants with the \u20182.0\u2019 designation are powered by a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder MPI engine, making \n149 hp\n and \n179 Nm\n of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The range-topping 1.6 TGDi High variant meanwhile is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-banger with \n177 hp \nand\n 265 Nm\n, alongside a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n \nThe Hyundai Kona will launch in Malaysia as the pre-facelift model, though it should still come with a decent list of equipment on board. On the range-topper 1.6 TGDi High variant, these include LED headlamps and taillights, automatic climate control, head-up display, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Hyundai SmartSense advance driver assistance suite with features such as AEB, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist.\nWe\u2019ve had the opportunity to check out the performance for both variants of the Hyundai Kona on a short media drive, so be sure to check our \nfirst impressions in our video\n!\nAs for the Hyundai Sonata, the fully-imported D-segment sedan will only be offered one single variant, powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with\u00a0\n180 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n232 Nm\n\u00a0of torque to drive the front wheels via a six speed automatic transmission.\nThe main selling point of the Hyundai Sonata however, is it\u2019s unconventional design and attention to details that\u2019s \nunlike anything we\u2019ve seen before\n on Malaysian roads. The daytime running lights is neatly integrated into the chrome trim that runs from the headlights onto the window surrounds, and is practically invisible when it\u2019s switched off \u2013 thanks to the laser-cut micro perforations on the chrome strip.\nThe extravagant design is continued inside, which Hyundai says is inspired by stealth jet fighters. Standard equipment within the cabin include an eight-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, cooled wireless charging pad, power-adjustable seats with driver\u2019s side memory, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents.\nAs for safety, the Sonata comes with six airbags as standard, along with a Blind Spot View Monitor, which displays a camera feed of the blind spot in the digital instrument cluster. Unfortunately unlike the Kona, the Sonata will not be equipped with the SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems.\nPricing for the Sonata is said to start from \u201cRM20X,XXX\u201d, and is set to take on other D-segment rivals including the \nToyota Camry\n, \nHonda Accord\n, as well as the \nVolkswagen Passat Elegance\n and \nR-Line\n."
"When the Land Rover Discovery was first unveiled to the world back in 1989, its conventional boxy off-road SUV styling appealed to many adventure seekers. However, even with the Discovery 4 that was introduced back in 2009, it remained the conventional boxy aesthetics the Discovery is well known for.\nNot necessary a bad thing, however it appears as if it is a classic car when sat next to its main rivals like the Audi Q7 and BMW X5. However, Land Rover is set to change this with the fifth-generation \nDiscovery\n.\n \n Land Rover has teased a picture of the \nDiscovery 5\n ahead of the \nParis Motorshow\n. At first glance, the front is the resemblance of its smaller sibling, the \nDiscovery Sport\n. The front grille seems to be a carryover from the Discovery Sport but the Discovery will feature a different LED headlamp design and a sharper edged bumper. As for the rest, we will have to wait for the global debut on \n28 September 2016\n.\n \n What we do know about the Discovery is that it will be a full-size seven-seater upmarket SUV that sits at the top of Land Rover\u2019s offerings. Expect the Discovery to come with a range of luxury options and state of the art technology that is deployed on its siblings. The company\u2019s new\n 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel\n powertrain might also be offered with the Discovery.\nCloser to home, the Land Rover line-up includes the Discovery 4, Discovery Sport, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will extend Nissan vehicle warranties expiring during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period by an additional 30 days from the last day of the MCO.\nWarranties will remain valid even if the recommended service intervals aren\u2019t performed over MCO period, however Nissan owners are encouraged to reschedule service appointments within 30 days after MCO is lifted to keep their vehicle warranties active.\nAppointment scheduling can be done via the \nDriveOn mobile app\n, TCEAS website, Nissan Customer Care Centre or directly through TCEAS service centres after the MCO is lifted.\nAdditionally, 24/7 breakdown and roadside assistance services remain active, Nissan owners can call \n1-800-88-3838\n for help."
"After years of turmoil, a more recent track record of not-so-attractive with forgettable names (like the Chimaera and Cerbera) and a brief ownership by an associate of Roman Abramovich, \nTVR is yet again ready for a revival \nin the hands of some good ol\u2019 Brits.\nIt\u2019s called the Griffith. Not much has been revealed in detail but it\u2019s got a \n406 hp per tonne\n power-to-weight ratio from a dry weight of \n1,250kg\n and a 5.0-litre V8 Cosworth engine that\u2019s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a custom clutch and flywheel. 0 to 100 km/h is expected to take \nless than four seconds\n\u00a0and will surpass a top speed of over 200 mph, as current supercar social norms dictate.\nIts dry sump engine also helps lower its overall centre of gravity. The Griffith\u2019s signature TVR silhouette is enhanced with deep air intakes,\u00a0side-exit exhausts and sculpted front wheel arches. It\u2019s side-exit exhausts allows a flat floor lay out which generates downforce by channeling airflow along the undercarriage of the vehicle, sucking it onto the ground for better traction. Its chassis is made of carbon composites bonded to steel and aluminium.\nBraking power is provided by 6-pot calipers in the front and 4-pot calipers at the rear, tucked beneath 19-inch and 20-inch wheels front and back. Keeping the car agile through the corners are double wishbones occupying all four corners with an electric power steering.\nThe new TVR Griffith is currently available in Launch Edition specification, with a full leather interior, custom alloy wheels, paint options and a bespoke infotainment system. Prices begin from\u00a0\u00a390,000 (approx RM 500,000) with production set to take off late 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars has just teamed up with Autoliv, Zenuity and NVIDIA to develop the next-generation of self driving cars as part of their plan to introduce Level 4 autonomous cars on the road by 2021.\nHere\u2019s a little background on what each of them specialises: Autoliv is a world-leading automotive safety systems developer, Zenuity is an automotive software developer that\u2019s jointly owned by Volvo Cars and Autoliv, and lastly NVIDIA is the world famous visual computing company.\nAll parties involved in this venture will see Volvo\u2019s self-driving system be capable of comparing real-time situational awareness to a high-definition map. This lets drivers plan a safe route accordingly as well as adjusting to ever-changing driving circumstances. The bigger picture here is the creation of an Artificial Intelligence that is able to \nadapt to everyday driving scenarios\n.   At the core of the technology will be NVIDIA\u2019s Artificial Intelligence car computing platform as the foundation. They will then work together to develop \ndeep learning systems\n\u00a0(a form of self-learning AI) to recognise objects in their environment, anticipate potential threats and navigate safely.\n\u201cThis cooperation with NVIDIA places Volvo Cars, Autoliv and Zenuity at the forefront of the fast-moving market to develop next-generation autonomous driving capabilities, and will speed up the development of Volvo\u2019s own commercially available autonomous drive cars,\u201d said Hakan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars."
"Aston Martin, the British supercar maker is seeking for a strategic partner in China to break into the world\u2019s largest electric vehicle (EV) market. Talks are underway with Chinese automakers and start-ups to establish a joint venture according to \nAutomotive News\n.\nThe Chinese Government requires foreign automakers to form joint ventures with Chinese companies to be able to sell vehicles locally. Aston Martin has expressed that by 2030, EVs will account for 25 percent of its sales, hence penetrating the Chinese market will be essential for achieving this target.\nPresident and CEO of Aston Martin, Dr Andy Palmer said that the firm does not have plans to manufacture the Aston Martin vehicles in China just yet but are ready to collaborate and share its lightweight and aerodynamic technologies with the Chinese partner.\nThe first EV to be conceived under Gaydon\u2019s Second Century Plan will be the limited run \nfour-door RapidE\n, spelt with a capital E for Electric. The four-door all-electric sports car will spearhead the brand\u2019s development of low and zero-emission vehicles and is set to go into production in 2019."
"At the world premiere of the \nthird-generation Porsche Cayenne\n, Porsche pulled off the wraps of its range topping model (for now), the Cayenne Turbo. The most powerful Cayenne gets a more powerful engine along with other first-in-class innovations.\nUnderneath the hood rests a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that pushes out\n 542 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all four corners via a Tiptronic S transmission with eight-cogs. The new Turbo sprints to 100 km/h in just \n3.9 seconds\n with the Sport Chrono Package equipped (4.1 seconds without) and will hit a top speed of \n286 km/h\n.\nAs standard the Cayenne Turbo rides on air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and \n21-inch alloys\n with mixed tyre sizes (295/40 front; 315/35 rear). For ultimate driving dynamics of a sports car, be sure to select the optional \nPorsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)\n and \nPorsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+)\n.\nThe Cayenne Turbo is also the first SUV in the world to feature an \nadaptive roof spoiler\n that optimises efficiency, increases downforce on the rear axle and shortens the braking distance from higher speeds \ndepending on its angle\n of inclination. Porsche claims that at full braking from 250 km/h, the adaptive roof spoiler in air brake position improves the Cayenne\u2019s braking distance by\u00a0\ntwo full meters\n. Of course, this applies to the standard \nPorsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB)\n and the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).   From the outside, the Cayenne Turbo can be distinguished from its \nPorsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)\n, double front light module, quad exhaust tailpipes and widened wheel arches with painted wheel arch trims.\nPrices for the fastest sprinting Porsche Cayenne starts from \n\u20ac138,850 (RM695k)\n and market launch in Europe is scheduled for end-2017. You can bet that Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, are working overtime to introduce the all-new Cayenne to our market as soon as possible.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In celebration of the \nAston Martin\n Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team\u2019s success, the British luxury performance carmaker has debuted the AMR23 Edition of the \nAston Martin DBX 707\n. This limited edition luxury performance SUV is named after Aston Martin\u2019s Formula 1 (AMR23 F1) race car and looks identical to the official 2023 F1 Medical Car.\nOn the outside, the DBX 707 AMR23 Edition features a Podium Green Paint, with details such as the \u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 fender badge, as well as the Aston Martin Racing Green brake callipers. There are also lime accents on the performance SUV\u2019s carbon body kit, reminiscent of those on the AMR23 F1 car and the official F1 Medical Car.\nInside the limited edition SUV are lime contrast stitchings on the Onyx Black and Eifel Green interior, as well as carbon fibre trims on the centre console and dashboard. The AMR23 logo can be seen on the door sills as well.\nUnder the hood, the DBX 707 AMR23 Edition features a powertrain similar to the one on the \u2018regular\u2019 DBX 707, which is the 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz AMG. Mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, both the DBX 707 and its AMR23 sibling produce just as their names suggest, \n707 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n, enabling the two to do the 0-100 km/h run in just \n3.3 seconds\n.\nRELATED: \n2022 Aston Martin DBX 707 launched in Malaysia from RM1.1 million\nAlthough no pricing details of the performance SUV have been released by Aston Martin, the car is now open for booking according to the luxury performance carmaker\u2019s website. In Malaysia, the \u2018regular\u2019 Aston Martin DBX 707 is available for purchase for those who are able to afford it. However, its sticker price is at an irregular \nRM1.1 million\n before tax. There is also the \nVantage\n F1 Edition which has been launched in Malaysia in March 2023, fetching a price of \nRM978k\n before taxes.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin Vantage F1 Edition now in Malaysia, RM978k before taxes\nGALLERY"
"Remember the fancy number plates with weird designs, misleading others to think that their Proton is registered in Denmark? Well, the Malaysian authorities are putting an end to this by introducing a centralised production scheme for number plates.\nDeputy Transport Minister, Datuk Aziz Kaprawi said the new registration plates will be built out of metal and will follow the size and measurements based on regulations set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). For now, it\u2019s compulsory for all newly registered cars (at no additional cost) to be fitted with the new plates before other cars on the road gets replaced in the near future. JPJ\u00a0is also looking for government funds to help existing car owners switch from the old plates for the ne.\nLooking at the monumental\u00a0scale of 18-million registered vehicles in Malaysia, JPJ\u00a0plans to appoint\u00a0authorised agents in every district, ensuring that the production of number plates will be in accordance with the JPJ\u2019s\u00a0specification.\nIt\u2019s also noted that\u00a0appointed vendors will be required to utilise MySikap system to keep the production in sync with JPJ\u2019s\u00a0record. This is to keep production of plates as per JPJ\u00a0specs and prevent irresponsible parties from changing the plates without any valid reason.\nWhile one could think customised number plates are annoying in the eyes of a proper car enthusiast, the authorities said it\u2019s done for the sake of road safety. Remember last year\u2019s tragic road accident on Duke Highway that took three lives (including a newborn)\u00a0involving a Pajero? Witnesses were unable to identify the registration numbers of the culprits because they were fitted with custom plates.\nFor additional information on the newly implemented number plate regulations, do head up to JPJ\u2019s\u00a0\nlink here\n."
"You may not like the M3\u2019s controversial aesthetics, but German tuner \nManhart \nhas created a monster that you probably can\u2019t refuse. It\u2019s called the MH3 GTR, and it\u2019s a juiced up version of the \nBMW M3\n that produces a whopping \n650 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque.\nThe company says that the MH3 GTR is a one-off unit only, and showcases Manhart\u2019s latest interpretation of the power sedan. However, customers will be able to purchase the upgrades shown on the MH3 GTR individually, if you too wish to tweak your BMW M3 to a similar style and performance.\n\u201cHow was the additional power gained?\u201d, you may wonder. Thanks to an MHtronik Powerbox auxiliary control unit, an additional 140 hp and 150 Nm are further extracted from the S58 bi-turbo inline-six engine. Complementing the powertrain boost (and creating a more brutal sound) is a Manhart stainless steel exhaust system with valve control that ends with four 100-mm diameter tailpipes.\nAll the upgrades mentioned above are T\u00dcV approved. T\u00dcV, if you\u2019re wondering, is short for Technischer \u00dcberwachungsverein in German, which means Technical Inspection Association. A TUV certification means a sampling of the product has been tested for safety and found to meet the minimum requirements of the German Equipment and Product Safety Act.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia \u2013 from RM798k\nCustomers outside of Germany can also opt for non-T\u00dcV approved upgrades such as:\nOtto Particulate Filter Delete\nGasoline Particulate Filter delete\nOptional race downpipes without catalytic converter\nReplacement pipes with 200-cell HJS catalytic converters\nSport downpipes with 300-cell GESi catalytic converters\nTo further improve road-holding and, of course, lower the car, the MH3 GTR also received a Manhart suspension upgrade, including a Manhart Variant 4 coilover suspension by KW Suspensions. Alternatively, customers can opt for a lowering kit with H&R springs. The brakes of the MH3 GTR have been kept stock, but individually configured upgrades are also available upon customer request.\nRELATED: \nBMW celebrates 50th anniversary of M with limited edition \u201850 Jahre\u2019 BMW M3 and M4\nExterior upgrades on the MH3 GTR include a Manhart Carbon Diffuser, M Performance Carbon Front Spoiler, M Performance Carbon Rear Spoiler, M Performance Carbon Side Skirts, M Performance Carbon Aero Flicks, and a unique Manhart Decal Wrap.\nCompleting the look of the MH3 GTR are the Manhart Concave One rims, measuring 20x9J in the front and 20\u00d710.5J in the rear, and shod in 265/30R20 rubbers in the front and 295/30R20 in the rear. On the inside, the MH3 GTR gets Recaro Podium Carbon Seats.\nPricing of the upgrades has not been revealed by Manhart, but interested customers can already contact the German tuner for the cost of each part. Most of the parts should also be compatible with the \nBMW M3 Touring\n and \nBMW M4\n.\nRELATED: \nThe BMW M3 Touring is now the fastest wagon around N\u00fcrburgring"
"Not long after Malaysia reopened for business in May, we took a couple of Land Rovers out for the weekend and was pleasantly surprised at the changes they\u2019ve undergone in leaps and bounds.\nFirst, there was the \nEvoque\n and then this, the \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n; a more compact, more accessible younger brother to the full fledge and frankly, not-so-good-looking Discovery. It has undergone a nip and tuck on the outside but more importantly, the aging interior architecture has been \ngiven a refresh\n to usher the Discovery Sport into the new decade.\n \nYou get a redesigned front grille, slimmer headlamps, along with sportier front and rear bumpers bestowed by the R-Dynamic exterior package. Once inside, you\u2019d immediately realise that the Discovery Sport has arrived in 2020; with tech-laden panels and displays elegantly placed on the dashboard\n just like the Velar\n and Evoque. Unlike the more expensive Evoque, the Discovery Sport even gets a massive panoramic roof!\nThis is where the Discovery Sport falls slightly short and it\u2019s sitting under the front hood. It\u2019s a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine, with \n200 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque, paired a 9-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Such meager figures certainly took the edge off what was otherwise a rather positive weekend in the Discovery Sport, to say the least.\nThe Discovery Sport 5+2 we reviewed is priced at\n RM399,809.10\n and is inclusive of Sales Tax Exemption. If you prefer the 5-seater model, it\u2019ll set you back \nRM370,325.31\n. Both will be sold with the R-Dynamic exterior finish.\nGALLERY"
"Although COVID-19 restrictions have eased globally, the effect of the lockdown and the parts shortage is still felt today. \nToyota\n has just announced that it will have to cut its production plan by \n100,000\n \nunits\n in October 2022.\nThe Japanese carmaker previously announced that its production plan for September through November would be approximately \n900,000 units \nper month. With the new announcement, \n800,000 units\n will be produced in October and an average of \n850,000 units per month\n is expected from October to December 2022. Toyota says its forecast for the fiscal year remains unchanged at approximately \n9.7 million units\n.\nThe \nToyota GR Yaris\n is manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation\u2019s Motomachi Plant in Japan\nToyota\u2019s new plan is based on careful confirmation of parts supply and the personnel structures and facility capacities of its suppliers. Toyota\u2019s plants in Japan will suspend production on certain dates announced on its official website. Plants affected include the Motomachi plant, Takaoka plant, Tsutsumi plant, Tahara plant, Miyata Plant, the Hino Hamura plant, and Toyota Industries Corporation.\nAffected Toyota models include the \nGR Yaris\n, \nRAV4\n, \nHarrier\n, Corolla Sport, Camry, Crown, Land Cruiser Prado, 4 Runner, and the FJ Cruiser. Affected Lexus models include the CT, \nES\n, GX, \nIS\n, LS, \nNX\n, NX450h+, \nRC\n, \nRC F\n, \nRX\n, \nUX\n, and UX300e.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota sets new sales record in August 2022 with 9,091 units sold\nProduction of the \nToyota Harrier\n will be affected by the suspended production at Toyota Motor Corporation\u2019s Takaoka Plant in Japan\nAs for Malaysia, most Toyota models on sale are either locally assembled (CKD) or fully imported (CBU) from Thailand. Among the Malaysian market models affected by the suspended production are the \nGR Yaris\n \nand the \nHarrier\n. As for Lexus cars in Malaysia, all of them are fully imported (CBU) from Japan and hence most will be affected by Toyota\u2019s latest announcement.\nProduction of the Lexus NX will be affected by the suspended production in Toyota Motor Kyushu Miyata Plant, Japan.\nToyota says that it remains difficult to look ahead due to semiconductor shortages, the spread of COVID-19, and other factors. The company will continue to make every effort to deliver as many vehicles as possible to its customers at the earliest date while closely examining the situation.\nRELATED: \nThailand sales of Toyota Camry and Honda Accord dominated by hybrids"
"While Toyota\u2019s expertise in the automotive manufacturing remains undisputed thanks to their highly efficient production system, a shortage of critical parts can really put a dent into its production. Toyota is now forced to halt production in Japan for the entire week following shortage of steel.\nOn 8 January,\u00a0Aichi Steel Corporation, the company that supplies steel to Toyota, suffered an explosion that\u00a0damaged the site\u2019s ability to produce steel for engines, transmissions, and chassis. It\u2019s expected for Aichi to recover in full by March, but at the same time Toyota is forced to scramble for other sources of steel, as the company\u2019s existing supply can only last them till 6 February.\nProduction of the new Prius is impacted for sure\nToyota\u2019s production will stop during 8 to 13 February, and production is expected to resume as soon as 14 February. The silver lining here is global sales won\u2019t be affected as much because nearly two-thirds of Toyota\u2019s volume are contributed from their plants outside of Japan. As for the Malaysian models, UMW Toyota imports their cars from Thailand and Indonesia, whereas the \nVios\n and \nCamry Hybrid\n models are locally assembled in Shah Alam."
"Think of the desert, and you\u2019ll picture undulating sand dunes that are impossible to traverse. Throw in a couple of pre-runners or race trucks, and you\u2019ll relearn what excitement really is but doing that in a Rolls-Royce? That\u2019s as unimaginable as Rolls-Royce making a hot-hatchback but that\u2019s exactly what they did, with the \nnew Cullinan\n.\nThe British luxury carmaker is keen to let you know, that their behemoth of an SUV is more than capable of crossing the Arabian desert dunes, should the unthinkable arise.\n \nThis particular Cullinan in pristine Sapphire Black is neither a demo unit nor is this a marketing gimmick. Instead, it actually belongs to a private owner who took to the desert dunes just outside of Dubai for a very fun but expensive way to social distance.\nClearly, the desert was no mountain too high to climb for the Cullinan. If anything, witnessing the bulky SUV gracefully glide over the steep sand dunes so effortlessly, and blasting sand in every direction is actually quite mesmerising.\nIt was definitely an effective demonstration of the Cullinan\u2019s off-road capabilities, as Rolls-Royce said the Cullinan \u201cbecame a force of nature\u201d during the desert drive and \u201csurfed over high and low terrains with absolute authority.\u201d\nPowering the Cullinan is a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 with \n571 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n of torque, allowing the\n \n2,700 kg Cullinan to waft its way from to 100 km/h from standstill in just 5.1 seconds.\n \nRecently, the \nRolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge\n joined the likes of the \nWraith Eagle VIII in Malaysia\n with the latter being\n the only unit available in Malaysia\n. Globally, Rolls-Royce limited the supply of these commemorative pieces to\n just 50 units.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) today unveiled the \nall-new GLA-Class\n here on our shores, marking the company\u2019s last product launch until the new year. Available in Malaysia in two variants \u2013 GLA 200 and GLA 250, the new baby of the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up is priced starting at \nRM244,200\n for the entry-level GLA 200 variant.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA now carries a more crossover/SUV appearance as compared to the jacked-up hatchback look of the outgoing model. The change is mostly attributed to its significantly taller height, now 104 mm higher than its predecessor.\nAside from the height though, the all-new GLA is actually smaller in every other dimension compared to than before, measuring in 14 mm shorter (lengthwise) and 2 mm narrower. Despite the shorter length, the wheelbase in the all-new model has increased by 30 mm, and its track increased by 46 mm, giving it a more imposing stance on the road and more space in the interior.\nAs mentioned above, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is offered in two variants here in Malaysia \u2013 GLA 200 and GLA 250. The entry-level GLA 200 is dressed in a Progressive Line exterior kit, while the latter gets an AMG Line treatment.\nThe main difference between the two exterior styling kits are on the front and rear bumpers, with the AMG Line sporting a more aggressive look featuring a larger diamond pin front grille, a larger bone-shaped trim with a horizontal slats on the front bumper, integrated rear diffuser on the rear, alongside rear \u201cair vents\u201d and non-functional exhaust exits.\nThe GLA 250 also rides on larger 19-inch alloys; the GLA 200 gets 18-inch items as standard. Aside from the variant-specific styling differences, both variants are equipped with identical exterior features, which include:\nAutomatic LED High Performance headlights\nLED tail lights\nAutomatic windscreen wipers\nAuto-dimming driver\u2019s exterior mirror\nAluminium roof rails\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 is powered by a 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the GLA 250 gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four.\nMercedes-Benz GLA 200\nEngine: M282 1.33-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 163 hp\u00a0@ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque: 250 Nm @ 1,620 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 8.7 seconds\nTop speed: 210 km/h\nRated fuel consumption: 5.9-5.6 l/100 km\nMercedes-Benz GLA 250\nEngine: M260 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 224 hp\u00a0@ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque: 350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds\nTop speed: 240 km/h\nRated fuel consumption: 6.7 \u2013 6.5 l/100 km\nThe all-new GLA 250 in the sportier AMG Line trim also gets the Direct Steer variable-ratio power steering, alongside a lowered suspension set-up \u2013 though still the comfort suspension, similar to the GLA 200.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class features a very similar look to the latest Mercedes-Benz models, headlined by the standing dual-screen MBUX set-up. Unlike the \nA-Class\n, the all-new GLA features a cut-out for the screens, and the centre console and door handles also feature the tubular design motif as seen on the \nall-new GLB\n for a more off-road-focused appearance.\nBoth variants are almost identical in its interior features, which includes:\n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\n10.25-inch infotainment display with MBUX, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and navigation with live traffic information\nMercedes me connect LTE connectivity module\nAutomatic climate control\nElectrically adjustable front seats with memory function, four-way lumbar support\n60:40 folding rear seat backrests\nLeather multifunction sports steering wheel\nLight and Sight package\nRoof liner in black fabric\nPowered tailgate\nThe GLA 200 gets the standard Comfort Seats wrapped in black Artico leather, while the AMG Line treatment on the GLA 250 includes Sports Seats wrapped in Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre, galvanised aluminium pedal shifters, AMG door sill plate with illuminated \u2018AMG\u2019 lettering, as well as AMG floor mats.\nThanks to the changes in dimensions, the front headroom and rear legroom has been significantly increased, the latter by 114 mm. Boot capacity has also increased by 14 litres to now 435 litres of cargo space.\nSAFETY\nThe standard safety equipment on both variants of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA includes the following features:\nAutonomous emergency braking\nActive parking assist\nParking package with reversing camera\nRear seat belt indicators\nInterior monitoring system\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 gains an additional blind-spot monitoring system, which also acts as a visual warning for the passengers exiting the car, when another vehicle is approaching at the blind spots.\nPRICING\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts at \nRM 244,199.82\n for the entry-level GLA 200 variant, while the GLA 250 is priced at \nRM285,336.66\n. Both prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n valid until the end of the year. Included as standard in the price is a four-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nThe standard recommended retail price, which will be effective starting from 1st January 2021, starts at RM252,888 for the GLA 200, and RM295,888 for the GLA 250.\nWith Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS) Malaysia\u2019s EaseProtect Financing Plan, the GLA 200 starts at RM2,488 per month, while the GLA 250 starts at RM2,888 a month, based on a\n\u00a0\n5 years tenure period and down payment of approximately 20%. Additionally, MBFS Malaysia is also offering a two-month payment holiday for both variants, valid until the 31st of December 2020.\nGALLERY"
"French cars have a penchant of being. weird. They don\u2019t usually do things the \u201cnormal way\u201d, and the \nall-new Peugeot 2008\n is really no different. But in a world dominated by bland, cookie-cutter SUVs, being a little weird is maybe not a bad thing, after all.\nEven on its appearance, the Peugeot 2008 is unlike any other compact crossover out in the market. It\u2019s looks angry with the unique lion\u2019s fangs daytime-running lights, yet on a car this size, we can\u2019t help but think of it as an adorable bulldog. At the rear, the intricate Lion\u2019s Claw 3D tail-light design takes the exterior styling up several notches compared to its rivals.\n \nBut the most interesting aspect of the Peugeot 2008 is most definitely its interior, thanks to the unique i-Cockpit. The 3D digital instrument cluster is placed visually above the steering wheel, contributing to the latter\u2019s joystick-like feel. Uniqueness aside, though, it\u2019s also well appointed, with everything you\u2019d expect from a car of its class, including automatic climate controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongside a decent set of advanced driver assist features.\nUnderneath the bonnet of the Peugeot 2008 is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, putting out 130 hp and 230 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. For those weary of Peugeot\u2019s infamous reputation of being \u201cunreliable\u201d, the French carmaker assures that the new 2008 has endured over 200,000 kilometres of testing in Malaysia\u2019s climate and landscape.\nBut with all that being said, what did we think of the Peugeot 2008? Watch on to find out.\nREAD MORE: \nNew Peugeot cars now come with free 5-year warranty and maintenance"
"In conjunction with the year-end festivities, Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia (MMM) is offering cash rebates on all Mitsubishi models, or a 0.88% interest rate on selected Triton variants, exclusive to Maybank and Public Bank hire purchase customers.\n \nCustomers who book and register the \nMitsubishi Triton\n VGT Adventure X, VGT AT Premium, and VGT MT Premium can choose \neither to enjoy the 0.88% interest rate, or opt for the cash rebates of up to RM10,000\n. Here\u2019s the detailed breakdown:\nBesides the Triton, the Mitsubishi Outlander is also getting cash discounts, with the 2.0-litre enjoying a \ncash rebate of RM4,000 plus two-year free maintenance\n, while the 2.4-litre Outlander gets a \nRM2,000 discount plus two-year free maintenance\n. The Outlander is priced at RM137,888 and RM152,888 respectively.\u00a0\n \nAs for the Mitsubishi ASX, the 2WD variant (RM118,866) receives a \nRM8,000 cash rebate\n, while the 4WD (RM133,336) gets a \nRM12,000 cash rebate\n!\u00a0\nThe promotion will run from now \nuntil the 31st of December 2019\n, and is valid at all 52 Mitsubishi dealerships."
"The latest car to undergo the ASEAN NCAP crash safety test is the \nMitsubishi Eclipse Cross\n and the latest compact crossover did not disappoint. The Eclipse Cross was awarded\u00a0with the full five stars ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating with an impressive overall score of 91.05 (out of 100).\nThe car was tested with the more stringent \nASEAN NCAP 2017 \u2013 2020 protocols\n which take into account advanced safety assist technologies. The variant tested was the Singapore-spec 1.5-litre turbo that comes with seven airbags, ABS, ESC, autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning.\nIn the \nAdult Occupant Protection\n, the Eclipse Cross scored 35.14 out of 36 points but notably, it scored the full 16 out of 16 in the side impact test.\n Child Occupant Protection\n was scored 43.34 out of the full 49 points while it managed a respectable 14.50 points (out of 18) in the \nSafety Assist Category\n. All these combined gives a weighted score of 91.05 which qualifies the compact SUV for the full five stars ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating.\nCommenting on its results, the organisation wrote \u201cThe Eclipse Cross is the fifth model under the Mitsubishi brand tested by ASEAN NCAP. It is expected that Mitsubishi will increase its strength in producing safer and competitive SUV in the near future. As both Euro NCAP and ANCAP acknowledged the model excellent rating under their respective assessment, ASEAN NCAP also congratulates Mitsubishi for another 5-Star car in their line-up\u201d"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)\n today opened the order books for the 2022 facelift for the \nC27-generation Nissan Serena\n on its website, with pricing starting from \u201cunder RM150,000\u201d. Two variants are on offer \u2013 2.0L Highway Star and 2.0L Premium Highway Star, with the latter to be priced below RM165,000.\nNew to the 2022 Nissan Serena across both variants are the advanced driver assistance features, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, as well as rear-cross traffic alert.\nThe 360-degree surround view monitor, six airbags, hill-start assist, ABS (with EBD and BA), stability control, and traction control systems are also standard across both variants.\nAs for appearance updates, changes on the 2022 Nissan Serena facelift are mostly focused on the front fascia with its new larger and taller \u2018V Motion\u2019 grille, flanked by redesigned headlights. Round the back, the taillights have also been reworked, and now extends further downwards for a taller appearance.\nThe Premium Highway Star variant gets a two-tone paint job with blacked-out roof and pillars, alongside larger alloy wheels (16-inch vs 15 on the Highway Star), but that\u2019s pretty much all the differences in terms of styling between the two variants.\nRELATED: Five mods you should do for your Nissan Serena!\nEquipment wise, both variants of the 2022 Nissan Serena get the automatic LED headlights as standard, alongside the signature \u201cdual back door\u201d split tailgate, hands-free sliding doors, as well as the standard three-row seating with \u201cZero Gravity\u201d captain seats on the front and second rows.\nInside, a dual-zone air-conditioning system is standard across both variants, with control switches on the second- and third-row seats. The seven-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard across both variants, but the range-topping Premium Highway Star variant gets a larger nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, as opposed to the 6.75-inch unit on the standard variant.\nBoth displays support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and are paired to a six-speaker audio system.\nOther differences include the upholstery options, where the Premium Highway Star gains the premium quilted Nappa leather in either black or brown, while the Highway Star variants only get fabric upholstery as standard, with black leatherette offered as an option.\nThe 2022 Nissan Serena Premium Highway Star also gains an additional 11.6-inch roof-mounted entertainment display ahead of the second-row seats, front-and-rear dashcam, as well as LED interior lighting as standard.\nPowering the 2022 Nissan Serena is the same 2.0-litre direct-injection inline-four engine on both variants, which sends \n150 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\nThe engine is further aided by a mild-hybrid motor that adds roughly 3 hp and 50 Nm during hard acceleration, and also functions as the starter and alternator to control the idle-stop system, as well as energy recuperation into the secondary battery.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after Toyota launched its limited-edition \nToyota GT 86 Limited Black Package\n, Subaru has also given its twin, the BRZ some exclusive touches. Unveiled ahead of the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, only 100 units of the BRZ STI Sport will be produced for Japan.\nLike the GT 86 Limited Black Package, the BRZ STI Sport gets a mildly refreshed exterior and interior to take driving enjoyment and comfort to the next level. The chassis benefits from improved body rigidity and revised suspension tuning for greater driving feel. It gets a special Cool Grey Khaki exterior just like the \nlimited-series WRX STI S208\n.\n \n \nInside, the cabin gets a two-tone (red on black) theme, highlighting the cars sporty appeal. No details were released about the cars powerplant but expect the 2.0-litre direct-injection boxer-engine to soldier on with \n197 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n. Drive is of course sent to the rear-wheels and a six-speed manual transmission is a given.\nFull vehicle specifications will be announced during the launch and like the S208, keen buyers will only be able to purchase this special edition BRZ through a lottery process.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just two weeks after the \nfacelifted Lexus ES broke cover\n, Lexus Malaysia has gone on to start taking orders for the refreshed sedan. Like before, there will be three flavours to choose from \u2013 ES 250 Premium, ES 250 Luxury and the top-of-the-range ES 300h.\nThere\u2019s no word on its arrival as yet, but we expect an early entry (very likely in August or early September), perhaps much earlier than the IS200t\u2019s scheduled arrival in late Q4 this year. Prices are ever so slightly higher from before, and start from\n RM259,200\n for the ES 250 Premium; \nRM278,600\n for the ES 250 Luxury and \nRM355,100\n for the ES 300h hybrid. All prices stated are OTR but excludes insurance.\n2015 Lexus ES 300h\nThe facelift brings about more visual than mechanical updates, because what you get on the outside are auto levelling LED headlights with\n Lexus\u2019 signature LED daytime running lights\n (both standard across all trims), brand new tail lamps, bolder spindle grille, keyless entry with push-start system, powered sunroof and a new set of \n17-inch aluminium wheels\n wrapped with 215/55 profile tyres.\nInside, all trims share the new multifunction, wood-and-leather three-spoke steering wheel, backed by the familiar \nOptitron instrument clusters\n now seen on the \nCamry facelift\n. The tri-zone auto air conditioning feature is retained, as is the 10-way power adjustable front seats.\nAs mentioned earlier, there are no mechanical changes done unto the car. The same \n2.5-litre four-cylinder\n 2AR-FE block with Dual VVT-i technology will power the ES 250 variants, whereas the ES 300h (also powered by the same engine, but gets a unique set of cams and pistons to yield optimal fuel efficiency) will get Toyota\u2019s Hybrid Synergy Drive system.\nNumbers remain the same; \n181 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n235 Nm\n at 4,100 rpm for the 2AR-FE lump, while the hybrid\u2019s 2AR-FXE unit makes \n202 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n of torque, paired to a \n105kW\n (that\u2019s 141 hp and 270 Nm equivalent) electric motor. Where the hybrid settles for an e-CVT gearbox, both ES 250 variants will get the six-speed Super ECT automatic with three driving modes \u2013 ECO, Normal and Sport.\nSafety wise, the ES comes with a host of passive and active safety technologies, of which include \n10-airbags as standard\n, Vehicle Stability Control System, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Tyre Pressure Warning System, Hill Start Assist and Traction Control. However, features like Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert can be had with the ES 250 Luxury and ES 300h variants.\nFor those interested, you may click on \nthis link\n\u00a0to register your interest and be among the first to know about the facelifted Lexus ES. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The year of horse will be an aggressive and progressive year for UMW Toyota Malaysia. Grey importers or recon-car dealers in Malaysia on the other hand will face tough times ahead as UMW Toyota is on \u2018assault mode\u2019 to chew off a huge chunk of the MPV market pie. The ever popular MPV, Toyota Estima will be sold officially under UMW Toyota Malaysia as \u2018Toyota Previa\u2019. And believe it or not, the larger premium class Toyota Alphard is joining the \u2018assault\u2019 very soon.\nThe Toyota Estima has been well accepted and popular among Malaysians but was never sold under its official distributor UMW Toyota Malaysia. Things are about to change with the introduction of the Previa.\u00a0Some may wonder why rename the MPV since \u2018Estima\u2019 has been doing so well in Malaysia. In the land of its origin, it is known as Toyota Estima, which grey importers bring in directly from Japan into Malaysia. It is sold as Toyota Previa once out of Japan and sold under official dealerships in other countries.\nThe estimated price was at RM270,000 when\u00a0first introduced at the KLIMS 2013. Toyota has now revised the price to \nRM258,000\n to make it more competitive in the market. This price is published at Toyota\u2019s teaser webpage together with its specifications.\nAvailable only in one variant, it is powered by a 2.4-liter VVT-i engine that produces \n168 horsepower\n and \n224 Nm\n of torque. Paired with a\u00a04-speed automatic Super ECT gearbox that powers the front wheels. On the outside, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto levelling HID\u00a0headlamp with AFS and LED rearlights.\nShell-coloured fabric seats inside the car with\u00a0wood grain and silver finish on the dash, 6-speakers\u00a02-DIN CD player with Tuner and MP3, and keyless entry. You may be disappointed to know there are only two airbags for such a big car; driver and front passenger side only. The good news is you get a 3-year warranty from Toyota Malaysia and a brand new \nEstima\n Previa.\nHere\u2019s the full specifications released by Toyota Malaysia.\nThe new Toyota Previa is now open for booking. Visit \nToyota Previa teaser webpage\n for more information and to register your interest.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This is undoubtedly a dark phase for Volkswagen amidst the \u2018dieselgate\u2019 scandal involving up to 11 million oil-burning cars that are apparently fitted with an illegal \u201cdefeat device\u201d which allows each car to\u00a0cheat strict emissions tests in the US. The magnitude of these unfortunate turn of events are so far reaching that a mid-week dip in the Dow Jones Index was observed.\nA scandal of this magnitude must somehow see the top guy taking responsibility, and that man is none other than the CEO of Volkswagen AG himself, \nMartin Winterkorn\n. Prior to his resignation, he said he was\u00a0\u201cstunned that \nmisconduct\n on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group\u201d and mentioned that the company needs a fresh start \u2013 also in terms of personnel.\nThe Passat B8 also runs on the controversial 2.0L TDI engine\nWinterkorn in\u00a0his statement said \u201cI have always been driven by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen has been, is and will always be my life. The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to win back trust. I am convinced that the \nVolkswagen Group\n and its team will \novercome this grave crisis\n.\u201d\nThe misconduct that Winterkorn was referring to in his statement is a \u2018\ndefeat device\n\u2018 fitted to roughly\n 482,000\n \nVW\n and \nAudi\n cars in the \nUS\n.\u00a0All these vehicles are powered by the\u00a0\nfour-cylinder 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel\n engine and have a \nspecial software\n\u00a0in the ECU that automatically detects when the car was put through \nEPA\n (Environmental Protection Agency)\u00a0emissions testing, thus activating full emissions control by way of reducing engine output.\nMatthias M\u00fcller is Volkswagen\u2019s new CEO\nThe EPA said the software allowed all US-bound VW and Audi models to fully comply with the emissions standards during \nlab testing\n, but in real-word driving the\n nitrogen oxides\n emissions are up to \n40 times\n above the permissible limit. Under US federal law, the\u00a0EPA can apply a maximum fine of \n$37,500\n (RM164,193) \nper car\n which means the group could face a total fine of up to \n$18 billion\n (\nRM78 billion\n).\nIn light of Winterkorn\u2019s resignation, he may receive over \n$32 million\n (\nRM140 million\n) as part of a severance pack and has since been succeeded by Porsche\u2019s CEO Matthias\u00a0M\u00fcller."
"The Volkswagen Group has announced that the \nLamborghini\n and \nDucati \nbrands will remain under the VW umbrella, following a vote by the group\u2019s supervisory board. The announcement has also confirmed that \nBentley\n will be moved under the Audi\u2019s control beginning March 1, 2021.\nThe supervisory board vote is part of the VW Group\u2019s restructuring process to realign itself towards its electrification, laid out in the Together 2025+ strategy proposed by CEO Herbert Diess.\nThis news comes after \nmonths of speculations and rumours\n that Volkswagen is looking to jettison the Lamborghini and Ducati brands, alongside the sale of \nBugatti\n to EV hypercar maker \nRimac\n \u2013 there was no mention of the latter in the announcement following the supervisory board meeting.\nAccording to a report by \nReuters\n earlier this month, Diess has effectively \nforced a vote of confidence in himself\n in order to extend his contract beyond 2023, and push through the Together 2025+ strategy. Although there is no confirmation as of writing in regard to Diess\u2019 contract, the board has \u201cunanimously resolved to give its full support to the strategy in particular the orientation of the company towards electromobility and digitalisation\u201d, the press release writes.\n \nThe announcement has also confirmed some of Diess\u2019 key such as confirming Dr Arno Arlitz as the new chief financial officer, replacing Frank Witter. A new board of management role, titled \u201cTechnology\u201d has also been announced, which will be headed by current VW Group Components CEO Thomas Schmall.\nFollowing the new role, the Group\u2019s Components and Procurement responsibilities will be separated from each other, the latter will be led by Murat Aksel. Volkswagen says that this move will allow the group to reduce fixed costs by 5% by 2023, while the material costs are to be reduced by 7% in the next two years.\nThe announcement also confirmed that the group\u2019s headquarters in Wolfsburg will become the electric factory hub for Volkswagen. To that end, a project similar to Audi\u2019s Artemis Project will be set up at the site to increase efficiencies during the R&D stages."
"If you\u2019ve all been following the\n \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n directives diligently, chances are most of your cars have been left deprived from care for quite some time. Although \nsome workshops (in Selangor) are allowed to operate\n, priority should still be given to the front line workers; our own maintenance services will have to wait until the MCO is lifted, currently scheduled to end on the 28th of April.\nBut there is no need to worry \u2013 certain simple maintenance work can be carried out by ourselves. Besides taking care of our prized possessions, working on our cars can give some much-needed peace and alone time while we\u2019re all stuck at home (definitely not speaking from experience here).\nProton has provided some pointers for a simple five-point inspection that we can all do ourselves at home as part of their \nongoing MCO car care series\n, so let\u2019s get right to it.\nFirstly, ensure that \nall fluids are topped-up\n to the optimum level. There are five important fluids that we can monitor \u2013 engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer \u2013 and they can all be done without starting the engine.\nIf you notice insufficient fluids, you can try to top it up yourself. The fluids should be attainable in bigger supermarkets (when you\u2019re out for your grocery run), and it shouldn\u2019t be too hard to refill \u2013 instructions should be written in the user\u2019s manual, or\n \nfound easily via a Google search.\nWhile the bonnet is still open, have a look at the \nbattery\n to ensure that the clamps are tight and clean of any corrosion, and there are no visible bulges or cracks on the surface of the battery.\nIt\u2019s advisable to keep track of your battery replacement dates, as batteries generally start to run low on power after about three to four years. If you have a voltmeter at home, check that your battery is pushing out higher than 14 volts \u2013 anything lower means it\u2019s time for a replacement. It might also be a good idea to check on the alternator at your next service, after the MCO period.\nNext, check that all your \nlights\n are functioning as usual. If a light is dimmer than usual, that means that the lightbulb is nearing the end of its life. A helpful tip to check the taillights is to park near to a wall, and use the rear-view mirrors to check the light bouncing off the wall.\nHave a look at the \ntyres\n and make sure that there are no cuts, tears and bulges. At the same time, make sure that no tyre looks flatter than the others. Ideally, use a pressure gauge to check if the tyres are properly inflated to the optimum pressure \u2013 usually written in the user\u2019s manual, B-pillars, or fuel tank flap.\nWhile you\u2019re at it, ensure that the tyre treads are still serviceable using the tread indicators built into the grooves of every tyre. If the indicators are flush with the surface of the tyre, that means that it\u2019s time to replace the tyres.\nLastly, Proton recommends checking that the \nwindshield wipers\n are in proper functioning condition by using the wiper washer function. If the wipers are leaving behind streaks, or making loud squeaky noises, then it\u2019s time to replace them. We recently had a look at the \nHella Cleantech wiper blades\n \u2013 check them out to see if they\u2019re right for you!\nA general tip to wiper blades maintenance is to prop it up away from the glass if your car is parked under direct sunlight. You can also wipe the blades with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil to extend the lifetime of the wiper blades."
"Aside from \nintroducing the highly-anticipated Arteon\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia \nalso introduced the new Tiguan Allspace R-line and Highline \n\u2013 priced at RM165k and RM209k respectively.\nThe \nHighline variant\n is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine with \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n, paired to a 6-speed DCT gearbox to drive the front wheels. On the other hand, the more expensive \nR-Line variant\n comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with \n220 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox to drive all four wheels via Volkswagen\u2019s 4Motion system.\n \nCompared to the Tiguan Allspace Highline, the R-Line comes with a sportier front bumper, with black accents surrounding the front fog lamps and larger 19-inch wheels compared to the 18-inch set in the Highline. The R-Line also comes with more futuristic taillight graphics compared to the Highline variant along with different finishing for the rear bumper.\nThe new Tiguan Allspace is available in Blue Silk, Pure White, Deep Black, Platinum Grey and Pyrite Silver. Each is accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, a 3-year free scheduled service package, and a 5-year roadside assistance package.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n.\nGALLERY\nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford vehicles here in Malaysia, has just unveiled a new special-edition model to the \nRanger XLT Plus\n, which adds some extra visual flare to the pick-up truck to hopefully tide us over until the launch of the \nall-new model\n here on our shores.\nThe special-edition model is priced at\n RM136,888\n (on the road, without insurance, registration, and road tax), making it roughly RM6,000 more expensive than the standard XLT Plus model. It\u2019s now available for booking, with display units scheduled to hit Ford showrooms nationwide starting 10 March 2022 \u2013 although those who want to get a first look can catch it at Queensbay Mall in Penang from 24-27 February.\nFor RM6,000, SDAC is essentially saving you the trouble of modifying the pickup yourself, as the special-edition includes some of the most popular visual mods among Ranger buyers these days. These include the Raptor-style FORD block letter front grille, black plastic fender flare claddings replete with fake bolts, and a tube-style sports bar round the back.\nInside, the Ford Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition model also comes with illuminated door sill scuff plates, as well as a forward-facing HD dash cam with built-in light polariser (for clearer footage), a 32 GB MicroSD memory card, and smartphone connectivity via the companion app.\nALSO READ: All-new Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled with 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6\nStandard Ford Ranger XLT Plus\nOtherwise, the rest of the equipment list and spec sheet is identical to the standard Ranger XLT Plus. Motivation is still provided by the same 2.0 litre EcoBlue turbodiesel four-pot engine, good for 180 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.\nStandard features shared between the standard and special edition model include the LED headlights, side steps, Easy Lift tailgate, an eight-inch touchscreen SYNC 3 infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear-view reverse camera, leather upholstery, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.\nThe new Ford Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition will be offered in five colour options \u2013 Absolute Black, Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Lightning Blue, and Meteor Grey. As \nannounced early last year\n, all Ranger pick-up trucks are now covered by Ford\u2019s new five-year/160,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently held an event to commemorate the efforts and success of its dealers in their operations and commitment to customer satisfaction.\nA total of seven awards were given out for the Best in Financial Services, Best in Business Excellence, Best in Customer Services, Best in Sales, Best in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) 5 Star Rater, Most Improved Dealer, and Dealer of the Year 2021.\nThe winners are as follows:\nBest in Sales \u2013 Asbenz Motors\nBest in Financial Services \u2013 Hap Seng Star Kinrara\nBest in Business Excellence \u2013 Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie\nBest in Customer Services \u2013 BR Jaya\nBest in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) \u2013 Hap Seng Star Melaka\nMost Improved Dealer \u2013 Hap Seng Star Kuala Lumpur\nThe coveted \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year 2021\n award went to Cycle & Carriage Johor Bahru as the dealership excelled in various aspects of the business to achieve the highest overall score.\nCycle & Carriage Bintang, CEO, Mr. Thomas Tok said, \u201cWe are extremely proud of Cycle & Carriage Johor Bahru for its achievement as the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year 2021. This is a testament to our continuous commitment to providing the best-in-class retail and after-sales experience to all Mercedes-Benz owners and enthusiasts across all our 11 outlets.\u201d\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia, CEO, and President, Ms. Sagree Sardien said, \u201cFor us at Mercedes-Benz, it\u2019s about delivering a luxurious customer journey and experience. We thank our dealer partners for their continued dedication and commitment towards elevating the brand\u2019s presence and our customers\u2019 experience in Malaysia this past year.\u201d\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia has the largest network in the premium vehicle segment with 31 authorised dealerships nationwide."
"BMW\u2019s performance division, better known as\n BMW M\n, is celebrating its golden jubilee next week. And over its decorated 50 years of history, the company with the \u201cmost powerful letter in the world\u201d has brought us some of the most iconic cars that have ever graced our roads, and more personally, some of our most memorable drives.\nSo to celebrate its 50th anniversary, BMW Malaysia has launched a nationwide search for the oldest BMW M models in the country \u2013 one for every model series. If you think you know of the oldest BMW M in the country, join in the celebrations by submitting your details via \nthis link here\n.\n \nWinners will stand a chance to receive exclusive BMW M merchandise, and a feature of their prized vehicle by BMW Group Malaysia. One winner will be selected for every BMW M model series, with special prizes for notable submissions as well. Submissions will close on \n8 June 2022\n, so best get to it soon.\nBut what are these \u201ciconic cars\u201d that we speak of? Car enthusiasts like us probably already have it memorised at the back of our minds, but for the regular Joe who don\u2019t know that they\u2019re sitting on a pile of gold, here\u2019s a small list to help you out.\nRELATED: Classic BMW Motorsport emblem returns for 50th anniversary, all-new M2 and other specials coming\nTwo BMW roundel emblems, because why not.\nThe story of the BMW M as we know it today started in 1978 with the launch of the M1, six years after the division was formed with just a small huddle of 35 engineers within the BMW Group to work on motorsports projects. To this day, it remains as one of the most revered sports cars in the planet, with only 456 units ever produced.\nThe M1 holds dear especially to motorsports fans, too, as it went on to spawn the \nBMW M1 Procar\n. The BMW M1 Procar championship, which ran only two years in 1979 to 1980, saw two legendary drivers \u2013 the late Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet \u2013 crowned champions in the respective years.\nRELATED: This video of the BMW M1 on a hill climb will blow your mind and ear drums!\nAnd then, there\u2019s the M635CSi making its debut in 1984 as one of the most significant models in the history of the BMW M. Affectionately named \u2018Sharknose\u2019 and \u2018Bayern-express\u2019 by its most ardent fans, the M635CSi took the same high-performance inline-six engines concept of the M1 but marrying it to the luxury of the first-ever 6 Series model, paving the way for the M cars that we know and love today.\nFrom then on, the rest is history, as they often say. The first (official)\n BMW M5\n followed shortly after with the E28 in 1985, and just a year later saw the introduction of the iconic E30 BMW M3.\nOver the years, each iteration of the M cars became better than they were ever before, and in between the \u201cregular\u201d model series BMW also gifted us several instant cult classics including the \u201cclown shoe\u201d Z3 M Roadster and 1M Coupe. Today, the BMW M line-up has grown significantly to now even include SUVs.\nIt\u2019s starting to sound like we\u2019re writing a love letter here (\nwhich isn\u2019t too far removed from the truth, to be fair\n), so we\u2019ll just stop here for now. But if you have a classic BMW M car in your garage, be sure to send it in to BMW Malaysia \u2013 because we know for a fact there are many more people out there waiting to share the love."
"If the \nBMW 3 Series\n is the quintessential sports sedan, then the 5-er is perhaps \nthe\n executive car. In other words, the long-awaited launch of the all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series today doesn\u2019t just mark the start of a new era for the model, but also for its market segment.\nThat\u2019s because the \n5 Series \nwill now also be offered for the first time ever in a fully-electric i5 guise, joining the Munich-based carmaker\u2019s ever-expanding line-up of EVs. And with that, the business sedan space will soon be changed forever.\nBut before all that, the basics: the all-new BMW 5 Series has grown in all dimensions over\n its predecessor\n, measuring 97 mm longer (with a 20 mm longer wheelbase), 32 mm wider, and 36 mm taller. Viewed from its profile, though, and you\u2019ll still see all of the hallmark 5 Series silhouette, including the long hood and sloped roofline \u2013 just with a little longer overhangs both front and back.\nIt\u2019s styled around a new cleaner and \u201creduced\u201d design language that\u2019s supposed to bring out the new 5-er\u2019s \u201csporty elegance and presence\u201d, although you may argue that they\u2019ve perhaps gone a little too overboard with that at the back, as it ends up looking a little anonymous in our opinion \u2013 just like the\n 7 Series\n.\nRELATED: \nBMW i7 eDrive50 unveiled \u2013 New entry-level variant, up to 611km of range\n \nThe front of the all-new BMW 5 Series is still dominated by the (now larger) signature kidney grille, featuring a more geometric shape, covered mesh with 14 vertical louvres, and an illuminated outline if you so wish. Thanks to its M designation, the range-topping i5 M60 xDrive variant also gets an M-exclusive conjoined grille with a unique high gloss black plastic cover.\nAs for lighting, BMW says the new headlights are a reinterpretation of the marque\u2019s signature twin headlights, featuring the new vertically-aligned daytime-running lights that also doubles as the turn indicators. Ditto the tail lights at the back, where the now-iconic \u2018L\u2019 shape is squashed into a slimmer three-dimensional enclosure.\nThe clean side profile is underscored by only the twin character lines, one high up above the door handles, and another at the bottom that kicks up towards the rear to give the executive sedan a more athletic stance.\nOn the mention of door handles, the flush items work alongside other aerodynamic touches, including a clean underbody and aerodynamic wheels, to give the all-new BMW 5 Series a drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd.\nInside, the dashboard borrows significantly from the BMW 7 Series, including the steering wheel that\u2019s taken wholesale from its elder brother. The optional illuminating interaction bar is also from the 7, but it now gets a new split design, where the centre stack curves slightly towards the driver for the signature \u201cdriver-focused\u201d layout.\nOtherwise, the rest of the cabin is fairly standard for a BMW. The Curved Display up top, which combines the 12.3-inch instrumentation panel and the 14.9-inch infotainment display, now runs on the marque\u2019s latest Linux-based iDrive 8.5 system (not the \nupcoming Android-based iDrive 9.0\n), offering \ngaming\n and \nvideo streaming applications\n to help pass time while charging.\nALSO READ: \nBMW EVs will soon let you play games on the infotainment display while you charge your car\nThe advanced driver assistance features have also been significantly upgraded here, including an expanded range of systems for partially automated driving and parking in selected markets (due to regulatory reasons).\nWith the new Highway Assistant and Active Lane Change Assistant features, drivers can now take their hands off the steering wheel completely at up to speeds of 130 km/h, letting the car change lane autonomously by just looking at the exterior mirror.\nThe new Parking Assistant Professional system meanwhile allows for automated parking and manoeuvring of up to 200 metres, and can even be controlled outside the vehicle via a smartphone app.\nAt launch, the fully electric BMW i5 will be offered in two setups: an entry-level i5 eDrive40 i5, and the i5 M60 xDrive. The former sports a single motor on the rear axle making \n250 kW (340 hp) \nand \n430 Nm\n of torque, translating to a century sprint in under six seconds, and a top speed of \n193 km/h\n.\nThe range-topping M60 xDrive variant meanwhile gets a twin-motor all-wheel drive set-up, making a combined \n440 kW (590 hp)\n and up to\n 820 Nm\n on Sport Boost mode. With launch control activated, the M-badged electric 5-er accelerates from 0-100 km/h in \n3.8 seconds\n, while top speed is limited at \n230 km/h\n.\nBMW says the all-new i5 features \u201cextensively enhanced \nfifth-generation BMW eDrive technology\n\u201c. And even though it\u2019s still relying on the old flexible CLAR platform, the batteries are still located in the underbody, which means its capacity can be expanded to a usable content of 81.2 kWh, translating to a WLTP ranges of up to \n516 km\n on the twin-motor i5 M60 xDrive, and \n582 km\n on the eDrive40.\nA new Max Range function trades off power and comfort features to further boost driving range by up to 25%. To charge, an on-board 11 kW AC charger is standard (upgradeable to 22 kW), while DC fast charging support of up to 205 kW means you\u2019ll be able to top it up from 10-80% SoC in around 30 minutes.\nThe use of the CLAR platform also allows for plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure ICE options on the 5 Series, with this generation being the last for the latter. BMW did not reveal the full list of available powertrain options, only noting that the offerings will differ according to market.\nWe do know, however, that they\u2019ll all be electrified via 48V mild hybrid technology, and there\u2019ll at least be a 520i option offering up 208 hp and a 530i option with 255 hp, both utilising a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox combo, followed by two plug-in hybrid variants (and a new all-wheel drive i5) in 2024.\nDespite everything that\u2019s new, BMW claims that the new 5-er is still indisputably a bimmer, boasting a chassis that\u2019s designed for a \u201cunique balance between driving dynamics and travel comfort\u201d, thanks to its \u201calmost perfectly balanced\u201d 50:50 weight distribution, and a new suspension layout consisting of double wishbones in front and a five-link set-up at the rear.\nThe fully electric BMW i5 rides on air suspension to manage the extra weight, although all 5 Series variants can be equipped with electronically-controlled suspensions, Active Roll Stabilisation, rear wheel steering, and even M Sport kit to amp up its driving performance.\nGALLERY"
"In a world where every other car that\u2019s rolling off the factory floor seems to be an SUV, Hyundai\u2019s latest creation here should be applauded \u2013 because the all-new Hyundai i20 N is not a car made for the masses, but for the handful of enthusiasts. They probably won\u2019t sell too many of these (I certainly hope to be proven wrong), but they still went ahead and built it anyway.\nHyundai says that the \ni20 N\n is heavily influenced by its WRC rally counterpart, and it is evident almost throughout the entire car \u2013 from exterior styling, chassis, to even the weight of the car. Yes, the weight \u2013 the Hyundai i20 N weighs just 1,190 kg, which is exactly the same as the i20 Coupe WRC.\nPaired to a\u00a01.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged GDi that sends \n204 hp\n and \n275 Nm\n to the front wheels, the light weight gives the i20 N one of the best power-to-weight ratio in the compact hot hatch class, and translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n6.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n230 km/h\n. And the best part? It\u2019s only available with a six-speed manual transmission.\nBeing a full-blown N model, the new Hyundai i20 N also comes with all of the electronics and mechanical wizardries to enhances its performance on track. These include launch control and downshift rev matching (which can be toggled off) for the gearbox, an optional N Corner Carving mechanical limited-slip differential, and left-foot braking calibration.\nOf course, the humourously-named N Grin Control drive mode selector is also present on the Hyundai i20 N, with five distinct drive modes \u2013 Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom \u2013 to suit every driving condition by altering the ESC, engine, and steering responses along with exhaust modes.\nTo better handle the agility required for track driving, the chassis, suspension, brakes, and steering on the all-new i20 N has also been souped-up from its regular civilian-friendly counterpart. The chassis is reinforced at 12 different points, while the suspension gets reinforced front domes and knuckles with a more aggressive camber geometry for better traction.\nThere\u2019s also the new anti-roll bar, springs, and shock absorbers, along with a Power Sense front axle and Dual Coupled Torsion Beam Axle rear suspensions that firms up the ride, which Hyundai says provides improved ride and handling performance. The front brakes are also enlarged by 40 mm than the regular i20 for improved stopping power and fade resistance.\nAs for looks, the WRC connection can be seen on the rear roof-mounted spoiler. Obviously, the one on the actual WRC car is way larger than this, but Hyundai says that it still helps with the aerodynamics of the i20 N. Otherwise, the compact hot hatch pretty much adopts the exterior styling of the recently-announced all-show-and-no-go \ni20 N-Line\n.\nThere are of course some unique touches reserved specifically for the full-blown N model. These include the Performance Blue paintjob (other body colours also available) with Tomato Red accents, unique side skirts, a large oval tailpipe, and 18-inch wheels shod with Hyundai N-specific Pirelli P-Zero tyres (215/40 profile). The entire car is also lowered by 10 mm to give it a sportier stance, along with better weight management during spirited driving.\nInside, the i20 N gets a model-exclusive sports seats with integrated head restraints, N steering wheel, N gear knob, a shift timing indicator on the digital instrument cluster, and sporty N metal foot pedals. The iconic Hyundai N Performance Blue colour is also littered throughout the cabin to offset the largely black cabin.\nJust like the latest BMW M or Mercedes-AMG models, the tiny Hyundai i20 N also comes with a track data logger \u2013 called Performance Driving Data System \u2013 to monitor and record your performance parameters, including engine power, torque, turbo boost, lap times, and acceleration times.\nAdditionally, the Hyundai i20 N is also equipped with the latest Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems, which includes features such as forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed limit assist, blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, high beam assist, as well as a driver attention warning system with lane departure alert and lane centring assist.\nGALLERY"
"With this year\u2019s \nGoodwood Festival of Speed\n and Revival cancelled and replaced by a new Speed Week event, the organisers saw fit to spice it up with some new motorsports activities in lieu of live spectators. These included a new rally stage for classic cars, as well as the inaugural \u2018Goodwood Driftkhana\u2019 which featured some of the best tyre-shredding action ever seen on the Goodwood grounds.\nThe new sideways-focused event takes place around some of the access roads around the Goodwood Circuit, with challenges such as curved walls and oil drums fitted with proximity sensors that drivers will have to trigger in order to avoid penalties.\nOf course, being a Driftkhana event, the entries are also judged by their flamboyance instead of a straight timed shootout. As such, we saw drivers attempting different approaches to complete the challenge, which the Goodwood YouTube channel has graciously condensed into these two videos. Enjoy.\n \nOne of the best runs throughout the entire Goodwood Driftkhana event was done by James Deane, piloting his modified E92 BMW M3, affectionately called the Eurofighter. For those unaware, he is often regarded as the one of the best drifters in the world currently, with Formula Drift and Drift Masters European Championship titles already under his belt.\nDeane blazed through the course with millimetre precision, sometimes looking as if he\u2019s going to accidentally knock over some of the obstacles (which other competitors did). But of course with his expertise, needless to say the car was completely under his control at all times.\n \nAside from purpose-prepped drift cars, the Goodwood Driftkhana also featured some rallycross machines, such as the Ford Fiesta R5 and the all-electric Fiesta ERX. But the coolest entry to the Driftkhana challenge is definitely the \nFord Mustang Mach-E 1400\n, driven by none other than Vaughn Gittin Jr.\nWith 1,400 hp and an undisclosed (though not hard to guess if you know where to look) amount of torque sent to all four wheels, the all-electric tyre-slaying machine danced gracefully around the hay bales and oil drums almost too easily, all while spitting out possibly the biggest amount of tyre fumes.\nBut what really stood out to us was just how quiet the Mustang Mach-E 1400 was while Vaughn Gittin Jr. gave it the full beans \u2013 especially when pitted against the other high-octane petroleum-powered competitors \u2013 I guess it\u2019s a sound we\u2019ll all have to get used to sooner than later."
"Sisma Auto has announced the opening of the \nSisma Auto Hub\n in Glenmarie, its new premium multi-brand 3S centre for customers to \u201cbuy, sell, or service any brand of luxury car\u201d.\nThe new Sisma Auto Hub replaces the former Jaguar Land Rover 3S centre at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, following the recent move by \nJaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM)\n, a joint venture between Sisma Auto and Sime Darby, to consolidate its retail operations in Malaysia.\nThe move saw the acquisition of dealer assets and transfer of staff from both Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) and Sisma Auto, alongside the consolidation of retail operations of JLRM to Ara Damansara, Selangor, and Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang.\nAs for Sisma Auto, while they still retain a significant interest in the JLR business as a joint venture partner, they now plan to leverage its more than 25 years of experience as a franchise dealer for Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo, to now offer the \u201csame premium 3S experience for any brand of luxury car\u201d.\nThe new Sisma Auto Hub Glenmarie features a 14-car showroom, as well as 16 work bays within the service centre equipped with the latest tools and diagnostic equipment.\nSisma Auto Managing Director, Syed Khalil bin Syed Ibrahim said, \u201cWe believe that a premium 3S experience should be available to all luxury car owners. At Sisma Auto Hub, our highly trained team will provide the same level of exceptional service that you have come to expect from Sisma Auto.\u201d\nAside from JLRM and Sisma Auto Hub, the company currently also operates two \nVolvo\n outlets \u2013 a sales showcase at Bukit Bintang and Service and Selekt Centre in Glenmarie, next to the newly-opened auto hub. The company was previously awarded Volvo Car Malaysia Dealer of the Year in 2020 and 2021 consecutively.\nThe company aims to continue growing with the Volvo brand in Malaysia and has started construction of its flagship Volvo 3S facility in Sungai Besi. Expected to commence operations by the end of 2022, the 50,000 square foot facility, spread over four floors, represents a significant expansion of Sisma Auto\u2019s Volvo business.\nThe new Sisma Auto Hub is located at \nNo. 19, Jalan Perintis U1/52, Seksyen U1, Bandar Glenmarie, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.\n It is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM."
"Geely Auto has just unveiled first official images of its latest MPV, the Geely Jia Ji (\u5609\u9645). Banking on its stylish design and high-tech cabin, the new global MPV opens up a new chapter in Geely\u2019s product portfolio.\nPenned at Geely\u2019s Shanghai design studio, the Jia Ji ditches the traditional \u201cbox on wheels\u201d design and instead incorporates Geely\u2019s latest design philosophy to create a stylish and modern family vehicle. Familiar cues include the expanding cosmos grille, wide lower bumper, sculpted waistline, and floating roof.\nKey dimensions of the Jia Ji were not revealed but the company has said the MPV will meet all family mobility requirements. The Jia Ji is available in either six- or seven-seater configuration with three seating options \u2013 2+2+2, 2+2+3 or 2+3+2.\nThe cabin is where the Jia Ji takes the game onto another level with modern visuals, high-tech connectivity and abundance of features. Passengers will be greeted with a full LCD instrument cluster, 12.3-inch floating widescreen infotainment panel and a double deck centre console that houses the main controls and electronic gear selector while the lower deck area frees up additional storage space.   Touching on the feel-good items of the cabin are the stylish roof mounted controls with motion activated ceiling light that negates the need to search for the light switch in the dark, ambient lighting that runs across the dashboard, \nintelligent cup-holder with cooling and heating function\n, panoramic sunroof and a touch panel control for the rear climate control.\nThe Jia Ji is available with three powertrain options at launch \u2013 a 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid (MHEV), 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid and a 1.8-litre turbo petrol. The \nMHEV\n pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with a 48V electrical system to push out \n190 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of twist while the \nPHEV\n commands \n258 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque. Both electrified powertrains are paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.\nAlternatively, buyers who prefer a more conventional set up can opt for the 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic combo that pushes out \n183 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of twist.\nThe Geely Jia Ji MPV will make its market debut in 2019 and will find its way to markets outside of China shortly after. Closer to home, the Proton Exora is due for a replacement soon and looking at Geely\u2019s intention to have \nProton as the regional manufacturing hub for right-hand drive models\n, there is a \nhigh chance\n that the Jia Ji will take over the baton from the Exora.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGeely Jia Ji MPV"
"They bear more sophisticated systems, they\u2019re more aerodynamic and without a doubt, make more power. Does it actually make them faster or better? This video should offer some perspectives.\nAs accomplished as modern cars are, there\u2019s \none aspect to them that not only affects emission figure\ns\n in more ways than one\n but also hinders performance \u2013 \nweight\n.\nModern cars may be of lighter yet stronger construction but they also carrying much more equipment than ever. Whether it\u2019s on-board entertainment or purely insulation material, there\u2019s just more of everything and that\u2019s not necessarily a good thing.\nAs some would choose to believe, \u201cLightness is Speed\u201d; and it can\u2019t be more evident in this video.\n \nAll credit where is due to the craziest Japanese old man out there, Keiichi Tsuchiya, his mad skills, competitive spirit and the highly capable Honda NSX-R he was driving but it was lightness that determined his victory.\nWatch the battle closely and you can see it with your own eyes. While the new NSX may be miles more superior on the straights with \n573 hp\n from its 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, it\u2019s handicapped by its 1.7-tonne weight in the corners.\nThe old NSX-R on the other hand, only weighs around 1.3-tonnes, and the difference those few hundred kilograms can\u2019t be more apparent as both cars approach the corners.\nThe NSX-R is capable of braking a lot later, closing the gap against its successor and is clearly more eager to slingshot out of the corners while the new hybrid NSX is busy interrupting its driver with safety interventions and unnatural driving characteristics.\nI\u2019ll leave the rest to the visuals to do the talking. If there\u2019s one video I\u2019d recommend to distract you from the Covid-19 tragedy, this is it. Enjoy!\nSource: \nBest Motoring Official"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is kicking off the year with an attractive trade-in programme for the \nfacelifted Jetta\n and \nall-new Passat B8\n which allows existing and non-Volkswagen owners to trade in their current vehicles at an attractive deal when purchasing either these vehicles. This trade-in programme runs till 31 March 2017.\nA quick check with the local Volkswagen dealership revealed that VPCM will offer additional rebate on the Jetta and Passat, on top of the value of the car that is being traded in. Owners who trade in their Volkswagen vehicles will enjoy higher rebates compared to vehicles of other brands, but the dealer ensures that the trade in prices are equally as attractive. Be sure to enquire at your local dealership for more details of the trade-in programme.\n \n \nThis programme is valid for vehicles with a \nminimum six-month ownership\n from the car\u2019s registration date and it would be subjected to inspection and valuation by each authorised dealerships. The dealers have all the rights to accept the traded vehicle or not.\nWith prices of the Jetta and Passat beginning at \nRM108,990\n and \nRM159,990\n respectively (not forgetting the 5-Year manufacturer warranty), the trade in programme certainly gives another reason to replace that ageing car with a brand new one. If you\u2019re not convinced, check out what we think of the \nJetta Highline\n and \nPassat B8\n and find out if this is the car for you."
"First displayed at the \n2017 Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy Event\n and subsequently \ntoured around Malaysia\n and as much hype as it generated, the silver Toyota CH-R was an Australian-spec unit, not an actual representation of what we will be getting here.\nAt the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow, UMW Toyota (UMWT) displayed a Blue Metallic CH-R that has been adapted to our local Malaysian specification. Yes folks, \nwhat you see is pretty much what you get\n when the much-awaited CH-R officially goes on sale in Malaysia.\nQUICK COMPARISON\nName\nToyota CH-R\nHonda HR-V\nMazda CX-3\nLength\n4,360 mm\n4,294 mm\n4,275 mm\nWidth\n1,795 mm\n1,772 mm\n1,765 mm\nHeight\n1,565 mm\n1,605 mm\n1,535 mm\nWheelbase\n2,640 mm\n2,610 mm\n2,570 mm\nMax Kerb Weight\n1,497 kg\n1,249 kg\n1,211 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\n377 litres\n437 litres\n350\u00a0litres\nVisually, our local spec CH-R mirrors the Australian-spec \u2013 projector headlamps with three-dotted LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, C-Shaped LED taillamps, shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler, hidden rear door handles and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 profile tyres. It also gets blacked out wing mirrors and roof as promised on \nUMWT\u2019s official website\n.   Inside our local-spec CH-R is furnished with leather upholstery, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, analogue instrument cluster with multi-info display, electronic parking brake with auto hold, floating infotainment system with localised settings, built-in dash camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, manual levelling seats with powered lumbar support and all four auto-windows.   Motivation comes from a sole \n1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder paired to a CVT\n (Continuously Variable Transmission). Safety wise, the CH-R comes with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitoring, Electronic Stability Control and a suite of safety features.\nA total of six exterior shades will be offered \u2013 White Pearl CS, Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black while Red Mica, Radiant Green Metallic and Blue Metallic will come with a blacked out roof. Our CH-R will be fully imported from Thailand with prices and launch date to be confirmed at a later date.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Introduced at the tail end of last year, the facelift \nAudi\n A5 Sportback is for those who want more than just another expensive car; it has to stand out and with the updated model, rest assured, there aren\u2019t many that can hold the candle to the Sportback in terms of how it looks, this price point.\nAvailable in two variants \u2013 the 2.0 TFSI front-wheel drive model goes for RM350,900 while the all-wheel drive quattro model will set you back an eye-watering RM377,900 inclusive of sales tax exemptions, along with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nPowered by the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, the 2.0 TFSI variant makes \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n. The more expensive quattro model gets more power to feed all four wheels, with\n 249 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n. Also part of the powertrain is a 12V mild hybrid system.\nEven with just 190 hp, the 2.0 TFSI model is no slouch as 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.5 seconds; 5.6 seconds in the quattro model. Top speed is rated at 250 km/h while the 2.0 TFSI model maxes out at 239 km/h.\nThe changes on the facelift A5 Sportback are subtle but with maximum effect. At the front, it\u2019s easier to count what they\u2019ve not changed as all the crucial bits have been revised. The front grille now features a honey combe-like design, as opposed to vertical slates from before, while the surrounds now appear thicker.\nThe headlamp graphics have also been significantly revised, with more pronounced graphics. The fog lamp section now gets a more aggressive look, and with the facelift model both fog lamp sections are joined together.\nUnder the wheel arches are 18-inch wheels for the 2.0 TFSI and 19-inch wheels with a contrasting finish for the quattro which just makes the car look extremely striking as a whole.\nAlong the sides are frameless window \u2013 a look that never gets old \u2013 and a silhouette that just blows everything within the RM300k to RM400k price point away.\nAston Martin Rapide?\nThere\u2019s just something about that sportback design (more commonly known as fastback due to the sloping roofline) that just makes the car look fast without even moving.\nBoot space, impressively, is rated at 465-litres and even comes with hands-free boot opening. Just like the front, the rear taillights have been given a dramatic makeover as well with futuristic graphics.\nThe A5 Sportback\u2019s taillights now come with dynamic turn signals. Also a significant change is the exhaust tip section; the rear bumper now comes with horizontal exhaust surrounds, lending a much cleaner look to the rear end.\nOn the inside, whether it\u2019s the click of the buttons, the materials and the finishing of it or the design, it\u2019s typical Audi; sleek and clinical. It just creates a different but no less superior environment, compared to its rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.\nFor starters you get a fully digital instrument cluster display, and a new, larger touchscreen (from eight to 10 inches). The new touchscreen also meant that the rotary dials and buttons, positioned above the gear lever in the previous model, have been replaced with a storage compartment.\nAt the rear, the A5 Sportback offers generous leg and knee room along with fan speed controls for the 3-zone air conditioning system. However, if you\u2019re over 180 cm tall, you might find headroom to be lacking slightly. The rear seats can also be folded to accommodate longer items.\nGALLERY"
"You laugh, but these specially tuned Toyota Vios mean serious business. Exactly 24 candidates from the Vios Challenge Racing School have graduated today after weeks of rigorous training, and they\u2019re all geared for the maiden leg in Batu Kawan, Penang next month.\nOf the 24, eight are local celebrities \u2013 Venice Min, Shawn Lee, Danny Koo, Geraldine Gan, Janna Nick, Shukri Yahaya, Diana Danielle and Fattah Amin \u2013 but training is standard across the board. Each had to learn the fundamentals of racing, such as advanced car handling techniques, proper racing lines and safety protocols.   The Vios 1.5 J they will be driving aren\u2019t street legal, and for good reason. They\u2019re heavily modified (by Wing Hin Motorsports) with limited slip differential, brand new suspension and exhaust system, lightweight alloys, grabby-as-heck brakes and sharper throttle mapping. On wheel power is around the \n109 hp\n region, but the exact specifications are kept close to chest. It runs on the factory five-speed manual transmission.\nThe objective Toyota Malaysia is trying to achieve here with the Toyota Gazoo Racing festival is to create a fair and level racing platform for all drivers and for the enjoyment of spectators. Again, the first leg will take place in Batu Kawan, Penang on 12 and 13 August 2017. Visitors can look forward to celebrity performances, a variety of fun activities, food trucks, test drives and an \nexclusive preview of the all-new Toyota C-HR\n.\nThose who purchase a Toyota in the month of July can even stand a chance to win a trip to the Tokyo Motor Show later this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After literally years of rumours, leaks, and \nteasers\n, the \nToyota GR Corolla\n is finally about to be upon us with a scheduled launch this Friday, the 1st of April. And no, we checked \u2013 it\u2019s not an April Fool\u2019s Joke (since its official launch will take place in the US on the 31st of March).\nNow, okay, so Toyota did not explicitly say that the launch is specifically for the GR Corolla. But when there\u2019s so much smoke, there\u2019s bound to be fire too. Heck, they\u2019ve even pretty much shown off the entire rear-end of the (camouflaged) car in a recent \nTV ad\n for the GR86.\nBut fine, you want facts? Here: Toyota provided two accompanying photos together with the announcement, and on the first one which focuses on the widened fenders, its visible body lines are pretty much a complete match to the standard Corolla hatchback in the US. How\u2019s that for a \u201cfact\u201d?\nThe second photo, however, is a little more of a guessing game. There\u2019s a clear embossed \u201cGR-FOUR\u201d wordmark, but its exact location remains a mystery to us \u2013 our best guess is by the side skirts, although even then we\u2019re still plainly blind-guessing. Drop a comment below if you think you know!\nAside from these two photos, Toyota also gave us a brief look at the GR Corolla\u2019s wheels via a short teaser video, and it seems like it\u2019ll share the same 18-inch gloss black units as the smaller \nGR Yaris\n.\nRecent rumours suggest that the GR Corolla will most likely share the same 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the GR Yaris, paired to the same six-speed manual transmission, as well as the aforementioned GR-Four permanent all-wheel drive set-up.\nWhile the three-pot mill makes 272 hp on the GR Yaris, the same engine in the upcoming GR Corolla has been rumoured to be uprated to around 300 hp to compensate the larger and \u2013 more importantly \u2013 heavier body of the \nCorolla hatchback\n.\nRELATED: This GR Sport Toyota Corolla will make you drool!\nScreenshot: Toyota USA/YouTube\nThe Toyota Corolla hatchback never made its way here in Malaysia, so we\u2019re frankly not quite sure if we\u2019ll ever get the GR Corolla here. But then again, the \nTNGA Yaris\n that the GR model was based on was also never brought into Malaysia, and yet the \nGR Yaris sold like hotcakes here\n.\nPrevious rumours suggested that the GR Corolla will be a US-only exclusive, but weirder things have happened, so we won\u2019t be surprised if it\u2019ll eventually be offered here in Malaysia \u2013 seeing that we\u2019re one of the few countries with full-blown \nGR Garages\n. We won\u2019t be holding our breaths, though.\nYou can watch the full official unveiling through Toyota\u2019s Vimeo page, linked \nhere\n, at 9.30 am on the April 1st."
"This shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise to anyone, but the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this June has been officially cancelled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.\nTCF Center, the venue of the 2020 NAIAS, is also expected to be converted into a temporary field hospital, in line with the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s directive.\nNAIAS Executive Director, Rod Alberts said, \u201cWith the more than 100 convention centres and facilities around the country being considered to potentially serve as temporary hospitals, it became clear to us that TCF Center would be an inevitable option to serve as a care facility to satisfy our community\u2019s urgent health needs.\n\u201cAlthough we are disappointed, there is nothing more important to us than the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Detroit and Michigan, and we will do what we can to support our community\u2019s fight against the coronavirus outbreak,\u201d Alberts added.\nOne of the show\u2019s hallmark, the Charity Preview event, will also be cancelled along with the show. Show officials are discussing plans for a fundraising event later this year to benefit the children\u2019s charities that were designated as beneficiaries of the 2020 Charity Preview.\nNAIAS Chairman, Doug North said, \u201cWe know these organizations rely on the money raised at Charity Preview to fund many wonderful support services for the most vulnerable in our community. With this in mind, we will be in touch with the charities in the near future to present some ideas.\u201d\nAll tickets purchased for the 2010 Detroit motor show will be fully refunded, while ticket holders for the Charity Preview event will be given the choice to donate the proceeds of their refund to the beneficiaries."
"Making their Thai debut at the 2015 Bangkok International Motor Show are the popular duo by Toyota \u2013 the \nAlphard and Vellfire\n. They were both launched in Japan earlier this year with three engine configurations to choose from \u2013 a \n2.5-litre four pot\n unit, a \n2.5-litre hybrid\n and the bigger \n3.5-litre V6 \nmill.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Alphard / Vellfire 2.5\nToyota Alphard / Vellfire 3.5\nToyota Alphard / Vellfire 2.5 Hybrid\nEngine\n2,493 cc 4-cylinder\n3,456 cc V6\n2,493 cc 4-cylinder + electric motors\nTransmission\n7-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic and Super CVT-i\n6 -speed Sequential Shiftmatic with 6 Super ECT\n6-speed Sequential Shiftmatic\nMax Power\n180 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n276 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n150 hp @ 5,700 rpm (194 hp combined)\nMax Torque\n235 Nm @ 4,100 rpm\n344 Nm @ 4,700 rpm\n205 Nm @ 4,400 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n\u00a0\nWe\u2019re not big fans of the controversial design, but the Alphard\u2019s interior gets a \nmassive touch of luxury\n, including the new \u201csuper-long-slide passenger seat\u201d that reclines all the way to the second row.   The all-new #Toyota #Alphard \u2013 Exterior View. #BIMS #BIMS2015\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 23, 2015 at 8:49pm PDT\n\u00a0\nThe rear doors on the other hand, redefine smart entry as they\u2019re able to automatically slide open when it detects passengers. This MPV also features what Toyota claims to be a world\u2019s first \u2013 an under floor storage compartment just below the third row seats that measures 148 litres in stowage capacity.   The all-new #Toyota #Alphard \u2013 Interior View. #BIMS #BIMS2015\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 23, 2015 at 8:54pm PDT\n\u00a0\nNow, as earlier mentioned, the Alphard and Vellfire both share the same engine configuration, starting with the base \n2.5-litre variant\n. This four cylinder engine makes \n180 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n235 Nm\n of torque at 4,100 rpm, paired to a \nseven-speed\n Sports Sequential Shiftmatic CVT-i gearbox.   The all-new #Toyota #Vellfire \u2013 Exterior view. #BIMS #BIMS2015\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 24, 2015 at 1:29am PDT\n\u00a0\nThe hybrid variant also dons a \n2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle engine\n (150 hp & 206 Nm), but is boosted by a pair of electric motors \u2013 a \n141 hp motor\n on the front axle and \n67 hp\n on the rear axle, making for a combined output of 194 hp. Drive type is FWD for the former and electric-AWD for the latter.   The all-new #Toyota #Vellfire \u2013 Interior View. #BIMS #BIMS2015\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 24, 2015 at 7:51am PDT\n\u00a0\nNext we have the range topping \n3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6\n engine that makes \n276 hp\n at 6,200 rpm and \n344 Nm\n of torque at 4,700 rpm, mated to a \nsix-speed sequential shiftmatic\n.\nThe Thai-spec Vellfire and Alphard carry a starting price of \nRM370k\n all the way to \nRM520k\n. It\u2019s unclear when exactly these luxury MPVs will hit Malaysian roads, but we\u2019re certain it\u2019ll arrive here in next to no time, courtesy of our ever-trusty grey importers. Expect to pay a premium price for it too if you\u2019re looking to be one of the first few owners.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Toyota Vellfire at Bangkok International Motor Show   2015 Toyota Alphard at the Bangkok International Motor Show"
"Launched alongside the compact\n Audi Q\n2 is the top of the range Audi Q8, a sleeker, five-seater variant of the brand\u2019s Q7 SUV.\nAvailable in a sole 3.0 TFSI Quattro\nvariant, the Q8 is essentially a coupe version of the Q7 priced at RM727,900 (OTR\nwithout insurance). Despite costing RM128k dearer than a Q7, the Q8 does come\nwith a substantial amount of additional kit.\n \nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nAudi Q8 3.0 TFSI Quattro \n Engine\n 2,995cc; turbocharged V6\n Transmission\n 8-speed automatic\n Max Power\n 340 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,400 rpm\n Max Torque\n 500 Nm @ 1,370 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 5.9 seconds; 250 km/h\n Price (OTR without insurance)\n RM727,900\nThe Q8 is instantly recognisable by its\nsloping roofline around the C-pillars and a taillamp design that stretches\nacross the tailgate. Standard equipment fitted onto our local spec Q8 include\nHD Matrix LED headlamps with dynamic turn signals, LED combination taillamps\nalso with dynamic turn signals and 20-inch 5-arm style alloy wheels wrapped in\n275/50 profile rubbers.\nInside, the Q8 is furnished with Valcona\nleather upholstery, individual contour front seats, four-zone automatic climate\ncontrol, three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, powered\nadjustable front seats (memory function for driver side only), Grey Oak inlays,\nAmbient Lighting package, MMI navigation plus with two large displays, B&O\nPremium Sound System, panoramic sunroof, Heads-up Display, Audi Virtual Cockpit,\nelectric sunshades, powered tailgate and soft closing doors.\nPowertrain fitted onto the Q8 is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 TFSI unit packing \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque (the Q7 uses a 3.0-litre supercharged V6). Drive is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the Q8 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.9 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nAs spec-ed, the Q8 is closer to that of a\nPorsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus than a Q7 because it comes fitted with adaptive\nair suspension, progressive steering (sharper steering response) and all-wheel\nsteering. All these technologies promise a more dynamic driving experience in the\nQ8.\nThe Q8 is also a step up in safety kit with\nthe inclusion of Audi Pre-Sense Front that bundles Forward Collision warning and\nAutonomous Emergency Braking.\nAgain, the all-new Audi Q8 is priced at\nRM727,900 (OTR without insurance) and comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage\nWarranty.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAudi\u00a0Q8\u00a03.0\u00a0TFSI\u00a0Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Suzuki Cars Malaysia, through its \nsole distributor Naza Eastern Motors\n, has just published a\n \nteaser photo\n on its Facebook page, hinting at a new special edition model for the \nJimny\n.\nAs with most teasers, the photo here is basically shrouded entirely in the shadows. The rhino silhouette in the background, alongside the mention of \u201coff-road supremacy\u201d in the caption, however, does point us at a new variant of the tiny 4X4, perhaps a special edition model similar to the Suzuki Jimny Rhino Edition in South Africa.\nJimny diehards will definitely recognise the rhino branding, but for those who don\u2019t, the rhinoceros is essentially \nthe\n symbol for Jimny since the 80s, meant as a sign for \u201crugged strength, robust appearance, solidity, and dynamic power\u201d. Despite that, though, whatever Rhino Edition we\u2019re getting here in Malaysia will most likely not be any more rugged than the regular Suzuki Jimny already is.\nIf the Malaysian market model does indeed follow the same recipe as the South African special-edition model, then it\u2019ll just be a visual makeover on the outside, consisting of the Suzuki heritage grille, rhino decals and badges, a soft wheel cover with the rhino logo plastered across, plus the red-coloured mud flaps for all four wheels to give it a truly unique look.\nUnderneath the bonnet is still the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine and four-speed automatic transmission combo, pushing \n102 hp \nand \n130 Nm\n to the ground via a part-time 4WD driveline.\nHere in Malaysia, the Suzuki Jimny is \ncurrently only offered in a single variant\n, retailing at RM174,900 on-the-road, without insurace."
"After releasing \na teaser of its upcoming hybrid supercar\n last month, McLaren has further fueled the anticipation for its arrival with a shot of its rear end, revealing a name.\nIt will be called the \nArtura \nand will be the company\u2019s first High-Performance Hybrid series-production supercar which means anyone can get their hands on them. At the moment, McLaren\u2019s hybrid influence extends to the McLaren P1 and the more recent Speedtail which are limited in production numbers.\n \nThe arrival of the Artura will mark the debut of an all-new compact twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, designed to combine with an electric motor in a new lightweight High-Performance Hybrid powertrain.\nYet, the company claims that it will not lose any of the performance benefits of its larger capacity V8 engines. Even better, the new hybrids will benefit from the improved torque response at low engine speeds. To please mother nature, McLaren has also given the Artura the ability to run purely on electric power.\nThe Artura will be the first of many new supercars from Woking to be built on the new \nMcLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA)\n platform that can accommodate hybrid systems. McLaren said its lightweight design and construction will offset the weight from the electrified powertrain."
"Geely today adds another brand into its long list of automotive portfolio. Zeekr, as it is called, will target the premium electric vehicle (EV) segment that has foreign brands such as Tesla, Audi, Polestar and Volkswagen. \u00a0\nHow does one pronounce the name? According to the Chinese characters, the name Zeekr is written as \u2018Ji Ke\u2019 (\u6781\u6c2a), and as such, it looks like the brand will be pronounced as \u2018zeeker\u2019 or seeker that begins with \u2018Z\u2019.\nNope, not a Zeekr. This is the sketch of the Lynk & Co Zero Concept\nZeekr vehicles will be built on Geely Holding Group\u2019s open-sourced \nSustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)\n and will include its own battery technologies, management system, motor technologies and EV supply chain support. Last week, Geely was reported to be investing over \nUSD4.6 billion\n into an \nEV battery plant\n with Farasis Energy.\nThe first vehicle bearing the Zeekr brand is expected to be delivered by the third quarter of this year, and the company is planning an aggressive product offensive of a new EV model each year in the coming five years.\nProducts will be made available in China at the initial phase, with plans to export should the demand build up. So far, only Lynk & Co is made available out of China, with the establishment of two dealerships in \nEurope\n. The soon-to-be-launched \nLynk & Co Zero\n sedan will be the first vehicle to be built on the SEA EV platform.\nThe Geometry C, not using the latest SEA platform\nZeekr Company Limited will be jointly owned by Geely Automobile Holdings with 51% ownership while the remaining 49% by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). Both parties have also agreed to inject 2 billion Yuan (RM1.264 billion) in capital into the new company.\nOther EV models under the Geely Holding Group include Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co, \nGeometry\n and Lotus Cars with the \nEvija\n EV. More details on Zeekr is expected to be announced at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2021 slated for late April.\nNote: Main image is a Geely Preface Concept"
"With an RM7 billion investment from its new owner, Geely, Lotus is gearing for its upcoming plans to broaden the appeal of the British sports car brand. Before the unveiling of a new-generation platform for the Elise, Exige and Evora, Lotus has confirmed that they have a new model up their sleeve for 2020.\nAccording to \nAutoCar UK\n, Lotus Cars CEO, Phil Popham has confirmed that the new model will be based on a heavily revised existing Lotus platform which retains Lotus\u2019 famed driving dynamics but with the added ergonomics and connectivity. \u201cThere\u2019s this one car, then the new platform,\u201d Popham said.\nIt is likely that the new car will be based on the Evora, banking on the \u201cTouring\u201d credentials the car already has. Moving forward, the company will be focusing on its \nnew SUV\n and new-generation platforms which is said to take three to four years to complete.\nPopham also added that since \nLotus is now part of a large and well-resourced group as Geely\n, the sports car brand can leverage on the Group\u2019s expertise and bring down the production cost and time as well as improve the quality of future sports car models. Currently, Lotus cars use too many parts and their cost is also \u201ctoo high\u201d, a reason for Lotus\u2019 inconsistent build quality."
"A new contender has joined the high-performance premium business sedan game as BMW Group Malaysia welcomes the arrival of the F90 BMW M5. Priced at RM943k, the M5 is looking to give the \nMercedes-AMG E 63 S\n a good run for its money.\nUnveiled globally in August 2017, the M5 has gone on to score several accolades to its name such as the 2018 World Performance Car of the Year at the 2018 New York International Motor Show and two Guinness World Records for the \nlongest drift and the longest twin-vehicle drift\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nF90 BMW M5\nEngine\n4.4-litre; BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8\nTransmission\n8-speed M Steptronic automatic\nMax Power\n600 hp @ 5,600 \u2013 6,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n750 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.4 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM942,759.86\nVisually, the M5 is as understated as any other \nG30 5 Series\n. Blink and you\u2019ll miss the M-Specific body kit, M wing mirrors, carbon roof and rear ducktail spoiler. Shoutier bits include the M front fenders, quad exhaust outlets and 20-inch 706M style M double-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.   Standard stopping power comes from the M compound brakes identified by the blue-painted six-piston fixed front callipers and single-piston callipers at the rear. For an additional \nRM95,000\n, you can have the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes fitted that shaves \n23 kgs\n and provide stronger and more consistent stopping power. Onlookers will know your M5 is serious business thanks to the Gold painted callipers.\nInside, the M5 retains much of its business saloon luxury with standard features include Merino leather upholstery (Argon & Black or Black), aluminium carbon structure with dark chrome highlight interior trim, powered front seats with memory function, BMW Navigation Professional 10.25-inch Touch Display with Gesture Control and Harman Kardon sound system.   Separating the M5 from its \nlesser \nsiblings are the M-specific LCD instrument cluster and Heads-Up Display, M multifunctional steering wheel with M1 & M2 drive mode select, M gear selector with Drivelogic control, bucket styled seats, red start button and illuminated M5 door sills.\nOpen up the aluminium hood you\u2019ll find a 4.4-litre BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine developing \n600 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque which is available from a lowly 1,800 rpm. Century sprint is done and dusted in \n3.4 seconds\n, onwards to a governed top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nThe F90 M5 is also the first M5 to feature the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The M xDrive can work in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control to programme the car into \nthree driving modes\n \u2013 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD, the latter puts the car to be purely rear-wheel driving without any electronic nanny.\nFor those inclined, BMW Group Malaysia offers a range of step-up options for customers to spice up their M5. Starting from the \nPerformance Pack\n which costs RM30,000, it includes an M Sport Exhaust System, M Carbon Engine Cover and M Seat Belts; \nAdvanced Safety Pack\n with Driving Assistant Plus for RM15,000 and \nEntertainment Pack\n that adds Rear-Seat Entertainment Profession with Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System for RM55,000.\nPriced at RM942k, the F90 BMW M5 is available in Marina Bay Blue metallic, Donington Grey metallic and Singapore Grey metallic as the standard colour palette, but the company is willing to expand the colour choice if you ask nicely.\nAll purchase of the BMW M5 comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Schedule Service, 2-Years or 24-Months Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW White Card Elite and BMW Service Online.\nIMAGE GALLERY   No more V8s?"
"Four months since \nopening its order books\n, Audi Malaysia has now officially launched the 2023 \ne-tron GT\n and RS e-tron GT here in Malaysia, alongside the \nQ8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron\n. The sleek-looking electric four-door grand tourer starts at \nRM600,790\n here in Malaysia for the base e-tron GT variant, jumping up to \nRM808,790\n for the high performance\n Renn Sport \nedition.\nThe standard Audi e-tron GT is also offered with a Dynamic Package option, with several addition equipment for \nRM679,790\n.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa to enjoy a 10% instant rebate, cashback, and many more. Learn more at \nMotorTakaful.com\n.\nAudi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT Performance\nBoth variants of the Audi e-tron GT are powered by a twin-motor, all-wheel drive drivetrain set-up, but their output differs by quite a significant margin.\nThe standard e-tron GT makes \n476 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n, but can be increased up to \n530 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n for 2.5 seconds during launch control. In ideal circumstances, the Audi e-tron GT can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in \n4.1 seconds\n, onwards to a top speed of \n245 km/h\n.\nStep up to the range-topping RS e-tron GT, and you\u2019ll get \n598 hp\n and \n830 Nm\n, the former increasing up to \n646 hp\n momentarily in \u201cboost mode\u201d for a century sprint time of\n 3.3 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nThe regular Audi e-tron GT rides on steel springs with adaptive dampers, while the RS e-tron GT steps it up with a set of air suspensions, which automatically lowers the car by up to 12 mm during high-speed cruising. The range-topping RS also adds on all-wheel steering, tungsten carbide-coated cast-iron brake discs (also available on the e-tron GT with Dynamic Package), as well as an electronically-controlled rear differential lock for better traction out of corners.\n2023 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT Battery and Range\nThe electric motors are supplied by a \n85 kWh\n battery pack on both variants, providing the electric four-door fastback sedan up to \n487 km\n of driving range. Thanks to its 800V electric architecture, both the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT will support DC fast charging of up to 270 kW, taking it from 5-80% in just \n22.5 minutes\n. Both cars also come with an on-board AC charger, supporting up to 22 kW of power on the RS e-tron GT and the e-tron GT with Dynamic Package.\nAudi e-tron GT Design\nThe Audi e-tron GT won the 2021 Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) awards for the\n Most Beautiful Car of the Year\n category, and it\u2019s not hard to see why. Its silhouette is fairly similar to that of the Porsche Taycan, yes, but it also has a distinct \nAudi-ness\n to it that just makes it stand out.\nAudi says that many of the design elements here also guide the form and looks for the brand\u2019s future electric models, including the new blocked-off Singleframe grille, and the unique lighting signature both front and rear. The sleek silhouette alongside other aerodynamic treatments help reduce the e-tron GT\u2019s drag coefficient to just 0.24 Cd.\nExterior equipment highlights include the electronically retractable rear spoiler, three-dimensional matrix LED headlights (upgraded to laser light high beams on the e-tron GT with Dynamic Package, as well as the RS e-tron GT), and the sculpted full-width tail light strip with dynamic turn indicators.\nThe Audi e-tron GT gets a set of 20-inch wheels, while the RS e-tron GT steps it up with 21-inch items with a variant-exclusive design finished in black. Black Package plus is also standard, which darkens many of the exterior trims of the car. Opting for the Dynamic Package or the RS e-tron GT will add on a lighweight carbon roof, as well as red brake callipers.\nAudi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT Interior\nInside, both the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT are fairly standard Audi affairs, where sharp angles dictate the modern dashboard design. The standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is paired to a 10.1-inch MMM infotainment touchscreen display that\u2019s tilted towards the driver. The front seats offer a low seating position to match its sporting credentials, and come with 18-way adjustabilities, pneumatic side bolsters, and seat ventilation as standard, as part of its sports seat pro package.\nOpting for the Dynamic Package means the e-tron GT\u2019s interior essentially steps up to the same level as the RS e-tron GT, sharing many of the same equipment including a Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery, head-up display, a B&O premium sound system, as well as additional glossy carbon interior trims, paired to matte carbon twill decorative inserts.\nIn line with its eco-conscious powertrain, the floor carpet and mats of the Audi e-tron GT line are made out of a material called Econyl, that consists of 100% recycled nylon fibres made from production waste, fabric and carpe remnants, and old fishing nets.\nAs for safety, the Audi e-tron GT range in Malaysia comes as standard with eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking for both front and rear incidents, adaptive cruise control, efficiency assist, swerve assist, turn assist, lane departure warning, plus front and rear cross traffic assist.\n2023 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT Pricing in Malaysia\nThe 2023 Audi e-tron GT range in Malaysia is priced as follows:\nAudi e-tron GT \u2013 \nRM600,790\nAudi e-tron GT with Dynamic Package \u2013 \nRM679,790\nAudi RS e-tron GT \u2013 \nRM808,790\nAll prices listed above are on-the-road, without insurance, and \ninclusive of the Audi Assurance package\n, that extends the warranty up to five-years with no mileage cap, alongside three years of scheduled service at a 15,000 km interval.\nCustomers can opt for just the standard two-year (unlimited) warranty package, which drops the prices down by approximately 2-3% across the board. No matter which warranty package, though, the high-voltage batteries are all covered by an eight-year warranty.\nAll 2023 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT customers in Malaysia will also receive RM1,000 in JomCharge credits (one year validity) for charging at JomCharge locations across Malaysia. A standard mobile e-tron Charging System Compact charger is also included in the price, with a max output of up to 11 kW on a three-phase power supply.\nGALLERY\n2023 Audi RS e-tron GT \n2023 Audi e-tron GT with Dynamic Package"
"Nissan recently unveiled the Navara Dark Sky Concept in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), that\u2019ll function as a mobile astronomy lab with a world-leading, observatory-class telescope.\nIt will support astronomers with observations of the universe in so called \u201cdark-sky\u201d locations, away from the night time glow of urban areas, which decreases visibility.\nThe colour scheme of the Nissan Navara Dark Sky Concept follows after the cosmos with dark colours while the interior combines the deep shades of the night sky with the orange of a setting sun.\nThe reflective orange piping on the seats are there to provide better cabin visibilty, eliminating the need for white lights that would disrupt the astronomer\u2019s night vision.\nSticking out like a sore thumb on the trailer is the ultrahigh-power PlaneWave telescope. Th red lights were deployed since it affects human night vision the least and wouldn\u2019t cause visual disruption during observations.\nThe trailer\u2019s roof can be opened to focus the telescope on the night sky. Using a 40 cm mirror, it allows astronomers to view beyond the rings of Saturn, to distant galaxies and supernovas.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While the world is keeping their eyes peeled for the latest and greatest iPhone \nyet\n, our mandarin site writer, Kelvin, was on the lookout for the announcement of the new Apple iOS 12 operating system which will (finally) support Apple CarPlay third-party navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps.\nApple first made the announcement to integrate CarPlay with third-party navigation application at the 2018 Apple World Wide Developer Conference in April. Shortly after that, the tech giant rolled out 14 beta versions of the iOS 12 software, the highest number in the history of iOS beta versions.\nCuriously, in the beta versions of the iOS 12, there were no signs of Waze on CarPlay, much to Kelvin\u2019s disappointment. There is a reason behind this delay, beta versions of applications are subjected to the \u201cTest Flight\u201d approval from Apple and beta version of Waze for CarPlay was finally made available on iOS 12 for beta testers on 18 September 2018.\nLaunching the Waze app on Apple CarPlay, the author immediately noticed the cleaner and more minimalistic interface as compared to the ones on Android Auto. On the infotainment screen itself, users can select destinations under Favourite and History but new destination search will require users to key in on the iPhone itself as there is no keypad available on the CarPlay app.\nOther functions include the all-important \u201cSend a Report\u201d icon on the bottom left of the screen to report traffic conditions, accidents, police sightings and the rest.\nApple did not disclose the official availability of third-party navigation applications on Apple CarPlay, but the integration of Waze and Google Maps will finally make CarPlay useful other than streaming Spotify. For now, let\u2019s be patient and allow the software developers to iron out the bugs because nothing worse than a buggy application am I right?\n[\nMandarin Version\n]"
"Earlier this month, the \nVolvo XC40\n in Malaysia has been given an \nupdate\n with a slight front-end refresh and a new set of wheels. There are more additions to the XC40 which we will get into, and the update bumps the XC40\u2019s starting price to \nRM268,888\n. Three variants are offered with all of them being electrified.\nRecharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate\nRecharge T5 Ultimate\nB5 Ultimate\nThe three versions of the 2023 Volvo XC40 are the:\nXC40 B5 Ultimate (MHEV) \u2013 \nRM268,888\nXC40 Recharge T5 Ultimate (PHEV) \u2013 \nRM268,888\nXC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate (EV) \u2013 \nRM278,888\nXC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8\nThe front end for all versions has been revised with a new front bumper that features a new foglight cluster. The front grille has been retained for the B5 and T5, but the Pure Electric P8 gets a new front panel to go with the new bumper design.\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric sold out for MY2022 in Malaysia \u2013 over 400 orders, 120 delivered\nB5 Ultimate\nT5 Ultimate\nP8 Ultimate\nAll versions of the XC40 get 19-inch wheels with the B5 Ultimate featuring a 5 Y-spoke design and both T5 and P8 with a 5 Double-spoke design. As for colour choices, there is a new Fjord Blue colour for the XC40. Also new is the omission of the dual-tone colour scheme for the B5 Ultimate and the Recharge T5 Ultimate. That is now exclusive for the XC40 Pure Electric P8, making it easily distinguishable from its partially-electric counterparts.\nAWD Mild hybrid system with 2.0-litre NA engine and an electric motor in the B5 Ultimate\nAs for the powertrain, all three variants have a completely different drive system. The XC40 B5 Ultimate is powered by a mild hybrid system consisting of a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor. Combined, the system makes \n263 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.\nB5 Ultimate\nRecharge T5 Ultimate\nRecharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate\nMoving on, the XC40 Recharge T5 Ultimate gets a plug-in hybrid system with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor. It is the only version of the XC40 in Malaysia that doesn\u2019t come with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The hybrid system has a system output of \n262 hp\n and \n425 Nm\n and all of that is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).\nNo engine in the Pure Electric P8 Ultimate\nLastly, the XC40 Pure Electric P8 is powered by a dual-motor AWD that makes \n408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n. Storing power in the P8 is a \n78-kWh\n battery pack that provides \n438 km\n of range (WLTP).\nAs for charging, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 is capable of \n150-kW\n DC fast charging and \n11-kW\n AC charging. With 150-kW DC fast charging, the XC40 Recharge P8 can charge from 0 to 80% in just \n40 minutes\n. With 11-kW AC charging, it takes \n8 hours and 15 minutes\n to charge from 0 to 100%.\nInside, the facelift introduces Android Automotive to the B5 Ultimate and Recharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate. The soon-to-be phased-out Recharge T5 doesn\u2019t get the Android Automotive system as it still runs the Sensus system on its 9-inch portrait head unit. It also doesn\u2019t get Volvo\u2019s Digital Services Package (\nDSP\n).\nAndroid Automotive on B5\nSensus system (shown on S60)\nOn the B5 and P8, the DSP includes Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, Volvo Car App Remote Functions, and data for said services. The DSP is included in the price of the B5 and P8 and lasts for 4 years until a subscription renewal is required.\nAs for upholstery, the XC40 gets a Suede textile/microtech charcoal upholstery as standard. An interesting feature XC40 is the topography lighting trim on the doors and dashboard that lights up in the dark. This is only provided in the Recharge T5 Ultimate and the Recharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate.\nB5 Ultimate\nRecharge T5 Ultimate\nRecharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate\nIn the safety department, the XC40 comes with Volvo\u2019s City Safety Package that includes collision avoidance and mitigation with intersection support and object (Pedestrian, Cyclist, & Large Animal) detection with steering support and braking. It also features the full suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) which includes:\nFront & Rear Collision Warning & Mitigation Support\nLane Keeping Aid (LKA)\nRun-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection\nBlind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist\nCross Traffic Alert (CTA) with Auto Brake\nEmergency Stop Assist\nTopography lighting trim on the dashboard of P8 Ultimate\nThe updated Volvo XC40 costs\n RM268,888 \nfor both the B5 Ultimate and the Recharge T5 Ultimate. The Recharge Pure Electric P8 fetches a price of \nRM278,888\n. Included in the price is a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty and an 8-year/160,000 km high voltage battery warranty.\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric updated for 2023, now from RM 279k\nGALLERY"
"BMW Shorties, Malaysia\u2019s longest-running short film competition, has just wrapped up its 13th edition. The short film \u2018PACE\u2019 by Ekin Kee Charles has been named Winner of BMW Shorties 2019, taking home a grand prize worth \nRM80,000\n in production grant.\u00a0\n\u2018PACE\u2019 is a 15-minute short film about a young girl contemplating her identity for the first time in a small town in Sabah. Determined to be more than just the \u2018girl\u2019 in her group, she takes a leap of faith by pushing the boundaries of what it means to be feminine in a world that is seemingly built for the opposite gender.\n\u2018PACE\u2019 is Ekin\u2019s first submission to the BMW Shorties. A Cinematography fresh graduate from the University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), her winning short film was also awarded the Best Editing award for the stunning visuals and stellar production quality.\nSyahnur Asyikin Kee Charles, or better known as Ekin, said \u201cMaking this short film was no easy feat but working with my niece and nephews made it a spectacular experience. We directed children with no acting experience and shot a short film without any written lines; the story was told through their candid emotions and reactions to the directions we gave them.\n\u201cI set out to convey a message about gender, identity and the many conflicts with ourselves, no matter the age; and I am proud to have achieved that,\u201d she added.\u00a0\nThe dialogue-less short received all-round praises from the judges, with BMW Shorties 2019 judge and filmmaker Amanda Nell-Eu saying \u201cIt is rare we see a short film so silently moving yet so loud in its storytelling, despite the minimal dialogue between her characters.\u201d\nThis year\u2019s BMW Shorties, themed \u2018UNCHARTED\u2019, received the highest number of submissions in the competition\u2019s history. The finalists\u2019 short films can be viewed on the \nBMW Shorties YouTube channel\n."
"Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) \nwill be setting up an electric vehicle (EV) charging network along the North-South Expressway (NSE), as part of its collaboration with highway operator \nPLUS Malaysia\n,\n \nBernama\n \nreports.\nThe partnership, first announced back in March this year, will see an investment of RM90 million from the national utility firm over a span of three years to develop the EV ecosystem here in Malaysia.\n\u201cTNB aims to accelerate the battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption to capture the RM1.3 billion market value by 2030 and welcomes collaboration with strategic partners to stimulate the growth of the BEV ecosystem,\u201d TNB President and CEO Datuk Baharin Din said at an editors\u2019 media briefing today, as reported by the newswire.\nThe collaboration between TNB and PLUS is aimed as a holistic approach in reducing carbon emissions on PLUS highways. In addition to setting up EV charging infrastructure, the companies will also install energy efficiency monitoring and solar photovoltaic systems at selected rest and relaxation (R&R) stops along the highways.\nRELATED: \nShell and Porsche announce cross-country 180 kW charging network, six stations in Malaysia\nIn addition to PLUS, Baharin said TNB is also in talks with other highway operators and federal road authorities under the Public Works Department (JKR) to set up EV chargers.\nHe added that the Malaysian EV market has a potential for 3,300 charging points for 33,350 BEVs on the road by 2025, which should translate to an annual electricity revenue of RM80 million. By 2030, the numbers are set to increase to 18,000 chargers and 524,409 BEVs on the road, and an annual electricity revenue of RM1.25 billion by 2030.\nALSO READ: \nBMW Malaysia DC fast chargers now part of ChargEV \u2013 cheaper time-based rates, annual subscription required\n\u201cBy 2030, we forecast half a million EVs to be on the road with 2.3 TWh of electricity charging requirements, valued at RM1.26 billion. This also means 4.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions reduction by taking internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles off the road,\u201d Baharin was quoted by \nBernama\n as saying.\nThe potential positive impact on both climate and the company\u2019s revenue makes the development of the EV ecosystem a clear priority for TNB, he explained.\nAside from building charging infrastructure, TNB will also be providing upskilling and reskilling courses for the EV industry, as well as electrifying about 4,200 of TNB\u2019s own fleet of vehicles, sponsoring EV-related studies, and fostering coalitions among EV sector players such as Zero Emission Vehicle Association (ZEVA), \nBernama\n reports."
"Experience what it\u2019s like to drive the\n Jaguar XE\n, \nJaguar XF\n and the \nF-PACE\n on a driving circuit, on the road and on Jaguar\u2019s innovative Smart Cones course this 16th to 18th March at the Setia City Convention Centre when Jaguar\u2019s Art of Performance Tour arrives in Malaysia.\nThe \nSmart Cones\n course is designed to put the driver\u2019s skill along with the car\u2019s precision and agility to the test. Inspired by the agility training game known as \u201cBatak\u201d, the course consists of intelligent illuminating cones to notify the drivers of their next target with only a moment\u2019s notice.\nParticipants will also be \namong the first in Malaysia\n to sample the \n2.0-litre F-PACE\n before it\u2019s launched in Malaysia this April. The F-PACE\u2019s new 2.0-litre four-cylinder \nIngenium powertrain\n features a single twin-scroll turbo that produces\n 247 hp\n and \n365Nm\n of torque from only 1,200rpm.\nPower is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission with the lightened F-PACE capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds. The XF business saloon does the same run in 5.6 seconds while the XE sports saloon hits the 100 km/h mark in just 5.5 seconds.\nTo participate in the Art of Performance Tour Malaysia, do \nregister your interest here\n."
"For the 2018 Formula 1 (F1) season, FIA will officially enlist the services of the \nMercedes-AMG GT R\n as their Official FIA F1 Safety Car. The AMG GT R will replace the existing AMG GT S that has been serving reliably for the past three seasons.\nWith \n576 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n from its 4.0-litre biturbo V8, the AMG GT R will be the most powerful safety car of all time. The safety cars task is to safely lead the pack when bad weather or accidents occur, so why do they need such a brutal car? Because F1 cars \naren\u2019t meant to go\n \nslow\n.   The performance requirements of an F1 safety car is demanding because it must be able to maintain a minimum pace to prevent the F1 vehicles to prevent the tyre and brakes from excessive cooling as well as engine overheating from the lack of airflow. With a century sprint time of \n3.6 seconds\n, top speed of\n 318 km/h\n and technologies from the \nAMG GT3 race car\n, the AMG GT R can surely set a decent pace.\nAs a result, the AMG GT R needs little modification to take on its new role; FIA livery, light bar on the roof, two iPads as radio controls and light switches positioned at the headliner. The roll-over protection bar and ceramic compound brakes are part of the \nAMG Track Package\n that regular customers can add as an option.   Bernd Mayl\u00e4nder, who will again be the driver of the safety car for the new season said: \u201cI am very much looking forward to my new company car. It is an absolute highlight in terms of driving dynamics and is one level higher up still than the \nAMG GT S\n of recent years. Of course, ideally the safety car should be deployed as rarely as possible \u2013 but when we have to safely bunch up the Formula 1 field and lead it around the track, we will be superbly equipped with the AMG GT R\u201d\nAlongside the new safety car, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate will once again take on the role as the Official FIA F1 Medical Car, piloted by racing driver Alan van der Merwe, with FIA F1 deputy medical delegate Dr Ian Roberts as his co-driver. The 490 litre luggage compartment safely accommodates the full complement of emergency equipment, including defibrillator and respirator.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A shocking \ndashcam footage\n has emerged on social media on yet another incident of a motorcyclist running a red light and smashing into a car. Let\u2019s not call it an accident anymore since it\u2019s clearly a (mis)calculated attempt to beat the law.\nBut before lay down scorn on all the motorcyclists of this world, bear in mind that a dark-coloured Perodua Viva and one other motorcyclist also dashed across the busy Jalan Semangat (now called Jalan Prof. Khoo Kay Kim) junction after the lights have clearly turned red. Prior to that, a silver Toyota Vios just made the junction on \u2018yellow\u2019, which is actually the signal to slow down by the way.\nLights are red, the first motorcyclist and a dark Viva are making a dash for it.\nWe aren\u2019t sure of the fate of the motorcyclist as the footage ended with him writhing on the ground (at least there\u2019s movement) as the unfortunate driver of the Toyota Sienta alighted to check on him. The only positive, if there is even one, is that the journey to the nearest hospital (along Jalan Universiti) is a short one.\n\u2018Suicidal\u2019 rider tries his luck, even after the first oncoming car has passed the junction!\nWe have no idea why Malaysian motorists (yes, drivers and riders) have become so brazen on our roads. According to a \nBloomberg report in 2017\n, we are ranked third in the world for the highest death rate on the road. It is probably worse now.\nThe moment of impact, tough luck for the Sienta driver.\nSome say it\u2019s the lack of enforcement, others point to a lackadaisical attitude towards road safety. Whichever the case, it has gone beyond recklessness. If you are one of those who defy traffic lights and take unnecessary risks on the road for reasons known only to yourself, please consider the life-changing and life-ending consequences of being an idiot behind wheel.\nScreen grabs are taken from a video posted by FB user Derek Foo."
"Soon to enter the Malaysian Market is the Tank 500, a Land Cruiser-rivalling vehicle by \n(Great Wall Motors (GWM)\n. On display at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n, the \nTank 500\n is offered in a total of six variants, with prices starting from \nRMB 360,000\n (approximately \nRM 232,221\n).\nGood news to any of you interested in this \nLand Cruiser\n competitor, as it is confirmed that the Tank 500 will be coming to Malaysia alongside the \nTank 300\n. The variants and pricing will be revealed as we approach its Malaysian debut.\nUnderpinning the Tank 500 is a 2,850 mm long ladder-on-frame platform. Measuring 5,070 mm or 4,878 mm long (depending on variant), 1,934 mm wide, and 1,905 mm tall, the Chinese SUV\u2019s dimensions are close to that of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Regardless, this is a huge SUV, at least when compared to the size of cars most of us Malaysians drive.\nThe Tank 500 also features GWM\u2019s capable Hi4T 4WD system and is available in \u2018smart\u2019 4WD and part-time 4WD modes. Crawling mode is also available which aids in travelling across mountains and waters safely while off-roading.\nRELATED: \nGWM\u2019s Tank 300 coming soon to Malaysia \u2013 Still want that Jimny?\nLooking at the Tank 500\u2019s exterior, we can see lots of chrome being used, from the front especially, all the way to the back. Like it or not will certainly depend on your personal tastes. But to a certain extent, the Tank 500 does carry a \u2018majestic\u2019 look, which is how GWM Tank describes this SUV on its official site.\nThe rear of the Tank 500 gives out a rugged but at the same time elegant feel, thanks to the bumper, rear-mounted spare tyre and the expensive-looking LED rear lights. Other standard exterior features include:\nAutomatic LED headlights with follow-me-home\nLED daytime running lights\nFront LED fog lamps\nDoor sill plate lamps\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-bound Ora Lightning Cat at Auto Shanghai 2023, up to 705km range\nUnder the hood of the large Chinese SUV is a 48V mild hybrid system, which consists of a 3.0-litre turbo V6 and an electric drive system, The powertrain is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This results in 260 kW (\n353 hp\n metric) and \n500 Nm\n output, which translates into more horsepower but less torque than the Land Cruiser.\nInside, the Tank 500 looks expensive as it includes standard features such as a heated leather steering wheel, a 12-speaker sound system, and a front wireless mobile phone charger.\nAdditional features available on higher variants of the Tank 500 include:\nRear wireless charger\nElectric steering wheel adjustment\nSecond-row sunshade\nOther features that are available as options include:\nDigital rearview mirror\nLeather roof linings\nAutomatic parking function\nRemote parking function\nLane tracking reversing\nRELATED: \nSmart #3 debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023, fastback version of Smart #1\nIn terms of safety, the Tank 500 comes with a full suite of features as standard, such as Brake Assist (BA), Traction control (TC), Roll movement intervention (RMI), Hill-start assist control (HAC), Hill descent control (HDC), Auto hold, and Secondary collision mitigation (SCM) system. It is also equipped with a 360\u00b0 full-view driving recorder, Interior driving recorder, Driver fatigue monitoring system, Front collision warning (FCW), Rear collision warning (RCW), Automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, Blind-spot monitoring (BSM), Lane change assist (LCA), Junction assist (JA), Intelligent cruise assist (ICA), Traffic jam assistant (TJA), Lane departure warning (LDW), Lane keep assist (LKA), Lane centEring keeping (LCK), Traffic sign recognition (TSR), Cross-traffic alert (CTA), and Tire pressure monitoring.\nColour-wise, customers have a choice of six exterior colours and five interior colours to choose from, including two-tone options. If the above-mentioned specifications are to come with the Tank 500 in Malaysia and at the right price, it might just be a very popular ladder-frame SUV, as long as Malaysians are willing to give it a try.\nRELATED: \nTengku Zafrul receives Ora Good Cat for long-term test drive \u2013 MITI to study EV usage pattern\nGALLERY:"
"Since the first introduction of the second-generation Honda City to Malaysia in 2001, the B-segment sedan has been a popular choice among Malaysians. Sixteen years later, Honda Malaysia sold 250,000 units of the car, with Mr. Tan Kian Hui being the milestone marker.\nHonda shifted more than 61,000 units of the second-generation City while the third-generation went on to sell more than 84,000 units. Come the \nfourth-generation City\n, the newest model, the company sold an impressive 100,000 units between March 2014 to December 2016, making it the most popular City ever. The City has always been locally assembled, and Honda Malaysia is proud to say that their best-selling model is made here in Malaysia.\nThe 250,000th City presented to Mr. Tan is a grade V City finished in Modern Steel Metallic, purchased at Tiong Nam Motor (M) Sdn. Bhd. To celebrate Tan\u2019s first car, Honda Malaysia presented Mr Tan with a full set of Honda merchandises and Honda Genuine Accessories consisting of Modulo package, Urban package and Utility package worth RM5,300 as well as RM1,000 worth of service vouchers.\n\u201cI have always had a good impression of Honda cars. When it came to buying my own car, I immediately only thought of Honda and I liked the City very much the minute I saw it because the design is very attractive. When I sat in the car for the first time, I was impressed with the amount of features such as rear view camera and rear air conditioning that give added convenience. I booked the car just about a week ago and to be the 250,000th City owner is totally unexpected. I am very happy with my new City!\u201d said Mr. Tan who hails from Klang.\nBesides that, Honda Malaysia is also giving out RM1,000 worth of service vouchers to 24 other lucky customers which will be announced on the\u00a0\nHonda Malaysia Facebook page\n. Honda Malaysia is also currently running a number of campaigns, including \nBest Deals Promotion\n that rewards new customers automatically, \nBest Time to Get Best Protection\n Ecotint promotion and \nThe Digital Treasure Hunt Wall Contest\n where the public can participate in the \nFacebook contest\n and stand a chance to win a variety of prizes.\nThe new \nHonda City facelift\n was launched earlier this month and priced between RM78k to RM92k. Over\u00a0\n2,000 bookings\n\u00a0have been made in just 10 days since its arrival. It\u2019s safe to say that the City is here to reign in the long run.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve been following our stories, you would\u2019ve seen \nFord\u2019s latest teaser of what could be the new hybrid Mustang\n, due to be unveiled some time in the next decade.\nBut before all that, let\u2019s dive into the cult-like following the Mustang brand has amassed, the influence it had on the American people and those around the world \u2013 like this family of eight, for example.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RJ-3qHNteo\nFrom a 1969 Mach 1 Mustang to a 1994 Ford Mustang GT, this family has it all and the madness, started from their father as is always the case, who used to own nothing but Ford pick-up trucks but the love for all things Mustangs really started when one day he returned with a 1965 Mustang.\n\u201cIt felt like Christmas\u201d, said one of the brothers when describing the \nnew 2018 Ford Mustang\n. Find out what the other siblings had to say (or scream) about Ford\u2019s new muscle car.\nSource: \nFord"
"The \nseventh-generation Hyundai Sonata\n\u00a0was quite a hit in many markets overseas, but in Malaysia it struggled to put up a fight against rivalling D-segment models. Hyundai responded by giving the Sonata a huge makeover which was just unveiled in its native country, Korea.\nThis refresh exercise is quite substantial, and it\u2019s exactly as per the\u00a0\nsketches\n\u00a0leaked online some days ago. The front fascia shares similar traits with the current \nElantra\n and \ni30\n models, whereas the headlights are slimmer than before. Also new are the fog lamps\u2019 design. Behind, it gets a striking new pair of LED tail lamps, and the Sonata lettering is now between the lamps.\nThe blue Sonata you see here is of the 2.0-litre turbo variant, and will get a sportier mesh grille, black-bezelled headlamps, darkened LED DRL surrounds and a host of black-contrasted trimmings. At the back, there\u2019s a new diffuser with dual exhaust tips. A choice of 17- or 18-inch wheels can be had depending on variants. Changes on the inside are minimal at best, with the most evident difference being the sportier three-spoke steering wheel.\nTwo forced-induced powertrains are offered in South Korea: a\n\u00a0178 hp 1.6-litre\n\u00a0and \n242 hp 2.0-litre\n. Both are paired to an all-new \neight-speed automatic transmission \n\u2013\u00a0two cogs up than before. The range-topping 2.0-litre turbo sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in\u00a0\n7.5 seconds\n with a top speed of \n240 km/h\n. All Sonatas are offered with active safety kit comprised of lane keep assist, high beam assist, dynamic bending lights and blind spot detection.\nSales of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata facelift will begin by mid-2017. It will be making its Malaysian debut in the near future, but whether or not we get the turbocharged engines remains to be see. If Hyundai Malaysia is serious about the D-segment pie, then we can surely look forward to getting the Sonata Turbo. This will take place after the new\u00a0\nElantra\n and \nTucson turbo\n\u00a0make their debut.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Hummer is resurrecting as an all-electric pick-up \u201csuper truck\u201d on the 20th of next month. To rival the Tesla Cybertruck\u2019s eventual list of party tricks which we\u2019ll see more when it actually begins deliveries, GMC shot first by teasing the Hummer EV\u2019s \u201ccrab mode\u201d ahead of its launch.\nThe \u201ccrab mode\u201d is enabled by the Hummer\u2019s rear-wheel steering, which isn\u2019t a new technology by all means and purposes. However, it\u2019s rare that we see it being used in this manner, and from the looks of it, the rear wheels on the upcoming Hummer EV does look like it rotates quite a bit \u2013 perhaps more than the \nall-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class\n\u2018s 10-degrees of rotation.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvX3959EjuM\nWe are struggling a little to find a realistic use case for the \u201ccrab mode\u201d though, other than being a neat trick to show off to your friends \u2013 which kind of makes sense given the buyer demographics of a Hummer.\nPerhaps to make parallel parking a little easier? In any case, wouldn\u2019t it be more useful to have each wheel spin in an individual direction \u2013 like the \nRivian R1T\u2019s tank turn mode\n where the car can change direction in place?\nOur closest guess would be to help the humongous truck clear certain obstacles on tight off road trails. But the actual usefulness will still hinge on how much the rear wheels can turn \u2013 which we\u2019ll find out more in a bout a month.\nAt launch, the Hummer EV will be offered in both pick-up truck and SUV forms. Several fully-electric powertrain options will be available, with the range-topping variant making up to \n1,000 hp\n and \n15,591 Nm\n (!) of torque. With that much power, GMC says that the Hummer EV will be able to hit 100 km/h from a standstill in just three seconds."
"The new Mini is penned from the three-dimensional badge that has been around since the relaunch of the brand in 2001 \u2013 only now, it loses the protruding elements and features a flat design.\nAside from the black and white effect that projects a better clarity of the brand\u2019s new identity (as if the shape of the car isn\u2019t recognisable enough), the shading and grey tones in the previous logo have been forgoed.\nThe new logo will be applied to all MINI models as of\n March 2018\n \u2013 on the bonnet, rear end, steering wheel and on the remote control. For the eagle-eyed observers, you would\u2019ve noticed the new badge on display when MINI cheekily presented it on the \nMINI Electric Concept, due in 2019\n just a few months back during the Frankfurt Motor Show.\nAlso in the name of commemorating its roots, MINI had recently also introduced the \n1499 GT\n, in celebration of one of the most well-known classic Minis of all time, the 1275 GT.\nThe MINI 1499 GT houses a pokey little 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Twin Power Turbo engine producing\n\u00a0102 hp\u00a0\nwith 0 to 100 km/h taking\u00a0\n10.1 seconds\n.\nPower is delivered via a 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching technology and is contained by sports independent rear suspension. Only\n 1,499 units\n of the 1499 GT will be built between November 2017 to February.\nIMAGE GALLERY   MINI Electric Concept"
"If you\u2019re anything like us, the\n BMW concept XM \nmust have left a sour taste in your mouth when it was unveiled back in December last year. Billed as the first exclusively M-badged model since the \nM1\n, the soon-to-be-produced XM turned out to be a chunky SUV, rather than a sleek, low-riding sports car as one would logically expect.\nWhile enthusiasts are left scratching their heads, the explanation to the controversial choice is actually quite simple \u2013 if not a little boring \u2013 according to BMW M boss, who said that SUVs are now basically the most important segment in the car market.\nWhen asked by \nAutoblog\n, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said, \u201cWhen we did the M1, every car company that wanted to say \u2018I have something special\u2019 built a sports car \u2013 that was the segment everyone wanted to enter. If you look today at the biggest, most important, and fastest-growing segment, it\u2019s clearly the SUV segment. And, in comparison to other manufacturers, we were still lacking this ultimate expressive luxury flagship at the top of M.\u201d\nRELATED: New lightweight BMW M4 CSL storms to life to celebrate 50 years of M\nEssentially, the reason BMW made the XM into an SUV is. us \u2013 the hypocritical car buyers. We like to think that we only want sports cars, but when it comes to buying cars, most people still gravitate towards the SUVs. And when the money\u2019s there, you bet the carmakers will capitalise on it with SUVs of all shapes and sizes.\nBMW themselves have already expanded its own SUV range, covering all the \u201ctraditional\u201d numerical models from \nX1\n all the way up to \nX7\n. Most of them already have their own full-blown M variants, too, which means BMW already knows that the demand is there for the super-fast M-badged SUVs. But with all that being said, a standalone M SUV model still seems pretty bold.\nNot that they\u2019re worried at all, with van Meel pointing his fingers to the other ultra-expensive SUVs on the market. \u201cOf course, there is the \nMercedes-AMG G 63\n, the \nLamborghini Urus\n, the \nAston Martin DBX\n, and so on. You see all of these high-end, very expressive models. For the customers, this is something that has been missing at M. That was the biggest demand.\u201d\nAnd for those lamenting BMW M for forgetting its motorsports-linked roots, van Meel has a rebuttal too: \u201cIn our 50-year heritage, we\u2019ve always looked at racing and series-production cars to see where each one is going and what they can learn from each other.\n\u201cWe\u2019re continuing this with the XM: it has a V8-electric plug-in hybrid system, and [our upcoming entry into the LMDh prototype category] also has a V8-hybrid drivetrain. You can see that when it works for racing, it also works for the high-performance cars.\u201d\nThe production version of the BMW XM is scheduled to be unveiled sometime this year, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a \u201cnewly-developed\u201d V8 plus an electric drive component. There will be two different power output guises, with the first one already confirmed to offer a total system output of \n653 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n.\nThis will then be followed by a more powerful version, matching the figures first teased alongside the Concept XM at around \n750 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque.\nFine, BMW, you win this time. But I bet you still can\u2019t explain the XM\u2019s weird design.\nGALLERY"
"Team Mitsubishi Ralliart successfully clinched overall victory in its first-ever attempt at the Asian Cross Country Rally (AXCR) race, with a team of three rally-prepped\n Mitsubishi Triton\n pick-up trucks.\nOver a total distance of 1,524 km, including 637 km of timed special stages (SS), Car #105 driven by Thailand\u2019s Chayapon Yotha finished in first place overall with a time of 8 hours 22 minutes and 44 seconds, while Car #118 driven by Indonesia\u2019s Rifat Sungkar finished fifth with 17 minutes and 14 seconds behind.\nIt was not a straightforward race for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, as the unpredictable weather and natural landscapes in these parts of the world threw a myriad of challenges to the team during the rally, which ran from Buriram, Thailand to Siem Reap, Cambodia.\nThe third Mitsubishi Triton rally car, #119 meant for high-speed support, also had to unfortunately retire from the race as driver Sakchai Hantrakul tested positive for Covid-19 after SS1.\nREAD MORE: \nMitsubishi\u2019s challenger in the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally is a \u201cnearly-stock\u201d Triton!\nRifat Sungkar in car #118 suffered a flat tyre during SS2, which subsequently resulted in chassis damages, and a drop all the way down to eighth position. The team\u2019s repair work allowed him to continue the rally the next day, and he managed to claw his way back into fifth place overall.\nThe second half of the rally was also filled with challenging terrains, consisting of large, deep puddles scattered on muddy roads caused by heavy rain. With the overall win and two cars in the top five, the lightly-modified Mitsubishi Triton truly demonstrated its might and toughness in the AXCR.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi is bringing back the Ralliart name and re-entering motorsports\nCommenting on the win, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart team director, Hiroshi Masuoka said, \u201cFor this year\u2019s AXCR, we built on the high reliability and durability of the Triton by tuning the engine and chassis, and entered the rally with specifications relatively close to the production car. Even so, the two Triton rally cars delivered powerful driving, and I am very proud of our high finish.\n\u201cThe superb performance came down to the drivers, who were able to extract the Triton\u2019s performance and show us some great drives, the engineers who worked every day to fine-tune the vehicles perfectly, all the staff who provided support, and the know-how that Mitsubishi Motors has accumulated over the years.\n\u201cWe would like to feed the knowledge we gained through our participation in the AXCR back into the development of production vehicles, and build Mitsubishi vehicles that are even tougher, more powerful, and more reliable,\u201d he added.\nALSO WATCH: \nRalliart is back! Checking out the Mitsubishi Triton rally truck in Thailand\nGALLERY"
"The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos has made its debut and will slot below the bigger Tiguan; offering signature Volkswagen driving dynamics, in a smaller package with a lower price tag.\nBuilt on the MQB platform shared by the Atlas and Golf, it comes with a single powertrain will be available to all variants \u2013 a 1.5-litre direct-injection EA211 TSI engine making 158 hp and 249 Nm.\nThe Taos is available as a front-wheel or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive models are fitted with 8-speed automatic transmissions while the all-wheel drive gets a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.\nAll Taos models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature Active Control, which allows the driver to select specific vehicle settings based on driving conditions. It has four settings \u2013 On-road, Snow, Off-road, and Custom Off-road.\nDimensions wise, the front-wheel drive measures 2690 mm in wheelbase, it\u2019s 1842 mm wide and 1636 mm tall. The all-wheel drive model is a tad more compact, with a 2682 mm wheelbase. All-wheel drive models have a multilink layout at the rear while front-wheel drive versions get a torsion beam.\nOn the outside, the Taos comes with LED lighting with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) available in the higher variants. An illuminated light line is also available, stretching outward from the logo as on the ID.4 electric SUV. Roof rails are standard, with 17- to 19-inch wheels options. In the higher variants, a panoramic roof is also available.\nAs for the inside, while the Taos may be an entry-level compact SUV, the equipment list is anything but. It boasts the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit with a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument panel, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto through the Volkswagen MIB touchscreen infotainment system.\nA 10-colour ambient lighting system works in sync with the Driving Mode Selector; in Normal Mode it projects a white light, red in Sport Mode, and blue in Eco Mode.\nIn the higher variants, the Taos comes with an 8-inch display and wireless charging and multi-phone pairing. So available is the BeatsAudio sound system with 8-speakers, a 400-watt amplifier and a subwoofer.\nThe Taos also comes with the enhanced Volkswagen Car-Net feature that allows for remote start and remote lock to name a few from the owner\u2019s smartphone.\nWith the Car-Net feature, users can also locate nearby parking lots and monitor their vehicle\u2019s status such as fuel level, mileage, and door lock status. The Car-Net feature also offers in-car WiFi and even allows users to search for the best deals from insurance companies.\nOther interesting features include the Curfew Alert which notifies the owner if the vehicle is driven beyond the set curfew and Valet Alert which warns the owner if the vehicle is driven more than 300 metres from the valet drop-off location.\nAs for driver assistance, the Taos comes with IQ.DRIVE for semi-autonomous driving capabilities. This includes features such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, blindspot monitor, and rear-cross traffic alert.\nThe Emergency Assist feature helps slow the vehicle to a gradual stop in its own lane if the system detects zero driver input on the steering wheel following multiple warnings. Other features available includes Park Distance Control, Maneuver Braking, and Light Assist.\nPrices for the Taos starts from USD 22,995 (approx RM95k) for the front-wheel drive models to USD 25,040 (approx RM103k) for the 4Motion all-wheel drive models.\nGALLERY"
"The \nsecond-generation Hyundai Creta\n has just been \nlaunched in Malaysia today\n, marking the official debut of the compact crossover model here on our shores. Take a quick glance at the company\u2019s model line-up, though, and you\u2019ll notice they now have two B-segment crossovers on offer for the Malaysian market \u2013 the Creta, and the \nKona\n.\nWhile we can\u2019t comment on the company\u2019s plans and strategies, we \ncan\n compare the two models head-to-head, to hopefully give you a better idea on which B-segment SUV to choose \u2013 if you\u2019re dead-set on getting a Hyundai, that is.\nThe all-new Hyundai Creta is priced at\n RM149,888 \nhere in Malaysia, on-the-road, without insurance. So for pricing parity, we\u2019ll be mostly comparing it to the \nHyundai Kona 2.0 Active\n and \n1.6 Turbo\n variants, priced at \nRM141,328\n and \nRM150,888\n respectively (accurate as of time of writing).\nHyundai Creta\nHyundai Kona 2.0 Active\nHyundai Creta vs Kona \u2013 Exterior\nThe Hyundai Creta and Kona are both built around wildly different styling languages; the Creta has a more upright, traditional SUV-like appearance, while the Kona adopts a sleeker and (arguably) more fashionable profile, thanks to its raked rear windscreen and sharper front fascia.\nBoth models are equipped with LED headlights and daytime running lights as standard, the latter hidden in the Parametric Jewel grille on the Creta. The Kona does get the larger (and more interesting-looking) wheels at 18-inches in diameter, and if you opt for the 1.6 Turbo variant, there\u2019s also the dual-tone black roof treatment, alongside roof rails as standard \u2013 despite the Creta being the more \u201crugged-looking\u201d model of the two.\nWhere the Creta wins, though, is in size. The new kid on the block measures slightly larger in almost every dimension, but most notably in length \u2013 where it\u2019s 110 mm longer than the Kona. The elongated profile translates to not just a more substantial stance on the road, but also more space on the interior \u2013 which we\u2019ll get to later.\nHyundai Creta vs Kona \u2013 Performance\nThe Hyundai Creta is offered in a single variant in Malaysia, powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine with \n115 hp\n and \n144 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a SmartStream IVT gearbox (Hyundai-speak for CVT), taking \n12 seconds \nto reach 100 km/h from a standstill, and onward to a top speed of 170 km/h.\nAs for the Hyundai Kona, you\u2019ll have a choice between two powertrain options. The cheaper of the two variants get a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four mill, offering \n149 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n, while the other gets the significantly more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, making \n198 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n.\nThe former engine is paired to the same IVT gearbox for a century sprint time of \n9.7 seconds\n, while the 1.6-litre turbocharged mill gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for a sportier driving feel, and an even quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just \n7.7 seconds\n. That said, the Hyundai Creta does come with gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel to at least simulate the experience.\nREAD MORE: \n2023 Hyundai Creta launched in Malaysia, RM150k \u2013 Still want that X50?\nHyundai Creta\nHyundai Kona 2.0 Active\nHyundai Creta vs Kona \u2013 Interior\nBoth the Creta and Kona are quite equally matched in terms of interior equipment, with both models getting the same 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display as standard \u2013 the latter coming with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nThe Kona does \u2013 once again \u2013 stand out with its 10-way power-adjustable driver seats, a wireless charging pad (on the 1.6 Turbo), head-up display, along with an ambient lighting system and leather upholstery that can be specified in light beige if you so choose, further elevating the premium atmosphere of the cabin; the Creta is only available with fabric seats.\nAs we mentioned earlier, though, the all-new Hyundai Creta is the bigger car of the two, boasting 416 litres of cargo room at the back with the rear seats in its normal position, while the Kona only has 374 litres. The rear legroom and headroom on the Hyundai Creta should also be more spacious, although no official measurements are available for our comparison.\nHyundai Creta\nHyundai Creta vs Kona \u2013 Advanced safety\nBoth the Creta and Kona are similarly equipped with Hyundai\u2019s SmartSense advanced driver assist systems, with features including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitor and collision avoidance assist, lane keeping and lane following assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, leading vehicle departure alert, and driver attention warning.\nAlthough if you spring just RM1,000 more over the Creta for the Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo, you\u2019ll also get adaptive cruise control, which makes it capable of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.\nREAD MORE: \nHyundai Kona N Line, 1.6 Turbo launched in Malaysia, from RM147k\nHyundai Creta vs Kona \u2013 Which one to buy?\nWith the specs laid out side-by-side, it appears that the Kona remains the better value pick between the two, as even the 2.0 Active variant (at RM8,560 cheaper) comes better equipped than the Creta, not to mention its better performance. At just RM1,000 more expensive than the Creta, the Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo\u2019s significantly better performance just puts it in a completely different league when compared to the new kid on the block.\nHyundai Sime Darby Motors does try to sweeten the deal a little with the complimentary three-year/50,000 km free service package, although that\u2019s still just limited to the first 150 customers (for now).\nUnless you really like the looks of the Hyundai Creta, or truly need that extra 42 litres of cargo room at the back, we unfortunately cannot recommend the new B-segment crossover \u2013 not at RM149,888. Do you agree with our on-paper assessment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!\nGALLERY\nHyundai Creta Plus\nHyundai Kona 2.0 Active"
"Volkswagen has said they plan to expand their crossover and SUV portfolio due to customer demands as well as better profit margins which is critical for future investments. Currently, more than 20% of their annual sales is an SUV model.\nBeginning with the \nVolkswagen T-Cross\n and then \nlarger T-Roc\n in key markets, Volkswagen is now offering a third variant in this \u2018T-\u201c family. Called the Tagio, is built on the MQB-A0 platform that also underpins the Volkswagen T-Cross and new Polo.\nTo accommodate the sloping rear profile and steeply raked rear windscreen, the wheelbase has been stretched by 15 mm to a total of 2,566 mm.\nAt 4.266 m long and 1.757 m wide, the new Volkswagen Taigo is similar in size to the \nMazda CX-3\n, \nNissan Kicks e-Power\n, Honda HR-V and \nProton X50\n. It is the most crowded landscape of the crossover/SUV segment, where Kia, Hyundai, Peugeot, Toyota and even MG has a product of this compact size.\nA R-Line trim is also available from launch of the new Volkswagen Taigo, featuring sportier bumpers, wheel design and R emblems.\nAt the other end of the spectrum lies the VW Atlas Sport GT Concept. Find out more about this 300hp SUV here!\nInside, the Volkswagen Taigo adopts the new switches and design of the \nfacelifted new Volkswagen Polo\n. New features such as capacitive touch-panel dual-zone air-conditioning controls, a large touchscreen infotainment system and the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro are all available in the Taigo.\nPowertrain options for the baby coupe-SUV are a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder delivering \n95 hp\n or \n110 hp\n and a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that makes \n150 hp\n. Similar to the T-Cross, the smaller engine can be paired with manual or automatic DSG transmission, while the 1.5-litre is only offered with the DSG transmission.\nThe Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace has been upgraded for this year. Click here to find out more!\nSo, which do you prefer? Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia \nis planning to bring\n \nin more products\n and expand their SUV line-up this year. Given the choice of four SUVs (including the existing Tiguan Allspace), the Tagio would be a great addition to complement the T-Cross which is available for importation immediately.\nThe T-Roc meanwhile is positioned to be more premium and more powerful, akin to a Volkswagen Golf.\nGALLERY"
"You may not have heard of them but you\u2019ve certainly heard of Singer, the company made famous for \u201creimagining\u201d classic 911s \u2013 adding modern, sophisticated touches to the ageing body of a timeless sportscar.\nAria has been the company behind all the carbon fibre body panels used by Singer in all their projects.\u00a0Now that they\u2019ve been established \u2013 Aria is set to introduce a hypercar of their own to bring to the fight between the \nMcLaren P1\n, \nFerrari LaFerrari\n and the \nPorsche 918\n.   Oozing \n1,165 hp\n and a whopping \n1,784 Nm\n of torque from its 6.2-litre supercharged V8, 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.1 seconds (La Ferrari Aperta @ 3 seconds/P1 @ 2.8 seconds)\n\u00a0before it loses its breath at 220 mph (354 km/h).\nPower also comes from a twin electric motor mounted on the electronic front axle coupled with a 10 kWh battery, delivered through a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with Manual Shift mode.\nThe 2-door mid-engined coupe is built extensively using carbon fibre materials on its monocoque chassis and body panels. As a result, the Aria FXE weighs 1,565 kg (\nMcLaren P1 only weighs 1.3 tonnes\n). Front wheels are 19-inch in size while at the rear arches house a 20-inch pair \u2013 all four corners are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres.\nPrices for the Aria FXE is expected to be upwards of USD 1 million with deliveries expected to take place late 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 1000hp V12-powered Aston Martin Valkyrie has come a long way since it was unveiled back in 2016. The Adrian Newey designed hypercar is expected to hit the roads for testing in the middle of this year and then be homologated in time for deliveries to customers before 2019 is out.\nProduction volume of the road car is planned at 150 units (all spoken for), with an additional 25 units of the track-only AMR Pro to come later. The 150 customers of the hypercar can now begin to customise their rides with a bewildering array of options, including fitting an AMR Track Performance Pack that\u2019s supposed to yield 8% quicker lap times.\nThe AMR Track Performance Pack features a new aerodynamic front clam delivering greater downforce and efficiency, a second set exterior body panels, lightweight titanium brakes, track-focused suspension and a matte black magnesium performance wheel and carbon-fibre aero-disk set. The Track Performance Pack isn\u2019t road legal, mind you.\nFor those choosing to keep their Valkyrie on the road, there are four Designer Specification themes featuring exclusive colours including Slipstream Green, Liquid Petroleum, Ethanol Silver and Maximum Orange, while owners who want to spec it their way can opt for the Ultimate Personalisation programme, which invites owners to work with the Aston Martin design team to refine their specification, supported by the \u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 personalisation programme.\nAston Martin also providing customers with the opportunity to view their final creations via virtual reality, to be used in real-time during the specification process at Gaydon. How cool is that?\nQuick recap: the Valkyrie is powered by a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 made by Cosworth, mated to a 7-speed sequential gearbox (and RWD only) with a battery electric boost system to fill in the torque at lower revs. It has a carbon fibre tub and weighs no more than 1,100kg with a sub-3.0 second 0-100km/h time and a top speed of well over 300km/h. We can\u2019t wait for the hypercar shootout between the Valkyrie and the Mercedes-AMG One.\nAston Martin Valkyrie AMR Track Performance Pack   Aston Martin Valkyrie Spirit \u2013 Designer Specification   Aston Martin Valkyrie Ultimate \u2013 \u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 Designer Specification   Aston Martin Valkyrie Mantis \u2013\u00a0\u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 Designer Specification"
"Diesel-powered cars are all the rage in the west albeit only having a faint presence on this side of the world. That said, there is a gradual increase in consumption with improved and increased selection in diesel fuel quality with the likes of \nBHP\n and \nPetronas\n leading the way locally.\nEven the automakers themselves have heeded to the \u201cdiesel-variant-demanding customers\u201d; with the introduction of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Hyundai Tucson and \nKia Sportage\n recently.\nWhile we\u2019re still licking the wounds over here from not getting the \nHonda Civic 1.6L i-DTEC turbodiesel with 300 Nm\n of torque that\u2019s only for the UK,\n\u00a0some countries leading the way to its eventual ban alongside petrol-powered vehicles.\n\u00a0Preferred for its ability to provide good mileage, it\u2019s also cheaper and is presumably better for the environment in terms of its carbon dioxide emission.\nWell, no. That\u2019s not true \u2013 not according to the German Transport Ministry, as reported by \nAutomotive News.\nAll-electric hydrogen-powered vehicles are the way forward!\nIn the similar report, it highlighted an inquiry from German opposition party, Greens (a green political party as the name would suggest)\u00a0 that claimed that diesel-powered cars registered in 2016 was responsible for emitting \n128 grams\n of carbon dioxide per km on average. New petrol-powered cars were just \none gram per km higher\n on average.\nOne of the reason for the almost identical carbon dioxide figures was because diesel cars were generally \nheavier\n and \nhad more power, \na claim by Greens transport expert, Stephan Kuehn."
"The locally-assembled, all new Mazda CX-5 has just been rolled off to the awe of those who were present today at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nThere are three different engines available across five variants \u2013 the 2.0-litre (\n162 hp/210 Nm\n) GL and GLS, the 2.5-litre GLS (\n192 hp/257 Nm\n), and the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (\n173 hp/420 Nm\n) which is available in 2WD or AWD. All the petrol variants come with 2WD only. All five models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Manual Shift mode.   Both the GL and GLS comes with 17-inch alloy wheels while the more powerful 2.5-litre and 2.2-litre diesel variants are provided with larger 19-inch rims. All models come with LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lights except for the 2.0-litre GL variant which uses a bulb fixture for its DRL\u2019s. The same is applied at the back with all models utilising LED except for the GL model. Elsewhere parking sensors and Mazda Advance Keyless Entry are available across the top 4 variants except for the GL variant.\nInside, you get a leather interior except in the base model GL but while the top 4 variants get metal and wood combination dashboard trims, the entry-level 2.0-litre GL comes with a gun metallic appearance. The Sport mode drive selection switch is only available for the petrol variants and while the diesel variants get a \n4.6-inch\n colour TFT multi info display, the petrol variants come with a 4.6-inch TFT LCD standard display.   10-way power adjustable seats\n for the driver are standard only for the top 4 variants as the base model GL makes do with manual adjustments for both the front seats. The rear seats come with a 40:20:40 one-touch fold down configuration and is treated to rear air vents and dual USB ports.\nAll five models come with a \n7-inch full colour touch screen display\n with the MZD Connect Infotainment system capable of voice command. Two additional USB slots are available in the front, together with \n6 speakers\n and a reverse camera that comes as standard for all. The 2D and 3D mode for the GPS navigation system is not available only in the base model GL.   All models come with Mazda\u2019s i-Stop Idling Technology and \nG-Vectoring Control Technology\n. Safety wise, there are \nsix airbags\n alongside a host of safety systems which include ABS with EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Auto Hold, Hill-Start, Speed Sensing Lock, Emergency Brake Assist and ISOFIX. The all-new CX-5 has been given a \n5-star EURO and Japan NCAP rating\n.\nSupporting the industry standard safety systems are Adaptive Front Lighting System, Adaptive LED headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Smart City Brake Support.\nThe base model 2.0-litre GL is priced at \nRM 134,605.50\n, the GLS at \nRM 148,605.50\n, the 2WD 2.5-litre GLS at \nRM 160,996.70\n, the 2WD 2.2-litre turbo diesel at \nRM 164,579.10\n while its AWD counterpart is priced at \nRM 175,179.10\n. All are on-the-road prices excluding insurance, inclusive of metallic paint finishing.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After an \nextensive teaser campaign\n, Volkswagen has finally unveiled their latest SUV offering, the Volkswagen T-Cross. This is the brand\u2019s first-ever compact SUV and is aimed at the younger demographic.\nBased on the Group\u2019s MQB platform, the T-Cross measures at 4.11 metres with a 2.56-metre wheelbase \u2013 smaller than a \nHonda HR-V\n. Despite that, the designers have taken clever measures to ensure that the T-Cross will seat five comfortably. One of which is to introduce a sliding rear bench that can be adjusted by 14 cm for more passenger leg room or luggage space, the latter is rated between 385 to 455 litres.   The T-Cross is a tiny car but the designers have penned it in such a way that it appears to be larger than its dimensions suggests. At the front, the T-Cross features Volkswagen\u2019s familiar family fascia on SUVs and buyers can introduce a little more flair to the baby SUV by specifying the R-Line trim.\nOver to the rear, the taillamps are connected by a trim that runs across the tailgate while a T-Cross model designation sits below the number plate holder. Funky is the name of the game for the T-Cross, especially when it comes with more than 12 exterior colour options.\nFor powertrain options, there are three TSI petrol engines and one TDI diesel option. The entry-level T-Cross has the option for two 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol generating \n95 hp\n and \n115 hp\n. The top petrol variant gets a 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI with \n150 hp\n while the 1.6 TDI four-cylinder diesel is good for \n95 hp\n. All variants of the T-Cross is strictly front-wheel driven.\nThe key USP for the T-Cross compact SUV is its \nadvanced driver assistance systems that is available as standard fitment\n across all variants including Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring, City Emergency Braking System, Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, proactive occupant protection system and Blind Spot Detection lane change assist system with integrated Rear Traffic Alert.\nOther functions such as Driver Alert System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assist are available as an option. With the number of standard safety features available on the T-Cross, the baby SUV is one of the safest vehicles in class.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"PLUS Malaysia has announced that it will begin offering \nRFID payment facilities\n on \nall of its 83 closed toll systems\n in the country, starting \n1st April 2020\n.\nA total of \n173 RFID lanes\n (including 131 dedicated RFID lanes) will be opened along the \nNorth-South Expressway (NSE)\n, as well as the\n East Coast Expressway (LPT2)\n.\n \nThe move is in line with the government\u2019s vision of Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system, and also marks the completion of the fully-RFID highway ecosystem in the country.\nThe company says that it has been harmonising the RFID system on their highways with Touch N\u2019 Go for the past 36 months, which lead to the acceptance of the app-based payment system at all of its 10 open toll system highways since 1st January.\nPlus Malaysia Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail said, \u201cWith PLUS now offering RFID, the customer journey, which use to be from Juru to Damansara toll, has now been extended into city, KLCC for example and even to urban and sub-urban areas like Wangsa Maju or even Kajang.\n\u201cThe journey will be seamless as there is interconnectivity between the intra and intercity highways,\u201d he added.\nAlthough toll transactions via RFID is being introduced, PLUS says that the \nexisting Touch \u2018N Go and SmartTAG payment methods will still be accepted\n at the toll plazas, in order to facilitate the migration of customers towards RFID within this year.\nIn anticipation of the increased demand in RFID fitment, PLUS will be opening \n17 RFID tag fitment centres\n at \nselected rest and service areas\n (R&R) along its highways beginning \n13th March 2020\n."
"After many generations of sub-standard build quality and durability, more and more China-made cars are achieving the highest ranking in the Euro NCAP crash safety assessment.\nBoth the \nLynk & Co 01\n and Nio ES8 have achieved a five-star rating in the latest \nEuro NCAP\n assessment. The Lynk & Co 01 scored a remarkable \n96%\n in the Adult Occupant category, with a full score of 16 in the Lateral Impact test, while the Nio ES8 achieved a score of 82%. \u00a0\u00a0\nBoth vehicles then fared very well in the Child Occupant category with the Lynk & Co 01 scoring 87% versus 84% in the Nio ES8. Under the Vulnerable Road Users category which assesses the vehicle\u2019s active and passive safety systems in response to pedestrians and cyclists, the Nio ES8 scored 72% while the smaller Lynk & Co 01 scored similar marks with 71%.\nIt is however the Nio ES8 model\u2019s advanced driver safety assist system that thoroughly impressed the assessors, scoring full marks on all sub-categories except one which is AEB Car-to-Car, summarised by a final score of 92%.\nRelatively unknown, Lynk & Co uses lifestyle and community themes to sell its 01 model. More about their latest showroom here!\nThe Lynk & Co 01 meanwhile achieved a respectable score of 81%. The previous China-made cars to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating are the MG ZS and HS models in the 2019 assessment.\n\u201cLynk & Co and Nio showed that \u2018Made in China\u2019 is no longer a pejorative term when it comes to car safety.\u00a0 Here we have two new cars, both Chinese-developed, performing extremely well in our tests.\u00a0 It\u2019s clear that all manufacturers know that Euro NCAP will hold them to high standards if they want to sell cars in Europe and gratifying that they are prepared to make the investment to get the best safety ratings,\u201d said Euro NCAP, Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen.\nThe Nio ES8 is a crossover or SUV that has similar dimensions with key large three-row premium models such as the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. Seen as a premium EV specialist from China, the Nio ES8 offers up to \n598 hp\n and \n725 Nm\n of torque in a dual-motor setup.\nPerformance figures of the Nio ES8 are 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.9 seconds\n and a range of up to 580 km with the long-range battery pack. One of the key selling points of Nio in China is the battery swapping service, with owners able to change to a fully charged battery in just under 90 seconds at one of over 160 swapping stations.   Between the two brands, Lynk & Co has started its European presence last year, with the first showroom or Lynk & Co Club opened in Amsterdam, the Netherlands while Nio will begin sales in Oslo, Norway as soon as this month.\nThe Nio ET7 sedan looks so good in white, making other 3-box EVs looks mundane. Check out the 653 hp ET7 here!\nThe Lynk & Co 01 meanwhile is a compact crossover similar in size to a \nVolvo XC40\n and is available with either a \n197-hp \nself-charging or \n261-hp\n plug-in hybrid that also serves other Volvo and Geely models.\nGALLERY\n2021 Lynk & Co 01\n2021 NIO ES8"
"Bridgestone Tyre Sales Malaysia has officially introduced a new product within the Potenza lineup \u2013 the \nAdrenalin RE003\u00a0\nwhich supersedes the longstanding RE002 series. The RE003 as we\u2019re made to understand, took over two years of research and development in Japan to meet the demands of today\u2019s sports oriented road cars and their drivers.\nThe Adrenalin RE003 furthers \u00a0the brand\u2019s\u00a0Potenza (which means Power in Italian) ethos in proving that the new tyres do in fact perform better overall, thanks to several key enhancements such as the \u2018\nTriple and Half Groove\n\u2018 technology and a \nfirmer\u00a0\nand \nmore rounded\u00a0shoulder block\n. Its silica compound is also improved to provide \nbetter wet handling\n, and this is aided with the \u2018\nPulse Groove\n\u2018 technology in the centre of the tyre \u2013 a\u00a0\nwave-like pattern\n inspired by Formula 1 tyres that is also an\u00a0existing feature in the RE002.   With the new design, Bridgestone says the new tyre is capable of \ndelivering better handling precision\n and heightened driver control whilst retaining a strong balance of grip, handling stability and superior quick-lane-changing performance in dry conditions. On wet surfaces, the RE003 offers \nbetter handling\n and \nbraking\n \ncapabilities\n as well, recording a \nfive\u00a0percent improvement\n in both regards over the RE002. The improvements may seem marginal but hey, progress is progress, and in reality it\u2019s even more apparent.\nThe Adrenalin RE003 is competitively priced too, starting from RM200 to RM800, depending on the dealer. A total of \n20 sizes\n are being offered, ranging from \n15 inch to 18 inch\n wheels. The tyres are flown in from Thailand, Indonesia and Japan; most of the 15 to 17 inch series are made in Indonesia, whereas the more expensive 18 inch rubbers are made in Japan.\nThe Adrenalin RE003 is supplemented by the tagline \nAwaken the sports driver in you\n. Again, it is specially designed for drivers who enjoy sports driving and are on the lookout for tyres that provide better all-rounded performance. So for those reading, could this the tyres you\u2019ve been waiting for?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Hyundai Kona is no stranger to the local crossover scene but what you may not know is that its lineup now also consists of a fully electric variant \u2013 \nthe Kona Electric\n \u2013 that just makes moving to an electric car seamless and effortless, as you\u2019d be able to tell through the pictures. It\u2019s every bit like a purely petrol-powered Kona, only cleaner in its design, and completely silent!\nThe Kona Electric starts from:\ne-Lite \u2013 RM149,888\ne-Plus \u2013 RM169,888\ne-Max \u2013 RM199,888\nFollowing are the performance figures and charging time of the different variants:\nHyundai Kona Electric e-Lite\nBattery pack: 39.2 kWh\nOn-board charger: 7.2 kW (6.5 hours charging time)\nMax output: 100 kW (136 hp)\nMax torque: 395 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 9.9 seconds\nTop speed: 155 km/h\nDriving range: 305 km (WLTP)\nHyundai Kona Electric e-Plus\nBattery pack: 39.2 kWh\nOn-board charger: 11 kW (4.5 hours charging time)\nMax output: 100 kW (136 hp)\nMax torque: 395 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 9.9 seconds\nTop speed: 155 km/h\nDriving range: 305 km (WLTP)\nHyundai Kona Electric e-Max\nBattery pack: 64 kWh\nOn-board charger: 11 kW (7.5 hours charging time)\nMax output: 150 kW (204 hp)\nMax torque: 395 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds\nTop speed: 167 km/h\nDriving range: 484 km (WLTP)\nAll three variants support DC fast charging up to 100 kW. With 50 kW DC fast charging, the Lite and Plus need about 60 minutes to be charged up to 80% while the Max with its larger battery takes 90 minutes.\nOn the outside, you get full LED lighting front and back including rear fog lamps, along with 17-inch wheels and a roof rack. Unlike the torsion beam rear suspension in the standard petrol-powered Kona models, the Kona Electric gets a multi-link system for a more composed drive.\nThe Kona can can even be started remotely. There\u2019s also a myriad of colours to choose from \u2013\u00a0Ignite Red, Dark Knight, Atlas White, Dive in Jeju, Cyber Gray Metallic, Pulse Red Pearl, Galastic Gray, Surfy Blue Metallic, Jungle Green.\nHighlights of the cabin include dual digital displays \u2013 one for the infotainment and the other for the meter cluster \u2013 along with shift paddles on the steering (to adjust regenerative braking), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six speakers and a button-styled gear selector. The e-Max variant add powered front seats, a head-up display and wireless charging pad.\nAs for safety, Hyundai has been very generous with the features and driver aids as all variants come nearly fully-loaded; with features like Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, High Beam Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert. The e-Plus and e-Max variants gets the additional Smart Cruise Control with Stop-Go, Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear-cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Alert.\nGALLERY"
"Rolls-Royce is bespoke. Every once in a while though, the purveyors of the most luxurious cars in the world sees the need to remind us of that.\nThis time, they did it through the Rolls-Royce Phantom \u201cIridescent Opulence\u201d which was unveiled in Abu Dhabi and craftsmanship that went into the \u201cGallery\u201d of the car once again cements Rolls-Royce\u2019s position in the world of bespoke motor cars.\nThe \u201cGallery\u201d in our laymen\u2019s words, is the space on the dashboard that\u2019s made of glass, ahead of the front passenger. The \u201cGallery\u201d is assembled in a cleanroom at the Rolls-Royce factory and has been used as a stage to showcase various different artworks.\nIf you\u2019ve seen the \nIlluminated Fascia\n, the\n \nWraith Eagle VIII\n, or even this \ncrazy custom work\n, you\u2019d know what we\u2019re talking about. This time around, the artwork displayed is called \nIridescent Opulence\n by Swiss-based design house Nature Squared.\nIt\u2019s made up of feathers; \nreal feathers\n and although Rolls-Royce did not reveal its origins, they did say that extensive research was carried out to identify a sustainable species of bird with rich dense feathers.\nOver \n3,000 tail feathers were used\n for this incredible artwork as they were meticulously positioned according to the colour tone of the feathers. Subsequently, they\u2019re hand-sewn onto an open pore fabric. To complement this, even the surrounds of the clock were finished in pearls.\nIs there anything they can\u2019t/won\u2019t do?\nGALLERY"
"The recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake that\u00a0struck central Italy took the lives of 296 individuals. In light of this event, Ferrari extended a helping hand by building an extra of its halo car, the Ferrari LaFerrari, to be auctioned off to raise money for the fallen.\nThe Ferrari LaFerrari is a hybrid hypercar that is primarily powered by a \n6.3-litre V12\n. The engine is\u00a0strapped to a\u00a0\nKERS\n electric motor that together produce\n\u00a0950 hp\n of visceral power sent to its rear wheels. A century sprint is completed in less than \nthree seconds\n, and has a top speed of\n 350 km/h\n.\nOnly 499 units of the LaFerrari have been commissioned and each of them have been sold. Celebrities who are fortunate enough to own one include Lewis Hamilton, Gordon Ramsey and Justin Bieber.\u00a0Production for the coupe ended in 2015, but a \nSpyder version\n (picture as above) is being planned.\nThe LaFerrari retails for $1.3 million (approximately\u00a0RM5.3 million) a pop, but this final unit will surely exceed the sticker price when the auctioneer bangs the gavel. All proceeds will go to the quake victims."
"BMW Group Malaysia has just previewed their first ever electric vehicle (EV) to be sold in the country at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow. Available for pre-orders now, let Eu Jin give you a quick overview of the \nBMW i3s\n.\nThe \u201cs\u201d moniker denotes the sportier variant of the i3 packing 184 hp and 270 Nm of torque, sports suspension and springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and Sports mode. Century sprint is covered in \n6.9 seconds\n with a top speed of \n160 km/h\n. The BMW i3s offers up to \n260 km\n of pure electric driving range on a single charge \u2013 roughly enough to cover a one-way trip from KL to Ipoh.\n \nPriced at RM279,000 (estimated), every purchase of the BMW i3s comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, 2-Years Tyre Warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and BMW\u2019s White Card privileges.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nBMW\u00a0i3s\u00a0Previewed\u00a0at\u00a02019\u00a0Malaysia\u00a0Auto\u00a0Show"
"The average electric vehicle (EV) of today can manage an all-electric range of about 400 km to 500km, which is quite alright for the average road trip. To increase your EV range temporarily, it seems that \nFord\n has patented a roof-mounted backup battery as evident in a patent published on June 8, 2023, through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).\nThe idea is a simple one where a large backup battery pack is mounted on the roof, very much like the average roof box that we are accustomed to seeing. In the patent published, the roof-mounted backup battery is shown on what looks like the Ford Bronco with a charging cable dangling from the end of it.\nOne look at the patent will make you second guess its feasibility as EV batteries are generally heavy and this looks like it could upset the weight distribution of the vehicle. Having such a heavy object placed on top of the heads of passengers also seems to be quite risky. Skepticism aside, this is a patent for the time being and the battery used could be a small unit, and with battery technology improving in the future, it may weigh a lot less than current high-voltage batteries.\nThe abstract of the patent reads, \u201cAn electrified vehicle backup battery system includes a traction battery pack of an electrified vehicle, and a backup battery assembly that is removably mounted to the electrified vehicle. The backup battery assembly is configured to recharge the traction battery pack through a charge port of the electrified vehicle. A traction battery pack charging method includes recharging a traction battery pack of an electrified vehicle from a backup battery assembly that is mounted above the roof of the electrified vehicle\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton Exora given second life as EV Charge Go\u2019s mobile EV charger\nYes, you read that right, the roof-mounted backup battery is also supposedly removable although this may not be something you can do with just a pair of hands. Portable EV chargers are nothing new as we have even seen concept of them in Malaysia by Gentari\u2019s subsidiary \nEV Charge Go\n and by \nBMW Malaysia and EVC\n. It is the idea of making it a removable roof-mounted battery which is new here by Ford.\nAlthough it may trigger questions like weight distribution and safety, do understand that this is only a patent for now and that the EV battery technology may improve in the near future, perhaps making them lighter. This concept, however, does make it possible for you to venture into off-grid areas with more assurance on having enough range. If anything, this is just like carrying extra jerry cans of fuel on a long journey, albeit with a large battery pack.\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia and EVC unveil Mobile Charging Vehicle concept, utilises used EV batteries"
"As the saying goes, if there is a will, there\u2019s a way and as we have all encountered at least once in our lives; there\u2019s always a way. A man from Makassar in Sulawesi, Indonesia, and his soon-to-arrive dream car, the \nToyota Rush\n is one such example.\nAsriadi Syamsuddin who earns a living as a hawker has been eyeing the Toyota Rush since September 2018 and started saving for it ever since with proceeds from his business. The savings would also consist of tips from his customers.\nThe savings would go into large bottles meant for water dispensers and in just under four years, both Asriadi and spouse accumulated nine of these large bottles.\nFeature Comparison: Mitsubishi Xpander vs Honda BR-V vs Toyota Rush. Read about it here!\nThey\u2019re filled with IDR 100 and 500 Rupiah coins, along with 1,000 and 2,000 Rupiah notes stored separately in boxes. In total, the couple saved up over 271 million Rupiah (approximately RM79k) to purchase their dream compact 7-seater SUV.\nThe manager at the local Toyota Kalla Cokroaminoto dealership was happy to accept the coins as payment and said all customers should and will be treated the same.\nThat said, after three long days of counting since the coins arrived at the end of September, the staff at the Toyota dealership have yet to finalise the 271 million Rupiah which the nine bottles are claimed to contain.\nAsriadi however, has paid a deposit of 10 million Rupiah separately to confirm his new, red Toyota Rush.\nVideo: All-new Toyota Rush can now brake by itself.watch it here!\nGALLERY"
"The all-new, \nsecond-generation Mazda CX-9\n is not due for its Malaysian debut just yet.\u00a0Seeing as how relatively well received the previous CX-9 was, Mazda Malaysia unhesitatingly registered a unit for the press, way ahead of its scheduled arrival.\nWhat you see here is the Australian-spec CX-9, fully built and imported from Hiroshima, Japan. As you read along, you\u2019ll find that it\u2019s not as well equipped as a car its price should be, but also bear in mind that the equipment list is\u00a0not final.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda CX-9 2.5L Skyactiv Turbo (2WD)\nMazda CX-9 2.5L Skyactiv Turbo (4WD)\nEngine\n2,488cc; inline-4 cylinder, direct injection with Dynamic Pressure Turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed Skyactiv-Drive Automatic\nMax Power\n227 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice\nTo Be Announced\nTo Be Announced\nEXTERIOR\nMuch effort has been put into trimming the bulky SUV, and though it may not seem big in this set of pictures, the CX-9 is every bit as big as a full-size, seven-seater SUV gets. From a stylistic standpoint, Mazda deserves nothing but high praise for making a vehicle this size appear sleek and athletic. A quick comparison between the \nMitsubishi Outlander\n, \nFord Everest\n and even the\u00a0\nAudi Q7\n\u00a0makes for a suitable design benchmark.\nIts Kodo theme is immediately recognisable from the front and rear; the fascia adorned with what\u2019s\u00a0possibly the largest piece of chrome grille ever to roll out of Hiroshima, and this is complemented by a pair\u00a0of full LED headlamps and LED projector fog lamps. What\u2019s disappointing is the absence of LED daytime running lights. Instead, our test unit came with halogen bulb DRLs which, for a car costing RM300k, is a hugely unacceptable omission.   Mazda has always had a way with styling, and the decision to slap the 20-inch alloys here certainly helps with the whole packaging. Wheel sizes vary from 18- to 20-inches, but\u00a0whether or not the Malaysian-spec CX-9 will soldier on with the 20\u2033 remains to be seen. Other exterior parts such as slim LED tail lamps, dual exhaust pipes and shark fin antenna are all standard. The only way of telling if it\u2019s 2WD or AWD is through the badge on the tailgate (our test car is 2WD), though\u00a0they will both be sold here.\nINTERIOR\nThe sense of brand familiarity trickles further into the cabin. Ergonomics are pleasantly sound; buttons and dials are all well made and laid out within an arm\u2019s reach. Affixed to the centre dash is an 8-inch touchscreen panel that can also be operated through the MZD console and with great intuition. Like the top-end \nMazda6\n, the CX-9 gets dual-tone leather upholstery, while both front seats receive heating function.   The three-spoke steering wheel is brand new and will find its way down the model range, right down to the Mazda2. Other noteworthy bits include tri-zone air conditioning, push-start button, powered sunroof, \n12-speaker Bose premium sound system\n and six airbags. Both front seats are electrically powered with lumbar adjustment, but only the driver side gets memory function. Electric parking brake is also standard.\nPassenger comfort and legroom space is fairly adequate for the three-rowed SUV. Proper MPVs will undoubtedly fare better in this regard, but\u00a0those who can\u2019t care less about the criticisms others lay on their choice of cars (read: the \nAlphard\n and/or \nVellfire\n) will tend to swing towards SUVs or crossovers with more style and substance.\nThe second row seats slide fore and aft, reclines and features a one-touch tumble for third row access. Apparently, Mazda claims that the tumble mechanism works so easily that even a child could do it alone. We doubt this, because the seats do have some real heft to it. Our repeated experiences in the third row suggest decent levels of comfort, even for a full grown 80kg adult.\nPERFORMANCE\nBefore this, the Mazda CX-9 was powered by\u00a0a 3.7-litre Cyclone V6 engine (initially a 3.5L unit) sourced from Ford. It was sufficiently powerful but guzzled fuel and left a large carbon footprint, all things inadmissible for major CX-9 markets. Another problem is that the Skyactiv arsenal had nothing bigger than a 2.5-litre four banger, so the only way forward is to strap on a turbocharger.\nBesides force-feeding the engine, Mazda engineers put more effort into making the engine perform like a larger naturally aspirated engine. All turbocharged engines do this, no doubt, but the single biggest difference here is the way power is delivered to the wheels and onto the tarmac. The transversely mounted engine is tuned to produce \n227 hp\n at 5,000 rpm (250 hp on higher octane fuel) and \n420 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 rpm. It\u2019s paired to a \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\n. With that out of the way, let\u2019s see how well the theories jive\u00a0in the real world.\nTHE DRIVE\nRight from the get go, throttle response felt immediate. There\u2019s barely any\u00a0turbo lag, and believe me when I say\u00a0it feels almost as though the car isn\u2019t turbocharged. Through various surveys, Mazda found that many urban drivers rarely rev the car past 4,500 rpm, so torque is purposely programmed to be available from just above the idling rev, which peaks quickly (all 420 Nm of it) at 2,000 rpm.\nInching in traffic requires only a slight jab of the throttle, but when the roads clear, the sub-2,000kg CX-9 will sprint to 100km/h in under \n8.0 seconds\n. All that usable power noticeably tapers down from 4,500 rpm upwards, though by then you\u2019d already be above the legal speed limit. Impressive stuff, but it gets better.\nAll modern Mazdas live by the \nJinba Ittai\u00a0\nethos, meaning Horse and Rider as One. Steering is quick, light and precise, though feedback remains largely ambiguous. Drivers can expect outrageously zippy turn-ins and exhilarating propulsion, but keener enthusiasts won\u2019t appreciate the complete lack of steering feel. It\u2019s akin to driving a Daytona simulator at the arcades, because half the time you just don\u2019t know what the front wheels are doing. I\u2019d definitely\u00a0recommend exercising caution in the corners, especially high speed ones.   I might be nitpicking on the next one, but the air of luxury in the CX-9 doesn\u2019t quite live up to expectations. Mazda is great at making the \nMazda2\n,\u00a0\nMazda3\n\u00a0and \nCX-5\n\u00a0feel upmarket through use of high quality leather and finely grained soft plastics. The only problem is, the same stuff is found in the CX-9. The plastic panel covering the steering column (the one just opposite the driver\u2019s knees) is\u00a0flimsy, and to make matters worse, tyre roar is awfully intrusive \u2013 another typical Mazda trait.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf the CX-9 ticks every need on your list of must-haves in a full-size SUV, then this RM300k offering from Mazda surely deserves your consideration. However, those who are willing to spend that amount of money on a sporty-looking family mover, but want more luxury and better comfort all-around, then I strongly suggest taking a peek at the \nFord Everest 3.2L\n. Okay, the Everest is more utilitarian than sporty, but it does feel very luxurious inside the cabin.\nThe Blue Oval ladder-frame SUV also accommodates seven, comes with a full suite of driver assistance technologies and is by far the most impressive SUV for the money. It\u2019s also quite a formidable off-roader, with a water wading depth of 800mm. If you have RM300k to spare, the Everest to me is a no brainer.\nWOULD I BUY THIS CAR?\nIf I were in the market for a full-size SUV, the two reasons that would swing me in favour of the Mazda is its gorgeous design and butter-smooth\u00a0mechanics. As much as I love what the engineers have done with the engine, there\u2019s just no way I could get over the bones I\u2019ve picked with the CX-9.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After announcing that the DBX will be put into production more than \n4 years ago\n, Aston Martin has finally announced that their first SUV has entered the final stages of development, together with the official announcement of its powertrain!\u00a0\nJust as we\u2019ve guessed, under the hood of the Aston Martin DBX will sit a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, supplied by Mercedes-AMG. Producing \n550 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque, the engine in the DBX will be the \nhighest performing V8 engine\n in the current range!\u00a0\nDuring extensive real-world driving and high-performance track tests, Aston Martin says that the DBX repeatedly exceeded speeds of \n290 km/h\n (180 mph). Official top speed and acceleration figures will be announced when final tests are concluded.\u00a0\nThe new Aston Martin SUV has also achieved cornering speeds on par with the \nVantage\n (yes, the performance-focused sports car), and even beat the \nDBS Superleggera\n in braking performance! I guess Aston Martin wasn\u2019t kidding when they said the DBX will be \u201c\nsports car first, SUV second\n\u201c.\n \nThe Aston Martin DBX is set to be unveiled in \nDecember 2019\n. For now, we can only wait while listening to the roar of that glorious engine."
"Ali Baba Group is set to help combat congestion in Kuala Lumpur by setting up a traffic control system using artificial intelligence \u2013 the e-commerce giant\u2019s first project of its kind outside of China.\nPartnering with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the system will \nmake live traffic predictions and recommendations to improve traffic flow\n with increased efficiency through data acquired from video footage, public transportation systems and mapping apps.\nThe \u201cCity Brain Project\u201d as it is known is also in partnership with the Kuala Lumpur City Council where the artificial intelligence system will localised and integrated with 500 inner city cameras by May this year.\nIt is said that there is no guarantee of the City Brain\u2019s impact on traffic in Kuala Lumpur just yet but the system in place in Hangzhou, China had increased traffic efficiency by 15%.\nCredit:\n The Star"
"The Mazda BT-50 has just received its mid-life update and this time, the \nFord Ranger\n-based utility vehicle benefits from the company\u2019s Kodo design philosophy.\u00a0Its exact specifications have yet to be revealed, but we\u2019re told up front that there will be no changes to the powertrain.\nAs stale as that sounds, let\u2019s not overlook\u00a0what their existing 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre turbodiesel engines can offer; \n148 hp\n at 3,700 rpm and \n375 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm for the smaller four-cylinder engine, whereas the \n3.2-litre inline five-cylinder\n oil burner makes\n 198 hp\n at 3,000 rpm and\n 470 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Both engines are mated to a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n which sends power to\n all four wheels\n on demand.\nThe current Mazda BT-50 is priced from RM90k to RM107k\nLike its specifications, official pictures are also scarce. But what\u2019s obviously different is its exterior styling, which sees the truck getting a new, sleeker front face, updated headlights, new grille and a \nnew set of aluminium wheels\n believed to be either in 16-inch or 17-inch guise, just like before. Although there are no pictures of its rear end, Mazda assures that the tail lamps are new, and we can expect a mix of LED and bulb combination clusters.\nThe interior also gets its fair share of upgrades, possibly receiving Mazda\u2019s \nMZD Connect System\n for the first time. A \nreverse camera\n joins the amenities front, which means we can expect a \n7-inch touchscreen unit\n to be fitted just like their passenger car range. Production of the BT-50 facelift started yesterday (13 July 2015) at Mazda\u2019s manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand where it will go on sale soon. Australia is also another market set to receive the ute."
"As part of their Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of \nKia\n vehicles in Malaysia, held a nationwide campaign called \u2018Fuel Your Freedom, Discover Malaysia with Kia\u2019.\nAt the end of the contest period, Naza Kia welcomed \n62 winners\n at a prize-giving ceremony last Saturday, where each of the winners walked home with petrol cards worth \nRM620\n.\nNaza Corporation Holdings, Automotive Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer, R. Devaraju said that the contest was designed to \u201ccelebrate our customers\u2019 new ownership experience with Kia and concurrently encourage Malaysians to take a road trip and explore the diversity that makes Malaysia beautiful and unique.\u201d\nCustomers who purchased a Kia vehicle from any Naza Kia dealerships nationwide between 15th August and 30th September 2019 were automatically eligible to enter the contest. The 62 winners were then randomly selected by a judging panel."
"China-owned German car brand Borgward has been declared bankrupt in China by a court in Beijing this week. Once Germany\u2019s third-largest carmaker, Borgward was founded in 1890, liquidated in 1961, and relaunched in 2015 (by Foton, a member BAIC Group).\nThe revived Borgward was even seen in Malaysia with a showroom set up in Glenmarie a few years back. Among the cars displayed at the Glenmarie showroom were the Borgward BX5, BX7, and the fully electric BXi7 concept car. The cars even made an appearance at \nMalaysia Auto Show 2018\n.\nBorgward BX5\nUpon its revival, Borgward cars were produced at a renovated Foton factory in suburban Beijing and reached peak sales of 55,000 vehicles per year in 2019. The growth was unsustainable as sales shrunk to 3,600 vehicles per year in 2021.\nAutomotive News Europe\n reports that from 2016 to 2018, Borgward\u2019s losses added up to more than 4 billion Yuan (approx. \nRM 2.5 billion\n). In 2021 alone, the Sino-German carmaker lost 4.7 billion Yuan (approx. \nRM 2.95 billion\n) according to Foton\u2019s filings on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, where the company is listed.\nRELATED: \n2016 BAIC EV200 unveiled, Malaysia\u2019s first CKD electric vehicle\nBorgward Isabella Concept Car\nIn 2018, Borgward started selling the BX7 in Europe which is an SUV that is about the size of an Audi Q5. There were even plans for a factory in Bremen with a 10,000-car-per-year capacity, but it never materialised.\nIn 2019, Borgward launched the BX5 in Malaysia in 5 variants with prices starting from RM119k. Two engine options were offered for the BX5 which were a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.\nRELATED: \n2016 BAIC D20 previewed in Malaysia, B-Segment hatchback to be CKD\nBorgward BXi7 at the previous Glenmarie showroom\nWhen the brand\u2019s showroom in Glenmarie was still operational, the all-electric Borgward BXi7 concept car was displayed, albeit in a left-hand-drive version. A single electric motor powers the front wheels and it makes 272 hp and 400 Nm. Borgward claimed the BXi7 to have an electric range of up to 500 km.\nModels listed on Borgward\u2019s official website are the BX7 TS, BX7, and BX5. Several concept cars are also listed including the Isabella Concept, the BX6 TS concept, and BXi7 concept.\nRELATED: \nChina to allow foreign automakers full ownership of brands from next week"
"During the launch of the \nnew 2022 Proton Saga\n today, Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong announced that the company will be launching \u201cat least three\u201d brand-new models in the country within the next two years.\n\u201cAs we all know, products are the key. In the next two years, we will launch at least three brand-new models\u201d said Li, before clarifying wittily \u2013 in Malay, \u201cyes, \ntiga\n.\u201d However, the CEO stopped short from revealing just which models he was referring to, so we did a little digging (and guesswork) to find out which three.\nBack in 2018, Geely disclosed to its public shareholders that Proton has acquired the licences for three of its models to be produced and sold here in Malaysia, namely the NL-3 (\nGeely Boyue\n), SX11 (\nGeely Binyue\n), and VF11 (\nGeely Jiaji MPV\n).\nThe first two of the list eventually became the \nProton X70 \nand \nX50\n respectively, leaving only the Jiaji that has yet to make its way into Malaysia. Seeing that the \nExora \nis currently the oldest model within Proton\u2019s model line-up, it stands to reason that one of the three mentioned by Dr. Li would include the MPV model.\nThe Jiaji made its debut in China back in November 2018 as Geely\u2019s first-ever MPV model, boasting a stylish and modern design, paired to a high-tech cabin. In its home country, the Jiaji is offered in both a six- or seven-seater configuration, with three different seating layout options \u2013 2+2+2, 2+2+3, or 2+3+2.\nFor propulsion, the Geely Jiaji is available in three different powertrain options \u2013 a 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid (MHEV), 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid, and a 1.8-litre turbo petrol. The MHEV pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a 48V electrical system to make\n 190 hp\n and \n300 Nm \nof torque, while the PHEV commands \n258 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque. Both electrified powertrains are paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.\nAs for the pure-ICE model, the Jiaji gets a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol mill and a six-speed automatic gearbox to send \n181 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n to the front wheels \u2013 and if you think that sounds a little familiar, that\u2019s because it\u2019s the exact same powertrain found in the Proton X70 as well. If (\nor rather, when\n) the model makes its way into Malaysia, it\u2019ll most likely be offered with the latter \u2013 at least at launch.\nMoving on to car number two, we are expecting to see yet another SUV model, most likely to be based off of the \nGeely Haoyue/Okavango\n that has already been widely spotted \u2013 in camouflaged form \u2013 around Malaysian roads.\nThe seven-seater SUV, rumoured to be called the Proton X90, is also offered with the same 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the Jiaji above (and the X70, obviously), which makes it a lot easier for our national carmaker to mass produce here in our country.\nOver in the Philippines however, where the Okavango is already on sale, it is instead offered with the 190 hp 1.5-litre MHEV powertrain, as it\u2019s shared with the Geely Azkarra (\nBoyue Pro\n) that\u2019s also sold in the archipelago.\nThe last car of the trio is, to be honest, a little out of the left field \u2013 because it\u2019s won\u2019t exactly be a Proton model. We\u2019re referring to the \nSmart #1 EV\n, which only made its global debut last month.\nSmart\u2019s re-emergence in Malaysia is not new news, however \u2013 it was previously announced that Proton Edar, the national carmaker\u2019s distribution arm, has been\n appointed the new official importer\n, distributor, and dealer for the Smart brand in Malaysia and Thailand.\nThe #1 is built on Geely\u2019s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform, and features a 66 kWh battery pack that promises a range of up to 440 km on a single charge. Performance wise, the Smart #1 gets a single rear-axle motor with an output that\u2019s rated at\n 272 hp (200 kW)\n and \n343 Nm\n, and will have a top speed of 180 km/h.\nExcited yet? Well, unfortunately, it\u2019ll still be a little while before we see a launch from Proton. Speaking to the media after the event, Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah revealed that the two-year period Dr Li mentioned actually refers to 2023 and 2024, which means that any new car launches will only happen next year at the earliest.\nHe attributes the delay to the worldwide chip shortages that have plagued the company\u2019s production capabilities, alongside the lockdowns that have affected not just Proton locally, but also Geely in China.\nStill, it\u2019s set to be an exciting few years for Proton, and we can\u2019t wait to get our hands on the new cars to bring you the latest coverage, so keep your eyes peeled!"
"They say buy a car to get to work and get to work to pay for the car. For those who are starting out life with student loans and living expenses, taking on another commitment such as car ownership can be a daunting prospect. Car ownership is a necessary evil but it doesn\u2019t mean that you have to live on bread and water; not with \nProton\u2019s latest Fresh Graduate Campaign\n.\nThrough its subsidiary, Proton Commerce, the company today introduced a campaign to make car ownership more affordable for fresh graduates with \nlow-interest rate Hire Purchase loans\n.\nIf you\u2019re looking for an affordable \u201cfirst car\u201d, you can\u2019t go wrong with the facelift Saga.\nTo qualify for the loan, the applicant will need to fulfill these requirements:\nbetween the age of 18 to 30 years old\na graduate with a minimum of a Diploma\nholding a job with a minimum salary of RM1,500\nsubmit a letter of employment or a month\u2019s salary slip\nInterest rates under the Fresh Graduate Campaign start from 2.98%\n; one of the lowest in the segment, according to Proton. The offer runs till the 31st of December 2020, coinciding with the \nsales tax exemption\n \ninitiative.\u00a0\n \n\u201cWe are confident that this package will assist fresh graduates in owning a car, as monthly repayments start from as low as RM239 per month\u201d said Proton Commerce, CEO, Mooi Fi Phang.\u00a0\nFor the latest price list of Proton vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Nissan has revealed the new 2021 X-Trail, known as the Rogue in the US market, featuring a completely new design, with key design elements such as the floating roof, a V-motion active front grille, underbody covers to manage air flow under the vehicle and a unique air curtain that directs air flow from the front to the sides of the SUV.\nTowards the side, the Nissan Intelligent Key is now applicable to the rear doors, as well as the front. Both driver or passengers can unlock the rear doors at the touch of a button on the rear door handle (or unlock all doors by pressing twice), rather than needing to unlock with buttons on the front door handles. The rear doors itself now open up to nearly 90 degrees, making it easier to get in and out of the SUV or to get a child seat in and out.\nInside, the X-Trail is offered with a heated steering wheel and heated front and rear NASA-inspired \u201cZero Gravity\u201d low-fatigue spinal support seats. The split folding seats can even be remote folded.\nThe cockpit now comes with USB Type A and Type C charging ports, a new electronic shifter design, freeing up extra storage space under the new \u201cfloating\u201d center console. The new X-Trail is also offered with a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen display (largest in its class), a 10.8-inch head-up display, ambient lighting and a Bose Premium Audio System.\nAside from the 10 airbags, the new X-Trail also gets adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking front and rear, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist with steering correction, high beam assist and rear cross traffic alert as part of its ProPILOT Assist driver assistance system.\nWhen activated, the \u201chold time\u201d in stop-and-go traffic has now been increased to 30 seconds from three seconds previously \u2013 allowing the vehicle to remain stopped and automatically continue without the driver resetting the function or tapping the accelerator pedal. This is only available for models with ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link. Using the traffic sign recognition feature, the system can also automatically update the vehicle\u2019s speed when the speed limit goes up or down.\nThe new X-Trail also comes with the new Vehicle Motion Control system that predicts what the driver is trying to do by monitoring steering, acceleration and brake inputs. It works in conjunction with the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system through different drive modes to provide four-wheel individual control, even by applying a single brake to allow the SUV to corner more smoothly.\nFive different drive modes are available \u2013 Off-road, Snow, Standard, Eco and Sport \u2013 in the All-wheel Drive models while the Front-wheel Drive models come with Sport, Standard and Eco.\nThe new X-Trail is powered by an updated 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with \n181 hp\n and\n 245 Nm\n, with a 11 hp increase and 8 Nm increase, to go with a new electric power steering rack and new multi-link rear suspension setup.\nGALLERY"
"Ever since \nGrab\n drivers were required to acquire the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license at the beginning of 2019 at the cost of RM115 annually, the primary e-hailing service in Malaysia has returned with a positive report albeit a long way from completing the transition.\nSince January 2019, 27% of Grab\u2019s drivers are now licensed. A further 15% are still in the process of completing their RM200, 6-hour PSV course. 17% are still waiting to sit their paper-based examinations while 15% are awaiting their licenses to be issued. To date, Grab has 150,000 drivers registered with them.\nThe examinations and regulatory processes, which require drivers to be clear of criminal records and undergo medical checks, have weeded out 26% of active drivers. Some drivers have highlighted a lack of time to undergo these processes, with day job obligations to fulfill.\nWell tough luck; the safety of Grab riders/users are of utmost importance. No mechanically-unsound vehicle, nor unfit and incompetent driver should come in the way of that.\nIn the near future, Grab will focus on working with authorities to ease the \u201cscreening process\u201d . Let\u2019s hope this will not jeopardise a Grab riders welfare for want of more \u201capproved drivers\u201d and low ride fares."
"Mini\n has unveiled a new special edition model for the \nMini Convertible\n, dubbed Seaside Edition, to celebrate 30 years of top down, hair in the wind driving. Sounds like a decent idea, since anniversary models are the\n hottest\n new\n trend\n these days, but there\u2019s just one problem. the convertible Mini is not actually 30 years old (thanks, \nThe Autopian\n!).\nIf you trace the Mini Convertible to its original roots, it technically goes back all the way to 1991. And if our math is correct, that\u2019s actually 32 years ago, not the 30 like Mini suggests. The full story can be found in \nThe Autopian\n\u2018s write-up\n, but for now let\u2019s skip the pedantics and just assume Mini had their reasons.\nAnyway, the Seaside Edition gets several exterior aesthetic touches to mark it out as the anniversary model, including the 18-inch Pulse Spoke two-tone wheels, unique scuttle plates, decorative stripes along the sides, as well special graphics on the front apron that vaguely looks like \u201c30\u201d if you squint really hard.\nThe Mini Convertible will only be offered in two exterior colours: Carribean Aqua, and Nanuq white if you\u2019re feeling boring.\nREAD MORE:\n Stand out from the crowd with the new MINI Convertible Sidewalk Edition \u2013 RM286K\nInside, the Seaside Edition features edition-specific decorative trim stripes on the dashboard, alongside the \u201930\u2019 graphic badge on the floor mat, steering wheel, as well as a unique key fob.\nIn the UK, the Mini Convertible Seaside Edition will only be offered with the Cooper S specification, which means a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill underneath the bonnet, making 178 hp and 280 Nm of torque (lower than the 192 hp that we get here due to the Euro 6d emissions standard), translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n7.2 seconds\n.\nThe Seaside Edition is priced at GBP34,500 (approx RM183k) in the UK, some 5,000 quids more expensive than the base, entry-level Mini Convertible Cooper S.\nGALLERY"
"Ford Malaysia has announced that their sales performance in May took a turn for the better, recording over 71 percent of growth from the previous month at 639 units.\nThis feat is achieved through the strong performance of the Ranger, Focus, Fiesta and \nEcoSport\n models. The Ranger soldiers on as the brand\u2019s most well received model, with sales almost twice as much as in April at 413 units. Overall year-to-date sales for the Ranger rose about 40 percent compared to the same period last year at 4,128 units.\u00a0Sales of the EcoSport on the other hand, rose 44 percent over the previous month to 82 units, whereas the \nnewly launched Mondeo\n had just started deliveries.\nFord Motor Company\u2019s Managing Director of Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Mr David Westerman said, \u201cThrough May, we\u2019ve maintained positive growth over our record year in 2014, and we\u2019re confident this momentum will continue to build, as we refresh our current lineup with the new Ranger and Everest, and add the Mustang to our growing showroom.\u201d\nFord Malaysia\u2019s collective\u00a0year-to-date sales have increased eight percent to 5,623 units so far."
"Images of the purported upcoming \nMazda CX-5\n facelift have found its way onto the interwebs, courtesy of China\u2019s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology once again, our most reliable leaker (\nhah\n) thus far.\nBased on the images we obtained, it seems that the aesthetic changes on this facelift exercise is relatively mild. Up front, there\u2019s a pair of new headlights with C-shaped daytime-running lights, flanking the slightly revised grille featuring a thicker chrome trim.\nBelow that, the front bumper has been cleaned up for a cleaner, yet \u2013 in our opinion \u2013 slightly more aggressive look, thanks to the wider lower air intakes.\nThe next-gen Mazda CX-5 will get straight-six engines, and built on a new RWD platform. Learn more about it here!\nIt\u2019s also a similar theme at the rear, where the tail lights are slightly reworked with a more angular shape (featuring the same C-shaped light signature), alongside a redesigned bumper. Completing the exterior design changes are the new set of allow wheels.\nNo interior photos have been spotted thus far, but we don\u2019t expect to see many -if any \u2013 updates to the Mazda CX-5 facelift\u2019s cabin. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display was only added to the CX-5 (in other markets) earlier this year, so expect that to be retained in this updated model.\nAs for powertrains, the accompanying data sheet from the Chinese government website mentions two naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine \u2013 a 2.0-litre unit with 155 hp, and a 2.5-litre mill with 196 hp, both of which should be from the same SkyActiv-G range as the current model.\nIs the Mazda CX-5 2.5L Turbo a wolf in sheep\u2019s clothing? Read our full review here!\nWith the Chinese badging at the rear, you might think that this could be just another China-exclusive model \u2013 which, to be fair, isn\u2019t all that uncommon (like the \nMazda CX-4\n).\nHowever, the Mazda CX-5 in China has historically been the same global model as the rest of the world gets \u2013 so unless there\u2019s a big change in the company\u2019s operational policy, the facelift model you\u2019re looking at here will most likely also make its way into Malaysia sometime soon.\nCurrent, pre-facelift Mazda CX-5 in Malaysia for comparison.\nEither way, it seems that we don\u2019t need to wait that much longer, as a recent report by Japanese publication\n \nCreative Trend\n suggested that the updated Mazda CX-5 facelift will go on sale in Japan in December this year.\nThis minor facelift should also be the last one we see of this generation, before the \nall-new rear-wheel-drive model\n makes its debut in the next few years.\n[images: \nAutospy\n,\n \u6613\u8f66\u539f\u521b/qq.com\n]"
"Following the sale, Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors are establishing plans to distribute Hyundai\u2019s flagship hydrogen fuel cell powered crossover in the Southeast Asia region.\nThe two units will be used by Sarawak Energy for its pilot hydrogen production plant and refueling station project in Kuching. The project will be used to gauge the viability of hydrogen and fuel cells to power Sarawak\u2019s transportation sector in the future.\nThe refueling station will be the first of its kind dedicated for transportation in South East Asia.\nThe NEXO leads HMC\u2019s plans in the development of zero-emission vehicles with an on-board electric motor that produces 163hp, drawing power from an under-bonnet fuel cell stack, which combines oxygen from the surrounding air with hydrogen from NEXO\u2019s high-pressure storage tanks.\nThis creates electricity to power the motor and charge the battery while water vapour harmlessly exits through the exhaust. With full tanks of hydrogen on board, the NEXO is capable of travelling 414 miles (666km) before needing to refuel, which will only take a few minutes.\nApart from its environmental friendly powertrain, the NEXO also has an advanced air purification system which filters 99.9% of very fine dust (PM2.5), of which is displayed inside the car.\nThe NEXO\u2019s construction is also in-tune with environmental friendliness with the use of bio fibres from sugar cane waste and vegetable plasticisers in the headliner and carpet areas; bio plastics from sugar cane and corn waste in the door, seat, pillar and console trims and bio paint extracted from rapeseed and soybean oils for the dashboard and centre console.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar announced a spin-off to the F-TYPE family called the \nF-TYPE Project 7\n. Previewed last year in the form of Project 7 Concept, the car pays homage to the iconic\n 1954 D-type\n racer which is celebrating its\n 60th anniversary\n this year. Named in honor of Jaguar\u2019s\n seven wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans\n, production of the Project 7 will be\n limited\n to only \n250 units\n worldwide.\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXJ2wY0JjzM\nProject 7 will be Jaguar\u2019s most powerful and fastest production car to date, courtesy of a \n5.0-litre\n supercharged \nV8\n under the bonnet. The powerplant lifted right off the F-TYPE R,\u00a0 has been further tweaked to produce \n567hp\n (25hp more than the \u201cstandard\u201d F-TYPE R) and\n 680Nm\n of torque. Recalibration to the\n 8-speed\n gearbox allows the Project 7 to hit \n100km/h\n in just \n3.9 seconds\n (4.2 seconds in the F-TYPE R). \nTop speed\n is electronically-capped at \n300 km/h\n.\nProject 7 gets a new suspension setup with new front and rear anti-roll bars, and revised damper and spring rates, while the front suspension gets a more negative camber. Damper rates is constantly adjusted by the Adaptive Dynamics system to deliver optimum stability on the road at all times.\nProject 7\u2019s cornering ability is enhanced by \nTorque Vectoring by Braking\n (TVbB) that works together with the \nElectronic Active Differential\n (EAD) and the car\u2019s \nDynamic Stability Control\n. \nCarbon Ceramic Matrix\n (CCM) brakes measuring 398mm up front and 380mm at the back are fitted as standard on the Project 7.\nMost of the design elements stay true to the last year\u2019s concept car designed by a team lead by none other than Jaguar\u2019s Director of Design, \nIan Callum\n. The fairing behind the driver\u2019s head is inspired by the D-type but unlike the Project 7 Concept which is a strict single-seater, the production Project 7 adopts a more conventional two-seater layout. Compared to the F-TYPE Convertible, the windscreen is shorter by 114mm on the Project 7, and the automatic folding fabric hood is ditched for a Bimini roof that has to be fitted manually.   Carbon fibre is used everywhere on the Project 7 including the front splitter, bonnet vents, side vents, side mirror caps, side skirts, rear diffuser, adjustable rear spoiler, and the rear deck. The aerodynamic bits not only make the car look good, they also generate 177 percent more downforce at 300 km/h than the F-Type Convertible. Special \n20-inch\n gloss black \nStorm\n alloy wheels is wrapped in Pirelli P Zero or the optional Continental ForceContact tyres.   Inside, the Project 7 features more carbon fibre on the dash, while the steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara with aluminium shift paddles. Four-point racing harness is an option for the diamond quilted leather-wrapped lightweight bucket seats. A numbered plaque signed by Ian Callum can be found between the seats too.\nEach of the 250 F-TYPE Project 7 will be hand-built by Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s \nSpecial Operations\n team with its own dedicated state-of-the-art Technical Centre that reside in the West Midlands. Offered in Ultra Blue, Caldera Red, British Racing Green, Ultimate Black, and Glacier White, Project 7 will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 26th of June 2014. Customers can expect their cars to be delivered from mid-2015.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It was only a matter of time before Toyota started offering the new GR Supra with its \u2018base\u2019 engine \u2013 the BMW-sourced \nB48 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n with twin-scroll turbocharger, and Europe will be the first continent to receive it in \nMarch\n. \u00a0\n New 2.0-litre GR Supra in limited edition Fuji Speedway trim; comes with 19-inch alloys in matte finish, white metallic paint work and red wing mirror caps.\nBefore you label it as the variant for posers, consider that its power output isn\u2019t curtailed in any way by BMW, so the 2.0-litre Supra gets the same output of \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n as the \nZ4 sDrive30i\n, likewise the superb \n8-speed ZF automatic\n sending drive to the rear wheels. There\u2019s no mention of the availability of a manual transmission, however.\nAccelerating from idle to 100km/h takes \n5.2 seconds\n in the four-pot Supra, which is just \n0.9 second slower \nthan the full-fat variant. Both have the same top speed, limited at 250 km/h, though the inline-six Supra will get there faster and probably sounds better doing so.\nBut here\u2019s the thing, with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder under the Supra\u2019s long hood, the car actually \nweighs 100kg less\n, which isn\u2019t insubstantial, and because the engine is also \nshorter in length\n, it is tucked further into engine bay and closer to the centre of vehicle.\nToyota quotes a \n50:50 front/rear weight distribution\n for the 2.0-litre Supra, which is the same as the more hairy-chested sibling, but also notes that the 2.0-litre\u2019s \u2018\ninertia characteristics and chassis balance\n\u2019 are improved over the 3.0-litre for \u2018even sharper handling\u2019. Now add a lower MSRP (prices not yet confirmed), lower road tax and probably lower maintenance costs, the \u2018lesser\u2019 Supra may offer more over time.\u00a0\nToyota GR Supra 2.0L gallery"
"It might be over the top to call it the Godfather of all SUVs but judging from its bulging proportions and sheer figures, is that really an exaggeration? Here are the things you need to know about the all-new G wagon.\nPriced at RM 1,464,888 on the road before insurance, the G 63 is also powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 but instead gets higher output with \n585 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n of torque.\nWhile it may be longer and wider, the G 63 is over 100 kg lighter than its predecessor, with a fully-revamped interior featuring all-new tech such as the digital instrument display. Check out the video and find out more about the new G 63!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As fully electric vehicles (EV) do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE), the lack of noise is harmful to the visually impaired especially when crossing junctions and walking on sidewalks.\nSince the first-generation Nissan Leaf was \nintroduced ten years ago\n, EVs have been fitted with a system called Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) that transmit a soft stream of noise to alert pedestrians and cyclists of the presence of the EV.\nAs part of Nissan\u2019s brand refreshment activity, the updated Nissan Leaf will emit a new AVAS soundtrack. This bespoke sonic identity for Nissan EVs, called \u201cCanto\u201d, has been crafted specifically for the European landscape.\n\u201cAfter engineering the \u2018Canto\u2019 sound, we installed it to the latest Leaf to enable us to carry out both subjective and objective evaluations to better match the expectations of the European customer,\u201d noted Paul Speed-Andrews, Noise and Vibration Development Manager at Nissan Technical Centre Europe.\n \nThe new soundtrack can be briefly heard from time 0:38 \nThis new material is set to make interiors even quieter! Expect to be in more Nissan models soon!\n\u201cIt was important that we not only created a sound that aligned with the new regulations, but also matched Nissan\u2019s brand image. We have always been pioneers in safety and innovation and it is great to know we are helping to shape the future of electrification\u201d, continued Paul.\nThe new soundtrack varies in tone and pitch depending on whether the Nissan Leaf is accelerating, decelerating or reversing. \u2018Canto\u2019 is automatically transmitted via a special speaker hidden behind the bumper when travelling up to 30 km/h. It is audible but not alarming to the environment around it as well as occupants inside.\nApart from the new \u2018Canto\u2019 soundtrack, the updated Nissan Leaf for the European market comes with in-car WiFi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the digital Smart Rear-View Mirror as well as Intelligent Blind-Spot Intervention (IBSI).The 2021MY (Model Year) Nissan Leaf will be available from July, and locally produced in Nissan\u2019s Sunderland plant in the UK. Nissan also recently announced a \nUSD1.38 billion investment\n dubbed the \nworld\u2019s-first EV manufacturing ecosystem\n that includes a new EV battery factory and more renewable energy farms all to support the creation of a new EV for the European region.\nNissan uses E-Power technology to bridge the gap transitioning from engine to fully electric. Find out more here!\nGlobally launched in 2018, the second-generation Nissan Leaf offers up to 311 kilometres of range (NEDC cycle) per charge in a larger 40 kWh battery. Power output from the motor has also increased tremendously, from 109 hp / 254 Nm to \n150 hp / 320 Nm\n. The new Nissan Leaf can even be driven with just the accelerator pedal called the\n E-pedal feature\n!\n \nEdaran Tan Chong Motor has been offering both generations of the \nNissan Leaf in Malaysia\n, and the latest Leaf can be had with a \nsubscription plan\n rather than outright purchasing it.\nThe plan offers the usage of the Nissan Leaf at \nRM2,500 per month\n for a two-year contract and it includes all scheduled maintenance, a wall box charger and first year\u2019s insurance coverage."
"BMW\n showcased the latest development of their\u00a0\nLaserlight\n\u00a0technology at the ongoing \n2015\u00a0Consumer Electronics Show\n (CES ) in Las Vegas, fitted to an \nM4 Coupe\n. While Laserlight is already available as an option on the i8 hybrid supercar, the ones fitted to this M4 have been further developed and is cleverer than before. Not only that, the headlights graphics is an evolution to the trademark twin round corona rings and subtly hints at how future BMW headlights will look like.   One of the many benefits of using laser is that it consumes \n30 percent less energy\n than conventional lights. The Laserlight works by directing the rays from the \nhigh-performance diodes\n onto a phosphor plate via a \nspecial optical system\n, converting \u201ccoherent\u201d monochromatic blue laser light into \nharmless white light\n. The result is a very bright white light that is closer to natural daylight, with a beam range of up to\n 600 metres\n.\nDrivers will be able to leave the high beam on at all times without worrying about dazzling oncoming drivers with the help of a camera-based \nBMW Selective Beam system\n. In total darkness, the \nDynamic Light Spot\n will detect pedestrians and in turn notify their presence to the driver. The pedestrians are detected via an \ninfrared camera\n\u00a0that works up to 100 metres.\nBMW also presented the clever\u00a0(ahem)\u00a0\n\u201cnarrow clearance\u201d lighting\n, where it calculates if the path ahead to determine if it is narrower than the vehicle. If it\u2019s not wide enough, the driver will be warned that it\u2019s not safe (or possible) to proceed. How\u2019s that for total assurance when you need to overtake a slower vehicle in narrow roads!\nApart from that, the Laserlight is equipped with the \nAdaptive Headlight control system\n that works in tandem with the \nnavigation system\n to\n illuminate corners\n even before the steering wheel is turned.   The \ntaillights\n are not left out too, as they now employ BMW\u2019s\u00a0\nOrganic light-emitting diodes\n (OLED) technology. They measure just\n 1.4 mm thick\n and consume considerably less power, which paves the way for slimmer and funkier taillights design with cool light animation.\nBMW mentioned that the OLED technology will be introduced on a production model sometime in the near future. Will it be on the upcoming 7-Series limo? We shall see.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has just introduced new powertrain options as well as the first ever dual-clutch transmission applied on a Nissan volume model for their popular \nNissan Qashqai crossover\n. The highly efficient engine not only delivers improved fuel economy and lower emissions, but it also enhances the Qashqai\u2019s sporty and dynamic appeal.\nThe all-new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine is available in two states of tune \u2013 \n140 hp\n/\n240 Nm\n and \n160 hp\n/\n260 Nm\n. A six-speed manual is standard fitment to send drive to the front wheels, but customers have the option for a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (wet clutch type) \u2013 the first ever DCT equipped onto the Japanese carmaker\u2019s volume production model. Qashqai\u2019s equipped with the seven-speed DCT will get a higher torque output of \n270 Nm\n over the manual versions.   The DCT replaces the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that was used in the previous engines offers a more refined driving experience, better efficiency and most importantly a more direct driving feel \u2013 in Nissan\u2019s words \u2013 \u201cso it\u2019s more fun to drive\u201d.\nCompared to the outgoing engines (1.2- & 1.6-litre), the turbocharged unit has improved response, stronger in-gear acceleration, refinement as well as smoother and more linear power delivery. The new engines also have extended service mileage intervals from 20,000 km to 30,000 km, saving a pretty penny for customers over the lifetime of the engine.   Developed by the \nRenault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance\n, the 1.3-litre engine has undergone 40,000 hours of tests and simulations as well as 300,000 of real working driving in some of the world\u2019s most extreme conditions, ensuring the powertrain offers the highest levels of performance, reliability and durability. The engine was also developed in collaboration with Daimler who will employ the new engine in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a short period of slump, Nissan seems to have found their footing again with their latest models. The latest \nSentra/Sylphy\n and \nAlmera\n wowed everyone with their attractive styling, but we think that the updated\n Nissan Kicks\n might have just taken the cake for the most exciting Nissan car we\u2019ve seen in a while.\nAnd that\u2019s because underneath the hood of the updated B-Segment crossover is Nissan\u2019s e-Power hybrid drive technology, making it one of the first few global Nissan products to carry the technology. With the new Kicks, Thailand also becomes the first country outside of Japan to manufacture e-Power technology-equipped cars.\nUnlike regular hybrid vehicles, the new Kicks is essentially an electric vehicle with a built-in battery-charger. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine helps charge the 1.57 kWh lithium-ion battery, which in turn powers the electric motor generating a peak output of \n95 kW (129 hp)\n, and a flat-torque of \n260 Nm\n.\nThanks to the unique powertrain set-up, the electric motor is able to utilise extra electrical power from the engine when needed, in addition to the battery, resulting in better acceleration. The new electric drivetrain also allows the drivers to use the \nOne-Pedal driving function\n, as seen on the \nNissan Leaf.\nDrivetrain aside, the new Nissan Kicks e-Power also looks pretty exciting. Up front, Nissan has given the updated B-segment crossover a much larger V-Motion grille, flanked by slimmer \u201cboomerang\u201d LED headlights with LED daytime running lights.\nThe front bumpers have also been sculpted to complement the new larger grille, while the rear bumper gets a slight update with less black plastic trims. As with its predecessor, the black-painted pillars give the compact crossover a \u201cfloating roof\u201d design.\nInside, the dashboard architecture remains pretty much unchanged, barring a slightly-modified steering wheel, and a redesigned centre console to house the new electric shift module.\nOther items on the interior equipment list include the eight-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay, a seven-inch digital information display on the instrument cluster, Intelligent Rear View Mirror, as well as the jazzy dual-tone leather upholstery.\nThe updated Nissan Kicks also comes well equipped with advanced driver assistance features, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Auto Emergency Braking, Blind-spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.\nThe new Nissan Kicks e-Power is now on sale in Thailand, with prices starting at 889,000 Baht (RM121,140). Hopefully the updated Nissan Kicks will make its way onto our shores this time round!"
"The Malaysian government looks set to legalise controversial ride-hailing apps Uber and Grab, as reported by \nThe Sun\n. The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) proposed 11 motions to the Cabinet yesterday.\nAmong those 11 proposals, the Cabinet was keen on improving the existing Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) model, streamlining the budget cabs fleet and setting up a special fund for new taxi drivers. The Cabinet was also pleased with the initiative of issuing individual taxi permits to applicants\u00a0with a good and clean background. Besides that, there will also be a new system for cab companies who are looking to improve their services. Full details of the taxi transformation regulations will be released next week.\nAmendments to the new legalisation will take place at the next parliament sitting in November before the law gets enforced.\u00a0It\u00a0is said that, with the legalisation of ride-hailing services, around 150,000 new individual taxi permit holders consisting of Uber, Grab and conventional taxi drivers will co-exist in the market in the next three years.\nMeanwhile, watch our videos of GC Mah during his \u201cpart time stint\u201d as an Uber driver."
"Not long after the arrival of the facelifted \nPeugeot 208 PureTech\n\u00a0comes its hotter equivalent, the 208 GTi. The 2017 Peugeot 208 GTi packs a tad more power but comes at a\u00a0slight increase in price.\nAs facelifts go, the GTi gets a new front grille and headlamps, whereas the rear gets a pair of redesigned tail lamps with the signature tri-bar claw graphics. It runs on a new set of 17-inch \u201cCarbone\u201d wheels that\u2019s finished in two contrasting tones. Inside, the seats are upholstered in Club Nappa leather with Caro Weave fabric, complementing the sporty theme.\nPart of this facelift repertoire includes the same\n\u00a01.6-litre THP\u00a0(Turbo High Pressure)\n engine, but power is up by 8 hp and 25 Nm over the older model. The new figures are \n208 hp\n and\n 300 Nm\n! There\u2019s only a\n\u00a0six-speed manual gearbox \navailable, which drives the\u00a0front wheels. The century sprint is now completed in 6.5 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than before, whereas top speed is rated at 230 km/h.\nIn the safety department, the 208 GTi gets Peugeot\u2019s latest version of Electronic Stability Program that detects initial signs of wheel slip. Also equipped are six airbags, ISOFIX, \u00a0ABS, EBD and the regular suite of three-lettered acronym.\nDue to the weakening of our currency, the 2017 Peugeot 208 GTi receives a RM4,000 bump in its sticker price, costing a good\u00a0\nRM143,888\n. Two colours are available: Digital White or Rogue Red. Each purchase comes with a 5-Year or 120,000km manufacturer\u2019s warranty, whichever comes first.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The charging point was developed by Porsche Engineering and sets new standards for charging time where five minutes of charging gets you 100 km of driving range.\nIt is Europe\u2019s most powerful rapid-charging centre with a total capacity of seven megawatts, from electricity generated from renewable energy sources.\nAnd it\u2019s not just for Porsche vehicles. Twelve rapid charging points with 350 kW (direct current) and four charging points with 22 kW (alternating current) which run seven days a week, round the clock, caters to customers of all vehicle brands.\n \nAt least, the \u201cturbo\u201d moniker makes sense here. With their latest electric 4-door supercar, the Taycan is offered in two variants \u2013 \nthe Turbo and the Turbo S\n \u2013 when they\u2019re not even equipped with internal combustion engines to begin with.\nNo matter, the power both make more than justifies it with \n625 hp\n and \n1050 Nm\n of torque allowing the Turbo to get from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and the Turbo S in just 2.8 seconds."
"Only two months after relaunching in South Africa, \nProton\n has now shipped \n1,000 cars\n to the country thanks to the popularity of the X50 and X70. As of November 2022, Proton has exported \n5,028 cars\n globally for the year.\nProton returned to South Africa after 10 years of absence, now officially distributed by Combined Motor Holdings (CMH). Both the Proton \nX50\n and \nX70\n are fully imported (CBU in Malaysia) by CMH. After both SUVs from the brand, the \nProton Saga\n will land in South Africa in 2023.\nProton X70 and X50 shipment to South Africa\nProton Director of International Sales, Steven Xu said, \u201cThe quick take up of our vehicles in South Africa is proof of the appeal of both PROTON as a brand, and of our model range to car buyers there. We have a strong working relationship with CMH Group, and they have initiated many on-ground activities to give a taste of our current range to as many South Africans as possible.\u201d\n\u201cProton and CMH are confident of being able to grow sales exponentially in South Africa as the response we have received thus far has been very encouraging. We are committed to provide affordable luxury SUVs for South African car buyers and the Proton X50, Proton X70 have the right combination of features and value to compete with other brands. At the other end of the spectrum, we also feel that the Proton Saga will find its own niche with its combination of style, advanced features, and affordability.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton relaunches in South Africa after 10 years \u2013 to have 25 dealers in 6 months\nProton X70 shipping to Pakistan\nOf the \n5,028 units\n exported by Proton so far this year, \n2,610 units\n were exported to Pakistan, retaining the country as the biggest export market for Proton. South Africa is the second largest, while Brunei is the third. In terms of global model exports, the most popular car is the Proton Saga followed by the X70 and the X50.\nSteven Xu adds, \u201cProton\u2019s export volume continues to grow aggressively as we enter more new markets and establish a mixture of CBU and CKD strategies depending on market conditions. Export sales is one of the pillars for our sales growth and as such, we will strive to continue to grow aggressively over the coming years and bolster our position as the leading exporter of vehicles for Malaysia.\u201d\nRELATED: \nThe first Saga has rolled off the assembly line at Proton\u2019s Pakistan CKD Plant"
"Bugatti, most famous for their gas-guzzling insane hypercars powered by the iconic 8.0-litre 16-cylinder engines, could be sold off by Volkswagen to Croatian electric hypercar maker Rimac Automobili, according to a report by \nCar Magazine UK\n.\nAccording to sources close to the matter, the deal has already been approved by Volkswagen Group executives last week, now awaiting for the final proverbial stamp of approval by the group\u2019s supervisory board.\nThe Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport recently \nunderwent final testing\n at the Nardo proving ground in Italy.\nIn exchange, \nCar Magazine\n reports that VW Group\u2019s darling Porsche will see an increased stake in the Croatian EV company. Currently, the German sportscar maker holds a 15.5% share in Rimac, which makes it one of the biggest shareholders after the company\u2019s founder himself, Mate Rimac, who holds 51%.\nApparently, as Volkswagen realigns their efforts towards electrified mobility, the Group has become disinterested in pouring money in towards luxury petroleum power-focused brands such as Bugatti, Bentley, and Lamborghini \u2013 all of which, could also be facing the chopping block at VW alongside Seat (and its sister brand Cupra), Ducati, and Italdesign.\nThese luxury supercar makers were added into the VW Group portfolio during the reign of former boss Ferdinand Piech, who fell out with the company in 2014, and later passed away in 2019.\nSo called Piech\u2019s \u201chobby brands\u201d, it was pretty much impossible to severe ties with them without losing the support of Piech\u2019s surviving family members, who owns 50% of controlling interest in the group. Well, unless Porsche was put in the centre of the deal \u2013 hence the exchange of Rimac shares, of which Porsche hopes to acquire up to 49%.\nWhile the deal might sound odd in the perspective of Rimac, the acquisition of the Bugatti brand and its relevant infrastructure could very well be the stepping stone needed to increase its production capacity from just a couple of handfuls since its inception, to \nTesla\n-rivaling numbers \u2013 especially since its recently-announced \nRimac C_Two\n has yet to enter production.\nAccording to \nCar Magazine\n, Bugatti\u2019s current CEO Stephan Winkelmann \u2013 who will most likely be removed from the position if the deal goes through \u2013 recently green lighted the Vision Le Mans concept car to be made as a one-off track-only fully-electric hypercar. Could this have anything to do with the deal? We\u2019ll have to wait to find out."
"How do you gauge the build quality and safety of a new car at the showroom? Apart from physically touching the materials and panels inside the car or intensively staring at panel gaps, we Malaysians are also quite fond of the classic \u201cslam-the-door technique\u201d \u2013 the solid, deep thumping sound from closing the doors is the definitive mark of a well-built car, right? Well, not really, actually.\nThe sound that you hear from closing the doors of a brand-new \nBMW\n \nfor example is actually engineered specifically to make you feel that way, as reported by \nMel\n, thanks to a little something called \u201cpsychoacoustics\u201d, which essentially means the study of the psychological, cognitive and\u00a0sensory responses associated with sound.\nStanford University Centre for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics professor, Jonathan Berger explains: \u201cOne of the first things a\u00a0prospective car buyer\u00a0encounters is the sound of the driver\u2019s door closing \u2014\u00a0often inside the showroom. This sound gives a subconscious sense of value.\u201d\nBerger has even put the hypotheses to test with his psychoacoustic class students, where he had them rank eight car doors from least to most expensive, just based on the sound that it makes. Respondents felt that a \u201clow, soft thud\u201d with an after sound of some sort (Berger gave the example of a \u201cker-chunk\u201d) sounds the most premium.\nThe results mirroring a similar decade-long study from Purdue University, which concluded that tinny door-closing sounds give off the perception of cheap and flimsy cars. Of course, car manufacturers already know that, and thus employ a group of acoustic engineers to make the sound of their doors \u2013 among many other things \u2013 sound just right. \nLexus\n even made a commercial for their engineered door-shutting sound.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGqG81R1Zds\nThe practice started about 10 years ago, according to the co-founder of\n \nAutoBead\n, James Ford, where changes in the manufacturing process thanks to more stringent safety standards changed the sounds car doors made while closing. \u201cEngineering the right sound of a car door closing was their first opportunity to\u00a0make buyers feel the car\u2019s quality, craftsmanship and safety and to\u00a0justify a premium price tag.\u201d\nTo be fair though, when we say \u201cengineer\u201d, we don\u2019t mean fake sounds \u2013 like engine noise \u2013 pumped into the cabin via the sound system. Manufacturers use specific combinations of soft materials such as mats or foam on the metal surfaces of the door \u2013 and each brand will have their own \u201cblend\u201d, so to speak \u2013 to absorb or block unwanted noise, while creating their own unique \u201cthwump\u201d sound.\nWithout these dampeners, the car door closing would sound more like two pieces of metal clanging together, which we imagine doesn\u2019t sound like a pleasant experience at all. After that, the engineers then alter the locking mechanism to make \u201cjust the right sort of \nclick\u201d \n(see: \nMercedes-AMG G 63\n) for the perfect after sound as explained by Berger.\nSo yes, your solid-sounding door is a lie, and it doesn\u2019t directly reflect the safety and build quality of the car. Although, the fact that manufacturers put the effort to craft the sound your car makes when you slam the door is a good indication that the new car you\u2019re planning to buy is well engineered to even the smallest details.\nMake of it what you will with this new information, but I know that I probably wouldn\u2019t be slamming on car doors the next time I walk into a dealership."
"Seems that SUV\u2019s are all the craze right now that even \nFerrari can\u2019t resist building one\n. Volkswagen has just released a teaser of all-new crossover SUV called the T-Roc through a number of sketches ahead of its global debut happening on 23 August 2017.\nThe T-Roc combines the dynamism of an SUV with the athleticism of a sporty compact crossover. Both characteristics are reflected on the design which is off-road friendly yet befitting of an urban setting. Judging from the sketches it appears that the T-Roc will feature a \nfastback like silhouette\n with strong body lines much like the \nRange Rover Evoque\n.\nThe wide radiator grille with integrated dual headlamps makes the T-Roc instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen. Interestingly, the turn signals and daytime running lights will be positioned in the bumper where the fog lamps are, creating a distinctive appearance at night that is independent from the \nTiguan\n. If we know Volkswagen, a sporty R-Line trim should be among the works too.\nExpect a range of 1.5-litre to 2.0-litre TSI and TDI engines mated to the group\u2019s DSG dual clutch and manual transmissions. Front wheel drive should come as standard with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system option. Keep your eyes peeled for this sleek SUV!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When introducing limited edition models, some manufacturers plaster their cars with stickers, shiny wheels, slap on a \u201cone of\u201d badge and call it a day. That\u2019s hardly any different than taking a regular car to an aftermarket expert eh?\nMINI Malaysia understands the significance of the term \u201cLimited Edition\u201d and isn\u2019t about to smear its significance with some 3M stickers \u2013 and as such, is appealing to the sophisticated ladies and the fine gentlemen with the 20-unit limited edition MINI Clubman Sterling Edition.\nIn an unprecedented move, keen buyers can only place a booking for the car online at MINI\u2019s \ndedicated website\n. The flash sale will go live from \n15 August till 26 August 2017\n. To secure a booking, potential buyers will have to put down a RM2,000 deposit with an indicative price tag of \nRM268,888\n.\nSo, what do you get for a \nRM15k premium\n over a regular \nCooper S Clubman\n? For starters, it is only available in Melting Silver that\u2019s contrasted with the Black Union Jack roof, mirror caps and side scuttles. It rides on bespoke \n18-inch MINI Yours Masterpiece\n alloy wheels, also finished in black.\nInside, aside from all the standard options of a Cooper S Clubman, the Sterling Edition adds on with\u00a0\nIndigo Blue\n and \nPure Burgundy\n leather upholstery, \u201cWalknappa\u201d leather steering wheel and MINI Yours illuminated interior.\nMechanically, it is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making \n192 hp\n and\n 280 Nm\n of torque. The century sprint is completed in\u00a0\n7.1 seconds\n before the Clubman maxes out at \n228km/h\n. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed Aisin-sourced automatic transmission.\nManaging Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr. Han Sang Yun said, \u201cToday, the New MINI Clubman Sterling Edition, is a modern take on one of the most iconic cars in the world. Limited to \nonly 20 units made available in Malaysia\n, this MINI is exceptionally well-made with unique versatility to its body concept and individual style. Known as the car for the vibrant individuals of the modern age, this limited-edition MINI is bound to excite and make its mark in the premium compact segment\u201d\nLike all MINI models sold via BMW Group Malaysia, the MINI Clubman Sterling Edition comes with \n4-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During the 2023\n \nToyota\n \nFinancial Results Press Briefing, the company shared a rather interesting detail on its plans for electric vehicles (EVs). While Toyota has previously mentioned that it will debut 10 EVs by 2026, a slide during the presentation suggests 1 sports EV and 2 luxury EVs by 2026. Do take note that the illustrated figures may not represent the actual quantity of the vehicles, and that they could also either be Toyota or \nLexus\n \nmodels.\nToyota has also previously mentioned that it targets a 1.5-million-unit base volume for its EV sales in 2026. In the recent financial presentation, Toyota President, Koji Sato said that the focus will be on markets like the United States and China. To cater to the increasing number of its EVs, Toyota will secure its battery supply by \u201cincreasing its in-house production capacity\u201d and collaborating with its partners.\nAmong the 10 upcoming EVs that will be launched by Toyota in 2026, the models range from luxury to SUV, Compact/Sedan, Commercial/MPV, and Sports. In the presentation shared by Toyota, the \nelectric Hilux\n was depicted under Commercial/MPV while the \u2018Toyota bZ compact SUV\u2019 and a \u20183-row SUV\u2019 was depicted under SUV. Toyota will also debut several compact/sedan cars which should be about the size of the \nToyota bZ3 sedan\n which is a China-exclusive model.\nInterestingly, 2 silhouettes are outlined under \u2018Luxury\u2019 with one being of a shooting brake and the other being of a saloon. Whether the EVs will be branded as Toyota or Lexus models is still unknown. Perhaps the most enticing figure in the presentation slide would be the silhouette of the one \u2018Sports\u2019 EV that is set to debut by 2026.\nRELATED: \nToyota promises to keep making GR sports cars under new CEO\nPreviously, Toyota had already unveiled its array of EV concept cars. Among possible bases for the luxury EVs are the \u2018Lexus Electrified Sedan\u2019 and \u2018Lexus Electrified SUV\u2019. As for the \u2018Luxury\u2019 EV, it could take inspiration from the \u2018Lexus Electrified Sport\u2019 or even the Lexus Sports EV which appears to be a small and fun sports car.\nFor the EV models that will debut by 2026, Toyota is set to unveil the concept of these cars this year during \u201cJapan Mobility Show 2023\u201d which will happen in late October. The concept will show the totally renewed vehicle base for Toyota which will be built on three new platforms \u2013 a new \u201cBody & Chassis\u201d platform, a new \u201cElectronic\u201d platform, and a \u201cSoftware\u201d platform. In another slide, Toyota teased a side profile of an EV with a text that read \u201cBEVs only a carmaker can offer\u201d, perhaps jabbing at EV makers which started out as technology or battery companies.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota Motor sold 6,767 cars in April 2023, continues to assure Vios\u2019 safety\nLexus Electrified Sedan\nLexus Electrified Sport\nLexus Electrified SUV\nToyota Sports EV\nToyota may have been late to the EV party, but after revealing its 10 electric concept cars at the end of 2021, it seems that Toyota has taken speedy measures to catch up. Although the push may be strong for EVs, Toyota is still firm on its stance of a \u201cMulti-Pathway\u201d strategy which involves HEV, PHEV, BEV, FCEV, H2, and CN fuels.\nRELATED: \nToyota & Lexus to launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030\nGALLERY"
"Honda Automobile Thailand early this November unveiled the all-new \nHonda HR-V\n with all the details and features but withheld the pricing. \u00a0\nStarting today, the all-new Honda HR-V e:HEV starts its pricing from \nTHB979,000\n (approx. RM125k) for the E variant, THB1,079,000 (approx. RM138k) for the EL variant and \nTHB1,179,000\n (over RM151k) for the range-topping RS variant. Although packed with more technology and features, the prices are only a slight increase of between THB20,000 to THB60,000 compared to the outgoing model.\nAll Honda HR-V Hybrid variants also undercut the \nToyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid\n that has its pricing range from THB1,019,000 to THB1,199,000. Nissan Thailand meanwhile prices their \nKicks\n E-Power from THB889,000 to THB1,049,000.\nOne major reason why the more technologically advanced new-generation line-up does not see a huge price increase is due to the transparent green vehicle policies legislated by the Thai Board of Investment (BoI).\nWith Honda Automobile Thailand committed to building hybrid batteries and other associated components that contribute to ultra-low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, the excise tax applied to the new Honda HR-V Hybrid is only \n4%\n, compared to a massive 20% on the outgoing model as well as the new Civic Turbo.\nThis significantly lower tax rate allows the vehicle to be fitted with plenty of new features whilst keeping the price increment controllable. Among the \u2018wow\u2019 features in the range-topping Honda HR-V Hybrid RS that is cheaper than the equivalent \nHonda Civic Turbo RS\n are the panoramic glass roof, exclusive smoke coloured tail lamp, 18-inch wheels, powered tailgate with walk-away auto closure and two-tone body colour.\nWant to know more about Toyota\u2019s, Honda\u2019s and Nissan\u2019s self-charging hybrid systems? We made a quick summary here!\nTo be awarded the 4% excise tax incentive, the Honda HR-V Hybrid must emit less than 100 g/km of CO2 or approximately 4.3 litres per 100 km in fuel consumption (ECE R101 method), which the e:HEV system overachieving through an official reading of \n3.9 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe hybrid system in the new Honda HR-V comprise of an electric motor pushing out \n131 hp and 253\n \nNm\n of torque paired with a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine peaking 105 hp and 127 Nm. This power unit is also seen in the City sedan and hatchback hybrid variants, albeit with lower outputs.\nAs for availability in Malaysia, we will need to be patient until at least two other models have completed their official launches- the upcoming \nHonda City Hatchback\n and the all-new 11th generation Honda Civic. Honda Malaysia recently updated the current generation Honda HR-V 1.8 with a host of additional features and priced at just \nRM105,364\n.\nGALLERY"
"At long last, the \nnew Mitsubishi Triton launched in Bangkok\n two months ago, is here \nafter a preview at KLIMS 2018\n and will be available in five variants.\nThe highest spec \nTriton Adventure X\n goes for RM135,200, followed by \nTriton AT Premium\n at RM118,600, \nTriton MT Premium\n at RM112,500, \nTriton AT\n at RM105,990 and \nTriton MT \nat RM100,200.\n \nThe new Mitsubishi Triton is imported as a\n CBU vehicle from Thailand\n and is the only pick-up in Malaysia (2.4-litre category) to come with a 5 year/200,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.\nPerformance wise, the new Triton is powered by the same 2.4-litre MIVEC VGT engine with\n 181 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque.\nIn terms of the transmission, the Triton gets a \nnew 6-speed automatic\n instead of the previous 5-speed unit for smoother and more refined acceleration, as \nwe experienced first hand in Bangkok\n.\nWhile the previous model Triton had already proved that pick-ups can be comfortable, larger diameter rear dampers have been adopted in the new model for even better ride comfort and reduced body roll.\nOn the braking front, the Triton now utilises larger front disc brakes, complemented by larger brake calipers.\nBy far the biggest change on the new Triton is how it looks. It now wears the Dynamic Shield design language which will be applied onto future Mitsubishi models.\nThe high spec model gets Bi-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, while its fog lamps are halogen units.\nThe headlamps in itself are now positioned higher \u2013 700mm off the ground \u2013 so they wouldn\u2019t be submerged and malfunction in the event of a flood.\nIts wheel arches are now noticeably flared, giving the new Triton a more muscular stance.\nAs for size, the new Triton is 10mm longer and is 15 kg lighter compared to its predecessor \u2013 not that we\u2019d care cause it looks so enticing.\nInside, the new Triton\u2019s interior design remains largely similar save for some minor tweaks.\nThere\u2019s a new switch gear, soft touch materials on the door panels and more noticeably by the knees.\n By far the coolest addition has to be the rear air-con vents with fan speed controls, mounted onto the \u201cceiling\u201d of the new Triton. \nBehind the armrest, you\u2019d find a sizeable tray, companied by two USB ports. In total, the new Triton comes with four USB ports.\nThe Triton\u2019s driver assistance systems have also been significantly upgraded.\nWhile the old model only had the likes of Active Stability Control and Traction Control to shout about, the new Triton now features Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) that works\n up to 60 km/h\n, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nIt also comes with Hill Descent Control and Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System that works\n up to four metres (front and back)\n which essentially ensures that you\u2019d never reverse or drive into a wall/car by accident.\nAn Auto High Beam feature is also available in the top Adventure X variant, alongside seven airbags. The rest of the models will receive two airbags with ISOFIX as standard across the board.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What do you get if you tell the designers of\u00a0McLaren Applied Technologies to let loose of their imaginations and be crazy when it comes to designing the next generation Formula One race car? The answer is, you get a radical but futuristic concept known as the McLaren\u00a0MP4-X.\nAt first glance, the concept does ring a bell or two to fans of this classic anime series \u201c\nFuture GPX Cyber Formula\n\u201c. \u00a0Apart from its slick and silky smooth design, there\u2019s a closed canopy cockpit, enforcing safety to the driver after the tragic accident that \ntook Jules Bianchi\u2019s life\n\u00a0not too long ago.\nAccording to McLaren, they have combined a number of F1\u2019s key ingredients \u2013 \nspeed, excitement\n and \nperformance\n. The MP4-X ditches the internal combustion\u00a0engine, instead it\u2019s powered by an\u00a0\nelectrical powertrain\u00a0\n(and no, not Honda\u2019s), something McLaren has experienced with the P1 hypercar and its exploits in Formula E cars.\u00a0When the car requires a boost, it uses \nsolar energy\n to gain performance.\nApart from that, the car features \nactive aerodynamics\n where electrodes fitted to the surface of the car\u2019s wings would electronically control the bodywork. It may use engine power to channel energy in a form of plasma flow control to change the bodywork, allowing downforce to be adjusted according to conditions. Talk about rocket science.\nSince the MP4-X throws away what is written in the current F1 regulations, it features\u00a0\nhuge venturi tunnels\n underneath the floor. This allows ground effect to take place, increasing the car\u2019s traction at high speeds.\nRemember the time you were playing driving video games like Gran Turismo, where information such as car status, map, timer, track conditions and other essentials get projected onto your TV screen?\u00a0Well, you\u2019ll get some sort of a similar experience while driving the MP4-X.\nTo start, the driver\u2019s helmet is a\n\u00a0helmet-mounted display system\n\u00a0(HDMS) that allows the driver to check competitors and relay useful info to the team. As the car is fitted with cameras, the driver will have\u00a0an unrestricted 360 degree view of his/her surroundings. Also, there\u2019s a head-up display (HUD), alerting drivers of an imminent overtaking by fellow competitor, caution flags and obstacles on the track.\nTo complement this car, McLaren has also envisaged the racing suit of a future F1 driver\u00a0and it\u00a0will comprise of \nsmart fabrics\n \u2013 a mix of conductive, energy-harvesting and energy-storage fibres; inbuilt bio-sensors and power management. The suit can monitor the health of the driver, and can relay the impact trauma or injury in the event of an accident. Think of Iron Man\u2019s suit (minus the bulky armour) and you won\u2019t be far off.\nBravery and fast motor skills may not be necessary the only skills the driver must have, as the MP4-X can be steered not by physical controls but through a holographic system that\u2019s controlled by monitoring the electrical signals within the driver\u2019s brain.\nAs ambitious as these things sound, many of these technologies are still in its infancy and may just not make it to see the light of day.\u00a0Apart from meeting stringent FIA rules that\u2019s stricter than a typical Asian tiger mum, it\u2019ll be horribly expensive to develop as well. In the current era of F1 where many smaller teams are financially struggling, such an endeavour may dampen such advancements.\nDespite that, we applaud McLaren\u2019s vision of the future of F1, providing some of the craziest ideas that could inject the much-needed excitement in the pinnacle of motorsports. Now, if only they can do something magical for the Honda powertrain for next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In light of the ongoing flood situation affecting major states across Malaysia and particularly in Shah Alam and Klang, TC Subaru is reaching out to Subaru owners impacted by the disaster to assist them during these challenging times.\nAll Subaru authorised service centres nationwide will be offering flood-affected vehicles a 15% discount on all parts. Owners of flood-damaged Subaru models can call the Subaru Careline Assist at \n1-800-22-9898\n or bring their vehicles to any authorised service centre by December 31st 2021.\nThe move is to help owners keep their Subaru models in optimal condition.\nTC Subaru earlier launched the Subaru Connex telematics system. More about the feature here.\nTC Subaru, Country Manager, Eugene Tay said, \u201dWe want to reach out to Subaru owners who are affected by the sudden floods after the unrelenting downpour over the weekend. As safety remains paramount for us, we want to assure our customers that we are here to ensure that their Subaru vehicles continue to provide safe, peace of mind drives even after this unexpected flood,\u201d"
"What we have here could be the fastest Toyota Prius in the world. Well, sort of. Toyota, through APR Racing, is set to race using the \nfourth-generation Prius\n for the GT300 category in this year\u2019s Super GT championship.\nUnveiled in last week\u2019s\u00a0Tokyo Auto Salon, this is not the first time a Prius is spotted in the realm of motorsports. The third generation Prius made its debut in the 2012 Super GT season under the APR Racing arm and won its maiden race the following year. Just like most machines in Super GT, the race car version of the Prius will be significantly different from the\u00a0standard variant.\nFor starters, the 1.8-litre petrol engine that powers the standard Prius has been removed to make way for a mid-mounted \n3.4-litre \u2018RV8K\u2019\u00a0V8\n race engine. Although this V8 engine is capable of producing over 500 hp (as seen in its exploits in Super Formula open wheel racing), GT300 regulations have capped the car to produce at most \n300 hp\n.\nToyota\u2019s improved\u00a0\nHybrid Synergy Drive\n system has also been relocated to the passenger footwell for improved weight distribution. This means that the car is still technically a hybrid. It\u2019s not all gloom and doom too, because F1 and World Endurance Championship LMP1 class prove that hybrid powertrain is beneficial for racing too!\nJust like an ordinary GT car, there are aerodynamic enhancements to keep the car glued to the road. Such components include a front\u00a0splitter, side fenders, rear diffuser and a huge wing that should do the trick. On the inside, the standard seats and dashboard have all been taken out to make way for a\u00a0digital tachometer and a steering wheel plucked from a Formula One car.\nThe hot new racing Prius will make its racing debut in the opening leg of the 2016 Super GT session held in Okayama International Circuit on 9 and 10 April 2016."
"Shell Malaysia has introduced the new Shell Helix Professional range, specially tailored to meet the requirements and specifications of a select group of car engine manufacturers. The new Shell Helix Professional range is comprised of the \nShell Helix Ultra Professional ABB 5W- 40\n and \nShell Helix HX7 Professional SN 5W-30\n.\nShell Lubricants, General Manager for Malaysia and Singapore, Nyon Kam Yew said that the new engine oil range enables the car manufacturers\u2019 official service centres and specialist workshops to deliver more value via customised service packages to benefit their customers.\n\u201cWith the new range of engine oil, these businesses can now incorporate a genuine, premium quality engine oil with proven performance from a trusted brand in special value service packages,\u201d he said.\nDeveloped for high-performance petrol and diesel engines, the fully synthetic Shell Helix\n \nUltra Professional ABB 5W-40 is formulated with Shell\u2019s proprietary PurePlus Technology and features a 99.5% pure base oil made from natural gas.\nBoth Shell Helix Ultra Professional ABB 5W-40 and Shell Helix HX7 Professional SN5W-30 will also feature Shell\u2019s unique \nActive Cleansing Technology\n to keep the engine close to factory-clean and prevent deposit build-up, while providing excellent wear and corrosion protection, even under extreme operating conditions.\nAs a result, both lubricants offer enhanced fuel economy as well as sludge and wear protection to help keep maintenance costs low.\nBMW Malaysia is the \nfirst premium car marque to introduce the Shell Helix Professional range\n into its service programme. Their latest engine oil service programme will now feature the Shell Helix Ultra Professional ABB 5W-40 to ensure a premium ownership experience for BMW owners in Malaysia.\nRecently, Shell also added the new \nShell Helix Power and Shell Helix Protect\n into their range of engine lubricants. Find out more about it \nhere\n."
"After more than 10 years in the Malaysian market, G\u2019zox has opened a new outlet in Glenmarie and it\u2019s the biggest among 11 others in the country.\nAside from the usual vehicle coating and auto detailing services, the outlet also offers services to protect the paint of your car\u2019s exterior and interior, windscreen protection films, disinfection services, custom made car mats and custom vinyl wrap.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, these are the same guys who were tasked to wrap a very unique \nBMW M4 \nwhich was on display at Pavilion during Malaysia Day\n.\n They were also responsible for the \nBMW 2 Series Gran Coupe wrapped in Batik designs, previewed to us recently\n.\nThe facility in Glenmarie also houses a cafe, racing simulator, customer lounge, kids corner and a pool table, with personalised manicure and massage services.\nAs for the rates, a car wash starts from RM17, while polish and waxing packages starts from RM190. If you feel like pampering your car a little more, glass coating services start from RM1,800 while the paint protection film packages start from RM500 for the headlamps. Vinyl wrap services start from RM4,000 onwards.\nG\u2019zox Glenmarie also provides rental space for private events by car clubs and other organisations along with catering, and the necessary lighting and sound equipment.\nG\u2019zox Glenmarie is located at Lot 4, Jalan Kartunis U1/47, Temasya Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. For appointments, call 03-55696588 or 012-9883983. Business hours from Monday to Saturday are from 9 am to 6 pm.\nGALLERY"
"Among the trio of Mercedes-AMG SUVs launched yesterday, the GLC 63 S Coupe stood out with its unmistakably unique Coupe like body design. Here are the things you need to know about the visually-alluring SUV.\nUnder the hood, boasts an engine and transmission that\u2019s similar to the one in the GLC 63 S 4MATIC, with the similar 0 to 100 km/h and top speed figures \u2013 3.8 seconds and 270 km/h.\nThe\u00a0Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe 4MATIC is priced at \nRM 933,888\n on-the-road without insurance, a full RM18k more than the GLC 63 S 4MATIC.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u201cThis is no mere GT. Grand is not enough\u201d. This is the teaser slogan \nAston Martin\n is advertising to tease its new upcoming next-generation model of the iconic DB series. Confirmed to be debuted on \nMay 24\n, \n2023\n, the birth of this new grand tourer will also be marking the brand\u2019s 75th anniversary of its DB series.\nAston Martin claimed the upcoming DB model to be a sports car that breaks free from the norms of the GT sector. The sports carmaker also mentioned this next-generation DB grand tourer and its future models to be characterised by prodigious performance and pinpoint driving dynamics.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts \u2013 F1 medical car replica\nTwo core values have been set by the British luxury sports carmaker for its upcoming models. These values include high performance and ultra-luxury, which has always been what Aston Martin is all about over the years. Aside from performance, the future generation models are also said to feature advanced technologies that come with seamless integration, sublime style, as well as impeccable craftsmanship.\nUnfortunately, no further details have been shared by Aston Martin regarding this upcoming DB grand tourer. Whether it will be powered by the carmaker\u2019s V12 engines or electric motors, we will have to wait and see.\nCloser to home, \nAston Martin Kuala Lumpur\n has just launched its track-focused \nVantage F1 Edition\n sports car in March this year. With the next generation DB sports car coming this month, we can\u2019t wait to see what the British carmaker has for us.\nFeeling excited about this new upcoming ultra-luxury, high-performance grand tourer? Let us know in the comments below!\nRELATED: \nAston Martin Vantage F1 Edition now in Malaysia, RM978k before taxes"
"This piece of news has been going around for some time now, that Audi is planning to introduce a brand new model that will fill the gap between the TT and R8. It\u2019s called the R6, and if it were to be true, the model will be the first for newly formed Audi Sport division.\nAccording to a report from \nAutoBild\n, the R6 could be a mid-engined sports car just like the R8.\u00a0It will share the same underpinnings as the \n718 Boxster\n and \n718 Cayman\n models,\u00a0but will utilise Ingolstadt\u2019s Quattro technology instead of rear-a wheel driven solution from Stuggart.\nWill the Audi R6 look like the R8, or more like the TT?\nAlso, Audi is expected to employ its own engines via\u00a0a \nturbocharged 2.5-liter straight five\n\u00a0engine that powers the RS Q3 model. Three variants of R6 are being planned \u2013 the entry level gets 280 hp, followed by a 340 hp mid-range while the range topper, presumably the R6 plus, will get around\u00a0\n400 hp\n. Transmission option will most likely be a\u00a0\ndual-clutch S-Tronic\n.\nThe thing is, Audi\u2019s executives have yet to give the car a green light. If all goes well, we might just see the R6 make its debut sometime next year at a major international motor show.\nJust what are your thoughts on the R6, guys?\n[Source: \nAuto Bild\n]"
"Pick-up trucks these days are more than just trusty workhorses \u2013 many are now buying these vehicles to be used as their daily commutes, which means that they need to be both tough enough for the rough terrains, but also comfortable enough to cruise on highways. So when Toyota gave the venerable Hilux a \nrefresh last year\n, they\u2019ve stuffed the pick-up truck with everything but the kitchen sink, in order to appease all forms of Hilux drivers out there.\nBut what are these new features meant for, and how do they help the Hilux stand out from the sea of pick-up truck offerings out there these days? Armed with the new Toyota Hilux 2.8L Rogue, we dropped by the M4TREC off-road playground to test the new truck\u2019s capabilities, and find out what\u2019s what.\n \nAmong all the new improvements fitted onto the new Toyota Hilux, the most noticeable one \u2013 at least for us city dwellers \u2013 is the reworked suspension set-up.\nDue to the high payload requirement on pick-up trucks, they are mostly equipped with leaf springs at the rear, which gives pick-up trucks their infamous jittery ride quality. By extending the length of the leaf springs, alongside retuned dampers and new mounts, the new Hilux is noticeably less \u201cbusy\u201d on the move, making the drive a lot more comfortable.\nNext up is the new Auto LSD feature, useful for when you unintentionally get stuck in treacherous terrain in rear-wheel-drive mode. Using the brakes to individually control wheelspin, the Auto LSD feature sends traction to the wheel with most traction to help push you out of the bind.\nInterested to see how they work? Be sure to check out the video above where we try them off of the beaten path \u2013 or rather, places we never thought we\u2019d drive at. Obviously, there are still a tonne of features that we don\u2019t have the time to demonstrate, so do have a look at our \nmedia drive vlog\n, as well as the\n launch coverage\n, where we talk go through the list in more detail!"
"Remember our \nprevious article \non BMW\u2019s Facebook post regarding the iX electric SUV? Well, it seems we\u2019re getting the\n \nxDrive40 and xDrive50\n of the iX after all, along with the iX3 electric SUV and the latest i4 eDrive40. All of which will be fully imported.\nFind out more detailed information on the \niX\n, the \niX3\n and the\n \ni4\n \nelectric cars here.\nThe BMW iX.\nOf the models mentioned above BMW Malaysia only released the prices of the iX xDrive40 as follows:\nxDrive40 \u2013 RM435,800\nxDrive40 Sport \u2013 RM488,800\nxDrive40 with Power Package \u2013 RM440,400\nxDrive40 Sport with Power Package \u2013 RM493,400\nBMW Malaysia has only provided prices \nexcluding SST exemptions\n for now and they are inclusive of the extended warranty.\nWith the standard warranty and excluding SST exemptions, the iX is priced as follow:\nxDrive40 \u2013 RM419,630\nxDrive 40 Sport \u2013 RM472,630\nxDrive40 with Power Package \u2013 RM424,230\nxDrive Sport with Power Package \u2013 RM477,230\nEach unit from the BMW i fleet will also be offered with an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty, whichever comes first.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive40 Sport starts from RM 4,888.00 and RM 5,478.00 respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).\nBMW Malaysia is now taking orders for the new BMW i fleet, where those interested can place their booking online, for a fee of RM5,000.\nPERFORMANCE\nHorsepower: 326 hp\nTorque: 630 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 6.1 seconds\nTop Speed: 200 km/h\nThe xDrive40 gets all-wheel drive from two electric motors, one on each axle, and a 76.6kWh battery that provides 425 km of electric driving range. With a 11kW AC charger, full charge takes approximately seven hours.\nWith up to 150 kW DC fast charging, the electric SUV can be charged up to 80% in about 30 mins.\nThe first 50 customers to pre-book the iX xDrive40 or xDrive40 Sport will receive complimentary charger installation and a complimentary 1-year to access public charging. The offer ends on the 22nd of September.\nThe BMW i4 eDrive40\nWe can talk all day long about how it looks but it\u2019s already done so let\u2019s focus on what\u2019s on the body for now. It\u2019s as clean and minimalist as you like *without talking about the grille* and it\u2019s got all the bits you\u2019d expect in a RM400k SUV.\nEXTERIOR\n21-inch aerodynamic wheels with 255/50 tyres\nComfort Access (keyless entry etc.)\nWelcome lights\nLED headlamps with High Beam Assistant\nINTERIOR\n4-zone air conditioning\nElectrically-adjustable seats for driver\n12.3-inch instrument cluster\n14.9-inch infotainment system With BMW Operating System 8\nWireless Charging\nAdd on the Sport Package for an additional RM53,000 and here\u2019s what you get:\nPanoramic Roof\n22-inch wheels\nSport Line kit (sport brakes with blue calipers, darkened headlamps, sport seats)\n18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system\nReal wood and crystal cabin trims\nBMW Laserlight\nSurround view camera\nLane and Steering Control Assistant\nThe standard safety features consists of Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), rear cross-traffic alert, Reverse and Park Assistant and reverse camera.\nCustomers can also find out more and register their interest in the \ni4 eDrive40 electric coupe\n and the \niX3 electric SUV\n via the BMW Shop Online platform.\nGALLERY"
"After teasing the public with snippets from a brochure, Perodua has finally revealed the Axia facelift. Perodua\u2019s smallest car has just been given a midlife refresher to its looks as well as an updated engine shared with its sedan sibling, \nthe Bezza\n.\nResting under the hood of the Axia is an updated 1KR-VE 1.0-litre three-cylinder DOHC with VVT-i that produces \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n. Power outputs are up by 1 hp and 1 Nm. Transmission options are the same \u2013 either the\u00a0\nfive-speed manual\n or a \nfour-speed automatic\n. Perodua claims that the Axia is capable of returning \n22.5 km/L\n compared to the Toyota-sourced 1KR-DE engine\u2019s 21.6 km/L. The Axia can proudly hold on to its title of the \ncountry\u2019s first Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV)\n.\nQUCIK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Axia 1.0 Standard E (MT)\nPerodua Axia 1.0 Standard G (MT)\nPerodua Axia 1.0 Standard G (AT)\nPerodua Axia SE 1.0 (MT)\nPerodua Axia SE 1.0 (AT)\nPerodua Axia 1.0 Advance (AT)\nEngine\n998cc; DOHC, 3-cylinder\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n67 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n91 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice\nRM24,900\nRM34,900\nRM36,900\nRM37,900\nRM39,900\nRM42,900\nThe Axia is offered in four variants \u2013 Standard E, Standard G, SE and Advance and prices have gone up from RM100 to RM5,100. In spite of that, the Axia remains as the cheapest brand new car sold in Malaysia.   Exterior wise, Standard E and G variants now get a redesigned front look with a single bar front grille and \nprojector headlamps\n taken from the pre-facelift Axia whereas a tailgate handle is added to the otherwise unchanged rear. Standard E Axia\u2019s rides on 14-inch steel rims while G variants ride on eight-spoke alloys of the same size.\nAs for SE and Advance variants, the two receive\u00a0a more polished front bumper with a dual bar front grille, new designed projector headlamps, front fog lamps, chrome door handles with keyless entry and a subtle side skirt. The rear section mirrors the pre-facelift model, save for a new backdoor handle with keyless entry. These two higher end models ride on \n14-inch \u201cSpiral design\u201d alloy\n wheels.   Inside, the changes on the Axia is less obvious. All variants now get an Eco indicator and a redesigned instrument cluster. Like on the Bezza, the SE and Advance variants now feature\u00a0\nkeyless start\n button and parking sensors off button. Lastly, exclusive to the Advance variant is a touchscreen infotainment system with Smart Link (projects your smartphone onto the display screen).\nOn the safety front, unfortunately the Axia does not get active safety systems like the Bezza. While dual airbags are standard across the range, ABS is omitted on the base Standard E model. All Axias are awarded with a four-star ASEAN ANCAP safety rating.   Customers can have their Axia facelift in \nsix exterior colours\n \u2013 Midnight Blue, Ebony Black, Glittering Silver and Ivory White, whereas Lava Red and Sunflower Yellow are reserved for SE and Advance models. There is also a range of genuine Perodua GearUP accessory packages to choose from.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just after McLaren expressed that they will be building a full-electric concept car, the company has revealed to \nAutoCar UK\n that the full-electric model will have performance equaling the\u00a0\ntrack focused 675LT\n. The concept model is said to be next car to come after the Ultimate Series replacement \u2013 \nP15\n.\nCommitted to have \nat least 50 percent of their model line up to feature hybrid powertrain technology by 2022\n, McLaren intends to build \nfive test mules\n initially and have a selection of McLaren owners to sample the car as part of the development process, reported \nAutoCar\n. If the rumour holds any truth, the new electric supercar will need to best the 675LT\u2019s 666 hp and 700 Nm of torque. To recap, the 675LT rockets from\u00a0\n0 to 100 km/h\n\u00a0in\n\u00a02.9 seconds\n, and another\n 5 seconds\n to reach \n200 km/h\n, with a\n\u00a0\ntop speed\u00a0of\u00a0\n330 km/h.\nThe company will also build upon its experience with the \nhybrid-powered P1 hypercar\n and involvement in \nFormula E\n racing to give the electric road car superior performance and mileage. Besides that, from 2018 onwards, McLaren Applied Technologies will be supplying a new battery pack for Formula E race cars that has double the driving range compared to the existing battery pack. This technology will trickle down to their road cars.\nSeems the guys at McLaren have their hands tied down for the next five years with this full-electric supercar, the \nlegendary F1\n replacement \nBP23\n and the \nP1 hypercar replacement P15\n. Which one you\u2019re most looking forward to?"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n, together with its dealer-partner \nHap Seng Star\n, today officially launched the newly-relocated Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Setia Alam. Built at a cost of RM99 million, the seven-storey facility, sitting on roughly 79,000 square feet of land area, boasts several new enhancements and upgrades that \u201cembodies a luxurious retail experience concept for customers\u201d.\nAmong which, is a new showroom floor that spans over 11,526 square feet, sufficient for 16 cars on display, alongside new amenities such as a self-service caf\u00e9, kid\u2019s playroom, and a luxurious ladies powder room.\nAdditionally, the showroom also features a lifestyle retail area, stocking a wide range of Mercedes-Benz-branded luxury accessories and collectable products that will be available to purchase.\nThe larger outlet also now boasts a new service area spanning over 29,549 sqft, with expandable work bays to service up to 1,500 cars a month. Aside from normal scheduled service maintenance, The outlet also offers a variety of other works including Express Service 2.0, pick-up and delivery, drop-and-go service booking, wheel alignment and balancing, electrical diagnosis and repairs, paint coating, glass tinting, as well as insurance and warranty claims.\nRELATED: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe PHEV launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM374,074\nHap Seng Group Automotive Division Chief Executive, Harald Behrend said, \u201cSetia Alam is a prominent fast-booming township with potential, and we want to be where our customers are. With this new Setia Alam outlet, we want our customers to experience luxury like no other through our new luxury retail presence, equipped with lavish features and special amenities.\u201d\nThe Hap Seng Group currently operates 10 Mercedes-Benz Autohaus locations across the country, having invested a total of RM673 million to date. In a Q-and-A session after the launch, Behrend also revealed that the company will be adding another new outlet in the coming months.\nGALLERY"
"When Audi Malaysia told us that they\u2019re going on the offensive, they obviously weren\u2019t lying. Just over five months after launching the \nAudi TT\n, the hotter 286 hp TTS joins the Mk3 TT lineup, fully kitted and carries a sticker price of RM389,900 \u2013 about RM105k more than the regular TT.\nIf you\u2019re unaware, the Mk2 TTS populating our streets aren\u2019t official imports, so all of those you see\u00a0 on the road are sold by parallel importers. This Mk3 TTS however, is the first ever Audi S model to be officially introduced in Malaysia.\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro \nEngine\n1,984cc; four-cylinder TFSI\nTransmission\n6-speed S tronic dual clutch\nMax Power\n286 hp\nMax Torque\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 5,200 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.7 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nPrice\nRM389,900\nEXTERIOR\nAlmost all of the exterior styling of the TTS is carried over from the TT, save for some very telling (and compulsory) S enhancements. The grille is now completely finished in chromed and the TT\u2019s front bumper has been swapped out for a more dynamic looking finish. Other notable visual differences are the aluminium-satin side mirrors, \n19-inch forged aluminium wheels\n, TTS badges, unique rear bumper with integrated diffuser and two pairs of dual oval tailpipes.\n \n \nThe LED headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard here, but there\u2019s also a RM5,000 Matrix LED option should you fancy Audi\u2019s high tech illuminating technology. There are eleven exterior colours for you to choose, two of which are exclusive TTS colours \u2013 Vegas Yellow and Sepang Blue with pearl effect.\nINTERIOR\nInside the TTS is a familiar affair for current TT owners. In short, nothing much is new to the interior, at least they\u2019re not visually distinguishable. For a start, there\u2019s the signature 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit housed behind the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The air conditioning vents are identical to that of the TT, and the controls are built right into the dials for a neat finish.\n \n \nThat said, the interior has to be different to warrant the RM100k extra, right? Right you are, dear readers. Standard features inside the cabin of the TTS include power adjustable S sports seats, TTS sports contour steering wheel with paddle shifters, matte brushed aluminium inlays and S-badge scuff plates on both door apertures. But wait, that\u2019s not all. It also comes with a\n Bang & Olufsen sound system\n with DVD Drive, 14-channel amplifier and \n12 speakers\n with an output of 680 Watts. Yes, they all come as standard.\nPERFORMANCE\nPop the hood and you\u2019ll immediately find the familiar transversely mounted engine. It\u2019s the same \n2.0-litre TFSI \nfour-cylinder block that\u2019s shared with the regular TT, but here it\u2019s tuned to make \n286 hp\n and\n 380 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s just about 56 hp and 10 Nm more than the TT, so what\u2019s there to shout about, right? Now, listen up. Much of the engine is tweaked for it to produce such numbers, but whether or not it\u2019s significant to you is a topic for another day.\nThe regular Audi TT has 230 hp and 370 Nm of torque\nThis direct injected engine gets several recalibrated components comprised of reinforced aluminium pistons, connecting rods, bearings and crankcases. Also, a larger turbocharger is fitted with \nmaximum boost pressure rated of 1.2 bar\n, and this is complemented with with a high performance air-to-air intercooler for rapid engine cooling. All these upgrades translate to a blistering 0 to 100 km/h sprint of\n 4.7 seconds\n (that\u2019s a full 1.2 seconds faster than the normal TT), yet it\u2019s capable of returning a fuel economy of \n6.9 litres per 100km\n. Yeah, don\u2019t bother going green with this machine. Like other German makes, the TTS has its top speed electronically capped at\n 250 km/h\n for obvious safety reasons.\nAnother feature shared between the TT and the TTS is the five driving modes \u2013 Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual. It also comes with the automatic rear spoiler that sits flush when you\u2019re cruising below 120 km/h, but pops open once you exceed that threshold for increased aerodynamics. The \nsix-speed S tronic dual clutch\n gearbox remains as is, but drive is now sent to all four wheels via \nAudi\u2019s quattro AWD system\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe TTS is fitted with six airbags on top of the usual three-lettered acronyms of safety features. According to Audi Malaysia\u2019s Head of Corporate Comms, Isaac Lee Mathews, the introduction of the Audi TTS is just the beginning of bigger things to come, so we can certainly expect some official red hot RS models to brawl against BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But for now, the TTS can be yours for RM389,900 and is available at all authorised Audi dealerships nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi TTS 2.0 TFSI   Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Launch"
"Pretty sure you\u2019re aware by now of Mazda\u2019s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) wizardry, found in the Mazda 3, 6, CX-5 and CX-9 to name a few, the world\u2019s first control system that varies engine torque in response to engine input to improve all things vehicle control.\nThey\u2019ve now developed a second generation of it called the G-Vectoring Control Plus which will be rolled out to all Mazda models, beginning with the updated Mazda CX-5 that just went on sale in Japan. Here\u2019s a look at what the previous GVC system does:\nGVC Plus applies light braking forces to the outer wheels to provide stability and composure to the vehicle for a clean exit as the driver steers out of a corner.\nIn addition to improving handling in emergency/evasive maneuvers, GVC Plus offers a reassuring feeling of control when changing lanes on the highway or even when driving on snow and other slippery road surfaces."
"Isuzu has finally delivered the \nnew D-Max, with the 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine\n that\u2019s been on everyone\u2019s lips since they\u2019ve kept us waiting for the last few years.\nThis delay, seeing as Thailand has been running the 1.9-litre powertrain for years, was due to the extensive development on the engine in order for it to thrive in our local driving conditions.\n \nThe new D-Max, available in both 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre engine options, come in 11 different variants. For all intents and purposes, focus will be on the new 1.9-litre engine which Isuzu claims not just to be \nquieter by 2-3 decibles\n, more robust and efficient with 14% less emissions but also \nsignificantly lighter (by 56kg) and more powerful\n than the 2.5-litre engine it replaces.\nThe new RZ4E engine serves up \n10% more power and 9% more torque\n compared to the 2.5-litre engine from before with \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n.\nThe new powertrain has been developed side by side with both the new 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions, featuring a new Final Drive and wider gear ratios, for even more optimised performance.\nAnd the results speak for themselves. While the following figures may not matter in a pick-up, the facts may intrigue you.\nCan you spot what\u2019s new? Here are some\n answers\n.\nThe new\n 1.9-litre D-Max\n with the 6-speed automatic transmission does 0 to 400 metres in 19.3 seconds and 0 to 100 km/h in 13.7 seconds. \nThe previous 2.5-litre\n model did it in 20.3 seconds and 15.3 seconds respectively \u2013 borderline disturbing stuff this.\nTo sweeten the deal even more, those who book the new 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max \nbetween 18th of September to 31st of October 2019\n will be given \n5-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with up to 8-years or 80,000 km Free Maintenance\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After 114 days, \nthe Last Overland\n \u2013 a team reversing the famous Oxford and Cambridge Far East Expedition, have finally arrived at the finish line in London \u2013 just a few steps from the starting line of the 1956 expedition.\nThe journey, which was flagged-off in Singapore was completed with the original \u201cOxford\u201d Land Rover Series 1, bearing its original SNX891 registration number, after it was rescued from neglect in Ascension Land.\nThe trip was made even more special with 87-year old Tim Slessor, one of the team members from the original expedition, who will be retracing the route in reverse with award winning filmmaker Alex Bescoby.\nAlex recounts, \u201cThis journey has definitely been an action packed one, filled with many ups and downs, and I can\u2019t believe how quickly the eighteen months that went into planning this journey has brought us here, all in one piece so far!\n\u201cWe\u2019ve managed to drive this incredible 64-year-old car once more, to so many remote and fascinating parts of the world, through tropical monsoons, -20 degree and at more than 5000 m above sea level. Oxford has taken it all in stride. \u201d he added.\nThe Last Overland was supported by Land Rover on multiple stops along the journey, including the flag-off in Singapore, and visit to Cameron Highlands and Penang, whilst most recently the Last Overland team visited Nitra, Slovakia where the New Defender is built.\nAt the finish line, Oxford was greeted by a new Defender 110, donned in a specially commissioned Oxford & Cambridge Expedition livery. The special livery features the original Oxford Blue & Cambridge Blue colours, along with Oxford & Cambridge Expeditions lettering on the door \u2013 in tribute to the features on the original cars.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The\u00a0\nToyota 86\n\u00a0is five years old, and throughout its lifetime, it has always been labelled as a fun car to drive, but many claimed it\u00a0lacked performance. So, does this US-only Toyota 86 860 Special Edition coupe change anything?\nSadly, no. Besides being the unfortunate beneficiary of a pointless name, the 860 represents nothing except for the number of cars built. That\u2019s right, just 860 units of this 86 will be built, with no changes done whatsoever to the engine. The same 2.0-litre boxer engine producing 208 hp is retained.\nThe only thing customers get out of this purchase are \u201cvisual updates\u201d, including the\u00a0\nSupernova Orange\n and \nHalo White\n exterior colours with Scuderia-esque black stripes in the middle. The package also includes 17-inch wheels, rear wing, heated side mirrors and LED fog lights.\nInside, it receives heated leather seats, and the cabin gets two-tone black and orange finishing. There\u2019s also dual zone climate control and a 4.2-inch screen displaying various driving data, of which include a lap timer and G-force meter.\nThe\u00a0Toyota 86 860 Special Edition is priced at\u00a0\n$29,155\n (approximately \nRM130k\n) for the manual and \n$29,875\n (approximately \nRM133k\n) for the automatic variant. At this rate, let\u2019s just give up waiting for that \u201chot\u201d version of the 86.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Smart has never had a good track record in naming their cars \u2013 just look at the \nfortwo and forfour\n \u2013 but their latest might have just taken the cake once and for all, because it\u2019s literally called #1. Yes, Smart #1, with the hashtag symbol.\nIn case you weren\u2019t aware, Smart is going through a little bit of a renaissance at the moment, reinventing itself as a \u201cpremium all-electric automotive technology brand\u201d following the \njoint venture agreement between Geely and Mercedes-Benz\n, who now co-own the brand.\nThe company has already previously unveiled the \nConcept #1\n with a new design philosophy, but today\u2019s announcement confirms that the hashtag will officially become the new naming convention for the brand\u2019s new era of products, followed by a number much like many of the other electric vehicles in the market \u2013 including its sister brands \nPolestar\n and \nZeekr\n.\nSmart explains that the \u2018#\u2019 symbol is \u201coften used to indicate the hottest topics in social media\u201d, and is \u201cevocative of trendsetting in the digital era\u201d, which is why it\u2019s fitting for the brand. Uh, okay, I guess.\n\u201cAs the first product set to launch following the brand\u2019s renewal, the smart #1 perfectly combines electric-drive technology and premium quality. I am convinced that the smart #1 will enthuse future customers in both China and Europe, setting new trends of urban mobility and co-creating powerful brand experiences wherever it will make an appearance,\u201d said Smart Automobile VP of Global Sales, Marketing and After-Sales, Daniel Lescow.\nThe Smart #1 has recently completed a series of aerodynamic and winter tests, and the carmaker is quick to point out that the crossover EV measured a drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd, which should help it achieve better driving range particularly on the highway.\nDesigned by the Mercedes-Benz global design team, Smart says that the #1 features a streamlined exterior that is also \u201ca perfect balance of aesthetics and aerodynamics\u201d, with many innovative devices such as concealed door handles, active grille shutter, and sleek shape all helping the electric crossover achieve said aerodynamic performance while still carrying the brand\u2019s new \u201cSensual Producty\u201d design philosophy.\nThe winter test also allowed Smart to test a couple of its smart (\nhaha, get it\n) design features, including the ice-breaking function on the concealed door handles, as well as the battery temperature regulation system that can pre-heat the battery to ensure optimised charging speeds, as well as optimal working temperatures when driving.\nSmart also says that the #1 will feature a robust ESP system from Bosch, which ensures that driving comfort, handling stability, and braking performance all remain in check even when the weather gets tricky.\n\u201cThanks to the seamless cooperation between smart and the Mercedes-Benz design team, the smart #1 is a masterpiece of engineering,\u201d said Smart Automobile VP of Research and Development, Yang Jun. \u201cThe pre-market test results also prove the outstanding quality, performance and reliability of the smart #1.\u201d\nThe Smart #1 is due to make its official debut later this year. Closer to home, Proton has announced that it will be \nimporting and distributing the new era of Smart EVs\n in Malaysia and Thailand via its distribution arm, Proton Edar.\nGALLERY"
"Introduced alongside the \nall-new Toyota Hilux\n is its ladder frame counterpart, the \nnew Toyota Fortuner\n. Like the Hilux, this seven-seater SUV is also locally assembled in Shah Alam. Just two variants are on sale: a 2.4-litre turbodiesel and 2.7-litre petrol, priced at RM187k and RM200k respectively.\nNow, due to tax issues, UMW Toyota Motor would not be offering the range topping 2.8-litre diesel variant because it will be priced well over RM200k. In its place is the SRZ variant, powered by the old 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, but here it\u2019s tuned to produce more power and improve fuel efficiency. We\u2019ll get to that shortly.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ (AT) 4\u00d74\nToyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ (AT) 4\u00d74\nEngine\n2,393cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\n2,694cc; DOHC, inline-4 petrol\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto with paddle shift\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 3,400 rpm\n164 hp @ 5,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,000 rpm\n245 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM186,900\nRM199,900\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, the petrol variant gets \nauto-levelling full LED headlamps\n with LED daytime running lights, halogen fog lamps with chrome embellishments, body-coloured side mirrors with puddle lamps and the same 18-inch wheels (fitted with highway terrain tyres) as the Hilux 2.8G. The tailgate is also electrically powered, but the 2.4 diesel does without.   Opt for the diesel variant and you\u2019ll miss out on the swanky LED headlamps. Instead, you get manual levelling \nhalogen projector headlamps\n with bulb-type DRLs, halogen fog lamps (without the chrome finish) and 17-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres. The good news is that the duo share the same LED tail lamps.\nINTERIOR\nIn a move to further separate the Fortuner from the Hilux, the cabin in this SUV gets largely reworked to suit most urbanites. On the RM200k SRZ variant, you get toys like an \n8-inch touchscreen DVD player\n with smartphone and WiFi connectivity, internet browser, voice recognition, HDMI input, USB and Bluetooth connectivity as well as GPS navigation. The driver also benefits from a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-info display \u2013 all of which are omitted from the 2.4L VRZ. However, this can be optioned, so be sure to check with your sales advisor.   While both variants get six speakers as standard, the 2.4L VRZ settles for a four-spoke urethane steering wheel and gear knob, whereas the 2.7L SRZ gets a classier wood and leather finish, as well as paddle shifters. If this is any consolation whatsoever, both variants will come with full auto windows with jam protection for all four windows.\nAs you may have noticed, the interior gets upholstered in brown leather, but the hide is exclusive only to the 2.7L SRZ. The lesser variant comes with dark brown fabric. Like the Hilux, only the top-spec gets the 8-way powered driver seat.   The second and third row seats feature a one-touch folding mechanism, and the middle bench can be moved fore and aft to accommodate passengers of various heights. The seats are flexible too, with a 60:40 split for the second row and a 50:50 split for the third row seats. All possible adjustments are illustrated in the pictures, so be sure to give them a proper look.\nPERFORMANCE\nYour choice of two Fortuners will come with either a \n2.4-litre diesel\n engine that\u2019s \nturbocharged\n to make \n148 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, or a \n2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol\n that pumps \n164 hp\n and\n 245 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired to a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n with sequential shifters that drive all four wheels.\nThe preproduction Fortuner\u2019s engine bay looks like this. It\u2019s unclear as yet if it will come with an engine cover, though\nStandard on both variants is the part-time four-wheel drive system with Automatic Disconnecting Differential (ADD). This can be controlled through the \nelectronic 4WD transfer dial\n that is also a standard feature on both variants.\nUp front, the Fortuner rides on independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs, while the rear axle is managed by a four-link panhard rod which functions by reducing lateral movement. This combination is said to provide better comfort than the outgoing model. Toyota was also more liberal with the\u00a0use of insulating material and higher quality door seals.\nSAFETY\nIf it\u2019s one thing that Toyota cars generally lack over the competition is in this department. To boot, the 2.7L SRZ comes with seven airbags (dual frontal, side, curtain and driver knee airbag), ISOFIX anchors and the usual array of active electronic safety systems. They include ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control, reverse camera and an all-new feature \u2013 \nActive Traction Control\n (A-TRC). A-TRC intelligently cuts power from any one wheel from either axles and sends it to the other; a feature that makes the Fortuner an even more capable off-roader.\nUnfortunately, the 2.4L VRZ will not come with any of the above, except for ABS and EBD. It will get just three airbags (dual front airbags with driver knee), and reverse camera remains as a cost option.\nWHAT ELSE?\nBoth Fortuners are packaged with a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty\n, and are available in six exterior colours \u2013 Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic and Super White 2. The latter two are new to the second-generation model.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In times like these, when restlessness is at its peak following a series of lockdowns and lack of travelling, these pictures of the Urus trotting across Japan is a source of hope and despair.\nSaisyouin Gojunoto Fivestreed Pagoda, Aomori\nLamborghini Japan recently went on a tour across Japan via the \nUnlock Any Road Japan\n campaign that saw them clock 6,500 km with the Urus SUV in a month.\n\u00a0Yasaka-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto\nTwo units of the Urus were specially customised by Lamborghini\u2019s Centro Stile design department for the trip; one in a Giallo Inti Pearl Capsule specification and one in Blu Astraeus.\nKaburashima-Jinja Shrine, Aomori\nThe Urus pairing began their journey in Fukuoka and passed through the incredible surroundings of Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, Kanazawa, Yamagata, and Akita during the first half of the route.\nAomori Bay Bridge, Aomori\nTravelling north along the Sea of Japan, the two Urus passed through Hokkaido, Sendai, and Yokohama before reaching the final destination \u2013 The Lounge Tokyo in Roppongi, Tokyo.\nChokai-san Mountain, Yamagata\nAt the starting point of\u00a0Fukuoka, the tour visited\u00a0Miyajidake Shrine, which is famous for its view of the \nRoad of Light\n, and then moved to\u00a0Hiroshima, with a stop at the \nAtomic Bomb Dome\n.\nHimeji-jo Castle\nIn\u00a0Kagawa, the two Urus drove through the\u00a0\nFlower Park Urashima\n\u00a0with its flower fields and ocean view, and then the 12,300 metre\u00a0Great Seto Bridge. The drive continued to\u00a0Bizen City which offered elegant views of Japan, and\u00a0\nHimeji Castle\n, Japan\u2019s first World Heritage Site.\nJuunitaki Waterfall, Nara\nWith a view of the secluded\u00a0\nJuni Falls\n\u00a0deep in the mountains, the convoy drove alone an off-road trail at\u00a0\nNara Trial Mountain\n, through muddy and loose terrain as a result of the rain.\n\u00a0Yoshinogawa River, Carp Streamer, Nara\nWhile driving, the SUVs encountered the\u00a0\nYoshino River Koinobori\n\u00a0that was commemorating Children\u2019s Day. Approximately 200 carp streamers were put up \u2013 \u201cswimming\u201d in the blue sky.\nNishinooka Chikurin-do Bamboo Forest Road, Kyoto\nAfter a serene drive through the stunning\u00a0\nNishinooka Bamboo Forest Road\n, the tour stopped at\u00a0\nYasaka Shrine\n, which is said to have been established over 1,300 years ago.\nShirakawa-go Village\nThe Urus then headed to the\u00a0\nPacific Long Beach\n\u00a0with its majestic stretch of beautiful blue ocean, before arriving at\u00a0\nLake Biwa\n, Japan\u2019s largest lake. This was then followed by the\u00a0\nShirakawa-go Village\n, which is surrounded by Japan\u2019s unspoilt landscape.\nTrapist Monastery, Hokkaido\nThe pair later arrived at the\u00a0\nHigashi Chaya District\n, which is lined with traditional townhouses with distinct red lattice-work windows.\nIwaki-san Mountain, Aomori\nOnce on\u00a0\nChirihama Nagisa Driveway\n\u00a0the pair were driven on a sandy beach and once at Yamagata Prefecture, the Lamborghini SUVs were photographed with\u00a0\nHakusan Island\n, which sits off Yura Beach.\nThe \nLamborghini Urus\n, as featured in our \n2018 Best Driver\u2019s Car video\n, is powered by a\u00a04.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with\u00a0\n650 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0850 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Dubbed the Super SUV, it\u2019ll do 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds, before hitting its 305 km/h top speed!\nGALLERY\nHimeji-jo Castle \u2013 Hyogo\nSeto Ohashi Bridge \u2013 Okayama\nJogakura-Ohashi Bridge \u2013 Aomori\nOtaru-unga Canal \u2013 Hokkaido\nAomori Bay Bridge \u2013 Aomori\nKakunodate \u2013 Akita\nNikaho-kogen Wind Farm \u2013 Akita\nSenjojiki-kaigan Coast \u2013 Aomori\nHakkoda-san Mountain \u2013 Aomori\nChirihama Nagisa Driveway \u2013 Ishikawa\nNishinooka Chikurin-do Bamboo Forest Road \u2013 Kyoto\nShirakawa-go \u2013 Gifu\nYoshinogawa River, Carp Streamer \u2013 Nara\nJodogahama \u2013 Iwate\nSaisyouin Gojunoto Fivestreed Pagoda \u2013 Aomori\n Iwaki-san Mountain \u2013 Aomori\nSenjojiki-kaigan Coast \u2013 Aomori\nKakunodate \u2013 Akita\nKaburashima-Jinja Shrine- Aomori\nChokai-san Mountain \u2013 Yamagata\nSenjojiki-kaigan Coast \u2013 Aomori\nSaisyouin Gojunoto Fivestreed Pagoda\nJodogahama \u2013 Iwate\n Trapist Monastery \u2013 Hokkaido\nTrapist Monastery \u2013 Hokkaido\nShirakawa-go \u2013 Gifu\nChirihama Nagisa Driveway \u2013 Ishikawa\nChokai-san Mountain \u2013 Yamagata\nHachimantai Aspite Line \u2013 Akita\n Akita Prefectural Road Route 298 \u2013 Akita\nAkita Prefectural Road Route 298 \u2013 Akita\nAkita Prefectural Road Route 298 \u2013 Akita\nApple grove in Hirosaki \u2013 Aomori\n Pacific Long Beach \u2013 Aichi\nYasaka-Jinja Shrine \u2013 Kyoto\nYasaka-Jinja Shrine \u2013 Kyoto\nNishinooka Chikurin-do Bamboo Forest Road \u2013 Kyoto\nYoshinogawa River, Carp Streamer \u2013 Nara\nJuunitaki Waterfall \u2013 Nara\nAkashi Kaikyo-ohashi Bridge \u2013 Hyogo\n Tsunoshima \u2013 Yamaguchi\nTsunoshima \u2013 Yamaguchi"
"In case the \nX-Tremer and Aero Editions\n are just not up to your fancy, Edaran Tan Chong Motor today introduced a new Tuned by IMPUL package for the \nNissan X-Trail\n to dress up the practical SUV with some extra sporty flair.\nThe Tuned by IMPUL package includes a complete\n IMPUL Aerokit\n consisting of a dual-tone front splitter and rear bumper diffuser, a gloss-black finished V-motion grille cladding, side skirts, as well as a split-mounted rear roof spoiler.\nThe dressed up X-Trail rides on \n18-inch IMPUL Aura SX-50 wheels\n, shod in 235/55 section Continental ContiMaxContact MC6 tyres for some extra road-clawing capability. Additionally, the IMPUL-edition X-Trail also comes with the \nIMPUL Sports Spring\n, tuned for a more engaging driving experience.\nInside, a new Maroon Red Nappa leather upholstery covers the seats, dashboard, knee pads, and arm rests, giving the cabin some extra fanciness.\nThe new Tuned by IMPUL package is available on all four variants of the X-Trail. Prices for the X-Trail with Tuned by IMPUL package are as follows, on the road including\n \nsales tax exemptions\n, but without insurance:\n2.0L 2WD \u2013 RM139,630\n2.0L 2WD MID \u2013 RM150,643\n2.5L 4WD \u2013 RM157,731\n2.0L Hybrid \u2013 RM168,451\nCompared to the regular X-Trail, the Tuned by IMPUL package costs an \nadditional RM11,000\n over its base version. However, the regular models are currently included in the \nRemarkable Car Offers (RMCO)\n campaign, with additional discounts of up to RM13,000 depending on model.\nFor existing Nissan X-Trail owners, the Tuned by IMPUL package can also be purchased separately as an upgrade. Prices for the additional parts are broken down as follows:\nAs with all recent Nissan models, the X-Trail with the Tuned by IMPUL package comes as standard with a a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Accessories are covered by a three-year/100,000 km warranty.\nFor customers interested to have a look at the dressed-up SUV, the new Tuned by IMPUL Nissan X-Trail will be on display at selected ETCM showrooms on the 18-19 July.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton\n has opened the doors to its 149th 3S/4S centre here in Malaysia, adding to its \u201cindustry leading total\u201d of such outlets. Located in Kota Bharu, the new 4S centre operated by Harima Auto Mobil is the largest Proton dealership in the two East Coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu.\nThe new 4S outlet boasts a built-up area of 2,400 sqm, and features 11 service bays and 11 body and paint bays, alongside a showroom area that can accommodate up to 10 vehicles on display, a play area for children, as well as a customer lounge with free WiFi connectivity.\nHarima is also working with \nProton Global Services (PGS)\n to offer other amenities, including a refreshment area serving Starbucks coffee, as well as a merchandise corner selling Proton and R3 branded products. The company is the first dealer in Kelantan to offer these services.\nALSO READ: \nPRO-NET is Proton\u2019s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network\nHarima has been operating as a Proton dealer in Kota Bharu since 1986. Keeping in line with the national carmaker\u2019s business direction, the company decided to invest in a new 4S centre to offer its customers in Kelantan an upgraded sales and aftersales experience.\n\u201cWhat matters most are customers being happy to visit a dealership to shop for a new car. Once they have purchased it, the onus is on us to ensure they send their car back to us for scheduled servicing,\u201d said Harima director, Liew Vee Lee.\n\u201cHarima however felt we could not achieve the required level of customer satisfaction if we continued to operate as a small showroom without the necessary facilities, hence, the decision to operate as a 4S dealer.\u201d\nALSO READ: \nProton to set up public EV charging network \u2013 collaboration with multiple local partners\nProton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah added: \u201cThe opening of Harima Auto Mobil\u2019s new 4S dealership will help raise the visibility of Proton in Kota Bharu. By having a full range of amenities and the required assets to serve a high volume of customers, we are hopeful of being able to raise the level of customer service and deliver a truly premium experience for customers in the state.\u201d\nThe new Proton Harima Auto Mobil 4S Centre in Kota Bharu is located at Lot 1348, Jalan Wakaf Che Yeh \u2013 Salor \u2013 Pasir Mas, 15150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The showroom is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, while aftersales services are available from Saturday to Thursday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.\nGALLERY"
"After the launch of the new \nTT Mk3\n, Audi Malaysia, through their \nofficial website\n have revealed their plans to launch the \nfacelifted version\n of the \nA7 Sportback\n. The bespoke comfort coupe currently carries a price tag of\u00a0\nRM584,900 inclusive of GST\n but without insurance. The A7 model was first introduced here in 2011 by then distributor and importer Euromobil Sdn Bhd.\nThe keener one amongst you will notice a few subtle exterior changes. In typical Audi\u2019s fashion, the A7 facelift will receive Audi\u2019s all-new Matrix LED headlights that\u2019s also fitted to the A6 and TT models. Sensors and cameras allow the headlights to detect both oncoming traffic and cars approaching from the front and rear, hence adjusting the brightness of each individual LED to prevent blinding other drivers whilst keeping the road ahead brightly illuminated.\nAs is the trend amongst automakers, midlife facelifts are generally aimed at freshening the design of the car. In this installment however, Audi has given the A7 its new hexagonal grille with horizontal chromed bars. It also gets slim LED headlights as standard with redesigned tail lights.\nThe turbocharged\u00a0\n3.0-litre TFSI V6\n lump now provides extra \nschnell\n with \n333 horsepower\n at 6,500 rpm, as opposed to the 310 hp from the outgoing model; whilst torque figures remain unchanged at \n440 Nm\n. This newer version of Ingolstadt\u2019s hatchback-cum-coupe does the century sprint in \n5.3 seconds\n. This is thanks to Audi\u2019s intuitive all-wheel-drive Quattro system. It maxes out at an electronically limited speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nIt\u2019s unclear as of now if the A7 facelift will see a reduction in its price, seeing that the Audi TT is shockingly priced about RM70,000 lesser than when the Mk2 model (circa RM350k then) was sold through Euromobil. More details will be given out closer to the official launch date. Stay tuned!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Porsche 911 Carrera is in town, and Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP, or Porsche Malaysia) has launched not one, not two, but three variants of the latest 911, together with the new \nMacan GTS\n. This 2016 911 range starts with the Carrera, followed by the Carrera S, and topped off by the Carrera 4S, for now.\nThis \n991.2\n version of the legendary 911 may look the same to the average Joe, but to \nPorschephiles\n, it\u2019s one of the most significant update in its illustrious history dating back to more than five decades ago. Chiefly because of the \ndemise of the naturally-aspirated engines\n, the new 911 gets \nturbocharged engine\n\u00a0across the board, even on the base Carrera variant. Yes, the cheapest 911 from now on will no longer come with a naturally aspirated flat-six.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n911 Carrera\n911 Carrera S\n911 Carrera 4S\nEngine\n2,981cc; six-cylinder, twin-turbo horizontally opposed\nTransmission\n7-Speed PDK\nMax Power\n370\u00a0hp\n420 hp\nMax Torque\n450 Nm\n500 Nm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n4.2\u00a0seconds; 293 km/h\n3.9\u00a0seconds; 306\u00a0km/h\n3.8\u00a0seconds; 303\u00a0km/h\nPrice\nRM870,000\nRM970,000\nRM1,040,000\nThe \nnew flat-six\n engine is smaller, displacing about\u00a0\n3.0-litres\n.\u00a0But with the help of two\u00a0\nturbochargers\n, Porsche was able to extract \n20 hp more\n than what the bigger-engined predecessors used to deliver. In the base\u00a0\nCarrera\n, the blown six produces \n370 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n, while the additional letter in the \nCarrera S\n\u00a0translates to better performance with a total of \n420 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. And yes, the extra number in the \nCarrera 4S\n means it drives \nall four wheels\n via the \nseven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox\n.   With the\u00a0\nSport Chrono Package\n, the\u00a00\n\u00a0\nto 100km/h time is clocked at \n4.2 seconds\n for the \nCarrera\n, \n3.9 seconds\n for the \nCarrera S\n, and \n3.8 seconds\n for the \nCarrera 4S\n. The Carrera will reach a \ntop speed\n of just \n293 km/h\n;\u00a0the Carrera 4S will continue to \n303km/h\n\u00a0and the Carrera S maxes out at \n306km/h\n.\nEvery model receives \nPorsche Active Suspension Management\n (PASM) as standard, which drops the ride height by 10mm. Drivers also have the option to choose between\u00a0\nfour driving modes\n: Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual via a \nrotary selector\n\u00a0located on the lower right side of the steering wheel.   Next to the steering wheel is a \n7-inch touchscreen display\n\u00a0with the improved\u00a0\nPorsche Communication Management\n (PCM) infotainment system that supports GPS navigation.\u00a0The PCM also supports \nApple CarPlay\n connectivity.\nExternally, the new 991.2 sports a new pair of headlamps with\u00a0four-point LED DRL, new bumpers front and back, new tail lights and a new bonnet cover with vertical slats. From the side, it\u2019s hard to tell apart the new wheels, slightly different door handles and the sleeker, redesigned side mirrors.\nIn terms of pricing, the basic price for the \nCarrera\n is at \nRM870,000\n, the \nCarrera S\n at \nRM970,000\n\u00a0and the \nCarrera 4S\n at \nRM1,040,000\n. All 911 variants sold here comes with a \n4-Year warranty\n and \n4-Y\near free service\n,\n parts\n,\n and maintenance\n package. Prices stated here don\u2019t include registration fee, road tax and insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The updated BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer will be introduced in March 2018. Between 2014 to 2017, sales of BMW\u2019s Sports Activity Tourer (SAT) exceeded 380,000 units where the biggest markets were Germany, China and the UK \u2013 70% of which are new customers to the BMW brand.\nHere\u2019s all you need to know on the latest updates of the two BMW 2 Series models:\nIt comes with a new front-end with a wide, single-piece air intake and a more striking grille. The back end comes with a newly designed rear apron with larger exhaust tailpipes.\nTwo new exterior colours are available \u2013 Jucaro Beige and Sunset Orange \u2013 along with six new light-alloy designs ranging from 17 \u2013 19-inch in sizes. The optional LED headlights, Adaptive LED headlights and LED fog lights have also been redesigned.\nIn car updates include new seat covers \u2013 in cloth or leather \u2013 along with a new electronic selector lever for the seven-speed dual clutch and eight-speed Steptronic transmissions.\nThe engines have been improved with enhancements on the crankshaft, heat management, valve train and turbocharging. The Active Tourer puts out between \n109 hp\n to\n 231 hp\n while the Grand Tourer puts out between \n109 hp\n to \n192 hp\n.\nA seven-speed dual clutch Steptronic transmission is now available for the first time in the two models, along with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and a six-speed manual.\nDriver assist systems include Active Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assistant, which automatically keeps the car in its lane at up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Both systems are part of the optional Driving Assistant Plus package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 2 Series Active Tourer   BMW 2 Series Grand Tourer"
"Volkswagen\u2019s global fully electric car, the \nID.4\n, has just been awarded the grand prize of \nWorld Car of the Year\n (WCOTY) 2021. This is the 17th edition of the global automotive awards ceremony.\nThis year\u2019s winner was chosen from an \ninitial entry list\n of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a shortlist of three finalists was announced at the end of March.\nThe \nVolkswagen ID.4\n received a total of \n798 points\n, beating another popular electric car, the \nHonda e\n, which amassed 742 points. The \nToyota Yaris\n scored just 10 points lower. Finalists were assessed and given marks in traditional categories (e.g. space, value and performance) as well as more intangible items such as emotional appeal and market significance.\nOther models in the pool of finalists include the \nBMW 2 Series Gran Coupe\n and \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n.\nJudged by a panel of \n93\n international automotive journalists from 28 countries, the WCOTY finalists were selected via a secret ballot, based on their individual evaluation of each eligible vehicle conducted throughout the year as part of their own professional work. The votes were tabulated by KPMG.\nThere are also categories for more targeted segment such as luxury, performance and design. The winners and finalists are listed as below:\nWorld Luxury Car\nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n (853)\nPolestar 2\n (815)\nLand Rover Defender\n (774)\nWorld Performance Car\nPorsche 911 Turbo (822)\nAudi RS Q8 (792)\nToyota GR Yaris\n (773)\nUnsurprisingly, the Toyota GR Yaris scored big in Value and scored better than the Audi Q8 in the categories of \nMarket Significance\n and \nEmotional Appeal\n.\nCuriously, only vehicles in this category are available for sale in Malaysia today (out of the 15 top finalists), with the now-sold-out \nToyota GR Yaris\n asking \nRM286,896\n a unit while the just-introduced \nPorsche 911 Turbo\n has a price list that starts from \nRM2.2 million\n.\nWorld Urban Car\nHonda e\n (754)\nToyota Yaris (737)\nHonda Jazz/Fit (719)\nBoth the \nToyota Yaris\n and \nHonda Jazz/Fit\n are variants for developed nations i.e. Japan and Europe, where safety and emission regulations are more stringent than the products found in ASEAN.\nWorld Car Design of the Year\nLand Rover Defender (299)\nHonda e (239)\nMazda MX-30\n (197)\nWith more and more \nfully electric cars\n being launched every quarter, the organising committee has also introduced a category just for local zero-emission vehicles. The Honda e has been quite popular with the global jurors. Last year, it was awarded as the overall winner of the \nGerman Car of the Year\n 2021.\nThe jurors in the \nWomen\u2019s World Car of the Year\n awarded the Honda e as the \nBest EV\n while its beautiful design was given the award of \u2018Best of the best\u2019 by Red Dot.\nLast year\u2019s WCOTY was the \nKia Telluride\n, with the \nPorsche Taycan\n taking top honours in the Performance and Luxury categories.\nGALLERY"
"Aston Martin Holdings (UK) Ltd has just reported its highest-ever revenues in 2017, posting a successful financial turnaround for the Gaydon based supercar maker. The positive financials put Aston Martin ahead of its schedule of its \nSecond Century Plan\n \u2013 launching a new car every year until 2022.\nFor the 12 months ending 31 December 2017, Aston Martin posted a revenue of \u00a3876 million (RM4.7 billion), up \n48 percent\n compared to the previous year. Pre-tax profit rose by \u00a3250 million to \u00a387 million (RM473 million), covering the company\u2019s pre-tax losses of \u00a3163m (RM887 million) in 2016.\nSales were driven by high demand for \nDB11\nThe improved financial performance was largely due to an\u00a0increase in wholesale sales to 5,098 units, driven by rising demand in North America, UK and China. In 2017, Aston Martin shifted a total of \n5,117 cars\n, a 58 percent growth from 3,229 units in 2016. The average selling price of an Aston Martin vehicle has gone up by \n9 percent\n as reflected by higher uptake of personalisation options from customers.\nAston Martin President and CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer, said: \u201cIn 2017, we delivered record revenue, full-year profitability and positive free cash flow. The financial turnaround of Aston Martin is now complete, which enables us to drive further improvements across the business as we maintain our new launch schedule and continue delivering on the Second Century Plan. The outstandingly positive reaction to our new models gives us confidence that we will deliver further performance improvement in 2018.\u201d\nConsidering the strong growth recorded by Aston Martin in the past year, perhaps \nAston Martin Kuala Lumpur\n couldn\u2019t have picked a better time to make a Malaysian comeback."
"His name is Danny Thompson and the near 70-year old American retiree and former race car driver has set a new land speed record, achieving an average speed of 448.7 mph (724 km/h) from two separate 1-mile (1.6 km) runs.\nWith the Challenger 2, a \u201crevised\u201d land speed machine, Danny Thompson broke the record for a \u201cwheel-driven vehicle, powered by a piston engine\u201d. The previous record was 439 mph (706.5 km/h), set in 2012.\nWhat\u2019s even more impressive is that this is no cutting-edge land speed machine built in recent years, like the tech-drenched Bloodhound SSC. Instead, the Challenger 2 was originally built by Danny\u2019s father \u2013 who also happened to be the first American to break the 400 mph barrier \u2013 more than 50 years ago. The record set in 1960 was 406.6 mph (654.3 km/h).\nThe one significant \u201crevision\u201d to the land speed machine is that it now houses\n two 2,500 hp nitro engines\n, in replacement of the quad 7.0-litre Pontiac supercharged V8 engines from before.\nDanny is the son of Mickey Thompson, who along with his wife was murdered by a business partner in their home. If that name sounds familiar to you; yes, he\u2019s the same Mickey Thompson whose name you\u2019ve seen embossed across the side walls of high performance tyres.\nPrior to joining the performance aftermarket business in the early 1960\u2019s in which he started the \u201cMickey Thompson Performance Tyres\u201d, Mickey Thomson was known for his exploits in hot-rodding, race car-building and race-team promoting before his demise in 1988.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When the Rimac Concept_One debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, it received plenty of interest on its sleek styling and promised performance. The Croatian company very quickly shut down non-believers when the Concept_One repeatedly \nannihilated every supercar it went up against\n in a straight line.\nThe second-generation Rimac Concept_Two (C_Two) not only takes performance to hypercar (maybe Megacar) territory, it also has twice the operating range compared to its predecessor. Nuts.\nUnderneath the carbon fibre monocoque \u2013 which weighs under 200 kg including the roof \u2013 rests four electric motors powering each individual wheel giving the car a staggering \n1,914 hp\n and instant torque of \n2,300 Nm\n. The 120-kWh battery pack gives the car \n550 km\n of range based on the WLTP cycle, almost twice the electric range of the Concept_One.\nThe Concept_One takes 2.5 seconds to get to the 60 mph (96 km/h) which is plenty fast but with advancements in Torque vectoring, electric motor and tyre technology, the Concept_Two takes only \n1.85 seconds\n to complete the 60-mph sprint. Let that sink in for a moment.\nLooks like an offspring of a \nMcLaren 675LT\n & \nBMW i8\nTop speed data is not revealed yet (car is still in prototype phase) but Rimac claims that the Concept_Two can sprint from \n0 to 300 km/h\n in \n11.8 seconds\n \u2013 a shade slower than the \nKoenigsegg Regera\u2019s\n time of \n10.9 seconds\n.\nRimac has also revised\nthe styling of the Concept_Two, taking an evolutionary step instead of a revolutionary\none. The silhouette remains the same as before, but the front and rear has been\nrestyled to incorporate more aerodynamic elements.\nRimac Concept_One\nRimac Concept_Two\nOpen up the dihedral\ndoors and you\u2019ll be greeted with a more refined cabin architecture with two\ndigital displays for the instrument cluster and centre console. Where the Concept_One\u2019s\nbuttons and dials look like they\u2019re lifted off from a 90s game console, the touch\npoints in the Concept_Two are a lot more pleasing to the eye.\nRimac says developments of the Concept_Two is not complete and they will showcase what the new car can do on the road sometime in 2020. If you need to know how much the new car might cost, just know that its predecessor costs upwards of USD980,000.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nRimac\u00a0Concept_Two\nRimac Concept_Two"
"It\u2019s no secret by now that \nRange Rover will add a soft-top variant\n to their hugely successful Evoque range. Now that the testing phase is over, the UK-based automaker stripped it off its camouflage to reveal a distinctly recognisable Evoque \u2013 minus the top.\nOfficially named the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Land Rover claims that the drop-top model is the world\u2019s first luxury compact SUV convertible which combines bold design and refinement to create a non-compromising, all-season convertible. If you\u2019re familiar with\u00a0the Evoque, then there\u2019s few you don\u2019t know about this car besides having its B- and C-pillars chopped.   The soft-top is made of a high quality fabric and it\u2019s the longest and widest to be fitted on any vehicle today. It features a \nZ-fold mechanism\n that \nstows in 18 seconds\n and raised in 21 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Land Rover says the fabric top gets a layer of\n acoustic insulation\n that provides as much comfort and refinement as the five-door Evoque! The only bad news here is when the roof is stowed, you get \n251 litres of cargo space\n.\nNew to the Evoque is a high-resolution 10.2-inch touchscreen head unit featuring Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s next-generation infotainment system dubbed InControl Touch Pro. This highly-responsive and \u201csuper-fast\u201d system offers smartphone integration, WiFi hotspot and door-to-door navigation.\n \n \nPassenger safety is a major concern for any Sport Utility Vehicle, especially when you chop the top off. Fitted to this Evoque Convertible is a Roll-Over Protection Device that, in the event of a rollover, \ndeploys two aluminium bars\n (within 90 milliseconds) hidden within the rear bodywork.\nThe same old tune continues under the hood, sporting the company\u2019s all-aluminium four-cylinder engines. There\u2019s the familiar \n2.0-litre 240hp turbocharged\n petrol (Si4) powering the whole Evoque range, and it\u2019s mated to a \nnine-speed automatic\n transmission. Those preferring the \nTD4 diesel powertrain introduced earlier this year\n\u00a0can opt for either the 148hp or 178hp variant, and both consume just \n4.2 litres of diesel per 100km\n.\n \n \nThere\u2019s no word on whether or not the Range Rover Evoque Convertible will make its way here. Chances are it will, but only in limited quantities, we reckon. What do you think of the new Evoque Convertible?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Yesterday was a historical moment for Proton Cars as Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad officiated the launch of the national car maker\u2019s first ever SUV, the \nProton X70\n.\nSpeaking to Deputy Marketing Director of Proton, Steven Zhou, he said customer deliveries of the new X70 will commence from today (13 December 2018) onwards, just one day after its official unveiling. Zhou also told \nAutoBuzz.my\n\u00a0that Proton is invested in ensuring that their valued customers will not have to wait for long to receive their brand-new SUV.\nThe newly launched X70 is available in \nfour variants\n \u2013 Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD. All variants are powered by the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDi paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. It makes \n183 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of twist to drive the front wheels. Only the Executive variant has the option for all-wheel-drive.\nThe X70 starts from \nRM99,800 for the base Standard 2W\nD, escalating to the \nRM123,800 price tag of the top of the range Premium 2WD\n. This places the fully imported X70 (from China) right in the pricing range of locally-assembled B-Segment SUVs like the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nSubaru XV\n, undercutting C-Segment rivals like the entry-level \nHonda CR-V\n and \nMazda CX-5\n by some margin. This pricing strategy is similar to the Geely Boyue in China.   Despite the attractive pricing, Proton did not skimp on the equipment, offering items found in more premium (and expensive) competitors as standard across the range such as dual-zone automatic climate control with \nClean Air purifier\n, 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, electronic parking brake, Drive Mode selector (Eco, Normal & Sport), six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and more.\nWith Proton dealers heavily invested in upgrading their existing facility to full 3S and 4S premises as well as the Xtra Package ownership bundle that offers 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty, 5-Year complimentary 1GB monthly data connectivity powered by Celcom, 5 times Free Labour Service and a low finance rate of 2.34 per cent per annum, perhaps this Proton X70 will be the turnaround product that Proton has been waiting for.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nProton X70 Premium 2WD Launched in Malaysia"
"The current generation XE30 Lexus IS is set to adopt the turbocharged four cylinder engine first seen on our shores here in the \nLexus NX 200 Turbo\n. This is the first time that the Lexus IS range adopts forced induction power, following the footsteps of its SUV brothers, the\u00a0NX 200t and the RX 200t.\nThe IS \ndoesn\u2019t get any cosmetic changes\n and that\u2019s fine for the standing fact that it looks fairly distinctive as a 3-Series competitor. The\u00a0front end gets the brand\u2019s latest \nL-finesse design\n\u00a0which looks fiercely extraterrestrial\u00a0and bears their signature\n \u2018Spindle\u2019 grille design\n. The Lexus IS certainly has done a fair bit of maturing since its introduction in 1998, or also known\u00a0here as the \nAltezza\n.\nName\nLexus IS 200t\u00a0\nEngine\n1,998cc inline-four,\u00a016 valve DOHC, Dual VVT-iW, twin scroll turbocharged engine.\nTransmission\n8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic\nMax Power\n241 hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 rpm\nTop Speed\n229 km/h\nPrice\nTBA\nDown in the engine bay, the previous\u00a0\n4GR-FSE\u00a02.5-litre V6\n engine making\u00a0\n205 hp\n and \n252 Nm\n of torque at \n4,800 rpm\n\u00a0powering the\u00a0\nIS 250\n\u00a0is ditched for the\u00a0\n8AR-FTS 2.0-litre inline four cylinder\n which produces \n241 hp at 5,800 rpm\n\u00a0and \n350 Nm\n of torque from as low as \n1,650 rpm.\n\u00a0That\u2019s an increase of \n36 hp\n and almost\n 100 Nm\n,\u00a0thanks in part to the twin-scroll turbocharger unit. This combo catapults the IS from nought to 100 km/h in a mere\n 7.0 seconds\n and a top speed of \n229 km/h.\nLike the Lexus NX, this\u00a0\ndirect injection\n lump comes with the brand\u2019s\u00a0\nDual VVT-iW\n\u00a0technology, which basically means that the engine is able to run on \nOtto and\u00a0Atkinson cycles\u00a0\n\u2013 the former giving you performance and the latter improves fuel efficiency. Both cycles are variable and kicks in depending on driving conditions.\nTasked with moving this sleek sedan is the\u00a0\neight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission\n\u00a0complemented with a pair of \npaddle shifters\n. This unit was originally developed for the \nLexus RC F coupe\n,\u00a0which fires the power to the \nrear wheels\n that drive the IS 200t. Another first for the IS is that it\u2019s the \nfirst Lexus sedan\n to vary the gear shifts in line with \nG-forces\n.\nThe gearbox automatically \ndownshifts\n under \nhard braking\n on an approach to a corner, it then \nholds\n the selected lower gear through the corner and \nselects\n the most suitable gear upon exit\u00a0to give the driver greater \nthrottle response\n. This is poised to make the IS 200t an interesting competitor to the \nF30 BMW 3 Series\n.\nBeing a Lexus, it has a predisposition to being a smooth, comfy and quiet ride by reputation. Straightaway though, you would make an assumption that this powerful and tort turbocharged mill would be \nwhistling and spooling\n away as you would normally expect under acceleration, however Lexus have developed\u00a0an \nelectric air bypass valve and resonator\n to \u201cgreatly\u201d \nreduce the acoustic characteristics of the turbocharger.\n Bummer.\nIn the quest of smoothness, Lexus has, not-for-the-first-time incorporated \nbalancing shafts with non-metallic resin gears\n to reduce vibration. The structural bits of the engine has been \nreengineered to reduce unsprung vibration\n, thus ensuring a smooth revving engine.\nThe IS 200t is slated to be introduced here towards the end of this year. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this handsome sedan!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Samsung is undoubtedly one of the biggest, most diverse corporations on the planet right now. It\u2019s a company so vast that their diversity spans everything from household appliances, microchips, TV\u2019s, LED panels, smartphones to building massive ships, including some of the tallest buildings in the world (our very own Petronas Twin Towers is an example).\nJust within 2014 alone, Samsung spent RM52 billion on R&D, which is nothing compared to the RM1.1 trillion in revenue they made during the same period.\nNow, in pursuit of safer driving conditions, the South Korean multinational conglomerate came up with a prototype known as \nSamsung\u00a0Safety Truck\n. The idea is simple \u2013 \nstitch four large display panels\n to the back of the truck that will project a live stream visual (via wireless camera and transmitter) of the traffic ahead. It doesn\u2019t just work flawlessly during the day, it has \nnight vision capabilities\n as well.\nIn theory, a system like this, if placed in situations such as Argentina where one-way roads are aplenty, has the ability to \nsave countless lives and prevent road accidents\n. To give you a perspective, almost one person in Argentina dies in a traffic accident, with nearly 80 percent of them comprised of people who are trying to overtake.\nThe only foreseeable problem is, what will the cost be like for transport companies to adopt this technology and have them installed\u00a0in their\u00a0long-hauling trucks? Even if they do, is there a way for these companies to monetise Samsung\u2019s foray into Smart Trucks? Needless to say, it\u2019s still a bold move by any standards, and will go a long way in preventing unnecessary road mishaps.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The arrival of the third-generation Isuzu D-Max is apparently just on the horizon for some countries, as Isuzu Thailand has just released a new teaser video ahead of its official launch.\n \nFrom the video, we can see that the exterior has been heavily revised; with a sportier front end and more reserved use of chrome. The front grille is now larger and seems to be a single-piece trim instead of the split grille design we\u2019ve grown accustomed to on the 2nd-generation.\u00a0\nThe grille is flanked by redesigned headlights, now with \u2018U\u2019 shaped daytime running light across the lower part of the headlight enclosure.\u00a0\nOver at the rear, the new Isuzu D-Max sports a cleaner look with sharper taillights, with dual square LED rings.\u00a0\nIsuzu also seems to have updated the interior of the D-Max with a more premium look as seen in a brief segment of the teaser video. Notably, the central air-conditioning controls have been replaced with a new flick-switch design which reminds us slightly of the \nMercedes-AMG A 35\n (or any new Mercedes-Benz for that matter).\nThere\u2019s no mention on the powertrain yet, but the Ddi emblem in the video does hint of the 1.9-litre turbodiesel mill introduced in the facelifted 2nd-generation model, capable of producing \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\nWe remember our test drive just like it was yesterday.. Check it out \nhere\nIronically, Isuzu has just introduced the long-awaited D-Max facelift in Malaysia \nlast month\n. Considering that we\u2019ve had to wait four years for the facelift, chances of us seeing the 3rd-generation D-Max on our shores anytime soon looks all but bleak."
"As more and more road users are planning to get their vehicle road tax and driving licenses renewed, it was reported that stocks for the documents are getting low, adding to the difficulty to renew the said documents.\nThe Road Transport Department (JPJ) has since issued a media statement regarding the stock situation, with JPJ State Branches and Pos Malaysia offices having well over 600,000 units of motor car road tax documents and driving licence cards.\nThe department has clarified that there are sufficient stocks for the renewal of the two key vehicle ownership documents.\nAs for the major difficulties in renewing the expired documents before the \ndeadline of September 30th\n, JPJ mentioned that the\n \nappointment basis is done to ensure everyone\u2019s safety and following the procedures issued by the Ministry of Health and National Security Council.\nClick \nhere\n for the appointment page.\nThe public is encouraged to renew online through the \nmySikap JPJ\n as well as MyEG. The department has updated the procedure, allowing collection of the documents at any JPJ counters without making an appointment with payment done online.\nRoad tax and licence renewals at Pos Malaysia, by appointment only. More details here.\nImage: \nJPJ Negeri Selangor\nTo further increase the number of transactions and cater to those that are not well versed with the online method, JPJ has started introducing drive-through counters at their large state premises. So far, only JPJ Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Penang and Kelantan are among the state branches that have begun rolling out the drive-through counters.\nLocations and operating hours of the drive-through counters will only be updated at the respective state JPJ branch\u2019s social media websites and the department hopes to have the other remaining states offer the services soon.\nJPJ offering 70% discounts on summons until September 16th. Find out the payment methods here.\nMain image source: \nJPJ Negeri Kelantan"
"BMW M is celebrating the E30 M3\u2019s 30th anniversary with a limited edition M4 GTS. Why the M4, you ask? Because the F82 M4 is the coupe version of the current F80 M3, so you can say the original M3 coupe\u2019s spirit lives in the M4.\nThe \nM4 GTS\n was previewed earlier in a \nconcept form\n, and it was said to have an increased amount of power courtesy of the \nwater injection system\n. And increased they did. What the innovative system does is spray water into the intake manifold plenums to cool down the air entering the engine so that the engine can run on a higher boost pressure.   As a result, the\n twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six\n\u00a0now produces \n500 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque, 75 hp and 100 Nm more than the standard M4. Mated to a recalibrated \nseven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission\n (M DCT), the M4 GTS rockets to 100 km/h from standstill in \n3.8 seconds\n, while the top speed limiter has been lifted from 250 kmh to \n305 km/h\n.\nAnother reason the M4 GTS is quicker off the line than the standard car is the weight reduction program it went through both inside and outside, shedding at least 60kg from the total kerb weight. Let\u2019s start from the inside first. The most visible change is the pair of\n carbon-fibre bucket seats\n (half the weight of the standard seats in the M4) and the deletion of the rear bench.   The door handles on the inside too were replaced with a basic strap. \nLighter materials\n are used for the centre console, side panel trims, rear seat panelling and the boot area partition. Even the instrument panel bracing tube is made from \nlightweight carbon fibre\n.\nOn the outside, the use of \ncarbon-fibre-reinforced plastic\n (CFRP) for the roof and the boot on the standard M4 is expanded to the bonnet, the adjustable front splitter, the adjustable rear wing and the rear diffuser. The latter duo are not merely for showing off purposes, but work in tandem to keep the backside planted on the tarmac. Meanwhile, \ntitanium\n is used for the muffler for a 20 percent weight saving from the stock muffler.   The whole car sits on an \nadjustable three-way M coilover suspension\n, over a set of lightweight star-spoke 666 M Styling forged wheels wrapped with \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n measuring 265/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. Peek over the Acid Orange wheel spokes and you\u2019ll see a set of track-optimised lightweight \nM carbon ceramic brakes\n.\nAlso carried over from the concept car is the fancy rear lights. They are made up of paper-thin \norganic light-emitting diodes\n (OLED) which not only looks good, they\u2019re also more compact and use less power than the normal LED tail lights. LED is still used for the headlamps though, and they\u2019re fitted with \nBMW Selective Beam\n and \nAdaptive Headlights\n technology.\nThe M4 GTS is set for its public debut at the upcoming \n2015 Tokyo Motor Show\n, and production will be limited to just \n700 units\n. It will be available in four colours: Sapphire Black, Mineral Grey, Alpine White, and Frozen Dark Grey. A \nClubsport Package\n is also available as an option, where BMW M will equip the M4 GTS with a \nroll bar\n in Acid Orange behind the front seats, a race-spec \nsix-point harness\n, and a fire extinguisher.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"K&N, the guys that make the high-performance reusable\n \nair filters\n for our cars and even Nascar, is now making face masks. If there\u2019s something you need as a car guy during this \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, it\u2019s this. That\u2019s it.\nWith their expertise in air filtration \u2013 especially in high-performance applications where every bit of contaminant can potentially damage the engine \u2013 you know damn well that these are the face masks that will work.\nThe main mask portion is made out of Procool fabric, which K&N promises to be lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking, keeping your face cool while wearing a face covering. Silver ions are also used in the fabric to help \u201cprevent the spread of bacteria\u201d and reduce odor.\nThe K&N face masks also features adjustable ear loops for better comfort, as well as an \u201caction strap\u201d, an additional strap joining the ear loops at the back, letting you hang the mask off of your neck when not in use \u2013 preventing contamination by placing the masks on unsanitary surfaces.\nJust like its air filters for cars, the K&N facemask is also washable. It is now available for sale in black or grey colours, priced at USD19.99 (~RM84) for a pack of two \u2013 not too shabby, considering they are the legends in (automotive) air filtration after all. If you\u2019re interested, you can get them at K&N\u2019s US website \nhere\n."
"Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will be showcasing two different concepts that will represent the company\u2019s direction in different aspects of vehicle production at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.\nOne would embody the \ncompany\u2019s next generation of products\n while the other will exhibit the direction of\n Mazda\u2019s next-generation design\n. Opting for the \u201cCelebrate Driving\u201d theme for this year\u2019s show, Mazda will aim to project the company\u2019s determination to continue offering cars that\u00a0 celebrate the driving experience, enrich lives and build a strong bond with customers.\nThe product concept model features a compact hatchback which blends next-generation technology and design, and will adopt the SKYACTIV-Vehicle architecture which applies a human-centric design philosophy for optimal functionality. It will be powered by the \nSKYACTIV-X\n, the world\u2019s first commercial gasoline engine to use \ncompression ignition\n.\nThe design concept model will showcase how future Mazda\u2019s will look like, with more profound expressions and enhancements of the globally-acclaimed KODO design language introduced since the launch of the \nCX-5\n in 2012.\nAlso on the stands of Mazda\u2019s booth will be the\u00a0\nCX-8\n, essentially our\n CX-9\n, the company\u2019s new flagship three-row crossover SUV which will be on sale only in Japan come this December. A special edition \nMazda MX-5\n Red Top featuring a dark cherry red canopy and auburn Nappa leather upholstery will also be present."
"Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (C&C)\n and \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM)\n has launched the new Cycle & Carriage Alor Setar Autohaus in Kedah. It is the first in the Northern region to showcase the brand\u2019s new concept, which prioritises the customer.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia and Cycle & Carriage first introduced the new \nMercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence in Malaysia\n with the \nCycle & Carriage Mutiara Damansara Autohaus\n in August 2019.\nThe Cycle & Carriage Mutiara Damansara Autohaus.\nCycle & Carriage Alor Setar Autohaus is the second Autohaus to embody the new concept. Two more Cycle & Carriage Autohauses are scheduled to be transformed, namely Cycle & Carriage Johor Bahru and Ipoh, due for completion by year end.\nThe 3S centre is designed with an open concept to create an spacious and open feeling. Upon stepping into the Autohaus, customers are greeted by a Star Assistant. He or she is the first contact for the customer in the 3S centre, who acts as the \u201cfirst face\u201d of the brand, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere at reception.\nCustomers with appointments will be greeted by a consultant upon arrival. For walk-in customers, they will be accompanied by a Product Expert who can assist with information on the Mercedes-Benz range. A hospitality caf\u00e9 is available at the Autohaus for customers to relax while waiting for their cars to be serviced.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said,\u00a0\u201cWe congratulate the Cycle & Carriage team on the launch of this Autohaus and thank them for their dedication and partnership. The reintroduction of the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Alor Setar reflects our continuous effort in providing an upgraded retail experience for our northern region customers while retaining the Mercedes-Benz personality. We have merged automotive, technology, and luxury, as seen in our cars, making the retail experience just as gratifying as the drive.\u201d\nThe Alor Setar Autohaus is located at Lot PT 6471, Jalan Alor Mengkudu. It houses six working bays, and can service up to 240 vehicles per month.\nTo find out what the Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence is all about, click \nhere\n. With the recent Sales Tax Exemption announcement, here\u2019s the \nlatest price list \nfo\nr\n Mercedes-Benz vehicles\n in Malaysia."
"Tyre change is always a headache regardless if you\u2019re in a compact budget hatchback or a full-sized luxury SUV. It costs a substantial amount of money and the process of making the right tyre choice can prove to be quite a challenge (if not a frustrating ordeal) for most.\nWith the plethora of tyre choices available, it usually boils down to picking one that suits your budget and driving needs. There is, however, one particular type of tyre that is becoming increasingly common as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fitment, particularly among premium brands. Owners\u00a0of newer generation BMWs would be familiar with this term \u2013 RFT or Run Flat Tyres. But what exactly are RFTs?\nF30 \nBMW 330e\n comes with RFT as standard\nRFT technology has been around since the mid-1980s but only found its way into mainstream application in early 2000s. RFT allows drivers to continue driving after a puncture or on \nzero air pressure\n, giving you \ngreater control of the car\n in emergency situations and the allowance to \ncarry on driving before stopping at a safer location\n. For carmakers, another benefit is the liberty of not requiring a spare wheel & tyre \u2013 saving weight and space in the process.\nRFTs are specially constructed with reinforced sidewalls and support ring making it more robust than a regular tyre. As such, they\u2019re able to hold the tyre\u2019s structure and support the vehicle even without any air pressure. Generally, tyre manufacturers and car makers only recommend driving these RFTs\u00a0\nup to speeds of 80 km/h for not more than 80 km\n\u00a0in the event of a puncture \u2013 plenty of buffer for you to get to a tyre shop safely.\n \n \nRFT then sounds like the best option out there for a tyre change but that\u2019s not quite the case. You see, due to the stiffer structural component of RFTs, you do sacrifice on ride comfort and to a certain extent fuel economy (due to the increased weight brought on by RFTs). Another unfavourable factor for RFTs is the \nhigher cost\n (between 20 to 30 per cent more) compared to non-RFT when it comes to replacements.\nIf you choose to replace your OEM RFT to a regular tyre and your car does not come with a spare wheel, we highly recommend you to have a set of \ntyre repair kit\n (or sealant) ready for the unfortunate event of a puncture, unless you prefer to have tow truck services on speed dial.\nHaving said that, research and development have come a long way since the early days of RFTs to make them a more appealing option \u2013 lighter, grippier, more comfortable and most importantly, cheaper to replace.\nHaving RFTs equipped on your car certainly gives you an added peace of mind and convenience but that does not mean you should brush off the early signs of a puncture and neglect on the usual tyre maintenance timeline.\nOn the topic of whether you should opt for Run Flat Tyres or just regular ones during your next change, it really boils down to picking one that suits your budget and driving needs. Besides, a set of regular tyres and a tyre repair kit will get you out of the pinch just as well, if you prefer being hands-on."
"We\u2019ve all heard about the \nToyota GR Supra\n\u2018s incredible handling performance, but there\u2019s only so much reviews can do to convey how precise these cars really feel. To demonstrate that, Toyota UK thought that the best way to do it is by reinterpreting wing-to-wing aerobatics stunts with the Toyota GR Supra, on the ground.\nThe \u201caerobatics\u201d team was made up by a team of professional stunt drivers from Paul Swift Precision Driving, adorably named the \u201cRoad Arrows\u201d in reference to the UK Royal Air Force\u2019s Red Arrows. Armed with nine Toyota GR Supras \u2013 with a mix of both four- and six-cylinder models \u2013 the Road Arrows set out to demonstrate the nimble handling characteristics through a series of synchronised stunts.\n \nThe display was designed to mimic several famous aerial stunts, but obviously done on ground. Buckle up, because you\u2019ll be wincing your way through the video starting from the very first sequence, with all nine cars passing each other head-on with just inches to spare.\nLike the RAF, the Road Arrows Supras were also equipped with military-grade pyrotechnics for the customary smoke trails. We already know how difficult it is to drive the cars on the limit at all times, so you can only imagine how much harder it is when you\u2019re driving practically blind from the smoke, especially with another RM500k sports car just centimetres away from you.\nGina Walker, a member of the driving team, explained what it was like driving the cars: \u201cWe had to work very closely to the car next to us and had to be really aware of our surroundings. It was a challenge to get it all perfect \u2013 our speed, our distance to the next car. We had smoke obscuring our view, so we had to trust in our training.\u201d\nThe Road Arrows team only had a week to practice before filming began, and to think that the manoeuvres were choreographed using only toy car models on the kitchen counter! Fortunately, there were no damages to any of the cars during filming over two days.\nNow of course, we know that stunt driving is a far cry in terms of difficulty when compared to the three-dimensional stunts and incredible G-forces that the Red Arrows pull. Still, it\u2019s always good fun to watch cars engaging in stunts we\u2019ll never get to replicate ourselves, and I think we can all have a bit of fun especially with the doom and gloom of the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just officially launched the \nfifth generation\n of the \nMitsubishi Triton\n, successfully ending utilitarian duties of the \nprevious model\n.\nThe launch was graced with the presence of the President & COO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mr Tetsuro Aikawa who debuted the Thai-built and CBU imported pick-up truck.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nTriton Quest 4\u00d72\nTriton 4\u00d74 MT\nTriton VGT MT\nTriton VGT AT\nTriton Adventure AT\nEngine\n2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail turbo\n2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail intercooler turbo\n2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail VGT Intercooler\n2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail VGT Intercooler\n2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail VGT Intercooler\nTransmission\n5-spd manual\n5-spd manual\n5-spd manual\n5-spd auto w/ Sport Mode\n5-spd auto w/ Sport Mode\nMax Power\n110 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n136 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n178 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n178 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n178 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n324 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n400 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n400 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n400 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (w/o insurance; with GST)\nRM67,604\nRM83,163\nRM92,115\nRM98,550\nRM108,274\nThis fifth iteration of the iconic pick-up truck first introduced in 1974 comes here in \nfive different trim levels\n \u2013 range topper \nTriton VGT Adventure\n (AT only),\u00a0\nTriton VGT AT\n, \nTriton VGT MT\n, \nTriton MT\n and \nTriton Quest\n (4\u00d72 MT only) priced between RM67,604 and RM108,274 OTR without insurance, inclusive of GST\nTipping lightest on the scale here is the Triton Quest\u00a0(formerly known as the Triton Lite), which is priced at \nRM67,604\n and comes equipped with a \n2.5-litre\n \ncommonrail turbocharged diesel\n engine producing a \n110 hp\u00a0\nat 4,000 rpm and \n200 Nm\n of torque at 2,000 rpm paired to a \nfive-speed manual\n transmission.   However the Triton MT 4\u00d74, priced at \nRM83,163\n is on the trail with a \n136 hp\n engine producing \n324Nm\n of torque\u00a0which is linked to a \npart-time 4WD system\n as opposed to the \n2WD-only\n found in the Triton Quest model. The VGT variants however are fitted with a \nhybrid LSD\n (Limited Slip Differential) as standard.\nThe \nTriton VGT Adventure\n (Variable Geometry Turbo) variant on the other hand is powered by the same \n2.5-litre\n oil burning lump that produces \n178 hp\n and a respectable\u00a0\n400 Nm\n of torque,\u00a0which is \n50 Nm more\n than its predecessor. The range topping \nVGT Adventure AT 4\u00d74\n is priced at \nRM108,274\n\u00a0while the VGT AT and VGT MT is priced at \nRM98,550\n and \nRM92,115\n respectively.\nThe VGT Adventure is equipped generously with features such as Push Start Button, Keyless entry, Xenon HID head lights with LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights).\u00a0It also comes with an Electronic 4WD selector knob, automatic headlights and wipers, dual zone climate control and an infotainment system displayed via a \n6.1-inch touch screen\u00a0\nthat also features MP3, AUX and Bluetooth compatibility, Voice Command and a reverse camera feed.   On the safety front, the new Triton features a plethora of safety features such as the dual SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger. The construction of the front end\u00a0has been revised with a new system called RISE or \nReinforced Impact Safety Evolution\n. What this means is that, in the unfortunate event of a crash, the crumple zones and\u00a0reinforced supports are there to absorb and dissipate energy and force away from the cabin, keeping the occupants safe. Pre-tensioning and \nForce Limiting Seatbelts\n are fitted\u00a0as standard throughout the variant range, as are ABS, EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts.\nMitsubishi have touted the new streamlined exterior to the new \u201cJ-Line Design\u201d which is a styling characteristic that\u2019s unique to the new Triton family. That being said,\u00a0it is quite a looker and one that manages to be rather imposing and masculine for its all-new design. The J-Line touch is an innovative solution in increasing interior space as well.   It also lends its hand to keeping that iconic shape and figure. To compliment the design of the car, Mitsubishi is offering the Triton in five different colors such as Earth Green, Pearl White, Shadow Black, Red Solid and Sterling Silver \u2013 which does not come with the VGT Adventure.\nWith 2-years Free Maintenance and a factory warranty of \n3-years or 100,000km \n(which ever comes first), Mitsubishi is hoping to shift circa 900 units of the Triton per month. Suffice to say that MMM\u00a0has had a significant collective interest of over 2,000 bookings for the all-new Triton. The company is represented by over 58 showrooms and 54 service outlets spanning the nation.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure   Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT   Mitsubishi Triton MT\u00a04\u00d74   Mitsubishi Triton Quest 4\u00d72"
"BMW\u2019s M division is turning 50 today, and as a celebration, BMW Malaysia has brought out five new M models here in Malaysia, including the \ni4 M50\n \u2013 the performance sub-brand\u2019s first fully-electric model.\nBeing fully-electric driven, the BMW i4 M50 stands to benefit from the \ngovernment\u2019s EV incentives\n, and as such will be priced from \nRM430,800\n on the road, without insurance, but inclusive of the sales and service tax as it\u2019s expected to only begin deliveries after the Penjana SST exemptions expire on the 30th of June.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe M50 is the new top-dog in the fully-electric\n BMW i4\n\u2018s variant line-up, powered by an all-wheel drive electric powertrain thanks to the addition of a new front motor.\nPowertrain: Twin BMW M eDrive motors, all-wheel drive\nFront motor output: 190 kW (258 hp), 430 Nm\nRear motor output: 230 kW (313 hp), 365 Nm\nTotal system output: 400 kW (544 hp), 795 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds (in Sport Boost mode)\nTop speed: 225 km/h\nBattery size: 83.9 kWh (80.7 kWh nett), lithium-ion\nDriving range: 510 km, WLTP\nThe BMW i4 M50 comes with an 11 kW AC charger on-board, which translates to a charging time of eight hours of 15 minutes. DC charging is also supported at up to 200 kW, which tops up the battery from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes.\nEXTERIOR\nUnlike the \u201ctraditional\u201d \nM4\n, the BMW i4 M50 here comes in the form of a Gran Coupe. It does, however, get a range of M Sport trims on the outside to give the i4 a little more aggression. These include:\nGloss black kidney grille surround with grey pinstriping\nM grille badge (replacing the i logo)\nM Aerodynamics package\nGrey rear diffuser highlights\nBlack rear diffuser inserts\nBoot lid spoiler\nBMW M wing mirrors\nBMW M 50 Years emblems\nExterior colour choices: Mineral White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey, M Portimao Blue, Sanremo Green\nINTERIOR\nMatching the exterior sportiness are the M-specific interior trims and equipment, including:\nCarbon fibre trim inserts\nM Sport seats\nM Sport steering wheel\nM tricolour seat belts\nAlloy pedals\nM anthracite headliner\nM-specific BMW IconicSounds Electric\nOther standard interior equipment include the BMW Curved Display panel with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch centre infotainment display, both running the iDrive 8 operating system, Sensatec faux leather dashboard upholstery, and an electrical glass roof.\nSAFETY\nThe BMW i4 M50 in Malaysia will come as standard with the marque\u2019s Driving Assistant Professional Package, consisting of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functions, lane centring assist, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Also standard is the 360-degree surround view monitor, Parking Assistant Plus, as well as Acoustic Protection and Active Protection for pedestrians.\nPRICING\nThe BMW i4 M50 is now available for pre-booking here in Malaysia via the \nBMW Shop Online\n platform (linked \nhere\n) at a fee of RM5,000. Normally retailing for \nRM446,800\n, the i4 M50 will also be offered via BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s Straight Line Financing plan, with monthly payments starting from RM4,928 (seven-year tenure, 80% loan).\nIncluded in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, as well as an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Motors has\njust unveiled its latest design study for their future virtual cockpit\ntechnology and the Korean carmaker claims it\u2019s the most intuitive and comfortable\nprototype they\u2019ve made.\nThe instrument cluster\ndisplay adopts a multi-layer display (MLB) technology which consists of two displays\nstacked onto each other to allow visual 3D effects with depth of field. This effect\nhelps to convey information to the driver with less distraction and is more comfortable\nto the human eye.\nThe odd-looking steering\nwheel houses touch sensitive displays with haptic feedback to access menu\nshortcuts. Depending on the driving situation or the driver\u2019s individual needs,\nthe layout and display can be changed indefinitely. This offer driver\u2019s maximum\nfreedom to tailor the layout to their preferences.\nThis next-generation cockpit was installed on a \nHyundai i30\n to demonstrate that the latest technologies are not limited to high-end models but also achievable for a broad customer base. Although, we believe Hyundai can work on the presentation a bit better."
"The Blue Oval Company has been rather busy lately, not with new vehicles or cars but rather they\u2019ve been devoting their time, energy and resources in the bid of raising the public\u2019s awareness on the subject of road safety and the host of new safety technology that\u2019s available in Ford models.\nOver the course of last weekend, Ford has been working tirelessly on its\n \u201cFuture of Safety with Ford\u201d\n tour that took place at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre, where audiences experienced a \n40-minute session\n that touched on various issues that blight drivers and passengers the same.\nFord demonstrated some of their new tech such as\n\u00a0Adaptive Cruise Control \nand\n Collision Warning\n system which allow drivers to set the\n radar-based sensor\n\u00a0(good up to\n\u00a0180 meters\n)\u00a0and can adjust the speed of the car to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead of you.\nThe tour included a demo of the\n Third Age Suit\n which was designed by Ford so that younger engineers and designers wearing the suit can \nreplicate \nthe limited movement of the \nelderly\n and visually impaired,\u00a0just to name a few. There\u2019s even a \nPregnancy Suit\n that replicates the motions and movements of \nexpecting mothers\n. It\u2019s research such as this that allows engineers to build \nsafer cars\n.\nAn interesting feature in Ford cars is the\n SYNC 2\n voice command system that allows the driver to turn up the A/C, for example by simply hitting a button and saying\n \u201cMax AC\u201d\n or make a hands free call by saying\n \u201cCall Matthew Hernandez\u201d\n.\nNow what if you\u2019ve a young driver in the family, and you want to ensure that they drive safe and responsibly ? Fret not for Ford has introduced the\u00a0\nMyKey,\n which allows owners to limit top speed, stereo volume and restricts the \ndeactivation\n of the \ntraction control\n system, \nBLIS\n and \nstability control\n.\nFord Asia Pacific\u2019s Director of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Pete Hardigan said \u201cFord leads the way in the development of smart technologies and future transportation systems. We continue to go further to develop innovative safety and driver assistance technologies, while making them attainable and affordable for customers.\u00a0In the coming years, we may see more services based on two-way V2V communication systems, allowing cars to communicate with each other about driving and traffic conditions, even when they are out of sight. In the longer term, we hope to see widespread use of V2I systems, allowing cars to talk to infrastructure and traffic management systems. The result could be safer roads, improved mobility, reduced emissions and fuel consumption.\u201d"
"The\u00a0all-new BMW 1-Series Sedan, developed together with its Chinese partner BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd, is most likely going to be the company\u2019s most important model in the world\u2019s most populated country.\nFirst things first. The\u00a0\n1-Series Sedan\n\u00a0pays a small tribute to the E30 3-Series of old. It\u2019s built based on the UKL platform and is front wheel driven, just like all MINI cars and some of the compact selections from BMW. However, the wheelbase is extended to \n2,670mm\n for better passenger comfort.\nThe 1-Series Sedan of course bears all trademark BMW design accents, from the kidney grille to the Hofmeister Kink. Depending on the variant of choice, the car can be fitted with keyless entry with push-start button, panoramic roof, electric parking brakes, full-coloured heads up display and BMW iDrive system.\nThree variants have been named in the debuting lineup \u2013\u00a0\n118i, 120i Luxury\n and \n125i Sport\n. As with the\u00a0\nF30 3-Series,\n\u00a0the base 118i gets a \n1.5-litre three cylinder turbocharged\n engine that generates \n136 hp\n and\n 220 Nm\n of torque. The other pair gets powered by the familiar\u00a0\n2.0-litre turbocharged\n mill; the 120i gets \n192 hp\n while the 125i receives the hotter\u00a0\n231 hp\n tune. All engines are paired to a ZF\u00a0\neight-speed automatic\n transmission.   The BMW 1-Series Sedan will hit showroom floors across China in 2017, and it\u2019s likely to remain that way for an indefinite period of time. In Malaysia, the 1-Series can only be had\u00a0in\u00a0\nhatchback\n\u00a0form, and costs from RM174k. The \n2-Series\n\u00a0on the other hand, carries a sticker price of RM260k. Looks like the\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz CLA\n\u00a0and \nAudi A3\n\u00a0won\u2019t have a direct competitor from the Bavarian giant after all.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the official launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in December last year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now officially confirmed the pricing information for the\n sole S 580 e PHEV variant\n here on our shores.\nThe luxury limousine will be locally-assembled here in the Pekan assembly plant, and priced at \nRM 698,744\n (on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the 100% SST exemption until the 30th of June 2022), making it approximately roughly RM50,000 dearer than the \noutgoing model\n.\n \nAs a recap, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is currently only offered here in Malaysia as the standard wheelbase version (W223), and in the sole S 580 e plug-in hybrid variant. Underneath the bonnet is a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine paired to a electric motor for a total system output of \n510 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque.\nDrive is sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n5.2 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. On pure electric mode, the all-new S 580 e can travel for 100 km without a single drop of fuel, at speeds of up to 140 km/h.\nLaunched globally in 2020, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been completely redesigned both inside and out. On the exterior, the all-new S-Class borrows many of its styling elements from its other Mercedes-Benz stable mates for a more unified look across the entire family. For example, the horizontal-oriented taillights look similar in style to that of the CLS, \nlaunched back in 2017\n.\nOn the inside, meanwhile, the all-new S-Class will be leading the charge for Mercedes-Benz\u2019s latest interior styling philosophy, including the new portrait-oriented centre display that has now also made its way onto the all-new C-Class \u2013 which is also scheduled to be launched here in Malaysia very soon.\nIn terms of standard features, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e PHEV in Malaysia comes equipped with Digital Lights headlights, 19-inch multi-twin-spoke alloy wheels, Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with automatic stereographic 3D effect, electrically-adjustable rear seats with heating and cooling, calf massage functions, and the MBUX rear-seats entertainment system.\nAs for safety, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e in Malaysia comes with the Driving Assistance advanced driver assist suite, which includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and Parktronic active parking assist. It\u2019s also the first car in the world to include forward-facing airbags for rear passengers.\nFor the full list of the S 580 e\u2019s facts and figures, click here. \nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e PHEV in Malaysia is backed by a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, while the PHEV battery pack gets a separate six-year/100,000 km warranty.\nGALLERY"
"In conjunction with Mercedes-AMG 50 years anniversary and the last Formula One race in Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has introduced the most potent E-Class to date, the \nMercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+\n. The latest addition to the MBM Dream Car Collection will also be available in an exclusive Edition 1 variant for early adopters.\nPriced at RM998,888, the E 63 S sedan is some RM344k more expensive than the \nrecently introduced E 43 sedan\n. Is it worth another E200? Lets find out.\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+\nEngine\n3982 cc; twin-turbo V8\nTransmission\n9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT dual-clutch\nMax Power\n603 hp @ 5,750 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n850 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.4 seconds; 250 km/h (AMG Driver Package: 300 km/h)\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM998,888\nAlthough the E 63 S comes with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, Mercedes-AMG has cheekily give the super saloon a \nDrift Mode\n, where the car momentarily becomes a pure rear-wheel drive vehicle. To activate Drift Mode, drivers need to put the car in Race mode, fully deactivate ESP and have the transmission in Manual mode.Unlike the E 43 which gets an AMG-tuned mass-produced block, the E 63 S gets a hand-built 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that packs \n603 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque, that is \n200 Nm\n more than the \nAMG GT S\n! Century sprint is quicker than the AMG GT S too at \n3.4 seconds\n, thanks to the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. On full whack, the E 63 S sedan will register a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n which can be stretched to \n300 km/h\n if you have the \nAMG Driver Package\n installed.\nThe E 63 S also features \nAMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system\n that deactivates cylinders two, three, five and eight under light engine load when Comfort mode is selected. All eight cylinders will fire up instantaneously the moment the engine spins above 3,250 rpm.   Activating \nRACESTART\n is now a simpler affair \u2013 drivers only need to have the Dynamic Select in Sport, Sport Plus or Race, depress the brake pedal with their left foot and simultaneously fully depress the accelerator pedal with their right foot and the launch sequence will commence. Depending on road surface conditions, drivers can also decrease or increase the engine speed of the RACESTART through the pedal shifters.\nVisually, the E 63 S gets a much more aggressive but functional styling. The front bumper louvres help direct air across the \nextended wheel arches\n (+27 mm) while directing more air into the intake. The extended wheel arches are complemented with 20-inch AMG cross-spoke forged alloys wrapped in 265/35 (front) and 295/30 (rear) profile tyres. Other striking visual elements include \u201cV8 BITURBO 4MATIC+ lettering, rear diffuser and gloss black exhaust tips.   The sporty theme continues to the cabin design, standard items include Sport Seats (upgradable to AMG Performance seats), Alcantara AMG multifunctional steering wheel, AMG instrument cluster, IWC analogue clock and RACETIMER that records onboard lap times. Customers can also select a range of customisation options through AMG Performance Studio.\nFor even more exclusivity, the \nEdition 1 package\n adds a Designo Night Black Mango paintjob, dynamic stripes on side panels, matt black 20-inch AMG forged wheels and night package. Other items thrown in the mix are AMG Performance Seats, AMG Performance Sports Steering Wheel, Yellow contrast stitching, carbon fibre trims and \u201cEdition 1\u201d lettering around the cabin.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following our previous article on the upcoming\n 2018 Ford Mustang\n, we\u2019d like to add on that Ford has claimed that it would be the fastest yet with its new optional \u201cDrag Strip\u201d mode capable of a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in under four seconds.\nThe new Mustang\u2019s blinding performance will be also be owed to its new 10-speed transmission and the sure-to-be enticing \u201cDrag Strip\u201d mode. As the most extreme of five driver-selectable modes, its been redesign to provide maximum acceleration and optimising straight-line performance; very American indeed.\n\u201cTypically, when you shift gears, you give up time,\u201d said Mustang\u2019s Chief Designer, Carl Widmann. \u201cIn Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn\u2019t drop when you\u2019re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.\u201d\nThe \u201cDrag Strip\u201d mode is primarily controlled by the Mustang\u2019s new 10-speed transmission, built with wide-ratio span and optimised gear spacing. It will help deliver higher average power for acceleration, resulting in improved responsiveness and relentless acceleration.\nThe 10-speed gearbox, yes, it\u2019s still ten and your glasses aren\u2019t foggy, features Ford-patented power-flow and Ford-patented direct-acting hydraulic controls. It\u2019s designed for optimised progression of the gear ratios and efficiency, resulting in more accurate, quicker up and down shift capabilities which is certain to eliminate the lost time and torque usually associated with automatic shifting.\u00a0\nThe new Mustang is sure to annihilate all previous stigmas of American muscle cars as it features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms. All this brain power to go with the brawn ensures the right gear is engaged at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capability, reducing shift times and low-speed tip-in response (a nerdier way of say initial throttle response). The transmission is also uniquely tuned for each of its four other driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport, Track and Snow/Wet.\nThose opting for the Performance Pack, will receive custome-designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres for optimum traction.\n\u201cGearing matters, and in Drag Strip mode, this car launches better than ever off the line,\u201d said Widmann, and we couldn\u2019t agree more.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang will be among the first states in Malaysia to transition into Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) starting from today.\nIn a joint press conference on Saturday, the National Security Council together with the Ministry of Finance, announced the five states are allowed to progress into the next NRP phase once they have met their respective threshold indications such as \n10% of the population being vaccinated\n and a low number of daily cases per 100,000 population.\n\u201cWe should reward those who can meet the thresholds and continue to motivate other states to achieve the targets set for their respective states,\u201d said YB Senator Tengku Zafrul, who is also the NRP Coordinating Minister.\nLast week, the National Security Council has added more economic sectors that will be allowed to operate, such as automotive, furniture, iron and steel and cement manufacturing sectors.\n\u201cCar wash centres, computer and telecommunications, electrical appliances retailers and stationery will also be in the positive list,\u201d YB Datuk Ismail said, but hair salons were only allowed to offer basic haircuts. These sectors can operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.\nThe green light to restart the automotive sector in Pahang will also \ngreatly benefit vehicle assembly plants\n in the state, where Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n, \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n and \nIsuzu Malaysia\n have plants in Pekan.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia has plans to introduce a range of new CKD models this year including \na compact SUV.\n The plant also \nexports the current-generation W205\n C-Class to the Philippines.\nTake a look at this exclusive tour of how Mercedes-Benz Malaysia assembles its cars!\nThe ministry also elaborated on the opening of morning and farmers market, where operation hours are only limited between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. with only six main items be on sale- vegetables, fruits, groceries, processed chicken, meat and seafood.\n\u2018Pasar malam\u2019 or night market, weekend markets and \u201ctamu\u201d will remain closed.\nSocial activities are still strictly disallowed during Phase Two, with interstate and inter-district travel remain off-limits except for students facing examinations and teachers."
"Caltex is ending the year with a bang by rewarding their customers with the opportunity to win over RM150,000 of cash prizes on top of RM90,000 worth of free fuel! Better yet, nine lucky customers will walk away with a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 5.\nThe \u2018Big Fuel Giveaway\u2019 campaign kicked off on 1 December 2015 and will span a period of over three months before \nending on 29 February 2016\n. Each month, 46 selected customers will be rewarded with the aforementioned prizes. Below is the breakdown:\nThree Grand Prize winners will be given\u00a0RM10,000 worth of free fuel each\nThree winners will win the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (only for Caltex Journey and BCard customers)\n10 winners will walk away with a cash prize of RM5,000 each\nThirty consolation prize winners will win RM300 worth of StarCash cards\nParticipation is easy. Simply spend a minimum of RM40 on any fuel (RON95, \nRON97\n or diesel) at any Caltex stations nationwide to stand a chance at winning the prizes. Caltex\u2019s Big Fuel Giveaway campaign will see the company giving RM90,000 worth of free fuel, RM150,000 worth of cash prizes, RM27,000 of StarCash cards and nine units of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5.\nChevron Malaysia\u2019s Country Chairman, Shahid Ahmed said, \u201cThe Caltex Big Fuel Giveaway promotion serves as an opportunity to offer more exciting campaigns to our customers, in addition to rewarding our loyal customers at the same time.\u201d Again, the promotion ends on 29 February 2016, so pump away, folks!"
"Proton has launched the facelifted \nIriz\n, \nPersona\n, and \nSaga\n in Brunei, making it the first export market for the updated Proton models. The updated models will join the \nX70\n, which was launched in Brunei in July last year.\nThe launch in Brunei is a stepping stone for the national carmaker as it looks to increase their export volume in 2020. Proton aims to be the \nthird best-selling brand in the ASEAN region\n by 2027, in addition to their local goal as the best-selling brand.\u00a0\nProton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong said, \u201cWhen we updated the Proton Iriz, Persona, Exora and Saga last year, we did so while taking in to account the needs of markets outside of Malaysia and today, three of those cars are now available in Brunei.\n\u201cIt\u2019s a good start to 2020 but as the year progresses, we will be looking to export our cars to more countries,\u201d he added.\nProton is also looking to increase the sales of the X70 in the region. Production of the Malaysian-assembled Proton X70 has begun at the new \nRM1.2 million plant extension in Tanjung Malim\n \u2013 which will also serve as the right-hand drive hub for Geely\u2019s export plans to the wider ASEAN region.\n\u201cExporting the Proton X70 will be critical for Proton\u2019s future sales growth, especially in neighbouring ASEAN countries. It will spearhead the introduction of the next generation of Proton models currently being jointly developed with Geely and will lay the groundwork for the brand with customers in these markets,\u201d Dr Li added.\nIn related news, the Proton X70 has been recently crowned Overall Car of the Year at the 2019 Malaysia Cars of the Year awards, as well as the winner for Midsize Crossover & SUVs 5 Seaters.\nThe Proton Saga, updated in August last year with a new four-speed automatic gearbox and refreshed styling, also claimed the Entry Level Sedan & Hatchback prize. At the same award ceremony, Dr Li Chunrong was awarded the Automotive Man of the Year award, for his contribution to the national brand."
"At long last, the \nHonda City RS\u2019\n price has been revealed on Honda Malaysia\u2019s website, and we sure hope it\u2019s been worth your wait!\nThis makes the City RS more than RM19k more than the 1.5 V priced at RM86,561. Here\u2019s how the pricing looks like for the entire line-up:\n1.5 S\n \u2013 RM74,191.27\n1.5 E \n\u2013 RM81,664.82\u00a0\n1.5 V\n \u2013 RM86,561.45\nThe above prices are SST-exempted and will remain so until the \n30th of June 2020\n.\nPowering the City RS is a completely different powertrain from the 1.5 S, E and V variants. The Hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre engine that makes 98 hp and 127 Nm, aided by an electric motor which will primarily drive the car while the engine will be used as a starter/generator. The electric motor makes 109 hp and 253 Nm.\nSpecific items that make the RS stand out from the rest of the City variants include:\n16-inch wheels\nrear disc brakes\nblack front grille\nRS front lip\nRS rear boot spoiler\nblack mirror covers\nrear diffuser\nRS instrument panel\nelectronic parking brake\nThe rest of the City variants come with drum brakes at the back and the conventional hand brake lever. The purely petrol-powered City variants come with a 1.5-litre engine making 121 hp and 145 Nm.\nThe City RS will also come with the Honda Sensing driver assistance system which includes features like:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nAuto High-Beam (AHB)\n \nFollowing the launch of the Honda Connect application, Honda Malaysia also announced that the City RS will be the first Honda model to feature the connected service.\nThe Honda Connect App essentially allows you to track your vehicle and monitor its parameters, such as fuel level and service intervals. It even comes with an \nAutomatic Collision Detection System\n which will notify Honda\u2019s 24 hours Roadside Assist centre in the event of a collision of when an airbag is deployed. Emergency services will then be dispatched immediately.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n has just launched the \nnew Honda City hatchback\n based on the City sedan \nlaunched last year\n. Four variants are available \u2013 S, E, V and the RS \u2013 with prices starting from \nRM75,670\n for the base model.\nThis is followed by the E at \nRM83,080\n\u00a0for the E variant, and\u00a0\nRM87,860\n\u00a0for the V variant \u2013 the highest spec for the petrol engine models. As for the RS, prices will only be announced in early 2022. Each City hatchback comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nHere\u2019s our first impression of the City hatchback while testing it at the Sepang Circuit!\n \nThere are two powertrains available for the new City hatchback; a 1.5-litre VTEC DOHC petrol engine with 121 hp and 145 Nm for the S, E and V variants while the RS is primarily powered by an electric motor with 109 hp and 253 Nm, while its 1.5-litre engine with 98 hp and 127 Nm serves as a generator.\nOn the outside, the full range of the City hatchbacks come with LED daytime running lights and taillights, while LED headlamps, fog lights and 16-inch wheels are reserved for the top two variants \u2013 the V and RS. The S and E variants are fitted with 15-inch wheels.\n \nInside, the full range of City hatchback comes with Ultra seats while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available in the top three variants. Items like an electronic parking brake, rear air-con vents, and semi-digital instrument cluster are reserved for the RS.\nIn terms of upholstery, the S and E variants come with fabric upholstery, leather in the V and Ultra Suede in the RS.\nAlso exclusive to the RS variant is the full suite of Honda SENSING features. They include adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keep assist, front collision warning with collision mitigation braking (autonomous braking), lane departure warning with road departure mitigation.\nFor a more detailed coverage of the new City hatchback, click \nhere\n!"
"You may remember the \nRenault Arkana \nthat was shown-off at the Moscow motor show back in 2018. No? Well, we don\u2019t blame you, so here\u2019s a quick refresher: it\u2019s a coupe-styled C-segment SUV, built on a heavily-modified B0 platform from the \nfirst-gen Captur\n, and is on sale in Russia and a few other Asian countries.\nGot it? Great. Three years since the model\u2019s show car was first unveiled, Renault has now launched the Arkana in Europe, but with a key difference \u2013 it\u2019s built on the newer Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B compact car platform (found on the \nall-new Clio\n and\n Captur\n).\nThe platform change also means a update in powertrain choices, and as a part of its marketing strategy, Renault is now calling it their \u201cfirst purpose-built hybrid car\u201d.\nWe\u2019re not quite sure what that means, since it\u2019s also available with other powertrains in other regions, but European customers can choose between two electrified powertrains: a 145 hp 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid E-Tech, or a\u00a0turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine\u00a0with a 12V mild-hybrid technology and 140 hp.\nThe Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is targetting to unveil 12 new EV models by next year! Read more about it here.\nThe former is equipped with a special \u201cdog clutch\u201d automatic transmission to seamlessly switch between petrol and electric power, and does 0-100 km/h in \n10.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n173 km/h\n. As for the latter, it\u2019s paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission, which translates to a century sprint time of \n9.8 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n205 km/h\n.\nLooks wise, the European-spec Renault Arkana is pretty much unchanged from the global models, with standard features including fully-LED headlights with the iconic C-shaped daytime-running lights, as well as the LED tail lights with a full-width light bar across the tail gate.\nThe European do get a new range-topping R.S. Line variant, however, with a deeper Formula 1-inspired front splitter, a variant-specific honeycomb grille, gun metal skid plates and accents throughout the exterior, as well as a larger set of 18-inch wheels, finished with a red stripe on one of its spokes.\nTake a look at the original Renault Arkana show car and see if you can pick out the (mild) differences!\nMoving inside, the R.S. Line treatment extends to the dashboard with a carbon fibre-like finish, as well as additional red accents along the dashboard and door lining, plus red stitching on the leather steering wheel, seats, and seat belts.\nOtherwise, the rest of the interior is pretty akin to \nthat of the Clio\n, and customers will get either a 7.0- or 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display in the centre, along with either a 4.2-, 7.0-, or 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, depending on variant.\nAs standard, the Renault Arkana in Europe is equipped with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and tyre pressure monitoring system as standard. Adaptive cruise control is available on the two higher-end variants, along with automatic headlights.\nThe updated Renault Megane R.S. 300 is now available in Malaysia! Check it out here.\nThe Renault Arkana will start at GBP25,300 (~RM149k) in the UK, with first deliveries starting sometime in September. Would you like to see the Arkana being introduced here in Malaysia to rival the likes of the \nBMW X4\n and \nMercedes-Benz GLC Coupe\n? Let us know in the comments below!\nGALLERY"
"Cycle & Carriage\n Glenmarie body & paint centre has been upgraded to the highest \nMercedes-Benz\n accreditation status, Centre of Competence. This makes it one of only two such accredited body & paint centres in Malaysia, the other one being Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves.\nThe facility has a total built-up area of 86,600 sq. ft containing a workshop, a body & paint centre, a tyre & rim boutique, as well as an office area. The showroom is able to display 10 units at a time.\nLaunched in September 2013, Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie is currently the latest autohaus to obtain the Mercedes-Benz highest accredited Centre of Competence status, meeting the highest standards of car restoration services. Precisely, the facility is located at Lot 17, Level 1, Persiaran Kerjaya, Seksyen U1, Glenmarie, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.\nThe Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie Authorized Service Centre is currently equipped to handle 21 units of vehicles in its work bay and 15 units of vehicles for body and paint at any one time. To achieve the Centre of Competence accreditation, the centre has to meet certain requirements. This includes having the required equipment and technical know-how to perform complex restoration works including chassis realignment and aluminium structural welding, ensuring original parts are used, and work is done by qualified technicians.\nRELATED: \nCycle & Carriage Johor Bahru named Dealer of the Year 2021 by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\nCycle & Carriage Malaysia CEO, Mr Thomas Tok said, \u201cAt Cycle & Carriage, we put our customer\u2019s safety at the heart of everything we do, including repair and services, and we are proud to say that Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie has achieved the highest Mercedes-Benz accredited status to be able to provide you with the care and service you need from a premium luxury brand.\u201d\nIn order to achieve the accreditation status, strict guidelines from Mercedes-Benz Group AG need to be adhered to with a series of evaluations on the Body & Paint Centre. This accreditation status is carried out jointly by a Technical Specialist from Mercedes-Benz Global Service & Parts and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Customer Services Team. This includes the on-site technical training to ensure its personnel are well trained and meet the Mercedes-Benz standards in restoring a vehicle to its original specifications, from minor dents to severely damaged vehicles.\n\u201cCycle & Carriage remains committed to excellence when it comes to offering luxury car services. We anticipate more Mercedes-Benz owners to benefit from the world-class repair services we are offering and will continue to upgrade more after-sales facilities to better serve our customers,\u201d added Mr Thomas Tok.\nRELATED: \nVideo: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC, RM430k \u2013 5 Things"
"Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has just announced a new colour \u2013 Dark Ruby Red Pearl for their \nbest selling model\n, the \nHonda City\n. Customers choosing this colour will not have to pay additional costs, and this adds to the outgoing palette comprised of Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.\nSince its introduction last year, more than 55,587 units of the City has found new homes, contributing to a large chunk of Honda\u2019s sales (41 percent to be exact). However, Honda\u2019s market research team showed that many of their customers chose red as their preferred new colour for the City.\nJust to recap, the non-national B-Segment leader is powered by a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine making 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque, paired to the Continuously Variable Transmission. Like its mechanics, the amenity and safety kits remain identical as before.\nHonda Malaysia aims to shift 300 units of the City in its new Dark Red Ruby Pearl paint monthly. What do you think of the new colour? We for one, are digging it.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There can only be one thing better than eating durians; eating FREE durians and at Volkswagen\u2019s Raya Open house happening at all dealerships nationwide this Saturday on the 22nd of June from 11am to 5pm, dreams will become a reality.\nObviously, visitors will also be able to scout the line-up of Volkswagen vehicles on display, enjoy test drives and if somehow the durians induced brash decision-making, \nthose who place a booking on that day\n will receive an additional RM2,000 petrol voucher on top of the ongoing RM1,000 petrol voucher promotion.\nModel\nSavings from \nLow Interest\nMonthly loan from\nPolo\nRM4,000\n\u2013\nRM741\nVento Comfortline\nRM8,000\n\u2013\nRM800\nVento Highline\nRM6,000\n\u2013\nRM892\nGolf R-Line\nRM2,000\n\u2013\nRM1,788\nGolf GTI\n\u2013\n\u2013\nRM2,572\nGolf R\n\u2013\n\u2013\nRM3,176\nTiguan Highline\nRM2,000\n1.88%\nRM1,598\nPassat Comfortline\nRM15,000\n1.88%\nRM1,575\nPassat Highline\nRM4,000\nRM1,865\nBeetle Sport\nRM5,000\n\u2013\nRM1,538\nThe offer is only applicable for bookings made on the 22nd of June and for vehicles registered by 30th June 2019.\nOn the side note, ongoing after sales promotions also include complimentary air-cond checks, additional 20% off for an air-cond service or filter replacement and 20% off on new batteries."
"MyTeksi, the popular taxi-dispatch service provider has just launched a new initiative known as the Elite Drivers Programme. A total of RM4.5 million will be invested into a fund to improve their driver\u2019s welfare and will be ongoing till the end of this year.\nThe programme will promote and reward the company\u2019s most active drivers, this includes those with the highest adherence to service standards. Qualified drivers will be entitled to receive \nup to RM10,000 in benefits\n each month, including insurance coverage, financial incentives, MyTeksi collaterals and more.\nDuring the launch, Myteksi General Manager, Mr Jaygan Fu revealed that \n200 Klang-Valley based taxi drivers\n have been identified as the first recipients \u00a0of the Elite Drivers Programme. They were selected through months of evaluation and interviews by MyTeksi\u2019s management team.\n\u201cThe elite drivers are selected based on targets achieved as well as consistently good customer service. The programme has been very well received \u2013 based on feedback from the drivers during the selection process,\u201d Fu adds.\nMyTeksi will be organising further selection rounds and announcing new waves across the country over the coming months until December, with the next round of selection taking place in July."
"After first \nappearing in the news \nalmost a year ago, the sale of Bugatti from Volkswagen Group has been executed. Sort of. The new joint venture company will see Bugatti pairing with Rimac under a \n45-55\n ownership ratio.\nHowever, the Bugatti portion of the joint company will be \nheld by Porsche\n, where the current owner Volkswagen will transfer its shares to. Bugatti Rimac will have its headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia and is scheduled to be established in the fourth quarter of 2021.\nA new tail brings the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport to 440 km/h! Check out its aerodynamics here! \nBugatti will remain at its historic headquarters in Molsheim, France, where it was founded in 1909. The new joint company hopes to leverage on both parties expertise, with Bugatti a world-renowned small volume manufacturer of the highest craftsmanship, carbon fibre construction and other lightweight materials as well as unique and experienced worldwide dealership partners.\nWatch the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport drag races a fighter jet!\nRimac, based in Croatia, on the other hand, has established itself as an industry pioneer in electric technologies, both as a technology supplier (Tier 1) to Porsche and others automakers, as well as designing and manufacturing their own hypercar called the \nRimac Nevera\n.\nPorsche first invested in the Croatian technology firm back in 2018 with a 10% minority stake. That increased to 15% a year later and with an investment of \n70 million Euro\n (RM345 million) back in March 2021, Porsche holds 24% of the Rimac shares without exercising a controlling influence.\nMate Rimac, founder and CEO of Rimac said Bugatti and Rimac are a perfect match for each other with pioneering electric technology and hypercar manufacturing business.\nFor the short term, both companies will continue to produce their own models- the \nBugatti Chiron\n range and the all-electric Rimac Nevera. Jointly developed Bugatti models are planned for the longer term. \u00a0\nThe fully-electric Rimac Nevera (formerly known as \nC-Two\n) is certainly a match for the Bugatti Chiron, with four motors (each wheel driven by an individual motor) and a 120 kWh battery pack developing \n1,914 hp\n and \n2,360 Nm\n of torque.\n0 to 100 km/h is dispatched in just \n1.97 seconds\n, the quarter-mile in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of \n412 km/h\n. Only limited to 150 examples, the Rimac Nevera will cost \nUSD2.44 million\n (RM10.1 million).\nGALLERY\n2021 Rimac Nevera"
"The current Volkswagen Polo, in its fifth-generation guise, has been around for seven years, and that calls for a dire replacement for Volkswagen\u2019s volume seller. The sixth-generation Polo has quite a few things to live up to, and what we have here is a set of camouflaged photos courtesy of \nAutoExpress UK\n.\nBased on the all-new \nMQB AO\n platform (Volkswagen\u2019s smallest platform), the Germans are seeking to ace in interior quality, infotainment and connectivity with the new Polo. This camouflaged mule was snapped in Death Valley, California, and gives us a relatively clear look on the overall shape of the car.\nPicture Source: Auto Express UK\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK\nA source from \nAutoExpress\n also revealed that the new Polo will have a wider wheelbase of \n2,560mm\n, a 90mm increase over its predecessor. This could directly translate to better cabin space (the Japanese is miles ahead on this now) and increased legroom for the rear passengers. Also new to the cabin is a touchscreen head unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nIn the powertrain department, the entry-level Polo will be powered by a\u00a0\n1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine\n. One naturally aspirated and two turbocharged variants of the same engine are in the pipeline, producing 75 hp, 100 hp, and 115 hp respectively. The 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel are will also be offered, meaning the outgoing 1.2-litre TSI unit powering the \nVento\n could be discontinued. Transmission options will include a standard six-speed manual and seven-speed dual clutch DSG.\nThe new Polo should go on sale by mid-2017. Back at home, the locally assembled \nPolo\n\u00a0with a 1.6-litre MPI engine and six-speed automatic\u00a0can be had from \nRM76,888.00\n.\n[Source: \nAutoExpress UK\n]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK\n \n Picture Source: Auto Express UK"
"What do you call a Volkswagen Tiguan with more space? No, it\u2019s not the Touareg, but it\u2019s the Tiguan Allspace. Bridging the gap between the Tiguan and the Touareg, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers seating for up to seven persons, an option that\u2019s not even offered in the bigger Touareg.\nDebuted earlier this year at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, the Tiguan Allspace recently made\u00a0its first European appearance at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.\nTo get the extra third row seats, Volkswagen has stretched the \nTiguan\n by a total of \n215 mm\n, of which\u00a0\n109 mm\n goes to the wheelbase. The transformation can be seen from the side, with the noticeably \nlonger rear doors\n and a kicked-up rear quarter window, but indistinguishable from the back. The front is slightly different though, as they have raised the bonnet by quite a bit for more balanced proportions against the extended length.\nInside, the cabin mirrors the standard Tiguan up until the B-pillar, but the similarities end there. Well, somewhat. This seven seater SUV boasts a loading space of up to\n\u00a01,775 litres\n\u00a0with both rear benches folded down. If all seats are occupied, then the boot space is all but puny at\u00a0\n230 litres\n.\u00a0In standard five-seating configuration, boot volume increases to 700 litres.   Powering the Tiguan Allspace is the same range of \npetrol and diesel engines\n offered on the Tiguan, with options to pair the engines with a \nDSG gearbox\n and\u00a0\n4Motion all-wheel drive system\n. Several trims are available on the Tiguan Allspace: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, although unlike the \nnormal Tiguan\n, the R-Line is not offered on the Allspace.\nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) \nrecently previewed the Tiguan\n for the Malaysian market, but whether the Tiguan Allspace will be available here remains to be seen.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In a recent headline by \nReuters\n, it was reported that Volkswagen and Volvo, owned by China\u2019s Geely, are doing enough to electrify their line-up in Europe.\nVolkswagen launched more variants of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) of their conventional models as well as the introduction of the \nID.3\n EV model. Volvo meanwhile launched the \nC40 Recharge EV\n earlier this year joining the 2020 XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, but sales of the former will only be reflective from summer 2021.\nThe report that quotes findings from a study by Transport and Environment (T&E) that BMW, Toyota and Daimler are meanwhile ranked worst as they have low EV sales, no strategy and over-reliance on hybrids.\nUpon further analysis of the information available, it seems that Volvo and Volkswagen are working the hardest as they were \none of the higher \u2019polluters\u2019 in Europe\n and they face a hefty penalty for this.\nSource: August 2020- ICCT CO2 Emissions from new passenger cars in Europe\nVolkswagen was fined\n \nmore than EUR100 million\n (RM490 million) for missing its CO2 target from its 2020 passenger car fleet. Automakers are faced with a \nEUR95 (RM470) fine\n for each g/km of excess CO2 they emit multiplied by the number of vehicles registered in that year. \u00a0\nThe Volkswagen Group, consisting of five volume-selling brands (Audi, Porsche, Seat, Skoda) has an estimated market share of 25%, significantly higher than the next carmaker which is PSA (Peugeot, Citroen) at 16%.\nAs such, the group needed to significantly introduce large quantities of zero-emission vehicles into the market to bring down their average CO2 contribution which is said to be 96 g/km. Approximately \none in three new VW Golfs\n sold in Europe last year was a hybrid!\nOne of the cheapest EV- the facelifted MINI Electric with 232-km range from RM217,471\nVolvo meanwhile was listed as the second-most \u2018polluting\u2019 in 2019 but thanks to the introduction of zero-emission models such as \nPolestar 2\n, \nXC40 Pure Electric\n and \nadding Ford into its registration pool\n, the company, now listed as Geely Group, is seen to be doing well, even ahead of Volkswagen in a CO2-emission analysis by Jato Dynamics.\nVolvo, Polestar and Ford now form the Geely Group\nAs for the poor remark on Toyota, the company only has a regional market share of 7% and a high percentage of their sales consist of \nhybrid models\n. Pooling together with Mazda, their average CO2 contribution has traditionally been the lowest, and as such, does not seem to appear to be \u2018working hard to electrify Europe\u2019 in the eyes of T&E.\nNonetheless, the automotive giant has begun to introduce higher electrification into its fleet, such as the \n302 hp/1-liter per 100 km Toyota RAV4 PHEV\n with the upcoming Lexus NX that also uses similar plug-in hybrid technology as well as the fully electric Lexus UX 300e.\n2017 122 hp hybrid system\n2021 302 hp PHEV\nWhile the industry moved to expand EVs, Toyota just kept improving its hybrid\n \ntech\nToyota just last week also \nvoiced their opinion\n that a product line-up of just electric vehicles is not possible even in 2040, as their brand has a very wide presence across the globe. The company will continue to offer various powertrain solutions that fit the legislations, infrastructure and ultimately, customer demand.\n \nResearch suggests that EVs might be cheaper than regular cars by 2027. Find out how here!\nIn the coming weeks, the EU is expected to announce more ambitious CO2 targets; by 2030, the average CO2 emissions of new vehicles should be 50% below 2021 levels, versus the existing target of 37.5%. By then, Volvo is expected to be a fully-electric brand, while Volkswagen will have more than half its line-up as EVs.\nIn other separate announcements, Audi plans to be fully-electric by \n2033 (except China) \nwhile Honda has placed \n2040\n as the target. Regionally, Thailand is setting \n2035\n as the year only EVs are sold, Singapore five years later and Indonesia by \n2050\n. The ultimate goal, globally, is to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."
"The Subang Jaya lass has given us and the Internet a positive story to share amid this Covid-19 shit storm.\nIt all started with a Facebook post by \nKuan Chee Heng\n, more famously known as \u201c\nUncle Kentang\n\u201c, regarding the plight of an Indonesian woman who was at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, desperately needing to deliver her child after her water broke.\nShe was said to be married to a Malaysian man but at that point couldn\u2019t produce documents such as the \u201csurat nikah\u201d. Given her uncertain residential status, the hospital had apparently requested for a RM2,800 deposit before she could be attended to.\nWord was that she was left unattended to and was in pain for more than 12 hours \u2013 ironically, being at the one place that could\u2019ve done something about her situation.\nUpon reading the Facebook post, Leona who had been assisting Kuan with various charity work over the years, immediately contacted the affected parties including Kuan and rushed to the hospital within minutes of seeing Kuan\u2019s plea to the public for whatever financial aid netizens could offer.\nThankfully, the child was safely delivered and both mother and child were said to be in good health.\nIn these trying times, especially with the widespread Covid-19 virus, it\u2019s understandable that perhaps hospitals are being overwhelmed but to turn away a desperate couple looking to deliver a newborn regardless of their residential or marital status is just unfathomable. Don\u2019t doctors take vows against such situations?\nAs one netizen even commented, \u201cxkawin ke x register ke. Bgi la dia brsalin dulu.. Nyawa kut. Hkl xkn pntingkan duit dr nyawa? Mne perikemanusiaan? Ttup ke hkl klu bgi dia bsalin tnpa byrn dlu.\nIn normal speak, what she meant was, \u201cRegardless of the couple\u2019s situation, couldn\u2019t they have helped her deliver her child safely before all else? As it involves a human life? Is HKL prioritising money over life? Where\u2019s the compassion? Would HKL close down if they helped her deliver before payment?\u201d\nAs for the question of who Kuan is, a little digging revealed that he\u2019s a retired police officer who has formed a \u201c\nCommunity Policing\n\u201d organisation \u2013 a modern take on the Rukun Tetangga \u2013 to help combat petty crimes in neighbourhoods around Malaysia.\nAside from ensuring the peace of Malaysian folks, the organisation also tries to understand why these crimes were committed as some do so purely out of financial desperation. He even goes to the extent of finding jobs for the needy.\nKuan has also managed to \nprocure an ambulance\n, partly sponsored by Petron, for those with financial difficulties. It\u2019s said that he even opens his house up for the public to drop off donations and also for the needy to sort help."
"The Bugatti Chiron is the second model from LEGO Technic\u2019s Ultimate sub-theme, following the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in 2016. Like the 911, the Chiron is 1:8 in scale, measuring 56cm in length, 25cm wide and 14cm tall. It comprises 3,599 pieces (the Porsche had 2,704) and combines elements from both LEGO Technic and LEGO System. The LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron has five pieces that are unique to it \u2013 the wheel, disc brake and three elements within the intricate 8-speed gearbox (the real Chiron has a 7-speed DCT, by the way).\nTrue to the LEGO Technic line which is grounded on complex technicalities, the Chiron features a rear wing that can be deployed by a \u2018speed key\u2019 (just like the real thing), all-wheel drive, a functional 8-speed transmission with paddle gearshift, a W16 engine with moving pistons and crankshafts, working suspension and steering system, even an overnight bag. Each Chiron model comes with a unique serial number and is priced at RM1,799, available at all LEGO Certified Stores and LEGOLAND.\nAutoBuzz.my recently caught up with Aurelien Rouffiange, the lead designer of the LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron. Schooled as a product designer, Rouffiange started working for LEGO Technic eight years ago. The first model he created was a Quad Bike back in 2012 and now has over 20 other new models under his belt. Rouffiange describes the Chiron as his best creation so far. We won\u2019t disagree.\nWhen and how did the collaboration with Bugatti come about?\n \nRouffiange:\n For me, it started two years ago in the summer of 2016. The decision to partner with Bugatti was made before that by my manager, the core team and marketing, they are responsible for exploring new partnerships. Compared to the previous supercar we did (the Porsche GT3 RS), the Chiron brings more coolness, more functionalities, more details and a high level of authenticity. I think these are the reasons why we decided to work with Bugatti.\nMy first sketch model didn\u2019t look like the car we have today. It was a lot bigger and very different. When I presented it to the Bugatti design team, they liked it, but they gave us a lot of feedback which was great because it made us push the limits and step out of our comfort zone.\nReplicating the curves of the Chiron\u2019s rear quarters was the most challenging, according to Rouffiange.\nWhich was the most difficult part on the actual car to replicate?\n \nRouffiange: \nI think everything was quite complex, from the outside to the inside, and also the functionalities, it was very challenging. When you look at the actual Chiron from the outside, everything is organic in shape, but to translate that using square bricks, that was a big challenge. It\u2019s the reason why the development process took a long time, I think the shaping of the rear of the car. that was the section that was most challenging. I was never really satisfied until the final version you see today.\nThe rest of the car was also challenging; we had to pack so many functionalities into a small space. You can see the car is very condensed and there isn\u2019t much room left for anything else. But if I had to pick one thing, the biggest challenge was the exterior, especially the rear of the car.\nThe build process of the LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron mimics the real thing; Rouffiange is seen here \u2018marrying\u2019 the front and rear sections.\nWhat do you want someone to experience when building the Bugatti Chiron?\n \nRouffiange: \nThe concept of having a supercar is to deliver the best experience, from the moment when you have the packaging in your hands, it has to be different and unique. In the Chiron, you have a nice flow of building and a high level of functionality. We try to make it as close as it can be to the real thing, we even created the marriage process during the build which is very unique. It was very critical for us to have as many details and to mimic the process of how Bugatti builds the real car in Molsheim, France. We wanted our customers to feel the same process when building the model.\nHow long should someone take to build the Chiron?\n \nRouffiange: \nIt depends if you\u2019re a LEGO Technic expert or if you are new to LEGO. I would say between 15 to 20 hours, if you\u2019re very new to LEGO. I timed myself and my best was six hours, with a break in between when I stopped the timer. But this is after a year and a half of working on 50 to 70 test models. For the final model, I had to build it like 15 times to make sure everything is in the correct order. Now, I don\u2019t want to build it anymore! (laughs)\nThere was also a LEGO Technic fan who completed it in seven hours on the first try, and then once again in six hours and 30 minutes. Some people like to build it fast, some like to take their time and enjoy every moment building it. Some people do it in two months, some do it in a day, so it all depends."
"Alongside the launch of the Kona compact SUV, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today also officially unveiled the Sonata here in Malaysia. Hyundai\u2019s latest D-segment offering will be available in only one variant, fully-imported from South Korea, priced at \nRM206,888\n.\nHSDM is also offering a special introductory price of \nRM189,888 for the first 50 units\n of the Hyundai Sonata sold in Malaysia, inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year.\nEXTERIOR\nBased on Hyundai\u2019s latest \u2018Sensuous Sportiness\u2019 design language, the Sonata features a striking exterior that is quite a stark departure from its predecessor, and almost every other Hyundai model for that matter. The four-door-coupe look is inspired by the \nLe Fil Rouge Concept\n, shown off at the 2018 Geneva motor show.\nMain highlights of the exterior styling include the Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, intersected by a chrome trim that connects the two side air intakes, as well as the LED combination headlamps with a unique daytime-running lights that are integrated right into the chrome trim, extending across the entire length of the bonnet onto the window surrounds at the side.\nUsing an array of laser-cut micro perforations, the daytime-running lights become virtually invisible when switched off \u2013 Hyundai calls this the Hidden Lighting Lamps. At the back, the Hyundai Sonata features C-shaped LED taillights \u2013 seemingly inspired by the Honda Civic \u2013 connected by a light bar that spans the entire width of the tailgate.\nAttention to detail is the name of the game here on the all-new Hyundai Sonata; Hyundai put significant effort into the intricate details of the exterior styling, such as the character lines on the side, small aerodynamic fins on the taillights, and even a knurling effect on the hub cap of the 18-inch alloy wheels that resembles that of the knobs on the interior!\nOverall height of the Hyundai Sonata has also been lowered for a sportier stance, while at the same time improving the centre of gravity for an enhanced handling performance. The all-new Hyundai Sonata is available in six exterior colours \u2013 White Cream, Shimmering Silver, Nocturne Grey, Oxford Blue, Midnight Black and Flame Red \u2013 all with their corresponding interior colour schemes.\nINTERIOR\nThe extravagant design language is continued inside, modelled after the \u201cBeautifully Smart\u201d motif, with a significant focus on technology. Key highlights on the interior include:\nHighly-customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, split-screen view function\nPanoramic sunroof\nQi wireless mobile charging pad with cooling fan\nElectric parking brake\nHead-up display\nPower-adjustable driver seat with memory function\nInstead of a regular gear lever, Hyundai designers have also thrown out the rule book and replaced it with individual P,R,N, and D buttons, which significantly decluttered the centre console. The designers also emphasised on the the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin by minimising the height of the dashboard and air con vents, while the luscious leather-topped dashboard elevates the sense of luxury.\nAs for colour pairings, the Oxford Blue and Flame Red exterior colours are matched with the black leather interior; Shimmering Silver\nexterior colour with the Greige two-tone leather interior; while the White Cream, Nocturne Grey and Midnight Black exterior colours are matched with the Camel two-tone leather interior.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Hyundai Sonata is available in Malaysia only in one single variant, featuring a 2.5-litre SmartStream G2.5 powerplant underneath the hood.\nEngine: 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front wheel driven\nMax horsepower: 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 232 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nThe Hyundai Sonata is also the first model to utilise the brand\u2019s third-generation modular vehicle platform. Significant emphasis was placed in the safety and driving performance of the vehicle, thanks to the platform\u2019s multiload path structure which increases the energy absorbs during collisions, hot stamping, as well as super-high-tensile steel plate.\nSAFETY\nUnlike the Kona, the Hyundai Sonata is not specified with the SmartSense advanced safety features for the Malaysia model. Standard safety features include:\nSix airbags\n360-degree around view monitor\nBlind-Spot View Monitor which displays the side views on the digital instrument cluster when turn indicators are activated\nBlind-spot collision warning\nAnti-lock Brake System with Brake Assist System\nElectronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management\nHill-start Assist Control\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the all-new Hyundai Sonata is priced at \nRM206,888\n in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance. Pricing includes a five-year/300,000km warranty as standard.\nThe first 50 units of the Hyundai Sonata is also eligible for a special introductory price of \nRM189,888\n, inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are in effect until the end of December 2020. The Hyundai Sonata is now available for viewing at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"If there\u2019s anything I learned from my recent trip to South Korea is to never assume. I assumed my trip would involve driving a soon-to-be-launched model from a Korean car maker, but \nGC Mah\n told me it was actually for BMW. Fine, so I thought I was going to drive a Bimmer on Korean roads and again I was proved wrong. It\u2019s not just another BMW media drive; it\u2019s the BMW M Experience 2017. Joy of joys!\nIt has been two years since the last \nBMW M Experience\n event was held in Sepang, and this year BMW Malaysia was very kind to remind us what the most powerful letter in the world truly means (that\u2019s M, by the way) by flying a group of us to Incheon, South Korea, where the \nBMW Driving Centre\n is located.\nBIMMER FANATICS\u2019 DREAM PLAYGROUND\nOpened in 2014, the BMW Driving Centre is just a stone\u2019s throw away from Incheon International Airport. To the uninitiated, it may look like a huge showroom and a service centre, but it\u2019s actually a Bimmer fanatic\u2019s dream playground. It\u2019s no N\u00fcrburgring but there\u2019s plenty to do here \u2013 there\u2019s a \n2.6 km racing track\n, a multiple course, a dynamic course, a circular course, and an off-road course too.\nUnfortunately we only have a few hours to experience M before we needed to catch our return flight, so without delay we were escorted to a row of \nM3s and M4s\n. Too stunned to make a quick decision between an Austin Yellow M3 or a Silverstone M4, I was left with a Black Sapphire M4 marked with number \u201c13\u201d. Not sure why no one picked the car in the first place. Anyhow, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six putting out \n431 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n under its bonnet, who\u2019s complaining?\nLAPPING IT UP\nThe track may be half the size of Sepang, but it\u2019s not half the fun. While it\u2019s mostly flat with a slight elevation, the combination of sweeping and tight corners should keep regular track-goers entertained lap after lap after lap, or at least until the rubbers wear off.\nAlthough there were plans to extend the main straight, we did see 190 km/h come up on the HUD before we had to brake hard into a tight, sweeping right kink. To be honest, that caught me off guard once when I was trying to close the gap with the pace car ahead, but the M4\u2019s razor sharp steering and impeccable balance conveniently pointed the nose back into line with confidence.\nYou could individually configure the steering, throttle, dampers, transmission, DSC, and even the HUD to your heart\u2019s content and save two of your favourite modes into the customisable M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel for quick access, but our cars were already configured to demonstrate how wieldy or deranged an M4 could be. Either way, with the direct steering and the Active M differential, the M4 handled the bends like a veteran pole dancer. That probably explains why I\u2019m so damn enchanted with the car already, but at this point I\u2019m really getting ahead of myself, because there are more M cars to drive!\nGOING TO THE GYM\nMeeting the \nM2\n is like meeting that really cute chick you\u2019ve been stalking (don\u2019t judge me, I mean I\u2019m sure you do this too. right?) for some time but never had the chance to speak with in person. And\u00a0once you do meet her, you try so hard to play it cool, but the brain somehow forces you into a spastic giggle. The M2 is close to being four years old now, but its athletic appeal hasn\u2019t waned one bit.\nWe took the straight-six coupe onto a purpose-built gymkhana course to sample three drive modes \u2013 Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The trio\u2019s preset makes things a whole lot less convoluted than my experience in the M4, but the latter would truly come in handy when you\u2019ve bonded.\nIn Comfort mode the M2 is a very lively little tyke and a polite one at the same time, slithering its way through the entire gymkhana course in a clean and controlled manner. Want more attitude? Sport mode unleashes more fun and makes slalom more interesting, while Sport+ allows for some tail-wagging antics, particularly at the hairpin and the donut part of the course. And like speed dating, you\u2019re promptly taken away to meet another candidate, just when you\u2019re about to get to know the M2. Oh well.\nWaiting for me in the dynamic course was the M6 GranCoupe, and nothing prepared me for this. With sprinklers constantly wetting the tarmac, there\u2019s no way of keeping the tail in check. We had get past the slalom and hard braking course while turning, and the 560 hp and 680 Nm from the twin-turbo V8 proved to be quite a handful on slippery surfaces. But the message was clear: electronic aids may be able to assist you in hairy situations, but ultimately you shouldn\u2019t rush when the roads are wet.\nLUNCH, ANYONE?\nBefore lunch, we were offered another go in the M2 for a few more laps around the track. Who in their right mind can say no to that? I knew I would love the M2 after sampling the\u00a0\nF22 220i\n back in 2014, but I didn\u2019t expect to be so bowled over this cheeky little monster merely after a few rounds in\u00a0the gymkhana section. The M4 might be able to lap the track quicker, but the M2\u2019s petite physique makes it much more manageable and less intimidating at the edge. If you can afford it, by all means go get it before it\u2019s too late. Seriously. I mean it.\nThe drive was so immersive to the point where I completely forgot that I was actually having lunch. But BMW wasn\u2019t done. They had dessert on standby, and off we went to a hall\u00a0to the preview of the \nM4 CS\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0a more focused version of the already brutal M4. Unveiling the car was Mr Peter Quintus himself, Sales & Marketing VP of BMW M. You could sense his passion about the M brand, proudly elaborating on how far the brand has grown and expanded to include M Performance models such as the ballistic \nM550d xDrive\n to cater to those \u201cless extreme\u201d clientele.\nSAY WHAT NOW?\nIf you didn\u2019t notice, among the three M cars I drove at the BMW Driving Centre, the M2 left the fondest impression despite being the smallest and least powerful M car of the lot. While the brand continues to push the for advancements in power and efficiency, we can safely assume that the future is looking bright for M-thusiasts. But not entirely.\nUnfortunately, compromises will have to be made. We were told that the future is bleak for the manual transmission because it can only handle so much torque. The cost of developing a brand new transmission is unjustifiable due to the low take-up rate. On the bright side, the M DCT gearbox responds much quicker than the manual, and it\u2019s much less of a hassle if you\u2019re stuck in traffic. If you ask me, I\u2019m not so much bothered by it because all I can think of right now is, how do I get half a million Ringgit to buy this German M-asterpiece?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just one week before the official unveiling of the Volvo V90, Volvo has generously published the first few official images of its latest wagon (\npreviously leaked\n), one that will sit next to the new\u00a0\nS90\n.\nJudging from the pictures, the V90 looks like a lower and wider version of the \nXC90\n SUV, while remains distinctively different than the SUV. The V90 also receives a different set of rear lights, which looks more conservative compared to the controversial S90. The front end meanwhile, is an exact copy of the S90, which is good. The inside remains status quo with the S90 as well.\n \n \nSharing the similar\u00a0\nSPA platform\n just like the XC90 and S90, it\u2019s clear as day that the V90 will be using the same powertrains as its crossover and sedan siblings. Hence, expect the range-topping \n407\u00a0hp T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid\n\u00a0to be offered. A hotter treatment from Polestar is also in the works as well, bringing memories of the flying Volvo 850 wagon back to our minds.\nNo official release date has been revealed, but by the looks of it, the V90 will most likely grace our roads sometime in 2017, right after the S90\u2019s Malaysia arrival.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the end of the shoot my videographer actually asked if I was on drugs and if he could have some. That was because I\u2019ve never appeared this giddy on video before \u2013 much lesser over a car.\nBut that\u2019s the effect the \nAston Martin DBS Superleggera\n had on me. There is not an angle or section of the Super GT (as Aston Martin calls it) that isn\u2019t dramatically eye-catching.\n \nThe Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is powered by a 5.2-litre quad cam 48-valve twin-turbo V12, making \n725 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n to solely drive the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox and a carbon fibre propeller shaft.\nThe asking price for the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera starts from RM1.2 million and that\u2019s before you start ticking the boxes on the option sheet.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We all know that the tyres on our vehicles need pressurised air to ensure safe and confident operation. But what if the tyres are under-inflated or running really low in pressure?\nSo, did you spot the difference in the photo above? One tyre is actually 10 PSI (or 70 kPa) lower than the recommended pressure.\nGenerally, car tyres have an operating tyre pressure of \n33 PSI or 230 kPa\n. A slight difference is not a big deal, for example, a variation of one to three PSI (or 7- 21 kPa) but lower than 25% of the recommended (or 25 PSI/175 kPa) is unsafe and in fact, will be noticeable at the steering wheel. Here are the reasons why you should not continue driving if your tyres are under-inflated.\nThe tyre pressure information can usually be found at body section of the driver\u2019s door, next to the seat\n1. Under-inflated tyres affect safe handling\nThis is the first sign of under-inflated tyres. The vehicle will tend to deviate to the side where the tyre with much lower pressure is. Without air pressure holding and supporting the sidewall of the tyre, steering the vehicle becomes incredibly difficult.\nThe tyre, now being compressed by the weight of the vehicle, struggle to provide sufficient grip for drive, steering and braking. If your steering feels heavier, or more effort is required to rotate it, drive carefully to the nearest petrol station to fill up the tyres if possible, as there is a high chance of an under-inflated tyre or even punctured.\n \nHow to change a car tyre \u2013 Auto DIY\n2. Under-inflated tyres can cause a blowout\nAs the weight of the vehicle compresses the tyre due to under-inflation, heat builds up at the sidewall. Driving at highway speeds will generate even more heat and this heat leads to tyre failure or blowout.\nExample of a tyre blowout. Image: \nidrivesafely\nA blowout happens without any warning and can cause a loss of control that leads to an unfortunate collision or accident.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n3. Under-inflated tyres consume more fuel\nMore energy is needed to move the tyre in every direction due to a \ngreater increase in rolling resistance\n as a result of under-inflation. Acceleration will be more sluggish, which in turn will make the car consume more fuel.\nThe rubber valves do not hold tyre pressure for a long period. In fact, it is said that \nair pressure escapes at a rate of 1 PSI / 7 kPa per month\n, so always make it a habit to check the tyre pressures every two weeks.\nIn the comparison photo above, the tyre on \nleft has lower \npressure by 10 PSI / 70 kPa and this is not visible to our eyes, thus the more reason to have the habit of checking the tyre pressures regularly.\n4. Under-inflated tyres wear out a lot faster\nUnder-inflated tyres also reduce the lifespan of the tyre, as lack of air pressure means the structural shape of the tyre is deformed, leading to a distorted tyre footprint.\nImage: \nGoodyear Australia\nAs the tyre\u2019s sidewall and shoulders now support the vehicle to an even bigger scale, the inner and outer edges of the tyre will wear faster. Wearing out (or disappearance) of the \u201cblocky\u201d tread is also an indication that your tyres are under-inflated. Over inflating the tyres are also a bad idea, as the ride will become harsh and again shortened the lifespan of the tyre through an increased wear at the centre.\nWhat about the runflat tyres (RFT), where it will still provide mobility even with a total loss of air pressure? These are designed to be driven even without air pressure but only to the nearest tyre repair workshop. Learn more about RFTs \nhere\n. \u00a0\n \nAlways make it a routine to check the tyre pressures in your car every two weeks, and don\u2019t forget the fifth/spare tyre! Maintaining proper tyre pressure allows your vehicle to deliver the fuel economy, handling and safety it was designed to deliver."
"It\u2019s been a while since we \nlast featured\n anything on the Lexus LFA V10 and since it\u2019s been a slow news day, we went foraging on YouTube for content on the Lexus LFA and couldn\u2019t quite believe what we found.\nAs the thumbnail image points out, it\u2019s a bonus segment from \na review by ISSMI \nand while that may also interest you, we\u2019d suggest jumping straight into the video below!\n \nThat\u2019s because it\u2019s 4-minutes of sheer aural pleasure, sung by the sweet naturally-aspirated V10 engine of the Lexus LFA. There\u2019s nothing quite like the LFA and it\u2019s unlikely that there\u2019ll be anything else that sounds like that as well, in the future, in most part due to emission regulations.\nWe\u2019re not going to dwell on that though; that\u2019s not what this is all about. We\u2019re not here to mope about losing these wonderful melodies from engines that are no longer feasible to manufacture. We\u2019re here to celebrate a car from a different time and a wonderful sound.\nThe Lexus LFA may have been underappreciated when it was new but more than 10 years on, with resale values soaring beyond the heavens, we\u2019re glad the car got the last laugh.\nEnjoy!\nCredit: \nISSMI Official"
"If you\u2019re into cars, there\u2019s a high chance you\u2019ve played or at least heard of the \nGran Turismo\n racing game that is exclusively available on PlayStation only. Possibly the reason most young kids turn into car enthusiasts, the Gran Turismo celebrates its 25th anniversary today, after the first of its series debuted on November 16, 2022.\nCreated by Kazunori Yamauchi, development started with him, two part-time artists, and three engineers. Several iterations and many years later, the team behind the Gran Turismo franchise, Polyphony Digital, consists of more than 200 people.\n \nThe first Gran Turismo game wowed players with its large collection of cars and impressive graphics at its time of release. Nearly all car brands were available in the game and players could purchase a wide variety of performance upgrades (with in-game credits) and add \u2018Racing Modification\u2019 livery upgrades to certain cars. The most memorable thing about the Gran Turismo game would be the fact that players would have to first obtain a \u2018Racing Drivers License\u2019 before they could even start racing in the \u2018Simulation Mode\u2019.\nFollowing the many iterations of the PlayStation console, the Gran Turismo series too has had many iterations with Gran Turismo 7 being the latest installation. In between the 7 \u2018main\u2019 installations, there have also been other sub-versions of the game like Gran Turismo Concept, Gran Turismo 4: Prologue, Gran Turismo HD Concept, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, and Gran Turismo Sport.\nRELATED: \nThe Porsche Vision Gran Turismo concept for GT7 is more important than you think\nPorsche Vision Gran Turismo, one of the many \u2018Vision\u2019 concepts\nStarting out as a mere console game, the Gran Turismo franchise has even managed to get car brands to participate in their Vision concept, where each company makes a concept car that pushes the limits of the physical world. The game has even appeared on the old Top Gear series where Jeremy Clarkson used the game to practice driving a Honda NSX on the Laguna Seca racetrack before doing it in real life.\nMcLaren Ultimate Vision\nKazunori Yamauchi even made a post on the PlayStation blog to commemorate the game\u2019s 25th anniversary. In his post, he said, \u201cMy heartfelt thanks goes out to all of them for their support. And above all else, I can\u2019t ever thank enough the GT users and people of the GT community who have played our new titles, which at times could be said to have been very experimental.\u201d\n\u201cWe are here today because of all the people who supported us. I believe the Gran Turismo series has always pursued \u201cBeauty\u201d. The beauty of the cars, the beauty of the scenery, the beauty of the lighting, the beauty of driving, the beauty of sounds/music and the beauty of the graphics. The \u2018pursuit of beauty\u2019 is the motivation for creating Gran Turismo.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMcLaren has built a new car but not for you to drive \u2013 not in reality, at least"
"Motorrad fans rejoice for the famed Munich automakers has released their latest offering, albeit a couple of wheels short. Yes, BMW are also proud manufacturers of motorbikes as well as cars. Unveiled this morning was the BMW S 1000 XR and the BMW R 1200 RS models by BMW Motorrad Malaysia.\nThe S 1000 XR \n\u201cadventure sport bike\u201d\n represents the fourth member of the four-cylinder high-performance lineup that includes the likes of the \nBMW S 1000 RR\n that\u2019s featured in the upcoming \nMission: Impossible\n movie franchise and the legendary \nHP4\n superbike.   At the heart of the S 1000 XR is a \nDOHC 999cc inline\n engine that chucks out \n160 hp\n and provides \n112 Nm\n of torque. Consider also that this pocket rocket tips the scale at a mere \n228 kg\n. Taming all that power is aided by the \nAutomatic Stability Control (ASC)\n, \nDynamic Traction Control (DTC)\n and the \nABS Pro\n programs. Having said that, there are also two different riding modes that can be selected;\u00a0\nRain and Road\n. As a cost option, you may opt for the \nRiding Mode Pro\n option.\nAll that power has to come to a halt eventually. And to help you with that, the S 1000 XR comes kitted with \n120/70 ZR17 \nupfront and\n 190/55 ZR17\n\u00a0tyres at the rears. Holding the sticky rubber in place is a\n 10-spoke die-cast aluminium\n wheel that is similar to those found on the RR variant. Braking is a job left to the \n320mm twin disc brakes\n,\u00a0squeezed by a \nfour-pot caliper\n. The back is home to a \n265mm single disc\n with a \ntwo pot\n squeezer.\nThe \nBMW R 1200 RS\n\u00a0on the other hand, is an interesting new dimension to sports touring bikes. The RS embodies the true touring qualities of this lineup of Motorrad bikes dating back almost \n40 years\n. The new RS is noteworthy for yet another achievement, which is its\n 51:49 weight balance ratio\n. This ratio is courtesy of the \nflat-twin boxer\n unit that powers the RS.\nMaking \n125 hp\n, this \n1,170cc\n,\n liquid-cooled\n tourer also peaks its torque figure at \n125 Nm\n \u2013 yes the RS makes more torque than the\n S 1000 XR.\n Power is channeled to the rear via a \nsix-speed transmission\n that\u2019s helped along with an light-action oil bath, \nanti-hopping clutch\n.   Just like the XR, the RS comes with a host of electronic safety programs to ensure a safer, more manageable ride. Equipped with \nASC, DTC, ABS\n and even \nDynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA)\n, the programs\u00a0help deliver \nbetter overall damping\n, be it on comfort or performance mode. Depending on the settings applied, the RS will provide just the right levels of damping at the spring elements. Pop it into \n\u201cDynamic\u201d\n mode from the handlebar and it switches over to a\n firmer damper mapping\n that will tame all two-wheeled demons.\nThe new RS comes packed with a\n 320mm disc brake\n\u00a0up front that\u2019s dealt with a \nfour piston caliper\n and a \n276mm\u00a0single-disc rear brake\n system with a\n two-pot\n floating calliper. Tasked with the job of laying the power down onto the black top are\u00a0\n120/70 ZR 17\n upfront and \n180/55 ZR 17\n\u00a0tyres at the back.\nThe S 1000 XR is at the discretion of being licked in two colour schemes, namely\u00a0\nRacing Red\n and\u00a0\nLight White\n which come with their own unique graphic decal. On the other hand, the R 1200 RS model comes with two options. The basic variant gets\n\u00a0Lupin Blue Metallic\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nLight Grey Metallic\n, while the \u201cStyle 2\u201dvariant features \nGranite Grey Metallic Matte\n or \nBlack Storm Metallic\n shades of paint.\nThe BMW S 1000 XR and BMW R 1200 RS are priced at \nRM 112,900 \nand\n RM101,900\n respectively. If that is perhaps a little too rich for your blood, fret not. BMW Motorrad Malaysia offers a four year financing program from BMW Credit Malaysia, allowing you to own the\u00a0\nS 1000 XR\n from\u00a0\nRM1, 588.00\n\u00a0monthly and\n RM1,488.00\n for the\u00a0\nR 1200 RS\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW S 1000 XR   BMW R 1200 RS"
"Porsche has not been involved in the top flight of the\n 24 Hours of Le Mans\n since it pulled out of the sport after its overall win in 2017. Well, that\u2019s about to change, with the German sportscar maker today announcing that it will be chasing its 20th overall Le Mans victory in 2023 in the WEC LMDh category.\nBy choosing to go forth with the LMDh category, Porsche will be able to compete in the top class of both the WEC\u2019s Le Mans 24 hours, as well as the IMSA Daytona 24 hours and Sebring 24 hours, all with the same car.\nThe LMDh category \u2013 which stands for Le Mans Daytona Hybrid \u2013 has been standardised across both the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA\u2019s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, forming the top class of both series from 2022 onwards \u2013 the former joining the Hypercar class.\nCompared to the Hypercar class that will begin racing in WEC next year, the LMDh category is relatively more cost-efficient. Cars will be built on one of four spec LMP2-based chassis, and the hybrid systems specifications, including the control electronics are also standardised.\nLMDh teams are open to freely innovate in the combustion engine and body design areas, as long as they conform to the framework laid out in the regulations.\nIt\u2019s clear that cost played a huge part in Porsche\u2019s decision to partake in the LMDh category, as Porsche AG CEO Oliver Blume explains: \u201cThe new LMDh category allows us to fight for overall victories with a hybrid system at the Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring classics \u2013 without breaking the bank. The project is extremely attractive for Porsche. Endurance racing is part of our brand\u2019s DNA.\u201d\nPorsche VP of Motorsport, Fritz Enzinger added,\u201d I\u2019d like to thank our board of directors for the immense confidence they have in the motorsport strategy we\u2019ve developed. We hold a record with our 19 outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we\u2019ve climbed to the top podium step many times at major races in the USA. We can continue this tradition with an LMDh vehicle while at the same time keeping costs reasonable.\n\u201cThere has been huge interest from other manufacturers. I hope we can pick up where we left off with the famous clashes against many other marques in the eighties and nineties. That would give the entire motor racing scene a huge boost.\u201d\nPorsche has found great success in WEC\u2019s top class endurance racing series. In recent years, the hugely-successful \nPorsche 919 Hybrid\n competing in the LMP1 class achieved a hat-trick clinching the manufacturers\u2019 and drivers\u2019 championship titles in 2015, 2016 and 2017, as well as winning Le Mans for three consecutive years.\nAside from LMP1, Porsche\u2019s GTE Pro programme was also immensely successful, achieving the GT World Championship title and victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 2018-2019 Super Season.\nThe news follows hot on the heels of sister brand Audi, who recently also announced a return to top-flight sportscar racing with its own LMDh entry. So far, four carmakers have signed up to the WEC\u2019s new top-flight category, with Toyota and Peugeot commited to the Hypercar spec.\nIt is unclear at this point in time if the effort will be run as a factory works team, or being sold as cars to customer racing teams. Porsche says more news will follow in due course."
"This year at the Mobile World Congress, Ford has decided to unveil the facelifted Kuga, one that will be featuring a new diesel engine as well as an updated SYNC 3 infotainment system. Its look is also new, and is more in line with Ford\u2019s current crop of models.\nThe Ford Kuga facelift, unveiled in Barcelona, now looks broadly similar to the exterior styling of the facelifted \nEcoSport\n (Malaysia has yet to receive that update), featuring a larger trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille. The front also receives new self-adjusting bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and new fog lamps. Behind, it gets updated\u00a0taillights, a lightly revised boot lid\u00a0and fake diffusers with\u00a0twin exhausts.Ford also offers a choice of\u00a017-, 18- or 19-inch wheels, including a new Copper Pulse colour option which adds a sportier finish to the Kuga.\n \n \nInside, the obvious update goes to the brand new inclusion of an 8.0-inch touchscreen with SYNC3 system, integrating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities. Ford claims that the system recognises five languages and offers\u00a0a much improved voice recognition. For example, simply say out load \u201cI need petrol\u201d and the system will locate all nearby petrol stations.\nNew to the Kuga is a \n1.5-litre TDCi\n diesel mill that generates \n120 hp\n. The front-wheel drive diesel variant returns\u00a0an impressive \n4.4 litres per 100km\n\u00a0while emitting just 115g of carbon dioxide per kilometre. Existing engine options such as the \n2.0-litre TDCi\n\u00a0and the \n1.5-litre\u00a0EcoBoost\n petrol engines are available as well, and both are front-wheel drive. The optional all-wheel drive variants are available via Ford\u2019s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.\nThe new Kuga\u2019s safety credentials have been boosted thanks to Ford\u2019s semi-autonomous perpendicular parking technology, cross traffic alert and park-out assist. A new enhanced version of Ford\u2019s Active City Stop is also onboard, where this time the system works up to 50km/h.\nThe facelifted Kuga will go on sale in the UK in October. In Malaysia,\u00a0 \nSime Darby Auto Connexion\n offers the 1.5-litre EcoBoost-powered Kuga at \nRM164,888.00\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n recently held a special ceremony at the MH Prestige Auto dealership for the delivery of the first hybrid \nCivic e:HEV RS\n in the nation. As owner number one in Malaysia, Chin Kok Fung received RM4,000 worth of exclusive Honda accessories and merchandise as a token of appreciation from the carmaker.\nSpeaking at the ceremony, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hironobu Yoshimura said, \u201c[The Civic e:HEV RS] is definitely a leap forward in our effort to offer the most advanced hybrid technology to Malaysians. To-date, we have delivered more than 180 units of Civic e:HEV RS to Malaysians, and today we are celebrating the memorable occasion with the first owner, Mr. Chin Kok Fung.\u201d\nHe adds that the company is doing its utmost to ensure timely delivery of new cars to customers. \u201cA huge thank you to our customers for their unwavering support, patience, and understanding during this period,\u201d Yoshimura added.\nRELATED: \n11th-gen Honda Civic captures 81% market share in Malaysia \u2013 nearly 7,000 units sold since launch\nOn his choice of the Civic e:HEV RS, Chin commented, \u201cI have always been a fan of performance driven cars. When Honda introduced a 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, I was immediately impressed with the technology and performance it offers. I am looking forward to experience [sic] the thrill of owning this exciting e:HEV technology and to test the car\u2019s potential.\u201d\nThe Honda Civic e:HEV RS made its debut in Malaysia roughly a month ago, taking the spot as the model\u2019s range-topping variant at a price of RM166,500. Underneath the bonnet is one of Honda\u2019s most powerful e:HEV hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine and a dual-motor set-up for a total output of \n184 hp \nand \n315 Nm\n \u2013 all of which mostly coming from the Traction electric motor thanks to Honda\u2019s unique series-parallel hybrid layout.\nThe Civic e:HEV RS was also \nrecently awarded Best Performance Car \nin the 2022/2023 Japan Car of the Year awards. For more details on the hybrid Honda Civic e:HEV RS in Malaysia, check out our launch coverage \nhere\n."
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the launch of the \nPeugeot e\n\u2013\nShowroom\n to allow customers to browse and book vehicles without having to expose themselves to the outdoors due to the current of the Covid-19 pandemic.\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how businesses and customers interact. Thus, having the right digital tools in place will provide our customers with quick access to information on our products and services,\u201d said Naza Corporation Holdings, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Dato\u2019 Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan.\n \nCustomers can now browse through the range of Peugeot vehicles and purchase them from the comforts of their own home by accessing the Peugeot e-Showroom. For the same social distancing reasons, Peugeot also introduced the Home Test Drive, where customers can request for a Peugeot test unit to be sent to their home address.\nIf you\u2019ve decided to purchase the vehicle after the test drive, here\u2019s how:\nStep 1: Visit the Peugeot e-Showroom and choose the vehicle of choice\nStep 2: Fill in your details in the booking form \nStep 3: Submit your details \nStep 4: A Peugeot sales advisor will contact you\n \nFor a peace of mind, all Peugeot showroom or service centres are under strict daily sanitisation. All test drive units along with sales and service consultant materials are also sanitised after every session.\nWith the recent \nSales Tax Exemption\n announcement by the government to help boost vehicle sales and kick start the local automotive industry after two months of zero economic due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), the updated prices for the Peugeot vehicles are as follow:\nFor the updated price list on other vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"BMW Group Malaysia has appointed Regas Premium Sabah as its newest representative in the East Malaysian state of Sabah for the\u00a0\nBMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brand.\nSabah currently contributes over 500 vehicles to the premium segment in the country annually and has the potential to double over the next five years. Last year, we experienced an 18% growth in our deliveries in Sabah in comparison to 2016 which really demonstrates the potential in the state,\u201d said\u00a0\nManaging Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl.\nFrom left: David Tay, Managing Director of Regas Premium Sabah, Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Matthew Tan, Dealer Principal of Regas Premium Sabah and Michael Rainer, Finance Director of BMW Group Malaysia.\nRegas Premium Auto is also the authorised dealer for the above mentioned brands in the state of Sarawak. Regas Premium Auto was also appointed as the authorised service dealership for BMW i in 2016 in the state and last year established the first-ever BMW i public charging facility in East Malaya at CityONE Megamall, Kuching. \nRegas Premium Sabah will\u00a0\ncommence operation on \n1\nst\n\u00a0July\n at Mile 3, Lido, Jalan Penampang, 88300 Penampang \u2013\u00a0offering the full suite of Sales, Services, Spare Parts and Systems (4S) for the BMW and BMW Motorrad brands, as well as service facilities for the BMW i brands\u00a0and MINI."
"Remember the \nPorsche 911 Speedster Concept\n we share a few months back? Well, Porsche has just revealed that exactly 1,948 units of the open-top two-seater based on the 991 series will be built \u2013 with production set to begin in 2019.\nThe number reminisces the Porsche 356 \u201cNumber 1\u201d that began production in 1948 while the Guards Red paintwork is a reference to the 1988 911 Speedster.\nAdding to the catchy paintwork are 21-inch centre lock wheels with a cross-spoke wheel design that\u2019s similar to Porsche race cars such as the 911 RSR and the GT3 R.\nWhat\u2019s really intriguing though, is the fact that it\u2019s been present with tinted out red headlights, like Terminator\u2019s eyes after its face had been ripped off.\nIt will share certain body components from the Speedster Concept such as the carbon fibre rear bonnet with the double-bubble cover behind the seats, fenders and front bonnet that\u2019s also made of carbon fibre. Don\u2019t you think, especially from the side view, that it looks like a turtle though?\nPowering the Speedster will be a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine that\u2019s mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, developing more than \n500 hp \nand is capable of revving up to 9,000 rpm.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here is it, the new \nHonda Civic\n hatchback unveiled prior to its showcase at the Paris Motor Show. This \n10th-generation hatchback\n\u00a0marks Honda\u2019s resurgence in the European market of small family hatches, particularly against increasingly strong Korean contenders.\nBuilt at Honda\u2019s Swindon plant in the UK, the Civic hatchback will be exported throughout Europe as well as North America. As it has always been, the Civic hatchback will not be officially brought into the Malaysian market.   The new Civic hatchback is 4,497mm long, 1,800mm wide and 1,421mm tall. The wheelbase is identical to the sedan \u2013 2,700mm.\u00a0Essentially, it\u2019s longer, wider, lower, and bigger than the one it replaces. The new model has 52 percent greater torsional stiffness than the old model, with weight down by 16kg.\nThanks to the longer wheelbase, interior space is now roomier despite the lower roofline. Honda\u2019s Magic Seats have been removed to make way for the usual 60/40 rear seat split. Anyhow, that\u2019s not a big miss considered the hatch\u2019s impressive boot space of\u00a0\n478 litres\n. The 7-inch head unit also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nThe\n\u00a01.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged\u00a0\nengine will be featured in this new Civic, but it is tuned to make 9 hp more than what we have. However, Honda predicts its \n123 hp 1.0-litre\u00a0three-cylinder turbo\n will account for the bulk of sales. Regardless, both engines are mated to\u00a0either a\u00a0six-speed manual or\u00a0a seven-speed CVT. The\u00a0118 hp 1.6-litre i-DTEC\u00a0diesel option will be available with a new nine-speed automatic transmission when it\u2019s ready.\nCatering to the demanding European drivers is an improved drive for the new Civic. The torsion beam setup at the back has been removed to make way for an independent multilink setup as part of a revised suspension package for the\u00a0new Civic.\nThe new Civic also hosts a good range of active safety kit. All variants will receive a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and blindspot information.\nThe new Civic hatchback will be joined by an all-new Civic Tourer wagon and the hotter Type-R hot hatch. The latter is still in development and may arrive earliest by late 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley\n will be unveiling its latest creation from the in-house coachbuilding division \nMulliner\n at the upcoming Monterey Car Week on the 21st of August. Called the \u201cBatur\u201d, the new Mulliner model will not only serve as the successor to the \nBacalar\n, but also act as a preview to the carmaker\u2019s future design language.\nNot much has been revealed by Bentley just yet, aside from a sole photo depicting the car\u2019s new grille, which appears to retain the large flat-face design, although now with a V-shaped mesh pattern, replete with orange accent trims.\nBentley has already committed to an \nelectrification plan\n, with the Crewe-based carmaker confirming that it\u2019ll only offer EV or PHEV models from 2026, and only EVs starting from 2030. While the Batur is meant to inform how the future Bentleys will look, the powertrain underneath there isn\u2019t quite there yet \u2013 last we checked, it\u2019s still 2022.\nTechnical specifications are sparse to none at the moment, but \nAutocar\n reported that it will feature an enhanced version of the Bentley turbocharged W12 engine, with outputs around the region of \n660 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. The power outputs should translate to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of less than four seconds, onward to a top speed of over\n 320 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nBentley celebrates 1,000 Mulliner projects with a bespoke purple Bentayga\nWe expect the Bentley Mulliner Batur to be just as limited as the Bacalar, which only 12 units were sold worldwide. And if you\u2019re wondering, the name comes from an 88 metre-deep crater lake in Bali, Indonesia, following the naming scheme of its predecessor."
"Following a series of launches recently, BMW has released an updated price list with a few additional models which were not included in the previous announcement. This follows after a series of launches including the \nBMW X5 xDrive 45e\n, the \nBMW M8 Coupe\n and the \nM8 Gran Coupe\n, \nthe X6 xDrive 40i M Sport\n, the \n840i Gran Coupe M Sport\n, the \nX1 sDrive18i\n, the \nM135i xDrive\n, the \nX3M Competition\n and \nX4M Competition\n.\nPrices for a few models remain unchanged. They include the M4, M5, \nM850i xDrive Coupe\n, both the \nX2 xDrive20i M Sport\n, the \nX2 M35i\n along with both the i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster. Newly included into the list are the 5-series models \u2013 the \n520i\n, the 530i M Sport and\n 530e M Sport\n.\nA noticeable price change can be seen with the BMW 630i GT M Sport. In the previous announcement, the 630i GT M Sport was priced at RM438,800 and with the Sales Tax Exemption, was RM430,800. It has dropped further to RM418,131.09 from RM430,800.\nThere are a few surprises with a few models though. The \nX1 sDrive20i M Sport introduced in January this year\n sees an increase in price, \nfrom RM225,410.37 to RM230,410.37\n. Both prices are inclusive of the Sales Tax Exemption.\nThe same goes for the\n X3 xDrive30i M Sport\n, now priced at RM324,164; up from RM319,164. The Z4 also sees an RM5,000 increase, from RM464,510 to RM469,510.\nFor the previous Sales Tax Exemption price list of BMW vehicles, click \nhere\n."
"\u201cInspired by luxury yachts, designed by the ocean\u201d is Mulliner by Bentley Motors\u2019 description of their latest creation, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition. Named after the Greek Goddess of calm sea, Galene, the Galene Edition marries the best elements of an oceanic lifestyle with luxury open-top motoring.\nThe exterior of the Galene Edition is finished in Glacier White to reflect the sparkles of crystal clear waters while the Sequin Blue touches underlines the marine life. A set of 21-inch polished Propeller wheels complete the look of the car.\nInside, the Galene Edition pays homage to the luxuriousness of yacht and Bentley cars, using only the finest hand-crafted materials to create exquisite details. A new material finish \u2013 \nPinstripe Walnut\n was commissioned exclusively for the Galene Edition, creating a natural open-pore wood design as seen on luxury yachts.\nOther bespoke touches include \nLinen and Portland hides with camel hand cross stitching\n for the upholstery, Brunel Alcantara headrest embroidery and Glacier White touches on certain exposed panels. For the true enthusiast, a unique super yacht illustration, \nhand painted by Jaume Vilardell\n can be specified on the passenger side dashboard.   Mechanically, the Galene Edition is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with \n500 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is tasked to transfer power to the rear wheels. Century sprint is completed in \n5.0 seconds flat\n while top speed is clocked at\n 301 km/h\n.\nOnly 30 units of the Bentley Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition will be made. Malaysia was once a lucky recipient of a limited edition Bentley (\none of 20 at that\n), but is there any chance for a well-heeled Malaysian to park this next to his or her luxury yacht?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite Honda\u2019s insistence that the \nN7X concept\n has nothing to do with any of its existing products, these leaked photos certainly suggest otherwise. According to \nindra_fathan\n who posted the photos on Instagram, these are the leaked patent filings of the upcoming Honda BR-V for Indonesia, and guess what \u2013 it looks pretty much identical to the aforementioned concept vehicle.\nAccording to the source, these patents are filed by Asian Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Honda Motor\u2019s ASEAN headquarters based in Thailand, through an Indonesian law firm. So if you\u2019re wondering if this is a hoax, rest assured that this is perhaps as legitimate as it comes.\nCheck out how the Honda N7X concept looks in the flesh here! \nAdditionally, Indonesia-based automotive website \nAutonet Magz\n recently \nuncovered a price list\n for the upcoming Honda BR-V (with the model code DG3) on an official Indonesian government website, adding credibility to the claim.\nAnyway, the leaked patent filings contain four different views of the car in illustration form, giving us a pretty good idea of how the production model is going to look like. There are also close-up 3D renders of the head and tail lights, grille, and bumpers, all of which pretty much identical to what we\u2019ve already seen on the Honda N7X concept car.\nNotice the bulge on the left wing mirror? That\u2019s similar to the Honda LaneWatch cameras we\u2019ve seen on the marque\u2019s existing models, which projects the image onto the infotainment screen for a clearer view when changing lanes.\nThe leaked price list further suggests that the range-topping BR-V variant will come with the Honda Sense advanced driver assistance suite, based on the \u2018HS\u2019 in the listed model code. If true, this will be a huge upgrade over the \ncurrent model\n that doesn\u2019t come with any form of ADAS features!\nThe Honda N7X concept. See the resemblances?\nAlthough the upcoming all-new Honda BR-V will get a completely reworked design, it seems that the powertrain will remain unchanged from the current generation. The \u201915L\u2019 from the model code suggests that we will continue to see the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder underneath the bonnet, which sends \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nCheck out how the Honda BR-V compares against the Mitsubishi Xpander in our seven-seater \u2018SUV\u2019 comparison!\nWhile this will certainly be disappointing news to some, it\u2019s a justifiable decision since the BR-V is built as a budget-friendly seven-seater people carrier, going right up against the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n.\nWhile nothing is confirmed just yet, this new leak is the closest we\u2019ve got to hear about the all-new Honda BR-V. An official launch is likely due soon, so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest news."
"At the unveiling of the new Porsche Macan S at the \nPorsche Sportscar Together Day\n, Sime Darby Auto Performance, distributors of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia also announced that there\u2019s now a \u201cmore affordable\u201d way to own a \nPanamera\n and \nCayenne\n; if there\u2019s even such a thing.\nThe new 360 Leasing Programme, which will eventually extend to the Macan, is an alternative method to vehicle ownership and allows owners to walk away with a new Porsche every three years with only a 10% or 25% refundable security deposit (for both individual and company lease) based on the selected vehicle value.\nCustomers are only required to pay the monthly lease rental during the three year tenure which provides customers the financial flexibility to better utilise their funds elsewhere rather than tying it up to a car \u2013 as if Porsche\u2019s clientele would require such assistance.\nAt the end of the lease term, customers will have the option to either upgrade from their current lease vehicle to a completely different model or to the latest model in the same range.\nThose who somehow built up an attachment with their lease vehicles can opt to extend their lease or even take full ownership of the said vehicle. Otherwise, customers can simply opt to return the lease vehicle without a care in the world about the lease vehicle\u2019s resale value.\nVehicles under the 360 Leasing programme are accompanied with warranty and maintenance package which includes service, parts and labour. Also included is a full comprehensive insurance package for all drivers, along with 24-hour roadside assistance, windscreen and natural disaster coverage."
"Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. charted its highest ever sales last year, \ndelivering a total of 109,511 units of cars\n. Not only that, the company has retained it\u2019s Number 1 position for the Non-National segment for the third consecutive year and maintained its Number 2 position in overall TIV (Total Industry Volume) for the second year running.\nSince Honda Malaysia set foot in Malaysia in 2003, the company has sold more than \n730,000 cars over the span of 14 years\n. Last year was also the first time Honda Malaysia has achieved sales of more than 100,000 units and the \nhighest\n that a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia.\nDespite the challenging market climate in 2017, overall sales for the Japanese carmaker has increased by \n19 percent\n compared to the previous year. \nDecember\n 2017 was the best month with 11,221 units sold. As of 2017, the brand\u2019s market share stands at \n19 percent\n, up 3.2 points from 2016.\nThe \nCity\n emerged as Honda\u2019s best-selling model, contributing 27 percent to total sales, followed by the \nHR-V\n at 17 percent, \nBR-V\n at 16 percent and \nCivic\n at 14 percent. The \nJazz and City Sport Hybrid\n duo also delivered remarkable results, with contributing two percent to the total sales despite being on sale for only four months. As it stands, all CKD models from Honda Malaysia are \nNumber 1\n in their respective segment.\nIn 2017, Honda Malaysia launched eight new models (all-new and refreshed included) \u2013 BR-V, City facelift, Jazz facelift, City Sport Hybrid, Jazz Sport Hybrid, Accord with Honda Sensing, all-new CR-V and all-new Civic Type R (FK8R). Malaysia is also the \nfirst country outside of Japan to launch and assemble the City and Jazz Sport Hybrid\n.\nMoving on to market penetration, Honda Malaysia has grown its presence in East Malaysia with more than 7,500 units delivered to customers in 2017, an increase of \n33 percent\n compared to 2016. The seven-seater BR-V was the best-selling model in East Malaysia.\nIn 2017, Honda Malaysia serviced more than \n1,150,000 vehicles\n, \nup 13 percent\n compared the previous year. The company also introduced Honda Pride, a campaign to create awareness amongst Honda customers on the benefits of aftersales services from Honda Malaysia. Twelve specially designed benefits such as \n5-Years warranty with unlimited mileage\n, genuine parts and comfortable dealer showroom were structured to deliver top-notch quality after sales services to Honda customers.\nManaging Director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cHonda Malaysia achieved outstanding sales achievement in 2017, and we dedicate this milestone year that we have experienced to all our customers, business partners, dealers and Honda associates. It has been an exciting year for Honda and the outstanding results we achieved would not have been possible without the strong support of all Malaysians and the Malaysian Government.\u201d\n\u201cReflectively, we are pleased to note that with the maturing Malaysian market, customers responded well to the various Next Generation Advanced Technologies we introduced such as \nHonda SENSING\n, \nTurbo\n and \nSport Hybrid i-DCD\n. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD made history during their introductions as Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to introduce the technology. It was also the most affordable Hybrid to be introduced in the market. Honda was also the first brand to introduce the SENSING technology into mass models such as the CR-V and New Accord. Ultimately, we strive to bring the joy of ownership to all our customers,\u201d concluded Mr. Ishiyama."
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has announced its sales report for the month of November 2022, in which it reported a total of 10,442 units sold, including both \nToyota\n and \nLexus\n models.\nThe figure represents a 23% increase over the same month last year (8,487 units), but more importantly, it brought the company\u2019s year-to-date sales as of November to 90,595 units combined. The figure represents a 44% increase over the same period last year, which enabled Toyota to maintain the title of Malaysia\u2019s best-selling non-national car brand \u2013 a title the company wishes to keep next year.\nTo keep up with the momentum, the company has announced plans to launch \u201cseveral new models\u201d in the new year, including\n \nthree GR models\n (GR Corolla, GR 86, and manual Supra), the \nfully-electric bZ4x\n, as well as a second hybrid model in its line-up, although details on the latter is still scarce.\nCommenting on the company\u2019s product approach towards electrification, UMWT President Ravindran K. said, \u201cWe believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and currently, Hybrid-Electric is the most viable way forward in achieving carbon neutrality.\u201d\nHe adds that until the nation progressively move towards more accessible forms of electrification, hybrids will be the most accessible and affordable option for car owners to begin their carbon-reducing journey.\n \nUMW Toyota also announced a new company direction in Malaysia, in line with its regional vision to \u201cMove Your World\u201d.\n\u201cMove Your World is our realisation of a future mobility society, within our push to transition from an automobile company to a mobility company. Car ownership will be more convenient than ever, with delivery to your doorstep, holistic car maintenance assistance services, simpler ownership cost management, and much more,\u201d Ravindran K. explained.\nREAD MORE: \nAnwar Ibrahim cancels Mercedes-Benz S600 order, sticks with Toyota Camry for PM duties\nIn line with the Move Your World branding direction, Toyota has also upgraded its website in Malaysia to strengthen its customer-centric web design concept, with a new modernised interface, as well as new user-friendly features such as the search function, branding pages, and a preferred dealer setting.\nALSO READ: \nRM20k more than the Alza, what\u2019s extra on the Toyota Veloz?"
"Naza Italia, the sole authorised distributor of Ferrari vehicles in Malaysia has just opened its doors to the brand\u2019s second Ferrari showroom in Platinum Park Kuala Lumpur, making the brand even more accessible through this prime location showroom.\nLocated at a stone\u2019s throw away from KLCC, the new 3,115 square feet showroom is the product of a RM2.8 million investment by Naza Italia. Esteemed customers of Ferrari can head over to the ground floor of Tower 1, Platinum Park to immerse themselves in the world of Prancing Horse.\nKuala Lumpur City Centre\u2019s first Ferrari showroom is able to accommodate up to three display cars as well as a luxurious customer lounge and configuration room \u2013 arguably the most exciting room in the entire space.\nGroup Executive Chairman of Naza World Group of Companies, Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin said, \u201cSubstantial growth in business calls for an expansion that enables us to better serve Ferrari\u2019s discerning clientele. To address that, we are making the brand more accessible with a showroom in this prime location. We have always been committed to developing and nurturing relationships with our customers and know that it often means going the extra mile \u2013 so that they don\u2019t have to! The Ferrari Showroom at Platinum Park will assist us in reaching out and building upon those customer connections,\u201d\n\u201cNow, with the additional brand presence right in the heart of the city, Kuala Lumpur citizens are invited into the world of the Ferrari in a metropolitan setting. The Ferrari Showroom @ Platinum Park is somewhat of an appetiser, presenting Ferrari enthusiasts and potential buyers a taste of the latest offerings from the Cavallino Rampante and a preview of the experience provided at the more comprehensive showroom in Petaling Jaya,\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua Alza\n owners who are also Apple users can now rejoice as the Apple CarPlay has now been enabled. For Alza owners who have already received their cars, they can get the software update during their next service/inspection at \nPerodua\n service centres.\nIt is to be noted that the Apple CarPlay and Android functions are exclusive to the AV variant of the Perodua Alza only. Other variants of Alza adopt the older system similar to the \nPerodua Ativa\n that doesn\u2019t support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Alza owners are advised to remind the service centres to make sure they get the latest software update.\nAs tested by our very own GC Mah! \nThe Apple CarPlay connection is wired, similar to the Android Auto connectivity. Previously awaiting approval for MFi (Made for iPhone) certification, the Apple CarPlay function was simply disabled on the 9-inch touchscreen unit. Fortunately for us at AutoBuzz.my, the test car that we received was already equipped with Apple CarPlay, and we have verified that it is working in full.\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are some of the many Perodua-first features on the Alza, besides the Electronic Parking brake with auto hold, 360-degree surround view monitor, and rear disc brakes. If you\u2019re an Alza AV owner who is also an Apple user, make sure to get your car\u2019s infotainment software updated to enable Apple CarPlay.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Perodua Alza bookings now 39k units strong, 4,000 units delivered"
"There is no denying it. The exterior of Lexus Global\u2019s latest product, the LM 350, looks very similar to the Toyota Alphard. Priced from \nRM1,148,000\n, it is also well above the price of not one but two units of the Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge from the more mainstream Toyota dealership in Malaysia.\nThe latest Lexus LM 350 is the company\u2019s flagship people mover, exemplifying the very definition of \u2018\nOmotenashi\n\u2018 or the Japanese art of hospitality. Inside, however, it shares almost nothing with the Toyota model it is based on. Only \nfour seats\n are available in the LM 350, with two special individual VIP seats in the rear cabin.\n \nThere are just so much features in each of the VIP seats, so learn more about the latest Lexus LM 350 and the myriad of functions within the two special VIP seats in the video above.\nSimilar to the Toyota base vehicle, the Lexus LM is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine with outputs of \n296 hp\n and \n361 Nm\n of torque, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nFor a more in-depth look on the Lexus LM 350, more information can be found \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor has officially launched the all-new Toyota RAV4 in Malaysia. The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 is available in two variants \u2013 a 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre variant priced at \nRM196,436\n and \nRM215,665\n respectively.\nThe all-new \nToyota\n RAV4 is built on the same \nTNGA\n-K platform as the \nToyota Camry\n with better visibility, a lower center of gravity, stiffer chassis, and rear trailing wishbone suspension for better stability.\n \nPERFORMANCE\n2.0-litre Dynamic Force\nHorsepower: 173 hp\nTorque: 207 Nm\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel Drive\nTransmission: CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic with Paddle Shifters\n2.5 litre Dynamic Force\nHorsepower: 207 hp\nTorque: 243 Nm\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel Drive\nTransmission: 8-speed Automatic with Sequential Shiftmatic with Paddle Shifters\nIn terms of equipment, the different engines and transmissions are the only differences between the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre variants. As for the rest of the car, both share the same features:\nEXTERIOR\nAutomatic LED headlamps\nLED daytime running lights\nRear LED combination tail lamps\nRoof rails\nFront and rear fog lamps\nHands-free powered tail gate\n18-inch wheels\nOn the inside of the fully-imported SUV from Japan are soft touch materials at all the vital touch points, with design elements unique only to the all-new Toyota RAV4. As a result of the TNGA philosophy, forward and side visibility has been improved with a lower belt line, narrower A-pillars and repositioned side mirrors.\nStandard on-board features includes an OEM headunit unlike the third party ones found in the Corolla, dual zone air conditioning, Optitron instrument cluster with a 7-inch multi information display, jam protection windows in the front and back, 6-speakers, 60:40 split-folding seats, rear air con vents, and rear armrest with cupholders.\nThe all-new Toyota RAV4 also comes with a 2 stage floorboard in the boot with best-in-class storage capacity rated at 580 litres. The \nMazda CX-5\n is rated at 442 litres while the \nHonda CR-V\n is rated at 522-litres.\nINTERIOR\nVentilated seats\nReclining rear seats\nFive USB ports\nWireless Charging\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n3D Panoramic View Monitor\nDigital Video Recorder (Front & Rear)\n8-way power adjustable seats with Lumbar support and Memory Function\nOn the safety and security front, both models have been generously equipped to the brim with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Vehicle Telematic System and rear ISOFIX seats. Other goodies include:\nSAFETY\nToyota Safety Sense 2.0 \u2013 Pre Collision Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam\nBlind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert\nHill-start Assist Control\nElectric Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold\nSeven airbags\nThe all-new Toyota RAV4 is available in six different colour \u2013 Dark Blue Mica, Red Mica, White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic and Attitude Black \u2013 and is accompanied with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nGALLERY"
"The next time you\u2019re struggling to complete a task or overcome a challenge, think about this 18-year Ghanaian called Kelvin and his homemade car. As dodgy and ratchet as it car looks, you can\u2019t help but admire the dedication and ambition of the young man, in the face of overwhelming odds.\nIt may seem like a half-hearted science project of an 8-year old, but it took Kelvin three years to complete with some help from his friends. There were times where he even skipped school to build the car!\n \nThe homemade car comes complete with the bare necessities like headlamps, side mirrors, instrument gauges, radio, shock absorbers from a motorcycle, and even an ignition switch! That\u2019s not all; because it was his car to build, at his complete discretion, he even fitted it with \ngull-wing doors\n!\nIf that isn\u2019t inspiring enough for you, wait till you hear the encouraging words from the man himself.\nWe\u2019ve not stopped tearing since.\nSource: \nDrew Binsky"
"Toyota was always going to \u2018cash in\u2019 on their involvement in the \nWorld Rally Championship\n, and today, they officially unveiled the road car that embodies the learnings and spirit that took them to success in the WRC \u2013 the \nGR Yaris\n.\n\u201cThe GR Yaris was developed to be a car that responds to driver demand on all types of roads worldwide,\u201d says the official press release. This isn\u2019t a low-volume homologation special of yesteryears as the modern regulations are more accommodating to racing upgrades on WRC rally cars.\nInstead, you can look at the GR Yaris as a high-performance \nhalo model\n, like what the Civic Type R is to Honda, but in the form of a hot hatch, \ndeveloped entirely in house\n, unlike the GR Supra.\n \nMost of the GR Yaris\u2019 technical specifications were revealed in December, but it\u2019s well worth going through its bespoke hardware again. Underpinning that blistered and hunkered down three-door body is the \nnew TNGA platform for B-segment\n models, but made stiffer, lighter and with suspension geometry specified for the GR Yaris front strut and rear double-wishbone set up. The door panels, bonnet, trunk lid of the GR Yaris are made of \naluminium\n, while the lowered roof is \ncarbon fibre\n.\nPower is derived from a \n1,618 cc turbocharged three-cylinder\n engine; Toyota claims the G16E-GTS motor is the \nworld most powerful 3-pot\n with an output of \n272 hp and 370 Nm\n, we don\u2019t doubt that.\nAll that grunt is then channelled through a \nsix-speed manual transmission\n and distributed to all four wheels via a \nGR-Four Torsen-type all-wheel drive system\n, with pre-set torque split options of 60:40 (Normal), 30:70 (Sport) and 50:50 (Track) available to the driver.\nBased on reports by the European media which tested the GR Yaris prototype last month, this 1,280 kg pocket rocket is capable of a \n0-100km/h time of around 5.0 seconds\n and an estimated \ntop speed of 225 km/h.\nThe price of the GR Yaris starts from \n3.94 million yen\n, which is just slightly more than a well-kitted Toyota 86 GR Sports variant in Japan prices, so this isn\u2019t going to be a bargain hot hatch, so we could be looking at the price zone between \nRM250k to RM300k\n, after duties.\nIf UMW Malaysia took the trouble to bring in the GR Supra from Europe, one would imagine that sourcing some right-hand drive GR Yaris-es from Toyota\u2019s \nMotomachi plant\n would be more straightforward, so there are legitimate grounds to be optimistic. But do you want one?\nToyota GR Yaris gallery"
"Just when you think Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) \u2013\u00a0\nafter a thoroughly successful year in 2015\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0is resting on their laurels, the company decides to prove once again why there\u2019s no place for complacency with\u00a0the launch of the\u00a0\nfacelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class\n.\nUnveiled not too long ago in July 2015, the facelift brings about subtle change, both\u00a0externally and internally. As\u00a0the old saying goes, if it ain\u2019t broke, don\u2019t fix it, right? So what\u2019s new, then? Instead of the three variants formerly offered, a new entry-level \nA 180\n is slotted below the A 200, A 250 Sport and A 45 AMG, expanding their A-Class range to four trim levels.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz A 180\nMercedes-Benz A 200 with AMG Line\nMercedes-Benz A 250 Sport\nMercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC\nEngine\n1,595cc; turbocharged inline-4\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-4\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission\n7-speed Sports DCT, AMG Speedshift\nMax Power\n122 hp @ 5,000 rpm\n156 hp @ 5,300 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n381 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n250 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n475 Nm @ 2,250 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 to 100km/h; Top Speed\n8.6 seconds; 202 km/h\n7.8 seconds; 224 km/h\n6.4 seconds; 240 km/h\n4.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM195,888\nRM205,888\nRM238,888\nRM348,888\nEXTERIOR\nIts exterior tweaks are minimal to say the least,\u00a0but the most notable differences here are the revised headlights and tail lamps. Full\u00a0\nLED headlamps\n and\n LED daytime running lights\n are offered as standard across the range, but instead of having individual LEDs forming the \u2018eyebrow\u2019, a single LED tube is now in place. The internals for the rear lights are also redesigned, as are the front and rear bumpers, albeit very slightly.   All wheel sizes measure at 18-inches, except for the A 45\u2019s 19-inch wheels. However, if you add just RM1,000 more for the A 180, you\u2019ll get the multi-spoke gloss black AMG wheels \u2013 also 18-inches. Otherwise you\u2019ll have to settle for the normal five-spoke design. That\u2019s a steal if you ask us, but it\u2019s only limited to the first 100 units. This time around for the A 200, the car will come with AMG styling (more aggressive front and rear bumpers) as well as the same multi-spoke AMG wheels as the A 180, but here it\u2019s finished in chrome.\nThe A 250 Sport here is the most familiar of the lot, donning the same set of wheels from before. It also receives AMG body styling which includes the sportier front and rear bumper and some red stripes highlighting the lower portions of both ends. The only difference here is its sports suspension which lowers ride height by 15mm.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the cabin remains largely the same as before, but all variants get a sportier three-spoke 12-function steering wheel, new graphics for the dials and some redesigned buttons in the centre panel. The free-standing head unit is larger too, up from 7-inch to 8-inches when measured diagonally. Also included as standard is the seat cushion depth which is adjustable by up to 60mm.   Every trim level gets black roof liner and leather wrapped steering wheel. Seats in the A 180 are clad in a mix of synthetic leather and fabric. The same Artico leather is used for both A 200 and A 250 Sport trims, but the fabric is swapped with finer Dinamica cloth. Like before, the A 45 gets leather AMG Sport upholstery, heated front seats and red designo seat belts.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere\u2019s essentially two engines on offer \u2013 a \n1.6-litre\n and\n 2.0-litre\n, \nboth turbocharged\n. The smaller engine powers the A 180 and A 200, but outputs vary from \n122 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n for the former and \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n for the latter. These numbers are good for a century sprint of \n8.6 seconds\n and\n 7.8 seconds\n respectively, making it slightly quicker thanks to the updated 7G-Tronic dual clutch transmission.\nPowering the A 250 Sport is the same 2.0-litre block from before, which makes \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. It sprints from 0 to 100km/h in \n6.4 seconds\n before maxing out at \n240 km/h\n, and accelerates faster too thanks to the new gearbox. Last but not least is the \nMercedes-AMG A 45\n, a RM349k offering that\u2019s powered by the world\u2019s most powerful production series 2.0-litre engine.\nBoosted by a larger turbocharger (compression ratio reduced to 8.6:1), the updated engine produces \n381 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n of torque, about 21 hp and 25 Nm more than the previous model. It\u2019s also just RM1,000 more than before! Power is sent to all four wheels through the \nAMG Speedshift seven-speed dual clutch gearbox\n, and this combination shaves off 0.4 seconds off its century sprint time \u2013 now done in just \n4.2 seconds\n. Top speed is electrically limited to \n250km/h\n.\nSAFETY\nFor the price and what they (all A-Classes) offer, surely you\u2019d expect MBM to opt out some of the safety kit, right? Not quite, because they all come with seven airbags as standard \u2013 eight for the A 45. To add to that, features like Attention Assist (drowsiness detection system) and Collision Prevention Assist Plus complete the list of safety equipment. None of them come with a spare tyre, but they are all fitted with run-flats and come with a tyre repair kit.\nThe Mercedes-Benz A-Class Motorsport Edition will be launched here soon\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe entire A-Class lineup is fully imported from Germany and can be bought under the Mercedes-Benz Agility Financing Programme, except for the A 45. If you remember, these cars debuted alongside the Petronas F1 Motorsport Edition, a variant that will be making its way here at a later stage.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A 180   Mercedes-Benz A 200 AMG Line   Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic"
"Went shopping for a used car with the missus last weekend. Budget was capped at RM30,000 since quite a few of this particular Japanese-branded model which we fancied \u2013 a five- to seven-year old compact crossover \u2013 were advertised at a touch below the RM30K mark.\nI had purchased and owned used vehicles before, but they were acquired directly from owners, so this would be the first time that I\u2019m shopping earnestly at used car dealerships.\nWe viewed three different units in total, two of them were in less-than-satisfactory state after a cursory check of the exterior and interior, and then we spotted a unit that met our criteria. It had a single owner, the engine idled smoothly and the overall condition appeared untempered and clean. After indicating our interest, the conversation with the well-spoken sales person went something like this:\nMe\n: \u00a0Can we test drive?\n \nDealer\n: Yes, but you have to pay a RM500 deposit\nMe\n: How does that work?\n \nDealer\n: If you find anything wrong with the car, we will refund the RM500 on the spot\nMe\n: But it\u2019s only a drive around the compound? (we were after all at the sprawling Sg. Besi Autoworld used car centre)\n \nDealer\n: You still need to pay the deposit\nThe request for a test drive deposit was a turn off but since the missus was sufficiently keen on the car, we stepped into the office to explore further.\nMe\n: So, is the price fixed at RM29,800?\n \nDealer\n: Yes (whips out an A4-sized paper and starts penning numbers). So, all in it will be around RM33K, before insurance.\nMe\n: Eh, what is the additional RM3,000 for?\n \nDealer\n: It\u2019s the processing fee; to cover Puspakom inspection, transfer, loan application.\nMe\n: That\u2019s a lot, Puspakom inspection fee is only RM30, transfer and loan processing should not cost that much either. Isn\u2019t your profit margin already factored in the price?\n \nDealer\n: That is how it is, you can check with others. Maybe I can reduce by a bit if you\u2019re paying cash.\nAt this point, the interest we had in the vehicle pretty much evaporated, we said \u2018thanks\u2019 and made our way to the door. The dealer text-ed two days later and offered the test drive without mentioning about the RM500 deposit, but he reiterated again that the \u2018processing fee\u2019 is a common practice. Since we wanted to stick to our budget, the deal wasn\u2019t going to happen.\nMaybe that\u2019s why I\u2019ve never purchased a vehicle from a used car dealer and probably won\u2019t be doing so in the future.\n(\nWhat\u2019s the Buzz\n is a collection of personal opinions and experiences from the editorial team of Autobuzz.my)"
"First teased in a cameo appearance during the\n \nFord Ranger\u2019s launch here in Malaysia\n, Sime Darby Auto Connexion has now confirmed that the all-new second-generation \nFord Ranger Raptor\n will be making its official debut in Malaysia on October 7th.\nInstead of being a media-only event, however, the company is also inviting the public to witness the souped up pick-up truck in action on a Baja-inspired track near the Sepang International Circuit. The launch will be open to the public from 7-9 October, and you can sign up for the launch \nhere\n.\nThe all-new second-generation Ford Ranger Raptor has ditched the bi-turbo diesel mill in favour of a tricked-out 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, borrowed from the Bronco Raptor. The new engine makes a whopping \n397 hp \nand \n583 Nm \nof torque, with drive sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.\nHowever, Ford has also said that existing 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel mill will also still be offered in selected markets. We\u2019ll have to wait until the official launch to find out which of the two we\u2019re getting here in Malaysia, but for some context, the Ford Ranger Raptor in both Thailand and Australia are powered by the petrol V6 engine.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled with 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6\nPowertrain aside, the rest of the all-new Ranger Raptor follows the same basic recipe as the outgoing model \u2013 although, with everything turned up to 11. The chassis is further strengthened to withstand additional abuse when jumping over sand dunes, while the adaptive Fox shocks have also been updated to reduce friction.\nAs for looks, the Baja-racer-inspired pick-up truck shows off its performance knack with its massive wheels and flared wheel arches, additional skid plates on the underbody, as well as a vented bonnet up front."
"Kia Motors has announced the market availability of the \nnew K9\n (or K900 in certain markets) flagship luxury saloon with the brand\u2019s domestic market, the Middle East and the United States being the early adopters of the new saloon.\nDepending on the market, the K9 is available with a choice of four different petrol powertrains \u2013 3.3-litre GDI V6, 3.8-litre GDI V6, 3.3-litre T-GDI V6 and a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8. Regardless of engine choice, the K9 comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel-drive system.\nSitting on a new platform, the new K9 measures 5,120 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width and 1,490 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm. Overall, the flagship sedan wears the brand\u2019s new \u2018Quadric Pattern\u2019 front grille made up of 176 individual jewel-like cell which will be new design direction of future Kia models, replacing the familiar \u2018Tiger Nose\u2019 grille design.\nA collaborative design effort by Kia\u2019s global design HQ in Namyang, Korea and it\u2019s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the K9 oozes strong global appeal through a \u201cGravity of Prestige\u201d design concept, giving the K9 an imposing and strong character.\nThe interior is also befitting of the brand\u2019s ethos for the car \u2013 12.3-inch HMI screen integrated to the dashboard controlled by a rotary dial placed next to the gear selector Maurice Lacroix analogue clock designed specifically for the luxury sedan, contrast stitching, Lexicon premium sound system, LCD instrument cluster and 16-colour ambient lighting co-developed with Pantone Colour Research Institute.\nStandard safety equipment reads nine airbags, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).   At the moment, there are no plans to introduce right-hand drive versions of the Kia K9. The all-new K9 will be built exclusively in Kia\u2019s Sohari premium car manufacturing facility in South Korea.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Tengku Djan Ley or more popularly known as Prince of Drift recently made an appearance at the D1 Grand Prix China Series 2018 with a homegrown team, MaxxOil Racing and clenched a podium finish despite being plagued with numerous technical difficulties throughout the event.\nDjan\u2019s car #12 faced persisting engine issues throughout the weekend which cost him precious seat time during free practice. Despite the adversity, the team managed to put both the driver and car onto the track where Djan battled out with first place finisher Hibino Tetsuya of Japan in a fierce tandem battle which placed the Malaysian second place, ahead of Hideyuki Fujino.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Tengku Djan Ley (@tengkudjanley)\nOn his official social media account, Djan wrote: \u201cWe finished 2nd in D1 GP China Round 4 after blowing the motor during our OMT battle against Hibino. It was a tough bracket too last night with a line up of Japanese drifting all-stars starting with Kawabata in Top 16, Yokoi in Top 8, Suenaga in Top 4 & Finals against Hibino.\u201d\n\u201cIt was a crazy night. We were in a tough bracket with a hurt motor, but we fought till the end till our engine broke,\u201d added Djan about their time at D1 GP China.\nAnother pleasant surprise for their hard work over the weekend, Djan and Team MaxxOil Racing were awarded D1 Grand Prix\u2019s Best Team of the Year 2018 as their teamwork, dedication and skill paid off with their P2 finish.\nTengku Djan Ley was the only Malaysian participating in D1 GP China and was the second event for him and Team MaxxOil Racing in November 2018 alone. The team has previously represented Malaysia at the 2018 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup in Tokyo, Japan."
"Luxurious, comfortable, classy \u2013 these are some of the words one would usually use to describe a Mercedes-Benz. As for the E-Class, arguably the defining model of the three-pointed star, there are probably no truer words to describe it.\nThe same recipe has been continuously refined over the last 60 years to this \u2013 the W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, among the\n latest line-up of the E-Class\n introduced by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia last year, the E 300 Exclusive Line is probably the one you should be looking at. Here\u2019s why.\nAlthough marketed as the middle-of-the-pack E-Class, the E 300 is still as luxurious inside. Nappa leather seats? Check. Burmester 13-speaker audio system? Check. Massive panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate? Check and check. I\u2019d even argue that the wooden trim feels more luxurious than the metal-weave trims on the AMG line.\nIt is just a pleasant place to be in, whether you\u2019re in the front or at the back. Material selection in the cabin is top-notch, as one should expect from an E-Class. Really, there\u2019s nothing much to complain, perhaps other than the fact that the large 12.3-inch infotainment display (good) isn\u2019t a touchscreen panel (not so good).\nUnder the hood, the new 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mill in the E 300, although same as all other E-Class variants, doles out just the right amount of power \u2013 \n258 hp\n,\n 370 Nm\n of torque and 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Do you really need anything more than that?\nAnd then there\u2019s the creamy-smooth nine-speed automatic gearbox. It\u2019s unobtrusive and effortless and somehow almost telepathic. It has nine gears and it almost always seems to be in the right one. Even on the off-chance that it\u2019s not, a slight prod on the accelerator pedal and it jumps to the right set of cogs immediately.\nThe ride on the E 300 is also exactly what you expect in an E Class \u2013 soft and supple, but not lacking in grip. Although, we must say that road imperfections do somewhat transmit into the cabin, perhaps due to the use of run-flat tyres.\nThe passive suspension setup is pretty much devoid of any hint of athleticism, even when compared to the adaptive suspension in the E 350. If you\u2019re looking for a sporty driving experience, you\u2019re barking up the wrong tree with the E-Class.\nThere\u2019s really no denying that the E 300 is a pleasure to drive. Not in the sense that it\u2019s a great driver\u2019s car \u2013 far from it, but Mercedes-Benz has made everything so effortless and comfortable \u2013 from the steering weight, to suspension set-up and gearbox tuning.\nAs for styling, the Exclusive Line styling just doesn\u2019t look as sharp as the AMG Line, or even the Sports Line on the entry-level E 200 if you ask me. Of course, a twenty-odd year old like myself is not the target market for this car.\nHowever, there\u2019s no denying that the Exclusive Line is perhaps the classiest-looking among the trio. For some people, seeing the three-pointed star standing loud and proud at the front of the bonnet is still the mark of success and pride.\nWhen it boils down to the essentials, the Mercedes-Benz E300 Exclusive Line is all you\u2019ll ever want and need from a E-Class. And if you really think about it, it\u2019s all you\u2019ll want from a Mercedes-Benz \u2013 the true distillation of those three words mentioned above.\nMercedes-Benz E 300 Exclusive Line Specifications:\nEngine\n1,991cc; 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic Automatic\nMax Power\n258 hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n370 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top speed\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR W/O Insurance)\nRM379,888\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Isuzu Malaysia introduced the\n updated D-Max fitted with a 1.9-litre\n turbodiesel engine last year, promising more power at \n150 hp \nand \n350 Nm\n, more refinement, and better fuel efficiency \u2013 at a \nclaimed 8 l/100km\n.\nHow well do these claims hold up? Isuzu Malaysia put it to the test with the Isuzu Dura Challenge \u2013 a \n1.9-litre single cab model\n was loaded to its \nmaximum permissible capacity\n of \none tonne\n, and driven over 1,000 challenging kilometres along the Titiwangsa mountain range.\nWith the Isuzu D-Max thoroughly checked by PUSPAKOM and its fuel tank, bonnet, and crates sealed, the challenge kicked-off from the Isuzu plant in Pekan, Pahang onward to its first challenge \u2013 the East-West Highway with a climb to its peak of 1,052 m, before heading to Ipoh for the night.\nThe route became increasingly challenging the next day, starting with a 1,112 m climb towards Tanah Rata, in Cameron Highlands, before heading on to Fraser\u2019s hill (1,222 m) via Raub.\nLastly, the single cab D-Max took on a 1,604 m climb up to Genting Highlands, before ending its trip at the Isuzu Service Centre in Shah Alam. The D-Max clocked a total of\n 1,145 km\n throughout the entire journey.\nSo how did the 1.9-litre D-Max perform? Based on the on-board computer, the D-Max consumed an average of \n7.2 l/100km\n, an even better result than the claimed fuel economy figure.\nThe single-cab D-Max arrived at the service centre with \ntwo bars of fuel left\n in its 76-litre fuel tank, indicated on the instrument cluster.\nIsuzu Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Koji Nakamura said, \u201cThrough advanced technology, the new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC engine is by far the most fuel efficient engine ever produced by Isuzu Motors and this was clearly demonstrated in this exercise.\n\u201cPerhaps some vehicles can travel long distances on a tank of fuel, some can probably manage to carry a ton of weight or climb mountains. But to achieve all three criteria with one vehicle is a true feat of a competent vehicle,\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As one of the early pioneers in the luxury SUV segment with the original Range Rover back in 1970, it seems that Land Rover is getting serious about expanding its SUV range. Making its world debut\u00a0in less than a week\u2019s time is the Land Rover Velar, and boy does it look promising!\nAccording to Land Rover, the Velar will be positioned between the \nEvoque \nand \nRange Rover Sport\n. The Velar was purposely designed with a \u201cvisually reductive\u201d approach, and by that we guess it refers to the Velar\u2019s coupe-esque styling, similar to that of the \nBMW X4\n. It will also no doubt get the brand\u2019s full breadth of off-road magic, luxury and refined that their customers demand.\n \n \nTo cap things off, Land Rover\u2019s Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern said, \u201cWe call the Velar the avant garde Range Rover. It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything.\u201d More information about the Velar will be unveiled on 1 March 2017."
"We\u2019re less than 20 days away to the official launching of the all-new \n2015 Mitsubishi Triton\n, and the excitement is certainly building especially after the \n\u2018display box\u2019 stunt\n Mitsubishi pulled since early last month. We already know that the \nestimated pricing\n for the new Triton will range \nbetween RM71k to RM114k\u00a0\nand that it\u2019s available for booking and test drive.   Our \nprevious report\n revealed that the \nThai-produced\n Triton will be offered in \nfive trim levels\n: base variant Quest, Manual, VGT Manual, VGT Automatic and the range topping Adventure. To recap, the oil burning motor fitted in our Tritons is the same but uprated \n2.5-litre Variable Geometry Turbodiesel\n. As a result, it makes \n50 Nm more torque\n than before, while punching \n176 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and a respectable \n400 Nm\n from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.\nLet\u2019s not forget some of the first-in-class features, such as keyless entry with \npush-start button\n, HID headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and the \nmagnesium paddle shifters\n\u00a0that we all love, mounted to the steering rack, not behind the wheel.   Now, depending on the variant of your choice, you get \ndual-zone air conditioning\n, auto headlamps and wipers, \n7-inch touchscreen\n with reverse camera, a nice 4WD Selector knob and cruise control. The given price list of RM71k to RM114k is inclusive of insurance and GST, and there\u2019s a combined total of six colours for the pickup.\nNo\nVariant\nEstimated Pricing\nColours\n1\nAll-New Triton VGT Adventure\nRM114,000\nEarth Green, Pearl White, Shadow Black, Red Solid\n2\nAll-New Triton VGT Automatic\nRM103,000\nSterling Silver, Pearl White, Shadow Black\n3\nAll-New Triton VGT Manual\nRM97,000\n4\nAll-New Triton Manual\nRM87,000\nSterling Silver,White Solid\n5\nAll-New Triton Quest\nRM71,000\n\u00a0\nWhile we eagerly wait for its launch later this month, enjoy the gallery we\u2019ve put together for your viewing pleasure. Remember, the new Triton is available for viewing and test drive at most dealerships, otherwise simply register your interest \nhere\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Mitsubishi Triton Adventure"
"Brabus is usually known for their crazy modifications to Mercedes-Benz vehicles such as the\n 600 hp GLC\n or the \nangry little Smart ForTwo\n. However, for their latest creation, the German tuning house turned to the other side of the world for a little something different \u2013 Meet the Chinese market-only Wey VV7 GT.\nFor those who aren\u2019t familiar, Wey is a Chinese luxury SUV brand under the Great Wall Motors umbrella \u2013 the same parent company as \nHaval\n. In fact, the VV7 is actually based off the Haval H6.\nThe partnership between Wey and Brabus dates back to approximately one year ago, where the Chinese marque signed an \nagreement\n with Brabus to develop limited-run special series and \u201cenhanced versions\u201d of the top-of-the-line WEY models. The VV7 GT is the first fruit of the partnership, and we must say it looks stunning!\nCompared to the regular VV7 crossover, the GT model gets a Brabus-styled makeover, including widened fenders housing the new 21-inch wheels, and completely-redesigned front and rear bumpers \u2013 the latter includes an elaborate diffuser with integrated exhaust tips.\nThe GT model also get a redesigned rear combination light cluster, with three vertical LED clusters reminding us of the \nlatest Peugeot vehicles\n.\nBrabus also did some work to jazz-up the interior of the VV7 GT, although the Chinese carmaker did not provide any images of the interior.\nUnlike regular Brabus models though, the WEY VV7 GT will unfortunately not be getting a powertrain upgrade. Under the hood sits the same engine as the regular VV7 \u2013 a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill producing \n227 hp\n and \n387 Nm\n of torque, paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nThe Wey VV7 GT will go on sale in China in July this year, with prices starting at CNY191,800 (approx. RM117K).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Car manufacturers often use their involvement in Formula 1 as a testbed for the most advanced aerodynamics and powertrain technologies, that will one day make its way into our regular cars. With Alfa Romeo now back in the sport as a commercial partner to Sauber F1, the Italian sportscar maker now has access to some of the world\u2019s best minds for the development of their cars \u2013 and what better minds are there other than the drivers themselves?\nAlfa Romeo Orlen F1 drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi recently made their way down to the Balocco Proving Ground \u2013 where all Alfa Romeo sports cars have undergone development and testing since the 1960s \u2013 for the latest test session of the upcoming \nGiulia GTA and GTAm\n.\n \nIt\u2019s not just a courtesy visit to the historic \u201cAutodelta\u201d workshop either; the F1 drivers both got behind the wheel of the cars and were tasked to provide professional feedback, working closely with the engineers to fine tune the aerodynamic and handling performance of the cars.\nF1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen focused on the aerodynamics appendages of the new high-performance models, specifically the large manually-adjustable rear wings and adjustable front splitters on the Giulia GTAm, and how they work in conjunction with the underbody fairings. After a full day of testing, Kimi concluded: \u201cI find them a perfect mix of everyday use and track use.\u201d\nAntonio Giovinazzi meanwhile worked on the the cars\u2019 overall setup, with extra attention to the new carbon fibre components and the new single-nut hubs on the wheels. \u201cIt is great to see the improvements we made to the cars today,\u201d Giovinazzi said at the end of the test day.\nAside from enlisting the help of its F1 drivers in tuning the cars, Alfa Romeo also benefitted from Sauber Engineering\u2019s expertise in carbon fibre. The Swiss company produced most of the carbon fibre components in the GTA and GTAm, especially those with an aerodynamic impact. These include the new front bumper, the side skirts, the diffuser, the GTA spoiler and the GTAm aero-wing.\nAs one of the few teams with their own wind tunnels, the Italian sportscar maker was also able to use it to hone in the development of the overall aerodynamic performance of the cars \u2013 not just the appendages, but also the underbody fairings and diffusers. The result? Alfa Romeo says that the Giulia GTAm has a lift coefficient that\u2019s double that of the GTA, and three times as much as the regular\n Giulia Quadrifoglio\n.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after \nKia revealed the official pics of the fourth-generation Kia Rio\n, the Korean carmaker released the full specification of their global best-selling model. The new Kia Rio will make its global debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show come 29 September.\nLaunched back in 2011, the third-generation was years ahead of its competition. Fast forward today, the statement remains true. However, Kia is not letting the advantage get the better of them. With the new Rio, Kia has yet again set another benchmark in the B-segment hatchback category.\nAt the front, the Rio now wears Kia\u2019s latest \u201ctiger-nose\u201d grille that is now slimmer and wider. The grille stretches all the way to the new bi-function headlights with U-shaped integrated LED daytime running lights. The bonnet and bumper are reshaped to give the Rio a much more dynamic appearance.\nMoving to the rear section of the Rio, a pair of arrow shaped LED tail lamps can be found with a strong line sculpture connecting the two tail lamps. From the rear, the Rio now wears a sportier design. Three different alloy designs can be had, ranging from 15- to 17-inches in size.   Thanks to its slightly longer wheelbase and length, the new Rio is now much roomier. Leg room, shoulder room and headroom have all grown compared to the outgoing model. The boot space has also increased by 37 litres to 325 litres, making it one of the biggest in its class. The fuel tank has also increased marginally to 45 litres, up 2 litres from before.\nThe interior of the Rio takes styling cues from its other siblings in the Kia family. Familiar buttons and instrument displays can be found everywhere in the Rio\u2019s premium looking cabin. \u00a0A stand out feature of the interior is a floating human-machine interface (HMI) infotainment display. Buyers can opt for either a more conventional 5.0-inch touchscreen system or a 7.0-inch system equipped with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom\u00ae as well as Android Auto\u2122 and Apple CarPlay\u2122.\nKia Connected Services is an integrated navigation package that displays live traffic updates, speed camera locations, weather forecast and local point-of-interest search, However, this service is only limited to the European market.   Kia has gone all out to keep the Rio ahead of the competition by introducing an arsenal of conveniences. Equipment such as keyless entry, push start ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps are all carried forward from the previous model. On top of that, Automatic Cruise Control with speed limiter and Rear Park Assist with rear view camera are new to the Rio.\nFour different powertrains are available to power the B-segment hatch: a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline direct injection with two different states of tune, a 1.25-litre four-cylinder MPI, a 1.4-litre four-cylinder MPI and a 1.4-litre turbodiesel with two different states of tune.\nENGINE\n1.0-litre T-GDI petrol\n1.0-litre T-GDI petrol\n1.25-litre MPI gasoline\n1.4-litre MPI\n1.4-litre WGT diesel\n1.4-litre WGT diesel\nEngine\n998cc, three-cylinder in-line, turbocharged\n1,248cc, in-line four\n1,368cc, in-line four\n1,396cc, in-line four turbocharged\n1,396cc, in-line four turbocharged\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n6-speed manual\n5-speed manual\n6-speed manual or 4-speed auto\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n98 hp @ 4,500 rpm\n118 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n83 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n98 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n70 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n89 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n172 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n172 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n122 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n132 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nTBA\n240 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 2,500 rpm\nFuel Type\nPetrol\nDiesel\nAs expected from Kia, the Rio is class leading in the safety department. The Rio is fitted as standard with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six airbags and ISOFIX anchor points. An optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package adds on Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Land Departure Warning System, a first in the B-segment.The engines are mated to either a manual or auto transmission to drive the front wheels. To allow the Rio for a more dynamic drive, the Rio rides on fully-independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. The front and rear axle are strengthened with subtle suspension modification to provide better high-speed stability yet maintain an overall comfortable ride.\nWith its extensive equipment list, Kia has once again proved that a compact car does not need to skim on equipment. We can expect Naza Kia to introduce the fourth-generation Kia Rio in our market in due course. For now, the European market gets first dibs in the first quarter of 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Polestar\u2019s\n first-ever performance SUV, the Polestar 4 has just made its world debut in China at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n. Designed based on Polestar\u2019s concept cars, this SUV coup\u00e9 is according to the manufacturer, the fastest Polestar production car to date, and will be priced at USD 60,000 (approximately \nRM 265,950\n).\nInterestingly positioned between the \nPolestar 2\n and \nPolestar 3\n, the Polestar 4 is built on the \nGeely\n-Holding-developed Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), unlike its current siblings. It measures \n4,839 mm\n long,\n 2,139\n \nmm\n wide, and \n1,544 mm\n tall, with a D-segment-size \n2,999 mm\n wheelbase underpinning it.\nPolestar describes the Polestar 4 as an SUV coup\u00e9, which is not hard for us to see why. Having taken inspiration from the Polestar concept cars, this performance SUV features a fastback roofline, as well as some other futuristic designs. This includes the elimination of the rear window and the rearview mirror which according to Polestar, enables a new kind of immersive rear occupant experience.\nYou might wonder how is one supposed to see the rear view without a rearview mirror. And of course, Polestar knows this and has designed a high-definition screen in place of the rearview mirror that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted camera. Drivers can also use the screen to see rear occupants instead if needed.\nThe full-length glass roof comes with electrochromic functionality as an option. This enables the roof to be set to either opaque or transparent, depending on your mood.\nRELATED: \nThe 2024 Polestar 2 facelift\u2019s list of upgrades is even longer than some new cars\nThe front fascia of the Polestar 4 looks eye-catching, thanks to the dual-blade front lights with Polestar\u2019s unique light signature. This gives the SUV a stylish and striking design.\nImproving aerodynamic efficiency was also Polestar\u2019s focus when designing the Polestar 4. Efforts done include the low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows, \nVios\n-like rear aero blades as well as airflow optimisation around the rear light bar.\nPerformance-wise, the Polestar 4 will be powered by either single or dual motors, with single-motor versions featuring rear-wheel drive. This results in \n272 hp\n and \n343 Nm\n of torque for the long-range single-motor version and \n544 hp\n and \n686 Nm\n of torque for the long-range dual-motor version. With the dual motor version, the century sprint can be achieved in \n3.8 seconds\n.\nRange-wise, the single- and dual-motor versions are able to provide up to \n600 km\n and \n560 km\n of WLTP range respectively. A new drive optimisation function is available in the dual motor version as well. This enables the driver to select between two driving modes, range or performance, depending on need.\nAll versions of the Polestar 4 are included with up to \n200 kW\n DC and \n22 kW\n AC of charging rates, with a motorised charge lid.\nInside, the Swedish performance SUV looks simple yet stylish. This especially applies to the black and white dual-tone colour option. Thanks to the D-segment footprint, the Polestar 4 looks roomy on the inside. And fear not about the lack of a rear window, as the glass roof extends all the way to the rear, providing a roomy feel even when sitting at the back.\nThis modern SUV comes with not one, not two but three screens. The main display will be the 15.4-inch Android Auto-powered infotainment display. The second aforementioned screen will be the 10.2-inch driver display. Located in front of the steering column, it displays speed, battery and range information.\nThe third screen mentioned above is a head-up display (HUD) that has up to 14.7 inches of projection area. Able to display essential information like telephony, navigation and other key vehicle information, the HUD is designed to reduce driver distraction and keep them attentive and safe on the road.\nSpeaking of safety, it is no doubt Polestar\u2019s key strength, thanks to its strong connection to \nVolvo Cars\n. Here are safety features equipped as standard:\n9 airbags\nSuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System from Mobileye\nTwelve cameras (including a driver monitoring camera to help avoid fatigue and incapacitation-related accidents)\nRadar sensor\nTwelve ultrasonic sensors\nSteering wheel hands-on detection\nThe Polestar 4 is now launched in China first. Full-scale launch for markets like Europe, North America and Asia Pacific markets is planned for early 2024. Closer to home, the Polestar 4\u2019s younger sibling, the \nPolestar 2\n is available via grey import dealers here in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nPolestar 2 EV reaches 100,000-unit milestone\nGALLERY"
"Fresh off the oven from the Ministry of Transport is an announcement whereby a RM 300 summon will be issued to those who continue to \nignore reminders to replace their affected airbag inflators\n.\nMinister of Transport, Anthony Loke, has stated that representatives from the affected car brands will meet with JPJ officers to better consolidate all the owners data, as one of the issues have been a lack of attention brought to the 2nd or even 3rd hand owners of the affected vehicles.\nThose who have yet to undergo replacements of the airbag inflator will be reported to JPJ. From there, reminders will be sent to the owners\u00a0 to make the replacements \nwithin 14 days\n.\nFor those who still persist to not undergo the replacement, a second reminder will be sent out, with the co-operation of insurance companies \nto ensure that these reminders are sent to the most updated addresses\n \u2013 no excuses from now on.\nThis stubbornness will also be punished with owners being\n unable to renew their affected vehicle\u2019s road tax\n.\nIf you are still unsure whether your car(s) are involved in this Takata airbag recall campaign, log on to these online VIN checkers provided by the affected manufacturers and follow the instructions provided:\nHonda \u2013\u00a0\nProduct Recall Honda\nToyota \u2013\u00a0\nSpecial Service Campaign\nNissan \u2013\u00a0\nRecall Campaign\nMazda \u2013\u00a0\nTakata Airbag Recall\nMitsubishi \u2013\u00a0\nMitsubishi Field Fix Campaign\nSubaru \u2013\u00a0\nTakata Airbag Recall"
"Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad has launched the TC COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, catering to its employees nationwide.\nTo date, 70% of all Tan Chong employees have had at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, if not, fully vaccinated. Those who have yet to, already have their vaccination appointments scheduled.\nTan Chong\u2019s Covid-19 Vaccination Programme also ensures that family members of the company\u2019s staff are vaccinated as an important step towards achieving herd immunity.\nUpdated Nissan Leaf warns pedestrians with chimes, up to 30 km/h. Here\u2019s how it works! \n \nThe programme is set to commence beginning this month via local clinics or at Tan Chong\u2019s premises. The ongoing effort is to ensure that the company is in line with the government\u2019s aim to fully vaccinating all adults by October 2021.\n\u201cIn our shared fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our colleagues, customers and surrounding communities remain our top priority. \u00a0The Group has been regularly communicating the importance to maintain and observe health and safety protocols to avoid any resurgence of the virus,\u201d said Tan Chong Motor Holdings Group CEO, Daniel Ho.\n\u201cWith this vaccination programme, we hope to achieve a fully vaccinated workforce by the end of September and hence protecting them so that they can return to work safely when permitted,\u201d he added.\nCrazy or justified? Rare Nissan Skyline GT-R in Malaysia priced at RM2 million.more about it here!"
"The all-new Mazda 3 has been named 2020 China Car of the Year \u2013 the first time a Mazda has won the award.\nFor the 2020 Car of the Year title, 194 models launched in mainland China between Oct. 1, 2018 and Sept. 30, 2019 were eligible.\nScrutinised by 38 judges including some automotive journalists, the all-new Mazda 3 (specifically the Sedan as there are no hatchbacks in China) was chosen among 10 nominees and came up tops ahead of the fully-electric \nPorsche Taycan\n and even the \nall-new G20 BMW 3 Series\n!\n \nJust yesterday, it was announced that the Mazda 3 took home the same title in Thailand; ahead of the \nToyota Corolla\n and Honda Accord.\nEligibility wise, it\u2019s a little different in Thailand. For the cars to be eligible for the award, aside from the timeline, it also has to be an all-new model assembled in ASEAN."
"Subaru of America has just released the first set of teaser images of their upcoming fully electric SUV called the Solterra. It is a big departure from the current generation of vehicles, as it will be built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and \nshared development\n with Toyota.\nToyota earlier previewed the \nbZ4X concept\n in April at the Auto Shanghai 2021. Similar to the \nSubaru BRZ\n and \nToyota GR86\n project, the Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X products seem to share the majority of the styling, both inside and outside.\nSubaru Solterra\nToyota bZ4X Concept\nWhile the front is darkened, both cars probably feature a slightly different final bumper design to keep consistent with their own brand\u2019s design languages, much like the sportscar twins. The rear of the Subaru Solterra looks almost like the final production car, with detailed lighting and reflectors units. The \u2018EV\u2019 emblem looks oddly designed though.\nInside, a circular steering wheel can be found in the Subaru Solterra, unlike the yoke-like rectangular-shaped unit in the Toyota. Both dashboards are similar, with a large central infotainment display and wide lower console close to the driver, while an instrument cluster is placed farther away, almost next to the windscreen.\nSubaru Solterra\nToyota bZ4X Concept\nUnlike the current model names derived from English, the Solterra name is a combination of Latin words- \u2018Sol\u2019 for sun and \u2018Terra\u2019 for earth. According to Subaru, the name Solterra was meant to appreciate mother nature and further advance the form of coexistence with it.\nThe Subaru Forester GT\u2019s sporty aerokit seem to blend well with the boxy looks of the crossover. More about the Forester GT here.\nNo technical information has been shared, with Subaru saying it is built on the new e-Subaru Global Platform and offers plenty of back-seat and luggage room. It will be the most technologically advanced Subaru yet and includes Subaru\u2019s \nlegendary\n symmetrical all-wheel drive system.\nThe Subaru Solterra is set to go on sale in the US in mid-2022, a similar timing with the Toyota bZ4X. \u00a0\nThe hot-hatch scene is expecting a third product from the Subaru-Toyota JV, rumoured to be coming out next year. More details here!\nGALLERY\n2023 Subaru Solterra \nToyota\n \nbZ4X Concept"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just introduced a special edition variant to their pickup model called the Triton Knight. This 120-unit edition is based on the range topping RM116k VGT Adventure trim, but comes with several aesthetic upgrades to distinguish the two.\nAvailable only in Pearl White, the Triton Knight gets dressed in matte black front grille and rear bumper, blacked 17-inch alloy wheels and black sports bars. Also packaged here are the exclusive front bumper extender and Knight body stickers. Inside is very much the same, except the seats now come with Knight embroidery.\nThis special edition model doesn\u2019t come with any mechanical enhancements. As such, it soldiers on with the same\n 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel\n engine, packing \n178 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and\n 400 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 rpm.\u00a0Because it\u2019s based on the Triton VGT Adventure, the Triton Knight can only be had with the\n five-speed automatic\n (with manual shift and paddle shifters) transmission. Drive is sent to \nall four wheels\n through and can be electronically changed on the fly. All VGT variants benefit from a hybrid limited slip differential.\nThe Triton Knight is fully imported from Thailand. It\u2019s sold alongside five other variants, from the entry level Triton Quest 4\u00d72 (RM71k) to Triton VGT Adventure (RM116k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s an irony that the country with arguably the most restrictive speed limits is also the first country in Southeast Asia to receive one of the fastest cars in the world. Yes, a private collector in Singapore recently took delivery of the Bugatti Chiron, a hypercar with a top speed of over 400km/h.\nOne of the fastest cars in the world but you can only drive up to 90km/h in Singapore, legally.\nThat said, the chances of seeing this 1200hp and 1500Nm Chiron go beyond the republic\u2019s speed limit of 90km/h is practically zero as the hypercar will be stored in a climate-controlled showcase facility at Wearnes Automotive. Sigh!\n The chances of spotting this Chiron out in the wild will be slim, sigh.\n\u201cWe recognise a growing appetite for hypercars in Asia. Our customers form an exclusive group of automobile collectors in search of the very best,\u201d says Victor Kwan, Managing Director of the Prestige Division of Wearnes Automotive. \u201cApart from enjoying the exclusivity and power of the Bugatti, customers also consider its investment value. The Bugatti Chiron is one of the few cars that actually appreciates in value.\u201d\nSingaporean collector opted for Terre d\u2019Or leather.\nFinished in dual-tone paintwork of Atlantic Blue and French Racing Blue, this resplendent Chiron is also the first of 20 to be delivered to customers in Asia. With only 500 units to be manufactured by Bugatti, of which 75% have already been spoken for, you might want to give official distributor Wearnes Automotive a call before they run out of allocation. For the rest of us mere mortals, you have \nLego\n."
"The Volkswagen Polo Sedan has been revamped, which adds a few variants, a new engine option, and a new name too. From now on, Volkswagen\u2019s B-segment sedan will be known as the Volkswagen Vento.\nThe locally-assembled sedan has expanded its range with a\u00a0\nthree-trim line up\n\u00a0featuring two different engine options. The base \nVento Trendline\n can be yours from a snip over RM80k, which is some \nRM5k cheaper\n than the outgoing Polo Sedan that was only available in a single trim.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Vento 1.6 MPI Trendline\nVolkswagen Vento 1.6 MPI Comfortline\nVolkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI Highline\nEngine\n1,598 cc; 4-cylinder, DOHC\n1,197 cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder, SOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n7-speed dual-clutch\nMax Power\n104 hp @ 5,250 rpm\n104 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n153 Nm @ 3,800 rpm\n175 Nm @ 1,550 \u2013 4,100 rpm\nPrice\nRM80,635.00\nRM87,635.00\nRM94,635.00\nEXTERIOR\nThe exterior has been given a subtle refresh to the front and the back, and there\u2019s a new set of \n16-inch \u2018Syenit\u2019\n wheels for the top-of-the-range \nVento Highline\n. The 15-inch \u2018Riverside\u2019 alloys have been carried over for the \nTrendline\n and \nComfortline\n.   At the front, all Vento models wear a \nbigger front grille\n, a pair of halogen headlamps with black surrounds and a \nnew front bumper\n. The base Trendline however, misses out on the new pair of \nredesigned front foglamps\n.\nThe back gets \nnew tail lights\n, a \nnew bumper with reflectors\n, and a new chrome garnish that runs across the number plate holder.\nINTERIOR\nThe neat interior has been retained, but Volkswagen spiced things up a bit by adding a classier \nsilver finish on the center stack\n and a new leather-wrapped \nflat-bottom steering wheel\n from the Mk7 Golf. The seats however, are still wrapped in fabric, but they now come with a new pattern called \u2018Cable\u2019.   PERFORMANCE\nThe \n1.6-litre MPI 4-cylinder\n that powers both the Vento \nTrendline\n and \nComfortline\n are the same unit from the outgoing Polo Sedan. It delivers \n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque, and it\u2019s paired with the same\u00a0\nsix-speed automatic\n.\nThe Vento \nHighline\n on the other hand, uses the smaller \n1.2-litre TSI four-cylinder\n and seven\n-speed DSG\n combo that was previously only available on the fully imported Polo 1.2 TSI hatchback. The turbocharged mill develops the same \n104 hp\n as the atmospheric 1.6-litre unit, but there\u2019s \n175 Nm\n of torque. The 1.2 TSI also consume less fuel at \n5.5\u00a0litres per 100 km\n, while the larger engine drinks a full litre more at 6.5 litres per 100 km.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety equipment on the new Vento include\u00a0\ndual front airbags\n, ISOFIX mounts, \nABS\n, and \nIntelligent Crash Response System\n (ICRS). Comfortline and Highline get a couple of \nextra side airbags\n, whereas the\u00a0Highline is the only variant to come fitted with\u00a0\nElectronic Stability Control\n (ESC) into the list.\n \nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Vento \nTrendline\n, \nComfortline\n, and \nHighline\n are priced at \nRM80,635\n, \nRM87,635\n, and \nRM94,635\n respectively. Buyers can choose from five available colour options: Candy White, Reflex Silver, Carbon Steel Grey, Deep Black, and Flash Red.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n, together with its dealer partner Lofty Ambition, have just opened the doors to its latest 3S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts) centre located in Rawang. The new outlet is Lofty Ambition\u2019s fourth Mitsubishi 3S Centre, and MMM\u2019s 16th location in the Klang Valley.\nLocated 10 minutes away from the Rawang exit along the PLUS highway, MMM says that the new 3S centre is in a prime location to serve every Mitsubishi customer around the vicinity.\nThe outlet is made up of three three-story shop lots with a built-up area of 4,000 square feet, and features a showroom with Mitsubishi Motor\u2019s latest brand identity, a comfortable customer lounge with free WiFi connectivity, as well as a fully-equipped service centre.\n\u201cMitsubishi Motors and Lofty Ambition have been business partners since 2014 and within eight years of strong business partnership, Lofty Ambition has established four Mitsubishi showrooms. This goes to show the company\u2019s confidence in the Mitsubishi brand, and commitment to further strengthen Mitsubishi\u2019s presence in Malaysia,\u201d said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda.\nALSO READ: \nMitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM 139,700, only 1,000 units\nPhoto: Mitsubishi Motors 3S Rawang \u2013 Lofty Ambition Rawang Sdn Bhd/Facebook\n\u201cThis new showroom is to serve our customers better in the Klang Valley as we see a huge potential for business growth, especially for the Triton pick-up truck and Xpander seven-seater crossover,\u201d Ikeda added.\nThe new Mitsubishi 3S Centre in Rawang is located at 5G, 7G, 9G, Jalan Millenium, Pusat Perniagaan Rawang Millenium, 4800 Rawang, Selangor. Operation hours are 9.00 am to 6.00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sunday.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Xpander leads MMM to top-three non-national car brand in Malaysia; 19,217 cars sold in FY21"
"To better communicate the new BMW iX3, the company has just unveiled the new vehicle two months after the launching of \nthe facelifted BMW X3 and X4 M variants\n. The iX3 is the fully electric variant of the X3 SAV that was launched \njust last year\n.\nRather than a different product altogether as executed by Mercedes-Benz via the GLC and electric \nEQC 400\n models, the BMW iX3 share the majority of the \nG01 BMW X3\n to make customers feel more comfortable embracing electric power as well as a quick solution for corporations to have a fleet of practically sized fully-electric BMWs. \u00a0\nPlenty of new design motifs from the larger \nBMW iX\n and BMW i4 electric vehicles have been added to the new BMW iX3. Facelifted items include a new front and rear design, featuring new slim adaptive LED headlamps, unique \u201cpincer\u201d tail lamps and sportier bumper profiles. Sporty and gloss black is the new theme for the iX3, as BMW is only offering the facelifted model with just the M Sport styling.\nThe slightly enlarged kidney grille now sports the same black panel and the indent \u201cnugget\u201d seen on the \nBMW i4\n. The inner edge of the kidneys is also highlighted with BMW i-style blue accent, complementing the L-shaped elements in the headlamps. \u00a0\nCompleting the facelifted exterior look are a set of aerodynamically sculptured 20-inch dual-tone jet-black and aluminium inlay M Sport wheels with low rolling resistance tyres. While fitted with M Sport bumpers as standard, BMW says the new iX3 still has a relatively low Coefficient of drag (Cd) figure of up to 0.29.\nInside, the M Sport styling continues with a pair of sports seats up front. Other popular M Sport items found in the new facelifted BMW iX3 include the steering wheel and metallic foot pedals. Similar to the recently updated BMW X3 and X4 models, the interior features a redesigned centre console, beginning with the fitment of a larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display.\nSwitches have been regrouped for better aesthetics and usability and the lower console features the latest BMW \u201ccontrol island\u201d panel with blue accented start-stop button and new shift lever.\nThe interior is offered in two new equipment lines- Inspiring and Impressive. The range-topping Impressive line includes acoustic front windows, BMW head-up display, BMW Gesture control and Vernasca leather upholstery.\nThe Inspiring line already includes adaptive suspension, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command as well as wireless charging.\nBMW is planning to significantly cut its production costs per vehicle. We sure hope it also translates to cheaper cars! Read more on the plan here!\nHowever, occupants driving the new BMW iX3 Impressive line will be thrilled by the \nBMW IconicSounds\n synthesised driving \u201cnoises\u201d pumped out of the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. An extra layer of emotion has been crafted into this feature that was developed by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and BMW.\nIn terms of power outputs, the new BMW iX3 has maintained key performance indicators, such as \n286 hp\n peak output, \n400 Nm \npeak torque as well as 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.8 seconds\n. The range is up to 460 km under WLTP testing methods with a battery that has a gross energy capacity of 80 kWh.\nWith a Wallbox charger, the battery in the iX3 will only need 7.5 hours for a full charge. Meanwhile, using a direct current (DC) 150 kW fast-charging station, the batteries can be charged up to 80% in just 32 minutes. A 10-minute charge supposedly offers up to 100 km in electric driving range.\nThailand becomes the first ASEAN country to sell the fully-electric BMW iX. Limited units and attractive pricing. Find out more here!\nThe new BMW X3 family- X3 regular, X3 M and iX3\nIn the most established ASEAN markets for BMW, only Thailand and \nSingapore\n have introduced the pre-facelift BMW iX3. \u00a0\nProduction of the new facelifted BMW iX3 will begin at the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture\u2019s Shenyang facility in China next month, where it will serve the local demand as well as be exported to the rest of the world.\nGALLERY"
"After amassing more than 30,000 reservations, Volkswagen has finally unveiled the ID.3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the first car under the ID. range of electrified vehicles.\nJust as the brand name suggests, Volkswagen is building the ID.3 as \u201can electric car for the masses.\u201d We have \npreviously reported\n on the unusual name choice for the ID.3, but it is worthy to reiterate the importance of the number \u201c3\u201d to Volkswagen.\nThis is the third big chapter after the K\u00e4fer (Beetle) and Golf; both becoming the class-leading vehicles suitable for the people.\nPowered by a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, the ID.3 drives \n201 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels. The ID.3 will be offered in 3 battery sizes: \n45 kWh\n, \n58 kWh \nand \n77 kWh\n, offering a claimed \n330 km\n, \n420 km\n and \n550 km\n of range respectively on the WLTP cycle. All battery variants can achieve a \ntop speed of 160 km/h\n. However, the 1ST edition ID.3s will only be equipped with the mid-range 58 kWh variant.\u00a0\nVolkswagen is providing a \n8-year or 160,000 km warranty\n for the battery pack for added peace of mind ownership. Owners of the first ID.3 1st will also enjoy one year of free charging at WeCharge charging stations of up to 2,000 kWh, including ones from Volkswagen\u2019s joint venture Ionity, amounting to more than 100,000 charging points across Europe.\nUnder ideal circumstances, the ID.3 can recharge up to a range of \n290 km in just 30 minutes\n.\nThe ID.3 is the first car to utilize Volkswagen\u2019s modular electric drive matrix (MEB), a scalable platform designed specically for the ID. models. One main benefit of the newly developed platform is the packaging of the vehicle, offering one of the largest interior space in its class.\nWhile being only 3mm longer than the Golf, its wheelbase stretches over 145mm longer than its sibling at 2,765 mm, which is just 21mm shy of the higher segment Passat.\nWeight distribution is also one of the key talking points of the new MEB platform. With the batteries arranged neatly on the floor, electrical drivetrain on the rear axle, and auxilary units (such as the air-conditioning and steering rack) at the front, the ID.3\u2019s ideal weight distribution and low centre of gravity should make the car feel pretty nimble on the road.\nStyling wise, the ID.3 remains largely unchanged from the concept show car. The short overhang allowed by the fully electric platform gives the car a strong presence with the longer wheelbase.\nVolkswagen also utilised LED lighting in many of their design elements to give the ID.3 a futuristic look. Without the need of heavy cooling, the ID.3\u2019s small front and aerodynamic rear spoiler gives it a sleek design that manages a 0.267 drag coefficient.\nVolkswagen calls their new interior design language \u201cOpen Space\u201d; providing a livable airy space thanks to the elongated wheelbase and centre tunnel delete.\nContradicting the technology-packed drivetrain, Volkswagen chose to utilise organically-shaped surfaces and soft curves to emphasise the airiness of the cabin.\nThe ID.3 also utilises LED lighting strips in the interior, called ID. light, to provide helpful visual cues such as braking prompts in dangerous situations during navigation.\u00a0\nThe main focus on the dashboard will be the centrally positioned 10-inch infotainment display, which will house all the important parameters of the vehicle during operation.\nAll control surfaces, including those on the multifunction steering wheel, are operated by touch-sensitive buttons; only the hazard warning lights and window switches are still operated using regular tactile switches. Complementing the touch-centric controls is the natural voice control responding to \u201cHello ID.\u201d.\nAt launch, the Volkswagen ID.3 will be available in 3 different variants. The basic \nID.3 1st\n will include navigation system, DAB+ digital radio, seat and steering wheel heating, a Type 2 charging port and 18-inch wheels.\u00a0\nThe \nID.3 1st Plus\n adds rear view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and keyless entry and access. On the inside, the ID.3 1st Plus comes with design seats and centre console featuring two USB-C connections and ambient lighting, while the exterior gets a Style package in silver \u2013 consisting of matrix LED headlights, matrix side lights, brake lights, turn indicators and tail light clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels.\nTop-of-the-range \nID.3 1st Max\n also includes an augmented reality (AR) heads-up display, Beats sound system, wireless charging for your mobile phone, comfort seats, a large panaromic sliding roof, as well as 20-inch wheels. The Max will also include advanced driving assistance such as Lane Keeping Assist with Emergency Assist and Lane Change system.\nStarting at just below \u20ac30,000, Volkswagen claims that the ID.3 is their first carbon-neutral vehicle model, with all elements of manufacture and distribution powered by renewable energy sources or compensated by certified climate projects.\nThe ID.3 will be produced at the Zwickwau plant in Germany, which is set to produce 330,000 electric cars annually starting from 2021.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen ID.3"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the franchise holder for Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, announced today that 10 of its Nissan service centres operated by Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS) have received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to resume operations during the extended Movement Control Order (MCO) period.\nThe TCEAS service centres selected to operate during this period will adopt a \u2018Drop-off and Pick-up\u2019 system, with services rendered via an \nappointment-only basis\n. Customers will not be allowed to wait at the service centres.\nIn order to safeguard the health and safety of its customers and personnel, strict precautionary measures will be enforced at all TCEAS service centres. These include temperature screening for all individuals, regular disinfection of the premises, and use of face mask and gloves by all staff.\nFace masks and hand sanitisers will also be freely available to customers, while all vehicles will undergo sanitisation before and after the service. TCEAS also encourages the use of contactless payment during this period.\nService appointments can be made via the \nDriveOn mobile application\n, TCEAS website, or Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at \n1800-88-3838\n. In order to adhere to the 10 km travel limit as imposed by the MCO, Nissan strongly advises customers to select the nearest service centre available.\nPreviously, ETCM announced that it will \nextend the vehicle warranties\n expiring during the MCO by an additional 30 days from the last day of the MCO period. A grace period of 30 days will also be given to owners who have missed their scheduled service appointment due date due to the MCO."
"Earlier this year, Ferrari announced that their strategy to produce a limited run of cars to \nincrease the brand\u2019s exclusivity\n has proven to be successful, with the brand reaping in more profits than the preceding years despite \nselling lesser cars\n. Now, after 60 years of the Prancing Horse\u2019s presence in North America, Ferrari has decided to produce a strictly limited edition car known as the \nF60 America\n, which was revealed to private guests at Beverly Hills City Hall.\nJust\u00a0\n10 units\n\u00a0of the F60 America will be built \u2013 and customarily \u2013 sold to the few selected\u00a0\nloyal Ferrari enthusiasts\n. The F60 America gets the best of American tastes: a huge \n12-cylinder engine\n and \nopen-top driving\n. The \n6.3-litre V12 engine\n is the exact unit found in the F12 Berlinetta, of which the car is based on, and it makes \n730 hp\n at 8,250 rpm and \n690 Nm\n of torque at 6,000 rpm.\nIf no changes have been made to the powertrain and transmission, then it\u2019s safe to assume that the F60 America will get the \nseven-speed dual clutch semi-automated gearbox\n with \nspecified gear ratios\n to match the engine\u2019s output.\nThe F60 America is built based on the \nF12 Berlinetta\n, but have been given an \nextensive makeover inside and out\n. From the front, it adorns Ferrari\u2019s \nclassic single front grille\n with chrome highlights, and the bumper gets an \nintegrated air intakes\n to cool the brakes. As seen from the outside, the bodywork gets the classic North American Racing Team livery, and the exclusive Ferrari 60th anniversary Prancing Horse badge on the wheel arches.\nIts interior gets a rather unconventional touch \u2013 the driver\u2019s side is finished in \nbright sporty red\n, while the passenger side gets finished in \nblack\n. The theme is said to be inspired by Ferrari\u2019s historic competition cars. \nComposite materials\n\u00a0(high grade plastic or carbon fibre we assume) are extensively used in the interior, such as the dashboard, centre console and door panels of the driver side. The racing seats also feature a \nstylised American flag\n on the centre of the seats.\nThe black-tie event also featured\u00a0a display of 60 of the most iconic Ferraris ever created, such as the\n\u00a0308 GTS\n (Magnum, P.I), \nTestarossa\n (Miami Vice), and \nSteve McQueen\u2019s Ferrari 275 GTB/4\n.\nFor those of you who want a shot at owning something like this or any other limited edition cars from Ferrari, you might want to start having your own collection to inch your way into the brand\u2019s good books.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"2017 had been a fascinating year for the Malaysian automotive industry with a diverse range of new models announcing their arrivals on our shores. Among them were the curvy \nLexus LC500\n, the mighty \nHonda Civic Type R\n, and the year\u2019s blockbuster, the third-generation \nPerodua Myvi\n. With everyone back to their daily grind, let\u2019s look at the cars we\u2019d love to see arrive in Malaysia.\nAs you might\u2019ve gathered from our site, planned car launches for 2018 include the \nToyota C-HR \n, \nVolvo XC60\n, Proton\u2019s upcoming \nSUV\n with Geely and many more. What about the less conventional ones \u2013 those which have yet to be determined if they would make business sense but some of us as minorities would like to have?\nDacia Duster\nWe begin with a budget SUV from the Renault group which is sure to find its footing in our SUV-crazed market. Its introduction will be timely, given the fact that the new second-generation Duster made its international debut not too long ago. The Duster\u2019s affordable price tag and its unsophisticated characteristics had won sales and accolades in Europe and many other developing nations.\nAs this Romanian brand is unheard off by most Malaysians, word has it that it could be introduced and rebranded as either a Nissan or Renault SUV. A rugged, unpretentious SUV with the price tag of a B-segment sedan, what could possibly go wrong?\nNissan Qashqai\nWith the huge number of HR-Vs finding their way into Malaysian homes, it is a testament that subcompact SUVs/crossovers are well received here.\u00a0Toyota seems to have responded as well with the funky C-HR, due for launch locally real soon. However, both Honda and Toyota still trail in the success of a certain Nissan in the UK and Europe \u2013 the \nQashqai\n.\nNow in its second-generation, and with over half a million units sold in the UK, the Qashqai is Nissan\u2019s \u201ccash\u201d cow and that\u2019s not surprising. The Qashqai is practical and comfortable, traits that resonate well with small families \u2013 a sentiment we don\u2019t doubt would be applicable here.\nMercedes-Benz X-Class\nOver here, Mercedes-Benz had pretty much covered all the vehicle segments save for the pickup segment. A few months back, the three point star continued its bid for world domination with the unveiling of its first luxury pickup \u2013 the \nX-Class\n.\nRiding on a platform shared with the Nissan Navara, the X-Class is offered with one petrol and three diesel engines. Our gut feeling tells us that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) would bring the X-Class\u2019 range-topper, the Power trim, which is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. It shows that luxury has no boundaries \u2013 literally.\nRenault Megane RS\nThe previous generation Renault Megane RS was a real front-wheel drive force to be reckoned with. On that note, it would be a shame if the new model was omitted; given the fact that the\u00a0\nfourth-generation Megane RS \nwould\u00a0give the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the newly launched Honda Civic Type R a run for its money.\nThe new model is now powered by an all-new\n 280 hp\n 1.8-litre turbocharged engine and gains extra two doors. Also first for a Megane hot hatch is a six-speed dual clutch EDC transmission. So far, Renault has only previewed the Megane\u2019s mild hot hatchback equivalent, the \nGT\n, to the Malaysian public. With such respectable performance figures, the Megane RS should be a worthy candidate when the Civic Type R needs a sparring partner.\nVolkswagen Arteon\nIf a car were to be art, the \nVolkswagen Arteon\n would be it. The name Arteon is the portmanteau of \u201cart\u201d and \u201ceon\u201d, indicating the upmarket intention of this Passat CC replacement.\nAesthetics wise, from every angle you look at it, the Arteon could simply do no wrong look again. Despite the Passats stranglehold on the premium sedan segment, we reckon the Arteon can still find its way into our local buyer\u2019s interests.\nAlfa Romeo Stelvio\nIt has been four years since the Italian brand had absent in Malaysia, but word is that the Turin-based manufacturer could be making a comeback. If 2018 is the year to resurrect the Alfa Romeo brand in this country, the best car to represent them is the \nAlfa Romeo Stelvio\n.\nNamed after a remote Alpine pass in Italy, the Stelvio SUV joins the Giulia as the beacon of hope to revive the fortunes of the ailing Italian car maker. It\u2019s one SUV that\u2019s truly worthy of the \u2018Sport\u2019 badge, thanks to its powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine and lovely handling. Being an Alfa, its also more good looking than the likes of Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan.\nSo here you go, the six cars we would like to so this arrive in our peninsula this year if not soon. What other cars do you think should be introduced here? As always, tell us in the comments section."
"Chinese automotive giant, Great Wall Motor, has now made its return into the Malaysia market with the establishment of a new subsidiary, which made its debut today under the \u201cGWM\u201d branding. Wholly owned by the Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd, Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia will carry out \u201call-round marketing implementation\u201d for GWM\u2019s multiple brands here in the Malaysian market.\nThe GWM arsenal is made up of six car brands, namely Haval, Wey, Ora, Tank, as well as Great Wall Pickup and Saloon. Focusing primarily on \u201cintelligent and sustainable mobility\u201d, the company is now currently the largest SUV and pickup manufacturer in China, with over 11 million vehicles sold worldwide as of the end of 2021, and more than one million vehicles sold for six consecutive years.\nWhile the company plans to introduce its range of vehicles including \u201cretro fashion cars\u201d, urban and off-road SUVs, as well as pickups in the future here in Malaysia, GWM\u2019s return to the country will largely be \nheadlined by three models for now\n: the Haval Jolion, H6, as well as the Ora Good Cat EV \u2013 the latter also making an appearance at the press conference today.\nRELATED: Malaysia-bound Ora Good Cat launched in UK with funky new name\nExact specifications of the Ora Good Cat for our market is not available just yet, but we don\u2019t expect it to differ too much from the \nThai model\n, with a single electric motor on the front axle making \n143 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n, powered by either a 47.8 kWh or 63.1 kWh battery pack \u2013 the latter giving the Good Cat a range of roughly 500 km based on the (slightly optimistic) NEDC/R101 test cycle.\nUnique looks aside, the Ora Good Cat EV also comes with a plethora of features, including a full advanced driver assistance suite, smart voice assistant, over-the-air software updates, massage function on the front seats, and even a smartphone app connectivity that allows the driver to remotely control various vehicle functions.\nIn addition to the new models slated for launch here in Malaysia, GWM also revealed that they will be increasing investment in the country by carrying out localised assembly through cooperation with Go Auto Group.\nThe company is also currently prioritising the establishment of a \u201chigh-quality dealer network\u201d, with after-sales services built around a \u201cstrong network layout in core areas\u201d, a 24-hour customer service centre, and a spare parts centre that will be set-up locally to ensure its Malaysian consumers complete peace of mind.\nGALLERY"
"With more than 1.7 million units of the 3-series Touring built in the last 32 years, the current 6th generation looks to be at the peak of BMW\u2019s wagon-designing powers and is nothing less than the perfect torch bearer for BMW\u2019s Touring models.\nWith more than 500,000 units of the previous generation wagon sold (out of the total 1.7 million), the appetite for wagons on the western side of the globe seems insatiable, with no sign of it building up here. I suspect it\u2019s mentality problem.\n \nBecause of the lack of interest, I\u2019m not going to dive too deep into the details but will instead unclog your senses (or a lack of it) with the merits of a wagon in the hopes that the Malaysian perception of it (as a hearse) would change for the more enlightening.\nCause these cars are just staggering in how usable and practical they are. Think of them as elongated hatchbacks but with better parking visibility because of their flat rear ends but unlike hatchbacks, wagons offer so much more boot space.\nIn the case of this 3-series Touring, it offers 500 litres of space and with the seats collapsed, up to 1,510 litres. As for the rear windscreen which opens separately, its aperture is now 20 mm wider than before, with a 112 mm wider load compartment.\nPart of this is down to the fact that the wagon is now 76 mm longer, 16 mm wider and 8 mm taller than the model it replaces.\nIt\u2019s also got a longer wheelbase, increased by 41 mm and wider tracks, contributing to the car\u2019s stability and composure.\nAs such the benefits can be profoundly felt in the cabin as it offers more shoulder room in the front, more head room, extra leg room with much greater ease of entering and exiting the car.\nIf making babies is more of a hobby than a social obligation, you\u2019d be glad to find that the rear seat bench can accommodate three child seats, two of which can be attached with ISOFIX points.\nAs for performance, the new wagon will be powered by six different engines and if you think emission regulations has turned it into a pushover mommy mobile, the most powerful M340i xDrive model with 374 hp should eliminate that foolish perception.\nThe new 3-series Touring is set to be unveiled to the public for the first time by the end of June in Munich, Germany with market launch due in September.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last weekend Porsche celebrated the 70th anniversary of its sportscars by revealing the 911 Speedster Concept. Developed at the Porsche Motorsport Centre, the birthplace of the 911 GT2 RS and GT3 RS, the drive technology under the shell was derived from current GT models.\nDictated by its history, the 911 Speedster Concept features a lightweight tonneau cover instead of a convertible top, and is attached using eight Tenax fasteners.\nPaying homage to the Porsche 356 1500 Speedster, the Speedster Concept is given a wider profile with a low fly line attributed by a shorter window frame, a more inclined windscreen and shortened side windows.\nThe broad body of the concept was borrowed from the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet but its wings, front bonnet and rear cover are made of lightweight carbon fibre material.\nThe new ensemble that sits on a 911 GT3 chassis, is finished with 21-inch Fuchs wheels \u2013 a signature-look on classic Porsches \u2013 held on by centre locks for the first time.\nOther distinct features of the exterior includes a 50\u2019s-inspired fuel tank cap on the front bonnet, classic Talbot shape of the exterior mirrors and headlights with a cross-like effect that pays tribute to Porsche\u2019s early years in motorsport. At the time, the headlights on its race cars were taped before races to protect them against stone chips and prevent the glass from shattering.\nThe lightweight philosophy is also prevalent in an interior with no navigation, radio and even air conditioning. Their slots are instead replaced by storage compartments with full bucket seats made of carbon fibre and leather door-pull straps that adds more impact to the dramatic weight-shed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) today announced that all of its authorised Mitsubishi showrooms and service centres have now resumed operations. The announcement follows the previous resumption of service at \nselected Mitsubishi service centres\n during the fourth phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO).\nAdditionally, the company also announced the launch of the \u201cTest Drive 2U\u201d online test drive booking service, allowing customers to test drive a Mitsubishi vehicle without having to step foot into a Mitsubishi dealership.\n \nTo request for a test drive, customers can browse and select their preferred model on the MMM website \nhere\n. After selecting their nearest dealership and completing the personal details form, a Mitsubishi sales consultant will be in contact either through WhatsApp or phone call, according to customers\u2019 preference.\nMMM reassures that strict safety protocols are in place to safeguard the health and safety of their customers and staff. The vehicle and keys will be thoroughly sanitised before and after each test drive. Sales consultants are also mandated to use hand sanitizer and face masks; customers are strongly encouraged to do the same.\nEach test drive session will be limited to one customer at a time, and the sales consultants will be seated at the rear seats to practice social distancing.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, \u201cThe Test Drive 2U online service ensures that we are still able to provide a worry-free experience for customers who wish to test-drive a Mitsubishi model from home during this conditional movement control order.\n\u201cCustomers may browse through their preferred Mitsubishi model, interact with our authorized sales consultant, and book a test-drive delivery in a manner that is responsible and safe for all.\u201d\nMMM recently announced its \nRamadhan Rewards promotional campaign\n, with savings of up to RM8,000 for the Triton, RM2,000 for the Outlander, and trade-in top-up of RM8,888 when you trade in your vehicle for a Mitsubishi ASX."
"Less than a month after the \nMercedes-Benz W205 C-Class\n was introduced here in Malaysia, the German carmaker have gone on to globally reveal their latest\n C63 AMG\n at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, which they have decided to effectively call it the \nMercedes-AMG C63\n. It comes in \ntwo flavours\n this time around, a \nstandard\n\u00a0\nC63\n model and the punchier \nC63 S\n variant.\u00a0The AMG C63 stormed Paris in \nsedan\n and \nwagon\n forms, and both can be had in either standard or S trim.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG C63\nMercedes-AMG C63 S\nSegment\nC-Segment\nC-Segment\nEngine\n3,982cc, twin-turbocharged V8\n3,982cc, twin-turbocharged V8\nTransmission\nAMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sport transmission\nAMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sport transmission\nMax Power\n476 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,250 rpm\n510 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n650 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n700 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nAcceleration 0 \u2013 100 km/h\n4.1 seconds\n4.0 seconds\n\u00a0\nThe highlight of the new AMG C63 lies underneath the hood \u2013 AMG\u2019s all-new \ntwin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8\n engine. In the standard tune, the engine (codenamed M177; \nAMG GT\n\u2018s engine is M178) makes \n476 horsepower\n and \n650 Nm of torque\n, while the C63 S gets tuned to make \n510 horsepower\n and \n700 Nm of torque\n (the latter mill\u2019s output figures almost mirror that of the \nAMG GT\n). Comparatively, its immediate rivals from Munich \u2013 \nBMW M3 and M4\n\u2018s twinturbo 3.0-litre inline-six makes 431 horses and 550 Nm of torque.\nMore on the engine front: Mercedes AMG claims that their V8 unit is the\n most fuel efficient eight-cylinder engine\n ever in the field of high-performance powerplant, with a fuel consumption figure of \n8.2 litres\n per 100km as per the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) combined. According to AMG, the new V8 engine consumes \n32 percent less fuel\n than the superseded 6.3-litre naturally aspirated engine.\nDespite being fuel efficient,the C63 is capable of completing the century sprint in \n4.1 seconds\n, whereas the C63 S gets from standstill to 100 km/h in \n4.0 seconds\n (add 0.1 seconds for the wagon variant).\u00a0Both engines are paired to AMG\u2019s \nseven-speed \nSpeedshift MCT sports transmission, which delivers the engine\u2019s grunt to the rear wheels only. Top speed for both variants are electronically limited at \n250 km/h\n.\nTo address, or in this context, minimise noise and vibration from the engine, the engineers from Affalterbach have installed \ndynamic engine mountings\n that are adaptive to the prevailing driving styles within fractions of a second.\u00a0There are \nfour\n driving modes for the driver to choose from \u2013 Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport + as well as the C63 S-exclusive Race mode, which offer a wider range of individual customisation.\nExternally, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 gets a widened aluminium front wings (14mm wider) and a lengthened front end (54mm longer). Several parts of the C63 were also reinforced to compensate for the extreme longitudinal and transverse forces generated and transmitted by the drivetrain.\nAt the rear, the\n three-finned diffuser\n is carried over from their motorsport division, which functions to \nreduce air friction\n and improve coefficient drag figures. Complementing the rear end\u2019s look are the\n two chrome-plated\n twin end pipes.\u00a0The C63 sits on the standard 18-inch wheels, while the C63 S gets the 19-inch set. Brakes are made of steel, although there\u2019s the \noptional carbon ceramic brakes\n, a first for the model line.\nOver on the inside, the C63 shrieks of nothing but the finest German craftsmanship, with extensive use of high-grade leather and quality plastics parts. The dashboard is finished in black Artico man-made leather, while housing the \nIWC-designed\n analogue clock. Sitting next to the touch pad in the \ncarbon fibre centre console\n\u00a0is the AMG Dynamic Select switch.\nAbove all that, the C63 will also be available in the \nEdition 1\n trim, which gets 19-inch cross-spoke wheels, gloss black touches on some of the exterior parts, black-chromed exhaust pipes, red accents on the radiator and wing mirrors as well as matte graphite grey sport stripes.\nAs far as we know now, sales of the C63 and C63 S will begin as early as February 2015 (saloon form), whereas the wagon version will be available from April 2015. The previous W204 C63 AMG sold more than \n40,000 units\n worldwide, and went on the become the brand\u2019s \nmost sought after AMG model\n. Will the new W205 C63 AMG be the brand\u2019s new icing-on-the-cake recipe?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following its\n market debut in Thailand \nearlier this year, the 2023 \nNissan Almera\n facelift has now also been launched in the Philippines, with a design update and refreshed equipment lists across the three variants on sale.\nLooks wise, the main change on the new 2023 Nissan Almera facelift is the new V-Motion grille that has now pretty much taken over the entire front fascia with piano black trims and chrome accents. On the higher-end variants, this is complemented by a black roof and two-tone diamond-cut 16-inch alloys to further accentuate the sedan\u2019s bold looks.\nInside, the black-and-cream two-tone upholstery has now been replaced by blue trims on the dashboard and door cards for a more youthful look, though the rest of the dashboard is largely unchanged from before.\nIn the Philippines, the new 2023 Nissan Almera is offered with only one powertrain option, featuring the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine as the Malaysian market Almera that makes \n100 hp \nand \n152 Nm\n. The 1.0-litre mill is paired to a five-speed manual on the base variant, and an Xtronic CVT for the others.\nIn terms of equipment, the latest addition to the Nissan Almera in the Phillipines is the Nissan Connect Services suite, which enables owners to remotely connect to their vehicles via a compatible smartphone app to receive vehicle health reports, theft alerts, maintenance reminders, remote horn and light activation, speed alerts, MyCar Finder vehicle locator, and even remote engine start functionalities.\nRELATED: \nNissan Serena J Impul now in Malaysia, RM170k for kitted up MPV\nOtherwise, the kit list remains largely unchanged from before, with the range-topping VL and mid-spec VE variants getting most of the creature comfort niceties such as the advanced driver assistance suite, tyre pressure monitoring system, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the two-tone leather upholstery.\nThe new 2023 Nissan Almera facelift is priced from PHP839,000 (approx. RM70k) for the 1.0 EL Turbo manual, jumping up to PHP1,059,000 (approx. RM88k) for the 1.0 VE Turbo CVT, and PHP1,149,000 (approx. RM96k) for the 1.0 VL Turbo CVT.\nALSO WATCH: \nHow far can we travel in the Nissan Almera Turbo with just RM50 of fuel?\n \nGALLERY"
"Opened for booking since February this year, pricing for the 2022 Mk8 \nVolkswagen Golf R-Line\n has finally been announced for Malaysia at \nRM170,560\n, on-the-road, without insurance. The Golf was originally estimated to be priced between RM155,000 and RM165,000 when it was first previewed here on our shores.\nPowered by a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine with \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n on tap, the Mk8 Golf R-Line has ditched the dual-clutch transmission from the previous Mk7 Golf R-Line for a torque-converter eight-speed automatic gearbox. With the new transmission, 0-100 km/h is achieved in \n8.5 seconds\n, 0.3 seconds slower than the Mk7 Golf R-Line.\nCombining R-inspired aesthetics with non-R performance, then, the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line has been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, with the C-signature bumper sitting lower to the ground than the normal Golf. The sporty look of the car is completed by the 17-inch Valencia alloy wheels and a pair of chrome-effect trapezoid faux exhaust tailpipes.\nExterior features of the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line include:\nR-Line exterior package with body kit, quad faux exhaust outlets\nLED Plus headlights\nLED tail lights\n17-inch \u2018Valencia\u2019 alloy wheels\nExterior colour options: Kings Red (new), matte Moonstone Grey (new), Atlantic Blue, Deep Black, Oryx White\nOn the inside, the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line is equipped with semi-bucket sports seats, which are upholstered in Sardegna fabric. The seats also feature suede-like bolsters and have \u201cR-Line\u201d embossing on the headrests. Adding to the sporty feel of the interior are the carbon-look trims and a 30-colour interior lighting system.\nBesides the sporty styling, the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line\u2019s interior also features enhanced digitalisation for seamless connectivity and convenience. The car is equipped with an intelligent voice control system that can be activated either by saying \u201cHello Volkswagen\u201d or by pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. The voice control system can identify where the voice is coming from and can adjust the interior zone\u2019s temperature accordingly.\nRELATED: \nVideo: Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI & TSI R-Line at Sepang \u2013 the best just got better!\nOther interior highlights of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R-Line include:\n\u2022 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\n\u2022 10-inch Discover Media touchscreen infotainment display\n\u2022 Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\n\u2022 Three-zone climate control with rear blowers and control panel\nSafety equipment in the 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line include six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Post-collision Braking System, and a Tyre Pressure Leak Indicator. Unfortunately, there are no advanced safety features on the new Golf R-Line.\nThe 2022 Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, a three-year free maintenance package, and a five-year road assistance package.\nGALLERY"
"The\n all-new Toyota Innova Zenix\n that was just launched here in Malaysia today brings a myriad of new things to the table, significantly upgrading the MPV experience, especially when compared to its \npredecessor\n (now still on sale as the Innova CG).\nThere\u2019s the \nTNGA platform\n that should significantly improve the Innova\u2019s ride and handling performance, while the new engine and fifth-gen hybrid system also brings the Innova lineage up to modern standards. But most intriguingly, the Toyota Innova Zenix is actually the first model in the \nUMW Toyota Motor\n stable here in Malaysia to feature the marque\u2019s latest \nToyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0)\n advanced driver assistance suite.\nSo what exactly is new with the third-generation system? Let\u2019s have a closer look.\nThe TSS 3.0 system improves upon the capabilities of the marque\u2019s existing ADAS suite, thanks to the new camera sensor and millimetre-wave radar sensor. The former now boasts a higher resolution and covers a wider detection angle (both vertically and horizontally), while the radar can now detect obstacles both up to two times further, and also closer to the sensor.\nIn terms of the Pre-Collision System (PCS), TSS 3.0 can now recognise potential dangers in more circumstances, including off-axis traffic at intersections, and provide autonomous emergency braking and emergency steering assist actions if necessary. Vehicles equipped with TSS 3.0 will also now detect motorcyclists, in addition to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.\nThe upgraded camera sensors on the Toyota Innova Zenix now detect three-dimensional objects (such as guard rails and kerbs) as lane markers for its Lane Departure Assist feature, while the new Road Sign Assist (RSA) system can recognise speed limit markers on Malaysian roads, feeding the speed limit information to the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system to automatically slow down the car when entering a slow zone.\nThese enhanced object recognition come courtesy of TSS 3.0\u2019s Motion3D feature that utilises artificial intelligence and Deep Neural Network to improve its detection capabilities overtime. In certain markets, the TSS 3.0 system can also be updated over-the-air to increase their detection capabilities for other road signs in the future.\nALSO WATCH: \nHow does TSS work? Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 explained\nOn the mention of DRCC, the adaptive cruise control system has also been enhanced thanks to the increased radar range. The system can now evaluate the traffic situation two vehicles ahead, significantly shortening its response time to speed changes.\nWhen changing lanes, the TSS 3.0 system on the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix also scans for vehicles in the adjacent lane to proactively adjust the speed while DRCC is active, resulting in a much smoother and safer (semi-autonomous) drive.\nAside from the systems that are part of the TSS 3.0 suite, the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix also comes equipped with a blind-spot monitor system (with indicator lights on the wing mirrors), rear-cross traffic alert, automatic high-beam, as well as a 360-degree surround-view monitor, making the all-new MPV one of the best-equipped vehicles on the market today in terms of safety.\nWe\u2019ll be testing the new TSS 3.0 system in more detail when we get our hands on the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix, to see how well it actually performs here on our Malaysian roads. But for now, be sure to check out the full details of the Toyota Innova Zenix at our detailed launch coverage post, linked \nhere\n."
"BMW Malaysia today unveiled the latest entry point to its X model series, the X1 sDrive18i, following the debut of the facelifted \nsDrive20i M Sport variant\n earlier this year. Launched alongside the X1 today is also the M135i xDrive, which you can read more about it \nhere\n.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nThe main differentiating factor here on the new sDrive18i is the powertrain, featuring a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that was actually crowned the International Engine of the Year Award for five years in a row since 2015.\nEngine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission: 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission\nDrivetrain: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 140 hp @ 4,600 \u2013 6,500 RPM\nMax torque: 220 Nm @ 1,480 \u2013 4,200 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 9.6 seconds\nTop speed: 201 km/h\nFuel consumption: 6.3 l/100km\nAs standard, the X1 sDrive18i comes with Driving Experience Control which lets the driver switch between driving modes, as well as Performance Control which controls the torque delivery to the wheels, along with brake interventions for an improved cornering capability.\nEXTERIOR\nThe new BMW X1 sDrive18i is marketed as the new entry-point to the marque\u2019s X model series, and thus it is equipped in the base trim package without all the M Sport trim pieces that the sDrive20i gets. Exterior equipment highlights include:\nLED headlights with LED daytime running lights\nLED taillights\nLED fog lights\n17-inch light alloy wheels in V-spoke style 560\nExterior trims in satinated aluminium\nAnti-dazzle wing mirrors with auto-fold function\nExterior colour options: Alpine White, Mediterranean Blue, Black Sapphire, and Mineral Grey\nINTERIOR\nThe inside of the X1 is pretty standard BMW affair. Aside from the removal of several M Sport-specific parts, the interior equipment list is pretty much identical to its elder sDrive20i brother. These include:\n8.8-inch infotainment display with BMW iDrive Operating System 6.0\nAnalogue instrument cluster with Black Panel technology, 5.7-inch multi-info display\ntwo-zone automatic air conditioning\nSport leather steering wheel\nElectrically-adjustable front seats with memory function for driver\nAutomatic tailgate with handsfree opening and closing\nDakota leather upholstery in black\nBlack high-gloss interior trim finishers with Pearl Chrome highlight\nBMW claims that the interior of the X1 is actually the most spacious in the compact SUV segment, boasting a boot capacity of 505 litres. With the seats folded down (40:20:40 split), the cargo space can be expanded to 1,550 litres.\nSAFETY\nThe BMW X1 sDrive18i is equipped with the BMW Personal CoPilot Driving Assistant system, which includes Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention, Lane Departure Warning, High-beam Assistant, and adaptive cruise control with braking function. Other notable standard safety features include:\nSix airbags (front, side, and curtains)\nParking Assistant\nRear view camera\nDynamic Traction Control (DTC)\nDynamic Brake Control (DBC)\nElectronic Differential Lock System (EDLC)\nPerformance Control\nPRICING\nThe BMW X1 sDrive18i is now available in Malaysia, priced at\n RM208,368.48\n on the road without insurance, and inclusive of \nsales tax exemptions\n, making it the most affordable BMW model available in the country. As standard, the new entry-level X1 comes with:\nBMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme\nBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline\nThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App \u2013 BMW Privileges Card\nBMW Service Online\nWith the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Balloon Financing Plan, the new BMW X1 sDrive18i can be yours from RM 2,378.00 per month, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nFor the latest revised price list for BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last February we saw the \nfinal unit\n of the seventh-generation\u00a0Rolls-Royce Phantom roll out from the factory. This means the eight-generation Phantom is underway, with the launch expected\u00a0in no less than a month\u2019s time.\nPrior to launch, Rolls-Royce dropped two hints of its latest luxury barge: the iconic front grille and signature \u201cSpirit of Ecstasy\u201d. Another image reveals the dashboard with an analogue clock right in the middle.\nThe new Phantom rides on an\n\u00a0all-new\u00a0aluminium architecture\n, which means it will be inherently lighter compared to its predecessors. It could get the same \nV12 engine\n\u00a0as the \nDawn\n and will feature four-wheel steering.\nThe new Phantom will be showcased alongside\u00a0its predecessors at the \u201cThe Great Eight Phantoms\u201d event in Mayfair on 29\u00a0July."
"TC Trucks Sales Sdn Bhd (TCTS) has officially launched its latest showroom in Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru to expand its nationwide network in the Southern Region. The new TCTS showroom will carry Foton and JMC vehicles including the Foton Auman heavy-duty truck, Foton Aumark light-duty truck, and the \nJMC Vigus Pro we recently reviewed\n.\n \nAccording to TCTS, sales for Foton trucks and the \nJMC Vigus Pro pick-up\n have gained momentum and have been seen as a more affordable alternative for logistics, especially in these challenging times.\nWhen it comes to aftersales service, TCTS is supported by a wide 3S service centre network consisting of two in the Klang Valley, three in the South Region, three in the Northern Region, and eight centres in East Malaysia.\nTCTS\u2019 new showroom is located at Wisma Tan Chong, No. 2, Jalan Indah 15/2, Taman Bukit Indah, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Operation hours are as follow:\nMonday \u2013 Friday: 8:15 am to 6:15pm\nSaturday \u2013Sunday and Public Holiday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm\nFor further enquiries or to test drive, call 016-783 3344."
"Bermaz Motor\n has just launched the (now) locally-assembled (CKD) \nMazda CX-30\n, after more than two years of the car being sold as a fully imported (CBU) car. The all-wheel drive (AWD) and diesel versions are no longer available and prices for the CX-30 now start at \nRM128,109\n (OTR without insurance) for the \u2018Standard\u2019 variant.\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe full variant list of the CKD Mazda CX-30 is as such:\nCX-30 2.0 G 2WD Standard \u2013 \nRM128,109\nCX-30 2.0 G High \u2013 \nRM136,109\nCX-30 2.0G High+ \u2013 \nRM146,109\nCX-30 2.0G High+ Premium \u2013 \nRM156,109\nExterior\nOn the outside, nothing has changed for the Mazda CX-30. It still sports the same signature Mazda \u2018Wing\u2019 on the front end and the same triangular motif on the radiator grille. The black claddings all around have also been maintained, continuing to provide a sleek yet rugged look for the CX-30.\nStandard exterior equipment for the base CKD Mazda CX-30 includes:\nLED Headlights with auto on/off function\nBulb-type Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)\nLED taillights\nRain-sensing windshield wipers with intermittent function\nKeyless entry\nPower adjustable side mirrors\nRear Spoiler\nMaterial-coloured radiator grille\nVentilated disc front brakes\nSolid disc rear brakes\n16-inch wheels\nRELATED: \n2024 Mazda CX-90 revealed \u2013 up to 345 hp, 500 Nm, AWD, three-row eight seater\nThe High variant adds on:\nSignature Illumination for the LED headlights\nLED DRLs\nSignature Illumination for LED taillights\nBlack radiator grille\nPower tailgate\nFront and Rear parking sensors\n18-inch wheels\nUp a tier, the High+ variant is identical to the High variant in terms of the exterior. The range-topping High+ Premium adds on the following to the exterior:\nPower sunroof with sliding & tilt glass\nRELATED: \nNew Mazda 2 facelift debuts with EV-like grille, 198 colour combinations\nPerformance\nIn terms of powertrain, the biggest change to the Mazda CX-30 is the omission of both the all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain (previously available in the Ignite AWD variant) and the diesel engine (previously available in the 1.8L High variant). Across the range, the CKD Mazda CX-30 gets a single powertrain option which is the \u2013 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder option. Details of the powertrain are as such:\nEngine: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, DOHC, VVT, SkyActiv-G\nMax. power output: \n162 hp\n @ 6,000rpm\nMax. torque: \n213 Nm\n @ 4,000rpm\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic with Manual Shift Mode, SkyActiv-Drive\nDrivetrain: Front engine, Front-wheel drive (FWD)\nFuel tank capacity: 51 litres\nFuel efficiency: 6.4 l/100km\nInterior\nLike the exterior, the interior of the Mazda CX-30 remains unchanged. Standard interior equipment on the base variant includes:\nEngine start/stop button\nSteering wheel multi-control switches\nTilt & telescopic steering adjustment\n7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster\n8.8-inch infotainment display unit\nReverse camera\none-touch power window for all windows\n8-way manually adjustable driver seat\n6-way manually adjustable front passenger seat\nFabric seats\nManual air conditioning adjustment\nThe High variant adds the following interior features:\nAuto-dimming rear-view mirror\nPaddle shifters\nDual-zone auto air conditioning\nRear air vents\n10-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function\nLeather seats\nThe High+ variant is identical to the High variant in terms of interior features. Meanwhile, the range-topping High+ Premium variant adds on:\nFrameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming function\n360\u00b0 camera view\nRELATED: \nMazda MX-30 R-EV \u2013 The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it\nSafety\nIn the safety department, the locally-assembled Mazda CX-30 is equipped with driver & front passenger airbags, front side airbags, front & rear curtain airbags, and a knee airbag for the driver. Also standard are features like anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), and Auto Hold Function.\nThe base Standard variant gets no advanced safety features. The High variant adds on:\nAdaptive Front lighting system\nUp a tier, The High+ variant adds on:\nHigh Beam Control (HBC)\nBlind Spot Monitoring (BSM)\nRear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)\nLane Departure Warning System (LDWS)\nLane-Keep Assist System (LAS)\nDriver Attention Alert (DAA)\nFront & Rear Smart Brake Support (SBS)\nMazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function\nThe range-topping High+ Premium variant ups things a notch with the following add ons over the High+:\nAdaptive LED Headlamps\nFront Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)\nDriver Attention Alert (DAA) with Driver Monitoring\nCruising & Traffic Support (CTS)\nPricing & Warranty\nTo recap, the Mazda CX-30\u2019s prices from \nRM128,109\n for the Standard variant up to \nRM156,109\n for the range-topping High+ Premium variant. Premium body colours will incur an additional cost of RM2,000. Included in the price of the CKD Mazda CX-30 are a \n5-year/100,000 km\n manufacturer warranty and a \n5-year/100,000\n \nkm\n free maintenance package.\nGALLERY"
"After teasing us for months, BMW Malaysia has finally launched the \nF90 BMW M5\n here on Malaysian soil and here are\n Things You Need To Know\n about the \nMercedes-AMG E 63 S\n challenger.\nPowered by a revised N63 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the F90 M5 is the first M5 to feature the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. With \n600 ponies\n and \n750 Nm\n of twist from 1,800 rpm, the M5 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n onwards to a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nBefore you Beemer enthusiasts bring your pitchforks to Munich, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system can be \npurely rear-wheel driven\n without any driving aids at a push of a button \u2013 meaning big angle drifts and tyre smoke galore.\nPriced at \nRM 942,759.86\n (OTR without GST and Insurance), the BMW M5 comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Schedule Service, 2-Years or 24-Months Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW White Card Elite and BMW Service Online as well as a range of optional extras.\nIMAGE GALLERY   No more V8s?"
"BMW Group Malaysia has unveiled two new DC fast chargers in Penang and Perak in partnership with its dealer, Tian Siang Premium Auto. The DC fast chargers are part of the company\u2019s charging infrastructure expansion strategy, and are located at the Tian Siang Premium Auto Butterworth and Tian Siang Premium Auto Ipoh dealerships respectively.\n\u201cOur expansion plans for our network of charging infrastructure in Malaysia has been a success thus far, having made available 8 BMW i Charging facilities at various authorised BMW dealerships in the first quarter of 2022 alone,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser.\n\u201cBy tackling common pain points of electric vehicle (EV) ownership in tandem with our electro-offensive this year, we are hopeful that the local perspective on electromobility will shift for the better,\u201d he said.\nRELATED: Two new BMW i Charging stations unveiled at Gamuda Gardens, open to public\nTian Siang Premium Auto Dealer Principal, Tan Ka Kin added, \u201cAs an authorised BMW i dealer in the northern region of Malaysia, we are thrilled to provide even more accessibility to not only our customers but the growing community of EV owners in Penang and Perak.\n\u201cThe addition of these new DC Fast Chargers at our own dealerships allows us to further deliver the Premium Ownership Experience to our customers here, on top of the many BMW i charging facilities we have previously made available, in partnership with BMW Group Malaysia, across the northern region.\u201d\nThe new DC fast chargers are rated at an output of 120 kW, and features dual \nCCS Type 2 outlets\n, which means two electric vehicles can be charged at the same time. At full speed, it should be able to recharge the \nBMW iX\n and \niX3\n (both maxes out at 150 kW) from 10-80% in under 40 minutes.\nJust like the previous ones unveiled at \nAra Damansara\n and \nKuching\n recently, the new DC Fast Chargers at Butterworth and Ipoh will also be open to use for the public."
"Formula 1\n is serious business. With an average speed north of 200 km/h at some circuits, any sort of impact can have serious ramifications \u2013 and that\u2019s why the FIA has invested significantly into the safety of the sport, not just in strengthening the car, but also what the drivers wear every race weekend.\nDriver kit has come a long way since the early days, where racing helmets were actually made out of leather! So in case you were wondering what the drivers wear whenever they sit inside an F1 car, here\u2019s \nSebastian Vettel\n from Aston Martin F1 team to walk you through his safety gear.\n \nEach piece of clothing or gear is designed with three main factors in mind: safety, weight, and comfort. Not only do they have to withstand the impact and extreme g-forces in a crash (particularly the helmet and HANS device), they must also be fire resistant to give drivers enough time to escape their cars in the event of a fire.\nThat is why almost every piece of clothing the driver wears \u2013 down to the inner layers \u2013 are all made out of a fire-resistant material called Nomex. The fabric\u2019s efficacy was put to the test last year in Romain Grosjean\u2019s massive crash, where even though he was stuck in a burning car for over half a minute, he only suffered burns on his hands and feet \u2013 the latter only due to his boots being stuck inside the car.\nCan the Bugatti Chiron outrun a 10-year-old F1 car? Check out the drag race here!\nScreenshot: \nAston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team/YouTube\nThe kit goes through revisions in FIA safety regulations every couple of years, to ensure that they keep up with the improvements of the F1 car. The helmet in particular is revised every five or six years, mostly in terms of how much load they can sustain, but also little details such as better quality visors.\nAnd with all that protection, you\u2019d be surprised to find out that the helmet weighs just 1.8 kg! The inner paddings are sculpted to prevent pressure points on the head to enhance comfort in the long races, and the seams on the racing gloves are also on the outside for the same reason.\nF1 races have become a lot shinier recently, thanks to the new Aston Martin safety car! Check it out in more detail here.\n Screenshot: \nAston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team\n/YouTube\nIt\u2019s amazing (and probably a little relieving) to see how much the sport we all love has evolved over the years in the pursuit of safety, so the drivers can give their all on track for our entertainment. It\u2019s a pretty interesting insight, so be sure to give the video above a watch!"
"Lexus Malaysia has just opened the ordering books for the all-new Lexus UX, ahead of an official launch which should take place soon. The fully-imported Lexus UX will be available in three variants \u2013 Urban (\nRM243,888\n), Luxury (\nRM283,888\n) and F Sport (\nRM299,888\n).\nFirst shown-off at the \n2018 KL International Motor Show\n, the Lexus UX sports a bold design in the spirit of \u201c\nEngawa\n\u201d (Japanese traditional architecture seamlessly to connect inside with the outside).\nThe signature Spindle Grille dominates the front fascia, flanked by slim LED headlights. The bodywork features sharp creases and a large hunch underneath the C-pillar, that not only aids airflow but also gives off a sports coupe look.\nAt the rear, the unique taillights run across the entire width of the tailgate, with two fins at both ends to aid airflow. The taillights also act as a spoiler to provide additional downforce at cruising speeds.\nThe Lexus UX will be available in the \nUX 200\n form at launch, which is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine. The naturally aspirated mill generates \n169 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels, via a \n10-speed Direct Shift CVT.\nIn terms of performance, the UX does 0-100 km/h in\n 9.2 second\ns, onward to a top speed of \n190 km/h\n.\nThe UX rides on Toyota\u2019s\n Global Architecture-C platform\n, which also underpins the \nToyota C-HR\n. Lexus says that the platform gives the compact crossover the versatility of an SUV, while promising dynamic driving feel of a sports coupe.\nthe all-new UX will come equipped with the \nLexus Safety System + (LSS+)\n advanced driver assistance suite, which includes technologies such as Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive High-Beam, among others.\nKit-wise, the Malaysian-spec UX 200 in Urban trim comes with 17-inch alloys, seven-inch TFT instrument cluster display, Nuluxe leather upholstery and black trims, and dual-zone air conditioning with rear air-con vents.\nSitting centrestage on the dashboard of the Urban variant is a seven-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, paired to a six-speaker Lexus Premium Audio set-up.\nMoving up to the Luxury variant nets you 18-inch wheels, automatic windscreen wipers, and a powered tailgate with foot sensor. Inside, the Luxury variant also gains electronic steering wheel adjustment, and a unique Japanese paper grain and metallic trim finishing.\nThe infotainment display is now larger at 10.3 inches, along with two additional speakers. The front powered seats also get memory function, along with seat ventilation.\nMeanwhile, the top-of-the-range variant gains several F-Sport exclusive goodies, including 18-inch F-Sport alloy wheels, F-Sport front grille, paddle shifters, an eight-inch instrument cluster display with a movable ring meter, head-up display, two additional driving modes (Sport+ and Custom), F-Sport leather upholstery, as well as aluminium pedals.\nThe Lexus UX will be available in eight different exterior shades \u2013 Sonic Quartz, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Madder Red, Blazing Carnelian, Terrane Khaki and Celestial Blue.\nThe F-Sport variant gets two additional options \u2013 White Nova Glass Flake and Heat Blue Contrast Layering, in place of Sonic Quartz and Platinum Silver Metallic.\nAs standard, the entry-level Lexus SUV will come with a comprehensive \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus UX 200 at KLIMS 2018"
"If your beloved car has over 100,000km on the odometer, you might want to pay heed to this. Shell Malaysia has just launched their new Shell Helix High Mileage 15W-50 synthetic engine oil that\u2019s specially formulated for \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 high mileage vehicles.\nShell has incorporated the\u00a0\nFlexi Molecule Technology\n to offer advanced protection for high mileage vehicles. Besides that, it also contains \nActive Cleansing Technology\n that is able to remove up to\n 34 percent of sludge\n on average \nwithin the first service\n! The oil also features thicker formulation to help prevent oil leaks from ageing seals, gasket and worn parts.\nThe recommended retail price for a \nfour-litre pack\n of Shell Helix High Mileage 15W-50 is \nRM148\n in Peninsular Malaysia while Sabah and Sarawak retails for \nRM150\n. A \none-litre pack\n on the other hand retails for \nRM40\n in Peninsular Malaysia and RM41 in Sabah and Sarawak.\nCustomers who service their car with this motor oil at \nparticipating workshops\n from 15 March to 15 May 2017 will receive RM25 off for every four-litre pack purchased.\nAccording to the Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd, Mr. Shairan Huzani Husain, the Shell Helix Mileage 15W-50 engine oil is best suited for drivers with \nhigh mileage cars\n that are looking for an engine oil that can \nrestore \ntheir beloved\n engine to its former glory\n.\n\u201cDrivers should choose the engine oil that gives the best performance and compatibility for their respective vehicle. If you have been constantly servicing your high mileage car with \nShell Helix Ultra\n for example, and you feel that your engine is still in healthy condition, you should continue with Helix Ultra,\u201d said Mr. Husain.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Isuzu Malaysia has announced that its D-Max has achieved a new sales record between the month of January to June of this year, amounting to a 143% growth from the same period of 2021.\nIn fact, Isuzu Malaysia has sold nearly as many D-Max pick-ups in the first half of 2022 alone (with 4,237 new registrations) compared to 2021 when they sold a total of 4,601 units in the entire 2021. This bumps the Isuzu brand up to 3rd spot in the pick-up truck segment.\n \nFrom the entire D-Max range, the 1.9-litre turbo diesel variants have been the most popular model among Malaysians \u2013 making up for 80% of total sales. The \nflagship 3.0-litre X-Terrain\n models on the other hand, make up for 10% of total sales.\nRelated: Old vs New: A detailed look at the changes in the all-new Isuzu D-Max\n\u201cSince the introduction of the all-new Isuzu D-Max, we have seen a growing interest in pick-up truck usage, particularly from first-time buyers and upgraders who have been impressed by the way the new D-Max has blurred the lines between a tough and capable pick-up truck and the comfort and sophistication of a family saloon,\u201d said Isuzu Malaysia, CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe.\nSilky Pearl White\nOnyx Black\nRecently, Isuzu D-Max introduced the \nupdated D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain\n with additional creature comforts such as around-view monitor aided by cameras on the front grille and side mirrors, puddle lamps, illuminated door sills and wireless charging. The new features are also accompanied by new colours such as Silky Pearl White and Onyx Black.\nThe updated Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain now starts from\u00a0\nRM146,938\n, a marginal increase from its previous launch price of RM141,938\u00a0back in April 2021."
"The \nPorsche Taycan\n has set yet another world record \u2013 this time an entry in the \nGuinness Book of Records\n for the world\u2019s longest drift with an electric vehicle, setting a total continuous drift distance of\u00a0\n42.171 kilometres\n over 55 minutes.\nFor context, that\u2019s over 210 laps around the 200 metre-long skid pad at the Porsche Experience Centre in Hockenheimring, with driver and Porsche instructor Dennis Retera maintaining an average speed of 46 km/h in opposite lock.\n \nThere were no previous records to beat except for the one set by renowned automotive journalist and Top Gear host Chris Harris who managed 19 continuous laps right before this attempt, but Retera was still determined to set a high bar, and only stopped after the battery in the car has run out.\nDrifting on a wet surface may seem like a bit of a cop-out, but it\u2019s important to note that the use of these irrigation systems for drift records \nis nothing new\n. While it does make drifting slightly easier thanks to the lowered traction, Retera said that it was still \u201cvery tiring\u201d to keep his concentration high for 210 laps, as the wet asphalt does not provide the same grip everywhere on the skid pad.\n\u201cI concentrated on controlling the drift with the steering \u2013 this is more efficient than using the accelerator pedal and reduces the risk of spinning,\u201d Retera added.\n \nTo comply with the Guinness World Records, every single aspect of the attempt was meticulously measured documented. Before the test, a local land surveyor measured the 80-metre diameter area of the Porsche Experience Centre with millimetre precision. GPS and yaw rate sensors were fitted into the car, while a camera was also installed on the roof of the track\u2019s control tower to film the entirety of the run.\nIndependent experts were also present to ensure that the record attempt was done according to spec. They include \u201cEuropean Drift Queen\u201d Denise Ritzmann, who oversaw the standard and roadworthy condition\u00a0of the Porsche Taycan used in the attempt on behalf of testing organisation Dekra, as well as Guinness World Records official record judge Joanne Brent\u00a0who was at hand to supervise and count the laps.\nIt should be noted that the Porsche Taycan used in the record was a pre-production unit the \nrear-wheel drive-only variant\n, which is currently only available for sale in China. With one less motor on the front axle, the 2WD Taycan is still good for \n408 hp \nwith the standard-specification 79.2kWh battery \u2013 but can be upgraded to\n 476 hp\n with the 93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus.\nWith a huge reduction in raw power output even when compared to the current \u201centry-level\u201d \nPorsche Taycan 4S\n, the 2WD Taycan manages a 0-100 km/h time in the region of \n5.4 seconds\n, compared to the 4.0 seconds of the 4S. Of course, it will be quite a bit cheaper \u2013 around 20% less than the price of a 4S in China \u2013 and allows you to do silly drifts like this.\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is kicking off the new year with the launch of yet another variant of the \nTaycan\n \u2013 the GTS. \nLaunched globally just two months ago\n, the Porsche Taycan GTS will slot inbetween the 4S and Turbo, and is priced from RM708k before options, and excluding taxes (as part of the government\u2019s EV initiative in Budget 2022).\nEXTERIOR\nThe Porsche Taycan GTS in Malaysia is offered solely in the fastback sedan form; no word yet on the availability of the new Sport Turismo wagon guise. As standard, the GTS comes equipped with the Sport Design package, offering larger air intakes up front as well as more prominent side skirts and rear diffuser.\nThe Sport Design package elements are all finished in black, alongside the base of the wing mirrors and window trims \u2013 which Porsche says is traditional on a GTS model. As standard, the Porsche Taycan GTS is also equipped with the 20-inch Taycan Turbo S Aero Design wheels in matte black, although you\u2019ll be able to spec yours with the 21-inch RS Spyder Design alloys.\nPERFORMANCE\nPorsche calls the GTS the \u201csporty sweet spot of the Taycan range\u201d, highlighting its \u201call-rounded\u201d performance.\nPowertrain: twin electric motor, all-wheel drive\nBattery size: 93.4 kWh (83.7 kWh gross) lithium-ion Performance Battery Plus\nTotal system output: 380 kW (517 hp), 10 seconds \u201cOverboost\u201d at 440 kW (598 hp)\nMax torque: 850 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nRange: 504 km (WLTP)\nThe Porsche Taycan GTS comes equipped with air suspensions and Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM) dampers that have been specifically tuned for the variant, as well as the Sport Chrono Package (drive mode switch, launch control) and a reworked Porsche Electric Sport Sound system.\nAs with other Taycan models, the GTS here supports up to 270 kW DC fast charging, which means you can add 100 km of range in less than five minutes, and charging the battery from 5% to 80% takes just 22.5 minutes. It\u2019s also equipped with a 22 kW on-board AC charger (Premium Package, standard), and a full charge on a regular 11 kW wallbox takes approximately nine hours.\nINTERIOR\nBeing the \u201csportier\u201d model in the line-up, the Porsche Taycan GTS gets dressed in a unique black Race-Tex microfibre upholstery, paired with brushed aluminium trim in a black anodised finish. Other interior features include:\nAdaptive Sports Seats Plus with 18-way power adjustment and memory function\n4-Zone climate control (Premium Package, standard)\nPassenger display\nYou\u2019ll also be able to spec the Taycan GTS with a GTS interior package, which comes with matte carbon fibre trims and contrasting stitching in Carmine Red or Crayon. Also new on the options list is the panoramic sunroof with an electrochromic \u201cSunshine Control\u201d.\nPorsche says that its nine-segmented electrochromic control is a world-first feature in the automotive sector, and can be adjusted individually to four different opacity settings \u2013 clear, matte, semi, and bold.\nPRICING\nWith the Malaysia Government\u2019s \nEV tax exemption initiative \nas part of Budget 2022 that exempts electric vehicles from all duties and taxes, the Porsche Taycan GTS is priced at \nRM708,000\n on-the-road and without insurance.\nIncluded in the price is a complimentary four-year warranty with free scheduled service package, alongside an eight-year battery warranty.\nTaycan owners also receive a complimentary three-year Platinum membership for the \nShell Recharge network\n, offering preferential charging rates and benefits of up to 50% savings on all charging sessions. The first high-performance charging station in the network, offering up to 180 kW of fast charging, is \nnow operational in Tangkak, Johor.\nGALLERY"
"While we\u2019re just about to get the \nArteon here in Malaysia\n, Volkswagen has already given the four-door grand tourer a mid-cycle refresh, approximately three years after the global launch of the \noriginal Passat CC successor\n.\nChanges are aplenty here, but the highlight of this update must be the introduction of a new \nfull-fledged R variant\n. That\u2019s not all, because we\u2019re also getting two of them \u2013 Volkswagen has now introduced a \nShooting Brake\n version of the Arteon, and it\u2019s also available on the Arteon R!\nPowering the Arteon R is the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, developing \n320 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, with power sent to all four wheels.\nPerformance on the Arteon R is helped by an all-new \nR-Performance Torque Vectoring system\n, which can direct \nup to 100% of torque to any one wheel\n thanks to the clutches in between both wheels, as well as in between both axles.\nAside from the R, Volkswagen is also introducing a new \neHybrid plug-in hybrid version of th\ne Arteon. It uses a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to an electric motor for a combined output of \n218 hp\n. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.\nThe new Arteon eHybrid boasts an electric-only range of 53 km, thanks to its 13 kWh battery pack. Imagine hitting 140 km/h without having your internal combustion engine running!\nOther powertrain options are region-dependent \u2013 Petrol options are a mix of 1.5- and 2.0-litre four cylinder engines with output ranging from \n190 hp to 279 hp\n, while on the diesel side is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel mill putting out \n150 hp or 200 hp\n.\nAside from the obvious roofline differences from the new Shooting Brake variant, styling changes on the facelift include a slightly tweaked front fascia, featuring a new light bar across the front grille, connecting the headlights via the daytime running lights. At the back, the taillights also gets a redesigned light signature.\nBumper designs are variant dependent, though it still looks pretty sporty even on the \u201cElegance\u201d trim level. Alloy wheels start from 18-inches, up to 20-inch \u2018Performance\u2019 units on the Arteon R.\nInside, the dashboard architecture is largely similar to the outgoing model, though heavily restyled for a more modern appearance. Notably, the horizontal slats that runs across the entire dashboard are now replaced by individual air vents joined only by a single line \u2013 differentiating it from the \nPassat\n. However, even the Arteon can\u2019t escape the fate of removed analogue clocks.\nOther interior changes are the new steering wheel featuring touch controls, a reworked touch panel-based climate control panel, and an 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with new graphics.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two years ago in 2017, Swedish hypercar makers Koenigsegg set an unprecedented record by taking their \nAgera RS from 0 to 400 km/h to 0 in 36.44 seconds\n on an airstrip in Denmark and then went on to break that record on a closed highway in Nevada, USA with a time of 33.29 seconds.\nEn route to the latter record, the Agera RS was \ncovering 127 metres a seconds\n, beating the Chiron\u2019s record along the way, making it the \nworld\u2019s fastest production car\n.\n \nNot one to rest on their laurels, typical of Koenigsegg\u2019s pioneering nature, they\u2019ve went on to break their own record; this time in a \nRegera\n, which was let loose at a military airfield deep in forests of Sweden.\nThis time they\u2019ve managed the same 0 to 400 km/h to 0 feat 1.8 seconds quicker than before, with a time of \n31.49 seconds\n and this, in Christian von Koenigsegg\u2019s own words, was already a conservative time as \nhe believed the Regera could\u2019ve performed better \nunder the right conditions.\nChristian von Koenigsegg with factory test driver Sonny Persson and the Regera.\nThe statistic breakdown of this record absolutely baffles the mind. The Regera only needed 22.87 seconds and a distance of 1.6 km to hit 400 km/h and braking from 400 km/h to a complete stop required a mere 8.62 seconds over a distance of 435 metres.\nTotal distance used to achieve the record was just \na whisker over two kilometres\n.\nCheck out the Regera with an \nAero Package\n.\n\u201cThis was a good opportunity to showcase the true capability of the Regera\u2019s one-of-a-kind Direct Drive transmission. As the Regera only has one gear we had to make use of it from standstill to the record top speed of 403 km/h limited by rpm,\u201d said Koenigsegg CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg.\nDespite the monumental feat, it\u2019s worthwhile to mention that the Regera was not purpose-modified for the record but is instead a fully homologated production car with its luxurious fittings and seats still intact. The only modifications were a roll cage and a four-point harness for driver safety."
"Staff members at an overseas logistic hub took the opportunity to \nshare photos\n of the all-new Nissan Fairlady Z. Apart from just black tape over the brand emblems, there is no attempt by the vehicle\u2019s owner to thoroughly cover the Nissan.\nOn the outside, this Nissan looks more like a production car, rather than the \nZ Proto\n that was shown in September. Apart from the existing red-painted brake calipers, Nissan seems to have carried over all of the Z Proto to the production all-new Fairlady Z. Brilliant!\nThe Nissan might look production-ready, but the flat, texture-less dashboard suggests this unit is probably pre-production or something more advanced in its prototype phase. Nonetheless, all the key features are already in place, such as the fully digital driver\u2019s display, three-gauge meter pod, hand brake lever and shift-by-wire selector knob for the assumed automatic transmission.\nThe steering wheel also maintains the \u2018Z\u2019 emblem from the \nZ34 model\n, which is strangely in a full circular shape unlike the flat-bottom units seen in mass-market cars such as the \nNissan Almera Turbo\n, Nissan Serena and Nissan Leaf. Shift paddles are also seen in this example.\nThe new two-seat sports car is purportedly called the 400Z, will not be seeing an engine displacing four litres. Instead, it\u2019ll inherit a non-electrified 3.0-litre \ntwin-turbocharged V6\n engine as seen on Infiniti models plus the Japan-only Skyline 400R, with power outputs around the tune of \n405 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n of torque, where the model will get its name from.\nProduction is tipped to begin sometime in 2022, with deliveries starting in 2023 but with the engineering prototype already out in the wild so soon, the timelines might just be shortened considerably.\nSource: \nInstagram/NissanArabia\nGALLERY\nSpied all-new Nissan Fairlady Z versus Z Prototype"
"Debut alongside the \nall-new Aston Martin Vantage\n is its souped-upped twin, the Vantage GTE. The new race car will succeed the team\u2019s most successful competition car of all-time and two-time Le Mans-winning V8 Vantage GTE.\nThe new FIA World Endurance Championship challenger was built to comply with FIA\u2019s GTE class regulations, taking on extensive optimisation of powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics. Designed and engineered in-house at Aston Martin Racing\u2019s headquarters in Banbury, the development was led by Technical Director Dan Sayers, who was also involved in the development of the V8 Vantage GTE.   Built upon the Vantage road car, the new Vantage GTE\u2019s stance is significantly wider and lower. The ridiculously lengthy front and rear splitters help the race car slice through air with maximum efficiency coupled with the fixed rear wing for maximum downforce. The windows are also replaced with lightweight polycarbonate items.\nAs an endurance race car, the Vantage GTE has undergone extensive reliability tests, ensuring everything from the Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine to the overall drivability can withstand the demanding conditions of a Le Mans 24 Hour race. The race car has over \n13,000 km of testing\n and a successful 30-hour run at the Spanish Circuit of Navarra under its belt.\nPresident of Aston Martin Racing, David King said, \u201cMotorsport is fundamental to the DNA of Aston Martin and our commitment to the FIA World Endurance Championship is stronger than ever. This is a golden era for GT racing and today\u2019s launch of the new Vantage GTE will ensure that Aston Martin Racing remains at the forefront of the world\u2019s greatest endurance series.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Production of the all-new Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe has begun at the company\u2019s manufacturing facility in Tochigi, Japan, which features a brand new dedicated spray booth solely for the new Dynamic Sandstone Red paint job.\nThe painting process of the deep glossy red shade has to be meticulously done, and through the new sprayshop, painters would be able to better control paint thickness and quality. Out of the 4,500-strong workforce, only 216 highly-skilled Takumi (master craftsmen) were carefully selected to work on the Infiniti production line.   Just to recap, the Q60 is the successor to the old G37 Coupe, and is powered by two engines \u2013 an entry-level \n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n engine making \n205 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, as well as a \n3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine\n (from the Nissan VR family). There are two tunes to the V6; a \n296 hp\n, \n400 Nm\n setup and a hotter \n398 hp\n, \n475 Nm\n option. The old 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 has been retired. Only one choice of transmission is offered, that is the seven-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control.\nCurrently, the Q60 (with the 3.7-litre motor) \nlisted on Infiniti Malaysia\u2019s website\n carries a starting price of RM411k. With production already underway, perhaps the new Q60 will find its way to Malaysian shores sooner than we think.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"From now till the 31st of October 2020, you can have Batman or The Riddler amuse you while you navigate your way around town with Waze!\nSimply activate the Batman experience on Waze and choose the side of Batman or The Riddler to guide you on your own adventures. Available globally in English, Spanish and Portuguese, users can also change the default Waze icon into the Batmobile or The Riddler\u2019s racer. For an even more immersive experience, there\u2019s even a Batman playlist on Spotify while driving via the Waze Audio Player feature.\n\u201cGiven the year we\u2019ve had, we all need some superhero support to guide our way, and we can\u2019t think of a better way to do it than with the first-ever Waze program that features two iconic characters,\u201d said a representative of Waze.\nRecently, Waze Malaysia also introduced the \nWaze Beacons\n in collaboration with U-Mobile which helps ensure seamless data connectivity when navigation is in use along the SMART tunnel where GPS signal is poor. The best part is, you don\u2019t even need to be a U-Mobile user!\nGALLERY"
"Following Robert Frost\u2019s advice on taking the road less travelled (and cranking it up to 11), \nPorsche\n has decided to climb the world\u2019s highest volcano in a pair of jacked-up 911s. With a team led by racer and adventurer Romain Dumas, Porsche has set out to test the limits of the \n911\n at over 6,000 metres of altitude up on the sheer slopes of Ojos del Salado, Chile.\nFor the task, Porsche has taken the 992 \nPorsche 911 Carrera 4S\n which is powered by the factory-fitted turbocharged flat-six engine that makes \n443 hp\n (metric) as a base car. While the engine has not been meddled with, Porsche has moved the car\u2019s cooling system upward to reduce the risk of damage while tackling off-road sections.\nThe 911 Carrera 4S has been raised to a new ground clearance of 350 mm with the use of portal axles and has been fitted with roll cages, carbon fibre seats, and harnesses to meet the safety requirements of the project. To tackle rough terrains and steep inclines, the 911 Carrera 4S has been given new lower-gear ratios for precise, gentle throttle inputs at low speeds.\nThe lower gear ratios are also essential to work harmoniously with the much, much larger all-terrain tyres that the 911 now sits on. To protect the underbody, the car is fitted with light but tough Aramid fibre underbody protection.\nRELATED: \nPorsche 911 GT3 RS\u2019 new 6:49.328 N\u00fcrburgring lap proves that NA still matters in a turbo world\nTo maximise traction, Porsche has fitted the 911 with the \u201cPorsche Warp-Connector\u201d, which is a device that forms a mechanical link between all four wheels to allow constant wheel load even when the chassis is enduring extreme articulation. It was originally designed for motorsport applications but has found its way onto this special \u2018Safari\u2019 911.\nTo get out of tough situations, the Porsche engineers also fitted the car with manual, switchable differential locks that work alongside the steer-by-wire system. And if that doesn\u2019t work, it even has a winch up front.\nRELATED: \nPorsche\u2019s all-new 911 GT3 RS even comes with an F1-inspired DRS system!\nThe scale the world\u2019s highest volcano is the first test for the car and team where they had to endure temperatures near -30\u00b0C and the thin air of the mountains. At a 6,007-metre elevation, probably the only machines higher than the jacked-up 911 were ones that could fly.\nThe driver of the 911, Romain Dumas said, \u201cThis was a truly memorable and special moment in a place that\u2019s both beautiful and brutal at the same time \u2013 I guess the only machines anywhere in the world higher than us today were aircraft! For the team and the car it was about learning \u2013 and right out of the box, the car was tough and nimble. We were hard on ourselves and really put it in the deep end for its first test, yet it felt at home.\u201d\nRELATED: \nEV Porsche Panamera to debut in 2027, petrol and PHEV versions to remain\n\u201cWe have enormous respect for those who have gone higher. No one has seen so much ice and snow up towards the top of the volcano, but despite this we went over 6,000 meters up, to the point where the walls of ice and snow meant we could go no further. We\u2019re really proud of what the car and the team are capable of first time out \u2013 hopefully we can count on many more adventures in the future.\u201d\nThe Porsche 911 is an iconic car with various versions ranging from the almost-basic \n911 Carrera T\n to the extreme \n911 GT3 RS\n. Even famous tuner Marc Philipp Gemballa has produced the special \nMarc Philipp Gemballa Marsien\n, unleashing the 911\u2019s capability to travel where there are no roads. Porsche, however, has taken things up a notch with its special jacked-up 911s.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS unleashed at Silverstone Circuit\nGALLERY"
"A few months ago, Hyundai presented Korea\u2019s answer to the mighty \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n, the \nHyundai i30 N\n. Developed under Hyundai\u2019s dedicated performance division \u2013 N (which stands for Namyang \u2013 Hyundai Motor\u2019s global R&D Centre in Korea and N\u00fcrburgring), the sub brand\u2019s first performance model has just gone on sale in the UK.\nUK customers can choose between two variants \u2013 i30 N and i30 N Performance where the latter packs a higher engine output, dedicated aesthetic trims and an \nActive Variable Exhaust System\n. Under the hood, both variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI engines mated to six-speed manual transmissions. As standard, the blown motor develops\n 247 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n of torque while the hotter i30 N Performance makes additional \n25 hp\n.   With \nLaunch Control\n activated, the i30 N will complete the century sprint in \n6.4 seconds\n. Opt for the Performance variant and it will get you to the 100 km/h mark in \n6.1 seconds\n. Top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n on both models.\nStandard equipment on the Golf GTI rival is generous with LED head and taillamps, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, \nElectronically Controlled Suspension\n, 17-inch ventilated brake discs (16-inch at the rear), \nN Torque Vectoring System\n, steering wheel mounted Drive Mode selector and more.   Stepping up to the \ni30 N Performance\n, it gets additional performance equipment such as 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in \nmodel-specific Pirelli P-Zero tyres\n, larger brake kit (18-inch front; 17-inch rear) and an \nActive Variable Exhaust System\n that generates playful pop and crackles from the exhaust.\nCompared to the regular i30, the i30 N gets N specific functions such as drive mode display, suspension, engine and transmission set up, lap timer, acceleration timer and performance gauges including engine torque, turbo boost and \nG-force display\n. The instrument cluster has also been redesigned to display drive mode, vehicle control settings,\n shift timing lights\n and a variable LED tachometer.   In the UK, the i30 N and i30 N Performance retails for \u00a324,995 and \u00a327,995 (approx RM\u00a0141,463.64 and RM 158,442.67) respectively. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) once introduced the \ni30 hatchback to the Malaysian market\n back in 2014 but the model has since been discontinued. Perhaps HSDM should revisit the idea of introducing this high-performance i30 N and give enthusiast an alternative to the Golf GTI and Renault Megane R.S. 265.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"That was quick. Eight months have actually passed since the world premiere of the latest all-new \nW206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class\n. Back then, only information on the petrol engine models was shared. Mercedes-Benz has now made the C 300 e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model available for immediate sales in its home country of Germany.\nUnlike the predecessor model that briefly included the \nEQ Power\n name and \u2018350\u2019, the PHEV variant of the new C-Class is simply known as the Mercedes-Benz C 300 e. Under the hood, the new Mercedes-Benz C 300 e employs the new M254 1,999 cc turbocharged engine from the regular C 300, now detuned from 258 hp/400 Nm to \n204 hp/320 Nm\n.\nThe electric portion of the plug-in hybrid sees a powerful electric motor with 129 hp and 440 Nm of torque, powered by a 25-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This results in a combined figure of \n313 hp\n and a turbodiesel-like \n550 Nm\n of torque! Compared to the outgoing W205 \nMercedes-Benz EQ Power C 350 e\n, the new PHEV system is 34 hp higher but 50 Nm lower.\nThe benchmark acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is also slightly slower at \n6.1 seconds\n.\nHowever, the more powerful electric motor and much larger battery allow significantly better range in electric driving, with Mercedes-Benz quoting between \n99 km to 111 km\n, more than three times better than the old car. Recuperation is also much higher, to the tune of 100 kW with the driver able to select the degree of energy recuperation in three stages via rocker switches on the steering wheel. This also allows controlling the speed with just the accelerator pedal, like a \u201cone-pedal feeling\u201d.\nApparently \u2018250\u2019 doesn\u2019t sound positive in China, thus the models are renamed 260. Check out what other quirks are made just for China.\nThe positioning of the battery in the vehicle brings advantages on a day-to-day basis compared with the previous model, increasing to 360 litres. Numerally a higher value, but practically, there is no longer a step in the boot and through-loading is now possible.\nRegular C 300\nAs for topping up \u2018juice\u2019 for the large battery, Mercedes-Benz says 20 minutes is all it\u2019s needed to reach 80% charge level with a high speed 110 kW DC charger. \u00a0\nIntelligent route guidance and selection have also been included into the navigation system of the new Mercedes-Benz C 300 e. Whenever possible, taking into account the speed limits and traffic conditions, the engine will be shut off and the electric portion taking over for high levels of zero local emission driving. \u00a0\nThe new Mercedes-Benz C 300 e is priced from \nEUR47,200\n (approx. RM227k) before adding the 19% VAT and the green car incentive of up to EUR5,625 (approx. RM27k) in Germany. The company also plans to include the plug-in hybrid hardware on diesel engines in the future.\nIn Europe, this jacked-up Estate is the last weapon to fight the ever-growing SUV proliferation. Find out how cool the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain here.\nGALLERY\n2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206)"
"McLaren Automotive started operations back in 2010 and sold its first supercar, the \nMP4-12C\n a year later. After six years in operation, McLaren Automotive has been announced as Britain\u2019s leading mid-size company. The Sunday Times Top Track 250 league table ranks Britain\u2019s private mid-sized companies with the biggest sales and McLaren emerged as top spot for 2017.\nIn 2016 alone, the carmaker shifted \n3,286 vehicles\n compared to 1,654 the year before, thanks to the increased demand from North America and Europe. McLaren also recorded its fourth consecutive profitable year in 2016 with \u00a37.3 million (RM40.7 million) in profit after tax, almost double compared to 2015 where it recorded \u00a32.8 million (RM15.6 million) in profit after tax.\nThis staggering result is largely due to the diverse product range from entry level Sports Series to the halo Ultimate Series. To keep up with the ever-increasing demand for McLaren vehicles, the company introduced a second production shift at their McLaren Production Centre (MPC), doubling production capacity to\n 20 cars a day\n.\nMoving forward, McLaren Automotive has their eyes set on the Track22 business plan where we will see \n15 new McLaren models (and derivatives) by the end of 2022\n with the recently launched \n720S\n being the first model to kick things off. The company is also working towards an annual production capacity of over 4,500 units by the end of 2022 with at least \n50 percent featuring hybrid powertrain technology\n."
"The 2017 \nToyota C-HR\n\u00a0has finally gone on sale in Japan. It\u2019s the second car to sit on Toyota\u2019s New Global Architecture (TNGA) and is the company\u2019s answer to the growing trend of compact crossovers.\nAs previously reported\n, the Japan-spec C-HR is offered in four trims: S-T, S, G-T and G. The letter T stands for turbocharged, and the force-fed variants share the same \n1.2-litre turbocharged engine\n. Others get the \nPrius\n\u2018\u00a0\n1.8-litre\u00a0Atkinson-cycle hybrid\u00a0\nmill .   The downsized unit makes\u00a0\n112 hp\n and\n 185 Nm\n of torque, and capable of achieving \n15.4 km/L\n under Japan\u2019s fuel economy cycle. The 2ZR-FXE hybrid unit meanwhile boasts an incredible fuel consumption of\u00a0\n30.2 km/L\n. Both engines are certified with exhaust emission levels that are 75 percent lower than the 2005 Exhaust Emissions Standards. This almost guarantees EEV certification when it arrives in Malaysia.\nThe petrol variant is only\u00a0available with a \nseven-speed\u00a0Super CVT-i\n transmission, and power is delivered to all \nfour wheels\n. The hybrid is only offered as a front-wheel drive. All C-HRs will be equipped with\u00a0\nToyota Safety Sense P\n, electronic parking brake, and Smart Entry & Smart Start system as standard. The C-HR G trim \u2013 which is usually the premium trim \u2013 will receive 18-inch wheels, premium seats, \nBlind Spot Monitor,\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nFront & Rear Parking Assist Sonar.\nFinally, the pricing. Based on today\u2019s conversion rates, the 2017 Toyota C-HR begins at\u00a0\n2,516,400 yen \u00a0(RM97,300+)\n for the S-T, while the premium G-T is an RM10,000 premium at\n 2,775,600 yen (RM107,300+ )\n. The hybrid S can be had at \n2,646,000 yen (RM102,300+)\n while the S-T is the priciest among the four at\n 2,905,200 (RM112,300+)\n. Toyota expects to sell 6,000 units a month in Japan, and judging by trend, the hybrid variants should be the biggest seller among the Japanese.\nNext year, the C-HR will be introduced to more countries, including South East Asia, and it\u2019s coming to Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY:"
"After a double victory with the \n2019 Proton Iriz\n driven by Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali at Round 4 of the 2019 Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) last weekend, Team Proton R3 took the overall lead in the M-Production Class championship.\nRace 1 saw both Proton R3\u2019s Suprima S and Iriz starting the race at the front row, with the Iriz taking the chequered flag. The same Iriz also proved to be superior in Race 2 as the fastest car in the field; claiming yet another win in Race 2.\nMeanwhile, their other entry, the \n2019 Proton Saga\n which made its debut in the hands of Admi Shahrul, finished 4th in\u00a0its first ever race (Race 1) before ending the weekend with a 3rd place finish in Race 2 on Sunday.\nWith one round left in the 2019 series, the team is confident of retaining its titles. Proton R3 will now field both the Saga and Iriz in the 2019 edition of the Sepang 1000km race.\nIn other news, having recently announced its\n Lady Driver Search and Mentorship Programme\n, Proton R3 has launched a new contest which will allow motorsport enthusiasts to be part of the team\u2019s racing endeavours while leaving a mark in the team\u2019s racing legacy.\nThe \n\u201cDesign For Speed\u201d\n contest will be open to Malaysians aged 18 and above to submit their most creative race car livery design for a Proton Saga racing race that will be campaigned by R3 in the S1K race 22nd to 24th November.\nCash prizes will be awarded to the best three designs along with invites to attend the race as a VIP guest of the team. The grand prize winner will see their livery design applied to one of the two R3-built Proton Sagas taking part in the race \u2013 allowing their work to be seen by Malaysian racing fans.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In light of strong demand by customers for restorations that incorporate turbocharging, world-renowned \nPorsche 911\n restorer, Singer, has revealed its answer dubbed the Porsche 911 \u2018Turbo Study\u2019.\nIf you\u2019re wondering how strong the demand is; according to the company, more than 70 customers have placed reservations for custom restorations that offer turbocharging. The new range of turbocharged Singer 911s will now also include the iconic wide body, a whale tail spoiler, and shark fins on the rear fender.\nThe car you see here has been finished with a Wolf Blue paint job to shield its carbon fibre bodywork. Under the hood is a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, pushing out in excess of 450 hp.\nAccording to Singer, the 3.8-litre air-cooled flat-six was taken out from the 964-generation Porsche 911 and now incorporates an electric wastegate and custom air-to-water intercoolers.\nThe rear-wheel drive Porsche 911 \u2018Turbo Study\u2019 will also get carbon ceramic brakes, and comfort-oriented suspension. All-wheel drive configuration can be specified according to the customer\u2019s preference. The interior is defined by its Malibu Sand upholstery and Black Forest wood accents along with creature comforts like cruise control and heated seats.\nGALLERY"
"After throwing shade at its competitor for the past couple of weeks, Honda Malaysia has now announced that the 2020 Honda City is now available for booking. The new compact sedan will be launched in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2020, with a total of four variants on offer.\nAt the top of the table is a new RS variant, which means Road Sailing according to Honda. The RS variant will feature the new intelligent multi-mode drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain, which will be making its \u201cworld debut\u201d for the first time on the City when the model is launched here in Malaysia.\nThe new i-MMD powertrain, known globally as the e:HEV, promises \u201chigh efficiency electrification combined with direct and smooth response\u201d. With a claimed torque output of \n253 Nm\n from the hybrid powertrain, which is a best-in-class figure, Honda Malaysia claims that the all-new City can even outrun several C- and D-segment models, such as the 2.5-litre Toyota Camry as seen in the video below.\nThe e:HEV hybrid powertrain, launched globally with the \nall-new Honda Jazz Hybrid\n, sports an output figure of \n109 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque, with power transferred to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox featuring a single fixed-gear ratio.\n \nIf you prefer something a bit more conventional, the Malaysian-spec fifth-generation Honda City will also be available with a new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated engine, replacing the current SOHC unit. Unfortunately, the 1.0-litre turbocharged unit that\u2019s launched with the City\u2019s international debut in Thailand won\u2019t be making its way here.\nAs for equipment, all variants of the Honda City here in Malaysia will get LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, while the RS and V variants will be equipped with LED headlights as well. The RS and V also gets 16-inch alloy wheels, though the range-topper Road Sailing variant will have an exclusive dual-tone set, along with the blacked-out wing mirrors.\nInside, the RS and V variants once again get all the goodies, such as the Honda LaneWatch blindspot camera. Electronic parking brake though, is reserved exclusively for the RS variant.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cThe City has proven to be an important model for Honda Malaysia, a favourite among many Malaysians for its spaciousness, practicality and safety features. Since its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2001, the model has an accumulated total sales of 351,000, [.] upholding its number one position in the B-segment.\n\u201cThe launch of the All-New City RS with new powertrain in Malaysia will be the world premiere and being introduced for the first time ahead of other countries. We believe that this new model will excite the market with its advanced styling and engineering as Honda continues to lead the way in pioneering benchmarks and introducing Next Generation Advanced Technology that is ahead of its time,\u201d he added. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe 2020 Honda City is now available for booking at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships across Malaysia. Customers who pre-book the all-new Honda City will receive a service voucher worth RM1,000, under the \n\u2018All-New City Special Early Booking Programme\u2019 \ncampaign.\nFor those who prefer to look at the car in person before placing an order, the 2020 Honda City will be on nationwide tour starting 24 August. The full tour schedule will be available on Honda\u2019s website, \nhere\n."
"The \nall-new 2023 Perodua Axia \nmight be our national carmaker\u2019s biggest launch this year, but they\u2019re certainly not going to settle for just that, as Perodua will still be unveiling at least one more new model this year.\nThis was confirmed by Perodua Chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin during yesterday\u2019s launch, where he ended his speech by saying, \u201cPlease enjoy the rest of the launch, and I hope to see you at our \nnext big event when we launch our new model\n, [but] I can\u2019t say [more] now.\u201d\nThe company previously stated that it is now capable of launching one full model change and two minor change models per year, so another launch this year is well within reason \u2013 just not another all-new model.\nLooking at Perodua\u2019s current offerings, there are indeed several models that are due for a refresh, including the \nBezza\n, \nMyvi\n, and \nAruz\n.\nREAD MORE: \n2023 Perodua Axia from RM38,600 \u2013 here are some never before offered features and items!\nThe Perodua Bezza is the oldest in the list, now already in its seventh year of service. It was \nlast updated in 2020\n with several aesthetic updates and added safety kit, but it\u2019s arguably due for an all-new model soon \u2013 especially now with the launch of the all-new Axia, which the Bezza is based on.\nHowever, we know that Perodua will not be unveiling another all-new model this year, so if the company is planning an update for the compact sedan, it\u2019ll likely be just a \u201cminor change\u201d update to extend the Bezza\u2019s lifecycle a little longer \u2013 possibly replacing the old four-speed automatic transmission with the new D-CVT gearbox, similar to what we\u2019ve seen on the marque\u2019s other models.\nThe third-generation Perodua Myvi meanwhile is now entering its sixth year of service, having made its \nofficial debut back in 2017\n. However, an update is less likely here in our opinion, as the popular hatchback was only just \nupdated in the last months of 2021\n with a major aesthetic overhaul, and a revamped powertrain featuring the new D-CVT gearbox.\nAs for the Perodua Aruz, the seven-seater crossover was\n last updated in 2021 \nwith minor equipment upgrades, but no visual changes. With the \nall-new Perodua Alza\n now launched, the Aruz is perhaps in dire need of an update in order to differentiate itself more from the marque\u2019s other seven-seater model.\nWhat do you think will be Perodua\u2019s next launch this year? Let us know in the comments below!"
"McLaren gave everyone a surprise when they announced plans to unveil the true successor to the greatest supercar of all time, the\u00a0\nF1\n. Currently,\u00a0it\u2019s called the McLaren BP23, and the Woking-based company also released a mysterious teaser image, suggesting that the new \u201cHyper-GT\u201d will be every bit as hardcore as the F1, and groundbreaking as the\u00a0\nP1\n.\nMcLaren Special Operations (MSO) will take full charge of this new hypercar project. That \u201cBP23\u201d codename means \u201c\nBespoke Project 2\n\u201d that seats 3 (hence BP23), similar to the F1. It will be a car for long journeys just like a GT but will allow the driver to experience \u201chigh levels of performance and driver engagement\u201d.\nThe teaser image meanwhile gave a glimpse of the car from above. Apart from the obvious three-seater configuration, the car\u2019s overall proportion seems akin to that of the P1. Its carbon fibre body will be purposely sculpted to slice through air, and will feature the iconic dihedral (scissor) doors. This time though, the door apertures extend into the roof for the sake of convenience.\nMcLaren also confirmed the use of a\u00a0hybrid powertrain,\u00a0but no specific details have been mentioned thus far. Though we suspect the same 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 to power the BP23, we\u2019re genuinely hoping McLaren would develop a bespoke engine just for this venture. When complete, it will be McLaren\u2019s most powerful car to be created, delivering the highest level of performance and ironically, comfort and refinement.\nNow, only 106 units of the McLaren BP23 will be made, which is the same amount of McLaren F1s made. Forget about placing an order though, because each of them has already been spoken for. First delivery will take place sometime in 2019, and of course customers get the privilege to customise their hyper GT in any fashion they desire.\nSo there you have it, a proper heir to the legend birthed at the hands of an\u00a0equally legendary designer, Gordon Murray. We just can\u2019t wait to see what it will look like!"
"It seems that even the ultra-rich can\u2019t escape the bad economy. First it was \nFerrari\n and \nLamborghini\n, but now, even \nBugatti \nis also launching their own certified pre-owned programme.\nDesigned to take the stress out of buying used \nVeyrons\n and \nChirons\n, the new Bugatti Certified Programme ensures that the pre-owned cars are still up to the same \u201cincomparable quality expected of the Bugatti \u2018Macaron'\u201d.\nThat means that the cars sold under the programme are all quality checked at an authorised Bugatti Service Partner outlet, and only fitted with genuine Bugatti replacement parts.\nBut more importantly, the cars sold under Bugatti\u2019s Certified Programme will also come with a one-year limited warranty. The warranty for the Chiron is \u201cjust as comprehensive as the original warranty provided for new Bugatti models\u201d, covering all parts and labour for mechanical, electrical, corrosion, and paintwork issues.\nALSO READ: \nBugatti says no to EVs and SUVs for at least another ten years\nIt\u2019s a little less generous with the Veyron, however, with Bugatti only offering warranty coverage for mechanical and electrical items; parts and labour are still included, and the parts themselves also come with a separate two-year warranty that covers replacement and labour.\nThe warranty on these cars can still be applied worldwide, so if for some reason you bought a car in the Middle East but eventually decide to drive it in Europe, it will still be covered by all European Bugatti Service Partners. And as an added bonus, all Certified Pre-Owned cars also come with a free annual service included for the first year of ownership.\nALSO READ: \nBugatti bids farewell to the W16 engine with the Mistral roadster\nBugatti Automobiles Managing Director of Sales and Marketing, Hendrik Malinowski said: \u201cThe Veyron and Chiron are true automotive icons, hyper sports cars that set breathtaking new standards. Our new Certified Pre-Owned program means that those who want to savor the incomparable excellence of the Veyron and Chiron by opting for previously enjoyed examples, can now benefit from the exemplary customer service and unique attention to detail that only authorized Bugatti Service Partners are able to offer.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), currently in its third phase, many businesses are facing unprecedented challenges as they are not able to operate at full capacity.\nWhile the true economic repercussions in the long run are still unknown, TC Euro Cars, the Renault franchise holder in Malaysia, aims to ease the burden of car ownership by introducing the Renault pre-owned Captur Subscription plan.\nThe Renault pre-owned Captur Subscription is a one-year plan priced at \nRM1,299 per month\n, inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing, and an annual mileage cap of 20,000 km with an option to upgrade. For context, the \nregular Captur Subscription\n one-year plan is priced at RM1,499.\nIn conjunction with the launch of the new subscription plan, TCEC is also offering a limited-time promotion which reduces the monthly rate to \nRM599 for the first six months of the subscription\n. The monthly rate will resume to the regular RM1,299 from months seven through 12.\nThe new pre-owned Captur Subscription plan is now available on the Renault E-store at \nwww.renault.com.my\n until 15 May 2020, where the \ncomplete subscription process can be completed online\n. Customers will need to furnish a \nRM200 booking fee\n, which will be deducted from the first monthly payment.\nAdditionally, TCEC is also collaborating with Shopee Malaysia\u2019s during their \u201cShocking Sale\u201d campaign, where customers are able to enjoy a further \n25% discount (RM50) on the booking fee\n. The sale will be segmented to four sessions \u2013 12 am and 12 pm on the 23rd and 24th of April, where \n10 units are allocated for each session\n with the discounted booking fee of RM150.\nAll redemptions of the subscription plan can be made from \n15 May to 31 July 2020\n. If you decide to not proceed with the subscription, the booking fee will be refunded within 60 days, subject to a RM5 administration fee.\nDuring redemption, customers will need to pay the balance due (booking fee deducted from monthly subscription rate), as well as a \nRM2,500 security deposit\n. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the subscription term, subject to the condition of the vehicle upon return.\nTCEC assures that all pre-owned Captur vehicles will be no more than two years old, and are subjected to thorough inspection based on Renault\u2019s quality and safety standards. Limited units are available, on a first-come first-serve basis.\nTC Euro Car CEO, Wong Hoe Mun said, \u201cWe understand that Malaysians would want flexible and practical solutions due to the economic impact of the MCO and uncertainties from the on-going\n Covid-19 threat\n. Physical distancing will also continue to be important, so travelling in personal vehicles will likely be safer than public transportation.\n\u201cWe hope that launching the Renault Pre-Owned Captur Subscription now along with its relevant promotions will help provide some relief for customers post the MCO.\u201d\nIf you would like to check out the \nRenault Captur\n before committing to a subscription plan, test drives are available to be scheduled via the Renault E-store. The test drives will only commence after the MCO has been lifted. Alternatively, you can also opt for the three-hour pressure-free test drive without an accompanying sales advisor, through \nTCEC\u2019s partnership with GoCar\n.\nFor a longer trial period, TCEC is also offering a \nseven-day Subscription Trial package\n for customers to assess if the subscription plan will suit their lifestyle.\nIn recent news, TCEC has announced the \nRenault Relax campaign\n to help customers take their minds off vehicle maintenance during these trying times. The campaign includes warranty and scheduled service grace periods, as well as discounts on tyres and batteries."
"Right after the\n launch\u00a0\nin Europe, Japan became the next country to receive\u00a0the facelifted Nissan X-Trail. It\u2019s the second model after the \nSerena\n MPV to\u00a0be equipped with \nProPilot \nautonomous driver assist technology.\nAs per our previous report, the facelifted X-Trail gets the new \u201cV-Motion\u201d grille, revised headlamps and tail lamps with new graphics. Japan bound X-Trails also get \u201cfoot sensing\u201d tailgate, which opens the boot by waving your foot below the bumper.   It\u2019s only available with a\u00a0\n2.0-litre MR20DD direct-injected petrol\n engine that\u2019s mated to a\n seven-speed\u00a0XTRONIC CVT \n\u2013\n\u00a0\ncarryovers from its\u00a0\npredecessor\n. The engine makes \n144 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. Just as before, the X-Trail is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.\nThere\u2019s a \nhybrid variant\n offered (paired to the same 2.0L engine) and that benefits from an automatic grille shutter to reduce drag. It has an eye opening fuel consumption rating of\n\u00a020.8 km/L\n when tested in\u00a0JC08 mode\n*2 \u00a0\u00a0\nregulations. Third-row seating is offered for the petrol variant only.\nThe 2017 Nissan X-Trail in Japan begins at\u00a0\n2,197,800 yen (approximately RM86k)\n for the 2.0S base 2WD petrol variant and goes up to\n 3,098,520 yen (approximately RM121k)\n for the range topper 4WD hybrid variant. The ProPilot and automatic boot features are restricted for the 2.0X model for both petrol and hybrid variants.\nExpect the new\u00a0\nX-Trail\n\u00a0to land\u00a0in Malaysia sometime next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"History has been re-created over and over again the past couple years. Super and ultra luxurious car makers have defied all conventions and opinions to introduce SUVs in their fleet in light of the current craze.\nPorsche started it with the Cayenne; Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini were no exceptions to this \u2013 with the\n Cullinan\n and \nUrus\n \u2013 and now Aston Martin is taking a swing at it with the all-new DBX.\nThe first SUV in Aston Martin\u2019s 106 year history, which will be built in Wales, is the result of testing and development that began in 2015.\nThe new DBX is powered by the same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 used in the \nDB11\n and \nVantage\n, with \n550 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n. It\u2019s got an active exhaust system to accompany its 0 to 100 km/h run, which is done in just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is rated at over 290 km/h.\nThe new DBX uses a 9-speed torque converter automatic to send power to all four wheels \u2013 with the aid of an active central differential and electronic limited slip differential.\nAston Martin says that together with the steering system, the DBX can deliver sports car-like response while offering the driver a strong sense of control.\nBased on the pictures, the level of opulence is clear in the new DBX with full grain leather, exquisite wood and metal trims. The headliner and electric roof blind can be upholstered in Alcantara \u2013 an industry first.\nAs for the class-leading spaciousness for front and rear occupants, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur recently invited us for an exclusive preview of the new SUV.\nMost of us, measuring 170-180 cm tall were pleasantly surprised how much head and leg room there was in the back seat; with 632-litre of boot space further back.\nThe lap of luxury is not just limited to space and the touch. Aston Martin says its adaptive air suspension with an electric anti-roll system, which can raise the DBX\u2019s height by 45 mm or lower it by 50 mm, not only offers supreme comfort but reduced roll.\nVisually-enticing as it is with frameless windows and a glass B-pillar, the DBX\u2019s aerodynamic qualities also play a key part in passenger comfort because as one of only a few companies using computational aeroacoustics technology, Aston Martin\u2019s engineers have been able to keep cabin noise to a minimum at speed.\nInterestingly, not only was the DBX developed with feedback from private focus groups worldwide and Aston Martin\u2019s dealerships, input from the company\u2019s Female Advisory Board was also considered in areas like the arm rest, glovebox design and the car\u2019s control systems.\nIt\u2019s clear Aston Martin is casting its net far and wide with the new DBX \u2013 an SUV we believe would unlikely be shunned by many.\nThe all-new Aston Martin DBX comes with a recommended retail price of \u00a3158,000 (approx RM848k) with deliveries set to begin in Q2 of 2020.\nIn Malaysia, the DBX is available for booking from a starting price of \nRM 798,000.00\n (excluding duties). For more information, visit the \nAston Martin Kuala Lumpur\n showroom for greater detail on the new DBX or contact them at +60 (3) 2163 1196.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Motors\n, the sole distributor of \nBYD\n vehicles in Malaysia has now appointed 14 new BYD dealers across the nation. Combined with Sime Darby Beyond Auto, this makes a total of 21 BYD dealership outlets in Malaysia.\nThe appointment of the dealer partners was commemorated during a group dealer signing ceremony at the BYD Headquarters located in Shenzhen, China. Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors Retail & Distribution Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau, signed the agreement with each of the dealer owners. The ceremony was witnessed by Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia, and the BYD team.\nBYD dealers now include Sisma Auto (KL), Millennium Autobeyond, Lee Motors, Wing Hin Venture, Be Drive Auto Sdn Bhd, Sing Kwung Motors, Hong Thai Motor Trading, Iroll EV, Macinda EV, EV Supreme, Regas EV Auto, Regas EV Sabah, and Denver Auto.\nHaving made the trip, the new dealer partners also had the opportunity to take of tour of BYD\u2019s headquarters. At the company\u2019s headquarters, the dealer partners were shown its R&D capabilities and its dynamic range of cutting-edge innovative products.\nRELATED: \nBYD Dolphin launched in Singapore & Thailand \u2013 EV hatchback coming to Malaysian soon\nSime Darby Motors Retail & Distribution Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan said, \u201cThis announcement marks another milestone as it has only been six months since we launched BYD in Malaysia and today, we have 21 dealership locations lined up to meet rising EV demand. This indeed demonstrates our confidence of EV prospects in Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry while ensuring that we are well-equipped to serve the market.\u201d\nBYD Malaysia Managing Director, Eagle Zhao said, \u201cThis agreement between Sime Darby Motors and BYD is yet another step forward in the automotive green revolution and is indicative of the changing dynamics of the industry. As the partnership progresses, we expect to provide further technological advancements and consumer experience, driving the industry towards a greener, more efficient, and more sustainable future.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBYD supersedes Tesla in sales, becomes best-selling EV brand in Singapore"
"Among the few choices of hot hatches in Malaysia is the \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+\n. Launched in the middle of 2020, it is sold alongside the coupe Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+. Other compact AMGs in Malaysia are of the \u201835\u2019 series. Only sold the A 45 S, the compact AMG now fetches a price of \nRM 481,888\n.\nPowered by Mercedes-AMG\u2019s most powerful four-cylinder engine, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.9 seconds\n. That \u201cmost powerful-AMG-4-banger engine\u201d is the M139 which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that makes \n421 hp\n @ 6,750 rpm and \n500 Nm\n @ 5,000 to 5,250 rpm. Paired with an 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the powertrain provides a top speed of 270 km/h.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S in M\u2019sia now without Edition 1, CLA 45 S gets head-up display\nIn the driving dynamics department, the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is equipped with AMG Torque Control system in the rear differential. Consisting of two electronically controlled multi-disc clutches, the system not only variably distributes power between the front and rear wheels, but also between the rear right wheel and rear left wheel.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1 launched in Malaysia\nUnder the \u2018Race\u2019 driving settings of the A 45 S, there is a \u2018Drift Mode\u2019 in case you\u2019re in the mood for some sideways action. In Drift Mode, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) will be deactivated and the transmission will be set to \u201cmanual\u201d.\nDistinguishing the A 45 S MATIC+ from its non-AMG siblings is the AMG Aerodynamics Package which includes a rear spoiler, a front splitter, and a rear diffuser. Unmissable at the front end is the Panamerica grille. It also sits on a set of massive 19-inch five twin-spoke light alloy wheels that add to the overall aggressive look of the car. At the front, the AMG A 45 S gets 6-piston brakes and red brake callipers.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG continues 55-year celebration with more special edition models for A 45, CLA 45\nAs for colour options, the choices include Polar White, Sun Yellow, Digital White, Iridium Silver, Cosmos Black, Ros\u00e9 Gold, Mountain Grey, and Denim Blue. There are two optional colours, namely the MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic which costs an additional RM3,000 and the MANUFAKTUR Mountain Grey Magno which costs an extra RM9,000. The unit you see in these pictures is in Cosmos Black.\nOn the inside, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S provides AMG Performance seats, AMG Performance steering wheel with Dinamica fibre, and AMG illuminated door sills. There are also electric adjustable front seats with memory function and AMG floor mats.\nAs for the infotainment unit, the AMG A45 S is equipped with its launch year version of MBUX with the respective-year navigation services system. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and a Burmester surround sound system. Standard on the A 45 S is the AMG Track Pace system that can display 80 vehicle-specific parameters such as acceleration and lap times and more using GPS.\nIn the safety department, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ provides blind spot assist, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, and active parking assist with Parktronic. It also comes with the Parking Package with 360\u00b0 cameras.\nGALLERY"
"When McLaren unveiled the \nElva\n supercar, it wasn\u2019t only incredibly stunning but just as rare as it is one of the very few cars that came without a windscreen.\u00a0\u00a0\nAll that has changed as McLaren has just issued images of the first Elva that is fitted with a full-sized windscreen. The company said the front windscreen is required to meet regulations in certain states in the USA as well as for customers who prefer the presence of the physical screen.\nMcLaren says the windscreen, which is a permanent fixture, affords greater protection from the elements but it does not in any way reduce the levels of excitement as the supercar will still have no side windows, roof, and rear windscreen.\nThanks to the usage of carbon fibre, the windscreen and all its accompanying driver features such as electronically synchronised rain-sensing wipers, washer jets and sun visors, as well as heated glass, weigh just 20 kg\n.\n The world\u2019s first \nActive Air Management System\n (AAMS) originally developed to deflect wind away from the occupants is thus deleted as it serves no benefit in the windscreen car.\nMcLaren Elva (Windscreen)\nMcLaren Elva, Gulf Racing livery\nThe Elva is McLaren\u2019s latest Ultimate Series supercar with a bespoke carbon fibre chassis and body; making it the lightest road car ever from McLaren Automotive. The name Elva stems from customer versions of race cars designed by the late founder Bruce McLaren \u2013 the McLaren-Elva M1A of the 1960s.\nIt\u2019s powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with \n815 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h takes approximately \n2.8 seconds\n in either windscreen configuration, while 0 to 200 km/h is done in under seven seconds.\nAfter all the \nback-and-forth on production numbers\n, McLaren concluded that \nonly 149 units\n of the supercar priced from \nGBP1.4 million\n will be built. In that case, the windscreen-version Elva will be one of the rarest McLaren ever. \u00a0\nOther examples of windscreen-less supercar are the \nFerrari Monza\n SP1 and SP2 that pay tribute to the 1948 Ferrari 166 MM and the \nAston Martin V12 Speedster\n. Meanwhile, just yesterday, a Dutchman finally took possession of his specially-commissioned Mercedes AMG GT R Roadster\u2019s \nwith a removed windscreen\n and replaced it with a central beam \u2013 making it look like a giant pair of flip-flops.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today unveiled its updated \nDas WeltAuto\n website, bearing a new refreshed design, alongside various added new features to provide more convenience to its customers who are in the market for a used Volkswagen.\nThe key update to the Das WeltAuto website, however, is the new \u2018Sell Your Car\u2019 function \u2013 which, as the name suggests, now lets owners sell their Volkswagen to authorised dealerships.\nVPCM has designed the process for selling your car through the website to be as simple and straightforward as possible. Owners only need to submit their car details via the website, and their preferred dealership will then be in contact to arrange for a free inspection either at home or on-site before making a \u201ccompetitive offer\u201d.\nAside from selling, customers can also opt to trade-in their vehicles online for one of the latest models on sale.\nRELATED: All Volkswagen dealerships in Malaysia have attained 3S and 4S status\nThe revamped Das WeltAuto website also adds a new \u2018Nearly New Cars\u2019 section, which lists certified pre-owned cars with less than 12,000 km mileage on the clock, and are within a year of its registration date.\nNo matter nearly-new or used, however, all cars listed or sold on the Das WeltAuto platform will undergo the same strict 133-point check conducted and verified by Volkswagen Technicians.\nAll Das WeltAuto cars are fitted with genuine parts, and are guaranteed to be accident- and flood-free, with proof of service at authorised Volkswagen service centres. For extra peace of mind, they are also offered with a one-year extended warranty programme, alongside 12 months roadside assistance.\nThe Das WeltAuto programme is now available at 10 Volkswagen dealerships nationwide: Volkswagen Puchong, Volkswagen Tebrau, Volkswagen Skudai, Volkswagen Gombak, Volkswagen Juru, Volkswagen Alor Setar, Volkswagen Seremban, Volkswagen Glenmarie, Volkswagen Ipoh, and Volkswagen Melaka."
"What you\u2019re looking at is called the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer. But while it may look like just a souped-up version of the \nsixth-gen CR-V\n, underneath the friendly family SUV\u2019s body panels is anything but.\nThat\u2019s because there\u2019s actually a full-blown race car underneath \u2013 and Honda isn\u2019t even trying to hide it. It\u2019s built on a tube frame chassis, but with the CR-V\u2019s steel body tacked onto the upper half. The rest of it, however, is all carbon fibre \u2013 including the massive flared fenders, front splitters, butterfly front doors, and the giant rear wing.\nOther motorsport-related parts include its front suspension and Brembo brakes that borrowed from the latest Honda NSX GT3 racer; the rear set-up meanwhile comes from the current Dallara Indycar single-seater race car. There\u2019s also a McLaren Applied TAG 400i Engine Control Unit, alongside an racecar-spec XTrac six-speed sequential transmission.\nBut the highlight here is, of course, the fire-breathing engine underneath the rear clamshell cover, featuring a 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a supercapacitor-based hybrid system (like the \nLamborghini Sian\n) for a total system output of 800 hp.\nREAD MORE: \nAll-new 2022 Honda CR-V debuts with sharper looks, improved hybrid powertrain\nThe powertrain is a preview of what the company will be using in its upcoming 2024 Indycar entry. With further development of the engine to its final 2.4-litre displacement, it\u2019s expected to make upwards of 900 hp.\nMore importantly, though, the V6 engine in the CR-V Hybrid Racer \u2013 affectionately known as the \u201cThe Beast\u201d \u2013 is also tuned to run on Shell\u2019s 100% renewable fuels, as it\u2019s designed to be a \u201crolling laboratory\u201d for its further development of electrified technologies and renewable fuel systems.\nBoth of these technologies will soon become increasingly important, not only in terms of motorsports, but also for the mass production vehicles. Europe is already\n set to ban internal combustion engines beginning 2035\n, with the sole exception being those powered by 100% carbon-neutral fuels.\nHonda says it has no plans to bring the CR-V Hybrid Racer to actual racing events. but if the right opportunity presents itself, we don\u2019t think Honda is one to shy away from challenges.\nFor now though, The Beast will be making its rounds at the Indycar races this year as a unique technological showpiece, starting on 3 March at the season opener at St Petersburg, Florida.\nGALLERY"
"The new Porsche \nPanamera\n has arrived in its second-generation guise. The luxury sports saloon has been\u00a0\u201credeveloped and realigned down to the last detail\u201d, posing a serious threat to established rivals such as the \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n, \nBMW 7-Series\n, and VAG\u2019s own outgoing \nAudi A8\n.\nTo begin with, there are three variants available at launch: the \n4S\n, \n4S Diesel\n and the range-topper\u00a0\nTurbo\n. The new model is based on the updated Modular Standard Architecture (MSB) platform, and it\u2019s now lighter than before. Dimension wise, the new Panamera is \n35mm longer\n, \n5mm wider\n and \n5mm taller\n than the old model. \nWheelbase\n is also a \n30mm longer\n, which is good news for those who are seeking for more space on the inside. In case if you\u2019re wondering, the \nboot space\n is now at\n 495 litres\n, an increase of 41 litres.\nThe front remains similar to its predecessor with\u00a0its familiar long bonnet. As \nreported last week\n, the front fascia receives some update on the new intakes and grille. The rear meanwhile receives the biggest makeover with a curved roofline that makes the new Panamera more appealing than the model it replaces.\nCompleting the back is\u00a0a set of \nquad exhaust\n and a \nbigger rear wing\n that looks\u00a0like it was taken from a sci-fi film when it\u2019s deployed. The front and back lights receive newly designed \nLED lights\n, and we think the rear lights on this just ups the whole look and feel of the Panamera.\nInside, the it\u00a0gets an all-new\u00a0dashboard layout and new interior trim. This includes the \nPorsche Advanced Cockpit\n, a \n12.3-inch touch-sensitive screen\n housed in the center console. The traditional physical buttons have also been reduced to make way for touch sensitive buttons.   New to the Panamera are two new petrol engines: a\n 2.9-litre turbocharged V6\n and a \n4.0-litre twin turbo V8\n. The \nPanamera 4S\n receives the 2.9-litre engine that outputs\u00a0\n434 hp\n at 5,650 rpm and \n550 Nm\n of torque between 1,750 rpm and 5,500 rpm. The 4S equipped with the optional \nSport Chrono pack\n can hit 100 km/h from nought in\n 4.2 seconds\n and runs to a top speed of \n288 km/h.\nMove over to the \nPanamera Turbo\n and the \n4.0-litre V8\n lump under the bonnet develops \n542 hp\n at 5,750 rpm\u00a0and\n 770 Nm\n of torque between 1,960 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The Panamera Turbo can run a century sprint in \n3.8 seconds\n (0.2 seconds faster with the optional Sport Chrono pack) and achieves a \ntop speed\n of \n304 km/h\n.\nThe oil burner isn\u2019t that far off when it comes to performance. Its\u00a0\n4.0-litre V8\n unit banks \n416 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque, allowing \n0-100km/h\n sprint in \n4.3 seconds\n and a \ntop speed\n of \n283 km/h\n. Given such performance, fuel consumption is rated at\u00a0a combined \n6.7 litres per 100 km\n with average CO2 emissions of 176 g/km. All variants receive\u00a0the all-new\u00a0\neight-speed PDK transmission \nthat channels the drive to all four wheels.\nAs per its predecessor, Porsche\u2019s \nDynamic Chassis Control\n, \nadaptive air suspension\n and \ntorque vectoring\n will be available in this Panamera.\u00a0Also,\u00a0Porsche\u2019s \nrear-wheel steering\n will be introduced for the first time in this Panamera.\nPorsche\u2019s super saloon will\u00a0be in showrooms by autumn. Pricing wise, it begins with the \n4S\n at\u00a0\n\u00a388,700\n (approx \nRM480,000\n based on today\u2019s conversion rates), the \n4S Diesel\n at\u00a0 \n\u00a391,788\n (approx \nRM496,365.00\n) and the \nTurbo\n can be had for\u00a0\n\u00a3113,075\n (approx \nRM611,480.00\n). In the near future, rear-wheel drive variants,\u00a0V6 diesel engine, \nplug-in hybrid\n, and the more powerful \nGTS\n are among the future badges that will be introduced.\nMeanwhile, the new \nPanamera Turbo\n just \nbroke the new track record\n for the \nfastest production saloon\n in the\u00a0 \nNurburgring Nordschleife\n, lapping the \nGreen Hell\n in \n7 minutes and 38 seconds\n.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve been meaning to try out the \nRenault Captur\n, or wondered how the subscription model is like, TC Euro Cars is now giving you the opportunity to do so via the seven-day \nRenault Subscription\n Trial Package.\nThe trial costs an\n upfront payment of RM399\n, which works out to be RM57 per day. The Trial Package \ndoes not come with any mileage cap\n, so you will be able to fully evaluate the car without range restrictions.\nAfter the seven-day trial, you will have the option to continue your subscription in either the Fixed or Switch plans if you wish to continue driving the Captur.\nAs a recap, the \nFixed Plan\n is a more structured plan with tenure periods from\n one to three years\n. For the Captur, the Fixed Plan is priced at RM1,299 if you choose the two-year subscription period, and RM1,499 for a one-year subscription.\nThe Fixed Plan includes a \n20,000 km mileage cap\n per year, with an option to add-on 10,000 km at RM200 a month. The subscription price includes all regular service, road tax and insurance costs.\nAs for the Switch Plan, you will have the option of either a Base or Prime subscription, both for the period of one year. The Base plan, priced at RM1,999 per month, includes two month of Renault Family access (usage of the Koleos or Megane R.S.).\nThe Prime Switch Plan nets you four months of Renault Family access, but is priced higher at RM2,199 per month. The Switch Plan does not come with a mileage cap, and the price includes road tax, insurance, regular servicing, and wear and tear replacement parts for the Captur.\nCEO of TC Euro Cars, Wong Hoe Mun said, \u201cThis new Subscription Trial Package aims to offer customers a longer test drive duration so they can fully experience the car. At the same time, it allows them to experience the ease and convenience of the Renault Subscription programme.\u201d\nCurrently in its pilot phase, the Renault Subscription Trial Package will only be available in central Klang Valley. At the time of writing, the only pick-up and return location is at \nRenault Petaling Jaya\n.\nFor those considering the Renault Subscription Trial Package, you can register your interest via the\n recently-launched\n Renault \nE-Store\n, or call \n1800-18-8663\n.\nCustomers will need to submit a copy of their IC or Passport, along with driver\u2019s license and credit card details. The trial package is only available to Malaysians or residents with a valid driver\u2019s license."
"UMW Toyota Motor has just strengthened its online presence with the launch of its own official e-commerce stores, the Toyota Malaysia Flagship Stores today. The new online stores are available on both \nLazada\n and \nShopee\n, where special deals on selected Toyota models will be on offer.\nUMW Toyota President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cAs online shopping is now part of daily life, UMW Toyota Motor is also establishing a presence on the popular ecommerce platforms of Lazada Malaysia and Shopee with the Toyota [Malaysia] Flagship Stores.\n\u201cWe want to make it as easy as possible for customers to buy Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, especially if they are looking for great money-saving deals,\u201d Ravindran added.\nToyota models on the new online stores are offered with \nbooking fees as low as RM250\n. The booking fees are payable via regular electronic payment methods including cards and online transfer, just like how you would purchase other goods online.\nAfter payment of the booking fee, a Toyota sales advisor from the nearest authorised dealership will be in contact to sort out the rest of the transaction. For any other queries, customers can also make use of the live chat function on either platform, available Monday to Friday, from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.\nLimited-time special deals will be offered exclusively on these online stores from time to time. As of writing of this coverage, UMW Toyota is currently offering savings on several models manufactured in 2019 \u2013 \nToyota Harrier,\n \nFortuner, Innova,\n and \nHilux\n \u2013 with \nsavings of up to RM22,760\n, in addition to a \nfive-year free service package\n."
"According to McLaren, 399 is just too many, apparently. In an interview with \nAustralian Financial Review\n, McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt said that the production quota of the \nroofless Elva roadster\n has been cut down to just 249 units to enhance the rarity of the car.\n\u201cThe feedback from our customers is that they think the car should be more exclusive than that, so we\u2019ve capped it at 249,\u201d Said Flewitt, explaining the 38% cut in production quantity.\nThe logic makes sense, on the surface at least. Other cars of the same genre rarely see past the 300 units mark \u2013 Ferrari will only make 250 units each for the \nSP1 and SP2\n, while the \nAston Martin V12 speedster\n is limited to 88 units, and the \nBentley Bacalar\n, 12.\nHowever, things may not be as simple as it seems. Speaking to \nAutocar\n,\n insider sources\n suggest that the true reason for the cut in production numbers is due to McLaren severely overestimating demand for a model like the Elva.\nThe McLaren Elva is the latest addition to the brand\u2019s cream-of-the-crop Ultimate Series. Designed to deliver the \u201cpurest driving experience\u201d, the Elva does away all the unnecessary parts, including the roof and windscreen, making it the lightest road-going car McLaren has ever made.\nTo keep the occupants comfy inside and not ruin their hair, McLaren even designed what it calls the world\u2019s first \nActive Air Management System\n, essentially \u201cbending\u201d air to create a virtual canopy above your head.\nUnder the metal is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing \n815 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n800 Nm\n of torque. McLaren claims that the Elva does the century sprint in \u201cunder three seconds\u201d, and 0-200 km/h in 6.7 seconds.\nWe\u2019re guessing the Elva is still available for order at your\n nearest McLaren showroom,\n provided you have the cash to do so of course \u2013 the Elva is priced at \n1.4 million GBP\n, approximately equivalent to a whopping RM7.5 million, before our local taxes and duties."
"According to Bentley\u2019s crystal ball, when its Bentley EXP 100 GT concept is realised in 2035, the vehicle will be centred on artificial intelligence that listens in, anticipates and serves up what occupants want. It will also be fully electric and autonomous, but will still roll on tyres and wheels (no flying cars here).\nCircular headlights, those haunches and that grille can only mean a Bentley.\nConceived as a concept showpiece to celebrate Bentley\u2019s 100\nth\n year in existence, you could say that the EXP 100 GT is conceivably a peek into what a Continental GT coupe could look like in 16 years\u2019 time, and it is grand, sleek and luxurious, yet recognisably Bentley with circular headlights and its R-Type Continental-inspired rear haunch, but with really long scissor doors that open upwards to stand at three metres tall!\n \nBentley believes that by 2035, energy density of batteries would have increased by five times, this would allow the EXP 100 GT to travel up to 700 km on a full charge, based on a carbon fibre cum aluminium structure weighing no more than 1,900 kg (the current Continental GT W12 is around 2,200 kg). We will miss the W12, but the EXP 100 GT\u2019s Traction Drive four-motor electric powertrain will offer over 1,000 hp and 1,500 Nm, enough to get the EXP 100 GT from idle to 100km/h in less than 2.5 seconds, and to a top speed of 300km/h. Maybe we won\u2019t miss combustion engines after all.\nPlease measure the clearance to the ceiling before alighting the EXP 100 GT.\nBut the EXP 100 GT is much more than just being luxurious and decadent, it\u2019s also conscientious and sustainable through the clever use of materials such as exterior paint made from recycled rice husks, 100% organic leather-like textile from wine making and British Farmed Wool carpets and embroidered cotton interior surfaces.\nOccupants can self-drive or lounge in the highly configurable, bespoke hand-made cabin, allowing the Bentley Personal Assistant to \u2018curate personal driving experiences\u2019 with interactions via gestures and touch. The \u2018brain\u2019 of the car revolves around an illuminated Cumbria Crystal control centre that\u2019s entirely handcrafted, in England of course."
"Just what good will come when Mercedes-Benz and BMW trade punches? Once in a while, you get a knockout blow like the tax-exempted \nMercedes-Benz S400L Hybrid\n, then the \nBMW X5 xDrive40e M Sport\n. This time, \nas per reported by our peers at\u00a0\nCarlist.my\n, BMW Malaysia is set to introduce the 330e plug-in hybrid, and will cost anywhere between RM240k to RM260k.\nA brief summary of the spec sheet shows that it will be powered by a \n2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine\n, paired to a electric motor situated between the engine and the \neight-speed automatic\n transmission. The combined output produces about\n 248 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n of torque, sending drive to the \nrear wheels\n. It sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, and boasts a full electric range of 22.5km.   At RM240k, the 330e is \nnearly RM60k cheaper\n than the comparable 330i M Sport (252 hp, 350 Nm), and is positioned just above the 320i Sport (184 hp, 290 Nm) which retails for RM231,800. In comparison, the two Mercedes-Benz C200 variants hover between the RM250k mark, while the more powerful C250 commands a RM288k asking price. Make no mistake, the 330e really gives great value.\nSlated for market introduction by the end of August, the 330e, like the rest of the 3-Series, will be locally assembled. If this isn\u2019t going to take the market by storm, we don\u2019t know what will. Another \nA6 Hybrid\n repeat, anyone?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"China\u2019s ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing has unveiled the D1, the world\u2019s first EV built specifically for the purpose of \nride hailing\n. Co-developed with BYD \u2013 one of the world\u2019s largest EV manufacturer, the cutesy green EV will be rolled out as a pilot programme in Changsha, China, before being gradually expanded to serve more customers across the country.\nWhile technical specifications are scarce,\n automotive journalist Greg Kable reports\n that the Didi D1 is powered by an electric motor, capable of a \n100 kW (134 hp)\n output. Electrons come from BYD\u2019s blade lithium ion batteries built in the firm\u2019s Chongqing factory to provide up to\n 418 km\n of range based on the NEDC test cycle.\nMuch like a \nTesla Model 3\n, most of the features on board are controlled via a central touchscreen display \u2013 which Didi calls \u201cDidi Smart Driver\u201d \u2013 while a small LCD display lies behind the steering wheel specifically for the speedometer display.\nThe Didi Smart Driver system ties in directly with Didi\u2019s ride hailing service, which takes care of driver verification using facial recognition, pick-up and drop-off, payments, as well as customer service. Drivers can interact with the system either via the screen itself, on-board voice assistant, or the Didi-specific smart steering wheel.\nThe Didi D1 even comes with touch screen at the back of the front seats \u2013 one on each headrests \u2013 for passengers to access navigation and other information.\u00a0An outward facing multi-coloured light on the dashboard also helps customers identify their rides, based on the corresponding colour on their app.\nOther features that make it particularly suitable for ride-hailing purposes include an extra-comfy driver seat for extended usage, extra legroom at the rear, as well as sliding rear doors for the passenger compartment, preventing riders from accidentally hitting other passengers or cyclists.\nThe Didi D1 will also come with a level-two assisted driving system, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, as well as pedestrian collision warning. The driver monitoring system ensures the driver\u2019s hands are on the wheel, and their eyes focused on the road.\nThe D1 has been in development by the two companies for over two years. Didi says that it has\u00a0integrated \u201cthe needs of hundreds of millions of users\u201d into the design of D1 by leveraging its data analytics and user feedback from its existing userbase. Didi currently has 550 million registered passengers and 31 million drivers, delivering as much as 60 million trips per day.\nDuring the product launch event, Didi also says that the company aims to have one million autonomous Didi vehicles on the road by 2025, and in 2030, removing the driver compartment altogether in their cars."
"With the \nGeneva Motor Show cancelled\n, Audi has taken to the web to unveil its all-new Audi A3 in Sportback form.\nThe fourth-generation Audi A3 Sportback remains faithful to its\n tried and tested design\n, making it instantly recognisable on first glance. Even the footprint of the all-new A3 is nearly identical to its predecessor \u2013 only \n3 cm wider\n than before.\nUp front, the all-new A3 gains a wider Singleframe grille along with large sporty air inlets on both sides. Flanking the grille is the matrix LED headlights, along with a new \ndigital daytime running light\n, made up of 15 individual LED to create special light signatures for the Audi A3.\nThe two ends of the car is joined by a large shoulder line from the headlights to the rear lights, while the surface right below it is curved inward \u2013 Audi\u2019s latest design element to put a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches.\nJust like the \nVolkswagen Golf 8\n, Audi has reserved the more significant changes to the interior of the all-new A3. Armed with a new dashboard architecture, the Audi A3 features a large \n10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display\n, angled slightly towards the driver, along with a \n12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit\n instrument cluster.\nA significant number of physical controls have been removed from the A3, including the rotary MMI control dial for the instrument cluster \u2013 control is relegated to the touchscreen. Fortunately, the climate control is still controlled by a physical control panel right underneath the infotainment display.\nOther new design features in the interior include aluminium or carbon inlays on the dashboard, angular \u201cdoor openers\u201d, as well as a new shifter. If you opt for the automatic transmission, the Audi A3 now comes with a compact selector lever instead of a full gear stalk.\nThe seats upholstery on the all-new Audi A3 are made of recycled PET plastic bottles, adorned with contrasting stitching.\nThe fourth-generation Audi A3 will be available with three engine options at launch \u2013 a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (TFSI) with \n150 hp\n, and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel mill (TDI) in either \n116 hp\n or \n150 hp\n form.\nAt launch, all engine options are only paired with a \nfront-wheel drive\n setup, with power transmitted via a \nsix-speed manual \nor a \nseven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission\n.\nAudi says that other drivetrain options, including electrified drive systems and quattro all-wheel drive will be made available \u201cshortly after market launch\u201d.\nBuilt on the \nMQB-II\n modular architecture, Audi has promised the all-new A3 to be the \nmost dynamic handling yet\n. A \nfour-link rear axle\n is standard for the higher-powered 150 hp engine options, which Audi says is \u201csporty and balanced\u201d. An \noptional adaptive damper control\n lowers the body by 10 mm, while providing the ability to adjust damper settings on the fly.\nAlternatively, buyers can also opt for the \nsport suspension\n \u2013 standard in the S line A3 \u2013 featuring a tauter tuning on the suspension and dampers, paired with a lower ride height (15 mm lower than standard) for more agile handling characteristics.\nOn the safety front, the fourth-generation Audi A3 comes standard with Audi pre sense front (front collision prevention), swerve assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise assist.\nAs an option, the A3 can also be equipped with lane change assist and exit warnings, as well as cross-traffic and park assist systems.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The maker of the legendary lightweight sports car and track weapon has taken the wraps off two of its latest offerings, the \nElise Great Britain edition and Exige S Automatic\n \u2013 the former launched in tandem with the British High Commission of Malaysia.\nThis featherweight sports car which tips the scale at a mere\n 924 kg\n will be made in limited numbers, so exclusivity is assured in this respect. The \nUnion Jack decals\n on the side intakes helps makes the\n\u00a0Great\u00a0Britain Special Edition\n stand out from the standard Elise model.\nThe Elise in which the Great Britian edition was built upon\nPowering this limited edition is a \n1.8-litre four cylinder, DOHC Dual VVT-i\n block that\u2019s helped along with a charge-cooled \nMagnuson Twin-Vortices series supercharger\n that gives the Elise the \nschnell\u00a0\nneeded to get from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.6 seconds\n and onto a top speed of \n234 km/h\n.\nFiring \n217 bhp and 250 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels is a job tasked to a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission and a Bosch-sourced \nElectronic Differential Lock\n (EDL). The weight savings really manifests itself here with a power-to-weight ratio of \n240 hp per tonne\n.\nWhat if however, you want something a little bigger, much more powerful and want a place to rest your left foot? Lotus Cars Malaysia has just the right toy for you \u2013 the new \nExige S Automatic\n, which as the name suggests, comes with a\n six-speed automatic\n cog-box and a \ncouple of paddle shifters\n\u00a0behind the steering wheel.   Driving the gearbox is a Toyota sourced \n3.5-litre DOHC V6\n with a\n Harrop\u2019s Twin Vortices\n, roots-type \nsupercharger\n to deliver a bang to the tune of \n345 hp \nat 7,000 rpm and\n 400 Nm\n at 4,500 rpm. Those numbers mean that the Exige S is able to complete the century sprint in \n3.9 seconds\n and tops out at\u00a0\n261 km/h\n (for the coupe and 233 km/h for the\u00a0roadster). It comes equipped with a Lotus developed\n electronic throttle control\n system.\nThe Elise GREAT Britain is available in silver, yellow and white metallic colours while the Exige S is possible in a range of metallic and premium licks of paint. The Elise Great Britain and Exige S will set your cheque books back from\u00a0\nRM254,888 \nand\n RM427,777\n respectively.\nPotential buyers should head down to Lotus Cars Malaysia located along Jalan Damansara to book a test drive and get a feel of these low-slung pocket rockets.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley\u2019s\n design department is turning 70 this year, and as part of the celebrations, the team has combed through their decades-old archives to look for unique and historic colours that they can recreate for the modern day.\nIn total, the team found 15 \u201cnew\u201d colours from its historical documents, some dating back to the 1930s! And the best part is that they all can now be ordered by their customers today, including this sweet Sage Green colour that they\u2019ve applied onto their press fleet\u2019s \nFlying Spur V8\n.\nSage Green, Bentley Flying Spur V8\nThe light pastel-like green hue originated somewhere during the 1950s, and when paired to the Blackline specification on the Bentley Flying Spur which essentially blacks out most of its exterior trims, provides a unique high-contrast look that\u2019s hard to not like.\nTo complement the new Sage Green hue, Bentley has specified the new Flying Spur V8 press car\u2019s interior with a mix of Cumbrian Green and Portland, alongside a carbon fibre technical finish to highlight its modern interior design.\nThe Bentley Flying Spur is also now available as a hybrid model! Check it out here.\nDove Grey, \nBentley Continental GT Convertible\nOther colours that they\u2019ve now \u201crevived\u201d as part of the birthday project include Dove Grey, one of Bentley\u2019s longest-standing colours which dates back to the Derby-era Bentleys of the 1930s, as well as Claret, a two-tone colour that was created specifically for use on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s Golden Jubilee Bentley \u2013 which was itself inspired by the Royal Claret colour that\u2019s used on all Royal Bentleys since the 1940s!\nThere\u2019s also Old English White from the 1950s, which is a solid white finish that Bentley says \u201clends a timeless air to any car\u201d. Meanwhile on the other end of the spectrum is Oxford Blue, \u201cone of the darkest blues in the palette\u201d, which was first created in the 1960s and then re-launched as part of the Diamond Series in 1998.\nBentley partnered up with Akrapovi\u010d to create a new titanium exhaust for the Continental GT Speed. Learn more here.\nThese colours are now part of Bentley\u2019s Mulliner and Extended colour palettes. If you\u2019re looking for more personalisation, there\u2019s also the Mulliner personal commissioning service, which offers even more historical colours for you to curate your own heritage-inspired paint job.\nAll of the paints at Bentley\u2019s HQ in Crewe are applied by hand spraying expertise, complemented by the latest robotic technology to deliver the \u201cbest possible finish\u201d on each car that rolls off its assembly line.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Group Electrified has charted worldwide vehicle sales totaling 36,692 units in the first quarter of 2018, a growth of 41.7% over the same period last year.\nCombined sales of BMW i, BMW iPerformance and MINI electric vehicles by the first quarter have brought the total number of electrified BMW Group cars sold to \nover 250,000\n and we are well on track to deliver on our stated \ntarget to sell over 140,000 electrified vehicles\n this year,\u201d said Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG.\nThe new \nMINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid\n launched in April.\nBMW Group Malaysia\n contributed to this immense success as PHEV deliveries now \naccount for 52.7% of its total vehicle deliveries\n in the country.\nIn Q1 of 2018 alone, BMW Group Malaysia introduced two new plug-in hybrid vehicles; the \nall-new BMW 530e Sport\n in January, the first-ever BMW 5 Series Hybrid with eDrive Technology and the fifth BMW iPerformance model in Malaysia along with the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, the first Plug-In Hybrid vehicle variant for the MINI brand.\nFind out \nwhat GC Mah thinks of the 530e\n on his drive to Salzburg, Austria\nIn paving the way for more to make the switch to PHEV vehicles, BMW Malaysia has also installed new BMW i Charging Stations at \nWEIL Hotel in Ipoh\n, Holiday Inn and The Equatorial in Malacca and CityONE Megamall, Kuching.\nThere\u2019s also a growing network of more than 270 charging facilities nationwide by ChargEV to cater to BMW iPerformance and MINI electric vehicles."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) and dealer partner, Asbenz Stern Sdn Bhd (Asbenz Stern), has launched the Mercedes-Benz Asbenz Stern Kuantan Autohaus in Kuantan, Pahang.\nThe Mercedes-Benz Asbenz Stern Kuantan offers sales, service and spare parts (3S) in its Autohaus and Service Centre for a comprehensive end-to-end customer experience \u2013 supported by six sales and 12 Customer Services qualified and trained personnel.\nThe Service Centre is equipped with 10 work bays and an inspection bay; allowing the Autohause to service up to approximately 250 vehicles per month. The centre also can accommodate seven Mercedes-Benz vehicles for customer\u2019s viewing.\n\u201cIt gives us great pride to extend our reach and presence to the East Coast, giving us the opportunity to deliver the Asbenz brand of service and hospitality to customers in Kuantan and across the East Coast. Asbenz now stands proud as a multi-location authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer from our beginnings in Sungai Petani with Asbenz Motors to this milestone now, Asbenz Stern in Kuantan. We are ready to demonstrate \u2018Nothing but the Best\u2019 in our commitment to our customers, in line with the Mercedes-Benz brand promises of Best Products and the Best Customer Experience,\u201d said Asbenz Motors Sdn Bhd, Managing Director, Goh Chuan Kiong.\nThe Asbenz Stern Autohaus is designed with the distinguished Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) Autohaus concept and the latest Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI). It\u2019s also equipped with the interactive IShowroom feature where customers will have the freedom to explore and learn more about the latest Mercedes-Benz products and promotions at the swipe of a finger.\nAsbenz Motors Sdn Bhd\u2019s partnership with Mercedes Benz began in May 2004 with its first Mercedes-Benz authorised Autohaus offering Sales and Customer Services in Sungai Petani, Kedah. To date, approximately RM 5 million has been invested by MBM and Asbenz Stern in the development of this Kuantan Autohaus and Service Centre.\nThe Mercedes-Benz Asbenz Stern Kuantan Autohaus launch further expand\u2019s the German marque\u2019s presence along the East Coast comprising Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Overall, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia retains the largest premium network coverage in Malaysia with 34 Autohaus\u2019 nationwide.\nThe Mercedes-Benz Asbenz Stern Kuantan Service Centre is located at Lot 16606, Batu 3 Industrial Area, Jalan Gambang, 25150 Kuantan, Pahang, Tel: 09-517 1155, Fax: 09517 2255, 24 Hrs Breakdown Service: 017-816 5515"
"Following the teasers\n over the weekend on BMW Malaysia\u2019s social media channels, the company has now announced that the all-new \nBMW M3\n and \nM4 Coupe \n\u2013 both in Competition form \u2013 are now available for booking through the \nBMW Shop Online\n platform until the 31st of December 2020.\nPricing for the base BMW M3 Competition starts at \nRM664,800\n, while the BMW M4 Competition is priced at\n RM684,800\n \u2013 both are estimated prices on the road, without insurance. BMW Malaysia is also offering an Innovation Package with additional kit for both models.\nThe package, which usually costs RM75,000 for the BMW M3 Competition, will be offered at a discounted rate of RM58,000 for the pre-booking period until December 31, which essentially brings the price of the specced-out model from RM739,800 down to \nRM722,800\n.\nAs for the BMW M4 Competition, the package will be discounted from RM76,000 to RM56,000, bringing the price of the fully-specified car down to \nRM740,800\n until the end of the year.\nThe Innovation Package consists of both functional and aesthetic parts to kit out the cars, including the Laserlight headlights, head-up display, glass roof, Connected Package, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist, as well as the Driving Assistant package which includes forward collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, as well as rear cross-traffic warning and rear collision prevention.\nOther items included in the extra-cost package include a Harman Kardon surround sound system, tyre pressure monitoring system, alongside exclusive trim finishers on the interior. Interestingly, the Innovation Package on the M3 Competition includes a set of staggered 19/20-inch M forged double-spoke wheels in style 825 M, but the M4 does not get the same treatment.\nAs expected, the new M duos slated for Malaysia will come in Competition form, both packing a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, uprated to make \n510 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque. For those curious, the numbers are approximately 60 hp and 100 Nm higher than the outgoing Competition models, and 50 Nm higher than the \nBMW X3 M\n and \nX4 M Competition\n which are both equipped with the same powertrain.\nThe engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (no manual option on the Competition models), with power sent to the rear wheels for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n3.9 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of \n290 km/h\n.\nGlobally, the BMW M3 and M4 Competition will be offered for the first time ever with an xDrive all-wheel drive system \u2013 though, these will only be available from next year onwards. It is unclear at the point of writing if these models will be brought in to Malaysia, but as always, we\u2019ll be keeping an eye out for it.\nThe all-new BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition Coupe is now available for pre-booking on BMW Malaysia\u2019s Shop Online, available \nhere\n, with a booking fee of RM5,000. For those who are still unhappy with the controversial grille, perhaps \npick one of these up\n when you put down your order!\nGALLERY\nBMW M3 Competition\nBMW M4 Competition Coupe"
"The Honda Civic Type R Concept finally arrives at the Geneva Motor Show with much fanfare. Yes you heard it right. The official press release still says Type R Concept, but we know there is already a full working prototype running around\u00a0Nordschleife a few months back. A full production version is expected to debut in Europe in 2015.\nThe four door ultra hot hatch signals a new direction for Honda in terms of styling and engineering department. It\u2019s power output is not a secret anymore, with at least 280PS and comes in the form of \nVTEC Turbo\n, harnessed from Honda\u2019s \nEarth Dreams\n family of technological know how. And above all, the engine conforms to the strict \nEuro 6\n emission standards!   The Civic Type R Concept\u2019s funky and fiery looks is not just for show but deemed necessary and functional as well. The spoiler for instance provides additional downforce. Enlarged upper and lower front grille on its bonnet allow additional flow of air to cool the high power engine. The front and rear fender have been widened considerably to accommodate \n20-inch\n tires. All in all, this translates to a very fast, fun and grippy FWD.\nAll this technological advancement and know how is made possible\u00a0through various feedback gathered from Honda\u2019s WTCC 2013 experience. Let\u2019s hope in 2015, Honda won\u2019t stray too far away from the concept shown at Geneva!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The second-generation Volkswagen Touareg has been around since 2011, so it\u2019s safe to say that Volkswagen is working hard to get the next generation Touareg out in the coming years. But first, the Germans decided to throw some teaser of its concept which hints \u00a0that a new Touareg is in the loom.\nSo what\u2019s new with the third-generation Touareg? To start, it\u2019ll be powered by a\u00a0\nplug-in hybrid powertrain\n that generates \n381 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque, which is nearly the power of a turbocharged V6 that powers its predecessor. It takes only \n6.0 seconds\n to hit from 100km/h from standstill, and has a modest top speed of \n222km/h\n. Via electric power alone it can cover 50km of tarmac, and has a claimed combined fuel efficiency of \n3.0 litres per 100km\n.\nThis modern Touareg will feature an LED strip at the front, and more interestingly, the back will see a new LED arrangement which is inspired from the arcade games from the 1980s. Inside the Touareg will also see a heavily improved cabin, featuring lots of digitisation via screens, including a curved glass screen in the centre dash. In other words, the word \u201cboring\u201d won\u2019t be associated with this new\u00a0SUV.\nLook out more on this new SUV from Wolfsburg when the concept hits Beijing Motor show by the end of April.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after unveiling the\n facelifted Panamera \nback in August, Porsche has now followed up with three new variants in the line-up, headlined by the model\u2019s new flagship, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.\nThe new range-topping variant packs an improved 576 hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, paired to a 136 hp electric motor to generate a combined system output of \n699 hp\n and \n870 Nm\n \u2013 making it the most powerful Panamera variant, and second most powerful Porsche currently in existence.\nCuriously though, thanks to its heavier weight, the Turbo S E-Hybrid\u2019s 0-100 km/h time is actually slower than its non-electrified twin by 0.1 seconds, completing the sprint in \n3.2 seconds\n \u2013 still 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor. Top speed is now \n315 km/h\n, 5 km/h faster than before.\nDriving dynamics on the range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid is helped by the standard-fit PDCC Sport electric roll stabilisation, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, rear-axle steering, as well as PCCB ceramic composite brakes.\nLime green brake callipers are somehow supposed to mean electric.\nAlso introduced is the new 4 E-Hybrid variant, which is the brand\u2019s new entry point to the electrified Panamera line-up. Underneath the hood is a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, producing a combined output of \n461 hp\n. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid does 0-100 km/h in\n 4.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\n 280 km/h\n.\nThe trio of electrified super sedans \u2013 including the Turbo E-Hybrid launched in August \u2013 all come with a new larger 17.9 kWh battery pack, which translates to an all-electric range of 50 km on the Turbo S E-Hybrid, and 56 km on the 4 E-Hybrid \u2013 all based on the WLTP EAER City test cycle.\nAll three new hybrid variants can (\nand should\n) be charged at home, either by using a regular domestic outlet or the Porsche Mobile Charger for a faster 7.2 kW charging capacity. The E-Hybrid variants can also be charged at public charging points using a Mode 3 cable.\nAdditionally, all three hybrid Panamera variants can also be specified in either fastback sedan, Executive long wheelbase, and Sport Turismo shooting brake body styles.\nAside from the new plug-in hybrid variants, Porsche also rounded-up the Panamera line-up with the new Panamera 4S, powered by an uprated 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that develops 449 hp. Performance wise, the new Panamera 4S completes the century sprint in\u00a04.1 seconds\u00a0(0.1 seconds faster), and similarly the top speed has also been increased by 6 km/h to 295 km/h.\nAs for styling, the Panamera 4S is equipped with the Sport Design front end with a twin-line daytime-running lights design to differentiate itself from the electrified 4S E-Hybrid. The top-of-the-line Turbo S E-Hybrid meanwhile gets a \u201cdual C-shaped\u201d DRL set-up to exaggerate its larger side air intakes, as seen on the ICE-only Turbo S.\nGALLERY"
"Alfa Romeo\n has unveiled\u00a0its first ever SUV model via the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Named after an Italian mountain pass, the SUV was unveiled for the first time at the ongoing Los Angeles Motor Show in\u00a0its legendary \u201cfour-leaf clover\u201d Quadrifoglio guise.\nThe \nGiulia\n-based crossover will mark a new offensive of new Alfas in the coming years.\u00a0To begin, it has a seductive exterior that will surely sell\u00a0if aesthetic is the only deciding factor. The Stelvio borrows heavily from the Giulia\u00a0Quadrifoglio as seen with its headlamps, front grille, and air intakes. Even on the inside, the Stelvio\u2019s driver-focused panel\u00a0is just like the\u00a0sedan equivalent.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IVqE_M8orA   Under the bonnet of\u00a0this red example lies a \n2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 \nengine making \n510 hp\n, while a\u00a0\n280 hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol\n engine is available as an option. Regardless which mill is selected, they are all paired with ZF\u2019s \neight-speed automatic\n\u00a0transmission. The slushbox is said to be capable of making lightning-quick gear changes \u00a0in just \n150 milliseconds\n in Race mode.   For this\u00a0Quadrifoglio, it receives Alfa\u2019s \nQ4 all-wheel drive technology\n and\u00a0\ntorque vectoring\n technology. In normal driving condition the wheels are driven at the back, but the Q4 system will channel the torque as much as 50% to the front wheels when traction is required. The usage of\u00a0torque vectoring will allow the rear wheels to receive optimum torque individually via the two clutches in the rear axle.\nWhile there are no official numbers to\u00a0show how fast the Stelvio is, Alfa claims this car is a direct competitor to the\u00a0\nPorsche Macan Turbo\n\u00a0and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLC 63. On that note, if FCA is looking to resurrect the Alfa brand in Malaysia, the Stelvio could be the ideal car that will\u00a0appeal to the SUV-loving Malaysians.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Italia, the official distributor of Ferrari vehicles in Malaysia has just officially launched the \nFerrari F8 Tributo\n, just one month after it made its global debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March.\nThe \n488GTB\n replacement is equipped with Fiorano\u2019s most powerful series production V8 engine packing \n720 hp \nand \n770 Nm \nof torque. The 3.9-litre displacement engine is paired to a 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission to drive the rear wheels. Century sprint takes \n2.9 seconds\n with an acclaimed top speed of \n340 km/h\n.\nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nFerrari F8 Tributo \n Engine\n 3,902cc; twin-turbo\nV8\n Transmission\n 7-speed dual\nclutch\n Max Power\n 720 hp @ 8,000\nrpm\n Max Torque\n 770 Nm @ 3,250\nrpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top\nSpeed\n 2.9 seconds;\n340 km/h\n Price (Before\nduties & options)\n RM1,068,000\nThat is \n40 hp \nand \n10 Nm \nmore than the model it replaces, and weight is also down by 40 kgs compared to the 488GTB. With all the lightweight options ticked, the F8 Tributo tips the scale at 1,330 kg.\nThe extra performance is\nkept in check with a series of aerodynamic improvements such as new front\nS-Duct \u2013 similar to the 488 Pista, smaller LED headlamps to accommodate the new\nbrake cooling intake as well as a completely reworked rear profile with new\nrear engine cover, brake duct and side intakes.\nOverall, the car now\nboasts 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency along with latest Side Slip\nAngle Control (ver. 6.1) and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+).\nInside, the cabin\nfeatures a smaller diameter steering wheel with new controls, redesigned dashboard,\ndoor panels and tunnel, round air vents as well as a new 7.0-inch passenger\ntouchscreen display.\nMalaysia is fortunate enough to be the first country in South East Asia to introduce the Ferrari F8 Tirbuto priced at RM1,068,000 before duties and customisation options.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nFerrari\u00a0F8\u00a0Tributo\u00a0Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Lamborghini\n has released their latest bull into the wild, named the \nAventador LP 750-4 Superveloce\n (SV). Having treated their bull with a stricter carbon fibre diet, the SV is \n50 kg lighter\n than its non-SV sibling. Not only that, the SV is more powerful to match its meaner looks.\nThe SV\u2019s exterior has been pumped up by the fitment of additional wings and scoops resulting \n170 percent higher downforce\n over the standard Aventador. The back is an aerodynamicist\u2019s wet dream, with an aggressive diffuser, and a sculpted bumper that rises up to be the base of the huge rear wing.\nThe SV is equipped with a set of \nlightweight forged rims\n measuring 20-inches at the front and 21-inches at the back, wrapped with \nPirelli P Zero Corsa\n as standard. The \nCarbon Ceramic Brakes\n hiding behind those multi-spoke wheels are standard as well.\nAs the \n\u201c750-4\u201d\n name suggests, the \n6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12\n powerhouse now generates \n750 hp\n at 8,400 rpm and \n690 Nm\n of torque at 5,500 rpm. The power increase is mainly due to the \nnew lightweight exhaust system\n fitted to the SV.\nCoupled to a \n7-speed ISR transmission\n, the SV clocks a \n0 to 100 km/h\n time of \n2.8 seconds\n, while the \ntop speed\n is said to be \nmore than 350 km/h\n.\nThe name also hints at the number of driven wheels. The\n all-wheel drive\n system utilises a \nfourth-generation Haldex coupling system\n to distribute torque between front and rear, while the \npushrod suspension system\n incorporates \nadaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension\n (MRS) for a more dynamic driving experience.\nFurther enhancing the driving experience is the pared-back cockpit that features Lamborghini\u2019s innovative\n Carbon Skin\u00ae material\n and a pair of newly-developed sports seats. The instrument cluster receives new graphics too, and it even includes G-force indicator.\nUnveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce will go on sale in Europe in late spring 2015, carrying a base price tag of \n\u20ac327,190 \n(approximately RM1.33 mil).\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has finally brought in the latest Golf R variant to Malaysia. Two\n \nvariants will be made available, which are the 3-door basic model and the pricier 5 door model. The 3-door model will be marketed as a basic Golf R, while the 5 door model will include the \nTech Pack\n as standard.\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8TV3icsETo\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Golf R\n \nSegment\nC-Segment Hatchback\nEngine\n1,984cc 4-cylinder TSI engine\nTransmission\n6-speed DSG gearbox\nMax Power\n280hp @ 5700-6200\u00a0rpm (290hp 5-door with Tech Pack)\nMax Torque\n380Nm @ 1750-5600\u00a0rpm\nPrice\nRM245,888 (RM285,888 5-door with Tech Pack)\n\u00a0\nExterior\n \nKeeping to the R tradition, the Mk7 R has a more aggressive face over the GTI. Sharper features throughout the front and the rear differentiates it from the regular Golf model.\u00a0The Golf R is also with\u00a0\nquad exhaust pipes\n, smoked LED tail lights,\u00a0adaptive bi-xenon front headlights\u00a0with DRLs.   The vanilla Golf R rims are 18\u2033 in size, wrapped with\u00a0\n225/40 BridgeStone Potenzas,\n\u00a0while the 5-door model gets 19\u2033 rims, wrapped in\n\u00a0235/35 BridgeStone Potenzas\n. Both variants have the same rim design called \u201c\nCadiz\n\u201c.\nInterior\n \nThe pricier 5-door variant gets the \nTech Pack\u00a0\nas standard, and adds extra toys like a\u00a012-way electrially adjustable driver\u2019s seat, cruise control, 8\u2033 TFT Touchscreen display with navigation, \nDynamic Chassis Control\n, ECO Function, \nVienna leather seats\n and a panoramic sunroof. Of course, the best part is the Tech Pack also adds another 10 more horses.   Unlike the Golf GTI\u2019s red themed interior, the Golf R has a cooler looking blue theme instead like blue needles for the meters. Other than that, the R has a flat bottomed leather steering wheel and carbon fibre like trim. The Golf R also gets a R leather gear knob and R badged seats.\nPerformance\n Engine wise, both variants are powered by a newly designed 2.0TSI engine producing \n280hp\n\u00a0(290hp with Tech Pack) and \n380Nm \nof torque. Power is transferred to the wheels via a \n6-speed DSG gearbox\n. The Golf R is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in\n 5 seconds\n. When driven flat out, the Golf R will top out at \n250km/h\n.\nAlso new is Volkswagen\u2019s \n4Motion AWD system\n, which is already in its 5th generation. The 4Motion system is capable of splitting torque between front and rear wheels from 10:90 and 90:10. Another addition to the Golf R is the XDS+ differentials up front and behind. The GTI only had the XDS+ diffs up front.\nSafety\n Safety wise, the Golf R scored a full 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. Other than the strong structure, the Golf R keeps the driver and occupants safe with \n7 airbags\n, ABS, EBD, Stability Control and ISOFIX mount. The passenger\u2019s airbag can also be manually disabled, when the need arises.\nWhat else.\n Price starts from\u00a0\nRM245,888\u00a0\nfor the 3-door variant, while the Tech Pack equipped 5-door variant tops out at\u00a0\nRM285,888.\u00a0\nPrices quoted here are without insurance. Like all Volkswagen models, the Golf R also benefits from VGM\u2019s 5-year warranty coverage.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The pandemic and its lockdowns have no doubt changed the way we live in more ways than one. Most, if not all, classes are now conducted online, we rely on Grab to provide dinner and even fishmongers are getting into e-commerce.\nThe dramatic change in circumstances has also affected the way the automotive industry works; everything from sales to after-sales, manufacturing, customer service, and at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the company is looking to ride on the situation and accelerate its digital offense.\nBusiness as usual \u2013 the \nnew Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde\n.\nSpeaking to the \nnew President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n (MBM), Sagree Sardien, and \nHead of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and SEA\n, Michael Jopp, the new CEO relished the current situation and sees it as an opportunity instead to start focussing on different ways to approach various aspects of the business.\n\u201cThe introduction of digital initiatives will be the fundamental gamechanger for the future, on how we interact and transact with our customers. We want to be able to offer end-to-end digital services, which not only includes vehicles sales but also digital after-sales services,\u201d she said.\nBy 2025, Mercedes-Benz aims for 25% of its cars globally to be sold online per year; that\u2019s 1 out of 4 Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold. A tall order but there are already steps being taken locally towards that direction.\nIn January this year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched its first \nvirtual showroom\n to showcase brand new and certified pre-owned vehicles online.\nThe new virtual showroom will not only allow vehicles to view vehicles up close without stepping out of their homes but also check on stock availability based on their area, request quotes and research financing options.\nCycle & Carriage\u2019s Virtual Showroom brings the new Mercedes brand presence online. Check it out here!\n\u201cCustomers want speed and convenience and the lockdown has allowed us to focus on these aspects of digitalisation for a complete peace of mind,\u201d she added.\nMMB\u2019s digital offense may have spiked in the last 18 months due to the pandemic, like most car brands in Malaysia, but it is unlikely that it will be forgotten beyond the pandemic.\n\u201cThe Virtual Showroom looks different now from when it was launched as we have to keep evolving to meet our customer\u2019s needs. There is a wider range of cars listed in the Virtual Showroom, with more details and additional features provided. Recently, we also added the \u201conline chat\u201d function to the Virtual Showroom,\u201d said Jopp.\n\u201cThe end goal is to make a complete online car-buying experience possible. In the future, there will be further improvements made to enhance customer experience,\u201d he added.\nJopp also highlighted the company\u2019s attention towards customer service by adding that most requests submitted via the Virtual Showroom are contacted by sales representatives within an hour.\nCEO Sardien said the company\u2019s accelerated digital efforts are not just for the lockdowns but will extend beyond the pandemic.\n\u201cThe way we market our cars will change in the future. There will be various aspects of the business that will transition to digital. It has to happen; we have to become more efficient, effective, and more customer-centric,\u201d CEO Sardien said.\nIn light of the digital transition, CEO Sardien assured that face-to-face, personal customer experience, and a seamless car-buying experience are still important to the company and that\u2019s where its sales executives and dealerships still have a huge role to play in \u201conline to offline\u201d situations.\n\u201cWe are not merely digitalising our operations but rather using digital as a complementary element to better serve our customers.\u201d"
"Lexus Malaysia has just introduced the all-new \nLexus LS limousine in Malaysia\n. It rides on an all-new platform, new design language as well as new powertrain options. Here are Things You Need To Know about the Lexus LS range:\nA total of three variants are on offer \u2013 LS 500 Luxury, LS 500 Executive and LS 500h Executive \u2013 all fully imported from Japan. The LS 500 range is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 putting out \n415 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The hybrid variant gets a 3.5-litre V6 Multi Stage Hybrid with a combined output of \n354 hp\n. Note that they are all rear-wheel driven.\nPrices for the LS 500 Luxury starts from RM799,000 stretching to RM1.4 million for the LS 500h Executive. There is also an option for the\u00a0\nKiriko\n glassware and Hand-pleated Upholstery for RM98,000.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus LS 500 Executive"
"If you\u2019re like us, your consumption of coffee is probably quite significantly above average. We don\u2019t blame you, coffee is heckin\u2019 delicious. But did you know that coffee generates quite a large amount of waste \u2013 and we\u2019re not just talking about those single-use plastic coffee cups.\u00a0\nDuring the roasting process, a layer of dry skin \u2013 called chaff \u2013 is removed and usually discarded as waste. However, Ford wants to turn the skin into car parts, and have teamed up with McDonald\u2019s to turn their coffee waste into Ford car components.\u00a0\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEwWgnJl6m4\nHere\u2019s how it works: The chaff is heated up to high temperatures under low oxygen, then mixed with plastic and additives to turn it into pellets. These pellets are then formed into various shapes as required.\u00a0\nFord says that the chaff composite meets the quality specifications for parts such as headlamp housings and other interior and under hood components. The resulting components are also about 20% lighter, and require 25% less energy to mold.\u00a0\nFord Senior technical leader, Debbie Mielewski, said that the material is \u201ceven better than what we currently use\u201d in the video above. \u201cNo compromises, it\u2019s better,\u201d she added.\nThis is not the first time Ford has experimented with bio-based materials and agricultural by-products either. The American carmaker was the first to use soybean-based foam for seats and headliners back in 2007, and has since used wheat straw, recycled cotton, rice hull, tomato skin, captured CO2, and even recycled currency for various car components.\u00a0\nThanks Ford and McDonald\u2019s, for making our addiction a little better for the environment. Time for another refill.."
"Just shortly \nafter the Veyron chapter ended\n, Bugatti went on to tease us with its successor, then touted to pack about 1,500 hp and 1,500 Nm of torque. Well, that\u2019s quite the underestimation. Say hello to another record smashing machine \u2013 the Bugatti Chiron.\nNamed after the company\u2019s legendary race driver, the Chiron\u00a0developed from a new carbon fibre monocoque structure. Despite being as stiff as an LMP1 race car, the Chiron weighs close to 2,000 kilograms!   At its heart nestles the same\n\u00a08.0-litre W16 engine\n, but it gets four larger turbochargers (one on each bank) to ram as much as \n60,000 litres of air per minute\n.\u00a0With the assistance of\u00a0a lightweight carbon fibre intake tube, lighter crankshaft, dual-stage turbocharging and a titanium exhaust system, the Chiron is capable of liberating a colossal\n 1,500 hp at 6,700rpm\n with a ludicrous\n\u00a01,600 Nm of torque\n! For comparison purposes, the Veyron had about 1,000 hp and 1,250 Nm of torque.\nTo compliment the Zeus-imbued engine, a gearbox with the strength of Hercules is required. Hence, Buggati fitted a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox \u2013 they claim it\u2019s the largest, highest-performance clutch used on a passenger car \u2013\u00a0that\u00a0sends all the twisting force to all four wheels.\nYou must be itching to know just how mad quick this Chiron is, aren\u2019t you? Well, the new Bug sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \nunder 2.5 seconds\n; 0 to 200 km/h in less than 6.5 seconds and 0 to 298 km/h in under 13.6 seconds. Its top speed? An unbelievable, \ntyre-shredding 418 km/h\n \u2013 outperforming the Veyron by 11 km/h.\n\u00a0\nBraking power is available courtesy of carbon-ceramic brakes, while the integrated air-brakes at the back increases the Chiron\u2019s drag coefficient from a slick 0.35 at top speed to 0.59.\nNew to the Chiron is the \nelectro-mechanical steering system\n, which allows drivers to choose drive modes. \u00a0Bugatti thinks monikers such as \u201cComfort\u201d, \u201cSport\u201d and \u201cRace\u201d are boring,\u00a0hence, they cheekily rename the driving modes as\u00a0\nLift, Auto, Autobahn, Handling\n and \nTop Speed. \nThe system proactively adjusts ride height, shock damping, steering feel, four-wheel drive system and active aids depending on modes selected.   The lift mode increases the Chiron\u2019s height, crucial in manoeuvring over dreadful speed bumps. Auto mode needs no explanation; Autobahn mode optimises high-speed cruising whereas Handling Mode sharpens the car\u2019s suspension. Now, the Chiron can only achieve its top speed when drive mode is flicked into Top Speed. This is activated via a special \u201cspeed key\u201d only.\nJust \n500 units\n\u00a0of the Chiron will ever be made \u2013 50 more than the Veyron, and every unit will be built in\u00a0Bugatti\u2019s headquarters in Mosheim, France. It has a starting price of \n2.4 million Euros (approx RM11 million)\n, and production is expected to be scheduled across a period of eight years or 60 units per year.\nAs a parting advice to some 500 lucky rich customers of the Chiron, we highly hope that these customers will do Bugatti\u2019s finest engineers some justice by driving this car instead of keeping it as a showpiece. That said, we have a funny feeling that Malaysia will see at least two Chirons along the way.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s not just our opinion any more \u2013 the \nFerrari 296 GTB\n is now officially \u2018certified\u2019 as the best-looking production car in 2022, scooping up the win in the Production Car category in the prestigious Car Design Award, which was launched in 1984 by Italian magazine \nAuto&Design\n.\nThe prize-giving ceremony took place on 12 June at the ADI Design Museum, as part of Milan Design Week.\nAccording to the Car Design Award\u2019s website, the accolade is presented to \u201cprojects that have made a significant contribution to the development of car design.\u201d Winners are chosen by an expert jury of 11 journalists from leading international motoring publications, including \nAuto&Design\n itself.\nAs for why the 296 GTB won the award, the jury said: \u201cCreating a form this beautiful and organic whilst still complying with all current regulations and giving the car an incredibly high level of technology and performance, is a truly impressive feat.\n\u201cThe legendary sports prototype racers of the 1960s have informed the Ferrari 296 GTB\u2019s design and the end result is a superb, contemporary interpretation of a classic design language.\u201d\nThe Ferrari 296 GTB is Maranello\u2019s first entry into its new electrified era, and it\u2019s perhaps a good thing it looks so dang good, since keyboard warriors can\u2019t bring themselves to hate it. The 296 GTB takes the form of a two-seater berlinetta, with a hybrid V6 engine behind the driver to make \n830 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n of torque exclusively to the rear wheels.\nOther winners of the 2022 Car Design Award included the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV, which took home the grand prize in the Concept Cars category. The award for the Brand Design Language category, meanwhile, went to Volvo\u2019s high-performance EV arm, \nPolestar\n.\nThe Ferrari 296 GTB is now available here in Malaysia. For the full facts and figures breakdown of the hybrid Prancing Horse, click here."
"A new member has joined the already formidable coalition between BMW Group, tech giants Mobileye and Intel in the development of an autonomous car platform \u2013 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) as reported by \nAutocarUK.\nAutocar UK also stated that FCA will aim to have a hand in current R&D efforts for an all-new platform that will seek to offer up to level five autonomy. The platform is being produced to be scalable, offering level three autonomy in \u2018entry level\u2019 variants for specific scenarios like highway driving. Level five autonomy will see cars controlling themselves in all scenarios.\nAlso reported was that the platform which will be shared by BMW Group and FCA models, will benefit from the software and hardware provided by Intel and Mobileye \u2013 presumably with one playing the brains (Intel) and the other playing the eyes (Mobileye) in the equation.\nThe piece by Autocar also claimed that a fleet of 40 autonomous vehicles will hit the streets before the end of 2017 for testing, where the same would be added to the 100 vehicles that\u2019s currently deployed by both the tech giants.\nDue in 2021, BMW\u2019s autonomous model, the iNext, will offer level 3.5 autonomy utilising an all-electric drivetrain capable of \nover 500 km\n in driving range.\nSouce: \nAutocar UK"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has finally introduced the diesel-powered Land Rover Discovery Sport, nearly a year since the \npetrol-powered Disco Sport\n made its Malaysian debut. At RM450k, the diesel variant is a full RM30k more than its petrol sibling, and that doesn\u2019t include road tax, registration and insurance.\nEquipment levels mirror the 2.0L Si4, but the only difference here lies under the hood \u2013 a \n2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel\n producing \n188 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a \nnine-speed automatic\n transmission. Standard features here include Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response System, seven airbags, Roll Stability Control and Hill Start Assist.\nEvery purchase of the Discovery Sport 2.2L SD4 comes packaged with a \n5-Year or 150,000km\n warranty, including a 5-Year or 80,000km free scheduled maintenance and 3-Year roadside assist, whichever comes first. Those interested in the 5+2 seater SUV can either opt for a 12-month free instalment plan or a cash rebate.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLand Rover Discovery Sport"
"The 2021 Formula 1 season is set to be an exciting one, with a \nwhole set of new rules\n that promises prettier cars, closer racing, and a more even playing field due to the spending cap.\nHowever, as the \ncurrent Formula 1 season is in jeopardy \ndue to the worsening COVID-19 situation, Formula 1 teams are looking to push the scheduled major rule change to 2022, according to a report by \nMotorsport.\nIn a telephone conference this week, team bosses called for the current rules to be continued for one more year, as well as a freeze on the development of key components such as gearbox and chassis.\nNine out of ten teams\n reportedly agreed to the proposal in principle, while Ferrari requested for more time to consider.\nThe proposal is a direct result of the uncertainty of the F1 calendar this year, with the Melbourne and \nShanghai\n races already cancelled. The cancellation directly impacts the financials of the team, as each race \u2013 except Monaco \u2013 pays a host fee to each team.\nAs the teams have already spent a large amount on the development of the 2020 car, team bosses would obviously hope to see that their cars to have a longer working life.\nMcLaren\u2019s 2020 challenger, the\n MCL35 \nWith the originally scheduled 22-race season now shortened, and the number of races left is unclear as of this time, the only solution is to stretch the season out to the next year.\nThe teams will hold a second telephone conference today with Formula 1 bosses Chase Carey and Ross Brawn, along with FIA president Jean Todt to decide if the plan will be feasible moving forward. Ultimately, it will be up to the FIA to make the call on any changes to the regulations."
"Ford has had an interesting start to the second half of the fiscal year with encouraging sales figures and market demand for its local offerings. As the heading suggests, the Ranger pick-up truck is at the fore and leading the charge.\nManaging Director of Ford Malaysia, David Western said, \u201cWe\u2019re pleased that more and more Malaysians are\u00a0being attracted by our class-leading Ranger.\u201d Strong demand has been recorded for the Ranger with\n 699 units\n shifted, while year-to-date sales of the Ranger have jumped\n 22 percent to 5,520 units\n.\nThe recently unveiled \nFord Ranger Wildtrak facelift\nThat being said, the Fiesta and EcoSport denominations have been performing comparatively well in terms of sales figures for the month ending July. Sales of the\u00a0\nFiesta\n model has risen up to \n12 percent\n over the previous month to \n119 units\n.\u00a0Demand for the Fiesta is driven by both its \n1.5-litre Ti-VCT\n and the\n 1.0-litre EcoBoost\n variants.\nThe \nEcoSport\n however has been picking up sales traction in July with \nover 100 units\n flying of the shelf at local Ford dealerships. Speaking of dealerships, Ford has\u00a0plans in the works to invigorate and bolster the appeal of its showrooms toward aspiring potential owners and exciting upcoming models such as the iconic \nMustang\n."
"Aside from introducing the new 3008 with updated driver aids, Peugeot Malaysia also took to stage the new and improved 5008 7-seater SUV. The 5008 Active goes for\n RM166,888 \nwhile the higher spec Allure goes for \nRM179,888\n.\nLike the 3008 SUV Allure Plus, it also gets additional driver aids like Speed Limit Information, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Driver Attention Alert.\nUnderneath the hood of the 5008 is the same 1.6-litre twin-scroll Turbo High Pressure Engine with \n167 hp \nand\n 240 Nm\n. The engine is similarly paired to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. 0 to 100 km/h still take 8.9 seconds with top speed rated at 205 km/h.\nIt also gets added features like a panoramic roof and hands-free tailgate to add to the LED lighting fixtures in the front which includes the turn indicators as well.\nStandard items include 18-inch Detroit alloy rims, automatic headlights, automatic folding side mirrors with heater and a 180-degree reverse camera.\nThe 7-seater also gets the same Black Claudio leather upholstery that\u2019s seen in the updated 3008. Specifically for the 5008 Allure Plus model are features such as 8-way power adjustable seats with memory function, auto dimming rear view mirror, LED mood lighting and while the 3008 may be added with one-touch folding rear seats, they\u2019re standard in the 5008.\nThe 5008 shares the same on-board equipment as the 3008 such as the 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and 8-inch touchscreen display.\nSafety wise, the 5008 gets six airbags, Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Electronic Stability Program among others. As for colour selections, the 5008 is available in Emerald Crystal, Amazonite Gray, Nera Black, Pearl White and Aster Grey.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"From board room to race track, UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s Deputy Chairman and Toyota Gazoo Racing\u2019s (TGR) Chief Motorsports Officer and TGR Vios Challenge racer, Akio Takeyama, will be competing in this weekend\u2019s Sepang 1,000 km endurance race with a Toyota Vios under Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia (Car No.39).\nThe team will be fielding two race cars prepared by Wing Hin Motorsports and competing in the Premier MTC class for modified production cars below 1,600cc. The Vios\u2019 will be powered by TRD race-prepped engines, built in Wing Hin\u2019s own facility in Balakong.\nWing Hin Motorsports Principal Simon Loh is confident the cars will be among the front runners again this year after an impressive showing and podium finish in 2018.\n\u201cWith the valuable data collected from last year\u2019s event, the new parts we have secured through our collaboration with TRD and the immense experience of former Toyota Gazoo Racing development driver Akira Iida who will drive for us this year, I believe that we have the package to be competitive once again this year,\u201d said Loh.\nKnown for his exploits in the Japanese Touring Car scene and having finished the 24-hour Le Mans six times, Akira Iida has been instrumental for Toyota Gazoo Racing in the Japan GT Series.\nHe was played a key role in developing the Toyota 86 for Toyota Motor Corporation\u2019s President Akio Toyoda and his son Daisuke Toyoda to race in the 24-hour Super Endurance Race in Fuji Speedway earlier this year.\nFor this S1K endurance race, Iida will be sharing the driving duties in the Team Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia-liveried Vios with Takeyama and Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge regular William Ho while the second car racing under Team Wing Hin Motorsports banner will feature Boy Wong and Dannies Ng.\nThe approximately 8-hour Sepang 1,000 km race has been the crown jewel of the Malaysian circuit racing calendar with a starting grid of some 70 cars based on production models available in Malaysia.\nParticipants are expected to lap the Sepang International Circuit over 180 times once the race begins around noon on the 23rd of November 2019."
"The return of the Malaysia Championship Series 2021 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) certainly brought delight to plenty of touring car fans with constant racing action in all four races which was broadcasted live on the circuit\u2019s Facebook page.\nIn the Malaysia Touring Car (MTC) category, local motorsport darling and guest co-host at \nAutobuzz.my\n, \nLeona Chin\n drove to victory in Race 1 and Race 4. The final race of the day also saw Leona sharing the podium with two other lady racers- Nurul Husna and Natasha Seatter from Niza Racing who were also racing with a Suzuki Swift. It was also the ladies second podium after two days of racing.\nThe \ndoubleheader\n schedule was quite a challenge to the teams, with the crew from Tedco Racing managing to repair Leona\u2019s Dynapac-liveried Suzuki Swift Sport 1.6 in time for Race 4 after suffering a broken suspension due to contact with 23 Motor\u2019s Honda Jazz in the earlier race.\n\u201cWell, today was a tough race. We were fixing the car from yesterday\u2019s incident to this morning, and we had to fix the car again today (Race 3). We managed to make the car ready and push as hard as we can to get to the podium that we are aiming for. For the next round, I will push harder!\u201d expressed Leona.\nIn Race 1, what seem to be a straightforward drive to victory for the pair of Alif Hamdan and Lai Wee Sing and their Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo was met with a mechanical issue in the last five minutes of the hour-long race.\nCruising at close to a pace that is 20% slower than the usual, the pair of Hamdan and Lai managed to bring their Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo to finish fifth overall in Race 1. They remain unchallenged in their Touring Production category as the sole competitor, which saw them winning the next three races.\nAlthough only four entrants, the Stock Production 1 category with a field of FD2 Honda Civic Type Rs saw constant battles in all four races. Race 1 and Race 4 saw Shazull Hisham and Mohd Syahrizan from Empire M Racing team taking the winners trophy, while Race 2 and 3 see Ken Urata and RWorks taking the top step of the podium.\nFinally, the Stock Production 2 (SP2) category with the largest field of cars with 10 entrants promised plenty of racing action as the majority of the cars are closely matched in both performance and driver skills. At every race, viewers were treated by quality racing and racecraft from the pair of Hayden Haikal/Adam Khalid, Mitchell Cheah/Ady Rahimy, Imran Wafi/Nijay Ayyad and Putera Adam.\nRound 1 saw Mitchell Cheah and Ady Rahimy, both drivers from the Sepang Talent Development Programme, took commanding race wins (Race 1 and 2) in thier black 23 Motor\u2019s Honda Jazz, while Round 2 saw the fortune favouring the pair of Hayden Haikal and Adam Khalid (Race 3 and 4) in their yellow and white BHPetrol Honda Jazz.\nApart from Putera Adam, young racer Ameer Harris is also taking part in MCS 2021, who both are graduates from \nGazoo Racing Young Talent\n Development Programme.\nThe Malaysia Championship Series 2021 will continue with Round 3 and 4 from December 14 th to 16th. The racing action is not taking such a long break though as the \nSepang 1,000 km\n race is scheduled for \nNovember 27th to 29th\n, which sees plenty of names and machinery from the MTC and SP2 categories. The race, lasting eight hours, will be broadcast live on SIC\u2019s \nFacebook\n page.\nMain image credit: Facebook/\nowenleejunhui\n \u2013 \nPhoto specialist at Sepang Circuit\nGALLERY"
"BFGoodrich\n, a Michelin tyre subsidiary, has just updated its on-road tyre offering with the launch of the new Advantage Touring tyres here in Malaysia. Replacing the Advantage T/A Drive, the new tyres are designed for a wide range of vehicle fitments ranging from sedans and SUVs to pick-up trucks, with a total of 67 sizes on offer ranging from 13- to 20-inches.\nThe company says that the new BFGoodrich Advantage Touring tyres are designed with value for money in mind, offering buyers a quieter ride, stable handling and braking, as well as greater fuel efficiency.\nKey features of the BFGoodrich Advantage Touring include a new simplified asymmetric tread design, which is computer-optimised to reduce road noise in the cabin. The tread design \u2013 which are inspired by the brand\u2019s road racing tyres \u2013 also promises improved aesthetics, and more importantly, better handling and braking stability in all conditions thanks to the rigid tread blocks and shoulder.\nThe deep grooves and large tread blocks help improve braking performance particularly in the wet, while the full-depth features also assures that the same performance is maintained throughout the tyre\u2019s life.\nRELATED: BFGoodrich launches Trail-Terrain T/A tyres for SUVs and pickups\nElsewhere, the BFGoodrich Advantage Touring also comes with the \u201cinterlocking band technology\u201d that is designed to reduce friction and heat, resulting in better fuel consumption. The contact patch of the tyres is also said to be specifically designed for markets with \u201csevere heat conditions\u201d, such as Malaysia.\nThe new BFGoodrich Advantage Touring is now available at authorised dealerships across Malaysia. Each tyre also comes with a six-year manufacturer\u2019s warranty, offering buyers extra peace of mind.\nNo pricing information has been provided, but more information on the new BFGoodrich Advantage Touring tyres can be found on the company\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n."
"Following the launch of \nVolvo Car Malaysia\n\u2019s \u2018Online Sales\u2019 platform, Volvo Customers can now browse and purchase Volvo\u2019s pure electric line-up online. Previously only possible for the \nC40 Recharge\n, the online sales platform now includes the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric as well.\nWith the \u2018Online Sales\u2019 platform, customers\u2019 Volvo buying experience will be seamless with several key features:\nCustomers are now able to deal directly with Volvo Car Malaysia through this \u2018Online Sales\u2019 platform;\nThe platform allows customers to purchase their desired Volvo cars through secure payment methods;\nThrough the platform, interested customers will also have visibility on current available stock and price visibility for better clarity; and\nThe platform provides customers with a secure and hassle-free experience when ordering a Volvo car.\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, \u201cSince the introduction of our \u2018Online Sales\u2019 platform, our customers\u2019 journey to owning a Volvo has dramatically improved through transparency and stock availability of our cars. As of today, we are offering our full pure electric line-up on the platform and will look to integrate a broader range of Volvo car models into the platform soon.\u201d\nThe platform\u2019s update also signifies Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s intent of solidifying its position as the leading mover in the e-luxury segment and further providing its customers with the outstanding Swedish luxury experience from the comfort of their own homes. The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric are now available via the e-commerce platform that enables customers to make bookings and payments directly to Volvo Car Malaysia on the company\u2019s official website.\nRELATED: \nVolvo now supports Waze navigation, no phone connection required\nFrom \nMay 1\n to \nJune 30\n, Volvo Car Malaysia is also announcing a series of promotions for all car models. Customers who register their Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric during this period will be entitled to receive a complimentary \nRM7,000\n wallbox voucher and a complimentary first-year Volvo Car Insurance.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EX90 production delayed till 2024 \u2013 Needs more time for development"
"In an effort to streamline marketing costs and boost sales and productivity, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s parent company Daimler is reportedly looking to merge the Mercedes-AMG, Maybach, and G-Wagen sub-brands into a new business group \u2013 and the announcement could be made as early as September at the Munich auto show.\nAccording to \nAutomotive News Europe\n, although the three sub-brands have different target buyers, Daimler\u2019s CEO Ola Kallenius believes they could work better in a single management body as they are all focused on the upper echelon of vehicles and high-margin sales. AMG\u2019s current boss, Philipp Schiemer, is expected to lead the group.\n\u201cStrengthening the sub-brands is an important pillar in the Mercedes-Benz strategy,\u201d a Daimler spokesperson told \nAutomotive News Europe\n\u2018s sister publication,\n Automobilwoche\n. \u201cCurrently, we are in the process of designing it and evaluating the potential in the various areas.\u201d\nAnd while nothing is confirmed just yet, the spokesperson did say that they will \u201cnot only maintain the independence, strong identities and evolved corporate cultures of the individual brands, but also further expand and sharpen them.\u201d\nThe Mercedes-AMG G 63 S is so unique that we just had to include it in our 2019 best driver\u2019s car round-up. Check out the video here!\nIt is still unclear what form of formal corporate structure the new group will take, although sources told \nAutomobile News Europe\n that there are currently no plans to spin it off.\nThis restructuring plan comes during a period of change for Mercedes-Benz. AMG is on the verge of introducing its first electrified performance models (both \nplug-in hybrid\n and full \nEVs\n), while the Maybach brand is also looking to reinvent itself with two new models \u2013 the \nMercedes-Maybach S-Class\n and \nGLS\n \u2013 to better compete against the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce.\nCheck out Mercedes-AMG\u2019s electrification plans here.\nMeanwhile, word on the grapevine is that the G-Wagen will also moving towards the fully-electric route, likely to be dubbed the EQG.\nDespite the restructuring process, though, the new luxury group is unlikely to affect product development in any way that might impact consumers \u2013 at least not from the get go. We\u2019d imagine that this will strictly be a business decision for now, but who knows what the future might hold."
"\u201cThe most interesting segment in the automotive industry at present has three letters: SUV. No other type of car has higher growth figures.\u201d That was a statement issued by Audi AG on the back of their latest efforts in ramping up SUV production.\nCurrently, the Volkswagen subsidiary has four SUVs in its stable: the \nQ2\n, \nQ3\n, \nQ5\n and \nQ7\n. BMW has five, while Mercedes-Benz has seven. The next SUV to be crowned with the four rings will be the flagship \nQ8\n\u00a0(pictured above) that\u2019s set to make its global debut next year. In 2019, Audi will introduce the Q4 compact crossover.\nIn 2016, Audi sold 622,000 units of SUVs, the bulk of which are of the Q5 with 278,968 units. The \nsecond generation Audi Q5\n has yet to make its regional debut, but Audi Malaysia has hinted at a tentative launch date at the final quarter of this year.\nThat means there will be at least two new SUVs to expect from Audi this year, with the Q2 being the first to arrive sometime in the next three months."
"Its a new chapter in Williams Racing\u2019s history as the \nFormula 1\n team announced today that it has been acquired by Dorilton Capital, a private investment firm based in the United States.\nThe sale of the team comes after the storied racing team announced the commencement of a strategic review back in May, which included the search of a new buyer. Despite new ownership, the F1 team will continue to operate under the Williams brand, and has no plans to relocate from the team\u2019s traditional home in Grove.\nFounded by Sir Frank Williams in 1977, Williams is one of the most successful racing teams in the history of Formula 1, with 114 race wins, nine constructors\u2019 championships, and seven drivers\u2019 championships in its trophy cabinet. However, the family-owned team has fell down the pecking order in recent years, ending the 2019 season in last place.\nThe new deal, which received \u201cunanimous support\u201d from the Williams board of directors \u2013 including Sir Frank Williams, will seek to capitalise on the \nrule changes\n planned for the sport in 2022, especially since the team has just signed the Concorde agreement alongside the 9 other teams currently competing, which lays out how the sport will be governed and prize money distributed for the next five years.\nCommenting on the acquisition, Williams Racing deputy team principal Claire Williams said, \u201cWhen we started [the strategic review], we wanted to find a partner who shared the same passion and values, who recognised the team\u2019s potential and who could unlock its power. In Dorilton we know we have found exactly that. People who understand the sport and what it takes to be successful. People who respect the team\u2019s legacy and will do everything to ensure it succeeds in the future.\n\u201cAs a family we have always put our team first. Making the team successful again and protecting our people has been at the heart of this process from start. This may be the end of an era for Williams as a family owned team, but we know it is in good hands. The sale ensures the team\u2019s survival but most importantly will provide a path to success.\u201d\nThe press statement further reads: \u201cDorilton recognises and appreciates the importance of respecting and retaining Williams\u2019 heritage and culture and is committed to maintaining its identity.\u201d\nDorilton Chairman Matthew Savage added, \u201cWe believe we are the ideal partner for the company due to our flexible and patient investment style, which will allow the team to focus on its objective of returning to the front of the grid.\n\u201cWe look forward to working with the Williams team in carrying out a detailed review of the business to determine in which areas new investment should be directed.\u201d\n[Images: \nFormula 1\n]"
"BMW Group Malaysia has just delivered the first units of the MINI Countryman to Thailand for its export programme. Produced at the INOKOM plant in Kulim, Kedah, the new Countryman exported to the Land of Smiles are of the Cooper S variant.\nManaging Director and CEO, BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl said: \u201c\u201cThe INOKOM Corporation plant in Kulim, Kedah, which is a partnership between Sime Darby Berhad and BMW Group Malaysia, are among 30 production sites in 14 countries around the world for the BMW Group and is an important touch point for us in the South East Asian region.\u201d\nThe export initiatives of BMW Group Malaysia in South East Asia are a clear success of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) that promotes intra-ASEAN trade. ATIGA has helped BMW Group in utilising plants in ASEAN more efficiently, providing flexibilities to match its production to the market demands, both for domestic and for export effectively.\nThailand market will be receiving two variants of the MINI Cooper S Countryman \u2013 Standard and Hightrim. Both are equipped with circular LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps and sport leather steering wheel.\nThe lower variant gets Parking Assistant, 18-inch Pair Spoke alloy wheels, Piano Black finish interior trims, Leather Cross Punch Carbon Black sport seats, powered boot and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system.\nThe Hightrim variant gets additional Chrome exterior highlights, rear-view camera, three-spoke MINI Yours sport leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, 19-inch Edged Spoke alloy wheels, heads up display and 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.\nBoth variants are powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, generating\n 192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque. The MINI Cooper S Countryman is priced at THB2,299,000 (RM259k) while the Hightrim retails for THB2,499,000 (RM282k) in Thailand.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda is a little late to the punch at announcing their electrification roadmap, but they\u2019re making it up with an ambitious plan where it aims to launch 30 electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide by 2030, committing to an investment of about 8 trillion yen (approx RM280 billion) on R&D \u2013 yes, trillion with a T.\nThe 30 EVs will include two mid- to large-size EV SUV models (The\n Honda Prologue EV\n and another under the Acura brand) in the North America, currently being developed jointly with General Motors featuring the \nUltium battery technology\n, as well as a \u201ccommercial-use mini-EV model\u201d in Japan, all three of these by 2021. China, meanwhile, will see Honda introduce a total of 10 new EV models by 2027.\nIn the second half of the decade sometime around 2026, Honda will start to adopt its new e: Architecture, which the company says is \u201can EV platform that combines the hardware platform and software platform\u201d. The company will also be using new \u201cnext-generation\u201d solid-state batteries on these new e: Architecture EVs, as it has invested 43 billion Yen (approx. 1.5 billion) into its research and development.\nThe second half of the decade is also when Honda is intending to go full-on EV production mode, to hit its goal of making \ntwo million fully-electric vehicles per year\n by 2030. A key step in achieving that is by making more affordable EV models starting 2027, primarily through its \nrecently-renewed alliance with GM\n, where it intends to bring prices of EVs down to the level of regular petrol-powered cars.\nTo help bring EVs to mass market, Honda will also be implementing dedicated EV production sites in both North America and China, the latter being dedicated EV plants in Guangzhou as well as Wuhan.\nRELATED: Honda opens new world-class wind tunnel facility to further EV development\nBut all of these are just the boring stuff. The real FUN (\ntheir all-caps\n) will come in the form of two sports cars \u2013 a \u201cspecialty\u201d model and a flagship model \u2013 promising the \u201cjoy of driving\u201d to its customers, \u201ceven in the era of electrification\u201d. Could one of these be the\n successor to the Honda NSX\n?\nFrom the image shared by Honda, it seems like the 30 EV models will also include a fully-electric pick-up truck, so there\u2019s certainly plenty to look forward to!\nALSO READ: Sony to develop new EVs with Honda, first model due 2025\nAmong the 8 trillion Yen earmarked for its future strategy, 5 trillion Yen will go specifically towards electrification and software technologies, comprised of approximately 3.5 trillion Yen (approx RM18.1 billion) in R&D and around 1.5 trillion (approx RM50.6 billion) in investments.\nFrom its plans, it seems like Honda is incredibly serious about its ambitions to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050 \u2013 incidentally also the same deadline set by Mazda and Toyota. What an incredibly exciting time we live in!"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), has just teased the imminent launch of the all-new Toyota Rush on their official Facebook page. Based on the teaser image, it is said that seven-seater SUV will make its official appearance on 18 October 2018, one day before the second leg of the \nToyota Vios Challenge happening at MAEPS, Serdang\n.\nThe Rush will rival the \nHonda BR-V\n offering space for seven in a compact package. In Indonesia, the Rush is offered with a 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder D-VVT engine paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, making \n104 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n on tap. Unlike the Honda, drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels.   The third-generation SUV gains styling cues from the larger Fortuner and a more rugged appearance all around. The images shown here is the Indonesia-spec that wears the full TRD Sportivo kit that adds a touch of aggression and sportiness to its appearance.\nIn Indonesia, the Rush is equipped with LED headlamps, 16-inch alloys, automatic climate control, touchscreen head unit, multifunctional steering wheel, eight-speakers, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control as well as seatbelt reminders for all seven seats. If UMWT hopes to compete against the BR-V, they will have to at least offer this much.   The second-generation Toyota Rush has priced just a shade over the RM100k mark in Malaysia, well over the BR-V\u2019s price tag of RM80k to RM87k.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Rush TRD Sportivo Indonesia-spec"
"Kia has now officially unveiled its new logo alongside a new global brand slogan, \u201cMovement that Inspires\u201d, in a fireworks display above the city of Incheon, Seoul. The carmaker says that the new logo signifies its ambitions to become a leader in the industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.\nFirst seen on the \n2019 Kia Imagine concept car\n, the new logo completely moves away from the iconic oval-shaped border that has been the hallmark of the brand\u2019s logo since 1994.\nDesigned to resemble a handwritten signature, Kia claims that the unbroken lines of the logo represents the company\u2019s \u201cmoments of inspiration\u201d, while its symmetry signifies confidence.\u00a0The rising appearance of the logo also supposedly embodies the carmaker\u2019s rising ambitions for the brand and what it offers customers.\nKia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song said, \u201cKia\u2019s new logo represents the company\u2019s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation. The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes.\n\u201cOur new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry,\u201d he added.\n \nThe new logo was unveiled in a pyrotechnics display in the night skies of Incheon, which saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized display.\nAside from outdoing many of the fireworks display on the recent new years celebrations around the world, Kia\u2019s efforts also managed to set a new Guinness World Record for \u2018Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously\u2019.\nThe new logo will be the serve as the driving force for Kia\u2019s new brand strategy, which is set to be announced on the 15th of January. The New Kia Brand Showcase event will further reveal details of its new brand purpose and philosophy, and its application on the brand\u2019s future product line-up.\nThe new brand image is a part of Kia\u2019s \n\u2018Plan S\u2019 long-term business strategy\n, outlining Kia\u2019s ambitions to become a leader in the global car market with a focus on electric vehicles and a broad range of mobility services, tailored to meet the needs and tastes of individuals and local markets.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s only been a little over two years since Proton unveiled the \nfacelifted Saga\n back in 2019, but the national carmaker has announced that they\u2019ve now sold 100,999 units of the updated A-segment sedan.\nFor those counting, that averages to nearly 3,400 units per month \u2013 which in itself is a pretty impressive feat, but even more so when you consider that nearly the entirety of that timeframe is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.\nThe achievement is helped by Proton\u2019s\n sales performance last month\n, which included deliveries of 5,666 units of the Proton Saga. That figure not only bested the Perodua Bezza as the best-selling A-segment sedan in Malaysia, but was also the best-selling model overall in November.\nThe Proton Saga facelift was launched in 2019 with a plethora of upgrades, including a refreshed exterior with modern Proton touches, a new Android-based touchscreen infotainment display, plus a new Hyundai-sourced 4-speed automatic gearbox.\nIts engine, however, is unchanged from before. Under the hood rests the same 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder mill that makes \n95 hp \nand \n120 Nm \nof torque.\nRead our full review of the facelifted 2019 Proton Saga here."
"Isuzu Malaysia today has launched the new 2017 Isuzu MU-X here in MAEPS, Serdang. Available in 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 configuration, the seven-seater has undergone changes in aesthetics, received upgrades for both interior, exterior along with enhanced safety.\nKey upgrades include a new facade in the front with blue spectrum bi-LED projector headlamps, \n6 airbags\n, refined trims on the interior, 18-inch wheels together with the introduction of the new \nHavana Brown colour\n.   Along with the bi-LED projector headlamps, the front end of the new MU-X also comes with LED daytime running lights while the redesigned headlamps also comes with an auto-leveling feature that keeps light projection at an optimum. Provided with front fog lamps, a pair new rear fog lamps are incorporated to complement the LED combination tail lights. Both variants are equipped with the \nPassive Entry & Start (PESS) system\n.\nThe mu-X puts out \n136 hp\n with \n320 Nm of torque\n from the proven 2.5-litre VGS Intercooler Turbo diesel engine. It retains the \u201cShift-on-the-fly\u201d Terrain Command system allowing effortless shifts to 2WD, 4WD High and 4WD Low, providing optimum traction for any given road surface \u2013 a feature not available in the 4\u00d72 variant.   The interior of the MU-X has been visibly improved for comfort and luxury with wooden and \u201csoft-surface\u201d trims at the door and dashboard. More notably, the dash now also comes with a new electroluminescent meter panel (e-LUMAX) with Multi-Information Display (MID). Use of new refined quilt pattern leather, a 6-way electric-adjustable only for the driver seat, automatic air-conditioning and rear vents with speed control for the second and the third row\u00a0are among the creature comforts in the mu-X\u2019s interior.\nIt doesn\u2019t fall short in on-board entertainment as well; you get 8-speakers to accompany the 8-inch touchscreen DVD alongside a fold down monitor for back row passengers. The 4\u00d72 variant would not be provided with the fold down monitor and comes with a 7-inch screen instead. Reverse camera with Parking Guide is available in both variants, alongside 4 reverse sensors.\nNew to the MU-X is the \nHill Descent Control (HDC)\n, allowing smoother and controlled hill descents, as the name suggests. The system which works for both up and downhills, allows the driver to adjust the vehicle speed in accordance with slope conditions, within a speed of 30 km/h or less.\nSafety features have been enhanced with 6 SRS airbags, ABS, Traction Control, ESC, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist.\nThe new Isuzu MU-X is priced at\n RM 176, 640.40 for the 4\u00d72\n and \nRM 183,000.40 for the 4\u00d74\n variant. It will be available in four colours; the new Havana Brown Mica, Silky White Pearl, Titanium Silver and Cosmic Black Mica. It comes with a 5-year Unlimited Mileage warranty which varies according to variants alongside the Isuzu Doctor Mobile 24-hour assistance service.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor has reported strong sales for the first quarter (Q1) of 2021, with over 17,000 units of Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold; representing a 62% increase compared to the first three months of last year.\nUMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cOur momentum started in December when we\u00a0launched the Toyota GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport which stirred the market and set a positive tone for 2021.\u201d\n \nThe bestselling Toyota models were the\n \nToyota Vios\n and the\n Toyota Hilux\n, where the latter continues to lead its segment in terms of sales. The Vios and\n 10-speed Vios GRS \nalso achieved positive sales with around 5,600 units sold since the pair was launched in December 2020.\nAs for the \nGR Yaris hot hatchback\n, most of the 100-odd units allocated for the Malaysian market were booked up within a month of its launch and it\u2019s unlikely that there\u2019ll be more coming through the company. The GR Yaris, \nGR Supra \nand Vios GRS is sold exclusively in GR Garage dealerships.\n \nThe most recently launched \nToyota Corolla Cross\n has been well-received too, according to UMW Toyota. Demand has remained strong for both the 1.8G and 1.8V variants, with locally assembled units available for delivery in Q4 of 2021.\nThe Corolla Cross is powered by the same 1.8-litre engine found in the \nCorolla sedan \nlaunched in\n \nOctober of 2019. Output is rated at 139 hp and 172 Nm to drive the front wheels. Find out what our writer thought about the C-segment SUV \nhere\n."
"After the initial order-taking phase in May, Mercedes-Benz Thailand has officially made the all-new S-Class available for sale. Locally assembled at the Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant (TAAP) in Samut Prakan, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered in the S 350d model in either Exclusive or AMG Premium variants.\nThe price of the flagship limousine from Mercedes-Benz starts at \nTHB6,690,000 (RM860k)\n for the Exclusive variant, while the AMG Premium asks THB500,000 dearer, pricing at \nTHB7,190,000 (RM925k)\n.\nExclusive\nAMG Premium\nBoth variants feature similar feature content, such as Multibeam LED headlamps with adaptive high-beam assist plus, pop-up door handles, panoramic moonroof and soft-closing doors. Interestingly, the \nS 450 4Matic in Indonesia\n gets the Digital Light headlamps which use millions of tiny mirrors to even project images onto the ground. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nOnly the styling of the bumpers and side skirts separates the two, with the AMG Premium getting the namesake design and 20-inch multispoke wheels.\nUnder the bonnet is a \n2.9-litre\n turbocharged six-cylinder \ndiesel \nengine generating outputs of \n286 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque from just 1,200 to 3,200 rpm. Paired to the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, the limousine reaches 100 km/h from standstill in \n6.4 seconds\n.   As for the interior, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Thailand is very well spec-ed. Both variants have the fully-digital instrumentation with the landscape-oriented 12.8-inch OLED central display, fingerprint scanner, Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with 15 speakers, MBUX Entertainment, multi-contour front seats with massaging function and Airbalance package.\nA lot of chrome, wood, soft leather and power represented by the Mercedes-Maybach. More on the super-limousine here!\nWe\u2019ve gone into a lot more detail about the new spaceship-esque MBUX system before, so be sure to check out the full rundown\u00a0\nhere\n.\nThe occupant seated at the left-rear corner meanwhile get to enjoy the one-touch executive reclining seat with footrest, MBUX rear-entertainment system with individual screens plus a rear tablet, wireless headsets, wireless smartphone charger and powered sunblinds. \u00a0\nThe more expensive S 350d AMG Premium variant meanwhile receive AMG-specific items such as sports steering wheel and interior package, exclusive Nappa on dashboard and upholstery that also feature diamond pattern, premium wood trim and MBUX Interior Assistant with Gesture Control.\nAs for safety features, the flagship model is fitted with the full Driving Assistance package that includes Active Distronic cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, active blind-spot assist, active steering assist with hands-off warning and active brake assist with motorbike and pedestrian detection.\nA 360-degree parking camera system is also included.\nWith our neighbours all getting their hands on the all-new S-Class, we\u2019d wager that the new luxury sedan will soon also make its way onto our shores \u2013 so do keep an eye out on AutoBuzz.my as we bring you the latest developments!\nGALLERY\n2021 Mercedes-Benz S 350d (Thailand)\n2021 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4Matic (Indonesia)"
"After a pretty long teaser period, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line has now been launched in Malaysia. Locally assembled (CKD) here in Pekan, Pahang, the new Volkswagen Arteon is priced at \nRM247,671\n, inclusive of the SST exemptions that are valid until the end of the year.\n \nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of exterior updates, the Volkswagen Arteon facelift has been given a very mild makeover, most noticeably on the front fascia where the daytime-running lights now extends into the grille, essentially joining the two headlights together. Round the back, the new fastback sedan has also been given a new set of tail lights with new 3D light graphics.\nThe new Volkswagen Arteon facelift in Malaysia will be dressed exclusively in the R-Line trim, which gets a redesigned front and rear bumpers, alongside a small bootlip spoiler in black. Other exterior styling highlights include:\nLED headlights, tail lights with 3D light signature\nDynamic sequential indicators\n19-inch \u2018Montevideo\u2019 alloy wheels\nR-line badging on front grille, front fender\nExterior colour choices: Lapiz Blue, Oryx White, Deep Black, Pyrite Silver, Manganese Grey\nPERFORMANCE\nThe biggest update for the new Volkswagen Arteon comes in the form of its powertrain. Underneath the hood of the 2021 Arteon R-Line is now a new 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with a significantly higher power output compared to last year\u2019s model.\nEngine: EA888 Gen. 3 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged, petrol\nTransmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission\nDriveline: Front engine, all-wheel drive (4Motion)\nSuspension: Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers\nMax horsepower: 280 hp @ 5,100 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax torque: 350 Nm @ 1,700 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds\nAside from the performance increase, this year\u2019s Volkswagen flagship fastback sedan also gains the 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which works alongside the standard electronic differential lock (XDS) system to provide additional traction especially during corners.\nINTERIOR\nThere aren\u2019t many noticeable changes to the interior of the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon. Just like its \npredecessor\n, the new model still gets all the R-Line niceties, plus pretty much all the range-topping bells and whistles that Volkswagen has to offer, along with a \n563-litre cargo area\n at the back.\n11.7-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster\n9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n360-degree surround view monitor\n700W, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system\n4-way ErgoComfort seats in \u201cCarbon-Style\u201d Nappa leather and R-Line badging\nMemory and massage function for driver seat\nTri-zone automatic climate control\n30-colour ambient lighting\nNew flat-bottomed steering wheel with haptic touch controls and gearshift pedals.\nHandsfree powered tailgate with Easy Close (20-second delayed closing)\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line facelift in Malaysia gains a new rear cross-traffic alert feature, alongside blind-spot alert (Side Assist), and lane departure alert and assist system. Unfortunately, the new Arteon here in Malaysia still does not come equipped with autonomous emergency braking and other advanced driver assistance features.\nOther standard safety equipment include:\nSeven airbags\nElectronic Stability Control (ESC)\nAnti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA)\nHill-hold Control\nProactive Passenger Protection System with Post Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System (cutting the fuel supply, unlocking the doors, and turning on hazard lights)\nActive Bonnet for pedestrian protection\nTyre Pressure Monitoring System\nManouevre braking (automatically applies brakes to prevent collision with detected objects at speeds of up to 10 km/h)\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the new 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line is now available in Malaysia, priced at \nRM247,671\n on the road, without insurance, but inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are valid until the end of the year. The price is a significant increase from its predecessor, but we think that the added performance and standard kit more than makes up for it.\nIncluded in the price is a \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty\n,\n three-year free scheduled maintenance package\n, and \nfive-year roadside assistance\n.\nBookings for the new 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line can be made at the \nVolkswagen eShowroom\n (linked \nhere\n). A representative from the preferred dealership will be in contact to make the necessary arrangements in line with Government SOPs and Volkswagen\u2019s #SafeHands initiative.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen has given us a glimpse of what the new Mk 8 Golf would look like and judging from the drawings, there\u2019s much to be excited about.\nVolkswagen has said that the new Golf\u2019s design would be \u201cmore dynamic than ever\u201d and if you\u2019ve observed the Golf\u2019s evolution since the Mk 6, it\u2019s fairly easy to assume that the new Mk 8 would be an aphrodisiac on wheels.\nFrom the images, there are flashes of the Mk 7 on the front bumper and fender but with blatantly slimmer headlamps, it seems Volkswagen\u2019s design theme has hit the sweet spot between maturity and youthfulness yet again \u2013 a typical character of the Golf that has worked so well in drawing buyers of all ages.\nInside is where the biggest changes lie by far. Like the new generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the Golf will incorporate the instrument cluster and vehicle controls into a single, horizontal screen \u2013 very very cool.\nWith the new display, which Volkswagen says exemplifies their intention for a new \u201cdigital cockpit\u201d, the air con vents have also been redesigned \u2013 from dual central vents to a single strip stretching across the entire dashboard.\nOnce you\u2019re done wiping off your saliva-drenched laptops, do mark your calendars as Volkswagen also announced that the new Mk 8 Golf will make its debut on the \n24th of October\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Most cars as evidently seen these days have had their price effectively reduced since the implementation of \nGoods and Services Tax\n last week on 1 April. Kia too, follows suit, announcing their revised on-the-road price which\u00a0includes road tax and insurance.\nThe price cut ranges from \nRM308 to RM2,088\n. Do refer to the table below for a quick comparison of the prices before and after GST was implemented:\nModel\nVariant\nType\nEngine\nPrice before GST\nPrice after GST\nDifference\nPicanto\n1.2 MT\nCKD\n1,248 cc\nRM 54,888\nRM 54,888\n\u2013\n1.2 AT\nCKD\n1,248 cc\nRM 59,888\nRM 59,888\n\u2013\nRio\n1.4 EX\nCKD\n1,396 cc\nRM 73,888\nRM 73,580\nRM 308\n1.4 SX\nCKD\n1,396 cc\nRM 79,888\nRM 79,080\nRM 808\nCerato\n1.6 Kx\nCKD\n1,591 cc\nRM 89,888\nRM 89,680\nRM 208\n1.6 SX\nCKD\n1,591 cc\nRM 99,888\nRM 99,480\nRM 408\n2.0L\nCKD\n1,591 cc\nRM 118,888\nRM 117,680\nRM 1,208\nOptima K5\n2.0L\nCBU\n1,999 cc\nRM 149,888\nRM 148,000\nRM 1,888\nSportage\n2.0L\nCKD\n1,999 cc\nRM 138,888\nRM 137,800\nRM 1,088\nSorento\n2.4L\nCKD\n2,359 cc\nRM 158,888\nRM 156,800\nRM 2,088\n\u00a0\nThe pricing shown above is only for private ownership in West Malaysia, and are inclusive of registration, road tax and insurance fees. All Kia models come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty programme."
"In marking the end of the line for the Mercedes-AMG G 65, AMG has rolled out an exclusive Final Edition which will be limited to just 65 units worldwide.\nThe G-Class has been at the pinnacle of luxury off-road vehicles since 1979 and has been\u00a0the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz.\nThe Final Edition will come with a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine generating \n630 hp\n with a hypercar-rivaling \n1000 Nm\n, taking just \n5.3 seconds\n to hit a 100 km/h from standstill before topping out at an electronically-limited \n230 km/h\n top speed. Power is transferred to all four wheels with an AMG Speedshift PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission.\nAlong with the twin turbochargers, the AMG also boasts multi-spark ignition with 12 twin-spark ignition units couple with an effective engine management system. The engine bay also sports a carbon fibre/aluminium engine cover for an elevated visual appeal.\nOn the outside, the Final Edition is defined with 21-inch 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels in bronze, sheltering silver brake calipers. The radiator grille with black mesh screen is also painted in matt bronze while running boards and tailpipes are retained in matt black.\nThe Final Edition\u2019s interior dons the designo Exclusive package consisting of designo black nappa leather with seat side bolsters in a carbon fibre look. Also included in the cabin is an AMG Performance flat-bottom steering wheel in black nappa leather. The Seat Comfort package includes multi contour, climatised seats at the front.\nThe Final Edition can be had effective immediately at a starting price of just 310,233 Euros (approx RM 1.5 million)."
"The high demand for SUVs has created a sizable market that has scrambled big brands to grab a portion of the market share. Big brands such as \nBentley\n, \nMaserati\n and even \nLamborghini\n has a SUV in their line-up.\nNow, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has introduced Jaguar\u2019s first ever SUV, the F-Pace in our market. Offered in a sole 3.0-litre supercharged V6 guise, the Jaguar F-Pace will go head to head against other luxury SUVs, such as the \nMaserati Levante\n and \nPorsche Macan\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nJaguar F-Pace 3.0 Supercharged Prestige\nJaguar F-Pace 3.0 R-Sport\nEngine\n2,995cc; Supercharged V6\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n335 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n450 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n5.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM598,800\nRM658,800\nEXTERIOR\nBased on the C-X17 concept, the F-Pace has its design cues taken from Jaguar\u2019s saloon line-up \u2013 the \nXF\n and \nXE\n\u00a0\u2013 with a hint of the \nF-Type\n. The SUV measures at 4,731mm in length, 2,175mm in width, 1,667mm in height and boasts a wheelbase of 2,874mm.\nWith the Prestige model, you get bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, auto-dimming heated powered door mirrors with puddle lights, keyless entry, roof rails, LED combination taillights, dual exhaust finish and a shark fin antenna.   Opt for the R-Sport model, the headlamps feature adaptive Full LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and R-Sport bodykit. Prestige trim rides on \n18-inch 15-spoke silver finish alloys\n while the R-Sports ride on \n20-inch twin five-spoke silver finish alloys\n.\nFor added aggression, customers can opt for the \nBlack Pack\n which paints the radiator grille, door claddings, side power vents and alloy wheels in gloss black as well as R-Sport badges.\nINTERIOR\nJumping inside, the F-Pace is a familiar cabin for those who are accustomed to the brand. Standard equipment on both variants include dual-zone climate control, keyless start, interior lighting, electronically adjustable steering column, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, \n380W 11-speakers Meridian Sound System\n, lockable glovebox, \nelectrically reclining rear seats\n, 508 litres of boot space and a powered tailgate.   For the Prestige trim, the interior comes with 10-way powered front seats with memory function, 8-inch Capacitive Touchscreen, InControl Touch Navigation and analogue dials with 5-inch full colour TFT instrument cluster.\nMoving up to the R-Sport and you get significantly more kit. Additional features include perforated leather seats, 14-way powered front seats with 4-way electric lumbar support and memory function, R-Sport badges around the interior, panoramic sunroof, 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Gesture Control, InControl Touch Navigation Pro and 12.3-inch Instrument Panel Display (similar to Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit).\nFor customers with an active lifestyle, there is the optional \nActivity Key\n which takes shape of a waterproof wristband that acts as the key to lock and unlock the F-Pace. This can be done by simply waving the Activity Key at the Jaguar emblem at the tailgate.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the 1,820kg SUV is a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, sending \n335 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels. Century sprint is done in \n5.8 seconds \nand it sprints all the way to an electronically limited top speed of \n250km/h\n. Thanks to its Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the F-Pace boasts a near perfect \n50:50\n weight distribution.\nFor drivers that wish to take their F-Pace through the road less travelled, Jaguar\u2019s Advanced Drivetrain Technology with \nIntelligent Driveline Dynamics\n will automatically send equal amount of torque to all four wheels to get through any terrain. On normal driving conditions, power is largely sent to the rear with a 10:90 (front to rear) bias.\nThe \nAll Surface Progress Control (ASPC)\n\u00a0works as a low speed (between 3.6 km/h to 30 km/h) cruise control to cope with low traction terrains, allowing the drivers to focus on steering the vehicle. For added confidence, drivers can alter the vehicle dynamics to four driving modes: Eco, Dynamic, Normal and Rain Ice Snow mode via the JaguarDrive Control.\nA bulk of the RM60k premium for the R-Sport is well spent on the \nAdaptive Dynamics system\n that measures body and wheel movement anywhere from 100 to 500 times per second to provide optimum damping at all times. You can also customise your own drivemode through the\u00a0\nConfigurable Dynamics\n\u00a0mode. Lastly the R-Sport is also fitted with Adaptive Surface Response (ASR) that detects the differences in surfaces and adjusts the engine and brake settings for optimal driving.\nSAFETY\nThe F-Pace features six airbags, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), electronic parking brake with brake hold, blind spot monitor, revers traffic detection, power operated child locks and passive front head restraints.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Jaguar F-Pace can be had in \nnine \nexterior shades \u2013 Polaris White, Ultimate Black, Dark Sapphire Blue, Ammonite Grey, British Racing Green, Quartzite, Italian Racing Red, Odyssey Red and Rhodium Silver. Besides that, there are a host of optional extras that customers can specify such as larger alloys to interior stitching.\nAll purchases of the F-Pace come with a 5-Year or 150,00km warranty package with 3-Year Jaguar Roadside Assistance as well as a 5-Year or 65,000km complimentary service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The range-topping S-Class Coup\u00e9 has been revealed by \nMercedes\n, continuing the legacy of V12 power on their flagship Coup\u00e9. Looks like there is still life in the monster engine, as proven by the latest iteration of the \n5,980cc twin-turbo V12\n in this S 65 \nAMG\n Coup\u00e9.\nProducing\n 630hp\n at \n4,800-5,400rpm\n and an insane-sounding \n1000Nm\n of torque at \n2,300-4,300rpm\n, the S65 AMG Coup\u00e9 rockets from \n0-100 km/h\n in \n4.1 seconds\n. Although the \ntop speed\n is still electronically-limited at \n250 km/h\n. Amazingly the \nfuel consumption\n is rated at \n11.9l/100km\n, not too shabby for a 6-litre V12 biturbo coup\u00e9!\nPower is sent to the rear wheels via The \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC\n with three driving modes; Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), and Manual (M) and to promote better fuel efficiency there\u2019s \nECO start/stop\n function. Buyers can opt for a ceramic high-performance composite brakes too if they find the \u201cstandard\u201d brakes insufficient.\nBeing an AMG model, the S 65 AMG Coup\u00e9 is equipped with the \nAMG sports suspension\n in the company of \nROAD SURFACE SCAN\n and \nMAGIC BODY CONTROL\n. Both work together by scanning the road ahead using the stereo camera and prepares the suspension to suit the road surface. There\u2019s also this interesting feature called the \ncurve tilting function\n, which allows the S 65 AMG Coup\u00e9 to\n lean into corners\n like a motorcyclist.   The exterior is quite restrained for a V12 beast, but you can easily identify the additional \nbling\n with the chrome elements on the front grille and lower intakes, on the side skirts, and even on the rear diffuser and the quad-tailpipes. Those 16-spokes\n 20-inch wheels\n are equally-blinged as well, measuring 8.5 x 20 at the front and 9.5 x 20 at the back. They are wrapped in 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 tyres respectively. Chromed \u201cV12 BITURBO\u201d lettering on the front wings will ensure people don\u2019t mistake it as the \u201ccheaper\u201d S 63 AMG Coup\u00e9 that \nonly\n has a 5.5-litre V8 under the bonnet.   Inside, the seats are covered in designo \nAMG Exclusive nappa leather,\n with bespoke \nfront sports seats\n that is said to \u201censure optimal long-distance comfort\u201d available in the \nExclusive package\n. If that\u2019s not enough, the dashboard, door panels, roof liner, and even the roof grab handles are covered in leather in the Exclusive package. Rest of the interior is lavishly-equipped including the three-spoke sports steering with shift paddles, huge high-resolution TFT display for the instrument panel, colour head-up display, touchpad controller integrated into the handrest, and a Burmester\u00ae high-end 3D surround sound system.\nAs expected, the S 65 AMG Coup\u00e9 comes with a host of driving assistance such as the 360 degrees camera, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE\u00ae Brake, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE\u00ae PLUS.\nSales of the new S 65 AMG Coup\u00e9 starts at the end of September, and in Germany it carries a price tag of \n\u20ac244,009.50\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We all have friends (or at least know some) who are wealthy enough to buy really expensive cars and then spend another fortune to turn them into something which stands out in the crowd, though not necessarily better looking than before. Well, Bentley may have something right up their alley, and they don\u2019t need lift a finger except to swipe the black credit card at the dealership.\nRestricted to just \n15 units\n, the Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition celebrates the \nrecord-breaking run at Pikes Peaks\n earlier in the year with a wicked green-black body paint and decal combo akin to the colours of the actual vehicle which completed the historic run.\nThe \nRadium \npaintwork, as it is called, is complemented by a carbon fibre body kit and contrasting gloss black exterior trim on the front bumper, roof, wing mirrors and rear quarters. The Limited Edition rides on \n22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification alloys\n (also in gloss back) and \nPirelli P Zero Colour Edition tyres\n in Radium finish, and you can\u2019t miss those massive brake callipers in Acid Green either. The exterior treatment can be completed with the \noptional \u2018100\u2019 grille\n denoting Bentley\u2019s centenary year.\nThe cabin of the Continental GT Limited Edition expands on the theme with bright green stitching on Alcantara-lined soft trim areas, Pikes Peak treadplates and bespoke B&O speaker covers in black anodised and Radium finish. The steering wheel even features a honeycomb accent and a centre stripe in Radium, just like the race car, and you\u2019ll also find generous applications of carbon fibre on the dash which shows a \ngraphic depicting a section of the Pikes Peak track\n along with the record-setting time of \n10:18.488\n.\nThe powertrain is however left unmolested, understandably so since the 6.0-litre W12 motor already churns out \n626 hp and 900 Nm\n; capable of hauling the 2.2-tonne four-seater coupe from standstill to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and all the way to a top speed of 333 km/h. The premium which the Continental GT Limited Edition commands over the standard W12 Continental GT has yet to be revealed, but Bentley are accepting orders."
"Two months after the debut of the \nall-new 2022 Ranger\n, \nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)\n has now unveiled its SUV brother, the \nFord Everest\n, here in Malaysia. The seven-seater SUV will be offered in three variants: 2WD Sport, 4WD Trend, and 4WD Titanium, starting at a price of RM263,888.\nThe full pricelist is available below.\nBuilt on the same platform as the Ranger, the all-new Ford Everest shares many of the Ranger\u2019s signature design touches, including the C-Clamp LED headlights (Matrix LED on the range-topping Titanium variant) up front, as well as the rugged-looking front grille, featuring a chunky horizontal bar across.\nHowever, taking on the guise of an SUV, the Everest also gets a unique body design, with a model-specific rear-end design headlined by the snazzy full-width LED tail lights. The Everest also gets a slightly elongated wheelbase (+50 mm), which not only helps improve the SUV\u2019s interior space, but also provides better on-road and off-road capabilities, according to Ford.\nOther standard exterior equipment include:\n18- (Trend 4WD) and 20-inch alloy wheels\nRoof rails\nPowered tailgate (Handsfree on the Sport 2WD and and Titanium 4WD)\nUnderbody protection bash plates (Titanium 4WD)\nRELATED: \nFord\u2019s proudest feature on the 2022 Ranger is not what you think it is\nJust like the outside, the dashboard on the all-new 2022 Ford Everest is also pretty much identical to that of the Ranger, headlined by the vertically-oriented central infotainment display, measuring 10.1-inches diagonally on the Sport 2WD and Trend 4WD variants, and 12-inches on the range-topping Titanium 4WD.\nAll variants also get a digital instrument cluster, measuring eight-inches on the lower two variants, and 12.4-inches on the range-topping Titanium 4WD.\nThe Ford Everest comes in a 5+2 seating arrangement, wrapped in leather upholstery across all variants. The range-topping Titanium 4WD variant stands out with its powered folding third-row seats, alongside panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree surround view monitor.\nOther interior equipment highlights include:\nQi wireless charging pad\nPowered front seats\nAutomatic dual-zone climate control with rear blower\nWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nElectronic parking brake\nElectronic gear shifter (Titanium 4WD)\n230V AC outlet, up to 400W (Titanium 4WD)\nThe all-new 2022 Ford Everest will be offered with two powertrain options. The entry-level Sport 2WD will be the sole variant to feature a 2.0-litre single-turbo inline-four diesel mill, offering up to \n170 hp\n and \n405 Nm\n of torque, and paired to a six-speed Automatic gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels.\nThe other two variants get the Bi-Turbo variant of the 2.0-litre engine, bringing outputs up to \n210 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. The Bi-Turbo-equipped variants also get a 10-speed automatic transmission, as well as all-wheel drive as standard \u2013 the latter adjustable with an Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly system.\nSafety wise, only the range-topping Titanium 4WD variant gets the advanced driver assistance suite, which include features such as:\nAdaptive Cruise Control with stop-go functionality\nLane centring assist\nLane departure warning and assist\nAutonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection\nReverse brake assist\nBlind-spot information system\nRear-cross traffic alert\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nActive Park assist\nThe all-new 2022 Ford Everest starts at\n RM263,888\n for the Sport 2WD, moving up to \nRM281,888\n for the Trend 4WD, and \nRM308,888\n for the range-topping Titanium 4WD; all prices are on-the-road, without insurance.\nIncluded in the price is a three-year/100,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty, plus a two-year/60,000 km extended warranty offered locally by SDAC.\nGALLERY"
"BYD\n has approved \nContinental\n\u2018s EcoContact 6 Q tyres to be fitted onto its \nAtto 3\n BEV SUV worldwide. Coming in the size of 18 inches (235/50 R18), the new tyre is claimed by the manufacturer to provide a quiet and energy-saving driving experience. It is also 20 mm wider than the current 215/55R18 Atlas Batman tyres fitted on the Atto 3.\nThese are characteristics especially beneficial for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) such as the Atto 3. You wouldn\u2019t want your quiet EV experience to be ruined just by a set of noisy tyres, do you? Speaking of noise, Continental has also worked together with its developers to improve the tyre tread, which should in turn aid in reducing the tyres\u2019 rolling noise.\nThe tyre manufacturer has also designed a special rubber compound for its EcoContact 6 Q tyres to minimize its energy absorption while the vehicle, which in this case is the BYD Atto 3, is in motion. The reduction in energy absorption is then able to help reduce the tyres\u2019 friction and rolling resistance as well.\nOn top of having short braking distances, Continental has also claimed the EcoContact 6 Q tyres to offer exceptional grip, no matter when the road is dry or wet. This allows the car to have better stability while cornering, even at high speeds.\nHowever, we only recommend you do this safely, and at your own risk. Also, do be mindful of other road users as well when driving. Or even better, bring your car to race tracks like the \nSepang International Circuit\n, where you can test your car and your tyres safely. Safety first, everyone!\nRELATED: \nBYD overtakes Volkswagen as No. 1 brand in China \u2013 440k cars sold in Q1 2023\nAtlas Batman tyres on the BYD Atto 3\nThe Continental EcoContact 6 Q tyres will be replacing the Atlas Batman tyres that previously came factory fitted with the Atto 3. BYD did not provide an explanation for this change, but there could be several possible reasons. There have been complaints that the Atlas Batman tyres were a bit noisy. The \u2018Batman\u2019 name also doesn\u2019t sound so assuring although the comic book equivalent is a hero adored by many.\nWith the announcement of BYD\u2019s approval for the use of the Continental tyres, we may soon start to see BYD Atto 3 cars equipped with the EcoContact 6 Q tyres from the factory. As of now, the BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia is still equipped with the Atlas Batman tyres. Will the new set of tyres increase the retail price of the BYD Atto 3? That has yet to be confirmed.\nRELATED: \nBYD opens 3S centres in Ara Damansara, Glenmarie, Cheras"
"MINI Malaysia has introduced another brand new model to the product lineup, the fully imported Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman. It\u2019s a much longer MINI boasting a unique six-door configuration, and it\u2019s properly equipped as well.\nTwo variants are immediately available beginning today \u2013 the Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman. Priced at RM204k and RM254k respectively, the base Clubman is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, and for RM50k more you get a hotter 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI Cooper Clubman\nMINI Cooper S Clubman\nEngine\n1.5-litre; 3-cylinder turbo\n2.0-litre; 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n136 hp\n192 hp\nMax Torque\n220 Nm\n280 Nm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n9.1 seconds; 205 km/h\n7.1 seconds; 228 km/h\nPrice\nRM203,888\nRM253,888\nThe original Clubman was introduced back in 2007 and was significant longer and wider than the five-door Cooper. The same can be said for this second-generation F54 Clubman; it\u2019s about 4,253mm long (longer than the VW Golf, in fact), 1,800mm wide, 1,441mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,670mm.\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, both Clubman variants benefit from full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. The Cooper Clubman sits on 17-inch Net Spoke Silver alloys, while the Cooper S Clubman rolls on the sportier 18-inch Star Spoke Black wheels. They all come with run-flat tyres as standard.   Differentiating the two is fairly simple, though. The base variant gets a less imposing grille with horizontal slats, as opposed to the honeycomb grille featured on the Cooper S Clubman. What\u2019s interesting are the Air Curtain and Air Breather features which are essentially air ducts built into the wheel arches. These ducts reduce drag and create a smoother, more efficient ride.\nBut what sets this MINI apart from the rest of the model range is the split tailgate. This can also be remotely opened through the foot-activated sensors. Rounding up the exterior are the new horizontal rear lights and LED MINI logos (projected onto the ground) built into the side mirrors.\nINTERIOR\nInside the Clubman is typical MINI: you get a clean dashboard, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with cruise control, a rather minimalistic instrument cluster and a high-resolution infotainment display with audio controls. With MINI Connected, apps such as Spotify and GoPro can all be installed to the onboard system. Below that are the controls for the \ndual-zone air conditioning\n (standard for both variants) and rocker switch push-start ignition.   MINI made it a point to stress on the Clubman\u2019s lower seating position which was achieved by removing the handbrake lever and substituting it with electric parking brake. Of course, there were several other tweaks made in order to do that, and both front seats are now electrically powered, but only for the more expensive variant.\nThe seats in the Cooper Clubman are wrapped in dual-tone fabric (MINI calls it Cloth Firework Carbon Black upholstery) with contrast stitching, whereas the Cooper S Clubman receives a much swankier Pure Burgundy leather upholstery. The latter also gets paddle shifters and John Cooper Works leather steering wheel.\nThere\u2019s 360 litres of cargo space at the back, but the good news is the rear bench has a 40:20:40 split configuration. If they\u2019re folded flat, up to \n1,250 litres of space\n can be freed.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned earlier, you can have your Clubman in two flavours; a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre engine. The former is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine (same as that in the \n3-Series facelift\n) packing \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s paired to a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n driving the front wheels, propelling it from nought to 100km/h in \n9.1 seconds\n. Top speed is rated at \n205km/h\n, and the combined fuel consumption is claimed to be \n5.4 litres per 100km\n.\nThe Cooper S Clubman is powered by the larger \n2.0-litre four-cylinder engine\n, also \nturbocharged\n to make \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint is managed a full two seconds quicker at \n7.1 seconds\n before maxing out at\n 228km/h\n. However, this variant is the only Clubman to get an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission (also front-wheel drive), which lends its hand in achieving an impressive fuel economy of \n5.9 litres per 100km\n. This is also because the Aisin-sourced gearbox can \u2018declutch\u2019 at speeds between 50km/h to 160km/h, and remain that way so long as the driver\u2019s foot is off the gas.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety systems here include ABS with EBD, Cornering Brake Control, Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Fading Brake Support and Dynamic Traction Control. Exclusive to the Cooper S Clubman is a feature called Performance Control which supports the car\u2019s cornering ability threshold.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Clubman comes in an array of colours, including two new shades called Melting Silver and Pure Burgundy. However, the Thunder Grey shade you see in the gallery below (complete with genuine MINI accessories) is reserved solely for the Cooper S Clubman. And if you fancy, both variants can be accessorised to your own taste.\nJust like any other MINIs, each purchase of the Clubman comes with a \n4-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n programme with \nfree scheduled service\n. Again, pricing for the base Clubman is \nRM203,888\n and\n RM253,888\n for the Cooper S Clubman. Both prices are OTR but exclude insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 MINI Cooper S Clubman   2016 MINI Cooper Clubman"
"One of the earliest car launches in 2018 was none other than the \nsecond-generation Volvo XC60\n. GC Mah was given the keys to the Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV (CBU) and here is what he thinks of the \n2018 World Car of the Year\n.\nInitial batches of the XC60 are fully imported from Sweden and is available in the sole T8 Inscription Plus variant priced at an unfavourable RM373,888 after all applicable duties. However, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) will soon be introducing the \nlocally-assembled (CKD) variants\n of the XC60, three in fact \u2013 the T5, T8 Inscription and T8 Inscription Plus.\nThe T5 is priced at RM298,888, T8 Inscription at RM333,888 and T8 Inscription Plus at RM343,888. Spec for spec, the T8 Inscription Plus CKD is RM30k cheaper and only loses out on the Air Suspension as well as some interior trim options.\nPowered by a 2.0-litre Twin Charged (turbocharged and supercharged) four-cylinder petrol engine that is boosted by an electric motor, the XC60 T8 Inscription Plus belts out\u00a0\n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque. The petrol engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor propels the rear axle, effectively making the XC60 T8 all-wheel drive. Century sprint on this 2.1 tonne SUV takes a blistering\u00a0\n5.3 seconds\n and top speed is capped at 230 km/h."
"No, we don\u2019t mean the \nmodern-day reborn Countach\n \u2013 that we already know. But according to a teaser video posted on Lamborghini\u2019s social media channel, it seems that the company isn\u2019t quite done with celebrating the Countach\u2019s 50th anniversary just yet.\nCan you keep a secret? Because we have some exciting news for you. \npic.twitter.com/GvTLwI13nY\n\u2014 Lamborghini (@Lamborghini) \nSeptember 13, 2021\n \nThe teaser consists of a video showing Lamborghini\u2019s own interior \u201c\ntakumis\n\u201d (or perhaps \u201c\nmaestros\n\u201c?) cutting out and piecing together pieces of leather, crafting what looks like the bucket seats and interior trims of the iconic Countach LP500 Prototype that first made its debut at the 1971 Geneva motor show.\nSo what\u2019s actually happening here? Well, based on the text at the end of the teaser that reads \u201c50 years ago it paved the road to the future. Now it\u2019s back on the road,\u201d we\u2019re fairly convinced that Lamborghini is indeed resurrecting the Countach LP500 one way or another.\nThe Lamborghini Countach has been reincarnated to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Check out the modern-day creation here!\nThe most logical way to go about that would be a special one-off restoration through Lamborghini\u2019s Polo Storico heritage division.\nHowever, the original prototype that made its appearance on the Geneva show floor was actually used as a test mule following its public showing, and was \nlater retired in 1974\n after being used in a crash test for the homologation of the production version.\nSince it\u2019s been scrapped, a restoration project is pretty much out of the picture. That leaves us with one more possibility \u2013 actually recreating the original LP500 Concept, piece by piece down to the original V12 engine.\nIt\u2019ll be a huge undertaking, but at least, it\u2019ll be a fitting homage to one of the brand\u2019s most iconic models of all time \u2013 perhaps even more so than the Aventador-based modern-day creation. Either way, we can\u2019t wait to see what Lamborghini has in store!"
"The \nHaval H6\n is one of \nGreat Wall Motor\u2019s (GWM)\n models that has been said to be coming to Malaysia very soon. However, as of now, the car has not been officially launched just yet. But you probably already had the chance of seeing, touching, and even test-driving the car at the recently held \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n. Lucky for us, we were given an opportunity by GWM to test drive the car itself at GWM\u2019s \nnewly launched USJ 4S centre\n. Allow us to share with you our first impressions of the Haval H6 HEV.\nPrecisely, the Haval H6 we test-drove was the hybrid variant, or HEV, as GWM officially calls it. This is also probably the only variant that will be brought into the Malaysian market.\nExterior design \u2013 It actually looks decently handsome!\nThe name \nHaval\n might not be the most desirable-sounding car brand in the world. But putting my bias aside, I have to admit that the Haval H6 actually looks decently handsome.\nDespite being a C-segment SUV, the car in the flesh looked bigger than I expected. That\u2019s because it is indeed bigger than many of its competitors. Measuring \n4,683 mm\n long, \n1,886 mm\n wide, and \n1,724 mm\n tall, with a \n2,738 mm\n wheelbase underpinning it, the Haval H6 is generally larger than the \nMazda CX-5\n, and \nHonda CRV\n, and is just about the same size as the \nNissan X-trail\n.\nRELATED: \nHaval H6 HEV previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 \u2013 Hybrid X70 rival?\nAt the front of the Haval H6 is a grille that looks heavily inspired by \nMercedes Benz\n\u2019s\n diamond grille design, which I like. Together with its slim LED headlights, the SUV looks grand and with a couple of hints of premium.\nWith the market full of cars with dual-tone rims nowadays, I am also quite a fan of the 19-inch all-black wheels the Haval H6 is wearing, giving the car an expensive and sporty look. Looking at the rear of the Haval H6, which is my favourite side of the hybrid SUV, its design in some way actually reminds me of cars like the \nRange Rover Evoque\n and fourth-generation \nKia Sportage\n.\nThe rear lights are positioned a bit high up, reminding me of the \nProton X70\n and Mazda CX-5. Unique design bits that caught my eye are the tail lights that run across the rear of the car, as well as the uniquely designed third brake lights.\nDriving experience \u2013 Smooth and comfortable, while packing quite a punch\nHopping into the Haval H6 and driving it for the first time, I immediately felt how comfortable the car was. To start, the suspension fitted to this SUV is soft and comfortable, delivering a comfortable and refined driving and riding experience. Not only that, the car feels refined as well no matter when going through smooth or rough road surfaces, or even potholes (as long as they are not too big.), reminding me a lot of the Proton X70.\nSoundproofing on the Haval H6 is also done well, blocking out noises from the outside, as well as the engine bay. Under the hood of the Haval H6 HEV is a mild hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).\nWith power sent to the front wheels only, the engine itself makes \n150 hp \n(metric) and \n230 Nm\n, while the DHT itself makes \n177 hp\n (metric) and \n300 Nm\n. As a result, power delivery is smooth, direct and seamless. The hybrid system is so seamless and refined that I for a moment forgot that I was driving a hybrid car, as the transition between pure electric mode and when the engine kicked in was done in a quiet and drama-free manner.\nThe car is also rather eager in providing power when I demanded it, as it accelerates and charges forward pretty \u2018violently\u2019, considering the fact that it is primarily a family car. Therefore, you will not need to worry when doing overtaking manoeuvres during your \nbalik kampung\n or long-distance trips, as the car packs more punch than you would need.\nThe only thing I disliked when driving the Haval H6 was its steering feel and feedback. The steering can feel a little too light and even numb at times, leaving me desiring more feedback from the wheels when driving through corners and bends.\nHowever, the plus side to this is that the Haval H6\u2019s steering is very easy to manoeuvre. This makes the Haval H6 an easily operational vehicle, making it easy for most drivers to get used to the car.\nRELATED: \nOra Good Cat now available in Pistachio Green, with quirky \u2018paw\u2019 design\nInterior \u2013 Great build quality, could use better materials\nThe Haval H6\u2019s interior is essentially well made, featuring a modern and simple, yet tastefully done design. Lots of soft plastics can be found in the car, making it feel more premium than its segment suggests.\nThe climate control buttons and the gear selector dials also deliver decent feedback. However, a huge portion of the centre console and the door trim is finished with piano black plastic surfaces, creating a huge fingerprint and scratch magnet. For context, the test drive unit GWM provided us already had its centre console severely scratched.\nThe leatherette seats are also plush and soft, just like many Chinese cars (\nGeely\n-based \nProton\ns\n included), providing a comfortable seating experience. But I doubt these seats are able to hold me well if I am to chuck it through curvy roads in Genting for instance. Yet again, this is a family car first, and comfort is one of the most important factors, proving that GWM has made the right choice.\nConclusion \u2013 A potentially popular car if the price is right\nLike the title of this first impression article, the Haval H6 HEV is indeed an SUV that packs a punch. It looks decent and drives pretty well too. The powerful mild hybrid powertrain is certainly a nice bonus for this family SUV. It now all comes down to the sticker price GWM is planning to stick to the car, which I think will be an important factor that will determine the Haval H6 HEV\u2019s fate in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nHaval Jolion previewed in Malaysia \u2013 Hybrid B-segment SUV to launch in 2023\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled the Vision EQ Silver Arrow \u2013 a one-seater vehicle that pays tribute to the successful record-breaking W125 car from 1937.\nThe electric vehicle is capable of pumping out 550 kW (\n750 hp\n) with a thin rechargeable battery in the underbody. It has a useable capacity of approximately 80 kWh, and a pure electric range of 400 km. And because of how silent it will be, the car can imitate the sound of the current Formula 1 car or even a Mercedes-AMG V8 engine.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/30150934/mb_180825_vision_eq_silver_arrow_showcar_footage.mp4\nIts carbon fibre body measures 5.3 metres long but just one metre high, with multiple layers of paintwork in alubeam silver to appear like liquid metal over the top.\nThe Vision EQ Silver Arrow is also fitted with a carbon fibre front splitter, as well as the continuous lighting strip at the front. The coolest bit of the Vision EQ though, has to be the lighting strip with a large and illuminated EQ lettering.\nGet this; the mesmerising wheels are made up of\u00a0168 spokes per piece from lightweight aluminium with non-rotating hub caps \u2013 much like those on a Rolls-Royce. They\u2019re painted in rose gold as is typical for the EQ brand and wrapped in Pirelli tyres, with a star pattern on the tread!\nElsewhere, the side air vents help to cool the battery. At the back, it\u2019s got a rear diffuser with dual extendable rear spoilers that act as air brakes by increasing the wind resistance when deceleration is desired.\nInside is a whole different story, it looks like a cross-breed between a single seater powerboat and a luxurious yacht. It\u2019s covered in polished aluminium, suede, saddle brown leather but what I find most appealing is the solid walnut wood with darker coniferous wood pinstripes on the floor of the car.\nGranted, it\u2019s a concept but you can\u2019t help but wonder what it\u2019d be like driving with a panoramic display ahead of you, with a touchscreen display integrated into the steering wheel that looks straight out of a Formula 1 car!\nThe attention to detail is so mad that the seat, with a four-point harness, even comes with stars \u201cengraved\u201d on it using lasers.\nOn the other hand, modern, high-tech solutions such as the large projection surface for the panoramic screen and innovative user experience solutions such as the virtual race option (see below) represent the EQ\u2019s typically visionary character. This contrast is an intentional merging of past and future.\nHere\u2019s something that will blow your mind; with artificial intelligence, you can engage in a virtual race against historical or present-day Silver Arrow racing cars.\nA virtual racetrack will be projected on the panoramic screen where the driver can see his/her opponent either ahead or behind them as a \u201cghost\u201d.\u00a0The Virtual Race Coach assistance function helps you become a better driver by giving instructions during the race.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has reached an agreement with its retail partners to implement the agency model in the country. The agency model is expected to be implemented in \nSeptember\n \n2023\n and will make Malaysia the first nation in the South East Asia region to do so.\nThe company said this new business model is aimed to help meet the evolving needs of its customers in the digital era. When implemented, the agency model will provide customers with more freedom to choose from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s national stock, regardless of their location or channel.\nNot only that, customers can also conveniently switch between and even combine the different contact points within Mercedes-Benz\u2019s network to exchange ideas with product experts in their respective authorised dealerships, obtain information, or even conclude their purchase contracts directly online.\nWith the new agency model, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s retail partners will still continue to serve as brand representatives. Their role as product experts and brand ambassadors will be maintained to serve their customers in their respective retail networks.\nMercedes-Benz\u2019s customers can also continue to benefit from a range of services at retail outlets, including vehicle sales and financing options, maintenance and repair services, genuine parts availability, as well as warranty support.\nRELATED: \nNot only taking our jobs, ChatGPT is now in Mercedes-Benz\u2019s voice control system\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO & President, Sagree Sardien said, \u201cWe are excited to share a major milestone in our mission to strengthen customer loyalty for the Mercedes-Benz brand. Through a close partnership with our esteemed retail partners, we will jointly embark in taking the next step towards revolutionizing our sales model.\n\u201cAs the first in the region to implement the agency model for the brand, we are confident that this transformative leap will further enhance our brand\u2019s presence and deliver an exceptional customer experience. Together, we look forward to an exciting journey in redefining automotive sales in a highly digital & technological era,\u201d Sardien added.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia Sales & Marketing Vice President, Bettina Plangger also said, \u201cThis progress is driven by changes in customer behavior in the digital age. We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to interact with us. It doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s digital or physical. The agency model supports us in seamlessly connecting all contact points.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ from RM510k \u2013 421hp, 500Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.9 secs"
"Polestar, Volvo\u2019s official performance division have finally introduced an entire range of new performance parts for the S60, V60, XC60 and V40 models. The Polestar Performance Parts include extensively engineered exhaust and chassis parts, including exterior and interior styling tweaks.\nThese performance parts are \nco-developed with Cyan Racing\n and designed under Polestar\u2019s \u201cMade to Perform\u201d philosophy, fully utilising the company\u2019s \n20-year motorsport experience\n. These parts can be purchased as a complete package or separately, but Volvo and Polestar both said the former, together with Polestar Performance Optimisation will work in tandem to create a more compelling driving experience.   Polestar\u2019s R&D Director Henrik Fries said, \u201cWhat we learned at the circuit with our colleagues at Cyan Racing is that championships aren\u2019t won in a single lap. The secret of our success is in creating balanced and precise cars that are predictable for the driver to control in all situations\u201d.\nThese parts will be available at all participating dealerships, although prices have yet to be announced. It\u2019s also presently unclear if Malaysia will be one of the Polestar recipients, but as the second country (and the only one outside of Sweden) in the world to \nassemble the new XC90\n, there might just be a high chance for Volvo owners to finally take on the likes of Germany\u2019s M and AMG models.\nMore details on these performance parts will surface soon, so stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Exactly 50 years ago today (30 May 1967), Mazda launched their first ever sports car, the Mazda Cosmo Sport. It was also the world\u2019s first car powered by a twin-rotor Wankel engine.\nMost of us know the two-seater Cosmo as the 110S, whose very foundation led to the creation of legends such as the \nMX-5\n and RX-7 despite building just 1,176 units. Before Mazda had the Cosmo, they predominantly built trucks and small cars.   As one of the world\u2019s leading engineers/developers of the rotary engine, Mazda\u2019s commitment was generously rewarded when they went on to build close to 2 million rotary-powered cars. They also achieved considerable racing success when the RX-7 wiped the floor clean at the International Motor Sport Association events throughout the 1980s.\nThe biggest breakthrough however came in 1991 when the Mazda 787B won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was powered by a 2.6-litre four-rotor engine producing close to 700 hp and became the only non-reciprocating engine to ever win the iconic endurance race. Mazda also became the first Asian brand to win at Le Mans.\nBut what sort of benefits did the Mazda Cosmo bring to the existing Skyactiv engines? For one, it set in stone the brand\u2019s tradition of innovation, like for instance overcoming the conventional barriers in developing extremely high compression gasoline engines (14.0:1!) and making cars fun to drive at the same time.\nIf you think this is all fluff, remember, \nMazda is the only car brand that needs not cheat to get past emissions regulators\n. Happy 50th birthday, Cosmo. We hope the lads at Hiroshima are hard at work realising the \nnext-generation Skyactiv-R engines\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"These stunts will never get old, would it? In fact the \u201cDavid vs Goliath\u201d effect might never lose it lustre \u2013 we\u2019ll never get bored of seeing the little ones overcome the mighty.\nProving that MINI is just in the name, BMW Group in collaboration with Lufthansa flexed the muscles of the first ever electric-powered MINI, the Cooper SE, in their latest publicity stunt \u2013 towing a 150-tonne Boeing 777 freight aircraft.\n \nThe MINI Cooper SE will go into production by November 2019 and is only the second purely electric vehicle after the BMW i3.\nThe new electric MINI is said to share the same powertrain as the BMW i3, with around \n170 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a slight dip from the\n BMW i3s recently launched in Malaysia\n."
"MINI Malaysia has just introduced the New MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, the first Plug-In Hybrid variant of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) range from MINI.\nMr. Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Malaysia said, \u201cThe versatile premium SAV was crucial in adding to the story of our record breaking performance of 1,011 vehicles delivered last year which was a positive 12% growth over 2016 where we delivered 902 vehicles. T\nhe New MINI Countryman also achieved a top 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.\u201d\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid\nEngine\n1.5-litre turbo 3-cylinder + electric motor\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n224 hp\nMax Torque\n385 Nm\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM 255,888.00\nBeing the first MINI of its kind, the new Countryman Plug-In Hybrid\u2019s front wheel is driven by the engine while the back is powered by an electric motor, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It produces \n224 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque, the highest in the MINI model range. \nIt goes from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.8 seconds, before topping out at 198 km/h with fuel consumption rated at an impressive 2.1 litres/100km of fuel. It also offers an all-electric driving range of up to \n42 km\n with a maximum speed of up to 120 km/h.   The New MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid can be charged at home by connecting it to a power socket via the Home Charging Cable for approx.\n 5 hours\n (230V), depending on the voltage, or at one of \n270 public charging facilities across Malaysia\n for approx. three hours (230V), depending on the voltage of the public charging station.\nThe new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid also features an \neDrive button\n to allow drivers to choose between different electric drive modes: the standard \nAUTO eDrive mode\n, the purely electric \nMAX eDrive mode\n, and the \nSAVE BATTERY mode\n, in which charging status of the high-voltage battery is maintained at a constant level. \nWith the MINI eALL4 system, the MAX eDrive mode ensure optimum traction is delivered by activating rear wheel drive, the SAVE BATTERY mode activates front wheel drive, and the AUTO eDRIVE mode with eBoost will activate four wheel drive.\nThe new Countryman can be distinguished with the model-specific \u201ce\u201d badge on the side scuttles and yellow \u201cS\u201d in the model inscription on the rear. It also sports a distinct radiator grille and door sill finishes. An ALL4 exterior bodykit and 19-inch MINI Yours Masterpiece wheels complete the exterior.\nInside, the New MINI Countryman features a MINI Yours Walknappa Leather Steering Wheel. T\nhe MINI Centre Instrument is occupied by a 6.5-inch Touch Screen Display that supports multi-touch with pinch to zoom-in functionality for maps and typing.   The new MINI Countryman is offered in Chili Red, British Racing Green, Thunder Grey, Light White along with Melting Silver with Black Roof and Island Blue with White Roof combinations.\nTo reward owners of the New MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, MINI Malaysia will also reward new owners of the Countryman Plug-in Hybrid with the ChargeNow offering bundled with the MINI Public Charging Cables as well as a \n1-Year free subscription of unlimited charging\n at all 270 ChargeEV stations.\nThe new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is covered by MINI Malaysia\u2019s 5-Years Roadside Assistance programme, available for all new MINI vehicles with a comprehensive list of services. \nThey include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On-the-Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services over 200KM from residential home, a replacement vehicle, Seamless Mobility, accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as repatriation services.\nAdditionally, the new plug-in hybrid variant of the MINI Countryman is offered with a battery warranty that is \nvalid for six years or up to 100,000 km\n.\u00a0\nThe MINI Roadside Assistance program can be accessed by contacting 1800-88-8808.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n MINI Countryman PHEV is MINI\u2019s first and only hybrid offering"
"It\u2019s probably fair to pass the \nall-new Isuzu D-Max\n off as nothing less than impressive.\nAfter soldiering for nearly a decade with a platform that should be in a museum than on a production line, the 3rd-generation D-Max has finally burst out of its cocoon and emerged as a beautiful butterfly.\nThe work that has gone into the new D-Max goes beyond its handsome new facade. It rides on a strengthened, more rigid and improved chassis with better brakes, equipped with modern amenities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a more sophisticated interior design with improved NVH.\nBetter yet, the new D-Max is also equipped with a Blind-spot Monitoring System and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert for the first time ever.\nIt\u2019s safe to assume that Isuzu isn\u2019t contented anymore with their D-Max being labelled as nothing more than a workhorse; seeing as the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton, for example, are more \u201cfamily-friendly\u201d than ever.\nHere\u2019s the thing, when it arrives in Australia next year, it would have to be equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) \u2013 a requirement of Australia\u2019s testing body \u2013 if it were to be in contention for a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.\nWith that, local auto site \nCarsGuide\n reported that the Australian-spec D-Max is expected to be fitted with the system \u2013 something Malaysian car buyers seem to place increasing emphasis on.\nShould the new D-Max arrive in Malaysia with AEB, the question then would be, would buyers be willing to pay the price?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Although the second-generation Mazda CX-9 was officially launched in Malaysia in \nNovember 2017\n, the flagship seven-seater SUV was already available (in very limited units) in late 2016 due to customer requests.\nWhile we loved every bit of the \nAustralian-spec CX-9 2.5L SkyActiv Turbo 2WD,\n\u00a0the Malaysian-spec with All-Wheel-Drive, G-Vectoring Control and full Adaptive LED headlamps is the one Eu Jin thinks is a worthy pick over other premium brands in the sub RM300k price category.\nPowered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged SkyActiv petrol engine, the CX-9 packs \n227 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission.\nSome would lambast Bermaz Motors for the CX-9\u2019s price tag but do remember this is a fully-imported SUV that is positioned to be the Japanese marque\u2019s flagship vehicle. So, if you had RM300k, what would be your pick?"
"The highly-anticipated \nall-new Mazda 3\n is finally here and although prices may seem steep, as both the hatchback and sedan models are fully imported, the price range between \nRM139k to RM160k\n would be a real test between what is sensible and what the heart wants.\nThe microscope would no doubt be on the 1.5-litre models, as most would probably opt for them so it\u2019s going to be interesting to see how competent the engine would be as the Mazda 3 isn\u2019t exactly light \u2013 weighing just under 1.4 tonnes.\n \nWhat do you think boys and girls? Can inexplicable beauty and abject desire trump logic? Is it worth spending RM139k on a car that don\u2019t even come with leather seats?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"PT Honda Prospect Motor Indonesia (Honda Indonesia) has just announced the launch date of the all-new Honda BR-V multi-purpose seven-seater SUV via a digital world premiere on September 21st.\nThe company has been communicating the new model since May via the premiere of the \nHonda N7X Concept\n. While it is not mentioned to replace the Honda BR-V, many motoring sites from Indonesia strongly believed the Honda N7X Concept would lead to the all-new Honda BR-V.\nJudging by the size of the vehicle during a \nroadshow\n as well as \ninformation from multiple sources\n, it is now an open secret that Indonesia will be presenting the all-new second-generation Honda BR-V as soon as next week.\nProduction is reportedly to only begin closer to the \nend of the year\n, with the schedule for Malaysia unconfirmed as Honda Malaysia only \nrestarted full operations\n less than a month ago with plenty of catching up to do.\nThe all-new Honda BR-V is said to continue to soldier on with the proven 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with outputs of \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n and paired to a slick CVT transmission. Let\u2019s hope the cabin quality has improved, as the Honda BR-V was thoroughly beaten by the Mitsubishi Xpander when compared side-by-side. \u00a0\nWatch our compact 7-seater review of the Mitsubishi Xpander vs the Honda BR-V here!\nA patent filing also revealed that the all-new model is said to be equipped with some features from the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, which is thoroughly welcomed given the \ncurrent model\n\u2019s basic safety features of just two airbags and electronic stability control (VSA).\nHonda Indonesia will broadcast the digital world premiere on September 21st via their YouTube channel \nhere\n and the programme is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. Kuala Lumpur time."
"As if the world hasn\u2019t had enough of crazy fast SUVs yet, Lamborghini has just unveiled a hot Performante derivative of its wildly-popular \nUrus\n super SUV, promising to raise the bar on its high-riding supremacy.\nThe lunacy starts off with the powertrain, with the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine gaining 13 hp in this configuration, now making a devilish \n666 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n. Power is sent to the ground via an upgraded differential and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and all of that means the super-super SUV can now reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n3.3 seconds\n, 200 km/h in 11.5 seconds, and a top speed of \n306 km/h\n.\nBut power alone isn\u2019t what helped the Lamborghini Urus Performante smash the \nPikes Peak SUV hill climb record\n. It\u2019s now got a new set of steel springs, which also lowers the SUV by 20 mm, a new set of 23-inch wheels wrapped in Urus Performante-specific Pirelli Trofeo R rubber, and a serious weight-loss regime which saw the Urus drop as much as 47 kg of fat.\nThe weight reduction is achieved by generous usage of carbon fibre, most noticeably on the bonnet and (optionally) roof, both of which can be optioned without paint to show off its shiny new bodywork. In fact, Lamborghini says that the Urus Performante utilises more carbon fibre in its construction than any other vehicle in its class.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini Urus makes history as the company\u2019s best-selling model of all time\nCarbon fibre is also used on basically all aerodynamic appendages on the outside, including the rear diffuser and aggressive roof spoiler at the back \u2013 the latter provides 38% more downforce than the basic spoiler on the regular-spec Urus. Overall, downforce on the Lamborghini Urus Performante has increased by 8%.\nNew vents and air inlets all around the exterior help improve the Super SUV\u2019s cooling and airflow efficiency, and thanks to the new splitters on the bumpers both front and back, the length of the Urus Performante has actually also grown by 25 mm.\nInside, the new performance-focused super SUV gets a slightly revamped interior that mirrors that of the \nHuracan Performante\n, with items like the door cards, roof-lining, seats, and rear wall all finished in the marque\u2019s Performante trim with microfibre upholstery. As usual, however, customers can also opt for leather if they so choose, utilising Lamborghini\u2019s Ad Personam service.\nMost aluminium trims have been replaced by a black anodised finishing, and customers can also take it a step further with the optional \u201cDark Package\u201d, which further extends the matte black treatment onto more parts on the interior, including the Urus\u2019 central \u2018Tamburo\u2019 control stack which hosts the start-stop button (hidden underneath a fighter jet-esque flip cover) and the drive mode selector.\nSpeaking of drive modes, The new Lamborghini Urus Performante also now comes with a \u2018Rally\u2019 drive mode for use on the dirt tracks, although we doubt many of its buyers will actually take it off-road.\nALSO READ: \nLamborghini took its Urus customers on a month-long expedition across Iceland\nGALLERY"
"From the 26th to 29th April, Proton and rally enthusiasts will get to find out what it\u2019s like to ride shotgun with local household names of the motorsports scene.\nVisitors who either \nbook a Proton\n or \nbuy merchandise or spare parts\n during the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2018\n will get to go on a joy ride in Protons with 3-time Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) title winner, \nKaramjit Singh\n a.k.a. the Flying Sikh and 2017\u2019s Sepang 1000km (S1K) race winner \nJames Veerapen\n.\nThose who book a new Proton at the Malaysia Autoshow 2018 will also be able to grab \ngift vouchers\n at a special game booth to purchase their new Proton.\nProton Commerce will also be offering special deals where the first 100 customers who get their loans approved and disbursed to PROTON will be rewarded with \nRM 300 worth of AEON vouchers\n \u2013\u00a0 on top of the free body kit and 0% financing that is already being offered at all outlets.\nProton is also displaying a \nreplica of the Proton Iriz rally car\n built by Proton R3 at its booth in Hall A; offering a glimpse of the car that\u2019s been developed to compete in regional and the World Rally Championship 2 (WRC2) series\u2019.\nThe Malaysia Autoshow 2018 is held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) in Serdang."
"Sime Darby Auto Performance\n, the sole distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia has launched the \nnew facelift Macan with three variants\n available \u2013 the Macan, Macan S, and Macan GTS, starting from \nRM433,154\n.\nThere are two engine options available for the facelift Macan \u2013 a 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder and a 2.9-litre turbo V6 \u2013 and both are paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox. All three variants come with increased horsepower and torque.\n \nAs for the exterior, the changes are subtle but enough to give the Macan a different look and keep it fresh for a while more. The front sees a change in the bumper design, with a C-shaped surround for the fog lights, intersecting at the number plate. The flat door trims from the pre-facelift model have been replaced with pieces with a 3D look and finished with diamond shapes.\nInside, the facelift Macan welcomes the new decade with a \u201cnear button-less\u201d dashboard. The switches by the centre console and for the air-con controls have all been replaced with haptic-touch icons instead. The steering design has also been tweaked slightly.\nPrices for the facelift Macan are as follow:\nMacan \u2013 RM433,154\nMacan S \u2013 RM623,593\nMacan GTS \u2013 RM786,232\nIncluded is a 2-year unlimited-mileage factory warranty, alongside a two-year free service programme.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"The automotive industry is not only about the nuts and bolts, but also about cost efficiency. It\u2019s very costly to develop a brand new car or technology, thus carmakers commonly reduce cost by sharing technology and platform among competitors. Now, Toyota is the next to do so by offering its signature Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to other manufacturers.\nThis follows Toyota\u2019s recent announcement to expand its next-generation hybrid powertrain offerings by 2021. Part of the reason was not for Toyota to make an extra income, but also allows Toyota to recoup its massive research and development cost.\nAt the same time, they are\u00a0allowing its suppliers \u2013 who they co-develop its powertrains with \u2013 to supply these parts to other competitors. It\u2019s a logical move for manufacturers to adopt a more \u201cmainstream\u201d technology as this would greatly reduce R&D costs.\nCase in point, Denso, one of Toyota\u2019s main suppliers which produces the inverter for Toyota\u2019s hybrid system,\u00a0only supplied to Toyota because it is unfit for use in other hybrid systems due to voltage differences. This can be avoided if manufacturers agree to use the same components for their hybrid powertrains.\n[Source: \nAutoNews\n]"
"If the prices of Porsche Taycan Turbo and Turbo S sent chills down your spine during its recent unveiling, there is now a new variant which will raise our hopes (and dreams) of owning Zuffenhausen\u2019s all-electric 4-door.\nBased on UK prices and starting at \u00a383,367 (including VAT), the Taycan 4S is a whopping \n40% lower than the top-of-the-line Turbo S\n and a substantial \n28% less than the Turbo\n, yet it doesn\u2019t give up much in terms of range with a potential \n407 km per full charge\n against the Turbo\u2019s 450 km.\nIn fact, when optioned with the \nPerformance Battery Plus\n, the Taycan 4S is able to achieve a \ntheoretical range of 463 km\n (WLTP combined cycle) in tandem with the upgrade in battery capacity from the standard \n79.2 kWh to 93.4 kWh\n, which also raises the output from\n 530 hp to 571 hp\n, as well as the corresponding torque from \n640 Nm to 650 Nm\n.\n \nPerformance is dialled down slightly when compared to the Turbo and Turbo S, but you can\u2019t describe a \n0-100 km/h time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h\n as anything but rapid, and the 4S also \nretains all-wheel drive\n with a synchronous electric motor residing over each axle, along with a \ntwo-speed transmissions\n, just like its \nfaster siblings\n.\nDesign cues to differentiate the 4S from the Turbo models include \n19-inch Taycan S Aero alloy wheels\n, red-painted brake callipers, a new front apron, side sills and a rear diffuser finished in black. \nPorsche Dynamic Light System Plus LED headlamps\n come as standard as well."
"The new Renault Koleos Initiale Paris has been introduced in the UK with a unique Amethyst body colour exclusive to the new edition. Priced at 36,700 (RM 197k) pounds, most of the upgrades lies within the exterior and interior trims, building on the Koleos\u2019 already extensive specification.\nOn the outside, it comes with 19-inch rims, full LED \u201cPure Vision\u201d headlights and Initiale Paris badging while inside, the Initiale Paris receives an exclusive two-tone Nappa leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof that strangely only stretches to the mid-way point of the second row seats.\nEntertainment is provided through a potrait 8.7-inch touchscreen R-LINK2 multimedia system with TomTom navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. An automatic powered tailgate is also standard; opened either with the key fob or waving the foot under the rear bumper.\nAside from Hands Free Parking, the Initiale Paris edition also comes with Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition with Over-speed Prevention and Hill Start Assist.\nOther safety features include ABS with EBD, ESC with traction and understeer control along with six airbags.\nThe Initiale Paris edition can be had with a dCi 175 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine producing \n175 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the most powerful diesel engine in the Renault range. Power is delivered through a seven-speed Auto X-Tronic\u00a0\u00a0CVT gearbox, via the ALL MODE 4\u00d74-i system which allows for three separate driving modes \u2013 Auto, Lock and 2WD.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Available from March 2019 onwards, the most powerful versions of the MINI range, the JCW, will come with a new exhaust filtration system as one of its primary updates.\nBoth the\u00a0MINI John Cooper Works Hatch and the Convertible are fitted with\u00a0a 2.0-litre 231 hp four-cylinder engine with MINI Twin Turbo Power technology.\nAvailable with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. The Convertible will take merely 0.3 seconds longer to do the same.\nThe new petrol particulate filter that\u2019s integrated into the standard sports exhaust not only ensures the reduction of particulate matter emissions but also promises a \u201ccharacteristic sound inside and outside the vehicle\u201d.\nSuspiciously though, this new update sounds like it could affect the fuel efficiency of the car as MINI went on to say that the introduction of the latest pollutant reduction technology \u201cwill not adversely affect\u201d fuel economy. Hmm.\nNotable standard equipment includes a Sports suspension with 17-inch John Cooper Works \u201cTrack Spoke\u201d alloy wheels, a high performance braking system and John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit.\nPrices are expected to start from \u00a324,480 (approx. RM 129k) for the hatchback and \u00a328,140 (approx. RM 148k) for the convertible.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI JCW Hatch   Before   MINI JCW Convertible"
"Following\u00a0last week\u2019s \nteaser\n,\u00a0Ssangyong has confirmed that its latest SUV model, codenamed Y400, is indeed the\u00a0Rexton. This 2017\u00a0Ssangyong Rexton will make its official debut at next month\u2019s\u00a0Seoul Motor Show before hitting showroom floors around the world at the end of the year.\nThe new Rexton will become Ssangyong\u2019s mid-size SUV contender, sitting above compact SUVs such as the Korando and Tivoli. The Ssangyong brand was never synonymous with design, but the new Rexton is neatly packaged and is pleasantly good looking. Things appear even better inside, with brown leather upholstery and quilted trims. There\u2019s also a new 9.2-inch HD screen that supports\u00a0Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as 3D Around View Monitoring (AVM).\nIn terms of dimensions, it is essentially longer, larger and roomier than both the \nToyota Fortuner\n and \nIsuzu MU-X\n. The\u00a0Rexton measures 4,850 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1,800 mm high, and has a 2,865 mm wheelbase. It also has nine airbags!\nRight off the bat, there are two engines to choose from: a\u00a0\n2.2-litre turbodiesel\n and\n 2.0-litre turbocharged\n \npetrol\n. It can be had with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.\u00a0Ssangyong claims the new Rexton will boast a rather balanced weight distribution with commendable towing capabilities. They\u2019ve also gone as far as to say it will handle brilliantly on-road and off-road. Refinement is also said to be greatly improved.\nSuddenly, the idea of getting a Rexton sounded just as good as when it was sold here in Malaysia over a decade ago. Perhaps it\u2019s time for a comeback."
"The cryptocurrency market boom has made many people very, very rich in recent times. So if you\u2019re lucky enough to be part of the elite group, say hello to what might be your next ride \u2013 the \nall-new, ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach S-Class\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 based on the \nall-new S-Class\n that was only \nrecently launched in Malaysia\n. But of course, with this being the luxury-oriented model, there are several differences to help it stand out.\nMost noticeably, is its extra-long wheelbase, measuring 180 mm longer than the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, and 290 mm longer than the S-Class sold here in Malaysia! All of the extra space, of course, goes into the rear seats where the owner will actually sit.\nOther exterior highlights include the Maybach signature front grille, shiny chrome trims most noticeably in the air intake inserts, a chrome fin that runs through the centreline of the bonnet, Digital Lights, and massive 21-inch multispoke alloy wheels.\nMost impressively, however, is the unique optional dual-tone paint job that\u2019s painstakingly done by hand, taking over a week to complete!\nINTERIOR\nAs one would expect, the interior of the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is decked out in luxury, built with the most opulent materials. Standard features on the dashboard is fairly comparable to the standard S-Class, including the same two same display units running the latest MBUX operating system.\nHowever, you probably don\u2019t care about all those when you buy a Maybach, because you\u2019ll be seated in the back seat anyway. Here, you\u2019ll find the First-Class rear compartment as standard, with electrically-reclineable seats up to 43.5-degrees.\nAs the owners of the Maybach will probably be wearing a suit or fancy dresses most of the time, the seat belts even automatically extends outwards so you won\u2019t have to twist and contort your body and crease your fancy outfits.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Maybach also comes with a \u201cactive road noise compensation\u201d feature that works like your noise-cancelling headphones to reduce external noise, while the C-pillar quarterlights also get thicker laminated glass for the same purpose. Buyers can also opt for additional foam within the tyres to further cut down on road noise inside the cabin.\nThe rear entertainment package with two 11.6-inch touchscreen displays and a seven-inch Android tablet is standard here, but other options include powered doors that can be controlled from any screens within the cabin, and a fridge between the two rear seats to store your champagnes.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will be offered here in Malaysia in the S 580 4Matic form, featuring a 4.0-litre eight-cylinder petrol engine paired to a 48V mild-hybrid system for an output of \n489 hp\n (+20 hp from motor) and \n700 Nm\n (+180 Nm from motor) of torque.\nPower is delivered to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox and the 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Also standard here are the rear-axle steering system to help manoeuvre the large sedan around tighter spaces, and the Airmatic suspension with E-Active Body Control system to smoothen out bumps and uneven road surfaces.\nPRICING\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class starts at \nRM1,928,816\n here in Malaysia, although pricing will probably only move upwards exponentially when you factor in the options you\u2019ll tick when you order your own.\nAs usual, the price includes a 50% SST exemption (fully-imported), and a four-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai is wasting no time in increasing the line-up of their high-performance and motorsport-derived N line. The latest \nElantra sedan\n will be joining the family soon, with the company release a lone teaser image of the new N model.\nHyundai says the upcoming Elantra N combines the practicality of an everyday car with the exciting sportiness of a high-performance race car.\nNo mention of the power unit under the hood, but expect to be the brand\u2019s high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 280 hp and 392 Nm of torque. Being the first sedan model in the N family, the Elantra N features an elevated rear spoiler on its boot lid. \u00a0\n\u00a0The Hyundai N range currently consists of:\ni30 N\n \u2013 280 hp, 392 Nm, 6-MT or 8-DCT, 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds\nVeloster N \u2013 280 hp, 378 Nm, 6-MT or 8-DCT, 5.6 seconds\nKona N\n \u2013 280 hp, 392 Nm, 8-speed DCT, 5.5 seconds\ni20 N\n \u2013 204 hp, 304 Nm, 6-speed manual, 6.7 seconds \u00a0\nApart from the Hyundai Kona N, all N models have racing siblings in Touring Car Racing (TCR) and WRC categories.\nWhen paired with the new \u2018N DCT\u2019 8-speed dual-clutch (wet-type) transmission, the Hyundai N cars have three selectable programs that add more fun behind the wheel. There is N Power Shift (full throttle upshift program), N Grin Shift (over-boost mode) and N Track Sense Shift (auto-shifting at race circuits).\nOther key features in full-fledged Hyundai N cars include a limited-slip differential (LSD), downshift rev-matching, sports exhaust system with electronic valve controller, sports-tuned suspension. A lot of fine-tuning of the chassis and powertrain is also done at the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nThere is also the \nN Line\n range with 201 hp\nIn Malaysia, the Elantra model is offered in two variants- Executive and Premium. The engine is limited to a 123 hp / 154 Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit and paired with a CVT-type transmission. Prices for the new Elantra \nstarts from RM139,888\n."
"There is certainly no other car more able to generate the hype and following as the Honda Civic has. Making its first ever Malaysian debut at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) is the \n10th generation Honda Civic\n.\nDisplayed here at the My Auto Fest 2016 from 20 to 22 May (Friday to Sunday), the model under the limelight here is of the range topping Turbo variant, finished in an exterior shade called Lunar Silver Metallic. At heart is the much lauded new \n1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n engine, producing \n174 hp\n and\n 220 Nm\n of torque.\nFor more info about the locally assembled Honda Civic, \ndo read our previous report\n on some of the equipments and safety features that will be packaged into the car. Honda Malaysia hasn\u2019t revealed the pricing and official launch date of the Civic, but do stay tuned for more updates.\nOn display alongside the Civic are the City, Jazz, CR-V and HR-V, complete with the \nnew Dark Ruby Red Pearl and 17-inch alloys update\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The\n R35 Nissan GT-R\n has been dying a very slow death. The last we heard of it, the 15-year-old model has just been discontinued in the UK and Europe. But there\u2019s a light at the end of the tunnel, because Nissan\u2019s performance arm, Nismo, has just confirmed the existence of a new flagship model, and it\u2019ll be electrified.\nSpeaking to \nAutocar UK\n, Nismo CEO Takao Katagiri confirmed that a new sports car is currently being developed, and will be available as a \u201ccombination\u201d of hybrid and EV models.\n\u201c[There] is a very, very important vision [in Europe] for Nissan. It\u2019s around the heart of this [new car],\u201d said Katagiri. \u201cThis region [the UK] is very, very special for us, especially [for] performance cars. So\u00a0one thing I can say is please wait. We are going to introduce a very exciting model to the UK market under the Nismo brand.\u201d\nAlthough the comment was specifically for the UK due to the publication\u2019s locale, Katagiri did reveal that the car will also be sold in the Americas as well as Europe, after its official launch in its home country Japan.\nALSO READ: \nNissan GT-R R35 \u2013 Nissan\u2019s pride and soul\nAn exact timeline for the car\u2019s launch isn\u2019t known yet, but Katagiri did hint that it\u2019ll happen sometime this decade. If we had to guess, though, we\u2019ll most likely be getting the hybrid version first, before the EV sometime in the future.\nNissan\u2019s executives had previously told the publication that a performance EV would require solid-state batteries \u2013 a technology that is still years away from maturity. Market researchers estimate that a consumer-ready solid-state battery pack is expected to reach the market in 2026, so we can expect it being put into production cars probably some time in 2028.\nAll that remains to be seen now, then, is if this electrified flagship sports car will actually be the next-generation Nissan GT-R, or will it go by some other name. \nPrevious rumours from 2021\n said that the next-gen model will indeed be electrified, so there\u2019s certainly hope. But the same rumour also said it\u2019ll be a 2023 model.\nRELATED: \nThe Praga Bohema is a Nissan GT-R powered RWD hypercar \u2013 0-100km/h in under 2.3 secs"
"Joining the hybrid vehicle lineup in BMW Malaysia\u2019s stable is a plug-in hybrid flagship limousine, the BMW 740Le xDrive. This comes \na little under 16 months since the sixth-generation 7 Series\u2019 arrival\n\u00a0(CKD operations started in November 2016), but those who have been patient enough to wait it out are in for a real treat.\nPropulsion comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (from the 730Li) that\u2019s married to an electric motor, producing 258 hp/400 Nm and 113 hp/250 Nm respectively. Together, the hybrid system puts out\n 326 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n of torque, all of which are delivered to the four wheels (xDrive = all-wheel drive) via an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 740Le xDrive\u00a0\nEngine\n1,998cc; twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic with Steptronic\nMax Power\n258 hp\u00a0@ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n400\u00a0Nm\u00a0@ 1,550 \u2013 4,400 rpm\nHybrid Motor Output\n113 hp & 250 Nm\nCombined Max Power / Torque\n326\u00a0hp / 500\u00a0Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.3 seconds; 250 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n2.5 litres per 100km\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM598,800.00\nSimilar to the \n330e iPerformance\n, the electric motor is housed within the transmission (between the gearbox and engine), replacing the hydraulic torque converter. It also acts as a generator to recharge the high-voltage \n9.2 kWh lithium-ion\n battery, but this varies depending on the eDrive mode. A full charge via the BMW i Wallbox takes \nfive hours\n, which gives you enough juice to cover a distance of 41km. Alternatively, the 7 Series can also be charged through a domestic socket. Charging can be \nmanaged and monitored remotely\n through the BMW Remote app on your smartphone.   Ride is managed by a bi-axle, self-levelling air suspension for uncompromising comfort, whereas the Dynamic Damper Control work in tandem with four drive modes \u2013 Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive \u2013 for sheer driving pleasure. The xDrive system is also able to send almost 100 percent of power to any individual wheel.\nExternally, much of the car remains the same as the standard 7 Series, save for the obvious eDrive badges on the C-pillars and BMW i logos on both sides of the wheel section. A set of 19-inch double spoke light alloy wheels complete the look.\nInside, features such as panoramic Sky Lounge glass roof, BMW Gesture Control, BMW Touch Command Control and a 7-inch removable tablet (detachable from the rear centre console) all come as standard, as does the 16-speaker 600w Harman Kardon Surround Sound system. The rear seats come with in-built massaging system (Vitality programme) with up to eight selectable programmes. Air conditioning and many other common in-car systems can be operated through the BMW Display Key.\nWith the introduction of the 740Le xDrive, BMW Malaysia did away with the 730Li and 740Li, effectively discontinuing sales of both variants. If without incentives, the plug-in hybrid limousine would cost RM853,800.00! Goodies such as the\u00a05-Year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service program and 24-months BMW Tyre Warranty programme are all part of the RM599k purchase.   You\u2019re about sold now, aren\u2019t you? Well, the 740Le xDrive can be had in \nfour colours\n: Black Sapphire, Imperial Blue, Mineral White and Sophisto Grey. To date, over 600 units of the 730Li and 740Li (combined figure) have been sold, but BMW Malaysia is confident\u00a0that the plug-in hybrid variant will set more ships sailing.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be launching the \nall-new Outlander\n on 16\nth\n February, hosted by the US region.\nIn the short teaser video, the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander is seen being tested on the toughest terrains such as gravel, mud, water wading and even snow.\n \nAccording to MMC, the \nSuper-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)\n is their latest technology combined with the all-new platform. The S-AWC system integrates 4WD torque distribution and individual braking (ESP) to deliver precise steering and stability.\nMMC also said \u201ca new drive mode selector is specifically designed to provide optimal control by sensing the driver\u2019s operation and vehicle behavior [sic].\u201d\nWhile still covered in disguising pattern, the all-new Outlander sport the company\u2019s Dynamic Shield design at the front end. The now-familiar two-tier lighting placement seen on the latest \nMitsubishi Xpander\n and \nEclipse Cross\n achieves the consistency in the new line-up of Mitsubishi vehicles.\nMore information such as the powertrain and key features will only be revealed at the launch that is happening on 16th February 2021."
"Similar to the \nGLE Coup\u00e9\n launch, the \nAMG variant\n is introduced together with the standard models. As we already know with their \nnew naming structure\n, the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will be known as \nMercedes-AMG GLE 63\n from now on.\nPacking a mighty \n5.5-litre twin-turbo V8\n, it\u2019s available in two flavours: \nGLE 63\n, and \nGLE 63 S\n. In the \u201coriginal\u201d \nGLE 63\n it produces \n557 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n but in the \u201cspicy\u201d \nGLE 63 S\n it generates \n585 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n.\nThe \nGLE 63 S\n will sprint from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n4.2 seconds\n while the GLE 63 takes 0.1 second longer but both have an electronically-limited \ntop speed\n of \n250 km/h\n. If you think 250 km/h is too slow you can opt for the \nAMG Driver\u2019s package\n, which increases the top speed to \n280 km/h\n.\nThe GLE 63 drives all four wheels via the \nAMG Performance 4MATIC\n permanent all-wheel drive system. It\u2019s different from the standard 4MATIC system, where the torque is now split \n40:60 front to rear\n unlike the 50:50 split on the standard 4MATIC system.\nNot only that, the GLE 63 gets the \nAMG RIDE CONTROL\n sports suspension with \nAIRMATIC\n package which includes special struts and \nADS Plus\n continuously variable dampers as well as \nACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM\n as standard.\nTo further differentiate the GLE 63 from the standard GLE models, it receives a few bespoke items inside and outside. You will find AMG niceties in the cabin such as the flat bottom \nAMG Performance steering wheel\n with shift paddles, huggier front \nsports seats\n, AMG instrument panel, AMG start-up screen, and \nRACETIMER\n.\nExternally, the GLE 63 wears the distinctive \u201c\nA-wing\n\u201d in the front bumper, double louvre grille insert, unique \n20-inch AMG light alloy wheels\n, new rear bumper with black diffuser insert, and the mandatory \nAMG badges\n.\nThe GLE 63 will make its first public appearance alongside the non-AMG GLE at the upcoming \n2015 New York International Auto Show\n (NYIAS) in April.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It has been 35 years since the \nfirst Proton Saga\n rolled off the production line at Proton\u2019s Shah Alam assembly plant in 1985. They were a relatively young automotive company at the time compared to the likes of \nBMW\n or Mitsubishi who have had over 100 years of automotive presence between them. \u00a0\nImage Credits: \n@XavierNaxa\nUnlike these old-timers, whose logo has remained unchanged at their core for the past century, Proton\u2019s badge has gone through six different iterations throughout its relatively short 35-year life span. If you have trouble keeping up, you are not alone!\nThe Mitsubishi Model-A; Mitsubishi\u2019s first car in 1917. 103 years old yet still instantly recognisable\n.\nWhile emblem design changes are common amongst carmakers, the changes are usually very subtle with \nRolls-Royce\n and \nVolkswagen\n being one the most recent carmakers to undergo a rebranding exercise. Proton\u2019s emblem design evolution on the other hand, is less subtle in comparison; staying true to the Harimau Malaya spirit and identity!\nSource: \ncarlogos.org\nThe Proton Saga was the pride of the nation when it was first unveiled by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad back in 1985; therefore it was befitting that the Saga\u2019s emblem contained elements of our national flag. The first Proton badge showcased featured the 14-pointed star and a crescent both in yellow, a dark blue background, housed in a silver shield. Each element in the logo carried the same meaning as the ones found in the Jalur Gemilang.\nFun fact! Did you know that the original Proton logo on the Saga can be illuminated? Now you do!\nThe new badge that was first seen in the Proton Wira.\nSource: \ncarlogos.org\nThe unveiling of the Proton Wira in 1993 saw the introduction of a subtly revised Proton logo. Gone was the diamond-shaped shield as it was replaced with more tapered and rounded edges while retaining the original elements of the original Proton emblem. The new design certainly gave the reworked badge a more sophisticated look. The same logo was subsequently adopted in the Proton Iswara, Putra, Satria, Tiara and the Perdana.\u00a0\nSource:\n carlogos.org\nIn the year 2000, Proton welcomed the new millennium with the introduction of the then highly-anticipated Proton Waja. The locally developed Waja also brought about the most dramatic change yet in Proton\u2019s emblem design. It featured a yellow tiger on a green roundel embossed on a dark blue shield. This also marks the end of the symbolic star and crescent symbols. The new design was featured on both local and export car markets \u2013 the Harimau Malaya was ready to pounce and take on the world!\nSource: \ncarlogos.org\nIn 2008, Proton gave its emblem somewhat of a \u201cfacelift\u201d. The general design remains essentially the same with only a change in colour. Proton decided to shift towards a monochromatic colour theme, giving it a more modern and sophisticated look. Imagine the Harimau Malaya now all suited up and ready for the modern world. The first Proton model to wear the \u201cfacelifted\u201d emblem was the Proton Saga BLM.\nProton revised its emblem design again in 2016; this time removing the word \u201cProton\u2019 from the badge itself. The Harimau Malaya emblem is now enlarged and sports a 3D design effect \u2013 giving it a chiseled face and a hint of sophistication which befits the stature that Proton has grown to be.\nClearly, it was as if our Harimau Malaya had spent time at the gym! The new Proton badge was first seen on the \nnew Perdana\n up to the \nbeginning of the Geely-era\n, through the \nCBU Proton X70\n.\nSince Geely\u2019s involvement in 2017, the company\u2019s entire organisation has gone through a thorough overhaul. No stone was left unturned in the pursuit of making Proton great again. Therefore, it would only seem logical to have a refreshed corporate identity to signify the new age of Proton.\nIn 2019, Proton \nreleased the Harimau Malaya \u201cfrom its cage\u201d\n! The tiger emblem is no longer housed in a shield and is looking more mature and muscular. The first model to sport the latest Proton badge was the \nCKD version of the Proton X70\n and it will also be featured on the \nhighly-anticipated Proton X50\n.\nThe Proton Saga Megavalve 1.5 S. Manual transmission with throttle response so fast it\u2019s almost telepathy! It\u2019s our first family car, the first car I learned to drive from, the first car I used to pick up girls with, the first car I had my first fender bender, and the very car that intrigues me about all things automotive. It\u2019s a memory box on wheels and we nicknamed it the White Warrior. \nBesides its emblem design evolution, Proton has also gone through design and technological evolution since its inception 35 years ago. Having owned Proton cars from four out of the six eras of emblem evolution, Proton has no doubt been a significant part of my life growing up and I\u2019m sure I speak for a lot of Malaysians when I say that Proton is basically part of our family.\nMalaysians may have mixed feelings of frustration, joy, disappointment, and excitement throughout their Proton ownership, but such is the dynamics in a family and I am proud to be a part of Proton\u2019s evolution.\n*This article was written by a contributor of AutoBuzz. Let us know what you think and if you\u2019d like to see more of these from him, let us know!"
"The all-new \nToyota Yaris\n hatchback has won the latest edition of the European Car of the Year award. It is also the only Japanese vehicle in the finalist of seven vehicles.\nThe Toyota Yaris scored a total of 266 points and 14 best votes, beating the Fiat new 500 EV and Cupra Formentor. Volkswagen\u2019s electric-only ID.3 managed to garner 10 best votes and a final score of 224 points to finish behind the Cupra.\nThe jury comprising of 59 members across 22 European countries praised Yaris\u2019 hybrid technology for its smooth driving, low emissions and accessible price point \u2013 illustrating why more than 80% of Yaris buyers choose the hybrid powertrain.\nTo recap, the self-charging hybrid powertrain in the fourth generation Toyota Yaris is an all-new system delivering a combined system output of \n116 hp\n. A regular 1.5-litre engine is also available, with 125 hp of output paired to either a Direct Shift CVT or six-speed manual transmission.\nA variant with a 72-hp 1.0-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission is offered in selected countries.\nThe new Toyota Yaris is also the first compact car in the company to adopt the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), with the \nGA-B platform\n being 50 kg lighter yet 30% more rigid than the outgoing model.\nMany in the jury also praised Toyota for introducing the 261-hp 4WD \nGR Yaris\n that reignited the passion for hot hatch market across Europe.\nThe finalists of the 2021 European COTY and final points tally.\nToyota Yaris (266), 14 best votes\nFiat new 500\n EV (240), 9 best votes\nCupra Formentor\n (239), 10 best votes\nVolkswagen ID. 3\n EV (224), 10 best votes\nSkoda Octavia (199)\nLand Rover Defender\n (164)\nCitroen C4 (143)\nSafety features also scored well in the jurors books and the Toyota Yaris is the first Toyota to be fitted with a pair of front centre airbags to help prevent driver and passenger colliding with each other in a side impact.\nToyota has been awarded with European Car of the Year three times. Yaris won in 2000, Prius took top honours in 2005 and now Yaris has lifted the trophy again in 2021.\nThis 2021 European Car of the Year award could not have come at a better time for Toyota Motor Europe, as it coincides with Yaris becoming the \nbest-selling car\n in Europe for the first time.\n\u201cI would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the passion of our development teams in Europe and Japan. This is the best-ever Yaris, and just as Akio Toyoda intended, it is already putting a smile on the face of our customers,\u201d said Matt Harrison, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe.\nGALLERY"
"Unveiled in initial images last month, Hyundai has now provided further details for the Ioniq 6, the second fully-electric model under the marque\u2019s reborn Ioniq electric sub-brand.\nAs \ndetailed last month\n, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 will be built on the same e-GMP platform as the \nIoniq 5\n, but sports a wildly different appearance compared to the square-ish SUV. That\u2019s thanks to the marque\u2019s \u2018Hyundai Look\u2019 strategy, which aims to give each individual model \u201ca unique appearance, like chess pieces\u201d in order to cater to a wider range of customers.\nFor the Ioniq 6, Hyundai has adopted an \u2018Electrified Streamliner\u2019 aesthetic, characterised by a unique \u201csingle-curved\u201d silhouette that first appeared on the \nProphecy concept from 2020\n. The swoopy shape and low nose gives the Ioniq 6 its low 0.21 Cd drag coefficient, making it one of the most aerodynamic production vehicle on the market.\nBeing built on the same e-GMP platform also means that it can share the same mechanical components as its stablemates. The new Hyundai Ioniq 6 will be offered in both single- and dual-motor set-ups, with the most powerful variant making \nup to 239 kW (320 hp) and 650 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n5.1 seconds\n.\nBut with a nickname like \u201cStreamliner\u201d, efficiency is the name of the game here. Thanks to its low drag coefficient, the longest-range Hyundai Ioniq 6, equipped with a single rear motor and a 77.4 kWh battery pack, gives the swoopy sedan a range of \nover 610 km (WLTP)\n. That\u2019s about 140 km more than the RWD Long Range Ioniq 5, although the 5 does have a smaller battery at 72.6 kWh.\nIn the long-range spec, the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 also boasts a power consumption figure of just 14 kWh/100 km, making it one of the energy-efficient vehicles in the market.\nRELATED: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV\u2019s weird shape might be a sign of what\u2019s to come in the future\nThe e-GMP platform also means that the Ioniq 6 will support both 400V and 800V charging without any additional equipment. The latter also supports a DC fast charging speed of up to 350 kW, for a 10 to 80% charge in just 18 minutes.\nLike the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 6 can also act like a massive power bank to charge other electric equipments with its vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabily. There is an exterior power outlet, which requires an adaptor to be plugged into the charging port, as well as a regular household three-pin power outlet under the rear seats if you want to charge your electric devices from the cabin.\nIn case you haven\u2019t quite noticed the similarities between the two models, the interior of the Ioniq 6 will be a dead giveaway. The dashboard is powered by the same two 12-inch displays, serving instrument and infotainment duties \u2013 the latter offering the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongside multi-connection Bluetooth.\nThe on-board navigation system offers real-time travel radius mapping based on the vehicle\u2019s current state of charge. Over-the-air software updates are also supported, and is now capable of upgrading the car\u2019s powertrain, and even battery control software, for improved performance.\nALSO READ: Five cool features in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 you might not know about\nUnique to the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an \u201cEV Performance Tune-up\u201d system, which is an extension of the usual drive modes customisation, letting drivers adjust the motor\u2019s power output, in addition to the usual throttle and steering sensitivity settings. There\u2019s also an \u2018e-ASD\u2019 system, which emits an \u201coptimum, spaceship-like sound\u201d in the cabin that changes according to the car\u2019s driving status.\nAdditionally, the seats in the Ioniq 6 are also supposedly \u201cspecifically-manufactured\u201d for EVs, and are made 30% thinner than usual to maximise space in the cabin. Customers can also opt for the Relaxation Comfort seats in front, which comes with additional leg rests, and can be automatically reclined into a special relaxation mode.\nFor safety, the Ioniq 6 packs Hyundai\u2019s latest generation of SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems, which includes Highway Driving Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). Higher-end variants also get additional detection features for the AEB system, such as Junction Crossing, Lane-Changing Oncoming and Lane-Changing Side, as well as Evasive Steering Assist.\nThe Ioniq 6\u2019s Smart Cruise Control function is able to learn a driver\u2019s driving style, and adapt its own operation to match.\nProduction of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2022.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has launched its new Online Showroom service today, driven by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic to bring its online offerings to parity with the entire traditional car buying experience.\nThe new Mitsubishi Online Showroom expands upon the existing \nTest Drive2U\n service, which was launched in Malaysia in May last year. The new digital service consists of four sections \u2013 360\u2019 Virtual Showroom, Test Drive2U, Online Booking Assist, and Online Trade In Assist.\nThe \nMitsubishi Xpander\n on full display in the new Online Showroom.\nJust like any other regular showroom, customers using the Mitsubishi Online Showroom start their car purchase journey by visually checking-out the cars via a 360-degree view \u2013 both inside and out \u2013 of the vehicle. The web app allows customers to zoom in and out of any view, and also learn more about the car\u2019s key features via interactive touch points buttons.\nIf you\u2019d rather see the car in a more \u201crealistic\u201d setting, the 360\u2032 Virtual Showroom also comes with a fully-featured gallery, showcasing the vehicles in detail at basically every angle you can imagine.\n \nOnce you\u2019ve selected a model and variant that you like, you can then proceed to use the Test Drive2U feature to arrange for a test drive, at the comfort of your own homes. Through a few simple steps in the online showroom page, customers will be able to arrange for an authorised dealer to bring the selected model to their preferred location for a test drive.\nThe new Online Showroom also allows customers to place a booking directly through the digital service. Once the booking request form is submitted, an authorised MMM dealer will contact the customer to further assist them in completing the purchase, from loan application to purchasing an insurance for the vehicle.\nCustomers looking to trade-in their vehicles can also do so via the Trade-in Assist form online. The service is offered in collaboration with \nMyTukar\n, the Malaysian used-car trading platform, to offer special trade-in promotions for Mitsubishi customers using the Online Showroom.\nCustomers will have the option to request for a car inspection, and arrange for handover, transfer of ownership, and collection of the sold car at the customer\u2019s preferred location, all without having to leave their own homes.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, \u201cIn the past year, we\u2019ve seen an unpredictable level of change, because of the new normal and the need to maintain social distancing. The launch of Mitsubishi online showroom is a strong example of MMM\u2019s commitment to deliver a more human-centric experience by encompassing a holistic approach across three key organizational pillars: people, process, and technology.\n\u201cWe have always believed in creating a walk-through experience and this online showroom is an extension from getting to know the product, test-drive at customer\u2019s convenience, and communication with the dealer to finalize the purchase journey. We want to offer our customers a safe purchase of their Mitsubishi model without the need of leaving their homes,\u201d he added.\nLast year, MMM also introduced the \nMitsubishi Connect\n mobile app, specifically designed for their customer\u2019s after sales servicing needs. The mobile app offers a range of vehicle-related digital services, including service appointment scheduling, vehicle maintenance history, as well as providing reminders for their next car service.\nThe new Mitsubishi Online Showroom is available at the MMM website, linked \nhere\n."
"Mazda has just unveiled\nthe facelifted Mazda 2 in its home country packing the latest iteration of Mazda\u2019s\nKodo: Soul of Motion styling, improved cabin insulation and enhanced safety technologies.\nIn efforts to streamline\nits global product naming, the hatchback is now officially known as the Mazda 2\nlike global markets, dropping the JDM Demio nameplate. The facelifted Mazda 2 is\nscheduled for market launch in September.\nKicking off with the\ntechnical bits, the refreshed Mazda 2 features a new suspension system that promises\na more supple ride quality \u2013 something the pre-facelift model sorely needs to\nkeep up with the competition. New versions of the Mazda 2 will also be equipped\nwith G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) that adds braking intervention for greater\nvehicle stability at high speeds.\nNo changes to the powertrain options \u2013 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol and 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engine, both paired to the same 6-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels.\nVisually, the revised hatchback gets a decidedly more sophisticated look with the new mesh grille, a revised bumper similar to the Mazda 6 as well as new 16-inch aluminium finish multi-spoke alloy wheels. The headlamps are now slimmer than ever with Adaptive LED illumination available on higher-grade variants. With the new front bumper housing, the company has dropped the front fog lamps altogether, just like the \nnew Mazda 3\n.\nMazda is obsessed in its pursuit for the ultimate Jinba Ittai experience. Even in a \nmere\n facelift, the engineers have introduced a new seat sculpture that is more resistant to head movements which give the driver a greater sense of connection with the car.\nNew features that were added to the specification list include 6-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory function, automatic dimming rearview mirror, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, i-ELOOP energy recovery system on petrol engines, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist System.\nUnfortunately, with the improved kit and styling exercise, prices for the facelifted Mazda 2 has gone up across the board between JP\u00a554,000 (RM2,000) to JP\u00a5237,600 (RM9,000).\nAs it is, the fully imported Mazda 2 is having a difficult time holding its ground against the competition in Malaysia due to its unfavourable price tag of RM95k, which is a lot of money for a tiny hatchback. With the facelift model commanding an even higher asking price, it remains to be seen how Bermaz Motor is going to keep this model competitive and relevant in the local market.\nEven if local distributor continues to offer the Mazda 2, consumers can expect one of the two situations: offer the Mazda 2 with the full suite of new technologies but push the prices up into an even higher price bracket (RM100k+), case in point the \nnew Mazda 3\n. Or alternatively, maintain and even potentially remove some of the existing kit to maintain at its current, already difficult, price positioning.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda 2 Facelift Unveiled in Japan"
"Having made history by becoming the first team in Formula 1 history to win six consecutive double championships, Petronas celebrated its 6th consecutive World Constructor\u2019s Championship here at the Petronas Twin Towers in the presence of team drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.\nThe Silver Arrows sealed the double this year in Japan after Bottas claimed the race win, while Hamilton further etched his name in the history books at the US Grand Prix as the second most successful F1 driver behind Michael Schumacher.\nThere was indeed much to celebrate for both drivers, team and Petronas. Since the introduction of hybrid powertrains in 2014, Petronas had accompanied the Silver Arrows to six double World Championships.\nIn 10 seasons of partnership, they have scored a total of 92 Grand Prix victories in 196 races, 102 pole positions and lifted 193 trophies.\nHere are the testimonies from both drivers and team principal of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport:\n(Hamilton)\n \u201cIt\u2019s become a great tradition that PETRONAS invite us to their headquarters to celebrate the championships together \u2013 they\u2019re a very important part of the team, and we could not have done this without them. Together, we have achieved something that has never been done before \u2013 six consecutive double championships!\n\u201cThis incredible success is down to the hard work and dedication of every single member of our Mercedes-AMG Petronas motorsport family. Thanks to everyone at Petronas for your continuous support over the last ten years. We will keep pushing next season and hope to elevate our game together again.\u201d\n(Bottas) \n\u201cThis has been my best season yet in Formula One and I am very grateful for all the hard work that went into making this possible. Our 2019 car is an absolute beast and the contribution from everyone at PETRONAS is right at the heart of it. The fuel and lubricants are the lifeblood of our car. I know that it\u2019s not just our team-mates back at Brackley and Brixworth that are already working flat-out to find even more performance for next year\u2019s car, it\u2019s also a lot of colleagues here at Petronas who will unlock even more power for our 2020 car.\n(Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport, Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff )\n \u201cPetronas has been our partner from day one \u2013 they have been by our side every step of the way, ever since we returned to F1 with our works team in 2010. Back then, no one would have imagined that this unprecedented success would be possible. But we wrote Formula One history together, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport is the first team in F1 to win six consecutive double titles. And there\u2019s a very good reason that nobody else has been able to do this before \u2013 because it is incredibly difficult."
"The Nurburgring Nordschleife, otherwise known as the Green Hell, is undeniably the Holy Grail of race tracks. It has all the ingredients to push any car to its absolute limits and with the slightest disrespect shown, it will render you an instant casualty.\nEnter the \nMcLaren Senna\n. The Senna, \nlaunched in 2018\n, was built with aerodynamic supremacy in mind and when you put its \n789 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n into the Nurburgring equation, a wild ride is inevitable.\n \nIt\u2019s so incredibly fast through all the daunting twist and turns of the Green Hell, you\u2019d think the video was sped up but no, it\u2019s just pure speed.\nThe Senna will do 0 to 100 km/h in just\u00a0\n2.8 seconds\n, just a tad quicker than the 720S\u2019 2.8 seconds. In the time it takes a Golf GTi to do 0 to 100 km/h, the Senna would\u2019ve already reached 200 km/h, in just\u00a0\n6.8 seconds\n. Top speed is rated at\u00a0\n340 km/h\n.\nFun fact; the Senna\u2019s exhaust system was built to create a loud and sharp note all the way to the rev limit with the volume increasing 10 dB with every 2,000 rpm. Now feast your eyes; and ears!"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, announced that the new Mitsubishi XPANDER seven-seater crossover will be launched in Malaysia by this year.\u00a0\n\u201cMMM is very excited for a thrilling year ahead with the introduction of this impressive seven-seater crossover in Malaysia later this year,\u201d said MMM CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\u00a0\nWhen the time comes, the XPANDER will look to compete against the \nPerodua Aruz\n, \nToyota Rush\n and the\n \nfacelift Honda BR-V\n. The latter would be a challenge to topple as despite its aging looks, \nHonda still registered over 1,400 bookings for the facelift model\n within the first month of its launch.\n\u201cThe XPANDER is not just an important model for MMM, but across the ASEAN region as well. As of June 2020, the car has reached cumulative sales of around 256,000 units. The success of the XPANDER in our neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam reflects how well-suited this car would be to meet the needs of Malaysian customers,\u201d he added.\nPowertrain options remain uncertain for now although we\u2019ll most likely get the 1.5-litre engine with \n105 hp \nand\n 141 Nm\n as it is the sole engine option for the XPANDER. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.\nFor more information on the new XPANDER, log on to \nMMM\u2019s official site\n or click \nhere\n for the latest price list of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched the new S560e plug-in hybrid, retailing at RM658,888, with Agility Financing starting from RM6,588.\nOn the outside, there\u2019s not much to distinguish the new plug-in hybrid from the S450L, with similar Multibeam LED headlamps, tail lights along with the air suspension from the outgoing model.\n \nThe profound differences include a charging port by the rear bumper, new grille design, new 19-inch wheel design and a different front bumper design.\nWith a combined output of \n476 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 coupled with the hybrid system, the locally-produced S-Class will do 0 to 100 km/h in just five seconds. Transferring power to the wheels is tasked to the 9G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission.\nPure EV driving is only available \nup to 50 km\n from its 13.5 kWh battery, which will require six hours for a full charge. With the Wallbox charger, charging time is estimated to take just under two hours.\nInside, it\u2019s business as usual. The seats are draped in Nappa leather, along with the Exclusive Trim package that offers gloss walnut wood trims on the steering, dashboard and door trims.\nThe S560e is also equipped with the Chauffeur Package that comprises the Chauffeur position front-passenger seat, EASY ADJUST luxury head restraint for the front passenger and footrest that is power-retractable on the front passenger side.\nThe luxury plug-in hybrid model will also come with multi-contour rear seats with massage and heating function.\nThe plug-in hybrid also features high-end specifications such as the pre-entry climate control that sets various temperature settings (air conditioning, heated seats, steering wheel heater, armrest heaters) for maximum comfort prior to setting off.\nThe S560e is also equipped with an Eco Assist mode that provides assistance to the driver to create the most efficient driving experience via the haptic accelerator pedal.\nA double pulse will also kick in to recommend the drivers to take their foot off the accelerator, which turn the internal combustion engine off.\nDriver assistant systems in the S560e includes a 360-degree camera, Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist, Active Parking Assist and Adaptive Brake Lights.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This is not your grandparents\u2019 Beetle.\u00a0That\u2019s the first thing I thought of when I laid eyes on it. Sure, we\u2019ve all probably seen plenty of pictures on the interwebs and publications at one point or another, but how many of us do actually get to see it up close in person, much less drive it?\u00a0So yes, I got lucky.\nWatch the video review of the Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI here\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n VW The Beetle 1.4 TSI\nSegment\n C-Segment Coupe\nEngine\n 1,390cc 4-Cylinder Twincharger (160hp, 240Nm)\nPrice\n RM 180,888 (OTR without Insurance) \n\u00a0\nThis, is a car with a long heritage. The first incarnation of its kind, the \nVolkswagen Type 1\n rolled off the assembly lines in 1938. It was meant as a inexpensive and simple car to be mass-produced for a nation from another time in history.\nThe Ferdinand Porsche-designed K\u00e4fer (German for the word \u201cbeetle\u201d) with its long production run, along with many iterations, ended in 2003 with a total of \n21,529,464\n units built.\u00a0A monumental feat for an iconic car.\nSome liked it for its looks. Some, for its robust chassis. Some, for its performance and reliability. Whatever the reason it may be for everyone else, it\u2019s undeniable that this is a very popular car.\nA true People\u2019s Car.\nWatch the video review of the Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI here\nEXTERIOR\nThis is the successor to the New Beetle that continued that lineage in 1998. It\u2019s a whole lot more angular, leaner yet strangely fluid while at the same time does a better job than its predecessor to reference the iconic shape that the Type 1 had.\nVisually, there are subtle differences between the Beetle variants. What sets this apart from the others are the bold black lower sills, black side mirror housings, 17-inch alloy wheels, twin exhaust and the not-so-subtle 2-toned mid lid boot spoiler.   Make no mistake, this car is a looker. I had more stares from onlookers while I was driving this than I ever had with.err, anything I\u2019ve driven before. Because frankly, my daily beater is plain dull.\nI do suspect however, that the stares come quizically with \u201cwas this driven by a guy or a lady?\u201d. Probably because it was red in colour or the general misconception that it was mainly associated with having a feminine outlook.\nI have never been so self-conscious until I drove this thing. I can feel them judgemental eyes. All that however, quickly replaced with the turbines spooling up and kicking up dust at their face. *fist bump the screen here if ya know what I mean*\nINTERIOR\nThe futuristic/retro, sleek design language on the dashboard is like a page out of those magazines you see about car manufacturers from the 50\u2019s imagining how the future would look like.\nVW\u2019s obsession for piano black finishing is very apparent here. The gloss on this thing is absurdly flashy, lavishly lined with chromed bits and polished metal here and there. Like the gearknob you see below.   Then there\u2019s the accelerator pedal. I\u2019m a huge sucker for floor-hinged pedals. The kind of pedals you see on race cars. The old Beetle had them too. So naturally, it\u2019s a big plus for me.\nIn this edition, VW has brought back the \nKaeferfach\n glove box. Simply put, the \u201cBeetle Bin\u201d. The hatch pops upwards and reveal a second compartment for gadgets you can\u2019t live without, or as our friendly neighborhood Chief Editor pointed out, his trademark white Oakleys!\nEFFICIENCY\nLet\u2019s get something out of the way: Fuel Consumption. The Beetle 1.4 TSI is rated at \n6.2l/100km\n. At best, I did a measly \n10.6l/100km\n. Why, you ask? Let me be clear, since this is my first article and all. I have a very heavy right foot and a habit of late braking with my left.\nLet\u2019s be completely honest here. If you were handed the key to a car like this and told to spend the weekend driving it, what would be the first thing that comes to mind?\u00a0You have a go at it and by it, i mean flooring the accelerator.\nSo, having done a whole lot worse than 10.6l/100km, i decided to abandon the whole \u201cfuel efficient\u201d approach and concentrate on other aspect instead. I may be wrong here but if you own a car that\u2019s valued at RM183k and a twincharged one at that, do you honestly care about how much fuel she\u2019s sipping?\nBefore i continue any further, I can\u2019t stress enough that this particular Beetle is a test unit. She has probably gone through a lot of tests up until this point in time.\nPERFORMANCE\nWeighing in at 1373kg, The Beetle isn\u2019t exactly lightweight but couple it with a twincharged TSI engine that produces \n158hp @ 5800rpm\n and that healthy dose of \n240Nm\n of torque that kicks in at a relatively low \n1500-4500rpm\n, this car is very fast off the line. It is even more apparent when you\u2019re powering out of the corners. The tires just stick to the ground like peanut butter on bread. Not.sure if that\u2019s the best euphemism (or if this is even the correct word to use).but yeah.\nI managed \n0-100km/h\n time of \n8.6s\n. Point three of a second shy on what\u2019s stated on paper. Considering that I weigh significantly more than an average German male, or an asian one at that, I dare say that the time achieved is pretty good.\u00a0Also on paper, the car is capable of achieving a top speed of \n207km/h\n. Sadly, i did not get to do that. You know, the law and all.\nWatch the video review of the Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI here\nTHE DRIVE\nAlthough the 2-door Coupe may have a tall cabin, the center of gravity is actually lower than you might think. It is 149mm longer, 88mm wider and 12mm lower than the previous New Beetle. That makes the overall ride stiffer, with minimal roll, which is good.\nThe car handles well while taking medium to high speed corners and does not feel \u201cfloaty\u201d at higher speeds. Not that i condone doing all that on public roads but it\u2019s nice to know the car is capable of achieving at least at much.\nAll that aside, I particularly like the tactile feel of the paddle shift. Scratch that. I LOVE IT. It\u2019s so well hidden right behind the steering wheel, that you wouldn\u2019t know it\u2019s there in the first place.\nJust two small tabs protrude out from behind. Left for downshift and right for upshift, the way it should be on every other car.\u00a0Shifting feels fluid on the 7-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) on this car, it really does the job effortlessly.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nAs you\u2019ll see in the video, I am going to echo some of the sentiments GC Mah made here. It is a fun car to drive. A means of escapism from the dull, mundane daily commute. If you\u2019re single and have the means for it, then go for it. As a daily beater, the ride is perhaps a little bit too stiff for our roads. Practicality is key here.\nCOMPARISONS\nWith the New Mini Cooper recently launched in Malaysia, it\u2019s a matter of time before it goes head to head with The Beetle. In fact, I\u2019m counting on it. I would love to see a shoot out between these two.   VW The Beetle 1.4 TSI\nBMW Mini Cooper F56\nENGINE\nType\n1.4 litre 4-Cylinder Twincharger\n1.5 litre 3-Cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,390\n1,499\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n158 / 5800\n136 / 4,500-6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n240 / 1500-4500\n220 / 1,250\nCarburetion System\nTwincharger\nMINI TwinPower Turbo\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n55\n40\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power Steering (EPS)\nElectric Power Steering (EPS)\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG\n6-speed automatic\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4278\n3821\nOverall Width\nmm\n1808\n1932\nOverall Height\nmm\n1486\n1414\nWheelbase\nmm\n2537\n2495\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1373\n1,190\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n207\n210\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n8.3\n7.8\nPRICE\nRM\nRM 180,888.00\n without insurance\nRM 178,888.00\n without insurance\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nSadly, it\u2019s above my pay grade. However, considering all the things that are said and done? I\u2019m leaning towards Yes, practicality be damned.\u00a0Now kick back, dim the lights, put on your headphones and go watch the video. Edited by me!\nWatch the video review of the Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI here\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor has announced a recall involving the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner for a brake booster inspection and replacement.\nThe recall involves a total of 12,997 units of the Hilux (11,571 units) and Fortuner (1,426 units) made \nbetween July 2018 and January 2019\n.\nIt\u2019s been found that the resin pistons in the brake booster of the Hilux and Fortuner could compromise the vehicle\u2019s braking performance. Replacements will be made at no charge.\nOwners of the affected vehicles will be notified via mail. For further information, owners can contact any authorised Toyota Service Centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682)."
"As part of the 2022 model year update, Land Rover has added two new additions towards the top-end of the \nRange Rover Velar\n line-up, called the HST and Edition.\nThe former adds on \u201ca combination of carefully curated design enhancements and chassis features\u201d, and will become the Range Rover Velar\u2019s new flagship variant. If HST sounds familiar to you, that\u2019s because it\u2019s also been previously offered on the \nRange Rover Sport\n and \nEvoque\n.\nTaking the R-Dynamic S variant as a starting point, the HST adds a couple of usually-optional items as standard, specifically the Black Pack on the exterior, and a black contrast roof. The blacked-out 21-inch wheels are also standard, as are the privacy tinted glass.\nAs usual, you\u2019ll be able to option the car in any colour you like from LR\u2019s wide palette of exterior body paint hues for the Velar. However, the Arroios Grey colour you see here will be exclusive to the HST and Edition models.\nRELATED: Range Rover Velar launched in Malaysia, 3 variants from RM529k\nInside, the Velar HST gains a new black Suedecloth headliner, alongside a panoramic glass roof and Cabin Air Purification Plus system as standard. The Pivi Pro infotainment system has also been updated with new Amazon Alexa voice assistant functionality (also offered across the range if you option the range-topping infotainment package), as well as the Park Assist Pack as standard, which adds a surround-view camera and automatic parking capabilities.\nFor powertrains, the Velar HST will be offered exclusively with LR\u2019s six-cylinder 3.0-litre mild-hybrid Ingenium engines. The P400 petrol version gets a\n 400 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of \n5.5 seconds\n, while the D300 diesel mill gets \n300 hp \nand \n650 Nm\n, for a century sprint time of 6.5 seconds. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nAs for the aforementioned \u201cchassis features\u201d, the Range Rover Velar HST will come as standard with LR\u2019s electronic air suspension set-up with adaptive dynamics, which \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 adapts the car to road conditions and driver settings, promising \u201csuperior comfort and control\u201d.\nALSO READ: New 2021 Range Rover Velar loaded with extra goodies\nThe bad news is that it\u2019ll be available exclusively in the UK and North American markets, so the rest of us will just have to contain our jealousy, because it looks incredible.\nThe Range Rover Velar Edition meanwhile will be offered in most worldwide destinations, although the striking looks have been toned down a little due to its smaller 20-inch wheels. It\u2019ll feature equipment based on the R-Dynamic SE, but also adds the same Black Pack exterior trims, alongside the black panoramic roof, and privacy glass.\nGALLERY"
"According to Mercedes-Benz\u2019s \nnew naming convention\n,\u00a0their M-Class SUV will now be known as the\u00a0GLE; but instead of presenting the all-new GLE, the German carmaker went on to introduce the sportier and more\u00a0athletic sibling first, called the \nGLE Coup\u00e9\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLE 350 d 4MATIC\nMercedes-Benz GLE 400 4MATIC\nMercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC\nDrive Type\nPermanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC)\nEngine\n2,987 cc V6 diesel turbo\n2,996 cc V6 twin-turbo\n2,996 cc V6 twin-turbo\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC 9-speed Automatic\n9G-TRONIC 9-speed Automatic\n9G-TRONIC 9-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n258 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n333 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n367 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n620 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,400 rpm\n480 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n520 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n\u00a0\nThe GLE measures \n4,900 mm long\n, \n2,003 mm wide\n, and \n1,731mm tall\n with a \nwheelbase\n measuring \n2,915 mm\n. However the GLE is still based on the current W166 M-Class. From these official pictures, it\u2019s pretty obvious that the GLE is set to go head-to-head with that \nparticular SAV \nfrom its direct German competitor.\nEXTERIOR\nThe GLE Coup\u00e9 takes the cues from the other Mercedes Coup\u00e9s such as the \nCLA\n and the \nS-Class Coup\u00e9\n. The muscular front has a very short overhang, while the nose-mounted three-pointed star fills up the grille and the bonnet bulges with \ntwin power domes\n and even has a pair of mean-looking vents at the top.\nLike the CLA, the GLE\u2019s side profile features a \nlow sloping roofline\n but unlike the CLA, the GLE adopts a simpler character lines running along the sides. Depending on the variant, Mercedes offers up to\n 22-inch wheels\n to fill up the huge wheel arches.   The high belt line rises up at the end of the low side windows, leading to a rear that\u2019s heavily influenced by the S-Class Coup\u00e9 with the slim rear lights and bumper-mounted number plate. To complete the SUV look, the lower part of the body is finished with black plastic trim and chrome-plated underride guard for the front and rear bumpers.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is lifted from the existing M-Class but has been given a refresh with a \nnew display screen\n and a \nnew steering wheel\n. Like any other Mercedes, the GLE has the \nCOMAND controller with touchpad\n on the center console. Next to the COMAND controller is a rotary knob for the new \nDYNAMIC SELECT variable dynamic control system\n with five modes: INDIVIDUAL, COMFORT, SLIPPERY, SPORT and SPORT+.   The GLE seats five, and the \nmaximum cargo volume\n is\n 1,650 litres\n with the rear seats folded down. The refreshed cabin should make its way on the upcoming full-size GLE as well.\nPERFORMANCE\nThree variants of the GLE were announced, and neither of them a slouch by any standards. The GLE 350 d comes with a \n3.0-litre turbodiesel V6\n, the GLE 400 with a \n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n, and the GLE 450 AMG with a \nmore powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n. The GLE 450 AMG is not a full-fledged AMG variant, but it fits snugly between the lesser trims and the proper AMG variant.\nThe oil burning\u00a0\nGLE 350 d\n\u00a0produces the most amount of torque in the model range \u2013\u00a0\n258 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque, while the petrol \nGLE 400\n develops \n333 hp\n and \n480Nm\n of torque. The range-topping\n GLE 450 AMG\n dishes out a thumping\u00a0\n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. We\u2019re keen to see more numbers on paper, but that\u2019s about all Mercedes is giving us, so no mandatory century sprint and top speed figures here, unfortunately.\nAll GLE models are paired with the \n9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission\n, permanently\n\u00a0\ndriving all four wheels via the brand\u2019s\u00a0\n4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system\n. On the GLE 350 d and the GLE 400, the torque is split 50:50 front to rear, but the GLE 450 AMG gets a more rear biased configuration at 40:60. The \nAIRMATIC Air Suspension\n and the infinitely variable Adaptive Damping System (ADS Plus) are optional, but comes as standard on the GLE 450 AMG.\nWHAT ELSE?\nStandard equipment on the GLE includes the Audio 20 CD system with eight loudspeakers, \npowered Easy-Pack tailgate\n, reverse camera with guide lines, and the \nDynamic Select\n\u00a0handling control system. Numerous options can be specified on the GLE, such as the \npanoramic glass roof\n, rear seat entertainment system with remote control as well as\u00a0\nBang & Olufsen Sound AMG\n sound system.\nThe model in which the GLE is based on, the \nW166 M-Class 350\n is offered here in Malaysia at a price of RM570,888 (OTR without insurance), so it\u2019s safe to assume that it\u2019s only a matter of time before the GLE arrives on our shores.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Strange huh? We\u2019ve seen the Mustang, the Challenger and the Charger of new and old in Malaysia but there\u2019s hardly been a new Corvette \u2013 not sure why because these things are brash, they\u2019re gastly and ferocious in the way they lunge forward.\nChevrolet has just introduced the 2019 Corvette ZR1, where with\n 755 hp\n and \n969 Nm\n of torque, it\u2019s the fastest, most powerful Corvette to date.\nPower comes from a 6.2L V8 engine (maybe that\u2019s why no one has bothered importing it here) with a more efficient supercharger strapped to it along with GM\u2019s first dual fuel injection system which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection.\nIt even comes with a manual; yes, a 7-speed manual alongside an 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission \u2013 a first for the ZR1. The ZR1\u2019s top speed is rated at more than 210 mph (337 km/h).\nThe all-new front end is designed to channel air to the drivetrain\u2019s cooling system and to the staggering four new radiators. A special carbon-fibre \u201chalo\u201d hood comes with an opening in the middle to accommodate the engine\u2019s supercharger and cooling facilities.\nThe ZR1 is offered with two aero packages \u2013 a standard rear Low Wing which delivers the highest top speed and provide up to 70% downforce and a two-way adjustable High Wing which offers maximum downforce on the track.\nThe adjustable High Wing is part of the new ZTK Performance Package, which includes a front splitter with carbon-fibre end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres along with Magnetic Ride Control tuning for better traction around the bends. Both the ZR1\u2019s wings are tied to the chassis, like the Corvette Racing C7.R racecar.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"PSA Peugeot Citroen and Toyota have done it again, this time collaborating to develop a van. With that,\u00a0Peugeot Traveller, Citroen Spacetourer and Toyota Proace became the latest vans to hit the European market.\u00a0The three manufacturers first collaborated with a\u00a0city car project some decade ago with the 108, C1 and Aygo.\nAll three vans are\n identical\n when it comes to \ntechnical features, powertrains\n and \nequipment levels\n. The only difference is the design, with each van having its own design language to differentiate the models. If you ask us, the one from Citroen looks the best among the three.\nNo word on the powertrain was revealed to us, but they are expected to be powered by a diesel engine from the PSA range. The vans, which will be assembled in PSA\u2019s plant in Valenciennes, France, will be premiered at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Are you a fan of the current \nPorsche 718\n or the boxer engines? If your answer to either of that is \u201cyes\u201d, then perhaps it\u2019s time to hurry up and save up, because you might not have long to buy one any more.\nIn an online press conference on Friday, Porsche Chairman of the Executive Board Oliver Blume confirmed that the next-generation Porsche 718 models will become fully electric, and we\u2019ll see it as soon as 2025.\nVIDEO: The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a complete riot in Sepang!\n\u201cThe \nTaycan\n is 100% a Porsche and inspires all kinds of people \u2013 existing and new customers, experts and the trade media,\u201d said Blume. \u201cWe are stepping up our electric offensive with another model: By the middle of the decade, we want to offer our mid-engine 718 sports car exclusively in an all-electric form.\u201d\nIn addition to the new fully-electric 718, Porsche also said that it\u2019s targetting for 50% of its sales to come from electrified models (EVs, PHEVs), and in 2030, \u201cthe share of all new vehicles with an all-electric drive should be more than 80%\u201d.\nThe announcement came after the company revealed its sales performance for 2021, where it sold 301,915 vehicles to customers worldwide, making it the first time the company has exceeded the 300,000 mark in its history.\nAmong that figure, the SUVs leaded the pack with 88,362 units for the \nMacan\n and 83,071 for the \nCayenne\n, while the Taycan more than doubled its sales last year with 41,296 units delivered. That means it\u2019s now even more popular than the \nPorsche 911\n, despite the latter also setting a new sales record with 38,464 units delivered.\nWith the new sales record, Porsche has also generated an operating profit of 5.3 billion Euros, or 27% higher than the previous year, making it the most profitable car manufacturer in the world with an operating return on sales of 16%.\nMoving forward, the company has also announced that it will be investing in premium charging stations together with partners, as well as its own charging infrastructure that will be exclusive to Porsche owners.\nRELATED: Shell and Porsche announce cross-country 180 kW charging network, six stations in M\u2019sia\n\u201cFurther extensive investments are flowing into core technologies such as battery systems and module production. In the newly founded Cellforce Group, high-performance battery cells are being developed and produced that are expected to be ready for series production by 2024,\u201d the company added."
"Leading the \nLotus\n brand\u2019s transformation from a UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand is the new all-electric \nLotus Eletre\n. Unveiled in March this year, Lotus has now confirmed the prices and specifications of its electric SUV for UK and the European market. With three variants to choose from, the Lotus Eletre\u2019s price starts at \u00a389,500 (approx. \nRM 484,668\n).\nLotus Eletre \u2013 \u00a389,500 (approx. RM484,668).\nLotus Eletre S \u2013 \u00a3104,500 (approx. RM 565,897)\nLotus Eletre R \u2013 \u00a3120,000 (approx. RM 649,834)\nL-R: Matt Windle (Lotus Cars Group Managing Director), Maximillian Szwaj (Lotus Technology Vice President), Peter Horbury (Executive Vice President, Design), Ben Payne (Lotus Technology Creative Centre Managing Director)\nBoth the Lotus Eletre and Lotus Eletre S are powered by a dual-motor electric drive system that makes \n603 hp\n and \n710 Nm\n, and gets a single-speed gearbox. Both versions accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n.\nClaimed to be the world\u2019s fastest dual-motor electric SUV is the range-topping Lotus Eletre R which also gets a dual motor system but with much more power at \n905 hp\n and \n985 Nm\n. It also gets a two-speed gearbox to fully utilise the electric motors. 0-100 km/h is done in \n2.95 seconds\n. For reference, the \nBMW iX M60\n \ndoes the century sprint in 3.8 seconds.\nRELATED: \nThe iX M60 is BMW\u2019s most powerful electric car yet\nAll versions of the Lotus Eletre house a \n112-kWh\n battery that give a \n600-km\n WLTP range for the Eletre and Eletre S. The Eletre R draws more power due to its higher performance and has a reported WLTP range of \n490 km\n.\nNo specifics have been listed on the electric charging rates. However, Lotus does state that the 112-kWh battery takes 20 minutes to charge from 10% state-of-charge (SOC) to 80% with DC fast charging.\nRELATED: \nThe Lotus Emira GT4 is here to rip through racetracks\nIf the pictures have you guessing about the size of the new Lotus Eletre, we\u2019ll have you know that it is marginally bigger than the \nBMW iX\n.\nLotus Eletre\nBMW iX\nLength\n5,103 mm\n4,953 mm\nWidth\n2,231 mm\n1,967 mm\nHeight\n1,630 mm\n1,695 mm\nWheelbase\n3,019 mm\n3,000 mm\nIn the UK the Eletre rides on 22-inch wheels as standard, though 20-inch and 23-inch are available. There are five different wheel designs and six colours of brake callipers. As for body colour choices, the Lotus Eletre currently has six different colours to choose from \u2013 Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey and Solar Yellow. More will follow later.\nALSO WATCH: \nLotus Emira \u2018First Edition\u2019 with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 in Malaysia, 5 Things\nThere are also six unique interior options, with all of them offering premium high-grade materials and detail choices. Mounted on the centre of the dashboard is a 15.1-inch full High-Definition OLED centre screen.\nThis \u2018intelligent cockpit\u2019 infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio system. All versions of the Eletre feature five seats as standard, with a four-seat version available as part of the Executive Seat Pack.\nRELATED: \nLotus Emira \u201cFirst Edition\u201d previewed in Malaysia, with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6!\nStandard on all versions of the Lotus Eletre are five driving modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, an active front grille, and 22-inch wheels. Also standard is a wirelss smartphone charging system, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone sutomatic climate control, and a deployable LIDAR technology which supports end-to-end autonomous driving technology.\nStandard on the range-topping Lotus Eletre R is the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, gloss black wheels, stainless steel sports pedals, black badging and high-performance tyres. All Eletre customers have further opportunities to customise and personalise their car to their requirements using option packs.\nLotus Cars Group Vice-President and Managing Director, Matt Windle said, \u201cConfirmation of the pricing and specs of the Lotus Eletre is a key moment in the transformation of Lotus through our Vision80 strategy. We know from media and customer feedback that they\u2019re hugely excited by the arrival of this car \u2013 indeed, the Eletre has already won awards as 2023\u2019s \u2018most excited to see\u2019 new model. Customer deliveries start during the first half of next year.\u201d\nOn the launch of the Eletre, Matt Windle adds, \u201cThe launch of the Eletre is the natural next step for Lotus. Two-seater sports cars are not for everyone, and we want to offer a Lotus for every stage of your life. The Eletre is the start of that.\u201d\nRELATED: \nLotus confirms four new EV models by 2026 \u2013 2 SUVs, built in new China HQ!\nGALLERY"
"Chery Automobile is planning to go global with its new line of vehicles, starting with the all-new Chery Exeed TX. After numerous \nteasers\n, the Chinese company\u2019s first mid-sized SUV was finally shown to the world at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).\nMeasuring at 4,664 mm in length, 1,872 mm in width and 1,685 mm in height with a wheel base of 2,697 mm, the Exeed TX is marginally larger than the \nHonda CR-V\n. The new model embodies Chery\u2019s \u201c\nLife in Motion\n\u201d design philosophy that appeals to the urban and active audience. The chrome grille that runs all the way to the headlamps will be Chery\u2019s new family face for future models to come.\nStepping inside and you will be greeted with a futuristic cabin that is packed with the latest smart technologies and connected infotainment services. At the centre of the dash sits a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system while the climate controls sit elegantly below it. Speaking of which, don\u2019t they remind you of a certain four rings\u2019?\nDriver conveniences are aplenty, featuring key items such as keyless entry, 360-degree surround view camera, powered tailgate, ambient-lighting, panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, Park Assist just to name a few. So, it has a cabin that matches the stunning looks, does it have the performance to match?\nChery has developed a modular platform that will accommodate different electric powertrains. The Exeed TX will be available in Europe with \nthree electric powertrains\n: a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicle.\nThe first configuration to go on sale is the plug-in hybrid variant, spotting a \n147 hp\n 1.5-litre combustion engine mated to an \n85 kW\n electric motor. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed hybrid drive transmission. Now a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain may seem underwhelming, but Chery claims that the SUV will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just \n6 seconds flat\n with a top speed of \n200 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n1.8 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe PHEV Exeed TX has a zero-emission driving range of 70 km and will travel up to speeds of 120 km/h in pure electric power alone. Charging the PHEV to full charge from a regular household supply takes just four hours while fast charging can get the battery charge to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.\nThe Chinese automaker is currently evaluating key markets for future SUV/Crossover models and is planning to set up new R&D facilities in Europe to support its global expansion plan. The Exeed TX will be sold exclusive in Europe but there is no telling if the company will eventually offer this competitive SUV in other regions.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Renault and Geely earlier today said they would jointly develop vehicles utilising hybrid technology for China and South Korean markets. Renault, ending its partnership with Dongfeng, just exited the Chinese automotive market last year due to poor sales.\nAs part of the yet-to-be formally announced partnership, Renault would enter the cooperation with Geely by simply re-branding Geely hybrid products as Renault models. However, a much larger collaboration is planned for South Korea, where Renault vehicles are sold as Renault Samsung Motors.\nVolvo first automaker to take full control of China operations. Read more about their plans here.\nThe two automakers are said to explore a joint localisation of Geely\u2019s \nLynk & Co\n brand in South Korea and later expand to fast-growing Asian markets. The report by \nReuters\n also said both companies are looking at developing fully electric vehicles as part of the venture.\nThe move by Renault is part of their plans to revive their presence in the world\u2019s largest car market, where hybrids or new energy and electrified vehicles (NEEV) are growing at a phenomenal rate. For Zhejiang Geely Holding, the first six months of 2021 saw over 30,000 units of NEEV models sold, representing 5% of the total sales of 630,237 units.\nThe new venture is said to be modelled on an EV-focused venture Geely set up in 2019 with Daimler, which plants to manufacture and sell \nSmart-brand EV\n based on Geely\u2019s highly scalable \nSustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)\n platform that is also open-sourced.\nHonda is open to partnerships to lower the cost of EVs. Find out more about their plans here!\nThis addition of Renault certainly highlights the ongoing appeal of Geely\u2019s business model of being an EV automaker, providing all the necessary development, engineering and manufacturing solutions at a competitive price.\nIt is however not entirely clear how this will play out for Renault\u2019s alliance partner, Nissan. Both Nissan and Dongfeng currently have a joint-venture in China and both also express their own interest in making electric cars dedicated to the domestic market. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY\nGeely vehicles\nRenault Samsung vehicles"
"Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd\n (known as Ital Auto) has been appointed as the new official and authorized importer for \nFerrari\n in Malaysia. The appointment is effective from \nMay 5, 2023\n, following \nthe end of Ferrari and Naza Italia\u2019s partnership\n in April 2023.\nReplacing Naza Italia, Ital Auto will be taking over the former partner\u2019s existing client deposits and bookings for Ferrari vehicles. Not a stranger to the \u201cbest of Maranello\u201d, Ital Auto has been an official importer and distributor of Ferrari in Singapore since 2009.\nAccording to Ferrari, Ital Auto has \u201cproven to be an effective and reliable partner by delivering exceptional customer experiences and quality services to our clients\u201d and Ferrari is confident that their customer base in Malaysia and the region will continue to be well served.\nPrior to Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd\u2019s appointment, Naza Italia Sdn Bhd has been the sole distributor of Ferrari in Malaysia. The company is part of the Naza Group which has previously sold cars from Kia and Peugeot. For a short stint, the group even had its own name-brand vehicles with models like the Ria, Sutera, and 206 Bestari.\nGlobally, Ferrari has managed to sell 3,567 cars in the first quarter of 2023, showing a 9.7% growth from the previous year. Ferrari has also reopened orders for the \nFerrari Purosangue\n after temporarily \nhalting it since December last year\n. The Purosangue is Ferrari\u2019s first \u2018SUV\u2019 and its first four-door, four-seater vehicle.\nWith Ital Auto announced as the new official partner for Ferrari in Malaysia, those who wish to make orders for the Purosangue might be able to make their dream purchase a reality. There have been sights of Ital Auto\u2019s facility in Glenmarie, but no official announcements have been made yet on the company\u2019s facility locations since the partnership.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Purosangue orders reopen, 3,567 Ferraris sold in Q1 2023"
"Unless you\u2019ve been living under a rock, you\u2019ll know that there\u2019s a new Honda Civic in town. And just like clockwork whenever Honda unveils a new car, Mugen has now followed it up with a body kit for the all-new Honda Civic Hatchback.\nThe full kit will only be launched alongside the car in Japan \nnext month\n, but Mugen has furnished two teaser photos to hype up the launch, pretty much already telling us everything we need to know.\nFrom the looks of it, the new body kit is considerably tamer than what we\u2019ve come to expect from Mugen. The kit includes additional bumper extension lips and side skirts, a new honey-comb grille, and a small fixed spoiler at the back \u2013 all given the blacked-out treatment for an extra dose of sportiness.\nCapping off the exterior changes are smaller additional items like a set of window visors, black wing mirror covers, number plate holders, as well as minor accessories like door handle scratch protectors, plus carbon fibre decals above the front grille and boot lip.\nHonda USA also unveiled their own styling kit for the all-new Civic under the Honda HPD brand. Check it out here!\nAside from just aesthetic modifications, Mugen has also developed a new sports exhaust system for the all-new Honda Civic Hatchback, featuring two oval-shaped exhaust tips, alongside a set of 18-inch forged aluminium wheels that supposedly features the \u201cMugen sporty ride\u201d characteristics.\nInterior decorations are also expected in the Mugen kit for the all-new Honda Civic Hatchback, but we\u2019ll have to wait until the official launch on the 3rd of September to see what that looks like. The company does say that there\u2019ll be a set o new sports mats though, so there\u2019s that.\nMugen also recently unveiled a body kit for the Honda Jazz, which we think looks ace! Check it out for yourself here.\nWith the all-new Honda Civic recently making its \nregional debut in Thailand\n, we probably don\u2019t have to wait too much longer to see the 11th-gen Civic here in Malaysia.\nWould you rather have yours equipped with this Mugen body kit, the competing \nModulo kit\n, or instead go with the complete stock sleeper look? Let us know in the comments below!\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today launched the all-new E-Class Coupe today consisting of 3 different variants \u2013 the E200 Coupe, E300 Coupe and the E300 Coupe Edition 1, joining its Dream Car Collection \u2013 a collection of the most exclusive and exciting cars available in the market today.\nThe all-new \nE-Class\n Coupe is distinguished by distinctive front-end with low-positioned sports grille and central star, a long bonnet with power domes, a rearward-shifted, squat greenhouse and muscular rear end. It\u2019s new dynamic looks are emphasised by four frameless, fully-retractable side windows and the absences of a B-pillar. Lighting is covered by the new \nMULTIBEAM LED\n headlamps in the front and a two-part, extremely flat LED tail lamps.\n \nUpon unlocking the vehicle, the taillights illuminate successively from the centre of the vehicle outwards. On locking the vehicle, the sequence of lights will run the opposite direction. The same applies to the \nMULTIBEAM LED\n headlamps, with similar projections of the blue optical-fibre show in the front.\nVariant\nE200 Coupe\nE300 Coupe\nEngine\n2.0-litre In-line 4 cyl\n2.0-litre In-line 4 cyl\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC\n9G-TRONIC\nMax Power\n184 hp\n245 hp\nMax Torque\n300 Nm\n370 Nm\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM 435,888\nRM 499,888\nOn the inside, you get two brilliant, 12-3-inch high resolution (1920 x 720) displays which are merged under a single lens to produce a \nWidescreen Cockpit\n with a floating effect. Additional controls come in the form of a touchpad with controller in the centre console, which can also recognise handwriting as well as the \nLINGUATRONIC\n voice control system. Ambient lighting is available in \n64 colours\n.   In the \nE300 Coupe\n, the interior comes with additional heads-up display, an \nAIR-BALANCE package\n and the \nBurmester surround sound system\n. The E300 Coupe\u2019s interior can also be distinguished with its panoramic sliding sunroof, metal-weave trim and black piano-lacquer centre console as opposed to the open-pore black ash wood trim and black open-pored as wood centre console.\nIt\u2019s \nCOMAND ONLINE\n system provides smartphone connectivity via the Apple Car Play system alongside Google\u2019s Android Auto. The new E-Class Coupe outstrips its predecessor in terms of length, width and height which as a result offers more headroom and rear knee room.   The AMG line adds a distinctive touch of sportiness \u2013 with diamond radiator grille with chrome pins to the large AMG light-alloy wheels with 18-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels in the E200 coupe and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke high-gloss black wheels. The E300 also comes with a \nNight package\n for its exterior with a host of design details in high-gloss black.\nDriving experience is also enhanced with the E-Class Coupe\u2019s \nAGILITY CONTROL\n, with passive, selective damping. The suspension system also lowers the car by 15 mm compared to the Saloon without compromising on comfort. It\u2019s \nDYNAMIC SELECT\n system enable various vehicle settings \u2013 with Comfort, ECO, Sport, Sport + and Individual.\n\u00a0The E300 Coupe is also available in \nEdition 1\n, a variant that\u2019s limited to only \n555 units worldwide\n. It comes with the Night Package, 20-inch AMG light alloy wheels in exclusive designo cashmere with magno paint.\nCustomers can finance their new E200 Coupe at RM 4,358, E300 Coupe at RM 4,998 and E300 Coupe Edition 1 at Rm 5,348 per month with a three year \nAgility Financing\n tenure available for the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz Dream Car collection.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nE200 Coupe   E300 Coupe"
"Throughout the years, the original G-Class was given multiple refreshers and almost 40 years later since its initial debut, an all-new second-generation model was launched at the 2018 North American International Auto Show.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) with its strong portfolio of SUVs here in Malaysia, it is only natural for the Godfather of SUVs to make its way here as its halo model. In the bi-turbo V8 powered Mercedes-AMG G 63 variant no less.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG G 63\nEngine\n3,982cc; bi-turbo V8\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n585 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n850 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.5 seconds; 240 km/h (AMG Driver\u2019s Package)\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM1,464,888\nEXTERIOR\nThe second-gen G-Class maintains its iconic boxy design and no one will blame you to presume this to be a \nfacelift\n model. Compared to its predecessor, the new G-Class is now 53 mm longer, 121 mm wider and has 6 mm higher ground clearance, now measuring 4,753 mm in length, 1,931 mm in width, 1,969 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm.   Mercedes-Benz has also put the G-Class through a diet by introducing new material mix in the body shell, aluminium wings, bonnet and doors amongst others, resulting in it being 170 kg lighter than the model it replaces.\nOur local-spec G 63 gets dressed in the panamericana grille, Multibeam LED headlamps, AMG Night Package, red painted brake calipers, side running boards, 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forge wheels and the Edition 1 package.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the G-Class gets Mercedes-Benz\u2019s latest generation cabin design language and technologies \u2013 widescreen cockpit, multifunctional steering wheel with touch controls, turbine-style air vents, Active Multicontour Seat Package, 64-colour ambient lighting power and more.   In the G 63 you\u2019ll get Nappa leather AMG performance steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery with red topstitching, Designo red seatbelts, Burmester Surround Sound System, AMG stainless steel door sill panels and AMG carbon-fibre trim in red pepper.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood lies an M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 found in other Mercedes-AMG 63 models. All \n585 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of twist is transferred to all four corners via 9G nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in \n4.5 seconds\n and the G 63 will continue to accelerate till the 240 km/h mark (with AMG Drivers Package, standard on Malaysian-spec).\nThe AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive features a rear-biased torque distribution of 40:60 front to rear \u2013 unlike the G-Class of old which has a standard 50:50 split. There are five on-road drive modes available on the Dynamic Select \u2013 Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.\nFlick the central differential lock switches on the centre console and the G 63 will engage one of three off-road modes \u2013 Sand, Trail and Rock. \nTrail\n allows maximum performance on soft, muddy or slippery surfaces while \nSand\n gives the sportiest dynamics on sandy stretches. When the going gets extremely tough, \nRock\n will be the ideal mode for the G 63 to get you out of tough spots.\nSAFETY\nCustomers who purchase their G 63 from MBM can expect the Driving Assistance Package that bundles Blind Spot Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist as well as 360-degree surround view camera, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Pre-Safe System.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG G 63 Launched in Malaysia"
"Following the \nfacelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class\n, the top-of-the range baby Merc gets updated with \npower hike\n to complement the refreshed looks. The entry-level \nAMG\n is no longer a Benz, from now on it will be known officially as the \nMercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC\n.\nIt still looks as wild as before, but \nminute changes\n are evident especially from the front. The bumper now features the \ndistinctive AMG A-wing\n like on the bigger AMG siblings, and the \nLED High Performance headlamps\n are fitted as standard on the A 45.\nAt the tail end, the \nbadges swapped positions\n, where the AMG emblem now sits on the left side of the hatch. \nNew tail lights\n are the same as the non-AMG models, but the\n diffuser\n and the \nrectangular tailpipes\n down below are unique to the A 45.\nThis super hot hatch gets all the updates from the \nnormal A-Class\n, including the \nrevised graphics\n, \nswitches\n, and \nbigger screen\n. The \nnew steering wheel\n is chunkier in the A 45, while the distinctive \nAMG gear selector\n takes centerstage on the center console.\u00a0In addition to that, the \nsports seats\n get seat \ncushion depth adjustment\n as standard. The A 45 will also receive \nApple CarPlay\n and \nMirrorLink\n mobile phone connectivity.\nThe \u201c\nbeast\n\u201d under the bonnet is the same \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n unit, but it has been spanked to extract \n21 hp\n and \n25 Nm more\n than before. Thanks to the reconfigured timing and valve assembly, it generates a total of \n381 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n, extending its lead as the \nmost powerful series production four-cylinder engine\n\u00a0now with \n191 hp per litre\n. Amazingly, the\n fuel consumption\n remains at \n6.9 litres per 100 km\n.\nMated to a reworked \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission\n with \nshorter ratios\n, the A 45 shoots from\n 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds\n, \n0.4 seconds quicker\n than before. The \nAMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system\n with \ninfinitely variable torque distribution\n stays, shuffling\n up to 50 percent of the power to the rear axle\n to increase traction when needed.\nThe \nAMG DYNAMIC SELECT\n driving modes gains a \nSport+\n mode, which \nquickens the shift times\n as well as \nsharpens the throttle response\n along with an \namplified soundtrack\n from the engine. On top of that, an\u00a0automatically controlled \nexhaust flap\n\u00a0controls the volume on the outside depending on the chosen driving mode.\nTo those who plan to take their A 45 to the circuit, a new optional \nAMG DYNAMIC PLUS package\n can be specified on the A 45. For the first time on the A 45, it brings a\n mechanical front axle locking differential\n for an even improved traction in the bends. Also included is the \nAMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension\n with \nfully-automated two-stage adaptive dampers\n, as well as an additonal and more extreme \nRace mode\n where the \nSPORT HANDLING MODE\n on the 3-stage ESP allows for a\n wider drift angles\n.\n \n \nThe A 45 mirrors the \nstandard A-Class\n\u2018 safety features and driving assistance systems, and it includes the \nATTENTION ASSIST\n drowsiness detection system, \nDISTRONIC PLUS\n adaptive cruise control, and \nCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS\n with autonomous partial braking.\nThe A 45 used to sell for RM348,888 in its \nEdition 1\n guise but is currently sold at RM343,888 \u2013 a full RM5,000 cheaper. With the increased power in the new A 45, surely it will cost more than that, no?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nall-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class\n is cool and all, but frankly \u2013 it was never going to measure up to the top 1% of the 1%, no. If you\u2019re part of that most elite few in the world, what you need is this, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which takes the luxury sedan to a whole other level.\nLike all \nMaybachs\n, the new Maybach S-Class is not a car that you\u2019re supposed to be driving, but to be driven in \u2013 as made very clear in the press release. It\u2019s 180 mm longer than even the long wheelbase Mercedes S-Class (290 mm longer than the regular S-Class!), with all that space going to the rear seats.\nBut more space is not the only thing that\u2019s going for the new Maybach. There\u2019s also a feature called \u201cactive road noise compensation\u201d which works similarly to your fancy headphones to suppress unwanted noise within the cabin. Mercedes-Benz says that the counter-phased audio signals generated by the systems reaches your ears in less than three milliseconds to compensate the road noise effectively.\nThe rear quarterlights at the C-pillars also get\u00a0thicker laminated glass for added quietness, and noise-reduced tyres with foam absorbers can also be fitted on request.\nNot just that \u2013 passengers in the rear seats will even have the seatbelts extended to you, which means you\u2019ll no longer have to move from an adopted, comfortable seating position to fasten the belt \u2013 no literally, the press release states that verbatim.\nWith the optional comfort access doors which can be operated via any of the touch screens on board (i.e. by your chauffeur), you also won\u2019t have to unnecessarily waste extra energy on peasanty tasks like opening or closing the doors. The mechanism was also tested extensively to ensure it\u2019s not too loud, causing unnecessary strain on your ears.\nAnd for the ultimate rear-seats experience, you can even specify the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class with a refrigerator in-between the two seats, perfect for storing your champagne on the go. Pair that with the improved ambient lighting system with 253 individual LEDs with Maybach-exclusive colours such as ros\u00e9 gold white and amethyst glow, and you have yourself a super exclusive moving lounge.\nThe new Maybach S-Class is fitted with Executive Seats as standard, which can be reclined to a maximum of 43.5-degrees. Should you need more space, the Chauffeur package will allow the backrest of the front passenger seat to be tilted further forward by 23-degrees.\nTogether with the electronically-extending leg rests of the Executive seats (with optional calf massage function) and the foot rests on the back of the front seats, you can even comfortably sleep at the rear quarters if you really want to.\nOf course, there\u2019s no use in owning a Maybach if it just looks like any other S-Class. To differentiate, the new Mercedes-Maybach gets the brand\u2019s own signature radiator grille, light-up Maybach badges on the C-pillars, as well as exclusive chrome trims. The stunning forged monoblock alloy wheels are 20-inches in size as standard, but can be optioned to smaller 19-inch items if you prefer a little more comfort.\nHowever, the most impressive exterior feature on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the extra-cost two-tone paint finish, which is painstakingly done by hand and takes an entire week to complete. The chrome fin down the middle of the bonnet is also a Maybach-exclusive, as a nod to Maybach\u2019s pre-WW2 models.\nPowertrain options underneath the hood of the new Maybach S-Class comes directly from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class portfolio. These include the S 580 4Matic which is powered by a \n489 hp/700 Nm\n 4.0-litre biturbo V8, as well as the S 650 4Matic and S 680 4Matic which gets the beefier 6.0-litre biturbo V12, pushing out \n630 hp \nand \n1,000 Nm\n of torque \u2013 more engine options are available depending on region.\nJust like the regular S-Classes, the Maybach S 580 also benefits from the 48V EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, which provides additional power assistance of up to 20 hp and 180 Nm when required, while the improved integrated starter-generator ensures a smoother start-stop experience.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class also comes with all of the fancy new driving technologies on the regular S-Class, including the E-Active Body Control\u00a0active suspension with active roll stabilisation, extended rear-wheel steering, as well as level-3 autonomous driving capabilities \u2013 although these probably wouldn\u2019t affect your buying decision since you\u2019ll be seated at the rear seats anyway. In case of accidents, the rear passengers are protected by the \nworld\u2019s-first rear passenger frontal airbags\n.\nGALLERY"
"As you may have heard by now, the \nall-new Honda City Hatchback \nhas been launched with prices starting from RM75,670 all the way to RM87,860 for the V variant. The arrival of the new hatchback also means that Honda will stop selling the Jazz in Malaysia.\nRead about our first impressions of the City hatchback after driving it on the Sepang Circuit!\nJazz\nCity\nAs the new replacement for the Jazz that has enjoyed such a strong following in Malaysia for more than 10 years, we thought you might want to know what you\u2019re getting more (or less) in the new City Hatchback. For all intents and purposes, we\u2019ll be comparing the highest spec V variants of the Jazz and City.\nPRICE\nThe Jazz is priced at RM84,955 while the City hatchback is priced a little more at RM87,860; an \nadditional RM2,905\n. What are you getting then for that extra money? More or less?\nPERFORMANCE\nThe all-new City comes with a new Dual Overhead Cam engine compared to the single cam engine in the Jazz. That said, there isn\u2019t a significant increase in output compared to the City hatchback. Both are 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engines and while the City hatchback pushes out 121 hp and 145 Nm, it only has one horsepower more than the Jazz at 120 hp and 145 Nm. Both the Jazz and City hatchback are fitted with CVT gearboxes.\nThe City hatchback manages 0 to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and has a top speed of 194 km/h. There are no official figures by Honda Malaysia on this for the Jazz, but in other markets, the Jazz (with the same output) exceeds 11 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.\nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of headlights, the City hatchback V gets LED units while the V variant of the Jazz only had halogen projectors. Both come with LED daytime running lights and fog lights. The Jazz also doesn\u2019t get automatic headlamps like in the new City hatchback. Both are fitted with 16-inch wheels with similar size tyres.\nAs for dimensions, the new City hatchback is longer, wider, and comes with a longer wheelbase compared to the Jazz. The Jazz does have an advantage in height, which should be better for headroom.\nAs for boot size, the Jazz offers significantly more room with 369 litres over the City hatchback\u2019s 289-litres. Turning radius in the City hatchback is also better; five metres compared to the Jazz\u2019s 5.4.\nINTERIOR\nInside, both come with paddle shifters, push start button, auto air conditioning, ECON button and Honda\u2019s highly practical Ultra Seats but the City hatchback stands out just a little more with leather upholstery compared to semi-leather in the Jazz.\nIn terms of on-board entertainment, the City hatchback has improved from the Jazz with a larger infotainment display, 8-inches vs 6.8-inches, more USB ports, two compared to just one in the Jazz, and more speakers, eight speakers over six. The City hatchback also stands out with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto \u2013 a huge step up.\nThe 8-inch infotainment display in the City hatchback.\nFrom our personal experience with the car on the Sepang Circuit, the seats in the new City hatchback felt much more supportive as well, especially in the rib section.\nSAFETY\nAs for safety both the Jazz and City hatchback come with six airbags, hill-start assist, emergency stop signal, ISOFIX seats. Separating the two apart is the Honda LaneWatch feature in the City hatchback, which projects the left-hand side of the car onto the infotainment display when signalling left.\n \nThe Honda SENSING features including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keep assist, front collision warning with collision mitigation braking (autonomous braking), lane departure warning with road departure mitigation is only available in the RS variant.\nWhat do you think? Does it justify the extra RM2,900 or so extra compared to the discontinued Jazz?"
"Honda Malaysia has\njust announced limited special editions for the popular Honda Jazz and BR-V. Only\n300 units each of the Jazz Mugen and BR-V Special Edition will be available so\nyou better hurry!\nThis is not the first time we\u2019ve heard of the Jazz Mugen, having to be previewed as \na concept at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)\n. The production model is near identical to the concept with new front aero bumper, Mugen front grille, LED front fog lamps along the front lip, side under spoiler, tailgate garnish, rear under spoiler and a rear spoiler. The 17-inch 10-spoke Mugen alloy wheels were given a miss, soldiering on with the same 15-inch multi-spoke design.\nProduction Model\nJazz Mugen Concept\nThe Jazz Mugen is based on the top-grade Jazz 1.5 V which is powered by a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine and CVT pushing \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n. Other than the Mugen body kit, the rest of the car is as per before with six air bags, Vehicle Stability Control, automatic climate control, half leather upholstery and 6.8-inch Display Audio.\nThe Jazz Mugen is\npriced at RM88,600 for the Modern Steel Metallic while opting for White Orchid\nPearl will bump the price up to RM88,720.\nOn the outside, the BR-V SE gains a new tailgate spoiler, running board, side step garnish while the cabin is enhanced with a 6.8-inch infotainment system with Smartphone Connectivity. Other than that, the rest of the car is identical as before. The BR-V SE features the same 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC and CVT combo with \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque.\nAdditionally, Honda\nMalaysia is also introducing a new Passion Red Pearl for the BR-V line-up,\nreplacing the Dark Ruby Red Pearl. The BR-V SE is available exclusively in\nPassion Red Pearl or White Orchid Pearl priced at RM90,700 and RM91,000\nrespectively.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nHonda\u00a0Jazz\u00a0Mugen\u00a0Concept\u00a0at\u00a02018\u00a0KLIMS"
"It\u2019s been exactly two months since the entire Covid-19 phenomenon dawned on us and while we\u2019ve been affected physically and mentally by various restrictions to our lifestyle never before experienced, the lack of commuting and movement has certainly affected our vehicles as well.\nAs such Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch AA) would like to share\n four simple ideas\n to make the best use of our time at home by staying active. This will also help keep our cars in the best and cleanest condition possible to ensure our safety when making essential trips during this time.\nExercise by washing your car inside-out\nBeing confined at home doesn\u2019t mean you don\u2019t get any physical activity in. Get some exercise by giving your car a good wash inside and out by cleaning, vacuuming and disinfecting. Remember that we use our cars to get our essentials and it is easy to overlook that cars receive the most human contact.\nHence, it is even more important now to wash and clean it to protect ourselves and our loved ones. It is highly recommended to use disinfectant wipes or solutions to wipe down the interior especially the door handles, steering wheel, radio, AC buttons; places you are in constant contact with.\n \nClick here for more on the\n AutoDIY series\n!\nStaying at home = flattening the curve + (maybe) a flat car battery\nMinimising human contact and practicing social distancing by being at home has not only successfully flattened the curve in Malaysia but may have also caused a \u201cflatten\u201d your car\u2019s battery due to the lack of use. However, letting your car battery go idle, can potentially shorten its lifespan.\nAs such you might want to have a look at the \nBosch C3 battery charger\n for such situations. It\u2019ll keep your car battery active and offers a quick remedy to flat batteries from the lack of driving.\nExercise peace of mind with some \u201cretail therapy\n\u201c\nStaying home for an extended period of time can be a tough endeavour for most people. For shopaholics, it\u2019s an even bigger pain. At times like these, perhaps what you need is some retail therapy. Thanks to e-commerce, shopping can be done online and with the goods delivered right to your doorstep!\nTake this opportunity to check on the wear and tear of your car parts and shop for new ones if they are worn out. With the on-going rainy season, we suggest shopping for a reliable pair of wipers as clear visibility is crucial when driving in the rain. Besides having a clear vision, a good cabin filter is equally important to ensure clean air in your car cabin as well as to prevent your windshield and windows from fogging up inside the car. These can be bought on \nShopee\n.\n \nCheck out our \nAuto DIY series on YouTube\n!\nDisinfect your baby car seat\nSince our cars receive the most human contact from essential trips, remember to disinfect the baby car seat and ensure that it is clean and sanitized.\nUse warm water and mild, baby-friendly soap to wipe down the harness, frame and buckles. Then, with a clean cloth remove any soap residue followed by a disinfectant wipe. Wash the covers if they are washing machine friendly but avoid using a dryer as it can compromise the shape of the covers! \nHere\u2019s how to do it\n!\nLet\u2019s make good use of our time at home by being more productive and by doing our part in keeping our cars clean and well maintained. This is so when we are able to freely drive on our roads, our cars will give us a safe and smooth drive."
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) displayed the \nall-new Toyota Yaris\n at the \n2019 Malaysia Autoshow\n for public viewing before the B-segment hatchback makes its official debut here.\nThe one on display is the range-topping Yaris 1.5 G fitted with aero kit. Helping the Yaris to stand out from the range of Toyota models is the vibrant Citrus Mica Metallic exterior colour \u2013 other colours include Red Mica Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic and Super White II.\nThe model on display comes with the aero kit fitted which adds a four-piece body kit in black with red pin striping and a body coloured roof spoiler.\nStandard equipment on the Yaris 1.5 G includes projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, keyless entry and start, 16-inch dual-tone alloys wrapped in 195/50 profile rubbers, an Optitron Meter and Multi-information Display, Electrochromic rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, DVD-AVX touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor and fabric seats.\nUnder the hood, the Yaris shares the same powertrain as the \nfacelifted Vios\n, a 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine and CVT with seven virtual ratios making \n107 hp \nand \n140 Nm \nof torque.\nIn terms of safety\nequipment, the Yaris is identical to the facelifted Vios which comes with 7\nairbags, Vehicle Stability Control, hill-start assist and Blind Spot Monitoring\nwith Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nThe all-new Toyota Yaris is now available for booking at all authorised UMWT dealers nationwide with three variants available at launch \u2013 1.5 J, 1.5 E and 1.5 G priced from RM71,888 to RM84,888.\nOur local spec Yaris will be locally-assembled at UMWT\u2019s new plant in Bukit Raja, Klang and comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY"
"If Tesla\u2019s Ludicrous Mode isn\u2019t quite enough for your thirst for speed, this new electric hypercar is probably going to reshuffle your brain. Meet the new Aspark Owl.\u00a0\nUnveiled at the Dubai International Motor Show, the Aspark Owl promises a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time in \n1.69 seconds\n, claiming the title of the world\u2019s fastest accelerating car. From stationary, the Owl reaches 300 km/h in just \n10.6 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n400 km/h\n.\nIn order to achieve these mind-numbing performance figures, the Aspark Owl utilises four Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) to produce \n2012 hp\n and \u201c\naround 2000 Nm\n\u201d of torque. The Japanese firm claims that the Owl is almost two times more powerful than a Formula 1 car.\u00a0\nThe 800 volts powertrain draws power from a \n64 kWh\n lithium ion battery, which promises a drive range of \n450 km\n on the NEDC test cycle. Read: when you\u2019re not constantly going pedal to the metal in your 2000 hp car.\nWhen plugged in to a 44 kW charging system, the Aspark Owl can be charged in just \n80 minutes\n. An advanced Battery Monitoring System continuously monitor each battery cell to minimize wear-and-tear in standard operating circumstances.\u00a0\nIn order to squeeze every ounce of performance out of the electric hypercar, Aspark took weight savings to an extreme with the Owl. The smooth curvy body is completely made out of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, and weighs in at just\n 180 kg\n.\u00a0\nUnderneath the body is a single-piece carbon monocoque chassis, weighing just \n120 kg\n. Honeycomb structures are used in the chassis to absorb shock as much as possible in an event of a crash.\u00a0\nThe Aspark Owl stands just\n 99 cm\n tall, paired with the \u201cfeminine\u201d body shape to reduce drag in the air. An active rear wing automatically comes out at 150 km/h to keep the car on the ground.\u00a0\nCarbon ceramic brake discs paired with 10-pot calipers in front and four at the rear should provide ample stopping power. The Aspark Owl rides on double wishbone suspensions on all four corners.\nAll of these performance certainly don\u2019t come cheap, as the Aspark Owl is priced at \n2.9 million Euro\n (RM13.3 million). If you\u2019re interested, act quick as only 50 units will ever be made. You might want to invest in a neck brace while shelling out the cold hard cash too.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u57282020\u5e74\u5c3e\uff0c\u5f53Toyota\u5ba3\u5e03\u8981\u63a8\u51faGR Yaris\u65f6\uff0c\u8bb8\u591a\u8f66\u8ff7\u5174\u9ad8\u91c7\u70c8\u7684\u6b22\u547c\uff0c\u800c\u6709\u4e9b\u975e\u8f66\u8ff7\u4eba\u58eb\u6478\u4e0d\u7740\u5934\u8111\u8fd9\u6709\u4ec0\u4e48\u503c\u5f97\u9ad8\u5174\u7684\u3002\u4e3a\u6b64\uff0c\u5c0f\u7f16\u8fd8\u7279\u5730\u64b0\u5199\u4e86\u4e00\u7bc7\u5173\u4e8e\nGR Yaris\u7684\u6545\u4e8b\n\u7ec6\u8bf4\u8fd9\u53f0\u8f66\u7684\u7531\u6765\u3002\n\u800c\u5982\u4eca\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u7ec8\u4e8e\u62ff\u5230\u5b9e\u8f66\u5e76\u4e14\u8ba4\u771f\u7684\u4f53\u9a8c\u4e86\u5b83\u957f\u8fbe5\u5929\u3002\n\u5bf9\u4e8e\u8bc4\u6d4b\u4e00\u53f0\u8f66\u6765\u8bf4\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u5f80\u5f80\u4f1a\u4ece\u6027\u80fd\u3001\u64cd\u63a7\u3001\u5b9e\u7528\u6027\u3001\u8017\u6cb9\u91cf\u3001\u7a7a\u95f4\u5927\u5c0f\u3001\u88c5\u5907\u751a\u81f3\u662f\u54c1\u8d28\u7b49\u591a\u4e2a\u89d2\u5ea6\u8fdb\u884c\u63a2\u8ba8\u3002\u4f46\u8fd9\u4e9b\u89d2\u5ea6\u5bf9\u4e8e\u4eca\u5929\u8fd9\u53f0\u8f66\u5927\u591a\u90fd\u4e0d\u9002\u7528\uff0c\u56e0\u4e3a\u5b83\u4e0d\u662f\u4e3a\u4e86\u53d6\u60a6\u5927\u4f17\u800c\u751f\u7684\u3002\nWRC\u4e16\u754c\u62c9\u529b\u9526\u6807\u8d5b\u5bf9\u4e8e\u8f66\u8ff7\u6765\u8bf4\u4e0d\u662f\u4e00\u4e2a\u964c\u751f\u7684\u540d\u8bcd\uff0c1973\u5e74\u5f00\u59cb\u4e3e\u529e\uff0c\u8bb8\u591a\u5382\u5bb6\u4e5f\u5728\u62c9\u529b\u8d5b\u4e2d\u5f00\u53d1\u4e86\u8bb8\u591a\u79d1\u6280\u3002\u5176\u4e2dAudi\u7684Quattro\u3001Subaru\u7684Symmetrical AWD\u548cMitsubishi\u7684S-AWC\u5c31\u662f\u4e3a\u4e86\u8d62\u5f97\u6bd4\u8d5b\u800c\u8bde\u751f\u3002\n\u56e0\u4e3a\u8d5b\u4f1a\u89c4\u5b9a\uff0c\u53c2\u8d5b\u8f66\u8f86\u5fc5\u987b\u662f\u4ee5\u91cf\u4ea7\u8f66\u578b\u4e3a\u539f\u578b\uff0c\u6539\u88c5\u53c2\u8d5b\uff0c\u6240\u4ee5\u5f80\u5f80\u5f88\u591a\u8d5b\u8f66\u90fd\u4f1a\u4ee5\u5bb6\u7528\u91cf\u4ea7\u8f66\u6765\u53c2\u52a0\u6bd4\u8d5b\uff0c\u4f46\u6709\u4e9b\u8f66\u5382\u603b\u4f1a\u6709\u4e00\u4e9b\u610f\u60f3\u4e0d\u5230\u7684\u64cd\u4f5c\u3002\u4ee5\u5176\u628a\u91cf\u4ea7\u8f66\u578b\u6539\u88c5\u4e3a\u8d5b\u8f66\uff0c\u4e3a\u4f55\u4e0d\u7814\u53d1\u4e00\u8f86\u8d5b\u8f66\u53c2\u8d5b\uff0c\u7136\u540e\u628a\u8d5b\u8f66\u6539\u88c5\u6210\u4e3a\u6c11\u7528\u8f66\u578b\u91cf\u4ea7\u552e\u5356\u5462\uff1f\u5728\u7a81\u7834\u4e86\u8fd9\u4e2a\u76f2\u70b9\u4e4b\u540e\uff0c\u5c31\u771f\u7684\u6709\u8f66\u5382\u8fd9\u4e48\u5e72\u4e86\uff0c\u800c\u4e14\u8fd8\u4e0d\u5c11\u3002\n\u5176\u4e2d\u5c31\u6709\uff1a\nAudi Sport Quattro(\u56fe\u7247\u6765\u81ea\u7f51\u7edc)\nLancia Integrale(\u56fe\u7247\u6765\u81ea\u7f51\u7edc)\nMitsubishi Evo 6(\u56fe\u7247\u6765\u81ea\u7f51\u7edc)\nFord Escort RS Cosworth(\u56fe\u7247\u6765\u81ea\u7f51\u7edc)\n\u800c\u5982\u4ecaToyota\u4e5f\u4e00\u6837\u8fd9\u4e48\u5e72\u4e86\uff01\n\u8fd9\u4e9b\u8f66\u6b3e\u5728\u63a8\u51fa\u4e4b\u540e\u81f3\u4eca\u90fd\u62e5\u6709\u4e00\u4e2a\u5171\u540c\u70b9\uff0c\u5c31\u662f\u90fd\u5df2\u7ecf\u6210\u4e3a\u4e00\u8f66\u96be\u6c42\u7684\u7ecf\u5178\u8f66\u6b3e\uff0c\u800c\u4e14\u4e8c\u624b\u4ef7\u6781\u786c\uff0c\u5982\u679c\u8f66\u51b5\u597d\u7684\u8bdd\u751a\u81f3\u4ef7\u94b1\u4f1a\u8d85\u8fc7\u5f53\u5e74\u53d1\u552e\u7684\u65b0\u8f66\u4ef7\u3002\u800c\u57282021\u5e74\uff0c\u5f53\u6240\u6709\u6c7d\u8f66\u54c1\u724c\u90fd\u503e\u5411\u751f\u4ea7\u66f4\u5b9e\u7528\u4e14\u66f4\u73af\u4fdd\u7684\u8f66\u578b\u65f6\uff0c\u8eab\u4e3a\u73af\u4fdd\u5148\u950b\u7684Toyota\u5374\u53cd\u5176\u9053\u800c\u884c\u7684\u63a8\u51fa\u4e86\u8fd9\u6b3e- Toyota GR Yaris\u3002\n\u8fd9\u53f0\u642d\u8f7d1.6\u5347\u5f15\u64ce\u7684\u5c0f\u5c0fGR Yaris\u552e\u4ef7\u5df2\u7ecf\u8d85\u8d8a\u4e86RM300k\uff0c\u5728RM300k\u8fd9\u4e2a\u4ef7\u4f4d\u4f1a\u6709\u975e\u5e38\u591a\u7684\u9009\u62e9\uff0c\u6bd4\u5982Honda Civic Type R\u3001Subaru WRX STI\u751a\u81f3\u662f\u540c\u6837\u662f\u5c0f\u94a2\u70ae\u7684Golf R\uff0c\u5230\u5e95\u6709\u4ec0\u4e48\u8d2d\u4e70GR Yaris\u7684\u7406\u7531\u5462\uff1f\u867d\u7136\u540c\u4e3a\u540d\u53ebYaris\uff0cGR Yaris\u5e76\u4e0d\u662f\u4e3a\u4e86\u8ba9\u4f60\u65e5\u5e38\u4e70\u83dc\u800c\u751f\uff0c\u800c\u662f\u4e00\u4e2a\u4e3a\u62c9\u529b\u8d5b\u800c\u751f\u7684\u62c9\u529b\u6b66\u5668\uff0c\u5bf9\u4e8e\u8212\u9002\u5ea6\u3001\u8017\u6cb9\u91cf\u4ee5\u53ca\u5b9e\u7528\u6027\u5b8c\u5168\u4e0d\u5728\u4e4e\uff0c\u8fd9\u53f0\u8f66\u7684\u76ee\u6807\u53ea\u6709\u4e00\u4e2a- 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Yaris\u5e76\u4e0d\u662f\u4ee5\u4e1c\u5357\u4e9a\u7684Yaris\u4e3a\u8bbe\u8ba1\u84dd\u672c\uff0c\u800c\u662f\u4ee5\u6b27\u6d32\u7248\u672c\u7684Yaris\u4f5c\u4e3a\u5916\u89c2\u57fa\u7840\u7684\u60c5\u51b5\u4e0b\u7a0d\u4f5c\u6539\u8fdb\u7684\u3002\n\u5728\u5185\u88c5\u65b9\u9762\u5e76\u6ca1\u6709\u4ec0\u4e48\u4ee4\u4eba\u60ca\u53f9\u7684\u8bbe\u8ba1\uff0c\u4ee5\u7b80\u6d01\u4e3a\u4e3b\uff0c\u4eea\u8868\u76d8\u751a\u81f3\u6709\u70b9\u9177\u4f3c\u4f4e\u914d\u7248\u7684Lagi Best Myvi\uff0c\u4f46\u6bd5\u7adf\u662f\u5728\n\u77e5\u53bf\u5143\u753a\u5de5\u5382\n\u751f\u4ea7\uff0c\u6240\u4ee5\u5728\u505a\u5de5\u65b9\u9762\u8fd8\u662f\u975e\u5e38\u7ed3\u5b9e\u7684\u3002\u4e2d\u592e\u5a31\u4e50\u4e3b\u673a\u652f\u63f4\u6709\u7ebf\u8fde\u63a5\u7684Apple CarPlay\u548c Android 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PS4\u8f6e\u80ce\uff0c\u5374\u9891\u9891\u8d85\u8d8a\u4e86\u5c0f\u7f16\u6240\u8ba4\u77e5\u7684\u6781\u9650\u3002\u5982\u679c\u60f3\u6311\u6218\u8fd9\u8f86\u8f66\u7684\u8fc7\u5f2f\u6781\u9650\u7684\u8bdd\uff0c\u60f3\u5fc5\u53ea\u6709\u4e0b\u5230\u8d5b\u9053\u624d\u80fd\u628a\u5b83\u5b8c\u5168\u6fc0\u53d1\u51fa\u6765\u3002\n\u5176\u5b9e\u8fd9\u53f0\u8f66\u7684\u8be6\u7ec6\u7ec6\u8282\u4ee5\u53ca\u5386\u53f2\u5c0f\u7f16\u65e9\u5c31\u5df2\u7ecf\u5728\n\u8fd9\u7bc7\n\u6587\u7ae0\u91cc\u7ec6\u6570\u4e86\uff0c\u5728\u8fd9\u4e2a\u8bd5\u9a7e\u62a5\u544a\u4e2d\u5c0f\u7f16\u5176\u5b9e\u4e5f\u6ca1\u4ec0\u4e48\u597d\u8d58\u8ff0\u4e86\uff0c\u56e0\u4e3a\u9a7e\u9a76\u8d77\u6765\u5c31\u5982\u5c0f\u7f16\u6240\u9884\u6599\u7684\uff0c\u5728\u6027\u80fd\u5e73\u8861\u65b9\u9762\u505a\u5f97\u975e\u5e38\u5b8c\u7f8e\uff0c\u800c\u5b9e\u7528\u6027\u65b9\u9762\u4e5f\u7684\u786e\u70c2\u5f97\u4e00\u6279\uff0c\u4f46\u662f\u8c01\u5728\u4e4e\u5462\uff1f\u5b83\u6ce8\u5b9a\u5c06\u6210\u4e3a\u7ecf\u5178\u3002\n\u76ee\u524dToyota GR Yaris\u5728\u5927\u9a6c\u5df2\u7ecf\u552e\u7f44\uff0c\u5982\u679c\u6709\u5174\u8da3\u60f3\u8d2d\u4e70\u7684\u8bdd\u4e5f\u53ea\u80fd\u7b49\u4e8c\u624b\u6216\u8005AP\u7248\u672c\u54af~\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011"
"Following the success of the first ever\n Toyota \nGazoo Racing Online Challenge, which took place between 23rd April to 21st May, UMW Toyota Motor announced that the second phase will take place on the 12th of July.\nThe Toyota Gazoo Racing Online Challenge utilises the Gran Turismo Sport platform on Sony\u2019s Playstation. The initial phase saw participants as young as 6-years old compete in five different circuits around the world. In total, prize monies amounted to RM7,500 throughout the five races.\nThe second phase will see the top competitors from the first round go head-to-head for the final showdown. The \u201cracers\u201d will compete in a mini championship comprising of four different races, featuring race cars such as the Toyota GT86 Group B rally car.\nAs for the \nannual Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship\n, the third installment of the event will be held sometime in August or September this year.\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the physical aspect of motor-racing but there is no reason why the spirit of competition cannot continue virtually. Gazoo Racing is a philosophy that extends beyond the racing track and that was precisely why we pursued an online presence,\u201d said Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia\u2019s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama.\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has presented both challenges and opportunities, the result of which has seen e-sports and virtual racing propelled to the forefront at an unprecedented scale. The timely introduction of a regional event will certainly fuel Toyota\u2019s momentum of pursuing an aggressive e-sports agenda in Malaysia,\u201d said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Mr. Ravindran K."
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially announced that the fully-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 is now open for booking here in Malaysia. Pricing information has not been announced just yet, but you can reserve a place in the waiting list with a booking fee of RM1,000.\nThe all-new Ioniq 5 will be the second fully-electric Hyundai model launched here in Malaysia by HSDM, following the \nKona Electric\n that was unveiled in November last year. But unlike the Kona, the Ioniq 5 is a brand-new, exclusively electric model built completely from the ground up under the \nnew Ioniq sub-brand\n.\n\u201cThe Kona Electric introduced last year was a resounding success with the first batch of vehicles sold out. We expect demand for the Ioniq 5 to surpass the demand for the Kona Electric. Given how well received Hyundai-brand electric vehicles are here, we have lined up more electric models for our discerning customers,\u201d said\u00a0Sime Darby Motors Malaysia Managing Director of Retail and Distribution, Jeffrey Gan.\nLaunched globally in February 2021, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is built on the marque\u2019s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) skateboard EV architecture. Here in Malaysia, the SUV electric SUV will be offered in two battery sizes, 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh, and either a single motor (RWD) or dual-motor (AWD) configuration.\nBased on the global model, we expect the Hyundai Ioniq 5 range in Malaysia to be topped by a 72.6 kWh dual-motor variant, offering \n225 kWh (305 hp)\n and \n605 Nm\n of torque and a century sprint time of around \n5.2 seconds\n. Range meanwhile is rated at around 430 km, based on the WLTP test cycle.\nThe 58 kWh battery pack size meanwhile should be paired to a single-motor configuration, offering \n125 kW (170 hp)\n and \n350 Nm\n. We\u2019re unsure if the 72.6 kWh pack will also be offered as an RWD variant here in Malaysia, but the configuration is also offered globally. For the latter, range is rated at 480 km.\nThe Ioniq 5 supports charging speeds of up to 350 kW, thanks to its 800V electrical architecture. At that speed, refilling the Ioniq 5 from 10-80% takes just 18 minutes, while a 100 km range can be added with just a short five minutes top up.\nWhen you\u2019re charging at home, the on-board AC charger supports up to 10.5 kW max, which translates to a charging time of roughly six hours. Although, when it\u2019s fully charged, you can actually use your car\u2019s batteries to power up other things thanks to its built-in Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function.\nAs for looks, the futuristic Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks almost entirely unchanged from the Hyundai 45 concept that was shown off at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 2019, aside from a few regulatory requirements like the wing mirrors and actual functioning headlights.\nThe marque\u2019s new \u201cParametric Dynamics\u201d design language can be clearly seen in the Ioniq 5\u2019s sharp lines and creases, including the \u2018Z\u2019-shaped character lines at the side first seen on the \nall-new Hyundai Elantra\n.\nAnd while the car may appear tiny and adorable, it\u2019s actually a full-sized SUV, measuring 4,635 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,605 mm tall \u2013 that\u2019s even bigger than a \nHonda CR-V\n! Heck, the wheelbase of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is also longer than that of a \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n. Those wheels? They\u2019re actually 20-inches in diameters.\nOther exterior highlights include the unique rectangular-shaped daytime-running lights, a V-shaped front bumper, and a \u201cparametric pixel\u201d taillight cluster, just like the ones on the \nHyundai Staria\n.\nBooking of the Ioniq 5 can be done online via Hyundai\u2019s online shopping platform, Cl!ck to Buy (\nlinked here\n), or at any of Hyundai\u2019s authorized showrooms nationwide. Want to check out the car first before its launch? The Hyundai Ioniq 5 will also be displayed in a teaser box at 1 Utama Shopping Centre\u2019s Centre Court from the 2nd to 6th of March 2022."
"To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s 70th year in power, British supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive has developed a one-off version of the Artura supercar with a new paint job called \u201cPlatinum Jubilee\u201d along with a custom badge at the front.\nThe one-off Artura was revealed on the 12th of May because the company\u2019s global headquarters was officiated by the Queen herself 18 years from the date.\nTo start things off, the Silver Jubilee supercar came directly from McLaren\u2019s in-house bespoke division known as McLaren Special Operations (MSO). To top things off, a commemorative badge was placed on the nose of the car. What sets this badge apart from the rest is that it does not say McLaren, but instead it spells out \u201cElizabeth II\u201d.\nDuring the process of making this badge, a set of bespoke tools and presses were made specifically to mould the badge. Partnered with AkzoNobel, MSO and McLaren\u2019s advanced coating partner, analysed different lighting conditions just to find the perfect combination of metallic pigment. After this, the paint developers from MSO took another eight days to further refine and add finishing touches to the badge.\n\u201cIt has been an honour for MSO to create a new platinum paint in celebration of Her Majesty\u2019s Platinum Jubilee this year,\u201d MSO, Managing Director, Ansar Ali mentioned.\n\u201cThis special paint, which will be available for customers to select for years to come, will be a fitting tribute to mark this historic milestone,\u201d he added.\nTo recap, the McLaren Arturais the first-ever series production hybrid supercar from the English supercar maker that weighs just under1,500 kg. It is powered by a 3-litre V6 engine with 577 hp and 720 Nm paired with an electric motor that makes 94 hp and 225 Nm of torque. With all this power, the McLaren Artura is able to get from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and tops out at a speed of 330km/h."
"The Toyota LandCruiser is another iconic nameplate equal to that of the Land Rover Defender. While the LandCruiser has pretty much proved its worth on the planet\u2019s most hostile surface, it\u2019s never been a fast machine nor a hypercar beater. That is, until now.\nThe mad folks at Toyota\u00a0Motorsports Technical Centre have turned the LandCruiser into a \n2,000 hp\n brute. That\u2019s right, such insane number of ponies allows a\u00a0top speed of a blistering\u00a0\n 370.18 km/h \nwhen tested\u00a0on a 4 km runway at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. They call it the\u00a0\nLand Speed Cruiser\n and currently, it\u2019s\u00a0\nunofficially the world\u2019s fastest SUV\n.\nWhile it utilises the same \n375 hp 5.7-litre V8\n that powers the standard Land Cruiser, power is boosted by the usage of\u00a0two \u201cvolleyball-sized\u201d Garrett turbochargers that\u2019s capable of churning up to 55 psi of boost. The engine\u2019s internal parts have been beefed up to cope with the massive surge of power, with a\u00a0custom racing transmission being mated to the V8. To reduce air turbulence, the ride has to be lowered, with the frame now narrowed down by 76mm to fit the wider Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubbers.\nThe current \nofficial record holder\n\u00a0is held by a Mercedes-Benz GLK tuned by Brabus, where its 740 hp 6.3-litre twin-turbo V12 clocked a top speed of 340 km/h."
"With the Hari Raya frenzy set to hit the open roads, the Minister of Transport, Wee Ka Siong, has thrown a curveball to all road users.\nWee announced that during the Ops Bersepadu, taking place from the \n29th of April to the 8th of May\n, these offenses committed cannot be compounded and will have to settled in court. They include:\nSpeeding\nUsing the phone while driving\nCutting queues\nRunning the red light\nDriving in\n the emergency lane\nWee also added that as many as 2,200 Road Transport Department (JPJ) enforcement officers will be deployed during the period, with some going undercover as passengers in express buses along with enforcement check points at 14 location along major highways.\nDuring the campaign, there\u2019ll also be a ban on heavy-load trailers three days before Hari Raya (between 30th April to 2nd May) and two days after (between 7th to 8th May) to ease congestion."
"For those who believes that rear-wheel drive is the right-wheel drive, Lamborghini has heard you loud and clear. Starting the year with a bang, the Italian supercar maker has just announced the rear-wheel driven version of its \nHuracan\n supercar, promising \u201cmaximum driving fun\u201d.\nThe Huracan Evo RWD packs the same \nnaturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10\n engine, producing \n610 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n \u2013 which is the same as the standard four-wheel drive Huracan variants, but 30 hp down from the\n Huracan Evo\n.\nPower is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. Lamborghini claims its top speed to be \n325 km/h\n, with the 0-100 km/h completed in just \n3.3 seconds\n.\nHowever, the Italian firm says that the Huracan Evo RWD is not just about numbers and straight-line speeds, but \u201cengineered for driving fun\u201d. Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stefano Domenicali said, \u201cThe Hurac\u00e1n Evo RWD puts the car in the driver\u2019s hands: the driving experience is delivered by the hardware.\n\u201cThis car reminds the driver of Lamborghini\u2019s pure engineering origins: the driver is at the center of the Huracan Evo RWD\u2019s performance, with unfiltered feedback and an emotive and more engaging driving experience controlled by the pilot,\u201d he added.\nEquipped with a specifically-tuned Lamborghini Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS), the Huracan Evo RWD alters its torque delivery to the rear axle for better corner exit traction. In the right mode, the Evo RWD can also do \u201ceasy drifting\u201d without compromising on safety.\nThanks to the use of lightweight materials for the chassis and the simpler drivetrain system, the Huracan Evo RWD weighs in at just \n1,389 kg\n \u2013 33 kg less than the all-wheel drive counterparts. Weight is distributed in a 40/60 front/rear split, riding on double wishbone suspension with passive shock absorbers.\u00a0\nThe firm also says that the Lamborghini Dyanmic Steering (LDS) electronic power steering system is tuned specifically for the Huracan Evo RWD, in order to increase driver feedback.\u00a0\nTo differentiate it from its all-wheel drive brothers, Lamborghini gave the new Huracan Evo RWD a new front splitter \u2013 with vertical fins within the large framed air intakes. The rear bumper has also been redesigned with a new diffuser that is unique to the Huracan Evo RWD.\u00a0\nThe RWD Huracan rides on \n19-inch\n Kari rims, shod in specially developed Pirelli P Zero tires. Behind the wheels are the cross-drilled steel brakes, which can be upgraded to carbon-ceramic brakes alongside 20-inch rims.\nInside, a 8.4-inch touchscreen serves as the infotainment display. Aside from controlling all aspects of the car\u2019s functions, the system is also fully connected, and supports Apple CarPlay.\nLamborghini says that its Ad Personam personalisation programme provides \u201cunsurpassed options\u201d for colour and trim to make the car truly yours. Though you\u2019d be silly to choose anything else other than the glorious \nGiallo Belenus Yellow\n, which is developed specifically for the Huracan Evo RWD.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At first there were 30 candidates, the list then got trimmed down to just seven. After all the score sheets were returned by a panel of jurors comprising 60 motoring journalists, the \nall-new Peugeot 208\n turned out to be the \nEuropean Car of the Year 2020\n.\nIn what was supposed to be a teaser event on the eve of the \nnow-cancelled Geneva motor show 2020\n, the presentation of the seven finalists and announcement of the eventual winner were live streamed instead.\n \nThe all-new Peugeot 208 supermini \u2013 available in \ninternal combustion\n and \nfully electric variants\n \u2013 held off two pure electric models, the \nTesla Model 3\n and \nPorsche Taycan\n for the win.\nThe finalists of the 2020 European COTY and final points\ntally\nPeugeot 208 (281 points)\nTesla Model 3 (242 points)\nPorsche Taycan (222 points)\nRenault Clio (211 points)\nFord Puma (209 points)\nToyota Corolla (152 points)\nBMW 1 Series (133 points)\nThe new 208 is also available in pure-electric form.\nAccording to Peugeot, nearly \n110,000 customers\n have ordered the new 208 since its launch in Europe in\n October, 2019\n, with \n15% of the mix being electric variants\n. In France, the new Peugeot 208 leads the sales charts of passenger car market at the end of February 2020. The 208\u2019s win is also \nPeugeot\u2019s sixth ECOTY crown\n since the award was established in 1964. The \nJaguar I-Pace\n won last year\u2019s edition.\n\u201cI am particularly proud that the new Peugeot 208 has just\nwon the 2020 Car of the Year prize. This trophy underlines the excellence of\nthe work and great commitment of all the teams of the brand and the Groupe PSA,\u201d\nsaid Jean-Philippe Imparato, Peugeot brand CEO."
"Full-sized trucks are indispensable in the American automotive landscape. In 2020, the top three best-selling vehicles were all full-sized pick-up trucks from \nFord\n, Chevrolet and \nDodge\n, contributing to almost 2 million units, or close to 14% of the entire automotive segment!\nAs such, Toyota has completely revamped their Tundra full-sized pick-up truck to better compete with the native brands. Targeted just for use in North America, the all-new Toyota Tundra has been styled in the US. Key themes for the design include rugged, most powerful as well as sophisticated looking.\nThe Toyota Tundra gets a front end that is dominated by a massive grille, bordered by a thick inverted \u2019U\u2019 surround. It does have some similarities to the much smaller \nToyota RAV4\n and \nToyota Corolla Cross\n models. The LED headlamps look tiny in comparison and are accented by thick T-shaped DRLs.\nThis well modified overlanding Toyota Tacoma brings \u201cglamping\u201d to a different level! Learn more about it here!\nThe taillamps meanwhile are exclusively for use in North America, with a full-height glow in three red vertical stripes, similar to the items found in a \nFord Mustang\n.\nAn off-road-focused Toyota Tundra TRD Pro variant meanwhile adds more auxiliary lights, badging, unique pattern on the bumpers and wheel arches as well as exclusive rim design.\nIn the all-new Toyota Tundra, a new ladder frame was developed with higher rigidity as well as lighter in weight, with the use of aluminium in some sections. Coil springs now replace leaf springs on the new multi-link rear suspension, offering better handling dynamics, comfort levels and even payload and towing capacities.\nToyota USA is offering two off-road packages for the new Tundra- the TRD Off-Road add-on package with monotube Bilstein shocks as well as the full-vehicle TRD Pro variant. The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro grades are fitted with 2.5-inch diameter Fox internal bypass shock absorbers with piggyback reservoirs for the most demanding terrain.\nOther off-road specific upgrades include a red-painted front stabilizer bar, aluminium front skid plate, underbody protection and Falken all-terrain tyres.\nThe all-new Toyota Tundra will also offer an air-suspended rear axle as well as adaptive variable suspension that continuously adjusts the damping force for better comfort as well as stability with loads in the cargo bed.\nThe all-new Toyota Tundra also sees the lightweight cargo bed manufactured with new Sheet-Molded Compound (SMC) and aluminium. This allows the cargo bed to offer better protection against light dents, impact dings and rust. Opening the massive tailgate will also be as simple as a touch of a button, as it now has an electronic switch as well as a remote switch on the keyfob. \u00a0\u00a0\nHighlighting the all-new Toyota Tundra is the powertrain where the company is not only heading towards downsizing but also electrification. A new 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine is on offer, with the standard output of \n394 hp\n and \n649 Nm\n of torque that also serves the all-new \nToyota Land Cruiser 300 series\n.\nNext up is the hybrid version of this engine, which is currently not in use in other Toyota models. Adding an electric motor between the V6 engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission brings the output of this \u201ci-Force Max\u201d powertrain to \n443 hp\n and \n790 Nm\n of torque.\nThe hybrid system does all the familiar \nToyota-type assistance\n and propulsion with the motor providing assist during acceleration as well as towing. There is however no dedicated EV mode like the regular Toyota Hybrid System (THS) but the Tundra can still move around on just electric-only when conditions allow.\nThe Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2WD has access to 500 Nm, Innova-sized tyres and no ESC intervention! Read more about it here! \n\u00a0\nInside the new Toyota Tundra, an equally large central infotainment screen measuring 14 inches provides the driver and occupants with better connectivity. The locally developed system has processing power that is five times greater than the old unit to offer better usability, crisp graphics and higher levels of voice commands.\nGALLERY"
"Ahead of its Autumn debut in autumn 2023, the \nBMW XM\n Label Red\n has been previewed in an Instagram post by BMW M GmbH. The \u2018Label Red\u2019 is a new moniker that is used for the XM, replacing the usual \u2018Competition\u2019 moniker.\nIn the Instagram post, BMW M GmbH states that the BMW XM Label Red produces \n750 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n, although these figures are based on the Label Red\u2019s current stage of development. Powered by a hybrid V8 twin-turbo powertrain, the engine makes 585 hp and 750 Nm while the electric drive system makes 197 hp and 280 Nm.\nStitched image from the original post\nFor context, the \u2018regular\u2019 BMW XM with a hybrid twin-turbo V8 powertrain makes 653 hp and 800 Nm. The engine makes 489 hp and 650 Nm while the electric drive system makes 197 hp and 280 Nm. With an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the 0-100 km/h acceleration is done in 4.3 seconds.\nLiving up to the \u2018Label Red\u2019 moniker, the exterior of the BMW XM Label Red is adorned with red details such as the red surrounds on the kidney grille, the red trim around the side windows, and the red details on the wheels. Only one angle of the XM is shared on the Instagram post, and we don\u2019t get a glimpse of the interior. However, a splash of red is likely to decorate the cabin of the BMW XM Label Red.\nRELATED: \nBMW XM bookings open for Malaysia starting 20 Oct, RM1.4 million estimated price\n\u2018Regular\u201d version of the BMW XM\nThe BMW XM is the first PHEV BMW M car and it was unveiled to the world in September this year. It is the second M Car after the BMW M1 to be built from the ground up without an existing \u2018regular\u2019 BMW platform. It was also unveiled this year in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of BMW M.\nControversial but starting to gain fans, the design of the BMW XM is what the brand would describe as giving off a \u201csingularly extrovert aura\u201d. Like the BMW M1, the rear of the BMW XM also features two BMW logos, albeit this time engraved into the flat rear window. Wheel sizes for the XM range from 21 to 23 inches.\nFor Malaysia, \nbookings have been opened for the \u2018regular\u2019 version of the BMW XM starting October 20, 2022\n. The standard V8 Hybrid M car is expected to fetch a price of RM 1,400,000 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM 820,000 for Langkawi.\nRELATED: \nIs this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?"
"Mark Webber, former professional race car driver and current Porsche Works Driver is not shy to present himself in front of the camera. Previously did a \nwalk-around of the 911.2 GT3 RS\n and more recently appeared on the same screen with \nMaria Sharapova piloting a 911 GT2 RS\n.\nIn his latest stint, the 41-year-old Australian got behind the wheel of the upcoming \nPorsche Mission E\n, Stuttgart\u2019s upcoming all-electric four-door saloon. The pre-production Mission E sets off in complete silence onto Porsche\u2019s Weissach test track and here is what Webber has to say about the brand\u2019s first ever all-electric vehicle.\nScheduled for \nproduction floors in 2019 \u2013 2020\n, the Mission E takes the shape of a four-door saloon, although just by looking at the rear profile, it\u2019s better described as a stretched out 911. The four-seater is said to pack \n600 hp\n with drive deployed on all four wheels.\nCommenting on his first test drive experience, Webber said: \u201cI\u2019m a bit of an old-school kind of guy and I love nothing more than to drive so I don\u2019t mind admitting I had some reservations. I thought that the Mission E could feel a little heavy but the driving experience is seriously dynamic: the four-wheel steering, the performance and the braking ability were a really amazing experience.\u201d\nWebber also added that the Mission E at times reminded him of the Porsche 919 Hybrid Le Mans race car as the race car can at times be driven in pure electric mode. \u201cIt\u2019s a game changer, this car. Quite literally, it is stealth in motion.\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMark Webber Mission E Test Drive   Porsche Mission E Concept"
"Polestar, the dedicated performance electric brand from Volvo has finally entered the ASEAN region, launching the Polestar 2 in Singapore yesterday.\nPolestar\u2019s presence in Singapore, part of the brand\u2019s \nAsia Pacific network expansion\n, is being managed by Wearnes Automotive, a large premium and luxury distributor that occupies the western corner of Leng Kee Road. Its portfolio includes \nBugatti\n, \nKoenigsegg\n as well as \nAlpine\n.\nOn the outside, the Polestar 2 has DRLs with Thor\u2019s Hammer signature, with the headlamps having Pixel LED technology. A 35-litre front trunk or \u2018frunk\u2019 allows storage of a duffle bag and groceries.\nBeing a fastback design, the tailgate and rear windscreen lift together, revealing a boot space of some 405 litres. A full-width wraparound LED taillight adds style to the rear design that is dominated by lower edges in black.\nInside, a \u2018floating\u2019 11.15-inch central display in portrait orientation takes centerstage, similar to current Volvo models. The system is powered by Android Automotive OS, featuring Google Assistant (voice) as well as Google Maps, and the suite that is now available in the new \n2021 facelifted Volvo XC60\n. A large panoramic glass roof, 13-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Sound system and vegan WeaveTech seat upholstery are also fitted under the Plus Pack trim.\nAt launch, only two main variants of the \nChina-made\n Polestar 2 are available, starting with the Long Range Single Motor Plus Pack, priced at an indicative \nSGD214,000\n (approx. RM 662k) inclusive of COE. Performance numbers are adequate, with a \n231 hp\n (170 kW) motor accelerating the fastback from standstill to 100 km/h in \n7.4 seconds\n. The driving range is rated at 540 km under the WLTP test cycle. \u00a0\u00a0\nBased on the latest \nCategory B COE price\n (SGD80k), the Polestar 2\u2019s price is on par with Tesla Model 3 Standard Range 50 kWh.\nThe Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor Pilot Pack meanwhile has an indicative price of SGD240,000 (approx. RM742k) with the model having a combined output of \n408 hp\n (300 kW) and \n660 Nm\n of torque plus a WLTP-rated driving range of 470 km. Benchmark 0 to 100 km/h sprint is dispatched in just \n4.7 seconds\n.\nAn optional Performance Pack that includes Ohlins DFV high-performance dampers, Brembo four-piston monoblock front calipers in copper-gold and lighter 20-inch forged rims with performance tyres is available for this variant, bumping the price up to SGD256,000.\nThese prices make the fully electric Polestar 2 even lower than the plug-in hybrid \n2021 XC40 Recharge T5\n from larger affiliate Volvo, which is also underpinned by the Group\u2019s CMA platform.\nAn even more accessible Polestar 2 Standard Range with a 69 kWh battery pack, that sees the driving range reduce by 100 km, is scheduled to be made available from Q1 2022. \u00a0\nImages are from global launch of the Polestar 2\nGALLERY"
"Remember our recent post on the \nLamborghini Urus being driven all around Japan\n, returning with stunning images? Well, Lamborghini China has upped the ante.\nThe expedition aptly named \n\u201cJourney to the Vast\u201d\n saw 42 different Lamborghini supercars including the \nHuracan\n and \nAventador\n and \nUrus SUV\n travel across the majestic northwestern region in China.\nMore on Lamborghini: The Aventador Ultimae is the ultimate celebration of Lamborghini\u2019s V12 era!\nThe fleet of Raging Bulls started their epic journey in Yinchuan before travelling across the vast lands of Ningxia and Gansu. Throughout their journey, the fleet drove through the Helan mountain range and along the Yellow River, visited the Fuyin Temple, and visited the ancient villages of Beichangtan; not before driving through the scenic Route 66 of Zhong Wei.\nLanzhou Danxia Geological Park\nThe journey carried on through the Tonghu Grassland and the Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park. At the park, Lamborghini\u2019s customers were treated to a stunning backdrop of the red bed of Danxia against the blue skies and steep cliffs.\nPerhaps the most incredible part of the trip was the stop at the Tengger Desert where the bulls were checked into the Desert Star Hotel \u2013 an igloo-like structure in the middle of the desert that a Bond villain would be proud of.\nItaly\u2019s Bologna Airport gets a new Lamborghini Huracan Evo to escort its planes. Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"The \nFord Fiesta ST\n is finally here, long after a year since it was previewed at the 2013 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). It\u2019s a hot hatch many hard-to-please motoring journalists have a soft spot for, and we\u2019re more than pleased to know that the prodigious pocket rocket is only available with a \nsix-speed stick shifter\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Fiesta ST\nSegment\nB-Segment 3-door hatchback\nEngine\n1.6-litre GTDi inline-4 EcoBoost\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n182 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM 149,888 (OTR with insurance)   Let\u2019s get straight to the point, shall we? The Fiesta ST can only be had in one configuration \u2013 three-door, three pedals, six-speed manual, zingy 1.6-litre direct injected turbocharged engine, 17-inch wheels wrapped with 205/40 R17 series rubbers and ST sports suspension setup.\nThe hot hatch is\u00a0fully imported from Germany, and to distinguish it from the regular Fiestas, the ST comes equipped with halogen \nprojector headlights\n, sportier front and rear bumpers, integrated rear spoiler, twin exhaust pipes, Recaro fabric bucket seats and an ST badge on the bottom of the steering wheel.\nAs mentioned, the Fiesta ST is powered by Ford\u2019s trusty \n1.6-litre GTDi EcoBoost\n engine that makes \n180 horsepower\n at 5,700 rpm and \n240 Nm (\n290 Nm with overboost) of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 revolutions. Paired with the six-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels, the hatch sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.9 seconds\n while returning a fuel consumption rating of 5.9 litres per 100 km.\nPriced at RM149,888 with insurance, the Fiesta ST comes in three colours \u2013 signature Molten Orange, Spirit Blue and Panther Black and a three-year or 100,000km warranty programme (whichever comes first) and Ford\u2019s Extended Service Plan. Click \nHERE \nto visit Ford\u2019s Fiesta ST webpage.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We are living in an era where automakers are no longer in pursuit of\u00a0semi-autonomous driving, but cars that can completely drive itself. Behold, Peugeot\u2019s latest INSTINCT concept \u2013 the French carmaker\u2019s vision of a self-driving vehicle.\nUnderneath the Shooting Brake body is a hybrid powertrain with up to\u00a0\n300hp\n at its disposal, whilst also giving us a glimpse of Peugeot\u2019s future automobiles. Besides that, drivers can choose to either drive the car themselves, or leave it up to the computers.\nIn \u2018\nDrive\n\u2019 mode, drivers can cycle between \u2018Drive Boost\u2019 or \u2018Drive Relax\u2019. As the names suggest, the former is\u00a0for the spirited drive and the latter for a more laid back journey. In \u2018\nAutonomous\n\u2019 mode, there are two settings to choose from, namely \u2018Autonomous Soft\u2019 or \u2018Autonomous Sharp\u2019, balancing between comfort and optimised journey times.\nAt the core of the INSTINCT is \nSamsung\u2019s ARTIK Cloud\n which syncs the driver\u2019s device(s) with the car. The data influences the way the car drives, like\u00a0for example travelling route or even the seating position can be preconfigured according to the driver\u2019s preference based on their connected device.\nThe interior of the INSTINCT features a futuristic version of the\u00a0\nPeugeot i-Cockpit\n architecture that is more intuitive, adaptable and comfortable cabin. At the centre dash sits a 9.7-inch screen that houses all the main controls of the car.\nFuturistic design, autonomous tech, 300hp and the ability to adapt to your lifestyle? We\u2019re not too sure if we\u2019re excited about the future just yet. Well, anything goes, so long as it doesn\u2019t eat into the Peugeot GTi R&D funds!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The big day is getting close and \nUMW Toyota has started teasing\n the arrival of the Supra on social media. We already know that the A90 will be launched in September, and the likely variant will be powered by the B58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six made by BMW, with a tasty output of 340hp and 500Nm.\nBMW Power in a Toyota? Why not.\nWhile the wholesale adoption of BMW engineering has raised questions regarding to the \u2018authenticity\u2019 of the Supra, enthusiasts by and large are just happy that there is a new chapter to the story. But as new cars reach the hands of owners across the world, many have been pleasantly surprised by its performance, some even conceding that Toyota may not have had the gumption to pull off a such a tidy powertrain.\n \nIf you need any further persuasion, just watch this teardown of the B58 inline-six lifted from a brand new Supra by \nPapadakis Racing Team\n, a winning Formula Drift outfit. They are on a mission to extract 1,000 hp from the B58 to go racing and if this insightful and well narrated video is anything to by, looks like there are going to be many more chapters of the Supra story to tell."
"Right after the official unveiling of the\n ID.3\n, Volkswagen has reinforced their commitment in electrification by previewing the brand\u2019s next fully-electric car at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2019.\u00a0\nThe unnamed camouflaged prototype was placed in a darkened box with subpar lighting, making it hard to make out what\u2019s hiding within. Fortunately, Volkswagen has now given us a clearer look at the upcoming electric SUV at their New Brand Design presentation at Guangzhou.\u00a0\nCurious for the future of Volkswagen's electric family? Get a glimpse of the next ID.! \n#IAA19\n \n[Concept Car] \npic.twitter.com/oUgaD70dRV\n\u2014 Volkswagen News (@volkswagen) \nSeptember 10, 2019\n \nThe striped camouflage manages to hide its finer details, but the proportions certainly suggests that it is somewhat based on the \nID.Crozz concept\n.\nThe high-riding body and low-slung roofline\u00a0design certainly seems to be borrowed from the concept, but the prototype appears to be less curvy and sloped, presumably for practicality purposes.\nVolkswagen ID.Crozz Concept.\n Volkswagen\u2019s new electric SUV is expected to be called the ID.4 globally, although the German marque has named the prototype on display \u201cID.Next\u201d in Chinese.\u00a0\nThe new zero-emissions SUV will be Volkswagen\u2019s first electric model in China based on the MEB platform. The car will be built locally in China starting from late 2020 at their new Anting plant, followed by the recently introduced ID.3.\nThe Volkswagen ID.3 will make its way to China through VW\u2019s SAIC joint venture.\nThe ID.4 together with the ID.3 are part of Volkswagen\u2019s electrification plan for the Chinese region. By 2023, the german carmaker expects to introduce 10 battery electric vehicles (BEV) based on the MEB platform for the Chinese market.\u00a0\nOver at the other side of the world, production of the Volkswagen ID.3 has kicked off at the Zwickau plant. Volkswagen plans to deliver 300,000 EVs to customer in 2020, and the Zwickau plant will play a key role in Volkswagen\u2019s transformation of their worldwide production network.\nThe manufacturing plant was completely retrofitted for electromobility with an investment of 1.2 billion euros, making it the largest and most efficient electric car plant in Europe."
"Looks like something out of video games or even the HotWheels collection, isn\u2019t it? This insane Porsche 356 with snow and ice tracks is built by Valkyrie Racing for its upcoming expedition in Antarctica.\nAfter serving numerous cross-continent vintage rallies such as the notorious La Carrera Panamericana in 2017 and Peking to Paris in 2019, the humble 1954 Porsche 356 will tackle its final and the seventh continent in an expedition called the Antarctica Ice Challenge.\nRight after the East African Safari Classic in December 2019, Valkyrie Racing took more than 18 months to re-engineer the existing Porsche 356 with skis, tracks and all other survival equipment for the 356-mile (573 km) polar expedition.\nDevoid of any regular conventional pneumatic tyres, the \u2018Polar Porsche\u2019 features a combination of skis, tracks and a crevasse bar. According to the Chief Engineer, Kieron Bradley, the front ski and rear track combination increase the floatation by as much as 300% compared to even the most prepared \nAntarctic 4\u00d74\n support vehicles on 42-inch tyres.\nThis setup plus the composite skis are specially made to create an impact that is less than a footprint on the snow. The air-cooled naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine continues to provide traction to the huge Camso 4S1 tracks running an 18t sprocket. \u00a0\nRenee Brinkerhoff, racer turned philanthropist and also the founder of Valkyrie Racing will be teaming up with professional ice navigator Jason de Carteret for this expedition. They will start their journey on December 5th 2021.\nAir-cooled Porsche remains one of the best classics for rally driving. Take a look at this masterpiece by expert resto-modder, Singer.\nThis final Antarctica expedition, her sixth race, completes her \u2018Project 356 World Rally Tour\u2019 over seven continents and a journey of over 32,000 km to pursue to ultimate endeavour by one woman, one car and one global mission to end child trafficking that started with the La Carrera Panamericana race in October 2017.\nBrinkerhoff added, \u201cBy racing our \u201956 Porsche in extreme rallies that have never seen this type of vehicle before, we are a unique anomaly and use this recognition to give a voice to put an end to child trafficking.\u201d\nFor those who are interested to contribute to the cause, visit the dedicated Donate356 page \nhere\n, and perhaps some action of the \u2018Polar Porsche\u2019 at the Antarctica expedition updated on their Instagram \npage\n.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s almost unfathomable to think that BMW\u2019s latest Z roadster very nearly didn\u2019t make it to production, if not for the \u2018collaboration\u2019 with Toyota which eventually satisfied business objectives. It also explains the two-year lull after the last generation E89 ceased production in 2016.\nThe Z roadster nearly didn\u2019t survive, but it\u2019s back now.\nBut all is looking sunnier now, literally and figuratively, as the Z4 returns to our Malaysian roads once again. For this instalment of the roadster, BMW has gone back to basics, ditching the complicated folding hard top and opting for a quick-folding canvas roof. In fact, \nsunshine to shade can be achieved in 10 seconds\n \u2013 the fastest in the segment, according to BMW. Useful when the sky starts bucketing.\nSoft top folds in 10 seconds, great when you encounter sudden thunderstorms.\nFor Malaysia, only one variant is offered \u2013 the \nsDrive30i M Sport\n. As its 30i moniker suggests, under its long hood is a B48 2.0-litre turbocharge four-cylinder good for \n258 hp and 400 Nm, mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic. Idle to 100km/h takes 5.4 seconds, while the top speed is 250km/h (limited)\n, plenty fast on paper, and subjectively it\u2019ll feel even faster with the top down, so no qualms about the performance here. The 1.5-tonne two-seater Z4 30i rides on passive M Sport suspension complemented by Variable Sport Steering.\nOnly sDrive30i tune is offered, but 258 hp and 400 Nm are plenty.\nThe G29 third generation Z4 is longer, wider and slightly taller than before. There will be no confusing this with the last one, its vertically aligned LED headlamps and new grille motif (inspired by the 328 Mille Miglia race car) are dead giveaways. Even from the sides and particularly the rear, the change is substantial. We think its best view is from rear three-quarters; the Z4\u2019s slim-cut tail-lamps, integrated spoiler and wide haunches looking so seductive.\nSexy is back with the G29 3rd-generation Z4.\nThe interior continues the minimalist theme like with past Z4s, but it now sports the latest version of \nBMW\u2019s Live Cockpit Professional\n with touch-sensitive iDrive display and a fully-digital driver\u2019s instrument panel \na la the G20 3-Series\n. The new Z4 is also offered with the \nDigital Key\n function utilising NFC, if you have a compatible Android smartphone (e.g. a Samsung S9), you won\u2019t need to bring along the physical remote key fob anymore, and the digital key can be shared with up to five persons.\nAnother novel feature is the \nReversing Assistant\n; it is part of the Intelligent Parking Assistant package which takes over the steering from the driver in manoeuvring the vehicle out of tight alleys. BMW \nConnectedDrive \nservices and Qi wireless phone charging are also part of the standard kit found in the Z4.\nPowered canvas roof does not fold into the trunk, so you get a very useful 281 litres\u2019 worth of luggage space come rain or shine.\nYou can have the all-new Z4 in four different exterior colours \u2013 \nSan Francisco Red, Misano Blue, Black Sapphire and Alpine White\n, matched with interior options of Black d\u00e9cor, Magma Red or Cognac, all with black stitching.\nMisano Blue is our pick, what\u2019s yours?\nBMW Group Financial Services is offering a Balloon Financing Plan with monthly instalment plans starting from \nRM 5,478\n (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure), otherwise, its regular retail price is a cool \nRM 479,800\n. Hmmm.we wonder how much would the Z4-based Toyota Supra cost?"
"Polestar will be bringing their first-ever car, the \nPolestar 1\n to the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2018), marking the first time the high-performance hybrids is presented to the Chinese public.\nAhead of its debut, the Swedish brand has released footages of the Polestar 1 being put through its paces at the Arctic Circle. The result of the rigorous shakedown of the prototype was to study and fine-tune the cars driving dynamics. For the rest of us, sliding action caught on camera of the Polestar 1:\nIn the video, we can see the Polestar 1 accelerating to over \n140 km/h\n (Polestar claims they did 200 km/h) without any obvious engine noise. The next segment saw the all-wheel-drive coupe going sideways with minimal effort from the driver to maintain its composure.\nPolestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath said: \u201cBesides being very happy with the balance of the chassis, they are particularly excited about the torque vectoring. We are now very confident about how this enhances the Polestar 1\u2019s cornering responsiveness and accuracy. This is a driver\u2019s car. We have now passed a major milestone in the development of the Polestar 1, and prototype testing continues throughout 2018.\u201d\nThe engineers and test drivers were working to calibrate aspects of suspension, drivetrain, battery performance and torque vectoring systems. The \nPolestar 1\n packs a 2.0-litre TwinCharged (turbocharged and supercharged) up front to drive the front axles and two-electric motors that drive the rear wheels. Combined, the high-performance hybrid system gives \n600 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque while delivering an all-electric driving range of 150 km \u2013 the longest of any hybrid vehicle.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What would you do if you were a company aiming to market your new product? Why, you\u2019d post an ad, perhaps a TV commercial and that\u2019s about it. Well, Jaguar thinks otherwise.\nNot keen on the mundane, Jaguar brought their new F-TYPE SVR (does a name come across stronger than this?) to the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife \u2013 a circuit many track day fans, automotive enthusiasts, Gran Turismo players know better than the back of their hands \u2013 and let it loose. And it promises to give everyone a taste of the SVR, for a price of course.\nThat\u2019s right, for everyone. In conjunction with the \u2018Jaguar Co-Pilot Nordschleife\u2019 program, one can be a co-pilot in the F-TYPE SVR.\nStrap in with a full race suit plus HANS (Head and Neck Support) system into the all-wheel drive, supercharged 5.0 V8 that delivers a stratospheric 575 hp and 700 Nm of torque in the F-TYPE SVR and blast down the straight at 321km/h (or 200mp/h) as a video camera records your experience.\nWhat can better than going 320km/h in a straight line? Why, perhaps going from speed into the famous Karussell. Experience face-tearing G-forces in ease as the F-TYPE SVR has also been upgraded with enhanced aerodynamics to keep the wheels planted.\nAnd the cost? Just \u20ac295.(~RM1,330). What better way to spend your hard earned cash than to get an experience of a lifetime? Go book this thrilling ride at \nwww.nuerburgring-shop.de\n. You won\u2019t regret it, we promise.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the \nlaunch of the Xpander facelift last year\n, Mitsubishi Indonesia has now unveiled the updated 2022 Xpander Cross at this year\u2019s edition of the \nGaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS)\n.\nThe facelifted MPV crossover adopts many of the changes that were introduced on the regular \nXpander\n, including the new T-shaped headlights up front, new square-shaped LED foglamps, reworked Dynamic Shield front fascia, and the complementary T-shaped taillights at the back.\nThe Mitsubishi Xpander Cross does, however, stand out with its own model-exclusive grille design, alongside the more rugged-looking bumper design, replete with silver skid plate-like elements at the bottom. And to tie up the exterior design, the new 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross also gets its own unique 17-inch alloy wheel design.\nInside, the new Mitsubishi Xpander Cross facelift also adopts the same updated dashboard design (but with blue soft-touch material) as the regular Xpander, which comes with a few upgraded features including a new nine-inch floating infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongside reprofiled digital air-con controls.\nHowever, the Cross goes one-up on the regular Mitsubishi Xpander in Indonesia with the addition of a fully-digital instrument cluster, alongside a new steering wheel design that appears to be borrowed from the Triton pick-up. The new facelift also gets an electronic parking brake system (on the premium CVT variant), alongside a wireless charging pad at the bottom of the centre stack.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift launched in Thailand with new CVT gearbox\nThe 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four MIVEC engine underneath the bonnet remains unchanged from before, which continues to deliver \n105 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels either via a new CVT gearbox that was introduced as part of the Xpander\u2019s update last year, or a five-speed manual transmission that\u2019s exclusive to the entry-level variant.\nAs for safety, the new 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross comes as standard with two front airbags, Active Stability Control, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, and Active Yaw Control. Unfortunately, no advanced driver assistance features here, but the crossover MPV does come equipped with a reverse camera with switchable viewing angles.\nALSO READ:\n Mitsubishi Xpander leads MMM to top-three non-national car brand in Malaysia; 19,217 cars sold in FY21\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve been paying even just a little attention these past couple of years, you would have definitely seen the rising trend of pick-up trucks as lifestyle vehicles, boasting incredible refinement and technology to satisfy the general masses. To a certain extent, true workhorse pick-ups now are considered the odd ones out these days \u2013 and in that case, the \nnew Isuzu D-Max \ndoesn\u2019t shy from being an outcast.\nInstead of relying on superficial bells and whistles to sell, Isuzu stuck to its roots with the D-Max, spearheaded by the new 1.9-litre Ddi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. On paper, the smaller unit actually performs better than the previous 2.4-litre turbodiesel mill with an output of \n150 hp\n (+14 hp) and \n350 Nm\n (+30 Nm), and it certainly feels that way.\nSure, these output figures are on the more modest end when compared to other competing pick-up trucks, but while on the move, you\u2019d be hard pressed to find it in any way underpowered. In fact, one might even argue that it\u2019s perfect for urban situations (where we actually spent the most time inside the D-Max), thanks to the pokey low-end torque.\nIt does, however, run out of steam a little when approaching the higher revs, so overtaking at highway speeds \u2013 especially when paired to the hesitant six-speed automatic gearbox \u2013 might be a little more work. Though, the engine noise, or lack thereof, more than makes up for it.\nWhile we did say that Isuzu pushed on with its whole practical approach, that does not mean that the new D-Max is unrefined \u2013 actually far from it, as evident by the quieter engine and reduction in vibrations inside the cabin \u2013 in normal cruising situations at least.\nRide is soft and supple in front, making it quite comfortable for longer journeys, though the leaf spring at the rear makes it quite bouncy across high frequency bumps \u2013 a necessary evil in pick-up trucks to handle the additional payload on the cargo bed.\nJust as expected, the Isuzu D-Max doesn\u2019t shy away from the beaten path too, thanks to the tough exterior look and robust ladder frame chassis. Of course, the off-road-specific features \u2013 such as Isuzu\u2019s Terrain Control 4\u00d74 system, hill start assist, and hill descent control \u2013 help too.\nInside, new D-Max has also been spruced up by some \u201cpremium\u201d soft touch materials on the dashboard and door cards, elevating the general feel of the living quarters. There\u2019s also a new Android-based infotainment display, measuring eight-inches diagonally, which is in my opinion borderline passable to use. Still, it\u2019s better than not having it at all, right?\nThe seats in the updated Isuzu D-Max have also been resculpted to give better lateral and thigh support, but no matter how much the interior has been improved, it still can\u2019t shake off its true utilitarian side \u2013 it really is still the same second-generation pick-up truck launched in our country way back in 2013, made even more obvious by the simplistic instrument cluster and ancient-looking air conditioning control panel.\nThe resemblance to its older self is even more obvious outside. While the front fascia has been updated with a new grille design \u2013 inverting the old U-shaped design into something that sort of resembles fangs, and flanked by new bi-LED headlights, the rear-end of the truck is practically unchanged, save for the new decals letting you know of its new beating heart.\nHowever, these to me are non-issues \u2013 nobody is buying a D-Max to look good, there\u2019s the \nMitsubishi Triton\n for that. What you\u2019re buying into in the D-Max is the unwavering reliability to help you do what you need to do. There\u2019s no need to be mainstream, and Isuzu is not afraid to embrace that.\nIsuzu D-Max 1.9L AT Premium Double Cab 4\u00d74 specifications:\nEngine\nRZ4E-TC 1.9-litre turbo-diesel 4-cylinder\nTransmission\nSix-speed automatic\nMax power\n150 hp @ 3,600 RPM\nMax torque\n350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,600 Nm\n0-100 km/h\n13.7 seconds\nPrice (OTR, w/o insurance)\nRM115,799.20\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"On 28 May 1983, Stefan Bellof claimed the lap record of the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife when he got behind the wheel of a 628 hp Rothmans Porsche 956. The lap record of 6 minutes 11.13 seconds remained uncontested for 35 years and 31 days until recently when the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo complete one lap of the Green Hell in 5 minutes 19.55 seconds.\nThe Evo version of the 919 Hybrid race car is based on the \nstandard\n championship-winning race car at the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) that have been heavily reworked for maximum performance. Basically, a de-restricted Le Mans car.\nSince Porsche did not have to comply with any regulations whatsoever, the 919 Hybrid Evo now develops a total system output of \n1,160 hp\n and weighs only 849 kg (-39 kg) thanks to updated software and removal of \nnon-essential \nitems like air-conditioning, electronic race controls and more.\nEngineers have also given the car\u2019s aerodynamics a massive upgrade with new diffusers, larger rear wing and active aerodynamics (not available on WEC race). This resulted in 53 per cent greater downforce and an improved aerodynamic efficiency by 66 per cent, allowing the 919 Hybrid race car to tackle the Green Hell with greater aggression and composure.\nBehind the wheel of the record-breaking lap is none other than Timo Bernhard, five-time overall winner of the N\u00fcrburgring 24-hours, two-time outright winner of the Le Mans 24-hours and reigning World Endurance Champion with the Porsche 919 Hybrid.\nClimbing out from the cockpit, Bernhard said, \u201cThis is a great moment for me and for the entire team \u2013 the 919 programme\u2019s icing on the cake. The Evo was perfectly prepared and I have done my best on this lap. Thanks to the aerodynamic downforce, at sections I never imagined you can stay on full throttle. I\u2019m pretty familiar with the Nordschleife. But today I got to learn it in a new way\u201d\nThe Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo completed one lap of the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife in 5 minutes 19.55 seconds with an average speed of 233.8 km/h around the 20.832 km track. Bernhard beat the previous lap record by 51.58 seconds.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo has, for the longest time, watched in envy of its Germans rivals in their pursuit\u00a0of global market share dominance. That all began changing in 2010 when Ford sold the Swedish company\u00a0in full to Chinese carmaker, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.\nVolvo Cars was recently awarded the \u201cOne to Watch\u201d award by Fleet World Honours, an honourific title that\u2019s typically awarded to manufacturers who are \u2018on the verge of great things\u2019. This really comes as no surprise seeing Volvo\u2019s rapid development in the field of autonomous drive, connectivity, safety and electrification technologies.\nThis sexy thing is coming to Malaysia very soon \u2013 the Volvo S90 R-Design\nModern Volvo cars aren\u2019t just state-of-the-art tech bombs, in fact they are arguably one of the best looking cars of the decade. In 2016, Volvo recorded their third consecutive sales high with a global volume of 534,332 cars, and the numbers will only climb.\nLet\u2019s backtrack to 1999, the year when Ford bought 100 percent of Volvo for $6 billion. The US manufacturing giant also acquired many other luxury brands like Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover in a diversification bid.\u00a0Long story short, things didn\u2019t turn out too well and acquisitions turned into abnegations. Volvo however, was the last to be sold, and they did so at a terribly steep loss of $1.5 billion.\nVolvo now thrives on much greener pastures after Geely allocated $11 billion in cash. The untold truth is that Volvo had all the freedom to do as they please without much interference from their new owners. The rest? Well, let\u2019s just say Volvo is on the right track. They still produce world-class cars, not just in terms of safety and powertrain technology, but now in design as well. Who doesn\u2019t love a thoroughly beautiful and purposeful car?\nFor those who have no clue about Volvo\u2019s presence in Malaysia, allow me the privilege to tell you that they\u2019ve been manufacturing and assembling cars\u00a0in Shah Alam, Selangor since 1967. The production plant, although old, is routinely upgraded to facilitate the assemblies of newer cars, particularly the \nXC90 T8 Inscription\n\u00a0and soon, the \nS90\n\u00a0and \nV90\n.\nExciting things are coming our way, and it\u2019s from the company we, five years ago, least expected. Time to revisit that annual priority assessment, eh?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nMitsubishi Xpander\n is now the best-selling vehicle in Indonesia after a strong sales performance in May 2021, which saw the seven-seater capture 29% of the market share in the archipelago.\nMitsubishi Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI), Mitsubishi Motor\u2019s arm in Indonesia, recorded a total retail sales of 7,516 units in the nation last month, of which, the Xpander model line-up (inclusive of the Xpander Cross) dominated 49.6% of the total sales figure.\nCheck out the Indonesia-exclusive Xpander Rockford Fosgate Black Edition, which comes factory-equipped with a subwoofer!\nEven more impressively, most of the units sold are of the top-of-the-range variant. Year to date, in terms of wholesale numbers, the Mitsubishi Indonesia managed to move a total of 3,469 units of the Xpander Ultimate (1,370 in April 2021 alone).\nLikewise, the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross Premium AT sees a total of 4,560 units sold thus far in Indonesia (wholesale), more than double of the Standard AT, coming in at second place.\nSee how the Mitsubishi Xpander compares against the Honda BR-V in our in-depth comparison.\nThe numbers are indicative of the high demand for these premium variants, which could be the effect of consumers taking advantage of the relaxed PPnBM luxury tax in Indonesia.\n \nBack in February this year, the Indonesian government introduced a 100% luxury tax break for sedans and two-wheel drive vehicles with engine capacity below 1,500 cc. The incentive was scheduled to drop to 50% after May, but has since been extended to August.\nFollowing the release of the May 2021 sales data, Mitsubishi\u2019s market share in Indonesia now stands at 12.6%. The company also enjoyed a 37% increase in sales in the second quarter of 2021.\n[source: Autonet Magz]"
"Formula 1, together with FIA has announced that the pre-race ceremony will now feature Grid Kids alongside the drivers. This comes after the announcement of the motorsport\u2019s discontinuation of Grid Girls for the 2018 F1 season.\nThe joint initiative will involve the local Grand Prix promoter working alongside the National Sporting Authority (ASN) to provide a unique experience for the youngsters and their families to immerse themselves in the whole race weekend. These lucky youngsters will be chosen by their motorsport clubs and are already be competing in karting or junior formulae.\nSimilar to the tradition with football, the selected youngsters will accompany and stand alongside the 20 drivers on the grid as they prepare for the race. They will be accompanied by an immediate family who will also have paddock access for the race weekend.\nF1 Managing Director of Commercial Operations, Sean Bratches said: \u201cThis will be an extraordinary moment for these youngsters. Imagine, standing beside their heroes, watch as they prepare to race, the elite of the elite in motorsport, to be there, alongside them in those precious few minutes just before the start.\u201d\n\u201cWhat an unforgettable experience; for them, and their families. An inspiration to keep driving, training and learning so that they can dream of one day being there themselves. What better way to inspire the next generation of Formula 1 heroes.\u201d Bratches added.\nFIA President Jean Todt said: \u201cFormula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports and the dream of every young racer competing for the junior series that make up the FIA\u2019s single-seater pyramid, from karting all the way to F1. We are therefore delighted to bring that dream a little closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid in the build-up to the race start.\u201d"
"McLaren will soon be delivering two unique McLarens, built to the owner\u2019s specific liking courtesy of McLaren Special Operations (MSO). They\u2019re called the MSO R Coupe and MSO R Spider \u2013 the latest of the ever-increasing custom-built McLarens where customers get to work closely with MSO on the custom specifications of the car.\nBased on the \n675 LT\n model, both the cars which share the same exterior, interior and mechanical specifications, are finished in Liquid Silver \u2013 the Coupe in Satin and the Spider in gloss finish \u2013 topped off with a carbon fibre central stripe.\nBoth also come with identical twin-element rear wings, with front dive planes to further enhance aerodynamic performance. Most of the body parts \u2013 the bumper, bonnet, louvered fenders, roof scoop are all MSO Visual Carbon Fiber (VCF) components.\nThe exclusive MSO R branding is extended to the side skirts, sill panels, rocker panels and plenum. Both the bespoke McLarens are fitted with 5-spoke wheels, finished in Satin Black on the Coupe and Gloss Black on the Spider.\nIf you thought the exterior stands out from any other McLaren you\u2019ve seen, the interior will prove you even more incorrect. The cabin is decked out with Alcantara trims as they\u2019re finished with black and red stitching.\nThe upper and lower section of the steering wheel is made of carbon fibre, matched with black Alcantara grips. Even the switches on it are built to that one lucky owner\u2019s liking \u2013 with carbon fibre bezels.\nNow to the juicy bits \u2013 horsepower figures! The 3.8-litre V8 engines have had their heads and exhaust ports hand-polished, for an output of \n679 hp\n and up to \n700 Nm\n of torque. The exhaust system features a crossover design, ending with titanium tail pipes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua\u2019s long-running Tweckbot complimentary vehicle inspection service will be making its final road safety push for the year next weekend, in Kota Kinabalu.\nAs part of Perodua\u2019s Road Safety Programme, Perodua Tweckbot will be stationed at \nITCC Mall, Penampang\n on \n21 and 22 December\n from \n10 am to 5 pm\n on both days.\nThe Perodua Tweckbot will offer free inspection to all Perodua vehicles. The complimentary vehicle check will cover \nover 50 touch points\n, including the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and electronics.\nCustomers who inspect their vehicles with Perodua Tweckbot will also receive a \n20% discount voucher\n; redeemable at any authorised Perodua service centre for the purchase of selected parts and accessories.\nWhile customers are waiting for their vehicles to be inspected, Perodua Tweckbot staff will engage in activities designed to increase road safety awareness.\n \nHere are five things you need to know about the recently released \nPerodua Axia Style\n.\nPerodua, President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cAs Christmas and the New Year approaches, many will be taking to the roads for vacations and to visit family and friends. Therefore it is crucial that their vehicles are in good working order at this time, more so considering the large travel distances in East Malaysia.\u201d\n\u201cPerodua Tweckbot aims to promote the importance of regular vehicle checks, servicing them at authorised Perodua outlets and only using genuine Perodua products and parts, all in the name of safety,\u201d he added.\nSince its inception in 2011, the Perodua Tweckbot complimentary vehicle check service has inspected over 8,000 cars."
"The \nV177 Mercedes Benz A-Class Sedan\n is an important car for the Stuttgart-based luxury car maker, as it is an entirely new body-style for the brand\u2019s compact car line-up.\nThe new body style and modern exterior styling received much fanfare at launch, but how does it look in metal? We recently got ahold of the all-new A 250 Sedan AMG Line, so we thought we\u2019d let you have a taste of Mercedes Benz\u2019s latest baby with this detailed gallery.\nThe A 250 Sedan receives an AMG Line bodykit, which includes more aggressive front and rear aprons. Up front, the lower bumper receives large air inlets at the sides, decorated with two vertical slats.\u00a0\nThe trapezoidal grille gets the diamond pin design with chrome treatment, flanked by the two slimline LED headlights. The large three-pointed star in the middle completes the imposing shark-nose front end.\u00a0\nCompared to its hatchback twin brother, the A 250 Sedan measures 130 mm longer with the extra length going to the rear overhang. Despite its longer dimensions, the wheelbase is identical to the hatchback, so the only gain is in terms of boot space \u2013 coming in at 420 litres (50 litres more than the hatchback).\u00a0\nThe A 250 Sedan also receives an 18-inch five-spoke AMG alloys as part of the AMG Line \u2013 although the large bezel all-around does make the wheels look a little smaller than the size suggests. Behind the front wheels are the larger cross-drilled brake discs, specific to the A 250.\nMoving to the rear, the A 250 Sedan receives a diffuser on the lower apron, flanked by tailpipes on both sides. The AMG Line bumper also includes \u201cvents\u201d on the outer edge for a more aggressive stance.\u00a0\nThe full LED taillights are identical to the standard A 200, which are now two-piece items. The T-shaped design was also inspired by the facelifted \nW176 A-Class\n.\u00a0\nHigher up, the Sedan gets a \u201cducktail\u201d boot lid which helps smoothen airflow around the rear-end \u2013 contributing to the low drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd.\u00a0\nStep into the cabin, and you\u2019ll immediately see that the two-stepped dashboard of the A-Class Sedan is lifted directly from its hatchback twin. Dominating the dashboard is the twin 10.25-inch displays that make up the infotainment and instrument cluster.\u00a0\nStanding out from the dashboard are three circular jet turbine-style air conditioning vents. The vents even come with ambient lighting on the centre stalk, which changes its colour during temperature adjustments.\u00a0\nSeparating the A 250 from the A 200 is the light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim, which separates the stepped dashboard, and continues onto the door cards.\nThe A 250 Sedan variant also gains a Nappa leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel, illuminated AMG door-sill panels, as well as heated sports seats.\nThe A 250 Sedan runs on the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) operating system, which does away with the rotary dial on the centre console. In its place is a large matte-black trackpad for navigation, though you can just interface with the infotainment system through the large touchscreen.\u00a0\nAt night, the cabin of the A 250 Sedan comes alive with the 64-colour ambient lighting, which runs across the entire dashboard and the air conditioning vents.\nPowering the A 250 Sedan is the M260 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 224 hp and 350 Nm of twist. Paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the A 250 is good for a zero-to-hundred time of 6.3 seconds.\nCurious to find out how the Mercedes Benz A 250 Sedan performs? We have a review coming up soon, so do keep your eyes peeled for that!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nMercedes-Benz S580e PHEV\n was launched in Malaysia at the end of 2021, with a current price tag of \nRM708,888\n. While we all know of the S-Class, for most of us, it\u2019s only something we only see on the road or through the showroom window so here\u2019s a detailed gallery of every inch and corner of the car for you to immerse yourself in!\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nAt the heart of the S580e lies a M256 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six paired to an electric motor with a combined output of \n510 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque. In case you\u2019re wondering, that\u2019s 34 hp and 50 Nm more than the previous \nS560e\n model. Fitted with a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox, the S580e gets from 0-100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds.\u00a0\nWith a larger 28.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, the pure electric range is now \nup to 100 km\n. In terms of charging, the S580e can take up to 11 kW of AC charging. Using a three-phase AC wallbox charger, it takes up to 2.5 hours to charge the car\u2019s battery up to 80%.\nOn the outside, the S580e is equipped with 19-inch wheels, pop-out door handles, Digital Light LED headlamps, hands-free powered tailgate, although the boot could do with a little more space. Having batteries tucked in the undercarriage meant that the boot floor is much higher than non-PHEV models, offering limited space for cargo should the S-Class be used for outstation trips. Goes without saying, a hands-free powered tailgate is standard.\nInside is where the S-Class really knocks it out of the park with a tech-filled cabin. For starters, you get a fully digital instrument cluster with 3D effect, 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting now with 250 LEDs (40 before), MBUX Interior Assistant, wireless charging front and rear, dual 11-inch touchscreens and a seven-inch Android tablet for the rear passengers.\nAlso at the rear is what we call a \u2018Business Class\u2019 seat but for land travel. That\u2019s cause the rear left seat can be easily extended and reclined at the touch of a button. Imagine the view of the world from inside the S-Class, whether from the windows or the panoramic sunroof; things look merrier! Aside from that, the rear seats also come with seat ventilation and even a calf massage function.\nThe S-Class is every bit as impressive on the safety and driver assistance front. It comes with 14 airbags including belt bags and rear side and rear seat cushion airbags, park assist, a 360-degree surround view system, autonomous emergency braking (up to 130 km/h), adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering assist. The S580e autonomous driving rating is still rated at Level 2.\nGALLERY"
"Proton has launched the 2022 Iriz and is now available in three variants \u2013 1.3 Standard, 1.6 Executive and 1.6 Active. Prices start from RM40,300 for the Standard, RM47,100 for the Executive, and RM54,000 for the Active.\nEach comes with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty. Prices mentioned include SST exemptions valid till the 31st of December. Note that the 1.3 Standard Manual and 1.3 Executive variants have been discontinued.\nHere\u2019s what Malaysian rally legend, Karamjit Singh, had to say about the Proton Iriz.watch the video here!\nEXTERIOR\nNotable changes have been made to the exterior of the 2022 Iriz and while the facelift in 2019 seemed to focus on a clean and mature look, the new 2022 facelift model appears more youthful.\n2019\n2022\nAmong the new touches to the exterior are:\nnew grille featuring Infinite Weave design\nnew fog light surrounds\nsilver accent on front bumper (Active only)\n15-inch wheels (Standard & Executive)\n16-inch for Active\nRoof rails (Active only)\nWheel arch extension (Active only)\n2019\n2022\nAt the rear, there aren\u2019t any significant changes if you get the Standard or Executive, except for the red line that runs across the bumper. That being said, the rear bumper on the Active is of the same design, just different coloured trims.\nINTERIOR\nWhere do we even begin? Frankly, we\u2019d much prefer to see an all-new Iriz by now, but the changes in its cabin are more than enough for us (and hopefully you as well) to put that thought on hold for a while more.\nHere\u2019s what you get:\n8-inch touchscreen floating display (Executive & Active)\nnew air con controls\nnew gear level console\nnew seat design\nRed seatbelts (Active only)\n\u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command (Active only)\n6x USB ports including one for dashcam\nIn the Active variant, prepare to be smothered by a sea of red details. There\u2019s \u201cActive\u201d letting on the door panels, and if that message isn\u2019t clear enough, there\u2019s another on the seat backrest.\nThere\u2019s also more storage space freed up under the new air-con control panel. We\u2019re not too happy about Proton ditching those Martini-themed seats in the 2022 Iriz though; old as it may be, it was the coolest thing in the previous models.\nThere\u2019s even a USB port for your dashcam..how convenient!\nAnd the speaker count, two in the Standard variant? Two? It can\u2019t possibly cost that much more to have four like in the Executive and Active, can it?\nMichelin Energy XM2+ tyre review on a Proton Iriz. Here\u2019s what we think about them!\nPERFORMANCE\nThe notable change here is the \u201cS\u201d on the gear lever, and a proper Eco mode unlike before where the icon just pops up every time you\u2019re not driving like a mad man (or woman).\nNothing has changed under the hood. The Iriz is still powered by the same 1.3- and 1.6-litre engines as before:\nEngine: 1.3-litre VVT 4-cylinder\nTransmission: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nPower: 95 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nTorque: 120 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nEngine: 1.6-litre VVT 4-cylinder\nTransmission: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nPower: 109 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nTorque: 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nSAFETY\nMoving on, there are 4 airbags in the Standard variant, while the Executive and Active gets additional side and curtain airbags for a total of six. The Executive and Active variants get four parking sensors; two each in the front and back along with a reverse camera display.\nHere\u2019s how different the old 2019 Proton Iriz looks.compare and see for yourself!\nGALLERY"
"Proton\u2019s internal motorsports and performance division, Race Rally Research (R3) has met its demise and will shut down by the end of May. The decision to axe R3 was not related to the recent appointment of Geely as Proton\u2019s\u00a0\nforeign strategic partner\n, though.\nAccording to the report by \nMekanika\n, Proton\u2019s investment in R3 wasn\u2019t providing the returns they expected, and the call for quits actually came from within. The statement was confirmed by none other of R3 head of department Tengku Djan Ley.\nDuring its heyday, R3 was largely funded by Petronas. However, the troubling state of economy forced both both parties to scale thing down. This year, the R3 team mainly acts as technical support for the Saga cup during the Malaysia Speed Festival series. Thankfully, all existing R3 staff will be reassigned to other departments within Proton.\nJust like the M division or AMG, R3 was responsible for some of the most amazing Protons ever created, be it for the streets or the race tracks.\u00a0Among the notable ones were the R3 editions of the Satria GTi (mostly revered to as the best Proton ever) and the Satria Neo. In 2010, R3 produced the most radical Satria Neo \u2013 the Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing edition.\u00a0\nThe R3 team also raced in both touring car and rally racing with the Proton Satria Neo S2000 rally car, which proved to be quite the achiever. Back home, the R3 team swept multiple manufacturers\u2019 and drivers\u2019 titles in the Malaysian Super Series and Malaysia Rally Championship.\nSource: \nMekanika"
"UMW Toyota Motor announced today that the new and improved \n2021 Toyota Supra\n is now in Malaysia for \nRM589,987\n following the \nSales Tax Exemption\n. Without it, the 2021 model would cost RM611,880 \u2013 \nnearly RM50k more than the model launched in September last year\n as the new \ntorchbearer of the Supra heritage\n.\nSo what do you get for all that money? For starters, there\u2019s more power. It now makes \n388 hp\n, up from 340 hp with torque figures unchanged at \n500 Nm\n.\nPower band has also increased slightly, now from 1,800 rpm to 5000 rpm instead of 4,500 rpm. If you remember \nour Supra dyno video\n, what the Supra actually makes now is again, anyone\u2019s guess. It could even be over 400 hp!\n0 to 100 km/h is rightfully quicker \u2013 down to \n4.1 \nfrom 4.3 from seconds. This makes the Supra both the fastest Toyota and \u201cBMW Z4\u201d in Malaysia as the Z4 M40i isn\u2019t officially sold here. You can almost here the \nM2 Competition screaming for a rematch\n.\nToyota\u2019s engineers may have tuned the 2021 Supra for better output but not before some modifications to the exhaust system. It\u2019s now fitted with a dual branch exhaust manifold with six ports instead of two for improved heat management. Compression ratio has also been significantly reduced with a new piston design.\nAll that power would be nothing without control so the Toyota turned to the Supra\u2019s chassis. They\u2019ve further increased its rigidity with lightweight anti-roll bars, complemented by a new damper setup.\nThey\u2019ve also re-tuned its electric power steering, adaptive suspension, Vehicle Stability Control and differential. Toyota claims that the updated Supra is more stable when performing quick direction changes, with increased roll resistance and enhanced cornering stability.\nInterestingly, the 2021 model is quite vain as well. The red brake calipers at the front now writes \u201cSupra\u201d \u2013 possibly a further attempt by Toyota to convince the relentless naysayers that this is indeed a Supra.\nGALLERY"
"The \nfifth-generation Range Rover\n has just been updated for 2023, with a new fully-electrified powertrain line-up. A total of four powertrains are now on offer, consisting of two plug-in hybrids and two mild-hybrid 4.4-litre V8s \u2013 the latter available in a new \n615 hp/750 Nm\n P615 configuration, specifically for the new SV variant. Oddly enough, though, no performance figures for the new range-topper were provided.\nREAD MORE: \n2023 Range Rover L460 launched in Malaysia, from RM1.268m before tax\nThe two 3.0-litre inline-six plug-in hybrid powertrains, meanwhile, benefit from a more powerful 160 kW (218 hp) electric motor for a higher total system output. As such, the previous P440e is now known as P460e, while the P510e is now P550e, both to reflect their new horsepower figures.\nWith such a significant increase in outputs, the latter also now dispatches the 0-100 km/h sprint in \n4.8 seconds\n, down from 5.2 seconds from before. Complementing the newfound performance is also an increased fully-electric range of up to 120 km, \nAutocar UK \nreports.\nAs part of the 2023 refresh, the 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the inside has also been updated with the latest-generation Pivi Pro software. With the latest update, JLR says that nearly 80% of tasks can now be performed within two taps of the home screen.\nThere\u2019s also a new Country Road Assist system as part of the adaptive cruise control, which uses navigation data to automatically adjust the vehicle\u2019s target speed by taking into account the bends in the road and changes to the speed limit. Additionally, there\u2019s also now an adaptive off-road cruise control system, with up to four comfort setting that adjusts the vehicle\u2019s speed accordingly."
"Just last week, ASEAN NCAP released the crash test results for the \nHonda HR-V\n \nand \nHonda BR-V\n. Both cars received five-star ratings with the HR-V achieving an 81.38 overall score and the BR-V reporting a 77.02 overall score. Both cars were tested with the latest 2021-2025 ASEAN NCAP standards.\nThe Honda HR-V was launched in the Malaysian market in July this year in four variants. Already launched in \nThailand\n and \nIndonesia\n, the all-new Honda BR-V has not yet been launched in Malaysia.\nTested in July 2022, the Honda HR-V scored 28/32 for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 45.43/51 for Child Occupant Protection (COP), 19.5/21 for Safety Assist, and 8/16 for Motorcyclist Safety (MS) in the ASEAN NCAP test. All variants of the Honda HR-V are equipped with the latest Honda Sensing technology which includes:\n\u2022 Forward Collision Warning (FCW)\n\u2022 Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\n\u2022 Lane Departure Warning (LDW)\n\u2022 Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)\n\u2022 Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)\n\u2022 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\n\u2022 Low-Speed Follow (LSF)\n\u2022 Auto High Beam (AHB)\n\u2022 Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)\nExcept for the \u201cS\u201d variant, all variants get dual front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The \u201cS\u201d variant gets dual front airbags and side airbags but is not equipped with side curtain airbags. Honda\u2019s LaneWatch safety feature is only fitted onto the \u201cV\u201d and \u201ce:Hev RS\u201d variants.\nALSO WATCH: \nAll-new 2022 Honda HR-V now launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nNot yet launched in the Malaysian market, the Honda BR-V obtained 26.98/32 for AOP, 44.53/51 for COP, 16.5/21 for Safety Assist, and 8.1/16 for MS in the ASEAN NCAP test. Over in Thailand and Indonesia, the all-new Honda BR-V has been launched in two variants and five variants respectively. Looking at its segment rivals, the BR-V\u2019s ASEAN NCAP score (77.02) follows behind the \nPerodua Alza\n (81.64)and the \nToyota Veloz\n \n(79.99).\nThe Honda BR-V is equipped with six airbags, Honda Sensing, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD,) Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Some variants are only equipped with four airbags (omitting side curtain airbags) and don\u2019t get Honda\u2019s Sensing technology (in Indonesia). Honda\u2019s LaneWatch safety technology is only available on the higher-tier variant. Safety specifications for the all-new Honda BR-V in Malaysia have yet to be confirmed.\nIn August, it was reported that Honda Malaysia delivered over 1,300 units of the all-new Honda HR-V in just one month. In Malaysia, the Honda HR-V is available in four variants with the \u201cS\u201d variant starting at a price of \nRM 114,800\n. With Thailand and Indonesia already receiving the all-new Honda BR-V, it won\u2019t be long until it will reach Malaysia. With the ASEAN NCAP results out, buyers can make a more informed decision.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Honda BR-V launched in Thailand \u2013 Honda Sensing now standard"
"Ford has just pulled\noff the wraps of its third-generation Ford Kuga SUV, packing a distinct styling\ncompared to the old car and host of new technologies.\nThe new SUV sits on\nFord\u2019s new global C2 architecture that is up to 90 kg lighter than its\npredecessor. The new platform also supports improved aerodynamics, better crash\nsafety performance, 10% stiffer torsional rigidity and more interior space.\nCompared to the old model, the new Kuga is 89 mm longer, 44 mm wider, 20 mm lower with a 20 mm longer wheelbase, translating to increased cabin space for all passengers. The second-row seats can slide forward or backwards to offer best-in-class rear legroom or increase the boot space.\nFollowing the design language of modern Ford models (\nFiesta\n and \nFocus\n in particular), the new Kuga is more sculpted with a more streamlined silhouette thanks to the extended wheelbase, longer bonnet, further reclined rear windshield angle and a lower roofline. All these make the new car appear more athletic than ever before.\nDepending on the trim\nline selected \u2013 Titanium, Vignale or ST-Line, the Kuga can be dressed in different\nbumpers and wheel sizes ranging from 17- to 20-inches. The ST-Line styling\npackage is inspired by Ford Performance that adds body-coloured bumpers and\nside skirts, black grille, rear diffuser and twin sports exhaust outlets.\nThe cabin is taken lifted\nfrom the new Focus featuring a more minimalistic styling. Inside you\u2019ll find an\n8.0-inch touchscreen floating display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nconnectivity, 12.3-inh LCD \u201ctrue colour\u201d instrument cluster display that is supposedly\nmore informative, intuitive and easier to read, 575-watt 10-speaker Bang &\nOlufsen surround sound system, heads up display, Qi wireless charging tray,\npowered tailgate, Active Noise Control and others.\nAt launch, the Kuga is available in a range of plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, diesel and petrol engines. The top of the range is the \nKuga PHEV\n packing a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor with a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to deliver \n225 hp\n with a pure electric range of up to 50 km.\nAlternatively, the same 2.5-litre petrol mill can be paired to a mild-hybrid system which will be available at a later date. As for a more conventional setup, the Kuga is available with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine with \n120 hp\n or \n150 hp\n paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nAs for diesel options, there\u2019s the \n120 hp\n 1.5-litre, \n190 hp\n 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesels as well as a\n 150 hp\n 2.0-litre EcoBlue mild-hybrid system for even greater fuel efficiency.\nSafety system is comprehensive\nto say the least with Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist\nDetection, Lane-Keeping System, Lane-Centring technology, Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive\nCruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Evasive Steering Assist, Front and\nrear wide-view cameras, Adaptive Front Lighting System and Wrong Way Alert.\nThe Ford Kuga competes in the same space as the likes of the \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n and \nHonda CR-V\n. Previously, Sime Darby Auto Connexion offered the second-gen 1.5-litre EcoBoost Ford Kuga at upwards of RM160k.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAll-new\u00a0Ford\u00a0Kuga"
"McLaren Special Operations (MSO) have built a three-car only special to honour McLaren\u2019s debut Formula 1 victory in the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, with company founder Bruce McLaren behind the wheel. Half a century later, the McLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection pays tribute to the achievement by echoing the colour of the 1968 race car.\nCommissioned by McLaren Brussels, only three units of the 720S Spa 68 Collection rolled off the production facility. The limited edition 720S wears the MSO Bespoke Anniversary Orange that reflects the winning race car and rides on a set of MSO Bespoke Satin Black 5 Twin-Spoke Lightweight wheels to contrast against the bright orange paintwork.\nCuriously the Spa 68 Collection comes with black painted front splitters, headlamp covers, side skirts and diffuser and not the extended carbon fibre exterior pack nor the Track Pack available from MSO. It does, however, get a silver outline of the 14 km Spa-Francorchamps track on the rear wheel arches and a \u201c1st McLaren F1 victory Belgian Grand Prix 9th June 1968 \u2013 Bruce McLaren\u201d inscription in the carbon fibre sill covers.\nInside, the black Alcantara upholstery is set off against McLaren Orange topstitching as well as a Spa-Francorchamps track embroidery in the headrest. Other touches include a \u201c1 of 3 Spa \u201968 Collection\u201d dedication plaque and MSO bespoke keys painted Anniversary Orange with silver \u201cSpa 68\u201d text.   The 1968 Belgian Grand Prix is Bruce McLaren\u2019s fourth Formula 1 career win but his first victory driving his own McLaren car, at that time making him only the third driver to win a Grand Prix in a car of his own design and construction. The victory set the McLaren team on a path to eight World Constructors\u2019 Championships and 12 World Drivers\u2019 Championships.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection\n \n 1 of 3 McLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection by MSO"
"Mitsubishi announced last year that it\u2019s bringing back the Ralliart name, through renewed involvement in motorsports, alongside a range of accessories and special edition models. For the latter, they\u2019ve already introduced the Triton and Pajero Sport \nRalliart edition models in Thailand\n. And now, Mitsubishi is bringing the same treatment over to almost all of its models in Japan \u2013 including the Delica D:5 van.\nAs expected, the Ralliart accessories are modelled after the brand\u2019s rally race cars of yore. For the Delica D:5, these parts include red mud flaps, red side mirror covers, fog lamp garnishes, blacked-out under garnishes beneath the front and rear bumpers, plus a black and red spoiler round the back.\nThe Ralliart accessories are also available for the Mitsubishi Outlander, RVR (or Outlander Sport in other markets), and Eclipse cross SUVs in Japan, consisting of similar parts such as the mud flaps, skid plates, side under garnishes, and large tailgate spoilers. All of them with red and black accents, of course.\nALSO READ: Mitsubishi is bringing back the Ralliart name and re-entering motorsports\nAside from the model-specific Ralliart kits, Mitsubishi is also offering a range of general accessories in Japan, including a dark chrome-plated frame for licence plates, licence plate frame bolts, black wheel lugnuts, and a Ralliart-branded push-start button.\nEarlier this year, Mitsubishi also unveiled the \nVision Ralliart concept\n at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022, although it turns out to be just a souped-up Outlander SUV with a slight redesign, instead of an out-and-out rally car (\nor a new Evo model\n) like many have hoped.\nWill the Japanese carmaker ever make a Ralliart model befitting the legendary nameplate? We\u2019ll never know, but we\u2019re not holding our breath."
"Following the official launch of the \nAston Martin DBX\n here in Malaysia, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has now unveiled its latest customisation special for the ultra-luxury SUV, dubbed Intrepid Aura.\nThe Aston Martin DBX in the Intrepid Aura configuration is available in four bright exterior colours; this example here is finished in a reflective Yellow Tang paintjob, but it can also be optioned in Ceramic Blue, Stratus White or Lime Essence.\nThe bright paint is contrasted by the window surrounds, grille, roof rails, and mirror caps in gloss black \u2013 Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur says that this is designed to be evocative of \u201ca late night ride through a sleepless city scene\u201d.\nSimilarly, the rear lights have been given a smoked effect, along with the Satin Black finish on the 22-inch sport alloy wheels and the Aston Martin Wings & rear ordmark in Black Chrome to fully emphasise the effect.\nMoving inside, the effect is once again seen on the upholstery, with Metallic Black Caithness Leather paired to a contrast stitching of the exterior colour. Everything else in the cabin of the Aston Martin DBX Intrepid Aura though, is darkness amplified.\nThese include the Dark Satin Chrome interior jewellery pack (also known as buttons and dials for the other carmakers), embroidered Aston Martin Wings logo on the seats, Black alcantara headlining, Obsidian Black carpets, and a Piano Black wood veneer finish on the dashboard.\nAside from these aesthetic options, no other changes have been made to the \u201csports car first, SUV second\u201d Aston Martin DBX. Underneath the hood is the same Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, tuned to make\u00a0\n550 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n700 Nm\n\u00a0of torque.\nPower is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission and a fancy all-wheel drive system featuring an active central differential and an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eDiff). In terms of performance, the Aston Martin DBX completes the century sprint in 4.5 seconds, onward to a top speed of 291 km/h.\nThe Aston Martin DBX starts at a base price of RM818,000 before, taxes, duties, and all other associated costs. With the Intrepid Aura configuration, the price jumps upwards to \nRM958,000\n, again, without taxes and duties.\nThe Aston Martin DBX Intrepid Aura is now available for viewing at the Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur showroom. To book a viewing appointment, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur is contactable via phone at \n+60 3 2163 1196\n or \nemail\n.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen will return to the rally stages with Polo GTI R5 \u2013 where it will make a 270 hp rally version of the Polo which will be available to professional teams and aspiring drivers to enable them to compete in championships including the FIA World Rally Championship.\nA sketch of the car, based on the \nnew sixth-generation Polo\n gave a foretaste of what\u2019s to come. Like the production model, due for launch at the end of the year, the Polo GTI R5 will come with a four-cylinder turbo engine with direct fuel injection.\nWhat do you think of the new Polo GTI?\nOther features include four-wheel drive, a sequential five-speed racing transmission and a comprehensive safety package. This gives privateers, teams and importers the opportunity to contest in national, regional and international championships with cost-effective, powerful rally cars.\n\u201cWith the Polo GTI R5 we are hoping to transfer our expertise from four WRC titles to customer racing successfully, and offer a first-class racing machine for countless rally championships from national series to the WRC,\u201d said Volkswagen Motorsport Director, Sven Smeets."
"It was a much-needed break when \nMaserati Malaysia\n invited us to Langkawi to sample their\n updated Maserati Levante S\n that first arrived in Malaysia in \nNovember 2017\n but it was more than just a trip to an island as we discovered later on.\nThe Maserati Levante S has actually been improved where it matters; with a new grille and tail light design on the outside and an improved infotainment system that\u2019s one of the most user-friendly we\u2019ve ever experienced. Even the default onboard navigation system in the infotainment was worth a mention, it was easy and convenient to use without us having to resort to Waze or Google Maps.\n \nThat\u2019s not all, also making an impact in the cockpit section of the Levante S is the new instrument cluster. Although still analogue, the plastic cover has been replaced with a glass cover with the fonts revamped for a more modern look and the effects can be seen (in the video).\nOf course, this wouldn\u2019t be a Maserati without a mention of its performance but it\u2019s not just about how powerful the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 was with 430 hp and 580 Nm. Instead, it\u2019s how the entire car makes you feel when your inner 17-year old is enjoying the fruits of your labour.\nComparing it with its rival, the Cayenne may have the advantage of being more nimble and composed during spirited driving, but the Porsche would never sound like a Maserati. If the Porsche was a choir singer \u2013 clean, clinical and precise \u2013 then the Levante S is would be Freddie Mercury from Queens \u2013 the Maserati just stands out with a little more flamboyance.\nWant to know more? Check it out in detail in the video!"
"While we are eagerly awaiting for the launch of the upcoming S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has once again continued their \nslow-drip treatment\n on its teasers, this time giving us a first look at the interior of its new big luxury sedan.\nThe S-Class has always been known by its lavish interior design, laced with sumptuous leather for the ultimate comfort enjoyed by only the most well-off of the big bosses. Well, the upcoming new S-Class is no different in that sense, though with a large twist in overall design language quite unlike anything we\u2019ve seen before.\n \nThe biggest standout feature of the S-Class cabin is the new free-standing portrait-oriented 12.8-inch infotainment main display, \nas we\u2019ve seen in the leaks\n. Inspired by waterfalls according to Mercedes, the screen seats flush in a separate three-dimensional \u201csaddle\u201d panel \u2013 seemingly flowing out of the air vents on top \u2013 that continues smoothly into the centre console.\nThe large uninterrupted panel underneath the screen, which is a single piece of open-pore wood inlayed with aluminium, takes the length of the entire dashboard \u2013 a design that the German carmaker says is inspired by a ship deck\u2019s flowing lines. The aluminium inlays meanwhile are associated with yacht designs. Air vents shaped in slim twin vertical slots bookend the dashboard panel.\nThe ambient lighting system around the dashboard, door panels, and trim pieces have also been upgraded \u2013 now up to 10 times as bright as before to \u201cenvelope\u201d the passengers in a glowing aurora, and is even visible in daylight.\nThis was achieved by a new LED light strip, with individual LEDs just 1.6 cm apart from each other. About 250 LED bulbs are used throughout the cabin to form the ambient lighting system.\nThe coolest part about the ambient lighting however, is its direct integration into the \nMBUX system\n. The system can now react to several driving functions including Lane Keeping Assist, Brake Assist as well as with exit warning, flashing red when it detects an impending danger.\nJust like the \nnew A-Class\n, the ambient lighting system flashes red or blue when setting the climate control system, but now expanded to the entire individual zones. When triggering the \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d voice assistant, the MBUX system will also animate the ambient lights at the corresponding seat, depending on who\u2019s issuing the command.\nIn a large luxury executive sedan like the S-Class, comfort is of course of utmost priority. The new S-Class will feature seats sculpted as a \u201cflowing, three-dimensional design\u201d, which Mercedes-Benz says is embedded into the rest of the cabin like a seashell.\nNo matter which wheelbase configuration you\u2019ve chosen \u2013 which there are two, short or long \u2013 the S-Class promises increased space for both the front and rear passengers. In particular, Mercedes-Benz says that the rear knee room has been increased even with the rear seats in the fully-reclined position.\nThe seats feature neck warmers and individual speakers in the \u201ccomfy pillow\u201d headrests, and also comes with six air pillows that are now placed closer to the passenger\u2019s skin for the massage function.\nThe rear seats can be configured in up to five different seating variants, with those choosing the \u201cFirst Class rear suite\u201d getting an open-pore waterfall panel in between the two seats, much like those on the dashboard in front.\nAs for the front seats, Mercedes-Benz says that they are now also more ergonomic especially for the driver, with the centre axis of the seats and steering wheel properly aligned, providing a symmetrical driving position for all types of physique. The seats can also automatically adjust to the driver by just inputting the driver\u2019s height and age into the MBUX system.\nOther interior highlights in the upcoming S-Class include a new \u201cEnergizing\u201d seat kinetic function that periodically makes small adjustments to the seats to enhance the wellness of the passengers. The seat kinetic function is integrated into the overall Energizing Comfort feature which utilises the ambient lighting and sound system to help set the mood of the drive.\nOf course, the NVH performance of the cabin has been improved with the use of specific spray foam in different panels. There\u2019s also a new air filtering system built in into the S-Class; Mercedes says that it is epecially effective against fine dust, pollen and odours.\nThe upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be launched on the 2nd of September, which is just about two weeks from now. Stay tuned for more information on the new luxury sedan as we get them closer to the launch!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The days of the pesky blue road tax stickers could soon be coming to an end, as Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced via a \nFacebook post \nthat the department will be rolling out a new overhaul for the road tax system this year.\n\u201cI know many people complain about poor quality road tax stickers. That matter is indeed in our attention and a big change will be implemented this year,\u201d he said in the statement.\nThe matter was discussed in a meeting with the top management of \nRoad Transport Department (JPJ)\n, who briefed the minister of the department\u2019s plans for 2023.\nAside from the road tax stickers, the department will also be focusing on digitalising its core services to the people, such as vehicle and driver licensing, in an effort to \u201cmake things easier for the people\u201d and prevent long queues at the JPJ offices.\nEnforcement of traffic laws will also be strengthened as part of the department\u2019s 2023 agenda.\nRELATED: \nJPJ urges public to report cars with fancy number plates\nPhoto: Anthony Loke Siew Fook/Facebook\nLoke added that the new initiatives will be carefully planned with JPJ, and further details will be announced later when full preparations have been made.\nThese announcements come after a wave of directives announced by the new transport minister, including a planned revamp for the public transport systems surrounding the nation\u2019s capital, as well as the implementation of bike lanes on all federal and state roads.\nREAD MORE: \nNew drink-driving law with harsher penalties passed in Dewan Negara"
"At the unveiling of the all-new \nPeugeot 508 SW\n, the French carmaker revealed that a plug-in hybrid petrol (PHEV) variant will join the product line up (both \n508 sedan\n and SW). Traditionally, PHEV\u2019s high voltage battery pack that would one way or another sacrifice interior space but according to a report by \nAutoCar UK,\n it seems that Peugeot has found a way to work around it.\nThe 508\u2019s EMP2 platform was designed to offer an electrified powertrain from the start. This allowed engineers and designers to come up with a \u201ctight packaging\u201d that does not compromise on its 487 litre boot space or cabin room to accommodate the batteries, unlike the \nBMW 530e\n and \nMercedes-Benz E 350e.\nAccording to the report, the 508 PHEV will have its high voltage battery packs placed beneath the boot floor which means it will not have the luxury of a spare wheel. Peugeot is not the first one to come up with design solutions for its PHEVs, \nVolvo\u2019s SPA platform\n has its battery pack sandwiched within the centre of the vehicle, resulting in not only a more compact design but also lower centre of gravity.\nProject design lead for the 508, Pierre Paul Mattei said: \u201cOur team of designers spent a year and a half, which is longer than usual, with engineers to access the best technology and knowledge for this car\u2019s platform.\u201d\n\u201cWe have been able to break the conventions for design proportions while keeping those performances (such as boot space) unaffected in the architecture,\u201d Mattei added.\nThe Peugeot 508 PHEV is expected to debut in the second-half 2019 and is touted to have an all-electric driving range of \n50 km\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPeugeot 508 Sedan First Edition   Peugeot 508 Sedan   Peugeot 508 SW"
"We first saw the fourth generation Honda\u00a0\nCR-V facelift \nthree months ago\n when it was revealed ahead of its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, but it\u2019s officially here now, just in time for the Chinese New Year celebrations. There\u2019s also a new \n2.0-litre 2WD\n \nvariant\n joining the existing 4WD-only SUV, with its introduction highly driven by market demand.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda CR-V 2.0L 2WD\nHonda CR-V 2.0L 4WD\nHonda CR-V 2.4L 4WD\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic, conventional torque converter\nEngine\n1,997cc; inline-4 cyl SOHC\u00a0i-VTEC\n1,997cc; inline-4 cyl SOHC\u00a0i-VTEC\n2,354cc; inline-4 cyl DOHC i-VTEC\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n153 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n188 hp @ 7,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n222 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n insurance)\nRM139,800.00\nRM150,800.00\nRM169,800.00\n\u00a0\nHonda Malaysia wasted no time in bringing the CR-V facelift here, which gives the model a head start against its closest competitor, the \nMazda CX-5\n, which was also recently given a \nfacelift\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThis CR-V is clearly better looking than its pre-facelift kin, sporting HID projector headlamps (standard on all variants) complete with LED daytime running lights. The split-level grille is also new here, as with the redesigned front bumper that houses the rectangular fog lamps (previously rounded).   All variants get a set of new turbine-inspired wheels, with the range topping 2.4L variant sitting on 18-inchers, wrapped with 225/60R18 profile tyres, while the 2.0L variants sit atop 17-inch wheels with 225/65R17 series rubbers.\u00a0Over the back, the CR-V gets a huge slab of chrome that runs across the tailgate, whereas the taillights are subtly tweaked and its rear bumper restyled.\nINTERIOR\nFeatures unique to the 2.4L CR-V include Honda\u2019s \nLaneWatch technology\n, where, like the 2.4L Accord, provides a video feed of the left side mirror through the central 7-inch display screen. Also exclusive to this variant are paddle shifters, the earlier mentioned 7-inch screen supports HDMI connectivity and GPS\u00a0navigation as well. Its door handles are also finished in chrome, and this trim gains two additional curtain airbags, making a total of six airbags.   Another interesting feature of the CR-V is its \none-touch folding seats\n, as demonstrated by GC Mah in the video embedded above. Its boot space with the rear seats up measure at \n589 litres\n, but expands up to \n1,146 litres\n with the rear seats folded down.\nAs for the new 2.0L 2WD variant, it gets quite a bit of goodies of which include \nkeyless entry\n and push-start button, eight-way driver powered seats, ECON button, dual zone climate control, fabric seats (the rest are leather-upholstered) and four airbags. And oh, the headlights aren\u2019t halogen bulbs anymore, by the way. Even the base model CR-V gets \nHID headlamps\n here.\nPERFORMANCE\nNothing has changed in the powertrain department. Both the 2.0L and 2.4L engines are carried over, paired to a five-speed torque converting automatic gearbox. There\u2019s a \nnine-speeder version\n\u00a0of the CR-V, but that\u2019s strictly for the \ndiesel powered\n variant only.\nThe output figures here remain the same, with the \n2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC\n unit churning \n153 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n190 Nm\n of torque at 4,300 rpm, while the \n2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC\n mill makes a respectable \n188 hp\n at 7,000 rpm and \n222 Nm\n of torque at 4,400 rpm. The 2WD model \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 is front wheel driven, and is identifiable without the \u201c4WD\u201d badge at the back.\nSAFETY\nMost of the safety features are similar to that of the pre-facelift version, so here\u2019s a quick recap of what will save your life in the CR-V: ABS and EBD, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Vehicle Stability Assist, reverse camera with rear parking sensor, rear seat Isofix mount, and four airbags as standard (\nsix\n in the 2.4L 4WD variant).   WHAT ELSE?\nThe CR-V is priced from \nRM139,800\n for the \n2.0L 2WD\n, \nRM150,800\n for the \n2.0L 4WD\n and \nRM169,800\n for the \n2.4L 4WD\n (OTR with insurance). It can be had in \nfive different colours\n, which comprise of Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White, Twilight Blue Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.\nThere\u2019s also a range of Modulo aero kits to improve the car\u2019s overall sportiness \u2013 \nAero Package\n for RM6,000, \nElegant Package\n for RM4,500, \nUrban Package\n for RM2,650 and \nUtility Package\n for RM3,000.\nYou can now view the CR-V at any 77 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide, and it comes with a \nfive-year warranty\n with \nunlimited mileage\n. Every new CR-V owners can enjoy free labour service of up to six visits for every alternate visits up to 100,000 km. Service interval is now at every 10,000 km.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda CR-V 2.4L 4WD   Honda CR-V 2.0L 4WD with Modulo Aero Pack   Honda CR-V 2.0L 2WD"
"The all-new Kia Optima has made its European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Revealed earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show, this fourth-generation D-segment contender from Korea takes on an evolutionary approach in its design, but Kia promises the new Optima is a more refined product than the outgoing model, with a better cabin littered with more high-tech equipments.\nKia kept most of the Optima\u2019s key design features from the third-gen Optima, but made them smoother on the new model and at the same time improved the drag coefficient from 0.30 to 0.29. It\u2019s \nbigger\n in every dimension too. The \nwidth\n has been increased by 25 mm to \n1,860 mm\n, whereas overall \nlength\n is 10 mm longer at \n4,855 mm\n, and it\u2019s \ntaller\n by 10 mm at \n1,465 mm\n.\nAt the front, the conjoined headlamps with the tiger nose grille is retained, but the quad ice cube foglamps on each side have been dropped in favour of a pair of round foglamps. The side profile is also retained, with the trademark arch from the base of the A-pillar to the boot and the kicked-up C-pillar. Wheel options are available with sizes from 16 to 18-inches.\u00a0The long tail features a pair of tidied up wrap-around \nLED tail lights\n, while the reflectors have moved to the edge of the diffuser on the bumper that also houses a chromed oval tailpipe.\nFor the interior, Kia boasted a great improvement on\n\u00a0materials\n used, and the cabin is now quiter with reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). There\u2019s also more space for everyone inside thanks to the revised dimensions!\u00a0The dashboard is still angled towards the driver (by 8.5 degrees to be exact), but the design now stretches across the front passenger for an increased sense of space.\nA choice of a 7.0-inch or an \n8.0-inch screen\n is available, and the latter is a \ntouchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation\n. There\u2019s also a \nwireless charging bay\n located at the base of the center console. A six-speaker audio system is fitted as standard, but audiophiles will be pleased to know that there\u2019s an option for a \n10-speaker 590 watt Harman Kardon Premium Sound system\n.\nFor the European market, the new Optima will be offered with either a \nCVVL petrol\n or a\n CRDi diesel\n powerplant. The petrol unit is a naturally-aspirated \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n developing \n161 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n, while the diesel unit is a turbocharged \n1.7-litre four-cylinder\n producing \n140 hp\n and a whopping \n340 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth engines will be paired to a \nsix-speed manual transmission\n as standard, but there\u2019s also an option for the new \nseven-speed dual clutch transmission\n\u00a0for the oil burning Optima. The petrol variant however, won\u2019t be getting that option, instead there\u2019s a \nsix-speed slushbox\n available as an option.\nThe 1.7 CRDi will also get a \nrack-mounted electric motor-driven power steering system\n (R-MDPS) fitted as standard, and the R-MDPS is said to provide quicker response and greater steering feel. There\u2019s also the optional \nelectronic controlled suspension system\n with internal valves (ECS) with \nNormal\n and \nSport\n modes which controls all four dampers individually via \nG-force sensors\n used to detect steering and throttle inputs from the driver.\nOther options available include \nSmart Parking Assist System\n (SPAS), High Beam Assist (HBA),\u00a0Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF),\u00a0\nAdvanced Smart Cruise Control\n (SCC),\n\u00a0Autonomous Emergency Braking\n (AEB),\u00a0Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).\nMeanwhile, Kia also previewed a sportier variant in Frankfurt, the \nOptima GT\n. Featuring a \nturbocharged T-GDI engine\n, mild exterior update with sportier bumpers, \ndual tailpipes\n, and new set of 18-inch alloys, the GT also gets a \ntuned suspension\n \u201cengineered for European roads\u201d. The turbocharged \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n produces \n242 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n of torque, and it\u2019s mated to a \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission.\nKia says the Optima GT is still in development, but the prototype shown in Frankfurt hinted at how the production version may look like when it goes on sale in 2016. The 2.0 CVVL and the 1.7 CRDi variants will go on sale in \nQ4 2015\n in Europe, and Kia has also confirmed that their D-segment sedan will be joined by a \nwagon\n some time in the future.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Optima   Kia Optima GT"
"Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has just announced at a press conference that the \nMazda CX-30\n will be coming to Malaysia.\nThe CX-30, which was unveiled at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) is a new compact crossover that sits between the \nCX-3\n and \nCX-5\n. Sharing the same underpinnings of the \nnewly launched Mazda 3\n, the CX-30 offers more space than the CX-3 and more style than the CX-5.\nRollout to global markets will only commence at the end of 2019 so do not expect the car to be in local showrooms anytime soon. Bermaz Motor did not confirm whether the CX-30 will be locally assembled (CKD) or fully imported like the Mazda 3, the decision is subjected to market demand and availability.\nMeasuring 4,395 mm in\nlength, 1,795 mm in width, 1,540 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,655 mm,\nMazda claims that the CX-30 was designed with a user-friendly interior\npackaging in mind. Promising comfortable seating for four adults on long\njourneys, a trait that will appeal to families looking for a good looking yet practical\nSUV.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nPerodua Ativa\n is perhaps the biggest car launch to happen in our country this year, and for good reasons. Taking so many of Perodua\u2019s \u201cfirsts\u201d, expectations are sky-high for it to become the next \u201cKing of the Road\u201d.\nSo, does the all-new Perodua Ativa have what it takes to succeed the beloved Myvi \u2013 and more importantly, satisfy the expectations of the demanding Malaysian customers? The man, the myth, and the joker \u2013 GC Mah, took on the task to find out himself, with the humble Perodua Ativa H.\n \nThe Perodua Ativa is fairly well-equipped across the board, with LED headlights and tail lights being standard-fit items on all variants to complement its new boxy, quirky exterior. The entry-level variant even gets an automatic high-beam function, while on the H and higher variants, the headlights get an adaptive driving beam feature, shutting off specific beams to avoid glaring other drivers.\nAnd really, \u201cvalue\u201d is the name of the game here wherever we look, including inside the cabin. Fully-digital instrument cluster, a massive nine-inch infotainment touchscreen display \u2013 all of which youngsters would salivate over. And that\u2019s before we even mention its safety features.\nLookin\u2019 snazzy with the two-tone paint job!\nPerodua\u2019s Active Safety Assist (ASA) advanced driver assistance suite is standard across the board on the Perodua Ativa \u2013 even on the RM62k base variant. Sure, the range-topping AV variant does get a few more bells and whistle (making it the cheapest car in Malaysia to technically support SAE level 2 autonomous driving capabilities), but the \nstandard ASA 3.0\n on the other two variants isn\u2019t too shabby either.\nIn fact, the ASA system on the Perodua Ativa has been updated to its third generation with a new set of stereo cameras, now supporting night-time operation, a wider speed range, as well as bicycle and motorcycle detection. That\u2019s a lot of car for a RM62k price tag!\nWe\u2019ve talked a lot about what it \nis\n, and so far, everything sure does look rosy. But what it is definitely \nnot\n, is a more \u201cpremium\u201d product competing directly against the \nProton X50\n \u2013 a car that many of you online like to compare the Ativa up against.\nHeck, even on pricing, the range-topping AV variant is still cheaper than the entry-level X50 \u2013 so no, it\u2019s not a direct competitor. They are targeted at different buying crowds, and full credit to Perodua \u2013 the Ativa does seem to have carved out a cozy little spot in that price point, offering incredible value to buyers shopping in that price region.\nThere are many other things that we can\u2019t quite cover in this piece, so be sure to check out the video above, where GC Mah takes you through all of them in more details. As to whether the Perodua Ativa will be the next \u201cKing of the Road\u201d? Well \u2013 that\u2019s for you to decide."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just introduced a new 3-Years/45,000 km (whichever comes first) free service package for all Volkswagen models registered from 1 January 2018 onwards. This 3-Years/45,000 km free service package supplements the on-going 5-Years warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said that the \n3-Years free maintenance programme for all new Volkswagen cars\n will help provide a peace of mind to owners and lower their cost of ownership as VPCM uptakes three years of maintenance costs.\nThe free service package covers all maintenance costs (parts and labour included) as per the standard maintenance schedule\n except wear-and-tear parts\n such as brake discs, brake pads, windscreen wipers and light bulbs. Owners will also have to keep in mind to follow the recommended service schedule at \nauthorised Volkswagen service centres\n to avoid voiding the coverage.\n\u201cWith this programme in place, owners need not have to worry about the maintenance of their Volkswagen. This also reaffirms the commitment we have towards our customers \u2013 not just in strengthening our aftersales service, but also the Volkswagen ownership experience for our owners,\u201d Winter added.\nIn addition to that, VPCM is also offering attractive interest rates from \n0.88 percent per annum\n for all variants of the entire \nPassat family\n \u2013 one of \nAutoBuzz.my\u2019s Best Cars of 2017\n."
"Peugeot has just added a new product to its SUV line up, the Peugeot Rifter. Fully equipped with Peugeot\u2019s latest platform and technologies, the Rifter was built for active individuals who need a multipurpose vehicle to accompany them on their adventures.\nRiding on the Group\u2019s EMP2 platform like the 3008 SUV, the Rifter is available in two lengths \u2013 a five-seater Standard (4.40 m) and a seven-seater Long (4.75 m). On the Standard Rifter, the boot can accommodate up to 775 litres of cargo with all the seats up.   Design wise, the Rifter borrows much of its design cues from its SUV siblings. As such it wears the brand\u2019s family face such as the vertical grille, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, lion-claw LED taillamps, sliding doors, roof rack and a large tailgate.\nDespite the bulky design, Peugeot has furnished the interior with the swanky looking \nPeugeot i-Cockpit design\n. You\u2019ll find a familiar layout like 8-inch capacitative touchscreen infotainment, heads-up instrument cluster, smallish two-spoke steering wheel, push start, electronic parking brake and rotary electronic gear selector. Unique to the Rifter is a two-piece sunroof on the left and right side of the cabin.   A range of Euro 6c compliant petrol and diesel engines are available at launch consisting of a 1.2-litre PureTech in two states of tune \u2013 \n130 hp \nand \n110 hp\n tune. The 1.5-litre BlueHDi engines, on the other hand, are available in \n130 hp\n, \n100 hp\n and \n75 hp\n guise. High outputs of the petrol and diesel mills will have an option for a new eight-speed automatic transmission for even greater fuel economy and performance.\nCustomers have the option for the Advanced Grip Control feature that allows the driver to cycle between five driving modes \u2013 Normal, ESP Off, Sand, Mud and Snow for better grip on different driving conditions. For the adventurer, there is also a four-wheel drive option for the Rifter.\nThe Rifter also comes with a range of advanced driver assist technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Signs Recognition, Active Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Warning, Active Safety Brake, Tow Bar Stability Control and Visiopark 180-degree reverse camera.\nThe Peugeot Rifter will make its world debut at the 2018 GIMS happening in March and will go on sale worldwide from September onwards. Vigo, Span and Mangualde, Portugal factories have been appointed to manufacture the Rifter.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2022 Subaru BRZ is now \navailable to order here in Malaysia\n, and based on the brochure provided by a dealer, the sportscar will arrive at our shores pretty much in full global specifications.\nThat means the all-new Subaru BRZ will also come with the marque\u2019s EyeSight advanced driver assistance suite, although it\u2019s limited to just the automatic variant due to the system\u2019s limitations with manual transmissions.\n \nThat being said, the EyeSight system on the all-new BRZ will include a whole host of features, starting with \nautonomous emergency braking\n that now supports both \nfrontal and rear collision detections\n. The system works from 1-200 km/h, and for speeds under 50 km/h, it will actually bring the car to a complete stop.\nThe system also works in conjunction with the \nPre-Collision Throttle Management\n system, which holds back the car\u2019s power output when you put your foot down on the accelerator, if it detects an obstruction both in front or behind the car.\nRELATED: 2021 Subaru XV with EyeSight launched in Malaysia, from RM139k\nNext up in the list of features is \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n, which uses the stereoscopic cameras behind the rearview mirror to keep a pre-set distance to the car ahead, up to cruise control the speed that you\u2019ve selected.\nThe ACC system also works in stop-and-go traffic, but requires the driver to click on a button to resume. The \nLead Vehicle Start Alert\n will provide visual and auditory feedback if the driver was not paying attention when the car ahead has moved off.\nThere\u2019s also the \nLane Departure and Sway Warning\n, which warns the driver when the car detects an unintended lane change. The system lacks lane centering and other correction functionalities, however, so drivers will have to keep their hands on the wheels at all times.\nThe \nHigh Beam Assist \nsystem is also exclusive to just the automatic transmission option, but blind spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert is standard on both manual and automatic transmission models.\nThe all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ is now available for order in Malaysia, starting at RM229k for the manual transmission option. Due to global stock shortage, the current delivery lead time is roughly around seven to eight months, according to a Subaru dealership."
"Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (RRMC) Kuala Lumpur welcomes the \nRolls-Royce Cullinan\n to their model line up and opens up the ultra-lux brand to a new group of adventurous customers.\nNamed after the world\u2019s largest diamond\n, the Cullinan is Rolls-Royce\u2019s maiden entry to the SUV market. It sits on an all-new aluminium \u201cArchitecture of Luxury\u201d platform that puts the new Roller 5,341 mm in length, 2,165 mm in width, 1,835 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,295 mm which dwarfs the \nBentley Bentayga\n at the hotel valet.\nDespite the new aluminium platform, the Cullinan tips the scale at \n2,700 kg\n give or take, nearly 200 kgs more than its closest competitor. With nearly every component from the doors, seats and tailgate being motorised and some \n100 kg worth of sound deadening\n materials, it is not difficult to see why the Cullinan weighs as much.\nBut do not for a minute think you can outrun this behemoth because at its heart lies a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 packing \n571 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Cullinan is also the first Rolls-Royce model in history to feature four-wheel drive while rear-wheel steering comes as standard.\nSprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes a mind-boggling \n5.1 seconds\n and flat out it will do \n250 km/h\n because the computer doesn\u2019t allow it to go any quicker. Ensuring that the brand\u2019s famed Magic Carpet Ride is evident on- and off-road, the engineers have fitted the largest self-levelling air suspension they can find onto the Cullinan.\nFor those who are willing to take their Cullinan off-road, simply press the Off-Road button and you\u2019re ready to tackle rough track, gravel, wet grass, mud, snow or sand. In its tallest ride height, the Cullinan boasts the deepest wading depth of any super-luxury SUV at 540 mm.\nRRMC Kuala Lumpur offers the Cullinan in eight pre-configured specifications (colour, wheel, interior, etc) which helps owners to decide on their ideal SUV. The one on display here is painted in Infinity Black with a Mandarin Orange body stripe across the body, 22-inch part polished twin spoke alloys, Scivaro Grey and Black interior with Mandarin Orange inserts, panoramic sunroof, Individual Seat, Rear Theatre, 18-speaker Rolls-Royce Bespoke Audio and Driving Assistant System.   Of course, buyers have the option to have their Cullinan in this four-seater Individual Seat or the Lounge Seat that makes space for five. On vehicles with Individual Seat, the rear bench does not fold down hence boot space is limited to 560 litres. Opt for the Lounge Seat and you\u2019ll have the luxury of folding the rear seats down to carry bigger items. But regardless of which seating configuration you choose, you can opt for the Viewing Suite option which transforms the tailgate into a viewing deck furnished with a retractable bench and table at the boot.\nEach and every Rolls-Royce Cullinan is as bespoke which is why pricing is dependent on customer specification. As a guide, this example on display is priced at RM1.8 million before applicable duties and taxes.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRolls-Royce Cullinan Launched in Malaysia"
"The Volkswagen brand in Malaysia has recently gone through a terribly rough patch relating to DSG failures. After Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) took over as the official distributor of Volkswagen cars in Malaysia, the company has taken concrete measures to regain customer confidence and strengthen brand presence in the local market.\nStep one was to enforce a 5-Year manufacturer warranty offered to all purchases of Volkswagen cars registered after 1 September 2016. Now, VPCM followed up with the \u201cVPCM Customer Care Goodwill\u201d programme which gives an additional 2-Year coverage for DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) equipped models produced till December 2013 with mileage up to 200,000km. However, this is not an extended warranty programme but a Goodwill programme, whereby each claim is \nsubjected to a case-by-case basis\n.\nThe programme covers 100 percent DSG and related parts replacement with minimal shared labour charges between VPCM and the customer. On top of that, any replacements conducted through this Goodwill programme is covered with a 2-Year warranty, which includes all parts and labour (excluding wear and tear).\nTo be entitled for this Goodwill programme, customers must produce a full service history from authorised Volkswagen Service Centres. This programme is also applicable on selected components for Volkswagen cars that have passed its warranty period. Volkswagen owners can head to their preferred authorised Volkswagen Service Centres to check their cars\u2019 eligibility via VPCM\u2019s online system using the car\u2019s VIN number."
"There\u2019s no better way to announce your arrival in a \nPorsche 911 GT3\n than with a standout paint job that will unlikely be replicated on any other Porsche in the country.\nWith that, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official importer and distributor of Porsche cars in Malaysia has introduced three unique Porsche 911 GT3s commissioned by SDAP exclusively for the Malaysian market. The 911 GT3s are each given a unique colour \u2013\nMeissen Blue, Signal Green and Riviera Blue\n.\u00a0\nThe colours you see here are not in the paint catalogue and can only be executed upon request. These three models also come with a leather interior package featuring extended Alcantara details along with Guards Red instrument dials, seat belts and Sport Chrono stopwatch. The GT3\u2019s also come with illuminated carbon door sills and body-coloured air vents.\nThe colour and interior theme is a product of the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a department within Porsche specialising in bespoke modifications for their owners. The owners of these Porsche 911 GT3 cars will be among the exclusive few who have a Porsche that is uniquely their own.\nPower comes from a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six with an output of \n500 hp\n with \n460 Nm\n of torque and they\u2019re all sent to the rear wheels only. The manual variant\u2019s top speed of\n\u00a0\n320 km/h\u00a0pips the PDK\u2019s by just 2 km/h.\nWith the quick-shifting PDK transmission, 0 to 100 km/h will take a brisk\u00a03.4 seconds, much like the\u00a0\nRM 1 million Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n\u00a0launched recently while with the 6-speed manual, still a breeze within\u00a03.9 seconds.\nThe 911 GT3 in Riviera Blue will be on display at Bangsar Shopping Centre from 29 March to 1 April 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This year can\u2019t get any better for the folks at Honda Malaysia, having to start the year on a high with the launching of the \nall-new BRV\n and the\n Honda City facelift\n.\u00a0The company also just delivered the \n250,000th\u00a0Honda City\n last week.\nToday, Honda Malaysia is celebrating two significant milestones \u2013 the production of the 600,000th\u00a0unit in its local assembly plant in Pegoh, Melaka\u00a0and achieving the 100,000 sales target for the current financial year (1 April 2016 \u2013 31 March 2017).\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s local assembly plant started operations in 2003 with only production line No. 1 that made four models: the CR-V, City, Civic and Accord. As demands grew, they expanded production line No. 2. Since then, the plant produced 300,000 vehicles in just \nthree years\n compared to the \n11 years\n needed for the first 300,000 units.\nToday, the plant produces seven models, namely the\u00a0\nAccord\n, \nCivic\n, City, \nJazz\n, CR-V, \nHR-V\n and BR-V. The only model that is not locally assembled is the luxury MPV Odyssey. Despite the wide variety of cars being put together simultaneously, the plant, which is equipped with some of the most advanced equipment such as Smart Welding Machine, Spray Robots and Under Body Coating, helps to hasten production without compromising precision.\nTo ensure that every vehicle that leaves the plant meets Honda\u2019s stringent global quality standards, every single car produced is\u00a0put through a \ncustom-built 2.1 km Test Course\n that mimics Malaysian roads. This helps engineers to benchmark standards and quality.\nMr. Seiji Kuraishi, Executive VP, Executive Officer & Representative Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.\nThe 600,000th\u00a0car to leave the plant is the facelifted Honda City V grade, finished in Lunar Silver Metallic; a model befitting of the occasion as the City has always been the company\u2019s cornerstone model. It also bears the most popular B-segment sedan title two consecutive years.\nCurrently, Honda Malaysia is strongly represented by 88 dealerships nationwide, with the latest addition being the\u00a0\nRM22 mil, 152,460 sq ft facility in Kelantan\n. At the rate that Honda Malaysia is growing, would you like to guess as estimate as to when they can achieve the one millionth mark?\nHaving said that, we would like to congratulate Honda Malaysia for\u00a0this momentous achievement. Here\u2019s to hoping that they would continue\u00a0to offer great vehicles for us all.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As with the new normal brought upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic, car companies have also had to change the way they do things. This includes incorporating SOPs for walk-in customers, after-sales services, and test drives.\nPerodua\n\u2018s new video explains in detail how their customer\u2019s cars would be taken care of, while its customers can wait in a secure environment.\nFor starters, the company is encouraging its customers to first make service appointments before arriving at the Perodua service centre. This can be done either by calling the service centre or booking a slot through the \nUFirst\n app.\nPerodua also encourages customers to come alone, for obvious reasons, wearing a mask. Once at the Perodua service centre, the customer is required to have their temperatures taken along with registration of personal details for the purpose of contact tracing.\nAs for social distancing measure, Perodua has placed markings throughout the service centre. This includes the waiting area, lifts and also toilets. Sections like the cafeteria and the kids play area have been closed to avoid crowding.\nAs for its customer\u2019s car, all contact points will be covered and sanitised before it is attended to. Upon completion of the service, the vehicle\u2019s touch points such as the boot and door handles will be sanitised.\nOn the same topic, the interior would also be sanitised before the customer collects his or her car. This includes areas like the seat adjustment levers, seat surfaces, seat belts, steering wheel, gear and handbrake lever, infotainment and air conditioning controls, and window switches. Once all is said and done, customers are encouraged to make contactless payments.\nStay safe. Spread love, not germs.\nGALLERY"
"Proton has recently delivered a X70 to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Statutory Bodies Division Secretary for the Strategic Management Division, Dato\u2019 Shahrol Anuwar Sarman, as his official vehicle.\nThe delivery of the \nProton X70 \nto the MoF has cemented the SUV\u2019s position as one of the official vehicles for Public Sector Super Scale (JUSA) officers. Thus far, \nover 500 confirmed orders\n have been placed for the X70 from the government sector, with over 400 already delivered.\n\u201cThe Proton X70 has been an invaluable contributor to PROTON\u2019s success in 2019 so we are proud it now plays a formal role for the public services sector,\u201d said Proton Chief Executive Officer Dr. Li Chunrong. \u201cWe are also therefore expecting to receive more orders for the Proton X70 from various government departments in 2020.\u201d\nThe X70 delivered to the MoF will be managed by SPANCO, a fleet management service provider in Malaysia. The decision by the Malaysian government and SPANCO to order the Proton X70 for its fleet is the second announcement involving the SUV and the government. Earlier this month, Proton has also announced that the Proton X70 will be serving in the official vehicle fleet for the year-long \nAPEC 2020 forum\n.\n\u201cProton will continue to work closely with service providers such as SPANCO to ensure we can support the need for official vehicles by public sector agencies and government departments. As a Malaysian automotive brand, we want to continue to show our support for the country and play a role in nation building,\u201d added Dr. Li Chunrong."
"Naza Kia Malaysia will be hosting a Pre-Owned Fest at the Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya, from the 28th of June till the 30th of June, where up to 200 pre-owned Kia vehicles will be on sale.\nThe craziest part is, prices were said to start from \nas low as RM8,000 \nat the carnival-themed event! Nope, you read that right; we had to double check as well.\nThe \nPicanto is one of the best hatchbacks you can buy\n for under RM50k. \nWatch the video here!\nThe range of Kia vehicles available include the \nKia Picanto\n and \nSorento\n while the entire line-up of Kia vehicles such as the \nbest-selling Sportage\n will also be on display.\nThose eager to get a closer look at the \nKia Stinger\n can do so during the three day event. Food and beverages will be served along with activities, entertainment and lucky draws throughout the day."
"With the upcoming 62nd Merdeka celebration looming, Naza is offering a greater cause for celebration with offers on Peugeot, Citroen and Kia vehicles.\nStarting off with Kia, Naza presents the \u201cFuel your Freedom, Discover Malaysia with Kia\u201d campaign where\n 62 lucky winners\n stand to be rewarded RM620 worth of petrol vouchers to discover Malaysia.\n \nEu Jin think the \nPicanto \noffers more than it asks for; you might agree.\nSimply register any of Kia\u2019s vehicles within the campaign period \u2013 from the 15th of August to the 30th of September 2019 \u2013 at all Kia outlets to stand a chance to win!\nMoving over to Peugeot, Nasim Sdn Bhd, official distrubutor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia is offering the award-winning\n Peugeot 5008\n for only \nRM161,888 \nbetween the month of August till September 2019.\n \nThat\u2019s a \nRM12k cheaper\n considering when the 7-seater was first launched locally last year, it retailed at \nRM173,888\n.\nAs for Citroen, Naza Euro Motors is offering the \nCitroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer\n premium MPV at only\n RM139,888 \nfrom now till the 30th of September 2019."
"Volkswagen announced that it has updated and optimised the infotainment of the \nnew Mk8 Golf \nwith new software and hardware for a wider range of functions.\nDue to go into production in a few weeks, Volkswagen said the voice command feature, in particular, will respond \nup to four times faster\n than before. The improvements will also be seen in the navigation feature and when scrolling through the infotainment functions.\nThe improved voice control system will allow customers to operate the entertainment, navigation, telephone, and climate control. Its ability to understand commands has also been improved.\n\u201cHello Volkswagen\u201d is the phrase used to start what is known as \nnatural voice control\n. Like the \nProton X70\u2019s \u201cHi Proton\u201d\n feature, the system in the Golf can also understand casual phrases such as \u201cI\u2019m cold\u201d or \u201cWhere can I find a Japanese restaurant?\u201d\n \nUsing digital microphones, the system can also recognise whether the driver or the passenger is speaking as it can activate the air conditioning specifically for the person requesting it.\nAnother area of improvement is the touchscreen. When the user\u2019s finger comes within a few centimetres of the screen, the buttons around the hazard warning light switch are blocked. Once contact is made with the screen, sliders for volume and temperature will also be blocked to avoid unintentional activation of the control panels."
"Following the recent rise in daily \nCovid-19\n cases in Malaysia, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that the Movement Control Order (MCO) will be reinstated in selected red-zone states beginning midnight of \nJanuary 13, 2021 (Wednesday) for two weeks, until the 26th of January\n.\nThe MCO will be split into three stages; States affected by the MCO are as follows:\nSelangor\nWilayah Persekutuan (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan)\nPenang\nMelaka\nJohor\nSabah\nMeanwhile, the following states will be placed under Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO):\nPahang\nPerak\nNegeri Sembilan\nKedah\nTerengganu\nKelantan\nLastly, the more relaxed Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) will be applied to the following states:\nPerlis\nSarawak\nFor states being placed under the full MCO, \nall social activities\n, including meetings, wedding ceremonies, celebration of festivities, as well as contact/group sports are \nstrictly prohibited\n. However, non-contact sports such as jogging and bicycling will be allowed during the MCO period, provided that social distancing of two metres is practised at all times; only two members of the same household will be allowed to carry out these activities together at one time.\nSimilar to measures during the initial MCO in March last year,\n inter-state and inter-district is also banned nationwide\n. For states placed under MCO, \ntwo people per household\n are allowed in a single vehicle, with movement restricted within a \n10 km radius\n, to purchase essential goods and food.\nEateries located within the MCO regions will be operating on a \ntake-away-only basis\n, while those located in RMCO and CMCO are allowed to operate according to the \nexisting standard operating procedures (SOP)\n.\nDuring the MCO period, only \nfive essential economic sectors\n \u2013 manufacturing, construction, service, trade and distribution, plantations and commodities \u2013 will be allowed to operate as usual. Supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and banks will continue to operate with precautions, while all other businesses are required to \nwork from home\n.\nFor companies involved in the above sectors, only \n30% of management-level workers\n will be allowed to work in the office at any given time, while the employers can determine the number of employees required to carry out day-to-day operations, taking into consideration the compliance of standard operating procedure.\nDespite the movement restriction, students who are sitting for their 2020 and 2021 SPM papers will still be allowed to attend school. However, strict SOPs will be in place to ensure the wellbeing of these students."
"Maxx \u2018N Go, the on-demand\nmobile car service provider has just partnered with online e-commerce platform Shopee\nas their Exclusive Mobile Service and Installation Partner in Malaysia.\nThe partnership is the first of its kind where shoppers can purchase car parts (engine oil, replacement parts, accessories) on Shopee and have Maxx \u2018N Go\u2019s mobile team deliver and install the parts at your preferred location \u2013 be it at home, at the office car park or by the beach!\nMaxx \u2018N Go Mobile Service Unit\nBesides having the new parts installed by a trained technician, Maxx \u2018N Go also provide a \ncomplimentary 15-point inspection\n for end users and professional advice on car maintenance. Maxx \u2018N Go services with Shopee are currently available within the Klang Valley and Seremban, available seven days a week from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.\nTo use this service, simply log onto the Shopee account, purchase the desired car parts from selected Shopee preferred sellers with a Maxx \u2018N Go logo on the seller\u2019s listing and Maxx \u2018N Go will contact the buyer to schedule an appointment to have the installation carried out. Alternatively, buyers can head on to the \nMaxx \u2018N Go\u2019s homepage on Shopee\n and browse all the available listing.\n Chief Technical Director of Maxx \u2018N Go & \nMalaysian Drift Hero\n, Tengku Djan Ley\nOn top of the list price on the advert, there is an \nRM35 surcharge\n for the installation service by Maxx \u2018N Go. If you put things into perspective, having Maxx \u2018N Go to provide \ndelivery\n, \ndoor-to-door service\n and \nlabour\n, RM35 is an extremely reasonable amount even when compared to an independent workshop.\nChief Technical Director of Maxx \u2018N Go, Tengku Djan Ley said: \u201cThe collaboration between Shopee and Maxx \u2018N Go has created an exclusive first in Malaysia, delivering a customer\u2019s order as well as providing service and installation by trained technicians right to your doorstep. This strategic partnership makes perfect sense as it gives vehicle owners a convenient, time and hassle-saving means of sorting out their various car needs, which could sometimes take a few hours at the workshop.\u201d"
"The most utilitarian vehicle that came out from Maranello is none other than the \nFerrari FF\n\u00a0which was succeeded by the \nGTC4 Lusso\n. They\u2019re capable of seating four comfortably, swallowing hundred of litres worth of cargo and, fold the rear seats down \u2013 just about as utilitarian as Ferrari\u2019s can get.\nWhy then, is Ferrari planning for a high ground clearance, spacious and practical SUV? The answer? \nSales.\nAccording to \nAutomotive News\n, CEO of Ferrari, Sergio Marchionne\u2019s final five-year plan (before he retires in 2021) is to boost annual deliveries beyond \n10,000 units\n. This year, the brand expects to shift 8,400 units of prancing horses worldwide. As it stands, the brand has a long way to go to break the five-digit barrier.\nFerrari\u2019s current stable, led by the LaFerrari Aperta   Therefore, the need for an SUV that opens up to a wider spectrum of customers make for an extremely appealing business approach for the Italian carmaker \u2013 just look at the success of the \nPorsche Cayenne\n\u00a0for example. The \n2017 World Car of the Year\n\u00a0awards also saw the \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n, \nAudi Q5\n and \nJaguar F-Pace\n emerged as the top three finalists for the prestigious title. Yep, \nall SUVs\n.\nAn SUV with a prancing horse badge will most definitely drive sales figures like never before. Not only will the brand graduate from its \u201c\nsmall vehicle manufacturer\n\u201d status, the additional earnings will enable Ferrari to invest in future plans that aligns with stricter environmental regulations. \nHybridisation\n, purchasing carbon credits and paying off emission penalties are among the \nspeculated short-term strategies\n.\nOnly hybrid in Ferrari\u2019s stable\nIt is reported that \nFerrari\u2019s first SUV project\n is codenamed\n F16X\n and is purportedly to feature suicide doors for better ingress and egress, higher ground clearance, GTC4 Lusso\u2019s aluminium platform and an all-wheel drive system.\nIf you\u2019re thinking that the birth of a Ferrari SUV is the beginning of the end to delicious sounding Ferrari\u2019s we\u2019ve all grown to love, their signature sleek two-door supercars, with heart-thumping V8 and V12s will always remain as the identity of the brand. Let\u2019s just hope that Ferrari will continue its founding fathers \u2013Enzo Ferrari\u2019s spirit alive. At least, until the ban of internal combustion engines and extinction of polar ice caps.\nSourced from: \nAutomotive News"
"Welcome to a new series of throwbacks, where we look back at cars or events that mattered in our collective minds as petrolheads. Previously known as the \u201crewind\u201d series, we start by paying tribute to one cool cat from Wolfsburg which just met its demise \u2013 the Volkswagen \nScirocco\n.\nWhile the Volkswagen Golf is the teacher\u2019s pet, the Scirocco is the popular high school jock that dates the cheerleaders. First introduced in 1974, the Giugiaro-designed coupe was a global success. The second-generation model was introduced in 1981 and stayed on for 11 years.\nIt took a decade and a half for Wolfsburg giants to introduce a worthy successor to bear the Scirocco nameplate. When the public responded well with the IROC concept at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen saw its potential as a foundation for the new \u2018Roc. When the production model was revealed in 2008, the third-generation Scirocco stunned audiences worldwide.\nIt shared the same formula with its sibling, the Golf both in terms of platform and drive configuration. Three engine options were made available then: a\n\u00a01.4-litre (twin-charged) TSI\n\u00a0petrol engine,\u00a0\n2.0-litre TSI\n\u00a0petrol and\u00a0\n2.0-litre TDI.\n\u00a0The two petrol variants were brought to Malaysia in 2010 where the 157hp 1.4-litre variant was sold at\u00a0\nRM188,888\n\u00a0while the 211 hp 2.0-litre commands a sticker price of\u00a0\nRM243,888\n.\nThe latter variant offered Golf GTI performance but with sleeker aesthetics. It was by no means the fastest Scirocco as the cream of that crop rests on the Scirocco R. Output was 276 hp and 350 Nm\u00a0but was never offered in all-wheel-drive unlike the Golf R. Fast forward to 2017, the Scirocco\u2019s lineage has come to a halt. With dwindling sales figures, further hampered by the dieselgate scandal, VW finally drew the curtains closed on the storm-trooper lookalike (when in white).\nHow will the Scirocco be remembered? A charming two-door hot hatch with plenty of poke, or an inferior understudy of the Golf? We certainly wouldn\u2019t doubt its potential to be a collector\u2019s item in the years to come. Discontinued models with distinct features and drives brilliantly are among today\u2019s key factors its collective desirability, and the Scirocco undoubtedly ticks all the boxes.\nThere are plenty of used Sciroccos in the used car market; with the 1.4-litre variants costing as low as RM80K. Buyers should however be wary as the particular model was part of the troubled Volkswagen lineup \u2013 plagued mostly with transmission issues so be sure to have some disposable income for service and maintenance. If the purse strings are a little more flexible, you\u2019d be unwise to not get the 2.0-litre variant.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019s no shortage of \nToyota 86\n body kits out there, and it\u2019s probably even rarer to find a completely untouched car on the streets. But out of the sea of stuff out there, the Rocket Bunny one always felt the most \u201cat home\u201d on the Hachiroku \u2013 don\u2019t ask us why, it just is.\nNow that Toyota has unveiled the \nall-new GR 86\n, Japanese aftermarket tuners Tra-Kyoto has once again flexed their design muscles with a brand-new kit for the second-generation Toyo-baru twins \u2013 and if you\u2019ve ever seen a Rocket Bunny body kit, you already know what to expect.\nAs usual, the Rocket Bunny kit for the GR 86 is of their usual wide-body aesthetic, featuring massively-flared wheel arches (with exposed bolts) for both front and rear axles, paired with lowered suspensions and bigger, cambered wheels.\nOn top of that, there\u2019s also a whole lot of additional appendages all around the car, such as the \u201csupporting\u201d struts for the front splitters, additional elements from the fenders that extend into the side skirts, and a new fixed wing at the back that sits on top of the existing ducktail spoiler on the boot lid. All fundamental Rocket Bunny touches.\nIs the Rocket Bunny just a little too much for you? Then maybe check out Toyota GR\u2019s own kit that\u2019s comparitively a lot more laid back.\nThe bumpers \u2013 both front and rear \u2013 also received a major rework. Up front, the grille is replaced by a large cutout that serves as the intake for the car\u2019s intercoolers, while the regular air intake box is relegated to a letterbox-style slit just in front of the bonnet.\nFlanking the new \u201cgrille\u201d are the aggressive canards that further adds on to the aggression of the kit, while at the back, there\u2019s a new diffuser slat that extends all the way from the rear fenders, underlying the exhaust tips of the car.\nGReddy and HKS have also both unveiled their modifications for the Toyota GR 86! Check them out here.\nIt\u2019s divisive, sure, but it\u2019s also exactly what Rocket Bunny is all about. You don\u2019t have to like it, but it\u2019s exactly what the Toyota GR 86 deserved.\n[Source: Rocket Bunny Tra-kyoto/Facebook]\nGALLERY"
"Not long after introducing the new \nBentayga EWB\n, Bentley has launched a new \u2018S\u2019 variant to further expand the Continental GT family \u2013 the GT and GT C \u2013 with exterior and interior enhancements with \u2018extra dynamism\u2019.\nGT\nGT C\nPowered by the same 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 550 hp and 770 Nm, the engine\u2019s roar is now amplified with a sports exhaust as standard.\nIt also features the Bentley Dynamic Ride system seen in the Continental GT Speed and Bentayga. The system consists of active anti-roll bars that reduce body roll under hard cornering while improving ride comfort by decoupling the left- and right-hand wheels from each other.\u00a0\nThe \u2018S\u2019 models project a more sinister appearance with a gloss black radiator grille, black exhaust tips, \u2018S\u2019 badging on the front fenders, dark-tinted head, and tail lamps. Both the coupe and convertible \u2018S\u2019 models can also be specified with new 22-inch wheels finished in a new Pale Brodgar satin finish.\nAlso unique to the \u2018S\u2019 models are the dual-tone interior, with leather hide applied to the seat bolsters, door pads, dashboard, and centre console while a generous dose of suede-like material is used for the steering wheel, gear lever, and backrest for a sportier touch. The meter displays are carried over from the Continental GT Speed.\nBentley said the introduction of the \u2018S\u2019 model offers more diversity to the Continental GT and GTC models along with the \u2018Azure\u2019 range. While the \u2018Azure\u2019 range centres around onboard comfort and wellbeing, the \u2018S\u2019 models focus on performance and visual presence.\nGALLERY"
"Set to debut in Malaysia before the end of 2022, the BYD Atto 3 has created a storm in Thailand, gaining \n2,507 bookings\n in just one day. \nBYD\n customers reportedly lined up overnight before the bookings were open to secure a new BYD electric car for themselves.\nOfficially distributed by Rever Automotive in Thailand, 5,000 units of the Atto 3 have been allocated until the end of the year for the land of smiles. With 2,507 bookings as reported by \nHeadlight Magazine\n, more than half of that quota has been reserved by Thai customers.\nIn Thailand, the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range pilots the Atto3 range, fetching a price of 1,199,900 baht (approx. \nRM 150,692\n). The Extended Range version of the BYD Atto 3 gets a \n60.48-kWh\n BYD blade battery pack that provides up to \n420 km\n of range (WLTP).\nThere is also the BYD Atto 3 Standard Range which will be introduced on November 11, 2022, in Thailand with a \n49.92-kWh\n battery pack that provides a 345-km WLTP range. The standard range is part of the 5,000-unit 2022 Thai allocation.\nRELATED: \nBYD opens ROI for EVs in Malaysia \u2013 420km range Atto 3 and 522km E6\nPropelling the Atto 3 is a permanent magnet synchronous motor that turns the front wheels. The electric motor makes \n204 hp\n (metric) and \n310 Nm\n and accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.3 seconds\n.\nAs for charging, the Thai-spec Atto 3 can handle \n6.6-kW\n AC charging as standard. The Standard Range BYD Atto 3 can handle \n70-kW\n DC fast charging while the Extended Range BYD Atto 3 can handle up to \n80-kW\n DC fast charging. The BYD Atto 3 is also capable of vehicle-to-load (V2L) function at a rate of 2.2 kW.\nIn Malaysia, the BYD brand will be officially distributed by \nSime Darby Motors\n. Earlier, it has been announced the Atto 3 will be launched in Malaysia this year. It will be joined by another EV by the brand, called the BYD E6 which is a fully-electric MPV.\nRELATED: \nBYD officially enters Malaysia \u2013 distributed by Sime Darby Motors"
"Glohh, one of the world\u2019s leading innovators in automotive lighting design, launched a new taillight system tailor-made for the Range Rover Sport from the year 2014 onwards.\nCalled the\n GL-5i\n, the new taillight features the world\u2019s first \u2018dynamic start-up display\u2019 (DSD) with an active light sequence for the Range Rover Sport.\nIt serves as a visual welcome before the driver enters the car. Every time he/she unlocks the car via the key-fob, the DSD function is activated.\nAs for the sequential indicators, it\u2019s controlled by a microprocessor with 15 light-emitting diodes programmed to illuminate in rapid succession. This flow of light starts from the inside and moves towards the direction of intended travel.\nThe tail lights have also been designed to be as aerodynamic as the body of the vehicle. Nearly 1/3 of the GL-5i\u2019s surface helps manage airflow and it does so in two ways.\nFirstly, dual air splitters channel air away to the rear while an aero-fin on the flank directs air away horizontally. Together, these features reduce drag, increase stability and aid fuel economy.\nThe GL-5i is a direct replacement for the Range Rover Sport\u2019s standard tail lights, with no additional wiring or components needed to complete the installation. It\u2019s fully compatible with both variants of the L494 Range Rover Sport (2013 to 2017) and facelifted 2018 model onwards.\nThe GL-5i tail light is priced at \u00a3949.00 (approx. RM5,000) for the UK market and is available worldwide via \nwww.glohh.com\n. For a limited time, Glohh is also offering free worldwide express shipping.\nIt\u2019s not the first time Glohh has created such an upgrade for the Range Rover. In 2013, they introduced the GL-3 for the previous Range Rover Sport and it went on to sell more than 1,000 units in 130 countries.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Introduced more than six years ago now, Pagani is said to be rolling out the last of the Huayras and it would be wearing the colours of Lewis Hamilton\u2019s Mercedes-AMG F1 race car. Would you have ever imagined Petronas having such an immense mark on such historical piece of machinery?\nThe final assembly of a Huayra would make its way from Horacio Pagani\u2019s den to the sunny coasts of Miami \u2013 commissioned by one Prestige Imports; supposedly a notable name in the American luxury and exotics import game.\n\u00a0It will be called L\u2019Ultimo, which means \n\u201cThe Last\u201d\n in Italian, it took eight months of collaborative work between Prestige Imports and Horacio Pagani himself to create this masterpiece; with a symmetrical carbon fibre body.\nBoth the interior and exterior is dominated with the familiar \u201cPetronas turquoise\u201d colour scheme, with a hand-built 6.0-litre twin turbo V12 Mercedes-AMG engine resting in the engine bay.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With business activities in the automotive sector now allowed to resume, UMW Toyota Motor is confident of a swift recovery despite sales being affected in June, July, and August.\nAs such, the company said the sales target for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in 2021 remains unchanged. \nIn June\n, UMW Toyota said it had set a sales target of 62,000 units for 2021.\nUMW Toyota announces RM270 million investment into locally-assembled hybrid vehicles. Read about it here!\nNew Fortuner GR Sport\n in Thailand.\n\u201cIt has certainly been challenging for us but we understand the necessity of the actions taken by the Government to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. On our part, we have made sure that our workforce has been vaccinated so that we can safely resume operations at our\u00a0facilities around the country,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran. K.\u00a0\u00a0\nIn August, totals sales for Toyota and Lexus vehicles were 2,524 units, 56% lower than the same month in 2020. On a more positive note, total sales between January to August of 2021 were 38,085 units. The figure was 31,734 units in the same period last year.\nCheck out the new Toyota GR 86 with factory GR Parts!\n\u201cWe will be having sales promotions in the coming months so if you are shopping for a new\u00a0vehicle, look out for them. Our loyal customers are also not forgotten and we will soon announce a\u00a0new program that will reward them for their loyalty to the brand over more than five decades,\u201d Ravindran added.\nFor now, UMW Toyota said it has a small backlog of orders to meet due to the showdown but expects to deliver the new vehicles within a reasonable time."
"Since its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2020, over 68,600 units of the 5th-gen \nHonda City\n have been sold to date, at least according to Honda Malaysia. In the first half of 2023 alone, over 10,000 units of the B-segment saloon by Honda have been sold. These achievements were announced by \nHonda Malaysia\n together with the announcement of the upcoming facelift which is due in the third quarter of 2023.\nThe Honda City is B-segment saloon and is made available in five variants \u2013 S, E, V, V Sensing, and RS. The last one is a mild hybrid version of the car while the rest are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine. The Honda City also gets a hatchback version, but the sales figures shared are only for the sedan Honda City.\nHonda City facelift\nThe Honda City goes up against cars like the Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera, and the Proton Persona. In this segment, the Toyota Vios is still the reigning champion, holding on to its title as the best-selling B-segment saloon since its introduction to the Malaysian market.\nAs for the Honda City, the first generation (SX8) was introduced in 1996, followed by the 2nd generation (GD8) in 2002, the 3rd generation (GM2) in 2008, the 4th generation (GM6) in 2014, and the 5th-gen Honda City (GN2) in 2020. The upcoming facelift will still be part of the 5th generation which is also known as the GN2 Honda City.\nRELATED: \n2023 Honda City facelift now open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 revised looks, updated Honda Sensing kit\nThe Honda City is sold in many markets including India, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, and Japan. In some markets, the City is also known as the Grace.\nThe new facelifted Honda City is set to launch in Malaysia in the third quarter of the year. It made its global debut in India and has already been launched in Thailand as well. The facelifted Honda City will not only feature a refreshed look but also some enhanced safety features.\nRELATED: \nHonda City facelift debuts in Thailand \u2013 Honda Sensing, remote engine start now standard"
"There is really no end to the claim \u201cmost powerful production Ferrari ever produced\u201d, and we love it like that because the beast here is Maranello\u2019s ultimate V12 Grand Tourer, the Ferrari 812 Superfast.\nIt\u2019s actually based on the F12 Berlinetta, with visual enhancements consisting of extended wheel arches, more aggressively sculpted air intakes and a higher tailgate finishing. The new rear end is a throwback to one of Ferrari\u2019s historic greats \u2013 the\u00a0\n365 GTB4\n\u00a0from 1969. It\u2019s painted in the glorious \u2018\nRosso Settanta\n\u2019 colour, inline with the Prancing Horse\u2019s 70th anniversary.   The 6.3-litre V12 in the F12 Berlinetta is actually bored and now displaces 6.5-litres. It remains naturally aspirated, but now belts 60 hp more than before, bringing the numbers up to\n\u00a0789 hp\n and \n718 Nm\n of torque. Power, believe it or not, is delivered just to the rear wheels via a lightning quick dual-clutch transmission. As a comparison, the 812 Superfast makes 20 hp more than the\u00a0\nF12tdf\n and matches that of the\u00a0\nLaFerrari\n.\nThis one sprints from 0-100 km/h in\n 2.9 seconds\u00a0\nand would go on clocking speeds of over\u00a0\n340 km/h\n. Okay, it\u2019s probably not\u00a0as quick as the LaFerrari, but still gets pretty close. New to the car is an\u00a0\nelectronic power steering\n setup, which is a first for Ferrari. Ferrari\u2019s \nSlide Slip Control\n and\u00a0\nVirtual Short Wheelbase\n\u00a0help keep all four corners in control, whereas active aero flaps help produce additional downforce when required.\nThe Ferrari 812 Superfast will take the stands at the Geneva Motor Show this March. And oh, did you know that the Superfast moniker isn\u2019t entirely new? In fact, the 410 Superfast and 500 Superfast were both sold in the United States during the 50s and 60s. However this one plays out, there\u2019s no doubt that this Horse is actually super fast.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has brought \u2018the best car in the world\u2019 to Malaysia, it is the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Developed with \u201cIntelligent Drive\u201d, \u201cEfficient Technology\u201d and \u201cEssence of Luxury\u201d as the priorities, the launch of Mercedes-Benz flagship model today has seemed to\u00a0raise the bar higher for luxury motoring.\u00a0The new S-Class entourage consists of the \nS 400 HYBRID\n, \nS 500\n and \nS 63 AMG\n.\nQuick Facts\nName\nMercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)\nSegment\nF-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n3 models (Refer Specification lists below)\nPrice (approx.)\nS 400 HYBRID \u00a0 RM900,000\nS 500   RM1,080,000\nS 63 AMG   RM1,600,000\n\u00a0\nIt has been 50 years since the first S-Class, which was called the Ponton W180, was first introduced in 1954. The name \u201cS-Class\u201d was only used in 1972 when the W116 model came about then.\u00a0The name \u201cS-Class\u201d or \u201cS-Klasse\u201d in German is an abbreviation of \u201cSonderklasse,\u201d which means \u201cspecial class\u201d. With the technologies fitted in today\u2019s S-Class, many \u2018first in the world\u2019, it is very special indeed.\nSpecifications\nExterior\n \nLet\u2019s start of with this impressive fact. The all-new S-Class, codenamed \u2018W222\u2019, is the first car in the world to use only \nLED\n for its interior as well as exterior lighting system. Not even one bulb is used in the car. Almost \n500 LEDs\n are used to show you the way on the road and to light up the cabin and boot. To be exact, up to 112 of them are fitted in the headlights, 70 in the rear lights and 300 LEDs for interior lighting! With these LED lights, the intensity of the brake lights is reduced at night or while at a traffic standstill. Again, that\u2019s the first in the world.   The overall shape and design of the car may not have strayed far from the previous W221, which makes it recognizable as the S-Class. Especially with the front grille design on the face. Once you walk alongside this car, it does feel like a yacht, a\u00a0luxury yacht that is, due to its sheer size. From the long hood, domed roof line, right until its slanting rear end.\nInterior\n Things get better inside the car. Firstly, you are greeted by two high-resolution \n12.3-inch TFT\n screens in 8:3 format.\u00a0Not a single needle used here.\u00a0The one on the right shows driving stats and information for the driver. On the left side, infotainment and comfort functions.\u00a0Buttons and switches, with metalized surfaces and solid aluminium touches,\u00a0that control the screens are as impressive as well.   The already comfortable leather seats are made even better with the \nEnergizing massage\n function, which is the first in the world. These seats are able to provide \nhot-stone massages\n via its 14 separate actuated air cushions in the backrest with warming ability.\nThe \u2018\nexecutive seat\n\u2018, which is behind the passenger seat in the long wheelbase-model give the largest backrest inclination in this luxury segment, increased from 37 to 43.5 degrees. Together with the adjustable calf support and heel rest on the folding chauffeur seat in front, it will be like flying first class, on the road.\nMercedes-Benz now offers the Air-Balance package that includes a world first \u2018\nperfuming system\n\u2018, ionization and efficient filtration. The world first perfuming system allows selections of perfume for different occasions or moods, which can be switched on and off manually, or adjusted manually for its intensity.\nPerformance\n \nThe W222 comes in three different models, featuring one hybrid and two petrol variants, all come with improved fuel efficiency. 20 percent lower than its predecessor. Starting of with the \nS 400 HYBRID\n, it is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 CGI engine and a electric motor, producing \n306 horsepower\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque; and 27 hp and 250 Nm of torque respectively. Paired with the 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox, acceleration figure is at 6.8 seconds, with top speed of 250 km/h.\nThe \nS 500\n produces \n455 hp\n and\n 700 Nm\n of torque from its 4.7-litre V8 engine that is mated with the same 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h. The monstrous \nS 63 AMG\n is in a class of its own. Fitted with a 5.5-litre V8 AMG engine together with the AMG SpeedShift MCT 7-speed sports transmission gearbox, it churns out \n585 horsepower\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, with the same top speed as the S 400 HYBRID and the S 500.\nThe W222 comes with world\u2019s first suspension to \u2018see\u2019 bumps and potholes on the road ahead. The \nMagic Body Control\n prepares the car for bumps and potholes ahead by setting up the suspension, providing the utmost comfort to its occupants over various terrains. It is however only an option for the V8 models. Fitted as standard are the continuously operating Adaptive Damping System (\nADS Plus\n) and an enchanced version of the full air suspension system (\nAirmatic\n).\nSafety\n \nWhen is comes to safety, the new S-Class is said to be well-equipped with all possible safety features. Here\u2019s are some of them.\nDISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot\n takes the burden off the driver when it comes to lane guidance and is also able to follow vehicles in traffic tailbacks semi-autonomously.\nBrake Assist system BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist\n can help to avoid rear-end collisions and even collisions with crossing traffic.\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\n can detect oncoming traffic and, when the adjacent lane is not clear, reduce the risk of the vehicle leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side.\nAdaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\n allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams\u2019 cone of light.\nNight View Assist Plus\n was further improved and supplemented by a thermal imaging camera. Night View Assist Plus can alert the driver to the potential danger posed by pedestrians or animals in unlit areas in front of the vehicle by automatically switching from the speedometer\n to a crystal-clear night view image and highlighting the sources of danger. A spotlight function is furthermore able to flash any pedestrians detected ahead. This attracts the driver\u2019s attention to the source of the danger at the same time as warning the person on the side of the road.\nATTENTION ASSIST\n can warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness in an extended speed range and notify drivers of their current state of fatigue and the driving time since the last break, offers an adjustable sensitivity setting and, if a warning is emitted, indicates nearby service areas in the COMAND navigation system.\nPRE-SAFE\n\u00ae\n Brake\n can also detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h.\nPRE-SAFE\n\u00ae\n PLUS\n can recognise an imminent rear-end collision and warn the following traffic by activating the rear hazard warning lights at a high frequency. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle\u2019s brakes and thus minimise the risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by the impact. This can additionally reduce the risk of secondary accidents. Immediately before impact, the PRE-SAFE\n\u00ae\n anticipatory occupant protection measures, especially the reversible belt tensioners, are deployed.\n \nWith \nPRE-SAFE\n\u00ae\n Impulse\n, the driver and front passenger are pulled away from the direction of impact by their seat belts at an early phase of the crash before the resulting occupant deceleration sets in. This can substantially reduce the risk and severity of injuries in a frontal collision.\nWhat else.\n \nEven before the car is launched in Malaysia, and with unconfirmed price tags, orders are already coming in for \u2018the best car in the world\u2019. The number is estimated to be around 200 orders as of today. That\u2019s 200 \u2018bosses\u2019 waiting to fly first class on the road in their new \u2018dreamliner\u2019. Prices are still at an estimation and customers are allowed to customize the car on options and accessories.\nThe S 400 HYBRID is priced below \nRM900,000\n, S 500 priced slightly above\n RM1,080,000\n and the S 63 AMG is around \nRM1,600,000\n. All full imported at the moment which takes about 6 to 7 months waiting period.\u00a0Locally-assembled models are still in the pipeline and yet to be confirmed. Prices will vary then.\nWhy is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 \u2018the best car in the world\u2019? \nKai Schlickum\n, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, \u201canything that is possible in today\u2019s automotive industry is already fitted the new S-Class\u201d.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has launched the new \nDrive Pilot System\n in Germany with Level 3 automated driving as an optional extra for the S-Class for \n5,000 Euro (approx. RM23,017)\n and for the\n EQS for 7,430 Euro\n \n(approx. RM34,204)\n which includes the existing Driver Assistance Package Plus for 2,430\u00a0Euro and Drive Pilot for 5,000 Euro.\nAccording to SAE International\u2019s definition of Level 3 autonomous driving, the automated driving function can take over certain driving tasks. However, a driver is still required. The driver must be ready to take control of the vehicle at all times when prompted to intervene by the vehicle.\nRelated: \nThe electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is the world\u2019s most aerodynamic production car \u2013 770 km range!\nThis makes Mercedes-Benz the first car manufacturer in the world with internationally valid certification for conditional automated driving. The Drive Pilot system can take over the task of driving up to 60 km/h under certain conditions in heavy traffic or congestion on certain highways in Germany.\nUpon activating Drive Pilot, the system can control speed, and distance from another vehicle, and keeps the vehicle in its lane; all while analysing traffic signs, the route ahead, and events occurring on the road. The system can also perform braking and evasive maneuvers on its own.\nIf the sensors become dirty or when it encounters shadows, the Drive Pilot system is supported by a digital HD map to provide 3D imaging of the road and surroundings, including road conditions, traffic signs, or even accidents and road works which basically allows the car to know exactly what lies ahead.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz S-Class S 580 e launched in Malaysia!\nIn the event of any malfunction, the Drive Pilot System can perform a safe handover of vehicle controls back to the driver. If the driver does not respond to the takeover request within a maximum of ten seconds, the Drive Pilot system will initiate an emergency stop in the safest way possible.\nGALLERY"
"This year\u2019s most anticipated car launch in Malaysia will undoubtedly go to Perodua. Malaysia\u2019s second car manufacturer and the country\u2019s current undisputed automotive leader rarely launch new models but when they do, it\u2019s the motoring equivalent of a Hollywood summer blockbuster (in Malaysia, that is). Soon, Perodua is writing a new chapter in its 22 years of history with the unveiling of its first compact sedan, the Perodua Bezza.\nOver here, we are sharing ten things we already know about Perodua\u2019s latest darling with a boot, which was formerly known as the \u201cD63D\u201d.\n1. The Bezza Moniker\nTaken from the Malay language \u201c\nBeza\n\u201c, which means different, Perodua markets its first passenger saloon as \u201c\ndistinctively different\n\u201c, which is valid since this is the company\u2019s first ever sedan model in its 22 years of existence. More cheekily, the numeric \u201c22\u201d represents the double \u201cZ\u201d, indicating the number of years it has been around.\nHere\u2019s one fun fact: the Bezza is \nPerodua\u2019s eleventh model\n as the Axia compact hatchback was the company\u2019s 10th. You have guessed it right, the letter \u201cX\u201d in the Axia represents the company\u2019s 10th model!\n2. First Perodua vehicle designed by themselves!\nThe Bezza is not only the Perodua\u2019s\n first Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) saloon\n but also the company\u2019s\n first self-designed car\n. In the past, Perodua cars are either rebadged Daihatsu/Toyota models or joint-developed with its Japanese partners, like the Myvi. It\u2019s not so much the case for the Bezza because Daihatsu does not have any in its lineup.\nHaving partnered for 22 years, it speaks volume about the two entity\u2019s working relationship, seeing how much flexibility and freedom the Japanese is giving to Perodua. Though the Bezza may be completely designed locally, technologically and mechanically, it\u2019s some of Toyota\u2019s best.\n \n Image Credit: Travis Chang\n \n Image Credit: Travis Chang\nThe \u00a0development of the Bezza can be traced way back before 2010, with the \nBezza prototype\n\u00a0unveiled at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS) and subsequently the Buddyz in 2013\u2019s edition. It appears that it\u2019s more than just adding a boot into the Axia\u2019s back.\n3. Scores big in practicality\nPerodua\u2019s core strength has always been interior space, and we can expect the Bezza to continue impressing us on that front. It even has a class leading boot space of 508 litres!\u00a0This is honestly amazing, and it could easily put a few B and C segment sedans to shame.\nWith its class-leading boot space and spaciousness for five, how will the Bezza handle a fully loaded \u2018\nbalik kampung\n\u2018 journey?\n4. Three variants, two engine choices\nAs seen in Perodua\u2019s website, the Bezza can be had in\u00a0three variants: \nStandard G, Premium X\n, and \nAdvance.\n In total, there are five specs for buyers to choose.\nThe entry-level begins with the Bezza Standard G which runs with the three-cylinder\n 1.0-litre 1KR-VE\n engine. That\u2019s an upgraded version of the 1KR engine that powers the Axia, and new to the Bezza\u2019s engine is variable valve timing (VVT-i). Specification wise, the 1.0-litre engine outputs \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n of torque. While the new engine is a marginal improvement of 1 hp over the Axia, fuel consumption improved by\u00a06 percent to \n21.3 km per litre.\nMeanwhile, the Premium X and Advance variants are offered with the 1.3-litre engine, and this lump is not the same one used in the current Myvi. The four-cylinder\u00a0\n1.3-litre 1NR-VE\n\u00a0engine is manufactured in\u00a0Perodua\u2019s new plant in Sendayan. It\u2019s also a Dual-VVTI unit which generates \n94 hp\n and \n121 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s more powerful than the old K3-VE unit, but fuel consumption improved by 32 percent at\u00a0\n22 km per litre\n. Currently, this 1.3-litre engine is used by the facelifted \nToyota Avanza\n\u00a0and the Bezza will be the first Perodua car to be equipped with this unit.\nTransmission wise, all variants (minus the Advance) will be given a choice of a standard five-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic transmission. The Advance is only offered with an automatic transmission.\n5. It can travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and return with one tank!*\nThe Bezza\u2019s frugality will pay dividends for those who often travel on a budget. While it\u2019s uncertain how large the Bezza\u2019s fuel tank is, Perodua has announced that the Bezza can potentially travel close to \n800km\n\u00a0with just one tank of fuel!\nThis is partly because of its low\u00a0\ndrag coefficient (cD) of\u00a00.286\n, making it the most slippery Perodua ever. Also, the inclusion of\u00a0\u2018\nEco Idle\n\u2019 makes quite a difference here. Available only for the range-topping Advance variant, this system automatically stops the engine when it\u2019s idling, and will reactivate when your foot is off the brake pedal. It can be deactivated through a button on the dashboard.\nAnother feature worth mentioning is the \nregenerative braking system\n. The is usually found in hybrid cars, where it recovers kinetic energy lost during\u00a0braking to recharge the battery. This will prolong battery life and at the same time reduce the alternator\u2019s load.\u00a0In the long run, it saves fuel as the engine is less burdened by the alternator.\n*Note, subject to test.\n6. The equipment list is epic\nUsually, equipments and features in budget compact sedans\u00a0are nonexistent in order to bring the price down. That\u2019s not really the case with the Bezza, as it\u2019s packed with a\u00a0decent equipment list, that is if you choose the more expensive variants. The premium will grant you quilted leather seats and \u2018\nSmart Link\n\u2019 touchscreen\u00a0infotainment system that supports Bluetooth connection, Waze, Google Maps and other Social Media apps. All 1.3-litre variants meanwhile, will receive push/start button.\n7. Safety kit is impressive\nFor the first time, the Bezza Advance will come with\u00a0\nVehicle Stability Control (VSC)\n, \nTraction Control (TRC)\n, and\n Hill Start Assist\n. Meanwhile, all variants get two frontal airbags, ISOFIX mount points, ABS, EBD\u00a0and speed sensing windscreen wipers as standard.\nThe result? \nASEAN NCAP five-star rating\n for the Advance variant while the other two variants are just one star down with a\u00a0four-star rating.\n8. Seriously\u00a0affordable!\nFor every car launch, everyone waits for the price with bated breath. We won\u2019t even have to wait for the day now because Perodua has revealed the pricing for all three variants:\nBezza 1.0L Standard G: RM37,300 (Manual), RM39,300 (Auto)\nBezza 1.3L Premium X: RM42,800 (Manual), RM44,800 (Auto)\nBezza 1.3L Advance: RM50,800 (Auto)\nAvailable in six colours, the Bezza, for what it\u2019s worth, can be considered as the most value for money sedan in the country. In fact, bookings can be made across all Perodua showrooms nationwide and is effective immediately.\n9. GearUp optional items available for the Bezza\n Want to spice up your Bezza? Look no further with Perodua\u2019s GearUp accessories package!\n10. Official launching on 21 July 2016 (this Thursday)!\nWith all the information gathered here, the only thing that\u2019s missing is the car\u2019s images. Fortunately, we don\u2019t need to wait any longer as the Perodua Bezza will be unveiled in all its glory this coming Thursday. \nAutoBuzz.my\n will be there to cover the launch, so stay tuned for our live coverage of the launch of Perodua\u2019s most important game changer!"
"The\u00a0Rolls Royce Phantom has always been the\u00a0epitome of luxury motoring that is unlike any other. Just recently, the final unit of the\u00a0Rolls-Royce Phantom\u00a0VII has left the factory, putting an end to a 14-year run.\nThe seventh-generation Phantom\u00a0was the first model under the ownership of BMW, with the luxury limousine benefitting from Bavarian tech.\u00a0The all-aluminium Phantom is powered by a\u00a0\n6.75-litre naturally-aspirated V12\n that develops \n453 hp\n and \n720 Nm\n of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic is paired with the V12.\u00a0The Phantom was offered with the extended wheelbase, coupe and drophead coupe (convertible) variants, and recently underwent a facelift in 2012.   The pictures you see here is of the extended-wheelbase variant with bespoke interior specifications that mimic a luxury ocean liner. The classic \u201cnautical theme\u201d is evidently retained, as seen with the embellishments on the dashboard. The clocks, which includes\u00a024 hour rotatable bezels representing 24 time zones, is a throwback to ocean liners of the 1930s.\nThe said example is sold to a \u201crenowned contemporary Rolls-Royce collector\u201d. The pricing for this vehicle was never revealed, though. Meanwhile, the eight-generation Rolls Royce Phantom is still being developed for its debut in 2018, and it\u2019ll be all-aluminium as well, just like its predecessor.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s plan to reveal an intelligent and connected steering wheel of the future could change the concept of vehicle ownership in the automonous-driving future.\nImagine your car\u2019s key fob being replaced with a smart steering wheel, one that performs tasks for you, much like Siri would on an iPhone and then some. Now, imagine that as the only part of a car you will ever have to own.\nThis distant but very feasible future is a voice activated artificial intelligence steering wheel is called Sayer; after Malcolm Sayer whose time on Jaguar\u2019s drawing board as one of the most prominent designers spanned between 1951 and 1970.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9_eKbyYQI4\nIt will be able to carry out hundreds of tasks and triggers a membership of the on-demand service club whereby offering sole ownership of the car or the option to share with other members of the \u201ccommunity\u201d. This could eliminate the need for car ownership but instead, merely calling upon an autonomous electric vehicle of your choice when and where you need it.\nWhen needing to attend an appoinement, Sayer could help work out the wake up calls, the arrival of the autonomous vehicle and even to the extend of advising on which stretch you might enjoy driving on your own."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), together with Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS), today announced a special Nissan Flood Relief Assistance program to its customers impacted by the recent flash floods.\nThis program offers a 20% discount on parts and labour charges that will help alleviate the financial burden for Nissan owners whose vehicles are affected. Nissan Genuine Parts are used and come with a six-month or 10,000 km-mileage warranty, whichever comes first.\nGiven that the interior of flood-damaged vehicles also require restoration, a \nspecial upholstery restoration package\n is available, with sedan vehicles priced at RM1,655 nett while the package for MPV, SUV, pick-ups and vans is at RM1,988 nett.\nAdditionally, with the tight financial situation affecting victims, owners can opt for the Easy Payment Plan (EPP) up to 12 months on the total bill. Earlier today, the Prime Minister has \nannounced repayment assistance\n (moratorium) on existing loans such as home, credit and auto.\nTCEAS is also highlighting that extended services such as free towing (terms and conditions apply), door-to-door towing for vehicles that are badly affected and \u2018Collect & Deliver\u2019 service for usual maintenance service over the weekends are now available.\nETCM (the sales and distributorship arm) and TCEAS (the aftersales arm) would like to reassure its customers\u2019 peace of mind is of utmost importance to the company, and deeply saddened by the loss suffered by those affected by the flood. Both ETCM and TCEAS would also like to affirm that they are committed to ensuring our customers\u2019 safety and satisfaction are of the highest level and are working together to promptly address this unforeseen situation.\nFor more information on Nissan Malaysia\u2019s flood relief assistance, please call Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at \n1800-88-3838\n.\nSince the start of the week, many automotive distributors have also introduced their own flood relief assistance programmes to help ease the burden of their customers who have been affected. You can find them in the list below:\nPerodua\nProton\nSubaru\nHonda\nToyota\nMitsubishi\nBMW Group Malaysia\nMercedes-Benz\nVolkswagen"
"The Ministry of International Trade and Industry is in discussions with local carmaker \nProton \nand \nPerodua\n to expedite the development of national electric vehicles (EV), \nBernama \nreports.\n\u201cThis move is also expected to widen the range of EV choices in the market for the people,\u201d MITI minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said in his winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He clarifies that these made-in-Malaysia EVs will be focused on affordability, so more Malaysians can have access to them.\nMeanwhile, the approved permit (AP) guidlines are also being improved to give flexibility in terms of the maximum number of completely built-up (CBU) vehicle imports for the purpose of pre-assembly market research. This is so that the local assemblers have the opportunity to assess the needs of the Malaysian EV market segment before commencing production.\nThis announcement is in line with the ministry\u2019s recent efforts to make EVs more affordable for the masses. Just two days ago, Tengku Zafrul announced that the NEVTF (National EV Task Force) are currently working on ways to \nreduce EV sticker prices\n.\nMeanwhile, MITI deputy secretary general of industry, Datuk Seri Norazman Ayub, said there will also be more EV models \u2013 priced from as low as RM120,000 \u2013 to be introduced in Malaysia starting Q2 2023. These will be imported \u201cparticularly from China\u201d, he added.\nREAD MORE: \nMalaysia, Singapore sign cooperation agreements for EV charging standards\nProton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023. Here\u2019s what you need to know.\nOn the topic of national EVs, Proton is arguably one step or more ahead than Perodua \u2013 at least publicly. The former has already announced plans on \nbecoming a regional manufacturing hub for electric vehicles\n, and has already set up an\n EV subsidiary called PRO-NET\n, with an electrification roadmap that begins with MHEVs this year.\nMeanwhile, Perodua \u2013 according to a single slide presented to the media recently \u2013 is planning to introduce its \nfirst locally-assembled hybrid model next year\n, while a fully electric BEV is scheduled for sometime around 2029."
"Mitsubishi Motors UK has just introduced the all-new Mitsubishi Shogun Sport or for the rest of us, the \nall-new Pajero Sport\n. The Shogun Sport will be Mitsubishi\u2019s second major model launch in the UK following the arrival of the \nEclipse Cross\n in January 2018.\nSlotting above the Outlander, the Shogun Sport is a direct competitor to the \nToyota Fortuner\n, \nFord Everest\n and \nIsuzu MU-X\n \u2013 a body-on-frame seven-seater SUV engineered for superior off-road performance. At launch, the Shogun Sport will be offered in two variants, both featuring leather upholstery, keyless entry and start and Mitsubishi Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA).   Motivation comes from a sole 2.4-litre aluminium MIVEC turbodiesel engine producing\n 179 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the same one found on our \nlocal Triton\n. Transmission of choice is an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission that is said to return 17 percent better fuel economy.\nThe Shogun Sport comes with Mitsubishi\u2019s \nSuper Select II AWD\n, allowing drivers to cycle between two or four-wheel drive. Standard specifications include Hill Descent Control, Trailer Start Assist (TSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and dedicated Off-Road mode. The range-topping variant further adds advanced safety features such as Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and 360-degree Multi-around Monitor System (MMS).\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMitsubishi Shogun Sport UK-Spec   Mitsubishi Pajero Sport"
"In the automotive industry, it is rather rare to see conceptual models that live their whole lives as a sketch in design studios materialise into production form. Citroen on the other hand, chose to bring one of their sketches to fruition. Feast your eyes on the Cactus M Concept. The design ideology in mind for this car was the carefree beach life.\nThe French automaker is heralding the Cactus M as an \nopen-air lifestyle crossover\n with \u2018go-anywhere\u2019 looks that builds on the approach suggested by the\n Citro\u00ebn C4\n Cactus and clearly expresses its family ties with the \nCitro\u00ebn Aircross concept\n that was presented at the \nShanghai Motor Show\n in earlier April.   Interesting that one should mention the C4 moniker. As in the case with most mainstream French cars, the design direction has literally\u00a0gone to funky town. The \nGrand Picasso\n maybe a soccer mum runabout but no one can deny beyond all certainty that it is a\n funky\n, \nhandsome\n and \nfuturistic\n looking \nseven-seater\n.\nThe Cactus M is no exception to that ruling. It looks like the brand\u2019s translation of what a spunky \nCalifornia beach buggy\n should look like.\u00a0The wings are sculpted around the wheel arches for a more \nmuscular\n look. The \nupright\n windscreen, \nraised\n body and \nchunky\n wheels underline its \nleisurely\u00a0\npersonality. All it\u2019s missing is a couple of \nsurf boards.   The Cactus M has a \ngorgeous\n yet \nfunctional interior\n to match the exterior looks. The upholstery and dashboard trim were designed to resemble \nwetsuits\n, unsurprisingly. The brightly coloured \nneoprene fabric\n adds a warm vibe to the cabin and brings out the Cactus\u2019 \u2018\nfun\n\u2019 side to light. In addition to the \nwaterproof\n qualities of the seats, it also reduces the time required for them to dry off.\nThe Cactus M concept was designed as an open-air vehicle, but is able to adapt to any type of weather with its innovative \ninflatable\n roof. Located in the double-floor boot, this roof is \nerected\n \nby hand\n and stretches around the frame using an innovative pump mechanism. Air inflates\n three tubes\n that hold the top in the correct position. Inflation is activated via a \ncompressor\n tucked away at the rear of the car.   Hats off to Citroen on bringing an interesting concept to life. The Cactus M is funky, futuristic and handsome to say the least as we\u2019ve established. The inflatable roof idea maybe a tad stretch of the imagination but as a whole, the Cactus isn\u2019t merely a California beach mobile with a mad interior and paint job to boot. But rather, it sells the concept of the lifestyle more than it does the actual car, and for that it should be applauded in this writer\u2019s opinion.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Gran Turismo Sport for the Playstation 4 which will be available next month will bring about an extreme McLaren GT racing car \u2013 it\u2019s called the McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo.\nMerely urged by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi for manufacturers to design \u201c\nvisionary GT cars\n\u201d to compete in the Gran Turismo Sport \u2013 it will not be a prototype for future McLarens but serves also as an indication of what McLaren could produce \nbeyond 2030\n.   Designed exclusively for the game, the McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo will join the likes McLaren 650S Coupe and 650S GT3 in the game. Players will be able to choose from three liveries for the McLaren Ultimate Vision; Performance, Ulterior and Noir.\nThe McLaren Ultimate Vision Grand Turismo features extensive use of carbon fibre in its upper structure, body as well as chassis; keeping \u201c\nvirtual kerb weight\n\u201d to just 1,000 kg. It\u2019s powered by a twin-turbo, 4.0-litre McLaren V8 engine delivering \n1,134 hp\n and\n 1,275 Nm\n of torque, driving all four wheels through a hybrid drivetrain.\u00a0Each of the \nfront two wheel \u201cpods\u201d\n house electric motors.\nThe McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo also features ultra-advanced aerodynamic technology called \nIntegrated Active Aero\n. It works by opening tiny flaps around air inlets on key surfaces during cornering to create drag and generate downforce. Its \ncarbon-ceramic disc brakes\n are centrally-mounted to reduce unsprung mass with the driver able to monitor the brake temperature.\n\u201cWe wanted to break new grounds and innovate; the McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo does exactly that. It puts the driver absolutely at the centre of the action, delivering a sensory overload with incredible sound and awe-inspiring acceleration. From the game\u2019s player point of view, the driving experience in this car will be like nothing else: the amazing glass cockpit and the motorcycle-like driving position \u2013 with your head far forward, almost right above the front axle \u2013 combine to allow you to see exactly where the apex of the corner is so you can shave vital milliseconds off each lap\u201d, said Design Director of McLaren Automotive, Rob Melville.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nMazda CX-5 facelift\n made its debut in February this year with a significant upgrade in equipment for the 2.5-litre variant, which was previously offered in as either fully-imported (CBU) or locally-assembled (CKD).\nNow there\u2019s only the CKD CX-5 but many of the features once available solely in the fully-imported version have been added to the updated model with the price slashed by around RM10,000. The nine-speaker Bose system and sunroof have been omitted but taking the cost savings into account, the loss shouldn\u2019t be too much of a hardship.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda CX-5 2.5L \u00a0(2WD)\nMazda CX-5 2.5L (AWD)\nEngine\n2,488cc; DOHC, direct injection\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n185 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 3,250 rpm\nPrice (OTR with GST & Insurance)\nRM159,415.90\nRM171,219.05\nEXTERIOR\nDespite being built with weight reduction as a priority, its muscular slab-like bodywork and high shoulder-line makes it look bold and powerful, more so now with the new slatted grille.   The rest of the changes to the exterior has primarily been to the lamps to improve illumination and visibility. The auto levelling headlights have been upgraded from bi-xenon to LED while the light combination in the LED tail lamps have been reworked and now have a concentric lamp configuration. There are also new LED foglights and the rims have grown to 19-inches, giving the SUV a more athletic side profile.\nINTERIOR\nThe CX-5 looked solid and well-built inside. The doors closed with a beefy \u201cclonk\u201d. The CX-5\u2019s all-black cabin isn\u2019t luxurious but it\u2019s practical and has a tastefully premium air: leather upholstery, leather steering wheel, soft touch plastics, and burnished metal highlights. There\u2019s a German-feel to it which comes from the MZD Connect system. Conveniences like infotainment, now with GPS installed as standard, Bluetooth, and car settings are accessed on a scroller by the gear selector and displayed on the seven-inch touchscreen monitor in the middle of the dashboard.   Getting comfortable in the driver\u2019s seat was straightforward as the electrically powered seat and steering column had multiple angles of adjustment for just the right height, reach and line-of-sight. The instrument panel was uncluttered but there was a lot of driving information available by scrolling through the menu. Good for drivers who like to know what\u2019s going on with their performance.\nThe CX-5 is an SUV the driver would enjoy more than the rear seat passengers who may find the cabin tight because of the limited leg room and the feeling of a low seating position created by the high door sills. The lack of rear air vents, unexpected in a vehicle of this size, adds to the impression although the output from the four vents in front made a reasonable effort to keep air well circulated without excessive blower noise.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere were no changes to the engine specs but Sport mode has been added, a toggle switch by the the gear lever. Although there was no discernible stiffening in suspension set-up \u2013 but then again, the CX-5 wasn\u2019t prone to lolling on corners in the first place \u2013 the gearbox and engine reactions altered immediately, making it even easier to get past other cars or climb steep slopes. Staying in third and fourth gear longer provided push but also meant the usually well muted engine became noticeably louder and consumption was also higher.\nFortunately, Sport was not something the CX-5 needed often. In normal mode, which I preferred during the test drive, it was quick and responsiveness in everyday traffic conditions, giving polished yet lively driving experience without draining the petrol tank prematurely.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe CX-5 was a lot more European in its drive and handling than expected from its right hand-side indicator. Pottering round the Klang Valley, the AWD skimmed over poorly-tarred town roads and cornered with the firm suspension and limited body roll of a Continental saloon yet the ride was comfortably cushioned for passengers, despite the 19-inch rims.\nOn the highway at high speed, there was no body shake or rattle to throw off the handling of the car. The car felt light but because the steering retained its accuracy over speed changes, it maintained a feeling of tight control while cornering.\nThe CX-5\u2019s i-Activ four wheel drive is an always-on, on-demand system that only activates if the sensors detect a loss of traction at any one of the wheels. There was no indicator to show when the car was operating in two-wheel or four-wheel drive mode and it didn\u2019t make its presence felt but that is not to say that it wasn\u2019t triggered or how frequently: road conditions are scanned 200 times a second with split second reacts.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf masculine looks and a stiffer suspension are a priority then the CX-5 is certainly worth keeping in mind. Of the SUVs in its class, it has the most rugged lines and also drives and handles more sportily than its rivals in a segment which is primarily about family comfort. Safety specs are reasonably high with passive features like ISOFIX for the child seats and six airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and traction control all there so there\u2019s family welfare factored into the sporty style.\nCOMPARISONS\nThis is a segment full of worthy four-wheel drive competitors but there\u2019s no outright \u201cwinner\u201d because with each one, there are a few plus and minuses. It comes down to what one can live with or is an absolute deal-breaker. The Honda CR-V has the most generous rear legroom and the through floor from not having a driveshaft hump, makes it a lot easier for back seat passengers to get in and out of the car. Long items can also be laid across the floor flat. Both the \nNissan X-Trail\n and \nHonda CR-V\n have rear air vents.\nDespite having a longer wheelbase, the CX-5 is more compact inside with the least legroom and the smallest cargo space of the three, just 403 litres compared to 589 litres in the CR-V and 550 litres in the X-Trail. However, the 40:20:40 split folding configuration of the CX-5 is the most versatile when more boot space is needed. The X-Trail is the only one of the trio to offer third row seats, complete with three-point seat belts, which is very helpful if occasionally there are more than five in the car. The CR-V\u2019s folding seats can be operated justing just one hand.\nThe seven-seater Nissan X-Trail proves to be one of the more popular SUVs in town\nThe CR-V has the most car-like driving dynamics. Both the CR-V and CX-5 have electronically-controlled 4WD, unlike the the X-Trail which has a low gear transfer case so it is a proper off-roader.\nFor safety equipment, Honda\u2019s Land Watch gives it an edge over the two. The Nissan has an excellent 360-degree camera which offers a better field of vision than the standard rear view cameras in the Honda and the Mazda.\nMazda CX-5 2.5L AWD\nHonda CR-V 2.4 i-VTEC\nNissan X-Trail 2.4 AWD\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder petrol naturally-aspirated\n4-cylinder petrol naturally-aspirated\n4-cylinder petrol naturally-aspirated\nDisplacement\ncc\n2488\n2354\n2488\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n185/5700\n187/7000\n169/6000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n250/3250\n222/4400\n233/4000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power-Steering\nElectric Power-Steering\nElectric Power-Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n5-speed automatic\n7-speed, CVT\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson struts/ Multi-link\nMacPherson Strut/Double Wishbone\nMacPherson struts/ Multi-link\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nVentilated disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n225/55 R19\n225/60 R18\n225/65 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4555\n4590\n4650\nOverall Width\nmm\n1840\n1820\n1820\nOverall Height\nmm\n1670\n1685\n1715\nWheelbase\nmm\n2700\n2620\n2705\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1611\n1560\n1612\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n403\n589\n550\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nL\n58\n58\n60\nConsumption\n8.5L/100km\n8.3L/100km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n190\n0-100km/h\nsec\n9.7\n10.7\nPRICE (without insurance\nRM\n171,219.05\nRM167,620.08\nRM165,800\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nSecurity is an important aspect when driving and the lack of auto-lock was a source of concern. The location and design of the lock made it difficult to tell if the doors were locked or not, especially as when unlocked, it was not just the driver\u2019s door but all the doors. This may be a small point with most drivers but this is a make-or-break element for me.\nMatthew\u2019s take: The CX-5\u2019s 2.5-litre motor is butter smooth and is effortlessly linear. Between the two, I\u2019d pick the 2WD variant for two reasons: it weighs 62kg less (which saves slightly more fuel), and I don\u2019t do a lot of off-roading to justify the need for a four-wheel drive system. The facelift doesn\u2019t just breathe new life into the ageing model, it imbues the SUV with a more distinct identity and better road presence as well. There\u2019s not a lot to lose if you choose the CX-5 over its rivals, but the question becomes, would you drop the 2.5-litre variant for the\u00a0torquier \n2.2L Skyactiv-D\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Group \nhas purchased a major controlling stake of robot maker Boston Dynamics from SoftBank, the companies announced on Saturday. The deal valued Boston Dynamics at USD1.1 billion (~MYR4.5b), with Hyundai taking approximately 80% stake in the company, while its previous owner, SoftBank, retains approximately 20%.\nHyundai says that the investment in Boston Dynamics is in line with its strategy to transform into a \u201cSmart Mobility Solution Provider\u201d. The Korean carmaker says that this investment will help its development of its autonomous driving technologies, as well as service, smart factories, and logistics automation.\nBoston Dynamics started life in 1992 as an off-shoot from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Over the years, the company has risen to internet fame due to its vaguely creepy humanoid robots and its demonstration videos on YouTube, which led netizens to believe that they will one day become sentient and eventually spawn a real life \u201cSkynet\u201d (from the movie Terminator) to hit back at humans for our \u201cabuse\u201d.\nWe\u2019ve attached a video of said \u201cabuse\u201d for your entertainment purposes:\n \nMore recently the company\u2019s robot dog, Spot, has also inspired dystopian science-fiction TV series Black Mirror to create an episode featuring an evil killer robot dog, which further fuelled the narrative. Fortunately, Boston Dynamics\u2019 Spot seems to be a lot tamer than the sci-fi rendition (for now.), and does have a lovable side, evident in the video below where it dances along to Bruno Mars\u2019 Uptown Funk.\nSpot is now commercially available to purchase, with hundreds of robots already sold deployed in a variety of industries, such as power utilities, construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and mining.\n \nIn the announcement, Hyundai also said that it wants to build humanoid robots eventually, specifically for \u201cspecialised services\u201d such as caregiving hospital patients.\nThe Korean carmaker has long been involved in robotics and automation, with recent announcements cementing Hyundai\u2019s commitment to the investment of up to USD1.4 billion in the field by 2025. Last year, Hyundai unveiled a \nrobotic exoskeleton suit\n for its factory workers to assist in physically-straining overhead tasks."
"The \nToyota Alphard\n and \nVellfire\n Executive Lounge are proper luxury people carriers with lounge-like comfort. However, Modellista, Toyota and Lexus\u2019 customisation arm decided that this pair of MPVs only needs to seat four for the proper first-class cabin experience.\nIt gets a new name too \u2013 \nAlphard and Vellfire Royal Lounge\n, and full emphasis were given to the \ntaukes\n at the rear. First up, the third-row seats have been removed completely to accommodate new full-length \nExclusive VIP seat\n. The individual captain seats have been moved rearwards and bolted into the floor, meaning it loses the sliding function, but up to \n600 mm\n of leg room is guaranteed.\nThe Exclusive VIP seats are finished in genuine Nappa leather no less and gets massage, heating and ventilation function along with a design akin to a first-class seat in a world-class airline. You get a centralised control touch panel for your seat adjustments, retractable tray table, cup holders, centre console and a full-length leg rest.\nAs for keeping all your business secrets safe from your driver and bodyguard, Modellista has installed a full-sized partition with the front passengers. The partition houses a 24-inch liquid crystal display theatre connected to a 17-speaker JBL Hi-Fi system, a shoe storage and mini bar. All it needs is a butler!   The interior trim can be finished in either glossy Rosewood or light-coloured Bamboo contrasted against a Black or White upholstery theme. Other thoughtful design elements include the repositioned roof mounted climate control which is positioned closer to the rear seats for easier access, illuminated hand polished analogue clock, and a coat hanger in the boot.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Starting from today, Malaysians will be allowed to travel according to the standard capacity of their cars. This was announced by senior minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in his daily\n \nConditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)\n briefings yesterday, as reported by \nThe Star\n.\n\u201cIf the vehicle has a capacity of four passengers, then it\u2019s one driver plus three passengers. For multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), there can be one driver and six passengers, given there\u2019s a capacity for seven passengers,\u201d said Ismail Sabri.\nThe change was made in reflection of the amendments made under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act, which was gazetted by the Government on the same day.\nThe new rule supersedes the \nprevious limit of four persons in a car\n, announced earlier this month, although Ismail Sabri was quick to reiterate that the previous \nconditions of travel\n still remains the same \u2013 \ninterstate travels are still prohibited\n. As before, all passengers in the car must also be \nfrom the same household\n.\n\u201cDrivers must adhere to the capacity of their respective vehicles as set by the \nRoad Transport Act 1987 \u2013 Act 333\n,\u201d explains Ismail Sabri. The new ruling should be in effect until the 9th of June, when the CMCO is scheduled to conclude."
"Taking centre stage at\nthe Mercedes-Benz stand in Geneva is the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting\nBrake, combining sensual design with practicality.\nCompared to its\npredecessor, the new CLA Shooting Brake is longer and wider than before at\n4,688 mm in length (+48 mm), 1,830 mm in width (+53 mm) and 1,442 mm in height\n(-2 mm). Wheelbase has also grown by 30 mm to 2,729 mm which frees up additional\ncabin space and boot space (now rated at 505 litres).\nThe CLA is a good-looking\ncar, spotting the brand\u2019s latest sensual purity design language and fortunately,\nthe theme has continued to the Shooting Brake. Compared to the Coupe, the\nShooting Brake gets a higher window line from the B-Pillar onwards but tapers\noff sharply around the C-pillars.\nWith a bubble butt\naround the rear, aerodynamics has suffered a tiny bit, with a drag coefficient\nof 0.26 compared to the Coupe\u2019s 0.23 figure.\nThe cabin is taken lock\nstock and barrel from the new-generation compact cars \u2013 widescreen cockpit with\nMercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), 64-colour ambient lighting, Energizing\nComfort Control among others.\nAt launch, the CLA Shooting\nBrake is available as a sole CLA 250 variant powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged\nfour-cylinder with 225 hp and 350 Nm of twist paired to a 7G-DCT dual clutch\ntransmission.\nCertain markets can\nalso option the CLA Shooting Brake with advanced driver assistance system from\nthe S-Class such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steer Assist, Active\nLane Change Assist and Active Park Assist with PARKTRONIC.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0CLA Shooting\u00a0Brake"
"As the saying goes, two is better than one; and the Audi RS3 is about to touch down in the UK in familiar five-door Sportback form but now in Saloon as well! The Sportback to be priced from\u00a0\u00a344,300 (RM\u00a0250,672) and Saloon from\u00a0\u00a345,250 (RM 255,947).\nThe 2.5 TFSI engine, the most powerful five-cylinder engine ever to empower a series production Audi is 26 kg lighter than before. But unlike before, it now produces close as makes no different almost 400 hp and 480 Nm of torque with a formidable zero to 100 km/h time of just 4.1 seconds before topping out at 280 km/h.   Converting all that power to large numbers on the speedometer is a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that works in tandem with the infamous quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Characteristics of the steering, engine, exhaust notes and power delivery are all be determined through the Audi drive select.\nThe underpinnings of the car consist of MacPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension, wheel-selective torque control and RS-specific Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), which together further solidifies the sound handling prowess established by previous RS3\u2019s. Anchoring the car\u2019s performance is the task of carbon ceramic discs clamped with eight-piston caliper.\nThe Sportback models come with 19-inch \u2018five-arm rotor\u2018 design alloy wheels, while the newly introduced Saloons feature a 19-inch \u2018five-arm blade\u2019 design. Aesthetics is also enhanced with the unmistakable RS-specific honeycomb single frame design grille with matt aluminium outlines, deepen side skirts and rear spoilers that vary in both the Sportback and Saloon variants.   Options will be available for the Standard LED headlights to be upgraded to more sophisticated matrix LED units. Inside, you get heated\u00a0RS-embossed and contrast-stitched front sport seats finished in black Fine Nappa leather and the leather and Alcantara flat-bottomed RS sport steering wheel.\nIts Audi Virtual Cockpit provides provides additional RS-specific screens giving driver-focused detail such as tyre pressure, torque and g-forces in the 12.3-inch high resolution display and also the seven-inch colour monitor. Tech wise, present is the MMI Navigation Plus, Audi Smartphone Interface with Android and iOS connectivity and Audi Connect Infotainment module, which comes with a three year subscription for the various online services.\nOther tech included in the new RS3 is the Audi phone box that connects itself to the car\u2019s aerial for optimal reception and a Bang & Olufsen sound system producing a mighty 705 watts of power via 14 speakers. The RS3\u2019s Driver Assistance Pack comes with features that assist lane changes, staying within a given lane, help avoid frontal collisions and even pedestrian accidents. However the highlight of the package is the traffic jam assist where the car briefly takes over not only in acceleration and braking but also steers in slow-moving traffic of up to 60 km/h.\nOptional upgrades for the RS3 includes a bass-heavy RS Sport exhaust system, RS sport suspension with Audi Magnetic Ride and the Super Sport seats upholstered in Fine Nappa leather. For further touches of distinction, the RS Design Pack adds contrasting red stitching for the armrests, black Alcantara trimmings for the knee pads, red accents in the air vents and red edging for the seatbelts and black floor mats with RS insignias.\nFor drivers seeking the most intense RS experience, a bass-heavy RS sport exhaust system and RS sport suspension with Audi Magnetic Ride are available as options, and are also under the control of Audi drive select, As an option, front Super Sport Seats also upholstered in Fine Nappa leather are available to hold occupants even more firmly, but no less comfortably, in place on the winding roads that are the natural habitat for the RS 3. To differentiate the high performance flagships further still, customers can also choose an RS Design Pack that adds contrasting\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nHonda Accord\n has just been refreshed over in Thailand, two and a half years since its local debut in the country, with a major update to its equipment list. Specifically, all three variants of the 10th-generation Honda Accord in Thailand will now come equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance features.\nRange-topping Honda Accord e:HEV Tech\nThe Honda Sensing suite works via a combination of radar and front-facing camera, and includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist, road and lane departure mitigation system, as well as auto high-beam, standard across all variants.\nThe range-topping e:HEV Tech variant meanwhile adds on rear cross-traffic monitoring system, 360-degree surround view camera, and the Honda Smart Parking Assist System, with support for both parallel and reverse parking.\nThe all-new Honda Accord was launched here in Malaysia just February of last year. Read more ab out it here.\nOther updates to the 2021 Honda Accord in Thailand include the new global e:HEV branding on both of the hybrid variants, replacing the previous i-MMD nameplate. However, the actual oily bits remain unchanged from last year.\nThe entry-level EL variant is powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine, the same unit as the one in our Malaysian Accord, although with a lower power out put at 190 hp and 243 Nm of torque. The four-banger mill is paired to a CVT gearbox delivering drive to the front wheels.\nEntry-level Honda Accord EL\nThe two higher-end variants \u2013 the e:HEV EL+ and e:HEV Tech \u2013 meanwhile get a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 2.0-litre inline-four engine, and a pair of electric motors for an overall output of 215 hp.\nThe system works similarly to the i-MMD system that\u2019s found on the Honda City RS here in Malaysia, where the car is mostly powered by the electric drive motor. The engine only drives the wheels during high-speed cruising, where a lock-up clutch links the two parts together to enhance efficiency.\nFind out how Honda\u2019s e:HEV hybrid system works \u2013 and how it relates to their F1 engines! \nMalaysian model shown.\nAside than these changes, the new Honda Accord is essentially identical to the outgoing models; despite being updated for the 2021 model year, the Honda Accord in Thailand still wears the same exterior as the previous model, instead of the facelifted Accord that was introduced in the United States late last year (with a slightly reworked front fascia).\nThe 2021 Honda Accord in Thailand is priced starting at 1.5 milion Baht (~RM191k) for the entry level EL variant, jumping up to 1.8 million Baht (~RM229k) for the range-topping e:HEV Tech \u2013 unchanged from before.\nHonda Accord vs Volkswagen Passat \u2013 Is it time to go continental? Check out our comparison here."
"Porsche is offering its customers a chance to experience what driver-specific seats such as the personalised units in race cars.\nThe central section of the seat or rather, the seat and backrest cushions, can be partly produced by a 3D-printer. In the future, customers will be able to choose between three levels of firmness levels \u2013 hard, medium, soft \u2013 for the comfort layer.\n\u201cWith the 3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat, we\u2019re once again giving series-production customers the opportunity to experience technology carried over from motorsports,\u201d said Porsche AG, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development, Michael Steiner.\nIn addition to an ergonomic fit similar to that found in motorsports, this seat also delivers a unique design, lower weight, improved comfort and passive climate control.\nThe outer skin of the concept seat, based on lightweight bucket seats from Porsche, is made from \u201cRacetex\u201d and features a specific perforation pattern for climate control.\nThe seats will be rolled out initially for the driver in the \n911 \nand \n718\n models from as early as May this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With its new SUVs, local car maker \nProton\n has managed to increase its exports by 79.1% in 2022 with a total of 5,406 cars exported globally. During an event with local media recently, Proton shared that it sets a \n10,000 unit\n interim breakthrough target for its exports. The company also aims to return to Indonesia and Thailand, and expand its increase its export markets.\nFrom 2018 to 2022, Proton has shown a 290% export growth with the numbers being at 1,388 units in 2018 and in nine countries. Those nine countries were Brunei, Egypt, Fiji, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritius, Pakistan, UAE, and Zimbabwe.\nIn 2022 Proton exports were available in 14 countries, namely Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei, Egypt, Iraq Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Proton is aiming to increase this number to 17, by returning to Thailand, Indonesia, and possibly Fiji. For Thailand and Indonesia, Proton will use new subsidiaries to handle the respective markets.\nAs for assembly operations, Proton currently has four assembly plants, located in Pakistan, Kenya, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. A new assembly production will be the assembly plant in Egypt. In the nearest future, Proton will be focusing on the Pakistan and South African markets \u2013 the former being Proton\u2019s largest export market with over 2,600 units in 2022, and the latter being the company\u2019s second-largest export market.\nRELATED: \nProton ends 2022 with 141,432 cars sold, highest ever since 2013\nProton aims to increase its export markets and this includes Thailand and Indonesia\nProton\u2019s most popular export model, is the \nProton Saga\n, simply replicating its dominance in the domestic market. 2,408 units of the Proton Saga were globally exported in 2022, showing a 31% increase from the previous year. Following behind the Saga, the 1,708 units of the \nX70\n \nand 1,117 units of the \nX50\n were exported globally. The X70 showed a 101% growth while the X50 showed a 277% growth.\nIn last year\u2019s sales report, Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cGrowth in PROTON\u2019s export markets remains vital to the company. We are now halfway through our ten-year business plan and export sales will need to account for a growing percentage of our volume for the company to achieve its goals. With new models being added and growth from our current offerings in 2023, we are confident of hitting even bigger numbers this year.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton sends 1000th car to South Africa \u2013 5,028 global exports as of Nov 2022"
"First things first. What is a GLS? Most of you will be asking at this juncture and rightly so. About a year ago, Mercedes-Benz announced that a \nnew and more transparent nomenclature\n of\u00a0their SUV and crossover range, with one of the most profound changes being the renaming of the iconic ML moniker to GLE.\nInterestingly, BMW has also hopped on board with the new \n4-Series\n \u2013 one that was previously known to the world as the 3-Series Coupe. Similarly, the\n 1-Series Coupe\n is as we all know, goes by the name of \n2-Series\n. Whatever it is these giants have for \nrebadging\n the range, we\u2019ll never know \u2013 speaking objectively of course. Maybe that\u2019s moving with the time.\nThe pictures we see here are the actual images that\u2019s been scanned off a brochure that was then leaked out to French-based forum \nWorld Scoop\n which revealed the GLS in all its glory.\u00a0It must be said that whoever that \nscanned\n these images did an amazing job of capturing all the right angles of this heavily reworked \nreplacement\n of the gargantuan \nGL\n model without giving too much away \u2013 or maybe that boat might have set sail.\nIt\u2019s fairly clear, judging from the pictures at least that the GLS carries over a multitude of styling cues and design elements over from its stablemates such as that prominent pair of \nLED head-lights\n, \ngrille\n and \nfenders\n; all of which point towards the outgoing\n S-Class\n. The tail-end certainly does speak toward that fact especially the lower extremity of the bumper. No shots of the interior has yet to surface but it is slated to be a hybrid design of the GL and S-Class all mashed up together in matrimony.\nOn the technical side however, there\u2019s a whole bunch diesel and petrol powertrains carried over from the GL that will most probably get worked over to enhance \nefficiency\n and \nimprove\n emissions. One example is the\u00a0\nGLS 350 BlueTEC\n\u00a0trim that gets a \n3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel\n engine making\u00a0\n255 hp\n and\n\u00a0620 Nm\n of torque, whereas the\u00a0petrol powered equivalent \nGLS 400 CGI\n\u00a0should mirror the figures produced by the outgoing \nS400\n S-Class. On the other end of the spectrum, the red-hot \nGLS 63 AMG\n is slated to retain the GL\u2019s \n6.2-litre V8\n.\nThere\u2019s also been rumours that an \nultra-exclusive Mercedes-Maybach\n version is in the works to give the\u00a0\nBentley Bentayga\n a run for it money. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS is expected to be unveiled at next month\u2019s 2015 \nLos Angeles Auto Show\n and will shed more light and details on this \nflagship SUV\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To help customers experience the \nall-new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport\n in a time where social distancing measures are being practiced worldwide, BMW Malaysia today unveiled its first augmented reality (AR) web app for a \u201creal time, real life\u201d experience of \u201cThe Boss\u201d without stepping foot into a BMW dealership.\nThe AR experience presents a \u201cvirtually realistic\u201d 3D model of the all-new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport that users can place at any location through the camera viewfinder of their mobile phones. Users can also resize and rotate the car to further fine tune the placement, letting you \u201cpark\u201d the car properly in your driveway to see how it looks in front of your house!\nOnce you\u2019re happy with the placement, tapping the lock button on the top right will then bring up the floating information bubbles around the car, where users can then tap on to learn more about key features of the car.\nAdditionally, you can also switch between the four exterior colours available on the new X5 PHEV \u2013 Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Mineral White, and Artic Grey \u2013 to see which fits the best with your other cars at home. Unfortunately though, the 3D model does not include the interior of the vehicle.\nAs it is built on web-based technologies, the new AR experience allows users to discover the new BMW X5 without the need to download a specific mobile application. To experience the new interactive AR feature, all you need to do is visit the dedicated webpage, available \nhere\n, on your mobile phone.\nThe all-new BMW X5 xDrive45e featured in the AR experience was launched locally last month as a follow up to the brand\u2019s hugely-popular PHEV X5 variant introduced back in 2016. Available in a single M Sport variant, the latest version of \u2018The Boss\u2019 is priced at RM440,745 on the road without insurance, and with sales tax exemptions applied.\nUnderneath the hood of the hybrid SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle, BMW speak for SUV) is a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six engine, paired to an electric motor for a combined output of \n394 hp\n and\n 600 Nm \nof torque. The engine is paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.\nPerformance wise, the new X5 xDrive45e completes the century sprint in just \n5.6 seconds\n, a whole 1.3 seconds faster than its predecessor. With a battery that is now nearly three times the capacity from before, The hybrid X5 boasts an electric-only range of\n 77 km\n.\nFor the latest revised price list for BMW models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Mercedes-Benz has just released full details of their \nW205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift\n at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. New reveals include a 1.5-litre turbocharged mild hybrid for the C 200, power bump for the C 43 4MATIC, new displays and many more.\nStarting with the biggest shocker, the C 200 will now be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that outputs \n184 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque. The petrol combustion engine is supported by EQ Boost technology mild hybrid system. The 48-volt onboard network gives the engine additional \n14 hp\n, filling up the torque gap when the turbocharger is building up boost pressure.\nCentury sprint is now achieved in\n 7.7 seconds\n (0.5 seconds slower than the previous 2.0-litre mill) onwards to a top speed of \n239 km/h\n. Besides faster shift times and more linear power delivery, EQ Boost technology also promises a smoother start/stop function thanks to the belt-driven starter/alternator.\u00a0It remains to be seen if Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will introduce this new mild hybrid turbocharged powertrain to the locally assembled C-Class line up.\nMoving up, the C 220 d now features a new OM654 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine paired to a nine-speed G-Tronic gearbox delivering \n194 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. It will launch the C-Class from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.9 seconds\n.\nThe range-topping model for now, before Mercedes-AMG release the 63 version, is the \nC 43 4MATIC\n. The 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 is now boosted to produce\n 390\n\u00a0\nhp\n, up 23 hp while peak torque remains unchanged at \n520 Nm\n. Key performance figures are the same as before: 0 \u2013 100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n, top speed electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nAt launch, the C 200 is available with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 45:55 front to rear split for better traction and stability. The C 43 gets a rear biased (31:69 front to rear split) AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive set up as standard.\nAs mentioned in an earlier article, the C-Class facelift comes with a few nips and tuck to the exterior \u2013 new headlamp and taillamp design, new bumpers, Multibeam LED headlamps with Ultra Range high beam as well as diamond radiator grille for AMG line.\nInside, the cabin now comes with a new steering wheel, new trims, Energizing comfort control and additional colour themes. As standard, the C-Class will be equipped with a dual analogue instrument cluster with a centre 5.5-inch colour display, similar to the \npre-facelift model\n.\nCustomers can upgrade to a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster in combination with a 16:9 format 10.25-inch central display for the infotainment \u2013 sorry, no Widescreen Cockpit like the \nE-Class\n for you. Standard-spec cars come with a free-standing 7.0-inch display like before.\nAs for safety, the on-board camera and radar systems are now improved for wider range and higher accuracy, giving a more intuitive experience when operating the Active Distance Control Distronic and Active Steering Assist functions. The C-Class also uses onboard navigation data to support the assistance function, allowing the car to be driven semi-autonomously.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift AMG Line Sedan   Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift Exclusive Line Wagon"
"Lexus has introduced the F Sport Performance Line and the IS 500 is the first model to debut the new series of more powerful Lexus models.\nThe IS 500 is not the replacement for the revered and brand changing IS F sedan that ended production in 2014. Lexus USA, when replying to enthusiast website \nLexusNews\n, said that the new F Sport Performance Line is positioned in between the fully-fledged F model like the \nGS F\n and cosmetic-focused F Sport variants.\nAs such, the IS 500 F Sport Performance is more skewed towards being a regular IS with F Sport treatment featuring a larger V8 engine rather than an IS F build that had wider tracks, stickier tyres, downforce-inducing aerodynamics, multi-piston brakes and bucket seats.\nThe IS 500 F Sport comes with the high performance \u20182UR-GSE\u2019 5.0-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine, churning out \n472 hp\n and \n535 Nm\n of torque. Lexus has not reduced the power output for being an F Sport model as these are the same figures found on the \nLexus RC F Track Edition\n!\nPower is channelled to the existing 8-speed automatic transmission and registers a 0 to 96 km/h (0 to 60 mph) sprint time of \n4.5 seconds\n.\nThe large intake system of the V8 engine means a new bonnet is required. With that, the new bonnet is raised by nearly two inches, with a distinctive bulge. A familiar-looking quad exhaust system ensures all the best noises and aesthetics too.\nA boot lid spoiler and window surround in black plus F Sport badging separates the Lexus IS 500 from the regular IS models.\nThe brakes have been upgraded compared to the IS 350 V6, with the ventilated brake discs gaining an inch to measure 14.0 inches up front and 12.7 inches at the rear.\n \nHandling duties are shouldered by the adaptive suspension and a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD). A Yamaha performance damper is also placed across the rear of the vehicle to reduce dynamic structural distortion.\nLexus says the 19-inch rims from Enkei are also lighter compared to the IS 350 V6, with a total of six pounds (2.7 kg) shaved off per vehicle. Overall, the Lexus IS 500 is just \n65 kg\n heavier than the six-cylinder IS, tipping the scales at 1,765 kg (3,891 pounds).\nInside, the interior only received an upgrade to the digital multi-information display with an exclusive IS 500 start-up animation. The seats, steering wheel, foot pedals and trim inserts are all unchanged F Sport items.\nThe Lexus IS 500 F Sport is exclusive for the North American market only and it is no surprise given they are the largest market for the brand. Looking at the performance figures and minor technical upgrades, Lexus USA is surely targeting the bridging high-performance sedans such as the \nBMW M340i xDrive\n and \nMercedes-AMG C43\n with this IS 500 F Sport Performance model.\nBMW M said their sales performance in 2020 were \nstrongly boosted by sales\n of the M Performance variants.\nGALLERY"
"Due to the ongoing health pandemic, this year\u2019s Subaru Tecnica International (STI) Subiefest was quite a bit different than the previous iterations to ensure social distancing. Instead of the usual gathering of Subarus and like-minded enthusiasts, Subaru of America organised a charity drive for this year\u2019s Subiefest, which managed to break the Guinness World Record title for the largest parade of Subaru cars!\nIn total, \n1,751 Subaru vehicles\n took part in the attempt, which smashed the previous record in 2015 (549 vehicles) by more than three times. So what does a 1,751 car parade look like? According to Subaru, the traffic jam spanned over a distance of \n3.2 km\n (2 miles).\nThe Guinness World Record attempt was not just for bragging rights either \u2013 instead of selling entry tickets to Subiefest this year, each participant of the charity drive instead made a donation to the Feeding America, a charity to end hunger.\nIn total, the participants\u2019 generous donations raised a total of 241,800 meals, which will be matched by Subaru of America to bring the total number of donated meals up to 500,000. The meals will be delivered by Feeding America to two local food banks in the vicinity in Los Angeles and Orange County.\nSubaru of America Senior Vice President of Marketing, Alan Bethke said, \u201cIn these trying times we all search for stability in our daily lives. We hope that through this donation to Feeding America, we can provide the comfort and stability of a meal for people who struggle with hunger in America. We must all stay safe but remember to help others where we can.\u201d\nAside from the Guinness World Record attempt, participants were also offered an \nexclusive preview of the upcoming Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins\n, albeit covered in heavy camouflage and placed behind a thin veil. However, images of the car that made it online pretty much confirmed what we\u2019ve seen before, and all that we\u2019re waiting for now is just the powertrain \u2013 which we\u2019ll know about more very soon.\n GALLERY"
"The Chinese (including yours truly and many folks at AutoBuzz) are fans of the prosperous number eight. Although this example is not to celebrate Malaysia\u2019s upcoming long festive holiday, instead this is to pay tribute to one street in London \u2013 Park Lane. With that, enter the new Mini\u00a0Countryman Park Lane edition, an 88-unit only edition named after Mini\u2019s famous showroom.\nBased on the standard \nCountryman\n compact crossover, it\u2019s powered by a\u00a0\n1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine\n producing\n 190 hp\n with \n240 Nm\n of torque with an \noverboost function capability\n up to 260 Nm. The 0-100km/h sprint is achieved in\n 7.8 secs\n with a\u00a0top speed of \n212 km/h\n\u00a0while scores an\u00a0average fuel consumption of \n7.5 litres per 100 km\n.\n \n \nFor those who have played the UK\u2019s version of Monopoly will know that Park Lane is the second most expensive property in London (after Mayfair), hence the word \u201cpremium\u201d best describes this limited edition Countryman. The Countryman suits up with the ALL4 bodykit in shades of Earl Grey\u00a0while the roof and exterior mirror caps are covered with Oak Red. Also sported are Oak Red stripes\u00a0on the bonnet, tailgate and lower side section.\nThe emblem \u201c\nPark Lane\n\u201d is also generously used on the side of the car, including the cockpit surface; both of which add some air of exclusivity to its name. This Countryman will be equipped with a set of 18-inch\u00a0alloys finished in Turbo Fan Dark Grey design.\nOn the inside, there is a 6.5-inch high-resolution colour LCD screen that incorporates the new MINI Connected app which has apps that work like a smartphone\u2019s. Among the apps available are the MINI Streetwise navigation system, Force Meter that displays accelerating forces, MINI Calendar and\u00a0MINI Vital Statistics. Other added goodies on the inside including Ambient Lighting package, built-in active carbon filter and so on.\nThe car is priced at \nRM253,888.00\n without insurance, and comes with the latest\n MINI 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty\u00a0with Free Scheduled Service\n programme. This is also the third model to receive the Park Lane treatment following the other two models in 1987 and 2005. With the number \u20188\u2019 being liberally used here by way of its pricing and unit availability, will this be\u00a0the\u00a0ideal car to drive home during this coming Chinese New Year?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last weekend, the Ferrari Challenge contingent whizzed around the Sepang Circuit at literal break-neck speeds. Proton too, was present there that weekend. The R3 team to be specific. And at the wheel was our country\u2019s very own Prince of Drift, better known to most as Tengku Djan Ley who piloted the Iriz R3 to victory.\nPrior to \nSunday\u2019s win\n, we had the chance to meet the team and their machines hiding within the pit garage. Amidst his hectic schedule, \nTengku Djan\n spared a moment to elaborate more on the development and progress of the \nIriz R3\n project and quickly briefed us on what makes the new Iriz R3 tick.\nProton R3\u2019s patriarch and technical director kept a hawk\u2019s-eye view on the Iriz\u2019s development. Here are some facts and figures on the Iriz R3. It\u2019s running a \n1,599cc four-pot\n Campro CFE engine with a \nturbo-delete\n. The engine block is \nrace-prepped\n with all the racing goodies but is done so while adhering to Malaysian Touring Car (\nMTC\n) regulations. It makes\u00a0\n190 hp\n at a smudge under the redline and makes a broadly \nsimilar torque\n figure as well.\nPower is shot to\u00a0the \nfront wheels\n via an MTC regulated\u00a0\nfive-speed \u2018dog-leg\u2019\n gearbox. Expect no fancy interiors, there is just the bare essentials like a\u00a0\nroll cage\n,\u00a0\nracing seat\n, switch board and \u2013 you guessed it, a steering wheel. The boot now houses a \n60-litre\n endurance racing fuel tank. \nAlcon\n lends it hand here with a set of \ncross-drilled ventilated discs\n on all fours at a maximum diametre of \n305mm\n.   Weight plays a crucial part in adhering to MTC regulations, which states that all cars are to tip the scales at\n under a tonne\n. Easy for the \nIriz\n, but same couldn\u2019t be said for its bigger siblings, the \nPreve\n and \nSuprima S\n models whose diet was much more severe. By the book, the cars are mandated to use the \nfactory steel skin\n on the outside. Tengku Djan said the Iriz was a \nmuch simpler out-of-the-box project\n\u00a0as compared\n\u00a0\nto the Preve and Suprima, both of which took about eight months to fine tune.\nSpeaking with\u00a0regards to the Sepang 1,000km Endurance Race (\nS1K\n), Tengku Djan was \nexcited\n about how the car performed here at the Malaysian Championship Series (\nMCS\n). And of the tyres, Djan said he \nhad no complaints\n at all for the medium compound \nHankook\n-sponsored rubbers. \u201cThe tyres allowed us to have \nquicker pit-stops\n and \nbetter consistency\n on track\u201d, said Djan. However, his preference would be hard compound tyres if he were to race in S1K.   Tengku Djan also spoke on the possibility of using\u00a0\nturbocharged CFE Campro engines\n for the next season, but took a step back by saying that the team isn\u2019t fully prepared as yet.\u00a0With Djan spearheading the chassis development of the cars, all he needs is a \npowerful and reliable drivetrain\n to dominate the race. Time will tell, we reckon.\nThe team will take part in the\u00a0S1K\u00a0race later in the year, but doubts are in the air if defending champion Tengku Djan will be the person behind the wheel. This year, another prominent homegrown racing series, Merdeka Millennium Race (MMER), will not see Proton\u2019s R3 division gunning the tracks \u2013 a series which only runs the GT3 class at present. Djan\u00a0jokingly said that he would love to drive a \nFerrari Challenge\n car for the MMER, though.\nThat said, we at \nAutobuzz.my\n would like to wish \nTengku Djan Ley\n,\u00a0\nFariqe Hairuman\n, \nJames Veerapen\n and \nSyafiq Ali\n the best of luck in the upcoming S1K endurance race, and congratulations on their podium finish at last weekend\u2019s race.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the striking little red and black \nToyota Aygo X Prologue\n concept car shown earlier this year? Toyota Europe has confirmed the production model Aygo X (pronounced cross) will begin from November this year.\nThe transition of the Toyota Aygo X from a compact hatchback to a crossover / SUV means this will be the sixth of such body type offered in Europe. The company recently added the \nToyota Yaris Cross\n which is already a very compact crossover / SUV roughly the size of a Perodua Ativa. For reference, the second-generation Toyota Aygo is even shorter than our Perodua Axia!\nOther SUVs offered in Europe are the RAV4, C-HR, Land Cruiser and the Highlander. With Toyota calling it an urban crossover, expect the new Toyota Aygo X to have decent ground clearance and not just a crossover bodykit such as the \nPerodua Axia Style\n as well as the \nProton Iriz Active\n. \u00a0\nSimilar to the new Toyota Yaris for \nEurope\n and Japan, the new Toyota Aygo X will be built on the TNGA GA-B platform. Wholly-developed locally in Europe by themselves, the Toyota Agyo X project team studied the current and future life in urban and suburban environments to produce a compact crossover unique to the A-segment.\nIn ASEAN, we have the Toyota Yaris X-Urban trim. Toyota Thailand went as far as fitting taller springs and dampers! More about the jacked-up Yaris here.\nThe Toyota Aygo, classified as a city car by the locals, has been proven to be a success in Europe thanks to its youthful and fun character. The previous two generations of the Aygo model were a joint-project with \nCitroen\n and Peugeot, and since the formation of \nStellantis\n with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, PSA Group is ending the project with Toyota and instead base their next-generation city cars off the platform of a \nFiat 500\n.\nSimilar to the current generation, the new Aygo X continues to be manufactured at the Toyota Kolin facility in the Czech Republic, a plant that also produces the Toyota Yaris and PSA Group\u2019s pair of Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 city cars.\nWith the continued strong demand for crossover body types around the world, could we be expecting more from Kia through a new Picanto Cross? Or a new Citroen C1 Aircross and Peugeot 1008?\nWith the strong demand for crossovers and SUVs in USA, it is a delight to hear Acura is making the sporty Integra a five-door fastback model. Take a look at the sketch here.   GALLERY\nToyota Aygo X Prologue concept car"
"Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium car maker recorded a global year-on-year sales increase of 14.1 per cent for the first quarter of 2018. More notably, all main markets saw a jump in sales of 5.7 to 49 percent compared with the same period last year.\nChina remains the single largest market with 23.3 per cent increase in sales to 28,768 cars compared to the previous year following the continued strong demand for the locally produced \nXC60\n and \nS90\n models. The US market also recorded a successful first quarter with sales volume up by 49 per cent thanks to the introduction of the new XC60 as well as the continued demand for the XC90 SUV.\nIn Europe, Volvo sold 79,512 cars in Q1 2018 (up 5.7 percent) thanks to the strong demand for the new XC60 and 90 Series models. The new XC40 also saw a successful market launch with deliveries started in February 2018.\nCollectively, including other markets, Volvo shifted 147,407 cars (+14.1%) in Q1 2018 compared to Q1 2017. The XC60, which was crowned as \n2018 World Car of the Year\n, was the best-selling model followed closely by the XC90 and V40 range.\n \n Volvo V40 Cross Country\n \n Volvo V40\nBack at home, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has officially introduced the Volvo XC60 (CBU) in January and GC Mah has dissected whether \nis this car for you\n. Order books for the \nlocally assembled XC60\n are now open with three variants to choose from T5, T8 Inscription and T8 Inscription Plus."
"BMW Malaysia together with Millenium Welt and Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad (MCHB) has launched its first charging facility featuring MINI\u2019s latest brand identity in Bandar Sri Sendayan. This will provide greater access to charging infrastructure to develop townships in the area.\nFeaturing an 11 kWh Wallbox powered by ChargeEV, the new charging facility is located at the main entrance parking of d\u2019 Tempat Country Club, PT 12653, Jalan Pusat Dagangan Sendayan 1, Bandar Sri Sendayan, 71950 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. It\u2019s open to the public daily from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, with a standard rate of RM5 for every 20 minutes of use.\u00a0\nThe new charging facility is also part of BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s strategy to develop the infrastructure needed for EV charging. Over 670 charging facilities have been made available by BMW Group Malaysia, with a further 360 charging facilities provided through partnerships with ChargEV and Yinson Greentech, 150 facilities with Gentari and 65 with JomCharge.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW M340i xDrive facelift from RM391k \u2013 392hp, 500 Nm, new M Sport Pro variant\n\u201cTo date, we at Millennium Welt have already delivered over 140 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles, and we hope that with better access to charging facilities in the area, customers will have greater confidence in the shift to electromobility,\u201d said Millenium Welt, Managing Director, Bryan Wong.\n\u201cThe installation of the MINI Charging Facility here at d\u2019Tempat Country Club \u2013 which has also received the Gold Green Building Index Certification, is part of our larger vision to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon footprint. Our goal is to foster a more sustainable future for ourselves and our future generations,\u201d Matrix Concepts Group, Carmen Loo.\u00a0\nRELATED: \nBMW XM previewed in Malaysia \u2013 first-ever plug-in hybrid M car, RM1.4m"
"Previously when the \nAudi Q2 went on sale in UK\n, the company\u2019s quattro all-wheel drive system was available exclusively for the 148 hp 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel. Aiming to broaden the compact SUV\u2019s appeal, Audi has since added a petrol-powered Q2 equipped with quattro AWD.\nThe new variant gets a 2.0-litre TFSI engine producing \n187 hp\n, the highest power output currently available in a Q2. A seven-speed S Tronic double clutch gearbox is employed to send drive to all four corners. With quattro, the Q2 takes off 0 to 100 km/h in\u00a0\n6.5 seconds\n, making it the fastest sprinting Q2 to date. Top speed is limited to \n227 km/h\n.\nQ stands for quattro\nLike the rest of the Audi range, the Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro is available with\n S Line \ntrim which adds LED headlamps, LED interior lighting, unique bumper designs, 18-inch alloy wheels, Titanium Grey C-pillar blades and sport seats with S Line embroidery.\nAt launch, the Q2 quattro variant is available with an\n Edition #1 package\n (on top of S Line, pictured in yellow) which gets exclusive items such as 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, Quantum Grey paint colour, black styling pack, Manhattan Grey finish on the bumpers, wheel arches, side skirts and bumper inserts as well as Brilliant Black C-Pillar blades with four-rings logo.\nInside the Edition #1, it gets sport seats in Granite Grey fine Nappa leather with Amaretto brown contrast stitching, multi-coloured LED interior pack and brown contrast stitching on the floor mats. In UK, the\u00a0Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro retails from\u00a0\u00a331,760 (RM177k) to\u00a0\u00a336,750 (RM205k).\nPreviously, Audi Malaysia hinted that the \nQ2 will hit our shores in the first half of 2017\n, but seeing that we\u2019re fast approaching the end of third quarter, no one knows for sure when the \nMINI Countryman\n rival will go on sale here. Perhaps Audi Malaysia was patiently waiting for this high output quattro, we hope.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Goodyear has introduced its latest tyre concept at the on-going 2018 Geneva Motor Show with \u201clive plants\u201d growing in them \u2013 possibly giving the term \u201ctyre maintenance\u201d a whole new meaning.\nIt\u2019s called the \nOxygene\n and get this, it has \nmoss growing within the sidewall\n of the tyres. Also, the tyre\u2019s tread design can absorb and circulate moisture and water from the road surface to allow photosynthesis to take place and therefore releasing oxygen into the air.\nIn application, Goodyear claims that in a city like Paris, with over 2.5 million vehicles, this would mean generating 3,000 tons of oxygen and absorbing more than 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide.\nThe Oxygene\u2019s tyre design is supposedly able to improve wet grip as well, with water absorbed through the tread rather than being dispersed like on normal tyres.\n It\u2019s also able to harvest energy generated during photosynthesis to power its embedded electronics which include a customisable light strip in the tyre\u2019s sidewall that switches colours \u2013 warning both road users and pedestrians of the car\u2019s upcoming maneuvers, such as lane changes or braking.\nWhile it\u2019s established that the moss will be \u201cwatered\u201d, question now is, who\u2019s going to trim them?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s clear that Ford Performance isn\u2019t holding back from blowing its own horns with the \nEdge ST\n, an SUV we\u2019ll never see on this side of the planet.\nWhat\u2019s also clear is the immense gap it leaves behind, in a drag race between the Focus ST and\u00a0\n197 hp Fiesta ST\n\u00a0along with the fact that it wasn\u2019t pitted against its competitors but instead, was chosen to ridicule its less powerful siblings.\nWith\n 358 hp\n and a whopping\n 515 Nm\n of torque from a \u201cmost powerful in class\u201d 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, an 8-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, it just annihilated the hatchbacks despite all the excess fat.\nLocally, if you wanted a Ford SUV that produces that much power, your only option is the oversized and not-as-good-looking Ford Everest that costs more than RM 200,000. Even then, it wouldn\u2019t have the straight line speed of the Edge ST."
"Lexus V6 and V8 engines adopt motorsport-derived technology to ensure high performance is met with extended durability, minimum noise and vibration.\nRather than using just two bolts to secure the crankshaft in the engine block like in most conventional engines, all V-configuration engines by Lexus adopts four bolts instead. These four bolts are made using high-tensile heat-treated steel.\nTwo more bolts are \u201ccross-bolted\u201d through the sides of the block into each bearing cap to resist lateral vibrations and add stiffness to the engine assembly.\nEach bolt is also engineered to stretch a precise amount as the bolt is tightened, ensuring consistent, repeatable clamping forces.\nThe four-bolt application were originally employed by race engine builders to help standard production engine blocks resist the higher forces of combustion in higher compression race engines.\n\u201cAs a result, owners experience the outright performance expected of a Lexus as well as the most durable engine. In addition, by reducing or eliminating potential noise and vibration at the source, these design features deliver the smooth, quiet ride that has become a Lexus hallmark,\u201d Lexus Australia CEO, Scott Thompson said."
"In continuing its support to public hospitals, in line with the government\u2019s mission to improve the quality of health services in Malaysia, \nPerodua\n recently donated medical diagnostic equipment worth RM84,450 to the Sarawak General Hospital.\nThe contribution consisted of seven Vital Sign Monitors, which is a diagnostic equipment used to monitor body temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure. Aside from medical equipments, the company also surprised some of the hospital\u2019s paediatric ward patients and staff with hampers.\n\u201cWe thank the staff of the Sarawak General Hospital for their service to the community, we hope our contribution will further benefit the people of Kuching and Sarawak,\u201d said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\u201cAs part of our Corporate Responsibility initiative, we are always looking for opportunities to provide the best assistance to strengthen the country\u2019s health system. As such, we are in constant communication with Ministry of Health and other relevant parties to continue our initiatives.\n\u201cThis is one of our ways to thank the government and Malaysians, especially our customers, who have given us their trust and support over the years,\u201d he added.\nTo date, Perodua has donated medical and health equipment to a number of public hospitals in Malaysia, including \nHospital Sungai Buloh\n, Hospital Selayang, Sabah Women and Children\u2019s Hospital in Likas, \nHospital Shah Alam\n, Hospital Kuala Kubu Bharu, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Hospital Ampang, Hospital Putrajaya, as well as several community clinics within Hulu Selangor.\nThe company also contributed over 35,000 units of self-made face shields to various organisations since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic."
"Once of the 45\nth\n President of the United States was sworn in; his administration has been encouraging manufacturers to set up operation on American soil in hopes of creating more jobs in the country.\nFord is a strong supporter of this movement and have begun \ninvesting into local productions\n. Now it seems that Toyota and Mazda are responding to the newly elected President\u2019s trade policy by setting up a manufacturing plant in the US through a \njoint venture (JV)\n according to \nNikkei\n. Both companies will pool their expertise in production technologies to reduce the investment burden.\n \n \nThe JV will see Toyota acquiring a five percent stake in Mazda and both parties the will invest in a major factory with an annual capacity of \n300,000 vehicles\n. The plant will produce \nprimarily SUVs\n due to the high popularity of said vehicles in US. However, both automakers will continue to sell the cars they make through their respective channels.\nBesides that, the JV will also see Toyota and Mazda work together and develop core\n electric vehicle technologies\n. Toyota is looking to launch a fully electric vehicle by 2020 while Mazda\u2019s is expected to hit the market in 2019. However, design and actual production of the vehicles will be an independent affair. More information of the newly formed JV will be released in due course.\nSource: \nNikkei"
"Last week, Tesla Motors unveiled the much-anticipated \nModel 3\n electric car (EV), one which we believe created or emulated the \u201cApple Hype\u201d. About seven days later, the order books for the Model 3 stands at a mind-blowing 325,000; proving that everyone, including your relatives, colleagues, and even your neighbourhood barber, would want one parked in their garage.\nThe Model 3 is billed as Tesla\u2019s most affordable model and will become the company\u2019s cash cow with \n$14 billion\n sales (approx RM55 billion at current rates) generated for this $35,000 EV\u00a0(approx RM140,000). Amazingly, the company has already raised $325 million without advertisements or through paid endorsements.\nNumbers wise, 117,000 orders were placed\u00a0prior to the launch, with 276,000 additional orders received three days after its unveiling.\u00a0That said, it\u2019ll be a really long wait if you want to get your hands on one because the first Model 3 will only be rolled out of the factory latest by end 2017. However, the good news is the $1,000 booking deposit is refundable for those whose patience fall short of Yoda\u2019s.\nIn anticipation of the growing demand, Tesla is pushing the envelope\u00a0in preparing the infrastructure to support its EVs. This includes pumping 500,000 batteries\u00a0a year from its upcoming \u201cGigafactory\u201d and adding more Tesla Superchargers across\u00a0the globe.\nMeanwhile, automotive commentators\u00a0are raising doubt on Tesla Motors\u2019 capabilities of delivering the Model 3 on time\u00a0due to the company\u2019s\u00a0recent problems with the Model X\u2019s production. Should Tesla Motors pull through, not only will they become a true game changer for the motoring industry (after Ford introduced the Model-T, of course), but also generates quite the excitement for transportation technology as a whole."
"In case you\u2019re not aware, the MX-5 name has been in existence for over 40 years now and to celebrate this, Mazda UK has revealed the R-Sport special edition which will be limited to 150 units.\nIt comes with a Polymetal Grey metallic exterior colour which is usually a cost-option and is complemented with a grey soft-top hood although we\u2019re not convinced with the colour scheme to be honest.\nRounding up the exterior are black side mirror caps and 16-inch RAYS gunmetal alloys \u2013 the latter being the single most appealing item in the car.\nStep in and you\u2019d be greeted with burgundy Nappa leather seats and treated to features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and heated seats. The R-Sport is priced at \u00a327,700 (approx. RM150k) and is now open for online booking.\nThe R-Sport is powered with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine with \n132 hp\n and \n152 Nm\n, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels.\nGALLERY\nFusion TIFF File"
"The \nall-new Mazda 3\n is arguably one of the prettier cars we\u2019ve seen in recent years and now, the company has taken that design language and penned a new compact crossover, the Mazda CX-30.\nUnveiled at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), the CX-30 is not a concept car (although it does look like one) and is scheduled to roll out to global markets later in the year. It is an all-new model in Mazda\u2019s new-generation line up of cars and slots in-between the current \nCX-3\n and \nCX-5\n.\nIt rides on the same platform as the Mazda 3 and measures 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, 1,540 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,655 mm. Dimensions of the CX-30 are closer to the CX-3 than it is to the CX-5.\nMazda promises that\nthe CX-30 has a user-friendly packaging that can comfortably seat four adults on\nlong journeys \u2013 a task that the CX-3 couldn\u2019t really manage. The SkyActiv-Vehicle\nArchitecture have also been enhanced for better sense of\n Jinba Ittai\n (horse and rider as one).\nTechnical details of\nthe new CX-30 is scarce but Mazda claims that it will be available with the\nlatest range of SkyActiv engines including the yet-to-be-launched SkyActiv-X petrol\nengine.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMazda\u00a0CX-30\u00a0Debuts\u00a0at\u00a0Geneva"
"The combination of \nMark Webber and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS\n was so quick that even the camera crew couldn\u2019t keep up with the pair on the Nurburgring Grand Prix circuit.\nThe former 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship winner with Porsche has taken up the ambassador\u2019s role with the brand since retiring from competitive driving\u00a0and has appeared in countless videos alongside the\n all-electric Porsche Mission E\n and the \n911 GT2 RS with Maria Sharapova\n on board!\nThe 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine in the 911 GT3 RS is based on the same powerplant from the 911 GT3 (991.2) but has been recalibrated to deliver \n513 hp\n, 20 hp more than the model it replaces with a 9,000 rpm redline. The flat-six is paired with a 7-speed PDK transmission with 0 to 100 km/h taking just 3.2 seconds."
"Honda Europe has just introduced a sportier variant of the Honda HR-V for the European market, powered by a VTEC turbo engine, uprated chassis and suspension as well as bespoke design features.\nThe new Honda HR-V Sport packs a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder petrol engine pushing out \n182 hp\n and a maximum torque of \n240 Nm\n. You\u2019ll only get the \n240 Nm\n guise if you opt for the six-speed manual but the optional CVT will have a lower torque figure of \n220 Nm\n \u2013 similar to the \nHonda Civic FC\n sold in Malaysia.\nKey performance figures were not quoted but expect the HR-V Sport to complete the century dash a lot faster than the \nHR-V 1.8L\u2019s (CVT)\n 10.1 seconds. After all the turbo mill is pushing 42 hp and 48 Nm more than the naturally aspirated mill.\nTo complement the increased output, Honda has introduced a Performance Damper Technology that keeps body roll in check, variable ratio electric power steering wheel (similar to the \nVGR system on our local spec HR-V RS\n) as well as \nAgile Handling Assist\n \n(AHA)\n technology that applies brake-based torque vectoring on the inside wheels mid-corner for better turn in \u2013 similar set up found on the \nCivic Type R\n.\nElsewhere the HR-V Sport gains a high-gloss black chrome Honda Solid Wing Face grille, slim front splitters, more aggressive rear bumpers, black finish on the body kit, dual exhaust pipes, 18-inch alloys and sportier seats with red interior trim accents.\nCloser to home, the sportiest HR-V money can buy is the \nHonda HR-V RS\n (RS for Road Sailing) that comes with a Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system, larger alloys and stickier rubbers. Other than that it soldiers on with the same 1.8-litre naturally aspirated SOHC i-VTEC mill and CVT like the rest of the HR-V range.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda HR-V Sport for Europe   Honda HR-V RS Preview in Malaysia"
"When pictures like these start being shared around in Malaysia, you know a launch is coming and in the case of the Land Rover Defender, it\u2019s only a matter of time after these heavily camouflaged pair was seen in Subang Jaya earlier today.\nThe all-new Land Rover Defender gets down and dirty filming the new James Bond movie..check out the video here!\nAccording to information uploaded on \nLand Rover Malaysia\u2019s website\n recently, there will be five different variants \u2013 standard, S, SE, HSE, X \u2013 powered by two different powertrains.\nBoth body styles \u2013 two and four doors \u2013 are available according to the website although the images we\u2019re shown were of 4-door units.\n \nThe\n P300\n models get a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with 300 hp and 400 Nm while the \nP400 MHEV\n gets a more powerful 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine, assisted by a mild hybrid system, to produce a whopping 400 hp and 550 Nm.\nDefender Trophy Edition\nCheck it out here!\nThe range-topping X variants are only available with the P400 MHEV. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive capabilities.\nFind out more about the all-new Land Rover Defender in detail through the official brochure here!"
"SEAT (pronounced \nsay-aat\n) is a brand that us Malaysians hardly ever hear when it comes to cars. But over in continental Europe, it\u2019s a household name to the likes of our local favourite \u2013 the Myvi. The Spanish brand now belongs to the mighty Volkswagen conglomerate of companies.\nOn the occasion of SEAT Technical Centre\u2019s 40th anniversary,\u00a0Executive Committee President, J\u00fcrgen Stackmann announced during the visit to the company\u2019s facility in Martorell that the company will be spending \n3.3 billion euros\n (approximately\u00a0\nRM16.01 billion\n) in the next \nfour years\n in expanding the company.   The whale of a sum is ear marked for\n research and development\n of new\n technology\n into new products, \nequipment\n and \nsite expansion\n. Room to grow, one might say. This \ncash injection\n is the \nbiggest\n in the company\u2019s\u00a0\nhistory\n thus far, which will see \ntwo brand new models\n emerge in the \nnext four years\n. SEAT aims to spend on innovation to ensure\u00a0\ncompetitiveness\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nemployment\n, thus\u00a0securing\u00a0the \nfuture\n of the\n brand\n .\nThe first model of SEAT\u2019s offensive to reach the showrooms during the \nfirst half\n of 2016 will be a \ncompact SUV\n, the brand\u2019s\n first incursion\n into this segment. At this juncture, one would be parsing on the question on why this is such a big deal. Consider this. SEAT is one of the \nmain pillars\n in the Spanish automotive industry. To that note, SEAT contributes \n10 percent\n\u00a0to the country\u2019s \nGDP\n.\nOver the course of these last 40 years, the SEAT Technical Centre has become the main local and national \ndriver\n of industry and serves as a\n catalyst\n of technological development among \nbusinesses\n, \ninstitutions\n,\n universities\n and \nsuppliers\n to the company all over \nSpain\n. Today, it occupies an extension of \n200,000 square metres\n\u00a0and by the end of the year will employ \n1,000 engineers\n, after the addition of \n100 new employees\n who have been recruited recently.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the launch of the e-tron range in Malaysia today, \nPHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM)\n, the official distributor of Audi in Malaysia announced that it has partnered with Moon Power, a European energy solutions provider. The partnership serves to further support charging solutions for e-tron owners in Malaysia, and Moon Power chargers have been installed at Audi centres in Glenmarie, Setia Alam, and Juru.\nTo prepare for the launch, all three Audi Centres in Glenmarie, Setia Alam, and Juru have been fitted with Moon Power EV chargers. All three centres are now equipped with three \n22-kW\n AC chargers and one \n180-kW\n DC charger each. As for accessibility, the EV chargers at these centres are only open to Audi e-tron owners.\nMoon Power is a subsidiary of Porsche Holdings Salzburg and its entry into Malaysia is its first venture outside of Europe. Audi e-tron customers in Malaysia will be given the added option of purchasing Moon Power wallbox chargers beginning September 2023. The Moon Power wallbox chargers are available in 11 kW and 22 kW configurations.\nThe Audi e-tron range in Malaysia currently consists of the \nQ8 e-tron\n \n(SUV and Sportback) and the e-tron GT. While the Q8 e-tron can only charge at a maximum rate of 170 kW with DC charging, the \ne-tron GT\n can actually charge at a whopping rate of 270 kW thanks to its 800V architecture. For the time being, the Moon Power chargers at the Audi centre can only do 180kW charging. A more powerful charger may soon be available at Audi centres to make full use of the e-tron GT\u2019s 800V architecture.\nRELATED: \n2023 Audi Q8 e-tron launched in Malaysia, from RM398k \u2013 up to 487km range, up to 408hp & 664Nm"
"If the \nBMW X3\n doesn\u2019t quite satisfy your taste for a sporty looking SUV and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is a tad too dated for you, enter the all-new \nG02 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport\n and here are things you need to know about it.\n \nLike the G05 BMW X5, the new X4 is also dressed in the full M Sport trim but gets a more modest B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint takes\n 6.3 seconds\n and top speed is registered at \n240 km/h\n. A ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive comes as standard here.\nPriced at RM380,000 (OTR without insurance), the X4 comes with all the bells and whistles inside and out but unfortunately misses out on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems like AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid and the likes. But aside from that, GC Mah\u2019s first impressions of the X4 xDrive30i M Sport of it being a sporty driving SUV should be enough to point buyers to its way.\n \nIMAGE GALLERY\nG02\n \nBMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport Launched in Malaysia"
"The facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 has arrived in Malaysia and now you get the option of changing gears yourself, at no additional cost, although as standard, the 991.2 GT3 will come with a 7-speed double clutch PDK transmission.\nWith the quick-shifting PDK transmission, 0 to 100 km/h will take a brisk\n 3.4 seconds\n, much like the \nRM 1 million Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n launched recently while with the 6-speed manual, still a breeze within \n3.9 seconds\n.   Power comes from the 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six, up from 3.8-litre, taken from the outgoing 911 GT3 RS. Output has increased to 500 hp with 460 Nm of torque and they\u2019re all sent to the rear wheels only. The manual variant\u2019s top speed of \n320 km/h\n pips the PDK\u2019s by just 2 km/h.\nStopping power is provided by 6-pot calipers in the front and a 4-pot pair at the back, clamping on 380mm crossed-drilled rotors. Hiding the brake system are 20-inch rims wrapped in Michellin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.\nThe 991.2 GT3 sits 25mm close to the ground in compared to a standard issue 911 Carrera S and features active rear-axle steering, with an aim to improve the agility of the car. It\u2019s dynamic engine mounts and rear differential lock is another contributing factor to the GT3\u2019s supreme handling.\nIts lightweight front end and front spoiler have been optimised for an even better airflow. Aerodynamic enhancements also extend to the rear with with exhaust air openings and evidently in the rear diffuser.\nInside, the GT sports steering comes from a 918 Spyder in an interior that features Porsche\u2019s Sports Seats Plus with enhanced rib support where its height and backrests are electronically-adjustable.\nAs it is just two-seater by default, the rear seat pans are covered, occupied primarily by the roll-cage which takes centre stage in a driver-focused interior.   On-board features include the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Connect Plus alongside Apple Car Play and a BOSE surround sound system.\nElsewhere, keeping the GT3 planted with optimum traction are Porsche\u2019s Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus).\nRetail price of the new facelifted 911 GT3 begins from \nRM 1.7 million\n excluding insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A week after its mysterious \nteaser\n, NextEV\u2019s electric hypercar has finally been unveiled in London. The car, known as the NIO\u00a0EP9, has already proven its worth in the electric vehicle (EV) genre. It just set a new lap record at the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife in\u00a0in 7 minutes 05.12 seconds, making it the fastest EV on planet earth!\nThe NIO\u00a0EP9 is two-seater hypercar with carbon cockpit and aero-driven chassis.\u00a0It\u2019s equipped with \nfour electric motors\n, each with its own gearbox. This complex setup generates a total output of\u00a01-MegaWatt of power, which translates to a colossal\u00a0\n1,360 hp\n! The EP9 can sprint from nought to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, while 0-200 km/h takes 7.1 seconds. Top speed is clocked at\n 313 km/h\n.   The EP9 claims to utilise an\u00a0\ninterchangeable battery system\n, where a single charge (45 minutes to reach full capacity) enables it to\u00a0travel up to \n427 kilometres\n. EVs are usually penalised by its battery weight and on this example\u00a0it\u2019s no different, it weights\u00a0635 kg. This brings the EP9 to a total weight of\u00a0\n1,735 kg\n, which is 200 kg more a McLaren P1. Still, that didn\u2019t deter the EP9 to clock an amazing lap time at the Ring as seen in the video.\nExclusivity of\u00a0this electric hypercar is ensured, as they will only produce\u00a0\nsix units\n\u00a0of the EP9, and all\u00a0of them are reserved to the six founding investors of the company. No pricing was revealed, but each unit costs approximately $1.2 million to build. NextEV meanwhile will use this car to promote its latest EV sub-brand, \nNIO\n. The NIO\u00a0brand will see its first mass production EV to be ready in its native market in China somewhere in 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia is offering the exclusive first design model of the MINI 5 Door, called the MINI Seven Edition. Created as a tribute to the original Austin Seven introduced in 1959, only 30 examples of the MINI Seven Edition will be made available in Malaysia.\nUnique to the \nMINI Seven Edition\n is the MINI Yours colour \nLapisluxury Blue\n with contrasting roof, mirror caps and bonnet stripes finished in \nMelting Silver\n. On each side there is a\u00a0special \u201cSeven\u201d scuttle, and the Seven Edition rides on \ntwin spoke 17-inch alloys\n\u00a0finished in Spectre Grey.\nMore distinct Seven Edition touches can be found inside, where the front occupants get\u00a0greeted with MINI Seven door sills. The seats are upholstered in \nfabric and leather combination\n with \nDiamond Malt Brown\n pattern, while the steering is wrapped in \u201c\nWalknappa\n\u201d leather with waxed aluminium braided thread stitching. There\u2019s also a small union jack seal on the steering wheel, and a MINI Seven badging on the Centre Instrument Ring.\nStandard equipment on the MINI Seven Edition include\u00a0\nComfort Access\n keyless entry, \n8.8-inch\n high-res Navigation System Professional, MINI Controller with handwriting recognition, \n12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system\n\u00a0and a \nSnap In Adapter\n for mobile phone which also connects to the car\u2019s antenna.\nUnder the bonnet, the \nCooper S\n powertrain is left untouched. It\u2019s a \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n delivering \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque, paired to a \nsix-speed automatic\n. We tested the \n5 Door Cooper S\n awhile back and it was a fun little thing!\nAs mentioned, there\u2019s \nonly 30 units available\n so you better be quick if you\u2019re interested in getting one. The MINI Seven Edition retails at \nRM253,888\n without insurance, and it comes with the \nMINI 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty\n with Free Scheduled Service.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Coming into effect on 1st June 2018, car buyers will be enjoying a tax holiday with substantial savings on car prices and but those opting for a Proton will be given \u201cextra privileges\u201d.\nDespite the 0% GST only due for implementation next month, Proton buyers can enjoy lower post GST pricing with immediate effect. All Proton customers will be offered the choice between an \ninstant cash rebate for cars registered from 16 May to 31 May\n or \nservice vouchers equivalent in value\n between the current and new price of the car, effective June.\n \n \nProton is also making it easier for potential customers to own their cars. The current \nKosong-Kosong promotion\n means buyers of the Proton Iriz (Executive and Premium variant), Proton Ertiga (all variants) and Proton Exora (all variants) who sign up with Hong Leong Bank will receive\n 0% financing for the first year\n.\nCustomers who prefer to buy a Proton Saga or Persona will receive \nfree 3-months\u00a0\ninstallment\n\u00a0if they finance their new car via Proton Commerce.\nProton dealers wowed at a Lynk & Co outlet store\n in China.\nThe 0% GST offer also extends to services at all authorised Proton service centres where a 6% discount (for labour and periodical maintenance parts only) are being offered to all owners who send in their cars for periodical maintenance."
"Two months ago in April, Mitsubishi revealed images of the all-new, fully-electric Airtrek but they didn\u2019t tell much aside from how the front and back looks like.\nThey\u2019ve now given a clearer picture (literally) of how the whole exterior would look like. The images were found on Reddit, in what seems like leaked pictures from a recent Mitsubishi-related conference in China.\nCheck out our comparison video between the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Honda BR-V here!\nThe Mitsubishi\nThe Aion V\nThe Airtrek EV will be \njointly developed with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC)\n in China, under GAC Mitsubishi Motors. The China-only Airtrek EV is said to be \nbased on the Chinese company\u2019s existing EV crossover\n, the Aion V.\n\u201cThe all-new Airtrek is based on the concept of an \u201ce-cruising SUV\u201d founded on three keywords; \u201cElectric, Expanding (expanding life\u2019s pleasures with a car) and Expressive (expressing the uniqueness of Mitsubishi).\u201d\nStarting with the exterior, it\u2019s easy to spot Mitsubishi\u2019s signature design language, with the Dynamic Shield face plastered over the entire front of the Airtrek. The front looks to be mostly covered \u2013 typical of an EV \u2013 for better airflow and aerodynamics.\nThis is the most expensive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ever sold. Read about it here!\nThe Airtrek may be based on GAC\u2019s electric crossover but it\u2019s hard to ignore the influence of the Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance in the exterior design. Look closely and you\u2019d realise how much the headlamps resemble the new Nissan Pathfinder, Rouge and even X-Trail.\nX-Trail\nRouge\nPrevious gen Lexus NX\nThe individual headlamp projectors are also reminiscent of Toyota and Lexus vehicles such as the NX and RX, and the facelift Vios and Yaris. The same can\u2019t be said about the tail lights; Mitsubishi completely went the other way with \u2013 compared to Nissan\u2019s.\nUnlike the first couple of images, we even get to see the interior now.\nThe Mitsubishi Airtrek\nThe GAC Aion V\nA few areas stood out to us including the fully digital instrument cluster, the huge infotainment display (likely 10-inch and above) and the plush seat design. The centre console with a floating effect, and storage below, is a nice touch too!\nVisibility and cabin ambience should be great with quarter panels by the A-pillar to see out of and plenty of natural light from the panoramic roof respectively.\nAs for performance, nothing has been revealed although it shouldn\u2019t be too different from the Aion V. The Aion V is powered by a single electric motor, driving the front wheels with \n184 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n.\nThat\u2019s more power than your standard \nG20 BMW 320i\n. Electric range is rated between 400 km to 600 km depending on the variants.\n\u201cDesigned exclusively for the Chinese market, the all-new AIRTREK will be launched by the end of this year as the fourth model of Mitsubishi\u2019s lineup in China,\u201d Mitsubishi said.\nWatch Mitsubishi\u2019s epic promo video where the Triton makes the Shah Alam stadium its playground!\nSource: \nReddit"
"The Petaling Jaya District Police will be getting assistance from the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) to assist in manning the roadblocks during the MCO, according to a report by \nBernama\n.\nDistrict Police chief ACP Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said today that \n80 FRU officers\n have been deployed at the various roadblocks in the district. This news follows the announcement of \nfive new road blocks in the district\n, which came into effect midnight today.\n\u201cWe have deployed our maximum strength of 930 officers and personnel. With two more roadblocks set up in the district, raising the total number to nine, we need the additional strength in terms of the FRU officers and personnel,\u201d said Nik Ezanee.\nNik Ezanee also revealed that a proposal for mobile posts stationing foot patrols in certain locations is under study.\nIn case you missed it, those caught flouting the Movement Control Order will be slapped with a \nRM1,000 fine\n; offenders will be given two weeks to settle the fines, or face trial in court.\nThe PJ Police chief said that \nnine individuals\n have already been given a RM1,000 fine yesterday alone, for breaching the MCO rules with \npoor excuses\n.\nIf you do have the necessity to head out for daily essentials, remember to bring along \nyour utility bill\n. Also, keep your travels within 10 km from home.\n[Image source: \nPJ District Police\n]"
"Ever since Peter Schreyer took the wheel as chief designer for Hyundai-Kia, the brand has been churning out some stunning, stylish vehicles, the Optima included. Knowing well that in Europe, two-thirds of D-segment sales are of the wagon body, Kia jumped on the bandwagon and introduced the Europe-only Optima Sportswagon.\nAfter revealing pictures of the D-segment wagon early this year\n, the Optima Sportswagon is now officially on sale in the UK.\nOn the outside, the wagon is based on the \nfourth generation Euro-spec Optima sedan\n. Therefore, it shares the same dimensions; 4,855mm in length and 1,860mm in width. However, the Sportswagon is slightly taller than the sedan at 1,470mm (5mm taller) due to the added roof rails. Although with the same length, Kia has managed to expand the rear boot space from 510 litres to 552 litres. With the rear seats folded,\u00a01,686 litres of cargo space becomes available.\nIn the UK, the Sportswagon is offered in three different variants. Namely \nOptima Sportswagon 2\n, \n3\n and \nGT-Line S\n. A hotter \nGT version\n will sit on the top of the line-up when it hits the showroom floors early 2017. A quick glance at the spec sheet, the car comes with ample kit to match even more upmarket car makers.   Even for the base Sportswagon 2, it comes with a seven-inch touch screen satellite navigation infotainment, \nAndroid Auto and Apple CarPlay\n, reverse camera, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, dual zone automatic climate control with ioniser, cruise control, two-way powered seats for the driver, tyre pressure monitoring, and \nelectronic parking brake\n as standard. Standard safety equipment includes ABS, EBD, BA, ESC, VSM, hill-start assist and six airbags. The base trim is distinguished by its 17-inch alloys, body-coloured door handles and wing mirrors as well as projector headlamps with LED DRLs.\nMoving up the range, the Sportswagon 3 trim ups the infotainment screen to eight-inches, adds eight-way powered memory seats with heated functions, premium vision instrument cluster and a \n490-watt eight-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system\n. The mid-spec wagon comes with 18-inch alloys, chrome and body colour door handles, LED front fog lamps and LED rear combination taillights. Additionally, lane keep assist and speed limit warning is thrown in the mix.   Sitting at the top of the range before the GT-version finds its way to the line-up, is the GT-Line S which adds even more premium goodies to the already loaded wagon. Additional creature comforts include a wireless charging tray, ventilated front seats, heated rear outer seats, LED ambient lighting, \n360-degree around view monitor\n, parking assist, blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, \nautonomous braking\n, \npowered boot\n and electronic panoramic sunroof. The GT-Line S can be differentiated with its different 18-inch alloys and LED headlamps and a leather upholstery interior.\nPowering the wagon is a sole 1.7-litre CRDI turbodiesel that produces \n141 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n of torque mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that is standard on the top variant and an option for the mid-spec variant. Opt for the manual and expect to get a return of \n4.4 litres\n per 100km while the slightly thirstier DCT will return \n4.6 litres\n per 100km.\nIn the UK, the Optima Sports wagon retails from \u00a322,295 (approximately RM117k based on today\u2019s exchange rate) all the way up to \u00a330,595 (approximately RM162k) depending on trim levels. Seems that Kia UK adopts a similar pricing strategy as Naza Kia Malaysia by offering a whole lot of kit for not a whole lot of money.\nEstate body styles has received a lukewarm response here in Malaysia where SUVs and crossovers are getting the lion\u2019s share of attention. It will be challenging to sway Malaysian buyers to getting an estate car because, why would you spend more for a \nsedan \nwith extra space when you can get a cheaper SUV with raised ride height and more space? Guess the chances of us catching this stylish wagon on Malaysian soil is close to nil. We\u2019re keeping our fingers crossed, though.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Optima Sportswagon GT Line   Kia Optima Sportswagon CRDi"
"Remember the \nMercedes-AMG GT Concept\n that was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS)? The company has just teased images of the four-door coupe undergoing road tests on the public road ahead of its official world premiere at the upcoming 2018 GIMS.\nThe heavily camouflaged coupe appears to follow much of its design cue from the concept car. Notable cues include the Panamericana grille, slim LED headlamps and door-mounted wing mirrors. Around the back, one can spot slim LED taillamp graphics similar to the AMG GT coupe, adaptive spoiler and quad exhaust outlets.\nAccording to AMG, the grand tourer is said to feature an electrified version of the M178 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that is capable of propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \nunder 3 seconds\n. A new, fully variable \nAMG Performance 4MATIC+\n all-wheel drive system is tasked to keep the car planted to the tarmac.\nThe GT Concept will also be the second AMG model to bear the \u201cEQ Power+\u201d designation, after the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One race car. If a \nstatement by CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, Tobias Moers\n holds true, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, in its final development stages is capable of generating up to 600 kW which roughly translates to \n805 hp\n.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT Concept will be presented in full come March at the 2018 GIMS and will spearhead AMG\u2019s future goals \u2013 to produce more high-performance hybrid drive systems.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GT Concept Teased   Mercedes-AMG GT Concept Car"
"Alongside the \nupdated Innova\n, UMW Toyota has now also begun taking orders for the new 2021 Toyota Fortuner here in Malaysia. The 2021 facelift model will be offered in three variants \u2013 a 2.7 SRZ AT 4X4 priced at \nRM172,244\n, a 2.8 VRZ AT 4X4 priced at \nRM203,183\n, and a 2.4 AT 4\u00d74 that will be only be made available in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.\nThese prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions, which has been \nextended until the 31st of June 2021\n.\nAs the name suggests, the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ variant will feature the new 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder mill featured in the new \nToyota Hilux\n range. As such, the power output figure is identical to the pick-up truck at \n204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, while all the new technical revisions including the increased fuel pressure and improved pre-EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooling system has also been brought over onto the Fortuner.\nThe 2.8 VRZ variant also comes with the \nVariable Flow Control (VFC) power steering system\n that was first introduced in the updated Toyota Hilux. The VFC system adjusts the torque usage of the power steering pump according to the speed of the vehicle, thus changing the steering assistance. The 2021 Fortuner also gains a new Sport mode which enhances the responsiveness of the steering.\nMeanwhile, the 2.7 SRZ variant continues to be powered by the same 2.7 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol mill as the outgoing model, which makes \n166 hp\n and \n245 Nm\n. The 2.4 AT 4X4 variant also continues to be powered by the same 2.4-litre turbodiesel unit from the outgoing model line-up, which makes \n148 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque.\nAll variants are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission mated to a part-time 4X4 system, though the 2.7 SRZ and 2.8 VRZ gains an additional \nautomatic limited slip differential (LSD)\n, which uses the brakes to stop any one of the rear wheels from spinning, increasing traction in the most difficult terrains.\nAside from the new powertrain, the other big-ticket item on the 2021 Toyota Fortuner update is the addition of the \nToyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite\n of advanced driver assistance systems. Exclusive to the 2.8 VRZ variant, the TSS include Pre collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Yaw Assist Function.\nThese systems are identical to that found on the new Toyota Hilux Rogue; the PCS works from speeds of 10 km/h up to 180 km/h, while the DRCC is available from 30 km/h and above. The Yaw Assist Function works as a lane departure prevention system, using the brakes on the inner wheels to steer the vehicle back to the lane.\nStyling changes on the 2.7 SRZ variants are identical to those seen on the \nThai-specification Toyota Fortuner\n. These include a new grille design flanked by redesigned bi-beam LED headlights with matching daytime-running lights, new bumpers, and a redesigned tail lamp cluster with a new light signature.\nThe 2.8 VRZ (pictured here) meanwhile, gains a completely new front fascia, as per the \u2018Legender\u2019 variant over at the land of smiles. Variant-exclusive touches for the range-topping 2021 Toyota Fortuner include a split grille design with a large gaping lower intake, sharper fog lamp housings, sharper headlights with a segmented daytime-running light signature, aerodynamic side mouldings, and a new rear bumper.\nFor further distinction, the roof, A-pillars, wing mirrors, and roof-mounted rear spoiler are finished in black on the 2.8 VRZ, though both the 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ will ride on newly-designed 18-inch wheels.\nAs for the interior, the dashboard design is pretty much entirely carried over from the outgoing Toyota Fortuner \u2013 the only obvious change inside is the new colours and designs for the seat upholstery and trimmings. On the 2.7 SRZ variant, the instrument cluster has been mildly redesigned, while the multi-info display has also been updated to provide more useful information to the driver.\nStandard interior equipment across the range include automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, LED interior lamps, ambient lighting system, electrochromic rear-view mirror, and UMW Toyota\u2019s Vehicle Telematics System (VTS).\nThe 2021 Toyota Fortuner is available in six exterior colours: Bronze Mica Metallic, Super White II, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Phantom Brown Metallic. On the 2.8 VRZ variant, the first two on the list are exclusively available with a black roof, which costs an additional RM1,500.\nEach purchase of the new Toyota Fortuner will include a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. The 2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift is now available for booking at all authorised UMW Toyota Motor dealerships across Malaysia, and will be available in \u201cearly 2021\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"The Omada 5, the first model sold under Chery\u2019s new Omoda product series has officially gone on sale in China. So far, the internal combustion version of the Omoda 5 has been confirmed for Malaysia and will rival the likes of the Proton X50, Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. Malaysia is set to become the first country outside of China to welcome the crossover.\nChery Automobile Co. Ltd., Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Marketing, Jia Yaquan highlighted that the Omoda 5 has been designed with the youth in mind, and through its technology-rich features, aims to project a new, more vibrant Chery product to global consumers.\nThe Omoda 5 is fitted with a 1.6 TGDI engine paired to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, delivering 197 hp and 290 Nm to drive the front wheels. 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds but that\u2019s not all, as it comes with four different driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport and Super Sport. Interestingly, in Super Sport mode, both driver and occupants would be treated to a \u201cprofessionally-tuned simulated soundtrack\u201d, complemented with the ambient lighting turning yellow.\nInside, the Omoda 5 is fitted with dual 12.3-inch displays that incorporate the instrument cluster and infotainment system, much like the current batch of Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles. Audio entertainment is provided by a Sony sound system and together with a 64-colour \u2018rhythmic\u2019 ambient lighting system, offers an immersive audio-visual entertainment.\nRecently, Chery Malaysia had also taken to Facebook to gauge the public\u2019s interest in the Omoda 5 EV, with questions on what the public thinks about the SUV\u2019s interior and exterior. Let them know what you think \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have become all the craze these days, fuelled further by the holy trinity of hypercars. There is nothing to hate really; lower emissions, better performance and in Malaysia, usually attractive pricing.\nThere is no better time for BMW Malaysia to introduce their latest locally assembled 3 Series variant, the highly anticipated 330e plug-in hybrid. Priced at\n RM249k\n, this EEV from BMW iPerformance is not to be overlooked.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 330e iPerformance\nEngine\n1,998cc; twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic with Steptronic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n290 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,250 rpm\nHybrid Motor Output\n88 hp & 250 Nm\nCombined Max Power / Torque\n252 hp / 420 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.1 seconds; 225 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n2.1 litres per 100km\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM248,800\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, the 330e is identical to the regular \nF30 3-series LCI\n. This means the 330e wears a sport-line trim. With the LCI, you get the ever so slightly reshaped \nCorona Ring DRLs\n with \nLED headlights\n and redesigned\n full-LED tail lamps\n. Fog lamps are of LED combination as well. Overall the 330e is unmistakably BMW\u2019s sporty 3-series.\nThe only tell-tale signs are the charging inlet on the front left wheel arches and the \u201ce\u201d badge at the rear. Otherwise the 330e is identical to the 330i it replaces. The 330e rides on larger \n18-inch\n alloys wrapped in 225/45 section rubbers at front and 255/40 section at the rear.   INTERIOR\nInside is a familiar BMW cockpit. Some may find the interior bland and unimaginative, but others would appreciate the familiarity and ease of use. Thanks to the EEV incentive by the government, BMW Malaysia were able to introduce an array of equipment while keeping the price attractive.\nWith the 330e, you get a M sport leather wrapped steering wheel with \npaddle shifters\n, \nBMW ConnectedDrive\n infotainment system and \nfull-coloured heads up display\n as per the LCI 3-series. On top of that, BMW has thrown in \nreverse camera\n, \nelectric panoramic roof\n and \nPark Assistant\n.   The ConnectedDrive system comes with BMW Online Office for the workaholics. This service allows the occupants to read, write and send emails from within the car. Besides that, you will also services such as \nIntelligent Emergency Call\n, \nConcierge Services\n and \nBMW Teleservies\n.\nOn top of that, you get a\n MyBMW Remote App\n to control your 330e\u2019s climate control as well as data on the current charging status of the battery. A \nbuilt-in SIM\n card ensures that you are always connected to the net without the need of an external hotspot.Other than that, you get a series of \u2018eDrive\u2019 badges around the cockpit to remind you that you are in a special Bimmer.\nPERFORMANCE\nDon\u2019t be fooled by the \u2018hybrid\u2019 because this 330e has every bit of Sheer Driving Pleasure DNA etched in it. Powered by the same 320i\u2019s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the combustion engine manages \n184 hp\n and \n290\n\u00a0\nNm\n of torque. Meanwhile, the electric motor supplements the combustion engine with \n88 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of twist from 0 to 2,500 rpm. These add up to a combined output of \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque.\nThe 330e gets to 100km/h in just \n6.1 seconds\n with a top speed of \n225km/h\n. Thanks to its electric motor, fuel consumption is rated at \n2.1 litres\n per 100km. With those fuel savings, losing out on the 330i\u2019s century sprint by just a fraction of a second (0.3 seconds to be exact) is a compromise most of us are able to deal with.   The eDrive button allows the driver to switch between three driving modes: \nAUTO eDRIVE\n, \nMAX eDRIVE\n and \nSAVE BATTERY\n. Auto allows the car to decide the best settings for the combustion engine and electric motor to give you the most pleasurable drive. MAX eDRIVE allows for pure electric drive when the battery has sufficient charge. In pure electric mode, the 330e has a theoretical range of \n37km\n with a top speed of \n120 km/h\n. In SAVE BATTERY, the car is powered solely by the combustion engine to conserve and charge the battery.\nBesides that, the Driving Experience Control operated by a switch next to the gear leaver allows the driver to put the steering and chassis dynamics into either \nComfort\n, \nSport\n or \nEco Pro\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe 7.6 kWh battery pack takes about five hours to get it to full charge on regular power sockets. With the optional RM6,000 BMW Wallbox Pro, the time is cut to 3.5 hours. In addition to that, buyers would be glad to know that the charging inlet is compatible with the ChargEV public charging stations in 19 different locations throughout the peninsular.\nThe 330e is available in four exterior shades: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mediterranean Blue and Mineral Grey. Only one interior theme is available which is Black Dakota leather. The iPerformance vehicle comes with BMW\u2019s \n5-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n with free scheduled service and 24-month BMW tyre warranty programme.\nINITIAL IMPRESSIONS\nBMW has kindly offered the media a short spin with the 330e around Sri Damansara. The drive was short and bogged down by heavy traffic, however it is sufficient for us to have a \nlittle\n \ntaste of the car\u2019s capabilities. My first impressions to the car is extremely positive. The battery motor and combustion engine work together harmoniously. The transitions between the two power sources were buttery smooth. \nDriving dynamics wise, I am happy to report that despite being a PHEV, the 330e drives just like you\u2019d expect of a Bimmer. Power delivery was strong and the eight-speed autobox provided seamless shifts. Even with the extra battery motor, BMW has managed to set up the car with an impressive\u00a0\n50:50\n front to rear weight distribution, suggesting that it would be a joy around bends. The short drive did not permit pushing the car\u2019s boundaries, but the 330e sure feels capable.\nGetting into the car was a horrible mistake for me. The short 15-minute stint has got me hooked and it only made me crave for more. With a price that undercuts its 330i sibling, sparing fuel consumption and sheer driving pleasure, I simply cannot imagine a bigger value for your buck. Now, what\u00a0about the \nC 350e\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After an \nextensive teaser\n, Kia Motors has pulled off the covers of its Kia ProCeed at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The all-new shooting brake design combines the athleticism of the second-generation pro_cee\u2019d hatchback with the versatility of a five-door shooting brake.\nAlthough Kia already has the Ceed Sportswagon in their line up, the ProCeed is positioned as a sporty alternative for young families. The ProCeed is noticeably lower and longer than even the Ceed Sportswagon measuring at 4,605 mm long (+5 mm), 1,422 mm in height (-43 mm) and 1,800 in width with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm.   The design brief to Kia\u2019s European design teams was to create a sporty design for the top of the range Ceed family with lean proportions. Upfront, the ProCeed wears the familiar family face, iconic \u201ctiger nose\u201d grille, wide lower air intake and ice cube LED daytime running lights as standard. Wheel options for the ProCeed range from 17 to 18-inch while the exterior colour palette span 10 choices.\nInside, the ProCeed spots the same ergonomic cabin as its Ceed brothers, 7.0-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, flat-bottomed multifunctional steering wheel, grey roof liner, dual-tone leather upholstery and more. The lower roofline and raked tailgate mean the ProCeed can \nonly\n carry 594 litres of luggage space, 31 litres shy of the Ceed Sportswagon.\nThere are two variants of the ProCeed available \u2013 GT Line and GT, the latter sporting a more powerful 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine with 204 hp and 265 Nm, seven-speed DCT and sharper handling. The GT Line, on the other hand, is available with a 1.0-litre T-GDI, 1.4-litre T-GDI and a 1.6-litre CRDi.\nSafety kit available on the ProCeed include six airbag, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Smart Parking Assist, and pedestrian recognition for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system. Kia has also thrown in the Lane Following Assist function that allows the ProCeed to operate semi-autonomously from 0 to 180 km/h.\nAs good looking and desirable the Kia ProCeed is, Kia Motors will only be selling the shooting brake in Europe. Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, Emilio Herrera comments: \u201cEngineered on European roads, for European drivers, the ProCeed will be engaging to drive. Built in Europe, to the highest standards of production, it also offers owners the reassurance of Kia\u2019s unique 7-Year, 150,000-kilometre warranty.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While the\n MINI Cooper\n is already a competent little number and the Cooper S was seen \nterrorizing Putrajaya\n, the \nF56 MINI\n gets sportier with the announcement of the \nJohn Cooper Works\n variant. Not that the Cooper S is under-powered, but who\u2019s complaining?\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI John Cooper Works\nEngine\n1,998 cc 4-cylinder petrol with MINI TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n231 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n\u00a0\nThe MINI John Cooper Works offers more power than the Cooper S, and looks the part with the extra all-round styling addenda. The turbocharged four-cylinder in the MINI John Cooper Works produces 40 hp more power and 40 Nm more torque than the Cooper S. Available in the three-door bodystyle, the five-door version should follow at a later date.\nEXTERIOR\nMINI John Cooper Works sets itself apart with its unique styling kit. The single bar in the grille is finished in red as opposed to the chrome bar on the Cooper S, and the front bumper now sports a more agressive lower and side air intakes.\nThe kit continues with a new pair of side skirts, restyled rear bumper with center-exit twin tailpipes, and a set of 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels.   INTERIOR\nSpecial John Cooper Works door sills greet the occupants into the sporty interior with anthracite roof liner, exclusive John Cooper Works sports seats, multifunction steering wheel, gear lever, and stainless steel pedals.\nThe rev-counter and speedometer behind the steering wheel get new background graphics, and there\u2019s also the Driving Excitement package is fitted as standard.   PERFORMANCE\nUnder the bonnet of the MINI John Cooper Works is the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted in a serial production MINI to date. The two-litre four-cylinder petrol with \nMINI TwinPower Turbo Technology\n now produces \n231 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque, and all the power is sent to the front wheels via either a \nsix-speed manual\n or a \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission.\nAcceleration from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is\n 6.3 seconds\n for the manual and the auto is quicker by 0.2 seconds, but both have the same \ntop speed\n of\n 246 km/h\n. Average\n fuel consumption\n is rated from\n 5.7 to 6.7 l/100 km\n.\nDynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and Performance Control, and Dynamic Damper Control ensures the MINI John Cooper Works handles well to match the extra performance increase, while the brakes have also been updated accordingly with the newly developed Brembo sports brake system.\nWHAT ELSE?\nBeing a MINI, the MINI John Cooper Works can be further customised with a huge array of optional accessories, ranging from exterior roof and mirror graphics, bigger 18-inch alloys, camera-based active cruise control, Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, and all the way to the lighting package with LED interior ambient lighting with continuously variable colour adjustment.\nCurrently the F56 MINI range in Malaysia consists of the three-cylinder Cooper and the four-cylinder Cooper S, but only the Cooper S is available in both three and five door bodystyles.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the year draws to an end, let us take a look back down memory lane on the cars that made an impact on our lives. Here, we pay tribute to several\u00a0four-wheeled cars that stood out, and also ghastly cars that nobody remembers. This time, we take a look at a very \u201cleft winged\u201d car from Ingolstadt, Germany.\nIt\u2019s no secret that Audi takes their motto\u00a0\u2013 \nVorsprung durch\u00a0\nTechnic\n\u00a0(loosely translated in English as the art of progress) \u2013 very seriously. The Four Rings\u2019 engineering expertise remains unquestioned, from pioneering crucial all-wheel drive technology to the vast array of electronics and technology built into every Audi car. However, not many knew that Audi also toyed with a drive technology that was quickly mastered by Toyota. That\u2019s right, it\u2019s the\u00a0\nhybrid\n\u00a0\ntechnology\n we\u2019re referring to.\nThe Audi A6 Hybrid on the left, the facelifted A6 1.8 TFSI on the right\nAudi\u2019s first foray into hybrid powertrain began in 1989 in the guise of an Audi Duo.\u00a0Eight years later, they conceived the A4 Avant-based Audi Duo Mk3 and became the first European manufacturer to mass-produce a hybrid vehicle. Subsequently, the hybrid powertrain was offered to the\n\u00a0fourth generation Audi A6\n\u00a0(C7 model). Initially, the plan was to offer the A6 Hybrid for the North American market, because you know, driving a hybrid like the Toyota Prius is cool and sexy \u2013 that\u2019s if you\u2019re Cameron Diaz. True story, though.\nBack in 2013, the sales of hybrid vehicles skyrocketed thanks to the extension of hybrid vehicles incentives from Budget 2012. As the Toyota Prius, Lexus CT200H and Honda Insight became common purchases during that period, it didn\u2019t take long for Euromobil (Audi\u2019s franchise holder and sole distributor in Malaysia back then) to jump at the opportunity to introduce a premium hybrid saloon. In January 2013, the Audi A6 Hybrid arrived, fully decked out at a price nobody could resist.\nThe A6 Hybrid is powered by a\n\u00a02.0-litre TFSI \nfour-cylinder engine that\u2019s paired to an electric motor, and together they produce\u00a0\n245 hp\n and\n 480 Nm\n of torque. The car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 7.5 seconds\n\u00a0before it maxes out at\u00a0\n240 km/h\n. Fuel consumption however, is conservatively rated at\u00a0\n6.2 litres per 100km.\u00a0\nWhile hitting 3km (in full EV mode) via its \n1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery\n isn\u2019t impressive compared to other modern hybrids, having to fork out just over\u00a0\nRM280,000\n for a fully-imported premium German saloon is a bargain no one could afford to miss.\nHow much will it cost without the incentive, then? \nRM450,000\n.\u00a0If you walked into a showroom and a salesperson told you that, what would you do? Naturally, it didn\u2019t take long for the A6 Hybrid to find new homes in affluent neighbourhoods across Malaysia.\nHowever, in late 2014, the executives in Ingolstadt\u00a0realised that only \n4,000\n units of the A6 Hybrid were sold and \n80 percent\n of them landed in Asia, with Malaysia being the highest recipient of the model. Such disappointing figures had prompted Audi to axe the A6 Hybrid, cutting short its lifespan down to three years. Not making the car available for voluminous market like the US is one reason why the A6 Hybrid didn\u2019t to so well sales wise, but the key reason for its short lifespan is the Malaysian government\u2019s decision to \u2018revise\u2019 the National Automotive Policy. That was the final nail to the coffin. Subsequently, prices for the Toyota Prius, Prius C and Nissan Leaf flew sky high (up to 50 percent), which made no sense for Euromobil to continue selling it.\nAt the used car market today, some units of the A6 Hybrid can be found going for about RM180k to RM200k \u2013 close to \n45 percent depreciation\n after two years. Nevertheless, Audi\u2019s venture into alternative powertrains continues, as proven by the Q5 and A8 Hybrid\u2019s existence. They are also working on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with the \nQ6 h-tron concept\n, whereas their electrification technology is put to good use at the\u00a0all-electric racing series, \nFormula E\n.\u00a0At least for now,\u00a0the future for Ingolstadt certainly seems\u00a0\nelectrifying\n.\nSo, how should the A6 Hybrid be remembered? Despite its short-lived success, Malaysia became the country with the highest number of A6 Hybrids sold, even more than its country of origin! It\u2019s probably safe to say that the A6 Hybrid Owners\u2019 Club in Malaysia is perhaps the most active A6 Hybrid clubs in the world, if only such a club existed. Does it?\nNext time, we\u2019ll look into a car that was formally launched by its principal in \nonly TWO countries\n, one of which is Malaysia. Can you guess the car?"
"Once Malaysia attains the \u201cfirst world nation\u201d status it\u2019s been aiming to achieve since 1991 \u2013 although it\u2019s still uncertain how \u2013 the Formula One powerhouse of the old world may be no more.\nAs eye-widening as it sounds, it looks likely to be a case of leaving the Lego build just because the bricks don\u2019t fit. This follows after Liberty Media\u2019s recent announcement where they have expressed intentions to level the playing field and balance revenue streams once the current agreement with Formula One teams run out by 2020.\nThe newly unveiled \nFerrari FXX-K EVO\n, a 1035 hp Formula One-derived track weapon you can\u2019t keep at your own home.\nLiberty Media, an American mass media company, who assumed 100% ownership of Formula One\u2019s commercial rights after ousting long-time boss Bernie Ecclestone, had also dished out plans for cheaper and simpler engines. Talks could also be in place for the engines to be higher-revving, so as to bring back the theatrical drama of the sport.\nFerrari president, Sergio Marchionne has expressed concerns that not only could it change the playing field but may affect the essence of the sport; one that the longest participating carmaker in Formula One may not be willing to accept and as such, triggers the possibility that could see Ferrari \u201cbuild their own playground\u201d if we have read the lines in between correctly. This is exciting stuff!"
"This is the absolute first time we are covering the famous ZeroToHundred (ZTH) TimeToAttack 2014. This is the first round for 2014, and was indeed an eye opener for me. Stepping into the carpark, I was greeted by a sea of GT-R R35s. What a great start for TTA 2014.\nUpon reaching the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), I hit the first snag. I had no idea where the registration booth was, until I asked around and was pointed to the far end of the parking lot. Great. Luckily collecting the pass was an easy affair, but I do hope that the organizers would put the future registration counter somewhere a bit more visible.\nUpon walking to the pits, I was greeted by a very spectacular gathering of JDMs and European cars. The Nissan GT-R (R35), \u00a0Civic Type-R (FD2R), Lancer Evolution (I saw a 3, 6 and a few 10s), Impreza WRX STI, Toyota 86, Altezza were present.\nThen on the European side, I spotted a E46 M3, several Golf GTIs, a couple McLaren MP4-12Cs, a very awesome looking Caterham Seven and surprisingly, a E90 320D.\nThe race started with minimal glitch, although there were some accidents, both serious and minor. The complete laptimes for all the participants can be found \nhere\n. Other than the time attack, there was also a car gathering. I wouldn\u2019t call it a classic car gathering per se, as there was some modern JDM cars as well. I spotted a whole row of nicely modded Volvos, some timeless old Japanese cars as well as slightly more modern Japanese cars (Think 90\u2019s).\nOne of the more unique cars at the gathering was an old 1960s Honda S600. On the outside, it looks like a rust box, but mechanically wise, it works fine. The owner is a friendly chap who also brought his car to Retro Havoc last month. Exposing the car\u2019s bare metal to the elements may seem like a crazy idea, but it seems like the owner knows what he\u2019s doing. So hats off for having a truly unique looking oldie.\nEnough of me talking and enjoy the pictures. I do look forward to the next ZTH TTA as it was really one of the biggest local car races around and it should not be missed by any car enthusiasts.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Gordon Murray, the famed automotive designer, has finally unveiled the Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) T.50 \u2013 named to epitomise the culmination of his illustrious 50-year career, and also the 50th distinct car penned by Murray.\nEngineered to be the \u201cpurest, lightest, and most driver-centric supercar ever\u201d, GMA says that the T.50 improves on the \nMcLaren F1\n \u2013 which he also designed \u2013 in \u201cevery conceivable way\u201d.\nTo realise the claim, the T.50 is powered by a \n\u201c100% bespoke\u201d 3.9-litre Cosworth V12 engine\n that revs up to a mind-numbing \n12,100 RPM\n. Peak power stands at \n663 hp\n and \n467 Nm\n of torque, with 71% of the max torque available from 2,500 RPM. What\u2019s more impressive is that the whole V12 engine \nweighs just 178 kg\n \u2013 GMA claims that it is the lightest road-going V12, ever.\nThe engine is just one example of GMA\u2019s \u201cunflinching dedication to lightweighting\u201d. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed Haldex manual transmission (yes, you read that right) that weighs just 80.5 kg.\nPair that to a carbon-fibre monocoque and body that weighs less than 150 kg total, along with many more weight-loss tactics, the GMA T.50 weighs\n just 958 kg\n, resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of just \n150.77 kg/100hp\n. GMA says that a typical supercar weighs about 1.4 tonnes, and has a weight-to-power ratio of 210 kg/100hp.\nJust like the McLaren F1, Gordon Murray\u2019s T.50 is not designed to chase power outputs or top speed, so there are no zero-to-hundred or MaxV figures provided in the press release. But with a 633 hp V12 engine fitted to a car that weighs less than one tonne, it\u2019s not hard to imagine how quick this thing can go.\nThe company also claims that the T.50 features one of the most advanced aerodynamics ever seen on a road car, too, specifically its 400 mm rear-mounted ground effect fan inspired by the Brabham BT46B Formula 1 car \u2013 which Murray also designed.\nBut unlike the F1 car which Murray likens it to a vacuum cleaner, the fan on the T.50 works more as a \u201cboundary layer control\u201d system for both underbody and overbody air flow, cleaning up the air around the diffusers and rear spoilers to help increase downforce by up to 50%, all while reducing drag by 12.5%.\nThe fan also adds around 50 hp to the car\u2019s output, thanks to the ram-air induction, and can also cut braking distance by up to 10 metres when stopping from 241 km/h (150 mph).\nJust like the McLaren F1, the new GMA T.50 also has a \u201cjet-fighter style\u201d central driving position. Every aspect of the interior is designed to be as driver-focused as possible, with all primary and ancillary controls laid out neatly in an \u201cergonomic bubble\u201d around the driver.\nTo deliver the ultimate pure driving experience, even the manual transmission\u2019s gearchange motion and weighting was meticulously honed, resulting in a \u201csmooth, crisp, satisfying gearchange\u201d that is signed-off personally by Murray himself.\nOn the topic of purity, distractions in the cabin are kept to a minimum to not take attention away from the driving. There are no pesky touchscreens, nor even protruding control stalks \u2013 even the indicators are operated via thumb buttons on the steering wheel spokes.\nThe rev counter is delightfully analogue with the needle carefully milled from aluminium, which means there are no flashy digital graphics that can detract driver\u2019s attention. And when digital displays are used, of which there are three, GMA made sure that graphics are kept simple \u2013 white graphics on a plain black background \u2013 to ensure ease of use and minimal distractions.\nWhile it may seem like everything is pared-down in the name of lightness and purity, the T.50 does still look like a pretty decent everyday-car. It\u2019s equipped with a 700W 10-speaker premium audio sound system from Arcam (specially designed to be ultra-lightweight, of course), and the infotainment system even supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nGMA claims that the T.50 can comfortably seat three adults with easy ingress and egress, along with a usable luggage space of up to 288 litres. There will also be a reverse camera on the final production model to aid in parking the supercar \u2013 not that it should be too difficult, seeing as the car is just about the size of a Porsche Cayman.\nThe concept of \u201cpurity\u201d also extends to the exterior design of Gordon Murray\u2019s T.50, utilising simple lines and clean surfaces to give it a timeless look \u2013 you don\u2019t need vents, ducts or big wings to go fast.\nIt\u2019s not hard to see the resemblance to the McLaren F1, too. Both cars feature a low-slung nose and a short stout rear end with minimal overhang, along with a curved windscreen and large windows to create an airy passenger glasshouse. The GMA T.50 even retains the split side windows from the F1.\nOnly \n100 examples\n of the GMA T.50 will ever be built, and every customer will have the opportunity to meet Gordon Murray himself to discuss and personalise their car. This process will include a seat, steering wheel, and pedals \u201cfitting\u201d session to ensure that the car is ergonomically perfect for the driver.\nHow much for all that you ask? Just a cool 2.36 million Great British Pounds (MYR13 million) before taxes \u2013 which, to be honest, doesn\u2019t sound all too bad considering how much the McLaren F1s are going for these days.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Land Rover recently pitted their \nDiscovery Sport SUV\n against a team of six sled dogs led by Laura\u00a0K\u00e4\u00e4ri\u00e4inen in an underground snow tunnel in Finland for a unique training challenge.\nThe \u201crace\u201d was organised at the\u00a0Vesileppis Ski Tunnel in Finlandfor a much-needed sprint around the track in anticipation of winter championships.\nLaura K\u00e4\u00e4ri\u00e4inen and her Finnish middle distance championship-winnning team of sled dogs went head to head in a unique one km sprint around a tunnel that\u2019s been carved out\n 35 metres\n below ground level and kept at a constant\u00a0\n -2\u00b0C\n to maintain a blanket of snow that\u2019s \n20mm deep\n throughout the summer. This makes for a perfect place to put the Discovery Sport\u2019s all-terrain capability to the test.\nDriver Karl Richards, Lead Engineer for Stability Control Systems at Jaguar Land Rover, said: \u201cSnow is one of the most demanding surfaces drivers will encounter during winter around the world and Discovery Sport proved to be as comfortable in these conditions as the dogs. Land Rover\u2019s advanced Terrain Response technology and intelligent four-wheel drive system ensure our premium compact SUV is in a class of its own when it comes to off-road driving \u2013 whether you\u2019ve got two legs or four.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY   Land Rover Discovery Sport"
"It won\u2019t be long before the all-new G20 BMW 3-series is introduced to the Malaysian market and this video is a timely reminder of why we love, not just the 3-series but BMWs in general.\nThe video features six generations of 3-series\u2019 spanning 40 years \u2013 from the E21 to the current F30 \u2013 and the heart-warming stories its owners had to share throughout their ownership.\n \nFrom an elderly man in Spain who refuses to let go of his E21 3-series, a German family of various 3-series owners, to a race-built E30 in Indonesia, the adoration for the 3-series on a global scale is a testament to what the car was engineered for \u2013 satisfying our love for driving."
"Sime Darby Auto Performance, the sole distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, surprised us with an early Christmas treat: laps around the Sepang International Circuit with their latest track day-oriented \n718 Cayman GT4\n.\nThe heart of the GT4 is the powertrain. Bolted behind the driver is four litres of naturally-aspirated goodness in the hallmark flat-six configuration, derived from the \n992-generation 911 Carrera\n family, paired to a six-speed manual transmission to preserve the pure driving experience.\n \nUninterrupted by the plumbing of exhaust turbochargers, the \n420 hp\n 4.0-litre flat-six sings to \n8,000 rpm\n, and flicking the crisp shift lever that precisely slots into each gear is literally \u2018the stuff legends are made of\u2019.\nThe GT4 is equipped with the \nhigh-performance GT chassis\n, consisting of lightweight spring-strut front and rear axles \u2013 a technology inherited from motorsports, as well as adjustable ride height, camber, toe angle, and anti-roll bars.\nThe Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is also standard here with the sports setup and suspensions, bringing the centre of gravity of the 718 Cayman GT4 30mm closer to the ground.\nAt the Sepang circuit, the GT4 feels taut, tightly strung, with the steering wheel commanding all your attention thanks to its sheer accuracy.\nThe racier looking bumpers at both ends of the GT4 feature significantly enhanced aerodynamic devices such as the more efficient \nrear wing and a more elaborate diffuser\n \u2013 the latter responsible for up to 30% of the downforce at the rear axle. We confidently carried more speed into the corners too.\nThe GT4 models we sampled ticked all the important boxes on the options list, thus stopping power is taken care by the \nPorsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB)\n. They took the abuse like a champ; no signs of fade nor loss of feel, lap after lap.\nIn summary, the GT4 delivers raw automotive performance, close to the perfection of steering, accelerating, braking, and gear shifting.\nThe Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 starts at RM999,000.00 a pop, but to fully enjoy the vehicle at its natural habitat, get the Clubsport package.\nGALLERY"
"There are pick-up trucks, and then there\u2019s the Ford Ranger \u2013 the pick-up that constantly redefines what trucks are capable of, both in the wild and within the confines of the urban jungle.\nIn the new and updated Ranger XLT Plus, Ford is once again leading from the front with class-leading features that no other pick-ups can lay claim to.\n2.0-litre EcoBlue\nSi-Turbo diesel engine\nWith an exceptional output of \n180 hp and 420 Nm\n from just\n \na\n 2.0-litre\u00a0engine\n, the all-new single-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel unit in the Ford Ranger XLT Plus not only trumps other 2.5-litre diesel engines in performance, fuel efficiency, emissions and refinement, but its lower cubic capacity means significant savings on annual road tax.\n10-speed automatic transmission\nThe all-important supporting act of the all-new powertrain of Ford Ranger XLT Plus is its \n10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift\n \u2013 a first for pick-ups in this segment. Due to its 10-speed configuration, this newly-developed gearbox has a suitable gear for every occasion, whether it\u2019s crawling on a river bed or cruising on the highway, in 4WD or 2WD mode.\nThe wider spread of gear ratios also brings about greater fuel efficiency through reduce engine revs at higher speeds, not to mention drivetrain refinement as well.\n8-inch display with\nSYNC3 infotainment system\nIn-car connectivity matters in the digital age, and it is no different for pick-up owners. The Ranger XLT Plus is equipped with \nFord\u2019s cutting-edge SYNC 3 infotainment system\n.\nApart from functions such as voice command, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, the\n 8-inch touchscreen\n also shows the reverse camera and status of the dual-zone climate control. If that\u2019s not enough, \nApple CarPlay\n and \nAndroid Auto\n are standard.\nFirst-in-class Easy Lift\nTailgate\nEven though the Ranger is built Ford tough to take on the most challenging terrains, Ford prefers to do the heavy lifting for its owners. Take for example the ingenious \nEasy Lift Tailgate\n which requires only the strength of a finger to operate what used to be a task that required both arms.\nBy incorporating a torsion rod to support the weight of the tailgate, Ford has managed to make pick-up trucks that much easier to live with.\nBest-in-class water\nwading and payload\nWhile the new Ford Ranger XLT Plus comes loaded with functionalities that can only be found on premium vehicles, owning a Ranger is also knowing that you have a pick-up truck with proven 4\u00d74 off-road performance, built on a robust chassis with \nbest-in-class water wading capability\n as well as a \ncargo payload\n that shades other trucks.\nIt is all about winning\nWhether you appreciate the Ranger XLT Plus for its luxurious leather seating or admire its ability to go-anywhere while looking smart and stylish, it is undoubtedly the most complete and best value-for-money pick-up that stands out in a crowded segment.\nIn short, winning doesn\u2019t come any easier with the Ford Ranger XLT Plus."
"After a four-year hiatus, the second edition of the Toyota OutRun event successfully took place last Sunday, 15 January 2023 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. The event drew a total of over 4,300 participants.\nThe Toyota OutRun 2023 was a much larger event compared to the\n inaugural edition back in 2019\n. Aside from the 5 km and 10 km races themselves, this year\u2019s event was also filled with fun activities including race village, as well as concrete and plant workshops. Participants were also entertained with performances from local Malaysian artistes such as De Fam and Toyota Yaris ambassador Janna Nick.\nToyota OutRun was an event that kicked off as part of \nUMW Toyota Motor\n\u2018s Start Your Impossible campaign, in conjunction with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic. The campaign encourages everyone to challenge their own impossible and empower movement among all communities, with the proceeds from the inaugural event going to the Paralympic Council of Malaysia.\nThis year\u2019s Toyota OutRun meanwhile is based around the \u201cAll for One, Run fo All\u201d theme, in line with the company\u2019s new vision of Move Your World. According to the press release, the theme \u201cstems from the idea of making running, which is seen as a rather individualistic sport, as something more collective\u201d.\nCommenting on the success of the event, UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cWe are delighted to see the overwhelming response and participation for our second Toyota OutRun, which is done on a much larger scale following the success of the first event, back in 2019.\u201d\n\u201cAs part of our CSR commitment, we have partnered with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) for this year\u2019s initiative, in which 100% of the registration proceeds, worth about\n RM170,000\n, will be donated to them.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia today announced its revised price list after Sales Tax Exemption, following the government\u2019s announcement of the \nshort-term economy recovery plan\n. The plan sees the sales tax on locally-assembled models reduced to 0%, while imported models have their sales tax halved to 5%.\nHonda\u2019s revised price list\n, which goes into effect starting today until 31st December 2020, sees a reduction across the board ranging between 3.5% to 5%, with prices reduced by as much as RM9,502.47.\nThe recently-updated \nHonda Civic\n sees a reduction of up to 3.8% or RM4,966, depending on the variant. The \nall-new Accord\n that was launched alongside the updated Civic, also sees a reduction of up to 4.4% (RM8,545.63), depending on variant chosen.\nOn the SUV front, the \nnew Honda BR-V\n gets a reduction of up to 3.6% (RM3,507). The\n HR-V RS\n, which recently gained an additional \nbrown leather interior upholstery\n option at zero cost, gets a reduction of up to RM6,245.46.\nInterestingly, all hybrid variants have been omitted in Honda Malaysia\u2019s revised price list after Sales Tax Exemption. Models with the premium White Orchid Pearl exterior shade \u2013 which usually \ncommands a slight price premium\n \u2013 also gets a slightly different price reduction compared to the standard colours.\nFor the latest updates on the revised price lists from all other car brands in Malaysia after Sales Tax Exemption, do check out our round-up, available \nhere\n."
"When Suzuki formally withdrew from the Malaysian market in early 2015 to facilitate a strategic partnership with Proton, some tears were shed. It meant saying goodbye to cars that were a little left field but always characterful and more importantly, affordable; values that are not often spoken in the same breadth.\nThe recent debut of the fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny, some 20 years after the last new one, may have just turned those droplets of tears into streams, if the decidedly adorable Ignis hadn\u2019t already done so. The new Jimny is easily the coolest-looking retro thing to have emerged in recent memory, while holding true to its roots as a robust and authentic go-anywhere compact 4WD, just like the original one first sold in Japan back in 1970. Suzuki has sold 2.85 million Jimnys across the globe since.\nAll-new Jimny stays true to its roots with ladder frame construction and part-time 4WD.\nYou won\u2019t find any sissy monocoque body construction under the new Jimny \u2014 it\u2019s built on a ladder frame. The engine that rests under the clamshell bonnet drives the rear wheels, with part-time 4WD and a low range transfer gear for off-road duties. The presence of modern electronics means brake LSD is available along with traction control. The Jimny rides on three-link rigid axles with coil springs at both ends, and the steering is a recirculating ball system. Wow.\nThe powertrain for global markets is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder capable of 95hp and 130Nm, with the choice of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Suzuki doesn\u2019t quote a 0-100km/h time, but the far-from-aerodynamic, 1.1-tonne 4WD is capable of a 145km/h top speed. It is available as a three-door and only seats four, but who\u2019s cares. Please come back to Malaysia, Suzuki?"
"Pininfarina\u2019s wants to contribute to the battle against pollution and true enough\u00a0since their new all-electric Pininfarina Battista doesn\u2019t emit any local emissions on the move. But underneath all the \u201cSave the Earth\u201d fluff in the press release is a small footnote that the Battista comes with 1,900 hp and 2,300 Nm.\nFirst deliveries are due in late 2020 and only 150 units of this all-electric hypercar will be made. With\n 1,9000 hp\n at its disposal, the Battista is capable of a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of under \n2 seconds\n and is able to \ntheoretically \nbreak the \n402 km/h mark\n. Mind-boggling figures, to say the least, perhaps Pininfarina should consider snatching the title of \n\u201cKing of the Ring\u201d from the NIO EP9\n.\n \nThe Battista also comes with a very reasonable cruising range of over\n 483 km\n on a single charge, the company said can go from London to Paris without having to be plugged into a power source.\nCEO of Automobili\nPininfarina, Michael Perschke said: \u201cThe Battista is a truly beautiful,\nguilt-free hypercar \u2013 the first EV to really fall in love with \u2013 because\nelectricity enables us to develop it with zero emissions and as the most\npowerful car that will have ever been designed and built in Italy.\u201d"
"Production for the all-new \nMINI Countryman\n, both pure electric drive and combustion engine variants, is set to begin this year at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, Germany. It is the first time a MINI is produced entirely in Germany.\u00a0\nTo date, MINI vehicles have been produced in England, the Netherlands and Austria. The first units are expected to roll off the production line by the end of this year. Not only the vehicles, the electric Countryman\u2019s high-voltage batteries will also be made at the plant\u2019s own production facilities.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe fully electric MINI Countryman should share the same powertrain as its BMW sibling, the \niX1\n. The iX1 is powered by two electric motors, one for the front wheels and the other for the rear for all-wheel drive capabilities. As an indicator for the electric Countryman\u2019s output, the iX1 produces \n272 hp\n and \n494 Nm \nof torque. Under the BMW iX1\u2019s floor is a 64.7 kWh battery, capable of returning up to 438 km of electric range.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 BMW X1 unveiled with wildly good looks, 272 hp fully-electric iX1 variant\nThanks to space-saving components such as the flat high-voltage battery, which is also produced at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig, the MINI Countryman will offer additional space and even greater comfort.\nThe petrol-powered and electric versions of the all-new Countryman will be produced on the same production line in Leipzig alongside the BMW 1 series,\n 2 Series Gran Coupe\n and the 2 Series Active Tourer. The Leipzig plant is the first plant where BMW and MINI vehicles are manufactured together.\n\u201cThe new all-electric MINI Countryman demonstrates what the brand stands for; electrified go-kart feeling and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint,\u201d said MINI.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"After first \nopened for booking\n in late November, followed by its public debut at the Drive Auto Fair at Setia Alam, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, has officially announced the price of the all-new Kia Carnival.\nThe large 11-seater \u201cGrand Utility Vehicle\u201d that is fully-imported from South Korea is priced from \nRM196,340.80\n, on-the-road without insurance. Dinamikjaya Motors is also adding in a five-year/100,000 km free maintenance package in the price, with the warranty period having the same mileage and coverage period.\nThe new Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine making 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nKey features on the large Kia Carnival include LED lighting at both ends of the vehicle, with unique signature graphics, smart powered sliding doors and tailgate, 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers and roof rails.\nInside, the seating configuration can be as little spacious as a six-seater, expanding up to 11 seats. The flexibility come via the two middle seats that can also be folded to make a walk-through aisle to the fourth row. The fourth row meanwhile can be neatly hidden and level with the boot floor when not in use.\nKey comfort features in the large MPV include three-zone air-conditioning, manual sunshades for the second and third rows, tinting film on the windows, seven USB ports, a 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity as well as a wireless charger.\nAt the safety front, the all-new Kia Carnival will be fitted with seven airbags, inclusive of a driver\u2019s knee airbag. The fitment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic assist and surround-view monitor system.\n \nWatch our first look video to get a good approximation of the sheer size of this grand 11-seater, as well as the disappearance of the fourth-row seat!\nGALLERY"
"\u4eca\u5e74\u65e9\u4e9b\u65f6\u5019\uff0cHyundai Sime Darby Motors \u5b9a\u4e0b\u4e86\u4e00\u9879\u8ba1\u5212\uff0c\u6253\u7b97\u57282023\u5e74\u53d1\u5e03\u4e94\u6b3e\u65b0\u8f66\u3002\u76ee\u524d\u4e3a\u6b62\uff0c\u8be5\u516c\u53f8\u5df2\u7ecf\u53d1\u5e03\u4e86\u4e24\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b \u2014\u2014 2023\u6b3e\u7684 Hyundai Palisade \u5c0f\u6539\u6b3e\u548c2023\u6b3e\u7684 Hyundai Creta\u3002\u73b0\u5728\uff0c\u7b2c\u4e09\u6b3e\u8f66\u5df2\u7ecf\u53d1\u5e03\uff0c\u8fd9\u6b3e\u8f66\u65e0\u7591\u662f\u6700\u5f15\u4eba\u6ce8\u76ee\u7684\u3002\u5f15\u51652023\u6b3e\u7684 Hyundai Ioniq 6\uff0c\u8fd9\u662f\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\u7684\u7b2c\u4e8c\u6b3e Hyundai \u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u3002\u50cf Ioniq 5\u4e00\u6837\uff0cHyundai Ioniq 6 \u63d0\u4f9b\u4e24\u4e2a\u7248\u672c\uff0c\u4e0a\u8def\u4ef7\u683c\uff08\u4e0d\u542b\u4fdd\u9669\uff09\u4ece\nRM289,888\n\u8d77\uff0c\u6700\u9ad8\u4e3a\nRM319,888\n\u3002\nHyundai Ioniq 6 Max RWD \u2013 \nRM289,888\nHyundai Ioniq 6 Max AWD \u2013 \nRM319,888\nHyundai \u63cf\u8ff0 Ioniq 6 \u4e3a \u201c\u7535\u52a8\u6d41\u7ebf\u578b\u201d\uff0c\u901a\u8fc7\u89c2\u5bdf\u5176\u5916\u90e8\u8bbe\u8ba1\uff0c\u8fd9\u4e00\u70b9\u4e0d\u96be\u7406\u89e3\u3002Ioniq 6 \u7684\u8bbe\u8ba1\u6d41\u7545\uff0c\u6574\u4f53\u9020\u578b\u72ec\u7279\uff0c\u5c3e\u90e8\u5219\u66f4\u50cf\u8dd1\u8f66\u3002\n\u5b9e\u9645\u4e0a\uff0cIoniq 6 \u7684\u5916\u89c2\u8bbe\u8ba1\u8ba9\u6211\u4eec\u60f3\u8d77\u4e86Porsche Panamera\u3002\u9664\u4e86\u5916\u89c2\uff0c\u6d41\u7ebf\u578b\u7684\u5916\u89c2\u8bbe\u8ba1\u8fd8\u4f7f Ioniq 6 \u7684\u963b\u529b\u7cfb\u6570\u964d\u81f3\u4ec5 \n0.21 Cd\n\uff0c\u8fd9\u610f\u5473\u7740\u5b9e\u9645\u529f\u7387\u6d88\u8017\u4f4e\u81f3\u6bcf100\u516c\u91cc13.9kWh\uff0c\u4f7f\u5176\u6210\u4e3a\u5f53\u4eca\u5e02\u573a\u4e0a\u6700\u8282\u80fd\u7684\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u4e4b\u4e00\u3002\n\u5916\u89c2\u4e0a\uff0cHyundai Ioniq 6 Max RWD\u7684\u6807\u51c6\u914d\u7f6e\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u5177\u6709\u667a\u80fd\u524d\u7167\u706f\u7cfb\u7edf\u7684Parametric Pixel LED \u6295\u5f71\u5f0f\u5927\u706f\nLED \u65e5\u95f4\u884c\u8f66\u706f (DRL)\nParametric Pixel LED \u540e\u7ec4\u5408\u706f\n\u9ad8\u5b89\u88c5\u5239\u8f66\u706f\uff08HMSL\uff09\n\u540e\u6270\u6d41\u677f\n\u667a\u80fd\u7535\u52a8\u5c3e\u95e8\n\u6570\u5b57\u4fa7\u89c6\u6444\u50cf\u5934\n\u5e73\u987a\u7684\u95e8\u628a\u624b\n18\u82f1\u5bf8 \u2018Aero\u2019 \u5408\u91d1\u8f6e\u6bc2\nHyundai Ioniq 6 Max AWD \u6dfb\u52a0\u4e86\uff1a\n\u5929\u7a97\n20\u82f1\u5bf8 \u2018Performance\u2019 \u5408\u91d1\u8f6e\u6bc2\n2023\u6b3e\u7684 Hyundai Ioniq 6 \u57fa\u4e8e\u7535\u52a8\u5168\u7403\u6a21\u5757\u5316\u5e73\u53f0 (E-GMP)\uff0c\u8be5\u5e73\u53f0\u4e5f\u652f\u6491\u7740 Hyundai Ioniq 5 \u548c Kia EV6\u3002\u5728\u5c3a\u5bf8\u4e0a\uff0c\u5b83\u957f4,855\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u5bbd1,880\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u9ad81,495\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u8f74\u8ddd\u4e3a2,950\u6beb\u7c73\u3002\nHyundai Ioniq 6 Max RWD \u7531\u540e\u7f6e\u7535\u673a\u9a71\u52a8\uff0c\u5c06\n225\u9a6c\u529b\n\u548c\n350\u725b\u7c73\n\u7684\u626d\u77e9\u8f93\u9001\u5230\u540e\u8f6e\u3002\u8fd9\u5bfc\u81f4\u4e86\n7.4\u79d2\n\u7684\u767e\u516c\u91cc\u52a0\u901f\u65f6\u95f4\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\n185km/h\n\u7684\u6781\u901f\u3002\n\u800c\u9876\u7ea7\u89c4\u683c\u7684 Ioniq 6 Max AWD \u5219\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u53cc\u7535\u673a\u8bbe\u7f6e\uff0c\u4e3a\u6240\u6709\u56db\u8f6e\u63d0\u4f9b\u52a8\u529b\uff0c\u603b\u5171\u63d0\u4f9b\n320\u9a6c\u529b\n\u548c\n605\u725b\u7c73\n\u7684\u626d\u77e9\uff0c\u767e\u516c\u91cc\u52a0\u901f\u65f6\u95f4\u4e3a\n5.1\u79d2\n\uff0c\u6781\u901f\u4e3a185km/h\u3002\u5728\u60ac\u6302\u65b9\u9762\uff0c\u8fd9\u6b3e \u201cStreamliner\u201d \u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u7684\u524d\u90e8\u88c5\u6709\u4e00\u5957\u9ea6\u5f17\u900a\u51cf\u632f\u5668\uff0c\u540e\u90e8\u5219\u4e3a\u591a\u8fde\u6746\u3002\n\u201cStreamliner\u201d\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u7684\u7eed\u822a\u91cc\u7a0b\u6700\u9ad8\u53ef\u8fbe\u5230\n614\u516c\u91cc\n\uff08WLTP\uff09\uff0c\u8fd9\u662f Max RWD\u7248\u672c\u7684\u6570\u636e\uff0c\u800c Max AWD\u7248\u672c\u7684\u7eed\u822a\u91cc\u7a0b\u4e3a\n519\u516c\u91cc\n\uff08WLTP\uff09\uff0c\u8fd9\u4e24\u8005\u90fd\u6709\n77.4 kWh\n\u7684\u7535\u6c60\u3002\u8fd9\u4f7f\u5f97 Ioniq 6 Max RWD\u7684\u7eed\u822a\u91cc\u7a0b\u8fdc\u8d85\u8fc7 \nTesla Model Y Long Range\n\u7684\u6700\u5927\u7eed\u822a\u91cc\u7a0b533\u516c\u91cc\uff08WLTP\uff09\u3002\nE-GMP \u5e73\u53f0\u7684 800V \u7535\u6c14\u67b6\u6784\u4f7f Ioniq 6 \u80fd\u652f\u6301\u9ad8\u8fbe\n350 kW\n\u7684 DC \u5feb\u901f\u5145\u7535\uff0c\u8fd9\u5c06\u9700\u8981\n18\u5206\u949f\n\u4ece10%\u5145\u7535\u81f380%\u3002Ioniq 6\u8fd8\u652f\u6301\n50 kW\n\u7684 DC \u5145\u7535\uff0c\u8fd9\u5c06\u9700\u8981\n73\u5206\u949f\n\u5c06\u8f66\u8f86\u7684\u7535\u91cf\u4ece10%\u5145\u523080%\u3002\n\u5982\u679c\u6ca1\u6709\u5feb\u901f\u5145\u7535\u5668\uff0c\n11 kW\n\u7684 AC \u5145\u7535\u5668\u53ef\u4ee5\u5728\n7.1\u5c0f\u65f6\n\u5185\u5c06 Ioniq 6\u4ece\u5b8c\u5168\u653e\u7535\u5145\u6ee1\u3002\u8be5\u5e73\u53f0\u8fd8\u4f7f\u6c7d\u8f66\u5177\u6709\u8f66\u8f86\u5bf9\u8d1f\u8f7d (V2L) \u7684\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u901a\u8fc7\u9002\u914d\u5668\uff0cHyundai Ioniq 6\u53ef\u4ee5\u4e3a\u5176\u4ed6\u7535\u5668\u63d0\u4f9b\u7535\u529b\u3002\u72ec\u7279\u7684\u662f\uff0cHyundai Ioniq 6 \u8fd8\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u7535\u52a8\u6d3b\u52a8\u58f0\u97f3\u8bbe\u8ba1 (e-ASD) \u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u8be5\u7cfb\u7edf\u5728\u9a7e\u9a76\u8231\u5185\u53d1\u51fa \u201c\u6700\u4f73\u7684\uff0c\u50cf\u5b87\u5b99\u98de\u8239\u4e00\u6837\u7684\u58f0\u97f3\u201d\uff0c\u8fd9\u4e2a\u58f0\u97f3\u4f1a\u6839\u636e\u8f66\u8f86\u7684\u9a7e\u9a76\u72b6\u6001\u6539\u53d8\u3002\n\u5728\u5185\u90e8\uff0cHyundai Ioniq 6\uff0c\u5c31\u50cf Ioniq 5\u4e00\u6837\uff0c\u5177\u6709\u73b0\u4ee3\u800c\u7b80\u6d01\u7684\u5185\u9970\uff0c\u7ed9\u4eba\u4e00\u79cd\u5e72\u51c0\u800c\u8212\u9002\u7684\u611f\u89c9\u3002\u6240\u6709\u7248\u672c\u7684 Hyundai Ioniq 6 \u90fd\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u53cc12\u82f1\u5bf8\u5168\u666f\u663e\u793a\u5668\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u5982 Apple CarPlay \u548c Android Auto \u652f\u6301\u7b49\u529f\u80fd\u3002\nHyundai Ioniq 6 \u7684\u7279\u6027\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u76ae\u8d28\u5ea7\u6905\n\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u548c\u524d\u6392\u4e58\u5ba2\u5ea7\u6905\u7535\u52a8\u8c03\u8282\uff08\u5e26\u8170\u90e8\u652f\u6491\u548cPremium Relaxation\u5ea7\u6905\u529f\u80fd\uff09\n\u53cc12\u82f1\u5bf8\u9a7e\u9a76\u548c\u4fe1\u606f\u5a31\u4e50\u663e\u793a\u5c4f\n\u652f\u6301 Apple CarPlay \u548c Android Auto \u7684\u8fde\u63a5\n\u62ac\u5934\u663e\u793a\u5668\n\u81ea\u52a8\u53cc\u533a\u7a7a\u8c03\nBose 8\u626c\u58f0\u5668\u97f3\u54cd\u7cfb\u7edf\n64\u8272\u73af\u5883\u7167\u660e\u7cfb\u7edf\ne-ASD\u7cfb\u7edf\n\u7535\u5b50\u81ea\u52a8\u8c03\u5149\u955c\n1\u4e2aUSB-A\u548c4\u4e2aUSB-C\u63a5\u53e3\n\u5728\u5b89\u5168\u6027\u65b9\u9762\uff0c2023\u5e74\u7684Hyundai Ioniq 6\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u6807\u914d\u4e86\u8be5\u54c1\u724c\u7684SmartSense\u9ad8\u7ea7\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u8f85\u52a9\u7cfb\u7edf\u5957\u4ef6\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u5176\u4ed6\u6807\u51c6\u5b89\u5168\u529f\u80fd\u3002\u6b64\u5916\uff0c\u201cElectrified Streamliner\u201d\u5728Euro NCAP\u78b0\u649e\u6d4b\u8bd5\u4e2d\u4e5f\u83b7\u5f97\u4e86\u6ee1\u52065\u661f\u7684\u8bc4\u7ea7\u3002\n\u4ee5\u4e0b\u662f\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u89c4\u683c\u7684Hyundai Ioniq 6\u7684\u6240\u6709\u5b89\u5168\u529f\u80fd\uff1a\n7\u4e2a\u5b89\u5168\u6c14\u56ca\n\u76f2\u70b9\u78b0\u649e\u9632\u6b62\u8f85\u52a9\uff08BCA\uff09\n\u8f66\u9053\u4fdd\u6301\u8f85\u52a9\uff08LKA\uff09\n\u524d\u65b9\u78b0\u649e\u9632\u6b62\u8f85\u52a9\uff08FCA\uff09\n\u5e26\u6709\u505c\u8f66\u548c\u542f\u52a8\u529f\u80fd\u7684\u667a\u80fd\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236\uff08SCC\uff09\n\u624b\u52a8\u901f\u5ea6\u9650\u5236\u8f85\u52a9\uff08MSLA\uff09\n\u9065\u63a7\u667a\u80fd\u505c\u8f66\u8f85\u52a9\uff08RSPA\uff09\n\u505c\u8f66\u78b0\u649e\u9632\u6b62\u8f85\u52a9\uff08PCA\uff09\n\u8f6e\u80ce\u538b\u529b\u76d1\u6d4b\u7cfb\u7edf\uff08TPMS\uff09\n\u603b\u7684\u6765\u8bf4\uff0c2023\u5e74\u7684Hyundai Ioniq 6\u5df2\u7ecf\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\uff0c\u5171\u6709\u4e24\u4e2a\u7248\u672c\u3002\u4ef7\u683c\u4ece\nRM289,888\n\u5f00\u59cb\uff0c\u6700\u9ad8\u4e3a\nRM319,888\n\uff08\u4e0a\u8def\u4ef7\u683c\uff0c\u4e0d\u542b\u4fdd\u9669\uff09\u3002\u4ef7\u683c\u5305\u62ec\u6807\u51c6\u76842\u5e74/50,000 km\u8d28\u4fdd\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca8\u5e74/160,000 km\u7684\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u7535\u6c60\u8d28\u4fdd\u3002\n\u987e\u5ba2\u8fd8\u53ef\u4ee5\u9009\u62e9\u989d\u5916\u652f\u4ed8RM10,000\uff0c\u5347\u7ea7\u5230\n5\u5e74/100,000 km\n\u8d28\u4fdd\uff0c\u5e76\u83b7\u5f973\u5e74/50,000 km\u7684\u514d\u8d39\u670d\u52a1\u3002\u9996\u627930\u4f4d\u8f66\u4e3b\u8fd8\u5c06\u5728\u8f66\u8f86\u4ea4\u4ed8\u65f6\u83b7\u5f97\u4e00\u5e74\u7684Shell Recharge Gold\u4f1a\u5458\u8d44\u683c\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"In the full-sized pick-up truck segment, big is always better and such is the case of the Chevrolet Silverado HD, a new variant that targets buyers who are looking for a more outlandishly styled and premium truck.\nCompared to the standard Silverado, the HD stands for Heavy Duty which is why it gets a reworked body suited for ultra-demanding tasks. However, Chevy understands that the Silverado must still be equally at home working on a construction site or pulling a camping trailer hence from the front it\u2019s bold and imposing but from the rear it looks like a docile every day pick up truck.   Vice President, Global Design for General Motors, Mike Simcoe said: \u201cTruck customers are very clear: They want the perfect truck for them and not a \u2018one size fits most\u2019 truck compromised for the masses.\u201d Which is why the Silverado HD is offered in five distinct trim levels on top of the eight trims available on the standard Silverado 1500.\nChevy is keeping mum about the full details of the Silverado but powertrain options in the US range from a 2.7-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol to a 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 petrol unit. Other standard equipment and technologies include Automatic Emergency Braking, 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Alert, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity."
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has officially unveiled its latest people carrier, the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n at the 2017 GAIKINDO Indonesia Auto Show. The new seven-seater MPV will go against key rivals such as the \nHonda BR-V\n and Toyota Avanza in the ever-growing budget people carrier segment.\nMeasuring at 4,475 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width and 1,700 mm in height with a ground clearance of \n205 mm\n, the Xpander claims to offer the best in class cabin space as well as practicality. Corporate Vice President, Design Division, Tsunehiro Kunimoto said, \u201cThe Xpander actually was designed by our customers, I simply turned their thoughts, needs and desires into shapes.\u201d\nThis resulted in a design that marries the best qualities of a spacious MPV and an adventurous SUV. The radical design is largely similar to the \nconcept model\n which debut at the same auto show last year but if we were to be honest, we can\u2019t decide what to make of its looks.\nNevertheless, the front end wears the \u201cDynamic Shield\u201d family face like the \nOutlander\n and \nEclipse Cross\n except here, the fenders are flared, adding to the rugged SUV appearance. The slim items on the top are actually LED daytime running lights, not headlamps as one would expect. Where are the headlamps you ask?\nThe large hexagonal pieces on both sides. Yes, it makes for a very awkward design but MMC said positioning the forward illumination pieces low in the bumper helps maximise vision during rough road conditions. Fortunately, the rear spots a more conventional look with sleek L-shaped LED tail lamps.   Stepping inside, its minimalistic cabin architecture is the product of the design team to give an uncluttered and spacious look. Besides boasting to offer best in class space, the Xpander is also able to accommodate its customers active lifestyles thanks to flat folding second and third row seats, giving it a breadth of utilitarian capabilities. There are even \n16 bottle holders\n in the Xpander and dedicated smartphone trays for each passenger!\nBesides that, MMC has also went the extra mile to ensure that the Xpander is one of the most premium MPVs in the segment. The large windshield is made out of a \nsoundproof glass\n, laminated with an extra sound-absorbing layer to ensure noise doesn\u2019t seep into the cabin. There are also a range of bells and whistles to play with such as coloured LED display instrument cluster, eco-drive indicator, touch screen infotainment system, 12V power socket for each row, keyless entry and more.\nPowering this people carrier is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine that outputs \n104 hp\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. MMC claims that this powertrain combination delivers competently, even when climbing steep hills ferrying a\u00a0\nfull load\n.\nThe Xpander uses MMC\u2019s proprietary RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) monocoque body structure that offers high cabin integrity and efficient energy absorption, keeping the passengers\u2019 safe in the unfortunate event of a crash. Standard safety kit is generous too \u2013 dual airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal and three-point seatbelts on all seats.\nThe Xpander will first be assembled and sold in Indonesia later this year with plans to ship it to other markets in the ASEAN region from early 2018 onwards. In Indonesia, prices for the seven-seater MPV starts from Rp. 189,050,000 (RM61k) to Rp. 245,350,000 (RM79k). What do you think dear readers, if Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia brings this in, reckon it give the\u00a0\nmighty BR-V \na good fight?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Thanks to the exploits of Tesla, Porsche and Polestar, it has been established that electric vehicles are cool, but the next major obstacle is to make them \naffordable for the masses\n. With the internal combustion engine having decades of \nhead start in terms of scale and costs\n, EVs have had to play catch up.\nNow that Volkswagen is finally walking the talk with the \nID range of all-electric models\n. Europe\u2019s biggest manufacturer is sparring no expense in taking on the \nkey factors\n of \nmass EV adoption\n \u2013 \nacquisition costs\n, \nrunning costs\n, \nresidue value\n and \ntotal cost of ownership\n. And though these arguments are made in the context of Germany, the doubts surrounding EV ownership are common to car buyers around the world \u2013 something which Malaysian automotive policymakers can perhaps pick up on.\nBuying costs \nA recently updated \u2018\nenvironmental bonus\n\u2019 offered in Germany sees consumers receiving rebates of between \n5,570 and 6,570 euros\n (RM 26,670 to RM32,460) for the purchase of an EV. For example, an ID.3 Pure model (330 km in range) will cost \nless than 30,000 euros\n \u2013 appreciably lower than the price of a \nMk7-based e-Golf at 36,900 euros\n with 231 km of range per charge.\nIn fact, a base model ID.3 in Germany can be had from just \n23,430 euros\n which is below the price of a comparable combustion engine powered model such as the \nGolf Life 1.5-litre TSI\n and the \nGolf Life 2.0-litre TDi\n. The conclusion is that with some initial government incentives, EVs can be comparable in price to combustion engine models, and that the uptake in adoption would then \ndrive the cost of EVs lower\n.\nRunning costs\nAlthough the costs of wear and tear are somewhat higher for EV as they require more costly tires with optimised rolling resistance, these are more than compensated for by \nlower costs for insurance, vehicle tax and maintenance\n in Germany.\nLike any EV, the ID.3 does not require an oil change and only needs to be taken to the workshop for \ninspection every two years\n, regardless of mileage. In terms of insurance, the ID.3 is rated three classes better than comparable combustion engines in Germany, which equates to savings of around 200 euros per year, subject to no-claims class and mileage. Overall, the ID.3 has a \nrunning cost advantage of around 50 euros per month\n or 600 euros per year over comparable combustion engine models.\nResidue value\nAccording to Volkswagen, EVs were less stable in value than their combustion engine counterparts partly due to the \nlow market volume\n (barely any used EV market) and partly to the \nrapidly improving battery technology\n.\nThis is changing in Germany as the \ndemand for pre-owned EVs for everyday use has been rising \n\u2013 a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years. The ID.3\u2019s range and charging capacity are sufficient for many German customers, and battery technology is expected to develop more slowly in the coming years, so that there will no longer be a major efficiency between new and used EVs. \nThe eight-year battery warranty\n (over 160,000 km) also offers additional peace of mind.\nIndustry experts are forecasting residual values of the ID.3 to be roughly\n on par\n with those of comparable oil burners.\nTotal cost of ownership\nBased on the factors presented, Volkswagen is confident that the \ntotal cost of ownership\n of an ID.3 is below that of what customers would fork out for over the ownership of a \ncomparable combustion engine model\n in Germany, taking into consideration the government-supported purchasing rebates at the present time. Volkswagen is also convinced that EVs will be competitively priced even without these incentives in the longer term.\n(Before many parts of Europe went into partial \u2018lockdown\u2019, the ID.3 was scheduled to hit the market this coming summer)."
"Electric vehicles are coming, and there\u2019s nothing you can do about it no matter how much you resent it. In another example of the ongoing shift in the automotive industry, newly-minted\u00a0Stellantis (FCA-PSA) will be transitioning its manufacturing plant in Tremery, France, from producing diesel engines to fully-electric powertrain.\nThe transition will not happen in an instant, but the ramp-up does look pretty sharp. From less than 10% of its total output in 2020, the factory is looking to double its electric powerplant production capacity to around 180,000 in 2021, and eventually reaching 900,000 \u2013 or more than 50% of the plant\u2019s peak pre-pandemic output \u2013 by 2025.\nSpeaking to Reuters\n, Laetitia Uzan, a representative for the CFTC worker union at Tremery added: \u201c2021 is going to be a pivotal year, the first real transition towards the world of electric models.\u201d\nWhile diesel isn\u2019t the popular choice for combustion material in civilian vehicles here in Malaysia, it still accounts for \nmore than 40%\n of the vehicles sold in Europe. However, demand for diesel-powered vehicles is already on the decline, with the fall further accelerated by the \nDieselgate scandal\n.\nCarmakers left and right are also dropping diesel in response to the tightening emission regulations around the world, but when the largest diesel engine factory in the world is transitioning away from diesel fuel, it\u2019s pretty much the final nail in the coffin for Rudolph Diesel\u2019s namesake invention.\nAside from the loss of yet another internal combustion technology, the transition also comes with another downside \u2013 job cuts. Given the relative simplicity of an electric motor as compared to a traditional diesel engine (with approximately one fifth of parts), the change in focus will more than likely put some of the 3,000 Tremery plant workers\u2019 jobs at risk.\nStellantis has said that they will not be closing any factories, and will seek to protect jobs, but that\u2019s still not a guarantee. Uzan acknowledged the risk that fewer staff may be needed, but was optimistic that the cuts could happen \u201cquite naturally\u201d as workers retire without being replaced.\nHowever, the Tremery factory is only one part of the entire picture. Industry researchers warn that Europe\u2019s car manufacturers, who are already suffering from overcapacity, will have to make big cuts in order to deliver the investments needed to catch up with leading EV manufacturers, such as Tesla.\nFrench car lobby group PFA estimates that 15,000 jobs linked to diesel are at risk in France, out of 400,000 employed by the industry as a whole. Meanwhile, German labour research institute IAB says that the transition to \nelectric vehicles\n could threaten 100,000 jobs in Germany alone, approximately one in eight German automotive industry jobs."
"Perodua is off to a\ngood start for the year as the company posted a 7.3% increase in sales for the\nfirst two months of 2019. The second national carmaker sold nearly 37,400\nvehicles from January to February 2019, up from 34,800 vehicles in the same\nperiod last year.\nThe \nfourth-generation Myvi\n continues to be the most popular choice among buyers with around 15,000 units delivered in the first two months of the year, followed by 10,100 Axias and 5,900 Bezzas.\n \nSales of the new \nAruz\n have also surpassed the \nAlza\n with the former recorded 3,600 units vs. 2,700 units for the latter. Perodua has collected over 13,000 bookings to date since the launch of their first seven-seater SUV.\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd\nManaging Director Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari Husin said: \u201cThe heightened sales performance\nis a result of our efforts to further improve our delivery times. We have\nadjusted our production to reduce the waiting time for the Aruz. This will continue\nin March as well.\u201d"
"Renault Samsung Motors has just unveiled its facelifted SM3 Z.E at the 2017 Daegu International Future Auto Expo in Korea. Better known as the Fluence Z.E. in other parts of the world, the battery-powered sedan now boasts increased driving range and an updated look.\nThe facelift exercise brought about a new front grille and bumper design, sleeker five-spoke alloy wheels, bringing the looks closer to the \npetrol-powered Fluence\n which happens to be on sale here in Malaysia. Inside, new items include digital meter cluster, door panel design and brushed aluminium trim.\nDriving the SM3 Z.E. is an electric motor with \n94 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n of torque moving the front wheels. However, the battery capacity has been upped to\n 36 kWh\n (previously 22 kWh) without any increase in weight. The new battery pack is said to return 213 km on a single charge, \n57 \nper cent more mileage than before.\nIn South Korea, the average daily commute is around\u00a0\n40 kilometres\n\u00a0according to a Korean Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) report. This would mean that the updated SM3 Z.E. with extended driving range makes for a viable electric vehicle for the average Korean consumer.\nSouth Korea\u2019s Ministry of Health and Welfare has just purchased 1,200 of the Renault SM3 Z.E. last April and the model is a popular EV taxi in Seoul, Daegu and Jeju island.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia\n has announced that starting this year, all BMW models will now come with Smartphone Integration and Connected Package Professional as standard \u2013 which means Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity will now be available for free. About damn time.\nSmartphone Integration features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and will be available on both the iDrive 7 and \niDrive 8\n infotainment operating systems. For iDrive 8, Apple Maps will also further be adapted into the instrument cluster and head-up displays for an even more connected driving experience.\nThe feature previously required a one-time activation fee, priced at RM1,299, via the BMW ConnectedDrive store.\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia starts charging subscription fees for things your car already has\nConnected Package Professional meanwhile gives owners remote control to their cars via the My BMW App, and offers functionalities such as the ability to lock their doors, activating the headlight flash or horn, as well as starting the ventilation system.\nThe vehicle\u2019s Last State Call (LSC) will also be available in the app, displaying relevant information about the status of the car including fuel level, mileage, status of doors and windows, Check Control Messages, pending services, and more. These features will be available on \u201clifetime offer\u201d, providing that the technical prerequisites are met.\nAs part of the Connected Package Professional suite, customers will also be able to enjoy the BMW Maps Connected Charging and Connected Navigation features, although they will only be offered with \u201cthree years runtime\u201d. Presumably, future updates will require a subscription.\nBMW Maps Connected Charging is more relevant to EVs such as the\n \nBMW iX\n, \niX3\n, and \ni4\n, allowing owners to not only check for public charging stations directly via the vehicle\u2019s mapping system, but also to view past and ongoing charging sessions, and provide remote control functionalities for ongoing and upcoming charging sessions. The app will also notify users should there be any specific charging events.\nALSO READ: \nYour next car\u2019s cabin could be powered entirely by Apple CarPlay\nFor non-electrified models, Connected Navigation allows for a more intuitive address input system and a more populated Point of Interest listing, thanks to the system being connected to the cloud database. Owners will also be able to send their destinations from the My BMW App to their vehicles, while a Last Mile feature can assist in navigating towards their destination should they need to travel by foot at the end of the journey."
"We\u2019ve all seen the \nleaked pictures\n of the new \nKia Sportage\n, but the Korean automaker spares no time in disclosing a trio of official pictures ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show come mid-September.\nThe fourth-generation SUV is the result of a design collaboration between Kia\u2019s European, Korean and Californian teams. It\u2019s nothing short of bold (maybe a tad too bold in our opinion), though looking at it from different angles will reveal a hint of the outgoing model\u2019s silhouette.\nOne of the biggest styling changes can be seen from the front. Its \u2018Tiger-nose\u2019 grille is louder than ever before, and the headlamps are now separated from the grille and sweeps rearward of the newly sculpted bonnet. Like the facelifted Kia Optima, the Sportage\u2019s fog lamps feature a cluster of four LEDs \u2013 a welcoming design that may stick to the company\u2019s image for years to come.\nBesides the heavily revised fascia, Kia says the car has a slightly longer wheelbase and front overhang, \u00a0whereas the rear overhang has been shortened. Its wheel arches are also bolder now, with sharp lines to give the Sportage its profound new look.\u00a0\nMore details of the Sportage will surface on 15 September at Frankfurt, so be sure to stay tuned for the latest updates of the vehicle!"
"With 609,000 customers worldwide taking delivery of a compact Mercedes-Benz (one in three are compact models) and a total of 2,600 units of the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE delivered in Malaysia last year (Volvo Malaysia only sold more than 1,000 cars), the appetite for compact luxury vehicles have proven beyond insatiable.\nAnd the new Mercedes-Benz GLB, the brand\u2019s first compact SUV with third row seats, has arrived to fuel that fire with petrol and a pressure jet spray.\n \nSlightly narrower and shorter but taller than the new Mercedes-Benz GLC (1,644mm), the new GLB (1,658mm) is said to accommodate passengers up to 168cm in height in the third row seats.\nWith collapsible third row seats, boot space is rated between 560 litres to 1755 litres. Occupants in the third row seats are not neglected from comfort and convenience with dual cupholders and USB ports offered.\nMade in Mexico, the new GLB\u2019s 4MATIC system includes the Off-Road Engineering Package where in combination with the Multibeam LED headlamps system, offers a special off-road light function.\nWith the off-road light function, the cornering lights on the Multibeam LED headlamps are continuously switched on up to a speed of 50 km/h, resulting in wide and bright light distribution immediately in front of the vehicle.\nThe Off-Road mode can be activated through the Dynamic Select drive control switch, where it adapts the engine\u2019s power delivery and ABS control when driving in off-road terrain.\nIn \u201cEco or Comfort\u201d power distribution is at 80:20 (front axle:rear axle), while in \u201cSport\u201d it is 70:30. In off-road mode, power distribution is at a balanced 50:50.\nWhen in Off-Road mode, an animation of the car can be displayed on the infotainment system to project the terrain\u2019s gradient, inclination angle and other technical details to assist the driver.\nIn the GLB 200, the compact SUV gets a 1.33-litre M282 petrol-powered engine paired to a 7-speed DCT with \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n, while the GLB 250 4MATIC is fitted with the M260 2.0-litre engine paired to an 8-speed DCT with \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n.\nDiesel models include the GLB 200 and GLB 200d 4MATIC, both with \n150 hp \nand \n320 Nm \nwhile the GLB 220d 4MATIC offer \n190 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n on the taps. All three diesel models are paired with an 8-speed DCT.\nAdopted from the S-Class, the GLB\u2019s driver assist system, with improved camera and radar systems, can scan up to 500 metres ahead and is able to drive semi-autonomously with the Active Distance Assist feature. A new feature in the GLB is the Active Steering Assist, to complement the Active Lane Change Assist and Active Parking Assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This is the one you\u2019ve all been waiting for \u2013 GC Mah\u2019s appearance and a review of the very attractive package that is the \nKia Optima EX\n.\nLove it or hate it, you can\u2019t deny that for a \nRM139,888\n, it\u2019s a lot of car for the money \u2013 not just in metal but in features and equipment too \u2013 effectively making it a D-segment car for C-segment money.\n \nWe had a ride in it before GC Mah set off to shoot the review and aside from lacking leather seats, something we all unanimously agreed wasn\u2019t that big a deal, it\u2019s possibly one of the most complete cars (in terms of features and size) you could buy in the sub-RM140k bracket.\nAnd it wasn\u2019t like it wasn\u2019t underpowered either, something most would assume considering it\u2019s such a big car with only a 2.0-litre engine putting out \n163 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n, because it isn\u2019t.\nAs for how it drives, we\u2019ll leave GC Mah to share with you."
"Who says that nobody wants an electric sports car? Make one good enough, and people will naturally snatch it up. The \nPorsche Taycan\n is the best example of that \u2013 despite being in the market for just a little over a year, reception for the fully-electric Porsche has shot right through the roof with 20,015 units sold last year, even though many denounced it even before its very existence.\nThe figure is even more impressive when you take into account the six-week pause in production due to the ongoing \nCovid-19 pandemic\n. In fact, the Taycan\u2019s sales performance nearly eclipsed the entire 718 range \u2013 that is the \n718 Cayman\n and \n718 Boxster\n combined! On a side note, we recently got to sample the \nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4\n on the Sepang Circuit recently \u2013 be sure to \ncheck out what we thought about it\n!\nThe Porsche Taycan was just slightly bested by the 21,784 units of 718s sold last year, which is nothing short of remarkable for its first-year outing of a completely new model. Despite a promising start though, the electric Porsche still has a long way to go in comparison to Porsche\u2019s true staples (in terms of sales).\nThe \nCayenne\n once again took the lead in Porsche\u2019s global sales charts, with 92,860 examples sold in 2020. The Taycan also trails the iconic \nPorsche 911\n, which sold 34,328 units worldwide last year.\nOverall, Porsche sold a total of 272,162 cars worldwide in 2020 \u2013 3% down from the previous year, but not unexpected given the circumstances. However, the brand did manage to find sales growth in Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East by 4%, with China by itself thriving 3%.\nAfter the fairly positive 2020 result, Porsche is optimistic about its future developments in 2021. \u201cWe are continuing our product offensive \u2013 our customers can look forward to it. It will include additional derivatives of the all-electric Taycan and the 911, among others,\u201d said Porsche executive board member of Sales and Marketing, Detlev von Platen.\n\u201cWe are full of optimism and looking forward to 2021, a year that will also be characterised by unique experiences with the Porsche brand.\u201d\nThe Porsche Taycan was\n launched here in Malaysia in September last year\n. A total of three variants is available here locally \u2013 the Taycan Turbo S, the Taycan Turbo and the\u00a0\nTaycan 4S\n, with prices starting from RM725K for the entry-level 4S model."
"The\n Emira\n might be Lotus\u2019 last-ever pure ICE sports car, but it\u2019s not going out without a bang. The British sportscar maker has just unveiled the Emira GT4 race car on its Hethel test track, the first new model from the Lotus Advanced Performance division, and will be sold to customers participating in various entry-level sports car racing globally.\nServing as the follow-up to the hugely popular Evora GT4, the new Lotus Emira GT4 sports the same Toyota 3.5-litre supercharged engine underneath its rear cover, delivering a total of \n406 hp \n(before balance of power adjustments). But unlike the road car, the GT4 also gets a MoTeC engine management system, and an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels.\nUnderneath the familiar \u201cadvanced composite\u201d bodywork hides the two-way Ohlins TTx dampers, new anti-roll bars, a larger 96-litre FIA-FT3-certified fuel tank, competition-level brakes, and a Bosch motorsport ABS system. For rubbers, the Lotus Emira GT4 gets a set of Pirelli GT4 tyres from the factory with 265 front and 305 rear sections, wrapped around 18-inch forged aluminium wheels.\nAs it\u2019s a full-blown race car, the Emira GT4 is of course built to meet the latest safety regulations, and will be homologated for all racing series. The interior is completely stripped out, and replaced with a FIA-homologated six-point roll cage, HANS-approved seats with six-point harness, as well as other required safety equipment.\nRELATED: Lotus welcomes the new Eletre \u2013 its first-ever, fully-electric \u2018Hyper SUV\u2019\nLotus says that the Emira GT4 was tested at the Portimao Circuit in Portugal for an entire week to validate the car\u2019s aero performance and component reliability. Since its \ninitial announcement\n back in September last year, the Emira GT4\u2019s development team has been focused on \u201cprecision engineering to deliver outstanding dynamics and high-speed stability\u201d.\nLotus\u2019 Director of Vehicle Attributes and former British GT Championship winner Gavan Kershaw, who has been heavily involved in the development of the Emira GT4, commented: \u201cWe knew we had an excellent starting point for the Emira GT4 because of all the work done to make the road car such a great performer. Showing off the GT4\u2019s dynamic capabilities on the Hethel test track \u2013 which has shaped countless race cars and their drivers since Lotus moved to the site in 1966 \u2013 is a very special moment for me and all the team involved.\u201d\nAlso present at Hethel for the Emira GT4 launch event was a Lotus Type 30 sports racer. The white (privately owned) 1965 GT is powered by a Ford 4.7-litre V8, and won the Whitsun Trophy at last year\u2019s Goodwood Revival. Only 33 examples of the Type 30 were ever built, and it achieved numerous wins in the hands of Lotus legend Jim Clark and other racers.\nThe Emira GT4 is priced from GBP165,000 (approx. RM891k), excluding taxes and deliveries. Order fulfilments will begin 2022, with production ramping up for 2023 in line with global demand.\nCloser to home, Lotus Cars Malaysia recently opened the order books for the road-going Emira, with pricing starting from \nRM1.13 million \nfully-taxed in Peninsular Malaysia, or \nRM457k\n in Langkawi without duties.\nLearn more about the Lotus Emira in Malaysia here. \nGALLERY"
"Alongside the new Lexus RX 300, Lexus Malaysia also took to stage the long awaited arrival of the \nLexus ES 250\n, previewed at \nlast year\u2019s Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n.\nThe new ES 250 is available in two variatns \u2013 Premium at \nRM299,888\n and Luxury at \nRM332,888\n. Under its skin, the higher spec\u00a0ES 250 \u201cLuxury\u201d\u00a0stands out from the Premium variant with\u00a0performance dampers.\n \nInside, the Luxury model\u00a0is\u00a0treated to a 3-zone air conditioning system, rear sunshades, 12.3-inch touchscreen display, heads up display, wireless charging, 10-way power adjustable for the front seats and 2-way reclining rear seats.\nUnder the hood is a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with\n 204 hp \nand \n247 Nm\n, paired to an 8-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just launched the \u201cVolkswagen Cares\u201d customer loyalty programme at \nVolkswagen Fest 2018\n. The Volkswagen Cares mobile app helps existing Volkswagen owners to stay up to date with owner rewards, access 24-hours Volkswagen Roadside Assistance and more with a touch of a button.\nVolkswagen and non-Volkswagen owners can also access special offers, service offers, book a test drive as well as educational videos and tips from within the app. Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said: \u201cVolkswagen Cares applies on all levels, be it to our colleagues, dealer partners and our other stakeholders. And more importantly, it is about how we interact, engage and serve our customers better.\u201d\n \n \nAdditionally, VPCM is also rolling out a Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP), an exclusive programme for owners with a Volkswagen vehicle 5-Years and older. VCP member privileges upon registration include three 20 per cent service discount vouchers, 2-Year extension of Volkswagen Roadside Assistance and an RM100 merchandise voucher. All these benefits can be viewed and managed within the Volkswagen Cares app.\nInterested owners can register themselves at any authorised Volkswagen dealer and make a one-time payment of RM138 to enjoy all the above privileges. They will also receive a membership card that is linked to their Volkswagen vehicle. The Volkswagen Care app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Playstore."
"So the rumours about the discontinuation of sales of the \nBMW M3 and M4\n in Malaysia is untrue, then, because together with the launch of the \n4 Series LCI\n, the \nMercedes-AMG C63 Coupe rival\n is now yours for RM760,000.00.\nWith the facelift, the M4 gets minor nip and tuck enhancements to its appearance and chassis. It gets a new pair of full-LED adaptive headlamps and LED tail lamps as standard. Other visual items that separate the M4 from regular 4 Series are M specific wing mirrors, M gills at the front fenders, carbon roof, Powerdome (bonnet air inlet) and M quad exhaust. It rides on 19-inch lightweight M five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 255/35 and 275/35 (front and rear) tyres.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW M4 Coupe LCI\nEngine\n2,979cc; inline-6 M TwinPower turbo\nTransmission\n7-speed M DCT\nMax Power\n425 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 7,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n550 Nm @ 1,850 \u2013 7,300 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.1 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM760,000\nInside, there\u2019s new M Sport seats with adjustable side bolsters and wider apertures for better support and ventilation on the race track. Other M specific touches include carbon fibre trims and M leather sports steering wheel with M Drive buttons.\nMechanically, the M4 LCI retains the same 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder M TwinPower turbo that generates\n 425 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque. Drive is exclusively sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M dual clutch transmission. While its \n4.1 seconds\n century sprint time and \n250 km/h top speed\n is impressive to say the least, the M4 is still 0.2 seconds slower to the mark compared to the C 63 AMG.   BMW Malaysia is offering the new M4 in three exterior shades \u2013 Sakhir Orange, Austin Yellow and Yas Marina Blue. Like all official BMW models, the M4 comes with 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service and 2-Years BMW Tyre Warranty Programme as standard.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nothing says class like a premium German automobile. Past awards for excellence in execution are what keep most Asians coming back for more. It doesn\u2019t matter if we can\u2019t afford the full Monty BMW M5, we\u2019ll settle for much less. Four wheels and a badge, please.\nWhen compared to its predecessor, the new BMW 118i is a winner. More rear boot space, far superior base engine offering; styling suited to a lawyer who hasn\u2019t quite made partner yet, but still wants to feel important first thing in the morning. And lastly, more buttons and switches than a standard QWERTY keyboard.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 118i Sport\nBMW 120i M Sport\nEngine\n1,499cc; 3-cyl turbo, DOHC, direct injection\n1,598cc; 4-cyl turbo, DOHC, direct injection\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n136 hp @ 4,400 rpm\n177 hp @ 4,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n220 Nm @ 1,250 rpm\n250 Nm @ 1,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n7.2 seconds; 222 km/h\n8.7 seconds; 210 km/h\nPrice\nRM173,800.00\nRM219,800.00 (\nno longer on sale\n)\nSo let\u2019s start with \u201cI\u2019m not partner yet\u201d styling. Were I not a brutish barbarian, in a suit and tie, I\u2019d fit right in with the rat race pack. Nothing too sharp or outlandish, just understated lines. Exactly what you need to keep up with the herd and not embarrass your boss if he shows up in a previous generation 5 Series.\nWalking around the car, I find everything is as it should be, until I drop my camouflaged laptop bag in the boot. I know the key in my hand unlocks the boot at a touch of a clearly labelled button. I press it and fumble for a handle to lift up the boot. There is none. Using the tips of my fingers I pry open the assisted boot with He-Man force.   Annoyed at the process, my barbarian instincts want me to head butt the boot door as punishment. I decide that I\u2019d lose that fight and close the boot. Out of curiosity, I push the BMW badge on the back of the boot door. It turns into a handle. First impressions? I hate this car for making me look like an idiot to myself.\nGrumbling, I enter the BMW 118i. It smells like a BMW. Feels like a BMW. Nice. The driver\u2019s seat adjusts in many ways to accommodate my wide ate-too-much-roti-canai-as-a-child frame. I reach down for the control buttons and a few seconds later I am positioned. The steering is off, I pull the lever to make the necessary changes and discover that it is also telescopic. After another five minutes, I feel like no other barbarian before me. In perfect driving position that\u2019s comfortable, too. The rest of the interior is excellent, with plenty of visibility and room behind the husky driver.   Time to use some of that extra data Maxis has so graciously decided to bestow on us. Menu after menu after menu, I find the right settings to link my device to the BMW. So much reading. I just want to connect to my Bluetooth. All other information is irrelevant. If my device was going to blow up, then tell me, otherwise I. Don\u2019t. Care.\nFinally, Spotify is on. I am a little excited, it\u2019s a brand new BMW and I\u2019m driving it! Then I remember the engine details: a 1.5-litre three-cylinder that\u2019s turbocharged to produce just over 130 horsepower. My excitement wanes.\nOpen road, I pin the throttle to the mat, the eight-speed gearbox kicks down two cogs and away we go. The turbo is small so there\u2019s plenty of low-end torque and hardly any lag. All 220 Nm is available very early on in the rev range. It brings a wry smile to my face. As the rpm climb to 6,000 \u2013 in second gear, the smile fizzles. There just isn\u2019t enough puff up top, which is to be expected of a smaller displacement, small turbo setup. But for a few seconds, it felt like the BMWs of old. I guess it\u2019ll do.\nThe engine and gearbox has four driving modes. Sport and Sport+ give the Bimmer sharper throttle response and keep the revs higher, longer. But they also made the ride jumpy. A light accelerator touch would send the car lurching forward. Comfort mode was by far the choice for me, while Eco mode was sluggish and throttle response felt like the tyres were rolling in quick sand.\nFor a 36-year-old barbarian that still thinks the late 90\u2019s were the best years humanity has ever had, there\u2019s just too many settings and buttons. It took me a minute to find the central locking button. I just want everything to be simple and easy to use. Give me one button for one action, clearly labelled and all in a row. Give me a dial and several other buttons everywhere else, and I become Mary\u2019s lost lamb.\nSo far, I\u2019ve been building up two arguments. The first, I\u2019m obviously not meant for this sort of car. Class is the last thing I use at the dinner table and in polite conversation. With me it\u2019s punch this, kick that, red light districts and easy everything. Like a true 80\u2019s badass I rarely wear my emotions on my sleeves because I tore them off in a battle to the death with biker gang\u2019s boss.\nThe second, the BMW 118i is, much to my displeasure, perfect for the modern age.\u00a0And that\u2019s where I find myself torn between decisions and caught in a vortex of time between two distinct eras of motoring.\nI prefer my turbos big and laggy, full of top-end power. I prefer my handling to be knife-edge and scary, because I want to feel every bit of the road. I want to hear the roar of the engine, not a muffled wheeze.\nI want to enjoy everything that\u2019s BMW about the 118i, but can\u2019t. Beneath the layers of modern automotive advancement, there\u2019s only a sliver of BMW magic. No more straight sixers, just three-cylinders, a turbo and a super slick I-don\u2019t-know-what-gear-I\u2019m-in transmission.\nI know it\u2019s the base model. But then I\u2019m reminded of the E46 318 and how much I loathed it. BMW 118i, even with its turbo, only further reminds me that I\u2019m only getting part of the entire BMW performance package. It doesn\u2019t aspire me aspire to own an M3, M4 or M5. And that\u2019s what BMW cars used to do.\nIn short, the BMW 118i is like showing up to a dinner party claiming to be wearing Burberry. In reality, the only thing you\u2019re wearing from Burberry is a belt.\nMatthew\u2019s take: The fight between BMW, Mercedes-Benz and\u00a0to a certain degree, Volkswagen, has seen all three German carmakers duke it out to offer the most attractive entry-level model. In one corner you have the \n1.6-litre A 180\n, in the other a \nGolf 1.4 TSI\n, and then comes this peppy Bavarian looker. Its 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine \u2013 the same unit you\u2019ll find in an \ni8\n \u2013 is much better refined than the older 1.6-litre Prince. Although less powerful, the three-potter lump has an aurally delightful note and performs much more sensibly than say, the A 250. If I had to pick, I\u2019ll put my money down on the Bimmer any day. In fact, it may just be the last rear-wheel drive 1 Series, ever.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 118i Sport   BMW 120i M Sport"
"Despite the economic downturn as a result of the ongoing \nCovid-19\n pandemic, national carmaker Proton still managed to close 2020 on a high, with a total of \n109,716 vehicles sold\n for the entire year.\nThe positive sales figure represents an \n8.8% growth\n over the 100,821 units sold in 2019, raising the national carmaker\u2019s market share to an estimated 21.1% \u2013 4.4% increase from the previous year. In December 2020 alone, the company managed moved 13,306 units \u2013 a healthy increase over the 11,411 units sold in November.\n \nProton\u2019s achievement in 2020 is driven in large by the bread-and-butter \nSaga\n, with 46,527 units sold in the year, followed by the \nPersona\n with 23,917 units sold \u2013 the latter taking the crown of the best-selling B-segment sedan in 2020.\nThe ever-popular \nProton X70\n is up next with 21,944 units sold in 2020, making it the highest-volume C-segment SUV of 2020. Meanwhile, Proton has also managed to deliver 3,787 units of the \nrecently-unveiled X50\n \u2013 just over 200 units short of its 4,000 units target for the year. The \nProton Iriz\n and \nExora\n sold 7,636 and 5,849 units respectively.\nThe encouraging performance is further bolstered by the massive 49.8% jump in export volume, with presence in Kenya, Pakistan,\n Egypt\n, Bangladesh, and \nBrunei\n. Kenya saw the first Proton Saga roll off the local CKD assembly line just in December last month, while both the Saga and X70 will also be locally-assembled in Pakistan later this year, to be built in the \nnew Karachi assembly plant\n.\nThe year 2020 also saw the national carmaker increase its sales network by another 20 3S and 4S centre nationwide, bringing the total number of outlets to 140. As part of the company\u2019s long-term business evolution plan, Proton has also transferred ownership of 49 of its own sales branches. The national carmaker says that this will allow the company to\u00a0focus more on product development, product quality, aftersales service and export activities.\nProton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cWe are grateful to have achieved this level of performance against the backdrop of 2020. To describe it as challenging would be an understatement but we persevered. Our results were backed by many factors, trust from our customers, support from the government, commitment from vendors, resilience of our dealers and also the diligence of our staff.\n\u201c2020 was a real test of Proton\u2019s mettle as we had only just begun our new trajectory. The nature of this pandemic for an organization like ours, which depends on global supply chains, put great strain on the business.\nHowever, a combination of good strategy and hard work has left us not only with an increase in sales against a decreasing market but a renewed belief in our product strategy, quality and commitment to our customers . We will continue to put the pedal to the metal in 2021 and strive to improve all aspects of the business,\u201d he added."
"Nissan is the next automaker to heavily invest in electric vehicles (EV) and its manufacturing ecosystem. Dubbed Nissan EV36Zero, the electric vehicle hub is an expansion of the Sunderland plant in the UK that sees the construction of a new battery-making facility as well as a power generation plant using wind and solar energy.\nThe proposed new Nissan EV takes the form of a \ncrossover\n, and suspect not to be the similarly-sized \nNissan Ariya\n or recently launched \nQashqai\n as the investment for the new EV alone is USD584 million (RM2.4 billion). Designed for global markets, Nissan UK will export the new EV to the European markets traditionally served by the Sunderland plant, up to the tune of 100,000 units a year. \u00a0\nThe new EV will be built on the Alliance CMF-EV platform which also underpins the upcoming Renault Megane EV and the aforementioned Nissan Ariya. With Mitsubishi now being part of the Alliance, this new EV could also wear the \nMitsubishi\n badge.\nThis owner has been driving his original Nissan Leaf for over 200,000 km! More on the family here!\nTo keep total production efficient and minimize greenhouse gas emissions, a new battery factory will be built next to the Sunderland plant. Envision AESC, which already operates Europe\u2019s first battery plant in the same city since 2012, will invest USD620 million (RM2.58 billion) to build UK\u2019s first Gigafactory that is \npowered by renewable energy\n.\nThe initial output of the plant or \u2018gigafactory\u2019 is a modest nine GWh and is designed to deliver \nup to 35 GWh by 2030\n as demand and investment grow. Envision AESC is targeting to manufacture cheaper-priced batteries as well as \n30% more energy density\n for improved range and efficiency. \u00a0\nLocally, the Sunderland council is also leading the \n\u2018microgrid\u2019 project\n that aims to deliver 100% renewable electricity that will save 55,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.\nThis made-in-Sunderland Nissan Leaf just hit a milestone. Find out how many units been made here! \nThe \u2018microgrid\u2019 plan includes the creation of 10 new solar farms plus the existing 12.5 MW wind and solar farms together with storage of energy via refurbished batteries from old Nissan EVs. The project, a first-of-its-kind, is estimated to be worth USD111 million (RM459 million).\nThe EV36Zero plan\u2019s goal is to create a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem, using renewable and sustainable energy to build the vehicle, as well as power it within the surrounding region. The USD1.38 billion (or \nGBP1 billion\n, RM5.7 billion) investment is set to created 6,200 new jobs for both Nissan UK and the Envision AESC factory. \u00a0\nBritain has pledged to end the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines from 2030."
"Naza Eastern Motors\n has unveiled a new limited-edition model for the beloved \nSuzuki Jimny\n, called the Rhino Edition. Essentially just a visual package, the new Suzuki Jimny Rhino Edition will be limited to just 30 units only, priced at\n RM174,900 \n\u2013 although existing Jimny customers can purchase the kit for RM15k.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa for 10% instant rebate, cashback, and many more. Head on over to \nMotorTakaful.com\n to learn more.\nThe Suzuki Jimny Rhino Edition is available exclusively in a Pure Pearl White paint job, paired to a generous dose of red, grey, and black decals all around the exterior \u2013 the ones on the side even feature large \u2018Real Offroader\u2019 wording to remind everyone that it\u2019s still a capable 4X4 despite its compact size.\nJimny diehards may already recognise the Rhino emblem all around the outside that gave the special edition model its name, but for those who don\u2019t, the branding traces its roots all the way back to the second-generation SJ Jimny some 40 years ago, which was used in certain markets as a symbol for \u201crugged strength, robust appearance, solidity, and dynamic power\u201d.\nThe Rhino logo has since become essentially synonymous with the Jimny.\nOther exterior modifications on the Jimny Rhino Edition include the Suzuki Heritage grille, chrome wing mirrors, red mud flaps with white \u201cJimny\u201d lettering, bumper under garnishes, additional front and rear differential guards, as well as wind deflectors above the windows.\nAside from these, though, the rest of the car is essentially identical to the Suzuki Jimny that was launched here in Malaysia nearly two years ago. Underneath the bonnet is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine that makes \n102 hp\n and \n130 Nm\n, with power sent to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time four-wheel drive system.\nFor more information on the Suzuki Jimny in Malaysia, check out our \ndetailed launch coverage here.\nGALLERY"
"The BMW 6 Series started life as a two-door coupe\u00a0before the four-door Gran Coupe and the Convertible versions came along. Today, BMW announced that the 6 Series coupe will no longer be available, but the other duo will still be produced.\nA\u00a0report from \nRoad & Track\n confirmed that BMW stopped production of the 6 Series coupe in February as a consequence of poor sales. What does this mean? Well, enter the\u00a0\n8 Series\n,\u00a0the Bavarian giant\u2019s latest foray into the luxury two-door GT. Its concept form will take centre stage on 26 May, and once it comes to fruition, the GT will go head to head against the\u00a0\nS-Class coupe\n.\nBack at home, the BMW 6 Series is only available as a four-door 640i Gran Coupe M Sport, which will set you back at a cool\u00a0\nRM788,800\n. And if you\u2019re can\u2019t tell already, the silhouette below is of the new 8-er. We can\u2019t wait!"
"Chery \ntoday made its first official appearance here in Malaysia, after the brand \nannounced its revival\n in our country back in February this year. At a media event today, the Chinese carmaker previewed the five models that it has earmarked for introduction here in Malaysia, including the Tiggo Pro Series and Omoda 5 \u2013 the former including the first Southeast Asian appearance for the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV.\nChery Omoda 5\n\u201cAs one of ASEAN\u2019s largest economies and with a developed automotive market. Malaysia is a very strategic market in China\u2019s plans for further globalisation,\u201d said Chery Malaysia country director, Leo Chen.\n\u201cAs China\u2019s top passenger car exporter for 19 consecutive years, with a presence in over 80 countries and regions, and the trust of over 10 million users worldwide, we believe we will be able to draw on our expertise to contribute to the Malaysian automotive industry and further spur its growth.\u201d\nALSO READ: \nChery CKD plant for Malaysia in the works, SUV models to compete with Proton X50, X70\nChery Omoda 5\n\u201cPhase one\u201d of its Malaysian product plan will include the \nChery Omoda 5\n and the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n, although a concrete launch window wasn\u2019t specified.\nThe Omoda 5 is the first model under Chery\u2019s new flagship global model series. Designed to appeal to \u201cyoung consumers in the 25-30 age group\u201d, the compact SUV features the \u2018Art of Motion\u2019 design language with sharp lines and funky exterior styling, paired to a modern and high-tech interior.\nChery Omoda 5\nAt launch, the Omoda 5 in Malaysia will be offered with two powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with \n154 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n paired to a CVT gearbox, as well as a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection inline-four unit making \n194 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n, paired to a seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nChery also revealed that there will also be a fully-electric BEV variant for the Omoda 5 here in Malaysia, although they stopped short on revealing any specifications.\nChery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV\nAs for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, it\u2019ll be offered here with a single powertrain option featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine making \n250 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nThe company also showed off a hybrid-powered Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV at the event here today, although it\u2019s only slated to be launched at a later date. The PHEV\u2019s powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, two electric motors, as well as what the marque calls a 3DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) gearbox, for a combined output of\n 241 hp\n and\n 510 Nm\n.\nThe unique gearbox allows for nine different modes of operation, with the powertrain capable of running in both series and hybrid configurations depending on the driving situation.\nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\nOther models earmarked for Malaysia include the \nChery Tiggo 7 Pro \nand Tiggo 4 Pro. The former as a C-segment SUV rivalling the likes of the \nProton X70 \nand \nHonda CR-V\n, while the latter being the \u201centry-level\u201d model that\u2019s slightly smaller than the \nProton X50\n.\nThe two model share the same 1.5L and 1.6L powertrains as the Omoda 5, although the Tiggo 4 Pro will only be available with the former.\nRELATED: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro launched in South Africa with 10-year/1,000,000 km warranty!\nChery Tiggo 7 Pro\nChery Tiggo 7 Pro\nChery Tiggo 4 Pro\nChery Tiggo 4 Pro\n\u201cAt Chery, getting close to consumers is of paramount importance,\u201d said Chen. \u201cBesides communicating our recent global successes and showing them our leaps in technology, quality and design, this preview event is also a platform for us to directly engage with Malaysian consumers and deeply understand their hearts and minds with regards to automobiles.\u201d\n\u201cThis preview event will strengthen the market research we have done so far by allowing us to gather extensive feedback from our valued guests via survey, this time alongside the real vehicles. The feedback will greatly help us fine-tune our product and brand strategy to best serve the Malaysian market, as well as assess the suitability of each of these models for the market,\u201d he added.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s official \u2013 the \ncontroversial announcement \nfrom Volvo last year to limit the top-speed of all new vehicles to 180 km/h is now being implemented on new cars rolling off the production lines. The move is part of a larger vision from the Swedish carmaker to achieve zero serious injuries and fatalities in traffic.\nIn addition to the new speed limit, all new Volvo cars will also come with a \nCare Key\n, allowing owners to set additional speed limitations \u2013 we figure this might be particularly useful for those with rebellious teens at home.\nVolvo believes that the move is more than just a speed limit, but also to promote discussions around speeding. Head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre, Malin Ekholm said, \u201cWe believe that a car maker has a responsibility to help improve traffic safety. Our speed limiting technology, and the dialogue that it initiated, fits that thinking.\n\u201cThe speed cap and Care Key help people reflect and realise that speeding is dangerous, while also providing extra peace of mind and supporting better driver behaviour.\u201d\nSpeaking to Autocar UK, she added: \u201cWe decided there really is no reason to go faster than 180 km/h. 180 km/h is still fast, so is that going to be the end of speeding? No, it\u2019s not, but it\u2019s still a limitation. Everyone talks about speed and speeding, and we wanted to do something to show that we\u2019re serious.\u201d\nAccording to Ekholm, Volvo customers\u2019 response to the new speed limit had largely been \u201cvery supportive\u201d since the announcement last year. Moving forward, the carmaker will look towards curbing the issues of driver intoxication and distraction through in-car \ndriver monitoring systems\n.\nLocally, \nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director Nalin Jain\n confirmed that the recently-launched \nlocally-assembled S60 T8 R-Design\n will not come with said speed limit on the \nfirst batch of vehicles\n rolling out of the assembly plant in Shah Alam \u2013 later ones will still be subjected to the global Volvo directive."
"After \ngiving 500 lucky participants a complete engine rejuvenating experience\n last month, Shell Malaysia is offering discounts on some of their synthetic engine oils in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya festivity.\nBased on numerous positive response Shell received from some of the 500 participants from their #LoveMyRide festival, the multinational oil and gas company is extending this opportunity to more Malaysians so they can enjoy Shell Helix\u2019s superior engine cleansing features.\nGeneral Manager of Shell Lubricants Malaysia and Singapore, Leslie Ng said, \u201cWe wanted to extend this opportunity for more Malaysian drivers to experience what a motor oil \nmade from natural gas\n could do for a car engine. It cleanses your engine from the inside out. There is no better time to do it than in preparation for a safe drive back home this coming festive season.\u201d\nThe promotion offers instant cash rebates after factoring in GST. Customers can\n\u00a0enjoy an \nRM30 discount\n with every purchase of\u00a0\nShell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology fully synthetic motor oil\n and \nRM20 discount\n for \nShell Helix HX 7 synthetic technology motor oil\n.\nThis special cash discount promotion runs until the end of July 2015, and customers can purchase the engine oils at participating Shell petrol stations, workshops and spare part shops nationwide whilst stocks last.\nTo find out more about engine oils, click \nhere\n to read on viscosity grades and what we think of Shell\u2019s most advanced fully synthetic motor oil, Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology."
"I wouldn\u2019t hold a grudge against those under 20 years old if they don\u2019t know who this man is, but if you\u2019ve lived through the 1990s and 2000s, there is no way you\u2019d missed the man they call the \u201cFlying Sikh\u201d in the Sports section of our local newspapers.\nBut what would someone, who\u2019s been so used to high performance cars, say about a compact hatchback such as the Proton Iriz? Plenty apparently. In this \nvideo produced by Route Hunters\n, a local automotive content producer, the Flying Sikh takes the \nfacelift 2019 Proton Iriz\n out for a spin to find out why it\u2019s been so sought-after ever since Geely implemented its influence on Proton.\nFor starters, Karamjit highlighted the smoothness and efficiency of the Iriz\u2019s CVT transmission, which was given a software update when Proton introduced the facelift model last year. This was especially evident when the Iriz was taken for spin through the notoriously-winding roads of Kuala Kelawang, Negeri Sembilan.\n \nThat\u2019s not all, the Flying Sikh even gave his stamp of approval on the Iriz\u2019s ride and handling \u2013 something we\u2019ve always highlighted as the strongest selling point of the hatchback. It wouldn\u2019t stress you out; requiring constant engagement but it\u2019s also far from a \u201ctaufu\u201d on wheels \u2013 take it out for a single lap on a roundabout and you\u2019d know exactly what we\u2019re on about.\nIn fact, it\n \neven saved our former colleague Adrian from a potentially catastrophic accident\n after the unit he was driving had a sudden puncture on the highway. According to him, the stability of the car and its well-sorted chassis was what helped him steer the car to safety, despite the puncture.\nAs much as we admire the \nPerodua Myvi that went head-to-head with the Iriz on an airstrip\n, that level of confidence is still something the Iriz\u2019s competitor can\u2019t offer, yet. As for the rest, we\u2019ll leave it to you to find out. You\u2019d want to watch till the end as Karamjit even shared Route Hunter\u2019s findings on what the Iriz\u2019s maintenance costs would be like over the first few years of ownership.\nEnjoy!\nSource: \nRouteHunters Malaysia"
"Maserati has introduced new variants for Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans and the Levante SUV as part of the line-up\u2019s updates for the year 2022.\nThe Ghibli GT\nThe three new variants include the \nGT, Modena and Trofeo\n. They\u2019ve been developed not only to satisfy different customer\u2019s needs but also to allow each model to fully \u201cexpress their character\u201d, according to Maserati. Each variant features unique trims created by the Centro Stile Maserati and the Product Development Team.\nThe \nGT variant \nis aimed at expressing a more contemporary and elegant character, suited for the urban community with a taste for style and fashion. Maserati said it\u2019s for those with their own sophisticated and unique style.\nMaserati Levante Trofeo Launch Edition introduced in Malaysia with only 3 units available, read about it here!\nThe Levante Modena\nThe variant is characterised by chrome inserts, 18-inch alloy wheels for the Ghibli and Levante and 19-inch for the Quattroporte. The interior is finished with Dark Mirror leather upholstery for the Ghibli GT, radica trims for the Quattroporte GT, and Black Piano trims for the Levante GT.\nThe \nModerna variant \non the other hand is catered to those who are \u201csports enthusiasts\u201d. Maserati said it\u2019s for those looking for a balance between elegance and fun-to-drive.\nThe Moderna comes with 20-inch wheels and sportier bumpers in the front and back while on the inside, the cabin is furnished with either Dark Mirror or Piano Black trims and sporty leather seats.\nThe Quattroporte Trofeo\nLastly, the \nTrofeo variant \nis the most performance-oriented with generous carbon fibre trims for a menacing image, red brake calipers and sport seats in \u201cPieno Fiore\u201d natural leather.\nThe GT, Modena, and Trofeo get a new Maserati logo (as introduced with the MC20) on the bonnet, a new Trident logo on the C pillar and updated rear lettering.\nFind out more about Maserati\u2019s new supercar, the MC20, here!\nGALLERY"
"Joining and perhaps completing the \nJeep Grand Cherokee\n lineup is this monstrous STR variant \u2013 a \nRM698,889\n (OTR with GST, excludes insurance) offering that\u2019s honestly for those who want something different. Note that the keyword here is want, so if you have any other sound reasons as to why you should get a \n6.4-litre V8 \nSport Utility Vehicle other than having full bragging rights to owning a HEMI powered car, we\u2019d love to hear it.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nJeep Grand Cherokee SRT\nEngine\n6,417cc; V8 with hemispherical combustion chambers\nTransmission\n8-speed auto with E-Shift\nMax Power\n461 hp @ 6,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n624 Nm @ 4,100 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h\n4.9 seconds\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\nRM698,889.00 (with GST)\n\u00a0\nIn moving on, the Grand Cherokee SRT is a \nlimited edition SUV\n, so there\u2019s really no telling if it will be permanently offered alongside the Limited and Overland variants. This mammoth costs nearly \nRM220k more\n than the handsomely equipped Overland, so let\u2019s find out why.\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, the SRT features more muscular styling with revised front and rear bumpers. The grille gets finished in gloss black, complemented with the model\u2019s signature \nadaptive bi-xenon headlamps\n with auto high beam control and LED daytime running lights. Look downwards and you\u2019ll notice another pair of LED DRLs placed next to the fog lamps.   Round the side, there\u2019s no mistaking this for any other Grand Cherokees thanks to the \n20-inch black chromed wheels\n. Braking force is applied via a set of \nBrembo six-pot calipers\n at the front and \nfour-pot\n at the rear. Lastly, the rear bears the SRT badge, a pair of large exhaust pipes and diffuser.\nINTERIOR\nInside, you get full high quality leather interior, Active Noise Cancellation, CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof, \n8.4-inch touchscreen\n Uconnect display with GPS navigation and voice command, infrared dual-zone auto air conditioning, rear air vents, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters and Multi-View reverse camera.   If that\u2019s not enough, Jeep Malaysia is also throwing in a \n19-speaker Harman Kardon\n premium audio system for days when you don\u2019t feel like hearing your V8 HEMI roar.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe star of this show resides under the hood, and that\u2019s the 6.4-litre normally aspirated V8 HEMI. It makes \n461 horsepower\n at 6,250 rpm and \n624 Nm\n of torque at 4,100 rpm. Together with the \neight-speed torque converter gearbox\n, the SRT sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in an incredibly quick \n4.9 seconds\n. In comparison, the \nVolkswagen Mk7 Golf R\n manages the century sprint in 5.0 seconds.\nSAFETY\nIn case something goes wrong, the following safety features will be at play to ensure no lives are lost: 7 airbags, ABS, ESC, Brake Assist and Electronic Roll Mitigation. Front and rear parking sensors are standard too, with the rear view camera featuring dynamic grid lines for easy manoeuvrability.\nWHAT ELSE?\nLike all other Jeeps, this Grand Cherokee SRT comes with a 5-year or 150,000km warranty programme, whichever occurs first. Service interval is at every 10,000km. For those interested to know its OTR price \nwith insurance\n, it\u2019s \nRM717,344.38\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We praised the \nNissan Navara PRO-4X\n for its looks when it was launched here in Malaysia earlier this year. But it seems like Nissan Australia didn\u2019t think that it was aggressive enough, because they\u2019ve just gone and unveiled the PRO-4X Warrior pick-up truck (or \u2018ute\u2019); if the PRO-4X looks \u201cout of this world\u201d, this one might be from another galaxy.\nThe new pick-up truck is an Australia-exclusive model, made in collaboration with Victoria-based automotive engineering firm, Premcar. The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior is actually the second model between the two company, the first based on the pre-facelift Navara.\nAnyway, Premcar basically took the \nnew Nissan Navara\n PRO-4X, and turned it into a proper rugged off-road weapon with several specially-designed modifications for the range-topping truck \u2013 a custom build was necessary to ensure that all the advanced driver assistance features will remain functional, and of course, look the way it does.\nDetails haven\u2019t been finalised just yet, but based on the pictures published by Nissan Australia, the Navara Warrior gains a new hoopless bullbar up front replacing the existing bumper, integrated light bar, and massive red-painted bash plates on the underside.\nThere\u2019s also a new souped-up suspension set-up, which raises the truck\u2019s overall ride height, along with a set of larger Cooper Discoverer all-terrain tyres (with a larger track offset) for more surface-clawing ability especially off the beaten path.\nOther upgrades are more on the aesthetic side for extra street appeal, including a PRO-4X Warrior decals round the side, black sports bar above the truck bed, and a host of black exterior accents to finish off the aggressive exterior.\nHow does the Nissan Navara PRO-4X fare on our Malaysian roads? Watch our vlog to find out! \nAll of the mechanical bits underneath the bonnet are unchanged though, with the Navara Warrior still powered by the same 2.5-litre inline-four turbodiesel mill that makes 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque \u2013 so not quite Ranger Raptor-level of performance yet.\n\u201cAustralia\u2019s unique landscape is both rugged and exhilarating, and the Warrior program is designed to deliver vehicles that share those attributes, without sacrificing safety, technology or on-road comfort,\u201d said Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester.\nNo word yet as to when the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar (\nthat\u2019s its official full name. quite a mouthful isn\u2019t it\n) will be available in showrooms, as it is still undergoing testing across all different terrains that Australia can offer. Nissan did say that there will be more Warrior models coming soon, so we\u2019ll definitely be keeping a lookout for that!\nGALLERY"
"Groupe PSA has just released more details of the Peugeot 308 facelift. A total of six variants will be on offer, beginning with the entry level Access, Active, Allure, GT Line, GT and range topping GTi. The 308 facelift comes in both hatchback and estate body styles.\nEntry level variants of the 308 (Access, Active and Allure) get halogen headlamps LED DRLs while the rest get full LED headlamps. The cheapest trio get a simpler and more elegant front bumper design while the GT Line, GT and GTi have\u00a0more aggressive ones with larger intake scoops to aid engine cooling. Front fog lamps are also exclusive to the higher-end models.\nThe redesigned tiger claw LED taillamps is now a standard feature on all variants. A total of three distinct wheel designs are available at launch \u2013 16-inch \u2018Zycron\u2019 alloys, 16-inch \u2018Jade\u2019 two-tone diamond cut finish and 18-inch \u2018Saphir Black\u2019 two-tone diamond cut alloy wheels.\nInside, Active variants and above get the latest 9.7-inch infotainment system that supports MirrorLink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a faster 3D satellite navigation with TomTom real-time traffic monitoring service. Allure, GT Line and GT versions get a panoramic fixed glass roof as standard.\nThree engines are offered for the 308 range: a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-pot petrol (PureTech 130), 1.5-litre turbodiesel (BlueHDi 130) and 2.0-litre turbodiesel BlueHDi 180. A new six-speed manual transmission is featured on the PureTech 130 while the BlueHDi 180 gets a newly developed eight-speed automatic made by Aisin.\nThe 308 gets 5 Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating thanks\u00a0to features such as Active Safety Brake and Distance Alert (Autonomous Braking), Active Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Automatic Headlamp Control, Speed Sign Recognition and Speed Suggestion, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function, Active Blind Spot Monitoring, VisioPark 1 360-degree camera and Park Assist (auto park).\nOn automatic variants, the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function can bring the car to a complete stop but on manual variants, the car is slowed down to 30 km/h and requires the driver to assume control. Regardless, the system is operable at speeds of \nup to 180 km/h\n.\nThe facelifted Peugeot 308 is produced at Groupe PSA\u2019s Sochaux factory in France, with first batches of delivery scheduled to commence in September. Expect its Malaysian arrival soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If Audi is making an MPV/crossover that looks this, it\u2019ll be the best-looking one we\u2019ve ever seen. It\u2019s called the \u2018urbansphere concept\u2019 with a lower case \u2018u\u2019 but nothing about it is low-key at all.\nIt\u2019s huge! It\u2019s as long and wide as a BMW X7, but with a much longer wheelbase. According to Audi, the goal is not to squeeze as many seats and storage compartments. Instead, the focus is on providing ample space as a \u2018comfort factor\u2019.\nThe Audi urbansphere concept comes with suicide doors and as a result, there is no B-pillar. The seats swivel outward and a red carpet of light is projected onto the ground next to the vehicle to elevate the experience of climbing on board. In addition, each seat has its own speakers in the headrest area while individual monitors are built into the backs of the front seats.\nA \u201ccinema screen\u201d occupies the entire width of the interior, and when not in use, it offers a clear view of the front thanks to its transparent design. The seats in the rear can be reclined up to 60 degrees while leg rests extend at the same time. Even with the seats fully reclined, passengers can operate the infotainment using gesture control, eliminating the need to reach for physical controls.\nBetween the rear seats is a center console that contains a water dispenser and glasses. Wood and wool, as well as synthetic fabrics, are used on the panels, seats, and floor carpets which Audi says have a high-quality feel and are pleasant to the touch.\nControl panels are even integrated into the armrests on the doors. That way, the car always offers passengers invisible touch surfaces using only an icon to show its position. Even the steering wheel, pedals, and dashboard can be hidden when the car is autonomous driving mode.\n=\nThe fully-electric urbansphere sits on 24-inch wheels and air suspension, along with an 800 volt charging system. This ensures that the battery can be charged with up to 270 kilowatts at fast-charging stations in the shortest possible time. Just ten minutes of charging gets you about 300 km of range. Fully charged, the urbansphere can return up to 750 kilometers of range.\nThe urbansphere is driven by two electric motors \u2013 one in the front and back \u2013 effectively giving it Audi\u2019s quattro permanent all-wheel drive capabilities along with rear-wheel steering. Together, the electric motors produce 401 hp and 690 Nm. When it\u2019s coasting, the car can disengage the front electric motor to save power.\nOutside, large digital light surfaces aren\u2019t just aesthetically striking but also serve as communication elements. The entire surface of the grille becomes a canvas (known as the \u201cAudi Light Canvas\u201d) with dynamic lighting effects to signal to other road users. The headlamps are known as Audi Eyes \u2013 a new, unmistakable digital light signature.\nThe Audi urbansphere was co-developed with the input of Audi customers in China and as a result, the Audi Light Umbrella, a self-illuminating umbrella was created with inspiration taken from traditional Chinese umbrellas. When crossing the road or in dangerous situations, it activates a flashing light together with sensor technology to warn other road users.\nGALLERY"
"In a quest to empower women drivers to be stewards of their own cars and to\nembrace safe practices on ours roads, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia\n(Bosch AA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community\nDevelopment, supported by PROTON, Petron and the Road Safety Department of\nMalaysia (JKJR) recently organised a car maintenance workshop dubbed \u2018Heels\n& Wheels\u2019.\nThe car and road safety workshop was officiated by \nHannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development\n and attended by 60 personnel from the Department of Women\u2019s Development. The areas of focus were car maintenance knowledge and the \nimportance of child restraint systems (CRS), and the correct installation of baby and child seats in a car\n.\n\u201cA study by \nMalaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) \nshows that \n58% of children and infants death in the country is due to road accidents\n and the \nlack of child restraints\n is a large contributing factor to the fatalities. I am very excited and grateful that this workshop is emphasising essential car maintenance including the importance of CRS considering the compulsory implementation of child car seats next year. \nUsing CRS could help reduce the risk of fatal injuries by up to 70%\n\u201d, said Yeoh.\nAdditionally, a Bosch AA 2018 survey among Malaysian drivers showed that only \n1% of women know how to troubleshoot a car breakdown\n. During the workshop, Bosch AA imparted simple car maintenance checks involving four main areas \u2013 battery, wipers, engine oil and tyres. Participants were given hands-on lessons on how to identify signs of a \nweak battery\n and \nworn out wipers\n, \nchange a flat tire\n, \ncheck engine oil levels\n and most importantly, \nwhat to do in an emergency or breakdown\n.\n \n\u201cAt Bosch AA, car and road safety are key focus areas for us. We believe \nproactive car care and maintenance\n with the \nusage of quality car parts\n are fundamental to reduce risks of car breakdowns and road accidents. As we celebrate our National Day, we hope that the \u2018Heels & Wheels\u2019 workshop can empower and inspire women drivers to take charge of their cars and have a peace of mind while driving\u201d, said Pang Yoon Kong, Country Manager of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia.\nThe workshop also featured a presentation on car safety technologies by PROTON, a \u2018Safe Habits at Service Stations\u2019 talk by Aliza Azimah Ahmad from Petron Malaysia, a child car seat safety demonstration by Sweet Heart Paris and a talk on \u2018Stigma amongst Women Drivers\u2019 by JKJR.\n\u201cSafety and peace of mind have all always been a key component of the PROTON brand promise. We have been strong advocates of road safety for over three decades and believe that it is a responsibility that requires consistent engagement with the Malaysian public. Campaigns like this, play an important role in creating awareness and educating people about the importance of road safety beyond driving\u201d, said Vijayaratnam Tharumartnam, Head of Group Communications for PROTON.\nThe \n#BoschEmpowersWomen\n initiative is part of Bosch AA\u2019s flagship car and \nroad safety campaign \n\u2018Drive for Life\u2019\n that was launched earlier in May this year, which supports the government\u2019s agenda to reduce road accidents in the country."
"The \nfourth-generation Renault Megane R.S.\n has just been made available for the UK market and lucky for them, the six-speed manual is a standard fitment while the Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission is also available as an option.\nCustomers can opt for a Sport or Cup chassis setup with the former aimed at drivers who prefer a sporty but refined drive. The \nCup chassis\n takes things up a few notches with revised springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, red brake callipers, bump stops and a Torsen limited slip differential, prioritising cornering performance over everyday comfort.\nA set of \nBrembo bi-material brake kit\n is available as an option exclusively for the Cup chassis which enlarges the front brake discs to 355 mm and saves \n1.8 kg\n of unsprung weight on each corner. Renault claims that the optional brake kit gives drivers consistent brake pressure and boasts maximum cooling capabilities during intensive use.\nUnder the hood of the Megane R.S. is a brand-new 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that boasts\n 280 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n on tap, the latter peaks from 2,400 \u2013 4,800 rpm. Despite getting a Launch Control function on the EDC equipped car, both the automatic and manual Megane R.S. will take the \nsame\n \n5.8 seconds\n to sprint to the 100 km/h mark. The six-speed manual will manage a slightly higher top speed of \n255 km/h\n;\u00a05 km/h more than the EDC variant.   Standard equipment on UK-bound Megane R.S. include R.S. Vision full LED headlamps, 18-inch \u2018Estoril\u2019 alloy wheels, R.S Monitor Expert, Multi-Sense drive mode selector (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race, Perso), Renault Sport seats, Dark Carbon R.S. upholstery, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and cruise control.\nOther creature comfort items such as 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen, Alcantara seats, eight-speaker BOSE sound system, sunroof, reverse camera, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking are available as optional extras.\nIn the UK, prices for the new Renault Megane R.S. starts from \u00a327,495 (RM147k) to \u00a339,705 (RM213k) with all the options checked. Closer to home, TC Euro cars have the next best thing available, the \nMegane GT\n that spots a 1.6-litre turbo engine but at a very unfavourable price tag of RM228k. To put things into perspective, that is almost RM30k more expensive than the previous generation \nMegane R.S. 265 Sport\n (that \nwe absolutely love\n)!\nWe can\u2019t imagine TC Euro Cars to not bring the new Megane R.S. to Malaysia after all the old one garnered quite a strong following among track enthusiast and weekend warriors alike. Let\u2019s just pray that if it does come to Malaysia, it can undercut the \nRM320k Honda Civic Type R\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRenault Megane R.S."
"Still sulking over the fact that Ford won\u2019t build a Fiesta RS? This might cheer you up. No it\u2019s still not the full-blown RS version of the lovable Fiesta, but Ford has sprinkled more magic dust over the Fiesta ST to create this Fiesta ST200.\nThe hint is in the name. \nST200\n means 200PS (or\u00a0\n197 hp\n) that is still deployed to the front wheels, which is around \n10 percent increase\n over the \u201cstandard\u201d Fiesta ST. Torque figure has risen too, from 240 Nm to \n290 Nm\n. All this come from the same \n1.6-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost\n as the ST that has been \u201cspecially calibrated\u201d. On top of that, an \noverboost\n function will release another 15 hp and 30 Nm for up to 15 seconds.\nThe engine is not the only thing that has been tweaked. Ford has also \nshortened the final drive ratio\n from 3.82 to 4.06 for an even livelier in-gear acceleration. \nZero to 100 km/h\n sprint now takes just\u00a0\n6.7 seconds\n (0.2 seconds quicker than the ST), and\u00a0\ntop speed\n has also increased from 224 km/h to \n231 km/h\n.\nTo make it stand out from the \u201cregular\u201d ST, Ford has given the Fiesta ST200 a \nStorm Grey paintwork\n along with a set of \nmachined matte-black alloys\n. Inside, the ST200 gets the highest trim available which includes the\n half leather upholstery\n with contrasting silver stitching and subtle silver detailing on the seatbelts.   Before entering the production line in June, the Fiesta ST200 is going to debut at the \n2016 Geneva Motor Show\n in March. Deliveries will commence this summer in Europe.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Her name is Juju Noda and ever since she was handed her first race kart at an age (3-years-old) where parents wouldn\u2019t even trust their kids with an iPad, she\u2019s been habitually embarrassing those twice and even thrice her age on the race track.\nNow, the 12-year-old lass (she turned 12 in early February 2018), is already getting into the hot seat of a Formula 3 car earlier than most current Formula 1 drivers. Only Formula 2 separates her from meddling with the likes of Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Ricciardo, although they\u2019d probably be on dentures by the time she rises to prominence.\nA prodigy in every sense of the word, she is already the world\u2019s first primary school student to drive a FIA-approved Formula 4 race car at race speeds and breaking lap records along the way. Max Verstappen, the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 race, never got into an open-wheel racer until he was 16.\nWith the guidance of her father, Hideki Noda, who had a brief stint in Formula 1, the raw talent from Okayama, Japan is already aiming to be the first female driver to win a Formula 1 race. Given her breakthroughs in such a short time, with the right support, the name Juju Noda is one to definitely keep in mind for the future.\nCredit: \nGreat Big Story"
"It seems that deriving a crossover from an existing B-Segment model is the trend these days. The \nHonda HR-V\n is a runaway success thanks to the Jazz platform and Mazda is gaining notches with the \nCX-3\n, which is basically a \nMazda2\n on stilts. Now, Toyota is set to follow its rival\u2019s playbook with this new subcompact crossover concept \u2013 the ViRA.\nNot to be mistaken with the \u201cWira\u201d moniker we Malaysians are familiar with, the ViRA is a\u00a0portmanteau between Vitz supermini (also known as the Yaris) and RAV4 crossover. This could suggest that the ViRA is based on the Yaris\u2019 platform and will sit one level below of the RAV4. The wagon-like roof, sporty curves and three-door configuration also hint at a concept that will appeal to and impress the young.\nToyota\u2019s standard logo placement aren\u2019t seen on this car, though. Instead, it gets\u00a0\nToyota Industries Corporation\u2019s\n logos,\u00a0which is one of Toyota\u2019s large subsidiaries that assembles (under contract) most of their cars, including the Yaris and RAV4.\nThe ViRA concept will make its debut at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Saloon later this month. Stay tuned!"
"Bermaz Motor has successfully raised a total of RM625,500 for the Mazda Medicare Fund (MMF). During their fourth Mazda Charity Golf Tournament, the company raised RM125,500, while RM500,000 was contributed by Directors and Senior Management Staff of Bermaz Motor.\nMazda Charity Golf Tournament is an annual tournament that connects Mazda customers and business associates to collectively engage in a charitable initiative. The funds raised will be channelled to multiple organisations to directly impact the lives of the community.\nThe generous amount raised this year will be channelled to B.Braun Avitum Renal Services (BARS) and Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital Penang to subsidise haemodialysis treatment for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In addition to that, part of the amount will be channelled to other charitable organisations such as orphanages and old folks homes.\nThe MMF is a Community Service and CSR initiative by Mazda to provide financial subsidy to needy patients diagnosed with ESRD. Patients who are in need of financial support to carry out their routine dialysis treatment can apply for the MMF through a simple three step process. The application can be done at any B.Braun dialysis centre. For additional information, \njust visit Mazda Malaysia\u2019s website\n."
"Honda Malaysia has just announced a new \u2018\nMalaysia Tanah Airku\n\u2018 Merdeka campaign, in conjunction with Malaysia\u2019s 64th Independence Day celebrations. The campaign will run throughout the entire month of August, offering rebates and rewards of up to RM6,000 with a new purchase of selected Honda models.\nThe offer is split into three categories: a \nMalaysiaku\n Bonus that ranges between RM1,000 to RM5,000 depending on model and variant, plus either a RM1,000 \u201cExtra Rebate\u201d,\n or\n a RM1,000 service voucher that standard across all models.\nThe service voucher is eligible for use at all Honda Authorised Dealers with a two-year validity from the date of purchase, and are applicable for periodic maintenance parts, consumable parts, additives, value-added products, and labour charges.\nFor the \nall-new Honda City\n, only the mid-spec 1.5L E variant will get a RM2,000 \nMalaysiaku\n Bonus, while the rest of the model line-up only receives a RM1,000 rebate in this year\u2019s Merdeka campaign. Meanwhile, the \nHonda Civic \nrange gets the same RM1,000 \nMalaysiaku\n Bonus across all variants.\n \nHonda Malaysia is now offering a 360-degree surround view monitor as an optional extra on the Honda HR-V and BR-V. Learn more here.\nThe \nall-new Honda Accord\n, which was unveiled alongside the Civic facelift back in February 2020, gets to enjoy the most significant savings in this year\u2019s\n Merdeka\n campaign, with a \nMalaysiaku\n bonus of RM5,000 on the TC variant, and RM4,000 on the range-topping TC-P variant.\nThe full breakdown of the rebates and rewards is available in the table below:\nClick to enlarge.\nAside from the rebates above, Honda Malaysia is also offering a Flexible Instalment Plan for its cars, with monthly repayments coming in as low as RM588 per month for the first year.\nMore information on Honda Malaysia\u2019s \u2018\nMalaysia Tanah Airku\n\u2018 Merdeka campaign is available at Honda Malaysia\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n."
"Three-cylinder engines are notorious for their excessive vibrations, due to the unbalanced forces acting on the crankshaft \u2013 according to the armchair experts, at least. When Proton announced that the highly-anticipated Proton X50 would be equipped with a three-cylinder engine on all variants, you could almost hear the collective gasps of the keyboard warriors online.\nHowever, during our test drive session for the \nProton X50\n at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday, we could barely discern any vibrations from the engine while being seated inside the cabin. Without looking underneath the bonnet, you\u2019d probably even forget the number of cylinders on your engine.\nSo what makes this engine so special that it has supposedly solved the kryptonite of a three-pot mill? According to Proton, the engine features\n more than 10 parts\n that are \ndesigned specifically to combat NVH\n.\nThese include the dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorber damper, balancing shaft, low noise timing belt, high stiffness engine block and oil pan, silent fuel pump and injectors, as well as engine compartment vibration dampeners.\nProton X50 Chief Engineer, Noor Hisham Ismail, explaining the improvements made on the engine specifically to combat NVH.\nThese measures have all been developed throughout Volvo\u2019s extensive experience in making odd-number cylindered engines \u2013 such as the inline-five Modular Engine \u2013 and are now passed on to newer engines developed together with Geely, to be used in various applications within the greater Geely family.\nThe specialised engine is complemented by impressive noise insulation in the cabin, which almost completely eliminated any grating noises or unpleasant vibrations while driving. Granted, our short test drive sessions did not include any real-world driving situations, so we still cannot truly comment on the road noises seeping into the cabin. But from what we\u2019ve experienced so far, we have quite high hopes on that aspect as well.\nNo pricing or release dates have been announced for the\n \nProton X50\n just yet, but we are expecting to hear them very soon. To recap, the Proton X50 will be offered in four variants \u2013 Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship \u2013 with two engine choices \u2013 1.5T on the four lower variants, and a 1.5TGDi engine on the Flagship variant.\nThe two powertrain options are based on the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, though the 1.5T gets port fuel injection, while the 1.5TGDi variant features direct injection. In terms of output, the 1.5T makes \n150 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n of torque, while the 1.5TGDi kicks it up a notch with \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n.\nBoth engines on the Proton X50 are paired to a \nseven-speed dual-clutch gearbox\n \u2013 similar to the one on the \nCKD X70\n, though slightly tuned to better fit the new 1.5-litre engine, weight, as well as driving characteristics of the X50."
"Proton Cars have just held a flag-off ceremony here at its manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim to mark its resume of export activities in Egypt after a three-year hiatus.\nThe last shipment to Egypt was sent in December 2015, compromising 320 units of the Proton Gen 2 and Persona. Export operations came to a halt due to the devaluation of the local currency which made it impossible to price new vehicles competitively.\nA total of 225 Proton cars will set sail on 22 September 2018 from Northport Klang and are set to arrive at Alexandria port in Cairo on 6 October 2018 where they will be received Proton\u2019s distributor in Egypt, Alpha Ezz El-Arab. Alpha Ezz El-Arab will then distribute to seven branches and dealers that serve the local market.\nDeputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed said: \u201cProton is excited at being able to export its cars to a market where they have proven to be popular in the past. Buyers there value the safety, reliability and strong resale price of Proton cars, qualities evident in the three models set to be launched in Cairo in October. To ensure sufficient stocks, the distributor has ordered an additional 280 units to be shipped next month with a target of 1,000 cars for the whole of 2018.\u201d\nAside from resuming new car sales in Egypt, the local distributor will also be introducing Proton\u2019s new CI (corporate identity) in three outlets, the first showrooms to carry Proton\u2019s latest CI outside of Malaysia.\n\u201cThe move to adopt our new CI shows our distributor is in step with our aim of building a consistent brand experience and image for PROTON internationally. It will also help in our aim to add to the more than 13,000 Proton cars that have been sold in Egypt since 2004,\u201d Dato\u2019 Radzaif added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just two years after its full market introduction, the 10,000th Lamborghini Urus \u201cSuper SUV\u201d has now rolled off the production floor at the Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese plant \u2013 officially making it the fastest selling Lamborghini model.\nFor context, the Lamborghini Huracan took \ntwice the time to reach 11,000 units\n. In 2019 \u2013 the first full year the Urus is available on the market \u2013 Lamborghini made a total of 8,205 vehicles (43% more than the previous year), of which 4,962 are of the Urus, more than 60% of the total volume.\nThe Lamborghini Urus has been so successful for the Italian supercar maker that it had to expand its headquarters to fit a dedicated production line for the Super SUV. Last year, Lamborghini even opened a dedicated paint shop for the Urus, integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).\nThe Urus with chassis code 10,000 will be making its way to a customer in Russia. The particular example is finished in the new Nero Noctis Matt (black) paint job, along with with the carbon fibre package. Inside, the 10,000th Lamborghini Urus gets two-tone \nAd Personam\n interiors in black and orange, complemented by carbon fibre trim pieces.\nThe Lamborghini Urus was first unveiled at the\n tail end of 2017\n, and launched in Malaysia just \nthree months later\n. Underneath the hood is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, capable of producing\u00a0\n650 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n850 Nm\n. The century sprint takes just\u00a0\n3.6 seconds\n, while 0 to 200 km/h is done in 12.8 seconds \u2013 onward to a top speed of\u00a0\n305 km/h\n. Yes, in a 2,200 kg SUV."
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has introduced a new mobile application called \u201c24Seven Road Assist\u201d for Toyota car owners in Malaysia, billed as an \u201cindustry first\u201d service offering immediate roadside assistance at just a few swipes on your smartphone.\nTo be clear, UMW\u2019s 24/7 roadside assistance feature has always existed \u2013 and can still be accessed \u2013 via Toyota\u2019s toll-free phone number at \n1-800-888-247\n. However, the new app elevates the experience with new features, aiming to help calm some nerves during anxious times \u2013 such as when you\u2019re stranded by the roadside.\nA key selling point of the new Toyota 24Seven app here in Malaysia is the SOS button with real-time tracking, where users can track the real-time location and estimated time of arrival for their help to arrive at their location.\nUsers can also be assured that their help is provided by an authorised Toyota outlet or service provider. Additionally, they can also have the choice of selecting their own preferred outlet through the app, if they so wish to, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all year long nationwide.\nThe Toyota Harrier was just recently launched here in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nThe new Toyota 24Seven app also interfaces directly with the Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) module in your car (available in new Toyota models in Malaysia from 2019 onwards), which feeds the GPS location information of your car directly into the mobile app.\nThis not only helps the relevant authorities whenever there is a need for vehicle recovery, but is also able to detect impact in which case emergency services maybe automatically dispatched to the scene.\nThe VTS system (which also comes with its own mobile app) also offers other features, such as a 24/7 Command Centre, multiple vehicle tracking, push notifications for specific vehicle conditions, and instant overview of key vehicle operating information.\n\u201cWe have been providing our customers with Toyota 24Seven Road Assist for the last 20 years. This is a service that continually undergoes enhancements to ensure that they never have to worry when they are on the road,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\n\u201cAs mobile technology grows more advanced, naturally the next logical step would be to introduce a mobile application that would bring this service to the next higher level.\u201d\nUMW Toyota recently announced an investment of RM270m for the local assembly of hybrid vehicles. Read more about it here.\nToyota owners in MAlaysia using the Toyota 24Seven Road Assist service can also enjoy free minor on-the-spot repairs (such as flat tyres), as well as free nationwide towing (within the state, up to 50 km).\nThe Toyota 24Seven Road Assist app is now available as a free download on both the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n."
"Mercedes-Benz is set to replace their compact SUV, the \nGLK\n, with an all-new \nGLC\n. Unveiled at the \nShanghai Motor Show\n\u00a0as the \nConcept GLC Coup\u00e9\n guise, the GLC will also spawn a \u201cregular\u201d five-door format (to be revealed afterwards), similar to the bigger brother \nGLE\n and \nGLE Coup\u00e9\n.\nIf you\u2019re wondering what a GLK is, it was never offered in right-hand drive form hence it was never offered here in Malaysia but fans of \nSex and the City\n might have seen the GLK driven by \nSamantha Jones\n in the movie.\nUnlike the GLK, the new GLC is going to be available in right-hand drive form, so we can look forward for it to arrive on our shores in the near future. Measuring \n4,727 mm long\n with \n2,827 mm wheelbase\n, \n2,000 mm wide\n, and \n1,593 mm tall\n, the Concept GLC Coup\u00e9 has its target locked on the \nBMW X4\n, and Mercedes said the Concept GLC Coup\u00e9 is pretty much production-ready bar some minor detailing.\nWith muscular stance and shallow glass area inherited from the bigger GLE Coup\u00e9, the GLC Coup\u00e9 plays the same theme but depicted in a smaller package. The bulging bonnet with \ntwin powerdomes\n are presented here together with the huge and \nupright front grille\n, while the rugged black cladding runs underneath the whole car, covering the bumpers, wheel arches, and side skirts.\nThe shape of the \nLED lights\n front and back also follows the bigger GLE Coup\u00e9, while the side profile features the sleek sloping roof and huge \n21-inch wheels\n. Although, some design elements might not make it to the production version of the GLE Coup\u00e9, such as the \nflushed door handles\n, the side mirrors, and the\n staggered quad tailpipes\n.\nUnderneath the Concept bodywork is a rather normal powertrain. The Concept GLC Coup\u00e9 is powered by a \n3.0-litre twin-trurbo V6\n coupled with a\u00a0\n9G-TRONIC\n nine-speed automatic transmission sending \n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n to the\n 4MATIC\n permanent all-wheel drive system. We can expect the same powertrain to be featured in the production GLC Coup\u00e9, while a range of smaller 4-cylinder engines are likely to join the rest of the GLC range.\nThere\u2019s no mention on the exact production date of the GLC, but the Concept GLC Coup\u00e9 made its\u00a0debut at the ongoing\u00a0\n2015 Shanghai Motor Show\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"PLUS has just announced that all 134 Reload Lanes across all PLUS-operated highways will be closed from 22 June to 2 July to facilitate smoother traffic flow during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season.\nAmong PLUS-operated highways include:\nNorth-South Expressway (NSE)\nNew Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE)\nFederal Highway Route 2\nSeremban-Port Dickson Highway\nNorth-South Expressway Central Link\nMalaysian-Singapore Second Link\nLebuhraya Butterworth-Kulim\nPenang Bridge\nAccording to PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail, \u201cWe anticipate that 1.7 million vehicles will ply the North-South Expressway on every peak day this festive season, a 21 percent increase from the usual 1.4 million vehicles on a normal working day.\nOn average, a top-up process can take up to three minutes per vehicle. The closure is crucial to prevent long queues at toll plazas,\u201d Datuk Azman added.\nPLUS reminds the public to ensure sufficient balance in their PLUSMiles or Touch n\u2019 Go cards to avoid any inconvenience and hold up. Despite the 134 closures of Reload Lanes, there are 9,200 other reload locations across the country including 24-hour convenient stores, ATM machines and petrol stations and etc.\nAdditionally, users can also reload at PLUS customer service centres at selected toll plazas operating between 7 am to 10 pm daily (including Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)."
"It\u2019s nearly the end of 2021, which means deals and discounts for new cars are coming thick and fast. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is leading the charge this year with their newly-announced Year-End Deals, offering up to a total of RM10,000 in savings on selected models!\nThe year-end rebates are available for all models in Volkswagen Malaysia\u2019s current line-up, and as the name suggests, these deals are only valid until the 31st of December 2021. All bookings placed via VPCM\u2019s\n eShowroom platform\n will enjoy a rebate of RM3,500, but each model also come with their own individual model rebates.\nOn the SUVs, the seven-seater \nTiguan Allspace Highline\n comes with an additional rebate of RM4,000, while the \nTiguan Allspace R-Line\n gets an additional rebate of RM2,000.\nFor the sedans meanwhile, the\n Passat Elegance\n comes with an additional rebate worth RM6,500, plus one-year free insurance during the year-end sales period, while the sportier \nPassat R-Line\n is offered with an additional RM5,500 savings and one-year free petrol.\nAnd as for VPCM\u2019s new flagship darling, the \nArteon R-Line 4MOTION\n, an additional RM2,000 rebate is offered on top of the eShowroom savings, bringing it up to a total rebate of RM5,500.\nAs all VPCM offerings are now locally-assembled here in Malaysia, they\u2019re all \nexempt from sales tax until June 2022\n. All models also come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, as well as three years of free maintenance.\nFor more information on VPCM\u2019s year-end deals, visit their new eShowroom platform, linked \nhere\n."
"The electric Gelandewagen, called \nMercedes-Benz EQG\n, is due to be unveiled sometime in 2024. Even though that is still at least a year away, Mercedes-Benz engineers are already hard at work to make sure it\u2019s as capable as the reputation its name carries, or even more.\nAs part of its testing, the German carmaker is now showing off a new feature for the electric G-wagen, which lets it rotate freely while remaining in place, commonly known as the \u2018tank turn\u2019.\nDonuts-on-demand.\n@MercedesBenz\n's upcoming EQG gets four electric motors and a 'G-Turn' function that sees it spin on the spot.\nSteering wheel paddles let the driver decide if it turns left or right as the throttle is planted.\nFirst prototype ride for me. Shaken and stirred. \npic.twitter.com/GjoUv8XTQ1\n\u2014 Greg Kable (@GregKable) \nNovember 21, 2022\n \nFirst shown off in a press conference back in May, the feature \u2013 dubbed \u2018G-Turn\u2019 \u2013 rotates each wheel on opposing sides of the axles in a different direction. The G-Turn is only made possible due to the four individual motors, one in each wheel.\nTo control the direction of the turn, the driver will just have to use the paddles on the steering wheel, while keeping the throttle planted.\n \nA similar feature was \npreviously advertised by Rivian \nfor its electric pick-up truck and SUV, the R1S and R1T. Although for safety and environmental reasons according to the company, the tank turn feature was not shipped to customers, and still remains unavailable at the time of publishing.\nThe G-Turn is just one of the many unique features carmakers are adding to their electric vehicles in order to entice car buyers who might otherwise be more inclined to stick with a regular combustion engine-powered model. The \nfully-electric Hummer\n, unveiled back in 2020, also includes a\n \u2018crab walk\u2019 party trick\n that can be useful in trickier terrains.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s Project Maybach proves that luxury and off-road can mix\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQG is still more than a year away, but we do already know quite a few details about it. The carmaker has revealed that the EQG will be built on a ladder-frame platform and ride on independent front suspension, along with a rigid rear axle developed exclusively for electric vehicles, which means it\u2019ll at least be as rugged as its predecessor.\nWe also somewhat know how it\u2019ll look like, thanks to a \u201cnear-production\u201d concept model that was unveiled back in September last year. Check that out in more detail \nhere\n.\nALSO READ:\n The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS previews an electric future for the ultra-rich\n[\nH/T: Motor1\n]"
"Volvo has revealed that it will be debuting its second fully-electric car later this year. The still-unnamed model is tipped to be a small, compact crossover model, and is set to be launched in March 2021.\nThe Swedish carmaker\u2019s second EV will be built on the CMA modular platform, which is developed in conjunction with Geely and is currently in use on the \nVolvo XC40\n, \nPolestar 2\n, \nGeely Xingrui (Preface)\n, and several \nLynk & Co\n models.\nVolvo confirmed the second EV in a statement announcing its plans to triple EV production at its Ghent plant in Belgium by 2022, which translate roughly to 60% of the plant\u2019s total production capacity. The move is in line with the carmaker\u2019s commitment to \nmake EVs half of its total sales worldwide by 2025\n, and becoming a \nfully-electric manufacturer by 2040\n.\nThe upcoming EV will also be produced at the Ghent plant, alongside the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge\n \u2013 the manufacturer\u2019s only EV currently, also based on the CMA platform \u2013 and the Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid. According to a \nreport\n by \nAutocar UK\n, Volvo\u2019s second EV will take the form of a crossover coupe, making it a sportier alternative to the XC40.\nThe publication also claims that a smaller model, supposedly named the XC20, is on the way \u2013 although this model will be based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, the \n\u201cworld\u2019s first open-source architecture\u201d\n co-developed with Geely that will underpin the Lynk & Co Zero.\n\u201cOur future is electric and customers clearly like what they see from our Recharge cars,\u201d said Volvo Cars head of global industrial operations and quality, Javier Varela. \u201cAs we continue to electrify our line-up and boost our electric production capacity, Ghent is a real trailblazer for our global manufacturing network.\u201d\nThe capacity ramp-up comes as Volvo posted their 2020 annual sales performance, which saw\u00a0661,713 vehicles sold worldwide \u2013 a 6.2% decline year-on-year. However, the carmaker says that demand for its Recharge fully-electric models have more than doubled in 2020, as compared to the previous year.\nThe drop in sales is undoubtedly attributed to the ongoing \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, however a strong second-half performance with a 7.4% increase over 2019\u2019s levels helped offset most of the 21% drop in the first half of 2020."
"Volvo Cars has announced that all of its new cars from \nmodel year 2023 onwards \nwill now come with over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities. That means that Volvo\u2019s entire model line-up now comes with the OTA capability, following the technology\u2019s initial introduction with its fully electric models, with new additions this time round including the \nVolvo XC90\n,\n S60\n, and \nV60\n.\nThis round of updates will include the latest version of Android Automotive OS (Android 11) for the infotainment system, which also adds new app categories in the Google Play Store such as navigation as well as charging and parking, while video streaming is expected to be added later this year.\nAside from the infotainment updates, the latest OTA software will also include feature improvements, particularly for the EVs, such as better energy management through improved climate timers, plus updates to the mobile app functionality and in-car applications.\nThe energy management improvement helps to maintain appropriate battery temperatures on both cold and warm days, which could help boost driving range on the electric models. The Volvo Cars app will also now receive more frequent updates from the car to display a more up-to-date charging percentage during an ongoing session.\nSince the beginning of last year, Volvo has been offering regular OTA updates to its customers in the majority of its markets. The company expects the volume of cars covered by such updates to grow with every new update.\nThe latest OTA software is the company\u2019s eighth complete car update, and will reach more than 190,000 Volvo cars across the globe, thanks to the debut of OTA updates in several new markets around the globe including India, Taiwan, New Zealand, and Malaysia.\n\u201cBy making all Volvo models able to receive over-the-air updates, we make important progress towards our ambition of making our customers\u2019 cars better every day,\u201d said Volvo Cars chief product officer, Henrik Green.\n\u201cThis is a significant milestone: we\u2019re now updating cars of all models in a majority of our markets, bringing the benefits of remote continuous updates to an ever-increasing number of customers,\u201d he added.\nIn conjunction with the OTA update, Volvo also announced that it will begin rolling out the Android Automotive infotainment system across all new models in the future. \nJointly developed between Google and Volvo\n, the infotainment system offers a tight integration between the car and Google\u2019s services, including built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant.\nUnfortunately, the new OTA software update capability and Google Services will not be available on certain variants of the Volvo XC40 crossover.\nTo see the Android Automotive OS in action, check out our media drive video on the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric!"
"To keep the interest alive and distract potential buyers from placing an order with \nMitsubishi\n or \nIsuzu\n pick-up truck models, the marketing communications team at Ford Asia Pacific have added another image of the upcoming all-new Ford Ranger.\nThe teaser package this time consists of a static image plus a video, revealing the tail lamps and some key features. We managed to spot a shark fin-type radio antenna on the roof, integrated side steps, followed by rear disc brakes as well as an integrated sports bar.\nThe design of the LED tail lamp on the all-new Ford Ranger also follows suit with the recently launched Ford Maverick \u2018compact\u2019 pick-up in the US. Other similarities include a trim piece on the front fenders and a contoured tailgate.\nFord will be road testing the vehicle in Australia as the global testing program come to its final legs. As such, instead of applying camouflage that distorts shapes and curves, Ford has opted the opposite.\nCreative to only reflect the blue sections!\n2021 Ford Maverick, USA\nThe 2022 Honda Civic Type-R also previewed with a unique camouflage. Check out the red with white and black highlights design here.\nThe designer of the all-new Ranger\u2019s unique Bronco R-inspired block-style camouflage, Lee Imrie, and his team used the science of optics to mask some of the key design secrets until it is fully unveiled later this year.\nThe camouflage is also designed to capture attention at night, thanks to its unique reflective patterns. \u00a0\n \nEarly last month, Ford Asia Pacific official released a \nvideo\n of the all-new Ranger going through test driving on sand, mud, rock and even snow terrain, highlighting its strong performance overall off-road conditions. Ford will also be updating information on the all-new Ranger via the \u2018#NextGenRanger\u2019 on social media pages. \u00a0\nLarge full-height head lamps expected to dominate the front\nThe Ford Ranger still has plenty of life in the US, with the company kicking off limited-edition schemes. Check out the memorable Ranger Splash here!\nThis all-new Ford Ranger is also an important product for Volkswagen, as the German carmaker is partnering with Ford to jointly develop the next-generation Amarok pick-up truck. Volkswagen\u2019s model is only due a year later in 2023, after the Ranger\u2019s official launch."
"BMW Group Malaysia has just announced its sales performance for 2021, with a total of 10,500 units delivered across its BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands. While the figure is a slight decrease from \n2020\u2019s 11,016 units\n, the company says that it has again taken the lead in the premium automotive segment here in Malaysia, for the second year in a row.\nReview: G20 BMW 320i Sport \u2013 Brilliant, but is it better than before?\nAmong the figure, the BMW brand accounted for 8,400 units or 80% of the total, which the company says translates to a 47% market share in the premium segment. That number, however, is roughly 5.6% lower than the 8,903 units it sold in 2020.\nBMW\u2019s sales figure here in Malaysia is made up primarily by the G20 3 Series, with over 2,400 deliveries last year, led by the \n320i Sport\n variant. This is followed by the \n2 Series Grand Coupe\n, which overtook the 5 Series for the first-time ever with 1,270 units sold.\nThe 5-er meanwhile, now the brand\u2019s third best-selling model in its Malaysian line-up, sold a total of 1,150 units in 2021 with the\n 530i M Sport\n being the most popular model. All three of the brand\u2019s best-selling models are locally-assembled here in Malaysia.\nAs for the SUVs, the BMW X Series range saw a combined total of \u201cover 3,200 deliveries\u201d in 2021, again led by the \nX1\n with 960 units sold, followed by the \nX5\n with 850 units \u2013 the latter a 22% increase over the previous year.\nOn the side of MINI, the company delivered a total of 940 units (+5.6% over 2020) to put the brand in third place within the premium segment. As with the previous years, the Countryman was again the most popular model, making up over 68% of all MINI deliveries.\nOn the macro scale, BMW Group Malaysia says that over 16% (approx. 1,680 units) of the total 10,500 units delivered in 2021 were electrified models, bringing the total number of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles in the country to just over 21,600 units.\nCrucially, MINI saw a significant increase in uptake for its \nelectrified models\n, with over 16% of its 940 deliveries being made up by the hybrid and fully-electric models, compared to just 7% in 2020.\nIn addition to sales performance, BMW Group Malaysia also achieved a net promotor scores of 93 and 94 for the BMW and MINI brands respectively for Malaysia, the second-highest rankings in the world in terms of customer satisfaction for the BMW Group.\nRELATED: BMW Malaysia unveils new energy-efficient 4S centre in Northern Kuala Lumpur\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201cOur achievements in 2021 are strongly attributed to the unwavering support of our loyal customers in Malaysia, our dedicated network of dealers, as well as our employees who produced nothing short of exceptional work and achievement, despite the economic and social challenges posed to many industries especially our due to the pandemic last year. I would like to take a moment to say thank you and congratulations for this amazing achievement.\n\u201cLeveraging on the lessons learned as an organisation from the first pandemic year, we navigated the second year with strategies in place to tackle economic slowdowns in the industry, and we successfully introduced 37 model variants across the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad portfolio despite repeated lockdowns.\n\u201c2021 was also the year of our electrification-offensive, for us as well as the BMW Group worldwide, and with the amazing response we have received in Malaysia for the all-new BMW i models, we are confident that the Electric Future we envision for Malaysia will soon become reality. We are ready for it and so is Malaysia as we now steer and drive into 2022 fully electrified,\u201d de Visser added.\nOn the financial side of things, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia reported that it has successfully financed over 5,500 vehicles across the BMW Group portfolio in 2021, or just over 50% of all BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad vehicles delivered last year. Among that, eight out of 10 contracts have been funded digitally via the company\u2019s BMW Engage online financing application.\nIn 2022, the company is looking forward to the milestone of its 100,000th vehicle assembled at the Kulim assembly plant. The company has also reaffirmed its commitment towards electrification, which can be seen with the introduction of the \nelectrified BMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport\n variant earlier this month. The company has also officially unveiled the \nBMW iX\n and \niX3 \nfully-electric models in Malaysia last year, with the i4 set to join the stable shortly.\nThe company will also be expanding its charging network across the country this year, particularly the addition of more DC fast charger locations, covering not just the Greater Klang Valley but also the northern and southern regions as well.\nAs of January 2022, there are 77 BMW i Charging facilities across the country, with 25 facilities powered by partnerships with local dealers and industry players. The network is further complemented by the 16 charging points with \nShell Recharge & Park Easy\n, as well as 319 charging facilities with GreenTech Malaysia and its ChargEV platform.\nAt a more operational level within the organisation, BMW Group Malaysia is also pivoting their traditional business models towards one more focused on sustainability and environment. For example, the company introduced the RE:GENERATE programme last year to repurpose waste and by-products from its business processes.\nThis was carried out with strategic partnerships and initiatives with local innovators and industry players such as Precious Plastic Malaysia, EV Connection, and Pentas Flora to develop innovative solutions to address and repurpose plastic, EV batteries as well as automotive lubricant and solvent waste from its business process value chain.\n\u201cWe are going beyond delivering premium vehicles that are the Ultimate Driving Machines, but vehicles that are ultimately responsible for the planet and our future generations. We recognise that the time has come for a shared vision for electrified mobility with a shared responsibility by all stakeholders to act and transform our industries into a responsible ecosystem that is built for the future,\u201d said de Visser.\n\u201cFor us at BMW Group Malaysia, this is an ecosystem where Future Mobility can truly thrive in. This is the future we envision and with the support of our customers, dealers, associates and the Malaysian government here \u2013 we are more than optimistic that this Electric Future will be a successful one.\u201d"
"The \nKia Stinger GT\n\u00a0is a fine, mean looking machine. And if that\u2019s not enough to win you over, perhaps the fact that obliterates the century sprint in 4.9 seconds will. Oh, did you also know that Kia Malaysia has all the intentions of bringing this in?\nBack at its world debut, Kia Motors did not reveal the actual sprint time of their meanest model to date. Powered by a\n\u00a03.3-litre twin turbo V6 petrol engine\n, this rear wheel drive grand tourer\u00a0is the most powerful and fastest car Kia has ever produced. \nThe V6 lump\u00a0packs\u00a0\n365 hp\n\u00a0at 6,000 rpm and\n 510 Nm\n of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. There is also an all-wheel drive Stinger GT, but the sprint time for that variant has yet to be released.\u00a0This puts the Kia Stinger GT directly in the same category as the \nBMW 440i\n, who by the way, is a tad slower to the 100 km/h mark at 5.0 seconds. Meanwhile, the\u00a0\nAudi S5\n\u00a0does that in 4.7 seconds.\nRight. We did in fact say that Kia Malaysia is planning to bring this in. But remember, there are two variants, with the base Stinger getting a 2.0-litre four-pot turbo. That ought to\u00a0be enough to get most of us excited anyway.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the recent dealer visit to \nGeely Research Institute (GRI) in Hangzhou Bay, China\n, another group of selected Proton dealers were exposed to the Lynk & Co outlet stores and were amazed by the brand\u2019s corporate image and cars.\nPositioned in between the Geely brand and Volvo Cars, Lynk & Co is a brand that embodies modernity, lifestyle and connectivity in cars which explains why the vibe in a Lynk & Co showroom is unlike any other traditional carmaker. Besides having cars on display, in a typical Lynk & Co showroom, you will find relaxation corner, stylish merchandise area and lounge-like customer waiting area.\nAs Hazree Hashim, of Pesat Auto Sdn Bhd, aptly puts it: \u201cThe outlet is all about lifestyle. If you are in Malaysia, it looks like walking into the Pavilion shopping mall, with its lighting, aura, even the feel of the quality of furniture in the outlet. There is a luxury feel to the outlet. We can safely call it luxury in a minimalist sense.\u201d\n\u201cThe design of the outlet is such that it rides on the sense of fashion, with relation to \u2018chic\u2019. Besides, the interior of the outlet is hipster style, trying to be non-conforming, an effort to be different from the rest in the market. This is what the young and smart look for. These days, the purchase of cars is more of a lifestyle choice, rather than a mere means of transport,\u201d Hazree added.   Azizulmu\u2019min Mohd Hussain Malim, of Rohamas Corporation Sdn Bhd. said: \u201cAfter visiting this outlet, I believe I would like to emulate what I see. At the corner of a space, we can see that there are the details of customers\u2019 information, which show delivery records on display for all to see. There are names of Sales Advisors, name of customers, as well as when the car was delivered. This is totally something new, and I would love to implement the same at my outlet. The information gives clarity to what is happening to each customers\u2019 car, as well as a quick and good reference point.\u201d\nAs for Ha Yih Wei, of Juara Mulia Motor Sdn Bhd concluded: \u201cIt is totally a different experience visiting Lynk&Co outlet. The whole look and feel is different. The inside also shows posters of young girls and guys shouting their own slogans about lifestyle. One slogan depicted the words \u2013 \u201cBorn alone but not lonely\u201d \u2013 imagine this in an outlet selling cars, how many feel connected? The message is simple yet strong, especially those who would like to own a car and stand out in the crowd. This experience is a totally new and one of a kind.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLynk & Co Showroom in China"
"Moving towards electrification, \nAlfa Romeo\n CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato has confirmed that the saloon \nAlfa Romeo Giulia\n will be reborn as an electric vehicle (EV) by 2025. \nAutocar\n reports that the company boss also confirms that a 1,000-hp Quadrifogio version will also make its debut.\nUnlike the current rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration of the current model, the all-electric version will make full use of electrification and employ an all-wheel drive(AWD) layout. It could get a similar set-up to the upcoming Maserati Granturismo Folgore, which uses a three-motor AWD setup \u2013 one at the front and two at the rear.\nExact technical details have yet to be confirmed, but the Alfa Romeo CEO suggests the EV Giulia will have up to 435 miles (700 km) of electric range, making the car a direct substitute for current Giulia owners instead of a \u201cdowngrade nor forced switch\u201d.\nAnother technical detail that would benefit its customers is the use of 800 V electrical architecture. This means the upcoming Alfa Romeo EV would be able to charge at very high rates on DC fast charging. Hopeful of allowing customers to charge from 10% to 80% \u201cwithin 18 minutes\u201d, Alfa Romeo doesn\u2019t want its customers to spend hours charging their cars.\nRELATED: \nAlfa Romeo will launch a new car every year until 2026, before going full EV\nImparato emphasizes that rapid electrification is important for Alfa Romeo. \u201cWe switch because we must. If not Alfa Romeo would be dead,\u201d says the Alfa Romeo CEO.\nSpeaking to the UK automotive publication, he adds, \u201cWe will switch in a real concrete substitution mode. I don\u2019t want you [customers/owners] to suffer from anything [because of] the switch; I want you to love it.\u201d\nWhile other brand EVs tend to explore radical styling to both the exterior and interior, Alfa Romeo assures that its upcoming EVs will look \u201cvery cool\u201d and will look like \u201cthe Alfa Romeo we all want\u201d. In a sea of EVs and new cars with multiple screens and experimental designs, Alfa Romeo is keeping things classy and timeless. The brand has also previously stated that it \nplans to keep screens to a minimum in its cars\n.\nRELATED: \nAlfa Romeo wants to keep screens to a minimum in their cars"
"If you haven\u2019t already heard, Grab announced that it has acquired Uber\u2019s Southeast Asia operations, the largest-ever deal of its kind in Southeast Asia. Uber\u2019s ridesharing and food delivery business in the region will be integrated into Grab\u2019s existing multi-modal transportation and platform.\nWith the combined business, Grab will drive towards becoming the No.1 online-to-offline (O2O) mobile platform in Southeast Asia and a major player in food delivery.\nThe deal will also see Grab taking over Uber\u2019s operations and assets in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. As part of the acquisition, Uber will take a 27.5% stake in Grab and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will join Grab\u2019s board.\u00a0\nGroup CEO and Co-founder of Grab, Anthony Tan said, \u201cWe are humbled that a company born in SEA has built one of the largest platforms that millions of consumers use daily and provides income opportunities to over 5 million people.\u201d\nCo-founder of Grab Tan Hooi Ling said, \u201cWe will rapidly and efficiently expand GrabFood into all major SEA countries in the next quarter. We\u2019re going to create more value for our growing ecosystem of consumers, drivers, agents \u2013 and now merchants and delivery partners. GrabFood will also help drive the application of GrabPay mobile wallet and support our growing financial services platform.\u201d\nGrab and Uber will promptly migrate Uber drivers and riders, Uber Eats customers, merchant partners and delivery partners to the Grab platform. The Uber app will continue to operate for \ntwo weeks\n to ensure a smooth transition for Uber drivers. Uber Eats will run \nuntil the end of May\n, after which Uber delivery and restaurant partners will move to the GrabFood platform."
"Last Friday, Perodua announced that the highly-anticipated \u2018D55L\u2019 SUV has\n opened for bookings\n in Malaysia, but without any accompanying images.\nThe B-segment SUV, just slightly larger than a Myvi, will be offered in three variants \u2013 X, H and AV \u2013 with prices estimated to range between \nRM62,500 to RM73,400\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales tax exemptions.\n2019 Daihatsu Rocky\nThe company has since updated \nits website\n and have inserted images of key features. The headlamps and taillamps look to be taken directly off the \nDaihatsu Rocky\n it is based on.\nPerodua D55L\nDaihatsu Rocky\nPerodua also mentioned that these LED headlamps in the H and AV variants have the Adaptive Driving Beam feature that selectively illuminates lighting elements to avoid shining onto traffic on the opposite side, whilst keeping the high beam turned on.\nPerodua D55L\nDaihatsu Rocky\nThe leaflet also confirms the H and AV variants will come with 17-inch wheels, which should carry Perodua\u2019s own design. The rear bumper also has local styling, with the curves and reflector lamp more consistent with the larger \nAruz\n.\nMeanwhile, the fully digital multi-information driver display measuring seven inches also look to be an item from the Daihatsu Rocky. This is not available in the lowest X variant.\nIn the Rocky, the 1KR-VET \n1.0-litre turbocharged\n three-cylinder engine makes \n98 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque and will be paired to a D-CVT. The D-CVT transmission, a first for Perodua, adds split gears to existing CVT belt drives and uses both belt and gear drives at high speeds for improved transmission efficiency.\nAs such, Perodua claims a high fuel efficiency of \n18.9 km/L\n. There is no information if the D55L will be available with an all-wheel drive option.\nThe Daihatsu Rocky at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show\nThe leaflet basically reiterates all the information that was highlighted in the press release. Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) suite now comes with Lane Departure Prevention and is standard on all variants, with the range-topping AV variant fitted with Lane Keep Control and Adaptive Cruise Control. This means D55L will also be the cheapest car on sale here in Malaysia to feature\u00a0\nLevel 2 Autonomous Driving\n!\nA total of five colours are available (no black), with the AV variant having an option for a black roof on Pearl Diamond White and Pearl Delima Red, giving these two colours with a two-tone finish.\nThe Perodua compact SUV, which is rumoured to be named \nAtiva\n, is expected to be launched early next month.\nGALLERY\nPerodua \u2018D55L\u2019/Ativa teaser\nDaihatsu Rocky\n \n(Tokyo Motor Show 2019)"
"The Audi Q7 came into existence almost 10 years ago and the call for an encore has been long overdue. Call it taking their own sweet time, but Audi has put much effort into making the \nsecond-generation model\n an improvement all-around.\nAudi dubs the Q7 as the Great Quattro and for good reason; it features the marque\u2019s almost-primordial legendary \nall-wheel drive\n system that forged in the crucible of motorsport \u2013 the \nWorld Rally Championship\n. Audi set the industry benchmark by which all premium SUVs are measured by sticking the quattro system in the Q7.\nName\n2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI\nEngine\n3.0-litre supercharged V6\nTransmission\n8-speed TipTronic\nMax Power\n333 hp @ 2,900-5,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n440 Nm @ 2,900-5,300 rpm\n0-100 / Top Speed\n6.3s / 250km/h (limited)\nPrice\nRM589,900\nEXTERIOR\nOn the surface, the Q7 seems to have lost its curves and subsequently gave way to a more angular and menacing outlook. Good start so far. Illuminating the path ahead is a pair of energy efficient LED headlights, though the Matrix LED headlights are optional.\u00a0Both headlights feature Audi\u2019s new double-arrow LED DRLs as standard, and completing the new fascia is Audi\u2019s signature Singleframe grille.   Along the sides however, it isn\u2019t all ruler-straight but rather, the Q7 has retained some of its curves that houses the chunky and altogether masculine \n20-inch\n die-cast \naluminium\n wheels which lends to the Q7\u2019s stance. Moving along to the rear reveals a sculpted rear end that\u2019s coupled with the\n wrap-around tailgate\n that extends around the D-pillar. The exhausts tips are \nintegrated\n into the design of the diffuser for that sporting touch.\nDimensionally, this all-new seven seater measures up\n 5.05 metres long\n, \n1.97 metres wide\n and \n1.74 metres tall\n. The end result of this numbers is that\u00a0\ninterior\n space is boasted as one of the \nbiggest\n in the segment. In keeping with the times, Audi put the Q7 on a \ndiet\n which means it now tips the scales at a whooping \n325kg\n less than its predecessor.\nINTERIOR\nThe 2015 Audi Q7 really brings forth the Ingolstadt-based carmaker\u2019s interior prowess here, and features some of the brand\u2019s most advanced technologies.\u00a0The driver is cosseted in a\n full electric adjustable\n front seat with \nfour-way lumbar\n support.   As mentioned earlier, interior space is a stronghold for this all-new model and this is evident with the sheer amount of legroom you\u2019ll find in the \nsecond row\u00a0\n\u2013 one that slides, mind you. Meanwhile, the 50:50 split seats in the third row are now \nelectrically\n operated for greater ease and can transform the\n 770 litre\n space into a cavernous\n 1,955 litre\n space in a matter of seconds.\nWhen all the dust finally settles, the words conjured to mind when describing the interior are \ncrisp\n and \nclean\n;\u00a0minimalist might be taking the notion too far but it\u2019s a fine line and Audi has gotten the formula bang on point. Like many other recent models, the centrally-mounted\u00a0\n8.3-inch\n\u00a0high-res screen can be retracted to sit flush within the dashboard. Audi has chucked the\n MMI Navigation plus\n and \nMMI Touch\u00a0\nas standard as well. The screen is also a hub for the infotainment system, but what is it without a banging stereo to go with, right?\n \n \nThe Q7 benefits from a\n Bose 3D sound system\n that sports \n19\n speakers paired up to a \n15-channel amplifier\n with total output of \n558 Watts\n, which is great for keeping the kids occupied on long drives but still worthy enough to brag at a bar with your mates.\nPERFORMANCE\nOnly one powertrain is offered at launch and that\u2019s the tried and tested \n3.0-litre supercharged TFSI V6\n engine that\u2019s mated to an eight-speed shift-by-wire TipTronic transmission. The V6 lump churns out\n 333 hp\n and a total of \n440 Nm\n of torque. This is courtesy of the \nsupercharger\n that lives atop the V6 which can be \ndeactivated\n when under partial load for greater fuel economy.\nThe dieting regime seems to have paid off well considering this new Q7 does the century sprint in just \n6.3 seconds\n, which is almost \n1.6 seconds faster\n than its predecessor. To put things into perspective, that\u2019s just 0.4 seconds slower than the \nAudi TT 2.0 TFSI\n! And in typical German fashion, its top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n. But despite the blistering figures, the Q7 sips fuel at just\n 7.9 litres per 100km\n. Needless to say, drive is sent to Audi\u2019s famed quattro all-wheel drive system.\nAs much as the Q7 is billed toward sporting agility, there isn\u2019t rock-hard suspension to be found here but rather it utiliwes an \nadaptive air-suspension\n that\u2019s fitted as \nstandard\n. The system is paired up with a \ncontinuously variable\n, electronically controlled air \nspring dampers\n. The result of which is a ride that always remains level, regardless of the load distribution and ride quality to rival most.\nSAFETY\nAs with all Audi\u2019s, the new Q7 comes jam-packed with numerous acronyms that we\u2019ve come to be accustomed with such as \nABS\n, \nESC\n, \nTCS\n and \nEBD\n. Apart from the \neight airbags\n, this family mover comes kitted out with a \ntyre pressure loss sensor\n, \nHill Decent Control \nand\u00a0\nElectronic Differential Lock\n for that additional peace of mind.\nWHAT ELSE ?\n\u201cThe Audi Q7 is a game-changer not just for the brand but for the entire premium SUV segment and I am confident that much like its predecessor, the Great Quattro will be a resounding success for Audi in Malaysia,\u201d says Mr. Immo Buschmann, Managing Director of Audi Malaysia.\nThe all-new Q7 is offered here\u00a0 in ten colour choices, Carrara White, Glacier White, Floret Silver, Carat Beige, Argus Brown, Ink Blue, Graphite Grey, Night Black, Orca Black and a special pearl-effect Daytona Grey. The 2015 Audi Q7 is priced from \nRM 589,900\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Almost one year since\nthe Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Concept made its global debut in Austria, the race-inspired\nGolf GTI will be going on sale in UK soon.\nThe Volkswagen Golf GTI\nTCR is modelled after the Golf race car participating in the international TCR\nseries which means the road car gets improved performance and decked out in unique\nTCR bits. \u00a0\nThe 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine has been tweaked to push out \n290 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n (up 63 hp & 30 Nm from a standard GTI) while the 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission channels drive to the front wheels. \u00a0With the power bump, century sprint is now quicker at \n5.6 seconds\n while top speed is raised to \n264 km/h\n with the limiter removed.\nCompared to a standard\nGTI, the TCR is differentiated by its sharper front and rear bumpers, matte\nblack exterior mirrors, 18-inch \u201cQuaranta\u201d alloy wheels, TCR motif on the rear\nquarter panel. Inside, it features TCR semi-bucket seats, red marker at the 12\no\u2019 clock position, alcantara treatment around the cabin and a TCR puddle light.\nCustomers can have their\nGolf GTI TCR with the option pack that adds 19-inch Reifnitz alloy wheels,\nlowered suspension by 20 mm, Dynamic Chassis Control, top speed limiter removed,\nhoneycomb decals on the side of the car and a black roof. The Golf GTI TCR is\nalso available with a Pure Grey paint colour \u2013 a first for any GTI.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nVolkswagen\u00a0Golf\u00a0GTI TCR Concept"
"Tired of waiting around for your new cars? You\u2019ll now be able to beat the waiting list with \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n\u2018s revamped eShowroom website, thanks to the new live availability features.\nThe new feature will now display the available units on sale at Volkswagen authorised dealerships nationwide, in real time. The company says the system is roughly based around the \u201cwhat you see is what you get\u201d concept, so only models that are available at dealerships will be featured.\nScreenshot: Volkswagen eShowroom\nOnce they found the model that they are looking for, customers can then decide to either book a test drive, or reserve the unit directly online with a standard booking fee of RM1,500. They will then be contacted by the listed dealership on the next steps to complete the purchase.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cVolkswagen Malaysia is always looking for ways to enhance the ownership experience for our customers, and begins at the moment of purchase.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace adds new entry-level \u2018Life\u2019 variant in Malaysia, from RM173k\n\u201cWith this in view, our eShowroom is anchored on the concept of bringing a dealership right to the customer\u2019s fingertip, and we are pleased to now bring it up a notch by introducing real-time availability. This will bring greater convenience, thus ensuring a smoother journey for our customers.\u201d\nIn conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations over the next two months, the company is also offering a special cash rebate worth RM500 for customers who place a booking via the new eShowroom, linked \nhere\n."
"When the Hyundai Ioniq was \nfirst previewed\n in Malaysia early this year at the 2016 My Auto Fest, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) revealed that is a challenging product to introduce unless the Ioniq is locally assembled. Should HSDM manage to locally assemble the Ioniq, the pricing of the vehicle will be extremely attractive, much like the \nBMW 330e\n and \nMercedes-Benz C 350e\n.\nThanks to favourable market response, HSDM confirmed \u2013 at the\u00a0\nsecond preview\n of the Ioniq \u2013 that they will be introducing the Ioniq Hybrid here in Malaysia in CKD form. Initially said to be priced around RM130k, the Ioniq surprised everyone with a base sticker price of RM103k, which includes insurance.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 HEV\nHyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 HEV Plus\nEngine\n1,580cc; four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle Kappa GDI\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n104 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n147 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nHybrid Motor Output\n43 hp & 170 Nm\nCombine Max Power / Torque\n140 hp / 265 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n11.1 seconds; 180 km/h\n10.8 seconds; 180 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n3.4 litres per 100km\n4.0 litres per 100km\nPrice\nRM103,390.27\nRM114,165.87\nEXTERIOR\nAs with all Hybrid vehicles, the Ioniq was designed with aerodynamics as priority to reduce drag coefficient, ultimately contributing to fuel savings. Thanks to its hatchback body style with coup\u00e9 like silhouette, the Ioniq boasts a \ndrag coefficient of just 0.24\n.\nAt the front of the HEV Plus, you get Hyundai\u2019s familiar hexagonal chrome grille with \nactive air flap\u00a0\nthat opens and shuts to optimise cooling and fuel efficiency, a subtle blue accent on the front lip, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED positioning lamps, powered folding wing mirrors and keyless entry. Moving to the rear, you will be greeted with a pair of C-shaped LED combination tail lamps, duck lip spoiler, black accents on the tailgate and rear bumper.   As for the base model HEV, styling differences includes a gloss black hexagonal grille, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and bulb type tail lamps.\nBoth variants ride on dual-tone \n17-inch alloys\n wrapped in 225/45 profile Michelin Primacy 3 tyres, but the HEV will come with 15-inch wheels at a later date.\nINTERIOR\nStepping into the cabin of the Ioniq, immediately you will notice the\u00a0\nblue accent linings\u00a0\nfrom the push start button to the floor mats, highlighting the eco-friendly characteristics of the car. Standard equipment on both variants include a multifunctional steering wheel (leather wrapped on the HEV Plus, urethane on the HEV), dual-zone automatic climate control, foot parking brake, push start and reverse camera.   Inside the HEV Plus, you get leather seats with eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat with two-way lumbar support, 7-inch TFT-LCD digital instrument cluster, \nQi wireless charging tray\n, cruise control, Electro-Chromic Mirror (ECM) and 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.\nMoving down the range, HEV gets manual fabric seats, a 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also loses out on the ECM for a regular rear view mirror.\nBoot space in the Ioniq is rated at \n443 litres\n but for added space, the rear seats can be folded down with 60:40 split that expands the boot space to 750 litres.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the Ioniq is a combination of a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Kappa Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that produces \n104 hp\n and \n147 Nm\n of torque, together with an electric motor that generates \n43 hp\n and \n170 Nm\n. Combined output of the\n BlueDrive Hybrid system\n is rated at \n140 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).\nThanks to the smaller wheel diameter on the entry level variant, fuel consumption is rated at \n3.4 litre per 100km\n. The HEV Plus variant is slightly less frugal at \n4.0 litres per 100km\n. However, the better equipped Ioniq will do a \n10.8 seconds\n century sprint while the lower spec gets there in 11.1 seconds. Top speed is registered at 180km/h on both variants.\nThe Ioniq is also capable of travelling in pure electric mode with zero emissions for speeds of up to 120km/h. For added driving dynamics, drivers are able to select different driving modes such as Eco, Normal and Sport.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, both variants are equipped with seven airbags, ESC, VSM, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, ISOFIX mounting points, front and rear parking sensors as well as tyre pressure monitor.\nHowever, the top of the line HEV Plus gets a massive step up in terms of safety features, comparable even to cars three times its asking price. The top spec Ioniq features \nSmart Cruise Control (SCC)\n that allows the driver to keep a constant distance with the vehicle ahead. \nAutonomous Emergency Braking System\n warns the driver of an imminent collision as well as applying full braking force before a collision, and this is operable at speeds of 10km/h and above. Other features include\u00a0\nLane Keeping Assist System(LKAS)\n, \nLane Departure Warning System\n and \nBlind Spot Detection\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are \nseven exterior colours\n\u00a0for the Ioniq: Phantom Black, Aurora Silver, Polar White, Marina Blue, Platinum Silver and Iron Grey, whereas Phoenix Orange is only exclusive to the HEV Plus. As with all Hyundai cars, the Ioniq comes with a \n5-Year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty programme\n.\nFor buyers of the Ioniq, HSDM is also providing an \n8-Year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery\n, 3-Year or 60,000km (whichever comes first) free service package and a 3-Year Guaranteed Automotive Protection (G.A.P) insurance.\nThe Hyundai Ioniq is locally assembled at the company\u2019s plant in Kulim, giving it the much deserved EEV tax breaks. Considering the features and asking price of the Ioniq, it certainly is a very attractive package for city dwellers looking to leave a greener footprint.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The CC8S was the car that put \nKoenigsegg\n on the map, with many critics \u2013 including one Jeremy Clarkson \u2013 naming it as \nthe\n supercar to beat. This year, the CC8S is turning 20 (and founder Christian Von Koenigsegg, 50), so to celebrate, the Swedish supercar maker has now unveiled the Koenigsegg CC850 in conjunction of the 2022 Monterey Car Week.\nDesigned as a contemporary homage to \u201cthe single most meaningful car in Koenigsegg history\u201d, the CC850 features a familiar design inspired by the sleek Nordic shapes that first graced the CC8S.\nThe telephone-dial style rims and triple tail lights on the outside are instantly recognisable, while the interior showcases a \u201csymmetrical and minimal design\u201d akin to that of the CC8S. But aside from the design, however, everything underneath the CC850 is all-new.\nALSO READ: \nThe Koenigsegg Gemera is a 1,700 hp \u201cfamily car\u201d for four\nThe engine comes from the \nKoenigsegg Jesko\n, which is a 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers up to \n1,385 hp\n (on E85 fuel) and \n1,385 Nm\n of torque, giving it a 1:1 power to weight ratio. But more interestingly here, however, is the gearbox, which functions as both a three-pedal, six-speed manual transmission, as well as a \u201csuper-fast, smooth-shifting\u201d nine-speed automatic. Yes, you read that right.\nThanks to what Koenigsegg calls the Engage Shift System (ESS), drivers are able to seamlessly switch between an \u201cunadulterated\u201d manual transmission for spirited, and a full auto mode for when you\u2019re stuck in a traffic jam. The ESS system also allows for different gear ratios depending on the driving mode, providing tailored experiences based on road and track use.\nThe Swedish marque is also particularly proud about its gated ESS shifter, which it says is \u201ca work of mechanical art and is reminiscent of Swiss chronographs\u201d. The company also adds that they\u2019ve taken extra care to make the ESS \u201cone of the most engaging manuals ever created\u201d.\nALSO READ: \nWearnes Automotive becomes exclusive distributor of Koenigsegg, Pininfarina and Rimac\nKoenigsegg said the CC850 was not created to break the Jesko\u2019s track records or set new high-water marks for top speed. Instead, it\u2019s made to \u201coffer the highest level of driver satisfaction and enjoyment\u201d, starting with a manual (but also automatic) gearbox.\nIn conjunction with Christian Von Koenigsegg\u2019s birthday, the company will only be making 50 examples of the CC850 worldwide. No pricing has been announced, but as always with these cars, if you have to ask.\nGALLERY"
"But it can only do so on track. That\u2019s because the single-seater Clubsport can only be used for clubsport events and at international motor racing events.\nProduction of the track/racing version of the 911 GT2 RS will only be limited to just \n200 units\n, at 405,000 Euros (approx. RM1.9 million) a pop.\nOutput remains the same at \n700 hp\n and\n 750 N\nm from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine paired to a 7-speed PDK transmission.\nAlso like the road-going version, the 1.39-tonne Clubsport is equipped with 6-pot calipers in the front and a 4-pot pair at the back but unlike the carbon ceramic discs you get as standard in the GT2 RS, the Clubsport utilises steel discs.\nThe road-going 911 GT2 RS sits on 20-inch wheels up front and 21-inch at the back, while the Clubsport gets 18-inch one-piece light alloy forged wheels all round. The use of 3-way racing dampers also distinguishes it from the road-going version.\nInside, it\u2019s completely unrecognisable. It\u2019s now got a Porsche racing steering wheel, a Recaro full bucket seat with 6-point harness, a roll cage, Cosworth LCD digital instrument cluster display, a custom centre console with map switch for the ABS, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control.\nBut best of all, despite being void of all the creature comforts, not like the GT2 RS had much to begin with, it still comes with air-conditioning!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is not only on a roll locally, but on a global scale the three-pointed star seems set for another record breaking year as they\u2019ve delivered more than 200,000 vehicles in September alone.\nThis contributed to a third quarter figure of over 526,255 and overall, they\u2019ve delivered more than 1.7 million vehicles this year.\nPopularity of the Mercedes-Benz seems unwavered.\nOf the 1.7 million vehicles, Europe has been the biggest guzzler of Mercedes-Benz\u2019 with 688,956 units delivered, with the motherland (Germany) gobbling over 200,000 units in the last nine months of 2018. The three-pointed star also sold more cars than ever before in Spain, Sweden, Poland, Denmark and Hungary from January to September 2018.\nAsians in particular have taken a huge fancy for the brand as sales reached a new record in the Asia-Pacific region with over 700,000 units delivered from January to September 2018.\nUp in mainland China, a new record was set for September (54,632 units), adding to the total of more than half a million sold in the first nine months of 2018 \u2013 more than ever before with a 13% increase from the previous year. Thailand and \nMalaysia also achieved sales records\n in the first nine months.\nHave you seen \nGC Mah\u2019s video on the Mercedes-Maybach S560\n that was launched in Malaysia recently?\nOf the 1.7 million vehicles worldwide, Mercedes-Benz SUVs have recorded over 600,000 units with the GLC once again proving to be the most favourite model of all with a 24% increase from the year before.\nInterestingly, Mercedes-Benz\u2019 statistics also shows that the rich are getting richer with Mercedes-Maybach S-Class\u2019 charting new sales record with over 500 units delivered each month since the beginning of the year. As for the S-Class, more than 58,000 units were sold."
"As you would have known by now, the \noutgoing Toyota Hilux\n will soon be replaced with the new, \neight generation Hilux\n. With it, two brand new diesel engines will debut, possibly replacing the current 2.5-litre (2KD-FTV VNT) and 3.0-litre (1KD-FTV) diesel mills.\nIn place of the ageing engines are the \n2.4-litre\n and \n2.8-litre turbocharged oil burners\n, codename 2GD-FTV and 1GD-FTV. Both engines will be making its UK debut in the new Land Cruiser, and Toyota claims that the engines represent the company\u2019s first fruits of achieving much better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and quieter operation through advanced new design and technology.   Engine Name\n1GD-FTV\n2GD-FTV\nDisplacement (cc)\n2,754 (2.8-litre)\n2,393 (2.4-litre)\nBore x Stroke (mm)\n92.0 x 103.6\n92.0 x 90.0\nCompression Ratio\n15.6:1\nMax Power (bhp @ rpm)\n174 hp @ 3,400 rpm\n148 hp @ 3,400 rpm\nMax Torque (Nm @ rpm)\n450 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,400 rpm\n330 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,000 rpm\nLow-Speed Torque (Nm @ rpm)\n370 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\n330 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\nAlthough the 2.8-litre is smaller in size compared to the current 3.0-litre lump, it offers \n25 percent more torque\n and \n11 percent more low-rev torque\n. Fuel efficiency is also said to improve by as much as 15 percent.\nOne of the major leaps in designing this engine is its \nnew exhaust layout\n. Instead of having 18 layouts, the new engines have just three, simplifying its deployment worldwide, therefore reducing environmental burden. They also feature \nThermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology\n \nwith SiRPA\n (a silica-reinforced porous, anodised aluminium coating) on the pistons that reduce cooling loss during combustion by about 30 percent. The said feature is a world\u2019s first application, and gives the engines a \nthermal efficiency rating of 44 percent\n.\nNext, the air intake port is specifically shaped to \nsignificantly increase airflow\n into the cylinders. Also revised are the \npiston combustion chamber\n and \ncommon rail fuel injection system\n. This lean-burning combination increases power output as well as making the engines more fuel efficient. The GD engines have a \nnew turbocharger that\u2019s 30 percent smaller\n than the KD engines, and is produced in-house by Toyota. It gets a \nnew turbine and impeller\n, giving it instant throttle response and allows maximum torque to be obtained over a wider rev range.\nDespite being more powerful, both the engines \ncomply to Euro6 emissions standard\n, thanks to the use of Toyota\u2019s proprietary, compact, high-dispersion \nurea selective catalyst reduction system\n that eliminates up to 99 percent of NOx (mono-nitrogen oxides made of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide) emissions. NOx is the byproduct of high temperature combustion.\nBy 2016, Toyota claims that they will reach a production capacity of \n700,000 engines a year\n and will be available in 90 world markets \u2013 Malaysia included. The company plans to increase this availability to over 150 world markets by 2020, and will gradually phase out the current KD engines.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota 2.8L 1GD-FTV Engine   Toyota Hilux (8th Generation)"
"If you find the newly launched \nMercedes-Benz S-Class facelift\n is not quite up to your taste and status, perhaps the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class would be right up your sleeve.\nOffered exclusively as an indent order from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), the Mercedes-Maybach can be had in either the V8-powered \nS 560\n or V12-powered\n S 650 guise\n. Prices for the ultra-lux limousine starts from RM1.4 million before options and personalisation. To what extent you can personalise your Maybach S-Class you ask, the short answer from MBM is \u201cThe sky\u2019s your limit\u201d.   Measuring at 5,462 mm in length with a wheelbase of 3,365 mm, the Maybach S-Class is 200 mm longer than the standard long-wheelbase S-Class. Most of the extra space goes to the rear seats, of course. Standard equipment on the Maybach S-Class include Nappa leather upholstery, Burmester 3D surround sound system, panoramic sunroof with Magic Sky Control and executive rear seats with chauffer package that moves the front passenger seats even further front to free up 77 mm more leg space at the rear.   The S 560 Maybach is powered by a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that commands\n 469 hp\n and\n 700 Nm\n of torque. Paired to the nine-speed automatic transmission, the V8 can send the Maybach S-Class from 0 to 100 km/h in just\n 4.9 seconds\n and achieve a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nStandard on the S 560 is the airmatic suspension with Magic Body Control with Road Surface Scan that actively adjusts the damping settings according to the road surface for a more pliant and comfortable ride.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Maybach S 560"
"We are stumped as to why BMW would want to paint the \nnew G06-generation X6\n in a paint so dark that it hides all its lines and contours, apart from the fact that it makes you squint trying to make sense out of what you\u2019re seeing. Or could it be that they want to show off its optional illuminated grille?\nAccording to the designer of the X6, Hussein Al Attar, the 99% light-absorbing Vantablack (for Vertically Aligned Nano Tube Array) VBx2 paint \u2018makes the BMW X6 look particularly menacing\u2019.\n \nAnd while he concedes to the contradiction of making the X6 look two-dimensional, Al Attar says that the Vantablack VBx2 opens up new possibilities for designers who often prefer to talk about silhouettes and proportions rather than surfaces and lines. Okay.\nOn the suggestion of Vantablack VBx2 being offered as a future paint option for BMW cars, Al Attar is optimistic that \u2018extrovert and free-spirited\u2019 X6 owners would welcome it. We hope these \u2018free-spirited\u2019 owners will take kindly to the cost of the Vantablack VBx2 which is mainly utilised for \u2018coating space-borne components\u2019. The cost could be astronomical, ahem.\nBesides, it\u2019s not the kind of surface that will take kindly to a RM5.00 BHP drive-through car wash, is it? Yeah, guess BMW just needed to show off \nthat \ngrille before retail units hit showrooms in November 2019. Just remember to tick the option for the illuminated grille, will you?"
"Some may find it hard to believe that Proton is now 30 years old, and in celebration of its 30th anniversary, \u201cThe Company\u201d is offering a special deal for customers and existing Proton owners.\nBeginning 9 July till 30 September 2015, Proton is offering a \nrebate of RM3,000\n on all Proton models to\n customers who turn 30 this year\n (born in 1985). That\u2019s not all. Existing Proton customers can also trade in their car for a new one, and they will get a rebate of RM100 for each year of their vehicle\u2019s current age. So if your car is eight years old, you get RM800 off on top of your car\u2019s trade in value.\nProton is also offering their entry level Saga FL a net price of \nRM30,000\n \u2013 that\u2019s inclusive of road tax, insurance and GST. Interested buyers can look forward to enjoying their \n\u2018Even More Value\u2019 campaign\n, offering promos like\n 1.99% interest rate per annum\n on selected Saga and \nIriz models\n, \n100% financing scheme\n for government staff, fresh graduate deals and the \n7-year extended warranty\n promotion.\nCEO of Proton Holdings Berhad, Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said, \u201cThis is a special year for us, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. Throughout the years you\u2019ve been with us and you know the meaning and significance of having a home-grown car manufacturer, its contribution to the society and development of the country. PROTON is not just about making cars. Since the first Proton Saga rolled out for the masses, it facilitated in growing the Malaysian economy to move forward by leaps and bounds with the progress in the automobile industry. This year too, we saw the roll out of the\u00a0\nfour millionth car\n.\u201d\nAgain, the promotion will run \nfrom 9 July till 30 September 2015\n and is available at every Proton showroom nationwide. Proton, together with the promotion, will put RM30 into a special fund for every Proton car sold with three charitable bodies being the recipients of the funds by the end of this year."
"Honda Malaysia has announced its collaboration with Socar, \nthe car-sharing company\n, to provide mobility aid for the front-liners in the battle against the \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n. The collaboration will see \n50 units of \nHonda City\n to be provided to the front-liners through the Socar platform.\nThe collaboration is initiated for Honda owners serving as frontline workers, who are unable to use their vehicles during this difficult time. The 50 Honda City vehicles will be provided for a duration for \none month\n, with \ncosts fully borne by Honda Malaysia\n.\nThe company says that it appreciates the brave spirit as well as self-sacrifice of the front-liners, and hopes to contribute by easing their mobility situation and reduce transportation hassle of these front-liners, allowing them to perform their jobs with more peace-of-mind.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cEveryone is playing their part in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, and frontliners hold an even more important role in these difficult times. The past few weeks have not been easy for all in Malaysia, especially the front-liners who are working tirelessly to protect Malaysia from the pandemic.\n\u201cDespite having to withstand extra strain that is being put on them by the current situation, their selfless dedication and sacrifice have gained utmost respect from people in Malaysia and earned worldwide recognition. [.] Inspired by the like-minded challenging spirit, Honda Malaysia would like to assist in any way we can in this unprecedented situation,\u201d he added.\nHonda customers serving on the frontline can sign-up for the initiative via Honda Malaysia\u2019s website \nhere\n."
"The \nactual debut of this car was rather unconventional\n\u00a0when it took centre stage at a gaming conference. But it\u2019s now official \u2013 the Porsche 911 GT2 RS was officially launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. According to Porsche, it is the \u201cfastest and most powerful street-legal 911\u201d to have ever existed.\nAt the heart of this beast is a\u00a0\n3.8-litre twin turbo flat six engine\n, deploying approximately\u00a0\n700 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s over 80 hp and 50 Nm more than the previous 911 GT2 RS, which was last seen seven years ago. It reaches the 100 km/h mark from standstill in a blistering \n2.7 seconds\n, with a top speed of \n338 km/h\n. Power is sent to the rear via Porsche\u2019s famed PDK automatic.\nBeing a street-legal supercar means Porsche is willing to bend to the rules of an all-out \u201ctrackster\u201d, so the cabin gets a few luxurious touches like leather and Alcantara wrapped seats while some trims get finished in carbon fibre. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is also offered as standard here.\nIf you want more weight reduction, simply opt for the\u00a0\nWeissach\n pack which gets you magnesium wheels and roof roof and anti-roll bars made from carbon fibre. This sheds\n\u00a012 kg\n.\nThe Porsche 911 GT2 RS carries a sticker price of \nUSD $293,200\u00a0\n(approximately\n RM1.26 mil\n) and will go on sale in early 2018. Expect a few units to make its way to several well-heeled Malaysians in the same year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019re all familiar with the British Racing Green, aren\u2019t we? Mention the colour and you\u2019d imagine the English countryside, a hill climb and some men dressed in tweeded jackets and flat hats.\nWell, this is Japan\u2019s version \u2013 with hillclimbs replaced by taufu deliveries through Mount Akina \u2013 this is the British Green Limited Toyota 86 made specially for the Japanese market.\nPriced at 3.2 million yen (approx. RM119k), it comes not just with a tasteful paintjob, but also with Brembo brakes \u2013 4-pot in the front and twin pot at the rear. The car also comes with Sachs dampers, under body covers and a black spoiler.\nInside, you get a tan/black leather and Alcantara combination interior, which is probably most suited for the British Racing Green paintjob \u2013 can\u2019t imagine a full red leather interior going well with that exterior finish.\nStrangely though, the infotainment system has been taken away, with only a black cover occupying the vacancy. How will the Japanese play all the Initial-D soundtracks then?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the man that brought you the\n \nAutoDIY series\n on our \nYouTube channel\n, alongside local actress Jasmine Suraya Chin? He\u2019s back and the founder of \nKakiDIY \nalongside various other organisations and communities have come togther to produce DIY face shields and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) boxes for our gallant frontliners.\nIt all started more than 3 weeks ago when these good Samaritans came together to produce DIY face shields as supply struggles to cope with the demand of hospitals around the country. From merely using foam to 3D printing now, since the initial designs, the face shields have seen over 20 different iterations in order to reduce production time.\nWhat began as a small initiative has blossomed into a large network of local face shield producers. Some have even offered their laser-cutting services, which as a result, has seen production of face shields triple. A 3D printed face shield takes 30 minutes to make, while a laser cut unit only takes 10 minutes.\nSome quarters are even utilising plastic injection molding and are capable of producing 1,000 face shields a day.\nWith the support of students from University Malaya who call themselves \u201cCovidvengers\u201d, Taylor\u2019s College, a \nrobotics company from Penang\n and healthcare NGO \u201c\nRumah Kita\n\u201c, efforts have diversified to construction of PPE boxes used by frontliners as incubation cubicles. Unlike the face shields, these boxes where 50 are made per week, can be reused multiple times after thorough disinfecting.\nWith sufficient aid and support in the construction of face shields from both private and corporate entities, focus will now be on producing sampling/swapping shields for medical personnel working at the front desks.\nThis not only protects those who deal with initial enquiries of the potentially infected but also reduces their need for face shields and other protective equipment \u2013 a valuable commodity for the front liners at the moment.\n\u201cWith the increase in support on the production line, there have been some hospitals receiving more equipment than they need while some hospitals are completely neglected due to their location and such,\u2019 said Founder of KakiDIY, Johnson Lam.\n\u201cThere needs to be consolidation of data to better channel our resources and attend to whichever hospital needs the most support. The students of University Malaya have been actively contacting hospitals to determine which of them requires more help than others, in order to efficiently distribute their stockpile of protective equipment,\u201d he added.\nSource: \nKakiDIY \nGALLERY"
"Unveiled for Malaysia in February this year as a fully-imported unit (\nCBU\n), the locally-assembled (\nCKD\n) version of the W206 \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n was launched in August. Offered in two variants, the C 200 Avantgarde Line fetches a price of RM 287,888 while the C 300 AMG Line, which we have here, is priced at \nRM 331,542\n.\nA new design language sculpts the look of the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in line with the new S-Class and the facelifted E-Class. Overall, the C-Class has more aggressive features than its predecessor.\nAn AMG Line exterior body kit adorns the Mercedes-Benz C 300 and the car sits on a set of 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels. Illuminating the way is a set of LED High-Performance headlights with adaptive high-beam assist that is also standard on the C 200. Spicing things up on the front end of the C 300 is a \u201cMercedes-Benz pattern grille\u201d with the star design mesh finished in chrome. The C 300 also gets a panoramic sunroof.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class now locally-assembled in Malaysia, from RM288k\nPowering the Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. The engine is part of a 48V mild hybrid system. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Mercedes-Benz C 300 launches from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.0 seconds\n.\nIn case you were wondering, the C 200 also gets a 48V mild hybrid system but gets a smaller engine that makes 204 hp and 300 Nm. Also paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, the C 200 does the century sprint in 7.3 seconds.\nALSO WATCH: \nCBU Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde, C300 AMG Line in Malaysia, 5 Things\nInside, the C300 gets digitalised with an 11.9-inch portrait central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The portrait infotainment system with MBUX supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, without the clutter of wires.\nAlso featured on the inside of the W206 C-Class are a fingerprint scanner, a wireless charging pad, an automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, and augmented-reality navigation. Both front seats are power-adjustable with memory function and four-way lumbar support, and the interior is generally upholstered in Artico man-made leather.\nExtra bits on the C 300 that the C 200 doesn\u2019t get are AMG Line goodies that include the sportier flat-bottom steering wheel, Sports seats, a variant-exclusive metal weave trim, and AMG floor mats.\nSafety-wise, standard features on the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class include Active Lane Keeping and Lane Tracking Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic. The C 300 AMG Line adds on an additional 360-degree surround-view camera (the C 200 only gets a reverse camera).\nIncluded in the \nRM 331,542\n price tag of the locally assembled Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line is a 2+2 year unlimited-mileage warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor has released the updated price list for its models, in line with the government\u2019s announcement for the \nexemption of sales tax\n (100% on locally-assembled models, 50% on imported units) until the end of the year as part of the short-term economy recovery plan.\nThe new prices will be in effect starting today (15th June) until 31st December 2020. Price reductions across the Mazda model line-up ranges between 2.56% to 3.91%, with the largest reduction being RM8,090 (2.78%) on the \nCX-9 seven-seater SUV\n.\nThe recently-launched \nMazda2 Hatchback\n and \nSedan\n variants both get a 2.7% (RM2,800) reduction in price. On the \nMazda3\n, the High Plus variants get the highest reduction at 3.36% (RM5,380).\nAs for the marque\u2019s SUV models, the new\n CX-30\n gets a reduction of up to 3.18% (RM5,600) depending on the chosen variant. The ever-popular \nCX-5 2.0L High\n variant gets a sizeable 3.7% (RM5,705.50) price reduction, with the mid-range variant priced at RM148,563.70 until the end of the year.\nFor the updated price lists from the other car brands in Malaysia, do check out our posts \nhere\n."
"The National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020) has been launched today by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. According to the policy booklet, the new policy is an \nenhancement of the NAP 201\n4, with an introduction of new technological elements that will assist with the development of the local automotive industry.\nAlso present at the launch was Datuk Ignatius Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI). In his opening remarks, he said, \u201cThe NAP 2020 is a holistic policy that covers the comprehensive deevlopment of industry capacities, including the supply chain, human capital, indigenous technology, after market, exports, infrastructure readiness, standards, regulations and others.\u201d\nThe NAP 2020 comprises of \nthree directional thrusts\n and \nthree strategies\n, along with a new overarching \nNational Automotive Vision\n, with the aim of \u201cmaking Malaysia a regional leader in manufacturing, engineering, technology and sustainable development for the automotive sector.\u201d\nNAP 2020 aims to transform the automotive sector towards connected mobility, with a focus on Next Generation Vehicle (NxGV), Mobility as a Service (MaaS), and Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) \u2013 in line with the current trends in global markets.\nAdditionally, the NAP 2020 will also seek to spur development of systems and components within Automated, Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (AACV), as well as hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles.\nIn terms of investment, the customised incentives mechanisms from NAP 2014 will be continued, and will be based on the cost benefit analysis of specific business proposals by investors.\nThe NAP 2020 will also pursue the direction of market expansion. The government will seek to introduce new measures to increase export development, not just for vehicles and components, but also for aftermarket and services sector. As part of the new policy, the government targets a total revenue of RM38.3 billion for the exports of new and remanufactured automotive parts and components by the year 2030.\nStrategy wise, the NAP 2020 runs along the same vein as that of the previous policy. NAP 2020 seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic value chain, by pursuing high-quality and high-technology products that meet future standards of vehicle manufacturers and consumer needs.\nThe NAP also emphasises on the development of the local talent pool, in tandem with current and future demands of automotive and mobility technology.\nLastly, the NAP 2020 will also promote the adoption of more environmentally-friendly technologies in addressing emissions concerns and vehicle safety. Elements of consumer rights and protection related to spare parts and services, such as maintenance and recall process, will also be introduced.\n Click to enlarge \nAlong with the launch of the NAP 2020, the government has also released \nseven road maps and blueprints\n, in complement of the main policy to detail out the implementation plan. According to MITI, the blueprints will be \ncontinuously reviewed\n and updated in accordance to the disruptive and evolving global trends, technologies, and demands.\n\u201cI\u2019d like all of you to take this policy with a long term perspective,\u201d said Darell Leiking. \u201cWhile we address the current issues within our industry today, the NAP 2020 is truly about the long term, bigger picture that guides our thinking, capabilities and spirit towards driving the industrialisation of this great nation.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nTesla Model Y\n has topped Europe\u2019s new car sales charts for the first six months of 2023, marking the first time that a battery electric vehicle (BEV) has taken the top spot over a period of six months.\nEuropean sales of the Tesla Model Y has tripled to 125,144 in the first half of 2023, compared to 40,147 in the same period the year before, according to preliminary figures from market researcher Dataforce cited by \nAutomotive News Europe\n.\nIn just six months, the Tesla Model Y\u2019s sales performance in 2023 has nearly matched its total figure for the entirety of last year. More impressively, its sales figure for 1H2022 was already entirely eclipsed by its performance in March 2023 alone, when it saw 46,282 units sold.\nThe Tesla Model Y\u2019s rise to the top is driven by an aggressive price cut for the model in Europe, although it appears that price is not the main contributor to its success; the much more affordable Dacia Sandero and Volkswagen T-Roc only saw 118,883 and 107,249 units sold respectively during the same period, placing them in second and third place.\nREAD MORE: \nGovernment targets 1.5 million EVs on Malaysia roads by 2040\nLast year\u2019s best-selling model in Europe, the Peugeot 208, meanwhile fell to fifth place, as it experiences a 5.1% drop in sales compared to the same period last year \u2013 one of only two models in the top 10 (alongside the Volkswagen Golf) to see a sales deficit.\nTogether with the Model 3, Tesla\u2019s overall sales in Europe reached 163,987 units in the first six months of 2023, nearly doubling its total in the same period last year. The 85,000-unit increase also represents one-third of the 263,860 units increase of BEV sales in Europe, which were up 45% through the first six months of the year.\nThe Tesla Model Y only \nrecently made its official debut in Malaysia\n, with an attractive pricing starting from just RM199,000 for the base RWD variant, sporting a single motor on the rear axle for an output of 347 hp and 420 Nm, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.9 seconds.\nWith interest for EVs at an all-time high, plus a\n bullish economic outlook \nfor the automotive sector, it\u2019s likely that the Tesla Model Y in Malaysia will follow the same sales trend as it did in Europe and many markets globally \u2013 although, don\u2019t expect it to \ndethrone Perodua\n anytime soon, or perhaps ever.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia Tesla Supercharger network: 12 locations so far \u2013 Partners with Pavillion, Sunway, and more"
"Rolls-Royce are famed builders of cars that are christened with the lable of being the finest cars in the world, with a history of building iconic cars that has become the car of choice for the world\u2019s elite and the upper echelons of society.\nIt\u2019s no secret that celebrities love to drive exotic cars, and the Rolls-Royce name is high up on that list. In\n 1961\n,\n Elvis Presley\n walked himself into a Rolls-Royce dealership in Beverly Hills and walked out with a \nPhantom V\n model. A car that was on par with his status as the \u201cThe King of Rock & Roll\u201d. From that day on, a Rolls-Royce became the conveyance of choice for the music scene\u2019s burgeoning elite.\nWhile we\u2019re on that front, Rolls-Royce has decided to release the last of the\n special edition trilogy\n of the\u00a0Wraith, \n\u00a0\u2018Inspired by Music\u2019 edition\n for the ultimate audiophile who expects nothing but the finest from his Wraith. Inside, one can expect no less than an impeccably crafted finishing that bodes well with an illustrious\n copper-themed fascia\n.\nBeing \u201cInspired by Music\u201d, you would naturally expect the Wraith to have a banging great stereo and you\u2019d be right, for it promises to come with the best stereo system in the automotive industry with a\n\u00a01300-Watt, 18-channel\n system comprising \ntwo sub-woofers,\n \nseven tweeters\n and \nseven mid-range\n speakers. \nTwo \u2018exciter\u2019\n\u00a0are speakers hand-fitted in the car\u2019s \nheadlining\n. All of this is to deliver a natural and organic sound to the occupants.\n \n \nThe Wraith has a dark \nLyrical Copper\n paintjob on the outside, and both brushed and polished \ncopper trim\n throughout the interior. There\u2019s a bright book-matched copper \ndashboard\n, along with copper \ndoor inserts\n, speaker grilles with\n \u2018Bespoke Audio\u2019\n engraved into it and more.\nPowering this Roller is a \n6.6-litre V12\n\u00a0churning out \n624 horsepower\n to make the Wraith the fastest, most powerful production model in the company\u2019s history. The BMW sourced\n N74 twin-turbo\n powerplant in the Wraith finds its way in the\n Rolls-Royce Ghost\n as well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus\n \nhas announced the global debut of the new \nLexus UX 300e\n with a new battery pack and other significant changes. First launched in 2020, the Lexus UX 300 e was the brand\u2019s first production Electric Vehicle (EV).\nA significant update on the Lexus UX 300e is the larger battery pack that boosts the electric range by over 40% to \n450 km\n. Previously using a 54.4 kWh battery pack, the new Lexus UX 300e uses a \n72.8 kWh\n battery pack. The UX 300e has also been refined in terms of performance, safety technologies, and multimedia systems.\nThe powertrain remains the same with an electric motor that makes \n203 hp\n and \n300 Nm \npowering the front wheels. As for charging, Lexus has only unveiled that the UX 300e uses a CHAdeMO port. No charging times have been announced yet, but the pre-update version can handle 6.6-kW AC charging (7-hour charging time) and 50-kW DC Fast charging (50-minute charging time).\nThe updated UX 300e receives an additional 20 spot welding points to improve body rigidity. Lexus says the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and the shock absorbers have also been optimally tuned for the updated Lexus UX 300e. Extra attention was focused on wind noise and road noise from gravel and other materials that became apparent in the absence of engine and transmission sounds.\nRELATED: \nThe new Lexus RZ, the brand\u2019s first EV, is quite literally a sculpture on wheels!\nAs for safety, the \u201cLexus Safety System +\u201d active safety technology was expanded to provide a safer and more secure driving experience. Improvements in the safety department include:\nAn improved single-lens camera and millimeter wave radar\nAddition of Emergency Steering Assist\nLane Tracing Assist (LTA) that utilises AI technology\nAddition of a Curve Speed-Control Function that decelerates the vehicle in advance according to the size of an approaching curve\nEmergency Driving Stop System\nAddition of an under-body transparent display function for Panoramic View Monitor\nFor the multimedia system, a larger 12.3-inch, higher resolution touch panel display is equipped and two new Type-C USB connectors have been added to the front of the console. Expectedly, the system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.\nRELATED: \nLexus admits its oversized grilles can be a \u201cturnoff\u201d for customers\nLexus International Chief Engineer, Mitsuteru Emoto said, \u201cAs Lexus\u2019 first BEV model and a core part of the UX family, the UX 300e embraces the continual performance development and evolution of advanced technology applied to the UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, while enhancing the attributes unique to an all-electric vehicle.\u201d\n\u201cMost notably, based on an \u201cAlways On\u201d philosophy we significantly extended the cruising range to further enrich the lifestyles of our customers. As a leading light for \u201cLexus Electrified,\u201d the refinement of UX 300e is a key step on the path towards a carbon-neutral society.\u201d\nWhile Malaysia did not get the Lexus UX 300e when it made its global debut, the all-electric \nLexus RZ\n \nhas appeared on the Lexus Malaysia website, with a Registration of Interest form available."
"The Renault Megane R.S. Ultime has been revealed as the final Megane R.S. and will be the last model to feature the Renault Sport logo. The Megane R.S Ultime replaces the \nMegane R.S.\n and the Megane R.S. Trophy and will lead the Megane lineup from this year onwards. Only \n1,976 units\n will be built; a tribute to the year Renault Sport was founded. In case you haven\u2019t heard, the \nnew Megane will be fully electric\n!\nThe Megane R.S. Ultime is based on the \nMegane R.S. Trophy\n with \n300 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, paired with a dual-clutch transmission and a Torsen mechanical differential. The Megane R.S. Ultime does 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and features a lowered Cup chassis along with 4Control four-wheel steering.\nOn the outside, the Megane R.S. Ultime is fitted with Fuji Light 19-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 semi-slick tyres which were developed for the Megane R.S. Trophy R. The four exterior colours \u2013 Pearl White, Sirius Yellow, Tonic Orange and Star Black \u2013 are complemented with stripes on the roof, bonnet, doors, fenders, and rear bumper.\nOn the topic of the exterior, the Ultime\u2019s bodywork is 60 mm wider at the front and 45 mm wider at the rear fender. Standard items include Recaro bucket seats, Bose sound system, R.S. Monitor, a 9.3-inch infotainment display and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster while the head-up display and sunroof are optional items.\nAside from the Alcantara upholstery and the numbered plaque denoting the vehicle\u2019s exclusivity, the Megane R.S. Ultime also features the signature of Laurent Hurgon, the driver and development expert of the Megane R.S.\nGALLERY"
"The first-generation BMW X6 (E71) set the standards in the luxury coupe SUV when it first made its debut in 2008. So much so that everyone, \neven Porsche\n, now has a sleeker version of their flagship SUV but no one has managed to blend the DNA of an SUV and a coupe quite as beautifully as BMW does.\nWith sales of 443,000 units worldwide across the first two generations, the all-new G06 BMW X6 with its larger footprint, refreshed design and advanced tech, pens the third chapter in the BMW X6 story.\n \nThe new Sports Activity Coupe (SAV), BMW speak for Coupe SUVs, now measures 4,935 mm in length (+26 mm), 2,004 mm in width (+15 mm) and 1,696 mm in height (-6 mm). The wheelbase has also been extended by 42 mm to 2,975 mm, benefiting the interior packaging. Despite being the largest X6 ever, the new model has a much lower centre of gravity than its \nimmediate predecessor\n.\nBeing based on the \nG05 X5\n, the two shares the same imposing look at the front. Except on the X6, you get the option for an illuminated kidney grille that forms part of the daytime running lights function. Why illuminated grille you ask? No other reason other than its uber cool.\nThe same can\u2019t be said for the busy rear profile. BMW has gone to town with the design in hopes of setting the X6 apart from the smaller \nX4\n. As a result, you find layers upon layers of panels stack upon each other to form a \u201csporty\u201d look.\nThere are three model variants at launch \u2013 Sport, M Sport and M Performance all with their unique set of body kit. On M Sport cars you get 21-inch alloys, M Sport exhaust systems and M Sport brakes with blue-painted callipers.\nOptimus Prime called, he wants his right foot back\nM Performance model\nbuilds upon the M Sport with M Bicolour Cerium Grey exterior trims, M Sport\ndifferential, Adaptive M suspension and 22-inch alloy wheels. We wonder if you\ncould actually go off-road with those wheels.\nThe cabin design is as what you get on the X5 and \nX7\n with LCD displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system powered by BMW Operating System 7.0, Vernasca leather upholstery and Sports Seats.\nNew to the X6 is the\noptional Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof that has an 83% larger surface than\nbefore and has 15,000 illuminated graphic elements that lights up the sky in\nsix different colours. The optionally available 1,500W 20-speaker Bowers &\nWilkins Diamond Surround Sound System also lights up according to the ambient\nlighting colour.\n\u00a0Because of its Coupe body, the X6 remains a\nfive-seater configuration but thanks to the increased wheelbase, passengers at\nthe back now enjoys a more generous leg room. Boot space however remains at 580\nlitres, expandable to 1,525 litres with the rear seats (40:20:40 split) folded down.\nAt launch the X6 is available in four powertrain choices \u2013 xDrive30d, xDrive40i, M50d and M50i, all paired to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel on the \nxDrive30d \ndevelops \n265 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n while the \nxDrive40i\u2019s \nstraight-six turbo petrol packs \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n. Century sprint takes \n6.5 seconds \nand \n5.5 seconds\n, respectively.\nThe \nM50d \nalso has a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel with four turbochargers generating \n400 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n of torque allowing the X6 M50d to dust the century sprint in \n5.2 seconds\n. The\n M50i\n is the only variant that comes with a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 making\n 530 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of twist. It is also the quickest to 100 km/h at \n4.3 seconds\n with a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nIf you are one of the\nrare owners who would like to take the X6 off the beaten track, BMW offers the\noptional xOffroad package to ensure the X6 can claw itself out of muddy\nsituation. The package includes a dedicated air suspension setting, electrically\ncontrolled rear differential lock and a recalibrated DSC system.\nOn driver assistance systems X6 comes with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking (Autonomous Emergency Braking) as standard, however, features such as Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Speed Limit Info, Driving Assistant Professional semi-autonomous driving are optional items.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nG06 BMW X6 M50i xDrive Debuts"
"Controversy surrounding Takata\u2019s airbags have been going on for years now with no sign of matters being resolved soon and worse, these troubles have landed the airbag manufacturer into the deep end of financial troubles \u2013 bankruptcy. With this latest outbreak, the light at the end of its \u201cairbag woes tunnel\u201d has just been pushed that much further away.\nAccording to a report by \nReuters\n, more than 2.5 million vehicles will be recalled by General Motors and its joint venture in China, Shanghai GM due to faulty airbag inflators, again. Locally, it has affected brands like \nHonda\n, \nToyota\n and \nNissan\n which has been followed through with swift recalls and replacements.\nAccording to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ), the 2.5 million vehicles involved are equipped with airbag inflators produced by the troubled Japanese manufacturer.\nThe vehicles involved consist of 13,492 imported Saab and Opel vehicles and over 2.51 million Chevrolet and Buick Cars. This follows after a similar recently by Volkswagen involving 4.86 million of its vehicles in China due to potential issues with Takata airbags.\nThe numbers produced by the quality watchdog have been mind boggling \u2013 with the airbag inflator issue involving 37 car manufacturers and more than 20 million vehicles. Takata\u2019s airbags have been linked to double digit death figures and even higher number of injuries globally.\nIn case you\u2019ve not been near a newspaper or have not had Internet access in the last few years, cars equipped with Takata\u2019s airbags have had to be recalled as they can potentially explode with too much force and spray shrapnel (essentially sharp bits of metal) towards the driver and passengers. The risks are real, as shown in a video from a post by, American automotive site, \nJalopnik\n, recently.\nThe defect has led to the demise of the Japanese whose bankruptcy proceedings are only just the beginning of bigger troubles to come.\nSource: Reuters\nImage Credit: Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / \nAutoweek"
"The Malaysian government is once again studying the implementation of an end-of-life vehicle (ELV) management policy by 2025, according to a report by \nBernama\n. This was revealed by Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the ELV Research Consortium (comprising three universities) and Malaysian Automotive Recyclers Association (MAARA).\nThe Minister said that the development of the policy is to ensure the components and usable materials of old vehicles are not simply thrown away. \u201cThe excess of dilapidated vehicles, which also have resulted in dengue outbreaks, occur because there is yet a policy that decides on the proper action that needs to be taken, with emphasis on the method of proper disposal,\u201d he added.\nThe consortium, consisting of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), plans to work more closely with industry players such as MAARA to resolve the issue of ELVs through recycling or upcycling.\nRELATED: \nGovt launches new Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility to recycle abandoned cars safely!\nWith the MoU, the parties aim to gather data and information about re-manufacturing and recycling, as well as foster cooperation between industrial and consortium members through research and training programmes, with a main goal of developing a re-manufacturing and recycling plan to support the National Automotive Policy 2020.\nThe minister said that the country is currently looking at Singapore and Japan as yardsticks while drafting the framework, as the two countries have expertise in ELV recycling. He added that 70% of dismantled items fro mELV can be exported to other countries, and has the potential of a RM10 billion industry.\nAs of May 2022, there were a total of 33 million registered vehicles in Malaysia, with 19 million of them being at least a decade old, according to data from the Transport Ministry.\nALSO READ: \nGovt to study vehicle end-of-life policy for environmental reasons \u2013 old cars to be phased out soon?\nThis is far from the first time an ELV management policy has been mooted by the government, with the first mention dating as far back as 2009. More recently, the topic has also been brought up as a \npotential solution to the traffic congestion issue\n that was becoming increasingly rampant in city centres.\nDespite several \nDOE-recognised authorised automotive treatment facilities (AATF)\n already existing in our country, the ELV idea still was not received in kind by the general public for obvious reasons.\nTransport Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong also recently said that implementing an ELV policy will not be as simple as it sounds, so will this new announcement amount to anything? We\u2019ll just have to wait and see. But for now, let us know your thoughts on an ELV policy for Malaysia, down in the comments section below."
"Glancing at brightly coloured \nFerrari\n cars while you\u2019re stuck in the federal highway jam could soon become a thing of the past, as \nNaza Italia Sdn Bhd\n and Ferrari S.p.A. have announced that they will be parting ways. The transition is currently in effect, and all is expected to be completed come April this year.\nIn a press statement released by Naza Italia, the company said, \u201cIn the past few years, the NAZA automotive business had reviewed our brand mix to decide on what fits into our business strategy. We have agreed to conclude our relationship with Ferrari S.p.A (Ferrari) due to the non-alignment of their expectations to our strategy.\u201d\n\u201cWe will continue to provide support to Ferrari for a smooth transition of business, towards April 2023. We would also like to express our appreciation to Ferrari for the long-standing business relationship and wish the Ferrari brand continued success for the future.\u201d\nRELATED: \nFerrari 296 GTS makes SEA debut in Malaysia, from RM1.5m before tax\nNaza Italia Sdn Bhd has been the sole distributor of Ferrari in Malaysia since 2008. The company is part of the Naza Group which has previously sold cars from Kia and Peugeot. For a short stint, the group even had its own name-brand vehicles with models like the Ria, Sutera, and 206 Bestari.\nCurrently, Naza Italia has a 4S Ferrari centre located in Petaling Jaya. The 4S centre spans across 45,000 square feet of space and consists of sales, service, spare parts and systems, and a 2-level showroom. There is also a bespoke service atelier, a fully equipped business centre boardroom facility, and a contemporary VIP lounge with full facilities for Ferrari Owners Club members.\nALSO WATCH: \nFerrari Purosangue 6.5L V12, Maranello\u2019s first not-an-SUV"
"Under the bonnet of a big SUV usually lies a big engine, take for example the F15 BMW X5 xDrive35i. It\u2019s powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six producing 306 hp and 400 Nm, but costs RM574k. Now we have this, the X5 xDrive40e, and it\u2019s powered by a much smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X5 xDrive40e M Sport\nEngine\n1,997 cc;\u00a04-cylinder, turbocharged, with electric motor\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n245 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm (petrol engine)111 hp @ 3,170 rpm (electric motor)\n308 hp @ 5,000 rpm\n (combined)\nMax Torque\n350\u00a0Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,800 rpm (petrol engine)250\u00a0Nm @ 0 \u2013 3,170 rpm (electric motor)\n450 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n (combined)\nPrice\nRM388,800.00\nThe X5 xDrive40e is also RM185k cheaper than the X5 xDrive35i, but it comes with more kit and \nmore power\n than the bigger-engined sibling. Simply put, the X5 xDrive40e is currently the cheapest and the most powerful X5 you can buy in Malaysia. So how do they do it?\nLESS IS MORE\n \nThe engine may be smaller, but it\u2019s assisted by an 83 kW (111 hp) \nelectric motor\n that sits between the petrol mill and the eight-speed gearbox. The key point here is that it\u2019s a \nPlug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle\n (PHEV), which explains ridiculous the \n308 hp\n and \n450 Nm \noutput\u00a0and that lowly \n3.3L/100 km\n fuel consumption. Being locally-assembled, it gets the hybrid\u00a0incentive too, because without it the X5 xDrive40e would have been the most expensive X5 in the range, costing approximately RM580k.   Standard kit is generous. You\u2019ll find stuff like heads-up display, quad-zone climate control, three screens, iDrive touch controller, 360 camera, panoramic sunroof and a 900 watt Harman Kardon Surround sound system. Additionally, the X5 xDrive40e comes with the Driving Assistant pack which consists of Lane Departure Assist, Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with automatic light city braking.   The equipment list spills outwards too. It\u2019s the same F15 X5 that we all know and love, but the \nM Sport\n kit adds sportier bumpers and staggered \n19-inch wheels\n. It\u2019s a handsome beefcake no doubt about it, with a proper butch proportion made up of a bluff nose and a stocky stance to emphasise its rugged credentials. On top of that, BMW Malaysia also fitted our test mule with the optional roof rack and a bicycle mount. Totally unnecessary, but some people think it looks cool. I don\u2019t.\nULTIMATE DRIVING. SAV?\nNot quite. The century sprint time of 6.8 seconds and the top speed of 210 km/h is decent for a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that weighs over 2,000 kg and the supple suspension is a boon on pockmarked city streets, but it can\u2019t quite manage to shed its big-car feel even when you\u2019re out on the highway. The surround view\u00a0camera does help in tight alleys and while steering is precise, the X5 can feel quite ponderous on twisty roads. Get too enthusiastic with the throttle pedal and it fumbles\u00a0along the corners, although grip was never an issue since the power is distributed to the xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nHowever, the hybrid powertrain does hide the X5\u2019s bulk rather well. Thanks to the electric motor, it scoots off the line like an eager little hatchback, and there\u2019s plenty of poke from low to mid range before it tapers off above 4,500 rpm. And the beauty of these hybrid machines is that you won\u2019t be hearing what\u2019s going on under the bonnet most of the time. Unfortunately, once the four banger comes to life it can never replace the sweet sound of BMW\u2019s good ol\u2019 straight six.\nSHH. DID YOU HEAR THAT?\nKeep it in Max eDrive mode and the cabin stays incredibly hushed, except that the roof rack on our car which starts hissing when the speedo gets past the 70 km/h mark. Relying on the battery power alone, you should be able to travel around 30 km (official claim) and at speeds up to 120 km/h, but we rather leave it in Auto eDrive and let the clever computers do the work.\nThe 9 kWh lithium ion battery takes no more than four hours to replenish or under three hours\u00a0if using the i Wallbox charger, but you can always charge it on the fly in Save mode with its\u00a0regenerative brakes. The battery location under the boot means the X5 xDrive40e loses the third row seats, and the cargo area has shrunk from 650 litres to 500 litres. Still far from cramped\u00a0though.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re looking for a spacious, comfortable, and economical large SUV, the X5 xDrive40e should be in your list. Don\u2019t expect to get \u00a03.3L/100 km if you\u2019re doing a lot of interstate travels. I managed to get around 8.0L/100 km over the course of four urban-driving days, which is not bad for a two-tonne behemoth.\nWith its gentle demeanour, the X5 works great as a daily human hauler and highway cruiser. Personally, I find the ride a tad too jiggly for my liking, which doesn\u2019t quite complement the precise steering and the good brakes it offers. But for most people, the X5 xDrive40e is certainly a great value. I mean, where else can you get a full-size continental SAV for RM389k?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It may be early days yet for the new Pakatan Harapan government, but the coalition\u2019s campaign promise of abolishing the Goods & Services Tax (GST) means that this will happen in less than 100 days. In the case of automobiles, GST is expected to be replaced by the Sales & Service Tax (SST).\nWhile there are always variables such as prevailing currency exchange rates, cost of materials and market competitiveness to be factored in with any price updates, the impact on recommended retail prices of new vehicles isn\u2019t expected to be significant given that the switch from SST (10% previously) to GST (6% currently) back in 2015 only impacted recommended retail prices within a narrow band of 1% to 2%, and in some cases, there were no changes at all. Again, this is assuming most things remaining equal and that sales tax for vehicles will indeed be pegged at 10%.\nSubaru\u2019s pledge\nMost of the car companies which we have reached out to have declined comment on the matter in the absence of a directive from the government. However, TC Subaru, the authorised distributor of Subaru passenger cars in Malaysia has announced a \u2018Price Protection Scheme\u2019 for its customers who have placed a vehicle booking against any price movement up till the 100\nth\n day of the new government.\nBook a Subaru and be protected by price movements expected to happen within the next 100 days.\nIn the event of an upward price adjustment caused by the expected reinstatement of SST, TC Subaru will honour the original lower price at the time of booking (but before registration). Should prices be reduced at any given time before registration, the booking price will be adjusted to reflect the reduction, e.g. if the booking price is RM100,000 and the actual price at registration turns out to be RM99,000, the lower price (of RM99,000) will apply.\nIn the case of a downward price movement after vehicle registration, the customer will receive service vouchers equal in value to the price change, subject to a limit of RM3,000. For example, if a vehicle\u2019s price is reduced by RM1,000 after the change in applicable taxes, the customer shall receive a service voucher worth RM1,000 in value.\nGo ahead, keep on shopping\nSuffice it to say, TC Subaru\u2019s initiative shows that the company is willing to cushion the impending readjustment in prices to calm any doubts a customer may have in purchasing a new vehicle during this interim period, and we may yet see other car companies adopting a similar stance. More importantly, the move by TC Subaru is also an indication that the swap from GST to SST isn\u2019t likely to impact new car prices significantly. You can carry on car shopping now."
"The new Auto Bavaria Tebrau 4S centre offering BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI and BMW Premium Selection related services is set to open on the 15th of July 2020.\nThe 63,000 sq ft facility will have over 20 vehicles \u2013 from both MINI and BMW \u2013 on display. The BMW centre in Tebrau also features a Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Accessories, a Handover Area for customers to receive their new cars and Reception at the Car (RATC) service.\nHarald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, \u201cBMW Group Malaysia takes pride in our impressive network of dealers that span across the country. Auto Bavaria, whom have been with us for more than 30 years are experienced in the premium automotive industry, having achieved remarkable growth in the past three decades as they consistently strive to deliver the best to customers across Malaysia,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl.\nAuto Bavaria Tebrau is located at 3B, Jalan Persiaran Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. For more information and enquiries, please contact the Auto Bavaria Customer Care line at 1300 133 338 or \nemail them\n.\nWith the recent Sales Tax Exemption announcement to boost automotive sales, here\u2019s the \nlatest price list for BMW and MINI vehicles\n in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"For those that relish in individuality, MINI Malaysia has got a treat for you with the launch of the 20-unit-only limited-edition \nMINI Convertible Sidewalk Edition\n \u2013 a nameplate that can trace its roots all the way back to 2007 on the original MINI Convertible.\nThe Sidewalk edition differentiates itself from the regular MINI Convertible with its variant-exclusive visual flairs, starting with the new Deep Laguna metallic exterior colour, made available in the country for the first time with this limited-edition variant, paired with geometric-pattern stripes across the bonnet.\nThe pattern is also repeated on the fender \u201cside scuttles\u201d along with a Sidewalk badge, while the soft-top roof is embellished with a chevron pattern, completing the geometric shapes motif found on the rest pf the car. The 17-inch Scissor Spoke two-tone wheels are also exclusive to the Sidewalk.\nInside, the MINI Yours Leather Lounge Sidewalk seats in anthracite is finished with Petrol blue and Energetic Yellow contrast stitching \u2013 the same colour combination is also found throughout the cabin, including the door trims and floor mats.\nThe MINI Convertible Sidewalk edition is fitted with the range-topping Wired Package, which includes an 8.8-inch MINI Visual Boost touchscreen infotainment display with built-in navigation and 4G connectivity, and a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone. Music is pumped through a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.\nBased on the \nCooper S Convertible\n, the Sidewalk edition is powered by the B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine, which is good for \n192hp\n and \n280Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nPerformance wise, the new limited-edition convertible completes the century sprint in \n7.1 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n230 km/h\n. MINI claims that it can also achieve a fuel consumption figure of\n 5.7 l/100km\n.\nThe MINI Convertible Sidewalk Edition is now available at \nRM285,899.47\n (with sales tax exemptions, on the road without insurance), which includes a four-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled maintenance, as well as a five-year roadside assistance programme.\nWith the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the Sidewalk Edition can be yours starting at \nRM3,266 per month\n (based on estimates of 80% loan on a five-year tenure).\nAs it is only limited to 20 units nationwide, the MINI Convertible Sidewalk Edition will be only available selected authorised MINI dealerships nationwide. Otherwise, customers can also make a booking for the new limited-edition Convertible through the MINI Online Shop,\n here\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you ever get to put a night at The Peninsula hotel in Shanghai, you might just stand a chance to be chauffeured in a brand new \nBMW i8\n\u00a0should you fancy the sports car more than their Rolls-Royces, other BMWs and MINIs.\nBMW Group, \u00a0having previously \u2018handed over\u2019 a BMW i3 to\u00a0the Kempinski Hotel in Beijing last year, said that this move is part of their\u00a0strategy to encourage sustainable mobility and is being fully supported by The Peninsula. The luxurious five-star hotel has also \ninstalled public charging stations\n compatible with all electric cars standardised for China.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW i8\nEngine\n1,499cc; inline 3-cyl with TwinPower Turbo\nElectric Motor\nHybrid synchronous motor (131 hp & 250 Nm)\nTransmission\n6-speed Steptronic Sport auto\nMax Power\n362 hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n570 Nm from 1,200 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n4.4 seconds\nTop Speed\n250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM1,188,800.00 with GST\nSince launching the i8 in June 2014, BMW has \ndelivered over 4,000 units\n to its customers worldwide. In China, the company is actively promoting electric mobility, partnering with various state and local enterprises to build public charging networks. The first BMW i customers will also be given free BMW i wall-boxes inclusive of installation.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve known for a while now that Toyota and Subaru are \ndeveloping a replacement model\n for the aging hachi-roku twins. With Toyota introducing the \nBlack Edition\n for its send-off of the 86, it\u2019s only fair that Subaru does the same too.\nThe\n Subaru BRZ\n Final Edition comes with several exterior upgrades such as 17-inch dark-lacquered wheels, Brembo brakes with red brake callipers, as well as stiffer Sachs dampers. Only two colour options are available \u2013 Crystal Black Silica, or the optional Blue Pearl for an additional 100 euros.\nInside, the special edition is upholstered with blue-and-black leather-and-Alcantara mix, finished with blue stitching on the steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake, and door trims.\nSubaru BRZ Final Edition\nToyota 86 Black Edition\nOther interior items include multiple special-edition badging throughout the cabin, BRZ emblems on the floor mats, as well as an unchanged seven-inch infotainment display.\nAs with other special editions of the Toyobaru twins, no changes are done to the powertrain. A two-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine churns out \n205 hp\n and \n212 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The automatic variant gets five less horsepower and six less Nm of torque.\nMotor1 reported that \nonly 100 units\n of the Final Edition will be made available, solely in Germany. However, a \nCzech Republic dealer website\n has said that 40 units will be made available for the country."
"Having announced that there\u2019ll be 6 new launches in the next three months along with their impressive Q3 figures, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia took the opportunity to flex another fibre of its muscle by previewing the new Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+.\nAs the pictures show, it\u2019ll be available in both coupe and sedan layouts, as it replaces the E43 AMG but still plays second fiddle to the mighty E63.\nThe highlight of the E53 AMG though is the introduction of the EQ Boost mild hybrid powertrain \u2013 similar to the one applied in the CLS 53 launched in Malaysia recently.\nInstead of the old V6 in the E43 AMG, it\u2019s still a 3.0-litre twin-turbo but is now a straight-six with an electric compressor to produce\n 435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n. Transmission of choice is none other than the 9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission channeling power to all four wheels.\nWith turbo lag eliminated along with an increase in horsepower from the electric compressor, 0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.4 seconds in the coupe while the sedan is 0.1 second slower.\nIt\u2019s not easy for the untrained eye to tell the E53 from the E43 AMG but notable changes can be seen in the rear diffuser and a new 20-inch wheel design that looks more aftermarket wheels cherry-picked to fit the car\u2019s arches like a glove.\nInside, at a glance, the E53 AMG accommodates a new flat-bottomed steering wheel and AMG sports seats in Nappa leather with red seat belts specifically for the Coupe. Both the interiors are distinguished with different dashboard trims \u2013 carbon fibre on the sedan and aluminium on the Coupe \u2013 we would\u2019ve preferred it the other way round to be honest.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nE 53 AMG Coupe   E 53 AMG Sedan"
"\u57282023\u5e74\u8ba1\u5212\u53d1\u5e03\u4e94\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b\u7684\u540c\u65f6\uff0cHyundai Sime Darby Motors\u5c06\u4e8e\u4eca\u5e74\u4e0b\u534a\u5e74\u5f00\u59cb\u5fd9\u788c\uff0c\u9996\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b\u5c06\u662fHyundai Ioniq 6\uff0c\u6839\u636e\u516c\u53f8\u5728\u793e\u4ea4\u5a92\u4f53\u9891\u9053\u4e0a\u53d1\u5e03\u7684\u9884\u544a\uff0c\u8fd9\u6b3e\u8f66\u5c06\u4e8e\u672c\u5468\u4e94\uff0c\u53737\u670821\u65e5\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\u4e0a\u53d1\u5e03\u3002\nHyundai Ioniq 6\u7531\u4e8e\u5176\u6d41\u7ebf\u578b\u7684\u5916\u5f62\u88ab\u79f0\u4e3a\u201c\u6d41\u7ebf\u578b\u201d\u8f66\u578b\uff0c\u8fd9\u6b3e\u9020\u578b\u65f6\u5c1a\u7684\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u62e5\u6709\u6781\u4f4e\u76840.21 Cd\u7684\u963b\u529b\u7cfb\u6570\uff0c\u8fd9\u610f\u5473\u7740\u5176\u5b9e\u9645\u529f\u8017\u4f4e\u81f313.9 kWh/100 km\uff0c\u4f7f\u5176\u6210\u4e3a\u76ee\u524d\u5e02\u573a\u4e0a\u6700\u8282\u80fd\u7684\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u4e4b\u4e00\u3002\n\u4e0e77.4 kWh\u7684\u7535\u6c60\u7ec4\u914d\u5bf9\uff0cHyundai Ioniq 6\u7684\u5355\u7535\u673a\u8fdc\u7a0b\u7248\u627f\u8bfa\u5355\u6b21\u5145\u7535\u53ef\u884c\u9a76\u6700\u957f\n610 km\n \n(WLTP)\n\u3002E-GMP\u5e73\u53f0\u7684800V\u7535\u6c14\u67b6\u6784\u8fd8\u652f\u6301\u6700\u9ad8350 kW\u7684DC\u5feb\u901f\u5145\u7535\uff0c\u4ece10-80%\u4ec5\u970018\u5206\u949f\u3002\nE-GMP\u5e73\u53f0\u8fd8\u652f\u6301\u8f66\u8f86\u5bf9\u8d1f\u8f7d\uff08V2L\uff09\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u4f7fHyundai Ioniq 6\u80fd\u591f\u901a\u8fc7\u9002\u914d\u5668\u4e3a\u5176\u4ed6\u7535\u6c14\u8bbe\u5907\u4f9b\u7535\u3002\n\u6027\u80fd\u65b9\u9762\uff0c\u5168\u65b0\u7684Hyundai Ioniq 6\u63d0\u4f9b\u5355\u7535\u673a\u548c\u53cc\u7535\u673a\u914d\u7f6e\uff0c\u6700\u5f3a\u7684\u53d8\u4f53\u53ef\u4ee5\u63d0\u4f9b\u6700\u9ad8\n239 kW (320 hp)\n\u548c\n650 Nm\n\u7684\u626d\u77e9\uff0c\u767e\u516c\u91cc\u52a0\u901f\u65f6\u95f4\u4e3a5.1\u79d2\u3002\n\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\u7684\u786e\u5207\u914d\u7f6e\u548c\u53ef\u7528\u6027\u5c06\u8981\u7b49\u5230\u5b98\u65b9\u53d1\u5e03\u540e\u624d\u80fd\u77e5\u9053\uff0c\u4f46\u4e00\u4e9b\u5168\u7403\u53ef\u7528\u7684\u8bbe\u5907\u5305\u62ec\u53c2\u6570\u50cf\u7d20\u5916\u90e8\u7167\u660e\uff0c\u5e26\u6709Apple CarPlay\u548cAndroid Auto\u8fde\u63a5\u7684\u53cc12\u82f1\u5bf8\u663e\u793a\u5c4f\uff0c\u4ee5\u53caSmartSense\u5957\u4ef6\u7684\u9ad8\u7ea7\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u8f85\u52a9\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"After McLaren\u2019s \nnext generation supercar was seemingly leaked\n, McLaren Automotive is keeping the hype up with the announcement of the P14\u2019s powertrain of choice \u2013 an all-new 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8.\nBefore going into the details, let\u2019s take a stroll down memory lane. The current McLarens share the same M838T, 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, producing anywhere from\u00a0\n532 hp\n\u00a0in the 540C to\u00a0\n723 hp \nin the\u00a0\nP1 hypercar\n.\nTheir next supercar will get a completely new engine to go with their next-generation carbon fibre monocoque. The engine will be none other than the\u00a0\nM840T\n,\n 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n. No key performance figures have been revealed but McLaren claims a 0 to 200 km/h sprint time of\u00a0\n7.8 seconds\n, and will cover a standing quarter mile in \n10.3 seconds\n.\nMcLaren Super Series Vehicle Line Director, Haydn Baker said, \u201cPower, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved.\u201d \nMcLaren will also slap on a brand new set of exhaust system, though a much sportier one can be had as an option. Besides that, the engine bay is uniquely illuminated and lights up when the vehicle is unlocked. Because hey, when you have that V8, flaunt it, right?\nMore details of the McLaren P14 supercar will be revealed on 7 March 2017, so if you\u2019re a huge fan of the brand (like yours truly), be sure to watch this space!"
"BMW Malaysia\n will be accepting bookings for the upcoming \nBMW XM\n starting \nOctober 20, 2022\n. The XM is the brand\u2019s first electrified M car with a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) body style. The estimated price of the BMW XM is \nRM 1,400,000 \nfor Peninsular Malaysia and \nRM 820,000\n for Langkawi.\nBeing the first electrified BMW M car, the powertrain of the XM consists of a 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine (489 hp/650 Nm) and an electric motor (197 hp/280 Nm). Working with the electric motor, the total system output is \n653 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n. The hybrid powertrain is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. With power sent to all wheels via BMW\u2019s xDrive all-wheel drive system, the XM does the century sprint in \n4.3 seconds\n.\nA \n29.5-kWh\n battery pack supplies power to the electric motor. It can be charged at a rate of 7.4 kW and takes 4 hours and 15 minutes to charge from 0 to 100%. BMW says that the XM can be driven in fully electric mode for up to 88 km and can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h on electric drive only.\nAs for handling, the BMW XM is underpinned by a sophisticated chassis system with a double-wishbone front axle, a five-link rear axle, and integral active steering.\nRELATED: \nBMW M boss explains why the XM is an SUV, not a coupe\nUnveiled globally in September, the production version of the BMW XM doesn\u2019t veer too far from the XM Concept car. Yes, we\u2019ve all made fun of the ever-growing kidney grille, but BMW seems to be unbothered about the whole thing. They say that the XM is a statement of exclusivity, presence, and performance. It also gives off a \u201csingularly extrovert aura\u201d thanks to a host of distinctive accents.\nWheel options for the BMW XM include 21-inch wheels and 23-inch wheels with various designs, but the Malaysian version will be offered with the 23-inch wheels only. The BMW XM measures 5,100 mm in length, 2,005 mm in width, and 1,755 mm in height. It also has a 3,105 mm long wheelbase.\nRELATED: \nBMW Concept XM\u2019s grille is not only massive but electrified too\nInside, the cockpit and front seats have been designed to create an active driving experience. Standard interior equipment includes M multifunction seats, knee pads, and an XM-special M leather steering wheel, along with M-specific graphics. There are also shift lights for the BMW Curved Display and BMW Head-Up Display. A 14.9-inch control display and a 12.3-inch information display work in tandem to ensure uncluttered functionality.\nIn the BMW XM, the Driving Assistant Professional system includes features such as Distance Control (ACC), automatic Speed Limit Assist, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Change Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Front/Rear Crossing-traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention and Exit Warning when opening the doors, Emergency Stop Assistant, Evasion Assistant, Emergency Corridor Assistant and Priority Warning.\nRELATED: \nBMW\u2019s sixth-gen EV battery offers 30% longer range and faster charging\nColour offerings for the First-Ever BMW XM include Cape York Green Metallic, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire, and Dravite Grey. As for interior upholstery, available offerings include Leather Merino Deep Lagoon with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Silverstone with exclusive contents, Leather Merino Black, and Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.\nWith BMW\u2019s extended five-year warranty and service included, the estimated price of the BMW XM is \nRM 1,400,000\n for Peninsular Malaysia and \nRM 820,000\n for Langkawi. Customers who wish to book the upcoming BMW XM can do so starting October 20, 2022 \nhere\n."
"After introducing the \nnew 2019 Subaru Forester\n in which \nwe got to try out on track and dirt\n, in a regional unveiling towards the end of last year, Subaru has flown us down to Singapore to check out the new Forester e-Boxer \u2013 a mild hybrid version of the fifth-generation model.\nThe Forester e-Boxer gets the FB20 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine with \n145 hp\n and\n 188 Nm\n of torque. Those with a keen eye will notice that the output is actually lower than the \noutgoing Subaru XV we reviewed recently\n but the e-Boxer gets a \u201ctop up\u201d of \n13 hp\n and \n65 Nm\n of torque from the electric motor.\nThe battery is placed under the cargo floor with boot space now limited to just over 500 litres with the non-hybrid model offering 520-litres. Unlike certain hybrid models, the e-Boxer cannot run purely on electric power, at least not for a significant distance like other PHEVs, but merely serves to set the car off.\nWhat\u2019s really interesting about the e-Boxer is that it comes with a\n facial recognition feature\n that can identify/remember up to five different passenger\u2019s facial profile. Like the memory function for your electronically-adjustable seats, once the system detects a specific driver, it will automatically adjust the steering and seats to its preset position, for example.\nEven cooler, the system will also detect if your eyes are not focused on the road and will alert you with a message on the instrument cluster.\nAs for our local market, the\n new non-hybrid Forester\n is \nexpected to make its debut in May this year\n with three possible variants, where the \nEyeSight driver assistance system\n will only be available a few months after its initial introduction. The EyeSight system however will only be limited to the top variants.\nWe\u2019re also told that the Malaysian models will not be too different from the Taiwanese-spec Foresters \u2013 so the powered sunroof could be a possibility!\nAs for the Subaru XV, you\u2019ll just need to be a little more patient as the EyeSight driver assistance system is expected to be available for the crossover, only in 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Post pandemic rut and global recession? No such thing in the world of the ultrarich. Amidst financial uncertainties and geopolitical tensions all around the world, Lamborghini has just announced that January to June 2022 is its \u201cbest six months ever\u201d in terms of sales, turnover, and profitability, as if nothing bad is happening in the world.\nGlobal deliveries for the supercar maker stood at 5,090 units, representing a growth of 4.9% over the same period last year. In terms of money, however, the company\u2019s operating jumped a massive 69.6% from EUR251 million to EUR425 million.\nLamborghini attributes the step-up in profitability to the increase in volumes, product offerings, more customisation from its customers, as well as the positive exchange rates.\nThe Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) remains the biggest market for Lamborghini, accounting for 41% of the total volume. The Americas took 34% of the share, while Asia Pacific accounted for 25% of sales in the first half of the year. In terms of countries, however, the United States retains its top spot (1,521 units), followed by China (576), Germany (468), United Kingdom (440), and the Middle East (282).\nUnsurprisingly, the \nUrus SUV\n is still the \nmost popular model in Lamborghini\u2019s line-up\n, accounting for a whopping 61% of the overall sales in the first six months of 2022. The rest of the 39% are made up of the \nHuracan\n and \nAventador\n \u2013 the latter now at the end of its production, according to Lamborghini.\nALSO READ: \nLamborghini\u2019s first EV will launch between 2027-2028\nLamborghini doesn\u2019t seem to be slowing down any time soon, either, as Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said in a statement today that its orders taken so far have already exceeded its production capacity for 2023.\nThe statement also revealed that the supercar maker is planning for three new product announcements for Lamborghini this year, including two new Urus models, and one for the Huracan.\nFor the former, rumours suggest that there will be a more performance-oriented variant as part of the Urus\u2019 mid-cycle facelift upgrade, to go up against the recently-unveiled \nAston Martin DBX707\n. The juiced-up super SUV, rumoured to be called the Urus Evo, could also be joined by a plug-in hybrid variant this year, as outlined in the brand\u2019s \nDirezioni Cor Tauri\n roadmap\n.\nAs for the Huracan, the \njacked-up Sterrato\n has already appeared in a teaser video, and will most likely be the last hurrah for the model\u2019s nine-year lifecycle.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini Huracan Tecnica launched in Malaysia from RM1.05 million"
"The guys at John Cooper Works (JCW) have again done their magic, this time the recipient being the Clubman. The JCW Clubman will be unveiled next week at the Paris Motor Show, and it is currently the most powerful Clubman model in MINI history.\nNot too long ago, MINI introduced the manual-only\u00a0\nJCW Works hatchback\n, and the Clubman this time around isn\u2019t that far off from the JCW crop. It has bigger space, more doors and all-wheel drive. On the outside, it receives the signature\u00a0JCW Rebel Green paint with red stripes, beefier bodykit and\u00a0air inlets that replace the fog lamps.\u00a0Exclusive to this JCW Clubman is the 18-inch light alloy wheels in Black \u2018Grip Spoke\u2019 design.   The JCW Clubman is powered by the same \n2.0-litre turbocharged twin-scroll petrol engine\n that powers other JCW models. This mill produces\u00a0\n231 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, courtesy of a reworked turbocharger and intercooler.\nAcceleration wise, the 0 to 100km/h sprint is achieved in \n6.3 seconds\n before topping out at \n238km/h\n. New to the Clubman is a sports exhaust system for the added aural pleasure.\u00a0Two transmission choices are available here \u2013 a\u00a0\nsix-speed manual\n or \neight-speed automatic\n.\u00a0For the first time, the JCW Clubman is only available with MINI\u2019s\u00a0\nALL4 all-wheel-drive\n system. It\u2019s not a permanent all-wheel drive system though, because power will only be sent to the rear axle when required. Just like all JCW models, suspension and braking have been revised to manage the added grunt.\u00a0Variable damper control is also available as an added option.\nThis practical hot hatch seats five, has six doors with\u00a0\n360 litres\n of boot space. If this tickles your fancy, it\u2019s ready for orders at\u00a0\n\u00a329,345\n (approximately\u00a0RM158k) for the manual and \n\u00a330,945\n (approximately RM166k) for the auto.\nBack at home, MINI Malaysia offers the standard \nClubman and Clubman S\n\u00a0at\u00a0RM203,888 and\u00a0RM253,888 respectively. Looking at a few \nJCW models\n that have arrived into this country, there\u2019s a good chance that this JCW Clubman\u00a0will soon find its way to our local showrooms.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance, the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, has launched the fastest Porsche 911 ever built, the GT2 RS, at the Sepang International Circuit.\nWeighing a mere 1.4-tonnes, the GT2 RS goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds; backed by \n700 hp\n (more than 100 hp extra compared to the 911 Turbo S) and\n 750 Nm\n from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine taken from the 911 Turbo.\nThese figures have been achieved with larger turbochargers, a new cooling system and a new exhaust system. Once you\u2019re done shifting through all seven gears of the PDK transmission, you\u2019d be hitting 340 km/h in the rear-wheel drive GT2 RS with rear-wheel steering.\nCarbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard. Standing between the immense power and the tarmac are 21-inch magnesium wheels, wrapped in ultra wide 325 width tyres at the rear (265 front) but it\u2019s not all about power with the new GT2 RS.\nWhat makes the GT2 RS so quick is the extensively weight saving measures that have been taken. Take the exhaust system for example, it\u2019s made of extra lightweight titanium that\u2019s seven kilograms lighter than the one in the 911 Turbo.\nElsewhere the list of body panels made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is as extensive as your grocery shopping list \u2013 front lip, front wheel housing vents, side mirror covers, air intakes on the side panels and the bonnet. Even the roof is made of lightweight magnesium material.\n\u00a0\nInside, the GT2 RS\u2019s interior is dominated by red alcantara and black leather, finished with carbon fibre weave as standard. The spokes and paddle shifters on the steering wheel are made of carbon fibre; even the full bucket seats are finished with a carbon weave. The steel roll cage found in the GT2 RS\u2019s predecessor is now replaced by one made of titanium in this new GT2 RS.\nHow much for this 1.4-tonne piece of engineering excellence? Expect to pay no less than RM 2.9 million before insurance and optional extras.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The art of replicating supercars isn\u2019t new. Find a suitable and reliable platform then spend hours painstaking molding the exterior until it bears a resemblance with the real thing.\nThat seems to be the case with\n Dream Custom India\n\u2018s replica \nLamborghini Aventador SVJ\n. Yeap, it\u2019s not just a \u201cstandard\u201d replica Aventador, it\u2019s the SVJ we\u2019re talking about and it\u2019s based on the 8th generation Honda Civic FD!\nThis Indian company just converted a Honda Accord into a Lamborghini Aventador. Find out more here!\nHere\u2019s how you can turn your Toyota Harrier into a Lamborghini Urus!\nAnd judging from the pictures, they\u2019ve faked it till they made it \u2013 as the saying goes. The headlamps may look like the Asian version of the original Aventador and the spoiler design more simplistic but the rest has been copied to almost exact specification.\nUkrainian built Bugatti Chiron replica using the most unlikely car! Read about it here!\nTake the front bumper for example, every line every swoop can be traced back exactly to the original Aventador SVJ. The same goes to the rear bumper, the centre-exit tailpipes, and even the taillights which beggar the question \u2013 how?\nThat speedometer and steering wheel design is unmistakably Honda Civic.\nAs this is supposed to be the SVJ version, they\u2019ve even added the vents on the front bumper, and replicated the same engine cover design as the original car.\nOther than that, the suspension was tweaked slightly, with the whole project taking just under a month to complete. Check out their other project \u2013 a \nFord Mustang converted from a Hyundai Accent\n!\nInside is where the Aventador replica reveals its Honda Civic self; through the slightly modified steering and the unmistakable speedometer design.\nSource: \nDream Customs India"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has just confirmed today through its Facebook page that the new facelifted Volvo XC60 range will be officially launched in Malaysia. The mid-sized premium SUV with both regular and plug-in hybrid powertrain options will be officially launched on \nNovember 25th\n over a digital broadcast event scheduled at \n11:00 A.M\n.\nThe facelifted Volvo XC60 made its global debut in \nMarch\n this year and unlike the other premium automakers, the styling changes are very inconspicuous. The grille and bumpers upfront receive subtle styling refinements, with the rear bumper now completely devoid of exhaust outlets.\nNew\nCurrent\nInside, the driver\u2019s instrument cluster has been upgraded to a fully digital unit measuring 12 inches. However, the key headlining feature of the new Volvo XC60 is the Android-powered infotainment system featuring a host of \nbuilt-in Google\n apps such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and more. A wireless smartphone charging pad is also expected to be included.\nSimilar to the earlier page on the \nregistry-of-interest\n, \nno new information regarding the powertrain has been revealed. It is said to have been further improved for range and efficiency.\nHave you noticed? Volvo has been using a new \u2018facelifted\u2019 logo for a while now. Details here!\nExpect the prices to be kept at similar levels with the outgoing models, with the Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum priced at approx. \nRM279k\n while the plug-in hybrid Recharge T8 Inscription Plus at approx. \nRM325k\n. Interested to get a sales consultant to contact you on the new Volvo XC60? Submit your information at the registry-of-interest page, linked \nhere\n.\nNew\nCurrent\nThe new facelifted Volvo XC60 is the third model launch for the company in Malaysia after introducing the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge T5\n and the \nVolvo S90 Recharge T8\n \nplug-in hybrid models.\nLate in 2020, VCM also announced the \nextension of the warranty\n coverage for the hybrid batteries in all of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles to eight years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first. Recently, VCM also welcomed Charles Frump in August as its \nnew Managing Director\n, succeeding Nalin Jain.\nThe launch of the new Volvo XC60 will be available on Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s Facebook \npage\n."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), together with its dealer-partner Sing Kwung Jidosha, recently celebrated the launch of its revamped 4S centre in Melaka. Carrying the brand\u2019s latest \u2018Drive Your Ambition\u2019 visual identity (VI), the updated 4S centre brings the total outlets in the country with the new Mitsubishi VI up to 20.\nThe upgraded 4S centre in Melaka boasts a built-up area of \n10,000 square feet\n, housing a \nshowroom\n capable of displaying up to four cars, a \nfive-bay workshop\n fully equipped with Mitsubishi\u2019s advanced diagnostic tools and Special Set Tools, \nparts storage area\n, and a \nBody and Paint facility\n.\nOther amenities include a customer lounge with free WiFi connectivity for the comfort of their customers who are waiting to have their cars serviced.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, \u201cWith an enhanced brand image, this represents our commitment to put customers as the foremost priority, providing them with a seamless experience when they visit our showrooms, and in a more comfortable ambience.\u201d\nWith this upgraded showroom now completed, MMM is now represented by 50 showrooms (45 of which are 3S Centres) and 51 service outlets throughout Malaysia \u2013 including 14 showrooms in East Malaysia (7 in Sarawak and 7 in Sabah).\nThe Sing Kwung Jidosha Mitsubishi 4S Centre is located at \nNo. 2B, Jalan IMJ1, Taman Industri Malim Jaya, 75250 Melaka\n. Operation hours are as follows:\nMonday to Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm\nSunday: 10 am to 5 pm\nMMM has also recently introduced the \n\u2018Test Drive 2U\u2019 online service\n, letting customers test drive Mitsubishi vehicles without stepping foot into a showroom. The service will be available to customers around the vicinity of the new Melaka 4S centre."
"BMW Group Malaysia\n unveiled its Mobile Charging Vehicle at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n. Being the first-of-its-kind, BMW Group Malaysia has developed the Mobile Charging Vehicle in partnership with EV Connection.\nThe batteries in the vehicle are essentially made of EV batteries used by BMW and Mini EVs. Instead of putting the used batteries to waste, BMW has repurposed them and given them a new lease of life.\nThe prototype Mobile Charging Vehicle operates on 16 units of repurposed BMW battery modules. These battery modules all have a State of Health (SoH) of approximately 70%, which makes them more than sufficient for providing power. The designed system also has a capacity of \n20 kWh\n and is capable of providing up to \n30 kVA\n three-phase AC power on demand.\nBMW Group Malaysia Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability, Sashi Ambi said, \u201cThe repurposing of these end-of-life batteries from our electrified vehicles essentially places them back into the loop to continue serving the EV ecosystem after they have completed their lifecycle in our vehicles. The closing of this loop recognises the significant value of the precious metals that are in our batteries, which are finite resources on this planet, and prolongs their use as much as possible before they are eventually retired.\u201d\nAmbi also added, \u201cOur partnership with EV Connection addresses the crucial role we play as leaders in the field of electromobility to not only develop the EV landscape but to do so in a way that is both circular and responsible.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNew MINI charging bays launched at Eco Sanctuary \u2013 50kW DC, 22kW AC, RM1.20/min\nThe Mobile Charging Vehicle is part of BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s second-life battery programme and RE:GENERATE initiative. It is developed to adopt circularity within the organisation, as the company aims to divert all retired BMW EV batteries to further expand on their electrification possibilities.\nThese opportunities include providing high-voltage solutions, such as acting as an urban charging hub and roving generators to power communities in disaster zones. BMW Group Malaysia also aim to help enable rural electrification in the future as well.\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia and Pentas Flora ink MoU to tackle automotive waste"
"Perodua has registered 27,858 vehicles in October of 2021, shattering the record previously set exactly 12 months ago where it delivered 26,848 vehicles in October 2020. The previous record is even in the Malaysia Book of Records.\nAccording to the company, the new record is a result of improved production operations and swift deliveries.\n \n\u201cThis achievement represents a 90.67% increase from 14,160 units sold in September 2021. We are now working to further improve production especially for the rest of the year,\u201d Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.\nOf the 27,858 Perodua vehicles registered, the Myvi proved yet again that it\u2019s unbeatable both in cult following and of course, sales. The infamous hatchback topped the sales chart with 8,761 units, followed by the Axia with 5,973 units, 5,257 Bezzas, 3,973 Ativas, 2,553 Alzas, and 1,341 units of the Aruz.\nPerodua\u2019s CEO also pointed out that October 2021 also saw the highest ever number of vehicles made with 29,803 units produced within a month.\n \nHe added that the 29,803-unit achievement was beyond Perodua\u2019s current production capacity, yet its employees were able to boost their productivity with the same level of quality without new people, equipment, or machinery.\u00a0\nOn a year-to-date basis, Perodua registered 146,951 units from January to October 2021; a 14.5% reduction from the 171,861 units registered in the same period of 2020.\nBudget 2022: EVs fully tax-free and Sales Tax Exemption extended to June 2022. Find out more in detail!"
"There are more ways than one to pronounce words. Take tomato and tomato, for example, you read that two different ways eh? Well, Porsche is adding to the \nlist of mispronounced car names\n because apparently, the \nPorsche Taycan\n is not pronounced as \u201c\nTay-kan\n\u201d, it\u2019s \u201c\nTai-kan\n\u201d.\nThe name Taycan is composed of two terms of Turkic origins which can be roughly translated as \u201csoul of a spirited young horse\u201d, exactly what this \n600 hp\n all-electric Porsche is. The Taycan is motivated by two permanently synchronous motors, one on each axle, which allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under \n3.5 seconds\n and 0 to 200 km/h in under \n12 seconds\n.\nPorsche has also designed the 800-volt lithium-ion battery pack to feature fast-charging compatibility which will allow the car to gain \n400 km of range in 15 minutes\n. The maximum real-world driving range is expected to hover around the 500 km mark. The Porsche Taycan is expected to hit the market in 2019.\nNow, Porsche, where\u2019s the video on how to pronounce the \nPorsche Cayenne\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche Taycan in Development"
"The \nfacelifted 2019 Kia Sorento\n was recently unveiled and Kia Motors America was eager to show off its off-road prowess by making it go through the Gates of Hell, literally, in the baron lands of Moab, Utah.\nThe updated Kia Sorento features redesigned front and rear bumpers, new LED headlamps and tail lights and new wheel designs ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch in diameter.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYl42dcJeLM\nAs for the Sorento in the video, the only modifications made to it were a set of all-terrain tires, a skid plate under the oil pan along with disconnected sway bars.\nWatch as the facelifted Sorento, with its AWD system, tackles the rocky terrains of the Gates of Hell with relative ease despite its size and weight.\u00a0Locally, Naza Kia Malaysia is offering the\u00a0\nKia Sorento 2.2 CRDi in the highest specification for RM192k\n."
"The \nToyota Hilux\n will soon be offered with a 48V mild hybrid system as confirmed by Toyota Australia. Set to be paired with the Hilux\u2019s 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, the hybrid Hilux will arrive in the first half of 2024.\nThe obvious improvement that the hybrid system introduces to the famous pickup truck is better fuel economy. According to Toyota Australia, the 48V improves the fuel economy by up to 10% for certain Hilux models.\nAs for the immediate hybrid Hilux that will debut next year, the 48V mild hybrid powertrain will consist of a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, a 48V, a small electric motor-generator, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. No information has surfaced on the 2.4-litre version of the Hilux.\nAccording to Toyota, the 48V hybrid Hilux will also include enhancements like a stop/start system, improved drivability, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).\nPrior to this, Toyota showcased a fully electric concept of the Toyota Hilux called the \u201c\nToyota Hilux Revo BEV Concept\n\u201d in Thailand. The company has also unveiled a \nfuel cell (FCEV) version of its pickup truck\n, albeit from its UK division.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport launched \u2013 first Hilux paddle shifters, sports suspension, from RM159k\nToyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley said, \u201cWe are continually striving to reduce the fuel consumption of our vehicles to help reduce on-going costs for customers, as well as helping reduce our environmental impact, and the addition of 48-Volt Technology to our biggest-selling vehicle line will contribute to this.\u201d\n\u201cThis new technology will not only improve fuel consumption, but customers will also benefit from enhanced on and off-road performance, making the Hilux even more appealing for a weekend away or longer-term excursion into the outback.\u201d\nFor the Australian market, the 48 Volt hybrid system will be fitted as standard to all Hilux 4\u00d74 SR5 and Rogue Double Cab models. It will be available as an option for the 4\u00d74 SR Double cab. Toyota ensures that the addition of the 48 V system will not have any impact on the capability of the 4\u00d74 Hilux models, maintaining their 3,500 kg towing capacity.\nRELATED: \nToyota\u2019s latest concept could mean that a fully-electric Hilux pick-up is coming soon"
"In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations as well as the Merdeka Month (Bulan Kemerdekaan), the Road Transport Department or \nJPJ\n has announced the payment of compoundable summonses are being offered with discounts.\nStarting from today until September 16th, compoundable summonses (except court cases with arrest warrants or trial) will be given up to 70% discounts.\nThe discounts are only applicable to summons issued under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act (Act 334) as well as those under \u2018Senarai Hitam\u2019 or Blacklisted.\n11 drivers using a popular e-hailing app caught cheating. Find out how they did it here!\nThe discount rate will be calculated automatically under the mySikap JPJ system. JPJ also said the discounts are extended to all summonses that are active and with its compound period still valid, provided that the summonses are paid before September 16th. \u00a0\nHere is the summons payment page in mySikap JPJ\nPayments can be made online through the \nmySikap JPJ portal\n as well as over-the-counter and kiosks. The latter two methods require appointments at JPJ branches as walk-ins will not be entertained.\nA quick look at the schedule at a large JPJ branch shows that there are no slots available until the start of next week (August 23rd onwards).\nSeems like slots are taken up real quick. Be sure to check the available slots every Monday.\nYou can access the JPJs Facebook page \nhere\n for the link to the appointment scheduling page of each JPJ and UTC office to pay the JPJ summons discount. \u00a0\nPos Malaysia offering road tax and licence renewals as JPJ is scheduled to begin enforcement from October 1st. More details here.\n \nHowever, Senarai Hitam or Blacklisted offenders will be required to be present at the nearest JPJ branch or office for the purpose of documentation before the payment can be made.\nSource: \nJPJ Facebook \nand \nMOT Twitte\nr"
"Many have been affected since Covid-19 hit and the farmers who provide us with food while we stay in the safety of our homes are no exception. In Brazil at least, Toyota has found a way to help its customers in the agriculture business \u2013 by bringing back the barter system.\nIt\u2019s called the \nToyota Barter\n but it\u2019s not a new programme. In fact, it was started in 2019, even before the world knew how to spell Coronavirus. It was the first sales channel in the country that allows consumers to purchase cars with grain.\n \nThrough the programme Toyota will accept crops like \ncorn and soybean\n, the latter of which Brazil is the largest producer in the world. The options are limited to just the \nHilux pick-up\n as you\u2019d expect but also extends to the \nFortuner\n and the \nnew Corolla\n \nCross SUV\n, based on the \nCorolla sedan\n.\nVideo: Toyota Hilux 2.8L Rogue \u2013 here\u2019s what makes it stand out from the rest.watch it here!\nFirst, the farmer brings the crops NovaAgri, which checks on the origins of the crops, whether they were farmed legally and sustainably. NovaAgri is an agency under Toyota Tsusho, the trading arm of Toyota Group.\n \nIf you\u2019re looking at your little garden now, wondering if you can grow enough food in exchange for a Corolla Cross, please forget it. Toyota will value the crops \nbased on its current market value\n which means the quantities will be more than what your little backyard can produce.\nWith 16% of Toyota\u2019s direct sales coming from the agriculture industry, it\u2019s only a matter of time before the scheme blows up. The trickle-down effect could be beneficial to all the Hilux farmer-owners on this side of the planet.\n \nFor now, the scheme is only available in certain parts of Brazil but Toyota aims to make the scheme more accessibly throughout the country.\nPerformance Comparison: Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi Triton.find out which is the most powerful!"
"Over the next few weeks, \nBMW Malaysia\n will be deploying a fleet of \nall-new BMW models\n to roam the streets of Kuala Lumpur, making their first appearances in the country. But unlike a regular preview that many car brands seem to be doing these days, the two new models that BMW Malaysia is showcasing will be draped in camouflages designed by local businesses, volunteer groups and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that have been driving philanthropic initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic.\nTraditional floral and geometrical-based batik design by INKAA.\nBMW Group Malaysia Head of Corporate Communications Sashi Ambi said, \u201cCovid-19 challenges many of us to be out of our elements, but we at BMW also saw many individuals and businesses who have pivoted to thrive in such challenging times. We are inspired by them.\n\u201cCollaborating with emerging local businesses, we want to highlight their individual dynamic independent spirit, their sheer determination and resilience \u2013 all of which have allowed them to rise above the adversity and challenges ahead of us.\u201d\nKomuniti Tukang Jahit\u2019s design inspired by Kak Azie, signifying the hearts of all strong women and mothers fighting for a better life, especially during these challenging times.\nOne of the collaborating art groups is Komuniti Tukang Jahit (KTJ), a social enterprise empowering the B40 women community consisting of single women, single mothers, the OKU group, and stay-at-home mothers. They provide certified upskill training and job opportunities for home-based tailors to earn a sustainable income through sewing orders.\nDuring the Movement Control Order, KTJ joined forces with several local non-profit organisations to help overcome the shortage of face masks for front-liners, the marginalised and underprivileged communities by producing online training and tutorial content for do-it-yourself reusable face masks.\nKTJ\u2019s design is in inspired by Kak Azie, a founding member and seamstress with KTJ for almost two years. The design, featuring a woman donning a batik face mask, celebrates her commitment and determination as a woman of the household, which also reflects the hearts of all the strong women and mothers fighting for a better life, especially in these challenging times.\nCamouflage designed by Changgih Designs, featuring two common design motifs from the Rungus people of Sabah.\nThe fleet of new models will also feature an artwork designed by Changgih Designs, a social enterprise centred around helping mothers from villages with vocational training and job opportunities to create modern fashion products blending Bornean heritage design motifs.\nChanggih Designs rallied other local Sabahan businesses during the pandemic to kickstart the Give10toSabah fundraising programme, where 10% of proceeds from sales are set aside to purchase food bundles for families in need.\nThe \nBinonduk\n art piece commissioned for BMW Malaysia features two motifs from the Rungus people of Sabah, commonly used to educate and remind their future generations of the wisdom and character traits they desire to impart on them.\nThese motifs are represented by a small strip running down the back of the car in the shape of a wilting tree \u2013 symbolising that one must be willing to fight for what one believes in and to not beswayed by popular opinion, as well as a traditional pattern depicting a bird flying sideways on a hillside, not following any direction or rules but does what it desires instead.\nTraditional hand-stamped batik print design by Kanoe, representing a starry night, and hope in darkness.\nOther designs to be used on the camouflaged cars by BMW Malaysia come from collaborative grassroot organisation INKAA that is creating income opportunities for the community of Mang Tha (women-led refugee empowerment group in Kuala Lumpur), as well as Kanoe, a homegrown brand advocating for zero waste ethical wear \u2013 including batik face masks during these trying times.\nWe still don\u2019t know what these new models are, but if you catch them on the streets, you\u2019ll stand a chance to win exclusively designed BMW merchandises created in collaboration with the aforementioned designers. Be sure to stay tuned to BMW Malaysia\u2019s \nFacebook\n or \nInstagram\n pages for more information."
"When BMW revealed the \nBMW 1 Series Sedan\n, their most compact sedan was intended to be \nsold exclusively in China\n. However, it appears that other markets will soon have a chance to purchase this car as BMW officially launched the 1 Series sedan in Mexico.\nAlso a left-hand drive (LHD) market, Mexico will have two variants of the 1 Series Sedan on sale, the \n118i\n and \n120i\n. The entry level sedan is powered by a familiar B38A 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine pushing out \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of twist. The 120i variant gets a B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol offering \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque.\nAll variants of the 1 Series Sedan feature an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission to send drive exclusively to the front wheels. Yes, ladies and gents, the 1 Series Sedan has a \nfront-wheel-drive layout\n. That\u2019s because the compact sedan sits on BMW Group\u2019s UKL platform that underpins all MINI models and the \nX2\n. The future 1 Series hatch will too, be front-wheel driven. So, if you like your car\u2019s rear-wheel drive, better snatch up that 118i M Sport before it\u2019s too late.\nVisually, BMW has done a great job in giving the 1 Series Sedan a look that is independent of its larger \nF30 3 Series\n sibling. However, the elongated 1 Series is only available in the Sport line, spotting a more docile bumper design, 17-inch alloy wheels, black wing mirror caps and dual exhaust outlets.   Inside, the cabin is very familiar to the F30 \u2013 BMW iDrive system, keyless entry, leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, dual-zone automatic climate control, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters and analogue instrument cluster display.\nBeing a sedan, the 1 Series is adequately practical with \n425 litres of boot space\n and a split folding rear bench in a 40:20:40 ratio. Mexico bound 1 Series Sedan will also get a smart boot access that allows owners to release the boot lid by a kicking gesture under the rear bumper.\nAt the moment, BMW has no plans to introduce the 1 Series sedan in other LHD markets like Germany and USA, presumably the low uptake rate for sedan vehicles in said markets. The company also did not reveal any plans on penetrating right-hand drive markets with the BMW 1 Series Sedan.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 1 Series Sedan in Mexico   BMW 1 Series Sedan in China"
"The all-new Volvo S60 has just made its grand appearance at the\n 2019 Singapore Motor Show\n, albeit in left-hand guise. The \nBMW 3 Series\n and \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n rival on display at the show is dressed in the top of the line Inscription package.\nThe new S60 sits on Volvo\u2019s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform just like its \nV60\n twin and the larger 90-Series models. Looks wise, the S60 is essentially a leaner \nS90\n with a much sportier profile. The Inscription package fits the car with more generous chrome bits, larger wheels and a sleeker bumper.   Inside, the S60 Inscription features a familiar cabin layout as the S90. On this particular unit, it gets white Nappa leather upholstery, wood inlays, LCD instrument cluster, 9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.\nThe T5 here gets its shove from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine pushing out \n250 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of twist paired to an eight-speed Aisin-sourced automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n6.5 seconds\n and top speed is capped at \n240 km/h\n.   Volvo\u2019s suite of safety systems available in the S60 includes City Safety with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous that accommodate speeds of up to 130 km/h, Run-off-Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert and more.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S60 T5 Inscription previewed at 2019 Singapore Motor Show"
"Remember the story we shared about the Camry that was \nsquashed between two trailers in the USA\n?\nWell, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has followed up with more assurance with the announcement that the \nall-new Toyota Camry\n was just awarded a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.\n \nThe all-new Camry, launched December last year at KLIMS 2018, received 49.04 points for the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 22.68 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP) and 19.75 point for Safety Assist Technologies (SATs) assessments.\nWith the Camry scoring in all aspects including effective breaking avoidance, seat belt reminders, blind spot technology and advance safety assist technologies, it received 5-Star rating with an overall score of 91.47 points.\nCheck out our \nvideo on the all-new Camry \nhere!\nIt is featured with advanced Toyota Safety Sense such as Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB). \nThe announcement was made at the launching ceremony of the ASEAN NCAP Labelling Compliance Guideline 2019 for Malaysia by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP).\nThe all-new Camry at\n KLIMS 2018\n.\nStarting 1st of March 2020, it will be \nmandatory for manufacturers to display the ASEAN NCAP rating\n label on their vehicles to ensure that consumers are well aware of the NCAP rating of the vehicle they\u2019re buying."
"The \nToyota Camry \nis set to be discontinued in its home country Japan by the end of 2023, after an illustrious 43 years of history, reports \nNikkei Asia\n.\nThe publication cited poor sales as the reason for the flagship\u2019s discontinuation, where fewer than 6,000 units were sold in Japan throughout last year \u2013 an issue that has only been amplified by the ongoing chip shortage issues.\nThis is in stark contrast to the model\u2019s performance in overseas markets, with over 600,000 units sold in total globally, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, where a Camry \u2013 whose name comes from the Japanese word for \u201ccrown\u201d \u2013 is still seen as an aspirational car for its high-end image.\nThe Camry is also especially popular in the USA, in part due to the American consumers\u2019 preference for larger vehicles. Over its 43 years of history, the Camry has sold over 21 million units throughout the world \u2013 only 1.3 million of those coming from Japan.\nRELATED: \nAnwar Ibrahim cancels Mercedes-Benz S600 order, sticks with Toyota Camry for PM duties\nWhile the Camry will soon be killed off in Japan, production of the model will still be continuing in the Tsutsumi Plant in Japan for exports. Production for the domestic Japanese market meanwhile will stop by the end of the year, though the company has already reportedly notified its dealerships in Japan to stop taking orders for the model.\nThe upcoming Camry models under development will also be sold exclusively to foreign markets.\nREAD MORE: \nFacelift 2022 Camry\u2019s new feature makes it more Lexus than Toyota\nHere in Malaysia, the Toyota Camry was\n last updated in February 2022\n, featuring a slight nip and tuck to its exterior design, alongside new creature comfort features on the interior, plus \u2013 more significantly \u2013 the highly-awaited Dynamic Force powertrain underneath the bonnet. \nWatch our full review of the D-segment sedan here\n."
"Porsche is celebrating 50 years of Porsche Design with an exclusive 911, limited to just 750 vehicles, with features and details that pay homage to the iconic designs of Ferdinand Porsche.\nThese unique features include a silver 911 badge with serial number on the dashboard, the late Ferdinand Porsche\u2019s signature, classic checked pattern seats and a red second hand on the Porsche Design Subsecond clock from the Sport Chrono Package.\nRELATED:\n Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition now in Malaysia, from RM1.6 million \n\u201cBlack was the colour of the very first Porsche Design product, the Chronograph I. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve chosen it for our limited-edition model. Using Platinum as an accent colour elevates the Black paintwork in the same way chrome details do,\u201d said Porsche Design.\nThe Targa bar is painted in Platinum and paired with wheels from the 911 Turbo S. The special edition also features a \u2018Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition\u2019 badge on the slats of the rear bonnet.\nCustomers of the limited edition model can also purchase the Chronograph 1, a remake of the original from 1972 with a serial number engraved on the back case that\u2019s limited to just 500 pieces.\nThe 911 Targa 4 GTS delivers 480 h and 570 Nm from a turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-six, paired to either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed PDK gearbox.\nRELATED: \nHistory will tell you that this is the most beautiful Porsche 911 Targa of all time\nGALLERY"
"Last night at the Malaysia Car of the Year (COTY) Awards 2017 saw Honda taking a big collective win in multiple categories along with the \u201cOverall Car of the Year\u201d award with the Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid.\nThe 16th edition of the awards also saw Tan Chong Group taking home an award for \u201cChampioning Sustainable Mobility\u201d while the \u201cAutomotive Man of the Year\u201d award went to Dato\u2019 Dr. Zahari Husin for his work as Managing Director of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd.\nElsewhere, the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine was conferred the \u201cGood Design\u201d and \u201cPlug-in Hybrid Car of the Year\u201d awards while the Hyundai Ioniq 1.6 HEV was appointed the Hybrid Car of the Year.\nUnsurprising, the Mazda CX-5 was the \u201cTop Export Car of the Year\u201d while a wide range of models from various manufacturers were all conferred their deserved share of appraisals.\nSedans & Hatchbacks\n0,001 \u2013 RM 60,000\nPerodua Myvi 1.5\nRM 60,001 \u2013 RM 100,000\nHonda Jazz Sport Hybrid\nRM 100,001 \u2013 RM 130,000\nHyundai Ioniq 1.6 HEV\nRM 130,001 \u2013 RM 160,000\nHonda Civic 1.5 TC-P\nRM 161,001 \u2013 RM 200,000\nToyota Camry Hybrid 2.5\nRM 200,001 \u2013 RM 250,000\nBMW 330e\nRM 250,001 \u2013 RM 300,000\nMercedes-Benz C350e\nRM 300,001 \u2013 RM 400,000\nMercedes-Benz E250\nRM 400,001 \u2013 RM 500,000\nMercedes-Benz E300\nRM 500,000 and above\nMercedes-Benz S400h\nSUV & Crossover\nBelow RM 130,000\nHonda HR-V 1.8 2WD\nRM 130,001 \u2013 RM 160,000\nHonda CR-V 1.5 TC 2WD\nRM 160,001 \u2013 RM 200,000\nKia Sorento 2.2D CRDi\nRM 200,001 \u2013 RM 300,000\nBMW X1 sDrive20i\nRM 300,001 \u2013 RM 400,000\nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC AMG Line\nRM 400,001 \u2013 RM 500,000\nVolvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine\nRM 500,001 \u2013 RM 700,000\nJaguar F-Pace Prestige\nMPV\nBelow RM 100,000\nHonda BR-V 1.5\nRM 100,001 \u2013 RM 160,000\nToyota Innova 2.0\nAbove RM 160,000\nKia Grand Carnival 2.2D\nPick-up\nBelow RM 120,000\nToyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4G (4\u00d74)\nAbove RM 120,000\nToyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8G (4\u00d74)\nCoupe & Cabriolet\nBelow RM 350,000\nSubaru BRZ\nRM 350,000 \u2013 RM 550,000\nBMW M2 Coupe\nAbove RM 550,000\nPorsche 911 Carrera 4S\nThe Malaysian COTY 2017 was held in the run-up to the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 which will take place in MAEPS, Serdang this 9th \u2013 12th of November 2017. Those looking to check it out can apply the \u201cAutoshow\u201d promo code on Grab for a discount of RM 8 for two rides. At arrival, both the GRAB passengers will be given complimentary passes for the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 powered worth RM 10 each."
"If you\u2019re living in the depths of Selangor, you no longer have to venture out of the deep end to check out an Audi in say, Glenmarie or Damansara, as Audi Malaysia has opened a new 60,000 sq ft 4S centre in Setia Alam.\nThe four storey showroom features Audi\u2019s \u201cTerminal Architecture\u201d concept which projects the company\u2019s current corporate identity, furnishing and equipment that complies to the standards set by Audi AG.\nThe opening also marks the appointment of Rimau International as part of the Audi retail and service network in Malaysia.\nIn conjunction with the opening, the\n public is invited to attend the Audi Centre Setia Alam Open Haus\n from the 4th to 5th of October 2019. For more information, please contact the dealership at 03-33626555.\nAudi Centre Setia Alam\n is located at No. 22A, Persiaran Setia Dagang, Setia Alam, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The service centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The sales showroom is open daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford has announced a new range of Sports Technologies for the \nnew Ford Fiesta ST\n where customers will have the option for a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Ford-patented force vectoring springs and Launch Control to deliver an even more engaging driving experience.\nThe third-generation Fiesta ST will be offered, for the first time, with an optional \nQuaife LSD\n fitted onto the front axle, helping to optimise front-end traction during cornering. The LSD works in tandem with the \nTorque Vectoring Control\n that reduces understeer by applying braking force on the inner front wheel when cornering.\nEuropean Ford Performance director, Leo Roeks said, \u201cPerformance car drivers will be familiar with the dreaded \u2018one-wheel peel\u2019, where a fast corner exit is hampered by an overload of torque to the inside wheel.\u201d\n\u201cWe\u2019ve tuned the all-new Fiesta ST\u2019s mechanical LSD option to work seamlessly with enhanced Torque Vectoring Control to deliver the best possible natural traction without \u2018burning away\u2019 excess torque with brake interventions,\u201d Roeks added.\nDeveloped in-house, the \nforce vectoring springs\n are non-uniform, non-interchangeable, directionally-wound springs that are mounted to the standard dampers. The result is increased lateral stiffness, sharper turn-in, more responsive steering inputs without compromising on comfort and ride quality. The new springs also forego the Watt\u2019s linkage solution typically used to enhance stiffness, \nsaving 10 kilograms\n.\nLastly, the optional \nLaunch Control\n module allows drivers to achieve consistent and fast launches by simply activating the sequence in the instrument cluster. When prompted, the driver will have to hold the throttle fully open and allow engine speed to build up to the optimum point. Once the car is prepared for launch, all the driver needs to do is release the clutch for the perfect standing start.\nWith the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that deploys \n197 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n to the front wheels, the little hot hatch will sprint to 100 km/h in \n6.5 seconds\n with Launch Control activated. Row through all six gears yourself and you\u2019ll reach a top speed of \n231 km/h\n.\nOther features available on the Fiesta ST includes cylinder deactivation technology that improves fuel economy by \nup to 11 percent\n, \nActive Exhaust Valve technology\n that intensifies the exhaust note on demand, selectable \nDrive Modes\n \u2013 Normal, Sport and Track, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, B&O PLAY high-end audio system, Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition and more.\nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia had the previous-generation Ford Fiesta ST on sale that proved to be quite a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. Looking at how they also introduced high-performance models like the \nMustang GT\n, it should be a matter of time till we see this manual hatchback in showrooms.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Fiesta ST with\u00a0Sports Technologies"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced through a \nFacebook post\n that selected Mercedes-Benz service centres nationwide will be reopened during the MCO.\nThe announcement follows the commencement of the third phase of the \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n, where selected industries are allowed to operate, subject to approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).\nThe list of\n 26 Mercedes-Benz service centres\n allowed to operate \u2013 expected to increase over time \u2013 includes those operated by Hap Seng Star, Cycle and Carriage, Mofaz, Asbenz, and BR Jaya. The up-to-date list is available on MBM\u2019s website \nhere\n.\nTo ensure the safety of its customers and staff, MBM said that extensive measures are in place at these service centres. Walk-in customers will not be allowed during this time to observe social distancing and crowd control rules.\nMBM advices to contact your preferred dealership to make an appointment. Alternatively, Mercedes me registered users can also use the \nonline portal\n to schedule an appointment.\nLast week, MBM also announced that all valid warranties expiring between 13 March and 30 June 2020 will be \nextended by 60 days from the 30th of June\n. Similarly, all cars with a scheduled service due date falling during the MCO period (13 March to 28 April) will be given a 60-day grace period to carry out their maintenance work.\nMercedes-Benz is the second brand to announce the resumption of operation of their service centres following the third phase of the MCO. Yesterday, UMW Toyota also announced that \nselected service centres are now being reopened \nfor \u201cemergency and urgent service requirements only\u201d."
"BMW announced in July that there will be a \nsubscription fee\n for the use of Apple CarPlay in their vehicles, to the dismay of many consumers. Now just a little over four months after the announcement, \nAutocar UK \nreported that BMW has reversed the controversial decision in the UK.\u00a0\nWe reached out to a BMW Malaysia spokesperson, who has confirmed that this change will be applicable worldwide, and will therefore include Malaysia. The update will happen in stages, and there are no exact timeline for our market other than \u201cby the year end to early next year\u201d.\u00a0\n The service previously required a fee of RM513 per year.\nBMW has previously cited the complexity of implementing wireless Apple CarPlay as the reason for the charge, but BMW Malaysia has assured that this functionality will still be available to customers after the change.\nNo refunds will be provided to existing paying customers of the service. However, according to the BMW Malaysia spokesperson, most of their customers have yet to pay for the use of Apple CarPlay, due to the six-months free trial on every new car purchase. The customers will not be required to pay a fee for Apple CarPlay once their free trial expires.\u00a0\nThe subscription fee was initially introduced with the brand\u2019s iDrive 7.0 operating system.\nOn a side note, Android smartphone users are still out of luck, as BMW Malaysia has noted that there are currently no projected time frame for the implementation of Android Auto in their cars. BMW has previously said that they expect to equip their new models with the feature within the year."
"\u201cFrom the front splitter to the rear diffuser, every centimetre of its skin is designed for top speed\u201d.\nThat\u2019s how Bugatti summed up their latest creation, the Chiron Super Sport, and it should give you a clear idea of what it\u2019s all about.\nFind out more about the standard Chiron Sport here!\nIt\u2019s got \n1,600 hp and 1,600 Nm\n from an 8.0-litre 16-cylinder engine with four turbochargers and all that helps propel the Chiron Super Sport from 0 to 200 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.\nSomeone in Ukraine tried to build a replica of the Bugatti Chiron and here\u2019s how it looks like!\nInterestingly, the 0 to 100 km/h figure was not revealed although Bugatti did mention that it is 7% faster from 0 to 400 km/h compared to the \nstandard Chiron\n.\nEven the driving modes offer a hint of what this car is essentially built for; with one called the \u201cAutobahn\u201d and the other \u201cTop Speed\u201d.\nCheck out the RM1.2 million Bugatti pool table set made of carbon fiber and titanium; only 30 units available!\nBut what makes this Chiron Super Sport so special, is its\n 440 km/h top speed\n. To achieve this, not only has Bugatti given the Super Sport larger turbos but also a new transmission.\nSignificant changes were made to the exterior as well. They\u2019ve \nstretched the body to be 250 mm longer\n compared to a standard Chiron for better aerodynamics and to maximise downforce at the rear, they\u2019ve installed a bigger rear diffuser and repositioned the exhausts to the sides; now looking like a pair of shotguns aimed at anyone stupid enough to get close.\nClick here to watch the Chiron Sport drag race a fighter jet!\nThe nine exhaust air holes on each fender are more than just a nod to the Bugatti EB 110 Super Sport. They also serve to release the air pressure from the front wheel wells, thereby generating streamlined downforce at the front.\nWatch this mesmerising video of the Chiron Pur Sport ripping through the Nurburging circuit!\nThe new aluminum wheels in a five-Y-spoke design are wrapped in newly-developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres; said to be the only tyres that can consistently drive up to 500 km/h. It is said that every tyre is x-rayed after being made in order to spot the tinniest defects.\nBugatti will soon begin with the manufacture of the Chiron Super Sport in Molsheim, France and each is set to cost (approx. RM16 million).\nHere\u2019s what you need to know about the Bugatti Chiron Sport!\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s called the Apollo Intensa Emozione ML Chameleon Golden Dragon. Quite a mouthful eh? But for good reason.\nFor starters, Intensa Emozione means \u201cintense emotions\u201d and \naccording to its owner\n whom we shall refrain to elaborate on, the one-of-a-kind bespoke hypercar carries a deeper meaning than its \u201cintensa\u201d given name.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZhSJu-mLQY\n\u201cA Chameleon Golden Dragon is very flexible; able to change and adapt to the most challenging conditions of life. It is the most powerful dragon with leadership qualities & attitude yet it does not belittle others.\u201d\n\u201cIn fact, it encourages others to be even more successful than itself because it has no fear of losing. It teaches others and also learn from those that are wiser & knowledgeable than itself,\u201d he added.\nDetails of the particular car is scarce, but we do know that the standard V12 model in itself, possesses \u201cintensa\u201d performance.\n \nUnder the carbon fibre body, is a naturally-aspirated 6.3-litre V12 with \n780 hp\n,\n 760 Nm\n, a 6-speed sequential gearbox and a whole 12 different traction control settings to play with.\nThe \nmost \u201cintensa\u201d car we\u2019ve driven, the Ferrari 812 Superfast\n, also with a naturally-aspirated engine (6.5-litre) makes \n800 hp\n and \n718 Nm\n.\nUnlike the Apollo IE as it\u2019s more commonly referred to, which weighs just 1,250 kg, the Superfast tips the scale over 1,500 kg so you can only imagine what the performance is like with a better power-to-weight ratio.\n\u201cTo maintain exclusivity, we will only build one sole batch of 10 units of the Apollo IE, each to the highest degree of customisation requested by its owner,\u201d said the company."
"While station wagons\u00a0(or estates) are mainly for the practical minded, putting a fast engine into a wagon is somehow addictive. What more when they\u2019re meant to go flat out and engage in some heated fender benders with other race cars at the track.\nSubaru is currently the latest\u00a0car\u00a0manufacturer to join the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), \u00a0and they\u2019ve appointed the Levorg wagon to hit the ground running. Subaru, together with\u00a0Team BMR, will field two touring car legends, Jason Plato and Colin\u00a0Turkington, for glory in this year\u2019s BTCC.\nTo conform with BTCC\u2019s standards, the team swapped the car\u2019s all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive configuration. The standard engine is also removed to make way for a \n2.0-litre turbocharged boxer\n unit from Mountune Race Engines.\nWhile putting a wagon against a field of fast hatches such as the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Mercedes A-Class may seem like a handicapped affair, the team remains optimistic with their Levorg race car. The wagon\u2019s strong drag coefficient, punchy boxer engine, low centre of gravity and better weight distribution are among the strengths identified.\nThe Levorg also became the third wagon to join the BTCC after the exploits of the Volvo 850 in 1994 and more recently, the Honda Civic Tourer. Besides, who would love to see fast wagons perform two-wheel over corners? We do!"
"Renault has just unveiled their latest mid-sized SUV named the Renault Arkana at the 2018 Moscow Motor Show. Unlike traditional SUVs, the Arkana features a distinctive coupe-crossover body style, opening a new market segment for the French carmaker.\nInterestingly, there are no immediate plans for the Arkana to go on sale in Europe but will be introduced to the Russian market in 2019 and other undesignated Asia markets. However, Renault positions the coupe crossover as a C-segment rival with global ambitions.   The Arkana wears the Renault family face that is present on their newer models, having \u201cfangs\u201d for their LED daytime running lights around the slim headlamps, horizontal slats for the grille and angular trims on the lower section. A silver trim at the lower front lip highlights the Arkana\u2019s robust and go anywhere nature.\nIts coupe crossover silhouette is obvious from the side with its sloping roofline that tapers downwards as it approaches the C-pillar \u2013 a very similar profile to the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. A set of 19-inch alloys fills up the arches nicely and gives the coupe crossover the ground clearance it needs to face different terrains. This is merely a first preview of the Arkana and details of the interior is not revealed to the public.\nSenior Vice President, Corporate Design of Groupe Renault, Laurens Van den Acker said: \u201cThe Arkana show car is a distinctive coup\u00e9-crossover, striking balance between the elegance of a saloon and the powerful stance of an SUV. We have dialled in specific Renault cues, with a strong design, strength and sensuality with a French touch.\u201d\nThe Renault Arkana will play an important role for the brand\u2019s \nDrive the Future\n strategic plan where Groupe Renault intends to expand its product range to increase global sales volumes up to 5 million units by 2022.\nThe C-segment is currently the most dynamic and challenging sector of the automotive industry, especially SUVs. Customers\u2019 needs are getting more and more diverse as a result, the Arkana is born from those customers\u2019 new expectations.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The fifth generation Mercedes E-Class (W213) is perhaps one of the most important car launches in 2016, and the good news here is we do not need to wait until its official unveiling in Detroit Motor Show. What we have here are images from a German site and the result is, well, stunning but familiar.\nJudging from our first impression, the new E-Class follows very closely in terms of its design, and some may argue that it looks just like a blown up C-Class or downsized S-Class. The W213 gains\u00a0an additional 65mm in its wheelbase at 2,939mm, while overall length has increased by 43mm to 4,923mm. The car also boasts a \nlow drag coefficient of 0.23,\n which is slick for a premium saloon segment.\nThe same tune resonates within the cabin \u2013 a place not all that strange for those acquainted with the W205 C-Class and W222 S-Class. We\u2019ve also \ngone into detail on the new E-Class\u2019 interior\n, which in brief gets a new digital instrument cluster, new thumb controls built into the steering wheel and a variety of cabin customisation including a 64-colour ambient lighting.\nMercedes-Benz will equip the new E-class with a choice of\u00a0four and six-cylinder engine, one of which will power\u00a0the E350e plug-in hybrid variant. A \nnine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission\n is expected to be mated with these engines as well.\nMore info on the hot new Mercedes-Benz E-Class will surface next week when the car makes its grand debut at the Detroit Motor Show. Stay tuned!\nImage Source: \nhttp://auto-presse.de/\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve been around the block for a while, you\u2019ll know that one of the main complaints on the OG Hachiroku twins was that it lacked power. That is why forced induction systems, such as turbochargers and superchargers, were common modifications for the \nToyota 86/Subaru BRZ\n over the past 10 years or so.\nSo naturally, when the \nall-new GR86 \nwas unveiled earlier this year, the first thing that Toyota had to upgrade was the powertrain \u2013 which they did. The boxer engine underneath the hood now displaces 2.4 litres instead of two, and the output was bumped up to 235 hp and 250 Nm.\nBone-stock boxer engine with no turbines in sight.\nBut what the new Toyota GR86 doesn\u2019t come with, are turbo and supercharger kits. So just as the saying \u201chaters gonna hate, tuners gonna tune\u201d goes, aftermarket specialists immediately went to work on the new car \u2013 and within just a couple of months, already have something to show at the \u201cFuji 86 Style\u201d event at the Fuji Speedway last Sunday.\nThe first of the bunch of force-fed Hachiroku is called the \u201cGR86 Concept GReddy Version\u201d, going with the turbocharger route. Paired to the 2.4-litre Boxer engine is GReddy\u2019s T620Z RX turbocharger, which \u2013 from the model number \u2013 looks like an updated version of the one offered with the previous 86.\nThe Japanese tuner did not reveal any performance numbers, but based on their previous work with the 86, it\u2019s safe to assume the new tuned GR86 will make upwards of 300 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Supporting the extra power are the new engine oil cooler, a Power Extreme 3 exhaust muffler, as well as a significantly larger brake system with six-pot front and four-pot rear callipers.\nTo complement the additional performance, GReddy also developed a new suit of carbon fibre armour in partnership with Voltex, consisting of a new front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a \u201cGT-style\u201d rear wing. The exterior modifications are capped off by a set of 18-inch eight-spoke Volk Racing NE24 wheels.\nMeanwhile, Japanese rivals HKS went the other direction with a supercharger kit for the new Toyota GR86. By equipping the car with what it calls the GT2 Supercharger System, HKS says their tuned GR86 will make around the region of \n340 hp\n, but did not reveal any torque figures.\nOf course, to support that much extra power, HKS also had to fit a new engine oil cooler, ECU, and a LA twin-plate clutch underneath the bonnet. To take it to the next level, the show car was also fitted with the brand\u2019s Hi-Power Spec L II lightweight exhaust system, as well as the Hipermax S adjustable suspensions \u2013 which the company says calls it \u201cthe best ride in HKS suspension history\u201d.\nFor bodywork, the HKS Toyota GR86 Concept is decked out in dramatic carbon fibre parts, including new front splitter, canards, side skirts, rear lower spoiler elements, a ducktail spoiler, plus a massive rear wing at the back. To tie it all up, HKS also included a set of Yokohama Advan Racing GT wheels.\nBoth of these cars are still very much in their development phase, so there aren\u2019t any pricing and availability information just yet. It does serve as a tantalising preview to what these aftermarket tuners can do, but the question is, do you really need\n that\n much more power?\nGALLERY\nToyota GR86 Concept GReddy Version\nHKS Toyota GR86 Concept"
"We\u2019re pretty sure you\u2019re aware by now that the \nall-new Bentley Continental GT\n has arrived on our shores just recently. Following up with that, Bentley Kuala Lumpur invited us for an exclusive preview of the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d Bentley Continental GT.\nBespoke and exclusively appointed, the interior specification of the Continental GT First Edition has been meticulously curated by the Bentley design team to create the most luxurious Grand Tourer money can buy.\nInside, the same Bentley Rotating Display is fitted which enables a seamless switch between three different displays \u2013 a 12.3-inch touchscreen display or a three analogue dial with classic displays.\nExclusive to the First Edition are the four unique Dual Veneers for the dashboard \u2013 Tamo Ash, Liquid Amber, Dark Stained Madrona and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus \u2013 combined with Grand Black. What you\u2019re seeing in the pictures is a combination of Liquid Amber and Grand Black.   Also exclusive to the First Edition are the contrast stitching on the diamond-in-diamond quilt pattern on the seats, door panels and rear quarter panels; in addition to the unique Union Jack badges found on the dashboard and front fenders.\nThe sound system fitted into this First Edition is the optional, top-of-the-range Naim audio system with 2200 watts of serenading prowess. The First Edition is included with the City Specification and Touring Specification. The former comes with park assist and pedestrian warning to name a few, while the latter is provided with a head-up display, adaptive cruise control and even Night Vision.\nAt the heart of the new Continental GT First Edition is an all-new 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSi engine, mated for the first time to a dual-clutch 8-speed transmission.\nA total of\u00a0\n626 hp\n\u00a0is caressed out of the humongous engine with a highly disturbing\n\u00a0900 Nm\n\u00a0of torque \u2013 undoubtedly sufficient to power all four wheels (AWD) of the 2,244 kg vehicle made up with the combination of steel and aluminium. 0 to 100 km/h takes just\u00a0\n3.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of 333 km/h.\nThe Bentley Continental GT First Edition is available for viewing until the end of March at Bentley Kuala Lumpur, by appointment only. To announce your arrival, do call 03-2165 1688.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Kia\n has teased the production version of the \nKia EV9\n through two \nTwitter posts\n ahead of its world debut at Auto Expo 2023 which is set to happen in India in January 2022. Only showing the silhouette of the Kia EV9 with a dark background, the body lines and front bumper in the teaser video are different than the \nKia Concept EV9\n\u2019s that was unveiled back in November 2021.\nIn August this year, Kia released official images of \na test unit of the Kia EV9 in heavy camouflage\n and stated that the EV9 will \u201crevolutionise the large electric SUV segment, while accelerating Kia\u2019s brand transformation and affirming its leadership in sustainable electric mobility\u201d. Built on the same E-GMP architecture as the EV6, the EV9 has a much larger footprint and is about the size of a \nMazda CX-9\n. So far, we haven\u2019t gotten a peak of the production EV9\u2019s interior.\nNo numbers have been revealed for the production version of the Kia EV9, but the Kia Concept EV9 was claimed to have an electric range of \n482 km \nand featured a \n350 kW\n charger that allowed a charging time of \n20-30 minutes\n from 10% to 80%. The production version of the Kia EV9 is expected to have a larger battery capacity than what current E-GMP models have (more than 77.4 kWh).\nIn its testing phase, the Kia EV9 was subjected to a demanding verification program that entails a 4WD climbing hill, a rough terrain track, and a deep-water wading test. Testing is also done on Kia\u2019s high-speed, handling, and low-friction tracks. On top of that, it was also subjected to verification tests in locations all over the globe. The cobble roads in Belgium, for example, enable Kia\u2019s engineers to test the EV9\u2019s ride comfort and build quality.\nRELATED: \n5-door Suzuki Jimny to debut on 13 January, with brand\u2019s concept EV\nSet to make its world debut soon, some publications speculate production of the Kia EV9 to begin towards the end of 2023. The EV9 will be Kia\u2019s second \u2018EV\u2019-series model after the \nEV6\n.\nRELATED: \nKia EV9 teased in final testing images, to debut in Q1 2023\nGALLERY\nEV9 test mule\nEV9 test mule\nEV9 test mule\nEV9 test mule\nConcept EV9\nConcept EV9\nConcept EV9\nConcept EV9"
"At the launch of the \nHybrid Honda Civic e:HEV RS\n today, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Hironobu Yoshimura revealed that 11% of buyers of the \nHonda HR-V\n have opted for the range-topping hybrid e:HEV RS variant thus far.\nWhile specific numbers weren\u2019t shared, the company previously announced that it has received over 20,000 bookings at launch back in July, where 20% of those bookings were for the e:HEV RS. The company also previously stated that it expects the hybrid variant to account for 15% of all orders over its lifetime.\nThe HR-V is just one of the four models in Honda Malaysia\u2019s local model line-up to be offered with a hybrid variant. The e:HEV powertrain was first introduced on the \nHonda City in 2020\n, followed by the \nCity Hatchback in 2021\n, and the \nHR-V \nand Civic e:HEV RS this year.\nThe hybrid e:HEV RS variants for Honda City and City Hatchback, meanwhile, weren\u2019t met with as much enthusiasm here in Malaysia, accounting for only 5% and 8% of the respective models\u2019 total sales for the first 10 months of this year. We suspect it could be due to the e:HEV RS variants\u2019 relatively high asking price, in a segment that\u2019s known to be price-sensitive.\nGallery: Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, from RM 141k \u2013 a better choice over the turbo?\nThe Honda Civic e:HEV RS, unveiled today, is Honda Malaysia\u2019s latest addition to its electrified line-up, powered by a new e:HEV hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated direct injection engine and two electric motors, making a total of \n184 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n. The new hybrid Honda Civic is priced at RM166,500.\nThe City, City Hatchback, and HR-V meanwhile use a smaller 1.5-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain, making \n108 hp\n and \n253 Nm \nof torque on the two City models, while the HR-V gets a higher-tuned version rated for \n131 hp\n.\nALSO READ:\n 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS launched in Malaysia, from RM166,500"
"As some of you might have known, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd recently held an \noil change festival\n which saw them give out approximately 6,000 litres of their most technologically advanced engine oil to date, as well as 15,000 litres of their premium V-Power Racing fuel to 500 lucky participants.\nThe multinational oil and gas company\u2019s objective was to share with car lovers the benefits of using their fully synthetic engine oil \u2013 Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology and maximising its operating potential by using the aforementioned fuel. This author was one of the 500 participants lucky enough to be given this \u2018rejuvenating\u2019 treat, but before telling you why I loved it, let us first go back to the basics of engine oils.\nIf you already know about engine oil and the meaning to what\u2019s written on the bottle, then you may skip the following two paragraphs to read about my past week\u2019s experience using Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology and V-Power Racing. For those who have no clue on what the 0W-40, 5W-40 or 10W-40 labels mean, it\u2019s basically the viscosity grading developed over half a century ago to standardise oil changing routines during winter and summer.\nNow, most commercial engine oils on the shelves today are multigrades, with the only stark difference between say, a 0W-40 and 5W-40 fully synthetic motor oils being its viscosity grade. The additives used to ensure optimal operating efficiency don\u2019t vary much, if not at all. Allow me to break it down for you; the W in the 5\nW\n-40 simply stands for \nWinter\u00a0\n\u2013 an indication of its viscosity at rest or room temperature. The lower the number (e.g. 0W-40 vs 5W-40), the thinner the oil. In most cases, we Malaysians use \n5W-30/40 grade oils\n, but be sure to \nread your car\u2019s instruction manual\n before grabbing a bottle or blindly sending it to your nearest workshop. It will go a long way in keeping your engine performing at its best.\nThe subsequent number (e.g. the \n40\n in 5W-\n40\n) represents\u00a0the \nfixed\n viscosity limit it has to achieve at 100\u00b0C. Again, the lower the number, the thinner the oil at\u00a0100\u00b0C. We stress upon this highly \u2013 you must refer to your handbook on which engine oil to use. Your mechanic should not be a reference point, the handbook should. If both sources yield an unfavourable end result, you can always submit a used sample for a lab test, then get a recommendation from thereon. Viscosity grades and indexes aside, there\u2019s more information written on the bottle, and \nDrivers Technology\n has just about all the information you need, such as API and OEM\u00a0specifications. To understand viscosity better, \nclick on the video below\n.\nSo, with that out of the way, I\u2019ve got a confession to make. Like many new car owners out there, I\u2019ve paid little to no particular attention when it comes to servicing my car. My daily driver is \nslightly over four years old\n now, clocking \nnearly 120,000km\n on the odometer. At every scheduled maintenance of 10,000 km, I send my car in to the authorised service centre and have them do their thing while I scour the net reading up and reporting about cars, occasionally straying onto Facebook (guilty as charged) and what have you.\nBefore you throw your judgements, bear in mind that many car owners of recent years tend to entrust their beloved new cars to the capable hands of authorised service centres, because if they don\u2019t, their warranty gets voided. Four years and some 120,000 km later, I finally mustered the courage to kiss my warranty programme goodbye and take up the responsibility to give my car some personal care and attention. This led me to try Shell\u2019s most advanced fully synthetic\u00a0engine oil \u2013 the result of 40-years of research using a \npatented Gas-to-Liquid process\n.\nShell Advanced\u2019s Technology Manager, Mr Leo Kin Mun demonstrating the gas-to-liquid process\nLike the other 500 participants at Shell\u2019s #LoveMyRide festival, my car had its engine oil drained before receiving 4-litres of Shell\u2019s latest engine oil, followed by \n31 litres of Shell V-Power Racing\n. Some of you may question the fuel choice, considering how most of us won\u2019t even go near the \nRM2.90 per litre\n pump, but that\u2019s just Shell trying to prove a point. Which they did, to some extent. It didn\u2019t take me a week to realise the effects following the oil change, because believe it or not, the consequent result was immediate and impressive to say the least.\nThe point of ignition was noticeably quicker and the engine felt smoother during idle as well as climbing up the rev range. Vibration while idling was also largely subdued, to my surprise. As for fuel economy, I managed an average of \n6.5\u00a0litres per 100km\n \u2013 not too bad a feat especially after several stints of spirited\u00a0driving, courtesy of the premium fuel. More updates on this next week with Shell\u2019s FuelSave RON95.\nUpdate: Average fuel consumption improved considerably \u2013 nearly 10 percent more fuel efficient prior to using Shell\u2019s most advanced engine oil!\u00a0\nIt\u2019s absolutely imperative that you service your car at the recommended scheduled intervals, because that\u2019s one key practice to keep your car running in its optimum condition.\u00a0Picking the right engine oil for your car may prove to be a challenging task, but spare yourself some time to do a bit of research on some of the more popular brands on offer. This of course, comes after you\u2019ve figured out which viscosity grade to go with, and this info is best obtained by going through your handbook. In case you don\u2019t know which book I\u2019m referring to, it\u2019s the thick encyclopedia most commonly stashed and left untouched in your car\u2019s glove compartment.\nAbout Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology\nThis revolutionary gas-to-liquid (GTL)\u00a0technology produces a clearer base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil. This base oil delivers higher levels of cleansing and protection, hence, no other motor oil cleans your engine better.\nGTL base oil blended with proprietary \nActive Cleansing Technology\n as found in Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology helps extend engine life, reduce maintenance costs, reduce oil consumption, maintain fuel economy and enable better cleanliness. As a result, you enjoy \nenhanced performance\n and \nsuperior wear and corrosion protection\n for your car\u2019s engine.\nThe engine oil is \ntried and trusted\n by some of the world\u2019s leading engine makers. The product has received \nOEM approvals\n from manufacturers including Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, Honda, General Motors, Chrysler, and Hyundai. To experience the cleaning power of the revolutionary Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology, simply visit any of the authorised Shell Helix Workshops nationwide listed at\u00a0\nwww.shell.com.my/helixworkshop\n."
"It\u2019s interesting how careful Mercedes-Benz worded this teaser of a press release about the forthcoming A-Class Sedan as it will share the lowest drag coefficient value (at 0.22 Cd) with one other production car when it launches end of this year, i.e. the current generation BMW 5-Series.\nBut because it has a smaller frontal area compared to the BMW, and through extensive sealing of gaps and a clean underbody, the A-Class Sedan \u2018thereby defends the original world record of the CLA Coup\u00e9\u2019 by virtue of having the lowest drag of any production vehicle in the world. Do note that before the 5-Series came along, the CLA Coupe had already reigned with a Cd value of 0.22, which is astonishingly more slippery than eco-specials such as the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq (both at 0.24), even the Tesla Model 3 and the Audi A4 at an excellent 0.23.\nChina-only A-Class L Sedan debuted back in April and has a longer wheelbase.\nWhich brings us to the second interesting point; does this mean the A-Class Sedan replaces the CLA Coupe? Word on the street says this may not be the case, even though Mercedes-Benz calls the A-Class Sedan a \u2018four-door notchback\u2019, which for all intents and purposes describes the current CLA Coupe. Surely, if there\u2019s going to be a replacement for the CLA, it must have a sloping hatch door at the back instead of a boot lid like it has today, or like the \nnew A-Class L sedan we saw\n a few months ago in China.\nA-Class Sedan has same wheelbase as hatch at 2729mm; A-Class L Sedan (seen here) adds 60mm.\nUnlike the China-specific long-wheelbase version, Mercedes-Benz also revealed that the new A-Class Sedan will share the same wheelbase measurement as the hatchback at 2729mm \u2013 a 29mm increment over the last generation model, along with \u2018top of its segment\u2019 rear headroom. More of the A-Class Sedan is expected to be teased in the coming months."
"For some reason still unbeknownst to us, everyone and their aunts seem to be hopping onto the personal assistant train at the moment. Porsche has just unveiled its sixth-generation infotainment system (PCM 6.0) that is set to debut on the \n911\n, \nCayenne\n, and\n Panamera \nmodels in the coming months, and \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 it now comes with a new \u201cHey Porsche\u201d voice command system. Who actually uses these aside from when they\u2019re trying to show off to their friends?\nAnyway, just like Siri or the Google Assistant on your phones, the Voice Pilot voice assistant can now understand instructions in natural language. For example, when you say \u201cHey Porsche, I\u2019m feeling cold\u201d, the infotainment system will now automatically increase the climate control temperature.\nOther things that can be controlled via the voice assistant include massage seats, ambient lighting, and navigation system. Porsche says that the system is \u201cpermanently online\u201d and will continually learn new phrases, so it\u2019ll constantly improve itself to provide more support to the driver.\nSpeaking of navigation, Porsche says that the new hardware and software architecture allows for even faster route calculations by the navigation system, and thanks to its always-on connectivity, real-time traffic information is also always taken into account in this process.\nBMW has also recently introduced its iDrive 8.0 infotainment system, check it out in action here.\nTo be honest though, we think that most people will most likely still use Waze or Google Maps via wireless Apple CarPlay or the new Android Auto (no wireless here, sorry) connectivity. Apple Music and Podcasts are also now directly integrated into Porsche\u2019s new infotainment system, so iPhone users can access \u201cmore than 75 million songs\u201d directly from the car itself, no smartphone connection necessary.\nOther new features on the PCM 6.0 infotainment system include a new smartphone-integrated calendar, which will let you dial into conference calls using the calendar service, as well as a built-in \u201cgood to know\u201d operating manual.\nBut the most interesting feature of all (in our opinion, at least) is the \u201cSoundtrack My Life\u201d app, which automatically creates a personalised soundtrack in real time based on your driving style, so you can feel like a movie star on every drive.\nThe music will swell up with intensity under hard acceleration and cornering, but drops to a calmer pace at lower speeds or at a traffic light. Your spirited drive through the B roads on the weekend will feel very different from a sleepy, Monday morning drive to work.\nInstead of licensing existing songs, Porsche has composed its own movie score-like music for the service. The Soundtrack My Life app is currently still in the beta testing phase, but the company says that it\u2019ll also be made available in the Porsche Connect mobile app in the future.\nGALLERY"
"BMW prides itself in the drivability of its electric vehicles as noted in the brand\u2019s tagline \u2013 \u201cElectric Driving Pleasure\u201d. Thanks to its instantaneous torque from zero revolutions, electric vehicles can be difficult to tame but owing to the clever traction control system of the \ni3\n, anyone can enjoy an electric BMW anytime, anywhere.\nSporting a \nBMW eDrive system\n that deploys\n 181 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque from zero rpm, BMW had to employ an innovative traction control to tame the instantaneous power delivery. The traction control system used in the i3 helps improve traction and stability in less than ideal weather and road conditions, especially when accelerating out of tight corners.\nHead of Chassis Development at BMW, Peter Langen, explains: \u201cWith their high levels of torque and instantaneous responses to every movement of the accelerator, electric motors already make significantly higher demands on driving stability systems than conventional power units.\u201d\nUnlike conventional driving stability systems, the i3\u2019s traction control system operates \n50 times faster\n by doing the calculations directly in the powertrain. This cuts down the long signal paths in conventional systems, resulting in quicker and more accurate reactions in the traction control system.\nNow, BMW has confirmed that the i3\u2019s innovative traction control system will be fitted into all BMW and MINI models (front-, rear- and all-wheel drive included) to provide drivers greater assurance and driving pleasure in adverse driving conditions."
"For the longest time, Porsche as we knew it, was all about their 911s \u2013 until of course the Cayenne came along. How did the world turn out so wrong?\nNever mind that. While the 911\u2019s drove better and better, after over 50 years of German meticulousness, the exterior seems like a float that\u2019s slowly losing its bulge \u2013 deflating and flattening with time.\n \nIf you\u2019ve been observing 911s, even from the past 30 years alone, you would\u2019ve noticed the differences.\nAt this point fire alarms could go off in Porsche\u2019s design department if someone just decided to draw a different silhouette. It could be that serious, who knows.\nThey might even just be robots, clambering away dressed in nothing but white lab coats.\nBut it seems like they\u2019re not, and this video proves it.\nIt showed perseverance to conserve, strong connections, and bursts of amusement \u2013 all the same things you\u2019d probably say about a 911 \u2013 just to show that they are human.\nThe star in the video (aside from the countryman with a prominent beard) was the Porsche 111 tractor.\nModels from the early 1950s made around \n12 hp\n, from a 822cc 1-cylinder air cooled engine.\nThere were also 2, 3, 4-cylinder variants with the latter making over \n50 hp\n to power the rear wheels \u2013 all with interchangeable engine components.\nWhile they may not be as highly sort after as the 911s of old, these tractors are still collectibles with a decent example asking for over USD15,000 (approx. RM61k)."
"Lexus has unveiled the LF-30 Electrified Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019, as the headliner of the brand\u2019s vision for an upcoming generation of electrified vehicles, dubbed \u201cLexus Electrified\u201d.\nBuilt on an electric platform that will underpin future Lexus and Toyota EVs, the design-led concept sports an aggressive exterior made possible by being an electric vehicle.\u00a0\nThe signature Lexus spindle shape now expands from just the front grille to make up the entire shape of the vehicle, with a window glass that stretches across the entire roof, muscular fenders, roof-mounted gullwing doors, and wing-shaped headlights to form the contours of the iconic spindle.\nThe wing-shaped headlights are not just for visual flair either \u2013 they help form the air intakes to aid cooling performance, in addition to improving aerodynamics.\nThe exterior paint job in \u2018Voltaic Sky\u2019 colour employs a metal-infused coating, resulting in a unique blue-green hue to emphasise the aggressive visual appearance of the car.\u00a0\nThe inside of the Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept is every bit as stunning as the exterior. Lexus says its designers employed a human-centered philosophy based on \u2018\nTazuna\n\u2018, the Japanese word for rein \u2013 as used to control horses.\n All control switches in the LF-30 Concept are mounted on the steering controller, along with a wraparound gesture-controlled display, allowing the driver to control various functions of the car without shifting their vision off the road.\u00a0\nOn the passenger side, the seating space is modeled after a first-class airliner seat, with access to a separate gesture-controlled display.\nThe LF-30 concept employs a new steer-by-wire system. The removal of the mechanical linkage allows the steering column to be moved away during autonomous driving modes.\u00a0\nOther interior highlights include artificial muscle technology rear seats, Mark Levinson audio system, and a \u201cSkyGate\u201d window that uses augmented reality to display starry skies, videos, and even navigation.\u00a0\nAs per Lexus fashion, premium materials such as \nYakisugi\n (Japanese charred cedar wood) and recycled metal are used in its interior to project a posh interior appearance.\nLexus paid extra attention to driving dynamics on the FC-30 Electrified Concept, with the introduction of Lexus Advanced Posture Control technology that can manage the powertrain, steering, suspension, and brakes.\u00a0\nLexus says that the new technology is a core part of the Lexus Electrified vision, and intends to apply the technology to vehicles in the electrified range.\nThe integrated control system regulates drive-power output independently to all four wheels, courtesy of its in-wheel electric motors, to \u201cevoke the original fun of driving\u201d regardless of the road surface and driving conditions.\nThe in-wheel electric motors and low positioning of the battery pack also enables better handling of inertia, while the steer-by-wire system allows for more flexible turning control depending on the driving conditions.\nPacking a \n110 kWh\n battery under the floor, the Lexus LF-30 concept promises a zero to 100 km/h sprint in just \n3.8 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n200 km/h\n, despite weighing in at \n2,400 kg\n.\u00a0\nOutput figures of the electric powertrain are rated at \n400 kW\n (536 hp) and \n700 Nm\n. Lexus also claims that the car is capable of covering \n500 km\n on the WLTP cycle.\nLooking around the car, you\u2019ll be hard-pressed to find any charging ports for the electric vehicle. Lexus is instead choosing to develop a wireless conduction charging for the LF-30 and the Lexus Electrified line-up.\nHowever in an interview with \nAutocar\n, Lexus Chief Engineer for electrified projects, Takashi Watanabe said \u201cIt does not mean the technology will be ready for our first production car on this platform, but in the future we want to enhance the luxuriousness of charging."
"We all know this one is coming, after the all-new Ford Mondeo was \nput on public \ndisplay\n at Bangsar Shopping Centre. It\u2019s now officially launched by importer and distributor, Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd, and carries a price tag of RM203,800, on-the-road with insurance and GST. It is built and fully imported from Ford\u2019s new manufacturing plant in Valencia, Spain.\nThis rather imposing, handsome\u00a0sedan is known in the North American market as the \nFord Fusion.\n\u00a0However, a couple of calendars later, it was introduced to the British market. The Fusion is better known around this region as the \nMondeo\n. It was also briefly featured in the James Bond flick \nCasino Royale\n, and tied as BBC\u2019s \nTop Gear\u2019s Car Of The Year\n 2007 with the Subaru Legacy Outback.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Ford Mondeo 2.0L EcoBoost\nEngine\n1,999cc; turbocharged with Ti-VCT\nTransmission\n6-speed WITH SelectShift auto\nMax Power\n237 hp @ 5,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n345 Nm @ 2,300 \u2013 4,900 rpm\nTop Speed\n240 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n\u00a0insurance and GST)\nRM 203,800\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nIt seems to be A trend amongst car makers to redesign its upcoming models with a much bolder look. In this case, the front fascia of the Mondeo looks like a cut price, no-frills poor-man\u2019s \nAston Martin Rapide\n. With slender new \nadaptive LED\n headlights with \nLED\u00a0DRLs\n mounted on a redesigned bumper, complete with a pair of fog lamps nestled parallel to the lower extremities.\nAround the back however, the general styling cue remains largely similar to that of the previous generation with the difference being sleeker \nLED tail lamps\n, a revamped bumper with built-in rectangular chrome exhaust ports with reflector strips sitting right above it; finished off with a redesigned, more angular tail gate. Down the side, the D-Segment sedan has a better line that streams the length of the vehicle, giving it a more masculine fit and figure.\nSitting on\u00a0\n235/50\n\u00a0profiled\u00a0\n17-inch alloy wheels\n\u00a0that fit proportionately to the car\u2019s design and style, whilst not seeming lost under the arches. Other features include\u00a0\nauto folding\n side mirrors with \npuddle lamps\n, \nfront and rear parking sensors\n and a boot mounted \nreverse camera. \nThere\u2019s also\u00a0\nautomatic windscreen wipers\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe one-trim-only Mondeo comes with supple leather upholstery for the seats and various other trim pieces including the gear knob and the multi-function steering wheel. Infotainment is courtesy of an\n eight-inch LCD\n display with acoustic help from \nSony\n with a \n9-speaker\n stereo system which is \nMP3, Bluetooth, USB\n and \nAUX\n compliant.\nDual-zone\n\u00a0EATC ( Electronic Automatic Temperature Control\n)\u00a0\nclimate control helps in keeping the occupants cool and comfy. Other key features include \n10-way electric adjustable seats\n and keyless entry with \nPush/Start button\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood, therein lies the secret to the Mondeo\u2019s ability to gird its loins. Powered by an\u00a0EcoBoost \u2013 four cylinder\u00a0\n2.0-litre GTDi\u00a0\npowerplant that produces\u00a0\n237 hp\n at 5,300 rpm and \n345 Nm\n from 2,300 to 4,900 rpm. This is thanks to the turbocharged direct-injection with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) with smart regenerative charging. Power is then transferred to the front wheels via a\u00a0\nsix-speed\u00a0\ntorque converter transmission (no DSG here folks) with\u00a0\nSelectShift manual mode\n\u00a0that can be operated via the paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.\nAll that performance equates to a fuel consumption rate of \n8.0 litres per 100km\n. The handling on the other hand is dealt with by a\u00a0McPherson strut setup at the front and a multi-link suspension arm structure at the back.\nSAFETY\nThe Mondeo comes jam-packed with a bucket load of safety acronyms such as \nESC\n (Electronic Stability Control), \nBA\n (Brake Assist), \nHLA\n (Hill Launch Assist) and\n TCS\n ( Traction Control System); just to name a few. \nIsofix\n childseat mounts, \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n and\u00a0\nLane Keeping Alert\n, \nseat belt pretensioners\n and\n seven all-round SRS airbags\n are some of the reasons this handsome piece of kit got awarded a \nfive-star NCAP\n safety rating.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Mondeo is available in all authorised Ford dealerships and comes in \nfour\u00a0varying\u00a0colours,\u00a0\nnamely\u00a0Frozen White, Tectonic Silver, Panther Black and Ruby Red. It comes with a three-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty package deal.\nIMAGE GALLERY   OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA   OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\n \n OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA"
"Remember the story of \na mean four-wheeler we posted not long ago\n? Well the company, headed by a former jet fighter pilot is at it again with another extreme build but this, this is on another spectrum, another scale and form of frightening.\nIt\u2019s called the \nRezvani Beast Alpha X Black Bird Edition \u2013\n\u00a0inspired by\u00a0the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird jet and from the looks (and specification) of it, the Alpha X looks more intimidating than its inspiration.\nIt\u2019s based on a Lotus Elise chassis with familiar interior trims carried over and with a retail price starting from USD 225,000 (RM 873k), it comes with what seems like a K20A Honda engine that\u2019s been over-bored to 2.5-litre and turborcharged to produce a whopping \n700 hp\n.\nThe engine has been built from the ground up with new camshafts, valves, valve springs, new forged pistons, conrods and is led by a Cosworth ECU. The results? A 0 to 100 km/h time of just \n2.9 seconds\n.\nPower is delivered through a close-ratio 6-speed transmission for a more immersive driving experience with an optional sequential automatic transmission but honestly, do you wanna be seen driving an automatic? In something that looks that manly and aggressive?\nIts body is made entirely of carbon fibre and as a result, the Beast Alpha X weighs just \n975 kg\n. Another highlight of its exterior are the trademark SideWinder doors that operates like those found on a MPV.\nSource: \nRezvani\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Group has teamed up with battery producer LG Energy Solution to establish a joint venture in Indonesia to manufacture battery cells for electric vehicles (EV).\nThe two companies, together with the Government of Indonesia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 10 GWh battery factory to be built in Karawang, Indonesia. The mega project is said to be worth a total of \nUSD1.1 billion\n (RM4.64 billion). \u00a0\nConstruction is scheduled to begin by the end of this year and will be completed by the first half of 2023, with mass production of batteries only to begin the following year. In full operation, the facility has a total output of 10 GWh worth of NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminium) battery cells, sufficient for more than 150,000 EVs.\nAfter Thailand, Indonesia has set the deadline for sales of EVs only. Find out when, here!\nThe batteries will be used in EVs based on Hyundai\u2019s \nE-GMP platfor\nm, which currently underpins the \nIoniq 5\n model as well as the \nKia EV6\n. Larger models are scheduled to be introduced, such as a sedan and an SUV.\nThe Indonesian government, in a separate statement, also welcomed the agreement. Mr Bahlil Lahadalia, head of the Investment Coordinating Board Indonesia said, \u201cWe will oversee this battery cell investment from start to finish,\u201d\nNickel, together with cobalt and manganese are key materials for the high voltage batteries in electric vehicles (EV) and Indonesia, specifically the islands of Sulawesi and Halmahera, have the largest production and reserves of nickel in the world.\nThe futuristic Hyundai Staria makes its Asean debut in Thailand. Find out more about the multi-seat van here!\nThe large deposit there has also attracted the eyes of Tesla, where it was reported by the Indonesian government that the American automaker has \nsent in proposals\n on plans for a battery manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem.\nThe Indonesian government has been insistently building an EV industry ecosystem in hopes of playing a strategic role in the global EV race, such as the establishment of Indonesia Battery Corp. earlier this year."
"The Audi skysphere is the first of a range of design and engineering concept vehicles lined up this year. For the Audi skysphere concept, the designers are redefining luxury in the future that is not just about driving.\nApart from the retro-inspired long-bonnet/short trunk shape, the Audi skysphere also features a technical masterpiece of a variable wheelbase. The sophisticated fully automated mechanism at the front section slides forward or rearward to adjust the wheelbase by up to 250 mm, where GT mode is akin to the length of an \nAudi A8L\n and Sports mode like the \nAudi RS 5\n.\nAt a touch of a button on the dashboard, the driver can pilot the Audi skysphere with traditional hand and feet controls as well as a much more agile setup of the chassis with stiffer and lowered air suspension setting plus rear-wheel steering in Sports mode.\nBack to the urban commute or long-distance driving, the two-seat sportscar can engage into GT or Grand Touring mode, where the steering wheel and foot pedals are hidden away, as well as the dashboard moving forward together with the front section of the concept car. A contrasting decorative piece in bronze on the fender indicates its drive mode, where it\u2019s exposed in long-wheelbase GT mode.\nOccupants can sit back, relax and enjoy the sky and scenery in maximum legroom and interact with the digital ecosystem in the vehicle. Various sensors, high-resolution cameras and high-speed data connections feed precise real-time information to the Audi skysphere for Level 4-type autonomous driving.\nThe multiple LED lighting units on the front Singleframe grille is meanwhile used to communicate on the driving mode, kind of like a ceremonial light show display transitioning between the GT and Sports driving modes.\n https://youtu.be/klkb8OnW9d8?t=748\nWatch the transition from GT to Sports mode at time 12:20 and from 14:25\nAudi surprisingly entering the Dakar Rally with this hybrid monster! Find out more here!\nThe rear end is also dominated by a digitally controlled LED surface, with the red lights scratted like rubies across the low height of the tail.\nNew-generation sustainable materials are used for the interior, such as environmentally-certified eucalyptus wood, \u201cvegan\u201d leather wrapping plus sustainably produced microfibre fabric. A fully digital dashboard with the main display measuring close to 1.5 metres in length allows for various consumption of digital content and even video conferences.\nThe Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 Quattro is unique, looks beautiful and drives well too. Here are five things about the exclusive four-door coupe.   Audi has also designed a pair of golf bags to perfectly fit in the front trunk or \u201cfrunk\u201d of the skysphere concept.\nUnder the variable-wheelbase chassis is a fairly standard-sized 80 kWh battery, enough to provide the concept car with more than \n500 km\n of range. Power is fed to just the rear wheels with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. Total power output is \n632 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque and completes the benchmark sprint in a humble four seconds. The Audi skysphere certainly looks like an art piece when charging at Audi\u2019s first-class \nluxury charging lounges\n.\nThe next concept vehicle to be unveiled is the Audi grandsphere later this year and the Audi urbansphere set to unveil in 2022, and the trio of concept vehicles lead directly to the future of Audi design. The company is planning to \nonly launch new fully electric cars\n as soon as 2026.\nGALLERY"
"BMW\u2019s latest \n8 Series Coupe\n will spawn a fire-breathing M8 variant powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8. The first-ever BMW M8 will be available as a Coupe, Convertible and four-door Gran Coupe.\nThe M8\u2019s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 is expected to produce over 600 hp and will feature a fully variable M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that is rear-wheel bias by default with the option to be purely rear-wheel driven \u2013 a similar set up to the \nF90 M5\n.   Mechanically, the M8 gets M-specific chassis tuning for maximum dynamic prowess in the form of M Servotronic steering, M compound brakes (395 mm front, 380 mm rear) with the option for carbon-ceramic items (400 mm front, 380 mm rear), wider front track as well as bespoke suspension mountings for better stability.\nFamiliar M styling cues will take shape in the form of larger air intakes, aerodynamically optimised bumpers and 19-inch M light alloy wheels with the option to be upgraded to 20-inch items wrapped with M-specific ultra-high-performance rubbers.\nThe new BMW M8 Coupe is expected to make its market debut sometime in 2019 with other body styles to follow in due course.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M8 Coupe Teaser"
"UMW Toyota has just unveiled the long-awaited Toyota Supra on Malaysian soil \nlast week\n. We had the opportunity to take the Toyota Supra for a quick spin on an empty air strip, and here are a few things that we like about the new Supra!\u00a0\n \n1. Power that can send you to the rear of your seats\nThe 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine at the front churns out a peak power of \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm \nof torque! With all of that power going to the rear wheels, hooning the new Supra was quite an experience! Not only did it feel like it had more than 340 hp, all of the sound you hear are genuine \u2014 Toyota did \nnot\n add any artificial engine noise through the speakers.\u00a0\nThe new A90 Toyota Supra does 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.3 seconds\n, and the turbo pull from around 3,000 rpm was just relentless \u2013 felt like we were glued to the back of the seat \u2013 and the engine happily revs on with plenty of grunt all the way up to 6,500 rpm.\nThat\u2019s a nice looking rear. but we can do without the extra Toyota badging, don\u2019t you think?\n2. Controversial styling. until you see it with your own eyes\nThe new Supra may have looked a little underwhelming \nwhen official pictures first surfaced\n but it looked so much better in the flesh!\nThe big headlamps reminded us of the \nprevious-generation A80 Supra\n, but Toyota completely redesigned the rear with new svelte taillights which are integrated into the vertical vents.\u00a0\nWe particularly liked the Formula 1-inspired reverse light assembly, as well as the integrated ducktail spoiler. It was hard to not stare at its buttocks as the Supra pulled away!\n3. What happens when you combine the master of chassis development with a veteran in making small sports cars?\nWe are not sure if it\u2019s the BMW effect (yes, the Supra is based on a BMW chassis), but the new Toyota Supra handled very, very well. Most of the time, the car is completely drama-free.\nDuring our drive, we put the Supra through a brake-steer combination test, and the Supra managed to slice through the cones with so much composure \u2013 even under extreme weight and direction shifts!\nYou might assume that all that poise would rob the Supra of its RWD \u201cfun factor\u201d but we\u2019re happy to report that the opposite is true. Give the throttle a little squeeze and the tail of the Supra slides out in a predictable and controllable manner. Just see how the Supra drifts in our video above!\nOn high-speed runs at speeds in excess of 200 km/h, the A90 Toyota Supra still felt reasonably planted on the tarmac with the suspension soaking in the undulations well. The weighty and steering rack tuning made high speed driving very manageable!\n4. Am I in a BMW? \nThe interior of the Toyota Supra is essentially a BMW, but it\u2019s not a bad thing! The new Supra is well equipped with niceties such as the full-coloured head-up display and 12-speaker JBL audio system. All of the controls on the centre-console are laid-out projected a clean appearance and were easily accesible, and the infotainment system \u2013 based on BMW Operating System 7.0 \u2013 was a breeze to use.\u00a0\nSeating position in the cabin was also nice and low with plenty of headroom although ingress and egress may require some getting used to with the low roofline. The touring-inspired seats wrapped in leather definitely seemed comfortable enough for long-distance road trips.\nOur first impressions of the Toyota Supra were pretty positive, and we can\u2019t wait to tell you more through our videos! In the meantime, here\u2019s a recap of the specifications for the new 2019 Toyota Supra:\nName\n2019 Toyota Supra GR GTS A90\nEngine\n3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic gearbox\nMax power\n340 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax torque\n500 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h; top speed\n4.3 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nThe 2019 Toyota Supra starts at \nRM568,000\n (on-the-road, without insurance) for the Prominence Red colour option, RM573,000 for the Silver Metallic and Lightning Yellow, and RM580,000 for the Matte Storm Gray Metallic."
"The year is 1978, Superman first graced the big screens, the first cellular mobile phones were introduced, and the world\u2019s first test tube baby was born. It was also the year when Mitsubishi presented their first-generation pick-up truck.\nMitsubishi went on to sell over 4.7 million pick-up trucks over the next four decades. Now in its fifth-generation, the pick-up truck has evolved into a highly versatile vehicle that can be right at home in cities and the wilderness \u2013 a far cry from the original.\nMitsubishi\u2019s first pick-up truck was called the Forte, which translates to strong in Italian. The Forte underwent rigorous endurance testing and development in North America, Thailand and Saudi Arabia. The investment was well worth it as the Japanese carmaker produced over 657,000 of the first-generation pick-up.\nIt wasn\u2019t until a decade later that Mitsubishi introduced a fresh new replacement called the Strada. It was a big step for Mitsubishi as the second-generation pick-up truck was available with a wider variety of configurations including Single Cab, Club Cab, Double Cab, 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.\nThe nameplate was also changed to cater to different markets \u2013 Strada in Japan, Mighty Max in North America, L200 in other regions and Triton in Australia; the last of which would become very familiar with Malaysians. By the end of its model life, Mitsubishi produced over 1,146,000 units of the second-generation model in Japan and Thailand.\nThe third-generation Strada was an evolutionary step forward and that model went into production in November 1995. Emphasis was placed to make the pick-up truck be more appealing to the passenger car buyers. As a result, the Strada was positioned as a roomy five-seater with a passenger car-like interior that was comfortable and capable enough for both recreational and commercial uses.\nMalaysians experienced the third-generation pick-up as the Mitsubishi Storm which was introduced here in 2001. As its name suggests,\u00a0the Storm took the market literally by storm as the first pick-up truck in Malaysia to offer an automatic transmission paired to the country\u2019s first-ever Euro 3 compliant turbo-diesel with an output of 120 hp and 300 Nm.\nIn 2005, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was established and took over the role as the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia. MMM proceeded to offer new variants of the Storm powered by 2.8-litre and 2.5-litre turbodiesels.\nIt was also the first time that Mitsubishi\u2019s \u201cEasy Select 4WD\u201d was introduced with its synchronized free-wheel front differential that allows the driver to choose the most efficient drive mode (2WD or 4WD) to suit different road conditions. The company went on to produce 1,046,000 vehicles over the span of a decade.\nWhen it came to the\u00a0\nfourth-generation\n\u00a0model, Mitsubishi\u2019s pick-up would evolve to become a product that played a key role in Mitsubishi Motors\u2019 global strategy, sold in 150 different markets. The Triton name was adopted and the pick-up proved to be an instant hit within the region.\nThis generation of Triton was a crucial one as it had to exceed the fundamental performance expected of a pick-up truck but also offer the highest build quality as well as features to make the vehicle attractive to a wide range of customers who wants more from a traditional truck.\nThe packaging gave the Triton the roomiest interior in its class, while its suspension and interior equipment commanded comfort levels that rivaled passenger cars. It was no surprise that Mitsubishi went on to produce 1,423,000 of the fourth-generation pick-up, such was its popularity.\nFast forward to today, Mitsubishi\u2019s pick-up trucks have come a long way from just being a dependable workhorse. The new Triton commands driving characteristics and equipment levels that you would normally get in a passenger car. Its 5.9 meters turning radius, refined 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo-diesel and the premium cabin has won over the hearts of many worldwide. So much so that the Triton was awarded Pick-Up Truck of Malaysia at the \n2018 Cars of Malaysia awards\n.\nIt has been 40 years of pick-up excellence since Mitsubishi\u2019s first offering and the company is forging ahead with a new and improved one \u2014 teased here as the soon-to-be-unveiled 2019 Mitsubishi Triton. Looking back at its proud heritage, we have a feeling that the new Triton pick-up will be even more complete and all-encompassing."
"Just last week \nHonda\n revealed the boosted performance figures of the 2023 \nHonda Civic Type R\n. Unfortunately for those who wish to own it, Honda has confirmed that it will only make \n400 units\n per month and that is for Japan only. Even for the Japanese market, Type R customers may have to wait for up to \nsix months\n until the delivery of their cars.\nThe new Civic Type R is built at the Yorii Plant in Japan. The K20C1 engine, on the other hand, will continue to be built at Honda\u2019s Anna Engine Plant in Sidney, Ohio.\nPowered by an enhanced version of the K20C1 engine, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R makes \n315 hp\n @6,500 rpm and \n420 Nm\n @2,600-4,000 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission has also been enhanced with a lighter flywheel, a revised rev match system, a high-rigidity lever, and an optimized shift gate pattern.\nA helical-type LSD is also present on the 2022 Civic Type R. Handling-wise, Honda has widened the track of the Type R by one inch in front and 0.5 inches at the rear. The wheelbase has been extended by 1.4 inches. The body is more rigid than that of its predecessors and most of the body panels are exclusive to the Type R.\nRELATED: \nHonda reveals 2022 Civic Type R performance figures, \u2018small\u2019 boost from FK8R\nSo far, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R has \nclocked a 2:23.120 time on the Suzuka circuit\n. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time has yet to be revealed.\nDespite the track-oriented design, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R offers conveniences like wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, and a Bose Centrepoint Premium Sound system as standard. Colour options for the 2023 Civic Type R include Historic Championship White, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sonic Grey Pearl.\nWith customers in Japan having to wait for up to six months, the waiting period for other countries may take longer. The long waiting period comes as no surprise as the entire automotive industry has been hit by the chip shortage and the supply chain issue."
"Aston Martin\n is going electric, and it\u2019s enlisting the help of Californian EV start-up \nLucid Group \nto make \u201cthe world\u2019s most thrilling and highly desirable electric performance cars\u201d.\nThe partnership, announced last night, will see Lucid Group \u2013 who sells the\n Lucid Air EV\n \u2013 supply batteries and electric motors for Aston Martin\u2019s upcoming electric vehicles. In return, Lucid will take a 3.7% stake in the British sportscar maker.\nLucid Air\nNot much else has been said on the deal, but we do know that Aston Martin plans to have its entire line-up fully electrified by 2023. The \nAston Martin Valhalla\n, its first plug-in hybrid model, will begin deliveries in 2024, while its first production fully-electric model is scheduled to launch in 2025.\nDespite the new partnership with Lucid, Aston Martin says that Mercedes-Benz will also still\n continue to supply\n its \u201cpowertrain and electric/electronic architectures for current and future generation Aston Martin vehicles\u201d.\nALSO READ: \n2023 Aston Martin DBX707 review \u2013 physics-defying masterpiece\nHow the two companies will tie in together is unclear at the moment, but from the language in the press release, it appears that Aston Martin will leverage on the German carmaker\u2019s electronic architecture to control the electric motors and batteries supplied by Lucid, enabling advanced powertrain technologies including \u201cinfinitely tuneable\u201d per-wheel torque vectoring and minute energy recouperation adjustments.\nThe company\u2019s consulting arm for its Formula 1 team, Aston Martin Performance Technologies, will also play a major part in the development of its future electrified products.\nMercedes-Benz will continue supplying the powertrain for Aston Martin\u2019s internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles before the transition into full electrification. According to the press release, Lucid\u2019s motors and battery will only be used as part of its upcoming in-house Battery Electric Vehicle platform.\n\u201cAlong with Mercedes-Benz, we now have two world-class suppliers to support the internal development and investments we are making to deliver our electrification strategy,\u201d said Aston Martin Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll.\n\u201cWith the recently announced \nlong-term partnership with Geely\n, we will also gain the opportunity to access their range of technologies and components, as well as their deep expertise of the key strategic market of China,\u201d he added.\nALSO READ: \nThe Aston Martin DB12 marks 110 years of the brand \u2013 680hp, RWD, 0-100km/h in 3.6 secs"
"Say what you want about their looks, but you can\u2019t deny that BMW makes incredible cars \u2013 and it looks like the \nall-new M2\n is no exception too. But as if driving it isn\u2019t already exciting enough, BMW is now presenting a new system, dubbed M Mixed Reality, to let you actually drive the real car in an actual environment. It\u2019s hard to explain, so check out the video below.\nWe still can\u2019t decide if it\u2019s a good idea to put on a virtual reality (VR) headset while driving an actual, physical moving car yet.\n \nShown off at this year\u2019s Web Summit in Lisbon, the M Mixed Reality system integrates gaming elements into actual driving, using a unique \u201cmixed reality\u201d (MR) approach, which blends the natural and actual world with artificial, digital perceptions.\nIn essence, the VR/MR headset will overlay a virtual racetrack onto your vision while you\u2019re driving the actual physical BMW M2 on an (we hope) empty air field, which allows for more \u201cexciting\u201d elements to your drive such as avoiding obstacles, or collecting virtual coins.\nRELATED: \nBMW turns the M2\u2019s garish looks up to 11 with new M Performance parts\nBMW says the M Mixed Reality system takes all movement and rotary axes of the car into account. In other words, the BMW M2 itself becomes the game controller \u2013 a very powerful and fast controller at that, with \n460 hp \nand \n550 Nm \nunder your right foot.\n\u201cAnyone who asks what virtual experiences in the automotive sector might look like in future: That is the answer. People must be able to experience this new feeling \u2014 and with M Mixed Reality, we offer them a suitable solution for this, says BMW M CEO, Frank van Meel.\nALSO READ: \nSee how the BMW X5 fits in your driveway with the new AR experience\nWe don\u2019t think BMW is actually planning to ship this system to customers, which is probably a good idea considering it\u2019ll be a legislation nightmare, even if the tech is flawless. Instead, it\u2019s more of a technological showcase for VR and MR applications, which highlights their use of innovative technologies in its vehicles and within the company, driven by people\u2019s wishes and needs, BMW says.\nThe company is already using mixed reality technologies in many forms of applications, including cross-team development of vehicles, as well as product planning thanks to the completely virtualised iFactory Lydia. By the beginning of next year, the BMW Group will also digitize all production sites using 3D laser scans.\nGALLERY"
"The \nMcLaren 570GT\n was designed to be the ultimate everyday supercar: dynamic on spirited drives and comfortable for long, grand tours. A panoramic glass roof, 562 hp from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 and 350 litres of combined boot space (rear deck and front boot), its everything you\u2019ll ever need in a supercar.\nIf its sedated exhaust note (to separate the \n570S\n and 570GT) or children-friendly looks that is preventing you from putting money down on one, Novitec has just the solution for you \u2013 the \nNovitec Refinement Programme\n. The refinement programme includes a tune, an exhaust system, handling upgrades and aerodynamic-enhancing carbon fibre components.\nThrough the Novitec N-Tronic plug-and-play module, engineers have been able to unlock extra grunt from the M388T 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 without tampering with the car\u2019s existing electronic controls. Three different engine mappings are cleverly \nintegrated into the Active Dynamics Panel\n whereby the driver can choose and instantly activate one of the three Normal, Sport or Track setups.\nIn track mode, the engine churns out additional \n75 hp\n and \n92 Nm\n, giving a total output of\n 637 hp\n and \n692 Nm\n of torque. Its century sprint is slashed from 3.4 seconds down to \n3.0 seconds\n \nflat\n while top speed is raised by 9 km/h to \n335 km/h\n. Novitec also claims that the new mapping \nsharpens the throttle response\n and gives a \nstronger torque curve\n across the rev range.\nAs for the sound track, customers can have their exhaust system made with stainless steel or even lighter \nInconel material\n used in \nFormula One\n. The exhaust system weighs lighter than the standard system and promises to unlock the symphony of the force-inducted V8.\nFor those seeking a more aggressive appearance for their 570GT, Novitec has a range of \ncarbon fibre components\n ranging from front splitter, rear spoiler, side skirts and side air intakes to beef up its appearance. All the visual bits are carefully crafted in wind tunnels to complement and further enhance the car\u2019s aerodynamics.\nLike on the standard 570GT that came with mixed wheel sizes, Novitec will also provide the car with\u00a0\nNovitec MC1 five twin-spoke forged alloy wheels\n measuring 20-inches at the front and 21-inches at the rear. The wheels can further complement the wheel arches with the\n Novitec sport springs\n that lowers the overall ride height by \n30 mm\n. Besides that, Novitec can also help customers to furnish the interior with fine leather and Alcantara to their liking.\nIMAGE GALLERY   s"
"MINI Malaysia is celebrating its 60th anniversary with yet another offering of great deals from now until 31st December 2019.\nThe \u201cGreat British Deal\u201d as they refer to it, silly as it sounds, offers significantly\n lower monthly repayments starting from RM2,388 with the MINI Balloon Financing\n, at a lowered interest rate starting from 0.77% for MINI vehicles purchased from now to 31st December.\nOn top of that new owners will also enjoy \ninsurance rebates of up to RM2,000\n on MINI vehicles with the MINI Financing Plan but the pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance has to be the all expenses paid trip to the UK.\nWith every purchase of any MINI models during the campaign period, there\u2019ll be an automatic contest entry where one lucky winner will walk away with a trip for two!\nIn commemorating this 60th anniversary milestone, MINI Malaysia also recently launched the \nMINI 60 Years Edition\n model dressed exclusively in a British Racing Green paintjob with only 60 units available.\nAll MINI vehicles come with a 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service; 24-Hour Roadside Assistance and MINI Black Card membership."
"PLUS Malaysia Berhad, while earlier confirming that the toll rates for all their highways will remain unchanged, have announced that four out of five of its highway concessions will undergo a pricing revision in 2016, according to a report from \nThe Star\n.\nThe recent toll hike (up between 20 sen to RM3.00)\u00a0\naffected about 18 highways in the Klang Valley\n, but it seems that the worst has yet to come. Under the original concessionaire agreement, PLUS Malaysia Bhd\u2019s concession period is to expire in 2018, though this has been extended to 2038 thanks to several Government-sanctioned deferment in toll hikes. The public limited company has five highway concessions that operate the routes below:\nNorth-South Expressway (NSE)\nNew Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE)\nFederal Highway Route 2 (FHR2)\nSeremban Port-Dickson Highway\nNorth-South Expressway Central Link (NSECL)\nMalaysia-Singapura Second Link (MSSL)\nButterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE)\nPenang Bridge\nThe report said only the Penang Bridge will be spared as per the concessionaire agreement, whereas the toll hike on four other highway concessions will ultimately be determined by the Government. The NSE (longest highway in western Peninsular Malaysia) makes up the largest chunk of PLUS\u2019 revenue \u2013 about 80 percent to be precise.\u00a0According to Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd\u2019s (MARC) data, PLUS recorded \nRM2.46bil in toll revenue\n for the first nine months of the year ending Dec 31, 2014, against full-year revenue projection of RM3.32bil.\nPLUS operated highways have remained unchanged since 2005.\nSource: \nThe Star Malaysia"
"After many\u00a0\nteasers\n and \npreviews\n, the tenth-generation Honda Civic hatchback has finally been unveiled in full glory. The five-door hatchback from Swindon UK, armed with a turbocharged engine and a stick shift, could potentially become the spiritual successor to the legendary EG/EK Civic Type R hatchback.\nRight off the bat, the car\u2019s final aesthetic is a close to the Honda Civic Prototype concept unveiled at Geneva. It retains the \nsaloon\n\u2018s aggressive and sporty looks, while the rear end gets a new central exhaust setup, just like the prototype.\nPowertrain options for the new Civic depend on where it\u2019s headed. For the United States, the lineup begins with the all-familiar\u00a0\n1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged\n with two different tunes \u2013\u00a0\n174 hp\n for the entry level and \n180 hp\n for the Sports variant. Torque is the same for both variants at \n220 Nm\n. For the first time\u00a0ever, the 1.5-litre turbo is mated to\u00a0a\n six-speed manual gearbox\n, but a\u00a0CVT is available as an option.\nFor the UK and Europe, a choice of 1.0-litre, 1.4-litre and the 1.5 turbocharged petrol engines will be offered with the Civic hatch. The hybrid and the \nhotter Type-R\n is also in the pipeline, with latter being strapped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged lump.\nNew to the Civic is the\u00a0\nindependent rear suspension \nsetup, which makes a return after the old torsion beam setup is retired. This should make the Civic all the more improved dynamically, and could likely stack up to more established hatches such as the \nVolkswagen Golf\n and \nFord Focus\n.\nThe Civic Hatchback will be on sale in the United States in September and will make its official debut at the upcoming Paris Motorshow. For those of you who cannot stop drooling over this, don\u2019t worry, it will surely find its way here through parallel importers. Would you pay a premium for it, though?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI has released a pair of design sketches as an initial preview of the first fully-electric model following the introduction of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid \u2013 \nthe same one that went on sale in Malaysia\n a couple months ago.\n\u201cThese initial sketches for the fully electrified MINI outline our vision of authentic design creating a bridge between the history of the brand and its electric future\u201d, said Head of MINI Design, Oliver Heilmer.\nThe car\u2019s front grille will adopt a hexagonal form and can stay closed to improve airflow.\u00a0A yellow accent with an E badge in the same colour will identify it as an electric MINI.\nThe second sketch shows the striking wheel design of the fully-electric MINI, which has been carried over from the MINI Electric Concept \u2013 unveiled for the first time last year \u2013 into the production model.\nThe \nfacelifted MINI Coopers launched in Malaysia\n recently.\nThe first production model of the MINI with a battery-electric drivetrain will \nhit the roads in 2019\n; exactly 60 years after the classic Mini went on sale.\nBased on the MINI 3 door, the electric model will roll off the assembly line in Oxford. Its drivetrain will be produced at the Dingolfing plant and Landshut \u2013 the competence centres for electric mobility within the BMW Group\u2019s production network."
"Mercedes-Benz latest-generation\nof compact cars is undeniably some of the more attractive cars in the market\ntoday. Take the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback for example, it\u2019s pretty, high\ntech and has a gorgeous cabin. Never mind if the A 200 comes with a modest 1.33-litre\nturbo petrol engine and torsion beams at the rear, it\u2019s still a very attractive\ncar inside and out\nHowever, for those who adore the A-Class\u2019 Sensual Purity design but can\u2019t make do with its 370 litres of boot space or you\u2019re just not a fan of hatchbacks (\nblasphemy!\n), there are two other alternatives for you without having to stretch your budget to a \nCLS\n \u2013 the \nA-Class sedan\n and \nCLA 4-door coupe\n.\n \nThe two are based on the A-Class hatch, sharing the same design cues and mechanicals. There are, however, some little but distinct cues that separate the two cars apart. Firstly, some facts and figures:\n Name\nMercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback\nMercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan\nMercedes-Benz CLA Coupe\nLength\n 4,419 mm\n 4,549 mm\n 4,688 mm\nWidth\n 1,796 mm\n 1,796 mm\n 1,830 mm\nHeight\n 1,440 mm\n 1,446 mm\n 1,439 mm\nWheelbase\n 2,729 mm\n 2,729 mm\n 2,729 mm\nDrag Coefficient\n 0.25\n 0.22\n 0.23\nBoot Space\n 370 litres\n 420 litres\n 460 litres\nHeadroom front/rear\n 1,024 / 960 mm\n 1,024 / 944 mm\n1,023 / 908 mm\nElbow room front/rear\n 1,457 / 1,446 mm\n1,457 / 1,446 mm\n1,457 / 1,454 mm\nShoulder room front/rear\n 1,400 / 1,372 mm\n1,400 / 1,372 mm\n 1,400 / 1,372 mm\n Effective legroom front/rear\n 1,062 / 861 mm\n1,062 / 861 mm\n1,062 / 861 mm\nEXTERIOR\nBoth the A-Class sedan\nand CLA Coupe shares the same wheelbase of 2,729 mm like the A-Class hatch but\nvaries in length and height. The CLA Coupe is the longest car among the two (139\nmm longer than the A-Class sedan) but it is also the sleeker option here thanks\nto the sloping roof design.\nAt a glance, the two might\nappear to be the same car, but the A-Class sedan has a more conventional sedan silhouette\nas compared to the CLA\u2019s fastback design. Upon scrutiny, you\u2019ll notice that the\nheadlamps are also different with the CLA featuring a tad bit more sculpture to\nthem and an extra \u201ctick\u201d for its LED daytime running lights.\nIt\u2019s also a different story round the back, with the A-Class sedan spotting a taillamp design that reflects the previous-gen CLA. No complaints there because it looks great on the car. There is also a more pronounced kink on the boot lid, contributing to the \nA-Class sedan\u2019s overall aerodynamics\n that betters even the slick-looking CLA.\nThe CLA now wears an\nultra slim taillamp that shares a similar profile to the new-generation CLS. \u00a0Although I still can\u2019t bring myself to say that\nI love them.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the differences\nare less pronounced, both cars share the same cabin architecture dominated by\nthe large widescreen cockpit, turbine style air vents, dual layer dashboard and\nnew-generation multifunctional steering wheel with touch sensitive buttons. Spec\nthe exact trim level and you won\u2019t be able to tell the difference.\nA-Class Sedan Interior\nCLA Coupe Interior\nOnboard features\n(depending on specification) include Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment\nsystem, Burmester Surround Sound System, sunroof, massaging seats, 64-colour\nambient lighting and more. But if there\u2019s one thing that the CLA has an edge\nover the A-Class sedan, it\u2019s the frameless doors.\nPRACTICALITY\nThe yardstick for practicality is boot space and surprise surprise, despite being a 4-door \ncoupe\n, the CLA has the largest cargo space among the lot at 460 litres compared to the A-Class sedan\u2019s 420 litres. Too bad we\u2019ll never see the \nCLA Shooting Brake\n here in Malaysia.\nIf you\u2019re expecting the A-Class sedan and CLA to be roomier than the hatch, you\u2019ll be disappointed because the two cars share the same wheelbase as the hatch resulting in the same legroom and shoulder room. Headroom in the CLA also suffers from the coupe design which renders it having 36 mm lesser available headroom compared to the A-Class Sedan. Interestingly, the A-Class hatch is the one that offers the most headroom for rear passengers!\nPERFORMANCE\nAll Mercedes-Benz compact\ncars are available with the same range of engine options from the efficient\n(and road tax friendly) 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol in either 180 or\n200 guises as well as a punchy 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol in the 220\nor 250 tunes. They are all mated to a 7-speed DCT dual-clutch box to send drive\nto the front-wheels or the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive on certain variants.\nThe A-Class hatch is also offered as a full-blown AMG, \nA 35\n or the soon to be launched \nA 45 S\n. The CLA will definitely spawn an AMG variant in the future but whether or not Daimler will stick an AMG badge to the A-Class sedan remains to be seen.\nSAFETY\nGlobally, both the A-Class\nsedan and CLA are available with the full suite of advance driver\u2019s assistance\nsystem and semi-autonomous driving function from the S-Class such as Active\nDistance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change\nAssist and PRE-SAFE PLUS.\nHowever, don\u2019t expect\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) to have these features equipped on the cars they\nbring in unless you\u2019re prepared to fork out a hefty premium over its competitors.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAll in all, the Mercedes-Benz\nA-Class sedan and CLA 4-door coupe are very similar cars on paper with a slight\ntwist in flavour. The former is a more practical people carrier (more rear\nheadroom) while the latter has an irresistible flair to it when rolling up at a\nvenue (at the expense of rear headroom of course).\nIt won\u2019t be long till\nMBM brings in both the A-Class sedan and CLA 4-door coupe to our shores and word\non the street is that some dealers are already fishing for orders from potential\ncustomers. Having all said and done, which of the two would be your pick?\nMe, I\u2019ll have the hatchback\nany day."
"The arrival of the \nall-new Mazda3 sedan and hatchback\n in Malaysia is imminent, like really soon, so we thought we\u2019d whet your appetites a little and stimulate your creative (car modification) senses with Mazda\u2019s Kuroi Sports Pack.\nThe kit, revealed by Mazda Australia, includes a front lip, a rear diffuser, a rear spoiler and door mirror caps to go with the 18-inch satin chrome alloy wheels.\n \nRecent reports have revealed that the new Mazda3 hatchback and sedan will be available in three different variants as CBU units with \nestimated pricing from RM140k to RM161k\n.\nTwo powertrains will be available \u2013 a 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G 4-cylinder engine with \n114 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n and a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine with\n 155 hp\n and \n199 Nm\n. Both engines are paired to a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed transmission.\nAt it\u2019s global unveiling Mazda said that the all-new car can be expected to offer dramatic improvements in the areas of design, driving performance, NVH, performance and quality feel.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche has unveiled the facelifted 2018 Macan in Shanghai, China with a host of interior and exterior along with equipment upgrades to uphold the compact SUV\u2019s success since it was introduced in 2014.\nOn the outside, the Macan gets a new LED headlight with a three-dimensional design, a reworked front end that now appears wider and a redesigned rear end with a three dimensional LED light strip.   Its chassis has been further fine-tuned to deliver even more neutrality while maintain stability and improving comfort. The Macan still features mixed tyres with different widths on the front and rear axles.\nThis supposedly allows the driver to take full advantage of the intelligent, all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Accompanying this are newly-developed tyres accompanied by new 20- and 21-inch wheels.\nInside, the most prominent changes include an 11-inch Full HD touchscreen display (increased from 7-inches) with the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), a newly-designed instrument panel, re-designed and re-positioned air vents and an optional GT sports steering wheel plucked out of the Porsche 911.\nThe PCM system offers intelligent voice control and an online navigation system as standard while the optional steering wheel comes fitted with a Mode Switch plus Sport Response Button, as part of the optional Sports Chrono Package.\nThe facelifted Porsche Macan in Miami Blue. Other exterior colours include Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic and Crayon.\nThe new Macan is offered with an extended\u00a0 range of assistance systems including the new Traffic Jam Assist that enables adaptive cruise control at speeds up to 60 km/h. The system also features partial automated acceleration and braking with steering assistance in a traffic jam or in slow-moving traffic.\nSince 2014, Porsche has delivered more than 350,000 units of the Macan. With over 100,000 deliveries to date, the Macan is especially popular in the Chinese market and the model you see here is offered exclusively for the Chinese market."
"Autobacs Seven Co. Ltd. (AB7), a Japanese public listed automotive parts giant has just signed an agreement to acquire a 20 percent stake in local tyre chain Kit Loong Tayaria Sdn. Bhd. (KLT). This partnership, according to KLT\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Jacob Chen will provide both parties business growth opportunities.\nWith more than 59 years in the aftermarket automotive parts industry, AB7 currently operates more than 500 stores in Japan with plans to expand to overseas market. On the other hand, KLT, authorised distributor of Pirelli, Kumho, Corsa and Jinyu tyres have over 80 Tayaria Alliance outlet across Malaysia and has plans to increase that number to 120. This partnership will create a synergistic effect for both parties as they work together to create business opportunities.\nAccording to Jacob, AB7 and KLT will be working closely to provide more products suitable for the Malaysian market and share best-practices in retailing. This will not only help KLT to achieve their 120 outlet goal sooner but also foster greater competitiveness for their respective Tayaria Alliance outlets."
"While Electric Vehicles (EV) continue to be objects of desire (no thanks to Tesla), it was Nissan which made the most important move by producing the world\u2019s first mass-market electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf.\nNow, a second-generation model of the \nLeaf\n\u00a0is being readied for introduction, possibly by the end of the year. The sole teaser image showcases the new Leaf\u2019s modern headlights design, and that\u2019s that.\nThe first-generation Nissan Leaf\nNissan\u2019s next-gen zero-emissions electric hatchback will get upgraded powertrain and drivetrain. According to the Japanese carmaker, the Leaf is capable of covering a distance of 400 km! The outgoing Leaf can only achieve 135 km of cruising range.\u00a0Nissan\u2019s\u00a0\nProPilot\n\u00a0autonomous driving system could also make its debut here.\nSince the introduction of the Nissan Leaf in 2010, over 260,000 units of it have been sold globally. Back home, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) still offers the Leaf for\u00a0\nRM180,566.18\n.\n \nTwo years ago, we reviewed the Leaf to see if it\u2019s a viable alternative to urban motoring. Find out what GC Mah has to say in the video below!"
"The automotive landscape in the USA is entirely self-sufficient, evident with many models designed, engineered, and made just for its own domestic consumption. Apart from normal body-on-frame pick-up trucks, there has been a tiny sub-segment of pick-ups that are passenger-car derived such as the Honda Ridgeline.\nHyundai USA has just introduced their \nfirst pick-up truck\n, the \nSanta Cruz\n. Hyundai terms the new Santa Cruz as a \u2018Sport Adventure Vehicle\u2019, rather than a pick-up or small truck, as it is heavily targeted to users who frequent recreational and outdoor activities than hauling construction or fabrication materials. The development of the Santa Cruz was backed by a comprehensive study and data collection.\nSimilar to the recently unveiled \nHyundai Tucson\n SUV, the front of the Santa Cruz has its daytime-running lights integrated into the parametric jewel grille design, making it invisible when turned off. Wheel sizes up to 20 inches fill the arches, while the deck features plenty of storage spaces as well as a retractable tonneau cover.\nIn terms of size, the Santa Cruz measures close to five metres long over a three-metre long wheelbase. Compared to the recently unveiled \n2021 Nissan Frontier\n (which Nissan terms it as right-sizing), it is marginally smaller, but still provide a decent deck length of 1.32 metres.\nCustomers will however appreciate the low entry height, thanks to its monocoque/unibody bodyshell. The new Santa Cruz is over 100 mm lower than the traditional pick-up trucks, similar to the overall height of the current crop of \nC-Segment SUVs\n.\nThere is a choice of two petrol engines, both displacing \n2.5 litres\n. A naturally aspirated unit delivers \n190 hp\n and \n244 Nm\n of torque and drives the front wheels via an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission. The more powerful \nturbocharged\n engine meanwhile delivers \n275 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque and paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).\nUsers can have the engine drive channelled to all four wheels via the \nintelligent HTRAC\n variable all-wheel drive system where more torque is sent to the rear wheels in Sport mode. A centre locking differential function can be used for conditions that require more consistent torque at all four corners.\nBeing developed from the Tucson underpinnings, the rear suspension features an \nindependent multi-link\n set up and much of the interior is lifted from the popular SUV. As such, the Santa Cruz promises to drive just like its SUV sibling.\nSimilar to the Tucson, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is equipped with a plethora of advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) under the SmartSense banner.\nThe Santa Cruz will be manufactured at Hyundai USA\u2019s production facility in Montgomery, Alabama, where it currently rolls out the \nSonata\n, \nElantra\n, Santa Fe and the all-new Tucson that the Santa Cruz is based on.\nGALLERY"
"The\n BMW X7 \nfacelift is not due until some time later this year, but the car has apparently already been leaked almost in full \u2013 this time by BMW Belarus\u2019 own official website \u2013 giving us a first look at the updated big boy SUV.\nAs usual on a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) model, the overall silhouette of the (alleged) BMW X7 facelift still remains pretty much unchanged from before. But with that being said, the front fascia here does receive a significant update in appearance, with a new split headlight assembly that\u2019s sure to draw some controversies among fans.\nThe top half of the new headlight design is a slim enclosure for the daytime running lights, which gets a new light signature similar to that of the BMW iX. Below that, separated by a piece of horizontal sheet metal, is a new recessed enclosure for the main beams that is also integrated into the vertical air intake cutouts on both ends.\nLove it or hate it, the new split headlights will be soon be making its way onto other BMW models, as the \nupcoming i7 EV\n that\u2019s due next month is also rumoured to feature a similar split set-up up front.\nVIDEO: BMW X7 xDrive40i SUPER-size SUV review\nScreenshot: BMW Belarus\u2019 website via Autoevolution\nFrom the sole leaked image, we can also see that the front bumper has been redesigned with a wide rectangular air intake positioned in the centre, bookended by two triangular pieces. The same geometric theme is also repeated on the new trim piece behind the front wheel arches. The chrome elements beneath that, though, seems to be unchanged from before.\nThe image also shows off a set of massive alloy wheels, featuring a brand-new flower-like multi-spoke design. Based on the tyre profile (or lackthereof) in the image, we won\u2019t be surprised if these are actually 23-inch items.\nRELATED: BMW X7 xDrive40i CKD launched from RM649k\nAside from what we see here, we should also be able to expect slight tweaks to the rear bumpers, plus a reworked interior \u2013 the latter possibly including the new\n iDrive 8 infotainment system\n. Confirmation will of course have to wait for the official launch, but based on the leaked website, it seems like we won\u2019t have to wait for much longer.\n[Source: Autoevolution]"
"Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM), a joint venture between Sime Darby Motors and SISMA Auto, has consolidated its retail operations, making it the sole importer and dealer in Malaysia.\nThe move includes the acquisition of dealer assets and transfer of staff from both Sime Darby Auto Connexion and SISMA Auto into JLRM\u2019s central business operations at the Jaguar and Land Rover Dealership in Ara Damansara, Selangor.\nThis 167,586 sq ft facility houses both new and approved Jaguar Land Rover pre-owned vehicles. It\u2019s also the largest Jaguar Land Rover 4S facility in the South-East Asia region.\nJaguar Land Rover Malaysia Sdn Bhd also has retail operations located in Penang; along Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad. As for the Southern Region, Service Outreach programmes will be curated to serve the local customers.\nThe JLRM outlet in Penang.\nAside from the announcement, JLRM also added that customers can expect more luxurious and convenient services to be rolled out. It also plans to increase its investment in digital initiatives over the next few years to continue improving customer service.\nJLRM will also train more Jaguar Land Rover Master Level 4 Technicians and Electric Vehicle Technology Certified Technicians for customer assurance.\n \nJLRM highlighted that customers can also expect new models in the near future including the Jaguar F-Pace with a new interior and exterior design, the XF, I-PACE, Land Rover Defender 90, and the new Range Rover.\nLand Rover Defender 110 now in Malaysia, from RM798k. Check out our coverage here!"
"News from the chilly Scandinavians has brought Volvo fans the world over to rejoice when Volvo Car Group announced that it has acquired 100 percent of Polestar, a famed\u00a0Swedish high performance car company, including the Polestar brand.\nVolvo isn\u2019t really a car company that springs immediately to mind when speaking about performance cars. They are known for making \nsensible and safe family saloon cars\n. That notion however, is rapidly changing because Volvo currently develops and manufactures some of the \nmost powerful\n, \nmost environmentally-friendly engines \nin the automotive industry.\nVolvo S60 Polestar, model year 2016\nHaving said all of that, Volvo has made some incredible road going monsters in its time. In\u00a0\n1996\n, Volvo introduced the five-door station-wagon called the\n 850R\n. With a manual gearbox it could do the century sprint in \n6.5 seconds\n\u00a0and with a top speed of \n255 km/h\n. This was done with help of a\u00a0\n2.3-litre five-cylinde\nr powerplant.\nFast forward this year and consider the \nS60 Polestar \nas a proposition. In essence, it\u2019s a\n 345 hp turbocharged inline-six\n with a \nHaldex all-wheel-drive\n system with a \nrear torque bias\n and huge \n245mm\n wide Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. Add to it the Ferrari-beating rarity and that ever so striking shade of Polestar\u2019s \n\u201cRebel Blue\u201d\n lick of paint that Volvo splashes on their performance-oriented Polestar cars.\nIn 2015, Volvo expects to sell \n750\n Polestar versions of the \nV60 wagon and S60 sedan globally\n. Polestar sales are forecasted to increase between \n1,000 \nand\n 1,500\n cars a year in the medium term under Volvo\u2019s ownership. The Swedish carmaker also revealed that existing Polestar Performance employees will become Volvo employees, and that the Polestar racing team will be renamed despite retaining Christian Dahl, former owner of Polestar, the person in control.\nHowever, it is very unclear at this juncture, on whether or not Volvo will be retailing its new-acquired Polestar car division on our shores.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The technology for automatic gearboxes has advanced rapidly. From dual clutch transmissions to torque converters with ratios reaching double digits, the latest piece of news from Honda will surely raise some eyebrows.\nA report from \nAutoGuide\n\u00a0stated that Honda had just patented an 11-speed automatic transmission, which is also a triple-clutch gearbox!\u00a0The patent, published in\u00a0May at the Japan Patent Office, mentions that the new transmission will allow \u201cspeed change to be more effectively restricted and a speed change response to be increased.\u201d In other words, adding the third clutch will\u00a0reduce the drop in torque from a regular\u00a0dual-clutch transmission (DCT).\nTheoretically, the obvious benefits with this gearbox are\n faster gear changes\n and \nimproved fuel economy\n. However, it\u2019s uncertain as yet which Honda model will come fitted with this transmission. \nOn the flip side, Honda\u2019s history with dual-clutch transmissions haven\u2019t been as promising. In 2014, Honda suffered from \nthree recalls\n related to the transmission software in the seven-speed DCT fitted into the Fit and Vezel (HR-V) models sold in Japan. Apart from Japan, most markets get either the automatic torque converter or the EarthDreams CVT.\nIs this a classic example of one too many, or will this gearbox become one of Honda\u2019s greatest engineering feat since the glory days of VTEC?\n[Source: \nAutoGuide\n]"
"A few months after the launch of its Malaysian-brand counterpart, \nUMW Toyota\n has finally \nlaunched the all-new Toyota Veloz\n. Fetching a price of \nRM95,000\n, the Veloz is more expensive than the \nAlza\n AV by about RM20,000.\nLaunched in one variant only, the Veloz is powered by the same 1.5-litre engine (\n106 hp\n/\n138 Nm\n) and gets the same CVT as the Alza. Powertrain aside, here is how the Veloz and Alza compare against one another.\n1. Exterior \u2013 Tougher look, two-tone paint job\nAt the front, the Veloz sports a different set of headlights and a different bumper that both give it more presence compared to the Alza. There is also a chrome garnish that stretches from the headlights all the way to the D-pillar, highlighting the car\u2019s shoulder. The wheel arches also have a prominent indent.\nAs for the rear, the Veloz\u2019s taillights span the car\u2019s width, with only a small interruption from the Toyota emblem in the middle. The rear bumper design is also different, and a \u2018VELOZ\u2019 lettering is perched on the tailgate. Special to the Veloz is a two-tone paint job that is available with the silver and the blue base colour.\nRELATED: \n3 things we like (and don\u2019t) about the 2022 Perodua Alza!\n2. Bigger wheels and more ground clearance\nThe wheels on the Veloz are 17 inches in size, which is one inch bigger than the 16-inch wheels on the Perodua Alza AV. In the Alza range, the base-spec Alza gets an even smaller set of 15-inch wheels. Together with the bigger wheels, the Veloz also has a higher ground clearance at 190 mm compared to the Alza\u2019s 160 mm (AV & H variant) and 150 mm (X variant).\n3. Interior \u2013 Wireless charging, automatic AC control, and ambient lighting\nInside, the Veloz runs a different colour scheme than the Alza, foregoing all of the Alza\u2019s red elements. In terms of convenience, the centre console of the Veloz adds a Qi 2.4 wireless phone charger. Unfortunately, there is still no storage space in front of the gear lever in the Veloz, although the space is now minimised due to the gear lever being pushed forward to account for the new wireless charging pad.\nSprucing up the interior is a bluish ambient lighting system that can also be seen on the centre console. Above the centre console on the dashboard is a different set of Air Conditioning controls, as the Toyota Veloz comes with automatic climate control.\n4. Tilt & Telescopic Steering Adjustment\nEnabling you to get the perfect driving position in the Toyota Veloz is the tilt and telescopic steering adjustment. The Alza only offers tilt adjustment, which is a spot of bother for those with long legs but short arms and vice versa. Both the Veloz and Alza have the same set of control buttons on the steering wheel.\n5. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay\nLike the Alza, a floating 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit takes centre stage on the dashboard. However, the unit in the Veloz provides phone connection via wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as opposed to the wired connection in the Perodua Alza. However, the 7-inch multi-info display unit for the driver is mostly similar to the Alza\u2019s.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota sold 70,872 cars in 2022 so far, 54% up from last year\n6. Vehicle Telematics System\nSpecial to the all-new Veloz is a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) that allows the owner to keep track of the vehicle\u2019s location via an app. The connectivity is 24 hours, and the owner can check on the status of the vehicle, including the speed it is travelling (if the owner is not in the vehicle). Should the vehicle be stolen, VTS enables a Command Centre to locate it via GPS signals and inform the relevant authorities who can retrieve the vehicle.\nAt RM20k more, the Toyota Veloz adds a decent amount of features over its Malaysian-brand counterpart. While some may scratch their heads at the RM20k price difference, \nthe Veloz has already received more than 5,200 bookings ahead of its launch\n. It comes with a comprehensive five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, and additionally, UMW Toyota Motor offers a 24SEVEN Road Assist package to its customers.\nFor the full specifications breakdown of the all-new Toyota Veloz, check out our detailed launch coverage here."
"When the Prancing Horse company announced back in 2012 that the replacement for the 599 Grand Tourer will be show cased at the Geneva International Motor Show (with ridiculous figures from every angle), most would have thought it to suffice. The F12Berlinetta as it came to be known was put on sale with the tag line that read \u2013 \u201cthe most powerful Ferrari made to date\u201d. Ferrari spoke of the possibility of a \nSpeciale\u00a0\nversion of the F12. Could this cut the mustard ?\nThe first thought to hit your mind when speaking of the \nTour de France\n is probably \nLance Armstrong\n riding his ultra-lightweight carbon fibre \nbike\n past the finishing line. Throw in a couple of news reports of his alleged career-ruining doping scandal and I think most of us would get the picture loud and clear. However, the Tour de France in question here involves \ntwo extra wheels\n, an internal combustion\u00a0\nengine\n and team full of heroic chaps in tweed jackets \u2013 yes we\u2019re talking about the Tour de France Automobile race series that took place in the early\u00a01950s and \u201860s.\nFirst organised in \n1899\n, the race series has picked up massive momentum with the likes of \nFerrari\n throwing their almost-priceless 250GTO into the mix with \nJaguars\n,\n Mercedes-Benz\n and even \nBMW\n (they weren\u2019t the most athletic brand back then). In the later years, marques such as \nLancia\n, \nPorsche\n, \nFord\n and \nRenault\n all took their shots at the podium and gave them a run for their money. It was as pure as racing could get \u2013 just man and his machine. Sadly the series was \ndisbanded\n in \n1986\n for a number of reasons. Ferrari has since opted to honour the memory of those fearless lads zooming around in black and white with a limited edition version of the Ferrari F12Berlinetta, dubbed the \nF12tdf\n.\nA quick glance at the current road-going F12 would give most chills straight down the centre of their spines. Some say it was almost \nimpossible\n to make it look any more aggresive and untamed, but the blokes in \nFiorano\n have indeed proved everyone wrong, yet again. Enter the Ferrari F12tdf \u2013 the example shown here is licked in a brilliant shade of the company\u2019s signature \nyellow\n paint scheme. The car is even more angular than before and as aggressive as a scorned bull waiting to charge straight at you. It is decked out in \nslashes\n on the rear quarter panels and a \nredesigned front bumper\n that is there for one purpose only \u2013 \naerodynamics\n.\nIn addition to the fierce styling, the F12tdf is now even more powerful than before. The engineers have managed to squeeze out another \n40 horses\n from the \n6.2-litre\n wailing banshee of a \nV12\n. At a screaming \n8,500 rpm\n, it\u2019ll be pushing out \n770\n rampaging Italian horses and an immense \n705 Nm\n of torque\u00a0at \n6,750 rpm\n with \n80 percent \nof it\u00a0available at \n2,500 rpm\n, resulting in unparalleled, progressive pick-up all the way to the red-line at \n8,900 rpm\n.\nIn order to achieve this, the engineers had to think outside the box considering the fact that the existing engine was already on the brink of what is possible with the technology at hand.\u00a0Numerous modifications have been developed for this engine, starting with the use of race-inspired \nmechanical tappets\n and \nvariable-geometry intake trumpets\n used on Formula 1 cars which help boost \nvolumetric efficiency\n at high revs. In addition to that the F12tdf is equipped with a specific version of the \nF1 DCT\n with\n 6 percent\n\u00a0shorter gear ratios that delivers\n 30 percent faster\n upshifts and \n40 percent\n\u00a0faster downshifts. Insane!\nEvery single part of the Ferrari F12tdf is geared toward to the sole purpose of speed. Aerodynamics is one way of making all those technical achievements work towards that ambition. It has an aerodynamic efficiency figure of\n\u00a01.6\n which is almost double that of the road-going F12berlinetta. Downforce is \n230 kg\n at 200 km/h, which is an impressive \n107 kg\n more. Those digits means that the F12tdf would stick to the road like it was anchored on.\nThe rear spoiler is now \n60mm\n longer and \n30mm\n higher, while the rake of the rear screen has been made more vertical to extend the surface area over which the spoiler can generate downforce and to capitalise on its advantages even more effectively. The concave curvature of the rear luggage hatch either side of the rear screen further enhances the solution. The rear \ndiffuser\n has been reworked and\u00a0now sports a system of \nthree active flaps\n that works in tandem with the \nthree\n pairs of GT-racing-derived \nstrakes\n on the underbody.\nJust 799 prime examples will be built, but prices have not yet been announced. That said, it is widely rumoured that it\u2019ll command a premium of at least \u00a330,000 (\nRM195k\n) more than the F12\u2013 meaning a price tag in the region of \u00a3275,000 (\nRM1.78 million\n) seems likely. As ever, a few choice options could send this spiralling, well past the \u00a3300,000 (\nRM1.94 million\n) mark. Mind you, those prices are void of \nduty\n and \nexcises\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Polestar\n has announced that it plans to launch an electric roadster, named the \nPolestar 6\n, in 2026. Starting from August 16, 2022, interested customers may already reserve a build slot online for the hard-top convertible EV.\nA preview of the hardtop convertible can somewhat be seen through the Polestar O\u2082 Concept that was unveiled in March 2022. The O\u2082 concept was built on another concept car called the \nPolestar Precept,\n which basically previewed the \nPolestar 5\n. The decision to bring the hardtop convertible to production follows the overwhelming response toward the O\u2082 Concept.\nPolestar O\u2082 Concept\nPolestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath said, \u201cWith the overwhelming consumer and press response, we took the decision to put this stunning roadster into production and I am so excited to make it a reality. Polestar 6 is a perfect combination of powerful electric performance and the thrill of fresh air with the top down.\u201d\nPolestar has revealed that the Polestar 6 will feature the high-performance 800V battery that has also been confirmed for the Polestar 5. As for the powertrain, the Polestar 6 will get a dual-motor setup that churns out \n884 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n. Polestar targets a \n3.2-second\n 0-100 km/h time for its upcoming convertible.\nRELATED: \nUpcoming Polestar 3 wants to \u201cbring the \u2018sport\u2019 back to the SUV\u201d\nUpon its launch, 500 numbered units of a special \u2018LA Concept\u2019 version are planned to be produced. They will exclusively feature the unique \u2018Sky\u2019 blue exterior, light leather interior, and unique 21-inch wheels of the original Polestar O\u2082 concept.\nThe upcoming electric roadster will headline the brand\u2019s attendance at the Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance, as well as \u2018The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering\u2019 events during Monterey Car Week in California, happening on the 18-21 August 2022.\nRELATED: \nElectric Volvo XC90 patent images leaked \u2013 borrows styling from Polestar 2"
"As the Covid-19 vaccination rate has reached 57% of the total adult population (79% with least one dose) in Malaysia, more and more businesses in the service sector are slowly increasing their output.\nFor the transportation sector, Puspakom, the sole vehicle inspection body in Malaysia, is making its mobile inspection units available every day, seven days a week, to ease those in need of the service.\nThe mobile inspection unit consists of three different services; Mobile Truck for heavy commercial vehicles, Light Mobile for light commercial vehicles, and Mobile Van for private vehicles.\nThere has been an important update to the list of allowed activities and services for states under Phase 1 NRP. Click here for more info!\nThe mobile van is intended to serve private vehicle owners or businesses who want the inspection on their vehicles performed at their convenience at a place and time of their choice. However, only two inspections can be done, which are the Transfer of Ownership (Tukar Hakmilik) B5 and Special Inspection B2.\nNote the mobile van doesn\u2019t offer these inspections\nAs for the fee, two separate charges are imposed; the usual RM30 inspection fee and an RM100 service fee, per-vehicle basis.\nThere are still five weeks left in the validity extension of expired inspection reports and road tax by the JPJ, which ends on September 30th. Those who wish to renew their road tax and driving licenses can make an appointment at their nearest Pos Laju at \nthis link\n.\nIn conjunction with the celebration of the month of Merdeka, JPJ is offering discounts of up to 70% on summons. More information here.\nJPJ also encourages vehicle owners to use their mySikap JPJ portal as well as MyEG to renew their road tax and driving licences. \u00a0\nIf you are keen to have the Puspakom mobile inspection team at your premises, head to their \nwebsite\n to book an appointment and the payment."
"PHS Automotive\n, the official distributor of \nAudi\n \nin Malaysia has just launched the Audi RS Q8 for the Malaysian market. Fetching a price of \nRM 1,699,990\n, the RS Q8 is the more reserved cousin of the \nLamborghini Urus\n.\nPowered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Audi RS Q8 produces a maximum power output of \n600 hp\n and a maximum torque of \n800 Nm\n. Previously the fastest SUV around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife (now beaten by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT), the RS Q8 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just \n3.8 seconds\n. The top speed is 305 km/h.\nNaturally for an Audi, the RS Q8 is equipped with the brand\u2019s Quattro permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) system with a quattro sport differential and wheel-selective torque control. The active torque vectoring improves traction, stability, and dynamics.\nAdjusting the RS Q8\u2019s ride to suit the road, track, or offroad trails is the RS-specific adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping. The RS-specific damper tuning allows for a broad spread between a ride geared towards comfort and an extremely sporty one. Minimising the body roll is the electromechanical active roll stabilisation (EAWS) system.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini Urus Performante makes Southeast Asian debut in Malaysia\nWith Audi Drive Select, the driver can select between eight driving profiles \u2013 \u201cComfort\u201d, \u201cAuto\u201d, \u201cDynamic\u201d, \u201cEfficiency\u201d, \u201cAll Road\u201d, \u201cOff Road\u201d, \u201cRS1\u201d, and \u201cRS2\u201d. Both \u201cRS1\u201d and \u201cRS2\u201d are RS-specific modes which are individually configurable. Standard on the RS Q8 is the RS brake system with internally vented composite discs in front and ceramic discs at the rear.\nAppearance wise, the Audi RS Q8 is a toned-down version of the Lamborghini Urus. At its front is a carbon and honeycomb grille protecting an RS-specific radiator. Over the normal Q8, the RS Q8 adds on RS-specific trim strips in the body colour widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear, providing space for the more generous track. Also featured are a roof edge spoiler and black Audi emblems.\nLighting the way is the RS Matrix LED headlights that showcase an expressive RS-specific animation when the car is locked or unlocked. Flanking the headlights and taillights are dynamic turn signals.\nRELATED: \nPHS Automotive named new distributor for Audi in Malaysia, sister company to VPCM\nInside, the RS Q8 features a Perforated Valcona leather package with honeycomb stitching and a three-spoke flat-bottom sport contour leather steering wheel with shift paddles. Both front seats get a 12-way powered adjustment lumbar support and memory function.\nSafety-wise, Audi RS Q8 gets adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, intersection assist, lane change warning, and 360-degree cameras. Included in the Audi RS Q8\u2019s \nRM 1,699,990\n price tag is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty. Also included in the price is a three-year free maintenance package and a five-year roadside assistance package.\nRELATED: \nAudi Centre Setia Alam reopens, now under Goh Brothers Motor\nGALLERY"
"A \nlocal daily reported\n a few days ago that 281,527 road accidents were recorded over the first six months of this year \u2013 an increase of 2.5% compared to the same period last year. That works out to an average of 1,543 accidents per day, not including cases that go unreported.\nWhat have Malaysians become on the road?\nWhen you think it can\u2019t get any worse, a Facebook user uploaded terrifying images and a video over the weekend \u2013 two young teens perched on the trunk and rear windscreen of a moving Toyota Vios. If this was a movie set, the director and crew would\u2019ve been arrested for child endangerment.\n(Photos and video credit to Facebook user Chitran) \nChilling as it may be, the incident is a sad reflection of\nthe brazen attitude seen on our roads every day. To all the so-called netizens\nwho have been quick to condemn the action, we hope your own behaviour is\nimpeccable when you get behind the wheel, because bad behaviour \u2013 rampant queue\ncutting, speeding, use of mobile phone while driving, illegal parking \u2013 fuels\neven more bad behaviour.\nIt was no coincidence that the video ended with a pick-up truck, the Vios and the teens and a motorcyclist ignoring a set of traffic lights that had already turned red."
"Volkswagen\n is dead set on pivoting to a fully electric car company within the next 12 years, but it seems that the iconic Golf name will still stick around despite the change \u2013 at least according to a new report by \nAutocar\n.\nFollowing up with Volkswagen CEO Thomas Sch\u00e4fer\u2019s \ncomments in November last year\n, an insider within the company told the publication that the upcoming compact ID.2 urban electric car could be renamed with the Golf nameplate, and could make its debut in concept form as soon as next month.\nThe small EV is due in showrooms in 2025, at a targeted base price of EUR22,500 (approx. RM105k) in today\u2019s money, the report reads.\nNot much information is available for the ID.2-based electric Golf just yet, but the source revealed that it will be the first Volkswagen model to be built on the MEB-Plus platform \u2013 an updated version of its MEB architecture widely used on many of VW Group\u2019s current EV models that will feature new LFP (lithium iron phospate) prismatic batteries, and charging speeds of up to 200 kW.\nThe new compact five-seater hatchback will also feature a more conventional design, as opposed to what we\u2019ve seen on the\n ID. Life concept\n. It was reported that the VW CEO hated the ID. Life\u2019s design so much, he sacked their chief designer. The ID.2-based car will be a \u201ccomprehensive reset\u201d \u2013 not only to the model itself, but also for Volkswagen\u2019s overall electric car strategy under Sch\u00e4fer.\nALSO READ: \nVolkswagen ID.7 debuts in camouflage, EV luxury sedan with 700km range\nWhile initial suggestions were that the Golf name maybe reserved for an updated version of the \nID.3\n, the Volkswagen insider denied this rumour, saying \u201cthe true value of the Volkswagen Golf lies in a car the size of the ID.2\u201d.\nThe still-unnamed compact hatchback is expected to come in between the size of the existing\n Volkswagen Polo\n and \nGolf\n, with a length of \u201caround 4,250 mm\u201d. But despite its smaller overall size, the electric architecture allows for a bigger interior space, akin to those \u201ctypically one segment higher\u201d.\nThe upcoming electric Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI could take on styling cues from the \nCupra UrbanRebel concept\n.\nIt\u2019ll be offered at launch with a single motor, front-wheel drive set-up, although the platform will also support an all-wheel drive set-up with two motors, which could be used for the upcoming GTI variant that will also be returning on the new ID.2-based electric Golf.\n\u201cThe GTX is dead,\u201d said a senior source within the company. \u201cA decision has already been made to replace it with the traditional GTI name and it is being considered for the ID.2\u201d. We don\u2019t have an indication on its powertrain yet, but according to insider sources, the model will still be \u201crelatively lightweight by electric car standards, somewhere between 1,600 kg and 1,700 kg.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGoodbye DSG, Volkswagen R to go fully electric by 2030"
"According to recent sales data from Thailand, the majority of \nToyota Camry\n and \nHonda Accord\n cars sold were of the hybrid variants. Only the two models compete in Thailand\u2019s D-segment saloon market since the \nNissan Teana\n was discontinued.\nHeadlightmag\n reports that from January to July 2022, a total of \n5,541\n D-segment saloon cars were sold in Thailand. Toyota sold \n3,562 units\n of the Toyota Camry (64% market share) while Honda sold \n1,979 units\n of the Honda Accord (36% market share).\nOf the 3,562 units of the Toyota Camry sold, \n52.94%\n (\n1,886 units\n) were of the hybrid variant. In Thailand, the petrol version of the Camry is powered by a 2.5-litre engine. The hybrid version is also powered by a 2.5-litre engine, albeit with electric assistance.\nAs for the 1,979 units of the Honda Accord, \n53.71%\n (\n1,063 units\n) were of the hybrid variant. The Thai-spec petrol-powered Honda Accord uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. The hybrid version, on the other hand, uses a 2.0-litre engine with a hybrid system.\nUnlike in Thailand, neither the Toyota Camry nor the Honda Accord is offered in hybrid variants in Malaysia. Back in July 2021, UMW Toyota committed to producing hybrid models in Malaysia and invested RM 270 million in local operations and facilities. Earlier this year, Toyota even launched the locally assembled (CKD) \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n. Prior to the hybrid, the Corolla Cross was already locally assembled.\nHowever, given that the Camry is fully imported (CBU) from Thailand, a hybrid Camry (most likely also CBU) in Malaysia will not enjoy the same tax rates as the hybrid Corolla Cross. Given its current price of RM 209,800, a hybrid version would cost even more.\nHonda also has CKD hybrid cars like the \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n. The petrol-powered Honda Accord is also locally assembled, but Honda does not offer it in the hybrid version. Currently, Honda Malaysia\u2019s hybrid line-up comprises the City RS e:HEV (sedan and hatchback) and HR-V RS e:HEV.\nRELATED: \nHybrid-powered 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV makes global debut in Thailand and Europe"
"From being described by Tesla\u2019s Elon Musk as \n\u2018not supportive\u2019 of electric vehicles\n, Singapore has now declared its intentions \nphase out vehicles powered by internal combustion engines by 2040\n in favour of low- and zero-emission vehicles.\nFrom \u2018not supportive\u2019 to highly conducive; there should more Teslas in Singapore from next year onwards.\nTo encourage mass adoption EVs and hybrids, the Singapore government will offer \ntax rebates of up to S$20,000 per vehicle\n under the \nEV Early Adoption Incentive\n programme beginning 1\nst\n January 2021 (and ending 1\nst\n January 2023). The scheme \nsignificantly lowers\n the high upfront cost of owning an EV, and it covers \ntaxis \nas well.\nCan Porsche produce Taycans quickly enough for Singapore?\nAdditionally, \nroad tax \nfor EVs and certain hybrid models will be reduced, although a flat annual fee will be imposed to compensate for the expected loss of fuel excise duty collection by the government, since electric cars won\u2019t require fuelling.\nThe EV initiatives were announced by Singapore\u2019s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat during his budget speech on 18\nth\n February, as part of the government\u2019s goal to achieve a \nlow-carbon, low-emission economy\n.\nCharging points to increase from 1,600 to 28,000 across the island.\nOf course, any effort to promote the adoption of EVs and plug-in hybrids wouldn\u2019t be effective without a \ncomprehensive charging network\n. To this end, the Singapore government will work with the private sector to expand the number of public charging points from \n1,600\n presently to \n28,000 across the island\n."
"UMW Toyota (UMWT) has released the official specification and pricing details of the long-awaited Toyota C-HR. As \npromised earlier\n, our local-spec C-HR is offered in a sole 1.8-litre naturally aspirated variant priced at RM145,500, on-the-road without insurance.\nWhile the price point is RM30k cheaper than \nparallel imported units\n (RM176k \u2013 RM185k), the C-HR still costs a hefty premium over its main rivals such as the \nHonda HR-V\n (RM117k), \nMazda CX-3\n (RM138k) and \nSubaru XV\n (RM137k).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota C-HR 1.8L\nEngine\n1,798cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinder DVVT-i\nTransmission\nContinuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n138 hp @ 6,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n171 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM145,500\nUnderpinning the C-HR is the brand\u2019s \nToyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)\n that promises superior driving pleasure, comfort and safety. Dimension wise, the CH-R measures 4,360 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, 1,565 mm in height and 2,640 mm in wheelbase.\nQUICK COMPARISON\nName\nToyota CH-R\nHonda HR-V\nMazda CX-3\nLength\n4,360 mm\n4,294 mm\n4,275 mm\nWidth\n1,795 mm\n1,772 mm\n1,765 mm\nHeight\n1,565 mm\n1,605 mm\n1,535 mm\nWheelbase\n2,640 mm\n2,610 mm\n2,570 mm\nMax Kerb Weight\n1,497 kg\n1,249 kg\n1,211 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\n377 litres\n437 litres\n350 litres\nVisually, Malaysian bound C-HR will come equipped with automatic halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, LED combination taillamps, puddle lamps, shark fin antenna and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 profile tyres. A total of five colours are available White Pearl CS, Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black Mica while Blue Metallic and Red Mica are the only options that come with black roof and mirrors.\nInside, you\u2019ll find leather upholstery, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, keyless entry and start, 7-inch DVD-AVX touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, six speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control, electrochromic rear-view mirror and electronic parking brake. Despite the lengthy list of creature comfort items, you\u2019ll still get manual levelling seats.   Under the hood, you\u2019ll get a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder paired to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that deploys \n138 hp\n and \n171 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels. No turbocharging or hybrid options here.\nAs for safety, the C-HR comes with a comprehensive suite of seven airbags, Traction Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, front and rear parking sensors and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.\nUnfortunately, UMWT \ndoes not\n offer the Toyota Safety Sense P that comes with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. You\u2019d have to turn to \nMyMotor.my\n for that.\nLike all models distributed by UMWT, the fully-imported (from Thailand) Toyota C-HR a comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty package. With the price list available on their official website, it would mean the official launch will happen very, very soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota C-HR in Malaysia"
"Chevrolet has just given its Transformer star, the Chevrolet Camaro a minor facelift in the form of new aesthetics, more tech as well as a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill to power their entry-level model.\nThe refreshed Camaro now features a new front-end with revised fascia, grille, LED headlamps and a reshaped hood. Round the back, the LED taillamps now feature a sculptured design to complement the revised bumper. Alloy wheels measures 20-inch in diameter for all variants of the Camaro.   Jumping straight to the oily bits, the new Camaro Turbo is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that pushes out \n275 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque paired exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. The turbocharged Camaro has its chassis beefed up with FE3 suspension, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, specifically tuned dampers, stiffer rear cradle bushings and cross-axis ball joints in the rear tow links to enhance lateral stiffness.\nThe new four-cylinder set up also boasts near 50/50 weight distribution for superior handling prowess. Chevrolet wants to ensure that drivers will have all the thrills and performance despite the engine capacity, hence Launch Control, Shift Lights and performance instrument readouts are fitted as standard on the Camaro Turbo.\nOther engine choices include the 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 and a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 with \n455 hp\n and \n617 Nm\n of torque. The supercharged V8 is also paired with a new 10-speed automatic that promises quicker shift times and better fuel economy.\nOther updates include Chevrolet\u2019s Infotainment 3 touchscreen, Rear Camera Mirror that uses a camera to display the rear view, Forward Collision Alert and enhanced Performance Data Recorder system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The locally-assembled (CKD) Kia Carnival could soon be launched here in Malaysia, five months after the car was \nfirst launched here in Malaysia\n as a fully-imported model, if a \nFacebook post\n by a Kia dealership in Seri Kembangan is anything to go by.\nAccording to a post published on AZ Master Motor\u2019s Facebook page, the CKD Kia Carnival is now open for booking, with three variants on offer, estimated to be priced between \nRM235,000\n and \nRM260,000\n.\nThe estimated pricing is a stark increase over its CBU counterpart, which slides in right under the RM200k barrier at RM196,341. We don\u2019t usually see a price increase moving from CBU to CKD, but the reason behind the price hike is due to a unique tax loophole in our country.\nDue to the 11-seater layout, the current fully-imported Kia Carnival was able to be classified as a commercial vehicle, thus taking advantage of lower tax rates. Citing customer feedback, the locally-assembled Kia Carnival will instead switch to a seven- or eight-seater layout, which should afford more legroom for passengers at the back, but at the expense of a higher price as it\u2019s now classified as a passenger vehicle.\nAt least, the new car should come with some upgrades to its equipment list to help compensate for the higher price. Official specifications haven\u2019t been announced yet, but the dealer\u2019s post confirmed that the CKD model will come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as opposed to the analogue unit on the current car.\nWe could also see the addition of advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, which are sorely missing from the current fully-imported Kia Carnival.\nAs for performance, we expect the locally-assembled Kia Carnival to continue with the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel mill as before, which sends \n202 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nInterested to know how the Kia Carnival drive? Check out our first impressions here! \nGALLERY"
"If you felt the \n2.0-litre four banger Macan introduced by Porsche Malaysia in June\n, with a mere \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n does not match up to the badge it carries, there\u2019s now a \nMacan S\n with a bit more punch starting from RM625,000.\nThat extra punch comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with \n354 hp \nand \n480 Nm\n of torque \u2013 an \nincrease of 14 hp and 20 Nm\n from the old model.\nThe Macan S rivals the \nGolf R\n from 0 to 100 km/h, with a time of 5.1 seconds \u2013 0.1 second faster than before \u2013 but with more allowance for five passengers and undoubtedly higher levels of comfort. The base model Macan does the same in 6.7 seconds.\nPower is sent to all four wheels (mix sized) via a 7-speed PDK transmission, safeguarded by the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) System.\nThe exterior remains largely a familiar one \u2013 sharing similarities with the base model Macan with 18-inch wheels, LED headlamps and a very catchy rear LED light bar with 3D \u201cPorsche\u201d lettering.\nWith power comes responsibility and the Macan S is not just a charging bull without leash. Emphasis has been placed on its braking performance and pedal feel for the driver to feel a very precise pressure point.\nLike the Macan, the Macan S also gets larger front brakes, with a 10mm increase in diameter to 360 mm and 2 mm thicker discs.\nOn board the Macan S, you\u2019d find features like the 14-way power adjustable seats, a Bose Surround Sound System, a 10.9-inch touchscreen display (up from 7.2-inch) supported by the Porsche Communication Management System, just like in the Cayenne and Panamera. A GT sports steering wheel, like in the 911, can also be specified as an optional extra.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Due to the continuous high number of \nCovid-19\n cases in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Senior Minister of Security, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that an \nEnhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO)\n will be imposed in several localities in the region. The EMCO will be enforced from July 3 until July 16.\n\u201cSelangor recorded an average of 1,800 to 1,900 cases daily, while Kuala Lumpur have between 600 and 1,000 cases daily. All districts in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur recorded Covid-19 case incidents of more than 12.1 per 100,000 residents,\u201d he said in a statement released by the National Security Council (MKN) today.\n\u201cR-naught (R0) in both states are still around the 1.0 mark, and is not showing any downward trend. This is a worrying situation given that we take into account the density of residents and spread of three new variants, which is much more dangerous.\u201d\nWith the implementation of the EMCO, all roads in the areas affected will be closed and guarded by the police. All residents in EMCO areas are not allowed to leave their homes, except for one member per family to acquire essential items within a 10km radius. A curfew will also be imposed at 8pm, except for emergency situations or with the police\u2019s approval.\nGoCar is offering free shuttle service and vehicle usage for vaccination appointments\nAll public transport will be operating at 50% capacity, while taxi and ride-hailing services will be limited to two persons onboard, including the driver. Travelling to vaccination centres will be allowed with valid proof of the vaccination appointment in the MySejahtera app or SMS.\nGrab offers discounted rides for senior citizens for vaccination appointments\nDuring the EMCO period, only essential services will be allowed to operate from 8am to 8pm. On top of that, only factories that are involved in production of food and daily essentials such as medicine and face masks will be allowed to operate during this period.\nOnly key workers in the essential services sector with a valid letter of approval from MITI will be allowed to travel to work. All other sectors must work from home.\nRestaurants, food trucks, and hawkers will be allowed to operate for takeaway, drive-through, and delivery from 8am to 8pm. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores selling essential items will also be allowed to operate from 8am to 8pm.\nMeanwhile, petrol stations will be allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm daily, with the exception for those along highways, which will be allowed to operate 24/7.\nAll social, sports, recreational, and cultural activities will be strictly banned during the EMCO period.\nThe full SOP document can be found on the National Security Council\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nThe full list of regions placed under EMCO from July 3 until July 16 are as follows:\nKuala Lumpur\n-PPR Batu Muda, Batu\n-PPR Sri Semarak\n-Flat Seksyen 2, Wangsa Maju\n-Flat Seksyen 1, Wangsa Maju\n-Kg Padang Balang\n-Taman Koperasi Polis (Phase 1 and 2)\n-Flat Sri Sabah\n-Kampung Puah\n-PPR Kg Baru Air Panas, Setiawangsa\n-Flat Desa Pandan (termasuk Baiduri & Delima), Titiwangsa\n-Kg. Batu Muda, Batu\n-PPR Kerinchi, Lembah Pantai\n-Tmn Ikan Emas\n-Bandar Baru Sentul\nSelangor\nGombak\nBatu\nRawang\nSetapak\nHulu Kelang\nKuang\nPetaling\nPetaling\nDamansara\nSg Buloh\nBukit Raja\nHulu Langat\nAmpang\nCheras\nKajang\nSemenyih\nBeranang\nHulu Langat\nSepang\nDengkil\nLabu\nSepang\nKuala Langat\nTanjung 12 (1)\nTanjung 12 (2)\nTeluk Panglima Garang\nMorib\nBandar\nJugra\nBatu\nKlang\nKapar\nKlang\nKuala Selangor\nIjok\nBestari Jaya\nJeram\nTanjung Karang\nHulu Selangor\nSerendah\nRasa\nUlu Yam"
"With the latest\nprogress in battery cell technology, BMW has announced that their BMW 530e\niPerformance plug-in hybrid will feature a new lithium-ion battery pack with increased\ngross energy content.\nAlthough its dimensions are unchanged, the 530e iPerformance now gains a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, up from 9.2 kWh from before. This increased the all-electric range by more than 30% to \n64 km\n. Fuel consumption is now quoted at \n1.7 litres per 100 km\n. Later in the year, there will also be a new\n xDrive all-wheel-drive\n variant of the 530e sedan with an all-electric range of up to 57 km.\nBMW did not reveal whether output and key performance figures were altered with the new battery pack but the 530e iPerformance with its 9.2 kWh battery, packs a combined output of \n248 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque to drive the rear wheels. Century sprint is done in \n6.2 seconds\n while top speed is limited to \n235 km/h\n.\nThe 9.2 kWh battery pack\ntakes 5 hours to be fully charged when plugged into a standard domestic power\nsocket or under 3 hours when it gets juiced from a BMW i Wallbox. Expect the new\n12 kWh battery pack to take a slightly longer, if not the same time to be fully\ncharged."
"The new Mercedes-AMG GT R, alongside the\n AMG GT C\n, has roared its way to Malaysia, priced at RM1.7 million on-the-road before insurance.\nVital Stats\nEngine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\nTransmission: 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT\nHorsepower: 585 hp @ 6,250 rpm\nTorque: 700Nm @ 2,100 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.6 seconds\nTop Speed: 318 km/h\nHaving spent most of its development time on the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife, known as the world\u2019s toughest race track or the \nGreen Hell\n, the AMG GT R is nicknamed \u201cBeast of the Green Hell\u201d with a lap time of just 7:10.9 minutes.\u00a0\nThe raw appearance of the GT R goes beyond aesthetic appeal \u2013 two aerodynamically-shaped horizontal fins help ensure maximum air flow to the radiator for the best cooling performance. Cooling performance is also enhanced with special cooling air slits by the wheel arch liners, and an AIRPANEL active air management system,\nAt a speed of 80 km/h in RACE mode, the carbon component that weighs only about two kilograms that is sealed almost invisibly in the underbody in front of the engine moves downward by about 40 millimetres and changes the airflow.\nThe GT R also comes with a carbon fibre roof, 20-inch wheels and 6-pot caliper brakes with carbon ceramic discs.\nThe carbon-fibre roof, yellow-painted brake callipers and prominent fixed wing accentuates the racing DNA of the AMG GT R. The side view additionally benefits from the AMG 5-twin-spoke forged wheels and the AMG cross-spoke forged wheels for the AMG GT R and GT C, respectively.\u00a0\nOn to the mechanical bits, the GT R\u2019s wishbones steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged aluminium to reduce unsprung mass.\nIt also adopts uniball spherical bearings on the lower wishbones at the rear axle in place of conventional wishbone bushings for reduced play, contributing to better driving precision.\nInside, the GT R is as dramatic as its exterior with the AMG Track Package. This includes a steel roll cage, AMG full bucket seats and a fire extinguisher.\nAlso available in the Mercedes-AMG GT R is AMG TRACK PACE \u2013 a system that transform COMAND and a smartphone into a personal race engineer.\nThe AMG DYNAMIC SELECT allows an adjustment of the vehicle\u2019s characteristics in the AMG GT by turning a switch. It works even faster than a racing team according to Mercedes-Benz \u2013 adjusting parameters for the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Depending on the selected drive program, the vehicle either becomes more comfortable or ready for the racetrack.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars have big plans for autonomous driving and electrification. Recently partnered with tech giants to \nresearch on Level 4 automated driving\n as well as making a pledge to \nlaunch every new Volvo model with some form of electrification\n from 2019 onwards.\nNow, the Swedish premium carmaker announced new financial and operational ambitions by 2025 \u2013 generating half of all annual sales from fully electric cars and have one-third of all cars sold to be autonomous driving cars.\nFive pure electric vehicles are planned for launch between 2019 and 2021 and the automaker targets to sell a total of one million electrified cars by the end of 2025. Not too long ago the company announced that they will \nnot be developing new-generation diesel engines\n and will focus on electrified petrol engines, further highlighting their commitment towards electrification.\nAutonomous driving cars, on the other hand, does not mean fully automated cars but vehicles that feature high levels of self-driving capabilities (Level 4 autonomy) which the drivers can take over the wheel at any given time.\nPresident and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars, Hakan Samuelsson said, \u201cOur customers\u2019 expectations are changing rapidly. This means that Volvo Cars is also changing rapidly. These initiatives will help transform Volvo from being purely a car company to being a direct consumer services provider,\u201d\nVolvo Cars also targets to have 50 per cent of its cars offered to customers are from its subscription service. Polestar, its high-performance EV subsidiary, is already offering their first ever car, the \nPolestar 1 with a subscription plan\n."
"Toyota\u2019s first foray into the mass-production electric vehicle has been further detailed, with the \nbZ4X\n SUV fitted with either a single or dual-motor setup.\nMeasuring 4.69 m long, 1.86 m wide and with a wheelbase of 2.85 m, the Toyota bZ4X SUV has nearly the similar dimensions as the \nKia EV6\n and \nBMW iX3\n whilst slotting in between the Toyota RAV4 and \nToyota Harrier\n. The American pair of Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y are wider than the new Toyota.\nBeing Toyota\u2019s first EV, the bZ4X will utilise a dedicated platform prioritising a low centre of gravity to house the thinly designed 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery as well as a dual-motor set-up. Two major drivelines are in the works, with a front-mounted electric drive unit offering up to \n204 hp\n and 500 km of range.\nThe dual-motor AWD set-up meanwhile has a total combined system output of \n218 hp\n with both axles distributing equal power. The range is estimated to be in the region of 460 km. Straight-line acceleration figures meanwhile are typical of Toyota\u2019s conservative figures with the single motor requiring \n8.4 seconds\n to perform the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration, while the AWD shaving 0.7 seconds.\nSubaru\n, Toyota\u2019s partner in this electric SUV project, will oversee the development of the \nX-Mode\n All-Wheel Drive system with a new Grip Control function for some light-duty off-road driving that is better than many EV SUVs. \u00a0\nToyota also wants drivers to enjoy the sensation of driving in the new bZ4X and as such, the steering control sees a major evolution to how we steer and even how the steering \u201cwheel\u201d is designed. China will be the first market to adopt the new \u201cone-motion grip\u201d steering system, featuring an oblong-shaped steering wheel.\nFully electrical without any mechanical connection, the steer-by-wire system allows an unheard-of lock-to-lock rotation of just 150 degrees (not even half a circle), eliminating the need to change grips when steering, greatly reducing the burden on the driver for U-turn, parking and on winding roads.\nWithout a mechanical shaft and rack, the vibration from the road is not transmitted to the driver, providing a more relaxing drive over a long distance. Semi-autonomous driving will also be more precise thanks to the redesigned steering system. \u00a0\u00a0\nAvailability of the Toyota bZ4X will be limited to markets with great demand for battery EV (BEV) and plentiful supply of electricity from renewable energy such as wind, solar, and ocean. To further add the Toyota bZ4X\u2019s driving range, the roof panel can be ordered with a solar panel which Toyota claims to increase the driving range by up to 1,800 km a year. \u00a0\nCustomers in major markets such as the US, Europe, Japan and China can expect the Toyota bZ4X to be available in showrooms from the middle of 2022. Subaru\u2019s Solterra will have a digital debut on the morning of November 11th from Japan. \u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s a saying at Hethel, \u201cLess weight equal more Lotus\u201d and the brilliant engineers has done just that to the legendary Lotus Elise. Updated for the year 2017, the Lotus Elise went through a diet and gets a more hardcore Sprint Edition for the Sport and Sport 220 variants.\nThe Elise range benefits from a \n10 kg weight reduction\n thanks to a redesigned lightweight front clam panel (front bumper) that shaves off 8.7 kg and redesigned rear lights that weigh 300 grams less. Every gram counts, eh? Inside, a new exposed open-gate manual gearbox that was first used in the \nExige Sport 350\n helps bring the weight down by another 1 kg.\nFor even more weight saving, customers can opt for carbon side sill covers that further trims weight down by 800 grams while increasing door aperture by up to 10 mm.\u00a0Who says it\u2019s all about light weight? Other optional components include Alcantara finished steering wheel, vent-surrounds and sills. A new Electric Light Blue has also been added to the Lotus core colour palatte.\nNo changes were made to the mechanics of the Elise, as such the car remains powered by a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated flat-four engine that produces \n134 hp\n and \n160 Nm\n while the Elise Sport 220 gets a more powerful 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder with \n217 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. The Elise Sport 220 also gets a new exhaust system that Lotus claims will make the 1.8-litre supercharged Elise the best-sounding four-cylinder car on the market. Can it be better than the \nAMG A 45\n, though?\nAs for the Sprint Edition, this special variant gets a massive 30.8 kg weight reduction, thanks to a new lightweight lithium-ion battery (-6 kg), carbon race seats (-6 kg), lightweight forged alloy wheels (-5 kg), carbon access panel, roll hoop cover, engine cover and polycarbonate rear screen (collectively -6 kg). Opt for the optional two-piece disc brakes and carbon sill covers and that will save you an additional 4.8 kg that brings the Elise Sprint to a dry weight of just\n 798 kg\n. Thanks to the additional weight savings, the Sprint Edition boast a faster\u00a00 to 96 km/h time of \n5.9 seconds\n and \n4.1 seconds\n for the Sprint\u00a0and Sprint 220, respectively.\nRegular Elise Sport and Elise Sport 220 buyers can specify all the lightweight components found in the Sprint Edition but only the Sprint range gets bespoke matt black transom panel, black wheels, side stripes and Sprint badging.\nThe updated Lotus Elise range will arrive in UK showrooms in the second quarter of the year and starts from \u00a332,300 (RM177k) for the base Elise Sport and tops out at \u00a344,300 (RM243k) for the Elise Sprint 220. In their never ending pursuit of lightweight, the next generation Elise may literally just be a go kart for the road."
"Top selling European small family hatchbacks like the \nVolkswagen Golf\n and \nFord Focus\n\u00a0may have dodged the Korean bullet twice. Perhaps third is not quite the charm after Hyundai unveiled the all-new third generation Hyundai i30 ahead of the Paris Motor Show.\nJust like its predecessors, the i30 is designed to cater specifically to European customers. As seen in its \nteaser\n not too long ago, the i30 displays a new hexagonal front grille. Known as the \u201c\nCascading Grille\n\u201c, it will represent\u00a0a new signature identity in future Hyundai cars. The new car is slightly longer and wider than the old model, although the wheelbase remains the same at 2,650mm. Boot space gets a slight bump at 395 litres, 27 litres more than before.\nSafety wise, the new i30 possess autonomous emergency braking and radar cruise control systems to complement the hatchback\u2019s\u00a0\nseven airbags\u00a0\nsetup.\nPowering the i30 is an all-new\u00a0\n1.4 T-GDI turbocharged four-cylinder\n engine that churns \n138 hp\n and \n242 Nm\n of torque. Joining this new engine is a \n1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder\n engine that produces\u00a0\n118 hp\n and \n171 Nm\n, as well as a\u00a01.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel option. There is also a 99 hp 1.4-litre naturally aspirated unit.\nGearbox options can be specced with either the standard six-speed manual transmission or Hyundai\u2019s\u00a0\nseven-speed double clutch transmission\n (DCT).\u00a0The DCT is claimed to improve fuel consumption up to 20 percent compared to its predecessor\u2019s six-speed automatic. At the same time, acceleration is quicker by 10 percent.\nAs far as variants go, there will be the\n N Performance i30\n which is much like the Golf GTI and the Focus ST. Hyundai says the hotter i30 will pack around 250 horsepower and has been extensively developed at the Nurburgring. Right now the i30 is available strictly as a five-door hatch, but expect to see the estate and crossover variants sometime in the near future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s official \u2013 production of the \nBMW i8 Coupe \nand \nRoadster\n will end in the \nmiddle of April 2020\n, six years after its introduction at the 2013 IAA Motor Show.\nIn its six-year lifetime, the BMW i8 has collected many accolades, including multiple car of the year awards, as well as the coveted \u201c\nEngine of the Year Award\n\u201c, winning five years in a row for the category it competed in.\nAccording to BMW, the BMW i8 has also developed into the world\u2019s most successful sports car with an electrified drive system, with \nmore than 20,000 units sold\n since 2014 \u2013 higher sales than all competitors in its segment combined.\nMore importantly, the BMW i8 also helped paved the foundation for BMW Group\u2019s now broad range of plug-in hybrid models, setting the course for\n 25 electrified models\n across the group by 2023 \u2013 of which half will be fully electric \u2013 rightfully earning its place in the company\u2019s milestones.\nThe BMW i8 was a study of integrating dynamic driving pleasure with sustainability. Under the hood, a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine makes 231 hp and 320 Nm of torque, with power routed to the rear wheels.\nThe internal combustion engine is paired to an electric motor, sending an additional 143 hp to the front wheels for a total combined output of \n369 hp\n and \n570 Nm\n of torque.\nDriving dynamics is handled by the BMW LifeDrive architecture, with its chassis made of aluminium (drive module) and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (passenger cell), the BMW i8 weighs\n less than 1,500 kg\n, and boasts a perfect \n50:50 weight distribution\n.\nAs a last hurrah, BMW is currently producing the 200-unit limited Ultimate Sophisto Edition of the i8 at the Leipzig assembly plant \u2013 one of which was manufactured in December 2019 as the 20,000th unit of the plug-in hybrid model.\nTake a bow, BMW i8. You will be missed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s \nnot as though we haven\u2019t seen it before\n, but less than a day before its official launch, the \nMazda CX-60\n has been leaked once again \u2013 this time in high definition photos courtesy of several Instagram accounts, including serial leaker \nwilcoblok\n.\nThe CX-60 is part of Mazda\u2019s latest SUV line-up expansion, underpinned by the marque\u2019s \nnew rear- and all-wheel drive architecture\n. Designed as a five-seater mid-size SUV for markets more receptive of smaller dimensions such as Europe and Japan, the CX-60 will be offered with Mazda\u2019s latest six-cylinder engines.\nFrom these leaked photos, we can see that the CX-60 does not deviate too much from Mazda\u2019s tried and true design language, somewhat resembling the \nnew CX-5 facelift\n. Notably, however, it does seem to adopt a bolder design particularly around the fenders, alongside the flatter nose and new unique LED headlights with a distinct daytime-running light signature.\nThe front bonnet also seems exceptionally long when compared to most SUVs in the market these days, as they\u2019re designed to fit a longitudinal-oriented engine for the car\u2019s rear- and all-wheel drive set-up.\nRELATED: Mazda to introduce a wave of SUVs with new naming scheme, six cylinders, and wider bodies\nMoving inside, the cabin of the CX-60 once again looks very \u201cMazda-like\u201d, with all the plush material choices that we\u2019ve come to expect from the Japanese carmaker. From the leaked image, it looks like that the CX-60 will also be the first Mazda model to feature a fully digital instrument cluster, in place of the hybrid units we\u2019ve seen from the marque\u2019s other models.\nOther interior highlights include the massive (what looks like a 12.3-inch unit) infotainment display sitting atop the dashboard, tilted slightly towards the driver.\nAs for powertrains, while nothing has been confirmed just yet, rumours suggest that the range-topping variant will be a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, packing a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a maximum combined output in the region of 300 hp.\nThe global model will also feature Mazda\u2019s \nSkyActiv-X\n inline-six petrol engine and SkyActiv-D inline-six diesel in other variants at launch, both paired to a 48V mild-hybrid system.\nWord on the grapevine is that we\u2019ll also be receiving the all-new Mazda CX-60 here in Malaysia, although it\u2019s still unclear which powertrain options will be offered here; the \nMazda3\n, which saw the introduction of the brand\u2019s new SkyActiv-X engines globally, was launched here with the older SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated mill.\nStay tuned to \nAutoBuzz.my\n to follow the global launch of the Mazda CX-60 SUV tomorrow, plus the latest news on its Malaysian availability!"
"Six months after its\n official launch here on our shores\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now announced that the \nall-new 2022 C-Class\n is now locally-assembled as a CKD model here in the brand\u2019s production facility in Pekan, Pahang.\nOffered in the same two variants as before, the new locally-assembled 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from \nRM287,888 \nfor the C 200 Avantgarde Line, and \nRM327,888\n for the C 300 AMG Line, both prices on-the-road, and without insurance.\n \nSpecifications for both variants remain largely unchanged from before; the C 200 comes equipped with the Avantgarde exterior package, paired to 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, while the C 300 gets the AMG Line exterior body kit, plus a set of 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels.\nThe LED High Performance headlights with adaptive high-beam assist is standard across both variants, as are the full LED tail lights, but the C 300 stands out with a unique \u201cMercedes-Benz pattern grille\u201d with the star design mesh finished in chrome, alongside an additional panoramic sunroof.\nC 300 AMG Line\nMoving inside, the equipment appointments are mostly shared between the two variants. Highlights in the Malaysia-spec 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class\u2019 cabin include a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen infotainment display running the latest MBUX NTG7 operating system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging pad, Artico man-made leather upholstery, powered front seats with four-way lumbar support, as well as an augmented-reality navigation system.\nThe range-topping Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line variant does stands out with extra AMG Line goodies, including a sportier flat-bottom steering wheel, Sports seats, a variant-exclusive metal weave trim, and AMG floor mats.\nExclusive to the locally-assembled model, Both CKD variants now come with powered hands-free access for the boot, while the safety kit also includes the Pre-Safe occupant collision protection system.\nRELATED:\n All-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has over 200 tiny stars on its grille\nAs for powertrain, both variants now come with 48V mild hybrid technology on-board. The base Mercedes-Benz C 200 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with \n204 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n, while the C 300 gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot mill with \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n.\nBoth variants are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels, resulting in a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n7.3 seconds\n and\n 6.0 seconds\n respectively.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line\nC 300\nC 300 AMG Line\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde Line\nC 200\nC 200 Avantgarde"
"Traditionally, the grille has always been the identity of a car and for BMWs, those kidney grilles are the symbol of the brand; like what the Petronas Twin Towers are to Malaysia.\nWhen the \nall-new 7-series \nwas first unveiled to the world in January this year, the automotive end of the Internet exploded but for the wrong reasons. Regardless of how quick and well-equipped the car was, no one could lay their focus away from that unnecessarily massive front grille.\nThree months on, BMW has released this set of new pictures of the 740LE taken in Faro, Portugal and it still looks like a jarring imperfection \u2013 as if it has a swollen eye.\nGC Mah was sent on the same trip \u2013 an international media test drive \u2013 where he also got a closer look at the \nBMW X7\n alongside the 7-series so keep your eyes peeled for that video. He actually thought the grille looked good on the car although we suspect that jet-lag may have impaired his judgment.\nGC Mah \nwith the BMW X7 and 7-series in Faro, Portugal.\nAt least, you don\u2019t get to see the struts beneath the grille, like in the \nBMW X3 xDrive 30i we reviewed recently\n.\nThere will be no questioning its performance though. Among the top ranking 7-series\u2019, the V12 M760Li xDrive makes over \n580 hp\n while a twin-turbocharged V8 unit pumps out \n500 hp\n.\nThe M760Li xDrive will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds; that\u2019s \nas fast as the G30 BMW M5 we tested in Sepang\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s confirmed \u2013 Porsche announced last year that both the\u00a0\nBoxster and Cayman\n\u00a0models will be refreshed, which is the good news. The bad is the flat-six engines we have all come to love will be put into retirement. Before we get to that, the 718 Boxster will be joined by the 718 Cayman at their world debut at Geneva in March.\nApart from the \u201c718\u201d badge, what separates this model and the predecessor is\u00a0the updated front bumper with larger cooling ducts and a distinctive new accent strip underscored by the Porsche lettering at the back.\nUpdated aesthetics aside, the new 718 Boxster receives a new set of suspension, brakes and\u00a0most significantly, new turbocharged flat-four engines. The standard 718 Boxster is propelled by \n2.0-litre lump\n\u00a0producing \n300 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n380 Nm of torque\n. The hotter S variant will receive a \n2.5-litre\n version, producing \n350 hp\n with \n420 Nm of torque\n.\nThe 2.0-litre variant can reach 100 km/h from nought in \n4.5 seconds\n, a 0.7-second improvement over its predecessor. The 718 Boxster S gets there\u00a0\n0.5 seconds quicker\n\u00a0than the standard\u00a0718 Boxster.\nTurbocharging not only increases performance but according to Porsche, it also improves fuel consumption figures by around \n13 percent\n. Back in Malaysia, road tax will be significantly cheaper at \nRM380\n, compared to paying over four figures based on the outgoing model. But this, you don\u2019t really care.\nAlso good news to enthusiasts is that a six-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard, while the\u00a0\nseven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox\n\u00a0will serve as a cost option. We guess only\u00a0the PDK version will be sold in Malaysia should both the 718 models arrive here.\nOther improvements made by Porsche includes a more direct electrically-assisted steering, configured to be 10 percent more direct.\u00a0The suspension has also been retuned to suit the new 718 models, and it sits 10mm lower to the ground than it did before. It comes with \nPorsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) \ntoo, of course.\nThe new models will go on sale from 30 April. The 718 Boxster starts at\u00a0\u00a341,739 (est\u00a0\nRM255k at press time\n) while the 718 Boxster S\u00a0will cost \u00a350,685 (\nRM309k\n). A more powerful\u00a0718 Boxster GTS is surely in the pipeline, one that could potentially outperform the\u00a0\nCayman GT4\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Plug-in hybrid vehicles\n (PHEVs) are frequently billed as the tree-hugging environment-friendly technology of the future, at least until fully-electric vehicles become more widely available. However, a recent study by Fraunhofer ISI institute and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) shows that they might not be as green as we thought they were.\nThe study, which examined usage data from more than 100,000 PHEVs across more than 66 different models sold in Europe, the US, and China, found that at best, a PHEV produces average CO2 emissions that are \ntwice as high\n as the carmaker\u2019s claim, regardless of the test cycle it was measured in (NEDC or WLTP).\nHowever, the real stinger is that at worst, they produce \nup to four times as much CO2 \nas stated on the spec sheet. That means that a PHEV with a \u201ccertified\u201d 50 g/km CO2 emissions figure actually outputs 100 to 200 g/km of carbon dioxide into the environment during regular operation.\nFor context, a modern engine in a regular sedan vehicle like the \nMercedes-Benz C200\n only emits 146 \u2013 156 g/km of CO2 during operation. And the figure goes even lower on a diesel-powered vehicle.\nSo, what gives? The biggest culprit to the higher-than-claimed emissions is the \nlimited fully-electric range\n of these PHEVs, as well as only being recharged every other day on average. When PHEVs are driving around without extra electric propulsion due to the batteries being depleted, the internal combustion engines (ICE) will have to work extra hard to lug around the battery packs which are essentially dead weight.\nCompany cars are the number one contributor to the problem, as they are regularly driven distances that exceed the fully-electric range, and have less incentives to recharge the batteries as the employers are the ones who pay for fuel.\n\u201cIf we want to see lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in real life, the engine\u2019s horsepower needs to be reduced and the electric range increased,\u201d said the study\u2019s leading author, Patrick Plotz.\nPlotz estimates that for a PHEV to replace regular ICE cars (in Germany at least) for environment-friendly reasons, they will need an all-electric range of 80-90 km instead of the 30-60 km as seen on most of these vehicles on sale today.\nThe study, being described as the first systematic analysis into the actual benefits of plug-in hybrids, essentially labels the current PHEVs as nothing more than \u201ccompliance cars\u201d \u2013 which means they are fuel-efficient on paper but emit just as much CO2 as conventional models.\nThe findings are made even more controversial, as Plotz has previously published a study titled \u201cPlug-in hybrid vehicles are better than their reputation\u201d, which was cited by carmakers \u2013 in this case Volkswagen \u2013 as recent as this September.\nHowever, Plotz claims that these carmakers fail to mention that the study was not designed to provide a comprehensive and definitive conclusion. \u201cAt the time, we looked solely at the number of kilometres driven electrically,\u201d Plotz told\u00a0\nAutomotive News Europe\n. \u201cWe did not examine the deviation from the test cycle, and that is where these unflattering results can be found.\u201d\nThe study calls for regulators to reduce the excessive incentives for PHEVs, especially for company cars \u2013 by only issuing the incentives to organizations that provide a sufficient workplace charging infrastructure or support employees\u2019 efforts keep their cars charged."
"It is the end of another working week for many of us, plus also the start of the final quarter of 2021! As more sectors are starting to reopen due to the ease of restrictions, we also get more caught up with other activities.\nApart from various local product launches and policies, news from the region and teasers to upcoming products are the topics of this week\u2019s recap.\nGallery: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line \u2013 Beauty and the beast\nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) launched the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion facelift here without much time gap from its international launch. Apart from the handsome grille embedded with the striking DRLs, the technical features have been tremendously increased, without a large jump in retail price!\nWe do hope to be able to review the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, here is a gallery of\u00a0the new sporty liftback. \u00a0\u00a0\nFacts & Figures: Ferrari Portofino M \u201cModificata\u201d launched in Malaysia\nIt has been quite an active 12 months for Naza Italia, with launches of various models under their stable. The latest model by Ferrari to reach our shores is the Ferrari Portofino M.\nMore than just a facelift, the Modificata or M refresh cycle brings mild upgrades to the engine and sees the fitment of a new 8-speed transmission.\nUMW Toyota teases a hybrid SUV model on the website, full reveal in mid-October\nAfter perhaps a gap of close to four years, UMW Toyota is restarting the assembly of hybrid models in Malaysia. While the digitally generated graphics are trying to hide all the details, the crossover silhouette plus some character lines answered the model in question as the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. A launch date has also been set.\nGallery: Suzuki Jimny now in Malaysia, from R\nM\n169k\nMore and more models are seeing their local launch in Malaysia. To close the month of September, Suzuki Malaysia has chosen to launch the iconic Jimny. The fully-capable SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and mated to a 4-speed automatic. Standard features include chunky H/T tyres, LED headlamps, 4WD with low-range and a touchscreen infotainment system. \u00a0\nGovt to study vehicle end-of-life policy for environmental reasons \u2013 old cars to be phased out soon?\nEarlier this week also saw our Prime Minister deliver the 12th Malaysia Plan. In order to steer the nation towards carbon neutrality by 2050, the topic of phasing out old cars has been proposed.\nEnd-of-life policy has been discussed but a definitive regulation or requirement has not been reached. Reasons used during previous proposals placed a tight rope on safety grounds, but the latest proposal now brings demolition of old vehicles as a step towards a cleaner environment.\nGeely wants to build 5,000 battery swapping stations in China by 2025\nBattery-as-a-service (BaaS) has proved to be a success in the eyes of Geely, as the company plans to radically increase the number of swapping stations. Pricing the battery out of the total cost of the electric vehicle not only lowers the price of the vehicle against competitors but also gather important data of customers usage and patterns whenever they return for a fresh unit. \u00a0\nAll-new Toyota Avanza set to be unveiled in November, moving to front-drive layout\nHere is a piece of news from our neighbours down south. The all-new Toyota Avanza is expected to be officially unveiled at the Indonesia Motor Show in November. The biggest surprise is the move from a rudimentary rear-wheel drive layout to a more efficient front-wheel drive platform."
"While it\u2019s great for personal amusement, especially when you\u2019re behind the wheel going flat out but often times, what we fail to realise or at least acknowledge, is that our loud exhaust systems can be a bigger nuisance to others than it is an amusement to us.\nGenerally, as pedestrians, these \u201cear sores\u201d are ignored, with a \u201cmental middle finger\u201d shown to the driver (at most) as they zoom past. The owner of this Ford Mustang was not so lucky, and (we won\u2019t discount that) he may have done something with such frequency for such lack of courtesy shown to him and his car.\nApparently a certain spray foam was unloaded into the muffler tips \u2013 clogging the exits \u2013 in an attempt to silence the car and his owner. The culprits even left a note, written with a tone that reflected the ill nature of their work.\nHaving checked out the Mustang owner\u2019s profile on Facebook, it seems he\u2019s driving the \nlatest generation Mustang unveiled \naround\n three years ago\n. Did he not turn on the \nGood Neighbour Mode\n? Or was it inadequate in suppressing the V8 growl? Were the neighbours a little oversensitive? And subsequently overreacted?\n \nIn the grand scheme of things, we have other questions too. Does two wrongs make a right? If this ever happened to you, would you take the less righteous approach and resort to vandalism to silence that neighbour? Or would you take the high road and confront the man (or woman) with some respect and courtesy?\nWe\u2019d encourage the latter approach; always use words first. Peace.\nSource: \nFacebook"
"The entire world is in a bit of a mess right now, and due to reasons that we don\u2019t need to mention any more (the obvious one being the chip shortage), carmakers worldwide have also been struggling to make new cars. We Malaysians think we have it bad with a six-month wait time for the \nProton X50\n, but wait until you hear about our poor friends in Japan.\nAccording to a report by \nAutomotive News\n, the demand for the \nLexus LX\n in Japan has been so overwhelming that customers are now expected to wait up to 48 months just to get their hands on the behemoth SUV. Yes \u2013 that\u2019s four whole years.\nIn a bid to contain the issue and cut down the backlog, Lexus has already stopped taking orders for the LX in its domestic market. But even then, the company is still concerned cars ordered today won\u2019t even arrive in their customer\u2019s driveway before the next model update rolls about.\nAnd that\u2019s not the only model in Lexus\u2019 stable that\u2019s experiencing long wait times. The smaller \nall-new NX\n, which made its debut last year, is also being forced to close its order books in Japan, as the wait list have apparently also been backed up for about 12 months.\nRELATED: The queue for a new Land Cruiser in Japan is officially a four-year wait\n\u201cLX is very popular not only in Japan but also around the world, and we have received orders that greatly exceed our production capacity,\u201d reads the apology note on Lexus\u2019 Japanese website, as translated by \nAutomotive News\n.\nOver the past two years, Lexus\u2019 parent company Toyota has had to repeatedly shut down production at some of its facilities in Japan due to the lack of necessary components \u2013 a problem which started with just silicon chips, but has since spiralled to also include other parts, due to supply constraints caused by the \nCovid-19\n pandemic.\nHere in Malaysia, both \nPerodua\n and \nProton \nhave also cited parts supply issue as the main culprit behind the long wait times for their cars. It\u2019s not pleasant to wait such an extended period to get your dream car, but perhaps we should really count our blessings that it\u2019s \nonly\n six months, especially in this troubled times."
"So you\u2019ve seen \nAdrian\u2019s introductory video of the \u201call-new\u201d Toyota Camry 2.5 V\n, let me share my thoughts on this car with you.\nThe new \nToyota Camry\n, unveiled at the \n2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n has received heavy criticisms mostly due to the fact that it\u2019s still utilising the old powertrain that has powered generations of Camrys before this and it\u2019s unanimously unacceptable asking price of\n RM189,900\n.\n \nBut is it necessarily a bad thing? As you\u2019d be able to tell in the busy comment section of the video, it seems to be a massive deal breaker but some have been quick to respond \u2013 that a proven albeit slightly seasoned formula, isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing.\nWith all things considered from the video, what do you think?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has finally pulled off the camo and officially unveiled its heavily-hyped flagship fully-electric sedan, the EQS. And with it being the new flagship, there are of course, many headline-worthy flagship specifications to go with it.\nBut of course, through all the marketing fluff, there\u2019s one thing that everyone wants to know on an EV \u2013 and it\u2019s the range. And the good news is that you probably won\u2019t be disappointed here, because the EQS is capable of driving up to \n770 km (WLTP) on a single charge. \nJust to go off on a tangent a little, it\u2019s surprising to see just how far ahead Tesla is with their battery tech. The recently-unveiled Tesla \nModel S Plaid+\n boasts a whopping 830 km of range \u2013 and measured with the more stringent EPA test cycle at that. Many \u201ctraditional\u201d manufacturers meanwhile are still scrambling to even reach the 600 km mark, so it\u2019s positive to see Mercedes coming out swinging on their first \u201cserious\u201d EV entry.\nAnyway, back on topic. To achieve that impressive fully-electric range, Mercedes-Benz had to optimise not just the powertrain and battery technology, but also every last detail of the EV. And on the all-new EQS, the big ticket item here is its aerodynamics.\nIn fact, Mercedes-Benz claims that the all-new EQS is the most aerodynamic production car currently, thanks to its 0.200 Cd drag coefficient, besting the Tesla Model S\u2019s 0.208 Cd. The latter\u2019s rounds up to 0.21 Cd anyway, so that\u2019s another bragging point.\nWhile the difference in numbers might look to be in the minutiae, the difference in an EV can be huge, especially when it\u2019s compounded with all the other various energy losses. A decent sedan these days start at around 0.23 Cd. According to Mercedes, the 0.03 difference can mean up to 4-5% of range.\nSo yes, while the resulting design of the car \u2013 with its fancy cab-forward, low-slung front and rear \u201cOne-Bow design\u201d \u2013 might look a little weird, we\u2019d argue that it\u2019s the \ngood\n kind of weird, since its design actually serves such an integral function to the overall package.\nWhat\u2019s less good in its weirdness though, is the new screen-fest on the interior that is \nthe Hyperscreen\n. Even though the all-screen dashboard was already unveiled to the world before the car was launched, we still struggle to understand how touchscreens \u2013 even if there\u2019s haptic feedback and AI-powered software \u2013 will be more functional than a normal bank of buttons, especially when on the move.\nFortunately, the Hyperscreen isn\u2019t a standard fit item \u2013 the regular EQS comes with a regular portrait screen set-up, just like the one on the regular S-Class. So for regular people like you and me, please go with the regular option \u2013 you\u2019ll thank us later. Anyway, we digress.\nAt launch, the Mercedes-Benz EQS will be offered in two variants, a rear-wheel drive EQS 450+, and an all-wheel drive EQS 580 4Matic. The former features a single motor at the rear axle, with \n333 hp\n and \n568 Nm\n of torque on tap, good enough for a century sprint in \n6.2 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited \n210 km/h \ntop speed.\nThe more powerful all-wheel drive variant meanwhile gets two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 resulting in a total peak system output of \n523 hp\n and \n855 Nm\n of torque. The 0-100 km/h time is a lot faster at \n4.3 seconds\n, though the top speed is capped at the same 210 km/h.\nMercedes-Benz also confirmed that there\u2019ll be at least one high-performance Mercedes-AMG version coming later in the year, and although no further information has been divulged (\nwe pretty much knew already, anyway\n), the company says that it\u2019ll make 761 hp from the factory.\nThere are two battery options (both running a 400 V architecture) available, 90 kWh and 107.8 kWh, though the company did not say which variant and battery option the 770 km electric range figure was based on. If we had to guess though, it\u2019ll most likely be the EQS 580, as it\u2019s capable of recuperating up to 290 kW of energy during hard braking under ideal circumstances (!). The 450+ does with a lesser \u2013 but still impressive \u2013 186 kW.\nFor context, the Tesla Model S is capable of clawing back around 77 kW under hard braking on a good day, while a Formula E race car does 200 kW.\nWhen you\u2019re not relying just on the brakes to charge the battery though, the EQS can be plugged into a AC regular wall socket, charging at a standard 11 kW (or the optional 22 kW) rate. However, you\u2019d probably much rather utilise its 200 kW DC fast charging capability, which can provide up to an additional 300 km of range in just 15 minutes \u2013 that\u2019s if the charging infrastructure is available around, of course.\nGALLERY"
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia have announced the official pricing for the facelifted \n508 Sedan, SW and GT\n variants. With GST and insurance included, the net selling prices are RM173,888, RM183,888 and RM201,888 respectively.\nDuring the launch in May, the company threw us their estimates of RM175k to RM205k. That didn\u2019t veer off too much, nor did it go above the unofficial asking price, which is good news if you ask us. As for the pricing itself, that\u2019s open for debate.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 508 THP Sedan\nPeugeot 508 THP SW\nPeugeot 508 GT Sedan\nEngine\n1,598cc; inline-4 with twin scroll turbo and VVT\n1,598cc; inline-4 with twin scroll turbo and VVT\n2,179cc; turbocharged inline-4 with VVT\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto\nMax Power\n163 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n163 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n202 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,250 rpm\n240 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,250 rpm\n450 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n9.2 seconds; 220 km/h\n9.2 seconds; 220 km/h\n8.4 seconds; 235 km/h\nPrice (OTR with insurance and GST)\nRM173,888.00\nRM183,888.00\nRM201,888.00\nTo quickly recap, the French D-Segment contender gets a fresh new front fascia with all its forward lighting sources powered by LEDs. The same \n1.6-litre Turbo High Pressure \n(THP) and \n2.2-litre turbodiesel engines\n are retained, but both have been slightly tuned for better performance and fuel economy.   Also revised is the \nsix-speed Aisin-sourced automatic\n torque converter driving the front wheels. The petrol unit makes\u00a0\n163 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,450 to 4,250 rpm, whereas the oil burning lump makes\u00a0\n202 hp\n at 3,500 rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 to 2,750 revolutions. Performance figures wise, the 1.6L engine sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in \n9.2 seconds\n while the 2.2L diesel gets there in \n8.4 seconds\n. Top speed is \n220 km/h\n and \n235 km/h\n respectively.\nOn the safety front, the 508 gets\u00a0\nsix airbags\n, two Isofix fixtures for the rear seats, new \u2018curved\u2019 head restraints, collapsible front structure to better absorb energy transfer in the event of an accident and \nBlind Spot Sensor System\n (BLISS). There\u2019s also\u00a0ESP, traction control, Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Braking Assist, ABS with EBD, smart cruise control with speed limiter as well as front and rear parking sensors.\nThe 508 comes packed with a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty\n and Peugeot 24 hours assistance. Customers can also benefit from the Peugeot Privilege programme, granting them the brand\u2019s premium services such as the usage of Peugeot Lounge at Subang Skypark Terminal.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Peugeot 508 Launch   2015 Peugeot 508 GT   2015 Peugeot 508 THP Sedan   2015 Peugeot 508 THP SW"
"The numbers are in with BMW Group announcing fantastic sales results for 2021. The Munich-based company posted sales of \n2.52 million\n vehicles which represented a 8.4% growth versus the year before.\nBMW Group, which consists of the namesake brand as well as MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars saw record sales numbers, with the latter seeing some 48% growth with 5,586 units. It is the marque\u2019s highest sales in its 117-year history. The past year was characterised by \nhigh demand worldwide\n for all models, particularly Ghost and Cullinan and all Black Badge variants, with current orders extending well into the third quarter of 2022.\nThe BMW brand ended 2021 with global sales up 9.1% (to 2,213,795 vehicles) on the previous year and surpasses its previous record of 2.168 million units. Compared to arch-rival \nMercedes-Benz\n, last year\u2019s performance by BMW was circa 120,00 units better than the 2,093,476 units by Team Stuttgart; a total itself representing a 5% decline compared to 2020. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe BMW M performance brand also continues to see growth, as well as pull further ahead of Mercedes-Benz\u2019 AMG brand. Both performance brands saw growth, with BMW seeing sales of 163,542 M vehicles (+13.4%), while Mercedes-AMG delivered 145,979 units (or 16.7% growth).\nGrowth came mainly from the new BMW 4 Series models, and in particular the \ncoupe variant\n. BMW also said the \nM3\n and M4 performed especially well and the large BMW X5 M and X6 M sales also saw large growth. Expect figures to surge this year too, as the BMW M brand is celebrating its \n50th anniversary\n this year with more models.\nThe MINI brand also saw sales growth of 3.3% to end the year with 302,144 units, more than 10% or 34,851 units comprise of the \nMINI Cooper Electric\n. MINI had its highest sales of over 360,000 units back in 2017.\nCombining all the \nelectrified vehicles\n from BMW and MINI, the group moved a total of 328,316 units which represented a massive 70% growth! This figure is expected to grow even larger thanks to the introduction of the new BMW i models such as the i4, \niX\n and \niX3\n as well as the upcoming \ni7\n large sedan and X1 compact SUV.\nLocally, 2022 is going to be a busy year for BMW Malaysia, as the company gears up for the introduction of the aforementioned BMW i models, as well as the all-new \nBMW 2 Series Coupe\n and the \nBMW 4 Series Gran Coupe\n."
"Grab\n is launching their own supermarket \u2013 that\u2019s right. Called GrabSupermarket, the new service will be a delivery-only grocery service which promises next-day delivery at no cost!\nWhile the application already has a GrabMart feature, GrabSupermarket differentiates itself by having its own fully functional and stocked dark store (not catering to walk-in customers), offering a wide variety\u00a0of household needs from\u00a0fresh produce, frozen food, packaged food and\u00a0beverages, to homecare, household products, personal health, supplements and more.\nGrab is now a whole lot more than just its Grab Car service, but there are alternatives for that if you are looking for rides. Check out our \nwrite-up here\n!\nAccording to Grab, the GrabMart feature is meant to cater to your emergency needs with deliveries in 30 minutes or less, while the new GrabSupermarket aims to \u201cdeliver the convenience of a full online grocery shopping experience\u201d, boasting greater value and perhaps the most attractive feature especially when compared to other competing services, no delivery fees.\nGrabSupermarket is part of Grab\u2019s efforts to\u00a0offer more income opportunity to Grab\u2019s delivery network \u2013 which currently services the aforementioned GrabMart as well as GrabFood \u2013\n\u00a0\nwhile\u00a0providing an end-to-end service for local producers, farmers wholesalers and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands to serve directly to Grab\u2019s existing customer base.\u00a0\nLeveraging on Grab\u2019s existing application and payment systems, customers can purchase all of their groceries needs without having to leave their homes or pull cash out from their wallets \u2013 in line with the \nCovid-19\n guidelines.\nThe service will begin its pilot trial starting today, and will be available for Grab customers around\n Section 12 and 13, Petaling Jaya\n. Customers looking to try out the service can access the GrabSupermarket via the \u201cMart\u201d tile on the application\u2019s home screen. More information on the new GrabSupermarket service can be found on Grab\u2019s website \nhere\n."
"You know this was coming. With the launch of the \nF15 X5\n, an X6 will eventually be introduced to the consumers. End of this year that is. This second-generation \nX6\n codenamed \nF16\n follows the same recipe as the previous X6, which looks like a more athletic version of the vehicle it is based on, the X5.\nThe shape is instantly recognisable as an X6 Sports Activity Coupe, but the new car has grown a little bit taller, a wee bit wider, and a tiny bit longer. Standing at \n1702mm tall\n, the new X6 is 12mm taller than the predecessor, and at \n1989mm\n \nwide\n it\u2019s 6mm wider than before. It is also 32mm\n longer\n at \n4909mm\n, but the \nwheelbase\n is retained at \n2933mm\n.\nEven though it has grown in every direction, the new X6 is up to \n40kg lighter\n. Three variants will be available at launch in December namely xDrive50i, xDrive30d, and M50d; with combined\n fuel consumption at 9.7 \u2013 6.0 l/100 km\n. The petrol \nxDrive50i\n is powered by a\n 4395cc V8\n belting out \n450hp\n and \n650Nm\n of torque and it sprints from \n0-100 km/h\n in \n4.8\nseconds.\nThe remaining two diesels are the \u2018base\u2019 \n2993cc inline-6\n with \n258hp\n and \n560Nm\n of torque that powers the\n xDrive30d\n, and another\n inline-6 2993cc\n but with \ntriple turbo\n that generates \n381hp\n and \n740Nm\n of torque in the \nM50d\n. \n0-100 km/h\n time is \n6.7\n seconds for the\n xDrive30d\n and \n5.2\n seconds for the \nM50d\n.\nAnother two variants will be added to the range later next year, a petrol \nxDrive35i\n and a diesel \nxDrive40d\n. All variants are using the infamous \neight-speed automatic\n transmission from ZF and every new X6 is equipped with the BMW\n xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system\n.\nBuyers will get to choose different suspension setups on the new X6. \nDynamic adaptive suspension package\n highlights the X6\u2019s sporty handling attributes with \nDynamic Performance Control\n together with \nDynamic Drive active roll stabilisation\n. \nComfort adaptive suspension package\n equips the X6 with rear \nair suspension\n coupled with \nDynamic Damper Control\n while the \nProfessional adaptive suspension package\n combines both features from both Comfort and Dynamic. \nAdaptive M suspension\n is standard on the M50d but can also be specified on all X6.\nThe interior follows the X5 albeit more cocooning, especially in the back. It\u2019s still practical though, the\n boot capacity\n is \n580 litres\n and the rear seats split and fold \n40:20:40\n. Up front the dashboard is lifted from the X5, with\n black-panel instrument cluster\n and up to \n10.25 inch display screen\n controlled via the iDrive toggle in the center console. Optional Navigation System Professional with Touch Controller can be specified, along with Bang & Olufsen high-end surround-sound system and Rear Entertainment System Professional.\nIn terms of safety, the X6 includes \nairbags\n in\n front and side\n, and even\n head airbags\n for front and rear seats. The X6 also comes with \nactive bonnet system\n that raises the bonnet upon impact with pedestrian.\nThe launch date is set to be in \nDecember 2014\n, so expect the F16 X6 to arrive here in Malaysia by next year.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For the love of all things four wheeled and two.\u00a0Nothing unites people more effectively than having them share a common ground. Be it gadgetry, cars, bikes, hobbies or even harebrained\u00a0political factions; everyone will be happy so long as they have an avenue for camaraderie discourse.\nToday, we look into some of our personal favourite write-ups from our friends within the automotive industry. Stories which we found to be\u00a0enlightening and educational, most of them penned by well respected veterans and highly experienced journalists.\n1. \nLive Life Drive\n \u2013 \nAn inspiring tale of how Mazda makes beautiful cars\nThe author of this piece, Daniel Wong (also the Editor of Malaysian EVO magazine), is wholeheartedly a Mazda buff. He may deny it when questioned in person, but if he hadn\u2019t settled down, we reckon he\u2019d elope with his Mazda MX-5. In this\u00a0piece, Daniel went to great lengths to provide an exclusive look on how Mazda designs beautiful cars; from sketches illustrated by eccentric designers to the intricate Soul Red paintwork \u2013 this is one story you wouldn\u2019t want to miss.\n2. \nAutoworld\n \u2013 \nDoing 200 km/h on public roads, legally\nDuring brother Kon\u2019s business trip to Germany, the itch to stretch his legs on the famous Autobahn proved too hard to resist. He then secured a BMW X4 xDrive28i and took it on a 1,500km journey over the course of eight days, more than half of which was spent on the Autobahn. There, he learned two key things. One, driving at 200 km/h on de-restricted stretches on the Autobahn is more invigorating and less tiresome than constantly traveling at 110 km/h in Malaysia whilst keeping track of driving speed. And two, driving fast can be safe if all drivers learn to be more alert, proactive, caring and responsible on the road.\n3. \nAutofreaks\n \u2013 \nWhy Indonesia\u2019s Auto Show is better and KLIMS is rubbish\nAutofreaks\u2019 Editor-in-Chief Chris Wee is well-known for his straightforward and witty character, his two traits that blend seamlessly\u00a0in the way he writes and the manner in which he speaks. Chris is also one of Malaysia\u2019s most seasoned motoring journalist with a career spanning\u00a0over 20 years. After countless test drives/rides and exhaustive international motor shows later, Chris throws light upon the one thing he can\u2019t wrap his head around at KLIMS \u2013 the fact that he needs to cross a damn river to get to the next hall.\n4. \nKensomuse\n \u2013 \nA car\u2019s price tag is not the only thing you should be keeping in check\nKenneth Sow may not be part of any major automotive titles in Malaysia, but the realist runs one of the most relatable (on a personal scale) automotive blogs out there. The \nSales and Marketing Rants\n section of his website is our personal favourite, filled with stories from detailing his experiences as a Volkswagen customer to whether or not you should get your desired Golf. His latest article on \nOwnership Experiences\n addresses the real-world hurdles\u00a0of not just maintaining a vehicle, but the pros and cons that follow before and after you purchase your dream car.\n5. \nAutogridz\n \u2013 \nDiscovering a true-blue, track munching Porsche 911\nFun fact of the day: Autogridz is actually a homegrown Automotive and Luxury Lifestyle title, and their high quality magazines can be found gracing at just about any bookstores near you. They\u2019re also the official magazine for Ferrari Owners\u2019 Club Malaysia since 2012, and their work is what we admire most. An exemplary case would be their coverage on a stripped-out Porsche 911, all done-up by the one and only One911 Autoworks. Be sure to grab a copy!\n6. \nMotor Trader\n \u2013 \n20 years of Electronic Stability Programme\nESP is inarguably one of the most important safety features ever to be conceived, next to Anti-lock Braking System and seat belts. Senior motoring journalist Chips Yap rewinds 20 years to its birth in 1995 by Daimler and elaborated on what makes ESP of paramount importance and its role in saving numerous lives.\n7. \nCarlist\n \u2013 \nThe Great 2015 D-Segment shoutout\nA few months ago, a handful of motoring media representatives took nearly a dozen D-Segment sedans (nine car to be exact) to the foothills of Fraser\u2019s Hill to determine which is the best family sedan of the lot. Naturally, the idea came about over a \nTeh-Tarik\n\u00a0session (which we sadly weren\u2019t invited) and later materialised into one epic group test. Carlist, a sister site to Live Life Drive, was one of the five media representatives participating in the drive.\u00a0The top pick my surprise you, but read on to find out more. And oh, guys, the next time something of this scale takes place, please don\u2019t forget to shoot us that invite, okay? :(\n8. \nTraffic Mag Online\n \u2013 \nThe devil drives a Neo\nOur dear friend Bobby classifies Traffic Mag Online as Malaysia\u2019s very own Speedhunters, and we couldn\u2019t agree more. Earlier this month, they featured a phantasmic, wide-bodied Proton Satria Neo that\u2019s locally honed and groomed to leave doom in its wake. They\u2019ve also recently tested the new \nHyundai Veloster Turbo\n\u00a0to find out if it had what it takes to face other distinguished hot hatches.\n9. \nBikes Republic\n \u2013 \nTen most popular motorcycles in Malaysia of all time\nTwo-wheeled enthusiasts have surely heard of Bikes Republic, for they are one of the largest and fastest growing motorcycling news portals in Malaysia. Author Gokul Kandiah listed the ten most popular motorcycles to ever rule Malaysian roads, some of which can still be seen\u00a0\nrempit-ing\n\u00a0the streets today.\n10. \nMekanika\n \u2013 \nRM320,000 for an all-electric Japanese motorcycle? What?!\nMekanika is a flourishing Bahasa Malaysia automotive news portal which recently revealed that a Japanese motorcycle costs nearly RM320k a pop! The bike, named ZecOO, is made by a company called Nezu and only 49 units will ever be made. Is there a catch? You bet, because the ZecOO is an all-electric bike!\n11. \nPanduLaju\n \u2013 \nFour key reasons why Perodua is Malaysia\u2019s favourite carmaker\nWe have nothing but great admiration and respect for the man behind \nPanduLaju\n. To cut short his introduction, Gan Yong Li\u00a0is of Chinese descent but was born and raised in a FELDA settlement. His upbringing led to the mastery of our mother tongue \u2013 a level that can effortlessly shame the entire industry with his vast Bahasa Malaysia vocabulary. Our favourite story from \nPanduLaju\n is their feature on why Perodua is Malaysia\u2019s favourite carmaker and with four solid reasons to back. Oh, did we also mention that Gan speaks fluent Mandarin as well? Men can only achieve so much, but you, Mr Gan.\nThat folks, pretty much sums up our favourite picks thus far. We\u2019d like to thank all those who have featured us in your well-respected portals, and we at \nAutoBuzz\n hope that this camaraderie, for the lack of a better word, will continue to knit a bond we can all hold dear for years to come.\nFor the love of all things four wheeled, and two."
"Here is an important update from the \nRoad Transport Department (JPJ)\n Malaysia regarding the key documents for driving and vehicle ownership.\nJPJ is reminding vehicle owners to have their \nexpired road tax\n or \u201cLesen Kenderaan Motor\u201d (LKM) and driving licences to be \nrenewed before September 30th\n.\nThe department back in July granted an \nextension of expiry\n for the CDL (our regular driving license), GDL (for commercial vehicles), and PSV (public service vehicles such as e-hailing and taxi) until November 11th.\nThe press release (above) issued today brings forward the expiry of all driving licenses to the end of September instead. JPJ and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) are also scheduled for enforcement activities on the roads \nfrom\n \nOctober 1st\n. \u00a0\n11 drivers using a popular e-hailing app caught cheating. Find out how they did it here!\nTo ensure a smooth and safe renewal of the two key documents, JPJ has discussed with POS Malaysia to resume JPJ transactions at over 650 POS Malaysia branches nationwide from \nAugust 9th\n.\nThe department also assures that there will be a sufficient supply of materials to facilitate the expected surge in renewals. Hopefully, the same attention would be applied to social distancing SOPs!\nThe JPJ also requests for renewals to be done online through their \nMySikap\n portal as well as \nMyEG\n. All transactions that are not available to be performed online can only be done via \nappointments\n at JPJ branches. Walk-ins will not be entertained.\nPlease ensure your vehicle is covered with valid insurance and bring along the \u201ce-cover note\u201d while driving with an expired road tax slip."
"London Taxi Company (LTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), has rebranded itself to London EV Company (LEVC). This change signals the company\u2019s ambitions to become a global leading urban commercial vehicle provider.\nThe first model to be conceived from this\n \u00a3325 million (RM1.8 billion) investment\n is the LEVC TX, the latest-generation of the iconic London Taxi. Driving the TX is a sophisticated eCity technology developed specifically for urban commute purposes, comprised of an electric powertrain with a small petrol engine acting as the generator. LEVC claims the TX has a range of over 640km and \npure electric range of over 100km\n.\nChris Gubbey, CEO, LEVC said, \u201cFrom our heritage as the manufacturer of the iconic London Taxi, we have unparalleled insight into the needs of commercial operators. Drawing on the best of British design and engineering as well as technical expertise from our sister company Volvo, our products will help transform city living and provide taxi drivers with an average weekly fuel saving of \u00a3100 compared with our outgoing diesel model.\u201d\nThe LEVC TX is slated for launch in London later in the year pending final tests while order books open on 1 August 2017. LEVC has also received its first international bulk order of 225 vehicles from RMC, one of the largest taxi operators in the Netherlands.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019ve been introduced to the new \nBugatti Chiron\n; you\u2019ve also be notified on its \nridiculously hopeless fuel economy\u00a0figures\n, been shown of its mind-boggling, record-breaking 0 to 400 km/h to 0 run and more recently, the\n car that filmed that run\n. Well that news is as fresh as a two-week-old loaf of bread.\nWe\u2019ve been waiting for \u201csomeone to reply\u201d to that feat \u2013 with half a dozen hypercar builders out there, someone had to respond to that achievement and you know what, we weren\u2019t at all surprise that it was Koenigsegg that stepped up to the plate.\nJust a couple days ago, Koenigsegg sent their \nAgera RS\n to lead that charge and dethrone what is now the Bugatti Chiron\u2019s impressive but brief claim. Oh by the way, that particular Agera RS was destined to be shipped to its owner in the US, but the owner wanted to know how it would perform against other hypercars. Bet he/she must be pleased!\nSo here goes, the 1,395 kg Koenigsegg Agera RS accelerated from \n0 to 400km/h to 0\n in just 36.44 seconds. We take longer to tie both our shoe laces!\nBehind the wheel of the record-breaking run was Koenigsegg factory driver, Niklas Lilja, as he powered the\u00a0\n1,360 hp\n with \n1,371 Nm\n of torque Agera RS down the 2.8 km Vandel Airfield in Denmark. All that incomprehensible power is derived from a 5.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed transmission.\nThe numbers are simply incredible; 0 to 400 km/h took just\n 26.88 seconds\n and was completed in just \nunder 2km\n \u2013 covering more than 100 metres per second. Imagine Usain Bolt completing a 100 metre sprint in less than a second and let that thought sink in!\nDecelerating from that took just \n9.5 seconds\n (slower than the Chiron\u2019s 9.3 seconds) over just \n483 metres \nwith the Agera\u2019s ceramic brakes! Total distance used for the run was just a mere 2.4 km; the Agera RS didn\u2019t even require the full length of the runway!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Not a day has gone by without consumers complaining about the lack of rear air vents on the Mitsubishi Outlander and now Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has a solution for that. Introducing the air circulator, an official accessory available for the \nOutlander 2.0L\n and \n2.4L\n.\nThe air circulator works by drawing in fresh cool air from the front, charge it and blast it at the rear passengers \u2013 similar set up as the \nTriton facelift\n but the pick up truck admittedly is better integrated to the cabin. There are two fan speed setting and two adjustable vents for your convenience.\nMMM offers the air\ncirculator for RM1,485 inclusive of installation and can be fitted onto brand\nnew and existing Outlanders. This combined with the dual-zone automatic climate\ncontrol and premium security and tinting film, your rear passengers will not\ncomplaint about the heatwave in the Outlander anymore."
"BMW will soon debut their first-ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, a compact premium sedan that is aimed squarely as the highly successful Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3.\nThe company released a \nsingle image teaser\n earlier in the year and is expected to reveal the car in full at the upcoming 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) in November. However, BMW has quietly released a set of camouflage photos of its new compact sedan ahead of its debut.\nPictured here is most likely the fully kitted out M Sport or possibly the M Performance variant as denoted by its aggressive body kit, sporty kidney grilles, M Sport blue-painted brake calipers and the dual exhaust outlets sandwiching the diffuser.\nThe new 2 Series Gran Coupe will share the same underpinnings as the all-new F40 BMW 1 Series. The UKL2 front-wheel-drive platform has a wheelbase of 2,670 mm, 181 mm shorter than the \nG20 BMW 3 Series\n and 59 mm shy of the \nC118 CLA\n. However, BMW claims that the new architecture promises a spacious cabin for all passengers.\nPowertrain options should mimic the 1 Series with three diesel options and two turbo petrol, the latter consisting of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder (118i) and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder for the \nM135i\n.\nOther notable kits that can be seen on the camouflaged 2 Series Gran Coupe include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlamps and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 2 Series Gran Coupe"
"Last week Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s introduced its latest trio of bad boys \u2013 the \nA 45 S\n, \nCLA 45 S\n, \nA 35\n \u2013 with the A 35 and A 45 S available in Edition 1 form.\nIf you\u2019re keen to catch a glimpse of the these compact AMGs, \nCycle & Carriage Malaysia\n will be bringing them around on a nationwide tour from 18th of June to 6th of July 2020 \u2013 stopping at eight different showrooms in different states.\n18th to 20th June \u2013 Petaling Jaya Autohaus\n21st to 23rd June \u2013 Alor Setar Autohaus\n24th June \u2013 Juru Autohaus\n25th June \u2013 Georgetown Autohaus\n26th to 28th June \u2013 Ipoh Autohaus\n29th to 30th June \u2013 Mutiara Damansara Autohaus\n1st to 3rd July \u2013 Cheras Autohaus\n4th to 6th July \u2013 Johor Bahru Autohaus\nWatch our \n5 Things video of the AMG 45s \nhere!\nTo recap, the A35 4MATIC is priced at RM379,888 and makes 306 hp and 400 Nm. As for the AMG 45 duo, both make 421 hp and 500 Nm from the most powerful production 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine in the world. As for the price, the CLA45 S is priced at RM448,888 while the A 45 S is priced a little more at RM459,888 as it is an Edition 1 model."
"After nearly nine years of serving Malaysians as the most affordable car in the market, the \nPerodua Axia\n finally receives a full model update with the introduction of the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia today. Now built on the DNGA platform, the all-new Axia comes in four variants, with a starting price of \nRM38,600\n.\nPerodua Axia 1.0L G \u2013 \nRM38,600\nPerodua Axia 1.0L X \u2013 \nRM40,000\nPerodua Axia 1.0L SE \u2013 \nRM44,000\nPerodua Axia 1.0L AV \u2013 \nRM49,500\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nIf you think the Axia is looking a little bigger than it used to, that\u2019s because it is, already gaining 115 mm in length, 45 mm in width, and 60 mm in terms of wheelbase. It is also heavier by about 25 kg to 40 kg from the previous generation, depending on the variant.\n \nPowering the all-new Axia is the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated 1KR-VE engine that has been powering the old Axia since its first facelift in 2017. The three-banger still makes the same maximum output of \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n, but is now paired with Perodua\u2019s D-CVT. The powertrain is standard for all variants of the all-new Axia, and as you might have noticed, the 5-speed manual transmission is no longer provided in the all-new Axia.\nRELATED: \nAhead of Axia, Toyota unveils all-new Agya in Indonesia with GR Sport variant\nThe same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine has been carried over, albeit paired with Perodua\u2019s new D-CVT.\nThe result of the new transmission is an overall lower fuel consumption, now rated at \n25.3 km/l\n for variants without Eco Idle and \n27.4 km/l\n for variants with the Eco Idle feature. The 2023 Perodua Axia\u2019s platform is also said to be ready for electrification, so we\u2019re excited to see what comes up in the near future.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia scores 4 stars in ASEAN NCAP crash test, to launch soon\nNow with the \u2018G\u2019 spec as the base variant, the all-new Axia comes with the following features as standard:\n14-inch alloy wheels\nHalogen headlights\nLED rear combination lights with bulbs\nReverse sensors\nPowered door locks\nBluetooth Audio\n4.2-inch LCD segment multi-info display\nAdjustable seat height\nFabric seats\nMonotone instrument cluster\n2 Airbags\nABS with EBD & BA\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia \u2013 bookings for previous generation will be transferred to all-new model\nOptional \u2018Gear Up\u2019 seat covers in this Axia X\nUp a level, The \u2018X\u2019 variant adds on:\nLED headlamps\nAuto on headlamps with positioning lights\nFront corner sensors\nSmart Entry & push start button\nThe \u2018SE\u2019 variant adds on:\nLED DRLs\nChrome front grille\nFront skirting\nSide skirting\nPower mode\nDigital aircond controls\nSemi bucket seats\nAnd finally, the \u2018AV\u2019 variant adds on:\nSemi leather seats\n9-inch LCD touchscreen with HDMI\n7-inch TFT multi-info display\nFull steering switch set\n6 Airbags\nAuto High Beam\nLane Departure Warning & Prevention\nBlind Spot Monitor\nRear Cross Traffic Alert\nReverse Camera\nA.S.A. 3.0\nIn terms of safety, you\u2019ll have to get the range-topping Axia AV to get Perodua\u2019s A.S.A 3.0, albeit an incomplete one. The Axia, even in its highest variant, does not get Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Control.\nWith its new price range, the all-new Axia is more expensive across the range compared to its predecessor. However, the local carmaker assures that the value added to the Axia is worth much more than the price hike. In less than a month, \nthe all-new Axia has already garnered over 3,591 bookings\n, with most of them being for the SE and AV variants.\nGALLERY\nPerodua Axia AV\nPerodua Axia SE\nPerodua Axia X (with Gear Up kit)\nPerodua Axia G\nPresentation slides"
"You all should know by now that there is an additional model added to the CX-30 line-up \nin the form of the AWD 2.0G High model\n. This means there are now four models of the fully imported CX-30 now on sale in Malaysia but most might not realise that there have been changes to the base model CX-30 as well.\nFirstly, the price. The base model 2.0G CX-30 \nnow costs RM145,759\n on-the-road without insurance, up from RM143,059 \u2013 representing a \nRM2,700 price increase\n but it\u2019s not without any returns.\n \nTraditionally, base models have been barren, or rather referred to as \u201c\nkosong spec\n\u201d in our local lingo. They exist solely to cater to those who want access to better cars (or even a car for that matter) but do not have the means for a fully equipped model. Fair enough.\nBut value is everything these days and every bit counts. In doing so, Mazda has added \nkeyless entry \nand \nwalk away lock feature\n to the base model \u2013 adding a more \u201catas\u201d feel to the overall ownership experience.\n \nNo one would know/cares if the base model comes with fabric upholstery on the inside but it matters to most nowadays (we\u2019d assume) that entry into and exit from a vehicle appears \u201cmuch cooler\u201d. Otherwise, everything \nremains identical with model at launch\n.\nTo recap, the new AWD CX-30 (2.0G base model and 2.0G High) is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine with \n162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n, paired to a 6-speed automatic."
"After introducing the \nMINI Cooper S Convertible to the Malaysian market\n recently, MINI is celebrating another milestone with the MINI 60 Years Edition to commemorate six decades of the iconic car.\nLimited to just 60 units in Malaysia\n, for obvious reasons, the 60 Years Edition dons the new British Racing Green exterior paint finish, accompanied by edition-specific details on the front fender, front bonnet and door sills that distinguishes it from the other MINIs out there.\nThe unique exterior is finished with 60 Years two-tone 17-inch light alloy wheels. Exclusively available as a 3-door variant, the 60 Years Edition can also be had in Melting Silver with a Jet Black roof.\nIt\u2019s not all style either as the 60 Years Edition is drenched with equipment including LED head and tail lights with the \nUnion Jack design seen in the facelift models\n and LED fog lamps.\nOn the inside, the usual vibrant impression of the standard MINI is dialed down for a more classy and mature apperance with Dark Maroon upholstery.\nThe hand-stitched leather steering wheel bears a 60 Years insignia on the lower spoke, further adding touches of exclusivity to the commemorative model.\nOn board equipment includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, reverse camera, MINI Driving Modes, Apple CarPlay, Smart Entry, Front and Rear Park Distance Control, Cruise Control, automatic air conditioning and MINI Excitement Package that offers 12 different ambient lighting choices.\nThe MINI 60 Years Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine with \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque so rest assured there\u2019ll be plenty enough substance to go with the style.\n0 to 100 km/h is completely in a brisk 6.7 seconds and once you\u2019re done with all seven gears of the DCT Steptronic Sports transmission, you\u2019d be nudging the 235 km/h mark.\nIn celebrating the brand\u2019s 60th anniversary, those who purchase the 60 Years Edition or other MINI models from now till the 31st of August 2019 can enjoy the \n60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme\n.\nThe programme provides owners with 60 months or 80,000 km of Free Scheduled Service and 60 Months of Warranty with Unlimited Mileage.\nFor purchases after 31\nst\n August 2019, the MINI 60 Years Edition will be available with the MINI 4-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.\nThe MINI 60 Years Edition is also accompanied by a 5-Years Roadside Assistance programme, available for all new MINI vehicles with a comprehensive list of services that include 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200KM from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation Services.\nThe on-the-road price for the MINI 60 Years Edition is set at \nRM 255,888.00 \nand with Easy Drive from BMW Group Financial Services starts from RM 3,358 a month.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The automotive car battery hasn\u2019t been evolving as much even with the addition of more gadgets, more technology and other features. However, one technology directly linked to the humble 12-volt battery is the \u2018Eco Idle\u2019 or idling start-stop system.\nFirst popularised in Malaysia by the \nPerodua Bezza\n in 2016, the majority of modern Perodua models (except the Alza) now feature this fuel-saving technology. Unfortunately, from the outside, the black maintenance-free battery looks exactly the same as any generic 12-volt battery.\nAs such, Bosch highlights that not all maintenance-free batteries are the same, and with idle start-stop function, even more differences are packed inside the anonymous-looking battery. These batteries are known as Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) or deep cycle batteries, where it is loaded with more chemicals and different chemistry to withstand the high demands of charging and rapid discharging cycles (such as waiting at traffic lights, then restarting the engine).\nFor premium vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, a more advanced idle start-stop function combined with a regenerative braking system may require the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries. These batteries, also pricier than EFB types, are designed to be more resistant to leakage and corrosion, thus enabling the supply of power over a longer service life. \u00a0\nEFB has a very active charge-discharge cycle, replacements are higher priced too.\nUsing a non-EFB or non-AGM battery on a vehicle with an idle start-stop system will not only accelerate the charge-discharge cycles of the battery but also damaging it, which may lead to further damages to the sensitive electrical and electronics system. It is thus a requirement than a recommendation to retain the same battery specifications for vehicles with an idle start-stop system.\nNeed to jump-start the weak battery? Keep this video bookmarked on your smartphone!\nWhile we weren\u2019t driving as much during lockdown periods, suggestions were to start and idle the engine for 15 to 20 minutes every week to keep the battery charged. Bosch instead recommends continuous driving for a 30-minute duration at least one to two times a week to fully charge the 12-volt battery.\nThose short trips to the grocery store or nearby food court are actually detrimental to the battery (and engine oil) as they make it difficult for the battery to maintain a full charge.\nShould you want to purchase a battery from Bosch, head to the official Bosch Autoparts Official Store on \nShopee\n. Refer to the owner\u2019s manual for specific details about the battery, especially vehicles fitted with the idle start-stop system. Drivers are also welcomed to approach friendly Bosch Car Service or Bosch Preferred Workshops listed \nhere \non all car maintenance matters.\nApart from changing batteries and wipers, we also have many other AutoDIY videos. Check them out here!\n2018 Perodua Myvi\nExample from Mazda 2\nApart from Perodua models, other mainstream models with the idling start-stop system that used EFB batteries include the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, the range of Mazda vehicles and Lexus plus Japan-made Toyota models.\nBosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia also recommends the use of car batteries manufactured by reputable suppliers with reliable track records in automotive maintenance and aftersales services.\nRough idle? Check engine light on? Perhaps the oxygen sensor is faulty. Learn more about this unseen probe in the exhaust system."
"The \nall-new Porsche 911 GT3\n is perhaps already one of the most capable track day machine money can buy (video coming soon!), but if there\u2019s someone that can make it \neven\n better, it has to be Manthey Racing. Why? Well, they\u2019re the guys who helped Porsche \nbreak the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife track record with the GT2 RS\n \u2013 so obviously they know a thing or two about going fast.\nAnd it shows, because the racing outfit\u2019s performance kit for the 911 GT3 includes upgrades for pretty much everything but the kitchen sink, from aerodynamics, suspension, brakes, to even a new set of wheels, all in the search of extra speed around the track.\nStarting on the exterior, Manthey Racing has given the 911 GT3 a new splitter on the front bumper with additional canards on the sides, a redesigned rear wing made from carbon fibre, as well as a tweaked rear diffuser to enhance the car\u2019s aerodynamic performance.\nThey\u2019ve also given the GT3 a new set of Manthey OM-1 wheels, finished in gold, which just looks absolutely stellar when paired to the blue paint job of the demo car \u2013 especially with the aerodisc at the rear axle.\nRELATED: The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is a bad-ass tribute to Manthey\u2019s 25 years of racing success\nOn the mechanical side, Manthey\u2019s performance kit for the Porsche 911 GT3 comes with a set of their own four-way adjustable suspension kit, alongside upgraded brakes featuring new braided brake lines and new pads.\nThe engine, however, remains unchanged. Sitting behind the passengers is a 4.0-litre flat-six turbocharged engine which revs all the way up to 9,000 rpm, making \n510 hp\n and\n 470 Nm\n. Both the seven-speed PDK or six-speed manual versions of the 911 GT3 can be equipped with Manthey Racing\u2019s performance kit.\nEven with that many upgrades, Manthey promises that the \u201ccar\u2019s essential DNA\u201d hasn\u2019t been changed all that much \u2013 which their head of development Stefan Mages admitted was a pretty challenging task.\nThe development of the upgrade pack, of course, included many laps at the Nordschleife. We have no doubts that it\u2019ll absolutely boss the \nGreen Hell\n, but with the stock 911 GT3 already clocking a full 17 seconds faster than it\u2019s predecessor, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how much more Manthey can achieve with a few relatively-simple upgrades.\nRelatively simple, because equipping your car with the upgrade pack won\u2019t even void the car\u2019s original factory warranty! No price tag has been given yet for the upgrade pack, but Manthey says that it\u2019ll be available from the second quarter of 2022.\nGALLERY"
"Nissan is apparently so confident about their \nRogue SUV\n (also known as the X-Trail in our parts of the world) that it will be offering test drives for its main competitor, the Toyota RAV4, at its dealerships in the United States. Yes, you read that right.\nThe carmaker is expecting half of its 1,094 dealerships across the country to take part in this unconventional (to say the least) sales strategy. The rented Toyota RAV4s will be provided by Nissan to their dealers at no cost during December.\nData shows that keeping customers at the dealerships for longer usually result in incremental sales, but will having your competitor placed right beside your own product work? Who knows, but J.D. Power\u2019s VP of the Power Information Network, Tyson Jominy seems to have his reservations.\nSpeaking to \nAutomotive News\n, Jominy said, \u201cThe risk is that Nissan will indirectly contribute to selling more Toyota RAV4s. A percentage of customers are inevitably going to value the differences between the models differently than expected.\u201d\nThe unorthodox campaign is known internally as \u2018Rogue gone Rogue\u2019, part of a four month advertising push that is described as the \u201cmost robust marketing campaign in Nissan\u2019s history\u201d. Nissan\u2019s VP of Sales and Regional Operations, Judy Wheeler, seemed bullish about the outcome of the campaign, as seen from a video message sent to dealers that was acquired by the news outlet.\n\u201cWe know that when consumers check out the all-new Nissan Rogue side by side\u00a0\nwith the Toyota RAV4\n, they will be amazed by our standard, advanced technology, premium design. and, most of all, outstanding overall value,\u201d she said.\nToyota, having made known about the campaign, said that they were \u201cflattered\u201d. \u201cWe are confident their dealers and customers will appreciate the quality, value, versatility and safety features that have made the RAV4 the\u00a0number one-selling (compact) SUV in the United States\u201d, said Toyota USA\u2019s chief of sales, Bob Carter.\nThe all-new X-Trail was unveiled back in June this year, with a fresh new design featuring the brand\u2019s iconic V-motion active front grille. The Nissan X-Trail\u2019s sleek and flowing exterior design is a stark contrast to the Toyota RAV4\u2019s boxy, utilitarian look.\nAlthough, if you\u2019re a fan of everything else but the looks, you can always go for the \nMitsuoka Buddy\n, which is a RAV4 redesigned to look like an old-school American SUV!\nUnderneath the hood, the Nissan X-Trail packs an updated 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with\u00a0\n181 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0245 Nm\n. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4, as \noffered in our country\n, comes with a 2.5 -litre Dynamic Force engine that makes \n207 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n."
"Aston Martin will be unveiling a new mild hybrid inline-six-powered \nDBX SUV\n at the upcoming Guangzhou Motor Show in China, according to CEO Tobias Moers in a conference call with analysts last week.\nHowever, unless you live in China, you won\u2019t be able to purchase one; an Aston Martin spokesperson told \nAutocar UK\n that the company has no plans to sell the model outside the country.\nThe Aston Martin DBX is currently only offered with a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, but thanks to the Chinese tax structure, these larger-displacement engines are hit by a significant import tax of around 25%.\nWith the switch to a smaller mild-hybrid powertrain, expected to be the 435 hp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged mill with a 48V mild-hybrid system that\u2019s currently used on the \nMercedes-AMG E 53\n, the import tax rate for the Aston Martin DBX will fall by more than half to 12%.\n\u201cA mild-hybrid in-line six perfectly fits the expectation of our customers in China,\u201d Moers said.\nVIDEO: Want to customise the Aston Martin DBX to your own tastes? Here\u2019s how to do it! \n \nFor the rest of the world, Aston Martin will instead introduce a new version of the DBX next year. Moers hints that it\u2019ll be a higher-performance variant of the SUV, and will most likely feature the 639 hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that\u2019s currently used in AMG\u2019s GT 63 S.\nThe company also confirmed a plug-in hybrid variant for the DBX, and will be unveiled as part of the facelift model that\u2019s planned for 2024.\nAlthough rivals such as Bentley are already now offering PHEV powertrain variants in the \u201csuper SUV\u201d space, Aston Martin remains confident that they won\u2019t be losing out in market share until the hybrid DBX\u2019s eventual debut in 2024.\nRELATED: Aston Martin DBX launched in Malaysia, priced from RM818k before tax\n\u201cDo we lose momentum on DBX by not having a plug-in hybrid? No. This is where we\u2019re really confident,\u201d Moers told investors on the call. \u201cWe know who the market leader is:\u00a0\nLamborghini Urus\n is the market leader in some areas without any hybrid.\u201d\nThe Aston Martin DBX is one of the carmaker\u2019s most important product in its modern line-up, with the company expecting at least half of its 6,000 predicted sales in 2021 to be made up by the super SUV model."
"There\u2019s a new Chinese automotive player in Malaysia, and they are called Beijing Auto International Corporation (BAIC). Pronounced as \u201c\nbaik\n\u201c, the brand launched two new products at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow. Here we have the country\u2019s first locally assembled all-electric vehicle (EV), the BAIC EV200, which was introduced alongside the \nD20 hatchback\n.\nAssembled in Gurun and with the help of local partner \nAmber Dual\n, the EV200 is actually BAIC\u2019s first ever EV to penetrate the South East Asian market.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBAIC EV200\nEngine\nElectric Motor\nBattery\n30.4 kWh\u00a0 lithium-cell\nMax Power\n40 hp\nMax Torque\n102 Nm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n13 seconds; 120 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nTBD\nEXTERIOR\nThe EV200 introduced here is of the sedan variant, but the hatchback will reportedly join the lineup. It\u2019s based on the\n\u00a0D20\n subcompact passenger car, and at a glance it somehow resembles the\u00a0\nProton Saga\n. The exterior equipment for all three variants are almost identical, and they all receive the standard 14-inch wheels, auto headlights and tail lamps.\nThe three variants are rather uniquely named:\u00a0\nRelaxing\n, \nShowy\n\u00a0and \nEnjoyable\n. A total of six exterior hues are available for the EV200 \u2013 Madrid Red, Alpine White, Milan Silver, Hamburg Grey, Deep Blue, and Champs Elysees Gold, just like its D20 sibling.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior goodies are almost similar as well. All EV200s receive an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that is planted in the centre dash, together with a separate 6.2-inch TFT multi-info display for the driver. Other similarities on the inside include fabric seats and automatic air conditioning, among others. The most expensive variant meanwhile has \u201cVIP cloud service\u201d as extra, while the cheapest variant gets lesser speakers than the rest.   PERFORMANCE\nBAIC is one of China\u2019s leading manufacturer of EVs, and the EV200 has proven its worth in its country of origin. Underneath the hood lies an \nelectric motor\n that outputs \n40 hp\n and\n 102 Nm\n of torque, and it\u2019s powered by a lithium-cell battery that generates\u00a0\n30.4 kWh \nof power. The EV200 has a driving range of \n200km\n, though if you drive below 60km/h, BAIC says you can extract an additional 40km over the 200km threshold.\u00a0Top speed is\u00a0\n120 km/h\n. \nBAIC also said the battery pack is good for a cumulative range of up to 600,000km or 10 years, but we\u2019ll take it with a pinch of salt, seeing as how unfriendly our temperate climate is towards electrified vehicles.\nWHAT ELSE\nAs far as safety goes, the EV200 is equipped with\u00a0two frontal airbags, Isofix mounting points as well as ABS with EBD. There\u2019s no mention of active safety features, and the same can be said for its pricing. One thing BAIC can promise though, is competitive pricing, which means the EV200 could well be the most affordable EV sold in Malaysia to date. Deliveries will begin sometime in 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBAIC EV200 Sedan   BAIC EV200 Hatchback"
"Everybody wants a Lamborghini Urus \u2013 or at least, that\u2019s what we\u2019re led to believe, because there seems to be an Urus body kit for almost every SUV out there. Remember the \nUrus kit for the Toyota Harrier\n? Well, there\u2019s now a new one for the all-new model, courtesy of the guys at Albermo.\nAlbermo, you might recall, is the same outfit that made the\n RAV4/Urus and Prius/Ferrari mashup body kits\n. For the \nall-new Toyota Harrier\n, the company has launched what it calls the XH42 \u2013 and well, the result is everything you expected.\nTaking \u201cinspiration\u201d from the Italian super-SUV, the XH42 kit gives the Toyota Harrier an all-new front bumper with massive angular air inlets covered by mesh grille on both ends, replete with horizontal strakes and a giant blacked-out crossbar across the main intake.\nThe all-new Toyota Harrier was launched here in Malaysia just three months ago! Read more about it here.\nThe kit also includes tacked-on fender flare extensions, which gives them a more angular look (like the Urus) rather than the rounded design that the Toyota Harrier originally comes with.\nChanges at the rear are a little more restrained compared to the front, with the kit only adding on a rear bumper with large diffuser-like elements, as well as a small spoiler on the bootlid.\nIn case you needed a refresher on how the Urus looks like, Lamborghini recently took the super-SUV alongside 41 other supercars for a road trip across China. Check out the amazing photos here!\nAlbermo is also offering an optional exhaust kit supplied by 5Zigen, which moves the twin tailpipe exits from the ends to the centre \u2013 although we\u2019re not sure why anyone would do that, seeing that the Lamborghini Urus has their tailpipes at the sides too.\nThe Urus body kit for the Toyota Harrier will cost JPY362,000 (~RM14k) for the whole kit, though you\u2019ll need to paint them yourself \u2013 as is standard in the body kit world.\nTo be frank, these imitation bodykits aren\u2019t really our style, but hey, we won\u2019t judge if you like them \u2013 beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, as the saying goes. At least, it\u2019s one of the \nbetter executed ones\n.\nGALLERY"
"No, you can\u2019t buy this 400 hp and 555 Nm version of the Hyundai Starex (called the iMax in Australia) because it\u2019s not road legal and Hyundai doesn\u2019t plan to build it either, but for fun/fear factor for eight, the Hyundai iMax N Drift Bus has no rival.\n \nThis one-off initiative is part of Hyundai Australia\u2019s efforts to spread the good word of the N performance division, so they ditched the regular 2.5-litre CRDi four-cylinder common-rail diesel for a \nfire-breathing 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6\n! The motor is in turn mated to an \neight-speed automatic\n transferring all the grunt to the \nrear wheels\n.\nAlways buckle up, even when you have helmets on.\nThe drift bus features \nelectronically controlled dampers\n, \n19-inch alloys\n borrowed from the \ni30 N\n, wearing \u2018performance rubber\u2019 and N-spec brakes. Incredibly, the iMax N Drift Bus achieves \n50-50 weight distribution \nwith eight people on-board, take that BMW.\nEven the interior isn\u2019t spared, the Drift Bus comes with \nN steering wheel and N sports front seats\n, with matching suede and leather on the two rear bench seat rows, but still retains its \n842-litre cargo space\n. Talk about getting maximum bang for bus."
"The official distributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia is offering buyers the lowest interest rate of up to 0.88% for the Mitsubishi Triton exclusive with Maybank hire purchase only.\nThis promotion is in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day festivities and is valid from now till the 30th of September 2019.\n \nThose who register a new Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium and Triton VGT MT Premium can choose \neither to enjoy the lowest interest rate of up to 0.88% exclusive with Maybank hire purchase\n or cash rebates up to RM6,000.\nThose who opt for the Triton VGT Automatic or Manual are only entitled cash rebates of RM4,000 only. The highest specification Triton VGT Adventure X now comes with a \nnew Flying Sports Bar\n, without additional cost.\n \nAs for the Outlander, those who book and register a new 2.0-litre (RM137,888) or 2.4-litre ( RM152,888) model will enjoy \ncash rebates up to RM6,000 and RM4,000\n respectively.\nThe Mitsubishi ASX 4WD ( RM133,336) and 2WD ( RM118,866) is not excluded from the party either, with \ncash rebates up to RM12,000 and RM8,000\n respectively.\nWhile the Triton comes with a 5-year/200,000km warranty, the highest in its segment, the Outlander and ASX is accompanied with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty."
"Following a few weeks of teasers and a preview earlier last month, \nGenesis\n has now finally unveiled its first EV model, the \nGV60\n in full, including all the specifications for its electric innards. And as a premium fully-electric SUVs these days, everything in the document all sounds fairly standard. well, except one thing \u2013 \u2018drift mode\u2019.\nDrift mode is far from being a new concept by any means. Now that hot hatches have mostly moved on to all-wheel drive propulsion, it\u2019s normal to see it being advertised on these performance-oriented cars, using software and mechanical trickeries to push more torque to the rear wheels to give you more degrees of freedom in the lateral direction.\nBut on a premium SUV that\u2019s supposed to go up against the likes of the Lexuses and Mercedes-Benzs? Well, we can\u2019t help to feel a little. amused. OK, to be fair, the \nKia EV6 GT\n (which also rides on the same e-GMP platform) also comes with the same feature, but then again, it\u2019s not a Genesis, is it?\nWatch the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S and the VW Golf R battle it out on track with their drift mode! \nThe premium carmaker from Korea says that the drift mode is for those \u201cwho are looking for a more dynamic experience\u201d, and enabling the drift mode will allow for more \u201cathletic driving by optimising distribution of the driving power and braking system\u201d \u2013 everything people are looking for when they buy a Genesis SUV.\nAnyway, we should digress. The Genesis GV60 will be offered in three variants, starting with the entry-level Standard RWD that gets a single electric motor at the rear axle with \n228 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n.\nThe next step up is the Standard AWD, which gets an additional motor in front for a combined system output of \n318 hp\n and \n605 Nm\n, and at the top of the pyramid is the Performance AWD model, with two 218 hp motors for a combined output of \n435 hp\n and \n605 Nm\n.\nAside from the drift mode, the Performance AWD variant also comes with a \u201cBoost Mode\u201d which gives it a boost up to maximum performance (489 hp, 700 Nm) for 10 seconds \u2013 useful when you need to race a fuel-guzzling sports car at the traffic light.\nOn that note, the Performance AWD variant is capable of a century sprint time of \nfour seconds flat \nwith this mode enabled.\nWe don\u2019t really see it on our roads here, but the Genesis is luxurious enough for even our own royalty. Check out the Johor Sultan\u2019s G90 limousine here!\nGenesis says that all three variants of the GV60 are equipped with the same \n77.4 kWh\n lithium-ion battery, offering up to 451 km of range on the base variant, 400 km on the Standard AWD, and 368 km on the Performance AWD. We should note that these figures are based on the Korean test cycle, tough \u2013 EPA and WLTP numbers aren\u2019t available yet.\nFor charging, the Genesis GV60 supports AC charging up to 11 kW, and DC fast charging up to 350 kW, which means at a compatible fast charging station, the batteries can charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. Similar to the EV6, the GV60 also supports Bi-directional charging at up to 3.6 kW, effectively making the car a driveable power bank during emergency situations.\nThe stunning Genesis X concept blends classic sports car design with modern tech. Check it out here! \nAs usual, the Genesis GV60 is equipped with the whole nine yards of advanced driver assistance features, with the notable ones being the Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.\nBut this being a Genesis, and an EV at that, there\u2019s also a whole suite of tech in the interior, such as Road Active Noise Control (ANC-R), Ergo Motion seats (with seven air pockets for a massage-like function), and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system to make your journeys as comfortable as possible. Oh, and the car can also be l\nocked and unlocked using only your face\n, just like your fancy new smartphones.\nNow, if we circle back to the drift mode again, doesn\u2019t that just feel a bit. out of sync with the rest of the comfort and prestige-oriented equipments? No? Well, just us then.\nGALLERY"
"Although not his first car, we can\u2019t imagine agent 007 to roll around in anything else than an Aston Martin. Over the years, Britain big screen secret agent has been seen in a DB5, Vantage Volante, Vanquish and DB10.\nFor the upcoming 25\nth\n Bond film, we may see James Bond chasing the bad guys sustainably and in complete silence. Britain\u2019s Sun newspaper reported that the film\u2019s director Cary Joji Fukunaga is looking to put the Bond character, played by Daniel Craig, in an all-electric \nAston Martin Rapide E\n.\nThe Rapide E is driven by two electric motors mounted on the rear axle giving the four-door saloon over \n610 hp\n and \n950 Nm\n of torque. Aston Martin claims that the Rapide E can do the century sprint in under 4 seconds and register a top speed of 250 km/h.\nAston Martin has\nconfirmed that they will be building 155 units of the Rapide E but did not confirm\nwhether the car will make an appearance in the movie.\nWith the Rapide E, the\nsecret agent can silently creep up to the bad guys and catch them off guard,\nbut the issue is that he\u2019ll have to find a charging station every 322 km (200\nmiles)."
"Audi wants to be the first car manufacturer to use an electrified drivetrain to compete against conventionally-powered competitors in the world\u2019s toughest rally. They will do so come January 2022 with this, Audi RS Q e-tron. It took Audi Sport just one year to go from idea to creating this prototype.\n\u201cThe quattro was a gamechanger for the World Rally Championship. Audi was also the first brand to win the Le Mans 24 Hours with an electrified drivetrain. Now, we want to usher in a new era at the Dakar Rally,\u201d says Audi Sport.\nThe all-new Audi RS3 is the new performance king in its segment. Read more about it here!\n\u201cWhat we are trying to do has never been done before. This is the ultimate challenge for an electric drivetrain.\u201d\nA Dakar Rally event usually lasts two weeks and the daily stages can see drivers clock up to 800 kilometers. Making this even more challenging is that there are no charging opportunities in the desert.\nInstead, rather than going full electric, Audi will fit in a small, petrol-powered engine as a \u201ccharger\u201d for the high voltage batteries while the RS Q e-tron is on the move.\nAudi to switch to EV only from 2026, ending combustion engines by 2033. Find out more!\nDriving the wheels are two motor-generator units (MGU) from Audi\u2019s Formula E race car, one for each pair of wheels while a third unit serves to recharge the high voltage batteries while charging. Energy is also recuperated during braking. The batteries weigh about 370 kilograms, with a capacity of 50 kWh.\nGerman tuner ABT turns Audi RS6 into 800 hp super wagon, with 125-year history. Read about it here!\nAudi believes that the Dakar Rally is the best platform for the development of electromobility as what they learn there will go into making future electric cars better.\n\u201cBack then, the engineers didn\u2019t really know what was coming. It\u2019s similar with us. If we finish the first Dakar event, that\u2019s already a success,\u201d said Audi Sport.\nGALLERY"
"Prior to the new \nPeugeot 3008\n\u2019s\n launch, which is planned to be held in September this year, Peugeot has teased a new generation of its Peugeot i-Cockpit interior design. This new \u2018cockpit\u2019 will feature a panoramic design, and the new upcoming 3008, which the company teased to be an all-electric fastback SUV, will be the first Peugeot model to receive it.\nThe Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit interior, as its name suggests, features a 21-inch high-definition curved panoramic screen, which \u2018floats\u2019 above the dashboard. Slightly curved towards the driver for optimum ergonomics, the panoramic floating screen in the upcoming 3008 will still be easily accessible to the passengers. It is attached by a rear foot that is invisible from the passenger side, making it look like it is literally floating above the dashboard.\nThis new large digital screen in the Peugeot 3008\u2019s interior combines two key functions, which include the instrument cluster and the central screen. The instrument cluster is in charge of all information relating to driving, such as the speed, power meter, driving aids, energy flow, etc. The central screen, on the other hand, is like many other infotainment displays, operable via touch control. Users can control features like air-conditioning, navigation, and media or connectivity systems via this section of the screen.\nAt the centre of the dashboard and right below the panoramic screen is Peugeot\u2019s i-Toggles. It is a touch-sensitive panel that replaces the traditional air-conditioning control panel and can feature up to 10 configurable shortcut keys. This includes access to features such as air-conditioning settings, telephone contacts, favourite radio stations, navigation, and so on.\nRELATED: \nPeugeot wants to send you to Bahrain to watch the FIA WEC, but only if.\nThanks to the redesigned \u2018cockpit\u2019, Peugeot designers have left the upcoming 3008\u2019s centre console to be uncluttered, allowing increased available space for storage and wireless smartphone charging. To maximise the available space in the new interior, the gear selector has also been relocated to the dashboard, right next to the start/stop button, making the gear selector more accessible in the process.\nLike other modern Peugeot models, the new 3008 will also be fitted with a compact steering wheel. However, with the new i-Cockpit, it is redesigned, featuring a smaller central cushion.\nPeugeot is also saying goodbye to physical buttons with the steering controls of its upcoming 3008\u2019s i-Cockpit, replacing them with touch-sensitive buttons instead. The new buttons feature \u2018tactile clicking\u2019, and will automatically detect the driver\u2019s fingers. To prevent unintentional miss presses, the buttons will only be activated when pressed.\nLED ambient lighting is also included with the upcoming i-Cockpit to accentuate the interior. Located beneath the panoramic screen, the lighting contains eight customisable colours and is extended across the entire width of the dashboard and door panels.\nRELATED: \nPeugeot 2008 facelift unveiled \u2013 up to 406 km range for e-2008\nGALLERY"
"Honda Motor Co. last week announced its targets to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050. As such, the core automotive products will see their propulsion or fuel usage changed to fully electric beginning from 2040.\nThe company\u2019s latest direction and goals were highlighted by Honda Global CEO and President \nToshihiro Mibe\n in his inaugural press conference as the company\u2019s newest leader taking over from Takahiro Hachigo.\nThe plan to be offer fully electric or zero-emission powertrains takes a big step in \n2030\n, where battery electric vehicles (EV) and \nfuel-cell EVs\n will make up \n40%\n of the sales in major markets which consist of North America, \nChina\n and Japan.\nTo start the ball rolling, Honda will offer a series of EVs which adopt \ne:Architecture\n, a completely new EV platform led by Honda, will first be introduced to the North American market from the second half of this decade, and then to other regions of the world.\nTwo North American-exclusive models, developed with General Motors, with be offered from as early as 2024. The ratio of EV-to-combustion engine will double to \n80%\n and the headlining 100% fully electric fleet will begin in 2040. \u00a0\nThe \nHonda e\n is Honda\u2019s current global EV\nApart from just being fully electric without any local emissions, the production of automobiles and other products must also be as \u201cclean\u201d as possible, such as using renewable energy at all the factories. Besides focusing on hydrogen as fuel, the company will also research and develop \ncarbon-neutral fuels\n, which is more suitable for use in aircraft.\nThe introduction of EVs will focus on localised sourcing and supply chain, such as batteries manufactured locally for the Chinese and Japanese markets. Honda will also move to the implementation of \nsolid-state batteries\n by the end of this decade.\nCloser to home, Honda Malaysia has already \nlocally-assembled hybrid\n models since the Honda Jazz in 2012 and most recently the latest i-MMD hybrid technology through the \nCity RS e:HEV hybrid\n. \u00a0\nAs for safety initiatives, Honda will strive for \nzero traffic collision fatalities\n involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. Apart from fitting the latest driver assistance systems in vehicles, Honda will also approach the issue of motorcyclist safety through \neducation\n and government/industry relations activities especially in emerging countries."
"In case you forget the stature of the vehicle you\u2019ve worked so hard to own, the Mercedez-Benz original-parts program now offers the LED projector AMG emblem.\nWhen opening the front doors, the AMG emblem will be projected by the side sill area in 3D with the aid of the entrance lighting mechanism at the bottom of the door. The LED Projector AMG Emblem can fitted in numerous vehicle models from the A-Class to GLS models.\nThe AMG emblem displays all the elements of the Mercedes-AMG high performance brand: an apple tree on the river which symbolises the location in Affalterbach, Germany while the cam, valve and valve springs symbolises engine manufacturing.\nThe AMG emblem LED projector can be fitted in just a matter of minutes by simply replacing the factory-installed entrance lighting at the bottom of the front doors.\nAnother eye-catching addition is the illuminated Mercedes-Benz star where its outline is centred on the radiator grille, illuminating by means of light conductors and LED \u2013 adding a touch more exclusivity and visual-appeal.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n LED Projektor, AMG Wappen LED Projector, AMG Emblem\n \n LED Projektor, AMG Wappen LED Projector, AMG Emblem\n \n LED Projektor, AMG Wappen LED Projector, AMG Emblem\n \n Beleuchteter Mercedes Stern Illuminated Mercedes Star"
"Exactly one year ago this month, \nHonda pulled the wraps off the all-new, 10th generation Civic\n (codename FC) and promptly sent Civic loyalists and aspiring owners into an unprecedented fit of jubilance. The Civic was showered in praises for two key things \u2013 the groundbreaking new look and a turbocharged engine.\nSuperficially, nothing else matters if a carmaker gets these two things right. In Malaysia, the case rings even truer, especially when you hear stories of people trading in their ninth-gen Accord for the C-segment Civic. That wasn\u2019t made up. We were recently flown to the Land Below the Wind (that\u2019s East Malaysia for you Peninsular folks) to properly put the Civic through its paces, and suffice to say that there\u2019s much, much more to the Civic than all its charming trivialities. But first, let\u2019s talk about features.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda Civic 1.8S\nHonda Civic 1.5TC\nHonda Civic 1.5TC-Premium\nSegment\nC-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n1,799cc; inline-4, SOHC\n1,498cc; inline-4, DOHC, turbocharged with VVT\nTransmission\nG-Design Shift CVT Automatic\nMax Power\n139 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n171 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n174\u00a0Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n220 Nm @ 1,700 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h\n10.4 seconds\n8.2 seconds\nPrice\nRM113,800\nRM127,800\n\u00a0RM135,800\nThe new Civic blows the competition out of the water here. It is packed with toys like remote engine start that also gets the air conditioning running. There\u2019s no need to be worried about someone stealing or driving your car off because the Civic will remain locked and immobile until you step inside and press on the ignition switch. The only other car I can think of that does the same is the \nBMW G12 7-Series\n. Elsewhere, Honda is offering \nsix airbags\n across the range, electric parking brake, Hill Start Assist and multi-angle rear view camera.\nAccording to Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB), over 3,600 units of the Civic have been sold \nsince its launch in June\n, and more than \n70 percent\n of buyers chose the \nturbocharged variants\n. These are positively encouraging numbers for a segment that\u2019s dwindling in popularity, driven largely by well-priced D-Segment sedans and SUVs in the same price bracket. If anything, the country\u2019s B-Segment offering is more to be blamed, but we\u2019ll save that story for another day.\nEXTERIOR\nTo give credit where it\u2019s due, Honda did a terrific job with the design overhaul of the Civic. Assistant Large Project Designer Hiroshi Ito-san, whose career in Honda spans an incredible 40 years, has played a role in every single iteration of the Civic. While there\u2019s still a hint of the \nninth-gen Civic\n from the rear (more specifically the outline of the tail lamps), everything about this Civic is new, both inside and out.   There are three variants of the Civic to choose from, and our pick of the lot would be the range topping 1.5TC Premium \u2013 in White Orchid Pearl, too. It is the only trim that gives you that mesmerising \nfull LED headlamps\n; opt for the cheaper turbo variant and you\u2019d have to settle for halogen projectors.\nHowever, all three come with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED-combination tail lamps and rear fog lamps as standard. The turbocharged pair sit on 17-inch hoops shod with 215/50 profile Continental MC5 rubbers while the 1.8-litre variant (pictured below) makes do with 16-inch wheels.\nAll variants don\u2019t come with the full Modulo bodykit, but this can be specified during your purchase. Whether or not you like the bare-bodied looks of the fastback-styled sedan, we think the Modulo kit completes the whole package a little better.\nINTERIOR\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Civic is larger in every way when compared to the preceding model. Length and wheelbase have grown considerably at 95mm and 30mm respectively, whereas shoulder and headroom are increased thanks to the wider body (44mm wider) and lower ride height (19mm closer to the ground). The bigger footprint allows Honda to create a roomier cabin that could easily accommodate three averaged-sized Malaysian adults in the rear bench, but it is not achieved without compromise.\nBefore that, we\u2019d like to bring your attention to the main highlight of the cabin \u2013 the dashboard. Gone is the two-tier instrument cluster of the past two generations. It is now consolidated into a singular binnacle positioned behind the steering rack and boy is it gorgeous. The colours are vivid and crisp enough to be discernibly visible in the harshest of sunlight. Almost all driving information can be obtained from the digital display, operated by the integrated switches to the left of the steering wheel.   Before (pre facelift)\nSpeaking of the steering wheel, it\u2019s wrapped in high quality leather and provides a great level of grip. Even the paddle shifters are rubberised, unlike its rivals\u2019 full plastic offerings. The only downside here is that the buttons feel and look a tad cheap. If the 7-inch touchscreen display in the centre dash looks familiar, that\u2019s because it\u2019s the same one found in the Honda HR-V. It\u2019s not the best in the industry (that title still belongs to Mazda), but the user interface is more straightforward and easier to use than Ford\u2019s SYNC2 system or Toyota\u2019s proprietary DVD AVN head unit.\nHonda pulled a neat trick in giving the illusion of a larger cabin. It is already spacious to begin with, but the two front seats are designed to get narrower towards shoulder-level. Besides the odd look, this isn\u2019t much of a design flaw, though anyone with broad shoulders would appreciate a little more shoulder support. That\u2019s compromise number one.\nThe second compromise is seating position. Getting comfortable in the low-slung car (regardless of front or back seats) took me some time because my knees just weren\u2019t perpendicular to my posterior. While shoulder room and headroom fared better, the two excuses I could think of for the awkward seating position are the sloping roof and lower ride height.   Those niggles aside, the cabin really is a cut above the rest. Quality materials are used throughout, save for the less common areas. The soft-touch Audi-style dashboard is pleasing to both the sight and touch, and this is accentuated by the cleverer execution of ergonomics. Like a Volvo, the centre tunnel \u2018floats\u2019 to make way for additional stowage. This is also where the USB and HDMI ports reside, with plenty of room for multiple mobile devices and wires to be kept from view. The armrest is also very clever; it is perfectly positioned no matter how high up you seat, slides fore and aft, and is big enough to store snacks for three grown adults. There\u2019s also a handy cubby for the occasional coffee to go.\nPERFORMANCE\nPrior to this, the eight and ninth-gen Civics were powered by two engines \u2013 a 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre i-VTEC motors, both four-cylinder naturally aspirated lumps. This time, there\u2019s also \ntwo engine choices\n, but the larger SOHC engine is now replaced by a smaller \n1.5-litre four-cylinder\n engine. Thanks to \nturbocharging\n, the engine outputs\n 171 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and\n 220 Nm\n of torque from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. It\u2019s more fuel efficient, lighter and helps give the Civic a zippier edge around the bends. Comparatively, the older and heavier 2.0-litre engine produces 153 hp and 190 Nm of torque.\nThe \n1.8-litre\n option is essentially a carryover unit, making \n139 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n174 Nm\n of torque at 4,300 rpm. Both engines are now paired to a\n Continuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT) for optimal balance between power and efficiency, retiring the five-speed auto of old. The CVT is developed and manufactured in-house, but Honda points out that the CVT in the 1.5L turbo is slightly bigger in size which helps cope with the extra grunt. Drive is sent to the \nfront wheels\n only.\nTHE DRIVE\nOne thing that stood out almost immediately from the get go is refinement. Wind and road noises are barely audible at legal cruising speeds, and this has lots to do with the Civic\u2019s sleek exterior styling and comfort-oriented tyres. I vividly remember the ghastly road noise \u2013 some call it tyre roar, same thing \u2013 while driving the Civic FD (and the pre-facelift FB) some years back, though it\u2019s clearly evident today that the Civic FC is more generously fitted with sound deadening materials.\nWhen you\u2019re up to speed, the steering wheel becomes weightier, numbing sudden inputs usually experienced during lengthy periods of driving. This makes the car less susceptible to twitching, thus easier and less tiring to drive on the freeways as opposed to a Mazda3. Road holding and high speed stability are also noticeably improved over the previous model, which I think is the outcome of the increased track width.\nDuring the development stage, the Civic\u2019s ride and handling were benchmarked against some of the more established German brands, particularly the \nAudi A3\n. The front-wheel drive A3 rides on a modular platform that is shared with dynamic pedigrees such as the \nVolkswagen Golf\n, \nAudi TT\n and Seat Leon Cupra. Honda engineers however, are exceptionally proud that the Civic FC exceeds those benchmarking parameters.\nAn elaborate drive through the hilly roads of Kundasang and Menggatal allowed for substantive corroboration of those claims. A combination of front and rear anti-roll bars (these surprisingly come as standard) help manage lateral movement, expunging body roll normally associated with cars in this class. Suspension setup is the same as the Civic FB \u2013 MacPherson struts for the front and a multi-link type for the rear. Steering feedback leans towards ambiguity but not completely nonexistent, because you can still communicate with each of the four corners of the car. Again, this is an atypical but welcoming trait for a C-Segment car, bettered only by the \nFord Focus\n in our books.\nBut what the Civic does better than the Focus is the way it treads the fine line between comfort and dynamics. Driving on rural Sabahan roads is like going for a permanent drive through the potholed roads of Port Klang. The Civic\u2019s suspension effortlessly soaks up road imperfections and does so almost as well as the Honda Accord. Imagine combining the dynamic prowess of a Mazda3 with the comfort levels of a Toyota Camry. That\u2019s the sort of finesse that\u2019s really hard to come by, giving the Civic a newfound edge over most of its rivals.\u00a0\nThe turbocharged engine is mighty quick, and on paper it trails marginally behind the Ford Focus\u2019 (also a 1.5-litre turbo) 178 hp and 240 Nm engine output. Tasks like getting up to speed and overtaking are simply a walk in the park. Like any CVTs, there is that characteristic delay when you floor the throttle from standstill, but once it gets going it\u2019ll only take you \n8.2 seconds\n to realise that you\u2019ve already hit the 100km/h mark. However, the dreaded CVT drone becomes clearly audible at full whack, something the guys at Toyota are able to suppress more effectively in the Toyota Altis.\nAfter getting my thrill fix, I took the backseat on an hour-long journey through a mix of B- and city roads. As stated earlier, finding a comfortable seating position requires a bit of an effort, and most of the time I find myself angling my legs in an odd direction just so my lower back wouldn\u2019t hurt. As a sufferer of herniated disc, this may just be an isolated case, but I much prefer the regular seating height and position of the \nAltis\n and \nKia Forte/Cerato\n. \nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nAdmittedly, there\u2019s not a lot of bones to pick with the new Civic. It\u2019s thoughtfully packaged and comes with plenty of features that will impress even the most car/tech savvy of people. For those who seek an upgrade, the Civic FC is definitely worth your consideration. It looks years ahead of the competition and will continue to turn envious heads long until the facelift model arrives. The only problem is, how much better looking can the Civic be?\n \nOn the other hand, if you\u2019re looking to buy a C-Segment car on a workable budget, the Kia Cerato 2.0 SX is going at a sizeable discount in preparation for the \nfacelift\u2019s arrival\n. For the more brand conscious, the Toyota Altis remains a compelling option, as is the \nMazda3\n. Two alternative turbocharged models that are pleasantly comfortable and fun to drive would be the Ford Focus Sport+ and \nVolkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI\n, though they both share two common downsides which are poor after-sales support and residual value. \nStretch the budget a little more and you\u2019ll be entering the \nfacelifted Accord\u2019s\n territory. If you\u2019re ready to spend some RM20k more for a brand new car with the Honda badge, zero in on the mid-spec 2.0L VTi-L variant.\nCOMPARISONS\nOn paper, the Civic is the\u00a0most\u00a0powerful, largest and also the most fuel efficient car when compared against its naturally aspirated rivals, the Toyota Altis and Mazda3. The Civic has a best-in-class boot space of \n519 litres\n, which gives it 50 litres more volume compared to the Civic FB\u2019s 470 litres space. Interior space (especially legroom) is better than the Mazda3, but fares almost identically to the Altis and Focus.\nThe Ford Focus Sport+ is a lot of fun to drive, and ranks in the top three of the \nAutoBuzz.my\n C-Segment selection\nA more left-field choice would be the Ford Focus Sport+. The Focus, \nPeugeot 408 e-THP\n and the Golf 1.4 TSI are the only cars in their class to come with\n automatic parking\n (high-spec variants only; perpendicular and parallel parking), but whether or not the common driver appreciates such a feature enough to use it on a day-to-day basis remains an unanswered question. The Focus and Mazda3 both have conventional six-speed automatic, and it is by default the more engaging choice for the casual highland drive.\nHonda Civic 1.5TC Premium\nFord Focus 1.5L Sport+ EcoBoost\nToyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\nMazda3 2.0L Skyactiv-G High Spec\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC with VVT\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, DOHC\ninline-4, DOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,498cc\n1,498cc\n1,987cc\n1,998cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n171/5,500\n180/6,000\n145/6,200\n162/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n220/1,700\n240/1,600\n187/3,600\n210/4,000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\nCVT\n6-speed auto\nCVT\n6-speed auto\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nMulti-link type\nMulti-link type\nTorsion Beam\nMulti-link type\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n215/50/R17\n215/50/R17\n215/45/R17\n215/45R18\nWheels\n17-inch alloy\n17-inch alloy\n17-inch alloy\n18-inch alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,644mm\n4,358mm\n4,620mm\n4,580mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,799mm\n1,823mm\n1,775mm\n1,795mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,416mm\n1,484mm\n1,480mm\n1,450mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,700mm\n2,648mm\n2,700mm\n2,700mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,316kg\nN/A\n1,300kg\n1,292kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n519 litres\n316 litres\n470 litres\n408 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n47 litres\n55 litres\n55 litres\n51 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n5.8 litres\n5.9 litres\n6.9 litres\n6.5 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\nN/A\n224 km/h\n180 km/h\nN/A\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n8.2 seconds\n8.6 seconds\n10.0 seconds\nN/A\nPrice\nRM\nRM135,800\nRM139,888\nRM138,900\nRM124,354.40\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nFor me, the Civic strums the right chords at the right time, and it\u2019s the main reason why this locally assembled sedan is so well received by the market in a time of economic uncertainty. As the saying goes, if you don\u2019t stop to take a second look at your car after parking it in the porch, you bought the wrong car. This Civic, as\u00a0ravishing as it looks, oozes a sense of desirability that transcends all levels of superficiality. It\u2019s not just a pretty face. It\u2019s a monumental accomplishment; a distant departure from just one model cycle. Would I buy it? You bet I would. In Orchid White Pearl, no less.\nWe would like to express our sincerest appreciation and thanks to Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd for the test drive opportunity.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY   Before (pre facelift)"
"To comply with tightening emission regulations, Mercedes-AMG has pledged to offer a plug-in hybrid variant for every new model in line with the three-pointed star\u2019s electrification plan to reduce fleet CO2 emissions.\nAccording to \nAutoCar UK\n, the first PHEV AMG is expected to arrive in 2020. Unlike the PHEVs offered on regular Mercedes-Benz models, the AMG PHEVs will feature the EQ Power+ branding just like the brand\u2019s Formula 1 race car. Besides the capability of zero-emission driving, the EQ Power+ is also calibrated primarily to provide extra performance.\nHead of External Affairs for Emissions at Mercedes-Benz, Frank Overmeyer said \u201cThe battery itself and the application, including the electric motor, will be the same, and you can have a significant boost [in performance] that will reduce the range, but the experience will be better. Same battery, same drivetrain, different application. In an SUV, it might offer 100 km. It might only be 60 km or 70 km in an AMG.\u201d\nCurrently, Mercedes-AMG offers a number of mild-hybrid variants that share the \u201c53\u201d moniker. They feature an EQ Boost 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that delivers additional \n16 kW\n (21 hp) and \n250 Nm\n of torque to promote better efficiency.\n\u201cAll the AMG vehicles\nwill be available in the future with plug-in hybrids as an option, mild hybrid\nis not the strategy of AMG, because the emissions savings are too small,\u201d added\nOvermeyer."
"Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) Malaysia has announced its appointment of Denyu Bostandzhiev as the new co-Managing Director of PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) and \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)\n, the official distributor of \nAudi\n and \nVolkswagen\n cars in Malaysia.\nThe appointment will be effective from July 1 this year, with Bostandzhiev leading the sales, aftersales and network development, as well as marketing and IT for both companies. Serving in the position together with Bostandzhiev will be Kurt Leitner, who will continue to helm the HR and finance operations.\nSucceeding Erik Winter in the co-Managing Director role, Denyu Bostandzhiev brings with him almost 20 years of experience in the automotive and engineering industry, which he has garnered across three different continents since 2004. This includes his most recent role as the Managing Director of Porsche Ukraine LLC.\nWith his expertise in business strategy and operations, and also product development and branding, Bostandzhiev will be tasked to strengthen both the Audi and Volkswagen businesses in Malaysia. The company also mentioned that in the coming months, \u201cmore progress\u201d can be expected for the brands\u2019 electric and ICE vehicle line-up here in our market.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Audi e-tron GT launched in Malaysia, from RM601k\nBostandzhiev is no stranger to our local market, as he was once assigned here in Malaysia for two and a half years, back in 2016. He was instrumental in securing the local assembly operations of the Volkswagen Arteon, Tiguan Allspace, and Golf GTI.\n\u201cI am enthusiastic about returning to Malaysia to offer a premium experience for customers in which Audi and Volkswagen prides itself in. I believe that both the brand core values of digitalisation, design and sustainability \u2013 evident in the strong line-up of progressive premium and affordable premium products, will continue to captivate the local market,\u201d said Bostandzhiev.\nRELATED: \n2023 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION in Malaysia now with IQ.Drive, from RM299k"
"To celebrate Mazda\u2019s 100-year anniversary this year, Bermaz Motor is now offering a \nsix-year/120,000 km\n warranty and free service maintenance package for all Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50 pick-up truck) purchased from now \nuntil the end of 2020\n.\nAs usual, the free service maintenance package is inclusive of labour, as well as parts and lubricants as specified within the service booklet, and according to the standard Mazda service schedule of a six-month/10,000 km interval.\nThe limited-time six-year warranty and free service offer coincides with the \nsales tax exemption\n period as announced by the government, which sees savings on Mazda vehicles\n of up to RM8,090\n. To further sweeten the deal, the company is also throwing in complimentary official Mazda merchandises as sign-up gifts.\nSince January 2019, Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50) are offered as standard with a five-year/100,000 km warranty and free service package. For vehicles purchased before the updated service and warranty package, Bermaz Motor has also recently introduced a\n two-year extended service programme for selected models\n.\nPreviously, the company also introduced a \nlimited-edition MazdaSports-designed CX-3\n accessories package to celebrate Mazda\u2019s centenary. The accessories package, priced at RM14,500 including installation, includes several aesthetic improvements such as a new roof spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels.\nThe package also comes with a new 11-inch JBL BassPro Hub subwoofer underneath the boot floor, new strut bar across the engine bay, along with stabiliser bars in the front, mid and rear section of the undercarriage.\nFor the latest revised price list for Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"With the recent flash floods that consumed many parts of Malaysia, it\u2019s crucial to know when and how to save your vehicle from any potential damage that could result in a hefty repair bill.\nBosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia\n is sharing seven important tips for us vehicle owners to better prepare ours when faced with flash floods on the road or home.\nImage credit: Twitter/\nBFMNews\n1. Check if your car has flood insurance\nDo you know that most vehicle insurance providers offer flood insurance as an add-on? With the change in weather patterns recently, it\u2019s the right time to tick that option upon renewing your insurance.\nThere is no specific coverage called \u2018flood insurance\u2019 as an add-on, with the majority of the insurance providers use an umbrella term called \u2018Special Perils\u2019.\nSample of \u2018Special Perils\u2019 coverage being added in\nApart from flood, the \u2018Special Perils\u2019 from a certain motor insurance provider also offered coverage of typhoon, hurricane, storm, tempest, volcanic eruption, earthquake, landslide, landslip, subsidence or sinking of the soil / earth or other convulsions of nature.\nCheck with your insurance provider or their website on details of your insurance coverage policy, as some companies also bundle special perils and other coverage as a package to further simplify things. \u00a0\n2. Avoid driving or parking in low-lying areas\nLow areas or certain basement parking lots can be prone to flooding during heavy downpours. Your car may become partly submerged and the flood can cause heavy damage to your car, especially to the engine, electrical systems, and interior.\n3. Disconnect your vehicle\u2019s battery\nIf it isn\u2019t possible to move to a higher area, do not leave your vehicle in accessory mode with the electronics running when you are stuck in a flood. Turn off the engine, disconnect your vehicle\u2019s battery and please seek assistance from a mechanic once the situation returns to normal to test if the battery is functioning optimally.\n4.\n \nDon\u2019t start the car immediately if submerged\nWater would most likely have seeped into the engine, transmission, or fuel system of your car after being submerged. Don\u2019t start the car as you\u2019ll just compound the damage. Immediately seek for mechanic\u2019s advice after the flood water has subsided or tow your car to your trusted mechanic and let the car professional take care of it.\nRELATED: Take a look at our videos on automotive D-I-Y in partnership with Bosch, here!\n5. Avoid driving through tunnels\nThe risk of being caught in a flash flood is higher when driving into an underground tunnel as you are approaching lower ground that rain water is flowing to. In general, avoid driving through any flooded areas if possible.\n6. Maintain a steady slow speed\nAssess the situation or surroundings first if you need to drive through a flood. If the level is below half your vehicle\u2019s tyre, make sure to wade through at slow speed by engaging low gear. This helps to create a small bow wave which will avoid the surrounding water to flood the engine bay or flow into the exhaust pipe.\n7. Your safety is the utmost priority\nIf your car engine happened to stop and you are stranded in the car, turn off the engine, gather your belongings and leave your stalled car immediately. Lock the doors using the physical key (and lock barrel).\nDo not try to start your car again as it will lead to more major damage. Proceed to higher ground and stay there until help arrive.\nDuring this rainy season, ensure your tyres have sufficient tread for maximum grip on the road plus \nreplace wipers\n that are not performing anymore.\nMain image credit: Twitter/\nNST_Online"
"Let\u2019s start with the good news. The toll rate hike that will take into effect this Thursday (15 October 2015) doesn\u2019t involve all highways, but selected major highways within the Klang Valley. Talks of increasing toll rates have been ongoing for several months, but the latest development to come out of it confirms a hike of between 20 sen to RM3.\nNow for the bad news. Highways involved in this hike are the Kajang SILK, DUKE, MEX, Karak, Latar, SMART Tunnel, NPE, Besraya Highway, Lekas, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, LKSA and Akleh. We\u2019ve compiled a table for the new rates for Class 1 vehicles:\nHighway/Toll\nNew rates beginning 15 October 2015\nKajang Traffic Dispersal Ring Road (SILK Highway)\nRM1.80\nDuta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) @ Ayer Panas, Sentul Pasar & Kampung Batu\nRM2.50\nMaju Expresway (MEX) @ Salak South & Putrajaya\nRM3.50\nKL-Karak Highway @ Gombak & Bentong\nRM6.00\n @ Gombak\nRM3.50\n @ Bentong\nKL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar)\nRM2.50\n @ Ijok, Kuang Timur, Kuang Barat & Templer Plaza\nRM1.30\n @ Kundang Timur & Kundang Barat\nSMART Tunnel\nRM3.00\nAkleh\nRM2.50\nNew Pantai Expressway (NPE)\nRM2.30\n @ Pantai Dalam;\nRM1.00\n @ PJS2 Plaza\nBesraya\nRM2.00\n @ Mines south and north plazas\nLebuhraya Kajang Seremban (Lekas)\nRM1.30\n @ Semenyih,\nRM3.40\n @ Pajam,\nRM4.80\n @ Mantin\nRM6.00\n @ Sentul\nGuthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)\nRM1.90\nKemuning Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA)\nRM1.70\n @ Sri Muda\nRM0.90\n @ Alam Impian\nThe Edge Markets reported\n that shares in SILK Holdings Bhd have soared to a seven-month high today, jumping as much as 8 sen or 16.67 percent following the announcement of its toll hike rate. \u201cSome 1.97 million shares were traded between 48 sen and 56 sen. At its current price, its market value stands at RM340.24 million,\u201d reads the report.\nPicture credits to Wikipedia"
"Kia Motors America took their newly introduced \nall-new K3 Kia Forte\n (also called as Cerato in Malaysia) onto track and pitted it against its not-so-direct rival, the \nLamborghini Aventador\n.\nNo, they did not pitch the two in a drag race because the raging bull packs a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 with over 700 hp. The Forte, on the other hand, has one-third of the cylinder count with a 2,000cc displacement paired to a CVT with a fancy name \u2013 Intelligent Variable Transmission. Well, let\u2019s just say it\u2019s not your typical kind of head-to-head.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7L9XRfGULo\nIt\u2019s refreshing to see Kia embracing some humour to promote their new compact sedan and at the same time showcasing some of its key features and practicality. The new Forte features a stiffer body overall (16 percent), improved NVH and a more efficient powertrain. Safety features are also abundant with Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nIsuzu MU-X \u2018Monster\u2019\n was just awarded the Vehicle of the Year title at the 2016 Borneo Safari International Off-road Challenge. The 2016 Borneo Safari challenge is an annual expedition covering 1,000km through the most challenging terrains of Sabah since 1991.\nAccording, to Borneo Safari Organising Committee Chairman Faez A Nordin, this year\u2019s challenge was the toughest in 12 years. Besides having to trek through steep inclines, the 430-strong convoy had to fight through slippery and muddy conditions. It poured every day, which caused the convoy to run two days behind schedule.\nEven with just exterior modifications on the Isuzu MU-X 4\u00d74, the stock \n135 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n 2.5-litre VGS turbodiesel with five-speed automatic transmission held on extremely well throughout the eight-day journey into the wilderness.\n\u201cThe Isuzu MU-X performed flawlessly, even in the ultra-tough section of the trail that stretched some 30km from the entrance near Kampung Garung to Timberwell Camp. The journey took three days to complete. The MU-X did not require any change of spare parts or repairs, which speaks volumes of its quality and reliability,\u201d said Mr Nordin.\nIn addition to that, the three other D-MAX \u2018Monsters\u2019 accompanying the MU-X also successfully completed the challenge. Now the entire Isuzu 4\u00d74 range can proudly wear the \u2018proven-at-Borneo-Safari\u2019 badge, further enhancing the appeal of the now refreshed Isuzu \nMU-X\n and \nD-Max\n. Need more in-depth views of the MU-X? Check out what we think of it \nhere\n.\nThis year\u2019s Borneo Safari is the 10th consecutive year of sponsorship by Isuzu Malaysia and the company has pledged to continue supporting the premier international off-road challenge in the region for years to come.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) could be expanding its SUV line-up here in Malaysia, according to a comment by Managing Director Erik Winter in a press conference following the launch of the new\n 2021 Arteon R-Line 4Motion\n.\n\u201cWe are always looking into which models can we bring into the market, which models will fit in the malaysian market,\u201d winter said in response to questions from Journalists. \u201cIt\u2019s not a surprise that our SUVs are of course the most successful models.\u201d\n\u201cSUVs are in high demand worldwide, so we are also looking to expand our model line-up with more SUVs,\u201d he added, but as usual when speaking about future product plans, stopped short on revealing any further information.\nVPCM\u2019s model line-up in Malaysia currently consists of just one model \u2013 the \nTiguan Allspace\n \u2013 with the regular \nfive-seater Tiguan\n being discontinued here in our country following the launch of its bigger sibling.\nGlobally though, the German carmaker\u2019s arsenal of SUVs does have a few more models available, including the \nT-Roc\n, \nT-Cross\n, and\n Touareg\n, and the aforementioned Tiguan five-seater.\nClick here to learn more about VPCM\u2019s latest SUV here in Malaysia, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace\nBased on the list above, we think that the T-Roc and T-Cross will be the most likely candidate for a Malaysian introduction. According to Erik Winter, the Tiguan Allspace has actually enjoyed a 15-20% boost in sales compared to the smaller Tiguan 1.4 Highline, so it\u2019s doubtful that VPCM will actually introduce a new model alongside the bigger Allspace variant.\nAs for the Touareg, the first generation model that was introduced here in Malaysia many years ago did not move many units, so we\u2019re not holding our breaths for a new one anytime soon \u2013 especially when there are now so many options available from other premium brands that fall within the same price point.\nThis leaves us then with the Volkswagen T-Roc and T-Cross, the two smallest crossovers in VW\u2019s global line-up. The B- to C-segment SUV market is a highly lucrative one here in Malaysia, as proven many times over by the \nHonda HR-V\n, \nProton X50\n, and the \nToyota Corolla Cross\n, so it\u2019s possible that Volkswagen too, want a piece of that pie \u2013 especially since it\u2019s not planning to bring in the Polo in the near future.\nCould we even see the Volkswagen T-Roc R here in Malaysia? Well, a man can certainly dream.\nMoreover, the 1.5-litre TSI inline-four engine that\u2019s found on either models are already used in other models here in Malaysia, which could simplify its CKD process should Volkswagen choose to assemble the T-Roc and T-Cross here in Malaysia.\nTo be clear, these are all speculations at this point in time, as VPCM are still keeping mum about their future product plans. Either way, we\u2019re excited to see what the future holds for the brand here in Malaysia, especially after all the Covid-19 gloom and doom passes over!"
"The long-anticipated all-new 2022 \nToyota Vios\n has just been launched in Thailand, where it\u2019s known as the Yaris Ativ. With prices starting from 539,000 Baht (\napprox. RM67,608\n) in the Land of Smiles, the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios is set to add even more spice to the already-hot B-segment market in the region, thanks to its generous list of standard equipment.\nThe highlight of the range is the \u2018Premium Luxury\u2019 variant, which features a segment-first 64-colour ambient lighting that mimics one of a certain luxury brand. Besides the fancy interior lights, the Premium Luxury trim also boasts an all-red leather interior decorated with red stitching.\nAs standard, the Vios is also equipped with 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and provides Android Auto and Apple Carplay on either an eight- or nine-inch infotainment screen, depending on the variant. Other conveniences on the inside include four USB sockets, rear air-conditioning, a push start button, electronic parking brake, digital air-con controls, and a seven-inch semi-digital instrument cluster.\nRELATED: \n2020 Toyota Vios launched in Malaysia, world premiere of GR-S variant\nThe same can\u2019t be said about the looks, however, as the experimental fastback design of the all-new Toyota Vios can only be described as \u2018divisive\u2019 based on online sentiment and comments in the \nAutoBuzz \ngroup chat.\nWhile it does look sleek in the\n teaser images leading up to the launch\n, the final product looks like a photoshopped \u2018unnecessary front end swap\u2019 image combining the \nHonda City\n at the rear and a \nToyota Corolla Altis\n up front, thanks to its weird, mish-mashed proportions. Still, it features many of the new styling touches inherited from its elder siblings \u2013 especially on the front fascia \u2013 to make it unmistakably Toyota.\nDeveloped on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios in Thailand is powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine (\n94 hp\n/\n110 Nm\n) paired to a Super CVT-i automatic with Sequential Shift. That should however be a Thailand-exclusive powertrain due to the nation\u2019s Eco Car regulations; the upcoming Malaysian Toyota Vios will most likely retain its bigger engine capacity and outputs.\nSafety-wise, the all-new 2022 Vios is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite across all variants bar the entry-level model, which includes:\nAutomatic High Beams\nLane Departure Alert\nPre-Collision System\nPedal Misoperation Control\nFront Departure Alert\nAll-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control\nDo expect these to be also available for the Malaysian Toyota Vios.\nThe four variants of the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios on offer in Thailand are priced as such:\nPremium Luxury \u2013 689,000 THB (approx. RM86,557)\nPremium \u2013 659,000 THB (approx. RM82,788)\nSmart \u2013 584,000 THB (approx. RM73,366)\nSport \u2013 539,000 THB (approx. RM67,608)\nThe all-new 2022 Toyota Vios should make its introduction in Malaysia very soon, too, although there\u2019s no official word from UMW Toyota just yet. But for now, do you think its styling has evolved forward or backward? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), for the 16th month in a row, records their best ever month in June 2016 after selling a total of 1,203 cars. On top of that, the company\u2019s second quarter performance also made history after they shifted a total of 3,359 cars.\nMBM sold 6,017 cars during the first six months of 2016, \u00a0so let\u2019s take a precise look at the numbers:\nW205 C-Class CKD\n \u2013 2,534 units\nW212 E-Class CKD\n \u2013 1,063 units\nW222 S-Class CKD\n \u2013 549 units\nX205 GLC\n \u2013 483 units\nGLE & GLE Coupe\n \u2013 93\u00a0units\nS-Coupe, \nC-Coupe\n, CLS, E-Coupe & AMG GT S \u2013 90 units in total\nW176 A-Class\n \u2013 570 units\nGLA\n \u2013 329 units\nCLA \u2013 341 units\nAs of today, MBM is selling\u00a0no less than 19 models, with seven more to come before the end of the year. We have every reason to believe that the \nC63 Coupe\n\u00a0and\u00a0facelifted CLA is among the seven, while the locally assembled GLC and \nW213 E-Class\n could possibly be introduced as well.\nFrom left: CEO and President of MBM, Dr Claus Weidner with VP of Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine\nThe figures above means one thing \u2013 Mercedes-Benz Malaysia maintains its lead as the premium brand in Malaysia, with a market share of 2.5 percent. MBM\u2019s sales grew 17 percent compared to the same period last year. Other notable achievements include:\nServicing a record 52,700 cars in the first half of 2016 (18 percent more than 1H 2016)\nBest Customer Satisfaction Index for \nAfter Sales\n (market leader)\n40 percent of new cars are purchased through Mercedes-Benz Financing (over RM1.5 billion)\nAt the rate the three-pointed star is going, it\u2019s seems like they\u2019re on their way to eclipsing the achievement in 2015 (sales totalling 10,845 units). This reminds us, aren\u2019t we in the midst of a widespread economic uncertainty? Just two days ago, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) again \nrevised the Total Industry Volume\n (TIV) from 650,000 to 580,000 due to lower vehicle sales in the first half of 2016. When asked about the percentage between private and company registration, MBM withheld the figures due to\u00a0confidentiality.\nInteresting times, isn\u2019t it?"
"Following the launch of the \nfacelifted Hyundai Kona\n model in April, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has officially announced the arrival of the Kona N Line in Malaysia featuring the improved 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.\nThe turbocharged engine now makes \n198 hp\n at 6,000 rpm, an \nincrease of 21 hp\n with the torque value maintaining at \n265 Nm\n. It continues to be paired with the Smartstream \n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n and drive the front wheels only.\nThe official figure of the benchmark century sprint has not been shared but expect the added 21 hp to slightly reduce the \nprevious 1.6 Turbo\u2019s\n time of 7.7 seconds.\nFor those who aren\u2019t too attracted by the Kona N Line styling, the \u2018regular\u2019 Kona variant with also be available with the updated 1.6 Turbo engine, making a total of four variants of Hyundai Kona models available (two 2.0-litre and two 1.6 Turbo) in Malaysia.\nThe Hyundai Kona N Line, exclusively available only with the high-performance turbocharged engine, features a sporty and progressive design. The front bumper, which bears a close resemblance to the \n280-hp Kona N\n, is now in full-body colour and styled more aggressively via squarer corners with gloss black grille inserts placed under the LED headlamp units. The new upper grille also features an \u2018N Line\u2019 emblem.\nYou can get this adorable pixel art of the Hyundai Kona with the Golden Gate Bridge as backdrop. More artwork here!\nThe side cladding is now colour-coded too, making the Hyundai Kona N Line appear much sportier like a tall hatchback. Complementing the \u2018N Line\u2019 emblems on the fenders are exclusive diamond-cut 18-inch wheel design and side skirts.\nAt the rear, the bumper incorporates a large central diffuser motif in a contrasting colour with the double-tipped exhaust tailpipes exposed at the right corner. Additional aerodynamic edges complement the sporty design of the Hyundai Kona N Line. \u00a0\u00a0\nInside, the Hyundai Kona N Line shares most of its features with the Kona 2.0 Active, such as a power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, electronic parking brake, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and remote engine start.\nThe N Line treatment however applies red stitching on the leather-suede combination seats, metallic foot pedals and N logo on the shift lever, steering wheel and seats.\nThere are no technical changes to the suspension and powertrain of the Kona N Line, as the N Line variant is purely cosmetic.\nAs for safety features, both the 1.6 Turbo variants get the \nfull suite of Hyundai\u2019s Smartsense\n advanced driver assistance system, adding Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go plus an updated autonomous emergency braking system with cyclist detection capabilities.\nInterested parties can now head to \nHyundai\u2019s online showroom\n to place a booking, from as low as RM300. Prices are not out yet thus we at Autobuzz.my will keep the information posted once it is available.\nEntry into the Hyundai Kona range in Malaysia \nstarts at RM119,888\n for the 2.0 Standard.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia \nhas recorded the highest ever monthly sales performance in April with 1,872 vehicles sold. The success has been highly contributed by the 7-seater Xpander.\nThe company is currently enjoying an upward trend in sales since January 2021, to strengthen its Top 3 position in the Non-National segment for the 4th consecutive month.\n \nThe new \nMitsubishi Xpander\n continues to dominate the non-national MPV segment since January. Of the 1,872 vehicles sold, 982 units of which were made up of the Xpander \u2013 contributing 52% of the company\u2019s sales in April.\nSince it\u2019s launch in November 2020, Mitsubishi has received more than 10,000 bookings and has since delivered 3,800 units.\n \n\u201cDespite the challenges we are facing with the recently announced Movement Control Order (MCO) or even with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) prior to MCO, we are continuing our best efforts to meet with the strong demand for the XPANDER by increasing our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality,\u201d said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.\u00a0\nAs for the Triton, it\u2019s maintaining its market share of close to 20%. Figure wise, the company sold 680 units in Triton, and have delivered 142 units of the new, aesthetically-striking Triton Athlete."
"In celebrating the Sewing Machine Day, Bentley also paid tribute to the 120-strong sewing team in their headquarters in Crewe, England.\nThe sewing machine has been an integral part of the brand\u2019s near 100-year history, where the handcrafted interiors of its vehicles have been created by these machines since 1919.\u00a0\nThe \u201cDiamond-in-Diamond\u201d interior pattern in the new Bentley Continental GT is another extension of the \u201csewing machine story\u201d, with a modern twist on its stitching and embroidery.\n18 months were spent developing the embroidery, individually optimising and programming the exact alignment of the 712 stitches that make up each diamond shape. It \ntakes more than seven hours to produce a complete Diamond-in-Diamond-stitched interior\n for the new Continental GT and nearly 300,000 individual stitches.\nThe attention to detail is such that Bentley even takes into account the size of the leather panel when its cut; as the embroidery actually \ncauses the leather panel to shrink by 12%\n.\nEach interior is crafted from \nnine Northern European bull hides\n, stitched together \nwith 2.8 km of thread\n. When completed, every leather panel is initialled on the back by the Bentley craftsmen who made it \u2013 a personal hallmark of quality."
"Hyundai\u2019s second all-electric Ioniq model, the \nHyundai Ioniq 6\n has just scored a perfect \n5-star rating\n in the \nEuro NCAP\n Crash test. The result of the Ioniq 6\u2019s crash test was released together with the result of 14 other cars including the Toyota bZ4x and the Smart #1.\nThe Euro NCAP crash test is segmented into four sections. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 scored 97% in \u201cAdult Occupant Protection\u201d, 87% in \u201cChild Occupant Protection\u201d, 66% in \u201cVulnerable Road Users Protection\u201d, and 90% in \u201cSafety Assist\u201d. Cumulatively this resulted in a 5-star rating for the Hyundai Ioniq 6. It is also the highest-scoring car to be built on Hyundai Group\u2019s E-GMP architecture (\nHyundai Ioniq 5\n, \nKia EV6\n).\nEquipped on the Hyundai Ioniq 6 are seven airbags as standard. It is also fitted with the \u201cnext level\u201d of Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that includes Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). HDA 2 helps the car to maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead whilst keeping the car in the centre of the lane even through a corner.\nInterestingly, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is also able to reflect the \u201clearned\u201d driving style of the driver/owner thanks to its Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC). It also uses the navigation system\u2019s road information to optimise automated driving and perform speed adjustments. Other enhanced functions include Junction Turning, Junction Crossing, Lane-Changing Oncoming and Lane-Changing Side along with Evasive Steering Assist.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 5 shows it can power an entire hotel via V2L tech\nTo ensure the driver\u2019s focus, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes with several driver attention-related functions such as Driver Attention Warning (DAW). DAW analyses the driver\u2019s attention and provides a warning when necessary. It also alerts the driver when the front vehicle departs.\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been launched in Europe (Germany) and all 2,500 units were sold out in under 24 hours. Less than 24 hours from the time of writing, it will make its official debut in the US. In Malaysia, the first Ioniq model, the \nHyundai Ioniq 5 was launched in March 2022\n. It is the second electric vehicle (EV) by Hyundai to be sold in the country after the \nHyundai Kona electric\n.\nRELATED: \nThe Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV\u2019s weird shape might be a sign of what\u2019s to come in the future\n \nWith a swooping 911-esque styling, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 boasts a low \n0.21\n drag coefficient. In its most powerful version, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 makes \n320 hp\n (metric) and \n650 Nm\n via a dual-motor setup. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.1 seconds\n. Storing power in the Ioniq 6 is a \n72.6-kWh\n battery that provides \n610 km\n of range (WLTP).\nRELATED: \nFirst 11 units of Hyundai Ioniq 5 delivered to Malaysian customers \u2013 nearly 300 booked since launch!"
"The car needs no introduction anymore; it\u2019s essentially a practical 300 hp four-door hatch that \ncapably cushions your commute to work\n in the weekdays but can turn into an absolutely lethal weapon when driving is purely for leisure in the weekends.\nHaving previously set a lap record at the Nurburgring, sealing the \nfastest FWD vehicle\n\u00a0on the 20 km track along the way, the\n FK8 Civic Type R\n was more than six seconds quicker than its predecessor, the \nFK2\u00a0\nand more than 5 seconds faster than the Golf GTI Clubsport S that tarnished the FK2\u2019s record.\nThe mastermind behind the FK8 Honda Civic Type R, Hideki Kakinuma.\nDriven by Honda Racing\u2019s WTCR race driver Esteban Guerrieri, this time around the FK8 Civic Type R achieved the fastest lap for a FWD production car with \na time of 2:1.51 seconds\n at the former F1 racetrack, Magny-Cours, in the first of Honda\u2019s \u201cType R challenge\u201d series.\nThe \u201cType R challenge\u201d will see a line up of Honda racing stars trying to break FWD lap records at various circuits around Europe, including Estoril, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"An update has been given to the \nRange Rover Velar\n, tweaking its looks slightly, and increasing the all-electric range on the plug-in hybrid PHEV) P400e variant. Together with the PHEV drivetrain, there are three petrol engine options and two diesel engine options.\nOn the outside, the updated Range Rover Velar gets a new grille and a new set of pixel LED headlamps. The taillights have also been updated and the Velar gets two new body colours, namely Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey.\nTo recall, the Range Rover Velar is offered with 6 powertrain options \u2013 1 PHEV powertrain, 3 petroleum gasoline powertrains, and 2 diesel powertrains.\nP400e \u2013 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol PHEV, \n404 hp \n(metric), \n640 Nm\n, eight-speed automatic, AWD\nP250 \u2013 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, \n250 hp\n (metric), \n365 Nm\n, eight-speed automatic, AWD\nP340 \u2013 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol MHEV, \n340 hp\n (metric), \n480 Nm\n, eight-speed automatic, AWD\nP400 \u2013 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol MHEV, \n400 hp\n (metric), \n550 Nm\n, eight-speed automatic, AWD\nD200 \u2013 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel MHEV, \n204 hp\n (metric), \n430 Nm\n, eight-speed automatic, AWD\nD300 \u2013 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel MHEV, \n300 hp\n (metric) \n650 Nm\n, eight-speed automatic, AWD\nRELATED: \nEV Land Rover Defender in the works with at least 482km of range\nWhat the 2023 facelift has done is introduce a larger \n19.2-kWh\n battery to the PHEV P400e variant. This has increased the car\u2019s electric-only driving range to \n64 km\n from the previous 53 km. On electric drive alone, the Range Rover Velar can hit a top speed of 140 km/h. The 19.2-kWh battery can be charged at a maximum rate of 50 kW with DC fast charging (0-80% in 30 minutes) and 7 kW with AC charging (0-100% in 2.5 hours).\nAs for performance, the PHEV P400e has a combined output of \n404 hp\n (metric) and \n640 Nm\n. This launches the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n5.4 seconds\n.\nRELATED:\n The all-new Range Rover Sport is exactly what the name says it is\nInside, the Range Rover Velar gets a new single floating 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen that creates a more simplistic appearance for the dashboard. The screen has neem ergonomically positioned higher and within easier reach to help minimise distraction and reflections.\nOn the subject of tech, the Range Rover Velar\u2019s over-the-air (OTA ) updates now span 80% of ECUs. This includes navigation, onboard diagnostics, chassis, and powertrain without having to visit a retailer.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 5th-generation Range Rover unveiled with PHEV variant \u2013 EV in 2024\nFor the cabin, four new leather colourways are introduced, namely Cloud, Caraway, Raven Blue, and Deep Garnet. As for trim options on the steering wheel, centre console surrounds, and air vents, customers can choose a new option called Moonlight Chrome. Other existing trim options include Technical Light Anodised Aluminium, Dark Anodised Aluminium, and tactile Shadow Grey Ash.\nTo keep cabin noise to an absolute minimum, the Velar features the brand\u2019s pioneering Active Road Noise Cancellation Technology, which makes the Velar the quietest vehicle in its class. The technology senses external frequencies and automatically processes an anti-noise through the vehicle\u2019s audio system, reducing overall interior noise levels by a minimum of 4 dB.\nRELATED: \nLand Rover Defender 110 now available in Malaysia, from RM798k"
"Things have now been set in stone: DRB-Hicom is officially out of the sports car game and plans to channel all their focus and resources to the turnaround plan for national carmaker Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd.\nGeely is now the majority shareholder (51 percent) of famed British sports carmaker, Group Lotus (Lotus Cars). The other 49 percent was sold to Etika Automotive Sdn Bhd, a company owned by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary who also happens to own the controlling stake in DRB-Hicom (Proton\u2019s parent company).\nAt the signing ceremony, Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) said he aims to fully release the potential and brand appeal of Lotus. Both Proton and Lotus will create synergies for ZGH to be positioned as a major player in the ASEAN region, which will in turn help the company achieve its vision of \nselling 3 million cars by 2020\n.\nIn 2016, ZGH sold 2.1 million units of cars through their modest portfolio of auto brands Geely, Volvo and London Taxi Company. With Proton now as its strategic partner, Geely can fully utilise Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim production facility (which has an annual production capacity of 400,000 units or more) to build right-hand drive Volvo and Geely cars.\nIf Geely can \nemulate the success they\u2019ve created for Volvo Cars\n, then Lotus\u2019 future seems brighter than they have ever been. In fact, just how will this acquisition benefit Volvo, London Taxi Co, Geely and Proton cars from this point on? Guess we\u2019ll have to let time do its thing."
"Our friends across the causeway can now purchase the third-generation Perodua Myvi from authorised distributor, Percom Auto Pte Ltd. Two variants are available, with the 1.3 X and 1.5 H joining the Axia and Bezza in the Perodua product line up of Singapore.\nPerodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThe current-generation Myvi\u2019s foray into Singapore is significant in terms of brand presence despite the high barriers for entry into this mature market. This also marks the model\u2019s first export destination under the Perodua brand.\u201d\nThe new Myvi is quite the crowd puller\nThe Myvi 1.3 X and 1.5 H\nis priced at SGD64,800 and SGD69,800, inclusive of the Certificate of Entitlement\n(COE) which costs SGD29,159.\nYes, we know, the Myvi costs RM197,000 to RM212,000 after conversion and you can buy a brand-new \nBMW 118i M Sport\n with that money. But the thing is, Singaporean buyers are not buying a car in Malaysia, likewise, you are not buying a new car in Singapore.\n \nPerocom Auto Pte Ltd Managing Director, Mr John Ng said, \u201cThe Perodua Myvi has been very well received by Malaysians, and the enthusiasm has also found its way to Singapore, where there is a niche yet loyal cult following eagerly awaiting the arrival of the third-generation model.\u201d"
"The \nFerrari F8 Spider\n we checked out during its launch in Maranello has now made its way onto our shores. Just like the \nF8 Tributo\n which this car is based on, we are the first country in the region to launch the Ferrari F8 Spider \u2013 lucky us!\n \nDubbed \u201cless extreme than the \n488 Pista Spider\n but sportier than the 488 Spider\u201d which this model replaces, the F8 Spider gets the same award-winning 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, packing \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque. The output figure matches the 488 Pista Spider, and puts it squarely against its main rival, the \nMcLaren 720S Spider.\nPower from the twin-turbo V8 is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission to the rear wheels, which helps propel the F8 Spider from naught to 100 km/h in just \n2.9 seconds\n; 0-200 km/h is done in just \n8.2 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n340 km/h\n.\n \nThe F8 Spider completes the century sprint 0.1 faster than its predecessor. This is largely thanks to the 50 hp increase in power and 10 Nm increase in torque, all while being 20 kg lighter than the 488 Spider \u2013 18 kg of which is from the engine itself.\nTo keep all that power in check (and the car on the road), Ferrari is employing a whole arsenal of electronic assistance, including the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus (FDE+) with Side Slip Control, now in version 6.1, which allows the driver to easily carry out controlled slides, also known as drifts.\nThe century sprint time is pretty much identical to that of the F8 Tributo, but that\u2019s assuming if you\u2019d want to keep the Retractable Hard Top (RHT) on. Ferrari says that the Spider is designed in parallel with the Tributo, which means the F8 Spider\u2019s lines have been crafted with the RHT in mind.\nCrucially, Ferrari designers say that the separation between body and roof is shifted higher to above the B-pillar, compared to the conventional position at the beltline. This has made the roof more compact, allowing it to be split into two parts and stowed on top of the engine. The process takes just \n14 seconds\n, and can be done at speeds of up to \n45 km/h.\nThe Ferrari F8 Spider is now available starting at the base price of \nRM1,178,000, before customisation options, tax, and insurance\n. Fortunately, the price also includes an extended seven-year maintenance programme, which covers all regular maintenance for the topless supercar for the first seven years of its life.\nThe F8 Spider is available for private viewing from now until the \n31st of May\n. Alongside the launch of the F8 Spider, Ferrari Malaysia has also introduced the Ferrari 812 GTS in the country.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In addition to the hotly-anticipated \nall-new City\n, Honda Malaysia today announced that the 2020 CR-V facelift is also now open for booking, and will be launched locally within the next three months in 2020.\nOn the outside, cosmetic changes are fairly restrained. Based on the one single exterior image provided by Honda Malaysia, the CR-V facelift will feature a redesigned front bumper with a more prominent use of black plastics, accented by a chrome strip for a more understated and classier look.\nSimilar to the \n2020 Honda Civic\n, the large chrome ornament on the grille has been replaced by a gloss-black panel, though the slim chrome strip which joins the headlights still remains as before. The 18-inch wheels on the top-of-the-range model has also been redesigned for a more conventional two-tone five twin-spoke design.\nlooking at the facelift model launched in Thailand, we can also expect to see a smoked taillights assembly and redesigned bumper at the back, while the turn indicators will feature sequential lighting patterns. On the inside, the 2020 Honda CR-V facelift will most likely feature an updated centre console with a Qi wireless charging pad, as well as memory function on the electrically-adjustable driver seats \u2013 a new feature that is also added to the \nall-new Honda Accord\n.\nOther equipment that have been confirmed by Honda Malaysia include a new powered tailgate with foot sensor, Honda LaneWatch camera that is now standard equipment on all variants, as well as the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance system.\nCrucially, Honda Malaysia has confirmed that Honda Sensing will also be available on the all-wheel drive model, which points to the fact that we will likely see a range-topping all-wheel drive model.\nThe range-topping variant (or variants) will continue to be powered by the 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to a CVT gearbox to send \n193 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n of torque to the wheels. Although from the press release, it is unclear if the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre mill on the base model will continue to be featured on the 2020 Honda CR-V facelift."
"It\u2019s been seven years since we got an M model for the 1-series (the 135i xDrive doesn\u2019t count) with the last being the 1M back in 2012 which raised hell and hairs of everyone who got to drive it.\nWith a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine, it was compact, balanced, fast and most importantly, fun. It had around \n340 hp\n, \n450 Nm\n and a sweet 6-speed manual gearbox.\nBut that seems to have been a thing of the past. Since then Mercedes-Benz has reigned supreme with their corner-carving A45 AMGs which were effortlessly quick and highly accomplished through the bends.\nRecently, to further cement their position, the three-pointed announced that the next A45 AMG will be equipped with the \nmost powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in production\n \u2013 making \n416 hp\n\u00a0(up 40 hp from before) and\n\u00a0500 Nm\n\u00a0(up 26 Nm) of torque.\nThe new BMW 1-series with M Performance bits.\nAccording to international reports, BMW will be responding to that with a new M-model for the latest 1-series but with a twist. It will be all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, to bring the fight to Audi\u2019s RS3 and Mercedes-Benz\u2019 A45 AMG.\nFocus will not only be on the 1-series as BMW will also be planning an assault on the performance car game with the new M3 and M4, as well as a new M2 CS.\nLast week, BMW unveiled the \nVision M NEXT\n, a hybrid concept that signals the new direction of the next generation BMW hybrid sportscars."
"After half a decade since participating in the top class of endurance racing, \nFerrari\n \nwill return with the Ferrari 499P, its new Le Mans Hypercar that will tackle the FIA WEC in the elite class from 2023. Ferrari competed with the 312P 50 years ago, which was the brand\u2019s last appearance in the premier class of world endurance racing.\nLike the 312P, the 499P\u2019s moniker hints at the displacement of each cylinder in the engine and the letter \u2018P\u2019 stands for Prototype. The livery with which the 499P will debut at the upcoming 1000 Miles of Sebring includes a version of the renowned 312P colour scheme from the 1970s to visually underscore the historical connection with Ferrari\u2019s last works entry 50 years ago. As such, one car will bear the number 50, and another will bear the number 51.\nComplying with the Le Mans Hypercar regulations, the Ferrari 499P is powered by a hybrid system. The internal combustion engine (ICE) is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that shares the architecture of the engine fitted in the \n296 GT3\n, but has gone through a thorough overhaul by Ferrari\u2019s engineers. The engine bears some of the car\u2019s weight and is crucial to the physical structure of the 499P.\nSituated at the front axle of the 499P is an electric motor with a 272-hp (metric) maximum output. The electric motor is part of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) that does not require external charging as the battery is recharged during deceleration and braking. Combined, the Ferrari 499P\u2019s hybrid powertrain makes 680 hp (metric) and is paired with a seven-speed sequential gearbox.\nRELATED: \nFerrari 296 goes GT3 racing, ditches hybrid motor for pure V6 ICE power\nAs for styling, the Ferrari 499P was refined with the support of the Ferrari Styling Centre under the direction of Flavio Manzoni. Not just for show, the 499P\u2019s shape allows air to pass through the side pods over the recesses between the main ridges surrounding the cockpit, cooling the radiators concealed beneath the bodywork. The large louvres behind the wheel arches reduce the pressure inside the wheel housings.\nAt the rear, a subtle carbon-fibre skin covers the various functions, leaving the wheels and suspension completely visible. The tail is characterised by a double horizontal wing; the main wing and upper flaps have been meticulously designed to guarantee the necessary downforce and achieve maximum performance.\nRELATED: \nOne-off Ferrari SP51 unveiled \u2013 based on 812 GTS with V12 engine\nTechnology highlights on the Ferrari 499P include an all-new carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, a push rod-type suspension, and a brake-by-wire system. The brake-by-wire system allows the recovery of kinetic energy by the front electric axle under braking.\nThe Ferrari 499P will be managed on track by Maranello technicians and engineers with the collaboration of AF Corse. The partnership continues the winning streak, which began in the 2006 FIA GT with the F430 GT2 that secured Team, Driver and Constructor titles in its debut season. The vast majority of GT successes in recent years have been the result of the partnership between Ferrari and AF Corse, including all those achieved in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) since its inception in 2012.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Purosangue \u2013 Maranello\u2019s first-ever SUV is finally here\nGALLERY"
"Just slightly under a year \nafter its global debu\nt\n, the \nfourth-generation Mazda MX-5\n, or Mazda Miata as it\u2019s known in some markets, have finally made its way to Malaysian shores.\nDubbed as the world\u2019s most popular sports car, Mazda has shifted \nover\u00a0one million units\n of the iconic drop-top roadster since its introduction in 1989 \u2013 that\u2019s a good 26 years ago. As we\u2019ve previously reported, Malaysian-bound MX-5s will be fitted with the more powerful \n2.0-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine paired to the sole\n six-speed automatic transmission with \nDrive\u00a0Selection Switch. Sadly, the six-speed manual gearbox will not be offered as an option.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda MX-5 Skyactiv\nEngine\n1,998cc; DOHC inline-4 cylinder, Skyactiv-G\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic (torque converter)\nMax Power\n158 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\nPrice (OTR with GST and insurance)\nRM226,376.32\nBefore you sigh at the absence of forced induction, there\u2019s really no need for such measures because the new MX-5 is \nnearly 100kg lighter than the model it replaces\n. Although no official numbers have been released, Mazda claims that, despite all the technologies that have gone into the car, the new MX-5 has a maximum kerb weight of\u00a0just \n1,080kg\n. To put things into perspective, the original MX-5 tipped the scale at just 940kg!\nEXTERIOR\nBermaz Motor, just as they did with the \nThai-assembled Mazda2\n, pulled an impressive feat with regards to the MX-5\u2019s features. On the outside, the \nsoft-top roadster\n features LED daytime running lights, \nautomatic LED headlamps\n with Adaptive Front Lighting and High Beam Control, LED tail lamps, front fog lights, keyless entry and 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod with 205/45 R17 series rubbers.   INTERIOR\nStepping inside the low-slung roadster, you\u2019ll be greeted with the familiar Mazda fit and finish, with the amenity kit reading as such; push-start ignition, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control with electrochromic rear view mirror, leather upholstered seats, a 7-inch touchscreen display with MZD Connect System and nine \u2013 let me repeat that, \nNINE Bose speakers\n.   The leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel has a slim and sporty three-spoke design, whereas the leather seats are manually adjusted with a \nunique tilt-only feature\n. There\u2019s \nno reverse camera\n though, so owners will have to make do with the rear parking sensors.\nPERFORMANCE\nOnto the oily bits. Mazda\u2019s high-revving \ndirect injection four-cylinder engine\n\u00a0(13.0:1 compression ratio) makes \n158 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n200 Nm\n of torque at 4,600 rpm, all of which will be sent to the rear wheels. The MX-5 also gets a healthy dose of Skyacativ technology \u2013 Skyactiv Body, Skyactiv Chassis, i-Stop and i-Eloop functions. Now, the ND\u2019s 2.0-litre Skyactiv engine has been heavily reworked with most of its aluminium component lightened. Total weight loss amounts to 11 kg \u2013 that, and the MX-5 has a completely new extractor to give the roadster a sportier exhaust note.\nThe MX-5 rides on double-wishbone suspension on the front axle, whereas the rear gets a multi-link type suspension. It\u2019s \nbarely 4 metres long\n, with an overall length of 3,915 mm, 1,735 mm wide, 1,230 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,310 mm. The steering system is no longer hydraulic, and in place of it is a new Double-Pinion Electronic Power Steering.\nSAFETY\nWhile the MX-5 spells loads of fun, it is no less impressive in the safety department. For starters, the roadster comes with \nMazda\u2019s i-Activsense technology\n which gives you \nfour airbags\n (dual front and dual side airbags), \nLane Departure Warning System\n, \nHill Launch Assist\n and the aforementioned Adaptive Front Lighting and High Beam Control systems.\nWHAT ELSE?\nLike all other Mazda models, the fully-imported MX-5 comes packaged with a three-year factory warranty, and on top of that you get a three-year or 60,000 km free maintenance package. To recap, it\u2019s priced at\n RM226,376.32\n with GST and insurance, and is available in \nfour different shades\n \u2013 Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Meteor Grey and Jet Black; all of which will come with a \nBlack Cloth convertible top\n.\nWe will be flying to Japan to sample the MX-5 first hand, so be sure to bookmark this page as we bring you the full review of Mazda\u2019s all-new roadster.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the successful launch of their \nfirst ever SUV\n and subsequently two facelifts, Proton is not done with revamping their product line up as updated versions of the \nProton Saga\n and Exora are set to be introduced later this year.\nChief Executive Officer of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong said in a statement on the brand\u2019s \nstrong sales momentum\n: \u201cOur aim is to try and end the year in second place to create a solid base for our long-term goal of leading the Malaysian car market again. With the launch of the Iriz and Persona and improved versions of the Proton Exora and Saga set to be introduced later this year, the company is quietly confident it can achieve its goal.\u201d\nThe Saga is Proton\u2019s\nvolume model which breached the 3,000-unit mark in April 2019 while the Exora gives\nbuyers the option for a family seven-seater MPV. The fourth-generation Saga which\nis now in its third year of production is due for a facelift while the Exora which\ndoesn\u2019t even come with Electronic Stability Control is considered ancient in\nthis day and age.\nNo word on the updates these two models will be receiving but expect Proton to apply the same enhancements as the \nIriz\n and \nPersona\n duo which covers drivability, NVH, fuel consumption and build quality. The brand\u2019s new infinite weave and ethereal bow family face should also make its way to the updated models as is the \nGKUI-based touchscreen infotainment system\n with \u201cHi Proton\u201d intelligent voice command feature.\nNote that the Exora is confirmed to be a running change model and not an all-new product. The next-generation Proton MPV which is based on the \nGeely Jia Ji\n, will not be coming to Malaysia any time soon."
"The fourth-generation \nMazda MX-5\n was unveiled last month and today at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Mazda has confirmed that it will be powered by a \n1.5-litre SkyActiv petrol engine \n[UPDATE: 1.5-litre for global market, while 2.0-litre for the US].\nNo information as of now on its performance figures but surely not a 2.0-litre engine as rumoured earlier [UPDATE: 2.0-litre SkyActiv for US market]. T\nhe new MX-5 is said to be about\n 100kg lighter\n than its predecessor. The front wings, bonnet and boot are now made from \naluminium\n, including a lightweight soft-top construction all contribute to the weight shed.\nThe engine now sits further back than the superseding model, and lower too. This means better centre of gravity and better weight distribution. Mazda claims it has a perfect\n 50:50\n weight balance, further adding credibility to the fun dynamism the Mk1 offered. Looking forward to that!\nThe new Mazda MX-5 is set to arrive in the UK summer 2015, priced from around \u00a319,000. Well, we Malaysians will have to sit and wait for a bit.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton will soon launch the \n2023 Proton X90\n, its large SUV with both 6- and 7-seater configurations. With the car somewhat unveiled, netizens have been quick to point out the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. So much so, that we have overlooked some \u2018Proton-first\u2019 features on the X90. What are they? Let\u2019s get straight to them.\n1. RCTA, RCW, TSI\nThe Proton X90 boasts first-time safety features for a Proton model. Not even equipped on the \nX50\n and \nX70\n, the upcoming X90 comes with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and Traffic Sign Information (TSI).\nThe sensors on the car may not be so smoothly integrated into the design, but these are expected safety features for premium cars of today. You\u2019re most probably already familiar with RCTA and RCW, but TSI is something rather interesting. This means that the ADAS camera system is more intelligent. If anything, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) function could benefit from this new feature as well.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 unveiled ahead of launch \u2013 4 variants, hybrid powertrain only\n2. Type-C USB sockets\nA small but significant feature would be the new Type-C USB sockets in the 2023 Proton X90. Now, premium cars only come with Type-C USB sockets while budget cars seem to still use Type-A USB sockets. If anything, the world is moving towards Type-C sockets to reduce e-waste.\nType-C sockets provide faster charging times for your mobile devices. Today, even the \nToyota Vios\n comes with a Type-C USB socket. The Proton X90 is equipped with a mix of Type-C and Type-A USB sockets, with all three rows equipped with them.\n3. Intelligent power tailgate (no kick sensor)\nIn terms of practicality, the 2023 Proton X90 introduces an \u2018Intelligent Power Tailgate\u2019 and this is different from what you\u2019d find in the \nX70\n and \nX50\n. Yes, the tailgate of the X90 is powered and it does come with a hands-free function, but without a kick sensor.\nTo open the power tailgate hands-free, you just need to have the keys with you and stay at a certain distance behind the tailgate for about 5 seconds. The indicators will then blink several times to let you know that the tailgate will open by itself. Should you cancel your intention while the indicators are blinking, just walk away and it will not proceed to open the tailgate.\n4. Walk-away lock function and Nearby auto unlock\nNext, the 2023 Proton X90 introduces a walk-away lock and nearby auto unlock function to Proton cars. The front door handles still come with a keyless sensor but now things can be even more hassle-free as you can simply walk away from the Proton X90 (with the keys with you) to lock the car. To unlock the car, you simply need to approach the car (with the keys with you as well). A great convenience.\n5. A hybrid powertrain\nThe most obvious new thing for Proton is the hybrid powertrain. The Proton X90 is the company\u2019s first \u201cNew Energy Vehicle\u201d with its mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain. The X90 houses a 48V mild hybrid system which consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine and an electric drive system. It will also be the first local car model with a hybrid powertrain that you could actually purchase. (The \nAtiva Hybrid\n is only available on a leasing programme).\nThe benefits of this hybrid system? Well, Proton says that it is 15% more fuel efficient than its pure petrol version (a 1.5-litre TGDI Geely Haoyue). Oh, and in case you were wondering, the X90\u2019s powertrain makes \n190 hp\n (metric) and \n300 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nOnly previewed for the time being, Proton has already announced that the Proton X90 will come in four variants. Of course, some of these \u201cnever-before\u201d features would not be available on certain lower-tier variants."
"Aside from the potential display of more than 100,000 Golfs at the largest GTI gathering in the world in W\u00f6rthersee, Austria, this year\u2019s edition will also mark the world premiere of the new Golf GTI TCR.\nDue to be launched\n at the end of the year\n, the road-going version of the two-time overall winner of the international TCR race series carries all the aesthetic features of a GTI, with Golf R levels of performance lurking underneath it.\nThe special edition is reported to make \n286 hp\n (identical to the \nGolf R\n) with \n370 Nm\n of torque (10 Nm less than the R) from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with power channeled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The GTI TCR will top out at 250 km/h (264 km/h with the electronic limiter removed), making it the fastest Golf available for road use.\nThe race car for the road will pick up from where the\n\u00a0306 hp GTI Clubsport\n left off \u2013 a Golf GTI 40th anniversary tribute model \u2013 that was once the fastest front-wheel drive to lap the Nurburgring, until the \nFK8 Civic Type R came along\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last weekend saw Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) organised one of the largest Beetle gathering in Malaysia where over 405 Beetles were present.\nThe event, held at Putrajaya, was kicked off with a morning drive made up of 138 Beetle that subsequently joined the gathering later on.\nSome Beetles, despite of their age, came from as far as Perlis and Johor just to be there to celebrate the occasion.\n\u201cIt was an emotional moment for us to see the rows and rows of colourful air-cooled and water-cooled Beetle cars and I believe all those who were present today shared this sentiment, said VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter.\nIn conjunction with the event, meant to bid farewell to Beetle, VPCM also took the opportunity to award three Beetles with the \u201cBest in Show\u201d title and selected one other as the \u201cMost Liked Car\u201d on social media.\nThe winners of the \u201cBest in Show\u201d were Fairul Irwan, Raja Gopal and Thavanesan A/L Selvaratnam, while Siti Aishah Ismail\u2019s Instagram posting of her Bug earned the \u201cMost Liked Car\u201d award.\nThe \nVolkswagen Beetle \u201cCollector\u2019s Edition\u201d\n.\nAlso on display was the \n\u201cCollector\u2019s Edition\u201d\n Beetle which was launch in Malaysia just a day after the last Beetle rolled out from Volkswagen\u2019s production line in Puebla, Mexico.\nThere are only 75 units of the \u00a0\u201cCollector\u2019s Edition\u201d Beetle, which comes with RM12,000 of goodies and is priced at RM164,390.\nFor added exclusivity, owners will also be given an official Collector\u2019s Edition certificate of ownership.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Hilux nameplate is pretty commonly heard in this part of the world. Toyota first introduced the popular workhorse back in 1968 and have sold 16 million units globally over seven cycles of life.\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the outgoing Hilux (7th-gen model) has been facelifted a number of times to \nwhat it is today\n, and the need for a new one is dire, especially with rivals dishing out worthy opponents like the \nRanger\n and \nTriton\n.\n \n \nSeeking to reclaim the pickup truck glory this time around is the new, \neight-generation Toyota Hilux\n. It dons a brand new look while the mechanics all around have been improved for better performance. This means new engines, new transmission and improved chassis. Read on.\nToyota claims that the new Hilux is designed to give occupants a more focused and easier pickup to drive than before. To warrant this claim, the engineers developed the new Hilux by putting it through forests and deserts of extreme conditions, sometimes with temperatures exceeding 50\u00b0C.\nSo, onto the highlights. The Hilux gets\u00a0\ntwo brand new engines\n; a \n2.4-litre\n and \n2.8-litre turbodiesel\n engines, replacing the current 2.5L and 3.0L oil burning lumps. The new 2.4L makes \n148 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 2,000 rpm, whereas the 2.8L unit makes \n174 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 2,400 revolutions.\nThese engines are less noisy, more torquey and yield better fuel economy thanks to \ncommonrail direct injection\n, exhaust gas recirculation and variable nozzle turbos. It also comes with \nauto start/stop technology\n to conserve fuel whenever necessary. On that front, the Hilux will benefit from a \nnew six-speed automatic\n gearbox \u2013 two cogs up from the current Aisin-made four-speed slush box.\nUnderpinning the car is the same ladder frame architecture but is now made with more high-tensile strength steel, including an enlarged side rail cross-section for improved comfort. Thai models are comfort biased and benefit from new shock absorbers and upgraded leaf spring suspension.\nToyota says there are three suspension setups to suit driving conditions the world over; Standard, Heavy Duty and Comfort, with the comfort setup being offered in Thailand \u2013 an indication of what\u2019s to come when it gets launched here.\nOn the outside, the pickup truck will get \nLED daytime running lights\n\u00a0(possibly on the higher trims only) with projector headlights, a new grille and more muscular front bumper. As for the wheels, Toyota is offering up to 18-inches for size, but the largest we have running the grounds is the 17-inch fitted to the 3.0G variants. Over the back, the tail lights have also been completely redesigned.\nInside, the Hilux comes equipped with a respectable raft of user-convenience features such as cruise control, touchscreen head unit, new instrument clusters and multi-info display. There\u2019s also keyless entry and push-start button, but that feature will most certainly be reserved for the upper-end variants.\n \n \nIt\u2019s only a matter of time now before the new Hilux finds its way here. Till then, stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY\n8th-Gen Toyota Hilux   7th-Gen Toyota Hilux TRD Sportivo"
"The all-new Isuzu D-Max was \nunveiled in Thailand in October 2019\n, and ever since then, the striking pick-up has ranked top dog in the country\u2019s pick-up truck market. In 2020, Isuzu sold a total of 160,328 D-Max trucks in the Land of Smiles, and the form continued into the new year with a total of 40,222 units sold in the first quarter of 2021 alone.\nThat figure averages to approximately 13,000 Isuzu D-Max pick-ups sold every month in the period, and translates to a market share of 47.7% in Q1 2021, according to data compiled by Thai publication \nHeadlight Mag\n.\n \nComing in at a distant second place is the \nrecently-updated Toyota Hilux\n, with\u00a028,216 units (33.4% market share) sold within the same period. The\n Ford Ranger \nplaced third with 6,847 units (8.1%) units sold, while the \nMitsubishi Triton\n and \nnew Nissan Navara \ntook home fourth and fifth place with 5,166 (6.1%) and 2,077 (2.5%) units sold respectively.\nAlthough quite startling, the pick-up truck supremacy is frankly nothing out of the ordinary. First of all, the Isuzu D-Max has always been the undisputed pick-up king in Thailand, owing to its reputation for reliable diesel engines.\nCouple that with an all-new design that has completely revamped its looks and feel both inside and out, and it\u2019s not surprising why the demand for the all-new D-Max is at an all-time high.\nSeriously \u2013 take a look at the swanky interior of the all-new Isuzu D-Max and tell us it doesn\u2019t look like it\u2019s \ntaken out of a luxury SUV\n! Not only that, the D-Max also comes with some \nseriously advanced driver assistance features\n that even many regular passenger cars don\u2019t have.\nHere in Malaysia, the all-new Isuzu D-Max was just launched in April this year. It\u2019s available in seven variants across two engine choices, starting at \nRM88,599.20\n\u00a0for the workhorse single cab 1.9L model, moving all the way up to \nRM141,938.40\n\u00a0for the flagship\u00a0\n3.0L X-Terrain model\n.\nFor a full breakdown on the differences between each variant, make sure to check out our Facts & Figures write-up from the launch, linked \nhere\n. And if you want to find out the differences between the new pick-up trucks here in Malaysia, we\u2019ve also made a handy-dandy comparison for you \nhere\n."
"50 years ago last weekend, police started carrying out roadside breath tests on UK motorist with the first ever use of the breathalyser. Prior to that, motorists were tested on whether they could touch their nose with their eyes closed, walk in a straight line or stand with one leg \u2013 we\u2019ve sure come a long way from those archaic methods.\nWay back then 1967, there were 1,640 road fatalities caused by drunk-driving and since the introduction of the breathalyser originally invented by Robert Frank Borkenstein, the number of deaths dropped by eight folds even with an stark increase in vehicle ownership.\nFunnily enough, when the first laws were passed, it was greeted with outrage by many \u2013 with alcohol business owners even going to the extent of claiming that it disrupts their trade.\n\u201cIn the first 12 months alone, there were 1000 fewer deaths and 11,000 fewer serious injuries on the roads \u2013 proving that the use of the \u2018drunkometer\u2019 was both necessary and justified\u201d, said breathalyser firm AlcoSense\u00a0Managing Director Hunter Abbott.\nBefore the breathalyser, the original method was to blow in a bag/balloon which as a crude device, used merely to confirm a policeman\u2019s suspicion that a motorist was under influence of alcohol. Subsequently a blood or urine test would be conducted at the police station for evidential proof.\nIn case you aren\u2019t aware, in Malaysia, the legal limit for alcohol content in your body while driving in Malaysia is \n80 milligrams per deciliter\n, or 100 milliliters which is more a less a pint or two of beer \u2013 depending on how watered down it is!"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is carrying another round of smashing rebates, from 4th August until 30th September 2014 in conjunction with our national independence celebration.\nFirst off, the locally assembled \nMitsubishi ASX\n\u00a0comes with a cash rebate of up to \nRM2,000\n. \u00a0Retailing at\u00a0\nRM114,743.50\n for the \n2WD\n and\u00a0\nRM128,879.50\n for the \n4WD\u00a0\n(OTR price\u00a0not\u00a0inclusive of insurance).\u00a0The Mitsubishi ASX\u00a0is powered by an all aluminium, \n2.0-litre MIVEC\n petrol engine (\n4B11\n), that produces \n150PS\n \u00a0and\u00a0\n197Nm\n of torque via a smooth \nINVECS-III CVT\n gearbox. The Mitsubishi ASX recently won the \nBest Local Assembled SUV\u00a0\nby Auto Allianz Industry Awards 2014.\nIf you are looking for a high profile SUV, the \nMitsubishi Pajero Sport\n (2013 make) offers a cash rebate of \nRM9,000\n, subject to model availability. There are 2 variants of the Pajero, the \nPajero Sport GL (2WD)\n retailing at \nRM151,278\n and the \nPajero Sport VGT (4WD)\n retailing at \u00a0\nRM172,212\n. Both OTR price\u00a0not inclusive of insurance.\nFor those who fancy an urban pick-up, the \nMitsubishi Triton VGT GS\n (2014 make), a cash rebate of up to \nRM5,000\n awaits you. \u00a0Priced at \nRM107,809.60\n (OTR price\u00a0not\u00a0inclusive of insurance).\u00a0Both the Pajero Sport VGT and Triton VGT GS comes with an updated engine via Variable Geometry Turbocharger that delivers\u00a0\nuncompromising power while maintaining class-leading fuel efficiency.\nHead over to\u00a0\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n\u00a0for more details and updates."
"Kei-cars are often regarded as cheap and cheerful but easily forgotten simply because the Japanese culture isn\u2019t present here. They\u2019re basically a regular point A to B kind of cars, but Suzuki upped the ante by revealing a hotter Alto variant known as the Alto Works.\nBased on the Japanese-only \neight-generation model\n, this Suzuki Alto on steroids has a new bodykit, fog lamps, new 15-inch multispoke rims, side decals, red brake calipers and chrome bezels for the headlamps. In the cabin, customers get Recaro bucket seats, red contrast stitching, sportier instrument clusters and so on. Suzuki also removed the Alto\u2019s touchscreen infotainment system to reduce weight.\nThe Alto Works is propelled by a \n660cc three-cylinder turbocharged\n engine producing \n64 hp\n with \n100 Nm\n of torque. It weighs just slightly above \n600kg, \nmaking\u00a0this a peppy little\u00a0pocket-rocket should it be paired with the standard \nfive-speed short-throw manual\n\u00a0gearbox. Suzuki also retuned the suspension, steering rack and throttle response for better driveability. Also to note, the \nfive-speed automatic\n and 4WD\u00a0are being offered as optional costs.\nThe car is retailed in Japan for \n1,509,840 yen\n, which is not more than \nRM54,000,00\n\u00a0after conversion to current rates. As for now, the Suzuki Alto is no longer on sale by Suzuki Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford has just announced that production of Ford GT supercar will be extended by another two years to meet the overwhelming customer demand. During the period, the company is expected to build an additional 350 units on top of the initial run of 1,000 units.\nUnveiled back in the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Ford GT is the Blue Oval\u2019s mid-engine two-seater supercar with technology derived from the brand\u2019s participation in the \n24 Hours of Le Mans\n. Since its global unveiling, Ford \nreceived over 6,500 applicants\n \u2013 yes you have to apply to be able to purchase one \u2013 for the first batch of 500 units which was subsequently increased to 1,000 units.\nTo be able to purchase one of the 350 additional units, Ford will re-open the application window to customers in selected markets beginning 8 November 2018. Prospective owners can submit their applications at FordGT.com, and successful applicants will\u00a0be contacted by the Ford GT Concierge Service for a \npersonalised purchase experience\n.\nDirector of Ford Performance, Hermann Salenbauch said: \u201cThe response to our Ford GT has been unprecedented, with demand outstripping supply more than six-to-one. By extending the Ford GT production run for a limited period, we\u2019re able to maintain the exclusivity of the ultra-desirable supercar while offering the ownership experience to a greater number of customers in addition to the 80 Ford GT owners in Europe who\u2019ve taken delivery of their bespoke car to-date.\u201d\nTo recap, the Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine pushing out over 600 hp, capable of a top speed of 348 km/h."
"As is so often the case with new Aston Martins, the new DBS Superleggera is a thing of top notch beauty and will fittingly replace the old Vanquish S.\nBeneath the sculpted carbon fibre body panels rests a 5.2-litre twin-turbo quadcam V12 that\u2019s been tuned to produce\n 725 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. Within just 3.4 seconds, it\u2019ll be doing 100 km/h from standstill and by the time a Golf GTI does the same run, the Aston would\u2019ve hit 160 km/h in the same time. Top has been marked at 340 km/h.\nThe immense power is funneled exclusively to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with a mechanical limited-slip differential and torque vectoring.\nKeeping the DBS firmly on the tarmac, aside from the F1-inspired double-diffuser, are adaptive dampers fitted as standard. They stand behind a set of carbon ceramic brakes and the 21-inch lightweight forged wheels with Pirelli tyres developed specifically for DBS Superleggera.\nWith the front splitter, airflow is channeled underneath the front of the car to deliver true downforce and assist cooling by feeding air to the front brakes.\nBehind the front wheels, the so-called \u2018open stirrup\u2019 and \u2018curlicue\u2019 \u2013 inspired by the Aston Martin Vulcan and Vantage GTE race car \u2013 allows air to escape and flow cleanly along the car\u2019s flanks. At the rear, the Double Diffuser and Aeroblade ll helps generate the highest ever downforce achieved by a series production Aston Martin.\nNot only is it more aerodynamic than other Astons, it\u2019s also 72kg lighter than the DB11, with a dry kerb weight of 1693kg.\u00a0Recalibrated valves in its quad exhaust system better distinguishes each driving mode, with pops and bangs on the overrun \u2013 a feature of Sport and Sport Plus modes.\nPriced from \u00a3225,000 (approx. RM1.2 million) in the UK, with deliveries scheduled to begin in Q3 of 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mini\n \nachieved its first-ever international rally victory back in the 1962 Tulip Rally. And at the wheels? A British woman racing driver named Pat Moss, who so happens to be the younger sister of F1 great Sterling Moss. To celebrate Pat\u2019s incredible achievement in a male-dominated sport, Mini has unveiled the special Pat Moss Edition for the Mini Cooper, 60 years later on International Women\u2019s Day.\nAs a tribute to the rally that Pat Moss and her co-pilot Ann Wisdom won, the Mini Cooper Pat Moss Edition receives several special visual upgrades, most noticeably on the front fenders, emblazoned with information about the race that took the duo on a 2,500 km journey from Denmark to the French Rivera and back.\nA tulip motif can be seen on the C-pillars, side scuttles, and wheel hub covers, while a horizontal white stripe on the bonnet pays tribute to the winning Mini\u2019s registration number \u2013 737 ABL. Pat Moss\u2019 signature can also be found both inside and out of the car \u2013 the latter on the front bumper, just underneath the right headlight.\nThe same tulip motif can also be found on the interior, particularly on the door sill plates as well as the decorative plate on the steering wheel\u2019s centre spoke. The dashboard trim piece also features a unique pattern, with bars of different heights forming the shapes of the letters \u2018M\u2019 and \u2018W\u2019 \u2013 standing for Moss and Wisdom.\nRELATED: The facelifted MINI gets new adaptive dampers and infotainment system with \u201cLive Widgets\u201d\nMini will be offering the Cooper Pat Moss Edition with the unique \nMultitone Roof\n as standard, although with a new colour scheme that transitions from Chili Red to Melting Silver to Jet Black. Due to the unique painting process, each roof will look have their own unique colour patterns, making them essentially one-of-a-kind!\nAs for body colours, the special edition model will be offered in Pepper White or Midnight Black metallic, although red mirror covers are standard regardless of the primary exterior colour.\nGlobally, the Mini Cooper Pat Moss Edition will be offered in both \nCooper S\n and \nJohn Cooper Works\n guises, available in both three- and five-door forms. It\u2019ll be limited to \u201cjust over 800 vehicles\u201d, with deliveries to begin in May.\nGALLERY"
"Petronas Dagangan Berhad is back with the Mesra Bonanza Campaign with over RM1.7 million in cash prizes and RM2 million worth of Mesra points for over 10,000 winners.\nEvery two (2) months, three grand prize winners will go home with \nRM100,000 cash each\n, while 14 other winners stand to win \nRM3,000 cash each\n.\nEvery month, over 1,000 winners will be rewarded with \n20,000 Mesra points (equivalent to RM200)\n.\nTo participate, customers simply need to \nspend a minimum of RM30 on fuel or on Kedai Mesra items\n to be in the running for the monthly prizes. For the cash prizes every two (2) months, customers need to spend a cumulative of RM500 within two months.\nPayments can be made via cash, credit/debit card, Petronas Gift Card or Setel, the first e-payment solution for fuel purchases. Customers are also required to swipe their Mesra card with each transaction.\nMesra card members will enjoy 3X Mesra points for every litre of fuel \u2013 the highest offered in the industry. So go get those points,\n more mileage with the new Petronas Primax 95 \nand win yourself some cash!\nThe campaign runs from \n5th April 2019 till 31st January 2020\n. More details about the Mesra Bonanza campaign \nhere\n."
"BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz AG have announced that the alliance to \njointly develop autonomous driving technology \nhas been temporarily put on hold. \u201cFollowing extensive review, the two companies have arrived at a mutual and amicable agreement to concentrate on their existing development paths,\u201d the joint press release read.\nAfter an extensive review post technical discussions between the companies, both sides concluded that the timing is not right for a successful implementation of the cooperation, citing the expenses involved in creating a shared technology platform, as well as current business and economic conditions.\nWith the cooperation now on hold, both companies may proceed with the development of their separate systems, which may also include working with other current or new partners. However, the two German automotive powerhouse emphasised that this alliance may be resumed at a later date.\nThe alliance, announced \nJuly last year\n, was formed with a goal to accelerate the development of next generation autonomous driving technologies. The companies planned to introduce autonomous driving of up to level four on passenger cars from as early as 2024.\nAlthough the autonomous driving tech alliance has been put on hold temporarily, BMW and Mercedes-Benz underlined that they would continue working in close cooperation in other remaining fields as planned. These include the HERE technology platform formed together with Audi, as well as a mobility services joint venture under the NOW brand."
"The time has finally come for Mazda to unmask its latest supermini, the \nMazda2\n (aka \u2018Demio\u2019 in Japan). Since all of its elder siblings namely the Mazda6, Mazda5 and \nMazda3\n receive the \nSkyActiv\n treatment, it is only fair that the all new Mazda2 should get the same badge.\nhttp://youtu.be/sGm8cnBdhQU\nThe Mazda2 has been fully redesigned from the ground up for the first time in 7 years and adopts the\u00a0\nKODO\n\u00a0design language. Mazda\u2019s Hofu plant in Yamaguchi, Japan is tasked at producing the Mazda2/Demio this coming autumn.\nAs expected, a wide range of \nSkyActiv\n technologies will be applied to the Mazda2. Powering the compact Mazda2 is the \nSkyActiv-G\n (gasoline petrol) and \nSkyActiv-D\n (diesel). The \nSkyActiv-D 1.5\n, with a compression ratio of \n14.8:1\n will be offered in both European and Japanese markets.\u00a0The diesel mill utilises both low and high pressure \nEGR\n systems, coupled with\u00a0variable geometry turbocharger\u00a0to maximizes fuel efficiency.   For the rest of the world markets where diesel is less prominent, the \nSkyActiv-G 1.3\n and \n1.5\u00a0\nwill be featured instead. The \nSkyActiv-G\n family of engine needs no special introduction as it is present in the all new Mazda 3 & 6. Expect the Mazda2 to come in manual and automatic transmission, tailored to different markets and needs.   Also in the books for Mazda2 is the\u00a0\ni-Activsense\n advanced safety systems and \nMazda Connect\n infotainment system. Interior wise, the cockpit design of the Mazda2 is a reminiscent of the larger Mazda3 where they share similar popup infotainment display and gauges.\nFor the uninitiated,\u00a0\ni-Activsense\n\u00a0encompasses safety feature such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning, radar cruise control, collision avoidance system and many more, though not all of these safety feature will be incorporated into the Mazda2.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\nhttp://youtu.be/sGm8cnBdhQU\nhttp://youtu.be/lJuWw0_y4Ic\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nall-new eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf \nhas just been officially unveiled in Malaysia, to be offered in the 1.4TSI R-Line variant alongside the \nGolf GTI\n and Golf R.\nAssembled here in Malaysia for the first time ever, the all-new Golf 8 (\nnot Mk. 8, apparently!\n) R-Line is now open for booking, with pricing estimated to be between \nRM155,000 and RM165,000\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThe design of the Golf 8, unsurprisingly, is more \u201cevolutionary\u201d than \u201crevolutionary\u201d. It retains most of the silhouette of the outgoing model, but features some new design touches to spruce up the classic look with a touch of modernity.\nIn terms of standard equipment, the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 R-Line comes with:\nR-Line exterior package with body kit, quad faux exhaust outlets\nLED Plus headlights\nLED tail lights\n17-inch \u2018Valencia\u2019 alloy wheels\nExterior colour options: Kings Red (new), matte Moonstone Grey (new), Atlantic Blue, Deep Black, Oryx White\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the bonnet is a carry-over 1.4TSI turbocharged engine from the \nMk7.5 Golf\n, but with increased power and a brand-new gearbox combination.\nEngine: 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: Eight-speed automatic gearbox\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 150 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax torque: 250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds\nINTERIOR\nWhile the exterior design isn\u2019t anything new, the Golf 8\u2019s interior has been completely revamped with a focus on digitalised features. Called \u201cDriver\u2019s Workspace\u201d, the entire cabin is almost devoid of any physical switches, with most of them being replaced by touch-sensitive buttons.\nThanks to the new electrical architecture, the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 R-Line also comes with a new shift-by-wire gear knob in the centre console, the first VW model in Malaysia to carry the feature. Other interior features include:\n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\n10-inch Discover Media touchscreen infotainment display\nWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nSemi-bucket sports seats, manual adjustment\nSardegna fabric and Art Velours suede-like side bolsters, R-line embossing on headrest\nCarbon-look trim\nThree-zone climate control with rear blowers and control panel\n30-colour interior lighting system\nSAFETY\nThe all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 R-Line in Malaysia comes as standard with the following safety equipment:\nSix airbags\nElectronic stability control\nABS with electronic brake-force distribution\nBrake Assist\nPost-Collision Braking System\nTyre Pressure Leak Indicator\nUnfortunately, the locally-assembled model does not come yet with any advanced driver assistance features, although we\u2019re hoping that it\u2019ll be included in a future update, preferably soon!\nPRICING\nThe all-new eight-generation Volkswagen Golf R-Line in Malaysia is now open for booking, with estimated pricing ranging between RM155,000 and RM165,000.\nIncluded a standard in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, a three-year free maintenance package, and five years of free roadside assistance.\nGALLERY"
"When the travel itinerary reads 13,000 km, 13 cities, 4 countries over a span of 33 days, you\u2019ve got to admire the sense of adventure and endurance of the participants. For nine Proton X70 owners, along with their family members and friends, this is what lies ahead for them.\nThe 13,000 km-long road trip is organised by the Borneo Automobile Leisure Touring Team and the Kunming Scenery-Customer International Travel Co. China, supported by Proton and other sponsors that include a durian retailer. Talk about laying the groundwork for the eventual export of Proton cars and durians to our ASEAN neighbours.\nWe wouldn\u2019t recommend a road trip after consuming Musang King though.\nA total of 33 participants will travel in nine \nProton X70 SUVs\n (mainly of the Executive AWD variant) from Proton\u2019s Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam, they will then traverse Thailand and Cambodia before crossing into China and then to Hangzhou, China, which is the trip\u2019s halfway point and home to Proton\u2019s joint venture partner Geely Auto. The other half of the trip will of course be the return journey back to Proton\u2019s HQ.\nThe X70 will be put to the test in this 13,000 km journey.\nWhen at Hangzhou, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Geely Experience Centre and get to know the latest models of one of the world\u2019s fastest growing auto manufacturer. While the trip isn\u2019t to pit man and machine against the elements but more about taking in the culture and sights along the way, the sheer distance, logistics and the varying driving conditions will naturally put participants and their vehicles to the test. We wish them a safe journey in their month-long adventure!"
"Bentley will be presenting its all-new third-generation Bentley Flying Spur on June 11. The British luxury marquee decided not to be secretive with the car because everyone knows it\u2019s going to look \nthe same\n.\nThe design of the new Flying\nSpur is an evolution and not a revolution. Without diving into the details, we\ncan tell that the new luxury saloon features modern lighting technology, sharper\nbumpers and updated tech on the inside.\n \nListen to that glorious exhaust note\nThis will be the very\nfirst Bentley to feature All-Wheel Steering technology for, in Bentley\u2019s words,\nhigh speed confidence and low speed convenience. All-wheel drive is equipped as\nstandard on the new Flying Spur so should Bentley\u2019s range of W12 and V8 engines.\nThe Bentley Dynamic\nRide now works in tandem with the new adaptive suspension that alters the\nspring rates on demand to minimise body roll around the or iron out undulations\nwhen cruising."
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just launched the \nfacelifted Hyundai Elantra\n with a series of aesthetic \nenhancements\n \nchanges, updated features at an unchanged price of RM109,888 (OTR without insurance).\n \nAvailable as a sole 2.0L Executive variant, the facelifted Elantra packs the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder MPI petrol engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission making \n152 hp\n and \n192 Nm\n of torque.\nWhile safety kit is on par with rivals of the segment (six airbags, VSM, TPMS), the HSDM did not equip the Elantra with the Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System like the \nIoniq\n.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY"
"When the \n\u201cstandard\u201d Aston Martin Valkyrie \nwas first revealed, it made waves and headlines as it completely broke away from the traditionally elegant approach in design by the British sportscar maker.\nStandard Valkyrie\nValkyrie AMR Pro\nNow, they\u2019ve revealed something even more extreme \u2013 the \nValkyrie AMR Pro\n. While the standard Valkyrie is road-legal, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is a track-only hypercar that looks like something you\u2019d buy for your kids to play. All units will be left-hand drive, with a \nproduction run of 40 cars\n plus two prototypes.\nFind out more about the road-going, 1,000 hp Aston Martin Valkyrie here!\nFirst revealed as a concept back in 2018 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Valkyrie was built with the \naim to win the 24-hrs of Le Mans in the new Hypercar class\n. As for the AMR Pro version, it will inherit most of what was applied in the actual Le Mans race car.\nStandard Valkyrie\nValkyrie AMR Pro\nEven better than that; because the AMR Pro\u2019s design and performance is not restricted by race regulations, Aston said \nits capabilities are even greater than the race car version\n of the Valkyrie.\nUnlike the road car, the AMR Pro is longer and wider as a result of intense focus on aerodynamics. As a result, it can \ngenerate twice as much downforce as the road car\n and produce up to 3G while accelerating.\nClick here to listen to how the Aston Martin Valkyrie roars!\nBased on the same 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine as the road-going Valkyrie, the AMR Pro gets additional weight reduction from the \nremoval of the battery-electric hybrid system\n, use of more carbon fibre body work, carbon fibre suspension components, Perspex windscreen and side windows.\n\u201cTogether with an aerodynamic efficiency that exceeds Le Mans Hypercar regulations, the AMR Pro promises track performance approaching that of a Formula 1 car,\u201d said Aston Martin.\nAston Martin CEO, Tobias Moers said, \u201cNothing else looks like it, nothing else sounds like it, and I am absolutely certain nothing else will drive like it!\u201d\nCustomers of the Valkyrie AMR Pro will receive the opportunity to attend a bespoke track day experience, hosted by Aston Martin at a selection of international FIA circuits around the world. The experience will include track and pit lane access, support from the Aston Martin Valkyrie Instructor team, as well as FIA exclusive racewear and a VIP hosted dinner.\nGuess what, if all that isn\u2019t enough, owners can also brag that their AMR Pro was developed together with Aston Martin Cognizant Formula 1 team drivers. Hopefully with Vettel, mostly.\nCheck out how the Aston Martin Valkyrie looks like with the optional Track Pack fitted on!"
"Renault Sport has spawned a hotter, Trophy version of the \nfourth-generation Megane R.S.\n with more power, reduced unsprung weight and beefier brakes. Fret not enthusiasts for the most powerful Renault Sport production car can still be had with a six-speed manual.\nIts 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine found in the standard Megane R.S. now commands \n300 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n, 20 more horses and torque over the standard car. An EDC dual clutch or manual gearbox, both with six forward ratios, is tasked to send drive to the front axles. However, if you choose to have three pedals and row through the gears yourself, torque figure is capped at \n400 Nm\n due to the transmission mapping.\nThe increased power comes from a new ceramic ball bearing system for the turbo and a variable valve exhaust system. The new innovations improve the engine\u2019s responsiveness and acceleration at higher revs. Century sprint is now done in \n5.7 seconds\n.\nWith the new exhaust system that comes with an electronically controlled valve works according to the Multi-Sense mode (drive modes) selected. When the valve is shut, the tone is noticeably sportier than the standard exhaust system and when it is open, the reduced flow resistance allows for maximum performance and noise.   The Megane R.S. Trophy is equipped with the Cup chassis as standard which adds A Torsen\u00ae mechanical limited slip differential, 25 per cent firmer shock absorbers, 30 per cent tighter springs and 10 per cent stiffer anti-roll bars. It also has the 4CONTROL all-wheel steering technology as standard.\nIt is difficult to distinguish the Megane R.S. Trophy apart from the standard car with new items include larger 355 mm front brake discs with red painted Brembo calipers, 19-inch \u2018Jerez\u2019 alloy wheels and TROPHY stripes added to the F1-style blade. An optional 19-inch \u2018Fuji\u2019 lightweight alloys that reduce unsprung weight by 8 kg will be available at a later date. The Trophy gets optional Recaro seats that allow\u00a0the driver to adjust the seating position 20 mm lower for a racier feel.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRenault Megane R.S. Trophy"
"Mazda has announced that there will be upgrades for both the soft-top and RF versions of the MX-5.\nThe 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine is now higher-revving and acoustically-tuned, with its redline raised from 6,800 to 7,500 rpm \u2013 definitely a plus for the ears when you\u2019re drying your hair in the MX-5.\nWhile it wouldn\u2019t overpower the car, expect beefier acceleration with both horsepower and torque increased from 160 to \n184 hp\n and from 200 to \n205 Nm\n. As for the 1.5-litre model, power is up to \n132 hp\n and \n152 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth the 1.5 and 2.0-litre engine powertrains also come with quicker throttle response to further enhance the Jinba Ittai driving experience.\nAesthetically, the MX-5 has been enriched with a darker paint finish for both 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels and a new brown canopy for the soft-top models."
"Audi has confirmed that their next-generation flagship model, the Audi A8 will feature a \nhybrid powertrain as standard across the range\n. The new A8, as Audi coins it, will be a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV), supporting the combustion engine with enhanced performance and greater efficiency.\nThe MHEV powertrain features two main components: a water cooled \n48-volt belt alternator starter (BAS)\n and a \n48-volt 10 Ah lithium-ion battery pack\n. The BAS enables the A8 to coast between 55 km/h to 160 km/h for up to 40 seconds with the \nengine completely shut off\n. Should the driver require additional propulsion, the BAS restarts the engine immediately and accelerates without delay. The BAS is permanently connected to the combustion engine.\nStart/Stop function has also been greatly improved from the previous systems with the clever \nPredictive Convenient Starting\n. It uses radars to detect traffic and will restart the engine as soon as the car in front moves, even if the brakes are applied. This allows the A8 to follow the flow of traffic more efficiently.\nTo achieve greater efficiency, the new A8\u2019s powertrain management uses navigation data and radar sensors to decide whether to go into coasting or energy recuperation mode. The system also works in tandem with other active safety systems to recover energy during emergency braking. This collectively give the A8 MHEV greater comfort and reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 km.\nFull details of the new Audi A8 will be revealed when the car makes its \nworld debut\n at the Audi Summit in Barcelona on 11 July 2017. Previously, Audi Malaysia has \nannounced plans to begin CKD operations here in Malaysia\n. If the A8 gets assembled here, we\u2019re sure it will receive the same tax break incentives as the \nBMW 740Le xDrive\n and \nMercedes-Benz S400h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely has just unveiled the first images of the upcoming KX11 (internal codename, of course), the brand\u2019s third model to be based on the \nCompact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform\n, and you know what \u2013 this might be the best-looking Geely model to date. The Chinese carmaker says that the new model will be launched later this year.\nThe design of the Geely KX11 is clearly an evolution of its latest design language, with several design elements inspired by the brand\u2019s most-recent CMA-based model, the \nXingRui\n (or Preface, as it was known during the concept phase) \u2013 and we gotta say that it really does work quite well here.\nThe front fascia is dominated by the new evolved \u201cexpanding cosmos\u201d grille, featuring a vertical slat design across the intake. Flanking the grille are the slim headlights, with a segmented daytime-running light signature seemingly sandwiching the main beam in the middle.\nFurther down, the lower apron dons a large faux intake trim piece with horizontal bars that runs across the entire width of the car, giving it a strong and muscular look, without being overly \u201cbusy\u201d in design. A skid-plate front splitter acts as a border to the actual lower intake below the number plate.\nThe premium, muscular look is helped by the tall and flat nose when viewed from the side, along with the \u201csquircle\u201d-shaped wheel arches, and the sheer size of the car itself, at least at first glance. But of course, Geely did not divulge any other information aside from just these images, so we\u2019ll have to wait and see how it actually measures up against their larger SUVs such as the \nHao Yue seven-seater SUV\n.\nWhat\u2019s also uncertain for now is its powerplant underneath the bonnet. However, given that it is based on the CMA platform, a more powerful electrified powertrain is not out of the question.\nWith rumours swirling that \nProton\n is looking to add a larger SUV model to its line-up as the X90, could this be the one that we should look forward to? Let us know in the comments section below!"
"Ares Design, headed by former Group \nLotus\n CEO, Dany Bahar, has presented the Project Panther, a modern take on the legendary De Tomaso Pantera built from the early 1970\u2019s all the way up to the early 1990\u2019s.\nPowertrain options have yet to be revealed but the Panther is said to be based on the \nLamborghini Huracan\n that\u2019s packed with a 5.2-litre V10 engine connected to an all-wheel drive system.\nThe Huracan\u2019s aluminium and carbon fibre hybrid chassis should also be featured and as such, expect a 0 to 100 km/h time of around three seconds with a top speed exceeding the 300 km/h mark.\nThe Project Panther, said to be Ares Design\u2019s halo car, is currently undergoing crash and aerodynamics tests in Italy and is expected to be delivered to its exclusive clientele as early as the end of 2018."
"Thought we were mean to our intern when we had him \nsit in the truck bed holding on to boxes\n? Wait until you hear about what Nissan did with theirs. You see, there are some things that just require real-world human testing, and in the case of Nissan\u2019s ProPilot Assist hands-on driver assist system, that meant having to put it through actual stop-go traffic jams \u2013 and who better to do it than their intern?\nMeet Tyler Szymkowski, who was an engineering intern at Nissan back in 2018. His job scope? Check his phone every day for traffic jams. \u201cEach day, I would look to see if it was a \u2018good\u2019 traffic day \u2013 and good for me meant bad traffic for most people,\u201d he said.\nWhen there\u2019s a dark red line indicating the worst standstill traffic jams, that means it\u2019s go time for Szymkowski, who would \u201crace to the jam\u201d and pretend to be happy while doing it \u2013 OK we added the last bit in, but we\u2019d have to assume it wasn\u2019t exactly pleasant to sit through bumper-to-bumper traffic every single day.\n\u201cCustomers were telling us that three seconds wasn\u2019t long enough,\u201d said Nissan Senior Project Engineer Brittany Tessmer. \u201cHow long the system could sit and then re-engage to make the experience more seamless was something we needed to pinpoint. If three seconds isn\u2019t long enough, then what is?\u201d\nThe\n Nissan Rogue\n, or X-Trail as we know it here, comes with the latest ProPilot Assist systems.\nPreviously, the adaptive cruise control system was only capable of holding the vehicle stationary for three seconds before disengaging. If more than three seconds passed, the driver will need to tap the accelerator or press a button on the steering wheel to re-engage the system.\n\u201cI got a very realistic taste of what customers experience in major cities,\u201d said Szymkowski. \u201cThere were hundreds of additional hours spent basically waiting for a traffic jam. I will say that sitting in traffic is a lot more tolerable when you\u2019re intentionally getting something out of it. And it was really cool that Nissan was letting an intern have an impact on a new emerging technology.\u201d\nThroughout his internship, Szymkowski sat through a total of 64 standstill traffic jams in Los Angeles, Washington, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and San Francisco \u2013 or in other words, pretty much hell on earth. But thanks to his superhero levels of determination and mental strength, the critical data collected helped increase the stop-go hold time up to 30 seconds.\nThe updated ProPilot Assist system is now available on the \nall-new Nissan Rogue\n (X-Trail) and Pathfinder, which also includes the Navi-link feature that uses live navigation data to enhance the overall adaptive cruise control experience.\nThe ProPilot system also helped the \nNissan DayZ win the JCOTY Tech award\n!\nFortunately, the torturous internship programme didn\u2019t all go to waste, as he was hired as a full-time Nissan engineer after earning his engineering degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. He now works on human machine interface (HMI) topics, specialising on how the ProPILOT Assist system enhances the customer\u2019s connection with their vehicle.\n\u201cThat internship was absolutely critical because it gave me visibility and experience with ProPilot Assist, which still helps me do my job today\u201d Szymkowski said. \u201cOne of the most exciting things about my current role is that I still have an impact on how advanced technologies best benefit our customers.\u201d"
"The automotive industry of late has been drenched with joint ventures. There was \nFord\u2019s iniatiative with Zotye\n\u00a0a couple months back and more recently, the \nToyota, Mazda \nand\n Denso\n trifecta followed by the \nAlliance\n between Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault.\nNow reports have surfaced that BMW is now looking to form some kind of partnership with Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor, according to \nReuters\n.\nThe same report also mentioned the possibility of the two heavy weights coming together to \nopen an assembly plant\n in the Changshu, China. There is, however, no clear indication of what type of vehicles will be produced at the plant and officials from both parties have refused to comment on the matter according to the same report.\nThe BMW 1-series sedan that\u2019s \nspecifically for the Chinese market\nAlthough it\u2019s still very speculative, what we can be sure of is that BMW has been affirmed to be the \nleading luxury brand in China\n with over 48,869 cars sold in April 2017 alone.\nSeeing as everyone is manufacturing EVs in China and with previous reports of a \njoint venture with Intel\n together with BMW\u2019s pledge to \noffer electrified variants for all BMW and MINI models including an all electric X3 due by 2020\n, what\u2019s to say it won\u2019t happen? Stay tuned."
"The first-generation BMW 7 Series debuted in the same year a certain Skywalker was introduced to the big screens. Today, \nthe 7 Series flagship, currently in its sixth iteration\n\u00a0turns 40 and BMW celebrates with the 7 Series 40 Jahre.\nThe\u00a07 Series 40 Jahre (German for years) is offered across the entire \nG11/12 7 Series\n range\u00a0and will be limited to just \n200 units\n. It gets M Aerodynamics Package kit,\u00a0high-gloss Shadow Line accents, 20-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels and exclusive \n40 Jahre\n badging on the B-pillar. Two exterior colours are available for this series:\u00a0\nFrozen Silver\n and \nDark Blue Petrol Mica\n.\nThe interior is packed with BMW Individual Merino fine grain leather upholstery, which can be had with two colour combinations \u2013 Smoke White and Cohiba or Smoke White and black. This comes with matching Smoke White piping and Alcantara Smoke White roof liner. The comfort seats are accented with hand woven piping in Smoke White. Two choices of dash accents are available:\u00a0black piano lacquer finish or Eucalyptus wood with a Smoke Brown high gloss finish.\nThe BMW 7 Series 40 Jahre will be presented at the \n2017 Frankfurt Motor Show\n this September.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s easy to cast a wary eye on this news story as just another company touting a CSR initiative, but nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to the reduction of carbon footprint. Global warming is real and it is pressing matter, so every bit counts.\nJust about every roof at Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s facility is lined with a solar panel!\nGoodyear Malaysia has done more than just a little bit by installing some 6,680 solar panels on the roofs of their office and production plant in Shah Alam, in line with its global mission to drive sustainability and reduce environmental impact.\nThe thought that your car\u2019s tyres were produced using solar energy is cool.\nThe solar panel system is able to generate 2.5 megawatts of power each day, and it is connected to six low voltage substations located within the plant. The panels will be responsible for powering the manufacturing plant, as well as the office and warehouse buildings. Once optimised, the plant is expected to have excess electricity which can be chanelled back to the grid.\nPhoto ops aside, what more can the government do to facilitate \u2018green\u2019 buildings?\nIn total, the solar panels will be able to reduce up to\n1,980,433.37 kg of carbon emissions per year over 25 years and cut Goodyear\nMalaysia\u2019s spending on electricity while significantly reducing the amount of\ngreenhouse emissions."
"Proton has previewed the \nX50\n R3 Concept at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 with cosmetic upgrades from the standard car. Unmistakably, the X50 R3 Concept features the signature colour accents of R3 vehicles from the past, such as the \nR3 Iriz\n and \nR3 Saga\n.\nProton has announced that a production version of the X50 R3 will become a reality. Only 200 units will be available and bookings can only be made at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023.\nThe X50 R3 Concept is dressed with an R3 Aerokit where at the front, the X50 R3 Concept is given a large front splitter with yellow accents. The same yellow/black treatment is given to the front hood, along with a grey stripe, that joins the yellow accent on the front grille. The front grille is fitted with a R3 badge.\nOn the side, yellow accents can be seen on the side mirror, side skirts, and 18-inch flow form lightweight wheels. The wheels also come with Race, Rally Research lettering. At the rear, the X50 R3 Concept is fitted with an aftermarket spoiler with yellow accents on the rear diffuser.\nThe exterior of the X50 R3 Concept is finished with a matte black wrap. On the inside, R3 treatment includes a R3 embroidery on the headrests, R3 mats, and what seems like aluminium R3 sports pedals.\nIn terms of output and performance, there are no changes to it. The X50 R3 Concept is based on the 1.5 TGDI Flagship variant and is powered by a 1.5 litre TGDI turbocharged engine with \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n, paired to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nGALLERY"
"One of Renault\u2019s most popular models, the \nRenault Captur\n, is now cheaper by RM5,800 at RM117,200 instead of its original asking price of RM123,000. However, the stated price doesn\u2019t come inclusive of insurance.\nJust to recap, this B-Segment crossover shares most of its mechanical and internal components with the \nRenault Clio\n, making it one of the more agile and dynamic crossovers in its segment. It\u2019s not the most powerful (the award goes to the \nMazda CX-3\n), but for RM117k you get a modern \n1.2-litre direct-injection engine\n, turbocharged to make \n118 horsepower\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque. The numbers are good, but it doesn\u2019t stop there.\nYou get a \nsix-speed dual clutch transmission\n driving the \nfront wheels\n, and there\u2019s even an ECO mode which alters acceleration, gearbox behaviour and air conditioning to save fuel. But when you feel like gunning it, the Captur can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in \n10.9 seconds\n before maxing out at\n 192km/h\n.\nIf you\u2019re keen to find out more about the Captur, be sure to \nread our review\n\u00a0(you\u2019ll find wonders about Renault\u2019s 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty) or head on over to One Utama Shopping Centre from \n9 to 13 March\n for a test drive session. You can find the Renault Roadshow at Lower Ground, Oval 1, where all other Renault models will also be displayed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely has used the Auto Shangai 2021 motor show as the venue to fully unveil their latest flagship product called the Xingyue L or previously using the codename \nKX11\n.\nDesigned at Geely Design Shanghai, the Xingyue L expands on the design developments from Geely Auto\u2019s Preface concept. Vice President of Geely Design Shanghai, Guy Burgoyne, commented, \u201cIn 2019, we unveiled a preface of what\u2019s to come, a new design language and a slingshot from our Expanding Cosmos philosophy.\u201d\n\u201cIn 2020, with the new design language and the passion for realising an idea into reality, we conceived a super-premium and refined SUV concept. Today, this super-premium concept has become the Xingyue L,\u201d concluded Burgoyne.\nUpfront, is perhaps Geely\u2019s largest and most imposing grille. Vertical slats in the grille expand from Geely\u2019s logo towards the periphery like a moving cosmic energy wave. At the sides are high performance matrix LED headlamps featuring \n126\n individually-controlled LED lighting pieces.\nThe DRLs meanwhile feature in a segment of six, a number that is well integrated into Geely\u2019s rich history. The word \u201cli\u00f9\u201d or six in Chinese indirectly means smoothness, is also founder Li Shufu\u2019s great aspiration for the company to enjoy smooth and auspicious development.   At the rear, the Xingyue L gets dot-matrix tail lamps with \n176\n \nLEDs\n. Connected to each other by a strip of lights, the visual effect of a cosmic aurora is created when viewing the Xingyue L from the rear.\nProudly built on \nGeely\u2019s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA)\n, the Xingyue L measures 4,770 mm in length over a wheelbase of 2,845 mm, placing it in the pool of large three-row SUVs such as the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-8, and Toyota Fortuner. For comparison, the flagship SUV is 251 mm longer than the \nProton X70/Geely Boyue\n. \u00a0\nPowering the flagship SUV are two engine choices. Both engines are based on the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine jointly developed by Geely and Volvo. The high output engine delivers \n238 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque that registers a 0 \u2013 100 km/h sprint time of \n7.7 seconds\n.\nThe standard tuning meanwhile has outputs of \n218 hp\n and \n325 Nm\n of torque and increases the sprint time by just 0.2 seconds to clock a time of \n7.9 seconds\n. \u00a0\u00a0\nTwo transmission options are available for the 2.0-litre engine, either a Geely-developed seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) or an Aisin\u2019s eight-speed automatic transmission. Power flow is then transmitted to a BorgWarner sixth-generation all-wheel drive system that includes an\n off-road driving mode\n with an equal 50-50 torque distribution on the front and rear axles. \u00a0\nThe Xingyue L comes with a dual-toned interior that combines a polished cyberpunk black with classical bronze inlays. The cyberpunk black highlights the model\u2019s technological heritage while the bronze and green are reminiscent of ritual bronzeware given to nobility in Asian history.\nCustom suede is used liberally while weaving in the seats \nincorporate Chinese elements like classical knots\n, adding an element of refinement in the details while giving a visual reminder of where the brand is from. CMA branding is also splashed on the front seats as well as the steering wheel.\nBased on images seen in social media, the Xingyue L remains to be a five-seater, with plenty of legroom available for the rear occupants. Apart from an armrest, a rear air-conditioning system with controls plus phone chargers, there is nothing exceptional about being in the back seats. \u00a0\u00a0\nMeanwhile, the front occupants get to enjoy multimedia presentation through a one-metre long (horizontal) display screen. Earlier \nteasers\n mentioned the capability to display images across the entire length (sans borders) and not just a piece of protective glass.\nXingyue L teaser\nXingyue L actual display\nHowever, images from \nlocal media\n portals display two distinct and individual screens beneath the glass panel. \u00a0\nGoing beyond \nLevel 2 autonomous drive\n, Xingyue L comes with Geely\u2019s newest 5G-enabled, completely unmanned automated valet system. Within a 200-metre area such as a parking lot, the Xingyue L can drive entirely on its own, search for a parking spot, and park itself.\nThe return trip can also be accomplished by calling the Xingyue L to \npick up the user\n \nwithin a 200-metre area\n. The vehicle can achieve this feat through the integration of 12 ultrasonic radars, five millimetre-wave radars, four high-definition surround-view cameras, a monocular camera, a dashcam, an interior camera and 24 environmental sensors.\nLooking forward to the Xingyue L arriving as a Proton X90 or even X100 in Malaysia? We can only be hopeful!\nGALLERY\nXingyue L actual display"
"As part of Lotus Cars revitalization of the brand, the company has unveiled a new global retail identity for its showroom. The first showroom to feature the new look is the Lotus Bahrain showroom.\nThe new showroom with plenty of glass and large Lotus signage is located at the premium and luxury retailers\u2019 section of the exclusive Moda Mall shopping complex in Manama, the capital city of the Kingdom of Bahrain.\nThe new Lotus retail identity is based on a design language and philosophy for Lotus retail environments worldwide that draws directly on the company\u2019s design and engineering prowess. Sculptural and artistic in its execution, it captures the energy of the brand as it transforms from a UK sports car company to a genuine performance car player on the world stage.\nThe new retail identity is aimed to deliver an integrated physical and digital experience of the Lotus brand and product utilizing the latest technologies with beautifully crafted furniture.\nLotus Bahrain is operated by Adamas Bahrain Motors Company WLL, part of a highly respected automotive retail business with a wealth of experience in selling performance, premium and luxury cars across the Middle East and Asia.\n\u00a0\u201cWe are delighted to be working with our dealer partner Adamas Motors at the all-new retail site in Bahrain. It is the perfect location for the world debut of our new retail identity and it looks brilliant,\u201d said Lotus Sales and Aftersales, Executive Director, Geoff Dowding.\nThe Lotus Evija has 2,000 hp. Meet the most expensive car Lotus has ever built!\n \u00a0\nDowding added, \u201cOur new identity has been designed to adapt to the different markets that Lotus sells in around the world today \u2013 and will sell in tomorrow \u2013 and to reflect the cultural nuances and different consumer preferences in those markets. The inherent flexibility of what we have created will be perfect for all environments, whether they\u2019re solus or multi-franchise, urban or out-of-town, high street or shopping mall, single or multi-storey, pop-up, seasonal or permanent.\u201d\nCurrently on display in Lotus Bahrain is the \nLotus Evora GT\n and \nLotus Exige Final Edition\n. Both will be joined by the brand-transforming new \nLotus Emira\n later in the year. \u00a0\nFind out what F1 World Champion Jenson Button has praises about the new Lotus Emira!\nAt launch, the new Lotus Emira will be powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine previously seen in the Exige and Evora. Later in 2022, it\u2019ll also be offered with a Mercedes-AMG sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged mill with outputs to range from \n365 hp\n \nto 405 hp\n with up to \n430 Nm\n of torque.\nGALLERY\nLotus Bahrain showroom\n2021 Lotus Emira"
"Ken Okuyama, the man behind the iconic Ferrari Enzo\u2019s design has just revealed his latest project, a one-off modern-day supercar unlike anything else. Unveiled at the 2017 The Quail \u2013 A Motorsports Gathering at Pebble Beach, California, the Kode 0 (Zero) takes a \nLamborghini Aventador\n as base and gets a unique design penned by Okuyama himself.\nThe Kode 0 came into existence when Okuyama dreamt of reviving the supercar styling of the early 1970\u2019s using modern-day technologies. Thus, the Kode 0 features a wedge-shaped design incorporating a no-frills, back-to-basic look with clean body lines, similar to the dream cars of the little kids from that era.\nThe car\u2019s silhouette, identified by a low-slung front end and a sharp dipping roofline, are Okuyama\u2019s efforts to give the Kode 0 superior aerodynamics while giving it a distinct profile from its donor car. The rear end of the car is perhaps the most radical profile with large rear corner mesh and visible green-painted fans. Okuyama also added a triangle-shaped, quadruple exhaust pipe combination that hints at the Kode series DNA.\nOkuyama has turned to Novitec for their NOVITEC NL3 forged alloy wheels measuring at 20-inch in the front and 21-inch at the rear. The brake callipers are painted in the company\u2019s signature metallic green.\nEvery single panel on the Kode 0 is made of carbon fibre and manufactured at Ken Okuyama Cars\u2019 factory in Yamagata, Japan. Assembly of the supercar was done by hand with the highest precision and quality-controlled methods.\nStepping into the cabin and one will find all the Lamborghini branded items replaced by Ken Okuyama\u2019s signature. The signature green metallic hue is also extended into the cabin with generous use of Alcantara and leather for the upholstery.\nNo changes were made to the 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 found in the original Lamborghini Aventador, pushing out \n700 hp\n and \n690 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed single-clutch ISR gearbox.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Audi A3 is riding with much success around the world lately. Ingolstadt\u2019s premium small car is 2015\u2019s\u00a0\nbest-selling compact car\n in the world, which really is quite an achievement considering that the model was introduced four years ago in 2012! But the time has come for an update, and it\u2019s a good one.\nSo, what\u2019s new in the facelift? As always, the fascia gets some updated nip-and-tuck, with the front end receiving a sharper grille with updated Matrix LED\u00a0headlights. Audi also introduced new engines for the A3, starting with the debut of an all-new \n1.0-litre three cylinder turbocharged TFSI unit\n\u00a0which produces \n114 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n140 Nm\n of torque from just 2,000rpm\nThe 1.8-litre TFSI unit is now replaced by an\u00a0\nall-new 2.0-litre TFSI unit\n that delivers\n 188 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0250 Nm\n of torque. The new engine is paired to a new gearbox too \u2013 a\n seven-speed dual clutch transmission\n which replaces the six-speeder of old. Meanwhile, the \n1.4-litre turbocharged\n lump sits in the middle of both these offerings, producing a healthy \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0New to that engine is\u00a0\nCylinder-on-Demand\n technology, where it shut downs two cylinders during less demanding tasks like city driving.\nThe facelift\u2019s party piece goes to the inclusion of Audi\u2019s ingenious \nVirtual Cockpit \nthat is the\u00a0new 12.3-inch full-colour TFT instrument cluster. This system comes integrated with all of Audi\u2019s latest suite of driver assistance technologies, including active lane assist, pedestrian protection and traffic jam assist (optional).\nThe facelift applies to all A3 variants including the saloon, hatchback, Sportback and convertible. Audi Malaysia is currently offering the 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre turbocharged units, both available in saloon models. Should the facelift arrive here, it\u2019s likely that the 1.8-litre TFSI will make way for the 2.0-litre TFSI. Seeing how BMW is offering its three-cylinder engine for the entry-level 2-Series and 3-Series models, could Audi join in on the fray by introducing the 1.0-litre A3? Perhaps not, but right now our guess is as good as yours.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After teasing it a little more than a year ago at the KL international Motor Show, Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors have finally launched the i30 N in Malaysia, priced at \nRM298,888\n (on the road without insurance) \u2013 but with a twist. There will only be \n20 units\n in the country, and available \nexclusively through Lazad\na \u2013 More on that later.\n First things first, Hyundai was quick to point out that the i30 N means business, highlighting the fact that the N in its name stands for Nurburgring \u2013 where the car is developed, aside from Namyang, the location of the N performance R&D centre.\nThe Hyundai i30 N will be available only in the \nPerformance variant\n. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged T-GDi engine, capable of producing \n275 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n of torque. An overboost function increases the torque by eight percent, to \n378 Nm\n.\u00a0\nThe engine is mated to a\n 6-speed manual transmission\n, with power sent to the front wheels. The power output translates to a century sprint time of \n6.1 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\u00a0\nHyundai has fitted the i30 N performance with a plethora of performance equipment, including the N Traction and Stability Control, Electric Controlled Suspension (ECS), and an electronic limited-slip differential (E-LSD), which Hyundai calls the \u201cN Corner Carving Differential\u201d.\u00a0\nBy default, four preset driving modes are available \u2013 Eco, Normal, Sport, and N \u2013 selected by pressing on a chequered flag button on the steering wheel. But if you want even more fun on the track, a \nN Grin Control System\n changes the driving mode, engine parameters, dampers, ESC and E-LSD settings automatically for maximum track performance. The Grin Control System also turns up the sound, while tuning the steering response and rev-matching system.\nYes, the Hyundai i30 N has a rev-matching function too, which might be especially useful when you just feel like driving calmly on the streets. A launch control system with variable RPM helps control engine torque output for the quickest launch off the line.\nThe Hyundai i30 N will be available exclusively in a \nPerformance Blue\n body colour \u2013 a nod to their Hyundai Motorsports roots in the WRC and TCR series. At the front, the hot hatch features full LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, the latter sitting on the two air inlets at the sides of the front bumper.\u00a0\nThe air inlets are functional, too, directing airflow towards the brakes for enhanced cooling and aerodynamics. The Cascading Grille in front also features an air curtain, to direct air between cooling and aerodynamic purposes.\nAt the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler helps with the downforce of the i30 N. The third braking light, which sits underneath the spoiler, is also shaped in a racecar inspired triangular shape. The lights at the rear are all fully LED, including the rear combination taillights.\u00a0\nFurther down at the rear apron, you will find dual muffler exhaust tips, separated by splitters which looks to be mostly aesthetical. The exhaust comes with a variable exhaust valve, which helps modulate the engine and exhaust sounds.\u00a0\nThe i30 N sits on \n19-inch alloy wheels\n, wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero tyres (235/35). Behind those wheels are the red brake calipers, complete with N badging at the front wheels.\u00a0\nMoving inside, you\u2019ll realise that the Hyundai i30 N is capable of being civil too. The front seats are 10-way power adjustable, while the seats are upholstered in suede and leather, reinforcing the duality.\u00a0\nA 4.2 Supervision LCD digital instrument cluster separates the analog dials,\u00a0\u00a0while a \n8-inch floating infotainment touchscreen display\n sits in the centre of the dashboard. The infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while also able to display performance information such as G-force meter when on track.\u00a0\nFurther down the centre control stack, you\u2019ll find dual-zone automatic climate control, as well as a Qi wireless phone charger. To highlight its practicality even more, you still get \n381 litres\n of cargo space at the back with the rear seats up!\u00a0\nSafety wise, the Hyundai i30 N comes standard with \n7 airbags\n. The usual ABS, ESC, and other three letter acronyms are all still here, but Hyundai has also armed the hot hatch with advanced driver assist systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keeping Assist System, as well as High Beam Assist. There is also a tyre pressure monitoring system to keep your tyres in check.\u00a0\nNow, remember when we said it is available only on Lazada? The Hyundai i30 N is made available on the platform in conjunction with the 12.12 Grand Year End Sale. The 20 units will be open for pre-booking from \n2 to 11 December\n, using the Chup Dulu function just as the \nFord Ranger Splash\n did.\nDuring the pre-booking period, buyers will just have to pay 50% on the booking fee of RM2,000 (\nRM1,000\n) via the Lazada app. Simply check out and pay the remainder of the booking fee from 12 to 14 December to secure the booking. Do note that the deposit is non-refundable if the full booking fee payment is not complete.\u00a0\nOnce the RM2,000 booking fee is completed, the buyer will be contacted by a Hyundai representative to proceed with their purchase at their preferred Hyundai showroom. All 20 shoppers who successfully receive loan approval for their vehicle will also be treated to a trip to Korea for an exclusive track day experience!\u00a0\nThe Hyundai i30 N comes with a \nfive-year/300,000 km warranty\n. Interested parties will be able to view the car at the Sime Darby Auto Hyundai showroom in Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Much has happened since the breaking news of Chris Evans being put at the helm of BBC\u2019s Top Gear as the lead presenter. The British broadcasting giant has also announced the worldwide search for new talents to replace Richard Hammond and James May as the duo\u2019s contracts have not been renewed.\nIt was reported that earlier this week, there were rumours of BBC\u00a0\nattempting to sign Clarkson\n back onto the hit motoring show, and was repeated on a column printed by British daily\u00a0\nThe Sun\n. However, Clarkson has since commented that he will \nnot be returning\n to the BBC.\nIn another comment made, the former patriarch of \nTop Gear\n has revealed that \nall three of them will be returning for a new rival show\n that\u2019s reportedly being picked up by frontrunners\n Netflix, Amazon and ITV\n. Clarkson hasn\u2019t revealed the specifics of the show, but may do so when the negotiations are finalised.\nNow while all of this blows over, there is much for Top Gear fans to rejoice as the BBC just announced that the \nfinal Top Gear episode of Clarkson\n, Hammond and May\u00a0will be aired on \n28\u00a0June\n on BBC2. It will be made up of \ntwo films\n\u00a0shot before the ensuing fracas Clarkson had with producer Oisin Tymon over the dispute of a hot meal after a long day\u2019s shoot."
"Yes, it read it right and it\u2019s happening. Premium\u00a0automaker \nMercedes-Benz\n will be introducing a midsize pickup truck by \nyear 2020\n.\u00a0Making it the first to spearhead the \nluxury pickup truck\n segment in the world.\nMercedes-Benz wishes to\u00a0enter the high-volume midsize pickup segment \u201cbefore end of decade\u201d (could be as early as \n2017\n) and believes it has got good sales potential.\n\u201cThe Mercedes-Benz pickup will contribute nicely to our global growth targets,\u201d says \nDr.\u00a0Dieter\u00a0Zetsche\n, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division. \u201cWe will enter this segment with our distinctive brand identity and all of the vehicle attributes that are typical of the brand with regard to \nsafety\n, \ncomfort\n, \npowertrains\n, and \nvalue\n.\u201d\nThe German automaker\u2019s first premium pickup truck will\u00a0be a \none-tonne\n midsize double cab and will be developed under\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz Vans\n division. The same department that rolls\u00a0out V-Class MPVs and Vito vans.\nMercedes-Benz\u2019s decision is based on the undergoing transformation of midsize pickup segment\u00a0worldwide, as pickup trucks are popular among individuals for private use. Not limited to commercial usages only. Following the footstep of the \nM-Class\n, Mercedes-Benz will be the first to dive into \npremium pickup segment\n, which proves to be successful 20 years ago with its first SUV.\nI know you guys (in Asia) are all excited and looking forward\u00a0to own a rugged yet luxurious\u00a0three-pointed star pickup truck. However, you can\u2019t. At least not yet.\u00a0Mercedes-Benz announced that as of now it will only be introduced in \nLatin America\n, \nSouth Africa\n, \nAustralia\n and \nEurope\n,\u00a0which are posting sustained growth in this segment. I\u2019m sure Asian market will follow soon.\nSoon the cows will be able to travel in style"
"Thanks to the \nsales tax exemptions\n \nin place until the end of the year, the local automotive industry is seeing a rebound in sales post-COVID-19 pandemic, with the Total Industry Volume (TIV) growing to a 13 month high in July. National carmaker Proton benefitted greatly from the tax incentives, managing to move a total of \n13,216 units\n in the last month, marking its \nbest sales month since June 2012\n.\nThe figure translates to an estimated 63.2% of the TIV market share in July. Compared to June, Proton sales grew by 37.3% (13,216 vs 9,623). Year-on-year sales growth was also impressive at 45.7% (13,216 vs 9,072) compared to the same period last year.\nTaking into account of the July sales data, Proton\u2019s year-to-date (YTD) market share figure now stands at \n21.8%\n \u2013 a growth of 6.7% over the same period in 2019. With the recent growth in sales, the deficit in volume compared to last year has shrunk to 4.2% (50,294 vs 52,499) despite diminished sales due to the movement control order. For context, the industry forecasted gap for TIV is 33%.\nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n.\nThe main contributor to Proton\u2019s sales last month was once again the \nProton Saga\n which sold \n5,421 units \nin July, outselling the Perodua Bezza to take the lead in the A-segment sedan market. The figure is helped by the 1,100 units of the \nSaga Anniversary Edition\n which was fully booked within five days of its launch. The July sales figure is also the \nhighest for the model since April 2014\n.\nThe \nProton X70\n continues to hold its title as the best-selling SUV in the country with \n3,087 units\n sold in July, marking its \nbest ever sales month\n since its introduction in Malaysia. The July sales figure also increased its market share to 25.6%, 4.3% higher than 2019.\nElsewhere, the \nProton Persona\n sold \n3,043 units\n in the last month, cementing its position at the top of the B-segment sedan market. The \nExora\n meanwhile saw sales of 792 units in July \u2013 its best sales month since August 2016, extending its reign in the C-segment MPV market.\nProton Edar Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton\u2019s performance in July 2020 was our best in over eight years. We are especially happy with how our models are faring within their segments.\nProton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong teased the introduction of a new model during the\n Chinese New Year media luncheon back in January\n.\n\u201cWe also note that there has been a positive effect on other areas of the business as a result of the encouraging sales. For instance \nProton Commerce\n, our in-house vehicle financing provider, saw an increase of 100% in the number of loans it disbursed compared to the previous month.\n\u201cFor August, Proton will look to continue to excite the market and stimulate sales in preparation for more model introductions later in the year. Our production, quality, sales and aftersales divisions are all working hard to ensure we are able to meet consumer demand as well as deliver a level of customer service befitting the brand promise that we have set out,\u201d he added.\nFor the latest price list of Proton models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Shopping for a Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz will never be the same again with the launch of the first standalone Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre by Hap Seng Star Kinrara.\nWith a RM41.6 million investment into a 46,210 sq ft premise, the Certified Pre-Owned Centre will house and display more than 100 vehicles of different models, and will serve as a one-stop solution centre for sales and financial services exclusively for Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned vehicles.\nIndulge in the variety of attractive Mercedes-Benz merchandises, to go with that \u201cnew\u201d car!\nWhile you\u2019re waiting for your new Mercedes-Benz to be ready, there\u2019ll also be a cafe, children\u2019s playground, lounge, and Mercedes-Benz merchandise to indulge in.\nTo date, this is Hap Seng Star\u2019s second Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned centre, the first centre was established in Hap Seng Star Balakong Autohaus in 2016.\nMercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre by Hap Seng Star Kinrara is located at No. 18, Jalan BK 1/13, Bandar Kinrara Industrial Park, Puchong, Selangor, on the same street as Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Kinrara Autohaus.\nMercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and Hap Seng Star also officially introduced the Young Star Agility Financing \u2013 a programme that offers Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts a chance to own a certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars in impeccable condition and at an attractive and market price.\nUnder Young Star Agility Financing, Mercedes-Benz customers enjoy flexible end of agreement options and end-to-end solutions such as flexible financing, insurance solutions, service maintenance and extended limited warranty tailored to the customers\u2019 preference.\nFurther ensuring customers\u2019 peace-of-mind, the future value of Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be guaranteed by Hap Seng Star.\nYoung Star Agility Financing is currently available at Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre at Hap Seng Star Kinrara and Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Balakong Autohaus. Customers can get more information \nhere\n.\n \n In conjunction with the new Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre by Hap Seng Star Kinrara, an opening carnival will be held on the weekends of the \n6th and 14th October 2018\n. The carnival is open to public to explore the widest selection of Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz Certified vehicles. Customers who made a booking from now until 30th November could stand a chance at winning a premier massage chair and many other valuable prizes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A new ruling by the Malaysia Government will now require all automotive workshops to display a list stating the names of mechanics and their qualifications, in a bid to provide customers with more transparency and confidence when choosing workshops.\nAs reported by\n Bernama\n, the new ruling is one of the several improvements contained within the Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 that took effect nationwide on July 1, 2023.\nIn a statement, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said that the new ruling would encourage workshops owners to either hire qualified mechanics or help their mechanics to obtain proper qualifications.\nIn addition to listing its mechanics and their details, workshop operators are now also required to state clearly the category of spare parts being used in a repair (whether they are new, used, or reconditioned).\nRELATED: \nEV road tax to be cheaper than petrol car road tax, special \u201cEV\u201d plates proposed\nThe amendment was first gazetted in June 2022, but the enforcement of the ruling was postponed for a year to allow for those affected to prepare for the changes.\n\u201cThe postponement period for the enforcement of the Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 ended on June 30, 2023 and it is in full effect nationwide as of July 1, 2023. Action can be taken for any breach of the regulations as stipulated under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599),\u201d he added.\nALSO READ: \nMalaysia government mulling vehicle end-of-life policy, again \u2013 implementation by 2025"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has just unveiled its new flagship pick-up truck here on our shores, the\n Triton Athlete\n, replacing the outgoing Adventure X variant for the 2021 model year. Changes are all on its aesthetics, with no mechanical differences between the two \u2013 so it\u2019s a good thing this new one looks this good.\nOn the front, the new Triton Athlete gets a new blacked out Dynamic Shield fascia, characterised by the new front under garnish for a more rugged, bash plate-esque look. The black accents extend into the bi-LED projector headlights, which looks especially sharp when contrasted by the white daytime-running lights.\nBy now, you probably would\u2019ve realised that the blacked-out items are all part of the whole \u201crugged\u201d Triton Athlete image \u2013 the same colour theme is also found on the door handles, wing mirror housing, side steps, aero door visors, rear bumpers, and most obviously on this orange unit, the Triton Athlete decals at the rear section of the side.\nThe Triton Athlete decals are actually in a different colour on each of the three exterior colour options \u2013 Sun Flare Orange, White Diamond, and Jet Black Mica. As for the wheels, while still sized at 18-inch and featuring the same multi-spoke design, also gets the same blacked-out treatment.\nMoving inside, the differences on the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete are a lot more \u201ctame\u201d compared to the new exterior styling, with only some additional orange cross-stitching on the steering wheel, gear shift lever, and handbrake lever, alongside a light-up \u2018Triton\u2019 sill plate.\nOtherwise, the rest of the interior is pretty much a carbon copy from the outgoing Adventure X variant, with all of the variant-specific goodies such as the forward-facing dashcam, 360-degree surround view monitor, and the solar/security tint being included as standard.\nAs mentioned, the mechanical bits are also all unchanged on the new model. The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo engine, pushing out \n181 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n430 Nm\n to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox (with gearshift pedals).\nWith this being the new range-topping variant, the Triton Athlete also comes equipped with the Super Select II all-wheel drive system with hill-descent control and individual driving modes for various loose surfaces. Having spent a whole day off-roading (as a newbie) as part of the media drive, I\u2019ve got to say that the technology smarts definitely saved me quite a few times in the jungle.\nOn the safety front, the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is equipped with several advanced driver assistance features, including Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) that works\n\u00a0up to 60 km/h\n, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), and automatic high-beam.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is now available in Malaysia, priced at \nRM141,500\n, making it a RM3,600 premium over the outgoing Adventure X. Included in the price is also a five-year/200,000 km warranty coverage. So what do you say? Let us know in the comments down below!\nGALLERY"
"Whether you\u2019re running a restaurant or a car manufacturing company, profit is everything. Just like how fast food chains introduce seasonal menus and innovate new set meals, car companies are also doing everything they can to cater to the needs and requirements of every single customer.\nThat\u2019s why cars like the GLC Coupe, the GLE Coupe, the X4 and X6 exist \u2013 regardless of what some of us might think of them. With the X Series, BMW now pretty much has an SUV for every segment and size category, for every discerning customer and their specific needs and it was, not too long ago, completely by the ultra gigantic \nBMW X7\n.\n \nFrom afar, you\u2019d probably mistake it for a BMW X5 but there\u2019s more to the X7, which \nGC Mah test drove in Portugal\n, that separates it from the now second-largest SUV in the BMW range; and it\u2019s not just the enormous grille upfront.\nUnder the hood is a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six cylinder engine paired to an 8 speed automatic gearbox to drive all four wheels. 0 to 100 km/h, despite its behemoth proportions, takes just 6.1 seconds \u2013 a Golf GTI-rivaling time.\nBut really, you wouldn\u2019t wanna read about the most exclusive BMW SUV would you? It\u2019s something you\u2019d need to watch to truly appreciate. On that note, allow GC Mah to enlightened you, as to why this car costs a whopping RM888,888!"
"You can now recharge your electric vehicle (EV) as you get a refreshing drink at Starbucks. Today, Starbucks Malaysia together with Yinson GreenTech (YGT) has launched a total of 26 EV chargers in Malaysia at 17 Starbucks outlets nationwide, comprising both AC and DC fast chargers.\nIt is the first EV charger installation for a retail coffee chain in Malaysia, and the officiation of the chargers took place at Starbucks Eco Grandeur where a 60-kW DC fast charger was installed. Activation and payment for the EV charging facilities are done via the \u201cchargEV\u201d app. Upon launch, all the EV chargers at Starbucks will be free for use until \nOctober 31, 2022\n (via activation on chargEV).\n60-kW DC Fast Charger at Starbucks Eco Grandeur\nThe full list of Starbucks outlets with EV chargers is as such:\n\u25cf Starbucks Kota Kemuning Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Reserve\u2122 Setia Alam\n\u25cf Starbucks Ukay Perdana Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Conezion Putrajaya Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Eco Grandeur Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Rimbayu Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Jade Hill Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Reserve\u2122 Eco Majestic Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Eco Horizon Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Icon City Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Hillside Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Juru (R&R) Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Tanjong Tokong Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Malim Jaya Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Bandar Seri Alam Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Seri Austin Drive-Thru\n\u25cf Starbucks Skudai (R&R) Drive-Thru\nThe Starbucks chargers on the chargEV app are part of a 400-point charging network provided by chargeEV. Previously requiring a membership, the chargEV chargers can now be accessed via a pay-per-use feature.\nBeginning 1 November 2022, Starbucks customers who are active chargEV members charging their EVs at one of the 17 Starbucks stores can enjoy up to 50% off their first Grande Handcrafted Beverage purchased in a single receipt. Customers simply need to flash their chargEV membership ID on the mobile app at the counter to redeem. The promotion is valid for 12 months and subject to the terms and conditions of the promotion, which are made available at the participating Starbucks stores and on the chargEV Facebook page.\nRELATED: \nGeely\u2019s new 600 kW EV charger offers 300 km of range in just five minutes!\n60-kW DC Fast Charger at Starbucks Eco Grandeur\nBerjaya Food Berhad CEO, Dato\u2019 Sydney Quays said, \u201cCharging your car should be as seamless as ordering a cup of coffee, and now it can be. As a company, we have always been passionate about protecting our planet and driving innovation to enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers. With the inclusion of EV chargers in our stores, it represents a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts as a company, and we hope will lead the retail industry towards a decarbonized future for Malaysia.\u201d\nYGT Senior Vice President of Electromobility Ruslin Tamsir said, \u201cWe are delighted to support Starbuck\u2019s ambition of innovating with more responsible stores by providing chargEV solutions to their outlets, and we are jointly committed to rolling out even more charge points over the next few years. The chargEV team warmly welcomes other likeminded businesses to engage with us to find out about our integrated EV solutions and how they, too, can participate in Malaysia\u2019s EV transition.\u201d\nRELATED: \nShell and Porsche launches first 180 kW EV charger in Johor"
"In a \npost\n shared on the WeChat social network, Tesla has revealed that it will be opening a design and research and development centre in China to make \u201cChinese-style\u201d cars.\n\u201cIn order to shift from \u2018made in China\u2019 to \u2018designed in China\u2019, Tesla\u2019s CEO Elon Musk proposed a very cool idea \u2013 to set up a design and research and development centre in China,\u201d the post read.\nThe forthcoming \nTesla Model Y\nIn the talent recruitment post, Tesla also shared a new design sketch, resembling a compact hatchback with \nModel Y\n-inspired styling. The image is accompanied by the caption \u201cintegrate the beautiful Chinese arts into the future-facing Teslas\u201d.\nThe post further notes that the Chinese-designed car will be destined for the global market.\nThe post comes after \nElon Musk\u2019s comments\n at the launch of the third Gigafactory in Shanghai, China. During the launch event, Musk said, \u201cI think something that would be super cool would be to \u2014 and so we\u2019re gonna do it, we\u2019re gonna try to do it \u2014 would be to create a China design and engineering center to actually design an original car in China for worldwide consumption.\n\u201cI think this will be very exciting. I think China has some of the best art in the world, and I think it\u2019s something that would be appreciated on a worldwide basis. I think it should be done, and we\u2019re gonna do it,\u201d he added.\nLast year, Tesla delivered \n367,500 cars worldwide\n \u2013 \nover 50% more than 2018\u2019s total of 245,240\n."
"There\u2019s nothing worse than scoring a zero in a crash test, in fact in any test. To be the first ever to score a zero in a test though, the shame would simply be unbearable.\nThe shame here lies on the revised Fiat Punto, reworked from the 2005 version. It scored the unprecedented rating due to low scores from its crash performance, culminated by a lack of key technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Support Systems.\nIt is essentially an old car but that should\u2019ve been enough motivation to place more emphasis on fitting safety technologies to counteract its dated crash performance, said Thatcham Research.\nThatcham Research also stressed that such systems are now a priority as beginning of 2018, vehicles without standard-fit AEB systems won\u2019t be able to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating.\nCredit: \nYouTube"
"Polestar, Volvo Cars\u2019 performance brand has just unveiled the Polestar Optimisation pack for the \nsecond-generation XC60 T8\n. They massaged 421 hp from the hybrid powertrain while maintaining the same fuel economy of 2.1L/100 km and a pure electric range of 45 km!\nAt stock, the 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged Drive-E four-cylinder engine together with the electric motor develops\u00a0\n407 hp\n and over \n600 Nm\n of torque. It gets an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. After Polestar\u2019s magic touch, the powertrain now makes \n421 hp\n. Now, the \n14 hp\n power bump may seem insignificant, but Polestar claims that the optimisation provides greater everyday performance such as overtaking or exiting a corner.\nBesides giving it some extra horses, Polestar remapped the engine to provide more \nmid-range grunt\n and \nsharper throttle response\n. The optimised gearbox have been calibrated to deliver \nquicker gearshifts\n and \nholds the gears longer\u00a0\nwhen required. Of course, warranty is not affected and remains covered by Volvo.\nPolestar Optimisation is available on all five engine choices of the XC60 \u2013 T8, T6, T5, D5 and D4. It won\u2019t be long before the \nsecond-generation XC60 makes its Malaysian debut\n. Now, the real question is, how much horsepower would you like your XC60 to come with, \n407 hp\n or\n 421 hp\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Fifty years ago, the Concorde, perhaps the most iconic passenger jet ever, took flight for the first time. A technological marvel, the supersonic jet became the inspiration for Aston Martin\u2019s latest member of the Wings series, the DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition.\nThe bespoke edition was commissioned by Aston Martin Bristol, located about a runway length away from Aerospace Bristol \u2013 where British Concorde planes were built. The launch, which happened yesterday, came just in time as it was exactly 16 years since the last Concorde flight, of the registration number G-BOAF, touched down.\u00a0\nCoincidentally, it is also the centenary of one of Concorde\u2019s two operators \u2013 British Airlines. That is why the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde edition sports a livery with the carrier\u2019s blue and red colours painted on the roof strake, rear spoiler, and diffusers.\u00a0\nA vague silhouette graphic of the supersonic jet is placed on top of the carbon fibre roof, but the iconic delta wing shape can be seen much more clearly on the front fender strakes, milled from solid aluminium.\nThe British Airlines \u2018Speedmarque\u2019 logo is placed as a chrome badge on the front fenders. Other unique touches include an Aston Martin wing badge in the airline\u2019s colours, as well as the G-BOAF identifier painted on the sides.\u00a0\nInside, the commemoration continues with the Concorde logo embossed on the seats, a \u2018sonic boom\u2019 graphic on the Alcantara headliner, and the supersonic jet\u2019s maximum air speed and altitude embroidered on the driver-side sun visor \u2013 the yellow-orange colour mimics that of the display found in the Concorde cabin, which is a neat touch.\nThe special edition also gets pedal shifters made out of titanium from the Concorde\u2019s compressor blades, seat belt buckle badges milled from solid aluminium, and a unique side sill plates again featuring the aircraft identification number.\u00a0\nAside from aesthetic touches, the \nDBS Superleggera\n remains unchanged. Under the hood is still the brand\u2019s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, pushing out \n725 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. The century sprint is done in just \n3.4 seconds\n, and zero to 161 km/h (100 mph) in \n6.4 seconds\n. Flat out, the DBS Superleggera can reach a top speed of \n340 km/h\n.\nOnly\n 10 units\n of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition will ever be made, with each receiving a bespoke inspection plaque signed by Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO Andy Palmer and British Airways Chairman \u00c1lex Cruz.\nPart of the proceeds from each sale will also be donated to the Air League Trust, a non-profit organisation that teaches under privileged children how to fly, as well as offering support for them to work in the engineering field."
"Just last week we saw our home-grown racing ace \nAlex Yoong\n barrel down the Grandstand straight in a factory built, GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS Cup car as part of the one-make-race series by Audi. But Alex was piloting the late model first generation R8 and not the second-gen seen in these pictures here. However, that doesn\u2019t stop former F1 driver and six-time 24 Hours Le Mans winner Jackie Ickx from saying that the R8 is \u201cthe best handling road car today\u201d.\nThe R8 LMS car in question here is the\n second-gen\n version thats sports the \nV10\n lent over from its sister, the \nLamborghini Huracan\n. Although this iteration of the \nR8\n was launched back in March at the\u00a0\nGeneva Motor Show\n, production is slated to start in the mid of \nSeptember\n, with the first few cars billed for delivery before the year end.\nPowering these new generation of track munchers is a tried-and-tested,\n quad-cam\n \nV10 40-valve\n mill that produces\n\u00a0585 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n of torque that\u2019s built on\n Audi\u2019s Space Frame\n design technology. Audi has been rather stingy with technical details on their latest GT3 spec racer. The only number they\u2019ve revealed to date, is its price.\nNot to be comparing the R8 with ordering a burger at the drive-thru, but an \nala-carte R8 LMS GT3\n would set you back\u00a0\u20ac360,000 (\nRM1,740,873\n). Should you find yourself liking that burger with chips and soda, that\u2019ll set you back a total of\u00a0\u20ac398,000 (\nRM1,924,631\n) which gets you\u00a0the car as well as a \nstarter\n and \nparts package\n for the season.\nUntil the end of March 2016, Audi has scheduled production capacities for\n 45 GT3\n race cars for the coming \n2016 season\n. With that, the four-ringed brand\u2019s R8 LMS will set the pace as one of the first new models to correspond with the \nnew GT3 regulations\n that will come into effect from \n2016\n until at least \n2018\n, and thus sets new standards in terms of \nsafety\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nMazda3\n is undoubtedly one of Mazda\u2019s core model, so to further boost its appeal and add value to their customers, Mazda went on to introduce a special edition variant called the Mazda3 Sport Black.\nAvailable exclusively for the UK market only, the Sport Black variant can only be had in hatchback form. Features unique to it are \n18-inch Dark Gunmetal alloy wheels\n and the Brilliant Black Sports Styling Kit which comprise of blacked-out side mirrors, front splitter, rear bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler.   Inside, the special edition variant is almost identical to ours, except this gets \ndual zone climate control\n, half leather half suede upholstery, Smart City Brake Support and Mazda\u2019s integrated navigation system with 3-years free European map updates. The MZD Connect System also supports internet app integration for your favourite social media accessibility as well as internet radio.\nUnder the hood is a familiar affair; it\u2019s powered by a \n2.0-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine making \n120 hp\n at 6,000 rpm (tuned lower to meet strict European emissions standard) and \n210 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm.\u00a0Earlier this year, Mazda UK introduced the diesel variant to the lineup, and it\u2019s powered by a \nturbocharged 1.5-litre\n four-cylinder lump packing \n104 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n of torque. There\u2019s a more powerful \n2.2-litre turbodiesel\n available too, one that makes \n148 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque!\nThe good news for UK customers is the Mazda3 Sport Black edition will not command a higher price, but the bad news is there will only be 800 examples made. It can only be had in \ntwo exterior colours\n \u2013 Soul Red Metallic or Snowflake White Pearlescent. It\u2019s priced at\u00a0\u00a320,995, or roughly \nRM120k\n based on current foreign exchange rates.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Formula 1 has announced that the sport will have a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. This sustainability plan will encompass the entire the Formula 1 cars, on-track activity, and the rest of the operations as a sport.\u00a0\nWith the current hybrid power unit, The Formula 1 cars are already one of the most efficient cars in the world, delivering more power using less fuel than any other car. The combination of sustainable fuels and energy recovery systems presents an opportunity to develop a \nnet-zero carbon hybrid power unit\n.\n \nAs with all other aspects from the car development such as aerodynamics and brakes design, Formula 1 aims to bring the technological advancements from their hybrid power unit downstream to the mass automotive sector.\nIn addition, Formula 1 is also targeting a 2025 deadline to achieve net-zero carbon at every race on the calendar. All \nsingle-use plastic will be eliminated\n, replaced by recyclable or compostable materials.\u00a0\nThe \n2021 Formula 1 cars\n will still be utilising the 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engines.\nThe sport will also work with promoters and track management boards to set-up \nlower/zero carbon transport methods for fans\n to reach the races.\nHowever, by far the most carbon-heavy aspect of the sport is the logistics between races. In the estimated 256,551 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by F1 in 2019, 45% of that is a direct result from the transportation of various equipment by the teams and the sport itself.\nPhoto by Mark Thompson/Getty Images\nFormula 1 will be\n maximising logistics and travel efficiency\n through process and volume optimisation, and will be using the least CO2 intensive transport method available.\u00a0\nAside from track related operations, all F1 and team facilities, including factories and venues will also transition to \n100% renewable electricity\n by 2030. Zero carbon technologies for HVAC systems and mobile power will also be adopted by the entire sport.\u00a0\nFor unavoidable emissions within the sport, Formula 1 will utilise verifiable biological and \ntechnical carbon sequestration programmes\n to fully offset these emissions.\u00a0\nFormula 1 Chairman and CEO, Chase Carey said, \u201cIn launching F1\u2019s first-ever sustainability strategy, we recognise the critical role that all organisations must play in tackling this global issue.\u00a0\n\u201cBy leveraging the immense talent, passion and drive for innovation held by all members of the F1 community, we hope to make a significant positive impact on the environment and communities in which we operate,\u201d he added."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is kicking off the month of March with special offers for the Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line, as well as new parts offerings in its Repair Packages.\nFor every order placed for either of the Volkswagen Passat variants, customers will enjoy one-year free insurance worth RM5,500, and a one-year \u201cfree petrol\u201d rebate worth RM2,500. Those who place their booking via the\n Volkswagen eShowroom\n will enjoy an additional RM3,500 in online-exclusive rebates, bringing the \ntotal savings up to RM11,500\n.\nTogether with the current sales tax-exempted prices, the Volkswagen \nPassat Elegance\n and \nPassat R-Line\n can be had at \nRM170,356\n and \nRM191,911\n respectively.\nThe Repair Package meanwhile is meant specifically for Volkswagen vehicles over five years of age. The maintenance package offers special deals for the replacement of front absorbers, rear absorbers, as well as front and rear brake discs. From this month onwards, front and rear wheel bearings, as well as timing belt have also been added to the list.\nIn addition to the main part being replaced, all other relevant components such as nuts and bolts are also replaced as part of the cost to ensure better performance and safety. The full pricing for the listed parts can be found in the table below:\nRepair Packages\nSavings up to\nFront absorber set\nRM1,702\nRear absorber set\nRM1,174\nFront brakes set\nRM1,117\nRear brakes set\nRM786\nFront bearing (1 piece)\nRM586\nFront bearing (1 pair)\nRM1,146\nRear bearing (1 piece)\nRM483\nRear bearing (1 pair)\nRM958\nTiming belt\nRM448\nIn addition to the repair packages, the parts and labour on selected models also come with a 30% discount and a two-year warranty for extra peace of mind. Only Volkswagen genuine parts are used, with the works carried out by trained Volkswagen technicians, and in accordance to global standards with approved Volkswagen tools.\nTo enjoy the savings from the Repair Packages, owners will be required to download the \nVolkswagen Cares\n mobile app in order to receive their item e-vouchers, to be presented at any Volkswagen authorised service centres.\nCustomers can book their service appointments online via the \nVolkswagen Online Service Booking webpage\n. Free pick-up and delivery services are also available upon request. All Volkswagen dealerships follow strict guidelines under the #SafeHands initiative, with stringent hygiene processes in place \u2013 rest assured that your health and safety is well taken care of when you drop your car off for service."
"BMW has a development partnership with Toyota that dates all the way back to 2013 for the development of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. After near seven years of development, the German carmaker is finally happy to present its first hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.\nBMW says that it is convinced that various alternative powertrains will coexist alongside each other, as there isn\u2019t a single solution that can cater to the full spectrum of mobility requirements worldwide.\nBMW board member for research and development, Klaus Fr\u00f6hlich said, \u201cThe hydrogen fuel cell technology could quite feasibly become the\n fourth pillar\n of our powertrain portfolio in the long term.\u201d\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmSXAbkvoE8&feature=youtu.be\nThe fuel cell system in the powertrain is capable supplying up to \n125 kW (170 hp)\n of electrical power to the motor. Hydrogen is supplied by a pair of 700 bar tanks, together holding \nsix kilograms of hydrogen\n.\nAccording to BMW Group Vice President of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Vehicle Projects, J\u00fcrgen Guldner, the tanks \u201cguarantees a long range regardless of the weather conditions\u201d, and refuelling should only take \nthree to four minutes\n.\nThe hydrogen system is paired to a small battery pack, which BMW calls the \u2018peak power battery\u2019. The battery pack provides an \nadditional boost of power\n during hard acceleration, bringing the total system output up to \n275 kW (374 hp)\n when needed.\nThe electrical power from the hydrogen fuel cell and battery are then fed through BMW\u2019s \nfifth-generation e-Drive power unit\n, which is set to make its debut at the \nforthcoming BMW iX3\n.\nBMW will be producing a small-scale series in 2022 based on a modified BMW X5 as a pilot of the hydrogen technology. However, the company also says that \u201cit will be some time\u201d before a customer offer model with this technology will be made available \u2013\n 2025 at the earliest\n.\nThe company cites the \nlack of requisite infrastructure\n, such as extensive hydrogen filling station networks, as well as the \nlack of production of hydrogen\n \u2013 both in sufficient quantities and at competitive prices, using green electricity.\nHowever, that does not mean that BMW will hold off on its development of the technology. Until the infrastructure and sustainably-produced hydrogen supply are in place, the company will be working on substantially reducing the cost of manufacturing the powertrain system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche Malaysia (Sime Darby Auto Performance Sdn Bhd) has just introduced the Platinum Edition trim for the Cayenne range, with a base pricing of RM698k. A quick check on their website \nreveals at least five trims receiving this kit\n, and only for a limited time period.\nStandard equipment include a sportier 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, active bi-xenon headlamps with four-point LED DRLs, Power Steering Plus and ParkAssist for the front and back. Also thrown in the mix are powered leather sports seats, Alcantara centre panels with the Porsche crest on all headrests.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nCayenne\nCayenne Diesel\nCayenne S\nCayenne S Diesel\nCayenne S E-Hybrid\nCayenne GTS\nEngine\n3.6L V6\n3.0L V6 turbo\n3.6L bi-turbo V6\n4.2L V8 turbo\n\u00a03.0L V6\n3.6L V6\nTransmission\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\nMax Power\n300 hp @ 6,300 rpm\n245 hp @ 3,800 \u2013 4,400 rpm\n420 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n385 hp @ 3,750 rpm\n416 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n440 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 3,000 rpm\n550 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n550 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n850 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n590 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n600 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n7.7 seconds\n7.3 seconds\n5.5 seconds\n5.4 seconds\n5.9 seconds\n5.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n230 km/h\n221 km/h\n259 km/h\n252 km/h\n243 km/h\n262 km/h\nPrice (with GST only)\nRM640,000\nRM640,000\nRM760,000\nRM780,000\nRM770,000\nRM900,000\nThere are two exterior colours available as standard \u2013 Solid Black and Solid White. Metallic paints are optional, beginning with Deep Black, Purpurite, Mahogany, Carrera White or Rhodium Silver. All Platinum Editions come with a high gloss finish, with the wheel arches finished in the same chosen paint colour.\nExclusive to this limited-run Cayenne are the stainless steel door sills with \u201cPlatinum Edition\u201d lettering. Fitted for free is the latest-generation Porsche Communication Management which includes online navigation and Connect Plus module for smartphone pairing.   The Platinum Edition trim can be had for the Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne Diesel S and Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Prices start from RM698k (that\u2019s for the entry level Cayenne) before road tax and insurance. All purchases come with a 4-Year warranty and free maintenance package.\nAnd oh, it\u2019s pronounced Kei-yen, not Kah-yen. Just like the pepper.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Electric rebuilds/restomods\n \u2013 where older cars get fitted with new electric powertrains \u2013 are all the rage now, thanks to the availability of off-the-shelf after market EV powertrains these days. Petrol engines in EVs, however, are a lot rarer \u2013 but that\u2019s exactly what Rich Benoit from the YouTube channel Rich Rebuilds did, by building the world\u2019s first V8-powered \nTesla Model S\n. And yes, it\u2019s as crazy as it sounds.\n \nThis is \u2018ICE-T\u2019 (get it?), a Tesla Model S with a loud and \u201ccrude\u201d Chevy LS3 V8 engine underneath its bonnet. And if you ever wondered why you don\u2019t see these mods more often, well, the video above shows you exactly why.\nThe project took Rich Rebuilds more than two years to reach the stage it\u2019s currently in, and it\u2019s still not completed just yet. In order to fit the engine into the \u201cfrunk\u201d of the Tesla, the team even had to custom-fabricate an entire exhaust system, plus a transmission tunnel made from sections of another donor Model S\u2019s floor panels, and one-off drive shafts.\nRELATED: Watch this EV Delorean perform drifts without an actual driver on-board!\n Screenshot: Rich Rebuilds/YouTube\nAnd then there\u2019s the endless wirings to go through in order to make the car\u2019s electrical systems play nice with an engine underneath its bonnet. To prep for the vehicle\u2019s debut, the team also gave it a brown copper vinyl wrap (as a play on its name), larger wheels, plus a set of after market suspensions as the stock ones are tuned for a significantly higher weight.\nAll that hard work paid off when Benoit\u2019s ICE-T became the showstopper at this year\u2019s SEMA Show a couple of weeks back, and exploded several Tesla fanboys\u2019 heads online.\nNow that the show is over, the team finally had the opportunity to properly drive it around on city streets to carry out some \u201cerrands\u201d \u2013 and their work even impressed a local Chevrolet service centre, who will be carrying out the car\u2019s first oil change!\nIn case you\u2019re wondering where the fuel goes in the ICE-T. Screenshot: Rich Rebuilds/YouTube\nAfter the show, next up on Rich Benoit\u2019s long list of to-dos is to finally sort out the engine\u2019s tuning, to bring it up to its full potential. That should include a dyno run, too, which will be fun to see how it compares against the original electric car\u2019s figures!"
"At the global unveiling of the all-new Kia Sportage in South Korea in early \nJuly\n, the company did mention that a short-wheelbase variant will be offered in the future. Kia Europe is using the upcoming IAA Mobility Munich 2021 to officially unveil and launch the fifth generation Sportage built on the shorter wheelbase.\nBoth wheelbase variants feature similar styling apart from minor design tweaks on the bumpers and rims. The width stays at 1,865 mm, but the reduced wheelbase of \n75 mm\n to 2,680 mm also redesigns the overall look and length to 4,515 mm for the European Kia Sportage.\nThe long-wheelbase model has a window and satin decorative trim at the D-pillar\n\u201cThe all-new Sportage has been carefully designed, developed and honed specifically for Europe, in the process breaking boundaries and establishing new benchmarks in the SUV segment,\u201d said Kia Europe, President, Jason Jeong.\nWith the reduction in wheelbase, the rear doors are unique with smaller windows and blends with a chrome highlight on the C-pillar that extends to the rear spoiler.\nFor the European market, the GT-Line further accentuates the SUV\u2019s design with a mesh lower grille pattern, gloss black upper half for a dual-tone look and a redesigned rear bumper with more body colour.\nThe Kia Seltos is the brand\u2019s latest crossover in Malaysia, positioned lower than the Sportage. More about the new SUV here!\nWith the same external width as the long-wheelbase variant, the European Kia Sportage has the same high-quality, soft-touch dashboard with also houses two large 12.3-inch displays in a curved frame. Back seat passengers will enjoy the more spacious cabin compared to the outgoing Sportage, with a 996 mm legroom and 998 mm headroom, but no mention of the dimensions compared to the larger variant.\nFrom launch, there will be a range of petrol and diesel engines on offer and varying degrees of electrification. The range-topper is the Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant comprising of a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with a 66.9 kW motor and 13.8 kWh battery pack for a combined system output of \n265 hp\n.\nA lower variant called the HEV Sportage comes with a smaller electric motor and battery pack whilst maintaining the same 180-hp 1.6-litre engine to deliver a total output of \n230 hp\n.\nBoth are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the electric motor removed, the Kia Sportage comes standard with a mild hybrid system, offering two states of tune- \n150 hp\n or \n180 hp\n. For fans of diesel engines, two output levels are available- 115 hp or 136 hp, with the latter made available with mild hybrid assistance.\nTo further move up the competitiveness level and refinement in handling and riding comfort, the new generation Kia Sportage can be equipped with a new Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS), continuously adjusting the damping levels in real-time. Meanwhile, a new Terrain drive mode for outdoor adventure and unpaved surfaces sets specific Snow, Mud and Sand driving programmes for better traction and stability in the new Kia Sportage.\nSafety and advanced driving assist systems are share in both variants, including the new Highway Driving Assist (HDA) and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC).\nBermaz Auto to introduce a wide range of EVs, including the Kia EV6! More about the plans by the new Malaysian distributor here!\nSimilar to the \nall-new Hyundai Tucson\n, there are now two variants of the same product from Hyundai Motor Group and Kia- regular and enhanced wheelbase variants. With the Malaysian market viewing larger sizes as offering better value for money, it won\u2019t be a surprise to see both the new generation Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson only in long-wheelbase variants when it finally is available for sale here. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Remember the Rolls Royce with extreme carbon fibre kit we \nreported\n\u00a0a few months ago? Well, the same company, Bengala Automotive have worked their magic again, this time on a Ferrari F12.\nFeast your eyes on the F12 Caballer\u00eda, a full carbon fibre \nFerrari F12\n by the Spanish design house. Limited to only 10 units, the F12 Caballer\u00eda has all its body panels replaced with redesigned \ncarbon fibre parts\n inspired by Ferrari\u2019s own GT3 cars. With those turbine design wheels, the F12 Caballer\u00eda is one menacing\u00a0looking machine.\nNo word of any mechanical changes by Bengala but the standard F12 packs a naturally aspirated V12 pushing out \n730 horses \nand \n690 Nm\n of torque.\nAccording to Bengala, all 10 units of the F12 Caballer\u00eda will be completed by 2017. With the launch of the F12 Caballer\u00eda, Bengala also took the opportunity to introduce their Privilege Program that allows members of the program to get first dibs of their new designs.\nFor now, the company is gearing for one model design a year at five to 10 units each, making these cars extremely exclusive. Although in our books, owning an F12 is already an exclusive privilege.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"History has been made and the books have been marked to reflect just that. It\u2019s been an absolutely thrilling weekend with the inaugural street race that took place on the streets of downtown Kuala Lumpur. The organisers have said that almost 200,000 spectators flocked to the venue to watch these cars zoom around the 3.2 km city circuit.\nProdrive Racing Australia and lubricant aficionado\u2019s Castrol welcomed us with open arms to check out their incredible machines, piloted by talented duo Chaz Mostert and Mark Winterbottom.   Speaking of machines, the Aussie drivers helmed a pair Ford Falcons that\u2019s powered by a Ford Performance Racing-developed, \n5.0-litre V8\n Ford Boss block that kicks out an estimated \n640 hp\n at a scarcely believable 7,450 rpm. All this power is channeled to the\n rear wheels\n via a \nsix-speed sequential\n\u00a0Albins ST6 gearbox.\nWith that sort of grunt, it\u2019s no wonder that these cars can achieve speeds of up to 255 km/h down Jalan Ampang and then subsequently braking hard to take the corner onto Jalan Sultan Ismail \u2013 a feat helped out by AP Racing\u2019s 395mm rotor brake squeezed by a six-pot caliper. Consider this: off the mark, it\u2019ll do the century sprint in 3.5 seconds. Given a longer straight, the Falcon would have hit a top speed of 300 km/h!   Weight is a crucial factor in racing, so much so that the drivers themselves can\u2019t lose nor gain weight as the cars are scrutinised at the beginning of the season and must consistently tip the scales at \nunder 1,400 kg\n. The car on the other hand, is made from a controlled chassis while the body panels are lightweight composite materials.\nThis winning team is helped through the grueling season not just by its dedicated crew but also its named sponsors, such as Castrol who\u2019s new lubricant Edge is the blood line that keeps the beating heart of this beast running at its best. The blend of innovation and science found at the bottom of every can of Castrol Edge means the team only has to rebuild the engine at an interval of 2,500 km.   Chaz and the team were ecstatic when they clutched the winning podium title and are already looking forward to racing here again when the V8 Supercar Championship comes down here in 2016. As for us car lovers? The sights and sounds of Chaz flailing his machine down Jalan Ampang at 250 km/h is truly sight to savour and behold.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"David Beckham is, honestly, arguably one of the most handsome men in the world. So of course, he needs an equally handsome car to drive around. Obviously being a multi-millionaire, the former footballer can pretty much choose anything he wants. But after being named a Maserati Ambassador earlier this year, the choice is obvious \u2013 it\u2019s the\n MC20 \nor nothing.\nBut he didn\u2019t just stop there, no. Celebrities need exclusivity, so the No. 7 actually worked directly with the team at the Maserati Centro Stile to \u201cdesign\u201d his very own MC20 via the Fuoriserie Customisation Programme.\nThe custom Maserati MC20 is themed around Beckham\u2019s love for the city of Miami, which he calls his second home. One of his own football club, the Inter Miami CF, is also based in the city \u2013 go figure.\nSo what exactly did Beckham do to the car? On the outside, the Maserati MC20 has been given a new coat of paint with a mix of black and pink hues \u2013 the colours of his football club \u2013 with the latter used as accents around the brake calipers and the MC20 badge on the fenders.\nRELATED: This chef-designed Maserati Levante Trofeo looks like it just ran a rally stage on a cake\nThe exterior also uses both glossy and matte finishing on the surfaces, while moving inside, the upholstery gets a mix of leather and Alcantara textures in black, contrasted by stitchings in pink. Uniquely, Maserati also used a special \u201ctone-on-tone laser engraving method\u201d to apply a \u201cthree-dimensional\u201d pastel pink embroidery on the backrests and headrest.\nFinally, in the centre tunnel between the two seats, the DB7 Maserati MC20 also gets a personalised nameplate between the two seats that reads: \u201cFor David\u201d, alongside the Maserati Trident badge and Fuoriserie lettering, all in pastel pink.\nMechanically, the car is completely unchanged from the Maserati MC20 that was \nlaunched in September last year\n. The Italian supercar is built on a carbon-fibre monocoque tub, with an in-house-developed, F1-inspired three-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine sitting behind the passenger compartment that makes \n630 hp\n and \n730 Nm \nof torque.\nPaired to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Maserati MC20 is able to propel itself from 0-100 km/h in just \n2.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \u201cover 325 km/h\u201d.\nMaserati Design Head, Klaus Busse commented: \u201cAs car designers, our mission is to offer a holistic experience. This value guides our Brand\u2019s stylistic research, making each Maserati uniquely recognizable. Our customization program is another example of our brand\u2019s goal to create singular experiences for our customers: Maserati Fuoriserie is a blank canvas, on which Maserati clients can write their own stories and unleash their creativity, making their dreams come true.\n\u201cDesigning this special edition MC20 with David, as with all our Fuoriserie projects, is also an ode to the Brand\u2019s past, taking us back to a time when every car was hand-built to the client\u2019s requests, giving life to a one-off, a true \u2018fuoriserie\u2019.\u201d\nALSO READ: The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid is now available here in Malaysia. Learn more here.\nDavid Beckham added, \u201cCars are about individual taste whether it\u2019s the model, colour or small personal details on the inside. It has been incredible to collaborate with the Maserati team and designers to create this one-off car that is inspired by my second home, Miami and my football club there. It is a joy to be behind the wheel.\nWant to see the car in action under the neon lights of Miami? You\u2019re in luck \u2013 Maserati also made a promotional video to show off DB7\u2019s unique creation. Check out the video below:\n \nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s the era of electrification, and sooner rather than later, everything with four wheels will be powered by electrons instead of dinosaur juice \u2013 including race cars, pick-up trucks, and even niche off-roaders. We already saw the G-Wagen turn into the \nMercedes-Benz EQG\n last year, and now even the \u201cBaby G\u201d\n Suzuki Jimny\n is going fully electric too.\nThat\u2019s a Jimny on the top right \u2013 we\u2019d bet good money on it.\nThis was revealed in a product roadmap last Thursday, where Suzuki announced its strategy for the next seven years till 2030. As expected, there were a lot of EVs and hybrids, but something hidden in one of the slides (above) immediately caught our attention.\nSuzuki made no direct mention of the Jimny during the presentation itself, but ask anyone that\u2019s ever heard of one, and they\u2019ll tell you that it\u2019s undoubtedly the silhouette of the baby off-roader.\nREAD: \nSuzuki Jimny five-door makes world debut in India \u2013 Is bigger better?\nSuzuki also didn\u2019t mention a specific timeframe for the Jimny EV\u2019s launch, aside from the fact that the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) will make its debut in 2024 (2023 for Japan). If we had to guess, though, we think it\u2019s likely that it\u2019ll be introduced as the next-generation Jimny model, whenever that\u2019s due.\nThe current model made its debut back in 2018 and immediately became a huge hit. It was\n introduced officially in Malaysia\n back in September 2021, powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, sending \n102 hp\n and \n130 Nm\n to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox.\nNow, the fully-electric Suzuki Jimny \nis\n planned for Europe only, but as they always say, when there\u2019s a will."
"Those who have been patiently waiting for the Honda HR-V to come in the Dark Ruby Red Pearl colour, we bring you nothing but good news. Having \ndebuted in the Honda City\n, Honda Malaysia is extending this shade of red to the HR-V.\nThe good news continues, because this option won\u2019t come with additional cost. What\u2019s more, all HR-Vs (regardless of trim) now come with 17-inch wheels as standard \u2013 one size larger than \nwhen it debuted\n.\u00a0A total of \nfour\u00a0exterior colours\n are now offered: Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic (pictured below), Ruse Black Metallic and the new Dark Ruby Red Pearl.\nTo help you get reacquainted with the HR-V, it is powered by a \n1.8-litre SOHC four-cylinder\n engine that produces \n140 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s also the same engine powering the ninth-generation Honda Civic, including the \nnew Civic FC\n.\nHonda Malaysia aims to sell 1,500 units of the HR-V a month. According to the company, the HR-V\u2019s waiting list is now down to just two months tops, with the doubling of working shifts at the production plant. You can also have your HR-V with a \u201cRear Shelf\u201d, an optional accessory which costs RM550. \nRead our review\n to find out if the Honda HR-V is the car for you!\nIMAGE GALLERY   VIDEO GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars today announced\nthat that plug-in hybrid options will now be available on every new model it produces.\nOn the other hand, a range of mild hybrid powertrain will find its way to the XC90\nand XC60 in the coming months.\nThe existing T6 and T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrains are now upgraded with a new battery and brake-by-wire energy recovery system promising increased horsepower and 15% increased electric driving range. On the T8 Twin Engine, power is now up to \n420 hp \nfrom 407 hp previously while pure EV range has increased from 43 km to \n48.3 km\n.\nFacelifted Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription\nThe upgraded T8 Twin Engine powertrain will find its way to the recently unveiled \nfacelifted Volvo XC90 SUV\n and will be made available on all 90- and 60-series models. The new T6 Twin Engine, on the other hand, is offered on the V60 and S60.\nVolvo\u2019s new mild-hybrid powertrains will wear a new \u201cB\u201d badged moniker and are offered as B5 petrol, B5 diesel and B6 petrol. All \u201cB\u201d badged powertrains feature a conventional combustion engine supplemented by an advanced \nKinetic Energy Recovery Braking System (KERS) \nfor up to 15% fuel savings and emissions in real-world driving.\nThe new \u201cB\u201d\npowertrains offer customers an alternative electrified powertrain to the full plug-in\nhybrid system and Volvo expects its mild-hybrid system to become a new standard,\nmoving it closer to the company\u2019s vision of having all of its cars to be electrified\nby 2025."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the newest addition to the AMG 35 series in Malaysia with the new\n GLA35 AMG 4MATIC\n. It was launched alongside the \nupdated AMG A35\n which was launched in Malaysia in \n2019\n.\nThe new GLA35 AMG now joins the other AMG A35 models including the A35 AMG sedan and hatchback. Prices for the AMG GLA35 starts from \nRM345,058 \nand \nRM325,090\n for the AMG A35 sedan. Once the\n SST exemptions\n end on the 30th of June 2022, prices will be revised to RM363,888 and RM343,888 for the GLA35 and A35 sedan respectively.\n \nBoth the GLA35 and A35 sedan are locally assembled, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with\n 306 hp \nand\n 400 Nm\n, and features all-wheel drive but while the GLA35 is fitted with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the A35 gets a 7-speed dual-clutch unit instead. The updated A35 sedan is still quicker from 0 to 100 km/h compared to the GLA35, with a \n4.8 second\n time against the GLA35\u2019s \n5.2 seconds\n.\nAside from the more aggressive front and rear bumpers (with diffuser), the GLA35 is also fitted with different headlamps compared to the standard GLA. Look closely and you\u2019d notice that the headlamps feature three projectors, compared to two in the standard GLA. The headlamps are also more advanced, with the Multibeam LED technology. Completing the AMG look are 19-inch wheels like the ones used in the GLB35, a Panamericana front grille and rear spoiler.\nGLA35\nA35 sedan\nAs for the A35 sedan, it is now locally assembled unlike the fully-imported model launched in 2019. there are no changes to its exterior with all the changes taking place inside the car. The update A35 sedan now comes with more creature comforts like a head-up display, wireless charging, the MBUX Interior Assistant, and switches on the AMG Performance steering wheel.\nFeatures and items found in both models include the AMG Performance steering with switches for different drive modes and transmission settings, sport seats with red seat belts, dual 10.25-inch displays, 64-colour ambient lighting, AMG door sills and floor mats, wireless charging, Burmester sound system and the MBUX Interior Assistant feature.\nFind out more about the \nGLA35 \nand\n \nA35 sedan\n here!"
"Starting today, Jaguar in the UK is offering a new exterior enhancement package for the popular F-Pace R-Dynamic variant. Simply called Black Pack, the package applies gloss black on key exterior items for a bold and more distinctive outlook.\nWhen paired with the new special \nOtsuni White\n paintwork, the new Jaguar F-Pace R-Dynamic Black Pack looks flawless, thanks to brilliant contrasting of the large radiator grille, side mirrors, window surrounds, roof rails, fender vents plus iconic Jaguar emblem on the tailgate.\nComplementing this perfectly are 20-inch Style 1067 wheels in gloss black and combined with large brake calipers finished in red.\u00a0Customers can also choose other exterior regular and premium colours to combine with the R-Dynamic Black Pack. \u00a0\nInside, the R-Dynamic Black Pack is enriched with contemporary Satin Charcoal Ash wood trim inserts and bright metallic foot pedals. Premium ambient lighting now offers a choice of 30 colours, three times more than the previous model.\nJaguar takes noise cancellation to a new level, more than just a quieter cabin. Find out what else here!\nAnother new feature to coincide with the R-Dynamic Black Pack is the updated \nCabin Air Purification Plus system\n. With the owner\u2019s smartphone, the Air Purge function in the air-conditioning (air-con) system can be activated to cool the cabin air before passengers enter.\nThe next feature in this advanced air-con system is the Cabin CO2 (carbon dioxide) sensing function. Continuous use of the air-con means an increase in CO2 concentration which is hazardous and can lead to drowsiness and fatigue.\nAs such this new air-con system continuously monitors the carbon dioxide levels and automatically allows more fresh air to return the oxygen concentration to less harmful levels.\nIn the UK, the new Jaguar F-Pace received a facelift just less than a year ago featured new slimmer LED headlamps with L-shaped DRLs, \u201cdouble chicane\u201d taillights, and restyled bumpers.\nChanges to the interior are more obvious, headlined by the new 11.4-inch curved touchscreen infotainment display running on Jaguar\u2019s latest Pivi Pro software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, over-the-air software update capabilities, and an optional wireless smartphone charging pad.\nKey touchpoints have been modernised too, featuring a new steering wheel and chunky gear selector. For this update coinciding with the R-Dynamic Black Pack, Jaguar has fitted the Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist to provide Level 2 autonomous driving with lane centering and distance plus speed control.\nThe new Jaguar F-Pace is offered in a range of petrol and diesel engines in four- and six-cylinder architecture assisted by mild hybrid technology, with outputs ranging from \n163 hp\n to \n400 hp\n. A plug-in hybrid system of \n404 hp\n output called the P400e is also available.\nThere is a more compact Jaguar SUV and it\u2019s called the E-Pace! Learn more about the baby Jaguar here! \n\u00a0\nThe Black Pack is also available on the \n550 hp/700 Nm\n \nJaguar F-Pace SVR\n. Being targeted at the performance-oriented customer, the Black Pack applies gloss black to SVR-specific items such as bonnet louvres, front bumper apertures, sill trims, rear valance and larger 22-inch forged wheels. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"The all-new Honda City Hatchback has made its global debut in Thailand today. Paying homage to the model\u2019s lineage of nearly 30 years, the hatchback bodystyle finally returns to the \nHonda City in its seventh generation\n \u2013 and if rumours are to be believed, the City Hatchback will most likely replace the \nHonda Jazz\n in our region.\nIn terms of appearance, the City Hatchback unsurprisingly looks very similar to its sedan counterpart. In fact, most of the car including the entire front fascia and character lines on the sides up to the C-pillar is pretty much identical to the Honda City in sedan form.\nTo transform the B-segment sedan into a hatchback, Honda has extended the roofline of the City further rearwards, terminating it into a roof spoiler above the tailgate window \u2013 itself steeply raked in line with the shape of the new C-pillars.\nThe taillights on the Honda City Hatchback, while similar to that of the sedan, is also completely new; the top is aggressively contoured to the shape of the tailgate lip, and the sides are significantly shorter than its sedan counterpart. Further down, the reflector \u201cair vents\u201d on the sides of the bumper have been slimmed down significantly, while the RS variant also gets a more aggressive diffuser trim piece in matte grey.\nIn terms of dimensions, the Honda City Hatchback measures 208 mm shorter than the sedan at 4,345 mm long (4,349 mm for the RS variant), while its height increased by 21 mm to 1,488 mm.\u00a0Wheelbase and width are unchanged.\nInside, the dashboard is also identical to the sedan variant, where we can find the new eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, its main party \u2013 being a hatchback \u2013 is its versatility in space.\nJust like the outgoing Honda Jazz, the new City Hatchback is also exclusively equipped with Honda\u2019s Ultra seats, which the company says also contributed to the increased leg room compared to the sedan variant. According to Honda, the seats can be arranged in four different settings: utility, long, tall, and refresh.\nOver in Thailand, the all-new Honda City Hatchback will be powered by the same 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo three-cylinder as the sedan which makes 122 hp and 173 Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. However, if and when the hatchback variant makes its way onto our shores, do expect it to feature the same powertrain combinations available on our Honda City sedan.\nThe hatchback is available in three variants over in the Land of Smiles \u2013 one less than the sedan variant. Prices for the hatchback starts at THB599k (RM81k) for the entry-level S+ variant, making it slightly more expensive across the board than the City sedan which starts at THB579.5k (RM79k).\nGALLERY"
"Earlier this year, it was confirmed that \nTesla\n, the electric vehicle (EV) maker will be making its official entry into Malaysia. And now, good news for all who are interested in joining the company, as they are reportedly hiring (again), with a total of 16 positions available.\nThe positions Tesla is hiring are listed both on the Careers section of the \nofficial Tesla site\n, as well as job advertisements that have been cited online. The available positions include:\nSupplier Industrialization Engineer \u2013 Purchasing\nOffice Administrator\nEnterprise Sales Advisor\nSenior HR Partner\nParts Advisor\nService Advisor\nVehicle Technician\nService Manager\nCustomer Support Specialist\nDelivery Advisor\nStore Supervisor\nSenior Accountant\nIT Desktop Support Technician\nDelivery Operations Specialist\nTesla Advisor\nInside Sales Advisor\nRELATED: \nTesla officially enters Malaysia \u2013 to establish sales and service centres, Supercharger network\nTesla Malaysia is also reportedly holding its Walk-in Recruitment Day, which will be happening on \nJune 17\n, \n2023\n, according to a job advertisement cited online. The Walk-in Recruitment Day will be held from 12 PM to 4 PM, at Cyberview, Level 4, Block 3750, Persiaran Apec, Cyber 8, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor.\nIt is also noted that the walk-in interview session is only applicable to five of the positions listed above. The five positions include:\nTesla Sales Advisor\nDelivery Advisor\nEnterprise Sales Advisor\nCustomer Support Specialist\nService Advisor\nNo pre-registration is needed for the walk-in session, and candidates are only required to bring along their hard copy resumes and local driving licenses. This isn\u2019t the first time the American EV carmaker has been putting out job listings as it has done it once just two months ago (April).\nIt has also been confirmed that Tesla will be establishing an office, its Tesla Experience showrooms, service centres, as well as its Supercharger DC fast charging network in Malaysia. The EV company was also the first applicant under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry\u2019s (MITI) BEV Global Leaders initiative, which was created to increase BEV demand in the Malaysian market.\nRELATED: \nTesla Model S Plaid reclaims N\u00fcrburgring EV lap record, but apparently not for long"
"The Ducati Monster 796 CKD has finally arrived at our shores much to the delight of Ducati Monster fans. The Monster 796 is the swankier cousin to the already hugely successful Monster 795 with debuted here in 2011.\nThe 795 has a slightly lower ride height of just over an inch to cater for our markets, and indeed it has, but the 796 has ABS as standard equipment, wider tires, more power & single sided swing arms! The hallmarks of the Monster 796 gives it more bite to chomp its way through the market share that sits in between the wake of the Monster 696 & the 1000 too.\n\u201cThis mid-sized Monster is bound to become a new favourite amongst Malaysian riders and we estimate that this model will contribute 35% of Ducati\u2019s sales for 2014.\u201d states Datuk Wira SM Faisal, NAZA Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman.\nLending credibility to Datuk SM Faisal\u2019s predictions, the Monster 796 is indeed worth its salt in equipment, performance & style. The Monster 796 Corse Stripe which is the variant that takes the lead here is yours for \nRM63,888\n. Such exceptional value is only possible when Italians bike makers cross paths with ambitious Malaysian enterprise. The CKD units from Thailand is a whopping RM20k++ cheaper than the former CBU imports, indeed, Santa has arrived a wee bit too early this year.\nTalking facts and figures, the Monster 796 spits out \n87hp\n at 8250 rpm and\u00a0\n79Nm\n of torque at 6250 rpm. Monstrosity that is powered by a lightweight \n803cc\n Desmodue air-cooled engine sitting in an immensely strong Trellis Crome-Molly frame. Crafted with quality componentry & keeping the weight down at many levels, this Monster is all of the 169kg (373lbs) of form, functionality & fun. With 43mm Kayaba USD forks, a single swing arm controlled by an adjustable Sachs unit, higher bars & a reworked seat, the Monster 796 is tuned to the resounds of a comfortable and yet confident ride.\nAfter more than 20 years of success since it first flashed its bare innards to the world at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in 1992, the Monster is still wanting to come out of everyone\u2019s \u201cmotorcycling closet\u201d and take you for a thrilling ride into the unknown. You know you want one, but you never dared to say. And to those who are already good friends with the 2 wheeled beast, you\u2019ll probably want to try and tame this one too.\nThe Ducati Monster 796 Corse Stripe is now available at Next Bike Ducati Malaysia centers at Naza Autoworld TTDI, Naza Automall Petaling Jaya, Welly Sg Buloh & Ducati Penang (Sheng Fatt Superbike Sdn Bhd)\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of its launch at the Geneva Motor Show next month, Hyundai has released some new photos and details of the new Hyundai i30 facelift for us to pore over.\nStyling wise, the i30 gets a redesigned front fascia, featuring a wider grille with a 3D pattern to emphasise the wider-looking stance of the car.\nThe headlights have been reshaped for a slimmer design, along with a new V-shaped signature LED daytime-running lights \u2013 in line with Hyundai\u2019s new design language, as seen on the \nall-new i20\n.\nOver at the rear, the i30 hatchback receives a new bumper design, which Hyundai says was developed to improve aerodynamic performance. The LED rear combination lamps also get a V-shape light signature for a symmetrical effect between the front and the back.\nThe updated Hyundai i30 sits on either 16-inch or 17-inch redesigned diamond-cut alloy wheels.\nPreviously only available on the hatchback or fastback body style, the i30N-inspired N Line trim is now available for the first time on the i30 Wagon.\nThe trim package has undergone a comprehensive design update, which includes a wider lower central grille, along with side air vents with floating wings for improved aerodynamic performance.\nThe N Line also gets a completely redesigned rear bumper, featuring a rear diffuser gives the i30 a sportier stance, along with the repositioned fog lights. The i30 with N Line package also comes with new 17-inch or 18-inch wheel designs.\nThe N Line treatment doesn\u2019t just stop there too, with \ntuning updates\n available for the suspension and steering of the i30, in combination with the 1.5 T-GDi (160 hp) and 1.6 Diesel (136 hp) engines for a sportier driving experience.\nMoving inside, the aesthetic changes are less pronounced. The air vents have been redesigned for a \u201cmore refined and modern\u201d look, along with new interior garnish colours and seat upholstery options.\nThe driver gets a new \nseven-inch digital instrument cluster\n, while the infotainment display has been updated to a \n10.25-inch\n unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nHyundai says that starting in summer 2020, wireless phone mirroring will be supported, complementing the wireless charging pad in the i30.\nAs with the i20, the new i30 facelift also comes with Hyundai\u2019s \nBluelink technology\n, which allows the owner to obtain live information and control the car through a mobile application.\nAs standard, the i30 comes with a five-year free subscription to Bluelink and Hyundai LIVE services (real-time traffic information by TomTom).\nThe Hyundai i30 facelift also gets a boost in the safety department, with the improved \nHyundai SmartSense\n active driver assistance suite. The suite now includes new features such as Lane Following Assist, Rear Collision-avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, and Blind Spot Collision-avoidance Assist.\nThe Front Collision-avoidance Assist has also been updated, and can now recognise bicycles on the road, in addition to vehicle and pedestrian detection. Other features of the suite include Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.\nThe updated Hyundai i30 features a total of six different powertrain options, starting with the newly-developed 1.5-litre engine generating \n110 hp\n, paired to a six-speed manual transmission.\nThe \n120 hp\n 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine will be available with a new seven-speed DCT gearbox, in addition to the previously-available six-speed manual.\nA \n48-volt mild-hybrid system\n is also available with this engine for improved fuel economy, available with a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), or a seven-speed DCT.\nThe iMT decouples the drivetrain as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedals, allowing the car to coast with either idle engine speed, or completely turned off to save even more fuel.\nAt the top-of-the-range, a 1.5-litre T-GDI engine comes as standard with the 48V mild hybrid technology, which is good for\n 160 hp\n. The powerplant can also be paired with either a six-speed IMT or a seven-speeder DCT.\nAs for oil burners, a \n115 hp\n 1.6-litre diesel engine is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT, while opting for the mild-hybrid system pushes the power output to \n136 hp\n. As before, all 48V mild-hybrid variants are available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The main alignment of PLUS Highway spanning from Juru in the north to Skudai in the south will commence toll collection via RFID (radio frequency identification) beginning from \nJanuary 15th 2022\n, exactly a month from today.\nThe Works Ministry (Kementerian Kerja Raya) announced that with this implementation, the tolled highway network infrastructure of the Peninsular Malaysia West Coast will offer road users a service that is safer, faster and tremendous reduction in congestions at toll plazas. RFID lanes will only be opened to light private vehicles, according to the press release. \u00a0\u00a0\nSource: Twitter/\nKKRMalaysia\nFive Shell stations selected to trial fuel payment with Touch \u2018N Go eWallet and RFID tech. More here.\nWith RFID technology, road users can glide through the toll plazas at up to speeds of 30 km/h. Toll collection through SmartTAG and Touch \u2018n Go card are \nstill being accepted\n but the ministry intends to gradually phase out the methods once more RFID lanes are implemented on the highways.\nThe roll-out of the faster Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology by 2026 meanwhile will see drivers make payments without the need to slow down at toll plazas, as scanners mounted on gantries will perform the transaction.\nRELATED: The new Perodua Myvi is still the only compact with a built-in toll reader! More about Malaysia\u2019s favourite here.\nRoad users can purchase the \nRFID tag\n from their smartphone via the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet or at appointed sales agents but self-installation is required. For those who prefer the RFIG tag to be installed at a one-stop store, there are \n39 fitment centres\n listed nationwide with more outlets planned to be added in the future.\n \nThe implementation of RFID toll collection on PLUS highway comes nearly two years after the initial timeline of \nApril 2020\n, no thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic."
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just opened the order books for the \nsixth-generation Hyundai Elantra\n ahead of its official launch. A total of three variants will be offered \u2013 Executive, Dynamic and Turbo Sport. Estimated prices start from RM120k for the entry-level Executive to RM135k for the range-topping Turbo Sport.\nHSDM promises that customers who place their bookings for the Elantra now will have their car delivered to them before Hari Raya which falls on 25 June 2017. Two engine choices are available, a 2.0-litre (Nu MPI) naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine that is found in the \nVeloster Turbo\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Elantra 2.0 MPI Executive\nHyundai Elantra 2.0 MPI Dynamic\nHyundai Elantra 1.6 Turbo Sport\nEngine\n2.0-litre; four-cylinder MPI\n1.6-litre; four-cylinder turbo T-GDI\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n7-speed dual-clutch automatic\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n201 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n265 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nEstimated Price\nRM120,000\nRM125,000\nRM135,000\nThe 2.0-litre naturally aspirated mill makes a modest \n150 hp\n and \n192 Nm\n of torque while the blown motor puts out\n 201 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is mated to the NA mill while the turbo mill gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is channelled to the front wheels on all variants.\nWe know that the Elantra Turbo Sport (based on the \npreview at Mid Valley\n) will feature a sportier body kit, HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights, LED combination tail lamps, rear diffuser with central mounted fog lamps, powered sunroof, dual exhaust tips and 17-inch five-spoke alloys wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.   From what we can tell, the interior is finished with a two-tone black and red interior theme with Sport embroidery on both front seats, leather upholstery, multi-functional steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, manual parking brake, keyless entry and start, drive mode selector and cruise control. HSDM has yet to disclose information about the 2.0-litre powered Elantras.\nThe big question now is, would you opt for this or the\u00a0\nHonda Civic FC\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Elantra Turbo Sport 1.6 T-GDI Preview"
"There\u2019s been word of a \nforthcoming hybrid Ford Mustang\n for a while now and over the weekend, the Blue Oval brand may have just revealed a glimpse of what\u2019s to come.\n37 seconds in, you\u2019d notice the front of what is presumably a Mustang because of the badge in front; but one we\u2019ve all not seen before. Could this be the new hybrid muscle car Ford\u2019s been talking about all this time?\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVlfclOpsK8\nObviously it\u2019s still in a concept stage so there\u2019s no point harping about how it looks but that it\u2019s certainly, completely different from the current generation Mustang \u2013 especially with those redesigned headlamps and a completely sealed off front grille."
"Just a couple of days since it was \nfirst teased on social media\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now announced the arrival of the all-new S-Class here on our shores. The luxury limousine will be offered here in a sole S 580 e plug-in hybrid variant at launch, and will be locally-assembled here in the Pekan assembly plant.\nPricing for the Mercedes-Benz S 580 e is still pending for now, but the company says that deliveries will commence in mid-January 2022, when pricing will also be officially announced.\n \nEXTERIOR\nLaunched globally last year, the all-new S-Class received a complete new design on its exterior, with many of its styling elements borrowed from the other Mercedes-Benz stable mates.\nThe design is dominated by the massive trapezoidal grille, flanked slim headlights up front, while over at the back it also gets a sleeker, horizontal-oriented tail lights that looks similar in style to that of the \nMercedes-Benz CLS\n.\nThe S-Class will be offered here in Malaysia in the standard wheelbase version (W223), which is already bigger in every dimension than its \noutgoing predecessor\n (54 mm longer, 22 mm wider, 10 mm taller). In terms of standard equipment, the Malaysian-specification Mercedes-Benz S 580 e comes with the following:\nDigital Lights headlights\n19-inch multi-twin-spoke alloy wheels and run-flat tyres\nAirmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers\nPERFORMANCE\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be offered in a sole S 580 e plug-in hybrid variant here in Malaysia, which combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor.\nEngine: 2,999 cc, M256 turbocharged inline-six, petrol with 110 kW electric motor\nTransmission: 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic\nTotal max horsepower: 510 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,100 rpm\nTotal max torque: 750 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nHybrid battery: 28.6 kWh\nElectric range: 100 km (WLTP), up to 140 km/h\nCharger support: 11 kW on-board AC (2.5 hours to 80%), 60 kW DC (30 mins)\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin has also been \ncompletely redesigned\n, with a luxury lounge-like concept inspired by yachts. Aside from luxuries though, the interior is also fitted to the brim with tech, including the all-new MBUX software that controls every aspect of the car, and a MBUX Interior Assistant that uses sensors and cameras inside to predict and respond to the intention of occupants.\nFor example, the car will automatically open the rear sunblind for a better view out the back when the driver looks behind.\nOther standard equipment on the inside include:\nAnthracite open-pore poplar wood trim\nNappa leather upholstery and steering wheel\n12.8-inch OLED portrait-oriented centre display\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with automatic stereographic 3D effect\nAutomatic climate control\nWireless charging pad, front and rear seats\nBurmester 3D surround sound system, 16 speakers, 760W\n64-colour ambient lighting, upgraded for more even and brighter illumination\nMBUX rear-seats entertainment system with twin 11-inch displays, two wireless headsets, and a 7.0-inch Android tablet for controls\nElectrically-adjustable rear seats with heating and cooling, calf massage functions\nPanoramic sliding sunroof\n330-litre rear cargo space (smaller due to PHEV battery)\nSAFETY\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e in Malaysia will come equipped with Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance advanced driver assist features, which includes the following:\nAutonomous emergency braking with cross-traffic and pedestrian detection, up to 130 km/h\nAdaptive cruise control\nLane keep assist\nParktronic active parking assist\nPre-safe pre-collision protection\nThe all-new S-Class is also the first car in the world to come with the innovative rear frontal airbags, alongside side window bags and belt bags for the rear passengers.\nGALLERY"
"PayDirect, a feature within the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet to allow TNG card transactions at the toll booth using your eWallet balance, has now been rolled out for parking payments.\nCalled PayDirect Parking, the new feature works similar to the existing service where the parking fee \u2013 if applicable \u2013 will be deducted directly from your TNG eWallet balance, instead of the credit within the physical TNG card.\nThe new PayDirect Parking feature is currently only available at the following six locations, though the company says that more locations will be introduced soon:\nTempat Letak Kereta Awam, Kompleks C, Putrajaya\nRepublik Damansara Heights\nEmpire Shopping Gallery, Subang Jaya\nVortex KLCC\nThe Curve, Mutiara Damansara\nGurney Paragon Mall, Penang\nThe service was launched officially earlier this month at Gurney Paragon Mall, though it was actually already offered at the five Klang Valley locations as part of the initial beta test.\nIn line with their earlier announcement this year to \nremove all surchages for parking payments\n, there will be no surcharges when you pay for your parking fee with the PayDirect Parking feature.\nExisting users will not have to carry out any additional registrations to take advantage of this new feature. As for new customers, the feature will be automatically activated when you tie your physical TNG card to the TNG eWallet application.\nIn conjunction with the official launch of the PayDirect Parking feature, Gurney Paragon Mall is now offering a 20% cashback for those who pay their parking fee using the new feature. The promo is available until 30 April 2021, but is limited to the first 10,000 redemptions and only one cashback per user, capped at RM1.\nMore information regarding the new PayDirect Parking feature can be found on Touch \u2018n Go\u2019s official FAQ page, linked \nhere\n."
"AirAsia\n is now offering full-time employment to all AirAsia Food and AirAsia Xpress riders, with a guaranteed monthly income of up to RM3,000. Included with the guaranteed income is the full suite of Allstar benefits which include EPF, SOCSO, medical coverage that covers their spouses and children as well, annual leaves, and travel benefits such as AirAsia Flights ID90 & e-coupon schemes.\nThe AirAsia Super App has become the first in Asia to provide gig riders with full-time employment, as part of its commitment in giving them a better working environment and job stability, while enhancing income opportunities for the riders.\nBeing part of the Capital A ecosystem, the newly absorbed full-time employees will have opportunities to explore and develop their careers further. From a delivery rider, they can also explore other employment options within the Capital A ecosystem, such as cabin crew, pilot, data analyst, digital marketer, and much more.\nRELATED: \nThe new \u2018airasia ride\u2019 is the first e-hailing service to offer pilots as drivers!\nRed Cargo website photoshoot\nCapital A CEO, Tony Fernandes said, \u201cWe are thrilled to be welcoming the riders into our family. As many people know, AirAsia has always been about people, and we believe that people are our greatest asset. This applies across all of Capital A\u2019s business units, including the AirAsia Super App.\n\u201cJust as our baggage handlers, cabin crew, and pilots are the backbones of our aviation business, these gig workers are the heroes of our delivery operations. We don\u2019t believe in contract staff and will now move towards employing all riders as full-time employees, receiving the same benefits that every AllStar receives, on top of the excellent benefits from AirAsia food & Airasia Xpress respectively.\u201d\nRELATED: \nAirAsia unveils new ride-hailing service with Toyota Alphard and Vellfire fleet\n\u201cOver the years, AirAsia has created tens of thousands of job opportunities across the region. With our expansion as a super app platform, we have also depended on gig workers\u2019 crucial services for lifestyle services such as food & parcel deliveries. Giving full-time employment to our gig riders is more than just offering them AllStar benefits; it\u2019s about adding value to their lives and career paths, allowing them to dream and making those dreams come true,\u201d he added.\nAirAsia food is currently serving customers in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia and the delivery service by airasia xpress is currently available in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand."
"Honda Malaysia today introduced the 2021 model-year update for the HR-V, with no changes in pricing (except for the Hybrid variant, of which pricing has not been announced yet).\nThe most notable change to the B-segment SUV is the addition of a new seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment display across all variants, with \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\n as standard. The change also brought about two additional USB ports in the centre console.\nThe new unit seems to be identical to the one on the \nall-new Honda City\n.\nThe \nHonda HR-V Hybrid i-DCD\n on the other hand, receives a much more substantial update for 2021. Exterior wise, the HR-V Hybrid finally gets LED headlights, LED fog lights, and LED combination tail lights. Meanwhile on the inside, the hybrid variant gets new chrome door handles, and a new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.\nAlong with the equipment changes, the existing White Orchid Pearl exterior colour has been replaced by the new Platinum White Pearl, which you may remember as the \nHonda City\u2019s best-selling colour\n.\n \nAs mentioned above, there are no changes in pricing for the 2021 Honda HR-V, despite the added equipment. The range starts off with the 1.8 E variant at \nRM104,000\n, followed by the 1.8 V at \nRM113,422\n, and the 1.8 RS at \nRM118,582\n. All prices mentioned above are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the\n sales tax exemptions\n which has been recently\n extended until June 30, 2021\n.\nHonda Malaysia says that the pricing information for the 2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid will be announced at a later date.\nThe Honda HR-V RS in Passion Red Pearl.\nThe company managed to sell a total of 60,469 cars in 2020, retaining its title as the \nnation\u2019s No. 1 non-national car brand\n. Of those, 17% comprised of the Honda HR-V. In a stark contrast (literally) to the \nHonda City\n, Passion Red Pearl was the colour of choice for buyers, with 30% of customers opting for the red hue.\nThe V variant was also the most popular choice in the four variant-strong line-up, making up 41% of all Honda HR-Vs sold last year.\u00a0\nDespite the facelift exercise in 2019, the Honda HR-V Hybrid still featured the dotted LED taillights.\nHonda Malaysia managing director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cThis enhanced model is a result of customers\u2019 feedback as we continuously strive to introduce products that meet the needs of customers. One such feature is the Apple CarPlay connectivity for more convenience when driving.\n\u201cWe owe our gratitude to all Honda owners for their strong support and for choosing the HR-V as their desired Honda model. Honda Malaysia is committed to cater to the needs of our customers through constant monitoring of the market demands and customer feedback.\u201d"
"You may not have heard of them but its probably time you start taking notice. Alcraft Motor Company is a British electric vehicle start-up with an aim to start production of its first, high-performance Alcraft GT super-electric car by 2019. How? Through a crowdfunding campaign of course; like every other start-up out there.\nThe Alcraft GT will come in a shooting brake-like design with a \n500-litre luggage area\n and a \n300-mile (483 km) range\n. While the concept runs on battery only, its being developed to eventually accommodate a range extender and also with a 2+2 seating arrangement rather than a two-seater.   \u201cVirtual engineering\u201d on the Alcraft GT has projected an output of\n 600 hp\n with \n1139 Nm\n of torque, with 0 to 100 km/h requiring just \n3.5 seconds\n to complete. It will also come with four-wheel drive, as electric cars would, together with torque-vectoring to go alongside its lightweight chassis.\nExposed carbon fibre B-pillars and roof structure not only serves to heighten aesthetic appeal, but also as a safety cell while creating an exceptionally light cabin. It comes with a wraparound front screen that will be sure to provide unrivaled visibility with a roof that\u2019s largely made of glass.\n\u201cWe want to build a British car company which brings together traditional skills and high technology for the emerging low carbon car market\u201d, says founder and Managing Director of Alcraft Motor, David Alcraft.\nThe Alcraft GT model is currently on display in Bedfordshire, England at the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle event.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just when you thought it\u2019s been a busy year for Bermaz Motor with the launch of the new Mazda 3 and the CX-8, the shows not over as they\u2019ve just opened the order books for the new CX-30 we got up close with in Japan last month.\nThe new CX-30 will be imported as a \nCBU from Japan\n, with prices starting from:\nMazda CX-30 2.0L 2WD- \nRM143,119.20\nMazda CX-30 2.0L High 2WD \u2013 \nRM164,119.20\nMazda CX-30 1.8 Diesel High 2WD \u2013 \nRM173,027.70\nThe \nnew CX-30 as we\u2019ve observed at the Tokyo Motor Show\n, that\u2019s built on the same platform as the \nnew Mazda 3\n, may seem like nothing more than a facelift of the CX-3 but there\u2019s more to it than meets the eye.\nIt\u2019s not as big as the CX-5 without drawing any less attention and is certainly (albeit marginally) more spacious than your average CX-3. It\u2019s got a bigger boot too, with 430 litres as comparerd to the CX-3\u2019s 350 litres.\nAs it is based on the Mazda 3, the brand\u2019s somewhat controversial MacPherson strut and torsion beam combination is similarly applied in the CX-30. As for wheel sizes, only the base model gets 16-inch wheels while the High and Diesel models ride on 18-inch wheels.\nAs for equipment, all models get automatic LED headlights, head up display and power sunroof.\nCreature comforts which are available in the High and Diesel models include:\n\u2013 keyless entry\n\u2013 powered tailgate \n\u2013 power adjustable seats with memory function (driver only)\n\u2013 leather upholstery\n\u2013 dual zone air conditioning with rear air con vents\n\u2013 paddle shifters\n\u2013 eight parking sensors\nAs for on-board, it\u2019s rather generous across the board as the following are available in all three variants:\n\u2013 Apple CarPlay & Android Auto\n\u2013 8.8-inch infotainment display with reverse camera display & eight speakers\n\u2013 Bluetooth and voice command\n\u2013 i-Stop Idling Technology\n\u2013 G-Vectoring Control Plus\nPower will come from a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine like you\u2019d find in the new Mazda 3 with \n163 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n. The 1.8 turbodiesel SkyActiv-D model on the other hand makes \n114 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n. Both engines utilise a 6-speed automatic gearbox.\nSafety wise, \nall models come with seven airbags \nbut once again only the High and Diesel variants get to enjoy all the spoils:\n\u2013 Adaptive Front Lighting System\n\u2013 High Beam Control\n\u2013 Blind Spot Monitoring System\n\u2013 Rear Cross Traffic Alert\n\u2013 Smart Brake Support\n\u2013 Mazda Radar Cruise Control\nThere are eight exterior colour options to include \u2013 Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Titanium Flash, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Snowflake White Pearl and Polymetal Gray Metallic.\nAll new Mazda vehicles registered from January 1, 2019 onwards will receive 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty + 5-Years Free Maintenance (except Mazda BT-50) according to manufacturer\u2019s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.\nBoth Manufacturer Warranty and Free Maintenance have a coverage period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua\n has announced its sales data for September 2022, where it recorded a total of \n24,626 units sold\n. The figure is over 5% lower than what the marque achieved in \nAugust\n, but despite that, total sales for the third quarter (Q3) of 2022 is actually up 5% at 69,011 units, compared to the 65,719 units in Q2 2022.\nCompared to last year, Q3 2022\u2019s figure also represents a massive 216.5% jump, but that was mainly due to the national lockdown imposed between June and mid-August 2021, shutting down nearly all economic activities in the country to curb the increase in \nCovid-19\n cases.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad cited the recovering automotive supply chain as the main reason for the sales growth in Q3 2022.\n\u201cThe increase in registration in this quarter shows that most of the major issues within the automotive supply chain has normalised. It is now time to further improve on production as we need to reduce the waiting period for our valued customers,\u201d he said.\nThe easing of the supply chain issues have also directly resulted in a boost in production, with Perodua achieving its highest monthly production so far this year at 29,077 units in September.\nWith the September figures now accounted for, Perodua\u2019s year-to-date sales now stands at 196,354 units, a 64.9% increase over the same period last year. Again, last year\u2019s figure should be considered an outlier, due to the Covid-19 circumstances.\nPerodua is targetting a total of \n247,800 units sold this year\n.\nALSO READ: \nPerodua launches Ativa Hybrid leasing programme \u2013 RM500/month for 5 years\n\u201cFor now, we are focused on increasing our momentum into the fourth quarter of this year as well as maximising production in the first quarter of next year to ensure all our customers who booked their Perodua vehicles during the sales tax exemption period will \nreceive their car on or before 31 March 2023\n,\u201d Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal added.\nAs of 30 June 2022, the number of outstanding bookings eligible for the sales tax exemption was above 200,000 orders.\nALSO READ: \n3 things we like (and don\u2019t) about the 2022 Perodua Alza!"
"You must be wondering what they\u2019re smoking over there cause Lamborghini is said to be exploring \u201cnew horizons\u201d with this Huracan Sterrato concept.\nIts ground clearance has been increased by 47mm, with wider tracks and 20-inch wheels wrapped with specially-developed off-road tyres integrated into its new wide-body arches.\nUnderbody reinforcements and body protection have been fitted, including a rear skid plate, an aluminium skid plate in the front and aluminium-reinforced side skirts.\nStone-deflecting protection have been applied around the engine bay, with air intakes and mud guards made of carbon fibre.\nAn off-road LED light package comprises of a roof-mounted LED light bar and LED bumper lights with flood function.\nInside, the Huracan Sterrato features a lightweight titanium roll cage, four-point seat belts attached to the new carbon bi-shell sports seats and aluminum floor panels."
"Toyota has introduced the facelift for the fourth-generation Toyota Prius which is now on sale in Japan since December 2018. The facelift exercise brought about revised aesthetics, improved features as well as an E-Four Electric 4WD system for the hybrid hatchback.\nAs far as appearance goes, its only a nip and tuck. It now gets a restyled bumper that houses a more streamlined headlamp design and a single vertical slat for the fog lamp housing. Toyota claims the front grille has also been revised but to be honest we can\u2019t tell the difference. The Prius also gets a new 17-inch five spoke wheel with a dual tone finish while the smaller 15-inch wheel gets a more stylish design.   Customers have a total of nine exterior colour choice with Vivid Blue Metallic and Emotional Red II being the newly added colours. Opt for the Touring Selection and you\u2019ll get a black sticker applied to the roof for a sportier impression.\nInside, changes are minimal except for a new portrait style touchscreen infotainment system that comes with the full range of connectivity feature such as Help Net, an SOS alert button, real-time traffic navigation and LINE My Car Account connection.   Other updates to the cabin include a larger Qi wireless charging tray at the front console solely because Toyota says modern smartphones are getting bigger, so the tray has to be upsized accordingly to fit them. The seat ventilation has also been revised to a suction type where heat is sucked into the seat skin and cool air is blown from the backrest surface for better comfort.\nThe biggest change on the facelifted Prius is the introduction of a new \nE-Four Electric 4WD system\n that uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels during standstill acceleration and slippery conditions for maximum traction and efficiency.\nThe car returns to being front-wheel driven when cruising to maintain optimal fuel efficiency. The E-Four system is paired to the 2ZR-FXE 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol and an electric motor that drives the front wheels. All variants of the Prius are front-wheel driven by default while the E-Four 4WD can be ordered as an option.\nAs standard, all variants of the Toyota Prius facelift come with \nToyota Safety Sense\n advanced driver assistance system \nas standard\n. It bundles Pre-Crash Safety (autonomous emergency braking) with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert with steering assist, Automatic High Beam, Radar Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Drive Start Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Support Brake and Simple Intelligent Parking Assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Prius Facelift in Japan"
"The covers are finally off the Hyundai Elantra N sedan. Hyundai says this new Elantra N is their purest expression in their mission to increase driving pleasure, which is the fifth model in the Hyundai N line-up after the i30 N, Veloster N, i20 N and Kona N. \u00a0\nWhile it might look all aggressive and wild, the Hyundai Elantra N actually has no changes in dimensions versus the regular models. The front fascia in semi-glossy black pearl continues to have an incredibly complex surface that is said to been inspired by battle-ready helmets.\nPurposeful ducts and slots have been created though, for increased air intake for front brake cooling and engine breathing. Red accents and large exhaust tailpipes continue the Hyundai N styling language. A new three-bridged spoiler wing on the boot lid provides visual drama plus some downforce.\nHyundai has also fitted large-diameter brake discs onto the Elantra N, measuring 360 mm. They are also combined with high-friction material pads and properly cooled via air ducts and guides from the front bumper as well as holes on the dust cover.\nWhile other Hyundai N models have been selecting \nPirelli P Zero\n as its preferred tyre supplier (even come with HN marking), the Elantra N has been fitted with \nMichelin PS4S tyres\n (found in many other performance cars such as the \nToyota GR Yaris\n Performance Pack) measuring 245/35ZR19. \u00a0\nThe turbocharged 2.0-litre engine continues to dish out the same 280 hp and \n392 Nm\n of torque, with response and drivability being moved up a notch thanks to a larger turbine wheel plus turbine passage area of the turbocharger.\nWith N Grin Shift (NGS) that provides an additional 10 hp (a total of \n290 hp\n) for 20 seconds and launch control plus all other N-themed high-performance software, the Hyundai Elantra N launches from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.3 seconds\n.\nWho says only automatics have Launch Control? Check out BMW\u2019s Launch Control for the new M3 and M4 with manual transmission!\nSimilar to the \nHyundai Kona N\n launched earlier, the Elantra N only comes with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The in-house unit has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, such as N Power Shift (NPS) that provides a \u2018push feel\u2019 akin to a sequential gearbox in a race car, Creep Off function as well as \nN Track Sense Shift (NTS)\n that does all the shifting work at racing circuits.\nIn the chassis and handling, similar hardware is used such as the E-LSD, electronically controlled suspension (ECS) and significant amounts of bracing and reinforcement for added rigidity. A new \nIntegrated Drive Axle\n or (IDA) provides a stronger yet lighter connection of the driveshaft, wheel hub and bearing.\nFirst used in the Elantra N, the IDA technology was inspired by Hyundai\u2019s success at WRC rallying and the new IDA sees a weight reduction of 1.7 kg versus regular assembly method. Another first that further elevates the ride and handling is the dual compound bush (DCB) insulator that keeps both vertical and horizontal forces in check. Fine-tuning of the suspension has also been done at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nLike to have a pixel art of the Nurburgring? Check out more here with other iconic landmarks!\nInside, the Elantra N features optional bucket seats that are lightweight as well as offer a 10-mm lower seating position. The standard N Sport seats, as expected, have reinforced bolsters to firmly support occupants during enthusiastic driving.\nHyundai has also found the solution to complaints of many modern turbocharged cars with augmented engine sounds played into the cabin via audio speakers. The Elantra N has a new N Sound Equaliser (NSE) that allows drivers to not only select sporty or even soundtrack from the TCR racing car, but also able to customise the whine, throat and bass levels of the synthesised soundtrack.\nIn addition, the variable exhaust valve (LVE) system, which delivers N\u2019s \ndistinctive \u2018popcorn\u2019 and \u2018bang\u2019 sounds\n, now uses a linear control method to reduce the booming sound during idling while maintaining the distinctive N exhaust note for the driver\u2019s enjoyment.\nBy now, you would have noticed there seems to be a tonne of acronyms being used. Yes, there are over 40 acronyms that are featured in the new Elantra N and this will be the final one- \nUBS or Upshift Bang Sound\n.\nThe LVE exhaust valve works together with controlling of fuel flow of the single cylinder to create the sound during gear upshifts, an emotional sound of motorsports as seen by Hyundai.\u00a0\nNo word yet as to how much the new Hyundai Elantra N will be priced. In the UK, the Hyundai i30 N starts from GBP33,745, while Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched the same vehicle in 2019 at a price of \nRM298,888\n.\nAs for regular the Hyundai Elantra 1.6, HSDM starts the pricing from \nRM139,888 for the Executive\n variant.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor has designed the Hyundai Soapbox ride which parents can spend time to build together with their children. It\u2019s developed by the engineers and designers from the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) using affordable and easily-available materials.\nHyundai Motor Europe, Vice President of Marketing & Product, Andreas-Christoph Hofman said, \u201cIn recent months, spending time together as a family has become more valuable to people. We wanted to create a fun project that would give families and friends an enjoyable project that brings them together\u201d.\nHe added, \u201cOf course, the Hyundai Soapbox had to stay affordable, so our designers developed it using materials that can be easily found in a local DIY store.\u201d\nThe designer looks to the \nHyundai 45 concept\n \nwhich the \nIoniq 5 EV SUV\n is based off, for direction and inspiration for the final soapbox design. Aspects of the 45 can be seen on the body of the soapbox, such as the flat panels and wedge-shaped silhouette.\nThe completed Hyundai Soapbox is made out of wood, metal rods, and connecting materials such as brackets and screws. The wheels are from a wheelbarrow. It has joysticks (made up with screwdrivers) for steering and a simple mechanism for braking.\nWhen fully assembled, the Hyundai Soapbox is one meter wide and 1.76 m long. Hyundai took into consideration that the soapbox must be able to fit into a regular passenger car so that families could transport it to different locations as they look for hills to roll it down.\nThe Hyundai Soapbox instructions are just a basis to help people get started \u2013 parents and children should feel free to upgrade and personalise their own versions however they want. If you are interested to build one yourself or with your family, you can find the instruction on how to build your own soapbox over \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"China\u2019s Geely Automobile Holding \u2013 \n49.9% stakeholder in Proton\n \u2013 is in talks with Aston Martin\u2019s management and investors about taking a stake in the luxury sportscar maker, according to reports by \nReuters\n and Financial Times.\nThe reports suggests that the Geely is currently conducting due diligence prior to a potential formal offer \u2013 although it is currently unclear if it will be a technical partnership, financial stake in the British firm, or both.\u00a0\nAccording to Reuters\u2019 source, Geely sees potential savings on technological development and vehicle platforms with the integration between Aston Martin and its Lotus brand \u2013 in which Geely owns a \n51% controlling stake\n.\u00a0\nGeely\u2019s Chairman, Li Shufu, owns a \n9.69% stake\n in Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler, which also has a 5% stake in Aston Martin, and supplies Mercedes-AMG engines for the British luxury carmaker.\nAston Martin recently issued an unexpected profit warning due to \u201cchallenging trading conditions\u201d. Aston Martin chief executive officer said that the brand suffered \u201ca very disappointing year\u201d in 2019, with \n5819 cars\n sold \u2013 \n7% down\n from 2018.\u00a0\nThe 107-year old British carmaker is hoping that the newly launched \nDBX SUV\n will help turn its fortunes around. The Aston Martin DBX is the brand\u2019s first SUV, and it was reported that the design and engineering behind the SUV has been incredibly expensive for the company.\u00a0\nPromising to be \u201csports car first,SUV second\u201d, the DBX comes with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine under the hood, putting out \n550 hp\n and a whole \n700 Nm\n of torque. Zero to 100 km/h in a claimed \n4.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n290 km/h\n.\nHowever, Geely is not the sole party interested with investing in Aston Martin. Recent reports suggest that billionaire and Racing Point Force India Formula 1 Team Owner Lawrence Stroll, is finalising a bid for the troubled British carmaker to the tune of around \n200 million Pound Sterling\n.\nThe investment could see Stroll acquire a \n19.9% stake\n in Aston Martin."
"If no one told you it was a facelift model, you would\u2019ve thought it was an all-new Jaguar XE.\nLaunched globally in 2015 and subsequently \nintroduced in Malaysia in 2016\n, the facelift Jaguar which was \nlaunched in August here in Malaysia\n brings about a few subtle changes both on the exterior and interior but with a maximum effect. Put them side by side and it\u2019s clear how much more dated the pre-facelift model looks.\nBeginning with the exterior, the size and shape of Jaguar\u2019s signature gaping grille has been downsized and redesigned. It gets slimmer headlamps and different headlamp fixtures along with sportier front and rear bumpers. Even the exhaust tips have been redesigned to accentuate the new rear bumper.\n \nInside, the changes are even more significant. For starters, you get a new touch-sensitive steering wheel first seen on the \nI-Pace\n, a new fully-digital instrument cluster and new infotainment display similar to the \nVelar\n, and digital air-con controls.\nAs for the drive controls, the sleek pop-up rotary dial has been replaced with a conventional gear lever seen in the \nDiscovery Sport we reviewed recently\n.\nUnderneath the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine making \n300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. It\u2019s paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 5.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.\nThe facelift Jaguar XE is priced at \nRM395,831.02\n\u00a0and is inclusive of the\u00a0\nsales tax exemptions\n.\nGALLERY"
"While there are \nTesla\n cars on our roads here in Malaysia, the American carmaker has never had an official representation in our country. To date, most of the Tesla cars on sale here in Malaysia were imported via third-party independent dealers not officially supported by Tesla \u2013 but that may soon change, as it appears that the American marque may soon have an official retail operation here on our shores.\nThe rumour came about from a business registration document from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) that was circulating online, revealing that the existing Tesla Services Sdn Bhd subsidiary has since October 2022 undergone a name change to now just \u2018Tesla Sdn Bhd\u2019.\nBut the most intriguing part of the document is actually at the section \u2018Nature of Business\u2019, where it states \u201cwholesale and retail of new vehicles\u201d as its main activity, alongside \u201cmaintenance and repair of motor vehicles\u201d. This is certainly a new development, as the previous company was merely a remote financial shared services subsidiary located in Penang, providing accounting and finance-related services to the APAC and EMEA region.\nRELATED: \nTesla Model 3 launched in Thailand \u2013 from RM221k, up to 614 km range\nNow that Tesla has an \nofficial retail operation in Thailand\n and Singapore, it would make logical sense for the company to expand into Malaysia as well, as it could open up the doors to setting up a cross-country Supercharger network, something the company has mulled since May this year after a discussion with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).\nThere has been no official word from the American carmaker as of the time of writing, but we probably won\u2019t have to wait too much longer for more information.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia, Singapore sign cooperation agreements for EV charging standards"
"In conjunction with the Hari Raya festive season, Michelin Malaysia has launched its inaugural Michelin Safe On The Road (MSOR) Truck Roadshow to provide free tyre inspection for road users throughout the month of June.\nThe MSOR truck will be touring selected locations along the Peninsular for the public to drop by and have their\n free tyre checks\n including air pressure, tread wear and overall tyre condition from 11 am to 8 pm. Michelin consultants will be on the ground to give you a 360-degree perspective of your tyres condition and give you relevant advice accordingly \u2013 \ncompletely free of charge\n.\nAdditionally, participating drivers will also receive exclusive Michelin merchandises as well as cash vouchers and petrol cards from participating Michelin dealers for their next tyre change. Be sure to mark your calendars to get a free tyre check near you:\nDate\nLocation\n20 June (Wednesday)\nPetron Taman Mutiara Bukit Raja, Klang\n21 June (Thursday)\nPetron Jalan Kajang\n22 June (Friday)\nPetron Cheras Perdana\n23 June (Saturday)\nTesco Extra Cheras\n24 June (Sunday)\nGiant Superstore IOI Bandar Puteri, Puchong\n25 June (Monday)\nMelawati Mall, Open Air Carpark\n26 June (Tuesday)\nSouled Out, Sri Hartamas Carpark\n27 June (Wednesday)\nPetron Rinching (F1), Semenyih\n28 June (Thursday)\nPetron Bandar Manjalara, Sg. Buloh\n29 June (Friday)\nPetron Tanjung Karang, Kuala Selangor (11am to 3pm)\n29 June (Friday)\nPetron Sg. Besar (4pm to 8pm)\n30 June (Saturday)\nSeremban Gateway, Seremban\nThe aim of this campaign is to help raise awareness on the importance of tyre maintenance and period checks to ensure that your tyres are in its best operating condition for a safer and smoother journey to your destination, especially when travelling long distances.\nTyres are the only contact point between your car and the road, so it is imperative that you do not skim on tyre maintenance. So, when was the time you checked your car\u2019s tyres? If you have to dig your memory files to get an answer, why not drop by an MSOR truck and have professionals to evaluate them for free."
"It seems that the \nrecent takeover of Mitsubishi by Nissan\n\u00a0is causing a possible delay in vehicle manufacturing, particularly the \nMitsubishi Outlander\n and \nOutlander Sports\n (or ASX as we know it to be).\nBoth SUVs are pending review as Nissan and Mitsubishi continue to explore ways for components to share with the \nNissan Rogue\n (that\u2019s the X-Trail) and Rogue Sports (Nissan Qashqai). The goal here is to commonise as much parts as possible, but the whole process may eventually delay their (the Outlander and Outlander Sports) US debut.\nThe person overseeing this major venture is Carlos Ghosn, chairman of both Nissan and Mitsubishi. Ghosn also heads the Renault-Nissan alliance. With all the various car brands under his belt, the alliance\u2019s global volume skyrocketed to 9.96 million, putting them just behind third-place General Motors.\nGhosn has already detailed a cost-cutting plan that would help the alliance to save up to $427.1 million (close to RM1.9 billion) in the next fiscal year, the bulk of which will come from parts sharing, joint manufacturing and various other combined operations."
"Shortly after the global unveiling of the \nLexus RX L\n, Lexus Malaysia has confirmed that the three-row SUV will be making its debut in Malaysia in early February 2018 and order books for the luxury SUV are now open.\nLexus Malaysia hinted at a sole RX 350L variant that is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 paired to an eight-speed automatic that is good for \n290 hp\n and\n 357 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four-corners via Lexus\u2019 Active Torque Control AWD system that is able to vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles, anywhere from 100:0 to 50:50.   Malaysia-bound RX 350L will be of seven-seater configuration (six-seater available in other markets) with a 2-3-2 layout. Thanks to an increased in overall length by \n110 mm\n and a longer C-pillar section, passengers in the third-row are promised with ample space and class-leading boot space with all three rows up.\nNow for the price, Lexus Malaysia estimates an On-the-Road price without insurance of RM475,000 for the RX 350L, an RM18k premium over its \nfive-seater equivalent\n. Like all Lexus models in Malaysia, the Lexus RX 350L will be fully imported from Japan and will come with a 5-Years unlimited mileage. Lexus Malaysia is accepting bookings for the RX 350L at all Lexus centres nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lamborghini Squadra Corse has presented a new, very extreme \u201copen-top track car\u201d for the road called the SC20. It\u2019s the second one-off by the Italian bull-breeder\u2019s motorsport department.\n\u201cTwo years after the \nSC18 Alston\n, the SC20 was a new, intriguing challenge. The chief sources of inspiration were the Diablo VT Roadster, Aventador J, Veneno Roadster, and Concept S, and the result is a dramatic combination of creativity and racing attitude,\u201d said Lamborghini Centro Stile, Head of Design, Mitja Borkert.\nThe car was created following a customer\u2019s requirement; one who was involved in the project from the very first drawings by Lamborghini\u2019s designers.\nAnd the results just renders one speechless. There are simply no words to describe the SC20; Lamborghini has simply taken a child\u2019s wildest imagination of a car and turned it into reality \u2013\n it\u2019s a spaceship on wheels\n.\nThe SC20\u2019s body is made entirely of carbon fibre with air intakes on the front hood, inspired by those on the \nHuracan GT3 EVO\n. As for the sides, the sculpted body has been given a few pointers by the \nEssenza SCV12\n.\nFilling up the arches are mixed size wheels (20-inch in the front and 21-inch at the rear) with Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres, mounted on by a single locknut. Perched at the back end of the Lamborghini SC20 is a large carbon fiber wing that can be set in three different positions: \nLow, Medium, and High Load\n.\nThe white on the exterior is called Bianco Fu, contrasted with Blu Cepheus (blue) \u2013 both of which were created especially for the customer. On the inside, a black (Nero Cosmus) and white (Bianco Leda) colour scheme has been opted to go hand-in-hand with the abundance of naked carbon fibre.\nThe latter is also used to make the shells of the seats, which were then upholstered with a mix of Alcantara and leather. The door handles on the other hand, are machined from solid aluminum while the air vents were created using 3D printing technology at Lamborghini\u2019s Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese factory.\n\u201c\nThe SC20 is a combination of sophisticated engineering, Italian craftsmanship, sportiness and advanced design. It is also an example of applying our V12 engine and carbon fiber to a radical open-top vehicle that unmistakably carries the Lamborghini DNA,\u201d said Automobili Lamborghini, Chief Technical Officer, Maurizio Reggiani.\nThe SC20\u2019s engine is based on Lamborghini\u2019s flagship 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine seen in the \nAventador\n, SC18 Alston, \nCentenario\n, and the \nSian FKP 37\n. It makes \n770 hp\n and \n720 Nm\n paired to a 7-speed gearbox to power all four wheels.\nGALLERY"
"The \nGeely FY11\n has yet to make its grand debut but the company has quietly released initial photos of the Coupe SUV onto its official website. No interior pictures nor technical details at the moment, but the exterior design is more than enough to whet our appetites.\nStarting from the front, the brand\u2019s signature expanding cosmos grille is now sharper than ever with a subtle red accent around the grille. There is also a chrome accent below the headlamp and grille housing that further highlights the cars strong stance. The side intake elements were derived from the BoYue (\nProton X70\n) that double ups as an air curtain to help with aerodynamics.   The side profile of the FY11 features strong and purposeful lines to emphasise the car\u2019s athletic nature while the tapering roofline meets the wide and chunky rear end. It is not easy to pen a coupe SUV \u2013 look at the \nGLC\n/\nGLE Coupe\n and you\u2019ll know what I mean \u2013 but the FY11 is beautifully executed (on paper at least) with its bulk in all the right places. Can\u2019t wait for a more detailed gallery of the car to surface.\nWe know that the FY11 will ride on the Geely-Volvo Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the first Geely model to adopt this platform. The CMA platform which promises dynamic handling prowess and best in class crash safety underpins the \nVolvo XC40\n and all \nLYNK & CO models\n. Having experienced the dynamics of the XC40, the FY11 might be the most dynamic handling car to bear the Geely badge to date."
"After teasing the car with a\n darkened image\n a few weeks back, Mitsubishi has finally unveiled the Mi-Tech Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019.\nInspired by dune buggies, Mitsubishi says the Mi-Tech represents the very essence of \u201cMitsubishi-ness\u201d. The buggy-type vehicle sports a light-blue body color, and emphasises on its electric powertrain with copper-coloured motor coil motif on the grille, inner wheels and interior.\u00a0\nOn the front, the signature Dynamic Shield design makes a return. Due to the reduced cooling requirement of the electronic drivetrain, the grille is now a solid satin-plated piece.\u00a0\nFlanking the large grille is the new T-shaped headlights, embedded into the bodywork of the front end. At the bottom of the front bumper are two aluminium skid-plates to protect the body and undercarriage, while an air intake sits in between.\u00a0\nOn the side, the highly raised overfenders surround the large diameter tires, providing stability and grip on loose terrain.\u00a0\nA large hexagon shape dominates the entire rear-end, and the T-shaped light design pattern carries over to the rear with the large tail lamp enclosure.\nMoving inside, the horizontal instrument panel along with the keyboard-shaped switches of the Mi-Tech concept enhances usability while driving. A large horizontal grab handle positioned on the centre console also acts as a hand pad while operating the switches.\nThe entire dashboard of the Mi-Tech is minimalistic and void of any information other than a small screen behind the steering wheel. This is because Mitsubishi uses the entire windscreen as an augmented reality (AR) display!\nVital information of the vehicle, road, and surrounding traffic conditions can be projected directly onto the AR windshield.\nThe Mitsubishi Mi-Tech concept is powered by a lightweight and compact \ngas turbine engine generator\n. The gas turbine stands out with its flexibility to run on different fuels such as diesel, kerosene, and alcohol, while the exhaust remains clean and environment-friendly.\nNo power figures were provided at the unveiling, other than that \u201cthe gas turbine engine-generator has a powerful output for its size and weight\u201d.\nMitsubishi fitted the Mi-Tech with their Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control, paired to a \nquad-motor 4WD system\n. The independent Active Yaw Control (AYC) on both the front and rear axle allows for the optimal torque to be transmitted to all four wheels for better offroad experience.\nThe new electric drivetrain also presents unique new driving experiences, such as 180-degree spins by counter-rotating the left and right wheels.\nThe Mi-Tech Concept comes with a \nbrake-by-wire system\n, allowing for high response and accuracy in the control of braking force at all four wheels, providing a claimed drastic improvement in turning and traction performance.\u00a0\nMitsubishi\u2019s next-generation MI-PILOT driver assistance technology will also be present on the concept buggy, capable of driver support not only on ordinary freeways and city roads, but also on unpaved terrain!\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia has officially launched perhaps its most hospitable model yet- the \nLexus LM 350\n. The Lexus LM (Luxury Mover) was \nfirst announced\n for Malaysia back in December, with estimated pricing of RM1.15 million.\nThe final pricing for the Lexus LM 350 from Lexus Malaysia is \nRM1,148,000\n. Owners can look forward to enjoying the comfort and vast interior from the end of July onwards.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe Lexus LM has been given the customary Lexus signature design identity to differentiate it from the Alphard base product that it shares plenty with. On the outside, the most visible change is obviously the large spindle grille on the front, flanked by 3-beam LED projector headlights featuring the iconic Lexus daytime-running lights design.\nThree-beam project LED headlamps, L-shaped DRLs\nLED taillamps with full-width signature lighting\n18-inch noise-reducing rim, chrome and metallic finish, 235/50R18 tyres\nFront and rear moon roofs\nFront and rear acoustic glass\nPower sliding doors\n \nThe new LM 350 is available in two colours which are Black and White Pearl Crystal Shine.\nINTERIOR\nWe focus on the most distinct feature of the new Lexus LM350- the \ntwo individual VIP lounge seats\n. As the flagship people mover, the LM 350 exemplifies the very definition of \u2018\nOmotenashi\n\u2018 or the Japanese art of hospitality. The seats feature \nAdapiPedic\n rate-sensitive response foam, meaning it shape and support to each individual\u2019s physique, promoting correct lumbar posture while mitigating pressure points for the best comfort and support.\nBesides multiple power adjustments and ventilation function, the VIP seats also have an \nOttoman\n configuration and \nmassage function\n featuring seven massage programs and five pressure levels. Sit back and relax, while you sipped your refrigerated beverage, as the LM 350 has a 14-litre mini-refrigerator. Other features befitting the title of VIP seats include:\n\u2018Gin-Sui-Boku\u2019 (silver ink) wood trim finishing\nSound-insulating glass cabin partition with variable opacity\n19-speaker Mark Levison Surround sound system\n26-inch display screen with connection to various external inputs\nAir-conditioning with Nanoe negative ion generator\nVanity mirrors and personal reading lamps\nSunshades\nApart from black upholstery, Lexus Malaysia also offers the crafted semi-aniline leather seats of the LM 350 in white.\nPERFORMANCE\nSimilar to the Toyota Alphard, the powertrain for the Lexus LM 350 is a \n3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6\n engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The same engine-transmission combination is also found in the now-discontinued \nLexus RX 350 L\n seven-seater and RX 350 five-seater.\nEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, D4S, Dual VVT-i\nTransmission: 8-speed Direct Shift Automatic\nDrivetrain: Front wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 296 hp @ 6,600 RPM\nMax torque: 361 Nm @ 4,700 RPM\n0 to 100 km/h: 8.3 seconds\nTop speed: 180 km/h\nIn order to achieve the required low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), Lexus has placed \nbraces \naround the rear suspension, strategically placed \nreinforcements\n plus an increase in \nspot welding\n. The large partition between the front and rear occupants integrates into the bodyshell and further increases the rigidity of the LM 350. Even with just four seats, the Lexus LM 350 is 50 kg heavier than the Toyota Alphard at \n2,185 kg\n.\nExceptional ride quality is delivered by Lexus-engineered suspension, the earlier mentioned enhanced body rigidity and new\u00a0\nswing valve shock absorber\n\u00a0technology. This introduces an ultra-low velocity valve within the shock absorber to precisely manage oil flow in response to even the most minor road irregularities. The result is consistent ride comfort on all road surfaces.\nSAFETY\nThe Lexus LM 350 has seven airbags, inclusive of a driver\u2019s knee airbag. The two VIP occupants are protected by the full-length curtain airbags and seat-integrated seatbelts.\nSimilar to the Lexus line-up in Malaysia, the Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) safety suite is included in the Lexus LM 350, consisting of the five main systems:\nPre-Collision System (PCS)\nLane Keeping System (LKS) with Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)\nDynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Stop & Go\nAdaptive High Beam System (AHS)\nOther driver-assist systems include a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic parking support braking and panoramic view monitor (360-degree view).\nPRICING\nBuilt at the Inabe plant in Japan, which also manufactures the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, the 4-seater Lexus LM 350 is priced at \nRM1,148,000\n on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of a comprehensive five-year unlimited mileage warranty and is available for order at all six Lexus Centres nationwide.\nThe Lexus LM 350 joins another three Lexus models in Malaysia that are priced well over a million Ringgit. The recently launched \nLexus LC 500 Convertible\n is priced from RM1.35 million while the soon-to-be-launched updated \nLexus LS 500\n limousine is priced from RM1.023 million. The \nLexus LX 570\n premium SUV meanwhile is now priced from RM1.225 million.\nGALLERY"
"Last week, Honda Malaysia released a ten-second teaser video on their Facebook page to announce the arrival of their latest addition to the City range, the \nHonda City Hatchback\n.\nSlated to replace the much-loved Honda Jazz in ASEAN, the Honda City Hatchback carries similar-looking U-shaped signature LED lighting as the City sedan. The fast-paced video that focused on the rear quarter also tried to hide the variant used as the RS e:HEV hybrid.\nNow with the second teaser video posted, Honda Malaysia has indeed confirmed the Honda City Hatchback will come with the range-topping RS grade as well as the e:HEV hybrid powertrain, as the badges are now the main focus.\nThe Honda e:HEV hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, with the latter primarily driving the car. The engine will be used as a generator or supplement extra power when needed, such as overtaking. The combined system output is\u00a0\n109 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n253 Nm\n, whilst consuming just 3.6 litres of fuel per 100 km travelled.\nAs the compact hatchback contributes significantly to Honda Malaysia\u2019s sales, lower-priced variants utilising the regular 1.5-litre DOHC iVTEC engine are also expected to be on offer, mirroring the \nHonda City sedan\u2019s\n line-up.\nIn Japan and Europe, the Fit and Jazz names continue on. Originally looking too cute, here is how it looks with some tasty bodykit!\nIn the video, we can see that the Honda City Hatchback is fitted with 16-inch wheels in dual-tone finish, automatic LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and expect features seen on the sedan such as reverse camera, remote engine start, and Honda Sensing to be available with this new model too.\nBeing entirely based on the latest, seventh-generation Honda City (GN), the City Hatchback model shares the same front design, front doors as well as dashboard of the sedan, similar to what Toyota did to the Toyota Vios (NSP151) to create the ASEAN Toyota Yaris.\nThis bright shade of red also looks different from the Passion Red Pearl seen on the City Sedan RS e:HEV and Honda \nHR-V RS\n. In Indonesia, Honda offers both the Rallye Red and \nPhoenix Orange Pearl\n exclusively to the City Hatchback."
"Less than two weeks after \nopening for registration of interest\n, the \nall-new 2023 BMW M2\n is now officially launched here in Malaysia. The pocket rocket will be available in two guises here on our shores, starting at\n RM598,800 \nfor the base BMW M2 model, and \nRM642,800 \nfor the M2 equipped with a \u201cPro Package\u201d. Both prices include the optional extended five-year warranty and free service programme.\nThe all-new 2023 BMW M2 is powered by the same S58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine as you\u2019d find in the \nM3 and M4\n, but detuned to make \n460 hp \nand \n550 Nm\n of torque. But in a smaller car like the M2, it\u2019s still a heck of a lot of performance, letting you sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in just \n4.1 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nEven on a \u201cbase\u201d BMW M2, that century sprint time is even faster than the \noutgoing M2 Competition\n. Although, that figure is only achieved with the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which is also coincidentally the only transmission option being \u201cofficially\u201d offered here in Malaysia. We\u2019re pretty sure you\u2019ll still be able to order one in Manual if you ask nicely (and pay up), though.\nFor customers who want even more speed, you\u2019ll also be able to opt for an optional M Driver\u2019s Package that raises the all-new BMW M2\u2019s top speed to\n 285 km/h\n. The package can be retrofitted at any authorised dealership nationwide, says BMW Malaysia.\nAs for stopping power, the all-new 2023 BMW M2 employs a six-piston fixed-caliper brakes at the front, and single calipers at the back. The Adaptive M Suspension and M Drive Professional system are also the brains that control the dampers, M Traction Control, as well as the Active M Differential on the rear axle, based on the driving conditions and driving modes.\nRELATED: \nBMW turns the M2\u2019s garish looks up to 11 with new M Performance parts\nStandard equipment on the all-new 2023 BMW M2 include the Adaptive LED headlights upfront with High-beam Assistant, staggered double-spoke M light alloy wheels (Style 930 M Bicolour) measuring 19-inch in front and 20 at the back, and blacked out trims on the outside courtesy of the High-Gloss M Shadowline package as standard.\nOpt for the aforementioned Pro Package, and you\u2019ll get even more trims blackened out, including the lighting elements as well as the wheels, plus red-coloured brake calipers (as opposed to blue on the base M2), alongside a carbon fibre roof \u2013 which means it\u2019s not merely an aesthetic upgrade.\nInside, the all-new 2023 BMW M2 comes equipped with BMW Curved Display, which combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display under a single curved pane of glass. The displays also run on the\n BMW iDrive 8.0 operating system\n, which allows for real-time information and over-the-air software updates thanks to its cellular connectivity built in.\nOther highlights in the cabin include the Powered M Sport, M leather steering wheel, red M Mode buttons, head-up display, a three-zone climate control system, as well as a wireless charging tray. Opting for the Pro Package will see the Aluminium Rhombicle M interior trim swapped out for carbon fibre items, alongside the addition of the M-themed seat belts and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.\nALSO READ: \n2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia \u2013 from RM798k\nThe all-new BMW M2 also comes equipped with the standard Driving Assist Package here in Malaysia, which includes features such as lane departure warning, lane change warning, cruise control with braking function (but not adaptive cruise control), autonomous emergency brake both front and rear, as well as the basic Parking Assistant package that consists of a reverse camera, plus Reversing Assistant and Lateral Parking Aid.\nCustomers can opt between five exterior colour options: Zandvoort Blue, Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Black Sapphire and Toronto Red. Inside, colour options include black Leather Vernasca either with blue contrast stitching or \u201cexclusive highlight\u201d, or a Cognac colourway with decor stitching.\nOnce again, the 2023 BMW M2 is priced at RM598,800 for the base model, and RM642,800 for the Pro Package-equipped M2. Online pre-booking is now open via BMW Malaysia\u2019s online shopping platform, linked \nhere\n."
"BMW Malaysia has announced the price of the new, first-ever BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport in Malaysia which was previewed here in January 2022. Check out our gallery \nhere\n!\nThe last few months have been a period of many firsts for BMW Malaysia, following the launch of the \nBMW iX \nfrom RM419k and the \nBMW iX3\n from RM317k. As for the BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport, prices start from\n RM389,800\n and it\u2019s available in a single variant with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.\nMonthly repayments \nstart from RM4,306\n based on an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure, with the Easy Drive Financing Plan by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.\nThe BMW i4 features a single electric motor, offering 340 hp and 430 Nm, to drive the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. 0 to 100 km/h is quite similar to the \nBMW 430i launched in Malaysia last year\n, at 5.7 seconds compared to the 430i\u2019s 5.8 seconds.\nFitted with an 83.9 kWh battery, the BMW i4 eDrive40 offers\n up to 590 km of driving range\n on a full charge. With a standard 11kW onboard charger, the batteries take just \n8.5 hours to be fully charged\n. The faster 200kW DC fast charger can get the i4 up to 80% charged in just 31 minutes. The i4\u2019s batteries are covered by an 8-year/160,000km warranty.\nKey features on the exterior include an M Sport body kit, BMW Laser Lights, 19-inch M Aerodynamic wheels, and M Sport brakes. Inside, the highlight of the cabin is the \ncurved screen\n consisting of two displays of different sizes; a 12.3-inch infotainment system featuring the BMW iDrive 8 operating system and a 14.9-inch display for the meter cluster.\nBMW Malaysia said the i4 comes in either Black, White, or Grey exterior colours although later in the year, the company will introduce the San Remo Green, M Portimao Blue, and M Brooklyn Grey.\nOther noteworthy mentions are the 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, 3-zone air conditioning, panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. The interior upholstery is available in Black, Mocha, or Red leather.\nGALLERY"
"Amidst the Daihatsu safety scandal, one Toyota model that it affects is the all-new \nToyota Vios\n (also known as the Yaris Ativ in other markets). Besides the Vios, the Toyota Agya and all-new \nPerodua Axia\n are also concerned. The scandal is a \u201cprocedural irregularity\u201d which involves modification to the driver door to improve performance in the side impact test.\nToday, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n has released an official statement regarding the matter, assuring its customers that the all-new Toyota Vios has no issues with the safety standards and that deliveries will continue as usual.\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, \u201cFor customers who have booked their All-New Toyota Vios or are interested in purchasing it, we would like to assure you that the All-New Toyota Vios model complies with all safety regulations and there is no compromise to the quality of the vehicles.\u201d\nThis follows the statement released by Daihatsu Co Ltd. on 28 April 2023 highlighting a procedural irregularity on the testing of four models, one of which includes the All-New Toyota Vios. Subsequent testing has validated that the vehicle meets the UN-R95 certification and there is no need for the Toyota Vios to be recalled as sales of the vehicle continues without disruption.\nRELATED: \nPerodua \u2013 No recalls for Perodua Axia despite Daihatsu safety scandal, deliveries unaffected\n\u201cWe sincerely apologise for any distress caused to our customers and we wish to assure everyone of the safety and quality of our vehicles. Our commitment to our customers\u2019 safety has always been and remains our topmost in our priority\u201d, he added.\nToyota Chairman of the Board, Akio Toyoda has also released an official statement regarding the matter. He said, \u201cDaihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.\u2019s wrongdoing is a matter that concerns safety, which is the most important aspect of vehicles. We consider this an absolutely unacceptable act that betrays the trust of our customers. We would like to sincerely apologize to our customers around the world and all related parties for the inconvenience and concern this has caused.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios \u2013 Over 5,000 orders received in less than a month"
"Throughout its history, Lamborghini has set numerous records and firsts as it continues to cement its name as a pioneer and innovator of the automotive industry.\nHere are five you may not have heard of:\nLamborghini Marzal \u2013 first car with most glass surface area\nThe four-seater grand tourer was an operational show car with the most extensive glass surface of 48 sq ft \u2013 stretching from its gull-wing doors to the roof.\nLamborghini Miura \u2013 designed by the youngest team in the company\u2019s history\nThe Miura is a prime example of Lamborghini\u2019s confidence in allowing its young talent to prosper. To challenge the likes of Ferrari at the time, founder Ferruccio Lamborghini tasked a team with an average age of just 29 years to build what would go on to become a supercar icon. The team is still the youngest ever in Lamborghini\u2019s history.\nLamborghini Miura \u2013 lowest production car \nAt just 105.5 cm (3.4 ft) the Miura was the lowest mass-produced car ever. The styling feature has since gone on to be a vital part of Lamborghini\u2019s design DNA.\nLamborghini LM002 \u2013 the first Super SUV\nWhat started out as a project to develop a high-performance, off-road vehicle for military use ended up becoming the first Super SUV when it was unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in 1986. Only 300 units were produced in six years.\nLamborghini Countach \u2013 first car with scissor doors\nDesigned in 1971, the Countach was the first production car to be equipped with vertically opening doors. The reason behind this idea is not only for aesthetics but practical reasons. It provided the driver with better visibility and easier ingress and egress in tight spaces.\nGALLERY"
"As the Movement Control Order (MCO) has been extended till the 14th of April, we will all be stuck at home for at least another two more weeks. While it is for the good of the country and other Malaysians (\nplease do stay at home\n), the MCO does sometimes interfere with significant matters such as buying your dream car.\nWell, if your dream car is a Ford, fret no more. Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford vehicles in Malaysia, today introduced its \u2018Digital Salesperson\u2019, a \ndedicated WhatsApp live chat line \nto address customers queries related to vehicle purchase.\nAs all Ford showrooms and service centres are temporarily closed during the MCO period, the Digital Salesperson bridges the gap by linking customers to a authorised Ford salesperson located nearest to them.\nOnce connected, the salesperson is able to provide information on in-showroom promotions, colour and stock availability, loan financing options, road tax and vehicle registration fees, as well as insurance options.\nAdditionally, customers will also be able to pay for the deposit of a car purchase at their own convenience. Once the MCO is lifted, customers can sign the retail customer order and loan documents in person to be processed.\nThe Digital Salesperson service will not be limited to just the MCO period either. SDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said, \u201cPost the Movement Control Order, we will continue to offer this alternative method, as we care and understand that customers may still want to limit public exposure.\u201d\nThe campaign will run from today \nuntil the 30th of June\n, but Ford says that it can be \nextended depending on demand\n. The Digital Salesperson is available from\n 9 am to 4 pm\n, \nMonday to Friday\n. Queries can be sent via WhatsApp to \n+6019-204 1200\n, and will be answered within 24 hours."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced the launch of \nVolkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP)\n \u2013 a tailor-made insurance programme with comprehensive coverage and minimal hassle for owners.\nAptly abbreviated as VIP, the new insurance plan includes privileges such as prioritised claim approval, roadside assistance with 24-hour emergency towing, and the assurance that repairs are conducted only at Volkswagen-approved body and paint repair centres and to the highest quality.\nVIP also guarantees that all repairs done at authorised centres will only use genuine Volkswagen parts for added peace of mind.\nAdditionally, Volkswagen also assures that there will be no excess fees, betterment costs, and even offers an agreed value of your vehicle up to 10 years. The VIP programme is backed by Allianz General Insurance Berhad and Etiqa General Takaful Berhad.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cOur owners are at the core of everything we do and providing this added service to them at our dealerships also ensures that the entire process is streamlined and more convenient, making our Volkswagen dealerships a one-stop centre for customer convenience and peace of mind.\u201d\nThe VIP programme can be purchased at all authorised VW dealerships when registering a new car or during road tax renewal. All existing Volkswagen owners are welcome to purchase with no restrictions on models and car age."
"In an age where a car\u2019s ecological impact is almost as important as its performance figures on a spec sheet, carmakers are all naturally looking towards \nelectric vehicles\n (EVs) as the obvious way forward. But Porsche \u2013 bless them \u2013 is still trying to forge its own path with internal combustion engines despite its successes with the\n Taycan\n, by developing a new clean-burning synthetic fuel called \u201ceFuel\u201d.\nSpeaking to \nEvo Magazine\n \nat the launch of the \nall-new Porsche 911 GT3\n last week, Porsche\u2019s Vice President for Motorsport and GT cars, Frank Walliser said that the eFuel will be compatible with all its existing unmodified combustion engines, and could even make them as environmental friendly as new EVs!\nThe all-new Porsche 911 GT3 has everything we love about an ICE-powered car \u2013 naturally-aspirated big power.\n\u201cSynthetic fuels are very important to allow us to reduce our CO2 output. Emissions are way better than current pump fuel, with less particulates and less NOx produced; synthetic fuels have between eight to ten components whereas petrol today has 30-40 and not all of them are welcome,\u201d Walliser explained.\nWhen the eFuel reaches the full-scale production stage, Walliser says that they expect a CO2 reduction of around 85 percent compared petrol.\n\u201cFrom a \u2018well to wheel\u2019 perspective \u2013 and you have to consider the well to wheel impact of all vehicles \u2013 this will be the same level of CO2 produced in the manufacture and use of an electric vehicle.\u201d\nPorsche first announced its investment into Siemens Energy\u2019s eFuel technology last year. At the time of the announcement, both companies claimed the alliance would produce more than 500 million litres of its synthetic fuels annually by 2026.\nWalliser says that the companies are on track to achieve that target. First trials in small volumes will start in 2022.\n\u201cIt\u2019s a long road with huge investment, but we are sure that this is an important part of our global effort to reduce the CO2 impact of the transportation sector,\u201d he concluded.\nAlthough eFuel have been in development for over a decade, it\u2019s the influx of tightening emissions laws across the globe in recent times that have truly spurred the growth of these alternative combustion technologies.\nWith several countries already announcing their plans to \noutright ban ICE-powered vehicles\n in the next decade, will Porsche\u2019s eFuel be the answer to keep these cars on the road? We\u2019ll have to wait and see, but if these numbers are accurate, the future for ICE certainly looks promising."
"It\u2019s hard to believe that the Toyota 86, also known as the GT86 in some parts of the world, is now four years old, which means it\u2019s about time for give it a new face.\u00a0The\u00a0updated model is set to receive a mildly revised exterior look and the long anticipated performance boost.\nExternally, the 86 gets a new front bumper, a larger central air intake, revised LED headlights and tail lamps as well as a new 10-spoke alloy wheels. Its cabin gets new leather and Alcantara upholstery which includes soft-touch suede on the door trims.\u00a0The 86 also receives a new steering design,\u00a0integrating audio controls and an iconic \u201986\u2019 logo in the middle.\n \n \nWhile the aesthetic department stirs excitement, the same cannot be said about its performance because the only variant to receive a boost is the six-speeder manual. The 86 is powered by the same \n2.0-litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine\n, and in the manual, it makes just 5 additional horses at \n205 hp\n and \n212 Nm\n. The automatic variant settles for the existing output of 200 hp and 205 Nm of torque.\nIt\u2019s a known fact that the 86 isn\u2019t built for straight-line fun, but widely regarded as one of the best entry-level, pure-bred sports car. With this facelift, the engineers have taken its handling and agility up a notch by revising the chassis setup and tweaked the damper and spring rates.\nThe updated 86 will make its debut in the upcoming New York Motor Show and will be ready for delivery by Q4 2016. Also, since the demise of \nScion\n in the United States, all existing FR-S models will be rebranded as the Toyota 86.\nBack at home, the 86 made a brief appearance through\u00a0UMW Toyota in 2012 with the manual variant being sold for RM243,000, whereas the automatic costed RM6,000 more. For now, UMW Toyota is only offering the 86 on a\u00a0special order basis.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In line with the earlier announcement of more industries able to operate from \nOctober 1st\n, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Klang Valley (Selangor, KL and Putrajaya F.T.) together with Malacca will move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 of the \nNational Recovery Plan\n.\nFrom October 1st, they join Perlis, Pahang, Terengganu and Sarawak in Phase 3 that sees more relaxation of movement restrictions, such as three occupants in a taxi and \ne-hailing\n vehicle.\nSource: Twitter/\nMalaysiaPMO\nWith Kedah moving out of Phase 1, that nation has no more states that are under strict restrictions. At the time of writing, only Negeri Sembilan and Labuan F.T. have transitioned to Phase 4.\nThe government also announced certain activities and gatherings will be permitted for states under Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the NRP. Official events and seminars by both the private and government sectors are allowed to operate under a 50% capacity with all guests fully vaccinated.\nThe official launch of the \nSime Darby Motors City\n, April 2021\nGuests who aren\u2019t must undergo a pre-event test with a self-test kit in front of an organiser or confirmed by a medical officer.\nThe sports entertainment industry is also set to reopen too, such as the \nToyota Vios Challenge\n, where the public is now allowed to attend sport and recreation matches in states under all Phases except Phase 1. As with the new norm, only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed entry, with face masks worn at all times and consumption of food and beverage not allowed.\nChildren under 18 are unfortunately disallowed to attend these live matches.\nVocational colleges and the skills training sector will be allowed to open from October 15th under the new set of restriction relaxation. Schools are also set to reopen in stages starting October 3rd, with priority given to students taking major examinations. \u00a0\nYou do not need to rush to renew your JPJ road tax and driving license, as the deadline has been extended to Dec 31st. Read more about it here.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThere is however no fixed date on the greenlight for interstate travel, which is allowed once the adult population reaches a fully vaccinated coverage of 90%. \u00a0As of yesterday, the Special Committee on Access to Vaccine Supply (JKJAV) reported that the figure has reached \n85.7%\n."
"Alongside the launch of the \nArteon R-Line\n and \nTiguan Allspace R-Line\n yesterday, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) also previewed the Passat R-Line as part of the \nVW Tour roadshow\n, completing the \u201cR-Line Trinity\u201d as the company calls it.\nPositioned at the top of the Passat model range, the locally-assembled Passat R-Line is now available for booking, with pricing expected to be \nbetween RM200,000 to RM210,000\n, placing it right in between the \nPassat Elegance\n and Arteon R-Line.\nTaking inspiration from the full-blown Volkswagen R models, the Passat R-Line features several additional sporty exterior touches, including R-Line front and rear bumpers, side R-Line emblems, additional chrome trims which wraps around the entire vehicle near the skirtings, as well as 19-inch \u201cVerona\u201d alloy wheels.\nOn the inside, the sportier Passat gets new R-Line specific trims, including a thicker flat-bottom steering wheel, Nappa \u201ccarbon-style\u201d black leather seats, and aluminium sports pedals.\nOtherwise, the equipment list is pretty much a carbon copy of the \nPassat Elegance\n, which includes the 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster display, 9.2-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and App-Connect, tri-zone automatic climate control, as well as 14-way power adjustable front seats with memory and massage function for the driver.\nThe powerplant under the hood is also unchanged from the Elegance \u2013 a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine pushing out \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a new seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG gearbox.\nThe R-Line does however come as standard with the \nDynamic Chassis Control (DCC)\n driving mode selector with up to 15 selectable increments for the five driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual), as well as \nElectronic Differential Lock (XDS)\n which can help control understeer, resulting in a sportier driving experience.\nJust like the Elegance, the Passat R-Line once again misses out on autonomous emergency braking functionalities. Standard safety equipment list includes six airbags, Anti Brake-locking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring System, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.\nThe Passat R-Line will be offered in six exterior colour choices: Aquamarine Blue Metallic, Tamarind Brown Metallic, Manganese Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic; Deep Black Pearl, and Oryx White Pearl.\nInterested to check out the car in person? The Volkswagen Passat R-Line will be on display at 1 Utama Shopping Centre this weekend as part of the \nVolkswagen Tour campaign\n. Bookings and viewing arrangements can also be made online, or at authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When we think of James Bond\u2019s cars, the first ones that come to mind would usually be an \nAston Martin\n, or some other equally fast cars. However, the Land Rovers have also had a long history with Mr. Bond, with the all-new Land Rover Defender in particular playing a\n significant role\n in the upcoming Bond film \u201c\nNo Time to Die\n\u201c.\nSo as a celebration to its participation in the new 007 movie, Land Rover has unveiled a new special edition Defender, inspired by the world\u2019s most famous spy.\nLimited to just 300 units, the \nLand Rover Defender\n V8 Bond Edition will be available as either a Defender 110 or 90, and will feature the same looks as the ones that appear on the film. These include a stealthy all-black exterior thanks to the Extended Black Pack with 22-inch Luna Gloss Black alloy wheels, paired to Xenon Blue front brake\u00a0calipers and a \u2018Defender 007\u2019 badge at the rear.\nThe all-new Land Rover Defender was \u201cspied\u201d undergoing road tests here in Malaysia! Check it out here.\n \nThe 007 theme also extends into the interior, with a specially developed start-up animation on the infotainment system that honours Land Rover\u2019s long partnership with the James Bond franchise.\nThere\u2019s also a special laser-etched detailing on the interior that reads \u201cone of 300\u201d, alongside the SV Bespoke logo, but the true spectacle is when you open the door and see the 007 puddle lights on the floor, alongside the illuminated Defender 007 door sill plates.\nWatch the Land Rover Defender get dirty for James Bond! Jumps, flips and explosions included.\n\u201cThe Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in \nNo Time To Die\n,\u201d said Land Rover Brand Director, Finbar McFall. \u201cIt represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover\u2019s 38-year association with James Bond.\u201d\nAs the name suggests, the new Bond Edition is based on the recently launched Defender V8, featuring a 5.0-litre supercharged mill that\u2019s good for \n525 hp \nand \n625 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via and eight-speed automatic transmission, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in \n5.2 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n240 km/h\n.\nAston Martin is remaking the original DB5 Bond car, complete with original gadgets! Check it out here.\nThe stealthy Land Rover Defender will appear in the film alongside two Range Rover Sport SVRs, as well as a Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Series III, when it reaches cinema screens worldwide from September 30, 2021.\nGALLERY"
"The next-generation all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is set to be unveiled later this month, on the 25th of April, the company has confirmed today. Along with the announcement, the company also provided a teaser image of the car\u2019s side profile, giving us our first look at the upcoming next-gen \nE-Class\n.\nUpcoming all-new E-Class\nMercedes-Benz EQE 350+\nJust like the interior, which was revealed earlier this year, we expect the exterior design of the upcoming all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class to borrow significantly from its \nelectric counterparts\n. However, it appears that the car will feature a more \u201ctraditional\u201d shape, rather than the \u201cone-bow\u201d style swoopy silhouette.\nStill, the rear windscreen looks like it\u2019ll be significantly raked thanks to its sloping roofline. A full-length character line down the entire side of the car to visually connect the headlights and tail lights.\nNo technical specifications are announced yet, but we\u2019re guessing that it\u2019ll likely be a fully electrified line-up, just like the marque\u2019s other launches recently, including the\n GLS\n and \nGLC\n.\nWhat we don\u2019t need to guess is its interior, as the company has already revealed the upcoming E-Class\u2019 cabin \nearlier this year.\n It\u2019ll debut a new \u2018Superscreen\u2019 design, as the successor to the Hyperscreen of the EQS and EQE. The key difference here comes in the form of a separate screen for the digital instrument cluster, with a more upright position for better visibility while driving.\nThe MBUX operating system has also been updated to support downloadable apps including TikTok, Zoom, and Angry Birds among others \u2013 the first two will utilise a new in-car camera perched atop the dashboard for video while the car is stationary.\nREAD MORE: \nNext-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 interior revealed \u2013 Superscreen debuts with in-car TikTok app"
"The final report from the Los Angeles County Coroner\u2019s Office confirmed that the Porsche Carrera GT Paul Walker was in as a passenger was going over 160km/h (100mph). Racer Roger Rodas then lost control of the machine for \u201cunknown reasons\u201d and crashed.\nAccording to the toxicology report conducted by the coroner, no drugs or alcohol were involved at the time of the incident.\u00a0The coroner\u2019s report wrote, \u201cFor unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle partially spun around, and began to travel in a southeast direction.\u201d\n\u201cThe vehicle then struck a sidewalk and the driver\u2019s side of the vehicle struck a tree and then a light post. The force of those collisions caused the vehicle to spin 180 degrees, and it continued to travel in an easterly direction. The passenger side of the vehicle then struck a tree and the vehicle burst into flames.\u201d\nAs for the coming Fast and Furious 7 movie, there won\u2019t be any replacement for Paul\u2019s character; no Justin Bieber (which was a stupid rumour) or Paul\u2019s brother, Cody Walker as the new Brian O\u2019Conner. Instead, Malaysian director James Wan and Universal Pictures have decided to \u201cretire\u201d the character using footage that has been shot. Existing script will still be used but modified, hoping to satisfy his fans and allowing the franchise to move on without Paul Walker.\nThe release of the movie has also been \npostponed as reported\n, from the initial July 2014 to April 10, 2015."
"Porsche Malaysia, during their fourth Porsche Driving Experience event held at Sepang International Circuit earlier this month, leapt at the opportunity to sneak in a preview of the upcoming Cayman GTS, as well as its drop-top sibling, the Boxster GTS.\nBoth models sit above their respecting Boxster S and Cayman S variants and share the same \n3.4-litre flat-six engine\n, paired to a \nseven-speed PDK dual clutch\n gearbox. Naturally, both engines are tuned to produce higher outputs compared to the S variant, but that\u2019s just the start.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche Boxster GTS\nPorsche Cayman GTS\nEngine\n3,436cc; naturally aspirated flat-six\nTransmission\n7-speed PDK dual clutch auto\nMax Power\n330 hp @ 6,700 rpm\n340 hp @ 7,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n370 Nm @ 4,500 \u2013 5,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 4,750 \u2013 5,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n5.0 seconds\n4.8 seconds\nTop Speed\n279 km/h\n283 km/h\nThe Cayman GTS has just\u00a0\n15 hp\n and \n10 Nm\n of torque more than the Cayman S, but changes to making the potent rear-wheel drive sports car are more than meets the eye. It is 24mm longer in overall length (wheelbase the same at 2,475mm) and is lower by 11mm at 1,284mm. Also new here are parts like the \nsports exhaust\n, active suspension management and \nSports Chrono\n as standard, including \nlaunch control\n.\n \n \nOver in the Boxster GTS, the changes are largely the same. You also get the same \n15 hp and 10 Nm\n performance bump, as well as \nactive suspension management\n and \nsports exhaust\n. Both models get a slightly different interior with better (or sportier) materials and new sets of wheels.   Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official importer of Porsche cars in Malaysia have hinted that both models will be making its way here this Friday the 3rd of July. Like all other new Porsche models, the Cayman and Boxster GTS will also come with a \n4-year warranty\n and \n4-year complimentary service maintenance package\n, as well as the opportunity to take part in the exclusive\u00a0\nPorsche Driving Experience\n.\nUsually held at Sepang Circuit, the Porsche Driving Experience provides new and existing owners the venue to not just \nput their paces round the track\n, but more importantly to train them on the \nright ways to react\n \nduring an emergency\n on the road while \nenhancing their overall driving skill\n. Speaking of killing two birds with one stone. Each participant will be mentored by Porsche Carrera Cup drivers and official Porsche instructors. Some of the courses will test drivers on their braking, emergency lane changing, skid pads, slalom and \u2013 you guessed it, full track driving.\nHere\u2019s what you can expect to learn at Porsche Driving Experience:\n1. \nBraking \n\u2013 You learn to apply effective braking and make full use of the ABS system while steering the vehicle into the direction of safety.\n2. \nLane Change\n \u2013 Practice high-speed manoeuvrability through a series of gates. Here you will learn to control the vehicle\u2019s load change in high speed emergency situations, putting your visual and hand-foot coordination to the test.\n3. \nSlalom\n \u2013 Participants will have their cornering, braking and acceleration skills tested by overcoming a challenging slalom course (we did this in a Panamera S). Also, drivers will be able to experience Porsche\u2019s Active Suspension Management.\n4. \nSkid\n \u2013 Learn to handle and control oversteer and understeer on a wet surface. This is an essential skill required to regain complete control of the car in the event of an emergency on public roads.\n5. \nTrack Driving\n \u2013 This is why you get a Porsche, to drive it on the track. Towards the end of Porsche Driving Experience, participants will be treated to a track session where they get the chance to implement all learnings from the aforementioned exercises. This is done in a safe and controlled environment, of course.\nIf the Cayman GTS isn\u2019t feral enough for you, SDAP also hinted at the \nCayman GT4\n\u2018s arrival, one that has a 385 hp 3.8-litre flat six engine! Meanwhile, click \nhere\n to read on the launch of their \nRM16 million\n\u00a0\nSungai Besi flagship showroom\n with a complete lineup of their current offerings, including the on-display \n918 Spyder\n.\nStay tuned for the latest updates on the Porsche Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Porsche Cayman GTS   2015 Porsche Boxster GTS"
"In conjunction with the \nlaunch of the Kia Stinger GT in the UK\n, Kia Motors UK have unleashed three Stinger GT models onto the tarmac of Cornwall Airport Newquay\u2019s runway, demonstrating the prowess of the 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 resting under the hood.\nThree pro-drivers launched the Stinger GT simultaneously onto the 2.7 km runway in a \u201cV\u201d formation. Thanks to the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 upfront with \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n, it only took \n4.9 seconds\n for the rear-wheel drive Grand Tourer to hit 100 km/h. An eight-speed automatic was tasked with the power transfer.\nThe drivers managed speeds in excess of 241 km/h before coming to a complete halt in the final quarter of the runway. Stopping power from the Brembo brake kit ensured all three drivers came to a halt safely. Given enough runway, the Stinger GT will break the 270 km/h mark.\nThe Kia Stinger GT was first presented to the world in early January 2017 with the \nUK being the most recent market launch\n (October). Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has previewed the \nStinger GT at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017\n in its highest specification \u2013 3.3L V6 and all-wheel drive. It remains unknown whether we will be getting the \nhottest Kia ever made\n or the lower output 2.0-litre T-GDI or possibly even the 2.2-litre CRDi considering that NKM is pushing its \ndiesel models\n. However, rest assured that we will be seeing this fine looking thing on our roads very soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Kia Stinger GT V6 AWD Previewed in Malaysia"
"Back in March, Porsche blew us all away with the\n all-new 911 Turbo S \nthanks to its sub-three seconds century sprint times. Well, for the millionaires on a tighter budget, there\u2019s now the 911 Turbo, and fortunately, it\u2019s \nalmost\n just as fast as it\u2019s elder brother.\nUnderneath the metal of the all-new 911 Turbo is the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, slightly downtuned to produce \n580 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque \u2013 with peak torque now without any overboost time limit. Paired to a \u201cTurbo-specific\u201d eight-speed PDK gearbox, the \u201cbaby\u201d Turbo now does 0-100 km/h in \n2.8 seconds\n, \njust 0.1 second shy of the Turbo S\n.\nCompared to it\u2019s predecessor, the new 911 Turbo now has 40 hp and 40 Nm more grunt, which is also 20 hp more than the previous-generation Turbo S with the same amount of torque! Top speed is still limited at 320 km/h, though.\nPower is sent to all four wheels as expected on a modern-day 911 Turbo, with the new active all-wheel control Porsche Traction Management system now able to send even more power to the front wheels, clawing you out of the corners. There\u2019s also rear wheel steering system to help with overall agility and stability.\nPredictably, the body of the the Turbo is inherited from the Turbo S, which is up to 45 mm wider than before. The front track has also grew by 42 mm, while the rear is widened by 10 mm.\nThe all-new Porsche 911 Turbo rides on staggered wheel sizes \u2013 20-inch items at the front and 21 at the rear, shielding the new and improved braking system that can be easily identified by the red fixed callipers fitted as standard, along with the grey cast iron brake discs.\nTo clarify, this isn\u2019t the ten-piston Porsche Carbon Ceramic brake system that\u2019s seen on the Turbo S, but those are available as options.\nPorsche is offering the all-new 911 Turbo with two chassis \u2013 the standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), as well as for the first time on the Turbo, a \u201csignificantly firmer\u201d sports chassis that sits 10 mm lower than the standard. An optional PDCC hydraulic active anti-roll stabilisation system helps enhance the dynamic driving experience even further.\nOther options on the all-new baby Turbo include the sports exhaust system, Sports exterior styling package, and a Lightweight Design package. The latter helps reduce the weight of the 911 Turbo by 30 kg, through the use of lightweight full-bucket seats, removal of rear seats, as well as less insulation material in the body panels.\nThere is nothing inside the 911 Turbo that we haven\u2019t seen before, with creature comforts such as the 10.9-inch PCM infotainment display, electrically-controlled 14-way sports seats, Sports Chrono package, GT sports steering wheels with paddle shifters and rotary mode switch, as well as a Bose surround sound system fitted as standard.\nThe all-new 911 Turbo can also be fitted with several optional advanced safety, convenience and luxury features, including Porsche InnoDrive with adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist with road sign recognition, Night Vision Assist, Surround View and a Burmester High-End Surround Sound System.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In an effort to safeguard the welfare and livelihoods of its employees, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched its initiative to offer subsidies for its dealers and sales consultants to alleviate their financial constraints during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.\nFirstly, a \nmonthly Hardship Allowance\n will be provided to Hyundai sales consultants from April to June 2020. Sales consultants who have been in service for more than three months, and are not serving notice, will be eligible for this allowance scheme.\nDealers meanwhile will be offered \nfinancial subsidies\n for online marketing expenses, as well as for the purchase of hand sanitisers, disinfectants, and thermometers for the use at their sales and service outlets during the\n Conditional MCO period.\nHSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung said, \u201cThe pandemic has badly affected the auto sector. We understand the hardship of our dealers and sales consultants, and we hope the subsidy will help ease their financial burden and help with the cost of health and safety measures at all authorised Hyundai sales and service outlets.\u201d\n \nThe company reassures customers that strict health and safety measures are already in place at all reopened service outlets. The new standard operating procedures (SOP) will also be enforced at the other sales and service outlets, which the company says will soon resume operations.\nThe health and safety guidelines include hand sanitisation and temperature checks for all individuals at premise entry points, regular disinfection of the premise, placement of hand sanitisers at all touchpoints, as well as placement of health information and reminders throughout the outlets to promote good hygiene practices.\nCustomers\u2019 cars will be disinfected before and after their service, along with all new car handovers, and showroom display and test drive units. HSDM authorised dealers will also be implementing \u201ccontactless test drives\u201d, as well as promoting the use of contactless payment methods \u2013 although cash payments will still be accepted.\nHSDM previously announced the \nHyundai Care warranty extension programme\n for customers affected by the \nCOVID-19\n \npandemic. Hyundai vehicles with their warranty expiring during the MCO period will have their warranty\u00a0\nextended by 30 days\n, calculated from the last day of the MCO period.\nSimilarly, vehicles with scheduled service due date falling during the MCO period will be given a\u00a0\n30-day grace period\n\u00a0from the last day of MCO to carry out its service appointment to ensure validity of the warranty."
"Ferrari\n has reopened orders for the \nPurosangue\n. Starting the year on a positive note, the company sold 3,567 units so far in Q1 2023, 9.7% more than the same period last year.\nTo recap, Ferrari halted orders for the Purosangue in December 2022, and the waiting time for the high-performance SUV went up to two years for some customers. This was due to an unexpected and overwhelmingly high demand for the car that forced the company to stop taking orders for it.\nIn a recent press release, Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna said, \u201cWe have decided to reopen orders for the Purosangue, suspended due to an initial unprecedented demand, and launched the Roma Spider to further enrich our offer.\u201d\n\u201cWe are on track with our electrification journey on the development of both sports cars and infrastructures in Maranello\u201d, added Vigna.\nRELATED: \ne-fuels exempted from Europe\u2019s 2035 petrol car ban, Porsche & Ferrari rejoice\nFor those who don\u2019t know, the Ferrari Purosangue is Ferarri\u2019s first-ever four-door SUV. Even though the Italian supercar maker refuses to label it as an SUV and calls it a \u201cfour-door four-seater\u201d instead, we all know what it truly is.\nThe Purosangue is powered by a front-mid mounted 6.5-litre V12 engine capable of producing \n725 hp\n (metric) and \n716 Nm\n. The engine is mated to an eight-speed oil-bath F1 dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and power is sent to all four wheels.\nThe Purosangue weighs 2,033 kg and is able to go from 0-100 km/h in just \n3.3 seconds. \nThe high-performance SUV is also capable of achieving over \n310 km/h\n of top speed.\nCloser to home, Ferrari S.p.A. (Ferrari) has parted ways with \nNaza Italia Sdn Bhd\n, the supercar company\u2019s sole distributor in Malaysia. This just happened in March this year, and was due to a non-alignment of their expectations and strategy between the two companies, according to Naza Italia Sdn Bhd. No news has surfaced regarding Naza Italia\u2019s replacement as of now.\nRELATED: \nNaza Italia and Ferrari part ways, partnership to conclude in April 2023"
"Operations at all 182 sales, 202 service and 68 body and paint outlets nationwide have officially resumed after a two-month hiatus during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.\nProduction at the Sungai Choh Plant in Rawang partially resumed on the 11th of May and is now in full swing. In line with that, the company also said necessary safeguards have been implemented at all their outlets nationwide to ensure sufficient protection of both customers and employees.\nAs for the Perodua outlets, operations resumed on a staggered basis a week ago on the 12th of May with all the necessary health and safety measures in place.\n\u201cWe would like to thank our valued customers for their patience and loyalty. We will ensure that all your motoring needs will be met as soon and as safely as possible,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nCustomers looking to service their vehicles are required to \nsecure an appointment slot \nbeforehand with their service centre of choice \u2013 \nwalk-ins will not be accepted\n at the moment to avoid crowding.\nAs is standard procedure almost everywhere you go now, all visitors\n must undergo temperature checks\n before entering outlets. Customers will also be required to register their details and adhere to the social distancing markers within the outlets at all times. Hand sanitisers will be available at key locations while the outlets themselves will be sanitised regularly."
"Petronas and Sepang International Circuit (SIC), competing under the team Petronas Sepang Racing Team in the FIM MotoGP, will be parting ways at the end of the season.\nIn a statement released by SIC last week, the team is expected to make an announcement regarding its continuation in the MotoGP world championship from 2022 onwards under a new independent entity.\nPetronas has been the Title Partner to SIC since 2018, through the Petronas Sprinta Racing in Moto2 and Moto3 categories. The project was expanded to the premier class MotoGP in 2019 via Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.\n\u201cSIC wishes to thank Petronas for the unwavering support during the partnership and remarkable journey together. We respect Petronas\u2019 decision, and mutually agreed that this partnership has accomplished its purpose and objectives,\u201d said SIC, CEO, Azhan Shafriman Hanif.\nThe latest Petronas Primax 97 has been developed with Mercedes-AMG F1 and Sepang MotoGP teams. Find out how it delivers more power here!\n \u00a0\nThe partnership has enjoyed a meaningful partnership with great achievements and memorable moments with the team as well as introducing new local talents into the global motorsports arena such as Adam Norrodin and Khairul Idham Pawi.\nAzhan added that this is not the end of the collaboration in motorsports as they continue their quest in nurturing Malaysia\u2019s motorsports talents.\nPetronas, who felt it is the right time to part ways, also took the opportunity to express their gratitude to SIC for their commitment towards ensuring the success of the partnership.\nDid you know there is a new homegrown fuel brand? Find out more about Five Petroleum Malaysia here.\n\u201cWe entered into this partnership with SIC to showcase \nour R&D capabilities\n, and we are proud that Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions have been instrumental towards establishing the team\u2019s status as a championship contender,\u201d said Petronas, Head of Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz.\nThe \nMalaysian MotoGP \nrace, the 16th round of the 2021 calendar is scheduled to take place on the weekend of \nOctober 21st to 24th\n. There is no announcement yet if the race will be cancelled again due to the ongoing pandemic, which has caused the cancellation of the Thailand MotoGP race that was scheduled to take place the weekend before Sepang. \u00a0\u00a0\nSource: \nSepang International Circuit\n and \nPetronas\n Sepang Racing\n Team\nGALLERY"
"Since its debut in Malaysia, the \nHonda HR-V\n has become the undisputed leader in the B-segment crossover segment, selling more than its main rivals like the \nMazda CX-3\n, \nRenault Captur\n and \nSubaru XV\n.\nHonda\u2019s exceptional interior packaging, unrivalled boot space of 437 litres and typical Honda drivability earned the hearts of many consumers. Honda Malaysia even gave the pre-facelift HR-V a final send-off with the limited edition \nHR-V Mugen\n, showing the model\u2019s significance to the number 1 non-national carmaker in Malaysia.\nBut competition is slowly catching up and buyers in the segment are now more demanding than ever. The refreshed CX-3, for example, has its price slashed but gains useful features like Blind Spot Monitoring and rear armrest. The XV has clawed back by being the only car in the segment to offer all-wheel-drive and its Achilles heel (bland interior) has finally been rectified in the new-generation model. Things are not in the favour of the HR-V then.\nHonda Malaysia aims to keep the competition at bay with the \nrefreshed HR-V\n that was previewed to the media recently. To make things even sweeter, the company has arranged a (very) \nshort\n test drive for us to have a taste of what\u2019s to come with the new HR-V.\nThe variant we sampled was the range-topping HR-V RS that comes with all the bells and whistles as well as this variant exclusive Passion Red Pearl paint job. Before diving into the initial driving impressions, the company\u2019s representatives had highlighted key mechanical advantages that the RS has over the outgoing V-Grade HR-V.\nThese include larger 18-inch alloy wheels (previously 17-inch) wrapped in 225/50 profile \nContinental UltraContact 6 (UC6)\n tyres and a \nVariable Gear Ratio (VGR)\n steering rack. These combined are said to give the HR-V RS a more composed ride and handling. But did it do the trick?\nShort answer, yes. The VGR technology works by varying the steering ratio according to speed and steering input to give the car a more responsive steering while reducing the steering angle needed to make a turn. When driven back-to-back with the pre-facelift model, the difference is stark and much welcomed.\nOn the VGR equipped HR-V, the crossover is noticeably more agile and accurate at the slalom course with the car responding more directly to your inputs. The HR-V RS was very much more composed than the outgoing model when changing directions, attributing to the VGR and wider tyres.   We would imagine highway cruising in the new HR-V to be more pliant as a result of the sharper steering and having more feedback of the front wheels. Another benefit from the larger wheel option and wider tyres is the improved braking distance thanks to the larger contact patch of the wheels and tarmac.\nAn observation when navigating through the test course is that ride quality did not suffer despite the larger alloys fitted here on the RS variant. Although the 17-inch items on the lower variants would be easier on the wallet when it comes to replacing them.\nAnother welcome addition to the HR-V is the \nHonda LaneWatch\n that transmits a live feed to the infotainment screen via a camera mounted on the passenger side mirrors when the left signal is activated, giving you a clear view of your blind spot. Unfortunately, this is only equipped on the most expensive HR-V RS variant.\nHonda Malaysia has kept the interior of the facelifted HR-V under embargo but as a reference, the \nJapan Domestic Market HR-V\n spots an interior like so:\nHonda Vezel Hybrid interior Japan\nElsewhere, things are the same as before with the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine and CVT combination that channels\n 140 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels, six-airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal.\nAgain, the short seat time was insufficient for us to draw more in-depth findings on the car but as you call tell, initial impressions are highly positive. The official launch of the facelifted Honda HR-V is just around the corner so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media sites for the latest update.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda HR-V RS First Drive   Honda HR-V RS   Honda HR-V Facelift"
"After a teaser in their social media pages just two days ago, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the new facelifted E-Class limousine. The line-up is now simplified to two variants- the E 200 and the E 300. We have covered the E 200 in more detail \nhere\n.\n \nThe price for the new facelifted locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line is \nRM375,432.19\n, which is a good RM8,370 over the predecessor E 300 Exclusive Line. Apart from the AMG items, some niceties come along with the price adjustment too.\nEXTERIOR\nExterior wise, the new facelifted E-Class features new bumpers with a restyled grille, slimmer headlamps plus a new bonnet. The rear also follows suite of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and S-Class, where the taillights are now two-piece units in a slimmer and more horizontal layout.\nFor the E 300 AMG Line variant, the front and rear bumpers plus side skirts get the namesake styling, a sportier-looking grille pattern with single horizontal bar.\nAMG Line body kit\n19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheel, staggered sizing\nMultibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\nPanoramic sliding sunroof\nTwo new paint colours, Grey metallic and High-tech silver metallic are available with the new facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class.\nNote the interior from Mercedes-Benz Thailand\nINTERIOR\nMoving inside, the single most obvious update is the steering wheel. The beautiful AMG Sports steering wheel is used in the facelifted E 300 AMG Line, featuring thin dual-spokes to house the switches and a thick rim covered with smooth and perforated Nappa leather.\nThe design of the dashboard maintains, with the E-Class debuting the now highly-popular dual landscape screen layout back in 2017. The latest generation MBUX is used to power the high-resolution screens measuring 12.3 inches each.\nControlling the display is also easier thanks to a new and simplified large touchpad, removing the rotary dial that was used in the predecessor model.\nMercedes-Benz is offering an EV option of all its models from 2025. Read more about the roadmap to full EV by 2030 here.\nNew in the facelifted E-Class is the Urban Guard vehicle protection system that features all-around monitoring via anti-theft alarm system, tow-away protection with visual and audible warning and interior monitoring.\nOther key highlights in the interior include:\nMBUX Dual 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display\nFull open-pore black ash wood trim\nDashboard lined with Artico material\nFour-zone automatic climate control\nElectric sunblind for rear windows\nMercedes me connect services\nBurmester 13-speaker, 590 W surround sound system\nTouchpad\nAndroid Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity\nWireless charger in front and USB charging ports at the rear\nPERFORMANCE\nSimilar to the E 200, the E 300 is powered by the M264 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with maintained outputs of \n258 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque. There are no forms of electrification in this powertrain.\nEngine: M264 1,991 cc; inline-four turbocharged\nTransmission: 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission\nDrivertrain: Rear-wheel drive\nMax Power: 258 hp @ 5,800 \u2013 6,100 rpm\nMax Torque: 370 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 6.2 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nFuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km\nThe suspension continues to be the more comfort-oriented Agility Control items.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the new facelifted Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line sees the most upgrades. Unlike its predecessor with just Blind Spot Assist and Lane Tracking Package, the new E 300 AMG Line gets the full Driving Assistance package from the now-discontinued \nE 350 variant\n.\nIt now includes Distronic adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assist and active blind spot assist. Active Brake Assist a.k.a autonomous emergency braking is standard as expected in this premium sedan. The system also functions when turning into junctions.\nOther standard safety equipment include:\n360-degree parking camera system\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\nDriver\u2019s knee airbag\nPre-Safe system\nMercedes-Benz emergency call system\nPrefer a large SUV plus a six-cylinder engine? Take a look at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s latest GLE 450 AMG Line here.\nNote the image from Mercedes-Benz Thailand\nPRICING\nAs mentioned earlier, the new facelifted Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line is now available in Malaysia, priced at \nRM375,432.19\n on the road, without insurance and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that is valid until the end of the year. Included as standard in the price is a two-year manufacturer warranty and a two-year in-country extended warranty, with unlimited mileage coverage.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia also offers the highly attractive Step Up Agility Financing plan, at \nRM2,988 per month\n for a five-year tenure with a down payment of approximately 10% of the vehicle price. For more information on the financing product, visit the Financial Services website \nhere\n. \u00a0\nGALLERY\n2021 Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n2021 Mercedes-Benz E220d AMG in Thailand"
"First introduced three years ago, the second generation MINI Countryman has received a facelift but it\u2019s not the changes on the outside we\u2019re concerned about, it\u2019s the new instrument cluster.\nAs unconventional and funky as it appeared, in line with MINI\u2019s youthful image, it never really looked like it belong there \u2013 more like an afterthought, if anything. It still worked like a charm as MINI Malaysia in particular sold plenty of the Countryman but in this facelift model, the new digital instrument cluster should silence tech-demanding buyers for just a little longer.cause it looks great!\nThe new.\nIf you\u2019re not willing to pay extra.\nUnfortunately, it only looks this way if you opt for the Connected Median option. Yes, it is sadly an option. Forget the new grille, new front bumper and wheel design, or that it now also gets the Union Jack graphics on the tail lights.\nIf there was one thing the facelift Countryman had to have as standard, it would be a new instrument cluster. Most would probably agree that the same applies to every new MINI model that follows.\nWheels are of a light-alloy material, ranging from 16 to 19 inch in size. For those interested in a more cynical appearance, there is a Piano Black Exterior option that turns exterior trims such as the headlamp surrounds and front grille into high gloss back, instead of chrome as standard.\nLED headlamps are standard items, where the daytime running light rings also serve as turn indicators. There\u2019s also an adaptive headlight system that utilises a forward-facing camera to detect on-coming traffic, to avoid dazzling them. Capable of operating at speeds in excess of 70 km/h, the feature is also an option.\nThere have been rather significant revisions to the 4-cylinder engines in the Countryman S, the model most likely to arrive here, including a cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold to ensure the most effective cooling of compressed air generated by the turbo.\nAlong with that all 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines now comes with a starter generator. Transmission options range from 6-speed manual and auto, to 7-speed dual clutch and 8-speed automatic; the ones we\u2019re likely to see here are the 8-speed automatics.\nAs for the plug-in hybrid model, combined output is rated at 220 hp with pure electric range extended from 55 km to 61 km through a 9.6kWh battery.\nGALLERY"
"McLaren Automotive and Pfaff Automotive Partners, the distributor for McLarens in Canada, have partnered up to create five very special \n570S Spiders\n, in celebrating McLaren\u2019s milestones in Canada.\nCustomised by \nMcLaren Special Operations (MSO)\n, McLaren\u2019s bespoke department, the 570S Spiders are named the \u2018\nCanada Commission\n\u2019 and features a number of unique design elements that pay tribute to McLaren\u2019s history in Canada.\nFirstly, the body is painted in Silica White, with exterior trims tinted in red carbon fibre. There are also subtle white Canadian flags replacing the \u2018\n570S\n\u2019 wordings on the door and Canadian Maple Leaf accents on the rear of the vehicle to go with the 10-spoke lightweight forged wheels in stealth finish.\nInside, the black leather Alcantara interior is contrasted by a red Alcantara steering wheel and roof lining as well subtle maple leaf accents. Each car is stamped with plaque that identifies it as \none of five \u201cCanada Commission\u201d\n vehicles.\nThe \nMcLaren MSO X\n, based on the 570S, inspired by the 570S GT4 race car.\nThe \nseductive\u00a0570S Spider\n features a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired to a 7-speed transmission with\n 562 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.1 seconds, onward to a top speed of 328 km/h, identical to the \n570S Coup\u00e9\n\u00a0while the\n top speed with the roof down is 315 km/h\n. The \u201cCanada Commission\u201d 570S Spider is priced at \nRM 1.3 million before taxes\n."
"myTukar\n, Malaysia\u2019s online used car selling platform today launched the first phase of its used car purchasing experience with a chain of myTukar Retail Centres at major shopping malls in Klang Valley.\nThe Retail Centres complement the \nnew myTukar retail website\n and are one of the many initiatives by the company to offer a complete car buying/ownership experience to all car buyers.\nmyTukar, CEO, Fong Hon Sum said, \u201cWe are bringing a brand new car buying experience for customers by having our myTukar Retail Experience Centres located in major shopping malls. To further enhance the purchasing journey of our customers, we have also launched a new refreshed website where our customers can enjoy a complete end-to-end car purchasing journey that is transparent and convenient.\n\u201cCustomers can now trade in their used car, purchase a new used car and have it delivered \u2013 all at one location. This innovative concept is a breakthrough in the used car industry and will be expanded nationwide in the future, thereby supporting the expansion of the used car industry. The Brand New Purchasing Experience launched today is complementing our key collaborations with partners such as Sime Darby Auto Selection, DRB-HICOM and authorised dealer partner,\u201d he added.\nA the myTukar Retail Centres, customers can have a 360-degree view of the cars available for sale via HD touchscreen monitors. Customers can also trade-in and have their used cars inspected while having the opportunity to take the potential new cars for a test drive.\nThese retail centres are located at the \nParadigm Mall\n, \nOne Utama\n, and \nMyTown\n shopping centres. Every new car sold through myTukar comes with a 5-day money-back guarantee, plus a 1-year warranty and quality assurance seal from myTukar.\nCustomers can rest assured of the quality of myTukar cars which undergo\n three rounds of quality control checks and a 123-point inspection\n. They are guaranteed to be free of major accidents, untampered odometer and have not been through floods.\nCustomers can also perform a loan pre-screening at any of these retail centres to get financing, buy or renew their car insurance directly with myTukar and enjoy competitive pricing from myTukar insurance partners specially-curated for myTukar\u2019s customers."
"We\u2019ve known for a while now that Mercedes-AMG will be unveiling a PHEV model \u2013 heck, we\u2019ve even \nseen it in the metal\n on \ntwo separate occasions\n. But now, we finally get to find out what\u2019s underneath the sheet metal, revealed in today\u2019s electrification presentation in addition to the \nfully-electric tech\n.\nAs part of the marque\u2019s \u201cE Performance strategy\u201d, Mercedes-AMG today unveiled two separate PHEV powertrains, pairing an electric motor to the German carmaker\u2019s existing 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines.\nSaid to be developed together with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, both powertrains will feature a nine-speed AMG MCT-Speedshift torque converter automatic gearbox, and the AMG 4Matic+ all-wheel drive technology.\nThe electric motor is placed on the rear axle in a P3 hybrid layout, where it is integrated with an electrically-shifted two-speed transmission and an electronic rear axle differential lock into a compact Electric Drive Unit (EDU).\nPower output on the electric motor will be dependent on the model itself, but at its peak, it can provide up to \n204 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. The motor acts directly on the rear axle, bypassing the gearbox, though when the rear wheels are slipping too much, power can also be sent to the front wheels temporarily via a cardan shaft.\nThis PHEV layout is quite unlike the ones used on regular Mercedes-Benz PHEV models, where the electric motors are usually placed on the front axle. Mercedes-AMG says that this is crucial to its E Performance models as it retains the handling properties of its existing ICE line-up (despite adding an average of 200 kg in weight), while providing a higher, more direct torque output to the wheels.\nThe electric motor is juiced by a new \n400V 6.1 kWh AMG High Performance Battery\n, which supposedly only weighs 89 kg. The battery is capable of providing 70 kW of continuous power or 150 kW peak power for ten seconds, the latter translating to a power density of 1.7 kW/kg \u2013 supposedly double of a conventional battery, according to AMG.\nTo achieve that, Mercedes-AMG had to an all-new direct liquid cooling system, dissipating heat from all 560 individual battery cells, to keep the battery at a happy working temperature of 45 degrees Celcius, even during hard driving on track, with all electric horses at their maximum-output.\nAs with all other electrified cars on the market, the new Mercedes-AMG PHEV drivetrains also features a four-stage kinetic energy recuperation system selectable by the driver via a button on the steering wheel. In Level 3 \u2013 the highest of the four starting from zero \u2013 the generator is capable of capturing up to 90 kW of energy.\nJust like any other AMG models, the entire hybrid powertrain is tied into the AMG Dynamic Select and AMG Dynamics system, with six individual driving modes that alters everything from the ESP, rear differential, power outputs, and all-wheel drive system for various driving situations. In Electric mode, the new Mercedes-AMG PHEV models can reach a top speed of 130 km/h without using a drop of fuel.\nNow, back to the powertrains themselves. Mercedes-AMG was being a little coy on the electrified V8 unit, only stating that the total system output can \u201ctechnically\u201d \nexceed 816 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm of torque\n, as well as a 0-100 km/h time of \nunder three seconds\n. No word on when we\u2019ll see the first application of this powertrain, but it\u2019s likely to be on the \nAMG GT73e\n.\nAs for the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-banger, Mercedes says that the combustion engine can produce more than 449 hp, even before factoring in the new electric motor, thanks to a new turbocharger derived from the AMG Project One that can maintain the boost pressure at all times, ensuring a continuous direct response.\nAgain, no mention on when it\u2019ll be unveiled, but the company did confirm that it\u2019ll be featured in the next C-Class-based Mercedes-AMG model. With such beefy outputs, we\u2019re guessing this means that the next \nMercedes-AMG C 63\n will be down-sizing from a 4.0-litre V8 to now a 2.0-litre with four-cylinders.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n recently officiated the opening of a new 3S centre in Cyberjaya by Otomobil Sejahtera. As it is a 3S centre, the new outlet offers sales, service, spare parts, as well as body and paint services to customers around the area.\nThe three-story facility is home to seven service bays, a customer lounge, and a customer service area. Free Wi-Fi and work desks are also available for customers who prefer to wait and work while their cars are being attended to.\nRELATED: 2022 facelift Toyota Camry 2.5V Dynamic Force, 5 Things\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran Kurusamy said, \u201cThis new 3S service centre is just our way of bringing our brand closer to our customers, wherever they may be, while ensuring they have seamless access to our services whenever they need them.\u201d\nThe new Toyota 3S centre is located at 16, Jalan Autoville 2, Cyberjaya, Selangor. For more information or appointment bookings, call 03-8320 9374, or head to UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s \nwebsite\n.\nThe operating hours of the outlet are as follow:\nMonday to Friday: 8 am to 5:30 pm\nSaturday: 8 am to 2 pm\nSunday & Public Holiday: Closed\nRELATED: Toyota GR86 to launch in Malaysia soon?\nIn conjunction with the Ramadan month, UMW Toyota Motor is currently running a \u2018\nPandu Uji dan Menang Duit Raya\n\u2018 campaign where customers stand a chance to win RM100 worth of \n\u2018duit raya\u2019\n by visiting any Toyota showroom for a test drive. Customers who test drive and book the vehicle stand a chance to receive RM200 \n\u2018duit raya\u2019\n. A total of 30 lucky winners will be selected weekly throughout the campaign which ends on the \n1st of May 2022\n."
"Due to strict emissions restrictions in the EU, the \nSuzuki Jimny\n can only be sold as a light commercial vehicle (LCV) over in the UK, which means no rear seats, and some minor interior tweaks. But despite that, Suzuki still believes that the tiny Jimny is a car with unlimited possibilities, and they\u2019ll do everything they can to convince you \u2013 including turning it into a sick mobile coffee bar!\nThe Jimny Beans, as it\u2019s called, started life off as a regular Chiffon Ivory Pearl Jimny LCV with a Bluish Black roof. However, in order to fit a full-blown two group head espresso machine at the back, several heavy modifications had to be made.\nThe most important of all, is of course the custom-made aluminium work top where the espresso machine sits. The work area also integrates a compact 12V Waeco drawer fridge underneath, which cools the all-important milk down to -2 degrees Celsius!\nOn the inside, the Jimny\u2019s only passenger seat in the front was removed to make space for a 57-litre water tank, alongside the necessary 3M water filtration system. Ever seen a job listing asking for a valid driving licence? Well, it\u2019s pretty much a requirement for the barista of the Jimny Beans.\nThe Suzuki Jimny will finally be making its Malaysian debut soon! Read more about it here.\nAt events, where Suzuki UK plans to actually utilise the Jimny Beans, the entire coffee-making getup can either be run off of mains electricity thanks to a built-in power inverter and two large capacity 12V batteries, or through a gas generator \u2013 the latter requiring a LPG tank under the rear floor section replete with a custom exhaust pipe.\nCloser to home, a food truck operator from Alor Setar turned a classic Volvo 240GL into a mobile cold-brew coffee shop! Check it out here.\nAs a bit of a coffee nerd myself, I can\u2019t help but feel giddy whenever I see a unique coffee set-up like this. And having it built inside a Suzuki Jimny? That\u2019s just another reason to love the Jimny even more \u2013 something I never thought would be possible.\nThe Jimny Beans will make its public debut for complimentary refreshments at the Southampton International Boat Show from 10-20 September, at which Suzuki Marine will be displaying their products from its UK Range.\nGALLERY"
"Just a month after the Proton X70 made its local debut, Proton has announced an Over-the-Air (OTA) update for their SUV. The update, which comes as no cost to owners, adds new convenience feature for the Standard variant and alters the settings of the Premium variant\u2019s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).\nAs noted in our full review of the X70 Premium, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Intelligent High Beam Assist (IHBA) automatically disables every time the engine is switched off. With the OTA update, both functions are now activated as their default setting. In addition, the system will also remember the last configuration of the ADAS whenever the car is started.\nAs for the entry-level Standard, the OTA update adds automatic folding function for the side mirrors upon locking. A small touch but elevates the feel-good factor of the most affordable X70 on sale today.\nProton has noted that the OTA update will not consume the customers 1GB monthly data package and all mobile data related to the OTA update will be borne by the company. What is even more impressive is that the OTA update will automatically pause upon ignition cut off and resume when the car is on the move again. No need to keep the engine running for prolonged periods for the update. The whole process is expected to take around 45 minutes and Proton has published a full guide on performing the OTA update for the X70."
"Another day, another new record at the Nordschleife, but this one happened rather \u2018quietly\u2019 over the 20.6 km north loop of the Green Hell courtesy of the all-electric Porsche Taycan; a pre-production unit piloted by test driver Lars Kern.\n Stefan Weckbach (left), VP of Product Line for Taycan, and test driver Lars Kern.\nKern stopped the clock at 7 minutes 42 seconds. For context, the Panamera Turbo Hybrid managed 7 minutes 38 seconds some three years ago, but the Taycan is fully-electric, so it now holds the record for being the fastest all-electric four-door to have lapped Nurburgring.\n \n\u201cAgain and again, I am impressed at how stable the all-electric sports car handles in high-speed sections, such as Kesselchen, and how neutrally it accelerates from tight sections, such as Adenauer Forst,\u201d exclaimed Kern.\nIt worth noting that the Taycan deploys a two-motor all-wheel drive system and features adaptive air suspension and roll stabilisation. Okay Porsche, it\u2019s time to peel off those unsightly stickers and show us the whole hog."
"This is one very interesting car; it tried to kill Chris Harris of Top Gear by setting itself on fire while filming, with James May calling it the greatest thing to come out of France since the Mouli cheese grater.\nLike it or hate it, the Alpine A110 \u201cPure Edition\u201d was by far the biggest show stopper at the \n2019 Singapore Motor Show\n. At it\u2019s premiere, the Alpine was introduced with two models \u2013 the A110 Pure and the A110 Legende.\nThe rear-wheel driven Pure Edition is all about being lightweight and driver focused while the Legende focuses on refinement and grand touring. Weighing just 1,100 kg, the Pure draws parallels with the original A110 Berlinette that won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1973.\nWith\n 252 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n extracted from a 1.8-litre turbocharged Renault/Nissan engine, 0 to 100 km/h is done in a Supra-rivaling 4.5 seconds and when you\u2019re done going through all seven gears in the dual clutch transmission, the car should be nudging 250 km/h.\nThere\u2019s much to like about the Alpine A110; whether it\u2019s the alluring tail lights or the friendly face up front, it drew the most attention from the auto show visitors. That said, a spoiler of sorts could do the rear end even more justice, don\u2019t you think?\nThere are three different wheel designs for the Alpine A110. This particular one is dressed in 18-inch forged Fuchs light-alloy wheels which complements the one-piece lightweight Sabelt bucket seats in Alpine\u2019s pursuit of lightness.\nIt may be the size of a Lotus Elise, with performance figures to rival Hethel\u2019s Cup models but the plushness of the interior (even in the Pure form) suggests an otherwise more refined cabin.\nThe drive control buttons, positioned like the ones you\u2019d find in the new \nAston Martin V8 Vantage\n featured in our \nBest Car\u2019s of 2019 video\n, is among the cabin\u2019s party pieces along with a huge red Sport button on the steering wheel and a Lamborghini-like \u201cStart engine\u201d button along the centre console.\nIn the UK, the Alpine A110 Pure Edition is priced at\u00a0\u00a346,905 (approx. RM 247k) so expect double that, if you can even get one here.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Setel\n, the mobile payment platform for Petronas, has introduced a suite of new auto assistance features into the mobile app, connecting its users directly to a wide range of different auto service providers in the event of a vehicle emergency.\nThese features include battery replacements, vehicle jump-start, tyre replacement, emergency refuelling assistance (in case you run out of fuel on the road), vehicle unlock (in case you lock yourself out of your own car), and vehicle towing.\nThe new auto assistance features are supported by Bateriku.com, Setel\u2019s first partner for the initiative. Just as if you are buying fuel, Setel users using the new auto assistance features will also be able to automatically earn Mesra points, which can then be later used to redeem fuel and other rewards.\nSetel Chief Executive Officer, Mazlin Erawati Ab Manan said, \u201cSetel aims to be the constant companion to motorists by offering an ecosystem of mobility services to settle their needs. The auto assistance feature complements the motorists\u2019 journey with access to safety essentials\nright at their fingertips.\n\u201cThe partnership with Bateriku.com expedites the help needed when a Setel user is stranded, minimising the impact of what could be a stressful event.\u201d\nRELATED: \nSetel now lets you refuel your car with just one tap of a button\nBateriku.com Chief Executive Officer, Azarol Faizi Bin Zakaria Ansari added, \u201cWith the increasing numbers of vehicles on the road, it is crucial for Bateriku.com to make roadside assistance services easily accessible to motorists nationwide via API integration with customer\nfacing platforms such as the Setel app.\nTo take advantage of the latest feature, download the latest version of the Setel app via the Apple Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery."
"Toyota\n has just launched the third-generation all-new 2022 \nToyota Sienta\n in Japan, now built on the latest TNGA-B platform. The first-generation Toyota Sienta was only offered in Malaysia for a few years upon launch in 2016, and we never received the 2018 facelift.\nOver in Japan, the all-new Toyota Sienta costs between 1.95 million Yen (approx. \nRM63,800\n) to 3.1 million Yen (approx. \nRM101,600\n), available in both five- and seven-seater configurations.\nIts odd looks are the result of maximizing space and practicality in a compact minivan. With the rear seats folded, Toyota claims you can now put an entire bicycle (with 27-inch tyres) into the car without having to remove the front wheels and still not have the handlebars stuck in the opening.\nThis is thanks to the load height that has been increased by 202 mm. The cabin floor\u2019s height from the ground has been kept the same at 330 mm from the ground, allowing for easy entry/exit for passengers of all ages.\nRELATED: \nToyota Sienta 1.5G & 1.5V launched in Malaysia, priced at RM93k and RM100k\nAlso offered on the all-new 2022 Toyota Sienta are taller powered sliding doors (by 60 mm from older Sienta) that don\u2019t require you to duck too much to enter the car.\nInside, the gear lever is positioned on the dashboard, very much like our beloved \u2018Lagi Best\u2019 \nPerodua Myvi\n. Paired with a foot parking brake, this enables the driver/passenger to easily move across the front row and easily access the second row via the small passage between the driver and front passenger seat.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota monthly sales down 25% in July, Hilux still best-selling truck in Malaysia\nDesigned with family in mind, practical features in the all-new 2022 Toyota Sienta include numerous cubby spaces, useful hooks, plenty of pockets, and USB sockets. There are even pictograph guides on the door bins to let you know what size bottles can fit in respectively. A wide variety of dealer-installed options are also available, allowing the Sienta to be customized to suit various customer lifestyles.\nWe all know how messy our car\u2019s cabin can get when you have little children. With these little monsters in mind, the Sienta offers fabric seat covers with deodorizing and water/oil-repellent treatment for easier cleaning.\nAll the practicality equipped in the Sienta is hauled around by either a fully petrol-powered powertrain or a hybrid powertrain with Toyota\u2019s E-Four system. The fossil fuel option is Toyota\u2019s 3-cylinder 1.5-litre Dynamic Force Engine (\n120 hp\n/\n145 Nm\n) paired to the brand\u2019s D-CVT. Fuel consumption is claimed to be \n18.3 km/l\n.\nThe hybrid option comprises a less powerful 1.5-litre engine (\n91 hp\n/\n120 Nm\n) and a 3 hp/44 Nm electric motor, paired to Toyota\u2019s E-CVT. The claimed fuel consumption for the hybrid Sienta is \n28.2 km/l\n.\nA practical choice indeed for urban families with young children, it would be lovely to see the 2022 Toyota Sienta make its debut in Malaysia. However, looking at how the first generation Sienta was received here, the Malaysian debut of this odd-looking minivan is rather unlikely.\nGALLERY"
"Citroen has unveiled the third-generation C3 supermini, and it\u2019s everything fashionable. In a crowded segment with the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, the new Citroen C3 brings flamboyance and distinctive personality to the table. Just take a look at its side \u2018airbump\u2019\u00a0panels!\nBased on Citroen\u2019s \u2018Platform A\u2019 \u00a0shared together with the C3 Cactus, the new C3 is strictly a five-seater hatchback. The C3\u2019s overall length is just 0.01mm short of being 4 metres long, with an extra 20mm shoulder room and a wheelbase of 2,540mm. Boot space is decent for a B-Segment supermini at 300 litres.   The new C3 borrows bits and parts from existing Citroen models, beginning with the fascia that mirrors the C4 Picasso. It also gets the familiar LED\u00a0daytime\u00a0running lights, while the headlamps are positioned below them \u2013 just like the quirky Cactus. The C3\u2019s rear is a close resemblance of the Cactus as well.\nNow let\u2019s talk about the\n\u00a0\nairbump\n\u00a0kink. These \u201cbubble wrap\u201d panels that look like band aids are made of thermoplastic polyurethane, a flexible plastic filled with small air pockets. It\u2019s designed as a shield against daily obstacles, preventing minor bumps and scrapes that occur while opening the doors.\nJust like the outgoing C3, buyers can customise the exterior paint through nine available body colours and three roof colours. Citroen claims that the colour offering gives customers up to 36 possible colour combinations.   Inside, the C3 gets a modern infused retro theme. Conventional dials aside, it receives a 7.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. New to the C3 that should impress the young is the\u00a0\nConnectedCam\n, a wide-angle camera mounted in the rear-view mirror. The camera connects to the infotainment system, allowing the occupants to shoot videos or photos that can be\u00a0shared on social media. Is this the ultimate solution for taking a\u00a0selfie while on the road?\nIn the powertrain department, the C3 receives three\n PureTech three-cylinder\n petrol engines and two \nBlueHDi\n oil burners. All engines are paired to a standard \nsix-speed manual\n\u00a0transmission, but other markets (like Malaysia) will get the\n\u00a0EAT6 six-speed automatic\n transmission as standard.\nPricing for the C3 has yet to be announced at press time, but the car will hit selected showrooms by 2017.\u00a0Meanwhile,\u00a0the C3 is no longer on sale in Malaysia but its nearest equivalent, the DS3, can be had for RM121,888.00.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nToyota Hilux\n, \nFortuner\n, and\n Innova\n \u2013 which makes up UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) range \u2013 has been updated in Malaysia for 2021 with additional goodies across the board for improved convenience and comfort, and updated petrol engines to meet the upcoming Euro4 emissions regulations.\nAll three models can now be ordered at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide, as well as the \nToyota Online Showroom\n.\nTOYOTA HILUX\nThe Toyota Hilux range remains unchanged for 2021, with five different variants ranging from the single-cab 2.4 to the \nHilux 2.8 Rogue\n, starting from\n RM92,880\n (on the road, without insurance).\nThe two range topping variants \u2013 2.4V and 2.8 Rogue \u2013 now get a dual-zone climate control system in place of the single-zone set-up previously.\nTOYOTA FORTUNER\nAs part of the update, the entry-level Toyota Fortuner 2.4 that was previously offered solely to East Malaysian customers will now be available nationwide, alongside the existing \n2.7 SRZ and 2.8 VRZ variants.\n Pricing for the new Toyota Fortuner starts at \nRM169,167 \n(on the road, without insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions), with sales scheduled to commence in January 2022.\nFor the 2021 update, the front air-conditioner of the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ have also been updated to a dual-zone climate control system. A Qi wireless charging pad is also now available for all variants, while the rear USB port on the 2.8 VRZ is now changed to a Type C port.\nAdditionally, the 166 hp/245 Nm 2.7-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol mill on the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ has also been updated to comply with the Euro4 emmisions regulations (up from Euro2) that will come into effect in 2022.\nTOYOTA INNOVA\nAs for the \nToyota Innova MPV\n, all three variants (2.0X, 2.0G and 2.0E) have now been updated with a Qi wireless charging pad as standard. Additionally, the 2.0-litre petrol engine in all three variants has also been upgraded to meet the stricter Euro4 emission control standards.\nThe new Toyota Innova is priced from \nRM115,553\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions, and will be available for sale in showrooms starting January 2022.\nAs usual, all purchases of a Toyota vehicle comes as standard with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty (aside from Hilux, limited to 150,000 km). UMW Toyota Motor also offers a wide range of financing plans, including \nsubscription plans,\n to suit different buyers\u2019 needs."
"Since its retirement in year 2009, rumours have been going about speculating if the Honda S2000 will make a comeback. A British media has reported that the Japanese automaker has been working on the replacement of the highly popular S2000 and is set to return in 2017.\n \n This all-new mid-engined sports car however will not be a convertible, as it is set to be a \ncoupe\n instead. Under its hood is a modified 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine from the upcoming \nHonda Civic Type R\n. It is set to deliver \n350 horsepower\n!\nIt is also reported that the new S2000 will feature some \nhybrid\n technologies developed in collaboration with the \nMcLaren Formula 1 Team\n. It enables the Honda\u2019s new sports car to perform a 0 to 100 km/h in around \n5 seconds\n, while achieving impressive fuel consumption at 7 litres / 100km.\n There is a possibility of having a simplified version of the \nall-wheel-drive\n petrol-electric system used in the upcoming NSX. Speaking of which, the new S2000 get some styling cues and resemblance from the new Honda NSX.\u00a0Honda has yet to reveal official image of the new S2000, however, looking at the\u00a0\nexclusive image posted by the British media\n, it is looking good.\nThe all-new mid-size Honda S2000 is expected to go on sale in \n2017\n for around \u00a335,000.\n Nope. This is the NSX. Not the new Honda S2000."
"With more than 30 years of experience, Starrtrek Carriers Sdn. Bhd., a bonded car carrier has unveiled two of their latest automotive transporters in Malaysia namely the Confidential Auriga Deluxe 122 and the Blizzard.\nAs the name suggests, the Confidential Auriga Deluxe 122 features a fully enclosed, air-sealed tow bed that can accommodate up to six supercars or four SUVs.\nThe Confidential Auriga Deluxe 122.\nExclusively on the Confidential Auriga Deluxe 122, a special loading ramp with a tail lift is fitted to load or unload supercars with low ground clearance safely onto the tow bed. The roof can also be extended to provide more space when stacking up vehicles.\nThe Confidential Auriga Deluxe 122 has multiple openings on both sides of the carrier that can be fully opened to provide ease of access to the supercars, and aid the loading process.\nThe Blizzard.\nUnlike the Confidential Auriga Deluxe 122, the Blizzard does not come with an outer shell/cover or a loading ramp with tail lift, as the Blizzard is mainly used to transport passenger cars instead. The Blizzard has a maximum carrying capacity of up to 10 vehicles, which is more than the average norm for carriers in Malaysia.\nBoth models feature advanced hydraulic systems to stack stationary vehicles efficiently on the tow bed, making room for the entry of the next vehicle.\nAs Starrtrek Carriers Sdn. Bhd. Managing Director, Datuk mentioned, carrier drivers are the core of the company, and safety is not to be neglected. Cameras have been placed strategically throughout the carrier to ensure a safe journey. These include:\nBlindspot camera on both sides of the carrier\nFront facing camera\nDriver facing camera\nThe front-facing cameras are fitted to support the lane departure and pre-collision alert features. The driver-facing camera not only monitors the driver\u2019s attention but an alarm will be triggered when a safety hazard is detected, such as the driver not wearing a seatbelt or using the phone while driving. The video footage will be stored and can be further reviewed if necessary.\nAll models are fitted with GPS systems that provide information on the route taken and location history. The company will also receive geofence alerts during the entry or exit of the pick-up location.\nStarrtrek Carriers Sdn. Bhd. services include the transfer of premium vehicles between Langkawi and Klang Valley, vehicle transfers between distributors and dealerships as well as to exhibitions, motorsport events, and more.\nStarrtrek Carriers Sdn. Bhd. is located at No.1, Jalan Penyair U1/44, Seksyen U1, Glenmarie, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. For more information, call +603-5569 1188 or log on to their website.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia previously previewed the range-topping \nRS variant\n of the facelift and now the number one non-national carmaker has given us a first taste of the non-RS variant of the refreshed crossover.\nFor now, the company is hush-hush about the exact details of the HR-V facelift, but we learnt that this Ruse Black Metallic unit shown here is one of the higher specification model (but below the RS variant). Compared to the HR-V RS, the design changes on this lower variant is less pronounced with the most obvious changes happen on the front end.   Up front, it gets a new pair of projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights that replace the halogen reflector units. The grille is now a Honda Wing platinum design which tucks neatly into the headlamp housing. The lower section of the bumper sees a new foglamp housing.\nThis HR-V variant rides on the same 17-inch dual-tone alloys wrapped in 215/55 profile \nContinental UltraContact UC6 tyres\n. At the rear, the refreshed HR-V gets an additional chrome trim across the tailgate but loses out on the silver touch on the lower diffuser section. Also \nmissing\n is the Honda Lane Watch camera that is mounted on the side mirror and the full LED taillamps, both found on the HR-V RS variant.   Expect the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) to be carried over, producing \n142 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels.\nOne innovation on the HR-V facelift range is the \nVariable Gear Ratio (\nVGR) that varies the steering ratio according to the speed and steering input to give the car a more responsive steering and reduces the steering angle needed to make a turn. This not only gives the car a sportier driving feel but also better control and stability at speeds.\nUnfortunately, the interior is sealed off from prying eyes, so we will just have to wait until the official reveal which should be just around the corner (Q3 2018).\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda HR-V Facelift   Honda HR-V RS Facelift"
"The next-generation Volkswagen Golf Mk8 is long overdue no thanks to the whole Dieselgate fiasco. Now that the Group is slowly getting back on tracks, Volkswagen is looking to revive the Golf R400 concept as a \u201cGolf R Plus\u201d variant for the Mk8.\nThe Golf R400 concept was first shown back in 2014 and was \nthis\n close to making to production floors but unfortunately, Dieselgate meant that the \n400 hp\n Golf R project had to be canned.\nThe Golf R400 concept was originally planned to feature the EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI engine beefed up with motorsport components to produce \n400 hp\n, 100 hp more than the \nstandard Golf R\n. The specific power output of 200 hp per litre of displacement means the Golf R400 has a power-to-weight ratio of 3.55 hp per kilogramme, allowing the mega hatch to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.9 seconds\n.\nAccording to \nAutoCar UK\n, the next-generation Golf R is expected to feature two variants with a 400 hp+ version as the hotter \u201cGolf R Plus\u201d variant. This strategy is similar to Audis \nS3\n & \nRS3\n and more recently Mercedes-AMGs\n A 35\n & \nA 45\n.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nVolkswagen\u00a0Golf\u00a0R400\u00a0Concept"
"Indonesia is a hotbed for small and affordable MPVs. Now, at the 2016 Indonesian International Motor Show, Toyota decided to debut their newest compact MPV, the Toyota Sienta.\nIntroduced for the first time to the South East Asian market, this new compact MPV comes in four trims (E,G,V, and Q) and will be sold alongside the popular \nToyota Avanza\n model in Indonesia. Judging from its front fascia, the Sienta remains consistent with Toyota\u2019s current design language. Sliding doors are standard across all Sienta variants, making it probably the most exciting looking compact MPV in the country.\nMoving the Sienta is a \n1.5-litre Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE\n engine that makes\u00a0\n105 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n143 Nm\n of torque. If that rings a bell, that\u2019s because it\u2019s the similar engine plucked from the Avanza and the updated Vios. Transmission options include a\n\u00a0six-speed manual\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nseven-speed\u00a0continuously variable transmission (CVT)\n. The 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain that is offered for the Japanese market is absent for Indonesia.\nEquipment list depends on the variants, but we\u2019re happy to report that the range-topping Q variant gets LED headlights, 4.2-inch central console, digital air conditioning, electric sliding doors and\u00a0keyless entry with push start button. Active safety features such as\u00a0Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) are also only available in the Q, but will miss out on Pre-Collision System (PCS) braking, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) which are available for the Japanese variant.\nThe Sienta is assembled at Toyota\u2019s new plant in\u00a0Karawang with pricing beginning from \nRp230 million (approx RM69,000)\n for the base E to \nRp280 million (approx RM84,000)\n for the Q variant. There\u2019s a good chance that the Indonesia assembled Sienta might make\u00a0its\u00a0way to Malaysia, but not anytime soon we suppose. Earlier this year, UMW Toyota confirmed that the new Hilux, Alphard, and Vellfire models will be \nintroduced\n this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Regarding the Daihatsu safety scandal that concerns the all-new \nPerodua Axia\n, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (\nMIROS\n) will conduct an assessment of the Perodua Axia. MIROS Chairman, Dr. Wong Shaw Voon told \nFree Malaysia Today\n that the assessments would be of the latest Axia models to ensure the safety of the cars.\nFor those of you learning about this matter for the first time, Daihatsu has admitted to \u201cprocedural irregularities\u201d in the safety testing which affects the Perodua Axia, Toyota Agya, and \nToyota Vios\n. More specifically, slight modifications were done to the driver door to improve performance during side impact testing.\nThe MIROS Chairman said, \u201cWe haven\u2019t received any complaints, but we\u2019ll look into Perodua\u2019s claims.\u201d\nStatement by Akio Toyoda\nAfter Daihatsu admitted to its wrongdoings, Toyota Chairman of the Board, Akio Toyoda released an official statement. In that he said, \u201cDaihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.\u2019s wrongdoing is a matter that concerns safety, which is the most important aspect of vehicles. We consider this an absolutely unacceptable act that betrays the trust of our customers. We would like to sincerely apologize to our customers around the world and all related parties for the inconvenience and concern this has caused.\u201d\n\u201cSince this problem occurred with a Toyota brand passenger car, we believe that the problem is not limited to Daihatsu. We will begin by conducting a detailed investigation and thoroughly collecting facts to understand the situation, determine the true cause, and work diligently to prevent a recurrence. We will also inform the public in a timely manner regarding the facts we learn through our investigations.\u201d\n\u201cI personally promised our customers that Toyota would not run away, lie, or distort the truth during the recall crisis in 2009. Nevertheless, we find it to be a serious matter that such a problem has occurred at one of our group companies.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNo recalls for Perodua Axia despite Daihatsu safety scandal, deliveries unaffected\nBoth Perodua and UMW Toyota Motor have also addressed the matter. So far, both companies say that there is no need for a recall for both the Perodua Axia and the Toyota Vios. Both cars still meet the requirements for the UN-R95 certification and are safe to be driven. MIROS has only stated that it will assess the Perodua Axia among the affected models.\nRELATED: \nNo recalls for Toyota Vios amidst Daihatsu safety \u201cprocedural irregularity\u201d"
"When it comes to renewing your car takaful/insurance, you\u2019ve heard of things like \u201cThird-party Only\u201d coverage and \u201cComprehensive\u201d coverage. Naturally, the former costs less than the latter, but have you ever wondered what is the difference between the two? Well, if you didn\u2019t know yet, here is an article to explain it to you.\nFirst things first, we must understand why car takaful/insurance is mandatory by law. It is so that in the event that you (the first party) injure or cause damage to another driver/road user (the third party), you will be able to compensate the damages done through your takaful/insurance provider (the second party).\nWith that being the case, third-party takaful/insurance is what matters the most, since it serves to protect the other person involved in an accident. Sometimes that \u201cthird party\u201d could be yourself if you\u2019re claiming from another driver\u2019s takaful/insurance.\n*Terms and conditions apply\nTo make things easier to digest, here\u2019s a table to show you the differences between the two types of coverage. The coverage listed here is in accordance with the takaful programme that \nMotorTakaful.com\n \nby Etiqa provides. If this is your first time learning about MotorTakaful.com, \nclick here\n to learn more about them.\nThird-Party Only\nComprehensive\nLiability to third parties\n\u2713\n\u2713\nDamage to \nyour\n \nown car\n arising from following incidents:\ni. Accidental collision or overturning\n\u2717\n\u2713\nii. Collision or overturning caused by mechanical breakdown\n\u2717\n\u2713\niii. Collision or overturning caused by wear and tear\n\u2717\n\u2713\niv. Impact damage caused by falling objects provided no convulsions of nature is involved\n\u2717\n\u2713\nv. Fire, explosion or lightning\n\u2717\n\u2713\nvi. Breakage of windscreen, windows or sunroof including lamination/tinting film,\n\u2717\n\u2713\nvii. Burglary, housebreaking or theft\n\u2717\n\u2713\nviii. Malicious act\n\u2717\n\u2713\nix. While in transit (including loading and unloading)\n\u2717\n\u2713\nThird-Party Only coverage\nSo, \u201cthird-party only\u201d takaful/insurance is pretty much the bare minimum when it comes to car coverage. So, what sort of damages can you claim from a \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage? Let us have a look at what is covered in third-party coverage provided by MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa.\nAs the name implies, \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage only covers \u201cliabilities to third parties\u201d. What are they? Well, in the incident arising out of the use of your car on a road, you and/or your Authorised Driver will be indemnified for the amount which you and/or your Authorised Driver are legally liable to pay any third party (including the third party\u2019s costs and expenses) for:\nDeath or bodily injury to any person except those specifically excluded under the Takaful Certificate\nDamage to property except those specifically excluded under the Takaful Certificate\nSimply put, you can only claim coverage for the third party that is involved. Damage to your own car or your own property is \nNOT\n covered under a \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage. There are also a lot of other limitations to \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage, where cases like:\nDeath or bodily injury to any passenger being carried for hire or reward\nDeath or bodily injury to any person where such death or injury arises out of and in the course of the employment of such person by You or by Your Authorised Driver.\n.and a few more (which we will list & explain in another entry) are not covered.\nComprehensive car coverage\nComprehensive takaful/insurance, on the other hand, adds coverage for \nYOUR OWN CAR\n on top of the \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage. The limitations to \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage such as \n\u201cDeath or bodily injury to any passenger being carried for hire or reward\u201d\n are still applicable even if you have comprehensive car coverage.\nWith comprehensive coverage, damage/loss from incidents like theft, damages to your own vehicle (first party), and a few more items are covered. Key things that are covered by Comprehensive coverage but not \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage include damages and losses to\n \nyour car arising from the following incidents:\nAccidental collision or overturning\nCollision or overturning caused by mechanical breakdown\nCollision or overturning caused by wear and tear\nImpact damage caused by falling objects provided no convulsions of nature are involved\nFire, explosion, or lightning\nBreakage of windscreen, windows, or sunroof including lamination/tinting film, if any\nBurglary, housebreaking, or theft\nMalicious act\nWhile in transit i.e. being carried from one place to another (including during loading and unloading)\nMore holistic than \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage, there still limitations to comprehensive coverage. Damages/losses that are \nNOT COVERED\n by Comprehensive coverage include:\nConsequential losses\nLoss of use\nDepreciation\nBreakdown or malfunction of parts\nDamage to tyres\nConvulsions of Nature\nExcess\nLoss of electronic data\nCheating or criminal breach of trust\nWhile it may obvious to some, other may not realise that comprehensive coverage doesn\u2019t necessarily cover everything. Tyre damage and malfunctioning parts are not covered by your car coverage. The former\u2019s cost is to be borne by yourself, while the latter will have to be claimed through your vehicle\u2019s manufacturer warranty (if still applicable).\nNotice that even with comprehensive coverage, damages to your own car are still not covered if arising from \u201cconvulsions of nature\u201d (i.e. floods). For this, you\u2019ve probably heard of \u201cspecial perils\u201d coverage, which we will explain in upcoming articles. If you\u2019ve reached this far down this entry, we hope you\u2019ve fully understood the differences between \u201cthird-party only\u201d coverage and comprehensive coverage.\nThere are also \u201cGeneral Exceptions\u201d that will render your coverage useless such as incidents involving unlicensed drivers, fraud, and use of intoxicating substances. This too shall be covered in future articles which will be linked up here in the future.\nAnd if you\u2019re looking to renew your car coverage, remember that you could do so online through \nMotorTakaful.com\n \nby Etiqa. When you renew with them, you can get 10% rebate, cashback at the end of your policy, and more."
"The Bespoke Collective division of \nRolls-Royce\n has upped their customisation game yet again with a new creation called the Illuminated Fascia.\nDeveloped over two years and more than 10,000 man hours, the illuminated Fascia glows around the Ghost nameplate on the passenger side of the dashboard. The effect is achieved using more than 850 \u201cstars\u201d but when the car is not in used, the entire display becomes invisible when the car is not in operation.\nAccording to Rolls-Royce, busy and superficial detailing was rejected in favour of a more refined method to project the company\u2019s customising expertise hence, a screen was to achieve this effect simply wasn\u2019t good enough. In other words, if it\u2019s not complex, it\u2019s not worth Rolls-Royce\u2019s time.\n \nCheck out the 1 of 50 \nRolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII\n we reviewed recently!\nThe illumination is achieved through 152 LEDs mounted above and beneath the surface of the dashboard. They\u2019ve also been meticulously colour-matched with the cabin\u2019s clock and the lighting of the instrument cluster.\nTo ensure that the \u201cGhost\u201d graphic is evenly illuminated, a light guide is used, featuring more than 90,000 laser-etched dots across the surface. This not only projects light more evenly but also creates a twinkling effect. When the car is not in operation, the Illuminated Fascia becomes completely invisible.\nTo achieve this, three layers of composite materials were used. The first is a Piano Black substrate, which is laser-etched to remove the black colouring and allow light to shine through the Ghost wordmark and star cluster.\nThis is then overlaid with a layer of dark-tinted lacquer, hiding the lettering when not in use. Finally, the fascia is sealed with a layer of subtly tinted lacquer before being hand-polished to achieve a perfectly uniform 0.5mm thick, high-gloss finish."
"According to a new annual survey of students worldwide, Ford Motor Company has been ranked as one of the world\u2019s most attractive employers.\n\u201cWe consistently strive to make Ford a great place to work and the skills we need are becoming increasingly diverse. This achievement demonstrates that we remain on the right path to attracting the talent we need,\u201d said Peter Godsell, vice president, Human Resources, Ford of Europe and Middle East and Africa.\nThe Universum Talent Survey, saw the participation of more than 294,000 students in 12 of the world\u2019s largest economies. The survey ranked companies based on characteristics which included having a creative and dynamic work environment, innovation, high future earnings and leaders who support development.\nFor engineering students, Ford ranked 12th while for Business students, Ford came in at 42nd place. Ford of Britain employed 96 graduates in 2016, and this reflected Ford\u2019s 12th ranking for engineering students as a large proportion of the 96 graduates took up roles within the company\u2019s Product Development team.\n\u201cTo be published in the ranking is a true reflection of how strong an employer is globally and proof of strength in attracting and retaining the right talent,\u201d said Petter Nylander, global CEO, Universum Group. \u201cThis year we have seen a more varied employer list including new industries such as e-commerce, whereas the more established sectors like the energy industry have lost ground with this new generation of talent.\u201d"
"Turns out that all the hoopla surrounding an electric SUV designed by Giugiaro was a smokescreen after all. For the much anticipated \u2018third\u2019 national car company, the tried and tested formula of working with a technical partner from Japan \u2013 in this case, Daihatsu \u2013 will be adopted once again. And we will be seeing the first model to roll out as early as March 2021, some 18 months from now.\nHistoric moment as MITI Minister Datuk Darell Leiking announces new national car company.\nThe \u2018anchor company\u2019 to deliver the new national is \nDreamEdge Sdn. Bhd\n.\n The literature on their capabilities is enough to fill up this whole page, but this is how they describe themselves (just the first paragraph) on their website:\n\u201cInnovation and Engineering have been at the very core of DreamEDGE\u2019s DNA. DreamEDGE focuses on several types of innovation, from product and process innovation, to business and service innovations. DreamEDGE Sdn Bhd has developed its\u2019 local Research and Development (R&D) status company, recognition by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).\n\u201c\nTight timeline, 18 months to market launch.\nPowerful stuff. Anyway, what we managed to gather at the 30-minute press conference held at their headquarters in Cyberjaya, located on an aptly name street called Jalan Impact:\nThe chosen technical partner is Daihatsu\n, they will \u2018provide support in advanced technology\u2019 but \nwon\u2019t be taking up equity\n in the yet to be named new national car company.\nThe pillars of this new model were listed as \u2018\nnew model with advanced technology\n\u2019, \u2018\nexclusive model with new approach to segmentation\n\u2019 and \u2018\naffordable to the public\n\u2019. \nKey areas which the new national car company will focus on are \u2018\nupper body design\n\u2019, \u2018\ninteriors\n\u2019, \u2018\nhuman machine interface\n\u2019, \u2018\nNVH\n\u2019 and \u2018\nride and handling\n\u2019. \nMajor milestones are; \nmock up to be shown by end of this month (August)\n, a \nprototype by March 2020\n and \nmarket launch a year later in March 2021\n.\nAccording to DreamEdge, the mock-up of the first model will be shown in the end of August, there is no name for it yet, but it is described as a \nC-segment sedan\n. Daihatsu currently has no C-segment three-box sedan in its line-up. The only C-segment model is the \nMebius which is a rebadged last-generation Prius\n.\nWhen queried as to what kind of powertrain to be used in the first model, the CEO of DreamEdge Khairil Adri Adnan mentioned \u2018\nadvanced ICE\n\u2019 or \u2018\nhybrid\n\u2019.\nDreamEdge is looking to \ncontract manufacture\n its first model, so expect a local manufacturing partner to be chosen. Could this partner be located somewhere in Rawang?\nMore details will emerge soon enough, but after a year\u2019s worth of public discourse and speculation, looks like the new national car company is assuming a \nfamiliar business model\n, it\u2019s not straight rebadging but it will very likely be based on a vehicle that\u2019s already in production, given the tight timeline to deliver a brand new car in 18 months. Now Malaysians can start speculating on which model and powertrain it\u2019ll be based on."
"Back in September 2018, Naza Kia Malaysia released its \npost-SST (Sales & Services Tax) price list\n for its range of cars sold in Malaysia but curiously, the list did not include the brand\u2019s halo model, the \nKia Stinger\n. Now the company has quietly released the revised price of their halo model.\nRevised on-the-road pricing (without insurance, inclusive of SST) for the Stinger 2.0L GT-Line is RM264,888, RM25,000 more expensive than before and the Stinger GT 3.3L V6 is now RM74,000 pricier at RM383,888.\nThe revised prices place the Stinger in an even more unfavourable position against German alternatives, in particular, the locally assembled \nMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC facelift\n which is priced at RM421,888 or within RM38,000 of the Stinger GT 3.3L V6. Both spotting a twin-turbocharged V6 engine but the AMG has the benefit of smaller engine displacement (lower road tax) and four-wheel drive.\nTo recap, the Stinger 2.0L GT-Line is powered by 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol pushing out \n255 hp\n and \n352 Nm\n while the Stinger GT is powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 packing\n 365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of twist. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and are rear-wheel drive.\nCentury sprint on the four-pot Stinger is\n 6.0 seconds\n flat while the V6 equipped Stinger GT will go from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 4.9 seconds\n; just 0.2 seconds slower than the C 43.\nEquipment list remains unchanged from launch, with the Stinger 2.0L GT-Line equipped with LED projector headlamps, LED combination headlamps, quad exhaust outlet, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, 700W 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, panoramic sunroof, 12-way powered front seats with memory function for driver seats, heated and ventilated front seats and 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.   The Stinger GT 3.3L V6 gets additional red painted Brembo brake calipers, 19-inch alloys, Nappa leather upholstery, heads-up display, 16-way powered driver seats and GT embroidery on the seat headrest and multi-info gauge (G-Force, oil temperature, etc).\nSafety equipment for both variants include seven airbags, Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control (DTVC), limited-slip differential, launch control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS, Hill-start assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), 360-degree surround view camera, blind spot monitor as well as front and rear parking sensors.\nThere are four exterior colours to choose from, HiChroma Red, Deep Chroma Blue, Panthera Metal and Aurora Black. The top-spec GT gets an exclusive red interior while the GT-Line gets a single-tone black theme. Every purchase of a Kia Stinger GT comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Stinger Launched in Malaysia"
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is now an\u00a0official member of the Renault-Nissan Alliance group, following the completion of a substantial\n\u00a0takeover (34 percent)\n\u00a0right after the\u00a0\nscandal\n. At the same time, one of the industry\u2019s greats, Carlos Ghosn, is there to save Mitsubishi.\nNissan has roped in four key individuals to revive the ailing three-diamond brand, with Carlos Ghosn set to be chairman of the board. The move, according to\u00a0MMC President and Chief Executive Officer Osamu Masuko, will\u00a0provide strategic, operational and management support to the company. Rebuilding customer confidence and seeking potential future synergies are also part of the plan for Mitsubishi.\nThe first on the agenda for Mitsubishi and Nissan is a five-year joint venture in exploring minicars, where both companies will share parts and technology. Mitsubishi could benefit from Nissan\u2019s autonomous technology while offering its plug-in electric hybrid system to Nissan as a synergistic exercise.\nCarlos Ghosn has had a proven track record in turning things around. Notoriously known for his no-nonsense leadership and radical cost-cutting antics that saved both Renault and Nissan, he\u2019s also achieved celebrity status in Japan.\u00a0That said, the once mighty Mitsubishi could really use Ghosn\u2019s touch to bring them back\u00a0to\u00a0former glory."
"German automaker Mercedes-Benz will be leading the charge for 2016 by launching the next-generation E-class saloon at the Detroit Motorshow in January. Prior to that, Mercedes has provided glimpses of its interior of the upcoming E-Class, codenamed \nW213\n. According to Mercedes-Benz the\u00a0\n\u201call-new design\u201d\n E-Class will\u00a0be \n\u201cmuch more beautiful and modern\u201d\n than the predecessor and \n\u201cmuch cleaner than even the C-Class and S-Class\u201d\n.\nLet\u2019s begin with the centrepiece; the new E-Class joins the \ndigital dashboard \nbandwagon just like its S-Class sibling, with two 12.3-inch screens integrated as a single unit. The new digital dashboard is offered to all trims, except\u00a0the\u00a0entry-level \u2018Avantgarde\u2019 trim.\nThe new digital dashboard allows a wide range of customization and also included, an improvised main menu interface for COMAND. The gauge cluster offers\u00a0three theme options for the drivers to choose from\u00a0\u2013 \nClassic, Sport\n and \nProgressive\n.\nThe eponymous \nClassic\n mode will feature a clean, two-gauge design and different driver-selectable information screens in the middle. While in the \nSport\n mode, it retains the similar two-gauge design, changing\u00a0the\u00a0fonts and colours to\u00a0a brighter and more aggressive looks. \nProgressive\n mode changes the display just like the ones in supercars where a large single-gauge is being displayed, giving drivers the impression of driving an AMG sports car.\nNew to the new E-class is the\u00a0\ndual thumb controls\n on the steering wheel. The left side controls functionalities in the gauge cluster\u00a0while on the other side controls the main infotainment screen. The buttons are touch-sensitive just like a smartphone, hence allowing commands to be delivered via horizontal and vertical finger swipes with ease.\nThe driver and passenger are\u00a0welcomed by an elegant\u00a0and classiful interior using the finest authentic materials offered by Mercedes-Benz. This includes open-pore woods, wood in a yachting look with flowing lines and a novel metal fabric. The doors are leather-covered with beltline for selected lines. Personalization is the main theme of this new E-Class, as it has\u00a0\n64 ambient light colours\n to choose from.\nAlso expected in the new E-Class are newly designed headlamps that feature\u00a0the high-resolution\n MULTIBEAM LED technology\u00a0with ILS (Intelligent Light System)\n and \nAdaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\n. This feature allows a flexible and adjustable high-resolution light distribution allowing improved safety while driving in the dark. The newly designed \n\u201cone-part\u201d rear lights\n will be\u00a0incorporated in the new E-Class, improving rear illumination.\nThe W213 E-Class will be available in the forms of a sleek estate, dramatic coup\u00e9 and cabriolet and a hot E63 AMG model. Look out more for the new 5-Series and A6 fighter during the world premiere of the new E-Class on\n January 11 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n E-Klasse Interieur\nE-Class Interior\n \n E-Klasse Interieur\nE-Class Interior\n \n E-Klasse Interieur\nE-Class Interior\n \n E-Klasse Interieur\nE-Class Interior\n \n E-Klasse Interieur\nE-Class Interior\n \n E-Klasse Interieur\rE-Class Interior\n \n E-Klasse Interieur\nE-Class Interior\n \n E-Klasse Desigskizze\nE-Class design sketch"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced the addition of a new 3S Centre in Bukit Raja, Klang, bringing the total number of authorised Mitsubishi dealerships up to 52 \u2013 of which 47 are 3S Centres.\nThe new 3S Centre in Bukit Raja is operated by MN Wheels, the dealer\u2019s second Mitsubishi outlet after their first in Kuala Selangor.\nThe new Mitsubishi 3S Centre in Bukit Raja features a total built-up area close to 5,000 square feet, which houses three fully-equipped service bays, a customer lounge with WiFi access, and sufficient showroom space to display up to two cars.\nAs standard, the new MN Wheels outlet is also built in accordance to Mitsubishi Motor\u2019s latest corporate visual identity, represented by its global tag line \u2018Drive Your Ambition\u2019.\nYou can also now shop for Mitsubishi cars online with their new Online Showroom! Read more about it here.\nMitsubishi 3S Centre in Temerloh, Pahang.\nAs part of their strategy in response to their rapidly growing sales, MMM Chief Executive Officer Tomoyuki Shinnishi said that the company is aiming to open a new showroom in every quarter for Financial Year 2021.\n\u201cWe have been in a very challenging business environment and despite that, MN Wheels have managed to complete the build-up of this impressive showroom with our new visual identity. This goes to show MN Wheels\u2019 commitment to further strengthen Mitsubishi\u2019s brand presence in Malaysia,\u201d he added.\nCheck out the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete in more detail over at our full gallery! \nThe new Mitsubishi MN Wheels 3S Centre\u00a0is located at \nNo. 36, Jalan Astaka 4, Bandar Bukit Raja, 41050 Klang, Selangor\n, and is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8.00am to 5.00pm."
"Hari Raya Aidilfitri is officially around the corner, and throngs of Malaysians will inevitably make the pilgrimage back home to celebrate the festive season with friends and family. The first thing that springs to mind when driving back to their respective towns is the immense traffic heading in all directions of the compass.\nUnfortunately, the grime truth is that, \ntraffic accidents and fatalities\n are indeed \nhigher\n come the festive season. In light of this, Ford Malaysia is urging everyone to drive safe, with a few safety reminder tips to go along with it.   Firstly\n, \nprepare your vehicle for the trip\n. Have the car serviced and checked out to ensure things such as, \nengine oil, radiator coolant, brakes\n and other various vitals are up to par. \nSecondly, plan your trip thoroughly\n. Consult the \nmap\n, draw out the\n best route\n\u00a0and remember that the \nshortest route\n, isnt necessarily the \nfastest route\n. Avoid over-exerting yourself. \nPlan naps\n along the way. Better safe than sorry.\nThirdly, pack wisely\n. Always ensure that a \nfirst aid kit\n is kept handy in the glove box. Keeping a \nportable fire extinguisher\n in the car may sound a tad bit extreme, but rest assured prevention is definitely better than cure. Make sure the kids are \nstocked up on toys\n to keep them entertained. \nPack your favourite music\n while you\u2019re at it. \nFourth, divide the labour\n. Some are capable drivers, others make good navigators \u2013 sadly some just can\u2019t read a map even if they tried.\nLast but not least, keep calm\n. Frustrations rise and tempers flare, but keep close to mind that Hari Raya is a time of forgiveness and reconciliation. Read back to the third pointer, pack your favourite \nmusic CDs\n or fill up your \nUSB\n flash drive with your favourite tunes. It\u2019ll make the journey more \nrelaxing.\nHowever, good driving habits aren\u2019t just reserved for the festive season. Ford invites the public to participate in the\n\u00a0\u2018Future of Safety with Ford\u2019 tour\n.\u00a0The 45 minute safety tour will be held on\n\u00a06 and 7 August\n, at every half an hour from\u00a010am at the\n 1Utama Shopping Centre\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"GoCar Malaysia\n has announced a new collaboration with Green EV Charge \u2013 a joint venture between Yinson Green Technologies and GreenTech Malaysia \u2013 to \u201cenhance EV charging convenience across the country\u201d.\nThe collaboration will see the\n ChargEV mobile platform\n being integrated directly into the GoCar mobile app, enabling GoCar members and other EV users to gain easier access to the ChargEV charging stations, which now boasts over 400 locations nationwide.\nAt the moment, the integration of the platform will allow GoCar app users to view locations, availability, and the types of chargers on the ChargEV network. The companies say that future capabilities will also include pre-booking an EV charger, scheduling a recharge, making payments, and monitoring of the charging progress.\nThe collaboration with Green EV Charge is the latest in GoCar\u2019s ongoing efforts to expand the accessibility of EVs to more Malaysians. Aside from ChargEV, the company also recently teamed up with EV Connection to provide its users with access to charging stations on the JomCharge network.\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia DC fast chargers now part of ChargEV\nGoCar has also recently expanded its \nGoEV sharing and subscription service\n\u2018s vehicle line-up, which now includes the \nNissan Leaf\n and \nHyundai Kona Electric\n (in E-Max and E-Lite guises). The company is targetting to increase its EV fleet to more than 100 vehicles by the end of 2022.\nWith GoEV, GoCar members can experience driving an EV for an hour, a day, or even up to three years (via GoEV Subs). Based on its own data collected to date, over 90% of its regular users were actually first-time EV users!\nOn a related note, ChargEV has also announced that its chargers are now available to non-paying members on a pay-per-use basis. The updated app now displays charger availability in real time, alongside the pay-per-use fees for non-paying members."
"These days, the badge and the image it represents is everything. It\u2019s the first thing a person scrutinises and contrary to the saying, the \u201cbook cover\u201d is judged before he or she continues to observe the models and variants of his or her liking.\nAnd it\u2019s not uncommon for car manufacturers to revamp themselves to keep their images fresh and relevant. Volkswagen recently came up with a revised logo and so did Lotus and now it seems Kia may soon debut a new one of their own too.\nThe new logo was first seen on the Kia Imagine Concept revealed \nat this year\u2019s Geneva Motor Show.\nRecently it was revealed that Kia had filed a new trademark with the \nKorea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service \nwhich indicates that a new logo may be in the pipeline however as the areas of \u201cpublish date\u201d were still blank, perhaps it has yet to receive an approval.\nThe traditional but more recognisable black oval has been completely replaced with a more stylised version of the Kia word which looks more appropriate for the futuristic designs of Kia\u2019s new vehicles like the \nXCeed\n, \nSeltos \nand \nTelluride\n for example.\nSo far, there\u2019s still no word if the new logo will be borne by specific models, destined for specific countries or exclusively for the Korean market."
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM)\n has just dropped a giant teaser for its upcoming model launches here in Malaysia, right as we\u2019re about to wrap up the year. In a short video posted on its social media channels, the company teased four models that are \u201ccoming soon\u201d to our shores, including the \nIoniq 6 \nEV fast back sedan, as well as some of its SUV stablemates such as the \nCreta\n, updated \nSanta Fe\n, and the \nPalisade facelift\n.\nThat\u2019s a huge list, but the (only) real surprise is the Ioniq 6. Taking the form of a fully-electric \u201cstreamliner\u201d sedan, the Ioniq 6 looks wildly different to the \nIoniq 5\n that made its Malaysian debut earlier this year, thanks to the marque\u2019s \u201cHyundai Look\u201d design strategy that gives each model a unique appearance to appeal to a wide range of customers\u2019 tastes.\nThe unique curvy shape also gives the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a drag coefficient of just 0.21 Cd, making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in production, which also helps in achieving a rated electric driving range of \nover 610 km\n from its 77.4 kWh battery pack.\nThe all-new Hyundai Ioniq 6 will be offered in both single- and dual-motor set-ups, with the most powerful variant making up to \n239 kW (320 hp) \nand\n 650 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n5.1 seconds\n.\nThanks to the e-GMP platform, the Ioniq 6 will support both 400V and 800V charging without any additional equipment. The latter allows for DC fast charging up to speeds of 350 kW, which means you\u2019ll be able to top up from 10 to 80% charge in just 18 minutes.\nALSO READ: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 boasts over 610 km of EV range thanks to its swoopy shape\nAside from the Ioniq 6, the rest of the models teased are somewhat already \nexpected \nto make their appearances here in Malaysia. The Hyundai Creta has already been spotted carrying out road tests, while the Santa Fe and Palisade are existing models here in Malaysia, so a facelift update is likely.\nThe Creta is the most interesting one of the lot, as it\u2019s a model that was never introduced in Malaysia before. Designed as a compact crossover competing against the \nProton X50\n, \nHonda HR-V\n, and \nMazda CX-3\n, the Hyundai Creta features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine underneath its bonnet, outputting \n115 hp \nand \n144 Nm\n which, unfortunately, is quite a bit lower than its chief rivals in the segment. Power is sent to the front wheels via Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission.\nBased on the teaser image, the Hyundai Creta will most likely be introduced here with the facelift model (unlike what happened with the Kona), which made its global debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) last year.\nThe model is priced from IDR279 million (approx. RM79k) to IDR400 million (approx. RM113k) in the Archipelago, which crucially undercuts the Honda HR-V. In Thailand meanwhile, the compact crossover is priced from THB949,000 (approx. RM121k) to THB999,000 (approx. RM128k).\nWith Hyundai Sime Darby Motors stating that these models will be \u201ccoming soon\u201d, we expect them to be unveiled across 2023. which is now only three days away. Keep your eyes peeled!\nRELATED: \nHyundai Creta scores 5 stars while Stargazer scores 4 stars in ASEAN NCAP crash test"
"First revealed earlier this year, the Sime Darby Auto Performance has launched the Taycan Cross Turismo in Malaysia.\n \nIt\u2019s available in three variants with prices starting from \nRM645,209\n for the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo,\n RM728,727\n for the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo and \nRM968,928 \nfor the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo.\nPerformance-wise, it\u2019s nothing short of a buffet of options. The Taycan 4 comes with all-wheel drive with an electric motor in the front and back along with adaptive air suspension.\nAll Taycan Cross Turismo variants also come with the \nPerformance Battery Plus package\n as standard. With that, the Cross Turismo gets a 93.4 kWh battery with up to 437 km of electric driving range.\nWith a standard AC charger, a full charge will take about nine hours while the faster DC charger can get the Cross Turismo up to 80% charged in just 23 minutes.\nTaycan 4 Cross Turismo\nMax Power: 380 hp (overboost 476 hp)\nMax Torque: 500 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 5.1 seconds\nTop Speed: 220 km/h\nRange: 437 km\nTaycan 4 S Cross Turismo\nMax Power: 490 hp (overboost 571 hp)\nMax Torque: 650 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 4.1 seconds\nTop Speed: 240 km/h\nRange: 436 km\nTaycan Turbo Cross Turismo\nMax Power: 625 hp (overboost 680 hp)\nMax Torque: 850 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.3 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h\nRange: 425 km\nEXTERIOR\nAside from having a hatchback-style rear end, much like the \nPanamera Sport Turismo\n, Porsche\u2019s new EV also stands out with black trims on the side skirts and wheel arches.\nPorsche wants you to go greener with the new eBike for your Taycan Cross Turismo. Check it out here!\nIts ground clearance is also 20 mm more than the Taycan. With the \nOffroad Design Package\n, ground clearance is further increased by 10 mm, along with flaps on the front and rear bumpers for protection against stone chips.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Sport Turismo-like look offers 47 mm more headroom for rear passengers compared to the \nstandard Taycan\n. The design also allows the boot to handle 40 litres more cargo, at 446 litres. As it is engine-less, the frunk also offers cargo space up to 84 litres.\nAs you can tell, the rest of the interior looks much like the standard Taycan although with the Offroad Design package, you\u2019ll even get a compass in replacement of the clock/timer on the dashboard.\nPorsche\u2019s new EV in Malaysia will be available for viewing at Porsche Centres nationwide soon. Interested to have this parked next to your existing Taycan? Schedule an appointment to view the car \nhere\n!\nVideo: A day on the road and track \nwith the Porsche Taycan!\nGALLERY"
"A new \nMINI\n Charging facility for electric vehicles (EVs) has been opened in Sanctuary Mall @ Eco Sanctuary, introduced by Wheelcorp Premium. The new charging facility comprises two parking lots, a \n50-kW\n DC charger with 2 DC holders (CCS2 and CHAdeMO), and a \n22-kW\n AC charger (Type 2).\nThe chargers at the MINI charging facility are provided by \nJomCharge\n. Now open to the public, rates for both the AC and DC chargers are at \nRM1.20 per minute\n. Precisely, the chargers are located at Sanctuary Mall @ Eco Sanctuary, Persiaran Eco Sanctuary, 8/3, Eco Santuari in Selangor.\nCommenting on the new charging facility, Wheelcorp Premium Managing Director, Jayden Liew said, \u201cWith the rising uptake of electrified vehicles in Malaysia, we \u2013 the providers of these automobiles, consider it one of our main responsibilities to ensure that sufficient infrastructure is in place to support this demand. The positive reception for Electrified Mobility in recent times, bolstered by the many initiatives by our local government, has been a welcome sight for us; and we are committed to developing the EV landscape further for our customers, alongside BMW Group Malaysia.\u201d\nThe new charging facility from Wheelcorp Premium is also part of BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s strategy to develop the infrastructure needed for the charging of electric vehicles. So far, over 670 charging facilities have been made available by \nBMW Group Malaysia\n for EV owners here thus far, with access to over 360 of these facilities provided through partnerships with \nChargEV\n and Yinson Greentech.\nRELATED: \nElectric MINI Countryman specs revealed \u2013 313 hp, est. 450km range, AWD\nThe partnership with JomCharge also enables access to over 70 charging facilities, and Gentari with approximately 150 facilities. Over 100 BMW i and MINI charging facilities are also available at most authorised dealerships, as well as partnering venues across the country.\nEco Sanctuary Assistant General Manager, Max Leong Yew Mun said, \u201cSustainability is EcoWorld\u2019s number one core value and we are always on the lookout to actively engage with organisations that share common sustainability goals. By supporting Wheelcorp Premium\u2019s drive to roll out more charging facilities, we are also making good progress on our own ESG goals, which is to ensure that all EcoWorld projects have at least one EV charging station.\u201d\nRELATED: \nFully-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible launched \u2013 999 units, 201km range, 0-100km/h 8.2 seconds"
"Honda Malaysia has introduced an enhanced Honda Insurance Plus (HiP), an auto insurance plan exclusively for all Honda owners, first introduced in 2002. The new HiP package offers Rescue, Protection and Savings benefits and here\u2019s what it entails.\nRESCUE\nThis offers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on call service by the Honda Insurance Plus Rescue Team. It also includes 24/7 towing services in case of accidents, breakdowns and floods. The affected cars will be sent to any Honda authorised Body & Paint centre within a 450 km round trip from the location while the roadside repair service offers free labour of up to RM200 per event, excluding spare parts.\nThe roadside repair service also includes unforeseen incidences such as a flat tyre, running out of fuel or replacing a flat battery. As for insurance claims, HiP members will be updated constantly throughout the claims process.\nPROTECTION\nHonda Insurance Plus members can rest assured that only Honda Genuine Body and Parts replacements are used at all authorised Honda centres. They come with 6 months warranty or 10,000 km mileage warranty.\nHiP members who repair their cars at Honda Authorised Body & Paint Centres will receive speedy claim pre-approval for claims below RM20,000. Also, HiP members are entitled to medical assistance such as medical referral and arrangement of appointments, dispatch of medications which are not available locally, and medical evacuation or repatriation if required. Even better, HiP members are now entitled to Personal Accident Coverage of up to RM15,000 in the event of Accidental Death or Permanent Disability in the Named Vehicle Car accident.\nSAVINGS\nMight want to consider Honda\u2019s Insurance Plus for that \nnew City\n you\u2019re getting!\nThe 100% insurance payout based on the agreed value in the event the car is stolen or severely damaged in an accident for vehicles up to 10 years old, has been extended to 13 years. Other newly introduced privileges include Unnamed Driver whereby the HiP provides coverage for all drivers under private registration with no additional names and compulsory excess payment required.\nFlood allowance is also provided, up to RM1,500, a special relief of RM1,500 in the event of car theft or total loss and RM1,000 for lost key reimbursement. HiP members are also entitled to 100% coverage for 10 years with no betterment fee that allows old parts of a Honda car damaged due to accident to be replaced with new original parts.\nAll existing and new Honda customers can renew and apply for the Honda Insurance Plus at any nearest Honda authorised dealers. For more information, customers can call Honda\u2019s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to the \nHonda Malaysia official site\n to discover more about the enhanced Honda Insurance Plus."
"This is it \u2013 the 11th-generation Honda Civic, at least in prototype form, anyway. The vehicle has been unveiled via the game streaming website Twitch in between bouts of Fortnite, giving us a good idea of how the car will look like eventually when it\u2019s launched, given Honda\u2019s past \u201cprototypes\u201d.\n \nThe all-new Honda Civic has been given a complete overhaul in the looks department, significantly dialling back on the \u201cboy racer\u201d image for a more matured and upmarket aesthetic, giving it an almost \u201cEuropean\u201d look in our opinion.\nUp front, while it still retains the general Honda Solid Wing grille design, the \u201csolid wing\u201d part of it has been removed almost completely now, with the Honda emblem just barely touching the edge of the bonnet line. The LED headlights have also been reworked, with a more squared-off design that reaches further to the sides as compared to the upswept ones on the \ncurrent Honda Civic\n.\nFurther down, the 11th-generation Honda Civic features a large lower grille with a trapezoidal mesh pattern, flanked by two C-shaped air intake structures on each end that are joined together via a horizontal piece that forms the front lip of the car.\nThe side profile continues to feature an almost coupe-like silhouette with its sloping roofline. The kink on the C-pillar that we first saw on the \n10th-generation Honda Accord\n also made its way onto the Civic Prototype, tying the two models together in appearance.\nThe prototype also shows off a new five twin-spoke alloy wheel design, though they do look quite huge \u2013 even larger than the current 18-inch items on the Civic TC-P, so we\u2019re unsure if the new wheels will make it into production. They do fit the overall aesthetic of the all-new Civic Prototype pretty well though, giving the C-segment sedan some extra sporty aggression.\nOver at the rear, the taillights have also been completely redesigned. Gone are the C-shaped taillights so affectionately called \u201c\nketam\n\u201d in our parts of the world, replaced by horizontal two-piece item, dressed with an L-shaped light signature that mimics the daytime-running lights in front. When the \ncar was first teased\n, we said that the taillights look almost Audi-like, and now that we\u2019re seeing it in full, we think the similarities are even more apparent!\nThe bootlid also receives an integrated ducktail spoiler kink, while further down, there are two oval tailpipes exits occupying the corners, surrounded by a gloss-black garnish that are joined together via a thin strip of trim \u2013 giving the bottom body-coloured piece an almost diffuser-like look. From what we can see though, it doesn\u2019t actually look like there are functioning diffuser struts.\nThe interior of the all-new Honda Civic has also been given a complete overhaul. It\u2019s still a sketch for now, but from what we can see, the overall dashboard architecture is now a lot more cleaner, highlighted by a full-length trim piece with integrated air vents that splits the dashboard into two halves.\nThe physical control knobs for the climate control that we loved on the all-new Honda Accord also makes its way into the Civic (bless you, Honda), while the infotainment display \u2013 with physical volume knob, mind you \u2013 now gets a floating panel design that sits atop the dashboard.\nIt\u2019s still a prototype for now, so there are no indications of what powertrain we\u2019ll find under the bonnet of the 10th-generation Honda Civic eventually. Honda says that the 11th-generation Civic will go on sale in the US in spring 2021 as a 2022 model year vehicle, so we shouldn\u2019t have to wait too long to find out!\nGALLERY"
"Audi will be supporting a private group of German engineers and scientists called PTScientists on their mission to the Moon \u2013 a journey of 384,400 km which will take five days to complete.\nTwo \u201cAudi Lunar Quattro Moon Rovers\u201d will be loaded into a spacecraft that will be travelling\n 10 times the speed of sound\n on its way to the Moon.\nUpon landing, the two Audi Lunar Quattro Moon Rovers will roam the surfaces of the Moon as it relays data back to Earth but it wouldn\u2019t be without challenges.\nAudi\u2019s quattro system will have to provide traction for these rovers as they trek through unpredictable terrains filled with Moon dust which constantly breaks into finer pieces\u00a0 which can render the rovers immobile. The rovers will also be visiting the Apollo 17 Lunar Rover\u2019s landing site. Check out that interesting short video for more intriguing facts!"
"The \nBMW F30 3 Series\n has received its \nLife Cycle Impulse\n (LCI) treatment (fancy BMW lingo for facelift), and it brings a host of new engines from the \nBMW EfficientDynamics\n\u00a0family\u00a0to go with the subtle styling refresh. Available in both \nsedan\n and \ntouring\n guises, the 3 Series LCI range now comprises of the petrol 318i, 320i, 330i, 340i, and diesel 316d, 318d, 320d, 325d, 330d, and 335d.\nUnlike the LCI on the previous generations of the 3 Series, the facelift on the F30 is very minor in terms of visual appearance. Pay close attention to the official images here because if you blink your eyes you might miss what has been changed. The styling updates at the front include a \nnew bumper\n and a \nnew pair of headlamps\n with distinct pattern for the LED DRLs.\nBMW pointed that on models that are equipped with the \nActive Cruise Control\n (ACC), the radar in the front bumper is now less prominent too. Full \nLED headlamps\n is available as an option, featuring \nBMW Selective Beam\n that automatically adjusts the light cone depending on the road condition. The sides are left intact but the rear receives a new bumper and\u00a0\nLED tail lights\n.   Similarly on the inside, the updates are limited to a redesigned center console with a \nsliding cover for the cupholders\n, and some\n chrome highlights\n for the controls on the dash. Want more? Well, BMW claims that the navigation system (optional, of course) has been updated with new and more realistic graphics for the 3D map and it is now quicker to respond to your input. More optional items include a \nfull colour Head-Up Display\n and \nParking Assistant\n to facilitate those who find parallel parking a bit too tedious.\nSeveral trim lines are also available to suit different buyer requirements that brings a choice of material and finishes for the interior and styling packs for the exterior, as shown on these official press images. While current F30 owners can contemplate to retrofit the new bumpers and LED lights to their rides, they will not be able to change what\u2019s under the skin as easily.\nUnder the bonnet, every engine in the 3 Series lineup is equipped with BMW\u2019s \nTwinPower Turbo\n technology. A \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel\n is used in the 316d, 318d, 320d, and 325d with varying states of tune. In the \n316d\n it develops \n116 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n, in the \n318d\n it gives you \n150 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n, \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n in the \n320d\n, and in the\n 325d\n it delivers \n218 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n. Even better is the lusty \n3.0-litre straight-six diesel\n in the \n330d\n and \n335d\n. It dishes out \n258 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n in the former, and \n313 hp\n and a whopping \n630 Nm\n in the latter.\nThe\n 318i\n gets a compact \n1.5-litre 3-cylinder\n that churns out \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n, replacing the 1.6-litre 4-cylinder in the outgoing 316i. Powering the \n320i\n and the \n330i\n is a \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n. It generates \n184 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n in the \n320i\n, but in the \n330i\n it delivers \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. Topping the petrol 3 Series range is the\u00a0\n340i\n\u00a0that packs\u00a0a \n3.0-litre 6-cylinder\n with \n326 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n.\nDepending on engine, buyers can choose from a \nsix-speed manual\n with what BMW refers to as \u201c\nengagement speed control\n\u201c, which will automatically match the revs upon shifts; or the excellent and proven \neight-speed automatic\n transmission. Drive is sent to the rear wheels, but the\n xDrive\n all-wheel drive system is available on some models too.\nBMW also announced that there will be a \nplug-in hybrid\n variant called the \n330e\n. Combining a \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n from the 320i with an \n80 kW electric motor\n, it will have a total output of \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. Set to launch in 2016, the 330e will accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n6.3 seconds\n and all the way to the \ntop speed\n of \n225 km/h\n; and it\u2019s claimed to return just \n2.1 l/100 km\n. Best of both worlds? Let\u2019s hope the 330e make its way here so we can give you the full AutoBuzz.my review.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia announced another milestone on its path to a greener and cleaner future by being the first in the retail fuel industry to be awarded the Green Building Index (GBI) Certification in Asia Pacific.\nThe GBI is Malaysia\u2019s green rating tool to promote sustainable construction and buildings. Two its stations, one in Damansara Jaya and the other in Taman Connaught are now recognised as \u201cgreen buildings\u201d.\nAre you \nbuying the original Shell Helix engine oil?\n Find out here.\n\u201cWhen the new category for the Retail Fuel industry was introduced, we decided to rethink and retrofit smart solutions and design elements into our stations. We\u2019re proud to achieve GBI Certification for these two stations within six months,\u201d said Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Shairan Huzani Husain.\nIn achieving this, the stations were installed with solar Photo Voltaic (PV) systems to generate clean electricity, replacement of conventional bathroom fittings with waterless urinals and water saving taps, as well as monitoring systems that would alert the station of any consumption inconsistency to avoid unnecessary wastage of resources.\n\u201cWith the production and usage of energy so intrinsically tied to the planet\u2019s well-being, we are looking at increased pressure on our resources. Therefore, there is a critical need for industry players to get more innovative to balance both economics and ecology,\u201d said Shairan."
"Making its international debut in late 2017, the Volkswagen Golf facelift (MK7.5) range has finally arrived in Malaysia. Like the pre-facelift range, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is introducing the full Golf range \u2013 1.4 TSI, \nGTI and the top of the line R\n.\nStarting with the Golf 1.4 TSI, it will be offered in two variants like before \u2013 Sportline and R-Line. Both trims share the same 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI engine carried over from the outgoing model. The unit is good for \n147 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque and is paired to a seven-speed DSG dual clutch to send drive to the front wheels. Century sprint takes \n8.2 seconds\n and it maxes out at \n216 km/h\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline\nVolkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line\nEngine\n1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder TSI\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG\nMax Power\n147 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.2 seconds; 216 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM155,990\nRM169,990\nStarting with the entry level Sportline, it gets halogen headlamps, LED combination taillamps, front and rear fog lamps as well as a set of 16-inch alloys wrapped in 205/55 profile tyres.\nThe R-Line gets dressed in trim specific front and rear bumper with trapezoidal chrome exhaust outlets, front apron with air curtains, R-Line logo on the radiator grille and a rear spoiler. It also gets upgraded full LED headlamps and taillamps with dynamic turn indicators and a set of 17-inch \u2018Singapore\u2019 alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres to complete the look.   Inside, the cabin architecture remains the same but gets a host of new technologies 8.0-inch \u2018Discover Media\u2019 infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight-speakers, Air Care dual-zone climate control, reverse camera and Driving Profile Selection.\nThe Sportline settles for analogue dials for the instrument cluster, fabric seats, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, auto dimming rear view mirror, manual levelling seats, electronic parking brake with auto hold and rear air vents.   Stepping up to the R-Line, it adds keyless entry and start, 12.3-inch Active Info Display, \u2018Vienna\u2019 leather upholstery with R-Line embroidery and reversing camera.\nSafety kit reads seven airbags, Electronic Stability Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist and Post Collision Braking.\nThe Sportline is available in five exterior shades \u2013 Atlantic Blue, Pure White, Deep Black, Tungsten Silver and Indium Grey while R-Line has the added option for Turmeric Yellow and While Silver. Like all Volkswagen vehicles registered from 1 January 2018 onwards, the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline and R-Line come with a \n3-Years/45,000 km free service package\n as well as 5-Years Warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline"
"The latest \n11th generation Honda Civic\n was fully unveiled at its largest market, North America, just a few weeks ago. The exterior design has been a hot topic of debate, as the styling has moved towards a more mature approach, removing all the hard lines and sharp angles and left with smoother and sleeker curves.\nHowever, being just an unveiling event and not a full sales launch, the exact specification of each variant was not publicly disclosed. However, the good guys at \nHonda Canada\n and \nCivic 11 Forum\n, they\u2019ve already prepared a detailed breakdown of variants and their key features.\nSo, as such, let\u2019s take a look at what is new in the all-new Honda Civic versus the incredibly popular \ncurrent generation\n. We understand this sales document from the USA is certainly not reflective of what could be offered here in Malaysia. Nonetheless, a good portion of the features should be a global standard feature, as seen in the current generation.\nExterior\nNo changes have been made to the tyre and rim sizes, ranging from 16 inches to 18 inches. The wheelbase has been \nincreased by 36 mm\n as such we can expect better legroom for all occupants.\nA \nshark fin antenna\n is prominently featured in the exterior images and it could be a standard feature. \u00a0In the current generation Honda Civic in the US, the physical shark fin antenna was paired with SiriusXM/HD Radio service. However, the said premium radio service is only featured in the range-topping Civic Turbo Touring, which could mean the shark fin antenna is now a standard feature and not tied to the premium radio service. \u00a0\nAs for the luggage space, there seems to be a \n1.6% reduction\n in the new generation, measuring 420 litres from 427 litres. The values are certainly very different from Malaysia, measuring 519 litres, but a reduction in the new generation nevertheless.\nThe dual exhaust tips in the Turbo variants continue to point downwards, unlike its key competitor. \u00a0\nInterior\nThe dashboard of the latest generation Honda Civic is simple and neatly laid out with a symmetrical design. Honda calls this approach \u201cSimplicity and something\u201d and thus, an incredibly simple layout of key controls and functions.\nTwo driver\u2019s information displays are available. The smaller 7-inch size is similar to the unit found in the \nnew Honda Accord\n and \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n, where the speedometer is a physical needle.\nThe range-topper meanwhile gets a full-colour display measuring \n10.2 inches\n with customisable content and layout.\u00a0\nOther new features featured in the range-topping Touring include:\nWireless smartphone charger\nFront passenger seat with power adjustment \u00a0\nRear USB charging ports\nRear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)\nRear autonomous emergency braking (parking)\nA new larger \n9.0 inch\n infotainment display has customizable features and smart shortcuts. Honda USA also offers a Bose 12-speaker Premium audio system with the larger display. We hope this makes it to Malaysia too, however, it could be a USA-special as their current Honda Civic already has an upgraded 10-speaker audio system. Lower variants continue with a similar-sized 7.0 inch unit with updated content and interface.\nThe cabin is expected to be quieter too thanks to better insulation from the suspension and drivetrain components as well as the use of the \nacoustic-glass\n front windscreen.\nOther \u2018wow\u2019 features such as head-up display and moonroof found in the \nMazda3\n, or 360-degree bird\u2019s eye view parking camera in the \nToyota Corolla Altis\n are not available in the all-new Honda Civic.\nSafety\nHonda\u2019s single-sided LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring (BSM) system has now been replaced by the regular dual-sided radar-based system. While \nBSM\n is made available from the middle variant, only the range-topper gets a rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) function.\nA new feature is the \u2018Rear AEB\u2019, which sounds like an auto-brake feature that is used during parking. The Mazda3 2.0 High Plus also has this feature named Smart Brake Support Rear.\nHonda Sensing is standard across all variants, something expected in large developed markets. The current practice of fitting Sensing only in the top variant should continue here in Malaysia. \nFront knee airbags\n are also fitted in the US-market all-new Honda Civic, which are not available here in Malaysia even in the latest Accord model.\nAs for vehicle dynamics, the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is tuned to now deliver \n180 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque, an increase of 6 to 7 hp (depending on unit conversion) and 20 Nm. The CVT has also been programmed to offer better performance and feel.\nDriving dynamism and stability have been heavily revamped through a series of improvements focused specifically on the subject. Apart from a more rigid bodyshell, the suspension components have been made lighter and less friction, while the rear track (width between the left and right wheels) has been widened by 12 mm.\n \nThat is all we can compare from this one piece of sales document on the all-new Honda Civic. If you are a fan of the current design and not looking forward to the simplicity of the interior, then better hurry and put a deposit on the current generation Honda Civic 1.5 TC with its \nRM125,081\n pricing set to expire in six weeks from today. \u00a0\u00a0\nFor those who are waiting for the new generation to reach our shores, with the thought of being cocooned in a more premium interior and promised even better driving dynamics, the additional features should make it a compelling reason. \nSingapore\n is set to be the first right-hand drive country to launch the all-new Honda Civic!\nGALLERY"
"Just like clockwork,\n Perodua\n has announced its sales report for the first half of 2022, which saw a total of 127,343 vehicles delivered in the first half of the year, or a 30% increase over the same period last year (97,290 units).\nPerodua says that the strong sales performance in the first half of 2022 is largely due to the influx of new orders from customers who want to take advantage of the sales tax exemptions, and the effect was even more apparent on the \nfinal day of the SST exemptions deadline\n.\nAccording to Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, the final day of the SST exemptions saw a whopping 25,100 orders placed, marking the highest single booking day the company has ever seen.\n\u201cThis is unprecedented and a testament to the growth potential of Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry given the right incentive,\u201d he added.\nIn terms of individual model performances in the first half of 2022, the \nPerodua Myvi \nunsurprisingly still reigns supreme as the most popular model in Perodua showrooms with 38,029 units registered, followed by the \nPerodua Axia\n with 29,183 units, and the\n Perodua Bezza\n with 28,719 units registered.\u00a0\nAlthough sales figures for the Bezza pales in comparison to the Myvi, Perodua says that the entry-level sedan is actually their most sought-after model at the moment.\u00a0\nRELATED: 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift \nunveiled \u2013 from RM45,700\nThe company also notes that the stark difference in terms of year-on-year monthly sales figures for June was further exacerbated by the low registration of vehicles last year, due to the second Covid-19 lockdown implemented nationwide during the month.\nTo put this into perspective, only 1,009 units were registered back in June 2021, while June 2022 saw a colossal jump (by comparison) up to 21,164 units sold. Parts supply for Perodua have also taken a turn for the better last month, which helped the company achieve a month-to-month increase of 10.7% in sales, from the 18,901 units registered in May 2022.\nDespite that, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin warns that the skilled labour and parts shortage issues are still present, and is hoping to seek customers\u2019 understanding for the long delivery lead times.\u00a0\n\u201cWe sincerely apologise for the long wait and are doing everything in our power to further improve production for the benefit of our customers,\u201d he said, adding that the company is working closely with their supplies and in certain cases, even providing Perodua staff to work at the supplier\u2019s premises to ensure that parts supply continue to flow.\nAlso read: All-new 2022 Perodua Alza now open for booking, est. RM62k-RM75k\nAt the same time, the company is still keeping continuous communication with its suppliers and partners, while at the same time searching for alternative components in order to reduce the impact of said issues.\nPerodua is still hopeful of maintaining its \nfull-year sales target of 247,800 units \nsold, he added."
"At the unveiling of the \nBMW Concept X7 iPerformance\n, BMW Group Malaysia also took the opportunity to share their sales performance of the first half of 2018. The company is keeping up its \nmomentum\n and recorded a growth of 11 per cent.\nIn the first six months of 2018, the company delivered over 6,400 vehicles to BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners. BMW alone makes up over 5,300 of those sales numbers, 11 per cent up from the same period last year. MINI\u2019s sales were up 18 per cent with over 550 new cars delivered while BMW Motorrad sold over 540 units in the 1H of 2018.\nMINI Countryman PHEV\n is MINI\u2019s first and only hybrid offering\nBMW Group Malaysia\u2019s portfolio of plug-in hybrid vehicles remains the company\u2019s strongest sales driver with 56 per cent of the total vehicle delivers made up of the BMW \n330e\n, \n530e\n, \n740Le\n, \nX5 xDrive40e\n and \nCountryman PHEV\n.\nOn the global front, BMW Group recorded a 35\nth\n consecutive quarterly sales growth with its best-ever first-half-year sales with a total of 1,242,507 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered to customers. BMW Group is also the global leader in premium electrified mobility with year-to-date delivers of electrified vehicles amounting to 60,660 units."
"Despite Ferrari\u2019s resurgence after the summer break, it was a matter of time before Mercedes-AMG sealed their sixth constructors title on the trot, and they did it in style over the weekend at the Japanese grand prix with Valtteri Bottas taking the win and Lewis Hamilton finishing third.\nMercedes have both titles in the bag, just to drivers\u2019 crown to be determined between Bottas (left) and Hamilton (middle).\nThe last team that achieved six consecutive constructors\u2019 titles were Ferrari, from 1999 to 2004, but with Hamilton poised to clinch the driver\u2019s championship with only teammate Bottas still in play mathematically (Hamilton has a 64-point lead with only four races to run), Mercedes-AMG will also add a sixth consecutive drivers\u2019 title as well, something which Ferrari didn\u2019t quite manage the \u2018double-double\u2019 over the Schumacher-Todt-Brawn era.\nDeadly typhoon Hagibis cleared just in time for qualifying and race on a Sunday.\nOther consecutive wins since 1958 when the constructors\u2019 title was introduced were McLaren with four from 1988 to 1991, and Red Bull Racing, also with four, from 2010 to 2013.\nTeam boss Toto Wolff was quick to dedicate the latest achievement to former non-executive chairman and F1 legend Nikki Lauda, who passed away in May. \u201cI keep thinking to myself \u2018What would Niki say, what would he think?\u2019. Today, he probably would have said \u2018Congratulations for the sixth one, but you have a challenge on your hands for next year\u2019,\u201d said Wolff.\nNiki Lauda remembered amidst the celebrations.\nWould you bet against a record-smashing seventh constructors\u2019 title for Mercedes-AMG and a record-equaling seventh title for Hamilton in 2020?"
"As promised during the launch of the \nlocally assembled W213 E-Class\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has finally launched the \nMercedes-Benz E 350 e plug-in hybrid (PHEV)\n. The new PHEV will replace the \nE 300 AMG\n Line as the new range topping model in the E-Class line up, bar the AMG models.\nTwo distinct variants are available at launch \u2013 Exclusive Line and AMG Line. MBM has promised a price tag of under RM400k mark and they have delivered with the Exclusive Line priced at RM392,888 and AMG Line at RM395,888. A touch more expensive than the locally assembled\n G30 BMW 530i M Sport\n but then again, that is no PHEV.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E 350 e Exclusive Line\nMercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG Line\nEngine\n1,991cc; four-cylinder turbo petrol\nTransmission\n9-speed G-Tronic\nMax Power\n211 hp\nMax Torque\n350 Nm\nElectric Motor\n87 hp & 440 Nm\nCombined Output\n286 hp & 550 NM\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM392,888\nRM395,888\nSpec sheets are identical for the two variants save for the exterior body kit and interior finish. The locally assembled E 350 e comes equipped with MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, night package and blue brake calipers. The \nExclusive Line\n wears a more elegant body kit with the signature three-pointed star hood ornament while the\n AMG Lin\ne gets the sportier AMG exterior package.   Inside, both variants are kitted to the brim with \nNappa leather upholstery\n, 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, widescreen cockpit, wireless charging tray, panoramic sunroof, keyless-GO, 360-degree surround view camera, powered tailgate and many other convenience features. The\n AMG Line\n adds a metal weave trim and AMG sports steering wheel.\nMotivation comes from a hybrid system that marries a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor to give a combined output of \n286 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque; the same power output as the \nC 350 e\n but on the E-Class it gets 50 Nm lesser torque. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed G-TRONIC gearbox. Century sprint is done and dusted in \n6.2 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n250 km/h\n. The electrified E-Class will sip just\u00a0\n2.1 litres of fuel\n for every 100 km traveled.\nAs all vehicles sold through MBM, the Mercedes-Benz E 350 e is covered with a \n4-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services also offers attractive financing packages with monthly repayments starting from RM3,928.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz E 350 e Exclusive Line   Mercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG Line"
"Flux\n is an all-inclusive monthly car subscription service for individuals looking for a non-traditional route towards car ownership. This service is now extended to companies via their new \nFlux Business Class\n. This new subscription service will allow companies to subscribe to a fleet of cars for up to three years, and pay a single monthly price that covers the insurance, road tax, and maintenance (including wear & tear) of the cars.\nWith the Flux Business Class, companies will not have to worry about any upfront payment. This service is also considered an off-balance sheet expense, therefore allowing companies to increase their tax deduction claims. As an added benefit, Flux will assist to refresh the fleet to ensure you can enjoy this tax deductibility throughout your subscription tenure.\nThe benefits don\u2019t stop there; included in the service is the \nFlux\u2019s Concierge Service\n. A one-stop solution to handle all your company fleet matters including documentation and maintenance. Should any of your company cars undergo maintenance, \ncourtesy cars will be provided\n to ensure that you or your staff\u2019s time is not wasted.\nFlux Business Class will consolidate your company\u2019s entire fleet subscription fee via a seamless online billing, therefore you don\u2019t have to keep track of the entire fleet payment yourself. You as the client can also opt to received data on the usage and health of the fleet cars, in order to maximise usage and minimise idling.\nFlux offers a wide range of brands and models, their collection of new and pre-owned vehicles include both Continental and Asian makes. Their latest addition to their staggering collection is the \nProton X70\n with plans to do the same with the \nupcoming Proton X50\n.\nCompanies can subscribe to a wide range of vehicle types, with monthly subscription fees starting from \nRM1,805\n for a sedan, \nRM2,135\n for an SUV, \nRM3,405\n for an executive sedan, \nRM3,140\n for an MPV, and \nRM2,458\n for a pickup truck.\nFlux understands that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to company cars. Therefore, the company promises a bespoke solution for each and every Business Class client. Should you be interested in their service do pay them a visit \nhere\n."
"This \u201cmusk\u201d be putting Elon at the edge of his seat!\nBack in April this year, when Lucid Motors displayed its \u201cLucid Air\u201d electric car at the New York Auto Show, it claimed that its Alpha Speed Car prototype had reached a phenomenal top speed of 217 mph (that\u2019s 349 km/h for us) at a 12 km test track in Ohio, USA. Not a feat to be taken lightly especially when it matches the top speed of a Ferrari LaFerrari (349 km/h).\nAll that with the same source that\u2019s powering the smartphone or laptop you\u2019re reading this article with; electricity. That\u2019s not all, the prototype version only reached 217 mph because it was \u201csoftware-limited\u201d. In other words, it only attained a top speed of 217 mph because of the restrictions by the sorcery of its on-board computers.   That alone would\u2019ve made the Lucid Air one of fastest electric car around. Yet, Lucid claims there is still plenty of room for improvement. And just last week, in efforts to be taken more seriously, Lucid Motors once again took to the same test track in Ohio but this time with the speed limiter software removed.\nWatch as the prototype whizzes pass the previously set 217 mph mark, to a brain-melting 235 mph (378 km/h)!\nSo who are these Lucid bunch of people (pun intended), you ask?\nLucid Motors (previously known as Atieva) is a start-up founded back in 2007, mainly to develop battery technology before it made the leap to automotive production in 2014. It\u2019s claimed that some of the 300-strong staff currently at Lucid Motors were previously from Tesla, Mazda and other car companies.\nAmerican automotive news portal, Jalopnik, even reported that\u00a0Lucid\u2019s Chief Technology Officer, Peter Rawlinson, had previously hailed from Tesla as the Chief Engineer for the Model S.\nThere will be two versions of the Lucid Air when it goes into production in 2019. The base model Air is set to produce 400 horsepower solely for its rear wheels with a 240-mile (386km) range while the top of the line \u201cLaunch Edition\u201d will have 1,000 horsepower shared among its four wheels and a cruising range of 315 miles (507 km).\nSadly, the speed limit software will not be removed for the road-going versions\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Images from \nlucidmotors.com"
"As if owning a Lamborghini \nAventador SVJ\n Roadster isn\u2019t already exclusive enough, you now have a chance to own one of only ten Aventador SVJ Xago Editions worldwide \u2013 designed specifically to celebrate the new virtual Ad Personam studio, which is launched alongside the new limited-edition supercar.\nThe new online facility offers customers the chance to customise their Lamborghinis to their own bespoke preferences, without having to travel to the Ad Personam specialist department in Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese, Italy.\nUsing the options available in the Ad Personam arsenal, Lamborghini created a bespoke creation inspired by the \u201chexagon cloud shapes at the North Pole on the planet Saturn\u201d as well as the \u201cstrength of the hexagon in nature\u201d.\nMost importantly, the Xago is designed to celebrate the iconic \u2018hexagonita\u2019 theme in Lamborghini design, as seen on almost all other Lamborghini models to date. The name Xago also probably came from the middle characters in that word, we think.\nOn the outside, the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago edition features a fading hexagonal silver effect on the sides, giving it a snake skin-like appearance, paired with a unique Ad Personam contrast colour livery for every one of the 10 cars, and gloss black Nireo Ad Personam wheels.\nThe hexagonal motif extends inside, with an exclusive hexagonita pattern on the seat upholstery, finished with accent colours that match the exterior contrast liveries.\nDesigned as a limited-edition launch edition for the virtual studio, it\u2019s no surprise at all that the Xago edition is reserved exclusively for customers specifying their Aventador SVJ virtually. To home in on the whole exclusivity theme, each of the ten Aventador SVJ Xago editions will also come with a unique numbered plate within the cabin.\nStarting from now, customers can pre-book an initial consultation of around two hours via their dealership. During the video call discussion, either joined by the sales specialist at the showroom or from another location, customers will be presented with live design proposals and configuration suggestions via a walkaround of the relevant model right in the Ad Personam studio in Sant\u2019Agata.\nWith the extensive Ad Personam options available readily in the studio, the Ad Personam specialist can offer close-up views of the proposed design. Once the virtual consultation is done, the Ad Personam team will then follow up with full proposals sent to the client, including renderings and even material samples.\nThe new online facility will be especially helpful now that international travel is severely restricted. Lamborghini says that more than 50% of the cars rolling off their production lines feature at least one Ad Personam detail, with the largest demand for these coming from the USA, Asia and UK. The Italian supercar maker expects to host at least 150 virtual consultations by the year end.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed the existence of an all-new compact SUV, and as you would expect, it will be named the \nCX-3\n. The SUV is scheduled to make its global debut at the \n2014\n\u00a0\nLos Angeles Auto Show\n which will begin on 21 to 30 November.\nRead Mazda CX-3 launch here.\nThe Mazda CX-3 is the company\u2019s \nfifth vehicle\n to adopt the \nfull range\n of Skyactiv Technology, along with their new design language Kodo-Soul of Motion.\nMazda remains tight-lipped on the CX-3\u2019s powertrain, but it\u2019s safe to assume that the \n2.0-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine will do all the tugging, which will be paired to their \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive\n automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The \nnaturally aspirated\n engine is the same one found in the \nMazda3\n, \nMazda5\n, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and in some markets, the upcoming \nMazda MX-5\n.\nBased on our growing appetite for SUVs, we believe that it\u2019s only a matter of time before the CX-3 arrives on our shores. More word on Mazda\u2019s all-new baby SUV will come this way once the LA Auto Show commences.\nRead Mazda CX-3 launch here."
"It\u2019s been \nteased\n countless time and BMW has finally unveiled the all-new BMW Z4 in full at Pebble Beach. The sixth-generation roadster was released as an M40i variant and shares much of its technical developments with its Japanese twin, the \nToyota Supra\n.\nAs per its concept design study, the Z4 features a sleek and progressive design language thanks to its angular front end, low profile and compact wheelbase. BMW has managed to give the Z4 a 50:50 weight distribution, wide tracks and a short wheelbase to give the car a dynamic potential. Design highlights of the Z4 include a kidney grille with a mesh design, long bonnet, large air breathers and an integrated notch on the rear boot lid that functions as a spoiler.   The cabin of the new two-seater roadster reminiscence the cockpit of new-generation BMW models with large LCD instrument cluster, central display, M Sport steering wheel and well laid out centre console controls.\nThis Z4 M40i First Edition gets a more expressive appearance with its Frozen Orange metallic paintwork, adaptive LED headlamps with matrix function, High Gloss Shadow Line, black exterior side mirror caps and 19-inch alloy wheels.   The Z4 M40i is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six that pumps out \n340 hp,\n sending the rear-wheel driven roadster sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.6 seconds\n. The M40i First Edition is also equipped with sports suspension with adaptive dampers, M Sport brakes and M Sport electronic rear differential.\nThe world premiere of the all-new BMW Z4 gives us a taste of what the new-generation BMW roadster has to offer. Sales of the new Z4 will commence only in mid-2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has announced an update to its International Multi-Purpose Vehicle (IMV) line-up here in Malaysia, consisting of the \nHilux\n, \nFortuner\n, and\n \nInnova\n, with additional creature comfort additions.\nAll three ladder frame-based models will now be offered a new a nine-inch Display Audio infotainment head unit, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Innova and Fortuner previously already offered a nine-inch display, but mobile phone connectivity is limited to a wired connection only.\nNew nine-inch touchscreen display, as fitted on the Toyota Innova.\nWith the change, the models will also receive new USB Type-C charging ports, while the button to activate the surround-view monitor also moves from a physical button by the steering wheel column.\nThe new nine-inch touchscreen head-unit will be available as standard across all three variants of the Toyota Fortuner, but only offered on the two higher-end 2.0X and 2.0G variants of the Innova, as well as the 2.8 Rogue and 2.4V (AT) variants of the Hilux pick-up truck.\nVIDEO: \nToyota Hilux 2.8L Rogue, here\u2019s what makes it stand out from the rest!\nAlso new to the three models as part of the 2022 refresh is the updated digital video recorders (DVR) or dashcam, which now supports WiFi connectivity, allowing owners to interact and obtain footage directly from their mobile phones via a wireless connection.\nThe updated front dashcam is offered as standard across all variants on the Fortuner, Innova 2.0X, as well as the Hilux 2.8 Rogue and 2.4V (AT), and optional on the other variants. Customers can also opt for an additional rear-facing DVR at extra cost.\nALSO WATCH: \nWhy the Toyota Fortuner is THE SUV for off- and on-road\nAside from these changes, the rest of the models remain unchanged from before; all three models were also\n last updated in 2021\n. Pricing for the models remain unchanged despite the additional goodies, with retail pricing for each model now listed as follows, on-the-road, without insurance:\nToyota Fortuner\n2.4 AT 4\u00d74 \u2013 RM179,880\n2.7 SRT AT 4\u00d74 (petrol) \u2013 RM186,880\n2.8 VRZ AT 4\u00d74 \u2013 RM220,880\nToyota Innova\n2.0E \u2013 N/A\n2.0G \u2013 RM131,880\n2.0X \u2013 RM141,880\nToyota Hilux\nSingle Cab 2.4 MT 4\u00d74 \u2013 RM95,880\n2.4E MT 4\u00d74 \u2013 RM110,880\n2.4E AT 4\u00d74 \u2013 RM111,880\n2.4V AT 4\u00d74 \u2013 RM136,880\n2.8 Rogue AT 4\u00d74 \u2013 RM149,880"
"Audi Sport, the performance sub-brand of Audi has hinted that they will be venturing into high-performance electric vehicles from 2020 as well as building more high-performance SUVs.\nAccording to\n AutoCar UK\n, CEO of Audi Sport, Stephen Winkelmann confirmed that an all-electric Audi Sport model will surface by the end of 2020 with more models to come by 2030. Despite that, Winkelmann expressed that turbocharged Audi Sport models will stay for many more years to come.\nFancy an RS Q2?\nHe added: \u201cIn 2018, 19, 20, we will have a lot of turbo engines with new models. We are not forgetting our icons, so we will continue to build them. Even if we keep in mind that electrification is important for us, legislators permitting, our turbo engines will stay because we are very proud of these.\u201d\nWinkelmann also expressed that Audi Sport will be exploring more high-performance Q models to cater to the growing demand for SUVs in the global market. Moving forward, the brand will be focusing their investments on global products, catering not only for Europe but also Asia and America."
"Widespread destruction caused by the deadly wildfires in the states of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia has given the organisers of Rally Australia no other choice but to cancel the final leg of the World Rally Championship (WRC) originally scheduled to start today.\nThe premature end to the 2019 season sees \nHyundai Motorsport\n chalking up their maiden win as a constructor in WRC, the Korean team had carried an 18-point lead over \nToyota Gazoo Racing\n into what would have been the season finale, after Toyota\u2019s Ott Tanak had sealed the driver\u2019s title in Rally Spain two weeks ago \u2013 his maiden win as a driver, which also ended Sebastien Ogier\u2019s streak of consecutive WRC drivers\u2019 titles at six!\nOtt Tanak is the first WRC champion not named \u2018Sebastien\u2019 since 2004!\nIn a stunning turn of events, Tanak then announced a few days after his Rally Spain victory that he would be joining Hyundai Motorsport in 2020 on a two-year contract, starting with Rallye Monte Carlo in January. The Finn will join Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo and 9-time champion Sebastien Loeb for Hyundai\u2019s 2020 campaign."
"Joining the likes of Chinese carmakers like Chery, \nGuangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) motor\n will be another Chinese brand to have a local assembly (CKD) plant in Malaysia. With the GAC brand officially distributed by \nWTC Automotif\n, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd), WTCA will invest a total of \nRM60 million\n into its CKD efforts.\nThe RM60 million project involves the manufacturing of the brand new \nGAC Motor GS3\n, as well as expanding the brand\u2019s presence in Malaysia. The CKD project was announced approximately 18 months after WTCA and GAC International signed a distributorship agreement, appointing WTCA as the sole and exclusive distributor of GAC vehicles in Malaysia.\nThe current-generation GAC GS3\nWarisan TC Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Tan Keng Meng said, \u201cWe are confident that with our Tan Chong Group\u2019s years of experience and our latest investment in our facility, we will meet GAC\u2019s expectations. Our team has a strong collaboration with the GAC team to ensure that we are able to meet the GAC Quality Standards. GAC has set a very high standard in the automotive industry as they have dominated the Top 1 in China\u2019s JD Power Initial Quality Survey for eight consecutive years.\u201d\nAlso present at during the announcement, GAC Group Vice President and GAC International Chairman, Yu Jun said, \u201cGAC has always placed utmost priority on delivering superior quality cars. We are confident that with its wide experience in the automotive industry, WTCA can meet our high manufacturing quality standards. We will be expecting that with 3-5 years development, the production and sales will reach 50,000 units. In order to fulfil this target, GAC will continue to coordinate internal and external resources and increase support for the Malaysian market, accelerate the launch of key models, improve the model matrix, and provide more intelligent and higher-quality vehicle products for local consumers.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGAC GS3 compact SUV now in Malaysia from RM88,800\nThe GAC CKD project in Malaysia is significant as it is the first CKD effort by GAC in the ASEAN region. As part of the RM60 million CKD project, WTCA plans to establish more than 70 showrooms nationwide via their own brand setup and dealership appointments. The first GAC Motor Malaysia flagship showroom will be based in Section 13 Petaling Jaya, which is expected to be ready in the third quarter of 2023.\nAmong the exciting CKD models for GAC will be the new CKD GAC Motor GS3 which will have a 3rd-generation 1.5-litre TGDI engine. The engine will be paired with a 7-speed WDCT. Still based on the same chassis as the outgoing GS3, the new TGDI GS3 features a next-generation design and level 2 advanced driver assistance systems.\nRELATED: \nGAC GS3 compact SUV launched in Malaysia, from RM88,800\nThe new GAC GS3\nDuring the event, WTCA also handed over 25 units of the current GAC GS3 to Mayflower Car Rental to be used as part of its rental fleet. Mayflower car rental also introduced its \u201cAll-New Adventure\u201d GAC Motor GS3 programme, which is a car leasing programme which costs from RM150 per day after a special promotion discount."
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has announced the arrival of the first Vantage in Malaysia with the new optional \u2018Vaned\u2019 front grille. The grille was introduced last year to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Vantage nameplate.\nThe Vaned grille design has been around since the 1950s, from as early as the DB MK III model. Later on, it was also featured in the DBS, DB4, DB5, and DB6 of James Bond fame.\nAston Martin becomes official sponsor and partner of Johor Darul Ta\u2019zim Football Club! Read about it here!\nOn the more modern and aggressive Vantage, it offers a softer more refined look compared to the aggressive and muscular look of the standard Vantage.\nAston Martin allocated 5 units of the Valhalla to Malaysia, 2 have been sold! Read about it here!\nThe more subtle grille with five horizontal vanes is also complemented with a more discreet front bumper and splitter design. The Vaned grille can be had in either Silver or Black.\nAside from the optional grille, this specific Vantage also gets the \nLiquid Crimson\n exterior paint, a new option by Aston Martin Lagonda. The unique lustrous colour is topped off with the new 20-inch \u2018Snowflake\u2019 wheels that\u2019s 6.2 kg lighter than the standard set.\nFurther highlighting the details on the car are blacked-out items like the mirror caps, roof panel, and rear diffuser from the exterior black package.\nInside, the Vantage is upholstered with Caithness leather in Obsidian Black and Lords Red. The long milling process of the leather helps create a soft and luxurious feel.\nThe standard Aston Martin Vantage starts from RM678,000 before duties and taxes. Upon being contacted, Aston Martin were unable to provide the full price (inclusive of taxes and duties) of the Vantage with the optional Liquid Crimson and Vaned grille.\nAston Martin reveals 535 hp Vantage F1 Edition based on the Safety Car..check it out here!\nGALLERY"
"Following the surprise announcement by the Ministry of Finance to \nextend the sales tax exemptions period\n, which is now in effect until the 30th of June 2021, UMW Toyota has now released the new pricing information for the \nGR Yaris\n, now priced at \nRM286,896\n \u2013 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nLaunched in December last year, the pricing released during its local debut was inclusive of the full 10% sales tax applicable on the car, as deliveries will only begin in 2021. However, the imported Toyota GR Yaris is eligible for a 50% discount on sales tax (i.e. 5%) as per the government\u2019s last-minute directive.\n \nAs a result, the Toyota GR Yaris is now priced RM12,104 lower than its original retail price. The new RM287k price will be valid until the 30th of June 2021, or until stocks last \u2013 so if you want one of these pocket rocket, you\u2019d have to act quick as \nonly 127 units will be made available\n from UMW Toyota here in Malaysia; supposedly, only 25,000 of the homologation special will ever be built worldwide.\nThe Toyota GR Yaris packs a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged underneath the bonnet, but not just any three-cylinder \u2013 it\u2019s the most powerful production three-banger in the world. The little mill makes \n261 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to all four wheels exclusively via a six-speed manual transmission and the GR-Four all-wheel drive system.\nThe Gazoo Racing family in Malaysia.\nThe GR Yaris\u2019s all-wheel drive wizardry can be configured in three different modes \u2013 Normal, Sport and Track. In\u00a0Normal\n\u00a0\nmode, torque is split 60:40, 30:70 in Sport mode, and while in\u00a0Track\u00a0mode, torque split is a perfectly balanced 50:50 distribution \u2013 and you can change all of these at a whim with a twist of a knob.\nThe Malaysian GR Yaris also comes as standard with the Performance Pack, which includes Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential on both axles, 18-inch BBS wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, retuned dampers, retuned power steering, and red GR brake calipers for some added flair.\nInterested? The Toyota GR Yaris is now available for order at all \nToyota GR Garage\n outlets nationwide. For the full specifications run-down, do check out our launch coverage for the Toyota GR Yaris \nhere\n."
"As the sole distributor of DS cars in Malaysia, Naza Euro Motors launched the DS Store, a first of its kind not just in Malaysia but in South East Asia that projects the refined world of DS Automobiles.\nThe DS Store\u2019s design concept follows after DS Automobiles\u2019 signature design philosophy for its outlets in key global markets, which in turn is inspired by the DS Spirit of Avantgarde.\nThe new DS Store Petaling Jaya has the capacity to display three cars at any one time \u2013 one of which is the new DS 7 Crossback \u2013 while offering 3S facilities to serve as a one-stop centre for DS owners.\n\u201cWith DS Automobiles\u2019 fervent support and vision to continue accelerating DS brand development in Malaysia, we plan to invest RM5 million for marketing, operations and such in 2019, on top of the initial investment of RM2 million to set up the flagship store,\u201d added Group CEO of Naza Corporation Holdings, Dato\u2019 Samson.\nA dedicated Customer Lounge, which looks like the sitting area for boyfriends and spouses in a luxury boutique, allows customers to configure, personalise and purchase their DS vehicles, assisted by a DS advisor. Also present is a VR Zone, to give visitors a virtual and interactive experience with the latest DS models.\n\u201cEach DS Store embodies DS Automobiles universe and is inspired by parisian luxury boutiques with its very own atmosphere. It is designed to place the customer at the centre of the brand experience,\u201d said CEO of DS Automobiles, Yves Bonnefont.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has strongly rebutted the report by Nikkei Asia on the company\u2019s unpublicised intention to \nend the development of the Skyline\n sedan in its home market.\n\u201cWe have not made such decisions. We have no intentions to suspend the development of the Skyline model in Japan. I want to clearly state we have not made such decisions,\u201d said Makoto Uchida, CEO of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., during a Q-and-A session of the ordinary general shareholders meeting held yesterday.\nSkyline 2019\nUchida continued to elaborate that the Skyline brand is synonymous with Nissan and it is an important asset to the company. Nonetheless, the size sedan market is small in the Japanese market and the company will react accordingly to the market trends and patterns.\nNissan also made a Skyline Crossover in the 12th generation V36 series\nPerhaps, the next generation Skyline will follow suit of the \nFord Mustang Mach-e\n in the form of a sleek and high-performance SUV. Ten years ago, Nissan tested the brand value and acceptance by offering the Skyline Crossover, which is also marketed as the Infiniti EX and later renamed to QX50, Nissan\u2019s premium line-up to compete with the likes of Lexus, Audi and Mercedes-Benz outside of Japan.\nIt was successful domestically, as the model was never prematurely discontinued, offered in showrooms right up to 2017.\nSkyline 2014\nSkyline 2014\nThe Skyline sedan has been in an unstable position since the last decade. The current V37 model was originally designed as an \nInfiniti Q50\n and only offered to the Japan market at the eleventh hour, keeping all Infiniti logos whilst emblazed with a Skyline emblem at the bootlid. It was also sold alongside the existing 12th generation V36 Skyline model.\nBuilt in the Tochigi plant, the V37 Skyline only had Nissan badges and more exclusive design five years later at its facelift timing in 2019. The Tochigi plant is currently being overhauled to be the Nissan Intelligent Factory where the new \nAriya EV\n will be manufactured using new methods with higher automation.\n \nOther popular sedans such as the Maxima, Altima and \nSentra\n/Sylphy are manufactured locally such as in the US, Mexico and China. The \nNissan Almera\n in ASEAN has its production base in Thailand.\nThus, the Skyline name will definitely live on, but looking at the current market trends, it could well be a high-performance electric SUV."
"The cheapest car in Malaysia has probably set a new record as \n2,500 units \nof the newly launched \n2023 \nPerodua Axia\n E\n manual were sold in just 48 hours. Priced at \nRM22,000\n, The 2023 Perodua Axia E manual is essentially the same old Axia from before, albeit with revised pricing and a new colour option.\nThe achievement of the Perodua Axia E was shared by the company through its sales report for the first half of 2023. In the statement, Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cLooking ahead, we expect both production and sales to continue their uptrend as demand for our vehicles remain healthy. For example, our recently launched Axia E was well received and our ready stock of 2,500 vehicles were completely distributed within 48 hours.\u201d\nWith its goal being to provide mobility to everyone, the Perodua Axia E is perhaps the most utilitarian vehicle out there. Equipped with steel wheels, halogen headlight, and a 5-speed manual transmission, its monthly payments rival that of a motorcycle, making it the perfect mobility enabler.\nWhile the Axia E has existed since inception of the Perodua Axia itself in Malaysia back in 2015, Perodua has actually managed to make it cheaper than before. Previously priced at about RM24,000, the Axia E is now RM2,000 cheaper at RM22,000. There some minute changes here in there but the most obvious update to the Axia E would be the new Granite Gray colour option in addition to the existing Glittering Silver and Ivory White colour options.\nLaunched in June, the 2,500 units of the Axia E that were sold in 48 hours contributed to a total of \n144,690 cars\n sold by Perodua in the first half of the year. Perodua\u2019s best-selling model for the period would be the Bezza followed by the Myvi and the all-new Axia.\nRELATED: \nPerodua Axia E manual updated for 2023 with RM2K reduction, still no ABS, EBD, ESC \u2013 RM22,000"
"The Datsun CROSS was recently introduced in the Indonesian market, making it the third model introduced locally and the sixth new Datsun on a global scale.\nThe Datsun CROSS is powered by a lightweight and highly responsive 1.2-liter engine with a mere \n78 hp\n and \n104 Nm\n of torque. The lack of punch is offset by the availability of a manual transmission along with the option for a X-Tronic CVT.\nOn the outside, it comes with protective body cladding and extensive underbody protection guarding against possible damage from debris and other objects.\nOther notable equipment includes signature LED daytime running lights, automatic projector headlamps, 15-inch wheels and a roof rail that can accommodate up to 30 kg of cargo.\nInside, the CROSS\u2019 black interior is clad in fabric, with a honeycomb pattern and silver stitching. It\u2019s 5+2 seating configuration meant that the two extra seats in the third row can be folded away when not needed \u2013 freeing up more boot space.\nSafety wise, \nABS\n, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control and brake-limited slip differential are standard along with limited dual front airbags.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The hotly-contested \u2018world\u2019s fastest production vehicle\u2019 title has exchanged hands once again. On October 10 along a 11 km stretch of blocked-off tarmac on the State Route 160 just outside of Las Vegas, the SSC Tuatara piloted by racing driver Oliver Webb managed to set a two-way average speed of \n508.73 km/h\n (316.11 mph), annihilating the previous record of 447.19 km (277.87 mph) held by the \nKoenigsegg Agera RS\n.\nYou may recall a certain \nBugatti Chiron\n managing to \nbreak the magical 300 mph\n figure last year. There were a lot of debate whether it should be given the title of the world\u2019s fastest production vehicle, as it did not meet the official criteria \u2013 by running the same route in both directions, among others \u2013 for the record to be counted. Either way, it doesn\u2019t really matter now.\n \nThe average speed \u2013 which is the official record figure \u2013 does not tell the entire story too. During its two consecutive high-speed test runs, the SSC Tuatara actually reached a \nVMax of 532.93 km/h\n (331.15 mph), and driver Oliver Webb even says that there\u2019s still more speed left in the car.\n\u201cAs I approached 331 mph, the Tuatara climbed almost 20 mph within the last five seconds. It was still pulling well. As I told Jerod, the car wasn\u2019t running out of steam yet. The crosswinds are all that prevented us from realizing the car\u2019s limit.\u201d\nAside from the world\u2019s fastest production vehicle title, the SSC Tuatara also managed to improve additional speed records, previously held by the Agera RS. These include the \u201cFastest Flying Mile on a Public Road\u201d at 503.92 km/h (313.12 mph), \u201cFastest Flying Kilometre on a Public Road\u201d at 517.16 km/h (321.35 mph), and \u201cHighest Speed Achieved on a Public Road\u201d at 532.93 km/h (331.15 mph).\nThe complete attempt organised by SSC was also done in accordance to the official criteria for the record, which meant the Tuatara had to be a production vehicle identical to one that could be purchased by a customer with street tires and non-race fuel, driven on a public road in two opposite directions (within an hour), and have the speed tracked and averaged by a GPS measurement tool, verified by the on-site world record sanctioned officials.\nThis was not SSC North America\u2019s first attempt at the coveted world\u2019s fastest production car title. The boutique marquee previously held the record from 2007 to 2010 with its first production model, the Ultimate Aero. SSC CEO, Jerod Shelby said, \u201cWe came pretty close to meeting the theoretical numbers, which is astonishing to do in a real world setting on a public road. America\u2019s new claim to victory in the \u2018land-based space race\u2019 is going to be tough to beat.\u201d\nIt\u2019s not like other\u2019s won\u2019t try, though. Koenigsegg will certainly strike back \u2013 or at least try \u2013 with their \nJesko Absolut\n, while there\u2019s also the \nHennessey Venom F5\n lurking around the corner. Bugatti meanwhile, has already officially retired from the race for top speed, so at least there\u2019ll be one less contender.\nThe main contributor to the SSC Tuatara\u2019s title is the twin-turbo 5.9-liter V8 flat-plane crank engine that makes \n1,750 hp\n when fed with E85 ethanol, or \n1,350 hp\n when powered by regular petrol. The V8 mill is mounted in the middle, and the whole car weighs just 1,247 kg dry, and boasts a drag coefficient of 0.279.\nProduction of the SSC Tuatara is capped at 100 cars and customer deliveries are underway, with pricing kicking off at USD1.6 million and maxing out at USD1.9 million for the fully kitted-out variant with the High Downforce Track Pack.\nGALLERY"
"For the very well-heeled, their Monday blues is the inability to decide between driving a \nMercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet\n\u00a0or the\u00a0\nRolls-Royce Dawn\n\u00a0to work. The three-starred grand tourer may be a show stopper, but being cocooned by the Flying Lady seems like a more\u00a0luxurious affair. If only money can buy the best of both worlds.\nWell, worry no more. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s ultra-luxury arm Maybach, has teased the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet that is set to debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Motor Show on 16 November. Based on a short video shared onto Mercedes-Benz\u2019s social media page, the S650 Cabriolet will be \nlimited to 300 units\n and appears to receive a wide range of\u00a0upgrades, of which is based on the\u00a0S-Class Cabriolet, of course.\nFor starters, the signature Maybach badge will be featured around the exterior of the car as well as chrome touches at the front bumper. The interior of the S650 Cabriolet appears to feature Burmester sound system and leather seats of a unique design. Just atop an enclosure built into the centre console are the words Maybach and the build number \u2013 further proof that only 300 of this ultra-luxury car will ever be made.\nNo mention on the powertrain here, but the standard S65 Cabriolet gets a 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 with \n630 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n. Mercedes-Benz revealed that the S650 Cabriolet is capable of returning 12 litres per 100km and emits 272 grams of CO2 per km.\nWatch this space as we bring you more updates on the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet come 16 November 2016!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s no secret that UMW Toyota Motor is working on locally-assembled (CKD) hybrid models here in Malaysia, having recently announced a\n RM270 million investment\n into upgrading its assembly lines. However, it seems like the company is finally ready to show off the fruits of their labour, according to a cryptic invitation released today.\nThe news release for the invitation is filled with the usual marketing buzzwords, including \u201clife-changing\u201d and \u201cexperience tomorrow, today\u201d. There were no mention of \u201celectrification\u201d or \u201chybrid\u201d anywhere in the copy, but the highlight on \u201csilence\u201d, \u201cenergy\u201d, and \u201cpower\u201d certainly points towards that direction.\n\u201cAt the risk of not revealing too much, let me just say we will be making a detailed announcement about this very soon, and it will have a big impact on not only the brand but the industry as a whole, and the lifestyle as well as choices that we have become so accustomed to,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.\nHe further reaffirmed Toyota\u2019s global commitment to achieve its goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050. Along with the text \u201czero fuel consumption and carbon emissions\u201d on the accompanying images, it\u2019s pretty much a given that whatever they\u2019re about to announce will be related to electrification.\nToyota has sold over 15 million hybrid vehicles globally. Learn more about it here.\nUMW Toyota has not announced which of its models will be given the hybrid treatment here in Malaysia just yet, but if we had to make an educated guess, we\u2019ll say that the \nCorolla Cross Hybrid\n will be one of the first electrified models here in Malaysia.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross has already been confirmed for local assembly earlier this year, so adapting the assembly line for a new powertrain option seems logical.\nCheck out our quick driving review of the non-hybrid Toyota Corolla Cross here!\nOther possibilities include the \nToyota Corolla Hybrid\n, which has already been spotted undergoing testing here in Malaysia as far back as 2019.\nThe \nToyota Camry Hybrid\n (in its previous generation) was also previously available as a CKD model here in Malaysia, so we won\u2019t be surprised to see it being introduced here as part of the \nfacelift line-up\n.\n\u201cThe availability of tomorrow\u2019s possibilities today will quickly transform Malaysia\u2019s economic and social landscape. The way forward is to commit and push ahead, even if it means breaking boundaries and challenging conventional ways,\u201d added UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\nWhatever it is, be sure to keep an eye out on the \n27th of September\n, as it\u2019ll likely change the Toyota brand here in Malaysia moving forward."
"For those mad enough to track their precious McLaren 720S, the British sports car maker is now offering a Track Pack for the Super Series model.\nFor the exterior, the Track Pack includes super lightweight 10-spoke forged alloy wheels, MSO carbon fibre active rear spoiler and a Sports exhaust.   Inside the teardrop cabin, a pair of body-hugging lightweight carbon fibre racing seats with 6-point harnesses take centre stage, accompanied by MSO carbon fibre extended paddle shifters, and an Alcantara steering wheel and an impressive carbon fibre monocage.\nMore importantly, the Track Pack also adds a Track setting to the list of drive modes to intensify the immediacy of the throttle and steering response. The gizmos offered also includes the\u00a0McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) system that uses three video cameras built into the car and advanced data-logging software for drivers to monitor their performance.\nThe MTT also offers a range of real-time data such as lap times, sector splits and driver comparisons as well as video footages to spot missed apexes and premature or delayed braking points.\nThe Track Pack adds \u00a328,360 (approx. RM153k) to the 720S\u2019 asking price but subtracts a total of 24 kg from the total weight of the standard car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Wheelcorp Premium, one of the largest BMW dealers in Malaysia today announced the Wheelcorp Premium Driving Circuit, a first of its kind in Malaysia. This purpose-built track is aimed to provide customers and potential buyers of BMW, MINI and xDrive a facility to experience the dynamics of the brand.\nOfficiated at the Setia Alam Wheelcorp BMW dealership, the track is a perfect complement to the 4S dealership. In addition to the showrooms, service centre, BMW M performance section and BMW premium selection, the 100-meter closed circuit and xDrive gravel\u00a0trail\u00a0will allow all customers to experience the makings of\u00a0Sheer Driving Pleasure.\nThe 100m closed gravel circuit is designed to demonstrate BMW and MINI vehicles\u2019 dynamic handling performance in both dry and wet conditions. In addition to that, the main purpose of the circuit is to allow drivers a safe environment to \nexecute total control\n over their cars under extreme and life threatening situations. Therefore, the short 100m circuit is not to be underestimated. It is comprised of a variety of agility, braking and car coordination exercises.\nFor the xDrive models, pitting them against the other models on the driving circuit is not going to do the highly capable\n xDrive system\n justice. A separate purpose built track that simulates \nextreme off-road conditions\n is ready to put the xDrive system to its pace. The BMW xDrive Experience circuit consists of muddy and rugged terrains, side slope challenge as well as hill climb and hill descent stages.   THE DRIVE\nDuring the media test drive, Matthew and I had a go at the Premium Circuit in the \nBMW 120i\n. An instructor was present to walk us through the circuit. Even though the course is a short 100m, it consists of tricky turns with zig-zag manoeuvres, hairpin turns and S-corners. This allowed for a very comprehensive test of the car\u2019s handling, braking and acceleration capabilities. The 120i is indeed impressive but I was more intrigued with the circuit.\nI was able to stretch the 120i\u00a0enough to experience not only its driving dynamics but also the \nDynamic Traction Control\n kicking in when the rear-wheels struggles to find grip. If you want to get a taste of how a BMW and MINI performs at their limits, one lap around the Wheelcorp Premium Circuit will suffice.\u00a0Although I wished I had a chance in the \nMINI Cooper S\n.   Next up at the xDrive Experience challenge, I was placed in a \nBMW X3 xDrive20i\n to tackle the beat up terrain. Another industry colleague piloted the first lap while I anxiously wait for mine but watching him go, I was more horrified than excited. Watching the X3\u2019s wheels submerge into the mud and one wheel hanging in mid air against the slope was quite a terrifying but magnificent sight to behold.\nHere goes nothing. The first stage was driving through a muddy stretch. To my surprise, the X3 was not struggling hard for grip. Instead it sailed through the mud very smoothly and we were out in no time. Next up, the rugged terrain stage demonstrated the car\u2019s pliable suspension that soaked up undulations very nicely.\nAfter witnessing all the other attempts on the side slope stage, I trusted the X3\u2019s low centre of gravity and xDrive system to not topple over. Even with one wheel off the ground and leaning at a \n21-degree incline\n (according to the on-board xDrive monitor), the SUV held its ground well without breaking a sweat.\n \n \nAt the hill ascent and descent stage, we experienced the car\u2019s hill-hold, hill-start assist and hill-descend control. Lastly at the bunkers stage, we witnessed how the xDrive distributes torque to each individual wheel when it comes to a raised, uneven surface. There is also \na mirror\n placed at the side of the circuit for us to watch how the individual wheels react when it is raised in the air.\nOverall, both the circuits are designed with a clear purpose in mind \u2013 for drivers to experience BMW and MINI do what they do best. This circuit complements the Wheelcorp\u2019s facility perfectly not only as an extended test drive track, but a full BMW & MINI experience. \nNew owners of BMW and MINI vehicles from Wheelcorp Premium will be delighted to know that their purchase entitles them to a Safety and Defensive Driving Course at this very circuit.\nIn addition to that, Wheelcorp Premium will be organising a Weekend Sales event at \nWheelcorp Premium Setia Alam\n from 23 to 25 September 2016 (that\u2019s this weekend) to celebrate the opening of the circuit. For every purchase of a BMW or MINI during the event, new owners will receive a \n12-month complimentary fuel\n from Shell Malaysia.\nDuring the same weekend, the Compact Performance Drive, BMW xDrive Experience and MINI Driving Experience sessions will be held at the Wheelcorp Premium Circuit as well. Only four sessions will be held a day and it is only open to current BMW and MINI owners. Owners can register for the session by calling +6011 1782 5060.\nThe new Wheelcorp Premium Driving Circuit is supported by BMW Group Malaysia, BMW Credit Malaysia, Allianz Malaysia Berhad and GoodYear Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The S90 being as accomplished as it is, is a wildcard for those looking for a BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.\nThat\u2019s because if you\u2019re looking for luxury, it\u2019s hard to turn away from the Mercedes\u2019. If sheer driving pleasure is concerned, there\u2019s probably only one company that makes ultimate driving machines.\nBut if safety is the main priority, there\u2019s only one direction to look at. As much as the S90 lacks just a tad of the Mercedes flair and the driving pleasure a BMW exudes, it\u2019s hard to not feel like it\u2019s the safest thing out there.\n \nAnd it was easier to shy away from them before when they looked like stacked shoe boxes but times have changed for Volvo. They\u2019ve now been groomed to draw divided opinion when parked next to an equivalent BMW or Mercedes-Benz.\nIt won\u2019t have many jumping on it, but unlike the old Volvos you\u2019ll see in this video, this one\u2019s got the looks to draw some attention and get the curious cats to come poke around.\nThe fact that there is \nonly a RM10k difference between the S90 T5 and the 520i Luxury Line for example\n, a car we consider to be \nthe ruler of this territory\n, it makes decision-making an even harder task.\nHow would you choose?"
"This is it, the all-new \nthird generation Ford Focus RS\n, also the most extreme Focus to roll out of the model line to date. It\u2019s introduced under the Ford Performance banner as part of a programme to produce \n12 new high performance\n models by the year 2020.\nPictures sourced from \nAutoexpress.co.uk\nIts powertrain is expected to be derived from the \nFord Mustang\u2019s\n \nEcoBoost\u00a02.3-litre turbocharged\n four cylinder engine, while paired to a \nsix-speed manual\n or a six-speed \ndual clutch transmission\n. The engine is rumoured to produce more than \n330 horsepower\n and torque over the \n440 Nm\n mark, although no official figures have been released so far.\nIf those are indeed the numbers to go with the Focus RS, then we can expect some serious competition in the high performance hot hatch arena, taking on the likes of \nMercedes A45 AMG\n and \nVolkswagen Mk7\u00a0Golf R\n.\nFour wheel drive is unlikely, though the RS is said to be\u00a0\nfront wheel driven\n\u00a0with Ford\u2019s intelligent RevoKnuckle torque steer-reducing front suspension system. Its exterior look remains largely the same as the current Focus ST, save for some RS-specific features such as the more aggressive front bumper, now with more air intakes including the presumable brake cooling ducts.\nThe wheels will definitely be larger and wrapped with fatter tyres, while its rear styling sports dual exhaust pipes and a redesigned bumper and diffuser, the latter hinting at the adoption of a flat underbody for better aerodynamics. Like the ST variant, the Focus may only be offered in a \nfive-door configuration\n.\nThe car has been seen lapping the\u00a0\nN\u00fcrburgring\n\u00a0and near the brand\u2019s headquarters in Dearborn, just outside Detroit. Speaking of which, the RS is expected to make its world debut as early as next year. We\u2019re guessing it will make its appearance at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show next month. Watch this space for the latest updates on the Focus RS, then!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is not just transitioning their passenger cars to fully electric. The \nConcept EQT\n is the latest electric vehicle (EV) under the EQ banner by Mercedes-Benz and it is a van with sliding doors.\nThe EQT is based on the newly-developed T-Class \nvan platform\n that will be offered in both commercial (panel van) under the Citan name and private (multi-seat van) configuration and design. Mercedes-Benz calls it T-Class as the letter T stands for efficient room concepts.\nMeasuring 4,945 mm in length and 1,863 mm in width, the Concept EQT is similar in size to the \nToyota Alphard-Vellfire\n twins and the super luxurious \nLexus LM 350\n. No mention of the wheelbase, which is 3,000 mm in the popular Japanese premium MPV. As such, the T-Class is labelled as a small van, while the \nV-Class\n that was available in Malaysia is a midsize van.\nThe characteristic black panel front with LED headlights flows seamlessly from the bonnet and gleams with a star pattern on probably Mercedes-Benz\u2019 largest front grille. \u00a0At the rear, the taillamp cluster (resembling the now-discontinued \nX-Class\n pick-up truck) is connected by a LED strip, a signature that was first used in the brand-premiering \nMercedes-Benz EQC\n. The wheels on this concept measure 21 inches, larger than Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV.\nChief Design Officer Daimler Group, Gorden Wagener, said, \u201cOur Concept EQT shows a new holistic van design according to our design philosophy of \u201cSensual Purity\u201d. Sensuous shapes, elegant trims and sustainable materials show that this van clearly belongs to our Mercedes EQ family,\u201d\nThe new Mercedes-Benz T-Class offers a large amount of space and is suited to a range of different uses, including passenger transportation as a reference within sharing services \u2013 all while not compromising on comfort. The wide-opening \nsliding doors\n on both the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle as an example allow easy and comfortable access to the interior, especially into the third row.\nIn the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQT, the second-row seat fits three, and the company says there is plenty of space to \nfit three child seats\n. In the third row meanwhile are two full-sized seats, unlike the \nMercedes-Benz EQB\n which has smaller seats designed for occupants under 1.65 metres tall.\nIf more space is required, the third-row seats can be folded or removed completely, leaving sufficient space for a pram, a transport box for dogs and other leisure equipment.\nAdditional storage space is also provided under the luggage floor through a double-floor compartment and this concept vehicle is fitted with an electric longboard.\n\u201cThe Concept EQT gives an outlook on how space and maximum variability can also be combined with stylish comfort in the small van segment. Our future T-Class is a true multi-talent and with it we will attract new customer groups and grow sustainably,\u201d says Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.\nThere is no mention of the powertrain fitted in the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQT, but expect to be better than the larger Mercedes-Benz EQV 300. The midsize van that is modified from a combustion engine platform (V-Class) has modest peak outputs of 204 hp and 362 Nm of torque. With a battery energy storage capacity of 90 kWh thanks to the long wheelbase, the range of the EQV 300 is 418 km.\nMercedes-Benz EQT Concept\nMercedes-Benz EQV 300\nAs such, the Mercedes-Benz EQT will be the \nsixth\n model in the fully-electric \nMercedes-EQ family\n, after debuting the EQC, then the \ncompact EQA\n and the launches of the \nEQS limousine\n and EQB SUV last month.\nGALLERY"
"Unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in early March, the Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo finally goes on sale in the UK. Dubbed as the world\u2019s fastest four-door production car, Alpina took the B7 even further in the mere five months since its world premiere \u2013 more power and 205 mph (330 km/h) top speed.\nAt Geneva, the beefed up 7 Series was expected to push out\u00a0\n600 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque from its 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8. That figure has swelled ever so slightly to \n608 hp\n while torque remains the same. However, with\n just eight extra horses\n, unrestricted top speed is raised from 311 km/h to a staggering\u00a0\n330 km/h\n! Earning the Alpina B7 the right to join the prestigious 200-mph club.\nUK bound B7\u2019s are driven exclusively by the rear-wheels and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n. Alpina has worked together with ZF on strengthening the eight-speed automatic transmission with additional cooling, strengthened gear clusters and a larger torque converter. As a result, the revised transmission is able to withstand the immense torque from the V8 engine over the lifespan of the car.\nOther performance enhancing equipment includes air suspension (-20 mm ride height in ALPINA Sport+), Active Roll Stabilisation, \nALPINA-tuned active rear steering\n (turns the rear wheels up to three degrees), recalibrated variable ratio electric steering and increased wheel camber. All these helps the two tonne business saloon to carry its own weight with poise around the bends.   Alpina did not go all out with the design, keeping the elegance we all know and love of the \nG12 7 Series\n. Some Alpina touches include a revised bumper that helps channel more air into the engine bay, 20-inch ALPINA Classic 20-spoke forged alloys (21-inch are optional), Alpina brakes calipers painted in blue, aerodynamically-optimised rear bumper as well as B7 badging on the door panels. Other non-visible cues are the \u00a0A-, B-, C-pillars, transmission tunnel and windscreen header made out of\u00a0\ncarbon fibre composite\n.\nInside, the cabin remains largely untouched except for the Alpina steering wheel badge, Alpina illuminated door sills and Alpina Blue mood lighting. Standard equipment on UK-market cars includes high-end Nappa leather, leather-draped instrument panel, ceramic finishes on control buttons, soft close doors, full-colour Heads-Up Display and rear-view camera.\nPrices for the Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo starts from \n\u00a3115,000 (RM651k)\n and comes with a 3-Years or 120,000-mile BMW-endorsed warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Fully uncovered videos like this rarely occur, so this could well be staged or just a lack of security at the shooting location. Right after unveiling the \n2023 Mazda CX-50\n for the North American market, a video has emerged on Youtube revealing the upcoming Mazda CX-60.\nUploaded by \nCSK Review Channel\n, the pair of completely undisguised new Mazda CX-60 in white and red were caught in action for a production of a commercial or internal company video. Design-wise, the front resembles all current-generation Mazda designs, with a large grille and wings that flow into the headlamps.\nWhen viewed from the side, the window surround and D-pillar strongly follow the form of the latest Mazda CX-50. The body-coloured wheel arches and lower body panels remind of us the \nfacelifted Mazda CX-5.\n However, a point of interest is the size of the front fender and the accompanying decorative trim.\nMazda, together with Subaru and Toyota are teaming up to keep the combustion engines relevant across the globe. Find out how here!\nMazda CX-9, Front drive\nBMW X3, Rear drive\nMazda CX-60\nNotice the gap on the CX-60\u2019s fender, much longer than even the CX-9\nThe distance between the front wheels to the front doors look a lot longer than the existing SUV models, even compared to the larger \nMazda CX-8\n and \nCX-9\n models. Analysis by \ndrive.com.au\n pointed out that this longer \u2018axle-to-dash\u2019 ratio confirms that the powertrain is mounted longitudinally or front-to-rear, as seen in key rear-wheel drive vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.\nApart from switching to a predominantly rear-wheel drive powertrain layout, Mazda has also earmarked their \nnew six-cylinder\n petrol and diesel engines with electrification for this new range of \nlarge SUVs\n that are made up of two-row (CX-60) and three-row (CX-80) interior spaces, with the North American market having wider designs (CX-70 and CX-90 respectively).\nLooking at how complete the vehicles are in the video shoot, the preview of the new Mazda CX-60 could be as soon as spring of 2022 in at least the European market.\nNote: The video by CSK Review has been taken down\n."
"As we approach the end of 2022, it seems the all-electric \nOra Good Cat\n will deliver its promise of launching in Malaysia this year. If the car\u2019s name sounds familiar, that\u2019s because the Ora Good cat has been spied on several occasions and was previewed in July.\nThis week during a media drive, \nGreat Wall Motor Malaysia\n announced that the Ora Good Cat will be launched in November. Sources close to the matter say that three variants will be offered, namely the \u201cTech\u201d, \u201cPro\u201d, and \u201cUltra\u201d.\nThe \u201cPro\u201d and \u201cUltra\u201d will be launched first, with an estimated price between \nRM150,000\n to \nRM 180,000\n. The base-spec \u201cTech\u201d variant will follow after, and it could be priced below RM 150,000.\nBefore we go on, let us first give you an idea of the size of the Ora Good Cat. Although its curves and looks are adorable, the Good Cat is bigger than it looks in the pictures. Measuring 4,235 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, 1,596 mm tall, and with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, the Ora Good Cat is about the size of a \nProton X50\n (4,330 mm length, 1,800 mm width, 1,609 mm height, 2,600 mm wheelbase).\nNow, onto the variants. Both the \u201cTech\u201d and \u201cPro\u201d have an all-electric NEDC range of 400km. Over in Thailand, they are called the \u201c400 Tech\u201d and \u201c400 Pro\u201d, reflecting their electric (NEDC) range. The battery in use is a \n47.788-kWh \nlithium-ion phosphate battery pack.\nCapable of more range is the \u201cUltra\u201d variant which is known as the \u201c500 Ultra\u201d in Thailand. As you can guess from its name, the Ora Good Cat Ultra has an electric range of 500 km (NEDC). This is thanks to a larger \n63.139-kWh\n ternary lithium battery pack.\nRELATED: \nNot yet launched in Malaysia, the Ora Good Cat leads EV sales in Thailand\nAll three versions of the Ora Good Cat get an electric motor that churns out \n143 hp\n (metric) and \n210 Nm\n that sends all power to the front wheels. There is a more powerful version called the Ora Good Cat GT that makes 171 hp (metric) and 250 Nm, but there is no hint of that coming to Malaysia soon.\nAs for charging, the \u201cTech\u201d and \u201cPro\u201d Ora Good Cat take \n8 hours \nto charge from 0 to 100% via AC charging and \n46 minutes\n to charge from 0 to 80% via DC fast charging. The \u201cUltra\u201d variant charges from 0 to 100% in \n10 hours\n via AC charging and takes \n60 minutes\n to charge from 0 to 80% with DC fast charging.\nALSO WATCH: \nOra Good Cat EV by GWM now in Malaysia, First Look\nDesign-wise, the Ora Good Cat has a unisex appeal to it and has a rather distinctive bulbous appearance. If you\u2019re loving the look of it, you might want to thank the Good Cat\u2019s designer, Emanuel Derta, who is a former \nPorsche\n \ndesigner. Both the \u201cPro\u201d and \u201cUltra\u201d sit on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/50 R18 tyres. The Thai-spec \u201cTech\u201d variant gets 17-inch wheels.\nAs for colours, the Ora Good Cat is available in both dual-tone and single-tone schemes. Single-tone schemes include:\n\u2018Hamilton White\u2019\n\u2018Sun Black\u2019\n\u2018Coral Blue\u2019.\nDual-tone options include:\n\u2018Mars Red with Black Roof\u2019\n\u2018Hamilton White with Black roof\u2019\n\u2018Verdant Green & Hamilton White Roof\u2019 (Ultra only)\n\u2018Hazel Wood beige & Wisdom Brown Roof\u2019 (Ultra only)\nRELATED: \nGreat Wall Motor officially returns to Malaysia, Ora Good Cat EV previewed ahead of launch\nOn the inside, the Ora Good Cat gets a futuristic-looking cabin with funky-coloured upholstery, a panoramic roof and a large 17.25-inch digital display spanning halfway across the dashboard (10.25-inch infotainment screen & 7-inch digital cluster). There is also an array of options for interior colour schemes.\nSafety-wise, the range-topping Ora Good Cat should offer Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC & S&G), Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA).\nAlso equipped are Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Intelligent Dodge, Road Condition Intelligent Speed Limit, Lane Change Assist (LCA), Intelligent Cruise Assistance, Intelligent Cornering Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Further information on specs will be announced upon launch.\nGALLERY"
"Porsche, through official distributor Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), has launched the hottest 911 to date \u2013 the \nPorsche 911 GT3 RS\n. The fifth-generation 991 now sits at the top of the 911 range with a base price of RM1.75 million. That excludes insurance and road tax, mind you.\nAs expected of the RS badge, this particular 911 has about \n80 percent\n the downforce of a GT3 Cup racing car. In pursuit of lightweight and quicker lap times, the GT3 RS now comes with a \nmagnesium roof\n. Its engine and luggage compartment lids are now made of carbon fibre \u2013 making it 10 kg lighter than the \n911 GT3\n.\n \nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche 911 GT3 RS\nSegment\nGT3 spec sports car\nEngine\n4.0-litre direct injection boxer engine\nMax Power\n500 hp @ 8,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n460 Nm @ 6,250 rpm\nBase Price\nRM 1,750,000.00\nEXTERIOR\nNow, it\u2019s worth noting that the GT3 RS blazed through the Nurburgring with a lap time of \n7 minutes 20 seconds\n \u2013 that\u2019s almost 9 seconds quicker than the Carrera GT! Two of the major contributing factors towards the lap time are of course the powertrain (more on that below) and downforce. Lots of it. In fact, this 911 GT3 RS makes more downforce at 200 km/h than the previous model did at 300 km/h!   Besides the lightweight materials, the 911 Turbo-based track machine gets a \nunique front spoiler\n, \nhuge rear wing\n and side air intakes for better ram-air effect. It also shares the wheels and tyres (wider track width to aid grip) of the \n918 Spyder\n, steering wheel and brakes. Because the tyres are so huge, getting the tyres to fit snugly within the wheel arches was one of the key challenges in completing the car.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the GT3 RS is largely similar to that of the GT3, featuring generous use of \nAlcantara\n. It gets an entirely\n new racing bucket seats\n, and yes, the seats are also based on the carbon fibre bucket seats of the 918 Spyder.   Other standard features here include the\n Club Sport Package\n that gives you a \nbolt-on roll cage\n, battery master switch and a separately provided \nsix-point safety harness\n for the driver. Also provided with the GT3 RS is a\n fire extinguisher\n housed firmly in its mounting bracket.\nCustomers wanting more can opt for the \nSport Chrono Package\n that gives you a factory-fitted timer. What this does is, when paired to the Track Precision App on your smartphone, it precisely measures lap times via GPS and logs the data onto your phone. Driving parameters such as vehicle speed, lateral acceleration and deceleration, as well as driving direction.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the GT3 RS is a \ndirect injected 4.0-litre flat six engine\n that makes \n500 horsepower\n at 8,250 rpm and\n 460 Nm\n of torque at 6,250 rpm. The engine is basically the same 3.8-litre unit that drives the GT3, but here it gets a\n slightly longer stroke\n, giving you that ever-so-important power increase of 25 hp.\nTransmission choice is the sole but highly revered \nPDK gearbox\n, and sends all the power to the \nrear wheels\n. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just \n3.3 seconds\n, and by the time you hit 200 km/h at full gun, only 10.9 seconds passed. Fuel consumption is rated at\n 12.7 litres per 100 km\n, but this, you don\u2019t care.\nAnother couple of interesting features to take note of is the \u201cpaddle neutral\u201d function that is similar to pressing the clutch on a manual gearbox. And then there\u2019s the \nPit Speed button\n which lets you limit your speed at the track. Nifty, but a welcoming feature nonetheless.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe base price for this 911 GT3 RS starts \nfrom RM1.75 million\n, and packaged along with your purchase is a\n 4-year factory warranty\n. That\u2019s not even inclusive of registration fee, road tax, insurance and the long list of accessories! However, at press time, over 20 units of the GT3 RS have been sold.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019s a saying that goes \u201cbe careful of what you wish for because you just might get it\u201d. Someone out there must have wished that the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG could use some extra power, because the red car you see here is exactly what that bloody person wished for \u2013 an A 45 with more grunt. Mind you, since its debut in 2013, the A 45 already has the world\u2019s most powerful series production four-cylinder turbo under its bonnet, and now it packs an even bigger punch than before.\nPreposterous? Absolutely. But why wouldn\u2019t it be, since the A 45 has always been special for AMG because it was the result of their maiden effort at building a hot hatch. Fans weren\u2019t quite sure when AMG first announced about the project, fearing it might dilute the brand usually associated with big screaming V8s. Fortunately, the A 45 became another success story for AMG and gained a cult-like following among petrolheads. Not bad for a first attempt, eh?\nThis rejuvenated A 45 is part of the \nupdated W176 A-Class range\n which brings styling tweaks, additional driving modes and a reprogrammed transmission; and it even gets its name changed from Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG to \nMercedes-AMG A 45\n. However, one thing remains unchanged is that the A 45 continues to be the brawniest compact hatch around, beating rivals with bigger engines such as the \nAudi RS 3 Sportback\n, \nFord Focus RS\n, and the \nBMW M140i\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC\n \nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\nAMG Speedshift DCT, 7-speed\u00a0dual-clutch\nMax Power\n381 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n475\u00a0Nm @ 2,250 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM348,888\nThe previous A 45 sold by the dozens here despite the fact one could get a \nmuch bigger Benz\n for less amount of moolah. The new one costs about the same as before, which is far from affordable to us Average Joes, but perhaps it\u2019s easier to stomach the fact that it\u2019s the cheapest offering in the AMG stable. We\u2019re not talking AMG Line here but the \nfull-blown AMG\n, and don\u2019t forget that it\u2019s now quicker and more powerful than ever.\nEXTERIOR\nSimilar to the rest of the \nfacelifted W176 range\n, the A 45 gets minor styling makeover which brings new \nfront and rear LED lights\n and a new set of bumpers. Other than that, it\u2019s pretty much the same as the previous A 45. The glitzy diamond grille on the standard A-Class has been substituted by an AMG-specific twin louvre\u00a0setup, the bumpers are much more aggressive, and the wheels are \n19-inch\n multi spoke AMG items are wrapped in 235/35 R19 rubbers.   To the disappointment of some, the new batch of the A 45 no longer sports the conspicuous Edition 1 livery, but that\u2019s nothing that a local sticker shop can\u2019t do nowadays. Although the Malaysian cars still get the \nAero pack\n fitted as standard, I reckon the kit is more than enough to differentiate the A 45 from the lesser models.\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned in the \nA 250 Sport review\n, I\u2019m not a fan of the A-Class\u2019 looks but I must admit that AMG has turned it into a real \nbadass\n. It looks meanest where it matters most, which is the back, because that\u2019s the view the majority of people are going to see on the highways. Those rhombus fake pipes still split opinions, but the devilish wing and the razor-edged diffuser combo means serious business they\u2019re bordering on illegal. Subtle? Far from it.\nINTERIOR\nIf you thought the A 250 Sport\u2019s interior was sporty, the A 45\u2019s is, well, sportier than that. It\u2019s essentially the same cabin with its black and red theme, and unfortunately it also means it inherits the inconsistent build quality.   Anyhow, AMG has cranked up the sport dial to 11 in the A 45. They\u2019ve thrown out the front seats and replaced them with a pair of multi adjustable \nRecaro buckets\n, and the flat bottomed steering wheel with shift paddles is nicked from the \nAMG GT\n supercar. Through the steering wheel you\u2019ll discover that the speedometer now maxes at 320 km/h, and AMG has sneaked in a lap timer in the multifunction display located between the dials.\nThe column mounted shifter has migrated back to the center console with a bespoke leather-topped AMG-stamped lever, and apart from the standard rotary knob for the \nCOMAND\u00a0infotainment system\n there\u2019s another one near the gear lever to select the driving mode. Take a gander at the row of buttons on the dash and you\u2019ll spot a button with a tailpipe symbol on it. That\u2019s actually the \u201cpeacock strut\u201d button.   Everything else is the typical A-Class affair, where most of the stuff that you find in the A 250 are here but with a few extra kit thrown in, such as the \nleather covered dash\n with matching red stitching (sexy), \nauto climate control\n (handy) and \nheated seats\n (pointless). It\u2019s not spacious but it\u2019s practical, so you still get\u00a0\nIsofix mounts\n, rear aircond vents, the \n60/40 split folding rear seats\n, and a boot that will accommodate \n341 litres\n worth of cargo.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe turbocharged \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n M270 has been thoroughly reworked until it received a new codename, the \nM133\n. Nicknamed \u201cThe Beast\u201d for obvious reasons, the engineers could\u2019ve just chilled out at the local pub since no other engines with similar configuration comes close to the M133\u2019s output figures.\nBut that\u2019s not how they roll. The good guys at AMG worked the extra hour to release an extra 21 hp and 25 Nm from the engine, making it a total of \n381 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n while retaining an average fuel consumption of \n6.9L/100km\n. Funnily enough, for such a powerful engine, the bonnet is devoid of any holes or vents. Makes me wonder why would anyone think their B-segment hatch needs bonnet vents. Just saying.\nThe \nseven-speed AMG SpeedShift\n dual-clutch gearbox gets revised gear ratios from third to seventh and quicker shifts to improve acceleration. Getting to \n100km/h from standstill\n takes \n4.2 seconds\n, which is 0.4 seconds quicker than before, although the \ntop speed\n is still \nlimited to 250km/h\n. Drive is mainly sent to the front wheels, but the \n4MATIC\u00a0all-wheel drive system\n can divert up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels when needed.\nBut wait, there\u2019s more. Malaysian cars get the \nAMG Dynamic Plus package\n fitted as standard, consisting of front axle differential lock, sports suspension, and the balls-out \nRace mode\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nIf those performance figures didn\u2019t get you salivating, maybe the noise will. It\u2019s a complete cacophony ensemble of throaty rudeness that would make hair stand on end. Cold starts in the morning might irritate your neighbours, and they will hate you more when you come home late at night farting away on every upshifts. Then there\u2019s that \u201cpeacock strut\u201d button which will basically announce your arrival with crackles and pops on the overrun. If you want a quiet cruise in the A 45, you\u2019re not going to get it. Sorry.\nLike the A 250, you can\u2019t cruise the A 45 in a leisurely manner with its taut suspension. In fact, the A 45 is less forgiving compared to its non-AMG siblings. You can try to convince yourself by twirling the knob to Comfort but in reality the different driving modes do very little in altering the damping characteristics; a \nMk7 Golf R\n this is not. Rough roads translate to cabin tremors, so avoid potholes at all costs. Despite that and the weighty but direct steering, the A 45 does an okay job for city driving, but most of the time it feels like a wild animal in the city trying to escape the crowded surroundings.\nAs soon as it sees a tiny glimmer of opportunity, it will want to break free, and when it does, my God the A 45 is quick. The way it builds up speed is like nothing else in its class, and it does that with little effort. The M133 is a gem, there\u2019s loads of torque down low, yet power is linearly spread once you get past the very brief spool (turbo lag). It feels very much like a naturally-aspirated engine that loves to be revved. The seven-speed \u2018box responds to your command like an obedient Border Collie, swapping cogs swiftly without hesitating. Rarely you will see anything less than three digits on the speedometer unless you\u2019re in a heavy traffic, and on the highways the A 45 will make a mincemeat out of most cars.\nIt feels even quicker on the backroads. When I drove the \nA 250 Sport\n I pondered, why would the A-Class require all-wheel drive, because traction was never an issue in the first place? But with 4MATIC, the A 45 devours every corner with ravenous appetite. Although it still feels nose-heavy most of the time, there\u2019s that typical initial understeery moment in mid corner that might prompt you to lift-off in an effort to correct your line, but the 4MATIC\u00a0and front locking diff will instill confidence, so just throttle away. Couple that with direct steering and pretty-damn-quick gearbox and you have yourself a super-effective\u00a0mountain carver.\nAnd that\u2019s not even in Race mode. The most extreme setting in the Dynamic Select is best reserved for the track unless you\u2019ve taken a brave pill, because everything from the engine mapping to the ESP will be in their baddest behaviour, so don\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you. If you just want to zip in and out of everyday traffic, Sport mode is sufficient, and it\u2019s possible to return less than 10L/100km if you\u2019re very careful with your right foot. Yours truly saw 9.5L/100km for a brief moment before it plummets to around 15L/100km. But should you be worried about the fuel consumption in a car like this? Of course not.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re already set on buying the A 45, nothing would lure you away from it, really. Short of sounding biased, it is literally the formidable hatch you could buy right now in Malaysia. And it\u2019s not like you have many options either, because none of the rivals mentioned earlier (Audi RS 3 Sportback, Ford Focus RS, BMW M140i) are on sale here, so the closest rival would be the \nVolkswagen Mk7 Golf R\n. It\u2019s RM56k cheaper but it\u2019s also 104 hp and 95 Nm less than the A 45. Although the Golf R fares better on the daily grind for its greater levels of compliance and lighter steering, and you won\u2019t get as much attention for its low-key appearance.\nThose who long for the spirit of old Evos and WRXs might fall in love with the A 45 too. While some claim that the absence of a manual transmission robbed a chunk out of the driving involvement, the A 45 feels like a tribute to those boisterous rally legends; wings, noise, and all the drama.\nIf you\u2019re not a fan of the A 45\u2019s shape like me but moonstruck by the explosive performance it has to offer, you can have your AMG 45 fix in a far sexier \nCLA 45\n four-door coupe or in a more ruggedy \nGLA 45\n crossover. How thoughtful.\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nAfter spending some time with the A 45, it\u2019s easy to understand how the A 45 gained its fanbase. Its blistering performance is surreal, and AMG has transformed the A-Class into something quite special indeed. Still, an old friend in the name of Golf R springs in to mind again. I do miss the Golf R for its versatile talent but the A 45, she\u2019s a different kind of friend. Loud, flamboyant, and at times she\u2019s an\u00a0agent provocateur,\u00a0cheeky enough to get you into trouble if you\u2019re careless. Yet, you\u2019d still want to hang out with her because she\u2019s simply mesmerising. Baby has gone bad. And I want one so badly.\nMatthew\u2019s take: I\u2019ve spent a reasonable amount of time in the A45, both the pre-facelift and the current version. The one thing that routinely kept me wanting more was the sheer lunacy of its athleticism. Just like how you never get tired of watching Usain Bolt outrun the pack, the A45 unfailingly carves a smile on your face every time you get into the car for some unadulterated\u00a0shot of adrenaline. The entire experience is backed by the best sounding exhaust system ever to be fitted to an inline-four. Never mind that it rides hard and guzzles fuel. There\u2019s just no getting over the AMG magic. Just. take my money already.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors has admitted misconduct in Japanese fuel economy tests, affecting some 625,000 cars from its Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). Following the announcement, shares dropped 15 percent in Japan, the sharpest drop in almost 12 years.\nThere are two Mitsubishi and Nissan models affected in the rigging, the latter duo manufactured by Mitsubishi under contract. The four \u201cKei-car\u201d models are Mitsubishi eK Wagon and eK Space, as well as Nissan Dayz and Dayz Roox. Out of the 625,000 cars, 157,000 are from Mitsubishi where the remaining majority are from Nissan.\nThe eK and Dayz are compact wagons which are powered by a \n660cc MIVEC\n engine that produces\n 48 hp\n,\u00a0paired with the \nINVECS-III CVT\n gearbox. The eK claims to produce\u00a0\n29.2 km per litre\n for the 2WD and \n25.8\u00a0km per litre\n\u00a0for the all-wheel drive variant.\nIt\u2019s believed that Mitsubishi \u2018s engineers falsified tyre pressure figures to gain better mileage.\u00a0Mitsubishi\u00a0immediately apologised to its customers and stakeholders for this issue. It has also\u00a0stopped producing and selling the vehicles involved, and at the same time, an independent investigation was launched. Nissan, who earlier made the discovery on the fuel consumption\u2019s\u00a0discrepancy to Mitsubishi, will work with affected owners for solutions.\nMeanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has yet to release any comments on this."
"The next time you\u2019re at Porsche showroom for a new ride or even just for motivation, you might be fooled for being in a high-end fashion boutique with some 911s parked in it.\nAnd that\u2019s exactly what new customers of the Stuttgart brand in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Tainan, Taiwan can expect at the latest Porsche Studios in the region.\nThe new concept stores, with a more contemporary, boutique-like feel, revolves around the idea of \u201cDestination Porsche\u201d and is already being rolled out at other Porsche centres around the world.\nWatch our Sepang Track Day video with the all-electric Porsche Taycan here!\nNot only can the new studios serve as event spaces but more impressively as \ndedicated spaces for art exhibitions by local artists\n. Visitors will also be able to immerse themselves in Porsche\u2019s heritage and learn more about the company\u2019s journey towards electric mobility.\nThe new Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is a road version of Porsche\u2019s race car for the road. Here\u2019s why!\nFor the more reserved customers, there are undisturbed and private areas to do their \u201cshopping\u201d whereas, for those who want a better visual of the car while specifying it, they can even do so through augmented reality.\n\u201cThe new Porsche Studios offers an easy way to immerse yourself in the Porsche brand. Within the next months and years, we will roll out the idea behind this concept across all our stores\u201d said Porsche.\nGALLERY"
"In order to film the 2020-spec Nissan GT-R NISMO on a race circuit for its promotional videos, Nissan roped in \nMauro Calo\n \u2013 a professional driver who has worked on blockbuster shoots (including Mission Impossible, MiB, etc.) and his crew to shoot the GT-R. in another GT-R.\nNissan\u2019s AWD twin-turbo V6 powered coupe needs no introduction (it\u2019s 13 years old and counting), but as a camera car, this is quite a revelation. Mauro and team went about taking the car apart (ouch!) and welding a tubular structure on it so it can hold a \ncarbon fibre gimbal camera mounting system\n that can swap ends easily. And if you\u2019ve always wondered \nwhy a camera car is always matte black\n, watch the video below.\n \nSpeed and agility aside, the GT-R also fulfilled one other criterion, and that is to accommodate \na crew of four\n in the car, with Calo at the wheel, a gimbal operator, a focus puller and a director. Not quite what you buy a GT-R for, but apparently it has enough space to function that way.\n\u201cI knew already, from driving it on photo and video shoots, what a great car the Nissan GT-R is,\u201d Calo said. \u201cBut since I adapted my Nissan GT-R to be a high-speed camera car and have been using it to film some of the world\u2019s fastest cars on track, my respect and appreciation of its performance, reliability and stability has only increased. It amazes me and the teams I work with every time we use it.\u201d"
"BMW has launched the BMW eDrive Zones in London and Birmingham, UK, a new digital service that automates the process of switching to electric-only power when a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle enters specific areas in the city.\nThe service automatically ensures that electric power is conserved for use within the low emission zone, if the destination is entered into the vehicle\u2019s navigation system.\n\u201cWe urge governments to prioritise plug-in hybrid vehicles in order to encourage consumers to live a more sustainable lifestyle. BMW eDrive Zones technology supports customers to drive emission free in London and Birmingham. It improves air quality in cities fast and reduces running costs for drivers. It\u2019s win-win for everyone\u201d, said BMW.\nThe BMW eDrive Zones service is available as standard on BMW plug-in hybrid models running the latest BMW Operating System 7.0. It uses geo-fencing technology via GPS within the vehicle\u2019s navigation system.\nThis feature which has been enabled in customer vehicles covers the same geographic area as the TFL Congestion Charge/ULEZ zone in London while in Birmingham, the service covers the city\u2019s planned Clean Air Zone, which is due to be implemented in 2021. BMW plans to introduce this technology in additional cities across the UK and Ireland in the future.\nThe BMW eDrive Zones service is available as standard on \nBMW 330e\n, \nBMW 530e\n, \nBMW 745e\n, and \nBMW X5 xDrive45e\n with additional compatible models launching in the future. The service is also available for free in existing BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles with over-the-air software updates.\nThe significant contribution by plug-in hybrid vehicles in reducing tailpipe emissions in cities was demonstrated in an early trial carried out in the Netherlands in 2018. Results of this research project showed 90% of all routes within the trial zone in Rotterdam were driven in electric-only mode."
"Rimac Automobili, a relatively niche supplier of high-tech components for electromobility sees more funding and investment from Porsche.\nPorsche first invested in the Croatian technology firm back in 2018 with a \n10% minority stake\n. That increased to 15% a year later and now with an investment of \n70 million Euro\n, Porsche will hold \n24 per cent\n of the shares without exercising a controlling influence.\n\u201cMate Rimac and his team are important partners, especially when it comes to supporting us in the development of components. Rimac is well on its way to becoming a \nTier 1 supplier\n for Porsche and other manufacturers in the high-tech segment. Porsche has already placed its first orders with Rimac for the development of highly innovative series components,\u201d said Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche, Lutz Meschke.\nPorsche has for many years been stepping up investment in young companies with potential. It currently has stakes in more than 20 start-ups and eight venture capital funds. \u201cOur investment in Rimac has turned out to be absolutely right,\u201d Meschke says.\n\u201cPorsche has been a big supporter of our company since 2018, and it has always been a privilege to have one of the world\u2019s most iconic sports car brands be a part of Rimac,\u201d says CEO and founder, Mate Rimac.\n\u201cWe\u2019re proud to work together on exciting new \nelectrified products\n. With many car manufacturers across the world being Rimac customers, it is important, both for Rimac and Porsche, that we remain an entirely independent business,\u201d adds Rimac. The company has also been engaged for projects by automakers such as \nHyundai\n, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin.\nRimac Automobili is also launching their own EV vehicle which is designed to have close to \n2,000 hp\n and \n2,300 Nm\n of torque. The four-motor two-tonne electric hypercar is targeted hit the century sprint benchmark in \nunder two seconds\n, onwards to a top speed of \n412 km/h\n. \u00a0\nLimited to just 150 examples, the \nRimac C_Two\n EV hypercar with a range of 550 kilometres will begin production this year at its new production facility located in Veliko Trgovi\u0161\u0107e, Croatia."
"Ahead of its expected launch in Malaysia later this year, the \nall-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5 \nhas now made its official debut in Thailand, priced at an eye-watering THB3,990,000 (approx. RM518k). With limited units available, though, we expect it to still fly off the shelves like hot cakes.\nThe sixth-generation Honda Civic Type R is powered by a familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, although now uprated to produce \n320 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. Power is sent to the front wheels via \u2013 as customary on a Civic Type R \u2013 a six-speed manual transmission and a helical-type limited-slip differential.\nIf you\u2019re baulking at the price and want to instead \u201cconvert\u201d your \nregular Civic\n into a Type R, tough luck. For one, it\u2019s available solely as a hatchback, which isn\u2019t sold here in our parts of the world. On top of that, most of its exterior body panels are actually specifically designed for the Civic Type R, with aerodynamic appendages to increase downforce and cooling, while the fenders are widened to accommodate the wider tracks on the Type R.\nREAD MORE: \nOnly 400 Honda Civic Type R produced monthly, up to 6 months waiting period\nWith all that being said, will the all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R actually even make its way here to Malaysia? Well, we think so. Honda Malaysia announced that it\u2019ll be launching three all-new models this year, with a strong hint that one of them might be the hot hatch \u2013 read more about that\n here\n.\nOf course, everything is still guesswork for now. What we can tell you for a fact, though, is that prices will most definitely go up. For context, the Toyota GR Corolla is priced fairly similarly at THB3,949,000 in Thailand, and that\u2019s \nretailing for RM355,000 here in Malaysia\n \u2013 so make that as you will.\nRELATED: \nHonda dealer begins taking orders for all-new Civic Type R in Malaysia \u2013 real or scam?"
"It\u2019s been a while since the Kia Seltos first made its appearance here on our shores, with order books for the B-segment SUV already\n open since September last year\n. Now finally, \nNaza Kia Malaysia\n has officially launched the Kia Seltos here in Malaysia, giving the Korean brand\u2019s model line-up here a much-needed refresh.\nThe Kia Seltos SUV will be offered here in Malaysia in two variants \u2013 the base EX variant which retails at \nRM115,888\n, and the GT Line, coming in at \nRM133,888\n.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe Kia Seltos sports a distinctive front \u201cmask\u201d design (their words, not ours), characterised by the large \u201ctiger nose\u201d grille that tails off into the \u201cheart beat\u201d LED daytime-running lights, which are standard across both variants. The GT Line however, does get a slightly more unique touch, with the \nlight signature extending into the grille itself\n.\nThe Seltos does carry a pretty rugged appearance, thanks to the bold lines on the bodywork. skid plates integrated into the bumpers, as well as the roof rails that are standard across both variants. For equipment, The EX variant gets automatic halogen projector headlights, and 17-inch wheels as standard.\nThe GT Line steps it up a notch in terms of appearance, with the following extras (in addition to the extended DRLs) on top of the standard EX look:\nRed accents on the front lower grille, wheel hub caps, front brake calipers, side skirts, and rear bumpers\nRadiator grille finished in gloss black and satin chrome\nMore prominent skid plates\nFaux exhaust exits on the rear bumpers\n17-inch Y-spoke two-tone alloy wheels\nLED headlights\nLED fog lights\nPERFORMANCE\nOnly one powertrain is offered here on the Malaysia-spec Kia Seltos, a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine.\nEngine: 1.6-Litre Gamma naturally-aspirated MPI four-cylinder, petrol\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 123 hp @ 6,300 rpm\nMax torque: 151 Nm @ 4,850 rpm\nAlthough power is only sent to the front wheels, the Kia Seltos does come equipped with a \u2018Traction\u2019 drive modes system, which includes Snow, Mud and Sand settings to provide increased grip in slippery conditions.\nINTERIOR\nThe funky and modern look is continued inside, highlighted by the giant free-standing panel right above the dashboard, which houses an analogue instrument cluster alongside an eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.\nFurther amplifying its youthful appeal is the\n Sound Mood lighting system\n, which pulses ambient lighting according to the beat of the music being played through the speakers.\nStandard equipment on the Kia Seltos include:\nFlat-bottomed steering wheel\nGloss black interior trim\nQuilted black leather upholstery\nKeyless entry with push-start button\n3.5-inch multi-info display\n60:40 split-folding rear seats\nReverse camera with rear parking sensors\nRear air vents\nThe GT Line does get several extra niceties, including:\nGT Line-badged steering wheel\nSoft-touch material on the dashboard\nRed accent stitching on the seats\nAlloy pedals\nHead-up display\n7-inch multi-info display\nVentilated front seats (eight-way powered adjustments for driver)\nDual-zone automatic climate control\nWireless charging pad\nFront parking sensors\nSAFETY AND CONVENIENCE\nBoth variants of the Kia Seltos comes with identical safety kit, which includes the following:\nSix airbags (front, side, curtain)\nVehicle Stability Management (VSM)\nABS with EBD and brake assist\nElectronic stability control\nHill start assist\nPower window lockout protection\nISOFIX rear child seat anchors\nCruise control\nUnfortunately, the Kia Seltos in Malaysia does not come with any advanced driver assistance features, putting it at a disadvantage against the likes of the Proton X50 and its Korean cousin, the \nHyundai Kona\n.\nPRICING\nThe Kia Seltos in Malaysia will be fully-imported from India, and is priced as follows:\nKia Seltos EX \u2013 \nRM115,888\nKia Seltos GT Line \u2013 \nRM133,888\nBoth prices listed above are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions valid until the 30th of June 2021. Included with every purchase of the Kia Seltos is a five-year/150,000 km warranty.\nGALLERY"
"For most people, making a decision is usually based on familiarity. Why? Because nothing is more reassuring than familiarity. It also saves time, without the need to put too much effort into thinking. Whether you\u2019re buying a loaf of bread or a pair of jeans, usually you\u2019ll go for a specific brand that you\u2019ve known of based on the brand\u2019s exposure or your own experience with the brand. In spite of that, eventually comes a period when you start to feel bored with your normal routine and that\u2019s when you start to look for something different.\nIn this case, if you\u2019re shopping for a D-segment sedan you might have been looking at the usual suspects: \nToyota Camry\n, Honda Accord, or maybe even the Mazda6; and suddenly something pops up in your mind and made you start thinking, \u201c\nthey\u2019re too predictable, aren\u2019t they?\n\u201c. Then you go about searching for other marques and found out there are close to a dozen D-segment contenders currently on sale here. Among them is this car, the \nFord Mondeo 2.0 Ecoboost\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Mondeo 2.0 EcoBoost\nSegment\nD-segment sedan\nEngine\n1,999 cc 4-Cylinder Turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n237 hp @ 5,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n345 Nm @ 2,300 rpm\nPrice\nRM 198,000.00\nWhile the Ford brand is not unheard of in Malaysia, their D-segment sedan on the other hand, is not getting as much credit as the rest of the stablemates like the \nRanger\n and the \nFiesta\n in this recent past few years. Before the Mondeo nameplate landed in Malaysia, Ford didn\u2019t even have a representative in the D-segment for more than a decade since the demise of the Telstar. That soon changed in 2009 when the first Mondeo landed on our shores. It was the CD345 Mondeo, which is actually the third incarnation of the model.\nHere we have the latest \nCD391 Mondeo\n, and it\u2019s another product built under the \u201cOne Ford\u201d strategy to suit the tastes of a broader set of audience from different regions around the globe, unlike the previous generation CD345 that was mainly developed in the UK.\nThere are a few powerplants offered for this new Mondeo, ranging from petrol, diesel, to even hybrid; but only one engine made it here, which is the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder \nEcoBoost\n. The same two litre turbo from the predecessor is more powerful than before, and it currently leads the Malaysian D-segment pack as the most powerful petrol D-segment sedan on sale at the time of writing. It\u2019s also one of the priciest, but don\u2019t forget that the new Mondeo is fully-imported CBU model, and it\u2019s armed with a number of safety tech to boot.\nEXTERIOR\nEveryone we showed the Mondeo to agrees that the Mondeo is one dapper hunk, but not everyone can tell that it\u2019s a Ford which is quite a shame, really. Even the previous Mondeo is not a familiar sight compared to the other continental D-segment sedans, and like we mentioned earlier, perhaps more publicity is needed to get the general crowd in the know on the existence of the Fiesta\u2019s and Focus\u2019s bigger brother.\nFrom the front three-quarter view there\u2019s a visual link to the pony car, the \nMustang\n. Although supposedly we should say that the Mustang looks like the Mondeo because the Mustang came out after the Mondeo; but in essence, Ford\u2019s recent design is more skewed towards the sporty side and that\u2019s pretty darn fine by us, so no complains on that.   We reckon James Bond would approve the wide Aston-esque chromed grille, while the bulging bonnet shouts a pretty serious intent for something that\u2019s not actually intended to lap the N\u00fcrburgring on a weekly basis. The Mondeo is the first Ford to get the \nFord Dynamic LED headlamps\n; and they do smart things like bending, stretching, and dipping the light beam automatically, apart from mesmerizing the oncoming traffic with their turning indicator animation.   While the front resembles an Aston, there\u2019s a hint of Aventador at the back, particularly the shape of the taillights and the pointy bootlid. Unfortunately you won\u2019t find a screaming V12 under that rear window, but the Mondeo does feature some design tinsel such as the roof-mounted third brake light and the dual trapezoidal tailpipe finishers integrated into the bumper.\nThe side is not bad either. At 4,871 mm the Mondeo slightly edges the Honda Accord (4,870 mm) as the longest D-segment sedan on sale here, and the sharp creases on the flanks combined with the shallow side windows make the Mondeo look even longer and sleeker than it actually is. However, with the sporty vibe going on nicely, the \n17-inch wheels\n don\u2019t do the car\u2019s justice, the design is good but they look a little lost under those wheel arches. Can we please have at least a set of 18 inchers under that instead?\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin\u2019s general fit and finish is sturdy although one ergonomic quirk we found is the positioning of the \nelectronic parking brake\n switch on the passenger side, which may sound petty to you but still quite annoying sometimes, especially for this writer. While we were unable to change the location of the switch, we were given options to choose the colour for the interior lights, which does help to lift the ambiance by some margin.   The \nleather-wrapped seats\n are comfortable, the front ones are \npower-operated\n and \nheated\n but not ventilated, while the driver\u2019s seat gets \nmemory setting\n as well. Rear bench does the usual 60/40 split and folds flat and level with the high boot floor.   Even when they\u2019re not folded down, the \n557 litre boot\n is big enough to kidnap our chief editor. However, as you can see in our video, the Mondeo is not a suitable car for kidnappers, because \nGC\n was able to escape in an instant, thanks to the highly visible \nglow-in-the-dark boot release trigger\n located inside of the boot lid.   Loads of space is offered inside for occupants and their belongings. Unless you\u2019re a really tall person we don\u2019t think you\u2019ll be complaining for more legroom and headroom, even if you\u2019re seated in the back seat. You\u2019ll also get aircond vents, a 12v power outlet, and a drop down center armrest with cup holders at the back.\nThe wide door pockets front and back will be able to take bigger-sized bottles among other things, but we\u2019re slightly disappointed that the huge glovebox has been divided into two levels which reduces its usability. Although we do appreciate the two-level cubby under the front center armrest and the additional space behind the center panel.\nThe dashboard is clean and neatly laid out, the button count is minimal on the center panel because other controls are grouped into the \nSYNC2 infotainment system\n, accessed via the large \n8-inch touchscreen\n. The touch screen is a bit slow at times, but the good news is you don\u2019t really have to rely fully on the touch screen alone when you have a responsive voice command system.   Everything from making phone calls, changing the radio station, to adjusting the aircond temperature can be done by talking to the car. She (the car has a female voice) can even help you to read out loud your messages from your paired phone. It\u2019s like having your own personal assistant, but she only exists in your car.\nIn contrast to the plain center console, the steering wheel is crammed with buttons. There are at least 22 buttons on the steering wheel alone and that does not include the \nshift paddles\n, but don\u2019t panic because they\u2019re all very intuitive to use.\nThe screens on the digital instrument cluster too can look quite intimidating at first sight, feeding you with details about the available driving assistance system such as the\n Adaptive Cruise Control\n and the \nLane Keeping Alert\n system. Even so, you can customise and choose what you want to be displayed in the screens.\nFurthermore, you can customise a separate driver profile with its \nMyKey\n system. As demonstrated during the \nFuture of Safety with Ford roadshow\n, using your all-powerful \nAdmin key\n, you can set numerous parameters on the MyKey such as the speed limit and the \u201calways-on\u201d driving assistance, so you can have your own guardian angel to watch over your MyKey user even when you\u2019re not around to monitor their every move. Regardless if you\u2019re an overly protected parent with trust issues or not, we think MyKey is a great tool to promote safe driving especially for the youngsters who just got their driving license.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n2.0-litre EcoBoost\n from the CD345 Mondeo soldiers on in the new Mondeo, but it\u2019s slightly more powerful and no longer mated to the 6-speed Powershift dual-clutch gearbox. Instead, the 1,999 cc 4-cylinder turbo is hooked up to a \n6-speed Selectshift automatic\n, sending \n240 hp\n and \n345 Nm\n to the front wheels.\nAcceleration from \n0 to 100 km/h\n takes\n 7.9 seconds\n, and the \ntop speed\n is at \n240 km/h\n. The EcoBoost mill is claimed to drink \neight litres of petrol per hundred kilometers\n, without the aid of stop/start system or a dedicated Eco mode.\nTHE DRIVE\nDespite the high-tech equipment, the Mondeo is actually quite straighforward to drive. There are no driving modes to choose from but you do get an S mode for the transmission to hold up the gearshifts while keeping the engine on boil. Although being a conventional automatic gearbox the shifts are not quick as a dual-clutch box, but it\u2019s all right as long as you don\u2019t get that low-speed jerkiness when you\u2019re crawling in heavy traffic.\nIt\u2019s a pleasant car to be in with excellent sound insulation that only lets in the best bits of the EcoBoost note to be heard when pushed. It doesn\u2019t whoosh and burp on upshifts but it\u2019s definitely one of the better sounding 4-pots out there, this side of family sedan. Ride over typical KL-grade tarmac proved that the Mondeo is not easily ruffled by the harsh surface, accompanied with the light steering wheel it\u2019s very much relaxed for city driving.\n \nThe first few miles down the road you might find the steering wheel is overly-assisted, but as the speed increases and the more time you spend with the Mondeo you\u2019ll appreciate the communicative rack, as it makes an easy and enjoyable task to stitch a string of corners together. The brakes also bite reassuringly well, with firm pedal feel that you can always rely on when you get a bit too frisky with the throttle pedal.\nIn all fairness you don\u2019t buy the Mondeo to be your weekend track car but coming from a car company steeped in rich motorsports history you\u2019d expect it to deliver the goods when it comes to handling. And the good news is even though this Mondeo wears neither the RS nor the ST badge on the boot lid it\u2019s still one of the best handling D-segment sedans around.\nPush it in corners and the suspension holds itself well to prevent body roll, while the torquey EcoBoost mill makes for a rapid progress without the need to rev the engine all the way to the red line, because the full 345 Nm surge arrives from just 2,300 rpm. Needless to say, overtaking is a breeze especially on the long highways where the Mondeo is also comfortable to sit in the fast lane for endless of hours, or until the fuel runs out.\nIt\u2019s an accomplished cruiser on the highway, and the driving assistance system is available to lend a hand to keep you in the correct path quite literally with the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Lane Keeping Alert and Aid.\nRelying on the sensors, the car is able to detect whether you\u2019re too close to the vehicle in front or whether you\u2019re straying away form the lane. Unless you indicate with the turn signal, the steering will rumble and gently suggest you where the front wheels should be pointing to so you don\u2019t end up being a giant pinball on the highway.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nApart from wanting to be different, the Mondeo should be in your shortlist if you want a spacious and comfortable D-segment sedan that can also entertain you with its fine handling, provided that you can and willing to stretch your budget a bit.\nFor some, that\u2019s also where the dilemma is, because if you top up a few thousands more you can land yourself a BMW 316i in your driveway, albeit in a rather dreary spec and not to mention the weedy engine under its bonnet compared to the Mondeo.\nPenny-pinchers should definitely look away though, because not only the Mondeo\u2019s asking price is on the steep side, it\u2019s also quite a thirsty car even if you try to convince yourself otherwise.\nCOMPARISONS\nAmong the continental D-segment sedans available here, the \nVolkswagen Passat B7\n is a popular choice. It\u2019s the cheapest of the bunch, yet it delivers strong performance from the \n1.8-litre 4-cylinder TSI\n and it\u2019s also a great long distance cruiser. It\u2019s at the end of its life cycle though, unless you\u2019re hunting for massive stock clearance discount, we suggest you to hold on to your chequebook for the new \nPassat B8\n that\u2019s slated to arrive by end of 2015.\nAnother contender you can consider is the \nPeugeot 508 GT\n. Recently been given a refresh, it\u2019s the only oil-burner here and it packs a punch from the \n2.2-litre 4-cylinder HDi FAP\n. The price almost equals the Mondeo, and it\u2019s brimmed with goodies and driving assistance. There\u2019s a petrol option as well but the 1.6 THP is nowhere near the 2.2 HDi in terms of performance figures, but the petrol 508 will save you around RM 27k against the diesel sibling.\nFord Mondeo 2.0 EcoBoost\nPeugeot 508 GT\nVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder\u00a0turbocharged petrol\n4-cylinder\u00a0turbocharged diesel\n4-cylinder petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,999\n2,179\n1,798\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n237/5,300\n204/3,500\n158/5,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n345/2,300\n450/2,000\n250/1,500\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectro-hydraulic power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-Speed automatic\n6-Speed automatic\n7-Speed\u00a0dual clutch\nSUSPENSION\nType (Front / Rear)\nMacPherson struts /\u00a0Multi link\nDouble wishbones\u00a0/ Multi link\nMacPherson struts / Multi link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nDisc\nDisc\nDisc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n235/50 R17\n235/40 R19\n235/45 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,871\n4,830\n4,769\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,852\n1,828\n1,820\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,486\n1,456\n1,470\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,850\n2,817\n2,712\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,562\n1,552\n1,517\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n557\n545\n565\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n62 litres\n72\u00a0litres\n70 litres\nConsumption\n8.0\u00a0L/100 km\n5.7\u00a0L/100 km\n7.0 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n240\n235\n220\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n7.9\n8.4\n8.5\nPRICE\nRM\n198,000.00\n196,475.05\n174,817.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIt\u2019s hard not to consider the Mondeo if I\u2019m in the market for a D-segment sedan. It\u2019s comfortable to run the daily grind and it has plenty of power reserve should you need to stretch its legs during your interstate jaunts. It handles just as good as it looks, and I have strong fondness for cars we don\u2019t see that often on the road. After all, we could use a little more diversity on the roads too, right? In my books the Mondeo ticks most number of boxes in my checklist.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Among today\u2019s comprehensive suite of safety features, Brake Assist (BA) is often spoken of in tandem with the \nAnti-lock Braking system (ABS)\n. As we\u2019ve briefly shared a couple weeks back, ABS helps improve braking efficiency and distance by preventing the wheels from locking up.\nSo what is Brake Assist then? In the event of emergency braking, the system supports the driver in sudden braking manoeuvres by applying additional force on the brakes \u2013 increasing the clamping force of the brake calipers on the brake discs.\nThe system, with sensors, will detect emergency braking manoeuvres based on how abrupt the driver has stepped on the brake pedals and the force applied on it. As the system kicks in within milliseconds, that\u2019s when you feel the pedal vibrating or pulsating and for most cars, in the most unrefined manner.\nThe system comes into play to aid the driver, as and when he or she hits the brakes but not enough brake force is applied or rather not soon enough. Brake Assist merely complements the ABS and not replace it by assisting the system to apply the brakes more efficiently to avoid the car from skidding or rear-ending the car ahead.\nCredit: \nYouTube"
"The Toyota GT 86 has been through a number of changes throughout its six year reign with the Japanese carmaker continuously beefing up its chassis and making it a little more aesthetically-pleasing with every facelift. However, throughout the years, Toyota (and Subaru) had only given the sportscar a performance boost once.\nIn its highest state of tune, the 2.0-litre direct-injection boxer-engine pushed out \n204 hp\n and \n212 Nm\n of torque to drive the rear wheels. Not astronomical figures in today\u2019s world which left many fans wanting a forced-inducted GT 86 for more dramatic and smoky sideways action like \nthis\n.\nHowever, Chief Engineer for GT 86 and Supra, Tetsuya Tada, told \nCarAdvice\n that they will not be introducing a turbocharged version of the GT 86, for the current-generation at least. The reason is simple \u2013 \nweight distribution\n.\n\u201cWhen we launched the 86, I got literally millions of questions from around the world of \u2018when would you be launching the turbo version?\u2019\u201d said Tada-san.\n\u201cI believe that often times I answered that there won\u2019t be a turbo version, and there were some articles in the media that Mr Tada doesn\u2019t like a turbo. That\u2019s not really true. I do like turbos, however if we come up with a turbo version of the 86 and boost up the power, it would result in the necessity of changing the basic configuration completely, to come up with a car that I would be satisfied with.\u201d added Tada-san.\nToyota Chief Engineer for GT86 & Supra, Tetsuya Tada\nTada-san explained that the GT 86 was designed with a slightly front biased weight distribution to give the car its agile and nimble characteristic. Adding a turbo would upset the front and rear balance of the car, thus losing the very essence the car was built upon.\nThe GT 86 was never meant to handle more power, staying true to the original AE 86\u2019s ethos of a low powered, balanced rear-wheel drive sportscar. To come up with a higher-powered car will require the engineers to reimagine the car\u2019s fundamental dynamics with a completely new platform.\nSo, there you have it folks, the reason why the Toyota GT 86 will not be turbocharged. If you strongly believe that all the GT 86 needs is an aftermarket supercharger or turbo kit; just remember, the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated mill with \n204 hp\n is already perfect for Tada-\nsan\n."
"So it has finally come to this, eh? Well, Mitsubishi\u2019s latest endeavour, the Mitsubishi Expander, is an affordable MPV that will find its way to markets like Indonesia in the near future. It will go up against the Toyota Avanza, one that\u2019s currently dominating the segment.\nIt looks a lot like the\u00a0\nXM Concept\n\u00a0with the Dynamic Shield front fascia, slim headlights and enormous fog lamps. It\u2019s no longer a crossover between an MPV and an SUV because they\u2019ve done away with the roof rails from the concept. It\u2019s now a full-fledged seven-seater MPV.\nIt measures at 4,475 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, 1,700 mm tall and has a ground clearance of 205 mm. Overall, it\u2019s longer and wider than the Avanza. Mitsubishi is particularly proud of their cabin design, promising \u201cexcellent access to the comfortable third-row seats\u201d.\nThe \n1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine\n with\u00a0Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) is tasked to move the vehicle. Power is transferred to the front wheels either through a \nfive-speed manual\n or\n four-speed automatic\n. No performance stats have been mentioned so far.\nThe Mitsubishi Expander will be headlining Mitsubishi\u2019s entry at the upcoming \n2017 GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show\n (GIIAS). So, fancy yourself one of the Expanders?"
"In case you\u2019re not aware, the Continental brand (in Malaysia) does not only make tyres for your cars. The German company also manufacture and supply automotive parts at their plant in Prai, Penang. Continental Automotive Components Malaysia Sdn Bhd has just broke the ground for the expansion and upgrade works in its Penang plant to ensure the plant\u2019s future readiness moving towards Industry 4.0.\nWith an investment of approximately \u20ac7 million (RM31.5 million), the plant will transform into an advanced smart factory equipped with state-of-the-art automated machinery and digitization to enable faster insights-to-actions, better connectivity, more efficient process and ultimately higher productivity. The upgrade will cover all aspects of the plant from material handling, supply and logistics as well as Research & Development.\nDr Hans Jurgen Braun, Senior VP & Head of Central Electronics Plants Continental Automotive\nThe company supplies instrument clusters (analogue and digital) to major brands such as Proton, Perodua, Toyota, Kawasaki and many others. Continental Automotive also work together with car makers in the software development and testing of next-generation instrument clusters, Volkswagen\u2019s Active Info Display is a prime example.   Managing Director of Continental Automotive Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Luciano Oliveira said: \u201cWe are striving for continuous operational excellence, the future smart factory will have one continuous shop floor that ensures more efficient people access and process flow, with reduced production space to strengthen cost efficiency. The optimized production layout will enhance the manufacturing capacity and leave more space for the plant to receive more new businesses. The transformation will provide for long term viability, with more innovations and digital solutions for tomorrow\u201d\n\u201cWith the expansion, more jobs will be created. The R&D office will see to an increase of another 150 engineers by 2020.\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia has a few things in store for 2019 beginning with a Premium Package for the Cayenne and Panamera models.\n\u201cTogether with Porsche Asia Pacific, the Premium Package for the Cayenne and Panamera is an initiative to enrich the product substance and elevate customer\u2019s ownership experience even further,\u201d said Chief Executive Officer of SDAP, Chris Hunter.\n\u201cWe are giving a wider spread of comfort and sportiness in our vehicles, yet with even more competitive pricing. With this enhanced product line-up, we certainly look forward to a great year ahead,\u201d he added.\nThe package promises additional comfort and luxury features, as if both models aren\u2019t already, with 14-way power seats including memory function for the driver and passenger seats, four-zone air automatic climate control, automatic dimming mirrors, electric sun blinds, ambient lighting and a BOSE Surround Sound System.\nSupplementing the Premium Package further, both models will also come with the Power Steering Plus and\u00a0Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)\u00a0 as standard.\nWith the Premium Package, the base price for the Cayenne now starts from\n RM780,000\n while the Panamera starts from\n RM890,000\n. Those interested in a lifestyle upgrade can opt for the Porsche 360 Financing scheme with \nup to 30% lower monthly repayments\n and the opportunity to own a new Porsche from every three to five years.\nAll Porsche vehicles sold via SDAP come with a four-year warranty and free maintenance package, which includes complimentary service, labour and parts.\nLater this year, SDAP will also open the new Porsche Centre Ara Damansara in Kuala Lumpur, followed by the Porsche Centre Johor Bahru and subsequently the introduction of Porsche\u2019s first fully-electric vehicle, the Taycan, expected to follow suit in 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019ve seen him go full throttle in the \nPorsche 911 GT3 RS\n, test out the \nall-electric Porsche Mission E\n, you\u2019ve even seen him get \nfrightened to bits in the most powerful 911 ever made with Maria Sharapova\n behind the wheel.\nAllow former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber, once again, to let you in on his first impression of the \nall-new 992 Porsche 911 launched just yesterday\n at the\n 2018 LA Motor Show\n.\nAs of now, the new 992 model 911 is available in\n two variants\n \u2013 the Carrera S and Carrera 4S \u2013 fitted with a 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six engine that produces\n 450 hp\n, with power delivered through a new 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.\nThe rear-wheel driven Carrera S will complete the 0 to 100 km/h run in just \n3.7 seconds\n while the all-wheel driven 4S does it 0.1 seconds quicker. Go through all the gears in the Carrera 4S and it\u2019ll peak at \n306 km/h\n while the Carrera S pushes on till \n308 km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan\u2019s Technical Centre in Michigan, USA uses a miniature car wash, no bigger than the size of a popcorn machine to allow engineers to test paint samples to make sure its car\u2019s exterior paint can endure the harsh environment of automatic car washes.\nThe specialised machine, with spinning brushes that has vibrant blue bristles, will help ensure that the paint stays pristine even with frequent automatic car washes.\nTo replicate the actual environment, the brushes in the miniature car wash\u00a0 spins at 180 rpm causing the bristles to slap harshly on the paint\u2019s surface. Water jet sprays and \u201cArizona dirt\u201d are also thrown into the mix to replicate real-world conditions.\nThe 1:16 scale model of the 370z shown in the video is only for illustrative purposes as in actual testing, Nissan paint is applied to rectangular plates for the miniature car wash tests."
"After adopting the same powertrain for the past two generations (eighth and \nninth\n), Honda will finally be offering an entirely new range of powertrain for the all-new 10th-generation Honda Accord \u2013 two four-cylinder turbo engines and a next-generation hybrid powerplant.\nLike the \nCivic FC\n and \nfifth-generation CR-V\n, the new Accord will receive a \n1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC\n four-cylinder engine, mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a six-speed manual transmission. No power figures were revealed, but in its highest state of tune (on the CR-V) the puny 1.5-litre mill dishes out \n191 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n of torque.\nSlotting above it is a \n2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC\n four-cylinder engine mated to an \nindustry first\n (for front wheel drive application) \n10-speed automatic transmission\n or a six-speed manual. Again, no numbers were revealed but we know that Honda is capable of milking \n315 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n from this lump as seen on the \nCivic Type R (FK8R)\n. Accord Euro R anyone?\nFor the eco-conscious bunch, Honda has a next-generation two-motor hybrid powerplant in the pipeline for the Accord. Honda claims the new Accord Hybrid will be even more refined than before.\nThe new Accord is designed \u201ccompletely from the ground up\u201d and features a more aggressive and athletic stance than any other Accord to complement the advanced and exciting powertrains. More details of the 10th-generation Honda Accord will be revealed in the coming weeks. In case you\u2019re not too familiar about the Accord\u2019s history, be sure to check out \nfive cool things you didn\u2019t now about the Honda Accord\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s called the FitCar PPV. Based on a standard Audi A4 Avant 2.0-litre TFSI, it\u2019s the world\u2019s first calorie-burning car \u2013 an alternative mobility solution for those who keep count of how many steps they\u2019ve completed in a day but would never commit to a proper workout.\n\u201cThe Audi A4 Avant was chosen for its brilliant ergonomics, allowing for a comfortable cycling position.\u00a0Our ambition is for car manufacturers to adopt this technology or for us to offer it as an aftermarket conversion,\u201d said Founder and Managing Director of BPO, Oscar Brocades Zaalberg, Dutch engineering partners of the project.\nIn the video, you\u2019d see that the car\u2019s throttle pedal has been replaced by a bicycle pedal mechanism and mated to a flywheel, which generates an electronic pulse to engage the accelerator. They first tested this system on a Smart car.\nThis doesn\u2019t mean the engine has been completely removed. It\u2019s still there to deliver manufacturer specification performance and fuel economy; only that it\u2019s now operated by an \u201cactive pedaling motion\u201d instead of an accelerator pedal.\n\u201cOur studies suggest a calorie burn-rate of more than 300 per 30 minutes. We are increasingly time-poor and unfit, the FitCar PPV provides at least part of the solution to these two problems for those of us wishing to exercise more but done have the time for it,\u201d said investor,\u00a0Nasser Al Shawaf.\nThere are three simple settings to operate the FitCar PPV system. \u2018\nDrive Slow\n\u2019 when in slow moving traffic, \u2018\nDrive Fast\n\u2019 for highway speeds and \u2018\nNo Drive\n\u2019 for stationary traffic where it still allows you to continue exercising by using the pedals.\nThere is also a rotary dial on the pedals to adjust the resistance, depending on what sort of pedal work out is required \u2013 from easy to difficult.\nFitCar PPV is patented internationally and is awaiting approval from the Netherlands\u2019 authorities for road use across Europe."
"At the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has displayed the \nhottest Kia ever made\n, the \nKia Stinger GT\n. The company did not reveal when the sleek Grand Tourer will be officially launched nor pricing details, but it is safe to assume that next year will the earliest we will see them with number plates.\nThe preview unit here is finished in the launch colour, HiChro Red. It wears the highest specification as denoted by the full LED headlamps, black wing mirror, Brembo brakes, 19-inch multi-spoke alloys and quad exhaust pipes. Curiously, NKM has previewed the AWD variant as told by the sole \u201cAWD\u201d badge at the rear.   Finished in its highest specification, naturally, it gets powered by the most potent mill available, the 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 pushing out \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n. Sprint time on the AWD variant remains unknown, but the rear-wheel drive 3.3-litre V6 turbo gets to 100 km/h in \n4.9 seconds\n. Transmission of choice is an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nOther markets get the option for a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo T-GDI that outputs \n244 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n as well as a 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDi with \n197 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque. Both are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nLike most preview units, the interior is off-limits to the public. Internationally, the Stinger GT is equipped with 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, 360-degree surround view camera, Nappa leather upholstery and many more premium features.\nIn the UK\n, the Stinger GT is priced between \u00a331,995 (RM180k) to \u00a340,495 (RM228k). How much would you pay for one of these beauties here in Malaysia?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKIA Stinger GT Preview in Malaysia   Kia Stinger GT"
"There was a time when France had a sports car brand that they were extremely proud of. After two decades of laying dormant, the\u00a0\nAlpine\n\u00a0brand was resurrected, and they\u2019re coming back with a bang. The halo car will be a new mid-engine coupe that will take on Lotus and Porsche. Enter the Alpine A110.\nThis French coupe pays homage to the original A110 Berlinette from the 1960s. If you think the face looks odd, that\u2019s because it\u2019s a nod to the original A110. The rear end gets a pair of \u201cX\u201d shaped\u00a0LED lamps with dynamic signal indicators! Tipping the scales at just\u00a0\n1,080 kg\n, the A110 is super lightweight and takes pride with having\u00a0a drag coefficient of \n0.32\n, among the lowest in this segment.   Behind the seats rests a \n1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged\n engine sourced from Renault. With the help of Renault Sport, the engine is massaged to develop\u00a0\n252 hp\n and\n 320 Nm \nof torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a\u00a0\nGetrag seven-speed wet clutch DCT\n. It gets double wishbone suspension for both axles and boasts a 44:56 weight distribution, which already sounds like a whole lot of fun. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n, while top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nTo kickstart Alpine\u2019s revival, a limited series of A110 cars, called the Premi\u00e8re Edition, have been\u00a0introduced. At\u00a0\n58,500 euros\n (approximately\n RM278,450\n) per pop, deliveries to left-hand drive nations will commence\u00a0in late 2017, while\u00a0right-hand drive variants will arrive in the UK and Japan by 2018. Additional variants of the A110 will be offered across the globe once the\u00a0Premi\u00e8re Editions are sold out. Let us all pray hard for the brand to come to Malaysia!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Daniel Ricciardo led the charge to a McLaren 1-2 finish at the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago, effectively ending McLaren\u2019s nine-year race win drought (and three for Ricciardo himself).\nFor us regular F1 fans, we were just happy to see the Honey Badger do the shooey again as he finally steps back up onto the top step of the podium. But for Australians, Ricciardo\u2019s win is pretty much a matter of national pride \u2013 so much so that McLaren Australia has unveiled a special \u201cDaniel Ricciardo Edition\u201d \nMcLaren 720S\n to celebrate the occasion.\nLimited to just three units only and exclusive to Daniel Ricciardo\u2019s home country Australia, the bespoke \nMcLaren Special Operations\n (MSO) creation wears the iconic Papaya Spark Orange on the outside, contrasted by Burton Blue accents all around \u2013 just like McLaren\u2019s F1 cars.\nSince it\u2019s a Daniel Ricciardo special edition model, it also of course features the Honey Badger\u2019s race number (and design) on the side, and there\u2019s even an Australian flag embedded on the doors.\nMcLaren also recently brought back the iconic Gulf livery onto the 720S! Check it out here.\nInside, the special edition 720S model gets matching orange accents on the seats and dashboard, but aside from mild aesthetic tweaks, the rest of interior is pretty much left as-is from the regular McLaren 720S.\nAlso unchanged is the powertrain behind the driver\u2019s compartment \u2013 a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 serving up the namesake \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h takes just \n2.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n341 km/h\n.\n\u201cDaniel Ricciardo\u2019s relentless determination and pursuit of excellence are qualities that perfectly reflect the McLaren ethos,\u201d said McLaren Automotive commercial executive director, George Biggs.\n\u201cFollowing McLaren\u2019s outstanding performance with a landmark one-two finish for the team at the Italian Grand Prix, it\u2019s the perfect time to reveal this limited series in celebration of the Aussie driver,\u201d he added.\n\u201cThe 720S is a fitting model to celebrate Daniel\u2019s achievements and we\u2019re delighted to see it adorned with the Australian flag crafted by MSO.\u201d\nThe McLaren 720S GT3X is a different kind of fast. Watch it blitz up the goodwood hill climb in mind-blowing speed here.\nNo pricing has been announced for the McLaren 720S Daniel Ricciardo Edition just yet, but seeing that it\u2019s a three-unit-only limited edition model, chances are it won\u2019t be cheap \u2013 the base 720S already starts north of RM1 million, and that\u2019s \nbefore\n duties and taxes.\nGALLERY"
"Geely Auto has just unveiled the Geely Preface Concept sedan at the \n2019 Shanghai Auto Show\n, a design study that previews the brand\u2019s next-generation Expanding Cosmos design language as well as future high-end sporty models.\nThe Preface Concept is\nbased on the Geely-Volvo developed Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform\nthat combines dynamic driving characteristics with intelligent drive technologies\nto offer users a sporty yet refined and safe driving experience.\nWhile every other manufacturer is coming out with SUVs after SUVs (especially \nVW\n), Geely is returning to its roots of making attractive sedans and the Preface Concept is a testament to that. This is not a blind move either because the SUV market saw a downtrend in China while sales of sedan vehicles are growing. It is also another reason why Geely\u2019s first electric brand, \nGeometry launched a sedan\n as their first model instead of an SUV.\nThe Preface Concept\nfeatures strong proportions all round with wide wheel track and large alloy\nwheels to fill the wheel arches confidently with clean body lines giving the Concept\ncar a sporty yet sleek appearance. The Expanding Cosmos grille now takes on a\nnew shape with vertical slats, central floating logo and chrome surrounds.\nJust like the exterior,\nthe cabin features a clean and minimalistic look dominated by two large\ndisplays \u2013 instrument cluster and infotainment with very little buttons to\nclutter the cabin. The flat bottom steering wheel hints towards future models with\nsporty intent as compared to their current line up of vehicles.\nGeely expressed that consumers\ncan expect several new-generation models to be introduced to global markets over\nthe next two years but stopped short at revealing which segments the new cars are\ngoing to enter.\nOne thing is for sure if the design language of the Preface Concept trickles down into their production cars, we are excited for not only Geely but also Proton.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nGeely\u00a0Preface\u00a0Concept\u00a0Sedan\u00a0at\u00a02019\u00a0Shanghai\u00a0Auto\u00a0Show"
"The 2022 model-year update for the \nToyota RAV4 \nhas just been revealed in Europe, headlined by a new rugged-looking \u2018Adventure\u2019 trim for the SUV that\u2019s designed for those who prefer to live life off the beaten path.\nUnique to the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure is its new front fascia, featuring a new bumper borrowed from the US-market Adventure variant. The new all-black grille, with the Toyota emblem moved to the middle of a horizontal trim piece, is also exclusive to the RAV4 adventure.\nHowever, several of the styling changes on the Toyota RAV4 Adventure variant will also move down across the entire 2022 RAV4 range, including the new projector-type LED headlights with LED front fog lights, and a new 10-spoke alloy wheel design, finished in either bright silver or gloss black depending on variant.\nVideo: Watch our full review of the Toyota RAV4 in Malaysia here!\nWrapping up the rugged looks of the RAV4 Adventure are the 19-inch alloy wheels in a matte grey finish, chunky underbody bashplate-like elements on the front and rear bumpers, plus an exclusive two-tone Urban Khaki and Dynamic Grey paint job on the outside that was inspired by Toyota\u2019s classic FJ40 Land Cruiser.\nOn the inside, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure gets a variant-exclusive black synthetic leather upholstery with quilted seat surfaces and orange cross-stitching, along with a set of special door sill scuff plates.\nHowever, the cabin has also been updated for the 2022MY RAV4 with new LED lighting, power-adjustable front passenger seat, illuminated window control switches, and new USB-C charging ports for your new modern-day mobile devices.\nThe Toyota RAV4 has been redesigned by Mitsuoka with a classic American design! Check out the Mitsuoka Buddy here.\nThe 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure will be powered by Toyota\u2019s fourth-gen hybrid powertrain, and is equipped as standard with intelligent all-wheel drive provided by an additional electric motor on the rear axle.\nThe powertrain combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle- for a combined system output of 222 hp and 221 Nm of torque.\nProduction of the European Toyota RAV4 Adventure will some time near the end of the year, with first deliveries scheduled for the first quarter of 2022.\nAs for Malaysia, we haven\u2019t received any confirmation for the upcoming Toyota RAV4 update just yet \u2013 but keep your eyes peeled!\nGALLERY"
"Sounds like something out of Donald Trump\u2019s speech, isn\u2019t it? Not quite as this was instead revealed by Ford \u2013 that their new software for the Interceptor\u2019s climate control can help reduce the Covid-19 virus footprint.\nThe method is apparently simple \u2013 bake the vehicle\u2019s cabin until viruses inside are deactivated. Using the Interceptor\u2019s powertrain and climate control systems, the software is capable of \nhiking cabin temperatures up to 56 degrees Celcius\n, hotter than Death Valley on its hottest day, for 15 minutes. This apparently, is long enough to help disinfect the vehicle\u2019s touchpoints.\n \nOnce the software is activated, it warms up the engine to an elevated level, with both heat and fan settings set to high. The software automatically monitors the cabin\u2019s temperature until the entire passenger compartment hits the optimal level, then that temperature is maintained for 15 minutes.\nWhen the system is doing its thing, hazard lights and tail lights will flash in a certain way to notify the drivers. Once the process is complete following a cool-down session, the lights will flash differently. Progress is also indicated on the vehicle\u2019s instrument cluster.\nFlooding the passenger compartment with increased air temperature can help reach areas that may be missed by manual disinfecting procedures. Heat has the ability to seep into hard-to-reach areas, helping reduce the impact of human error in applying chemical disinfectants.\nFord has so far conducted software operational trials in vehicles owned by the New York City Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Michigan State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Boardman Township Police Department in Ohio and Seminole County Sheriff\u2019s Office in Florida.\nTo study its effectiveness, Ford also worked closely with the Ohio State University to determine the temperature and duration of time needed to help inactivate the COVID-19 virus.\n\u201cOur studies with Ford Motor Company indicate that exposing coronaviruses to temperatures of 56 degrees Celsius, or 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit, for 15 minutes reduces the viral concentration by more than 99% on interior surfaces and materials used inside Police Interceptor Utility vehicles,\u201d said Ohio State University, Laboratory Supervisors, Jeff Jahnes and Jesse Kwiek."
"There\u2019s only one choice in the Malaysian market right now if you\u2019re looking for an electric vehicle (EV) that also sits 7 people. Launched in \nSeptember\n this year, the \nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC\n fetches a price of \nRM328,888\n and is offered in one variant only.\nBased on the \nMercedes-Benz GLB\n, the EQB gets an electrified \u2018EQ\u2019 styling that changes the front end and rear end of the GLB to give it a more roundish look. It also gets continuous LED lights on the front and back like the rest of the EQ family.\nThe main giveaway that the EQB is an electric car is the non-existent grille which has been replaced by a black panel that gets two horizontal bars. All around, the EQB has blue accents seen in the headlight cluster, the \u2018EQB\u2019 lettering on the front fenders, and the 19-inch wheels. Even with electrification, the EQB maintains the rugged look of the GLB with the plastic claddings and roof rails.\nALSO WATCH: \nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC, from RM329k \u2013 5 Things\nIn the performance department, the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC gets a dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup as hinted by the \u20184MATIC\u2019 moniker. That system makes \n292 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n and accelerates the EQB from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.2 seconds\n. The front motor is an induction motor while the rear motor is a permanent magnet synchronous motor.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 and EQC 400 prices confirmed \u2013 RM 329k and RM389k\nNo engine, but also no frunk here.\nThe EQB houses a \n66.5-kWh\n battery pack that provides 423 km of range (WLTP). Charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and \n100 kW\n with DC fast charging (DCFC). 11-kW AC charging brings the state of charge (SOC) from 10 to 100% in \n5 hours and 45 minutes\n. 100-kW DCFC brings the SOC from 10% to 80% in just \n32 minutes\n. Charging is done via a Type 2/CCS2 socket that is located on the rear left panel of the car.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz confirms CKD EVs for Malaysia, \u201cexciting announcement\u201d in Q1 2023\nInside, the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 is very familiar as it is reminiscent of the GLB/GLA/A-Class interior. What\u2019s a bit unique for the EQB that we get are the rose gold accents in the air conditioning vents that match the rose gold key fob that it comes with. For Malaysian customers, the EQB 350 4MATIC comes with one rose gold key fob and one \u2018standard\u2019 key fob.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan launched in Malaysia, fully-electric E-Class from RM420k\nPerched on the dashboard is a twin 10.25-inch display with one being the infotainment head unit and one being the digital instrument cluster. The head unit comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Naturally for a modern Mercedes-Benz, the EQB also features the multi-colour active ambient light system that has become synonymous with the brand. The interior upholstery is a combination of Artico man-made leather, Cupertino fabric, and genuine Nappa leather.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 EV SUV now in Malaysia, 5 Things\nThe EQB sits 7 people although the third-row seats are not quite suitable for lanky passengers. With all 7 seats occupied, the boot space can fit several hand carry-size luggage. There\u2019s a tonneau cover for when the third-row seats are folded down but there is no dedicated space to store it when not in use. Of course, with both third- and second-row seats folded down, cargo space is plenty in the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s new extended warranty offers up to RM250k of coverage\nSafety features in the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC include Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active lane keeping assist, Active steering assist, Active blind spot assist, Exit warning function, Active Brake Assist, Adaptive high beam assist, 360\u00b0 camera, and PARKTRONIC parking assist.\nRELATED: \nMercedes me Store launched in Malaysia \u2013 Navigation now requires subscription\nGALLERY"
"Nissan has recently unveiled a new technology that will enable vehicles to interpret signals from the driver\u2019s brain \u2013 effectively changing \u201cthe connection\u201d between car and driver.\nCalled the \nBrain-to-Vehicle\n, or B2V, a first of its kind, the system will look to \nspeed up reaction times for drivers\n where the end goal is to make driving more enjoyable. It is the latest development in the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision \u2013 aiming to transform how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCi6taII6Yo\nThe device will be worn by the driver, to \nmeasure brain wave activity\n which is then analysed by autonomous systems. By anticipating the driver\u2019s movements, it can quicken the process of turning the steering wheel for example, by \n0.2 \u2013 0.5 seconds faster than the driver\n \u2013 without being profoundly noticeable.\nThe breakthrough is a result of research in \nbrain decoding technology\n, to predict the driver\u2019s actions and detect discomfort. It also does the same for the driver\u2019s behaviour behind the wheel.\nWhen it predicts that the driver\u2019s brain is about to make a movement, such as turning the steering wheel, driver assist technologies can kick in more quickly. When it detects that the driver is in some discomfort, its Artificial Intelligence can change the drive mode of the vehicle when in autonomous mode.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u5728\u9996\u6b21\u5ba3\u5e03\u56de\u5f52\u7684\u4e00\u5e74\u591a\u540e\uff0cChery Malaysia \u7ec8\u4e8e\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u63a8\u51fa\u4e86 Omoda 5\u3002\u5168\u65b0\u7684 2023 \u5e74\u6b3e Chery Omoda 5 \u5728 Kedah Kulim \u7684 Inokom \u7ec4\u88c5\u5382\u8fdb\u884c\u4e86\u672c\u5730\u7ec4\u88c5\uff0c\u5c06\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e24\u79cd\u578b\u53f7\uff0c\u8d77\u4ef7\u4e3a RM108,800\u3002\n2023 \u5e74\u6b3e Chery Omoda 5 \u5916\u89c2\n\u51ed\u501f\u5176\u201c\u52a8\u6001\u827a\u672f\u201d\u8bbe\u8ba1\u8bed\u8a00\uff0cChery Omoda 5 \u6216\u8bb8\u662f\u6211\u4eec\u5cb8\u8fb9\u6700\u5f15\u4eba\u6ce8\u76ee\u7684 B \u6bb5\u8de8\u754c\u8f66\uff0c\u8fd9\u79cd\u8bbe\u8ba1\u8bed\u8a00\u5c55\u73b0\u4e86\u72ec\u7279\u7684\u9510\u5229\u7ebf\u6761\u548c\u5927\u80c6\u7684\u8bbe\u8ba1\u89e6\u611f\uff0cChery \u8bf4\u8fd9\u662f\u4e3a\u4e86\u5438\u5f15\u201c25-30\u5c81\u7684\u5e74\u8f7b\u6d88\u8d39\u8005\u201d\u3002\nB \u6bb5\u8de8\u754c\u8f66\u7684\u5916\u89c2\u4eae\u70b9\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\nLED \u5927\u706f\u5e26LED\u65e5\u884c\u706f\nLED \u5c3e\u706f\n18 \u82f1\u5bf8\u5408\u91d1\u8f6e\u6bc2\uff08H\u578b\u53f7\u6709\u7ea2\u8272\u88c5\u9970\uff09\n\u987a\u5e8f\u8f6c\u5411\u6307\u793a\u706f\uff08\u4ec5 H \u578b\u53f7\uff09\n\u6b22\u8fce\u706f\u52a8\u753b\uff08\u4ec5 H \u578b\u53f7\uff09\n\u7ea2\u8272\u5916\u90e8\u6761\u7eb9\uff08\u4ec5 H \u578b\u53f7\uff09\n\u5916\u90e8\u989c\u8272\u9009\u9879\uff1a\u5361\u5176\u767d\uff0c\u6df1\u9ed1\uff0c\u5e7d\u7075\u7070\uff0c\u53cc\u8272\u5361\u5176\u767d\u548c\u6df1\u9ed1\uff08H\u578b\u53f7\u4e13\u5c5e\uff09\n2023 \u5e74\u6b3e Chery Omoda 5 \u6027\u80fd\n\u5728\u53d1\u5e03\u65f6\uff0cChery Omoda 5 \u5c06\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e00\u6b3e\u7531 1.5 \u5347\u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538b\u76f4\u5217\u56db\u7f38\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u548c CVT \u53d8\u901f\u7bb1\u7ec4\u6210\u7684\u5355\u4e00\u52a8\u529b\u603b\u6210\u3002\n\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\uff1a1.5 \u5347\uff0c\u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538b\u76f4\u5217\u56db\u7f38\uff0c\u6c7d\u6cb9\n\u53d8\u901f\u5668\uff1a\u8fde\u7eed\u53ef\u53d8\uff0c\u4e5d\u4e2a\u865a\u62df\u6863\u4f4d\n\u9a71\u52a8\u65b9\u5f0f\uff1a\u524d\u7f6e\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\uff0c\u524d\u9a71\n\u6700\u5927\u9a6c\u529b\uff1a156 hp\n\u6700\u5927\u626d\u77e9\uff1a230 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nChery \u8868\u793a\uff0c\u7a0d\u540e\u8fd8\u4f1a\u63a8\u51fa\u66f4\u5f3a\u5927\u7684 1.6 \u5347\u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538b\u578b\u53f7\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u4eca\u5e74\u65e9\u4e9b\u65f6\u5019\u5728\u4e2d\u56fd\u9996\u6b21\u5c55\u793a\u7684\u5168\u7535\u52a8 BEV \u578b\u53f7\u3002\n\u9ad8\u79d1\u6280\u5185\u9970\n2023\u5e74\u6b3e Chery Omoda 5 \u7684\u9a7e\u9a76\u8231\u4e5f\u62e5\u6709\u65f6\u5c1a\u7684\u4eea\u8868\u677f\u8bbe\u8ba1\uff0c\u6700\u4e3a\u5f15\u4eba\u6ce8\u76ee\u7684\u662f\u53cc 10.25 \u82f1\u5bf8\u663e\u793a\u5c4f\uff0c\u7528\u4f5c\u6570\u5b57\u5316\u4eea\u8868\u96c6\u7fa4\u548c\u4fe1\u606f\u5a31\u4e50\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u4eea\u8868\u677f\u88c5\u9970\u548c\u4e2d\u592e\u676f\u67b6\u4e0a\u72ec\u7279\u7684\u73af\u5883\u7167\u660e\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\n\u8bbe\u5907\u65b9\u9762\uff0c2023 \u5e74\u6b3e Chery Omoda 5 \u7684\u6807\u51c6\u914d\u7f6e\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u65e0\u7ebf Apple CarPlay \u548c Android Auto \u8fde\u63a5\n\u667a\u80fd\u8bed\u97f3\u52a9\u624b\n\u58f0\u5b66\u73bb\u7483\n\u53cc\u533a\u6052\u6e29\u7a7a\u8c03\n\u7535\u5b50\u624b\u5239\n\u65e0\u7ebf\u624b\u673a\u5145\u7535\u677f\n\u5e26\u52a8\u6001\u6307\u5f15\u7ebf\u7684\u5012\u8f66\u6444\u50cf\u5934\n\u4eff\u76ae\u548c\u5e03\u6599\u5ea7\u6905\uff08\u4ec5 H \u578b\u53f7\u63d0\u4f9b\u4eff\u76ae\u5ea7\u6905\uff09\n\u516b\u5587\u53ed Sony Premium \u97f3\u54cd\u7cfb\u7edf\uff08\u4ec5 H \u578b\u53f7\uff09\n6\u5411\u7535\u52a8\u9a7e\u9a76\u5ea7\u5e26\u901a\u98ce\uff08\u4ec5 H \u578b\u53f7\uff09\n\u7535\u52a8\u5929\u7a97\uff08\u4ec5 H \u578b\u53f7\uff09\n\u514d\u63d0\u7535\u52a8\u5c3e\u95e8\uff08\u4ec5 H \u578b\u53f7\uff09\n\u9ad8\u7ea7\u5b89\u5168\u6807\u914d\n\u5168\u65b0\u7684 2023 \u5e74\u6b3e Chery Omoda 5 \u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5c06\u6807\u914d\u4e00\u5957\u5148\u8fdb\u7684\u9a7e\u9a76\u8f85\u52a9\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u81ea\u52a8\u7d27\u6025\u5236\u52a8 \u81ea\u9002\u5e94\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236\u4e0e\u4f4e\u901f\u8ddf\u968f\uff080-180 km/h\uff09 \u4ea4\u901a\u5835\u585e\u8f85\u52a9 \u96c6\u6210\u5de1\u822a\u8f85\u52a9 \u8f66\u9053\u504f\u79bb\u8b66\u544a\u548c\u9632\u6b62\u8f85\u52a9 \u7d27\u6025\u8f66\u9053\u4fdd\u6301 \u540e\u5411\u4ea4\u53c9\u4ea4\u901a\u8b66\u544a \u76f2\u70b9\u68c0\u6d4b \u6b64\u5916\uff0cH \u578b\u53f7\u8fd8\u589e\u52a0\u4e86 360 \u5ea6\u73af\u89c6\u76d1\u89c6\u5668\u3001\u4ea4\u901a\u6807\u5fd7\u8bc6\u522b\u548c\u901f\u5ea6\u9650\u5236\u8f85\u52a9\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\n2023 Chery Omoda 5 \u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684\u4ef7\u683c\n2023 Chery Omoda 5 \u63d0\u4f9b\u4e24\u79cd\u578b\u53f7\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u5982\u4e0b\uff1a\n2023 Chery Omoda 5 C \u2013 \nRM108,800 \n2023 Chery Omoda 5 H \u2013 \nRM118,800 \n\u4ef7\u683c\u4e2d\u5305\u542b\u4e03\u5e74\u7684\u6807\u51c6\u5236\u9020\u5546\u4fdd\u4fee\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u4e94\u5e74\u7684\u514d\u8d39\u670d\u52a1\uff08\u52b3\u52a1\uff09\u3002\u9996\u6279 3,000 \u540d\u5ba2\u6237\u8fd8\u5c06\u83b7\u5f97 Chery Omoda 5 \u52a8\u529b\u603b\u6210\u90e8\u4ef6\u7684 10 \u5e74/1,000,000 km \u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u4fdd\u4fee\uff1b\u7a0d\u540e\u53ef\u4ee5\u8d2d\u4e70\u6269\u5c55\u4fdd\u4fee\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u4e3a RM2,000\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011"
"Together with another two GR Toyota cars and two \u2018GR Sport\u2019 cars, the 2023 \nToyota GR Corolla\n has finally been launched in Malaysia, with a price tag of \nRM355,000\n. Made for the hardcore Toyota enthusiast, the GR Corolla is available with a six-speed manual only. Launched together with the GR Corolla today are the \nall-new GR86\n, the \nmanual GR Supra\n, the \nHilux GR Sport\n, and \nCorolla Cross GR Sport\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe closest thing we\u2019ve ever had to the GR Corolla in Malaysia before this is the \nCorolla Altis\n sedan. You may have seen the non-GR hatchback version of the Corolla in Malaysia as there are some grey market units here. In terms of dimensions, the hatchback GR Corolla measures 4,410 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,455 mm in height (excluding the antenna). The hatchback has a 2,640 mm wheelbase, which is 40 mm shorter than the regular sedan version.\nCompared to the regular hatchback version of the Corolla, the GR Corolla is 30 mm wider at the front and rear fenders, producing an overall broader stance. The front end looks very familiar, but a lot more aggressive thanks to the GR front bumper, a different hood with air vents, and a sportier headlight cluster. For lighter weight, the roof is made of forged carbon fibre.\nWheels are 18-inch cast alloys all around and they get the 15-spoke design with a gloss black finish. Pre-equipped on the GR Corolla are a set of 235/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres. Behind the wheels are 4-pot callipers in front and 2-pot callipers in the rear. As for suspension, it\u2019s a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a double wishbone setup in the rear.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota GR86 launched in Malaysia \u2013 6MT and 6AT options, from RM295k\nPowering the car is a G16E-GTS 1.6-litre inline-3 turbocharged engine that makes \n304 hp\n (metric) at 6,500 rpm and \n370 Nm\n at 3,000-5,550 rpm. Essentially evolved from the \nGR Yaris\n\u2019 1.6-litre engine, the GR Corolla\u2019s mill has been improved in terms of engine exhaust efficiency to achieve a higher output.\nThe engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and power is sent to all wheels via the GR-FOUR 4WD system. The driveline features an electronic multi-plate clutch that offers 3 selectable modes. There\u2019s a limited-slip differential (LSD) for the front wheels and another one for the rear wheels.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR Supra now with 6-speed manual in Malaysia, from RM645k\nInside, the GR Corolla has a very familiar layout, albeit given the GR treatment. There\u2019s a GR steering wheel, a full TFT meter that has been developed exclusively for GR models, GR bucket seats, a short-stroke shift lever, and the good old hand-operated parking brake.\nDespite the craziness of it all, safety is still a top priority in the GR Corolla. The car comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance systems. It\u2019s an amazing start to the year for Toyota in Malaysia with the launch of the GR Corolla, all-new GR86, manual GR Supra, Hilux GR Sport, and Corolla Cross GR Sport.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport launched \u2013 sports suspension, 18-inch GR wheels, from RM142k\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor\u2019s new Global Compact SUV, the \nHyundai Kona\n has just received an all-electric powertrain. The Kona Electric will be the first all-electric compact SUV to go on sale on the European market.\nAt a glance, the Kona Electric looks no different from the regular petrol variant. Upon closer inspection, the electrified SUV now sits 20 mm taller and is longer by 15 mm compared to the regular Kona. The front also gets a more angular sculpture for better aerodynamic efficiency.\nThe Kona Electric is available with a two-tone roof as standard \u2013 seven exterior colours in combination with three roof colours, giving a total of 21 exterior styling.\nInside, the Kona Electric gets an exclusive seven-inch supervision cluster display with electric specific gauges such as battery charge level, energy flow and drive mode. The only compromise with the electrified Kona is a slightly smaller boot space at \n332 litres\n compared to 360 litres on the petrol variant. This is to accommodate a dedicated storage space for the charging cable. Other than that, interior trims and specifications ditto the petrol version.\nThe Kona Electric is available in two configurations: a long-range version with \n64 kWh\n battery pack and a\u00a0basic version with \n39.2 kWh\n battery pack. The long-range Kona\u2019s electric motor delivers \n150 kW\n (201 hp) and has a theoretical range of \n470 km\n. The basic version packs \n99 kW\n (132 hp) and an all-electric range of\n 299 km\n.   Both versions of the Kona Electric packs \n395 Nm\n of twisting force and has a rated top speed of\n 167 km/h\n. Charging the lithium-ion polymer battery up to 80 percent only takes about 54 minutes using a 100 kW direct current (DC) fast charger. Charging port is located next to the front Hyundai Emblem.\nHyundai SmartSense advanced driving assistance technology comes as standard which bundles Smart Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keep Assist, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Warning and Speed Limit Information Function.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Kona Electric   Hyundai Kona Turbo Petrol   Hyundai Kona"
"Volkswagen achieved a new half-yearly record in the first half of 2018 with 3.12 million deliveries across all markets the brand has a presence in. The brand also posted a significant increase in sales revenue, operating profit and return on sales, on track with their newly posted forecast of 10 per cent increase in sales revenue.\nYear to date, the main driver for the growth in 1H 2018 is due to the success of Volkswagen\u2019s SUV models namely the Tiguan, Touareg, T-Roc and soon-to-be-launched T-Cross. The Tiguan has become a global best-seller while sales of the flagship Touareg model will be picking up following its global debut in Q2 2018. The brand has also received 100,000 for the T-Roc which proved to be very popular in Europe.\n \n \nVolkswagen recorded a positive development in all major markets, Western Europe, China and the USA while emerging markets for the brand such as Russia and Brazil saw increased in deliveries by more than 20 per cent.\nFor the first six months of 2018, Volkswagen posted a sales revenue of \u20ac42.7 billion while operating profit is up 19.9 per cent to \u20ac2.1 billion compared to the same period last year.\nMember of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Finance, Dr. Arno Antlitz commented: \u201cThe good operating performance in the first half of the year shows that we are making progress step-by-step with the realignment of the Volkswagen brand. Customer demand for our new models continues at a high level. At the same time, we are continuing to exercise cost discipline. We must consistently pursue this path and further accelerate our transformation to raise our earnings power to a really competitive level that is viable for the future in the long term.\u201d"
"McLaren is a marque that requires no introduction, with a racing heritage that goes back to the 60s. However, it was the creation of one of the best supercars ever, the McLaren F1, that seared its existence onto public consciousness. Like most supercars, the F1 dived deep into the racing world, where years of battles advanced it into its best and final form, the McLaren F1 GTR Long Tail.\nLong\nTail, then, is a historically significant name given to only the best that\ncomes out of Woking, and there is only one car in its stable today with the\nname \u2013 the McLaren 600LT.\nMcLaren compartmentalises its cars into three categories or Series: Sports Series, Super Series, and Ultimate Series. The \n600LT sits at the pinnacle of the Sport Series\n, and in putting the heavy LT weight on its shoulders, McLaren could have easily given it every weapon in its disposal to create an unrelenting, no-nonsense supercar. Is it, though?\nBut first, some numbers. This orange example is a McLaren 600LT Spider. Aside from an \nextra 48 kg\n from its roofing mechanism, it is identical to its Coup\u00e9 sibling. Woking\u2019s venerable \n3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant\n makes \n600 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque in this application, and power finds its way to the rear wheels via a \n7-speed dual clutch transmission\n.\nThis means the 600LT Spider will dust the \ncentury sprint in 2.9 seconds\n, and then the second century in 8.4 seconds, going all the way up to \n324 km/h\n. It has \nceramic brakes\n lifted from the 720S (390 mm up front, 380 mm at the rear) which will bring it to a standstill from 200 km/h in 121 metres.\nThese are serious numbers, and of course we never got close to it on our public roads. Further injection of agility comes by weight savings. Thinner glass, carbon fibre panels, lightened suspension components \u2013 all of these add up, and if you tick every lightweight option box to make it as light as possible, it will weigh in at \n1.4-tonne\n.\nIn Spider form, the 600LT is actually \n50 kg lighter than the 570S\n. However, we don\u2019t recommend this uncompromising pursuit for lightness as there won\u2019t be air conditioning, stereo, and front axle lift \u2013 features that are highly necessary on our sweltering weather and pockmarked roads.\nUnlike models in the other loftier Series, the 600LT Spider makes do \nwithout active aero\n and that magical hydraulically-linked suspension setup that is the calling card of modern McLarens. It rides on a setup with anti-roll bars, and this is where we begin to understand just what McLaren truly wanted to create.\nWhere\nthe hydraulic suspension feels aloof \u2013 almost as if it\u2019s a higher being that\nonly tolerates the existence of the driver \u2013 the traditional setup is down to\nearth in its honesty. The ride is on the acceptable side of firm when the\ndampers are set to Normal, but more than that, there is a transparency that the\nhydraulic system simply did not set out to do. Every inch of the road is\ncommunicated exactly as it is to the driver through the seat, and the same\ntransparency is found in every tool used to communicate with the car.\nYou\ncan see that the steering wheel is fantastically austere, and it communicated\nvolumes. Every little stone can be felt through the Alcantara finished wheel,\nand it was telepathically direct to turn into corners. The brakes needed some\nwarming up, as is normal in carbon discs, and are hugely reassuring in both\nweight and stopping power when they get up to temperature.\nThe cumulative\nresult of all these coming together is feedback channel that is both predictable\nand instantaneous.\nHowever, the engine felt comparatively, well, normal. Where everything else had an immediacy and delicacy, the V8 powerplant is unassuming below 3000 rpm, and then \u2018woomph\u2019 the boost really comes on and you\u2019re exploding into the horizon. Some drivers will undoubtedly like this, but it doesn\u2019t fully integrate with the character of the car. The engine doesn\u2019t really sing either, preferring to holler instead when prodded.\nIt\ngoes without saying that there is absolutely no way to even go near its limits\non a public road, so the other half of the day was spent on the other important\naspect of supercar ownership: posing.\nWe kid \u2013 it was spent ogling and feeling up every inch of the car, and in McLaren Orange, the 600LT Spider looks superb. All the carbon fibre inserts stand out in stark contrast, and as is usual in supercar ownership, most of everything is customisable. As tested, this example received the \nMSO Clubsport Pack\n and \nCarbon Fibre Upgrades\n that brings \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 carbon fibre parts like the front splitter, side skirts, wing mirrors, side vents, rear diffuser and rear wing.\nThe\nlast has a special coating in the middle section of it to prevent any damage\nfrom hot exhaust fumes.\nThe aforementioned MSO Clubsport Pack definitely brings further character to the car. Amongst its many elements is a pair of \nSuper-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats\n (found in the McLaren Senna as well). They weigh \n3.35 kg a piec\ne, and are the highlight of the interior while, as mentioned earlier, adding to the transparent driving experience. However, this monochrome interior won\u2019t be palatable to everyone, so specify it right and you can have Burnt Orange or Midnight Blue accents in it.\nA\nsimple contortion brings us into an interior that is as focused as we\u2019ve ever\ncome across in modern supercars. These seats look the business and are surprisingly\ncomfortable if you\u2019re around the mean Asian height \u2013 I spent hours diving in\nand out of them and driving the car with no aches to show for it, but I digress.\nThe seating\nposition is absolutely spot on, and from here there is a slight hint of the front\nbodywork so placing the car around corners is surprisingly easy. There aren\u2019t\nmany buttons to play with to put the focus where it\u2019s supposed to be, and they are\nall within easy reach of the driver. The resulting effect is a clean,\nminimalistic cockpit that is pleasing to eye, and psychologically it primes the\ndriver towards driving more than anything. Your passenger won\u2019t have much fun,\nbut in here, it\u2019s all about you.\nLike\nall convertibles, extra drama comes when the roof is brought down. The engine\nis suddenly so much louder, and there is a keen awareness that it is right\nbehind you. A haze created by the heat of the exhausts finds permanent residence\nin the rear view mirror. Look over the side of the door and the body parts that\nhelp aero are within easy reach. Theatre is what convertibles are about, and\nall of this certainly makes up for the miniscule dent in performance.\nAll\nof this brings us back to the question, is it an unrelenting, no nonsense track\nspecial? Yes. and no. In its quest to create a pure, driving experience for the\ntrack, I think Woking also created (fortuitously so) a remarkably approachable\nsupercar. It will unquestionably dissect tracks everywhere, but at the same\ntime you know exactly what it brings to the table, thereby removing some of the\nintimidation that supercars always have. It has all these weapons, but it lays\nit on the table and says, you take over and use whatever you want.\nIn the fast-moving (pun intended) world of supercars, this basic approach to creating an entertaining and extraordinary driving experience is refreshing. Every single officially imported 600LT into Malaysia (of which only a couple are Spiders, retailing at \ncirca RM2.4 million\n including duties but before options) have been sold, and the car has also been lauded all around the world. It\u2019s really no wonder. The 600LT Spider deserves the name, and it certainly carries the weight forward into the modern era with aplomb.\nHere\u2019s a bonus gif of the 600LT spitting \nfire\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from the\n Haval H6\n and \nCannon pick-up truck\n, \nGWM Malaysia\n also took the opportunity to show off the Haval Jolion at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n. The Jolion is one of the three models that the company has \nconfirmed for Malaysi\na (alongside the Haval H6 and \nOra Good Cat\n), and we\u2019re now finally getting our first look at the B-segment crossover.\nNo detailed information were provided on the Haval Jolion at the stand, so we can only take educated guesses based on these photos. But at least we don\u2019t have to wait too much longer, as GWM Malaysia said that the car will be launched in Malaysia by the end of this year.\nSize wise, the Haval Jolion measures similarly to the\n Toyota Corolla Cross\n, which means it\u2019s actually slightly larger than most of its competitors in the segment. The car seen here is the hybrid version, as such it features several unique styling touches to differentiate itself from the regular variants, including the Star Matrix grille, as well as the blue accents on the unique headlamps.\nOn the mention of headlamps, the Haval Jolion HEV\u2019s headlamp clusters are also unique to the variant, featuring three individual LED projector units, and a massive triangular segment underneath with horizontal daytime-running light elements that also doubles as the front turn indicators.\nOther things of note include the 18-inch wheels, C-shaped taillight signature, chrome elements on the skidplate-esque bumper trims, and the unique light blue hue for the metalwork. Curiously, this exact blue colour is not offered in Thailand, where we\u2019ll presumably be importing our cars from.\nThe cabin of the Haval Jolion also has a certain air of premium-ness, thanks to its use of the dual-tone leather upholstery in black and tan, mixed with wooden trims on the dashboard and centre console. As standard, the Haval Jolion comes equipped with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display perched on the dashboard.\nThis car, though, is the range-topping variant (from Thailand), which comes with additional niceties including a larger 12.3-inch centre screen, a panoramic glass roof, head-up display for the driver, and a Qi wireless charging pad.\nRELATED: \nHaval H6 HEV previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 \u2013 Hybrid X70 rival?\nAs the HEV badge on the tailgate suggests, the car here is indeed the hybrid variant, featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet and a seven-speed DCT gearbox with an integrated electric motor for a combined system output of \n190 hp \nand \n375 Nm\n.\nThe Haval Jolion is also offered with a regular petrol powertrain, with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four mill underneath the bonnet making \n143 hp \nand\n 210 Nm\n. Despite being sighted here in Malaysia with (presumably) this configuration previously, we\u2019re unsure if the petrol variant will eventually be available here, as our neighbour up North currently don\u2019t have it in production.\nObviously, no pricing information is available just yet, but don\u2019t expect it to undercut many of its competitors, given its fully-imported (CBU) nature. For reference, the Haval Jolion is available in three variants over in Thailand, with pricing ranging from THB879,000 (approx. RM115k) to THB999,000 (approx. RM130k).\nWith the introduction of the Haval Jolion and \nChery Omoda 5\n due this year, it seems that the compact crossover segment here in Malaysia is about to heat up again. Do any of these Chinese crossovers pique your fancy? Let us know in the comments below!\nALSO READ: \nGWM Cannon previewed at Malaysia Autoshow 2023, Hilux alternative\nGALLERY"
"Isuzu UK have teamed up with Arctic Trucks, the 4\u00d74 specialist, to launch the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35. Designed and reengineered to perform in the most gruelling conditions, the new variant will be available for purchase in the UK from 1st October 2017 onwards.\nOriginated in Iceland, Arctic Trucks specialises in converting 4\u00d74 vehicles for extreme conditions while maintaining high levels of drivability, safety and reliability. On top of the \nhigh-spec D-Max Utah variant\n, the AT35 adds tinted windows, shark fin antenna, tailgate damper and black wheels (silver finish available as an option).   Inside, the AT35 adds Arctic Trucks branded headrest embroidery, carpet mats, door sill covers and interior badging onto the existing keyless entry & push button start system, 7-inch multifunction colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio as well as satellite navigation.\nNo changes were made to the engine \u2013 the recently debuted \nEuro 6-compliant 1.9-litre turbodiesel\n with \n162 hp\n and\n 360 Nm\n of torque paired to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Towing capacity remains at 3.5 tonne with one tonne payload.   Colour options for the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 include \u2013 Splash White, Cosmic Black, Obsidian Grey, Venetian Red, Tundra Green, Titanium Silver and Nautilus Blue. The company is asking an additional \u00a34.5k (RM24.6k) at \u00a337,995 (RM208k) for the AT35 over the standard range-topping D-Max.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following its \nimpending official launch in Malaysia\n, American EV maker \nTesla \nwill soon be opening its flagship outlets \u2013 including the company headquarters, experience centres, and service centres \u2013 in Selangor later this year.\nThis was confirmed by Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, following a virtual meeting with Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk this morning.\nPhoto: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook\n\u201cMalaysia will continue to strengthen its commitment towards net-zero carbon emissions as early as 2050,\u201d the Prime Minister said in a statement after the meeting. \u201cMalaysia has a comprehensive plan and ecosystem, as well as competitive resources to support the clean energy industry including electric mobility.\u201d\nThe government first announced its carbon neutrality aspirations in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) roadmap.\nThe American EV carmaker today \nopened the order books\n for the \nTesla Model Y\n for Malaysia, with pricing for the fully-electric crossover to start from RM199,000 for the entry-level standard range RWD variant.\nAn \ninitial list of 10 Tesla Supercharger locations\n have also been published on the carmaker\u2019s local website, which the company says will be \u201ccoming soon\u201d, as part of its \n\u2018BEV Global Leaders initiative\u2019\n agreement with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).\nThe 25-minute virtual meeting was also joined by SpaceX senior director Lauren Dreyer, alongside MITI minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.\nAside from Tesla discussions, the meeting also touched on SpaceX\u2019s Starlink satellite broadband service, which Anwar said could boost the nation\u2019s internet connectivity especially in rural areas, due to the minimal physical infrastructure requirements.\n\u201cThe initiative could improve the ability and well-being of the people, especially from the aspects of education and agriculture technology,\u201d he added."
"BMW Malaysia has revealed the second batch of limited-edition, locally-assembled BMW X5 PHEVs with M Performance parts. The first batch of limited-edition BMW X5 with M Performance Parts was revealed at Auto Bavaria dealerships last year. The limited-edition model is based on the \nX5 xDrive45e PHEV.\nThe new batch will be priced at \nRM480,800 each\n and is limited to \njust 22 units\n. The standard X5 xDrive45e PHEV M Sport launched in 2020 is priced at \nRM440,745\n. Each purchase is accompanied by complimentary gifts worth RM22,000.\nThe BMW M Performance Parts package is priced at RM36,000 and it includes:\nGloss black front grille\nCarbon fibre side mirror caps\n20-inch Star Spoke style 748M\nAs for the complimentary gifts worth RM22,000, they include:\nBMW umbrella\nBMW leather care set\nBMW brake pad & disc voucher\nLuxury suitcase\nSTOKKE reusable ceramic cup\nWhile it may be a follow-up to the previous batch of limited-edition BMW X5 from last year, both editions appear to be \nquite different\n. They still share the same wheel design and carbon fibre side mirror caps, but the 1st batch had a chrome grille instead. The first batch also had winglets by the edges of the front and rear bumper.\nLast year\u2019s limited-edition BMW X5\n.with M Performance parts.\nAccording to Sime Darby, Auto Bavaria, Managing Director, Mr. Vi Thim Juan, the popularity of the limited edition unit is attributed to the M Performance parts, as these parts not only enhance the look of the vehicle but also add to the vehicle\u2019s aerodynamics.\u00a0\n\u201c30 units from the first batch of limited-edition BMW X5 M Performance sold out within one week at Auto Bavaria dealerships last year as the vehicles were extremely limited, offered more dynamic and sporty appeal matched with an already best-in-class product offering in terms of design, technology, comfort, and performance,\u201d he added.\nGALLERY"
"Car showrooms aren\u2019t exactly what they used to be anymore. Drop by one on a long weekend or a public holiday, and there\u2019s not much of a crowd going on. And this is all just a symptom of the change in direction for how we buy cars. In Malaysia today, we can already obtain comprehensive information about the cars we are interested in online, and from there only we proceed to contact a dealer. Things are about to change even further thanks to brands like \nTesla\n, \nSmart\n, \nMercedes-Benz\n, and \nVolvo\n. Here\u2019s why.\nAll the companies mentioned are taking a direct-to-consumer approach, some of which have already been that way from the beginning (i.e. Tesla) and some which have switched to it from the traditional dealership model. And judging by how quickly we have all become accustomed to ordering food deliveries online, the adoption of the more direct-to-consumer method of buying cars shouldn\u2019t be too difficult either. As Smart cars puts it on its website, \u201cOrdering a car is as easy as buying pizza\u201d.\nIf you\u2019re still confused as to what this all means, you\u2019re not alone, as we\u2019ve become quite accustomed to the traditional dealership model\nWhat it basically means is that you will be able to buy your car online from the comfort of your own home. And you will be able to see the full stock availability of the car that you would like to order. Take a look at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s website now and you will see what this means.\nRELATED: \nNo more dealer discounts \u2013 Mercedes-Benz implements agency model in Malaysia with retail partners\nAlmost like looking at a bunch of diecast models on a shopping rack. Notice how there are 5 GLAs, all symbolizing available stocks\nIt is as if all cars are placed on a shopping rack for you to select \u2013 There might be a blue A 200 next to a grey A 200, and on the shelf below it is a black AMG A45 S and a red GLB. They won\u2019t be arranged in such order, but you get what it means. You can also see where the stock is located on Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s website\nThe same thing can be seen on Tesla\u2019s UK website and Smart Germany\u2019s website for example. It all just honestly feels like you are selecting which diecast car model to buy \u2013 It is quite an interesting experience. Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s website doesn\u2019t quite give you the same feeling (of buying a diecast model), but the fact remains that you are able to see the stock availability of the car that you are interested in.\nRELATED: \nTesla Model Y open for bookings in Malaysia \u2013 from RM199k, extra RM32k for FSD\nTesla UK inventory\nBuying experience aside, what this also means is that car prices will be standard and there will be no more such things as \u201cDealer discounts\u201d. Fundamentally, what is changing is the fact that the stock of the cars available is owned by the manufacturer instead of the dealer.\nWith the traditional dealership model, you have car dealers buying the stock of cars and hence taking a business risk with them \u2013 the cars could either end up being sold or not. With the new model of some manufacturers (agency model), the stock is owned by the principal (i.e. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia), and the agent is paid a fee for their services. The agent does not take on any business risk like a dealer.\nRELATED: \nSpied \u2013 Smart #1 Brabus in Malaysia \u2013 428hp, 543Nm, 400km range\nSmart\u2019s inventory in Germany\nThat is really what this all is about \u2013 A smoother experience for the consumer and a restructuring of the fundamental way that car sales are done. Volvo Car Malaysia was the first to launch its online car purchasing platform in Malaysia for its electric car. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia reportedly is the first to introduce the agency model in the SEA region.\nTesla will be launching in Malaysia soon and the company has always conducted its sales in this manner. There will also be the Smart electric car which, judging by its sales methods in other regions, will be available for purchase online in Malaysia too.\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia launches new e-commerce platform \u2013 \u2018Shop Online\u2019 for your next car\nEven with all of these changes happening, it doesn\u2019t omit the need for a physical showroom. Test drives still require physical presence and car ownership isn\u2019t complete without experiencing how the brand presents itself (through its facilities). Car showrooms are also now often clumped together with the brand\u2019s other services (maintenance, repairs, etc.).\nWe\u2019ve gone from phoning taxis to just tapping a few buttons to get a ride quite easily. It shouldn\u2019t be too difficult to change how we buy cars. After Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Smart, and Volvo, many more shall follow."
"Solar panels on electric cars always sounded like the most common-sense idea \u2013 it\u2019s literally free energy, right? Well, technically yes, but in reality the actual benefits in real-world applications haven\u2019t really been all that groundbreaking.\nWe don\u2019t have to look too far for an example: Hyundai estimates that the tech only adds about 5 km of range per day on the \nIoniq 5\n, and 3.5 km on the \nSonata Hybrid\n. But despite that, Mercedes-Benz is still convinced that solar panel roof is the answer for EVs, and will begin offering them on their new cars starting from 2024.\nThe news comes from Mercedes-Benz\u2019s CTO Markus Sch\u00e4fer, who told the media during a roundtable event after the launch of the \nVision EQXX\n this week.\n\u201cCustomers probably will have the choice in the future to opt for complete glass roofs uninterrupted, or solar roofs, which are extremely aesthetically attractive, but also the benefit of putting additional energy into the battery,\u201d Sch\u00e4fer said.\n\u201cWe work with the German research institute of Fraunhofer . who co-developed with us, solar panels, a very very efficient solar panel roof which we\u2019re putting in our vehicles, and that\u2019s the idea with series vehicles in the future, probably starting 2024 with an increasing number of solar roofs in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.\u201d\nLooking at the numbers from the Vision EQXX, it does seem that the German carmaker is actually onto something. Mercedes claims that the solar roof on the concept vehicle is capable of adding up to 25 km of range per day \u2013 that\u2019s five times of what Hyundai achieved with the Ioniq 5.\nA huge part of that achievement comes from the way Mercedes-Benz handles the electricity from the solar cells. Instead of the drivetrain\u2019s battery, the energy captured from sunlight is fed into a separate lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to supply power to the car\u2019s ancillary systems, including the air conditioning, lights, and infotainment system.\nBy using a separate dedicated electrical architecture, stress is taken off the high-voltage system, thus increasing the range of the car. That being said, though, Mercedes-Benz said that they\u2019re also developing a solar power system that is capable of supplying power directly to the powertrain\u2019s battery too.\nOf course, how well all of these translate onto a regular production EV remains to be seen \u2013 not every car has a drag coefficient of just 0.17 Cd. Mercedes-Benz seems confident about it, so we\u2019ll just have to wait and see. But one thing we do know is that it\u2019ll at least be quite good-looking, as Sch\u00e4fer mentions repeatedly.\n[Source: Autoblog]"
"Our dreams may have just come true with the possibility of personalizing our car horns! Peugeot introduced the Audio Sonic Peronalization Program in the UK allowing users to choose their car horn from a library of sounds or even from their smartphone.\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMZvt1_sZnk\nUsers can truly individualize they way their car horn sounds like whenever they want from the audio library.\u00a0\u201cBirdsong or Bach, Jazz Trumpet or Dubstep, the only limit will be our customers\u2019 imaginations\u201d said Orvil Pondaiss, Peugeot\u2019s New Head of Audio Sonic Personalization.\n\u201cWe\u2019re delighted that our customers will be able to take personalization to the next level with our new feature. We\u2019ll be offering guidance on how to create a distinctive horn that will get a positive reaction from fellow drivers. Hopefully thousands of Peugeot customers will be looking forward to getting their own horn later this year,\u201d Pondaiss added.\nDeveloped by engineers and sound designers at Peugeot\u2019s Technical Center, the new Audio Sonic technology will be a standard feature across the entire Peugeot range from July 2014 onwards in the UK. Let\u2019s hope Naza will bring this feature to Malaysia by then!"
"Suzuki has just officially announced their return to Malaysia. The Japanese brand known for its compact and fun-to-drive vehicles will be distributed by Naza Eastern Motors (NEM).\nThe first Suzuki model is set to be launched in Malaysia \nthis month\n, and two models are planned for the brand\u2019s return.\nSM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman and CEO, Naza Corporation Holdings said, \u201cIt brings us great honour to be able to work with a Japanese automotive giant that successfully captured the hearts of Malaysian consumers during its years in the Malaysian market. The team at Naza Eastern Motors is committed to ensure we build on the strong reputation Suzuki has established by providing quality products that are reliable, desirable and cheerful.\u201d\nSuzuki\u2019s first flagship 3S showroom is set to be located in Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Inspired by the Suzuki \u201cWay of Life!\u201d motto, the 3,000 sqft facility will provide sales, servicing and spare parts for the new generation of Suzuki vehicles.\n\u201cOver the years, Suzuki has produced great products that have piqued the interest of many around the globe. We are looking to kick-start Suzuki\u2019s reintroduction in Malaysia by launching two of its most discussed and desirable models this year. Loyal Suzuki fans can also expect an exciting product line-up in the subsequent years.\u201d says Dato Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.\nMeanwhile, the Senior Managing Officer, Executive General Manager, Global Automobile Marketing at Suzuki Motor Corporation, Mr Kinji Saito said, \u201cWe are delighted to return to the Malaysian market with the NAZA Group as our distributor. Our experience with the Malaysian market has been delightful due to the huge acceptance from our customers, and we greatly appreciate the continued trust for Suzuki. We are looking forward to introducing our latest award-winning cars to these loyal Suzuki fans.\u201d\nWith regards to the first two models, nothing has been shared but SM Nasarudin did mention in a leading news daily the group will focus on businesses where the company would have more control, with the potential to bring in higher revenue and \nbetter profit margins\n.\nUnfortunately, that discounts the entry and volume-selling models like the \nThailand-made Swift\n and Ertiga-replacing XL7 seven-seater.\nModels higher-up the price ladder would be the turbocharged \nSuzuki Swift Sport\n and a few SUVs. But given the indication of \u201cmost discussed and desirable models\u201d, the \nJimny\n definitely fits the description.\nWe at Autobuzz.my are excited about the brand\u2019s return and will keep everyone updated as soon as the information is available."
"Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled a concept vehicle that showcases the technologies used to surpass the magical 1,000 km range in an electric vehicle.\nA slippery shape is important for efficiency and as such, the Mercedes Vision EQXX has an incredibly slippery shape, defined by a Coefficient of drag (Cd) value of just \n0.17\n. This ground-breaking figure surpasses the company\u2019s earlier \nMercedes EQS\n premium EV Cd value of 0.20 which is the current record for production vehicles, and even smoother than an American football measured to be in the region of 0.18 to 0.20.\nA retractable rear diffuser on the \nMcLaren Speedtail\n-like tail is deployed only at higher speeds when the air resistance becomes very pronounced.\nWhen viewed from the top, a teardrop shape tightening towards the rear can be seen, as Mercedes-Benz has deliberated made the rear axle 50 mm narrower compared to the front, all in the name of aerodynamic efficiency.\nLower vehicle weight is also a necessity for increased in driving range, and this is where the price to pay to go further starts escalating. The bodyshell showcases the advancements in technology, produced with 100% scrap using an electric-arc furnace technique.\nThe doors of the EQXX meanwhile are made from a hybrid of carbon-fibre and glass-fibre reinforced plastics with aluminium reinforcements. The rear floor of the concept meanwhile features Mercedes-Benz latest innovation called \u2018BIONEQXX\u2019 aluminium-casted structure.\nInstead of carbon-ceramic brake discs, the Mercedes Vision EQXX comes with aluminium brake discs and this material is chosen as brake dust emissions are reduced by up to 90%. Another unique technology only found in this concept is the advanced glass-fibre reinforced plastic springs all in the name to reduce overall mass.\nAt an estimated 1,750 kg, the Vision EQXX is a whopping 900 kg lighter than the Mercedes EQS and other high-performance EVs such as the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S and the Audi e-tron!\nMoving to the powertrain, everything in the Vision EQXX is bespoke and the development team worked energetically together with its top motorsports colleagues from the Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (\nHPP\n) as well as the Formula E team.\nThe electrical architecture features a higher-than-average voltage value of over 900 volts, with a large 100 kWh battery pack that is as powerful as the EQS but some 50% smaller in dimension and 30% lighter. This results in a remarkable energy density of 400 Wh/L and a weight of under 500 kg.\nNew fluid products from Petronas IONA will be vital for the efficiency of the next-generation EVs\nThe rear-mounted electric drive unit with approximately 150 kW (\n204 hp\n) is a dedicated unit consisting of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics featuring a new generation of silicon carbides. Technology from the upcoming \nMercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar\n is also seen in the power electronics.\nThe technical team has designed the powertrain (battery, motor, transmission etc) to deliver 95% efficiency, meaning 95% of the energy from the battery ends up at the wheels. As such, the 20-inch Turanza Eco tyres provided by \nBridgestone\n with \u2018ENLITEN\u2019 and \u2018ologic\u2019 technologies are carefully selected to transmit all that efficiency to the ground.\nAdam Allsopp, the Advanced Technology Director from HPP said the battery management system and power electronics have been designed with an absolute focus on reducing losses. The new battery also sees new chemistry of the anodes with higher silicon content and advanced composition.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia and Petronas to install DC fast chargers in preparation for the launch of EQ models in Malaysia\nWith a range of over 1,000 km, the Mercedes Vision EQXX can start a journey from \nCycle & Carriage Bintang\n in Johor Bahru, travel northwards without any recharge and arrive at Hat Yai and Songkhla, Thailand, with some range still left!\nPassengers will also experience a new level of bio- and nature-based comfort, with seats upholstered from animal-free simulated leather material called Desserttex and Mylo, a material that originated from mycelium, which is the underground rootlike structure of mushrooms. Bamboo fibres are used for carpets to line the floor of the Mercedes Vision EQXX. These materials are not only sustainable but lightweight too.\nOther key technologies in the Vision EQXX include clever software and artificial intelligence as well as a solar-charging roof panel that adds up to 25 km of range, as the power generated is stored in a dedicated battery to drive the accessories, reducing the burden on the main battery.\nIn the US, the \nLucid Air Dream Edition Range\n with 933 hp holds the unofficial title of the furthest range for an EV at 837 km (520 miles), as certified by the US EPA, while the aforementioned Mercedes EQS has a variant configured to deliver up to 770 km of range under the WLTP standard.\nMeanwhile, one of the vehicles with the shortest range on sale in Malaysia today is the \nMINI Cooper SE\n at just 232 km priced at RM217,470. Mazda\u2019s MX-30 will takeover that honour with just a range of 200 km, as Bermaz Auto has \nhinted at the intention\n to bring in a variety of EVs thanks to the government\u2019s incentive under \nBudget 2022\n.\nGALLERY"
"In 2022, \nPerodua\n \nsold a total of \n282,019\n cars, showing a 48.2% growth from 2021. Production rose by 49.5% year-on-year, with a total of 289,054 cars produced. Perodua also reported 30% increase in after-sales intake going from 2 million in 2021 to 2.6 million in 2022.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThese achievements were also the local ecosystem\u2019s shared commitment towards our customers and our collective roles in advancing this industry.\u201d\n2022 was a challenging year for Perodua as there were many obstacles such as the automotive ecosystem\u2019s recovery from the massive flood and the shortage of workers due to spikes in Covid-19 cases at the supplier level. There was also the shortage of semiconductor chips supply and the sudden increase in raw material prices.\nDato\u2019s Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThe industry did a lot of soul searching and from the learning points obtained during the pandemic and we realised that we needed to take active steps to recover in 2021 \u2013 which saw its fair share of challenges and from there to maximise the ecosystem\u2019s potential in 2022. Our goal was to meet customers\u2019 expectations of us\u2013 not just in terms of delivery of products and services but also in introducing greater value offerings to all Malaysians.\u201d\nDespite the challenges, 2022 has been the best year so far for Perodua and the Malaysian automotive industry in general. In December 2022, Perodua managed to average 1,000 vehicles made and registered per day.\nRELATED: \nPerodua has sold 250,795 cars so far this year, the most in its history\nPerodua has stated that it will maintain its vehicle prices should factors such as material prices, fuel prices, foreign exchange, and interest rates remain within acceptable levels. In lieu of the mentioned factors, other manufacturers have increased prices of their cars.\nThe Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer said, \u201cFor now, our priority is to deliver to those who booked their Perodua within the sales tax exemption period as the price for these vehicles will remain as per agreed until 31 March 2023 deadline.\u201d\nMoving forward, Perodua will continue to introduce new technologies in its future products and services as well as to continue to invest in innovations in its operations. The company will announce its full list of targets later this month.\nRELATED: \nPerodua launches Ativa Hybrid leasing programme \u2013 RM500/month for 5 years"
"Displayed alongside the \nVolkswagen Golf GTI MK7.5\n at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show is the \nall-new Volkswagen Arteon\n. The Passat CC\u2019s spiritual successor is dressed in the most aggressive R-Line trim, painted in its hero colour, Turmeric Yellow.\nSitting on the group\u2019s modular MQB platform, the Arteon measures at 4,862 mm in length, 1,871 mm in width, 1,450 mm in height and 2,837 mm in wheelbase; larger in all dimensions compared to its lesser twin, the Passat B8. The Arteon also benefits from a stiffer body rigidity (up 10 percent) and a lower drag coefficient of \n0.265\n.   The \nR-Line trim\n differentiates itself from the more aggressive front bumper with R badge embossed in the grille and a subtle spoiler around the back. Curiously the unit shown here does not ride on the black 20-inch alloys available in other markets. The tailgate opens to a sizeable \n563 litres\n boot space.\nInside, the Arteon spots a familiar cabin layout and equipment like the \nPassat B8\n \u2013 12.3-inch Active Info Display, centre analogue clock, multifunctional steering wheel, tri-zone Air Care Climatronic air conditioning and the whole lot. This particular unit comes with the optional 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with gesture control, powered sunroof and 700-watt 12 speaker Dynaudio \u2018Confidence\u2019 sound pack.   Powerplant option include up to six turbocharged engines available right off the bat, comprised of three petrol (TSI) and three diesel (TDI) engines. All engine choices can be paired to a seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. Higher outputs of the TSI and TDI engines gets 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard.\nOn the safety front, the new Arteon comes equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with predictive cruise control, City Emergency Braking, Front Assist, Speed Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Assist and Driver Alert fatigue warning system. The Arteon is also awarded with full 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.\nThe \nprevious-generation Passat CC\n turned out to be quite popular among Malaysians who preferred the more youthful and sleek appearance. Would the Volkswagen Arteon fill up the void left by the Passat CC? Only time will tell.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has shared their Q1\u00a02016 results, a 41% growth in sales compared to the first quarter of 2015. The company\u2019s best-ever quarter results with 2658 cars sold, registered and delivered from January to March 2016.\nThese sales figures cement MBM\u2019s\u00a0position as the number one premium automotive brand in Malaysia. The German automaker which celebrates its \n130\nth\n anniversary\n this year also recorded a milestone market share of 2.3% as at March 2016,\u00a0a 0.5% increase on the full-year 2015 sales in which 10,845 units of passenger cars were sold.\nCompact models, the \nA\n, \nCLA\n and \nGLA-Class\n, accounted for 664 units sold, an increase of 59% on January and March 2015. The leading model was the \nA-Class\n (300 units, up 38%) followed by the 183 units of the CLA (up 200%) and then the GLA at 159 units, a 77% increase.\nThe best selling vehicles were from the locally-assembled Limousine range comprising the \nC\n, \nE\n and \nS-Class\n \nwith a total of 1814 units, a\u00a026% increase on Q1 2015.\u00a0The \ntop-seller\n was the \nC-Class\n at 1359 units (up 871% on Q1 2015). Assembly of the C-Class began at Mercedes\u2019s Pekan plant in April 2015.\nThis was followed by the \nE-Class\n (260 units) and \nS-Class\n (195 units), both down, by 75% and 28% respectively. The slowdown in E-Class sales\u00a0is due to the launch of an all-new E-Class later this year while the S-Class sales were affected by uncertainty over the hybrid policy for 2016. This has been resolved with the government announcement that locally-assembled hybrid vehicles will continue to enjoy import and excise duty exemptions for the time being.\nMercedes-Benz SUVs,\u00a0the \nGLC, GLE and GLE Coup\u00e9\n ,which began sales in January 2016 accounted for 170 units while its Dream Cars comprising the E-Class Coup\u00e9, the CLS, S-Class Coup\u00e9, S-Class Maybach and \nMercedes-AMG\n models made up 20 units of the tally of 2658 passenger cars sold in the first quarter of this year.\nThe first and oldest car maker in the world, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating their 130\nth\n anniversary this year. In Malaysia, this has been been marked so far by the upgrading of three dealerships which have been remodelled to the brand\u2019s latest identity guidelines, four new vehicles introduced into the market, the certification of 18 Product Experts and the launch of four My Service Options to improve customers\u2019 after-sales and service experience.\nBesides the launch of the GLC, GLE, GLE Coup\u00e9 SUVs and facelifted A-Class, and introduction of C180 and C300 variants, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u00a0launches to look forward to\u00a0for the rest of 2016 include \nsix new car models\n, two new engine variants and a facelift model."
"The second-generation Audi Q3 has just made its international debut, boasting bigger dimensions, better comfort and a high-tech cabin. The new premium compact SUV is expected to go on sale in Europe in November 2018 once production commences at the Gyor plant in Hungary.\nThe new Q3 has grown in all dimensions, now measuring 4,485 mm in length (+97 mm), 1,856 mm in width (+25 mm) and 1,585 mm in height (-5 mm) with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm (+77 mm). As a result, the cabin will now fit passengers more comfortably with more knee room, headroom and elbow room.   The designers have given the Q3 a more expressive look with the main highlight being the new Singleframe front grille that now spots eight vertical bars to divide the front opening. There are three versions of LED headlamps available on the Q3 including Matrix LED technology for the range-topping model.\nLike any Audi models, the optional S Line package dresses the SUV with a more angular bumper, side sills and diffuser to achieve that sportier looks. A total of 11 paint colours are available along with the option for a contrasting paint finish for the lower body sections.\nAudi\u2019s high-tech cabin design from its higher tier models is also found in this baby SUV such as Audi Virtual Cockpit (10.25-inch or 12.3-inch), 8.8-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment display, MMI navigation plus with natural-language voice control, Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 15 speakers, 30 colour ambient lighting and panoramic glass sunroof.\nThanks to the increased interior space, the rear seats can now be moved fore/aft by up to 150 mm and can be tilted in seven stages for better rear seat comfort. Hence, boot space is now rated between 530 to 675 litres depending on the position of the rear seats.   Three petrol and one diesel engine are available with the Q3, with power outputs ranging from \n150 hp\n to \n230 hp\n. A six-speed manual is standard fitment while the seven-speed S Tronic dual clutch can be had as an option. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels via the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.\nAdvanced driver assists systems that made its debut on the Q3 include Adaptive Cruise Assist which allows the Q3 to operate semi-autonomous by keeping the car at the desired speed while following the road contours. Other functions such as Park Assist, Cross Traffic Assist and Audi Pre Sense Front Safety System AEB are also available on the Q3.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over in Europe, Toyota has just updated the radical looking C-HR crossover, featuring a new hybrid powertrain option, refreshed exterior styling and infotainment system as well.\nThe highlight of this update is the new powertrain option. Toyota has added a \n2.0-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force\n system to the C-HR lineup, pushing out \n184 hp\n to the front wheels \u2013 a \n44 hp increase\n from the existing 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engine we get here in Malaysia.\nThis 2.0-litre hybrid engine is sourced from the global versions of the Toyota Corolla and Auris Hybrid, which claims to do 4.7 l/100km on the WLTP cycle. However, Toyota has yet to publish the official fuel consumption figures on the C-HR.\u00a0\nToyota has also refined the handling of the stylish crossover, with a retuned electric power steering for a claimed improved steering feel, and improved ride comfort.\u00a0\nOn the exterior styling, Toyota gave the compact SUV a subtle makeover with new LED headlights and taillights. At the front, the daytime-running lights (DRL) are now integrated with the turn indicators, creating a single \u201ceyebrow\u201d above the main beam. Meanwhile at the rear, a gloss black spoiler joins the two LED combination lights to create a cleaner look.\u00a0\nOther exterior visual changes include a new painted lower front lip, as well as a new alloy wheel design.\nMoving inside, the C-HR receives a new infotainment system, supporting the latest versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto \u2013 something us Malaysians have \nalready received this year\n \u2013 as well as over-the-air map updates. Toyota has also included a cabin noise reduction package as standard across the range.\nUMW Toyota, Malaysia\u2019s sole distributor of Toyota vehicles, has not disclosed any updates to the CBU Toyota C-HR. However, Toyota Australia announced that the refreshed compact crossover will begin sales in December."
"McLaren Automotive has teamed up with its tyre partner, Pirelli to develop a set of winter wheel and tyre package for McLaren Sports Series models. The winter wheel and tyre package not only allow McLaren owners to enjoy their Sport Series throughout the winter but also protect their \u201csummer wheels\u201d from the harsh weather.\nDeveloped specifically for the 540C, 570S, 570GT and 570S Spider, the package consists of a set of 14-spoke lightweight forged wheels in stealth finish wrapped in \nPirelli MC Sottozero 3 winter tyres\n. The Sottozero 3 tyres are branded with the \nMC (McLaren) seal of approval\n, designed specifically for McLaren cars to deliver optimal grip and control in adverse conditions.   Both McLaren and Pirelli advice that drivers should opt for winter tyres when ambient temperature drops \nbelow 7 degrees Celsius\n. Winter tyres generally have a unique tread pattern with high drainage levels to reduce the possibility of hydroplaning and improve braking performance in the wet. Pirelli claims that its MC Sottozero 3 could reduce the cold-weather stopping distance of a McLaren Sports Series car by \n10 per cent\n in wet conditions and by up to \n20 per cent\n on snowy roads.\nMcLaren Automotive\u2019s Aftersales Director, Carl Whipp said, \u201cChoosing the right type of tyre to suit seasonal weather and road conditions should be a priority for every McLaren driver wanting to enjoy their car safely all-year round.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor has\nofficially introduced the updated Mazda MX-5 RF to the local market, packing an\nuprated 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G motor, improved ergonomics and enhanced connectivity.\nStarting with the oily\nbits, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine has\nbeen revised with lighter pistons and con-rod, revised camshaft, exhaust\nvalves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and recalibrated air intake settings.\nWith that, the engineers have managed to squeeze an additional 24 hp and 5 Nm from the 2.0-litre engine to final output of \n181 hp \nand \n205 Nm\n of torque. Redline has also been raised to 7,500 rpm from 6,800 rpm. As a result, the 2.0-litre MX-5 RF is now half a second quicker (6-speed auto) when sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h.\nWhile the increased\nperformance brings a more engaging driving experience, it did not come at the expense\nof efficiency. Thanks to a more efficient combustion cycle, improved i-ELOOP\nand stop-start technology, the revised engine is compliant to the Euro 6d Temp\nemission regulations.\nTransmission options for the local market remain as before with a 6-speed automatic or manual option. Mazda claims that the transmission has been tweaked for smoother operation in the city. Not only that, but the exhaust silencer also spots a revised architecture to give a cleaner and stronger tone.\nOther than the\nmechanicals, changes to the 2019 MX-5 RF are minimal with the newly added telescopic\nfunction for the multifunctional steering wheel \u2013 the first in an MX-5, 7.0-inch\ncolour TFT LCD multi-info display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nconnectivity.\nUnfortunately, prices have\ngone up across the board, with the MX-5 RF (MT) now priced at RM259,154 while\nthe MX-5 RF (AT) priced at RM260,354, prices quoted are on-the-road without\ninsurance.\nThat makes the 6-speed\nmanual some RM37k dearer and the 6-speed auto variant RM33k more expensive from\nbefore. Regardless, both variants come with a comprehensive 5-Years/100,000 km Warranty\nand Free Scheduled Maintenance.\nThere are 7 exterior shades\navailable for the fully imported 2019 Mazda MX-5 \u2013 Soul Red Crystal, Machine\nGray, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Eternal Blue, Ceramic Metallic and\nArtic White.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nUpdated 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF"
"\u7ecf\u8fc7\u957f\u671f\u7684\u7b49\u5f85\u548c\u9ad8\u5ea6\u671f\u5f85\uff0c2023\u6b3e Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u7ec8\u4e8e\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\u3002\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\uff0cChery Tiggo 8 Pro \u4ec5\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e00\u79cd\u578b\u53f7\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u4e3a \nRM159,800\n\uff08OTR\uff0c\u4e0d\u542b\u4fdd\u9669\uff09\u3002\n2023\u6b3e Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u7684\u5c3a\u5bf8\u4e3a4722\u6beb\u7c73\u957f\uff0c1860\u6beb\u7c73\u5bbd\uff0c1705\u6beb\u7c73\u9ad8\uff0c\u8f74\u8ddd\u4e3a2710\u6beb\u7c73\u3002\u5b83\u65e8\u5728\u4e0e\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684 Proton X90, Kia Sorento \u4ee5\u53ca Hyundai Santa Fe \u7ade\u4e89\u3002\u4e0e\u8fd9\u4e09\u4e2a\u7ade\u4e89\u5bf9\u624b\u76f8\u6bd4\uff0cTiggo 8 Pro \u5728\u957f\u5ea6\u548c\u5bbd\u5ea6\u4e0a\u90fd\u7565\u77ed\u3002\u5728\u9ad8\u5ea6\u4e0a\uff0c\u5b83\u9ad8\u4e8e\u4e24\u4e2a\u97e9\u56fd\u7ade\u4e89\u5bf9\u624b\uff0c\u4f46\u7565\u4f4e\u4e8e Proton X90\u3002\n\u5728\u5916\u89c2\u4e0a\uff0c2023\u6b3e Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u91c7\u7528\u4e86 \u201c\u661f\u7cfb\u201d \u98ce\u683c\u7684\u524d\u683c\u6805\uff0c\u7f51\u683c\u4e0a\u88c5\u9970\u6709\u68f1\u955c\u98ce\u683c\u7684\u63d2\u5165\u4ef6\u3002\u89e3\u9501\u8f66\u8f86\u65f6\uff0cChery \u6807\u5fd7\u5c06\u4e0e\u524d\u5927\u706f\u548c\u5c3e\u706f\u4e00\u8d77\u70b9\u4eae\uff0c\u5f62\u6210\u6b22\u8fce\u706f\u3002\n\u5728\u540e\u90e8\uff0cTiggo 8 Pro \u7684\u5c3e\u706f\u6a2a\u5411\u5ef6\u4f38\u81f3\u8f66\u8f86\u7684\u5bbd\u5ea6\u3002\u770b\u4f3c\u6709\u8da3\u7684 T \u5f62\u7b2c\u4e09\u5239\u8f66\u706f\u4e5f\u96c6\u6210\u5728\u9876\u90e8\u7684\u6270\u6d41\u677f\u4e2d\u3002Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u8fd8\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u4e00\u595719\u82f1\u5bf8\u7684\u5408\u91d1\u8f6e\u6bc2\u3002\n\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\uff0cChery Tiggo 8 Pro \u7684\u6807\u51c6\u5916\u90e8\u7279\u6027\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\nLED \u5927\u706f\nLED \u5c3e\u706f\nLED \u65e5\u95f4\u884c\u8f66\u706f (DRL)\n\u5e26\u6b22\u8fce\u5e8f\u5217\u7684\u524d\u6807\u5fd7\u7167\u660e\n19 \u82f1\u5bf8\u53cc\u8272\u5408\u91d1\u8f6e\u6bc2\n\u7535\u52a8\u5c3e\u95e8\n\u56db\u51fa\u6392\u6c14\u7ba1\n\u8f66\u9876\u884c\u674e\u67b6\n\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7248\u7684 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u642d\u8f7d\u4e00\u53f02.0\u5347\u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538b\u56db\u7f38\u6c7d\u6cb9\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u3002Tiggo 8 Pro \u914d\u6709\u4e03\u901f\u53cc\u79bb\u5408\u5668\u4f20\u52a8 (DCT)\uff0c\u603b\u5171\u63d0\u4f9b \n256\u9a6c\u529b\n\u548c \n390 Nm\n \u7684\u626d\u77e9\u53ea\u4f9b\u524d\u8f6e\u4f7f\u7528\u3002\n\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u8fd8\u53ef\u4ee5\u9009\u62e9\u4e09\u79cd\u9a7e\u9a76\u6a21\u5f0f \u2013 Eco\uff08\u7ecf\u6d4e\u6a21\u5f0f\uff09\u3001Normal\uff08\u6b63\u5e38\u6a21\u5f0f\uff09\u548c Sport\uff08\u8fd0\u52a8\u6a21\u5f0f\uff09\u3002\u5168\u65b0 Tiggo 8 Pro \u7684\u52a8\u529b\u603b\u6210\u548c\u5176\u4ed6\u6280\u672f\u7ec6\u8282\u5982\u4e0b\uff1a\n\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\uff1a2.0\u5347\u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538b\u56db\u7f38\n\u6700\u5927\u529f\u7387\uff1a\n256\u9a6c\u529b \n\u6700\u5927\u626d\u77e9\uff1a\n390 Nm\n\u4f20\u52a8\uff1a\u4e03\u901f\u53cc\u79bb\u5408\u5668\n\u524d\u5239\u8f66\uff1a\u901a\u98ce\u76d8\u5239\n\u540e\u5239\u8f66\uff1a\u5b9e\u5fc3\u76d8\u5239\n\u524d\u60ac\u6302\uff1a\u9ea6\u5f17\u900a\u72ec\u7acb\u60ac\u6302\n\u540e\u60ac\u6302\uff1a\u7eb5\u5411\u7275\u5f15\u81c2\u72ec\u7acb\u60ac\u6302\n\u5728\u5185\u90e8\uff0c\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7248\u7684 2023\u6b3e Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u5177\u6709\u6781\u5176\u8c6a\u534e\u7684\u5185\u9970\uff0c\u5171\u6709\u4e03\u4e2a\u5ea7\u4f4d\u3002\u9664\u4e86\u770b\u8d77\u6765\u9ad8\u7ea7\u5916\uff0c\u5185\u9970\u4e5f\u662f\u73b0\u4ee3\u5316\u7684\uff0c\u914d\u6709\u4e00\u4e2a\u6d6e\u52a8\u7684\u53cc\u5c4f\u5e55\u8bbe\u7f6e\uff0c\u5305\u62ec\u4e00\u4e2a\u4eea\u8868\u663e\u793a\u96c6\u7fa4\u548c\u4e00\u4e2a\u4fe1\u606f\u5a31\u4e50\u663e\u793a\u5c4f\u3002\u4e24\u4e2a\u5c4f\u5e55\u52a0\u8d77\u6765\u603b\u5171\u4e3a24.6\u82f1\u5bf8\u3002\n\u7ee7\u7eed\u73b0\u4ee3\u5316\u7684\u4e3b\u9898\uff0c\u6c14\u5019\u63a7\u5236\u91c7\u7528\u89e6\u611f\u6309\u94ae\u64cd\u4f5c\uff0c\u4f4d\u4e8e\u7a7a\u8c03\u51fa\u98ce\u53e3\u7684\u6b63\u4e0b\u65b9\u3002\u65b9\u5411\u76d8\u5305\u88f9\u7740\u76ae\u9769\uff0c\u5e95\u90e8\u4e5f\u662f\u5e73\u7684\u3002\u4e3a\u4e86\u589e\u52a0\u8c6a\u534e\u7684\u5916\u89c2\u548c\u611f\u89c9\uff0c\u65b9\u5411\u76d8\u751a\u81f3\u914d\u6709\u8be6\u7ec6\u7684\u6eda\u7eb9\u5f00\u5173\u3002\n\u4eba\u4eec\u4e4b\u6240\u4ee5\u4f1a\u8bf4 Tiggo 8 Pro \u7684\u5185\u9970\u8bbe\u8ba1\u53d7\u5230\u4e86 Mercedes-Benz \u7684\u542f\u53d1\uff0c\u6709\u5176\u539f\u56e0\u3002\u770b\u4e00\u770b\u542f\u52a8\u6309\u94ae\u3001\u95e8\u5361\u548c Burmester \u98ce\u683c\u7684\u626c\u58f0\u5668\u683c\u6805\u7684\u8bbe\u8ba1\uff0c\u4f60\u53ef\u80fd\u5c31\u4f1a\u660e\u767d\u539f\u56e0\u3002\n\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\uff0cChery Tiggo 8 Pro \u7684\u6807\u51c6\u5185\u9970\u7279\u6027\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u4e03\u4e2a\u76ae\u8d28\u5ea7\u6905\n\u9a7e\u9a76\u5ea7\u8bb0\u5fc6\u529f\u80fd\n\u524d\u5ea7\u52a0\u70ed\u548c\u901a\u98ce\u529f\u80fd\n24.6 \u82f1\u5bf8\uff08\u5408\u5e76\uff09\u4eea\u8868\u96c6\u7fa4\u548c\u4fe1\u606f\u5a31\u4e50\u663e\u793a\u5668\nApple CarPlay \u548c Android Auto \u652f\u63f4\n\u89e6\u611f\u7a7a\u8c03\u63a7\u5236 \u6241\u5e73\u5e95\u90e8\u65b9\u5411\u76d8\n\u516b\u626c\u58f0\u5668 Sony \u97f3\u54cd\u7cfb\u7edf\n\u79fb\u52a8\u7535\u8bdd\u65e0\u7ebf\u5145\u7535\u5668\n\u591a\u8272\u73af\u5883\u7167\u660e\n\u53cc\u533a\u6052\u6e29\u7a7a\u8c03\n\u72ec\u7acb\u7684\u7b2c\u4e09\u6392\u7a7a\u8c03\n\u5e26\u7535\u52a8\u906e\u9633\u5e18\u7684\u7535\u52a8\u5168\u666f\u5929\u7a97\n\u8fdc\u7a0b\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u542f\u52a8\n\u5728\u5b89\u5168\u6027\u65b9\u9762\uff0cChery Tiggo 8 Pro \u642d\u8f7d\u4e86\u4e00\u5957\u5b8c\u6574\u7684 ADAS \u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u751a\u81f3\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u4e00\u4e2a 540 \u5ea6\u6444\u50cf\u5934\u3002\u4e0d\uff0c540 \u5ea6\u6444\u50cf\u5934\u4e0d\u662f\u6253\u9519\u4e86\u3002\u8fd9\u53ea\u662f Chery \u7528\u6765\u5ba3\u4f20\u5176\u7531\u5730\u677f\u6444\u50cf\u5934\u7ec4\u6210\u7684 360 \u5ea6\u6444\u50cf\u5934\u7cfb\u7edf\u7684\u65b9\u5f0f\u3002\n\u4ee5\u4e0b\u662f\u4e00\u4e9b\u4e0e Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u6807\u914d\u7684\u5b89\u5168\u529f\u80fd\uff1a\n\u81ea\u9002\u5e94\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236 (ACC) & \u96c6\u6210\u5de1\u822a\u8f85\u52a9 (ICA)\n\u524d\u78b0\u649e\u8b66\u544a (FCW)\n\u81ea\u52a8\u7d27\u6025\u5236\u52a8 (AEB)\n\u8f66\u9053\u504f\u79bb\u8b66\u544a (LDP)\n\u8f66\u9053\u4fdd\u6301 (LDK)\n\u540e\u4ea4\u53c9\u4ea4\u901a\u8b66\u544a (RCTA)\n\u4ea4\u901a\u6807\u5fd7\u8bc6\u522b (TSR)\n\u4ea4\u901a\u963b\u585e\u8f85\u52a9 (TJA)\n\u8f6e\u80ce\u538b\u529b\u76d1\u6d4b\u7cfb\u7edf (TPMS)\n\u76f2\u70b9\u68c0\u6d4b\n\u95e8\u5f00\u8b66\u544a\n540 \u5ea6\u6444\u50cf\u5934\u7cfb\u7edf\nChery Tiggo 8 Pro \u521a\u521a\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\uff0c\u4ec5\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e00\u79cd\u578b\u53f7\u3002\u4ef7\u683c\u4e3a \nRM159,800\n (OTR, \u4e0d\u542b\u4fdd\u9669)\uff0cTiggo 8 Pro \u5e26\u6709 7 \u5e74/150,000 \u516c\u91cc\u7684\u6807\u51c6\u5236\u9020\u5546\u4fdd\u4fee\u548c\u4e94\u5e74\u7684\u514d\u8d39\u670d\u52a1\u3002\n\u9996\u6279 3,000 \u4e2a\u5ba2\u6237\u8fd8\u53ef\u4ee5\u83b7\u5f97\u7279\u522b\u7684 10 \u5e74/1,000,000 \u516c\u91cc\u7684 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro \u52a8\u529b\u7cfb\u7edf\u90e8\u4ef6\u4fdd\u4fee\u30021,000,000 \u516c\u91cc\u7684\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u4fdd\u4fee\u8ba1\u5212\u901a\u5e38\u4f1a\u989d\u5916\u6536\u8d39 RM2,000\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011"
"The Tochigi Prefecture police force in Japan has just enlisted Godzilla into its workforce, bearing the iconic black and white livery on Japanese police cars. The 2018 Nissan GT-R will serve as a patrol car in the Tochigi Prefecture.\nSpeaking at the handover ceremony, Commander of Expressway Traffic Unit Tochigi Pref. Police, Masaki Tanaka commented that this GT-R is a donation from a local resident. Tanaka also said the police force is excited with the new patrol car joining the fleet and believes that the GT-R will promote traffic safety.\nIt is not clear which variant of GT-R was donated here but regardless it packs a hand-built VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 churning out \n570 hp\n and \n637 Nm\n of twist. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via a six-speed dual clutch transmission. Century sprint takes just \n3.3 seconds\n, let us not forget the mighty GT-R is also called the supercar killer.\nBesides the panda livery, the patrol car also features other standard police equipment such as sirens and light bars. We can also assume the interior will feature additional equipment to aid the officers in their duties.   GM, General Affairs of Nissan Tochigi Plant, Takuma Ichikawa said this introduction of the first GT-R to serve the police force is a special occasion as the Tochigi plant is also celebrating its 50\nth\n anniversary this year. Ichikawa also hopes that the GT-R patrol car can help the locals, especially children to take interest in cars.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Cupra, the high performance division of Spanish automaker Seat, has put to test its 680 hp e-Racer for the first time at a race track.\nAll electrical, battery, cooling and drivetrain systems of the fully electric race car had previously been tested individually but this time the elements were integrated and their operation tested together on the track.\nThis CUPRA e-Racer was the first touring car produced that complies with the requirements for competing in the new E TCR series, the first ever electric, multi-brand touring car championship.\nThe battery pack on this touring race car is made up of \n6,072 round cell batteries\n, which is equivalent to 9,000 mobile phone batteries.\nSEAT Vice President for Research and Development, Dr. Matthias Rabe said, \u201cWith the CUPRA e-Racer we want to bring racing to the next level. We believe we can help reinvent motorsport and achieve success. Motorsport is one of the pillars of CUPRA, and we are proud of the team that is making this electric touring racecar possible.\u201d"
"Porsche\n \nis planning to begin production of the \nall-electric Porsche Macan EV\n in 2023. About \n80,000\n units of the electric Porsche Macan are planned to be produced in a year, just like the current petrol-powered version.\nPorsche Production and Logistics Member of the Executive Board, Albrecht Reimold told \nAutomobilwoche\n, \u201cWe produce more than 80,000 units of the current generation (Macan) every year. In the long term, we are also planning the all-electric Macan on this scale.\u201d\nDr. Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development, at Porsche AG, in front of two camouflaged prototypes of the all-electric Macan\nBuilt on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture shared with members of the Volkswagen Group, the upcoming all-electric Porsche Macan will be produced in the brand\u2019s 20-year-old Leipzig facility. The group\u2019s PPE architecture has previously underpinned the \nAudi A6 e-tron concept car\n. First production cars to use the PPE architecture will be the electric Porsche Macan and the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron.\nUnlike the \nPorsche Taycan\n, the electric Porsche Macan will be available alongside a petrol-powered option. The decision is made since everything depends on the global development of e-mobility. On the matter, Albrecht Reimold comments \u201cWe are therefore flexible and will manufacture the combustion model in parallel for around two years.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Facelift Porsche Macan, Macan S and GTS from RM433k, 5 Things\nTesting equipment in the prototype all-electric Porsche Macan\nIn May last year, \nthe electric Porsche Macan was \u201ccaught\u201d during road tests\n in images released by Porsche themselves. Porsche says the Macan EV will be built on an 800V architecture, which enables it to support high-performance fast charging (up to \n350kW\n). Aiming to be the \u201csportiest model in the segment\u201d, the electric Macan promises long-distance range, high-performance fast charging, and reproducible best-in-class performance figures.\nBoasting success in electrification, Porsche reportedly sold a total of \n41,296 units\n of the first purely electric Porsche Taycan model in 2021, which corresponds to \n13.7%\n of the total volume. It outsold the \nPorsche 911\n in 2021, despite the 911 setting a new sales record of 38,464 units.\nRELATED: \nFully-electric Porsche Macan \u201ccaught\u201d on public road tests in new photos"
"Automobili Lamborghini has revealed the \nHuracan EVO\n Fluo Capsule \u2013 a range of bright and bold colours with a matte finish, complemented with the same interior color and trims.\nThe \nfive new colours\n are made up of Verde Shock (green), Arancio Livrea (orange), Celeste Fedra (blue), Arancio Dac (orange), and Giallo Clarus (yellow). Paired with these striking colours is a matte black roof, front bumper and side skirts.\nThe matte black components which also includes a rear splitter are then finished with coloured lines that mimic the exterior colour.\nIn the full black cabin, the Huracan EVO comes with new sports seats that are wrapped in Alcantara or leather. As for the start engine button and the Lamborghini emblem embroidered on the headrests, they\u2019re finished in the same fluorescent colour of the exterior.\nThe Hurac\u00e1n EVO Fluo Capsule is available on the Hurac\u00e1n EVO model year 2021."
"The highly anticipated W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has just landed in Malaysia. Launched in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) Urban Hunting Festival, there will be two variants of the hatchback available immediately \u2013 the A 200 Progressive Line and A 250 AMG Line.\nRetaining the A-Class\u2019 youthful and dynamic character, the main highlight of this new-generation A-Class is its state-of-the-art in-car connectivity and modern cockpit design. Both the A 200 and A 250 comes generously equipped and carries a price tag of RM227,888 and RM263,888, respectively.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive Line\nMercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line\nEngine\n1,332cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\n1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n7-speed dual-clutch\nMax Power\n163 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n224 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,620 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.0 seconds; 225 km/h\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM227,888\nRM263,888\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nThe A 200 wears the Progressive Line exterior kit complete with the LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and 18-inch five-twin spoke alloy wheels. The A 250 AMG Line wears a sportier appearance and 18-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels.   INTERIOR\nInside, the A-Class range checks all the feel-good bells and whistles such as multifunctional sports steering wheel, powered front seats with memory function, keyless entry and go, 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rearview camera and the Widescreen cockpit that combines two 10.25-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system.   The innovative Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system is also standard across the A-Class range. Users can access the intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension with can be activated by saying \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d. The voice command can support numerous infotainment functions such as destination input, phone call, music selection as well as climate control and ambient lighting setting.\nDifferentiating the A 200 and A 250 are the Black open pore lime wood trim, leather sports steering wheel, and illuminated door sill panels. The A 250 AMG Line gets upgraded to a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim, Nappa leather steering wheel and AMG illuminated door sill panels.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the A 200 is a new 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of twist. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, allowing the A-Class to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n8.0 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n225 km/h\n.\n \n \nFor those craving for a bit more performance, the A 250 with its \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder would be your pick. With the same seven-speed DCT and front-wheel drive layout, century sprint is done in \n6.2 seconds\n while top speed is raised to \n250 km/h\n.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety equipment includes seven airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, anti-theft alarm system, Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist, Automatic high-beam control and all the usual acronyms you\u2019d expect from a three-pointed star brand.\nWHAT ELSE?\nMercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) offers a customised financing plan for the A-Class. Under the Plan A financing, monthly instalment starts from RM1,988 and features a variety of packages. For a limited time only (until 31 December 2018), all Plan A financing contract comes with a complimentary 1-Year tyre and rim insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line   Mercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive Line"
"Geely has quietly released initial photos of its upcoming compact crossover, \ncodenamed SX11\n. Set for an official debut in Q4 2018, the yet-to-be-named B-segment SUV is said to offer best-in-class performance, equipment and technology.\nBased on the official photos, the designers have put in the effort to give the SX11 its unique look and not just a shrunken version of the Boyue. The SX11 is clearly geared at the younger crowd with its decidedly sportier appearance thanks to an angular front bumper, sharp headlamp design and modern taillamp graphics.   The \u201csplit\u201d C-pillar design gives the crossover a floating roof effect that blends in nicely with the strong lines on the body. Its large alloy wheels (expect smaller or different designs at launch) and dual exhaust outlets further highlight its sporty image.\nThe cabin is where the SX11 is a huge step ahead of its rivals. Spotting a dual tone upholstery theme \u2013 brown and black in this case, floating widescreen infotainment system, LCD instrument cluster, multifunctional steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof.   Look further down the interior and you\u2019ll find a stylish centre console with aluminium garnish surrounding the electronic gear selector, electronic parking brake and various controls for the vehicle.\nGeely has confirmed that the SX11 will be equipped a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol mill packing \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of torque, enough to send the crossover sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.9 seconds\n. The same engine is also found on the \nVolvo XC40 T3\n thanks to a joint-development effort from the Swedish marque.\nGeely has plans for its latest B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform to be featured on various brands under the Group to achieve better economies of scale in manufacturing. Knowing that Proton\u2019s upcoming SUV is based on the existing Geely Boyue, would you like to see a B-segment Proton SUV that is based on the SX11?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) unveiled its new sports coupe concept, the Toyota FT-1 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, US. Toyota did a good job keeping the concept a secret right until its debut and wowed the crowd at the motor show. Could this fantastic looking\u00a0front engine, rear-wheel drive sports car \nbe the new Toyota Supra? It looks future-tastic!\nThe Japanese auto giant made the Toyota FT-1 to show the world the direction of Toyota\u2019s future sports car design. Hence the \u2018FT\u2019 stand for \u2018Future Toyota\u2019. The team responsible for the design at\u00a0Calty Design Research, Inc. (Calty), Toyota\u2019s design center in California, was heavily influenced by Toyota\u2019s sports car past such as the\u00a02000 GT, Celica and Supra. For us, it does look like the FT-1 is a combination of all great super cars; LaFerrari, Nissan GT-R, SRT Viper, McLaren P1? What else?\nKevin Hunter, President of Toyota\u2019s CALTY design said\u00a0the aim was to produce a car liked by everyone, and at the same time stirs emotion. He\u00a0described the FT-1 a symbolic new chapter for Toyota design. \u201cThis car is a symbol of Toyota\u2019s design future. Toyota CEO Akia Toyoda challenged us to design a car that said \u2018I want this. I have to have this.\u2019 The result is the FT-1,\u201d said Hunter.\nNo words \non what\u2019s going under the clear hood but it\u2019s definitely not a hybrid as confirmed by Toyota. It will be a \u2018high-output\u2019 internal combustion engine. Let us all hold hands and pray, that this will be the new Supra. Please please please.\nA virtual Toyota FT-1 was created in collaboration with Play Station\u2019s Gran Turismo. In fact, this new concept was built and tested in the video game by CEO Akio Toyoda. He managed to\u00a0beat the time he set in his real-life Lexus LFA at Fuji Speedway, in the virtual FT-1. He gave the thumbs up and the project took off.\u00a0The Toyota FT-1 is now available to download in GT6. Let\u2019s do it!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY   [divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY"
"There are so many Porsche 911 variants these days that we\u2019re having trouble keeping count with just our fingers, but they keep making new ones because clearly, people are buying them. Today\u2019s addition comes in the form of the familiar 911 GTS model, which is basically a souped-up performance model that slots right between the \nCarrera S\n and \nGT3\n.\nThe Porsche 911 GTS will be available in five model variants \u2013 both the Coupe and Cabriolet versions with rear- or all-wheel drive, as well as the gorgeous \nTarga-top variant \nwith all-wheel drive.\nAs usual, the GTS models gain a modest power bump over the Carrera S, but still with a gap to the more track-focused GT3 model. For this 992 version, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine now makes\n 480 hp\n and \n570 Nm\n, making it a 30 hp bump over both the old GTS and current Carrera S. Torque is increased by 20 Nm over its predecessor.\nWant more power, but not the track-focused appearance? There\u2019s the GT3 Touring for that. \nThe engine is paired to either an eight-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox or a seven-speed manual transmission \u2013 the latter now featuring a 10 mm shorter gear lever than standard to supposedly make shifts a bit slicker. The most accelerative spec is of course the four-wheel drive car with PDK, which reaches 100 km/h in \n3.3 seconds\n \u2013 three tenths faster than its predecessor.\nJust as we\u2019ve come to expect, the GTS models are fitted with the Sports chassis as standard. This brings about a 10 mm drop in ride height, stiffer springs, and a modified Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive dampers system.\nThe GTS also gets an uprated braking system as standard that\u2019s adopted from the 911 Turbo, alongside the sports exhaust. For the first time ever on the GTS, you can also spec the car with a Lightweight Design package, which saves up to 25 kg by jettisoning the rear seats, and replacing the fronts with lighter carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) bucket seats, among other weight saving measures.\nTo differentiate itself as the slightly more performant model, the GTS models get the SportDesign front apron as standard, alongside a black satin spoiler lip, tinted headlights, unique tail lights, blacked-out badges, as well as a set of 20/21-inch mixed-size wheels.\nOn the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, the entire model-defining roll hoop is also painted in satin black.\nInside, the GTS models are covered in huge swaths of Race-Tex material (basically Alcantara), and the GT Sport steering wheel, Sport Chrono Package, and Sport Seat Plus are standard-fitment items. Also new on the GTS is Porsche\u2019s lates\nt PCM 6.0 infotainment system\n, which now comes with Android Auto connectivity.\nInterestingly, Porsche has also removed some sound insulation on the GTS to enhance the \u201cemotive vocals of the charismatic powertrain\u201d, whatever that\u2019s supposed to mean.\nDeliveries for the 992-generation Porsche 911 GTS is expected to start in the coming months, with prices in the UK starting at GBP108,920 (~RM630k) for the standard rear-wheel drive coupe variant without any options ticked, making it approximately GBP14k (~RM81k) dearer than the Carrera S.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s hard to believe that the other Nissan sportscar, the Fairlady, has been around for almost 50 years. While the anniversary takes place by the end of the decade, Nissan gave the\u00a0Fairlady an early celebration via the unveiling of the Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition for the United States.\nIt\u2019s a minor enhancement from\u00a0the standard 2018 370Z,\u00a0offered with two exterior colours \u2013\u00a0\nChicane Yellow\n and \nMagnetic Black\n, and each of them gets their\u00a0own unique identity. The Chicane Yellow gets black side mirrors and gloss black graphics while the Magnetic Black is complemented by\u00a0gloss silver graphics. Inside, both cars are finished with yellow interior trim.   The 370Z\u2019s motivation comes from a\n\u00a03.7-litre naturally aspirated V6\n engine which deploys \n332 hp\n and \n363Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels. Transmission options include\u00a0a\n six-speed manual transmission\n or a \nseven-speed automatic,\n with the former gains a new performance clutch from Exedy.\nThe\u00a0Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition will be showcased at the upcoming 2017 New York International Motor Show. The current 370Z will be turning 10 next year\u00a0and just like the GT-R, their replacements are nowhere to be seen.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s almost hard to believe that the Freelander is nearly \n20 years old\n now. In place of the ageing SUV and part of the expanding Land Rover family is the new \nDiscovery Sport\n, which will then be followed by the new and bigger Discovery sometime next year. The Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 contender recently made a quick appearance at a special media preview at \nLand Rover Off-Road Experience\n in Sepang.\nAt first glance, the Discovery Sport bears striking resemblance to the \nRange Rover Evoque\n, a model that\u2019s been hugely popular since it was introduced here. However, the Discovery Sport\u00a0\nseats seven\n and has a far \nbetter off-road performance\n than the Freelander and Evoque. As with all its siblings, the Discovery Sport comes with Land Rover\u2019s full suite of off-road technologies, such as differential lock, Terrain Response, 4\u00d74 info display and is air sprung.\nThis SUV boasts a class-leading \nwading depth of 600mm\n, and engine choices will either be the \n2.0-litre turbocharged petrol\n\u00a0(237 hp/340 Nm) or a \n2.2-litre turbodiesel\u00a0\n(148 hp/400 Nm or 187 hp/420 Nm). Transmission choice is the sole \n9-speed automatic\n, although a six-speed manual is available in other markets. In the months to come, the Discovery Sport will be fitted with Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s new range of \nIngenium four-cylinder engines\n, but it\u2019s unclear as yet if the Malaysian-bound model will receive the new engines.\nThe Discovery Sport sits 16mm lower than the Freelander\u00a0and its wheelbase has been stretched by 81mm to \n2,741mm\n. This translate to growth in cabin space \u2013 particularly for rear passengers, with the second row seats having a \n160mm slide and reclining\n feature making for easy egress and regress. Boot space is also larger now, and measures from 829 to 981 litres with the third row seats folded down.\nOther standard interior features include a multifunction leather wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen display panel with\u00a0\nLand Rover InControl\u2122 Technologies\n, dual-zone auto climate control with air vents built into the B- and C-pillars and a large panoramic sunroof. Parking brake is electric here, and the terrain selector knob pops up when the engine is fired (via push-start button).\nBecause the Discovery Sport is meant to be a more leisurely-type SUV, Land Rover claims that it will provide an agile and rewarding handling on the road thanks to a refined Electronically Assisted Power Steering,\u00a0multi-link suspended rear axle,\u00a0optional \nAdaptive Dynamics with MagneRide\u2122 \ndampers, and \nTorque Vectoring by Braking \n(TVB) to counter understeer.\nNo word on the pricing has been said as yet, but it is bound to arrive within the next four months.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve heard news from DS, but the brand has been busy setting the stage for this big boy \u2013 the DS 7 Crossback. DS, for those who aren\u2019t in the know, is Citroen\u2019s premium brand.\nThe DS 7 Crossback rides on the brand\u2019s\u00a0\nEMP2\n platform, which is the same as the new\u00a0\nPeugeot 3008\n. This however, is strictly a five-seater, and it\u2019s about the size of a\u00a0\nMercedes GLC\n, \nBMW X3\n, and \nAudi Q5\n.\nUp front, the DS 7 gets a large honeycomb grille framed in generous amount of chrome, flanked by full LED headlamps with up to six lighting modes to suit various driving conditions. The tail lamps are also full LED with illumination resembling scales. Yes, it\u2019s very much French still, but the icing on the cake is a 12-inch\u00a0\n12-inch screen\n\u00a0on the dashboard.\nA total of six variants are offered: three petrol engines (2 THPs and one BlueTech), two BlueHDi oil burners and a\u00a0plug-in hybrid.\u00a0All variants will have power delivered to the \nfront wheels\n via an\n eight-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission (EAT8)\n. The hybrid meanwhile has a\u00a0hang-on rear electric drive axle.\nThe\u00a0plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain, called the \nE-Tense\n, has a 200 hp petrol mill paired to two 80 kW electric motors located on each axle. This produces a total output of \n300 hp\n and\n 450 Nm\n of torque. Its 13kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the rear passenger seat floor, can provide up to\u00a0\n60 km\n\u00a0of pure electric mileage on a full charge.\nIt also gets semi-autonomous capabilities through the brand\u2019s \u2018\nConnected Pilot\n\u2018 system, of which include stuff like adaptive cruise control, lane position assist, park pilot, and night vision system. The\n\u00a0Active Scan\n suspension system is also available in this DS, using high-mounted cameras to scan road surfaces ahead before adjusting the electronic variable dampers.\nProduction for right-hand drive DS 7 Crossback will commence by early 2018, with an early indicative pricing of\u00a0\n\u00a328,000\n (approximately \nRM152k)\n. Judging from that, the DS brand could well be a nice addition to the NAZA stable, and this might even do well here in Malaysia!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Also making its first public appearance alongside the second generation\u00a0\nKia Cerato Koup\n is the new\u00a0\nRio facelift\u00a0\n\u2013 the rather handsome Korean B-Segment hatchback. Only one trim level, the \nRio\n\u00a0\nSX\n, will be offered from this point onwards, after Naza Kia decided to drop the \nRM76k EX\n trim.\nBefore we move on to what\u2019s new, let\u2019s get one thing clear \u2013 the RM79,080 price tag remains unchanged from before. Prior to the \nimplementation of GST\n, the Rio SX was priced at RM79,888 (RM808 cheaper after GST).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Rio 1.4L SX\nEngine\n1,396cc; MPI, DOHC, CVVT\nTransmission\n4-speed auto\nMax Power\n108 hp @ 6,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n137 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n\u00a0insurance)\nRM79,080\n\u00a0(with GST)\nEXTERIOR\nThe changes here are fairly noticeable, but the same cannot be said for the interior. It doesn\u2019t take a trained eye to spot the new \nfront and rear bumpers\n of the Rio, what more the \n17-inch wheels\n. The front bumper gets a sportier look with two horizontal slats on each side of the projector (halogen) fog lamps, and the use of horizontal bars extend further into the lower grille.   Kia ditched the previous 17-inch polished five-spoke alloy wheel design for a new set that looks miles better. They are wrapped with \n205/45 R17\n series rubbers, including the full-sized spare wheel. Yes, you get a five-piece here. Towards the back, you\u2019ll notice a chunkier rear bumper with a pair of L-shaped fog lamps built into it. It retains the same LED combination rear lamps.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Rio gets a mild refresh, with the most noticeable difference being the new \nsingle-DIN head unit\n that supports Radio, CD, MP3, auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity. Otherwise, the rest remain largely identical as before. The \npowered sunroof\n continues to be standard in this SX trim, as are the \nsingle-zone auto air conditioning\u00a0\nwith cluster ioniser and \nblack fabric seats\n.   Other key features here include keyless entry with push-start button, electric power foldable side mirrors, \nsix speakers\n, and leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, of which is motor driven (MDPS), tilt and telescopic.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the bonnet resides the same \n1.4-litre Gamma MPI\n engine as before, putting out \n108 hp\n at 6,300 rpm and \n137 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm. Also unchanged is the \nfour-speed automatic\n gearbox that drives the \nfront wheels\n.\nSAFETY\nThis B-Segment hatch aces in this regard, boasting a generous \nsix-airbag\n count, Isofix child mount, impact sensing door unlock system, ABS, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Management. The Rio also scored a \n5-star crash safety rating\n from Euro NCAP.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are \nfour colours\n to choose from: Bright Silver, Signal Red, Deep Blue and Clear White. As with all new Kias, the Rio SX comes with a \n5-year unlimited mileage\n warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last year Volkswagen broke the six million mark with the Tiguan, making it the company\u2019s best-selling model of 2019. To celebrate this milestone, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has thrown in a sweet deal.\nFor all Tiguan models, whether it\u2019s the 1.4TSI Highline or the 1.4TSI Join, booked and registered by 30th of June 2020, VPCM is offering six months free installment. The Highline is priced at RM165,990 while the Join is priced at RM175,990.\nAdditionally those who place their booking of the Tiguan via the Volkswagen eShowroom will be able to enjoy and additional RM4,000 rebate.\nCustomers who place their booking on the \nVolkswagen eShowroom\n will be able to enjoy an \nadditional RM4,000 rebate\n. In light of the Covid-19 situation, VPCM also recently initiated a \nHome Delivery service\n where new owners of any Volkswagen vehicles can opt to have their new car delivered to their doorstep. The service is free for owners staying within a 20-km radius from the selected Volkswagen dealership.\nIn case you\u2019re not aware, the Tiguan has been given rather significant updates since it was first launched. Among them includes a \nnew fully digital instrument cluster\n, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and \nfull LED tail lights\n. Boot space is particularly huge; rated at 615 litres.\nThe Tiguan is powered by a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine with \n150 hp \nand \n250 Nm\n paired with a 6-speed DSG transmission. It\u2019s accompanied with 3-years Free Maintenance, 5-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 5-years Roadside Assistance."
"For many years the \nNissan GT-R\n stole much of the Z\u2019s thunder. However, the scales could tip in favour of the Z as\u00a0the 370Z\u2019s successor is scheduled for a worldwide debut as soon as 2019! Before that, a prototype, the new Nissan Z Concept will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.\nNissan said the new sports car will share similar proportions as the outgoing car\u00a0and will still sport that familiar, unmistakable fascia and silhouette. Apparently, he new Z could potentially share the latest\u00a0turbocharged powertrains from Infiniti, one of them being the world\u2019s first \nvariable compression engine\n.\nOn the flip side, several sources have also revealed that the company\u2019s flagship\u00a0\n3.0-litre V6\n will take centre stage, and this will be paired with an electric motor to produce up to 500 horsepower! Expect a twin-clutch setup here, possibly with seven cogs.\nThe Z, also known as the Fairlady to many loyalists, has had a significant history. The 240Z was a legend on its own, one that transformed opinions and gained worldwide popularity for its then stunning design and unadulterated performance. It took many years for Nissan to reintroduce the Z with such flair and success (which they did with the 350Z). The Nissan Z Concept will make its appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year.\n[Source: \nCar and Driver\n]"
"The \nMercedes-AMG A45\n, by measure of sheer grunt, sets the bar for performance in the mega hatch category. With 381 hp drawn from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, it currently holds the title as the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world.\nHowever, the folks at Stuttgart have no qualms in losing the crown just yet. Sources say that the next\u00a0generation A-Class to wear the A45 badge will have over \n400 horses\n under its hood!\u00a0Mercedes-AMG are looking to introduce this \nmega\n hatch in 2019.\nThe current \nM133 2.0-litre turbo\n will be reworked to produce about 202 hp per litre, and this will be done through reworked fuel injectors, new turbochargers and some minor tweaks to the combustion process. A \nnine-speed dual-clutch automatic\n transmission is said to be the transmission of choice for non-AMG A-Classes, though there\u2019s no word on the number of cogs the A45 will get as yet. The multi-plate all-wheel drive system will also be updated. In all, the next A45 will dust the century sprint in under \n4.0 seconds\n.\nFrom the looks of it, the M133 engine will soldier on for another generation, possibly retaining its title as the most powerful four-cylinder production engine. Also sharing this engine are two other Mercedes compact series, the CLA 45 and GLA 45.\nApparently, a new variant might be introduced to fill up the gap between the A250 and A45. Similar to how the C43 slots between the C300 and C63, the less potent Mercedes-AMG A-Class will go head to head against the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It will be powered by the standard 2.0-litre turbocharged M270 instead of the A45\u2019s M133 motor, and will produce around 278 hp.\nSo, to the folks over at BMW M Division and quattro GmbH, time to show us what the M2 and RS3 can do! That goes for you too, Golf R."
"It\u2019s never easy to bridge the gap between old and new, especially when it comes to integrating an old art form and new technology in an automobile. Look at Tesla and all their self-driving woes despite all its financial might, and you\u2019d get the idea.\nTotem Automobili however has risen to the occasion with this incredibly unique and beautiful, all-electric Alfa Romeo GT electric. As clich\u00e9 as it sounds, it is simply a work of art.\n \nStarting with the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA from the 1960s and 70s, only 10% of the original car\u2019s chassis remains. Solely retaining the GTA\u2019s original silhouette, its new, fully carbon fibre body shell only weighs 95 kg but that\u2019s not what this car is all about. As is always the case, the devil is in the details.\nOn that note, there is nothing that comes close to what 18 Italian artisans have created over 6,000 hours. Everything from the LED headlamps, the intricate carbon fibre grille, the side mirrors down to the exterior door handles of the Alfa Romeo GTA just aches for a second look and closer observation. I, in particular, can\u2019t get over how beautiful the exterior door switch is, finished with the knurlings of a luxury watch.\nThe cabin is another story altogether. There\u2019s probably a ritual to perform before you climb on board. It feels almost too sacred, to delicate for a human body. Where do we even begin?\nThere\u2019s something about the GTA\u2019s interior that just screams Pagani albeit a much more tone down version of it. There are few things you\u2019d want to take note of \u2013 like the Momo steering, custom gear knob, and pedals with \u201c+\u201d and \u201c-\u201d motifs \u2013 cause frankly they\u2019re the most minimalist yet beautiful pieces we have ever seen put into a car.\nThe interior is so customisable to a point that Totem Automobili will even request for the customer\u2019s height, hand, foot, and even hip sizes! This is to ensure that every electric GT is tailored specifically to that customer.\n\u201cSeats are molded according to your body shape, the position and size of the car\u2019s pedals are designed and built in line with your shoe size, steering wheel is positioned to fit the measure of your shoulders,\u201d said Totem Automobili.\nPowering the electric GT is an electric motor, paired to a sequential gearbox, with 518 hp and 980 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h is a breeze, completed in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed is rated at 245 km/h but that\u2019s not all. It even comes with a launch control feature and will steadily provide up to 360 km of pure electric power courtesy of its 50 kWh battery.\nGALLERY"
"We often see odd designs on EVs, sometimes because they do not require the same cooling considerations as a normal internal combustion engined car, but other times just because the designers think they look cool (\nahem, \nTesla Cybertruck\n, anyone?\n). But nothing has prepared us for the oddity that is the Aptera 3.\nShaped like a teardrop, the Aptera 3 is designed for just one single purpose in mind \u2013 to reduce drag as much as possible. While it almost looks like the company took an Eco Marathon prototype and made it into reality, the actual tangible results of the design is quite incredible \u2013 Aptera claims that the car can do \nup to 1,600 km from a single charge\n.\n \nThe Aptera 3 boasts a \ndrag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.13\n which is pretty much unheard of in a production vehicle. As a result, it\u2019s able to slice through the air, sipping just \n100 watt-hours of energy per mile\n (1.6 km).\nTo further increase the range, the unique EV is also built using a special composite material to keep the weight down. On the flagship variant, the Aptera 3 \nweighs less than 1,000 kg\n all in!\nAptera also says that the Formula 1-inspired safety cell chassis design is also supposedly safer than almost any car on the road today. The simpler construction of just four parts (instead of over 300 in a standard car) also helps the company build the cars faster \u2013 and ultimately lower the price.\nAs standard, the Aptera 3 is fitted with a 100 kWh battery pack \u2013 hence the 1,000-mile range. There are also solar panels on the roof, which is capable of adding 64 km of when parked under the sun for a day. Aptera says that for most of the daily-driving crowd, you won\u2019t even need to plug in your Aptera 3 EV to charge.\nOther variants are also available, with different battery sizes capable of offering 250 miles (402 km), 400 miles (644 km) and 600 miles (966 km) of range. No horsepower or torque figures have been announced, but customers can specify the Aptera 3 in either a front-wheel drive configuration, which does 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, or a three-wheel drive flagship variant which does the century sprint in 3.5 seconds.\nThe Aptera 3 is now available for booking in the US with a refundable deposit of USD100 (RM407). Prices kick off at USD25,900 (RM105k) for the base model, shooting up to over USD46,900 (RM191k) with all the bells and whistles checked. But the real question is \u2013 would you drive this in 2020, or is it a car more suitable for a sci-fi future?\nGALLERY"
"Spanish carmaker and Volkswagen subsidiary Seat has just unveiled to the world their latest compact SUV called the Seat Arona.\nIt rides on VW Group\u2019s\u00a0\nMQB A0\n architecture that underpins the newly launched \nsixth-generation Volkswagen Polo\n. This means one thing \u2013 the crossover version of the Polo, the \nT-Roc\n, would most definitely be riding on the same platform as the Arona.   Design wise, it\u2019s largely similar to the Ibiza hatchback. To that end, it\u2019s taller and longer than the hatch equivalent and gets a larger \n400 litre \n(up by 108 litres) boot.\nInside, things look a little more familiar. Items such as the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is lifted off the new Polo, whereas the growth in dimensions give rear occupants better legroom. The Arona is armed with a decent list of driver assistance technologies like\u00a0\nadaptive cruise control\n, \nfront assist with autonomous emergency braking\n, rear cross traffic alert and much more.\nIn the powertrain department, things kick off with a\u00a0\n1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol\n engine making either\n\u00a094 hp\n\u00a0or\u00a0\n113 hp\n. One step above is the\n\u00a01.5-litre four cylinder\n that makes \n148 hp\n, whereas the\u00a01.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel produces either 94 hp or 113 hp as well. All variants are \nfront-wheel driven\n and come with a choice of six-speed manual or \nseven-speed dual clutch transmissions\n.\nSales of the new Seat Arona will begin later this year with an attractive starting price of\u00a0\n\u00a314k\n (approximately\n RM77k\n ) in the UK.\nIt will go up against the dominant few in the industry, such as the Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR. Ah, the things we\u2019re missing out on.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hot off the press from launching\n five new GR and GR Sport models \nhere in Malaysia,\n UMW Toyota\n has now unveiled a new trailer on its website and social media channels, hinting at yet another launch.\nThe cryptic trailer introduces a new \u2018Defy\u2019 tagline, with the short ad spot reading \u201cdefy perceptions, defy limits, defy norm\u201d \u2013 which is as good as not saying anything at all. So what on earth could it be?\n \nFor whatever reason, many media outlets online are guessing it\u2019s the\n all-new Toyota Vios\n. It\u2019s a fair guess though, as the compact sedan is due for a refresh here in Malaysia \u2013 we\u2019ve also made the same prediction when the company announced that it\u2019ll be\n unveiling a new hybrid model \nhere on our shores soon. but could it be?\nThe all-new Toyota Vios made its global debut in Thailand back in August 2022, and has since also been launched in Indonesia. In the Land of Smiles, the compact sedan \u2013 known as the Yaris Ativ there \u2013 retains the market-specific 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine with \n94 hp\n and \n110 Nm\n, as per the nation\u2019s eco car standards.\nREAD MORE: \nWe can\u2019t decide if the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios looks good or bad\nIn Indonesia however, the all-new Toyota Vios is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder mill, the same 2NR-VE unit that we\u2019ve seen on the Perodua Myvi with \n106 hp\n and \n138 Nm\n. Like the Myvi, the engine here is also paired to a D-CVT gearbox \u2013 we\u2019re expecting this to be the standard configuration that we\u2019ll be getting here in Malaysia.\nBut what about the hybrid? An electrified variant of the all-new Toyota Vios has been long rumoured, and it\u2019s expected to feature a series hybrid system based on Daihatsu\u2019s e-Smart Hybrid, as seen on the \nPerodua Ativa Hybrid\n. However, the hybrid Vios has yet to be launched globally, and we\u2019re unsure if we\u2019ll be the ones to get first dibs on that.\nAside from the Vios, our next best guess would be the \nall-new Toyota Innova\n, which made its global debut just a couple of months ago in November 2022. Whatever the car is, though, we won\u2019t have much longer to wait.\n\u201cThe countdown has started. Brace for it,\u201d reads Toyota\u2019s webpage for the new \u2018Defy\u2019 campaign, alongside a date in bold \u2013\n 24 February 2023\n. Can you guess what Toyota is planning before this Friday? Let us know in the comments below!"
"Honda Malaysia has just released a statement to confirm that a Takata driver airbag inflator has indeed ruptured in a crash on 1st January 2018 in Selangor, Malaysia. The crash, unfortunately, resulted in the tragic death of the driver. The Royal Malaysia Police, however, has not determined the official cause of death.\nThe car in question was a 2004 Honda City which carried faulty Takata driver and passenger airbag inflators. The vehicle was included in a \nProduct Recall campaign announced on 21 May 2015\n to replace the faulty airbags. Several notification letters were sent out to the addressee in Honda Malaysia\u2019s database, but the letters did not reach the current owner due to the change of ownership in between. The company confirmed that the recall replacement was never complete.\nHonda Malaysia can also confirm that while the passenger airbag was due for a Product Recall, the passenger airbag inflator \ndid not rupture\n and \nfunctioned in a proper manner in the crash\n. The company is communicating with the authorities and representative of the driver\u2019s family and will not provide any personal information out of respect for the family.\nSince the whole Takata airbag scandal started in 2015, Honda Malaysia has actively engaged owners to replace the faulty airbag inflators via the press, advertisements, roadshows, personal calls, SMS and direct mails. As of 25 January 2018, the company has completed\u00a0\n76 percent\n of driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements.\nFor those of you still in the dark, the faulty airbag module, when deployed, will send metal shards towards the occupants and could cause even more harm than the accident itself. In some cases, even death! We have detailed in full on \nwhy you should get your faulty airbags replaced \nand\n\u00a0\nproduct recalls are \n100 percent free of charge\n.\nYou can check whether your Honda model is involved in a product recall by logging onto \nwww.productrecall.honda.com.my\n or call their toll-free line at 1-800-88-2020."
"Honda Malaysia has just announced another precautionary update for another 143,970 units of Honda vehicles made between 2006 to 2012. This follows the company\u2019s latest recall \nexactly a month ago\n\u00a0involving some 46,710 cars over the same issue \u2013 a faulty driver\u2019s side airbag inflator module.\nThe affected models involved in the update this time around are: City (Year Made 2006 to 2012), Civic (2006 to 2011), Civic Hybrid (2007 to 2011), CR-V (2007 to 2011), Insight (2011 to 2012), Jazz (2009 to 2012) and Stream (2007 to 2012).\nAll affected customers will be notified via letters which will include details of the product update. The replacement works will commence once the parts are available, and all costs involved will be borne by Honda Malaysia.\nHonda Malaysia urges owners of Honda vehicles affected by the recall to \nget their vehicles checked and parts\u00a0replaced\n at any authorised Honda dealers as soon as possible upon receiving the notification letters. You may also call Honda\u2019s Toll Free line at 1-800-88-2020 to check your car\u2019s product update status."
"Porsche\n \nhas set a new EV lap time record on the \nN\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife\n with the \nPorsche Taycan Turbo S\n. Piloted by racing driver Lars Kern and equipped with a performance kit by Porsche Tequipment, the \nTaycan\n Turbo S clocked a blistering \n7:33.350\n lap time around the Green Hell.\nWith the new lap time, the Porsche Taycan reclaims the title as the fastest EV around the N\u00fcrburgring from \nthe Tesla Model S Plaid, which clocked a lap time of 7:35.579\n. It is to be noted that both lap times were done around the \n20.832-km\n course at the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife, which has been used for official lap record timekeeping since 2019.\nThis isn\u2019t the first foray on the N\u00fcrburgring for the Taycan; the electric sedan \u2013 in pre-production form \u2013 once\n set a lap time way back in 2019\n on the shorter 20.6-km course of the N\u00fcrburgring, clocking a time of \n7:42 \nminutes. But due to the shorter track used, it wasn\u2019t officially inducted into the track\u2019s hall of fame, and it\u2019s not a reliable yardstick against the Tesla, or even the new Taycan\u2019s track record on the full lap.\nIn the full on-board video released by Porsche, you will notice that the Taycan Turbo S sports a roll cage on the inside. However, the roll-cage-equipped Turbo S weighs exactly the same as a series-production Taycan Turbo S, qualifyfing it as a standard production model, as confirmed by T\u00dcV Rheinland.\nRELATED: \nThe Tesla Model S Plaid has apparently set a new EV lap record at the Nurburgring\n \nRacing driver Lars Kern said, \u201cIn the past, only thoroughbred super sports cars got into the 7:33 range. With the new performance kit, I was able to push even harder, and the car was even more precise and agile to boot.\u201d\nNow, the performance kit by Porsche Tequipment surely helped Porsche snatch the title back from Tesla. The kit includes:\n21-inch RS-Spyder-design wheels\nPirelli P Zero Corsa sports tyres (road-approved, now available for Taycan)\nPorsche 4D Chassis Control software update\nThe kit is currently only available in Germany and only for the 2023 model Porsche Taycan Turbo S. The kit will be available from the end of 2022. The sports tyres are primarily designed for driving on the track. Buyers can therefore switch back to standard road tyres at any time. It is not necessary to restore the original chassis software when doing this.\nRELATED: \nNew 2023 Porsche Taycan to receive new software update"
"Apart from leveraging on their resources and \ncapabilities in aid of the efforts\n to stem the coronavirus pandemic, German carmakers are also reaching out to the public over social media urging everyone to stay home and practice social distancing, each with their own clever take. In these unprecedented times, every bit helps.\nAudi \nBMW\nMercedes-Benz\n \nVolkswagen"
"Jaguar today celebrates the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the iconic E-type. Dubbed as one of the most beautiful cars in the world, Jaguar made the E-type\u2019s world debut at an event in Geneva, Switzerland.\nTo celebrate this Diamond Jubilee, Jaguar, through Jaguar Classic, has created \nsix limited-edition matched pairs\n of restored 1960s 3.8 E-types under the banner E-type 60 Collection.\nThe E-type 60 Edition coupe, painted in Flat Out Grey, honours the trip by the late Bob Berry who drove the fixed-head coupe E-type bearing the registration \u20189600 HP\u2019 flat out from Jaguar\u2019s headquarters in Coventry to Geneva for the event as well as public test drives planned there.\nSir William Lyons with the E-type in 1961\nThe reception was so encouraging that Sir William Lyons, founder of Jaguar, told development engineer Norman Dewis in Coventry to \u201cdrop everything and bring the open top E type over\u201d. As such, the 60 Edition roadster honours the epic trip by the late Norman Dewis driving the \u201977 RW\u2019 roadster with a paint called Drop Everything Green.\nEach E-type 60 Edition has been expertly restored and refined by the experts at Jaguar Classic. The cars feature a \n265 hp\n 3.8-litre in-line six-cylinder XK engine paired with a specially-developed five-speed manual gearbox that features all-gear synchromesh, helical cut gears and a reinforced cast aluminium casing.\nThe engine gets a 1961\u2014style alloy radiator but fitted with a modern electric cooling fan and electronic ignition for everyday usability. A new exhaust system made of stainless steel produces a slightly deeper tone and offers greater longevity compared to the mild steel system it replaces. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nBespoke design elements include a commemorative E-type 60 logo, which adorns the bonnet badge, fuel cap, chassis plate and clock face in the tachometer developed in conjunction with Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director. A light beech-rimmed steering wheel, as fitted to 1961 cars, features a 24-carat gold horn push.\nEach Smooth Black leather-trimmed coupe features an engraved stylised route map plotting the key locations along the route taken by Bob Berry, with an overhead sketch of the E-type and the words, \u2018I thought you\u2019d never get here\u2019, recalling the reaction of Sir William Lyons to Bob\u2019s arrival just minutes before the unveiling.\nThe engraved maps on the centre consoles were custom-designed by world-leading artist Johnny \u201cKing Nerd\u201d Dowell. Each piece of art took more than 100 hours to create by hand. \u00a0\u00a0\nFor the six Suede Green leather-trimmed roadsters, the engraving tracks the route taken by Dewis on his last-minute drive to Switzerland, with a sketch of the car and another Lyons\u2019 quote \u2013 this time his instructions to Norman- \u2018Drop everything and bring the open top E-type over.\u2019\nThe lucky owners and drivers of the anniversary edition need not use the hand-engraved sketch maps though, as Jaguar has also fitted the Jaguar Classic Infotainment System with built-in satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.\nEvery car is supplied with a tailor-made E-type 60 car cover, tool roll and jack storage bags to complete the enhancements and exemplify the attention to detail lavished on each vehicle.\nIn Summer 2022, the six customers and their guests will take part in the ultimate E-type pilgrimage; a Coventry-to-Geneva drive experience with their cars to create their own E-type memories, enjoying breath-taking scenery, epic roads \u2013 including iconic Alpine passes \u2013 exclusive stays and fine cuisine throughout the trip.\nNo pricing has been announced, as the sales of the six matched-pairs are handled by Jaguar Classic with the restoration department requesting around \n\u00a3315,000\n (RM1.8 million) for one \u2018regular\u2019 Reborn 3.8-litre E-type.\nJaguar started the celebrations Diamond Jubilee of the E-type as early as December last year with a commemorative limited edition model\u00a0\nF-Type\n\u00a0called the \nHeritage 60 Edition\n.\nJaguar E-type 60 Edition coupe\nJaguar E-type 60 Edition roadster"
"Audi has unveiled its third all-electric vehicle \u2013 well concept in this case \u2013 the Audi e-Tron GT concept under the e-Tron portfolio. A four-door coupe that joins the \nrecently launched e-Tron SUV\n and the \ne-Tron Sportback\n which is due in 2019.\nThe e-Tron GT Concept has similar proportions to the \nA7 Sportback\n, measuring over 4.9 meters in length. The chassis of the concept is composed of different materials \u2013 carbon on the roof section, aluminium on the body panels and high-strength steel for other supporting elements.\nStyling wise, the new concept car gets the familiar look as the new-generation Audis, large Singleframe grille with honeycomb inserts (similar to Audi RS models), angular headlamps, sloping roofline and a light strip running across the taillamps.\nThe body lines have been purposefully sculpted for smooth airflow yet maintains the athleticism typical of an Audi coupe. Hence, designers of the e-Tron GT took inspiration from the four-rings latest showcars, the Aicon and \nPB18 e-Tron\n when penning the new concept car.   Inside the e-Tron GT you\u2019ll find a typical cabin architecture as what you get with a regular internal combustion engine powered Audi. Taking up the centre console is the dual screen display, full LCD Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, multifunctional steering wheel and touch sensitive panels for the main controls. In the e-Tron GT you\u2019ll get buttons as the gear selectors.\nThere are two luggage compartments on the four-seater coupe, a 450 litre conventional boot underneath the large tailgate as well as a 100 litre storage capacity under the hood thanks to the omission of a combustion engine.   Audi has said that the e-Tron GT will feature a dual electric motor set up \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 to give a maximum system output of \n434 kW (590 hp)\n and electric Quattro all-wheel-drive with torque vectoring. The electric concept is said to be able to complete the century dash in \n3.5 seconds\n and will accelerate to 200 km/h in just over 12 seconds \u2013 very similar figures to what \nPorsche\u2019s first EV\n is pulling.\nThe 90-kWh lithium-ion battery sandwiched between the front and rear axle is able to give the concept car over \n400 km\n of driving range. The standard 800-volt system allows the e-Tron GT to be fast charged, giving 320 km of driving range in 20 minutes.\nAudi is planning to have the e-Tron GT to be developed into a volume-production model by the end of 2020 with initial deliveries to happen a year after that. The new four-door coupe is an important model to realise \nAudi\u2019s electric offensive\n, to offer 12 electric vehicles and achieve one-third of its sales with electrified models by 2025.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi e-Tron GT Concept"
"The last we checked, it\u2019s still March, so it\u2019s definitely not April\u2019s Fool yet. But there seems to be a rumour going around suggesting that the US arm of Volkswagen is planning a name change to \u201cVoltswagen\u201d \u2013 a rumour so silly that it might just turn out to be true.\nThe company supposedly prematurely published a news release on its US newsroom website yesterday, and was noticed by a reporter at \nUSA Today\n before it was deleted. The press release was dated April 29, yet published on the 29th of March \u2013 adding on to the legitimacy of the whole deal, just that someone in Volkswagen (how long more can we still call it that?) made an oopsie.\nPer the publication, the news release apparently said that this move is \u201cmore than a name change; \u2018Voltswagen\u2019 is a public declaration of the company\u2019s future-forward investment in e-mobility\u201d.\n\u201cThe new name and branding symbolise the highly-charged forward momentum Voltswagen has put in motion, pursuing a goal of moving all people point-to-point with EVs,\u201d the carmaker said in the release.\nVolkswagen\u2019s latest EV, the \nID.4\n.\nThe announcement also says that new electric models would get a \u2018Voltswagen\u2019 exterior badge, while cars with internal combustion engines will continue using the standard \u2018VW\u2019 logo.\nAccording to the \nAssociated Press\n, an anonymous source close to the situation has \nconfirmed \nthat the carmaker was planning for a formal announcement on Tuesday (today), but the press release went online prematurely.\nIf the rumours turn out to be true, it\u2019s equal parts cringe and weird that a historical carmaker of this calibre would forego its entire 80-odd years of history \u2013 Hitler-association and all \u2013 for a silly name change.\nWe\u2019re convinced that this is just a stunt, dreamt up by their marketing department to boost its EV mindshare. And judging by the number of news reports that have come up from this story alone, we\u2019d say that it definitely worked. Please, prove us right, \nVolkswagen\n."
"Following the launch of the \nupdated Polo\n back in April this year, Volkswagen has now unveiled the new range-topping Polo GTI with a new face, and some fancy new tech.\nJust like the regular Volkswagen Polo, the new Polo GTI has also been given the new Golf-esque styling touches, including the new head and tail lights. The former now comes as standard with VW\u2019s new IQ.Light LED matrix headlights and illuminated front grille, while at the back, you\u2019ll find the \u201canimated brake light\u201d alongside dynamic turn signals.\nLooking for \u201cthe real deal\u201d? Check out what\u2019s new with the Volkswagen Golf GTI!\nBut of course, to mark the sportier sibling out from the regular ones, the Polo GTI also gets several GTI-specific touches, including the more aggressive bumpers, red accents on the grille and brake calipers, 18-inch alloys, and a litter of GTI badges all round.\nInside, the new sportier Polo still retains the iconic GTI tartan fabric on the seats (upgradeable to optional sports seats). For the ultimate \u201csporty\u201d feel, the dashboard trim also gets a glossy red finish, instead of the dark brushed aluminium look of the standard Polo.\nThe most significant change, tough, is the new VW infotainment system, which comes with a hi-res 8.0-inch touchscreen display as standard, alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. New connectivity features such as Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now comes as standard, and customers can also opt to upgrade to the 9.2-inch \u201cDiscover Pro\u201d infotainment system.\nThe previous Polo GTI was almost as quick as its elder GTI sibling! Check out the drag race here.\nAnd for the first time, the Polo GTI can now also be equipped with Volkswagen\u2019s IQ.Drive advanced driver assistance suite, which includes semi-autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure assist.\nSix-speed manual, where art thou?\nUnfortunately, these changes do not carry into the powertrain of the Polo GTI. Underneath the bonnet, you\u2019ll still find the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-banger, which delivers \n207 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nThere\u2019s no mention of a six-speed manual transmission in the press release, so we think that it\u2019s unlikely it\u2019ll make an appearance here \u2013 just like its predecessor. But with the DSG, the Volkswagen Polo GTI does the century sprint in 6.5 seconds, onward to a top speed of 240 km/h \u2013 unchanged from the pre-facelift car.\nJust as before, the Polo GTI also comes with a 15-mm lowered suspension and VW\u2019s XDS torque vectoring system. Customers can also opt for the \u201cSport Select\u201d adaptive suspension, which lets you firm up the ride in conjunction with the several drive profiles that alters the steering, engine, and gearbox response.\nGALLERY"
"Petronas has released a heartfelt video \non YouTube\n named \u201cDemi Cinta\u201d in conjunction with the National Day tomorrow and Malaysia Day on the 16th of September.\nWith everything that is going on now from the loss of life to livelihoods caused by yet another \u2018C-word\u2019 to be concerned about, it\u2019s hard to not relate to this video.\nPetronas named Malaysia\u2019s Most Valuable Brand again.read about it here!\n \nAccording to the press release, Petronas aims to inject hope into every Malaysian and remind everyone through the video that no matter what happens, we will get through it all together.\nPetronas, Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz said, \u201cThe Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all of us in so many ways and on so many levels but they also brought Malaysians from all walks of life closer together, proving once again\u00a0that our diversity is what makes Malaysia the country we know and love.\u201d\nShe added, \u201cWe at Petronas hope that our fellow Malaysians will be inspired by our very first music video. Do sing along and share it with your loved ones.\u201d\u00a0\nHere are five factors that make the new Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race so impressive!"
"As promised, Perodua has displayed the \nall-new Perodua Myvi at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow\n. Albeit boxed up on stage, teasing only its front grille and rear section.\nUp front, the all-new Myvi wears the familiar Perodua family face front grille like the Axia and Bezza. We can clearly tell that the LED reflector headlamps will be a head turner once it\u2019s illuminated. Unlike the Myvi of yesteryear that had vertical tail lamp design, the new Myvi gets a more modern square tail lamp on the tailgate. A rear spoiler is also clearly visible in person.   We know that the all-new Myvi will be available in \nfive variants\n \u2013 three 1.3-litre and two 1.5-litre. Prices start from RM44,300 stretching to RM55,300 for the range topping 1.5 Advance. We have detailed all we know about the fourth-generation Myvi \nhere\n, so be sure to check out which variant tickles your fancy.\nOrder books for the new Myvi are officially opened from today onwards. While the launch date is yet to be confirmed, Perodua promises that the all-new Myvi will hit Malaysian roads this year. Interested? Be sure to head down to the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow at MAEPS Serdang happening from 9 to 12 November 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just a little over two months after the\n Lexus CT200h facelift\n was unveiled, the premium carmaker has given this hybrid hatchback yet another update. This \u201cMinor Change\u201d in Lexus speak, sees subtle aesthetic enhancements along with a new mid-range variant that sits below the F-Sport.\nIn Japan, the CT200h is now offered in \nfour variants\n: base-spec, Version C (new variant), F Sport and Version L. The previous facelift which brought about the new spindle grille, U-Shaped headlamps and new LED taillamps remains on the Minor Change model. However, the new Version C adds a newly-designed 16-inch dual-tone aluminium alloy wheels. The spindle grille on\n F-Sport\n variant is now finished in black, to tie in with the dark accents of the roof and rear bumper.\nVersion L\n \n Base-spec\n \n F-Sport\n \n \nF-Sport also gets two additional exclusive paint choices \u2013 Lava Orange Crystal Shine and Heat Blue Contrast, bringing the total exterior colour palette to\n 13\n.\nInside, customers can select one of the three interior panel finishes available \u2013 \nBamboo\n (Natural Brown with Matt finish),\n Sanfrea Brown\n or \nBook Aluminium\n for their Minor Change CT200h. Lexus has also added a variety of colour combinations for the two-tone upholstery; some are absolutely gorgeous, some are just \nplain bizarre\n.   Lexus has made \nLexus Safety System+\n active safety systems a standard fitment on all CT200h\u2019s during the previous facelift exercise \u2013 Collision Avoidance Support Pre-Crash Safety, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Control Function, Automatic High Beam and Radar Cruise Control; in efforts to achieve their target of \u201cZero traffic accident casualties\u201d.\nThe CT200h Minor Change remains powered by a 2ZR-FXE 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder paired to a 60 kW electric motor to give a combined output of \n136 hp\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Lexus claims a rated fuel economy of \n3.28 litres per 100 km\n.\nIn Japan, the CT200h Minor Change retails from \u200e\u00a53.77 million (RM147k) to \u200e\u00a54.77 million (RM186k). It\u2019s a shame that fully imported hybrid models no longer receive tax incentives from the Government because there was a time when the CT200h was flying off the shelf with a sticker price of RM168k.\nIMAGE GALLERY   F-Sport\n \n Base-spec"
"At the launch of the Ops Selamat 16/2020 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year period, PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) has announced that the company will utilise drone technology to monitor traffic flow along its highways during the festive period.\nAccording to \nMalay Mail\n, PLUS\u00a0chairman Datuk Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif said that the use of drone technology was to provide information on the flow and movement of traffic on the highways, as well as optimising the use of social media.\nThe drones will operate at several locations identified along the highway. It is expected that traffic on the PLUS highways will increase to approximately two million vehicles during the Chinese New Year period, an \n18% increase from the 1.7 million on weekdays\n.\n\u201cBased on research and analysis, PLUS expects the number of vehicles on the highway to be higher between\n Jan 22 and 28\n and \nJan 31 and Feb 1\n\u201c, Datuk Mohamad Nasir added, at the launch event.\nPLUS will be mobilising 5,000 staff during the festive period to ensure that traffic flow is controlled along the North-South Highway. Maintenance work that require temporary lane closures will be halted, and tidal flow lanes can be opened when needed, with the approval of the Royal Malaysian Police.\nRoad users are advised to refer to PLUS\u2019\u00a0Travel Time Advisory (TTA)\u00a0 to plan their journeys."
"UMW Toyota Motor has released a statement following Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin\u2019s announcement on the sales tax exemption today and it already sounds like music to our ears but it\u2019s still somewhat a depressing situation.\nAs the economy is still robbed of progress by the Covid-19 pandemic, understandably most are being cautious with whatever cash reserves they have so this situation is like going to a year-end warehouse sale, without your wallet.\nFrom 15th June till 31st December, locally assembled vehicles (CKD) will receive 100% sales tax exemption while fully imported cars (CBU) will receive 50%.\n\u201cThis is indeed good news for the auto industry and we are grateful to the Government for assisting this sector. The full savings will be passed on to customers and we expect that the reduced prices will help to revitalise the automotive industry,\u201d said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.\n\u201cAs the company has planned new models for launch this year, with the tax exemptions, we will be making the relevant adjustments to the retail prices of all our models and apply them by June 15,\u201d he added.\nThis is fantastic news as we already know that the all-new 4th generation RAV4 is on its way here and should be part of the \u201cnew models planned for launch this year\u201d following UMW Toyota\u2019s announcement that it has begun taking registration of interest.\nUMW Toyota Motor, Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama added, \u201cThe Malaysian automotive industry, like those in other countries, has been greatly affected by the long period of inactivity during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period. Apart from sales and production being affected, there is an uncertain consumer sentiment for the future. For that, we appreciate the support from the government to help boost the industry\u201d."
"Do you dream of driving a French car that is brimming with personality, but have some reservations about owning one? TC Euro Cars has now launched a new Renault Subscription promotional campaign where you can \u201ctest drive\u201d the\n \nRenault Captur\n for one full year with no obligations, and no ownership headaches \u2013 all at a discounted price!\nInstead of paying the full RM1,299 monthly fee for the Renault Pre-Owned Captur Subscription plan, the new campaign is offering a \nreduced rate of just RM799 per month for the first six months\n, only resuming to the regular RM1,299 fee for from months seven through 12.\nThe monthly rates are inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing, and an annual mileage cap of 20,000 km, with an option to upgrade.\nTo take advantage of the promotional price, you can make a booking via the \nofficial Renault Store on Shopee\n for a booking fee of RM200, which will be deducted from the first subscription month payment.\nFor more savings, TC Euro Cars (TCEC) is also offering a \n50% discount on the booking fee for 20 units\n available through Shopee Malaysia\u2019s \u2018Shocking Sale\u2019 mechanism. The sale will begin from \n4.00 pm \u2013 8.00 pm on 9 September 2020\n during Shopee\u2019s 9.9. Super Sale.\nIf you unfortunately missed the \u2018Shocking Sale\u2019, fret not as you can still secure a unit via the \nRenault E-Store\n. Stocks available are limited, and are strictly based on a first come, first served basis \u2013 so act quick!\nAll pre-owned Renault Captur vehicles provided in this test drive subscription promotional campaign are no more than two years old and will have passed thorough inspection to meet Renault quality and safety standards.\nAfter the end of your one-year subscription tenure, you can decide to buy, subscribe to a Renault Subscription Fixed or Switch Plan, or simply end with the Pre-Owned Captur with zero obligations.\nTo sign-up for the Renault Pre-Owned Captur Subscription or for information about Renault in Malaysia, visit \nRenault E-Store\n or \nRenault Store on Shopee\n."
"Mazda has just announced its next product offence, listing up to five new models with production to begin as soon as January 2022.\nOf the five new models announced, only one model is placed under the \u2018Small Product\u2019 category. To be built at the Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing USA (MTMUS) joint-venture plant, the upcoming Mazda CX-50 available only in the Americas could have underpinnings of the recently launched \nToyota Corolla Cross\n that is also being built at MTMUS. \u00a0\nThe next four models however will be next-generation, all-new models. Following the introduction of the Mazda CX-50, the company will roll out two 2-row and two 3-row models. Against the norm, Mazda will then manufacture another two widths out of the two SUVs.\nThe proposed Mazda CX-60 will be a standard width two-row SUV, focusing on markets that are kinder to more compact dimensions such as Europe and Japan. The CX-70 meanwhile will have a wider body as it targets the North American market, where larger models with a big presence is preferred.\nMazda has just facelifted the popular CX-5 that is only available from early next year. Take a look at the scope of changes here.\nThe new Mazda CX-80 and CX-90 will be larger three-row SUVs, and the latter will be again featuring the wider body strategy. The new Mazda CX-90 will also replace the current-generation \nMazda CX-9\n as Mazda USA\u2019s representative for three-row SUV.\nThese four new SUVs will be underpinned by the next-generation Mazda large product platform that whets the appetites of enthusiasts. The powertrain allocated to these large models is a \nturbocharged straight-six engine\n (petrol or diesel fuel depending on markets) paired with either a 48-volt mild-hybrid system or plug-in hybrid system. Placing it longitudinally means the drive is to the rear wheels like equivalent BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi SUVs. The popular Lexus RX model is still predominantly a front-wheel drive SUV.\nRWD, plug-in hybrid\nStraight-six, mild-hybrid\nMazda brings their Jinba-Ittai philosophy to a whole new level with these.Well. Check it out here, and you don\u2019t need a car for it!\nWith the announcement of these new models, the revised model naming nomenclature finally takes off too, where Mazda decided to oddly name their \nMazda 3\n-based crossover/SUV as the \nMazda CX-30\n. It was the first model to bear the double-digit model naming, which at that time in early 2019, Mazda said was to allow the brand to expand its crossover and SUV portfolio and not limited to just CX-1 to CX-9 model naming.\nMazda also took the opportunity to update their progress on the return of the \nrotary engine\n. It will be fitted in the Mazda MX-30, in a form of a range-extending generator from the first half of 2022. From 2025, the company begins offering products with a dedicated EV platform and from 2030, all models from the Hiroshima-based carmaker will be electrified."
"Lazada kicks off 12/12 with its Online Revolution Campaign and \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is the only car maker to participate in the biggest online sale of the year\n (although \nMINI was the first to sell its cars online\n). VPCM and Lazda have made industry with all 12 units of its limited-edition Beetle were sold out in just 20 minutes.\nThe Lazada Online Revolution Campaign kick-started at 12 midnight on 12 December and the first Beetle was sold out 26 seconds after the sale began. Buyers had to place a pre-payment of \nRM5,000\n on Lazada to secure an allocation of the limited-edition Beetle priced at RM112,112 (OTR without insurance). The 12 lucky buyers have just \nsaved RM24,776 or 18 percent\n on their new Beetles on Lazada as compared to walking into a showroom.\nThe limited-edition Beetles come in \ntwo distinct designs\n \u2013 \u201cHerbie 53\u201d finished in either Pure White or White Silver and \u201cHot Bug\u201d available in Tornado Red. Started life as a regular Beetle Design 1.2 TSI, the \u201cHerbie 53\u201d gets the famous red and blue stripes with the 53 number on both doors and hood. The \u201cHot Bug\u201d gets a dual black stripe design that resembles a ladybug.\nMechanically, it retains 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI and seven-speed dual clutch (DSG) combo that sends \n104 hp\n and \n175 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels. If you sat this Online Sale out because you are not convinced by its puny engine, \nhere is what you have missed out on\n.\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said, \u201cWe are delighted to have really pushed boundaries and made history with this collaboration \u2013 to be able to sell 12 cars within such a short period of time is amazing. This truly is a testament of how receptive Malaysians are when it comes to online purchasing.\u201d"
"Ever seen those \u201cchameleon\u201d vinyl wraps that seemingly changes colour depending on how you\u2019re looking at it? Well, BMW has taken the idea to even greater (\nweirder?\n) heights with a new paint technology that is able to change its colour just by a touch of a button. Yup, we\u2019ve officially entered the sci-fi era of cars.\nThe concept will officially be unveiled at 3.00 am tomorrow (Malaysian time) as part of BMW\u2019s CES 2022 line-up, but demo cars based on the \niX\n have already been filmed on-site outside the Las Vegas Convention Centre \u2013 and yes, it\u2019s as mind-boggling as it sounds like.\n Screenshot: \nOut of Spec Studios/Twitter\nA \nvideo published by Twitter user\n Out of Spec Studios\n shows a BMW iX that was initially grey in colour, but switches to white almost instantaneously. The colour-changing car then goes through a \u201cshow-off\u201d mode, where the initial grey colour \u201cmoves\u201d through the bodywork from front to back, almost as if it was projected by a grey-coloured light beam.\nScreenshot: \nOut of Spec Studios/Twitter\nThe same demo-prepped BMW iX was also seen in \nThe Kilowatts\n\u2018 TikTok video\n, and as the natural sunlight and reflections shifts as the car moves, a web-like grid of triangles can be seen faintly underneath the grey \u201cpaint job\u201d.\nWe presume that\u2019s the tech itself, but we\u2019ll wait for BMW to (hopefully) explain it tonight. The Twitter post does mention however that the cars are apparently \u201cvery temperature sensitive\u201d, so BMW has also prepped a back-up car in case the one seen in the video gets too hot or too cold."
"While major premium brands in Malaysia are posting strong growth in year-on-year (1H 2018) sales performance in Malaysia, let\u2019s not forget about the \nsmaller brands\n that take up the biggest chunk of the Total Industry Volume (TIV).\nPerodua sold \n117,100 cars\n in sales for the first six months of 2018 which translates to \n17.5 per cent increase\n compared to the same period last year. Against a 289,700-unit TIV for 1H 2018, the company now commands \n40.4 per cent market share\n.\nPerodua President and CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said: \u201c\u201cWe attribute this sales record to continued strong demand for the new Myvi as well as for our other models in the first quarter while towards the end of the second quarter we saw a surge in sales due to the zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST).\u201d\nPerodua President and CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh\nOf the 117,100 registrations, the \nnew Myvi\n remains the most popular model at 46,860 units sold, followed by the Axia at 33,870, 23,555 Bezzas and 12,815 Alzas. All four models retain the top spot in their respective segments.\n\u201cOur sales peaked in May at almost 22,000 units. However, we do not foresee this momentum continuing in the subsequent quarters of the year. While engagement with the government is on-going, we are still unclear on the full mechanism of the impending Sales and Service Tax (SST).\u201d\n\u201cOn the assumption that there will be an increase in vehicle prices from September onwards; we foresee that the public will go through a period of adjustment hence resulting in less demand for a certain duration.\u201d\n\u201cPerhaps the impact would be up until December 2018 where, typically, most players would give good offers to reduce their carry-over stock into the following year,\u201d added Datuk (Dr) Aminar.\nDespite the increased uptake of Perodua vehicles during the \u201c\nTax-Free Holiday\n\u201d, the company is maintaining its sales target of 209,000 units for 2018. \u201cUnfortunately, apart from a few units of the Alza, we expect all orders made this month (August) to be fulfilled only from 1 September onwards. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused but we believe we still offer the best value in the market at present,\u201d said Perodua Chief."
"It sure looks the part, at least. Kia Motors has revealed renderings of the all-new Kia K900, known in South Korea as the Kia K9. Its balanced outline is a combination of Kia\u2019s global design department in South Korea and its US design studio.\nThe design is inspired by the \u201cGravity of Prestige\u201d concept which exudes luxury and poise and it\u2019s profoundly reflected in the clean and understated lines of the car.\u00a0\nThe Kia 900, or let\u2019s just use K9 for our own easy reference, features a new \u201cQuadric pattern\u201d signature grille which is the focal point of the K9\u2019s identity. In detail, there are\n 176 jewel-like \u2018cells\u2019\n within the grille.\nBut our attention, and we\u2019re sure yours too, are drawn to the headlights. The two-tier lighting display is called the \n\u201cDuplex Comet\u201d\n and the same design approach is also applied to the back, which vaguely resembles the \nall-new Bentley Continental GT\u2019s\n pair.\nWatch how the \nStinger GT race the Porsche Panamera and the BMW 640i Gran Coupe\n.\nChrome is also the predominant theme of the concept design. It\u2019s applied on the base of the doors, lower rear section and along the window frames of the K9. Chrome finishing is also applied to the tail lights and exhaust housings.\nArguably, design wise, the South Koreans have got it right. Question is, how will this new design be translated to the local Kia\u2019s we\u2019ll be getting? More importantly, how will it drive? Will it at least, vaguely imitate the dynamics of the \nStinger GT\n?"
"BMW\n M is currently working on a quad-motor EV that is based on the \nBMW i4 M50\n, fitted with donated parts from the BMW M3 and M4, and even has an M xDrive AWD EV system. Could this be a preface to the next-gen M3, which BMW themselves have \nhinted might be going fully electric\n?\nIn celebration of \n50 years of BMW M GmbH\n, the company is using its golden jubilee as an opportunity to transform towards electric mobility. And whilst doing so, BMW M aims to preserve the \u201cunmistakable performance characteristics\u201d of its models, and at the same time, \u201cenrich them with new facets\u201d \u2013 i.e. going electric.\nFrom the image shared by BMW M, it seems that the kidney grille is fully open, as the prototype uses the front bumper of the M3, instead of the i4. The prototype BMW quad-motor EV also features wide wheel arches which permit the integration of specifically manufactured high-performance front and rear axle designs.\nThe front end of the vehicle features an adapted body strut concept taken from the BMW \nM3\n/\nM4\n series for particularly high torsional rigidity in extremely dynamic driving situations. The arrangement of the radiator units is also based on the configuration developed for the current high-performance sports cars.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW i4 M50, first electric M car launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM431k\n \nCurrently undergoing road testing, BMW says that the M xDrive EV AWD system enables drivers to experience \u201centirely new performance characteristics\u201d, thanks to its infinitely variable and fast distribution of drive torque. The four motors are connected to a central control unit that permanently monitors the driving condition and the driver\u2019s wishes.\nThe ideal power transmission to the road is calculated within milliseconds from the values for the accelerator pedal position, steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, wheel speeds, and other parameters. The signals for this are transmitted just as quickly and directly via a multi-plate clutch and differentials to the four motors.\nRELATED: \nNot ready to go full electric, next-gen BMW 3 Series could use different platforms for EV and petrol variants\nCurrent BMW M3\nBMW M GmbH Head of Development, Dirk H\u00e4cker says, \u201cElectrification opens up completely new degrees of freedom for us to create M-typical dynamics. And we can already see that we can exploit this potential to the maximum so that our high-performance sports cars will continue to offer the M-typical and incomparable combination of dynamics, agility, and precision in the locally emission-free future.\u201d\nThe high-performance character of the new drive system is also evident in the recuperation of braking energy. Right up to the limits of driving dynamics, the four motors can assume the function of a generator when braking.\nLatest reports suggest that the next-generation BMW M3 will debut in 2025, built on the \nNeue Klasse\n platform. Before the end of 2022, the first electrified (hybrid) M car, the \nBMW XM\n \nwill make its world debut.\nRELATED: \nFinal units of BMW i3s delivered \u2013 i3 name to live on in electric 3 Series"
"If you thought one week is just too short to truly experience the subscription lifestyle, TC Euro Cars has now introduced the Renault Subscription One-Month Trial Plan, in addition to the existing \nRM399 seven-day trial subscription package\n.\nPriced at \nRM996\n, Renault says that the new trial plan is designed to offer more accessibility for customers who are cost conscious and hesitant about making long-term commitments. For context, the cheapest subscription plan currently on offer \u2013 the three-year Fixed plan for the Captur is currently priced at \nRM1,299 per month.\nThe subscription trial plans also do not require any additional upfront security deposit or booking fee \u2013 The RM996 fee is inclusive of inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing and unlimited mileage for the \npre-owned Captur\n.\nAdditionally, customers can also choose to segment the month-long trial subscription into \nfour single-week instances\n, with the payment divided into RM399, RM299, RM199, and RM99 for the four weeks respectively, making it cheaper than \nfour repeated subscriptions\n of the single week trial plan.\nIn conjunction with the upcoming Raya festivities, TCEC is also offering a \n35% discount \non the 1-Month Trial Plan through its \u2018Renault Raya Easy\u2019 promotional campaign. Customers can secure the \nRM647 promotional offer \nwith just a \nRM50 booking fee\n, available on the \nRenault E-Store\n as well as the \nRenault Shopee official store\n.\nLimited units are available for the promotion, and must be redeemed before the 31st of July 2020. Those who decide not to proceed with their subscription will be refunded on their booking fee\u00a0within three days to a week.\nTCEC reassures that customers in the Klang Valley will be able to receive the vehicles before Raya begins if they place their bookings before 18 May. For additional safety, Klang Valley customers can also request for a\n complimentary door-to-door delivery service\n for the vehicles.\nTCEC CEO, Wong Hoe Mun said, \u201cAs we continue to observe safe distancing given the COVID-19 threat, we believe that private transportation solutions will remain in demand. However, there will be an increase in appetite for affordability and flexibility.\n\u201cWith our new one-month Trial plan, we now have multiple Renault Subscription offers, from one-week to three-year durations through the\u00a0Fixed\u00a0and Switch plans, to suit all customer needs.\u201d\nAside from the new trial subscription plan, TCEC today also announced the \nRenault Sanitisation Campaign\n, available to all Renault customers who service their vehicles at the \nRenault 4S centre in Petaling Jaya\n. The campaign offers \ncomplimentary sanitisation\n for customer vehicles, with two additional top-up options.\nThe complimentary package includes sanitisation of high-contact touchpoints, fogging of cabin and air-conditioner evaporator, as well as disinfection of air and surfaces to kill lingering bacterias.\nFor an additional \nRM168\n, customers can benefit from further disinfection with fogging that penetrates deeper into the air-conditioner evaporator. TCEC claims that the disinfection can eliminate 99% of the COVID-19 virus. The second top-up package, priced at \nRM228\n, includes all of the above, with additional odour elimination.\nTCEC is offering a \n20% discount introductory offer\n for customers purchasing either of the packages from now until the 30th of June. The packages can be purchased on both the Renault E-Store and Shopee page, as well as for walk-in customers, to be redeemed within three months from the date of purchase.\nAs announced previously, customers in the Klang Valley can continue to utilise the \nRenault Concierge door-to-door pick-up and delivery service\n for their vehicle maintenance needs."
"The trend continues at Mercedes when a new model is announced, most certainly that there is going to be a hot AMG variant. After the A 45 AMG, \nCLA 45 AMG\n, and \nGLA 45 AMG\n; Mercedes-Benz presents the \nCLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake\n.\nEXTERIOR\nEssentially a wagon version of the CLA 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake features the same aggressive styling with its Coupe sibling. Everything from the bumpers and skirts are identical to the Coupe and unlike the A 45 AMG, the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake doesn\u2019t come with a high-mounted roof wing.\nStandard wheels measure 18-inches with 235/40 R18 tires but a set of 19-inch alloys with 235/35 R19 tires are available as an option.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior stays the same, featuring the familiar\n bucket seats\n, \nAMG\u2019s E-SELECT\n lever, and the \nAMG main menu\n including \nRACETIMER\n with \nAMG start-up screen\n. Other than that, the steering wheel design is new, and the space at the back has grown over the CLA Coupe with increased rear passenger headroom and cargo space.\nPERFORMANCE\nSharing the explosive \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n with the A 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG, and GLA 45 AMG; it produces \n360 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to\n all four wheels\n via the \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission\n. The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake rockets from \n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n in \n4.7 seconds\n and the\n top speed\n is limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nADAPTIVE BRAKE, ATTENTION ASSIST, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, and ESP\u00ae Curve Dynamic Assist are among the standard equipment fitted to the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake, while the optional items include DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system including COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Lane Tracking package including Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist, and COMAND Online. The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake will debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March next year.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor under the \nDinamikjaya Motors\n arm has now officially launched the 2022 Kia Carnival here in Malaysia, following a \npreview event\n last year. As previously reported, the all-new Kia Carnival will be offered in a sole 11-seater variant, priced at \nRM196,341\n.\n \nEXTERIOR\nKia calls the Carnival a \u201cGrand Utility Vehicle\u201d, which, as the name suggests, means its styling is significantly inspired by SUVs. These include the reworked proportions with a longer bonnet, sculpted front and rear bumpers with metallic trims, bold wheel arches, and even an \u201cisland roof\u201d design with blacked-out A- and B- pillars plus a stylised chrome fin C-pillar.\nAs standard, the exterior of the 2022 Kia Carnival in Malaysia comes with the following items:\nAutomatic LED projector headlights with integrated LED daytime-running lights\nBulb-type combination tail lights\n18-inch Y-spoke two-tone alloy wheels\nRain-sensing wipers\nDual smart powered sliding doors\nSmart powered tailgate\nRoof rails\nExterior colour choices: Astra Blue, Silky Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Panthera Metal, Flare Red\nPERFORMANCE\nThe all-new 2022 Kia Carnival is powered by a refreshed 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.\nEngine: 2,151 cc, Smartstream D2.2 four-cylinder turbodiesel\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic transmission\nDriveline: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 199 hp @ 3,800 rpm\nMax torque: 440 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\nTop speed: 190 km/h\nRated fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100km (NEDC)\nINTERIOR\nAs mentioned above, the all-new 2022 Kia Carnival will only be offered in a sole 11-seater variant here in Malaysia in a 2-3-3-3 configuration. The smaller centre seats in row two and three can be folded away forming an aisle to access the fourth-row seats, while the last row of seats can be completely folded away into the cargo floor when not in use.\nFor the Malaysian market, the all-new Kia Carnival comes with the following as standard:\nAnalogue instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display\n12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto\nWireless charger\nSeven USB ports\nRotary electronic gear-selector knob with electronic parking brake\nThree-zone automatic air-conditioning (dual-zone front, single-zone rear), with four roof-mounted air vents for the rear\nEight-way powered seats for front passengers, plus two-way lumbar adjustment and memory function for driver\nLeatherette upholstery\nManual sunshade for rear side windows\nSAFETY\nIn terms of safety, the all-new Kia Carnival here in Malaysia currently does not get any sort of advanced driver assistance features.\nSeven airbags, including driver knee-bags\nABS with EBD and Brake Assist\nElectronic Stability Control and Traction Control\nHill-start Assist Control and Auto Hold\nBlind-spot monitoring\nRear-cross traffic alert\nPRICING\nThe all-new 2022 Kia Carnival in Malaysia is priced at \nRM196,341\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions. The car is currently being fully-imported from South Korea, although the company says that CKD operations will start sometime this year.\nAlso included in the price is a five-year/100,000 km warranty, as well as a five-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance programme.\nGALLERY"
"The ongoing health pandemic has changed the way we all think about car buying, which resulted in a significant growth in online automotive marketplaces \u2013 such as Carro.\nHaving just celebrated its fifth anniversary, the Singapore-based car marketplace recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue in the month of September, equivalent to over 500% year-on-year growth.\nThe end-to-end car purchase service was launched in 2015 in an effort to bring more trust and transparency to car purchasing. To date, the company has retailed \u201cthousands of cars\u201d, and recently also launched a contactless service, where buyers can complete the transaction and have their new cars delivered to their homes \u2013 all while complying with social-distancing practices.\nCarro also launched its own \ncar subscription service\n in Singapore last year, and recently recorded over two million in monthly active users on its platform overall.\nCarro Chief Financial Officer, Ernest Chew said, \u201cCovid-19 has pushed the envelope for innovation in the auto market; the current economic slowdown means customers are looking for value-for-money cars but are also concerned about their safety.\n\u201cWe expect more customers in the region will seek digital purchasing solutions. Hence, we will continue to leverage technology to make car ownership safer, efficient and delightful.\u201d\nIn its five years of history, the company has also made significant inroads into regional expansion, including a USD30 million investment into the Malaysian online car bidding platform, \nMyTukar\n. To continue its regional expansion plans, Carro recently secured new backings from investors such as Mitsubishi Corporation and MS&AD Ventures."
"Ah, for some of you Volkswagen loyalists, this piece of news has been a long time coming. The Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ) has finally started the VW car registration series.\nVolkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia also leapt at the opportunity to remind existing customers about their \nTrade-In programme\n\u00a0for the \nJetta\n and \nPassat B8\n, which will only last until 31 March 2017. The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan is also open for booking, with early bird discounts ending 30 April 2017.\nCurrently, the \nlocally assembled Volkswagen Polo\n is heavily discounted for a limited time only, carrying an attractive price of just RM69,888."
"A new official upgrade is now available for the \nPorsche Taycan\n to halve the AC charging time to 4.8 hours from the original 9.5 hours. Essentially a \n19.2-kW\n onboard charger (OBC) upgrade (from the original 11 kW), the package retails at $1,850.15 (approx. \nRM8,179.51\n) and requires an estimated 12 hours of labour for installation.\nThe part number for the AC charger installation kit is \u20189J1.044.900.31\u2019 and it fits all Taycan variants. It reduces the AC charging time (from 0 to 100%) for the \u2018standard battery\u2019 Porsche Taycan (79.2 kWh battery) to \n4.8 hours\n from \n9.5 hours\n. As for the \u2018Performance Battery Plus\u2019 versions of the Taycan (93.4 kWh battery), the AC charging time from 0 to 100% is reduced to \n5.3 hours\n from the original \n10.5 hours\n.\nPorsche says the Porsche Service Centres will be able to install the kit for you with an estimated 12-hour installation time. For new and potential customers of the Porsche Taycan, they can get their cars fitted with the 19.2-kW OBC by simply selecting the \u2018KB4\u2019 option in the configurator.\nTo take full advantage of the new 19.2-kW OBC upgrade, Porsche Taycan owners can purchase a new 19.2-kW home wallbox charger (part number \u2018HCHH0LAA\u2019) that is now available on the Porsche Shop. Equipped on the wallbox is a 5-inch touchscreen and WiFi connectivity for software updates. The charger must be hard-wired directly to a 100-amp circuit by a professional electrician for best performance. It can also be connected to lower-capacity circuits as the unit is adjustable.\nRELATED: \nPorsche has just made its 100,000th Taycan, three years after start of production\nThe Porsche Taycan was launched in Malaysia in September 2020 in the 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S version with the RWD version joining the lineup in 2021. The Cross Turismo version was launched in Malaysia in 2022. The Taycan is currently the only EV from the brand with the \nall-electric Macan\n soon to debut.\nRELATED: \nEV tax-free in 2022 \u2013 Porsche Taycan in Malaysia now from RM508k!"
"This year\u2019s April Fool\u2019s day not only showed that \ncar manufacturers know how to have some fun\n, but they\u2019re also creative with their sense of humour as most major brands including McLaren, Lexus and even Skoda, was in on the fun.\nOne person however, did not get the memo on how to prank. Tesla\u2019s Elon Musk, one of the most brilliant minds of the 21st century (not so after 1st April 2018) actually took to Twitter to \u201cannounce\u201d of Tesla\u2019s bankruptcy.\nTesla Goes Bankrupt\nPalo Alto, California, April 1, 2018 \u2014 Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it.\n\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) \nApril 1, 2018\nMusk later on posted another Tweet of him\n\u00a0leaning by a Tesla with the word \u201cBankwupt\u201d\n written on a torn up Tesla cardboard. This follows after a test driver was killed while testing a Model X on autopilot just a couple days ago \u2013 talk about bad timing.\nNeedless to say, the company\u2019s investors were not pleased and the company\u2019s shares fell sharply. It seems like choppy seas ahead for Tesla with plenty for Musk to work on, aside from his humour. Along with the recent (and second) fatal autopilot test, Tesla is also in hot water over mounting debts and production delays."
"It\u2019s no secret that Porsche is building an all-electric model dubbed the \nPorsche Mission E\n. Earlier, Porsche has confirmed that the Mission E will hit production floors and in a recent report by \nAutoCar UK\n, we may see the first production model as soon as 2019 with deliveries starting 2020.\nThe Mission E is Porsche\u2019s first ever all-electric sports car and will take the shape of a four-door saloon, presumably to capitalise the success of the Tesla Model S. The four-seater is said to pack \n600 hp\n, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.5 seconds\n. Getting to 200 km/h apparently takes less than\n 12 seconds\n.\nAll that grunt is courtesy of a cutting-edge electric drive system that deploys power to all four wheels. If the all-electric \nCayman e-volution case study\n is any indication, a \nPDK double-clutch\n\u00a0box\u2019 may be tasked with the power transfer. Porsche claims the Mission E will have a driving range of \n500 km\n on a single charge. Although at the rate battery technology is progressing, we have reason to believe that the final product will boast close to double that figure.\nThe all-electric sports car is rumoured to be priced between the \nPanamera 4 E-Hybrid\n (\u00a381,141) and \nPanamera Turbo S E-Hybrid\n (\u00a3137,140) but will be positioned as the brand\u2019s \u201cfour-door sports car\u201d as opposed to the \u201cfour-door luxury car\u201d Panamera.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda has announced that the \nall-new Civic\n will go on sale in Japan starting September 3, but unlike previous years, the 11th-generation model will only be available in \nHatchback guise\n in the country; the \nsedan variant\n of the Honda Civic is being discontinued in Japan.\nThe all-new Honda Civic will be offered in two variants \u2013 LX and EX, with prices starting at \n3,190,000 yen (~RM123k)\n and \n3,539,800 yen (~RM137k)\n respectively. Additionally, a hybrid e:HEV variant, alongside the hot Type R model, will be introduced later in 2022.\nBoth variants of the Honda Civic Hatchback in Japan will be powered by the same 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged\n \nfour-cylinder engine with \n182 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n, with the same gearbox selection of either a continuously variable transmission (seven virtual gears) or six-speed manual.\nThere\u2019s already a tune for the all-new Honda Civic, with gains of up to 30 hp and 60 Nm! Check it out here.\nNo changes in the mechanical department, so the only differences between the two variants are in terms of equipment and trims.\nBoth variants of the Honda Civic in Japan get 18-inch wheels (with different designs and finishes) and LED headlights, but the more expensive EX variant also gets LED fog lamps, as well as active cornering lights and an adaptive driving beam system on top of the standard look.\nInside, only the EX variant gets the fancier 10.2-inch infotainment display and 12-speaker BOSE surround sound system. However, the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance feature is standard across both variants, including features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, and lane keeping assist.\nCheck out Honda\u2019s new interior design language, called \u201cSimplicity and Something\u201d!\nHonda\u2019s in-house accessory arm, Modulo, has already \u201clevelled up\u201d the Civic Hatchback with a new body kit. Check it out here!\nCloser to home, the all-new Honda Civic is scheduled for its regional debut in Thailand tomorrow. Based on the \nteasers\n published by Honda Thailand, it seems like the Land of Smiles will be receiving the sedan variant at launch.\nWith the launch in Thailand, we\u2019re expecting the model to launch here in Malaysia very soon too \u2013 though \nCovid-19 uncertainties\n could have caused some delay in schedule. Nevertheless, keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest info as soon as we get them!"
"As part of Kia Corporation\u2019s brand transition, the company is using a simple prefix of \u2018EV\u2019 for their new dedicated battery electric vehicles (EV). This new naming will debut on the upcoming EV6, Kia\u2019s first dedicated EV that is due to be globally launched at the end of this month.\nThe EV6 will be built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform \n(E-GMP)\n that is also shared with larger affiliate Hyundai Motor, such as the recently launched \nIoniq 5\n.\n\u201cEV6 is the embodiment of both our brand purpose, \u2018Movement that inspires\u2019, and our new design philosophy. It has been designed to inspire every journey by offering an instinctive and natural experience that improves the daily lives of our customers, and provide user ownership that is simple, intuitive and integrated.\u201d said Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre, Karim Habib.\nThe EV6 is expected to have some serious performance, based on last month\u2019s presentation at the 2021 CEO Investor Day. Kia said their first dedicated EV, codenamed \nC\nV\n, will be defined by three key figures of 5,4 and 3 \u2013 a useable range of 500 kilometres, a 100 km-range in just 4 minutes of charging and a \n0-100 km/h\n sprint time of \n3.0 seconds\n. This makes the EV6 in a different league compared to the Ioniq 5.\nThe new EV6 takes the shape of a large crossover, with a distinct roof spoiler mark the start of the raked rear windscreen. The tail lamps cuts deep into the side of the vehicle, while also integrated to the deck lid like a duck tail.\nThe illumination of the tail lamps in the new Kia EV6 brings back memories of the \u2018boomerang\u2019 lamps on the \nMaserati\n 3200 GT from the late 90s.\nAll of Kia\u2019s new dedicated EVs will start with the prefix \u2018EV\u2019 which makes it easy for consumers to understand which of Kia\u2019s products are fully electric. This is followed by a number that corresponds to the car\u2019s position in the line-up.\nKia aims to launch as many as seven dedicated EVs by 2026, comprising of three passenger and four recreational vehicle models with the product offence to begin from 2023."
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has just lifted the veil on the jaw-dropping DBS Superleggera \u2013 the marque\u2019s new flagship supercar.\nUnderneath the carbon fibre front hood is a 5.2-litre quad cam twin-turbo V12 making \n725 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque with power going only to the rear wheels via a carbon fibre drive shaft and an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.\n \nName\n\u00a0Aston Martin DBS Superleggera\nEngine\n5.2-litre Quad cam twin-turbo V12\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n725 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n900 Nm @ 1,800-5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.4 seconds; 340 km/h\nPrice\nFrom RM1.2 million (before duties and options)\nWith all that power, 0 to 100 km/h is done in just \n3.4 seconds\n, onward to a spellbinding top speed of 340 km/h. A meatier mid-range also means 80-160 km/h is done in just four seconds.\nThe body of the car is a nothing short of a piece of sculpture, penned to be as aerodynamic as possible. The massive front grille for example, has been designed to channel air from every angle into the engine compartment.\nEven the C-pillars have been designed for air to flow through the rear bonnet and out through the rear spoiler. As a result, the DBS Superleggera is able to generate up to\n 180kg of downforce\n at full speed \u2013 that\u2019s like having a superbike resting on the car\u2019s rear end \u2013 for maximum traction.\nBehind those 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres are 6-pot caliper brakes in the front, supported by a 4-pot pair at the back. The surface of the Brembo carbon ceramic discs have been engineered to eliminate the squeaks associated with carbon ceramic discs before they warm up.\nThe DBS Superleggera sits on an Adaptive Damping System that works hand in hand with the Super GT\u2019s drive modes \u2013 GT, Sport and Sport Plus. Surrounding the dampers are double wishbones in the front and a multi-link setup at the back.\nInside, the DBS Superleggera gets treated to a flat-bottom steering wheel, a mix of Caithless leather and Alcantara, Aston Martin\u2019s Premium Audio System, DBS-embroided sports seats, a 360-degree camera and an 8-inch LCD display.\nThe DBS Superleggera\u2019s comprehensive list of safety systems and driver aids include Dynamic Torque Vectoring, Positive Torque Control, Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control.\nThe Aston Martin DBS Superleggera starts \nfrom RM1.205 million\n before duties and options.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite all the uncertainty surrounding McLaren right now \u2013 the cash-strapped company recently \nput its iconic headquarters on sale\n \u2013 it seems like the Gaydon-based supercar maker\u2019s first \nseries-production\n hybrid supercar is still on track for launch in the first half of 2021.\nWhile it still doesn\u2019t have a name yet, or at least not officially, the company says that its upcoming \u201cHigh-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar\u201d has now entered final stages of testing which includes running on public roads.\nMcLaren remains tight lipped on the specifications of the upcoming hybrid supercar, though we do know that hybrid powertrain will feature a brand-new V6 engine and an unspecified number of electric motors, promising to deliver \u201castonishing levels of performance and a uniquely intense driver experience\u201d, while also providing a \u201cmedium-range\u201d pure EV driving mode.\nNo performance figures were divulged, but McLaren says that it will sit between the\n \nMcLaren GT\n and the \n720S\n \u2013 the latter from the Super Series \u2013 which gives us a pretty good idea of where it stands. The hybrid model will most likely replace the existing \n570S\n \nwith a \nnew series designation\n; the Sports Series will cease at the end of the year after the end of production of the \n620R\n.\nThe hybrid supercar will also be the first model to be built upon the \nMcLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA)\n, the company\u2019s latest carbon fibre tub that is designed and built completely inhouse in the McLaren Composites Technologies Centre (MCTC) in Sheffield, England.\nBuilt using the latest processes and techniques for added rigidity, the MCLA platform is designed specifically to offset the weight penalty from the lithium-ion battery packs of an electrified powertrain, and will underpin the brand\u2019s next generation of hybrid supercars coming to the market over the years.\n\u201cThis all-new McLaren supercar is the distillation of everything we have done to date; all that we have learned and achieved,\u201d commented McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt. \u201cWe see this new McLaren as a true \u2018next generation\u2019 supercar and cannot wait to show it to customers.\u201d\nAs for looks, we can still see the prominent McLaren touches on the heavily camouflaged prototype, which to us looks quite a lot like the 570S. However, it does have a few subtle differences of its own, such as the headlights that are set deeper in the housing, a front fascia with quite a bit less grille, and the twin exhausts that shoot right out the back."
"The sixth-generation 2022 Honda CR-V is due to make its global debut in the coming months. Ahead of its reveal, however, the Japanese carmaker has now published a couple of teaser photos showing off the new model\u2019s \u201crugged and sophisticated design\u201d.\nWell. except that we\u2019ve already seen the car in full thanks to a \nrecent leak\n from the Chinese Government\u2019s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website. Awkward.\nAt least, the new teaser image does give us a closer look at the car\u2019s design elements in more detail, including the headlights with a slim eyebrow-style daytime-running light, separated from the rest of the lighting fixture by a slim trim element that extends from the top of the grille.\nThe headlights and the mesh grille together form the marque\u2019s latest iteration of the \u201cSolid Wing Face\u201d design language, first seen on the\n all-new Honda HR-V\n. The grille surround here is also finished in gloss black, but we presume that it\u2019ll be variant specific, with this exact unit probably being a range-topping variant for the North American market.\nHere\u2019s a rough Photoshop composite image, showing what the next-gen Honda CR-V could look like!\nThe stylish bumper here should also be reserved for the specific variant, as the unit shown in the previous leak lacks the trapezoidal air intake trim, finished here in silver.\nAs for the rear, the taillights still feature the same L-shaped design as the\n current-gen CR-V\n, but now sports a thinner light signature and a less-pronounced protrusion at the bottom corner, with the design as a whole reminding us a little of the \nVolvo XC60\n.\nThe soft lighting signature on the horizontal section gets broken up into three L-shaped elements, and the entire fixture is also now slimmer and more angular, giving the rear fascia a little bit of extra aggression.\nComposited image.\nIn addition to the new looks, the short press release says revealed that the all-new 2022 Honda CR-V will have a \u201cmore advanced hybrid system\u201d that delivers a \u201csporty driving experience and more capability\u201d.\nRumours online suggest that the C-segment SUV could borrow the new \ne:HEV hybrid powertrain from the Civic\n, with a 2.0 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and a pair of electric motors (one driving the wheels) to offer a total of \n184 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n of torque.\nMore information on the all-new next-gen Honda CR-V should be revealed shortly, ahead of its launch sometime in 2022. But for now, do you at least like how it looks? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!"
"The trend of vehicle electrification has prompted some manufacturers to declare an all-electric future for their model line-up. This is not the case with \nMercedes-Benz\n though, or at least its high-performance subsidiary, \nMercedes-AMG\n. Mercedes-Benz Vice President for Vehicle Development, Joerg Bartels told \nCarSales Australia\n that there is still room in the future product plan for the Mercedes-AMG V8 engine beyond 2030.\nThe global product boss acknowledges that EVs will revolutionise the performance car segment. But even with that, he believes there is still not enough reason to axe the V8 engine.\nTalking to the Australian publication, he said, \u201cIn the end, it has to fulfil our overall CO\n2\n strategy, and we have a clear path on that one: being CO\n2\n neutral at the end of the \u201930s, by 2039. And from 2030 we just want to be pure electric.\u201d\n\u201cBut if there\u2019s still a customer demand (for petrol V8s) in some regions, and it\u2019s still part of our offering, why should we stop it?\u201d he adds.\nRELATED: \nBugatti says no to EVs and SUVs for at least another ten years\nMercedes-Benz has announced its \u2018Ambition 2030\u2019 strategy which implies an all-electric line-up by 2030. But this is only for regions \u201cwhere market conditions allow it\u201d. This means high-value performance petrol-powered vehicles could live on beyond 2030.\nCommenting on the demand for high-performance combustion engines, Mr. Bartels said, \u201cBut some customers will still demand six or eight cylinders . You can find technical solutions for every request and every regulation, but sometimes it\u2019s combined with higher costs and the customer are not always willing to pay for it.\u201d\nOn the matter of synthetic fuels to achieve carbon neutrality (like the ones currently being tested by \nPorsche\n and \nToyota\n) the product boss questions the overall effectiveness. He says, \u201cWe have looked into it, of course. But in an energetic way, it doesn\u2019t really make sense. How many kilograms of CO\n2\n do you produce to generate the synthetic fuels?\nThe main goal for brands and regions now is to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are not the only way to achieve this and some even question the effectiveness of EVs themselves. In achieving the two goals, emission regulations have become much tighter over the years.\nRELATED: \nPorsche says its synthetic fuel could make combustion engines as clean as EVs\nOn the increasingly strict regulations, Joerg Bartels said, \u201cWhen we talk about European regulations it\u2019s probably going to be hard from the middle of the 2020s from that point on (to justify combustion engine development), maybe. But the final regulations for EU7 are not yet out.\u201d\nAlthough Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG are committed to a carbon-neutral future, there is high promise of the Mercedes-AMG V8 engine to be continuously produced beyond 2030, should the demand allow it."
"Geely\u2019s recently announced \nfully-electric premium brand\n has just released images of its first product- the Zeekr 001. The vehicle sure looks familiar as it was initially introduced as a \nLynk & Co Zero Concept\n back in September.\nThe four-door fastback will be offering soft-closing (power) doors with frameless windows. The dashboard is more conservative compared to its latest and largest Geely \nXing Yue L\n sibling, with just a small driver\u2019s display and a larger-than-average central display.\nThe first iteration of the group\u2019s Sustainable Experience Architecture (\nSEA\n) platform sees the attachment of a motor on each axle, with a combined system output of \n544 hp\n and \n768 Nm\n of torque. While not announced yet, the Zeekr 001 was sighted to have stopped the time on the stopwatch at just \n3.8 seconds\n during its century dash sprint exercises.\nAir suspension will meanwhile take care of the handling and riding comfort. As for the driving range, the development team targeted a value of \nover 700 kilometre\ns (under the more optimistic NEDC cycle) and equipped with the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).\nMore information on the Zeekr 001 will be available at its official launch later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show 2021."
"Mercedes-Benz South East Asia II, the regional office that oversees the operations of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Brunei, recently held a Service Excellence Awards ceremony honouring its partner network.\nThe Regional Service Excellence Award Ceremony is an occasion for Mercedes-Benz in the region to highlight the importance of its aftersales business in addition to honouring and celebrating the commitment of its dealer partners and employees in the region who have done their utmost to uphold and enhance the Mercedes-Benz ownership experience.\nRead our review on the latest Mercedes-Benz E 200 \nhere\n.\nNow in its second year, winning dealerships are announced for this highly prestigious award that is dedicated to customer satisfaction, aimed to motivate retail service personnel who have a direct impact on Mercedes-Benz\u2019 customer\u2019s ownership experience.\nEntry to the Mercedes-Benz experience just got more accessible with the new prices of the A200 and GLA 200. More here!\nNine Malaysians\n were awarded the Top Service Advisor Award, the largest quantity among the six nations in Mercedes-Benz South East Asia II. A total of 32 awards were presented at the night ceremony, and the coveted Top Dealer Award went to:\nChampion \u2013 Hap Seng Star (Bukit Tinggi)\n1st Runner Up \u2013 Hap Seng Star (Iskandar)\n2nd Runner Up (tie) \u2013 Cycle & Carriage Bintang (Northern) \u2013 Alor Setar\n2nd Runner Up (tie) \u2013 Hap Seng Star (Kota Kinabalu)\nCycle & Carriage Bintang Georgetown meanwhile were honoured with the Most Improved Dealer Award.\nCycle & Carriage Virtual Showroom brings the new Mercedes brand presence online. Visit it here!\n\u201cAt Mercedes-Benz, we are driven to delight our customers. Our commitment is towards and focused on providing the best customer experience throughout their journey with us. Driven to Delight is not just a phrase. It is a path, a promise, a belief, a commitment. We are committed to making and keeping our customers happy by offering them an experience beyond their expectations,\u201d expressed Mercedes-Benz South East Asia II, Vice President of Customer Services, Mr \nEdmin Naidoo\n.\nThe Regional Service Excellence Award programme is also tasked to continuously raise the bar and standards of service excellence where performance evaluations are done on both a regional and global scale."
"The government of South Korea has pulled the plugs on the sale of all brands under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, affecting up to 80 models all because of the dieselgate scandal. This includes carmakers such as Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche and of course Volkswagen themselves.\nIn 2015, the \nEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) \ndetected irregularities in the emissions of VW AG\u2019s diesel engines. The diesel engines were found to emit up to \n40 times\n of the approved nitrogen oxide pollutants (known to cause acid rain) in the US. This led to a massive probe into VW and the EPA found that several diesel powered cars are fitted with a \u201cdefeat device\u201d which allowed the cars to cheat\u00a0emission tests. The discovery cost Volkswagen billions in damages, fines and recall campaigns.\nEven petrol-powered models are banned\u00a0\nIn South Korea, the Ministry of Environment has revoked more than 200,000 vehicle certifications (equivalent to our Approved Permit), which accounts to roughly 67 percent of the total number of Volkswagen AG vehicles sold since 2007.\u00a0On top of that, VW AG is also slapped with a Korean \u20a917.8bil fine (approximately RM64.5mil) of which is compounded against the 2015 \u20a914bil (approximately RM50.7mil) fine."
"The third-generation \nSaga\n has definitely been around for a while, so to keep up with the modern ages, Proton has now given the entry-level sedan a second facelift update in 2022, with the addition of a handful of new, modern features.\nOffered in four variants, including a new range-topping Premium S, the 2022 Proton Saga facelift is now priced \nfrom RM34,400\n for the entry-level Manual AT variant.\nEXTERIOR\nDespite being technically a facelift, the 2022 Proton Saga still retains most \u2013 if not all \u2013 of the old exterior styling touches, save for a few minor tweaks. These include:\nBlacked-out \u201cInfinite Weave\u201d grille\nNew Proton roundel emblem\nRed \u201cEthereal Bow\u201d trim\nNew 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels (1.3 Premium AT and up)\nNew external boot release button (1.3 Premium S only)\nBlack rear number-plate trim with Proton script\nBlacked-out side wing mirrors, auto-fold function (1.3 Premium S only)\nThe 2022 Proton Saga facelift also saw the introduction of a new range-topping Premium S variant, which comes with an additional exterior body kit, consisting of a front bumper skirt and side skirts; the rear remains untouched.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe mechanicals underneath the bonnet remains unchanged on the 2022 facelift, with all variants of the new Proton Saga receiving the same 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine as before.\nEngine : 1,332 cc, naturally-aspirated inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: 5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 95 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax torque: 120 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the 2022 Proton Saga facelift has been slightly spruced up in terms of design, alongside an update in its equipment list \u2013 most noticeably, the new keyless-entry system on the range\u2013topping Premium S variant.\nRedesigned centre-stack\nRed trimming on air vents surround, steering wheel, instrument cluster\nNew Proton roundel emblem on steering wheel\nNew air-conditioning control panel\nNew interior lighting with automatic dimming\nN95 cabin filter\nNew graphics for the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (Premium and up)\nNew semi-leatherette seats (Premium S variant)\nLeatherette steering wheel (Premium S variant)\nKeyless-entry and push-start button (Premium S variant)\nSAFETY\nThe electronic stability control (ESC), traction control (TC), and hill-hold assist (HHA) system is now being offered to the 1.3 Standard AT variant, moving down a rung on the variant tree.\nAside from that, however, the rest of the safety equipment offering is unchanged on the Proton Saga, which means there are unfortunately no advanced driver assistance features just yet, including autonomous emergency braking that is now available on its chief rival, the \nPerodua Bezza\n.\nPRICING\nThe 2022 Proton Saga facelift variants are priced as follows:\n1.3 Standard MT \u2013 RM34,400\n1.3 Standard AT \u2013 RM38,300\n1.3 Premium AT \u2013 RM41,300\n1.3 Premium S AT \u2013 RM44,300\nThe pricing information above is on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that is valid until the end of June 2022. Also included in the price is a five-year/150,000 km warranty, alongside three free labour services.\nGALLERY"
"The all-new Subaru Forester is now in Malaysia with three variants available \u2013 \nRM139,788\n for the 2.0i-L, \nRM149,788\n for the 2.0i-S and \nRM159,788\n for the 2.0i-S EyeSight.\nOn the outside, the most significant change on the Forester is perhaps the rear tail lights that\u2019s shaped to reflect the movement of the pistons in a Boxer engine.\nAs for the front, changes include a redesigned front bumper and more aggressive headlamps that\u2019s highlighted by sharper LED DRLs. More impressively, the Forester\u2019s ground clearance is as much as a pick-up truck at 220mm, with a 30mm increase in wheelbase \u2013 contributing to a 33mm increase in rear legroom.\nCarrying on with the exterior, the new Forester gets a powered tailgate with memory function while the arches are filled with 18-inch wheels on the highest spec Forester and 17-inch in the others. True to Subaru\u2019s off-road nature, the Forester also gets headlamps washers across the board.\nThe all-new Subaru Forester is built on the new Subaru Global Platform with more responsive steering, 40% improved crash absorption, 50% less body roll with a quieter and more stable ride.\nAlso a large contributor to the Forester\u2019s superb handling are the double wishbone suspension setup at the back; to complement the MacPherson struts at the front.\nUnder the hood rests a 2.0-litre Boxer engine with \n156 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n paired to a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT.\nAside from the EyeSight system that operates through two stereo cameras, the new Forester also gets other driver aids such as Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Hill Descent Control, Active Torque Vectoring and the X-Mode features that allows the car to adapt to various off-road driving conditions.\nInside, features like 8-way power adjustable seats for both driver and passenger, 8-inch touchscreen display, auto headlamps and wipers, auto hold, dual zone air condition, electronic parking brake, cruise control, paddle shifters are available across the board.\nIn the highest grade model, the Forester is equipped with a Side View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, heated door mirrors and Blind Spot Monitor. Safety wise, the Forester comes with seven airbags for all three models.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new system, the ProPILOT 2.0, works hand-in-hand with the vehicle\u2019s navigation system to help guide the car according to a pre-selected route and is set to debut in the Japanese-market Nissan Skyline.\nFor the first time, the system also allows \u201chands-off driving\u201d while cruising in a single lane. However, the hands-off feature is not available in tunnels where GPS signals cannot be established.\nOnly when the car enters the highway, the new system\u2019s navigated driving becomes available.\nWhen activated the system can assist the driver when driving on a multi-lane highway until it reaches the highway exit. Aside from tunnels, the system also wouldn\u2019t work on highways that have two-way traffic, on winding roads, at the toll gates or merging lanes.\u00a0\nWhen the vehicle approaches a split road, or when there\u2019s an opportunity to overtake a slower vehicle, the system evaluates the overtaking maneuver using the navigation system along with 360-degree sensing.\nAudio and visual guidance is then given to the driver, who is compelled to put both hands on the steering wheel and confirm the maneuver at a push of a button.\nOnce the driver pushes the button, the vehicle will smoothly move into the passing lane. When the overtaking maneuver is completed, the system will request confirmation from the driver to bring the vehicle back into the original lane.\nSimilarly, when approaching the exit of a highway, audio and visual guidance will notify the driver that \u201cnavigated driving\u201d is about to end. Once the vehicle arrives at the highway exit, navigated driving is disengaged for the driver to regain full control.\nWhen in hands-off driving mode, a driver monitoring system on the instrument panel consistently checks if the driver\u2019s attention is on the road.\nThe vehicles uses a combination of cameras, radars, sonars, GPS and 3D high-definition map data to provide 360-degree, real time information of the vehicle\u2019s precise location on the road and its surroundings."
"Lexus Malaysia has displayed their latest compact crossover, the \nLexus UX\n here at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). The luxury carmaker\u2019s first ever compact crossover was first shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show and here we have in the metal, a left-hand drive UX.\nRiding on the brand\u2019s Global Architecture \u2013 Compact (GA-C) platform that boasts strong body rigidity with a low centre of gravity \u2013 lowest in the compact luxury crossover segment \u2013 offers the young and hip individuals a crossover with dynamic handling characteristics akin to that of a sporty coupe.\nDesign wise, the UX is as bold as it can get, with the Spindle grille dominating the front fascia, flanked with slim LED headlamps. Looking from the side you\u2019ll notice a hunch in the bodywork at the C-pillars that not only helps airflow but gives off a visual impact of a sports coupe.\nThe rear is quite an interesting design with a unique taillamp that runs across the tailgate. The taillamp also doubles as a rear spoiler to provide the car with additional downforce at high speeds.   The variant on display is the UX 200 which features a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired to a Lexus Direct Shift CVT to churn out \n169 hp\n to drive the front wheels. The innovative transmission uses a mechanical 1\nst\n gear to provide spirited acceleration from a standstill and once it\u2019s on the move, the CVT then assumes the role to provide the UX a refined commute and impressive fuel economy.\nThe UX also features a host of Lexus Safety System+ which includes Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies such as Pre-collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS) among others.\nLexus Malaysia did not announce whether the Lexus UX will be made available for Malaysian buyers but since they showcased the car in all its glory, it is safe to assume that there is a high chance the UX will be here to challenge the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus UX Previewed at KLIMS"
"That\u2019s because the \nMint Hotel Shell station\n along the KL-Seremban highway has been integrated with energy-efficient and renewable energy innovations such as the\n Photo Voltaic solar rooftop system\n that\u2019s capable of generating over 90,000 kWh of electricity \u2013 enough to power some 300 households per month!\nThe electricity from solar power will also reduce the fuel station\u2019s carbon emissions by over 62 tonnes per annum and that\u2019s equivalent to saving 1,118 trees, according to Shell.\nThat\u2019s not all; in reducing the fuel stations water usage, a rainwater harvesting system collects and stores rainwater. This saves the station approximate 167,000 gallons of water per year \u2013 the same amount required to supply 24 households with water for a month.\n\u00a0Green Building Index (GBI) Accreditation Panel, Chairman, Ar. Serina Hijjas, and Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur, Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain or more famously known as \u201cPak Cik Shell\u201d.\nThe Mint Hotel Shell station has another trick up its sleeves. It can also convert food wastes into fertiliser! The station collects up to 30 kg of food waste a day, and converts them into 6 kg of fertiliser for the station\u2019s potted plants.\nOther low carbon emission innovations include energy-efficient air conditioners and chillers, recycling facilities, and a smart LED lighting system at the forecourt.\nShell\u2019s\n first-ever standalone deli\n at the Abdullah Hukum LRT.\nAs such, the Mint Hotel Shell station is the \nfirst petrol station in the country\n to be awarded the Provisional Gold Standard by \nGreen Building Index (GBI)\n.\nIn January 2021, Shell reached another milestone in lowering carbon emissions by installing solar panels at 100 of its petrol stations in Malaysia. Together with Cleantech Solar, Shell has installed solar panels at another 51 stations as of May.\nThese 151 solar-powered Shell stations can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4,448 tonnes per year, which is equivalent to planting 79,185 trees.\nCurrently, Shell has three GBI-certified sites while five other stations are being assessed for GBI certification. Shell aims to have a total of 300 solar-powered and 40 GBI-certified sites by 2021.\nShell also recently announced that together with Porsche Asia Pacific, they\u2019ll be implementing \nSoutheast Asia\u2019s first cross-border high performance charging network\n with 12 charge points at six Shell stations located along Malaysia\u2019s North-South Highway."
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today officiated its new 3S Centre in Cheras and brought along a new hatchback to town, the all-new Hyundai i30. First previewed at Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013, the new generation i30\u00a0is officially launched in Malaysia. Available in Executive and Sport variants that share the same 1.8-litre MPi engine.\nQuick Facts\nName\nHyundai i30\nSegment\nC-Segment Hatchback\nEngine\n1,797cc MPI with DVVT\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n178 Nm @ 4,700 rpm\nPrice\ni40 1.8 Executive \u00a0 RM127,888\ni30 1.8 Sport   RM132,888\n\u00a0\nThe Hyundai i30 is the Korean automaker\u2019s best selling model in Europe, with a total of \n1.5 million\n units sold worldwide since the introduction of the first generation in 2007. This this second generation i30 was designed and developed at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany which features the signature\u00a0\nfluidic sculpture\n design.\nPrice List\n \n \nExterior\n \nAs compared to the previous model, the new i30, is longer by 20mm (4,300mm), wider by 5mm (1,78mm) and lower by 10mm (1,470mm). Mr. Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors said the new i30 appeals to Malaysians who like sleek designs with a touch of luxury. That is true and Hyundai has been able to hit the sweet spots with the Elantra and the fairly new i40. Speaking of which, from the front look of the new i30, it does look like the\u00a0\ni40\n.   The family trait hexagonal grille together with its headlight design is unmistakably a Hyundai. The fluidic sculpture design gives it a strong and athletic character.\u00a0The headlights however, does not come with xenon headlights, instead they are halogens. But you do get the attention to detail inside the headlamps.\u00a0The rear of the five-door does have its own character as a hot hatch.\nInterior\n \nThe cabin design is familiarly Hyundai, stylish and elegant with the blue lighting ambiance. The meter cluster is illuminated and well sculpted. After looking at the meter display, you\u2019ll start to realize the seats are in fabric instead of leather.\u00a0Center console is nicely done with all buttons and dials laid out on its symmetrical design.   The new i30 wheelbase is at 2,650 mm, making it more spacious than the outgoing i30 and it is one of the longest wheelbase in the C-segment, so you do get quite a bit of legroom. Boot space has been increased as well with about 10% more than the first generation\u2019s to 378 litres.\nRear seats are foldable with the 60:40 configuration for a bigger boot.\u00a0It comes with a twin-panel panoramic sunroof, with a carefully thought of wind deflector to avoid \u00a0excessive wind from blowing in. Smart key system with engine Start/Stop button come standard as well.\nPerformance\n \nPowered by a \n1.8-litre MPi\n engine with Dual-Continuous Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) \u00a0and paired with \u00a0Hyundai\u2019s in-house\n 6-speed\n automatic gearbox, it produces \n148 horsepower\n and \n175 Nm\n of torque.\nDriver can choose the steering wheel feel via the Flex Steer System that allows three different modes, Comfot, Normal and Sport. In terms of \nsafety\n, it is equipped with Electronic Stability Programme (EPS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Emergency Stop Signal. As for airbags, there are \nsix airbags\n for front, side and curtain.\nWhat else.\n \nThe Hyundai i30 1.8L is available in two variants. The i30 Executive is priced at \nRM127,888\n and the i30 Sport priced at \nRM132,888\n.\u00a0Hyundai Sime Darby Motor now offers its new passenger vehicles, including this i30 with a \n5-year or 300,000km\n extended warranty. Available in seven colours, Black Bean, Brilliant Red, Coffee Bean, Creamy White, Dazzling Blue, Hyper Silver and Sleek Silver.\nHyundai\u2019s 25th \n3S Centre\n (Mawanis Sdn Bhd) launched today is the biggest 3S centre so far. Located in \nCheras\n, the centre offers pick-up and delivery service, \nfree\n labour serive on Wednesdays, complimentary car wash upon service and self-sufficient customer lounge. \nMawanis\n has over 30 years of experience in automobile industry and has invested a total of \nRM6 million\n to set up the 3S centre.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin recently announced that they are \nremaking the DB5\n as part of its Continuation series. But unless you have a direct line of contact to the guys at Gaydon, chances are that you\u2019ll not be able to get your hands on one of those, even if you have a lot of money \u2013 as they\u2019re only making 25 of that.\nSo what should you do if you really want to feel like James Bond, and have quite a bit (read: a lot) of money to spare? Thanks to a collaboration between The Little Car Company and Aston Martin, you can now get your hands on an all-new DB5. well, a smaller one at least.\nIt\u2019s called the DB5 Junior, and it is a \ntwo-thirds scale replica\n of the original\n \nAston Martin DB5\n. According to the press release, the two companies spent 15 months to recreate the DB5 down to the smallest detail, based on Aston Martin\u2019s reference 3D scan of the original car to ensure accuracy and authenticity.\nSo how small is small, exactly? The DB5 Junior measures in at around 3 metres long and 1.1 metres wide, which the company says can easily accommodate one adult and one child side by side, \u201cto allow different generations to share the love of driving\u201d.\nIt\u2019s built on an aluminium honeycomb chassis paired with a composite body, providing it a \u201cvery rigid\u201d platform while weighing only 270 kg. Powering the DB5 junior is a \u201ctorque-laden\u201d electric motor that\u2019s capable of delivering up to \n5 kW (6.7 hp)\n to the rear wheel. A removable battery pack is stored under the bonnet, giving the DB5 Junior a driving range of 16-32 km.\nWant more power? Stepping up to the DB5 Vantage Junior (just like the original DB5 and DB5 Vantage) will net you a carbon fibre body and a higher-performance powertrain that\u2019s capable of making \n10 kW (13.4 hp)\n, with the power sent to the rear wheels via a \nlimited slip differential\n \u2013 yes, you read that right.\nThe regular DB5 Junior can propel you up to a top speed of \n48.2 km/h\n, while top speed of the Vantage is still at an \u201cunconfirmed level\u201d. Fortunately, there are ventilated disc brakes on all four corners complemented by regenerative braking, as well as a \u201crally-style\u201d hydraulic handbrake to slow you down, or you know, kick your rear out into a slide.\nAside from the powertrain, everything else is made to be as accurate as possible to the original car, just sized down by a third. These include the steering wheel, dashboard dials, aluminium pedals, working lightings, and even a working suspension set-up!\nThe car is also finished in the iconic Silver Birch as standard, though buyers are invited to customise their DB5 Juniors into any of the colours in Aston Martin\u2019s contemporary palette. The cars will also come with a range of optional accessories including suitcases, additional batteries, covers, toolkits and custom number plates.\nOnly 1,059 units \nof these will ever be built \u2013 the same exact number of Aston Martin DB5s to ever roll out of the factory. Existing owners of the original cars will also be given first refusal to match the chassis number of the Junior cars to their own full-sized ones.\nFor kids of all ages.\nWant one of these? The DB5 Junior starts at \nGBP35,000 (~RM193,137)\n while the DB5 Vantage Junior starts at \nGBP45,000 (~RM248,319)\n. They\u2019re not cheap (for context, a brand-new Honda Civic Type-R is priced around GBP34,000), but just look at it this way way, they\u2019re less than two-thirds the price for one of those DB5 Continuations (GBP2.75 million).\nEach purchase of the DB5 Junior cars will automatically enroll you into the prestigious Aston Martin Owners Club, and three copies of of the exact specifications of your car will be created to be kept at Aston Martin\u2019s Gaydon Headquarters, Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell (where the original DB5s were built), and The Little Car Company\u2019s headquarters.\nNew owners of the DB5 Junior cars will also receive complimentary membership to The Little Car Club which allows them to take part in exclusive track day events, where \u201cthey, their children and grandchildren can drive their DB5 Juniors on the most prestigious racetracks\u201d. How cool is that?!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has added yet another locally assembled car to the ALLSTAR line up, this time it\u2019s the facelifted Jetta. Like the Polo and Vento, the new Jetta ALLSTAR gets RM3,000 worth of upgrades inside and out for RM1,000 premium over the Jetta Trendline\u2019s RM108,990 asking price.\nLaunched here at the inaugural Volkswagen Fest, the Jetta ALLSTAR gets additional accessories including rear trunk spoiler, \u2018ALLSTAR\u2019 emblems, scuff plates and carpet mats as well as aluminium sports pedals.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Jetta ALLSTAR 1.4 TSI\nEngine\n1,395cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.6 seconds; 220 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM109,990\nElsewhere, the Jetta ALLSTAR soldiers on with halogen headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, twin exhaust tailpipes, LED for rear license plates, heated side mirrors, heat insulated windows and 16-inch \u2018Sedona\u2019 alloy wheels wrapped in 205/55 section rubbers.\nInside, it gets the same leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, fabric seats, RCD 220 head unit with six speakers, rear air vents and single-zone automatic climate control.   No changes under the hood either, retaining the 1.4-litre single turbocharged TSI petrol engine capable of delivering \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. Skeptics may be shy away from the DSG but our time with Century sprint time takes \n8.6 seconds\n and on full whack, it will hit \n220 km/h\n. Official fuel economy figures are rated at \n5.0L/100 km\n.\nAs standard the Jetta ALLSTAR comes with six airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESC, hill-hold control, brake pad wear monitor, ISOFIX mounting points and Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS).\nCustomers can choose from four exterior shades \u2013 Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black. Like all Volkswagen cars, the Jetta ALLSTAR comes with a 5-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty and 5-years roadside assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia will be holding their Premium Selection Fair with an exclusive selection of certified BMW Premium Selection vehicles from the 13th to 15th of September 2019.\nThis event will be the largest pre-owned vehicle fair by BMW Group Malaysia yet; featuring vehicles such as the BMW X5, BMW 3 Series and BMW 7 Series along with MINI models as well as motorcycles from the BMW Motorrad portfolio.\nBMW Malaysia also announced that the new BMW Premium Selection official website is a platform that facilitates buy-and-sell activities for new and current BMW and MINI owners. If a BMW and MINI vehicle is not meticulously maintained, it will not achieve the BMW Premium Selection status.\nThrough the BMW Premium Selection official website, owners of the BMW Premium Selection vehicles can also enjoy peace of mind ownership with the included minimum 12 months BMW Premium Selection Warranty or MINI Used Car Next Warranty, as well as access to BMW roadside assistance.\nAll BMW Premium Selection vehicles undergo rigorous BPS 360-degree Technical and Optical Checks, and comes with an approved service history and genuine car parts.\nAdditionally owners are also entitled for BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s wide range of financing solutions.\u00a0\nExisting owners of BMW looking to trade-in their vehicles can also make use of the benefits provided by BMW Premium Selection, including specialised appraisals, hassle-free transactions and a transparent used car valuation.\nInterested? Register your attendance now at the \nOfficial BMW Premium Selection website\n to receive a complimentary one-year BMW and MINI Comprehensive Motor Insurance! You can also browse through over 500 units of pre-owned BMW and MINI vehicles, where all models featured will be available for test drive on the day of the event."
"The C-Segment sedan\nmarket in Malaysia is now more competitive than ever with consumers demanding\nfor even more style and tech. Both attributes are what defines the all-new\nMazda 3 Sedan.\nWith Mazda\u2019s global\nmove of going upmarket as well as our unfavourable duties and tax structure on\nfully imported cars (Mazda 3 will be CBU Japan), prices have shot up\nconsiderably compared to the outgoing model. With a price range of RM139,620 to\nRM160,059, many would go \u201cI can buy a CX-5 for that money\u201d. But what exactly\nare you getting from the fourth-generation Mazda 3?\n \nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda 3 1.5L SkyActiv-G Sedan\nMazda 3 2.0L SkyActiv-G High Sedan\nMazda 3 2.0L SkyActiv-G High Plus Sedan\nEngine\n1,496cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinder\n1,998cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n153 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n213 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM139,620\nRM150,059\nRM160,059\nAlthough the Mazda 3 is offered in both Sedan and \nHatchback\n body styles, the two are styled with a unique flavour. The Mazda 3 Hatchback is an emotive object being based off the Mazda Kai Concept while the Sedan features a more \nexecutive \nlook that takes after the Mazda 6.\nDifferentiating cues\non the two cars, other than the body style, include the lower intakes on the\nfront bumper, grille design and finish (sedan in chrome, hatchback in dark\nchrome), chrome window lining position (sedan upper half, hatchback lower half)\nand rear door fixtures.\nLED headlamps and taillamps are standard across the range but the LED signature illumination is reserved for the High Plus variant while lower range models settle for halogen units. The entry-level 1.5 model settles for manual door lock and 16-inch alloys wrapped in 205/60 profile rubbers while the High Plus gets the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry system (available on High) and upsized 18-inch alloy wrapped in 215/45 profile tyres.\nMazda has evolved the\ncabin architecture further to give a greater sense of \nJinba Ittai\n (horse\n& rider as one) to the driver. In plain English, it means a more\ndriver-focused cabin. The driver\u2019s area now has a single-seater vibe with the\nair vents and driver dashboard encapsulating the instrument cluster and\nsteering wheel.\nThe MZD Connect\ninfotainment system has an entirely new, vibrant and more intuitive interface\nwith a larger display screen that measures 8.8-inches. To minimise driver\ndistractions, the infotainment screen is no longer touch sensitive and has been\nmoved further away from the driver to improve outward visibility. The display\nis also now angled towards the driver as opposed to a straight layout from\nbefore.\nStandard equipment on the new Mazda 3 is generous and extensive. All variants get the new instrument cluster with a 7.0-inch coloured multi-info display at the centre flanked with analogue dials on either side, coloured heads-up display, 8.8-inch MZD Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8 speakers, push start button, auto-dimming rearview mirror and carpeted floor mats.\nOn the 1.5-litre and\n2.0-litre High variant, the seats are finished in fabric (manual adjustment)\nand the multifunctional steering wheel does not come with paddle shifters.\nYou\u2019d also get a manual climate control toggle.\nStepping up to the\nHigh Plus variant and the cabin is noticeably more premium, furnished with\nleather seats, 10-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory function, dual-zone\nautomatic climate control, rear air vents (High variant included) and a powered\nsunroof.\nEngine options are an interesting topic on the new Mazda 3 with the entry-level variant powered by the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine pushing out the same figures on the Mazda 2, \n118 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque. The 2.0-litre also naturally aspirated four-pot SkyActiv-G option is carried over from before, developing\n 162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n.\nOne strong criticism from netizens is the use of torsion beam at the rear axle as opposed to a multi-link setup of its predecessor. Naturally, torsion beam doesn\u2019t sound too convincing to buyers especially at this price point, but Mazda has assured that with the improved SkyActive chassis architecture and advancements in torsion beam technology, this is the ideal set up for what the consumers and engineers are chasing after.\nOn the safety front,\nall variants come with 7 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, G-Vectoring\nControl Plus (GVC+), speed sensing auto lock (finally!), electronic parking\nbrake with auto hold and Hill Launch Assist.\nThe High Plus variant is the first Japanese C-segment sedan to come with the full suite of Advanced Driving Assistance System, \nMazda\u2019s i-Activsense\n. It bundles Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Assist, Adaptive Front Lighting System and High Beam Control.\nSix colour options\nwill be available for the Mazda 3 Sedan \u2013 Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Jet\nBlack, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver and Snowflake White Pearl. Every purchase\ncomes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 5-Years Free Scheduled\nService.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAll-New Mazda 3 Sedan Launched in Malaysia"
"Photos of an all-new \nChery\n compact crossover, dubbed the Omoda 3, have surfaced online over in China courtesy of \nAutohome.cn\n. According to the Chinese automotive portal, the pre-production model pictured here will eventually become the global export version of the Tiggo 3X and Tiggo 2 Pro.\nAs the name suggests, the new compact crossover will come in a segment lower than the \nChery Omo\nda 5\n. Ditto its size, which will be more comparable to (but still larger than) the \nPerodua Ativa\n, rather than the \nProton X50\n, if its dimensions are unchanged from the Tiggo 3X.\nJust like its elder brother, the Chery Omoda 3 stands out against its peers thanks to its unique styling treatment on the outside. The standout feature, we think, are the daytime-running lights that flank the grille, thanks to its chequerboard light signature that help to visually extend the front grille.\nThere are also many quirky design elements all around the outside, such as the orange accents on the side skirts, fender claddings, roof rails, and wing mirrors. Its pre-production status is obvious, though \u2013 the bronze C-pillar ornament still reads Tiggo instead of Omoda.\nRELATED:\n \u2018All new\u2019 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro revealed \u2013 to launch in Malaysia June 2023, PHEV variant by year-end\nWith Chery positioning the \nOmoda brand for the younger crowd\n, the interior of the Omoda 3 here is also styled to impress, most notably its three-tone interior. It\u2019s all hard plastic, sure, but at least it\u2019s got some unique shapes all around the dashboard to elevate the ambience of the cabin, and separate itself from the more budget-oriented rivals.\nInterior equipment highlights include a large infotainment display atop the dashboard, likely the same size as the one in the Omoda 5, a digital instrument cluster, as well as unique red ambient lighting elements on the dashboard ornament.\nNo official powertrain details are available just yet since it\u2019s still in pre-production form, but we can expect a similar powertrain offering as the Tiggo 3X in China, which gets a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine making \n116 hp\n and \n143 Nm\n of torque, paired to a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nChery is planning a \ngrand return to Malaysia\n this year starting June, when they\u2019ll be launching the\n Tiggo 8 Pro \nand Omoda 5. Would you like to see the Omoda 3 make its way into Malaysia too, as a rival against the Perodua Ativa? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!\nALSO READ:\n Chery Malaysia appoints Inokom as local assembly partner \u2013 CKD production for Tiggo 8 Pro, Omoda 5 to begin in June\n[Images:\n Autohome.com.cn\n]\nGALLERY"
"While range anxiety, in the absence of a ready charging network, remains an obstacle in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, advancement in battery technology is chiselling away at that fear, slowly but surely.\nLaunched in late 2017, the second-generation fully-electric LEAF debuted with a 40kWH battery pack that allowed it to travel up 322km per full charge (based on the new WLTC Japan cycle, or 400km previously communicated based on JC08 cycle). The new LEAF e+ you see here now has a 62kWh capacity (approximately 40% more) courtesy of a new battery pack that features a higher number of cells (288 against 192) with increased energy density (+25%), thus allowing for a range of up to 458km (WLTC Japan) or 385km, if Europe\u2019s stricter WLTP combined cycle is applied.\nThere are now 288 cells in the LEAF e+ battery pack, up from 192; capacity has increased from 40kWh to 62kWh, allowing for a range of up to 458km per full charge (WLTC Japan cycle).\nDespite carrying significantly more lithium-ion cells, the battery pack of the LEAF e+ is almost the same size as the standard LEAF\u2019s with only a negligible increment of 5mm in vehicle height, even though the vehicle\u2019s interior dimensions and packaging remains the same.\nInterior packaging of the e+ is unchanged, just 5mm taller externally, not that anyone would notice.\nSo, not only do you get more range in the e+, Nissan has also taken the opportunity to update the powertrain which is now good for 218hp and 340Nm, as opposed to 150hp and 320Nm of the \u2018regular\u2019 LEAF. Nissan did not divulge the idle to 100km/h benchmark time, but only revealed that the LEAF e+ is 13% faster when accelerating from 80km/h to 120km/h compared to the standard variant.\nFor local context, the distance by highway between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar in Kedah is 438km."
"Ahead of its full reveal in the coming weeks, Hyundai has now revealed the first teaser for the all-new i20 N supermini hot hatch, its latest full-blown high-performance model, not to be mistaken for the \ni20 N Line\n which was also unveiled not too long ago.\nThe all-new i20 N is the latest and smallest model to join the N-Performance line-up, which includes its bigger siblings such as the \ni30 N\n and \ni30 Fastback N\n, as well as the \nVeloster N\n.\nAlthough still based on the same Sensuous Sportiness design language from the original \nHyundai i20\n, the full N model is visually much more aggressive when compared to the all-show-and-no-go N Line model. It seems to have also drawn some inspiration from the i20 WRC rally car, evident by the larger air intake required to sufficiently cool the bigger engine and brakes.\nAt the side, bespoke 18-inch wheels with a matte grey finish and N-branded brake callipers, along with unique side sills underline its sporty silhouette. Completing the overall look is a distinctive rear spoiler which enhances its aerodynamic prowess.\nJust like its elder brothers, the all-new i20 N\u2019s will also be available in the Performance Blue livery \u2013 exclusive to Hyundai N models \u2013 with Phantom Black roof for an optional two-tone style, as well as red exterior accents to further shout \u201cI\u2019m a race car!\u201d\nWhile Hyundai only said that the i20 N will come with a turbocharged engine in the official press release, some European publications were given the opportunity to test drive a pre-production prototype unit, which revealed the juicy mechanical bits underneath the hood.\n https://player.vimeo.com/video/465778640\nThe Korean carmaker\u2019s latest \nPolo GTI\n rival is set to be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged mill, good for \n204 hp\n and \n275 Nm\n of torque. It will be paired exclusively to a \nsix-speed manual transmission\n, with a respectable 0-100 km/h of around \n6.7 seconds\n.\nWhile we patiently await for more information on Hyundai\u2019s latest supermini hot hatch, here\u2019s an audio clip of the throaty exhaust note from the i20 N, complete with pops and crackles to help alleviate some of the excitement."
"Acura has just debuted the 2019 RDX prototype \u2013 an evolution to the enduring top-seller with five consecutive years of record sales in North America \u2013 now equipped with a cutting-edge \u201cTrue Touchpad Interface\u201d.\nIt\u2019s fitted with a 2.0-litre DOHC VTEC turbo engine manufactured in the same factory that\u2019s building the NSX\u2019s twin-turbo engine. The powerplant is mated to a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission as the 2019 RDX features the return of Acura Super-Handling All Wheel Drive, a new Adaptive Damper System and an NSX-inspired Integrated Dynamic System with four driving modes \u2013 Sport, Sport +, Comfort and Snow.\nThe most notable highlight of this new introduction has to be the all-new \nTrue Touchpad Interface\n. It features an Android-based operating system projected onto a 10.2-inch full HD display on the centre console \u2013 designed to be in the line of sight of the driver and an interactive heads-up display unit.\nUnlike conventional touchscreens and remote interfaces that causes inconvenience to the driver, the RDX\u2019s touchpad is mapped precisely, one-to-one, with finger movements reflected exactly on the display. It is the world\u2019s first application of absolute positioning in the driving environment.\n\u201cAbsolute positioning transforms the touchpad experience, making it personal, intuitive and particularly well-suited for premium, driver-centric, performance machines,\u201d said senior engineer of user interface research, Ross Miller. \u201cIt\u2019s also designed to be adopted quickly and easily, as drivers become acclimated and comfortable in minutes.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Some 25 years ago, the first Audi A4 rolled off the assembly\nline at Ingolstadt, Germany. Since then, more than 7.5 million units have been\nproduced across the globe, in both saloon and wagon (Avant as Audi would prefer)\nbody styles.\nWith 344,586 units sold in 2018, the A4 remains as Audi\u2019s most popular model, with approximately every fifth vehicle delivered worldwide coming from the A4 series. The Audi A4 broke new grounds when it went into production in 1994 as the successor to the Audi 80, winning over customers with its elegance, sportiness and comfort.\nHappy Birthday, Audi A4.\nThe model promptly became a bestseller in its first full\nyear of production in 1995, when more than 272,052 units were produced. Demand\nfor the fifth-generation Audi A4 continues to be strong, driven by customers in\nChina, the United States and home country Germany. For example, the most popular\nAudi model in China is the long\u2011wheelbase A4, which is produced\nespecially for the Chinese market.\nSince the launch of the fourth A4 generation in 2007, Audi\u2019s two main plants in Germany \u2013 Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm \u2013 have shared production. Audi also manufactures the A4 in Asia for local consumption; namely in Changchun, China and Aurangabad, India."
"In light of the recent wet spell that has caused severe flooding affecting about nine states on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA), among many other car manufacturers, have decided to lend the flood victims a helping hand by \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 offering discounts when repairing their cars damaged by the flood.\nSMA, through their \u2018Lend a Hand\u2019 campaign that runs from 15 January to 28 February, will provide their customers in the affected regions with a dedicated service campaign, such as \n50 percent discount\n on lubricants (engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant), \n30 percent\n\u00a0\nless\n on genuine spare parts and \n20 percent off\n on labour or service charges.\nManaging Director\n of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile, Mr Keiichi Suzuki said, \u201cWe urge our customers who have been affected by the flood to get their Suzuki vehicles to the nearest service centre as soon as possible so that we may ensure their quick and safe return to the road.\n\u201cWe have great compassion for those who are experiencing such distress due to the flooding and hope to provide some relief to our customers in the form of discounted car servicing,\u201d he added.\nThose whose Suzuki vehicles have been affected may call Suzuki\u2019s toll free hotline at\u00a0\n1-300-88-6699\n to locate your nearest Suzuki dealer. The dealers will then assess and verify the authenticity of the damages before any repairing work is carried out."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all-new S-Class in Malaysia where it will be available here in a single variant \u2013 the \nS580e\n plug-in hybrid (PHEV).\nUnfortunately, its price tag was not available at the time of launch but when asked, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia expects it to cost more than the previous S560e, which retailed for around RM650k.\n \nKey features on the exterior include 19-inch wheels, air suspension, soft close doors, and Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new Digital Light. The new lighting system uses 1.3 million micro-mirrors to reflect and direct more than 2.6 million individual light beams onto the road. In some countries, it can even project icons onto the road surface.\nInside, it\u2019s a buffet of new tech and offerings. You get a completely new dashboard design, new air-con vents, \u201chands-free\u201d sunroof controls, calf massager, wireless headset, blindspot indicators by the door panel, illuminated seat belt buckles and a whole lot more!\nPerformance comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine, paired to an electric motor. Together, they produce 510 hp and 750 Nm. The powertrain also includes a 9-speed automatic transmission.\nMore details about the new S580e \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai has officially unveiled the all-new 2020 Tucson SUV today, and it looks like \nnothing we\u2019ve seen before\n. Remember the Vision T concept Hyundai shown-off at the 2019 LA Auto Show? Well, it seems like the Korean carmaker has taken the otherworldly design concept and put it straight into production.\nThe exterior of the all-new Tucson carries what Hyundai designers call the \u201cParametric Dynamic\u201d concept, which uses lines, faces, and angles to create a \u201ckinetic jewel\u201d surface. Evident right at the face, the daytime-running lights are integrated right into the triangular jewel-like grille design, making it invisible when turned off.\nThe exaggerated parametric character lines on the side, first seen on the\n \nElantra\n, is also present here, with the shoulder line stretching all the way from the front squared-off wheel arch, connecting to the full-width taillights.\nEchoing the design of the front lights, the 2020 Hyundai Tucson\u2019s new taillights also contain half-hidden triangular shapes that are only visible when lit. The rear wiper blade is also tucked neatly underneath the rear spoiler when not in use, maintaining the clean futuristic shape of the SUV. The jewel-like design is also mirrored on the rear bumper pattern.\nThe cabin is just as futuristic as its exterior, thought a whole lot more minimalistic. The entire dashboard is split into two halves, with an unbroken line enveloping the two front passengers starting from the doors, much like the \nFerrari Roma\n.\nThe infotainment display is now integrated directly into the centre console \u2013 10.25-inch for the range-topping variant while the lower-end models get an eight-inch display. Sticking to the whole minimalist/futuristic theme, the climate control panel underneath it is also void of any physical controls, with everything relegated to touch panels.\nThe instrument gauge cluster is also fully digitalised with no hood covering the top \u2013 much like the \nnewer Mercedes-Benz models\n \u2013 to blend in better with the overall minimalist look of the cabin.\nThree powertrain options are available on the 2020 Hyundai Tucson at launch, including petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The internal-combustion petrol model is powered by the 2.5-liter SmartStream four-cylinder mill, which is good for \n190 hp\n and \n247 Nm\n of torque.\nThe electrified models rely on a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-pot engine to make a combined system output of \n230 hp\n. The engine itself produces 265 Nm of torque, while the electric drivetrain tacks on another 350 Nm. Although combined system output will definitely be lower than the sum of the two, it should still be plenty enough for some fun.\nThe internal-combustion model gets an eight-speed automatic as standard, but hybrid variants are paired to a continuously-variable transmission. Hyundai\u2019s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is also present here on the all-new Tucson, with new additional driving modes to drive through mud, sand, and snow, in addition to the usual Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport modes.\nAs for safety, the Tucson is equipped with Hyundai\u2019s latest SmartSense suite, including features such as forward collision-avoidance assists with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, automatic high beam, blind-spot collision avoidance and warning with view monitors, highway driving assist, driver attention warning, reverse collision avoidance assist with rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and a Remote Park Assist where you can let your car pull in and out of spaces without sitting in the driver\u2019s seat.\nAvailable in both a long- and short-wheelbase version, though both five seaters, the 2020 Hyundai Tucson will go on sale in Korea this month, while the U.S. and other markets will be getting it starting from the first half of 2021. A slightly more performance-oriented N-Line version will also be making its appearance sometime in the future."
"If there\u2019s one thing that annoys us more than a lousy car to drive, is the lack of refinement in it. Nissan\u2019s vehicles of the future may not have such a problem as the company has developed a new innovative sound insulation material called the \nacoustic meta-material\n.\nIt only weighs a quarter of what is required to provide the same level of cabin insulation and could soon replace the heavy rubber boards currently used by car manufacturers to reduce cabin noise.\nThe old..\nand the new.\nThe recipe is simple. The material is made of a lattice structure and covered with a thin plastic film. When the noise hits the material, it bounces back \u2013 reducing the noise that penetrates the material.\nThe material is especially aimed at reducing road noise in the cabin of \nNissan\u2019s electric vehicles\n. Without engine noise, electric vehicles may be quieter on the inside but it also makes road noise more obvious.\nIt\u2019ll also help make future electric vehicles lighter; improving its driving performance and electric mileage.\n \n\u201cWe plan to use acoustic meta-material in a wide range of applications; not only in luxury cars and electric vehicles but also in vehicles where the use of heavy sound insulation materials has been limited,\u201d said Nissan\u2019s advance material engineer, Susumu Miura.\nThe new acoustic meta-material is currently under development for commercialisation but that\u2019s not all.\nIt was recently awarded \u201cBest of What\u2019s New Award\u201d in the automotive category by Popular Science. Established in 1872, Popular Science is one of the U.S.\u2019s oldest and most trusted brands, reporting on groundbreaking innovations and discoveries.\nGALLERY"
"In case you\u2019re wondering, the blue Ford you see above is the \nFord Falcon\n. This Australia made and designed Falcon is a full-sized sedan that\u2019s built in Ford\u2019s facility in Broadmeadows, Australia. It also Ford\u2019s final car produced in the factory, signifying the end of the Blue Oval\u2019s domestic manufacturing\u00a0in\u00a0Down Under.\nIn this unfortunate exercise, about 600 employees lost their job after the closure. However, its engineers and designers were sparred from the axe after being relocated to their R&D centre. This blue Falcon will be the last ever unit after 56 years and with over 3.5 million units sold. However, it will not be sold but be kept by Ford as a memento to remind themselves of the journey.\nIts arch rival, the Holden\u00a0Commodore, doesn\u2019t fare any better. Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors, will shut its plant by end of 2017. Holden just rolled out of the last of the locally assembled Holden Cruze hatchback in Adelaide, the same day that last blue Ford Falcon left the factory. Toyota also plans to close shop (Altona plant) sometime next year.\nFrom now on, Ford Australia will be importing cars from Thailand. The reason for the plant\u2019s closure is evidently caused by the dwindling of sales and increasing production cost. Ford is not the only sufferer of this phenomenon.\nThis grim reality serves many other markets, especially\u00a0our own\u00a0automotive industry, as a reminder of what could potentially happen if they become complacent. Perhaps it was too late for the Blue Oval to realise that they should have sold the\u00a0Falcon and\u00a0Commodore beyond the borders of Down Under, eh?"
"The Toyota GR Sport offence continues with the availability of the sporty variant in the Toyota Corolla Cross line-up in Thailand. Unlike the variant that made its debut in \nTaiwan\n, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport is only available with the 1.8-litre hybrid system.\nSince its introduction of the line-up in \n2017\n, the product enhancement by Toyota GR company under the GR Sport label is quite consistent across all models- exterior colours of white, black and red, sportier bumper designs, black interior and GR emblems. If possible, the coil springs and dampers get stiffened together with a new rim design.\nIn Thailand, the Corolla Cross GR Sport is the fourth Toyota GR Sport model, after the Toyota \nFortuner\n and \nHilux\n models. Due to the success of the Toyota Corolla Altis sedan at the Nurburgring endurance race, it has its \ncelebratory model\n \non top of the GR Sport variant!\nOn the exterior, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport gets a unique front bumper, with a sportier black-painted two-tier grille opening, mesh pattern and repositioned fog light. At the rear, the red taillamps now adopt a smoked lens finishing, a sporty-looking upgrade but not as cool as the all-new \nHonda HR-V RS e:HEV\n \nthat spans the full width of the tailgate.\nThe wheel size is still 18 inches and wrapped with 225/50R18 tyres, but the rim design looks to be taken from the \nEuropean Toyota Corolla GR Sport\n.\n \nThe coil springs and shock absorbers ratings have been adjusted to deliver less body roll, better body control as well as a sportier ride without sacrificing comfort levels.\nReview: Toyota Vios GR Sport that has its dynamism tuned in Malaysia!\nUnpainted wheel arches, as well as silver-finished lower \u2018underguards\u2019, are kept to instil the SUV image, unlike the hot-hatch-look on the \nHyundai Kona N Line\n. Apart from White Pearl with black upper half, which is also the most expensive in the range, customers can also select the Red Mica-black two-tone combination or completely black.\nToyota Motor Thailand is only offering the Corollas Cross GR Sport with the 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain as that is what the market wants. The company said since the model\u2019s launch in the middle of 2020, 85% of sales of the Corolla Cross are hybrid models, even though the \nregular 1.8-litre engine\n variant is priced the lowest at under 1 million Thai Baht.\nNo changes have been made to the self-charging hybrid powertrain that continues to deliver \n122 hp\n and return fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 km under the older NEDC / R101 test cycle.\nInside, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport gets the GR treatment of the brand emblem being stuck on the front headrests, floor carpets and start-stop button. The dashboard trim has been replaced with piano black finishing and silver stitching used on the steering wheel and leather seat.\nSimilar to the update for the soon-to-be-available \nlocally-assembled Corolla Cross 1.8\n models, the GR Sport model also gets the all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) which slows the vehicle to a complete stop, then increase back to the preset speed level when conditions allow.\nThe little Toyota Yaris Cross looks too soft for some. These modifications surely make it look like a Dakar or club rally challenger!\nPricing wise, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport starts from \nTHB1,249,000\n (approx. RM155.8k) for models in all-black, or a THB50,000 premium over the Corolla Cross Safety Package, non-GR Sport variant.\nThe two-tone Red Mica-black paintwork is an additional THB10,000 more, while the White Pearl-black topping the Corolla Cross range in Thailand is priced at THB1,264,000.\nGALLERY"
"Owners of the new \n2023 \nPerodua Axia\n may have had a little scare over the recent long weekend with Daihatsu admitting to \u201cprocedural irregularities\u201d in its safety testing. Also affecting the Toyota Vios (Yaris Ativ) and Agya, apparently some modifications were made to the driver door to improve performance in the side impact testing.\nCommenting on the issue, \nPerodua\n President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cPerodua engaged Daihatsu Co Ltd to carry out safety testing for the new Perodua Axia in Japan, which was witnessed by relevant authorities and agencies for their respective assessment. As we receive news of this \u201cprocedural irregularity\u201d by Daihatsu, we immediately contacted these bodies to determine if the safety standard of the Perodua Axia was compromised.\u201d\n\u201cWe were assured that despite the revelation by Daihatsu, the UN-R95 certification given to the Perodua Axia is intact. This means that the Perodua Axia is safe for driving and no recall will be issued nor will Perodua stop delivery of this new model to our valued customers. We apologise for any distress caused to our customers on this matter and we wish to assure that the safety information and specification of all our models are verified by professional bodies.\u201d\n\u201cWe will continue to monitor this situation and will update the public on this matter as it develops. We place our customers safety and comfort above all else and we will continue to do so as part of our practice of Going Beyond of what is expected.\u201d\nRELATED: \nUMWT \u2013 No recalls for Toyota Vios amidst Daihatsu safety scandal, no compromise to quality\nJust to recap, owners of the new Perodua Axia 2023 will not have to worry about any recalls. Deliveries of the all-new Perodua Axia will also carry on as usual.\nDaihatsu\u2019s announcement regarding the issue came about on April 28 and since then, Toyota Chairman of the Board, Akio Toyoda has released his official statement regarding the matter. He said, \u201cDaihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.\u2019s wrongdoing is a matter that concerns safety, which is the most important aspect of vehicles. We consider this an absolutely unacceptable act that betrays the trust of our customers. We would like to sincerely apologize to our customers around the world and all related parties for the inconvenience and concern this has caused.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPerodua \u2018Auto Rahmah\u2019 package launched \u2013 30% parts and labour discount for Axia, Bezza"
"Shortly after teasing the Kia Stinger on social media, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has officially launched the brand\u2019s halo Grand Tourer here in Malaysia. Lucky for us, Malaysian customers have the option for the road-tax friendly 2.0-litre four-cylinder or the adrenaline-pumping 3.3-litre V6.\nFirst previewed at the \n2017 Malaysia Auto Show\n, the Stinger sits at the very top of the Korean carmaker\u2019s product line-up. The fully imported Stinger has the performance credentials to rival the likes of \nMercedes-AMG C 43, strengthened with a\u00a0\nmuch more attractive price tag of RM239k for the entry-level 2.0-litre GT-Line and RM309k for the range-topping 3.3-litre V6.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Stinger 2.0L GT-Line\nKia Stinger GT 3.3L V6\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder turbo\n3,342cc; twin-turbo V6\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n255 hp\n365 hp\nMax Torque\n353 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n510 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.0 seconds\n4.9 seconds; 269 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM239,888\nRM309,888\nVisually, both Stinger variants are armed to the teeth with LED projector headlamps, LED combination headlamps, dark chrome finish for the front grille, side mirror caps, quad exhaust outlet and 18-inch alloy wheels. The only differentiating trims on the more expensive GT are the upsized 19-inch alloys and red Brembo brake calipers.   Inside, the Stinger is as good as it gets with leather upholstery, 7.0-inch LCD supervision instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, 12-way powered front seats with memory function for driver seats, heated and ventilated front seats, 8.0-inch infotainment system and 700W 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.\nStepping up to the GT variant, you\u2019ll find an additional multi-info gauge (G-Force, oil temperature, etc), Premium Nappa leather upholstery, heads-up display, 16-way powered driver seats and GT embroidery on the seat headrest.\nNKM has introduced two engine options for the Stinger \u2013 the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol and the 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6. The four-cylinder packs \n255 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n while the six-cylinder has \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of twist. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission to send drive exclusively to the rear wheels.\nEven if you opt for the smaller capacity engine, the Stinger GT-Line will still sprint to the 100 km/h mark in 6.0 seconds flat. Of course, if speed is what you seek, the twin-turbocharged V6 can propel the Stinger GT to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds \u2013 just 0.2 seconds deficit from the Mercedes-AMG C 43.\nNKM did not compromise on safety equipment for its flagship model with seven airbags, Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control (DTVC), limited-slip differential, launch control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS, Hill-start assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), 360-degree surround view camera, blind spot monitor as well as front and rear parking sensors.\nThere are four exterior colours to choose from, HiChroma Red, Deep Chroma Blue, Panthera Metal and Aurora Black. The top-spec GT gets an exclusive red interior while the GT-Line gets a single-tone black theme.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Stinger GT 3.3L V6"
"Four \nIsuzu D-Maxes\n made an incredibly frugal journey from Bangkok, Thailand to Singapore with less than one full tank (76 litres) of diesel. That\u2019s a total of \n1,809 kilometers\n of tarmac, and this achievement eclipses their previous record in 2011 of 1,600km from Bangkok to Melaka. This trip proves that the D-Max is capable of sipping just \n4.2 litres of diesel per 100km\n travelled, which further translates to \nRM0.09\u00a0per kilometer\n!\nThe four \u2013 a pair of 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre D-Maxes with both manual and automatic transmissions including a 4\u00d74 drivetrain all completed the journey under stringent observations of an Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) officer, who later verified and confirmed that the trucks were bone stock with no aftermarket modifications.\nThis Dura-Miles challenge saw the pickups braved through heat and rain, and air conditioning was not tempered throughout the drive.\u00a0Isuzu Malaysia\u2019s Senior Manager of Product Planning and Brand, Mr Wan Zaqi Zacary said, \u201cThe basic yet sophisticated design of the Isuzu D-MAX is a major contributor to its success. Isuzu engineers put very heavy emphasis on the D-Max\u2019s aerodynamics, and tests include\u00a0the\u00a0use of a \nbullet train wind tunnel\n to develop the current shape of the D-MAX,\u201d said Zaqi.\nIf this news excites you, then keep watching this space because Isuzu will be launching the \nMU-X\n \u2013 a seven-seater SUV that\u2019s based on the D-Max.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia Sdn Bhd has just launched two of their latest Malaysian-designed tyres \u2013 the \nDunlop Formula D05\n and \nDunlop SP Sport J5\n. The tyres have been meticulously engineered to deliver superior grip performance in wet conditions, and they both make for a combined total of \n45 rubbers\n of varying profiles.\nOne of the two tyres launched, as mentioned earlier, is the SP Sport J5. Offered\u00a0in sizes ranging from \n12 to 15 inches\n\u00a0with up to \n17 series profiles\u00a0\n(refer to table below), its grooves, sipes and tie-bar design is engineered to disperse water as quickly as possible. Its made of \nfull silica compound\n and Continental claims that it gives \nbetter rolling resistance\n, \nreduces noise\n and \nimproves handling\n in both wet and dry conditions compared to the model its replacing.\n155/70 R12\n185/65 R14\n205/65 R15\n185/60 R15\n175/50 R15\n175/70 R13\n175/65 R15\n165/60 R13\n195/60 R15\n185/70 R14\n185/65 R15\n165/60 R14\n205/60 R15\n175/65 R14\n195/65 R15\n185/60 R14\n165/55 R14\n\u00a0\nThe other model \u2013 Dunlop Formula D05 is catered for wheels of larger diameter, from \n15 to 18 inches\n and is offered in \n28 articles\n (refer to table below). It\u2019s technically engineered the same way as the Sport J5 tyre, but its grooves and overall look is entirely different. Its better looks aside, the D05 features an Edge-Effect design which reduces the possibility of aquaplaning by maximising rubber-to-road contact.\n205/40 R17\n215/45 R18\n225/50 R17\n205/55 R17\n225/40 ZR18\n225/45 R17\n225/50 ZR18\n215/55 R17\n235/40 ZR18\n225/45 ZR18\n235/50 R18\n225/55 R17\n245/40 R18\n195/50 R15\n185/55 R15\n235/55 R18\n205/45 R16\n195/50 R16\n185/55 R16\n195/60 R16\n205/45 R17\n205/50 R16\n195/55 R15\n215/60 R16\n215/45 R17\n215/50 R17\n205/55 R16\n215/60 R17\n\u00a0\nBecause it\u2019s designed in Malaysia for Malaysians, both these Dunlop tyres come with a truly innovative feature to help its customers monitor tyre wear. As you can see from the picture below, the tyres come stamped with several \u2018rain or shine\u2019 icons as its \nTyre Wear Indicator\n (TWI) on the outer tread. This eliminates the conventional method of inserting a coin to measure the grooves\u2019 depth.\nIt works exactly like how it sounds. The tread depth when it\u2019s brand new measures at \n8mm thick\n, but when it reduces down to 3 mm, the \u2018rain\u2019 icon will disappear, indicating the need for a replacement should you be driving under wet conditions. However, performance in dry conditions continues until the tread wears down to 1.6 mm \u2013 that\u2019s when you should really get your tyres replaced. Do keep in mind that these tyres are said to last up to \n60,000 km\n, so be sure to periodically check on the TWI.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nDunlop SP Sport J5   Dunlop Formula D05"
"FLUX, the multi-brand car subscription service provider has now added a fleet of brand new Proton X70 SUVs to its inventory where the first SUV by Proton can now be had from just \nRM1,975 per month\n. The \nPremium variant X70\u2019s\n are available in Snow White, Jet Grey and Space Grey colours.\nUsers can subscribe to the Proton X70 for a month or up to three years and just for this Merdeka month, the reservation fee of RM75 for the X70 will be waived.\nThe X70 is also available on Flux\u2019s Subscribe to Own service where users can opt to purchase the car at the end of a 36-month subscription at a \nGuaranteed Future Value (GFV) of RM80,888\n.\nThe new\u00a0\nSubscribe to Own service\n\u00a0allows users to initially subscribe to a new or pre-owned vehicle from the Flux collection. At the end of your subscription, subscribers will have the\u00a0\noption to purchase the car\n.\u00a0\nIn addition, Flux provides a concierge that delivers a door-to-door service and handles all administrative and maintenance matters on the user\u2019s behalf. Now if that sounds interesting to you, \ncheck out Flux\u2019s inventory of vehicles here\n!"
"In line with their aim to \u201cprovide cars that evolve with the driver\u201d, Toyota Motor Corporation and \nKINTO\n, a car subscription service provider, is now offering the GR Yaris \u201cMorizo Selection\u201d via subscription.\nMorizo\n is a pseudonym used by Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, every time he gets behind the wheel.\nThe special edition GR Yaris comes with some distinct features including a Morizo print on the windshield, ROOKIE Racing\u2019s colour scheme on the seats, coil springs and shock absorbers.\nOver 130 units of the Toyota GR Yaris were allocated for Malaysia and they\u2019re all sold out. Read about it here! \nROOKIE Racing\u2019s colours can also be seen on the lightweight 18-inch BBS wheels and door switch panels. These Morizo Select models will be available either in White, Red or Black.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, ROOKIE Racing is a private team made up of weekend racers and professional drivers. Even Akio Toyoda has raced under the team before in the Super Taikyu Series \u2013 a top-tier endurance race series in Japan.\nThey also work closely with Toyota by providing feedback in relation to vehicle development.\nWatch us thrash the Toyota GR Yaris, while chasing a GR Supra on the Sepang Circuit here!\nHere\u2019s the coolest part. Even after the cars have been delivered to their customers, constant\n over-the-air performance and software\n \nupdates\n will be made to the car, allowing it to work more intuitively with the driver. These changes are individual to every driver and car, made based on driving data and driver feedback!\nThe subscription starts from 54,340 yen (approx. RM2,031) on a 3-year contract.\nThis is how the Toyota GR Yaris is supposed to be driven. It\u2019s a must-watch!"
"Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) are all the rage right now. Gone are the days it used to be looked down as a soccer mom\u2019s runabout. These days, they are the prime choice for everyone who wants to be noticed. Mercedes caught on quick to the idea and \nunleashed a whole range of premium SUVs\n onto us, thus completing the company\u2019s product lineup and are ready to take on its German (and Scandinavian) rivals for a slice of the luxury SUV segment here in Malaysia.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n (MBM) is offering a couple of jungle-juice and oil burning variants for the models on sale here. Starting with the \nGLE 250d 4Matic\n followed up by the\n GLE 400 4Matic\n. The GLE Coupe (\nspied in mid-December 2015\n) on the other hand, is available in either \nGLE 400\n or \nGLE 450 AMG\n guises. In Land Rover lingo, the GLE is a Range Rover Vogue while the GLE Coupe is the Range Rover Sport. Apart from the unorthodox analogy, both these models and their variants make up the bulk of the offering from MBM.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nGLE 250d 4Matic\nGLE 400 4Matic\nGLE Coupe 400 4Matic\nGLE Coupe 450 AMG 4Matic\nEngine\n4-cyl inline Diesel Direct Injection Turbo\nTwin-Turbo V6 Petrol\nTwin-Turbo V6 Petrol\nTwin-Turbo V6 Petrol\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic\n7G-Tronic 7-Speed Automatic\n9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic\nMax Power\n204 hp\n333 hp\n333 hp\n367 hp\nMax Torque\n500 Nm\n480 Nm\n480 Nm\n520 Nm\n0-100 / Top Speed (km/h)\n8.6s / 212 km/h\n6.1s / 247 km/h\n5.9s / 247 km/h\n5.7s / 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM468,888\nRM568,888\nRM630,888\nRM699,888\nEXTERIOR\nLet\u2019s start with the GLE. For starters, not much has changed since its \u2018predecessor\u2019 with the exception of the front end that has gotten a bit of a facelift to bring it in line with Merc\u2019s new design language. The GLE sports a new dual \nTwin Blade radiator grille\n, AMG-type bumpers, headlamps with the brand\u2019s new \u2018eyebrow\u2019 DRL design, flared wings and a new bonnet with a couple of power domes moulded onto it. It\u2019s a combination of these minor tweaks that gives the GLE a rather bold and \nmasculine\n stance.   Merc also slapped the GLE with a huge set of wheels that further echoes the front end\u2019s demeanour. Even on the base model GLE 250d, \n20-inch\n wheels come fitted as standard while the range topper comes with \n21-inch\n 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with chunky \nPirelli\n rubbers.\nMBM has finally brought in its \nBMW X6\n competitor. And just like its Bavarian rival, the GLE Coupe is no longer in the category of SUVs, but rather a \nSports Utility Coupe\n (Bimmer calls theirs a Sports Activity Vehicle). But as far as looks go, it\u2019s pretty hard to pull the GLE away from its Coupe sibling. The GLE Coupe comes with a host of AMG-line trimmings such as the single-blade radiator grille. It\u2019s when you make your way around the back of the GLE Coupe, that you\u2019ll be able to pull the twin siblings apart.   First thing you\u2019ll notice aside from the huge \n22-inch\n wheels (yes, 22-inch) shod with\u00a0\n325mm\n broad Pirelli\u2019s is that the GLE Coupe has a pretty large rear end.\u00a0But few features do work in tandem with that styling decision such as the embedded exhaust tips with chrome finishers, the very coupe-like tail lamp design with a bit chrome trim bridging them both and thevertical gills on each side of the fender gives the GLE Coupe a living persona.\nINTERIOR\nInterestingly while the GLC\u2019s interior is remarkably reminiscent to the W205 C-Class, this new GLE bears not much resemblance to the newly debuted \nW213 E-Class\n. Obviously when it comes to selecting your preferred interior, you\u2019d be spoilt for choice with the wide range of different hide colour choices and trim options. And especially for the sporty minded customers, the \nAMG carbon-fibre trim\n is up for grabs. The inside of a Merc, no matter the model, is always the business end of the Three-Pointed Star.   Having said that, both the GLE and the Coupe share fairly similar interior layouts with one another, but everything else can be specified via the \noptions\n\u00a0list. Did we mention the racy\n flat-bottomed\n steering wheel in the Coupe? They also came with Merc\u2019s new \nCOMMAND\n Infotainment controller with a\u00a0touchpad ergonomically placed for ease of use. The Command is displayed via an\n 8-inch\n TFT display housed in the centre dash.\nWhile the GLC gets a \n590-watt Burmester\n sound system, the range topping GLE 450 AMG Coup\u00e9 features the \nHarman Kardon Logic 7\n Surround Sound system for the sake of the discerning audiophile. But what if a game of \ngolf\n was more your thing? Good news, for the GLE is able to pack up to \nthree\n fully loaded golf bags in the trunk.\nPERFORMANCE\nGone are the days that diesel-powered cars used to be gutless, smoke choking rattlers that plagued cars. These days though, \u201dthe-fuel-of-satan\u201d is the way forward and unsurprisingly, Merc stuck the GLE 250d with a\n 2.1-litre\n inline four that cranks out a respectable \n204 hp\n. The surprising bit is that it makes a shade over \n500Nm\n of torque which is thanks to the magic of modern turbocharging.\nBoth the GLE 400 and the GLE 400 Coupe share the same mill which is a glorious twin turbo V6 that churns out \n333 hp\n at 5,250rpm with \n480 Nm\n of torque to boot. That figure means that the GLE will do the century sprint in\u00a0\n6.1\n seconds while the coupe is quicker\u00a0by\n 0.3\n seconds. The reason for the time difference on these seemingly identical cars lies in the \ntransmission\n. The GLE still uses the \n7G-Tronic\n box while the Coupe is mated to a \nnine-speeder\n, although both cars max out at\u00a0\n247 km/h\n.\nThe range topping GLE 450 AMG Coupe on the other hand, uses the same lump as its V6-powered siblings but in this state of tune, Merc\u2019s engineers has managed to squeeze out an additional 34 horses which brings it to a grand total of \n367 hp\n. Torque figures have also risen to \n520Nm\n which is steadily available from as low as 1,800 rpm. It\u2019ll do the sprint in just\n 5.7 seconds\n and if you keep your right foot mashed to the carpets, the speedo will tick just shy of \n250km/h\n.\nAll models come with the \n4Matic\n moniker and what that means essentially is that these Mercs are paired up to a specifically tuned \nall-wheel-drive system\n that\u2019s been tailored to each model. For example the range topper is more inclined toward a \nrear bias\n for a more engaging drive feel. Alternatively, drivers can always switch between \nfour drive modes\n via the rotary controller on the centre console.\nSAFETY\nAutonomy\n is something that the Three-Pointed Star has had its eye on for a while now. Tesla may have started the trend but Mercedes seems to be on a quest to perfect it. While that remains a discussion for another day, the GLE and the GLE Coupe comes with your usual barrage of safety acronyms such as ABS, ESP, BAS, EBD and TCS \u2013 just to name a few.\nCollision Prevention Assist Plus is one of the new assistance systems on offer. The Driving Assistance package Plus includes \nDISTRONIC PLUS\n with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Pilot as well as\u00a0\nPRE-SAFE\n \nBrake\n with pedestrian protection which will\u00a0pre-charge the brake servo in anticipation of an emergency braking manoeuvre.\nBAS PLUS\n with Cross-Traffic Assist, \nActive Blind Spot Assist\n, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE \u00a0PLUS are available in the GLE 400. The Parking package with \n360\u00b0\n camera and Active Parking Assist with \nPARKTRONIC\n\u00a0guarantees problem-free manoeuvring in and out of tight parking spaces.\nWHAT ELSE?\nMBM is offering its customers an easier option to owning one of these premium SUV\u2019s by means of the \nAgility Financing scheme\n. In simple English basically, you can expect \nlower\n monthly instalments and a number of \nflexible\n end-of-agreement \noptions\n whereby customers have full control over the decision to either extend their agreement by refinancing its \nguareenteed future value\n, to pay off the remainder and take full ownership of the car or simply return the car. Sounds interesting, doesn\u2019t it?\nFret not, the GLE and GLE Coupe is up for viewing at your nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships today and if you\u2019re in Kuala Lumpur, be sure to drop by the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (\nKLPAC\n) in Sentul for a fun-filled weekend with the brand\u2019s complete range of Premium SUVs!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLE 400 4MATIC   Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe"
"In just five years of production, Lamborghini announced that the 14,022nd \nHuracan\n has rolled off the assembly line. To put things in perspective, it took Lamborghini 10 years (between 2003-2013) to sell that many Gallardos.\nThat\u2019s also more than 3,000 units of the Huracan produced in just over a year as \nLamborghini just announced the production of the 11,000th Huracan in August last year\n.\nIn the first six months of 2019 alone (1st January to 30th June) Automobili Lamborghini has delivered a total of 4,553 cars \u2013 an \n96% increase\n compared to the same period last year.\nThe Huracan accounted for 1,211 units while the Aventador, the V12 brand icon headed by the SVJ model which\n set a new lap record in Nurburgring last year\n, maintained its high sales volume, with 649 units delivered to customers.\n \nThe commemorative model with chassis number 14,022, a Hurac\u00e1n EVO coup\u00e9 in Grigio Titans (grey), is destined for the Korean market.\nLamborghini isn\u2019t doing too badly either with the sale of its \u201cpassenger car\u201d, the Urus, \nwith reports of an increase in female buyers\n.\nThe momentum is unlikely to stall as \nLamborghini recently added the new Sian\n to its line-up, named after a Bolognese dialect which means \u2018\nflash or lightning\n\u2018.\nThe new Sian is powered by a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 making \n819 hp\n and is capable of darting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This an interesting piece of news. Toyota is developing a new internal combustion engine, replacing petrol with hydrogen as fuel.\nThe candidate chosen for the development of this new engine is the \n1.6-litre three-cylinder\n turbocharged unit found in the beloved \nToyota GR Yaris\n. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe fuel delivery system, and of course the obvious fuel injectors will be modified to use compressed hydrogen. Toyota further adds that the combustion of hydrogen gases \nemits zero CO2\n, one of the many solutions that can achieve carbon neutrality as outlined by Toyota.\nCombustion in hydrogen engines occurs at a \nfaster rate\n than in petrol engines, resulting in a characteristic of good responsiveness.\nThe modified three-cylinder engine and fuel system will be tested continuously and at full pace in a \n24-hour Super Taikyu\n endurance race. A specially modified \nToyota Corolla Sport\n, perhaps due to its larger cabin space, under the \nRookie Racing\n banner will be fitted with the above-mentioned Toyota GR Yaris engine and all the hydrogen fuel hardware.\nExample of pressurised hydrogen storage tanks in the Toyota Mirai.\nAs for the hydrogen fuel, it is being produced at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture. While aiming to expand hydrogen infrastructure by promoting hydrogen use, Toyota intends to continue advancing efforts for economic recovery and revitalisation of the Tohoku region together with all parties concerned.\nBy further refining its hydrogen-engine technologies through harsh environments of motorsports, Toyota intends to aim for the realisation of an even better hydrogen-based society. Toyota currently offers the \nMirai\n hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that uses hydrogen gas and ambient air as \u201cfuel\u201d to generate electricity which then drives the electric motors.\nOn a related note, Porsche is doing developing \nsynthetic fuels\n to be used in their existing engines, with the technology looking to be as clean as electric vehicles in terms of carbon emissions."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n, together with its dealer partner JM Auto Gallery (Alor Star), recently opened the doors to its newly-relocated 3S centre in Alor Setar, Kedah, as well as a brand-new 3S outlet in Langkawi. The new outlets have brought Mitsubishi\u2019s representation in Malaysia up to 58 outlets, including 48 3S Centres and seven 4S Centres.\nBoth 3S centres are built to the latest Mitsubishi Motors brand identity, spanning 10,000 and 2,300 sq ft in Alor Setar and Langkawi respectively \u2013 the former making it the largest Mitsubishi Motors showroom in the Northern region.\nMitsubishi 3S Centre in Langkawi\nThe new 3S centres both features modern amenities for its customers, including a comfortable customer lounge with Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as a kids corner. Being the largest outlet in the Northern region, the Alor Setar outlet also boasts eight service bays in its fully-equipped service centre.\n\u201cJM Auto Gallery (Alor Star) is no stranger to the Mitsubishi Motors family and has been business partners with MMM for the past 14 years,\u201d said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda. \u201cWe are happy to see that the dealership is confident with MMM\u2019s business growth and the commitment to upgrade its showroom facilities, and also for the opening of a new outlet in Langkawi to serve customers better.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold 24,017 vehicles in 2022, Triton hits 100k milestone\nMitsubishi Motors Corporation recently announced a new mid-term business plan, dubbed \u201cChallenge 2025\u201d, with a commitment to focus its efforts in developing its ASEAN markets, including Malaysia. The opening of new outlets is a part of the company\u2019s growth plans, which has already seen positive results \u2013 the company saw a\n 37.3% year-on-year increase\n in sales last year.\nThe Alor Setar showroom is located at\n Lot 10201B, Kampung Batin Mergong, Mukim Mergong, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah\n, while the outlet in Langkawi is at \nNo. 68, Pusat Perniagaan Kelana Mas Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah\n. Both outlets are open from Monday to Sunday, 8.30 am to 5.30 pm."
"Shell Malaysia has unveiled the new look of Shell Penang Road to commemorate one of its oldest stations that has been serving Penangites and the wider community, for generations since the 1920s. With ambitions to preserve Penang\u2019s living heritage whilst maintaining an important connection to the past, Shell\u2019s innovative restoration of its station represents the rich history and modern advancement.\nLocated at the corner of Jalan Penang and Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah in Georgetown, Shell Penang Road is proud of its enriching journey in serving the community through thick and thin, as exemplified by the station surviving World War II and witnessing Malaysia\u2019s independence. Thanks to its location within the Buffer Zone of the Penang Heritage zone, an area popular with tourists for its rich historical context, Shell Penang Road is listed under the Penang Heritage directory, reflecting its significance as an important cultural landmark.\nShell is collaborating with Penang Global Tourism to elevate Shell Penang Road as a tourist landmark. The station can be found via a Google Map link \nhere\n.\n\u201cShell Penang Road has been a part of Penang\u2019s colourful history and heritage for 100 years, and I am pleased that Shell continues to preserve the heritage of this station while innovating to cater to all of its customers\u2019 needs. I hope that this latest addition to the Penang Heritage zone will encourage Malaysians to visit Penang and support local tourism and businesses,\u201d said YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State Executive Councillor.\nRELATED: Down south, Shell is offering a futuristic customer experience with the 180 kW High-Performance EV charger\nWhile Shell strives to commemorate Penang\u2019s beautiful colonial architecture as reflected in the station\u2019s new look, it also embraces modernity with its sleek interior. The station, open from 6 A.M to 12 A.M. daily, offers modern comforts such as a clean rest stop for motorists and delicious local snacks as well as Shell V-Power 97, the \nfuel-sa\nving\n \nFuelSave 95\n as well as Diesel Euro 5.\n\u201cAs we evolve to meet our customers\u2019 dynamic demands and needs, it is important to remember our roots and hold on to our core values.\u00a0 Shell Penang Road stands as a testament of Penang and Shell\u2019s history in Malaysia, reflecting how far we have come together. This station truly reflects Shell\u2019s commitment to continue providing the best for the communities that we operate in.\u201d said Shell Mobility Malaysia and Singapore, General Manager, Seow Lee Ming.\nRELATED: Did you know? Shell is trialling fuel payment via Touch n\u2019 Go\u2019s RFID system. More here.\nTo commemorate the launch, Shell Malaysia is offering BonusLink members a limited-edition Shell Heritage Jute Bag that is exclusively available at Shell Penang Road and redeemable with 1,200 BonusLink points.\nCustomers who sign up to be a BonusLink member at Shell Penang Road will be able to purchase the bag for \nRM15\n, while stocks last. Customers can sign up for BonusLink easily at any Shell station nationwide, or they can register by downloading the BLINK app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store."
"Here comes news of another SUV making its ASEAN debut \u2013 the 2021 Hyundai Creta compact SUV. No, this is not a renamed Hyundai Tucson for the region, but yes, the 2021 Hyundai Creta is literally facelifted with the front fascia of the latest \nHyundai Tucson\n! The model made its world premiere at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2021 (GIIAS)\nThe Hyundai Creta is rather foreign to us here in Malaysia, as it was never offered by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). However, its cousin from the smaller affiliate, the \nKia Seltos\n, shares plenty with this compact SUV measuring 4.3 m by 1.79 m.\nLocally, these dimensions put the Hyundai Creta similar in size with the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and the \nsegment leader\n, the Proton X50.\nHaving the stylistic front design of the Hyundai Tucson on the new Creta certainly makes it stand out from the crowd. Similar to the larger SUV, the facelifted Creta features a Parametric Jewel Pattern grille with the DRLs hidden within the grille.\n2020 Hyundai Creta\nMain lighting units are in halogen or LED technology housed at the corners of the front bumper. Hyundai Motors Indonesia has also included a set of bodykit for the range-topping Prime variant, creating a two-tone silver-and-red effect at the lower extremities of the new Creta. The facelift is completed with a new design on the two-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels.\nThe awesome face of the Hyundai Tucson is also on the US-only Santa Fe pick-up! Check it out here!\nInside, the facelifted Hyundai Creta is fitted with many standard items, such as an electric parking brake, rear air conditioning vents, rear USB charging ports, armrests and a full-featured eight-inch central infotainment display with touchscreen control and wireless smartphone integration. Hyundai Motors Indonesia\u2019s Bluelink smart telematics feature is however only available in all except the base Active variant.\nAs always, the range-topping Prime variant gets all the niceties such as panoramic sunroof, shift paddles, enhanced personal lighting and the full suite of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS that adds High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.\nPowering the Hyundai Creta is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with outputs of \n115 hp\n and \n144 Nm\n, lower than its key rival. As always with the Indonesian market, a six-speed manual transmission is offered alongside a regular CVT transmission.\nWith so much technology and features, the new Hyundai Creta comes at a higher price level, with the range-topping Prime variant closed to \nIDR400 million\n (approx. RM116k), albeit still lower than the Honda HR-V 1.8 Prestige at IDR 409 million.\nThe entry-variant Hyundai Creta Active 6 M/T meanwhile can be had from \nIDR279 million\n (approx. RM82k), undercutting the Honda HR-V 1.5 M/T by circa IDR15 million (RM4.4k).\nGALLERY"
"American-based oil and gas energy conglomerate Chevron Malaysia Limited, which markets the Caltex brand domestically, recently conducted a small workshop with the media on basic product knowledge of their new Euro4M Premium 97 with Techron fuel. The said fuel will be made available at all Caltex stations effective \n1st September 2015\n, costing\u00a0RM2.35 per litre.\nThe sale of\n Euro4M fuel\n\u00a0comes after the government\u2019s implementation of the mandate issued, and Caltex is one of the few who to make\u00a0the switch from sulphur-ridden \nEuro2M\n grade fuel. The new fuel comes with \nlower benzene\n and \nsulphur\n contents. Not only that, but there is a marked reduction in Reid Vapour Pressure (\nRVP\n) observed.\nSenior Product Engineering Specialist, Greg Engeler\nSenior Product Engineering Specialist Asia Pacific, \nGreg Engeler\n spoke in vivid detail on the already-available\u00a0\nEuro4M RON97 with Techron\n. He pointed out that previous fuels on offer contained high amounts of sulphur (or \n500 ppm\n to be exact) as opposed to the \n50 ppm\n\u00a0(parts per million) in the new\n Euro4M fuel\n.\nBenzene\n levels have \ndropped\n\u00a0from 5 percent to 3.5 percent as well.\u00a0Now, what all this means is, with the introduction of higher quality fuel, our beloved cars will be\n smoother to drive\n. The fuel also acts as a cleansing agent to remove all residual\u00a0\ncarbon deposits\n\u00a0from the \nintake manifold\u00a0\nall the way to the \nvalves\n and \npiston head\n. \u201cThat\u2019s Techron\u2019s secret,\u201d said Greg. \u201cIt gets a hold of carbon buildup and \nflushes\n it right out the exhaust.\u201d\nBesides that, the better fuel grade is also beneficial to the environment. It has less sulphur and benzene content whilst having a\u00a0slightly higher octane rating. This ensures that gasoline engines will and can run its best, as they\u00a0are only as good as the fuel that powers them. \nHigher detergency fuels\n enable accurate and precise fuel delivery to the combustion process, and with Caltex\u2019s new Euro4M RON97 fuel, it helps meet \nperformance\n, \nemissions\n and \nconsumption\n figures as well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua\n announced at a media conference today that it is setting its sights on \n247,800\n sales in 2022, after a tumultuous 2021 that saw its \noverall sales figure dip by 13.6%\n. The target represents a 37.5% increase over the 190,291 units delivered in 2021, and also a 12.6% jump over \n2020\u2019s figure \n(220,163).\nWith that forecast, the national carmaker is also expecting its market share to climb to 40.6% this year (from 37.5%), against an internal projected total industry volume (TIV) of 610,000 units. Perodua says that its internal projection is also higher than the 600,000 units forecasted by Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).\n \nAccording to Perodua\u2019s president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, their optimistic outlook stems from the assurances by the government as the measures of containing the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n is showing success, and that another lockdown would not happen.\nRELATED: Perodua offers assistance to flood-affected customers\nHe also said that the sales tax exemption initiative is still an excellent incentive for customers to purchase new cars, and its orders book for new vehicles are \u201cstill quite healthy\u201d. Since its launch in November last year, the company has already delivered 7,055 units of the \nnew Myvi\n, with booking numbers reaching 31,154 orders.\n\u201cWith the guarantee that the production will go uninterrupted, will mean that we could fulfil the outstanding orders in a timely manner,\u201d Datuk Zainal added.\nAside from sales, Perodua is also targetting to produce 265,900 vehicles in 2022, which is 37.5% higher compared to 2021 (193.400) and 20.3% higher than 2020\u2019s figures (220,968).\n\u201cThe increase in production would result in the increase in locally-sourced automotive parts by 41.5% to RM7.5 billion as compared with the RM5.3 billion purchased in 2021. This recovery would help the industry heal faster as the demand for vehicles is still strong,\u201d he said."
"Since its \npreview at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)\n, Lexus Malaysia has announced that they are now accepting orders for the seventh-generation Lexus ES sedan ahead of its official market debut.\nThe pricing strategy of the ES took us by surprise because despite being fully imported from Japan, the ES is priced on par with its locally assembled German rivals at RM299,888 for the\n ES250 Premium\n and RM322,888 for the range topping \nES250 Luxury\n.\n \nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus ES250 Premium\nLexus ES250 Luxury\nEngine\n2.5-litre naturally aspirated VVT-i\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n206 hp\nMax Torque\n247 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n9.1 seconds; 210 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM299,888\nRM332,888\nThe ES is offered with one powertrain option, the updated 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine paired to a new 8-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. With \n206 hp\n and \n247 Nm\n on tap, the ES250 will take a leisure \n9.1 seconds\n to go from 0 to 100 km/h onwards to a top speed of \n210 km/h\n.\nWithout disclosing the\nfull specification sheet, the company has announced that the top-of-the-line ES250\nLuxury will be equipped with Bi-Beam LED headlamps, 10-way powered front seat,\npowered reclining rear seats, 3-zone climate control, a heads-up display, a\n12.3-inch Electro Multi-vision Display in the centre console and a panoramic\nview monitor (360-degree camera).\nLexus Safety System+\n(LSS+) that was introduced in the updated NX range is also available on the ES250,\nbundling Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Pre-Collision\nSystem (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Stop and Go Function\nwhile the Adaptive High Beam System (AHS) is only available on the Luxury trim.\nThere are seven exterior\nshades to choose from along with two interior colour choices. Every purchase of\nthe Lexus ES250 comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus ES 250 Previewed at KLIMS"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has donated a Triton pick-up truck to Dignity Farm School, a one-stop community learning for the underprivileged urban residents in Bentong, Pahang.\nThe pick-up was handed over by MMM CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi, and will be used for the farm\u2019s daily operations. The 4\u00d74 will also be used to transport Orang Asli to schools.\nAt these schools, they are given transformative youth education programmes including agriculture and skills development.\n\u201cIn line with the Malaysian government\u2019s efforts to reopen schools soon with tightened and updated standard operating procedures (SOPs), we wanted to relook into how we can help the underprivileged and indigenous community in terms of education and health,\u201d said Shinnishi.\n \n\u201cWe are happy to work with the Dignity Farm School, a place where skills and knowledge are connected and taught from a wellspring of sources and experiences, combining practical skills and theory in a farm setting. This in return will also prepare the underprivileged children in the future to enter an agricultural and tourism workforce requiring both innovation and manpower,\u201d Shinnishi added.\nVideo: Book a Mitsubishi Triton online and get a FREE jacket from The North Face!\nMMM\u2019s new Home Delivery Service.\nRecently, MMM also \nloaned an Outlander and Triton\n to NGO Mercy Malaysia to transport frontliners to vaccination centres. The company also \ncontributed a Triton\n to NGO INSAF Malaysia to distribute food to old folks and orphanages. Earlier this year, MMM also donated\n RM35,000 and laptops\n to various charitable organisations.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia now delivers your brand new car to you.read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s a known fact that car manufacturers indulge into motorsports to develop their products. Ferrari and McLaren developed their supercars through their exploits in Formula One for decades, while Audi developed the famous quattro all-wheel drive system during their rallying prime. Now, Toyota is looking to develop its compact crossover by racing in this year\u2019s\u00a0Nurburgring 24 Hours!\nThe\u00a0Nurburgring 24 Hours is perhaps the world\u2019s toughest endurance race where all\u00a0cars are tested to its limits at neck-breaking speeds within the confines of the Green Hell. That\u2019s an ideal place for Toyota\u2019s racing arm, Gazoo Racing, to test their HR-V and CX-3 fighter. The car will join the likes of\u00a0\nLexus RC and RC F\n as well in this endurance race.\u00a0This year\u2019s\u00a0Nurburgring 24 Hours race will\u00a0take place from 26 to 29 May 2016.\nThe C-HR compact crossover was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and will reappear again at Geneva this March. In fact, this is not the first time we\u2019ve witnessed an unorthodox\u00a0entry by Toyota; in 2011 the team fielded a CT200 hybrid in the Nurburgring 24 race too. Also, compact crossovers have already been involving in motorsports, in the form of endurance rallying like Dakar. This year\u2019s Dakar rally saw the Mini Countryman duke out against the Peugeot 2008, where the latter took this year\u2019s honours.\nIn the end, it\u2019s only a\u00a0matter of time before a compact crossover \u201ccrosses the finish line first\u201d, be it on tarmac or asphalt. World Touring Crossover Championship, anyone?"
"Great news for fans of live motorsports as Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will be welcoming fans back to the grandstand for the start of the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) 2021.\nThe much-awaited premier touring car race event will be held in a double-header format- with two rounds to be held over the three days of racing. MCS is a multi-category series, allowing motorsport teams and drivers will varying budget levels and experience to participate in a controlled and sanctioned atmosphere.\n Watch the MCS 2021 trailer \nhere\n!\nChief Executive Officer of SIC, Azhan Shafriman Hanif said,\u201d After a long break, we are thrilled to be hosting the Malaysia Championship Series with a double-header format. With the recent SOP relaxation in Phase 4, fans can opt to watch the race live at the main grandstand. However, we should be mindful of the SOP \u2013 facemask should be worn at all times and maintain social distance.\u201d\nHeadlining the MCS 2021 is the Touring Production (TP) for production cars with 2.0-litre engine capacity where the FD2 Honda Civic Type-R is a piece of favoured machinery by many teams. The new Honda Civic Turbo (FC1) from R Engineering HMRT also continues to campaign this year after winning last year\u2019s Merdeka Race 2020.\nMalaysia Touring Car (M Production or MTC) is catered to modified production cars with an engine displacing up to 1,600 cc. In the MTC category, our regular commuters such as \nProton Iriz\n and \nHonda Jazz\n are raced by factory teams such as Proton R3 and Honda Malaysia Racing Team. Expect plenty of action as the hot hatchbacks battle it out.\nNext, come the recently added Stock Production 1 (SP1) and Stock Production 2 (SP2) for vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000 cc and 1,600 cc respectively. Similar to MTC, the SP2 category features many familiar hatchbacks such as the Proton Satria Neo and Suzuki Swift as well as the \nToyota Vios Challenge\n machines from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival as they meet all the necessary technical and safety regulations.\nFor MCS 2021, the sporting regulation has been slightly amended. Instead of using ballast weights to reduce the chances of drivers dominating, an additional pit stop time of between 8 to 15 seconds is being applied. Podium cars (top 3) in Race 1 will have additional time added to the compulsory pit stop window of at least three minutes.\nThe main championship ballast remains, with the top three championship leaders after Round 1 (Race 1 and 2) requiring fitment of championship ballast for Race 3 and 4 in Round 2. Yokohama will continue to be the official tyre partner with BHPetrol as the official fuel partner for MCS 2021.\nFans of live motorsports can savour the noise engines and smell of burnt rubber as free entrance to the main grandstand is allowed for those that have been fully vaccinated. Facemasks must be worn at all times following the SOPs set by the government.\nSIC will also be broadcasting the MCS 2021 Round 1 and 2 live from their Facebook page (link \nhere\n). Key events from the three days of racing are as follows:\n10th November\n4:30 P.M. to 5:20 P.M.: Qualifying, 20 minutes each for the large capacity and small capacity categories\n\u00a011th November\n10:30 A.M. Race 1, Round 1\n3:30 P.M. Race 2, Round 1\n\u00a012th November\n11:15 A.M. Race 3, Round 2\n4:15 P.M. Race 4, Round 2 \u00a0\nThe championship continues with Round 3 and 4 scheduled to be on December 14th to 16th. \u00a0\nNote: Images are taken from Sepang Inte\nr\nnational Circuit Social Media pages."
"Nissan has become the latest major carmaker to cease development for its internal combustion engines (ICE) according to a report by \nNikkei Asia\n, making it the first Japanese marque to do so.\nThe report claims that Nissan has already stopped the development of brand-new petrol engines for Europe, and will soon do the same for China and Japan, making US the sole market for which all-new engines are designed \u2013 mainly for pickup trucks.\nThe Japanese carmaker will instead\n focus its efforts on electric vehicles\n, alongside its alliance members Renault and Mitsubishi. Development of combustion engines for hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains will still continue, however, \nNikkei Asia\n reports.\nExisting ICEs will also continue to be improved upon according to the report, with no factory closures or job cuts planned. Over time, personnel involved in ICE development and production will be slowly relocated to EV motors, hybrid engines, and \u201cother divisions\u201d.\nRELATED: All-new Nissan Z unveiled \u2013 405 hp, 475 Nm from a twin-turbo engine!\nThe move comes as lawmakers worldwide continue to tighten vehicle emissions restrictions and regulations in an attempt to promote the shift towards EVs. Particularly in Europe, Nissan determined that the new EURO 7 emissions standards, set to go into effect in 2025, will raise the cost of developing internal combustion engines to unsustainable levels.\nHow Nissan\u2019s reported decision to cease engine development will affect its Alliance partners remains to be seen, as many of the engines are also shared across the brands \u2013 who have not announced their own end dates for engine development either.\nWhat we do know is that the \nall-new Nissan Z\n will most likely be the last pure-ICE sports car from the Japanese carmaker. Rest in power, mighty V6 \u2013 you\u2019ll be dearly missed."
"The \nMazda MX-30\n electric crossover has just been given a mild update in Europe for the 2022 model year, and when we say mild, we really do mean \nmild\n.\nThat\u2019s because the biggest change on the 2022 Mazda MX-30 is it\u2019s charging speed. Three-phase AC charging is now supported at up to \n11 kW\n on the updated fully-electric crossover, up from 6.6 kW previously, while DC fast charging support has also been upped to \n50 kW\n from 40 kW.\nWith the faster DC fast charging support, Mazda says that the new 2022 MX-30 can now charge from 10-80% in just 26 minutes, or 10 minutes faster than before.\nOddly enough, the electric crossover has already been quoted in their press releases with a 50 kW fast charging support when it was officially launched in Europe and the United States previously, but with the same (slower) 36-minute charging time.\nEither there\u2019s been some miscommunication between departments within Mazda, or the MX-30 was silently revised internally with a slightly slower charger; the unit that was \nbrought into Malaysia in April for a preview\n was quoted with a 40 kW DC fast charging support, but with the same 36-minute charging time.\nWe don\u2019t really know what\u2019s happening here, but it\u2019s just. \nweird\n to say the least. Anyway, we digress.\nRELATED: Mazda will unveil a rotary engine-powered range-extender EV in 2022\nOther updates on the 2022 Mazda MX-30 include a revised drivetrain sound that\u2019s supposed to help the driver \u201csubconsciously recognise the amount of torque being generated by the power unit\u201d. The company also says that the frequency has been optimised to sound more in tune with other car noises, such as wind or road noise.\nThe battery is still the same 35.5 kWh unit, so you won\u2019t be getting any more range from a single charge (currently rated at 200 km based on the WLTP cycle), but at least you won\u2019t have to wait as long as before to fully charge it. For a longer range, you\u2019ll probably have to wait for the rotary-engined range-extender model, which has been\n confirmed to go on sale later this year\n.\nAs we briefly mentioned above, the fully-electric Mazda MX-30 has already been previewed here in Malaysia, and is slated to go on sale later this year. Not much information has been revealed just yet, but Bermaz Motor says that the fully-electric crossover will be priced under the RM200k mark."
"Audi has revealed the updated R8 Coupe and Spyder with performance and suspension upgrades, along with rather extensive cosmetic changes and is set hit dealerships in Europe by early 2019.\nPromising to deliver instant response, lightning fast revs and a unique sound, the naturally-aspirated V10 engine has been positioned even lower for even lower of gravity.\nIn the engine compartment, the air filter is situated under a new, three-part cover \u2013 available in a choice of plastic or carbon fibre.\nSteering response and feedback have been enhanced with modifications on the suspension to provide improved stability and precision. Three additional drive modes have been added \u2013 Dry, Wet and Snow.\n19-inch wheels are standard with optional ultralight 20-inch five-V design wheels.\nWith the enhanced Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) system, braking distance from 100 km/h to 0 has been reduced by 1.5 metres, 200 km/h to 0 by up to five metres.\nAudi is also offering ceramic brake discs as an option along with the front stabiliser that\u2019s made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum, shedding around two kilograms.\nCheck out that new diffuser!\nThe single biggest change though, has to be the R8\u2019s aesthetics. It wears a more radical but still distinguishable new look with a new front splitter and singleframe radiator grille that is now wider and flatter.\n\u201cThe new Audi R8 is now even more powerful and faster. With around 50% shared parts with the R8 LMS GT3 and even 60% with the R8 LMS GT4, no other automobile is so close to motor racing as the R8\u201d, said Technical Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, Oliver Hoffmann.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In what\u2019s supposed to be a round of musical chairs in the automotive industry,\u00a0Lamborghini\u2019s charismatic president and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, will be joining Audi\u2019s quattro GmbH division. Replacing the vacated spot in Lamborghini is a true blue Italian by the name of Stefano Domenicali, former chief of Ferrari F1 team.\nDomenicali led the Ferrari F1 team from 2008 to 2014 and once held a post in Audi in late 2014. He was also a sporting director for the team in 1998, where two years later Michael Schumacher began the Prancing Horse\u2019s domination in the pinnacle of motorsports.\nWinkelmann and of course, our very own GC Mah\nWinkelmann has been with Automobili Lamborghini since 2005, and since then we\u2019ve seen him launch the Huracan, Avendator and the Urus SUV. At the same time, he was spotted in Kuala Lumpur during the \nSuper Trofeo\n round in Malaysia. Who knows, his role in Audi may just spawn more high-performing models to be offered alongside the R8. Hey, we can all dream, right?\nOur best wishes go out to both Winkelmann and Domenicali on their new career paths!"
"First announced in\n March last year\n, the Shell Recharge High-Performance Charging (HPC) network, set-up in collaboration between Shell Malaysia and Porsche Asia Pacific, has now been completed in Malaysia.\nWith six DC fast charging stations in Malaysia, plus further extensions into Singapore and Thailand, the Shell HPC network is now the longest cross-country high-performance charging infrastructure EV network in Southeast Asia.\nThe six stations are strategically placed along the North-South Expressway (NSE), with less than 200 km between one another to prevent EV range anxiety. These stations are located at \nShell Hentian Tangkak Lay-By (South Bound)\n, Pagoh Rest Area (North Bound), RTC Simpang Pulai (North Bound), Tapah RSA NSE (South Bound), Seremban R&R NSE (North Bound), and Seremban R&R NSE (South Bound).\nRELATED: \nShell and Porsche announce cross-country 180 kW charging network, six stations in M\u2019sia\nEach station is equipped with a 180 kW DC fast charger, with two CCS Type 2 charging connectors that allow for a single vehicle to be charged at up to 180 kW, or two vehicles to charge simultaneously at up to 90 kW each. However, the stations are currently only operating with one single bay to maximise charging speeds, due to the time-based payment structure via the ParkEasy app.\nThree payment tiers are currently offered; the base pay-per-use tier will cost RM4 per minute, while the Gold and Platinum (exclusively for Porsche) memberships offers a significantly cheaper per-minute rate, alongside a one-hour reservation period instead of the 10-minutes booking period for the free pay-per-use tier. A full breakdown on the charging costs can be found on Shell\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nAt a recent media drive event for the new Shell Recharge HPC network, Shell Malaysia Head of Brand and Customer Experience, Bryan Gee also revealed that the company is currently looking into implementing a pay-by-use payment scheme based on per-kWh electricity consumed, which will free up the second bay to be used concurrently. However, a timeline for this plan was not shared.\nALSO READ: \nShell installs solar panels at 216 petrol stations\nGALLERY"
"Seems like the world can\u2019t hold back its passion for the \nfourth-generation Renault Megane RS\n after Renault Sport F1 race driver, \nNico H\u00fclkenberg took it around Circuit de Monaco\n during the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. The hot-hatch was leaked onto \nFacebook\n before its global debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor show.\nMuch like the \nleaked patent filings\n, the Megane RS spots a slightly more aggressive look compared to the regular version as one can tell from the additional chrome bits, chequered flag fog lamps and sleeker intakes. At the side, it appears to ride on the same wheel design as seen on its first public appearance with an additional air curtain presumably for aerodynamic functions.\nThe clearest image of the car is the rear end where it gets a central mounted exhaust outlet like its predecessor, new bumper with air curtains as well as a large diffuser. Elsewhere, it would seem that the hot RS version would look not much different than the regular model.\nBased on the limited information at hand, we know that there will be two variants of the Megane RS \u2013 street friendly \nSport\n and track focused \nCup\n. Four-wheel steering (4Control system) will also debut on the car. Renault has also \nconfirmed that a six-speed transmission\n and a six-speed EDC dual clutch automatic will be available as an option.\nWe loved every moment being behind the wheel of the outgoing \nRenault Megane RS 265 Sport\n and was one of the \nbest cars we\u2019ve driven in 2016\n. Knowing that Renault Sport are even more involved in this model, we have our eyes peeled for September.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In case you\u2019ve lost track of time, it\u2019s been nearly two years since the\n Toyota GR Yaris was first revealed\n. Fast forward to 2021 and having driven the car on the Sepang Circuit, there\u2019s zero doubt of its ability. The hot hatch has effortlessly lived up to all the hype it had generated on paper and online.\nIn Malaysia, the \n127 units\n which were allocated for our market were snapped up within months if not weeks following its launch. It was introduced here with the Performance Pack, priced at \nRM299,000\n.\nThe \nPerformance Pack\n includes Torsen mechanical limited-slip differentials in the front and back, 18-inch BBS wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, retuned dampers, retuned power steering, and red GR brake calipers for some added flair.\n \nIt seems there\u2019s a similar frenzy in Australia as well, where the first\u00a0\n1,000 units were snapped up within a week\n. To date, approximately 1700 units of the turbocharged 3-cylinder hatchback have been delivered to customers in Australia.\nWatch the Toyota GR Yaris being driven the way it\u2019s supposed to on a really narrow road!\nToyota GR Yaris \u2018Rallye Edition\u2019.\nYet, demand for the hot hatchback is still strong according to Toyota Australia with the company releasing a statement saying that it is \ntrying to secure as many units as possible\n.\nFind out what the Toyota GR Yaris \u2018Rallye Edition\u2019 in Australia is all about!\nGR Yaris with Tom\u2019s bodykit. Read about it \nhere\n.\nFor now however, Toyota Australia announced that it has to \nstop taking orders temporarily from the 1st of July\n. The company will announce on a later date when order books reopen \u2013 such is the demand.\nToyota Australia also said it will continue to negotiate and secure further supply of the GR Yaris in due course.\nFind out in detail about the Toyota GR Yaris in Malaysia here!"
"Not content with just smashing the all-time Pikes Peak record last month, the Volkswagen I.D. R race car made its way to the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed and proceeded to set a new record for electric vehicles on the infamous hill climb competition along a treacherous 1.86km route lined with trees, stone walls and hay bales.\nThe I.D. R is powered by twin motors with an output of 670hp and 670Nm; weighs less than 1,100kg.\nRomain Dumas, who also piloted the I.D R up Pikes Peak, completed the Goodwood Hillclimb in 43.86 seconds, beating not only the rest of the field but also the EV record by a comfortable 3.48 seconds. But it would\u2019ve turned out so differently if Dumas hadn\u2019t pulled off what must be the mother of all saves during a practice run prior to the record attempt, under the watchful eyes of 200,000 spectators and Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess.\n\u201cGoodwood is an absolutely fantastic event and I am more than happy that we won in front of such a great crowd of motorsport enthusiasts,\u201d said the 40-year-old Dumas after his record-breaking drive. \u201cThe hill climb track is short but often dirty and therefore you should definitely not underestimate it,\u2019 the Frenchman added. So true.\nWhile the all-wheel drive Volkswagen I.D. R now holds the honour of being the fastest EV at Goodwood (and the third quickest ever), the fastest run ever up the hill is still held by Nick Heidfeld who stopped the clock at 41.6 seconds in a McLaren Mercedes MP4/13 Formula 1 racer back in 1999, the V10-powered car which Mika Hakkinen raced to the 1998 drivers\u2019 crown."
"In celebrating the launch of the first ever, all-new Lexus UX, the company has fitted the car with custom tyres inspired by designer John Elliot and the Nike Air Force 1 shoe.\nRevealed at the New York Fashion Week after-party recently, the collaboration features an all-white UX with custom tyre details inspired by Elliott\u2019s design of the shoe.\nThe tyre features white on white layers, double-stitched leather and a stepped metal air valve that resembles Elliot\u2019s stacked metal lace tip.\nThe\n Lexus UX made its world debut early\n last year at the Geneva Motor Show with UX200 with \n168 hp\n and the UX250h with a combined \n176 hp\n, paired with Lexus\u2019 Direct Shift CVT.\nLexus Malaysia also displayed the new UX at the\n 2018 KLIMS\n, in the form of the \nUX200\n. The car also featured a host of Lexus Safety System+ which includes Pre-collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS) among others.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz\u2019s bestselling model, the W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has just gotten a \nfacelift earlier this year\n. Aside from minor nip and tuck on its aesthetics, the three-pointed star has also introduced extensive upgrades in the technology side of things. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the C-Class facelift before it is officially introduced here in Malaysia.\nStarting with the looks, the C-Class now gets a new headlamp and taillamp design (sedan only) that is much more minimalistic than before. But the top of the range variant will receive the Multibeam LED headlamps for the first time. The Multibeam uses 84 individual LEDs for forward illumination and is certainly something we look forward to on the Malaysian spec sheet.   Other less apparent changes on the exterior are the more angular bumper piece with a silver strip garnish, diamond radiator grille for AMG Line (previously available on \nC 43\n & C-Class Coupes) as well as new alloy wheel design.\nStepping inside and the changes become more apparent. New items include the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display (optional), new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, 10.25-inch Command Online Infotainment screen (optional) with Linguatronic voice control. The latter first debut on the \nW177 A-Class\n and allows you to say \u201chumanised\u201d commands to control various functions in-car functions.   Powertrain options remain as per before, but the \nC 200\n that we are all familiar with is now a mild-hybrid petrol powertrain. It pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with \n184 hp\n/\n280 Nm\n to a 48V onboard network and \nEQ Boost\n to give it additional \n14 hp\n. EQ Boost, as the name suggests, provides additional boost when the turbocharger is building up boost, giving the car quicker shift times and reduced turbo lag.\nThe mild-hybrid system is paired to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and is capable of sending the C 200 to 100 km/h from standstill in \n7.7 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n239 km/h\n. Other powertrain options include the\u00a0\nC 180\n with \n156 hp\n/\n250 Nm\n from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo, \nC 300\n with \n190 hp\n/\n370 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo and\u00a0\u00a0\nC 400\n with \n333 hp\n/\n480 Nm\n from a 3.0-litre V6 turbo mill \u2013 all mated to the 9G-Tronic transmission.\nThe C-Class gets a big bump in driver assistance systems now with the inclusion of extended Active Brake Assist as a standard feature. The autonomous emergency braking system can mitigate rear-end collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.\nOther optional kit includes Active Distance Distronic, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Steering Assist as well as Evasive Steering Assist. All these give the C-Class semi-autonomous driving capabilities.\nIt is only a matter of time before the Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift arrives on our shores and it would not be too far of a stretch to say it will go on sale in Malaysia by the end of 2018. What do you think dear readers, what are the features you would want Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to include them in the spec-sheet?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Sedan Facelift   Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC Coupe Facelift   Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet Facelift   Mercedes-Benz C 220d Estate Facelift"
"Set for release in cinemas from the 30th of September onwards, the latest James Bond film \u2018No Time To Die\u2019 will feature the Range Rover Sport SVR in a chase sequence and the company is eager for you to see it beforehand.\nThe scene was led by Oscar-winning special effects and action vehicles supervisor Chris Corbould, who was quick to praise the ability of the enormous Range Rover.\n\u201cThey\u2019re the perfect car for what we\u2019re doing \u2013 high-speed driving, throwing around corners,\u201d said Chris.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aWxFMshOM4\nIn case you\u2019re wondering if Range Rover has modified the SVRs just for the shoot, the company was quick to highlight that the SVRs feature the same suspension as the production models.\nRange Rover waves goodbye to the Sport SVR with a swanky new \u201cUltimate\u201d edition. Read about it here!\nThe two units you see in the film are finished in Eiger Grey and fitted with 22-inch wheels and the Carbon Pack. The optional package includes items like front fender vents, lower bumper intakes, front grille, and side mirrors finished in gloss carbon fibre.\n\u201cWe shoot everything for real so we\u2019ve pushed it to the absolute maximum and the pursuit promises to be one of the memorable set-piece moments of the film,\u201d said the stunt coordinator Lee Morrison.\u00a0\nThe Sport SVR is powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, with 575 hp and a whopping 700 Nm. That\u2019s enough for it to up and go form 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. It also has a top speed of 283 km/h, making it the fastest Land Rover ever.\nNo Time To Die, Daniel Craig\u2019s final film as James Bond,\u00a0will also feature a Range Rover Classic alongside three Defenders and a Series III Land Rover.\nThose keen on purchasing the exact Range Rover Sport SVR seen in the film, click here!"
"The new \n12th generation Toyota Corolla launched in Malaysia \nOctober last yea\nr\n is without contest the \nbest-looking Corolla\n in the line up\u2019s history but for the European market, Toyota has added a little more spice with some GR Sport touches and my oh my!\nBefore you get too excited, let\u2019s come back to Earth for a bit. All the GR Sport touches are mainly focuses on aesthetics so for the exterior, the chrome pieces on the Corolla\u2019s body have been replaced with piano black trims.\nThey includes those on the front grille, window surrounds and beneath the doors. The same treatment has also been applied to the C-shaped trims on the front bumper, giving the Corolla a much angrier look.\nThen there\u2019s the black roof and black strip across the boot but what really got our attention are those optional 18-inch wheels. It\u2019s day and night compared to the 10-spoke 17-inch set we get in Malaysia and frankly, the former suits the 12th generation Corolla\u2019s aggressive looks much better.\nYou get a GR Sport badge at the back but the one on the door sill is an even nicer touch \u2013 classier if we may. The cabin also gets visibly more sporty seats compared to our local models, with white and red stitching, in line with the Toyota Gazoo Racing colours.\nGALLERY"
"According to a study by the \nCenter of Automotive Management\n (CAM) \u2013 an independent scientific institute for empirical automotive and mobility research as well as for strategic advice at the University of Applied Sciences of Business ( FHDW ) based in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, Mercedes-Benz is the leading premium brand for innovations over the period of 2016 to 2019.\nCAM analysed the automotive innovations of \n31 premium brands\n and Mercedes-Benz proved to be the most innovative, with around \n180 new features\n in series production. These innovations included assistance systems such as the anti-theft warning system, the intuitive and intelligent multimedia system MBUX and ENERGIZING comfort control.\nMercedes-Benz first presented the MBUX multimedia system at the 2018 CES show. The name of this infotainment system denotes the emphasis and precedence on user experience (UX), with a key feature of MBUX being its ability to learn via artificial intelligence.\nMBUX is thus customisable and adapts to the user, and creates an emotional link between vehicle, driver and passengers. Other complementary functions include the high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touch operation, navigation display with augmented reality technology plus intelligent voice control with speech recognition, activated by saying \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d. Over-the-air updates are also possible.\nIn Malaysia, selected models now come with the latest \nMercedes me connect (Mmc) \nremote access services, namely the \nnewly facelifted GLC\n and A-Class range fitted with the latest version of the MBUX hardware; other Mercedes-Benz models sold here will also be updated over time. By installing the \nMercedes me app\n (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store), users can access a host of information and features of their vehicle via their smartphone, including vehicle maintenance management, accident recovery, remote engine start, vehicle diagnostics, etc."
"Most car enthusiasts would have most definitely heard about the Cannonball \u2013 an illegal, not-so-secret cross-country race that involves driving specially-prepped cars at high-speed from New York to Los Angeles.\nThe challenge is still alive and well today, with the most recent record was set only in 2020, with a 25 hours and 39 minutes run using a modified\n Audi S6\n \u2013 that means an average speed throughout the entire run of 180 km/h, by the way. You can learn more about the run at VNWiki\u2019s YouTube video \nhere\n.\nSo yes, it\u2019s already a well-known thing among the enthusiast, but arguably, the reason that it\u2019s so popular today is because of the 1981 film \u201cThe Cannonball Run\u201d that truly brought the covert activity to the attention of the masses. And today, the Lamborghini Countach that was used in the film has been officially added to the US National Historic Vehicle Register.\nThe Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S, with chassis number 1121112 and a black and mustard yellow interior, is just car number 30 to be considered of \u201cnational importance for the United States\u201d, joining an illustrious ensemble that includes a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, the oldest known jeep in the world, the first Indianapolis 500 winner, and the 15-millionth Ford Model T.\nLamborghini has brought the Countach nameplate back with a modern-day recreation of the poster car. Check it out here!\nAnd the car is kept in an immaculate condition, just like how it was on the film, having had just two owners in the last 40 years. It was delivered new to Lamborghini\u2019s distributor in Rome, and immediately exported to the United States where it was sold to its owner in Florida.\nThe owner, being a friend of the film\u2019s director Hal Needham, loaned the car to him for filming purposes where the Countach was modified for the movie with the addition of a front spoiler, twin spotlights, three antennas and 12(!) exhaust pipes. And as they say, the rest is history \u2013 quite literally this time.\nThe coolest part of this whole ordeal is that, as part of the National Historic Vehicle Register, the Countach #1121112, will be fully 3D-scanned, with all of its information and documentations preserved in the US\u2019 Library of Congress \u2013 quite a feat for a car in a comedy film.\nTo celebrate the occasion, the car is also being displayed this week inside a glass case on the National Mall in Washington D.C.. But for the rest of us to see, we\u2019ve also included the full intro of the Cannonball Run film featuring the Countach in question, for posterity\u2019s sake of sorts.\n \nIt\u2019s perhaps just a coincidence that the movie car is being added to the register on the 50th anniversary of the original Countach, but something tells us that we\u2019re not quite done yet with Lamborghini\u2019s celebrations, seeing that they\u2019ve been \nteasing the car on its social media pages\n. Keep your eyes peeled.\nGALLERY"
"Finally, it\u2019s time for\nMalaysia\u2019s best-selling sedan to receive the magic touch. Lo and behold, the\n2019 facelifted Proton Saga, the latest member of the Proton\u2019s current line up\nto be refreshed with an updated exterior, new features as well as a new 4-speed\nautomatic transmission.\nLike all the models launched in 2019, the Saga is now cheaper across the board with three variants available. The Saga 1.3 Standard (MT) is priced at RM32,800 while the automatic is priced at RM35,800. Lastly, the range-topping Saga 1.3 Premium goes for RM39,800. Prices quoted are all OTR without insurance.\n \nQUICK FACTS \nName\nProton Saga 1.3 Standard (MT)\nProton Saga 1.3 Standard (AT)\nProton Saga 1.3 Premium (AT)\nEngine\n1,332cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinder VVT\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n95 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n120 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM32,800\nRM35,800\nRM39,800\nOn the outside, the refreshed Saga gains new visual cues as the Iriz and Persona. For starters it now gets an Infinite Weave front grille, new front bumper with jewel-like LED daytime running lights (Premium variant only), 15-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 185/55 profile rubbers (Standard variant gets 14-inch items with 185/60 profile tyres), new rear bumper, integrated rear spoiler as well as PROTON inscription across the rear trunk.\nInside, the 2019 Saga features\na new fabric upholstery for the seats, new centre console panel, sun visors\nwith ticket holder, new instrument cluster with LCD multi-info display as well\nas remote trunk release across all variants.\nGoing with the Standard\n(AT) and Premium, it adds on a new headliner with foldable assist grip, LED map\nlights as well as 2 USB charging ports. However, only the top of the range\nPremium variant gets the new 7.0-inch floating touchscreen infotainment with\nsmartphone connectivity, reverse camera, four speakers (Standard gets two) and steering\nwheel audio switches.\nUnfortunately, the Saga\u2019s\nfancy new floating infotainment screen does not support GKUI voice command nor\nonline connectivity. You won\u2019t be able to wow your friends with the \u201cHi Proton\u201d\nfunction in the Saga.\nUnder the hood rests the same 1.3-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder VVT engine developing \n95 hp \nand \n120 Nm \nof torque paired to either an automatic or 5-speed manual option. \nPurists\n will be glad to know that Proton has ditched the Punch-sourced CVT for a Hyundai-sourced 4-speed torque converter. The new gearbox also comes with a new layout P-R-N-D-S instead of P-R-N-D-3-2 layout on older Sagas.\nSafety wise, the Saga\ngets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounting\npoints. Only on the 1.3 Premium variant features Electronic Stability Control, Hill\nHold Assist and Front Parking Sensors.\nThere are five exterior\ncolours to choose from \u2013 Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Rosewood Maroon\nand Ruby Red. Every purchase also comes with a 5-Years/150,000 km Warranty and\n3 times Free Labour Service.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2019 Facelifted Proton Saga 1.3 Premium"
"Following the launch of the new all-new \nA3 Sportback\n last month, Audi has finally introduced the fourth-generation A3 in four-door sedan form.\nUnsurprisingly, the new Audi A3 Sedan looks almost identical to the Sportback version, except with a boot tacked-on. That means that compared to its \npredecessor\n, the design changes are also mostly evolutionary \u2013 which isn\u2019t a bad thing in this case.\nThere are a few subtle differences between the two though (other than the body style), such as the lower character line which now extends rearwards towards the bumper, emphasising the length of the Sedan while also giving it a more elegant look. The integrated boot lip spoiler gives the A3 Sedan an athletic appearance without looking like a boy racer.\nThanks to the higher rear end and large diffuser, the all-new Audi A3 sedan is \nmore aerodynamic than before\n, with a Cd of 0.25 \u2013 0.04 better than its predecessor. The aerodynamic is further helped by the electronically-controlled louvre behind the Singleframe grille \u2013 which regulates the cooling air flow based on requirement.\nThe all-new Audi A3 Sedan has grown slightly in all dimensions compared to its predecessor, but most notably in length which is \nincreased by 40 mm\n \u2013 also making it 150 mm longer than the Sportback. Wheelbase is unchanged, which means interior space is largely unchanged, though Audi says that the headroom is increased by 2 cm in front thanks to a lower seat placement, along with a little more elbow room.\nThe interior architecture is also ported directly from the Sportback too, featuring a driver-focused dashboard with minimal buttons and knobs. As standard, the Audi A3 Sedan comes with a \n10.1-inch central infotainment display\n, angled slightly towards the driver.\nRunning on the latest Modular Infotainment Platform 3, Audi promises processing speeds of up to 10 times faster than before. As expected, connectivity options are aplenty, including LTE cellular and Car-to-X services.\nThe infotainment display is paired to a \n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\n as standard, but can be upgraded to the \n12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus\n model, which includes better functionality and more modular display layouts. A head-up display can also be specified.\nAt launch, the Audi A3 Sedan will be offered in three powertrain options. On the petrol side, the 35 TFSI variant gets a \n1.5-litre four cylinder engine\n, generating \n150 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. The engine can be paired to a new six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission.\nWith the dual-clutch transmission, the powertrain will also feature a\n 48-volt mild hybrid system\n. Audi says that the electric motor can supply \nup to 50 Nm of torque\n during acceleration just from recuperated energy.\nAlthough acceleration times are unchanged with the added 48V system (both versions have a century sprint time of 8.4 seconds), Audi says that it reduces consumption by up to \n0.4 l/100km\n in everyday driving.\nAs for the oil-burners, the Audi A3 Sedan can also be had with a \n2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine\n, which makes \n150 hp \nand \n360 Nm\n of torque. The diesel powerplant is paired to the same seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission, which utilises a new shift-by-wire technology.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan\u2019s all-new, \n12th generation Nissan NP300 Navara\n will be storming to Malaysian shores as early as next month. This follows after the pickup truck\u2019s introduction to other markets like Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and most recently Europe at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. With more than 14 million units sold over the course of 80 years, the Navara is certainly one of Nissan\u2019s bread and butter models.\nUnder the hood of the new Navara is Nissan\u2019s improved version of the \n2.5-litre diesel engine\n (codename YD25) making a good\n 187 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque from just 2,000 rpm. It appears that we won\u2019t be getting the \ntwin-turbocharged 2.3-litre dCi engine\n after all, then. It\u2019s paired to a first-in-class \nseven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode\u00a0\nor a six-speed manual gearbox, and it\u2019s available in either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. It\u2019s also the first Japanese pickup fitted with a \nmulti-link type rear suspension\n for a more SUV-like handling and comfort.\nEdaran Tan Chong Malaysia (ETCM) has hinted that the Malaysian-bound NP300 will get \nfull LED headlights\n with the distinctive\n boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights\n, including the boldly chromed \u201cV-motion\u201d grille, whereas the rear will settle for a new spoiler. Other noteworthy features include Nissan\u2019s highly rated \nZero Gravity Inspired Seats\n (possibly the most comfortable pickup yet) and \ndual zone air-conditioning\n with rear air vents.\nMore details of the interior will come as we inch closer to the launch date, but Nissan claims that the cabin is nearly as practical as that of a car, which to us is quite a significant statement to make. On the flip side, the Navara boasts having a \ntowing capacity of 3,500kg\n, with the rear bed capable of hauling nearly 1,000kg of goods.   ETCM made no mention of its official arrival as yet, but trust us to bring you the latest development of the NP300 Navara. While we eagerly anticipate its arrival, Nissan\u2019s latest pickup will be \ntouring the country\n beginning next week, so be sure to catch it in person!\nDate\nRegion\nVenue\n15 \u2013 18 Oct\nEastern\nKota Bharu Mall\n21 \u2013 25 Oct\nCentral\n1 Utama Shoping Mall\n6 \u2013 8 Nov\nSouthern\nBatu Pahat Mall\n10 \u2013 15 Nov\nNorthern\nAeon Station 18\n12 \u2013 15 Nov\nCentral\nASEAN Auto Show\n12 \u2013 15 Nov\nNorthern\nSunway Carnival Mall\n15 \u2013 21 Nov\nEastern\nTesco Kota Bharu\n18 \u2013 22 Nov\nCentral\nIOI City Mall\n20 \u2013 22 Nov\nSabah\nImago Kota Kinabalu\n20 \u2013 22 Nov\nSarawak\nCity One Kuching\n20 \u2013 22 Nov\nSouthern\nMydin Seremban\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s good to be back with our review videos and we kick off the post MCO life with this \u2013 the recent talk of the town \u2013 the S60 T8 PHEV R-Design. Since we had the car, Volvo Car Malaysia has gone on to\n introduce a locally-assembled equivalent at the same RM296k price tag\n.\nIt\u2019s by far the most powerful S60 Volvo has ever built thus far; with the T8 variant churning out a whopping total of \n407 hp\n and\n 604 Nm \nfrom it\u2019s 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine which powers the front wheels while an electric motor powering the rear two.\n \nIt may not offer the same excitement that a supercar of equivalent power would, but as you\u2019d see in the video, it\u2019s got quite a bit of poke for a 2-tonne machine. In fact, square the S60 up with the likes of \nBMW\u2019s M2 Competition or Toyota\u2019s Supra\n and it could just spring a surprise!\nIn the video we also discussed what the S60 T8 is like compared to the BMW\u2019s 3 series and Mercedes-Benz\u2019s C-Class in terms of its aesthetics, \u201cwow factor\u201d and driving feel. We also discussed whether customers who can afford to pay RM300k for a car would prefer an SUV, like the Mercedes-Benz GLC or the BMW X3, and if sedans in this segment and price point are still relevant.\nWhen you\u2019re done, have a look at this \ncomparison between the Mercedes-Benz C300, BMW 330i against the S60 T8\n for more perspectives!\nGALLERY"
"Singapore welcomed a special edition MINI Clubman recently, the \nClubman Jermyn Edition\n, named after an iconic street in London known for refined menswear.\nHead of MINI Asia, Kidd Yam said, \u201cThe MINI Clubman is without a doubt the suavest model of the marque. When conceptualising this special edition, we found ourselves drawn to Jermyn Street in London, where some of the most important names in menswear began.\n\u201cToday, Jermyn Street is widely considered the spiritual home for refined British menswear and therefore the Jermyn Edition is for those who value refinement, possess savoir-faire, and seek to live their lives with authenticity and passion.\u201d\nThe Clubman Jermyn Edition is only available in three exterior colours \u2013 Enigmatic Black, Pepper White, and Rooftop Grey.\nIn case you haven\u2019t noticed, there is only one racing stripe on the front bonnet of the Jermyn Edition, as opposed to the usual two. The Herringbone decal as MINI calls it, is only available in Melting Silver or Matte Black.\nFacts & Figures: Facelift MINI John Cooper Works Countryman launched, from RM375,493. More about it here!\nOther exclusive items on the exterior include an emblem with a Herringbone background, on the C-pillar. The front door sill plates have the same Herringbone design etched into them and upon opening the doors, the \u2018Jermyn Edition\u2019 letters are illuminated.\nThe Jermyn also gets the MINI Yours optional 18-inch dual-tone wheels and the Union Jack graphics on the tail lights like most MINIs today. The interior is wrapped in MINI Yours Leather Lounge upholstery, with more Jermyn emblems on the dashboard ahead.\nUnder the hood of the Clubman Jermyn Edition is 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 178 hp and 280 Nm, allowing the car to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The engine is paired to a 7-speed gearbox.\nWatch the MINI JCW Clubman race against the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC and the FK8 Honda Civic Type R on KLIA\u2019s runway!\nGALLERY"
"Lamborghini\u00a0has proudly revealed its latest lightweight supercar, the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. Just last week, the \nHuracan Performante\n\u00a0became the fastest production car to lap the\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring, and it was a good 3 seconds ahead of the Aventador SV!\nWith a time of 6 minutes and 52.01 seconds, there are a few good reasons how it managed such a blistering feat. First, the Huracan Performante weighs just 1,382kg, approximately\u00a0\n40kg\n lighter than the standard version. Its newfound aerodynamic kit, comprised of a huge rear spoiler, new front bumper and rear diffuser, are all made from lightweight carbon-fibre and aluminium construction.   It also benefits from active aerodynamics seductively called\u00a0\nAerodinamica\n \nLamborghini Attiva\n.\u00a0The flaps actively vary its angle at all speeds to optimise downforce and stability.\nThe naturally-aspirated V10 has been given a power bump, with final outputs reading at\u00a0\n640 hp\n and\n 600 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a\u00a0seven-speed dual clutch transmission, which is the same as the standard \nHuracan LP 610\n. The century sprint takes just\n 2.9 seconds\n, with a\u00a0top speed of\u00a0\n325km/h\n.\nComplementing the added power is a set of stiffer suspension and new 20-inch wheels wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubbers. The grippier Pirelli Trofeo R (a street-legal racing tyres) which was used during the N\u00fcrburgring record run can be had as an option. Stopping power comes from ventilated and cross-drilled carbon ceramic discs for all four corners, with\u00a0six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear.\nAs expected with track special machines, the interior is draped with carbon fibre and\u00a0Alcantara trimmings. The same digital cockpit is retained, however all else can be individually personalised to each customer\u2019s tastes through the Lamborghini \u201cAd Personam\u201d Program.\nThe 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Performante has a starting price of\n\u00a0\u00a3210,000\n (approximately \nRM1.14 million\n),\u00a0making it the most expensive Huracan available for public purchase to date. That\u2019s a lot of performance for not a whole lot of money, because the slower\u00a0\nPorsche 918\n\u00a0(around the Green Hell that is) costs three times more!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you think the current lineup of Land Rover Defender already huge, brace yourself because it\u2019s about to get even bigger. Land Rover has just unveiled the new Defender 130, starting from \u00a373,895 (approx. RM408k) which is essentially an extended version of the\n Defender 110\n that now allows for an occupancy of up to eight people.\nThis is made possible by a 340mm extended rear overhang that significantly enhances the interior space; allowing for a 2+3+3 seating arrangement that houses three adults comfortably in the 3rd row.\nNot only has there been another row of seats but additional creature comforts have been added to enhance the ride quality of the passengers as well.\u00a0\nThe Defender 130 exclusively comes with 4-zone climate control to accommodate the 3rd-row passengers as well as large rear windows, a panoramic sunroof paired with a 2nd sunroof, additional USB ports, and storage compartments.\u00a0\u00a0\nA new and larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro curved touchscreen now dominates the central infotainment centre where drivers can personalise the three-panel layout to their desires.\u00a0\nAnother new feature making its first appearance in the Defender 130 is the Cabin Air Purification Plus. The Defender 130 comes standard with nanoe\u2122 X technology that reduces allergens and pathogens, as well as odors and potential viruses.\u00a0\nTo ensure the best possible air quality for passengers, the Defender 130 also comes with C02 management and PM 2.5 Cabin Air Filtration that monitors interior and exterior air for constant adjustments.\u00a0\nThe Defender 130 will be integrated with Land Rover\u2019s new innovative navigation system called \u2018what3words\u2019 that has the ability to navigate every part of the world precisely. This is made possible by breaking the world down into 57 million 3m x 3m squares. Each of these squares is then given a unique and easy-to-remember three-word address.\u00a0\nThere will be four different specifications for the Defender 130 consisting of the SE, HSE, X-Dynamic, and X, as well as a separate First Edition (that is based on the HSE specification).\u00a0\nA new interior trim material also makes its first appearance in the Defender 130 named \u2018Natural\u00a0Light Oak engineered wood veneer\u2019 that is said to make a fine pair with the Oyster Perforated Windsor seats. Vintage Tan perforated leather seats are available across all Defender 130 ranges, while robust fabric with a dual-tone finish is available in X-Dynamic variants.\u00a0\nMechanically, the Defender 130 is fitted with Land Rover\u2019s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system, an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, and Electronic Air Suspension as standard on Land Rover\u2019s monocoque D7x Architecture.\u00a0\nThe iAWD system optimises on-road efficiency and off-road capabilities by managing the powertrain and its power distribution between the front and rear axles separately.\u00a0\nThe Defender 130 comes with four different engine options:\nPetrol:\no \u00a0 P300 \u2013 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 300hp, 470Nm torque, 0-100km/h in 8 seconds\no \u00a0 P400 \u2013 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 400hp, 550Nm torque 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds\nDiesel:\no \u00a0 D250 \u2013 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 250hp, 600Nm torque 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds\no \u00a0 D300 \u2013 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 300hp, 650Nm torque 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is at it again, with not one but three AMG models launched together at the Sepang International Circuit. One of them is this one, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe.\n While the name is shared with the two-door \nMercedes-AMG GT\n, the \nGT 4-door Coupe\n has a lot in common with the W213 E-Class. It\u2019s not just a stretched GT Coupe because the GT 4-door Coupe rides on the\n MRA platform\n which also underpins the \nC257 CLS\n.\n \nQUICK\u00a0FACTS\nMercedes-AMG GT 43 4MATIC+\nMercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+\nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+\n Engine\n3.0-litre Biturbo inline-6 + EQ Boost ISG\n3.0-litre Biturbo inline-6 + EQ Boost ISG\n4.0-litre Biturbo V8\n Tranmission\n9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT\n9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT\n9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT\n Max Power\n367 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,100 rpm\n435 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,100 rpm\n639 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\n Max Torque\n500 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n520 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 5,800 rpm\n900 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n 0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.9 seconds; 270 km/h\n4.5 seconds; 285 km/h\n3.8 seconds; 270 km/h\n Price (OTR without Insurance)\n RM 1,098,888\n RM 1,298,888\n RM 1,798,888\nYou\u2019ll get to choose from three flavours: \nGT 43 4MATIC+\n, \nGT 53 4MATIC+\n, and the big daddy \nGT 63 S 4MATIC+\n. The GT 43 and the GT 53 variants use the same \n3.0-litre biturbo inline-six\n with \nEQ Boost\n integrated starter-generator (ISG) that develops \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n in the former, or \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n in the latter.\nThe \nGT 63 S\n gets a \n4.0-litre biturbo V8\n under its bonnet, delivering \n639 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. All variants\n drive all four wheels\n and uses the \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G\n transmission, except that the GT 63 S used the \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G\n 9-speed transmission with a wet clutch.\nIt\u2019s no surprise that the GT 63 S is the quickest off the line as it sprints to 100 km/h from standstill in just \n3.2 seconds\n. The GT 43 and the GT 53 take 4.9 seconds and 4.5 seconds respectively, while the top speed is rated at 270 km/h for the GT 43, 285 km/h for the GT 53, and \n315 km/h\n for the GT 63 S.\nThe cabin is almost similar to the C257 CLS, but there\u2019s a bespoke center console featuring \ncolour display buttons\n to adjust the driving modes. In terms of equipment the GT 4-door Coupe gets\n AMG Track Pace\n as standard, which records driving data that can be viewed from the on-board Comand system. There\u2019s also \nDrive Pilot\n semi autonomous driving assistance to help you with the more mundane driving situation.\n Prices start from \nRM 1,098,888\n for the GT 43 4MATIC+, \nRM 1,298,888\n for the GT 53 4MATIC+, and \nRM 1,798,888\n for the GT 63 S 4MATIC+. The \nAMG Aerodynamics Package\n, \nAMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package\n, and the \nAMG Performance Exhaust System\n are among the few items fitted as standard on the range-topping GT 63 S, and there are various paint colours and finishes as well as wheel designs to choose from."
"Here comes yet another B-segment player, one that\u2019s generously equipped with nifty features like sunroof, six airbags and all, but on the flip side comes with the previous 1.4-litre engine and four-speed gearbox. \nIts footprint is just marginally larger than the Rio it replaces, and boot space is also increased with the rear bench featuring a 60:40 split folding. There\u2019s no magic seats like that in the Jazz, but what the Rio lacks it makes up for with style \u2013 lots of it.   The front gets halogen projector headlamps with U-shaped LED DRLs, projector fog lamps, sleek Tiger Nose grille, rear spoiler, rear combination LED lamps (with rear fog lamps) and 17-inch alloys wrapped with 205/45 tyres. There\u2019s also keyless entry with push-start button as well as rear parking sensors.\nThe cabin has been extensively redesigned and is distinctly Kia. It\u2019s a tad more premium in feel than most cars in the price bracket, with items such as arched dashboard, all-black fabric upholstery, sporty leather wrapped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, single-zone automatic climate control with cluster ioniser and a 5.0-inch floating LCD colour head unit.   It comes with the sole 1.4-litre Kappa MPI engine that\u2019s good for \n99 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n133 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. This is paired to the antiquated but rather reliable \nfour-speed automatic\n, driving the front wheels. \nOn the safety front, you get six airbags, ABS, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control and an Isofix child anchor. The Kia Rio carries a sticker price of \nRM79,888\n (OTR before insurance) and comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. There are four colours to choose from: Signal Red, Clear White, Silky Silver and Smoke Blue.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Built by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition \u2013 the highest range Velar you can buy \u2013 will only be available in the market for a year for a touch of exclusivity.\nWith a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, the \n550 hp\n winner of the \nWorld Car Design of the Year in 2018\n will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 274 km/h.\nTo cope with that level of performance, the brakes and suspension too have been upgraded; with revised Continuously Variable Dampers and 4-pot caliper brakes in the front, tucked behind the 21-inch lightweight wheels.\nThe new Dynamic Edition Velar features a new front bumper with larger air intakes, a new grille and a reworked rear bumper to accommodate the quad exhaust tips.\nThe Dynamic Edition\u2019s Variable Active Exhaust System optimises the V8 engine\u2019s rumble and is 7.1 kg lighter than the standard system.\nAerodynamic enhancements include a transmission tunnel undertray, allowing the Velar to cut through air more efficiently. Improvements on the undercarriage also extends to the upgraded anti-roll bars for reduced body roll.\nInside, the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is treated exclusively to Windsor leather upholstery, 20-way adjustable heated/cooled seats with massage function and a bespoke SVAutobiography Dynamic start-up screen.\nAll in all, engineers at Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations spent 63,900 hours fine-tuning the Range Rover Velar\u2019s ride, handling and responsiveness.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\n22.12.16 V1\n22.12.16 V1"
"It is no secret that the \nSmart #1\n \nwill soon be launched in Malaysia. Ahead of its public debut set to happen very soon, \nSmart Malaysia\n \nhas revealed that the Smart #1 has undergone some serious testing (20,000 km of it) to ensure that it is fit for the Malaysian market. After its first public appearance set to happen soon, the Smart #1 is set to be officially launched in Malaysia in Q4 2023.\nAlso ahead of its first public appearance, the Smart #1 has been previewed privately to member of the media and potential customers. The private gave participants the opportunity to experience the Smart #1 which included a test drive on a closed circuit. Participants not only learned the full details of the Smart #1, but also shared their feedback on the electric car.\nSmart Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Zhang Qiang said, \u201cBy bringing people together, especially the EV enthusiasts, and sharing knowledge, we hope to increase awareness and enable participants to explore our product firsthand by providing an opportunity to get up close and personal with smart #1.\u2019\u2019\nSmart Malaysia has yet to confirm the variants to be offered for the Malaysian market. Globally, the Smart #1 is available in its Pro+, Premium, Pulse, and Brabus variants. The former two are rear-wheel drive (RWD) and the latter two are all-wheel drive (AWD) models.\nRELATED: \nSpied \u2013 Smart #1 Brabus in Malaysia \u2013 428hp, 543Nm, 400km range\nSmart Malaysia has also revealed that the Smart #1 is undergoing extensive testing ahead of its public appearance and launch. This includes a 20,000 km adaptive test to evaluate the vehicle\u2019s performance, reliability, and safety in real-world conditions with a particular focus on adapting to the weather and road conditions in Malaysia. Even the head unit of the Smart #1 is being rigorously tested with multiple test cases.\nZhang Qiang adds, \u201cIn addition, we conducted local integration and display head function tests, which included 12,000 test cases and conditions. And on the service side, we have successfully developed our after-sales network and online system. Over the past 6 months, we have extensively tested the service functions to ensure a smooth experience for end users.\u201d\nRELATED: \n5 new Smart dealerships appointed across Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia expansion in 2024\nGALLERY"
"Uh oh, looks like Mercedes-Benz is also not spared from the whole dieselgate saga. Daimler AG has issued a voluntary recall for over 3 million diesel cars in Europe for a software update. This will improve emissions for Euro5 and Euro6 class cars.\nThe recall involves vehicles sold between 2008 and 2016 and is expected to cost the company\u00a0\n220 million Euros (approximately RM1.08 billion)\n. It will take roughly an\u00a0hour for each car and\u00a0will come at no cost to customers.\nDr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said: \u201cThe public debate about diesel engines is creating uncertainty \u2013 especially for our customers. We have therefore decided on additional measures to reassure drivers of diesel cars and to strengthen confidence in diesel technology\u201d."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia unveiled today the future replacement of the \nE350e plug-in hybrid\n, the new CKD E300 AMG Line to lead the locally-assembled E-Class pack that includes the E200 Avantgarde, E250 Avantgarde and E250 Exclusive.\n\u201cAs with all Mercedes-Benz E-Class\u2019, the E300 AMG Line is proudly assembled locally and comes with an exceptional range of class-leading features for the discerning customer. It is the natural choice to top the elegant E-Class family, with sporty appeal from the tasteful visual enhancements of the AMG Line interior and exterior,\u201d said Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Mark Raine.\n(Left) VP of Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine, with the President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Dr Claus Weidner.\nThe CKD E300 AMG Line with\n 245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n (0 to 100 km/h 6.2 seconds) is estimated to cost \nRM 388,888\n, around RM70,000 less than \nits CBU counterpart launched early last year\n.\nThat said, the equipment list on the 9-speed CKD E300 AMG Line isn\u2019t shabby either \u2013 it\u2019s anything but. Instead of the 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels on the CBU model, the CKD model now gets a 20-inch set.\nDespite being a CKD unit, it inherits prominent features from the CBU unit such as the panoramic roof, Multibeam LED headlights and hands-free boot access.\nInside, it isn\u2019t any different either \u2013 rendering the CBU option a completely pointless one. Audio stimulation still comes from the 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, with a widescreen cockpit featuring dual 12.3-inch displays, heads-up display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Parking Pilot, paddle shifters, 360-degree camera and Nappa leather seats among the notable premium cabin features carried over.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While sales of the \nToyota Vios\n in Malaysia have been unaffected by the \u201cprocedural irregularities\u201d by Daihatsu, sales of the \nToyota Yaris Ativ\n (the Vios equivalent) in Thailand have been suspended for the time being. The suspension is due to the Thai government\u2019s requirement that the Yaris Ativ/Vios Must be authorized by the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI).\nIf this is your first time hearing about this matter, Daihatsu Motor Corporation recently admitted to a \u201cprocedural irregularity\u201d where the driver door of the Yaris Ativ/Vios, and the \nAxia\n/Agya were modified for improvements in the side impact test. The admission was made on April 28, 2023, and since then, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has been quick to address the issue.\nThailand is perhaps the country most affected by this safety scandal by Daihatsu. On the matter, Toyota CEO of the Asia region, Masahiko Maeda said believes that the procedural irregularity may have been caused by immense pressure at the development side. He said, \u201cIf development had been carried out under appropriate conditions, this kind of problem would of course not have happened.\u201d\n\u201cI think the fact that it still happened, means there was some kind of pressure at the development site,\u201d he adds, stating that the vehicle\u2019s relatively large size may have posed a challenge to Daihatsu, which specializes in the production of small cars.\nRELATED: \nNo recalls for Toyota Vios amidst Daihatsu safety \u201cprocedural irregularity\u201d\nUN-R95 \u2013 Lateral Collision\nAs for Malaysia, sales of the Toyota Vios remain as usual with no need for recalls. This is because the Toyota Vios/Yaris Ativ still complies with the UN-R95 regulation for lateral collision. The sales suspension in Thailand is due to the decision of the Thai government. Once certified by the Thai government, sales of the Toyota Yaris Ativ will resume.\nFor the Malaysian market, UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. assures that the Vios is safe to use. In \na recent press release\n, he said, \u201cFor customers who have booked their All-New Toyota Vios or are interested in purchasing it, we would like to assure you that the All-New Toyota Vios model complies with all safety regulations and there is no compromise to the quality of the vehicles.\u201d\nSubsequent testing has validated that the vehicle meets the UN-R95 certification and there is no need for the Toyota Vios to be recalled as sales of the vehicle continue without disruption.\n\u201cWe sincerely apologise for any distress caused to our customers and we wish to assure everyone of the safety and quality of our vehicles. Our commitment to our customers\u2019 safety has always been and remains our topmost in our priority\u201d, he added.\nBesides the Toyota Vios/Yaris Ativ, the Perodua Axia/Toyota Agya has also been affected by the Daihatsu safety scandal. Like the Vios in Malaysia, Perodua ensures that no recalls are needed for the Perodua Axia.\nRELATED: \nNo recalls for Perodua Axia despite Daihatsu safety scandal, deliveries unaffected"
"ChatGPT is now available in certain \nMercedes-Benz\n cars through an optional beta testing programme in the United States. Yes, the popular artificial intelligence language processing tool will now be used for Mercedes-Benz\u2019s voice control system for over 900,000 vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system. The beta testing programme begins today, \nJune 16, 2023\n.\nCustomers who wish to participate in the programme may do so through the Mercedes Me app or simply say \u201cHey Mercedes, I want to join the beta programme\u201d through their car\u2019s voice command system. The rollout will happen over the air so customers can do it from wherever they wish.\nWith ChatGPT added to the voice command system, the MBUX Hey Mercedes voice command system will become even more intuitive. As Mercedes-Benz says, \u201cWhile most voice assistants are limited to predefined tasks and responses, Chat GPT leverages a large language model to greatly improve natural language understanding and expand the topics to which it can respond.\u201d\nOnly a beta testing programme for now, the use of ChatGPT in the MBUX voice command will soon enable you to have conversations with your car\u2019s voice command system. It is expected that the implementation will allow the voice command system to provide you with a more comprehensive answer to questions regarding a destination or even a new dinner recipe.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz one-ups Tesla, launches L3 autonomous driving in California\nOf course, the use of ChatGPT for the Mercedes-Benz voice command system is enabled through a collaboration with Microsoft. As for concerns regarding data privacy, Mercedes-Benz retains complete control over the IT processes in the background. The voice command data collected is stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where it is anonymized and analysed.\nMercedes-Benz Group AG Chief Technology Officer, Markus Sch\u00e4fer said, \u201cThe integration of ChatGPT with Microsoft in our controlled cloud environment is a milestone on our way to making our cars the centre of our customers\u2019 digital lives. Our beta programme boosts the existing Hey Mercedes functions such as navigation queries, weather requests and others with the capabilities of ChatGPT. This way, we aim to support conversations with natural dialogues and follow-up questions. Our customers can always rely on us to ensure the best possible protection of their data privacy. Everything is under one big goal: Redefining the relationship with your Mercedes.\u201d\nWhat are your thought on ChatGPT being integrated into Mercedes-Benz cars?\nRELATED: \nTo save you time, Mercedes-Benz and Bosch debut world\u2019s first L4 driverless valet parkin\ng"
"The biggest BMW Motorrad gathering in Malaysia happened at the first ever BMW Motorrad Day 2014, at Palace of Justice, Putrajaya. Organized by BMW Motorrad Malaysia, it is also the largest BMW Motorrad event in the country.\nMore than a thousand BMW Motorrad Club members, BMW motorcycles owners and enthusiasts were treated with car and bike stunts, and five new motorcycles launches.\nBMW Group Malaysia CEO, Dr.\u00a0Gerhard Pils welcomed the crowd, including riders from Singapore and Thailand. Followed by a speech from\u00a0BMW Motorrad head of region Asia, Pacific, Middle East, China and South Africa, Florian Renndorfer.\nThe highlight of the day was the launch of five new models namely the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, K 1600 GTL Exclusive, R 1200 RT and of course the\u00a0BMW R nineT and S 1000 R, which had a media launch the day before. There to introduce these new wheels was Product Manager of BMW Motorrad, Ulrich Ast.\nThe other attraction was stunt demonstrations by a MINI Cooper S Coupe, driven by our very own \nIvan Khong\n, National Gymkhana Champion.   Also, BMW Motorrad France stunt rider Jimmy Qu\u00e9tel, better known as\u00a0\nBig Jim\n, tamed the BMW F 800 R and the new BMW S 1000 R. The French stunt rider wowed the crowd with his amazing agility and skills, handling the huge BMW motorcycles and performing stunts with extraordinary showmanship.   Big Jim\u2019s close-up stunts with fans.   Autograph and photo session with Big Jim!   For more images from the event, check out our \nVideo and Image Gallery\n below. Before that, here are the images, prices and technical information on all five new BMW Motorcycles.\nBMW R nineT (RM 115,000)   BMW S 1000 R (RM 95,800)   BMW\u00a0R 1200 RT (RM 129,000)   BMW R 1200 GS Adventure (RM \u00a0135,000)   BMW\u00a0K 1600 GTL Exclusive (RM 188,888)   [divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Among the many C-Segment cars sold in Malaysia, only a handful few \u2013 usually reasonably safe models \u2013 will make it to the top of the sales chart. \nThe Ford Focus\n, for what it\u2019s worth, should be moving in great numbers. But it\u2019s not, and it\u2019s the least qualified to face such a harrowing predicament.\nFor the past 12 months, over 65,000 units of the Ford Focus were sold in Britain alone. That makes it the third\u00a0best selling car in the country, more\u00a0than 1,500 units ahead of the Volkswagen Golf. Okay, market differences aside, there really is no reason why the Ford Focus isn\u2019t worth your consideration. What could it be? Resale value? Poor/incompetent after sales? Costly spare parts?\nAlright, in fairness, I will gladly concede those points. I\u2019m not here to disprove nor invalidate your opinions, be it from hearsay or personal experience. This article is simply to pay tribute to a car so deserving of praise, and hopefully by the end of which, you\u2019ll find a reason or two to at least give the idea of purchasing some thought.\nIt\u2019s the most powerful car in its class\nWith an engine displacing 1.5-litres, the Focus EcoBoost flexes a maximum \n177 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm, thanks to a sole turbocharger. In comparison, \nthe Honda Civic\n\u2018s \u2013 currently the hottest selling C-Segment car \u2013 turbocharged 1.5-litre engine makes 171 hp at 5,500 rpm and 220 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm.\nThe Focus is more powerful, albeit by a small margin. Its biggest selling point however, is the \nsix-speed SelectShift automatic\n transmission.\nConventional automatic > CVT\nPreviously, the Focus came with a six-speed dual clutch auto (PowerShift). It wasn\u2019t the smoothest of operators, and is far inferior than Volkswagen\u2019s DSG, both in terms of shift speed and reliability. Ford completely overhauled the power- and drivetrain setup, which should brave\u00a0the test of time much better, in theory at least.\nIf given the choice, between the Civic and the Focus, I\u2019d go with the latter simply because it has a better gearbox. This is the part where it becomes subjective. For drivers\u00a0out there like myself who enjoy the occasional Sunday drives up the mountains, a cogged transmission is the way to go.\nCVTs lack the ability to hold revs, meaning you get little to no engine braking \u2013 something gravely important for the descent. However CVTs are programmed, it\u2019ll never be as satisfying or engaging as conventional autos or twin\u00a0clutch setups.\nAgain, this isn\u2019t a common indulgence, so to each their own.\nPremium, quiet cabin\nI cannot for the life of me, by way of sensory, distinguish whether the Focus or Civic has better cabin insulation. They\u2019re both dead equal in this regard, but in terms of comfort, the Civic takes the cake. It\u2019s a small compromise to make because the Focus is a remarkably comfortable car to be in for driver and passengers alike.   The suspension setup is delectably balanced, never too soft for spirited driving and never too hard for the notoriously long \nbalik kampung\n journeys. Couple that to a well insulated cabin smothered with high quality materials and you have yourself a standout performer.\nWe\u2019re not paid a cent to say any of this, by the way. It\u2019s just an honest commentary\u00a0to what we think is one of the best value for money, non-Japanese offering in the market. The entire Focus range is turbocharged, with the entry-level variant priced at RM119k (before insurance). This option won\u2019t give you techs like auto parking or ambient lighting, though. If you can live without those, it really is a no-brainer purchase.\nIs now a good time to buy the Ford Focus? In fact, it is. Shrewd enthusiasts can take advantage of the \nongoing promotion\n which lets you drive home a brand new Focus from just RM668 a month. It\u2019s subjected to terms and conditions of course, and it\u2019s probably not as attractive as Kia\u2019s Future Value Guarantee programme. But if you can see yourself past the crippling social stigma and give the Focus a shot, what we can guarantee you is the door to many, many good times behind the wheel.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2017 Malaysia Autoshow, powered by Malaysia Automotive Institute, is ongoing right now at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS), Serdang. Officiated just yesterday, Malaysia\u2019s most hyped auto show goes into full swing from 9th to 12th November 2017.\nManufacturers of different makes have jumped on the opportunity to unveil their latest and greatest vehicles that (hopefully) will go on sale domestically in the near future. If you were planning to sit out one of the biggest auto exhibitions of the year, here are five cars that will warrant a change of mind.\n\u00a0\n1) \nHonda Civic Type R (FK8)\nHonda Malaysia (HMSB) unveiled its latest high-performance vehicle, the fifth-generation Civic Type R (CTR) to fill in the void left by the third-gen FD2R. Resting under its hood is a K20C1 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine pushing out \n305 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. Drive is deployed to the front wheels via a \nsix-speed close ratio manual transmission\n. Sorry boys, there will not be an automatic option.\n \n \nIt is also the title holder of the \nFastest FWD Production Vehicle around the N\u00fcrburgring\n with a blistering lap time of \n7 minutes 43.8 seconds\n. Priced at \nRM320,000\n, the Type R FK8 is available in only one colour \u2013 Championship White. With \n60 units ordered\n, it seems like buyers are not bothered by its hefty price tag nor sharing the same exclusivity as the other 59 owners. Be sure to check out its extravagant design and aero bits in person! More info on the Civic Type R \nhere\n.\n2) \nToyota Harrier 2.0 Turbo\nGrey importers have been enjoying \u201cexclusive distribution rights\u201d for the Harrier for the longest time ever and UMW Toyota (UMWT) has finally decided to throw a curveball into the game. With \ntwo variants\n on offer \u2013 2.0T Premium and 2.0T Luxury, the Harrier is armed to the teeth with luxury features and with Toyota\u2019s latest technology.\n \n \nThe one we will be getting is the facelifted model equipped with a \n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n \u2013 the first-time force induction is deployed on this luxury SUV. It also comes with the full suite of\n Toyota Safety Sense System\n (TSSS) as \nstandard on both variants\n! Of course, every purchase of the Harrier from UMWT will enjoy a manufacturer backed \n5-Years unlimited mileage warranty\n, something grey importers can never hope to match. Head over to MAEPS to place your booking for one now! More info on the Harrier \nhere\n.\n3) \nToyota CH-R\nIf you recall the Silver CH-R that was first shown to the public and at various showrooms, that unit is actually an Australian-spec brought in for previewing purposes. Now, UMWT has finally displayed the\n confirmed specification of the Malaysia-bound SUV\n, with its interior out in the open. Finished in Blue Metallic with Black roof, the C-HR will be fully imported from Thailand when it goes on sale here.\n \n \nHere is a quick rundown of the specs \u2013 \n1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with CVT\n, 17-inch alloys, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitoring and Electronic Stability Control. It comes in six different colours (some with black roof). If you have been waiting to put your money down for one of these, be sure to head to the Toyota Booth and get a feel of the CH-R. More info on the local-spec CH-R \nhere\n.\n4) \nKia Stinger GT V6 AWD\nArguably the meanest looking car at the motor show, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) previewed the Stinger GT in its highest-specification \u2013 the \n3.3-litre V6 turbo\n \nall-wheel drive\n. It gets all the extravagant bits like 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and quad exhaust pipes.\n \n \nNKM did not reveal its expected launch date nor its price tag but regardless, you have to view the most powerful Kia ever in the metal to truly appreciate its beauty. As clich\u00e9 as it sounds, pictures just don\u2019t do it justice. Be sure to swing by Kia\u2019s booth when you\u2019re there! More info on the Singer GT \nhere\n.\n5) \nKia Picanto GT-Line\nWhen first images of the third-generation Kia Picanto surfaced online, we were praying hard that Naza Kia Malaysia would bring in the stunning looking GT-Line. Lo and behold, the all-new Picanto \nGT-Line\n in its full glory (except the interior). It gets dressed in some go-fast-looking bits and massive (for its class) 16-inch dual tone alloys.\n \n \nThe new compact hatch is now bigger and safer than before but it remains to be seen whether NKM will check all the bells and whistles when its officially launched here. Nevertheless, don\u2019t miss out on this quirky little thing after you\u2019re done gawking over the Stinger GT! More info on the Picanto GT-Line \nhere\n.\n6) \nAll-new Perodua Myvi\nEverybody\u2019s favourite hatchback is getting an all-new successor \u2013 \nnew design, new engine and new features\n! With prices starting from RM44,300, all variants will get reflector LED headlamps, four-airbags and\n VSC as standard\n! The top spec even gets Advance Safety System \u2013 a driver assistance system for even greater safety!\n \n \nAlthough boxed up, you can still catch a glimpse of what is to come with the all-new Myvi at Perodua\u2019s special preview booth. If you are set on getting yourself a generously equipped hatchback, order books for the Myvi are open at dealerships nationwide. But if you place your booking at the Malaysia Autoshow, Perodua has exclusive deals and merchandises waiting for you at their booth! More info on the all-new Myvi \nhere\n.\nThere you have it folks, the top six cars that you don\u2019t want to miss at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017\u00a0. Entry fee costs \nRM10 per person\n but it\u2019s a drop in the ocean to be in the presence of the latest and hottest vehicles in the country right now! The\u00a0 Malaysia Autoshow 2017 takes place on 9th to 12th November from 10 am to 9 pm."
"Welcome to another edition of our Throwback Thursday series, where previously we looked at\u00a0\nPerodua\u2019s game changer, the evergreen Myvi.\u00a0\nToday\u2019s feature is another one of Perodua\u2019s most successful model that knows a thing or two about giving its driver, his/her senses and wallet a good time \u2013 the Perodua Kelisa.\nJust like most Peroduas, it was based on the local manufacturer\u2019s Japanese counterpart\u2019s offering \u2013 the \nDaihatsu\u00a0Mira L700\n\u00a0to be precise. The fifth-generation Mira debuted in the Land of the Rising Sun in 1998 before it was introduced as the Kelisa in our homeland three years later. Changes were relatively trivial with the headlights and front grille being the most notable.\nPic Credit: Wikipedia\nNamed after a fish that\u2019s native to this country, three variants were made available at launch. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder DOHC petrol engine was the sole powerplant available; mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Three years later, a smaller 850 c.c. three-potter was introduced as the model\u2019s base variant. The 1.0-litre made \n60 hp\n and \n90 Nm\n of torque while the smaller engine had a meagre\u00a0\n50 hp\n and \n75 Nm\n to make do with.\nIt was in essence a Perodua Kancil, with a tad plushness and a dash of creature comforts. It was the most basic motoring means for the masses \u2013 it was easy to park, frugal in its fuel consumption and relatively accommodating to a group of five.\nLight-footed with a lively engine were the traits most commonly associated with the Kelisa by its owners. Its peppy character was best enjoyed with a manual transmission and for a car of such basic and minimal provisions, it handled surprisingly well too. Most wouldn\u2019t argue on the fact that it was reminiscent of the \noriginal Mini\n from the 1960\u2019s. As the years went, Perodua came up with numerous special editions for the Kelisa \u2013 of which was an indirect a tribute to the evolution of Sir Alec Issigonis\u2019 creation \u2013 the modern Mini Cooper.\nPic Credit: Wikipedia\nHow should we remember the Kelisa then? Definitely not by the infamous antics of\u00a0\nJeremy Clarkson\n\u00a0more than a decade ago. We tend to agree more with his \nshorter\u00a0colleague, \nwho had a more positive view on the nippy little Kelisa and for good reason. It\u2019s still one of Perodua\u2019s \u201cfun to drive\u201d cars, the epitome of a cheap and cheerful mode of personal transportation. The bar was raised as such that not even its two replacements, the Viva and the Axia, could offer the same \nsmiles per kilometer\n as the Kelisa did.\nYears on, a mechanically-sound unit in the used market is still able to fetch upwards of RM10k and for the nearest thing to the original Mini experience, go for a 1.0-litre manual unit."
"With the 24th Bond flick premiering just around the corner, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has leapt at the opportunity to show off some of the brilliant machines that will have popcorn munchers in awe before it hits the silver screen at the star-studded reveal which took place at Frankfurt.\nAmong the celebrities present at the reveal are\n\u00a0Naomie Harris\n and\n Dave Bautista\n, both whom are starring in the movie,\u00a0should you be wondering. Invited guests were serenaded\u00a0by British singer and musician\n John Newman\n. As you can tell, with the exception of Dave Bautista, it\u2019s an\n all-British affair\n. If one had to guess, even the food would have been of the same affair \u2013 one can only hope.   Onto the cars, then. JLR\u2019s Skunkworks spec ops division christened \nSpecial Vehicle Operations\n (SVO) has been busy at work with the chaps from Q Branch with the cars in the film, starting with the protagonist\u2019s ride \u2013 Jag\u2019s concept \nC-X75\n. SVO has been rather \nmum\n on the details of the concept car that came to life for \nSpectre\n.\nJLR also previewed the red-hot, fire breathing \nRange Rover Sport SVR\n that\u2019s powered by\u00a0the AJ-V8 Gen III \n5.0-litre supercharged V8\n\u00a0similar to one found in the \nJaguar F-Type R\n.\u00a0The mill produces \n542 hp\n and \n680 Nm\u00a0\nand is mated to a\u00a0\nZF eight-speed automatic\n transmission driving all four wheels.   How could one possibly brag about JLR\u2019s cars in Spectre without mentioning the iconic\n Land Rover Defender\n, which is coincidentally the\u00a0fastest, most powerful Land Rover yet? The highly capable Defenders were constructed by JLR\u2019s Spec Ops division with huge\n 37-inch\n diameter off-road tyres and enhanced body protection to tackle the challenging terrain of the snow-covered mountain roads used for filming.\nThe 24th installment of the uber-popular franchise will debut globally next month and a quick check with local cinema listings reveals that it will hit the silver-screen on\n\u00a06 October\n. Can you tell that we\u2019re excited?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite only\n making its global debut two weeks ago\n, a Honda sales advisor here in Malaysia has apparently already begun taking orders for the all-new 2022 Civic Type R.\nFacebook user Redza Honda, purportedly an authorised sales advisor from Honda Weststar Auto in Kuala Lumpur, \npublished a post\n in the \u2018Civic FK8 Type R Malaysia Owner\u2019 group today advertising that the hot hatch is now open for booking.\nScreenshot: Redza Honda/ Facebook\nThe sales advisor says that the Honda Civic Type R will be priced at an estimated RM350,000 to RM380,000, and will be a fully-imported model offered with an official factory warranty from Honda Malaysia, as it will be brought in via official channels.\nBut what makes the post a little hard to believe, is that Honda hasn\u2019t even published the official specifications of the all-new Civic Type R just yet. Still, Redza claims that the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine makes 310 hp and 400 Nm, and will be paired to a manual six-speed transmission to drive the front wheels.\nRELATED: All-new Honda Civic Type R gets toned-down looks, but spiced-up performance\nFrom time to time, sales advisors and dealerships will start taking orders for highly-awaited models such as these, promising their customers that they\u2019ll be among the first to receive their cars here in Malaysia (while they benefit from active cash flow in their accounts).\nThe tactic \ncan\n work if it\u2019s being offered by a reputable dealership, but often times, bogus salesmen will use this opportunity to scam unsuspecting buyers, taking your hard-earned money and disappearing into thin air. The issue was so severe that Perodua even had to publish an official memo \nwarning their customers\n to only place their bookings through official channels.\nWe can\u2019t say for sure if this advertisement is legit or not, but if you\u2019re willing to try your luck, you\u2019ll be able to place your booking with a fee of RM3,000. Although, the post states that you\u2019ll need a minimum nett salary of RM10,000 to be qualified. Just don\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you."
"Whether you like it or not, Ferrari\u2019s future will be full of flowing electrons and downsized engines. And the first entry into the new era, the \nFerrari 296 GTB\n, has now made its way into Malaysia.\nThe 296 GTB is a two-door, two-seater addition to the \n458\n, \n488\n, and \nF8\n line-up that started what seems like aeons ago now. But aside from those similarities, the 296 is truly unlike any other car Ferrari has ever put on the roads.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe reason for that is none other than the beating heart underneath the sheet metal. The 296 GTB is powered by Ferrari\u2019s first-ever V6 engine in a production model (technically), and comes right out of the gate with electrified bits too.\nPowerplant: 2,992 cc, twin-turbocharged V6, 663 hp, plus single electric motor, 167 hp\nTransmission: eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with e-Diff\nDriveline: rear-mid engine, rear-wheel drive\nMax total horsepower: 830 hp @ 8,000 rpm\nMax total torque: 740 Nm @ 6,250 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds\nTop speed: Above 330 km/h\nBattery: 7.45 kWh\nElectric range: 25 km\nThe Ferrari 296 GTB\u2019s performance is helped by a whole swath of new electronic devices, including the brake-by-wire system that integrates with the car\u2019s new ABS control module and the six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor to push the grip limits of the rear tyres for faster acceleration out of corners, as well as an updated side slip control system to further enhance the car\u2019s cornering capabilities.\nEXTERIOR\nCompared to most other recent Ferraris like the F8 and \nSF90\n that has a more \u201cin your face\u201d look, the all-new 296 GTB here carries a more pared-down, almost sensuous design language, with sleek curves and clean lines not unlike that of the Roma.\nDespite the more \u201csophisticated\u201d appearance, its short wheelbase and muscular wings still gives it a sporty silhouette (without being aggressive), and is complemented by new design ideas such as the \u201cvisor-style\u201d windscreen, the Kamm tail on the rear end, vertical rear screen, the single central exhaust tailpipe exhaust, and an integrated retracting spoiler.\nIts smooth curves do more than just look good, however \u2013 each and every body panel has been deliberately designed to function as aerodynamic devices, to either channel air into the cooling vents, or generate downforce.\nEven without any eye-searing aero appendages \u2013 aside from the deployable rear wing \u2013 the new 296 GTB still makes upwards of 360 kg of downforce at 250 km/h.\nASSETTO FIORANO\nFor buyers who want to take their 296 GTB to the next level, Ferrari is also offering a Assetto Fiorano package for the sportscar which adds additional carbon-fibre aero bits for an extra 10 kg of downforce, a set of special GT \u201cracing-derived\u201d adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers that is optimised for track use\u201d, as well as extensive use of carbon fibre and other light-weight materials both inside and out, resulting in a weight reduction of up to 15 kg.\nThe Assetto Fiorano package also includes, optionally, a special design livery inspired by the Ferrari 250 Le Mans race car, which runs from the front wings and extends all the way to the rear spoiler.\nINTERIOR\nIf you\u2019ve been in any recent Ferrari models like the SF90 Stradale, the cabin of the 296 GTB will look very similar, carrying a very modern, minimalist, and digital-focused appearance.\nAmong the key highlights in the Ferrari 296 GTB\u2019s cockpit are the fully-digital instrument cluster, the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons including the capacitive \u2018Start Engine\u2019 button, two side satellite panels beside the instrument cluster each with their own capacitive touch area for lighting and climate control settings, the new eManettino switch, a head-up display that is \u201cintegrated into the leather trim\u201d, as well as the electronic \u201cgated\u201d gearshift levers.\nAs is standard in a Ferrari, you\u2019ll also find a whole ocean of premium Italian leather, which the buyers can customise to their own liking, alongside a unique storage compartment in the centre console to \u201cdisplay\u201d your key fob\u2019s Prancing Horse badge.\nPRICING\nThe Ferrari 296 GTB is now available for order in Malaysia, starting from a base price of \nRM1,228,000\n before customisation options, duties, taxes, and insurance. In practice, we\u2019re expecting an on-the-road price north of RM3 million.\nIncluded in the price is a standard Ferrari extended seven-year maintenance programme, which covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car\u2019s life.\nGALLERY"
"Toyota in Australia has unveiled the \nGR86 10th Anniversary Edition\n to commemorate a decade since the first-generation GT86 was launched Down Under. Only 86 units of the limited-run GR86 will be available, starting from AUD$46,700 (RM139k).\nThere are no performance upgrades on the GR86 10th Anniversary Edition, with 237 hp (174 kW) and 250 Nm of torque from a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated flat-four Boxer engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.\nRELATED: \nThis Toyota GR86 ditches its boxer engine for an electric motor! \u2013 333hp, 468Nm\n\u201cThe 10th Anniversary Edition reflected the popularity of the driver-focused sports car in Australia. When it launched in 2012, the first-generation GT86 struck a chord with those looking for an affordable sports car with Toyota reliability,\u201d the company said.\nThe 86 units of the GR86 10th Anniversary are finished with Solar Orange paintwork, a tribute to the first-generation GT86 first revealed in 2011. The orange theme is also adopted inside, with contrast stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake lever, seats and door trims.\nThe 10th Anniversary is also marked with embroidery on the door trims while the seats feature orange accents. Lastly, the silver moulding on the instrument panel moulding has been changed to black for a more sinister look.\nThe GR86 is now available in Malaysia for \nRM295,000\n for the six-speed manual variant, while the automatic variant starts from \nRM305,000\n. With that, the GR86 comes with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.\u00a0\nStandard equipment includes a seven-inch multi-info display, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and manual seats for weight saving and a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota GR86 launched in Malaysia \u2013 6MT and 6AT options, from RM295k\nGALLERY"
"Launched in July, the 2022 \nHonda HR-V\n is a capable B-segment SUV that you can get from RM 114,800. There are four variants to choose from with three powertrain options, and topping the range is the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, which we have here, that fetches a price of \nRM 140,800\n.\nMaking up the rest of the variant list is the \u201cS\u201d, \u201cE\u201d, and \u201cV\u201d, with S powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (121 hp/145 Nm) and the \u201cE\u201d and \u201cV\u2019 powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine (181 hp/240 Nm). The \u201cS\u201d, \u201cE\u201d, and \u201cV\u201d send all power to the front wheels via CVT.\nInterestingly, the range-topping \u201cRS e:HEV\u201d variant is not the most powerful variant, producing \n107 hp\n and \n131 Nm\n from the engine and \n131 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n from the electric motor. The transmission in use is an e-CVT.\nRELATED: \n2022 Honda HR-V and BR-V score 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP, high Safety Assist points\nAt low speeds, the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV is moved by the electric motor and only at higher speeds does the engine take over the job of turning the front wheels. This means that at higher speeds, you are limited by the performance of the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine.\nThe hybrid Honda HR-V is also slower than its turbocharged counterpart, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.7 seconds\n compared to the turbo\u2019s 8.7 seconds. Where the RS e:HEV wins is the fuel consumption where it records \n4.1 l/100km\n over the turbo\u2019s 6.5 l/100km.\nRELATED: \nHonda Malaysia delivered over 1,300 units of the all-new HR-V in one month since launch\nOn the outside, the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV gets the RS body kit that includes the \u201cchequered flag\u201d front grille, sporty bumper, and a \u201cheart beat\u201d graphic (in red for the RS) on the lower grille. There is also an easter egg silhouette of the Honda HR-V on the rear windscreen which is standard across all the variants.\nThe RS e:HEV gets automatic LED reflector headlights, LED fog lights, LED combination taillights, front sequential LED indicators, automatic wipers, 18-inch allow wheels, and smoked taillamps. Size-wise, the Honda HR-V measures 4,385 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,590 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. For reference, the \nProton X50\n measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,609 mm in height, and has a 2,600-mm wheelbase.\nALSO WATCH: \nAll-new 2022 Honda HR-V now launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nInside, the Honda HR-V\u2019s most practical featur is the signature rear ULTRA seat that offers several configurations. Special to the RS e:HEV is a dark headliner that provides a sportier ambience, albeit compromising a spacious feel.\nHighlights on the interior of the Honda HR-V include an 8-inch touchscreen head-unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, rear air-con vents, and an air diffusion system for the front air con vents. Exclusive to the RS e:HEV is a hands-free access tailgate with a walk-away auto close function, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Honda HR-V now launched in Malaysia, 4 variants from RM115k\nStandard on all variants of the Honda HR-V is the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance which includes Autonomous emergency braking, Adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, Lane keeping assist, Lane centring assist, Automatic high beam, Lead vehicle departure warning, LaneWatch blind-spot camera (V and RS variants only). The only lacking feature is blind-spot monitoring.\nIncluded in the RM 140,800 price tag of the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty alongside an eight-year unlimited mileage lithium-ion battery warranty. Also included is a five-times free labour scheduled service, applicable to the first 100,000 km.\nGALLERY"
"With the increasing number of Proton 3S and 4S centres in Malaysia, the Proton brand experience is gradually moving towards global standards. To match the positive experience when shopping for a Proton car, the company is also gearing up to strengthen their aftersales services for maximum customer satisfaction.\nIn order to meet global standards in after-sales services, Proton has embarked on these \neight changes\n in their service process:\nAppointment\n: Implement pro-active service appointment with the appointment rates at 80 per cent and balance 20 per cent for walk-in customer\nService Standard Practices (SSP) & Customer Service Index (CSI) improvement activities\n: Improve customer communication and handling of complaints with a standardised practice.\nService Advisor\n: Setting a performance benchmark for service advisors to ensure customer obtains the required attention and service\nTechnician\n: Maximise technician productivity to ensure all concerns by the customer has been repaired.\nSkill Composition\n: Have sufficient manpower with the necessary qualification\n4M (Man, Machine, Method and Material) & 5S (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke)\n: Comply all items as per stated in 4M and 5S checklist to ensure vehicles are returned in good condition.\nParts availability\n: Ensure parts fill rate is 90% and above by referring parts monthly average demand quantity and monitoring back order parts from Proton Parts.\nVehicle off Road (VOR)\n: Inform customers on the status of VOR cases on daily basis. Any cases which require head office assistance, the Market Investigation Report (MIR) will need to be raised.\nAll these initiatives are implemented to increase customer satisfaction and encourage Proton owners to return to authorised dealers for car maintenance. Ultimately, the company vouches to be consistent with their promises to customers in hopes to build a strong, long-term relationship with their customers."
"Achieving its finest performance in the country, BMW Group Malaysia delivered more than 12,000 units under the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brand in 2017 \u2013 the automaker\u2019s seventh consecutive all-time high performance \u2013 up from 10,906 units in 2016.\nGlobally, the automaker achieved a new all-time sales high with\u00a0a total delivery of\n 2,463,526 vehicles\n, also the seventh consecutive year of record sales. The numbers were primarily dominated by sales of BMW and MINI vehicles, with a total delivery of \n2,088,283 units\n and \n371,881 units\n respectively.\nOf the 12,680 units delivered by BMW Group Malaysia, \n10,618 units\n were BMW vehicles \u2013 up from 9,000 in 2016. This was driven primarily by the BMW 3 Series specifically the \n330e\n and \n330e M Sport \nmodels.\nThe \nBMW X5 xDrive40e\n was also the key contributor with\u00a0\n3,000 units sold\n while \n400 units\n of the \nBMW 740Le xDrive\n were taken ownership of. The all-new BMW 5 Series launched just last year, proved to be well-received too \u2013 finding its way to 1,600 new owners.\nCheck out our review of the \nBMW 530i M Sport\n here!\nThe MINI brand also charted its best record performance in 2017 with 1,010 vehicles delivered \u2013 a 12% increase from 2016. Last year, MINI added the \nnew Countryman\n, \nJCW Clubman\n and\n JCW Countryman\n to its portfolio.\nFor this year, BMW Group Malaysia will begin delivery of the first BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series to Vietnam and Philippines. In support of that, the BMW Assembly Plant in Kulim will increase its local assembly capabilities to over 10,000 vehicles in 2017 with an investment of over RM 10 million."
"It\u2019s close but don\u2019t light that cigar just yet. The all-new BMW 3-Series is undergoing the final and crucial stages of testing before serial production gets underway.\nWith the likelihood of a global unveiling sometime next year, as multiple foreign reports have suggested, here\u2019s a few new tech to tickle your heartstrings in anticipation of its arrival locally.\nThe new sports sedan is some 50 kg lighter, sits lower than its predecessor and strikes the ideal 50:50 weight distribution.\u00a0The car\u2019s agility and steering precision benefits from the extended track widths, while increased wheel camber promises to offer improved cornering dynamics.\nIt will also play host to the most powerful 4-cylinder engine ever to be fitted into a BMW series production model mated to a further developed 8-speed Steptronic transmission.\nOn the damping side of things, the new BMW 3-series features the first ever \u201clift-related dampers\u201d to be fitted in a BMW model that functions continuously and progressively in relation to the respective spring travel.\nAs such, vibrations that occur over bumps on the road and during hard cornering can be neutralised with precision and finesse. The dampers will be a standard feature for the new car, and with some tweaks (10mm lower) forms part of the M sports suspension package along with 18-inch light alloy wheels and mixed tyres.\nThere\u2019s 20% increased damping forces from the M sports suspension compared to the standard suspension. The M sports suspension also includes more rigid bearings and stabilisers, harder springs and additional body struts.\nLinked to the vehicle\u2019s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is an active locking differential that distributes torque selectively between the rear wheels to prevent slip on a wheel from reduced grip while ensuring that the engine power can be used unrestrictedly for sheer driving pleasure.\n\u201cUnlike conventional mechanical locks, the regulated M sports differential can optimise so much more than just traction. In addition to cornering dynamics, there is a particularly tangible increase in drive stability in the event of load changes, for example. This allows the new BMW 3 Series Sedan to be driven remarkably confidently and effortlessly even when travelling in dynamic style,\u201d said Head of Driving Dynamics, Peter Langen.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"E-Type UK, a renowned restorer of Jaguar E-Type vehicles has introduced their latest work dubbed the \u2018Unleashed\u2019, based on the E-Type Series 3.\nUnder the hood is a 6.1-litre naturally-aspirated V12, paired to a 5-speed manual, producing 405 hp to drive the rear wheels. Tasked with slowing it down is a pair of 4-piston brake calipers in the front, with slotted brake discs.\nOther areas of the engine bay have also been upgraded to cope with newly \u2018unleashed\u2019 performance; such as the E-Type\u2019s radiator which has been upgraded to a larger, high-flow aluminium unit along with the addition of oil coolers.\nAs power is nothing without control, the E-Type \u2018Unleashed\u2019 now sits on fully adjustable shock absorbers behind 16-inch, with additional anti-roll bars and PU bushings for better even better stability and reduced body roll.\nEach unit of the Unleashed requires 4,000 hours to restore to perfection, with prices starting from \u00a3325,000 (approx. RM1.86 million) plus the cost of a Series 3 E-Type donor car.\nGALLERY"
"A recent research by \nSelect Car Leasing\n recently revealed what the most searched car brands were around the world, segmented by different continents and you\u2019d never guess which brand Malaysians were most curious about.\nWhile \nMercedes-Benz may be enjoying total dominance in the local luxury vehicle scene\n, it\u2019s \nLamborghini\n that has enjoyed better exposure through the Google search engine.\nIn fact, based on the infographic above, most of Southeast Asia seem to have a keen interest on the Italian supercar brand \u2013 as it is most searched for in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and \u201c\nNegaraku\n\u201c.\nThis monthly search data is based on 12 months of data (Sept 2017-Sept 2018) via the Google keyword planner application and is solely based on Google searches only, and not other search engines.\nSource: \nSelect Car Leasing\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Frankfurt Motor Show has so far unveiled loads of exciting new cars and many have caught our attention, tickled our heartstrings and riled up our anticipation for their arrival on our shores. This new Subaru Impreza though, well, we\u2019ve got mixed feelings about it.\nFollowing the \noverwhelming response\n from the \nnewly launched XV in Taiwan\n together with the \nlocal introduction of the new BRZ\n, we expected more from the rally-bred brand. Granted this may just be the entry-level model and not the WRX STI variant but if the base model already looks like this, traditionally, it\u2019s quite safe to say that the STI\u2019s wouldn\u2019t be too different although we stand corrected \u2013 \u00a0and we hope to be!   The all-new Impreza has been built from the ground up under the DYNAMIC x SOLID design philosophy that features a lower roofline with focus on safety enhancements under Subaru\u2019s new Global Platform (SGP). Its EyeSight, a driver assistance system which will be standard for UK models.\nThe fifth generation still utilises the winning formula from the pairing of a Boxer engine and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. It comes with a 1.6-litre engine with a 2.0 variant following suit later on. Both engines are \nlighter by more than 10kgs\n as \n70-80%\n of it has been redesigned. The 1.6-litre will produce \n112 hp\n with \n150 Nm\n of torque while the 2.0-litre will make \n154 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque. Both will use the Lineartronic transmission, the first CVT gearbox adopted in an AWD vehicle.\nThe new Impreza owes a lot to its SGP platform with enhancements on driving feel and dynamics, reduced floor, seats and steering vibrations from an intelligent chassis design and most importantly, significant improvements in safety. The \nEyeSight\n is also part of the new SGP platform whereby a camera is mounted on each side of the rear view mirror to monitor traffic and potential hazards up to 110 metres ahead.\nThe new Impreza also comes with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is only the second model to be launched on the new SGP platform, following XV\u2019s debut at Geneva earlier in the year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia has just announced the revised Lexus NX 300 SUV line up for 2019 with enhanced advanced driver assistance system and a lower price point for all three variants.\nLike before, the NX 300 is offered in three trims \u2013 \nUrban\n, \nPremium \nand \nF Sport\n. All featuring the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. The powertrain is good for \n235 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, allowing the NX 300 to complete the century dash in\n 7.1 seconds\n with a top speed of \n200 km/h.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus NX 300 Urban\nLexus NX 300 Premium\nLexus NX 300 F-Sport\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.1 seconds; 200 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM313,888\nRM333,888\nRM349,888\nThe biggest change in specification list is that all variants of the MY2019 Lexus NX 300 now comes with the \nLexus Safety System+\n Advanced Driver Assistance System that adds Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Pre-collision Brake Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Active Cornering Assist (ACA), Parking Support Alert and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).\nWhile the mechanical bits of the NX were mostly retained, engineers have revised the chassis on the new \nperformance dampers\n on the F-Sport model and \nfront performance rods\n on all variants. The new parts are developed together with Yamaha to help reduce vibrations and better damping when going over undulations.\nHowever, with the revised kit list, some features have to be dropped to keep the price competitive. The Panoramic sunroof (moonroof for the Premium variant) have been omitted on all variants while the Smart Card Key system is no longer available for the Urban and F-Sport, only the Premium has it now. Qi wireless charging tray is now available on the Urban variant only.\n Smart Card Key only for NX 300 Premium\n8.0-inch display\nThe biggest let down is the F-Sport \nno longer\n comes with the 10.3-inch display and 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium surround sound system, replaced instead with an 8.0-inch display and eight-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system just like the rest of the model line up.\nOn the flip side, the\nNX 300 F-Sport is now priced RM55,000 lower than before, now retailing for RM349,888.\nThe NX 300 Urban and Premium are now RM12k and RM11k more affordable than\nbefore priced at RM313,888 and RM333,888, respectively.\nThere are seven exterior shades to choose from \u2013 Blazing Carnelian, Amber CS, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, Graphite Black GF, Red MC CS and Sparkling Meteor M while the NX 300 F-Sport is added with the Heat Blue CL or Lava Orange CS colours. Every purchase of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2019 Lexus NX 300 Now Open for Booking\nOnly for NX 300 Premium"
"First introduced here at the\n tail end of 2020\n, BMW Malaysia today updated its M3 and M4 Competition offerings with the availability of the optional M xDrive all-wheel drive variants, following its \nglobal launch last year\n.\nThe BMW M3 Competition with M xDrive starts at \nRM797,860\n (or \nRM827,800\n with five-year extended warranty and service package), while the M4 Competition with M xDrive starts at \nRM818,860\n (or \nRM848,800\n with five-year extended warranty and service package), making them both over RM100k dearer than the standard rear-wheel drive counterparts.\nBoth figures are on the road and without insurance, although they do include the sales and service tax (SST) as deliveries are only expected to begin after the current exemptions period ends on the 30th of June this year.\nThe models mark the first time that a BMW M3 and M4 are offered with all-wheel drive propulsion, and features a system derived from the \nM5\n and \nM8\n consisting of an electronic multi-plate clutch for variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles.\nThis is further complemented by na Active M Differential on the rear axle that further splits the engine\u2019s power between the two rear wheels to provide even better traction, agility, and directional stability on roads with differing levels of grip.\nRELATED: New lightweight BMW M4 CSL storms to life to celebrate 50 years of M\nDrivers can choose from three different modes \u2013 4WD for maximum traction, 4WD Sport which provides a greater rear torque bias, and 2WD for, well, hooning. However, it\u2019s important to note that even in the most-extreme 4WD mode, the system is still deliberately rear-wheel biased.\nTo fit the M xDrive all-wheel drive system into the M3 and M4 Competition, BMW also had to design a bespoke transfer case control unit and wheel slip control system, plus a rework to the car\u2019s suspension geometry and steering ratio.\nDespite the new driveline, the heart of the two new variants remain unchanged, with power coming from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine making \n510 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque. Paired to the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the new models sprint from 0-100 km/h in just \n3.5 seconds\n \u2013 0.4 seconds quicker than the standard RWD cars.\nTop speed is limited at 250 km/h, but can be raised to 290 km/h if you tick the box for the M Drivers Package during your order.\nBMW Malaysia did not release any detail on the new variants\u2019 equipment list, although we are not expecting anything too drastically different from thei regular RWD counterparts. As before, both the exterior and interior equipment can be customised to your liking with items such as the M Performance Parts package."
"Selangor residents who need to go out during the Movement Control Order need to bring along a utility bill which states their current address. The Movement Control Order ends on the 14th of April 2020, pending an announcement on the 10th of April, on whether it would be extended.\nThis is to show the authorities at roadblocks that they are within the boundaries of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measure within Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020.\nRule 4 of the regulation came into effect on the 1st of April 2020 and will be enforced until the end of the MCO period. It states that any travel for reasons allowed is \nrestricted to a 10-km radius \nfrom the person\u2019s address.\n\u201cDuring the MCO period, keep a utility bill with your current address in the car. If authorities asks, use that to justify your reason for being out of the house,\u201d said Selangor Integrity and Standards Compliance Department Chief ACP Mohd Ismail Muslim.\nHe also said there will be more road blocks and closures, especially at highway entry and exit points, as authorities aim to further reduce interstate travel.\nRecently, the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) Subang Jaya District Headquarters announced\u00a0that it would be \nconducting 24-hour road blocks and road closures in 15 different locations \nafter Phase 2 of the Movement Control Order came into effect on the 1st of April 2020."
"When you combine a tight circuit with high-stakes racing, chances are you\u2019ll see some nail-biting action. And that was exactly what ensued at the \nthird round\n of Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival Season three.\nThe event at Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang, saw over 15,000 spectators over the two days at the edge of their seats, with plenty of drama, celebrations and heartbreaks to entertain the crowd.\nPROMOTIONAL CLASS\nShukri Yahaya had a brilliant start in Race Two, passing singers Nabila Razali and Wany Hasrita in the first lap. Pole sitter Janna Nick made the most out of her position to lead the race for two laps, but had to yield to Shukri who was clearly setting the faster pace.\nLater in the race, Janna made slight contact with Shawn Lee while fending off the latter\u2019s charge, which unfortunately spun her around into oncoming traffic, undoing one of her best drives this season. The mishap was made even worse when actor Syafiq Kyle was unable to avoid contact, crashing straight into Janna\u2019s car.\nOn his win, Shukri said \u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting to win but I pounced on the opportunity when Wany and Nabila made a slow start. It was my first win this season and I\u2019m really pleased with that.\u201d\nPromotional Class Results:\nShukri Yahaya\nNabil Ahmad\nShawn Lee\nDiana Danielle\nNabila Razali\nSPORTING CLASS\nS&D Tama Motorsports\u2019 and motoring journalist Tom Goh led the pack at the start of Race 2, but the race was stopped prematurely on lap two after a six-car pile-up which unfortunately marked the end of the race for four drivers.\nAfter the restart, Tom Goh continued his dominant drive, building up a two-second gap while Haji Sutan of SMS Motorsports and Dream Chaser\u2019s Bradley Benedict Anthony were occupied in the battle for second position. Bradley Benedict eventually passed Haji Sutan on lap nine, and began hunting down Goh.\nAt the final stages of the race, Shanmuganathan Arumugam spun his vehicle on the track which brought out the safety car for a second time, erasing the gap created by Tom Goh.\nAfter the safety car returned to pit, Bradley Benedict mounted a last minute challenge, which put him into the lead two corners before the chequered flag to claim his first victory of the season.\nSporting Class Results:\nBradley Benedict Anthony, Dream Chaser\nTom Goh, S&D Tama Motorsports\nHaji Sutan Mustaffa, SMS Motorsports\nAdam Khalid, Crestmax Motorsports\nKenneth Koh, Panglima City Racing Team\nSUPER SPORTING CLASS\nCompared to the other classes, the Super Sporting class was relatively \u201ccalm\u201d. However, that does not mean there were any discount on the high octane racing.\nFreddie Ang of Telagamas Toyota led the race from the start to the cequered flag, with William Ho from Toyotsu in close pursuit throughout the race, unfortunately unable to find the space to overtake in the tight circuit.\n\u201cI had a good start and just tried to pull away. William was close behind but I managed to maintain a\n good pace to the finish,\u201d said Ang who is currently placed third in the overall point standings and still in the fight for the overall championship.\nFor William Ho, finishing second was also a strategic decision to take his fight for the championship to the two final races. \u201cThere are still two races to go and I didn\u2019t want to take any unnecessary risk that would have jeopardized my chances in the championship,\u201d said Ho.\nThe race did not go as smoothly for Malaysian Drift King Tengku Djan Ley, as his mistake in the first lap resulted in a brush with the concrete barrier. The damage sustained from the incident forced him to enter the pit, only rejoining the race two laps down and essentially concluding his challenge this race.\nSuper Sporting Class Results:\nFreddie Ang, Telagamas Toyota\nWilliam Ho, Toyotsu\nBoy Wong\nSyafiq Ali, M7 Japan Project Team\nMark Darwin, Laser Motor Racing\nThe Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will continue in a double header at the Sepang International Circuit, with round four scheduled on the \n17th to 19th of April 2020."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced yet another first of its kind today, the first-ever, fully-electric EQC now available in our country as the EQC400 AMG Line, starting from an \nestimated RM390,000\n. The Mercedes-Benz \nEQS450+\n was also launched today, from \nRM698,888\n, alongside the \nEQB350 4MATIC\n from an estimated RM330,000.\nThe EQS450+ may be the grandest EQ model introduced today, but the EQC is actually the first fully electric production vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.\nThe EQC400 indicates its electric nature upon arrival with blue lighting on its headlights equipped with Multibeam LED technology. At the rear, the tailgate is struck through with a taillight strip that stretches from one side to the other. Like the EQS, the EQC400 weighs close to 2.5-tonnes as well \u2013 probably heavier if it weren\u2019t for the modular-designed battery pack weighing 655 kg.\nEXTERIOR\n20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheel\nAMG Line bodykit\nMultibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\nThe EQC400 gets its power from two electric motors, one in the front and rear, to drive all four wheels. The electric motors get their power from an 80 kWh battery, capable of returning up to 437 km of electric driving range.\nWith 11kW AC charging, it takes approximately 7.5 hours to fully charge the EQC although with 110 kW DC fast charging, it\u2019ll take just 40 minutes to get the EQC up to 80% charged.\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Power: 408 hp\nMax Torque: 760 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 5.1 seconds\nTop Speed: 180 km/h\nConsumption: 21.3 \u2013 25 kWh/100km\nINTERIOR\nInside the cabin is furnished by items that may seem familiar to you; such as the steering wheel design, centre console and air-con panel seen in current Mercedes-Benz vehicles but it stops there.\nYou get a horseshoe-like dashboard that extends into the textured door panels. Take a closer look and you\u2019d also notice that the air vent design is different from current Mercedes-Benz vehicles.\nNappa leather sport steering with shift paddles\nDual 10.25-inch displays, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto\nMan-made Nappa leather dashboard\nHead up display\nBurmester Surround Sound System\nWireless charging\n2x USB-C\nElectronically adjustable front seats\nSAFETY\nDriving Assistance Package\nAdaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\nParking Package with 360-degree view\nActive Parking Assist\nGALLERY"
"The small crossover twins from Daihatsu and Toyota has been officially launched in Indonesia. Both models retain their original names of \nRocky\n and \nRaize\n which are originally used in Japan.\nWhile there is a TRD body kit and accessories package in Japan for the Toyota Raize, PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), the distributor of the Toyota brand in Indonesia, has unveiled the world\u2019s first Toyota \nRaize\n \nGR Sport\n.\nThe \nGR Sport\n package consists of all-round bodykit, DRLs, one tailgate-mounted GR Sport badge, gloss black 17-inch wheels, \nshift paddles\n on the steering wheel and the seat covers in a fabric-leather combination. \u00a0It is a simpler accessories package than the \nVios GR Sport\n offered in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor.\nThe compact SUVs core powertrain consisting of the \nturbocharged 1.0-litre\n three-cylinder engine (\n98 hp/140 Nm\n) paired with the new Dual-mode CVT is available in both makes. However, in order to lower the price position as well as cater to customer demands, a five-speed manual transmission is also available on both makes.\nTAM is also offering the option of a three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine displacing \n1.2 litres\n with outputs of \n88 hp\n and \n113 Nm\n of torque. This variant is also used as an entry into the Toyota Raize line-up.\nOne key difference in the specifications of the \nDaihatsu Rocky\n and Malaysia\u2019s Perodua Ativa is the infotainment system, where the former has \nApple CarPlay\n connectivity that the latter omits. Daihatsu is also offering better audio quality through the ADS package that includes an eight-inch subwoofer.\nThe \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA)\n driving assist suite that is a standard feature of the \nPerodua Ativa\n, consisting of the pre-collision warning and braking, front departure alert, pedal misoperation control and lane departure warning with prevention is only available in the top-of-the-range Daihatsu Rocky ASA.\nIn order to have more separation (and brand hierarchy) between the Rocky and Raize in Indonesia, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) feature found in the \nPerodua Ativa AV\n variant are only in the Toyota Raize GR Sport under the \nToyota Safety Sense (TSS)\n banner. Lane Keeping Control (LKC) is \nnot available\n in Indonesia, thus no Level 2 autonomous driving feature.\u00a0\u00a0\nA fully-loaded Toyota Raize GR Sport with dual-tone paintwork and TSS is priced at \nIDR265.9 million\n (RM75,500) while the cheapest Raize 1.0G M/T is priced at \nIDR219.9 million\n (RM62,500).\nThe Daihatsu Rocky meanwhile is priced from \nIDR214 million\n (RM60,800) for the entry-level 1.0 MT and \nIDR 236.1 million\n (RM67,100) for the 1.0 CVT with ASA.\nBoth models are built at \nDaihatsu Motor\u2019s Karawang\n plant and future plans include \nexporting\n the products to approximately 50 countries.\nGALLERY"
"Located at the side of the driver\u2019s seat, Hyundai\u2019s new centre side airbag is designed to \nseparate the space between the driver and front passenger\n.\u00a0\nThe centre side airbag expects to reduce head collision between the driver and front passenger by \nup to 80%\n, particularly upon collision on the side of the vehicle.\nAccording to statistics by the European Automobile Manufacturer\u2019s Association, the rate of secondary damage caused by these kinds of collisions or from hitting interior materials is about 45%.\nIn designing the new airbag, Hyundai Motor Group made use of a \nrecently patented technology\n to simplify the structure of the tether where an internal component maintains the form and integrity of the airbag. This resulted in a new airbag that is \n500g lighter\n than competing products.\u00a0\nWith side impact being one of the key considerations of the Euro NCAP starting from 2020, we can expect that the new centre side airbag by Hyundai to work favourably in these evaluations.\u00a0\nHyundai is looking to roll out the new technology in upcoming vehicles. Meanwhile, Honda have also recently introduced a \nnew front airbag\n that \u201ccups your face\u201d reducing side and rotational injury of the neck and head, and is expected to be implemented in Honda vehicles in the United States by 2020."
"Alongside the \nPalisade\n, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) today also announced that the \nnew Kona facelift\n will be introduced here on our shores this year, less than a year after the model\u2019s \noriginal local debut\n.\nAccording to HSDM Managing Director Low Yuan Lung, the Kona \u201ccaptured the attention of many who yearn for a distinctively designed compact SUV\u201d, and hopes that the new facelift model will be able to \u201ccapture more hearts this time around\u201d.\nOn the outside, the Hyundai Kona facelift introduced globally last year features a restyled front fascia with a sportier edge, as well as a slightly tweaked rear end. HSDM also says that it will get new 17- and 18-inch alloys, hinting at two different variants to be offered here at launch.\nNew.\nvs Old\nMoving inside, the dashboard architecture gets an ever-so-slightly tweak to its design, with a more horizontal centre console, alongside new air vents and speaker grille designs. There is also a new updated infotainment system measuring eight-inches in size (up from seven), though other markets also get a larger 10.25-inch option, running Hyundai\u2019s latest BlueLink software.\nOther changes on the interior include a new electronic parking brake, new ambient lighting around the central cup holder and front foot wells, height-adjustable front seats, as well as additional USB ports.\nFancy this Hyundai Kona with the aggressive N Line treatment?\nHSDM says that the new Hyundai Kona facelift will be powered by a Smartstream G2.0 engine, paired to carmaker\u2019s own intelligent variable transmission to send \n149 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels.\nInterestingly, the press release has no mention of the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that is currently available on the range-topping Kona here in Malaysia, which makes 177 hp and 265 Nm of torque, translating to a century sprint time of 7.7 seconds \u2013 that\u2019s even faster than the \nProton X50 Flagship\n! Fingers crossed that it\u2019s not being cancelled.\nOn the safety front, The SmartSense advanced driver assistance system on the updated Hyundai Kona has also received a sizeable upgrade. New features include an improved Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist which can now engage the rear differential brakes, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (previously only a warning), Safe Exit Warning, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.\nThe camera-based Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection is now standard across the range in global markets, but an upgraded system which uses an additional sensor can now be fitted, with support for cyclist detection and better reliability in bad weather conditions.\nOn our current Malaysian-specification Hyundai Kona, only the range-topping 1.6 Turbo variant gets access to these ADAS features. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how HSDM will spec the cars here this time around, as competitors such as Perodua have already brought more value down to even their entry-level variants (on the \nAtiva\n).\nAs a recap, the Hyundai Kona is offered here in Malaysia in three variants; the two lower variants get a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with \n149 hp \nand \n180 Nm\n, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the range-topper is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged mill with \n177 hp \nand \n265 Nm\n, paired to a seven-speed DCT.\nPrices for the Hyundai Kona starts at RM124k, going up to RM152k for the range-topping 1.6 Turbo variant. It remains to be seen if HSDM will be hiking up the prices for the Hyundai Kona facelift here in Malaysia, but at least we don\u2019t have to wait too long to find out \u2013 spy shots have already caught the facelift model arriving at Malaysian ports!\nGALLERY\nNew."
"Mercedes-Benz has revealed images of a new special-edition \nG-Class\n model, dubbed \u201cEdition 550\u201d. While that\u2019s not all that surprising, given the incredible demand for the luxury off-roader from the footballers and movie stars around the world, this one here has got us scratching our heads a little bit.\nYou see, on the outside, the Edition 550\n Gelandewagen\n has been given a slight makeover to toughen it up particularly with the addition of a gloss black bull bar in front. The blacked-out treatment also extends to the bumpers, wheels, and trims all around the exterior to give it some extra \noomph\n, and contrasts nicely with the three high-end Manufaktur paint jobs offered here: Jupiter Red, Arabian Grey, and Moonlight White.\nAnd as if that\u2019s not enough, the special edition badging for the Edition 550 even features the silhouette of a G-Class climbing a mountain, telling the world that: \u201cYes, this is a proper off-roading beast. Watch out.\u201d\nNothing out of the ordinary so far, but it\u2019s when you open the doors and step into the cabin that you\u2019ll realise just how different it is compared to the outside.\nIn stark contrast to the \u201ctough and rough\u201d exterior, Mercedes-Benz has given the G-Class Edition 550 an extra luxurious interior, decked out in two-tone Nappa leather with diamond stitching, plus new Active Multicontour Seats and carbon fibre trims on the inside.\nRELATED: Mercedes-Benz G 350 d now available in Malaysia, new entry-point to the G-Wagen\nThe only photo of the interior here shows off a two-tone white and black upholstery colour combo which, as we all know, will never be chosen by an actual offroad driver \u2013 so we can only assume that the reason for the colour choice is to scream \u201cI\u2019m rich\u201d, which makes sense because the passenger grab handle on the dashboard even says \u201c1 of 200\u201d to let them know you\u2019re driving a special car.\nMercedes-Benz did not reveal much about the car\u2019s specifications aside from these photos, but we do know that the \u2018550\u2019 in its name is from the car\u2019s G 550 underpinnings, which means there\u2019s a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine underneath the bonnet making \n415 hp\n and \n610 Nm\n of torque.\nImages: \nMercedes-Benz USA/Facebook\nGALLERY"
"Toyota has launched the \nnew facelift Toyota Camry\n \nstarting from \nRM199,109\n, with significant additions and changes to the car.\nFor starters, it comes with a new Dynamic Force engine and a new 8-speed transmission, away from the previous 6-speed unit. The 2.5-litre engine now puts out 209 hp and 253 Nm to drive the front wheels.\nOutside, changes include revisions to the front grille and bumper, a different 18-inch wheel design, and a darker shade of red for the taillights. The revisions are subtle but when compared to the pre-facelift Camry, the new look is less aggressive, more elegant.\n \nInside, the Camry comes with a larger 9-inch infotainment display, new centre console and door trims, and 3-zone air conditioning, 10-way powered driver seat in replacement of the previous 8-way unit. Standard features include a 9-speaker JBL sound system, a head-up display, and wireless charging.\nThe\u00a0\nmost incredible upgrade\n\u00a0in the facelift Camry where the rear armrest now comes with controls for the air-con, radio, and seat-reclining feature. Sadly, the control panel on the rear armrest does not offer air-con fan speed controls. The rear seats are also reclinable!\nFind out more in the video!"
"Together with the \nAudi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT\n, Audi Malaysia has also opened bookings for the fully-electric Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron. Both cars will each be offered in the \u201cadvanced 50\u201d and \u201cS Line 55\u201d trims, with estimated prices between \nRM369,000\n to \nRM476,000\n.\nPrior to being called the Q8 e-tron, the flagship EV SUV by Audi was simply called the e-tron. However, with the brand\u2019s expanding all-electric range, \nit was renamed the Q8 e-tron in November 2022\n.\nIn terms of propulsion, both the \u201cadvance 50\u201d variants of the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron get the same all-wheel drive (AWD) dual-motor setup that makes \n340 hp\n (metric) and\n 664 Nm\n. The \u201cadvance 50\u201d variants also get a \n95-kWh\n battery pack that provides about \n410 km\n of pure electric range.\nUp a notch, the \u201cS Line 55\u201d trims of both cars get a more powerful AWD dual-motor setup that makes \n408 hp\n (metric) and \n664 Nm\n. The battery is also larger at \n114-kWh\n capacity, providing 481 km of electric range.\nRELATED: \nAudi e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT open for booking in Malaysia, from est. RM559,000\nAs for charging, the \u201cadvanced 50\u201d variants can be charged at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and \n150 kW\n with DC fast charging (DCFC). 11-kW AC charging charges the car from 0 to 100% in \n9 hours and 15 minutes\n, while 150-kW DCFC charges the car from 10% to 80% in \n31 minutes\n.\nThe \u201cS Line 55\u201d variants can handle a maximum charging rate of \n22 kW\n with AC charging and \n170 kW\n with DC fast charging. 22-kW AC charging brings the State of Charge (SoC) from 0 to 100% in \n4 hours and 45 minutes\n while 170-kW DCFC charges the car from 10% to 80% in \n31 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \nUpdated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron \u2013 tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm\nIn the range-topping S-Line variants, the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron feature digital matrix LED headlamps, virtual exterior mirrors (instead of side view mirrors), a panoramic glass sunroof, digital matrix LED headlamps, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. With PHS automotive as the official distributor of Audi in Malaysia, the brand is going on an electric offense this year, starting with the \ne-tron GT\n and \nQ8 e-tron\n.\nRELATED: \nThe Audi A6 e-tron concept uses its headlamps to project video games!"
"Perodua has officially unveiled the 2019 Perodua Axia. The market leading A-segment hatchback is now Malaysia\u2019s most affordable car with advanced safety features.\nThe 2019 Perodua Axia will be offered in \nsix variants\n \u2014 E, G, GXtra, SE, AV and an exciting STYLE variant, sporting a crossover-inspired look. The new Perodua Axia variants are priced\n between RM24,090 and RM43,190 \non the road before insurance for Peninsular Malaysia.\nPerodua\u2019s \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0\n has made it\u2019s way down the family, and is now available in the AV variant of the 2019 Perodua Axia. The ASA 2.0 includes safety features such as pedestrian detection (up to 50 km/h), pre-collision warning (up to 100 km/h), pre-collision braking (up to 80 km/h), front departure alert and pedal misoperation control.\nPerodua\u2019s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cthe 2019 Perodua Axia carries on the spirit while offering Malaysians much more in an entry-level vehicle than ever thought possible. It offers major advances in safety and style never seen before in this segment and yet retains its affordability.\u201d\nAll variants will be offered with the same \n1.0-litre VVT-i engine\n producing \n68 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels in all variants. The entry-level E variant will be offered with a \n5-speed manual\n transmission; all other variants only get a\n 4-speed automatic\n.\nBeing a facelift, the 2019 Perodua Axia generally looks pretty similar to the outgoing model. The 2019 Axia sports an updated standard bumpers and garnishing design, while the STYLE variant gets its own unique look. We cover the Axia STYLE in depth in our separate story \nhere.\nThe SE and AV variants form the \u201cpremium\u201d range, with added extra skirtings on all four sides of the vehicle and a spoiler at the back. In addition, the SE and AV get a \u201chigh type\u201d headlamps and added front fog lamps. The \u201cpremium\u201d variants also get turning indicators on the retractable electronic side mirrors.\nThe Axia E will be equipped with 14-inch steel rims, while the other variants get 14-inch alloy wheels. The Axia STYLE is the only variant to be offered with a 15-inch alloy rims.\nOn the inside, the top two variants come with semi-bucket style seats, donned in SE styling fabric seats. The Axia SE will have an audio system with USB and Bluetooth, while the Axia AV gets a \ntouch-screen infotainment system\n with navigation, Smart Link, USB, Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity. All other variants get a regular audio system without Bluetooth, while the E variant does not come with an audio system.\u00a0\nSafety wise, the 2019 Perodua Axia comes equipped with dual ABS airbags on all variants, anti brake-lock system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) on the G and above, while the GXtra, SE, AV and STYLE gets an additional vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TC) features. As stated earlier, the AV variant also gets the additional ASA 2.0 system.\nWith more than 5,000 bookings made even before its public reveal, the Perodua Axia will be looking to maintain its status as the best-selling A-segment hatchback in Malaysia.\n2019 Perodua Axia Pricing:\nVariant\nP M\u2019sia prices\nE M\u2019sia prices\nE\nRM24,090\nRM26,090\nG\nRM33,490\nRM35,490\nGXtra\nRM34,990\nRM36,990\nSTYLE\nRM38,890\nRM40,890\nSE\nRM38,890\nRM40,890\nAV\nRM43,190\nRM45,190\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While the news of \nCarlos Ghosn\n fleeing house arrest in Japan in a made-for-Hollywood plot dominated headlines over Christmas last year, the former Nissan boss has so far been tight-lipped about the finer details of how he evaded so many layers of scrutiny in what has become one of the world\u2019s \nmost audacious escapes\n by a high profile corporate icon.\n \nSome media outlets had initially speculated on how Ghosn may have eluded detection by hiding in a \ncello box\n belonging to a band that had performed at his \nRoppongi \nresidence. But news reports later told a different story in that Ghosn had travelled on his own on a bullet train to Osaka and met with his handlers at a hotel near \nKansai \nairport.\nFrom Davos to a drum? Ghosn is now a fugitive hoping to clear his name.\nWhat transpired at the hotel till Ghosn got on the plane is speculation, but \nnews animators Bisbo\n expounded their own theory on how a sedated Ghosn may have given authorities the slip by hiding in drum placed in an \noversized musical instrument case\n. Well, until Ghosn lets us in on what really transpired, Bisbo\u2019s guess is as good as any. Besides, animated comic is a fun way to tell a story."
"With 14 million cars sold to date, Volkswagen is continuing the success story of the Polo with the sixth-generation Polo. Volkswagen has thoroughly reimagined the Polo from the ground up, featuring an all-new platform, new engines, high-tech features and semi-autonomous driving systems.\nUnderpinning the Polo is the famed MQB platform, albeit scaled down (\nMQB A0\n)\u00a0for compact cars application. Dimension wise, it has grown significantly compared to the \nfifth-generation Polo\n, now measuring at 4,053 mm in length (+81 mm), 1,751 mm in width (+69 mm) and 2,564 mm in wheelbase (+94 mm). Overall, height has decreased by 7 mm to 1,446 mm. Thanks to the swelled dimensions, interior room for occupants has increased significantly and boot space has also increased by 21 litres to \n351 litres\n.\nEXTERIOR\nAccording to VW\u2019s Head of Design, Klaus Bischoff, the designers took an expressive design approach to give the Polo an outlook that fits the current buyers\u2019 lifestyle. As a result, the four-door only Polo is more masculine, sporty and confident than before. One key design called \u2018Arrow-shaped tornado double line\u2019 that runs from the window shoulder all the way into the headlamps housing help make the Polo appear longer and better stance.\nAt launch, three familiar trim lines will be offered \u2013 Trendline, Comfortline and Highline as well as a \u2018Beats\u2019 special edition make up the Polo range. In its highest specification (including options), the Polo comes with full-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, keyless entry and start and remote start function. Alloy wheel options range from 14- to 16-inches in diameter.   For an even more aggressive appearance, customers can opt for the \nR-Line package\n (available with any trim lines) which adds a larger and sportier front bumper, rear diffuser with chrome trim, roof spoiler, black sill trim strips and 16-inch \u2018Sebring\u2019 alloy wheels.\nINTERIOR\nInside, gone is the old minimalistic look. It now mimics those of the \nGolf MK7\n and \nPassat B8\n, \u00a0and some features include 12.3-inch Active Info Display, 6.0- to 8.0-inch infotainment systems, \u2018Air Care Climatronic\u2019 system with air quality sensor and allergen filter, panoramic roof and Wireless Charging Tray.   The \u2018Beats\u2019 special edition Polo gets a specially developed 300-watt sound system by\u00a0US headphone producer Beats (Dr. Dre). Elsewhere it gets special \u2018Beats\u2019 logo around the interior.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Polo can be had with up to eight engines: one Natural Gas, five petrol and two diesels. The entry level petrol engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder MPI with two tunes: \n64 hp\n and \n74 hp\n. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Onto the turbo petrol range, it kicks off with two 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo TSI engine:\n 94 hp\n and\n 114 hp\n; both engines can be had with a seven-speed DSG or manual transmissions.\nThe Polo is also available with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI EVO producing \n148 hp\n like on the \nGolf facelift\n. The 1.5-litre TSI EVO features \nActive Cylinder Management (ACM) technology\n which shuts down the middle two cylinders during light throttle load. Volkswagen has yet to reveal official fuel consumption figures but with the Polo being a smaller car, it should better the Golf\u2019s \n4.9 litres per 100 km\n. A seven-speed DSG or six-speed manual can be had with this engine.\nOn the oil burner front, two 1.6-litre TDI with \n79 hp\n and \n94 hp\n, respectively. The lower output gets a five-speed manual as standard while the more powerful TDI has the option for a seven-speed DSG. For added handling performance, the Polo can be optioned with \nAdaptive Dampers\n which allows the driver to select their desired handling characteristics for superior control.\nSAFETY\nVolkswagen has equipped the Polo with driver assistance safety systems found on their higher range models but the most impressive move is that all variants come with \nCity Emergency Braking\n (AEB), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Pedestrian Monitoring \nas standard\n! Other options that greatly improve safety are Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic Alert, semi-automated Park Assist and \nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\n that operates up to speeds of \n210 km/h\n.\nOn paper, the Volkswagen Polo certainly seems to have evolved leaps and bounds compared to the outgoing model. The new Polo will be available in European markets in late 2017 with prices in Germany starting from \u20ac12,975 (RM62k).\nWe know for sure that it\u2019s only a matter of time before the all-new Polo arrives here in Malaysia. And hopefully when it does, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will offer the full suite of high-tech features and drivers assistance systems at an attractive price. Otherwise, at least the sexy R-Line to replace the \nALLSTAR\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Polo R-Line   Volkswagen Polo \u2018Beats\u2019 Edition"
"Ever since Mazda returned to the automotive front pages, their signature KODO design language has been at the forefront of solidifying a place among the heavyweights of car manufacturers.\nThe KODO design philosophy breathed life into their cars while reflecting the spirit of the vehicle\u2019s designers and its builders. The process required Mazda\u2019s engineers to be meticulous \u2013 to prevent mass-production from diluting high levels of craftsmanship.\nTake the \u201cgrinding stone\u201d for example, a material used to shape, form and refine the lines of a car; \nmore than 12,000 grinding stones\n were tested and rejected before Mazda developed its own unique \u201cKODO stone\u201d.\nThe \u201cKODO stone\u201d allowed Mazda\u2019s master craftsmen (or Takumi) to precisely sculpt the metal moulds to reflect their passion, to bring a piece of drawing to life, to project soul of motion."
"Few would consider a Rolls-Royce sexy, for it is an extravagant, ultra luxurious four-wheeled private jet. It turns out that all you need to do to make a Rolls-Royce \u2018sexy\u2019 is to decapitate the top, and that dear readers, is how the \nRolls-Royce Dawn\n was born.\nThe Dawn is essentially a convertible version of the Wraith, and it succeeds the Phantom Drophead Coupe. It\u2019s built based on the previous generation (F02) BMW 7-Series and shares quite a number of mechanical components as Munich\u2019s flagship limo, the V12 engine included. Not surprising there, because BMW owns Rolls-Royce.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRolls-Royce Dawn\nEngine\n6,592cc; twin-turbo V12, DOHC\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF auto\nMax Power\n563 hp @ 5,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n780 Nm @ 1,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n5.0 seconds, 250km/h (electronically limited)\nPrice\nfrom RM4,000,000.00\nEXTERIOR\nDespite being closely related to the Wraith, Rolls-Royce insists that close to 80 percent of the Dawn is new and exclusive to the model. Several design tweaks have been made to give the Dawn a sleeker silhouette, beginning with the recessed front grille and the raked windscreen. The Flying Lady ornament, or more fondly known as the \nSpirit of Ecstasy\n, can be deployed or hidden away through the push of a button that\u2019s housed within the centre console.   Its fabric-top is made of\n six interwoven layers\n, which gives it the characteristic pin-drop silence of a typical Rolls-Royce. This is of course when the roof is up, and getting that done takes about\n 22 seconds\n (operable at speeds no more than 50km/h). Standard features on the outside include full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, 21-inch wheels shod with run-flat tyres and quad exhaust pipes masked by the two trapezoidal tips.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin is upholstered in appropriately exquisite leather; the one you see here is finished in a tangy brown tone which Rolls-Royce calls Mandarin. Legend has it that all wooden parts of the cabin are carved from the same tree trunk, and that gives unparalleled grain symmetry, texture and colour. None of the wooden panels are fake, and they have all been treated to withstand the abuse of weather and time.   The Dawn is strictly a four-seater limousine, and the lower recesses of the car gets draped in ultra plush fabric. Each occupant will get his/her own climate control and heated seats.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Dawn is only available with one engine, that is the BMW-sourced\n 6.6-litre V12\n motor. It is\n twin-turbocharged\n to make \n563 horsepower\n and \n780 Nm\n of torque, slightly less than the F02 7-Series\u2019 624-pony count. Drive is sent to the \nrear wheels\n through an \neight-speed automatic\n gearbox manufactured by ZF.\nIt may weight in excess of 2,600kg, but it\u2019s powerful enough to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of \n250km/h\n. The combined fuel consumption is rated at \n14.3 litres per 100km\n, but this obviously won\u2019t concern buyers.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs with any Rolls-Royce, the Dawn is entirely built by hand at the company\u2019s manufacturing plant in Goodwood, England. The team is 1,400 large, and can produce up to 20 Rollers a day.You can personalise the Dawn to the very limits of your taste, so let your journey begin at the Ground Floor of Quill 9, Petaling Jaya, with\u00a0a personal tour of the RM4 million handmade convertible.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"German carmaker Audi has just introduced the new Audi SQ5 TDI, a diesel variant of the SQ5 range and while it may have the same 3.0-litre V6 setup, it now makes 700 Nm \u2013 200 Nm more than its petrol-powered TFSI sibling.\nTogether with \n347 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0a permanent\u00a0all-wheel\u00a0drive\u00a0system\n,\n it will take the SQ5 TDI just five seconds to hit the 100 km/h mark from standstill \u2013 that\u2019s Volkswagen Golf R territory!\nIn normal driving conditions, torque between the front and rear is distributed at a 40:60 ratio. Up to 70% of the power can be sent to the front or 85% to the back, depending on the situation.\nAt full boost, the large Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbochargers can generate up to 2.4 bar of pressure, while a sound actuator in the exhaust system helps produce a full-bodied exhaust note.\nThe SQ5 TDI\u2019s performance is aided by a 48-volt main electrical system consisting of an Electric-Powered Compressor (EPC) that supports the turbocharger \u2013 helping it to spool faster \u2013 along with a mild hybrid system.\nThe mild hybrid system on the other hand helps recuperate energy under braking, and stores them in a compact lithium-ion battery that placed under the boot floor, with an electrical capacity of 10 Ah.\nThe Audi SQ5 TDI\u2019s suspension comes as standard with damper control unlike the standard Q5. It also lowers the car significantly without sacrificing comfort and practicality. As an option, there\u2019s also the S-specific adaptive air suspension.\nBraking performance has also been upgraded with 6-pot calipers in the front, beneath a set of 20-inch cast aluminium wheels.\nThe cabin is unmistakably Audi, with Alcantara, leather and brushed aluminium occupying all the touch points. While the exterior does not differ from the petrol-powered model, there is a Panther Black paint job that\u2019s exclusively for the SQ5 TDI.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi has officially teased its upcoming all-new Audi A7 Sportback in a single image. The second-generation luxury four-door coupe will make its official debut very very soon on October 19, 6pm BST (1am Malaysian time). Audi claims that the new A7 embodies the brands latest design language previously seen on the Prologue concept car.\nLike the \nA8\n that made its global debut recently, the A7 will also carry over much of the design elements from the Prologue show car. Design cues such as sleeker headlamps and prominent Singleframe grille like the \nA4\n and \nQ5\n are a given.\nExpect the A7 to be lighter, more aerodynamic and luxurious than the out-going model it replaces. As some of you are aware, the \nfirst-gen A7\n was based on the \nA6 C7\n but was actually launched a year before the A6 came about (A7 in 2010, A6 in 2011). If Audi were to keep the same development timeline, we can expect what the next-generation A6 entails judging from the all-new A7.\nAudi will stream the unveiling live on \nwww.audimedia.tv\n so you can catch it later at 1am local time. Stay tuned for the launch report from us soon after!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the launch of the \nTiggo 7 Pro\n and \nTiggo 8 Pro\n in Indonesia yesterday, Chery has reaffirmed its\n plans for a local assembly (CKD) plant\n for its models here in Malaysia, as part of its push into the right-hand-drive (RHD) markets globally.\nSpeaking at the launch, Chery Motor Indonesia executive vice president, Zhang Wei said that the carmaker will be establishing its \u201cown subsidiary\u201d in Malaysia next month. The CKD project will see an annual capacity of 30,000 units, and is hinted to begin operations in July 2023.\n\u201cWe will meet our customers [in Malaysia] in July next year,\u201d Zhang said.\nIndonesia, however, will still remain the production hub for Chery\u2019s RHD markets in the region, and will be further bolstered with the addition of a R&D centre in the country.\nThe vehicles made in Indonesia and Malaysia will be exported to Australia, Singapore, and Brunei, among others. In Australia, the \nOmoda 5\n will lead Chery\u2019s introduction into the country, beginning February 2023.\nRELATED: \nChery makes first official appearance in Malaysia \u2013 Tiggo Pro Series, Omoda 5 previewed\n \nHere in Malaysia, Chery recently \npreviewed\n the five models that it has earmarked for launch in Malaysia, including the Tiggo Pro Series, as well as the highly-anticipated Omoda 5. The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to plug-in hybrid and fully-electric models, and has also previewed the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV here in Malaysia, making its first appearance in the ASEAN region.\nThe Malaysian launch will kick off with the Chery Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro as part of its \u201cPhase One\u201d plans.\nALSO READ: \nChery promises \u201cuser-centric\u201d aftersales services in Malaysia with nationwide dealership network"
"These days we\u2019re spoilt for choice when it comes to tyre selection from a range of different brands and prices, performance levels and applications. But do we (or rather you) know what you\u2019re buying? Are those set of tyres suited to your daily needs?\nHere\u2019s a video we made on tyre care tips and things to look out for before going on a long drive.\nIf you\u2019ve popped by a tyre shop and gone through the ordeal of picking out a tyre for your car, you\u2019d agree that there are easily more than 10 different brands to choose from, with varying costs and applications. You would\u2019ve most certainly also heard of \nasymmetric and directional tyres\n \u2013 in reference to their tread patterns.\nWhat are they then? What do they mean? How do they differ in application?\nNarrowing down the focus, we\u2019ll start off by briefly looking into \nwhat directional tyres are\n; looking through its fundamentals so that you can sound knowledgeable enough to impress your better half and avoid looking like a complete imbecile at the tyre shop.\nDirectional tyres have been around since the beginning of motoring and were used as a means of improving traction on muddy and loose surfaces. It\u2019s not until modern times that they were appreciated for their advantages and less importantly, aesthetic appeal.\nThese tyres can be easily identified simply by the tread patterns on its surface. They usually have an arrow-like, forward-facing, V-shaped pattern (that\u2019s hard to miss) and is designed solely to rotate in one direction.\nThese tyres usually have markings on the sidewall to determine its direction. The markings may vary but typically you\u2019ll find the word \u201crotation\u201d clearly stated if not some form of symbol or representation like an arrow, to ensure that you wouldn\u2019t position them wrongly when you\u2019re fitting on or rotating those tyres.\nWhile it wouldn\u2019t send your car into the ditch if mounted on the wrong side, let\u2019s just say, these tyres wouldn\u2019t be optimised \u2013 they wouldn\u2019t be as effective in delivering grip and dispersing water, as it should.\nAside from helping to disperse water more efficiently, to avoid aquaplanning, directional tyres are also said to offer better directional stability.\nSpeaking of rotating your tyres, directional tyres can only be rotated \nfrom side to side or from front to back\n, vice versa. If done wrongly, it could reduce traction, increase tyre noise and decrease the lifespan of the tyres."
"It appears that a certain Nissan supercar will no longer hold the exclusive \u201cGT-R\u201d moniker, following an announcement by Mercedes-Benz with their soon-to-be-unveiled AMG GT-R supercar.\nJudging from the 22-second teaser, it\u2019s certain that the new AMG GT-R supercar is one lean, mean machine. Also noticeable here is a fixed rear wing and revised rear bumper for added downforce, as well as the GT-R emblem at the back.\nIt\u2019s set to retain its\n 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine \nand the\n seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle gearbox\n.\u00a0To recap, the standard GT (\nlaunched here in S guise with a price tag of RM1.15 million\n) generates 470 hp and 600 Nm of torque while the GT S liberates 503 hp and 650 Nm of torque. While no official figures have been revealed at this point of time, the new AMG GT-R will very likely pack in excess of\n\u00a0570\n hp.\nAdditional raw power is not the thing the new AMG GT-R can shout about, because it\u2019s also poised to receive\u00a0active aerodynamics and rear wheel steering. On the latter, it seems that Mercedes is following Porsche\u2019s playbook, because rear-steering is used\u00a0in the\u00a0\n991 GT3\n and turbo.\nThe AMG GT-R is set to make its debut at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed that\u2019s scheduled to take place on 24 June 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Three years after the arrival of the \nLC 500 Coupe\n, which was subsequently featured in our \nannual AutoBuzz Best Cars of 2017 video\n, Lexus Malaysia has followed up with this, the \nLC 500 Convertible\n priced from RM1.35 million.\nPowering the \nconvertible art sculpture\n is the same 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine and 10-speed automatic combo that\u2019s in the LC 500 Coupe. The LC 500 Convertible makes the same\n 470 hp\n and\n 540 Nm\n however, it\u2019s 0 to 100 km/h time is 4.9 seconds; half a second slower than the LC 500 Coupe\u2019s 4.4 seconds.\nThat\u2019s because the LC 500 Convertible is carrying nearly 100 kg of excess fat despite having a fabric roof over the carbon fibre roof in the LC 500 Coupe.\n \nExterior wise, while it may look as simple as an LC 500 Coupe without a roof, there are considerable changes in the rear quarter section. The section behind the doors now sport a \u201ckick up\u201d design as Lexus calls it, joining the slightly raised trunk surface. The integrated rear ducktail spoiler is also broader, lending the LC 500 Convertible a wider stance.\nAs with most convertibles, boot space is often times sacrificed to accommodate the collapsed roof but the LC500 convertible is an exception.\nIt offers just\u00a0\nas much luggage room as the LC 500 Coupe \nat 172 litres. It\u2019s a result of folding the fabric roof and tucking it between the rear suspension towers. Meanwhile, the hydraulic motors that operate the roof have been fitted in the empty space behind the rear seats.\nWanna know more about the latest drop-top in Malaysia? Check out the video!\nGALLERY"
"They say the fruit does not fall too far from the tree and this could not be more true with the Gemballa family.\nThe late Uwe Gemballa rose to fame extracting huge horsepower from all sorts of standard Porsches including Cayenne SUVs and turning them into bonkers road trains. Now his son, Marc Phillip Gemballa, looks to extend the family legacy with his very own company and direction, named after himself. Note that Marc Philipp Gemballa is not associated with Gemballa GmbH.\nBreaking away from the family business and supercar traditions, the new Marsien is Marc Philipp Gemballa\u2019s first creation based on the latest \n992 Porsche 911 Turbo S\n. It\u2019s a new vehicle concept that\u2019s inspired by the Paris-Dakar rally era.\nAs for the name Marsien, it\u2019s \nFrench for \u201cMartian\u201d\n. The inspiration for it came from the beautiful\n \nAl Faya desert\n \nwhere the car was developed; with stunning red desert sand, sharp fossil rocks, and mountainous backdrops.\n\u201cWe felt as if we were in an entirely different universe. Since it looked and felt like we were on Mars, we couldn\u2019t think of a more fitting name for our first project,\u201d said Marc Philipp Gemballa.\nTo conquer the desert dunes, or any terrain it comes across, the engine from the 911 Turbo S was developed and tuned with RUF Automobile to now produce \n750 hp\n and\n 930 Nm\n, a 100 hp and 130 Nm increase. This means 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 2.6 seconds \u2013 0.1 seconds faster than the 911 Turbo S.\nCustomers craving more power can even opt for a 2nd stage power upgrade, taking output \nup to 830 hp\n with upgraded turbochargers and revised ECU tuning for the engine and transmission.\nJust so it can handle all that torque, they\u2019ve used extended driveshafts developed with reinforced parts from the Cayenne. Allowing the boxer engine to sing at the highest notes is an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system with a bespoke sound.\nThe body of the Marc Philipp\u00a0Gemballa Marsien is made entirely of carbon fibre and can be finished with exposed carbon fibre upon request. The unique colour is the result of three layers of Pearl White paint with special metallic flakes.\nUnder the highly aerodynamic body is a set of bespoke KW suspension specially created for the Marsien for off-road use. The suspension system also includes active dampers and adjustable ride height features. At the touch of a button, the ride height can be raised up to 250 mm while the active dampers are able to adjust themselves within 20 milliseconds for optimum road holding.\nInside, the Marc Philipp\u00a0Gemballa Marsien looks less Martian and more Parisian with plush leather and Alcantara upholstery, carbon fibre and other exquisite materials which can all be made to order.\nManufactured in Germany, only a few of the 40 allocated units remain according to the company. Each comes with a hefty price tag of EUR 495,000 (approx. RM2.4 million), on top of whatever it costs to buy the Porsche 911 Turbo S!\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s nothing more exciting than watching two of the most powerful cars \nmoney can buy \u2013 a\n Mercedes-AMG GT R\n and a \nPorsche 911 GT3 RS\n \u2013 dishing it out at the Nurburgring.\nI\u2019ve always believed that too much of anything isn\u2019t a good thing and that\u2019s relative to power as well. In that sense, I prefer a balance \u2013 not too much power that it overwhelms the car and ultimately the driver, but enough to go real fast.\n \nIn the video, it\u2019s obvious which car is more superior on the straights and the high speed sections but the GT3 RS more than makes up for it under heavy braking and in the tighter sections \u2013 as all 911s in general are known for.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT R makes \n585 hp\n with \n700 Nm\n of torque from its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 while the Porsche 911 GT3 RS makes \n513 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque from its 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six."
"Last weekend saw round 5 and 6 of the Audi R8 LMS Cup take place, a one-make race series featuring our homegrown racer Alex Yoong. Alex and fellow racer, a young Belgian\u00a0Alessio Picariello, are currently tied at the top of the championship table.\nFor the uninitiated, the Audi R8 LMS Cup is a single-make race series where drivers, either professional racers or gentlemen drivers, race across tracks in Asia with the identically-specced Audi R8 LMS race car. This season, the second-generation 570hp \nAudi R8\n\u00a0was the car of choice for all, and is\u00a0based on GT3 specifications. The race is organised by Audi China and is part of the Audi Sport customer racing Asia programme.   In the first race, Alex Yoong started fourth on the grid, and made a splendid start thanks to fresher tyres. The Malaysian overtook all three drivers ahead before reaching turn one and led comfortably throughout the race. His only competition came from current DTM driver, Edoardo Mortara, but the best Mortara could do was settle for second place. Rahel Frey, a Swiss lass and the only female driver of the series, finished third in her green R8 with Castrol liveries.\nAs the R8 LMS rules go, Alex\u2019s victory in the first leg \u201cearned\u201d him a 50kg weight penalty. Subsequent podium finishers will also receive a 35kg and 20kg ballast for second and third place, respectively.\nThe battle turned intense when Picariello, who had his 35kg ballast removed from the first leg, made contact with Mortara\u2019s left door in turn 2 but the experienced Italian retained his composure to lead the race. It was Mortara\u2019s racing experience that gave him the win, followed by the charging Picariello in a close second place. Frey was the most consistent driver of the weekend by taking the final podium of the race. Yoong meanwhile crossed the finish line in sixth.\nOn another note, current GP3 driver and fellow Malaysian, Akash Nandy, took this off-season break from single-seater racing by driving one of the KCMG\u2019s R8. He finished both races in ninth place.\nAs for the points standing, both Yoong and Picariello are tied at\u00a0the top of the championship standings with 95 points, and Frey\u2019s double podium earned her the third spot in the overall standings. In the Amateur cup,\u00a0Jeffrey Lee of Team Audi Volkswagen Taiwan scored double wins\u00a0and leads the Amateur cup standings.\nThe next race will move to Korea and will take place on 24 and 25 September 2016, before the finale in Shanghai in November. Alex, who is also Malaysia\u2019s first Formula One driver, took two consecutive Audi R8 LMS titles in 2014 and 2015. With his vast experience in many forms of motorsports, the 2016 title is just within an arm\u2019s reach for him, as long he keeps the talented young Belgium at bay.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Late last year, Lexus Malaysia opened the order books for the \nNX200t\n \u2013 Lexus\u2019 first ever turbocharged model in its history of car-making. And it\u2019s really handsome too! Yesterday, they revealed \non their Facebook page\n that the NX200t will be officially introduced here on \n29 January\n at the \nBukit Kiara Equestrian Club\n at approximately 6pm to 11pm.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus NX200t\u00a0\nLexus NX200t Premium\nLexus NX200t Luxury\u00a0\nSegment\nPremium Compact SUV\nEngine\n1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo\n1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo\n1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nEstimated RM300,000\nEstimated RM330,000\nEstimated RM350,000\n\u00a0\nThe NX will be introduced here in three different trims \u2013 the \nNX 200t\n, \nNX 200t Premium\n and \nNX 200t Luxury\n, costing from an estimated \nRM300,000\n, \nRM330,000\n and \nRM350,000\n respectively. All three will be powered by the same \n2.0-litre twin scroll turbocharged engine\n that produces \n235 hp\n at 4,800 rpm to 5,600 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 1,650 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is done in 7.1 seconds, for those who must know.\nSince we\u2019re getting only the NX200t range (basically the ones sporting the 2.0-litre turbo mill; the NX300h gets the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine), it will be paired to the \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n as opposed to the NX300h\u2019s CVT \u2018box. All three variants will be \nall-wheel driven\n (AWD) as well.   There\u2019s plenty of kit coming with the car too, as per seen on \nLexus Malaysia\u2019s website\n. The base NX200t for a start, won\u2019t be getting the triple L-shaped LED headlights, but the two higher trims will. They all come with the 7-inch display screen with remote touch controller, rear view camera,\u00a0eight airbags and Hill Start Assist to boot. There\u2019s also a \nwireless charging port\n for compatible smartphones in the Premium and Luxury trims.\nLexus Malaysia also revealed that you and two guests of your choice can be part of the Lexus NX Amazing Night event if you\u00a0\nRSVP here\n. It\u2019s on a first-come-first-serve basis though, so hurry while you still can. Keep watching this space for the latest updates (with a video as well, no less) on the brand\u2019s first ever turbocharged premium compact SUV.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In our report last month, we shared that talks between \nHyundai-Kia and Apple to build a car\n was only at an infancy stage and nothing has been decided just yet.\nIt seems that vision is close to becoming a reality as various reports and sources have claimed that the two juggernauts are close to finalising a deal that could see \nApple\n pump a whopping USD3.6 billion into the joint venture.\nFirst a \nrobot\n, now a car!\nIt would not be a Kia or Hyundai vehicle with Apple\u2019s technologies but instead an \u201cApple car\u201d manufactured by Hyundai-Kia at Kia\u2019s assembly plant in Georgia, USA. Think Apple phones; designed by Apple, built by Foxconn.\nHere\u2019s the thing; it\u2019s likely that\u2019ll you\u2019ll never get to drive it.\nYeap, the \u201cApple car\u201d is going to be an autonomous vehicle that\u2019s predicated to be \nbased on Hyundai\u2019s electric modular platform \nor in short,\n \nE-GMP. The E-GMP platform will also provide the \nbase for the soon-to-be-unveiled Ioniq 5 EV crossover\n!\nThe \nE-MGP platform revealed in December 2020\n was designed to be rear-wheel drive as standard but can also be an all-wheel drive platform, with the addition of another electric motor in the front.\nIts batteries are packed between the front and rear axles for even weight distribution and positioned really low (as illustrated below) to ensure a low centre of gravity for better stability.\nOn that note, Hyundai also shared that its electric motors are capable of powering a high performance model with impressive figures. 0 to 100 km/h in \nless than three seconds\n, with a top speed of around 260 km/h and an \nelectric range of 500km\n.\nIt\u2019s easy to forget that we\u2019re still talking about a potential car by Apple here. Production is \nexpected to begin in 2024\n if talks don\u2019t fall through at the 11th hour.\nLet\u2019s also hope Apple includes a cable with every purchase to charge the car."
"It\u2019s December again, and aside from the usual festivities surrounding Christmas, it\u2019s also the month when companies wrap up the year with sappy videos, and Car of the Year awards release their final roster. One such award was Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY), who have just announced their winners for the 2022/2023 edition.\nThe 2022/2023 Japan \u2018Car\u2019 of the Year is awarded to a \npair \nof Kei-car EVs, the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK Cross, seeing that they are both essentially the same car underneath the sheet metal. The win marks the first time that a fully-electric car has won the award outright, and even more incredibly, a tiny pair of kei-cars at that.\n2023 Honda Civic Type R\nIt is a genuinely impressive feat, but to be honest, we\u2019re actually more excited about the 2022/2023 Performance Car of the Year. That\u2019s because it was awarded to the \nHonda Civic e:HEV\n and \nType R\n, both variants of the car listed under a single entry.\nThe e:HEV variant, being evaluated as a sports sedan here, was noted for its \u201cmodern and smart driving performance thanks to its sophisticated powertrain\u201d. The true sports-car-worthy Type R meanwhile was awarded the win thanks to its \u201cexcellent chassis performance\u201d and smooth VTEC turbocharged engine.\nWATCH: \nHybrid Honda Civic e:HEV RS \u2013 How much faster vs Civic Turbo RS?\nHonda Civic e:HEV RS in Malaysia\nOn top of that, the Honda Civic also very nearly won the actual Japan Car of the Year award, coming in second with 320 points (compared to the Nissan/Mitsubishi\u2019s 399).\nOther award winners in the 2022/2023 JCOTY include the \nBMW iX\n for the Design award, The \nHyundai Ioniq 5 \nfor the Import Car of the Year award, and the \nNissan X-Trail\u2019s\n powertrain for the Technology award.\nBMW iX\nThe 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS was \nrecently launched here in Malaysia\n, taking the place as the new range-topper of the Civic line-up, with prices starting at RM166,500.\nPowering the hybrid Civic is one of the marque\u2019s most powerful e:HEV powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine acting largely as a generator, and two electric motors \u2013 one to drive the front wheels. In total, the hybrid engine makes \n184 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n of torque, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds \u2013 0.6 seconds quicker than the petrol-powered RS.\nAs for the Honda Civic Type R, don\u2019t hold your breath for it to arrive at Malaysian shores anytime soon, seeing that it\u2019s \nstill struggling to keep up with demand in its home country\n."
"You\u2019ve heard about the new Lexus ES right? The slightly shrunk version of the LS packed with either a 300 hp 3.5-litre V6 engine or a 2.5-litre hybrid engine may have a few new tricks up its sleeve but this particular one will get your attention.\nThe ES is set to feature the world\u2019s first \nDigital Side-View Monitors\n, equipped on a mass-produced vehicle. Effectively replacing the exterior mirrors with small cameras, it\u2019s able to provide drivers with a clearer view of the vehicle\u2019s surroundings.\nThe images are then transmitted onto two 5-inch display monitors, one on each A-pillar. Forget the improved visibility from the slimmer side mirrors, the more intriguing effect is that it\u2019s been designed to \u201creduce accumulation of raindrops\u201d \u2013 a problem we\u2019re all familiar with here in Malaysia when it rains.\nAlso because of the slimmer design, it\u2019s more aerodynamic so wind noise has been reduced too \u2013 resulting in a quieter cabin.\nFor the millions of us suffering from blurred vision caused by raindrops on the side mirror, the solution is here!\nThe video above may be thoroughly in Japanese but I guess the visuals paint a very clear picture of what the system can do. You\u2019d also notice how the visuals react and focus area shifts almost actively, according to your turn indicators or when you\u2019re in reverse.\nThe Digital Side-View Monitors will make its debut on the new Lexus ES, which will go on sale in late October. Currently, the system is only available in Japan.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Lexus ES crudely place screens on the dashboard"
"Lexus Malaysia today announced the availability of not one, but two special and limited edition variants: the ES 250 Limited Edition and the RX 300 Luxury Special Edition.\nStarting with the \nLexus ES 250 Limited Edition\n, this premium sedan is now furnished with the exclusive \nbamboo wood trim\n inlays on the steering wheel, doors, centre console, and dashboard. Lexus says the bamboo is \nhand-picked from a sustainable forest\n in Kochi, southern Japan, and a master craftsman or \u2018takumi\u2019 sculpts and polishes each piece by hand.\nCustomers can choose to have either Topaz Brown or Black interior theme to pair with the handcrafted bamboo wood trim.\nLexus Malaysia is pricing the \nES 250\n Limited Edition from \nRM327,510.50\n on-the-road, without insurance and with the on-going sales tax exemption that is valid until 30th June 2021.\nMeanwhile, the \nRX 300 Luxury Special Edition \nwill see an upgrade to the exterior through the fitment of a 4-piece \naerodynamic body kit\n. The set consists of a front bumper spoiler, a pair side skirts, and a rear bumper diffuser.\nPriced at \nRM421,909.50\n on-the-road without insurance and sales tax, the RX 300 Luxury Special Edition sees a significant price add-on (+RM12,124) compared to the \nLuxury variant\n it is based on, and just RM2,278 lower than the fully sport-focused F Sport variant.\nBoth the ES 250 Limited Edition and RX 300 Luxury Special Edition share three colours in the 4-colour palette available: Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, and Graphite Black Glass Flake. Unique to the ES 250 Limited Edition is the Deep Blue Mica, while the fourth colour available to the RX 300 Luxury Special Edition is the Red Mica Crystal Shine.\nThe newly introduced variants will be available for booking from the middle of January at all six authorized Lexus Centres nationwide, with \ndeliveries from Japan set to begin in February 2021\n."
"MINI Malaysia launched the \nofficial video\n of the New MINI Cooper F56 recently featuring 4 stuntmen and 1 MINI terrorizing the administrative capital of Malaysia. Now, MINI Malaysia released another video showing how the team pulled off the stunts and camera production; The Making of Men vs MINI in Putrajaya.\nWatch \u201cMen vs MINI in Putrajaya\u201d here\nSaatchi & Saatchi Arachnid\n, the\u00a0creative agency for the project put together an all-star team that turned what was on the drawing board into reality. Starting with the stunt team, coordinator Raja Aris Dzulkifli gathered four stuntmen; BMX Freestyler, Fizzy; Extreme Pro Flyboarder, Shuk; Paramotor Pilot, Rizlan; and Base Jumper, Nasa.\nAgainst these men was the MINI Cooper S F56 driven by Malaysia Gymkhana Champion, Ivan Khong. Stunt props and special effects prepared by Kenneth Chong. Meanwhile, camera and post production were carried out by creative and production house, \nCreature Communications\n.\nThe two-day shoot that took place in Putrajaya was not as smooth sailing as they hoped. \u201cWhatever could go wrong, went wrong on the first day\u201d, said Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi Arachnid, Kelvin Wong.\u00a0Uncertainties and mishaps loomed the first day of production, even before the camera started rolling.\nFrom gloomy weather to landing choppers. It however did not dampen their spirits. The production team, Creature Communications took it as a challenge and wrapped up the shoot in that two days as planned.\nAccording to Director, Seelan Param,\u00a0\u201cTwo days for this (production), theoretically it is impossible. But i\u2019m surprised we managed to pull it off\u201d. He also added,\u00a0the most challenging part was trying to coordinate four stuntmen and the stunts.   AutoBuzz.my was involved in this project and we have to say, the team that made the \nofficial New MINI video\n was an awesome all-star team. Hats off to you guys!   Enjoy the making of video below and images taken from behind the scene.\nWatch \u201cMen vs MINI in Putrajaya\u201d here\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nDAY 1   [divider]\nDAY 2   MINI Cooper S F56 in action"
"Zyrus Engineering is a relatively new aftermarket tuning company based out of Norway. They\u2019ve worked on several projects in the past, including a carbon styling kit for the \nPorsche Taycan\n, but this here might be their most ambitious one yet. It\u2019s called the Zyrus LP1200 Strada, and it might be the most extreme\n Lamborghini Huracan\n we\u2019ve ever seen.\nYes, you read that right \u2013 the LP1200 Strada is based on the Lamborghini Huracan LP640-4, and as the name suggests, it makes a whopping \n1,200 hp\n from the 5.2-litre V10 engine, thanks to a pair of new turbochargers.\nWhen driving on the street, the LP1200 Strada in its normal driving mode reduces its power output to a \u201cmeasly\u201d \n900 hp\n, but can be dropped into a track-driving mode with just a press of a button on the dashboard, or via a mobile application.\nBut of course, the first thing that will catch your attention on this car is its borderline excessive body kit. According to Zyrus, the kit isn\u2019t just for aesthetic purposes, too \u2013 it\u2019s capable of generating \n2,010 kg of downforce at 200 km/h\n.\nUp front, Zyrus LP1200 Strada is equipped with a reworked front fascia with a surprisingly sleek bumper, bookended by a set of aerodynamic strakes on each side. A large hole is also cut out on the front bonnet for air channeling purposes, while a roof scoop collects the stream of cold air to feed into the hungry engine.\nThere\u2019s also the extended side skirts at the side with ostentatious fins and cannards, reworked rear diffuser, and of course the gargantuan rear wing that extends from the body panels on the side of the car, large enough to be fitted on a LMP1 race car.\nAll in, Zyrus says that they\u2019ve fitted no less than\n 600 new parts\n onto the LP1200 Strada, and of course \u2013 all hand built and assembled. Despite all the new parts, the tuning company still managed to somehow strip approximately 80 kg off the standard Huracan car \u2013 tipping the scales at just \n1,427 kg\n.\nAnd with all of these over-the-top modifications fitted on, it is still somehow completely road-legal. Fancy one of these for yourself? The Zyrus LP1200 Strada starts at \nEUR595,000 \n(~RM3 million), which also includes a track day \u201cfamiliarisation package\u201d with the team and engineers to help you extract the most out of your new over-the-top supercar slayer."
"While production lines are being shut down by the coronavirus epidemic, one manufacturer is apparently feeling the heat more than others, according to German newspaper \nSueddeutsche Zeitung\n.\nVolkswagen promised to start delivering its \nID.3 electric car\n this summer. However, software issues have plagued the all-electric car even before production lines shut down, essentially making those cars \nrolling off the production floor in Zwickau\n \u2018dead\u2019, the newspaper reported, as they do not have the necessary software to run or use them.\nVolkswagen is reportedly now considering to introduce a scaled-down operating system to the ID.3 to achieve the delivery target. According to an insider source to the German newspaper, the current software has been described as an \u201cabsolute disaster\u201d internally at VW.\nThe newspaper also says that the German carmaker giant is also struggling to attract software experts required to further develop or fix the current software. To make matters worse, Volkswagen Chief IT Officer of almost nine years, Martin Hoffman has also just departed the company.\nThe ID.3 is a crucial model for the brand \u2013 a bastion of Volkswagen\u2019s transition to e-mobility. But more than that, the ID.3 will also be needed to help Volkswagen achieve its EU CO2 emissions targets.\nTherefore it is important that the brand delivers the ID.3 in a timely manner, even if it will be a scaled-down version at first. the ID.3 is capable of updating its software over-the-air (OTA) to enable features retrospectively.\nThe newspaper reports that the anxiety is starting to kick in for Volkswagen, with top-level management executives from Wolfsburg reportedly meeting with Daimler \u2013 parent company to Mercedes-Benz \u2013 to develop a unified operating system to be used on electric cars from both brands.\nThe news was apparently an \u201cearthquake\u201d in the automotive industry when it became public last week, the newspaper reports, because Daimler was revealed to also have been talking to BMW at the same time for the same purpose \u2013 Oops."
"Remember the \none-off SP38 based on the Ferrari 488 GTB\n? Well, Ferrari has taken a swing at custom builds again and revealed its latest creation, the SP3JC, made to order by an unnamed Ferrari customer/collector who wanted a \u201cpure, uncompromising roadster\u201d.\nThe SP3JC is based on the chassis of the \nF12 tdf\n, similarly utilising the engine and transmission from the car. Specific output was not mentioned but based solely on the F12 tdf, the SP3JC should be making around\n 780 hp\n and \n705 Nm\n, with power directed to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox.\nSeen as a tribute to Ferrari\u2019s V12-powered roadsters of the 1950s and 1960s, the permanently open top SP3JC took more than two years to build, with input and close involvement by the customer in the process.\nThe customer\u2019s passion for Pop Art is also reflected onto the car, with the combination of the Azzurro Met (Blue) and Giallo Modena (Yellow) livery over the main Bianco Italia (White) colour scheme.\nWhat\u2019s even more catchy is the glass inserts on the front bonnet that allows you to take a peek of the monstrous 6.3-litre naturally-aspirated V12.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (BSCAP) was recently awarded the \n2014 Regional Supplier Overall Outstanding Performance Award\n by Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd at the Japanese\u2019s supplier conference held in Berkeley Hotel Pratunam in Bangkok, Thailand.\nFrom left: Mr. Hisayuki Inoue presenting the award to Mr. Shinichi Hanashi\nThe award recognises Bridgestone\u2019s contribution as Toyota\u2019s key supplier in their \nAsia Pacific operations\n that covers the safety, quality, cost, delivery, engineering and management aspects. The award was presented by CEO and President of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Engineering\u00a0& Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Mr. Hisayuki Inoue to Mr. Shinichi Hanashi, CEO of BSCAP.\nUpon receiving the award, Mr. Hanashi said, \u201cBridgestone is honoured to receive this distinguished award. In business, it is important to\u00a0sincerely listen to our customers\u2019 voice \u2013 to identify their needs and receive feedback. This quality\u00a0is essential for Bridgestone to survive the intense competition in the tyre industry.\u00a0This award encourages us to further enhance our service and quality, to become a true\u00a0regional and global partner with Toyota, with the aim of making ever better cars.\u201d"
"The Toyota luxury MPV lineup has enjoyed tremendous success in Malaysia, thanks to its proper 7-seater configuration, a generous boot and wide sliding doors. Models such as the Estima, Alphard and Vellfire have been popular among families that seek luxurious comfort when travelling.\nHowever, the bulk of these MPVs we see on the road are purchased through parallel importers. UMW Toyota did officially sell the fully-imported Alphard and Estima (named Previa here) before, but it\u2019s the first time they are throwing the Vellfire into the mix.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2016 Toyota Vellfire 2.5\nEngine\n2,494cc 2AR-FE with DVVT-i\nTransmission\n7-speed continuous variable transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n177 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n235 Nm @ 4,100 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM355,000\nEXTERIOR\nSitting at 4,930mm in length,\u00a01,850mm in width and 1,895mm in height, the Vellfire is screaming with road presence. Features such as auto-leveling full LED headlamps, cornering lamps and LED daytime running lights, together with the large\u00a0chrome grill on the front fascia truly give an impression. Just like the Alphard, the fog lamps are also of the LED type.   At the rear, clear tail lamps with LED combination is standard, as are the fog lamps. A spoiler with integrated LED braking lights\u00a0completes the Vellfire. The Vellfire rides\u00a0on multi-spoke 18 inch alloys (same as the Alphard) wrapped in 235/50 profile tyres to complete the exterior package.\nINTERIOR\nThe all-new Vellfire comes with a full-black interior theme with wood trimmings. The powered front seats (Ottoman function for the front passenger) are finished in high quality leather. The rear Captain Seats come with power reclining and Ottoman features as well. The third\u00a0row seat have a 50:50 split design for easy folding when not in use. Power sliding doors and a powered boot comes as standard for easy access.   Toyota has spent a lot of resources to refine the ingress and egress of the Vellfire. As such, the doors are now 70mm wider, side steps sit 50mm closer to the ground, overall vehicle height is lowered by 20mm and it gets a longer door assist handle for easier reach. Other creature comforts are keyless entry with push-start button, electronic parking brake with auto hold function (a first for Toyota), multi-functional steering wheel, cruise control, auto rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, 7-inch touch screen display with navigation and reverse camera, triple-zone climate control with nanoe\u2122 and passenger air vents, 10.2-inch roof-mounted entertainment system with remote control and wireless headphones compatibility, manual sunshades,\u00a0twin moon roof and a 16-colour LED ceiling illumination. This Vellfire is definitely not short on equipment.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe tried and tested 2.5-litre 2AR-FE with DVVT-i is mated to a seven-speed CVT to maximise efficiency. On the front, \u00a0MacPherson strut bars with stabilisers is tasked to manage ride comfort, whereas the rear end is managed by new double wishbones to provide luxurious ride quality and performance. Chief Engineer for the all-new Alphard and Vellfire, Kenichi Yoshioka claims that the ECU and suspension have undergone special tuning to suit Malaysian driving conditions, especially in our hot and temperate climate. All four corners get disc brakes as standard.\nSAFETY\nBuyers will be glad to know that the Vellfire comes standard with a generous amount of crucial safety kit. Standard affair include seven airbags, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), ABS with EBD, BA and hill-start Assist Control. ISOFIX mounting points are available for easy fitment of child seats.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThis Toyota Vellfire comes in four exterior shades: White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Black and Burning Black (black with a slight purple tinge, seen here) which is specific to the Vellfire. All luxury MPV models come with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty and 10-year parts guarantee. Since its inception in 2015, Toyota has sold more than 108,000 units of the all-new Alphard and Vellfire. UMW-Toyota hopes to receive similar encouraging results by targeting to sell 1,500 units of the all-new Aphard and Vellfire by end-2016.\nAn equipment-heavy Vellfire backed by factory warranty, wide network of aftersales support and 10-year parts guarantee for a peace of mind ownership; all for the price of \nRM355,000\n? Hats off to you, UMW-Toyota. Meanwhile, \nread our report on the Alphard here\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Any rally enthusiast will recognise the \nSubaru Impreza\n 22B STi \u2013 which was essentially a road-going version of the car that helped Subaru win its third consecutive constructor\u2019s title in the World Rally Championship back in 1997, in the hands of one Colin McRae.\nTo say that the 22B was rare is almost an understatement, as only 424 were ever built, and were all reportedly sold out within the two days of its release in 1998. But now nearly 25 years later, Subaru\u2019s historic racing partner\n Prodrive \nis bringing the iconic 22B back as a restomod, and while it\u2019s even rarer than before, it\u2019s also going to be significantly better.\nDubbed the P25, the Prodrive restomod begins life as an original two-door Mk.1 Subaru Impreza chassis, and from there it gets a heavy dose of carbon fibre, with the entire exterior body pretty much made out of a carbon composite. As a nod to the 1997 WRC car, the P25 also gets the unique mini wing mirrors and a massive WRC rear wing at the back, both made out of carbon fibre, of course.\nProdrive even enlisted the help of Peter Stevens, who designed the original Impreza WRC in 1997, to help further tweak certain elements on the exterior styling of the restomod tribute \u2013 and well, the results just speak for itself.\nALSO READ: Radford shows how to do a retro tribute right with the 600 hp Type 62/2\nThanks to the intense weight-loss regime, including optional lightweight seats and carbon fibre door cards on the interior to further reduce mass, the entire car comes in at just under 1,200 kg. And on top of that, the P25 also gets a thoroughly modern Subaru powertrain, with a new, upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine underneath the bonnet to make \nover 400 hp\n.\nThe powertrain is connected to a six-speed sequential gearbox with gear shift paddles behind the steering wheel, with power \u2013 of course \u2013 sent to all four wheels. Pair that to a WRC-style launch system, and the P25 can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n3.5 seconds\n. Not bad for a \u201c25-year-old\u201d car, eh?\nProdrive also gave the P25 a set of upgraded suspensions with adjustable dampers, with springs and sway bars optimised for on-road corner-carving. Bigger brakes with six-piston calipers and 15-inch rotors in front help keep the speed in check, both of which are mounted behind the 19-inch Prodrive wheels \u2013 which unfortunately aren\u2019t painted gold like the WRC cars.\nThe company did not provide any interior photos of the car just yet, but it\u2019s said to have an \u201cauthentic late 1990s Impreza interior\u201d feel, albeit upholstered with leather and Alcantara, instead of fabric and plastic. As it is essentially a race car for the roads, the Prodrive P25 also gets a widescreen MoTeC digital instrument dash that also includes a drive mode selector for street and track conditions.\nOnly 25 units of the Prodrive P25 will ever be offered for purchase, and they\u2019ll all come in a standard four-seat configuration \u2013 although, the company will yank out the rear seats for a partial roll cage on request by the buyer. It\u2019s not cheap, starting at GBP460,000 (approx. RM2.47 mil) before any taxes. But then again, you\u2019ll also be getting a piece of history, so."
"A month after its \npreview\n, the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is now officially launched here in Malaysia. Available in two variants \u2013 Comfortline and Highline, the Tiguan is among the first carmakers to launch their next-generation SUV and will go up against the likes of the \nCR-V turbo\n and \nMazda CX-5\n.\nLocally assembled here at Volkswagen\u2019s production plant in Pekan, Pahang, the Tiguan is priced slightly below its estimated price tag at\n RM148,990\n and \nRM168,990\n. For now, our Tiguan will come in a sole 1.4-litre TSI front-wheel drive option, although Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is not ruling out the possibility of offering a 2.0-litre TSI variant and all-wheel drive 4MOTION option.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Comfortline\nVolkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Highline\nEngine\n1,395cc; Direct injection with Turbocharger TSI\nTransmission\n6-speed DSG (Wet Clutch)\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.9 seconds; 198 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM148,990\nRM168,990\n EXTERIOR\nBased on the group\u2019s new MQB platform, the new Tiguan is now longer, wider and sits closer to the ground than before. The Tiguan now measures 4,486 mm in length (+60 mm), 1,839 mm in width (+30 mm), 1,664 mm in height (-39 mm) while wheelbase is now 2,681 mm (+77 mm). It also weighs\n 50 kg lesser\n and has\n 40 percent reduction in overall drag\n compared to the outgoing model.\nWhile both variants look identical at first glance, the Highline comes with significantly more kit. The Highline gets dressed with LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED taillamps, chrome grille, front and rear fog lamps, powered folding door mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless entry and start, powered tailgate, chrome roof rails and 18-inch \u201cKingston\u201d alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 profile Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 tyres.   Comfortline can be distinguished from its simpler manual levelling halogen headlamps, black roof rails, 17-inch \u201cMontana\u201d alloy wheels wrapped in 215/65 profile Falken ZE914 tyres and the omission of keyless entry/start and powered tailgate functions. Other than that, it gets all the available exterior bits of the more expensive variant.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the range topping Highline comes with 12-way powered driver\u2019s seat, \u201cVienna\u201d leather upholstery, tri-zone \u201cClimatronic\u201d automatic climate control, \n12.3-inch Active Info Display\n, three-spoke leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, cruise control, Park Distance Control, Park Assist, 8-inch \u201cDiscover Media\u201d infotainment system with navigation and reverse camera.   The Comfortline is decently equipped as it comes with \u201cRhombus\u201d fabric upholstery, three-spoke leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, single-zone \u201cClimatic\u201d climate control system, 8-inch \u201cComposition Media\u201d infotainment system and park distance control. Boot space for the Tiguan is rated at\n 615 litres\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the all-new Tiguan is a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI that produces \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the same engine and output of the \nJetta\n and \nGolf TSI\n. Unlike the other two, power is transferred to the front-wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission (wet clutch) found in the Golf GTI and \nPassat Highline\n. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n8.9 seconds\n and on full whack, it will hit a top speed of \n198 km/h\n. Fuel economy is rated at \n6.7 litres per 100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nAll variants of the Tiguan come equipped with six airbags, ABS with BA, EBD, ESC, electronic parking brake with auto hold, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX mounting points and Active Bonnet Pedestrian Protection. In the event of a collision, the bonnet raises 50mm within 22 milliseconds to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Volkswagen Tiguan can be had in \nfive exterior shades\n \u2013 Pure White, Deep Black, Atlantic Blue, Tungsten Silver and Indium Grey. Every new purchase of the Tiguan comes with a 5-Years manufacturer\u2019s warranty and 5-Years roadside assistance. Additionally, the\n early bird RM7,000 rebate\n still applies to the Tiguan. For a limited time only, owners of the Highline can get the optional App Connect for RM699 which retails at RM1,099. We\u2019ve sampled the Tiguan earlier and find it to be a highly capable SUV so be sure to check out our \nfirst drive impression of the Tiguan\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Tiguan Highline   Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline"
"Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Chevrolet cars in Malaysia has just opened their brand new Parts Centre in Shah Alam in an effort to serve their customers better.\nThe 10,000 sq ft facility will hold up to \nRM5.5 million worth of Chevrolet spare parts\n with stocks comprising \nover 55,000 separate components\n. The parts will cater to all \n24,000 existing Chevrolet owners\n (as of end-2014) in the country, with the company looking to\n shorten delivery time\n to all Chevrolet 3S \u00a0centres and spare part dealers nationwide.\nThe facility is also expected to carry additional parts in the coming months following the introduction of several new models. Naza Quest\u2019s Vice President 1, Thoo Ai Wuen said their sales parts have been growing between \n25 to 30 percent\n in the past year and foresees this trend to continue. With this, the company will be able to address the concert of parts availability which will lead to greater customer confidence in the Chevrolet brand."
"If you find MPVs and 5-seater SUVs to be ubiquitous, Mazda has an interesting proposition for you if you still need to haul more than 5 people around \u2013 the \nMazda CX-8 2.5 High Plus AWD\n. This range-topping version of the \nCX-8\n comes with a 6-seater configuration and costs \nRM221,360\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nDue to its familial look, the CX-8 can be quite tough to differentiate from its SUV siblings. Given a facelift in 2022, the Mazda CX-8 now sports a new grille up front. Replacing the horizontal-slate grille design is a weave-like design. The Mazda CX-8 2.5 High Plus gets Mazda\u2019s Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) and auto High Beam Control (HBC).\nThe Mazda CX-8 2.5 High Plus sits on a set of 19-inch wheels with a Grey Metallic finish. It is also equipped with roof rails for added practicality. At the back, the CX-8 gets LED rear combination taillights with Mazda\u2019s Signature Illumination. Overall, the Mazda CX-8 measures 4,900 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,730 mm tall. Its wheelbase is 2,930 mm long.\nALSO WATCH: \nMazda CX-8 2.5L Turbo AWD High Plus, from RM221k \u2013 5 Things\nPowering the CX-8 2.5 High Plus is a new-to-the-model 2.5-litre turbocharged engine that makes \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-8 2.5L Turbo High Plus is the only variant of the CX-8 to get an all-wheel drive system. It is also the only variant to get a 74-litre fuel tank instead of a 72-litre tank.\nAs for other specifications, the CX-8 2.5 High Plus gets a MacPherson strut suspension setup at the front and a multi-link suspension set up at the rear. It gets disc brakes all-around with the front set being ventilated discs and the rear set being solid discs. From the factory, the CX-8 2.5 High Plus is fitted with a set of 225/55R19 Toyo Proxes R46 tyres.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mazda CX-30 CKD launched in Malaysia, from RM128k \u2013 drops AWD and diesel variants\nInside, the CX-8 2.5 High Plus AWD provides a 6-seater configuration. It is perfect for chauffering your old folks around as the second-row seats don\u2019t feel too discounted compared to the first-row seats. Second-row passengers get a proper armrest with a proper storage box, seat heating function, climate control, and window blinds. The seats can be pushed forward to allow access to the third-row seats.\nAs for safety, the 2022 Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia comes as standard with six airbags and stability control and traction control systems, and your standard suite of ABS with EBD and BA. The 2.5 High variant adds on autonomous emergency braking (front), blind-spot monitoring system, and rear-cross traffic alert. The High Plus variants meanwhile get the full suite of Mazda\u2019s i-Activsense advanced driver assist features, which has been updated for 2022 with the addition of the adaptive radar cruise control system with stop-and-go function, lane keeping assist, and a new rearward autonomous emergency braking system.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mazda CX-8 now available with 2.5L Turbo in Malaysia, more kit across all variants\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has just issued a recall for 419 units of Honda Civic Type R (FD2R), MY 2007, 2008 and 2010 to replace the potentially faulty Takata airbag module. All 419 units of the high-performance sedan will require to have both front airbag inflators replaced.\nIn case you are not aware of the ongoing Takata crisis, we have detailed in full on \nwhy you should get your faulty airbags replaced as soon as possible\n. In short, the faulty airbag module, when deployed, will send metal shards into the occupants and cause even more harm. In some cases, even \ndeath\n!\nHonda Malaysia would like to emphasise that all its current model on sale are \nnot affected\n by the Takata airbag recall campaign. Owners of the FD2R will receive a notification letter which will include details of the recall. Alternatively, you can logon to \ntheir microsite\n\u00a0to check if their respective vehicle(s) is involved in any recall campaign.\nThese airbag inflators can be replaced at any one of Honda Malaysia\u2019s 86 authorised service centres nationwide, as well as official mobile hubs at various shopping malls and Petronas stations. The full list of Honda Mobile Hubs locations (effective till 31 May 2017) can be found \nhere\n."
"If you\u2019ve not seen \nour\n \nVlog of the new Xpander\n, which accompanied us on a day trip to Jelebu, Negeri Semblian, here\u2019s the full and thorough introduction of Mitsubishi\u2019s new 7-seater to start with. Find out how it fares against its competitors \nhere\n!\nThe Xpander is only available in Malaysia in a \nsingle variant \nand is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder MIVEC engine paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at 105 hp and 141 Nm to drive the front wheels.\n \nOn the outside, the Xpander comes with a \nfacelift exterior\n that includes a redesigned headlamp cluster and a new front grille design. It even gets cameras mounted on both side mirrors to provide a 360-degree view through the \nnot-so-satisfactory 9-inch touchscreen display\n on-board.\nThe infotainment system is paired to 6-speakers, with \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility\n. The Xpander\u2019s meter cluster and steering have been taken off the Outlander, and together with premium-ish touches on the door panel, dashboard and seats, lends a more expensive feel to the interior.\n \nPerhaps the strongest appeal of the Xpander\u2019s interior is the sheer number of storage spaces. There are some underneath the front passenger seat, behind the front seats, on the dashboard, and even under the boot floor but it\u2019s not entirely a bed of roses in this Xpander.\nWhat are its downsides then? Watch and find out!\nGALLERY"
"\u201cGetting more with less\u201d are consumer-enticing deals which almost always never happens. Somehow, VPCM made it happen \u2013 offering upgrades with up to RM 15,000 off the asking price from the standard variants.\nFollowing the launch of the new \nB8 Volkswagen Passat at the end of last year\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced two new additions to the Passat family, the Trendline PLUS and Comfortline PLUS.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith upgrades in appearance and interior offerings from the \nstandard Passat we\u2019ve drove in Langkawi last year\n, the Passat PLUS adds a sportier touch to Volkswagen\u2019s already popular D-segment sedan. The Trendline PLUS will now come with 17-inch \u2018Istanbul\u2019 alloy wheels as opposed to the 16-inch \u2018Aragon\u2019 alloy wheels in the standard Trendline while the Comfortline PLUS will now get 18-inch \u2018Monterey\u2019 alloy wheels, a size up from the standard Comfortline\u2019s 17-inch \u2018Istanbul\u2019 alloy wheels.\nThe upgrades, including window tints for both vehicles, are worth RM 8,000 for the Trendline, with upgrades for the Comfortline valued at RM 12,000.\nChanges are also applied on the interior \u2013 with the Trendline PLUS getting the leather upholstery treatment, fabrics are completely eliminated from the entire Passat range. As such, the Passat can now be said to be a testament of affordability and refinement, emphasising VPCM\u2019s commitment in providing added value to its customers. \u00a0\nFor a limited time till the 30\nth\n of September 2017, the Passat PLUS is offered with a special interest rate from as low as 0.88% on hire purchase loans with the durations of five to nine years. To provide maximum peace of mind to customers, the entire Passat range, including the PLUS, also comes with\n 5-year free maintenance, or 75,000km\n (whichever comes first) with registrations by the \n30\nth\n of September 2017\n.\u00a0\nThe Passat PLUS variants are each powered by a \n1.8L turbocharged TSI engine with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG)\n to give an impressive output of \n178 horsepower\n and a \n250 Nm\u00a0of torque between 1,250 to 5,000 rpm\n, with an impressive fuel consumption of approximately \n5.7 L/100 km\n. \nFeatures that make the Passat even more attractive include start/stop function, regenerative braking, electric parking brake with auto hold function and with 3-zone climatronic air conditioning for comfort. It\u2019s high standard of safety is also retained with\n\u00a0six airbags, driver alert system and front fog lights with cornering light functions. \nThe Passat Trendline PLUS retails at \nRM144,990\n, while the Passat Comfortline PLUS is \nRM169,980\n."
"Mercedes-Benz has launched the new GLA35 AMG 4MATIC, alongside the \nupdated A35 AMG sedan\n at the Sepang International Circuit.\n \nIf you act now (before the 30th of June 2022 when the SST exemptions expire) the GLA35 AMG can be yours for \nRM345,048.74\n but after that, it\u2019ll set you back \nRM363,888\n. Despite SST exemptions for new cars ending on the 30th of June, those who register their cars before the 31st of March 2023, will still be entitled to it.\nThe GLA35 AMG is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 306 hp and 400 Nm, just like the A35 AMG. The engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive all four wheels via the AMG Performance 4MATIC system.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in a brisk 5.2 seconds. Select the \u201cSport +\u201d drive mode, and you\u2019ll even get launch control to sprint off the line quicker.\nOn the outside, the GLA35 AMG stands out from the standard GLA with a Panamericana grille, 20-inch wheels similar to the GLB35, larger brakes, a rear spoiler, and of course more aggressive front and rear bumpers. The headlamp design on the GLA35 is also different; with three separate projectors along with the Multibeam LED and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus technology, against the dual projectors in the GLA250.\nInside, the GLA35 comes with an AMG Performance steering with switches for the drive modes and transmission settings, just like the AMG A45. AMG influences can also be seen on the door sills and floor mats along with switches on the centre console that allows users to go through different suspension, and transmission settings.\nSport seats are standard; you don\u2019t get the massive bucket seats like in the AMG A35 but you do get red seat belts from Mercedes-Benz Manufaktur, a head-up display, and carbon trims by the dashboard and door panel. A Burmester sound system and wireless charging are also standard items.\nFor safety and driver aids, there are features 360-degree display with Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blindspot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Lane Tracking and Exit Warning Assist.\nMore info on the standard Mercedes-Benz GLA \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai motor has just announced that the third model to bear the high-performance N logo will be the new \nHyundai i30 Fastback\n \u2013 essentially the i30 sedan. The company is expected to reveal the i30 Fastback N in its full glory by the end of this year.\nLike its hatchback sibling, the i30 Fastback N was developed at Hyundai\u2019s technical centre at the N\u00fcrburgring, Nordschleife. The car is currently undergoing prototype testing to evaluate its performance and durability a variety of road conditions around Europe and of course, on the Green Hell.\nThe i30 Fastback is expected to get a similar set up as the \ni30 N\n with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and six-speed manual combo that dishes out \n247 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels. The optional Performance upgrade bumps output up by an additional \n25 hp\n. With Launch Control, the i30 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.4 seconds\n (6.1 seconds on i30 N Performance) with a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Expect the sedan to achieve similar figures.\nOn the hatchback model, Hyundai\u2019s N division has added Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, Electronically Controlled Suspension, 17-inch ventilated brake discs (16-inch at the rear), N Torque Vectoring System, steering wheel mounted Drive Mode selector. The i30 N Performance even gets model-specific Pirelli P-Zero tyres (wrapped in 19-inch alloys), larger brake kit (18-inch front; 17-inch rear) and an Active Variable Exhaust System.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With such menacing looks, the 4th generation model which will be the first Sorento to feature a hybrid powertrain, should have more suitors than haters.\nLike its predecessor, the Sorento will be built for Europe and many other markets at Kia\u2019s Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea. The car will also be built for North America at Kia\u2019s West Point, Georgia, USA production plant.\nThe Sorento is the first vehicle to be based on Kia\u2019s new-generation midsize SUV platform and it will be the first time that hybrid power has featured in the Sorento line-up.\nThe Sorento\u2019s design revolves around the idea of \u2018refined boldness\u2019 \u2013 projecting a robust, tough-looking aesthetic while applying a greater degree of refinement and elegance, and even a sense of sportiness.\nThe front gets the latest version of Kia\u2019s \u201ctiger nose\u201d grille, with the new \u201ctiger eyeline\u201d to depict \u201cthe intense impression of the lines around a tiger\u2019s eyes.\u201d Ok, Kia.\nThe new model, large as it may appear, is only 10mm wider than the third-generation Sorento. It is also 10mm longer and taller than its predecessor, yet it features shorter front and rear overhangs. The Sorento should be more spacious too, with a wheelbase that has grown 35mm.\nAided by the platform\u2019s longer wheelbase, the second-row seats can now slide up to 45 mm further, creating a wider entry point to the third row with more space for the feet and legs.\nThe 35mm longer wheelbase also contributes to an overall improvement in cruising comfort while the new bodyshell with a 4% average increase in tensile strength throughout its structure also results in lower body vibrations.\nInspired by the Telluride, the Sorento adopts new vertical tail lamps which wrap around the side of the body. The fourth-generation model follows other recent Kia models, such as Telluride and ProCeed, with the Sorento model name displayed centrally across the tailgate.\nLike the Velar, the Sorento\u2019s integrated spoiler conceals the rear wiper to provide a cleaner, less obstructive rear view for the driver. For the first time, 20-inch wheels will be available, on top of the 17, 18, and 19-inch options.\nInside, twin digital displays on the dashboard take centre stage. The 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nThere are new haptic buttons for various controls and a 64-colour \u201cMood Lighting system\u201d that emits soft ambient downlighting from beneath the dashboard and door trim. A wireless smartphone charger also sits at the base of the centre console, while a powerful 12-speaker BOSE surround-sound is also available.\nOther cool stuff includes a head-up display and a new \u2018Sound of Nature\u2019 ambient sound function that enables occupants to select from a range of relaxing natural soundscapes.\nThe new Sorento Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged \nContinuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) engine \nwith \n230 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, paired to a 6-speed automatic. The pair works alongside a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack under the floor and a 44.2kW electric motor.\nAs a result, the SUV offers generous space for up to seven passengers as well as one of the largest luggage capacities in its class \u2013 up to 821 litres (for 7-seater models) or 910 litres (for 5-seater models), depending on specification.In 7-seater models, with all seven seats in place, boot space is also increased by 32% compared to its predecessor, to 187 litres.\nThere will also be a \n202 hp\n/\n440 Nm\n 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, paired to a new 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.\nThe Sorento is equipped with various driver assistance systems such as Kia\u2019s latest Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) technology with pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle detection.\nIt\u2019s also available with Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC) and Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).\nThe Lane Following Assist (LFA), controls acceleration, braking and steering depending on the vehicles in front. LFA operates between speeds of 0 and 180 kph, using camera and radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, while monitoring road markings to keep the Sorento in the centre of its lane.\nIn addition, it is also the first Kia available with the new Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) which enables drivers to move their car autonomously out of a front-and-back parking space remotely with their key fob. RSPA brakes the Sorento automatically if it detects another car, cyclist or pedestrian behind the vehicle or crossing behind it.\nThe Sorento\u2019s Safe Exit Assist feature also prevents rear doors from opening if the vehicle detects a hazard approaching from behind, such as a cyclist or another vehicle.\nFinally, Kia\u2019s first Multi-Collision Brake system enables the Sorento to mitigate the severity of secondary collisions. It automatically applies vehicle brakes when the airbags have been deployed after an initial collision, further protecting occupants from secondary frontal or side impacts.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If the idea of owning a brand new Mercedes-Benz seems too big a financial commitment, it probably is. Your alternative option is to look for a cheaper reconditioned unit through a parallel importer (we really don\u2019t recommend this), but that hardly comes packaged with proper after sales support and warranty coverage.\nThey say good things come to those who wait. To the patient ones among you, dear readers, this news is perhaps the kind you\u2019ve been waiting for. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has officially introduced their \u201cProven Exclusivity\u201d programme that offers a variety of pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars to\u00a0prospective and aspiring owners.\nThis Mercedes-AMG A45 (MY2015), which has less than 300km on the clock, is going for just RM315k!\nVehicles sold under this programme are strictly sourced from\n authorised MBM dealers\n, which means all cars come with proper parts and components that\u2019s most suited for our humid and temperate climate. To qualify for this programme, the cars must be \nno more than six years old\n and \nhave absolutely no structural damage\n. They must also be fully serviced and maintained by authorised MBM service centres, \nclocked less than 125,000km\n and serviced only using original Mercedes-Benz parts.\nSurely there must be a more comprehensive criteria for that all-important hassle free ownership, right? Yes, in fact all cars to be sold under this programme will undergo a mandatory multi-point inspection. Certified technicians will perform 215 individual inspection, as illustrated below:\nElectrical Systems and Function Test (75-point inspection)\nUndercarriage and Drivetrain (27-point inspection)\nChassis and Body (23-point inspection)\nRoad Test (27-point inspection)\nPost Road Test (14-point inspection)\nEngine, Systems and Pre-Road Test Checks (31-point inspection)\nExternal Body (18-point inspection)\nFor the added peace of mind, all vehicles purchased under this programme will be covered by a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty on top of the remaining manufacturer\u2019s warranty. This means if the Mercedes-Benz of your choice is registered in 2014, your new pre-owned car will continue to be covered by the 5-Year factory warranty (effectively three years left) PLUS the 12-month Proven Exclusivity warranty package.\nIn conjunction with the launch of this programme, Hap Seng Star Balakong is having a Pre-Owned Carnival that will run until 12 June 2016. If you live out of the Klang Valley or find the journey too exhaustive, you can visit any authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships (be it Hap Seng Star, Cycle & Carriage or NZ Wheels) to purchase the\u00a0pre-owned car of your choice.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We thought we\u2019ve seen it all in the world of after market tuning, but clearly, some people have a more vivid imagination than us. Because a German tuner that goes by the name Posaidon somehow thought that the \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n (well, okay, \nAMG S 63\n) needed 940 hp. Do you really need to get to meetings that fast?\nThe standard twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine on the Mercedes-AMG S 63 makes 620 hp and 900 Nm, which to some people (us included) already seems excessive. But with its stage four tune, Posaidon managed to squeeze out an additional 320 hp and 380 Nm from the V8 mill for a total of \n940 hp\n and \n1,280 Nm\n \u2013 basically an additional \nA 35\n on top.\nThat\u2019s more than Lamborghini\u2019s \u201cultimate\u201d supercar, the Aventador Ultimae. \nEven with its \u201centry level\u201d RS 830 package, which includes upgraded ball-bearing turbochargers, a sports air filter, new downpipes with sport catalytic converters, and new engine and transmission software, the Posaidon-tuned S 63 already makes an incredible 830 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque.\nIn related news, Brabus gave the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 450 hp and 500 Nm of torque for some reason.\nStepping up to the middle-of-the-pack RS 830+ gives you 880 hp and 1,200 Nm of torque, which is good for 3.2 seconds century sprints and a top speed of 350 km/h. We can only wonder what the 940 hp tune can do, as Posaidon didn\u2019t publish any performance metrics for that.\nIf you decide to not mess with hardware mods, even just a plain ECU tune for the Mercedes-AMG S 63\u2019s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 can already produce a whopping 707 hp and 1,000 Nm. Posaidon might as well be known as the one true engine whisperer from now on.\nDesign-wise, Posaidon (rightfully, in our opinion) left the Mercedes-AMG S 63 pretty much how it is from the factory, giving it a fairly sleeper-esque look \u2013 well, aside from the already pretty aggressive-looking stock AMG body kit. The only thing that\u2019s changed on the Posaidon S 63 is the ground clearance, thanks to a new electronic lowering module for the standard air-suspension.\nPushing 900 hp on a Mercedes-AMG GT 4 Door makes a lot more sense than the S-Class.\nThat\u2019s all fine and dandy, but we \nstill \ncan\u2019t get over the fact that anyone would actually want 940 hp in an S-Class. Think you know why? Let us know in the comment section below.\nGALLERY"
"The year was 1962; Team Lotus unveiled its revolutionary Formula One (F1) race car bearing the name Lotus Type 25. It was the first F1 car to adopt a fully-stressed monocoque chassis that weighs only half as much as the race cars before it but was three times stiffer than its predecessor, the Type 24.\nIn the hands of Jim Clark, the Type 25 went on to win three races in its first year and proceeded to dominate the following 1963 season, winning seven out of 10 championship races with seven pole positions and six fastest laps. Earning Lotus\u2019 first Constructor\u2019s Championship and Driver\u2019s Championship.\nAs a tribute to one of the most successful and influential F1 cars of all time, Lotus had built the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25. Inspired by the Type 25, this collector\u2019s piece gets a bespoke exterior and interior livery and like its moniker, only 25 units of these will ever roll out from Hethel.\nAvailable in either Metallic Lotus Racing Green or Old English White, the Exige Cup 430 Type 25 gets contrasting pinstripes on the front splitter and front access panel. The exterior is further enhanced with bespoke bargeboards, a roof panel, a rear wing and unique decals finished in Lotus Racing Green or yellow. It rides on forged aluminium wheels measuring 17- and 18-inch in diameter for the front and rear axles.\nDistinguishing the interior of the Exige Cup 430 Type 25 are the Carbon race seats finished in black Alcantara, a custom stripe for the head and backrest as well as new contrast double stitching for the upholstery. In a nod to the original Lotus Type 25 Formula 1 car, the car comes with a wooden gear knob.\nThis limited edition Exige gets the same powertrain setup as the regular \nExige Cup 430\n, a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 pushing out \n430 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, sending drive to the rear wheels via a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Century sprint is completed in \n3.3 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of 290 km/h.\nAnnouncing the new car, CEO, Group Lotus plc, Jean-Marc Gales, said, \u201cAlthough the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 is street legal, it blurs the line between road and race car to provide owners with an unbeatable blend of power, road holding, intuitive handling at any speed. On everyday open roads it rewards its driver with a pure analogue experience, like only a Lotus can, yet venture onto the track and you\u2019ll find a depth in performance that only the very best driver can truly exploit.\u00a0 Like the Lotus Type 25 in 1963, this car is without any rival.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is clearly taking the lead of this upstream battle against the softening market, charting growth of its passenger car sales of 8,196 units by the end of the third quarter in 2015. That\u2019s 70 percent more than the 4,817 units sold in the same period in 2014!\nSince announcing their \nbest first half result in Malaysian history\n by selling 5,163 units earlier this year, MBM in Q3 2015 sold approximately 3,033 units which equates to 109 percent growth from the 1,451 units sold in Q3 2014. As expected, the bulk of this sales success is achieved via their core models \u2013 the \nW205 C-Class\n, \nW212 E-Class\n and \nW222 S-Class\n; all of which are locally assembled at their Pekan Production Plant in Pahang.\nOf the 3,033 units sold in Q3, \n2,188 units\n (or 72 percent) of them are comprised of the popular trio, with 861 units of the C-Class registered (that\u2019s 210 percent up from Q3 2014), making it the most popular model of the three. Following closely behind is the E-Class with 679 units and the S-Class even closer at 648 units. Both E- and S-Class models saw a growth increase of 72 percent compared to the same period last year, whereas sales for the S-Class is up by 127 percent.\nThe month of September is also MBM\u2019s highest sales month in the third quarter this year, selling a cumulative 235 units. But the good news doesn\u2019t end there, because Mercedes-Benz remains relentless in expanding its product lineup, and that includes the AMG models. To date, the company sold 302 units of AMG cars, one that\u2019s populated by the likes of A45, CLA45, GLA45, \nC63 S\n and \nAMG GT S\n. The compact car lineup on the other hand, charted sales totalling 838 units in Q3 2015, up 87 percent from the same period last year.\nIcing this cake is the repositioning of their W205 C-Class offering, which sees a price reduction of up to RM52k for the range topping C250 AMG variant. The C-Class is the latest Mercedes-Benz model to qualify for the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) incentive, and now the base model C200 Avantgarde is priced at \nRM248,888\n (about RM21k down from before) without sacrificing equipment kit. One spec up is the C200 Exclusive, costing \nRM252,888\n and topping off the offering is the C250 AMG at \nRM287,888\n. The C250 Exclusive offered before this announcement has been discontinued."
"Can electric cars be exciting? Yes, if they come looking like the BMW Concept i4.\nThe Gran Coupe continues the Bavarian\u2019s march towards pure electric vehicles, and as it is slated to enter production in 2021, what you\u2019re looking at shouldn\u2019t be too different from its production form.\nBefore we dive into the marque\u2019s first ever all-electric model in this premium midsize class, here are some figures. The electric motor can make up to \n530 hp\n so the century sprint is complete in just 4.0 seconds and it will go pass 200 km/h.\nThat means it\u2019s as quick as the BMW M4 which makes \n425 hp\n, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds.\nThe electric motor, electronics, charging unit and high-voltage batteries are all part of the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This version of the battery weighs in at 500 kg, and is rated around 80 kWh, bringing the operating range up to 600 km on the WLTP cycle (world harmonised light-duty vehicles test procedure).\n The \u2018driving sounds\u2019 of the car, interestingly, are developed by Hans Zimmer (yes, the renowned composer) together with BMW Sound Designer, Renzo Vitale, under a brand named BMW IconicSounds Electric.\nWhy does a car need \u2018driving sounds\u2019? It\u2019s to mimic the aural experience of a normal combustion engine to make it more sound organic, supposedly.\nDesign wise, it is pretty divisive. We\u2019re all for pushing boundaries, but it\u2019s hard to digest a kidney grille of that size, for now at least.\nAs there is no combustion engine to cool down or draw air to, they\u2019re closed for aerodynamic efficiency and now serves as a panel housing several sensors.\nAero efficiency plays a big role in the design of the\nConcept i4, as you can tell. No exhaust tips mean the diffuser and rear apron\ncan be optimised even further, while the rims, which are unique to this car, are\nlight and designed to improve air flow.\nBMW has also used the launch of this concept to unveil a new look for its brand, and this translates to the new transparent badge sitting on top of the grilles. It\u2019s unclear from the press release if it will feature on every car from here on out, but colour got us intrigued.\nThe modern and minimalistic theme continues inside the car. Seen first on BMW iNEXT, the \nCurved Display\n projects all the vital parameters and infotainment display into a single, huge display that is angled towards the driver.\nThis means that haptic buttons continue their inexorable march into obsolescence. Even the gear lever is replaced by a toggle shifter.\nFrom the aforementioned curved display, drivers can choose three driving modes : \nCore\n,\n Sport\n, and \nEfficient\n which have an effect on the driving sounds of the car. Interior presentation like ambient lighting is adjusted, along with the appearance of the Curved Display.\n200 million euros (approx. RM934 million) will be invested in BMW\u2019s main plant in Munich to enable series production of the i4, as the structure of the i4 which needs to accommodate high-voltage batteries, differs from the architecture of the vehicles currently produced there.\nApproximately 90% of the existing production equipment in the body shop can be incorporated into the process however the remaining 10% \u2013 especially the machinery involved in building the rear structure \u2013 will need to be newly built.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Renault, through authorised distributor TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd, have snuck under the B-Segment crossover radar to offer the segment\u2019s first turbocharged model, the Renault Captur.\nThe French car, pronounced here as \u201cCapture\u201d instead of \u201cKaptur\u201d, is built based on the fourth generation Renault Clio but is marginally bigger by way of footprint, measuring at 4,122 mm long, 1,778 mm wide, 1,566 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,606 mm (against the Clio\u2019s 2,589 mm).   Underneath the hood is a transversely mounted\n\u00a01.2-litre turbocharged\n four cylinder engine that makes \n120 horsepower\n at 4,900 rpm and \n190 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 rpm, paired to a \nsix-speed dual clutch automatic\n transmission sending drive to the\n front wheels\n. It\u2019s technically the most powerful vehicle in its segment with 190 Nm of torque, however it falls short on power when put next to the Honda HR-V\u2019s 140 hp 1.8-litre engine.\nThe engine may be small, but on the flip side you only pay \nRM55 for road tax\n \nyearly\n, whilst enjoying numbers like \n10.9 seconds\n for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint before reaching a top speed of\n 192 km/h\n. Fuel consumption on the other hand, is rated at \n5.4 litres per 100 km\n.\n \n \nNow, this funky looking car will be offered in four colours, all with contrasting-coloured roof. Colours that come with the black top comprise of Arizona Orange, Ivory (white) and Beige, whereas the Pacific Blue hue gets the white top. Only one variant will be available, and the amenity kit is pretty impressive to begin with.\nOn the outside, the styling is largely reminiscent of the Clio. The Captur gets LED daytime running lights built into the fog lamp binnacles, halogen projector headlights, two-tone 17-inch \nShuriken-style\n wheels shod with 205/55 series tyres, keyless entry and push-start button.\nInside, the Captur gets removable fabric seats that come with three varying designs, depending on the exterior colour of your vehicle. Air conditioning is automatic, and in the middle of the dash is a \n7-inch touchscreen\n display supporting GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for audio and telephony streaming. There\u2019s also USB and auxiliary connectivity, including visual feed from the reverse camera.\nBoot volume measures at \n377 litres\n, but expands to \n455 litres\n when the rear seats are brought forwards or \n1,235 litres\n when they are folded flat.\u00a0Driver convenience features are made of cruise control with speed limiter, Electronic Stability Control, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, \nEco Mode\n and Hill-Start Assist. If that doesn\u2019t sound convincing enough, the Captur scores a full \n5-star Euro NCAP\n crash safety rating, and comes with \nfour airbags\n as standard.   The Renault Captur will butt heads with models like the Honda HR-V, Peugeot 2008, Ford EcoSport and the soon-to-come Mazda CX-3. It carries an indicative on-the-road price tag of \nRM123k without insurance\n, effectively making it the costliest B-Segment crossover in the Malaysian market to date. That said, it is also \u2013 and will remain \u2013 as the only turbocharged model in its segment, for now at least.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new SP48 Unica, the latest addition to Ferrari\u2019s one-off series has joined an exclusive group of models that are forged based on a customer\u2019s specific requirements.\nThe SP48 Unica, designed at the Ferrari Style Center is a two-seater Berlinetta created based on \nF8 Tributo\n.\u00a0New design elements include redesigned front headlights and repositioned air intakes for the brakes.\nThe highlight of the SP48\u2019s design lies in the extensive use of parametric-procedural modeling and 3D prototyping techniques deployed by the Ferrari Style Center designers and the engineers of Maranello to reshape what was originally the core design of the F8 Tributo.\nThe use of procedural modeling has resulted in the smooth transition from black to body colour; stretching across the windows, roof, and bonnet. The reduced side window area and the removal of the rear window have given the top half of the SP48 Unica a smooth visor look. The design of the car allows for the air intake for the intercoolers to be placed behind the side windows.\u00a0\nInside, the seats are wrapped in specially-developed laser-perforated Alcantara. Upon entering the SP48 Unica, the polished end caps with the same laser-embossed will also catch the attention of occupants.\nThe one-off Ferrari SP48 Unica was designed for a loyal Prancing Horse customer who was involved in every phase of its creation.\nFerrari\u2019s Special Projects program is aimed at creating unique \u201cpieces\u201d, called One-Offs and is the embodiment of the customer\u2019s requests. Each project starts from the client\u2019s idea, developed together with a team of designers from the Ferrari Style Center.\u00a0\nAfter nailing down the design, the next phase sees detailed technical drawings and a scale model before the construction of the car.\u00a0The process takes over a year, during which the customer is involved in all phases of development and design verification."
"Geely has taken the next step to further commit itself as the go-to business for making electric vehicles (EV). The company has announced plans to build an EV battery factory with an annual energy content of \n42 GWh\n.\nA report by \nReuters\n state that a separate statement from the local government highlighted the total investment in the project by Geely\u2019s technology arm will be \n30 billion Yuan\n (USD4.6 billion). Geely\u2019s technology group has previously invested in EV battery maker Farasis Energy.\nFarasis Energy is no stranger to powering EVs, with Daimler/Mercedes-Benz recently taking a stake of around 3% during the battery company\u2019s IPO in July 2020. The company also supplied batteries to Venturi Racing Formula E team for four years ending in 2020.\nThis is the second news in two days that a carmaker is building its own EV battery plant, as Volkswagen yesterday announced a systematic battery roadmap to include having \nsix \u2018gigafactories\u2019\n with a total energy content of 240 GWh by 2030.\nIn January, Geely announced a new \nventure with Foxconn\n to not only provide consulting services on car manufacturing, but also contract manufacturing, specifically building EVs using the highly-scalable \nSustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)\n platform.\nThe first vehicle to ride on the company\u2019s open-sourced SEA platform is the soon-to-be-launched Lynk & Co \nZero Concept\n that targets over 700 kilometres of range and completes the century sprint in under four seconds.\nGeely currently lists four fully electric models, highlighted by the \nGeometry\n portfolio. Meanwhile, there are 10 models with PHEV systems, consisting of the entire \nLynk & Co\n line-up and newer models such as Emgrand EL sedan and \nXing Yue\n coupe-crossover.\nLast week, Mercedes-Benz and Geely are reported to be working together on an \nall-new Smart\n model in the form of an electric SUV. \u00a0\nChina, already the world\u2019s biggest car market, forecasts New Energy Vehicles such as EVs and PHEVs to contribute 20% of the country\u2019s annual vehicle sales by 2025 as the government continues to push for vehicles with little or no emissions."
"In the latest Total Industry Volume (TIV) statistics released by\u00a0the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), Perodua took top honours as the manufacturer with the highest sales figures in 2015. Honda on the other hand, finally dethroned arch rivals Toyota to claim the title for best non-national make.\nPerodua\u2019s success is applaudable considering how big a blow the automotive industry suffered in 2015, following the implementation of GST and the Ringgit\u2019s volatility which subsequently maimed vehicle sales. As per our previous\u00a0\nreport\n, the \nAxia\n\u00a0was introduced right when customers started tightening their belts, and the Axia makes up a whopping 46.7 percent of Perodua\u2019s total sales. Its success in 2015 had cemented Perodua\u2019s position as the number one car manufacturer in Malaysia for a decade.\nAs for Honda, 2015 proved to be a pivotal year for the Japanese carmaker. The company continued its momentum gained in 2014 (thanks to the \nnew Honda City\n and \nJazz\n) with the introduction of the \nHR-V\n compact crossover. While other compact crossovers such as Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008 drew little success, the HR-V scored big among buyers, charting a \nrecord number of bookings\n just one month after its introduction. The well-specced \nHonda City\n\u00a0contributed 40 percent of Honda\u2019s sales as well.\nOn the other hand, Toyota, a winner in the non-national segment for years, played second fiddle (thanks to healthy commercial vehicle sales) to Honda by a whisker, followed by Nissan and Mazda. The latter\u00a0jumped from ninth last year to sixth; a good improvement thanks to new products (the \nMazda 2\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nMazda 3 CKD\n) launched last year. Just like Honda, Mercedes-Benz had a stellar year after the three-pointed star \nsold a historic 10,845 units\n, firmly sitting at the 10th spot, making them the leader in the premium segment.\nOverall, the TIV in 2015 is \n666,674\n units, a marginal increment of 187 units (0.03 percent) compared to 2014. However, for 2016, MAA has lowered its TIV forecast to 650,000 following global economic uncertainties and the fall of crude oil prices. Hopefully, \nProton\u2019s upcoming products\n and a potential new sedan from Perodua could support better TIV figures in the coming years.\nFor more info on the top selling manufacturers in Malaysia, do click on the screenshots below:"
"When the \nnew facelift Toyota Vios\n was launched, it was met with more criticisms than praises by netizens mostly because of its styling. To say that it looks aggressive isn\u2019t exactly appropriate but it\u2019s not like it looks futuristic either.\nIf you ask me, the front end of the new Vios especially, just looks a little too busy \u2013 almost characterless. If anything it makes the front bumper of the \nnew 2.5-litre Camry which I reviewed\n, look like a plain white tee.\n \nAfter a few days with it, Adrian seems to believe that the new facelift Toyota Vios can once again wrestle buyers back from Honda\u2019s grasps. What do you think? Check out his video and see if he has a point!"
"With more than 120,000 Nissan vehicles worldwide already fitted with ProPILOT, the system is now set to expand to additional models, including the Nissan Rogue Sport in the U.S. and the Qashqai in Canada, beginning late 2018.\nAs seen described in this demonstration, ProPILOT\n is a hands-on driver-assist system that helps drivers stay centered in their lane, navigate through stop-and-go traffic and maintain a set vehicle speed and distance from the vehicle in front.\nSo far, it\u2019s yet to be introduced in Malaysia and was also absent in the latest Nissan introduced in Malaysia, the\n S-Hybrid Serena launched just yesterday\n.\nIt also remains to be seen if, the \nNissan LEAF\n, \nexpected to arrive in Malaysia\n this year will come with the semi-autonomous driving system.\nFind out what\u2019s new in the \nNissan Serena S-Hybrid\n here!\nThe ProPilot system was originally introduced in 2016 in the \nJDM-specific Serena MPV\n and has since been extended to the all-new LEAF, the Qashqai in Europe, the facelifted X-Trail in the UK and more recently, Nissan also announced that the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima will feature the system.\nAdditional vehicles will adopt the technology in coming years, with Nissan planning to expand to 20 models and 20 markets by the end of 2022."
"Just less than two months after the opening of \nGWM\u2019s first 4S centre in USJ\n, \nGWM Malaysia\n has opened yet another two new 4S (sales, service, spare parts, and survey) centres in Seremban and Butterworth. The new 4S centres are operated by GWM Malaysia together with its dealer partners \u2013 Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd and CS Euro Auto Sdn Bhd respectively.\nTransport Minister, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook attended and officiated the opening ceremony of the GWM Seremban 4S Centre. In response to this, GWM Malaysia Managing Director, Mike Cui said during the opening ceremony, \u201cI am grateful to have YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport, here to witness this significant milestone of GWM in Malaysia.\u201d\nSpanning around 11,000 sq ft and 25,000 sq ft respectively, the new 4S centres in Seremban and Butterworth provide both sales and aftersales service support and are equipped with dedicated service areas which include multiple service bays. Genuine spare parts are also available at the new 4S centres.\nWith showrooms capable of displaying up to 5 vehicles in both 4S centres, other amenities provided include a meeting room, lounge area, and gaming area. Free Wifi connection, coffee and snacks are also available.\nALSO WATCH: \nOra Good Cat review \u2013 Can the cheapest EV in Malaysia actually be good?\nGWM Malaysia says that the opening of its Seremban 4S centre is a significant move for the company, as the centre is catered towards people who are moving from cities to suburban areas, while the population of Seremban has also grown significantly over the years. In addition, Penang is also one of the major cities in Malaysia with a rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) charging network.\nAs GWM is expanding its presence in Malaysia, it is also supporting the Malaysian government\u2019s effort to become a carbon-neutral nation as soon as 2050. This initiative aligns with the government\u2019s plans to encourage EV adoption, as well as the national target of 15% total industry volume (TIV) for EVs and hybrids by 2030.\nAs part of the government\u2019s commitment to a greener future, YB Anthony Loke recently mentioned that the proposed tax structure aims to encourage people to embrace EVs. He also acknowledged concerns from the people regarding the potential increase in road tax for EVs after the current exemption policy expires in 2025. To address these concerns, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) plans to provide clear and transparent information about how the road tax will be calculated by the end of this year, offering direct answers to potential buyers.\nRELATED: \nGWM Malaysia opens first flagship 4S Centre in USJ"
"At the preview of the new \nSubaru Forester e-Boxer in Singapore\n, Motor Image Subaru has \nstuck to their word\n that the fifth-generation Subaru Forester will be making its Malaysian debut sometime in May 2019.\nSubaru\u2019s EyeSight driver assist system will be available in Malaysia but will be reserved for the more expensive variant(s). The EyeSight system on the Forester bundles new innovations such as Reverse Automatic Braking (prevents a collision when in reverse), Rear Vehicle Detection, Steering Responsive Headlights, High-beam assist and Driver Monitoring System that alerts the driver when it detects signs of distraction or drowsiness.   To recap, the new Forester sits on the new Subaru Global Platform that promises best-in-class collision safety and responsive handling characteristics. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine with \n182 hp\n and \n238 Nm\n was introduced at the model\u2019s global debut, but Malaysian market will most likely receive the FB20 2.0-litre Boxer unit pushing out \n156 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n. The company did not dwell on the idea of the introduction of the hybrid-powered Forester e-Boxer here in Malaysia any time soon.\nMotor Image has previously hinted that our local-spec Forester will not be too different from the \nones sold in Taiwan\n so we can expect LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 17- or 18-inch alloys, electronic parking brake, multifunctional steering wheel and leather upholstery. Not sure if more premium goodies like the powered sunroof and powered tailgate will make its way to our local spec car though.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight in Taiwan   Subaru Forester e-Boxer in Singapore"
"The government and related agencies have released guidelines and restrictions with regard to essential travel during the Movement Control Order (MCO 3.0) Phase One \n\u201cFull Lockdown\u201d\n period planned for the first two weeks of June 2021.\nSimilar to measures during the initial MCO in March last year, inter-state and inter-district travelling is \nbanned\n nationwide. Only \ntwo\n people per household are allowed in \na vehicle\n, with movement restricted within a \n10 km radius\n, to purchase essential goods and healthcare.\nFor those seeking medical attention and well as to the vaccination centre, an additional occupant can accompany, making it three per vehicle \u2013 The latter \nwill require\n \nproof of the appointment\n in the MySejahtera app or other forms of appointment.\nAs per the first MCO, interstate or inter-district travel for long-distance married couples\n will not be allowed\n to travel during phase one of the \u201cfull lockdown\u201d. Some \n800 road blocks\n will be set up nationwide during this period to enforce these travelling restrictions.\nAs for travelling in taxis and e-hailing vehicles, only \ntwo occupants\n are allowed per vehicle, including the driver. That means only \none passenger per trip\n, regardless of vehicle capacity. However, \nan additional\n occupant can accompany for medical needs such as emergencies, doctors appointment or the purpose of getting the vaccination.\nPublic transportation will be operating at 50% capacity as well as reduced frequencies.\nFuel stations are allowed to operate from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. The SOP also states that \nworkshops\n for automobiles with repair, maintenance and spare parts plus tyre workshops are allowed to operate between \n8:00 am and 8:00 pm\n from June 1 to 14.\nEssential economic and services will remain open, such as food, beverage, health, water, energy, communications, I.T, banking and logistics. Meanwhile, goods and services in the \ndisallowed list\n include \ncar sales and distribution\n, car wash centres, car accessories, hairdresser and salon, furniture, sporting and toys.\nThe \u201clockdown\u201d is Phase One of the government\u2019s move to contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus and not paralyse the already-strained national healthcare system. Reopening of other economic and services sectors will be revisited after 14 days, where if the conditions allow, the MCO will move to Phase Two.\nAlthough travelling is permitted during this MCO3.0 period, we at \nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to remind everyone to please \nstay home, and stay safe\n; keep travelling to a minimum, for essential purposes only. Nobody likes to be stuck at home, but the more we do our part, the sooner we can defeat the pandemic and return to normalcy."
"Mercedes-Benz ended 2017 as the \nmost successful premium carmaker\n after shifting 2,289,344 vehicles worldwide, followed closely by rivals BMW and Audi. While its mass-market models \u2013 limousines, SUVs and compact cars all made significant growth in their respective segments, \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s dream cars\n and AMG performance models also witness a record-breaking year.\nThere are currently 12 dream cars bearing the three-pointed star badge made up of coupes, cabriolets and roadsters. In 2017, the brand delivered nearly 170,000 new dream cars to customers, surpassing previous-year sales by \n22.4 percent\n. Among the 12 cars, the \nC-Class coupe\n and \ncabriolet\n proved to be the crowd favourite. The dream car range will be further bolstered in 2018 with the recently unveiled \nCLS Coupe\n, \nS-Class coupe and cabriolet\n.\nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe\nLast year was AMG\u2019s 50\nth\n anniversary and what better way to celebrate the auspicious event than achieving its first-ever six-digit unit sales in history. Mercedes-AMG delivered a grand total of \n131,970 AMG models\n to customers worldwide, a \ngrowth of 33 percent\n compared to the previous year. As a comparison, BMW M Division only sold 80,795 units of M cars in the same calendar year.\nCloser to home, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has introduced a wide range of dream cars to the local market since 2016 spanning from the C-Class Cabriolet to the new \nE-Class Coupe\n. Should you prefer a shouty high-performance Benz to go in your stable, MBM has got you covered from the entry-level \nA 45 4MATIC\n to the Beast of the Green Hell that is the \nAMG GT R\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia Dream Car Drive"
"Perodua is not taking safety lightly and as such, there are plans in place for the \nAdvance Safety Assist\n to be available in the lower and cheaper variants of Perodua vehicles.\nAt the moment, the driver assistance system is available in the \nrecently launched Aruz\n where\n more than 14,000 units have been booked since January\n this year, after being debuted in the \nnew Perodua Myvi\n.\n \nOther vehicles in the Perodua line up includes the Axia, Alza and the Bezza, which do not come equipped with the system.\nThis implies that either of the three could soon be equipped with the system where its Pre-Collision Braking (also known as Autonomous Emergency Braking) has been reported to \nreduce minor collisions by up to 53%\n.\nOther features that make up the Advanced Safety Assist includes Pre-Collision Warning, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.\n \nAt the moment, there\u2019s no specific timeline as to when the system will be rolled out in the lower models but Perodua did announced that the company is in the position to introduce an all-new model, along with a facelift model every year.\nJudging from previous developments, safe to assume that an \nupdated Bezza\n is on the way?"
"Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) launched its annual Coffee Break campaign today to promote safety among motorists travelling during this festive season.\nThose hitting the roads this Chinese New Year can rest and refresh with complimentary coffee and snacks from\n 2nd to 3rd\n and \n9th and 10th February\n at 150 participating Petronas outlets.\nIn conjunction with the festive season, Petronas also launched the \nNational Safest Driver Challenge\n in collaboration with PLUS Highway, Touch \u2018n\u2019 Go and Katsana, a company known for its GPS tracking and fleet management systems.\nThe Challenge will be conducted by DriveMark, a safety mobile application which will keep track of driving behaviour and rewards safe driving actions with positive scores.\nTo participate, motorists will need to download the DriveMark app on Google Play Store or Apple\u2019s App Store and drive a\n minimum distance of 200km from now until 28 February.\nTwo grand prize winners will walk away with 100,000 Mesra points worth RM 1,000, RM 1,000 Touch \u2018n\u2019 Go credit, 10,000 PLUSMiles points and RM 10,000 DriveMark Personal Accident Coverage for 12 months.\nThere will also be 50 special prize winners who will receive 5,000 Mesra points, RM 50 Touch \u2018n\u2019 Go credit and RM 10,000 DriveMark Personal Accident Coverage for three month, as well as 2,750 consolation prize winners.\nAs part of the Coffee Break Campaign, Perodua car owners will receive complimentary vehicle inspection. There will also be free health checks for all by St. John Ambulance of Malaysia at selected Petronas stations.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The M in the Portofino M\u2019s name stands for \u201cModificata\u201d, a term commonly used on models that have undergone an evolution that has significantly boosted their performance.\nThe evolution of the \nFerrari Portofino\n, which was unveiled entirely online for the first time in Ferrari\u2019s 70 year history, has been given more power with a reworked engine, new 8-speed gearbox and a 5-position Manettino which now includes a Race mode. It is the first time a Ferrari GT Spider has received such a feature.\n \nThe Portino M get its legs from a 3.9-litre twin turbocharged engine, the same V8 engine found in the \nnew Roma\n which was voted the International Engine of the Year for four consecutive years.\nThe engine now however makes 620 hp, 20 more than the Ferrari Portofino although torque figures remain at 720 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds while 0 to 200 km/h will only require 9.8 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 320 km/h.\nFerrari says the Portofino M can deliver instantaneous acceleration, in line with its \u201cZero Turbo Lag\u201d concept, through a Variable Boost Management system that adjusts torque output in accordance to the selected gear in its new 8-speed dual clutch gearbox.\nThe reworked front bumper of the Portofino M now features an air vent at the wheel arch to reduce overall drag. The new rear bumper that shelters a new exhaust system, comes with a diffuser that is completely separate to allow customers to specify it in carbon fibre. Topping off the exterior are 20-inch diamond-finished wheels designed specifically for the Portofino M.\nInside, the seats are supported by a magnesium structure with different density padding and an ultra-compact seatback profile that has resulted in more space for the rear passengers. They\u2019re also available with three-level ventilation where the system constantly adapts the speed of the warm air flow from the headrest to ensure it is proportionate to the car\u2019s speed and outside temperature.\nThe passenger has an optional dedicated capacitive display on the dashboard. It is directly linked to the main screen providing all information relating to car speed, rpm and gear engaged.\nThat\u2019s not all; they can also select music, view the satellite navigation information, or select a new point of interest, such as a restaurant, which is then automatically integrated into the route.\nFor a grand tourer that\u2019s expected to chew miles, safety is also of utmost priority in the Portofino M. It\u2019s equipped with an Predictive Emergency Brake System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Surround View display.\nDuring the online press conference with Ferrari Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Enrico Galliera, he said prices for the Portofino M will start from 206,000 euros with deliveries of the first batch of left-hand drive models expected to take place in Q2 of 2021."
"As expected, the latest Nissan GT-R model is simply \nanother limited edition\n, without any changes to performance and styling. For the latest improvement under the MY2022 (model year 2022), Nissan is introducing the GT-R T-spec to the Japanese market, limited to just 100 units.\nThe MY2022 Nissan GT-R, which is only scheduled to go on sale in late October, adds two limited grades- the GT-R Premium T-spec and the GT-R Track Edition T-spec. Both T-spec limited editions gain a carbon-ceramic braking system, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and exclusive T-spec emblems.\nNissan has also reworked the suspension and damping characteristics of the GT-R T-spec editions for better comfort and stability. The GT-R Track Edition T-spec meanwhile adds a roof panel and trunk lid made from lightweight carbon fibre, reducing 20 kg of kerb weight.\nWhen asked what T-spec meant, Chief Product Specialist of the Nissan GT-R, \nHiroshi Tamura\n, comically answered, \u201cNo, the T is not for my name, Tamura, but I feel I should say yes to that question (chuckles),\u201d\n\u201cThe name T-spec comes from TM-spec, a secret engineering code we originally used while we were developed this. We put TM for this R35 for trend making, a milestone for new trend as well as traction master (maximum traction from 4WD technology),\u201d continued Tamura.\u00a0The Nissan GT-R T-spec editions will also be made available with two re-introduced colours from the older Skyline GT-R palette.\nThe introduction of Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple colours make them the second and third \u201cheritage\u201d colours after the introduction of the Bayside Blue in the MY2020 model.\nThe all-new Nissan Almera Turbo uses engine technology from the Nissan GT-R! Find out more here!\nIn a Question and Answer (QnA) session with the key project executives, Nissan said both colours were specially re-formulated to suit the shape of the R35 Nissan GT-R as well as the painting process that now involves more environmentally friendly processes and materials.\nThe Midnight Purple that was last used in the R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R is an advanced version of the colour and now incorporates colour-shifting pigments, inspired by the naturally occurring aurora borealis phenomenon. \u00a0\nFor the Millennium Jade paintwork, more grey shade has been added to match the contours of the R35 Nissan GT-R. Nissan also said the Japanese customers are especially sensitive to green thus plenty of fine-tuning of the colour was needed.\nA Nissan Skyline GT-R Nur-spec was advertised with a seven-figure price tag! Could the revival of Millennium Jade paintwork knock off a few thousand now?\nThe GT-R Premium T-spec comes equipped with 20-inch forged Rays rims in bronze finishing, while the GT-R Track Edition T-spec has its forged Rays rims in Nismo Racing Black. Gold is meanwhile used on the engine cover and door sill plates for both variants.\nWhile a few exterior colours are available, the interior of the Nissan GT-R Premium T-spec edition only comes finished with a specially-developed green theme and a black headlining with special stitching. The GT-R Track Edition T-spec is finished in a black interior with a pair of Recaro seats.\nUnder the bonnet lies the venerable twin-turbocharged V6 VR38DETT engine displacing 3.8-litres with a maximum output of \n570 hp\n and \n637 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted on the rear axle, and then redistributing a portion to the front axle via the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system.\nThe lighter and more performance-focused \nNissan GT-R Nismo\n with \n600 hp\n and \n652 Nm\n of torque was unveiled earlier in April. All variants are said to complete the century sprint benchmark in \n2.8 seconds\n.\u00a0\u00a0\nPrices for the MY2022 Nissan GT-R begins at \nJPY 10.83 million\n (approx. RM408k), with the T-spec editions commanding a premium of over JPY 3 million (approx. RM135k) versus their \u201cregular\u201d variants, with the GT-R Premium T-spec starting from \nJPY 15.9 million\n (approx. RM600k). \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Mark Darwin, the race car driver from the Toyota Vios Challenge series happening at MAEPS, Serdang this weekend will be representing Malaysia with Team Asia in a Toyota Corolla Altis in the Thailand Super Endurance 600 min race.\nDarwin will be teaming with drivers from Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand for the race held in December at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. The race is part of Toyota\u2019s initiative to develop new talent in the region by providing them with the platform and exposure to the international arena.\n\u201cWe are proud to be able to name Mark Darwin for this Super Endurance 600 Race. It is a key part of Toyota\u2019s initiatives globally to use motorsports as a means of developing not only our cars, but more importantly, to provide our talents with the opportunities that allow them to fully realize their potentials,\u201d said\u00a0\nDeputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor Akio Takeyama.\nDarwin, 27, currently undergoing a four-day intense training stint at the Bira and Buriram circuits said, \u201cIt is an honour and privilege to have been selected to represent Malaysia. I\u2019m looking forward to race with other drivers in the Corolla Altis and I hope that we will be able to get the results that would make Malaysians proud.\u201d\nDarwin would be pitting alongside the likes of Tengku Djan at this weekend\u2019s Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival at MAEPS, Serdang together with other celebrity drivers namely Fattah Amin, Geraldine Gan, Diana Danielle, Shawn Lee and Janna Nick to name a few."
"Police in Johor will start clamping down on \n\u201cfancy number plates\u201d \nwhere the alphabets and numbers are not in line with the specifications approved by authorities, according to a report by Berita Harian.\nThis follows after 9,985 vehicles were issued summons since January 2020 for having fancy number plates.\nThe legal way!\nEnforcement will first begin with the official vehicles in the Johor police force and there will be no compromise against other government official vehicles as well. Here\u2019s to hoping the same applies to the state\u2019s elite and most influential as well.\nThe different fonts, sizes, and distance between the alphanumeric characters can cause confusion and makes vehicle identification difficult. This makes it especially tough for authorities to identify hit and run cases and enforce other traffic offenses.\nThese fancy plates are an offense under Section 14 (4) and Section 108 (3)(F) of the \nRoad Transport Act 1987\n and Rule 6 (1) LN173/69.\nImage source: \nPolis Johor"
"After holding the top spot for 90 years, General Motors has been knocked off its No.1 spot for the first time ever as the best-selling automaker in the USA and unsurprisingly, it\u2019s by the other giant from the orient \u2013 Toyota.\nLast year, Toyota sold a total of 2,332,262 vehicles in the USA, representing a 10.4% increase from the previous year. The figure consists of Toyota (2,027,786 units) and Lexus (304,476 units) vehicles.\nToyota recently announced that it would launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030.\nBy comparison, GM sold 2,218,228 units, a 12.9% drop from the previous year. The difference of 114,034 vehicles sold between the two allowed Toyota to take the top spot away from General Motors for the first time since 1931.\nSales were primarily led by the RAV4, with over 407,739 units, outselling even the Tacoma pick-up, Highlander SUV, and Camry. The Camry was also crowned the best-selling passenger car in the USA for the 20th consecutive year while the RAV4 has been the best-selling SUV in the USA for the 5th consecutive year.\nIn light of the annual round-up, both companies have attributed the semi-conductor chip shortage to be one of the main challenges in vehicle manufacturing in 2021.\nRelated: Toyota & Lexus to launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030!"
"Hyundai Motor\n has released first images of the\n New Generation i20\n, which is set to debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October. At the same time,\n Hyundai Motor India Limited\n (HMIL) also released thier version of the i20 called \nThe Elite i20\n.\nFeaturing the latest \nFluidic Sculpture 2.0\n design language, the new generation i20 has been both designed and developed in Europe. Designed at Hyundai Motor\u2019s Design Centre Europe in R\u00fcsselsheim Germany, the new design language introduces more straight lines throughout the exterior of the car.\nThe nose features a thin horizontal grille with a bigger separate hexagonal grille just below it. The headlights now includes \nLED daytime running lights\n and LED position lamps as well. Towards the back, the i20 gets a \nblacked-out C pillar\n \na-la\n Jaguar XJ with boomerang-shaped\n LED taillamps\n.\nSitting on a new platform, the new generation i20 measures \n4,035 mm long\n with additional 45 mm to the\n 2,570 mm wheelbase\n compared to the old i20. The interior is claimed to incorporate Hyundai Motor\u2019s core interior design principles of premium aesthetics, intuitiveness and simplicity with a driver-focussed dash.\nThe India-spec Elite i20 features a multifunction steering wheel, MP3 Audio system with 1 GB internal memory, Bluetooth connectivity, Start Stop button, rear aircon vents, automatic climate control, and a height-adjustable driver\u2019s seat. For Europe, the i20 is offered with an optional panoramic sunroof and a rear-view camera.\nFor safety, the India-spec Elite i20 is said to feature ABS and dual front airbags, but Europe-spec i20 should offer more safety kit. There are no mention of the engine choices offered for the Europe-spec i20, but the India-spec Elite i20 comes with either a\n 1.2-litre Dual VTVT Kappa petrol\n generating \n82 hp\n or a 2nd Generation U2\n 1.4-litre CRDi diesel\n producing \n89 hp\n powerplants.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nEuropean\u2019s New Generation i20   India\u2019s The Elite i20"
"At the launch of the facelifted Honda Odyssey, Honda Malaysia announced their 2018 target of 109,000 sales units and to achieve this target, the company will focus on after-sales and prioritise customer satisfaction for the coming year.\nThe target set is based on the company\u2019s stable momentum over the past four years which will be bolstered by two new model launches in 2018 \u2013 first being the \nfacelifted Odyssey with Honda Sensing\n. After an aggressive product line up for the past two years starting with the \nCivic FC\n to the \nCivic Type R\n, Honda Malaysia will now shift its focus to aftersales service to elevate the ownership experience of the Honda brand.\nHonda Malaysia delivered the 250,000th Honda City in 2017\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cAccording to our internal survey, our Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) score has increased by 23 points compared to the previous year. To further provide more Joy, we will significantly enhance this area in 2018.\u201d\n\u201cThis year we are focusing on the three main areas of dealer expansion and customer experience, skilled associates at dealers, and customer\u2019s virtual touchpoint. Towards this end, customer satisfaction will be the main emphasis in 2018. The total investment to enhance Honda\u2019s operation and after-sales is estimated at RM31 million\u201d, Ishiyama-san added.\nHonda Malaysia MD & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama\nMoving forward, \nseven more dealerships\n are expected to be opened, ranging from 3S Centres to standalone Body and Paint Centres over the course of 2018. In addition to new dealerships, current Honda facilities will \u00a0gradually be upgraded to feature the brand\u2019s New Corporate Identity based on the concept of \nInnovative and Inviting with Human Centric\n elements to enhance the quality of service and hospitality for customers.\nIn 2017, Honda Malaysia achieved \nrecord sales of 109,511 cars\n and has maintained its Number 1 position in the Non-National segment for the third consecutive year as well as its Number 2 position in overall TIV (Total Industry Volume) for the second year running. Despite the challenging economic climate, Honda achieved 19 percent increase in overall sales."
"Peugeot\u2019s D-segment contender the \n508\n has received a nip-and-tuck treatment that brings mostly cosmetic enhancements to the exterior, and a revised engine lineup.\nThe 508 range consists of the \nSedan\n, \nSW\n wagon, and another one that\u2019s not available here in Malaysia, the \nRXH\n. Throughout the range, the 508 gets a \ntotally new face\n, with \nfull LED headlamps\n on the top of the range models. The main grille has been shifted upwards, bringing the lion that used to be on top of the bonnet into the grille. A pair of \nnew taillights\n and a redesigned rear bumper is only for the Sedan while the SW and RXH retains their existing taillights.   Nothing much is changed inside, a \n7-inch touch screen\n that sits in the middle of the dash helps to clear some buttons off the central panel, and there\u2019s a new closed storage box in the center console. \nBlind Spot Sensors\n and a \nreverse camera\n have been added to the equipment list, that already includes keyless entry and starting, auto electric parking brake, quad-zone climate control, and a JBL sound system.   As for the revised engine lineup, the petrol range consists of a \n1.6-litre VTi 120\n paired to a 6-speed manual, and a new \n1.6-litre THP 165\n that replaces the 1.6-litre THP 156 with a choice of a \n6-speed manual\n or the new \nEAT6 6-speed auto\n.\nFor diesel, these five engines are carried over from the pre-facelifted 508, a \n1.6-litre e-HDi 115\n, \n2.0-litre HDi 140\n, \n2.0-litre BlueHDi 150\n, \n2.0-litre HDi 160\n, and a \n2.2-litre HDi 200\n in the 508 GT. All can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto, with the exception of the HDi 140 and BlueHDi 150 only available with the manual transmission, and the HDi 200 is only offered with the automatic transmission. A new addition to the diesel lineup is the \n2.0-litre BlueHDi 180\n paired to a 6-speed automatic.\nThere\u2019s also the \n508 HYbrid4\n, that combines a \n2.0-litre HDi\n that drives the front wheels with a \n37 hp electric motor\n to power the rear wheels.\nThe revised 508 will be displayed at the Paris Motor Show in October together with the \n308 GT\n, and in Europe sales will start from November. It will be launched in China from January 2015, so we can expect it to be here in Malaysia soon afterwards.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has once again been appointed as the official car sponsor of Le Tour de Langkawi 2020, marking the third time the brand has been involved in the sporting event since 2016.\nAs official car sponsor, VPCM will be providing \n120 units\n of the \nTiguan Highline\n for the event. The compact SUV will be used throughout the 10-day race by riders, safety marshals, and officials.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter, said, \u201cWe are honoured to be back as part of LTDL this year as the race celebrates its silver jubilee, and we are confident that the Tiguan will be a good fit and support to the operations team in terms of safety, endurance, agility and speed.\n\u201cOn behalf of Volkswagen, we wish the participants all the very best for this year\u2019s race,\u201d he added.\nLe Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) is a multiple stage bicycle race that has gained multiple accolades in the sport. Now recognised as a highlight in the global competitive cycling calendar, The race attracts some of the world\u2019s top road cyclists every year.\nNow in its 25th year, LTdL 2020 will once again include East Malaysia as part of the race route. The last time LTdL visited the Borneo Island was in 1997.\nLe Tour de Langkawi 2020 will be happening from the \n6th to 15th of February 2020\n."
"Automobili Lamborghini has extended its collaboration with Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna, Italy for the 6th time with nothing less than flamboyance to show for.\nAfter generously delivering a Lamborghini a year to the airport for official use since 2013, the company has continued the tradition with the 4th Huracan LP580-2 RWD in six years.\nIt\u2019s also the\n same model gifted to the Pope recently \nwhile other models delivered to the airport in the past included the Aventador LP700-4 and Huracan LP610-4.\nThe new \u201cFollow-Me\u201d Huracan will be used to lead aircrafts taxiing to the runway or to their parking stands.\nDressed with a special livery designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, the RWD Huracan\u2019s side profile is perhaps the most attractive with decals that mimic the supercar\u2019s tail lights, coloured by the red, white and green of the Italian flag.\nThe 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 Huracan with\n 580 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n is also equipped with an orange light-bar on the roof and a radio to stay connected with the control tower.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Isuzu Malaysia\n has just launched the new D-Max Stealth that\u2019s \nbased on the 1.9-litre turbo diesel model\n which \nwe drove in Phuket, Thailand\n. With only 180 units available, the limited-edition model is priced at RM125,799.20 on-the-road without insurance.\nAvailable either in \nStallion Black Metallic\n or \nSilky White Pearl \nexterior colours, each model is accompanied with a 7-year unlimited mileage warranty. Those who register the D-Max Stealth by August will receive a free sports roll bar.\n \nThere are no performance upgrades in the Stealth, which makes \n150 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n from its 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox with Sequential Shift. Unlike the standard 1.9-litre variants of the D-Max, the Stealth does not come with a 6-speed manual gearbox.\nAs for the exterior, the bulk of changes are at the front. Instead of a massive chrome grille in the standard variants, the Stealth gets a blacked-out front grille with a silver line that stretches across the headlights. Further down, the Stealth also gets a new front lip extension with black accents. The fog lamp surrounds have also been blackened, along with the roof rails and rear bumpers.\nAt the rear, the Stealth now gets a damper for the tailgate which softens the tailgate opening and makes it extremely easy to close \u2013 you can literally do it with just one finger. Also enhancing the Stealth\u2019s exterior are newly designed 18-inch wheels with a Stealth emblem on one of the spokes.\nThe icing on the cake has to be the \npowered side step\n, a first-in-class feature. When retracted, it\u2019s so flush you wouldn\u2019t notice anything there but open the doors and it will gracefully extend out, accompanied with welcome lights.\nInside, the cabin comes with red and black seats, with a mix of leather and fabric upholstery. The Stealth is also added with a first-in-class front and rear digital video recorder with a 32GB mini SD card.\nUsing motion detectors, the cameras can record a 140-degree view when the vehicle is parked or when it detects an impact on the vehicle. The recordings can be played back through the owner\u2019s phone via WiFi and the IROAD app available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.\nAnother first-in-class feature in the D-Max Stealth is the \nAround View Monitor with 3D Image Guide\n. Using four cameras around the vehicle, it can provide either a bird\u2019s eye view or a 3D view when the reverse gear is selected. The user can also manually activate or switch to different views with a switch placed behind the steering wheel.\nAdditionally, the Stealth is also equipped with a front parking sensor which operates up to speeds of 25 km/h. Once the vehicle slows down to 20 km/h, it will automatically reactivate. While off-road, drivers can opt to switch off the system with a Parking Sensor switch added next to the USB ports.\n GALLERY"
"One of the two cars that spearhead \nTesla\n\u2019s entry into the Thailand market is the \nTesla Model Y\n, now offered in three variants in the land of smiles. Prices start at 1,959,000 baht (approx. \nRM246,151\n), and the Tesla Model Y is fully imported (CBU) from China.\nMirroring the Tesla Model 3 (\nwhich has also just been launched in Thailand\n), the three variants of the Tesla Model Y are as such:\nSingle Motor RWD \u2013 1,959,000 baht (approx. \nRM246,151\n)\nDual Motor Long Range AWD \u2013 2,259,000 baht (approx. \nRM283,846\n)\nDual Motor Performance AWD \u2013 2,509,000 baht (approx. \nRM315,258\n)\nEssentially a high-riding tesla Model 3 with 5-doors, bigger wheels, and a taller roof, the Tesla Model Y can sometimes be hard to differentiate from its sedan counterpart. It measures 4,751 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall. With a wheelbase measuring 2,890 mm, it is about the size of a \nBMW X3\n or a \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n.\nRELATED: \nTesla Model 3 launched in Thailand \u2013 from ~RM221k, up to 614 km range\nTesla Model Y Single Motor RWD\nAs an entry-level option, the Single Motor RWD is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that makes \n347 hp\n (metric) and \n420 Nm\n. The Single Motor RWD accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.9 seconds\n and has a top speed of \n217 km/h\n.\nA 57.5-kWh battery gives the Single Motor RWD an electric range of \n455 km\n (WLTP). Charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n for AC charging and \n170 kW\n for DC fast charging.\nRELATED: \nThe Tesla Model S Plaid has apparently set a new EV lap record at the Nurburgring\nTesla Model Y Dual Motor Long Range AWD\nIn the middle of the variant hierarchy is the Dual Motor Long Range AWD that has a combined system output of \n514 hp\n (metric) and \n493 Nm\n. The mid-range Model Y does the century sprint in\n 5.0 seconds \nand has a top speed of \n217 km/h\n.\nStoring energy in the Long Range Model Y is a \n75-kWh\n battery pack that provides \n542 km\n of range (WLTP). AC charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n while DC fast charging is capped at \n250 kW\n.\nRELATED: \nSomeone stuffed an actual V8 engine into a Tesla Model S\nTesla Model Y Dual Motor Performance RWD\nThe most powerful version of the Model Y is the Performance model which makes a total of \n534 hp\n (metric) and \n660 Nm\n. It launches from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.7 seconds\n and has a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nHousing the same \n75-kWh\n battery pack as the Long Range Model Y, the electric range is a little less at \n514 km\n (WLTP). Like the Long Range, the Performance model can handle \n11-kW\n AC charging and \n250-kW\n DC fast charging.\nOver the Long Range Model Y, the Performance Model Y adds on 21-inch alloy wheels with Uberturbine wheel design, a performance brake system, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, and aluminium alloy foot pedals. For better handling, the Performance model even throws in a set of lowered suspension.\nMirroring the Model 3\u2019s warranty package, the Tesla Model Y provides a 4-year/80,000 km general warranty as standard. The Single Motor RWD gets an 8-year/160,000 km battery and drive system warranty, while the Dual Motor Long Range AWD and Dual Motor Performance AWD both get an 8-year/192,000 km battery and drive system warranty.\nRELATED: \nONE\u2019s experimental battery tech gives Tesla Model S 1,210 km of range on a single charge"
"Ferrari has just released its financial and sales performance data for the year 2019.The Prancing Horse managed to deliver \n10,131 vehicles\n last year, making it the first time Ferrari has exceeded the 10,000 units mark.\nThe figure also translates to a \n9.5% increase\n from 2018, which Ferrari says is partly driven by the increased uptake in its core V8 models, up by 11.2%. The V12 models saw an increase of 4.6% in demand.\n \nMainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong saw the largest region growth for the brand, with a 20.3% boost compared to 2018, delivering a total of 836 vehicles. However, the region with the highest demand (in terms of volume) goes to the EMEA with 4,895 units delivered (+15.8%).\nAmericas followed behind with 2,900 units delivered (-3.3%), and lastly the rest of APAC saw a growth of 12.9%, with 1,500 units delivered.\nFinancials wise, Ferrari recorded a net revenue of \nEuro 3.8 billion\n 2019, 10.1% increase year-on-year. Cars and spare parts revenue represented 77.7% of total revenue (Euro 2.9 billion), up 15% from 2018.\nFerrari says that the increase in volume can be attributed to the robust delivery of the \nFerrari Portofino\n, \n812 Superfast\n, \n488 Pista\n and \n488 Pista Spyder\n, as well as the first deliveries of the \nF8 Tributo\n.\nAlthough Ferrari is expected to cool off in 2020 compared to the last year where it launched five new models, the Maranello-based luxury supercar maker seems bullish about the year ahead, and has revised their financial guidance with a higher net revenue estimate, at Euro 4.1 billion."
"Come mid-January next year, Nissan will be displaying 15 exciting new cars with the latest custom and aftermarket parts at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 \u2013 an exhibition famous for hosting the latest modified cars and aftermarket products.\nThe broad range of models will include \ngrand touring concepts of the new Nissan LEAF\n, the NV350 Caravan and the X-Trail, the Nissan Fairlady Z Heritage Edition and some of \nNISMO\u2019s high-performance road cars \nsuch as the new \nNissan Serena Nismo\n that went on sale in Japan recently.   Also on display are concept cars by the newly-launched AUTECH sub-brand, which will uphold premium craftsmanship and sporty driving performance as it mantra.\nThe first \u201cAutech-enhanced\u201d model was the recently unveiled \nSerena AUTECH\n. It\u2019s been reported that AUTECH will co-exist with Nissan\u2019s \nexisting NISMO sub-brand\n as the latter focuses on drawing from Nissan\u2019s motorsports DNA.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I\u2019ll probably get a lot of flak here for saying this, but the second-generation \nMazda MX-5\n \u2013 or better known as the NB for enthusiasts \u2013 isn\u2019t a very attractive car. Although, I am fairly certain that I\u2019m not the only one who thinks so, because the popular ones on the internet are always the first-generation models.\nWe still think it\u2019s a great car, mind you, but if you have one of these and want to make it a little more special, \nTipo 184\n is now selling a kit to convert the Japanese roadster into a 1930s race car. More specifically, the Alfa Romeo 158 \u2013 one of the most successful Grand Prix (and Formula 1) cars ever produced.\nCreated by British car builder and TV personality Ant Anstead, where he also built an Alfa Romeo 158 tribute on his show Master Mechanic, the kit consists of the entire space frame chassis, body panels, replica seats, as well as the replica steering wheel and instrument panel. The details on the Tipo 184 look immaculate \u2013 and if anything, probably just slightly off in scale!\nThe Tipo 184 conversion kit even comes with a replica exhaust with four functional pipes and four fake ones, to simulate the look of the original 158\u2019s supercharged inline-eight engine! From the photos, it seems like the kit will also come with a Wilwood brake kit, complete with a housing to make it look like the drum-brake system from the original race car.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering how the original Alfa Romeo 158 looks like.\nIf you\u2019re wondering why the kit is called the 184, here\u2019s a cool little trivia: The Alfa Romeo 158 was called that in reference to the 1.5-litre engine, and eight cylinders. With the Mazda MX-5\u2019s 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder mill, it\u2019s only appropriate to call it the 184, don\u2019t you think?\nFor now, only 10 of these kits are being made available as part of a pre-launch offer. They\u2019re priced at GBP7,499 + VAT each (~RM41k), but you\u2019ll get the opportunity to spend a weekend in their workshop, building the car with Ant\u2019s guidance!"
"In order to combat driver fatigue and keep the roads safer for everyone, Jaguar Land Rover will be equipping the updated \nJaguar F-Pace\n, \nJaguar XF\n, and \nRange Rover Velar\n with a new noise cancellation technology to reduce unwanted road and tyre sounds from the cabin\u00a0for a more refined driving experience.\nDeveloped by Silentium, the Active Road Noise Cancellation system uses sensors on each wheel to constantly monitor the vibrations from the road surface. The specific opposite phase sound wave is then calculated in real-time and emitted through the cars\u2019 Meridian sound system to remove the noise.\nThe system also monitors the occupancy status in the cabin with the seatbelt sensors, optimising the performance of the noise cancellation sounds in the cabin for all passengers by adjusting the levels and position of the noise cancellation sounds.\nJaguar Land Rover says that the new noise cancellation tech allows for unwanted road noise \u2013 especially those from potholes and rough surfaces \u2013 to be \u201cisolated and removed\u201d; lowering unwanted noise peaks by \n10 dB\n, and overall noise levels by \n3-4 dB\n \u2013 equivalent to turning down the in-car sound system by four notches.\nCiting studies, JLR says that reduction in exposure to low-frequency noises (below 300 Hz) can help prevent driver fatigue on longer journeys. The company also says that fatigued drivers on average have an increase in reaction time by 16.72% compared to those fully alert.\nThe system is being launched under the brand\u2019s Destination Zero banner, an initiative to make societies safer and healthier, and our environments cleaner \u2013 zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion \u2013 through technology innovations like the Active Road Noise Cancellation system.\nJLR also says that an added benefit of the noise cancellation system for its hybrid models is that it allows for the powertrain to be \u201crefined for lower CO2 emissions and efficiency with no impact on driver experience\u201d.\n\u201cActive Road Noise Cancellation technology not only has the potential to improve road safety but also wellbeing and quality of life for our customers,\u201d said JLR Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Iley.\n\u201cIn a post-coronavirus world, where a \u2018new normal\u2019 is emerging, we expect customer expectations of private transport to change. An extra focus will be placed on safe, clean mobility where personal space, wellbeing and hygiene carry a premium.\u201d"
"Proton has just posted its monthly brand sales information for the month of March, which recorded a total of \n14,989\n vehicles sold that includes \ne\nx\nports\n.\nThe national automaker said this was its \nbest sales month since September 2013\n and based on internal intelligence, places Proton at an estimated market share of 23.5%.\nThe company is also incredibly proud of the Q1 2021 achievement, accumulating 32,826 units that result in their highest quarterly market share figure since March 2012.\nWith just two \nSUV\n models in its line-up, Proton managed to deliver 5,850 units, led by the \nX50\n model with 3,513 units. Proton seems to be placing the X50 in the same category or segment as the smaller Perodua Ativa, as the company highlights that even with 3,513 units, they are \nsecond in sales\n in the B-Segment SUV.\nIn the first three months of 2021, Proton has delivered 7,940 units of the X50, making it their second best-selling product after the Saga. The month of March also saw strong deliveries for the Saga, where dealers managed to move 5,589 units. In February, Proton launched the R3 limited edition variants of the \nSaga\n and \nIriz \nmodels.\nThe Proton \nPersona\n (2,151 units), Iriz (810) and Exora also posted their best figures for the year with the evergreen MPV once again claiming the crown for highest C-segment MPV sales with 584 units.\nProton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cAfter a soft start to the year, Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry has finally hit its stride for 2021. We estimate TIV to be over 63,000 units, suggesting all brands will post their best numbers for the year. For Proton, March was a very good sales month as we achieved our \nhighest figure in 90 months\n but our sense of achievement is tempered by the fact that it could have been even better if we were able to produce more units.\u201d\nMr Roslan also added that the order bank is still high and plans are underway to increase production to fulfil customers demand before the end of the sales tax exemption incentive that is ending on June 30th.\nProton\u2019s in-house auto-financing arm, Proton Commerce, is also receiving a better response from buyers. Nearly 4,000 loans were disbursed in the first three months of 2021 with an estimated 1,700 customers in March alone. The latter figure is equivalent to a 122% growth over February and overall, disbursements for the first quarter of the year are up by 141% over 2020."
"If the flare and glare of recent Mercedes-Benz vehicles have enticed you to the brink of desperation for a three-pointed star, the time is now.\nThat\u2019s cause NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd, authorised dealers of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will be opening their floodgates to an extensive range of certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles at the Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya \nfrom the 2nd of August till the 4th of August 2019\n (10am to 5pm).\nThe extensive range of vehicles, with over 100 pre-owned models to choose from includes the A-Class, C-Class, CLA, E-Class, GLA, GLC and S-Class with \nprices ranging from RM190k to RM650k\n.\nThe Mercedes-Benz that will be on display are of the 2018 model year and are\n no older than one year\n.\nIf that isn\u2019t enticing enough, this should make you check your bank account balance and acquire your spouse\u2019s permission \u2013 NZ wheels is collaborating with Maybank to offer visiting customers low loan rates.\nThose who opt for the hire purchase loan with Maybank on-the-spot will stand a chance to redeem an exclusive Mercedes-Benz watch worth RM1,500."
"BMW Group Malaysia today officially kick-off the first day of NEXTGen Malaysia \u2013 the three-day event on sustainability and electrified mobility held at Mandarin Oriental KL.\nThe event brings together various industry players and experts to facilitate conversations on sustainable innovations and solutions is in partnership with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Siemens Malaysia, alongside Samsung Malaysia Electronics and Glenfiddich by William Grant & Sons.\nAt the opening day of NEXTGen Malaysia, attendees include CEO of Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), Dato\u2019 Madani Sahari; President of the Malaysia Automotive Recyclers Association (MAARA), Datuk Haji Khan Bin Mohd Akram Khan; Senior Director, Technology Solutions Group at MGTC, Huzaimi Nor bin Omar; and Head of TV & Audio Visual at Samsung Malaysia Electronics, Calvert Yap.\nThe multi-stakeholder sustainability event which was officiated by YB Dato\u2019 Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) also saw a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing held between BMW Group Malaysia and its partners, MGTC, TNB, and Siemens Malaysia, to further develop the ecosystem and infrastructure for electric vehicles in the country.\nRELATED: BMW adds three new charging bays in the Northern region\nEntrance for the public will commence at 2:00 P.M. tomorrow with a panel discussion featuring Subang Jaya State Assemblywoman YB Michelle Ng amongst others. An exciting line-up of public keynote speeches and panel discussions (more information \nhere\n) featuring leaders and experts in the field of sustainability across various industries, as well as exhibitions by Sunway XFarms, Circular Future and KUALESA."
"If you\u2019ve not been watching Formula 1, well, you should reconsider. After four stonking races in a row, the much-maligned blue-ribbon motorsport spectacle has somehow rediscovered some lustre and making MotoGP look pedestrian in comparison.\nWhen others raise their game, F1 isn\u2019t so predictable anymore.\nWhile Hamilton\u2019s lead at the top of the drivers\u2019 standing looks secure, with nine races to go, there\u2019s still a lot to play for, particularly with Red Bull Racing, powered by the now reliable Honda power unit, looking competitive in most circuits. If not for an inspired strategy call in \nHungary\n, the Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG would\u2019ve been defeated in a straight fight, having already been beaten to pole by Max Verstappen in qualifying.\nThe wet, then dry German GP was epic, watch the \nhighlights here\n.\nBut it isn\u2019t just the close racing but the changing of guard that\u2019s unfolding before F1 fans. Charles LeClerc (Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren), Alex Albon (Toro Rosso), even George Russell (Williams), and of course, Verstappen are all in their early 20s (actually Norris has yet to turn 20) and are proving themselves to be the future of Formula 1 with sterling performances in the season so far. It\u2019s not that the \u2018regular\u2019 cast are old either; Hamilton, Vettel, Ricciardo, Bottas and Perez are technically in their prime and still have much to offer.\nLeClerc, 21 (right)\nNorris, 19\nAlbon, 22\nWith 12 races run and nine to go, including legendary circuits such as Spa, Monza and Suzuka to come, exciting times lie ahead. Can Hamilton bring it home and seal his sixth title nudging him to within one championship off Michael Schumacher\u2019s record seven? Can Honda add to the two race wins in what is a dream season for them and Red Bull? Will Ferrari go winless for the rest of the season? Who will Mercedes-AMG pick to partner Hamilton in 2020?\nThe F1 circus is currently on a three-week summer break and the\nracing resumes on 1\nst\n September with the Belgian GP at\nSpa-Franchorchamps. Well worth waiting for? Hell ya!"
"What better way to rebut reports that your F1 team is leaving the sport than to sign on even \nmore sponsors\n on a \nlong-term basis\n, and that\u2019s exactly what the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team has done by welcoming UK petrochemical giant \nINEOS \nas a \nprincipal partner\n (Petronas remains as title partner of the team) and also \nAMD \nas a team partner, both being multi-year sponsorships.\nDuring the unveiling of the \nnew livery for 2020\n (but not on the 2020-spec race car, that will come later this week), F1 team boss Toto Wolff reaffirmed Mercedes-Benz\u2019s commitment to the sport and that \nreports \nof the company planning to exit F1 were \n\u2018nonsense\u2019\n and written by \n\u2018some lunatic\u2019\n out to generate controversial headlines.\n\u201cThis is what we do, we build race cars and we build road cars. Formula 1 is the \nhalo platform\n for \nhybrid engineering\n, something that is not communicated enough because it was talked down at the beginning of the hybrid era. It\u2019s something we should put more emphasis on,\u201d said Wolff during the press conference, as quoted by \nformula1.com\n, the official F1 channel.\nINEOS branding will occupy the top of the airbox and inner endplates of the front wing.\nHowever, Wolff also alluded to the fact that Mercedes, like other teams, are still \nlocked in negotiations\n with rights holders \nFOM \n(Formula One Management), \nFIA \nand stakeholders on the commercial contract (otherwise known as Concorde Agreement) of the sport, and that he hopes to see that concluded before the start of the 2021 season."
"The \n10th-generation Honda Civic\n is no doubt \nthe\n hottest car of the year. With its stunning good looks and lengthy list of equipment, it\u2019s no wonder that there are so many on the roads today. I mean, it\u2019s everywhere.\nThere is much to like with the new Civic, from the gorgeous LED headlamps to the first-in-class digital display instrument cluster. Not to mention bragging rights too, for being the first Japanese carmaker to slap on a turbocharger onto their C-Segment sedan.\nHowever, even the best cars have its flaws. The Civic is no exception. So here are five things I hate about the all-new \nHonda Civic 1.5TC-Premium\n.\n1. Unpolished Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nIn the name of efficiency, Honda has equipped the Civic with a CVT and I respect that decision. The issue I have with this transmission is the refinement when climbing up the revs. Pedal to the floor and the unpleasant CVT drone/whine seeps into the otherwise impressively insulated cabin. This makes hard accelerations a considerably irksome affair. Perhaps this is Honda\u2019s way of discouraging the lead footed? Maybe.\n2. Obscure Cruise Control Operations\nCruise control is a wonderful feature that helps lessen the driver\u2019s burden when travelling at a constant speed for an extended period of time. Simply select your\u00a0desired speed and the car will automatically feed gas to the engine, thus maintaining velocity. However, with the Civic, activating cruise control is not as straightforward as you may think.\nFirst, it does not display the limited speed anywhere on the instrument panel. Instead you will have to travel to a desired speed and push the \u201cSet\u201d button on the steering wheel, making it quite a chore to activate a simple driver assistive feature.\nThis brings me to my second point. While cruise control is activated, increasing and decreasing the speed limiter is an ambiguous process. I have no clue whether by pressing \u201c+\u201d am I increasing the top speed by 1 km/h or 10 km/h. But all I know is that, I am going faster. I\u2019m certain\u00a0Honda can find a tiny space on the massive LCD instrument cluster to display this info.\n3. Unintuitive Climate Controls\nFortunately, on the Civic, the climate controls are not entirely housed in the 7-inch touchscreen display like on the \nHR-V\n. In this case, only the fan speed and A/C are controlled via the touchscreen display. To me, it\u2019s an unnecessary step to a feature we use on a daily basis, simply because I can\u2019t complete the operation without diverting my attention to the screen. I\u2019d much rather have the antiquated knob and button controls than this.\n4. Uncomfortable Seating Position\nThe driver\u2019s seat comes with six-way powered adjustment which should satisfy most people but the biggest gripe I have is the lack of lumbar adjustment. Yet on the Civic, the driver\u2019s seat feature this permanently protruding \u201clumbar support\u201d that\u2019s non-adjustable, making\u00a0long distance journeys literally a pain no matter how much you adjust the seat.\n \n \n5. Limited Cubby Space\nWhile there\u2019s no denying the brilliantly designed cabin, I was surprised by the scarcity of stowage compartments to keep my loose belongings. The side door bins are just enough for a puny 500ml bottle and a SmartTag, while the hard-to-access centre tray barely fits anything larger than a SmartTag. The gear lever just makes accessibility worse. Don\u2019t get me started on the hidden tray below the centre console that takes quite a reach. Although the centre armrest has great depth, I would like it if some of my belongings can be kept somewhere within reach.   Some of the points may just be me nitpicking on the car, but these are some quirks that I\u2019ve learnt after spending a lengthy amount of time in the Civic, quirks that short test drives around the block wouldn\u2019t reveal. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the car is impressive in its own way as shown in our \nwritten review\n and \nvideo review\n.\u00a0However, do take these points into consideration before putting your money down on the Civic. And if you\u2019re so inclined, we will be reviewing the even more promising\u00a0\nHyundai Ioniq\n\u00a0a test, so watch this space before you visit that dealership!\nCredits to \nVehicle Virgins\n for the content idea."
"Bentley has just introduced a new variant to its Flying Spur line-up, the Flying Spur W12 S.\u00a0The W12 S sits\u00a0at the top of the Flying Spur range, above the existing Flying Spur W12.\nAs the S badge denotes, the massive 6.0-litre twinturbo W12 is tuned for more power and the chassis is upgraded for better dynamics. The engine now outputs \n626 hp\n, up 10 hp from before and \n820 Nm\n of torque (800 Nm on the Flying Spur W12). As such, the Flying Spur W12 S is the first four-door Bentley to break the \n200 mph\n (325 km/h) mark. Century sprint in the two tonne machine is done in a blazing 4.5 seconds.\nAdding on to the already luxurious appeal of the Flying Spur, the W12 S comes with distinctive styling bits to stand out from the rest of its siblings. These include the redesigned lower bumper inserts, 21-inch alloys, W12 S badges and W12 S emblems on the interior.\nNew to the W12 S is, as Bentley calls it, colour split. Customers are able to choose from 17 different colours of leather to contrast against the single tone interior. Also unique to this model is a Sport Plus steering wheel.\nDeliveries of the Bentley Flying Spur W12 S begins at end of this year. Locally, the Flying Spur W12 is not listed on Bentley Motors Kuala Lumpur\u2019s \nwebsite\n. However, no harm enquiring if you are keen on a 200 mph four-door Bentley.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a successful pilot phase, GoCar\u2019s services will now extend to P License holders. Noble idea, but it does raise an eyebrow.\nWith majority of students and young adults opting out of buying a car due to added expenses and long-term responsibilities, the need for affordable, accessible and flexible means of transportation has never been more necessary.\nAs the vast majority of car rental services do not allow P licence holders (we\u2019re guessing for good reason) to rent cars, GoCar\u2019s pilot campaign allowed P Licence members to drive selected GoCars from locations within Klang Valley and it quickly proved that demand was high.\nSince the launch in November 2019, the \nGoCar app has seen a 500% increase in the number of active P Licence members\n, with a significant portion of these members aged between 18 \u2013 21 years old.\nIt\u2019s a noble, non-discriminatory move but as a mobility solutions provider, it\u2019s uncertain (as details have been sketchy) if they have considered the very basic mobility concerns \u2013 for the P drivers, the other road users and the car\u2019s they\u2019re using for this service.\nGet \n28% off your GoCar booking \nwhen travelling on the ERL. P/S: We miss Anthony Loke.\nLet\u2019s face it, P license holders are not the best drivers and it\u2019s a legit concern if they\u2019re able to manage the vehicle (even in short drives) for it to be faultless and safe for others to use subsequently. There\u2019d likely be concerns if they\u2019d be able to conduct themselves properly on the road, i.e not being a nuisance by parking indiscriminately.\n250 cars were made available last month in seven states and this service will be extended to all of their cars. Alongside this movement, the GoCar App will ensure that P Licence members can book any GoCars at all locations.\nTo encourage more new members, GoCar is offering discounts for P Licence holders who \nsign up between 13th of March 2020 till 31st March 2020\n. Approved P License holders can get a RM20 off promo code and an additional RM20 off by using the \u201cUSNLYA\u201d referral code.\nIn support of these new developments, GoCar, CEO, Alan Cheah, said, \u201cOur goal is to create affordable mobility options for everyone in the car-sharing community. Through this campaign, we realised the majority of P Licence holders do not own a car and prefer alternative transportation. Now with the P Licence campaign, they have the flexibility of paying and accessing a GoCar as needed.\u201d\nImage source: \nGoCar Facebook"
"Hyundai Motor Group and Grab Holdings Inc. today announced an expanded partnership of their ongoing strategic collaboration in mobility services.\nThe announcement is in conjunction with the technology company\u2019s first annual Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) report which outlines the company\u2019s commitment to create socioeconomic empowerment and safeguard the environment while delivering strong financial performance.\nThe partnership, now entering its fourth year, is intended to \naccelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the ASEAN region\n. New EV business models such as leasing EVs with battery-as-a-service model or car-as-a-service model and EV financing have been earmarked for pilot programs after feedback from Grab driver- and delivery-partners.\nGrab and Hyundai will also conduct an in-depth feasibility study on the gaps and barriers to wider EV ownership and adoption, as well as develop a joint roadmap to make EVs a more viable option for on-demand mobility and delivery services. Both companies hope to provide governments and ecosystem partners with ideas and best practices on how EV policies can be shaped for best efficiencies.\nGeely performs a battery swap in just 60 seconds! \nThe pilot programs will start this year, beginning in Singapore and expand to Indonesia and Vietnam.\nBoth Hyundai and Grab started the ball rolling via a fleet of 200 \nHyundai Kona EV\n models to complement the original line-up of Ioniq EV in 2019. The technology company also partners with SP Group with expanding the network of DC and AC EV chargers.\nHyundai has also selected Singapore as its latest Innovation Centre which will act as a testbed for intelligent manufacturing of small-scale EVs and other associated smart mobility projects. The project broke ground in October 2020, with construction to complete by end of 2022.\nIn Indonesia, Grab is assisting the government with an EV ecosystem roadmap to reach 20% penetration of transportation being electric by 2025. Grab also launched its GrabCar Elektrik fleet of Hyundai Ioniq vehicles at Jakarta\u2019s Soekarno-Hatta airport."
"The BMW M2 Coupe has been given the go-ahead, according to a report by \nAutocar\n. Given the internal codename \nG87\n, the second-generation M2 Coupe will retain its rear-wheel drive architecture as\n previously reported\n, unlike the rest of the 2 Series line-up.\nThe G87 M2 Coupe will be based on the forthcoming 2 Series Coupe (known internally as G42), which is reportedly built on BMW\u2019s\n Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform\n. The chassis is said to be heavily related to the \nBMW Z4\n and \nToyota Supra\n.\nAccording to the report, power will come from a detuned version of BMW M\u2019s latest six-cylinder engine, the \nS58,\n which reportedly will also make an appearance on the upcoming M3 and M4 models.\nNothing is confirmed as of now, but the \nthree-litre six-cylinder\n mill is expected to output north of \n420 hp\n, 10 more than the current \nM2 Competition\n.\nThe BMW M2 Coupe will still be offered in both manual and automatic transmission. A \neight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox\n will replace the existing dual-clutch gearbox, matching developments elsewhere in the BMW M line-up.\nThe torque-converter gearbox will also be crucial for the\n 48V mild hybrid\n technology, as permitted by the CLAR platform. However, the M2 is expected to launch without the mild hybrid powertrain.\nIn addition to the G87 M2 Coupe, BMW is also reportedly set to offer a full-fledged M version of the four-door Gran Coupe, as well as the 1 Series, contrary to \nprevious reports\n on the matter.\nRivalling the likes of the Mercedes A 45 and upcoming Audi RS3, the M2 GC will be powered by a highly-tuned two-litre four-cylinder engine from the M235i, producing about \n400 hp\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via a \nfully-variable all-wheel drive system\n.\nThe same powertrain combo will also make its way down to the full-M 1 Series, which will most likely be named the 1 Series M Coupe, or affectionately called the BMW 1M. This is to avoid the legendary M1 nameplate, reserved only for the first M car ever produced."
"It seems like the Zhejian Geely Group don\u2019t understand what a break means and with no intentions of slowing down in their acquisition quest \u2013 leaving us at the edge of our seats, wondering what they could be up to next.\nTheir latest acquisition? A US-based flying car developer, Terrafugia, with the hopes of accelerating the inevitable reality of a flying car. Reports by \nCarAdvice\n stated that Geely has committed to investing substantially in Terrafugia as they aim to introduce to the market its flying car by\n as early as 2019\n, followed by the world\u2019s first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) flying car \nby 2025\n.\nTerrafugia is masterminding the TF-X, a fully-electric flying car concept with a range of\n 800 km\n and a cruising speed of \n320 km/h\n. It will be able to take off and land vertically and would supposedly fit in standard parking spaces and garages. As Terrafugia claims, flying the TF-X would require less training than that of an actual pilot \u2013 no matter, the TF-X comes with a safety cage and even airbags!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After releasing a series of teaser images on their social media channels, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) finally unveils their latest addition to their SUV family, the Volvo XC40.\u00a0Not only it\u2019s the first small SUV for Volvo, the XC40 is also the first vehicle to be based off their new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA).   Only a single variant is currently available, which is the \nXC40 T5 R-Design AWD\n, priced at \nRM255,888\n. Being the top-of-the-line variant, the R-Design is packed with loads of standard equipment.\nThe exterior features the trademark Volvo\u2019s LED \u201cThor hammer\u201d daytime running lights, black roof and \n19-inch wheels\n, and inside there\u2019s leather and Alcantara upholstery, \n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n, and 9-inch Sensus infotainment system.\nAs part of the R-Design package, the cabin is also furnished with R-Design sports seats, steering wheel, gear lever and pedals among others.\nThere are four colours to choose from: Bursting Blue, Fusion Red, Crystal White, and Osmium Grey.\nThe \nT5\n badge on the boot lid signifies a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n under its bonnet, delivering \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an \n8-speed automatic transmission\n. The XC40 T5 will get from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in\n 6.4 seconds\n, with fuel consumption rated at \n7.7 litres per 100 km\n.   As in any new Volvos safety is paramount, and apart from airbags scattered around the cabin the XC40 is equipped with an array of active safety features such as \nCross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake\n, \nPilot Assist\n semi autonomous driving, and the latest generation of \nCity Safety\n which includes the autonomous collision mitigation and avoidance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The first locally-assembled (CKD) Mitsubishi Xpander has officially rolled off the assembly line, marking the start of mass production at the Hicom Automotive Manufacturing plant in Pekan, Pahang \u2013 the third country to assemble the seven-seater crossover after Indonesia and Vietnam.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has invested in a new body shop, painting jigs, and tester line at the Pekan Plant, which is designed for a production capacity of 6,000 units annually. Hailed as one of the most advanced paint shops in ASEAN, the locally-assembled \nMitsubishi Xpander\n also undergoes pre-treatment and electro-deposition process, where it performs a \u201c360-degree somersault\u201d in an ED coat tank during the production process.\n \nA layer of primer is then painted by a robotic system and then dried heated in an oven bay. Thereafter, the Xpander is painted again with multiple coats to a fine finish. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) certified auditors are also stationed at the assembly plant to ensure that the production of the seven-seater crossover is up to standards and quality of Mitsubishi Motors production worldwide.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, \u201cThe Xpander is a significant model for MMM and we are confident that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians. The move to localise the Xpander is to meet the demands of our Malaysian customers. We want to offer more price competitive model with better specifications providing customers more convenience and comfort.\u201d\n\u201cWe ensure all our customers that each unit of the Xpander undergoes extensive quality control tests, before it is shipped out. Every inch is checked by human-eyes and cutting-edge technology.\u201d\nMMM hopes to mirror the success of the Mitsubishi Xpander in the region, which has seen approximately 270,000 units sold in Indonesia (including Xpander Cross) since the \nmodel\u2019s introduction in 2017\n. Locally, the CKD Mitsubishi Xpander will only be offered in just one variant at launch. It will be powered by a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated engine, good for \n105 hp \nand \n141 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front axle via a four-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe Mitsubishi Xpander will arrive in Malaysia in the facelifted form \u2013 which can be seen from the updated LED headlights and U-shaped louvres on the grille. Other exterior highlights \u2013 aside from the striking Dynamic Shield face \u2013 include LED taillights, and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.\nThe Malaysian-specification CKD Mitsubishi Xpander also receives several unique features and equipment, including black quilted leather seats, 360-degree 3D around-view monitor, built-in dashcam, as well as a nine-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto \u2013 making it \none of the few vehicles on sale in Malaysia\n under the RM100k mark (if estimated pricing is accurate) to come with these connectivity features.\nThe full-list of equipment and features is available at our write-up over \nhere\n. The Mitsubishi Xpander has been open for booking since last week, although no pricing information has been announced just yet \u2013 though it has been hinted to fall underneath the RM100k mark. MMM says that the launch of the Mitsubishi Xpander is targeted for next month."
"The dieselgate scandal that rocked the Volkswagen Group has taken a huge toll on the German giant. Now, after much deliberation, Volkswagen is dropping two emotionally valuable models from their lineup \u2013 the Beetle hardtop and Scirocco coupe.\nUnfortunately, both models are slow-selling models. Their combined sales throughout the whole of 2016 couldn\u2019t even match the number of \nGolfs\n\u00a0the Wolfsburg-based carmaker\u00a0sold in January 2017! The third-generation \nBeetle (A5, launched in 2011)\n, which was based on an old platform, is losing popularity from the increasing competitive market. The only good news is the Beetle Convertible will be retained. Meanwhile, the\u00a0Scirocco coupe, introduced in 2008, will most likely not be succeeded.\u00a0\nBack at home, the Beetle is offered by Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia with a starting price of\u00a0\nRM135,888\n for the 1.2-litre turbocharged variant. Meanwhile, do check out what we think of the Beetle 1.4 TSI variant below! Besides, when was the last time you saw a slender GC Mah?\nSource: \nAutocar UK"
"The automotive industry has made great strides in vehicular safety and car brands in Malaysia, in particular, are championing for safer cars regardless whether it\u2019s a compact hatchback or large SUV by subjecting their cars to the New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP).\nSadly, we take this luxury of safety for granted. Because I\u2019ve seen way too many drivers on the road who don\u2019t buckle up. You can have all the airbags in the world and the strongest chassis known to man but if you can\u2019t do the simplest act of wearing your seat belts, all that effort into making a safe car just went down the gutter.\nCrash test ratings are done under the premise that the occupants \u2013 toddlers, children, front and rear passengers \u2013 are properly strapped onto their seats before other safety features (passive and active) come together to keep you \nALIVE\n, if you ever get into an accident. That\u2019s the whole point of having a 5-Stars NCAP rating, otherwise you\u2019re just a billiard ball taking full force from a cue stick. There are just one too many sad stories on the Google search page of \u201cchild flung out car\u201d.\nYou may think it\u2019s inconvenient to take two seconds to buckle up for that five-minute journey to the neighbourhood store but for some, it was the few seconds they wished they never saved."
"BMW Malaysia has just introduced the new locally assembled \nBMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport\n but they\u2019ve been equally busy on the global front; rolling out updated versions of the BMW M5 and M5 Competition, after\n revealing the facelift G30 5 Series last month\n.\nIf you\u2019re expecting more power, you\u2019d be disappointed as the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, that\u2019s paired to an 8-speed automatic from before, still makes \n600 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque.\nThe M5 Competition on the other side of the ring, makes \n625 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n. As such, there\u2019s no changes to their 0 to 100 km/h time \u2013 3.4 seconds for the M5 and 3.3 for the M5 Competition \nfrom before\n. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h but opt for the M Driver\u2019s Package and you\u2019ll be hitting the 305 km/h mark.\nOn the outside, the centre opening on the front bumper now features a hexagonal design while the more prominent differences are the redesigned headlamps as seen on the facelift 5 Series, and a more mesmerising 3D-look for the tail lights. Opting for the optional \u201cBMW Individual Lights Shadowline\u201d will literally add shadow lines on the headlamp for an even more pronounced look.\nThe M5 retains the adaptive dampers from before but the Competition gets a slightly better treatment in that department with dampers from the \n8 Series Gran Coupe\n, stiffer engine mounts and 20 mm lowered ride height. Meanwhile, there\u2019s also an optional 20-inch M double-spoke items in polished Orbit Grey as seen in the\n BMW M8\n.\nThe M Compound brakes are retained but if you need additional stopping power, the optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes with gold calipers will not only do that but reduce weight by 23 kg.\nInside the cabin, the larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen display would immediately rob your attention. Adopted from the BMW M8 is a more straightforward way of selecting various driving modes via two buttons on the centre console.\nAt the press of the \u201cM Mode\u201d button, the driver can choose between Road or Sport settings. In the BMW M5 Competition, holding the M Mode button would engage its \u201cTrack Mode\u201d. Selecting \u201cSetup\u201d allows the driver to individually select powertrain and chassis options.\nIf you feel like splashing a little more cash on the cabin, there are optional M multifunction seats with head restraints and an illuminated M5 logo. It also comes with thicker side bolsters and backrest to offer better lateral support and better support for the shoulder area.\nFor a better impression of what the BMW M5 is capable of, here\u2019s \nour first impression video of the car\n, as it was driven in Sepang \u2013 \ntwice\n.\nGALLERY\nProEXR File Description =Attributes=\ncameraAperture (float): 31.9919\ncameraFNumber (float): 8\ncameraFarClip (float): 1e+030\ncameraFarRange (float): 1e+018\ncameraFocalLength (float): 42\ncameraFov (float): 41.7066\ncameraNearClip (float): 0\ncameraNearRange (float): 0\ncameraProjection (int): 0\ncameraTargetDistance (float): 1e+018\ncameraTransform (m44f): [{0.615662, 0.616632, 0.490639, 178.77}, {-2.77556e-017, 0.622629, -0.782517, 82.1691}, {-0.788011, 0.481766, 0.383329, 39.2925}, {0, 0, 0, 1}]\nchannels (chlist)\ncompression (compression): Zip\ndataWindow (box2i): [0, 0, 5456, 4092]\ndisplayWindow (box2i): [0, 0, 5456, 4092]\nlineOrder (lineOrder): Increasing Y\npixelAspectRatio (float): 1\nscreenWindowCenter (v2f): [0, 0]\nscreenWindowWidth (float): 1\ntype (string): \u201cscanlineimage\u201d\nvrayInfo/camera (string): \u201ccam_F90_P037_Keramik\u201d\nvrayInfo/computername (string): \u201crendersl-muc03\u201d\nvrayInfo/cpu (string): \u201cINTEL/Model:15,Family:6,Stepping:1,Cache:0\u201d\nvrayInfo/date (string): \u201c2020/Feb/14\u201d\nvrayInfo/filename (string): \u201cW:/CGI_Projekte/BMW_CoC_Classic/2019/320985_BMW_F90_LCI_Studio_Motive/01_Daten_3D/scenes/INT/POSI/P037_Keramik/P037_Keramik_lig\u201d\nvrayInfo/frame (string): \u201c00001\u201d\nvrayInfo/h (string): \u201c4093\u201d\nvrayInfo/mhz (string): \u201c0MHz\u201d\nvrayInfo/os (string): \u201cMicrosoft(tm) Windows(tm), version 6.2, \u201d\nvrayInfo/peakMemory (string): \u201c31379.04 MiB\u201d\nvrayInfo/primitives (string): \u201c20523602\u201d\nvrayInfo/ram (string): \u201c65440MB\u201d\nvrayInfo/renderlayer (string): \u201cdefaultRenderLayer\u201d\nvrayInfo/rendertime (string): \u201d 1h 14m 49.1s\u201d\nvrayInfo/scenename (string): \u201cP037_Keramik_lighting_02_PS\u201d\nvrayInfo/time (string): \u201c17:27:05\u201d\nvrayInfo/vmem (string): \u201c134217728MB\u201d\nvrayInfo/vraycore (string): \u201c4.30.00\u201d\nvrayInfo/vrayversion (string): \u201cVersion of V-Ray for Maya Next\u201d\nvrayInfo/w (string): \u201c5457\u201d =Channels=\nA (half)\nB (half)\nG (half)\nR (half)\nProEXR File Description =Attributes=\ncameraAperture (float): 24.896\ncameraFNumber (float): 8\ncameraFarClip (float): 1e+030\ncameraFarRange (float): 1e+018\ncameraFocalLength (float): 31.1743\ncameraFov (float): 43.534\ncameraNearClip (float): 0\ncameraNearRange (float): 0\ncameraProjection (int): 0\ncameraTargetDistance (float): 1e+018\ncameraTransform (m44f): [{0.64196, 0.609781, 0.464817, 173.557}, {-0.00676422, 0.610707, -0.791828, 76.9964}, {-0.766709, 0.505177, 0.396174, 123.282}, {0, 0, 0, 1}]\nchannels (chlist)\ncompression (compression): Zip\ndataWindow (box2i): [0, 0, 5456, 4092]\ndisplayWindow (box2i): [0, 0, 5456, 4092]\nlineOrder (lineOrder): Increasing Y\npixelAspectRatio (float): 1\nscreenWindowCenter (v2f): [0, 0]\nscreenWindowWidth (float): 1\ntype (string): \u201cscanlineimage\u201d\nvrayInfo/camera (string): \u201cP036_CAM_Einstiegsleiste\u201d\nvrayInfo/computername (string): \u201crendersl-muc03\u201d\nvrayInfo/cpu (string): \u201cINTEL/Model:15,Family:6,Stepping:1,Cache:0\u201d\nvrayInfo/date (string): \u201c2020/Feb/13\u201d\nvrayInfo/filename (string): \u201cW:/CGI_Projekte/BMW_CoC_Classic/2019/320985_BMW_F90_LCI_Studio_Motive/01_Daten_3D/scenes/INT/POSI/P040_Einstiegsleiste/P040_Ein\u201d\nvrayInfo/frame (string): \u201c00001\u201d\nvrayInfo/h (string): \u201c4093\u201d\nvrayInfo/mhz (string): \u201c0MHz\u201d\nvrayInfo/os (string): \u201cMicrosoft(tm) Windows(tm), version 6.2, \u201d\nvrayInfo/peakMemory (string): \u201c28917.67 MiB\u201d\nvrayInfo/primitives (string): \u201c20523622\u201d\nvrayInfo/ram (string): \u201c65440MB\u201d\nvrayInfo/renderlayer (string): \u201cdefaultRenderLayer\u201d\nvrayInfo/rendertime (string): \u201d 1h 35m 29.6s\u201d\nvrayInfo/scenename (string): \u201cP040_Einstiegsleiste_lighting_01_PS\u201d\nvrayInfo/time (string): \u201c12:18:41\u201d\nvrayInfo/vmem (string): \u201c134217728MB\u201d\nvrayInfo/vraycore (string): \u201c4.30.00\u201d\nvrayInfo/vrayversion (string): \u201cVersion of V-Ray for Maya Next\u201d\nvrayInfo/w (string): \u201c5457\u201d =Channels=\nA (half)\nB (half)\nG (half)\nR (half)"
"The privateer team of Leona Chin, Akina Teo, Tham Yik Choon, Adrian Chong and Mohd Nasri in their green Beautyful-Excel Group Suzuki Swift Sport (no.7) took the overall champion of the 2021 Sepang 1,000 km endurance race after starting from 8th on the grid. A total of 39 cars started this year\u2019s race in hot and dry conditions.\nWhile the Akina Teo drove the Suzuki Swift Sport to take the second spot overall when the chequered flag was waved, the team were promoted to first and overall champions due to a breach of sporting regulations by the pair of Hayden Haikal and Timothy Yeo in the Toyota Yaris MTC (No.39).\nThe duo was added with post-race time penalties by race organisers for violating driving time requirements under Article 18 and Article 16 of the sporting regulations and thus demoted to the third position overall in an updated document that was released at 11:58 pm, nearly four hours after the end of the race.\nLeona Chin commented, \u201cThanks to the fellow sponsors and the team for the arrangements of S1K. We are happy that we won the race. The dramatic race. Lots of challenges from it, and surely we will cherish this moment.\u201d\nLast month, Leona Chin also drove another ZC31S Suzuki Swift Sport to \ntwo victories\n in the MTC category of the Malaysian Championship Series at Sepang International Circuit. \u00a0\nA steady performance from the Tedco Racing team and their Honda Jazz MTC (no. 15) led them to finish the race in third place and then promoted to second, with their combinations consisting of Yee Kok Jun, Mah Siew Chean, Foo Yung Chieh and Aaron Lim Say Joon.\nThe team commented, \u201cIt was a tough long day, luckily we came through cleanly at the end. Unfortunately for the other competitors, I guess that\u2019s racing. We experienced ups and downs this year, and thankfully we got miracle on our side.\u201d\nWhile it was a bitter pill to swallow for the drivers and Wing Hin Motorsports, the pace of the Toyota Yaris MTC over its debut weekend (starting from second) was a huge psychological win.\nIn total, three Toyotas occupied the top five front positions on the starting grid for the 181-lap race on Saturday morning, with Wing Hin Motorsports\u2019 Toyota Vios MTC (no. 38) just behind in third and \nTeam Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia\n Vios MTC (no. 37) driven by \nTengku Djan\n, Akio Takeyama and Naquib Azlan in fifth.\nThe 2021 Sepang 1,000 km was far from a procession, with fans treated to a battle of four cars trading places for the lead throughout the race. Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia\u2019s Vios MTC was in a strong second place until 26 laps to the finish when the front left wheel was ripped away and eventually immobile after getting stuck in the gravel trap of Turn 14.\nTheir misfortune left the victory for the taking for car number-100 Hi-Rev Dream Chaser Suzuki Swift Sport driven by Mitchell Cheah and Brendan Paul Anthony but their hopes of a victory too came to a crushing end when mechanical problems 10 laps to the finish put them into retirement and also out of the classification.\nIn the highly competitive SP2 category that saw a field of 25 cars, the R Engineering-HMRT team and their Honda Jazz cars took a one-two finish, with the pairing of Lai Wee Sing and Calvin Wong (no. 339) ahead of Putera Adam and his partner, Chiow Teck Song.\nThe SP2 category saw the pairing of Eddie Lew and William Ho leading its category for much of the race until disaster struck at the back straight for the yellow Honda Jazz (no. 98) just 18 minutes before the end.\nThe privateer team consisting of Baron Sim, Pee Sau Fan and Ian Wong Jien Sean finished in third place, completing an all-Honda Jazz podium.\nThe champion, Lai Wee Sing and Calvin Wong commented, \u201cWe did a pretty well overall race, and we won the race with the luck was on our side. Overall, the team did a good job to keep all the strategy happen.\u201d\nIn the inaugural Toyota Vios Enduro Cup, Aylezo Motorsports\u2019 trio Mirza Syahmi Mahzan, Zen Low and Aiman Haziq completed 166 laps en route to bagging a cash prize of RM10,000. It was a one-two victory for Aylezo with Dato Danny Yip, Kenneth Teh and Chang Choon Ming placed second. In the third spot was 23 Motors\u2019 Al- Farouk and Abdull Miqail, followed by Toyotsu Racing\u2019s Liew Jo Choon and Tan Chan Wei in fourth.\nThe Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia rookie team consisting of \nJwan Hii, Mika Hakimi\n and Zizan Razak completed the five-position podium ceremony, ending their first endurance race after what seemed to be a promising first half of the race until mechanical issues slowed down the performance of the Toyota Vios SP2 racer.\nAction at Sepang International Circuit continues into this month, with Rounds 3 and 4 of the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS) scheduled to take place from 14th to 16th December.\nImage credits: Facebook/\nowenleejunhui\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\nPhoto specialist at Sepang Circuit\n \nand Facebook/\nS\nepangCircuit\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) together with their dealer-partner MN Automart has opened a new 3S centre in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang to cater to customers in the vicinity. The new 3S centre will be the only outlet in central Klang, with the nearest alternative in Port Klang.\u00a0\nCarrying Hyundai\u2019s \nGlobal Dealership Space Identity (GDSI)\n, the new 3S Centre will feature a premium customer lounge with free Wi-Fi connectivity and creature comforts as vehicles are attended to.\nHSDM Managing Director, Mr Low Yuan Lung said, \u201cHaving MN Automart as our dealer and partner, especially in Klang, will benefit Hyundai greatly considering that many of our customers are from here.\n\u201cSetting up a GDSI 3S here is timely to cope with the demand for service maintenance,\u201d he added. The Klang outlet will be Hyundai\u2019s 9th certified GDSI centres in Klang Valley.\nThe new Klang 3S is located at \nNo.3, Jalan Astaka 4/KU2, Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang\n. The showroom will be open from 9 am to 6 pm on Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday and public holidays.\nAs for \nservicing, operating hours are from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm on Monday to Saturday\n, it will be closed on Sunday and public holidays. Customers can call their service hotline at \n03-84081813\n for reservations."
"The\u00a02017 Audi R8 LMS Cup kicked off its first round at the newly resurfaced Sepang International F1 Circuit and saw reigning champion, Alex Yoong and Alessio Picariello scored one victory each.\nThis year, five rounds will be contested across Asia, with each leg comprising two sprint races. The \npush-to-pass\n feature makes a return, giving a temporary 50 hp boost for drivers. Notice the red-illuminated numbers on the side of the R8s? That\u2019s the percentage of boost remaining for each driver.\u00a0\nLast year\u2019s young talents, Martin Rump and\u00a0Alessio Picariello fought tooth and nail, with the latter narrowly losing the title to Alex by a single point. Joining this year is Mitch Gilbert, the Malaysian-based Australian who just won the opening race of this year\u2019s Blancpain GT Asia series.\u00a0Together with other young guns such as Shaun Thong of Hong Kong and our very own Akash Nandy, Alex Yoong\u2019s quest for the fourth consecutive title could be his biggest challenge yet.\nDuring the first race,\u00a0Picariello drew first blood by becoming the first to reach the chequered flag. Rump finished behind with Thong following really closely behind the Estonian. Meanwhile, Alex Yoong went out of bounds mid-race and eventually settled for eighth. Mechanical difficulties forced Gilbert to retire, robbing his podium finish at the same time.   In race two, Yoong got the better advantage than\u00a0Picariello by overtaking his younger rival right after the start. Yoong did not lose the lead and eventually completed the race in first place, much to the delight of the local crowd. Picariello finished just behind Yoong and clocked the fastest lap time of the weekend; an amazing feat considering the Belgian carried the\u00a0maximum weight ballast of 50 kg for winning the earlier race. Gilbert overcame his disappointing last race by taking the final podium spot.\nAs it stands, Picariello is the man to beat as he tops the championship standings. The 2017 Audi R8 LMS cup will resume in a month\u2019s time, and that will take place in Suzuka, Japan.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Images by Travis & Wah Jian"
"Tun Dr.Mahathir, the very pioneer of Malaysia\u2019s modern automotive industry and brainchild of national brand Proton, has announced his resignation as Chairman of the company. His exit also means he will no longer be the Chairman of Group Lotus as well.\nA statement issued by Proton reads, \u201cWe respect his wish to step down. We would like to register our utmost appreciation for his valuable contribution, commitment and dedication\u00a0for his role as Chairman since 2014 as well as an Advisor since 2003. We would like to express our gratitude and recognise Tun Dr. Mahathir\u2019s role as the creator of the national car company.\u201d\nFollowing this shocking development, along with the appointment of Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Kenali as Proton\u2019s new CEO (effective April 2016), it\u2019s unclear if this would affect Proton\u2019s future direction and all their current undertaking. This year is supposed to be a critical year for the struggling carmaker, with four planned launches to be carried out throughout the year, beginning with \nnew Perdana\n.\nThe Perdana was supposed to be launched in Q1 this year, but it has missed its deadline. We tip our hat off to you, Tun, for all that you have done."
"Westar Maxus has just opened its first 3S Centre in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. The new facility is the first of its kind in the northern region and will serve as the service hub for customers in Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis.\nAfter sales is an integral part of the company\u2019s overall plan to grow the Westar Maxus brand to become a mainstream automobile player in Malaysia said Executive Director, the Weststar Group, Datuk Vikram Menon. The 3S Centre will better support its appointed service dealers in the region to provide a better after sales experience to its customers. Plans are underway to open a separate 3S facility in Alor Star to consolidate the brand\u2019s presence in the Northern region.\nWestar Maxus also took the opportunity to unveil its latest 15-seater commercial van, the Maxus V80. Powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with \n136 hp\n and \n330 Nm\n of torque, the V80 is known for its highest space utilisation rate, best ground clearance and flexibility for customisation that is perfect for mobile offices, food and kitchen trucks, ambulances, mobile libraries, delivery vehicles, and mobile sales showrooms.\nAmong its growing number of fleet customers for the V80 include Eco Coach Travel and Tours, DHL, Federal Express and FFM-Massimo. A fleet of V80s are already been operated by various government agencies including the Malaysian Armed Forces, Ministry of Health, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, among others."
".you buy a \nPeugeot\n first. Yes, you read that right, \nBermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB)\n, Peugeot\u2019s sole distributor in Malaysia, is holding a Peugeot nationwide campaign titled \u201cCatch the Alluring Peugeot 9X8 at Bahrain\u201d, where one lucky customer who purchases a Peugeot vehicle before \nAugust 31\n this year can win an all-expense paid trip to see the Peugeot 9X8 race car at the 2023 Bahrain World Endurance Championship race, which will be held on \nNovember 4\n, \n2023\n.\nThe campaign is held from \nMay 1\n to \nAugust 31\n, \n2023\n, and will be applicable to any customers who have their new Peugeot vehicle registered during the campaign period by any authorized Peugeot dealers. This includes every purchase of any Peugeot model, which includes the \nPeugeot 2008\n, \nPeugeot 3008\n, \nPeugeot 5008\n, and \nPeugeot Landtrek\n. Participants must then log in to the brand\u2019s \nofficial site\n to complete the entry form by submitting creative slogans.\nPeugeot Landtrek\nBAASB is also offering a financial package and exclusive rewards during this campaign period. Financing interest benefits or options of insurance subsidy packages are available as well. To purchase a Peugeot model, you can either visit any of Peugeot\u2019s authorised dealerships nationwide or drop by BAASB\u2019s roadshows held across Peninsular Malaysia. Venue and date details of the roadshows are as below:\n1 Utama Shopping Centre, Selangor\nJune 1 \nto \n5\n, \n2023\nQueensbay Mall, Penang\nJune 14\n to \n18\n, \n2023\nEast Coast Mall, Kuantan\nJune 21\n to \n25\n, \n2023\nMid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru\nJuly 12\n to \n16\n, \n2023\nQueensbay Mall, Penang\nJuly 26\n to \n30\n, \n2023\nRELATED: \nPeugeot 2008 facelift unveiled \u2013 up to 406 km range for e-2008\nPeugeot e-2008 previewed at the 2023 Malaysia Autoshow\nAlthough the Peugeot roadshow will be happening in five sessions across four states, the first Peugeot roadshow will be a joint showcase with Mazda and Kia, which are part of the \nBAuto\n distributorship, referred to as the BAuto Vehicle Showcase. This will be happening at 1 Utama\u2019s Oval Concourse from \nMay 31\n to \nJune 5\n, \n2023\n, and will be open to the public from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.\nModels that will be present at the company\u2019s 1 Utama roadshow are the Peugeot Landtrek, \nPeugeot e-2008\n, \nMazda MX-30\n, \nMazda CX-3\n, \nKia Sorento\n, and the \nKia EV6\n. BAuto will be offering exclusive deals, a Bonanza Dip, and instant gifts upon sign-up of any model at the roadshow. In addition to the three brands\u2019 offers, customers who purchase any vehicle under BAuto\u2019s brands are entitled to participate in the Bonanza Dip with \nRM180,000\n total worth of vouchers up for grabs.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Mazda CX-5 reportedly coming in 2025 \u2013 Possible hybrid variant"
"Like the \nrecently updated Golf GTI\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has updated the 2023 \nArteon R-Line 4MOTION\n, now with IQ.Drive technology.\u00a0\nThe IQ.Drive system comes with features such as Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control), Lane Assist (lane departure prevention with adaptive lane guidance, Front Assist (autonomous emergency braking), Side Assist (blind-spot monitor) and rear cross-traffic alert.\nUnder the hood is a 2.0 litre turbocharged TFSI engine with 280 hp and 350 Nm, paired with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox to drive all four wheels with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The Arteon takes just 5.6 seconds to get from 0-100 km/h.\nRELATED: \nMk8 Volkswagen Golf is the last petrol Golf, major 2024 update before going full electric\nWith the Arteon\u2019s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), owners can select from five different driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual. On the outside, the Arteon comes with 19-inch Montevideo wheels, LED headlamps with Dynamic Cornering Lights and 3D taillamps, along with sequential indicators.\u00a0\nThe 2023 Arteon\u2019s exeterior is topped off with an R-Line kit including R-Line front bumper, rear bumper, spoiler, and side skirts. A hands-free powered tailgate opens up to a 563-litre boot while colour options consist of Manganese Grey, Lapiz Blue, Pyrite Silver, Deep Black and Oryx White.\u00a0\nNew to the cabin is a wireless charging port and a new steering wheel. A 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system, 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster and 9.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\u00a0The updated Arteon R-Line 4MOTION now goes for \nRM299,990,\n up from RM276,990. It comes with three years free maintenance, a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.7 unveiled \u2013 up to 700km range, 200kW DC charging"
"Proton has just posted their sales performances numbers for the month of November 2019, reporting a total sales of\n 9,643 units\n \u2013 double of the figure from the same period last year.\nThe cumulative volume for the year now stands at \n89,476 units\n for the national carmaker, which marks a 50.1% growth in total year-on-year numbers. Proton also says that their market share has grown to an estimated \n16.2%\n for the whole of 2019.\u00a0\nLeading Proton\u2019s sales performance is the \nProton Saga\n, which has broken the 4,000 units barrier for the third month consecutively, as \n4,091\n cars were delivered in November. The figure puts the Proton Saga on top of the A-segment sedan sales table, adding to a total of \n34,422 units\n sold so far in 2019 \u2013 a volume growth of 32% for the model.\u00a0\nProton\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong said, \u201cIn just four months, we have already achieved more than \n35,000 bookings\n and currently, every unit our factory can deliver has been spoken for.\n \n\u201cOur challenge therefore is to increase our production capacity for the Saga and we have had intensive discussions with our vendors to work towards a volume increase next year\u201d, he added.\nApproaching the one year anniversary since its market introduction, the \nProton X70\n continues to perform strongly in sales. In November, the national carmaker delivered \n2,000 units\n of their first SUV. Dr Li has said that Proton is committed to growing the market interest in the coming year."
"Renault has released a few exterior shots of their new C-segment hatch, the Megane, and as you can see here, Renault appears to have another looker in their product range.\nFeaturing the new design language debuted on the Espace and recently the \nTalisman\n, the new \nRenault Megane\n sports the brand\u2019s new corporate face, beginning with the \nC-shaped headlamps\n and the \noversized vertical logo\n on the nose.   The detailing on the front fenders and the sharp lines along the lower edges of the doors are also present here, while the tweaked dimensions such as the \nshorter overhang\n, wider front and rear tracks as well as a\u00a0\nlonger wheelbase\n give the Megane a more dynamic stance. Similar to the front, the rear end features the a new\u00a0\nLED lighting signature\n that stretches across the rump.\nAt the top of the new Megane range sits the \nMegane GT\n. The GT will be dressed with unique \nRenault Sport\n styling kit, featuring \nhoneycomb grille\n, bespoke front and rear bumpers and a set of \n18-inch Renault Sport aluminium wheels\n.\nRenault is still keeping mum about the new Megane\u2019s complete details, but they will be fully revealed soon at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Are you liking what you\u2019re seeing yet?\nIMAGE GALERY"
"Opel has brought back the iconic Manta as a \none-off all-electric special\n to celebrate the coupe\u2019s 50th anniversary.\nNamed the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD, it\u2019s powered by an electric motor with 147 hp and 225Nm of torque. The Manta GSe also comes with a 4-speed gearbox that allows drivers to manually change gears. Alternatively, drivers can engage the 4th gear and drive automatically.\nWith a 31kWh lithium-ion battery, the Manta GSe with regenerative braking has an electric range of around 199 km. Charging takes place through a 9kW onboard charger with a full charge taking just \nunder four hours\n to complete.\nThe Manta GSe comes with a Pixel-Vizor front end that stretches across the entire width of the front. With the Pixel technology, it can project messages, much like the Honda e, followed by a silhouette of a manta ray gliding over the Pixel-Vizor.\nThe wheel arches house specially-designed 17-inch Ronal alloy wheels with 195/40 R17 tyres at the front, and 205/40 R17 tyres at the rear.\nThe classic round instrument dials have been replaced by the Vauxhall Pure Panel, with two driver-oriented 12-inch and 10-inch digital displays. The sound system has also been modernised with a new unit from the legendary Marshall brand.\nThe steering wheel is a Petri 3-spoke wheel reworked by Opel, and feature a yellow marker in the 12 o\u2019clock position for an added sporty touch.\nGALLERY"
"Millenium Welt, an authorised BMW dealer in Malaysia, has broken ground on its new 4S centre in Seremban 2. The RM60 million facility is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2023, and when built, will occupy a footprint of 153,948 square feet.\nThe upcoming Seremban 2 4S outlet is designed based on the latest BMW Retail NEXT concept, and will feature 12 dedicated bays for aftersales services, as well as 181 parking lots.\nThe outlet will also house models from brands across BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s portfolio, including \nBMW\n, BMW i, \nBMW M\n, BMW Motorrad, \nMINI\n, and their respective pre-owned divisions.\n\u201cAs the sole authorised dealership for \nBMW Group Malaysia\n\u2019s portfolio of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles in Negeri Sembilan, Millennium Welt has been an invaluable and reliable partner who continues to exemplify the brand\u2019s promise of delivering Premium Ownership Experience,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser.\n\u201cWith this new facility, we are confident that these standards will not only be upheld, but also exceeded in the near future when the doors are open to our Seremban customers.\u201d\nALSO READ: BMW Malaysia unveils new DC Fast Chargers for public use \u2013 180 kW, first location now open\nMillenium Welt Managing Director, Bryan Wong added: \u201cAt Millennium Welt, the Premium Ownership Experience journey begins as soon as the customer steps into the dealership. It is our determination to help every prospective customer find the perfect BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad vehicle that truly fits their needs.\n\u201cFrom there, a seamless ownership experience awaits, as we are committed to delivering the promise of a premium aftersales experience. With this new facility, we look forward to igniting a greater sense of fascination for our premium vehicles amongst our customers in Negeri Sembilan.\u201d"
"Now this is a topic of debate. In a 10 iconic supercar lineup comprised of the McLaren F1, Porsche 911, Jaguar XJ220, Ferrari Enzo, Audi R8 and Alfa Romeo 8C, the Ferrari F40 came out at the top of the polls as the most iconic supercar of all time.\nThe votes were carried out by the organisers of The Fast Car Festival, a major new car show that will take place in Donington Park in Derbyshire at the end of this month (30 to 31 July 2016). Votes were casted throughout June, and upon tabulation the F40 bit the largest chunk of the pie with 18 percent of the total vote! Its closest runners-up were the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Ferrar LaFerrari and McLaren F1.\nThe Ferrari F40 was built to commemorate the brand\u2019s 40th anniversary when it was introduced back in 1988, and was the final model signed off by Enzo Ferrari himself before his death. These 10 supercars will not be the only models on display at the Fast Car Festival, though. Porsche, Aston Martin, Lotus and McLaren will all join the fray with some of their most hardcore performance cars, as well as a few more from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar.\nAmong them is the RM10 million Ferrari FXX prototype, a Lamborghini Huracan and some four models from McLaren. There will also be a Retro Paddock for classic car owners to display their prized collections.\u00a0\nHere\u2019s the list of top 10 supercars of all time:\nFerrari F40\nAlfa Romeo 8C Competizione\nFerrari La Ferrari\nMcLaren F1\nKoenniggsegg\nPorsche 911\nPagani Zonda\nFerrari Enzo\nAudi R8\nJaguar XJ220"
"Every bit counts in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, and Mercedes-Benz is offering its expertise and technology for the production of medical equipment via \n3D printers\n, where much-needed components can be made \nurgently\n.\nMercedes-Benz typically produce up to \n150,000 plastic and metal components\n \neach year\n utilising 3D printing machines for \nprototype construction\n and \nsmall-series production run\n, but the capacity can now be channelled entirely for medical purposes.\n\u201cWith our highly competent team and years of experience in 3D printing technology, we are ready to make our contribution to the production of medical devices,\u201d says J\u00f6rg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain. \u201cTo this end, we are also in contact with the state government of Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg. Our expertise and specialist knowledge is available for production; now it is up to the medical technology sector to contact us. Our 3D printers are definitely available.\u201d\\\nThese are not usual times. \nOur 3D printers are ready to support. \n#COVID19\n \n#Daimler\n \npic.twitter.com/f2uyzn67Jw\n\u2014 Daimler Truck AG (@DaimlerTruck) \nMarch 27, 2020\n \nIn additive manufacturing, digitally developed components are built up \nlayer by layer\n in a \u2018printer\u2019. The raw materials used include plastic and metal powders or resins which are fused by an \nenergy source\n \u2013 usually one or more \nlasers\n. Once a layer is finished, a new layer is applied automatically and the solidification process starts again. This process is repeated until a \nthree-dimensional component\n is created."
"GoodYear Malaysia, in an endeavour to give back to the community has generously donated for the last nine years to the emergency medical services in the way of \u2013 yes you guessed it, tyres.\nAnd that support continues to be unwavering as this year alone, Goodyear will be showing their support in the form of \n16 brand-spanking-new sets of G28 tyres\n for use on a fleet of\u00a0\nToyota HiAce\n ambulance vehicles. The tyres boast better \ndurability\n and \nhandling\n features to support their efforts in emergency services.\nSt. John\u00a0Ambulance of Malaysia was established in \n1908\n, initially serving as stretcher bearers and first aiders. These days, in addition to rendering first aid and home nursing services, the organisation also carries out\u00a0community projects such as mass,\n Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation\n (CPR) training, \nCitizen Action and\u00a0Response in Emergencies\n (CARE) and many other initiatives.\nThrough \nGoodyear Malaysia\u2019s community outreach program\n, support is extended also to organisations\u00a0with an eye on enhancing safety, well-being and improving education, as well as offering\u00a0volunteering opportunities for Goodyear associates.\u00a0Other supported organisations\u00a0include the \nSpastic Children\u2019s Association\n, the \nMalaysian Association for the Blind\n, the \nIndependent\u00a0Living and Training Centre\n, the \nNational Kidney Foundation\n and \nMercy Malaysia\n."
"The up and rising B-segment compact SUV segment now welcomes another worthy and quite possibly the most competent player in the segment thus far, the all-new \nHonda HR-V\n, short for \nH\nip & Smart \nR\nunabout \nV\nehicle\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda HR-V 1.8L (Grade S)\nHonda HR-V 1.8L (Grade E)\nHonda HR-V 1.8L (Grade V)\nSegment\nB-Segment Compact Crossover\nEngine\n\u00a01,799cc; inline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC\n1,799cc; inline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC\n1,799cc; inline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC\nTransmission\nCVT\nCVT\nCVT\nMax Power\n\u00a0140 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n140 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n140 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n\u00a0172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0\nwith\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM99,800\nRM108,800\nRM118,800\n\u00a0\nThe HR-V is offered here in three flavours, from base model \nS\n, \nE\n and \nV\n\u00a0trims. Honestly speaking, the HR-V looks good to top this booming segment before it gets pitted against \nMazda\u2019s CX-3\n, which could very well give it a run for its money. Now, on with the HR-V!\n \nEXTERIOR\nBecause its demographically aimed towards you guys in the \n25 to 34 years of age\n, the HR-V is crafted to suit the lifestyle of the young, outgoing and sociable. As such, you get a coupe-like styling whereby the rear door handles are integrated into the C-pillars.   Now, exterior features that are standard across the range are LED rear combination lights, front and rear fog lamps, 16-inch wheels, shark fin antenna, keyless entry and auto headlights.\nLED daytime running lights and headlamps and chromed outer door handles are exclusive only to the range topping V spec, whereas the S and E trims will have to settle with halogen lamps and DRLs. The base model S trim\u00a0also loses out on the side mirror integrated signal indicators, but sits on the same 16-inch wheels as the upper variants.\nINTERIOR\nInside the HR-V you get a raft of features that we think will justify its asking price. For instance, you get \nelectronic parking brakes\n and \nauto brake hold\n as standard, including a console pocket underneath the gear lever panel. There\u2019s also \nHill Start Assist\n as standard, and a unique wide-flow air conditioning vent positioned on the passenger side dashboard.   The instrument clusters have ambient rings and with seven different colours, including a green-lit theme when you\u2019re in ECON mode. Another interesting feature of the HR-V is its \ntouch panel single-zone auto air conditioning\n, but whether or not it\u2019s convenient to use on the fly is a different story altogether.\nDifferentiating the three from the inside is a rather simple affair, because all three variants come with a different head unit. In the Grade V variant, you get a 7-inch touch screen display panel with HDMI connectivity and a multi-angle rear view camera. The mid-spec E variant gets a 5-inch touch screen display and the Grade S gets a standard 2-DIN radio and CD player.\nSix speakers are to come with the Grade V, whereas the lesser two will have to make do with four speakers.\nPERFORMANCE\nAll three variants of the HR-V share the same \n1.8-litre\n SOHC i-VTEC engine (also in the \nCivic\n) that\u2019s paired to a \nCVT\n gearbox.\u00a0The engine displaces \n1,799cc\n and makes \n140 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n172 Nm\n of torque at 4,300 rpm, driving the \nfront wheels\n.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the HR-V is equipped with dual front airbags, though the V-spec variant benefits from four additional airbags \u2013 side and curtain airbags. Reverse sensors, vehicle stability assist, ABS with EBD and brake assist come as standard, as well as emergency stop signal and rear seat ISO Fix mounts.\nWHAT ELSE?\nPackaged along with the HR-V is Honda\u2019s new service package, giving you a \n5-year warranty\n with \nunlimited mileage\n and up to \nsix free service\n (10,000km interval) on every alternate visits. It can be had in \nfive different colours\n \u2013 Alabaster Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl and \na new shade\n,\u00a0Ruse Black Metallic.\nThe HR-V will go against the \nFord Ecosport\u00a01.5L\n and Peugeot 2008 in this considerably new segment. It will undoubtedly sell well, especially after collecting more than 1,500 bookings since the past month, even before anyone knew how much the HR-V would cost. The question now is, how will it stack up against the \nMazda CX-3\n?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Honda HR-V   VIDEO GALLERY"
"Breathing with a blocked nose can be quite an inconvenience; sometimes even downright irritating.\nIf your car could speak, it\u2019ll probably agree the same \u2013 especially when its air filter has been neglected beyond oblivion.\nAir is drawn from the outside and \u201cpurified\u201d for the lack of a better word, before it enters the engine\u2019s combustion chambers.\nHence, the less restrictive (or clogged) your air filter is, the better your car breathes and with cleaner air, the better your engine will perform.\nSo here\u2019s how you can make sure \u201cyour car\u2019s nose isn\u2019t blocked\u201d with a few simple steps.\nA new episode of\n AutoDIY\n will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come."
"Dinamikjaya Motors\n, the new sole distributor for the \nKia\n brand in Malaysia has opened its first flagship 3S Centre in Klang Valley. The new 3S Centre is a full-fledged facility that comprises sales, service, and spare parts, providing a worry-free ownership experience for Kia customers in the region.\nThe new 3S Centre features Kia\u2019s new brand identity of the Kia Store concept, a concept that aims to shift the customers\u2019 mindset and provide them with a meaningful experience with the Kia brand. The spaces of the showroom are partitioned by red loops across the store that connects the display area and customer area.\nThe wood tone in the facility radiates an earthy cosiness with a minimalistic and natural sensibility that creates a warm space for customers. The point of this space is to initiate a whole new customer experience in the journey of purchasing a car. The interior design creates a tranquil environment that ensures the vehicles on display receive undivided attention.\nRELATED: \nFirst CKD Kia Carnival rolls off production line, set for export to ASE\nAN countries\nWith a built-up area of 39,240 sqft and taking over the old Hyundai showroom, the facility is Kia\u2019s first 3S Centre since \nDinamikjaya became the brand\u2019s sole distributor\n. This outlet can display up to four vehicles at any time, and the state-of-the-art service facilities are equipped with 20 operational service bays with trained and skilled technicians.\nThe company says that it is committed to providing the best ownership experience as part of the Bermaz Automotive Group with this new facility. The service centre is equipped with the latest manufacturer\u2019s diagnostic system equipment and maintenance tools for ensuring the vehicle\u2019s performance. Customers are treated to a comfortable waiting lounge with refreshments and a working space with Wi-Fi amenities.\nRELATED: \nVideo: Kia EV6 GT Line AWD launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nThe new Kia 3S centre is located at No. 1, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park, Seksyen U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. Showroom operation hours start from:\n8:30 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays\n9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday\n10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday/Public Holiday\nService Centre operation hours start from:\n8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays\n8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday\nClosed on Sunday/public holiday\nIf you are a Kia owner, you may head over \nhere\n to update your information with Kia Malaysia to allow their system to check your warranty, or recall notification.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s no secret that Toyota and Subaru are working on the next-generation \nGT86/BRZ twins\n, as confirmed by the companies during the announcement of their \nrenewed business alliance\n in September last year.\nAlthough the new sportscar \u2013 rumoured to be called the \nToyota GR86\n \u2013 is supposedly slated to be launched in \u201cSummer 2021\u201d according to a \nleaked roadmap\n, we have still yet to see any working prototypes undergoing on-the-road testing, hinting at how the new \nHachiroku\n might look like. Well, until now \u2013 possibly.\nProvided to YouTube Channel \nMatt Maran Motoring\n by Instagram user \nKystify\n, the new video footage shows a prototype vehicle \u2013 purportedly the new GR86 \u2013 roaming around the busy streets of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Toyota\u2019s North American Technical Centre is located at.\nFrom what we can see, we\u2019re inclined to believe that this is indeed the new 86, too, as it shares a lot of the general proportions from the current coupe \u2013 including the starkly sloping C-pillars and a low-slung front bonnet.\nHowever, the front and rear fascia seems to have received a major rework. The front end looks more modern than before with a cleaner-looking headlights with an integrated LED daytime running light strip, while the rear gets a chunkier rear bumpers and redesigned taillights, along with a pronounced lip spoiler at the top.\nAside from the looks, which we can only vaguely see via a blurry shot of a heavily camouflaged prototype vehicle, what\u2019s underneath the car still remains a mystery. Previous rumours suggested that the new Toyobaru twins will be built on Toyota\u2019s new \nTNGA platform\n, while others say that it will sit on a modified version of the chassis from the current 86.\n \nSubaru\u2019s FA24F 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, capable of producing \n260 hp\n and \n375 Nm\n of torque, is also heavily rumoured to be the prime choice in the new GR86. However, some parties \u2013 including \nMatt Maran\n here and Japanese automotive news website\n \nBest Car\n \n\u2013 claims that the new sports coupe will remain naturally aspirated.\nIn any case, we only have to wait for another year or so (hopefully!) before we get to see the new GR86 in full, and we already can\u2019t wait!"
"Here in Malaysia, a two- to four-year warranty is fairly standard; five-year packages, although increasingly common, are still seen as an \u201cextra mile\u201d goodwill offering by car companies in order to sell more cars. So imagine our surprise when we heard that Chery is offering a 10-year warranty for the all-new Tiggo 8 Pro in South Africa!\nThe all-new seven-seater SUV, which is offered in three variants in South Africa starting from ZAR496,900 (approx. RM136k), will be following in the footsteps of the smaller Tiggo 4 Pro by offering buyers a \u201ccomprehensive 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty\u201d that\u2019s tied to the original owner.\nMeanwhile, the car itself comes with a five-year/150,000 km warranty, a five-year/60,000 km free service maintenance programme, and five years of roadside assistance.\n\u201cIn planning for the South African introduction of the Tiggo 8 Pro, we used the analogy of first-class travel,\u201d said Chery South Africa Executive Deputy General Manager, Tony Liu. \u201cOnce in first class, your every need is taken care of. There are no hidden costs, no surprise bills, and luxury is a given.\u201d\nSouth Africa is the first nation in the African continent to receive the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, just shortly after its debut in other large markets such as South America, Russia, and the Middle East.\nRELATED: Watch out, Proton X50 \u2013 Chery Omoda 5 confirmed for Malaysia launch\nChery says that the Tiggo 8 Pro is a showcase of its next-generation design language, dubbed \u201cMovement Design\u201d, characterised by the \u201cgalaxy-inspired\u201d three-dimensional grille, and the slim matrix-LED headlights (which are standard across the range) with dual daytime running lights signature.\nTo further send-home the \u201cfirst-class\u201d experience and appearance, the muscular SUV is further adorned with satin chrome accents throughout the entire exterior, complemented by the 18-inch two-tone black and chrome alloys on all four corners.\nOn the inside, almost all major controls have been digitised into three separate screens \u2013 a horizontal 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, an 8-inch climate control screen, and a 10.25-inch floating infotainment display on top of the dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nAs for standard equipment, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro comes with an automatic dual-zone climate control system with a built-in N95-grade air purifying system (third-row air-conditioning system for the range-topping variant), wireless charging pads, leather upholstery, and an eight-speaker Sony surround sound system.\nAdvanced driver assistance features, however, are limited to just the range-topping Executive variant. The suite includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Automatic Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSC), Intelligent High-beam Control (IHC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSD), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and an emergency Brake Override System (BOW).\nSix airbags, 360-degree suround view monitor, tyre-pressure monitoring system, hill assist, and the downhill ascent control system are standard features across the range.\nThe Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is powered by the marque\u2019s award-winning 1.6-litre turbocharged engine making \n197 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n, and is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nInterested? Here\u2019s some good news for us Malaysians \u2013 Chery has confirmed that the Tiggo 8 Pro is among the Chery models planned for launch here in Malaysia, alongside the \nOmoda 5\n! Keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest news as soon as we get them.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen has just previewed its next-generation interactive lighting technology that aims to improve visibility and vehicle-to-vehicle communication which ultimately boosts road safety for everyone.\nDubbed as the IQ. Light Matrix LED headlamps, it uses laser light and micro-pixel HD technology that projects information directly onto the road, alerting the driver as well as other road users of the obstacles ahead. This enables the Optical Lane Assist where the headlamps project a guided path for the driver, giving the precise information about the width of the car, the distance to the road lane markings and the curvature of the roads.   The IQ. Light Matrix LED technology is also applied to the taillamps where warnings such as when the vehicle is coming to a stop, reversing pathway and turn signal indicators are projected onto the floor. Alerting passer-by and other cars to be more aware of the vehicle\u2019s pathway.\nThis technology is vital for autonomous vehicles of the future whereby it will allow driverless vehicles to communicate its intentions to other driver\u2019s and road users, greatly improving road safety and vehicle-to-vehicle communication.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Covid-19 or not, a single stream of income has never been enough if you live in the city. How often do you hear someone saying, \u201cI don\u2019t need more money?\u201d. The usual cry has one less word.\nWith all the lockdowns and movement restrictions, many of us have found ourselves penniless and paying for a car or even cars which have moved as little as us.\nBefore most would resort to becoming an e-hailing driver \u2013 driving the cars they bought to own them, via Grab and other e-hailing services, but now you just need to \u2018lend\u2019 the car out! Here\u2019s how you can make some side income, rather than let your cars depreciate and deteriorate, with \nFlux\n!\nWe all know Flux by now for their \nall-inclusive multi-brand car subscription service\n where inventory usually comes from automotive retailers.\nNow, they\u2019re opening their doors to individual car owners. If you own a car but it hardly moves, you can now open it to over 4,000 Flux members to subscribe.\nYour car will be managed by the Flux Concierge team \u2013 everything from insurance and servicing to road tax renewals \u2013 while you kick back, collect money, and stay clear from Covid-19. This way, the car will be utilised and not parked for months while its bills are paid; all while you\u2019re sitting at home, not driving, watching Netflix.\nHere\u2019s how it works:\nBecome a Host\n \nthrough the official Flux website and your vehicle will first be inspected\nA detailed explanation of your earnings will be explained\nImages of your car will be uploaded on the Flux platform\nOnce your car has been subscribed, Flux will collect it to be delivered\nYour car will be insured and tracked using on-board telematics\nGet paid monthly, automatically\nFor more information, check out their website here!"
"Subaru\n has just released a 15-second teaser video for an \u201cunnamed\u201d new SUV, but we can already tell that it is the new 2023 \nSubaru XV\n. Set to debut on September 15, 2022, we only get a glimpse of the car\u2019s redesigned exterior.\nThrough images on the Subaru Japan site, we can see that the horizontal bar on the grille now extends wider and connects to the newly designed headlights. A similar C-shape design is used for the headlight cluster, albeit separated into two pieces. Still hexagonal, the grille appears to have been given a more aggressive look.\nFrom the rear, the resemblance to the current XV is still strong, sporting a similar taillight design, but with a sportier-looking rear bumper. A set of newly-designed five-spoke wheels can also be seen in the teaser video.\nSubaru has not revealed details on the powertrain of the next generation XV. Currently in Malaysia, the Subaru XV is offered in the 2.0i-S EyeSight variant and the GT Edition variant, both powered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine producing \n156 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n paired to a CVT. Both variants get Subaru\u2019s famous Symmetrical All Wheel Drive System.\n \nNo interior shots are shown in the teaser video, but the next generation XV is expected to carry over elements from the \n2022 WRX\n. The new XV should also feature Subaru\u2019s latest version of the EyeSight Driver Assist system with driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.\nSubaru will unveil the 2023 Subaru XV on 15 September on its YouTube channels.\nALSO WATCH: \n2021 Subaru XV with EyeSight from RM139k, 5 Things"
"Since 2002, the Volkswagen\u2019s R models have been at home on race tracks throughout the world and, in addition to high-performance engines, have offered their owners the combination of everyday usability and stylish understatement.\nThe new R logo symbolises the performance brand\u2019s fresh start. It is more modern, distinct, sleek and reduced to its essential components where it can be used for various purposes, remaining particularly suitable for digital media.\n \nThe new logo was developed at the Volkswagen Design Center. The team surrounding Head of Volkswagen Design, Klaus Bischoff, developed the new R logo together with Technical Development and the Volkswagen R Marketing team.\n\u201cThe R marks the athletic apex of our model program and the R logo serves as an expression of both aesthetics and sportsmanship. At the same time, it is gaining in terms of both clarity and charisma, as is the new Volkswagen brand logo,\u201d said Bischoff.\nThe redesigned badge can be seen for the first time on the Atlas Cross Sport R-Line in North America."
"Production of the 2023 Proton X90 three-row SUV has begun as announced by Proton at the launch of the company\u2019s new stamping line. The X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue (or Okavango in the Philippines) and will be the third SUV in the Proton range after the X70 and X50.\nThe X90 will also be the first Proton model to offer hybrid technology according to the company. As previously speculated, this should be the same 1.5-litre TGDi three-cylinder petrol engine fitted in the Geely Haoyue and Okavango.\nThe engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive the front wheels, with \n190 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n. The new X90 will be assembled in Tanjung Malim alongside the X50 and X70. As no photographs are allowed, this was the only image by Proton of the X90 for now. Front grille looks like a Mercedes-Benz eh?\n\u201cToday\u2019s ceremony marks the beginning of activities leading up to the official introduction of Proton\u2019s latest model. This is an important step in our NEV journey which will gradually build emphasis on hybrid technology before we launch the first Proton EV,\u201d said Proton deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\nThe new RM140 million stamping line, which is the largest in Malaysia, will not only better serve the production of the X50, X70 and X90 but also reduce the dependency on 115,000 imported parts annually. The new stamping line utilises six robots using artificial intelligence and can produce up to 50 unique components including body panels.\n\u201cThe increased use of locally-sourced parts for production is vital to the national automotive ecosystem and helps reduce the outflow of funds from the country. Aside from potentially reducing our use of imported parts by 115,000 units annually, the stampingline also allows for greater flexibility when deciding our production mix every month. It also shortens the time to produce new local models,\u201d Roslan added.\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s been too much talk about turbo engines and torque lately with the imminent launch of the Proton X50 and the Honda City RS i-MMD. While we\u2019ve \nbriefly touched on that topic last week\n, followed by a closer look at what makes the \nAlmera\u2019s 1.0-litre turbocharged engine\n tick, we believe there are other aspects in a car that should be prioritised just as much as its engine\u2019s output \u2013 drivability.\nThroughout the first generation Almera\u2019s life span, it\u2019s always been seen as the pathway to an affordable Japanese vehicle and more unfortunately as the car used by Grab drivers. Unfortunate as it may sound to be carrying that, the Nissan Almera was nonetheless great for what it was intended to be \u2013 a no-frills, A to B means of transportation.\n \nBut as we\u2019ve experienced during our brief test drive in the \nall-new 2nd generation Almera last month\n, the Almera\u2019s reputation as a car that people would need rather than a car most would desire, is about to change.\nBased on the information we got, Nissan has made significant improvements to the body and structure of the Almera. It\u2019s not only that; the \nsteering shaft\u2019s rigidity has also been increased\n along with \nadjustments made to the caster trail\n. All this, as you\u2019d discover and learn from Google, not only gives you more control of the car with higher predictability but also improves the stability of the car \u2013 reducing its tendency to wander and sway about.\nThe Electric Power Steering system has also been enhanced with an \nActive Return Control\n feature that allows the steering to return to its centre position faster and more naturally upon exiting a corner; adding a little more precision to your steering input and driving experience.\nThat\u2019s not all. The rubber bump stops in the previous generation Almera has been replaced with more durable, polyurethane bump stops with steel stiffeners. They not only improve on impact absorption but reduces body roll as the car would feel firmer than before.\nThe result of which could be felt during our brief test drive around the Glenmarie area. On one particular stretch, the car felt a lot more composed and firmer through a series of swooping bends but not necessary in a way that\u2019s uncomfortable. What it did also offered was a better connection to the road and a lot more assurance than the old model could ever dream of providing.\nThat should make the prospects of owning a car with a turbocharged engine even more exciting, wouldn\u2019t it? We certainly can\u2019t wait to spend more time in it and share the experience with you; till next time!\nGALLERY"
"After \nopening the order books\n last week with a teaser video, the 2020 Perodua Bezza facelift is now officially launched. The facelift comes\n three and a half years\n after the entry-level sedan was first announced back in 2016, where more than 184,000 units have been sold.\nThe 2020 Perodua Bezza has been redesigned with a more aggressive appearance. Up front, a redesigned front bumper features angular cutouts housing the fog lamps on the 1.3L variants (no fog lamps on the 1.0L) \u2013 flanking the large central air intake.\nThe new redesigned bumper is joined by a new slimline \nLED headlights\n (standard across the range), alongside the new hexagonal-shaped grille. The 1.3L variants get a chrome trim on the grille, while the 1.0L gets silver-painted ones.\u00a0\nAt the rear, the restyled bumper gets new \u201cvents\u201d cutouts and a more angular overall shape. A new two-tone trim piece joins the unchanged taillights \u2013 chrome and gloss black, which was completely chrome on the pre-facelift model.\u00a0\nNew two-tone side skirts, standard across the range, completes the exterior refresh on the Bezza, alongside the new \n15-inch\n 10-spoke alloy wheels on the 1.3L variants (1.0L gets \n14-inch\n wheels).\u00a0\nAll variants now get a power-adjustable side mirrors with turn-signals \u2013 no more signal lamps on the fenders for the 1.0L variants. The top-of-the-range AV variant now gets power-retractable side mirrors as well.\u00a0\nThe 2020 Perodua Bezza will be offered in six exterior colours, with two new additions \u2013 Garnet Red (exclusive to 1.3L variants) and Granite Grey \u2013 joining the four existing colours on offer, namely Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Ocean Blue and Sugar Brown.\nMoving inside, the dashboard has been redesigned with a new full-width matte-silver trim piece. The slender trim piece kinks upwards in the middle to wraparound the 2 DIN head unit (touchscreen on the AV variant). Overall architecture for the dashboard remains identical to the pre-facelift Bezza.\u00a0\nThe instrument cluster has also been restyled for a cleaner look, paired with white illumination.\u00a0\nThe hero addition to the 2020 Perodua Bezza is the \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0\n driver assistance suite. ASA 2.0 includes pedestrian detection (up to 50 km/h), pre-collision warning (up to 100 km/h), pre-collision braking (up to 80 km/h), front departure alert and pedal mis-operation control.\nThe addition makes the 2020 Perodua Bezza the most affordable sedan with advanced driver assistance features (the cheapest car with such feature goes to the \nPerodua Axia\n, which was recently updated).\u00a0\nASA 2.0 is only available on the AV variant, although all 1.3L variants now get \nVehicle Stability Control (VSC)\n and \ntraction control\n \u2013 previously limited to just the top-of-the-range variant.\u00a0\nOther safety features include \nABS and EBD\n, which are standard across the range, as well as \ndual front airbags\n.\u00a0\nCreature comforts on the updated 2020 Perodua Bezza include \nrear reversing sensors\n across the range, while the 1.3L variants get\n front corner sensors\n. As before, the AV variant gets a reverse camera, complementing the touchscreen infotainment display.\u00a0\nThe 1.3L variants also get keyless entry and push-start button, along with \u201csemi-bucket seats\u201d \u2013 finished in fabric on the X variant, and leather on the top-of-the-range AV variant.\nNo changes are made to the engine department. The 1.0L variants are powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder mill producing\n 67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n, while the 1.3L gets a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder powerplant producing \n94 hp\n and \n121 Nm\n of twist.\u00a0\nThe 1.0-litre engine gets paired to either a \n5-speed manual\n or \n4-speed automatic\n gearbox, while the 1.3L variants will only be available with an automatic slushbox.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe 2020 Perodua Bezza will be available in four variants \u2013 1.0L G MT (\nRM34,580\n), 1.0L G AT (\nRM36,580\n), 1.3L X AT (\nRM43,980\n) and 1.3L AV AT (\nRM49,980\n) \u2013 1.3 X MT has been dropped from the line-up. As with all Perodua models, the 2020 Perodua Bezza will come with a \nfive-year/150,000 km warranty\n.\u00a0\nPerodua is also making available a long list of GearUp accessories for the 2020 Perodua Bezza, including a Dynamic bodykit with LED light guides and rear spoiler (available from March 2020), door comfort package for improved noise insulation, as well as an armrest with USB port.\u00a0\nThe accessories can be specified and factored into the hire purchase of the new Perodua Bezza, and are supported by a one-year warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2020 Perodua Bezza\n2020 Perodua Bezza with GearUp Bodykit and Accessories"
"It\u2019s now slightly over a month from when Mazda \nfirst showed us sketches of the Koeru concept\n, but the actual concept is currently on public display at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show. What the Koeru is supposed to be remains a company secret, and judging from the actual size of this vehicle, it most likely won\u2019t be a new model to which we thought could be the CX-4.\nInstead, the sheer scale of this SUV hints at the possible and long overdue replacement of the \nCX-7\u00a0\nmodel, featuring Mazda\u2019s famous KODO \u2013 Soul of Motion design language. The Koeru in Japanese stands for\u00a0\u201cto exceed\u201d or \u201cgo beyond\u201d, so whatever the guys at Hiroshima are working on, it\u2019s going straight for the segment\u2019s coveted top spot.   In concept form, the Koeru measures at 4,600mm in overall length, 1,900mm wide and 1,500mm tall while the axles sit 2,700mm apart. The numbers are simply benchmarks at this point in time, but that\u2019s more than enough to convince us that a new \nCX-7\n is well in the works. The Koeru\u2019s footprint match largely that of the old CX-7, which in its facelift guise measured at 4,669mm in length, 1,872mm wide, 1,645mm tall and 2,750mm wheelbase.\nThe previous CX-7 weighed from 1,673kg and was powered by a \n2.3-litre DISI turbocharged\n four-cylinder engine shared with the Mazda3 MPS. Malaysian-spec CX-7 made \n235 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 2,500 rpm, and can be had with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Sole transmission is an Aisin-sourced six-speed torque converter.   There\u2019s no word on what the Koeru might carry underneath the hood, but the current \n2.5-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine will most likely be on offer, that and their six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic as well. It\u2019s a five-seater, not seven, and will come with \nMazda\u2019s i-Activsense\n safety technology and \nMazda Connect\n. The ridiculous \n21-inch wheels\n (shod with 265/45 series rubbers) on the other hand, won\u2019t quite make it to production, but we can\u2019t lie and say they don\u2019t look good on the car.\nWhat do you think? Will the KODO-fied CX-7 work in your favour?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After launching a BETA version of the app during the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, SETEL has now gone nationwide!\nAnd it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll miss it seeing as the cashless payment service will be available at more than 700 Petronas station across the country.\nThe app not only allows you to pay for fuel at the station even before you exit the vehicle, but also purchase items from Mesra stores and keep track of your MESRA points among others.\nWith payments made easier and quicker at petrol stations after the introduction of the payWave system, the introduction of SETEL did raise a couple questions as it merely allows us to now make payments in the car.\nSo when asked how much more convenient and quicker a refuelling process would be with the SETEL app, as users would still have to exit their vehicle to refuel upon making payments, a SETEL representative said that the purpose of the app goes beyond hassle-free payments.\nInstead, it\u2019s an all-encompassing app that allows not just for speedier and to an extent safer payments, but also better all-round experience at Petronas stations whether you\u2019re refuelling or shopping at the Mesra store.\nWhat\u2019s more, the app has now been integrated with a fuel redemption feature, allowing users to access and use their MESRA points more conveniently with a wider range of features to come.\n\u201cThe current features of SETEL is just the beginning. Anchored on seamless and frictionless experiece, we will be providing the right solutions and partnerships to enrich the customer\u2019s experience at Petronas\u201d, said Petronas Dagangan Berhad, Managing Director and CEO, Azrul Osman.\nSoon, \u201ckiosks\u201d will also be erected at Petronas stations, for customers who have purchased items at the MESRA store through the app, to collect \u2013 rather than having to step into the store and endure unbearable queues.\nSETEL is available for free on iOS and Android platforms through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Find out more about SETEL \nhere\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new showroom occupies over 33,000 sq ft, capable of displaying up to 14 different BMW models at one time, making it one of the largest BMW showrooms in Malaysia.\nBMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cWhile it is our priority to deliver award-winning vehicles and industry-leading services to our customers, it is also equally important that we create the right environment and ambience for this experience.\u201d\nThe new showroom features a new \u201cGrand Klasse Luxury\u201d boutique together with the BMW Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar and BMW Lifestyle area. Also displayed is the\n first ever BMW X7\n and the \nnew BMW 7 series\n.\nThe 58,500 sq ft 4S centre, located at Quill 9, 112, Jalan Semangat in Section 13 Petaling Jaya, also serves as a standalone BMW Service Centre, complete with a workshop and body & paint facility. Also within the premise is a BMW Premium Selection dealership.\nIn conjunction with the opening, Quill Automobiles launched a campaign where customers who purchase a brand new BMW vehicle between 13th of July to the 31st of December can \nstand a chance to win a BMW Z4 sDrive 30i M Sport!\n\u2018This is the Quill Automobiles\u2019 way of expressing customer appreciation.\u201d said Quill Automobiles, Dealer Principal, Alex Tang."
"Land Rover has just debuted its refreshed Range Rover SVAutobiography ahead of the 2017 LA Auto Show. The marquee\u2019s most luxurious SUV which combines high-levels of craftsmanship and technology sets a new benchmark in the luxury SUV segment.\nStarted life as a long wheelbase Range Rover, the SVAutobiography was handed to Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicles Operations (SVO) and reimagined with \nFirst-Class Cabin\n in mind. The four-seater SVAutobiography gets a redesigned cabin with powered rear doors, Executive Class rear seats, full-length centre console and two detachable 10.0-inch touchscreen rear entertainment system.\nThe Executive Class rear seats come\u00a0with \n40-degree recline capability\n, hot stone massage function as well as heated calf and footrests. The new seats coupled with the extended wheelbase gives the rear passengers legroom of over \n1.2 metres\n. An exclusive Zenith clock inspired by the Elite 6150 watch is embedded in the centre console for that premium touch.\nPowertrain options include a 4.4-litre turbodiesel V8 with \n334 hp\n, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with \n557 hp\n and the \nrecently introduced 2.0-litre P400e plug-in hybrid\n with \n398 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque.\nLand Rover Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern said: \u201cThe Range Rover SVAutobiography is the epitome of luxury, comfort and refinement. Our standard-bearer for quality and precision exemplifies the attention to detail and sophistication that has been a hallmark of our most luxurious SUV stretching back almost 50 years.\u201d"
"In August 2022, \nPerodua\n sold \n26,039 cars\n, which is a 42% jump from July. Perodua\u2019s latest model, the all-new 2022 \nPerodua Alza\n has received \n51,000\n bookings so far, and Perodua has registered \n7,682 units\n (15% of bookings).\nLaunched on July 20, 2022, bookings for the all-new Alza have been open prior to the launch date. In July, it was already reported that more than 39,000 bookings for the Perodua Alza have been received. The all-new Alza features many Perodua-first features like Android Auto & \nApple CarPlay\n, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and rear disc brakes.\nAs for year-to-date numbers, Perodua registered \n171,728 cars\n from January to August, making a 63.7% jump from 2021. However, Perodua says the year-to-date comparison is distorted as Malaysia underwent a lockdown between June 1, 2021, to August 15, 2021, and during that time all non-essential operations were suspended.\nLeading Perodua\u2019s year-to-date sales numbers is the \nPerodua Myvi\n \nwith 48,658 units registered (28.3%). In second place is the \nPerodua Bezza\n with 39,642 units (23.1%). And falling in third place is the \nPerodua Axia\n with 37,013 units (21.6%). The newly-launched Perodua Alza reports 7,682 units.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Perodua Alza from RM62,500\nRegarding customer vehicle delivery, Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cWe are currently trying to build on this (production and sales) improvement to ensure speedier delivery to our customers,\u201d\nPerodua experienced some key issues such as the semiconductor chip supply shortage and insufficient labour at the supplier\u2019s operations. This pushed Perodua to come about with improvements in production and sales. At the moment, Perodua has resolved these issues.\nRELATED: \nMIDA, Perodua announces partnership to help digitalise Malaysian automotive suppliers\n\u201cWe are also closely monitoring the increase in prices of raw materials at the moment and are working with the ecosystem on how best to mitigate this impact on our operations,\u201d he adds.\nPerodua reports August as its best production month, producing a total of 28,036 cars. Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin said that of the 28,036 Perodua cars produced in August, the Perodua Bezza leads the pack with 6,808 units, followed by the Perodua Myvi and Perodua Axia at 6,252 units and 4,857 units respectively. On the delivery time of the Perodua Alza, Perodua has not released any new specific information."
"It\u2019s called \nCarlistBid.my\n and simply said, it will connect those looking to sell their cars with dealers via a bidding platform, that consists of over 3,000 dealers.\nSellers will first need to submit a request on the website to schedule a car inspection and valuation service. Once the bidding terms are agreed upon, the cars will be opened to bidding among certified Carlist.my dealers.\nUpon acceptance of the best offer, CarlistBid.my staff will assist with the ownership transfer procedures as well as the final payment.\n\u201cConnecting sellers directly to dealers would mean a faster turnaround time to close sales as dealers are constantly looking to increase their inventory,\u201d said Chief Executive Officer of iCar Asia, Hamish Stone at CarlistBid.my\u2019s flagship inspection hub next to Regal Valet Auto Detailing Outlet in Kampung Sungai Penchala.\n\u201cOver a four-month testing period, CarlistBid.my has closed over RM2.1 million in sales within an average of five days per sale completion. We achieved this with a test group of just 100 from more than 3,000 dealers that already worked with Carlist.my, highlighting our ability to scale up this service in the coming months,\u201d he added.\nOpens from Monday to Saturday (10am to 7pm), the CarlistBid.my inspection and valuation hub is located at Lot 2805, Jalan Damansara, Kampung Sungai Penchala, 60000, Kuala Lumpur."
"Effective at the time this story is published, most of the Honda cars will see a slight reduction in their road-going prices when the \n6 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST)\n kicks in, replacing the current \n10 percent Sales and Services Tax\n \n(SST)\n.\nThe CR-V, offered here in three trims, will see a maximum reduction of \nRM1,900\n effective 1 April 2015.\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Yoichiro Ueno explains, \u201cIn the automotive industry, the difference in car prices \nisn\u2019t as simple\n as 10 percent minus 6 percent as there are many factors involved. The main difference in tax calculation is the difference in taxable base for SST and GST.\u201d\nUeno further elaborated, saying that the SST was only paid at the first stage of the supply chain, meaning from manufacturer to distributor, which excludes dealer margins, logistic cost, handling fee, accessories and other distribution costs. GST on the other hand, is charged at every transaction down the same supply chain and will be based on the final selling price of the car on the road.\nThe table below shows the prices of Honda cars before and after GST. All CKD models see a \nprice reduction\n between \nRM500 to RM2,500\n, while the\n fully imported Odyssey\n is the only model in the list to see a price hike between\u00a0RM500 to RM1,000. Do note that the table below is based on pricing for Peninsular Malaysia only.\nModel\nVariant\nOTR Price with SST\nOTR Price with GST\nPrice difference\nJazz\n1.5L Grade S\nRM 72,813.50\nRM 71,774.80\n\u2013 RM 1,038.70\n1.5L Grade E\nRM 79,813.50\nRM 78,756.80\n\u2013 RM 1,056.70\n1.5L Grade V\nRM 87,813.50\nRM 86,985.70\n\u2013 RM 827.80\nCity\n1.5L Grade S\nRM 75,813.50\nRM 74,007.50\n\u2013 RM 1,806.00\n1.5L Grade S+\nRM 78,813.50\nRM 77,124.40\n\u2013 RM 1,689.10\n1.5L Grade E\nRM 83,813.50\nRM 82,269.50\n\u2013 RM 1,544.00\n1.5L Grade V\nRM 90,813.50\nRM 89,467.80\n\u2013 RM 1,345.70\nHR-V\n1.8L Grade S\nRM 99,815.30\nRM 98,690.40\n\u2013 RM 1,124.90\n1.8L Grade E\nRM 108,815.30\nRM 108,027.10\n\u2013 RM 788.20\n1.8L Grade V\nRM 118,815.30\nRM 118,229.10\n\u2013 RM 586.20\nCivic\n1.8L Grade S\nRM 113,815.30\nRM 113,198.70\n\u2013 RM 616.60\n2.0L Grade S\nRM 125,815.30\nRM 124,780.30\n\u2013 RM 1,035.00\n2.0L Navi\nRM 132,815.30\nRM 132,210.70\n\u2013 RM 604.60\nCR-V\n2.0L 2WD\nRM 139,815.30\nRM 138,069.70\n\u2013 RM 1,745.60\n2.0L 4WD\nRM 150,815.30\nRM 149,152.40\n\u2013 RM 1,662.90\n2.4L 4WD\nRM 169,817.10\nRM 167,887.80\n\u2013 RM 1,929.30\nAccord\n2.0L VTi\nRM 139,830.60\nRM 137,301.90\n\u2013 RM 2,528.70\n2.0L VTi-L\nRM 149,830.60\nRM 148,200.60\n\u2013 RM 1,630.00\n2.4L VTi-L\nRM 174,834.20\nRM 173,386.60\n\u2013 RM 1,447.60\nOdyssey (CBU)\n2.4L EX\nRM 228,023.00\nRM 229,030.60\n+ RM 1,007.60\n2.4L EXV\nRM 248,023.00\nRM 248,536.00\n+ RM 513.00\n\u00a0\nThe fully imported \nHonda Odyssey\n MPV is subjected to a price hike between RM500 to RM1,000\nFurthering Ueno\u2019s point earlier, the price reduction is not as straightforward as reducing the 4 percent difference created when the SST is replaced by GST. Instead, the difference is due to varying levels of features and accessories that come with the cars, and this is what\u2019s causing the prices to be different. All things considered, Honda Malaysia claims that all \nsavings\n \nfrom GST\n will be \npassed down\n to their customers in the form of cheaper locally assembled cars.\nMeanwhile, Honda Malaysia recorded their best sales performance of yet, charting over \n9,000 units sold\n in the month of March alone. That\u2019s more than 10 percent of the 85,000 units they aimed to sell this year. They have collectively sold \n21,563 units\n in the \nfirst quarter\n this year, an increase of \n38 percent\n over the same period last year.\nThis achievement was strongly driven by the positive reception of the \nCity\n, \nJazz\n, \nCivic\n, Accord, \nCR-V\n and \nHR-V\n; all of which are segment leaders to date. Early last month, Honda Malaysia announced that the HR-V had a waiting list of four months with over \n7,000 units\n booked, but that figure has risen to \n10,000 units\n now. Works to maximise the HR-V\u2019s production capacity are well underway, we\u2019re told."
"It\u2019s official \u2013 A joint statement by \nGroupe PSA\n, Berjaya Corporation, and \nBermaz Auto\n earlier today has confirmed that the sole distributorship of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia has been awarded to a newly incorporated company, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB).\nThe new company is a joint venture between Berjaya Corporation and Bermaz Auto, which hold 51% and 20% stake respectively; the remaining shareholders were not disclosed in the statement.\nAside from being awarded sole distributorship to \nPeugeot\n, Berjaya and Bermaz Auto\u2019s JV company BAASB will also gain the rights to aftersales and spare parts distribution for Peugeot, \nCitroen\n, and \nDS Automobiles\n in Malaysia. This announcement suggests that the two latter marques are being discontinued in the country, though owners can still seek aftersales support from the new company.\nThe move will help the French Conglomerate continue Peugeot\u2019s growth strategy in the country and region, with Malaysia remaining as the regional export hub for South East Asia. Groupe PSA South East Asia Senior Vice President, Laurence Noel added that the company is currently planning to introduce the \nall-new Peugeot 2008\n in Malaysia in the near future.\n\u201cWe aim to continuously revolutionize the customer experience together with our new partner, BAASB and underscore our commitment to our customers through excellent sales and aftersales service,\u201d she added.\nThe \nall-new Peugeot 2008\n will be the first car to be launched under the BSAAB banner.\nBerjayaCorp Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sri Robin Tan Yeong Chin added, \u201cThis new collaboration will complement our group\u2019s existing automotive business, namely HR Owen and Berjaya China Motor. We believe this collaboration between BerjayaCorp, Bermaz and Groupe PSA will bring positive synergistic benefits to all parties.\u201d\nBermaz Auto Executive Chairman, Dato\u2019 Sri Ben Yeoh said, \u201cWe are honoured that Groupe PSA and BerjayaCorp recognise Bermaz Group\u2019s capabilities and expertise in the automobile industry and is delighted to participate in this new collaboration, which is expected to contribute positively to our future earnings base.\u201d\nKia\u2019s future in the country still remains largely in the dark. The brand\u2019s latest model in Malaysia, the Seltos SUV, has been \nopen for booking\n since September this year.\nThe news comes after \nprevious reports\n on Naza\u2019s intention to offload its automotive brands as it continues to realign its business plans. The Peugeot brand was previously represented by Naza\u2019s subsidiary Nasim, while Citroen and DS were distributed by Naza Euro Motors.\nAs of the time of writing, Kia Motor\u2019s fate in the country is still unclear, although it is believed that \nBermaz Auto is the current frontrunner pitched to takeover the business."
"EVs\u7684\u4ee3\u8868\u6027\u4ea7\u54c1\u7ec8\u4e8e\u8fdb\u5165\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\uff0c\u4eca\u5929\u63a8\u51fa\u4e86\nTesla Model Y\n\u3002\u8fd9\u6b3e\u5168\u7535\u52a8\u7d27\u51d1\u578bSUV\u5c06\u5728\u6b64\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e09\u79cd\u8f66\u578b \u2013 Model Y RWD\uff0cModel Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD\u548cModel Y Performance Dual Motor AWD\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u4eceRM199,000\u5f00\u59cb\u3002\n\u73b0\u5728\u53ef\u4ee5\u5728Tesla\u7684\u5b98\u65b9\u5728\u7ebf\u914d\u7f6e\u5668\u4e0a\uff08\n\u94fe\u63a5\u5728\u6b64\n\uff09\u8ba2\u8d2dTesla Model Y\uff0c\u9884\u8ba1\u9996\u6279\u4ea4\u4ed8\u5c06\u57282024\u5e74\u521d\u5f00\u59cb\u3002\n\u5916\u89c2\u8bbe\u8ba1\uff0c\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684Tesla Model Y\u914d\u7f6e\n\u57fa\u672c\u4e0a\u662fModel 3\u7684\u8de8\u754c\u7248\uff0cTesla Model Y\u4e5f\u8fd0\u7528\u4e86\u8f7f\u8f66\u7684\u6781\u7b80\u8bbe\u8ba1\u8bed\u8a00\uff0c\u4f46\u5177\u6709\u66f4\u9ad8\u7684\u8f66\u9876\uff0c\u91cd\u65b0\u8bbe\u8ba1\u7684\u540e\u8231\u95e8\u548c\u66f4\u5927\u7684\u8f6e\u6bc2\u3002 Tesla Model Y\u957f4,751\u6beb\u7c73\uff08\u8f74\u8ddd2,890\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\uff0c\u5bbd1,921\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u9ad81,624\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u5c06\u5176\u7f6e\u4e8e\u4e0eBMW iX3\u548cMercedes-Benz EQC\u5927\u81f4\u76f8\u540c\u7684\u7403\u573a\u4e0a\u3002\nTesla Model Y\u7684\u5916\u90e8\u8bbe\u5907\u4eae\u70b9\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\nLED\u5927\u706f\nLED\u5c3e\u706f\n\u65e0\u94a5\u5319\u8fdb\u5165\u5e26\u6709\u63a5\u5165\u5361\u548c\u667a\u80fd\u624b\u673a\u8fdb\u5165\u7684\u529f\u80fd\n19\u82f1\u5bf8\u53cc\u5b50\u5ea7\u8f6e\u6bc2\uff08\u6027\u80fd\u53cc\u7535\u673aAWD\u578b\u53f7\u4e3a21\u82f1\u5bf8Uberturbine\u8f6e\u6bc2\uff09\n\u73cd\u73e0\u767d\u5916\u89c2\u989c\u8272\nTesla Model Y\u8fd8\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e86\u51e0\u79cd\u9009\u9879\uff0c\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n20\u82f1\u5bf8\u611f\u5e94\u8f6e\u6bc2 \u2013 RM10,000\nSolid Black\uff0cMidnight Silver Metallic\uff0cDeep Blue Metallic\u5916\u89c2\u989c\u8272 \u2013 RM5,000\nRed Multi-Coat\u5916\u89c2\u989c\u8272 \u2013 RM10,000\nTesla Model Y\u6027\u80fd\uff0c\u7535\u52a8\u8303\u56f4\nTesla Model Y\u7531\u5355\u7535\u673a\u6216\u53cc\u7535\u673a\u8bbe\u7f6e\u9a71\u52a8\uff0c\u53d6\u51b3\u4e8e\u8f66\u578b\u3002 Model Y\u7684\u6240\u6709\u4e09\u79cd\u53d8\u4f53\u90fd\u4f7f\u7528400V\u7535\u6c14\u67b6\u6784\uff0c\u5c3d\u7ba1Tesla\u5e76\u672a\u5ba3\u4f20\u5176\u5b9e\u9645\u7535\u6c60\u5bb9\u91cf\uff0c\u800c\u662f\u9009\u62e9\u901a\u8fc7\u5176\u9a7e\u9a76\u8303\u56f4\u6765\u533a\u5206\u5b83\u4eec\u3002\nRWD\nLong Range Dual Motor AWD\nPerformance Dual Motor AWD\n\u6700\u5927\u9a6c\u529b\n347 hp\n514 hp\n534 hp\n\u6700\u5927\u626d\u529b\n420 Nm\n493 Nm\n660 Nm\n0-100 km/h\n6.9 \u79d2\n5.0 \u79d2\n3.7 \u79d2\n\u6781\u901f\n217 km/h\n217 km/h\n250 km/h\n\u7535\u6c60\u5bb9\u91cf\n57.5 kWh\n75 kWh\n75 kWh\n\u7eed\u822a\u8ddd\u79bb(WLTP)\n455 \u516c\u91cc\n533 \u516c\u91cc\n514 \u516c\u91cc\nDC \u5145\u7535\u652f\u6301\n170 kW\n250 kW\n250 kW\nLong Range Dual Motor AWD\u53d8\u4f53\u8fd8\u63d0\u4f9b\u6709\u4e00\u4e2aAcceleration Boost\u7279\u6027\uff08\u4ed8\u8d39\u9009\u9879\uff0c\u901a\u8fc7Tesla Mobile\u5e94\u7528\u7a0b\u5e8f\u6fc0\u6d3b\uff09\uff0c\u5c060-100km/h\u52a0\u901f\u7684\u65f6\u95f4\u51cf\u5c11\u5230\u4ec54.5\u79d2\u3002\n\u7b26\u5408\u5176\u8fd0\u52a8\u51ed\u8bc1\u7684\u6027\u80fd\u9876\u7ea7\u53cc\u7535\u673aAWD\u8fd8\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u6027\u80fd\u5239\u8f66\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u964d\u4f4e\u60ac\u6302\uff0c\u78b3\u7ea4\u7ef4\u540e\u6270\u6d41\u677f\u548c\u5185\u9970\u94dd\u8e0f\u677f\u3002\nTesla Model Y\u5185\u9970\nTesla\u7684\u6807\u5fd7\u6027\u6781\u7b80\u8bbe\u8ba1\u8bed\u8a00\uff0c\u53ea\u6709\u4e2d\u5fc3\u7684\u5355\u4e2a15\u82f1\u5bf8\u89e6\u6478\u5c4f\u663e\u793a\u5668\u6253\u7834\u4e86\u7b80\u6d01\u7684\u4eea\u8868\u677f\uff0c\u8be5\u663e\u793a\u5668\u65e2\u4f5c\u4e3a\u4fe1\u606f\u5a31\u4e50\u7cfb\u7edf\u4e5f\u4f5c\u4e3a\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u7684\u4eea\u8868\u663e\u793a\u3002\n\u867d\u7136Tesla Model Y\u5728\u5168\u7403\u8303\u56f4\u5185\u90fd\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e94\u5ea7\u548c\u4e03\u5ea7\u914d\u7f6e\uff0c\u4f46\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\uff0cSUV\u53ea\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e94\u5ea7\u5e03\u5c40\u3002\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9aTesla Model Y\u7684\u6240\u6709\u8f66\u578b\u7684\u6807\u51c6\u5185\u90e8\u8bbe\u5907\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n15\u82f1\u5bf8\u89e6\u6478\u5c4f\u663e\u793a\u5668\n\u53cc\u65e0\u7ebf\u5145\u7535\u6258\u677f\n\u5e26\u6709HEPA\u7a7a\u6c14\u8fc7\u6ee4\u5668\u548c\u751f\u5316\u6b66\u5668\u9632\u5fa1\u6a21\u5f0f\u7684\u81ea\u52a8\u7a7a\u8c03\u63a7\u5236\n\u7535\u52a8\u53ef\u8c03\u524d\u6392\u5ea7\u6905\n\u524d\u540e\u5ea7\u52a0\u70ed\n\u7d20\u98df\u76ae\u9769\uff08Vegan Leather)\u5185\u9970\uff0c\u9ed1\u8272\uff08\u53ef\u9009\u62e9\u767d\u8272\u5185\u9970\u989c\u8272\uff0c\u9700\u989d\u5916\u4ed8\u8d39RM5,000\uff09\n\u5e26\u6709UV\u548c\u7ea2\u5916\u9632\u62a4\u819c\u7684\u5168\u666f\u73bb\u7483\u9876\n13\u626c\u58f0\u5668\u97f3\u54cd\u7cfb\u7edf\n4\u4e2aUSB-C\u7aef\u53e3\nSentry Mode\u5f55\u50cf\u529f\u80fd\uff08\u4f5c\u4e3a\u884c\u8f66\u8bb0\u5f55\u4eea\uff09\n854\u5347\u540e\u5907\u7bb1\u7a7a\u95f4\uff0c117\u5347\u201cfrunk\u201d\u50a8\u7269\u533a\nTesla Model Y Autopilot\uff0c\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u63d0\u4f9b\u5168\u81ea\u9a7e\u9a76\nTesla Model Y\u7684\u6240\u6709\u4e09\u79cd\u8f66\u578b\u90fd\u5c06\u6807\u51c6\u914d\u5907\u57fa\u7840Autopilot\u9ad8\u7ea7\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u8f85\u52a9\u5957\u4ef6\uff0c\u5305\u62ec\u81ea\u52a8\u7d27\u6025\u5236\u52a8\uff0c\u76f2\u70b9\u76d1\u63a7\uff0c\u81ea\u9002\u5e94\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236\u548c\u8f66\u9053\u5c45\u4e2d\u8f85\u52a9\u3002\n\u4e5f\u53ef\u4ee5\u9009\u62e9\u589e\u5f3a\u578bAutopilot\u9009\u9879\uff08\u989d\u5916RM16,000\uff09\uff0c\u5e76\u589e\u52a0\u4e00\u4e2a\u81ea\u52a8\u66f4\u6362\u8f66\u9053\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u4e00\u4e2a\u201c\u5728Autopilot\u4e0a\u5bfc\u822a\u201d\u7684\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u8be5\u529f\u80fd\u4f1a\u81ea\u52a8\u5c06\u8f66\u79fb\u52a8\u5230\u9ad8\u901f\u516c\u8def\u51fa\u53e3\u7684\u6b63\u786e\u8f66\u9053\uff0c\u81ea\u52a8\u8d85\u8f66\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u81ea\u52a8\u505c\u8f66\u8f85\u52a9\u548c\u4e00\u4e2aSmart Summon\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u53ef\u4ee5\u5728\u505c\u8f66\u573a\u5185\u81ea\u4e3b\u9a7e\u9a76\u8f66\u8f86\u3002\n\u5ba2\u6237\u8fd8\u53ef\u4ee5\u9009\u62e9\u201c\u5168\u81ea\u9a7e\u9a76\u201d\uff08FSD\uff09\u5957\u9910\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u4e3aRM32,000\uff0c\u8be5\u5957\u9910\u76ee\u524d\u5305\u542bAutopilot\u548cEnhanced Autopilot\u4e2d\u7684\u6240\u6709\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u5176\u4e2d\u201c\u4ea4\u901a\u706f\u548c\u505c\u8f66\u6807\u5fd7\u63a7\u5236\u201d\u548c\u201c\u5728\u57ce\u5e02\u8857\u9053\u4e0a\u81ea\u52a8\u9a7e\u9a76\u201d\u5217\u4e3a\u516c\u53f8\u7f51\u7ad9\u4e0a\u7684\u201c\u5373\u5c06\u5230\u6765\u201d\u3002\u7cfb\u7edf\u672a\u6765\u8fd8\u53ef\u4ee5\u901a\u8fc7\u81ea\u52a8\u8f6f\u4ef6\u66f4\u65b0\u8fdb\u884c\u66f4\u65b0\u3002\n\u5c3d\u7ba1\u5982\u6b64\uff0c\u4f46\u8fd9\u5957\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u8f85\u52a9\u5957\u4ef6\uff08\u76ee\u524d\u4ecd\u5728beta\u6d4b\u8bd5\u4e2d\uff09\u5e76\u4e0d\u662f\u771f\u6b63\u7684\u81ea\u52a8\u9a7e\u9a76\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\n2023\u5e74\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9aTesla Model Y\u5b9a\u4ef7\n2023\u5e74\u7684Tesla Model Y\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e09\u79cd\u8f66\u578b\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u5982\u4e0b\uff08\u4e0a\u8def\uff0c\u4e0d\u542b\u4fdd\u9669\uff0c\u672a\u542b\u9009\u9879\uff09\uff1a\nTesla Model Y RWD \u2013 \nRM199,000\nTesla Model Y Long Range AWD \u2013 \nRM246,000\nTesla Model Y Performance AWD \u2013 \nRM288,000 \n\u4ef7\u683c\u5305\u62ec\u56db\u5e74/80,000\u516c\u91cc\u57fa\u672c\u8f66\u8f86\u4fdd\u4fee\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u516b\u5e74/160,000\u516c\u91cc\u7535\u6c60\u548c\u9a71\u52a8\u5668\u4fdd\u4fee\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011\n2023 Tesla Model Y RWD\n2023 Tesla Model Y Performance"
"Subaru\u2019s motorsport division known to many as STI or\u00a0Subaru Tecnica International has just recently released the BRZ tS (stands for \u201ctuned by STI\u201d) model that will go on sale in Japan. This naturally aspirated pocket rocket is on a limited production run of only 300 units exclusive to the Japanese market.\nThe exterior doesn\u2019t differ far from the original, with a redesigned front bumper adorned with a\u00a0\nnew grille\n and gets a new colour from a shade called\n\u00a0Cherry Red\n. Not forgetting also the STI badge that sits pretty on the front nose. The headlights receive the\n signature Subaru DRL\n, one that\u2019s rather reminiscent of the\u00a0\nWRX STI\n.   The interior, just like the outside, hasn\u2019t gone through much of a change for this limited run unit. The gauge cluster gets a \nreworked\u00a0speedometer\n with a complimentary STI logo housed in an \nAlcantara upholstered visor\n contrasted with red stitching, exuding this BRZ tS\u2019 go-faster attitude.\nThe use of Alcantara doesn\u2019t just end there, for most of the interior such as the \nseats and trim pieces\n\u00a0are adorned in a suede-like material. The steering wheel and gear knob is wrapped in hide with \u2013 yes you guessed it, STI ornaments and red stitching as contrast. Did we mention also that there was an STI logo on the \nPush/Start\n button?\nThis BRZ tS doesn\u2019t get a power boost if that\u2019s what you\u2019re pondering. The FA20 boxer, \n2.0\u00a0litre four banger DOHC\n mill still makes\n\u00a0197 hp at 7,000 rpm\n. Torque figures are cemented at \n205 Nm\n, as before. It comes with a bucket load of stuff that are tuned to the STI\u2019s state of mind, such as the suspension setup on both ends, \nflexi V-bar\n,\n front strut, rear dampers\n and \ncoils and a larger diameter drive shaft\n.\n \n \nThe BRZ tS sits on\n\u00a0225/40 ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport\u00a0tyres \nall around to be precise. Stopping power is manufactured by Brembo with a \nfour pot setup at the front\n and \ntwo potters\n at the back end. It comes with a newly tuned\u00a0VDC or \nVehicle Dynamics Control\n and in the acoustic department, it also receives an exclusively\u00a0tuned filter for the \nSound Creator system\n which\n synthesizes\n the sounds you hear while driving.   There are \nfour colours\n to choose from \u2013 WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Sunrise Yellow\u00a0and Crystal White Pearl, with the latter two colours costing an additional \nRM986\n. The six-speeder stick shifter\u00a0variant is priced at\n \u00a53,990,000 (RM123,462)\n while the\n six-speed automatic\n variety with paddle shifters stand at\n \u00a54,071,000 (RM125,968).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Back in 2015, Aston Martin unveiled to the world an all-electric vehicle concept, the \nAston Martin RapidE\n\u00a0(yes with a capital E for electric). Today, the company has confirmed that its first all-electric model will be going into production in 2019 with a limited build run of 155 cars.\nBased on the forthcoming Rapide AMR from the\u00a0\nAMR lineup\n, the RapidE will be powered by an \nall-electric powertrain\n, replacing the naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 combustion engine. \nWilliams Advanced Engineering\n was also named as the lead engineering partner for this project.\n \n \nAs part of \nGaydon\u2019s Second Century Plan\n, the RapidE is a four-door sports car that will spearhead the brand\u2019s development of low and zero-emission vehicles. Dr Andy Palmer, President and CEO of Aston Martin expressed that the RapidE is part of the brand\u2019s vision for a sustainable future that does not compromise on supreme performance. However, Dr Palmer also ensures fans that internal combustion engines that Aston Martin takes pride in will remain for many more years to come.\nMore details of the Aston Martin RapidE will be revealed in due course."
"There is no way to sugarcoat this, being on Malaysian roads is a high-risk undertaking and all of us \u2013 drivers, riders, pedestrians are responsible for letting this appalling state of affair to materialise.\nOver the just concluded 14-day period of \nOps Selamat\n \n15 \nwhere authorities try to make commuting safer over the busy festive period, \na total of 229 souls were lost\n \u2013 that\u2019s \n16 individuals\n who may be known or related to you losing their lives \neach day\n in the past two weeks.\nLet that sink in for the moment.or do these morbid figures no longer register?\n(Image credit: Info Roadblock JPJ/Polis)\nThe authorities also revealed a staggering number of road accidents over the same period \u2013 \n22,852 reported cases\n, and there are more which are unreported. The official statistics also do not include persons who may have been maimed or suffered life-changing injuries.\nBeating the traffic lights has become a daily occurrence.\nYes, enforcement can be better but when the objectives of Ops Selamat are just focused on weeding out blatant offenses \u2013 \ndriving on the emergency lane, overtaking on double lines, use of mobile phones without handsfree, queue jumping, speeding and beating the traffic lights\n \u2013 rather than cultivating safe-driving practices, the state of lawlessness on our roads is patently obvious.\nThis isn\u2019t about having better infrastructure or safer cars, as road users, we have a lot of soul searching to do.\n(Main image credit to \nInfo Roadblock JPJ/Polis\n)"
"Audi Malaysia, together with Euromobil Sdn Bhd have officially launched the newly relocated Service Centre in KL. The centre is located along Jalan Chan Sow Lin, just 300 metres away from the older building.\nThe upgraded service facility, which has a total build-up area of 34,272 sq ft, costs about RM11.3 million from start to finish and now sees its aftersales team grow from 21 staffs to 47. According to Euromobil, this staff increment will result in an increased throughput from just 2,500 to over 11,000 service throughputs annually.   Of the 47 staffs, 15 are certified Audi technicians who will work on diagnostics, regular maintenance works and even major repairs for engine and transmission overhauls. The 10,247 sq ft workshop houses \n25 service bays\n including alignment and balancing bays, as well as a dedicated bay for the Audi R8. To facilitate quick repair works, the centre has an inventory value of nearly RM2 million, with Euromobil investing approximately RM2.3 million in tools and equipments.\nThe new Audi/Euromobil KL Service Centre is located along Jalan Enam, Kawasaki Perindustrian Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus recently dropped two big bombs in the form of teaser pictures of its upcoming high-performance, track-ready \u2018F\u2019 model. The second F-designated model is to join the \nRM782,000\n\u00a0\nRC F\n in the high-performing sports car segment and will make its global premier at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, also known as the Detroit Motor Show.\nFurther information regarding this model remains a strictly tight-lipped affair, but rumours have that it may be the successor to the outgoing IS F. Lexus also previewed the \nLF-C2 2+2 Concept car\n at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, but the way the headlights are designed is a clear giveaway that the new F isn\u2019t the production version of the LF-C2.\nThe carmaker\u2019s larger sedan, the GS, is also rumoured to be bestowed with the F badge. If so, we could be looking at a high-performing four-door sedan that could take on the likes of the \nBMW M3\n or M5 sedans. There\u2019s no word on the powerplant as well, but it\u2019s very likely that it will share the same \n5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8\n engine found in the RC F Coupe.\nThe 2015 Detroit Motor Show will run from 12 to 25 January. Meanwhile, have a read on our report of the \nLexus RC 350 and RC F here\n."
"The 2023 \nBYD Dolphin\n is now launched in Australia, taking the honour of the cheapest EV currently on sale. Priced at AUD38,890 (approx. RM122k) before on-road charges, the compact EV hatchback undercuts its nearest rival, the MG 4, by just AUD100 (approx RM315).\nOrder books for the 2023 BYD Dolphin is now open in the nation, with deliveries set to begin before the end of the year.\nThe BYD Dolphin will be offered in Australia in a single \u2018Dynamic\u2019 variant at launch, powered by a front-mounted electric motor making \n70 kW (95 hp)\n and \n180 Nm\n of torque. In this configuration, BYD says the Dolphin will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in \n12.3 seconds\n.\nElectric juice is supplied by a 44.9 kWh battery pack, which should translate to an electric driving range of \n340 km (WLTP)\n. DC fast charging is supported at up to 60 kW, taking approximately 28 minutes to charge from 30-80%.\nRELATED: \nBYD Dolphin EV launched in Thailand, cheaper than Honda City e:HEV RS!\nThe BYD Dolphin Sport concept\nA \u2018Premium\u2019 variant will also be offered at a later date with a more powerful\n 150 kW (204 hp)/310 Nm\n motor, paired to a 60.48 kWh battery pack. Century sprint on this variant takes 7.0 seconds flat, while the larger battery pack also means a better range, rated at \n427 km (WLTP)\n.\nAdditionally, a \u201cDolphin Sport\u201d variant was also announced by BYD Australia today, although no information on the hot hatch EV were provided just yet. The Sport is due to be launched next year.\nStandard equipment on the BYD Dolphin in Australia include a rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display (as seen on the \nAtto 3\n), panoramic glass roof, automatic climate control, front seat heating, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance features including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.\nInterestingly, the 2023 BYD Dolphin in Australia will also be more than 200 mm longer than the Chinese-market model, due to a redesigned front-end crash structure as it aims to achieve a full five-star ANCAP safety rating. However, the Dolphin has yet to complete the safety tests, as such will be sold as \u201cunrated\u201d for the time being.\nCloser to home, the BYD Dolphin is also essentially confirmed for launch here in Malaysia, with the compact hatchback model\n first shown off\n during the launch of the Atto 3. No firm launch window has been provided just yet, though recent reports suggest that the compact EV hatchback will be making its Malaysian debut by the end of the year.\n[H/T:\n Drive.co.au\n]"
"It is easy to forget that the \nProton Exora\n has actually been around for about 14 years now as the budget family MPV was first introduced in 2009. That tenure is perhaps coming to an end soon as our sources close to the matter report that production of the Proton Exora will cease by the end of 2023.\nProton has recently introduced its new 6/7-seater vehicle and it is the \nProton X90\n. The Proton X90, however, is an SUV and not an MPV like the Exora. A more appropriate successor for the Exora would be the Geely Jiaji (the speculated Proton V70 from some time ago) but it doesn\u2019t seem to be coming anytime soon.\nDuring the Proton X90\u2019s media preview, it was asked whether the Proton Exora will be discontinued or perhaps refreshed. Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Roslan Abdullah said that the arrangement is flexible. He said that \u201cEverything we produce will be based on the market requirement\u201d and that \u201cIf there is a demand and the volume is justifiable for our investment, Proton will be glad to be involved in a 7-seater MPV or more because our task is to build a vehicle to move people from point A to point B.\u201d\nWith the latest information given by our sources, it seems that we will be bidding farewell to the Proton Exora by the end of the year as its production will stop by the end of 2023. Whether or not the Exora will have an MPV successor is still not yet known.\nRELATED: \n2022 Proton Exora launched \u2013 RM3k pricier, but what\u2019s new?\nThe last refresh given to Proton Exora was in 2022 which introduced electronic stability control (ESC) on all variants. The refresh also gave the Proton Exora a price hike of RM3,000. Largely unchanged on the outside, the latest version of the Proton Exora is adorned with the latest Proton emblem.\nPowering the Proton Exora is Proton\u2019s 1.6-litre turbocharged CamPro engine that outputs \n140 hp \nand \n205 Nm\n. Paired with that engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Sitting on the same chassis for more than ten years, the Exora still only offers 2 airbags.\nStandard safety features include the usual ABS, EBD, and ESC (The standard ESC is new for the Proton Exora). No advanced safety features are provided in the Exora. After a long run as the budget MPV and always topping the charts in its segment in Malaysia, it seems that we will soon bid farewell to the Proton Exora.\nRELATED: \nProton commits to launching at least one New Energy Vehicle (NEV) per year"
"BMW has revealed the new facelift BMW X5 with new engine options, a new plug-in hybrid system and 48V mild hybrid technology for all models. The new models will also feature the BMW Curved display powered by the BMW Operating System 8.\nThe new facelift introduces revisions to the headlights which are now 35 mm slimmer while the arrow-shaped daytime running lights point outwards \u2013 serving as turn indicators. LED headlamps are standard but the Matrix LED system with adaptive control are optional items.\nAlso available as an option is the BMW Iconic Glow kidney, for the six-cylinder variants of the X5. Design wise, the new X5 features a revised bumper design with new air breathers by the corners. At the rear, the X5 features redesigned taillamps with L-shape elements. An M Sport kit is optionally available, consisting of double slates and an M logo for the kidney grille, M mirror caps and M quad-pipe muffler tips. An M Sport package Pro is also available.\nNew colours for the X5 include M Marina Bay Blue (exclusively for the M60i xDrive), Blue Ridge Mountain metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Skyscraper Grey metallic and Frozen Pure Grey metallic.\nAll models get the adaptive suspension as standard while the range topping models get the Adaptive M suspension. Adaptive air suspension and the xOffroad package are offered as options. The Adaptive M suspension Professional package comes with an M Sport differential and an active roll stabilisation system.\nStandard specification also includes 19-inch light-alloy wheels for the new BMW X5 and 21-inch wheels for the range-topping xDriveM60i. Light-alloy wheels up to 22-inches in size can be specified as an option.\nMoving inside, the new X5 is now fitted with a 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display with BMW Operating System 8 along with a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster. Both displays are housed behind a single glass surface. With the new X5, BMW has significantly reduced the number of buttons and switches in favour of digital controls.\nAnother new feature is the ambient light bar with LED backlighting in the front passenger area. \u2019X5\u2019 lettering is also embedded into the light bar\u2019s graphic while the flagship models display the M logo. The centre console now features additional touch-sensitive surfaces and a newly designed gear selector lever.\nComfort seats for the front passengers can be specified as an alternative to the standard sport seats. Also available as an option are BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, active seat ventilation and a massage function. The interior options list also includes a \u201cthermo\u201d function for the cup holders, Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof illuminated by LED units, glass surface for selected controls, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the Travel & Comfort System.\u00a0\nIn terms of powertrain, the new X5 is available with a V8 petrol engine, straight-six petrol and diesel engines \u2013 all paired with eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmissions \u2013 to drive all four wheels via the xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nAll powertrains now also feature 48V mild hybrid technology with an electric motor integrated into the transmission. This motor generates an output boost of up to 12 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The capacity of the high-voltage battery in the underbody of the X5 xDrive50e has been increased by 25% to 25.7 kWh, with an AC charging rate of 7.4 kW. With that, the electric range of the xDrive50e is between 94 to 110 km.\nxDrive40i \u2013 3.0L / 380 hp / 540 Nm / 0-100 km/h 5.4s / 250 km/h\nxDrive50e \u2013 3.0L / 490 hp / 700 Nm / 0-100 km/h 4.8s / 250 km/h\nxDriveM60i \u2013 4.4L / 530 hp / 750 Nm / 0-100 km/h 4.3s / 250 km/h\u00a0\nxDrive30d \u2013 3.0L / 298 hp / 670 Nm / 0-100 km/h 6.1s / 233 km/h\nUpdates to the driver aids include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can now also reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road.\nAlongside the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant now also consists of the drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant functions. The new, optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces and complete manoeuvres over a distance of up to 200 metres; controlled from outside the car using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone.\nGALLERY"
"While\n Tesla\n is still struggling with its definition of its \u201cAutopilot\u201d system, \nMercedes-Benz\n has announced that its Drive Pilot SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system is now officially launched in California, USA, having recently obtained official certification from state authorities. The significant milestone means Mercedes-Benz is now the first carmaker to offer a L3 system in a standard-production vehicle in the state.\nThe updated Drive Pilot system will be available in the US market as an option for the Model Year 2024 (MY2024) \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n and \nEQS Sedan \nmodels, which will begin deliveries starting late 2023.\nAccording to Mercedes-Benz, the Drive Pilot system is \u201cthe world\u2019s only SAE Level 3 system with internationally valid type approval\u201d. The system utilises a multitude of sensors \u2013 including LIDAR, cameras, and microphones \u2013 to enable \u201cconditionally automated driving\u201d, with redundancy built in for additional safety.\nWith the SAE Level 3 Drive Pilot system, the vehicle will be able to drive itself completely without any input from the drivers, freeing them to do whatever they want (as long as it\u2019s legal according to the respective state authorities), including interacting with the built-in apps on the infotainment display, which would\u2019ve otherwise been blocked off while driving.\nREAD MORE: \nNew Honda Sensing Elite with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities now in Japan!\nMercedes-Benz\u2019s Drive Pilot system will be available on suitable freeway sections in the state, at speeds of up to 64 km/h (40 mph), which means that it\u2019s meant more as a traffic jam assist, rather than a complete chauffeur experience \u2013 for now at least.\nThe system will also only be available when all conditions are suitable, with visual indicators shown on the control buttons located on the steering wheel rim when prerequisites are met. When engaged, the car will autonomously maintain the right speed, distance, and lane positioning. The Drive Pilot system also takes into account the route profile and traffic signs along the route, and will take evasive manoeuvres within the lane when necessary.\nHowever, being a L3 system does mean that drivers will have to take back complete control when the vehicle requests to do so. Models equipped with the optional Drive Pilot system also has redundant steering and braking actuators, as well as a redundant on-board electrical system, so that it remains manoeuvrable even if one of these systems fails and a safe handover to the driver can be ensured.\nIf the driver fails to take back control even after increasingly urgent warnings, for example in the event of a severe health emergency, the system will autonomously slow the vehicle down to a standstill in a controlled manner while engaging the hazard warning lights. Once stopped, the Mercedes\u2011Benz emergency call system is activated and the doors are unlocked to ensure the vehicle is accessible for first responders.\nRELATED: \nNew Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS now with Drive Pilot Level 3 automated driving in Germany\nMercedes-Benz says that it intends to continuously improve its SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system with the ultimate goal of driving at speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h) in its final iteration. In order to achieve that goal, the German carmaker has partnered with NVIDIA and Luminar to further iterate on the system\u2019s software and hardware capabilities.\nIn addition to California, the German carmaker has also obtained compliance certification for the Level 3 Drive Pilot system in the state of Nevada, and will further expand the availability of the system to other markets in the future."
"The crossovers. Their exact origin is as blurry as the line they crossed between an everyday passenger car and a proper go-anywhere SUV. They exist because most people don\u2019t venture off-road but they still want to look rugged anyway.\nJust lately, they have been breaching into the compact car segment trying to distract the buyers\u2019 attention away from normal cars. Previously if you\u2019re upgrading from a small hatch, most likely you would go for a C-segment sedan, but today you also have these compact crossovers to consider.\nHere we have two of the hottest subcompact crossovers currently on sale in Malaysia, the \nHonda HR-V\n and the \nMazda CX-3\n. The similarities of these two cars are uncanny, both are concocted from the same recipe where the basic ingredients consist of a \nB-segment platform\n and an engine from the C-segment. For the CX-3, Mazda has kept the \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive gearbox\n intact with the \n2.0-litre Skyactiv-G\n from the Mazda3, but Honda chose to swap out the five-speed automatic from the Civic\u2019s \n1.8-litre i-VTEC\n mill in favour of a \nG-Design Shift CVT\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda CX-3 2.0L Skyactiv\nHonda HR-V 1.8 CVT Grade V\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC\n1,799cc; 4-cylinder direct injection, SOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\nCVT\nMax Power\n154 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n140 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n204 Nm @ 2,800 rpm\n172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM131,218.50\nRM 117,933.59\nThe \nHR-V\n can be yours from as low as RM99k, but the model we\u2019re testing here is the \nGrade V\n with all the bells and whistles which will set you back for \nRM118k\n. Mazda only offers the \nCX-3\n in \none specification\n, and it\u2019s a well-equipped one at that. The CX-3 retails at \nRM131k\n, and it doesn\u2019t just cost dearer than the top spec HR-V in this test, it\u2019s also the most expensive option among all the other subcompact crossovers on sale in Malaysia. Already have your eyes on these two but can\u2019t decide which one to get? Join us to find out which of this duo suits you best.\nEXTERIOR\nIt\u2019s no secret that the\u00a0\nHR-V is the bigger car\n here, measuring 19mm longer, 7mm wider, and 70mm taller than the CX-3, and it clearly shows when you put the two side-by-side.\u00a0Honda\u2019s \nExciting H Design!!!\n (yes, with three exclamation marks no less) is said to emphasise on the grille design, proportions, and surfacing, while Mazda\u2019s \nKodo\n design ethos puts the \u201cSoul of Motion\u201d in the CX-3.\n \n \nIt\u2019s pretty obvious that both cars are banking on their sporting intentions, but Honda might be trying a bit too hard by hiding the rear door handles into the C-Pillars in a bid to give the HR-V a \ncoupe-like appeal\n. It works though, from some angle the HR-V does looks like a three door car and most people like the idea of being seen in a sporty car.\nExtra dough can be spent on a couple of exterior styling kits, as seen with our HR-V that\u2019s fitted with the \u201c\nTough Advance Package\n\u201d costing around \nRM3,700\n.\u00a0In return, Honda will slap on the bumper guards, extend out the side sills, and stick on some chrome garnish under the foglamps. Not sure about you, but we can live without the kit, thank you.\nMazda\u2019s approach is more subtle, though. There\u2019s no optional accessories to add on, but the good news is it doesn\u2019t look like it needs any. \nDual chrome tailpipes\n are standard fitment, likewise the swanky \n18-inch wheels\n, which is by the way, a good couple of inches bigger than the ones fitted on the HR-V.\nDespite their inherent differences, they do share some very similar traits. Both are sporting a \nshark\u2019s fin antenna\n\u00a0and an \nintegrated roof spoiler\n, and both get \nLEDs\n\u00a0for the headlamps and tail lights as well.\u00a0\nReverse camera\n also features just above the rear number plate on both cars.\nOn the whole, the HR-V looks very modern and butch with its heavily sculpted body panels compared to the more organic flowing lines on the CX-3. The HR-V is a good looking car on its own, but when parked next to the CX-3 we think the Mazda just edges it with the CX-3\u2019s more refined styling.\nINTERIOR\nThe donor car\u2019s interior has been carried over in the CX-3, which means it\u2019s the same story as in the \nMazda2\n. Honda on the other hand, went to great lengths to create a \nbespoke interior\n for the HR-V, and we praise their effort in doing so. The CX-3 has a solid interior and the combination of \nleather and suede\n upholstery gives it an upmarket feel. And yet, the ambiance in the HR-V is plusher, with the\n soft-touch leather-like material\n covering more parts of the interior than in the CX-3.\nThe two cars here utilise a \n7-inch touch screen infotainment system\n, but we find the Mazda\u2019s \nMZD Connect\n\u00a0a much easier system to operate on the fly, thanks to the additional physical rotary knobs and buttons as opposed to the full touchscreen affair in the HR-V. Honda also went all \ntouchy-feely\n with their \ntouch sensitive air-conditioning controls\n in the HR-V, whereas the CX-3 stayed true to the good old trusty knobs.\nThe driver gets a \nmulti function steering with audio and cruise control buttons\n\u00a0and a sharp instrument cluster in the HR-V, while Mazda adds a couple of \nshift paddles\n on the steering wheel and a \nhead up display\n in the CX-3. Seat adjustments are done manually in both cars, but the CX-3\u2019s seat hugs the body better with a more generous bolster support.\nWhen it comes to cabin space and practicality, the HR-V clearly trumps the CX-3. For the front occupants, there\u2019s an \nalmost-hidden compartment\n under the dashboard with \nHDMI\n, \nUSB\n, and \ncharging ports\n for their mobile devices, as well as a much needed covered cubby under the center arm rest that\u2019s sorely missing in the CX-3. We heard some dealerships are giving the armrest for free, so be sure to make your dollar count if you plan to put your money down on the Mazda.\nThe \nextra 40mm\n in the HR-V\u2019s wheelbase over the CX-3 translates to a more habitable back seats, so rear occupants will be\u00a0happier in the HR-V than in the CX-3. Then there\u2019s Honda\u2019s\u00a0\nUltra Seat\n, which is the ultimate party piece in the HR-V\u2019s cabin. You can fold flat the rear seats (60:40 split), just like the CX-3, but in addition to that you can fold up the seat base to accommodate all sorts of paraphernalia that you can think of.\nThe HR-V also has a \nbigger boot\n than the CX-3, offering a total of 437 litres, which is \n85 litres more\n than what the Mazda offers. Honda\u2019s tailgate opens much wider than the Mazda\u2019s, and the low sill makes for a painless loading and unloading of your cargo. The only downside with the HR-V\u2019s boot is perhaps the flimsy parcel shelf.\nMeanwhile, the safety kit is equal on the two cars. It includes the \nstability control\n, ABS and EBD, \nsix airbags\n, three-point seatbelts and \nISOFIX anchors\n. Other goodies fitted on both cars are \nkeyless entry\n and \npush start button\n, auto headlamps and auto climate control, although the \ntilting and sliding sunroof\n is only available on the CX-3.\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth contenders use \nnaturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines\n, but the one \nunder the CX-3\u2019s bonnet carries a bigger displacement\n, resulting in a higher power output of \n154 hp and 204 Nm\n. Compared to the 2.0-litre in the Mazda, the \n1.8-litre\n lump in the HR-V delivers \n140 hp and 172 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the \nfront wheels\n on both cars, but each car uses a different transmission.\nA \nsix-speed automatic\n is used in the CX-3, complete with\n Sport mode\n \nand manual override\n via the steering-mounted shift paddles. A \nCVT\n is fitted in the HR-V, but instead of a Sport mode and paddle shifters, it comes with an \nEcon\n button to encourage fuel-efficient driving. Mazda also has its own fuel-saving measure in the form of the\n i-stop system\n, which kills the engine when you come to a halt and restarts it back on when you lift your foot off the brake pedal.\nOnly the Honda provides the official fuel consumption figures, but both didn\u2019t state the official century sprint time, or even the top speed. Although gathered sources from other publications indicate that both cars consume \nless than seven litres of petrol in 100 kilometers\n on average, they take around \n10 seconds to get to 100 km/h\n from standstill, and they have a \ntop speed\n that\u2019s \njust shy of the 200 km/h\n mark.\nTHE DRIVE\nFrom the get-go, the \nHR-V feels zippier off the line\n, but once on the move the \nCX-3 is the quicker car\n, and the in-gear acceleration with the Mazda\u2019s six-speed auto feels more natural too. The 14 hp deficit on the Honda might not sound much on paper, but the HR-V does feel slower than the CX-3 at times. Getting up to speed with the CVT in the Honda is more strenuous if you mash the throttle pedal, but treat it gently and you will be rewarded with a smooth and steady progress.\nSpirited driving on back roads suits the CX-3 better because the steering feels sweeter and the handling is tighter with less body roll than in the HR-V. Furthermore, you are given the liberty to swap the cogs yourself via the gear lever or the steering wheel-mounted paddles, so what\u2019s not to like?\nIn city traffic, both cars exhibit \nalmost identical ride comfort\n, but trundle along pockmarked roads. Your passengers in the back are slightly less shaken in the HR-V than in the CX-3 as the softer suspension setup and the higher profile tyres fitted on the HR-V buffer out more road imperfections from the cabin. Although both are highly manouverable cars in the city streets, and with light steering and reverse camera, parking either of the two cars in tight spaces is a cinch.\nHighway cruising is calmer in the Honda. NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) is better suppressed than in the CX-3, whereas at higher speeds the CX-3 feels more composed than the bouncy HR-V. If the HR-V is a wobbly caramel pudding,\u00a0the CX-3 is a firm jelly with fresh fruits bits; both are delectable sweet things but the CX-3 is more exciting and refreshing.\nWHICH CAR IS FOR YOU?\nIf you have a small family and you\u2019re looking for an all-rounder, the HR-V is the easier car to live with day-to-day. It offers more interior space and the extra flexibility is a boon to those who carries loads of stuff on a regular basis.\nFor those who don\u2019t\u00a0need the extra space inside but would like to get more involved with the driving part, the CX-3 is the car to choose. It\u2019s more \u201ccar-like\u201d to drive than the HR-V so the CX-3 doesn\u2019t lollop about in the bends when being driven enthusiastically.\nCOMPARISONS\nIf you haven\u2019t watch our video, please do! We also have an individual review on the HR-V and the CX-3.\nMazda CX-3 2.0L SkyActiv-G 2WD\nHonda HR-V 1.8 CVT Grade V\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, DOHC\ninline-4, SOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,998cc\n1,799cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n154/6,000\n140/6,500\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n204/2,800\n172/4,300\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nCVT\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n215/50 R18\n215/60 R16\nWheels\n18-inch Alloy\n16-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,275mm\n4,294mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,765mm\n1,772mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,535mm\n1,605mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,570mm\n2,610mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,211 kg\n1,249 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n350\u00a0litres\n437 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n50\u00a0litres\n48\u00a0litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\nN/A\n6.6\u00a0litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\nN/A\nN/A\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\nN/A\nN/A\nPrice\nRM\nRM131,218.50\nRM117,933.59\nWHICH ONE WILL I BUY?\nAs much as we hate to say this, there\u2019s neither a clear winner nor loser in this round of battle. There\u2019s no right or wrong car, but for most people the HR-V offers better value for money. However, we at AutoBuzz.my feel that the CX-3 is the more polished and engaging car to drive, and therefore we unanimously pick the CX-3 as our favourite small crossover.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda CX-3 2.0 SkyActiv 2WD   Honda HR-V 1.8 CVT V\nMazda CX-3 2.0 SkyActiv 2WD & Honda HR-V 1.8 CVT V"
"This is something out of the ordinary and not good news to start the weekend. The soon-to-be-unveiled Toyota GR86 is supposedly going back to the drawing board due to being too similar to the \n2021 Subaru BRZ\n that it is based on.\nMore specifically, the intangible feeling of both vehicles from the driver\u2019s seat. Akio Toyoda, \u201cMaster Driver\u201d or chief test driver of Toyota and of course its president, deemed the Toyota-branded coupe has too much similarities in terms of driving qualities with the new Subaru BRZ.\nThe 2021 Subaru BRZ now equipped with more power via a 2.4-litre boxer engine.\nThe revelation, which \nJalopnik\n picked-up the article by Japan\u2019s Next Car Web, said Toyoda-san then asked his team of engineers to go back to the drawing board and differentiate the Toyota-badged car from its donor car made by Fuji Heavy Industries.\nIn the launch version of the 2012 Toyota 86/Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, both teams of engineers specified different suspension tuning and thus a different driving feel. As such, one approach the Toyota engineers could work on is further altering the valves, bushings and coil spring rates of the suspension system, plus perhaps remapping the powertrain and the electric assistance in the power steering system.\nIf the requirement and scope of work is indeed true, the launch schedule of the new Toyota GR86 will certainly be pushed back by a few months, perhaps even a full 12 months. It is however surprising that the boss\u2019 feedback of such an important product is related back so late in the development of the Toyota GR86.\n \nToyoda-san has led the development of the \nGR Yaris\n from the very beginning of the project with the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team, when the development mule was based on the previous generation Yaris. Needless to say, the dynamism of the GR Yaris has been a hit with drivers of varying experience levels."
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors\n (HSDM) today launched a new Smart Lease Programme for the \nHyundai Grand Starex\n, in partnership with Sime Darby Rent A Car (SDRAC). The programme is open to corporations, businesses, as well as individuals, offering three- to five-year leases with additional savings.\nWith the Smart Lease Programme, customers can enjoy the ownership experience of a new Hyundai Grand Starex without worrying about loan applications, long-term maintenance cost, road tax, and insurance payments. At the end of the lease, there\u2019s also no need to worry about resale value or think about disposal of said vehicle.\nHyundai Grand Starex in Standard Corporate trim\nTo sign up, customers will only need to furnish a two-month deposit, and a booking fee of RM500 upon signing of the Hyundai Smart Lease Agreement. After that, each monthly payment will be of a pre-agreed fixed monthly fee.\nThe new Smart Lease Programme is offered with all four variants of the Grand Starex \u2013 Standard Corporate, Executive Plus without body kits, Executive Plus with body kits, and Executive Prime.\nThe Grand Starex now comes as standard with Hyundai\u2019s telematics system. Learn more about it here.\nMonthly payment starts from RM2,800 for the Standard Corporate variant in a five-year leasing programme, with mileage capped at 15,000\u00a0km per annum, that also includes a car replacement benefit of three days.\nCustomers can choose to extend the mileage cap up to 30,000 km per annum or 40,000 km per annum with a monthly repayment of RM3,250 and RM3,550 respectively.\nAt the end of the leasing programme, customers can also opt to renew the lease with a brand-new unit. Hyundai estimates that customers will save approximately RM17,000 with the new Smart Lease Programme, when compared to a standard ownership over a five-year period.\nThe Hyundai Grand Starex is a large 11-seater people carrier, powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that\u2019s good for \n170 hp\n and 4\n41 Nm\n, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include swivel seats on the second row, four airbags, reverse camera, and an overhead display entertainment system.\nHSDM also recently introduced a new Extended Warranty Programme for older models. Check it out here.\nInterested parties can enquire about the new leasing programme at any Hyundai showrooms nationwide, or register their interest via HSDM\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n."
"Automobili Lamborghini\n released a teaser image indicating that they might possibly revealing a \nfour-seater\n car. The teaser image also mentioned \u201c\nOnce perfection is achieved, you can just double it.\n\u201c, further hinting that it might be a 2+2 car.\nNothing much was revealed other than an image of a few slashes suggesting at the vehicle\u2019s silhouette. There are no mention about the powerplant either. However the time and location indicates that it will be revealed at their press conference at the\n 2014 Paris motorshow\n on \n2nd of October\n at 9:50 a.m.,\u00a0 in Hall 4 to be more precise.\nThis soon-to-be-revealed car will not be Lamborghini\u2019s first four-seater. In the late 60\u2019s there was the \nEspada\n, a two-door four-seater powered by a 4.0-litre V12 engine, and who can forget about the \u201cRambo Lambo\u201d, the\n LM002\n 4WD behemoth back in the 80\u2019s.   Since then Lamborghini have not produced any four-seater vehicle, but they did showed us a couple of concepts such as the stylish four-door \nEstoque\n in 2008 and the\n Urus\n SUV a couple of years back and neither one have yet to enter the production line. All we have to do now is wait for the official reveal on 2nd of October. Watch this space!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There is only one model going through Bugatti\u2019s production floor and that is the \nChiron\n. Hand assembled by 20 highly trained individuals at Molsheim, France, each Chiron takes an average of six months to build.\nTo deliver 70 vehicles in a single year was an impressive feat considering that the 20 fine technicians have to put together over 1,800 individual parts by hand. Not forgetting the customised parts as ordered from the affluent customers.\nProduction of the Chiron started in the Autumn of 2016 and first deliveries to customers only commenced in March 2017. Earlier, we reported that the wait list for a Chiron stretches up to three to four years before one is delivered to your doorstep which resulted in the\n highly inflated price for one in the classifieds\n.\nPresident of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., Wolfgang D\u00fcrheimer said, \u201cIt is a tremendous success for the entire Bugatti team that we have already reached the target of 70 vehicles in the first full year of production of the Chiron. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our suppliers for their commitment and delivery compliance.\u201d\n\u201cThis outstanding performance is especially important because we aim to keep the waiting times for our customers as short as possible,\u201d D\u00fcrheimer added.\nCurrently, more than 300 Chiron\u2019s have been sold and its production is strictly limited to 500 units worldwide. Europe is the biggest market for the 1,500 hp hypercar, accounting for 43 percent of orders. North America stands at 26 percent, Middle East at 23 percent while the remaining 8 percent of orders comes from the Asia-Pacific region."
"An electric MPV is apparently on its way to Malaysia and it isn\u2019t by the likes of brands that we are too familiar with. The fully electric MPV that has been \nteased\n for the Malaysian market is the Maxus Mifa 9. The \nMaxus\n brand is officially distributed by the Weststar Group in Malaysia.\nMeasuring 5,270 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, 1,840 mm tall, and with a wheelbase measuring 3,200 mm, the Maxus Mifa 9 is slightly larger than the all-too-familiar Alphard. Looks-wise, it is actually quite hard to tell that the Mifa 9 is a fully electric MPV, due to just how radical the styling of other MPVs is today.\nIn other regions, it seems that the Maxus Mifa 9 comes in three versions, namely \u201cElite\u201d, \u201cLuxury\u201d, and \u201cPremium\u201d. Depending on the variant, Maxus Mifa 9 sits on either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels with varying designs. In its range-topping \u201cPremium\u201d trim, the Maxus Mifa 9 is equipped with a front & rear electric sunroof. As for colour options, the Mifa 9 appears to offer at least 7 choices.\nAs for the electric numbers, well, the Maxus Mifa 9 gets a single motor setup that drives the front wheels only. That motor outputs 180 kW (\n244 hp\n metric) and a maximum torque of \n350 Nm\n. This single-motor setup allows for a \n9.9-second\n 0-100 km/h acceleration time onward to a top speed of \n180 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nMaxus T60 gets free performance boost for 2022 in Malaysia, but for a limited time only\nPower is sourced from a 90-kWh battery pack and this provides up to \n440 km\n of range for the \u201cElite\u201d variant of the Mifa 9. The \u201cLuxury\u201d gets 435 km of range while the \u201cPremium\u201d gets 430 km of range (all ranges based on the WLTP test cycle).\nTo charge, the Maxus Mifa 9 takes \n8.5 hours\n to go from 5% to 100% with \n11 kW \nAC charging and \n30 minutes\n to go from 30% to 80% with DC charging. The maximum DC charging rate, however, is not listed.\nRELATED: \nWestar Maxus opens first 3S Centre in Bukit Mertajam, launches new V80 Van\nAs for cabin luxuries, the Maxus Mifa 9 offers a 12.3-inch and a 7-inch screen on the dashboard, 64-colour atmosphere lighting, wireless mobile phone charging, and power-adjustable front row seats with ventilation, heating, and massage for the range-topping \u201cPremium\u201d variant. The range-topping variant also gets up to 12 speakers.\nSafety-wise, the Maxus Mifa 9 boasts safety features such as Speed Assist System (SAS), Intelligent Headlight Control (IHC), Emergency Lan Keeping Assist, Rear Autonomous Emergency Braking (RAEB), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and driver fatigue monitor system. Teased through Weststar Group\u2019s social media for now, we may soon witness the launch of the Maxus Mifa 9 in Malaysia."
"AirAsia Group has launched their e-hailing service called \u2018airasia ride\u2019. The idea was first announced by its CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes back in late June. The company said it plans to stand out from the crowd with more competitive prices, greater passenger convenience as well as income support.\nCurrently available in Klang Valley, the \u2018airasia ride\u2019 feature can be accessed by clicking on the \u2018Ride\u2019 icon in the airasia Super App. Expansion to more cities in Malaysia will take place throughout the year.\nFares on airasia ride are set at an average of RM1 per km excluding toll charges. Users can also pre-book their rides in advance. The e-hailing fleet, at the time of writing, consists of \ncompact, 6-seater, and regular public taxis\n, with additional products such as Premium and \nPremium MPV\n listed on the website.\nUsers can also experience the \u2018Allstar Ride\u2019, where one would be driven by AirAsia pilots and cabin crew. Passengers can also choose their vehicle type and drivers, which currently stands at about 1,500 registered drivers.\n11 drivers using a popular e-hailing app caught cheating. Find out how they did it here!\n\u201cSafety is our priority, and in line with our safety commitment, we are happy to share that 100% of our driver fleet are \nfully vaccinated\n and are regularly tested. Passengers can feel safe and confident to travel with us,\u201d said AirAsia Group, Head of airasia ride and Chief Safety Officer, Captain Ling Liong Tien.\nThe e-hailing drivers are also reported to be given higher commissions, with AirAsia Group taking just 15% \ncommission\n as opposed to the 20% rate that has been capped by the Malaysian authorities.\nPassengers with the airasia Super App can start using the airasia ride from today and be able to receive RM3 off their first ride by using the promo code \u2018AARIDE3\u2019 which is available until September 30th.\nIn the future, ride payments can also be made via BIG points which is AirAsia Group\u2019s loyalty program."
"The Honda City facelift is set to be launched in Thailand on\u00a012 January 2017, following a few teaser images from Honda Thailand. The current, fourth-generation \nHonda City\n has been around since 2014, making it rather timely for the popular B-Segment sedan to receive an update.\nUnsurprisingly, the City will borrow several styling cues\u00a0from the\u00a0\nHonda Civic FC\n. The headlights receive \nLED\u00a0daytime running lights\n, a new chrome grille and new fog lamps. An updated alloy wheel design can be expected.\nAs per most Honda facelifts, there won\u2019t be changes to its mechanics, therefore the\n\u00a01.5-litre i-VTEC\n\u00a0engine and the \nContinuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT) setup will be retained. The four-cylinder mill develops\n 119 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque, which allows the car to reach 100 km/h from standstill in\u00a0\n10.6 seconds\n.\nHonda Malaysia will definitely introduce the new City next year, a few months after its Thai debut. Currently, four variants of the City are offered in Malaysia. The locally assembled City begins from RM76,100 to RM92,000.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Petronas has just introduced the Euro5M compliant diesel fuel to five additional stations around Klang Valley, which brings the total number of stations with Euro5 diesel to seven.\nAvailable Stations in Klang Valley:\nTechnology Park Malaysia 1\nMutiara Damansara (North-bound)\nNKVE (Damansara-bound)\nSolaris Putra\nSolaris Serdang (South-bound)\nSprint Highway\nThe Euro5M diesel costs 10 sen more than Euro2M diesel\nAvailable Stations in Johor:\nPasir Gudang Highway 2\nGelang Patah\nAccording to Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB), Mohd Ibrahimnuddin Mohd Yunus, the PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro5 will provide better protection to the engine, restores engine power and gives a cleaner combustion cycle. This altogether provides better drivability while emitting lesser harmful exhaust fumes.\nThe higher quality and environmentally friendlier diesel is available at \nRM1.80\n per litre, costing just 10 sen more than the regular Euro2M diesel. Petronas is already planning to introduce the Euro5M diesel to 25 more stations within the Klang Valley by the end of the year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bernama has posted on its \nTwitter account \non flash floods taking place on major roads in KL. If you\u2019re driving home now, best avoid them to avoid expensive repair bills.\nThe roads affected by the rain are as follows:\nJalan Kuching\nJalan Tunku Abdul Halim\nJalan Semantan\nPintasan Segambut\nJalan Segambut\nJalan Kinabalu (Bulatan Mereka)\nJalan Changkat Thami Dollah\nLebuhraya Sultan Iskandar\nJalan Travers\nBulatan Dato\u2019 Onn\nJalan Melaka\nTraffic is still flowing, according to the images by \nDBKL\n and Bernama, albeit at a much slower pace and volume. DBKL also announced that it has dispatched its officers to the affected areas to control the flow of traffic.\nBe safe everyone."
"Ferrari is not the only brand that stole the limelight at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards. Audi continues its winning streak with the 2.5-litre TFSI engine awarded as the best engine in the 2 to 2.5-litre category for the ninth consecutive time.\nThe 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine is found in the RS 3 and TT RS models, spewing out \n400 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n of torque that peaks from 1,700 rpm. The 2.5-litre TFSI is not only praised for its competent output but more so for its distinctive five-cylinder sound of the turbocharged unit.\n2.5-litre TFSI\nThe symphony is strung together by adjacent cylinders firing alternatively to more distant cylinders, resulting in a unique rhythm. \u201cThe five-cylinder has been an icon of our brand for more than 40 years,\u201d explains Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport GmbH, Oliver Hoffmann.\n\u201cTwo years ago, we completely redesigned the 2.5 TFSI and changed the crankcase to an aluminium version.\u201d He added.\nWith the 2.5-litre TFSI, the \nTT RS Coupe\n can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds while the heavier \nRS 3 Saloon\n and Sportback will get there in 4.1 seconds. Both the TT RS and RS 3 have a limited top speed of 250 km/h, with the option of increasing it to 280 km/h."
"The \nall-new Lexus RX\n is set to make its debut in Malaysia in 2023, and could be launched as soon as May this year, if a message from a Lexus dealer is anything to go by.\nAccording to the dealer, the all-new Lexus RX will be offered in two variants: the entry-level RX350 Luxury, priced at an estimated RM470k to RM480k, as well as the RX500h F Sport, at approximately RM510k to RM520k.\nOf course, these pricing and variant information are not anywhere near official, so take it with a giant pinch of salt. If accurate, though, our variant line-up will actually be quite unique within the region \u2013 Thailand only gets the RX450h, while Singapore has the hybridised RX350h and RX500h. Indonesia, on the other hand, gets both the regular RX350 and the RX350h, as well as the RX450h.\nWhile the launch is said to be somewhere in May this year, the dealer did also mention that official pricing for the Lexus RX will be announced in early April 2023 when order taking commences. So if the rumours are true, we won\u2019t have too much longer to wait.\nALSO READ: \n2023 Lexus RZ 450e debuts in Thailand \u2013 fully-electric SUV to launch in Malaysia this year?\nThe \nall-new Lexus RX\n was unveiled globally in June last year, with a striking design that almost looks like it came out from an Alien movie. Much of it is due to the new \u2018Spindle Body\u2019 grille, but the entire design for the Lexus RX has also been significantly modernised, including its new shiny interior.\nThe base RX350 is powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, offering up to\n 275 hp\n and \n430 Nm \nto the front wheels. In this configuration, the engine is paired to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox to send drive to the front wheels.\nMoving up to the RX500h will see the same mill paired to an additional electric motor that boosts outputs up to \n371 hp \nand \n460 Nm\n. The electrified powertrain is matched to a Hybrid Transaxle CVT gearbox, with drive sent to all four-wheels via a Direct4 all-wheel drive set-up.\nREAD MORE: \nAll-new Lexus RX debuts striking design and new \u2018F Sport Performance\u2019 variant\nGALLERY"
"MINI has debuted the fully electric Cooper SE Convertible \u2013 the world\u2019s first emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment \u2013 for the European market with 999 units available. Since the \nfully electric MINI Cooper SE\n launched three years ago, one in five sold is a fully electric MINI.\nIn distinguishing itself, the convertible\u2019s door handles and trims on the front fenders are finished in Resolute Bronze while the logos and lettering are in Piano Black. The door sills and front fender trims also come with a 1 of 999 lettering to denote the model\u2019s exclusivity. As for boot space, it\u2019s identical to the petrol-powered MINI convertible at 160 litres.\nAlso distinct to the convertible are the 17\u2033 Electric Power Spoke cast alloy wheels, which are made of 100% secondary aluminium. The folding soft top with a Union Jack design takes \n18 seconds to open or close\n and can be operated at speeds of up to 30 km/h.\nThe cabin is home to items like the MINI head-up display, MINI Yours Leather Lounge sports seats with heating function and a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel with model-specific badging.\u00a0\n\u2018Under the hood\u2019, the electric MINI Cooper SE convertible is driven by a front-mounted electric motor, with \n184 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n. MINI did not reveal battery specifications but based on the quoted electric range of \n201 km\n, it should be the same 32.6 kWh battery that powers the hard top model (with a 230 km range).\u00a0\nThe lower 201 km electric range could be due to the aerodynamic disadvantages of the convertible design. The convertible\u2019s 0-100 km/h time is 8.2 seconds, while the hard top does 7.3 seconds. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is priced from \u00a352,500 (approx. RM279,767) and judging by the success of the hard-top in Malaysia, wouldn\u2019t you like to see the convertible here?\nGALLERY"
"While they may not be the first to introduce this revolutionary transmission, Volkswagen became the first manufacturer to incorporate dual-clutch gearboxes into large-scale production back in 2003; with the first actual systems derived from Porsche\u2019s race cars from the 1980s.\nEssentially, the DSG incorporates two separate gearboxes with clutches within a transmission housing to work as a unit.\nDesigned by Borg Warner, who called it \u201cDualTronic\u201d at its conception, it was later licensed by Volkswagen and renamed to Direct-Shift Gearbox or DSG.\nThe 2003 Audi TT Quattro\nThe first Volkswagen to be offered the quick-shifting 6-speed transmission was the 2003 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 R32 in 6-speed form and subsequently found its way to the Audi TT 3.2 Quattro.\nThis new type of automatic gearbox, available either wet or dry clutch configurations, shifted extremely athletically and was up to 20% more economical than the automatic gearbox with hydraulic torque converter.\nAs time went, these DSG gearbox\u2019 were offered in seven and even 10-speed variations and built to cope with anywhere between 350 Nm to 600 Nm of torque.\nCheck out our\n review of the Mk7.5 Golf GTI here\n!\nOther benefits included smoother gearshifts when in automatic mode and reduced loss in torque when shifting between gears.\nThat said, the DSG also had its drawbacks. Chief among which was weight. It weighed nearly twice as much as a conventional manual gearbox and its complex system meant that cost of manufacturing was high, increasing the overall cost of the vehicle."
"Ford Malaysia today announced that its retail sales in June\u00a0rose 57 percent from the previous month to 1,001 units, as it continued to regain\u00a0momentum following implementation of the \nGoods and Services Tax (GST).\nThe substantial sales growth is propelled forward by models such as the \nRanger, \nEcoSport\n \nand\n Fiesta\n models. Ford\u2019s pick up truck is leading the charge on our shores, racking up sales figures to the tune of \n693 units \n\u2013 a jump of \n68 percent\n. Ford\u2019s tiny urban SUV, the EcoSport also rose 68 percent month-on-month to 138 units.\nAlso sharing the joy is the Fiesta, which saw a rise of over 41 percent to 106 units.\u00a0Ford\u2019s definitely in it for the long haul, with imminent launches of the \nnew Ranger\n, the \nall-new Everest\n and the timelessly iconic\u00a0\nMustang\n.\u00a0They are all poised\u00a0to take centre stage soon. Also, in case you\u2019ve missed the news,\u00a0\nFord is also offering handsome deals for selected models\n in conjunction with the upcoming festive holidays."
"When we received the invitation to the Proton 1 Tank Adventure Challenge, we were presented with the option to join the Northern, Southern, East Coast and East Malaysia legs. The East Malaysia leg which will see participants covering from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang \nand back\n in one single tank of fuel piqued my interest.\nKundasang is the closest town to Mount Kinabalu, situated at almost 1,900 meters above sea level. The two-way roads leading up to the highest settlement in Malaysia will immerse your eyeballs in some of the most beautiful sceneries Sabah has to offer. But therein lies the challenge \u2013 hill climb.\nInstead of hypermiling on a long highway stretch in Peninsular Malaysia, I opted to join Proton in Sabah to put their Saga, Iriz and Persona to the ultimate challenge \u2013 can it complete the \n420 km journey\n through twisty mountainous roads on one single tank of petrol, if so, how realistic is it to achieve those figures.\nMy co-driver, Sep Irran from \nPiston.my\n, and I were given the keys to a \nProton Saga 1.3 Premium CVT\n, packing a modest \n94 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n of torque. On paper, the quoted fuel consumption figures for this model is 5.6 litres per 100 km and in theory, we should be good for the entire journey with some fuel left to spare.\nSetting off from Proton Edar Inanam located in the city centre of Kota Kinabalu, we made our first stop at the nearest Petronas station to fuel our respective cars to the brim. Adopting a \u201cthree click\u201d method, we fuelled up till the nozzle clicks three times, signalling our Saga\u2019s 40-litre tank holds as much fuel as it possibly can.\nBefore driving off to our first checkpoint of the day, we took an extra 10 minutes to inspect our tyre pressure. Having properly inflated tyres not only have the car perform more efficiently but it also ensures that we have optimal grip levels from the tyres. That 10-minute stop proved to be worthwhile as the tyres were underinflated at 18 to 20 psi, way lower than its factory recommended 30 to 32 psi. Beep goes the tyre pump and we were on our way.\nAll three models on the Proton 1 Tank Adventure Challenge are equipped with the company\u2019s latest VVT (Variable Valve Timing) engines (Saga & Iriz 1.3L, Persona 1.6L), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Eco Drive Assist Indicator.\nProton engineers present at the event explained that the Eco Drive Assist Indicator only lights up when the driver is driving economically. However, the engineers also stressed that this function is just an indicator and does not interfere with the car\u2019s performance in any way. Meaning if you drive an older Iriz without Eco Drive Assist Indicator, you can still achieve the same fuel consumption as a newer model with the indicator equipped.   The Eco Drive Assist indicator was helpful in guiding us to approach the throttle pedal in an economical fashion. When the green leaf comes on, we know we are doing good. The moment it went away, we know we have to back off the throttle by a bit. The Eco Drive Assist indicator does not mean that we have to drive below the speed limit, because even at 90 km/h, maintaining at just over 2,000 rpm, we are still driving economical by the computer\u2019s standards.\nThroughout the journey, we drove the Saga as how we normally would on a day to day basis albeit a little more economically than usual. Just by accelerating smoothly, letting the car glide on the\u00a0downhill and keeping a safe distance to minimise braking, we made it to our first stopover of the day 327.5 km away consuming only three bars of fuel on the fuel gauge.\nOur windows were up, and air conditioning was in a comfortable setting throughout the entire journey. We travelled at a reasonable pace and even made some overtaking manoeuvres on our way here. Although other participants who drove without air conditioning and crawled to the destination had more indicated fuel than we did, we were not concerned as it does not necessarily reflect real-world driving conditions.\nWe were confident to complete day two with half a tank of indicated fuel as our journey today are on the downhill stretch. With gravity on our side, we were able to make swift progress back to Kota Kinabalu town while consuming lesser fuel than our journey here.   Again, we cannot stress this enough, we drove the Saga exactly how you and I would drive every other day \u2013 air conditioning on, windows up, overtake when necessarily and Spotify blasting through the speakers via Bluetooth.\nAt the end of the Proton 1 Tank Adventure, we covered \n413.9 km with just 25.13 litres of fuel\n. That works out to 6.07 litres/100 km. Quite an impressive feat considering the challenging and twisty route that we took throughout the two days. It is worth noting that our Saga would have just under 15 litres left at our disposal and based on our fuel consumption figures we should be able to cover another 250 km give or take!\nAll 16 cars have successfully completed the 420 km journey and here are the breakdown of best fuel consumption figures:\nProton Saga 1.3 CVT \u2013 5.46L/100km (Average 6.17L/100km)\nProton Iriz 1.3 CVT \u2013 5.76L/100km (Average 6.57L/100km)\nProton Persona 1.6 CVT \u2013 5.83 litres/100km (Average 6.33L/100km)\nHaving experienced this first hand, we can conclude that Proton\u2019s claimed fuel consumption figures are very achievable in the real world. All that it takes is a little bit of effort from the driver to adopt a more economical driving style and the Eco Drive Assist makes it all that easier.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For the first time in the 20-year history of the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards, the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award was given to two sporting icons.\nLionel Messi of Barcelona was the other joint recipient with both athletes receiving the same number of votes from the jury.\nWhile the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team driver claimed his 6th F1 Drivers\u2019 World Championship, Lionel Messi was named the Best FIFA Men\u2019s Player as the playmaker led his team to the Spanish League title and the semi-finals of the Champions League where they lost to soon-to-be Premier League champions, Liverpool.\nThe \nnew W11 Lewis will be counting on\n for a 7th drivers\u2019 crown.\nOther sportsmen nominated for the award were golfer Tiger Woods, tennis player Rafael Nadal, Moto GP champion Marc Marquez and marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge.\nAlongside Lewis\u2019 personal accolade, his Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team was also nominated for the\n World Team of the Year\n award, for the sixth time.\nThey were one of six teams nominated for the award which included Liverpool FC, the Toronto Raptors, the US Women\u2019s Football team, the Spanish Men\u2019s Basketball team and the South African Rugby Union team which claimed the award."
"The struggles of the McLaren team in Formula 1 have been well documented in recent year, but the 2019 season saw them turn the corner with a \u2018\nbest of the rest\n\u2019 fourth place finish in the constructors\u2019 championship, even a \npodium finish\n.\nWith \nAndreas Seidl\n settling into his role as team boss, two hungry and talented drivers who genuinely get along well, and a few more sponsors on board for 2020, McLaren may well feature more regularly on podiums with the new \nMCL35\n.\nMatte paint job aside (which saves a few grams, mind you), the MCL35 does look like it had undergone a strict fitness regime over winter to emerge \nlooking sleeker and fitter\n, looking quite different from last year\u2019s car which was compromised by a late power unit switch from Honda to Renault.For 2021, McLaren will race with \nMercedes \npower.\n \nMcLaren has also published an exhaustive technical specifications for the MCL35 (see below), and it does make for a good read for F1 nerds.\nChassis\nMonocoque \nCarbon fibre composite, incorporating driver controls and fuel cell\nSafety structures\n Cockpit survival cell incorporating impact resistant construction and anti-penetration panels, front impact structure, prescribed side impact structures, integrated rear impact structure, front and rear roll structures, Halo secondary roll structure\nBodywork \nCarbon fibre composite, including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing with driver-operated drag reduction system\nFront suspension\n Carbon fibre wishbone and pushrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system\nRear suspension\n Carbon fibre wishbone and pullrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system\nWeight \nOverall vehicle weight 746kg (including driver, excluding fuel); weight distribution between 45.4% and 46.4%\nElectronics \nMcLaren Applied. Including chassis control, power unit control, data acquisition, sensors, data analysis and telemetry\nInstruments \nMcLaren Applied dashboard\nBrake system\n Akebono brake calipers and master cylinders; Akebono \u2018brake by wire\u2019 rear brake control system; Carbon discs and pads\n Steering Power-assisted rack and pinion\nTyres \nPirelli P Zero\nRace wheels\n Enkei\nPaint \nAkzoNobel Sikkens products\nCooling systems\n Marelli charge air, engine oil and ERS cooling systems\nAdvanced manufacturing\n Stratasys 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Mazak Advanced Technology Solutions\nPower unit\nPower unit type\n Renault E-Tech 20\nMinimum weight\n 145 kg\nPrimary PU components\n Internal Combustion Engine (ICE); Motor Generator Unit \u2013 Kinetic (MGU-K), Motor Generator Unit \u2013 Heat (MGU-H), Energy Store (ES) Turbocharger, Control Electronics\nInternal combustion engine\nCapacity \n1.6 litres\nCylinders \nSix\nBank angle\n 90-degree vee angle\nNo of valves\n 24\nMax speed\n 15,000 rpm\nMax fuel flow rate\n 100 kg/hour (above 10,500 rpm) \nFuel consumption\n 110 kg \u2018lights to flag\u2019 regulated fuel capacity limit\nFuel injection\n Direct injection, single injector per cylinder, 500 bar max\nPressure charging \nSingle-stage compressor and exhaust turbine, common shaft\nEnergy recovery system\nArchitecture\n Integrated Hybrid energy recovery via Motor Generator Units, Crankshaft coupled electrical MGU-K, Turbocharger coupled electrical MGU-H\nEnergy store\n Lithium-Ion battery, between 20 and 25 kg, Maximum energy storage, 4 MJ per lap\nMGU-K\n Maximum speed, 50,000 rpm, Maximum power, 120 kW, Maximum energy recovery, 2 MJ per lap, Maximum energy deployment, 4 MJ per lap\nMGU-H\n Maximum speed >125,000 rpm, Maximum power, unlimited, Maximum energy recovery, unlimited, Maximum energy deployment, unlimited\nTransmission\nGearbox\n Carbon fibre composite main case, longitudinally mounted \nGear ratios\n Eight forward and one reverse\nGear selection\n Electro-hydraulically operated seamless shift\nDifferential \nEpicyclic differential with multi-plate limited slip clutch\nClutch \nElectro-hydraulically operated, carbon multi-plate"
"The \n10th generation Honda Civic\n\u00a0that was recently revealed has already made its way down the production line. However, models\u00a0destined for European markets will get an additional turbocharged engine on top of the new 1.5-litre unit.\nAs the title points out, the 1.5-litre engine will be joined by a smaller \n1.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine\n and is part of Honda\u2019s growing Earth Dreams Technology range. Honda first introduced their blown VTEC engine with the debut of the \nnew Civic Type R\n. The \n2.0-litre inline-four\n engine makes a hardcore \n306 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n of torque, all of which are sent to the front wheels.\nLittle is known about the 1.0-litre engine at press time, but Honda claims that it will deliver a combination of dynamic performance, class-leading output and excellent fuel economy \u2013 just some key characteristics we\u2019ve heard plenty other manufacturers came forth claiming. That said, the engine will be based on a completely new structure and will feature direct injection and variable valve motion technology to reduce friction.\nHonda also says that the engine will \nmatch or\n \noutperform\n\u00a0outputs of larger naturally aspirated engines, but no numbers have been revealed to back that claim yet. Its performance is\u00a0courtesy of a turbocharger with low moment of inertia and high responsiveness which helps achieve a balance between high output and torque.\nThe new Civic (Euro-spec) will officially arrive in Europe by 2017. That should be a clear indication of when we should expect it to hit Malaysian showrooms, no?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda is all geared up for the 67\nth\n Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) to unveil the company\u2019s next steps in Electric Vision, starting with the world premiere of its first electric vehicle for Europe, the Honda Urban EV Concept.\nThe new Urban EV Concept is said to set the foundation for a future production model, but whether it will make it to the production line remains to be seen. No other information was released but the term \u201cUrban\u201d is highly suggestive of a \ncompact model for the city\n, presumably to challenge the likes of \nNissan Leaf\n and \nRenault Zoe\n.\nAlongside the new concept, Honda will also be showcasing the \nCR-V Hybrid\n Prototype, marking the European-market debut of the fifth-generation SUV. Besides that, the \nfacelifted Jazz\n and \ndiesel-powered Civic FC hatchback\n will also make its public debut at the 2017 IAA."
"A week after the Malaysian Ministry of Trade and Finance (MITI) \nissued an ultimatum to Proton\n, the cabinet went on to approve a loan of RM1.5 billon applied by the national carmaker, a sum which will be used to pay its vendors. The move is necessary to ensure the welfare of 12,000 Proton\u00a0employees and 50,000 staff from its vendors.\nOnce again, Proton receives a helping hand. Proton\u2019s CEO, Dato\u2019 Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said \u201cThe announcement by the Government will catalyse PROTON\u2019s turnaround plan which includes the rolling out of three new models this year starting with the Perdana. With the infusion of new members of management, the Company is confident to turnaround.\nAs we previously reported, \nProton has to meet four critical conditions for it to escape death\n.\u00a0In light of that, the government will form a taskforce, comprised of \u00a0six individuals from both the public and private sectors, to be led by\u00a0Datuk Seri Idris Jala to foresee Proton\u2019s transformation.\nWith the new Proton Perdana coming very soon, let\u2019s hope this will mark the dawn of a new era for our struggling automotive company.\n[Source: The Star]"
"Toyota USA\n has just released a short teaser of the all-new 2019 Toyota Avalon which will be making its debut later this month.\nThe video shows off the fifth generation sedan\u2019s new rear lighting design with visually-enticing sequential turn signals. It looks like a cross between the rear lights of the \nLexus NX\n and the\n Lexus LC 500\n even, without sounding too audacious.\nNew Year, new attitude. First look at the all-new \n#Avalon\n coming soon from 2018 \n@NAIASDetroit\n. \nhttps://t.co/Ge5MCCZJ23\n \n#NAIAS\n \npic.twitter.com/Xv8hXlcXcG\n\u2014 Toyota USA (@Toyota) \nJanuary 4, 2018\nWhile it may not be the latest, cutting-edge technology in turn signals \u2013 as was previously seen in the \nLexus RX\n and \nB9 Audi A4\n, it\u2019s a vague indication of the Avalon\u2019s new, more stylish direction. As \nMotorTrend\n reported, the Avalon is expected to be equipped with a dual panel moonroof and heads-up display.\nLocally, the eighth-generation Toyota Camry,\u00a0\njust launched in Japan recently\n, should be \nmaking its way here\n sometime this or next year."
"For the first time in over a decade, BMW has lost the volume game to Mercedes-Benz and sales of BMW cars also slipped to a six-year low.\nIn a rather surprising and ambitious announcement, the Bavarian giant said they would be unveiling 40 variants in the next two years, including the new BMW X2 and full-sized X7 crossover.\nBMW CEO, Mr Harald Krueger said, \u201c\nWe are launching the biggest model offensive ever and have begun a transformation unlike anything our company has seen before.\u201d\nApparently, reception of the all-new \nBMW 7 Series\n\u00a0fell short of expectations and couldn\u2019t challenge the \nMercedes-Benz W222 S-Class\n. This lacklustre effect also trickled down to the much anticipated \nG30 BMW 5 Series\n. To combat this, Krueger plans on shifting the focus to profitability instead of sales. This will conserve resources for the costly transition into an era of self-driving cars, electric vehicles and the fully autonomous iNext in 2021.\nBMW also said they would invest at a higher rate compared to the 5.16 billion euros (RM24.7 billion, and that\u2019s just 5.5 percent of their revenue) they spent on R&D last year. Despite the increased cost, BMW projects a rise in profit and revenue in 2017, albeit by a small margin.\nBesides the 40 new variants, there are also plans to expand the top-of-the-line luxury vehicles that will complement the 7 Series. The goal here, it seems, is to challenge Mercedes-Benz and make BMW the strongest brand in this segment and significantly increase sales volumes and revenues by 2020.\nThroughout 2016, BMW sold 2 million cars (up by 5.2 percent over 2015) whereas Mercedes-Benz sold 2.08 million vehicles (up by 11 percent over 2015)."
"Evolution \n\u2013 a noun in the English language better known to petrolheads as an iconic Japanese four-door saloon. For two and a half decades, the \u201cEvolution\u201d moniker took what was otherwise a regular and\u00a0mundane Japanese saloon and turned it into a fast and ferocious rally machine that terrorised virtually all surfaces on planet earth. Off dirt, this car in street-cred form is still worshipped by petrolheads all over the world, most of them diehard Evo loyalists.\nAnd as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and so we bid farewell (and a mandatory hat tip) to the \nMitsubishi Lancer Evolution\n.\nMitsubishi gave the tenth-generation Lancer Evolution (on sale in Japan since 2007) its swan song by unveiling the \nMitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition\n. This 1,600-unit grand finale will only be bound for the United States, and it\u2019ll sadly be Mitsubishi\u2019s final foray into their turbocharged all-wheel drive saloons. It\u2019s based on the GSR spec but is tuned to make\n\u00a0303 horsepower\n. The 2.0-litre inline-four engine is mated to a sole \nfive-speed manual transmission\n.\nThe ride and handling department is enhanced with a\u00a0combination of\u00a0\nBlisten shocks\n and \nEibach springs\n, whereas stopping power is courtesy of Brembo. As per other Evos, this car will have\u00a0Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system, together with Active Yaw Control, Active Centre Differential System and Active Stability Control.   Apart from the gloss-black roof and the Enkei\u00a0rims, another way of distinguishing the legitimacy of this Final Edition is via the\u00a0\nbadge\n slapped onto its tailgate. However, another handy and fool-proof way is to spot the Final Edition lettering that lights up between the meter clusters. Earlier this year, Japan received 1,000 units of\u00a0such cars for\u00a0its domestic market.\nIf this is not depressing enough, then we have more bad news for you.\u00a0The company chairman and CEO, Osamu Masuko said \u201cthere won\u2019t be anymore\u00a0Evo performance brand to be used on future saloon models.\u201d We wished it was April Fool\u2019s day, but this time they\u2019re serious about throwing in the towel.   Looking back at things, the recent success of hot hatches such as the \nVolkswagen Golf GTI/R\n, \nFord Focus ST/RS\n and \nRenault Megane RS\n have hastened super saloons such as the Lancer Evolution and \nSubaru WRX STI\n into the zone of irrelevance.\nCurrent regulations are favouring small and mainstream B-segment cars such as the Ford Fiesta, Citroen DS3 and Volkswagen Polo as World Rally Cars; all of which outperform the usual Lancer Evolution and WRX STI be it on asphalt, gravel or snow surfaces. To be honest, when both Mitsubishi and Subaru pulled out from world rallying citing the decline of the world economy a decade ago, the fact is both companies had sadly lost its \u201c\nmojo\n\u201c.\nThe struggling Mitsubishi faced problems developing new models and there was no immediate successor planned for the current crop of Lancers up to this point. With the \nSubaru Impreza\u00a0WRX STI \nseen playing second fiddle behind some increasingly popular European hot hatches (add Mitsubishi\u2019s diminishing resources to the equation), it\u2019s probably best for Mitsubishi to\u00a0pull the Evo plug for good.\nThe reality is \npassenger saloons are in a decline \nas buyers are favouring compact crossovers over small or mid-sized saloons. Case in point \u2013 earlier this year,\u00a0\nMitsubishi in the United States\n\u00a0were relying\u00a0on the Outlander crossover and Mirage subcompact car to draw profits while it struggled in Japan and Europe. Traditional rivals Subaru has also joined the crossover foray with the introduction of the XV,\u00a0which \nbears fruit to the company\u2019s coffers\n in the States.\nWith that, the company is now focusing on\u00a0developing\n a new mainstream SUV, \nusing its plug-in hybrid powertrain to counter its rivals. This points to the direction of the\u00a0\nXR-PHEV II\n\u00a0model\u00a0(pictured above) that was previewed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, and it\u2019s set to be\u00a0the company\u2019s\u00a0trump card against other compact crossovers in the market.\nSo this begs the question. Will the Evolution stop\u00a0\nevolving\n? Apparently, not yet. Mitsubishi\u2019s gamble in making a fast compact crossover with an electrically assisted internal combustion engine could be something as evolutionary as pumping 280 bhp into a 2.0-litre engine.\nAnd if they play their cards right, we could be looking at Japan\u2019s first revolutionary performance compact crossover that\u2019s both\u00a0\nfast and eco-friendly\n. That said, the wait won\u2019t be long, for a surprise looms at the end of this month when the 44th Tokyo Motor Shows kicks off. Surely, a certain car clothed in veil bearing the Mitsubishi badge will be something\u00a0pretty interesting.\nNews Source: Autocar UK, Car & Driver, Image Source: Mitsubishi"
"Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the largest power company in Southeast Asia, has acquired \n292 units\n of \nToyota Hiluxes\n. The move is in line with UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s commitment to serve its corporate customers better, and the company has delivered the first batch of 100 units during the launch and the remaining 192 units will be delivered in batches.\nThe first batch of 100 units was delivered to TNB at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS). It\u2019s also where the keys were handed over from UMW\u2019s\u00a0Director of Operation Support Group, Mr Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain to TNB\u2019s Senior GM of\u00a0Procurement and Vendor Management Distribution Division, Mr\u00a0Mohd Adibi bin Ambak.\nDuring his speech, Mohd Shamsor expressed his gratitude by thanking TNB for choosing the Toyota brand and TNB\u2019s continuous support in UMW Toyota Motor. He also said TNB\u2019s core activities include transmission and distribution of electricity, thus requiring reliable and durable day-to-day vehicles.\nBesides supplying the pick-up trucks, UMW Toyota will also be providing TNB their needs with regards to after-sales service, timely vehicle delivery as well as product and technical training.\nThe Hilux is Malaysia\u2019s best selling pick-up truck, boasting sales figure over \n180,000\n since its market introduction back in 2005 with close to 50 percent market share.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nEvent   2015 Toyota Hilux facelift"
"The fifth electric vehicle (EV) by \nMercedes-Benz \nto join the \u2018EQ\u2019 lineup in Malaysia is the \nMercedes-Benz EQE 350\n+\n. Available as a single variant only, the EQE 350+ fetches a price of \nRM419,888\n.\nLooking largely similar to the \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n (and built on the same EVA platform), the EQE is smaller and has a sedan-like trunk as opposed to the EQS\u2019s \u2018sport back\u2019 rear end. There is also no light bar that runs across the front end, making it easier to differentiate from the EQS at night.\nIlluminating the road ahead is a set of Digital Light matrix LED headlights that flank a rather underwhelming black panel with the brand\u2019s emblem. At the rear is a set of three-dimensional helical taillights.\nLike the EQS, the EQE also features electric retractable door handles, that, together with the \u2018one-bow silhouette\u2019, contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.22. Sprucing up the looks of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is an AMG Line body kit and a set of 19-inch AMG-style alloy wheels.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan launched in Malaysia, fully-electric E-Class from RM420k\nPowering the EQE 350+ is a single electric motor that turns the rear wheels only. Producing \n215 kW (292 hp) \nand \n565 Nm\n, the motor accelerates the EQE 350+ from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.4 seconds\n, which is conservative by EV standards. The top speed of the EQE 350+ is electronically limited at 210 km/h.\nResponsible for storing power in the EQE is a \n90.6-kWh\n battery pack that provides \n669 km\n of range (WLTP). Charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and \n170 kW\n with DC fast charging. With 11-kW AC charging, the 90.6-kWh battery takes \n8 hours\n to fully charge. With 170-kW DC fast charging, the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately \n30 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \nNew Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV unveiled with 687 hp AMG version, up to 590 km range\nInside, the EQE 350+ doesn\u2019t have the hyperscreen. However, it is available in higher-tier variants of the Mercedes-Benz EQE which are not sold in Malaysia. Replacing the supposed screen in front of the front-passenger seat is a panel which is decorated with the Mercedes-Benz stars. With the \u2018regular\u2019 screen layout, the dashboard of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ looks similar to that of the \nW206 Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line\n.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance debuts \u2013 V8 PHEV, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs\nIn theme with the AMG bodykit and styling of the exterior, the cabin of the EQE 350+ gets an AMG Line steering wheel, aluminium foot pedals, AMG floor mats, and sports seats. The interior is upholstered in a combination of Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre. Other interior highlights include a Burmester sound system with two \u2018soundscapes\u2019. There are three artificial driving sounds, namely Silver Waves, Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse.\nRELATED: \nLeaked \u2013 Next-gen W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class adopts \u2018EQ\u2019 grille, landscape screen\nSafety features of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ include the Driving Assistance Plus package as standard, which consists of adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go assist, active lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking, among others.\nIncluded in the \nRM419,888\n price tag of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is a standard four-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, alongside an additional 10-year/250,000 km battery warranty.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG One reclaims N\u00fcrburgring throne \u2013 8 seconds faster than 911 GT2 RS!\nGALLERY"
"The Toyota Avanza has changed the mobility of many in ASEAN, particularly in Indonesia where it was originally conceived with Daihatsu. The third-generation Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia that is scheduled for launch in November will see a major shift in technology due to the ever-changing demands of consumers as well as manufacturing methods.\nBased on Indonesia\u2019s \notodriver.com\n website, the all-new Toyota-Daihatsu multi-seater compact MPV will be launched at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2021 (GIIAS) that is planned from November 11th. The timing to introduce an all-new model also suits the companies well, making it the latest and freshest model after the introduction of the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n which has taken quite a \nsignificant chunk of sales\n from Toyota and Daihatsu.\nJust last week, PT Honda Prospect Motor introduced the \nall-new Honda BR-V\n that features the full suite of the latest Honda Sensing ADAS. With competitors offering so much more refinement and comfort levels, Toyota and Daihatsu were rumoured to have completely re-engineered that Avanza-Xenia product, moving from a workhorse-like rear-wheel drive and rigid axle set up to a more common front-wheel drive platform. \u00a0\nIndonesia is the only country in the world to have the sporty little Toyota Raize GR Sport. Find out more about its sporting inspirations here!\nThe duo will continue to be powered by the existing naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines and paired to either a manual transmission or a new CVT automatic transmission from the \nToyota Sienta\n. Similar to the all-new Honda BR-V, as well as the pair of \nRaize and Rocky\n, the all-new Toyota Avanza is expected to feature the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite that encompasses at least autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. \u00a0\nThe Indonesia websites have also speculated that the all-new Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia duo will have its styling influenced by the Daihatsu DN Multisix concept vehicle from 2017. Many of Daihatsu\u2019s concept car stylings have seen the light of day, such as our \nPerodua Ativa\n and Rocky/Raize pair which was all based on the DN TREC concept car.\nIn the interior of the Daihatsu Multisix Concept, individual seats were fitted on the second row to create an aisle for easier movement to the third row, something that did not really work well in the 2010 Honda Freed. \u00a0\nUMW Toyota Motor has the current generation \nToyota Avanza 1.5\n in three variants, priced from \nRM77,963 to RM84,848.50\n, equipped with the usual five-year/unlimited mileage warranty coverage.\nDaihatsu to equipped Rocky compact SUV with a hybrid system from the end of this year, starting with Japan. More about it here!\nGALLERY\n2017 Daihatsu DN Multisix Concept Car"
"I think I speak for most people that LinkedIn is sort of like the \u201cweird side of the internet\u201d that you basically don\u2019t visit unless you\u2019re in a job that requires you to \u2013 or say, when you\u2019re looking for a new job. But successful people like the CEO of Volkswagen, Ralf Brandst\u00e4tter clearly thinks quite differently than us.\nSince he took over the role as CEO of VW Group, Brandst\u00e4tter has been posting a myriad of valuable information on the \u201cprofessional networking\u201d site, including further details about the\n Project Trinity\n. And this time, he\u2019s once again taken to LinkedIn to give us a first look at the \nVolkswagen ID.X\n!\nAccording to the post, the ID.X is clearly labelled as a \u201cconcept car\u201d, and will not be for sale. But frankly, judging by the reaction in the comments section, and how much work has gone into it, it\u2019s hard to see Volkswagen \nnot\n wanting to sell this car. Plus, remember when VW themselves hinted at the possibility of a\n ID.3 \u2018R\u2019\n?\nThe Volkswagen ID.X takes most of its guts from the \nrecently-launched ID.4 GTX\n, and stuffing them into the body of the smaller \nID.3 hatchback\n. These include the GTX\u2019s four-wheel drive electric drivetrain which makes \n220 kW (295 hp)\n, alongside its larger 82 kWh battery.\nBut Volkswagen didn\u2019t just put a more powerful motor in there and call it a day. Aside from more performance, the German carmaker also managed to shave off a tonne (figuratively) of weight, making it 200 kg lighter than its \u201cID sibling with a similar battery pack\u201d.\nAs a result, the electric hot hatch \u201cprototype\u201d launches itself to 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n5.3 seconds\n. For context, that\u2019s just 0.6 seconds off the pace of Volkswagen\u2019s own balls-to-the-wall petrol-powered \nGolf R\n hot hatch, and it\u2019s even 0.4 seconds faster than the \nGolf GTI Clubsport\n! Additionally, this being two individually-powered axle, it also comes with a drift mode \u2013 just like the Golf R.\nTo complement its extra performance, Volkswagen has given the ID.X \u201cconcept car\u201d some bigger wheels, alongside a generous dashing of neon green colour both inside and out of the electric hot hatch. There also seems to be sportier bucket seats, wrapped in some sort of microfibre material.\nBrandst\u00e4tter ended his post by saying \u201cI have often talked about how versatile our MEB [platform] is. The ID.X makes this very clear. Even if the ID.X will not be a production vehicle, we will take up many ideas.\u201d But really \u2013 you want this as a production car, don\u2019t you?\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s easy to \nbrush off\n facelift exercises as cosmetic changes and specification enhancements because we can only appreciate what is before our eyes. But all facelift exercises, whether minor or major, brings about changes that run skin deep.\nIt is no different for the recently shown \nProton Iriz facelift\n. Beyond the restyled exterior and enhanced specification(s) across the board, the national carmaker has improved no less than \n367 components\n in the facelifted Iriz.\nProton claims that\nwith the new improvements, the refreshed Iriz boasts improved braking\nperformance, NVH levels and fuel consumption. Drivability and reliability are\nalso said to have improved significantly compared to the older Iriz.\nAll these were achieved by leveraging on \nProton\u2019s partnership with Geely\n. With a partner that sold over 1.5 million cars in 2018, Proton was able to access Geely\u2019s technical expertise and achieve better economies of scale in research and development as well as procurement.\nFor example, in China,\ncertain Geely models uses the same Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nsourced from Punch. Since the new partnership, Proton and Geely engineers were\nable to share resources and compare notes to further improve the CVT with their\nsupplier, Punch.\nAs a result, the notorious\ndelay of the Punch CVT is a story of the past as the Iriz is now equipped with\na vastly improved version of the CVT that is smoother, more responsive and polished\ncompared to the pre-facelift model.\nNew gear lever design on the 1.6L Premium CVT\nIt won\u2019t be long till Proton\nannounce the pricing details of the facelifted Iriz (said to happen sometime in\nMarch 2019) but on paper and in person, the refreshed hatchback with the\nimprovements and new features certainly places it right up there with the competition.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nProton\u00a0Iriz\u00a0Facelift\u00a0Preview"
"The \nToyota GR Supra Racing Concept\n celebrated its global premiere at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show and now, fans can now drive the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car bearing the legendary Supra nameplate! If you have a PlayStation 4 and Gran Turismo Sport that is.\nGamers can now drive the Supra Racing Concept in the racing simulator game and the developers, Polyphony Digital Inc. promises that every minute detail of the actual concept car was modelled for the game \u2013 from the exterior panels to the race-prepped cockpit, giving gamers an immersive experience to push the concept car to the limits on the virtual in-game racetracks.   The in-game Supra Racing Concept conforms to Grand Touring Endurance regulations which put the concept car in the same class as other GT3 race cars. All its visual cues like the wide body, GT wing and livery are all taken straight from the actual model that made its appearance at Geneva.\nOf course, a road legal version of the Supra is currently being co-developed with BMW and will share the same underpinnings as the \nnext-generation BMW Z4\n. While the Z4 will be sold as a convertible, Toyota\u2019s sports car will be offered exclusively as a hardtop coupe.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota GR Supra Racing Concept on Gran Turismo Sport   Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept"
"In the name of saving lives, Volvo has resorted to their most extreme crash test ever according to the company \u2013 by dropping 10 different models (several times) from 30 metres off the ground by using a crane.\nThe unconventional method was meant to help extrication specialists hone their lifesaving skills. By simulating the forces resulting from an extreme crash, these professionals can prepare for any possible crash scenario beyond what can be simulated with ordinary crash testing.\nBy dropping these cars continuously, it causes enough damage to adequately simulate damages from the most extreme crash scenarios. Also, in such situations, occupants are likely to be in a critical condition.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM_6EY7T5To\nTherefore the priority is to get the passengers out of the car and to a hospital as quickly as possible, using hydraulic rescue tools known in the industry as \u2018jaws of life\u2019. Extrication specialists often talk about the \u201cgolden hour\u201d; referring to the one hour window they have to release the injured passenger(s) and get them to the hospital.\nAll findings from the crashes and the resulting extrication work will be collected in an extensive research report. This report will be made available, completely free of use to rescue workers elsewhere, allowing them to benefit from this unconventional experiment.\nNormally, rescue workers get their training vehicles from scrapyards but they\u2019re usually up to 20 years old. In terms of steel strength, safety cage construction and overall durability, there is a vast difference between modern cars and those built 15 to 20 years ago. Also because Volvo vehicles are \nmade of some of the hardest steel found in modern cars\n.\n \nWatch this review where we explained just how strong today\u2019s Volvo vehicles are.\nBy doing so, it helps rescue workers to constantly update themselves with newer car models and review their processes, in order to develop new extrication techniques\n\u201cNormally we only crash cars in the laboratory. This was the first time we dropped them from a crane,\u201d said Volvo Cars Traffic Accident Research, senior investigator, H\u00e5kan Gustafson.\nThat\u2019s not all. In the name of being ultra-detailed, Volvo Cars safety engineers even made exact calculations before the drop to determine how much pressure and force each car needed to endure, in order to reach the desired level of damage.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport and Lewis Hamilton has announced the agreement of a two-year contract extension for the 2019 and 2020 Formula 1 seasons.\nSince joining the team in 2013, Lewis has won \nthree world championships\n and \n44 Grands Prix\n\u00a0to date. By the end of his extended contract, he would\u2019ve spent eight seasons as a works Mercedes driver \u2013 his \nlongest period with a single team\n at the pinnacle of motorsports.\nInterestingly, Lewis has been driving a Mercedes-Benz-powered Formula 1 car in every single race\u00a0since he made his Formula 1 debut in 2007. Since then, his overall total of \n65 Formula 1 wins\n places him second only to the all-time great, Michael Schumacher.\nAs such, Lewis has earned his place in history as the most successful driver in the 112-year Grand Prix racing tradition of Mercedes-Benz.\n(From L-R) Lewis Hamilton, Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff and team co-driver Valtteri Bottas.\n\u201cI\u2019ve been part of the Mercedes racing family for 20 years and I have never been happier with a team than I am right now. We are on the same wavelength both on and off track\u201d, said Lewis.\n\u201cI\u2019m very confident that Mercedes is the right place to be over the coming years. Although we have enjoyed so much success together since 2013, Mercedes is hungrier than ever. I can\u2019t wait to see what we can achieve together in the next two-and-a-half seasons,\u201d he added."
"It\u2019s the end of an era for Aston Martin, as it will be discontinuing its \ntwin-turbo 5.2-litre V12\n monster of an engine. So as a final farewell, they\u2019ve now fitted the iconic V12 engine into the Vantage \u2013 its biggest engine, into the smallest car in its line-up.\nAston Martin says that the new V12 Vantage is the fastest and fiercest car it\u2019s ever built, and is the \u201cultimate expression of extreme performance and driver-focused thrills\u201d, boasting \u201cblistering straight-line speed and scintillating handling\u201d. And we have no reasons to doubt any of that.\nIn its final iteration, the quad-cam 60-degree V12 5.2-litres turbocharged engine makes a whopping \n700 hp\n and \n753 Nm\n, with the latter across 1,800 \u2013 6,000 rpm, giving you incredible grunt throughout the engine\u2019s speed range.\nPaired to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) on the rear axle, the new V12 Vantage sprints to 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n3.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n322 km/h\n.\nThat performance doesn\u2019t come solely from the engine, either, because the Gaydon-based supercar maker has put the V12 Vantage through an extensive weight-loss regime giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 390 hp per tonne \u2013 a 20% increase to the V8-powered model.\nThe weight-saving measures include replacing almost all of its body panels with carbon fibre parts, lightweight battery, and a centre-mounted twin exhaust made from lightweight one millimetre-thick stainless steel. The exhaust system itself already saves 7.2 kg!\nALSO READ: New Aston Martin DBX 707 is now the most powerful luxury SUV\nTo help with the V12 Vantage\u2019s handling, Aston Martin has also given it a new adaptive damping suspension system that includes anti-roll bars, bushes, springs, and damper assemblies, with a special secondary \u201ctender spring\u201d at the rear to improve ride comfort during normal driving conditions, without affecting the car\u2019s dynamic properties, or so the company claims.\nThere\u2019s also additional shear panels and bracings to help increase the V12 Vantage\u2019s body lateral stiffness, while the steering system has also been recalibrated to improve steering feel and a sharper response.\nAnd to stop such a viscious rocketship, Aston has fitted the V12 vantage with a set of new carbon ceramic brakes, measuring 410 mm in diameter with a six-piston calipers in front, and 360 mm plus four-piston calipers at the back.\nAside from its abilities to resist brake fade up to temperatures of 800 degrees, the new brakes also save a whopping 23 kg of weight when compared to standard steel brakes \u2013 all of that mass is unsprung, which further helps with the supercar\u2019s dynamic capabilities.\nSurrounding all the mechanical bits is a thoroughly revised exterior, which measures about 40 mm wider than the staandard Vantage to fit its wider track and fatter tyres. The front grille is also 25% larger to provide more cooling, paired with a massive scalloped vent on the bonnet for the same reason.\nRELATED: First-ever Aston Martin Vantage in Malaysia with optional Vaned front grille has arrived\nThe Aston Martin V12 Vantage also gets a new front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear wing to not only add some visual excitement, but also providing up to 204 kg of downforce at top speed. As a buyer, you can choose to delete the rear wing if you find it a little too much \u2013 but of course, you\u2019ll be sacrificing downforce too.\nCapping it all off is an open rear load space that displays the rear suspensions\u2019 strut braces in full glory, as well as the massive 21-inch wheels, offered in two different designs \u2013 with one of them an ultra-lightweight option that shaves off an extra 8 kg.\nIn contrast to the pumped-up exterior, however, the cabin of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage remains fairly unchanged over the regular V8 model. The V12 Vantage will get the Sport Plus Seats wrapped in semi-aniline leather, and large swathes of carbon fibre trims as standard to mark it out as the range-topping variant.\nBuyers can also opt for the manually-adjustable carbon seats, as seen here, which further saves another seven kilos.\nHowever, when we say \u201cbuyers\u201d, we really mean future owners, because all 333 units of the V12 Vantage has already been sold out \u2013 even though Aston Martin didn\u2019t even provide a price. Let\u2019s just hope we all get to see it on the roads some day.\nGALLERY"
"Changes to the Volvo S90\u2019s aging looks include a reworked exterior design and a new banging Bowers and Wilkins sound system.\nThe new S90 features new fog lights and tail light graphics, new spoiler design and a new lower front bumper. A 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain option that offers up to 15% fuel savings, is also now available for every Volvo model.\nThe new Bowers and Wilkins sound system on the other hand includes an upgraded amplifier, automatic vehicle noise cancellation and a new setting that \u201cmimics the sound of your favourite jazz club\u201d.\nAnother addition to the updated model is the Advanced Air Cleaner with a PM 2.5 particle sensor which was first developed for the Chinese market although they probably need more potent protection now.\nThe Advanced Air Cleaner system can clean the cabin air of almost all tiny particles within a few minutes while the cabin air quality can be monitored via the centre screen.\nBoth the new sound system and Advanced Air Cleaner are now available on all 90 and 60 series models. These models will also now be equipped with wireless charging functions along with dual USB-C ports that replace the 12-volt outlets.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The modern Mini is technically no longer the Mini we all used to know. It didn\u2019t just outgrow its predecessor, but it also strikes desirability among hipsters with deeper wallets, thanks to BMW\u2019s strategy to market the Mini in the premium segment. Now, the Mini has gained a new all-wheel-drive compact wagon with the new Mini Clubman All4 model.\nUnlike its predecessor\u2019s questionable door setup, the new \nClubman\n features six doors; four for the passengers while the remaining two form the unique split door at the back. The Clubman offers plenty of space for the practical minded with a boot space of\u00a0 360 litres, further strengthening the fact that the new Minis aren\u2019t technically all that Mini anymore.   New to this Mini Clubman is a \ncompact all-wheel-drive system\n that is\u00a0electronically controlled and\u00a0distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles. It works on demand, but the system is front-wheel biased during regular driving. However, power will be diverted to the rear axle instantaneously when required. The\u00a0\nDynamic Damper Control\n suspension is also offered as an option. As the name suggest, it allows drivers to adjust the damping harshness depending on road conditions.\nThe powertrain department remains unchanged with the standard Clubman. There are two turbocharged petrol variants; a three-cylinder 1.5-litre mill that produces \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n while the bigger four-cylinder\n 2.0-litre\n unit\u00a0develops\u00a0\n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n.   The Diesel variant is offered via a\u00a0turbocharged \n2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel,\n\u00a0producing\u00a0\n182 hp\n with \n400 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0The performance figures aren\u2019t far off compared to the petrol variant, although the diesel obviously outperforms the petrol in fuel consumption figures.\nThe new Mini Clubman All4 will make its worldwide debut in the upcoming New York Motorshow in March. Back at home, the Clubman is not being offered by Mini Malaysia. It\u2019s a pity considered this will score well among practical-minded Malaysians who find the Mini hatchback too small. Hang on, isn\u2019t the Mini supposed to be small in the first place?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Camry nameplate is big in the United States and\u00a0the\u00a0\nall-new, eight-generation Toyota Camry\n\u00a0just made its debut in Detroit early this year. Japan is next in line to receive the 2017 Toyota Camry, and that\u2019s the one we will be getting as well.\nThe difference between the American Camry and the Japanese are quite subtle, but noticeable. The JDM Camry gets\u00a0\nTRD\n and \nModellista\n packages, with both kits offering visual enhancements for the Camry. This include\u00a0various styling for the front bumpers, side skirts and wheels. The integrated\u00a0daytime running lights are only reserved for the TRD kit.   The cabin is new but unmistakably Toyota, receiving the company\u2019s latest\u00a0\nHuman and Machine Interface (HMI)\u00a0\nwith the\u00a010-inch coloured Heads-Up Display (HUD), 7-inch LCD multi-info display and 8-inch infotainment system with reverse camera.\nAs reported previously, a new\u00a0\n2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol\n\u00a0and \n3.5-litre V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection\u00a0\nengines are new offerings for the new Camry. The\u00a0\n2.5-litre four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System \nis also available, and that\u2019s the sole powertrain offered in Japan. This will be paired to the e-Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT).\nThe 2017 Toyota Camry sits atop the\u00a0\nToyota New Global Architecture\n\u00a0\n(TNGA)\n, the same platform underpinning the \nC-HR\n and the \nfourth-generation Prius\n.\u00a0Expect the Malaysian debut of the eight-generation Camry sometime next year or by 2019 when their new \nBukit Raja\n plant is\u00a0in full swing.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We all know that Hyundai is serious about electrification. They made a \ndedicated electric platform\n, created a \nfull EV brand called Ioniq\n, and even have 23 fully-electric models planned across its entire group for the next four years. But if anyone thought that they\u2019ll be ditching ICE completely anytime soon, we would\u2019ve said that they were having a laugh.\nBut that\u2019s exactly what a \nnew report by \nReuters\n is claiming. Citing anonymous sources from Korea, the publication says that Hyundai has stopped developing new internal combustion engines, with the carmaker\u2019s top management already approved a plan in March to cut the number of ICE models by half.\nThe move is designed to free up resources to focus Hyundai\u2019s research and development efforts into \u201celectric motors, batteries, [and] fuel cells\u201d. While the sources did not provide a timeline of when this will happen, the sources allege that the group will finalise its strategy to switch to all fully-electric models within the next six months.\nWhen contacted by the publication, Hyundai did not offer any comments surrounding its plans for ICE models, but said that it will be gradually expanding BEV offerings in key markets such as US, Europe, and China. Hyundai also stated that it was \u201caccelerating adoption of eco-friendly vehicles such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and battery EVs.\u201d\nThe\n Ioniq 5\n, Hyundai\u2019s first fully-electric model under the Ioniq sub-brand.\nWhile not confirmed just yet, the plan has seemingly already been in effect in several parts of the world. Hyundai announced in April that it would cut the number of its ICE models in China from 21 to just 14 by 2025, while launching new electric models every year starting from 2022.\nPreviously, Hyundai Motor Group \u2013 which includes Hyundai, Kia, Ioniq, and Genesis \u2013 announced its plans to sell 1 million BEVs annually by 2025, representing a 10% share in the global EV market. The company also aims to become a fully-EV carmaker by 2040.\nThe move, while massive, is not completely unexpected from Hyundai. Other carmakers such as \nStellantis\n (previously PSA) and VW Group, have already taken the plunge in committing its investments into electrification, pausing any R&D into developing new ICE engines.\nIt\u2019s safe to say that we can expect more similar announcements from various carmakers in the years to come, especially as the automotive industry as a whole is moving towards the era of electricity."
"Bugatti has held close links with the aviation world for \nover 110 years\n. The automaker\u2019s racing team had drivers who also flew for the French Air Force and legendary French aviator, Roland Garros, owned a Bugatti Type 18 to be as fast on the ground as he was in the air.\nMonsieur Bugatti has even developed an aircraft for the purpose of breaking speed records, but the occurrence of the Second World War ended that project.\n \nAt the tail-end of 2020, Bugatti introduced the \nChiron Sport \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d\n that paid homage to the company\u2019s dual-role daredevil racing drivers and pilots. One of the unique decorative items in the interior of the limited-edition Bugatti is the hand-sketched racing scene between the \nNieuport 17 aircraft\n and a \nBugatti Type 13\n, which symbolizes the two souls honoured by the edition.\nYesterday, Bugatti and the French Airforce recreated this land and air race with the Chiron Sport \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d and the pride of the French defence force, the Dassault Rafale. \u00a0\nThis is the second occasion where a modern Bugatti took on a modern fighter jet in a drag race, where the first race saw a Veyron 16.4 raced a Eurofighter Typhoon and was broadcasted on the popular Top Gear television series.\nThe special, matt-grey \u201cGris Serpent\u201d paintwork on the Chiron Sport \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d features the signature W16 engine and a capacity of 8.0 litres delivers \n1,500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n of torque. Power is fed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and then sent to all four corners. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 420 km/h. The edition, limited to \n20 units\n, costs \nEUR2.88 million\n net (RM14 million) each.\nThe Dassault Rafale combat jet meanwhile has a total of 58,550 newtons of thrust from its two jet engines and capable of hitting \n1,975 km/h\n or 1.6 times faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1.6).\nIn the drag race, the Bugatti Chiron Sport performed as expected: hitting 100 km/h from standstill in just 2.4 seconds, and the next 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. 300 km/h was reached in just 13.1 seconds.\n\u201cI pulled away from the Rafale over the first few hundred meters, but after a few hundred meters more it was around 20 meters above and alongside me in the air. An incredible and fantastic sight,\u201d said driver Pierre-Henri Raphanel. The Rafale fighter jet started to take off \nat just 260 km/h\n after 450 metres on the aircraft runway. \u00a0\nOn a much smaller scale, but still, mega entertaining to end the work week, check out some of Autobuzz.my drag races that feature\n \nlocal heroes\n, \nGerman firepower\n as well as \nrecreational workhorses\n.\nGALLERY"
"The most environmentally friendly \nBentley\n is now available in Malaysia as \nBentley Kuala Lumpur\n has just launched the \nBentley Flying Spur Hybrid\n. Available in the Azure and S variants, prices of the Flying Spur Hybrid start at \nRM 945,000\n (excluding duties, taxes, and registration). Bentley says the Flying Spur Hybrid demonstrates that hybridization does not have to compromise luxury or performance.\nLet\u2019s first address the obvious downsized powertrain. Instead of the usual 6.0-litre W12 engine or the 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, the Flying Spur Hybrid houses a 2.9-litre V6 engine that works in harmony with an electric motor. Combined, the hybrid system makes \n544 hp\n (metric) and \n750 Nm\n.\nJust in case you were wondering, the V6 engine itself makes 416 hp (metric) and 550 Nm. The electric motor, on the other hand, makes 136 hp (metric) and 400 Nm.\nSupplying electricity to the electric motor is an 18-kWh battery that charges to full in 2.5 hours with a fast charger. The transmission in use is a ZF eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and power is sent to all wheels via an active all-wheel drive system.\nRELATED: \nBentley\u2019s second electrified model is the 544 hp Flying Spur Hybrid\nLHD display unit fitted with optional 22-inch wheels, \u2018Touring\u2019 specification, \u2018City\u2019 specification, and Mulliner Driving Specification\nOn the outside, it is hard to miss the muscular proportions and sculpted surfaces of the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid. Bentley says that this is made possible with a process called aluminium \u2018superforming\u2019 that was first used in the latest generation Bentley Continental GT.\nAt the front of the Flying Spur Hybrid is a prominent radiator matrix that is flanked by full LED matrix headlights. Also at the front is a retractable \u2018Flying B\u2019 mascot that is perched on the hood. The taillights feature a wrap-around design that utilizes the familiar \u2018B\u2019 graphic. Standard wheels are 20 inches in size on all four corners and you do have the option to upsize to 21 or 22 inches. Regardless of size, all of them have a staggered setup.\nDifferentiating the Flying Spur Hybrid from other versions of the \nFlying Spur\n are subtle things like the \u2018Hybrid\u2019 badges on the front fenders, the quad oval tailpipes, and the charging port on the rear left fender.\nRELATED: \n2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed debuts \u2013 6.0L W12, 626 hp, 900 Nm\nInside, an industry-first \u2018Bentley rotating display\u2019 takes centre stage on the dashboard. It consists of three sides, with one being a 12.3-inch touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay connectivity, the second being a set of three analogue dials (for compass, clock, and temperature), and the third side being a wood veneer fascia, in case you want a digital detox.\nThe seats of the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid come with luxuries such as adjustable bolsters, seat heating, seat ventilation, and multi-mode massage. Interesting details in the car include 3D diamond quilted leather door inserts and optional diamond knurling on the rotary switches, air vents, and clock. There is also an array of options for the interior trim colours, the leather hides, and the type of wood veneer.\nRELATED: \nBentley mixes opulence with sportiness on the new Flying Spur Mulliner Blackline\nAs for driving assistance, the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid comes with a top-view camera, a night vision infrared camera, active lane assist, blind spot assist, and traffic sign recognition. Touring Specification offers Lane Assist, Night Vision, Head-Up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Traffic Jam Assist) and Bentley Safeguard Plus, with Emergency Lane Change Assist and Intersection Assist.\nAll units of the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid have been sold out in Malaysia upon launch. As the brand\u2019s most environmentally friendly model to date, the Flying Spur Hybrid is a significant step for Bentley in providing an electrified version of all its cars by 2024. The brand will debut its first electric vehicle in 2025.\nRELATED: \n\u201cDriver-focused\u201d Bentley Flying Spur S looks sinister, but gets no extra power\nGALLERY"
"Mansory\n is no stranger to the aftermarket scene, specialising in outrageous modifications on luxury vehicles \u2013 but none of those prepared us even a bit for what you\u2019re about to see. This here is the Mansory BSTN GT XI, and yes, it\u2019s a lawnmower. Perhaps even more absurdly, it\u2019s also a homage to the original Air Jordan sneakers. We\u2019ll explain.\nThe BSTN GT XI was actually launched back in December last year as a collaboration piece with sneakers retailer BSTN, in conjunction with the launch of the new \u201cAir Jordan XI Jubilee\u201d. As for its relevance to the shoe, Air Jordan designer Tinker Hatfield was supposedly inspired by a ride-on lawnmower, more or less like this one just without all the custom modifications, when he penned the original Air Jordan XI \u2013 or so the legend goes anyway.\nIn terms of design, the BSTN GT XI is pretty on-brand for Mansory here. There\u2019s a front fascia that somewhat resembles that of the \nMercedes-Benz G Wagen\n, along with a gratuitous amount of custom exposed carbon fibre parts all around the lawnmower \u2013 from the leather-wrapped seats to the steering wheel.\nJust like the sneakers, the Mansory BSTN GT XI also gets the Jordan Jumpman logos littered across the bodywork, along with the BSTN and Mansory logos, all finished in silver \u2013 apparently the traditional colour of the 25th anniversary Air Jordan shoe.\nMansory also made a custom shell for the collecting bag at the back (out of carbon fibre of course), and naturally, they had to stick a wing on top of it. Capping off the design are the white-walled knobby tyres, stenciled with the BSTN and Jumpman logos.\nThe Mansory lawnmower you see here is fortunately (\nunfortunately?\n) a one-off, though you\u2019ll probably be able to buy the sneakers \u2013 at an eye-gouging premium from the scalpers and resellers online.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia has introduced the BMW Excellence Club \u2013 an exclusive membership and customer loyalty programme for all owners of the BMW 7-series.\nThis follows on from the introduction of the BMW 740Le xDrive, where new and existing BMW 7-series owners will be entitled to experience a whole new premium vehicle ownership experience.\nThe membership will enable new and existing owners to enjoy a savoury list of privileges which includes tailored concierge programmes, bespoke private events, exclusive valet service at renowned landmarks nationwide, priority appointment scheduling at upscale establishments as well as access to premium hospitality lounges.\n\u201cWhen we introduced the all-new BMW 7-Series Hybrid with eDrive Technology earlier this year, we shared on the idea of the Peak of Living Luxury. This idea centres around the world of exclusivity with personalised, modern luxury focused on innovation and sophistication beyond Sheer Driving Pleasure. With the new BMW Excellence Club programme, we are able to share these one of a kind tailor-made experiences with our estemeed BMW 7-Series owners\u201d, said\u00a0\nManaging Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr. Han Sang Yun.\nEvents previously hosted included flying seven lucky couples\n on a helicopter over the Kuala Lumpur\n skyline at dusk for a specially-curated evening at Mono, Kuala Lumpur alongside joint activities with Hugo Boss.\nOther BMW and MINI owners are not excluded from this extension of benefits. The\u00a0industry-leading BMW WhiteCard and BMW BlackCard programmes for respective BMW and MINI customers are still on-going to offer access to premium experiences nationwide. They can also look forward to more exciting, one-of-a-kind events in the coming months."
"Ah, finally, a worthy successor looms. In response to Renault Sports\u2019 one million followers on Facebook, Renault revealed the first teaser of the new Megane RS hot hatch. The Golf R rival from France will officially be launched later this year.\nNot much can be made out of the picture above, but one thing is clear: the chequered LED fog lights are in place, just like the ones seen on the\u00a0\nClio RS 16 \nconcept. The C-shaped LED DRLs are\u00a0standard from the\u00a0\nnew Megane\n.\nRight now, nothing is known about the engine, but it could be an improved version of the outgoing 2.0-litre four-pot. It should be turbocharged to produce over 300 hp, putting it right next to the\u00a0\nHonda Civic Type R\n. A \nsix-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic\n is offered for the first time, but enthusiasts will be delighted to know Renault Sport isn\u2019t foolish enough to drop the six-speed manual transmission. Apparently, Renault is toying with the idea of four-wheel steering, up from the usual front-wheel drive application. \nThe new Megane RS has big shoes to fill, considering the illustrious achievements of its predecessor, such as the\u00a0\nRS275 Trophy-R\n. It is expected to make its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. Meanwhile, \u00a0find out what we think of the \nRenault Megane RS 265 Sport!"
"TRD, which stands for Toyota Racing Development, is a in-house tuning shop for Toyota and Lexus. In its over 40 years of history, the performance division has helped develop some pretty special cars, and achieved success in a diverse range of motorsports.\nHowever, in recent years Toyota has slowly rolled out its new Gazoo Racing brand, which has become the brand\u2019s new poster child with the release of the\n GR Supra\n and \nGR Yaris\n. You can see how this gets confusing pretty fast.\nSpeaking to \nAutomobile Magazine\n, Toyota North America\u2019s group vice -president of marketing, Ed Laukes said that there is plenty of space for the two brands to co-exist. in the United States at least.\n\u201cIn the end, TRD and GR can coexist. TRD has a long lineage with the trucks that we sell . . . and the American consumer likes the TRD brand and it has some strong heritage in North America,\u201d said Laukes.\nAs the only major brand in the USA to have two distinct performance division, Toyota will have to work to separate the two brands if they want this strategy to work, notes Automobile Magazine.\nPerhaps, TRD can remain as the tuning shop to work on existing Toyota cars, while the GR brand develops new bespoke vehicles for outright performance in mind. Either way, we\u2019re excited about this new direction that Toyota is heading towards globally.\nLocally, the TRD brand has not made significant headways into Malaysian consumer\u2019s hearts, but UMW Toyota has been actively trying to build the reputation for the Gazoo Racing brand, with the introduction of the \nGR Garage\n, the reborn GR Supra, as well as the \nGazoo Racing Festival\n, now in its third season."
"The BMW X3 used to be quite different from the rest of BMW\u2019s range. Having made its debut in 2003, the first generation E83 X3 was a bit of an oddball, quite polarising in the way it looks because it played the role of a hip younger brother to the E53 X5. Mind you, back then BMW only had two SUVs (or SAV in BMW speak) in their entire line up so while the X5 was aimed at a more mature audience, the X3 was designed for the younger crowd in mind.\nBut that was 2003. Fast forward to 15 years later, BMW now have\n seven models\n in their X-series SAV range. Such is the demand for these high-riding vehicles that BMW decided to make one in various sizes, from the small \nX1\n to the gargantuan \nX7\n. In those years the X3 has grown (hypothetically and physically) to now become, well, sensible. Now it straddles in between segments where it has to appeal to both young and old, and with rivals aplenty \u2013 no pressure then.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nG01 BMW X3 xDrive30i\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n252 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM313,800\nNow in its third generation, not only is the \nG01 X3\n\u00a0bigger than its predecessor, the F25 X3, it\u2019s also longer and wider than the first-gen E53 X5. Although to be fair, the X3\u2019s current opponents are about the same size too; just take a look at the \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n and the \nVolvo XC60\n and tell me they\u2019re not big. Anyway, despite the growth spurt, weight has gone down by \n55 kg\n, contributed by the CLAR platform (which also underpins the \nG11/G12 7-series\n and the \nG30 5-series\n) and a more liberal use of aluminium.\nYou sure that\u2019s the X3?\nIt\u2019s no surprise that the G01 X3 looks like a scaled-up version of the F48 X1 as both were designed by the same Calvin Luk. However, there are some design flourishes that are unique to the X3 such as the hexagonal-ish wheel arches, a different Hoffmeister kink treatment that harks back to the original E83 X3, and \u2013 whisper it \u2013 fake fender vents. Did the designers play it safe this time? Probably, but I believe they did it on purpose to attract a wider flock of potential buyers.   It cuts an imposing figure particularly from the front with the \u201cbluff nose\u201d and the oversized kidney grille while the \nLuxury Line\n trim brings a touch more class with chrome and brushed metal highlights along with a set of \n19-inch\n multi spoke alloy wheels. No doubt that the G01 X3 is much easier on the eyes compared to its predecessors, although I must admit I do miss the quirkiness of the former.\nStep right up\nInside, the X3 has stepped up its style game. Okay, it\u2019s not the most stylish interior out there but it\u2019s definitely fancier than before. No, I\u2019m not talking about the crystal gearknob or the built-in fragrance diffuser here but the overall ambience does make you feel like you\u2019re in something properly premium, something that the predecessor couldn\u2019t quite deliver.   The base architecture is still typically BMW albeit modernised, and in a good way. So in the company of the traditional wood and leather, there\u2019s a \ndigital instrument cluster\n and a touch-sensitive 10.25-inch iDrive screen, and you can now cycle from a combination of six different colours for the ambient lighting.\nThe cabin isn\u2019t just about style, it\u2019s also versatile. Space is not an issue, occupants get plenty of room and three adults will fit just fine at the back. The door pockets are basically mini pantries for your snacks and the boot is huge too (and curiously matches the GLC\u2019s boot capacity \u2013 \n550 litres\n and 1,600 litres with the seats down).   The X3 does come with keyless entry and a\u00a0\ncontactless powered tailgate\n, and apart from having a flat loading bay, the under floor compartment has a dedicated slot for the tonneau cover. On top of that, the boot floor cover is held up by a \ngas strut\n. Even a \nMaybach\n doesn\u2019t have that.\nPunchy, not shocking\nThere isn\u2019t any electrical propulsion assistance for the X3, at least for the time being. The full-electric \niX3\n won\u2019t be out until 2020 and the plug-in hybrid X3 is slated for a global debut in 2019, so in the meantime the X3 runs purely on fossil fuel.\nIn Malaysia, the \nxDrive30i\n is your only option, so it\u2019s a good thing that its\u00a0\n2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo\n \nengine \nis quite capable. The four-pot is a smooth operator and with \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, there\u2019s more than enough poke for most. The \n8-speed auto\n however, is not as slick as you\u2019d expect, but it still responds instantly if you decide to play with the steering-mounted paddles.\nIn Comfort mode, the X3 does its best at being a genteel cruiser, providing you with a relaxed ride that copes well with poorly-surfaced roads. Naturally, body roll is present when pushed into corners, but the steering is one of the best among its rivals.\nSwitching into Sport changes the throttle and steering response but it doesn\u2019t alter the suspension. It still rides comfortably but the turbo whistle under acceleration and the exhaust burp on the upshifts are slightly at odds with the car\u2019s general refinement. It\u2019s like seeing your boss go bowling in his three piece suit.\nWill I buy it?\nFor what it\u2019s worth the X3 ticks all the right boxes. It has the grace and pace you need to ferry four passengers and their luggage, which is what most buyers are looking for in a premium SUV in general, but when posed against its rivals, the X3 in this particular trim seems lacking, notably in the equipment list. It\u2019s a bit of a hit and miss, this one. Personally I love the way it drives but I\u2019d give it a pass unless it comes in an M Sport trim. It\u2019s good to be sensible but you don\u2019t have to be too serious all the time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor will be hosting the first ever running of the Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup this weekend (21-22 May 2022) at the \nSepang International Circuit\n.\nThe new event will see a total of 38 drivers from 19 different teams, comprised of professional racers, international and gentlemen drivers, as well as young talents, taking part in two one-hour races \u2013 one on each day \u2013 competing for a piece of the RM60,000 total prize pool.\nThe Vios Sprint Cup is run in addition to and independently of the existing \nToyota Vios Challenge\n, and will feature two rounds within the \nMalaysian Championship Series (MCS)\n, with each round consisting of two races.\nIt\u2019s still the same format of a one-make series, however, meaning everyone will be taking to the track in an identical race-prepared Toyota Vios (three different generations, mind you) with stock powertrain, suspension, tyres, and fuel to ensure a level playing field while emphasising on race craft, driving skills, and experience.\nTo that end, the series will also limit only one \u201cexperienced\u201d driver per team, with the other spot filled up by rookies or \nyoung racers\n. Prima Pearl TD Racing will be fielding the \u201cPrince of Drift\u201d Tengku Djan alongside teenager Mika Hakimi, while Toyota Vios Challenge veteran Mark Darwin will team up alongside teenager Bradley Benedict Anthony for Laser Motor Racing.\nAxle Motorsports meanwhile, will field two all-tenage teams with the first pair of drivers consisting of Hayden Haikal and Naquib Azlan, and the second car driven by Alister Yoong and Muizz Musyaffa.\nOther drivers in the line-up include the likes of Mohd Fariqe Hairuman, Eddie Lew, Boy Wong, William Ho, as well as young sensations such as Nabil Azlan and Timothy Yeo.\nThe Vios Sprint Cup will see both drivers in each team running in two separate qualifying sessions on Saturday, with the faster driver required to start Race 1 on the day, before making a mandatory pit stop and driver swap.\nRace 2 follows on Sunday, and will take on a reverse starting grid based on the results of Race 1. The slower driver from the qualifying session will start the one-hour race, and just like Race 1, there will also be a mandatory pit stop and driver change. Both races will feature a rolling start grid.\nAs for prizes, the winner of each race will collect RM10,000, followed by RM8,000 for second place, RM6,000 for third, and RM4,000 and RM2,000 for fourth and fifth places respectively.\nWant to get in on the action yourself? The Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup will be open to the public this weekend at the Sepang International Circuit, or alternatively tune in to the races with live broadcasts on UMW Toyota\u2019s Facebook page."
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just unveiled the Volvo V40 facelift, bringing the 40-series model closer to their corporate image both in terms of visual and specs. It also comes in the Inscription trim as standard, which is as high spec as the V40 can get.\nVisually, it wears the latest Volvo family face with a combination of the vertically-slated grille and Volvo Iron Mark as well as \u2018Thor\u2019s Hammer\u2019 LED headlamps. Elsewhere, it gets the same dual exhaust outlets, keyless entry, power folding side mirrors and 17-inch \u2018Sarpas\u2019 Silver Diamond Cut alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo V40 T5 Inscription\nEngine\n1,969cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\nTransmission\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.3 seconds; 240 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM180,888\nInside, it gets milled aluminium inlays and Inscription tread plate to replace the previous Shimmer Graphite trims. The Inscription package adds \nCleanZone\n dual-zone automatic climate control that filters harmful pollutants from the cabin. Standard equipment is about the same as before \u2013 leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 7-inch Sensus infotainment system, 180W 8-speaker sound system, eight-way powered front seats with memory function and 8-inch Adaptive Digital Display instrument cluster.\nMechanically, the V40 facelift retains the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo Drive-E with \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n6.3 seconds\n and on full whack the speedometer will read \n240 km/h\n. Volvo claims the V40 consumes \n6.1 litres per 100 km\n.   Safety features on this V40 is as impressive as any Volvo. Standard equipment reads six-airbags, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Ready Alert Brake (RAB), Fading Brake Support (FBS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Dynamic Torque Vectoring. Active safety assistance system include City Safety Collision and Mitigation (AEB), Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert.\nThe Volvo V50 T5 Inscription is available in five exterior shades \u2013 Ice White, Onyx Black, Osmium Grey and Luminous Sand. Every purchase of the V40 comes with 5-Years Warranty and 5-Years Volvo On Call package. VCM has expressed that an entry level T4 variant will join the line-up in due course. A range of Polestar accessories is also available for purchase.\nWe\u2019ve recently had a go in the pre-facelift V40 T5 fully kitted with all the Polestar Optimisation, no less. \nIf a sleeper is your kind of thing, find out if the V40 is the car for you\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Volvo V40"
"Ferrari took centre stage at a theatre known for its dramatic performances when launching its contender for the Formula 1 2020 season \u2013 the \nSF1000\n; christened as such in anticipation of the\n 1,000\nth \nrace milestone\n which the Scuderia will achieve within this season.\nThe tifosi or fans of Ferrari will of course trade all the pomp and pageantry to return to winning ways when the \nF2007 powered Kimi Raikkonen\n to the his sole F1 crown and Ferrari\u2019s last driver\u2019s championship in 2007. It has been a long time coming.\n \nFerrari will be hoping that the extensive revisions to last year\u2019s design will address all the shortcomings of 2019, particularly in the area of \naerodynamic downforce\n. It\u2019s not easy to tell the differences on the SF1000 visually as the regulations have remained largely unchanged in 2020. Formula 1 will undergo a \nrevolution in 2021\n.\nWhen Ferrari president John Elkann speaks, everyone pays attention.\nFerrari team boss \nMattia Binotto\n calls the SF1000 an \n\u2018extreme\u2019 design concept\n; it showcases \ntighter, slimmer bodywork\n especially at the rear quarter where the engine is located, lower weight (subject to regulations), a more durable suspension and also a \nreworked 1.6-litre V6 hybrid power unit\n able to meet a new technical regulation \ns\nl\nashing oil consumption by 50%\n.\n\u201cEverything sits a lot tighter, so there\u2019s a lot of work behind that, because it\u2019s not so easy, so we\u2019ve found some clever solutions to be able to achieve that. I can\u2019t wait to drive it because obviously that\u2019s more exciting than to look at it, so one more week to wait, but I think it\u2019s fantastic. It\u2019s also a little bit more red than last year, so I think it looks great.\u201d said four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.\nPre-season testing \nstarts on 19\nth\n February at Barcelona\n, till then, the tifosi holds its collective breath.\nFerrari SF1000 gallery"
"Mercedes-Benz and BMW have long dominated the premium limousine segment with their \nS-Class\n and \nG12 7 Series\n while the ageing Audi A8 D4 went under the radar in the presence of its high-tech rivals. Now, that is set to change with the all-new A8 D5.\nUnveiled at the Audi Summit, Audi aims to set a new benchmark for its segment with an all-new design language, innovative touchscreen operations, electrified drivetrain and Level Three autonomous driving. But is it enough to go against the S-Class and 7 Series? Let\u2019s find out.\nEXTERIOR\nMeasuring at 5,172 mm in length, 1,945 mm in width, 1,473 mm in height and 2,998 mm in wheelbase, the new A8 has grown in every dimension (except width, -4 mm) compared to the model it replaces. The extended wheelbase version, A8 L, is 130 mm longer, 15 mm taller and sports a 130 mm longer wheelbase than the regular version. Underpinning the body of the A8 is a multi-material \nAudi Space Frame\n that boasts 24 percent stronger rigidity and higher refinement than the old model.\nAudi\u2019s design philosophy with the A8 was to express the brand\u2019s renowned sporty appeal, lightweight construction and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. This in turn led to a balanced proportion design that equally emphasise all four corners of the car. The wide Singleframe grille conveys prestige while the strong bonnet lines oozes stance and masculinity. Roads are illuminated with Audi\u2019s progressive \nMatrix LED headlamps\n with \nAudi Laser Light\n.   View the A8 from the side and one will notice a roofline that gently inclines towards the rear, almost like a fastback.\u00a0 Audi claims that this was a deliberate design to create propulsion visual effect to highlight the A8\u2019s sporty appeal. Despite the tapering roofline, Audi says rear passenger headroom is not affected, in fact it has grown by some 20 millimetres. Moving to the rear and you will immediately notice the strong LED light strip connecting the two\n Organic LED taillamp\n\u00a0housing that animates when activated.\nINTERIOR\nInside, Audi akins the interior of the A8 to a luxury lounge. Designers have adopted a \nclean and \u201cless is more\u201d concept\n which explains the minimalistic approach with less buttons. For starters, the\n 10.1-inch touchscreen display\n houses the infotainment system and when shut off, blends nicely into the gloss black surrounds.\nAudi has also done away with the MMI controls and rotary dials and in its place is a \nsecond touchscreen panel\n\u00a0which replaces all the main controls. It features touch gesture controls, acoustic and tactile feedback, making it safe and intuitive to use. Drivers can also activate an array of functions through voice control.   On \nA8 L models\n, occupants can enjoy a light-filled interior thanks to the two-piece panoramic sunroof. Tick the optional relaxation seats and the rear passengers will have a feet massager with heated function. Passengers can also control ambient lighting, reading lights, seat massage function and make private phone calls via a removable rear seat remote with the size of a smartphone.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs reported earlier, \nall variants of the A8 will feature some form of electrification\n and Audi has held onto their word. At launch, the A8 will be available with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel TDI and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 TFSI developing \n282 hp\n and \n335 hp\n respectively. Two turbocharged V8 engines \u2013 a 4.0-litre TDI with\n 429 hp\n and a 4.0-litre TFSI with \n453 hp\n will join the line up in due course.\nA range topping 6.0-litre W12 with \n577 hp\n is also reportedly in the works. Each engine choice will feature mild hybridisation courtesy of a 48-volt primary electrical system to improve fuel economy. We have detailed the A8\u2019s hybrid system in full \nhere\n.\nAudi also revealed that a plug-in hybrid variant of the A8 L will arrive at a later date. The A8 L e-Tron will feature quattro AWD and a 3.0-litre TFSI assisted by a powerful electric motor to deliver a total system output of\n 443 hp\n and a whopping \n700 Nm\n of torque. The A8 L e-Tron is said to have a \npure electric driving range of 50 km\n and can be charged via the \nAudi Wireless Charging pad\n.\nNot forgetting that comfort is paramount to vehicles of this class, Audi has fitted the A8 with all-wheel steering and a clever Audi AI active suspension. The all-wheel steering turns the rear wheels ever so slightly to give greater stability and precision around bends. Audi\u2019s active suspension system is able to vary the damping of each individual corner, helping the luxury saloon waft through undulations.\nSAFETY\nAlso celebrating its world debut is the Audi AI traffic jam pilot which allows the A8 to drive itself autonomously in slow-moving traffic of up to \n60 km/h\n. Dubbed as \nLevel Three autonomous driving\n, the driver can completely take his/her attention off the road and the traffic jam pilot will manage acceleration, steering and braking. As soon as the car approaches the 60 km/h limit, it will warn the driver to reassume control of the vehicle.\nA total of 12 exterior colours are available for the all-new Audi A8 and A8 L. All A8s are assembled at the Neckarsulm plant in Germany. Prices start from \u20ac90,600 (RM444k) while the A8 L starts from \u20ac94,100 (RM461k). It\u2019s only a matter of time before the A8 makes its way here, though.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A8 L   Audi A8   Audi A8 Detailed"
"As is standard with Mercedes-Benz\u2019s slow-drip teaser campaign treatments, the German carmaker has now unveiled the interior of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG SL-Class ahead of its launch, which is expected to happen later this year.\nAs a whole, the company says that the interior styling is reminiscent of the first 300 SL model, with design elements inspired by the aviation world. Mercedes is using the word \u201chyperanalogue\u201d to describe the cabin, which supposedly means a \u201cmix of analogue geometry and digital world\u201d.\nLearn more about Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new MBUX operating system here.\nThe most obvious example of this is the SL\u2019s instrument cluster, which is a fully digital 12.3-inch screen, but wrapped in a \u201chigh-tech visor\u201d instead of the usual free-standing ones we see on other new Mercedes-Benz models. The company says that this cuts down the glare caused by sunlight while driving, which makes us wonder why it\u2019s not standard on its other models.\nAs for the aviation touches, these include the symmetrical wrap-around \u201cwing\u201d profile of the entire dashboard, the galvanised turbine nozzles for the climate control which sits in \u201cpower domes\u201d on top of the dashboard, as well as the NACA air intake-inspired styling on the centre console, as seen on the\n AMG GT\n and \nGT 4-Door Coupe\n.\nThe latter transitions from the hand rest upwards towards the 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen display, oriented in the portrait format first introduced on the \nall-new S-Class\n. Mercedes says that the portrait format is better for ergonomics, especially during navigation, and the tilt of the entire panel can be electrically adjusted to reduce reflections and glare while driving.\nThe all-new Mercedes-AMG SL roadster will offer a 2+2 seating configuration for the first time since the SL in 1989. Mercedse says that rear seats can ferry people of up to 150 cm tall (i.e. kids), but when not needed, a draught-stop can be fitted to protect the front passengers from unwanted airflow around the neck \u2013 or, you know, folded down to carry bigger items such as golf bags.\nMercedes-AMG\u2019s new hybrid powertrains can recharge their batteries by drifting. Isn\u2019t that the most AMG thing you\u2019ve ever heard?\nAs expected, there\u2019s a wide range of interior finish on offer here, including single- or two-tone nappa leather that can be paired to a variety of stitching pattern and colours, or even the Dinamica Race microfibre with contrasting red or yellow topstitching for a racier look.\n\u201cThe interior of the new Mercedes-AMG SL pampers driver and passengers with sophisticated luxury,\u201d said Mercedes-AMG Chairman of the Board of Management, Philipp Schiemer.\n\u201cThe new SL combines the highest levels of comfort and quality in its interior, coupled with just the right amount of sportiness. The high-quality combination of analogue world and state-of-the-art digital equipment makes one thing clear: the new SL is the rebirth of an icon for the modern era.\u201d\nPitting the interiors of the old and new models side by side, though, we must say that the SL connections are. mild to say the least. Maybe how the door panel flows from the dashboard, or how they both have turbine-style air vents (which aren\u2019t unique to the SL, anyway)? We don\u2019t know, but at least it\u2019s confirmed that both of them won\u2019t have a roof \u2013 at least not all the time.\nEither way, the Mercedes-AMG SL will feature an\n aluminium spaceframe chassis\n, which weighs just 270 kg on its own. A range of powertrain options will most likely be offered, including a variant with AMG\u2019s latest electrified offerings \u2013 we should know more about these particulars very soon.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Company has revealed details of its new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) called the \nStaria\n, and although it\u2019s slated to be revealed by mid-2021, the Staria looks like it belongs in a more distant future.\nThe futuristic design, defined by a fluid curve running from the front to the back, is said to be\n inspired by the halo that illuminates Earth\u2019s horizon \nduring sunrise when viewed from space.\nIts sophisticated spaceship-like appearance is further defined by headlamps positioned on each side of the grille.\nAt the rear, the Hyundai Starex replacement comes with Hyundai\u2019s Parametric Pixel tail light design while the 18-inch wheels are finished with diamond patterns and graphics.\nInside, the Staria\u2019s interior design is inspired by the lounge of a cruise ship where the lowered beltlines and panoramic side windows improve overall visibility and provide a sense of openness.\nInspired by the traditional Korean architectural style known as\u00a0\nhanok\n, this sense of spaciousness makes passengers feel as if the outer scenes are connected to the inside.\nLike the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the dashboard has been designed to look like a desk, accomodating two digital displays including a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Also like current Mercedes-Benz vehicles, it also offers 64 different colours for its ambient lighting.\nThe Staria offers a number of seating arrangements, from 2-, 7-, 9- or even 11-seats, for a wide range of applications. The 7-seater Staria comes with a one-touch relaxation mode for its second-row seats, while the 9-seater model has second-row seats that can swivel 180-degrees to face the third-row passengers.\nGALLERY"
"Over the past few days, the persistent rainfall has formed numerous water puddles on roads that have been poorly maintained across our country.\nWhile our modern passenger cars are developed with waterproofing in mind, it is best to still avoid driving into puddles at speed, especially on roads that you\u2019re unfamiliar with. Tempting fate and driving into puddles might just cause water to the engine intake and a condition called \u2018\nhydrolock\n\u2019 can occur.\nHydrostatic lock, or shortened to hydrolock, is a stage where \ntoo much water enters the engine\u2019s combustion chamber.\n Our internal combustion engines are designed to compress air and tiny amounts of fuel vapours.\nOnly air and fuel vapors can be compressed in the tiny compression chamber (red). Where can the water go?\nWhen water enters the engine, it can severely restrict the movement of the pistons inside during the combustion process. When that happens, the driver will be duly notified as the \nengine will start making loud, knocking noises followed by a full shut down\n.\nDid it manage to drive through? \nWatch it here\nIf you\u2019ve unfortunately fallen victim to a hydrolocked engine, do not attempt to start the engine as internal damage has been done. \nThe only method\n for recovery is to tow the vehicle to a workshop.\nHydrolock can be very harmful to the engine \u2013 common damages that incur on components include piston rings, bearings, cylinder heads as well as bent connecting rods, which means your short expedition through the puddle can also accumulate a large, hefty bill. In more severe cases, \na complete replacement of the engine is the only solution\n.\nAs water puddles are formed at clogged irrigation points on road shoulders and kerbs, there is sufficient room to drive around the puddle, \ntraversing as shallow as possible to minimise water splashes\n.\nWe have also come up with a handy guide on \nhow you should navigate over flooded roads\n, if you absolutely have to.\nIt is also a good time to invest a pair of\n \nquality wiper blades\n for the most obvious reason \u2013 forward visibility. \u00a0\n[Credit: \nAutochimps\n, Facebook pages of \nMUFORS\n and \nRossmore Police\n]"
"It\u2019s official, \nMazda2\n is coming! \nBermaz Motor\n is having a \nMazda Motorshow\n in 1Utama shopping center from \n1st to 6th October 2014\n at the Oval Concourse LG. Over there customers can \npre-order\n the Mazda2 and walk away with Mazda Merchandises.\nAccording to the estimated pricelist, the \nMazda2\n will be offered not only in \nhatchback\n guise, but a \nsedan\n as well! Tentatively priced at \nRM 85,XXX\n for the s\nedan\n and\n RM 87,XXX\n for the \nhatchback\n, our Mazda2 will be powered by a \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-G\n paired to a \n6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\n.\nBoasting a \nhigh compression ratio\n of \n14.0:1\n, the engine produces \n114 hp\n and \n148 Nm\n of torque driving the front wheels. Speaking of wheels, the Malaysian spec is going to be equipped with \n16-inch alloys\n fitted with \n185/60 R16\n tyres.\nIt looks like it\u2019s generously equipped too. Featuring \nMZD Connect\n with \n7-inch touchscreen LCD\n controlled by the \nCommander Control Switch\n as seen in the bigger \nMazda3\n. Other goodies include \nSmart Keyless Entry\n with \nPush Start\n, \nReverse Camera\n, \nHead Up Display\u00a0\n(HUD), and even \npaddle shifters\n on the steering wheel.\nInterior comforts include \nauto climate control\n and seats that are upholstered in\n leather\n. There are only \ndual front airbags\n, though the Mazda2 is equipped with\n Traction Control System\n (TCS) and \nDynamic Stability Control\n (DSC).\nAdditionally, customers who sign up for any Mazda car other than the Mazda2 are also entitled to a \nlucky dip\n of \nMazda Bonanza Vouchers\n worth \nup to RM 10,000\n. So hurry up to 1Utama and check out the Mazda Motorshow from 1st to 6th October 2014!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Affalterbach\u2019s latest gems, the Mercedes-AMG 53 series will officially go on sale this August 2018. Three models, the \nCLS 53 4MATIC+\n, \nE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe and E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet\n will be available for order in selected markets worldwide.\nAt the heart of the new 53-model series is a 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six mild-hybrid engine that gives a combined output of \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint takes\n 4.5 seconds\n on the CLS while the E-Class duo will get there in \n4.4 seconds\n. Its limited top speed can be increased\u00a0\n270 km/h\n with the AMG Driver\u2019s Package installed.\nThe 53-models features an EQ Boost starter generator that gives an additional \n21 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n supplements the delay in torque when the turbochargers are building boost, resulting in greater engine response without \u201cturbo lag\u201d. Rest assured that the electrification of AMG models is to enhance the performance and driving dynamics of an AMG while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions.\nOther highlights on the 53-series models include the AMG Ride Control+ airmatic suspension, twin-blade radiator grille in silver chrome, restyled rear apron, quad exhaust pipes, body colour boot lid, Nappa leather AMG performance steering wheel and an optional Widescreen Cockpit.   Prices for the CLS 53 4MATIC+ starts from \u20ac84,430 (RM389k) while the E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe and E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet starts from \u20ac81,592 (RM376k) and \u20ac87,066 (RM401k) respectively. For the CLS 53, there is an exclusive limited run Edition 1 variant that adds Black Nappa leather with copper top stitching, Edition 1 lettering and an exclusive IWC analogue clock for \u20ac97,282 (RM448k).\nThe Mercedes-AMG range is properly represented here in Malaysia, from the compact \nA 45\n all the way up to the fire-breathing \nG 63\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) even \nlocally assembles some of the 43-series models\n. So prepare your chequebooks, because the 53-series will no doubt make an appearance here in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+   Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Sedan"
"It\u2019s December again! For some of us statistics nerds, it is indeed the most beautiful time of the year, as companies compile their data for a year-end review.\nWe\u2019re sure all of us have already seen our \nSpotify Wrapped 2019\n showcase, but have you ever wondered what are the most played songs while driving? Waze has helpfully compiled a top-10 list of songs streamed while using the navigation app:\nClick to enlarge\nIt\u2019s probably not a surprise that most of the songs listed here are a mirror of the top tracks played on Spotify this year. The list includes some of the hottest Pop artists in recent years, including Billie Eillish, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga.\nHowever, the last entry in the list stood out to us the most. It seems that many of you are like us, constantly belting out the rock classic while driving too \u2013 or maybe it\u2019s on this list because of us? We\u2019d probably never know.\n \nIf you want to relive the top tracks of the year, here\u2019s a handy little playlist with the top 10 streamed songs by Wazers this year. Now please excuse us, as we return to singing \nMama, just killed a man."
"Toyota\u2019s GR division has churned out some of the most exciting performance cars we\u2019ve seen from the company in recent years and it seems that the appetite for it in North America is only growing. Currently, GR models include the \nGR Supra\n, \nGR86\n, \nGR Yaris\n and GR Corolla.\nToyota is planning to increase the production of the performance hatchback as demand for it has exceeded the company\u2019s expectations, according to \nCarbuzz\n. The model that\u2019s particularly popular is the Circuit Edition of the GR Corolla.\u00a0\n \nThe namesake Circuit Edition in the USA shares similar specifications with the \nMalaysian-specification model\n with items such as a bulging front hood, forged carbon roof, and front and rear Torsen limited slip differentials. The increased volume would likely also mean that there\u2019d be enough cars for the market, preventing buyers from paying dealer markups.\nThe GR Corolla was launched in Malaysia recently to the tune of\n RM355,000\n. It\u2019s powered by a G16E-GTS 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that\u2019s based on the GR Yaris\u2019 1.6-litre engine. It produces \n304 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque and just like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox.\nKey features include front and rear limited-slip differentials, an exposed carbon fibre roof, a rev-matching function, head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging along with seats and steering that\u2019s similar to the GR Yaris, albeit with minor revisions."
"The\n Civic Type R\n is nothing short of an automotive icon, and Honda wants to keep it that way with the \nall-new FL5-generation model\n. To that end, Honda has spent a considerable amount of care and effort, including devising up new manufacturing processes, to make sure it rolls out of the factory in its best suit possible, and they\u2019re now showing it off in a new YouTube video.\n \nEvery example of the all-new Honda Civic Type R comes to life at the carmaker\u2019s Yorii plant in Japan. But even though the factory completes the final assembly, it actually takes a global effort to create a car like this.\nFor instance, the FL5 CTR\u2019s engine is made in the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, and the transmission in Honda\u2019s Suzuka plant. Both of which are then shipped over to a Honda \u201cMother Factory\u201d in Ogawa, Japan, to be merged together before finally being integrated into the car at Yorii.\nALSO READ: \nOnly 400 Honda Civic Type R produced monthly, up to 6 months waiting period\n2023 Honda Civic Type R\nSince the Civic Type R is based on the 11th-generation FE/FL Honda Civic, it also shares most of the production line with the regular model. However, many of the processes \u2013 such as the assembly of the unique suspension \u2013 also had to be retooled and redesigned, due to the unique parts exclusive to the high-performance model.\nThe all-new FL5 Honda Civic Type R features an improved version of the carmaker\u2019s K20C1 turbocharged inline-four engine, which now makes \n315 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n of torque. Power, as always on the Type R, is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.\nRELATED: \nHonda reveals 2022 Civic Type R performance figures, \u2018small\u2019 boost from FK8R"
"To accommodate the increased traffic during this Hari Raya Haji festive season, \nPLUS Malaysia\n will be activating its \u201cSmartLane\u201d at 5 locations. The SmartLane basically makes it legal to drive on the emergency lane at the \u201cactivated areas\u201d to allow for smoother traffic flow. PLUS is expecting \n2 million cars\n per day this festive season, higher than the usual 1.7 million cars on a normal day.\nThe locations where the SmartLane will be activated are as such:\nPort Dickson Interchange \u2013 Seremban Interchange (KM260.0 to KM263.1 \u2013 Northbound)\nSenai Utara Interchange \u2013 Kulai Interchange (KM19.0 to KM27.0 \u2013 Northbound)\nGua Tempurung \u2013 Gopeng stretch (KM306.7 to KM297.0 \u2013 Northbound)\nSlim River \u2013 Sungkai (KM367.3 to KM354.1 \u2013 Northbound)\nRawang Rest & Service Area \u2013 Sungai Buaya Interchange (KM439.9 -KM435.5 \u2013 Northbound)\nThe activation of the SmartLane will depend on the traffic situation but will mainly be from June 28 to July 2, 2023. There will be officers and signages to indicate where the SmartLane starts and ends.\nPLUS Senior General Manager of Operations, Mohd Yusuf Abdul Aziz said, \u201cAt these SmartLane locations, highway users will be allowed to temporarily enter and drive on the emergency lane before being directed back to the main lanes to continue their journey. However, users are strictly prohibited from driving on the emergency lanes at other locations where SmartLane is not activated.\u201d\n\u201cThe activation of SmartLane is not new. In fact, it has been implemented during previous festive seasons. At certain stretches such as Setia Alam-Shah Alam on the NKVE and USJ-Seafield on ELITE, SmartLane is carried out every day to facilitate traffic flow during morning peak hours on regular working days. SmartLane is also normally activated during emergency highway repairs and accident clearance work.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNo plans to abolish tolls in Malaysia for now due to high cost, says Works Minister\nAlso in anticipation of the traffic surge, PLUS will be taking the following measures:\nIncrease PLUSRonda teams to conduct additional patrols on the highways.\nTemporarily suspend road maintenance works between June 24 and July 3 (exceptions will be made for maintenance and emergency works that require immediate action for safety).\nIssue Travel Time Advisory (TTA) schedule. The TTA schedule can be referred to on the PLUS website or all PLUS social media channels.\nProvide the latest traffic information through electronic boards on the highways, radio stations, PLUSTrafik Twitter, social media platforms, and the PUTRI Chatbot.\nRELATED: \nYinson GreenTech & PLUS to develop Malaysia\u2019s first hyperpower DC fast charging hub with 8X 350kW chargers"
"When you\u2019re able to spend \u20ac2.5 million (RM12 million) for a base Bugatti Chiron, chances are, \u201cfuel economy\u201d is a foreign concept to you. Lucky you, because the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just released its tested fuel economy of the 8.0-litre W16 quad-turbocharged Chiron and to nobody\u2019s surprise, it\u2019s a fuel guzzler. A 21.4 litre per 100 km fuel guzzler.\nThe EPA on its instrumented test yielded the Chiron to consume 9 MPG (26.1L/100 km) and 14 MPG (16.8L/100 km) on the highway. Combined, the Chiron returns a measly 11 MPG which translates to approximately \n21.4 litre per 100 km \ncovered. Fortunately, these figures are very close to its official figures of \n22.5L/100 km\n. You can just hear the management of Volkswagen Group letting out a breath of relief.\nBased on the EPA\u2019s figures, the Chiron will have a theoretical range of \n467 km\n (100-litre fuel tank). But with \n1,500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n on tap, let\u2019s just say no one will be driving it eco-consciously the whole time. According to \nTop Gear\n, when driving at a constant top speed of 420 km/h, the Chiron will last for only \n9 minutes\n before depleting all 100-litres of precious fuel.\nThen again, those who are able to part 2.5 million Euros for a piece of art on four wheels would probably not bat an eye when looking at these figures. After all, fuel is just a small price to pay to own the fastest luxury car in the world.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As such, there are now four variants for the\n all-new Mazda CX-30 launched earlier this year\n \u2013 including the 2.0G, 2.0G High, as well as a diesel-powered 1.8D High. As for the new 2.0G High AWD, it will sit at the top of the CX-30 range.\nUnder the hood, you get the \n162 hp\n and\n 213 Nm\n from the same 2.0-litre engine that powers the \n2.0G\n and \n2.0G High\n. Those two however are \nonly front-wheel drive\n so it would be interesting to see how the CX-30 AWD would perform; given that it\u2019s \n69 kg heavier\n with the additional components from the i-Activ AWD system.\nYou get a 6-speed automatic gearbox and like the other models, this one is also equipped with Mazda\u2019s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system.\nAs it is now the most expensive CX-30 you can buy, at\n RM176,059 on-the-road without insurance\n, it comes with all the bells and whistles fitted in the 2.0G High and 1.8D High models. They include a powered tailgate, keyless entry, 10 parking sensors, a head up display, auto brake hold and a 10-way powered seat with memory function for the driver.\nIt also comes with the i-Activsense driver assistance system that comes with adaptive headlights with high beam control, Smart City Brake Support (front and rear), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and a blind spot monitoring system.\nThe new 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G AWD comes with a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty and a 5-year free maintenance package. Prices for the other variants of the CX-30 are as follows:\n1.8D High \u2013 RM172,943.60\n2.0G High \u2013 RM164,059.00\n2.0G \u2013 RM145,759.00 (RM2,700 increase)\nGALLERY"
"Previewed in March during the Malaysia Grand Prix weekend, the much-anticipated Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG is now officially available here. Barely one month after introducing the CLA 200, the CLA 45 is poised to enter the Malaysian market with currently no direct competitor in sight.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Edition 1\n \nSegment\nC-segment 4-door Coupe\nEngine\n1,991cc In-line 4, Turbocharged\nMax Power\n360hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n450Nm @ 2,250 \u2013 5,000\u00a0rpm\nPrice\nRM 392,888 \n(Light Aluminium Trim)\n RM 395,888 \n(AMG Carbon-Fibre Trim)\n \n\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) offers the CLA 45 AMG in the top-spec Edition 1 as per the A 45 AMG, complete with decals and red highlights but the CLA does not receive a big rear spoiler on the bootlid. Even the \nCLA 45 AMG\n piloted by Nico Rosberg during the \nPetronas Motorsports Demo Run\n was not the Edition 1 model.\nEXTERIOR\nThe CLA\u2019s looks has been further enhanced by the AMG trim, which features different bumpers and side sills from the standard CLA 200. The front bumper now incorporates additional front splitter in matt titanium grey, and the side intakes are not only larger, they even have discreet flics along the top edge. The side sills also have matt titanium grey inserts to complement the front splitter.\nAt the back there\u2019s a matching\u00a0 matt titanium grey diffuser at the lower edge and the bumper is punctured with vertical air outlet vents on each side. The rear finishes off with a pair of rectangular chromed exhaust tips. As with the A 45 AMG, the CLA 45 AMG rides on \n19-inch\n matt black multi-spoke alloys wrapped with \n235/35\n section tyres.\nINTERIOR\nInside the CLA 45 AMG there\u2019s a thicker sports steering wheel with bigger pair of shift paddles. There\u2019s no gear selector stalk, instead the \nE-SELECT\n lever is now located at the more familiar location in the center tunnel. The front occupants gain a pair of serious-looking sports seat, while all the seats are covered with ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre complete with red stitching and red seatbelts. An AMG menu has been added into the main display screen which includes the RACETIMER.\nPERFORMANCE\nYou can be assured that there will be no shortage of performance from this car. Powered by the currently world\u2019s most powerful four-cylinder engine, it sends out \n360hp\n and \n450Nm\n of torque to all four wheels via the \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed\n transmission. The claimed acceleration time from \n0-100km/h\n is \n4.6 seconds\n and the top speed is electronically-limited at \n250km/h\n.\nEven with all that power it produces, it is claimed to sip \n6.9 litres\n of fuel \nper 100 kilometers\n based on the NEDC combined fuel consumption. With the clever \nAMG 4MATIC\n all wheel drive hardware and the \nESP Curve Dynamic Assist\n Electronic Stability Program, the car should offer superior cornering ability in any condition.\nWHAT ELSE?\nEven though there is the CLA 45 AMG is only offered in the Edition 1 specifications, there are two different trim options available. For \nRM 392,888\n you will get the \nLight Aluminium Trim\n or you can add another \nRM 3,000\n for the \nAMG Carbon-Fibre Trim\n. For more information on the CLA 45 AMG, visit the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website \nhere\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Among the seemingly infinite\u00a0range of Toyota cars that are not available in Malaysia, one model particularly stands out \u2013 the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The funky and retro-looking SUV is currently on sale in limited quantities via parallel importers, but the model is actually a decade old.\nWhich brings us to this, the Toyota FT-4X concept.\u00a0Designed by Toyota\u2019s\u00a0California Calty\u00a0studio, the new SUV is aimed at the young and active demographic. Just like the FJ Cruiser, the boxy body is retained, but the level of ruggedness is much higher.   It rides on Toyota\u2019s new global\n\u00a0C-Platform\u00a0\narchitecture which underpins the popular \nC-HR\n. However, the FT-4X is much roomier and sits on 18-inch wheels wrapped with off-road tyres. Nothing of the oily bits have been revealed to this day, unfortunately.\nThe big question now is, will the\u00a0Toyota FT-4X concept be a reality? According to \nCarAdvice\n, the odds are good because it is\u00a0\n75 percent ready\n for production. Perhaps a more relevant question is, will Malaysians finally get their hands on this from the showroom floors of UMW Toyota?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just two days ago, BMW unveiled their first ever compact four door coupe with the \n2 Series Gran Coupe\n. However, other than the M235i xDrive variant, the others are slightly more reserved especially in the looks department. Fret not though, as BMW has revealed some M Performance parts to add some \noomph\n to your ride!\u00a0\nStarting from the exterior styling, BMW is making available a gloss-black functional rear spoiler, as well as new stainless steel exhaust finishing with carbon-fibre enclosure.\nThe M Performance touches are also available in front, with the M front ornamental grille in high-gloss black finish, as well as a carbon M Performance mirror housing.\u00a0\nThe BMW performance department is also offering a new wheel sets for the 2 Series Gran Coupe, starting with a 18-inch Y-Spoke Styling 554 M in Jet Black matte, 18-inch Double-Spoke 556 M Bicolour alloy wheels, and 19-inch Double Spoke Styling 555 M to emphasise the sporty silhouette of the 2 Series Gran Coupe.\u00a0\nThe visual flair also extends into the interior, with the M Performance steering wheel featuring alcantara grip areas with red centre marking and carbon fibre trims. The paddle shifters for the dual-clutch transmission can also be swapped out for carbon fibre finished ones. Rounding off the interior options is the M Performance inscripted floor mats.\nThe M Performance parts are not limited to just visual changes either. Buyers of the 2 Series Gran Coupe can opt for M Performance brakes, with larger inner-vented and perforated discs for better braking performance, paired to red calipers.\u00a0\nIf that\u2019s still not enough, BMW is also offering a M Performance slide set for the LED door projectors to \u201cproject your clear commitment to sporty driving onto the asphalt\u201d, as BMW noted.\nThe M Performance inventory also include things that don\u2019t go onto the car, such as the alcantara and carbon-fibre M Performance key holder, and M Performance tyre bags to help store and transport your wheels."
"The\u00a0Nordschleife\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring or the \nGreen Hell\n, as some would put it, is easily one of the most demanding circuit around and is used by many car manufacturers to chase record lap times.\nAlthough many of these results often yield controversies due to the fact that these record chasing cars are not in complete stock trim, it still remains as a common playing ground for many benchmarking purposes.\nBefore we list down the five most surprising cars the new \nCivic Type R\n lapped faster around the \u2018Ring, do bear in mind that the latest R moniker\u2019s \n2.0-litre VTEC\n engine has gone down the blown route, making some \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque from 2,500 rpm. Power is then channeled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. All this plus the ridiculously grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres fitted to the Civic results in a lap time of \n7:50.63 seconds\n.\nSo, without further ado, meet the five cars who bit the R\u2019s dust.\n5. Ford GT (2004)\nAh, if it isn\u2019t one of Ford\u2019s most distinguished four-wheeler, the 2004 Ford GT. It\u2019s got a \n5.4-litre supercharged V8 engine\n that makes \n549\n \nhp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n678 Nm\n of torque at 3,750 rpm that\u2019s paired to a six-speed manual \u2018box, sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and maxes out at 330 km/h. Ford\u2019s mid-engined rear wheel drive sports car lapped the \u2018Ring in \n7 minutes 52 seconds flat\n, just over a second slower than the Civic. FYI, the \nnew Ford GT\n will be getting a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine and is rumoured to make upwards of 600 bhp.\n4.\n \nBMW M5 (2011)\nThe \nBMW F10 M5\n was the first in its model history to come with a turbocharged engine, down to 4.4-litre V8 from the previous E60 M5 which had the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V10. Despite the downsize, the F10 M5\u2019s engine delivered substantially better output \u2013 552 hp at 6,000 rpm and 680 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm. Performance wise, the rear wheel drive saloon manages the century sprint in 4.4 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, although some have clocked over 300 km/h. That said, it lapped the full stretch of Green Hell in \n7 minutes 55 seconds\n.\n3. Honda NSX-R (2002)\nHonda wasn\u2019t lying when they said the new Civic is the most lethal Honda to bear the Type R badge. It\u2019s so fast, it bettered the 2002 \nHonda NSX-R\n around the \u2018Ring. The NSX-R is fitted with a free-revving, naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 engine that makes \n290 hp\n at 7,100 rpm (redlines at 8,000 rpm) and \n304 Nm\n of torque at 5,500 rpm. It\u2019s a mid-engined, rear wheel drive sports car with a proper six-speed manual gearbox, though the \nnew NSX\n will benefit from turbochargers and electric motors to make over \n550 horsepower.\n\u00a0The 2002 NSX-R however, recorded a lap time of \n7:56.73 seconds\n.\n2. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe (2011)\nWith more than three times the size of the Civic Type R\u2019s engine and exactly half the cylinder count, the \nMercedes C63 AMG\n Coupe\u2019s engine is the largest by far, especially in this list of five. It\u2019s got a \n6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8\n engine pushing \n457 hp\n at 6,800 rpm and \n600 Nm\n at 5,000 rpm paired to a seven-speed AMG SpeedShift transmission driving the rear wheels. It sprints as fast as the F10 M5 \u2013 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h and manages a top speed of 280 km/h (uncapped). Despite having the largest engine, it\u2019s also the slowest here, with a lap time of\n 8:01.00 seconds\n.\n1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (2008)\nIf you\u2019re anticipating your new Civic Type R, you should be proud of this supercar-beating feat. It\u2019s easily the most eye opening defeat in the hands of a Japanese hot hatch, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. It\u2019s no slouch around the \u2018Ring either, having clocked 7 minutes 52 seconds (tied with the Ford GT) when it came out in 2008. Powering this Italian bull is a \n5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10\n engine (also used in the \nAudi R8\n) that makes \n552 hp\n (or 560\u00a0\nchevaux vapeur,\u00a0\nhence the LP560 name) and \n540 Nm\n of torque. Its top speed is rated at 325 km/h, as compared to the Civic\u2019s 270 km/h, while the Gallardo sprints to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.\nSo there you have it, the five most surprising cars to have lost to the Civic Type R at\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring. While some of you may think that we should have included its closest rival in the list, the\n Megane RS 275 Trophy-R\n (lap time \n7:54.36 seconds\n), but it\u2019s not exactly what we\u2019re trying to convey here. After all, it is the five cars whose laptime we never thought the Civic could better.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The message is probably heartfelt, but the end product was one of sheer cheekiness. In paying tribute to Dieter Zetcher\u2019s 13-year stewardship at Daimler AG as its CEO and Head of Mercedes-Benz cars, BMW seized the opportunity to induce a few chuckles in this cleverly crafted video.\nIt starts off innocuously enough as a familiar-looking be-moustached\ngentleman bids farewell to colleagues for the last time. Zetcher (or someone\nthat looks a lot like him) is then chauffeured in an S-Class and dropped off at\nhis residence. In the next instance, the garage door opens and Zetcher scoots\noff in a BMW i8 roadster. Free at last, supposedly.\nThe beauty of the clip is that it\u2019s convincing up to the point when the i8 emerges, and then there\u2019s disbelief.before you come to the realisation that BMW is really pulling your leg. As for the real Dieter Zetcher, 22\nnd\n May was his last day as CEO, he will now serve a two-year garden leave before standing for election as Chairman of Daimler\u2019s supervisory board in 2021.\nZetcher handing over the reins to Ola K\u00e4llenius (right).\nOver the 13 years at the helm, Zetcher presided over the decoupling of Daimler Chrysler, saw BMW eclipse Mercedes-Benz in sales and then led the change and brand revival which culminated in the position of leadership in the premium segment since 2016. Enjoy your temporary \u2018retirement\u2019, Dieter, you\u2019ve earned it."
"Hyundai Motor Group, the parent company to Hyundai and Kia, has announced that it will be partnering with Canoo to jointly develop an electric vehicle (EV) platform for upcoming Hyundai and Kia models.\nThe collaboration will see Canoo providing engineering services to develop a \nfully scalable all-electric platform\n to meet Hyundai and Kia\u2019s specifications.\nCanoo is a Los Angeles based start-up that has made a name for itself through its proprietary skateboard-style EV platform. The company recently introduced its first EV, \na subscription-only electric van\n, which it aims to go to market by 2021.\nHyundai says that by using Canoo\u2019s skateboard architecture as a starting point, \ndevelopment costs\n of future EV models can be \nreduced\n, and ultimately passed on to customers.\nThe development of a fully scalable platform can also help\n reduce assembly line complexity\n and \naid in rapid development of new models\n, depending on changing market preference.\nOther than passenger cars, Hyundai also plans to use the scalable platform to build its \nPersonal Built Vehicles (PBV)\n, previewed last month at CES 2020, as one of its key pillars for future mobility.\nThe partnership is part of Hyundai\u2019s larger commitment to eco-friendly vehicles, with \n$87 US Dollars of investment\n planned over the next five years.\nLast November, Hyundai also announced that it will be \nexpanding its range of eco-focused line-up\n to 13 models by 2022, while it aims for \n25% of total sales to be eco-friendly vehicles by 2025\n.\nHyundai Motor Group, Head of Research and Development, Albert Biermann said, \u201cWe were highly impressed by the speed and efficiency in which Canoo developed their innovative EV architecture, making them the perfect engineering partner for us as we transition to become a frontrunner in the future mobility industry.\u201d\n\u201cWe will collaborate with Canoo engineers to develop a cost-effective Hyundai platform concept that is autonomous ready and suitable for mass adoption,\u201d he added."
"Five decades and 43 million\u00a0units later, the \nToyota Corolla\n\u00a0still remains as the world\u2019s most popular car in the world. What better way for commemorate this milestone, you ask? Well, Toyota USA conceived the Toyota\u00a0Corolla\u00a050th Anniversary Edition!\nBased on the current 11th generation \nCorolla\n sedan, only\n\u00a08,000\n units of this variant will be made, all of which are allocated for the North American market. The exclusivities for this edition include a new front grille with updated LED headlamps and an attractive Black Cherry Pearl exterior colour. Inside, it\u2019s equipped with a 7-inch infotainment screen, updated colour schemes,\u00a0Softex-trimmed sport seats, updated\u00a0climate control panel and circular air vents.\nAll Corollas sold in the North America come fitted with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P)\u00a0technology, including this special-run variant. The active safety kit grants Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.\nThe mechanics remain unchanged. Both the United States and Canada get the\n\u00a0132 hp 1.8-litre four cylinder engine \n(with Dual VVTI) that is mated to a\u00a0\nseven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission\n with Intelligence Shift (CVTi-S).\nIn Malaysia, the Corolla Altis is due for a facelift, especially with Honda reaping the bulk of the C-Segment sales with their \nnew turbocharged Civic\n. It\u2019s only a matter of time now before we get the facelifted Altis.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo\u2019s first electric car, the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n is due for a 2024 update that will boost its battery size, DC fast charging speed, and power output. \nAutocar\n reports that production of the updated XC40 will start in May 2023. Together with the XC40, its coupe counterpart, the \nC40\n will also be updated.\nMalaysia only gets the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric in its \ntwin-motor version\n, but elsewhere, the all-electric XC40 also comes in a single-motor front-wheel drive configuration. The Volvo C40 is set to launch in Malaysia before the end of 2022.\nPure Electric P8 Ultimate\nThe twin-motor version will be updated to get a bigger \n82-kWh\n battery pack (from the current 78-kWh). With the bigger battery, the electric driving range of the XC40 can go up to \n502 km\n from the current 418 km.\nCharging will be made faster thanks to an update to \n200-kW\n DC fast charging from the current 150-kW DC fast charging. Charging from 10% to 80% will take \n27 minutes\n, which is 10 minutes faster than currently.\nAs for power output, the total output will remain the same at \n408 hp\n (metric), although the dual-motor setup will have a more rear-biased configuration with two new electric motors.\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric updated for 2023, now from RM 279k\nPure Electric P8 Ultimate\nNot offered in Malaysia, the single-motor Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will receive a drivetrain update, changing to rear-wheel drive (RWD) from the current FWD configuration. The electric motor will also be more powerful at 238 hp (metric) from the current 231 hp (metric). No details were shared on the smaller battery for the single-motor XC40, but the DC fast charging will remain at 136 kW.\nThe updated XC40 is now available to order for the European market. Production will begin in May 2023 for the twin-motor version and Autumn 2023 for the single-motor version. In Malaysia, the Volvo XC40 is available with three powertrain options \u2013 MHEV, PHEV, and EV. A recent update has been given for the Malaysia-spec XC40, introducing Android Automotive to the brand\u2019s entry-level electric vehicle (EV).\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric sold out for MY2022 in Malaysia \u2013 over 400 orders, 120 delivered"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has announced that the Mercedes me Store is now live for Malaysian customers, offering additional digital products for all its connected vehicles.\nEssentially a platform for various subscription packages, the Mercedes me Store allows customers to purchase selected personalisation offerings that includes future digital services and enhancements. Through the store, customers now have full flexibility in choosing run-time options for packages that are compatible with their vehicle.\nThe personalisation services are as such:\n(A) Renewal Package\n1-year subscription\n3-year subscription\nRemote Package\nRM 389\nRM 914\nNavigation Package\nRM 608\nRM 1,438\nExcellence Package\n(Bundle of Remote & Navigation Package)\nRM 869\nRM 2,049\n(B) Service On-Demand\nIndividualisation Package\n(Sound Experience, Mini Games)\nRM 400\nRM 933\nServices that only require \none-time purchase\n are:\nHard Disc Navigation \u2013 RM 3,466\nAMG Track Pace \u2013 RM 1,120\n*Product specification may vary depending on technical pre-requisite for vehicle.\nEarlier in 2019, when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia first introduced the \u201cMercedes me Connect\u201d feature, Mercedes me-equipped cars came with a complimentary three-year subscription of Remote and Navigation packages as standard. These complimentary packages will need to be renewed soon by the customers if they wish to continue using them. Essential safety and maintenance services ranging from SOS, Roadside Assistance and Accident Management to retrieval of vehicle data will remain complimentary indefinitely.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia and SEA II Vice President of Customer Services, Edmin Naidoo said, \u201cSince its local debut in 2019, Mercedes me Connect has been providing convenient digitalised experiences with tailor-made offerings as part of our commitment to further elevate driving experiences and comfort of our customers\u2019 ownership journey.\u201d\n\u201cAs a global luxury brand, we are constantly looking for new and updated way to enhance our offerings. And with the digitalisation of business and services, it is only natural for us to upgrade our services to offer convenient seamless digital experiences at our customer\u2019s fingertips.\u201d\n\u201cMercedes me connect is a close companion of Mercedes-Benz owners in Malaysia that makes everyday life easier. With close to 100% pairing rate on the Mercedes me Connect, we are confident that existing and future customers will see the value and appreciate the new digital experience.\u201d\nThe Mercedes me Connect is a way for owners to stay connected with their vehicles where they can retrieve data via the app and make full use of other digital features that range from safety essential services to convenient features such as locking and unlocking of doors and windows, making online service appointments, and customer care support. Owners can also update their personal information such as contact details, email, and password at any time.\nThe full list of paid subscription is also available with Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned connected vehicles. For more information on Mercedes me Store, \nclick here\n."
"The 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Turbo AWD has been previewed in Malaysia as the new top-of-the-line variant for our local market. The new variant introduces the \n2.5L SkyActiv-G turbocharged engine\n to the CX-5 lineup, previously available exclusively on the \nCX-9\n.\nThe 2.5L turbocharged engine produces \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque at just 2,000 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels with the \nAWD system\n, through a \n6-speed automatic transmission\n with manual-shift mode; pedal shifters are ommited on this SUV.\nStyling wise, it is identical to the \ncurrent CKD variants\n. The new 2.5-litre CX-5 is equipped with automatic LED front and rear combination lights, LED daytime running lights, automatic windshield wipers and a powered tailgate. The new top-of-the-line variant comes with 19-inch wheels with 225 section tyres.\nOn the inside, you get full leather upholstery, fully powered front seats with added memory function for the driver side, a centre console with updated switchgear for the dual-zone climate control, and a new driver\u2019s instrument cluster with a 7-inch digital display in the centre with analogue dials on the sides, similar to the one available on the 2019 Mazda3. There is also a new windshield-projected\n \nheads-up display.\nThe infotainment system has also been updated to the latest Mazda Connect Infotainment System with voice command, and now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.\nSafety specs of the 2.5-litre CX-5 comes with 6 airbags, anti-lock braking system, traction control, dynamic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, emergency stop signal, and hill launch assist, but the Mazda Radar Cruise Control system isn\u2019t present.\nThe 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is currently only available in all-wheel drive variants for the Malaysian market. Official pricing and release date has not been announced yet, but we can expect it to be priced around RM180,000 according to the sales personnel present at the preview.\nThe 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Turbo AWD is \navailable for viewing\n at Sunway Pyramid (Blue Atrium), from the 4th to 9th of September 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Turbo AWD"
"The 2023 \nBMW 3 Series facelift \nhas now finally made its way into Malaysia, and will be offered in three variants at launch \u2013 the \n320i\n, \n330i\n, and \n330e plug-in hybrid\n. As this is a LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) update, there are of course several design changes to mark it out as the shiny new one \u2013 but the 2023 model is more than just a \u201cfacelift\u201d, as you\u2019d find out below!\nOn the outside, the most obvious design change can be found in front. The iconic kidney grille has been given a slight redesign (\nthankfully not in the style of the M3/M4!\n), and flanking it are the reworked headlights with a new sleeker shape. The daytime-running lights are also new, where the twin inverted L-shaped signature is supposed to emphasise the width of the car.\nAll three variants of the new BMW 3 Series here in Malaysia will come with the M Sport kit as standard, which means they\u2019ll all get the sportier-looking bumpers, with a large hexagonal lower air intake in front, and a gloss-black diffuser element at the rear.\nThe 18-inch Style 848 M wheels, first introduced on the existing \nBMW 330Li\n, are also standard across the board, as opposed to the per-variant designs previously.\nThe BMW 330e M Sport and 330i M Sport variants stand out even further with the addition of the M Sport brakes with blue-coloured calipers, which the 320i M Sport lacks.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW 3 Series updated with mild design changes, new iDrive 8 infotainment system\nInside, the main highlight of the new 2023 3 Series facelift is the BMW Curved Display, available on all three variants, which combines the the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display under a single curved pane of glass, perched up on the dashboard.\nThe new system not only completely revitalises the cabin\u2019s design, it also pushes the 3 Series one step closer to being a \u201csoftware-defined\u201d car, as it\u2019ll be able to change a large portion of the car\u2019s functionality just through the iDrive 8.0\u2019s over-the-air (OTA) software update.\nIn order to fit the new screens, a few adjustments had to be made on the dashboard. The trim piece on the passenger-side is now larger, and the central air vents \u2013 with all of the air-con controls now moved into the screen itself \u2013 is also slimmer than before.\nBelow that, the bank of shortcut buttons for the infotainment system have also been jettisoned, replaced by the windscreen defroster and hazard lights buttons, alongside some simple entertainment controls.\nThe traditional gear lever has also been replaced by a small paddle-style lever for a more modern and minimalist appearance, but aside from that, the rest of the centre console remains identical to the outgoing cars.\nCustomers can opt between Black and Mocha Vernasca leathers for the interior in the new BMW 330i M Sport and 330e M Sport variants, but the 320i will come exclusively with a black interior. All three variants get an Anthracite-coloured headliner.\nWhile the exterior design and interior amenities have seen quite drastic changes, the powertrain underneath each variant have remained unchanged. The 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport are both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n on the former, and \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n on the latter.\nThe 330e M Sport meanwhile gets an additional electric motor within the gearbox, boosting the total system outputs to \n292 hp \nand \n420 Nm\n. The engines in all three variants are paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission as standard.\nThe new 2023 BMW 330e M Sport is the only variant that gets the Adaptive M Suspension; the other two variants are equipped with the passive M Suspension.\nThe refreshed BMW 3 Series line-up now starts at RM263,600 for the 320i M Sport (without the extended warranty and service package), moving all the way up to RM297,600 (RM317,800 with extended warranty and service package) for the 330i M Sport.\nFor more information on the new 2023 BMW 3 Series here in Malaysia, check out our detailed launch coverage for all three variants here:\n2023 BMW 320i M Sport facelift now available in Malaysia \u2013 RM283,800\n2023 BMW 330i M Sport facelift debuts in Malaysia \u2013 RM317,800\n2023 BMW 330e M Sport facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM298,800"
"The battle of the hot hatches is set to intensify with yet another entry from France \u2013 the fourth-generation Renault Megane RS. Leaked here are patented renderings from World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), giving us a glimpse of how the \nCivic Type R\n rival will shape to look like.\nTo begin, the Megane RS looks suitably more aggressive than \nthe standard variant\n, and for good measure. The front wheel arches get air curtains while the rear gets diffusers, roof spoiler and a large central exhaust. The front headlights and the \u2018chequered flag\u2019 LED fog lamps are \nidentical to the camouflaged version we previously saw in Monaco\n.   Here\u2019s a brief summary of what we know about this hot hatch so far. There will be two variants on offer,\u00a0beginning with the \nSport\n\u00a0followed by the more focussed\u00a0\nCup\u00a0\nversion. Four-wheel steering (4Control system) will be fitted as well, whereas an electromagnetic actuator located at the rear axle will be tasked to improve agility and\u00a0stability.\nAs for enthusiasts, the \nRenault Megane RS can be had with a six-speed manual transmission\n or a six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic. Only the engine part remains a mystery for now. The good news is, the Megane RS will be making its world debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There, we said it. It\u2019s not that Lamborghinis aren\u2019t cool, because they are, and we\u2019d do anything to be able have one parked in our driveway. But when you bring up something as cool as the \u2018Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63\u2019 yacht, everything else just seems tame in comparison. Sorry, not sorry.\nAs the name suggests, the motorised yacht is built by Tecnomar, a brand under the Italian Sea Group flag. Lamborghini, meanwhile, provided their design expertise, taking inspiration from the \nSian FKP 37 hybrid hypercar\n \u2013 and boy, does it look mega.\nJust like the car, the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is filled with sharp edges all round its entire hull, and the bow lights are also unmistakably Lamborghini \u2013 a design first seen on the \nTerzo Millenio concept\n.\nPrefer a something a little smaller, faster, and a little more German? Check out this Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series-inspired boat!\nThe super-yacht also features what it calls a \u201csupersport silhouette\u201d, and is covered by a hard top inspired by Lamborghini\u2019s roadsters which \u201cguarantees not only protection from the sun and wind, but also surprising aerodynamic performance.\u201d\nAnd of course, with Lamborghini in its name, it has to be built with carbon fibre \u2013 which actually puts it in the \u201cultralight yacht\u201d category, weighing in at under 24 tonnes!\nOr for those who revel in \u201cluxury\u201d, Bentley will also help you design a yacht to match your car. Read more about it here.\nThe Lamborghini touches extend past just its exterior, too. On the deck, you get a fully supercar-inspired cockpit, replete with Lamborghini style seats, a car-like steering wheel, and a massive dual-screen instrument cluster wrapped in carbon fibre. There\u2019s even an aviation-inspired covered start button that looks just like the ones in Lamborghini\u2019s cars!\nMoving further inside the cabin, and you\u2019ll find a bedroom upholstered in the usual Lamborghini materials (i.e. suede, microfibre, and pleated leather), another smaller bedroom with two single beds, as well as a sinister-looking toilet finished in matte black that\u2019ll make even the hardest James Bond supervillain blush.\nNot a fan of the seas? Well, there\u2019s the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is basically a yacht for the roads. Learn more about it here.\nTaking the Lamborghini connection even further is the V12 powertrain at the back \u2013 or more specifically, two V12 engines that generate a combined output of 4,000 hp, which enables the yacht to hit a top speed of 60 knots (111 km/h).\nJust like any other Lamborghini supercar, the yacht can also be fully customised with the carmaker\u2019s Ad Personam programme. This particular unit here \u2013 number one of 63 \u2013 has just been delivered to a customer in Europe, and is even finished in the same olive green colour as the Sian FKP 37 poster car. Now, \nthat\u2019s\n class.\nGALLERY"
"According to Mercedes-Benz, customers choose the CLS-Class due to one reason- its design. Thus, with the current four-door coupe design looking so well proportioned, sporty and handsome, only very selected sections needed to be aesthetically freshened up.\nStarting with the looks upfront, the bumper which includes the fitment for the radiator grille has been updated, with a stronger resemblance to other new-generation models. Similar to the recently launched\n all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class\n, the radiator grille now has the multi-star mesh pattern and a large central star.\nMeanwhile, the signature Panamericana-style grille with vertical bars and a large central star is reserved for the Mercedes-AMG variants, such as the CLS 53 example here. A new black-highlight treatment called Night Package 2 is also being introduced, where the radiator grille, the star and model emblems are finished in black chrome.\nThe iconic rear design with the slim taillamps only sees design changes to the bumper, adding black diffuser-look insert and a silver-chrome trim strip.\nA new \nAMG Dynamic Package Plus\n package has been introduced for the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 model. The large brake calipers are painted red, while the interior sees the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre combination or alternatively in full Nappa leather. Two additional driving modes are added too- \nRace and Drift modes\n.\nThe new-generation steering wheels from the new \nfacelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n are used in this CLS-Class facelift, with the sportier twin-spoke design is again reserved for the Mercedes-AMG variants. Two new trim finishes are available which are open-pore brown walnut and high-gloss grey wood and can be had with an increase in seat upholstery configurations.\nA new Mercedes-AMG-inspired Limited Edition, of which just \n300 examples\n will be made, adds black 20-inch five-twin-spoke wheels from AMG, the earlier mentioned Night Package 2, the AMG Dynamic Package Plus and racing stripes as standard. It will only be offered in cashmere white magno and selenite grey magno paint finishes.\nPetrol powertrain options and outputs remain as before, with the \nCLS 53\n getting the complex \nnew 3.0-litre bi-turbo\n (exhaust and electric) in-line six that is supported by an EQ Booster starter-alternator to give a combined output of \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n. The entry-level CLS 350 with its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder packs\n 299 hp/400 Nm\n, while the CLS 450 with its 3.0-litre single-turbo in-line six packs \n367 hp/500 Nm\n.\nA new four-cylinder diesel engine (CLS 300 d) is added to the line-up and this 2.0-litre engine is integrated with a second-generation 48-volt starter-generator system. Total combined outputs are \n265 hp/550 Nm\n. All engines are paired with nine-speed automatic transmission, with options of 4Matic all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 comes exclusively with a higher performance all-wheel-drive system dubbed 4Matic+.\nDid you know that China was the largest sales market for the CLS last year? This is then followed by its neighbour across the Yellow Sea, South Korea. The USA is next and then followed by Germany.\nDeliveries to customers will only begin in July, so perhaps, the new facelift Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class will only arrive in Malaysia very late into the year or early 2022.\nUp to the end of last year, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 was priced at RM553k, the CLS 450 at RM675k while the 435 hp Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 was priced at RM845k in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"When the Aston Martin DB11 first made its \nglobal debut in early 2016\n, we knew for a fact that the British carmaker will slap on a retractable roof for the ultimate open-top motoring experience. Now, after what seems like an eternity, let us welcome the Aston Martin DB11 Volante V8 \u2013 the most elegant convertible Aston Martin ever built.\nVisually, the DB11 Volante is identical to the \nCoupe\n save for the fabric roof that comes in three colour options \u2013 Bordeaux Red, Black Silver and Grey Silver as well as the new 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheel design. The fabric roof is operable at speeds of up to \n50 km/h\n and will take \n14 seconds\n to be stowed away in the rear or \n16 seconds\n to completely shelter the occupants from the outside world.   According to Aston Martin, the new fabric roof features an all-new \neight-layer design\n that not only gives greater insulation but also \n20 percent more boot volume\n compared to the outgoing \nDB9 Volante\n. The new roof mechanism had also been through the most punishing conditions of the Death Valley and Artic Circle as well as being subjected to more than \n100,000 folding cycles\n to give its esteemed customers a peace of mind on the new roof mechanism.\nUpfront, you will find a Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that generates\n 503 hp\n and \n675 Nm\n of twisting force paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint takes \n4.1 seconds\n, just a touch slower than the \nV8 Coupe\n\u2018s\n 4.0 second\n sprint time. Top speed however, is identical at \n300 km/h\n.\nIn UK, the Aston Martin DB11 V8 Volante is priced at \u00a3159,900 (RM895k) before options. Closer to home, Wearnes has the \nDB11 V12 Coupe on sale\n for around RM2 million. We are still on the lookout for the V8 Coupe to arrive (if ever) to our shores, let alone its convertible twin.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The past decade has clearly seen some amazing technologies adopted by car manufacturing giants, some way ahead of its time, like \nBMW\n\u2018s fully automated parking \nwithout\n GPS guidance as well as 360-degree collision avoidance tech.\nSeen here in the pictures is the luxury carmaker\u2019s i3 research vehicle, and is equipped with \nfour advanced laser scanners\n\u00a0that monitor and read potential hazards, or in this case walls or columns in a multi-storey carpark. The i3 also performs \nfully automated\n acceleration, braking, reversing and cornering tasks.\nIt\u2019s done pretty reliably too, says BMW, and when the i3 approaches a column too quickly, it\u2019s brought to a complete standstill so precise with just centimeters to spare. What about its \nreal world application\n, you ask? It could help drivers navigate in poor visibility conditions. Like many of their assistance systems, this feature too can be disabled by the driver.\nBMW also brought their autonomous driving tech into wearable gadgetry in the form of a smartwatch. When you\u2019re in a rush for a meeting and find no time to park your car, simply activate the \nRemote Valet Parking Assistant\n from your smartwatch and the car will steer its way into a parking lot. It\u2019s so precise it can even manoeuvre around incorrectly parked cars.\nThe technological breakthrough here is that this technology doesn\u2019t require GPS signals at all. For this to work, all the supporting infrastructure BMW needs is an architectural blueprint of the multi-storey carpark, and it can be potentially used in a broader scale of real-world conditions.\nBMW will showcase the full extent of its autonomous vehicle research technologies in the coming \n2015 Consumer Electronics Show\n from 6 to 9 January.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a key ingredient in the construction and driving experience of the \nnew Polestar 1\n, available for \npre-order in 18 countries\n.\u00a0With a weight saving of 230 kg, it contributes to the agile, responsive and dynamic nature of the car.\nPriced at approximately RM 600k\n before taxes, the\n Polestar\n 1\u2019s carbon fibre body is Volvo Car Group\u2019s first exploration into carbon fibre construction as the Polestar Production Centre, due for full scale operation by 2019, is being specifically tooled to deal with the intricate nature of the material.\nCarbon fibre components have been used extensively in the Polestar 1 \u2013 on the bonnet, boot lid, side panels, doors and the entire roof structure.\nThe carbon fibre roof is not only thinner and stronger than a steel equivalent but also allows for a much lower roof line, resulting in a sleek and slender profile.\nCan you spot the \u2018dragonfly\u2019?\nThe \u2018dragonfly\u2019 as Polestar calls it, is an instrumental component in the underbody of the vehicle that\u2019s also made of carbon fibre. It significantly improves torsional stiffness at a crucial point of the body\u2019s structure, \nbetween the middle of the floor and rear construction\n.\n\u201cWhen you combine this strengthened framework with the super-strong body and roof structure, you get a stiff and communicative chassis which translates driver input into superb driving characteristics,\u201d said Head of Product Creation at Polestar, Christian Samson.\nThe 600 hp & 1000 Nm Polestar 1\nPolestar is the new electric performance sub-brand under the Volvo Car Group, \nwith joint investments from the latter\u2019s owner, Geely Holding\n. Its technology and expertise are also applied to electrified Volvos like the \nnew S60 T8 Polestar\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Polestar\u2019s first car, Polestar 1 Hybrid"
"Mazda has just unveiled their second-ever fully electric vehicle, but instead of an all-new global model, it\u2019ll actually be a China-only EV based on a car that we already know, the \nCX-\n30\n.\nIt\u2019s dubbed the CX-30 EV, and is set to go on sale later this year, built by Changan Automobile \u2013 one of Mazda\u2019s partners in China. And because the CX-30 wasn\u2019t originally built with EVs in mind (eventhough the \nMX-30\n uses the same platform), Mazda had to lift the crossover quite significantly to fit the batteries underneath, giving it a weird franken-SUV look.\nThe company literally only brought the car out for show at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show, without any accompanying information \u2013 so all reports are essentially just educated guesses at this point.\nBased on the e-SkyActiv badging found on the show car though, we\u2019re convinced that it\u2019ll most likely feature the same electric powertrain combo found underneath that of the Mazda MX-30, which means an electric motor up front that\u2019s good for \n105 kW (143 hp)\n and \n264 Nm\n of torque, powered by a \n35.5-kWh\n lithium-ion battery.\nHowever, several publications are reporting that the new CX-30 EV might actually ride on Changan\u2019s in-house EV platform instead of Mazda\u2019s own, which could explain the massive increase in ride height due to its larger batteries.\nEither way, we still have so many questions that need answering. Why a \u201cnew\u201d model instead of the MX-30? How will the increased ride height and new weight distribution affect its driving dynamics? Sadly, we probably won\u2019t be able to find out ourselves, since this model is probably destined to only stay in China."
"You\u2019ve got to hand it to Volkswagen for dipping into a segment that had not seen growth a long time \u2013 convertibles. But they are putting the money where the mouth is and will be introducing an all-new model to replace the soon-to-be-retired Golf and Beetle soft-tops \u2014 the T-Roc Cabriolet.\nHigh-riding convertible crossover to replace Golf and Beetle soft-tops.\nBut if there was ever any chance for a new convertible model to be successful, it would have to be based on a body-style that\u2019s popular, hence the \nT-Roc crossover\n was chosen. While it\u2019s a first for its segment, the concept isn\u2019t unlike the \nNissan Murano CrossCabriolet\n which is sold in North America.\nTwo doors, seats four, with unlimited headroom.\nThe engineering involved in a convertible is never as simple as just discarding the metal roof and replacing it with a folding canvas top. For the T-Roc Cabriolet, VW lengthened the wheelbase, deleted the rear doors and added a host of structural reinforcements.\nDespite having just the two side doors, the T-Roc cabriolet seats four comfortably and has a respectable amount of trunk space (284 litres) as its powered canvas roof tucks neatly on the rear deck behind the second row seats and doesn\u2019t intrude on trunk space.\nJust enough cargo space for a short holiday.\nWhen it goes into production early next year, the T-Roc will probably have the fastest folding top of its class, needing only 9 seconds to go topless, and that can be done at speeds up to 30 km/h. Cool?"
"In case it has slipped your mind, Polestar is an \u2018electric performance car brand\u2019 jointly owned by Volvo and Geely. The brand is managed out of Gothenburg, Sweden but produced in Chengdu, China. The \nPolestar 1 \nperformance hybrid coupe \u2013 announced in 2017 and limited to 500 units per year \u2013 is currently in production with deliveries scheduled before the end of 2019.\nThe \nPolestar 2\n, a 4-door notchback and a rival to the Tesla Model 3, was unveiled earlier this year. It made its first public appearance in the Geneva motor show in March and has since gone a roadshow, including a stop at the Frankfurt motor show, in the shape of a standalone pop up store.\nIt doesn\u2019t take a genius to figure out that the design of the Polestar 2 takes after the \nConcept 40.2\n shown by Volvo a few years ago. It also sits on the \nCMA platform\n which underpins the Volvo XC40. In the flesh, the production-ready Polestar 2 looks rather handsome. It is planned for production early next year.\nPriced at \u20ac59,900\n, the fully-electric Polestar 2 boasts some serious performance numbers \u2013 \n408 hp and 660 Nm\n, with a \n0-100km/h time of 4.7\n seconds courtesy of \nall-wheel drive\n traction. It\u2019ll also come with a battery capacity of \n78 kWh\n, good for a targeted range of \n500 km per charge\n, based on the \nWLTP standard\n, which is impressive.\nThe Polestar 2 can also be optioned with a Performance Pack comprising \nOhlins dampers\n, \nBrembo brakes\n, \n20-inch forged alloys\n along with \nsignature gold seat belts\n. Volvo Car Malaysia has no plans yet to make the Polestar 2 available in Malaysia, but we think it\u2019s definitely worth considering."
"The all-new Lexus NX mid-size crossover was earlier launched in \nthe USA\n and was just made available in Japan.\nLexus also continued with the sportier F Sport flavour for this second generation, with black highlights and sharper design on the spindle grille and rims. In Japan, customisation from the dealership is still surprisingly strong thus TRD Japan is offering their bodykit and more.\nNX F Sport\nNX F Sport with F Sport Parts by TRD\nDesigned under the theme \u201caerodynamic control\u201d and total balance\u201d, the F Sport Parts (yes, it is called that even though F Sport is a variant from Lexus) front bumper spoiler adds more gloss black plus a deeper aerodynamic-effect look, while the side skirts design is meant to visually bring the Lexus NX looking closer to the ground. The rear bumper diffuser meanwhile places more \u2018racing\u2019 flavour on the new Lexus NX with plenty of fins and creases. \u00a0\nDo you think this GR Parts rally package makes the Toyota Yaris Cross looks like it is trying too hard? Check it out here.\nTRD Japan says the side mirror cover not only has high aesthetic values but also aerodynamic efficiency, as it rectifies airflow between the A-pillar, doors and the overall length of the NX.\nIn Japan, this painted four-piece bodykit plus the side mirror covers and quad-tip sports exhaust muffler is called F Sport Parts Aerodynamics Package is priced at \nJPY513,300\n (approx. RM19k).\nAs for the gorgeous, forged rims in 20\u00d77.5 sizing and finished in Melanite Gun Metallic, they are a separate package, which naturally cost more than the plastic bodykit at JPY616,000 (approx. RM23k) a set. To further improve the chassis rigidity as well as even lower harshness levels, TRD Japan is offering a pair of bodyshell \u201cPerformance Dampers\u201d as well as chassis bracing members for JPY110,000 per package (approx. RM4.1k).\nA \u2018Black Edition\u2019 F Sport Parts Aerodynamic Package is also made available for owners with dark vehicles and wants something that is all-black.\nThis BMW 8 series personalisation package is very, very black. Take a look at how dark the Frozen Black is here!\nUnlike the \nLexus ES with TRD F Sport Package\n, this Lexus NX F Sport Parts package does not have any upgrades for the interior.\nTo recap, the all-new Lexus NX features a range of new powertrains, consisting of a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine with 201 hp, a turbocharged 2.4-litre unit with 279 hp as well as an improved self-charging hybrid with 242 hp and Lexus\u2019 first \nplug-in hybrid\n maxing out at 306 hp.\nIn Japan, the entry variant NX 250 is priced from JPY4.82 million (approx. RM178k ) with the range-topping NX 450h + F Sport priced at JPY7.38 million (approx. RM273k). Only one variant of the turbocharged model called NX 350 F Sport is offered, priced at JPY5.99 million (approx. RM221k).\nGALLERY"
"Perodua has announced that it registered 6,988 vehicles in August. The figure was nearly 10x more compared to the previous month when it only posted 655 units.\nWith sales operations and manufacturing slowly resuming since the 16th of August, Perodua is optimistic of a quick bounce back. All operations were halted since the 1st of June 2021 due to the full lockdown.\n\u201cWe would see the production and registration numbers multiply in September as the situation continues to normalise,\u201d Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.\nA new Bumblebee has arrived, appearing as the Perodua Ativa! More pictures here!\n\u201cWe are working on closing this gap by further increasing our manufacturing output as well as further improving our standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of our people and our customers,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said.\nDespite the optimism, Perodua has remained realistic about its sales targets \u2013 reducing it by 10.8% to 214,000 units this year, in contrast with the initial target of 240,000 units.\nCompared to the January to August period of last year, Perodua only registered 104,933 units, a 12.5% drop from the 119,977 vehicles sold in 2020.\n \nRegarding the semiconductor chip shortage that has plagued the entire industry, the company has secured enough for this year and assures that all outstanding orders will be met within the year.\n\u201cFor now, the semiconductor chip supply is still a global issue and we are working with our partners and suppliers to limit any disruption it may cause,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Zainal."
"The Munich-based motoring giant has announced recently that it will be revising its engine line-up for some\u00a0of its outgoing models as of summer 2015. Thanks to the optimised efficiency and technological advancements of their new three and four-cylinder engines, these engines breathe new life to the sporting heritage of the company whilst keeping carbon emissions\u00a0and fuel\u00a0consumption\u00a0low.\nBMW announced too that, the \nF22\n\u00a0M235i xDrive Convertible will be the first open-top compact model to offer four-wheel drive as an option. This handsome 1-Series Coupe spin-off is powered by a straight-six engine\n producing 326 hp at 6,000 rpm with 450 Nm of twist at a mere 1,400rpm.\nIt does the century sprint in \n4.4 seconds\n, and with the loud pedal buried deep in the carpet, it will reach an electronically-limited top speed of \n250kph\n. However if you feel that those figures are way too rich for your blood, fret not though for there are \ntwo other oil burning variants\n offered in the range, namely the \nBMW 218d\n and\n 225d\n producing \n140hp and 224hp respectively\n.\nA new comer to our shores, the BMW F45 \n2 Series Active Tourer\n\u00a0\u00a0is part of BMW\u2019s powerplant refresher course here. The results of this exercise is that three of its diesel engines have been improved in terms of power, torque, emissions and consumption. It is unclear if we will be receiving the three cylinder powered 214d and 216d variants here on our shores. Worth noting though, is the improvements made for the 220d model.\nPower figures\n have been augmented with an increase to the\u00a0four-cylinder diesel power unit of a\u00a0\n190hp from 187hp\n with torque figures of \n400 Nm at 1750 rpm\n remain largely unchanged.The 220d Active Tourer does\n 0-100kph in 7.8 seconds\n (the stick shifter does it in 7.9 seconds). BMW have also announced an \nall-wheel-drive version\n of the people carrier, which carries the\n xDrive moniker\n.\nThe 2 Series Active Tourer will also incorporate a host of \nsafety features\n and programs \nstarting July 2015\n such as the\u00a0\nMulti-Collision Braking,\u00a0Alertness Assistant,\u00a0Head-Up Display\n. However it is uncertain on whether some of these systems will be inclusive in our local models.\nFurther up the food chain, lies the \u00a0\nF15\n BMW X5 xDrive25d and sDrive25d models, which also benefits from a refreshed engine line-up for its stable. The \nN47D20\n block has an increased output of 231hp as opposed to the 215hp found in the previous reiteration of this engine making it the\u00a0most powerful representative of the new-gen four-cylinder diesel engines that be will making its debut in the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle).\nIt also produces \n50Nm more torque\n that the previous lump making a grand total of \n500Nm\n. Having said that, this sub two-tonne SAV will do the sprint in a respectable\n 7.7 seconds.\nThis BMW Z4 and its barn-storming family of metal-folding drop tops might not be getting a upgrade in the oily bits but, what BMW has done is only make Z4 fans fall in love with it even more. In the same announcement, the Bavarian giants will be painting, for the first time ever, the Z4 in that brilliant shade of blue that BMW calls\n Estoril Blue.\nSpeaking of paint jobs, BMW will now be dipping the\n BMW 4 Series\n range with a couple \nnew colors\n, namely\u00a0\nChampagne Quartz\n metallic and \nSmokey Topaz\n metallic. This also includes the M4 and its topless twin. The \nBMW 5 Series\u00a0Sedan\n and the \nBMW 5 Series Gran Turismo\n is made available with the new\u00a0metallic \nTanzanite Blue\n, which is available in\n\u00a0BMW Individual\n guise.\nHere\u2019s a quick review of the revised engines list.\nModel\nPower (horsepower)\nFuel consumption (l/100 km)\u00a0\nCO2 emissions (g/km)\nBMW 118i (3-door version)\n136\n5.4 \u2013 5.0\n126 \u2013 116\nBMW 118i 5-door version\n136\n5.4 \u2013 5.0\n126 \u2013 116\nBMW 218d Coupe\n150\n4.4 \u2013 4.0\n116 \u2013 106\nBMW 225d Coupe\n224\n4.6 \u2013 4.3\n121 \u2013 114\nBMW M235i xDrive Convertible\n326\n8.3\n193\nBMW 218d Convertible\n150\n4.7 \u2013 4.3\n124 \u2013 114\nBMW 225d Convertible\n224\n4.9 \u2013 4.6\n128 \u2013 121\nBMW 216i Gran Tourer\n102\n5.6 \u2013 5.3\n129 \u2013 124\nBMW 214d Gran Tourer\n95\n4.1 \u2013 3.9\n109 \u2013 104\nBMW 220d Gran Tourer\n190\n4.7 \u2013 4.5\n124 \u2013 119\nBMW 318d Gran Turismo\n150\n4.7 \u2013 4.5\n123 \u2013 117\nBMW 320d Gran Turismo\n190\n4.8 \u2013 4.6\n127 \u2013 120\nBMW 420d Convertible\n190\n5.1 \u2013 4.8\n134 \u2013 127\nBMW 418d Gran Coupe\n150\n4.5 \u2013 4.1\n118 \u2013 109\nBMW X5 sDrive25d\n231\n5.4 \u2013 5.3\n141 \u2013 139\nBMW X5 xDrive25d\n231\n5.6 \u2013 5.6\n148 \u2013 146\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has clinched second spot in total overall sales after a 40-month absence. The last time they were there was in March 2016.\nHaving posted a 23% increase in sales in June 2019, Proton ended July with 8,590 units sold \u2013 increasing sales by a further 6% \u2013 continuing its positive growth for the seventh consecutive month since the turn of the new year.\nWatch our review of the updated Proton Iriz \nhere\n!\nThe updated Persona has been a large contributor too; with over 2,720 unis delivered in July and over 10,034 units delivered since its launch just a few months ago in April. As for the updated Iriz, 3,035 units have been sold since it was introduced side by side with the updated Persona.\nTotal sales for the year now stands at 52,269 units, compared to 35,561 units for the same period last year.\nHere\u2019s what\u2019s new in the \nupdated Proton Persona\n.\n\u201cPROTON\u2019s return to second place overall in the Malaysian automotive market has happened ahead of schedule. The growth in demand for our products show we are on track to meet our long term targets and for the rest of 2019, we intend to consolidate our position to finish the year in 2nd spot for the first time in four years,\u201d said Proton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong.\nAs for the beloved Proton X70, over 17,000 units have been delivered since the start of 2019, with July contributing 1,932 units.\nFind out the pros and cons of the Proton X70 \nhere\n.\n\u201cWhile the Proton X70 continues its upward sales trajectory, other Proton models are the staple of our performance. The Proton Persona is now the sales leader in a segment that is ruled by Japanese products. Even the Proton Iriz has seen a surge in demand with sales growing by over 50%,\u201d added Dr Li Chunrong."
"Hot off the press from its international debut slightly more than six months ago, Naza Italia has now brought Ferrari\u2019s latest grand tourer, the \nFerrari Roma\n onto our shores here in Malaysia.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe Ferrari Roma features an exterior design markedly different from the marque\u2019s other recent models. Ferrari says that the Roma\u2019s design took inspiration from the brand\u2019s most legendary grand touring models of the 1960s, such as the iconic 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso.\nBased on the concept of \u201cminimalist elegance\u201d, the new gran touring Ferrari\u2019s fastback coupe design and sleep sweeping lines cleverly conceals the car\u2019s power and sportiness \u2013 you\u2019ll see no vents or superfluous \u201cgo fast\u201d decorations around the car.\nInterestingly, the Roma was designed without the iconic Scuderia Ferrari side shields \u2013 influenced by their road cars from the 1950s. However, you can still option for one if you so choose. Other exterior highlights include:\nLinear full LED headlights \u2013 Matrix LED available as option\nElectronically-controlled rear spoiler with three positions \u2013 Low Drag, Medium Downforce, and High Downforce\nFront underbody vortex generators\nRear compact diffuser\ntwo twin-exhausts\n20-inch alloy wheels\nNow although the Roma is built on the Portofino platform, Ferrari says that 70% of its components are entirely new. The bodyshell and chassis have been redesigned to incorporate the latest weight reduction techniques, resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of just \n2.37 kg/hp\n \u2013 Ferrari claims it to be the best in class.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Ferrari Roma is powered by the same 3.9-litre V8 turbocharged engine found in the \nPortofino\n, and the \nF8 Spider that was recently launched in Malaysia\n. The award winning engine \u2013 International Engine of the Year, four years in a row mind you \u2013 received some tweaks such as a revised cam profiles, new turbocharger turbine speed sensor, and a new Gasoline Particulate Filter for improved performance and to comply with Euro 6D emissions standards.\nEngine: 3.9-litre V8 turbocharged engine\nTransmission: 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox (wet-clutch)\nDrivetrain: Mid-front engine, rear-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 620 hp @ 5,750 \u2013 7,500 RPM\nMax Torque: 760 Nm @ 3,000 \u2013 5,750 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 3.4 seconds\n0-200 km/h: 9.3 seconds\nMax speed: Above 320 km/h\nELECTRONICS\nTo complement the powertrain, Ferrari has included a whole slew of electronics wizardry to help you keep it pointing in the right direction. These include:\nVariable Boost Management for ideal torque delivery\nSide Slip Control 6.0 (a first on a Ferrari GT car)\nFerrari Dynamic Enhancer \u2013 brake-based torque vectoring system\n5-position manettino (drive-mode control) \u2013 Wet, Comfort, Sport. Race, ESC-Off\nINTERIOR\nThe new design language on the Ferrari Roma also makes its way inside the cabin. Featuring a new architectural concept \u2013 an evolution of the Dual Cockpit design, the Roma\u2019s cabin is split into two separate cells, one each for the driver and passenger.\nUnlike the typical Prancing Horse sports cars, which are typically more driver-oriented, the Roma\u2019s cabin takes on a more symmetrical structure. As a result, the passenger becomes more involved in the driving experience, almost like a co-pilot.\nThe cabin of the Roma is also a huge step up from before in terms of digitalisation. Physical buttons, switches, and dials are now kept to a minimum, with almost everything replaced by touch-activated buttons and digital screens.\nThe Ferrari Roma is officially marketed as a \u201c2+\u201d Coupe, which means the rear two seats you see here are optional items.\nInterior highlights include:\n16-inch curved digital instrument cluster\n8.4-inch central display for infotainment, navigation, climate control\nOptional 8.8-inch touchscreen display on passenger-side, for display of performance figures, infotainment, and climate control\nReworked steering wheel with multi-touch control and touch pads\nFull-grain Frau leather, Alcantara upholstery\nChromed aluminium, carbon fibre trims\nSAFETY\nAs an option, the Ferrari Roma can be specified with Advanced Driver Assistance System. These features can be accessed directly through the new stseering wheel, and they include:\nAdaptive Cruise Control\nAutonomous Emergency Braking\nLane Departure Warning\nTraffic Sign Recognition\nBlind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert\nSurround View Camera\nPRICING\nThe Ferrari Roma is now available in Malaysia starting at \nRM968,000, before options, duties, taxes, and insurance\n. As with all other models in the Ferrari model range, the new grand tourer comes as standard with an extended seven-year maintenance programme that covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car\u2019s life.\nThe Ferrari Roma is now available for private viewing at the Ferrari Malaysia showroom in Kuala Lumpur, from now until 29 June. Those interested should contact Ferrari Malaysia to make a prior booking.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A new Chinese electric car company will soon enter the South East Asian (SEA) market as \nGAC\n\u2019s electric car brand, Aion has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thai company Gold Integrate. Aion will set up its SEA headquarters in Thailand and the company plans to produce its cars there too.\nThe GAC brand is already present in SEA, with Malaysia included as well. In Malaysia, the brand is officially distributed by \nWTC Automotif\n, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd. Aion is GAC\u2019s EV division and its entry into Thailand will be its first debut outside of China. With Thailand being the largest automobile manufacturer and exporter in SEA, it is no surprise as to why it is chosen as the headquarters for the region.\nAion S\nThe Aion EV brand has been around for close to 5 years now (first as a sub-brand of GAC and later as a marque) and its lineup consists of fully-electric options like the Aion S, V, Y, LX, Hyoer GT, and Hyper SSR. The most outstanding vehicle in its lineup in terms of electric range would be the Aion LX Plus which boasts \n1,008 km\n (NEDC) of pure electric range from a huge \n144.4kWh\n battery pack. As for ludicrous EV performance, the brand has the Hyper SSR which apparently does 0-100km/h in 1.9 seconds.\nBesides the two EVs with outstanding numbers, Aion\u2019s lineup also consists of the Aion S which is a Civic-sized electric saloon, the Aion V which is a compact SUV, and the Aion Y which is a compact SUV with a tall roof. The brand already has quite the lineup to penetrate the SEA market.\nRELATED: \nRM60m GAC CKD project announced, CKD 1.5L TGDI GAC GS3 coming to Malaysia soon\nAion LX\nAion says that in just 5 years, it has built an average annual compound growth rate of over 120%. In 2022, sales volume reached 271,200 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 126%, with annual revenues of 38.7 billion yuan (approx. RM24.9 billion).\nWith Aion soon setting up a base in Thailand, it may eventually enter the Malaysian market too. After all, the GAC brand is already officially here.\nRELATED: \nGAC GS3 compact SUV now in Malaysia from RM88,800"
"When it comes to official customisation offerings such as Bentley\u2019s \nMulliner\n and\n Aston Martin\u2019s Q\n, you\u2019d usually expect something a little more extravagant, a little more flashy. But weirdly, that was not the case for Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur\u2019s latest work on the \n911 GT3 Touring\n \u2013 not that we\u2019re complaining, because this looks ace.\nInstead of a flashy paint job, the company opted to go for a more understated stealthy exterior by blacking out everything \u2013 including a tinted glass cover over the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) headlights, and a set of Satin Black wheels measuring 20-inches up front and 21-inches at the back.\nPorsche did more than just removing the big wing on the 911 GT3 Touring. Learn more about it here!\nNot much else has been done to the exterior, but we think that it was the right choice, considering how good this already looks \u2013 especially with the wing delete of the GT3 Touring edition, making it the perfect car to fly under the radar doing high speed runs. not that we\u2019re advocating for it.\nInside is where things get a little more interesting, with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur giving the 911 GT3 Touring a little splash of colour with a two-toned Lipstick Red and black combination upholstery.\nHere\u2019s another special Exclusive Manufaktur edition of the 911 GT3 Touring, specifically for Australia\nOtherwise, the car is pretty much bog-standard: powering the GT3 Touring is the 4.0-litre flat-six turbocharged engine, good for \n510 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of \n3.4 seconds\n and a top speed of \n317 km/h\n. Buyers can choose between either a dual-clutch PDK or a six-speed manual transmission.\nNot a fan of the black paint job? Don\u2019t worry, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is still a customisation arm afterall, so you can personalise your own car to your heart\u2019s content when you place your order, with \nsomething maybe a little more unique like Meissen Blue\n.\nGALLERY"
"After the unveiling of the \nGLE Coup\u00e9\n end of last year, now is the time for the non-coup\u00e9 variant of the \nGLE\n to break cover. Essentially a facelifted M-Class, Mercedes-Benz has implemented the new naming convention to go along with the new look.\nThe front is shared with the GLE Coup\u00e9, featuring the prominent grille, twin power domes on the bonnet, and the optional \nLED Intelligent Light-System\n headlamps.\nFrom the A-pillars onwards it\u2019s the familiar M-class shape with its trademark C-pillar design, although the wheels are new as well as the graphics for the tail lamps and the rear bumper with integrated tailpipes.   As expected, the refreshed interior from the GLE Coup\u00e9 has found its way here. We can see there\u2019s a \nnew steering wheel\n, a free-standing \n7-inch display\n on the dashboard, and a \nCOMAND\n controller with touchpad on the center console together with the \nDYNAMIC SELECT\n controller.\nThe GLE will be powered by a range of engines from four to eight cylinders. At launch, the base engine is the \n2.1-litre 4-cylinder diesel\n in the \nGLE 250 d\n that churns out \n204 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n, followed by a\n 3.0-litre V6 diesel\n in the \nGLE 350 d\n with \n258 hp\n and\n 620 Nm\n. Both of these diesel variants are paired to a nine-speed \n9G-TRONIC automatic\n transmission as standard.\nThen there\u2019s a\n 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo\n petrol in the\n GLE 400\n with \n333 hp\n and\n 480 Nm\n, and a\n 4.7-litre V8 twin-turbo\n in the \nGLE 500\n with \n435 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n.\nHowever, the main highlight is the\n GLE 500 e\n, the first \nplug-in hybrid\n SUV by Mercedes-Benz. Using a \nBlueDIRECT V6\n direct-injection petrol engine with\n 333 hp\n and a hybrid module with\n 85 kW\n of electric power, it produces \na total of 436 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque.\nThe electrical energy is stored in a \n8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery\n, and it will take around \ntwo hours\n to get the battery fully charged. In \nE-MODE\n the GLE 500 e can travel \nup to 30 km\n at speeds \nup to at 130 km/h\n, while the fuel consumption is rated at just \n3.3 L/100 km\n.\nDepending on which model, the suspension setup can be customised via the \nDYNAMIC SELECT\n dynamic handling control system. There\u2019s even an\n OFFROAD+\n setting if the \nOff-Road Engineering package\n option is ticked, with the inclusion of the \nAIRMATIC\n air suspension raising the ground clearance up to 285 mm allowing it to tackle the dirty stuff.\nNew assistance systems such as\n Crosswind Assist\n and \nCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS\n are part of the standard equipment, but other equipment packages are available as options.\nThe GLE will debut at the \n2015 New York International Auto Show\n (NYIAS) in April.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Most pick-ups bought today, especially those driven around the \u201csmooth surfaces\u201d of Kuala Lumpur, would most likely never be utilised to its full potential unless the occasional flash flood occurs.\nTheir cargo beds? If you consider loading it up with unassembled Ikea furniture a full utilisation, the answer is another no \u2013 they would never be roughed up enough to require it to be made of stronger materials.\nThe 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Redline Edition\nThe Americans may use their pick-ups differently. General Motors is reportedly planning to use \ncarbon fibre\n for their future pick-up\u2019s cargo beds. The exercise will begin with the \nChevrolet Silverado\n, which will house carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic on its cargo bed.\nThe application will eventually be spread across its model range once more cost-effective production methods can be figured out. For now, the immensely strong yet lightweight material will only feature in high-end variants of the Silverado as it\u2019s expensive to manufacture in massive volumes, due to its time-consuming production process.\nSource: \nAutonews"
"If the record numbers achieved by national car makers Proton and \nPerodua \nis anything to go by, the \nsales tax exemption\n seems to be working. With new car prices being reduced, the deals on the used car market should be even better.\u00a0\nHowever one needs to be careful of unscrupulous sellers when navigating through the used car market. For the inexperienced, the sometimes opaque and complicated process of buying a used car can be off-putting as well.\u00a0\nTo get listed on Caricarz, used car dealers need to a valid license and operating premises\nNew car marketplace \ncaricarz.com\n is set to address this issue in the used car market. As industry veterans with more than 15 years of experience, founder Kenneth Goh, James Goh, Thomas Chong and Eric Lim feel that the used car buying process could definitely be improved.\u00a0\nTogether with their 20-strong team, the trio wants to revolutionize the used car buying process for Malaysians. They want buyers to feel assured and confident when they are searching for their next ride on the marketplace. This is done by vetting the sellers thoroughly before they are allowed to publish their cars. This means that car dealers need to have a valid operating license and premise to get onboard.\nFor buyers, they can expect an easy-to-use site to when they are browsing through 13,000 cars from more than 1,100 resellers (to date) on offer. All parameters related to car buying are clearly laid out for them to make a better choice. Also on site is a handy instalment calculator to speed things up.\nFrom today till 30th November 2020, Malaysians can share their dream car from Caricarz on their Facebook timeline for a chance to win a car worth RM25,000. You can \nfollow their Facebook page \nfor details.\u00a0Looks like there\u2019s one more reason for you to share on your timeline why the GT86 is such a great buy."
"A couple of months after the unveiling of Lamborghini\u2019s wildest \nAventador\n, the \nLP 750-4 Superveloce\n, \nAutomobili Lamborghini\n has released a video of their mad bull lapping \u201cThe Green Hell\u201d.\nNo, the video is not about a bull having a meal in a green pasture. Instead, it\u2019s an on board clip with \nMarco Mapelli\n piloting the Aventador SV during the \nPirelli P Zero Corsa\n tyre development test at the infamous \nN\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife\n circuit.\nWith \n750 hp\n and \n690 Nm\n generated from a \n6.5-litre V12\n, the Aventador SV was put through its pace at the N\u00fcrburgring, punching through its \n7-speed ISR transmission\n reaching speeds of up to 325 km/h on the final straight of the circuit.\nSuffice it to say the Aventador SV \nbroke the 7-minute barrier\n, clocking in at \n6:59.73\n which is just a couple of seconds off the \nPorsche 918 Spyder\n (6:57.00). It\u2019s quite an achievement because the mega Porsche is loaded with hybrid tech, while the Aventador SV relies on the good-old naturally-aspirated V12 mill.\nYou can relive Marco\u2019s experience by watching the full clip, and may we suggest you to put on a good pair of headphones and crank up the volume for a full effect.\n[divider]\nVIDEO\u00a0GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last year (2015, for those who are still planning their new year\u2019s resolution) was undoubtedly a tough year for Malaysia when it comes to economic and political challenges. Similarly for our famed Sepang International F1 Circuit (SIC), it has been a roller coaster ride. In 2015, SIC saw a disappointing number of spectators in two major events \u2013 the World SuperBike Championship (WSBK) and Formula One, but reversed its fortunes with the MotoGP.\nThe implementation of GST and the fall of the Ringgit had taken its toll towards Malaysians with the reduced number of spectators. In Formula One,\u00a0the decline of local fans have somehow been mitigated by the slight increase of international fans. The inclusion of popular Korean pop bands for the post-race concert also contributed to this favourable outcome.\nOn the side of two-wheels, things aren\u2019t as rosy for the WSBK as the spectator numbers fell way below the expected figures. Among the reasons include the dates, which were too close to the Hari Raya celebrations and many Malaysians aren\u2019t as well acquainted with WSBK as they are with MotoGP.\nThen in October, the haze came and put up a serious threat to the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) event. Thankfully enough, the event turned out to be a tremendous success with all tickets sold out. A total of 150,000 spectators not only witnessed local riders competing in lower categories such as Moto3 and Moto2, but also experienced the explosive rivalry between Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo in the premier MotoGP category. Suffice to say, Sepang joins the ranks of Mugello, Italy and Valencia, Spain as popular MotoGP tracks with over 100,000 race fans attendance.\nThe venue was also well-received by\u00a0organisations that handle\u00a0media events, track days and numerous\u00a0non-motorsports events (eg. Viper Challenge, Music Run, Motorsport Free Morning and so on). Homegrown motorsports events \u2013 Malaysia Championship Series and\u00a0Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship Series \u2013 too received encouraging participation. Other endurance race events such as the\u00a0Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K) and Sepang 12 Hours ran successfully as well, with the latter slated to be part of a new\u00a0Intercontinental GT Challenge in 2016.\nSpeaking on 2016, SIC will be \nclosed for three months, \nfrom \n15\u00a0February to 8 May 2016\u00a0\nfor resurfacing and upgrading works. Also to note, there will be changes in the calendar for three major events held in SIC. The 2016 WSBK round in Sepang will be held on 13 to 15 May 2016.\nOctober will be a buzzing month as the Formula One contingent will come to Sepang on 30 Sept to 2 Oct 2016, and subsequently MotoGP\u00a0on\u00a0the final weekend of October. Also, moving forward in 2016, SIC is looking to diversify with\u00a0planned projects such as a hotel and a specialised drivers\u2019 education facility within SIC\u2019s 300-hectare land bank."
"By mid-2018, all new cars sold in Malaysia will have\u00a0electronic stability control (ESC) as a mandatory safety feature. This follows the announcement made by Malaysian transport minister Dato\u2019 Seri Liow Tiong Lai during the \u201cStop the Crash\u201d event.\nLiow went on to say that Malaysia will become the first country in the ASEAN region to mandate this ruling. Most developed countries have recently placed ESC as compulsory\u00a0in all new cars. Also, studies have\u00a0shown that the implementation of ESC has reduced road accident fatalities by up to 40 percent.\nESC is also known as Electronic Stability Program (Peugeot cars), Vehicle Stability Control (Toyota), Dynamic Stability Control (BMW) and so on. The technology was first implemented by Mercedes-Benz in the mid-90s.\nIn layman terms, electronic stability control ensures the\n vehicle stays intact on the road\n during a \nsudden change of direction\n. Vehicular control is either regained or optimised by applying proper braking force to each wheel,\u00a0regardless to counter understeer or oversteer. ESC is essentially a life saver in the event of emergency, and this safety feature helps drastically reduce mortality rates.\nThe video below illustrates how ESP works.\nTake for instance, Proton. The company began equipping ESC for the Preve in 2012, subsequently\u00a0followed by the Suprima S and \nIriz\n models in the later years. Last year, the \nPerodua Bezza\n Advance variant became the first Perodua car to be equipped with that feature.\nThese efforts have paid dividends to both Proton and Perodua during the \n2016\n \nASEAN NCAP Grand Prix\n award. Proton bagged home with three awards \u2013 \u201cThe Most Affordable 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Car in Malaysia\u201d with the Iriz, \u201cThe Most Affordable 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Car in Thailand\u201d with the Preve, and \u201cThe Rising Star Award\u201d with the third-generation\u00a0\nProton Saga\n. Perodua meanwhile won the \u201cBest Occupant Protection for child and adult\u201d for the small car category with the ASEAN NCAP 5-star rated Perodua Bezza.\nBe that as it may, implementing ESC and making it a mandatory safety feature is the start of a long journey to curb fatalities in road accidents. It\u2019s also the holiday season (a really wet one too) now, and most families have begun or are planning that road trip the children have been longing for. Remember, speed kills! So drive safe and have a pleasant month ahead."
"Lotus is working with renowned British music producer, Patrick Patrikios, known for his work with Britney Spears, Sia and Pixie Lott, to developed an engine note for the \nall-electric Evija\n.\nThe Evjia\u2019s \u201cvoice\u201d will be taken from the most iconic race car in the company\u2019s history, the \nV8-powered Type 49\n.\n\u201cWe wanted to create a soundscape for the Evija that was recognisably and distinctively Lotus. There\u2019s a purity to that V8, a raw edge and an emotion that stirs something in your soul,\u201d Patrick said.\nThe process began with the recording of the Type 49, and in the process of digitally manipulating the V8 sound, both Patrick and Lotus\u2019 engineers realised that slowing the engine note down created a similar frequency to the natural driving sound produced by the Evija.\n\u201cWe all wanted something to spark an emotional connection between car and driver. Sound is hugely influential when it comes to creating and forming emotions, to enrich that bond that\u2019s such a critical part of the Lotus experience.\u201d\nThat\u2019s not all; from the V8 sounds, Patrick has also derived other chimes and tones for other functions of the Evija such as the turn indicators and seat belt warning.\nThe iconic Type 49 was famously known for winning the first-ever Formula 1 race it participated in 1967, with the legendary Jim Clark at the helm. It also went on to clinch pole position at every race for the rest of the same season. The following year, Graham Hill won the F1 Driver\u2019s Championship in the same car.\nGALLERY"
"Everyone must be happy and busy marking their calendars for the upcoming Hari Raya holidays. Well, there are more reasons to be happy as Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia wants you to celebrate Hari Raya with more \u201c\ngaya\n\u201c, by offering new buyers superb deals, which includes free maintenance program up to 2 years and cash rebates up to RM7,000 for selected Mitsubishi models.\n If you choose to take home the Mitsubishi Attrage, you will get to enjoy cash \nrebates of up RM7,000\n. The \nMitsubishi Attrage SE\n is priced at \nRM75,796.50\n while the \nMitsubishi Attrage GS\n is priced at \nRM67,978.50\n. \nShall you choose the smaller Mitsubishi Mirage or \u201c\nadik\n\u201c\n,\n you will get to enjoy cash \nrebates of up to RM6,000\n. The \nMitsubishi Mirage GS\n is priced at \nRM64,090.65\n, while the \nMitsubishi Mirage GL\n is priced at \nRM60,198.65\n. \nFor a slightly grander look, customer who choose the award-winning Pajero Sports SUV will get to enjoy cash \nrebates of up to RM7,000\n. The \nPajero Sport GL\n is priced at \nRM151,227.60\n while the more powerful \nPajero Sport VGT\n is priced at\u00a0\nRM172,211.60\n. \nThe abovementioned cash rebates is valid only for \n2013\n models. Well MMM wouldn\u2019t forget customers who wanted newer models, but it is limited only to the new \n2014 Mitsubishi ASX\n. Customers who book and register the mid-size SUV will get to enjoy \n2-year free maintenance\n and a \n5-year warranty\n.\nThe 2-year free maintenance \u00a0program offers complementary maintenance on parts, lubricants and labour costs. Some of these free maintenance parts includes engine oil, fuel filters, air cleaner, brake fluid, coolant, differential oil, and transmission oil.\u00a0The 2WD ASX is priced at\u00a0\nRM114,743.50\n\u00a0while the 4WD is priced at\u00a0\nRM128,879.50\n.\nAll the prices quoted is on-the-road price without insurance."
"Just like the \nHonda Jazz Sport Hybrid\n, Malaysia is once again the only country outside of Japan to get the Honda City Sport Hybrid. It slots below the top-spec V variant with an asking price of RM89,200 \u2013 about RM1,700 more than the Jazz Hybrid.\nPowering this City Hybrid is a \n1.5-litre Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC\n engine that\u2019s married to a 30hp/160 Nm electric motor. The combined output is \n136 hp\n and \n170 Nm\n of torque, all of which are sent to the front wheels through a \nseven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission\n. It has a fuel consumption rating of\n 3.9 litres per 100km\n, which is just under the Jazz\u2019s 4.0L/100km.\nUnique to this City Sport Hybrid is the 3D meter design, feeding info such as energy flow, sport meter, fuel economy, drive info and eco display for convenience. Interestingly, boot space is not compromised, measuring at 536 litres which is exactly the same as the regular City.\nThe equipment list reads: 16-inch alloy wheels (185/55 tyres versus the Jazz\u2019s 175/65 R15), keyless entry with push-start button, electric folding side mirrors, LED combination tail lamps (like the top spec V) and shark fin antenna. Unfortunately it won\u2019t get the full LED headlamps and fog lamps.\nIt gets four airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, reverse camera and can be had in Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearl. Each purchase comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, whereas the lithium-ion battery is covered by up to eight years.\nProduction of the Honda City Sport Hybrid has begun, but test drive opportunities will only be available at selected dealerships beginning mid-August. Interested customers can now place their bookings at all 91 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Revealed at the\n 2015 Tokyo Motor Show\n, Mazda\u2019s RX-Vision concept has been the talk of the rotary community (if that still exists) yet Mazda has kept mum on any potential developments about it, until now.\nAccording to an Autocar UK report, Mazda claims that a production model of the concept is not a doomed prospect and is still under consideration.\nAt the moment, Mazda seems to be contented with merely offering the MX-5 as its sole option for a sports car and when the market demands a more premium sports car from the brand, Mazda will look into production of a \u201cmore premium model\u201d.\nSources from within Mazda also claims that the move is highly dependent on how well the company is doing. Should the situation improve in the future, the realisation of such a product will be more likely.\nMazda recently confirmed that the rotary engine will be making a comeback, but not in the way we know it. It will instead serve as \nrange extender\n for a pure electric vehicle that is\n set to debut as early as next year\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Besides ultra-luxurious limousines and sexy coupes, Lexus also knows a thing or two about making M3 rivalling cars like the V8 powered Lexus RC F. Now the Japanese luxury carmaker has teased a hardcore, track-focused RC F for the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).\nBased on a single teaser image, it would appear Lexus RC F Track Edition will wear a carbon fibre rear wing complete with an \u201cF\u201d inscription on the end plates. The Track Edition will also wear a matte finish paint job similar to the Fuji Graphite paint on the \nF10\nth\n Anniversary Limited RC F\n.\nExpect minimal changes to the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 pushing out\n 470 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n to drive the rear wheels via an eight-speed sport direct-shift automatic transmission. Century sprint is done in \n4.5 seconds\n and on full whack, the standard RC F will hit \n270 km/h\n.\nThe focus of the Track Edition should be its aerodynamic capabilities and chassis tuning for better turn-in response and cornering stability."
"Proton\n\u2019s\n award-winning dealership, Atiara Johan Group (Atiara Johan) has just opened Jaya Johan Sdn Bhd, its brand new 3S centre in Puncak Jalil on \nMay 22\n, \n2023\n. According to Proton, this new 3S centre is a green building with a solar system installed.\nThe new facility features a capacious showroom, and a 10-service bay and spare parts centre to deliver quick services as well as insurance renewals. The centre also features a fully equipped customer lounge with F&B provided, allowing customers to work and relax.\nThanks to a large after-sales service team and a big service area, the 3S centre is capable of catering to up to 60 cars a day. The Puncak Jalil Proton 3S centre is specifically located at Lot PT 59674, Persiaran Puncak Jalil, Taman Puncak Jalil, PJU 6, 43300 Seri Kembangan.\nAtiara Johan Group CEO, Mr Eric Moo said the new centre is strategically located nearby Bukit Jalil and Taman Equine. This makes it convenient for customers in these vicinities to visit and send in their cars for service and repairs.\n\u201cWe welcome customers near and far to visit us at this new centre. Though a 3S centre, we are also able to provide Body and Paint works with the support of Atiara Johan Sdn Bhd\u2019s 4S centre in Puchong,\u201d he said.\nRELATED: \nScoop: Proton Exora to cease production by end of 2023 \u2013 New MPV coming soon?\nJaya Johan Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kok Kam Chyuen said, \u201cAt Jaya Johan\u2019s centres, customers can be assured of quality comprehensive service for all your vehicle\u2019s needs as the centres are equipped with the latest technology and enhanced machines.\u201d\nA shuttle service for drop off and pick up is also provided for the convenience of customers living nearby who would like to return home or to be dropped off somewhere while waiting for their cars to be serviced. The new Puncak Jalil 3S centre is Atiara Johan\u2019s third Proton outlet, as it currently owns a 1S and 4S Proton centre in Puchong as well.\nProton has given assurance of more products down the pipeline. Therefore, customers can look forward to seeing the upcoming models being displayed at Proton\u2019s Atiara Johan Sdn Bhd and Jaya Johan Sdn Bhd 3S centres.\nRELATED: \nProton commits to launching at least one New Energy Vehicle (NEV) per year"
"Hyundai announced that they will be expanding its Eco-focused product line-up to 13 models by the year 2022. It will include six sedans and seven SUVs in Electric, Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid forms.\nAccording to Hyundai Motor America, Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Vice President, Mike O\u2019Brien said, \u201cAs the automotive industry evolves to meet the needs of a diverse customer base and environmentally-aware society, we will continue to provide alternative-propulsion options in a variety of product choices.\u201d\n\u201cFor consumers seeking forward-thinking and eco-friendly personal transportation options, Hyundai\u2019s product line-up meets these criteria and more,\u201d he added.\nUpcoming models include the updated 2020 Ioniq that will be available in three different forms \u2013 the \nIoniq Electric\n, the\n Ioniq Hybrid\n, and the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid.\nThe new Ioniq will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show by the end of the month followed by the \nall-new Sonata HEV\n (that will be equipped with a \nsolar charging roof system)\n sometime next year.\nThe other nine models will be introduced over the next three years."
"Europe\u2019s top-selling compact crossover, the \nRenault Captur\n, has finally\u00a0received a facelift after four years of being in the market.\u00a0It takes a trained eye to spot the differences, though.\nFor starters, the front now comes with a new pair of\u00a0LED \u201cPure Vision\u201d headlights, below which sit the C-shaped LED DRLs.\u00a0The grille gets a new chrome strip whereas the front and rear bumpers now don new skid plates.\nThe Captur\u2019s signature two-tone exterior finish remains unchanged. Two new body colours \u2013 Atacama Orange and Ocean Blue \u2013 and a new roof colour Platinum Gray make their debut, joining a palette of over 30 colour combinations that comes with the Captur. The special colour customisation also extends into the cabin as well.\nMechanically, it remains unchanged, so the same\u00a0\n118 hp\n\u00a0\n1.2-litre turbocharged direct injected engine\n that\u2019s also offered in Malaysia soldiers on. Outside Malaysia, the Captur can be had with either the 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a torquier 1.5-litre turbodiesel lump.\nOverall, we\u2019re digging the new look, especially with the more streamlined styling across the Renault brand. TC Euro Cars or Renault Malaysia has hinted at the possibility of localising assembly of the Captur, which will be done at the company\u2019s production facility in Segambut.\nOh, in case you\u2019re wondering, it\u2019s pronounced as Capture. Pardon the French quirkiness."
"The \nall-new Peugeot 2008\n has been launched by Bermaz Auto Alliance, the new distributors of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, and is available only in a single variant \u2013 the Allure \u2013 from RM126,753.\nThe Peugeot 2008 is locally assembled at the Stellantis manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah, and will also be exported to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Cambodia.\n \nPerformance wise, the rather large 2008 relies on the 1.2 turbocharged 3-cylinder engine to deliver 131 hp and 230 Nm to drive the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.\nStandout features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Peugeot\u2019s i-Cockpit design and the world\u2019s first 3D hologram instrument cluster. With just as much substance as it has style, the Peugeot 2008 also comes with six airbags, Active Lane Keep Assist and Active Brake Assist or in other words, autonomous emergency braking.\nGALLERY"
"It just keeps getting weirder and weirder, doesn\u2019t it. BMW has just unveiled the new Concept XM, their first exclusively M-badged model since the \nM1\n (and the first with an electric motor), and it\u2019s pretty much all-grille up front.\nBMW says that the Concept XM will be turned into a production-model SUV by the end of 2022, and will be manufactured at the carmaker\u2019s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA.\nTo call its design \u201cunusual\u201d would be putting it lightly. The kidney grille \u2013 now illuminated around its perimeter \u2013 takes up nearly the entire front fascia, and flanked by tiny angular headlights that looks nothing more like daytime-running lights.\nThe bumpers \u2013 and the rest of the car for the matter \u2013 are styled with sharp lines and acute angles, somewhat like the \nBMW 2 Series Coupe\n taken to the extreme. Round the back, the rear screen even comes with humps that extends upwards to meet the roof\u2019s contours, with the BMW logo etched onto the glass itself \u2013 the latter a nod to the original M1\u2019s design.\nRELATED: BMW still won\u2019t commit to a complete EV powertrain switchover just yet. Read more here.\nWhether you like it or not, BMW says that the new front-end design previews the styling direction that all of its future luxury-class models will adhere to. And while it still looks like a concept for now, we have no doubts that many of its brash styling elements will actually make it into production \u2013 especially with how similar the production\n 4 Series \nlooks when compared to the\n Concept 4\n.\nThe interior of the BMW Concept XM, meanwhile, is by contrast a more \u201ccivilised\u201d look \u2013 well, that\u2019s if you discount the funky polygon-filled headliners and rear seats. It\u2019s slathered in what BMW calls \u201cvintage-look leather\u201d, while the curved displays with \niDrive 8 \ntakes centre stage on the carbon fibre and copper dashboard.\nRELATED: The BMW i4 M50 is BMW M\u2019s first EV with 544 hp, 0 to 100 in 3.9s\nAs for performance, BMW says that the Concept XM will come with a V8 engine underneath the bonnet, paired with an M-Hybrid high-performance electric motor for a total system output of around \n750 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque.\nThe output figures are, of course, still preliminary at this point in time, but BMW says that the hybrid V8 powertrain will be the sole option on the Concept XM when it makes it to production.\nGALLERY"
"In a shocking \nannouncement last week\n in conjunction with the launch of the \nAcura NSX Type S\n, Acura is not providing any new information regarding the reintroduction of the new Integra model.\nWhen prodded by \nMotor1.com\n, a spokesperson from Acura wouldn\u2019t confirm nor deny the aspects of the compact and sporty nameplate model. A coupe, a sedan or even a hatchback can be possible for the new Acura Integra. Well, thank goodness it is not another\n \ncrossover\n or SUV.\nNew Integra silhouette during the launch of Acura NSX Type S, by \nKurtBradley\nThis dogfight with a Porsche 911 GT3 RS at Sepang is the reason why many are excited by the Integra name! Watch it here!\nAcura, the luxury arm of Honda in similar positioning as Toyota\u2019s Lexus, Nissan\u2019s Infiniti and Hyundai\u2019s \nGenesis\n, currently offers a line-up of just four mass volume models- two sedans and two SUVs. The ILX sedan, built from the Honda Civic underpinnings, is meant to compete with that segment of vehicles plus Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3.\nAcura ILX, 201 hp\nAcura TLX, 355 hp\nUnfortunately, the ILX is also the lowest contributor to sales (excluding NSX as it is already a low volume product), giving just 10% to Acura 2020 sales of 137,000 units. Dealers of Acura heavily depend on sales of the \nRDX\n and MDX SUV models, which combined a total of 100,000 units sold last year.\nAs such, news portals in the USA, where Acura is only available, believe that the new Integra will use the underpinnings of the latest \n11th-generation Honda Civic\n and replace the ageing ILX sedan. Acura dealerships also leaked about a new \u2018Type S\u2019 compact sedan (before the global pandemic intensified) in the pipeline, suggesting that the new Integra will not continue to be a 3-door product like its predecessor.\nHonda is teaming up with America\u2019s GM to produce their first electric SUV. Find out what it\u2019s called here!\nAcura used the Integra name on their compact, entry models from its first generation in 1986 to the third generation that ended in 2001. The third generation also introduced the Type R name into the US, with the model featuring a hand-built 1.8-litre engine delivering \n195 hp\n and high-revving excitement. In 2019, a one-owner white 1997 Acura Integra Type-R sold for a record \nUSD82,000\n (approx RM340k) at an auction, almost four times the original price when new.\nThe RSX nameplate then took over for just one generation, for the final model from 2002 to 2006. The compact sporty model was also discontinued as Honda ended the life of the Honda Integra DC5 generation.\nAcura has scheduled Spring 2022 as the expected delivery date of the new Integra."
"The younger generation have it easy these days \u2013 everything is automated, at the touch of a button or a flick of a switch. They don\u2019t know what transferring data with a floppy disk is like, the inconvenience of a phone without a camera and they most certainly aren\u2019t familiar with a manual gearbox.\nThe last bit recently landed two millenials, aged 15 and 17 in Nashville, USA in hot soup as both are now held for attempted robbery and car theft among other charges. Why?\nAll because \nthey couldn\u2019t drive a manual.\n After a failed first attempt, the teens approached another target as she was walking away from her car with the keys in hand. They snatched it off her, got into the victim\u2019s vehicle but after a few seconds, they exited it and fled on foot again, as they did on the first occasion.\nBoth were later spotted and picked up by local authorities and were subsequently identified and charged; talk about a massive fail."
"Proton\n has lifted off the veils to its new brand gallery at its flagship Centre of Excellence (COE) outlet in Shah Alam. Called the \u201cGallery of Inspiration\u201d, the new brand gallery marks the next phase in the national carmaker\u2019s rebranding exercise that began back in 2019 with the \nlaunch of its new logo\n.\nThe new brand gallery comprises several zones, including a display area exhibiting its current and future technologies using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.\nProton says the new Gallery of Inspiration also showcases the brand\u2019s history (including the \nfirst Saga\n, in red!), as well as inclusiveness with stakeholders in Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry, domestic, and global network. There\u2019s even a new Proton Caf\u00e9 if you need a cuppa, serving fresh brews from Starbucks!\nVIDEO: Watch our full review of Malaysia\u2019s latest darling, the Proton X50 Flagship! \nObviously, serving as Proton\u2019s HQ and flagship showroom, there\u2019s also a revamped Crystal Showroom where customers can view, test drive, and place their orders for the national carmaker\u2019s latest offerings. The Centre of Service Excellence service centre, meanwhile, is unchanged from before.\n\u201cAs the country\u2019s first carmaker, the history of Proton and Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry are intrinsically linked,\u201d said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah. \u201cWe have achieved many firsts and introduced various innovations through the years, and that journey is proudly shared in the Gallery of Inspiration.\u201d\n\u201cAt the same time, our products have developed rapidly the last few years, so we are also taking this opportunity to show car buyers what the future holds and what they can expect from Proton.\u201d\n\u201cWe invested substantial resources on the Gallery of Inspiration and will update the information as Proton adds more milestones and models to its portfolio. As for the name, it is our hope that visitors will be inspired by our story, and it ignites a spark that sets them off on their own journey regardless of their field of interest. Of course, it also ties in with our slogan of Inspiring Connections and helps to strengthen the brand story and messaging with our customers,\u201d added Roslan Abdullah.\nIf you\u2019ve never been to Proton\u2019s COE, now\u2019s as best of a time for you to pay them a visit. It\u2019s located along the Kesas highway just outside Subang, and the new Gallery of Inspiration will be open to the public every Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am \u2013 5.30 pm.\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve been following \nPerodua\n\u2018s social media pages, you would have seen the brand teasing the Perodua eM-O concept car with the abbreviation standing for \u201cElectric Motion Online\u201d. Well, you can now actually check out Perodua\u2019s concept car at \nMalaysia Auto Show 2023\n, albeit being only a scale clay model for the time being.\nDespite being only a small clay model for now, the Perodua eM-O concept car previews a rather interesting design direction for Perodua with its angular front end, and continuous taillight design. If any of this were to become a reality in upcoming Perodua production cars, it will make for a rather handsome compact vehicle.\nPerodua has also listed some specifications of the eM-O. Firstly, it is a B-segment hatchback like the \nPerodua Myvi\n. The official specifications shared by Perodua depict the car to measure 3,895 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, and 1,515 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,500 mm long. As for wheels and tyres, the eM-O supposedly sits on a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/45R18 tyres.\nAs for the drivetrain, the number of electric motors is not listed, and neither is the drive configuration. However, Perodua has shared that the eM-O is capable of a maximum power output of \n95 hp\n and a maximum torque of \n121 Nm\n. If anything, the eM-O is no high-performance electric car. The 0-100 km/h acceleration is reportedly done in \n10 seconds\n.\nMore importantly, the Perodua eM-O concept houses a \n50-kWh\n battery pack that provides an electric range of between 300 km to \n350 km\n. The test cycle used for the range calculation has not been specified. Interestingly, the Perodua eM-O concept is said to be built on an \n800 V\n architecture. This allows for DC charging speeds of up to \n300 kW\n. With 300-kW DC fast charging, it takes approximately \n20 minutes\n for the eM-O concept to charge to 80%. With AC charging (specs not listed), the eM-O takes approximately \n7 hours and 30 minutes \nto fully charge.\nFor those of you who wish to check out Perodua\u2019s e-MO concept car, you can head to the Malaysia Auto Show 2023 that is happening at MAEPS Serdang. The show will take place from \nMay 4\n to \n7\n, \n2023\n.\nGALLERY"
"As global crude oil prices fluctuate, naturally, we would be affected, what more the weakening Ringgit. For the month of December however, things swing in our favour, because all fuels \u2013 petrol and diesel \u2013 are down by 5 sen per litre.\nThis means by the stroke of midnight tonight, RON95 will cost RM1.90 per litre, RON97 at RM2.25 per litre, Euro 2M diesel at RM1.85 and Euro 5 diesel at RM1.95 per litre.\nThe previous month saw an increase of 15 sen per litre for both petrol and diesel."
"Toyota Alphard/Vellfire\n owners finally have a viable option if they ever decide to upgrade from their luxury MPV. Unveiled at the Lexus stand right here at the \n2019 Shanghai Auto Show \nis the Lexus LM, a re-skinned and more refined version of the Alphard.\nThe silhouette is unmistakably an Alphard but there are some bold cues that scream Lexus over Toyota. For starters, the front spots a massive Spindle grille, reserved for the Japanese luxury brand, slim LED tail lamps with signature \u201ctick\u201d LED daytime running lights while the rear spots extended tail lamps inspired from new-generation Lexus SUVs.\nOther not so obvious signs include the chrome trims around the window pillars and lower side skirts, polished alloy wheels and swing valve shock absorbers first seen on the \nLexus ES\n.\nInside, the Lexus LM is available in two configurations \u2013 the opulent 4-seater or the 7-seater people carrier. The 4-seater version has only two seats for rear passengers surrounded by creature comforts such as a 26-inch colour display, refrigerator, umbrella storage, touch control panel and a premium audio sound system.\nNaturally, Lexus has graced\nthe 4-seater LM with the poshest materials from the low-density urethane foam\nthat offers ideal support with couch-like comfort for the seats to the \nGin-Sui-Boku \n(Silver Ink) ornamentation\ninspired by the art of ink wash painting.\nThe Lexus LM is available\nwith two powertrain options a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid for the LM 300h\nand a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 for the LM 350. Front-wheel drive is\nstandard here while all-wheel drive can be had as an option.\nShould the Lexus LM ever make its way to Malaysia, expect the MPV to be offered exclusively as a 7-seater but then again, would you pay close to a million Ringgit for the Lexus badge. Or stick to an Alphard Executive Lounge?\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nLexus\u00a0LM\u00a0Global\u00a0Debut\u00a0at\u00a02019\u00a0Shanghai\u00a0Auto\u00a0Show"
"Mazda\u2019s UK-based performance specialist \nBBR\n, famous for introducing \nturbocharged MX-5\ns has just released two stages of engine performance upgrades for the Mazda3 \n2.0L Skyactiv-G\n variant.\nIt took BBR just over 11 months of intensive development to \nremove key electronic and mechanical restrictions\n of the Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3 and CX-5 models, unleashing the naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine\u2019s full potential.\nAs mentioned above, two stages of tuning are available \u2013 the \nBBR Super 170\n and \nBBR Super 185\n. The numbers denote its final power output, achieved via BBR\u2019s Starchip ECU software package that is programmed to revise fuel and ignition calibration. This \noptimises engine performance\n from 2,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm limiter, and it also removes electronic throttle restrictions for a more spirited driving experience.\nFinal output figures for the BBR Super 170 package is \n169.7 horsepower\n at 6,300 rpm and \n221 Nm\n of torque at 4,250 rpm. Not too far off from the Malaysian-spec 162hp and 210 Nm, and you most certainly won\u2019t pay \u00a3499 (RM3,324 excluding taxes) for the small performance bump. However, the BBR Super 185 package might be worth considering.\nThis upgrade package builds on top of the Starchip ECU, but the engine will need to breathe better to gain an additional 15 hp. For \u00a31,795 (roughly RM12k), you get a \nstainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust manifold\n and a \ncold air induction system\n featuring K&N high-flow filter. This results in an output of \n185 hp\n at 6,300 rpm and\n 235 Nm\n of torque at just 4,000 revolutions.\nTo complete the package, BBR is also offering a 2.5-inch diameter centre section with \nhigh-flow sports catalyst\n (EU emissions compliant; \u00a3495 or RM3.3k) as well as a stainless steel BBR-branded rear silencer (\u00a3395 or RM2.6k) that produces a sportier exhaust note. Other upgrades include BBR Sport Springs with Koni adjustable dampers for \u00a3195 (RM1.3k) and \u00a3605 (RM4,000) respectively."
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched new generations of the Elantra and Sonata models late last year and switched to sourcing that is not locally assembled.\nFor many years, these two models were staple to the brand and distributors, and priced strategically thanks to local assembly (CKD) at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nThe new generation \nElantra\n and \nSonata\n models are now fully imported (CBU) from South Korea and thus the higher price levels. However, a recent news report from \nThe Edge Malaysia\n informed that HSDM is set to increase in output of locally assembled models.\n \nCurrently, only the \nSanta Fe\n model is locally assembled and SD Motors, the parent company of HSDM, confirms that \nmore CKD\n Hyundai projects are being proposed as the product line-up expands in the future.\n \nThis development can be attributed to a new mega-production facility currently in its final phase of construction in Kota Deltamas, east of Jakarta, \nIndonesia\n. Hyundai Motor Company has invested a total of US$ 1.55 billion and part of it is the development of its \nfirst Asean manufacturing hub\n with an initial capacity of 150,000 vehicles.\nFinished vehicles are set to roll out by the end of 2021. In the future, the manufacturing hub is capable of an output of 250,000 vehicles a year.\nA spokesperson from SD Motors said, \u201dIn fact, with Hyundai\u2019s new plant in Indonesia expected to produce right-hand drive assembly kits, which brings added value through \ntax savings\n for sales of vehicles, we look forward to increasing our assembly volume for Hyundai vehicles at Inokom [sic].\u201d\nThe new CKD Hyundai model planned for Malaysia is scheduled for production \nin 2022\n, and according to the spokesperson, is \nan SUV model\n. We highly suspect the said SUV model is the fourth-generation \nTucson\n \nmodel, as it was only unveiled last quarter.\nHyundai is also set to globally unveil its new electric vehicle (EV) called the \nIoniq 5\n next week (2nd February). The automaker also said it\u2019s exploring the possibility of manufacturing Asean-specific EVs at the new Indonesian production facility. \u00a0\nSource: \nThe Edge"
"Mercedes-Benz\u2019s flagship limousine, the S-Class, just recently received a\u00a0\nmidlife update\n, and now the burly saloon will get two new engines \u2013 a 3.0-litre inline-six and a twin-turbo V12.\nKnown as the M256, the straight-sixer is a systematically electrified petrol engine that powers the \nS450\n and \nS500\n variants. The S450 is an all-new variant for the petrol W222, deploying\u00a0\n367 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n of torque. Meanwhile, the S500 now has\u00a0\n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n at its disposal, replacing the V8 from its predecessor.\nThe top-of-the-range W222 S-Classes will get the V12; the \nS600\n is now powered by the new\u00a0\n6.0-litre bi-turbo V12\n\u00a0packing\u00a0\n530\u00a0hp\n and \n830 Nm\n. The Mercedes-Maybach\n S650\n gets the same V12, but is tuned to make\u00a0\n630 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n.\nThere is now a total of\u00a0\n24 variants\n\u00a0for the W222\u00a0Mercedes-Benz S-Class and can be had with either rear-wheel or all-wheel (4MATIC) drive. Presently in Malaysia, three variants are offered: S400 Hybrid, S500, and S63 AMG. The \nS400 Hybrid\n\u2018s attractive pricing of\u00a0\nRM588k\n\u00a0makes it a popular choice for corporate captains here. It\u2019s only a matter of time now before the facelift reaches our shores."
"Just a few months ago, production of the \nall-new Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe\n began at the company\u2019s \nmanufacturing facility in Tochigi, Japan\n.\u00a0It dons a sportier, more emotive styling complemented\u00a0by the brand new and highly vibrant Dynamic Sandstone Red paint.\nInfiniti Malaysia is in the midst of finalising the Q60\u2019s specifications, and its estimated date of arrival will be between March and April 2017. The Q60 Sports Coupe will go head to head with the \nAudi A5\n, \nBMW 4-Series\n, \nMercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe\n and \nLexus RC\n.\nThis front-engined, rear wheel drive coupe is powered by two engines, either a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n or \n3.0-litre V6\n engines. They\u2019re both \nturbocharged\n, with the four potter making \n205 hp\n and \n350 Nm\u00a0\nwhile the V6 makes either \n296 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n or \n398 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n. All variants will make do with a\n seven-speed automatic\n with Adaptive Shift Control.\nIs there actual substance to go with the agent provocateur? You bet. There\u2019s a new variable, speed-sensitive steering wheel (they call it Direct Adaptive Steering) and six driving modes \u2013 Standard, Snow, Eco, Customise, Sport and Sport+. All 3.0-litre variants get a Rack Electronic Power Steering which provides linear assistance.\nIn standard guise, the Q60 sits on 19-inch alloys, but there is also a 20-inch option. The 2.0-litre variant comes with all-new shock absorbers with improved shock tuning and bushings. The V6 on the other hand, gets Digital Dynamic Suspension and its dedicated set of dampers.\nCurrently, Infiniti Malaysia is selling the Q60 (otherwise known as G37 Coupe) for RM411k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia have launched their latest showroom in Kajang, also their fourth this year and 18th outlet in the Klang Valley.\nIt is wholly owned and operated by MN Otomobil Sdn Bhd, which invested approximately \nRM2.5 million\n to erect the \n12,000 square feet\n 4S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts and Spray Paint) facility. The service centre is home to 13 service bays with the capacity of servicing up to 30 vehicles a day.\nPeugeot Kajang will serve customers living in the following areas \u2013 Bangi, Baru 9 Cheras, Beranang, Hulu Langat, Semenyih, Seri Kembangan, UKM Bangi, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. While waiting for the vehicles to be serviced, customers and visitors can make use of the facility\u2019s free Wi-Fi at the waiting lounge.\nNasim currently has a total of 43 outlets nationwide in operation since embarking on a rapid network expansion four years ago. The company will launch yet another showroom in East Malaysia towards the year end."
"A brand new BMW F82 M4 Coupe became the latest victim of reckless driving earlier today at a relatively quite junction believed to have taken place in the city of Melaka. The \nRM750k high performance sports car\n saw both its front and curtain airbags deployed, and other damages sustained point towards a completely wrecked front-left arm, among others.\nThe accident occurred when a first-generation Toyota Avanza (Melaka-registered) beat the lights and ran straight into the M4. Fortunately, the bicyclist next to the BMW M4 \nescaped unharmed\n in what could otherwise be a fatal hit. \nIt\u2019s unclear at this point why\u00a0the driver of the Toyota Avanza ran the red light, but let this be a stern reminder to probationary drivers (commonly known as P-drivers) out there to always abide traffic rules and regulations. Beating the red lights puts you at risk of being slapped with a RM300 fine and may also cause undue harm. While you\u2019re at it, be sure to double check exactly which corner of the rear windscreen\u00a0you\u2019re supposed to put up your P stickers.\nImage and video courtesy of \nYouTube channel Lux Lum"
"Word is that the new Hyundai i30 N is coming to Malaysia to spice up the hot hatch scene and it got us thinking; on paper at least, does it have what it takes to wrestle some attention from the likes of Volkswagen, Honda and Renault?\nUnless it can be priced to temptation, it\u2019s going to be a rather tall order for the new kid on the block to fit in with the more established cool kids like the Golf and the Megane R.S.\nThe i30 N makes a maximum of \n279 hp\n with the Performance Package (250 hp as standard) and \n353 Nm\n of torque from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.\n0 to 100 km/h is over in\n 6.1 seconds\n with the Performance Package (6.3 seconds without) and top speed, like everyone else, is limited to 250 km/h. Respectable figures but here\u2019s how it\u2019ll stack up against its rivals when they appear in its rear view mirror.\nVolkswagen Golf GTI\nOutput: 227 hp & 350 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 6.4 seconds\nPossibly my most favourite among all the other hatchbacks in Malaysia, the \nMk 7.5 Golf GTI we reviewed \noffers a duality \u2013 both as a practical hatchback and a weekend B-road carver \u2013 that not many can match.\nIt\u2019s also a closer rival to the i30 N than the monstrous \nGolf R \n which would annihilate the i30N with \n290\n and \n380 Nm\n and a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n5.1 seconds\n.\nFK8 Honda Civic Type R\nOutput: 310 hp & 400 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 5.8 seconds\n \nGC Mah had all the spoils with this so there\u2019s really no saying how the Civic expresses itself as a proper Type R.\nIt may \nproven itself to be a very very quick FWD car\n, but I believe most would be inclined to agree that the new FK8 generation model, with its turbocharged engine and lack of \u201cpranggg\u201d, is just a very accomplished and very powerful Civic; not a Type R.\nRenault Megane R.S. 280 Cup\nOutput: 280 hp & 390 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 5.8 seconds\n \nLaunched just recently, the Megane R.S. 280 Cup on paper at least, is neck and neck with the Civic Type R in terms of acceleration and is marginally quicker (5.8 seconds vs 6.1 seconds) than the i30 N even though their output aren\u2019t significantly different.\nLike the rest of its rivals, the new Megane is now just as practical with four-doors and plenty more leg room, available \nfrom RM3,999 through Renault\u2019s Subscription Plan.\nPeugeot 308 GTi\nOutput: 270 hp & 330 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 6 seconds\nUnlike the rest which are powered by either 1.8- or 2.0-litre engines, the 308 GTi still packs a heroic punch from a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder. It won\u2019t run rings around the Megane R.S nor the Civic Type R but is probably the closest rival to the i30 N in terms of acceleration.\nMercedes-AMG A45\nOutput: 381 hp & 475 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 4.2 seconds\nNo contest."
"Mazda\n \nisn\u2019t exactly the first brand that comes to mind when you talk about electric vehicles (EVs). Its first EV is the Mazda MX-30 which offers city-level driving range and is rather experimental in its design. A new patent published by the European Patent Office, however, reveals that the brand is working on a \nMazda 3\n-size EV.\nDepicting a sedan, the patent also shows the location of the electric motor and the location of the battery. The front-mounted motor hints at a front-wheel drive (FWD) system, while the battery shown in the patent images shows a very thin battery pack, that is very well tucked in the underfloor of the car. We also get to see a MacPherson strut front suspension setup and a double wishbone rear suspension setup, although the patent states that various suspensions can be used on the platform.\nFigure 1 of of the patent document\nAlthough the images from the patent show a front-mounted electric motor, the patent describes that the motor could also be placed near the rear wheels, providing a rear-wheel drive electric drive system. As written in the patent document, \u201c[Figures 1 and 2] show a case where the powertrain (PT) is provided only in the power room R3, but the powertrain PT may be provided in a lower space R4 of the baggage room R2 (not illustrated).\u201d\nThe Mazda patent also states, \u201cIn the case where the powertrain PT is provided only in the power room R3, only front wheels F are driven. In the case where the powertrain PT is provided in the lower space R4, only rear wheels R are driven. In this case, the power room R3 is usable as a baggage-room space or the like. Further, in a case where the powertrain PT is provided both in the power room R3 and the lower space R4, this vehicle is a four-wheel drive car.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMazda 3 updated in Malaysia for 2022 \u2013 new range-topping Ignite Edition variant\nFigure 2 of the patent document\nAs for the battery pack, the patent states that it could be either a lithium-ion battery or an all-solid (solid state) battery. The patent shows a platform that could accommodate several battery sizes.\nFiled in May 2022 and published in December 2022 by the European Patent Office, the Mazda Motor Corporation\u2019s \u201cVehicle-Body Structure of Electric Automotive Vehicle\u201d patent isn\u2019t a statement of production intent as it may just be used to protect the company\u2019s ideas. Mazda\u2019s next EV may not be a Mazda 3-size EV, but the idea of one is certainly exciting.\nRELATED: \nIs this our first look at the next-gen Mazda MX-5?\nFigure 3 of the patent showing the motor and battery location."
"After a full month of operations in September, after the auto industry was allowed to resume at the end of August, UMW Toyota Motor has announced a jump in total sales volume.\nThe \nnew Corolla Cross\n \nin Japan.\nThe company reported a total sales volume of 8,033 vehicles, an increase of 5,509 units compared to August. The figure is also over 40% higher than the same in 2020. Of the 8,033 units, 7,931 were Toyota vehicles while 102 consisted of Lexus vehicles.\nCompared to the same January to September period of 2020, UMW Toyota also recorded higher figures. Sales of Toyota and Lexus vehicles were 43,594 units in 2021, compared to 25,978\n \n\u201cWe are certainly pleased to see the market steadily moving towards normalcy as the past few months have been challenging for us. Our showrooms have been open and receiving many customers daily. Bookings for the latest models have also been increasing. As a result, our total sales in September for Toyota and Lexus vehicles was a phenomenal 223% greater than the\u00a0August volume,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K.\u00a0\nToyota\u2019s Kinto One subscription service in Malaysia now offers even more flexibility. Read about it here!\n\u201cI would like to assure our customers that they will be safe and protected when they visit our showrooms or service centres but at the same time, we remind them that they need to comply with the SOPs. This means having temperature scans and registering their visit using the MySejahtera app, as well as using hand sanitisers and wearing face masks at all times,\u201d he added.\nIn conjunction with its showrooms reopening, UMWT launched the \u201cVisit & Win\u201d promotion with a total grand prize of RM30,000. Simply upload an image of yourself at the showroom, on Facebook, or Instagram with a caption. Once uploaded, simply share the URL link to UMW Toyota representatives.\nPrizes include an iPhone 12, Samsung 55-inch 4K LED TV, Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Iron, Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Wireless headphones and more!\nThe Toyota Corolla is the last car we\u2019d expect to get a \u201cN\u00fcrburgring Package\u201d. Read about it here!"
"Volvo has just unveiled its new fully autonomous concept car, the Volvo 360c Concept. But get this, the 360c\u2019s main rival is not cars, its aeroplanes.\nThe 360c is a fully autonomous and fully electric vehicle that requires zeros human intervention to go from point A to point B. With the absence of a steering wheel and combustion engine, designers were able to reimagine the cabin space to created different spaces for different purposes.\nThink mobile office, sleeping environment, meeting space and even a party table, the 360c is able to cater to all the above and more. Volvo imagines the 360c to be an alternative to domestic short-haul flights, whereby consumers can hop into the car and do whatever they want throughout the journey, saving time and costs needed to go through airport security and lead times.   Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Volvo Cars, M\u00e5rten Levenstam said: \u201cDomestic air travel sounds great when you buy your ticket, but it really isn\u2019t. The 360c represents what could be a whole new take on the industry. The sleeping cabin allows you to enjoy premium comfort and peaceful travel through the night and wake up refreshed at your destination. It could enable us to compete with the world\u2019s leading aircraft makers.\u201d\nBeyond autonomous travel, Volvo also hopes that the 360c can pave the way for a global standard in how autonomous vehicles can safely communicate with all other road users. This innovative concept also opens up the discussion for the future of travel, city planning and modern society\u2019s environmental footprint.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia has just added another entry level variant to the \nTriton line up\n, the Mitsubishi Triton VGT GL. The VGT GL is based on the existing Triton VGT auto without some of the feel-good bits and is targeted at individuals who are in the market for a straightforward pick up at an affordable price point.\nAt RM103,800, on-the-road without insurance, the VGT GL is cheaper than even the VGT MT and \nRM10,600 cheaper\n than the VGT AT it is based on. So, what does the cheapest Triton VGT has to offer?\nFor starters, it loses the fancy Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps with LED daytime running lights for simpler halogen projector units, front fog lamps removed, a dark chrome radiator grille and rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi Triton VGT AT GL (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishi Triton VGT MT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishi Triton VGT AT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure AT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishis Triton VGT Adventure X AT (4\u00d74)\nEngine\n2,442cc; MIVEC Turbo Diesel DI-D Common Rail VGT Intercooler\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic with Sport Mode\n6-speed manual\n5-speed automatic with Sport Mode\nMax Power\n179 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n430 Nm @ 2,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM103,800\nRM107,600\nRM114,400\nRM123,130\nRM130,900\nInside, the VGT GL loses out on the touchscreen infotainment system for a 2-DIN audio system but retains the 4WD selector and automatic climate control system. Also omitted from the spec list are keyless entry and start, six-speakers (now four-speakers), leather wrapped steering wheel and leather upholstery.\nMechanically, the VGT GL remains powered by the new 2.4-litre aluminium MIVEC turbodiesel that pushes out \n179 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque mated to a \nfive-speed automatic transmission\n. The new engine, despite being \n30 kg\n lighter and more fuel efficient compared to the old 2.5-litre turbodiesel mill, it remains a robust workhorse as demonstrated by local motorsport talent \nLeona Chin where she pulled a 31-tonne mega truck with the new Triton\n.\nFortunately, MMM did not skim on the base model\u2019s safety equipment. Safety equipment still reads dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, \nTraction Control\n, \nActive Stability Control\n, Hill-start Assist, Trailer Stability Assist and ISOFIX mounting points.\nLike the rest of the Triton range, the new variant is covered with a 5-Year or 200,00 km warranty and will be a fully-imported from Thailand. Interest parties can check out the Mitsubishi Triton VGT GL at Aeon Tebrau City from 19 to 24 September 2017 and Mid Valley Megamall from 27 September to 1 October 2017."
"To celebrate Subaru Technica International\u2019s (STI) 30\nth\n anniversary, Subaru South Africa has revealed the limited Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition. Only 30 units of these will be made and it will go down in history books as the most powerful WRI STI Ever.\nThe 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine has been boosted to\n 353 hp\n and \n464 Nm\n, a 53 hp and 57 Nm bump compared to a standard WRX STI. To achieve this, engineers have given the Diamond Edition an ECU remap and a full free flow exhaust system to unlock the extra grunt from the powertrain.\nAs a result, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h now takes \n5.03 seconds\n, down 0.73 seconds from a standard vehicle. Acceleration from 0 to 160 km/h is a full second quicker at \n13.7 seconds\n compared to the regular model\u2019s time of 14.76 seconds.\nSubaru South Africa did not fiddle with the six-speed manual transmission and Symmetrical All-wheel Drive System, adamant of the standard car\u2019s robustness to handle the extra power. The WRX STI Diamond Edition has undergone 18 months of development and over 50,000 km of testing to ensure the longevity and reliability of the car is not compromised in any way.   On the exterior, the Diamond Edition sgets an STI Sports body kit painted in Hi Viz Yellow, Brembo brake callipers painted in the same Yellow and silver trim around the quad exhaust outlets. It rides on 18-inch Dark Gunmetallic alloy wheel wrapped in 245/40 profile tyres.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru WRX STI Diamond Edition"
"Legacy Racing Team, an all-Malaysian racing team has officially launched today at a signing ceremony between the team and main sponsor, IBH Investment Bank and Throne Legacy Capital.\nThe team will be competing in the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia \u2013 GT3 AM Class, making them the first all-Malaysian team to take part in the racing series.\u00a0\nHeaded by team principal Kelvin Liang, the Legacy Racing Team will be racing in \ncar 76\n, a \nMercedes-Benz AMG GT3\n piloted by local motorsports veterans \nLeona Chin\n and \nTengku Djan Ley\n.\u00a0\nThe car will be donned in a special livery, which was also launched today, finished in red, black and chrome, along with a Malaysian flag design on the roof.\nThe 2020 season of the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia will begin on the \n28th March 2020\n at the \nSepang International Circuit\n. The series will race in various circuits in the region, including Chang International Circuit, Fuji Speedway and Suzuka International Circuit, before concluding the season in Shanghai.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a series of \nfinancial aids\n and contributions including face shields to schools in areas like \nHulu Selangor\n, \nPutrajaya\n, and \nSelayang\n, Perodua has stepped up its efforts once again in the battle against Covid-19.\nThe company has now \ncontributed another RM80,000 worth of medical supplies\n to the Sg. Buloh Hospital including 5,000 face shields, wheelchairs, commode chairs, transfer boards, bed railings, walking frames, rehabilitation chairs, and a therapy tilt table.\nIn total, the company has \ncontributed 35,000 face shields\n to various organisations since the start of the Covid-19 fiasco.\n \nHave you seen what the new Perodua Ativa is like?\n\u201cThe supplies provided are based on feedback given by the hospital\u2019s administrative team to help keep their staff safe and patients comfortable,\u201d said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nIn the early days of the first Movement Control Order (MCO) last year, Perodua contributed 150 mattresses, 200 pillows, 105 boxes of mineral water, 15 industrial fans and 300 pairs of rubber boots to Hospital Sungai Buloh.\n\u201cWe will continue to communicate with key public institutions to see where Perodua may contribute strategically in supporting the nation. We thank and salute our brave men and women who work tirelessly to serve us all,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said."
"Not long after its mysterious \nteaser surfaced on the internet\n, Mercedes-Benz and Maybach have unveiled quite possibly their craziest concept to date \u2013 the Vision\u00a0Mercedes-Maybach 6 Concept Coupe. Currently displayed at the Pebble Beach car show, this six meter sheet of metal is a preview of what\u2019s to come from Stuttgart\u2019s mega luxury arm.\nA mix between AMG Vision Gran Turismo Concept and \nMercedes-AMG GT\n, the front end of this car bears the three-pointed star. The slim gullwing doors are not the only items that add flamboyance to this coupe, but also the wheel arches are slapped with a humongous set of\u00a024-inch wheels!\u00a0The best part is, it comes with transparent panels to add even more absurdity.\u00a0\nThe\u00a0concept coupe is strictly\u00a0\nelectrically powered\n. Its four electric motors produce\u00a0a total output of \n738 hp\n, allowing a century sprint of less than \n4.0\u00a0seconds\n. It can cover up to\u00a0\n320km of tarmac\n\u00a0with an 80 kWh battery pack, whereas a five-minute quick charge boosts travel distance by an additional 100km. The battery can be charged either by plug or wirelessly through an inductive charging system.\nDespite being just a concept, the cabin of this 6-metre limo is way ahead of its time. There\u2019s an Iron-Man kind of heads-up display which stretches across the entire windshield, and these projections will purportedly replace traditional buttons, knobs and dials. The display also functions as a massive screen that relays all kinds of information back to the driver and passengers.\nThe four minimalistic seats come with integrated sensors, designed to analyse the occupants\u2019 condition and even their outfits to customise the lighting and massage setup.\nAs exciting as it sounds, the 2+2 coupe remains just a concept. But those whose appetites have been stirred at the very sight of this car will probably want it bad enough to force Mercedes-Maybach to put this in production. We don\u2019t think the world has seen anything like this before, not with the level of tech, ambition and drama the 6 Concept Coupe exudes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \n2022 European Car of the Year\n \u2013 the \nKia EV6\n \u2013 has been launched in Malaysia. Available in the highest-spec GT Line AWD variant, with prices starting from RM300,668 excluding SST exemptions.\nThe EV6 was designed based on the company\u2019s new \u2018Opposites United\u2019 design language, with futuristic and high-tech details coming together with sharp lines and sculptural proportions. That\u2019s not all, wait till you see what the EV6\u2019s head and taillights look like when they\u2019re switched on!\n \nAs a result of the Kia EV6\u2019s Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP), the crossover can offer \u2018mid-size SUV-like\u2019 cabin space even if it doesn\u2019t look as big on the outside. The dashboard and centre console is home to dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The latter offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and is paired with a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, the fully-electric Kia EV6 GT Line comes with 5-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, along with a 7-year/150,000 km warranty for its lithium-ion battery.\nFind out more about its powertrain in the video!"
"Proving again that a luxury saloon could be transformed into a very sporty vehicle, \nMercedes-AMG\n \nhas debuted the latest AMG S-Class, the \nMercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance\n. Currently the most powerful \nS-Class\n of all time, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is powered by a plug-in hybrid system with a V8 engine.\nLike the latest \nAMG C 63\n, the S 63 houses a similar F1-tech hybrid system, albeit with a much larger engine with twice the number of cylinders. The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine powers all wheels and gets assistance from a rear-mounted electric drive system.\nThe engine itself makes 612 hp (metric) @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and 900 Nm @ 2,500-4,500 rpm. The rear-mounted electric motor makes 190 hp (metric) and 320 Nm. Combined, the system makes \n802 hp\n (metric) and \n1,430 Nm\n.\nWith that amount of power and torque, the 2,595-kg luxury saloon launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 290 km/h (250 km/h with electronic speed limiter). Power is sent to all wheels via an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Responsible for transmitting all power is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission (automatic transmission with wet multi-disc start-off clutch).\nNot tuned for \u2018economic driving\u2019, the \n13.1-kWh\n battery pack of the S 63 E\u2019s hybrid system only provides an all-electric range of \n33 km\n. The battery can be charge via \n3.7-kW\n AC charging.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class launched in Malaysia \u2013 S 580 from RM1.92m\nIn the handling department, the bodyshell of the S 63 E Performance has been reinforced with an aluminium stabiliser under the V8 engine. At the rear, there are diagonal aluminium struts in the underbody to increase driving precision. Standard equipment on the S63 E Performance include AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive damping and Active roll stabilisation.\nEquipped on the S 63 E Performance are 7 AMG driving modes, namely Electric\u201d, \u201cComfort\u201d, \u201cBattery Hold\u201d, \u201cSport\u201d, \u201cSport+\u201d, \u201cSlippery\u201d and \u201cIndividual\u201d. The suspension allows the driver to select from three different modes which are \u201cBasic\u201d, \u201cAdvanced\u201d, and \u201cPro\u201d.\nAn interesting feature of the S 63 E Performance is the active engine mounts that adjust their stiffness to the current driving condition. The engine mount stiffness communicates with a set of sensors that detect the road condition ahead. This allows for a further increased spread between performance and comfort.\nALSO WATCH: \nMercedes-Benz S580e PHEV launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nOn the outside, the AMG S-Class gets an AMG-specific \u2019Panamericana\u2019 grille for the first time, joining the look of smaller AMG models. The S63 E Performance sits on 20-inch wheels all around with a staggered setup measuring 9.5 inches wide in front and 10.5 inches at the rear. The debut unit shows the wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.\nInside, the S 63 E Performance gets seats with special AMG upholstery. Various exclusive upholstery colours are offered, and \u2018AMG\u2019 emblems are embossed in the front head restraints. Also featured in the interior are the \u2018First-Class\u2019 rear compartment, AMG-specific trim elements, and an AMG Performance Steering Wheel.\nThe Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is available to order with Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system that allows for conditionally automated driving (SAE level 3). This enables customers to hand over the driving task to the system under certain conditions in heavy traffic or congestion situations on suitable motorway sections (in Germany) up to a speed of 60 km/h.\nRELATED: \nNew Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS now with Drive Pilot Level 3 automated driving in Germany\nGALLERY"
"The year 1964 marked a time in history when girls had beehive-hair; television aired The Beetles live on monochromatic CRT TVs, Vietnam was under fire from Huey helicopters and Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston to\u00a0win the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship. The mid 60s was a time where anything and everything happened. That very year itself, Aston Martin sealed a partnership with the world\u2019s most popular secret agent \u2013 James Bond.\nBut little did cinema goers knew that the most famous car in the world was so nearly a \nJaguar E-Type\n. \nDr.No\n and \nFrom Russia With Love\u00a0\nhad set the tempo for the franchise. Prior to writing the\u00a0\nGoldfinger \nnovel in \n1957\n, Ian Fleming received a timely letter from a car enthusiast by the name Dr. G. Gibson which questioned the director\u2019s choice of cars. The letter read, \u201cFix Bond up with a proper bit of machinery\u201d, to which the sender suggested an \nAston Martin\n.\nHarry Saltzman, one of \nGoldfinger\n\u2018s producers,\n\u00a0\nwrote\n to Aston with hopes of securing Bond a drive. Aston \nflatly refused Saltzman\n. But as a measure of compromise, Aston would \nsell\n them a\n DB5\n \u2013 at the full retail price of\u00a0\n\u00a34,500\u00a0\n(RM30k). At this point, Bond\u2019s mode of transport was on the verge of being the Jaguar E-Type.\nSaltzman persevered and kept nudging at Aston who \nbegrudgingly lent\n them, without any idea what they were getting themselves into, a \nsecond hand development car\n. The special effects guys went about kitting the DB5 out with over\u00a0\n\u00a325,000 \n(RM160k)\u00a0worth of goodies. Mind you \u2013 that\u2019s \nthree times\n\u00a0of the car\u2019s retail price!\u00a0When the curtains drew in \nSeptember 1964\n, the DB5 was a star in its own right, so much so that it went on its own \nworld tour\n.\nFifty years\n on and movie goers still see Agent 007 at the wheel of an Aston Martin. In the upcoming movie Spectre, the franchise\u2019s\u00a0\n24th\n\u00a0instalment,\u00a0Bond will exclusively pilot a bespoke\n \nAston Martin DB10\n while being chased by the baddies in another local star \u2013 \nJaguar C-X75\n. The Jag\u00a0was a scrapped electric vehicle (\nEV\n) project from 2012 that uses a couple of \ndiesel-fed micro gas turbines\n in place of an engine to\n charge\n the \nfour electric motors\n that make out an estimated \n778 hp\n and an unbelievable \n1,600 Nm\n of twist!\nSadly though, Daniel Craig will not be piloting Aston\u2019s\n \nDB9-GT Bond Edition\n in the upcoming film. It was instead commissioned to \ncommemorate\n the historic partnership between \nAston Martin \nand\n James Bond\n. Only \n150\n \nunits\n will see the light of day, and so happens that the model is also the \nmost powerful\n\u00a0iteration of the \nDB9\n Grand Tourer range.\n \n \nPowering the DB9 \u201c007 special\u201d is the very familiar\n \n6.0-litre V12\n engine from the hardcore DBS model. But in this state of tune, it makes \n539 hp\n at \n6,750 rpm\n\u00a0and \n620 Nm\n of torque at \n5,500 rpm\n.\u00a0The all-alloy, \nquad-overhead-cam\n, \n48-valve\n, front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted \nTouchtronic II six-speed automatic\n transmission with an electronic shift-by-wire control system. It catapults the Brit from rest to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n\u00a0and onto a top speed of \n293 km/h\n.\nOn the inside, expect no gadgetry lent over from \nQ-Branch\n, but one can expect fine Gaydon craftsmanship. Lashings of soft \nquilted-leather\n envelop the trim and seats (no ejector seats here) and buyers get a number of \u2018007\u2019 plaques around and within the car.\u00a0It\u2019s not quite the typical Aston, which is why the going price for it starts from\n\u00a0\u00a3165,000\n (ext RM1,066,624).   With that price,\u00a0it comes with a unique \u2018\nSpectre\n\u2018 \nSilver paintjob\n, \nsterling silver\n Aston \nbadges\n front and back with a\u00a0\nten-spoke\n gloss black diamond turned \n20-inch\n\u00a0wheels. Additionally, it also comes with a\u00a0finely-crafted 21-inch Globe-Trotter \nluggage bag\n\u00a0and limited edition Bond timepiece \u2013\u00a0\nOmega Seamaster\n \nAqua Terra\n 150m \u2013 complete with a unique Aston Martin strap to match.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi\u4eca\u5929\u521a\u521a\u4eae\u76f8\u4e86\u5168\u65b0\u7684Triton\uff0c\u5e76\u5728\u6cf0\u56fd\u9996\u6b21\u516c\u5f00\u4eae\u76f8\u3002\u8fd9\u6b3e\u65b0\u578b\u5361\u8f66\u57fa\u4e8e\u4e00\u4e2a\u65b0\u5f00\u53d1\u7684\u68af\u5f62\u6846\u67b6\u5e95\u76d8\uff0cTriton\u5728\u51e0\u4e4e\u6240\u6709\u7ef4\u5ea6\u4e0a\u90fd\u6709\u6240\u589e\u957f\u3002\u5b83\u7684\u5168\u7403\u9996\u6b21\u4eae\u76f8\u540e\uff0c\u9884\u8ba1\u5c06\u57282024\u5e74\u5e95\u4e4b\u524d\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u53d1\u5e03\u3002\n\u9996\u5148\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u6765\u770b\u770bMitsubishi Triton\u7684\u5c3a\u5bf8\u589e\u52a0\u3002\u73b0\u5728\u7684\u53cc\u6392\u5ea7\u7248\u8f66\u578b\u957f\u5ea6\u4e3a5360\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u5bbd\u5ea6\u4e3a1930\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u9ad8\u5ea6\u4e3a1815\u6beb\u7c73\u3002\u4e0e\u5176\u524d\u8eab\u76f8\u6bd4\uff0c\u5b83\u5728\u6bcf\u4e2a\u7ef4\u5ea6\u4e0a\u90fd\u6709\u6240\u589e\u957f\u3002\n\u81f3\u4e8e\u5176\u8f74\u8ddd\uff0c\u73b0\u5728\u4e3a3130\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u6bd4\u5176\u524d\u8eab\u76843000\u6beb\u7c73\u8f74\u8ddd\u957f130\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u4f60\u53ef\u4ee5\u7acb\u523b\u770b\u51faTriton\u727a\u7272\u4e86\u4e00\u4e9b\u654f\u6377\u6027\uff0c\u4ee5\u63d0\u5347\u7a33\u56fa\u6027\u3002\u73b0\u5728\u7684\u8f6c\u5f2f\u534a\u5f84\u4e3a6.2\u7c73\uff0c\u6bd4\u8001\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b\u76845.9\u7c73\u591a\u4e860.3\u7c73\u3002\u8fd9\u53ea\u662fTriton\u4f17\u591a\u6539\u53d8\u4e2d\u7684\u4e00\u9879\uff0c\u56e0\u4e3a\u5b83\u5df2\u7ecf\u6f14\u53d8\u4e3a\u4e00\u4e2a\u66f4\u7a33\u5065\u7684\u5de5\u4f5c\u9a6c\u3002\u5165\u53e3\u89d2\u3001\u51fa\u53e3\u89d2\u548c\u8d85\u8d8a\u89d2\u73b0\u5728\u7a0d\u5fae\u964d\u4f4e\u4e3a29\u00b0\u300122.8\u00b0\u548c23.4\u00b0\uff0c\u81f3\u5c11\u5bf9\u4e8e\u53cc\u6392\u5ea7\u7248\u8f66\u578b\u6765\u8bf4\u662f\u8fd9\u6837\u3002\n\u5168\u65b0Mitsubishi Triton\uff08\u53cc\u6392\u5ea7\u7248\uff09\n\u524d\u4e00\u4ee3Mitsubishi Triton\uff08\u53cc\u6392\u5ea7\u7248\uff09\n\u8f66\u957f\uff08\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\n5,360\uff08\u589e\u52a055\uff09\n5,305\n\u8f66\u5bbd\uff08\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\n1,930\uff08\u589e\u52a0115\uff09\n1,815\n\u8f66\u9ad8\uff08\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\n1,815\uff08\u589e\u52a020\uff09\n1,795\n\u8f74\u8ddd\uff08\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\n3,130\uff08\u589e\u52a0130\uff09\n3,000\n\u524d\u8f6e\u8ddd\uff08\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\n1,570\uff08\u589e\u52a050\uff09\n1,520\n\u540e\u8f6e\u8ddd\uff08\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\n1,565\uff08\u589e\u52a050\uff09\n1,515\n\u8d27\u7bb1\u957f\u5ea6\uff08\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\n1,555\uff08\u589e\u52a035\uff09\n1,520\n\u8f6c\u5f2f\u534a\u5f84\uff08\u7c73\uff09\n6.2\uff08\u589e\u52a00.3\uff09\n5.9\n\u63a5\u8fd1\u89d2\uff08\u5ea6\uff09\n29\uff08\u51cf\u5c112\uff09\n31\n\u79bb\u53bb\u89d2\uff08\u5ea6\uff09\n22.8\uff08\u51cf\u5c110.2\uff09\n23\n\u8de8\u8d8a\u89d2\uff08\u5ea6\uff09\n23.4\uff08\u51cf\u5c111.6\uff09\n25\n\u5168\u65b0\u7684Triton\u73b0\u5728\u66f4\u52a0\u575a\u56fa\uff0c\u5176\u65b0\u5f00\u53d1\u7684\u68af\u5f62\u6846\u67b6\u5e95\u76d8\u62e5\u6709\u66f4\u5927\u7684\u622a\u9762\u9762\u79ef\u3002\u7531\u4e8e\u8fd9\u4e2a\u539f\u56e0\uff0c\u5f2f\u66f2\u521a\u5ea6\u548c\u626d\u8f6c\u521a\u5ea6\u73b0\u5728\u90fd\u66f4\u9ad8\u3002\u6240\u4ee5\u65b0\u7684Triton\u5e94\u8be5\u80fd\u591f\u627f\u53d7\u66f4\u591a\u7684\u6ee5\u7528\u548c\u66f4\u91cd\u7684\u8d1f\u8f7d\u3002\u8bf4\u5230\u8d1f\u8f7d\uff0c\u5e8a\u94fa\u73b0\u5728\u4e5f\u66f4\u957f\uff0c\u4e3a1555\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u6bd4\u8001\u6b3eTriton\u76841520\u6beb\u7c73\u957f\u3002\u5c3d\u7ba1Triton\u4f3c\u4e4e\u603b\u4f53\u4e0a\u53d8\u5927\u4e86\uff0c\u4f46Mitsubishi\u8868\u793a\uff0c\u65b0\u6b3eTriton\u7684\u8f66\u8eab\u6bd4\u524d\u4efb\u8f66\u578b\u7684\u66f4\u8f7b\u3002\n\u5bf9\u4e8e\u5916\u90e8\u7684\u6539\u8fdb\uff0cTriton boasts\u66f4\u8010\u7528\u7684\u95e8\u628a\u624b\uff08\u66f4\u5927\uff0c\u66f4\u5bb9\u6613\u63e1\u4f4f\uff09\uff0c\u5bbd\u5927\u7684\u4fa7\u6b65\uff0c\u6539\u8fdb\u7684\u6c34\u6392\u653e\uff0c\u66f4\u4f4e\u7684\u8d27\u8f66\u5e8a\u9ad8\u5ea6\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u66f4\u5927\u7684\u540e\u4fdd\u9669\u6760\u4e0a\u8868\u9762\u9762\u79ef\u3002\u5168\u65b0\u7684Triton\u8fd8\u63a8\u51fa\u4e86\u65b0\u7684\u5916\u89c2\u989c\u8272\uff0c\u5982Yamabuki Orange Metallic\u548cBlade Silver Metallic\u3002\n\u5728\u6027\u80fd\u65b9\u9762\uff0c\u5168\u65b0\u7684Mitsubishi Triton\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u65b0\u5f00\u53d1\u76844N16\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u30024N16\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u662f\u4e00\u6b3e2.4\u5347\u6da1\u8f6e\u67f4\u6cb9\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\uff0c\u538b\u7f29\u6bd4\u4e3a1:15.2\u3002\u8fd9\u6b3e\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u4e3a\u5168\u65b0\u7684Mitsubishi Triton\u8c03\u6574\u4e86\u4e09\u79cd\u4e0d\u540c\u7684\u529f\u7387\u8f93\u51fa\uff0c\u6700\u5f3a\u5927\u7684\u7248\u672c\u57283500\u8f6c\u65f6\u8f93\u51fa150kW\uff08\n204\u9a6c\u529b\n\uff09\uff0c\u57281500-2750\u8f6c\u65f6\u8f93\u51fa\n470\u725b\u7c73\n\u30024N16\u7684\u53e6\u5916\u4e24\u79cd\u8c03\u6574\u8bbe\u7f6e\u5206\u522b\u4e3a\n184\u9a6c\u529b/430\u725b\u7c73\n\u548c\n150\u9a6c\u529b/330\u725b\u7c73\n\u3002\n\u9ad8\u8f93\u51fa\u578b\n\u6807\u51c6\u578b1\n\u6807\u51c6\u578b2\n\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\n2,442 cc \u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538b\u67f4\u6cb9 DOHC \u56db\u7f38\n2,442 cc \u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538b\u67f4\u6cb9 DOHC \u56db\u7f38\n2,442 cc \u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538b\u67f4\u6cb9 DOHC \u56db\u7f38\n\u6700\u5927\u529f\u7387 (\u9a6c\u529b/\u8f6c\u901f)\n204/3,500\n184/3,500\n150/3,500\n\u6700\u5927\u626d\u77e9 (\u725b\u7c73 @\u8f6c\u901f)\n470/1,500-2,750\n430/2,250-2,500\n330/1,500-3,000\n\u5bf9\u4e8e\u5168\u65b0\u7684Mitsubishi Triton\u7684\u53d8\u901f\u5668\u9009\u9879\uff0c\u5305\u62ec\u4e00\u6b3e6\u901f\u81ea\u52a8\u53d8\u901f\u5668\uff0c\u8fd9\u6b3e\u53d8\u901f\u5668\u5df2\u7ecf\u4ece\u8001\u6b3e\u7684Triton\u4e2d\u7ee7\u627f\u8fc7\u6765\uff0c\u8fd8\u6709\u4e00\u6b3e6\u901f\u624b\u52a8\u53d8\u901f\u5668\u3002\u6709\u8da3\u7684\u662f\uff0c\u8fd9\u6b3e6\u901f\u624b\u52a8\u53d8\u901f\u5668\u662f\u901a\u8fc7\u7535\u7ebf\u8fdb\u884c\u6362\u6321\u7684\uff0c\u8fd9\u53ef\u4ee5\u51cf\u5c11\u9a7e\u9a76\u5ba4\u7684\u632f\u52a8\u3002\n\u5f53\u7136\uff0cSuper Select AWD\u7cfb\u7edf\u548cEasy Select AWD\u7cfb\u7edf\u88ab\u4fdd\u7559\u5728\u5168\u65b0\u7684Mitsubishi Triton\u4e2d\u3002\u5728\u60ac\u6302\u65b9\u9762\uff0cTriton\u5728\u524d\u90e8\u91c7\u7528\u4e86\u53cc\u6a2a\u81c2\u8bbe\u7f6e\uff0c\u5728\u540e\u90e8\u91c7\u7528\u4e86\u677f\u7c27\u8bbe\u7f6e\u3002\nMitsusbishi Motors\u8fd8\u6539\u8fdb\u4e86Triton\u7684\u7ef4\u62a4\u65b9\u9762\uff0c\u5176\u4e2d\u4e00\u4e2a\u662f6\u901f\u624b\u52a8\u53d8\u901f\u5668\u4e0d\u9700\u8981\u7ef4\u62a4\u3002\u4e3a\u4e86\u8ba9\u7ef4\u62a4\u6280\u672f\u4eba\u5458\uff08\u6216\u90a3\u4e9b\u66f4\u559c\u6b22DIY\u7ef4\u62a4\u7684\u4eba\uff09\u7684\u5de5\u4f5c\u66f4\u52a0\u7b80\u4fbf\uff0c\u6cb9\u6f0f\u87ba\u6813\u7684\u4f4d\u7f6e\u5df2\u7ecf\u88ab\u91cd\u65b0\u5b9a\u4f4d\uff0c\u8fd9\u6837\u5c31\u53ef\u4ee5\u5728\u4e0d\u9700\u8981\u79fb\u9664\u4e0b\u90e8\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u7f69\u7684\u60c5\u51b5\u4e0b\u8bbf\u95ee\u5230\u5b83\u3002Triton\u7684\u7ef4\u62a4\u5b54\u4e5f\u53d8\u5927\u4e86\uff0c\u6240\u4ee5\u6807\u51c6\u7684\u8f66\u5e93\u5343\u65a4\u9876\u4e0d\u9700\u8981\u989d\u5916\u7684\u914d\u4ef6\u3002\n\u603b\u7684\u6765\u8bf4\uff0c\u770b\u8d77\u6765Mitsubishi Triton\u5df2\u7ecf\u770b\u4e86\u5168\u65b0\u7684Ford Ranger\uff0c\u5e76\u5c06Triton\u7684\u201d\u529f\u80fd\u6027\u5de5\u4f5c\u9a6c\u201d\u65b9\u9762\u63d0\u9ad8\u5230\u4e8611\u3002\u8fd9\u79cd\u5904\u7406\u5728\u9a7e\u9a76\u5ba4\u5185\u4e5f\u5f97\u5230\u4e86\u4f53\u73b0\u3002\u4f8b\u5982\uff0cMitsubishi\u901a\u8fc7\u5de7\u5999\u7684\u5bf9\u6bd4\u4f7f\u7528\u63d0\u9ad8\u4e86\u663e\u793a\u5668\u3001\u4eea\u8868\u548c\u5f00\u5173\u7684\u53ef\u89c1\u6027\u3002\u8fd9\u4e9b\u5f00\u5173\u4e5f\u88ab\u8d4b\u4e88\u4e86\u6700\u4f18\u7684\u7075\u654f\u5ea6\uff0c\u4f7f\u5f97\u5b83\u4eec\u5373\u4f7f\u5728\u4f69\u6234\u624b\u5957\u7684\u60c5\u51b5\u4e0b\u4e5f\u6613\u4e8e\u64cd\u4f5c\u3002\nMitsubishi\u5df2\u7ecf\u4e3a\u65b9\u5411\u76d8\u63e1\u628a\u548c\u95e8\u628a\u624b\u5b9e\u65bd\u4e86\u201dMitsubishi Touch\u201d\uff0c\u5e76\u5728\u4e3b\u8981\u533a\u57df\u6dfb\u52a0\u4e86\u4fdd\u62a4\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u548c\u4e58\u5ba2\u7684\u8f6f\u57ab\u3002\u5bf9\u4e8e\u50a8\u7269\u7a7a\u95f4\uff0c\u5168\u65b0\u7684Triton\u7684\u4e2d\u592e\u63a7\u5236\u53f0\u53ef\u4ee5\u653e\u5165\u4e24\u4e2a\u5927\u676f\u5b50\uff0c\u5728\u81ea\u52a8\u7248\u672c\u4e2d\uff0c\u9664\u6b64\u4e4b\u5916\uff0c\u5b83\u751a\u81f3\u53ef\u4ee5\u653e\u5165\u5e73\u677f\u7535\u8111\u548c\u6587\u4ef6\u3002\u4e2d\u592e\u63a7\u5236\u53f0\u7684\u624b\u5957\u7bb1\u672c\u8eab\u53ef\u4ee5\u88c5\u5165\u56db\u4e2a600\u6beb\u5347\u7684\u6c34\u74f6\u3002\n\u5176\u4ed6\u9a7e\u9a76\u5ba4\u7684\u6539\u8fdb\u5305\u62ec\u66f4\u9ad8\u7684\u9acb\u90e8\u70b9\uff08\u589e\u52a020\u6beb\u7c73\uff09\uff0cUSB-C\u63a5\u53e3\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u66f4\u76f4\u7684A\u67f1\uff0c\u4ee5\u4fbf\u4e8e\u8fdb\u51fa\u3002Mitsubishi\u8fd8\u8868\u793a\uff0c\u9a7e\u9a76\u5ba4\u4e5f\u88ab\u8bbe\u8ba1\u6210\u53ef\u4ee5\u8ba9\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u8f7b\u677e\u770b\u5230\u8f66\u8f86\u59ff\u6001\u7684\u53d8\u5316\u3002\n\u5728\u5b89\u5168\u6027\u65b9\u9762\uff0c\u5168\u65b0\u7684Mitsubishi Triton\u7684\u5b89\u5168\u7279\u6027\u5305\u62ec\u81ea\u9002\u5e94\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236\uff08ACC\uff09\u3001\u524d\u78b0\u649e\u7f13\u89e3\u7cfb\u7edf\uff08FCM\uff09\u3001\u76f2\u70b9\u8b66\u544a\uff08BSW\uff09\u3001\u53d8\u9053\u8f85\u52a9\uff08LCA\uff09\u548c\u540e\u65b9\u4ea4\u53c9\u4ea4\u901a\u8b66\u544a\uff08RCTA\uff09\u3002\n\u5168\u65b0\u7684Mitsubishi Triton\u8fd8\u914d\u5907\u4e86Mitsubishi Connect\uff0c\u8fd9\u4f7f\u60a8\u7684\u6c7d\u8f66\u53ef\u4ee5\u8fde\u63a5\u5230\u60a8\u7684\u624b\u673a\u3002\u901a\u8fc7Mitsubishi Connect\uff0c\u60a8\u53ef\u4ee5\u4f7f\u7528\u60a8\u7684\u624b\u673a\u627e\u5230\u60a8\u7684\u8f66\uff08\u4f4d\u7f6e\u8bbf\u95ee\uff09\u3001\u67e5\u770b\u5269\u4f59\u71c3\u6cb9\u91cf\u3001\u68c0\u67e5\u6cb9\u7684\u72b6\u51b5\u3001\u67e5\u770b\u9a7e\u9a76\u5386\u53f2\u3001\u8fdc\u7a0b\u542f\u52a8\u7a7a\u8c03\u3001\u8fdc\u7a0b\u64cd\u4f5c\u5934\u706f\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u8fdc\u7a0b\u64cd\u4f5c\u5587\u53ed\u3002\n\u968f\u7740\u5168\u65b0\u7684Mitsubishi Triton\u5728\u6cf0\u56fd\u7684\u5168\u7403\u9996\u53d1\uff0c\u5b83\u5f88\u5feb\u5c31\u4f1a\u5230\u8fbe\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u3002\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\uff0cMitsubishi Triton\u53ef\u7528\u4e8e\u53cc\u6392\u5ea74\u00d74\u914d\u7f6e\uff08VGT Standard\uff0cVGT Premium\uff0cVGT Athlete\uff09\u4ee5\u53ca4\u00d72\u4f4e\u5e95\u76d8\u201dQuest\u201d\u7248\u672c\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011"
"This year, Mercedes-AMG are celebrating their 50th\u00a0anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, the company has showcased the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. This four-door coupe is an addition\u00a0to the \nAMG GT\n family and will feature a high-performance hybrid powertrain and cutting edge Formula One technology.\nLike the AMG GT, the Concept features a pronounced bonnet with muscular proportions to highlight the high-performance nature of AMG. The menacing front end features a horizontal grille with red painted inserts flanked with extremely slim LED headlamps while the lower bumper gets large side air intakes.\nThe rear profile is a hallmark of AMG GT design, except for the ultra slim tail lamps and a wicked carbon fibre diffuser. For the DRLs and tail lamps, it will get Mercedes-AMG\u2019s high tech \u201cnano active fibre technology\u201d which gives the lighting source a three-dimensional illumination effect.\nAccording to the company, the grand tourer\u2019s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 will get an electric motor to produce outlandish numbers, rocketing the car from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds. The new \u201cEQ Power+\u201d logo (named after their Formula 1 race car) will denote its hybrid powertrain.   Drivers are able to select from three driving modes \u2013 pure electric, pure combustion engine or hybrid. The company also revealed that the Concept will come with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. With the AMG GT Concept, the company is looking to attract customers who are looking for a high-performance sports car without having to compromise practicality. The car will be presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show later in September.\nQuestion is, would you be willing to wait for this, or would you rather put your money on the \nPorsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As promised\n, Lexus has unveiled a three-row Lexus RX L at the 2017 LA Auto Show. Based on the \nfourth-generation Lexus RX\n, the RX L gets its dimensions stretched with new styling at the back end to accommodate six or seven passengers comfortably. Lexus claims the new SUV promises ample space for all passengers and class-leading boot space with all three rows up.\nTo accommodate the extra row, Lexus has extended the car\u2019s overall length by \n110 mm\n coupled with a longer C-pillar section to ensure good headroom for third-row passengers. The C-pillars are blacked out to create a floating-roof effect. Other than that, the rest of the design language remains.   Lexus offers the RX L in two seating configurations \u2013 \nsix or seven\n. The former adopts captain seats for the middle row, leaving a centre walkway for better ingress and egress. The middle row has been positioned slightly higher to create more foot room for the third-row passengers.\nAt launch, the RX L is available with two engine choices \u2013 a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 with \n290 hp\n and \n357 Nm\n of torque as well as a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid with \n308 hp\n. The hybrid model is available exclusively with an AWD layout while the RX 350 L can be had with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.\nThe RX L will go on sale alongside the standard five-seater RX versions and will hit the market in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After the recent introduction of the \nCamry 2.0G X\n, UMW Toyota Motor launched the improved version of its Toyota Innova. Available in the same three variants as before, prices are from\u00a0RM97,749.90 to\u00a0RM110,990.00. The improvements however are mainly made on the hi-spec Innova 2.0G.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Innova\n \nSegment\nMPV\nEngine\n1,998cc 4-Cylinder In-line,\u00a016-valve, DOHC with VVT-i\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n182 Nm @\u00a04,000 rpm\nPrice\u00a0(metallic\n2.0G(AT) \u00a0 RM 110,990.00\ncolour)\n2.0E(AT) \u00a0 RM 103,545.90\n2.0E(MT) \u00a0\u00a0RM 98,545.90\n\u00a0\nThe \nInnova 2.0G\n gets a new look in front with larger \nradiator grille\n and a new \nfront bumper\n design to complement the new grille. The three horizontal slats on the grille have been enlarged to create a stronger presence while the headlamp design remains as before.\u00a0The rear of the car now gets a thick \nchrome accent\n across the tailgate with integrated reflectors. The \n15-inch\n rims gets a fresh new 10-spoke design.\u00a0The 2.0E models however do not get these upgrades and maintain the current look.\n \nFor better comfort to rear passengers, it now comes with \ndual air conditioner\n to ensure all occupants get the cool air. Front and rear passengers can now have a separate controls for better air conditioning throughout the car.\nAs the image from the Innova brochure below suggests, the car is so spacious, you can even hold a birthday party in it!\nTo give the Innova a sportier and aggressive look, buyers can \u00a0opt for the new optional \nAerokit Package\n and includes front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler, roof spoiler and side skirts.   Should better in-car entertainment is required, they can go for the \nDVD-AVX\n and \nAVN\n packages and rear seat entertainment.\nSince only cosmetic changes are applied to the new Innova, powering it is the same\u00a01 TR-FE engine. A\u00a02.0-litre 4-cylinder in-line,\u00a016-Valve DOHC with VVT-i engine, coupled with a\u00a04-speed Automatic with ECT or a\u00a05-Speed Manual gearbox. Producing \n134 horsepower\n and \n182 Nm\n of torque.\nVisit \nToyota\u2019s website\n for more information.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In the future, Mercedez-Benz vehicles will be able to help you avoid potholes and ultimately expensive repairs with new Car-to-X functions. The feature is already available in the new\n S-Class\n, \nC-Class\n,\n and \nfully electric EQS\n.\nThe function works by monitoring the sudden movement of the car\u2019s suspension (compression and rebound). The feature can also detect speed bumps.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has over 200 tiny stars on its grille. Find out more about it in detail here!\nThe in-house developed system comes with 36 different languages and can issue specific warnings such as \u201cLookout, pothole\u201d or \u201cAttention, speed bump\u201d.\nOnce detected, the Car-to-X system will also inform other Mercedes-Benz vehicles nearby in real-time via cloud and GPS of the pothole or speed bump, with their drivers notified via icons on the map display. 10 seconds before reaching the pothole or speed bump, the driver will receive an audible warning as well.\nAnother Car-to-X function is the \nCrosswind Assist. If the system detects a strong crosswind, it will support the driver with assisted braking and steering interventions. When this happens, Car-to-X will also inform other Mercedes-Benz drivers who are traveling\n on the same route.\nMercedes-Benz EQS\nThis basically means all Mercedes-Benz with such functions can act as one big radar, alerting each other of obstacles and potential hazards. In Mercedes-Benz\u2019 own words, it allows Mercedes-Benz driver \u201ca look around the corner\u201d before they approach the location.\nMercedes-Benz vehicles made from 2016 onwards will come with such functions but to use the Car-to-X system with all its features, owners will need to have a Mercedes me account to activate Car-to-X.\nThe new pothole detection system was tested at Daimler\u2019s Immendingen Test and Technology Centre (PTZ) just south of Stuttgart, Germany. The test facility offers 30 different test and trial courses over an area of 520 hectares, including bumps and potholes of all kinds.\nThe fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is the world\u2019s most aerodynamic production car, with 770 km range! Find out more!"
"Perodua today organised its 2019 full year review, where the local carmaker revealed some \nperformance figures for the previous year\n, as well as outline several key targets for 2020.\nIn his speech, Perodua\u2019s President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad shared his aspiration for the company to become a global player, as the ASEAN development hub for partner Daihatsu.\nThe accompanying slide also included \u201cDNGA Global models\u201d, preceded by previous Perodua cars. When asked, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin said, \u201cOur next model will use DNGA platform.\u201d\nIn the following slides, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin shared Perodua\u2019s outlook on future market trends, which includes the industry\u2019s alignment towards CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Services, Electric) mobility, as well as engine downsizing.\nPerodua claims that smaller engine capacity could bring several advantages, including lower road tax fee, improved efficiency and emissions due to lower weight, while maintaining a comparable power output to larger engines with the use of turbochargers.\nIn the slides, Perodua notes that it \u201cwill keep up with global trends as much as possible\u201d, while maintaining its core principle of affordability.\nInterestingly, the \nDaihatsu Rocky\n \u2013 which is heavily rumoured to be Perodua\u2019s upcoming D55L SUV \u2013 fits the bill, almost to the letter.\nThe Daihatsu Rocky is built on the DNGA platform, which is an iteration of the Toyota New Global Architecture. Powering the Rocky is a 996 cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine, generating \n98 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque.\nThe instrument cluster of the \nToyota Raize/\nDaihatsu Rocky\nThe Daihatsu Rocky is also equipped with the \nlatest-generation advanced driver\u2019s assistance systems\n, which includes adaptive cruise control with all-speed tracking \u2013 a form of \nLevel 2 autonomous driving\n.\nUnsurprisingly, Perodua did not comment specifically on the D55L or Daihatsu Rocky. However, the evidences are strongly pointing towards this possibility.\nIf anything, we probably won\u2019t have to wait long to see the new Perodua SUV. Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin said that the national carmaker has the capacity for a minor refresh and a new model launch each year.\nWith the \nupdated Bezza\n already introduced this year, we wouldn\u2019t be surprised that Perodua\u2019s next launch event will be for the heavily rumoured D55L SUV."
"Having been introduced globally in September this year, Lexus Australia is now offering a flamboyant extension of the LX 570 \u2013 the LX 570 S \u2013 equipped with oversized alloy wheels, a real aggressive body kit and even performance dampers.\nAvailable in Sonic Quartz and Starlight Black, the fit-for-a-rapper exterior is the result of redesigned front and rear bumpers, 21-inch \u201cdubs\u201d as wheels over 20-inch were referred to back in the early 2000s and an exclusive sports mesh pattern for the signature spindle grille.\nTypical of such a flashy vehicle, there\u2019s also the letters \u201cLX S\u201d projected onto the ground when the doors are opened.\nInside, the new variant\u2019s luxury semi-aniline perforated leather trim is available in Black or a rich burgundy colour named Garnet \u2013 exclusively for the 570 S. The Shimamoku Grey ornamentation is also unique to the LX 570 S.\nLike the LX 570, the S variant also comes with a 5.7-litre V8 engine mated to an 8-speed gearbox with \n367 hp\n and \n530Nm\n of torque. It is said to be capable of towing up to 3,500 kg of cargo.\nThe LX 570 S is priced at $168,089 Australian dollars (RM494k) \u2013 an additional $6,500 dollars (RM19k) over the LX 570.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia has revealed their updated price list and all models will be between \nRM1,000 to RM5,000 cheaper\n post GST. Most of the cars however, get \nRM2,000 slashed\n and applies to variants from the \nMINI 3 Door,\n\u00a0\n5 Door\n\u00a0and \nCoupe\n lineups. This price cut is also extended to the \n3 Door\u00a0JCW variant\n.\nModel\nVariant\nPrice before GST\nPrice after GST\nDifference\nMINI 3 Door\nCooper\nRM 178,888\nRM 176,888\nRM 2,000\nCooper Chili\nRM 198,888\nRM 196,888\nRM 2,000\nCooper S\nRM 228,888\nRM 226,888\nRM 2,000\nCooper S Wired\nRM 248,888\nRM 246,888\nRM 2,000\nJCW\n\u00a0\u2013\nRM 288,888\n\u00a0\u2013\nMINI 5 Door\nCooper\n\u00a0\u2013\nRM 188,888\n\u00a0\u2013\nCooper S\nRM 238,888\nRM 236,888\nRM 2,000\nMINI Coupe\nCooper S Coupe\nRM 249,888\nRM 247,888\nRM 2,000\nJCW Coupe\nRM 288,888\nRM 286,888\nRM 2,000\nMINI Countryman\nCooper Countryman\n\u00a0\u2013\nRM 198,888\n\u00a0\u2013\nCooper S Countryman\nRM 243,888\nRM 242,888\nRM 1,000\nCooper Countryman\nRM 218,888\nRM 217,888\nRM 1,000\nCooper S Countryman ALL4\nRM 258,888\nRM 257,888\nRM 1,000\nJCW Countryman\nRM 318,888\nRM 313,888\nRM 5,000\nMINI Paceman\nCooper S Paceman\nRM 288,888\nRM 286,888\nRM 2,000\nJCW Paceman\nRM 338,888\nRM 333,888\nRM 5,000\n\u00a0\nAs per the table above, the three MINIs without the \u2018before GST\u2019 price are the ones introduced after GST has been implemented, hence their sole pricing. Our Countryman range is now \nRM1,000 cheaper\n across the board,\u00a0except for the fully imported JCW Countryman, which gets RM5,000 off.\nOnly two MINIs get the RM5,000 cut, with the second model being the \nJCW Paceman\n. It was priced at RM339k before, but now costs \nRM334k\n. Do note that all prices listed here are their \nOTR selling price\n which \nincludes GST\n, but doesn\u2019t come with \ninsurance premium\n."
"Tesla has given its debut product, the Model S, a facelift that focuses on an interior makeover and a new variant called Plaid+ that has \nover 1,100 hp\n power output.\nTesla first teased the \nperformance capabilities\n of the Plaid during the Battery Day event.\nThe newly introduced Plaid+ variant features a motor on the front axle and two motors at the rear to make it a \nthree-motor setup\n. Tesla says the combined output is well over 1,100 hp!\nWith such an excessive output figure, Tesla quotes the Model S Plaid+ is the fastest accelerating production car for \u20180-60 mph\u2019 and \u20181/4 mile\u2019 sprint times. The figures are \nunder 1.99\n seconds and \nunder 9.0\n seconds respectively, even \nfaster than the \nBugatti Chiron\n with 1,500 hp.\nA marginally \u201cslower\u201d Plaid variant is also on offer, if one prefers so. It still has the same three-motor setup, but power output is slightly reduced to 1,020 hp. Acceleration times for the said benchmark sprints are 1.99 seconds for the 0-60 mph and 9.23 seconds for the quarter-mile (400 metres) drag.\nBoth variants can reach a top speed of 200 mph or 322 km/h. Driven like a regular commuter car, the Plaid+ has a range of over \n830 kilometres\n while the Plaid is about 200 kilometres lower. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nPricing of the two Plaid variants in the US is in between the Porsche Taycan 4S and the \nTaycan Turbo\n, with the Plaid starting from \nUS$112,990\n and the Plaid+ from \nUS$132,990\n.\nA more regular and accessible Model S Long Range is available at US$72,990, with a driving range of 660 kilometres and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds.\nThe introduction of the Plaid variants also coincides with the \nmakeover of the interior\n. The old dashboard with the portrait-oriented 17-inch touch screen has now been revamped, together with restyled door panels to match.\nA new display with 2200 x 1300 resolution is now mounted in a more natural \nlandscape orientation\n. It still measures the same 17 inches. The biggest talking point in this new interior is the steering wheel which Tesla calls \nthe Yoke Steering\n.\nThe compact, rectangular-shaped steering wheel looks as if it was taken out of a GT3 racing car. All the Mercedes-Benz sourced controls and stalks have been discarded and their functions fully integrated on the new Yoke Steering.\nWhile the \nFerrari Roma\n has the same design approach with buttons and switches for the indicators, lights and wipers, the Yoke Steering in the new Model S only has \ntwo scroll buttons\n alongside touch-sensitive buttons. The new interior with the Yoke Steering will also be fitted in the \nModel X crossover\n.\nRear passengers now have their own entertainment screen fitted at the centre console and access downloadable games through \nTesla Arcade\n. Other interior features include a 22-speaker premium sound system, UV- and Infrared-cut glass panels and wireless smartphone chargers.\nOn the exterior, the styling exercise is limited to the front and rear bumpers, rim designs and the chrome trim pieces now in gloss black.\nThe new Model S and its yoke steering will reach dealerships and new buyers as soon as next month, but those who ordered the Plaid+ will need to wait until the end of the year to experience that 1,100 hp output.\nGALLERY"
"The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced that the car Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemptions will not be extended beyond its 30th June 2022 dateline.\nThe SST exemptions were first announced in June 2020. So far, 868,422 vehicles were sold during this period, with a total of RM4.7 billion in tax exemptions.\nAlso in the press release by the MOF, it was noted that there are over 264,000 vehicles booked but still not delivered during the exemption period.\n\u201cWith the reopening of the economy, the automotive industry has returned to its usual operations however there are subtantial new vehicle bookings that have yet to be fulfilled due to the global supply chain disruptions and semi-conductor chip shortages,\u201d MOF stated.\nTherefore, it was also announced that those who book a new vehicle vehicle during the SST exemption period and register their new vehicles with the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Raya (JPJ) by the \n31st of March 2023\n, can still benefit from SST exemptions."
"Looks like Lexus is geared for another world debut after releasing a single teaser image of its upcoming model launch happening on 25 April 2018 in Beijing, China. The Japanese luxury carmaker also boldly claims that the new model aims to \u201cradically transform the concept of comfort for luxury consumers all over the world\u201d.\nIn the official teaser, the new model a new spindle grille design that features single vertical slats as opposed to the recently launched LS\u2019 elaborate grille. Looking to the sides, the headlamps appear to take after the LS\u2019 sharp design. The blue hue on the emblem suggests that this new model will be offered with a hybrid system.\nRecently, a leaked image was found circulating the internet and according to the sources, the model in question is the all-new Lexus ES. Compared side by side, the leaked image shares the same spindle grille design as well as the headlamp edges with what Lexus has released.\nOnly here, we can see a lot more of the headlamps and lower bumper trims with a chrome trim. The headlamps appear to be of projector items which suggest the car to be of a lower-spec variant. Guess we\u2019ll have to wait until April for the full reveal."
"With just 33 Series 1 GTOs ever built, followed by countless participation and victories in some of the world\u2019s most well-known races, it wouldn\u2019t be an understatement at all to call the 250 GTO, the holy grail of Ferraris.\nClaimed to have never been crashed in its 55-year lifespan, this particular 250 GTO (chassis 4153 GT) which was part of the 1963 Le Mans 24 hours race was\u00a0\nsold at USD 70,000,000\n which loosely converts to around RM 277,956,000.00\u00a0\u2013 eclipsing the previous record thought to be in the region of USD 52 million. It cost just USD 18,500 when it was new.\nThe buyer is believed to be an American businessman by the name of David MacNeil who\u2019s a known Ferrari collector and\u00a0CEO of\u00a0 WeatherTech, a company that makes floor mats for cars and such.\nMarcel Massini, a world-renowned Ferrari historian, had described the car as \none of the top three GTOs in the world\n. He had also expressed, in confidence, that a 250 GTO could surpass the USD 100 million mark within the next five years."
"In an age where benchmarking the technologies of competitors has become a norm in the automotive industry, it is refreshing to know that there is a carmaker which has stayed true to its unique and innovative path.\nWhile attractive aesthetics are sought after in new cars, every Subaru model, whether it\u2019s the versatile XV crossover or the rally-bred WRX STI, goes beyond the looks and is engineered with technologies that are core to the brand, setting them apart from other mass manufacturers.\nBoxer engine\nAt the heart of every car is the engine, and under every bonnet of a Subaru is a Boxer engine. Unlike most mass manufacturers that go with the popular inline cylinder configuration, Subaru believes that the Boxer engine \u2013 where the pistons are horizontally-opposed in a 180-degree layout \u2013 offers the optimal driving enjoyment.\nThis unique \u2018flat\u2019 configuration also counterbalances the vibration from each bank of cylinders, ensuring a smooth and refined response across the rev range.\nThe compact and short dimensions of the Boxer engine allow it to be mounted lower compared to conventional inline four-cylinders, thus contributing to a low centre of gravity inherent in all Subaru models.\nAs a result, body roll is better suppressed, along with a positive impact on overall handling as well.\nSymmetrical AWD\nThe Subaru four-wheel drive system differs from most others in that its powertrain; comprising the Boxer engine and all-wheel drive transmission, is symmetrically aligned in a straight line with the transmission located near the centre of the vehicle.\nThis arrangement spreads the weight of the powertrain evenly and helps all four wheels optimise their already impressive full-time all-wheel drive traction.\nAdditionally, the full-time all-wheel drive system present in Subaru vehicles is not only smarter than part-time AWD-based systems found in many other brands, but its active torque-split AWD system reacts far quicker to changes in road conditions, speed and driver inputs, and is able to vary the torque distribution to each individual wheel in real time.\nThis is especially useful in dynamic situations when the wheels encounter varying levels of grip, such as inconsistent surfaces and wet roads.\nFor an even higher level of four-wheel drive performance and control, all the driver needs to do is to engage X-Mode before taking on challenging conditions such as slippery undulations or terrain, be it uphill or downhill (by way of Hill Descend Control).\nBy directly manipulating the engine, transmission, Symmetrical AWD and brakes at the same time, X-Mode is able to further maximise Subaru\u2019s AWD capabilities.\nEyeSight\nSometimes a pair of eyes simply isn\u2019t enough, which is why Subaru developed EyeSight \u2013 a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies designed to avert an accident from happening, or to mitigate its effects. EyeSight utilises two cameras and intelligent algorithms to identify and recognise surroundings, including traffic and pedestrians, and to react to situations which are deemed dangerous.\nThese preventive features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision Braking, Pre-collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Lane Sway Warning and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.\nWhen Adaptive Cruise Control is activated, the system alerts the driver first and then slows (or accelerates) the vehicle to help maintain a safe, pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead when cruising. Pre-collision Braking functions in similar fashion; it scans for obstacles up front, warns the driver and then brakes the vehicle if needed.\nIn the unlikely event of a misapplication of throttle from idle, a Subaru vehicle equipped with Eyesight is able to stop the vehicle from lurching forward if the system senses an obstacle ahead.\nApart from detecting moving objects, the EyeSight cameras is also able to identify lane markings and alerts the driver when he/she sways from the intended path. Lastly, EyeSight is also capable of notifying the driver that a stationary vehicle up front had already pulled ahead.\nEyeSight works in tandem with Auto Vehicle Hold and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD) to further expand the scope of active safety to include Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. At present, EyeSight is offered in the Outback and will be available in the forthcoming all-new Forester.\nGlobal Platform\nAll the innovative technologies would not be able to shine if they are not anchored on a solid foundation, which is why Subaru channeled all its expertise and experience to develop the \u2018next-generation\u2019 Global Platform to underpin every new Subaru model.\nNot only is this the safest platform Subaru ever developed \u2013 incorporating high rigidity with superior energy absorption in the event of a crash \u2013 it is also the basis of driving enjoyment and comfort.\nWith the Subaru Global Platform, it is no longer the case of gaining some benefits but compromising on others. New models hailing from the Subaru Global Platform (such as the new XV) are fun to drive while being comfortable and refined to ride in at the same time \u2013 virtues that used to be mutually exclusive but are now in perfect harmony."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be sending one lucky grand prize winner of an all-expense paid trip to the W\u00f6rthersee GTI Festival in Austria. The contest took place from 20th to 27th March, gathering over 1,500 submissions.\nMohamad Syazwan bin Mohamad Naim\n won the bragging rights as the Golf GTI\u2019s No.1 fan after battling it out at the Grand Finale in front of a live audience at the recent Volkswagen Tour roadshow at the One Utama Shopping Centre.\u00a0\nFind out \nwhat\u2019s new in the Golf GTI\n in our brief introduction here.\n26-year old Mohamad Syazwan is a self-confessed GTI fan and had spent an entire week polishing his GTI knowledge to prepare for the contest. \u201cIt\u2019s been a nerve-wrecking week and I had even stayed up all night before the Grand Finale to make sure I covered everything on the GTI. To win this trip is a dream come true and I couldn\u2019t be more excited,\u201d said Syazwan, who will be bringing his younger brother with him to Austria. \nDuring the Grand Finale, Syazwan displayed his high level of proficiency by correctly answering challenging questions concerning historical and technical aspects of the Golf and the W\u00f6rthersee GTI Festival. \u00a0\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter, said that the W\u00f6rthersee GTI Contest was a way of celebrating the enthusiasm and devotion displayed by GTI fans in Malaysia. \u201cWe are delighted to be able to present this once-in-a lifetime chance to our winner \u2013 congratulations on a well-deserved win to Syazwan,\u201d he added. \nThe GTI Festival is held every May by Lake W\u00f6rth or W\u00f6rthersee, as it is known in German. It all started as a small gathering of Volkswagen GTI owners but has evolved into a full-fledged event of modified, classic and vintage Volkswagen cars, attracting over 100,000 fans around the world. This year marks the 37th year of the festival."
"Despite the dreadful atmosphere surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, we still have to say \u2013 what a time it is to be alive. And a big reason that led to our exclamation comes from a rumour that Toyota and Subaru are jointly developing an AWD hot hatch, and will be unveiled as soon as next year!\nDetails are scarce at the moment, but according to a report by Japanese automotive news site \nBest Car Web\n, the new \u201cWRC machine\u201d will be roughly the same size as the existing\u00a0\nImpreza\u00a0hatchback\n, and will feature a horizontally-opposed boxer engine, \nand\n a symmetrical all-wheel drive drivetrain.\nIf the all-new AWD hot hatch looks anything like the Subaru Viviz Concept, we\u2019re in for a treat.\nThe publication goes on to say that the symmetrical all-wheel drive system, being Subaru\u2019s wheelhouse, will be a \u201ccompletely different system\u201d to the one currently offered on the \nToyota GR Yaris\n. But aside from that, we have no clue as to what other components will \u2013 or will not \u2013 be shared between the two. Let\u2019s just hope that the manual gearbox makes the cut.\nThe Toyota Gazoo Racing brand has had two very strong showings thus far.\nWhen Toyota and Subaru announced their \nrenewed capital alliance in 2019\n, the companies confirmed \u2013 among other things \u2013 the joint development of the new Toyobaru twins, as well as \u201cnew all-wheel drive models\u201d. The former is already well underway, with the all-new Subaru BRZ already unveiled in \nNovember last year\n, and now it seems like we\u2019re about to see what the latter is all about!\nIn any case, we\u2019re still glad to see that companies like Toyota and Subaru are still working on these traditionally low-volume products, mainly to appeal to the limited enthusiast fan base. And if the new Toyota/Subaru hot hatch is anything like the GR Yaris, we\u2019re set to have a brilliant 2022 on our cards."
"Aston Martin has now put a face to the melodic V12 soundtrack it sent out \nlast week\n, albeit just a teaser.\nIn the lone image of the V12 Vantage, the beautiful sports car seems to have subtle updates to differentiate itself as the range-topping variant. The front has an even larger opening than the Vaned front grille shown \nhere\n in this red example. A deeper aerodynamic splitter is also paired with the exclusive V12 variant.\nNo mention of the details of the V12 power plant, but some news portals suspect Aston Martin will continue to offer the engine from the \nV12 Speedster\n with just mild tweaks to the outputs of \n700 hp \nand \n753 Nm\n of torque. The twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre twelve-cylinder engine first-served duties in the \nAston Martin DBS Superleggera\n.\nPaired to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and has its exhaust outlets centrally aligned, the windscreen-less Aston Martin V12 Speedster sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, just a tenth faster than the series-production \nVantage V8\n with 510 hp and 685 Nm of torque.\n \nHowever, the big V12 engine is not only the highlight, as Aston Martin is reportedly placing lightweight carbon-fibre body panels on the V12 Vantage model. A thoroughly reworked chassis is also part of the appeal of the new flagship model.\nAston Martin Kuala Lumpur already sold two units of the Valhalla! More on the new hybrid supercar here.\nThe accompanying \nimage\n also leads interested parties to drop their contact information for the local distributors, such as \nAston Martin Kuala Lumpur\n to get to know each other better. This is the final Vantage with an engine, plus a melodic one too, as the boss of the company has stated the next-generation models are going \nfull electric\n.\nGALLERY\nAston Martin Vantage V8"
"BMW Malaysia has officially replaced the long selling F15 BMW X5 with the all-new G05 generation. Priced at RM640,000, the \nBMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport\n is aimed squarely at the \nMercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Line\n in Malaysia.\n \nUnlike the \noutgoing model\n, there is no hybrid wizardry in the new car with only a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine packing \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. With a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the X5 xDrive40i can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.5 seconds\n.\nAs the flagship X model (before the arrival of the \nX7\n), the X5 gets all the latest bells and whistles from BMW including a really cool powered tonneau cover!"
"Despite previously stating that the \nSterrato concept is merely a one-off\n, it seems that the off-road-focused Huracan is very much in Lamborghini\u2019s plans this year. The Italian supercar-maker has now teased the unannounced model once again, this time in a video dubbed \u201cBeyond The Concrete \u2013 Part 2\u201d that shows the Sterrato playing in the sand.\nIt probably warrants a disclaimer that we still don\u2019t know if it\u2019s actually called the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. We\u2019re basing it off the concept they unveiled back in 2019, and seeing that it\u2019s pretty much the same car, we think it\u2019s fair for them to keep the name. Just be forewarned, you know, if you\u2019re reading this from the future.\n \nCompared to the regular \nLamborghini Huracan\n, the new safari-style Sterrato here gets a significantly taller ride height, and is complemented by a whole array of unique off-road-focused exterior modifications, including black plastic wheelarch claddings, additional LED rally lights on the front, roof rack, and a roof-mounted air intake scoop that routes air into the engine.\nThe video only gave a short glimpse of the interior, but from what we can see, there doesn\u2019t seem to be any modifications done to the inside aside from some different material choices.\nALSO WATCH: \nThe Lamborghini Huracan STO is maddest road car we\u2019ve driven yet!\nIn terms of powertrain, the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is expected to retain the mid-mounted 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine, likely in the latest 640 hp configuration as seen in the \nTecnica\n, \nSTO\n, and \nEvo\n variants.\nLike the Evo, the Sterrato here will also come with an all-wheel drive system. However, the rear-biased system should still make drifting quite effortless \u2013 at least on sand \u2013 as seen in the video above.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini Huracan Tecnica launched in Malaysia from RM1.05 million\nLamborghini\n didn\u2019t announce a specific launch date for the Huracan Sterrato just yet, but rumours are suggesting a reveal at the upcoming 2022 Paris Motor Show. The Safari-style supercar will most likely be the last hurrah for the Huracan, which will be replaced by an electrified successor next year, as teased via the marque\u2019s \nDirezione Cor Tauri electrification plan\n.\nGALLERY"
"Though we have yet to see Proton produce something with their recent joint venture with Suzuki and the three remaining models due for debut this year, this latest development sparks an ever bigger interest \u2013 for now.\nProton held a media preview of their new future drivetrain line-up, which saw Chairman Tun Dr. Mahathir and some members of the media sitting in to witness the first firing of the new engine \u2013 over Skype that is.\nThe \nfirst firing\n signals the beginning of the \nthousands\n of gruelling \nhours\n and \nmillions\n of \u2018\nlab kilometres\n\u2019 that these engines will be put through in order to prove their worth when it comes time to power the myriad of cars that we Malaysians are eagerly waiting to drive.\nThe engines in question here aren\u2019t your ordinary engines that you\u2019d normally find in a present-day Proton, but rather the company is developing a range of \nGDi\n (Gasoline Direct Injection) engines that comes in \nvarious\n displacements with or without the addition of a \nturbocharger\n. They range from \n1.0-litre\n to\n 1.5-litre\n engines and either in three or four cylinder guises. The goal is to build an engine that\u2019s proudly Malaysian yet crucially \nEuro 6C\n compliant.\nThe marque is spending over\n RM600 million\n in this pursuit. That figure will cover the cost of \nR&D\n and extensive testing of \nsix\n engine variants over the course of \n40 months\n. Proton has stationed over 20 of their brightest engineers in the UK alongside engineers from \nLotus\n and \nRicardo\n who\u2019ll be working shoulder-to-shoulder to develop the new powertrain range. Proton expects a single variant of the six to be launched in just\n 30 months\u2019 time\n. Better get cracking.\nStrict competition from global manufacturers based in Malaysia and the current market situation has seen a \nmajor shrinkage\n in Proton\u2019s market share. If you can\u2019t beat them, join them. And that\u2019s exactly what they\u2019re doing. Developing new and up-to-date technology that will enable Proton to \ncompete\n better amidst an ever-challenging and evolving market, be it at \nhome or abroad\n.\nThe program sprang into life sometime in \nMarch\n\u00a02015\u00a0and Proton\u2019s engineers have done well in keeping up with progress of the project. The national carmaker sought the expertise of British engineering firm, \nRicardo\n whom happen to have all the facilities that one would need to \nbuild\n, \ntest\n and \nrun\n an \nexperimental\n engine. After all, Ricardo does it for a living (amongst others). And once the preliminaries are done with, Proton will transfer the project over to its British sports car arm, \nLotus\n for further testing. If all goes well, by September this year, the contingent moves back home for the final leg of testing.\nNot much is known of these engines as yet, but Proton is looking to slot these engines into cars as soon as 2018, if not earlier by end-2017. What we know thus far is that these engines will feature a Dual VVT system, and will replace rubber timing belt for the likes of a chain in order to bring down maintenance cost and increase durability. Furthermore, service intervals can be stretched out longer, giving more value back to the buyer. The six variants that are slated for development are as follows:-\n1.0-litre 3-cylinder VVT (Variable Valve Timing)\n1.2-litre 3-cylinder VVT\n1.3-litre 4-cylinder GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection)\n1.5-litre 4-cylinder GDi\n1.3-litre 4-cylinder T-GDi (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection)\n1.5-litre 4-cylinder T-GDi\nApart from the Euro 6C compliancy that the brand\u2019s engineers are gunning for, a reduction in fuel consumption of \n25 percent\n\u00a0and a hike in power of around\n 20 percent\n\u00a0are on the table. No point in spending hundreds of millions of Ringgit in developing new powertrains when the gearbox does no justice, which is a point that many Proton owners are wailing over. Fret not however, for there is a new \ntorque-converter CVT transmission\n in the works, developed by Japanese manufacturer Jatco.\nWhile we anxiously wait for more updates on the engine development, be sure to read our take on \nwhich Proton-Suzuki model that we will most likely see\n introduced soon!"
"The local car manufacturer has delivered its first batch of face shields way ahead of schedule, but says there\u2019s more to come within an even shorter span of time.\nOn the 16th of April, \nProton announced that it was delivering face shields to medical frontliners\n with production and deliveries of Personal Protection Equipment set to take 20 days. The company has since been ahead of schedule and said it would be delivering the last of the first batch of protective equipment by today.\nIn acknowledging this effort, Proton Deputy CEO, Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed said, \u201cProton would like to thank the volunteer staff who have worked tirelessly to complete the production of face shields ahead of schedule. We would also like to credit Pos Logistics Berhad for doing an excellent job in delivering them and HICOM-Teck See Manufacturing for donating the materials needed to produce the face shield frames.\u201d\nAs of 28th of April, \ndeliveries have been made to 46 hospitals around Malaysia\n including those in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.\nBut that\u2019s not all. Proton said it would be \nproducing a second batch of face shields \nin a joint effort with parent company DRB-Hicom. As the first batch went to the medical frontliners, they will now switch their attention to support the armed forces, the police and other service industries.\nAnother 60,000 face shields will be produced for the said parties beginning on the 4th of May, and is \nexpected to be completed in just five days\n. Incredible.\nGALLERY"
"The A-segment is a hotly contested segment not because the cars presented in this segment is cheap, but it is small, light, easy to manoeuvre, and it is a good run about vehicle suitable for city drive. We have today our very first A-segment test car, the smart-looking Kia Picanto.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n\u00a0Kia Picanto 1.2 AT\nSegment\n\u00a0A-Segment Hatchback\nEngine\n\u00a01,248cc 4-cylinder DOHC CVVT\nTransmission\n\u00a04-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Manual\nPrice\n\u00a0RM\u00a059,888.00\n\u00a0(Automatic) / RM\u00a0\n54,888 (Manual)\n\u00a0\nThe Kia Picanto shares the same underpinning\u00a0as the Hyundai i10. Without any questions, the aggressive styling and specification of the Kia Picanto triumphs over the Hyundai i10 easily.\nWhile there is shortage of manual cars in our market, Kia Malaysia has been generous to introduce 2 variants of the Kia Picanto, a manual and an automatic version. Both the automatic and manual variant doesn\u2019t differ much in terms of specification, and both is \nvery\n well specced. The automatic variant will cost you\u00a0\nRM 59,888\n, meanwhile the manual variant will set you aside\u00a0\nRM 54,888.\nEXTERIOR\n \nI am totally mesmerized by the looks of the new Kia Picanto. At first glance, I thought I am getting the Kia Rio for the weekend, because both the Rio and Picanto looks amazingly good and its look very similar (maybe that is just me). It may share the same DNA as the Hyundai i10, but there is totally no contest in the looks department. The Kia Picanto comes standard with \nLED rear lights\n and \nhalogen projector headlamps\n with\u00a0manual \nheight adjustment\n. And I really like the LED strip of the rear stop lamps. Oh, if that isn\u2019t cool enough, this A-segmenter comes with LED daytime running lights.\nThere is a few things that really I like about the Kia Picanto. The fluid parabolic swipe movement of the rear wiper really caught my attention here. I could glance at the wipe movement the whole day. The efficient parabolic movement of the wiper could make nasty water droplets a thing of the past. Also, all four doors close with a super reassuring thud. The doors do feel heavy and does make you feel that this little \u2018Pikachu\u2019 could serve its master for a thousand more years to come.\nThe large front bumper design suits the Kia Picanto very well and gives it a masculine character. However I notice that there is only one reverse lamp, located at the bumper. I am bemused by this arrangement, as the only reason I can conclude is Kia cutting cost on another reverse lamp? Perhaps some readers could come forward and enlighten yours truly on this one reverse light arrangement.   The red little hatch comes wrapped in \n175/50 15-inch\n tyres. Yeah, the large diameter tyres suits the look of the Kia Picanto, but only if the rims could be a little sportier. Going around the front and rear wheels, eagle eye car followers should notice that there is also \nrear disc brakes\n, uncommon in A-segments. Thumbs up Kia!\nINTERIOR\n \nShove your hand on the \nchrome handle\n and open the door, you will be greeted with the usual suspects: plastic interior. The plastic interior does not feel cheap at all. Everything is very well screw and built. No squeaks, no loose bolts, and gaps. I am overwhelmingly impressed! You will notice the steering that resembles a smiling clown with big white(chromed) lips. Not the best looking steering, and to be honest I don\u2019t like the looks of it. However, it is very functional as you can rest your hands at the bottom of the steering while cruising slowly. The automatic variant comes with engine push start button and keyless entry.\nThe new Kia Picanto is built to cater for the European market, hence you will find the turn signal lever on the right, while the headlamp lever on the left. With a built-in \nautomatic headlamp\n, you don\u2019t have to worry about not turning on your headlights during the night, a common sight among Malaysian drivers. There is also \none touch turn signal\n to ease \u00a0lane switching.   I must say, lots of of heart and thoughts had been put together to design the interior. Say for instance the centre \ncupholders\n can be recessed with a flick of switch to make a large stowaway. You could literally put a mini flower pot on it! Driver and passenger side door bin is of commendable size and able to fit a bottle. There is also some little surprise especially for lady owners. The driver \nvanity mirror\n lights up one-by-one in a sequence, ala Hollywood vanity mirrors. Hmmmm, so the Kia Picanto practice favouritism?\nThere are a few things that is clearly missing in the Kia Picanto. Sadly, there is no centre armrest despite all the efforts to load the little car with all imaginable creature comforts. Also, there is no leather seats as an option, fabric seats is the only way to go. The only leather you get to feel is located on the steering and the gear lever itself, nothing more.\nMoving over the rear seats, there is \n3-point seatbelts\n with rear headrest. Rear legroom and headroom is good, so anyone not taller than 6-foot should be able to fit in just nice. The rear seats is\n 60:40\n split and foldable. Rear boot space isn\u2019t class leading, 200 litres to be exact. Lift the rear boot floor and there are built in compartments to store your safety kit and tyre repair kit.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nAt \n100km/h\n\u00a0tachometer stays around \n3,200rpm\n, which is high in my opinion. On highway drive, you might need to push the engine a little for a more spirited drive. This is a compact car, so I can\u2019t complain about it\u2019s performance figures: 87hp, 120Nm of torque.\nI took the Kia Picanto from \nKL \nto\n Teluk Intan\n and vice versa and manage to clocked around \n340km\n in a single tank before the fuel gauge blinks madly at me. My fuel consumption reading is at \n7.7l/100km\n, which is not that bad. With a small fuel tank (\n35 litres\n), you wouldn\u2019t expect it to go pass the 400km mark.\nTHE DRIVE\n \nThe ride is pretty comfortable although the suspension is slightly on the hard side. Glancing around the Kia Picanto is an easy affair. Small things like glancing at the rear or to the C-pillar from within the driver\u2019s seat while executing a\u00a0side parking\n\u00a0\nposes no difficulty as the windows is pretty large, something many European hatch fails miserably.\nI am delighted that there is \nlittle to no wind noise\n when you are cruising. Road noise do creep in, but in a non-intrusive manner.\u00a0Steering feels weighty which I like, but the opposite sex probably wouldn\u2019t appreciate the heavier feel. It delivers driving confidence especially driving around corners and high speed manoeuvrability. But it is still no where as engaging as the old school hydraulic power steering.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nIf you are a first time car owner looking for a small runabout car, loaded with all aspects of safety feature, the Kia Picanto is the one to get. With \nhill start assist\n, \nelectronic stability assist\n, \ntraction control\n, \n6 airbags\n, the Kia Picanto is rated with a \n4-star\n Euro NCAP. The only gripe yours truly had is the steep asking price for this A-segmenter. Other than the price, the Kia Picanto truly stands out in terms of built quality, safety and equipment.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nNeedless to say, the Kia Picanto is undisputedly the \u2018King\u2019 of A-segment, judging by the amount of equipment and safety features\u00a0it has. Here, we will compare the \nSuzuki Alto\n, \nPerodua Viva Elite\n and of course the \nrecently launched\u00a0\nPerodua Axia\n.\n\u00a0Kia Picanto\n\u00a0Perodua Viva ELITE\n\u00a0Perodua Axia Advance\n\u00a0Suzuki Alto\nENGINE\nType\nDOHC 16V CVVT, 4-cylinder\n (Kappa II)\nDOHC 12V DVVT, 4-cylinder\n (EJ-VE)\nDOHC 12V, 3-cylinder\n (1KR-DE2)\nDOHC 12V VVT, 3-cylinder (K10B)\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,248\n989\n998\n996\nCompression Ratio\n10 : 1\n\u00a010 : 1\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n91\u00a0/ 6,000\n60 / 6,000\n66 / 6,000\n67 / 6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n119.6 / 4,000\n90 / 3600\n90 / 3600\n\u00a087 / 4,500\nCarburetion System\nMultipoint Injection\nElectronic Fuel Injection\nElectronic Fuel Injection\n\u00a0Multipoint Injection\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n35\n36\n33\n\u00a035\nSTEERING\nType\n\u00a0Motor Driven\n Power Steering (MDPS)\nRack and pinion\nElectric power steering (EPS)\nElectric power steering (EPS)\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n4-speed A/T\n4-speed A/T\n4-speed A/T\n4-speed A/T\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMcPherson Struts (F) /\u00a0Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (R)\nMcPherson Struts (F) / Torsion Beam (R)\nMcPherson Struts (F) / 3-Link rigid axle (R)\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nDisc\nDisc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nDrum\nDisc\nDrum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n175 / 50 R15\n165 / 55 R14\n175 / 65 R14\n155 / 65 R14\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n3,595\n3,575\n3,640\n3,500\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,424\n1,475\n1,620\n1,600\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,490\n1,530\n1,510\n1,470\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,385\n2,390\n2,455\n2,360\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n950\n805\n850\n905 / 920 (+ full options)\nSAFETY\nAirbags\n6\n2\n2\n2\nOthers\nbrake assist,\n electronic brake force distribution,\n traction control,\n stability control (ESP),\n hill start assist,\n front & rear parking sensors,\n auto door lock,\n impact sensing auto door unlock,\n ISOFIX\nrear parking sensors, immobiliser\nbrake assist,\n electronic brake force, front & reverse sensor\nbrake assist, electronic brake force distribution, rear parking sensors,\u00a0ISOFIX\nFUEL\nGrade\nRON 95\nRON 95\nRON 95\nRON 95\nPRICE\nRM\n59,888.00\n36,786.45\n42,130.00\n49,888.00\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\n \nDefinitely, \nonly\n\u00a0\nif\n it is slightly cheaper. For a small hatch that come close to this price range, I could get a proper sedan minus the safety features. What set this Kia Picanto ahead of the the other similar A-segment hatch is its \nsuperior built quality\n and the amount of\u00a0\nsafety kit\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is having a jam-packed 2021 IAA Motor Show at Munich this year. Alongside the launch of the \nelectric G-Wagen concept\n with the EQG, the first \nfully-electric AMG model\n in the EQS, the EQE, as well as the Maybach EQS, Mercedes-Benz has also brought out the fully-electric EQB seven-seater compact SUV to further expand its electric vehicles line-up.\nThe fully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQB is based on its fossil fuel-burning counterpart, the \nGLB\n, which is also related to the GLA that forms the basis of the \nEQA\n. As such, the two electric compact crossovers essentially share the same powertrain offerings, and many of the key components.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQA is a compact EV crossover based on the GLA. Check it out here!\nAt launch, the EQB is available in two all-wheel drive configurations \u2013 the EQB 300 4Matic with an output of \n168 kW (225 hp)\n and \n390 Nm\n, alongside the EQB 350 4Matic which bumps the power output up to \n215 kW (288 hp)\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque.\nThe more powerful EQB 350 takes \n6.2 seconds\n to go from 0-100 km/h (8 seconds on the EQB 300), though both variants are pegged at a top speed of \n160 km/h\n.\nBoth models are also equipped with the same 66.5 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery pack located underneath the rear seats, offering a driving range of up to 419 km based on the WLTP test cycle.\nCharging up the battery with the on-board 11 kW charger takes roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes, though a 100 kW DC fast charger can top it up in roughly 32 minutes.\nAt the launch event, Mercedes-Benz said that a \u201cparticular long-range\u201d EQB will be coming in the future, though gave no indication of the battery capacity and its rated driving range.\nAn entry-level front-wheel driven EQB 250 model featuring the EQA 250\u2019s 188 hp/375 Nm single motor set-up will also be added into the model-line-up sometime soon, which should offer a significant cost savings over the two launch models.\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLB was launched in Malaysia last year, with three variants on offer \u2013 GLB 200, GLB 250, and the AMG GLB 35. Check them out in more detail here!\nIn terms of design, Mercedes-Benz gave the EQB a similar styling treatment as they did for the EQA when they adapted the petrol model to electric power. These include a black-panel grille up front featuring a new light bar, new model-specific head and tail lights, new bumpers, and unique EQ-specific bi- or tri-colour design alloys ranging from 18- to 20-inches.\nAs an option, customers can also opt for the AMG Line package, which offers AMG bodystyling with the new front and rear bumpers, alongside 20-inch wheels painted in matte copper for a unique sporty undertone.\nInside, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is equipped with a EV-specific navigational system within its MBUX infotainment software that is able to plan its routes according to its battery charging needs. However, the rest of the cabin is pretty much lifted wholesale from the regular GLB.\nCustomers can opt for an \u201cElectric Art\u201d package for the interior, which adds unique rose gold and blue accents onto several trim elements such as the air vents and seats \u2013 the same colour scheme is also mirrored onto the MBUX system, which gets four EQ-specific themes \u2013 Modern Classic, Sport, Progressive and Discreet mode.\nThe G-Wagen is finally going electric! Read more about it here.\nDue to the modifications made to the platform to accommodate the electric components, the boot capacity did suffer slightly, dropping to 495 litres (from 560 litres in the GLB) in the five-seater version. With the rear seats folded away, the five-seater EQB\u2019s luggage capacity is rated at 1710 litres.\nIn terms of safety, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is equipped with a massive suite of advanced driver assistance features, including level two autonomous driving capabilities. Other standard features include Active Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist.\nGALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor, official distributors of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has official launched the new Mazda 3 at the One Utama Shopping Centre and when you see the media gawking at the car more than taking pictures of it, you know it\u2019s something special.\nThere are three new variants for the new Mazda 3 which is fully imported and the new liftback, as it\u2019s officially called, is available as a 1.5-litre base model at\n RM139,770\n or a \u201cHigh Plus\u201d 2.0-litre model at \nRM160,059\n.\n \nThe 1.5-litre model makes \n118 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n while the 2.0-litre engines push out \n162 hp\n and\n 213 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed SkyActive-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.\nWhile there\u2019s much to gawk over the exterior that been developed based on the Kai Concept, the equipment list of the 1.5-litre base model may not excite as much.\nThere may be automatic LED headlamps and tail lights but funnily enough, the DRLs are actually bulb-type units. You also don\u2019t get keyless entry although the 16-inch wheels may not be such a bad thing when it comes to changing a new set of tyres.\nInside the 1.5-litre model, you get fabric seats, manually-operated front seats, auto brake hold and a new electronic parking brake.\nAs for the 2.0-litre \u201cHigh Plus\u201d, the stunning exterior is further enhanced visually, with round LED daytime running lights both in the front and back, 18-inch wheels, sunroof and keyless entry.\nAt over RM20k more than the 1.5-litre model, the 2.0-litre \u201cHigh Plus\u201d gets leather upholstery, a 10-way powered driver seat with memory function, rear air con vents, eight parking sensors, auto locking, paddle shifter and dual zone climate control.\nElsewhere creature comforts include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight speakers, and two USB ports.\nSafety wise the Mazda 3 hatchback comes with seven airbags, ABS, DSC, EBD, Traction control and Hill Launch Assist.\nExclusively for the High Plus variant is the i-Activsense driver assistance system which includes Adaptive Front Lighting System, High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Radar Cruise Control, and Smart City Brake Support.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has opened the order books for the new Toyota Avanza 1.5X. The new variant which sits just below the range-topping 1.5S gets a more rugged exterior theme for those who prefer a sporty family MPV.\nThe new variant gets new black painted body kit extensions on the front and rear bumper as well as the wheel arches. The extended fenders give additional protection from debris kicking into the body paint and a lowered stance.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Avanza 1.3E\nToyota Avanza 1.5E\nToyota Avanza 1.5G\nToyota Avanza 1.5X\nToyota Avanza 1.5S\nEngine\n1,329cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\n1,496cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n97 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n104 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n121 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\n136 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM70,200\nRM76,600\nRM79,200\nRM82,700\nRM81,500\nAt the rear, there are new rear combination reflector units integrated to the taillamps to add a distinct look to the Avanza. Elsewhere, customers can add on the Roof Ornament and 16-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels for a fee.\nInside, the Avanza 1.5X gets the \nsame equipment as before\n \u2013 three-spoke multifunctional urethane steering wheel, fabric seats, manual air conditioning and rear air blowers. In typical Toyota fashion, the infotainment screen can be upgraded to the DVD-AVX or DVD-AVN which comes with a reverse camera.\nNo changes to the mechanical components, you\u2019ll get a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox to give \n104 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n of torque. If you are not aware already, the Avanza is rear-wheel driven.\nSafety wise, the Avanza 1.5X gets dual SRS front airbags, \nAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)\n with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and ISOFIX mounting points on the second row. Unfortunately,\n electronic stability control\n is missing from the spec-sheet unlike the Honda BR-V which comes with ESC as standard across the range.\nLike all models distributed by UMWT, the Toyota Avanza comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty which is transferable to the next owner if the car is within the warranty period. The new Avanza 1.5X will be available for viewing from \n24 February 2018\n \nonwards\n at all Toyota showrooms nationwide."
"Mercedes-Benz UK is now offering the recently debuted Mercedes-Benz X-Class with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. The V6 powered pick up sits at the top of the local X-Class line up with a price tag of \u00a338,350 (RM203k).\nThe X-Class 350d 4MATIC wears the POWER equipment line that features LED high-performance headlamps and taillamps, keyless entry, chrome finish on the under guard, rear bumper, fog lamp housing and shoulder line trim strips. A set of 18-inch six-twin-spoke alloy wheels is standard fitment.\nInside, the range-topping X-Class features eight-way powered front seats, ARTICO leather and DINAMICA microfiber upholstery, seven-inch Audio 20 CD infotainment display (Command Online can be had as an option), multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters as well as aluminium interior trim.\nUnder the bonnet is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel with \n258 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque that is paired to a seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system feature three driving mode \u2013 4MAT, 4H and 4L to take on different terrains. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Dynamic Select is also present here to allow the X-Class to cycle between five different driving modes \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road and Manual.\nSafety wise, UK-spec X-Class 350d 4MATIC comes equipped with seven airbags, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist (radar-based autonomous emergency braking), Traffic Sign Assist, Hill-Start Assist, Downhill Speed Regulation, a Thatcham anti-theft security package and a load securing rail system standard.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz X-Class 350d 4MATIC   Mercedes-Benz X-Class 220d 4MATIC"
"Naza Quest Sdn Bhd has just announced that they will no longer distribute new Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia effective 15 November 2018. The company will continue to provide warranty and aftersales services for existing Chevrolet owners until General Motors (GM) appoints a new distributor.\nDato\u2019 Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd outlined the Naza Group\u2019s future strategy: \u201cWe came to this decision as a result of a brand rationalisation plan under the Naza Group\u2019s overall corporate strategy to create long-term sustainability and profitability. We will continue to focus on our other four and two-wheel brands. The Naza Group will maximize its complete automotive line-up and explore other business opportunities to expand its market share in the automotive industry.\u201d\nWhile Naza Quest will cease new Chevrolet vehicle sales, majority of the Chevrolet dealerships will remain open during this transition to facilitate the aftersales needs of Chevrolet customers. \u201cI would like to thank General Motors (GM) for their unwavering trust in the Naza Group for the past eight years and wish them all the best in their future endeavours,\u201d Dato\u2019 Samson added.\nGM and Chevrolet remain committed to the Malaysian market with its strong growth potential and loyal fan base in Malaysia. GM Southeast Asia, General Director, Vanchana Unakul said: \u201cChevrolet is here to stay in Malaysia and we will be announcing our new distributor partner as soon as possible.\u201d"
"The fully-electric\n 2023 Jaguar I-Pace\n has finally made its official debut here in Malaysia, five years after its global debut. The fully-electric crossover lands on our shores in two variants, starting at\n RM460,800\n for the Black LE, jumping up to \nRM498,800 \nfor the range-topping HSE variant \u2013 which we\u2019ll be taking a closer look today.\nLooking to renew your vehicle insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa. Renewing online will not only get you a 10% instant rebate, but also cash back at the end of your coverage. Log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n to find out more.\nDespite the now\n five-year-old design\n, the Jaguar I-Pace is still one of the most unique-looking crossovers on the road today. This is largely down to its proportions, afforded by its full EV platform that pushes its wheels far into the four corners of the car, resulting in short overhangs both front and back.\nBeing Jaguar\u2019s first-ever dedicated EV, the overall silhouette of the I-Pace is primarily dictated by aerodynamics, where the sloped roofline, flat rear, and retracting door handles all help contribute to its slippery \u2013 if not unusual \u2013 shape.\nFunky shape aside, the I-Pace still wears many of Jaguar\u2019s latest design touches with charisma, including the slim-line matrix LED headlights with the twin J-blade daytime-running light graphics, slim rear lighting, and the signature Jaguar grille.\nDue to the reduced cooling requirement on its EV powertrain, the \u201cgrille\u201d here actually functions as an aerodynamic device rather than an air inlet, passing air from the front grille through the bonnet and over the top of the top of the car to further maximise its efficiency.\nBoth variants of the 2023 Jaguar I-Pace here in Malaysia ride on the 20-inch \u2018Style 5068\u2019 alloys, although the range-topping HSE variant get a two-tone diamond-turned finish, while the Black LE gets a fully blacked-out colourway.\nThe interior is where the Jaguar I-Pace starts to show its age, thanks to its busy dashboard layout that can only be described as \u201cold-school\u201d by today\u2019s standards. With that being said, the physical controls do at least make it a lot more convenient to operate \u2013 especially on the most commonly-used items like climate and volume control.\nThis being a Jaguar, there\u2019s no discount on luxuries here, too. Leather upholstery is standard, and the HSE even gets upgraded Windsor leather to wrap its variant-exclusive Performance seats. Other interior highlights include the Meridian 3D surround sound system (HSE exclusive), glass roof, and the unique split-screen Pivi Pro infotainment system consisting of a 10-inch touchscreen on top, and a 5.5-inch touchscreen below for your climate control system.\nThe 2023 Jaguar I-Pace is powered by a twin-motor, all-time all-wheel drive for a combined output of \n400 hp (294 kW)\n and \n696 Nm\n of torque. That translates to a century sprint time of just\n 4.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n200 km/h\n.\nAside from raw performance, the Jaguar I-Pace also boasts a \u201csportscar-like\u201d handling characteristic, thanks to its 50:50 weight distribution, lower centre of gravity, and increased torsional rigidity.\nIf you want a better balance between sporty handling and comfort, though, the range-topping HSE variant swaps the coil springs for a set of adjustable air suspensions that also automatically lowers when you shut off the car for easier ingress and egress.\nThe Jaguar I-Pace\u2019s twin motors are supplied by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving the I-PACE an electric driving range of \n470 km\n (WLTP cycle). To charge, an 11 kW on-board AC charger tops it up from 0-80% in roughly 8.6 hours. Using a 100 kW DC fast charger meanwhile does the same in under 40 minutes.\nAs mentioned above, pricing for the 2023 Jaguar I-Pace in Malaysia starts from RM460,800 for the Black LE, going up to RM498,800 for the HSE. The fully-electric crossover is backed by a five-year/150,000 km warranty, a separate eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty, and five years or 102,000 km of free scheduled maintenance.\nCheck out the detailed gallery below for a closer look at the 2023 Jaguar I-Pace here in Malaysia. For more information, read our\n launch coverage here\n.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has announced the appointment of Takashi Obata as its new Deputy Chairman, who assumed the position on 1 February 2022. Obata will be replacing Akio Takeyama, who previously held the position for seven years.\nTakashi Obata brings with him 30 years of experience in Toyota Motor Corporation, involved as a key member in the company\u2019s product planning operations for the global market. with UMW Toyota, Obata is committed to driving the company towards adapting to CASE (connected, autonomous, shared, electric) and carbon neutrality.\n\u201cThis is a priority that is aggressively being pursued by Toyota globally and has already started in Malaysia with the recent launch of the \nToyota Corolla Cross hybrid\n model,\u201d said Takashi Obata. \u201cI am honoured to have been entrusted this role to navigate the Toyota business here in Malaysia towards this direction.\u201d\n\u201cI would like to thank my predecessor Akio Takeyama for leaving behind an incredible legacy during his time with UMW Toyota Motor. This role will undoubtedly be a challenging one but I am confident that we will be able to achieve many more milestones in the years to come, especially with the strong support from the Government of Malaysia and all our stakeholders,\u201d he added.\nAkio Takeyama\nUnder the leadership of Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor has achieved many significant milestones, including the launch of the state-of-the-art \nBukit Raja manufacturing plant\n, now recognised as the \u201cNo. 1 quality and productivity Toyota plant in Asia\u201d; the introduction of \nGazoo Racing\n, both the cars and the racing series; as well as reclaiming the title of the best-selling non-national brand in Malaysia just last year after six years of playing second fiddle.\nVideo: How fuel-efficient is the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid?\n\u201cI have been very blessed to have been given the privilege to serve in Malaysia over two tenures. Throughout my two assignments in Malaysia totalling 12 years, I had two key phrases I always kept in mind: \u2018Reborn\u2019 and \u2018Change & Challenge\u2019. My time here in Malaysia was spent in pursuit of ever-better cars and the best customer services while continuously contributing to the Malaysian automobile industry,\u201d reflected Takeyama.\n\u201cThe years I have spent in this beautiful country were truly wonderful and exciting, filled with so many significant events, milestones, challenges and accomplishments. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the strong support from my team and all our stakeholders,\u201d he added.\nALSO READ: Facelift 2022 Camry\u2019s new feature makes it more Lexus than Toyota"
"Volkswagen\n has released the first image of \nProject Trinity\n \u2013 an electric sedan that promises higher electric driving range, charging speed, and digitisation along with \nLevel 4 autonomous driving capabilities\n. The electric sedan will be built in Wolfsburg, Germany, beginning 2026.\nThe word \u201cTrinity\u201d has been derived from the Latin word \u201ctrinitas\u201d which stands for tri-unity \u2013 representing the three pillars of Project Trinity. This includes a newly developed electronics platform with state-of-the-art software, simplification of supply structure, and a fully connected production line in Wolfsburg.\nAnother electric initiative by Volkswagen \u2013 the \nMobile Charging Robot\n.\n\u201cWe are using our economies of scale to make autonomous driving available to many and to build a learning neural network. In this way, we are creating the conditions for the continuous exchange of data from our vehicle fleet \u2013 for example, on the traffic situation, on obstacles or on accidents,\u201d said Volkswagen CEO, Ralf Brandst\u00e4tter.\nIt\u2019s a similar situation with Volvo, where their vehicles \ncan communicate\n \nwith each other\n to warn of potential hazards or traffic conditions ahead.\nFirst sketches of the \nnew Volkswagen ID. Buzz\n released last week.\nFuture vehicles such as Trinity will be produced with fewer variants, and the hardware will be largely standardised. The cars will then have virtually everything on board where customers can activate functions on-demand while at the same time, reduce complexity in production.\nBy developing the automobile into a software-based product, entry barriers to individual/personal mobility will be lowered while at the same time offering even more attractive usage packages.\nThe Golf GTI Clubsport 45 in celebration of 45 years of Golf GTI.\n\u201cIn the future, the personalisation of a car will no longer be determined by the hardware at the time of purchase. Instead, customers will be able to add functions on demand at any time via the digital ecosystem in the car,\u201d says Ralf Brandst\u00e4tter.\u00a0\nSounds like buying a smartphone, don\u2019t you think?"
"The promise of cheaper cars seems like such a distant memory now and we won\u2019t be surprised at all to see other brands, with local-assembly operations in Malaysia, made to follow suit.\nHonda Malaysia has just announced a \n5% to 9% increase in prices\n on selected Honda vehicles sold in Malaysia, effective 21st February 2020.\nAs a result, expect to pay an \nextra RM5k \nfor throughout the Jazz variants, an \nextra RM4k\n for any of the City models, and \na whopping RM12k extra\n throughout the CR-V line-up.\nThe company said the higher prices are a reflection of the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) customised incentive by the Government, which has been reviewed \u2013 seemingly to the detriment of consumers \u2013 but will be fully adhered by the company.\nThe new prices are applicable in Peninsula and East Malaysia, throughout 100 Honda dealerships nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u81ea2020\u5e74\u5728\u5927\u9a6c\u63a8\u51fa\u4ee5\u6765\uff0c\u81f3\u5c11\u6839\u636eHonda Malaysia\u7684\u6570\u636e\uff0c\u5230\u76ee\u524d\u4e3a\u6b62\u5df2\u7ecf\u552e\u51fa\u4e86\u8d85\u8fc768,600\u8f86\u7684\u7b2c\u4e94\u4ee3\nHonda City\n\u3002\u4ec5\u57282023\u5e74\u4e0a\u534a\u5e74\uff0c\u5c31\u5df2\u7ecf\u552e\u51fa\u4e86\u8d85\u8fc710,000\u8f86Honda\u7684B\u7ea7\u8f7f\u8f66\u3002\u8fd9\u4e9b\u6210\u5c31\u662fHonda Malaysia\u5728\u5ba3\u5e03\u5373\u5c06\u57282023\u5e74\u7b2c\u4e09\u5b63\u5ea6\u63a8\u51fa\u7684\u6539\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b\u65f6\u4e00\u540c\u516c\u5e03\u7684\u3002\nHonda City\u662f\u4e00\u6b3eB\u7ea7\u8f7f\u8f66\uff0c\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e94\u79cd\u8f66\u578b\u4f9b\u9009\u62e9 \u2013 S\uff0cE\uff0cV\uff0cV Sensing\u548cRS\u3002\u6700\u540e\u4e00\u4e2a\u662f\u8f66\u8f86\u7684\u8f7b\u5ea6\u6df7\u5408\u52a8\u529b\u7248\u672c\uff0c\u5176\u4f59\u7684\u5219\u75311.5\u5347\u81ea\u7136\u5438\u6c144\u7f38\u5f15\u64ce\u9a71\u52a8\u3002Honda City\u4e5f\u6709\u4e00\u6b3e\u6380\u80cc\u8f66\u578b\uff0c\u4f46\u662f\u5206\u4eab\u7684\u9500\u552e\u6570\u5b57\u53ea\u9488\u5bf9\u8f7f\u8f66\u7248\u7684Honda City\u3002\nHonda City\u8981\u4e0eToyota Vios\uff0cNissan Almera\u548cProton Persona\u7b49\u8f66\u578b\u7ade\u4e89\u3002\u5728\u8fd9\u4e2a\u7ec6\u5206\u5e02\u573a\uff0cToyota Vios\u4ecd\u662f\u536b\u5195\u51a0\u519b\uff0c\u81ea\u4ece\u8fdb\u5165\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\u4ee5\u6765\uff0c\u4e00\u76f4\u4fdd\u6301\u7740B\u7ea7\u8f7f\u8f66\u6700\u7545\u9500\u7684\u79f0\u53f7\u3002\n\u5bf9\u4e8eHonda City\uff0c\u7b2c\u4e00\u4ee3\uff08SX8\uff09\u57281996\u5e74\u63a8\u51fa\uff0c\u5176\u540e\u662f2002\u5e74\u7684\u7b2c\u4e8c\u4ee3\uff08GD8\uff09\uff0c2008\u5e74\u7684\u7b2c\u4e09\u4ee3\uff08GM2\uff09\uff0c2014\u5e74\u7684\u7b2c\u56db\u4ee3\uff08GM6\uff09\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca2020\u5e74\u7684\u7b2c\u4e94\u4ee3Honda City\uff08GN2\uff09\u3002\u5373\u5c06\u63a8\u51fa\u7684\u6539\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b\u5c06\u4ecd\u7136\u5c5e\u4e8e\u7b2c\u4e94\u4ee3\uff0c\u4e5f\u88ab\u79f0\u4e3aGN2 Honda City\u3002\nHonda City\u5728\u5305\u62ec\u5370\u5ea6\uff0c\u6cf0\u56fd\uff0c\u5370\u5c3c\uff0c\u5df4\u897f\u548c\u65e5\u672c\u5728\u5185\u7684\u8bb8\u591a\u5e02\u573a\u9500\u552e\u3002\u5728\u67d0\u4e9b\u5e02\u573a\uff0cCity\u4e5f\u88ab\u79f0\u4e3aGrace\u3002\n\u65b0\u6b3e\u7684Honda City\u6539\u6b3e\u7248\u8ba1\u5212\u5728\u4eca\u5e74\u7b2c\u4e09\u5b63\u5ea6\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\u3002\u5b83\u5df2\u7ecf\u5728\u5370\u5ea6\u5168\u7403\u9996\u53d1\uff0c\u5e76\u4e14\u5df2\u7ecf\u5728\u6cf0\u56fd\u4e0a\u5e02\u3002\u6539\u6b3e\u7684Honda City\u4e0d\u4ec5\u5c06\u5177\u6709\u7115\u7136\u4e00\u65b0\u7684\u5916\u89c2\uff0c\u8fd8\u5c06\u589e\u52a0\u4e00\u4e9b\u589e\u5f3a\u7684\u5b89\u5168\u529f\u80fd\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"Ever since the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 made its \ndebut in Malaysia\n, it has been a real eye-catcher with its retro-futuristic design. However, there are more than meets the eye so here are five cool features of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 that you might not know about.\nHeadlights with 256 parametric pixels and pixelated rear lights\nTo produce the unique-looking headlights, Hyundai fitted 256 Parametric Pixels into the headlamps to achieve that retro-futuristic look that flashes in yellow when a turn signal is on. At the back, the taillights feature a pixelated square that keeps true to the design language.\n \nVehicle-to-load (V2L) that can supply 3.6kw of power \n(only available for Max variants)\nThe Ioniq 5 does not only receive charge as it also gives charge. With the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, the Ioniq 5 comes with a 3-pin socket inside the cabin for users to charge their phones and appliances alike. The car can also supply up to 3.6kw of power by plugging a converter into the bidirectional exterior charging port to use for appliances and even charge other EVs when the car is above 15% charge.\nA comfortable living space\nThe centre console for the front seats can move up to 140mm backwards which allows for a more relaxing \u2018Living space\u2019. The front row is also fitted with relaxation comfort seats that can recline all the way back with a leg rest to offer a weightless feel for the occupant when fully reclined.\nSolar roof\nEquipped with a solar panel on the roof, Hyundai says that the Ioniq 5 will be able to add 5 to 6 km of range per day just from solar charging. Although it is not nearly enough to support the car entirely, at least 2000 km of charge can be saved throughout a full year\u2019s worth of daylight.\u00a0\u00a0\nAdjustable regenerative braking\nUnlike many electric cars out there, the Ioniq 5 allows its drivers to control the amount of regenerative brake force used when releasing the foot off the accelerator. The car comes with four different levels of regenerative braking ranging from 0 to 3.\nAt Level 3, simply removing your foot off the accelerator brings a considerable stopping force that allows you to drive by using one pedal only depending on the situation. At levels 1 and 2, the effect of the regenerative braking is significantly lessened, reducing both the \u201cpull-back\u201d effect and the regenerative effect. Lastly at level 0, the regenerative braking effect is completely turned off allowing you to coast when lifting your foot off the accelerator.\nBonus feature\nMagnetic dashboard\nNext to the gauge cluster is a magnetic pad for drivers to put anything they want like fridge magnets, family photos, phone holders and anything their hearts desire hence bringing forth an element of customizability for the drivers."
"Collaborations between high-end carmakers and lifestyle brands are pretty commonplace these days as carmakers try to elevate their brand image, but they\u2019re usually reserved for products such as sneakers and watches, or at the most extreme end \u2013 \nshavers (thanks, Bugatti)\n.\nMusical instruments, though, those are a little rarer. But Lexus is here to buck the \u201cindustry trend\u201d by unveiling the \u201cLexus LC Stratocaster\u201d, made in collaboration with iconic electric guitar manufacturer Fender.\nThe LC Stratocaster is Fender Custom Shop\u2019s latest \nmagnum opus\n, created by Principal Master Builder, Ron Thorn. And as the name suggests, it\u2019s inspired by the \nLexus LC Coupe/Convertible\n \u2013 or more specifically, the first Inspiration Series model that was unveiled in Japan.\nJust like the car, the LC Strat is finished in an omnidirectional Structural Blue paint job, which surprisingly doesn\u2019t feature any blue pigments at all. According to Lexus, the paint job uses multiple layers of colourless materials, all of which come together to reflect and refract light at a specific wavelength which our eyes perceive as the unique blue hue.\nThis Puma x Porsche collection was the \u201cworld\u2019s fastest\u201d sneaker pre-release \u2013 you had only 2.7 seconds to buy them! Learn why here.\nThe blue body is paired to a 3A flame maple neck, finished in high-gloss urethane to show off a hint of Fender\u2019s woodworking tradition. On the otherside is the Richlite fingerboard, polished in \u2013 again \u2013 a deep blue colour, complemented by white Luminlay inlays that glow in vivid blue, especially when seen on stage under bright spotlights.\nTo contrast the deep blue of the Strat\u2019s body, the pick guard is made of twill carbon fibre, matching the Lexus\u2019 rear spoilers, while the fasteners are black-button machine head screws to create a clean \u201cautomotive\u201d appearance. Ron Thorn also included custom machined brushed aluminium knobs to match those on the Mark Levinson sound system used in Lexus\u2019 cars.\nAnd for the guitar nerds \u2013 the Lexus LC Stratocaster is fitted with Fender\u2019s latest Noiseless Single Coils pickups, and just like the Richlite material on the fingerboard, is used for the first time in a Fender Custom Shop guitar.\nThis Bugatti timepiece has a Tourbillon that replicates the movement of an actual W16 engine! Check it out here.\n\u201cWhen we saw the first iteration of this Stratocaster, we couldn\u2019t believe how well it matched the original LC 500 Inspiration Series,\u201d said Lexus Vice President of Marketing, Vinay Shahani.\n\u201cSeeing our Structural Blue colour represented in this Stratocaster guitar illustrates endless possibilities of creativity, and we\u2019re honoured to have been a part of this creation.\u201d\nJust like the Lexus LC Inspiration Series, the Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster is also limited to just 100 units worldwide \u2013 at USD6,000 (approx. RM25k) apiece. All units come in a custom case wrapped in carbon fibre textured vinyl, with black leather ends and the Lexus logo embroidered inside.\nGALLERY"
"The one thing Malaysians are truly good at is the art of mispronunciation (some can\u2019t even spell pronunciation correctly!).\u00a0Car brands such as Peugeot, Renault, Citroen and Volkswagen are some of the most commonly desecrated, so let\u2019s see how well you and your friends score in this game of 10.\ni. Audi\nAs surprising as this sounds, Audi is easily one of the most mispronounced brand among Malaysians. You\u2019re supposed to say \n\u2018ow-dee\u2019\n, not \n\u2018o-dee\u2019\n. It\u2019s Latin, not German nor English.\nii. BMW\nYeah, we\u2019re all guilty of the alphabetical phonation, but the Germans say it as\u00a0\n\u2018bay-em-vay\u2019\n. There\u2019s probably no right or wrong here since \n\u2018bee-em-dub-u\u2019\n is now a globally accepted way of speech, but it\u2019s a fun fact most of us wouldn\u2019t have known.\niii. Chevrolet\nChevrolet is not quite the popular choice among Malaysians, but the name and company have been around longer than BMW. The next time you pass by a Chevy showroom, make it a point to say\u00a0\n\u2018shev-ruh-ley\u2019\u00a0\ninstead of\u00a0\n\u2018shev-row-let\u2019\n. Silence the t.\niv. Citroen\nI love the French brands. Nobody seems to get it right the first time, neither did I. Here\u2019s how you say it:\u00a0\n\u2018see-twuh-en\u2019\n.\nv. Hyundai\nThis one is also not as straightforward as it seems. It\u2019s not\u00a0\n\u2018hyun-die\u2019\n. The right way of pronouncing it is\u00a0\n\u2018huh-yoon-dei\u2019\n. Say \ndei\n\u00a0like you\u2019re calling your \nmacha\n.\nvi. Lamborghini\nEveryone dreams of one, but how many actually pronounce it right? The correct way is\u00a0\n\u2018lam-ber-gini\u2019\n, not\u00a0\n\u2018lam-bor-gini\u2019\u00a0\nor worse,\u00a0\n\u2018lamb-or-jini\u2019\n. Now go school\u00a0that know-it-all\u00a0\nah beng\n.\nvii. Lamborghini Gallardo\nI\u2019ve got to throw this one in for free. Stop calling it the\u00a0\n\u2018ga-lar-doh\u2019\n. It\u2019s a legendary machine (their best selling supercar!) that deserves no other lingual variations other than Spanish\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\n\u2018guy-ar-dough\u2019\n.\nviii. Mercedes-Benz\nThis German brand is now the default go-to choice for many enterprising individuals in Malaysia, but somehow their bank accounts seem to be more proficient than their diction. It\u2019s pronounced\u00a0\n\u2018mer-\nsay\n-deez-benz\u2019\n, not\u00a0\n\u2018mer-see-dis-benz\u2019\n. Some of the local favourites are\u00a0\n\u2018mah-se-li\u2019\u00a0\nor\u00a0\n\u2018ben-si\u2019\n, which are both equally ghastly.\nix. Peugeot\nOf all the entries in this list, this brand takes the cake. And of course it had to be French. I grind my jaw every time I hear someone say\u00a0\n\u2018pee-jot\u2019\n! For the love of God, stop. It\u2019s\u00a0\n\u2018puh-jio\u2019\n. There, I improvised it since everyone loves saying\u00a0\nbo-jio\n.\nx. Renault\nRenault is by far the easiest of the French trio to pronounce. Instead of saying it like it is, try the correct way of pronouncing it:\u00a0\n\u2018re-no\u2019\n. Not\u00a0\n\u2018ri-no\u2019\u00a0\nor\u00a0\n\u2018ree-no\u2019\n, but\u00a0\n\u2018re-no\u2019\n like the word ravenous.\nxi. Porsche\nSince BMW doesn\u2019t technically count, here\u2019s the 11th entry to this list. Don\u2019t say it as\u00a0\n\u2018porsh\u2019\u00a0\nor \n\u2018por-shay\u2019\u00a0\nor\u00a0\n\u2018porch\u2019\n (yes I\u2019ve heard the latter one too many times). Go all the way \u2013\u00a0\n\u2018por-sha\u2019\n.\nAnd oh, the Porsche Cayenne is actually pronounced\u00a0\n\u2018ka-yen\u2019\n and not\u00a0\n\u2018kai-yen\u2019\n.\nxii. Volkswagen\nAdmit it. You don\u2019t want me to stop. Very well then. Let\u2019s close off with a brand all of us are wary of (haha!). Instead of pronouncing the v, do it the right way, with an f. It\u2019s\u00a0\n\u2018folks-va-gen\u2019\n.\nNow that I\u2019ve spared you a lifetime of self-inflicting humiliation, why don\u2019t you spread the word and edify your peers in the process? If you think you can contribute to this list, drop your thoughts in the comments section and I will gladly produce a sequel. Sorry if I got you tongue tied!"
"Back in February this year, Toyota made news when it \npatented a \u2018fake\u2019 manual transmission for electric vehicles (EVs)\n with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Recently at a \u201cLexus Deep Dive\u201d at the Toyota Kenshiki Forum, \nLexus\n confirmed the development of the \u2018fake\u2019 manual for EVs was taking place. Lexus Electrified Chief Engineer, Takashi Watanabe said that feature \u201cmight be on [the brand\u2019s] future BEVs\u201d.\nThe development of the \u2018fake\u2019 manual started \u201cwith some Lexus engineers reflecting on what they liked about traditional [internal combustion] vehicles and what they had to miss out on with electric cars,\u201d as Watanabe says. According to the engineers at Lexus, \u201c[The] manual transmission was one thing they enjoyed in particular.\u201d\nTakashi Watanabe standing before the Lexus Electrified Sport concept and an image of the prototype Lexus UX 300e with a \u2018fake\u2019 manual gearbox\nLexus has even begun testing its \u2018fake\u2019 manual on a \nLexus UX 300e\n and footage of the car driving around in a parking lot was shared during the \u201cLexus Deep Dive\u201d. The EV mimics the sound of a normal internal combustion engine (ICE) car, and even nails the jerking motion of a typical ICE car. Although the \u2018engine\u2019 sound can be heard in the cabin, the car is completely quiet from the outside.\nAccording to Lexus, the \u2018fake\u2019 manual is so realistic that drivers even face the possibility of stalling the car. The development team added a manual gear lever, a \u2018clutch\u2019 pedal, and a tachometer to the UX 300e to complete the manual simulation. Watanabe says that \u201cthe only element that they did not reproduce is the smell of petrol\u201d.\nRELATED: \nManual\u2019s not dead. yet: Toyota patents \u201cstick shift\u201d for EVs\nInside the prototype Lexus UX 300e with the \u2018fake\u2019 manual transmission. Note the retrofitted tachometer on the dashboard.\nWatanabe adds that \u201cso much fun that the project is now under serious development and it might actually be on future BEVs.\u201d Although the \u2018fake\u2019 manual project sounds like a funny idea by a group of engineers, Watanabe says that \u201con a more serious note, this system is really opening new doors.\u201d\nLexus\u2019 \u201cDeep Dive\u201d took place with the Lexus Electrified Sport concept taking centre stage. Commenting on the sleek concept car, Watanabe said, \u201cI cannot tell you when we will be launching a production vehicle based on the Electrified Sport. But I can confirm that we are working on it.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMini wants to #SaveTheManual, offers manual driving school in US\nLexus Electrified Aport during Toyota\u2019s \nmassive unveiling of its EV lineup\nCurrently being developed for the production version of the Lexus Electrified Sport is the manual transmission, along with all-wheel drive, steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire. \u201cThis is not just a design concept. It is meant to become reality,\u201d Watanabe adds.\nRELATED: \nToyota confirms GR Corolla, GR86, Manual Supra to launch in Malaysia \u201cvery soon\u201d"
"The Fast & Furious movies might not be the most factually-correct, nor does it have the most complicated plots. But what it does \u2013 and continues to do well \u2013 are the over-the-top action scenes, fancy cars, and iconic one-liners.\nThe simple recipe is so successful that the franchise now spans nine movies (plus a spin-off) over the course of 20 years. In fact, the first movie in the series, \nThe Fast And The Furious\n, just celebrated its 20th anniversary this past Tuesday.\nSo to commemorate the cult favourite\u2019s milestone while we wait for the franchise\u2019s ninth instalment that is due for a theatre release in Malaysia (hopefully) soon, let\u2019s take a look back at some of the most quotable dialogues from the first-ever \nFast & Furious\n movie.\nSee the Toyota 86 do a barrel roll in the upcoming Fast 9 movie.\n \n1. \u201cMore than you can afford, pal. Ferrari.\u201d\nThis one\u2019s an instant classic. While driving the iconic orange Supra, Brian pulled up next to a Ferrari F355 Spider at the traffic light. And as one would, he complemented the car, and asked the man driving how much does a car like that costs.\nIn response, perhaps to impress the lady sitting next to him, the F355 driver said to Brian and Toretto condescendingly: \u201cMore than you can afford, pal. Ferrari.\u201d A drag race then ensued, and as anyone could\u2019ve guessed, our heroes obviously \u201csmoked\u201d him.\nThe most ironic thing about this whole exchange is that the \nMK IV Toyota Supra in the movie \nwas just sold for an \neye-watering USD550,000 (~RM2.2 million)\n, which is probably a whole lot more than what a Ferrari F355 is worth these days.\nLove Supras? Take a look at how it became a cult classic!\n \n2. \u201cGranny shifting, not double clutching like you should.\u201d\nThis one\u2019s actually pretty funny, because it makes zero sense at all. The iconic line was said by Dom to Brian, after Brian blew up his Eclipse\u2019s engine while drag racing. But. why on earth would you ever double clutch in a drag race?\nFirst of all, depressing a clutch twice will always be slower than just doing it once \u2013 that\u2019s just simple maths. But the biggest hole in the statement is the fact that double clutching is usually done to rev-match your engine between gears during \ndownshifts\n, and the only time you\u2019ll downshift in a drag race is to slow down after the crossing the finish line.\nThis man owns the largest collection of Fast & Furious replicas! Check it out here.\nThe line definitely sounded cool when we were all young and knew nothing about cars, but now, we just can\u2019t help but chuckle whenever we hear it. Credit where credit is due, though \u2013 \u2018granny shifting\u2019 is just pure comedic genius.\n3. \u201cAsk any racer. Any \nreal\n racer. It don\u2019t matter if you win by an inch or a mile \u2013 winning\u2019s winning.\u201d\nDominic Toretto\u2019s iconic mic-drop statement, after calling out Brian\u2019s \u201csubpar\u201d shifting techniques. The last part of the line, \u201cwinning\u2019s winning\u201d, has also become some sort of mantra for many racing drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo (who\u2019s a massive movie buff, by the way).\nAlthough we can\u2019t argue with the logic behind the statement, we feel that Dominic does come off as a bit of a bad winner here, especially after Brian just destroyed his car after using \u201c100 shots of NOS\u201d and frying the piston rings.\n4. \u201cIf we have to, overnight parts from Japan.\u201d\nThis line is another one that\u2019s now heavily ingrained into car culture, particularly in the JDM scene, and it all came from Dominic\u2019s handyman \nJesse\u2019s comments\n when Brian brought in a junkyard-find MK IV Toyota Supra.\nNeed to replace something on your car? \u201cJust overnight parts from Japan, bro\u201d. It doesn\u2019t even have to be literally imported from the country; the quote is now used to refer to \nany \nnew parts that you\u2019ve ordered for the car.\n \nBonus: \u201cI\u2019ll have the tuna. no crust.\u201d\nThe beautiful friendship between Dom and Brian, the backbone of the entire \nFast & Furious\n movie franchise, and it all started with a simple tuna sandwich \u2013 with no crust. The unassuming tuna sandwich is Brian\u2019s standard order when he stakes out at the Toretto\u2019s Market and Caf\u00e9 while working undercover for the LA Police Department, and of course, flirting with Dom\u2019s sister, Mia.\nIt was at the caf\u00e9 where Brian first met Dom, although the situation wasn\u2019t the most friendly as the latter was trying to break up a fight. But as we all know, their relationship only blossomed after that. You\u2019re not human if you didn\u2019t shed a tear when they parted ways after the \u201cone last ride\u201d (RIP, Paul Walker).\n\u201cBrian Earl Spilner. Sounds like a serial killer.\u201d\nSo there you have it, the most memorable quotes from \n\u201cThe Fast and the Furious\u201d\n that we can think of! Which one is your favourite, or did we miss out on any? Let us know in the comments section below."
"Lexus Malaysia has just opened its doors to their newest showroom in Melaka, the brand\u2019s \nthird outlet\n this year. The Lexus Melaka showroom operated by\u00a0Hiewa Auto Gallery Sdn Bhd whose working ties with UMW Toyota Motor stretches as far back as 2005.\nThe full-fledged \nSales and Service Centre\n (2S) is a double storey building that spans about \n30,000 square feet\n, and features a mezzanine floor, customer lounge, a business centre and a cafe for visitors. It\u2019s also manned by a mix of 14 staffs trained in five-star hospitality and skilled engineers which operate the four service bays.\nVisitors can expect to see the brand\u2019s latest line of cars, such as the Lexus ES, GS, LS, RX, IS and the recently launched RC sports coupe.\nLexus Melaka is now open for business and is located at 2A, Jalan Autocity 6, Persiaran Autocity, 75450, Ayer Keroh, Melaka. Call Lexus Toll Free Line: 1800 88 53987 (1-800-88-LEXUS) or visit \nwww.lexus.com.my\n to visit the dealership or to book a test drive."
"GoCar Malaysia has announced their partnership with Express Rail Link (ERL) to facilitate the mobility of travellers using the KLIA Ekspres service.\nThe \nonline-only package\n, which costs \nRM101\n for adults, includes a return trip on the KLIA Ekspres train line, and a\n 28% discount code\n for your GoCar booking. Additional passengers in the same trip will cost RM90 per adult, or RM40.50 for children.\u00a0\nThe promo code for the car-sharing service is \nonly valid for bookings at KL Sentral\n, and is \ncapped at RM50.\n Both the train ticket and discount code are also only \nvalid for 1 month\n from the selected travel date of the first trip.\u00a0\n According to \nGoCar\u2019s website\n, the car-sharing service\u2019s fleet of vehicles include the Nissan Almera, Captur, Serena S-Hybrid and even the Nissan Navara pick-up truck. Prices start at RM6.90 per hour for the Nissan Almera.\u00a0\nGoCar Malaysia President, Nicholas Tan said, \u201cConnectivity has always played a vital role in the transportation industry, even more so these days. Similarly, as travellers, we are also looking for that seamless experience when it comes to mobility.\n\u201cWe are excited to work with ERL to realise this shared vision and bring this convenience to more travellers who are going to or from KLIA and KLIA2,\u201d he added.\nERL Chief Executive Officer, Noormah Mohd Noor, also said \u201cThis KLIA Ekspres and GoCar package would offer a seamless journey for our customers who appreciate the speed and reliability of our train service, as well as the flexibility and convenience of car-sharing while contributing positively to reducing their carbon footprint.\u201d\nAdditionally, the local car-sharing service has also announced the availability of GoCar vehicles at selected ERL stations, including KL Sentral (KLIA Ekspres Arrival Hall and Departure Hall), Bandar Tasik Selatan, and Salak Tinggi.\nThe Salak Tinggi station will also act as GoCar\u2019s new hub, where travellers to the station can opt for one-way trips in addition to round trips with the GoCar vehicles.\u00a0\nFurther information on the package is available at the\n KLIA Ekspres mini-site\n, where you can also book your tickets."
"According to a report by \nThe Star\n, about 60% of roads in Selangor, where some are \nbetween 30 to 40 years old\n, have \u201cexpired\u201d and are the reason for consistent potholes and defects.\nThis issue was highlighted by Izham Hashim, Chairman of the State Infrastructure and Public Amenities, Agricultural Modernisation and Agro-based Industry Committee.\nIzham pointed out that \nroads mature within 15 to 20 years \nand will require upgrading beyond that particularly to its sub-base layers. He also stressed that unless this is done, merely patching up the roads will not improve its conditions.\nIn other local news, the government is now finding \nmore efficient ways to dispose abandoned cars\n.\nOverloaded vehicles have also been singled out as the other main contributor to road defects.\nIt was noted that the delay in resolving such issues could be \ndue to a road falling under several government agencies\n along with a lack of communication between them. There are no such systems for federal roads.\nIt was reported that in 2019, Izham proposed to restructure the ownership and maintenance of roads in Selangor but discussions are still underway."
"TC Subaru Thailand has just officially welcomed the \nall-new 2022 Subaru WRX\n and WRX Wagon in the Kingdom, making it the second nation in the region (after the Philippines) to receive the second-generation model. Jealous? Don\u2019t be, because the two models are also slated to be launched here in Malaysia by the end of this year, so treat this as a preview of what we might be getting soon!\nThe Subaru WRX needs no introduction. \nUnveiled globally back in September 2021\n, the second-generation model is now underpinned by the Subaru Global Platform. The WRX Wagon, meanwhile, is essentially the \nsecond-generation Subaru Levorg\n, but with the WRX\u2019s powertrain stuffed underneath its bonnet.\nOn the topic of powertrain, both models are now powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, which makes \n275 hp\n and \n350 Nm \nin the Thailand-spec cars. The cars are all-wheel drive as standard, equipped with Subaru\u2019s famed Symmetrical AWD system, and buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and a \u201cSubaru Performance\u201d CVT transmission (CVT only on the WRX Wagon).\nRELATED: \nNext-generation Subaru WRX STI models could be hybrids!\nIn terms of standard equipment, both the Subaru WRX and WRX Wagon in Thailand are fairly similarly equipped, with standard equipment including LED headlights and tail-lights, 18-inch wheels, an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), analogue instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, reverse camera, and seven airbags.\nThe CVT variants, including the WRX Wagon, adds on gearshift paddles, an eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory function, electronic parking brake, the SI-Drive transmission mode selector, as well as\n Subaru\u2019s EyeSight advanced driver assistance features\n. The latter includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic high beam, front vehicle departure alert, as well as a blind spot monitor.\nPricing for the all-new 2022 Subaru WRX in Thailand starts at \nTHB2,999,000 (approx. RM374k)\n for the manual variant, moving up to \nTHB3,099,000 (approx. RM386k)\n for the CVT-equipped WRX. The WRX Wagon meanwhile is priced at \nTHB2,959,000 (approx. RM369k)\n in the kingdom of smiles.\nALSO READ: \n2022 Subaru BRZ price up by RM20k in Malaysia for both manual and automatic variants\n[Photos: Subaru Asia Thailand/Facebook]\nH/T to HeadLight Magazine\nGALLERY"
"The Toyota Corolla Cross has just made its local debut today (check out our \nfull launch coverage\n if you haven\u2019t already!), but luckily for us, UMW Toyota invited the media over for a test drive session just about a week before the launch, where we managed to briefly put the 1.8G variant through its paces.\nWhile we might still need a little bit more time to fully form our overall opinions, there\u2019s still plenty to talk about, especially since we were given the chance to drive the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross across a variety of conditions \u2013 so here goes!\nDriving out of the compounds of UMW Toyota\u2019s HQ, where we were immediately met with a sea of red brick roads, the three of us in the car (with masks and social distancing in place) collectively let out a subtle gasp \u2013 the Corolla Cross almost completely soaked up all the bumpiness you\u2019d expect from the brickwork!\nThe comfort levels within the cabin is something that we constantly came back to throughout the drive. Even on the highways, the Corolla Cross effortlessly soaks up the undulations, demonstrating the kind of poise you\u2019d expect from a premium European grand tourer in the way it sits down onto the tarmac after a crest on the road.\nThe comfort-oriented suspension set-up is aided by decent NVH levels, with engine and wind noise kept at a minimal level \u2013 the latter particularly surprising here, as the 1.8G variant misses out on the acoustic windshield treatment that\u2019s present on the range-topper. Road noise does tend to seep in a little at highway cruising speeds, though it\u2019s nothing out of the ordinary.\nNow, in a car that\u2019s so comfortable and supple, plus the mere fact that it\u2019s actually a tall-riding SUV, it\u2019s probably safe to assume that the Corolla Cross wouldn\u2019t shine in the handling department. right? Well, let\u2019s just say you\u2019d be surprised at how well it handles on windier roads, as we quickly found out on some twisty backroads heading towards Semenyih.\nWe automotive writers like to rave about the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, or TNGA for short, because of its ability to completely transform a car\u2019s road-hugging characteristics. Surprise, surprise: the TNGA-C platform, underpinning the all-new Corolla Cross, has once again showed its magical powers.\nEven though it comes with a more simplistic, \u201cbudget\u201d torsion beam suspension at the rear, the Toyota Corolla Cross still feels incredibly fun on the windy roads. You\u2019d never imagine an SUV of this size can seemingly flow from corner to corner like this, but the Corolla Cross does.\nThe traction also genuinely surprised us \u2013 despite looking like a significant hunk of metal, the Corolla Cross manages to handle its weight beautifully around sharp bends without breaking a sweat most of the time, urging you to give it more speed. Even when it does break traction, it does so pretty gradually, giving you the chance to easily correct it.\nAs for the powertrain, yes, it is the same ol\u2019 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four-banger, with the same \n139 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque. While the power figures are nothing to shout about, you\u2019ll be hard-pressed to find fault in actual driving situations \u2013 even when you crave for a little fun on the weekend.\nThis is especially true thanks to the brilliant CVT gearbox. Throttle response is immediate, and the gearbox is also eager to hold higher revs even at partial throttle input to make up for the lower power output, making it fairly easy to overtake on highways.\nOn the flip side, when you\u2019re more gentle on the throttle input, the gearbox just disappears into the background, leaving you with a quiet, serene cabin during highway cruising.\nThe best part of all of this, is that they\u2019re pretty much shared between the two variants \u2013 as they have no differences in the mechanical bits. So no matter which one you choose, you\u2019ll rest assured knowing that you\u2019re getting one of the best-handling SUVs out there in the market.\nThere\u2019s still a lot to unpack about this all-new SUV \u2013 so make sure to check out our coverage on the Toyota Corolla Cross \nhere\n. We also made a short video on our experience during this media drive event, linked \nhere\n.\nFor now, do you think if the Toyota Corolla Cross has enough to take on the beloved \nHonda HR-V\n? Let us know in the comments section below!"
"It\u2019s always been a dream of ours; not just to be the most recognisable name in automotive but also to see everyone rocking our brand on their backs. With the new \nAutoBuzz Shop\n, we\u2019re one step closer to that!\nTo celebrate the new AutoBuzz Shop, we\u2019re releasing an extremely limited edition \u201cGraphic Series\u201d consisting of three different designs. There\u2019s the \nR32 GT-R\n, the \nE30 M3\n,\n and the \nPorsche 911\n \u2013 some of the most iconic names from the glory days of automotive. Also cause we can\u2019t afford a lion dance and there are no red ribbons to cut.\nThese custom-made prints are designed and printed in Malaysia, each priced at \nRM69\n. Once they\u2019re sold out \u2013 that\u2019s it \u2013 we\u2019re never making them again. If they\u2019re not your style, there\u2019s always the \u201cTeam Series\u201d line-up of tees that are worn in \nour videos\n. Those go for \nRM49 \neach.\nAnd just because, we added the \u201cSuck. Squeeze. Bang. Blow.\u201d to our collection \u2013 the four things that literally make the world go round. It\u2019s also how an engine works.\u00a0\nEven Leona Chin approves. The other two are just there to fill in the spaces.\nWith our merch, you\u2019re not just buying pieces of cloth to cover your one-pack but also bragging rights for having the rarest automotive apparel. You\u2019d likely never run into another person with the same thing!\nSo help us keep our lights on and stimulate the economy at the same time with a purchase, or 10!\nGALLERY"
"Phua Chu Kang actor Gurmit Singh has been fined SGD$800 (approx. RM2,487) for speeding in his Audi A8 L recently.\nThe Singaporean has also been\n banned from driving for three months\n, after being caught driving at \n131 km/h in a 70 km/h zone\n.\nThe actor had his son in the car with him and according to the once-upon-a-time best contractor in JB and Singapore (and some say Batam), he merely sped up to let his son hear a certain noise that only appeared after 100 km/h.\nA new Audi? Making some noise? That can\u2019t be right.not for a SGD$430k car!\nWell, breaking the law is breaking the law, and we need to call a spade, a spade. Being the good sport that he is, the actor took to social media to apologise rather sincerely.\nNo offense to the man who was Malaysia\u2019s main source of TV entertainment in the 1990s, but this article is not meant to tarnish his reputation but merely to raise more awareness and offer some perspectives.\n \nThe irony of this footage.\nCompare that, and how we behave on our roads. In Malaysia, we\u2019d be doing those speeds, while taking a selfie with the kids somersaulting at the back with no child seats or even seat belts on.\nWe\u2019d mostly run into a Myvi, at the same speed if not travelling even faster, and end up racing together with it. If anything 130 km/h is just an appetiser. Next time, we\u2019ll try 140km/h until we \u201chear a sound\u201d as well.\nA fine? Nah, we\u2019d avoid that buy either slowing down dramatically just before the speed camera, or just tuck a few sheets under our driver\u2019s license as we present it to our esteemed law enforcers."
"Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia (ETCM) has announced the commencement of their \nNissan Relief Campaign\n which seeks to provide aid to Nissan customers in areas affected by the flood, mainly Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis, Perak and Sabah.\nThe campaign, which begins immediately until\n 28 February 2015\n, provides:\n1. \n25 percent discount\n on Nissan \ngenuine parts\n affected by the flood\n 2. \n25 percent discount\n on \nlabour charges\n on affected Nissan vehicles\n 3. \nFree towing\n charges on affected Nissan vehicles of up to RM150\n 4. Three months or 5,000 km warranty on labour and Nissan genuine parts that are replaced on all affected Nissan vehicles\nETCM\u2019s\u00a0Director of Marketing and Product Planning, Tan Keng Meng said,\u00a0\u201cAs a Malaysian company, our growth has only been due to the support Malaysians have given us throughout the years. With the flood situation being one of the worst in the country\u2019s history, this is one way we can help relieve the burden of our customers. It is our responsibility to do what we can to assist those who have supported us in their time of need.\u201d\nNissan owners are urged to send their vehicles to the nearest service centre when possible, or call their 24-hour\u00a0Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline number at \n1800-88-3838\n."
"The \nLexus LC 500 Convertible\n is undoubted one of the most beautiful convertibles around but it\u2019s not all style and no substance. In typical Lexus fashion, it\u2019s not only intricately put together, it\u2019s almost over-engineered one could say.\nLexus has released a video of the LC Convertible in an industrial scale freezer for 12 hours to show that its quality goes far beyond its looks.\nRead about the RM1.35 million Lexus LC 500 Convertible in Malaysia, with 470 hp and 540 Nm here!\n \nIn pushing the car\u2019s build quality to its limits in sub-zero conditions, Lexus even folded down the\n LC Convertible\u2019s four-layered roof\n, exposing the cabin to the brutally cold temperatures.\nThe test was performed at the Climatic Chamber at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire. The 649 sq ft\u00a0unit is large enough to accommodate two double-decker buses and \ncan maintain temperatures between +85\u00b0C and -60\u00b0C\n. The facility is regularly used to test the endurance of defense equipment as well as road vehicles of all kinds.\nSpecifically for the LC Convertible, the oversized fridge was \nset to -18\u00b0C\n; a temperature \ncold enough to freeze rubber\n and is also the standard for vehicle defrosting assessment. Water was also sprayed onto the LC Convertible for a sheet of ice to form over its body.\nOnce inside, it took about an hour for the freezer to reach the preset temperature before the car was left untouched inside overnight.\n \n\u201cExterior surfaces contract in extremely cold conditions and manufacturers need to ensure their vehicles can withstand this without damage to parts and will still be able to start and get moving,\u201d said a senior engieering at the test facility.\nHe added, \u201cWith the roof down, the interior components will be in an extremely stressed condition and it will not be a nice place for anyone to be \u2013 the hope is that the air conditioning system, the heated seats and steering wheel will still operate as they should.\u201d\nEven the \nfilm crew had to take precautions\n due to the extreme temperatures; operating a \u201cbuddy system\u201d to ensure immediate response if any member of the team began to suffer adverse effects from being in the freezer.\nThe next day, the LC Convertible was subjected to testing at a test track and seemed completely unfazed by its 12-hour deep freeze. The \nnaturally-V8 engine fired up at first crank\n, while the displays and gauges came to live immediately \u2013 showing no negative effects from a night in the freezer.\n\u201cI am asked to do a lot of crazy things in my job and this was one of them. I wasn\u2019t really nervous until I turned up and saw the car sitting in the freezer looking really cold. I thought \u201cAm I going to have to sit in that?\u201d, said test driver, Paul Swift, son of the infamous Russ Swift.\n\u201cThankfully it was great, I was really impressed.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the official distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has just announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) involving 6,160 units of the Toyota Prius 1.8 Hybrid to update the software of the hybrid system.\nPrius 1.8 Hybrid models manufactured and distributed by UMWT between 2009 to 2013 is involved in this recall campaign. Affected vehicle owners will be notified to bring their car in to update the ECU programming. The repair process will take approximately one hour. Like all SSCs, all costs related to the repair will be borne by UMWT.\nThis SSC is carried out to ensure customers\u2019 vehicles remain reliable and at its best performance level. For further information, owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-869682."
"When it comes to breaking records on two wheels, the Sir Chris Hoy name is a household one but the former Olympic track cyclist and racing enthusiast has just set his first record on four wheels.\nIn conjunction with Caterham\u2019s 60 years of the Seven celebrations, he set a new record of 19 consecutive donuts in the Seven 620R, the most powerful production car Caterham has ever built in a \u201c60 Second Donut Challenge\u201d.\n\u201cEveryone knows I spend a lot of time in cars these days but I\u2019ve never had much practice donuting,\u201d said the 6-time Olympic gold medallist.\nThe frightening 620R comes with a 2.0-litre supercharged Ford Duratec engine which delivers\n 314 hp\n with\n 297 Nm\n of torque, in a car weighing just \n572 kg\n, lighter than the first generation Lotus Elise, famous for weighing close to nothing at 700-odd kgs.\nThe powerplant is coupled with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and limited-slip differential. As such, 0 to 100 km/h is done in a blistering \n2.79 seconds\n before the 620R tops out at 155 mph (\n249 km/h\n).\nThe record is an icing on the cake for Caterham, as the launch of two limited edition models for the 60th anniversary celebrations were sold out in record-breaking time \u2013 the retro Seven Sprint in just seven days, and the more recent \nSeven Supersprint in just seven hours\n!"
"Perodua is maintaining\na strong momentum for the first four months of 2019, delivering 82,700 new cars\nfrom January to end-April 2019. A 9.5% increase compared to the same period\nlast year.\nPerodua President and\nChief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said: \u201cWhile Perodua awaits\nthe Malaysian Automotive Association\u2019s (MAA) official total industry volume\nnumbers, we believe that Perodua\u2019s market share is above 43% for the four-month\nperiod, thus directly benefitting the domestic economy as a whole.\u201d\nAll 50 units of the \nPerodua Bezza Limited Edition sold out\nApril 2019 saw the highest\nnumber of Perodua vehicles sold in history, which saw over 22,100 new\nregistrations, is nearly 11% higher than April 2018. In one month, Perodua sold\nover 7,700 Myvis, 5,900 Axias, 4,200 Bezzas, 3,200 Aruzs and 1,100 Alzas.\n\u201cThe Myvi continues to\nbe our best-selling model \u2013 since its November 2017 launch we have delivered\nover 115,000 units to happy customers, who love the stylish looks, build quality,\nfuel efficiency, interior space and the amount of advanced equipment they get for\nthe price,\u201d added Dato\u2019 Zainal."
"In a push for electrified vehicles, Nissan has announced its plans to introduce three new dedicated electric vehicles (EV) and five e-POWER hybrid models in Japan by the end of 2022.\nElectrification has reaped sustainable returns for the Japanese carmaker as reflected in the 10 per cent growth in Nissan\u2019s global EV sales as well as sales of the Nissan Leaf surpassing 100,000 units in Japan. Nissan expects EV and e-POWER models to make up 40 per cent of domestic sales in the same year and by 2025, 50 per cent of the models sold by Nissan will be an EV or \ne-POWER\n models.\nNissan\u2019s Executive Vice President for global marketing and sales, Daniele Schillaci said: \u201cAs our domestic market, we are proud that Japan is leading the way forward when it comes to Nissan Intelligent Mobility. This vision is changing the customer experience by delivering technologies and services that are making their lives better and also enabling steady profitable growth through Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022.\u201d\nWith M.O.V.E to 2022, Nissan aims to become the global leader in electrification, autonomous driving and mobility services with a target sales of 1 million electrified vehicles (e-POWER and EVs) globally per year by the end of the plan."
"After announcing that the company will be \nabsorbing the 6 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST)\n on selected models ahead of the new zero-rated GST fiscal policy comes into effect, Honda Malaysia has announced the full zero-rated price list for its entire model range.\nLocally assembled models like the \nJazz\n, \nCity\n, \nBR-V\n, \nHR-V\n, \nCivic\n, \nCR-V\n and \nAccord\n will be cheaper by some RM4,088 to RM9,573 come 1 June 2018. Fully imported models, namely the \nOdyssey\n and \nCivic Type R\n will see a price reduction of RM14,362 and RM18,072 respectively.\nThe zero-rated GST price list comes after the announcement made from the newly installed Pakatan Harapan Government to reduce the GST rate to zero percent as per their campaign manifesto. The new price list will be valid until further announcement made by the Ministry of Finance to reimplement the Sales and Service Tax (SST) in the coming months.\nOther services such as scheduled maintenance, purchase of spare parts and labour charge will also be zero-rated GST effective 1 June 2018."
"Although it may seem like just yesterday that Toyota introduced the \nfifth-generation Supra\n (and we are \nstill very smitten by it\n), it has actually been a little over a year since its launch, and Toyota felt like it\u2019s time for an upgrade.\nConfusing naming aside (it\u2019s officially called the 2021 Toyota GR Supra), the new update brings a more powerful engine, along with a retuned chassis.\nThe 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine in the Supra now churns out \n387 hp\n, up from 340 hp. Torque has been marginally increased, but more importantly the power band has been widened, with peak torque available all the way \nup to 5,000 rpm\n.\nHowever, if you can recall, \nour own test\n suggests that the Supra produces more power than stated on power, so we\u2019ll have to wait and see if the new figures are accurate. Either way, Toyota claims that the GR Supra can now do the century sprint in \n3.9 seconds\n.\n \nToyota says that the boost in power comes from a new dual-branch exhaust manifold, now with six ports instead of two previously. A new piston design also reduces the engine\u2019s compression ratio from 11:1 to 10.2:1.\nIf you are eagerly waiting for a new manual option, you\u2019re out of luck this time as the updated Toyota Supra is still only available with the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.\nHandling on the Toyota Supra has also been improved with this latest update, thanks to the new\n lightweight aluminium braces\n that for increased lateral rigidity, along with \nupdated front and rear bump stops\n, and a \nnew damper tuning\n.\nToyota has also revised the programming for the electric power steering, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Vehicle Stability Control, and the active differential.\nAs a result of the refined hardware and software, Toyota claims that the updated Supra is \nmore stable through quick direction changes\n, with \nincreased roll resistance\n and \nenhanced cornering stability\n.\nInside, the Americans get some new features that we \nMalaysians already get as standard\n, such as an 8.8-inch infotainment display, as well as the Toyota Supra Safety System which includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, as well as Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nHowever, the updated GR Supra also comes with a new \nWireless Apple CarPlay\n option, a feature currently still limited to just a handful of cars.\nTo commemorate the launch of the updated GR Supra, Toyota is also offering \n1,000 units of the A91 Edition\n, available in Nocturnal Black or the gorgeous Refraction Blue (pictured here), the latter is an all-new colour to the Supra, available exclusively on the A91 Edition.\nSimilar to the\n Launch Edition\n last year, the A91 Edition comes with some added visual flair including a carbon fibre lip spoiler, matte black wheels, C-pillar graphics, and carbon fibre mirror caps.\nThe A91 Edition also comes with an exclusive black Alcantara leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching, and will be delivered with two exclusive \u201ckey gloves\u201d and trunk mat.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Let\u2019s face it, more often than not Malaysians make car purchase decisions based on their emotions. The emotive factor of a car is a make or break deal for many, which is why the Mercedes-Benz CLA, a car banking on its seductive design enjoyed decent success over the years here in Malaysia because the car just makes you \nfeel good \ngetting in and out of it.\nThe second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has just made its global debut at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and we have to say, it looks fine as heck. Well, the three-pointed star did promise that the new CLA will be the \u201cmost emotional vehicle of its class\u201d.\nAt a glance, the CLA is essentially a shrunken \nCLS four-door coupe\n. But where the CLS appeals to more established and mature demographics, the CLA tugs the heartstrings of the young and young at heart with its emotive design.\nThe CLA features the brand\u2019s latest iteration of its Sensual Purity design language, with a long, stretched bonnet, sleek roofline, wide tracks with exposed wheel arches giving it that wide stance and dynamic profile. At the front, you\u2019ll find the Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new family face compromising of flat headlamps, diamond radiator grille, fluid bumper design as well as strong bonnet domes and lines.\nIts sleek silhouette is attributed to a combination of long, stretched entry line above the windows and frameless doors that\u2019s uninterrupted to the C-pillar. The slightly building wheel arches were designed to fit wheel sizes measuring 16- to 19-inches.   The rear is where things get interesting. Where the \nW177 A-Class hatch\u2019s\n taillamps were plain and dare we say, uninspiring, the CLA\u2019s two-piece, narrow full LED taillamps with a 3D graphics suit the CLA\u2019s emotive and sporty character perfectly.\nCompared to the predecessor, the new CLA has grown longer, wider and sits slightly lower to the ground. It now measures 4,688 mm in length (+48 mm), 1,830 mm in width (+53 mm), 1,439 mm in height (-2 mm) and wheelbase has been stretched by 30 mm to 2,729 mm. The front and rear tracks have grown 63 mm and 55 mm respectively, giving the new car its wide stance.\nDespite its wheelbase has grown by 30 mm, \npassenger leg room did not grow at all\n with front legroom measuring 1,062 mm (-1 mm) and rear legroom at 861 mm (+1 m). Elbow and shoulder room did, however, grow significantly to better accommodate occupants. Boot space, however, is now smaller by 10L to 460L compared to its predecessor.\nInside the CLA, the cabin is lifted straight from the new A-Class with its widescreen cockpit, turbine-style air vents, dual element dashboard new-generation multifunctional steering wheel and new touchpad design to operate the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d intelligent assistant has been further improved to \nbetter understand more complex queries\n and no longer gets confused by another passengers\u2019 conversation.   Other options available on the CLA include sports seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, Head-up Display, navigation with augmented reality, MBUX Interior Assist, Energizing Package Plus, sunroof and more.\nAt launch, the CLA is presented with the CLA 250 variant, packing a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pushing \n225 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of twist mated to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. By May 2019, there will be a broad range of diesel and petrol engines available featuring manual or dual-clutch transmissions and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.\nAs standard, the CLA is equipped with Active Brake Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. It can also be optioned with advanced driver assistance systems from the S-Class such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and PRE-SAFE PLUS.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz CLA 250 Edition 1   CLA Coupe Interior"
"For those looking to make long trips with your electric vehicles during Chinese New Year, great news!\u00a0\nStarting today, TNB Electron has made available two charging stations along the PLUS Highway at the Ayer Keroh R&R (Northbound) and along the East Coast Expressway at the Paka R&R (Northbound).\nEach of the charging stations will feature two 90 kW DC chargers to cater to two electric vehicles at one time. On that note, charging is free but for a limited time period only. The charging stations are operational 24 hours a day.\nTo access the chargers, users will have to download the GO TO-U app, available on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play store\n.\nImage credit: \nTNB Electron"
"Tian Siang Premium Auto, the authorised dealer of BMW cars in Ipoh and Butterworth and Gurney Paragon Mall have installed two BMW i Charging stations at the \nGurney Paragon Mall in Penang\n for the convenience of shoppers with plug-in vehicles.\nManaging Director of Tian Siang Premium, Tan Ka Kin said,\n\u201cThe new charging facilities here at Gurney Paragon Mall marks our first\nlocation on the Island of Penang and the second in the state that is\nfully-equipped and ready to further power the future of mobility in Malaysia,\ncomplementing the two BMW i Charging Facilities introduced at the Iconic Hotel\nin Butterworth, Penang in October last year. As we continue to expand\naccessibility to charging facilities, I am confident that the adoption of\nelectromobility in the northwestern region of Malaysia will increase in 2020.\u201d\nThe new BMW i Charging stations in Gurney Paragon Mall complement the existing charging points made available by BMW Group Malaysia and its dealer partners, which now stands at \nover 20\n spread over various locations including Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat and WEIL Hotel in Ipoh; Holiday Inn and The Equatorial in Malacca; as well as at CityONE Megamall Kuching.\nThrough the BMW ChargeNow service, offered as part of the BMW 360\u00b0 ELECTRIC programme, customers can also access to \n270 charging locations\n under ChargEV\u2019s nationwide network."
"The wait is still not quite over. Technically, it\u2019s still not the Toyota Supra we\u2019ve anxiously been looking forward to since the curtains drew on the previous generation in 2002. It\u2019s still a concept but of a different kind; it\u2019s called the GR (for Gazoo Racing) Supra Racing Concept. At least, they\u2019ve confirmed the Supra name.\nNothing much beyond that has been revealed as to what powers the car as Toyota\u2019s global site merely dangled some dimensions for us to nimble on \u2013 clearly unaware of what the public wants to know.   What\u2019s certain is that the new road-going Supra will not feature that massive rear wing along with the dramatic bodywork that features wide front and rear bumpers, a front splitter and rear diffuser. While it offers a faint impression of how the actual Supra will look like, it\u2019s certain you wouldn\u2019t want it with plastic windscreen and side mirrors like those found in the GR Supra Racing Concept.\nThat said, we\u2019d really love to see those BBS wheels revealed with the actual car alongside the Brembo Racing callipers and racing exhaust.\nIf you haven\u2019t already heard, the new Toyota Supra will be sharing a similar platform with BMW as it has been developed in tandem with the \nnew Z4\n. It\u2019s been rumoured that the new Z4 could be offered in both coupe and convertible configurations while the Supra remains solely a hard-top.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The letter \u2018R\u2019 is pretty much the de-facto designation for cars that are a slightly more fun than usual \u2013 Type R, Rennsport, Racing, you name it. But for Mazda, the letter \u2018R\u2019 is quite a bit more special than just that, because in this case, R also means rotary.\nAnd that is why when Mazda submits a trademark application for a new \u2018R\u2019 logo, you better bet damn sure that its hardcore fans would notice it right away, and start cranking the rumour mill into high gear.\nInterestingly, the new logo was actually discovered by a member at the \u201c\nNew Nissan Z\n\u201d online forums. It seems like even the Nissan-faithful are excited by the prospect of a new performance Mazda model!\nThe new \u2018R\u2019 logo is formed by four individual elements in grey and red, which together forms a negative space image of a stylised \u2018R\u2019 \u2013 much like how the empty space in the old Formula 1 logo has the number \u20181\u2019 in between the flags.\nAnd we might be reading too much into this, perhaps even reaching into wish-casting territory, but doesn\u2019t the highlighted red triangle remind you of the Reuleaux triangle inside a Wankel engine?\nCould the new R logo takeover the now-defunct Mazda MPS/Mazdaspeed brand? Read more about the brand\u2019s performance department here. \nMazda\u2019s rotary engine plans is not a secret any more. The company has already \nofficially confirmed the rotary engine range-extender powertrain\n for the \nMX-30 EV SUV\n (which has since been delayed), but of course, being enthusiasts, we all \nwant\n to believe that a properly-designed logo means something more than just a range-extender.\nMany online are also pointing to its similarities to the Spirit R logo that was previously used on the RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars, theorising that we could once again see a Spirit R model, perhaps for the \nMazda MX-5\n. Although, the beloved Miata isn\u2019t actually a rotary-engined car, so we\u2019re not sure if this rationale actually holds any water.\nEven the Mazda MX-5 will be electrified in the near future. Read more about it here.\nPhoto: \nMike Roberts/Flickr\nIt would certainly be fitting, though, perhaps as a final swansong to the internal combustion engine before the \ninevitable takeover by the electrified powertrains\n.\nThere are so many possibilities, and all of them seen to make at least a bit of sense. But which of these, if any, will actually come true? Only time will tell, but we sure hope that it\u2019ll be something fun. Let us know what you think in the comments below!"
"Knowing full well that the demographics of Kia Optima K5 buyers are generally the young executives and the young at heart, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) are going to respond to the market with a hotter and more dynamic GT variant of the K5. Sources told \nAutoBuzz.my\n that it will come as a locally assembled unit and may come as soon as first half of 2017 pending Government approval!\nFirst \nunveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show\n, the Kia Optima GT gets a\n 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI\n with \n242 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Capable of propelling the Optima GT to 100 km/h from standstill in \n7.4 seconds\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\nThe Optima GT also gets revised suspension setup and a rack-mounted electric motor-driven power steering system (R-MDPS) that offers quicker response and greater steering feedback for a sportier driving experience. Internationally, the Optima GT wears some extra go fast bits such as dual exhaust tips, more aggressive front bumper and a subtle air diffuser.\nLocally, the Optima K5 on sale is assembled at NKM\u2019s plant in Gurun, Kedah therefore the company is able to assemble the Optima GT right here in Malaysia. Expect the Optima GT to come with an arsenal of premium features and hopefully it will be reasonably priced thanks to CKD incentives.\nSources explained that the introduction of the Kia Optima GT is one of NKM\u2019s strategies to strengthen the brand appeal in Malaysia and will also serve as an indicator of the public acceptance towards turbocharged Kia vehicles. Therefore, the decision to introduce more turbocharged vehicles such as the \nfourth-gen Rio\n T-GDI and \nCerato T-GDI \nwill be highly dependent on the market sentiment towards the Optima GT.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Making yet another grand appearance at the Geneva Motor Show next week is the second generation supercar from Ingolstadt, the Audi R8. We know only very little about the car, and by little we mean just the \nLED and laser headlights\n\u00a0as well as\u00a0some obvious \naerodynamic tweaks\n to the front bumper.\nThe all-new Audi R8 featuring \nlaser light technology\nLast week, Audi released a short video of their range topping \nR8 V10 Plus\n lapping a circuit at the hands of Frank Stippler, Audi\u2019s very own\u00a0in-house test driver. From the video, we learned that the V10 Plus variant (5.2-litre) makes \n610 horsepower\n and \n560 Nm\n of torque from the naturally aspirated mill. It reportedly sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in \n3.2 seconds\n, an impressive \n0.3 seconds quicker\n than its preceding model.\nThe second generation Audi R8 is set to make its world debut in exactly a week\u2019s time at the 85th Geneva Motor Show. This is one Audi you would not want to miss, so don\u2019t blink away!"
"The highly anticipated, all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has just been unveiled and while it may attract mixed opinions on how it looks, it\u2019s undoubtedly the most technologically-advanced A-Class produced by Mercedes-Benz.\nWithout further ado, here are the five cool features we think will throw you off the edge and open those cheque books when the A-Class finally makes its debut in Malaysia.\nMercedes Benz User Experience\nThe new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system with artificial intelligence.\nThe system comprises of a high-resolution Widescreen cockpit with touchscreen operation of the media display, the navigation display with augmented reality technology plus intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition, which is activated with the words \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d.\nA head-up display is also available. The touchscreen is part of the comprehensive MBUX touch-control concept \u2013 a triad consisting of the touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and touch control buttons in the steering wheel.\nArtificial intelligence is used for the\u00a0\nprediction features\n, which are also part of MBUX with extended functions. With these, MBUX anticipates what the user would like next.\nFor instance, anyone who often telephones their mother on Tuesdays during the journey home will receive her telephone number as a suggestion on the display on this day of the week. Anyone who regularly switches over to a radio station with news at a certain time also receives this as a suggestion.\nIntelligent Drive; with functions from the S-Class\nThe new A-Class comes with the latest driving assistance systems adopted from the S-Class where for the first time its able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. It comes with improved camera and radar systems to allow it to see up to 500 metres ahead.\nFeatures in the optional Driving Assistance Package includes\u00a0Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Assist.\nThe new A-Class is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to have been developed at the new Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety. The design of the vehicle have been influenced by research from real accidents. The highly rigid passenger cell is credit to the use of high-strength and press-hardened sheet steel.\nMBUX\u2019s LINGUATRONIC\nAnother highlight of the MBUX is its intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension, which is activated by the words \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d.\nIt allows the users to control the vehicle\u2019s various functions including phone calls, writing and hearing messages, weather, forecast, climate control, heating and lighting.\nNot limited to certain default commands, MBUX\u2019s LINGUATRONIC is able to recognise and understand virtually every command. For example, \u201cWill the sun be shining tomorrow in KL?\u201d is now understood equally as well as \u201cWill the weather be fine in KL tomorrow?\u201d.\nThe system is so flexible that, to change the air-con temperature, you can say \u201cI am cold\u201d instead of \u201cChange temperature to 24-degrees\u201d.\nHead-up display\nThe optional head-up display is a new feature in the A-Class which now also allows you to configure other functions of the car via the settings menu within the head-up display itself \u2013 a first in its class.\nA series of lenses and mirror project a full-colour image (24 x 8 cm) into the windscreen \u2013 that makes it look like its floating above the bonnet. The head-up display can project navigation instructions, vehicle speed, speed limits or the settings for cruise control or Active Distance Control DISTRONIC.\nExciting new interior design\nFor the first time, a cowl above the cockpit has been completely removed. As a result, the wing-shaped main body of the dashboard extends from one front door to the other with no visual discontinuity.\nThanks to the omission of a cockpit cowl, the main body of the dashboard extends from one door to the other, behind the seemingly free-floating widescreen.\nThe five round air vents have a new turbine look inspired by the world of aviation \u2013 where the air vanes have been arranged to mimic the impression of a jet aircraft turbine.\nThe newly designed 3\u2011spoke steering wheel, door handles, centre console and seats follow a modern design language. The ring-shaped, completely closed door-pull handle is rather unusual but claimed to be ergonomic.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It appears that the \nall-new fifth-generation Toyota Prius\n will soon be getting its own high-performance Gazoo Racing makeover soon \u2013 or at least, in concept form.\nToyota has teased a new concept car due to be unveiled next week at the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, said to be \u201cequipped with vehicle technologies that have been developed through numerous challenges in motorsports participation\u201d. While they stopped short of naming the car, the masked car in the teaser photo does closely resemble the all-new fifth-generation Toyota Prius.\nSee the resemblance?\nDetails are obviously scarce right now, but the teaser image does suggest a big visual overhaul for the hybrid model, including a GR-ified rectangular front lower grille, plus motorsports-inspired quad (daytime-running?) lights on the corners.\nAs for the \u201cvehicle technologies\u201d in the teaser, the GR Prius is likely to become Toyota\u2019s first high performance hybrid model, with an upgraded hybrid system based on the marque\u2019s learnings in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) series, where Toyota fields its GR010 Hybrid in the Hypercar class.\nIt\u2019s unclear whether the Toyota GR Prius will ever reach showrooms, or it will remain just as a concept. Recent rumours suggest that the Toyota GR86 will transition to a hybrid powertrain based on the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill of the \nGR Yaris\n.\nIn that case, the Toyota GR Prius here could act solely as a test bed for the development of the new hybrid powertrain. Although, we\u2019re sure Toyota will be happy to sell it if there\u2019s enough demand from its customers.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR86 gets GR Yaris engine, but it\u2019s not what you think it is"
"They\u2019re called \nMean Metal Motors\n and this, the Azani, is set to be their first electric supercar and the numbers look incredible.\nWe\u2019re talking 1,000 hp and 1,000 Nm and a 0 to 100 km/h time of under two seconds. The electric supercar\u2019s top speed is even more impressive; estimated to be 350 km/h.\nWith a 120 kWh battery pack, the electric driving range is expected to be over 500 km. That\u2019s about the \nsame range as what the\n \nTaycan offers\n; and that\u2019s a Porsche.\nAs the car isn\u2019t officially launched yet mind you, the promises don\u2019t stop there. It will supposedly come with \nAugmented Reality displays\n, and something called the Advanced Morphing seats. The former is self-explanatory while the latter is unlikely to involve morphine.\nIt will also have all the advanced driving aids available in most cars today such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, and lane change alerts.\nPossibly just illustrations at its infancy stage.\nA quick browse through \ntheir website\n revealed even more innovative ideas for vehicle production, albeit in vague terms.\nThey include using organic composites, using one platform to build all types of vehicles to lower production costs, and a higher life cycle for its components. The last one, wow.\nThat\u2019s not all. Production lines in their micro-factories will be incorporated with Artificial Intelligence. It\u2019s said that AI\u2019s adaptive abilities can increase production efficiency.\nPardon me for sounding so skeptical but looking at the figures, it\u2019s hard not to wonder if it could all come true but it\u2019s unlikely that MMM will have a short stint in the automotive production scene as they\u2019ve been around for nearly 10 years now, since 2012. Everything from R&D, design, aerodynamics and engineering of the electric supercar is done in-house, by a 22-strong team.\nMMM expects to sell the Azani for around USD 120,000 (approx RM506k)."
"Porsche, after \nbidding farewell to the 911\u2019s naturally aspirated flat-six\n, drops yet another shocker today by confirming production of their an all-electric model, dubbed the \nPorsche Mission E\n.\nIt\u2019s a historic moment for Porsche because the Mission E will be the company\u2019s \nfirst 100 percent electrically powered sports car\n, ever. The strictly four-seater Porsche packs \n600 hp\n that sends it blitzing from 0 to 100 km/h in just\n 3.5 seconds\n, and apparently it\u2019ll hit 200 km/h in less than 12 seconds.\u00a0\nPowering the car is a cutting-edge \nelectric drive system\n\u00a0that sends power to all four wheels, and its high-discharge density batteries and motor allow multiple \u201cfull throttle accelerations\u201d in a very short duration \u2013 a technology that hasn\u2019t made its way to present day electric vehicles. Despite that, it boasts having a range of over 500 kilometres in a single charge!\nThe Porsche Mission E will come with an \n800-volt turbocharger\n (or Porsche Turbo Charging) system that juices the car up to 80 percent in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, the car \ncan also be\n \ncharged wirelessly\n via an induction coil built into the garage floor. All this may seem too far-fetched now, but Porsche aims to make the car available \nby the end of the decade\n.   Besides the obvious ploy\u00a0to give Tesla a run for their money, Porsche claims that the Mission E project is part of their sustainable growth vision. This project created more than \n1,000 job opportunities\n at the company\u2019s headquarters alone, and with it a 700 million euro investment to expand future operations.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Back in March, we reported that Motor Image Malaysia, the distributor for Subaru vehicles here in Malaysia, has \nbegun taking orders \nfor the \nall-new Subaru BRZ\n.\nAt that point, the 2022 Subaru BRZ offered in both manual and automatic transmission options, was priced from\u00a0\nRM229,245\u00a0\n(on-the-road, without insurance) for the manual variant, and from\n\u00a0RM239,245\n\u00a0for the automatic variant.\nIt has since come to our attention that starting prices for both variants have \nincreased by around RM20k\n, from the 1st of May onwards. Those who have placed their bookings before the 1st of May will not be affected. According to our sources, there will be no changes in specification while the waiting list is now between \nseven to eight months\n.\nWhether or not it\u2019ll deter you, here are a few things to consider about the all-new sportscar. The new BRZ is now powered by a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine (as opposed to a 2.0-litre unit before) with 237 hp and 250 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox with power sent (as you\u2019d expect) to the rear wheels. It\u2019s the only way we\u2019ll have it as well.\nWith the extra power from the increased engine capacity, the BRZ is quicker from 0 to 100 km/h; 6.8 seconds in the automatic model and 6.3 seconds with the manual gearbox. Top speed also defers; with the automatic variant capable of a 216 km/h top speed, while the manual is capable of 226 km/h.\nAside from the noticeable change in exterior and interior design, the Subaru BRZ will also be equipped with Subaru\u2019s famed EyeSight driver assistance system which includes active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear) among others.\nStandard features include 18-inch wheels, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, Track mode, and Ultrasuede upholstery."
"It\u2019s likely that you\u2019ve not seen this video \u2013 seeing as after two years of being online, it has only garnered over 200k views, but you should.\nThe video documents the evolution of Porsche post-World War 2 after Ferry Porsche decided to build his very own sports car having not found one to his liking.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuwT2AmV2S0&list=WL&index=26&t=0s\nFrom the \nPorsche 550 Spyder\n, famously driven by the late James Dean, to the cutting-edge\n Porsche 918 Spyder\n \u2013 the 27-minute video captures Porsche\u2019s passion and drive in constant pursuit of engineering breakthroughs.\nAlthough, only 18-minutes of this video are actually genuine (and worth watching) as it actually leads you into a promotional video for the new \nPorsche Panamera\n \u2013 it\u2019s an advertisement, essentially."
"In a recent CEO Investor Day event, Kia has announced its plans to accelerate its electrification timeline by expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) line-up to 14 models by 2027.\nThe electric onslaught will begin next year, starting with the EV9 large SUV, followed by \u201cat least two\u201d new models per year. Compared to the company\u2019s previously plan to release 11 BEV models by 2026, the increase in the current roadmap will consist of two new electric pickup trucks, along with an entry-level BEV model.\nThe Kia EV9, shown off last year in \nconcept form\n, is a large three-row SUV, measuring roughly 5 metres in length. Despite its massive footprint, the company says it\u2019ll still have a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just five seconds, and a range of around 540 km on a single charge.\nIt\u2019ll also be the first Kia model to feature the brand\u2019s new AutoMode advanced autonomous driving technology, a Level 3-certified system that will allow the EV9 to drive itself in certain circumstances with basic human supervision, and even capable of automatic lane changes on highways.\nKia also claims it will introduce \u201cfull autonomous driving\u201d in 2025 or 2026, which will be fitted to \u201c100% of new cars in major markets and 80% of total sales\u201d, according to Kia CEO Ho Sung Song.\nOn the topic of sales, the Korean carmaker is increasing its targets to sell 160,000 electric cars this year, moving up to 807,000 units in 2026, and eventually reach 1.2 million units annually by the end of the decade \u2013 the latter a 36% jump over its initial targets announced just a year ago.\nMeanwhile, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are also targeted to account for another 52% of its global sales by 2030 \u2013 up from an estimated 17% in 2022.\nALSO READ: Bermaz Auto to introduce full range of Peugeot SUVs, Kia EV6\nTo entice buyers, Kia will be unveiling a flagship GT variant for every new BEV model built on its dedicated electric General Modular Platform (e-GMP), starting with the EV6 GT offering \n576 hp\n (430 kW) and \n740 Nm\n, and a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n3.5 seconds\n.\nHowever, don\u2019t expect all of Kia\u2019s GT models to be that potent, as the company says the GT treatment will be \u201coptimised for each model\u201d, to offer \u201cdynamic performance [based on the] vehicle category\u201d.\nIn essence, bigger SUVs will focus on \u201cprestige with power\u201d, hinting at less hardcore, more highway-friendly high-speed cruisers, while smaller models including sedans and crossovers will feature \u201cagile performance on compact design\u201d, consisting of \u201con-road driving performance\u201d and \u201coverwhelming acceleration\u201d.\nRELATED: Kia EV6 named 2022 European Car of the Year\nIn tandem with the targeted sales increase, Kia also announced its plans to increase its battery supply from 13 gigawatt-hours (GWh) to 119 GWh by 2030. The batteries are expected to increase in energy density by 50%, while also dropping roughly 40% in costs.\nAside from consumer-facing models, Kia will also be introducing a range of \u201cpurpose-built vehicles\u201d targeted at delivery services, ride-sharing, taxis, and other industries. The first model will be a modified version of the Niro small SUV, with dedicated electric models to follow."
"With 1 of 3 Audi models sold globally being an SUV model, Audi Malaysia has reshuffled its product line up to be a \u201cQ\u201d centric one. The all-new \nAudi Q2 1.4 TFSI\n is now the most affordable new Audi in Malaysia.\n \nThe Malaysian market gets only one engine variant, a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI engine that pumps out \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via a 7-speed S Tronic dual clutch allowing the Q2 1.4 TFSI to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n8.5 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n212 km/h\n.\nDespite being fully\nimported from the home of Audi in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Q2 1.4 TFSI is\npriced very competitively at RM219,900. Undercutting even some of its locally\nassembled rivals by a fair bit.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\u00a0\nAudi\u00a0Q2\u00a01.4\u00a0TFSI Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Continental Tyres introduced two new tyre technology concepts that will change the road safety and comfort game \u2013 they\u2019re called the ContiSense and ContiAdapt. They will be continuously monitor the tyre\u2019s condition as well as actively match the tyre\u2019s performance depending on the road conditions. That\u2019s crazy!\nContiSense\n is essentially uses sensors to \ndetect the tread and temperature of the tyre\n which will send signals to a receiver in the car. If anything punctures the tyre, an immediate alarm will trigger the driver \u2013 faster than current available systems, which only warns the driver the tyre pressure has already begun to drop. Data can be transmitted to the vehicle electronics or via bluetooth to a smartphone.\nContiAdapt\n on the other hand combines micro-compressors into the wheel to \nautomatically\u00a0adjust the tyre\u2019s pressure\n. The system can \nmodify the width of the wheel\n \u2013 yes you read correctly \u2013 to provide the most traction depending on road conditions.\nFor example if the road surface is slippery, it will widen the wheels contact with the road and lower the tyre pressure to deliver optimum grip. By contrast, if the roads are smooth and dry, it will narrow down its footprint and increase tyre pressure automatically for better fuel efficiency.\nContiSense and ContiAdapt are joined by a concept tyre that enables the benefits of both systems to be fully leveraged. The tyre design features three different tread zones for driving on wet, slippery or dry surfaces. Depending on the tyre pressure and rim width, different tread zones are activated and the concept tyre adopts the required \u201cfootprint\u201d in each case. In this way, the tyre characteristics adapt to the prevailing road conditions or driver preferences.\nContinental see both these tyre technologies as promising concepts for the future which would require tyres to adapt and meet the needs of automated driving. They follow after the \nContiSilent\n technology which reduces road and tyre noise and the \nContiSeal\n, an automatic sealing feature for punctures."
"We\u2019re supposedly just days away from the 2023 Honda City facelift\u2019s global debut in India, but a full video walkaround of the new car has already been posted online ahead of the launch, courtesy of a YouTuber that goes by the name Kamal Yadav.\nThis is already now the second time we\u2019ve seen the 2023 Honda City facelift. And as we\u2019ve already seen from the \nprevious leak\n, the updates here are relatively minor. On the outside, the front grille now gets an updated mesh with a diamond pin-style honeycomb design, alongside a new slimmer chrome trim piece.\nThe bumpers have also been slightly redesigned both front and back, the latter featuring a new faux carbon-fibre diffuser-like element. In India at least, the new 2023 Honda City also gets a small lip spoiler to match the more aggressive styling, alongside a new set of wheels.\nInside, the general design of the cabin remains largely identical to the \noutgoing pre-facelift model\n. Interior equipment also remains unchanged, with features such as the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the semi-digital instrument cluster with a seven-inch display, and \u2013 on the India-spec car \u2013 an electric sunroof, all making a return on the facelifted car.\nThe video does show off a new wireless charger, although it appears to just be an \u201caftermarket\u201d part sitting atop the cupholders on the centre console. To be entirely honest, we\u2019re much more envious about the six-speed manual shifter on the centre console, rather than these superficial creature comfort additions.\nAs for powertrains, the existing 121 hp 1.5-litre petrol unit, alongside the\n e:HEV hybrid powertrain\n, are both expected to remain on this new facelift model. However, online media portals report that the diesel engine previously offered on the Honda City in India will likely be dropped on the facelift update, due to the introduction of the new Real Driving Emissions (RDE) standards in the nation."
"McLaren\u2019s range of supercars are segmented into a few main series\u2019. There\u2019s the Sports Series, Super and Ultimate along with the recent addition of the GT series featuring the \u201csofter\u201d McLaren GT.\nWith the new 1.4 million pound McLaren Elva where only 399 will ever be made, there\u2019s now a new arrival in the Ultimate series which is currently made up of the Speedtail, the Senna, the P1 and P1 GTR.\nFirst of all, its name; the Elva stems from customer versions of race cars designed by the late founder Bruce McLaren \u2013 the McLaren-Elva M1A of the 1960s.\nThe roofless, open-cockpit two-seater with a carbon fibre chassis and body, is without a windscreen and side windows (although these can be spec-ed) \u2013 making it the lightest road car produced by McLaren Automotive although its exact weight figures have yet to be determined by the Woking-based supercar maker.\nThe lack of a windscreen has prompted McLaren to innovate the \nworld\u2019s first Active Air Management System\n which essentially channels air over the cockpit which in McLaren\u2019s own words, is to create a \u201cbubble of calm\u201d for the passengers. The AAMS also helps cool the radiators when inactive.\nThe Elva gets \n815 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n to play with from a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, 7-speed combination used in the Senna and Senna GTR. With launch control, the numbers are simply staggering \u2013 \n0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 6.7 seconds\n.\nLike the Paganis and Koenigseggs, the Elva can be specified with exposed carbon fibre body panels. It can also be personalised with 18-carat white gold or platinum badges and 24-carat gold engine bay heat shields.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class range has just made its \ngrand debut here in Malaysia\n in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) Urban Hunting Festival. While the \nMercedes-AMG A 35\n did not make it to the launch, here are things you need to know about the A 200 and A 250.\nThe \nA 200 Progressive Line\n gets the new 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder \u2013 a collaborative development with Renault \u2013 pushing out \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. The \nA 250 AMG Line\n, on the other hand, gets its punch from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit making \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. Both variants are equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and front wheel drive as standard.\nBesides differing in engine options and exterior kit, the A-Class range is equipped with the three-pointed star\u2019s latest generation cockpit design and high-tech features. Standard items include the Widescreen Cockpit, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 64-colour ambient lighting and the innovative Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system that drivers can activate voice commands by saying \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line   Mercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive Line"
"Time flies, doesn\u2019t it? It\u2019s already been 10 years since the\n original 86/BRZ twins\n first went on sale, and to celebrate a decade of existence, Toyota and Subaru have now unveiled two limited-run models for the \nGR86\n and \nsecond-generation BRZ\n, dubbed the \u201c10th Anniversary Limited\u201d.\nLimited to just 200 units (at least for the BRZ; Toyota says the limited-edition GR86 will only be available for a \u201climited time\u201d), the new anniversary cars are given a couple of special aesthetic touches to mark it out from the regular models.\nThese include the exclusive paint jobs \u2013 World Rally Blue Pearl on the BRZ, and Flame Orange on the GR86, both as a nod to the original car\u2019s hero colours at their debuts, some 10 years ago. The 18-inch aluminium wheels on both cars are also given a matte black finish, complementing the gloss black wing mirror caps, and the blacked-out badges on the BRZ.\nTying everything up for the exterior of both cars is a commemorative \u201c10th Anniversary since 2012\u201d commemorative sticker on the rear windscreen, although you\u2019ll have to be looking really closely to even see it, as it\u2019s so tiny.\nRELATED: Toyota GR86 Special Edition celebrates the pure fun of sports car driving\nThe highlight of the new \u201c10th Anniversary Limited\u201d edition cars is actually in the cabin, which gets colour coded accents and cross stitching on the upholstery and gear shifter boot. A \u201c10th anniversary\u201d wordmark is also embroidered on the door card trims, in the same colour as its exterior paint job.\nAs you can see in the pictures, the touchscreen infotainment display is optional here; those who opt to go without it will get a plastic trim piece covering the gaping hole, similar to that of the bare-bones Cup race car.\nAside from these changes, though, the rest of the car remains untouched. Power comes from a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four boxer engine, making \n235 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential, and either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.\nPricing wise, the anniversary-edition BRZ starts at JPY3.388 million (approx. RM110k) for the 6MT, and JPY 3.553 million (approx RM116k) for the automatic variant. The limited-edition GR86 comes in a little pricier, at JPY3.469 million (approx RM113k) for the manual, and JPY3.632 million (approx RM118k) for the automatic.\nGALLERY"
"Lynk & Co has rewrite history books as the world\u2019s fastest selling brand in history within its first year of business. In 2018, the Geely sub-brand sold 120,414 cars in China and wraps up the year with 221 retail stores opened in China.\nThe quirky lifestyle-driven brand abandoned the traditional automotive business model of offering endless variants, options and entry points. Offering one single trim level (fully loaded, no less) of their models but allows buyers to buy, subscribe or share their Lynk & Co vehicles. They even provide a \nlifetime warranty for their cars\n!   Lynk & Co is also focused on creating an immersive and unique brand experience as you can tell by their stylish\u00a0\nshowroom concepts\n with caf\u00e9-bar, cinema, children\u2019s play area and more to capture the hearts of urbanites and complement their\u00a0fast-paced lifestyle.\nTo date, Lynk & Co has three models under their portfolio \u2013 \n01 SUV\n, \n02 compact SUV\n and \n03 sedan\n. All three models are based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform developed by Volvo and are powered by either a 1.5-litre three-cylinder or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines.   Moving forward the company is looking to expand into the European market with first stores are set to open in 2020 within the continent\u2019s vibrant cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Stockholm, London and Barcelona."
"Following the release of \nSales and Services Tax pricelist for BMW vehicles\n in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has also unveiled the updated price list for MINI models in the country. As the trend dictates, fully imported models are now more expensive while locally assembled models are now easier on the wallet.\nStarting with the recently introduced \nMINI 3 Door and 5 Door facelift\n range, the two models were launched during the zero-rated GST (Goods and Services Tax) period hence there is no baseline comparison for the two models. But the two models now retail between RM245k to RM306k.\nThe Clubman also saw a price increase of RM4,000 to RM7,000 across all variants due to its fully imported nature. The locally assembled \nCountryman Sports\n and \nPlug-In Hybrid\n both receive a price reduction of RM5,000 after SST is applied but the JCW (John Cooper Works) variant is now RM7,000 more expensive.\nMINI Malaysia has also taken the opportunity to add a Panoramic Roof option for the 3 Door JCW, Clubman JCW and Countryman JCW for an additional fee of RM9k. The 5 Door Cooper S meanwhile gains the Dinamica leather seat option for RM5k extra."
"Proton\u2019s upward sales trajectory sees no sign of slowing down, as the national carmaker records another month of positive sales figures, with a total of\n 9,974 units\n registered in the month of February 2020.\nThe results translates to \nover 80% year-on-year growth\n compared to the same period last year. Compared to January, the sales figure also represents a 17.3% growth.\nAs a result, Proton\u2019s market share for February is estimated to be\n 23.8%\n, the highest the brand recorded since August 2013, and an increase of 10.3% as compared to February 2019.\nIn terms of individual model sales, the February result was once again led by the brand\u2019s best seller, \nProton Saga\n, with \n3,934 units\n registered in February. The \nProton Persona\n meanwhile registered \n2,653 sales\n, retaking the top spot in the B-segment sedan class.\nThe Proton X70 recorded a sales of \n1,973 units\n in February, making it the nation\u2019s most popular SUV for the second month in a row. Proton says that \nmore than 7,000 orders\n have been received for the recently-launched \n2020 Proton X70\n, with early birds already starting to receive their cars.\nAs for the other models, the \nProton Exora\n remains the market-leader for the C-segment MPV market, while the \nProton Iriz\n climbs to second position B-segment hatchback category.\nProton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cFebruary was a strong sales month for Proton despite the Total Industry Volume (TIV) shrinking compared to January. By being able to maintain our sales growth our market share is now at its highest point in 77 months.\n\u201cBookings for the 2020 Proton X70 have also been strong so we feel encouraged about our plans for the rest of the year,\u201d Dr. Li added."
"Together with the CX-5 refresh, Mazda also worked on their flagship by giving it an update to the interior and exterior. The \nMazda6\n is already a handsome car to begin with, but Mazda still insists on keeping the Mazda6 fresh to take on the other D-segment contenders.\nEXTERIOR\nSimilar to the CX-5, Mazda6 gets a new nose that consists of a \nnew grille\n with thicker chrome \u2018wings\u2019 that extends to the \nAdaptive LED Headlights\n (ALH). The bumper has been reprofiled with a dash of chrome at the upper edge of the foglamp surround.\nOther than that, there\u2019s the new \nLED lighting signature\n for the taillamps, new design for the \n19-inch wheels\n, and the addition of Sonic Silver Metallic and Titanium Flash Mica paint shades.\nINTERIOR\nMazda has worked on the interior to lift the comfort and usability by using higher quality materials and fitting it with additional equipment. Black or sand beige fabric upholstery is standard but leather upholstery can be specified in either black or off-white.\nThe dashboard has been redesigned, with a free standing \nseven-inch center display\n in the middle, and a pop-up \nHead Up Display\n above the instrument binnacle. There\u2019s the \nMZD Connect\n car connectivity system, and \nActive Driving Display\n that shows the vehicle speed and other important driving information such as that from the advanced safety systems in real time.\nMazda6 also adopts the new \nElectrical Parking Brake\n (EPB) that contributes to a cleaner center console. Rear occupants\u2019 comfort are now boosted by the inclusion of \nheated seats\n (which is a first in a Mazda), as well as a \npowered rear sunshade\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe engines used in the facelifted Mazda6 mirrors the CX-5,\u00a0which includes the\u00a0\n2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G\n\u00a0petrol with 158 hp or 163 hp,\u00a0\n2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G\n\u00a0petrol with 189 hp, and a\u00a0\n2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D\n\u00a0diesel with 148 hp or 173 hp mated to either a\n\u00a0six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic\n\u00a0with\u00a0\nDrive Selection\n\u00a0or a\u00a0\nsix-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual\n\u00a0transmission.\nThere\u2019s also Mazda\u2019s\n i-stop\n idling stop system and \ni-ELOOP\n brake energy regeneration system to help achieve a better fuel consumption. Ride and handling is said to be improved, with the updated front and rear damper structure together with the updated front lower arms bushings.\nWHAT ELSE?\nMazda6 is also fitted with Mazda\u2019s \ni-ACTIVSENSE\n advanced safety technologies that uses radars and cameras around the vehicle. They provide information for the \nBlind Spot Monitoring\n (BSM), \nRear Cross Traffic Alert\n (RCTA), \nMazda Radar Cruise Control\n (MRCC), and the new \nLane-keep Assist System\n (LAS) to detect the surroundings.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the introduction of the \nnon-hybrid Corolla Cross\n in Malaysia last year, UMW Toyota has expanded the line-up to now include the Corolla Cross Hybrid, priced at \nRM136,550\n.\nAs it is a hybrid, UMW Toyota is offering an 8-year warranty on the batteries, inverter unit, and power management control ECU. As for the crossover itself, it\u2019ll come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder VVT-i\nTransmission: E-CVT\nMax Power: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm\nMax Torque: 142 Nm @ 3,600 rpm\nElectric motor: 53 hp & 163 Nm\nCombined system output: 122 hp\nThe electric motor is powered by a 6.5 Ah nickel-metal hydride battery, placed under the rear seats, and together with the 2ZR-XFE engine, sends power to the front wheels.\nEXTERIOR\nThe only way to differentiate the standard non-hybrid 1.8 Corolla Cross and the hybrid variant is through the headlamps along with the front and rear badges which are finished with blue details. The rest of the exterior, is identical to the 1.8V and 1.8E variants.\n18-inch wheels\nAutomatic LED headlamps\nLED daytime running lights\nLED front and rear fog lights\nRoof rails\nHands-free powered tailgate with kick sensor\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Corolla Cross Hybrid stands out from the standard 1.8 model with different floor mats and a larger 7-inch multi-information display compared to the 4.2-inch unit in the non-hybrid model.\nOther features offered exclusively in the hybrid variant are features like the dual-zone air conditioning system, electrochromic rear-view mirror, and a drive mode selector with Sport, Eco, Normal, and EV mode.\n9-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto\nSix speakers\nDual-zone air conditioning system\nElectrochromic rear-view mirror\nPanoramic view monitor\n8 way powered seats for the driver\nIt\u2019s worth noting that bootspace in the Corolla Cross Hybrid is not affected with the additional batteries under the seat and is also rated at 440-litres, just like the non-hybrid models. It does come with a smaller fuel tank than the standard 1.8 model, at just 36-litres compared to the 47-litre tank on the former.\nSAFETY\nThe Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with seven airbags, hill-start assist, six parking sensors, a blindspot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, along with the full Toyota Safety Sense system which includes:\nPre-collision System\nDynamic Radar Cruise Control\nLane Departure Alert with Steering Assist\nLane Tracing Assist\nAutomatic High Beam\nGALLERY"
"Motor Image Subaru, exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across eight countries in Asia, recently gave us preview on the striking new Forester GT in Singapore following the local launch of the new SUV and the introduction of the XV GT in Malaysia.\nThe GT Edition of the Forester was created in close collaboration with Giken Co. Ltd. and Mr. Masahiko \u201cJack\u201d Kobayashi, former Chief Designer at Subaru Corporation who was responsible for the design of more than 12 Subaru production models including the WRX STI.\nThe Forest GT focuses only on aesthetics without any mechanical upgrades where the aero kit consists of a front bumper extension, side skirts, a roof spoiler and rear bumper extension.\nThe GT Edition also comes exclusively with a bespoke set of 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, a new two-tone seat design is the only difference in the GT from the standard model.\nThe new Subaru Forester GT Edition will make its first public appearance at the Taipei International Auto Show in December 2019, followed by the Singapore Motorshow in January 2020, the Bangkok International Motor Show in March 2020 and the Manila International Auto Show in April 2020. Subsequent market launches will be announced later.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nall-new Perodua Axia\n is now available for booking and here\u2019s what we know at the moment. There will be four variants available, starting from \nRM38,600 to RM49,000\n.\nAlongside the announcement, Perodua also revealed that the previous generation Axia will no longer be produced by the end of the month. Those who have placed a booking on the old model and are still waiting for it will have their orders transferred to the new model.\nThat said, with the new Axia being more expensive than before, those who have booked the previous generation model will be subjected to the new price as well.\u00a0Those who opt to not proceed with the new Axia will have their booking fee refunded.\nAll variants will be powered by the existing 1KR-VE 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n. New here is a Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox. Manual versions of the Axia could still be produced, although further confirmation will be given through an announcement on a later date.\nOther new additions to the new model include LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, retractable side mirrors, and LED turn signals.\u00a0\nInside, those who opt for the higher variants will also get a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the safety front, the new Axia will be offered with six airbags to now include front, side and curtain airbags. It will also feature ABS, traction control and vehicle stability control systems.\nLike what you see in the new Axia?"
"The Honda Thailand Foundation have committed a sum of 40 million Thai Baht to support 48 hospitals around Thailand to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.\nThe sum will go into the production of \n100 negative pressure mobile beds\n meant to keep frontliners safe from the Covid-19 virus while treating and transporting patients. These beds will be produced by volunteer staff of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co. Ltd. at the Honda production plant in Ayutthaya province which has temporarily suspended operations, under the supervision of the Vajira Hospital.\nThat\u2019s not all. The foundation is also contributing 1,000 face shields, 10,000 PPE suits, 100,000 face masks purchased from the Department of Corrections, and 10 ambulances.\nThe foundation gave credit to Honda Thailand\u2019s customers who have had a part to play in this effort as the \nfunds were generated from the sale of Honda cars, motorcycles and power tools\n.\nThe Honda Khiang Khang Thai (HKKT) fund, as it is called, was set up by the Honda Group of Companies in Thailand in 2012. Its objective is to help Thais who are affected by natural disasters such as floods, landslides etc.\nHonda contributes 1,000 Thai Baht to the fund for every Honda vehicle sold, 100 Baht for every Honda motorcycle sold, and 10 baht for every Honda power tool sold. Over the last eight years, the HKKT has contributed 335 million Baht in support of the Thai people."
"It seems like it\u2019s full steam ahead for Mazda\u2019s \nSustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030\n plan, where every Mazda vehicle will feature some form of electrification by 2030. The \nMazda MX-5\n, arguably Mazda\u2019s halo car, might move towards the electrification route too, according to an interview by \nAutocar UK\n.\nMazda Brand and Design chief, Ikuo Maeda said, \u201cWe want to look at the best powertrain to keep the vehicle lightweight, but because of the diversifying requirements and preference, we need to explore various options.\n\u201cI don\u2019t have the answer now but we need to make a vehicle that people can own without worrying that they are not being eco-friendly,\u201d he added.\nAn electric roadster sounds like a ton of fun (remember the first-generation Tesla Roadster, anyone?), but the added mass from an electric powertrain would still definitely affect the fun and nimble driving dynamics that the MX-5 is so well-known for, even if the low-mounted battery does help with the centre of gravity.\nMoreover, if weight is not an issue, driving range most likely will be. We still can\u2019t beat physics (yet), and a lightweight battery most probably means limited range.\u00a0\nUnsurprisingly, Mazda recognises the true essence of the MX-5, with R&D boss Ichiro Hirose saying \u201cThe lightweighting and compact size are essential elements of MX-5, so even if we apply electrification, we have to make sure it really helps to achieve the lightweighting of the vehicle.\u201d\nIf we have to trust someone to make it happen though, it would be Mazda. Just look at the all-new \nMazda 3\n \u2013 Mazda managed to tune the controversial torsion beam rear suspension to handle as well, or even better, than a more sophisticated multi-link independent suspension set-up."
"It\u2019s without a doubt one of the most epic local promotional videos we\u2019ve seen in a long while and it doesn\u2019t even involve a sportscar! Instead, the star of the show is the\n newly launched Mitsubishi Triton Athlete\n, driven \nlike a Mitsubishi rally car\n around the compounds of the Shah Alam Stadium!\nIn a clear move to display the \npick-up\u2019s maneuverability\n, Mitsubishi literally turned the stadium into a gymkhana playground for the Triton Athlete to slide, drift, perform J-turns with incredible FPV drone shots, fireworks, and even flame throwers!\n \nAt one point, the Triton Athlete even crashed through a \u201cwall\u201d! With such precision driving, we can\u2019t help but wonder who the driver is; \nLeona Chin\n, is that you?\nThe most epic shot in the entire video has to be the moment when the Triton Athlete was under a basketball net to receive the ball. It makes you wonder, how many attempts did they need to get the perfect shot? Pun intended.\nAnd after such exhilarating stunts, the video couldn\u2019t have ended with more style, but it did! If you have three minutes to spare, this is the video to watch!"
"Alpina\n has unveiled the BMW Alpina XB7, based on the facelifted \nBMW X7\n that was released in April 2022. The German tuner (which is now a subsidiary of the BMW Group) has boosted the X7\u2019s performance rather significantly, but not so much its looks.\nPowered by BMW\u2019s next-generation 4.4-litre twin-turbo engine with a mild hybrid system, the BMW Alpina XB7 produces a total of \n621 hp\n @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and \n800 Nm \n@1,800-5,400 rpm. It adds on an additional 91 hp and 50 Nm over the BMW X7 M60i xDrive (530 hp/750 Nm).\nWith the hybrid V8 powertrain paired to an eight-speed transmission, the 2,730-kg Alpina XB7 launches itself from 0-100km/h in just \n4.2 seconds\n and is able of reaching a top speed of \n290 km/h\n. Alpina has also equipped the XB7 with a unique cooling system.\nAlso featured on the BMW Alpina XB7 is the latest suspension technology that includes air suspension. With this, the XB7 can raise itself by 40 mm at speeds of up to 30 km/h. It can also lower itself by 20 mm when put in \u201cSport\u201d mode or when it goes over 160 km/h.\nIn \u201cSport Plus\u201d mode or when it goes over 250 km/h, the BMW Alpina XB7 drops its ride height by 40 mm. The two-axle air suspension with Alpina-specific damper and kinematic set-up are primarily responsible for the balance of driving dynamics and ride comfort.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW X7\u2019s new split headlights might be even more divisive than the kidney grille\nExterior enhancements of the Alpina XB7 include the Alpina Green paint job, redesigned bumpers, quad exhaust tips, and 21-inch Alpina Dynamic wheels. Alpina has not interfered too much with the divisive look of the 2022 BMW X7.\nIn the cabin, Alpina has decked out the XB7 with a glass Alpina infotainment control dial, a blue illuminated gear selector, illuminated door sills, and a unique steering wheel finished in Lavalina leather with blue and green stitching. Behind the steering wheel are Tiptronic buttons instead of paddle shifters.\nRELATED: \nBMW M boss explains why the XM is an SUV, not a coupe\nThe gauge clusters are accented by Alpina blue, changing to Alpina green when in \u201cSport\u201d or \u201cSport Plus\u201d modes, and there are three trim options \u2013 Myrtle Luxury wood, Piano lacquer, or Natural Walnut Anthracite.\nThe BMW Alpina XB7 is open for booking with prices starting at USD 145,995 (approx. \nRM666,729\n). Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2023.\nRELATED: \nAlpina now under BMW Group \u2013 the beginning of Alpina electric cars?\nGALLERY"
"In light of businesses resuming their operations amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Goodyear Malaysia has announced its Zero Contact initiative to allow customers to avoid direct person-to-person contact when getting new tyres at any participating Goodyear Autocare centre.\n\u201cWith Goodyear\u2019s Zero Contact initiative, from the moment you drop-off your vehicle and up until you collect it, there will be zero direct physical contact between staff members and customers to minimise the risks of any potential spread. We decided to extend this programme in Malaysia, off the back of its success in the United States, Australia and other ASEAN countries,\u201d said Goodyear Malaysia, Managing Director, Alex Ng.\nWe hope that through this programme, we continue to assure Goodyear\u2019s loyal customers that we have taken all the necessary precautions for their personal safety and at the same time, remain committed to ensuring the safety of their tyres\u201d, he added.\nAt the Goodyear Autocare centres, there will be specially-designated Zero Contact parking areas for customers to park their cars, as well as a drop box for them to place their car keys. The Goodyear Autocare employee will then proceed to collect the car.\nBefore returning the car to its owner, a 12-point vehicle safety check will be conducted on each car, followed by the disinfection of 12 major touch points. These are complimentary services to ensure that the customer\u2019s car is safe to be driven once again, especially for those who have left their cars untouched for a long time due to the Movement Control Order.\nWhen the customer collects his or her car at the Zero Contact parking area, they will receive a checklist placed in the car. This is proof of the thorough clean-up, as well as to notify them of any possible issue that the Goodyear Autocare staff may have found whilst conducting their checks, making it easy for customers to rectify it as quickly as possible.\nOther precautionary measures will also be enforced at all Goodyear Autocare centres. For instance, staff members are required to sanitise and disinfect all public areas, facilities, as well as any tools and equipment \nthree times daily\n.\nThe seats at the Goodyear Autocare centre will be marked for alternative seating, while standing markers will also be placed on the floor to ensure customers are standing one metre away from others when in a queue. Customers are advised to pay their services rendered via contactless payment options such as e-wallet, online banking or payWave.\nThrough the Zero Contact initiative, customers will have to first set an appointment with their preferred Goodyear Autocare centre via a phone call or WhatsApp available on Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s website. Alternatively,\n \nvisit their site via mobile\n and use the map to select the closest desired location. Once located, simply click on the WhatsApp icon to make an appointment with the selected Goodyear Autocare centre."
"Designed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Porsche, as well as the \nend of production of the 991-generation Porsche 911\n, we knew that the new 911 Speedster is born to be flashy \u2013 but we weren\u2019t prepared to be wowed quite like that when we saw it in the metal.\nThe Speedster on display for the media at Porsche Centre Ara Damansara was fitted with the Heritage Design Package, featuring a GT Metallic Silver paintjob contrasted by white \u201cspear\u201d graphics at the front stretching across the front fenders, 50\u2019s-styled Porsche crest, gold Speedster badges, customisable race number, as well as a old-school Porsche script decal on the side.\nWe must say the retro-inspired decals work really well with the extravagant Speedster shape, featuring the carbon fibre \u201cdouble-bubble streamliners\u201d that also act as a roll-over protection for the passengers. While the 911 Speedster is based off of the GT3, several changes were made to the exterior \u2013 such as the more inclined windscreens \u2013 to make the Speedster truly special.\nAlso, check out how the rear cover opens up \u2013 hiding underneath the large carbon fibre piece is a lightweight (and manually-attached) tonneau cover, as well as the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine from the GT3, pushing 510 hp and 470 Nm of torque to the rear wheels.\nThe fanciness continues inside, with a lush-looking Cognac leather upholstery wrapped around the large carbon-fibre bucket seats and dashboard. However, we \u2013 being the driving enthusiasts that we are \u2013 were immediately drawn to the manual gearknob on the centre console \u2013 yes, the 911 Speedster comes with a manual gearbox(!).\nThis being the Heritage Design edition, the gear knob cover and the refreshingly-simple steering wheel\u2019s centre marking were given a retro-licious off-white colour. Other Heritage Design Package touches include the gold \u201c70 Years of Porsche\u201d badge with the car\u2019s serial number (X / 1,948) wedged between the two seats, as well as the gold Speedster badging on the dashboard.\nBeing special does come at a price, though. The 1,948-units-only Porsche 911 Speedster starts at RM2.7 million a pop, and that\u2019s before factoring in the optional Heritage Design Package that you\u2019d definitely want. For more detailed information on the \nswansong of the 991 generation Porsche 911\n, do check out our \nFacts & Figures\n launch article on the Speedster, as well as our \nwalkaround video\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Peugeot has just unveiled its all-new Peugeot 508 sedan ahead of its global debut at the upcoming 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). The new D-segment sedan gets a radical \u2018fastback\u2019 design, latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit and a range of highly efficient PureTech & BlueHDi engines.\nAlthough still a practical five-door sedan, the designers took a sports coupe approach when penning the new 508. It boasts slim LED headlamps with mesh front grille, 508 badge on the front hood, tapering roofline, Lion Claw LED taillamps but the main highlight would have to be the \nframeless doors\n. Despite the low slug package, the 508 boasts 487 litres of boot space.\nOpen the frameless doors and you\u2019ll be greeted with the latest Peugeot i-Cockpit design similar to the \n3008\n that includes small full grain leather wrapped steering wheel, 10.0-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system, 12.3-inch heads-up digital instrument cluster, electronic gear selector and ambient lighting.\nThe all-new 508 will be available with six petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from \n130 hp\n to \n225 hp\n paired to either an automatic or manual transmission to drive the front wheels. This new flagship model will also come with \nclass-leading\n advanced driver assistance systems including a unique night vision system that uses an infrared camera to detect pedestrians at night.   Peugeot CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato said: \u201cThe all-new Peugeot 508 is finally here. After the success of our latest high profile launches and our SUV offensive with the multi-award-winning Peugeot \n2008 SUV\n, \n3008 SUV\n and all-new 5008 SUV, with the all-new PEUGEOT 508 we carry the exact same ambition; to shake up the market with an outstanding new car that can compete with the best.\u201d\nMore information of the all-new Peugeot 508 to be revealed during the global premiere at the 2018 GIMS.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019re big fans of quirky small EVs. Things like the \nHonda e\n,\n \nFiat 500e\n, and even the \nCitroen AMI\n excite us to no end, because not only are they promoting the use of a more eco-friendly (and sometimes, exciting) powertrain, these cars are also pushing the envelope on car design and functionality. For those who share the same passion as us, we\u2019re happy to report that there\u2019s something new to add to the list \u2013 the Electric Brands eBussy.\nThe eBussy, which stands for Electric Bus System, is a modular electric vehicle system where buyers can choose their own preferred body styles to fit their own needs \u2013 from two-door pick-up trucks to camper vans and everything in between. Electric Brands calls this the \u201cLego principle\u201d, and even says that you can change it as often as you want \u2013 no special tools or NASA engineers required.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47gWIfC00JM\nTwo chassis options are on offer \u2013 one more suited for regular streets use, and another for off-road shenanigans with raised suspensions and knobby all-terrain tyres \u2013 and all of the body shells will be compatible with both platforms. Both platforms are powered by four wheel-integrated electric motors, which means that the eBussy will have all-time all-wheel drive, so going off the beaten path in one of these is a genuine possibility.\nElectric Brands says that the eBussy\u2019s four motors generate a total of over 1,000 Nm torque, but we\u2019re pretty sure that figure is measured at the wheels (like the \nHummer EV\n), which isn\u2019t comparable to how most car manufacturers measure torque. Horsepower is rated at 15 kW (around 20 hp), and the company also quotes a top speed of 90 km/h.\nWeighing in at less than 600 kg without batteries (and depending on module chosen), the eBussy is said to have a range of between 200 to 800 km. The large delta in range is once again dependent on how you configure your vehicle, which can carry between 10 to 30 kWh of battery packs.\nThe eBussy also comes as standard with a foldable solar charging panel on the roof, which can expand up to 8 metres square in size, giving you a charging capacity of \u201c13 kWh per day\u201d. Electric Brands also says that it plans to set up battery-switching stations, where you\u2019ll be able to exchange your empty batteries for a fully charged one to extend your range.\nElectric Brands is now taking orders for the eBussy, and its website reports that it has already received 4,171 bookings so far. Prices start at around EUR15,800 (approx. RM77k), and obviously rises depending on the modules selected.\nGALLERY"
"Chery Malaysia \nhas officially announced its partnership with Inokom Corporation (Sime Darby Inokom) for the local assembly of its models, at the latter\u2019s 200-acre manufacturing facility in Kulim, Kedah.\nThe Chinese carmaker\u2019s local assembly operation in Malaysia is scheduled to begin in June this year, and will consist of the \nOmoda 5\n and \nTiggo 8 Pro\n models, ahead of their launch in July. According to current plans, the assembly line can support an initial capacity of up to 20,000 units per year.\nSpeaking during the Chery\u2019s brand launch event at \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n today, Chery Malaysia Country Director, Leo Chen said, \u201cWith nearly three decades of experience in assembling vehicles of many world-renowned brands, Inokom is an ideal partner for Chery in our mission to take root in Malaysia and provide Malaysian consumers with high-technology and high-quality vehicles that are ahead of the curve in terms of design.\u201d\n\u201cAs we have done successfully in many other markets, Chery is determined to localise its operations in Malaysia as far as possible. We believe this will bring us closer to Malaysian consumers to fully understand their needs and wants, not to mention contribute economically to the nation through technology transfer as well as the creation of jobs and strategic opportunities,\u201d Chen added.\nThe company also said it will be accelerating its localisation strategy in other aspects, including recruitment of Malaysian talents in various key areas, as well as the expansion of its\n dealership network\n. \u201cWe target to launch with no fewer than 30 dealers covering all major cities nationwide,\u201d Chen said."
"BMW Group Malaysia recorded a strong 15 per cent growth in sales in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year, delivering 3,000 vehicles across BMW, MINI and Motorrad brands.\nOver 2,500 new BMW vehicles were delivered to customers in Q1 of 2018 compared to 2,100 cars in 2017, charting an\u00a0\n18 per cent growth\n. BMW X models were the strongest growth driver for the brand, enjoying a significant \n39 per cent growth\n in the first quarter of the year. The X5 proved to be the most popular model, but BMW is set to bolster the healthy trend with the first-ever X2 and \nall-new X3\n.\n \n \nThe MINI brand, on the other hand, saw 220 deliveries in the first three months of 2018, 6 per cent up from the same period last year. BMW Motorrard\u00a0closed Q1 2018 with 260 motorcycles delivered to customers.\nMoving forward, BMW Group Malaysia is committed to grow its investments in Malaysia to continue to develop Malaysia as a hub for BMW Group in South East Asia. In 2017, the group opened its doors to the new \nBMW Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Senai, Johor\n that supports after sales operations of 23 countries."
"It\u2019s been awhile since the \nHonda e \n(previously called the \nUrban Concept\n) was unveiled and along the way, Honda has fueled our curiousity by releasing minimal information about the car from its EV range to \ncolour offerings\n.\nBut they\u2019ve always left out one very important detail which they\u2019ve now announced \u2013 \nperformance figures\n!\nThe Honda e, makes\n 150 hp \nand over \n300 Nm \nfrom its high-power electric motor to drive the rear wheels, with power stored in a 35.5kWh battery. The \nHonda CR-V 1.5 TC-P\n on the other hand, only makes \n243 Nm\n. The batteries offer fast-charging capabilities of 80% in 30 minutes, with a \npure EV range of 200 km\n.\nThe most-compact-in-class battery is tucked under the vehicle floor, allowing the Honda e to have perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.\nTurning radius is approximately 4.3 metres, a result of the Honda e\u2019s rear-wheel drive configuration while its \nSide Camera Mirror system\n ensures that visibility will never be disrupted even when driving in extreme weather.\nThe Honda e is also equipped with a \u201cSingle Pedal Control\u201d feature that enables the driver to accelerate and slow the car down using only the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator is released, automatic regenerative braking will kick in while slowing the car down.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Tesla Model 3 has recently been unveiled by Tesla Motors founder and CEO, Elon Musk at the company\u2019s factory in Fremont, California with the first 30 owners being presented with their cars.\nDespite being seen as the brand\u2019s all-electric competitor for the likes of BMW\u2019s 3-series and Mercedes-Benz\u2019 C-class, production of the right-hand drive Tesla Model 3\u2019s will not commence until early 2019.\nThere will be two variants available in terms of range offered, either in 220 or 310 miles (354 km or 507 km). The new \nTesla Model 3 \nmay be smaller than the Tesla Model S\u2019s but it still takes precedence in terms of performance, with zero to 100 km/h sprint taking just \n5.6 seconds\n for the standard model and \n5.1 seconds\n for the long range version. Top speed for the standard model is at \n209 km/h\n and \n225 km/h\n.\nThe new Tesla Model 3 measures 4,694 mm long and 1,849 mm wide with a kerb weight of 1,610 kg. Boot space is at a combined 425-litres from both its front and rear luggage components.\nInside its five-seater interior, the Model 3 comes with a single 15-inch screen at the centre of the dashboard, providing controls for every function while at the same time creating a minimalist interior with the vehicle\u2019s parameters being displayed in the corner of the screen, nearest to the driver.\nOther features include Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity, voice activated controls and remote climate control with app. Safety systems come in the form of Automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance, electronic stability and traction control alongside eight airbags.\nA Premium Package upgrade will see the inclusion of heated seats and other cabin materials, 12-way power adjustable front seats, open pore wood decor and a premium audio system with subwoofers and surround speakers.\nIn the US, the Model 3 has a base price of $35,000 (approx RM 149,747) but the long-range model comes in at $44,000 (approx RM 188,254). All Model 3 cars come equipped with Tesla\u2019s Autopilot technology, a series of semi-autonomous driving features, and every car will also be unlocked for \u2018Ludicrous mode\u2019 \u2013 a self-explanatory driving mode which unlocks the full potential of the batteries and motor. \nTesla currently has around 400,000 pre-order deposits for the Model 3."
"Nasim Sdn. Bhd. has just launched the new, fully imported Peugeot 5008 Allure THP SUV that shares the same Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2) as the \nPeugeot 3008 we reviewed recently\n. Here are the Things You Need To Know about Peugeot\u2019s latest offering.\nPriced at\u00a0\nRM 173,888\n, the Peugeot 5008 is offered in\u00a0\njust one variant\n \u2013 the Allure THP \u2013 with a 5-year / 120,000 km warranty as well as 3-years Free 24-hour Peugeot Assistance.\nIt offers two extra seats and a larger boot compared to the Peugeot 3008 but \nretains the same\n 1.6-litre THP 4-cylinder engine with\u00a0\n165 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n240 Nm\u00a0\nfrom as low as 1,400 rpm; mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. As it is front-wheel driven and not all-wheel, expect the 5008 to be a little more eager off the line.\nWhen the tarmac ends, the Peugeot 5008 offers \nfive different driving modes\n \u2013 Standard, ESP Off, Sand, Mud and the most unlikely in Malaysia, Snow."
"As we draw closer to the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) happening in September, Mercedes-Benz is ready to bring out their big guns to stun the crowd. Up their sleeves are the GLC F-Cell EQ Power, EQ compact car concept, Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar and the public premiere of the \nX-Class pick-up truck\n.\nMercedes-Benz have been studying the feasibility of all-electric hydrogen-powered vehicles for some time now and as more hydrogen refuelling stations are being set up in Germany, what better time to showcase the hydrogen powered GLC F-Cell EQ Power. The GLC F-Cell combines the versatility of an SUV with the merits of a long range, emission-free driving.\nAnother vehicle that will make its debut is a compact full-electric concept car. Information on the concept car is scarce at the moment but the company is looking to offer make electromobility available for the compact car buyers.\nThe Project One hypercar that is said to feature genuine Formula One hybrid technology will also make its first public appearance at the upcoming IAA, so is the \nX-Class\n that debuted recently."
"During one of Briggs Automotive Company\u2019s (BAC) outings with its BAC Hong Kong and UK customer at Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the single-seater, road-legal sportscar manage to set a new production car lap record beating the previous record holder, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS.\nBehind the wheel of the record-breaking Mono is Blancpain GT Series Asia driver Shaun Thong who clocked the former F1 circuit in 2:14.617, beating the previous 2:18.997 record by over four seconds. BAC also holds the best production lap times at Zolder, Hungaroring and Anglesey. The lap was officially clocked by SIC timekeepers.   The Mono is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine pushing \n305 hp\n and \n308 Nm\n of twist sending drive to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. With a dry weight of just 580 kg, the Mono boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 525 hp per tonne as well as a near perfect 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution.\nCo-Founder and Director of Product Development, Neill Briggs said: \u201cBAC and all of our dealers around the world pride themselves on first-class customer engagement and service \u2013 and there aren\u2019t many better ways to mark a unique customer event than with a new lap record! A fantastic time had by all and what a brilliant scalp to walk away from Sepang with; we can\u2019t wait to get back on the track with our customers to push for more records!\u201d"
"The \nProton X50\n\u2018s owner list already has quite a few notable personalities, but it\u2019s just added yet another very important customer \u2013 HRH Tengku Laksamana Selangor Tengku Sulaiman Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj.\nIt\u2019s not just any Proton X50 either, because Tengku Sulaiman Shah\u2019s X50 is specially customised by Automotive Conversion Engineering (ACE), a special division within Proton that specialises in customising vehicles, just like this one.\nAs you can already see, the special customised Proton X50 is decked out in a bright gold paint that\u2019s fit for a royal. The gold hue is accented with distinctive twin black stripes down the centre of the car that can be seen on the bonnet and tailgate, and is also further complemented by unique 10-spoke wheels, finished in chrome.\nOther bespoke additions include a tiger ornament on the bonnet, and the Ethereal Bow grille trim is also painted in the same matching gold colour. Further down, the bumper gets additional LED lighting fixtures, while the number plate holder also bears a unique eagle ornament \u2013 the eagle is the state animal of Selangor, if you didn\u2019t know.\nALSO READ: Proton X50 faster than a BMW X1? Here\u2019s what actually happened\nOver at the rear, there\u2019s a new chrome bar underneath the Proton roundel logo, while the horizontal trim between the taillights is also now finished in chrome, contrasted by the golden Proton word mark.\nThe tailgate also gets additional badging in the form of a Selangor flag and coat of arms emblem, along with a stylised \u2018S\u2019 emblem next to the X50 badge. Further below, the exhaust tips are now finished in gold, while the bumper also see the addition of LED lighting fixtures, as seen on at the front.\nWe\u2019ve only been provided with one photo of the car\u2019s interior, but from what we can see, it\u2019s also been modified with wooden trim on the dashboard, centre console, door cards, and steering wheel to turn up the \u201croyal-ness\u201d a couple of notches. The black leather upholstery also gets a yellow contrast stitching to match the exterior.\nOne thing that\u2019s probably unaltered, though, is the powertrain underneath the bonnet. In the Flagship guise, which is most likely Tengku Sulaiman Shah\u2019s choice here, the \n1.5-litre TGDi turbocharged three-cylinder engine \nmakes \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nRELATED: Proton X50 launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM79,200\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019ve\u00a0\nreported earlier\n that the \nsecond-generation Porsche Panamera\n will arrive on Malaysian soil by the first half of this year. That one\u2019s a given, but to our surprise, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP or Porsche Malaysia) has confirmed that they will also be introducing the \nPanamera Sport Turismo\n \u2013 the first ever wagon-styled Porsche.\nCompared to its saloon twin, the Sport Turismo gets a new rear profile with a less pronounced sloping roofline. The futuristic active rear wing on the Panamera saloon is swapped out for a high tech adaptive rear spoiler with variable degrees of angulation for all driving speeds.\nBoot volume on the Sport Turismo has increased by 25 litres over the standard Panamera, giving it a grand total of 520 litres. Fold the rear seats down and the Sport Turismo can take in\n 1,390 litres\n of cargo. The Sport Turismo will come as a five-seater as standard but a four-seater arrangement \u2013 just like the standard saloon \u2013 can be optioned for.\nStandard items on the Sport Turismo include digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, adaptive cruise control, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and four-wheel drive with rear axle steering. Higher range S models get adaptive air suspension as standard.\nLike on the Panamera Saloon and Executive, a total of five engine options are available, including a 3.0-litre V6 turbo with \n326 hp\n, 2.9-litre V6 turbo with \n434 hp\n, 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 hybrid with\n 462 hp\n, 4.0-litre V8 with \n542 hp\n and a 4.0-litre bi-turbodiesel V8 with \n422 hp\n. Most, if not all of them will be offered here.\nWhen exactly the Panamera Sports Turismo will arrive is unknown for the time being, but for the serious ones, you can probably register your interest with Porsche Malaysia. If you\u2019re a fan of how this looks, perhaps the added practicality would make your family vacations and golfing trips a little bit more convenient.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Tan Chong Aftersales Division has recently emerged as the winner of the Global Nissan Aftersales Award 2020.\nIt\u2019s the 3rd consecutive win for Tan Chong Aftersales Division since 2017 as the best achieving Nissan dealer for aftersales services within the Asia and Pacific region.\nThe Global Nissan Aftersales Award is one of the most prestigious honours conferred by Nissan Motor Corporation, with the aim to improve aftersales operations and enhance customer service.\nNissan launches yet another new GT-R only for Japan \u2013 \u201cT-spec\u201d limited to 100 units. Check it out here!\nThe award is granted to the best performing Nissan dealer according to parts and service performance, customer service and satisfaction, and quality of business management.\n \n\u201cWe are proud to be recognised as the best amongst Nissan Aftersales dealers from across the region and to win it three times since 2017 is a testament to our focused customer approach, dedication in-service performance and teamwork. We will continue to improve and consistently provide our customers with highest service support to improve customer satisfaction,\u201d said Tan Chong Edaran Aftersales, Head of Aftersales, Michael Yao Tsu-Wei.\nEdaran Tan Chong Motor, Sales & Marketing Director, Christopher Tan added, \u201cThe award sets a new milestone for the company. The teams, especially aftersales, have consistently challenged and go beyond their best efforts to provide excellent services to our customers. I would like to thank the teams for their continuous support and hard work.\nAll-new Nissan Almera finally reaches the Philippines \u2013 factory-fitted N-Sport body kit.read about it here!"
"Whether you can afford to buy it or not is one thing; whether Bugatti has any left to sell to you is the more important question.\nThat\u2019s cause shortly after presenting it to a group of elite Chiron customers in a private preview, 40 units of the Bugatti Divo were snapped up immediately, at 5 million Euros (approx. RM23 million before tax) each.\nThe supercar is named after Albert Divo, a French racing driver who was a two-time winner of the famous Targa Florio race on the mountainous roads of Sicily with Bugatti in the late 1920s.\nIt\u2019s powered by Bugatti\u2019s iconic 8.0-litre W16 quad turbo engine with \n1,500 hp\n, \n1,600 Nm\n of torque and a 100-litre fuel tank. Power is delivered through a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, to all four corners, rendering the 0 to 100 km/h run as nothing more than a sneeze in just 2.4 seconds!   Top speed is \u201climited\u201d to 380 km/h, a long shot from the 500 km/h mark on its speedometer. Unlike the Chiron, the Divo does not have a \u201cTop Speed mode\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s all or nothing with this 2-tonne bad boy.\nWith the Divo, Bugatti has developed a super sportscar tuned for agility, nimbleness and optimum handling performance on winding roads. As in the words of Bugatti President, Stephan Winkelmann, \u201cThe Divo is made for bends.\u201d\nThe Divo is 35 kg lighter and has 90 kilograms more downforce than the standard Chiron and as a result, the Divo can lap the Nard\u00f2 handling circuit in southern Italy eight seconds faster than the Chiron.\nHonestly, looking at the press release, a lot of it is too geeky even for my reading pleasure, so I\u2019m just going to share the interesting bits. Lets face it, you don\u2019t want to know \u201cwhich does what to the air and where it ends up\u201d for better air flow. The Divo is the work of aerodynamic geniuses \u2013 end of story.\nHere\u2019s what\u2019s new though; the Divo features a new, height-adjustable rear spoiler which functions as an air brake when turned forwards and is set to different angles for the individual driving modes. It\u2019s even wider (by 23%) than the one on the Chiron!\nAnother highlight of the rear end is the new, cutting-edge 3D tail lamps with special lightweight fins of various sizes. A total of 44 of these fins light up, forming the rear light of the Divo.\nAt the outer edge, the fins become wider, creating a more intensive light. Towards the centre of the vehicle, they are narrower, resulting in gradual fading of the light.\nThe 35 kg weight saving is a result of intense weight saving measure. It\u2019s got new lightweight wheels, a carbon fibre intercooler cover, reduction in insulation material and a lighter sound system. Even stowage compartments on the central console and in the door trims have been omitted \u2013 it\u2019s like the weight-losing obsession of a neurotic bride-to-be.   As for the \u201cwedding gown\u201d, the Divo wears a matte finish \u2013 with a mix of Titanium Liquid Silver and Divo Racing Blue colours \u2013 specially-developed for the Divo. Its side skirts are\u00a0exposed carbon fibre tinted in a petroleum blue shade, \u201cDivo Carbon\u201d, developed especially for this model.\nThe same Divo Racing Blue is also used as an Alcantara leather tone in the interior and is used almost throughout the driver\u2019s section with lesser areas covered in the passenger\u2019s section.\nThe door trims and seat areas feature an embroidered 3D rhomboid structure with an algorithmic configuration, reinterpreting the structure of the grille and rear lights.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Initially, it seemed like it would\u2019ve been just another media drive out of town. If we\u2019re completely honest, driving the new \nHonda City Sport Hybrid\n out to Kuantan en route to Tanjung Jara, Terengganu isn\u2019t exactly the stuff of grand touring dreams. But we were enlightened and had our eyes opened in more ways than one.\nWe first set off to Kuantan in the City Sport Hybrid and the first thing we noticed was how quiet and smooth it was rolling out entirely in EV mode. But almost instantly, upon heavier throttle input, the engine kicks in without so much of a whisper and that\u2019s when the low-end torque contributed by the electric motor, made its presence felt. All 170 Nm of them.   The new Sport Hybrid\u2019s Lithium-ion batteries deserves credit as it is said to deliver twice the output of the Nickel batteries previously used and is designed to last the car\u2019s lifetime. It also comes with \n20% greater capacity\n to power the fully electric air-con compressor even when the car is on idle in full EV mode when the auto stop-start kicks in but we\u2019ll get back to that.\nCombined horsepower output is rated at a nifty \n137 hp\n and while it may not seem like much, the smoothness of the new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, together with the abundant \n170 Nm\n of torque, not only ensured that power was delivered seamlessly but effortlessly as well. On a clear stretch along the Lebuhraya Pantai Timur we were surprised how relentless the little 1.5-litre as it grunted its way to an undisclosed high speed most 1.5-litre vehicles would struggle to reach.\nAnd then there were the brakes. When we were met with inconsiderate road-hoggers or oblivious motorist swinging out to the \u201cfast lane\u201d without using their indicators, the City\u2019s brakes performed in truly surprising fashion. The City\u2019s new \nElectric Servo Brake\n, also applied in the Jazz, now allows for greater battery recharge when braking but what we experienced while on the go was its potent bite and how easy it was to modulate brake input.   As it is now controlled by the ECU which adjusts the brakes according to the vehicles speed and brake temperature, the ventilated brake discs and drums combo provided optimum braking performance and feedback at all times, without the faintest of brake fade for added assurance.\nCruising in the City we also noticed one thing \u2013 the ride comfort. Not only was it comfortable, it was rather silent in the cabin too and it\u2019s no fluke.\u00a0The City Hybrid\u2019s Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) have also been significantly improved with a new\u00a0\nhigh density dashboard insulator\n\u00a0alongside other standard insulation in various key areas of the vehicles including the\n doors, outer dashboard and the floor\n. Oh you get rear air vents with plenty of head and legroom at the back of the City too!\nFor a car that\u2019s carrying 69 kg\u2019s of extra weight compared to the non-hybrid variants due to the extra components and batteries, it also did not seem to have rattled the City one bit when the roads got narrower and windier. Rectifying the excess weight, the City\u2019s \nrear damper diameter\n have been increased to improve damping and shock absorption.   As a result, spring and damping efficiency has been claimed to have improved by\u00a0\n12% and 24%\n. Its composure and nippy driving characteristic have also been upheld by strengthened rear frames, A pillars and connecting rods.\nArriving at the hotel, we were amused by how surprised the bell boys were with the spaciousness of the City\u2019s boot. You\u2019d think carrying all that batteries would\u2019ve affected its trunk space but it is as spacious as ever. In achieving this, you may lose a spare wheel in the City but it now comes with a temporary tyre repair kit consisting of an air pump and sealant.\nAll in all, we were thoroughly impressed by the countless improvements made on the new City Hybrid i-DCD and how it effortlessly ferried three adults and numerous baggage without a tinge of discomfort or inconvenience. There\u2019s more to be expounded on this \u2013 stay tuned for our impending review!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Porsche 718 GT4 Clubsport will be available in two versions \u2013 the \u201cTrackday\u201d model for amateur racing drivers and \u201cCompetition\u201d for national and international motor racing.\nThe focus of the new GT4 Clubsport is not only on improved driveability and faster lap times but also on the sustainable use of raw materials as it is the \nfirst ever production race car to feature body parts made of natural-fibre composite material\n, sourced primary from agricultural by-products such as flax and hemp fibres.\nThese materials have been used to make the driver and passenger doors along with the rear wing and is said to feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness.\nIts 3.8-litre flat-six engine now makes \n40 hp more than its predecessor a\nt \n425 hp\n with \n425 Nm\n of torque as well, where power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 6-speed Porsche dual-clutch gearbox.\nThe lightweight spring and strut setup at the front is taken from the 911 GT3 Cup car, with 6-pot caliper brakes occupying the front and a 4-pot pair taking charge of the rear.\nInside the baron cockpit of the 1.3-tonne car is a roll cage, Recaro bucket seat with six-point harness, a Cosworth\u00a0instrument cluster, a multi-functional steering wheel (quick release carbon fibre unit from 911 GT3 R for Competition model) with pit speed limiter and even air conditioning.\nThe Competition model also gets a larger 115 litre fuel tank (as opposed to 80 litres in the Trackday model), while its shock absorbers can be adjusted in three stages. It\u2019s also fitted with an air jack system for quick pit stops.\nThe 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Trackday costs 134,000 Euros (RM 628k) while the Competition goes for 157,000 Euros (RM 736k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"On one hand, you have the Mazda CX-8, one of the most popular 7-seater SUVs in town and on the other, a versatile competitor with unique features and proper four-wheel drive capabilities. How do you choose?\nThe Mazda looks sleek with clean lines that are almost certain to look timeless in the years to come but the Hyundai has a unique design and to some extent, looks rugged too. In terms of size, the CX-8 is longer, taller than the Santa Fe although the latter is wider.\nIn terms of wheelbase, where it matters most as it determines how much space you get inside, the CX-8 is longer at 2930 mm compared to the 2765 mm in the Santa Fe.\n \nBoth offer similar essential features on the inside; including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and accommodates seven passengers on Nappa leather seats.\nAs for powertrain, both come with 2.2-litre turbo diesel engines but while the Santa Fe produces more power compared to the CX-8, at 193 hp vs 188 hp, the CX-8 produces more torque at 440 Nm compared to the Santa Fe\u2019s 440 Nm.\nSo how do you choose? Watch the video to get a clearer idea which is the more practical SUV for you!"
"Shell Malaysia has launched the Shell Helix Engine Warranty (SHEW) programme, the first of its kind in South East Asia. This extended engine warranty comes for free and gives drivers peace of mind against engine failure when they service their car with Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix HX7 lubricants.\nA total of 15\u00a0critical engine parts are covered. The warranty programme is open to all passenger cars, SUVs or vans less than eight years old or with less than 100,000km on the clock. Should you qualify, your engine will be covered by SHEW for up to \n12 years or 200,000km\n, whichever comes first.\u00a0The car remains covered by SHEW, and is transferrable should car ownership change, for as long as Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix HX7 are used at every service, either every six months or at the oil change interval specified by car manufacturer.\nShell Helix Ultra has PurePlus Technology, a \nrevolutionary gas-to-liquid process\n that converts natural gas into a 99.5 percent pure base oil that has stronger molecular bonds and virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil, the usual source of the base oil used in engine lubricants. The crystal clear base oil is then combined with high performance additives to make an engine oil with enhanced viscosity capable of reducing friction, even under extreme temperatures, to maintain engine power and efficiency. It also has lower evaporation so less top up is needed.\nShell Helix HX7 has Flexi-Molecule Technology which adapts to increase engine protection when needed. It activates under high pressures and temperatures to protect critical engine parts during tough driving situations, reducing wear and tear.\nShell is the only lubricant manufacturer in Malaysia to offer an extended engine warranty for their motor oils. For more information on Shell Helix lubricants or the Shell Helix Engine Warranty Programme, go to \nwww.shell.com.my/helixwarranty\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely Automobile Holdings (Geely) has successfully acquired shares in Daimler AG but contrary to our \nprevious report\n which cited \u201c\nless than three percent stake\n\u201d, the Chinese giant has confirmed that they have acquired 9.69 percent stake of Daimler AG in the open market \u2013 valued at \u20ac7.3 billion (RM35.15 billion).\nThe share purchase makes Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely, the single largest shareholder of Daimler AG, surpassing Blackrock (5.95 percent), Kuwait Investment Authority (5.33 percent) and Renault-Nissan Alliance (3.1 percent). Geely nor its associates under the Geely group intends to acquire additional shares \u201c\nfor the time being\n\u201d.\nMr Li said in a statement \u201cDaimler is an outstanding company with a first-class management. I am particularly pleased to accompany Daimler on its way to becoming the world\u2019s leading electro-mobility provider.\u201d\nMr Li also expressed that he will fully abide by Daimler AG\u2019s company charter and governance structure, respecting its values and culture.\nGeely is China\u2019s largest privately owned automotive manufacturing company with major assets within the group including \nVolvo Cars\n, Volvo Trucks, \nLondon Taxi\n, \nProton Cars\n, \nLotus Motors Cars\n and China\u2019s largest car-sharing provider, Cao Cao.\n\u201cThe competitors which technologically challenge the global car industry in the 21st century are not part of the automotive industry today. But with challenges come opportunities. No current car industry player will be able to win this battle against the invaders from outside independently. In order to succeed and seize the technology highland, one has to have friends, partners, and alliances and adopt a new way of thinking in terms of sharing and united strength. And we have to act now. My investment in Daimler reflects this strategic vision.\u201d said Mr Li."
"It\u2019s been close to a month now since Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) started \ncollecting orders\n for the facelifted \nVeloster Turbo\n. We\u2019ve seen the Korean hot hatch live in \nBIMS 2015\n\u00a0and it\u2019s finally here, making a quick arrival after having its global debut just three months ago.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Veloster 1.6 MPI Premium\nHyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo\nHyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo Sport\nEngine\n1,591cc; Multi Point Injection\n1,591cc; Gasoline Direct Injection\n1,591cc; Gasoline Direct Injection\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\n7-speed dual clutch auto\n7-speed dual clutch auto\nMax Power\n130 hp @ 6,300 rpm\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n158 Nm @ 4,850 rpm\n265 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n265 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM129,066.99 (with GST)\nRM148,118.55 (with GST)\nRM151,745.39 (with GST)\n\u00a0\nThe Velosters launched at Hyundai\u2019s latest \nGlobal Dealership Space Identity\n\u00a0boutique showrom in Bangsar (opposite McDonald\u2019s) are essentially facelift variants, and they come in three trim levels \u2013 Premium 1.6 MPI, \nTurbo\n and \nTurbo Sport\n. This means two engine choices; the MPI is a naturally aspirated mill paired to a \nsix-speed gearbox\n while the turbocharged variants get the in-house developed \nseven-speed dual clutch transmission\n.\nEXTERIOR\nBoth the MPI and Turbo variants look predominantly identical from the outside, but can be visually differentiated from little details such as the alloy wheel design (both sit on 18-inchers by the way), the Turbo badge on the rump and door handles; the MPI gets chrome door handles while the Turbos get body-coloured handles.   Equipment such as projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, LED tail lamps, rear spoiler, keyless entry with push-start ignition and body-coloured side mirrors with integrated signal indicators complete the standard kit list. What the Turbo variants have on top of the said list are HID headlamps (MPI gets halogen), a different set of 18-inch wheels and exhaust pipes. That said, we still prefer the wheel design of the \nThai-spec Veloster\n that was displayed at Bangkok.\nINTERIOR\nMoving inside, the Veloster Turbo greets its driver with a sporty three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with multi-function switches. You also get Hyundai\u2019s \nSupervision Gauge Cluster\n with a digital display screen in between the odometer and tachometer. Housed in the centre of the dashboard is a \n7-inch TFT touch screen\n display which supports radio, CD, MP3, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB connectivity. Sound is channeled through six speakers, a central speaker and a subwoofer.   The Turbo variants get leather wrapped power adjustable seats with the \u2018Turbo\u2019 word etched onto the sides of both front seats. In the Turbo Sport variant (close to RM4,000 more), you get the black and orange dual-tone interior colour scheme. Standard interior features include panoramic sunroof, floor mounted pedals, auto air-conditioning, rear view camera and six airbags.\nPERFORMANCE\nBefore touching on the turbocharged engine, we\u2019ll quickly go over the base model\u2019s naturally aspirated\u00a0\n1.6-litre multi-point injected\n engine. It\u2019s a carryover unit making \n130 horses\n at 6,300 rpm and \n158 Nm\n of torque at 4,850 rpm. This engine is paired to the same \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n driving the \nfront wheels\n. Unlike the turbo variants, the Veloster MPI doesn\u2019t come with paddle shifters.\nNow, nestling under the hood of both the Turbo and Turbo Sport variants is the brand\u2019s own \n1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged\n engine with \ndirect injection\n. GDi here stands for Gasoline Direct Injection, and a six-month test phase conducted by HSDM proved that the engine performed favourably when fuelled with RON 95 and 97.\nThis motor belts \n184 horsepower\n at 5,500 rpm and \n265 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 revolutions; numbers that yield an \n8.0-second\n 0 to 100 km/h sprint time and manages a top speed of \n214 km/h\n.\u00a0Power is transferred to the \nfront wheels\n via an in-house sourced \nseven-speed dual clutch automatic\n transmission. Paddle shifters are standard in the Turbo variants, and are mounted behind the steering wheel instead of the rack.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the Veloster protects its occupants with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, ESC, ABS and Hill-start Assist Control. Hyundai also claims that the Veloster\u2019s B-pillars are made from reinforced steel, offering better impact management in the event of a crash.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are five colours to choose from \u2013 Storm Trooper (White), Young Gun (Matte Black), Phantom Black, Sunflower (Yellow) and Veloster Red. The entry-level Veloster will still come with the existing Vitamin C and Green Apple shades. All Velosters are \nfully imported\n (CBU) from South Korea and come with a \n5-year or 300,000km\n extended warranty programme, whichever occurs first. A 24-hour roadside assist service also comes with every purchase of the Veloster.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after debuting the \nToyota Auris\n, for the European market at last year\u2019s Geneva Motor Show, Toyota Motor Corporation followed up with the \nCorolla Sport in Japan\n that has got us salivating over its existence.\nNot long after, the \nnew Toyota Corolla sedan\n that\u2019s built on the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, was unveiled at the 2018 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition with the \nsharpest features ever seen on a Toyota mid-size sedan.\nAnd now there\u2019s this \u2013 the stunning new Corolla GR Sport that\u2019s set to go on sale in January 2020.\nThe Corolla GR Sport, available as a hatchback or a touring model, comes with two engine options. There\u2019s a 1.8-litre powertrain with \n122 hp \nand \n142 Nm\n or a 2.0-litre unit with\n 180 hp \nand \n190 Nm\n; both of which will be hybrids.\nThe GR Sport distinguishes itself mainly with a new front grille, bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels and an exclusive Dynamic Grey paint job.\nOn the inside, the Corolla GR Sport comes with model-specific Sport seats, with red and black stitching on the instrument panel, steering wheel and gear lever.\nKnown as the Corolla Trek, the touring model is a collaborative effort between Toyota and Trek Bicycle. The touring model sits 20 mm higher for better ground clearance with bespoke 17-inch wheels, and will be on sale from August 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche has been on point and on a roll with their YouTube content, notably with the recent\u00a0\ncompilation of the lightest Porsches\n. Their latest release though, has to be their best yet \u2013 a drag race set in an abandoned airfield between five of their fastest models.\nThe cars involved are none other than the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the Carrera GT, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, the 911 GT2 RS and the perhaps the most bonkers Porsche of all, the 918 Spyder.\nHere are some performance stats of all the five cars to get your hearts racing before indulging in this five-minute splendour:\nPanamera Turbo S E-Hybrid \nSport Turismo\n4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 +electric motor\n (680 Hp / 850 Nm)\n911 GT2 RS\n3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six \n(700 Hp / 750 Nm)\nCarrera GT\n5.7-litre naturally-aspirated V10 (\n603 Hp / 590 Nm)\n911 Turbo S\n3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six \n(580 hp / 750 Nm)\n918 Spyder\n4.6-litre V8 + 2 electric motors \n(887 hp / 1275 Nm)\nWe\u2019re surprised the newly-revamped\u00a0\n911 GT3 RS\n did not even make the cut but then again, it would probably have a hard time keeping up with the twin-turbo GT2 RS, the \nfastest RWD vehicle around the Nurburgring\n.\nCredit: \nYouTube"
"Since it was established in 2002, the Volkswagen R division has developed, built and sold precisely 200,000 cars. It was known as Volkswagen Individual back then before being re-branded in 2011 to what it is now.\n\u201cVolkswagen R is a small business that employs around 350 colleagues. To have developed and globally sold 200,000 units in 15 years is a big achievement,\u201d said Executive Director of Volkswagen R, Jost Capito.\nKeith Williamson (right) with the 200,000th unit of the Golf R.\nThe owner of the 200,000th milestone unit from the UK specified his Golf R with the Performance Pack and Akrapovi\u010d exhaust system. A long-time Golf enthusiast, he also has a MK5 Golf R32 and a MK6 Golf GTI as part of his collection.\n\u201cI get so much enjoyment from my Golf GTI and the Golf R just lifts that level of driver involvement even higher. I\u2019m particularly excited about having the Performance Pack on the car\u201d, said Keith Williamson.\nWhere it all started. Check out our \nreview of the MK 7.5 Golf R\n here!\nProduction of the R models started in 2002 with the Golf R32, where the \u2018R\u2019 stood for \u2018Racing\u2019. Since then, there have been three further Golf R models, plus the Passat R36, the Touareg R50, the Scirocco R, the Golf R Convertible and the Golf R Estate.\nToday, the Golf R is available in hatch and estate forms; accompanied by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and the 4MOTION four-wheel drive system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda has previewed yet another subcompact crossover, and this time it\u2019s called the WR-V. Cheekily namely as \u201cWinsome Runabout Vehicle\u201d, the Honda WR-V will mainly be bound for the South American market.\nIn essence, this compact crossover is a derivative of the \nHonda Jazz\n with higher ground clearance. This may seem like a\u00a0similar recipe as\u00a0the \nHonda HR-V\n, but Honda has other plans. With the \nCR-V\n and HR-V both sold in Brazil, the company believes that South Americans have a good appetite for SUVs.\nDeveloped by the company\u2019s Brazilian R&D arm, the WR-V has a \u201ctough and urban\u201d design, which they think will appeal to the younger demographic of the region. There is no mention of the powertrain, but expect the same \n120 hp 1.5-litre\n mill (and\n\u00a0\nfront-wheel drive) as the Jazz.\nThe WR-V could be a direct competitor to another South American special, the \nNissan Kicks\n. More details of the WR-V will be revealed in next month\u2019s\u00a0Sao Paulo International Motor Show."
"So Perodua has just announced that sales for the \nthird-generation Myvi \nhas exceeded the 100,000 mark. That\u2019s \n100,000 cars\n in just 14 months since it was launched.\nYou may consider it sacrilegious but it\u2019s hard to not draw parallels between the Perodua Myvi and say, the original Volkswagen Beetle.\nHave you read our \nthrowback story on the original Volkswagen Beetl\ne?\nWith over 20 million units of the latter made and sold in a production run that lasted more than half a century, the Myvi is a long way from surpassing or even reaching that incredible mark but that\u2019s not the point here.\nPoint is, the Beetle sold in droves because of how simple, practical and affordable it was \u2013 just like the Myvi \u2013 which surpassed the 1-millionth mark in June 2017, with the \nfirst and second generation models\n.\nAs for the third generation model which was launched in November 2017, 100,000 units have been delivered as Perodua just announced, with its momentum unlikely to slow down any time soon and there\u2019s more than one reason to believe so.\nIt\u2019s cheap\u00a0to\u00a0own\nI wouldn\u2019t even call it affordable, considering the abundance of features on offer. At \nRM54,090 for the highest spec 1.5 AV\n, it\u2019s only around RM3,000 more than the highest spec first generation Myvi first launched in 2006, priced at around RM51,000 then.\n \nI remember cause I owned one of those \u2013 the EXi model to be exact \u2013 which had only two airbags and ABS (would you believe it) to shout about.\nFactoring inflation and the addition of countless features expected of a car, that RM5,000 extra on the asking price for the third generation Myvi is nothing in comparison.\nMore spacious than most lavatories\nHave you been in one of those? Where they are so cramped that your shoulders would brush the walls even by turning your body?\nThe Myvi (whether of new or old) wasn\u2019t anything like that; in fact, far from it. When the first generation model burst into the scene back in 2006, mention Myvi and the first thing people would talk about was how spacious it was.\nIt was probably the first time ever that a national car of that price range offered that much head and knee room and the tradition, fortunately, has been carried forward to the new model. Boot space in the third generation model has also increased \u2013 up 70-litres from before at 277 litres.\nProven drivetrain with\u00a0plentiful\u00a0features\nNothing is offers more assurance in terms of engine longevity than the words \u201cshared with Toyota\u201d.\nWhile the 1.3 models share the same engine with the Toyota Avanza, the 1.5 models inherit the same unit that powers the near bulletproof Toyota Vios and it really doesn\u2019t take an automotive enthusiast to know how reliable those engines are.\nAnd then you have the features \u2013 which is almost endless in the 1.5AV model \u2013 with LED head and tail lamps, reverse camera, six airbags, \n5-star ASEAN NCAP rating\n, Hill Start Assist, Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen head unit, power-retractable side mirrors and the most idolised feature \u2013 the Smart Tag reader.\nThe \nMyvi GT Concept\n at \nKLIMS 2018\n.\nAnd then there\u2019s the whole \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA) System \nthat offers Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Front Departure Alert (FDA) and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC).\nAre you surprised that Perodua is selling 1,560 units per week (on average) of the new Myvi? And that it overtook the Kancil\u2019s all-time sales record of 708,000 units from 1994 \u2013 2009?\nI\u2019m not. You may call this a stroke on Perodua\u2019s ego, but hey, looking at what\u2019s on offer, is this really a suck-up exercise or a mere statement of fact? The choice is still yours.\nIf my BMW E36 325i wasn\u2019t so dependable, I\u2019d most likely get one myself too."
"There will only be 222 units of the limited edition model, which will go on sale in conjunction with the new Audi R8.\nThe name \nDecennium\n is taken from the Latin word \u201cdecade\u201d to celebrate 10 years of success of the V10 on the road and in motorsports.\nAvailable \nonly as a coupe\n, the (approx. RM1.02 million) Decennium can be had with an exclusive Daytona Grey paint job finished with a matte effect, complimented by 20-inch wheels finished in matte bronze.\nAlso in matte bronze is the intake manifold of the 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine with \n620 hp\n and \n580 Nm\n of torque \u2013 good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n3.1 seconds\n. Top speed is rated at 331 km/h.\nInside the dark black interior, Decennium logos adorn the centre console, doors and on the carbon fibre door sills.\nThe \u201cpolished look\u201d on the door sills is roughed a few thousandths of a millimeter using a special powder. When the door lights come on, not only is the Decennium logo projected on the ground, but so does the model\u2019s series number.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nDetail"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just announced a new dressed up version of their popular \nNissan Serena S-Hybrid\n \u2013 the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid J IMPUL. The seven-seater MPV gains functional aero kit from Nissan specialist and tuner IMPUL as well as a more luxurious upholstery.\nOn the exterior the Serena J IMPUL wears a new chrome plated front lip and rear lip as well as larger 18-inch polished Millennium alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 profile tyres. The sporty exterior is then complimented with Mocha-coloured Diamond Quilted Premium Leather Seats. ETCM claims that the new exterior parts contribute to a 10 per cent increase in downforce and improves high speed stability.   Kit count remains the same with powered sliding doors, dual back door, seven USB charging ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) and 6.75-inch Clarion Advanced Touchscreen Display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control and 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) LCD instrument cluster.\nMotivation comes from the same MR20DD 2.0-litre Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-Valve Timing Control) four-cylinder petrol hybrid system paired to an XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that produces \n150 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels.\nThe Serena S-Hybrid J IMPUL will set you back at RM149,888 (OTR without insurance) or RM6,000 more than a standard Serena. ETCM has also introduced a new single-tone Black exterior paint job for the Premium Highway Star variant that brings the retail price down by RM2,000 to RM141,800 or RM147,888 for the J IMPUL variant.\nThe New Nissan Serena J IMPUL comes as standard with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, while the accessories come with 3-Years or 100,000 km Warranty (whichever comes first)."
"Volvo\u2019s latest range of Drive-E powertrains have found its way into the marque\u2019s entry level hatchback model, the Volvo V40. Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) is now offering the V40 T5 with the award-winning 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E engine for RM192,888.00.\nAs with the newly launched\u00a0\nS60 T6\n\u00a0(now available in just the T6 trim), the V40 model will only be offered in the single T5 trim, which means the V40 T4 and Cross Country will no longer be sold. The V40 was first launched back in 2013, and back then the T5 was powered by a\n 213 hp\n \n2.0-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine\n mated to a six-speed Geartronic torque converter.   The new T5 Drive-E engine is now a \n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine\n\u00a0(instead of the five-potter from before) which generates \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s paired to an Aisin-sourced \neight-speed automatic\n. Unlike the S60 and XC90, there won\u2019t be a supercharger for this variant, but the sole turbocharger is good enough to deliver usable power for everyday driving. It\u2019s quicker in the century sprint too, taking just 6.3 seconds to get to 100km/h from standstill. Top speed is rated at 240km/h, while fuel efficiency is rated at a healthier 6.1 litres per 100km.\nThe V40 is assembled in Shah Alam, but it\u2019s not the\u00a0\nfacelifted\n model which receives the gorgeous\u00a0\nThor Hammer\n\u00a0LED headlights. But still, the Malaysian bound V40 T5 isn\u2019t short of equipment: this comes with Dynamic Chassis, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Park Assist Pilot,\u00a0Enhanced Blind Spot Information System,\u00a0Cross Traffic Alert, and City Safety.\nThe V40 T5 is available in five colours \u2013 Ice White, Ember Black, Raw Copper, Bright Silver, and Osmium Grey. On-the-road price is\u00a0\nRM192,888.00\n\u00a0without insurance. All purchases of the V40 comes with a 5-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty including 5-Year Volvo-on-call Roadside assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"News have finally arrived that we\u2019re now allowed to resume (somewhat) the beautiful life we once lived \nbeginning the 4th of May 2020\n but don\u2019t be too quick to celebrate. The \nNational Security Council (NSC) has set some guidelines \nas to where you can go and the types of businesses that can resume; one they say \nwill be updated from time to time\n.\nFirst off, \ninterstate travel is still not allowed\n so for those hoping to make the trip back to their hometowns for the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, it would be wise to put your plans on hold indefinitely. Exceptions will be made for those who need to travel for work and those stuck in their hometowns or campuses when the Movement Control Order (MCO) first came into effect.\nSchool, colleges and other higher learning institutions will still be closed. Outdoor activities which do not involve physical contact and group gatherings of more than 10 people such as jogging, cycling, badminton and golf are \nallowed\n. All religious activities, Friday prayers and gatherings at the Mosque, Surau and other places of worship are still \nnot allowed\n.\nAs most would likely return to work, the Government has urged employers to coordinate their employee\u2019s schedules to avoid large crowds. For the same reason, \nnurseries will be allowed to operate under strict guidelines\n. There is however still no word on whether we can travel beyond 10 pm.\nAs for the rest, the NSC has released a set of \nguidelines of what you still can\u2019t do\n which we have translated for you, in hopes that you\u2019d adhere to it and continue to keep the curve flat and eventually bend it, all in the name of mankind\u2019s survival.\nEntertainment and Recreational\nCinema\nKaraoke centres\nTheme parks \nMuseums\nBusking\nCelebrations, Processions and Gatherings\nReligious processions\nCongregations at the Mosque or other places of worship\nProcession of security forces\nHari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations except with close family members\nConferences and Exhibitions\nJob fairs \nWedding expo\nTravel fairs\nSales carnivals\nAll conferences involving large gatherings\nEducation\nSports during school sessions\nClose contact co-curricular activities\nAny form of assemblies\nAny form of gatherings involving more than 10 individuals\nSports\nSporting events involving large group of spectators\nAll indoor sports activities including gyms\nSwimming\nContact Sports\nSocial Activities\nParties and events\nWeddings and anniversary celebrations\nTransport\nCruise ships\nFood stalls, grocery stores, wet markets\nRamadhan bazaars\nHari Raya bazaars\nStaff quarters and hostels in Manufacturing and other sectors\nAccepting visitors\nSocialising and group sports activities \nCongregational prayers\nAssembly and maintenance of machineries\nWorking in groups of more than 10 individuals\nClothing and fashion accessory stores\nTrying clothes in fitting rooms\nDobi and Laundrettes\nFolding services\nLectures, seminars, courses, face-to-face training sessions\n\u201cCertification ceremonies\u201d in the agriculture sector\nHair salons and beauty parlors\nBanking and financial sector\nSales and marketing activities outside of the official premises or in public spaces\nForestry\nEco tourism\nTraining sessions\nMining and quarries\nNew procedures in handling explosives? \nPlease refer with NSC, BM to English translations can be confusing.\nFarming and Agriculture\nClient meetings\nFarming supply sales\nFruit festivals\nCourses and seminars\nConvocations in agriculture institutes\nLarge scale poultry sales\nFishery\nRecreational fishing\nActivities at marine parks, exhibitions and aquariums\nCreative industry\nFilming activities\nConcerts and events involving large gatherings in public areas\nArts and Culture\nExhibitions with interactions between artist and visitors\nTravel and Lodging\nBarred hotel facilities \u2013 Surau, gym, spa, sauna, lounge, meeting rooms, swimming pool, multi purpose halls, training rooms, restaurants and cafes"
"After five years with the team, four-time\n \nFormula 1\n World Champion Sebastian Vettel will be parting ways with the Scuderia Ferrari team after the conclusion of the 2020 season, after both parties were not able to reach an agreement for the contract extension.\nVettel and Ferrari has been in discussion for the extension of the contract for several months. Just last month, team principal Mattia Binotto said that Vettel was his \nfirst choice to race alongside Charles Leclerc \nfor the upcoming season.\n\u201cThe team and I have realised that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season,\u201d said Vettel. The driver was quick to clarify that financial matters played no part in the decision. \u201cThat\u2019s not the way I think when it comes to making certain choices and it never will be.\u201d\nBinotto added, \u201cThis is a decision taken jointly by ourselves and Sebastian, one which both parties feel is for the best. It was not an easy decision to reach, given Sebastian\u2019s worth as a driver and as a person.\n\u201cThere was no specific reason that led to this decision, apart from the common and amicable belief that the time had come to go our separate ways in order to reach our respective objectives.\u201d\nSebastian Vettel joined Scuderia Ferrari in 2015, replacing Fernando Alonso after a five-year stint and a disappointing final year at Red Bull F1. During his time in Scuderia Ferrari, Vettel managed to achieve 14 Grand Prix wins \u2013 first being the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2015 \u2013 making him the third-most successful driver ever in the team\u2019s history.\nVettel is also the individual to have scored the most points with the team. However, he was not able to achieve his ultimate goal of bringing Scuderia Ferrari back to championship glory \u2013 taking second place four years out of five.\n\u201cScuderia Ferrari occupies a special place in Formula 1 and I hope it gets all the success it deserves. Finally, I want to thank the whole Ferrari family and above all its \u201c\ntifosi\n\u201d all around the world, for the support they have given me over the years,\u201d added Vettel.\nVettel has been put under constant pressure ever since the addition of F1 wonder child Charles Leclerc to the team last year, with Leclerc coming out ahead in terms of championship position, wins and poles, raising questions of Vettel\u2019s future in the team.\nThrough an \nInstagram post\n, Leclerc said that there was always respect between the two, even though it might not be perceived as such through the media. \u201cIt\u2019s been a huge honor [sic] for me to be your team mate. [.] I\u2019ve never learnt so much as I did with you as my teammate. Thank you for everything Seb.\u201d"
"When Porsche unmasked the \nCayman GT4 Clubsport\n back in 2015, it was essentially a watered down \n911 GT3\n Cup race car. Porsche took the already capable Cayman GT4, put it through a strict diet and slapped on some 911 GT3 Cup parts on to produce the FIA-compliant Cayman GT4 Clubsport.\nAlso in the same year, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) surprised Malaysians with the \nmanual only Cayman GT4\n. Understanding very well that while the Cayman GT4 may have track-oriented components, it does not offer the full fledge race car experience. If you\u2019ve always been keen on piloting a Porsche race car but stepping into a \nGT3 Cup car\n is just a stretch too far, SDAP has the perfect solution for you \u2013 the\u00a0\nPorsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport\nEngine\n3.8-litre naturally aspirated straight-six\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch PDK automatic\nMax Power\n385 hp\nMax Torque\n420 Nm\nFirst, let\u2019s draw our attention to the gearbox. The six-speed manual transmission is replaced by a \nrace optimised six-speed dual clutch PDK automatic transmission\n with paddle shifters. Enthusiasts may mourn over the \nlack\n of driving engagement\u00a0with\u00a0the PDK, but trust us, in a race prepped car you won\u2019t miss it at all.\nThe PDK gearbox is mated to a \n911 Carrera S\n\u00a0sourced \n3.8-litre naturally aspirated straight-six engine\n to send \n385 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels. No performance figures were revealed to us but it should outperform the standard 4.4 seconds century sprint time.   To transform the regular car to a full on race car, Porsche has fitted the GT4 Clubsport with a mechanical rear-axle locking differential, \nspring-strut front suspension taken from the GT3 Cup\n, 380 mm steel brake disc all round, larger rear wing, welded-in safety cage and a racing bucket seats with six-point harness. The Malaysian unit gets an upgraded 100-litres safety fuel tank and 24-hours headlamp system.\nAs mentioned before, the GT4 Clubsport had some extensive weight savings. The interior was completely stripped, down to the head linings. Even the side doors were swapped out for carbon fibre material and the side windows are now plastic. The carbon doors are so light\u00a0that\u00a0even the slightest gust of wind is enough to swing it wide open.   SDAP claims that this would be the perfect bridge between road cars and the GT3 Cup cars for amateur, young and gentleman drivers. For those keen on the Porsche GT4 Clubsport, further enquiries can be made directly to SDAP at +603 5030 9911.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the\n C200 Avantgarde, C300 AMG Line\n and the \nC-Class Coupes\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also took the opportunity to wow us with all the new goodies the updated C43 AMG 4MATIC has to offer and here are the things you need to know about one of the most comfortable AMGs out there.\nIts 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine has been tweaked to produce 23 hp more, at\u00a0\n390 hp\n\u00a0while torque figures remain the same at\u00a0\n520 Nm\n. It\u2019s also got a larger infotainment display to go with a new drive mode but we\u2019ll leave you with the video to find out.\nTo mitigate your undying urge to own the C43 AMG 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced the Flex-C financing service with monthly repayments starting from RM 2,688 (three-year tenure and 22% downpayment)."
"The fully electric Volkswagen ID.R is on a tear. Not content with record-setting runs at the \nNordschleife\n, Pikes Peak and \nGoodwood\n, Volkswagen took on the challenge of navigating the 99 hairpins of the picturesque Tianmen Mountain road in China.\nThe result? \n7:38.585\n \u2013 a new record (fastest ever of any automobile) for the serpentine \n10.9 km route\n which climaxes over a finishing line featuring a 131.5-metre natural arch dubbed \u2018The Heaven\u2019s Gate\u2019. While the narrow passages of the course meant that the \n680 hp ID.R \ncouldn\u2019t really stretch its top speed, factory driver \nRomain Dumas\n still managed bursts of up to 230 km/h, through narrow tunnels and short \u2018straights\u2019.\n\u201cI will certainly remember this record run on Tianmen Mountain forever as my most spectacular outing. I am proud to have set a record with the electric Volkswagen ID.R in China. The little information and testing we had beforehand made it a huge challenge. The road is incredibly narrow and winding, but the drive was unbelievable fun with the electric power of the ID.R. The huge torque was a big advantage on the short straights, while the aerodynamics provided additional traction in the fast sections,\u201d remarked Dumas.\nApart from playing to an audience which contributes \nover 3 million units a year to Volkswagen\u2019s global sales volume\n \u2013 China is VW\u2019s largest market by a mile \u2013 the exploits of the ID.R is also a precursor to the premiere of the all-electric ID family, particularly the \nID.3 hatch\n on the 10\nth\n of September at the forthcoming IAA Frankfurt motor show."
"The pinnacle of grand touring has landed in Malaysia, in the form of the\n 2023 Bentley Continental GT Speed\n. Noted as the \u201cmost dynamic road car in Bentley\u2019s 101-year history\u201d, the tricked-out Continental GT starts from\n RM1,135,000 \nbefore taxes, duties, registration, and \u2013 of course \u2013 options.\nIf you\u2019re looking to renew your motor insurance, check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa. By renewing online, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a 10% rebate on your Takaful, as well as cashback at the end of your certificate period.\nThe Speed takes the alluring shape of the Bentley Continental GT, and adds on a subtle, yet tasteful, touch of aggression. These come in the form of a dark-tinted front grille and lower bumper mesh, unique side skirts, additional Speed badging on the front fender, and exclusive 22-inch Speed wheels that can be finished in either bright silver, dark tint, or gloss black.\nTo further mark out the Speed\u2019s performance credentials, there\u2019s also the \u201cJewel\u201d fuel and oil filler caps as standard. Bentley also offers a Blackline Specification package for the Continental GT Speed, which adds on even more gloss black touches to the exterior.\nBut as with any Bentley model, there are an abundance of options for you to customise the car to your own liking \u2013 and that\u2019s even before we mention the Mulliner customisation programme.\nThe main highlight of the Continental GT Speed, however, is underneath its long bonnet \u2013 because that\u2019s where you\u2019ll find Bentley\u2019s signature 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, now making \n659 hp \nand a whopping \n900 Nm\n of torque.\nWith power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, century sprint is completed in just\n 3.6 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n335 km/h\n. And to make that sound even more special than it already is, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is also one of the last cars you can buy with that iconic engine.\nJust like we\u2019ve \nexperienced in Adelaide recently\n, the Continental GT Speed is still incredibly fun to drive on track, despite it weighing over 2.2 tonnes. That is in part thanks to the adaptive three-chamber air suspension and 48V anti-roll system, the latter able to deliver up to 1,300 Nm of twist to the chassis in just 0.3 seconds to resist roll and balance the body through the corners.\nThe Continental GT Speed is also the first-ever Bentley model to feature an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle, with specific tuning for the all-wheel drive and drive dynamics systems to extract the utmost performance out of the grand tourer.\nALSO WATCH:\n Bentley Continental GT Speed, on a SOAKING wet track in Adelaide!\nAside from the powertrain, the cabin of the Continental GT Speed is perhaps what sets the Bentley out from its other competitors in the grand tourer space, thanks to its blend of craftsmanship, class, and sportiness.\nThe marque\u2019s iconic diamond-in-diamond quilting stands out even further thanks to its two-tone cross-stitching, and particularly on this unit here, the additional red accents throughout the cabin just adds so much personality to the cabin.\nStandard trim elements include the leather and Alcantara upholstery, fully-digital instrument cluster, two-zone climate control, a head-up display, 14-way powered front seats, and additional Speed emblems on the dashboard and headrests. Though like its exterior, Bentley will also let you customise your Continental GT Speed to your hearts content, including a choice from 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours.\nBut if there\u2019s one option you shouldn\u2019t skip, it\u2019s the Bentley Rotating Display on the dashboard that lets you switch between a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a three-analogue-gauges display (compass, chronometer, outside temperature), and just plain veneer, depending on your mood.\nREAD MORE: \nBentley and Akrapovi\u010d creates new titanium exhaust for Continental GT Speed\nGALLERY"
"Honda has just unveiled the first teaser images to the upcoming 11th-generation all-new \nHonda Accord\n, which will make its official debut next month. The all-new model will replace the current model, just five years after the \n10th-generation Honda Accord\n made its debut \nback in 2017\n.\nIt\u2019s the usual shadowy photos, but they do at least give us a good glimpse of the all-new Honda Accord\u2019s front and rear-end. As you\u2019d expect from a completely new generation model, all of the sheet metal here look brand new, with design touches borrowed from the other newer models in its stable.\nThe front in particular takes on the new styling direction introduced on the \nall-new Honda HR-V\n and \nCR-V\n, where the previous signature shield design replaced by a large hexagonal grille, flanked by slim three-dimensional headlights \u2013 the latter seemingly omitting the traditional lens cover, much like what Kia did with the \nCarnival\n.\nRound the back, the tail lights are a huge departure from the current model\u2019s design, now taking on a full-width appearance, though the profile of the side enclosures do somewhat resemble that of the\n Civic\n. From the short and raked boot, it seems that the all-new 11th-generation Honda Accord will also still carry the fastback-like silhouette.\nThe sole interior photo of the car focuses on the new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which will be the largest touchscreen in a Honda ever. The operating system here looks somewhat similar to the marque\u2019s latest design, but it now runs on Android, as revealed by the Play Store and Google Assistant buttons on the main screen.\nAside from these, though, the only other things we can see from this photo is a small portion of the instrument cluster which appears to be fully digital, as well as \u2013 thank heavens \u2013 a physical volume knob right underneath the floating central display. We also catch a small glimpse of the air vent, which looks to be similar to the neat single-piece air vent mesh on the Civic. We like.\nThe display does reveal the fact that the all-new 11th-generation Accord will also be offered with a hybrid powertrain, which Honda says will be \u201cmore responsive and fun-to-drive\u201d. But what exactly is changed? Stay tuned, as the all-new Accord\u2019s reveal isn\u2019t too far away at this point."
"Lamborghini\u2019s Squadra Corse motorsport division \nteased their track-only hypercar in October last year\n. While we still don\u2019t have a name for the beast, Lamborghini has just released a couple of teaser videos to give us a taste of what it will be like \u2013 and boy oh boy does the V12 sing.\nJust to jog your memory a little bit, the\n 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12\n in the unnamed hypercar is sourced from the \nLamborghini\n \nAventador\n, but turned all the way up to 11 to produce \n830 hp.\n \nThe bodywork and chassis is also supposedly based on the Aventador, but from the limited shots provided in the video, it looks like the Squadra Corse hypercar will have a far more sophisticated bodywork \u2013 it is a race car after all.\nThe video gave us a brief look at the vented bonnet and wheel arches, a very elaborate rear third quarter aero fins and giant air vents, the large carbon-fibre wings, as well as an aggressive rear diffuser that looks like it was taken straight from a Formula 1 car. The square LED matrix just adds to that illusion.\n \nLamborghini says that their latest track bull has entered the final stages of development, and is scheduled to be unveiled later this year. We can\u2019t wait to see (and hear) more of it!"
"Remember when news broke last month that the \nlaunch of the Toyota GR 86 could be delayed\n, due to it being \u201ctoo similar\u201d to the Subaru BRZ? Well, there\u2019s nothing to worry about now \u2013 for one, the car has already been launched earlier this week, and according to a video comparison by Japan\u2019s \nLOVECARS!TV!\u00a0\nYouTube channel, they drive quite differently too.\nEven though they are essentially the same car underneath, both cars features their own unique driving characteristics, according to the two Japanese hosts (through the shoddy Google auto-translated captions) who took turns taking both cars out on track.\n \nThe GR 86, with Toyota\u2019s special touch, seems to be the more playful twin between the two. From a standstill, the hosts noted that the Toyota has a more enthusiastic throttle response, while the Subie is a little more linear.\nIn the bends, the GR 86 also seems to be a little more eager to let its rump out, while the BRZ stays a lot more composed, almost like it has taken on Subaru\u2019s AWD philosophy even though it\u2019s most definitely a rear-wheel driven sports car.\nInterestingly, the hosts even said that the Subaru BRZ felt similar to the Impreza and Levorg, while the Toyota GR 86 features characteristics akin to that of the \nGR Yaris\n and \nSupra\n \u2013 and these cars from the two brands cannot be any more different from each other.\nSo yes, even if they share the same foundation (something we\u2019ll see more and more often these days due to the costs required to develop these low-volume sports cars), they can still be completely different cars to drive \u2013 not just in handling, but even in the powertrain tuning as we\u2019ve seen here on the new Toyo-baru twins.\nIn a roundabout way, maybe it\u2019s also time for the GR Supra haters to give the car a chance. Yes, it\u2019s pretty much a BMW underneath, but Toyota has done significant work to make it their own. Take it from us: you won\u2019t be disappointed with how it drives.\nIf you\u2019re interested to see the new Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ being driven on the limits of adhesion, be sure to check out the video above \u2013 just don\u2019t forget to turn on the auto-translated captions.\n[Source: \nLOVECAR!TV!/YouTube\n via Motor1]"
"QWest, a UK-based carbon fibre coachbuilding specialist has just completed the build of the world\u2019s first Tesla Shooting Brake. It is not a commissioned project from Elon Musk himself but it\u2019s more of a\u00a0 \u201c\nbecause we can\u201d \nsituation. The Tesla Shooting Brake will make its public debut at the 2018 London Motor Show happening on 17th to 20th May 2018.\nBased on a standard \nP90D sedan\n, QWest completely fabricated the rear section of the car from the rear roof section to the D pillar, all with \ncarbon fibre\n to ensure high structural rigidity of the Shooting Brake while reducing weight. As a result, interior space has been expanded by \n209 litres\n but at the same time \n12 kg lighter\n than the car it was based on.\nQWest says that this is not a mere backyard conversion but a proper integrated design with engineered solutions to preserve the essence of the P90D. The car\u2019s all-wheel drive, dual-motor setup and 90kWh battery pack have been retained, giving the Shooting Brake over\u00a0\n700\u00a0hp\n. Key performance figures of \n2.8 second\n sprint time and cruising range of over \n400 km per charge\n have also been carried over to the Shooting Brake.\nIf you are not aware, a standard P90D in the UK costs in the region of \u00a397,000 (RM530k) so hats off to the guys at QWest for attempting such a feat and succeeded at it. Now, we wonder what Elon thinks of this little project?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM\n)\n has introduced the first ever\n Mitsubishi CONNECT \napp for Mitsubishi owners in Malaysia. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free.\nThe Mitsubishi CONNECT app allows customers to \nschedule service appointments\n and \nmonitor their vehicle\u2019s maintenance history\n. Owners can also receive reminders of their next service and more conveniently, register more than one vehicle under one account.\nAside from that, the Mitsubishi CONNECT app also allows owners to stay in touch with the 24Hrs Mitsubishi Assist Customer Careline. It also gives customers access to 24-hour breakdown assistance and emergency services throughout Malaysia. On the app, customers can also find out where the nearest Mitsubishi authorised dealer is located for maintenance services.\nThe Mitsubishi CONNECT app also come with a SOS function that when activated, the user\u2019s location will be shown accurately through GPS. Once the user\u2019s details are verified, help and assistance will be sent immediately.\nOwners can also keep up to date with the latest news and promotions, search for product information and download e-brochures through the app.\n\u201cCOVID-19 has propelled the shift towards digital transformation and now MMM is pleased to offer MITSUBISHI CONNECT app to all our owners. With the app, Mitsubishi owners can adapt to the new normal by utilising mobile technology to retrieve their vehicle and service information, as well as gain access to other functions and benefits at their fingertips no matter where they may be,\u201d said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\nWith Test Drive 2U, you\u2019ll never have to leave home to test drive a Mitsubishi! \nWatch our video about it here!\nFor the same reason, MMM also recently launched the \nTest Drive 2U\n \nwhere customers can request for a test drive without leaving their home. Once customers have \nfilled in their information\n and selected the closest dealership, a sales consultant will be in contact via WhatsApp or phone call.\nThe vehicle will be sent to the customer\u2019s home where each test drive will be limited to one customer at a time. The sales consultant will be seated at the rear to practise social distancing."
"To show its support to the front liners working tirelessly in the fight against the\n coronavirus pandemic\n, Shell Malaysia has devised several outreach initiatives to reduce the burden of these national heroes.\nCare packages containing hand sanitizers, mineral water, food and beverages, among other essential items were contributed to the medical frontliners at Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Hospital Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh.\nAdditionally, Shell stations across the country have also been contributing to the local communities and front liners in the form of supplying electricity for lamps and fans in the temporary tents, as well as contributing foods and drinks to the local authorities stationed nearby.\nShell Malaysia Managing Director, Shairan Huzaini Husain said, \u201cShell is committed to the well-being of the communities where we operate, and we want to do everything we can to help our front liners in the fight against this global pandemic.\n\u201cWe recognise the challenges faced by these brave Malaysians and we hope these care packages, made up of essential items will give our front liners some needed support,\u201d he added.\nShairan also adds that Shell\u2019s own front liners at the petrol stations are on the ground everyday to assist in their customers\u2019 needs, and most importantly help the other front liners to get to work; petrol stations are classified as an essential service during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.\n\u201cWe are also ensuring care packages are provided to them as our gesture of thanks for their courage in ensuring Shell stations remain open and ready to continue serving customers. They are all our heroes.\u201d\nAside from care packages, Shell Malaysia has also partnered with BonusLink to enable customers to contribute and show their gratitude to the front liners by donating their BonusLink points directly to the COVID-19 Fund.\nFor every 100 points (worth RM1) donated during the campaign period which ended yesterday, Shell Malaysia has also matched in donation to the equivalent value of RM1. The funds in the COVID-19 Fund will be used to in purchasing essential medical equipment for the hospitals."
"\u201cDon\u2019t fix it if it ain\u2019t broke\u201d. That was probably what went through the minds of BMW designers when they gave the \n8 Series\n a facelift update, because you\u2019d really have to squint to even see any differences in appearance.\nWell at least, aside from the grille. Because the BMW 8 Series range has gained a new \u201cIconic Glow\u201d kidney grille that lights up from the inside to apparently help create a \u201cdramatic impression\u201d when you view the new 8-er from the front. The vertical struts cover on the grille itself also get a new \u2018U\u2019-shaped profile to help highlight the illumination.\nOtherwise, the rest of the changes on the new BMW 8 Series range is mostly just a nip and tuck with mildly revised bumpers, new alloy wheels selection, and four new metallic body colours \u2013 Skyscraper Grey, San Remo Green, M Portimao Blue, and BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue.\nM Sport kit is now standard across the board, while the M850i variant gets additional aerodynamic wing mirrors from the full M cars, alongside an additional front spoiler lip, rear ducktail \u201cspoiler\u201d, and a set of more powerful brakes \u2013 the latter three also available as option for the other variants.\nRELATED: The BMW M8 is now available in Malaysia in Coupe and Gran Coupe form.\nChanges on the inside are also minimal \u2013 essentially just a new larger 12.3-inch infotainment display on top of the dashboard, replacing the older 10.25-inch unit.\nPowertrain options are also pretty much entirely unchanged, ranging from the 840i up to the \nM850i xDrive\n. As for the M8, well \u2013 it\u2019s dead. BMW will only be offering the new M 8 Series in the M8 Competition form, which packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine that makes\n 625 hp\n and \n749 Nm\n, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nVideo: The BMW M850i xDrive is a dual-personality grand tourer!\nBMW has also collaborated with US artist Jeff Koons for a special-edition model, featuring an eleven colour multi-layer exterior as well as a unique cabin with \u201cexquisite materials\u201d and \u201cthe very finest leather\u201d. Based on the 850i xDrive Gran Coupe, the BMW 8 X Jeff Koons Edition will be unveiled on the 17th of February.\nGALLERY"
"Historically, when a tuner gets their hands on a new car, they\u2019ll do everything they can to make the car \nmeaner and faster\n, generally by increasing engine power outputs \u2013 sometimes to hilariously stupid levels. But with EVs these days basically all coming with more power than anyone can handle, increasing it even more sounds like a pretty pointless task.\nAnd that\u2019s why \nBrabus\n looked the other way with the all-new \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n. Instead of increasing power like what we\u2019re used to seeing from them, the German tuning house instead introduced a set of aerodynamic parts for the electric sedan to increase its range. Yes, you read that right. Welcome to 2022.\nWith a new aero kit consisting of a new front splitter, rear diffuser, and a small ducktail spoiler, alongside a \u201cplug and play\u201d software module for the suspensions that lowers the car by 15 mm in front and 20 mm at the rear, Brabus managed to improve the EQS\u2019 already-segment-leading\n 0.209 Cd\n drag coefficient by another 7.2%.\nThe company doesn\u2019t explicitly state a new coefficient number, but simple maths tell us it\u2019s around the region of 0.194 Cd. The lower drag coefficient means that the Brabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz EQS actually increases its driving range by about 7% on average when driven at speeds of between 100 and 140 km/h, or so the company claims.\nRELATED: \nThe Brabus B45 gives the AMG A 45 S more power than you\u2019ll ever need\nThat\u2019s actually pretty significant, given that the \nlong-range EQS 450+, like the one sold in Malaysia,\n already boasts a driving range of over 780 km based on the WLTP cycle. A 7% increase means you can drive anywhere from 50-55 km more, which can be the difference between heading home or finding a charger en-route on a long-distance highway journey.\nAside from the aero kit, Brabus is also offering a set of custom monoblock wheels in 20- to 22-inch sizes, which surprisingly looks rather fitting on the fully-electric EQS. Of course, this being a Brabus, the massive \u2018B\u2019 emblem is also plastered on virtually every possible surface on the outside, and the interior can be pretty much customised to your heart\u2019s content.\nNo pricing information has been provided, but it\u2019s safe to assume that anything from the big B will not come cheap.\nGALLERY"
"Together with the announcement of the September sales report, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n has announced that it has updated the \nToyota Harrier\n \nfor 2022, with a new variant included, the Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury SE. Prices of the 2022 Toyota Harrier are \nRM 274,000\n for the Harrier 2.0 Luxury and \nRM 277,000\n for the Harrier 2.0 Luxury SE.\nThe standard Harrier is now RM 15,000 more expensive than the pre-updated version. Now standard on the 2022 Toyota Harrier are 360\u00b0 panoramic view cameras and a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced safety features. The TSS feature includes Pre-Collision Brake detection, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.\nDubbed the Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury 2022 Improvement (IMP), no changes have been made to the powertrain. The Harrier is still powered by the same 2.0-litre Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine that makes \n173 hp\n @ 6,600 rpm and \n203 Nm\n @ 4,400-4,900 rpm. Paired with the four-cylinder engine is a direct-shift CVT that sends all power to the front wheels.\nUMW Motor President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cAt UMW Toyota Motor, we are humbled by the positive support received from our customers and are even more committed to going the \u2018Extra Mile\u2019 to intensify production and ensure timely delivery to new car owners. We are also delighted to showcase the new improvements made to the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Luxury 2022 Improvement (IMP) and hope this update gives drivers an exceptional experience every time they get behind the wheel because we understand that it\u2019s all about the drive.\u201d\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota sold 70,872 cars in 2022 so far, 54% up from last year\nMore expensive than the Harrier 2.0 Luxury by RM 3,000 is the Harrier 2.0 Luxury SE (Special Edition). The Special edition gets a special red metallic exterior colour and brown leather for the interior and that\u2019s about what differentiates it from the standard Harrier 2.0 Luxury.\nThese fresh updates enhance the current strengths the Toyota Harrier is known for \u2013 luxury, exclusivity, and reliability. To add to the excitement, a new variant has been added to the Harrier\u2019s line up \u2013 the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Special Edition that comes in a special Red Metallic color to compliment the new luxurious Brown interior.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid review \u2013 the everyday SUV\nInside, the Harrier is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen head unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster. The driver gets a 12-way power adjustable seat (with two memory positions) while the front passenger gets a four-way power adjustable seat. There are four USB-C charging sockets and one USB-C connection socket.\nIncluded in the price of the Toyota Harrier is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty."
"These days, throw a coin into a crowd and it\u2019ll land on someone who has heard about AMG \u2013 the most powerful 3-letter abbreviation in the automotive industry but aside from their brute performance and sinister appearances, how much do you really know about those three alphabets? Especially if you own an AMG?\nHere are some interesting points Mercedes-AMG has shared:\nErhard Melcher\nHans-Werner Aufrecht\nAMG stands for...\nAufrecht, Melcher, Gro\u00dfaspach, the last names of its founding fathers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, along with Aufrecht\u2019s birthplace of Gro\u00dfaspach. The story started in the 1960s when the two engineers, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, were working on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE\u2019s racing engine in the Development Department at Daimler-Benz despite the company discontinued all motorsports activities.\nIn 1965, Manfred Schiek, a colleague at Daimler, went to the start in the German Touring Car Championship with the 300 SE engine that Aufrecht and Melcher had built, and won ten times. The triumph propelled Aufrecht and Melcher\u2019s reputation for extracting performance from Mercedes-Benz vehicles.\nW109 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG 1971\nThe \u201cfirst AMG\n\u201c\nThe first vehicle associated with AMG was a four-door sedan; the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3-litre which was also known as the \u201cRed Pig\u201d. After Aufrecht and Melcher modified the car, including weight reduction and increasing the engine\u2019s displacement to 6.8-liters, the finished vehicle produced 428 hp and 608 Nm, a significant increase from the original 247 hp and 500 Nm. At its racing debut in the 1971 24 Hours of Spa, it won its race category and secured a 2nd place overall finish, despite being the heavisest car on the grid.\nThe first AMG co-developed with Mercedes-Benz\nThe first jointly developed high-performance vehicle from AMG and Mercedes-Benz was the C 36 AMG. It was also the first AMG product to be officially sold outside of Germany, in the United States in 1995. By 1998, Daimler acquired a majority stake of AMG, setting the stage for a variety of high-performance Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles.\nAMG Black Series\nThe AMG Black Series is perhaps the most intimidating, sinister and not to mention exclusive models in the AMG range. So far, only six special models have worn the AMG Black Series badge \u2013 the CLK 63 Black Series, the C 63 Black Series, the SL 65 Black Series, the SLS Black Series, the SLK 55 Black Series, and the AMG GT Black Series.\nThe first-ever car built by Mercedes-AMG\nThe SLS AMG was the first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, followed by the AMG GT in 2015, and most recently the AMG GT 4-Door in 2019. The SLS AMG featured \u201cgullwing\u201d doors, inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL \u201cgullwing\u201d built between 1954 and 1957.\nThe gullwing doors featured an unusual safety feature \u2013 two explosive capsules \u2013 capable of blowing the doors off for quick exit, in the unlikely event that the vehicle is flipped and is resting on its roof.\nCollaborations\nMercedes-AMG has partnered with Cigarette Racing Team to produce 12 special edition, high-performance boats with the most recent being a 59-foot Tirranna AMG Edition 59-foot boat. The boat was also revealed with a G 63 Cigarrette Edition. Recently, an \nAMG GT Black Cigarette Edition\n was revealed as well.\nOne Man, One Engine\nAll handcrafted are built according to the \u201cOne Man, One Engine\u201d philosophy, in which one master craftsman assembles each AMG engine from start to finish. Each engine honours its builder via a special plaque, signed by the individual that assembled it and placed on the cover of the engine upon completion.\nMercedes-AMG in Affalterbach.\nCurrent headquarters\nPresently, the Mercedes-AMG headquarters is located in Affalterbach, Germany, a small town in Stuttgart in the state of Baden-W\u00fcttemberg. Affalterbach is home to the management, administration, sales, development, and design teams of AMG. The hand-built engines are also made there. Mercedes-AMG now employs approximately 1,800 people; a stark contrast from its humble beginnings as a two-man operation at Hans Werner Aufrecht\u2019s house in Gro\u00dfaspach!\nAMG Dynamic Select\nUsing a toggle on the console, or switches on the AMG steering wheel, drivers can select between \u201cComfort\u201d to \u201cSport\u201d, \u201cSport +\u201d, \u201cRACE\u201d and \u201cIndividual\u201d. More recently, the new AMG Drive Unit adds a new set of controls on the lower part of the steering wheel to easily change the driving modes without removing your hands from the steering wheel. The buttons on the lower-left steering wheel offer a variety of functions to change the sensitivity of the traction control as well as the sound level of the exhaust system.\nMercedes-AMG One\nThe hypercar is one of the most powerful AMG vehicles ever produced with more than 1,000 hp and a top speed in excess of 349 km/h. For the first time, the two-seater hypercar brings the latest and most efficient Formula 1 hybrid technology directly from the racetrack to the road."
"Leather upholstery in vehicle interiors has long been established as an upgrade as it offers better comfort as well as durability versus fabric. Volvo, after receiving an overwhelming response from a study on consumption and sustainability, will progressively end the use of animal leather in their interiors and more.\n2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8\nBy 2025, the company is aiming for 25% of the material in new Volvo cars to consist of recycled and bio-based content, as part of its ambition to be a fully circular business by 2040.\nCiting surveys on consumers of luxury goods, two-thirds of the respondents consider a brand\u2019s environmental policies as a critical factor, together with carbon labelling as a means of providing greater transparency on the environmental impacts of products and materials.\nVolvo, being a luxury brand, is more convinced than ever on its approach to ending the usage of animal leather in its interiors. The company\u2019s move was first driven by a concern about the negative environmental impacts of cattle farming, contributing to approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. \u00a0\nWith more computing power needed to handle the integration of more systems, Volvo is developing their in-house operating system called VolvoCars.OS. More about it here.\nHigh-quality sustainable materials made from bio-based and recycled sources will line the interior of EVs at the initial stage, as seen in the new \nVolvo C40 Recharge\n. Items made from recycled plastic or sustainable materials include trim panels, carpets (from recycled plastic bottles) as well as upholstery from renewable wool fibres or suede textile (from recycled plastic). \u00a0\nVolvo has also created a new material called Nordico, which consists of textiles made from recycled material such as plastic bottles, bio-attributed material from sustainable forests in Sweden and Finland, and corks recycled from the wine industry. This material will make its debut in the next generation of Volvo models.\nVolvo will also continue to offer wool blend options from suppliers that are certified to source responsibly, as the company looks to ensure full traceability and animal welfare in its wool supply chain.\nAs for having a line-up of zero-emission vehicles, Volvo has scheduled 2030 as the year they phase out the \ncombustion engine\n.\nVolvo is certainly not alone in this path of using sustainable, non-animal materials for upholstery. The latest \nAudi A3\n can be fitted with seat coverings made from recycled bottles, to the tune of up to 45 bottles required per car.\nMeanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has been using \u2018Artico man-made leather\u2019 in the interiors for many years, even in an executive limousine like the \nfacelifted Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde\n. \u00a0\nThe upcoming next-generation Volvo XC90 will not be called as such, but something emotional. Find out more about the name change here.\nHigher-range BMW models have man-made Sensatec material lined the dashboard, with many \nCKD BMW models\n sticking to Dakota or Vernasca leathers as the preferred choice of seat upholstery."
"For those looking to get their first taste of a \nMercedes-Benz\n, something like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class could be a possible option. Now only available in a sedan body type in Malaysia, the non-AMG \nA-Class sedan\n\u2019s prices are \nRM235,888\n for the A 200 Progressive Line and \nRM260,888\n for the A 250 AMG Line. The A-Class sedan is also locally assembled (CKD). Here we have gathered the A 200 and the A 250 for your viewing pleasure.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nA 200 Progressive Line in Cosmos Black, A 250 AMG Line in Denim Blue\nIn its most basic form for the Malaysian market, the A-Class sedan is sold as the A 200 Progressive Line. As its name suggests, it gets a Progressive Line treatment on the outside. It gets LED High-Performance headlamps that come with adaptive high beam assist.\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nThe wheels on the A 200 are light-alloy wheels which are 18 inches in size, with a 5-twin-spoke design. Wrapping those wheels are a set of factory-fitted Continental EcoContact 6 tyres. Colour options for the base A 200 variant include Polar White, Cosmos Black, Iridium Silver, Denim Blue, and Mountain Grey. All are available without extra charges.\nPowering the A 200 is a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends all power to the front wheels only.\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nInside, the A200 is equipped with Comfort seats that are wrapped in black ARTICO man-made leather. Both the front seats are electrically adjustable and come with a memory function. Although the seats are wrapped in man-made leather, the steering wheels is wrapped in genuine leather.\nOther interior features of the A 200 Progressive Line include ambient lighting with 64 colours, carbon-fibre-look trims, and velour floor mats. You also get Mercedes-Benz\u2019s THERMATIC automatic climate control in the A 200.\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nUp a tier, the A 250 spices things up with an AMG Line exterior. The wheels are still 18 inches in size but have a sportier look to them. Wrapping the 18-inch wheels of the A 250 AMG Line are also a set of Continental EcoContact 6 tyres.\nLike the A 200, the A 250 also gets LED high-performance headlamps that come with adaptive high beam assist. The main differentiating exterior feature of the A 250 from the A 200 would be the AMG Line exterior. However, that is not just all show and no-go.\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nPowering the A 250 is the M260 engine, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged unit that makes \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. It is much more powerful than the base A 200. Paired with the engine is the same 7-speed DCT that you find in the A 200.\nInside, the A 250 differs from the A 200 in several areas. Its upholstery, for example, is a mixture of ARTICO man-made leather and DINAMICA microfibre. Unlike the \u2018carbon\u2019 trims in the A 2000, the A 250 gets light linear-gran aluminium trims. You also get Sport seats in the A 250 AMG Line.\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nIn the cockpit is a multifunction sports steering wheel that is wrapped in nappa leather. Matching the overall sportier cabin is a set of AMG floor mats and aluminium foot pedals.\nLike the A 200, the A 250 also gets ambient lighting with 64 colours and THERMATIC automatic climate control. Both cars get a twin 10.25-inch display with one dedicated as the main head unit and the other desiccated as a digital instrument cluster.\nSafety-wise, both the A 200 and A 250 are equipped similarly. They both get Parking Package with reverse camera, Active Parking Assist, Lane Tracking Package, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Brake Assist.\nGALLERY\nA 200 Progressive Line vs A 250 AMG Line\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line"
"Unlike certain supercars, Porsche has always been known for keeping their \u201cproduce very lean\u201d among other positive attributes.\nThe latest, facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 RS for example, weighs just \n1,430 kg\n while the highly-coveted 911 R only carries \n1,370 kg of fat\n. As Porsche has revealed, its lightest ever model, not known to many, weighs merely \n384 kg\n \u2013 a full tonne lighter than the already light-footed 911R.\nIt\u2019s called the \nPorsche 909 Bergspyder\n. Powered by a 2.0-litre 8-cylinder Boxer engine, it produced \n275 hp\n with 0 to 100 km/h done in just \nunder 2 seconds\n. This was because its outer shell was \nmade entirely of plastic composites, \nas it sits on a lightweight aluminium chassis.\nIt was built to challenge Ferrari in hill climb competitions in the 1960s but it wasn\u2019t an easy car to drive. According to reports, driver Ludovico Scarfiotti was killed when his 909 went out of control and smashed into some trees. Safety clearly was not a concern then."
"Ten months after its global debut, the \nsecond-generation Porsche Panamera\n has finally landed in Malaysia. At launch, two variants are immediately available \u2013 the Panamera and the Panamera 4S. Base price starts at RM890k for the Panamera and RM1.1 mil for the 4S, but if you so wish to have your Panamera to be the perfect one for you, you have to top up a little more for the options.\nAimed at the likes of the \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n, \nBMW 7-Series\n and \nAudi A8\n, Porsche\u2019s luxury sports saloon marries the performance of a genuine sports car and the comfort of a luxury saloon. Unfortunately, the higher performance range of the Panamera (Turbo, Diesel, \nE-Hybrid\n) did not make an appearance yet.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche Panamera\nPorsche Panamera 4S\nEngine\n2,995cc; turbocharged V6\n2,894cc; bi-turbo V6\nTransmission\n8-speed PDK dual-clutch\nMax Power\n330 hp @ 5,400 \u2013 6,400 rpm\n440 hp @ 5,650 \u2013 6,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n450 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,900 rpm\n550 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.7 seconds; 264 km/h\n4.3 seconds; 289 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM890,000\nRM1,100,000\n EXTERIOR\nThe new Panamera is marginally larger than the model it replaces, measuring at 5,049 mm (+35 mm) in length, 1,937 mm in width (+6 mm), 1,423 mm in height (+5 mm) and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm (+30 mm). Despite the slight increase in height, the new Panamera looks much lower and longer thanks to the more pronounced slopping roof line.\nPorsche has also shift the front wheels further forward, reducing the front overhang and extended its rear overhang to give the car a more powerful appearance. The bonnet, boot, roof and wings are made entirely of aluminium. No fancy active rear wing that deploys like a Sci-Fi weapon here, as that feature is reserved for the Panamera Turbo.   Lighting source is courtesy of the new LED headlamps with four-point LED daytime running lights and three-dimensional LED taillamp with an interconnecting narrow LED strip. As standard, the Panamera comes with a body coloured extendible rear spoiler and powered boot. The Panamera gets oval shaped tailpipes while the 4S can be distinguished by its round tailpipes. Wheel sizes range from 19- to 21-inches.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Panamera comes luxuriously equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, touch-sensitive switch controls, electronically adjustable air vents and two 7-inch LCD instrument cluster.   Of course, you can specify various optional equipment such as four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic tilt roof, massage seats, ambient lighting and 3D Burmester sound system.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the standard Panamera is a newly developed 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that outputs \n330 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Power is up by 20 hp compared to the outgoing naturally aspirated mill. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed PDK double-clutch gearbox. This allows the Panamera to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n5.7 seconds\n (5.5 seconds with Sport Chrono Pack) onward to a top speed of \n264 km/h\n.   Under the bonnet of the Panamera 4S is\u00a0a smaller 2.9-litre petrol V6. Yes, it may be smaller in displacement but it is slapped on with two turbochargers, resulting in an output of \n440 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque. Unlike the base variant, the 4S badge denotes all-wheel drive configuration. Power is channeled to all four corners via the same eight-speed PDK double-clutch box. Century sprint time is clocked at \n4.5 seconds\n and top speed is registered at \n289 km/\nh. With the \nSports Chrono Pack\n optioned, it gets to 100 km/h a fraction of a second quicker at \n4.3 seconds\n.\nOn top of that, the Panamera 4S gets an adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Also a first on a Panamera is the \nrear axle steering\n that is taken from the \n918 Spyder\n and \n911 Turbo\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nEvery purchase of the Panamera via Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) will come with a \n4-Year Warranty and free service maintenance package\n. As with all Porsches, the possibilities for personalisation is\u00a0endless and stretches as far as your bank account goes. If you\u2019re looking for something with a little more space for your golf bags, perhaps the \nPorsche Panamera Sport Turismo\n\u00a0wagon\u00a0that is coming soon would be of your interest.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche Panamera 4S   Porsche Panamera"
"Following the introduction of four new SUV models earlier this year, Audi Malaysia keeps up the momentum by unveiling the \nsecond-generation Audi Q3\n on our shores to take on the premium compact SUV market.\nBuilt in Gyor, Hungary, the fully-imported Audi Q3 is priced at \nRM269,900\n.\nThe Audi Q3 has grown in virtually all dimensions, including the wheelbase which has been stretched by 77 millimeters. As a result, the second-generation Audi Q3 boasts a cabin with more knee room, head room and elbow room.\u00a0\nThe styling of the Audi Q3 has also grown up a fair bit, with the highlight being the large octagon Singleframe grille with eight vertical bars at the front.\u00a0\nAdding to the sportier appearance are the large air inlets at the lower front apron, as well as the slim full LED headlights flanking the Singleframe grille.\nDrawing inspiration from the Audi Quattro DNA, the prominent shoulder line adds to the muscular appearance of the SUV. The wheel arches also feature a colour-contrasting cladding for an outdoor look.\nAt the rear, the Audi Q3 features a long roof-edge spoiler that extends from the steeply-raked D pillars. The LED taillights also feature dynamic indicators.\u00a0\nThe high-tech cabin from its higher-tier siblings also makes its way into the Audi Q3. Featuring the top-of-the-line MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system, the \n10.1-inch touch display\n makes up the central element of the dashboard.\u00a0\nThe MMI infotainment system supports natural-language voice control, as well as \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\n for your mobile phone.\nComing as standard in the Audi Q3 is the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus. Featuring a \n12.3-inch digital display\n, the digital instrument cluster offers two additional views that can be customised through the MMI infotainment system.\nAs a result of the elongated wheelbase, the interior space offers additional versatility through 150 millimeters of fore/aft movement for the rear seats. Boot space can also be expanded from 530 to 1525 litres via the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.\u00a0\nThe Audi Q3 in Malaysia will only be offered in a single powertrain option \u2013 a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine generating \n150 hp\n. The powerplant is mated to a \nsix-speed S-tronic automatic transmission\n.\nThe SUV does the zero to 100 km/h sprint in \n8.9 seconds\n, and has a top speed of \n207 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n7.2 l/100km\n.\nAs an added bonus, all Audi cars including the new Q3 purchased from the 2nd to 10th November will qualify for an exclusive lucky draw with the following prizes:\n1\nst\n prize \u2013 Exclusive Audi Driving Experience in Germany valued at RM 40,000\n2\nnd\n prize \u2013 Shopping voucher for Audi Genuine Accessories valued at RM 5,000\n3\nrd\n prize \u2013 Front Genuine Universal Traffic Recorder (UTR) valued at RM 2,500\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Call it a publicity stunt or Post \u201cLockdown\u201d Stress Disorder but what was supposed to be a high quality production of the \nMINI JCW GP\n by a French YouTuber whose channel goes by the name of \nPog\n, took a turn for the ugly.\nThe video started with the MINI JCW GP being delivered in a crate box followed by its unboxing and what followed was completely unexpected. The MINI was then driven, Ken Block-style lap after lap around the YouTuber\u2019s backyard which in a way, was a fantastic display of the MINI\u2019s agility as it slithers through narrow alleys and between trees.\n \nWhat followed was simply heart-wrenching but not surprising. As the MINI tipped over and landed on its belly again, the roof seems to have suffered the brunt of the damages. The JCW GP which is limited to only 3,000 units, had only done a total of 23 km. We\u2019ll wish the MINI a speedy recovery \nbased on Pog\u2019s Instagram account\n.\nThe JCW GP is the most extreme MINI you can buy with \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Paired to an 8-speed automatic, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds.\nFor the latest price list of MINI vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"These are pretty interesting times. Not only has the reality of a Lamborghini SUV dawned on us, it has made its way to Malaysia in just over three months since its global unveiling. For those who squeal from the unmistakable sight of a typical Lamborghini, this is nothing short of a historical moment in time.\nIf you haven\u2019t already heard, it\u2019s called the Lamborghini Urus and it will set you back RM 780k before taxes. Bearing the name that\u2019s inspired by Spanish fighting bulls, the Lamborghini Urus certainly looks the part.\nThis bull however, is raised to be aerodynamic.\u00a0The front splitter and large Y-shaped air intakes, a feature seen on the LM002, alongside the extensively covered undercarriage helps ensure optimal air flow. Aerodynamic blades on the outer edges of the rear window, together with the floating rear wing, integrated rear spoiler and spoiler lip helps reduce wind resistance.\u00a0Being aerodynamic also meant that the Urus would be quiet on the inside with increased stability from higher downforce.\nThe body is made up of\u00a0an intelligent mix of aluminium, steel and forged aluminium. All that sits on an adaptive air suspension system where ride height is customisable through the Tamburo drive mode selector.\u00a0\nThere are 6 driving modes available through the \u201cTamburo\u201d drive mode selector \u2013 Strada (Street), Sport, Corsa (Race), Neve (Snow), Terra (off-road) and Sabbia (Sand) \u2013\u00a0 working in tandem with the Urus\u2019 specially-tuned damping system that continually adjusts itself depending on driving conditions; harder when cornering and softer in a straight line.\nIn Strada, the ride height changes according to speed while in Sport, the Urus lowers itself to ensure stability. In Corsa, the Urus becomes more precise with minimal body roll. In three of the off-road modes,\u00a0higher ground clearance allows obstacles to be safely overcome, while anti-roll bars provide independent asymmetric movement for optimal traction.   An Electromechanical Active Roll Stabilisation system is being used for the first time in a Lamborghini. The system ensures maximum reduction of roll on bumpy roads, in a straight line and corners while providing the bull with agility and a responsive steering.\nAt the heart of the Urus lies a\u00a04.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine developing \n650 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n\u00a0of torque; 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds, before hitting a spine-chilling 305 km/h \u2013 in a 2,200 kg SUV \u2013 can\u2019t imagine what that\u2019s like! The Spanish bull\u2019s pace is a result of reduced turbo lag and maximum torque guaranteed by twin-scroll turbochargers while a cylinder deactivation system reduces fuel consumption.   The muscle is then transferred through an 8-speed gearbox, onward to all four wheels \u2013 that\u2019s aided with active torque vectoring that distributes power to each individual wheel for enhanced traction and increased steering control. Torque is split 40/60 between the front and rear axles \u2013 which features rear wheel steering brought over from the Aventador S. The rear wheel steering will not only ensure smaller turning radius but also better stability at high speeds \u2013 as you\u2019d expect of a Super SUV by Lamborghini.\nUnderneath the hexagonal wheel arches, a feature seen on the Countach, the Urus is leashed by Carbon Ceramic Brakes \u2013 the largest and most powerful available \u2013 with virtually no brake fade. The large brakes are tucked behind forged wheels ranging from 21 \u2013 23 inch, wrapped in tyres specifically made for the Urus by Pirelli. The front discs, measuring 440mm, are even larger than those in Porsche 911 Turbo S (410mm) \u2013 you can lay those stopping concerns to rest.\nUnlike other Lamborghinis, space will never be an issue in the Urus. Its long wheelbase of 3,003 mm is almost as long as the Kia Carnival. The 5-seater interior can be made up of leather, alcantara, aluminium, carbon fiber and wood trims with Piano Black and Brushed Aluminium dashboard trim finishing as standard. It features a multifunction three-spoke steering wheel with vibration dampers, a Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS) and a fully-digital TFT display to project information in 3D form.\nFront seats are fully-electric, heated and 12-way adjustable while rear seats are movable and foldable with ISOFIX mounting points. Boot space is rated at 616-litres, 1,596-litres with the second row folded. A two-seat second row can be had as an option. Voice command, heads up display and a touchpad are all standard while the Lamborghini Smartphone Interface (LSI) allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.\nSound is projected through 8 speakers as standard while the optional Bang & Olufsen system with 21 active speaks will offer more immersive, natural 3D sound throughout the cabin.\nSafety wise, the Urus comes with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that offers up to Level 2 Driving Assistance, High Beam Assistant, parking sensors and a collision mitigation system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As hinted by their website \nearlier\n, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n officially reveals the \n2015 Toyota Vios\n with minor updated specifications while keeping the looks same as before.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Vios\n \nEngine\n1,497 cc; inline-4 cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT-i)\nTransmission\n4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual\nMax Power\n107 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n141 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice\nRM 74,700 (1.5J manual)\n RM 78,800 (1.5J automatic)\n RM 84,300 (1.5E automatic)\n RM 89,990 (1.5G automatic)\n RM 94,800 (1.5 TRD Sportivo automatic)\n\u00a0\nA total of four variants are offered on the updated 2015 Vios: \n1.5J\n, \n1.5E\n,\n 1.5G\n, and topped off with the \n1.5 TRD Sportivo\n. Mechanically they are unchanged, where you can find the same \n1.5-litre four-cylinder\n and\n four-speed automatic\n or\n five speed manual\n combo under the bonnet.\nEXTERIOR\nThe 2015 Vios still looks identical as the last year\u2019s model, but the \nchrome doorhandles\n and rear \nnumber plate garnish\n are now standard across the range. If you look closely you will also notice that there\u2019s a button on the doorhandle for the \nkeyless entry\n too.\nThe range-topping TRD Sportivo rocks the full\n five-piece Aerokit\n complete with\n LED Daytime Running Lights\n and unique five-spoke alloy wheels. However the Aerokit is also offered as a cost option for the rest of the variants.\nINTERIOR\nAll variants get the \npush start button\n and the\n 1.5G\n variant now gets a\n black interior\n as opposed to beige, similar to the 1.5 TRD Sportivo. Both the \n1.5E\n and the \n1.5G\n variants get\n door sill scuff plates\n, but \nfront foot illumination\n is reserved on the \n1.5G\n and the \n1.5 TRD Sportivo\n only. The 1.5 TRD Sportivo also gets \nSports seats\n with extra side support.\nThe optional\n DVD-AVX system\n\u00a0that supports USB, SD, AUX, Bluetooth, and reverse camera has grown from 5.8-inch to \n6.1-inch\n in size with higher resolution.\u00a0There\u2019s a more advanced optional \nDVD-AVN system\n that comes with a bigger \n7-inch capacitive touchscreen\n with navigation, internet connectivity via smartphone pairing, Bluetooth, Voice Recognition, and reverse camera as well.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe tried and trusted \n1.5-litre\n\u00a0\nfour-cylinder\n engine is unchanged. It delivers \n107 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n141 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm. Transmission choices stays the same with either a \nfour-speed automatic\n transmission, or a \nfive-speed manual\n transmission exclusively in the 1.5J variant only.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe 2015 Vios is covered by a\n 3-year or 100,000 km\n warranty. For extra piece of mind, every new Vios will be equipped \nportable tyre pump\n as standard. Although the \nToyota Premium Security & Solar Film\n is only fitted as standard on the 1.5 TRD Sportivo and the 1.5G variants, it\u2019s optional for the 1.5E and the 1.5J variants.\nThey are priced at \nRM 74,700\n (1.5J Manual, previously \nRM73,200\n), \nRM 78,800\n (1.5J Automatic), \nRM 84,300\n (1.5E), \nRM 89,990\n (1.5G), \nRM 94,800\n (1.5 TRD Sportivo, previously \nRM93,200\n) and they are available in five colours: White, Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, and Quartz Brown Metallic.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"One of the first few specimens of the Jaguar E-Type has been discovered to be in pieces in France and would be brought back to life by renowned restorers, Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (CMC).\nBearing the Chassis No. 875256, it is one of earlier units to come with a 3.8-litre engine, left hand drive, in open two-seater configuration as well as outside bonnet lock models with all matching numbers.\nSaid to have been delivered to the Belgium Motor Company dealership in Brussel back in 1961, it was sold to one\u00a0\u2018Societe de Civel Immeubles en Afrique\u2019 \u2013 probably some rich aristocrat; we simply dig up anything that name or person. It subsequently reappeared in France in 2015 and records seem to indicate that it was imported from Luxembourg in 1975.\nAlthough in parts, the car is very complete and was bought by the previous owner for restoration. French restorers were tasked to work on the car but shortly after the said owner took it away for safe-keeping in his garage said to be in Grigny, the southern suburbs of Paris.\n\u201cChassis No. 875256 is literally in boxes in our workshops awaiting a much needed nut and bolt restoration. It will be a challenging project but all the factory parts are there and our skilled fabricators and technicians will do all they can to save as much as the original car as possible. It will roll out of our workshops just like it left Browns Lane in 1961.\u201d said Chairman of CMC, David Barzilay.\n\u201cWe are currently delving through the car\u2019s history files to find out more about its life. These early E-Types are sought after by collectors and investors alike, and the fact that they keep on resurfacing after years in the dark is still amazing.\u201d, he further stated.\nCMC is well-known for having a hand in restoring some of the most historic E-Types, including Lofty England\u2019s Chassis No. 4, the Lindner-N\u00f6cker Lightweight and 1VHP, the first RHD Coupe off the production line and the first of only four outside bonnet lock cars.\nLast year and after 2,956hrs, they completed the restoration of yet another 1961 E-Type also found in France in a very sorry state.\nCover Photo Credit:\u00a0\nhttp://brandonlimphotography.com/"
"In conjunction with its international public appearance at this weekend\u2019s \nGoodwood Festival of Speed\n, Toyota and PlayStation are making the latest Toyota GR86 available in the video game console via the Gran Turismo Sport game.\nThe new coupe sees no significant change in dimensions apart from length thanks to the new styling and design of the bumpers. The wheel size is now 18 inches but the tyres maintain the 215-section width all-round.\nThe \u2018FA24\u2019 2.4-litre boxer engine continues to be a high-revving unit, with a maximum output of \n235 hp\n at 7,000 rpm, while maximum torque of \n250 Nm\n arrives at a much earlier 3,700 rpm. The redline of the boxer engine continues to be 7,400 rpm.\n \nThe new car is an easy 1.8 seconds quicker around Tsukuba circuit than the 2016 model! \nToyota is quoting a time of \n6.3 seconds\n for the new GR 86 with a six-speed manual gearbox to complete the century sprint. That is 1.1 seconds faster than its predecessor whilst hauling 30 kg more at a kerb weight of \n1,270 kg\n. The six-speed automatic transmission is said to add 30 kg more, still a lightweight compared to many new models launched.\nThe new BMW M4 Competition xDrive Convertible soft top weighs two tonnes! Imagine if it was a hardtop.\n \u00a0\nApart from the larger engine, additional weight in the new Toyota GR86 has also been contributed by a stronger bodyshell, with torsional rigidity increased by almost 50% against the old coupe. The use of lightweight aluminium panels has been extended to the roof as well as front fenders, while the first generation GT86 only featured an aluminium bonnet.\nJapanese tuners already displaying concepts of the new GR86, over 300 hp and more!\nDynamically, the new Toyota GR86 should definitely stick to the tarmac a lot better thanks to the higher traction offered by the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer of the coupe, famously said the 2012 Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ were shod with Michelin Primacy HP tyres from the range-topping Toyota Prius for an indescribable \nfun-to-drive sensation\n.\nIf you are a Subaru fan, the new BRZ which also shares development and production with the Toyota GR86, will only available in the Gran Turismo Sport game at a later date.\nGALLERY\n2021 Toyota GR86 Gran Turismo Sport\nIt is listed as running the old 4.1 final drive ratio\n2021 Toyota GR86"
"Without any motor shows or large-scale motoring events, this came as a complete surprise. Geely has just presented a new design language derived from their current \u201cExpanding Cosmos\u201d philosophy.\nThe \nVision Starburst\n examines the new and alternative expressions of the \u201cExpanding Cosmos\u201d theme which the company is using as a design board for future models.\nVice President of Geely Design Shanghai, Guy Burgoyne, said at the unveiling event, \u201cThe Expanding Cosmos philosophy serves as a constant inspiration for our designers to discover a new and holistic design language that satisfies our ever-expanding and increasingly diverse range of customers. In search for this DNA in the new digital age, we have pushed the boundaries of technology and innovation.\u201d\n \nThe Vision Starburst takes the form of a large fastback, similar to the recently launched \nZeekr 001\n. Full-width lighting signatures are on both the front and back of the concept car, with the light moving from the centre towards to sides, giving the front face a more powerful and three-dimensional aura.\nGeely says the door panels intertwine and integrate, with sharp lines making bold shapes. At first glance, however, \nHyundai\u2019s \u201cParametric Dynamics\u201d\n immediately comes to mind. The wheel arches on the Vision Starburst with multiple horizontal strakes are fitted with lighting units to inform of the battery charging status.\nThe entrance to the interior of the Vision Starburst is unobstructed, devoid of the central pillar thanks to the fitment of \nbutterfly doors\n hinged at both ends of the cabin. A simple dashboard layout with a large central display and the traditional round steering wheel is the highlight of an otherwise plain interior.\nAmbient lighting inside the cabin as well as on the outside will be used to communicate, giving users a sense of speed and a new driving experience. A new hollow aerodynamic geometric shaped shift lever on the floating centre console is mentioned too, perhaps an item or section most likely to be in the next generation production vehicle. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe Vision Starburst is a pure concept car, but Geely said many aspects of the new design language will be taken and applied to future Geely Auto models. Just give it a few hours and renderings of this concept car with the Proton logos will start appearing in the internet space.\nGALLERY"
"With the imminent market debut of the cute little \nHonda e\n, Honda is now accepting orders in UK, Germany, France and Norway. This is also the first time the Honda e is shown in a variety of colours.\nFive colour options\nwill be available for the urban electric vehicle (EV), consisting of Platinum\nWhite Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Crystal Blue Metallic, Modern Steel\nMetallic and Charge Yellow \u2013 which we think is the nicest of them all.\nWhile the company have not announced the official pricing of their latest EV, they have received over 20,000 registration of interest and now customers can place their order with an \u00a3800 (RM4,245) deposit. First deliveries are set to commence from 2020 onwards.\nTo recap, the new Honda e is a nod to the original Civic\u2019s ethos with a compact yet minimalistic design for the urban setting. As such the exterior and cabin are as functional as it gets with pop-out door handles, 17-inch alloys wrapped in \nMichelin Pilot Sport 4\n rubbers, two-tone exterior paint, Camera Mirror System, widescreen display for the infotainment and instrument cluster as well as wood inlay trims.\nHonda claims that the EV\ncan return over 200 km of driving range on a single charge and the \u201cfast charge\u201d\ncompatibility can charge the battery to 80% in 30 minutes. While key performance\nfigures were not revealed, we know that the Honda e will be rear wheel driven.\nHonda claims that this is the ideal set up for everyday urban commute and fun\ndriving experience.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda e in all 5 Colours"
"Following the unprecedented success of the \nVolvo XC90\n, Volvo Car Malaysia felt emboldened to introduce the full range of the flagship 90 series models First to join the XC90 SUV is the S90 sedan, which is available in two trims: T5 and the hotter T6 R-Design.\nHere to challenge the conservative luxury E-segment, the S90 embodies the Scandinavian idea of luxury \u2013 natural materials, ergonomic, purposeful design and cutting-edge technological innovations. To take home this fully imported Swedish sedan, you will need RM389k for the T5 while the T6 R-design will set you back at RM454k.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo S90 T5\nVolvo S90 T6 AWD R-Design\nEngine\n1,969cc; in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged\n1,969cc; in-line 4-cylinder supercharged & turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n254 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n400 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.8 seconds; 230 km/h\n5.9 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM388,888\nRM453,888\nEXTERIOR\nUnderpinning the S90 is the company\u2019s new Scalable Produce Architecture (SPA) platform, which is a modular chassis designed for all future Volvos to come. The dimensions are:\u00a04,963 mm in length, 1,879 mm in width, 1,443 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,941 mm.   Like the XC90, the S90 wears Volvo\u2019s new design language. Up front, you get LED headlamps with \u201cThor\u2019s Hammer\u201d LED daytime running lights and chrome front grille with the prominent Volvo Iron Mark (the Volvo logo). At the rear, Volvo explained that the twin C-shaped lights are designed to give the S90 more stance and a muscular profile. The S90 T5 rides on 10-spoke 18-inch \u201cTurbine\u201d alloy wheels shod with 245/45 profile tyres.\nStep up to the S90 \nT6 R-Design\u00a0\nand you get\u00a0some unique design cues such as gloss black accents at the lower front lip and rear bumper, R-Design horizontal mesh grille, silk metal finish side mirror caps, R-Design badge at the rear as well as full LED adaptive headlamps and five-spoke 19-inch R-Design diamond cut alloy wheels wrapped in 255/40 tyres.   INTERIOR\nAt first\u00a0glance, the S90\u2019s interior greatly resembles the XC90, except here you don\u2019t get the fancy crystal gear knob. There are three leather colours you can choose from \u2013 Charcoal, Amber and Blond in combination with two inlay options \u2013 Iron Ore or Dark Flame Birch.\nStandard equipment include 9-inch Sensus Connect Portrait touchscreen infotainment system with 10-speakers, leather upholstery, 12-way powered front seats with driver side memory function, leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive Digital Display, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control system with CleanZone Interior Air Quality system and reverse camera.   Opt for the \nT6 R-Design\n and you\u2019ll get substantially more kit such as R-Design perforated leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Charcoal perforated Nappa leather seats, R-Design sports pedal, heads up display, 360-degree camera, powered sun roof, sun shade for rear passenger windows and powered rear sun blinds. Customers can also choose between Metal Mesh or Carbon Fibre deco inlay to with the Nubuck interior theme.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the S90 T5 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder that packs\n 254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It manages the century sprint in\u00a0\n6.8 seconds\u00a0\nbefore maxing out at\u00a0\n230 km/h\n. The combined fuel consumption figure is rated at\n 6.7 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe S90 T6 is also motivated by a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged in-line four, pushing out\n 320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Transmission of choice is the same eight-speed automatic but here, power is channelled to all four corners. Thanks to the all-wheel drive system, the T6 gets to 100 km/h almost a full second quicker compared to the T5 at \n5.9 seconds\n. Top speed is also slightly higher at \n250 km/h\n. Fuel consumption for the T6 is rated at \n7.5 litres per 100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nSafety has always been the hallmark of the Swedish marque, even more so after the company\u2019s pledge\u00a0that no one should be killed in a Volvo car by 2020. Mr Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia said that Volvo Cars Malaysia will live up to the ethos of the brand and thus equipped the S90 with the full range of safety features the company can offer.\nThe\n IntelliSafe package\n\u00a0gives Collision Avoidance with intersection support, Pedestrian, Cyclist &Large Animal Detection, Rear Collision Warning & Mitigations Support, Run-off Road Mitigation, Pilot Assist with steering assistance (up to 130 km/h), Driver Alert Control with Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert. It is safe to say that the S90 is class leading in the safety department.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Volvo S90 can be had in \nsix\n exterior shades \u2013 Onyx Black, Ice White, Osmium Grey, Bright Silver, Mussel Blue (exclusive to T5 variants) and Bursting Blue (exclusive to T6 R-Design variants). All purchases of the S90 come with a 5-Year or 120,000km warranty as well as five years Volvo on-call package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S90 T6 R-Design   Volvo S90 T5"
"Tesla\n, the United States electric vehicle (EV) maker has been surpassed by the Chinese EV maker, \nBYD\n in Singapore. With this, BYD was crowned as the EV brand with the highest volume sold in the first five months of 2023, \nThe Straits Times\n reported.\nAccording to data recorded by the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA), BYD registered a total of 303 EVs from the month of January to May 2023, with 20% of its sales contributed by private-hire operators. This is 20 units or 7% more than Tesla\u2019s sales figures in the same period, with a total of 283 units sold. \nBMW\n came third place with 249 units registered during the same period as well.\nTesla was the EV market leader in Singapore last year, but its market share dropped from 53.1% in 2021 to 24.1% in 2022. BYD, on the other hand, had its greatest growth in 2022 and has ended its year with only 89 fewer units sold compared to Tesla.\nLTA\u2019s report has also recorded that half of the 10 bestsellers in the island nation have experienced a dip in market share. This includes carmakers such as \nPolestar\n, \nPorsche\n, and MG, which have sold 51, 43, and 42 units respectively.\nRELATED: \nBYD overtakes Volkswagen as No. 1 brand in China \u2013 440k cars sold in Q1 2023\nThe carmaker that suffered the biggest dip in sales was Tesla, which experienced its biggest drop of 4.7% in Singapore. Reasons for the drop were said to be potentially caused by the waning of the brand\u2019s novelty, as well as the rise of constant newer and stronger competition from other EV brands.\nThis situation of Tesla wasn\u2019t unique to just Singapore however, as the United States EV carmaker\u2019s share of EV sales has also taken a fall down to 59.6% during the first quarter in California, which is one of its sales strongholds. This is also despite Tesla having already cut prices for its vehicles six times throughout the year.\nThere were two newcomers that made it to the top 10 list for the January to May period in Singapore \u2013 Opel and \nVolvo\n. Opel\u2019s positive sales results were mainly contributed by its models having replaced the Bluecar in the electric car-sharing company BlueSG, as the supply for Bluecar from Bollor\u00e9 was ceased. Volvo, which was the 10th best-selling EV brand in 2022 of the island nation has now superseded Audi, taking the sixth position in the January to May period.\nRELATED: \nBYD Atto 3 coming with Continental tyres, replaces Atlas Batman tyres"
"In the recent round of the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests, the \nall-new G20 BMW 3 Series\n received glowing endorsement for its safety capabilities by scoring a \nmaximum five stars\n according to the latest Euro NCAP testing standards.\u00a0\nAside from the star rating, the C-segment luxury sedan achieved a score of \n97%\n for\n adult occupant protection\n, which is the best ever result in the \n\u201clarge family car\u201d category\n since the introduction of the current updated test format.\nThe BMW 3 Series also performed well in the other Euro NCAP criteria, scoring 87%, 87% and 76% for child occupant, vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists), and safety assist respectively.\u00a0\nBMW attributed the sterling safety performance of the 3 Series to the vehicle\u2019s integrated safety concept. The weight-optimised design and high-load bearing capacity of the support structure, coupled with the engineered deformation paths maintain the rigidity of the passenger cell in various forms of impacts.\u00a0\n \nRestraint systems such as airbags and inertia-reel seatbelts, controlled via the central safety electronics, work in cohort with the improved crash structure to ensure that physical injuries are kept to a minimum for all occupants.\u00a0\nThe Euro NCAP testing standards were updated in 2018 to include more stringent testing for advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance.\u00a0\nThe extensive list of advanced safety features, which comes as standard on the G20 BMW 3 Series, breezed through the tests with flying colours. In fact, the collision and pedestrian warning with braking function managed to safely avert a collision in all test scenarios, earning it maximum points in the occupant safety assessment.\u00a0\nThe G20 BMW 3 Series is now available in Malaysia as a \nlocally assembled unit\n, with the sole 330i M Sport variant priced at \nRM288,800\n on the road without insurance.\u00a0\nDespite the price cut, the locally assembled 3 Series does not get short changed in terms of safety equipment, with the full list of advanced safety features inherited from the imported unit.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"From football to fashion and beauty, to whiskey, cannabis and everything else in between; life after football for David Beckham has arguably been as rewarding as his long and illustrious career with Manchester United.\nThe former Real Madrid and LA Galaxy player\u2019s business portfolio has been as vast and colourful as the hairstyles he sported as a footballer and now, the name, the face and the glamour has arrived in our world.\nBeckham has recently bought a 10% stake in Lunaz, an English-based company known for their resto-mod conversions of classic vehicles \u2013 converting them to run on electric powertrains.\n\u201cI was drawn to the company through their work restoring some of the most beautiful classic cars through upcycling and electrification,\u201d Beckham said.\nFounded in 2018, the company rose to fame having converted classic Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Jaguar vehicles to run purely on electric.\nLike Rimac, Lunaz plans to expand their business beyond resto-mods. The company not only plans to supply electric-vehicle technology to major automakers but also convert commercial vehicles such as garbage trucks and buses to run on electric powertrains.\nAccording to Lunaz, rather than scrapping these old vehicles and replacing them with electric ones, converting them to run on electricity will not only reduce emissions and pollution but also extend the lifespan of these vehicles by up to 70%."
"Q by Aston Martin, the marque\u2019s personalisation arm, has celebrated the company\u2019s partnership with Bowmore, a single malt distillery, with a limited edition \nDBX Bowmore Edition\n.\nSignature touches include a striking Bowmore Blue paint job, with a Xenon Grey option while on the inside, the cabin is occupied by an array of polished copper items \u2013 including the cupholders and door sills \u2013 \nrecycled from the original whiskey distiller\n!\nEach car comes with specially designed Q by Aston Martin accessories such as a Bowmore tweed picnic blanket and leather holdall.\nOnly 18 of these limited edition DBX will be produced \nwhere they will be delivered to their owners at an exclusive Aston Martin Art of Living experience event in Scotland. The owners will get to experience their new SUVs right away; on a 270 km road trip from Edinburgh through the Scottish countryside.\nAlong their journey, owners of the limited edition DBX will also be treated to fine dining and a private tour of the Bowmore distillery where they will get to \nhand-fill their own bottle of a 39-year old Bowmore whiskey\n directly from the wooden barrel!\nThey will also be given exclusive access to the No 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in the world, which has played host to a number of VIPs over the years, including members of the Royal Family.\nIf that isn\u2019t good after-sales service, we don\u2019t know what is!\n \nThe Aston Martin DBX was\n launched here in October last year\n, to the tune of RM818k before you go crazy with the options list and taxes.\nIt\u2019s powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, with\u00a0\n550 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n700 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. 0 to 100 km/h will take just 4.5 seconds in the all-wheel drive behemoth with a top speed of 291 km/h.\nGALLERY"
"Effective today, customers can now make bookings for the new variants of the Toyota Innova, the 2.0X and the new Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ 4\u00d74 and 2.4 VRZ 4\u00d72 alongside the upgraded Toyota Hilux. The said models are all locally-assembled at UMW Toyota\u2019s plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.\nThe new\n Innova 2.0X\n will now be the flagship model of the range with exclusive additions to identify it as the top variant. They include \nLED headlamps\n, premium combination leather, 6-way power adjustable seats for the driver, Captain\u2019s seats for the second row and larger alloy rims.\nThe Innova 2.0X also received the 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, like the rest in the Innova range with 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist and Emergency Stop Signal.\nThe \nFortuner\n range has \ntwo new diesel\n variant additions \u2013 the 2.4 VRZ 4\u00d74 and the 2.4 VRZ 4\u00d72, placing them just below the top of the line 2.7 SRZ 4\u00d74. The two new Fortuners now come with \nBi-LED projector headlamps\n, Vehicle Stability Control, 7 airbags, leather seats, automatic air-conditioning and a powered tailgate.\nAlso new to the Fortuner are \nLED fog lamps\n and \nCruise Control\n. The 2.7 SRZ 4\u00d74 and 2.4 VRZ 4\u00d74 now come will Downhill Assist Control (DAC). All variants are now updated with \nrear disc brakes\n.\nAs for the \nHilux\n, Malaysia\u2019s best-selling pick-up for the last 12 years, enhancements have been focused on convenience and comfort with cruise control, automatic air-conditioning, USB ports and rear vents among the new inclusions. The 2.8G and 2.4G automatic variants get Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Active Traction Control. The same systems have also been added to the manual Hilux 2.4G while t\nhe automatic 2.4G now gets\n 7 airbags\n.\nAll these models will be covered by a \n5-year warranty with unlimited mileage\n, subject to terms and conditions. The Hilux comes with a 5-year warranty with 150,000km mileage."
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak recently visited Tesla Motors\u2019 headquarters in California and subsequently announced that, through a special scheme, 100 units of Tesla Model S will be imported to Malaysia. \u201cThis is to create a more sustainable environment,\u201d he said.\nThe Model S is Tesla\u2019s most popular model (last year it won the world\u2019s best selling plug-in EV award), leading the premium luxury full-electric vehicle segment in many markets. Najib\u2019s aim is to promote zero-emission cars in Malaysia, and all 100 units bound for Malaysia will be duty-free.\u00a0\nThere\u2019s a number of variations for the Model S since its inception in 2012. But currently, Tesla is offering the 70kWh\u00a0and 90kWh models.\nIts flagship is the\n P90D\n model; an\u00a0\nall-wheel driven\n, \ndual-motor\n\u00a0setup that produce close to\u00a0\n700 hp\n\u00a0juiced by a huge\u00a0\n90kWh\n battery pack. The P90D manages the century sprint in an amazing \n2.8 seconds\n while boasting a cruising range of over\u00a0\n400km\u00a0\nper charge. That said, the Model S isn\u2019t cheap at all, costing upwards of USD100,000 in the United States.\nEven with the duty-free Model S, we will be forking a great deal of money to own one. But no, we can\u2019t, because all 100 units will be restricted to Government-Linked Companies. \nBoo-hoo\n.\nImage Source: Tesla Motors, Source: The News Straight Times"
"Fresh from its global debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March, the all-new Ferrari F8 Tributo made an appearance in Kuala Lumpur (the \nfirst country in South East Asia to do so\n) just in time for Ferrari Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand\u2019s 10-year anniversary celebration.\n \nUnder the hood houses a reworked 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8, power is now up to \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n. Drive is channelled to the rear wheels via a 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission, allowing the F8 Tributo to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n2.9 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n340 km/h\n.\nThe F8 Tributo is priced at RM1,068,000 before applicable duties and options. You will also have to check all the lightweight options to bring down the car\u2019s dry weight to 1,330 kg which is 40 kgs lighter than the model it replaces.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nFerrari\u00a0F8\u00a0Tributo\u00a0Launched\u00a0in Malaysia"
"Here it is, at long last \u2013 the heavily-rumoured, long-awaited \nPerodua compact SUV\n. And as the leaks suggested, it\u2019s called the Ativa, which is the Portuguese word for \u201cActive\u201d.\nThe Perodua Ativa will be available in three variants \u2013 X, H, and AV \u2013 with prices ranging from RM61,500 to RM72,000 with all the options ticked.\nEXTERIOR\nWhile the Perodua Ativa is based on the Japanese-market \nDaihatsu Rocky\n (and \nToyota Raize\n), designers at Perodua have given the Ativa its own design touches to differentiate it from its cousins.\n \nThese changes include a redesigned front grille that has been stretched out towards the two LED headlights (unchanged from Rocky), a unique front bumper design with triangular-shaped fog lamp housings, and surrounded by L-shaped trims around the top, similar the updated Perodua Bezza.\nSimilarly, the rear bumper on the all-new Ativa also gets several Perodua-exclusive touches. The chunky black plastic \u201cvents\u201d on the sides are replaced by sleeker L-shaped trims to house the fog lamps, and moving further down, the number plate section is slightly reshaped (less angular compared to the Rocky), and is accented with a satin silver trim underneath.\nIn terms of exterior features, the all-new Perodua compact crossover is fairly well-equipped across the board, with LED headlights (with \nautomatic high beam\n!) and rear combination lights, and even electrostatic-activated door handles (for keyless entry) coming in as standard features.\nMoving up to the H variant will net you automatic head lights with \nadaptive driving beam\n (automatically disabling certain beams to prevent dazzling other drivers), sequential turn indicators, as well as larger 17-inch alloys \u2013 which are Perodua-designed items as well.\nStepping up all the way to the range-topping AV, and you can stand out even more from the crowd with the optional two-tone black roof. The full exterior colour options are as below:\nPearl Delima Red (Exclusive to AV and H variants, available with black roof on AV)\nPearl Diamond White (Exclusive to AV and H variants, available with black roof on AV)\nCobalt Blue (H and X variants)\nGranite Grey\nGlittering Silver\nPERFORMANCE\nAmong the many firsts on the Ativa, its powertrain is perhaps one of the most significant one, as it will be powered by Perodua\u2019s \nfirst ever turbocharged engine\n, mated to a D-CVT gearbox \u2013 also a first for the national carmaker.\nEngine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged, petrol\nTransmission: D-CVT with sequential shift\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 98 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 140 Nm @ 2,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nFuel consumption: 18.9 km/l (5.3 l/100km)\nWhile no performance figures were provided, Perodua says that the performance of this turbocharged three-banger is similar to its previous 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engines. There\u2019s even a \u201cPower Mode\u201d button to perk up the engine and throttle response.\nThe D-CVT (Dual-mode DVT) is also unique in operation compared to regular CVT gearboxes, by using split gears in addition to regular belts on higher loads and speeds for increased efficiency and lower noise, while still maintaining the smooth CVT acceleration at low speeds.\nAside from just powertrain, the Perodua Ativa also sees significant improvements to its ride and handling capabilities. This is in large due to the new DNGA platform underneath, which significantly increases body rigidity, while at the same time improving collision safety and NVH levels.\nINTERIOR\nWhile the exterior sees significant changes in design, the cabin of the Perodua Ativa does remain quite faithful to its Japanese cousins, particularly on the dashboard design. Changes here are mostly functional, such as the climate control panel, similar to that of the Perodua Myvi.\nStandard equipment on the entry-level X variant include a basic head-unit with FM/AM and an analogue instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display. But step up to the H and AV variants though, and the cabin immediately elevates into a 21-century-ready interior, thanks to these new interior kit:\n9.0-inch touchscreen Display Audio infotainment system with voice-command system (No Apple CarPlay, unfortunately)\n7.0-inch fully digital instrument cluster\nReversing camera\nRear USB charging ports\nLeather steering wheel with control buttons\nLeather seats and shift knob (AV only)\nThe Perodua Ativa also boasts significant cabin space on the inside, particularly with a \u201ccouple distance\u201d (space between the centre of front and rear seats) of 900 mm, perfect for families requiring child seats. The boot space of 369 litres (with false floor at lowest setting) is also the biggest in its class according to Perodua.\nSAFETY\nThe Ativa already sounds pretty good so far, but we have not even got to its most impressive part yet \u2013 its standard safety features. Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system, now in its third generation, is now standard across the board. The ASA 3.0 features have also been updated for better performance, now with support for motorcycle and bicycle detection, as well as night-time operation. These features include:\nPre-Collision Warning (PCW)\nPre-Collision Braking (PCB)\n[New] Pedal Misoperation Control (vehicle continues to brake after engine suppression of 1.5 seconds when an obstacle is detected ahead)\nFront Departure Alert\nThe top-of-the-line Perodua Ativa gets even more goodies on the active safety front, with the following new features being added:\nLane Keep Control\nAdaptive Cruise Control\nBlind Spot Monitoring System\nRear Cross Traffic Alert\nWith the new features, the Perodua Ativa AV takes the crown for the cheapest car on sale here in Malaysia to offer level 2 autonomous driving capabilities!\nDCIM100GOPROGOPR1016.JPG\nPRICING\nPricing for the Perodua Ativa starts from RM61,500, topping out at RM72,000 for the AV variant, with all the options checked.\nAtiva X \u2013 RM61,500\nAtiva H \u2013 RM66,100\nAtiva H (Special Metallic) \u2013 RM66,600\nAtiva AV \u2013 RM71,200\nAtiva AV (Special Metallic) \u2013 RM71,700\nAtiva AV (Two-tone roof) \u2013 RM72,000\nAll prices listed above are on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions. Also included in the price is a five-year/150,000 km warranty.\nThe \u201cSpecial Metallic\u201d colour options exclusive to the H and AV variants \u2013 Delima Red Metallic and Pearl White Metallic \u2013 will cost an additional RM500 on top of the base price, while the two-tone roof option is another RM300 on top of that, bringing the price up to RM72,000.\n GALLERY\nPerodua Ativa Brochure"
"After a year of absence, Toyota Toyota Vios Challenge returns to full racing mode. Noise and plenty of moisture filled the air over 40 units of identical race-specification Toyota Vios took to the North Track of the Sepang International Circuit measuring 2.7 km banded together by nine corners. Here are the results after two days of exciting races:\nSPORTING CLASS\nWith 19 drivers on the grid, the Sporting Class was the most highly-anticipated race, and the return of the rain made conditions even more challenging for the drivers.\nAt the end of the 20-lap race, it was Crestmax Motorsport\u2019s Adam Khalid who started second, took the chequered flag ahead of Team Distinctive Model\u2019s Clement Yeo and privateer Eric Yong, all three of whom have been podium finishers in the previous seasons.\nIn Race 2, Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin took the chequered flag from nearly a lights-to-flag drive on a warm Sunday afternoon. He made a terrific start from second on the grid to take the lead into Turn 1 and pulled away to take the win with over five seconds ahead of Eric Yong and Race 1\u2019s winner Adam Khalid.\nSUPER SPORTING CLASS\nTwo-time Toyota Vios Challenge \nchampion\n Tengku Djan wasted no time in putting up his title-defence plus aiming for his third after a delayed start due to a thunderstorm. A rolling start kicked things off for Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge, led by Laser Motor\u2019s Mark Darwin, followed by Hayden Haikal and Tengku Djan.\nAs track conditions improved, \nHayden Haikal\n, last year\u2019s Sporting Class champion now promoted to Super Sporting, seized the opportunity for a pass into the lead at Turn 2 of the third lap. He managed to hold on for the lead until a charging Syafiq Ali made a clean pass into the lead with 5 laps to go.\nHowever, Tengku Djan, who now races with Penang\u2019s Prima Pearl Auto, was just waiting for the right time and moment to pounce for the lead and thus made his move at Turn 1 of the final lap, while Syafiq Ali hitting the anchors a little too late and ran a wider line. He managed to keep ahead of Hayden Haikal to the chequered flag.\nIn Race 2, Tengku Djan who was at one time placed seventh, took full opportunity of the safety car\u2019s presence that compacted the field and at lap 14, he made a stunning pass from fourth to first while Boy Wong, Syafiq Ali and Mark Darwin were trading places with each other.\n\u201cRacing is very much weather dependent, and there are so many variables at play such as \nthe tyres\n. It\u2019s a long 20-lap race and you have to be able to manage your tyres and car, knowing when to push and when to hold back. Maybe I just managed to do a better job of this,\u201d said Tengku Djan.\nYou can rewatch all the excitement through Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia\u2019s \nYoutube channel\n.\nPROMOTIONAL CLASS\nAnother dominating performance was seen in Promotional Class, with Toyota Vios Challenge debutante Zizan Razak winning both Race 1 and Race 2.\nAkio Takeyama, who is UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s (UMWT) Chief Motorsport Officer, finished second in Race 1, ahead of the second 2021 Vios Challenge debutante Ahirine Ahirudin.\nStarting the race from sixth position, TV presenter Ahirine kept her calm throughout the 18-lap race and benefitted from the misfortunes of Shukri Yahaya, Nabil Ahmad and singer-song writer Talitha Tan who started the race ahead of her.\nIn Race 2, a rather feisty Shukri Yahaya made contact with race leader Nabil Ahmad causing the latter to have a puncture on his front right tyre and ultimately parking his new\u00a0\nVios GR Sport\n on the grass at the end of Turn 5.\nWith three laps to go, Zizan Razak mounted his attack on Khai Bahar after two laps of analysis. The podium of Race 2 was completed by Ahirine in third again.\nROOKIE CLASS\nFour go-kart racers and two esport simulator champions make up the \nnew Rookie Class\n in the 2021 Toyota Vios Challenge.\u00a0After months of training and preparing plus enduring the cancellation of the race scheduled in January, the rookies were finally able to show what they can do.\nNaquib Azlan, his first time in sedan car racing after countless racing-terabytes in the simulation world, proved to be the most difficult racer to beat. He started first in his class and won both Race 1 and Race 2, even tagging with Super Sporting class driver Kenny Lee in the closing stages.\nThe racing calendar for Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge will include more races this year, up to a total of six rounds and a total of 11 races. The next championship round will be in \nJuly\n, but in between, the Toyota Vios Challenge \nSprint Cup\n will also be featured in the Malaysia Super Series, enabling owners and team more exposure to racing.\nIt is unsure when fans will be able to physically attend the races to cheer for their favourite celebrities as well as listen to the gentler roar of the exhaust.\nGALLERY"
"The \nfifth-generation 2017 Honda CR-V\n gets an interesting all-new variant, this time in a form of a hybrid. It\u2019s also the first time the model gets electrified.\nThe hybrid powertrain comes from \nHonda Sport Hybrid i-MMD\n\u00a0two-motor hybrid system, which is the same system shared with the Accord hybrid. Primary propulsion comes from a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle petrol engine\n that\u2019s paired with two electric motors, producing a total output of \n212 hp\n.\nDetails on the new CR-V hybrid remains scarce, but Honda has confirmed that the CR-V hybrid destined for China will be equipped with Honda Sensing active safety suite. It will go on sale in all of China by mid-2017.\nThe CR-V hybrid as we know it is powered by the crowd favourite\u00a0\n1.5-litre turbocharged engine\n shared with the \n10th-generation Honda Civic\n, outputting 190 hp and 243 Nm of torque. Another naturally aspirated\u00a0\n2.4-litre i-VTEC \nmaking\u00a0\n184 Nm\n and \n244 Nm\n is also available. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed Earth Dreams CVT.\nJust recently in Thailand, the\u00a0\nCR-V diesel\n\u00a0with a\u00a0\n1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder turbodiesel\n\u00a0was introduced, and it\u2019s good for 160 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It\u2019s the sole variant to get the new nine-speed automatic."
"The all-new \nfourth-generation BMW X5\n made its global debut in June 2018 and now our neighbours across the causeway has gotten a first taste of the new Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) \u2013 BMW speak for SUV \u2013 at the \n2019 Singapore Motor Show\n.\nOn display is a xDrive40i variant wearing the M Sport kit that adds sportier M Aerodynamics bumpers, blue painted M Sport brake calipers, M Sport Suspension, blacked out window surrounds and roof rails as well as a M Sport exhaust system with dual outlets integrated into the rear diffuser. This unit here rides on the optional 22-inch M Performance alloys wrapped in ridiculously wide mixed sized Pirelli P Zero rubbers \u2013 275/35 R22 front and 315/30 rear.   Inside the new X5, you\u2019ll find a new generation LCD instrument cluster display, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the new BMW Operating System 7.0, ambient lighting, cooled/heated cupholders, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Dynamic Interior Light, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, 10.2-inch touchscreen displays in the second row and soft close doors.\nThe M Sport package adds M specific three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, illuminated door skills, Sport Seats, M key design, floor mats, footrest and aluminium sports pedals to the cabin. See that chunky Swarovski crystal gear shift lever? That will definitely impress your passengers.   This xDrive40i variant is powered by a 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line six pushing out \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Transmission of choice is an eight-speed ZF automatic to drive all four wheels. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n5.5 seconds\n and top speed is rated at \n243 km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X5 xDrive40i on display at 2019 Singapore Motor Show"
"It\u2019s that time of the year again where our major highways will be clogged with cars heading outstation and you definitely don\u2019t want to be the one with the stalled vehicle \u2013 causing even more mind-numbing congestion.\nSo before you embark on your \u201cbalik kampung\u201d drives, or even for a road trip, Shell Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor is offering, for the first time, a 36-point inspection \nfor vehicles of all makes\n at 20 selected stations nationwide, for \nFREE\n!\nDate\nLocation\n23\nrd\n May \u2013 25\nth\n May 2019\nSarawak\n23\nrd\n May \u2013 26\nth\n May 2019\nSabah\n30\nth\n \u00a0May \u2013 2\nnd\n \u00a0June 2019\nSemenanjung Malaysia\nThe inspection will be conducted by trained personnel from Toyota in conjuction with Toyota and Shell\u2019s \u201cBalik Kampung Safety Campaign\u201d.\n\u201cThis is our first partnership with Shell Malaysia in a safety campaign as our contribution towards making our roads safer. We fully support the government\u2019s efforts to reduce accidents on the roads and through this safety campaign, we can help to ensure vehicles are in a safe condition for their long journeys,\u201d said President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Ravindran K.\nThe free vehicle inspections will start \nfrom 10am to 5pm \non the following dates at selected Shell stations:\nSHELL KOTA DAMANSARA SEK 4\nSHELL JALAN BATU CAVES\nSHELL PERSIARAN SULTAN IBRAHIM\nSHELL DESA PETALING\nSHELL JALAN GENTING KELANG 1\nSHELL JALAN CHERAS BATU 4\nSHELL \u00a0JALAN KUALA KANGSAR IPOH\nSHELL JALAN CHAIN FERRY 1\nSHELL JALAN JELUTONG\nSHELL JALAN BESAR KUANTAN\nSHELL JLN GAMBANG KUANTAN KM 13\nSHELL JALAN HILIRAN KT\nSHELL JALAN SKUDAI JB BATU 5 3/4\nSHELL LEBOH AYER KEROH\nSHELL TAMAN DAYA JB\nSHELL JALAN PENAMPANG KM 5.5\nSHELL JALAN MAT SALLEH TG ARU\nSHELL JALAN SULAMAN INNOPRISE\nSHELL JALAN TUN JUGAH KUCHING\nSHELL JALAN KERETAPI KUCHING\n \u201cWe have carefully identified Shell stations for the free vehicle inspections. It is selected not only based on convenient locations but also the integrated offerings at the stations. Besides the free 36-point inspection, customers can have their car\u2019s engine oil changed at Shell Helix Service Centre, or fuel up with Shell Fuels with DYNAFLEX Technology that is designed for efficiency,\u201d said Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Shell Timur Sdn. Bhd., Shairan Huzani Husain.\nEach inspection \nshould not take more than 15 minutes\n. Car owners who send their vehicles for the free vehicle inspection also stand to receive a goodie bag, while stocks last.\nFor Toyota car owners, they will receive a \n10% discount voucher\n for selected parts purchased at Toyota Service Centres. On top of that, the first 10 customers of the day will receive a RM10 Fuel voucher from Shell Malaysia.\nSpeaking of Toyota, have you checked out\n Adrian\u2019s review\n on the \nnew Vios\n yet?\nThis collaboration with Shell Malaysia will also enable Toyota owners to conveniently replace their airbag inflator system (\nsubject to eligibility and car model\n) at the selected Shell stations.\nThe replacement work will take around one hour depending on the car model. Owners who are uncertain if their vehicle is on the recall list for airbag replacement can check via toyota.com.my, or at the service counters of the selected Shell stations. For Toyota customers who are eligible for airbag replacement, UMWT will be giving a Service Discount Booklet as well."
"When Ford Performance first unveiled the \nFocus RS\n back in 2015, the public was baffled by its Drift Mode. Co-developed with rally and stunt driver Ken Block, \nDrift Mode\n essentially allows the rear of the car to kick out just enough to initiate a controlled oversteer. But what we didn\u2019t know is that Ford Performance had something else up their sleeves.\nBehold, the \nFord Performance Drift Stick \u2013\n\u00a0a rally-inspired electronic handbrake that mimics the functions of a conventional hydraulic e-brake. Understanding that a traditional hydraulic e-brake would require significant mechanical modifications that are not easily reversible, Ford Performance has come up with an electronically-controlled module that plugs into the car\u2019s electronic systems for some rubber burning action.   The aluminium lever operates exactly like a conventional hydraulic e-brake \u2013 pull it and the rear brakes lock up the rear tyres to induce a drift manoeuvre. This allows for a clutch-free slide similar to what professionals like Ken Block experience in a rally car.\nFord claims that the use of an electronic system compared to a mechanical set up allows for \neasy and precise use\n as well as easy installation and removal of the part. The Drift Stick is installed between the six-speed manual gear lever and driver seat, using the standard handbrake as a housing. Drivers will be pleased to know that their handbrakes will still operate as per usual.\u00a0\nThe Ford Performance Drift Stick is available for US and Canada customers for US$999 (\nRM4.2k\n) and can be purchased at authorised Ford Performance Parts distributors from December 2017 onwards. Of course, this being a Ford official product, the Drift Stick will not affect existing warranties.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a whole year of teasers, \nChery\n will finally be making its first public appearance here in Malaysia, with an official brand debut set for the upcoming \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n.\nWhile its cars are not quite ready for primetime yet (the official model launches are only expected in June 2023), customers will be able to test drive two of its models that have already been confirmed for a \u201cphase one\u201d launch in Malaysia \u2013 the \nOmoda 5\n and \nTiggo 8 Pro\n.\nThe company is also expected to announce its assembly partner here in Malaysia at the motor show, ahead of the commencement of its local assembly operations around June. Based on recent reports, Chery Malaysia recently signed an agreement with \nSime Darby Motors\n to utilise the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nThe Omoda 5 will certainly be the spotlight at the Chery booth, thanks to its bold styling. Aimed directly at the \nHonda HR-V\n and Proton \nX50\n, the upcoming B-segment SUV will feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath its bonnet, paired to a CVT gearbox to send \n147 hp\n and \n230 Nm \nto the front wheels.\nA fully-electric variant of the Chery Omoda 5 will also make its way into Malaysia later this year, but it\u2019s unlikely that it\u2019ll be displayed at the motor show, as the model only made its global debut last month. Read more about the \nChery Omoda 5 EV\n here.\nNot to be outdone by its \u201cyounger\u201d sibling, the Tiggo 8 Pro also recently received a major update, which we will be getting here in Malaysia. Again, we\u2019re not sure if the latest model will make an appearance at Malaysia Autoshow 2023 considering its recent global debut, but we\u2019ve already had a closer look at the \u201call-new\u201d model in China last month \u2013 read the\n full story here\n.\nAs promised during Chery\u2019s first official appearance in Malaysia last year, the Tiggo 8 Pro will also be offered with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain later in the year. For its \u201cphase one\u201d launch, though, the seven-seater SUV will first be offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill that\u2019s good for \n250 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n, paired to a seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nThe Malaysia Autoshow 2023 is open to the public from 4-7 May 2023, with tickets priced from RM15 per day. More information on the motor show can be found on its official website, linked \nhere\n."
"As automotive writers, we come across weird and outlandish vehicle concepts almost every other day. But just when we thought nothing will surprise us anymore, Mercedes-Benz went ahead and pulled a G-Wagen race truck out of the bag, designed by two of the most influential luxury designers of our age.\nDubbed Project Gelandewagen, the G-Wagen race truck is actually conceived as an art project, made in collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Chief Creative Director Gorden Wagener and fashion designer Virgil Abloh, whom some of you may know is the founder of Off-White and Men\u2019s Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton.\n \nBut. Just \nwhy\n? The duo says that the G-Wagen race truck was made to\u00a0\u201cexplore ways of disrupting future perceptions of luxury\u201d, \u201cquestion the status quo\u201d, and \u201cshowcase future interpretations of luxury and the desire for beauty and the extraordinary\u201d. We aren\u2019t sure how a stripped out interior and a spotty paint job is supposed to convey luxury, but again as we\u2019ve made clear yesterday, design is not our strong suit by any means.\nAnyway, to that end, the duo stripped the exterior of the\n \nMercedes-Benz G-Class\n down to just its clean silhouette without any side mirrors, indicators, bumper bars, or even door handles. It\u2019s then lowered and widened with over-the-top flared wheel arches and body kit, and equipped with \u2018exaggerated\u2019 wheels and tyres, which the team says \u201cexudes the G\u2019s inimitable charisma\u201d.\nA coat of white paint is selected to emphasise the monolithic character of the car, but partially sanded by hand to \u201ccreate a sense of timeless simplicity\u201d. Whatever that means. Mercedes-Benz says that the final design celebrates the handcrafted imperfections that make it unique.\nInside, the interior has also been stripped of any tech or regular luxury features, with the roll cage \u2013 painted baby blue \u2013 taking centrestage. The dashboard and instrument cluster has been replaced by analog dials and toggle switches inspired by old-school race cars, while a proper race car steering wheel and elaborate bucket seats complete the look inside.\nTo prove that it\u2019s a proper race car, the Gelandewagen is also fitted with a proper racing harness, fire extinguisher, as well as a jerry can for fuel strapped down in the cargo area.\nMercedes-Benz did not reveal the powertrain of the Gelandewagen (probably because it\u2019s not a real race car), though given that it\u2019s \nmeant\n to be a race car, and it also comes with side pipes finished in baby blue, we imagine that underneath the hood lurks the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 from the \nAMG G 63\n.\nThe race car G-Wagen will not be made into an actual car you can buy, though one very lucky and very rich person will be able to win the bid for a replica piece as part of Sotheby\u2019s Contemporary Curated auction, with all proceeds going to a charity that supports international creative communities.\nGALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor recently introduced the \nupdated 2021 Mazda CX-9\n 7-seater so we popped by their showroom earlier to get a closer look at it now that they\u2019ve resumed operations, with strict SOP in place.\nGetting right into it, the exterior remains largely unchanged save for some minor tweaks; it\u2019s an update not a facelift after all. For starters, the seven-seater now comes with the Ignite Edition exterior package as standard.\nThe kit includes the front grille which has been redesigned, 20-inch wheels, and side mirror caps all finished in black, lending the car more sinister look.\nThere are two variants to the 2021 CX-9, either in front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive. Both are powered by the same 2.5-litre turbocharged engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, with 228 hp and 420 Nm.\nNew 2022 Mazda CX-5 unveiled, facelifted with new lights and coloured claddings. Read about it here!\nFuel consumption for the 2WD model is rated at 8.8L/100 km, while the all-wheel drive at 9.2L/100 km (on paper).\nInside, new additions to the cabin include wireless charging, wireless Apple Car Play and paddle shifters for the 6-speed automatic. By far the biggest change are the Burgundy seats which thankfully appear to be in just the right shade for a reall classy look.\nA quick check with Mazda revealed that the Burgundy upholstery will be the only option available. The CX-9 had black leather upholstery previously.\nOther standard equipment onboard includes the head-up display, ventilated and heated seats, a sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a 3-zone air conditioning system.\nFor safety, there are six airbags and Mazda\u2019s i-ActivSense driver assistance system with adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and auto braking (front and back) with pedestrian detection. The all-wheel drive model even comes with Off-road Traction Assist.\nThe CX-9 is fully imported and is subject to 50% sales tax exemption for CBU cars till 31st of December 2021. The front-wheel drive model is priced at RM319,847 and the all-wheel drive at RM336,215.\nNext-gen Mazda CX-5 to get straight-six engines, new RWD platform. Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"The coronavirus has claimed yet another victim, and this time it\u2019s the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), originally scheduled to begin early next month.\nDue to the evolving situation of the COVID-19 virus, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) \u2013 organisers of the NYIAS \u2013 has announced that the 12-day motor show has been postponed until August, \naccording to a statement\n.\nThe move comes just a few weeks after the \ncancellation of the 90th Geneva Motor Show\n, originally scheduled for last week.\nGNYADA president, Mark Schienberg said in the statement, \u201cWe are taking this extraordinary step to help protect our attendees, exhibitors and all participants from the coronavirus.\u201d\nThe NYIAS was \nonly ever cancelled for two years\n during the World War 2, in its 120-year history. Two weeks ago, \nNYIAS announced\n that the show will go on as scheduled.\nHowever, the New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo\u00a0\ndeclared a state of emergency\n just one week later, therefore taking the control out of GYNADA\u2019s hands.\nThe 2020 Chinese GP in Shanghai has also been \npostponed indefinitely\n.\nThe postponement of the NYIAS comes at a precarious time for the automotive industry, as the coronavirus continue to plague supply chain operations due to lockdowns and quarantine measures.\nIn the first 16 days of February, car sales in China plunged as much as 92%, forcing carmakers to \nexplore alternative methods of sales\n.\nFollowing the cancellation of the Geneva motor show, many carmakers turned to \nonline live streams\n for the debut of their new cars. It is expected that the larger car reveals originally scheduled for the NYIAS will also follow suit."
"Last year, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) acquired a \ncontrolling stake in the British sportscar manufacturer\n from DRB-HICOM and ZGH Chairman Li Shufu has plans to \nfully release the potential and brand appeal of Lotus\n, setting \nFerrari and Porsche as their benchmark\n.\nLotus\u2019 new owner has just announced that Feng Qingfeng, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Geely Auto Group will succeed Jean-Marc Gales as Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus effective immediately.\nFeng Qingfeng and Jean-Marc Gales\nGales first joined Lotus Group in 2014 and has led the brand to turn its first-ever profit in 2017. He went on to push for new products for the Lotus brand namely a next-gen Elise and Lotus\u2019 first ever SUV. But how can anyone forget that Gales is a hands-on man himself, personally testing new Lotus models himself, even landing himself in \ntrouble with the law\n.\nGale has chosen to leave Lotus Group for personal reasons and will become Chief Strategic Advisor to Lotus Chairman, Daniel Donghui Li. Li commented: \u201cJean-Marc has stabilised and turned Lotus to profitability for the first time in the iconic brands history with new industry-leading products and unique business models since joining the company in 2014. Lotus is poised for the next phase of growth under Feng Qingfeng\u2019s leadership, where its expertise in lightweight materials and sportscars-engineering will form part of the wider expansion of Geely \u2018s automotive portfolio. At the same time, I will welcome Jean-Marc\u2019s Council as Chief Strategic Advisor to myself and the Board of Directors.\u201d\nFeng said: \u201cI am honoured to have been appointed to lead this iconic British sports car group. With Geely\u2019s global synergies and total support, I am confident that Lotus has an exciting opportunity to achieve its full potential as a luxury sports brand, based around its engineering legacy and its future product pipeline.\u201d"
"Right after \nteasing us with some pictures\n\u00a0last month, Honda finally took the wraps off the updated City in Thailand. The B-segment sedan has received a few notable nip-and-tuck updates, with the most prominent change being its fascia.\nNew to the\u00a0\nfourth-generation City\n\u00a0is a redesigned front and rear bumper, new alloy wheels, as well as a segment-first full LED headlamps. Even the fog lamps are LEDs, just like the \nCivic\n!\u00a0There\u2019s also a mildly restyled chrome grille with LED DRLs offered as standard across all variants in Thailand. The cabin now gets gunmetal accents for the centre console and seats.\nMechanically, the City retains the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine that produces \n117 hp\n and\n 146 Nm\n of torque. Transmission choices include a standard five-speed manual or the seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).\nThe 2017 Honda City is available in six variants, with pricing starting from\u00a0\n550,000 Baht\n (approximately\u00a0RM69,360.00) to\u00a0\n751,000 Baht\n (approximately\u00a0RM94,709.00). The Malaysian launch for the Honda City facelift is really just around the corner, so watch this space for future updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A breathing aid device co-developed by Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, University College London, and UCL Hospital, has now been approved for use by UK\u2019s National Health Service in the battle against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\nThe breathing aid is designed as a \n\u2018Continuous Positive Airway Pressure\u2019 (CPAP) device\n, which helps coronavirus patients with serious lung infections to breathe without having to use other invasive mechanical ventilation methods \u2013 involving insertion of tubes through the skin or mouth.\nCPAP devices are currently short on supply in UK hospitals due to the sudden surge in coronavirus patients. As of the 23rd of March, citizens of UK have been told to \nremain at home \nby prime minister Boris Johnson, much like\n what we have here locally.\nIn order to develop the breathing aid, the team has worked since March 18 at UCL\u2019s engineering hub to \nreverse-engineer an existing CPAP device\n, currently used in Italian and Chinese hospitals, to be \nmass-produced\n.\nAccording to UCL, the CPAP breathing aid took \nfewer than 100 hours to develop\n, from initial meeting to the production of the first device. UCL\u2019s Mechanical Engineering department professor, Tim Baker said, \u201cFrom being given the brief, we worked all hours of the day, disassembling and analysing an off-patent device. Using computer simulations, we improved the device further to create a state-of-the-art version suited to mass production.\u201d\nThe breathing aid has now been recommended for use by UK\u2019s regulatory board. Clinical trials have begun at UCL, and a roll-out will be coming soon.\nThis partnership comes from an initiative by UK-based Formula 1 teams to aid in the fight against the Coronavirus by producing ventilators. Dubbed \u2018Project Pitlane\u2019, the collective consists of six other teams, namely Red Bull, Racing Point, Haas, McLaren, Renault, and Williams.\nMercedes HPP\u2019s Managing Director, Andy Cowell, said: \u201cThe Formula 1 community has shown an impressive response to the call for support, coming together in the \u2018Project Pitlane\u2019 collective to support the national need at this time across a number of different projects.\u201d"
"Setting a lap record on a race track for a production car is a serious deal to some car manufacturers. Just ask Honda, as they have just set four new front-wheel drive production car records in Europe with the\u00a0\nHonda Civic Type R\n, but the\u00a0Nurburgring is not one of them.\nAs a refresher, the fourth-generation Honda Civic Type R (FK2) is the first Civic mega hatch that is powered by a turbocharged VTEC engine. Its\u00a0K20C1 Direct Fuel Injection 2.0-litre four cylinder VTEC engine generates\n 306 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n of torque, and it\u2019s mated to the one and only \nsix-speed manual shifter\n.\nKnown for its oversized rear wing and race car lookalike bodykit, it blitzes from 0 to 100km/h in\n 5.7 seconds\n\u00a0before maxing out at a top speed of \n270 km/h\n. Power is delivered to the front wheels only, and it rides on 19-inch wheels.\nFrom April until June 2016, the bone-stock mega hatch travelled across Europe to shred tyres on five popular circuits: Silverstone (UK), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Monza (Italy), Estoril (Portugal) and lastly Hungaroring (Hungary). The pilots were official Honda racing drivers like Matt Neal,\u00a0Rob Huff, Norbert Michelisz, and WTCC safety car driver Bruno Correia.\nThe lap times completed are as follow:\u00a0 Silverstone (2:31.85), Spa-Francorchamps (2:56.91), Monza (2:15.16), Estoril (2:04.08), and Hungaroring (2:10.85).\nIn 2015, the prototype Civic Type R dethroned the Renault Megane R.S 275 Trophy-R\u2019s to become the fastest ever FWD hatch around the Nurburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of\n\u00a07:50.63\u00a0seconds\n. However, the current record holder is the\u00a0\nVolkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S\n\u00a0with a time of 7:49.21 seconds.\nSo after setting records on the five said tracks, one may wonder: Why didn\u2019t Honda return to the Green Hell to prove a point? Are they contented with being second best at\u00a0the Ring?\nThe late and great Formula One driver Ayrton Senna once said, \u201cBeing second is to be the first of the ones who lose\u201d. The Civic Type R is widely marketed as \u201cthe ultimate race car for the road\u201d, so someone seriously needs to take this car around Nurburgring again, like now!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Polo GTI has been launched for almost a year now; ditching the old 1.8-litre turbo engine for a more powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine that makes around 200 hp and 320 Nm of torque.\nWhile its 0 to 100 km/h time remains similar to that of the previous 1.8-litre turbo model (at 6.7 seconds), it now makes nearly \n10 hp\n and \n70 Nm\n more torque than its predecessor.\nInstead of wondering how much quicker the new Polo GTI is against its old self, why not pitch it against the Golf GTI Performance with 230 hp in a drag race?\nThe initial results in this video may surprise you but hang in there and watch the fourth and last run, the Golf GTI did not disappoint after all."
"Southeast Asia\u2019s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, \nCarsome\n, has appointed Manchester United legend Eric Cantona as its new brand ambassador. In a statement released yesterday, the company says that Cantona shares the common drive in their \u201crelentless spirit to go above and beyond for their fans and consumers\u201d.\nAs the ambassador, Cantona will be actively involved in Carsome\u2019s upcoming promotional activities and grou-wide advertising campaigns in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, where Carsome is the market leader.\n\u201cWe are excited to have Eric Cantona on-board as Carsome\u2019s brand ambassador,\u201d said co-founder and Group CEO, Eric Cheng. \u201cI believe Eric\u2019s personification of victory and fearlessness displayed throughout his life and career will bring us to even greater heights in the used car market as we continue to deliver trust, transparency and choice to our customers.\u201d\nDubbed by fans as \u2018King Eric\u2019, Cantona\u2019s commanding charisma has helped him remain an influential figure in the football world, even until today. Indeed, he has played a significant role in the launch of Manchester United\u2019s latest home jersey, riffing on the iconic \u201ccollar flip\u201d that he made famous back in the 90s.\nCarsome added that he was instrumental in breaking the club\u2019s championship dry spell after 26 years of trophy-less seasons. This, according to the company, is very much likened to Carsome \u201cas a brand that set out seven years ago to redefine the used car industry, at a time when customers deeply lacked trust in the used car market\u201d.\nThe company says that they\u2019re now the industry standard today for customers to purchase quality assured pre-owned cars, promising a hassle-free car buying experience with quality refurbished cars that have all gone through a stringent 175-point inspection and vigorous refurbishment process.\nRELATED: Carsome Certified Lab launched \u2013 own a thoroughly refurbished used car with warranty!\n\u201cThe first in the market to offer a one-year extended warranty and five-day money-back guarantee, with up to 30 brands of cars to choose from, Carsome shares Cantona\u2019s boldness to break the barrier of normalcy to stay on top of the game and be a leader,\u201d the company said in the statement.\nCantona, meanwhile, said that he is pleased to see the progressive and innovative work done by a market-leading Southeast Asian brand like Carsome. \u201cI am confident that our partnership will introduce more car buyers to high industry standards set by Carsome Certified, and subsequently welcome them to a world where the car ownership journey is a trusted and pleasant one,\u201d Cantona added.\nThe Carsome x Cantona campaign has now officially kicked-off in Malaysia and Indonesia, and will be introduced to Thailand in the near future.\nALSO READ: Carsome PJ Automall now open \u2013 a \u2018shopping mall\u2019 for cars with over 200 examples under one roof!"
"Lexus Malaysia \nhas published a teaser on its social media channels for the \n2023 Lexus RX\n, signalling an impending launch for the revamped SUV here on our shores, nearly a year after its global debut.\nBased on \nprevious rumours\n, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX could be offered in two variants here in Malaysia \u2013 an entry-level RX 350 Luxury, as well as the range-topping RX 500h F Sport, representing the two extremes of the global variant line-up.\nThe RX 350 utilises a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath its bonnet, paired to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox to send \n279 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n to the front wheels.\nOn the RX 500h, meanwhile, the same 2.4-litre turbocharged engine is electrified with a parallel hybrid set-up, and paired to an additional electric motor on the rear axle (dubbed eAxle) that boosts its total outputs up to \n373 hp \nand \n550 Nm\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via a Direct4 all-wheel drive system, and \u2013 uniquely on a Hybrid \u2013 a six-speed automatic gearbox (instead of an e-CVT) for weight-saving considerations.\nGlobally, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX is also available in RX 350h and RX 450h+ variants. Both are powered by the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, though the former only gets a single electric motor (integrated series-parallel system) for a total of \n249 hp\n and \n316 Nm\n, while the latter adds another motor on the rear axle for a combined system output of \n309 hp\n.\nIf the rumours are true, then the variant line-up for the 2023 Lexus RX in Malaysia stands out as one of the most unique, as we are the only region to offer the base non-electrified RX 350 variant; Thailand has the RX 450h+ exclusively, Indonesia the RX 350h and RX 450h+, while Singapore has the RX 350h and RX 500h (to be launched at a later date).\nThe Lexus RX 500h with F-Sport kit\nIn terms of looks, the all-new fifth-generation model represents a fresh take on the signature Lexus RX looks, with a revamped \u201cSpindle Body\u201d grille, sharper lighting, and cleaner body lines.\nAside from the new TNGA-K platform underneath, the all-new Lexus RX\u2019s most notable change is found within the cabin, where a massive 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display adorns the dashboard, replacing the \nmuch-maligned Remote Touch system\n.\nREAD MORE: \nAll-new Lexus RX debuts striking design and new \u2018F Sport Performance\u2019 variant\nGALLERY"
"The organisers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed has announced that the event has been postponed, as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Goodwood says that the decision was made following recent developments in the UK, as well as advice from the Government.\nOriginally scheduled to take place on the 9-12th July, the organisers are now \u201cexploring potential alternative dates for late summer or early autumn\u201d, according to the announcement.\nOwner of the Goodwood Estate, The Duke of Richmond said, \u201cDue to the uncertainty of the coronavirus threat and not knowing whether the situation will have significantly improved by [the original scheduled date], we sadly need to postpone the Festival of Speed in July.\n\u201cThese are dramatic and unbelievable times but they will pass and we are already trying to think about just how exciting it\u2019s going to be to welcome you all back to Goodwood for what perhaps might be the \u2018Greatest Event Ever\u2019,\u201d added the Duke of Richmond.\nGoodwood Festival of Speed is the latest addition to the recent slew of postponements and cancellations of motor shows, including the last-minute cancellation of the \nGeneva Motor Show\n, and the postponement of the \nNew York Auto Show\n \u2013 the first since World War 2.\nGoodwood Festival of Speed has recently grown in popularity, now being widely considered as the flagship automotive event in the UK. Recent highlights include the unveiling of the \nLexus LC Convertible\n, as well as the \nrecord-breaking run\n by the Volkswagen ID.R."
"For the past decade or so, the mid-size SUV segment has been dominated by Honda and Mazda with their CR-V and CX-5. Then you have the Nissan X-Trail, the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage, the Subaru Forester, Peugeot 3008 and yet nothing from Toyota; until now.\nWhile they\u2019ve completely honoured and upheld their \u201cAll About the Drive\u201d mantra, with a new engine, new gearbox and new TNGA chassis, Toyota might have taken it too literally. While it\u2019s practical and functional, both inside and out, the 5th generation RAV4 just falls short on the \u201cwow factor\u201d.\n \nThe all-new\u00a0\nToyota\n\u00a0RAV4 is built on the same\u00a0\nTNGA\n-K platform as the\u00a0\nToyota Camry\n\u00a0that promises better visibility, agility, and stability via a lower center of gravity, significantly more rigid chassis, and a rear trailing wishbone suspension for better stability.\nThe sole variant of the RAV4 on sale now is powered by a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine with 207 hp and 243 Nm, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Noteworthy features include a hands-free powered tailgate, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 3D Panoramic view monitor, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver assistance system, a blind-spot monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\n \nTake note that the 2.0-litre variant of the Toyota RAV4 is no longer on sale. Following the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Ford Brazil\u2019s Heavy Truck division has developed the Safe Cap to help truck drivers avoid and overcome the most common danger in their line of work: travel fatigue.\nIt comes with sensors capable of interpreting the driver\u2019s head movements to warn if the user is tired or sleepy when behind the wheel. Alerts will be sent via sound, light and even vibrations to notify the drive to stop for a break.\nTests for the Safe Cap were conducted over 8 months by a selected group of drivers, clocking more than 5,000 kilometres in real driving conditions. Its potential to help prevent road accidents was also acknowledged by traffic safety and sleep studies experts.\nFord is no stranger to ingenious, or some might say quirky innovations as recently, they reportedly filed a patent for \na retractable table\n that comes with an airbag for use in self-driving cars. They\u2019ve also co-developed with stunt driver, Ken Block, to come up with the \nFord Performance Drift Stick\n \u2013 a rally-inspired electronic handbrake that mimics the functions of a conventional hydraulic e-brake."
"Honda Malaysia has finally opened the order books for the highly anticipated \nfifth-generation CR-V\n, and we are pleased to report that it will in fact be getting the 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine.\nIt\u2019s unclear at this point if it\u2019s going to be a 5-seater or 7-seater, though. The engine is tuned to produce \n191 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n and it\u2019s paired to a strengthened \nCVT \n(Continuously Variable Transmission). The new CR-V is built to be larger than the model it replaces and it will be offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.\nHigh-spec variants will get LED headlamps with wing-shaped LED DRLs, LED-combination tail lamps, sporty tailgate spoiler, dual-tone alloy wheels, smart entry with push-start button and Honda SENSING. This is the first time Honda Malaysia is offering their latest-generation active safety features and driver assistive technologies.\nHonda SENSING is comprised of seven class-leading features: Adaptive Cruise Control, Low-Speed Follow, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigating Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Warning and Lane Departure Warning. Below is the breakdown:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC) \u2013 automatically applies acceleration and/or braking force when activated\nLow-Speed Follow (LSF) \u2013 Basically an extension of ACC, but works in stop-and-go traffic conditions, even bringing the CR-V to a full stop\nForward Collision Warning (FCW) \u2013 Triggers visual and audible alerts when the system (a combination of monocular camera and radars) detects any risk of collision\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) \u2013 When a potential collision is detected, CMBS will automatically apply braking force to reduce severity of the impact\nLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) \u2013 Uses the monocular camera to read lane markings. Computers will then make the necessary adjustments to your steering wheel to keep the car within the desired lane\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM) \u2013 Operable between 72 km/h to 180 km/h, RDM will continuously monitor the road ahead, only intervening when the car is leaving a marked lane\nLane Departure Warning (LDW) \u2013 Alerts the driver through steering vibration and visual warning should a lane-changing manoeuvre be executed WITHOUT the use of signal indicators\nAll told, the CR-V is quite possibly the highest-tech Honda model to be launched in Malaysia to date. Other key features include six-airbags, reverse camera, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and up to eight parking sensors. The rear seats fold flat to free up to 1,084 litres of loading space.   Should you be interested in the CR-V, be sure to be among the first to place your orders at any one of the 91 authorised Honda dealerships across the country. You can also catch the CR-V in the flesh when it goes on tour (refer to schedule below).\nDate\nLocation\nTime\n4 June 2017\nGurney Paragon, Penang\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\n7 \u2013 11 June 2017\nMid Valley, Kuala Lumpur\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\n11 June 2017\nImago Mall, Kota Kinabalu\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\n16 \u2013 18 June 2017\nAEON Tebrau City, Johor Bahru\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\n18 June 2017\nPlaza Merdeka, Kuching\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You might have heard people call the \nAston Martin Valkyrie\n as the \u201cF1 for the road\u201d, and there\u2019s a good reason for that. Designed by Red Bull Racing\u2019s Adrian Newey, the Valkyrie features some of the most advanced F1-inspired aerodynamic treatment on its bodywork, plus a \nF1-derived 6.5-litre NA V12 engine\n that revs all the way up to 11,000 rpm \u2013 so you can imagine how it drives.\nWith only 150 units to be made, chances are we\u2019ll never get even close to seeing one of these beasts in real life. But fortunately, Top Gear was invited to join Aston Martin in their session at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, so we can live vicariously through the camera lens \u2013 and boy, is it properly manic.\n \nAs the Valkyrie that was brought to the hillclimb is still a prototype with a few more details still to be ironed out, Aston Martin didn\u2019t want to tempt fate by pushing the car to its limits \u2013 especially through the corners. That doesn\u2019t mean the car wasn\u2019t trying to kill the driver at any chance it gets, though.\nCheck out the Aston Martin Valkyrie in more detail here.\nFrom the video, you can see that Aston Martin\u2019s test driver Darren Turner had to counter steer quite aggressively whenever he puts his foot down, and the engine revs jumps everytime the car hits an uneven patch on the surface \u2013 though the latter could be down to the fact that the test car didn\u2019t have the active suspension system equipped.\nWarp speed activated.\nThe Valkyrie, with its \n1,014 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n of torque, is still technically a road car, but the way the car violently shakes at every gearshift, and more importantly, the sound, wants you to believe otherwise \u2013 Top Gear\u2019s Jack Rix\u2019s facial expressions in the passenger seat already tells you everything you need to know.\nThe all-new Aston Martin Valhalla looks almost as insane as its elder brother. Check it out here!\nTrust us, you wouldn\u2019t want to miss this. Put on some headphones (for the oh so glorious V12 sounds), and let the Aston Martin Valkyrie take you on an insane new spiritual journey \u2013 it\u2019s your god now.\nGALLERY"
"Buying a car is a big commitment and getting sufficient financing through authorised channels might be quite a challenge to many. Times are tough so the opportunists will continue to prey the vulnerable and easily convinced.\nPerodua wishes to warn its existing and prospective buyers of scams involving bogus sales advisors asking customers to make payments to personal bank accounts.\n\u201cWe have recently discovered at least two scammers, posing as Perodua sales advisors, asking customers to make booking fee or deposit payments to personal bank accounts,\u201d Perodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, adding that the company is working with the police on the matter.\nBe alert when taking e-hailing apps, as enforcement teams found drivers using the apps to be fleecing riders\n\u201cWe take this opportunity to remind all our valued customers \nto only make payments to official company accounts\n or over the counters at our outlets,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal added.\nPerodua also advises prospective buyers when purchasing a new Perodua vehicle to:\nContact or visit Perodua\u2019s authorised sales or service centres (if allowed in your respective area) to learn more about its products and services, or visit \nwww.perodua.com.my\n or its official \nFacebook\n and \nInstagram\n pages\nFind the most up-to-date list of nationwide sales and service outlets and their contact details \nhere\nContact the Customer Experience Centre at \n1-800-88-6600\n during office hours, or send an enquiry \nhere\n, if anyone claiming to be a Perodua sales or service representative is asking you to make payments into a personal bank account\nBooking of a new Perodua can also be made online \nhere\nAnd be mindful and extra careful about suspicious individuals or agents claiming to deal with products and services from Perodua. The company advises the prospective buyers to:\nDon\u2019t react immediately to offers\n, whether online or in print, without confirming its details with Perodua\u2019s authorised sales or service advisors, or its official online platforms \u2013 Perodua website, official Facebook and Instagram pages\nDon\u2019t give away your personal details\n such as bank account numbers, home address and IC number without making sure that the person you are speaking with is an authorised Perodua personnel\nDon\u2019t make any payments\n, including deposits and booking fees, \ninto personal bank accounts\n. All payments must be made to company accounts only"
"With less than a week to go before Frankfurt motor show 2019, Honda has released the final specifications and images for the production ready Honda e ahead of its official debut, where it was first unveiled as the \nUrban EV Concept\n in 2017.\nIn its final production guise, the design of the Honda e is pretty much identical to the \nprototype\n shown at the Geneva motor show in March this year. The only differences that we can see are the deletion of the illuminated badges and the \u201cHonda Design\u201d decal on the side skirts.\u00a0\nAs the initial name suggests, the Honda e is designed around modern urban \u2018lifestyles\u2019 with a focus on simplicity and usability, with a nod to the early generations of Civic from 70\u2019s. The Honda e does away with the wing mirrors, replacing it with a \nwide-angled camera system\n to enable better visibility while reducing drag.\n \nPowering the rear wheels (yes, it is a RWD) of the Honda e is an electric motor delivering either 134 hp or 152 hp (there are two state of tunes) along with an impressive 315 Nm of torque, which is \nmore than the turbocharged Honda CR-V\n! The Honda e takes 8 seconds in the 0-100 km/h run.\nThe compact 35.5 kWh battery pack located on the floor provides up to 219 km of range from a single charge. Just like other EVs in the market now, the Honda e also supports fast charging and can be topped up to 80% in just 30 minutes.\nThe optimal battery positioning in the Honda e gives the car a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Along with a torque vectoring system on its rear axle, the Honda e should feel pretty sporty and nimble on the road.\nInside, the Honda e is adorned with a massive digital dashboard across the width of the cabin, with the largest area occupied by dual 12.3-inch LCD touchscreens as the primary infotainment interface. Honda e owners can access the connected services and applications through them, or via voice commands to engage the Honda Personal Assistant powered by artificial intelligence.\u00a0\n The Honda e is also always connected, allowing owners to access vital information of the car through the accompanying Honda+ smartphone app, while also enabling the smartphone to be used as a digital key to the car.\nWith the rear wheel drive and instantaneous torque delivery, we wonder could this be the new ultimate zero emission Kei drift car?"
"Proton has just posted its sales data for June, which recorded a total of 9,623 vehicles sold in the month. The national carmaker said that this is the second best sales month so far this year, which represented a 69.5% growth over May, and a 26.3% increase over the same period last year \u2013 when the world was not affected by a pandemic.\nAccounting for the June sales figures, Proton now claims a 21.2% Year-to-Date (YTD) market share figure. The company also says that its performance in the first half of 2020 shows a 6.5% improvement over the same period last year.\nDriving the sales for the national carmaker in June was the \nProton Saga\n, which saw 4,447 units of the A-segment sedan sold. According to Proton, the figure represents the best monthly sales figure for the Saga in 70 months, overtaking the previous best of 4,275 units in October 2019.\nThe \nProton X70\n continue to reign the C-segment SUV market with 1,909 units sold last month, which also made it the best-selling SUV overall in the country for the first half of the year, according to the company.\nThe national carmaker also claims that the \nProton Persona\n held on as the nation\u2019s best-selling B-segment sedan for the second month in a row; the \nExora\n remained at the top of the C-segment MPV market, while the \nIriz \nclimbed up in ranking to take third in its segment.\n \nProton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton\u2019s sales in the first full month of business since February have been encouraging. While we remain cautiously optimistic for the second half of 2020, the demand for Malaysian cars in general and Proton vehicles in particular points towards increased consumer confidence in our products.\u201d\nThe company believes that the recently-announced \nsales tax exemption period\n has helped spurred demand and interest in car purchases, and is looking to maintain its sales momentum for the rest of year with several activities including the 35th anniversary celebration for the Proton Saga."
"Toyota has just unveiled the Yaris facelift, and the exercise this time goes beyond skin deep. Led by the company\u2019s European team, this facelifted, third-generation Toyota Yaris remains a global product and the updates seen here will be adopted directly by its JDM sister model \u2013 \nToyota Vitz\n.\nThis \u20ac90 million (RM425 million) project sees the introduction of over \n900 new components\n to the Yaris and it\u2019s said to dramatically enhance the car\u2019s design, performance and safety. It gets a refreshed front and rear end, more refined interior and Toyota Safety Sense as standard across the model range.\nStarting from the exterior, Toyota focused on giving the Yaris a more active and dynamic appearance while further enhancing Toyota\u2019s Keen Look design attributes. Up front is a redesigned bumper with reshaped projector headlamps and LED DRLs. Higher end variants receive a Lexus-inspired honeycomb grille while lower grade models settle for \u201cstepped\u201d horizontal bars. Behind sees a new, reshaped tailgate and bumper while the tail lamps are LEDs. Depending on trim levels, the Yaris comes fitted with 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels.\nInside, Toyota\u2019s signature HMI (human-machine interface) philosophy is very much apparent. New features include the 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display, blue illumination on the instrument cluster, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, propeller-style air vents, infotainment system as well as chrome and piano black trims. To go along with the chic and active appearance of this B-segment hatchback, a series of unique interior trim and colour options are available to complement each of the \n10 striking exterior shades\n.\nThree engine choices are available for the Yaris, namely a 1.0-litre 1KR-FE three-cylinder petrol, 1.5-litre 1NZ-FXE hybrid with VVT-i and the \nall-new 1.5-litre 2NR-FKE four-cylinder petrol with VVT-iE\n. Performance figures are rated at \n68 hp/95 Nm\n,\n 111 hp/136 Nm\n and \n99 hp\n (combined output) respectively. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels regardless of engine choice.\nThe new 1.5-litre 2NR-FKE meets Euro 6c emissions standard, as well as boasting 12 percent improved fuel economy over the old 1.3-litre engine. It accelerates to\u00a0to 100 km/h from standstill in \n11 seconds\n (about 0.8 seconds quicker). Two transmissions are available: a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is rated at \n4.6L/100 km\n on the manual and \n4.2L/100 km\n for the CVT.\nAs for the hybrid, NVH levels have said to improve tremendously, thanks to new engine mounts, larger engine roll restrictor, front driveshaft, front subframe and modified intake system. Besides that, this model also gets improved ride comfort and handling thanks to revised dampers and retuned electric power steering.\nNow, standard across the Yaris range is \nToyota Safety Sense\n \u2013 a suite of passive and active safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert and rear seat belt force limiters and pre-tensioners. Only the entry level variant loses out on Road Sign Assist.\nUnfortunately, the refreshed Yaris did not see the introduction of a\u00a0\nhigh performance variant\n.\u00a0Perhaps we will have to wait a little longer for that. If Toyota Malaysia decides to bring this in with the full breadth of safety features, it will no doubt do well, only to be properly challenged by the \nfourth-generation Kia Rio\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Yaris   Toyota Vitz (JDM Yaris)"
"It\u2019s been a month now since the \nall-new 11th generation Honda Civic\n was launched and we\u2019re pretty sure you\u2019ve already seen how it looks like.\nThere have been mixed reviews on how it looks. It\u2019s got cleaner lines and a more mature appearance but some have opined that it doesn\u2019t look as exciting as the 10th generation model. With this latest batch of pictures, one thing\u2019s for sure \u2013 it looks much more proportionate from the previous model.\nFor starters, the car is longer than before, with a longer wheelbase. Extra legroom aside, it seems to have made the exterior look more proportionate than the previous generation model.\nWith the previous generation model, the rear 3/4 section never looked quite right from certain angles, in our opinion.\nAs for height and width, the dimensions remain unchanged from before. The all-new Civic now comes with a sportier roofline and Honda says the A-pillars have been pushed back by nearly two inches.\nThat according to them, elongates the front bonnet for a more attractive silhouette. It\u2019s hard to disagree.\nAs for what\u2019s under the hood, the 1.5-litre turbocharged and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine options remain. The latter makes \n158 hp\n and \n187 Nm\n while the \nturbocharged unit makes an extra 6 hp and 20 Nm\n from before, at 180 hp and 240 Nm.\nAmong the new creature comforts offered in the cabin are the new 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, new Body Stabilising Seats, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker BOSE sound system.\nSafety wise, there\u2019s a maximum of 10 airbags in the all-new Civic, along with the\n latest\n \nfront airbag technology\n that cradles the head and holds it in place during an accident.\nThe Honda Sensing driver assistance now uses a new single-camera system, as opposed to the camera/radar combo than before. It provides a wider field of view, and along with new software, it\u2019s able to identify pedestrians and cyclists, road signs and lines a lot quicker and more accurately.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just extended its recall exercise, or Special Service Campaign (SSC) to 21,000 vehicles manufactured between January 2013 to December 2014 sold by UMWT. The recall exercise is to replace the faulty Takata airbag inflator modules for the front passenger side airbag.\nModels involved in this SSC are Vios, Corolla Altis and Alphard, distributed through authorised Toyota dealer network nationwide. The faulty airbag module, when deployed, may send metal shards into the occupants and cause even more harm, in some cases, even \ndeath\n. We have detailed in full on \nwhy you should get your faulty airbags replaced as soon as possible\n.\n \n \nUMWT is working on sourcing the necessary parts from the principal and once the parts are available, UMWT will notify owners to request them to bring their cars to an authorised Toyota service centre to make the necessary replacements which should take about 1 to 3 hours. All costs involved will be borne by UMW Toyota.\nToyota owners can visit Toyota\u2019s Special Service Campaign webpage \nhere\n, and key in their respective VIN Number to check whether their cars are involved in this or any other recall campaign. Alternatively, owners can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone hotline at 1-800-88-69682."
"The name Celica, stirring up driving passion and motorsport heritage, has again been filed at the US Patent and Trademark office (USTPO). The first filing at the same registry was noticed over three years ago.\nSpeculation has been stirring in the media lately of a new Celica on the way \u2013 one that has ceased to exist since the mid-2000s \u2013 but we wouldn\u2019t bet on it just yet.\nThis practice however is often just routine housekeeping, ensuring that Toyota continues to have rights over the Celica name and trademark. Curious to know what the Celica name means? \nFind it out here\n plus other Toyota models.\nWe should also not be expecting a performance-tuned Celica anytime soon, as Toyota\u2019s latest direction in performance vehicle line-up bear the \u2018GR\u2019 naming convention such as the \nGR Supra\n, the \nGR Yaris\n and \nproposed GR86\n. The filing papers had no mention of the GR prefix.\nThe Celica moniker dates back to \nhalf a century\n, with the first Toyota bearing the Celica name back in 1970. The coupe was introduced in the US to compete with \u201cpony cars\u201d of the generation such as Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.\nNissan joined the party a few years later with the Datsun 280Z. The third-generation Celica moved further upmarket and began using the \nSupra\n nameplate, while the fourth to sixth generation Celica models were fondly remembered as rally rockets with its \nall-wheel drive\n traction. They also frequently won rally championships.\nAnother speculation is the bodytype that will feature the Celica nameplate. Mitsubishi brought back the \nEclipse\n nameplate back in 2018, but the reincarnation is actually a crossover, a huge departure from its coupe origin.\nThat being said, Mitsubishi was careful to name the vehicle Eclipse Cross to keep things well defined and the fans happy.\nToyota retired the Celica coupe back in 2006, with the 7th generation sizzled down to a simple front-wheel drive coupe with a 190 hp 1.8-litre engine.\nGALLERY"
"When we first \ndrove the all-new Toyota Corolla up and down Genting Highlands\n, after \nwitnessing its launch at the Sky Avenue\n, there was almost nothing about the car we could be too critical with.\nWith the exception of a slight lack in grunt, everything about the way it drives and rides was simply spot on. For something between RM128k to RM139k, the new Toyota Corolla (and I\u2019m being objective here) sets a very high standard in driving refinement for a C segment sedan \u2013 if the segment still means something to anyone these days.\n \nThe big step up is largely due to the \nToyota New Global Architecture\n \n(TNGA) platform\n that the new Corolla, like the \nCamry we reviewed\n, is built on. It has completely changed the way we see a Corolla and we\u2019re convinced you\u2019d agree as well after a test drive.\nThe only stark absence in the Corolla however, especially in the year 2019 (when it was launched), was the lack of modern forms connectivity \u2013 like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It was almost there but not quite and the overall comments online have been unanimous as well.\nBefore\nRM3k later.\nUMW Toyota Motor must have been observing because they\u2019re equipped the Corolla with a completely new head unit that\u2019s not only more complete \u2013 with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto \u2013 but also substantially larger than before. It now measures 9 inches, up from 6.8 inches while also losing the humpback behind the display.\nThere is a catch; it\u2019s \nonly available in the 1.8G model\n that\u2019s now priced at \nRM139,888\n, \nan increase from RM136,888\n. Price for the 1.8E remains unchanged at RM128,888. Can you justify paying an extra RM3k for a more well equipped head unit?"
"The Special Edition HST model will pack 400 hp and 550 Nm of torque from an all-new 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder turbocharged Ingenium engine, replacing the previous V6 engine.\n0 to 100 km/h will take around six seconds, thanks to an electric supercharger that essentially eliminates turbo lag to deliver immediate throttle response, onward to a top speed of 225 km/h.\nThese performance-boosting technologies are complemented by a new Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) powertrain that\u2019s capable of a frugal fuel consumption of just 9.3L/100km.\nThe clever system is based around an all-new Start-Stop system that switches off when stationary and pairs the engine with an electric motor.\nThis allows the system to harvest energy through regenerative braking and store it in a 48V battery for later use, such as when pulling away from a standing start.\n\u201cIn-line six-cylinder engines are inherently better balanced than V6 designs and our all-new Ingenium unit builds on that promise to optimise efficiency in all operating conditions,\u201d said Jaguar Land Rover, Executive Director of Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover.\nWhile the exterior prominently features carbon fibre trims on the bonnet, front grille, side vents and tail gate, notable features on the inside include 16-way Dynamic front seats, suede detailing on the steering wheel and gear lever.\nThere are five exterior colour choices for the Range Rover ranging from Santorini Black, Fuji White, Indus Silver, Firenze Red and Carpathian Grey. The latest Range Rover Sport HST is priced from \u00a381,250 (approx RM426k) in the UK.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0\nHyperFocal: 0"
"A 53-year old man from Kuantan struck gold after he was announced as the lucky winner of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\u2019s Chinese New Year Campaign.\nThe jubilant Syed Mohammed Sohaimi was one of many participants, all of whom qualified for the promotion after purchasing a brand new Volkswagen vehicle. Sohaimi\u2019s choice of car was the \nVolkswagen Vento 1.2L TSI\n.\n\u201cI am very surprised and grateful for this win as I did not expect it all. When I test drove the car, I immediately felt the difference. I plan to use the money and take my family to perform \nUmrah\n, so thank you Volkswagen. I am now a fan,\u201d said Sohaimi.\nThe campaign ran from 1 January to 15 February 2017. Besides the grand prize, other Volkswagen owners also received cash-back ang pows ranging from RM388 to RM1,288.\nFind out what we think of the \nVolkswagen Vento 1.2L TSI in our review\n!"
"Just last week, \nAston Mastin\n teased that it will be debuting its next-generation Aston Martin DB grand tourer with the tagline \u201cGrand is not enough\u201d. In conjunction with the British luxury sports carmaker\u2019s 110th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of its DB grand tourer series, Aston Martin has just unveiled its brand new Aston Martin DB12, and has named it the world\u2019s first \u2018super tourer\u2019.\nThe Aston Martin DB12 is an important one for the company, as it heralds a new era for Aston Martin as the first of its next generation of sportscars. On the outside, the Aston Martin DB12 features a more muscular physique and has gained an increase in track by 6 mm at the front and 22 mm at the rear.\nThe new \u2018super tourer\u2019 also features newly designed LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRL). Sporting the latest Aston Martin logo on its nose, the sports car is designed with new wings as well as new smaller, frameless wing mirrors to compliment the new design, while improving aerodynamics at the same time. The Aston Martin DB12 also comes with a set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels as standard; 9.5 inches wide in the front and 10.5 inches wide in the rear.\nUnder the hood of the Aston Martin DB12 is a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine that is capable of outputting \n680 hp\n (metric) and \n800 Nm\n of torque. Claimed to be the best-in-class, the DB12\u2019s power output figures have gained an increase of 34% over the outgoing \nDB11\n. This is possible thanks to modifications done by Aston Martin engineers, such as modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger diameter turbochargers, and increased cooling.\nWith power sent to the rear wheels only, the Aston Martin DB12 features an 8-speed automatic transmission that features a shortened final drive ratio, as well as a unique transmission shift calibration. This, as a result, helps deliver punchier in-gear acceleration and reduces shift speeds, allowing the \u2018super tourer\u2019 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.6 seconds\n, and achieving a top speed of \n325 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nGeely is now Aston Martin\u2019s third-largest shareholder, ups stakes to 17%\nTo improve the DB12\u2019s ride and handling, Aston Martin has fitted the sports car with Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system. With a fitment of a non-isolated steering column, the steering provides an enhanced dynamic feel, which helps improve the driving experience.\nThe DB12 also comes with a new set of intelligent adaptive dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars. This works together with the Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff), which, unlike a conventional Limited Slip Differential, can go from fully open to 100% locked in milliseconds, giving the driver maximum response for more precise and consistent handling.\nAston Martin has also said that E-diff is linked to its industry-leading Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which employs six-axis inertia measurement to predict available grip. The DB12 is also fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres as standard, as well as cast-iron 400 mm front discs and 360 mm rear discs. The disc brakes feature grooved and drilled faces for improved thermal capacity as well.\nJust in case an even better braking performance is needed, the Aston Martin DB12\u2019s brake booster has also been re-tuned to improve pedal feedback. The new British sports car also comes with an optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB), which has increased braking performance and reduced brake fade at temperatures of up to 800\u00b0C.\nAston Martin Group Chief Technology Officer, Roberto Fedeli said, \u201cDB12 is a statement car. One that asserts Aston Martin\u2019s position as a leader in performance, dynamics, engineering and technology. We have pushed every aspect of this car to be best-in-class. The result is more power and performance than its rivals. Combined with exceptional handling and an exciting soundtrack, it is a car with passion and a truly sporting character.\u201d\n\u201cCrucially, thanks to its breadth of capability we have achieved this without compromising refinement, comfort and luxury. Together with our use of industry-leading dynamic control and infotainment systems, DB12 is the start of Aston Martin\u2019s most exciting new era,\u201d Fedeli added.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin Vantage F1 Edition now in Malaysia, RM978k before taxes\nInside, the DB12 features a cockpit that is driver-centric. According to Aston Martin, the interior is also integrated with the latest technologies and features luxury craftsmanship and materials.\nAt the centre is Aston Martin\u2019s next-generation infotainment system. Measuring 10.25 inches, the touchscreen unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes with an all-new navigation system as well.\nFor those of you who prefer buttons, don\u2019t worry, as Aston Martin has also retained buttons for key mechanical operations. This includes gear selection, drive selection, heating, and ventilation.\nDeliveries for the world\u2019s first \u2018super tourer\u2019 is scheduled to start in Q3 2023. What are your thoughts on the car? Let us know in the comments down below!\nRELATED: \nAston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts \u2013 F1 medical car replica\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has \u2018unveiled\u2019 the Mitsubishi XRT concept at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show which is taking place from March 21 to April 2. The XRT concept essentially previews the upcoming \nMitsubishi Triton\n which is set to launch in 2023.\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nAfter almost nine years, the Triton will be given an all-new update with its debut set to happen in Thailand this year. Reportedly set to be built on the Nissan Navara platform, styling cues of the upcoming Triton can already be seen through the XRT concept.\nThe XRT concept seems to be a version of the Triton with an additional rugged kit, something similar to what the Ford Ranger Raptor is for the standard \nFord Ranger\n. The concept car is fitted with front and rear over fenders, mud-terrain tyres, and a camouflage design inspired by lava rocks.\nThe front end shows some resemblance with the outgoing generation, albeit more futuristic and more butch. The images shared by Mitsubishi suggest an LED DRL strip at the top of the headlight cluster. The grille now features a three-hole design. The wheels adorning the XRT concept seem to take inspiration from Dakar Rally pickup trucks. The side profile of the XRT concept also suggests a shorter rear overhang for the upcoming triton, potentially providing better load-carrying capabilities.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM 139,700, only 1,000 units\nMitsubishi Motors President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Takao Kato said, \u201cFiscal 2023 is an important year for Mitsubishi Motors to accelerate our business in the ASEAN region, with the launch of a fully revamped Triton and an all-new compact SUV.\u201d\n\u201cThe all-new Triton is going through final touch-ups in preparation for its release, as we have performed rigorous endurance tests around the world while also incorporating the know-how gained from rally activities. With the new vehicle launches as the centerpiece, we will continue our drive toward further growth. Please look forward to the future of Mitsubishi Motors.\u201d\nThe Triton is Mitsubishi Motors\u2019 top-selling model manufactured at the Laemchabang Factory in Thailand and the company\u2019s global strategic vehicle exported to about 150 countries around the world. In Malaysia, the Triton is available in 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 configurations.\nALSO WATCH: \nRalliart is back! Checking out the Mitsubishi Triton rally truck in Thailand\nGALLERY"
"With the opening of a new assembly plant in Hubei, China, that\u2019s capable of manufacturing 150,000 cars annually, Geely looks set to begin production of the British sports car in China for the first time, according to reports by \nReuters\n.\nThe move would benefit both the Chinese and British brand with Geely aiming to produce more high-end vehicles while Lotus thrives from increased production of its sport cars and fast-tracked development of its first ever SUV.\nEver since taking over the British sports car maker, Geely has pledged to \nunleash the full potential and appeal of the Lotus brand\n\u00a0and to \ncompete with the likes of Porsche and Ferrari\n again.\nWith \nplans to introduce an SUV by 2020\n, the Chinese principal has been aggressive in its expansion of Lotus with a recent RM7 billion investment \nto increase headcount and production volumes\n.\nNewly apppointed Lotus CEO, Feng Qingfeng.\nGeely also recently named Feng Qingfeng, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Geely Auto Group, to succeed Jean-Marc Gales as Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus.\nAccording to the same report, the factory in Wuhan is also capable of manufacturing electric and hybrid vehicles. That should help elevate sales for the Lotus brand should they proceed to expand their line up beyond just sports car as sales only amounted to 1,630 units globally last year."
"Hyundai is set to reveal the new futuristic Le Fil Rouge concept car at the end of this week, where it will introduce Hyundai\u2019s new \u2018Sensuous Sportiness\u2019 design theme. The new design approach will appear on all future Hyundai vehicles, ranging from sedans to SUVs.\nThe Le Fil Rouge is a reinterpretation of Hyundai\u2019s 1974 Coupe Concept and marks the beginning of the Sensuous Sportiness era for Hyundai design. The Sensuous Sportiness design language will bring instinctive beauty, emotional value and desirability to Hyundai vehicles.\nIn terms of the Le Fil Rouge\u2019s unique proportion, they\u2019ve\u00a0been achieved using a long wheelbase, large wheels and short overhangs.\u00a0Hyundai took a new approach called \u2018Light Architecture\u2019 which generates a dynamic look and a forward motion effect \u2013 explaining the car\u2019s \u201ccharging stance\u201d even at standstill.\nThe front and rear pillars, as well as the roof are seamlessly blended into the silhouette of the vehicle, as if it was drawn with a single line.\nThe interior design emphasises on the individual needs of the driver and passenger. The front passenger seat focuses on comfort especially for long-distance trips with more leg room, while the driver\u2019s seating position is designed for optimised ergonomics.\nOn the styling front, the design team\u2019s goal was to create \u201ca face\u201d that\u2019s instantly recognisable as a Hyundai, even at a distance.\u00a0Concave and convex forms have been carefully orchestrated to provide a more bodacious appearance.\nAlso profound is the concept\u2019s wide, layered front hood, combined with a new Cascading Grille, Hyundai\u2019s most distinctive design cue. The new grille comes with a three-dimensional appearance, featuring parametric jewels inside, giving the vehicle a commanding presence.\nInside, a two-way air ventilation system blows air over the curved surface of the lightweight tube architecture; one that\u2019s been inspired by aircraft ventilation.\nRevitalised wood and high tech fabrics have been deployed extensively and sculpted into exquisite, sensuous forms. This evokes a natural beauty with an emotional touch adding to the airy feeling to the car."
"The Ministry of Finance Malaysia through a late evening television broadcast has announced that the sales and service tax (SST) exemptions period that was set to expire on 30th of June 2021, will be \nextended to the 31st December 2021\n.\nThis is the second six-month extension given to spur the economy, as the return to the full quantum of taxation was scheduled to begin on Jan 1st 2021, but \nan extension\n was notified only days before the end of 2020.\nAs such, all locally-assembled (CKD) passenger cars, including SUV and MPVs will continue to be completely exempted from the \n10% sales tax\n, while imported passenger cars will still enjoy a cut from 10% to \n5% in SST\n.\nCommercial vehicles such as \npick-up trucks\n and panel vans remain \nexcluded\n from the SST exemption exercise.\nThe \nsales tax exemption period\n is part of the government\u2019s short-term economic recovery plan (from Penjana moniker in 2020 to Pemerkasaan in 2021), designed to spur the demand in the automotive market, which have been impacted by the Covid-19 health pandemic.\nThe late evening television broadcast by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was part of the government\u2019s financial plan announcement for MCO 3.0, which will enter its \nfirst phase with full lockdown\n in the first 14 days of June. Only \nselected economic and services\n sectors deemed essential are allowed to operate at reduced capacities and hours. \u00a0\nWorkshops for maintenance and repairs continue to open and operate, but car sales and distribution, as well as car wash centres, are not allowed."
"At the 46th Tokyo Motor Show happening at the tail end of this month, Toyota will put to stage the new Granace \u2013 an MPV with the option for six or eight seats.\nThe model\u2019s name is taken from the word \u201cgran,\u201d which means \u201cbig or great\u201d in Spanish, and \u201cace,\u201d which means \u201ctop or excellent person\u201d in English.\nCould this be the new darling of local parallel importers and \u201ctaukes\u201d? It sure looks every bit a worth replacement of the Alphard/Vellfire duo with a commanding front end featuring twin projector LED headlamps that flow into the oversized chrome grille \u2013 a similar trait shared with the current generation of oversized toasters.\nSpeaking of the most favourite people-carrier in Malaysia, the black-infused instrument cluster does bear some resemblance with Alphards and Vellfires that litter our streets but unlike the go-to choice of business owners here, the Granace comes with two different seating configurations.\nIt\u2019s available either as a three-row six-seater or a four-row eight-seater although it\u2019s uncertain how the upper management of Malaysian corporations would feel being cramped up in such a luxurious setting.\nMechanical specifications are scarce but it\u2019s said that the Granace would be powered by a 2.8-litre \u201cclean diesel\u201d engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.\nThe Granace also sits on a newly-developed trailing-link rigid-axle suspension at the rear while the highly rigid body and the adoption of a ring-shaped frame helps achieve a comfortable ride with stable handling \u2013 the latter being an elusive traits of the Alphards and Vellfires until the current generation came about.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63, based on the \nW206 C-Class\n, is due to be unveiled in the coming months. Ahead of its launch, the company has now unveiled a prototype model of the souped-up sedan, and was put on display at the 24-hours of N\u00fcrburgring race over the weekend.\nAs usual, the car is all wrapped up in camouflage in hopes of hiding the finer details until launch. However, hidden behind the red and grey decal is what might just be the biggest change the AMG C 63 has ever seen \u2013 and that\u2019s the new powertrain underneath the bonnet, as hinted by the tag line, \u201cGet ready for E Performance\u201d.\nPhoto: evo magazine/Twitter\nThat\u2019s right \u2013 the all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63 will indeed be powered by a new hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, and an electric drive unit on the rear axle, as \nrevealed in March last year\n.\nAccording to a report by \nAutocar\n, the M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-banger in the upcoming C 63 will be tuned to an output of 477 hp, further aided by a 48V mild-hybrid system to provide temporary boosts of up to 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production.\nThe engine is then mated to a 204 hp electric motor on the rear axle, bringing the total system output up to \n680 hp\n and\n 750 Nm\n of torque. For comparison, that\u2019s a whopping 170 hp and 50 Nm increase over the \ncurrent C 63 S\n, and 170 hp and 100 Nm more than its closest rival, the \nBMW M3 Competition\n.\nThe halving of the cylinders and engine capacity will no doubt anger some fans, but the move to a smaller electrified powertrain could bring about actual tangible benefits \u2013 most importantly of all, is weight.\nRELATED: Mercedes-AMG unveils two PHEV powertrains \u2013 flagship hybrid V8 to get 800+ hp!\nThe new M139 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit weighs nearly 50 kg less than the M177 V8 engine in today\u2019s C63 4Matic, and even with all of the electrified bits tacked on, it\u2019s still claimed to undercut the previous V8 powertrain.\nOn top of that, the new hybrid powertrain\u2019s weight is concentrated lower in the chassis, which will help bring the centre of gravity lower in the new model, theoretically giving it an advantage in handling and body control.\nThe \nAutocar\n report states that the new hybrid powertrain could also introduce an improved all-wheel drive system that can fully appropriate power to either the front or rear axle according to the driving conditions, enhancing the cornering abilities of the upcoming C 63 4Matic model.\nDespite the removal of the V8, there are still a lot of things to be excited about on the upcoming all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63. So get over yourselves, because the future is coming.\n[Header photo: evo magazine/Twitter]"
"Believe it or not, it\u2019s been 10 years since the first ever Audi R8 was introduced. For many of us, the second generation model didn\u2019t quite reverberate the immediate jaw dropping allure its predecessor enjoyed (which went on to find over 50,000 new homes globally), much less leave us wondering if Audi has indeed ran out of tricks up its sleeves.\nThat doesn\u2019t mean that the R8 lacks the credentials to be a true supercar though, because mechanically, the R8 improved tremendously. Back then, a V8 and V10 engine \u2013 both naturally aspirated \u2013 could be had, along with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed twin\u00a0clutch automatic. The Four Rings have done away with the 4.2-litre eight cylinder mill, and they also will not be offering it with a stick and three pedals. Why? Because there was no demand for it, and less than 10 percent of the first-gen R8 sold were manuals. Actually, much less than that.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi R8 V10\nAudi R8 V10 Plus\nEngine\n5,204cc; naturally aspirated V10, DOHC\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch auto with manual shifting mode\nMax Power\n540 hp @ 7,800 rpm\n610 hp @ 8,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n540 Nm @ 6,500 rpm\n560 Nm @ 6,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.5 seconds; 320 km/h\n3.2 seconds; 330 km/h\nAlthough it may not look the part, Audi\u2019s top dog has gone through quite an overhaul to better its predecessor in all supercar aspects. It is now marginally wider, sits lower to the ground and is longer than before as well. At the core of this car is the same Audi Space Frame, a more rigid (40 percent better rigidity) but featherweight \n200kg hybrid monocoque\n comprised of aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, the second-generation R8 gets more cut lines than soft curves, a physical trait shared with the new \nTT\n and \nA4\n. Granted, it loses some of the original appeal penned by Walter de Silva, but there\u2019s still no mistaking it for anything but an R8. Audi\u2019s signature Singleframe grille and LED headlights come as standard \u2013 the latter can be upgraded to laser lights which doubles the high-beam range. The R8 V10 Plus we sampled came with it, as identified by the embossment by the side of the headlamps.   Exclusive to the R8 V10 Plus is the gloss carbon fibre exterior finishing. Components such as the side blades, side mirrors, rear diffuser and fixed rear wing are all made of solid carbon fibre, and together they make for a telling message that screams \ncatch me if you can\n. The wheels fitted here measure in at 20-inches, wrapped by 245/30 series tyres up front and wider\u00a0305/30 profiles at the back. In the regular V10, the wheels are one inch down and carbon ceramic brakes aren\u2019t available, which is standard on the Plus variant. Both however, can be optioned.\nINTERIOR\nIf there\u2019s one thing you can consistently count on Audi to get right is the interior. Just like the \naward-winning Audi TT\n, the R8 now comes with a \n12.3-inch fully digital instrument\n \nbinnacle\n called the Audi Virtual Cockpit. The dashboard is now free of clickety clutter, and all controls have been shifted to the steering wheel, MMI controls in the centre tunnel and the trio of knobs below the air conditioning vents.   Our test unit had both the carbon fibre sports seats wrapped in \npremium quilted leather\n, and this can be personalised to your taste through Audi\u2019s comprehensive list of Genuine Accessories. Whatever you do, just promise us you\u2019ll have yours with quilted seats. The leather wrapped steering wheel houses a multitude of functionalities, including push-start button, Audi Drive Select, exhaust characteristic, performance mode (the button with the chequered flag) and all main controls for the Virtual Cockpit. If the amount of controls\u00a0scare you, don\u2019t worry, it gets easier after just an hour of fiddling.\nPERFORMANCE\nResting snugly beneath the rear glass panel is a naturally aspirated\u00a0\n40-valve V10 engine\n displacing 5,204cc. In standard tune, the odd-firing dry sump engine makes \n540 horsepower\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque, numbers that are good for a \n3.5-second \ncentury sprint. The Plus variant on the other hand, gets massaged to put out an \nadditional 70 horses\n, bringing it up to \n610 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s quicker off the line too, taking just \n3.2 seconds\n for the speedo needle to reach the magic 100km/h mark.\nThey both rev all the way up to a hair-splitting 8,700 rpm, and nothing else sounds quite like it. All R8s are four-wheel drive (quattro), and power is sent to the wheels through an all-new fast shifting \nseven-speed dual clutch automatic\n gearbox. Designing this \u2018box was a challenge because it had to be more compact. But all that effort proved worthwhile because Audi gave birth to a rapid firing transmission (120 milliseconds a shift, less in Performance Mode), also thanks to use of clever computers and fast processors.\nNumbers aside, the R8 V10 rides on full aluminium double wishbone suspension, but on the Plus variant they\u2019re tuned to be more sporty and damping is electromagnetically managed (Audi Magnetic Ride). Damping is facilitated by Audi Drive Select, comprising Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual drive modes. Opt for the V10 Plus and you\u2019ll get three additional drive modes courtesy of the exclusive Performance Mode \u2013 Dry, Wet and Snow.\nOf course, each drive mode alters engine, transmission and damping levels. As any adrenaline junkies will tell you, the secret formula to achieving maximum adrenaline rush is to flick the drive mode into Dynamic, activate Performance Mode, select Dry, then press on the exhaust button. And now we\u2019re all set.\nTHE DRIVE\nPutting the R8 through its paces around a private 2.2km track was all the convincing I needed to appropriately shower the R8 with unadulterated respect. The Neckarsulm assembled mid-engined monster slams you well into your seat as soon as you hit the throttle, and after just a couple of straights I began to realise the significance of its \nraison d\u2019\u00eatre\n.\nIf you\u2019re all about the speed, then the 610 hp + quattro formula is more than the perfect equation for your average traffic light drag race, because those who buy the R8 for that purpose wouldn\u2019t know just how reassuring Audi\u2019s proprietary all-wheel drive system helps in taming the beast. The electrohydraulically activated multi-plate clutch is able to direct 100 percent of power to either axles, making cornering just as enthralling as it is quick. If you expect to drift an R8, don\u2019t bother trying. Quattro\u2019s all about the lap time.\nIn full Dynamic and Performance mode, the R8 V10 Plus is an ever-ready track muncher that drives like its on rails. But what about sending the wife to work, or a weekend getaway with the husband to his favourite countryside golf course? Well, the trunk is more than able to accommodate a few suitcases and a duffle backpack, but you\u2019ve got to rent those clubs at the driving range, unless you plan to tow a caddy (or 10, because it can) the way through.\nSpeaking of golf course, the Neuburg track is situated right next to one, and the last thing golfers want is the howling V10 buzz interrupting their weekly swinging fiesta. To preserve peace, Audi had to install a special, quieter exhaust system without risking power loss, or so we\u2019re told. The greater irony is the airspace above is constantly abuzz with jet planes on routined flight tests. But none of those mattered because even with the special exhausts, the V10 soundtrack proved to be worthy of a national anthem.\nSupercars these days are hardly built for a singular purpose. Unlike the R32 Skyline and McLaren F1 of yesteryear, modern Ferraris and Lamborghinis are engineered to be more manageable and liveable on a day-to-day basis \u2013 the R8 included. So how does the R8 fare as an everyday supercar?\nWhen you\u2019re in Comfort Mode, all of the R8\u2019s illustrious roar gets nullified, and the cabin feels just as quiet and well-insulated as other Audis, albeit with a hint of that exhaust note. The magnetically adjustable suspension softens to provide a decently supple ride, and the engine\u2019s cylinder deactivation feature\u00a0(Cylinder On Demand or COD) shuts off a row of cylinders, effectively making it a 2.6-litre inline-five engine. This works only at low engine loads and when you\u2019re cruising from\u00a0fourth gear and above, though.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nThere\u2019s little to dislike about the Stark machine, really. Audi Malaysia has confirmed that the 540 horsepower V10 variant is on its way to Malaysia, but we\u2019re still in the dark as to whether or not the V10 Plus will be introduced here. Early indications point towards a \nRM1.3 million\n price tag, putting it squarely against its German rivals, the RM1.15 million\u00a0\nAMG GT\n and RM1.2 million\u00a0\nBMW i8\n.\u00a0\nIf you have an unshakeable conviction\u00a0for the saying \u201cNo replacement for displacement\u201d, then there\u2019s no question that the R8 should be the supercar for you. It certainly won\u2019t be as tail happy as the AMG GT or hug trees in ways only the three-cylinder hybrid i8 knows how. But among the three, the R8 is the easiest to live with, sounds the best and sprints quickest to the 100km/h mark.\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIt\u2019s baffling how today\u2019s high performance cars can be both docile and absolutely daunting to drive. The R8\u2019s abundant active safety systems constantly work in tandem to keep you in check, and it\u2019s fairly reassuring to know that these systems exist to keep anyone away from the risk of being widowed. But all things considered, I\u2019ll still sign a cheque for a hot hatch (the \nGolf R\n\u00a0or \nAudi TTS\n\u00a0equivalent) with half the power, but equally as fun and engaging to drive. Maybe if we had more race tracks to put all those horses to work, it\u2019d make more sense.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Maserati has released the first set of images of new Ghibli GranLusso that\u2019s set to debut at the Chengdu Motorshow in China with significant upgrades in terms of its tech and design.\nThe new Ghibli GranLusso will sport a new front bumper with chrome inserts and a new front grille with chrome bars that\u2019s testament to Maserati\u2019s signature styling. At the back, the rear bumper together with the body-coloured rear extractor is designed to project a sharper look to the model it replaces.\nThe new Ghibli GranLusso isn\u2019t just all style either; its restyling contributes to a substantial improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. Aside from the restyled aesthatics of the exterior, the Ghibli GranLusso also introduces the Adaptive full LED Headlights with glare-free Matrix High-Beam.\nThe new active Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is also available in the new GranLusso as a step into the world of autonomous driving.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lotus recently unveiled the new Evora GT410 Sport ahead of its 70th year anniversary celebrations, packing raw performance with Lotus\u2019 latest aerodynamic developments.\nPowered with 3.5-litre supercharged engine with water-to-air charge cooler, it packs \n410 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. As such, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds in the automatic and 4.o seconds in the manual. Top speed is claimed to be 305 km/h!\nThe manual gearbox even comes with a Torsen-type limited-slip differential (LSD) while the automatic transmission utilises an optimised gearbox ECU for ultra-fast gear changes.\u00a0The new Evora GT410 Sport features four ESP modes via a dashboard switch. \u2013 Drive, Sport, Race and Off.\nBrakes are courtesy of AP Racing\u2019s four-pot calipers, front and rear with cross drilled ventilated discs. They\u2019re tucked beneath a set of ultra lightweight, fully machine, forged aluminium 19-inch wheels in the front and a 20-inch pair at the back.   The GT410 weighs only 1,297 kg (unladen) as it rides on a set of Lotus-tuned Ohlins TTX two-way adjustable aluminium dampers. It is 98 kgs lighter than the Evora 400 and 28 kgs lighter than the already featherweight Evora 410. This includes a titanium exhaust, cutting 10 kg from beyond the car\u2019s rear axle.\nCarbon fibre applications played a significant role in the GT410\u2019s weight \u2013 they include the front access panel, roof panel and a one-piece louvered tailgate with integrated spoiler, as well as the elements within the front air blade system and rear wheel exit ports.\nThe GT410\u2019s aerodynamic attributes increased downforce even more to 96 kgs at top speed \u2013 50% more than the current Evora Sport 410. This palces the Evora GT410 Sport among the top ranks of Lotus\u2019 most aerodynamically efficient road cars.\nThe Evora GT410\u2019s interior houses a pair of carbon race seats and carbon door sill inserts. The steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel, centre console and instrument binnacle are all trimmed in black Alcantara.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has just confirmed the final production design of the ultra-limited \nNissan GT-R50\n. Only 50 units of the ultimate GT-R will be made, and prices start from \u20ac990,000 (RM4.7 million) before applicable taxes and options \u2013 more than what a \nMcLaren P1\n costs when new.\nConceptualised in partnership with Italian design house, Italdesign, the GT-R50 is based on the latest \nGT-R NISMO\n but features a bespoke body and cabin to commemorate the 50\nth\n anniversaries of the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign in 2018.\nVisually, the final GT-R50 stays true to its protype design that looks like nothing else. However, like any production car, the brash design is toned down for the road. The front intakes, unique headlamp arrangement, wheel design, pop up rear spoiler and rear three-quarter body panels are identical to the concept.\nThe concept\u2019s side mirrors and rear diffuser inserts have been swapped for more conventional items on the road going vehicle while customers are assured that they can specify their preferred colour combinations for their car besides the grey with gold accent theme on the concept car (Phew).\n \n \nThe cabin also remains largely untouched except for the Y spoke touches on the seat and air vent design have been dropped. It appears that the generous carbon fibre and Alcantara trims will make its way to the production car.\nThe GT-R50 is motivated by a heavily reworked VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 by NISMO to squeeze out\n 720 hp\n and \n780 Nm\n paired to a six-speed dual clutch sequential transmission. Thanks to its four-wheel-drive layout, Nissan expects the GT-R50 to hit a sub-three-second century sprint time and a top speed of over \n300 km/h\n.\nCustomer deliveries will begin in 2019 and it appears that there are still \nallocations available\n for interested parties. But who in the right mind would spend over 990k Euros on a Nissan.?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan GT-R50 Production Version   Nissan GT-R50 Concept"
"Recently at the LA Auto Show, Honda introduced the 2018 Honda Accord in a whole new way \u2013 utilising augmented reality with the HondaLens to walk users through the history of the Honda Accord and point out the car\u2019s prominent features.\nThe digital world was\u201dcreated\u201d and viewed using Microsoft HoloLens where users could activate \u201chidden stories\u201d as they walked around the vehicle. Also part of the virtual experience were arrows and voiceover instructions to guide users on where to walk and how to interact.\nHonda debuted the HondaLens augmented reality at the 2017 LA Auto Show to showcase the all new 2018 Accord\nAs such, users were able to experience a storytelling process in a whole new way \u2013 the 21st century way. For example, when users were sitting in the driver\u2019s seat, they experienced different traffic scenarios that are simulated through the windshield in front of them.\nThrough the stationary walkaround, users were able to view a hologram version of the new turbocharged engine as it floats out of the hood to show how the forced-induction system works."
"Carmakers are always pushing the boundaries of ideas to think of the \u201cNext Big Thing\u201d in cars, be it autonomous driving tech or things like \nrear-seat frontal airbags\n. But in the imagination process of coming up with these big ideas, there are bound to be a few more left-field ones.\nThanks to \nRivervale Leasing\n who pored over some of the recent patent filings made by Tesla, we now get a chance to see some of these new ideas which may shape our future vehicles, or as you may discover, some pretty oddball ones.\nJust to be clear, patent filings do not always end up on production cars \u2013 it\u2019s just a mechanism to protect their ideas. Nevertheless, here\u2019s a list of four patents recently filed by Tesla. Which of these do you think will be the first to be seen on an actual car?\n1. Touchscreen steering wheel controls\nTouchpads on steering wheels isn\u2019t something new \u2013 we\u2019ve seen them on \nMercedes-Benz\n vehicles for nearly five years now. But according to the patent filing, Tesla\u2019s patent seem to suggest a fully interactive module, with visual feedbacks (i.e. screen) to react to the driver\u2019s gesture inputs.\nIn addition to adjusting your infotainment system as one would expect, Tesla\u2019s patent also suggests the ability to control almost everything else on the car, from the climate control system to the famous (\nor infamous?\n) Autopilot feature.\n2. Seats that can detect your age\nMany premium cars now already come with seat sensors to prevent the deployment of passenger airbags when the seat is not occupied, but Tesla\u2019s patent here takes these seat sensors to a whole other level, adding height and weight detection to determine the age of the passenger.\nTesla\u2019s reasoning is that incorrect use of airbags can cause more harm than good. For example, a standard airbag may cause serious injury when deployed on children. By using a combination of weight and height sensors, the car will be able to accurately estimate the age of the occupant on the front seats.\nThe difference age classifications will then affect the airbag\u2019s release, which Tesla says can be either fully, partially, or not detonated at all. Additionally, the sensors will also be able to take into account a variety of conditions \u2013 such as posture, leg position, and clothing \u2013 in predicting the passenger\u2019s age.\nThe patent was filed in April 2018, and has just been granted in June 2020.\n3. Seatbelts that can detect improper usage\nWe\u2019re sure you\u2019ve come across someone who\u2019s buckled up their seatbelts, but only proceed to sit on top of it \u2013 or even worse, using one of those fake buckles just to get rid of the beeping seat belt reminder? Well, with Tesla\u2019s patent, these dangerous acts of defiance may soon become a thing of the past.\nThe patent, detailed as \u201cimproper seat belt usage detection\u201d, envisions a suite of sensors placed within the seatbelt itself to detect incorrect seatbelt usage \u2013 as the name suggests so eloquently. For example, it will be able to detect if the seatbelt is worn underneath the passenger\u2019s arms, which can cause serious injuries in a collision.\nUnlike many of these patents, we can definitely see this system being used on future vehicles \u2013 given how important proper seatbelt usage is for general vehicle safety, and how simple it seems \u2013 on the surface at least, we\u2019re no engineers \u2013 to implement such a system.\n4. Using laser beams to clear debris on the windscreen\nThe last one on the list is definitely the most. \nunusual\n entry to put it lightly. Tesla suggests in this patent filing for the use of actual laser beams, shot directly at the windscreen (\nyou know, where the driver\u2019s eyes look outwards to see the roads\n) to clear off accumulated debris.\nNow as we\u2019ve said before, we are no engineers. We\u2019re sure that Tesla has thought this through and devised some way to prevent permanent eye damage on the passengers, but we just can\u2019t shake off the image in our heads where the lasers inadvertently caused the drivers to be blinded while driving, resulting in a horrifying crash. We\u2019re sure Tesla has thought this through, right?\nAnyway, the patent describes a \u201cdebris detection circuitry\u201d to accurately detect the dirty spots on your windscreen, and then using a controlled pulsating laser beam calibrated at a specific rate to remove debris without damaging the glass surface. \nLaser cleaning\n isn\u2019t a new technology, but we\u2019re just not so sure that using them on windscreens is the best idea."
"There seems to be a lot of Vs coming out of Honda lately, with the latest being the Honda WR-V. It\u2019s known as the\u00a0\u201cWinsome Runabout Vehicle\u201d and it is now on sale in India \u2013 the second country to receive the crossover after Brazil.\nMarketed as a\u00a0\u201ctough and urban SUV\u201d that appeals to young urbanites, the WR-V is essentially a jacked up version of the \nHonda Jazz\n. It is marginally bigger in every aspect compared to the Jazz, with an overall length of 3,999mm,\u00a01,734mm wide,\u00a01,601mm tall and has a ground clearance of 188mm.\nThe fascia is unmistakably Honda, and as with all Honda crossovers, this guy gets protective plastic claddings all around. There\u2019s roof rails as well, including a powered sunroof in selected markets! It rides on 16-inch wheels wrapped with 195/60 profiled tyres.\nInside, it\u2019s similar to the current\u00a0\nCity \nand Jazz models, benefitting from Honda\u2019s\u00a0Man Maximum Machine Minimum packaging philosophy.\u00a0However, the Jazz\u2019s Magic Seats are not offered in the WR-V, and it only has\u00a0\n363\n \nlitres\n of boot space.\nTwo engine options are offered in India, beginning with a \n1.2-litre SOHC\n petrol engine that makes \n89 hp\n and\n 110 Nm\n of torque. There\u2019s an oil burner variant as well \u2013 a\u00a0\n1.5-litre i-DTEC\n\u00a0churning\u00a0\n98 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. In India, the WR-V is only available with a manual transmission. Conversely in Brazil, the WR-V is sold with the 116 hp 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine with a seven-speed CVT, just like the Jazz.\nPricing begins from\u00a07.75 lakh (approximately RM53k) for the petrol to 9.99 lakh (approximately RM68k) for the\u00a0range-topping diesel. Now, the question everyone\u2019s been waiting for: will it come to Malaysia? Well, do you really need another V?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) recently celebrated its fifth anniversary in Malaysia since setting up shop in 2012. Within a short span of half a decade, the company has grown their portfolio to over RM2.2 billion from zero with four out of every 10 Mercedes-Benz cars in Malaysia financed by MBSM.\nMBSM entered the Malaysian market at an opportune time to support its sister company, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), as MBM was charting record sales of over 6,000 vehicles sold. In the first two years of operations, MBSM focused on establishing the foundations and study the needs of the market to meet the aspiration of esteemed Mercedes-Benz customers.\nAs the company expands its presence in Malaysia, MBSM was able to launch innovative financing solutions like Agility Finance and Lease2Go that changed the way customers finance and own a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. We had the opportunity to sit down with Managing Director of MBSM, Mike Ponnaz to discuss \non financing your next Mercedes-Benz\n, be sure to check it out if can\u2019t quite wrap your head around Agility Financing and Lease2Go.\nCommenting on the milestone, Ponnaz said: \u201cWe have 16,000 active customers, and we recorded contracts worth over RM1billion in 2017 alone. We are very proud of the collective achievement of the team and look forward to growing in line with the remarkable sales achievements of over 12,000 Mercedes-Benz cars sold by MBM, and 2,469 Commercial Vehicles sold last year. Moving forward, 2018 will be a year of strengthening our portfolio and serving our customers better\u201d\nWe at AutoBuzz.my would like to congratulate Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia on their 5\nth\n anniversary."
"Bermaz Motor, the sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that it will \ncontinue to honour the extended Movement Control Order (MCO)\n, scheduled to be lifted on the 12th of May. As such, the company will be \nextending the validity of warranty\n and \nFree Service Maintenance package\n for the vehicles affected by the MCO.\nCustomers will be able to check the eligibility and warranty status of their vehicles by visiting the Mazda Connect Customer Portal \nhere.\nWith the MCO still in effect, \nMazda service centres will remain closed\n until further notice. \nBermaz Auto Executive Chairman Dato\u2019 Sri Ben Yeoh\n said in a statement, \u201cAt Bermaz, we will remain vigilant in complying with the guidelines set by Ministry of Health (MOH) to maintain the health and safety of our employees, customers and the nation at large.\u201d\nWhile the service centres will remain closed, several \nselected Mazda Body and Paint Centres will return to operation in stages\n. Mazda says that strict health and safety measures have been put in place to look after the wellbeing of its customers and staff.\nThese measures include temperature screening, physical social distancing, usage of surgical masks and gloves, as well as disinfection of all vehicles entering and exiting the working areas.\nIf you encounter any emergency or urgent matters with your Mazda vehicle, the Mazda 24-hour Roadside Assistance hotline is reachable at \n1800-18-8011\n. Mazda has also helpfully provided an information page on its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, available \nhere\n."
"Toyota has revealed the first images of the new 4th generation Toyota Harrier to replace the one \nwe reviewed two years ago\n. It\u2019s set to debut around June this year, and boy does it look stunning.\nThe biggest eye-popper in the new Harrier has to be in the \u201cmanhood department\u201d, as the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has been axed. Instead, what you get now is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine paired to the new Direct Shift CVT.\nWith only \n171 hp\n and \n207 Nm\n to move the 1.6-tonne SUV, the front-wheel drive variant would be the one to go for as performance should be quite uninspiring in the all-wheel drive model. From our prior experience,\n 207 Nm has never felt adequate for an SUV of this size\n.\nThe hybrid variant gets a larger 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine paired to an electric CVT, with \n178 hp\n and \n221 Nm\n. The front-wheel drive hybrid model has a combined output of \n218 hp\n although it has to contend with the \nextra 100 kg\n (1,710 kg to 1,770 kg) of weight compared to the non-hybrid models.\nOn the other hand, the all-wheel drive hybrid model with E-Four technology gets a combined \n222 hp\n with the aid of a rear-mounted electric motor.\nInside the new 4th generation Harrier that\u2019s built on the TNGA (GA-K) platform \u2013 the \nsame platform used to build the new Camry\n that \nwe reviewed\n and \nRAV4 \nto name a few \u2013 is a centre console with a wide and imposing impression of a horse\u2019s saddle, according to Toyota.\nToyota also said they\u2019ve improved the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) of the new Harrier with highly efficient sound-absorbing windows. Other modern necessities available include a JBL sound system with nine speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and something Toyota calls the \u201cDigital Inner Mirror\u201d.\n \nIt enables recording of images at the front and rear of the vehicle while on the move \u2013 a first in a Toyota. Speaking of firsts, the new Harrier also get a panoramic roof, with electric sunshades and electrochromatic glass. As for the hybrid models, Toyota has equipped them with a 100-volt/1,500 watt power outlet that allows owners to plug in various electrical appliances.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts finally have an in to live that AMG life as with RM348,888, it will now open doors to an \nAMG A 35 4MATIC\n.\nYou may not think much of how it looks at the front, but boy oh boy does the rear end look like one you can spend full day spanking and still not get tired off.\n \nWith \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, this makes the AMG A35 just half a second slower than the new A90 Toyota Supra!\nBy the way, did you know that there\u2019s a \n\u201clong wheelbase version\u201d of the AMG A 35 in China\n? It\u2019s manufactured by Beijing Benz Automotive, a joint venture between Daimler and BAIC Motor of China. The AMG A 35 L, is 60 mm longer in wheelbase but is only just 0.1 second slow from 0 to 100km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Fiat has launched the \nall-new third generation Fiat 500 \nthat\u2019s now fully electric with 42kWh lithium-ion battery capable of returning 320 km pure electric driving range. With a 85kW fast-charging system, the little 500 requires just five minutes of charging for 48 km of pure electric driving. In 35 minutes, the batteries can be charged up to 80%.\nWith 118 hp, 0 to 100 km/h takes nine seconds before the friendly-face electric car reaches its electronically-limited top speed of 150 km/h but that\u2019s not what this is all about as we have already covered previously. What we\u2019re interested in are the three \u201cone-off\u201d 500 models created by Fiat in collaboration with the cream of the crop of Italian design houses \u2013 the 500 Giorgio Armani, the B.500 by Bvlgari and the 500 Kartell.\n500 Giorgio Armani\nUsing laser technology, Armani shaped the metal trims that clad the 500\u2019s body with exclusive micro-chevron engraving, for a fabric-like texture. These trims are then finished with Armani grey-green \u201csilk effect\u201d colour.\nThe seats are upholstered in certified full-grain natural leather, sourced from Poltrona Frau, an Italian furniture maker based in Turin which has been in operation for more than 100 years. The dashboard on the other hand is finished with open-pore wood, embellished with thin layers of aluminium.\nB.500\nBvlgari\u2019s version of the electric 500 features a golden pearlescent \u201csaffron\u201d paint, where its trims are finished with gold powder \u2013 left over from the brand\u2019s jewellery production. The \u201cB\u201d badge on the rear windows are even encrusted with diamonds!\nThe recycling philosophy also continues in the interior, where the dashboard is lined with Bvlgari silk scarves from past collections. The centre piece of the cabin has to be the three semi-precious stones \u2013 amethyst, topaz and citrine \u2013 positioned in the centre of steering wheel by the master goldsmiths at Bvlgari.\n500 Kartell\nThe Kartell blue paint job was derived from Yves Klein blue \u2013 an iconic colour of the brand. As Kartell has been increasingly involved in the development of sustainable plastics, exterior elements on the front grille, wheels and mirror caps are made of recycled polycarbonate from end-of-life parabolic projectors.\nThese components feature a design inspired by the pattern of Kartell\u2019s Kabuki lamp. The Kabuki pattern can also be found throughout the interior, with a polycarbonate cover on the dashboard insert and on the seats. The tactile plastics used in the cabin are 100% recycled polypropylene while the fabrics are sourced from fully recycled polyester.\nGALLERY\n500 Giorgio Armani\nB.500 by Bvlgari\n500 Kartell"
"Mitsubishi Indonesia has unveiled a new special edition for the\n Xpander \nand Xpander Cross in Indonesia called the Rockford Fosgate Black Edition, made in conjunction with American automotive audio gear company Rockford Fosgate (RF).\nThe RF Black Edition models are based on the Sport and Premium variant of the Xpander and Xpander Cross respectively, and features several variant-exclusive aesthetic trims, and of course, equipped with RF audio equipment from the factory.\nAs the name suggests, the RF Black Edition models are decked out in black colour styling cues. On the Xpander, these include the entire Dynamic Shield front fascia, front grille, skid plates, side mirrors, rear \u2018X\u2019 trim piece, and the 16-inch alloys.\nWatch our review of the Mitsubishi Xpander here in Malaysia!\nThe Xpander Cross meanwhile has the Dynamic Shield and grille accents, as well as the side rockers finished in a dark chrome colour, though everything else is blacked out like the Xpander RF Black Edition. The 17-inch wheels are standard fitment, along with the blacked-out roof rails. Of course, both models also get a variant-exclusive emblem at the back.\nMoving onto the inside, both the RF Black Edition models get an all-black upholstery \u2013 leather on the Xpander Cross, and fabric on the Xpander. Naturally, the special edition also gets a set of Rockford Fosgate audio system, consisting of a upgraded digital signal processor (DSP), subwoofer, and six speakers.\nHow does the Mitsubishi Xpander compare against the Honda BR-V and Toyota Rush?\nThe new audio system is paired to a new seven-inch touchscreen head unit supplied by RF, which offers smartphone mirroring capabilities and a 360-degree surround view monitor on the Xpander Cross (only reverse camera for the Xpander).\nBoth special edition models are unchanged mechanically. Underneath the bonnet of both the Xpander and Xpander Cross RF Black Edition is the same 1.5-litre MIVEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine from before, capable of sending \n105 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual (Xpander only).\nThe Mitsubishi Xpander RF Black Edition starts at RP273.9 million (~RM79k), and is available in either Jet Black Mica or Quartz White Pearl. Meanwhile, the Xpander Cross RF Black Edition is priced a little higher at RP312.65 million (~RM90k), and swaps out the black exterior hue for a Graphite Grey Metallic shade.\nGALLERY"
"Proton X50\n\u2018s Chinese cousin, the \nGeely Bin Yue\n, has just been given a facelift makeover in the country, with a fresh new aggressive exterior design befitting of its nickname \u201cChinese Artillery\u201d.\nCalled simply as the \u201cNew Bin Yue\u201d, the facelift makeover is front-lined by a new \u2018X\u2019-shaped trim that extends from the headlights down into the fog lamps enclosure on the front bumper, painted in black to complement the two-tone roof, giving the compact SUV a more aggressive look.\nThe mesh on the grille has also been updated with a new honeycomb pattern, while the headlights are also said to feature an Audi-like light show upon unlocking the vehicle.\nCheck out our full video review of the Proton X50!\nOther visual changes include a slightly reworked rear spoiler with a carbon fibre-look finish, new blacked-out 18-inch wheels, body-coloured design trimmings on the side skirts and front splitter, as well as a chunky black racing stripe down the bonnet.\nBased on the photos, the model on display here seems to be of the range-topping Battle variant of the updated Geely Bin Yue Pro \u2013 we\u2019re not sure how much of these aggressive design touches will make it down to the rest of the variants, but they sure do look striking nontheless.\nNot just a rebadge \u2013 Proton\u2019s R&D efforts actually help make other Geely models safer! Learn more about it here.\nThe model shown off in these photos feature a sports car-inspired two-toned design on the interior, taking on the yellow hue of the bodywork. These can be seen on the upper portion of the leather/suede seats, centre armrest, as well as the sides of the steering wheel.\nBut if that\u2019s still not flashy enough for you, there\u2019s also a new 72-colour ambient lighting system that shines through the brushed aluminium panels on the dashboard and door cards, to give the car even more flair.\nOther interior updates on the Bin Yue facelift include a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, running Geely\u2019s latest GKUI software, alongside a updated T-shaped gear lever on the centre console.\nThere are no mention of the powertrains being offered on the new Geely Bin Yue facelift, though we don\u2019t expect to see any changes in this department. No prices have been announced just yet, though reports say that it will go on sale in China sometime in August.\nWould you like to see these changes being brought onto our new Malaysian darling, the Proton X50? Perhaps even a new \u2018Sport\u2019 variant? Let us know in the comments below!\n[source: qctt.cn]\nGALLERY"
"It has no internal combustion engine, no petrol tank, and obviously, no tailpipe \u2013 it\u2019s the \nall-electric Nissan LEAF\n. The second-generation \nNissan LEAF\n may look more conventional than its more cutesy bulbous predecessor, but the sleek, sharp design of the new LEAF sure looks easier on the eye.\nIn the time we had it, the LEAF was well specified, and surprising fun to drive. Being an all-electric car, torque is delivered almost instantaneously with just a tap of the accelerator pedal, and you can enjoy all the instant torque without feeling guilty as the car emits zero-emission.\n \nBacking up that sleek, sporty new look is a more powerful electric motor driving the front wheels, rated at \n150 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n and worthy of a respectable time of 7.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h benchmark, along with a limited top speed of 155km/h.\nHowever, all that fun can also result in range anxiety, a downside to many fully electric cars, the LEAF is no exception. The LEAF comes with a \n40 kW\n lithium-ion battery pack which is good for around \n311 km on a full charge\n. There are two ways to top up the 40 kWh battery pack; either through \u2018Normal\u2019 6.6 kW AC charging (utilising a SAE J1772 plug) or through the \u2018Quick\u2019 50 kW DC charging.\nStaying on the side of the battery, The Nissan LEAF\u2019s 40 kW lithium-ion battery pack is covered with an \n8-year or 16,000 km warranty\n not only for faults but also any \ncapacity loss exceeding 33%\n.\nFollowing the announcement from Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to reduce private vehicle sales tax until the year-end as part of the post-COVID-19 economy recovery plan, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has released the revised pricing after Sales Tax Exemption for Nissan models in Malaysia \nhere\n."
"After over a year since the announcement of the project, Maserati has finally begun road testing of their new-generation GranTurismo.\nThe new vehicle will be Maserati\u2019s first car to adopt a fully electric powertrain and the company based in Modena, Italy, is test driving the vehicle under an intensive road and circuit testing programme.\nThe ongoing GranTurismo coupe had quite a long life in the production line, debuting in 2007 before retiring as recent as 2019. It was fitted with a sonorous-sounding naturally-aspirated V8 engine built by Ferrari, with outputs ranging from 405 hp to 460 hp by the end of its production in the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.\n \nHere is a soundclip of the future of Maserati\nApart from the new GranTurismo, Maserati earlier this year took out their new \nGrecale compact premium SUV\n for some photo shooting and test driving. The Grecale will be positioned under the Levante to compete with the Porsche Macan, Audi Q5, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the first-ever, seven-seater GLB with three different variants available \u2013 the \nGLB 200 Progressive Line, the GLB 250 4MATIC AMG Line\n and the bonkers \nGLB 35 AMG\n. Alongside the GLB, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced the \nG 350 d\n.\nThe GLB 200 is powered by the same 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, like in the current A 200, paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox to drive the front wheels. Power is rated at 163 hp and 250 Nm.\n \nOn the other hand, the sportier GLB 250 4MATIC is driven by a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, paired to an 8-speed DCT to drive all four wheels. Unlike the GLB 200, this one gets a more respectable 224 hp and 350 Nm.\nThe most significant feature of the Mercedes-Benz GLB is the addition of the third-row seats, a first for the brand in the compact SUV segment. Mercedes-Benz says that the rear most seats can accommodate adults up to 168 cm in height, and up to four child seats. What\u2019s more, the third row even comes with USB-C charger and cupholders.\nGLB 200\nGLB 250 4MATIC\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 is priced at \nRM269,118.15\n, while the GLB 250 4Matic brings it up to \nRM318,009.26\n. Both prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020. Included in the price is a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.\nWith the Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia\u2019s Possi-B-ilities Financing plan, The all-new GLB can be yours starting at RM2,688 per month, based on estimates of a five-year tenure and approximately 19% downpayment for the GLB 200.\nFor the latest price list of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"After what seems like years of talking and teasing, Toyota is close to unveiling their new Supra, in honouring their\u00a0commitment to bringing its most iconic sports car back to the market.\nThis image was just released not long ago by\u00a0\nToyota UK\n and while the caption reads, \u201cThe Legend Returns\u201d, it will still be a considerable time before we actually see the real thing as what will be unveiled, at next month\u2019s 2018 Geneva Motor Show, \nwill only be a concept model\n.\nNotice the similarities?\nIt\u2019s no secret now that the Toyota Supra will share its underpinnings with \nBMW\u2019s new Z4\n\u00a0and it is very likely that the new Supra would \nonly be available with an automatic transmission\n, a (devastating) result (for enthusiasts at least) from its collaboration with BMW.\nThere are also talks about implementing the Gazoo name into the new Supra, which it will carry as the likely flagship of Toyota\u2019s racing arm\u2019s line-up. \nToyota Supra sounds just fine, thank you\n."
"MINI Malaysia today introduced the new facelifted MINI Cooper S 3 door and 5 door hatchback which also covers the \nMINI Convertible\n as well as the new \nMINI Electric\n.\nThe MINI hatchback models also continue to only be offered in the Cooper S variant featuring the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Prices start from \nRM253,318.69\n for the 3 Door and \nRM261,005.83\n for the 5 Door model, which represents a hike of \nover RM10,000\n compared to the 2020 models.\nEXTERIOR\nThis is the second facelift improvement of the current F55/F56 MINI hatchback as back in 2018, the company revised the \ntaillamps\n to the awesome Union Jack motif and switched the transmission from 6-speed conventional automatic to the 7-speed dual-clutch unit we have today.\nThe facelifted 2021 MINI Cooper S now also looks flatter up front thanks to the fitment of the single hexagonal grille with the central pane being body-coloured. Moving to the side profile, the fender-mounted side scuttles are redesigned and now incorporate LED turn signal lights.\nThe hexagonal graphic is also repeated at the bumper while the centrally-mounted rear fog lamp is now replaced with an LED unit that\u2019s nearly invisible courtesy of its slim profile.\nMINI Malaysia has also fitted the \nPiano Black Exterior\n package that applies deep black to the emblems, door handles, fuel lid and exhaust tips. 17-inch wheels continue to fill the wheel arches of the new MINI Cooper S.\nThe new colours for the MINI Cooper S are \nRooftop Grey\n and \nIsland Blue\n and joint by striking colours of Chili Red, British Racing Green and White Silver. All colours come complete with Jet Black Roof and Black Bonnet Stripes.\nThe \nMultitone Roof\n, a highlight at the international launch, features a colour gradient from San Marino Blue through Pearly Aqua to Jet Black however seems to be not available for order yet in Malaysia.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the dashboard is now fitted with a redesigned steering wheel, a central \n8.8-inch\n touchscreen display, as well a digital driver\u2019s display instrument cluster. Both displays are surrounded by high gloss piano-black with the large central display having touch-sensitive buttons. Key features in the 2021 MINI Cooper S include:\nNew 8.8-inch central display\nNew 5.0-inch driver\u2019s digital instrument cluster\nApple CarPlay connectivity\nMINI Ambient Light with six different colours\nMINI App\nSport seats with leatherette carbon black\nSilver surface chequered trim\nWireless smartphone charger\nPERFORMANCE\nThe transversely mounted B48 turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine continues to push out the full \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque but at a different rpm range. For markets that adopt the Euro 6d emission standard, the engine with the Cooper S nomenclature loses a few horsepower to net 178 hp.\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission: 7-speed Dual-clutch sports automatic\nMax Power: 192 hp @ 5,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque: 280 Nm @ 1,350 rpm to 4,600 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h: 3 Door- 6.7 seconds, 5 Door- 6.8 seconds\nTop Speed: 235 km/h\nFuel consumption: 6.0 l/100 km\nSAFETY\nThe new MINI Cooper S is equipped with the Driving Assistant as standard, consisting of:\nNew Lane Departure Warning\nDigital high-beam assistant\nSpeed limit information\nPerson warning with light city braking function\nApproach control warning with light city braking function\nRear-view camera\nPRICING\nAs mentioned earlier, the fully imported MINI 3 Door Cooper S is priced from \nRM253,318.69\n and the MINI Cooper S 5 Door from \nRM261,005.83\n. Both are inclusive of the\n four-year unlimited mileage warranty\n and \nfree scheduled service\n programme plus sales and service tax exemption. The booking fee for the new MINI Cooper S starts from \njust RM1,000\n.\nWith the MINI \nBalloon Financing\n Plan, the MINI Cooper S 3 Door can be had with a monthly instalment plan starting from \nRM2,808\n and the MINI Cooper S 5 Door from \nRM2,898\n (based on an 80% loan estimate on a five-year tenure).\nAs all car showrooms are closed due to the \nfull lockdown MCO 3.0\n, customers are encouraged to view the new MINI \nonline\n.\nAs standard, all new owners of the MINI Cooper S 3 Door and 5 Door will receive the complete MINI Malaysia Premium Ownership experience, which includes:\nMINI 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme\nMINI Roadside Assistance and On-the-Spot Hotline\nMINI Service Online\nGALLERY\nMINI COOPER S 3 Door\nMINI COOPER S 5 Door"
"Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng claims that the take over of four major highways in the Klang Valley would save the taxpayers RM5.3 billion in compensation to the concessionaires, according to \nThe Star\n.\nThe four highways, under the interests of Gamuda, include the Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), Konsortium Expressway Shah Alam Selangor (KESAS), SMART tunnel and the Sprint highway.\nUpon acquisition of these highways, subject to the Cabinet\u2019s approval, the long-awaited congestion charge model will replace the existing toll structure.\nIn other news, the Government is also working on\n adopting LED on all streetlights \nbeginning September this year.\nLim said the collection from the congestion charges would be enough to service the debt from the acquisition while also covering the operation and maintenance cost of the highways.\nIn a move to ease the burden of commuters and fulfill the ruling governments pre-election promises, Lim said the commuters stand to save more than RM100 million per annum from this initiative. As it stands, the market share of the four highways based on toll revenue is at around 48%.\nIn total, the Government has launched a RM6.2 billion bid to acquire the four highways, through a dedicated company under the watch of the Ministry of Finance."
"After Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) \nadmitted to rigging fuel economy tests\n, Renault-Nissan Alliance swooped in to \ntake over a 34 percent stake in MMC\n and \ntook the struggling carmaker under its wing\n. Now known as the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the newly formed alliance has announced their strategic plan, \u201cAlliance 2022\u201d, a six-year plan that aims to double annual synergies to \u20ac10 billion along with a new brand logo for the Alliance.\nHelmed by Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Alliance, Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi will collaborate on sharable platforms, powertrains, next-generation electric vehicles as well as autonomous and connected technologies. By end-2022, the Alliance will introduce \n12 new zero-emission EVs\n in different segments, \n40 vehicles with different levels of autonomous\n driving capabilities, share \n22 engines\n and \nfour platforms\n together.\nChairman and CEO of Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance, Carlos Ghosn\nThe new EVs will be built upon newly developed common and scalable EV platforms for multiple segments ranging from hatchbacks to SUVs. All three companies are also working on decreasing battery costs by up to\n 30 percent\n and battery solution that significantly cuts charging time for approximately\u00a0\n230 km\n\u00a0of driving range in just 15 minutes. Renault and Nissan will be adopting Mitsubishi\u2019s plug-in hybrid technology for their C and D segment PHEVs by 2022.\nIn the field of autonomous driving, the Alliance has laid out a development timeline to deliver their first fully autonomous vehicle by 2022, starting with their first semi-autonomous driving system in 2018.\nBy the end of the six-year plan, the Alliance is forecasting a combined financial revenue of USD240 billion (RM1 trillion) with annual total unit sales exceeding 14 million vehicles."
"In an effort to further advance its green vision, Volvo Car Malaysia has announced that it is now extending the warranty coverage for the hybrid batteries in all of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles to \neight years or 160,000 km\n, whichever comes first.\nThe company has previously announced a warranty extension for all new PHEV vehicles registered from 1 January 2020 onwards, but today\u2019s announcement extends the perk to all Volvo PHEVs purchased from Volvo Car Malaysia dealerships since \n3 December 2015\n, starting from the launch of the \nVolvo XC90 T8 PHEV\n in the country.\n \nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Nalin Jain said, \u201cAs we continue our journey into sustainability, we are happy to announce this new, extended warranty coverage for our customers who have purchased any Volvo PHEVs since the launch of our first XC90 PHEV in Malaysia. This is our way of showing gratitude to the early adopters and also for those who are striving to make a more sustainable decision.\u201d\nVolvo\u2019s PHEV line-up includes the recently-launched \nlocally-assembled Volvo S60 T8 R-Design\n, alongside the \nXC60\n, \nS90\n, and \nXC90\n in the T8 powertrain configuration.\nIn conjunction with the year-end festive season, Volvo Car Malaysia is also rewarding its customers through its #MyVolvoJourney contest, starting from 4 December to 31 December 2020.\nCustomers who take their car in for service or repair at any authorised Volvo car service centres within the contest period will be eligible for the contest. To participate, just register through the QR code provided by the service centre, present a proof of service, and write a short and creative story of their Volvo service experience to be in the running for the prizes.\nTen weekly winners will receive a Sandqvist leather tote bag worth RM2,146, and three grand prize winners will each bring home a Thule travel bag set worth RM7,753. Weekly winners will be announced every Friday beginning 11 December, while the grand prize winners will be announced on the 8th of January 2021.\n\u201cThis year has been very challenging for everyone, which is why we are most grateful to our customers for their steadfast support and our dedicated service teams who are always ready to address our customers\u2019 needs despite the difficult circumstances we faced this year,\u201d Added Nalin.\n\u201cAs such, we hope this holiday contest will encourage our customers to reflect and share their meaningful Volvo story as a form of support for our hard-working service teams, while at the same time enable us to reward our customers for taking the initiative to ensure their vehicles are in good running condition.\u201d"
"Malaysians have shown a strong appetite for premium mid-sized SUVs with the Mercedes-Benz GLC being the \nstrongest growth driver for the three-pointed star in Malaysia\n. BMW Malaysia and Audi Malaysia, on the other hand, have lagged behind Mercedes-Benz in the SUV game with their outdated and uncompetitive offerings. Don\u2019t get me started on the \nLexus NX\n\u2019s overly optimistic price tag no thanks to its fully imported origins.\nWhere does that leave Volvo then? The Swedish premium carmaker has re-entered the game in January with its second-generation Volvo XC60 and is set to give its rivals a good run for its money. It\u2019s jam-packed with features and reasonably priced at RM373k for a \nfully-imported top-spec T8 Inscription Plus model\n. \nLocally-assembled variants\n that will be available soon just makes the deal even more enticing.\nGetting up close and personal with the car during its launch, I am all for the Volvo\u2019s minimalistic design penned with clean and crisp body lines, but I am not a fan of the Russian Doll design that is evident when looking at it head-on. Surely the designers could\u2019ve put in a little more effort to differentiate the 60-series from the 90-series other than its size. Fortunately, the rear end is not just a shrunken \nXC90\n \u2013 sporting dual L-shaped tail lamps and a more angular tailgate. Top marks for that.\nHaving experienced Volvo\u2019s new generation of cars based on the SPA platform (XC90, \nS90\n & \nV90\n) and with its recent coronation as the \n2018 World Car of the Year\n, expectations for the XC60, needless to say, were high. We took the fully imported Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus PHEV (CBU) as our travel buddy for the Chinese New Year holidays and here is what we learnt about the Swedish SUV.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus CBU\nEngine\n1,969cc; four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,400 rpm\nElectric Motor\n87 hp & 240 Nm\nCombined Output\n407 hp & 640 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.3 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM373,888\nTop Notch Interior\nThe cabin while reminiscent of its larger sibling, the XC90, I\u2019m more inclined towards the XC60 simply because it is slightly more pleasing to the eyes. Take the dashboard trim (CBU gets mesh metal, CKD gets wood inlay) for example, it now runs the full length of the dashboard held together by a single piece of aluminium. A little over the top for some, but to this author\u2019s eyes, portrays a more outgoing personality as opposed to the 90-series models reserved nature.\nGone are the cluttered and uninspiring centre consoles of the \nprevious-gen XC60s\n, now replaced by a sleek \n9.0-inch Sensus Connect\n touchscreen infotainment system that is one of the most intuitive operating systems out there. How intuitive? It\u2019s like an iPad for your car; all its functions are clearly spelt out with minimal sub-menus to navigate, perfect for on-the-go operations.   Other feel-good items like the\n Orrefors Crystal gear selector\n, diamond cut start/stop knob, Drive Mode selector and Volume knob, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive Digital Display, Head-Up Display, 1,100W \n15-speakers Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System\n as well as Panoramic Sunroof set the XC60 one class above its German rivals. Every touch, sight and even smell suggests that this cabin belongs way above its RM400k price bracket.\nDriving a Two Tonne Machine Shouldn\u2019t Be This Easy\nTipping the scale at \n2,148 kg\n, it is only natural to expect to feel the weight of the XC60 through the steering wheel. But its electronically-assisted power steering was on the lighter end of the spectrum thus helping the driver to manoeuvre this SUV with great ease. Of course, the trade-off is that the XC60 does not switch directions as accurately nor as engagingly as a Beemer.\nThe XC60\u2019s proportions were surprisingly manageable in the city thanks to its light steering wheel coupled with a \n360-degree surround view camera\n. Its array of sensors will also beep frantically if you\u2019re about to kiss a surrounding object, so you had to be on a really bad day to damage an XC60.   Current\nIts large reserve of torque also makes overtaking hilariously easy, entertaining at times. Indicators on, foot halfway through the floor and off you go. If you enter a bend with enthusiasm, the XC60 will display respectable road holding capabilities with body roll expected from a tall riding vehicle.\nThe \nAir Suspension\n tries its best to hide the car\u2019s weight around the bends, but it also becomes obvious that the XC60 was set up to prioritise filtering road undulations. Not quite AMG-levels of athleticism, but good enough to put a smile on your face for your weekend drives while being ahead of the pack. However, CKD versions of the XC60 all come with a standard spring and shocks set up, just like its other rivals in its class. Whether is it a deal-breaker or not, that is for you to decide.\nNo, it is not a High-Performance SUV\nDespite its on-paper figures of \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque from its 2.0-litre Twin Engine plug-in hybrid system, you won\u2019t beat a \nMercedes-AMG GLC 43\n to the quarter mile despite commanding more ponies and twisting force than the German.\nThe Swedes had done a fantastic job to hide its ridiculous torque figures, delivering propulsion in a very family-friendly manner. Off the line, the XC60 sets off with just its electric motor, using all \n240 Nm\n of torque from \n0 rpm\n to drive the rear wheels. Its eerily silent pure electric commute is something everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime.\nOnce the electric motor runs out of breath, the 2.0-litre TwinCharged (turbocharged and supercharged) four-cylinder engine kicks in to deliver the remaining \n320 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels. The petrol engine comes in seamlessly with minimal torque dip and vibration, blink and you\u2019ll miss it.\nThe eight-speed automatic transmission was also tuned to perfectly highlight the characteristics of the XC60 \u2013 smooth and docile. Volvo has done it in such a way that the average person can handle \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n with ease as the power comes in gradually and predictably, making city driving a serene affair.\nRemember to Charge the Batteries\nSandwiched between the drivetrain is a 10.4 kWh battery pack that juices the electric motor. Plug it into a conventional 3-pin socket, and it will take around 4 hours for a full charge. Volvo claims the XC60 can cover up to\n 45 km of pure electric range\n with a fully charged battery pack, but realistically you are looking at 30-odd km in an urban setting, factoring in driving habits and road conditions.\nI made a mistake for not letting the battery charge overnight and left home with a flat battery. Not only fuel consumption took a downward spiral, it also made the journey somewhat uncomfortable. The engine was constantly shutting off when I came to a complete stop only to restart the moment I set off because the battery pack did not have enough juice to get the car moving.\nThere is a Charge Mode function that uses the combustion engine as a generator to juice up the battery pack, but in my opinion, that just defeats the purpose of driving one of these PHEVs. Like any other PHEVs, the XC60 is best enjoyed when routinely plugged into a power source.\nCharge it up\nSafety First. In Class\nYou know Volvo is serious about its safety business when its Intellisafe preventive safety systems are standard across the board, yes even the entry-level T5 model. It bundles City Safety Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System, six airbags and many more which we, fortunately, did not sample.\nIts long list of advanced drivers assists systems are nowhere to be found on any of its closest competitors. Six airbags and ESC? That\u2019s the best its competition can manage. While Intellisafe is not an accident-free charm, it does greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident by warning the driver and if necessary, brings the car to a stop automatically when it detects an imminent collision. Of course, it does not mean you can be silly and let the car do all the braking, it is, after all,\n a\n \ndriver assist system\n.\nT8 variants are equipped with Volvo\u2019s Pilot Assist that bundles Adaptive Cruise Control and Steer Assist to give the XC60 semi-autonomous driving capabilities up to \n130 km/h\n. Never have I travelled on the North-South Highway (NSE) with such ease and comfort, if this is the future, sign me up.\nAlthough it can\u2019t be stressed enough that the system can only operate proficiently on well-marked roads. It does catch you off-guard as you\u2019re cruising down the highway and the system ever so slightly goes out of lane due to faded road markings.\nWill I Buy it?\nThe Volvo XC60 blows all its rivals out of the water offering high-levels of equipment, best-in-class safety features and being the only plug-in hybrid powered car in its segment. Based on that alone, Volvo\u2019s latest offering would be the most sensible choice if I am in the market for a mid-sized SUV \u2013 \u00a0with minimalistic and handsome designs being the icing on the cake.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus CBU   Current   Current"
"The \nseventh-generation Hyundai Elantra \nhas a very divisive appearance \u2013 you either love it or hate it. We fortunately\n fall into the former category\n, but if you\u2019re not a big fan of its looks, the 2023 facelift is sure to change your opinion.\nThat\u2019s because the new facelift update, unveiled via these first official photos for South Korea, has finally \u2018fixed\u2019 the model\u2019s controversial design \u2013 particularly on the front end. Gone is the big catfish front fascia, and in its place, a sleeker and shorter parametric front grille, flanked by the reworked headlights.\nOn the latter, they now feature a more \u201ctypical\u201d design without the swept-back look of the pre-facelift model, and they\u2019re also now joined by a new lighting strip that runs across the top of the grille, tying the two headlight housings together via the daytime-running lights.\nOther changes on the exterior come in the form of reworked bumpers that look a lot more aggressive than before, alongside the newly-designed wheels. Fortunately, the unique jewel-like character lines survives the facelift update.\nInside, there doesn\u2019t seem to be many obvious changes to the 2023 Hyundai Elantra facelift. The seats do seem to have a new green-coloured upholstery, but that\u2019s pretty much as far as our eyes could see.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Elantra Premium review \u2013 the overlooked gem\nThe Elantra\u2019s powertrain should also still be unchanged from before. Similar to us here in Malaysia, the C-segment sedan for the South Korean market is also offered with a Smartstream 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, pushing \n123 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via the marque\u2019s own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) gearbox.\nA more powerful N Line variant is also available for the Elantra, which packs a turbocharger onto the Smartstream 1.6-litre engine for an output of \n204 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n, paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nBut car enthusiasts will of course be most excited about the \nrange-topping Elantra N\n, which gets a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine making \n280 hp\n and \n392 Nm\n, alongside a bunch of mechanical updates to make it a proper driver-focused \u201csports\u201d car.\nWe expect the latter two variants to also be similarly updated following the official launch of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra facelift in Korea."
"Local property development giants, Country Heights have partnered with Goldenport Enterprises of China to host Malaysia\u2019s first Asia GT Festival this 15 to 17 March 2019 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).\nThe racing festival, \nheld outside of China for the first time\n, will see over 30 GT cars from all over the world compete for the coveted prize money pool of RM5.45 million (RMB9,000,000).\n(Second from left) Jim Ye, Founder and Chairman of Goldenport Enterprises, Founder and Chairman of Country Heights, Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew and Executive Director of Country Heights, Matahari Lee.\n\u201cThrough this Asia GT Festival, we want to grow Malaysian\u2019s exposure to a different kind of four-wheeled motorsport racing while providing the platform for aspiring Malaysian\u00a0racers to be part of an internationally-renowned race event,\u201d said Country Heights, Executive Director, Matahari Lee at today\u2019s press\u00a0conference at the Palace of the Golden Horses.\n\u201cThis event is also a step forward for Country Heights and the MINES Car City Centre towards our vision of developing the country\u2019s automotive lifestyle and motorsports industry,\u201d he added.\nExecutive Director of Country Heights, Matahari Lee expressed aspirations to fill the \u201cmotorsport void\u201d at the Sepang International Circuit following the departure of Formula 1.\n\u201cWe are thrilled to be here in Kuala Lumpur, a\u00a0city with a rich culture and exciting opportunities. This is an exciting time for us and our partner Country Heights to see Malaysia as the highlight of the Asia GT racing calendar,\u201d said Goldenport Enterprises founder, Jim Ye.\nThroughout the three-day event, expect to see the likes of Porsche, Bentley, Ferrari, Audi, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz go head to head with one another, along with GT3 and GT4 support races.\nTickets for the Asia GT Festival is now available and can be purchased through MotoNation\u2019s Facebook page or \ntheir official website\n with ticket prices ranging from\u00a0RM20 to RM350."
"The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or more commonly called simply \u2018Evo\u2019 by fans, is one of the most celebrated rally-bred sports car in the world. So when Mitsubishi announced that the\n Ralliart brand will be making a return\n, fans rejoiced as they thought that the legendary Evo is coming back.\nAlas, the excitement was short-lived, as Mitsubishi Motors President and CEO, Takao Kato confirmed soon after that they won\u2019t be releasing a new Lancer Evolution after all. The Ralliart brand will only be used for their motorsports activities, particularly in rallies, alongside additional accessories for their model range.\nCheck out the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi M\u00e4kinen Edition, the most expensive Evo ever sold!\nBut the question is, why not? Especially since it was specifically requested by several shareholders. And surely, with the amount of fans crying for the Evo to return, there\u2019ll be a sizeable market for it, right?\n2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition\nThe answer for this ultimately, boils down to Mitsubishi\u2019s electrification plans. \u201cElectrification costs a lot and the company is still not strong enough,\u201d Kato explained. \u201cWe had a big deficit in the previous fiscal year, and our priority is to revive the company first and then roll out the cars that fans are waiting for.\u201d\nMitsubishi aims to offer a fully electrified range by 2030, and that will require just about every last penny of their available funds. And In order to \u201crevive the company\u201d as Kato said, the Japanese carmaker will need first focus on high-volume products first.\nWould Malaysians even care if the Lancer Evolution was revived? We\u2019re not too sure.\nIn this day and age, that means SUVs like the \nOutlander\n, \nEclipse Cross\n, or the \nChina-only Airtrek\n. It\u2019s always important to remember that those asking for new sports cars are usually the vocal minority. And even if there\u2019s a real \u201cdemand\u201d, ask yourselves this \u2013 how many times did you actually follow through when you said \u201cI\u2019ll surely buy one if they make one with a manual gearbox\u201d?\n2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition\nWith sedan sales dwindling down globally, it\u2019ll perhaps be quite a while more before we see a new Lancer, let alone a Lancer Evolution. But all hope\u2019s not lost, though, as Kato said in the statement himself that they\u2019ll make \u201ccars that fans are waiting for\u201d too, just perhaps a little later than \u201csoon\u201d.\n[source: Response.jp via Carscoops]"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the\n MobilityPlus\n, a car replacement program for those who have opted to finance or lease their Mercedes-Benz vehicles through Mercedes-Benz Financial.\nThe MobilityPlus features is the first of its kind in the auto financing industry, where it allows Mercedes-Benz owners to \nenjoy a replacement car when their vehicles are sent for routine servicing\n (including warranty claims) that \nrequire more than 48 hours\n.\n \nWatch GC Mah go head-to-head with the \nVP of Sales & Marketing of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia \n in a drag race!\nThrough MobilityPlus, customers will be provided with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle as a temporary replacement while their vehicle is in the service centre. For added convenience, customers will also be able to select their preferred pick-up and drop off points.\nThe replacement vehicle will be made available to eligible customers within 24-hours of notification by the Authorised Mercedes-Benz Service Centre on behalf of the customer.\n \nHave you checked out the new \nMercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan\n?\nThe replacement car will come with a \n20-day per year entitlement period\n at no extra cost to the customer. The programme\u2019s extensive nationwide coverage also includes Langkawi and Labuan.\nWith the introduction of MobilityPlus, Hire Purchase Classic Financing will be rebranded to FinanceCare. The MobilityPlus also includes the Agility Financing (for new cars) and Young Star Agility Financing (Mercedes-Benz Certified Cars).\nThe MobilityPlus coverage is available for the first two year period for FinanceCare and Agility Solutions and up to four years for leasing solutions depending on the lease tenure."
"Since the official debut of the Mazda6 back in 2012, Mazda has finally given the ageing model a much-needed refresher. Fresh off the stage at the 2017 LA Auto Show, the Mazda6 boasts a much more refined cabin and a new 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.\nMazda has employed a \u201cMature Elegance\u201d approach, further elevating the maturity of the well-accepted Kodo Design. Upfront, you get a new mesh front grille as well as new LED headlamp design similar to the \nall-new CX-5\n. The front lower bumper gets an additional chrome strip, giving it a more upmarket feel. The rest of the car remains largely untouched save for new alloy wheel designs and lightly restyled taillamps.   The interior gets the most attention in this facelift exercise. A new Japanese Sen Wood trim replaces the old gunmetal appearance, giving the cabin a much more premium look and feel. Other than that, the cabin remains identical to the pre-facelift model.\nNew to the Mazda6 powertrain line up is a \n2.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G turbo engine\n pushing out \n250 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the same unit found in the \nCX-9\n. The new SkyActiv-G turbo also features cylinder deactivation technology for greater fuel savings. The new engine can be mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.   The facelifted Mazda6 also gets updated \ni-ActivSense safety technologies\n that adds the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and a 360-degree camera.\nLocally, Bermaz Motors have just refreshed the Mazda6 with G-Vectoring Control for both its petrol and diesel variants. Given the pace that they are progressing, we can expect the facelifted Mazda6 to quietly roll into showrooms come 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Designed for kids from three to six years old, the \nMcLa\nren GT\n Ride-On is the fourth model following the P1, \n720S\n and \nMcLaren Senna\n.\nThe new McLaren GT Ride-On has an impressive list of standard options including authentic McLaren design detailing. The seat has been designed to mimic the ones in the actual car.\nWorking dihedral doors make for the ultimate entrance and getaway. Being a GT, \na boot has also been\n added and is ideal for stowing any junior driving essentials.\nWatch the McLaren 720S Ride-On in motion here!\nJust like the real thing, the GT Ride-On has workable dashboard controls with a key start that activates McLaren engine sounds. Kids, or rather, junior drivers, will get real thrills of driving thanks to a working accelerator with revving sound. The taillamps are functional items too.\nThe Ride-On has a top speed of 5 km/h with playing time estimated to range from 30 to 50 minutes with the 12-volt battery. Parents can also take the controls of the toy via remote control.\nAn optional MP4 infotainment system allows music to be played via a USB device or SD card.\nChances of getting the same colour as your neighbour will be slim, as the McLaren GT Ride-On comes in six authentic McLaren colours including Burnished Copper, Silica White, Onyx Black, Amaranth Red, Burton Blue and Mclaren Orange.\nThe windscreen-less McLaren Elva will come with a windscreen after all. Read about it here!\nIn its UK, the McLaren GT Ride-On is priced from \nGBP163\n (RM945) to \nGBP234\n (RM1,360), depending on the options selected, and is available to order now from selected global toy retailers.\nGALLERY"
"Our beloved, highly-acclaimed Sepang Circuit has just celebrated its F1nale as the host to the Formula 1 circus. While there are plans in the pipeline for more attention to be paid on the Moto GP, construction of theme parks and such to be built in the coming years, the inevitable void left by the absence of our revamped circuit at the pinnacle of motorsports will surely be felt.\nWe\u2019ve seen victories being snatched, championships lost and partnerships strained in various chapters of this 19-year story filled with ups and downs. Before we forcefully move on from Malaysians departure from the Formula 1 arena, these are our\u00a0 5 most memorable moments to have taken place in Sepang.\nFerrari stripped of double-win (1999)\nCredit:\n New York Times\nDrama unfolded at the inaugural Malaysian Grand Prix back in 1999 which also happened to be the penultimate race to the Formula 1 season. Having raced to recovery after a broken leg, the great Schumacher impressively qualified ahead of then teammate Eddie Irvine by almost a whole second.\nThat said, Irvine took the chequered flag ahead of Schumacher followed by championship contender Hakkinen in third before controversy hit both the Ferrari drivers \u2013 they were disqualified for an alleged illegality with their race car\u2019s body work, specifically the\n bargeboard\n, a piece by the radiator opening and had their points taken away. This meant Irvine was leading the driver\u2019s championship by just four points ahead of McLaren\u2019s Hakkinen.\nFerrari appealed and their points were reinstated before the final race of the season in Suzuka. It still proved insufficient as Hakkinen\u00a0clinched the Driver\u2019s Championship with a\u00a0win in Japan.\nMontoya vs Shumacher (2002)\nCredit: \nREAL SPORT 101\nWith both having started from the first row, with Schumacher in pole position and Montoya in second, the two clashed when Montoya made a better start with his nose ahead of the Ferrari as they entered the first corner. Schumacher nudged into Montoya as a result of understeer, sending both of them into the pits for front wing replacements.Instead of penalising Schumacher, it was Montoya who was surprisingly hit with a drive-through penalty. Still, the fiesty Colombian fought back to an impressive second place finish.\nOn the side note, we still keep Schumacher\u2019s unfortunate condition in mind till this day and always pray for his recovery.\nKimi Raikkonen\u2019s maiden win (2003)\nCredit: YouTube\nHaving only found his way into the Formula 1 arena back in 2001 at the tender age of 22, the \u201c\nIce Man\n\u201d joined McLaren two years later to fill in the vacant seat left by another Finnish legend, Mika Hakkinen. Fast forward to years later, the Finn, famous for his lack of expressions and even lesser words stormed from 7th on the grid to clinch his maiden victory in faultless drive at Sepang.\nTeam Order woes between Rosberg/Hamilton & Webber/Vettel (2013)\nCredit: \nThe Checkered Flag\nLet\u2019s begin with the Webber and Vettel incident; it\u2019s one thing to be competitive, it\u2019s another to be totally ignorant. While some may still argue Vettel\u2019s ruthless urge to win, we believe that team efforts are essential and more crucially, team orders are team orders. Having been relayed the \u201c\nMulti 21\n\u201d coded message which essentially meant that Webber should be left to finish first, Vettel defied it and overtook Webber \u2013 nearly driving him into the pit wall in the process.\nThe other incident involving team orders was equally heart-breaking. Hamilton had been challenging the two Red Bulls before fuel and tyre concerns hampered his progress. With Rosberg clearly oozing more pace than his teammate, he was told to stand down and hold back behind Hamilton despite his superior speed.\nMalaysian flag-inspired swimwear (2016)\nWe apologise for such generous display of skin. Credit: \nABC News\nWe saved the best for the last \u2013 possibly the most ridiculous incident to have happened at the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix, nine unfortunate Australians were in hot water for a foolish act some would still argue was blown out of proportion. Dubbed the \u201c\nBudgie Nine\n\u201c, the spectators from Down Under stripped down to their Malaysian-printed swim wear in celebration of their compatriot, Daniel Ricciardo\u2019s win.\nNeedless to say, trouble ensued as they were all detained for appearing to disrespect the Malaysian flag. They were subsequently released with misdemeanour charges after pleadings from various quarters, including Daniel Ricciardo himself, apparently.\nCover Photo Credit: \nMercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport"
"Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in the country, is offering you the chance to meet K-pop super stars Blackpink in person!\nOver the next seven weeks, Naza Kia will be hosting nationwide roadshows to find the biggest Blackpink fans \u2013 two lucky winners will be offered an all-expense paid trip to Seoul, Korea.\u00a0\nThe grand prize comes inclusive of accommodation, flight tickets, Seoul city tour, Korean culture class, an exclusive meet-and-greet pass to meet Blackpink at the invitation-only Kia Special Party, as well as tickets to the Melon Music Awards 2019.\nCan\u2019t wait? All you have to do is to make the best Blackpink impersonation performance by taking a video of yourself dressing, singing and dancing, just like your favourite Blackpink member and post the video on your Facebook or Instagram profile. Remember to include the following hashtags: #KIAMalaysiaBLACKPINK #KIABLACKPINKWANNABE #KiaOnBeat, and most importantly a hashtag of your region, such as #Penang.\u00a0\nDon\u2019t forget to set the \u2018visibility\u2019 of your social media profile to \u2018public\u2019, thereafter submit your details as well as the link to your post \nhere\n.\nThe \u2018Kia Blackpink Wanna Be\u2019 campaign has already made its stop in Penang and will be moving to Johor Bharu on 5th October, Melaka on 12th October, Selangor on 16th November, where Blackpink fans will compete for a spot in the top 20.\u00a0\nOnly five participants from each region with the best lip-syncing and impersonation skills will make it to the semi-finals, before vying to become one of the five finalists for the grand finale, happening on the 17th of November at Sunway Pyramid Mall."
"In August 2016, \nPETRONAS Dagangan Berhad announced the availability of their Dynamic Diesel Euro 5\n\u00a0that will be concurrently sold alongside their Euro 2M diesel. At the time of launch, only six Petronas stations in the whole of Klang Valley and two in Johor Bahru carry the higher quality diesel fuel.\nWe had the privilege of interviewing Petronas Fuel Engineer, Mr Mohamad Hafiz Abd Aziz to address some of the questions you have in mind pertaining to Euro 5 diesel. So, without further ado.\nAutoBuzz.my: Why is it that \nBHPetrol has over 100 stations offering their Infiniti Euro 5 diesel\n, but Petronas only has 15?\nHafiz: As of today, we have\u00a015 stations across Peninsular Malaysia that sell our Dynamic Diesel Euro 5. We target to have as many as 50 stations by the end of this year (the target was initially 25 stations)\u00a0and we are working very closely with the retail team to expedite this process.\nBefore answering your question, let me explain why the expansion isn\u2019t as straightforward and easy\u00a0as one thinks. There are a number of factors that play a role in this, but it\u2019s ultimately the demand that necessitates the supply. Take the\u00a0suburbans and rural areas for instance. Generally, places like these have a relatively low concentration\u00a0of modern diesel cars. Conversely, they are populated by small to medium sized commercial trucks, especially pickup trucks. And these are the type of consumers who are our regular Euro 2M customers.\nWe\u2019re not saying that we completely overlook the possibility, but a lot of the small Petronas stations have very limited underground tanks, which typically come in threes or fours. These tanks store the fuels, and the Government mandates every single station to offer two bread and butter fuels \u2013 RON 95 and Euro 2M diesel. It\u2019s hugely uneconomical to install a brand new tanker underground, so the\u00a0next best choice is to drain a tank and fill it up with the Euro 5 diesel. This brings me back to my earlier point: if the demand for RON 95 and Euro 2M diesel outweighs that of the Euro 5, then we simply cannot offer Euro 5 due to\u00a0infrastructural deficit.\nAutoBuzz.my: Why is Petronas,\u00a0as a national oil and gas company, not able to locally produce Euro 5 diesel? And how long are we going to continue importing the said fuel?\nHafiz: Ever since Euro 5 diesel was introduced to our market, every litre of it was \u2013 and still is \u2013 imported from Singapore. Every other brand carrying Euro 5 diesel may or may not be importing\u00a0the fuel from the same supplier. But the key point here is, everyone is currently importing due to the limitation of domestic refining capability which requires upgrading our refineries.\nAutoBuzz.my: We know for a fact that Euro 5 diesel costs much more per litre than the Euro 2M diesel, but why is the difference between the two capped at 10 sen?\nHafiz: The Government issued a decree for all petroleum companies in Malaysia to price Euro 5 diesel 10 sen more than the Euro 2M. This will continue to be regulated indefinitely.\nAutoBuzz.my: What are\u00a0the unique selling points of Dynamic Diesel Euro 5, and how can your existing Euro 2M customers benefit from the higher quality fuel?\nHafiz: Our Euro 5 diesel is specially formulated to do three important things: protect the engine, restore power and promote cleaner combustion. Some people are skeptical about the restoration of power, but the concept is fairly simple. We have blended high quality additives into the diesel fuel whose\u00a0function is to clean the injectors, which in turn removes dirt accumulated from using poorer quality fuel.\nAutoBuzz.my: What is the current state of progress on the subject of biodiesel?\nHafiz: It gets a bit trickier here. Producing and supplying biodiesel (B5 to B10) is just a matter of blending (literally) our diesels with palm methyl ester. Besides \nMercedes-Benz\n, most other car companies have expressed compatibility concerns with biodiesel, fearing that the fuel may cause untoward harm to the engine components, thus voiding warranty.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia is one of the car companies confident enough to say that their diesel cars can run on\u00a0biodiesel, and their in-house R&D have confirmed their compatibility. Supplying biodiesel is not at all a problem for us petroleum companies, but the Government needs to resolve the warranty issue with the respective car companies first prior to the implementation of B10 biodiesel. Currently, the relevant governing bodies are still in constant talks with car manufacturers.\nAutoBuzz.my: Say I drive a BMW 320d and since day one I\u2019ve been filling up Euro 2M diesel. Will the sudden change to Euro 5 adversely affect the performance of my car in any way?\nHafiz: Absolutely not! In fact, once your car is cleansed of Euro 2M diesel, you will notice the absence of black smoke. The engine will also rev smoother due to less heavy hydrocarbon content. Perhaps the only compromise would be fuel economy, but this varies by engine design, driving style, vehicle condition and other possible contributing factors.\nAutoBuzz.my: One last question, Mr Hafiz, for all our readers who may have this question in mind. It is perfectly fine for any diesel cars, trucks and lorries of all makes and ages to pump Euro 5 diesel, am I right?\nHafiz: Yes, that is correct. All diesel-powered vehicles regardless of age and state of technology will experience more or less the same benefits by upgrading from Euro 2M to our Dynamic Diesel Euro 5. It\u2019s cleaner and safer for the environment as well.\nWell, all that benefits for just 10 sen more per litre? I\u2019d certainly not think twice. Do share with us your thoughts and opinions on the matter, dear readers. Also, feel free to pose any questions relating to the fuel and we will address them with the help of Mr Hafiz.\nWe would like to thank Petronas Dagangan Berhad for this valuable opportunity.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the end of 2020, McLaren showcased its \nElva\n and \n765LT\n at a private \u201cMcLaren Masterpieces\u201d event at the Bluewaters Island in Dubai.\nEnthusiasts of the British supercar brand got to immerse themselves with McLaren\u2019s latest models, against Dubai\u2019s signature ultra-urban backdrop and the images from this combo are so wallpaper-worthy.\n\u201cWe are delighted to present the Elva and 765LT here in the UAE. Both models are expected to be delivered in the first half of 2021,\u201d said McLaren Europe, Middle East and Africa, Managing Director, Brett Soso.\nThe Elva is McLaren\u2019s latest Ultimate Series supercar with a bespoke carbon fibre chassis and body; making it the \nlightest road car ever from McLaren Automotive\n.\nIt\u2019s powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 815 hp and 800 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes less than three seconds, while 0 to 200 km/h is done in under seven seconds. \nAfter all the back-and-forth\n on production numbers, McLaren concluded that only 149 units of the open-cockpit supercar will be built.\nAs for the 765LT which was \nlaunched in Malaysia recently\n, it makes 765 hp and 800 Nm, also from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. As it weighs more or less the same as the \n718 Cayman GT4\n we \ntested in Sepang recently\n, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 2.8 seconds!\nGALLERY"
"Volvo has unleashed its contender to challenge established premium saloons such as the \nBMW 5-Series\n, \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n and \nAudi A6\n in the form of the all-new \nS90\n saloon. Inspired from the 2013\u00a0Volvo Concept Coup\u00e9, the S90 is the Swede\u2019s answer to counter Germany\u2019s dominance in the mid-size premium saloon market, and is set to make its worldwide debut at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January.\nVolvo said the S90 has taken a big stride forwards in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. Just like the \nnewly launched RM454k Volvo XC90\n, its sedan brethren will also be benefiting from the same USD 11 billion Chinese injection\u00a0to build and develop new game-changing automotive technology.   Since the XC90 was introduced, it has received plenty of distinguished accolades to its belt, and the S90 seeks to ride the same bandwagon of success by adopting its looks. The sedan\u2019s design language is a fine balance between its boxy past and the modern Scandinavian curves. Its front end is very much as visually stunning as the XC90, but the rear commands more than just a second look to really understand a profound one-word question \u2013 why?\nIts cabin is also inspired by the XC90, \nwith\u00a0natural finish wood\n and \nfine leathers\n all around. Complimenting the interior includes\u00a0\ndigitised instrument clusters, Bower a\nnd Wilkins stereo\n, the iPad looking 9-inch\u00a0\nSensus Connect\n\u00a0touchscreen and lastly, luxurious soft Nappa leather seats (these are extremely comfy in the XC90).   Both the XC90 and S90 sit on the same SPA platform (Scalable Product Architecture), which naturally means sharing similar powertrains. Volvo\u2019s range topping \nTwin Engine T8 2.0-litre Drive-E engine\n making\u00a0\n407 hp and 640 Nm of torque\n\u00a0will be the S90\u2019s top-end power plant \u2013 one that Volvo Car Malaysia is doing their best to make sure it arrives here.\u00a0Also offered are the T5 and T6 petrol engines, as well as the D4 and D5 diesel engines. All variants regardless of powertrain will be mated to\u00a0Aisin\u2019s\u00a0\neight-speed automatic gearbox\n.\nThe S90 has plenty of new electronic goodies offered; one such is the\u00a0\nPilot Assist\n, an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature that makes sure the car doesn\u2019t stray from its lane on the highway. This works up to speeds up 130 km/h! Another unique feature offered is\u00a0\nCity Safety\n;\u00a0a system that actively detects moving objects and subjects, and subsequently warns the driver. It also provides autonomous braking to prevent collision.\nAs you would have expect, a wagon variant \u2013 the V90 \u2013 is also in the pipeline, and will feature the same power- and drivetrain as its S90 and XC90 siblings.\u00a0Performance freaks will be pleased to know that a Polestar version for both the S90 and V90 are also in the works!\nThis S90 is among Volvo\u2019s new transformative generation of products that have already begun sending shockwaves in the premium automotive segment. One thing is for sure, the Germans cannot afford to slack any longer!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) promised that the all-new Kia Optima will come in its hottest and most dynamic trim, and true enough they delivered. Introducing the first turbocharged D-Segment contender from Korea, the fourth-generation Kia Optima GT.\nCompared to the outgoing Optima, the fourth-gen is 10 mm longer (4,855 mm), 30 mm wider (1,860 mm) and 10 mm taller\u00a0(1,465 mm). It also boasts a longer wheelbase of 2,805 mm. These altogether translate to improved interior space for all occupants.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Optima K5 GT\nEngine\n1,998cc; turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n242 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n7.4 seconds\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM179,888\nEXTERIOR\nUp front, it gets a new face yet remains immediately recognisable as an Optima. It gets sleeker full LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) and LED daytime running lights, sporty front bumper with lower intakes and side air curtains. At the rear, it gets the exclusive LED combination tail lamps, rear diffuser with chrome garnish and dual exhaust tips.   A gloss black roof, red brake callipers and 18-inch dual-tone GT alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 profile Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres complete the exterior look of the car.\nINTERIOR\nCustomer can choose between two interior themes \u2013 red with grey stitching and black with red contrast stitching. Regardless of colour choice, you get leather upholstery, 12-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory function, 10-way powered front passenger seat, electronic parking brake, 7-inch LCD infotainment system with 6-speakers, panoramic sliding sunroof, wireless charging tray, reverse camera, keyless entry and start, smart tailgate, 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster display and rear air vents.   Some key features unique to this higher-performance variant include a flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Turbo-Torque display screen, GT seat embroidery and drive mode selector switch.\nPERFROMANCE\nMotivating this D-segment sedan is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI petrol engine that develops \n242 hp\n and \n350 Nm\u00a0\nof torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed conventional torque converter. Sprinting to 100 km/h takes only 7.4 seconds, making it 3.6 seconds quicker than the outgoing 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Optima.\nIt also gets a sportier GT Sports suspension setup \u2013 MacPherson struts up front and multi-link on the rear axle \u2013 to complement the dynamic engine performance. Drivers can select from three different drive modes \u2013 Eco, Normal and Sport, each altering the throttle response and steering weight accordingly.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, the Optima GT comes equipped with six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) front and rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounting points. The Optima GT scored a full 5-Star crash safety rating at the ASEAN NCAP and EURO NCAP.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are three colours on offer \u2013 Gravity Blue, Aurora Black and Snow White Pearl. As with all new Kia models, the all-new Kia Optima GT comes with 5-years warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In this week\u2019s edition of AutoDIY, we\u2019ll be demonstrating how to \u201cresuscitate\u201d your car, in case you get a little absent-minded one day, leave your car\u2019s headlamps on, and your car\u2019s battery becomes flat.\nObviously, the first thing you\u2019d need, is a pair of jump start cables. They can range anywhere from RM40 to RM100 or more and it\u2019s always recommended that you keep a set in the boot of your car.\nAs for how to go about it, we\u2019ll leave it to you to find out in the fourth episode of AutoDIY.\u00a0A new episode of\n AutoDIY\n will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come."
"As if thundering in any of the \nSports Series McLarens\n isn\u2019t already loud enough, there\u2019s now a new Titanium SuperSports Exhaust from McLaren Special Operations\u2019 (MSO) Defined range that emits louder and sharper exhaust notes.\nThe\u00a0MSO SuperSports Exhaust is\n up to 5 decibels louder\n and comes alive as the twin-turbo V8 engines revs past 5,000 rpm. By using titanium instead of steel, and removing the resonator and mufflers for a unrestricted \u201cstraight-pipe\u201d system, McLaren is able to \nsave up to 4.8 kg\n on the entire exhaust system.\nNot only is titanium known for its resistance to heat, it also \nenhances acoustic resonance\n where it prevents the purity of the V8\u2019s roar from being suppressed and filtered.\nAs loud as it is, McLaren has ensured that it wouldn\u2019t be intrusive inside the cabin. Booming sounds at lower engine speeds are eliminated so the practicality and everyday usability of your Sports Series is maintained.\nMcLaren Special Operation\u2019s new \n\u201cChinaman-spec\u201d McLaren 570GT\nIts tailpipes are\n finished either in MSO Nano Clear or Nano Black\n ceramic coating. Not only is the material scratch-resistant, it also protects the exhaust against heat-induced discolouration.\nSports Series McLarens consists of models like the \n570S Coupe\n and\n 570S Spider\n, \n570 GT\n and \n540 C\n."
"If you\u2019re looking to buy yourself a brand new Volkswagen, your wait could be over because Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has introduced their new \nVolkswagen Goes Zero\n\u00a0campaign, which grants\u00a0you 0% interest rate when buying the \nGolf 1.4\n, \nJetta 1.4\n, \nTiguan 1.4\n and \nPassat 1.8\n.\nVGM previously ran their\u00a0\nPolo Goes Zero campaign\n, which allowed customers to purchase a brand new locally assembled Polo without paying down payment while enjoying a 0% financing plan. This time around, the VW Goes Zero campaign extends to the more premium models, but you will still need to pay down payment. \nTwo financing schemes\n are available: a \n5-year \nor \n7-year\n monthly installment plans (refer to table below).\nModel\n5-years monthly installment\n7-years monthly installment\nJetta 1.4L\nRM2,099/month\nRM1,499/month\nGolf 1.4L\nRM2,499/month\nRM1,799/month\nPassat 1.8L\nRM2,699/month\nRM1,899/month\nTiguan 1.4L\nRM2,899/month\nRM2,099/month\n\u00a0\nIf the Jetta is what you\u2019re looking to get, then you might want to wait a little longer before the Limited Edition variant comes along. The campaign will run for a period of two months, before ending in June. All cars come with a \n5-year unlimited mileage\n warranty.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has just started a short tease of a new variant of their flagship X70 SUV, with the model simply called X70 SE or Special Edition.\nThe company first revealed a similar blue painted\n X70 Exclusive Edition (EE)\n for the Brunei market in June. It was limited to just 37 units in conjunction with the celebration of the 37th National Day of Brunei Darussalam.\nWatch the new X70 SE teaser video here!\nNot much detail has been shared, but based on the visual accompanying the \nmodel registration page\n, the X70 SE for Malaysia does not differ much from Brunei\u2019s EE units.\nIn the X70 EE, the \n19-inch wheels\n with Y-spoke design that was first seen on the 2019 Geely Boyue Pro are used as the biggest visual indicator (and upgrader), as well as a black-painted roof and side mirror covers. While Proton is calling it \na \u2018brand new look\u2019,\n it is certainly not getting the Geely Boyue Pro\u2019s new front fascia.\nX70 EE\n2019 Geely Boyue PRO\nUnits for Malaysia however is getting the option of red paintwork, as opposed to just blue in Brunei.\nInside, the X70 EE for Brunei is fitted with \nBlack Nappa leather\n with subtle red highlights to replace the existing upholstery in brown.\nThe new Proton X70 SE is scheduled for an online unveiling on \nThursday, 22 July at 11 a.m.\n on their \nFacebook page\n.\nTo recap, the Proton X70 is powered by the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine generating \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm \nof torque paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The benchmark century sprint time is \n9.5 seconds\n.\nThe high-spec Premium variants currently include niceties such as a handsfree tailgate, Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front passenger seat with \u201cboss-switch\u201d, enhanced voice command function, nine-speaker premium audio system and the advanced driving assistance package. The Premium X just adds a panoramic moonroof. \u00a0\u00a0\nPrices for the Proton X70 start from \nRM89,900\n while the range-topping X70 Premium X 2WD is at \nRM115,800\n, thanks to the \nongoing SST tax exemption\n that was extended until the end of 2021."
"Ferrari\n fanboys in the cyberworld are pulling their hair out, including myself, over these images of a mysterious Ferrari circulating on the internet. It wears the front of a 488 GTB, side curves of a \nLotus Evora\n, and rear of. an entire new, thing. What is it exactly?\nThere are speculations that this could be the \n488 Speciale\n/\nScuderia\n variant as hinted by the racing stripes. However, if you look closely the body panels do not suggest a \n488 GTB\n. The headlights design, the side scoops, taillights positioning, and even engine cover are not of an inheritance.\nThis is a Ferrari 488 GTB\nThere are rumours that\u00a0the Italian supercar maker are reviving the \u2018\nDino\n\u2018 nameplate, which will be the second entry level Grand Tourer model. It is said to be powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine(!!?). The modern Ferrari Dino will come in between the \nCalifornia T\n and the 488 GTB in the line-up. Not entirely a bad move to counter the ever growing \nMcLaren\n family, but seriously, V6? So, could this be it?\nUPDATE: \nIt turned out to be a Ferrari one-off, the Ferrari 458 MM Speciale\nWell then again, this could be a product of a \nFerrari Special Projects Programme\n of a 488 GTB-based one-off for a Prince from the East.\n \nAll that aside, this is \nFerrari\n we are talking about. Isn\u2019t it a little suspicious that a new pony goes for a walk without any form of camouflage?\nUPDATE: \nIt turned out to be a Ferrari one-off, the Ferrari 458 MM Speciale\nImage Source: Unknown\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has finally been unveiled, and true to the\u00a0\nteasers\n,\u00a0this SUV is clearly inspired by the iconic Eclipse coupe of old. The new SUV will sit between the \nASX\n and \nOutlander\n.\nLargely based on the\u00a0\nXR-PHEV II\n, the Eclipse Cross is quite the looker. It\u00a0measures 4,405mm long, 1,805mm wide and 1,685mm tall. Compared to the ASX, the Eclipse Cross is 110mm longer, 35mm wider and 60mm taller, although both cars share\u00a0the same wheelbase length of 2,670mm.   It wears Mitsubishi\u2019s new\u00a0\nDynamic Shield\n\u00a0design, with the fascia now flanking LED headlights, just like the Outlander. The tail design is somewhat controversial, and spanning across the rear windscreen is a single LED bar. The high gloss red metallic paint is also specially formulated for the Eclipse Cross.\nInside is a familiar cabin, adorned with clean lines that looks a mile better than the Outlander\u2019s. Affixed to the top of the dashboard is an 8-inch infotainment screen supporting Smartphone Link Display Audio. Also making its debut here is a heads-up display.\nTwo choices of engines are available here, starting with a\u00a0new\n 1.5-litre direct-injected turbocharged petrol engine\n that\u2019s paired with an \neight-speed\u00a0CVT transmission.\n The other mill is Mitsubishi\u2019s tried and tested\n 2.2-litre turbodiesel\n lump that\u2019s mated with a new\n eight-speed slushbox\n. No output numbers have been unveiled for now. The Eclipse Cross is offered with \nall-wheel drive only\n.\nThe 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be available for public viewing at the Geneva Motor Show, with sales commencing in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"U Mobile\n, \nWaze\n and SMART Tunnel has partnered up to ensure that you\u2019ll never lose your GPS signal in the Smart Tunnel again with the installation of Bluetooth-enabled \nWaze Beacons\n along the tunnel.\nThese Waze Beacons ensure seamless and uninterrupted connectivity along the tunnel where GPS signal is poor, through wireless signals that guide navigation apps. Drivers merely need to ensure that the Bluetooth connection on their devices is switched on.\nTo date, nearly 240 \u201cWaze Beacons\u201d have been installed along the 5.2 km tunnel but that\u2019s not all. The best part is, you don\u2019t even need to be a U-Mobile user!\nU-Mobile, Chief Marketing Officer, Jasmine Lee said, \u201cThis partnership with Waze and SMART Tunnel has made U Mobile the first telco in the world to power uninterrupted GPS navigation in a tunnel. With Waze\u2019s Beacons, all mobile device users, regardless of which telco service they are subscribed to, will now be able to leverage on the full features of Waze uninterrupted throughout the tunnel.\u201d\n\u201cWith 30,000 commuters using the SMART Tunnel daily, we\u2019re happy to collaborate with U Mobile and SMART to ease traffic congestion and reduce drivers\u2019 hesitation and confusion caused by signal loss,\u201d says Waze Malaysia, Country Lead, Kelvin Sim.\nWaze engineer and Global Lead of the Waze Beacons programme, Gil Disatnik added, \u201cWe are excited to bring the Waze Beacons programme to the SMART Tunnel, the very first double-decker tunnel in the world to be fitted with Waze Beacons to provide seamless navigation to commuters in Malaysia.\nImage source: \nAutomology"
"Following last week\u2019s video on \nhow to change your car\u2019s tyre\n, this week\u2019s edition of AutoDIY gets a little more technical but only just.\nMost wouldn\u2019t be aware but changing your spark plugs, like your engine oil,\u00a0 is every bit a vital part of your vehicle\u2019s maintenance, albeit between longer intervals.\nIf you\u2019re adventurous enough to try this out on your own, you may need to research on which spark plugs would suit your engine and also be mindful to have the necessary tools for the job.\nWhile it may seem like a trivial job, some workshops would charge up to RM 50 (some even more) just to perform this spark plug change, so learning how to tackle this on your own could save you time (to the workshop) and nearly a full tank\u2019s worth of petrol money, with just a little initiative.\nA new episode of AutoDIY will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come."
"After more than 20 years since the first-generation iDrive system made its debut, BMW will reveal an all-new system and user interface at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2021).\n \nThe virtual forum which will take place from \ntoday till the 14th of January 2021\n, will offer an initial preview of the all-new iDrive system due to be revealed later this year.\nThe BMW iDrive operating system was introduced for the first time in the 2001 BMW 7 Series which decluttered the dashboard of buttons and controls. The new iDrive system will be available for the first time in the all-electric \nBMW iX\n.\nWith the all-new system, BMW said it will bridge the gap between driver and car even more as the number of functions continues to rise, with even greater complexity.\nAll the content from BMW\u2019s presence at CES 2021 and further digital presentations can be viewed in a special CES feature on the online platform \nhere\n.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Continental ComfortContact CC5 is a tyre most Malaysians are familiar with and one we can all take pride in. Locally produced at Continental Tyres Malaysia (CTM) plant in Alor Star, the CC5 is the tyre of choice by various manufacturers as an OEM fitment on their vehicles such as the \nToyota Vios\n, \nNissan Almera\n and \nPerodua Myvi\n, just to name a few.\nBesides offering high levels of comfort and quality, the locally made\u00a0tyres also contribute to a vehicle\u2019s EEV status (requires a certain percentage of local content when CKD). After serving many Malaysians reliably for many years, CTM has finally introduced the replacement for the CC5, the Continental ComfortContact CC6.\nAlongside the CC6, CTM also unveiled a brand new model in their line-up, the Continental UltraContact UC6 that slots itself between the comfort oriented ComfortContact series and the performance minded MaxContact series.The CC6 and UC6 are part of the brand\u2019s all-new Generation 6 products that replaces models that bear the number \u20185\u2019.\nIn line with Continental\u2019s philosophy of \u201cIn the Market for the Market\u201d, the UC6 and CC6 went through vigorous localisation R&D to suit not only the Malaysian market but also the Asia-Pacific market. CTM played a major role in the process as they are \none of three\n Continental manufacturing plants in the Asia-Pacific region. Other two factories are located in India and China.\nCONTINENTAL ULTRACONTACT 6\nPreviously with the Generation 5 tyres, the ContiComfortContact series only caters to wheel sizes ranging from 13 to 16 inch. Larger wheel sizes would have to opt for the sportier ContiMaxContact series. With the UC6, consumers will now have the option for a comfort oriented tyres for 16 to 18-inch wheel sizes.\nUsing the CC5 as a foundation, the UC6 is engineered with \u201call-rounded performance and safety\u201d in mind. It features what the company calls ADD: Aqua channels, Diamond edge design and Diamond blend compound. The results are the UC6 that not only excels in the dry but also the wet, perfect for our unpredictable climate.   At first glance, the UC6 may come across as a regular tyre but plenty of innovation are etched into the tyres. The \nholes\n along the centre of the tyres are the \nAqua channels\n that direct water from the contact patch to the tyre groove, giving the tyres enhanced water evacuation ability. At the side of the UC6, the treads are designed like a \nDiamond edge\n to reduce rubber distortion during hard braking and provide more contact patch. Lastly, the UC6 is made up of what CTM calls it, \nDiamond blend compound\n \u2013 a unique combination of short grip-polymers that provides higher grip levels and long mileage-polymers that ensures high mileage performance. As with the CC5, the UC6 features a new and improved \nNoise Breaker 2.0\n located along the tyre grooves that breaks down noise frequency when travelling.\nOn our journey down to Melaka, the road noise on the Nissan Teana 2.5XV was almost inaudible even at preposterous speeds. Around bends, the 215/55 R17 tyres on the Teana offered adequate dry grip while maintaining high levels of comfort to passengers. If you\u2019re the kind to be chauffeured in comfort, the UC6 would be perfect for your executive sedan.   To test the tyres performance, CTM provided us with the \nfacelifted Volkswagen Jetta\n equipped with 225/45 R17 UC6 to go around a short slalom course. To my surprise, pushing the comfort oriented tyres to its limits proved to be quite a challenge. The UC6 kept the Jetta well planted and adheres to steering inputs accurately. Moving over to the \u00a0wetbraking test from 60km/h, the UC6 performed exceptionally, stopping the car well within one metre in the dry braking test.\nCONTINENTAL COMFORTCONTACT 6\nThe CC6 will serve as the direct replacement of the CC5. Based on the CC5, engineers took the key highlights of the previous generation tyres and improve upon them. The results are better mileage, lower road noise and more comfortable ride. Here\u2019s HOW they did it \u2013 Harmonic comfort chamber, \u2018O\u2019 dB-eater and Whisper compound.\nWhile the tyre pattern may be a novelty for many, CTM assures that the designs are all functional in relation to HOW. Starting from the little pockets along the tyre pattern, these are \nHarmonic comfort chambers\n that \ntrap\n\u00a0unpleasant frequencies, effectively reducing rolling noise. The \n\u2018O\u2019 dB-eater\n are the cross tips along the tyre groove which breaks down high frequency sound waves, reducing the sound-level measured in decibels (dB). Lastly, the CC6 is structured with \nWhisper compounds\n which is a strong yet flexible compound that shapes itself on a microscopic level according to the roughness of the road to provide additional dampening and a smoother ride. As compared to the CC5, the CC6 also boasts better longevity thanks to additional sulphur network locking the polymers in place.   While all these may sound like a marketing gimmick, truth to be told, the CC6 were exceptionally quiet while cruising on the highway in the\n 2.0-litre Nissan Teana\n running on 215/60 R16 profile tyres. During the \u201cnoise test\u201d where we pitched the CC6 against its predecessor on two identical \nVolkswagen Vento\n wrapped in 185/60 R15 profile tyres, the CC6 recorded consistently 1 dB lower noise levels compared to the CC5. Subjectively, when the two Ventos drove past, the CC6 equipped Vento appeared to have a lower tyre roar. Again, noise levels are each to their own. Performance wise, the CC6 offered higher levels of dry grip and plusher ride as compared to the CC5.   After sampling the two tyres back to back, it is evident that main highlights of the CC6 and UC6 are quietness and comfort with decent performance. Best of all, CTM has upgraded their warranty policy to a five-year manufacturer warranty against manufacturing defects from the date of purchase, previously from manufactured date. According to CTM, CC6 are available for purchase at Continentals dealer network while the UC6 will be available at a later date. If comfort is not your top priority and would prefer something a little sportier, stay tuned for CTM\u2019s unveiling of the MaxContact 6 in the first half of next year!\nAVAILABLE SIZES CC6\nSection\nRim Size (inch)\nLoad Index\nSpeed Rating\n175/70\n13\n82\nH\n185/70\n14\n88\nH\n175/65\n14\n82\nH\n165/60\n14\n75\nT\n185/65\n14\n86\nH\n165/55\n14\n72\nH\n185/60\n14\n82\nH\n175/65\n15\n84\nH\n185/65\n15\n88\nH\n195/65\n15\n91\nV\n185/60\n15\n84\nH\n205/65\n15\n94\nV\n195/60\n15\n88\nV\n215/65\n15\n96\nH\n185/55\n15\n82\nV\n205/60\n15\n91\nV\n195/55\n15\n85\nV\n195/50\n15\n82\nV\n215/65\n16\n98\nV\n185/55\n16\n83\nV\n215/60\n16\n95\nV\n205/55\n16\n91\nV\nAVAILABLE SIZES UC6\nSection\nRim Size (inch)\nLoad Index\nSpeed Rating\n205/65\n16\n95\nH\n205/60\n16\n92\nV\n215/60\n16\n95\nV\n225/60\n16\n98\nV\n235/60\n16\n100\nV\n195/55\n15\n85\nV\n185/55\n16\n83\nV\n195/55\n16\n87\nV\n205/55\n16\n91\nV\n215/55\n16\n93\nV\n225/55\n16\n95\nW\n215/55\n17\n94\nW\n225/55\n17\n97\nW\n235/55\n17\n99\nW\n215/55\n18\n99\nW\n235/55\n18\n104\nW\n175/50\n15\n75\nH\n195/50\n16\n88\nV\n205/50\n16\n87\nV\n225/50\n16\n92\nW\n205/50\n17\n93\nW\n215/50\n17\n91\nW\n225/50\n17\n98\nW\n225/50\n18\n95\nW\n235/50\n18\n101\nW\n245/50\n18\n100\nY\n215/45\n17\n91\nW\n225/45\n17\n94\nW\n225/45\n18\n95\nW\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Citroen, via Naza Euro\u00a0Motors,\u00a0has taken the limelight by becoming the first manufacturer to launch the first car in Malaysia for 2016 with the launch of the \nC4 Picasso\n.\nThis is not the seven-seater MPV like the \nGrand C4 Picasso\n, instead this is a more compact version with just five seats, designed for a smaller/younger family.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nCitroen C4 Picasso THP163\nEngine\n1,598cc; direct injection, turbocharged\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\nMax Power\n163 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm from 1,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n9.3 seconds; 210 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n\u00a0insurance)\nRM148,888.00 (with GST)\nEXTERIOR\nTo begin with, the C4 Picasso is based on\u00a0the French carmaker\u2019s new\n EMP2 modular platform\n\u00a0and has a smaller footprint than the Grand Picasso. This five-seater has a wheelbase of 2,785mm, an overall length of 4,428mm, is 1,826 mm wide and 1,625mm tall.   It retains most of the aesthetics from its bigger brother as well, with minimalist LED lights donning the front and back. Lower down, it rides on a set of 17-inch \u201cAnaconda\u201d rims.\nINTERIOR\nStepping into the cabin and, suffice to say, there\u2019s a sense of deja vu with the Grand Picasso, sans the third row seats. The C4 Picasso has a humongous panoramic roof just like its bigger sibling. Storage is aplenty thanks to its\u00a0space-saving asymmetric\u00a0dashboard, in which a 7-inch\u00a0Touch Drive Interface is housed. The touchscreen will provide the occupants with all their infotainment needs and other driver assistive features such as park assist, reverse camera and so on.   Despite the shorter dimensions and lack of third row seats, boot space is decent at \n537 litres\n, with a cavernous 1,851-litre space that can be gained when the rear passenger seats are moved forwards. Speaking of seats, the slate grey leather with \u201cOndulice\u201d cloth is offered here as standard.\nPERFORMANCE\nJust like most of PSA models in Malaysia, we get the tried and tested\u00a0\n1.6-litre turbocharged Prince engine, \nproducing\n\u00a0163 horsepower \nat 6,000 rpm and\n 240 Nm\n of torque \nfrom 1,400 rpm.\n\u00a0\nIt\u2019s mated to an\u00a0Aisin-made\n\u00a0six-speed automatic gearbox\n,\n\u00a0\nand can hit from\n\u00a00 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds\n. This is before topping out at a\n\u00a0top speed of 210 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n5.6 litres per 100 km\n on the European combined cycle.\u00a0\nSAFETY\nJust like any continental cars in Malaysia, safety kit is decent in the C4 Picasso. It receives \nsix airbags,\n ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist, blind spot monitoring system, lane departure\u00a0warning system, child Isofix mounts, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera view and Electronic Stability Programme.\nWHAT ELSE\nAvailable in five colours (Blanc Banquise, Blue Kyanos, Rouge Rubi, Gris Aluminium and Noir Onyx), the C4 Picasso is all yours for\u00a0\nRM148,888\n\u00a0OTR inclusive of GST. It\u2019s about RM31,000 cheaper than the petrol powered Grand Picasso (RM41,000 less compared to the diesel powered model).Every purchase of the C4 Picasso comes packaged with a\u00a0\n5-year with unlimited mileage\n warranty programme, including the distributor\u2019s \n24-hour roadside assistance\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In a speech to the media over lunch, \nCEO of Proton\n, \nDr. Li Chunrong\n laid down a marker \u2013 \nto sell 132,000 cars\n \nin 2020\n , which is around 30,000 units more than \n2019\u2019s achievement of 100,821 units\n, which should further cement Proton\u2019s position as the second best-selling brand after Perodua and strengthen its market share of \n16.7%\n.\nProton CEO Dr. Li gave a snapshot of 2019 and 2020 targets over CNY luncheon.\nIn his speech, Dr Li mentioned that the \nlocally assembled X70\n will be launched \u2018very soon\u2019 and that there will be \none more all-new model\n which he didn\u2019t name but is presumed to be the \nmuch speculated X50\n based on the \nGeely Bin Yue\n B-segment crossover, or Coolray if you\u2019re in the Philippines.\nNew \u2018X50\u2019 expected to a hit for Proton in 2020\nDr Li also pointed out that the \nupdated Saga\n is doing well; averaging around \n4,200 units per month\n, even trumping the Perodua Bezza over certain months this year, and that Proton hope to increase that to \n5,000 units per month in 2020\n.\nCan the Saga hold its ground against newly facelifted Perodua Bezza?\nAlong with the \nfacelifted\n Exora\n, \nPersona and Iriz\n, these bread-and-butter models are expected to drive the core volume of Proton, leaving the new X50 (if it is called that) to win over new customers.\nProton to grow exports in 2020, subject to \u2018support\u2019.\nProton also revealed that they have exported \n1,017 cars to six countries\n in 2019 and hope to grow the export volume by four times to \n4,000 units over 10 different foreign markets\n, subject to securing \u2018support\u2019 \u2013 which we understand to be in the form of government incentives. Dr Li said that with that in hand, this number can even reach \n6,000 units\n."
"Kia has revealed the first images of its new all-electric Niro since it was premiered at last year\u2019s Paris Motor Show and it\u2019s hard to ignore how much it resembles Ryan Reynolds in the X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie with his mouth \u201cremoved\u201d.\nAlso taking inspiration from the \nNiro EV Concept\n, it features arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights, much like the \nKia Picanto\n and is powered by Kia\u2019s next-generation electric vehicle powertrain.\nUnderneath it sits a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, allocating the Niro EV with \n380 km of EV driving range\n on a single charge with zero emissions, or up to 240 km on an optional 39.2 kWh battery system.\nThe Niro EV is set to hit the Korean market in the second half of 2018 and will eventually be introduced to other markets in due course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has quietly added a new entry-level base variant to its \nSaga\n line-up, priced at\n RM38,300\n, now taking the spot as the cheapest automatic variant available for the A-segment sedan.\nDubbed the \u201cStandard Lite\u201d, the new variant undercuts the regular Standard variant by RM500, and removes the electronic stability control, traction control, and hill hold assist systems from the car. The price is still RM3,500 more expensive than the manual variant, however, but you do get a set of 14-inch alloy wheels instead of steelies on the MT, alongside two extra USB charging ports on the inside.\n \nAside from the removal of the electronic safety kit, the rest of the new Lite variant\u2019s equipment is completely identical to the existing Proton Saga Standard variant. You only get a basic head-unit (with bluetooth) on the dashboard instead of the Android-based touchscreen units, and the seats are also only upholstered in fabric.\nThe mechanical bits are also completely unchanged on the new Proton Saga Standard Lite, which is powered by a 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 95 hp and 120 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox on this new variant.\nALSO READ: \n2022 Proton Saga facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM34,400\nWith only a RM500 difference between the two variants, we really wouldn\u2019t recommend this new Standard Lite variant to any regular carbuyer considering purchasing a new Proton Saga \u2013 especially when the monthly repayment difference between the two variants will likely be negligible.\nThe new Proton Saga Standard Lite variant is primarily targeted at large fleet operators, such as car rental, e-hailing, or taxi services, where a RM500 saving per unit (before any other additional fleet discount) can translate to a worthwhile reduction in cost.\n[header photo adapted from \nBindydad123/Wikipedia Commons\n]"
"As part of Subaru America\u2019s 50th year anniversary celebrations, they revealed not one but two specials for both the \nBRZ coupe\n and WRX sports sedan. But first, let\u2019s take look at the Subaru BRZ tS, which sadly gets zero engine upgrades and will soldier on with its 200 hp four-pot Boxer.\nFor starters, the BRZ tS is not entirely new because they did in fact\u00a0\nintroduce a similar one a few years ago\n. The \u201ctS\u201d moniker actually means\u00a0\u201c\ntuned by STI\n\u201c, and to those unfamiliar with Subaru, STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International. Subaru claims the BRZ tS delivers\n\u00a0\n\u201cthe highest level of fun to drive and pure handling delight through greater flexibility, better control and stability.\u201d\nSubaru BRZ tS for the Japanese Market\nIn order to achieve that, this BRZ is equipped with SACHS dampers and coil springs at all four corners, and it\u2019s specifically tuned by STI. The chassis gets enhanced via the usage of a\u00a0flexible V-brace at the engine bay, together with draw stiffeners to improve steering response. For the fist time, the BRZ gets 18-inch\u00a0lightweight rims wrapped with\u00a0215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubbers with Brembo brakes in every corner.\nThe Subaru BRZ tS\u00a0also receives a minor body makeover, comprised\u00a0of\u00a0manually-adjustable carbon fibre spoiler, new front and rear diffusers and Cherry Blossom accents. The STI badges are littered inside and out.\nJust like the JDM BRZ tS, this will be a limited edition version with only\u00a0\n500 units\n\u00a0being commissioned. Pricing will be announced later this year with sales commencing early 2018."
"Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival went South for the Vios Challenge Round Three and as promised, it was all thrills with plenty of actions in all three classes of the challenge.\nKick starting its maiden race in Batu Kawan, Penang followed by MAEPS, Serdang, the third instalment of the Vios Challenge took place in Medini City, Johor. Like the rest of the race series, the Johor track is a 1.9 km street circuit consisting of seven turns. The anti-clockwise track features width of up to three lanes in many sections which allows significantly more room for drivers to build speed and overtake as compared to the previous two tracks.\nSporting Class\nOn the opening race of the day, we witness a massive pile up on Turn One of the first lap. Patrick Tham (#13) from Team Nanoplus made a great start and charged from the inside line of Turn one but Patrick went too deep under hard braking and tapped pole position Brenden Anthony (#22) of Dream Chaser Team. Dato Ken Foo (#10) who came in on the blind side couldn\u2019t outmanoeuvre in time and sent Patrick into the wall. A red flag was called.\nThe race restarted without Patrick and Clement Yeo (#8) from Team Distinctive Model whose car suffered damage from the pile up. Lap 5 saw the safety car came onto the circuit after Goh Eng Peng (#99) crashed into the wall of Turn One. After three laps, the safety car retired, and the pack battled out for podium.\nBrandon regained his composure and began to chase down Kenneth Koh (#28) from Paglima City Racing Team, by lap 13, the young driver is already on Kenneth\u2019s tail. The two managed to catch up the lead driver Wong Chin Eeg (#5) from Hiewa Racing Team and the trio battled out for glory.\nThe race ended with Wong emerged at the top with a total time of 25:17.374. The Service Manager also set the fastest lap of 1:19.646 for Sporting Class. Followed closely behind is Brenden with a total time of 25:17.978 and Kenneth in P3 (25:19.076).\nPromotional Class\nThe celebrities took centre stage after the Sporting Class ended theirs. Rain started to pour in certain sections of the track which made corners unpredictable and tricky. Danny Koo (#23) went after Diana Danielle (#15) in a hairpin turn but unfortunately made contact with Diana, causing her to spin out. The damage was enough to make her retire from the race and Danny was slapped with a drive-through penalty which he was not aware of and missed the window to pull in for the penalty, causing him to be excluded from the race results.\nJanna Nick (#18) was in great form and managed to pass Fattah Amin (#9) for a podium finish but as the weather conditions deteriorate, Janna made a mistake two laps from the finish which caused a slow puncture in her tyre.\nShawn Lee (#6) and Shukri Yahaya (#24) emerged on top while Fattah took P3 on the podium. Shawn recorded a fastest lap time of 1:20.871.\nSuper Sporting Class\nThe Super Sporting Class lived up to is explosive hype with pinball crash and torrential downpour. Flag down and the whole pack made it through Turn One safety but come fast Turn Two, Kenny Lee (#38) and Tengku Djan (#12) from Team Nanoplus were caught in a tangle. Djan\u2019s car #12 spun uncontrollably and collided into Akina Teo\u2019s (#88) which sent his Mudah Racing car into the air, blocking off the circuit. Mark Darwin (#25) of Dream Chaser was also caught in the crossfire.\nThe safety car was deployed and lead the pack for a good part of 11 laps no thanks to the pouring rain which flooded the track. The race director finally deemed the conditions safe for racing on lap 12 but the drivers took a defensive position to minimise their risk amidst bad weather.\nRace 1 concluded with William Ho (#39) taking top position followed by Wong Yew Choong (#21) of ST Wangan Racing Team and Syafiq bin Ali (#7) from M7 Racing Team.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You can now move your family around in a bit more style as the \nEdaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)\n has unveiled the new Nissan Serena J Impul variant for Malaysia. With the new bells and whistles, the Nissan Serena J Impul fetches a price of \nRM169,888\n (OTR without insurance).\nWith the new variant of the Nissan Serena, there are now 4 choices of the Nissan Serena \u2013 The standard 2.0L Highway Star, the 2.0L Premium Highway Star (Black Package), Premium Highway Star (Two-tone Package), and the new J Impul variant. They cost RM149,888, RM163,888, RM165,888, and RM169,888 respectively.\nWhat does the Impul treatment add to the Nissan Serena? Well, for starters, it gets a complete J made-in-Japan Impul aerokit that features front and rear chome-plated garnishes. Giving the family-mover an even sportier appearance is a set of made-in-Japan 18-inch Impul Millennium alloy wheels which are wrapped in a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Sport tyres.\nThe Impul treatment extends into the cabin as well as the Nissan Serena J Impul gets a two-tone burgundy and black combination Nappa leather interior. Not only that, but the seats also get some \u201cZen\u201d treatment as the upholstery also gets Japanese rock garden-inspired patterns on the backrest. Of course, there are also Impul logo embroideries on the seats.\nRELATED: \nNissan Almera, X-Trail, Serena \u201cTokyo Auto Salon\u201d Edition debut with RM10k worth of accessories\nThe enhancements are cosmetic-only as the Nissan Serena J Impul retains the same hybrid powertrain that outputs \n150 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n. Making up the hybrid system is a 2.0-litre inline-4 engine (MR20DD) and an \u201cEnergy Control\u201d electric motor. Paired with the engine is the brand\u2019s X-Tronic CVT with adaptive shift control.\nOther features of the Nissan Serena J Impul are pretty much the same as the Premium Highway Star variant. The new Nissan Serena J Impul is available for viewing and test drives at all Nissan showrooms nationwide.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Nissan Serena revealed in Japan with Transformer-esque looks, e-Power hybrid"
"Geely recently unveiled its refreshed and updated best-selling SUV, the \nGeely Bo Yue Pro\n. It comes with an extensive revision to the exterior, interior features as well as new and improved powertrain options.\nSitting at the top of the line Geely Bo Yue Pro is the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDI petrol engine (the same one we have on the \nProton X70\n). To comply with the more stringent China National 6B emission standards, Geely has paired the 1.8-litre mill with a new \n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n which has an efficiency of 97%.\nComes with a new electronic gear selector too\nAs a result, the Bo Yue Pro 1.8-litre TD has reduced fuel consumption by up to 1 litre per 100 km over the original Bo Yue. Power output has also been recalibrated to produce a maximum power of \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, which is \n15 Nm\n more than the original car.\nThere is also now a new entry-level variant packing a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that is \nco-developed with Volvo Cars\n. Unlike the Volvo, the engine is mated to either an Aisin sourced 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.\nThe 1.5-litre three-pot produces \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm \nof torque with drive transferred to the front wheels. While Geely did not disclose the century sprint time of the Bo Yue Pro 1.5-litre TD, they did confirm it can achieve the same maximum velocity of \n200 km/h\n like the more powerful variant.\nThe Geely Bo Yue Pro has\nnot been officially launched in its home market yet, but the Chinese carmaker has\nannounced that there will be six variants of the Bo Yue Pro on offer. Closer to\nhome, Proton has just begun trial runs for its CKD (local assembly) operations\nof the X70 which is based on the Bo Yue.\nAlthough it is very unlikely for Proton to introduce the \u201cfacelifted X70\u201d (Bo Yue Pro) to the local market any time soon because right-hand drive conversion, parts localisation as well as trial runs will have to take an extended lead time considering how much more improved and advanced the Bo Yue Pro is.\nNevertheless, we have been hinted that there will be \u201csome surprises\u201d with the CKD X70, with more differentiation compared to the fully imported model. But don\u2019t worry, even if we\u2019re not getting the Bo Yue Pro any time soon, the current X70 still has plenty to offer.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGeely Bo Yue Pro"
"Ok, that may be a little far-fetched because the new BMW X7 is suppose to set a new benchmark in luxury \u2013 as least on BMW\u2019s terms \u2013 but in terms of sheer size, presence and the ability to turn heads, I think it\u2019s a very close second; in a Korean sort of way.\nDesigned and soon to be assembled in America, the proportions of the car (inside and out) just tells you that it\u2019s catered to those with non-Asian physiques. The largest Kia ever and the first to be exclusive for the US market, is capable of accommodating up to eight passengers, with go-anywhere capabilities.\nThe source of this \u201cfreedom to roam\u201d is a 3.8-litre V6 engine with 291 hp and 355 Nm of torque to power the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive capabilities are optional.\nAs attractive as the proportions are, I\u2019m actually wondering if Kia scooped over a few designers from Cadillac\u2019s drawing room because this thing, especially the front end with it\u2019s tall, vertical headlamps and an oversized grille, looks rather similar to the 2019 Cadillac Escalade.\nEither they\u2019re trying to convert these traditional car buyers with a safe design that they\u2019ve grown accustomed to, or it\u2019s just the only way Americans know how to design cars. Take a look at the Hyundai Palisade and you\u2019ll get what I mean.\nInside the Telluride, and I still can\u2019t get over that name, is a myriad of modern day tech required by citizens of a developed nation. Aside from the\u00a0\u201cKia Drive Wise\u201d suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems which includes the Forward Collision Warning, High Beam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, features we\u2019ve all grown to expect in a modern luxury vehicle, there are also items like the 10-speaker 603-watt Harman Kardon sound system with two USB ports on each row.\nThere\u2019s also this feature called the Quiet Mode where engaged, the system will reduce audio output in second and third row so the audio selection of the front occupants are only heard in that row.\nIMAGE GALLERY   2020 Telluride"
"SISMA Auto, Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s (VCM) \nnewly appointed authorised dealer\n has just officially opened the doors to its city centre showroom located at Menara Worldwide, Kuala Lumpur \u2013 giving a touch of Swedish luxury to Kuala Lumpur\u2019s \u201cGolden Triangle\u201d.\nStrategically located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur\u2019s premier residential and high-end shopping outlets, the new showroom\u2019s is of\u00a0 Scandinavian-inspired design to create a luxurious retail environment, also known as Volvo Retail Experience (VRE).   Aside from marveling over the six Volvo models on display, customers can also immerse themselves in the VRE through a cosy caf\u00e9 area and specification area where they can comfortably spec their brand-new Volvo to their heart\u2019s desire.\nExisting and future owners can also access SISMA Auto\u2019s Concierge Service that offers vehicle pick-up and drop-off at their preferred location (within Klang Valley), saving precious time and hassle to make a trip to the dealership for service or maintenance works.\nSISMA Auto Managing Director, Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim\nIn conjunction with the opening of the new showroom, customers who purchase any new Volvo model from SISMA Auto would stand a chance to win an all expense paid trip to Sweden for two.\nSISMA Auto Managing Director, Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim said, \u201cWe are very proud to be associated with Volvo, a brand that is clearly on the ascend after releasing an amazing range of new models from the XC90 to the new S90 T8 Twin Engine. With this new showroom, we hope to bring the Volvo experience closer to those who live or work in the city.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY   Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Lennart Stegland\n \n SISMA Auto Managing Director, Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim"
"July is shaping up to be quite an exciting month with key model launches, and one of them is expected to be the new generation Mazda3. We\u2019ve covered \nthis model extensively\n, but its final specification and price elude us.\nArriving soon, just two months after its Japan debut.\nThe grapevine is indicating that unlike previously, the fourth-generation model will be fully imported from Japan, so expect the inevitable price hike. Globally, the Mazda3 is available in two body-styles (sedan and hatch or fastback) and chances are high that there would be at least two different variants given that it was previously offered as such in CKD form.\nSedan or fastback: which body-style do you prefer?\nBut don\u2019t expect the \nmuch-touted lean-burn, spark compression SkyActiv-X \nengine to be available just yet as Mazda is only introducing this costly new powerplant in its home market in October 2019, so we will likely see the 155 hp and 199 Nm SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder with six-speed auto, and possibly even a 115 hp and 150 Nm 1.5-litre option for price competitiveness.\nExpect lots of premium touches as Mazda aims to move upmarket.\nConsidering that the Mazda3 will be CBU, how much of a price\nhike is acceptable to you? In the meantime, set a reminder for 17\nth\n July 2019."
"Remember the \nZarooq Motors Sandracer GT500\n? Well, the proposed one-make desert dune race series didn\u2019t happen, and the Zarooq Motors brand vanished into oblivion.\nBruno Laffite, former operations director of the now-defunct Zarooq Motors, took it upon himself to make sure that the off-road supercar dream does not die, setting up the Laffite Supercars company to continue working on the Sandracer.\nA little more than two years later, Laffite has now shown off his evolved dune buggy \u2013 the Laffite G-Tec X-Road. Yes, it\u2019s a really long name, but there\u2019s a reason to it.\nThe rolling chassis of the X-Road is developed by G-Tec, a company founded by Philippe Gautheron \u2013 renowned race engineer with more than 20 years of experience in various different racing disciplines.\nThe 6.2-litre V8 engine mounted mid-ship makes \n470 hp\n as standard, but opting for the turbocharger brings the figure up to \n720 hp\n. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed sequential or a six-speed \u2018box with paddle shifters.\nThe exterior styling is pretty much identical to its predecessor, but Laffite has now given us a look at the interior of the off-road supercar. You\u2019d imagine that an off-road vehicle wouldn\u2019t require luxury, but the leather and carbon-fibre interior of the X-Road proves that you can get dirty in style.\nAs a whole, the X-Road weighs in at just \n1,300 kg\n. Top speed is limited to \n230 km/h\n \u2013 the \n17-inch suspension travel\n will probably be useful when you\u2019re flying through rough terrains at that speed.\nThere\u2019s a tonne of customisability here, because all \n30 units\n will be built to order at the Laffite factory, based in Los Angeles. If you\u2019re interested, you can even order one with a full electric drivetrain. Though, be prepared to shell out the cash, as the X-Road starts at \nUSD465,000\n (approximately RM1.9 million), with the electric version starting at \nUSD545,000\n (approx RM2.2 million).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We have seen the 2015 Subaru WRX STI posing in its legendary blue bodypaint and gold wheels in \nsome leaked images\n. Now the all-new Subaru WRX STI has been officially unveiled at the recent 2014 North America International Auto Show at Detroit, US. So, no surprise from this AWD STI.\nQuick Facts:\n2.5-liter Horizontally-Opposed turbo engine\nMax output 305 hp, Max torque 393 Nm\n6-speed manual ONLY\nSedan ONLY\nThis new WRX STI looks too similar with the new Subaru WRX except for the trickery from in-house tuning company\u00a0Subaru Tecnica International (STI). The standard WRX dropped the 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine for a newer 2.0-liter that produces 268hp. The new WRX STI however continues with the 2.5-liter Boxer powerplant with maximum output of 305 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 393 Nm at 4,000 rpm.\nIf you would like everyone to know you are driving a STI even from miles away, you can start queuing for the\u00a0STI Launch Edition which is limited to 1,000 units only. It comes with the legendary WR Blue paint, gold BBS 18-inch forged alloy wheels, huge rear wing, unique interior trim and a short-throw shift kit. That\u2019s a proper WRX STI for sure.\nThe 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine is mated only to a manly shift stick transmission. Automatic gearbox option will not be available for the STI unlike the standard WRX. No complaints there. The 6-speed manual transmission on this new STI has a sportier shift feel as compared to the current manual gearbox, as the gears now lock solidly in place at every gear change.\nIt is also said to performance better than before on the road thanks to its\u00a0Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential version of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.It\u00a0allows you to select center differential control characteristics according to road conditions and driver\u2019s preferences, to enhance torque transfer performance.\nBy the way, this 2015 WRX STI only comes in sedan, no hatchback this time.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\nhttp://youtu.be/_-Unb3awDrg\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Fresh from its \nglobal unveiling in Bangkok, Thailand\n recently, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced that the updated pick-up will be launched early next year, with five different variants available.\nThe pick-up, which will be imported from Thailand as a CBU unit, will be available for viewing at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. Prices have been set to begin\n from RM 100k to RM 140k\n for the Peninsula Malaysia region.\nWhile it may only be a facelift, changes to the new Triton have been vast. Not only does it sport a new, more aggressive exterior, it has also been enhanced mechanically, with new overall dimensions.\nAs you can tell, the Triton has been given a completely new face, sporting Mitsubishi Motor\u2019s new Dynamic Shield design language, with slimmer headlamps positioned \n700 mm off the ground\n so they wouldn\u2019t be submerged and malfunction in extreme weather conditions.\nIts taillights are also of a completely new design, with \nfour colours\n available \u2013 Sterling Silver, Black Mica, White Diamond and Graphite Grey Metallic.\nPower still comes from the same 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine with Variable Valve Timing and Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) with \n181 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n but is now paired to a new, smoother 6-speed transmission as opposed to the previous 5-speed unit.\nUnlike the old Triton, which has already proven that pick-ups can be refine, larger rear dampers have been adopted on the new model for even better damping. The Triton\u2019s brakes have also been upgraded, with larger calipers and brake discs at the front.\nAs for size, the new Triton is 10mm longer, from 5,280mm to 5,290mm and is 15kg lighter compared to the current model, with the highest spec (at global launch) weighing 1,815 kg compared to the current VGT Athlete model we have locally.\nThe new Triton is now also available with a whole list of driver assistance systems, possibly only for the higher spec models, that includes orward Collision Mitigation (FCM),\u00a0Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nIt also comes with the Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) which essentially ensures that you\u2019d never reverse or drive into a wall/car by accident. It\u2019s also equipped Hill Descent Control and a\u00a0\u201cMulti-Around Monitor\u201d that displays a 360-degree view of the car.\nIn conjunction with the imminent arrival of the new Triton, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia authorised dealers will be taking \npre-launch bookings\u00a0\nfrom now. The first 1,000 to book and register a new Triton will receive a limited edition THULE luggage bag worth RM 2,000.\nIf you need help deciding, head on over to any of these locations where the new Triton will be on display from 7th of December 2018 to 20th of January 2019.\nRegion\nDate\nLocation\nTime\nPeninsula Malaysia\n7 \u2013 9 December\nMy Town, KL\n10am to 10pm\n17-23 December\nIOI Mall, Puchong\n10am to 10pm\n10-13 January\nAman Central Mall\n10am to 10pm\n23-27 January\nIOI City Mall\n10am to 10pm\nEast Malaysia\n11-13 January\nKaramunsing Mall\n10am to 10pm\n11-13 January\nImperial Permaisuri Mall\n10am to 10pm\n18-20 January\nThe Spring Shopping Mall\n10am to 10pm\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The third-generation BMW 6 Series has yet to be replaced. While we wait in anticipation, BMW went on to introduce a new limited edition variant for the 6 Series, called the M Sport Limited Edition.\nAvailable only for the coupe, convertible, and gran coupe variants, the M Sport gets the striking Sonic Speed Blue paint and 20-inch M lightweight alloy wheels. The exterior gets mirror caps with carbon fibre finishing, whereas the cabin gets upholstered in two-tone Merino leather. Other additions include carbon fibre trimmings and illuminated doorsills with \u201cM Sport Limited Edition\u201d inscribed.\nNo upgrades have been made under the hood. As a refresher, the 6 Series can be had with three engines \u2013 two gasoline and one diesel. Petrol variants include\u00a0a 320 hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a 450 hp naturally aspirated V8, while the straight-six turbodiesel lump packs 313 hp. All engines are paired with the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.\nWe don\u2019t know for sure if the BMW 6 Series M Sport Limited Edition will make it to Malaysia. BMW Malaysia is currently offering the\u00a0\nF06 6 Series Gran Coupe\n which starts at \nRM788,800.00\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Not long after Proton flexed its sales muscles, \nPerodua\n has responded with a button-popping, spinach-fueled flex of their own. And yet again, it\u2019s the \nPerodua Myvi\n that comes to the rescue.\nProton may have sold over 13,000 units last month\n, but Perodua\u2019s figures are nearly twice that \u2013 at 23,203 units \u2013 in July 2020. Not only was sales better than in June 2020 by 9.2% but Perodua has now offloaded 97,373 units from January to July 2020.\nPerodua estimates the company\u2019s market share in July to stand at 40% and its Year-to-date (YTD) market share at 42%. These immensely positive sales figures have been spurred by the Myvi, Axia and Bezza with 29,313, 28,107 and 25,416 units sold in this disaster-plagued year. This makes the three vehicles the best-selling cars in Malaysia this year.\n\u201cThe Perodua Myvi, Malaysia\u2019s best-selling vehicle every year since 2006, has recently been upgraded with the latest Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 suite of driver assistance safety systems. It remains one of the most affordable cars with advanced safety features in the country,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nAccording to Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) estimates, a total industry volume (TIV) of at least 500,000 units is needed this year to ensure the continued survival of the automotive eco-system. All of Perodua\u2019s current models have over 90% local content and with its economies of scale, service parts are affordable and readily available, giving its valued customers total peace of mind."
"If you find the \nGLC\n\u2019s styling a tad too reserved and the better looking \nGLE Coup\u00e9\n falls outside of your budget, perhaps the all new, GLC 250 4MATIC Coup\u00e9 checks all the feel good boxes on your list. Good news, because the GLC Coup\u00e9 is now on sale!\nUnveiled just a couple months back in March 2016, the \nGLC Coup\u00e9\n is essentially a much more stylish GLC, perfect for individuals who want to stand out among the thousands of units of GLCs currently out on the streets of Malaysia. How much more do you need to fork out for that extra style, you ask? About RM95k more than a regular GLC.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC Coup\u00e9\nEngine\n1,991cc; in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.3 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM423,888\nWhen the GLC and GLC Coup\u00e9 are parked next to each other, immediately the coup\u00e9 appears noticeably sleeker from the B-pillars onward. The coup\u00e9-like appearance is further accentuated by the sloping roofline that stretches all the way to the tailgate. Surely it is bound to turn more than a few extra heads.   Other than the sloping roofline, the GLC Coupe is largely identical to the regular GLC. It wears an AMG Exterior Line with 20-inch AMG wheels. Little tell-tale signs that separates the two include the AMG diamond front grille, LED Intelligent Light System and the Night Package that blacks out the front lip and wing mirrors.\nInside, the interior is a carbon copy of the \nlocally assembled GLC\n. New features to debut along with the coup\u00e9 are hands-free access and active parking assist with PARKTRONIC. For audiophiles, there is a \nBurmester surround sound system\n option for an additional RM5,000.   Under the hood, the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is employed to push out \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n to all four-wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint time is achieved in \n7.3 seconds\n all the way to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n while consuming 7.3 litres of fuel for every 100km.\nWHAT ELSE?\nEvery purchase of the fully imported GLC Coup\u00e9 comes covered with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty. With Mercedes-Benz Agility Financing package, customers can own the GLC 250 4MATIC Coup\u00e9 from as low as RM4,688 a month!\nSo folks, what do you think of this \nBMW X4\n rival? How about checking out our \nin-depth review \nof the regular GLC 250 4MATIC, after all it\u2019s essentially the same car, only with extra hot sauce.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In an effort to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced today that the fourth round of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will be hosted as a \nclosed-door event\n.\nThe racing event scheduled for \n18th and 19th April 2020\n at the \nSepang International Circuit\n will still go ahead as planned, albeit without spectators.\nOn the event days, only essential essential crew members, racers and race teams are allowed to be within the compound. UMWT will also be conducting\n mandatory health screenings\n for all participants prior to entering the race premise.\nUMW Toyota Motor Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama said in the release, \u201cWe trust that our fans appreciate the current situation. All the races will still be published live on \nToyota\u2019s Facebook\n and \nYouTube \naccounts and we invite everyone to cheer on their favourite racers and celebrities by tuning in to the live shows\u201d.\nSeparately, Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) has also released a statement today announcing that its \nMSF Round 1 event\n, scheduled for \n15 March\n, will also be held as a closed-door event.\n The grandstand will be \nclosed to the public\n, and only race teams, accredited media and essential personnel will be allowed into the paddock \u2013 after signing a \nmedical declaration notice\n.\nGlobally, most top-level sporting events have been cancelled in view of the public health and wellbeing. The season-opener for the 2020 Formula 1 season in Melbourne, which was scheduled to kick-off this weekend, \nhas also been cancelled\n \u2013 hours before the start of the first practice session."
"Remember the Uber Surprise we carried out last year with a \npurple McLaren MP4-12C\n? Well, we were at it again, but this time with the latest \nLotus Evora 400\n, but that\u2019s not even the best part.\nThe team from \nAutoBuzz.my\n and \nUber Malaysia\n\u00a0got together again to deliver a surprise for Uber riders within the Klang Valley! It was April Fools\u2019 day and we thought, what better way to surprise these guys by doing things a little. differently?\nUnlike the McLaren episode, the Uber riders this time knew full well that our host\u00a0\nGC Mah\n\u00a0would be arriving in a\n 400 horsepower\n\u00a0British sports car. But before getting there, we sent\u00a0local comedian\u00a0\nAndrew Netto\n\u00a0to drop the bomb. What arrived before the eyes of these Uber riders was something \u00a0beyond their wildest dreams. To avoid spoiling it for you guys, the best we can do is to tell you to expect something very Malaysian.   Keen on watching the video yet? If so, click on the video below to find out how we pranked these Uber riders on April Fools\u2019 day! Be sure to watch till the end of the video for a \nbonus\n scene and to get the special \npromo code\n for your first ride with Uber!\nSpecial thanks to \nLotus Cars Malaysia\n for loaning us the gorgeous Evora 400!"
"Exactly two months after the \nPerodua Alza made its debut\n, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n has now officially launched the Veloz here in Malaysia. Available in one single variant, the \n2022 Toyota Veloz\n in Malaysia is priced at \nRM95,000\n on-the-road and without insurance, making it nearly RM20,000 dearer than the range-topping Alza.\nTOYOTA VELOZ EXTERIOR\nYou do get quite a bit for that extra dough, however, starting with the Veloz\u2019s unique front end design, characterised by the narrower hexagonal front grille, sharper LED headlights, taller fog light housings, and a lot more chrome all around the outside.\nRound the back, the Veloz also gets a unique full-width tail lights treatment, while the taller ride height (190 mm vs 160 mm for the Alza), larger 17-inch alloy wheels (Alza only goes up to 16 inches), and low profile roof rack (up to 75 kg load) gives it a more SUV-like appearance.\nALSO READ: \nRM20k more than the Alza, what\u2019s extra on the Toyota Veloz?\nTOYOTA VELOZ INTERIOR\nDespite the identical dashboard architecture on the interior, the premium feel of the Toyota Veloz is immediately noticeable thanks to the additional soft touch paddings on the dashboard. The white-and-black two-tone colour scheme is also standard on the Toyota Veloz, as is the \u201cblueish\u201d ambient lighting system and semi-leather upholstery.\nThe nine-inch central infotainment display, seven-inch digital instrument cluster, and electronic parking brake are shared with the Alza, although the Veloz does get an additional automatic air-conditioning system, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, as well as a Qi wireless charging tray on the centre console.\nOther standard interior features include:\nWired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nRear air recirculation blowers\n3 USB charging ports (USB A)\nForward-facing dashcam (rear optional)\n360-degree surround view monitor\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Toyota Veloz shares the same powertrain as the Perodua Alza, consisting of a 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, making \n105 hp \nand \n138 Nm\n, and a D-CVT gearbox. Unlike its predecessor, the all-new Toyota Veloz now sends its drive to the front wheels.\nDrivers can switch between three drive modes from the steering-wheel buttons; PWR (power) mode helps improve the car\u2019s acceleration and responsiveness, while ECO aids in fuel-saving. NORMAL mode meanwhile offers a balance of economy and performance, according to Toyota.\nALSO READ: \n3 things we like (and don\u2019t) about the 2022 Perodua Alza!\nTOYOTA SAFETY SENSE\nThe 2022 Toyota Veloz in Malaysia will come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance features, which includes the following features:\nAutonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection\nAdaptive cruise control\nLane keep control and lane departure prevention\nBlind-spot monitor\nRear-cross traffic alert\nFront departure alert\nAdaptive driving beam\nAlso included as standard is the Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which allows the owner to keep track of their vehicle\u2019s location at all times via a mobile app. Should the vehicle be stolen, customers can also contact a Command Centre via the app to locate the vehicle via GPS signals, and inform the relevant authorities who can retrieve the vehicle.\nTOYOTA VELOZ PRICING IN MALAYSIA\nAs mentioned above, the all-new 2022 Toyota Veloz in Malaysia is priced starting at \nRM95,000 \non the road, without insurance. It will be available in five exterior colour options, including White, Metallic Bluish Black, Red Metallic, Silver Metallic (with Black Roof), and Blue Metallic (with Black Roof) \u2013 the latter two bearing an extra charge.\nAlso included in the price is a \nfive-year/unlimited mileage warranty\n, as well as the 24SEVEN Road Assist which includes complimentary assistance in case of accidents, as well as free minor on-the-spot repairs, and towing up to RM400 in value each time.\nTOYOTA VELOZ GALLERY"
"So apparently some foreign media outlet decided that it would be alright to tease the world with some savoury images of the all-new Mazda 3 ahead of its \nglobal debut at the 2018 LA Auto Show\n happening real soon, so here it is.\nAs you can tell from the images, the actual car \ndoes not differ much from the concept\n. So far, not much has been revealed about the car except that Mazda will be adopting its new \nSkyActiv-X\n spark-controlled compression ignition engines. Watch \nhow it works here\n!\nIt\u2019s like watching a very exciting snippet of what\u2019s to come in the upcoming season of your favourite TV show, it\u2019s just so exciting!\nWhat\u2019s even more exciting is how the Mazda 3 looks even just standing still; if this isn\u2019t the pinnacle of Mazda\u2019s Kodo Design that projects Soul in Motion, I don\u2019t know what will.\nThose curves, the head and tail light designs, the flow of the body\u2019s curves; it\u2019s just like gazing into the eyes of a charming lady standing across the street \u2013 the new Mazda 3 is just full of fizz.\nIf you\u2019ve just saved up a healthy pool of cash for a new car, I\u2019d hold it back for now if I were you, and wait till the Mazda 3 arrives in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Local carmaker \nProton\n closed its books in 2022 with a total of \n141,432 cars\n sold globally. It is the fourth consecutive year of sales growth for the company with total sales increasing by 23.3% from 2021. It is also the highest sales number for Proton since 2013, and Proton is confident of achieving more growth in 2023.\nIn terms of exports, Proton saw a \n79.1%\n year-on-year growth in 2022 with \n5,406 units\n exported. 2022 was the year \nProton returned to South Africa\n after 10 years. It was also the year when Proton began to assemble the Proton X70 in Pakistan.\nIn December 2022 alone, Proton sold \n14,750 cars\n globally with the \nProton Saga\n topping the charts with \n5,913 units\n sold. Following behind the Saga was the \nProton X50\n with \n3,764 units\n sold, the \nPersona\n with \n2,322 units\n sold, the \nX70\n with \n1,787 units\n, the \nIriz\n with \n526 units\n, and the \nExora\n with \n438 units\n.\nAs for yearly sales, the Proton Saga still leads the chart with \n55,878 units\n. It is followed by the X50 with \n40,681 units\n, the X70 with \n18,533 units\n, the Persona with \n16,537 units\n, the Iriz with \n5,708 units\n, and the Exora with \n4,275 units\n.\nRELATED: \nProton sends 1000th car to South Africa \u2013 5,028 global exports as of Nov 2022\nProton estimates a market share of 19.6% in Malaysia with an estimated Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 720,000 units. Three Proton models end the year as segment leaders, namely the X50, X70, and Exora.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201c2022 was a year of achievements and missed opportunities for Proton. The effect of the floods at the end of 2021 spilled over into the first quarter of the year and ensured we began 2022 on the back foot as we collaborated with our vendors to restore parts supply.\u201d\n\u201cThankfully, the volume was made up over the next three quarters, but we are confident we could have achieved more and posted even better numbers if not for the disrupted start to the year. Still, Proton now has sales growth for a fourth consecutive year, and we are proud of being the only automotive company in Malaysia to achieve that from 2019 to 2022.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton sends 16 staff to China for NEV Training, to finalise Smart #1 specs\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah\n\u201cLooking ahead towards 2023, Proton is confident of achieving more growth as we add to our range of offerings with our new model launches this year. However, we expect TIV to recede from the record volume in 2022 as deliveries for orders placed during the sales tax exemption period will be fulfilled by the end of March. Interest rates are also expected to increase again this year so it will be tough for the automotive industry to continue an upwards trajectory.\u201d\nThe company says that it is now halfway through its ten-year business plan and will work to grow its export figures. Proton is confident of hitting even bigger numbers in 2023 with new models to be added to its lineup.\nRELATED: \nProton has made its 10,000th 1.5L TGDi engine, 7 months after production began"
"Aston Martin\u2019s finest will once again be seen marshalling a pack of Formula 1 cars for the new 2022 Formula 1 season. At the front, the \nAston Martin Vantage\n \nwill serve as the Safety Car while the \nDBX SUV\n will play the Medical Car role.\nThe pair will only support 12 of this season\u2019s races, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix in Albert Park, Melbourne from the 8th to the 10th of April 2022. In total, there are 23 races announced for the 2022 season.\nThis season Safety and Medical cars will wear the new 2022 Aston Martin Racing Green similar to the AMR 22 Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 cars. Last year\u2019s Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car inspired the\n Vantage F1\u00a0Edition\n; the fastest, most track-focused Vantage to date.\nThe AMR 22 Formula 1 car.\nDriven by the FIA\u2019s appointed driver, Bernd Mayl\u00e4nder, the Vantage Safety Car has been developed purely for its role by the engineering team at Aston Martin\u2019s Headquarters in Gaydon, UK, in collaboration with the FIA. The Vantage Safety Car also benefits from Aston Martin\u2019s experience in GT racing including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.\nOn the outside, there are side-mounted radio antennas, an LED rear number plate and a custom, roof-mounted LED light-bar, developed by Aston Martin. Inside, both driver and passenger can access the FIA\u2019s Marshalling System, which displays lights corresponding to the warning flags. The car is also covered with cameras inside and out, to provide live TV footage.\u00a0\nAs for the DBX Medical Car, Aston Martin said having the SUV deployed on the best race circuits in the world provides invaluable data for the vehicle dynamics experts at Aston Martin. Information gathered during\u00a0race weekends has led the company to conceive the new\n DBX 707\n, the world\u2019s fastest luxury SUV.\nThe Medical Car carries a vast range of equipment, from fire extinguishers to a defibrillator along with a large medical kit bag. Like the Vantage, the DBX has been fitted with FIA-approved racing seats, a 6-point safety harness, the marshalling system and even TV screens so the doctor can see exactly what is happening in the race while he\u2019s on standby inside the vehicle.\nThe 2022 Formula 1 season\u00a0starts in Bahrain, from the 18th to the 20th of March.\nGALLERY"
"Lucid Air has been \nbold in announcing\n that one of the key features in their vehicles is the extra-long travelling range, as much as 830 km on a single charge. The US EPA that performs fuel consumption tests for all new vehicles has finally certified that the Lucid Air is the longest-range electric vehicle (EV) the agency has ever rated with a range of \n837 km\n (520 miles). \u00a0\nOut of the six high-performance variants tested by the EPA, the minimum range is 726 km that was achieved by the \n1,111 hp\n Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance fitted with 21-inch wheels. The aptly named Lucid Air Dream Edition Range with \n933 hp\n delivers 63 km less than the 837-km rating when equipped with wheel sizes two inches larger to 21 inches.\nCheck out how the yoke steering in the Tesla Model S Plaid helped set a Nurburgring record lap time!\nThe Lucid Air Grand Touring with \u201cjust\u201d \n800 hp\n meanwhile delivers between 754 km to 830 km of range and as such, all high-performance Lucid Air models travel further than EV poster child, Tesla Motor, with the Model S Long Range Plus rated to deliver 652 km.\nMeanwhile, across the Atlantic Ocean, the recently-launched Mercedes-Benz\u2019 EQS sedan has a variant configured to deliver up to \n770 km\n of range under the WLTP standard.\nLucid recently completed a real-world first drive with \nMotortrend.com\n featuring a pair of Dream Edition Range cars to support the official EPA range ratings. A journalist from \nMotortrend.com\n and Lucid\u2019s CEO drove separate cars on a 660-km journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco at highway speeds and then across the San Francisco Bay to Lucid\u2019s global headquarters, all without stopping to charge and with plenty of range remaining on each vehicle.\nThis Mercedes-Benz EV targets a range of 1,000 km! Unfortunately, it could just be a concept study.\nLucid Motors\u2019 CEO, Peter Rawlinson, said the achievement is a strong testament to the company\u2019s in-house EV technology that consists of a 900-volt architecture, proprietary battery architecture, miniaturised drive units and not an oversized battery pack. Lucid Motors has its battery cells manufactured by LG Chem.\nApart from going further, Lucid Motors\u2019 technology also allows ultra-fast charging with a 20-minute charge time replenishing a range of 482 km (300 miles). As for straight-line performance, the 1,111 hp luxury sedan completes the \u201czero to 60\u201d (0 to 96 km/h) in just \n2.5 seconds\n and reach the \u2018quarter mile\u2019 (0 to 400 metres) in under 10 seconds.\nThanks to software tuning, the 2022 Porsche Taycan can travel further under real-world driving. Read more about it here!\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nThe record for the \nfastest accelerating EV\n is the Rimac Nevera, completing the \u2018quarter mile\u2019 in just \n8.58 seconds\n with nearly double the energy output.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s been exactly one year since Bell & Ross began their partnership journey with Renault Sport Formula One. To commemorate the occasion, the French-design Swiss-made watchmaker previewed the new \nBR03-94 RS17\n, which will actually be part of a trilogy launching at BaselWorld this year.\nDesign is evidently\u00a0inspired by the Renault Sport Formula One car. It\u2019s encased in a \n42mm matte black ceramic frame\n capable of withstanding shock and constant vibration in the world of motor racing. The dial receives a sporty carbon fibre finish that\u2019s embellished with metal applique\u00a0Superluminova\u00ae-filled numerals.\n \n \nThe face is protected by sapphire crystal coated in layers of anti-reflective coating. Chronograph info features yellow anodised aluminium, which is the same iconic colour used by Renault since they first debuted in Formula One. It\u2019s water resistant up to 100 metres and comes with oven-black rubber mixed with ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric.\nThe prestigious world of motor sport shares many similarities with aviation, which happens to be Bell & Ross\u2019 first love. In both fields, engineers seek extreme performance, speed and mechanical accuracy. Production of the\u00a0BR03-94 RS17 is limited to just 500 units, and will be unveiled alongside two other commemorative specials.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford, the car\u00a0manufacturer that pioneered mainstream car manufacturing, has announced their exit from the Japanese and Indonesian markets. This means the end of the line for the company\u2019s dealerships and sales and imports of both Ford and Lincoln vehicles in these nations.\nIn the land of the rising sun, Ford sold a mere 5,000 cars, or 1.5 percent market share, from 52 dealerships. That\u2019s unsurprising given the fact car sales from non-domestic marques struggle to keep up with the myriad of Japanese makes. Ford, who set foot in Japan in 1974, sold the Fiesta, Focus, Mustang,\u00a0Ecosport, Kuga and\u00a0Explorer SUVs while its premium segment was handled by Lincoln\u00a0Navigator and MKX SUV.\nIn Indonesia, Ford struggled to compete with established Japanese players where brands like\u00a0Toyota, Daihatsu and Suzuki have become household names in South East Asia\u2019s most populous nation.\nFord began its Indonesian operations in 2002 by importing cars to its 44 franchised dealerships. Last year, they cumulatively sold only 6,000 vehicles \u2013 that\u2019s 0.6 percent market share of Indonesia\u2019s new car sales. However, the brand will continue to operate until 2017 before a\u00a0third party will handle the brand\u2019s warranty and repair responsibilities.\nA Ford spokesman was\u00a0quoted as saying there was no \u201creasonable path to profitability\u201d for the company\u2019s\u00a0operation in both countries.\nIn Malaysia, Ford is fortunately in good hands, selling 12,130 (1.8 percent market share) vehicles in 2015, of which 9,264 are commercial vehicles. While Ford rounds up in eight place, the majority of the company\u2019s sales is contributed by the \nRanger pickup\n, while just 2,866 of their passenger cars found new homes. \nFord\u2019s diverse passenger car lineup is comprised of the Fiesta, \nFocus\n, \nMondeo\n, S-Max, Kuga and \nEcosport\n with the latest EcoBoost powertrains (Focus facelift with EcoBoost to arrive later this year) did little to gain traction in the Malaysian market. But as the Ranger\u2019s bold aesthetic continues to attract buyers, the Blue Oval\u2019s\u00a0position in Malaysia will less than likely to suffer the same fate in Japan and Indonesia."
"Infiniti is wasting no time at the start of 2017 by revealing to the world the first trio of pictures of their second-generation\u00a0QX50 crossover. The Detroit debutant will succeed the decade-old model which is currently on sale in Malaysia from RM310k to RM380k.\nThe new QX50 will come with a host of semi-autonomous driving technologies such as Active Lane Control, drive-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering (a world\u2019s first \u2013 \ndebuted on the Q50\n) and Predictive Forward Collision Warning. It doesn\u2019t sound like much because these exact features are found in the \nHyundai Ioniq\n.\nWhat\u2019s truly unique to the Infiniti is the adoption of the world\u2019s first, production-ready VC-Turbo (Variable Compression) technology. This insanely high tech feature works exactly as it sounds: by varying compression ratios anywhere from 8:1 to 14:1.\nAchieving this alone is a technological milestone, because for the first time, the pistons within the engine (in this case, a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n) can seamlessly raise or lower their reach. A 14:1 compression ratio in a turbocharged engine is pretty much unheard of, and as a general rule of thumb, the higher the compression, the more complete a droplet of fuel is burnt.\nThe engine produces healthy numbers as well \u2013 \n268 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019ll retire the old 3.7-litre V6 engine (320 hp), among many other big bore V6 powertrains.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Good news, folks. BMW Group Malaysia has announced that the facelifted (Life Cycle Impulse or LCI) \n1 Series\n and \n3 Series\n models have received a price reduction of up to 8 percent. This comes after the company lobbied with the Government for a customised EEV incentive.\nModels included in the price revision are the\u00a0BMW 118i, BMW 120i M Sport, BMW 318i Luxury, BMW 320i Sport Line and BMW 330i M Sport.\u00a0Below is the list for the said models:   Like all other BMWs, every purchase comes with\u00a0\n5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty\n and \nFree Scheduled Service Program\n as well as \nBMW Tyre Warranty Programme\n."
"For those of you anticipating the arrival of your new Toyota C-HR, maybe this will be offer some inspiration if you\u2019re already planning for aftermarket upgrades \u2013 the R-Tuned Toyota C-HR.\nUnlike the ones coming to Malaysia, with a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated Dual VVTi unit mated to a Continuously-Variable Transmission, the R-Tuned C-HR comes with a 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE more commonly found in a Toyota Camry. The engine, which has been strengthened internally and turbocharged is capable of over \n600 hp\n.   The \nC-HR\u2019s stock CVT gearbox\n has been swapped for a conventional 5-speed manual transmission that drives the front wheels except the front axle is now equipped with a limited-slip differential. Not only focused on speed, its brakes are provided for by Brembo with 4-pot calipers in the front, working in tandem with motorsports dampers.\nHelping to put that enormous power down are super wide Toyo Proxes RR tyres while an air dam, side ducts, an adjustable front splitter and the large rear wing helps bury the car to the ground when speeds surpass the triple digit mark.\nFancy a Coupe High-Rider that can possibly outrun a supercar twice perhaps three times its price tag? You know what to do.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Running away from the cops is never a good idea; in fact it should never be an idea but if you\u2019re mad enough to apply yourself in the real world, just like you would in Grand Theft Auto, make sure you succeed.\nAnd that\u2019s exactly what the driver of a stolen \nDodge Challenger Hellcat\n did. With well over 700 hp, the Hellcat led the authorities to a wild goose chase that \nlasted more than an hour\n \u2013 weaving through traffic at speeds in excess of 100 mph (160 km/h).\n \nIn fact, at one point, it even outran the news helicopter which was in pursuit at top speed; relying solely on its telescopic lens to maintain visual contact of the car.\nUnsurprisingly, because of its massive 6.2-litre supercharged V8, the Hellcat eventually ran out of luck and also petrol \u2013 forcing its 25-year old driver to pull over the side of the highway and proceed on foot. The police eventually caught on where he was sentenced to three years in prison."
"While the idea of fitting a motorcycle engine into a car may not be new, its sights and sounds isn\u2019t exactly something most of us are familiar with.\nWeighing a mere 1000 lbs (453 kg), the 1983 Mini Cooper has been bestowed with the kind of power that its original engineers may never have imagined it could handle.\nWith around\n 250 hp\n, power is delivered through a sequential gearbox \u2013 without even a rev counter to know when to shift gears, using only a shift light! Performance aside, aesthetically, it\u2019s something of a show-stopper too.\nVisibly lower than your average classic Mini, it\u2019s also been extensively \u201cremodeled\u201d with flared arches to house larger wheels and fatter tires. It\u2019s only got a 30-litre tank and while that sounds like your average fuel tank size, it\u2019s not exactly frugal when driven hard despite the lightweight.\nCredit: \n1320video"
"Following the government\u2019s announcement of the \nSales Tax Exemptions\n that is now in effect starting from 15th June 2020 until the end of the year, Perodua has now published its sales data for the month of June with an estimated \n21,250 cars sold\n \u2013 a reflection of the positive result from the Short-Term Economy Recovery Plan, PENJANA.\nThe June sales data represents the highest monthly sales figure achieved by Perodua so far this year, while also being nearly triple the figure from \nMay\n.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThe government\u2019s sales tax exemption move has had many benefits. Buyers can enjoy reduced vehicle prices \u2013 in \nPerodua\u2019s case, 3%-6% less\n \u2013 until end-2020.\n\u201cThe sizeable volume increase we\u2019ve had as a result of that allows us to help the supplier and dealer ecosystem in this time of need,\u201d he added. Perodua said to have purchased nearly RM500 million worth of local components in June alone.\nPerodua managed to move 8,601 units in March before the Movement Control Order (MCO) came into effect on the 18th, halting the carmaker\u2019s operations entirely for nearly two months. Since the official restart of its operations on 19 May, Perodua managed to sell \n7,886 cars\n before the end of the month.\nAccounting for the June sales figure, Perodua\u2019s year-to-date (YTD) sales total now stands at approximately 74,000 units.\n\u201cOur operations are now at full capacity and maximum overtime. We are working very hard to ensure our customers receive their cars as quickly as possible with no compromise on safety and quality,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin added.\nHe added that selected Perodua service centres, including Body & Paint (B&P) hubs, now have \nextended operating hours\n to service more customers whose cars are overdue for service due to the MCO. \u201cCustomers looking to service their vehicles are invited to secure an appointment with their service centre of choice.\u201d\n\u201cWe are immensely grateful to be able to bounce back with such energy in just under two months since we restarted operations nationwide. Our outlook is positive and we hope this momentum will continue and help the industry grow,\u201d he added."
"Following the \nresumption of service at its service centres\n, Honda Malaysia today announced that all outlets in its dealership network are now back in full operations starting 13 May.\nThe company reassures that preventive hygiene measures have been put in place and strictly enforced at all of its dealerships nationwide, in addition to the measures announced previously for its service centres. The new standard operating procedures are implemented in accordance to the guidelines announced by the Ministry of Health.\nIndividuals entering the premises will be subjected to \ntemperature screening\n, and are required to utilise the hand sanitisers placed at the entrances. Anyone recording a temperature of 37.5 degrees celcius, or are exhibiting symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath will be advised to leave the premises to immediately seek medical attention.\nThe customer flow at all Honda dealerships have also been restructured to have a single entry and exit point, to facilitate in the check-and-control measures. High traffic areas and common touchpoints \u2013 including showroom vehicles \u2013 will be s\nanitised and disinfected on a daily basis\n.\nAll sales advisors and customers are \nrequired to wear face masks\n before engaging in any discussions \u2013 the face masks will be provided to customers at the entrance. Sales advisors will practice \nsocial distancing\n of at least 1 metre at all times. During demonstrations and explanation of interior features, the sales advisors will sit in the back seat to maintain social distancing.\nFor test drives, customers will be required to \nutilise gloves\n in addition to the face masks \u2013 both of which to be provided by the sales advisor. The sales advisor will also sit in the back seats at all times during the test drive to practice social distancing. All test drive vehicles are sanitised before and after each test drive.\nDuring this period, Honda encourages its customers to utilise \ncontactless payment methods\n or online banking to minimise contact. \nHonda Insurance Plan renewals can also now be completed online, making it more convenient and safer at the same time.\nAs for new car deliveries, Honda Malaysia will be placing a \nguest limit of one person\n during the car delivery occasion to prevent crowding in the showroom. All new cars will also be sanitised thoroughly before delivery.\nOther general hygiene measures include placement of hand sanitisers at all key locations throughout the premise, and ensuring good air ventilation by opening windows and doors every 30 to 60 minutes. Kids Zone and cafes at Honda dealerships will be closed temporarily during this period.\nAs \nannounced previously\n, customers requiring servicing for their vehicles will have to\n make a prior appointment\n before their visit. This is done to limit the number of customers at the service centres to a minimum at any given time. All customer vehicles will be collected via a\n contactless drop-off mechanism\n, with all discussions conducted over telephone.\nFor customers with vehicle warranties affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO), Honda Malaysia will be extending the vehicle warranties expiring during the MCO period (18 March to 12 May) to \n11 June 2020\n.\nAs for vehicles with service due dates within the MCO period, customers will be required to carry out their scheduled maintenance \nbefore 11 July 2020\n to ensure the validity of their warranty."
"I know what you\u2019re thinking; what about the \nthirsty Bugatti Chiron\n used to \nchase down another Chiron\n in its record-breaking 0 to 400 km/h to 0 run?\n\u00a0\nA record that didn\u2019t last long\n\u00a0by the way.\nDifference is, that chase car was just a one-time thing. This \nLamborghini Huracan\n LP 610-4 that costs\u00a0\nRM 2.1 million in Malaysia\n\u00a0on the other hand, is a full-time production car. It\u2019s\u00a0not the first time the\u00a0\nLP610-4\n\u00a0was used for purposes other than leisure; they were\u00a0\nused by Italian policemen\n too.\nThe production house behind this idea built the HuraCam to capture footages at actual (high) speeds as a normal arm car, carrying over 1,000 kilograms on its roof, would flip doing 100 km/h through a bend.\nSeen filming a Ferrari FF on an undisclosed track, the production house claims that with the HuraCam, viewers will be able to witness action shots of cars like they\u2019ve never seen before as they\u2019re not sped up like most are."
"Taking centre stage of the Subaru stand at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is the all-new fifth-generation Subaru Forester. The new SUV boasts a new platform, advanced driver assists technologies and an enhanced 2.5-lite Boxer engine.\nThe new Forester has grown considerably compared to the previous car, now measuring at 4,625 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, 1,730 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. It also sits on \nSubaru Global Platform\n that underpins the \nXV\n and \nImpreza\n. The new platform promises best-in-class collision safety and hazard avoidance along with responsive handling characteristics.   Visually the Forester follows the brand\u2019s \u201cDynamic x Solid\u201d design philosophy common to all Subaru models. It now features a sleeker profile with sharp and purposeful elements such as the horizontal front grille, LED headlamps with boomerang shaped LED headlamps, chrome surrounds on foglamps and a more dynamic taillamp design.\nThe designers have optimised the shape of the pillars to reduce blind spot and give superior outward visibility to the driver. The rear doors and C-pillar have been reshaped for larger opening angle and opening area for better ingress and egress. It also boasts a maximum trunk opening width of 1,300 mm for greater loading capacity.   The interior was laid out with \nComfort in Motion\n philosophy in mind, the instrument panel and console have been combined for a relaxing and user-friendly experience for the occupants. Notable features include a new climate control interface, 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, USB charging points for front and rear passengers and three separate pockets in the seat backs for more storage space.\nThe new model adopts a heavily revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated Boxer engine taken from the previous model. It now features Direct Injection technology and has \n90 percent new components\n for improved output and fuel efficiency. The new FB25 boxer engine is rated at \n182 hp\n and \n238 Nm\n of torque, paired to a new Lineartronic CVT with seven virtual ratios.\nLike all Subaru models, the Forester gets the famed\u00a0\nSubaru\u00a0Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive\n system for maximum traction on all surfaces. The X-Mode that controls engine, transmission, and brakes on slippery surfaces and in poor driving conditions has been calibrated for even better drivability in adverse conditions.\nPlacing safety as is main priority, the new Forester gets seven airbags and \nSubaru EyeSight driver assist system\n as standard with new innovations such as Reverse Automatic Braking (prevents a collision when in reverse), Rear Vehicle Detection, Steering Responsive Headlights, High-beam assist and Driver Monitoring System that alerts the driver when it detects signs of distraction or drowsiness.   US will be the first market outside of Japan to receive the all-new Subaru Forester with deliveries starting in Q4 of 2018. Closer to home, Motor Image Malaysia, the sole distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country has hinted to the media at the \nregional debut of the Outback facelift\n that we may receive the Forester as early as 2019, pending localisation and government approvals.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Kia Cerato has just received a facelift in its home market in Korea. Known as the K3, the current generation of Kia\u2019s C-segment car has been in the market since 2013.\nAs expected, the facelifted Cerato gets some nip and tuck on the aesthetic department. At the front, a \nnew and longer headlights\n and \nupdated \u2018tiger-nose\u2019 grille\n\u00a0design are among the new updates sported. Lower down, we can see subtle changes on the front air intakes and fog lights.\n \n \nAt the back, changes are even subtler where the tail lights now feature an in-built, thinner LED strip.\u00a0The changes on the inside are minimal at best, with the steering wheel, instrument cluster display\u00a0graphics and console received little changes that nitpicky buyers won\u2019t probably realise.\nPowertrain options remain the same, though. The \n1.6-litre Gamma GDI four-cylinder engine\u00a0\noffered for the domestic market makes the same amount of power as before, but has been tweaked to provide better fuel efficiency.\nThe Kia Cerato saloon was launched in Malaysia in mid-2013 with two engine options offered: 1.6 and 2.0. While the 2.0 Nu MPI is new, it retains the 1.6\u00a0Gamma II MPI engine from the predecessor, the Kia Forte. Expect NazaKia to launch the facelift \u2013 fingers crossed with an updated 1.6 direct-injection engine sometime next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over the Merdeka weekend, we had the pleasure of attending \nSummernats Malaysia 2014\n at the Sepang International Circuit. A weekend with a mixture of hot machinery, burning rubber and sweet, loud trumpets blaring away till kingdom come. Add in some race queens to the mix and you\u2019ll get a car geek\u2019s ultimate dream come true.\nWhat is Summernats?\nWhat it is, is an annual car festival that started in Canberra, Australia in 1988. Created by Chic Henry, Summer Nationals (Summernats) is Australia\u2019s biggest auto event that is held over a period of 4 days. It features insanely modded hotrods and utes, vintage automobiles, beautifully airbrushed machines, parades, burnout competition as well as a dyno challenge. Oh and not forgetting the Miss Summernats pageant.\nTo many Malaysians, Summernats is a mystery as this is the first one held here. So it is a pleasant surprise when we were invited to sample what it is all about. The event also happen to coincide with the 12-hour Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race, so all the more reason for us to attend.   So for our local chapter, the event is packed with activities ranging from a gymkhana event organised by UltraRacing, an auto fair, car and bike test drive demo, safety campaign demos, competitions for car & bike mods, custom paint jobs, a bazaar and the list goes on.\nWhat really attracted us were the cars on exhibition. Cars like the modern wonders that are the Lotuses, Mercedes SLS AMG supercar, as well as the McLaren 650s and MP4-12C hanging out in the paddock car park.   The main highlights were the rare classics that were graciously loaned by private collectors, like the pair of VW Karmann Ghia, the legendary Shelby AC Cobra, the beautiful Eleanor Shelby Mustang GT500, a flaming Lamborghini Countach, a DMC DeLorean all the way to the exquisite Ford GT40 and the Porsche 917 & 919 Hybrid LeMans racers.   Excuse us while we attempt to clean up the drool from the carpet floor.\nWe have to admit that we missed quite a few of the other events. Not because they were not exciting, rather, we couldn\u2019t possibly keep up. One thing we were fortunate to catch though, this gorgeous 1912 Ford Model T being reverse parked.\nNoteworthy\n Hordes of patriots gathered at the track on the wee hours of Merdeka Day itself, attempts were made for entries into the Malaysian Book of Records. The categories attempted were the \nBiggest Summernats Car Gathering\n, \nBiggest Summernats Bike Gathering\n as well as \nBiggest Merdeka Summernats Bicycle Gathering\n. On top of all that, many signed up for the \n11.08km Merdeka Run\n that covered 2 full laps around the circuit.\nEnjoy the pictures while we recuperate from the heat.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s simply perfect timing; now that most of us are working from home (again), there is no content too much to consume. \nPorsche\n probably agrees and is now back with yet another episode of their Top 5 series. Like the previous editions, this one focuses on yet another selection of purpose-built Porsches \u2013 their GT cars \u2013 that have gone on to make a name for themselves in their own respects.\nAs an appetiser, we have the Porsche \n718 Cayman GT4\n; which was introduced in Malaysia recently. It\u2019s got 420 hp and 420 Nm from a 4.0-ltre naturally-aspirated flat-six, that\u2019s paired to a slick 6-speed manual transmission.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvLlcVCmvFw\nAs for the rest, their selected from a range of Porsches spanning 70 years \u2013 from the early 2000 models to one from the 1960s \u2013 a time when a GT car meant it was a road legal racing sports cars. You wouldn\u2019t be able to guess which Porsche was ranked first but you\u2019d surely be surprised how much something like that is worth in the market in the present day. A quick search online showed that a pristine version of it, commands up to RM700k!\nThat\u2019s not all. At the end of the video, Porsche even teased what\u2019s coming in the next video; a GT car that made waves when it was sold between the early to mid 2000s.\nIn other news, aside from launching the 718 Cayman GT4, Porsche Malaysia also introduced the \n718 Spyder\n with a price tag starting from RM970,000 before you start ticking the options list and before the duties kick in.\nGALLERY\nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4\nPorsche 718 Spyder"
"Honda Malaysia \nannounced yesterday\n that it\u2019s the best-selling non-national passenger car brand in the nation with 80,200 units sold last year. But just one day later, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n has rebutted with its own claim for the best-selling non-national car brand in Malaysia in 2022, with \n100,042 units\n sold.\nConfused? Well, here\u2019s the thing \u2013 they can both be true. Honda claimed itself to be the best-selling non-national \npassenger car\n brand, because they don\u2019t sell commercial vehicles such as pick-ups like \nToyota\n does. So if you take away the 27,198 units of \nHilux\n sold, Toyota\u2019s passenger cars managed only 72,844 units sold last year, putting them in second place behind Honda.\nCarmakers will do anything to make their numbers look good, and this is another case of being \u2018technically correct\u2019, despite coming off as a little disingenuous \u2013 especially with more and more people buying pick-ups as lifestyle vehicles these days. Anyway, we digress.\nTogether with \nLexus\n, UMW Toyota Motor managed to deliver 101,035 vehicles in 2022, representing a 40% increase over the previous year despite the challenging market conditions as well as supply chain issues that has plagued the automotive industry globally.\nAside from the Hilux in the pick-up truck segment, the \nToyota Corolla Cross\n (C-segment SUV), Hiace (One-ton Van), and \nFortuner \n(Light Duty Wagon) also posted strong sales across the year to claim the crown in their segments, with 17,208, 390, and 3,432 units sold respectively.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Toyota Camry 2.5V Review \u2013 uncle car no more?\nCommenting on the sales report, UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cWe are delighted to have been able to put smiles and deliver happiness to so many of our customers across the nation, and thank each and every one of them for their support.\n\u201cI also wish to express our appreciation to all our staff, dealers and business partners who overcame a challenging year. Together, we will continue to keep our customers happy and ensure that quality and service will always remain at the highest levels.\u201d\nREAD MORE: \nToyota Camry price increased by RM10k in Malaysia for 2023, Corolla up RM4k\nThe company\u2019s Customer Service Operations also surpassed 1.25 million vehicles last year, which it says is \u201ca nod to the exceptional level of after sales service that UMW Toyota Motor is known for\u201d.\nMoving forward, the company will be unveiling a new Agency Retail Model in 2023, giving Toyota and Lexus customers a \u201chassle and worry-free vehicle purchasing experience\u201d with a new sales process through premier agents and fair and transparent pricing.\n\u201cWe understand the many frustrations and pain-points of purchasing a new vehicle and have re-designed a sales process that is driven to be more customer centric. Our customers will no longer have to haggle or shop around for the \u2018best price\u2019. The vehicle purchase process will become easy and more welcoming\u201d, Ravindran K. added.\nALSO READ: \nToyota to launch new hybrid model in 2023 \u2013 Innova Zenix or all-new Vios?"
"Remember the Ferrari FF? It was an unorthodox looking all-wheel drive Ferrari Gran Tourer for the practical minded. First introduced in 2011, it now receives not just\u00a0a fresh new face but also a new name as well \u2013 the GTC4 Lusso.\nAmong the new aesthetics improvement in this facelift include a new front grille with integrated air intakes, new air vents on the rear wing, a\u00a0different rear spoiler and a new diffuser. All these reduce the car\u2019s drag\u00a0coefficient compared to its predecessor.   The GTC4 Lusso retains the\u00a0\n6.2-litre V12 engine\n, but here Ferrari boosted its power from 651 hp before to \n680 hp\n with close to \n700 Nm\n of torque at its disposal. The tried and tested\n seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission\n is retained as well. The improved performance and new aero kit now means that the GTC4 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, about 0.3 seconds quicker than the FF.\u00a0Top speed meanwhile, remains at \n333km/h\n.\nNew to this facelift is the \n4RM-S\n system, a new\u00a0\nall-wheel drive system with four-wheel steering\n. The GTC4 Lusso also receives Ferrari\u2019s \nSlip Side Control\n, \nelectronic differential\n\u00a0and the Prancing Horse\u2019s patented\u00a0\nmagnetic dampers\n. Ferrari claims the new system will improve the car\u2019s traction by effortlessly handling the car\u2019s massive torque on tricky surfaces.\nInside, the driver receives a redesigned\n\u00a0\nsteering wheel that\u2019s smaller than before. This is to accommodate\u00a0the new compact airbag, and to the centre dash rests a new\u00a010.25-inch infotainment screen with\u00a0Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.\nThe new Ferrari is set to grace at the display of Geneva Motor Show this coming March. Back in 2011, Naza Italia introduced the FF in Malaysia for a cool RM2.8million. Expect the GTC4 Lusso to arrive on Malaysian shores later this year, if not sometime in 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY   \u4e2d\u6587\u7248\uff1a\nAutoRepublic.my"
"It is no secret that Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) is bringing the \nRange Rover Velar to Malaysia\n whereby the company has confirmed that the premium SUV will make its debut sometime in April 2018 and will be positioned above the \nRange Rover Evoque\n. Now, JLR has announced initial specification details of the soon-to-be-launched Velar.\nMalaysia bound Velars will be of the P250 \nvariant,\n powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Ingenium engine that puts out \n247 hp\n and \n365 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF sourced automatic, propelling the Velar P250 from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.7 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n216 km/h\n.   If you ever decide to take your Velar off the beaten track, you\u2019ll be pleased to know that the car is equipped with the brand\u2019s famed all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics and \nTerrain Response 2\n off-road system to get you out of sticky situations.\nJLR has also confirmed that the Velar will be dressed in slim full LED headlamps, \nflush deployable door handles\n and 21-inch alloys with four design options. Inside, the Velar sports \nTouch Pro Duo system\n that combines two 10.0-inch touchscreen display to from the centre console, Navigation Pro System, Virtual Instrument TFI Display, Surround Camera, Powered Gesture Tailgate and Head-Up Display among others.\nFull specifications of the Land Rover Velar and its pricing details will be announced at the official launch happening in April 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Four years since its global debut, Lexus has now given the \nUX compact crossover\n a refresh for 2022, with upgrades in several areas ranging from safety equipment to handling improvements. But despite all that, there\u2019s really only one thing that we care about \u2013 the horrific Remote Touch infotainment system has finally been replaced by something a little more usable.\nOkay, fine, we\u2019re joking \u2013 but the reality is not too far from that.\nThe central infotainment display now comes in either 8- or 12.3-inch sizes, depending on variant. But no matter which size your configuration comes with, they both now run on the marque\u2019s latest fully-touchscreen operating system, with an interface mostly like that of the \nall-new NX\n that was just \nrecently launched here in Malaysia\n.\nAs one would expect in 2022, the new infotainment system comes with the all of the latest connectivity and \u201csmart\u201d features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a \u201cHey Lexus!\u201d digital voice assistant, personalised user profiles, and over-the-air software (OTA) updates \u2013 the latter means that more features and services can be added over time.\nWith the new touchscreen system, the dashboard and centre console on the 2022 Lexus UX has also been slightly reorganised. The space beside the gear lever (where the horrid touchpad used to live) is now replaced with a control panel for seat heating and ventilation, while the disc player underneath the climate control panel has also been removed.\nTwo new USB-C ports have also been added to the front of the centre console, while the wireless charging space has now been extended (thanks to the removal of the CD player), and is also now illuminated.\nReview: Lexus UX 200 Luxury \u2013 Dressed to impress\nOther technology enhancements include a new digital key feature that allows the driver to unlock and start the car remotely via a connected smartphone app, as well as an updated panoramic surround view monitor with a new \u201cunder-body transparent display\u201d function, much like Land Rover\u2019s Clearsight Ground View system.\nThe Lexus Safety System+ suite of advanced driver assistance features have also been updated on the 2022 Lexus UX, with improvements to the autonomous emergency braking system, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), as well as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).\nNew additions to the system include a new curve speed-control function, which automatically decelerates the UX in advance according to the curvature of the approaching bend when the DRCC system is active. Emergency Steering Assist, which \u201cassists steering within the vehicle\u2019s lane as cued by the driver\u201d, is also now available, alongside the Emergency Driving Stop System, which automatically and gently stops the vehicle if the driver is unresponsive for a certain period of time when using LTA.\nAside from these changes, though, the rest of the updates are mostly underneath the skin \u2013 quite literally. The 2022 Lexus UX has been updated with 20 new spot welding points to the chassis to improve its body rigidity, while the electric power steering, dampers, shocks, and other components have also been retuned to help with steering response and handling capabilities.\nThe range-topping F Sport variant also comes with adaptive variable suspension (AVS) and Yamaha-developed performance dampers at the rear to sweeten the UX\u2019s handling and ride comfort even further.\nALSO READ: Five note-worthy features we discovered in the Lexus NX350 F Sport AWD\nAs for looks, well, it really hasn\u2019t changed all that much, or at all. The aforementioned F Sport variant gains a more aggressive front bumper with larger corner inlets, a new mesh design for the grille, as well as a slightly reworked rear bumper, but that\u2019s pretty much it.\nIn the mechanical department, the Lexus UX will retain the same offerings from before, with the UX 200 (most likely) retaining the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making \n170 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n, paired to a Direct-Shift CVT gearbox to send power to the front wheels.\nThere\u2019s also the UX 250h, which gets a 2.0-litre hybrid unit for a total system output of \n184 hp\n. The latter will be the only powertrain offered in the US, where it\u2019ll be sold as the UXh.\nGALLERY"
"There was a time when the Volkswagen Amarok was nearly introduced to our market, but that news is old and gone now. What you\u2019re seeing here are pictures of facelifted Amarok, and new to the pickup are the regular mid-life revisions and a bigger 3.0-litre engine.\nThis Europe-only Amarok (called the Amarok Aventura) gets a reworked front fascia, most notably the new headlights featuring LED DRLs and bi-xenon projectors. It rides on 20-inch wheels, behind which rests a pair of 17-inch brake discs for the front axle and 16-inch discs at the rear. Reverse camera, Park Distance Control and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System all come as standard.\nThe range topping Amarok will be powered by a new \n3.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel V6\n that can be had in three states of tunes: \n161 hp\n, \n201 hp\n and \n221 hp\n. All engines are Euro6 compliant, and it can churn as much as \n550 Nm of torque\n\u00a0(that\u2019s 130 Nm more than the 2.0-litre TDI engine) to either the rear wheels or all four wheels.\nA choice of an eight-speed automatic gearbox or a manual transmission can be had. Volkswagen claims that the 3.0-litre Amarok will consume just \n7.9 litres of fuel per 100km\n, which equates to 199 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre travelled. Volkswagen Group Malaysia, please bring this in!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is set\nto reveal its new Mercedes-Benz GLB at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show after hinting\nthe reveal of its new SUV on its social media page.\nSlotting between the \nGLA\n and \nGLC\n, the GLB will be positioned as a more rugged and roomier SUV compared to the GLA but still a little smaller than the GLC. When launched, it will rival against the likes of \nAudi Q3\n, \nBMW X1\n and \nVolvo XC40\n while the GLA will compete against more compact models like the \nQ2\n and \nMINI Countryman\n.\nNew GLB slots\u00a0between\u00a0the\u00a0GLA & GLC\nIn the teaser image, the sketch shows Mercedes new-generation interior design language seen in the \nW177 A-Class\n and \nB-Class\n. Widescreen cockpit, turbine-style air vents and minimalistic centre console are to be expected while items such as Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), 64-colour ambient lighting, sunroof and premium audio system will be some of the options available.\nPowertrain options should\nditto the current-generation A-Class with petrol and diesel options ranging\nfrom 1.33- to 2.0-litre in capacity. Word is that Mercedes-AMG are already working\non a 35 and/or 45 variant for the GLB."
"The recently\nintroduced Honda HR-V RS will now come with a full black interior following customers\nfeedback for a more \nsensible\n interior\ntheme. Honda Malaysia says all the Ivory White parts will be replaced by black items.\nRetail price remains unchanged at RM124,800, on-the-road without insurance but what\u2019s new is the black treatment for the centre console, front panel, leather seats and door panel lining.\n Equipment list reads the same as well which includes 18-inch dual tone alloys, RS-specific black body kit, reverse camera, 8-way powered driver seat, Honda LaneWatch camera, paddle shifters, 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist.\nUnder the hood, you\u2019ll find the same 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine and CVT combo with \n142 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n driving the front wheels. The Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system \u2013 which we adore \u2013 is still here.\nThe HR-V is available in\n5 exterior shades \u2013 Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver\nMetallic, Ruse Black Metallic and White Orchid Pearl."
"A quarter century ago, the Bavaria\u2019s motormeisters headed out toward GT country when they rolled out the BMW 8 Series in 1989. The project, code named E31, was originally penned in 1986 by legendary designer Klaus Kapitza, at a cost of over RM3 billion.\nIn September 1989, BMW showed the world just what their idea of a Grand Tourer was, dismissing the notion that the 6 Series was the company\u2019s flagship coupe to munch the miles down the \ndeutch autobahn\u00a0\nwith a capped top speed of \n250 km/h\n. For that matter, the 8 Series was the second car in Germany\u2019s post-war history to feature a\n V12\n engine after the \nE32 750iL\n.   It\u2019s been 25 years now, and as such, owners from 8 Series clubs across Europe came together at the BMW plant in Dingolfin to celebrate the occasion. Nearly\u00a0\n260\n prime examples of the breed were parked outside BMW\u2019s museum for a rather special photoshoot.\nThe 8 Series came in a few variants, but at its heart, it came with two choices of engines. One could specify either an \nM60, 280 hp 4.0-litre V8\n in the \n840Ci\n or the range topping \n300 hp M70 5.0-litre\n mill powering the \n850i\n when it debuted at the end of the 80s. That engine made\n\u00a0450 Nm\n of torque and did the century sprint in a mere \n6.8 seconds\n. Throughout its lifecycle, there has been numerous upgrades carried out on the engine, gearbox and other components.\nThe \n840Ci\n had a transplant in the mid of 1995 to the \n4.4-litre M62 V8\n engine that produced more torque and delivered better fuel economy, however power figures remained largely unchanged. A year before that, BMW shoved the \n5.4-litre M73 V12\n engine into the newly named \n850Ci\n which produced\u00a0\n322 hp\n.\nAround the time, BMW toyed with the idea of an \nM-Sport version\n of the 8 Series that could go against Ferraris. Speculation arose as to the development of such a beast, but BMW squashed the idea simply because there was no market for the \nM8\n. But just before doing so, the \nS70/1\n engine from the \nMcLaren F1\n was fitted into all but one example, with a projected output of 550 hp. The engine\u00a0even came with experimental multi-valve cylinder head technology \u2013 highly advanced for its time. The car was kept under lock and key until it was shown at a convention in\n California in 2012\n.\n \n \nThe \nBMW 850CSi\n therefore was crafted in place of the M8 model. It featured an \nS70 engine\n that made \n381 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of twist while displacing\u00a0\n5.6-litres\n. The sprint time was wrapped up in \nunder 6.0 seconds\n. In keeping with the sporting heritage, the 850CSi came \nmated exclusively\n to a\n six-speed stick shifter\n. It was also fitted with BMW\u2019s Electronic Damper Control which made it a\u00a0symbiosis of power and comfort. BMW had, at this point in time, perfected the Gran Tourer recipe.\nIn the mid 90s, British artist, David Hockney used an 8 Series to breathe life into one of his artistic visions in conjuction with the BMW Art Cars series. When production ended in \n1999\n, approximately\n\u00a0\n30,621 examples of the BMW 8 Series were produced with a handful of them being lavishly \nhand-built\n in South Africa. Fans of the 8 Series often look to the BMW i8 as a modern day reincarnation of the legendary Munich-born GT car. But as history goes, the 8-er will always hold that special place among enthusiasts. And oh, did we mention that there are a few here in town?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After the \nbZ4x\n, the second addition to Toyota\u2019s electric bZ family is the new \nToyota bZ3\n sedan which has just been unveiled. Developed in collaboration with \nBYD\n and FAW Toyota, it is a \nCorolla\n-sized sedan with more than 600 km of electric range.\nSo far, Toyota has provided the dimensions, drag coefficient, and battery type of the Toyota bZ3. The battery capacity has not been listed, but the bZ3 is claimed to have a maximum cruising range of more than\n 600 km\n (CLTC). The electrification system is a combination of BYD\u2019s lithium-ion LFP battery using lithium iron phosphate and Toyota\u2019s extensive electrification technologies.\nToyota says that the battery structure, cooling, control, and safety monitoring systems were all newly designed for this car. Although the battery capacity has not been specified, Toyota aims to reduce battery degradation, with the development goal of ensuring 90% capacity even after ten years.\nLike the bZ4x, the Toyota bZ3 uses the e-TNGA vehicle platform. The platform is claimed to achieve more pleasant driving, including more responsive performance, with a low centre of gravity and excellent handling stability.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota bZ3 photos leaked \u2013 \u2018EV Corolla\u2019 to debut soon?\nThe bZ3 measures 4,725 mm long, 1,835 mm wide, 1,475 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,880 mm, which makes it a slightly scaled-up \nToyota Corolla\n. Looks-wise, the bZ3 adopts the familial \u2018hammerhead shark\u2019 front end styling that was first shown on the bZ4x.\nToyota bZ3\nToyota Corolla Altis\nLength\n4,725 mm\n4,630 mm\nWidth\n1,835 mm\n1,780 mm\nHeight\n1,475 mm\n1,435 mm\nWheelbase\n2,880 mm\n2,700 mm\nInside, the Toyota bZ3 features a \u2018Digital Island\u2019 system that integrates a large vertical centre display with a tray-type console. The interior is built with a \u2018Familial Lounge\u2019 concept that is based on the idea that cars provide a space to enjoy time with family and friends, rather than just being a means of transportation. As for ergonomics, the driving position is configured to minimize muscle strain and reduce fatigue over long distances.\nRELATED: \n2022 Toyota Veloz launched in Malaysia \u2013 Alza\u2019s premium twin brother, RM95k\nNo official rear shots have been shared, but here are \nleaked image of the Toyota bZ3\nNo official rear shots have been shared, but here are \nleaked image of the Toyota bZ3\nUnveiled for the Chinese market only for the time being, the bZ3 is the second model in Toyota\u2019s electric bZ series. Toyota is planning to introduce more bZ models soon and has also teased an upcoming bZ together with the unveiling of the bZ3. As for Malaysia, Toyota has yet to introduce any fully electric cars but has installed several EV chargers at its headquarters."
"Red Bull F1 Racing team boss Christian Horner claims that \nAston Martin\u2019s forthcoming Valkyrie hypercar\n can be as fast as any race car in the world and said that it\u2019s capable of beating \nPorsche\u2019s new lap record at the Nurburging\n.\nIn case you haven\u2019t heard, last week Porsche fielded its World Endurance Championship (WEC) winning 919 Hybrid Evo which was de-restricted to deliver over \n1,100 hp\n, powering the race car that weighs merely 849 kg.\nIt\u2019s going to be a tall order for the Valkyrie, which Horner claims could perform \nbetter on the Nurburgring than Red Bull\u2019s Formula 1 car\n but on paper at least, the hypercar\u2019s specification does seem to stand up against Porsche\u2019s full-fledged race car.\nAston Martin\u2019s new hypercar, which the company claims to weigh just 1,000 kg is backed with an identical \n1,100 hp\n, delivered from a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12. The Valkyrie is said to cost an estimate 2.5 million pounds (approx. RM10 million) where only 150 road cars and 50 track cars will be built and is said to debut by 2020."
"The \nMercedes-AMG GT S\n\u00a0and GT S Edition 1 is officially here and was fittingly introduced at the Sepang International Circuit\u00a0by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM).\nThis highly anticipated \u201cPorsche 911 slayer\u201d is the second model to be completely developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG after the SLS \u2013 its spiritual successor, so to speak. The Grand Tourer boasts a \nweight distribution of 47:53\n and has a kerb weight of \n1,540 kg\n, thanks in part to its aluminium space frame, engine and transmission positioning.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG GT S\nMercedes-AMG GT S Edition 1\nEngine\n3,982cc; twin-turbo V8 (M178)\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch auto (Getrag)\nMax Power\n510 hp @ 6,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n650 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,750 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n3.8 seconds; 310 km/h\nPrice (OTR with GST, w/o insurance)\nRM1,150,000\nRM1,200,000\nEXTERIOR\nAt first glace, the AMG GT bears significant resemblance to the SLS; it has a long sloping bonnet and a stubby rear end \u2013 both hallmark design cues of the SLS. However, gone are the gull-wing doors from the SLS, as the AMG GT employs conventional doors. This not-so-cool-anymore configuration saves additional weight by removing the mechanical bits from the roof. Hey, give and take, right?   The AMG GT measures 4,546mm in overall length, 1,939mm wide, 1,288mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,630mm.\u00a0Pop the boot\u00a0and you\u2019ll find \n350 litres of boot space\n \u2013 that\u2019s just 30 litres less than a Mk7 Golf\u2019s luggage capacity!\nMercedes-AMG GT S @ Sepang F1 track! #Mercedes #AMG #AMG #GTS\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nJun 24, 2015 at 2:33am PDT\nAll purchase of the two-seater sports car comes with 19-inch tyres at the front and 20-inch at the rear. The front tyres are profiled at 265/35 R19 whereas the fatter rear tyres are of the 295/30 R20 series. Track width up front measures at 1,680mm and the rear at 1,651mm.\nINTERIOR\nStep inside the GT S and you\u2019ll immediately realise just how close to the ground it sits. At the centre of it is a console that houses all the essentials, such as the familiar touch-sensitive COMAND controller, stubby transmission lever and AMG Drive Unit controls on each side. Notice that there\u2019s four buttons on each side? That\u2019s supposedly a design translated (or inspired) by the V8 unit.   Completing the interior kit is the free-standing screen and flat-bottomed steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifters. \nPERFORMANCE\n At the heart of the GT S is a handbuilt,\u00a0\nlongitudinally mounted 4.0-litre twin turbo V8\n\u00a0(codename M178) that makes 510 hp and 650 Nm of torque. To allow for a more compact packaging, the engine features \ndry sump lubrication\n with both turbos mounted inside the V of the engine. The GT, which isn\u2019t introduced here, shares the same engine but is less powerful, making 456 hp and 600 Nm of torque.\n#Mercedes #AMG #GTS on Sepang F1 Circuit Main Straight!\n A video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nJun 24, 2015 at 2:39am PDT\nThe car\u2019s \n47:53 weight distribution\n is courtesy of the front mid-engine layout with a rear transaxle which receives the engine\u2019s full grunt via a \ncarbon fibre driveshaft\n channeled from the much improved \nseven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox\n made by Getrag. The superseded SLS also used the same gearbox, but it wasn\u2019t as refined and had a slower shift time.\n \n \nSuspension wise, both the front and rear axles have a \ndouble wishbone setup\n, but the rear unit is completely new whereas the front is taken straight off the SLS. Best of all, the steering rack is hydraulic. Where the GT gets a mechanical rear-axle locking differential, the GT S is fitted with an electronically locking diff that\u2019s integrated into the transmission housing. It\u2019s very simply, faster and more sensitive than the GT\u2019s mechanical diff and improves overall traction and increases cornering speeds.\nAlso fitted as standard in the GT S is the electronically controlled damping (or AMG Ride Control Sports Suspension) that grants three stages of AMG driving dynamics \u2013 Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. Exclusive to the GT S is the \noptional\u00a0AMG Dynamic Plus Package\u00a0\nwhich includes dynamic engine and transmission mounts that continuously adjusts the mounts\u2019 stiffness according to driving conditions. This package also includes a stiffer suspension tuning, a more negative front wheel camber, a \nRace and\u00a0\nManual \u201cM\u201d mode\n.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety equipment in the AMG GT includes front, side, window, and knee\n airbags\n, the familiar Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Adaptive Braking and Attention Assist, Parktronic, rear view camera, Pre-Safe system and individual tyre pressure monitoring system. Optional extras include Lane Tracking with Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs the saying goes, early bird catches the worm. First buyers of the AMG GT S can choose to go with the \nEdition 1 series\n, like the one seen here. That gives you \nblack aerodynamic package\n \u2013 larger front splitter, front wheel arch flics, black side sill panels and a fixed rear spoiler. You also get carbon fibre roof, additional gloss black exterior trims and black tail pipes. This \nRM50,000 option\n swaps out the original wheels for the very one you see here, but the sizes remain the same \u2013 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear.\nIt doesn\u2019t stop there. The Edition 1 package gives you what Mercedes calls the \nInterior Black Diamond package\n. Here, you get Nappa interior leather with red stitching, performance bucket seats, DINAMICA microfibre-wrapped steering wheel with a 12-o\u2019clock marking and chromed steering bezel with the Edition 1 lettering.\nListen to #Mercedes #AMG #GTS #V8 revs\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nJun 24, 2015 at 3:07am PDT\nPricing starts (the keyword here is \nstarts\n) from \nRM1,150,000\n for the GT S and \nRM1,200,000\n for the GT S Edition 1. Since \nevery unit is made to order\n, it\u2019s entirely up to you to customise the AMG GT however you see fit. Just to give you an idea, even its signature yellow paint is a RM70,000 option. So really, the sky\u2019s the limit. Just don\u2019t try to outdo the Arabians when you\u2019re at it.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The naysayers and haters may have had their word out on the Internet about the \nnew Supra\n but reality has been singing a different tune with Toyota getting the last laugh.\nToyota Australia has just announced that they\u2019ve sold out the first 100 units of the all-new A90 Supra allocated to the market within seven minutes!\n \nWith the immensely encouraging response, they\u2019ve been able to secure 50 additional units and in total, were all sold out within 22 minutes of the first online sales of its kind.\n80% of the orders were for the high-grade GTS models priced at approx. RM273k, fitted with the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six with \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. There are two different grades available in Australia \u2013 GT and GTS.\nLocally, UMW Toyota Motor has revealed that the latest gem in Toyota\u2019s crown \nwould arrive in Malaysia by the end of the year\n, with prices rumoured to be in the region of half a million Ringgit.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While most of us have been home over the past weeks due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), BMW Group Malaysia along with other NGOs namely Tenaganita, Refuge for Refugees, Liga Rakyat Demokratik and Dapur Jalanan KL has had their hands tied.\nTogether they delivered more than 5,800 food and essential grocery packs to refugees, migrant and B40 families in the Klang Valley area. BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s dealers, Quill Automobiles and Ingress Auto, were responsible for providing the logistics in the form of 10 BMW vehicles to support the delivery process.\nAmong the basic necessities supplied were rice, eggs, flour, cooking oil and canned food which were delivered to families even during the Movement Control Order (MCO) duration across 460 locations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.\nTo maintain the safety and hygiene of the volunteers, they were required to put on gloves, masks and use hand sanitisers while the beneficiaries were given hand sanitisers to disinfect before and after receiving the supplies.\n\u201cIn the spirit of #KitaJagaKita, we at BMW Group Malaysia are very humbled to be part of this mission with Tenaganita, Refuge for the Refugees, Liga Rakyat Demokratik and Dapur Jalanan KL to provide aid to the underpriviliged during this challenging time. We are just grateful to be able to help out and be part of the volunteers who continue to actively assist families who are affected by the MCO. They are an inspiration to us and as a nation, it is crucial for all of us to lend a helping hand to those in need, now more than ever,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia, Head of Corporate Communications, Sashi Ambi.\nFor those who are keen to contribute financially, cash donations can be made to Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Pelarian (CIMB: 8000499285). When doing so, kindly note the donations as \u2018MCO Grocery Aid\u2019.\nGALLERY"
"With the second Movement Control Order (MCO) period is now fully in effect until the 26th of January with seven red-zone states in Malaysia now placed under the full MCO ruling, several routes have now been closed by the police to restrict movement of the residents in these areas.\nImage: Facebook/\nPolis Daerah Petaling Jaya\nIn Petaling Jaya and Damansara,\u00a0District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Nik Ezanee Mohd. Faisal has announced that \nseven routes have now been closed to all vehicles\n. These routes are:\nJalan 4/56, Gasing Indah, Petaling Jaya\u00a0\nJalan Persiaran Mahogani, Kota Damansara\nJalan Persiaran Jati, Kota Damansara\nJalan Persiaran Sungai Buloh, Kota Damansara\nDamansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP) exit to Mutiara Damansara/Damansara Perdana\nDamansara toll entrance to Bayu Puteri near Tropicana, Damansara\nTraffic light intersection at PJU 8/1, Damansara Perdana\nImage: Facebook/\nPolis Daerah Petaling Jaya\nMeanwhile in Klang, \nfour routes will also\n be shut beginning today for two weeks, said District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Nurulhuda Mohd. Salleh. These are:\nMusaeddin Bridge (Jalan Batu Tiga Lama)\nRaja Nala Bridge (Jalan Tanjung Syawal)\nKM3.5 Jalan Shapadu Lama\nKM3.7 Jalan Shapadu Lama to Rantau Panjang\nImage: Facebook/\nPolis Daerah Petaling Jaya\nAdditionally, road blocks \u2013 particularly at highway entry points \u2013 have also been set-up throughout the country to restrict inter-state and inter-district travels. According to Selangor Acting Police Chief Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed, a total of 120 have been set-up across the state. Meanwhile, Penang Police Chief Comm. Datuk Sahabudin Abdul Manan\u00a0announced that 44 road blocks will be in effect in the state throughout the MCO period.\nFor those still required to travel to work, you are allowed to do so with a valid letter of permission from your employer \u2013 provided that the business is listed as an \nessential business\n. Commercial vehicles operators are also not required to obtain an endorsement letter from the Ministry of Transport during this MCO period; a valid permission letter from the employer is sufficient, and a special lane at the road blocks will be open for these vehicles.\nFor the rest of us, we strongly advise everyone to do our part and please stay at home in our fight against the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n. If inter-state or inter-destrict travel is necessary, a police-approved travel permit will be required \u2013 these can be downloaded from \nhere\n.\nInspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador has also\n announced a grace period\n until \nFriday, Jan 15\n for those stranded outstation to return home, provided that a \nvalid reason\n is provided. After the grace period, a travel permit will be strictly required."
"As a mark of appreciation to the frontline workers who have worked tirelessly ever since the \nCovid-19 \npandemic broke out, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has come up with a new Hyundai Frontliners Appreciation Programme to show their gratitude to these national heroes.\nThe appreciation programme comes with special rebates on new Hyundai models, grocery shopping vouchers, and other goodies, totalling to a total value of RM7,900 \u2013 should they choose to purchase a new Hyundai model, of course.\nIn addition, just like all new Hyundai purchases starting April this year, those who sign up through the frontline workers appreciation programme will also receive a \nHyundai Loyalty Card\n, which entitles them to rebates on selected parts and labour charges, as well as exclusive monthly promotions.\nThe programme is eligible for all front liners including government healthcare workers, firefighters, uniformed law enforcement officers, as well as public school teachers.\nHSDM\u2019s mid-year service promotion campaign has been extended until the end of August. Check it out here!\n\u201cDay in and day out, our healthcare and public sector frontliners have shown their courage and resilience as they battle the pandemic,\u201d said HSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung. \u201cOur huge gratitude goes out to them for their selfless work, which is instrumental in fighting the deadly virus. We stand in solidarity with these heroes and believe that we will get through this together.\u201d\n\u201cTheir indomitable spirit and resilience during this difficult time is an inspiration to all of us. We hope this programme will provide some relief. Apart from making Hyundai cars more affordable for them, we will also be giving out grocery vouchers as our token of appreciation for all their hard work, dedication and sacrifice,\u201d he added.\nHyundai recently unveiled the Kona 1.6 Turbo and Kona N-Line here in Malaysia. Learn more about them here!\nAll Hyundai models come with a three-year/50,000 km free service programme, and a five-year/300,000 km warranty. With the recently-introduced \nHyundai Step-Up Financing\n, monthly repayments start as low as RM958 for a Hyundai Kona, based on a nine-year tenure with a 10% down payment.\nInterested parties can find out more about the programme at any of Hyundai\u2019s showroom, or contact Hyundai\u2019s customer care line at \n1300-13-2000\n or via its website, linked \nhere\n."
"At the turn of the new calendar year, Polestar has just teased its first all-electric car, the Polestar 2 on its social media account. The four-door compact electric saloon will be a direct competitor to the \nTesla Model 3\n.\nWhile the \nPolestar 1\n spots a high-performance hybrid powertrain, the Polestar 2 will be a battery-powered electric vehicle (EV). Details of the powertrain are scarce at the moment, but reports have quoted the Polestar 2 to pack over \n400 hp\n and offer over \n450 km\n of driving range. An all-wheel-drive layout is to be expected but more details will be revealed when the car is ready for launch.\nPolestar\u2019s first car, Polestar 1 Hybrid\nKnowing that the Polestar 2 has its eyes set on the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar\u2019s ethos of being a high-performance EV brand, we can expect performance figures that are close to the Model 3\u2019s. Think sub 6 seconds century sprint time and over 200 km/h top speed. This purpose-built Polestar 2 will also mean that ergonomics (cabin space and luggage space) will be already well thought out.\nThe company has previously announced that the Polestar 2 will go into production in 2019 and is Volvo Car Group\u2019s first pure EV. The car will be built in \nChengdu, China\n alongside Volvo\u2019s facility. Further down the line, Polestar plans to build an SUV that bears the name Polestar 3."
"Hyundai Malaysia finally introduced the \nsixth-generation Hyundai Elantra\n\u00a0and it\u2019s immediately available in three variants \u2013 2.0 Executive, 2.0 Dynamic and 1.6 T-GDI Sport.\nThey are priced at RM116,388, RM120,588 and RM131,488 respectively, with each purchase packaged together with a 5-year or 300,000km warranty as well as free service up to 50,000km. The 2.0-litre engine produces \n151 hp\n and\n 192 Nm\n of torque and is paired to a six-speed conventional automatic.\nQUICK FACTS\nVariant\nHyundai Elantra 2.0 MPI Executive\nHyundai Elantra 2.0 MPI Dynamic\nHyundai Elantra 1.6 T-GDI Sport\nEngine\n2.0L multi-point injection, DOHC\n1.6L turbo gasoline direct injection, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n7-speed dual clutch auto\nMax Power\n151 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n201 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n265 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM116,388\nRM120,588\nRM131,488\nAt the top of the range is the Elantra Sport, belting no less than \n201 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque from a turbocharged \n1.6-litre direct injected engine\n. It\u2019s also the only Elantra to come with a \nseven-speed dual clutch auto\n (manufactured by Hyundai) and HID headlamps. Both 2.0-litre variants settle for halogen projectors.\nAs with most modern Hyundai cars, much attention has been paid to aerodynamics. The Elantra features air curtain and full underbody cover to yield a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.27.\nFor those interested, the all-new Elantra is available for\u00a0viewing and test drive at your nearest authorised Hyundai showroom.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Elantra 1.6 T-GDI Sport   Hyundai Elantra 2.0 MPI (Executive & Dynamic)"
"It\u2019s safe to say that today, Lexus\u2019s current SUV range is doing relatively well. They\u2019ve got the humongous LX, the mid-sized \nRX\n, and the \nNX crossover\n. Now, joining the diverse but increasingly populated SUV selection is smaller but cooler Lexus UX concept.\nPremiered at the\u00a0Paris Motor Show, this concept was penned by\u00a0ED2, Lexus\u2019 design center in France. The new concept not only hints at a possible new SUV model, but also gives a glimpse into the brand\u2019s future styling direction. It\u2019s also designed specifically to appeal to younger urbanites.\nThe UX is 4,400mm long, 1,529mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,640mm. This footprint is smaller than the NX, and suggests that the UX could possibly be Lexus\u2019 upcoming entry-level SUV. At a\u00a0glance, the UX\u2019s aesthetics seem like an evolution of the already flamboyant design of the RX. Lexus\u2019 signature spindle grille stays in the UX\u2019s front.\nMoving forward, Lexus believes the future of motoring would not require side mirrors, because these will be replaced by slimmer and compact e-mirror cameras.\nMatching its over-the-top exterior styling is the interior technology, which can be aptly described as bonkers.\u00a0The UX showcases the next-generation human machine interface, consisting of 3D displays for the dashboard controls, together with a hologram globe that displays essential driving info. To top it off, occupants can all enjoy the new and\u00a0unique Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept.\nAs yet, neither the technical specifications nor production plans have been revealed. Will this luxury compact crossover make for an appealing choice? We would certainly think so, even if it doesn\u2019t come with that \u201cStar Wars\u201d hologram technology.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, together with long-time dealer Azam Motors Sdn Bhd, have launched a brand new 3S Centre in Permas Jaya, bringing the dealership tally up to 78 outlets nationwide.\nThe RM3 million Permas Jaya branch is the country\u2019s \n31st 3S centre\n and covers a total land area of 45,000 square feet with a \nbuilt-up area of 13,000 square feet\n. It houses up to \nnine service bays\n and is capable of managing (servicing) up to \n50 Mazdas a day\n, courtesy of \n19 service staff personnel\n.\nThe showroom accommodates all of Mazda\u2019s latest models, and the list is comprised of Mazda2, 3, 6, Biante and BT-50. Also part of the display is the popular mid-size SUV that needs no introduction, the CX-5.\nAzam Motors Sdn Bhd has been a \nMazda dealer since 1984\n and focuses its operation in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. The Permas Jaya showroom is their third, after Skudai and Kulai.   The company grew from recording an annual sales volume of 120 units in the year 2008, to almost 1,000 units per annum. It is now Mazda\u2019s top three dealers in the country. The showroom is located at Lot 103394, Jalan Permas 7, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You read that right. Never in the history of Formula 1 has anything like that taken place and now the Internet is exploding from it with more than six million views in just under two days.\nThis video features newly-crowned, five-time Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, Hollywood heavyweights Will Smith and Michael Bay before the start of last weekend\u2019s Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)\nThe short clip shows Will kidnapping and tying Lewis to a chair and since Lewis was already crowned Champion, Will wanted to have a go at last weekend\u2019s race as \u201cLewis Hamilton\u201d; also because they\u2019re both black and no one would notice. Got to love a good racial joke when you hear it!\nWhile the two displayed impeccable acting chops (especially Lewis Hamilton), the drama and intensity was delivered by the man behind the camera, Michael Bay, who filmed the \u201cprank\u201d as if he was filming an action scene with Shia LaBeouf in Transformers.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)\nIf you thought that was amusing, wait till you check out the \u201cbehind the scenes\u201d video. Will Smith for one, is no stranger to spectacular Instagram videos; check out the one where he did the \nKiki challenge on top of a bridge in Budapest, Hungary\n.\nThis would not have been possible if Formula 1 was still under the stewardship of Bernie Ecclestone."
"Volvo Cars, fully owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, has become the first carmaker in the world to export China-made vehicles to Europe. The first model exported to Zeebrugge, Belgium will be an S90 saloon, built in Volvo\u2019s Daqing plant in China.\nUsing the recently opened China-Europe railway link, this route cuts down transport time from China to Europe by two thirds compared to the conventional naval route. The railway link also reduces CO\n2\n emissions by one third, given the same distance compared to cargo ships. Trains will depart from China once a week but frequency will increase with demand. The first S90 saloon is scheduled to arrive in Zeebrugge on 31 May 2017.\nAfter acquiring the Swedish marque in 2009, Geely set up three Volvo assembly plants in China \u2013 Luqiao for 40-series models, Chengdu for 60-series models and Daqing for 90-series models. This is in line with the company\u2019s plans to have China as its global manufacturing and export hub for new Volvos\u00a0in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific.\nIn 2015, Volvo delivered its first China-made S60 to the US, making them the first Western premium carmaker to do so. In April this year, Volvo also announced that they will be producing a \nfull electric vehicle in China\n. After the acquisition, Geely successfully revitalised the Volvo brand on a global level.\nEven more recently, Proton\u2019s new foreign strategic partner, Geely Auto\u00a0\nacquired 49.9 percent equity\n\u00a0and a controlling stake of 51 percent in British sports car maker Lotus. Based on the success stories of Geely with Volvo, London Taxi and the upcoming \nLynk & Co\n, will Proton and Lotus be part of Geely\u2019s vibrant portfolio? Only time will tell.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With electric vehicles (EV) finally coming into the limelight in recent years, car designs have also evolved from \u201csporty everything\u201d, to sleeker, more aerodynamic-focused styling, all in the name of increased efficiency. Press officers love shouting about their new cars\u2019 impressive Cd values, and as a result, swoopy, minimalist-inspired styling is also back in prominence.\nThe latest car to follow the same recipe is the new Ioniq 6, Hyundai\u2019s second fully-electric model as part of their newly-established EV sub-brand, and it could be a sign of what\u2019s to come in future EVs.\nIn essence, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the production version of the \nProphecy concept\n that they unveiled back in 2020. Described as an \u201cElectrified Streamliner\u201d, the unique \u201csingle-curved\u201d shape gives the Ioniq 6 a drag coefficient of just 0.21 Cd.\nRemember which other car also bragged about their one-curve design? The \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n \u2013 which is still the most aerodynamic production car so far, with a drag coefficient of just 0.200 Cd. They might actually be on to something here.\nThe curvy shape is aided by the low nose, active front air flaps, wheel gap reducers, and optionally, slim digital side mirrors. At the back, there\u2019s also a boat-tail like structure, accentuated by the elliptical wing-inspired spoiler that helps \u2013 as you guessed it \u2013 to further help with the car\u2019s aerodynamic performance.\nThe laser focus on aerodynamic efficiency extends even to places where you don\u2019t usually see with your eyes, such as underneath the car with a fully-covered undercarriage, optimised deflectors, as well as a reduced wheel-arch gap to reduce air turbulence.\nAs with the previous \nIoniq 5\n, the new fastback sedan also implements what the Korean carmaker calls the \u201cHyundai Look\u201d design strategy, that \u201cgives each model a unique appearance, like chess pieces\u201d to cater for a diverse range of customers with different lifestyles, instead of a one-style-fits-all approach.\nDespite that, however, several of the brand\u2019s signature aesthetic touches can still be seen on the Ioniq 6, including the Parametric Pixels motif, with over 700 individual lighting elements covering the headlights, rear combination lamps, lower sensors, a unique High-Mounted Stop Lamp (HMSL) for \u201can eye-catching light execution when the brakes are applied\u201d, and even the air vent garnishes and centre console on the inside.\nThe Ioniq 6 is also built on the same Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which is shared across the entire Hyundai Motor Group on models like the Ioniq 5, \nKia EV6\n, and \nGenesis GV60\n.\nFortunately, the curvy silhouette does not impede on the interior space of the Ioniq 6. Hyundai says that the interior space was developed simultaneously with the exterior with efforts made specifically to maximise and optimise the interior space, including stretching of the front and rear cabin space thanks to the flexibility afforded by the E-GMP platform.\nThe result, is a \u201ccoccoon-shaped interior\u201d designed as a \u201ccomfortable hideaway and personal space\u201d, lined with sustainable materials to reflect today\u2019s EV customer\u2019s values. These include eco-process leather and recycled PET fabric on the seats, bio TPO skin on the dashboard, bio PET fabric for the headliner, bio paint derived from vegetable oils, as well as floor mats made out of recycled fishing net.\nRELATED: Fully electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 Lite, Plus & Max launched in Malaysia, from RM199,888\nAs with all other EVs these days, the cabin of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is also fully decked out with tech, with highlights including the \u201cmodular display panel\u201d with twin 12-inch display panels for the instrument cluster and infotainment display, controlled by an \u201cergonomically designed control unit\u201d located on the centre console for better ergonomics and reduced distractions.\nThere\u2019s also a unique dual-colour ambient lighting system, which users can either select individually from a spectrum of 64 colours, or from six dual-colour themes that have been developed by colour experts to help create a relaxing and comfortable lighting environment. To top off the high-tech feel, there are also four Interactive Pixel lights in the centre of the steering wheel for the vehicle to communicate simple information to the driver.\nTechnical specifications for the Ioniq 6 will have to wait until the official global debut, which is currently scheduled for July. However, the use of the E-GMP architecture also means that it\u2019ll likely share the same powertrain components with the Ioniq 5, with the range-topping dual-motor configuration topping out at 302 hp and 605 Nm, alongside a 77.6 kWh battery.\nGALLERY"
"Besides announcing the \nimminent arrival of the new SUV\n, Proton Chief, Dr Li Chunrong has revealed that the national carmaker will be introducing one brand new model every year until 2021, starting with the yet-to-be-named SUV.\nWithout going into the details, Dr Li said that the new upcoming models will feature the Geely Group\u2019s \u201clatest technologies\u201d. When asked whether these future models will be a rebadged exercise like the Boyue SUV, Dr Li assured that they will be products \nco-developed between Proton and Geely\n.\nDr Li stated that the \u201crebadging exercise\u201d is not as straightforward as it sounds because converting a left-hand drive to a right-hand drive vehicle takes plenty of engineering work. \u201cIt\u2019s not only about putting the wheel from the left to the right, they will change a lot,\u201d he added.\nWith \nProton\u2019s new corporate image\n that represents a global lifestyle, technology-driven, youthful exuberance and caring attitude which reflects a fresher, more dynamic and bolder Proton, Dr Li promised that Proton will receive the Group\u2019s latest technologies and design simultaneously as its counterparts in China.\nProton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong\nCurrently, in Proton\u2019s line up, the Preve, Suprima S and Exora are amongst the oldest model in their stable despite having numerous updates and facelifts. It remains to be seen whether Proton is going to replace these models or to come up with a completely new (and streamlined) product line up in the coming years. Regardless, exciting times ahead for both Proton and Malaysians."
"With the outbreak of the Wuhan Coronavirus being declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Formula E and FIA, in consultation with the organisers and local authorities in Sanya, China have decided to call off the race that was schedule run on \n21\nst\n March, 2020\n.\nHowever, Formula E and FIA are monitoring the situation closely and may consider holding the Hainan Island race on a later date in the year.\nThe original Formula E Season 6 calendar comprised of 14 point-scoring races spanning 12 countries, including the Sanya leg, it kicked off in November last year at Saudi Arabia (Race 1 and 2) and recently concluded Race 3 in Santiago, Chile on 19\nth\n January 2020. Stoffel Vandoorne of Mercedes-Benz EQ team, Alexander Sims of BMW i Andretti Motorsport and Sam Bird Of Envision Virgin Racing are leading the \ndrivers\u2019 standings\n.\nLet\u2019s hope China makes a quick recovery and that the Shanghai F1 race can go on.\nWith major sporting events in China (not merely motor sports) likely to be affected by the Coronavirus outbreak, the fate of the \nChinese Formula 1 Grand Prix\n \u2013 the fourth race of the 2020 season and scheduled to be held from \n17\nth\n to 19\nth\n April in Shanghai\n, hangs in the balance."
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)\n has just reported its sales data for the month of June 2022, which saw the company deliver a total of \n8,939 vehicles\n consisting of 8,870 units of \nToyota\n and 69 units of \nLexus\n.\nThe figure represents a fairly substantial increase over \nMay\u2019s sales results\n (7,579 units: 7,442 Toyota, 137 Lexus), and with it, the company has sold a total of 45,911 vehicles (Toyota and Lexus combined) in the first half of the year, translating to a 35% increase compared to the same period last year (34,111 units).\nAlthough the recent expiry of the SST exemption will result in short-term negative impact on its sales, UMWT says that it will be largely mitigated in the second half of this year thanks to \u201csome early signs of recovery on the global shortage of semiconductors and microchips\u201d.\nThis will be further bolstered by the launch of newer models, which will \u201cleave buyers spoilt for choices\u201d, the company added.\nRELATED: New Toyota Veloz open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 to replace Toyota Avanza\n\u201cShifting gears into the second half of 2022, UMW Toyota Motors is focused on going the Extra Mile to provide Toyota owners with the best ownership and after-sales experience by reimagining what ownership is about,\u201d said UMWT President, Ravindran K. \u201cLooking ahead, shifting consumer behaviours will likely place value on advanced automotive technologies and comprehensive security features supported by a host of value-added after-sales services.\u201d\nThe company\u2019s stream of new launches will kick off with the \nToyota Veloz\n, which is \nnow already available for booking\n at all Toyota showrooms. Replacing the aging \nAvanza\n, the upcoming Toyota Veloz (which is also the sister car to the all-new Perodua Alza) will feature some much-needed creature comfort additions suitable for the modern day, including Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance features, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Qi wireless charging pad."
"Rival SUV-coupes better watch out, Audi is shaping up their contender which is slated for production in 2018. This is the Audi Q8 Sport Concept, and not only does it preview how the production Q8 will look like, it also showcases the mild hybrid powertrain that is likely to end up in future Audi models.\nAlthough this is not the first time the concept Q8 was shown to the public, earlier this year Audi unveiled the \nQ8 Concept\n at the \n2017 Detroit Motor Show\n. This krypton orange car you see here is the more powerful \nQ8 Sport Concept\n, which is sort of like an SQ8 in concept form.\nWhile the Q8 Concept in Detroit was a plug-in hybrid generating 328 hp, the Q8 Sport Concept delivers\n 476 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n from its rather unique powertrain which consists of a \n3.0-litre petrol V6\n and an \nElectric Powered Compressor\n (EPC). Audi claims it\u2019s a world\u2019s first, but the same setup has already been used in the \nSQ7\n, except that it\u2019s\u00a0paired to a 4.0-litre diesel V8.\nPowered by a \n48-volt system\n, the EPC effectively assists the twin turbos during quick burst of acceleration for a lag-free sprint. It gets from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n4.7 seconds\n, and to a \ntop speed\n of \n275 km/h\n. Despite those fast figures, Audi said the Q8 Sport Concept will cover \nmore than 1,200 km\n from its 85-litre tank of petrol, thanks to its mild hybrid setup with a \n20 kW electric motor\n.\nAs far as looks goes, the Q8 Sport Concept is pretty much a blinged-up production Q8. Downsize those \n23-inch wheels\n and slap on some proper doorhandles and side mirrors and you\u2019re basically set. It\u2019s a better-looking beast than the \nQ7\n, and even though it goes against the likes of \nBMW X6\n and \nMercedes-Benz GLE Coupe\n, the Q8 doesn\u2019t have that weird sloping roofline.\nInside, Audi has reduced the button count on the dash, replacing it with touch panels and two screens, each the size of a tablet. There\u2019s only seating for four inside but the boot is said to offer 630 litres worth of space.\nSo what do you guys think? Would you still get an X6 or the GLE Coupe? Or would you rather wait until next year for the Audi Q8?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Automobili Lamborghini after unveiling the \nLamborghini Urus,\n a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powered super SUV, fans of the Italian supercar maker were concerned that future Lamborghini super-sports cars will join the impending fate of forced induction.\nWell, according to the company\u2019s Technical Director, Maurizio Reggiani, he intends to resist any pressure to slash the number of cylinders for turbochargers.\nIn a report by \nAutoCar UK\n, Reggiani explained: \u201cEvery car has a mission, and based on that mission you have to choose the right engine. For the [Urus SUV] the decision was turbo, but we will continue to opt for naturally-aspirated engines for the super-sports cars. In the future, we will need to take into account fuel consumption and emissions. I am convinced the naturally-aspirated engine coupled with a hybrid system can be the right answer.\u201d\nThis is in line with a previous report that the Huracan replacement, due in 2022, will feature a \nplug-in hybrid powertrain\n to combat the tightening emission regulations. Electrification seems to be the most plausible route to maintain the V10/V12 naturally aspirated mills while keeping emissions low.\nReggiani said,\u201cWe need to reinvent this icon without [losing] the characteristics of the current car: carbon fibre, the V12 naturally-aspirated engines and other components. Looking forward, if it is a hybrid then in what ways can we compensate for its weight?\u201d\nIn late 2017, Lamborghini unveiled an \nall-electric Terzo Millennio concept\n that showcased their plans of using innovative supercapacitor and cutting-edge weight-saving materials. The company is currently working with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop a carbon fibre bodywork that can act as a storage battery as well as superconductors. Hopefully, the research yields positive results for us to continue to enjoy the melody of a naturally-aspirated Lamborghini.\nTo prove his commitment, Reggiani concluded, \u201cThe reaction you have to a 10-cylinder engine you cannot have from any other kind of engine. This is what our customers love. Why do I need to do something different? If I trust in the naturally-aspirated engines, why downgrade my powertrain to a V8 or V6? I am Lamborghini, I am the top of the pinnacle of super-sports cars. I want to stay where I am.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLamborghini Terzo Millennio concept"
"Just six months after the \nBMW F16 X6\n was revealed to the world, the Munich carmaker has introduced a new line of \nM Performance Parts\n for the second generation Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).   The parts include enhancements for the exterior, interior as well as a slight bump in engine output, so it\u2019s not all just for shows. Outside, there\u2019s the \nAerodynamic Package\n,\u00a0granting functional body parts such as the carbon front splitter, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, rear fins and rear side flaps all painted in gloss black.\nComplementing the exterior package are carbon mirror caps, four different lightweight 21-inch wheels wrapped with run flat tyres, 19-inch ventilated lightweight brake discs and calipers painted in blue, as well as a \nnew exhaust system\n that improves gas channeling, and in so doing generates a throatier, meatier sounding exhaust note.   Inside, the package adds carbon trim to the gear knob, brushed stainless steel door sills with LED illumination (battery operated, no need for wire tapping), M Performance Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with carbon finish, stainless steel pedals and new floor mats with M Performance lettering.\nUnder the hood, the \nM Performance Power Kit\n comes with a \nnew ECU \n(Engine Control Unit)\u00a0with \nrevised engine mapping\n and a\u00a0\nlarger intercooler\n. As a result, the xDrive30d\u2019s \n3.0-litre turbodiesel\n now makes \n277 hp\n and \n585 Nm\n of torque, up from 258 hp and 560 Nm. It now sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds, \n0.2 seconds quicker\n than the standard xDrive30d.\nFor the xDrive35i, its \n3.0-litre petrol\n engine belts \n326 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n, up from 306 hp and 400 Nm. Century sprint is done in 5.9 seconds, an impressive \n0.5 seconds better\u00a0\nthan the regular variant. Despite the power increase, both X6s still return the \nexact fuel consumption\n figures as before.\nAlso thrown into the pack is BMW\u2019s M Performance Driver Analyser that allows owners to examine their driving style through the On-Board Diagnostic system. This software can be monitored from any compatible Andriod or iOS devices via a downloadable app, and connection is via Bluetooth.\nDeliveries of the F16 X6 has yet to begin, and to say that it will be making its way here is nothing more than a shot in the dark for now. But now that we\u2019ve seen the new X6 and its M Performance Parts, any takers here?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin has huge plans moving forward, and they are starting out by introducing one brand new model every year for the next seven years. The first of the seven is a grand tourer, the Aston Martin DB11.\nWearnes, Aston Martin\u2019s official Malaysian distributor, has just pulled the covers of the DB11 at their new showroom in the Ground Floor of Etiqa Twins, Jalan Pinang, KL.\u00a0The\u00a0state-of-the-art facility houses a showroom, Q by Aston Martin Personalisation and private customer lounges.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAston Martin DB11\nEngine\n5,204cc; Twin-turbo V12\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n599 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n700 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.9 seconds; 322 km/h\nPrice (After Tax)\nTBC\nThe DB11, popularly referred to as the James Bond car, is a replacement of the DB9 that has been in service for a good 13 years. However, this evolution of a classic masterpiece is not to be confused with the DB10 that appeared in the film\n Spectre\n. The DB11 is essentially the production version of the DB10 concept car.\nEXTERIOR\nIn the pursuit of an elegant design and maintaining top notch performance, Aston Martin revised the body panels and incorporated clever designs that provide proper visual and aerodynamic effects.\nThe front bumper that houses the LED headlamps features grilles and mesh designs that channel high pressure air out from the front wheel arches to reduce front-end lift. At the rear, in place of a large rear wing that compromises the DB\u2019s uninterrupted design flow, is an \nAston Martin AeroBlade\n. This AeroBlade is a combination of discrete functional designs that come together to channel airflow to an opening at the rear boot lid, thereby providing downforce.   As standard, the DB11 gets dual exhaust pipes and rides on 20-inch 10-spoke alloys wrapped with Bridgestone S007 tyres (255/40 sections at the front and 295/35 sections at the rear).\nHowever, Wearnes also offers Q by Aston Martin Personalisation Programme, where customers can customise everything from exterior colour to interior stitching and materials, all to their liking.\nINTERIOR\nAs expected of Aston Martin, the DB11 is exceptionally exquisite. Premium materials are used at every exposed panel and trim. Several notable features inside the DB11 include an 8-inch infotainment system with rotary dial, centre mounted gear selector buttons, crystal-finish push start button and a leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters.   AM also enhanced the GT capabilities of the DB11 by making some little tweaks that bring improved convenience. For example, the doors swing upwards ever so slightly (this solve the dreaded problem of hitting road kerbs), a boot space of\u00a0\n270 litres\n (that\u2019s more than a Mazda2 Hatchback) and fully integrated ISOFIX mounting points for the rear seats.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the 1,700kg DB11 is a \n5.2-litre twin-turbo V12\n mated to an \neight-speed\n ZF-sourced automatic transmission to produce a total of \n599 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels. As such, the 0-100 km/h sprint is done in \n3.9 seconds\n and tops out at \n322 km/h\n. This makes the DB11 the most powerful production DB model in the history of Aston Martin.   The GT car boasts a 51:49 front to rear weight distribution, allowing for an engaging driving experience. Drivers also get to alternate the damper settings to three different modes\u00a0\u2013 GT, Sport and Sport+ to suit any driving conditions.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe asking price of the DB11 has yet to be finalised but Wearnes expressed that it will be in excess of \nRM2 million\n inclusive of GST and taxes. However, with more than 3,000 global orders since its launch, the current waiting list for DB11\u2019s stretches well into 2017.\nAt Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, customers can personalise each car to their heart\u2019s content at the Q by Aston Martin Personalisation Programme. Wearnes also provides full after sales service to existing and new Aston Martin owners at their temporary service centre at Sungai Buloh. A dedicated Aston Martin Service Centre will be launched sometime soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Indulging in the cars as a hobby can come in various different forms and figures. While most commonly indulge in the real thing, some opt to invest their time and money in LEGO or Matchbox\u2019s while some take fancy in diecast models that either came ready made or in kit form.\nThen there\u2019s another level; Amalgam\u2019s model cars, more specifically its USD 15,000 (approx RM 64,000) Bugatti Veyron Vitesse. The 1:8 scale model Veyron Vitesse comes with functional air brakes as you\u2019d get in the actual car, LED lights and indicators, illuminated interior and many more features.\nEach is said to be built by hand with over 300 man hours to complete using proper CAD data supplied by Bugatti themselves to ensure that the features are as accurate as it can be. As fine car model manufacturers go, Amalgam is of the Rolls-Royce standard.\nEvery detail of the vehicle, whether inside or out, can be tailored to your every specific preference \u2013 from wheels, license plates to even the stitching on the seats. In terms of its classics, Amalgam even go to great lengths to locate the actual cars, digitally scan them to capture the precise dimensions of every part including engine, chassis and drivetrain. They also take between 600-800 photographs for a closer understanding of every inch of the car.\nWhile we\u2019re aware that most would pay approx RM 64,000 for timepieces and other luxury goods, would this be pushing the limits of sanity?\nSource: \nCar Throttle \n/ \u00a0\nCar Scoops\u00a0\nImage Credit:\n Amalgam Collection"
"With the \nfully-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class\n set to launch in 2024, time is indeed ticking for the V8-powered \nGelandewagens\n. So what do you do to honour a 30-year tradition? You make a swansong farewell edition, of course. This is the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition, and as the name suggests, it will be the last G-Class to come with a V8 engine.\nThe G 500 Final Edition marks the 30th birthday of the V8-powered luxury off-roader, and is limited to just 1,500 units. On the outside, the Mercedes-Benz G 500 \u201cFinal Edition\u201d comes with, well, \u2018Final Edition\u2019 badging all around, which you\u2019ll find plastered \u2013 quite inconspicuously, we should add \u2013 on the outer protective strip and the insert for the spare wheel cover.\nAs part of the Manufaktur logo package, the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition\u2019s doorknobs come with an embossed logo as well. The side-view mirrors also come with a logo projector, which projects the \u201cG\u201d logo, as well as the \u201cStronger Than Time\u201d lettering onto the asphalt when the car is stationary.\nRELATED: \n500,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class rolls off production line, EV model coming in 2024\nMany of the exterior garnishes, including the spare wheel ring and bumper trims at the back, now get a unique high-gloss chrome finish to contrast against the three specially-selected exterior colours: metallic obsidian black, Manufaktur opalith white magno, and Manufaktur olive magno, all limited to only 500 units each.\nWrapping up the exterior styling tweaks are the five-twin-spoke 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, with a high-sheen finish on the outside to contrast the black inserts. Uniquely for the Manufaktur olive magno colour variant, the black is instead swapped out for the same olive hue on its bodywork.\nOpen the doors of the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition and you will be greeted with the illuminated Final Edition lettering on the door sill trims. The lettering can also be found on the insert of the grab handle for passengers.\nStandard equipment that comes with the limited edition luxury off-roader includes a Burmester surround sound system, the Active Multicontour Seat Package Plus, as well as seats wrapped in two-tone Manufaktur Nappa leather. In fact, almost the entire interior is lined with Nappa leather, from the luggage compartment to the roof lining and the panels on the seat adjustment switches.\nThe centre section of the headliner is coloured to match the seat centre panel and features the same diamond design too. To complement the exterior and interior colours, the metallic obsidian black colour variant comes with a centre section finished in titanium grey pearl and black. The opalith white magno and olive magno variants, meanwhile, get centre sections finished in platinum white and black, as well as expresso brown and black respectively.\nJust to remind you of the car\u2019s exclusivity, the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition\u2019s key will come embedded with a genuine silver edition-specific plaque. In addition, buyers of the G500 Final Edition will also receive an exclusive indoor car cover with the \u201cStronger Than Time\u201d lettering.\nThe Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition can now be ordered with a price tag of \nEUR196,350\n (approx. \nRM998,907\n). Here in Malaysia, the fully-imported \nMercedes-Benz G 63\n is available for \nRM1,799,888\n on the road, without insurance.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQE SUV ROI open for Malaysia, EV with up to 590km range\nGALLERY"
"Last month, Audi introduced its version of the \nMerc-AMG A 45\n, but with slightly more power and admittedly better looks \u2013 the \nAudi RS 3 Sportback\n. It\u2019s also marginally quicker than the Affalterbach-bred mega hatch, but Audi is far from done.\nUnveiled on the prestigious floors of Geneva Motor Show is the Audi RS 3 Sedan, the first compact Audi model to ever be given the RS badge. Armed with the \nmost powerful five-cylinder engine\n in the world, the compact\u00a0Audi epitomises the saying \u201cgood things come in small packages\u201d. The all-aluminium\u00a0\n2.5-litre TFSI\n lump\u00a0is turbocharged to make\n 400 hp\n and\n 480 Nm\n of torque, sending it from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering \n4.1 seconds\n.   Peak torque is available from a lowly 1,700 revolutions, all the way to 5,850 rpm. Top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n as standard, but customers can request for the cap to be raised to \n280 km/h\n for a small sum. A sole \nseven-speed S tronic\n dual clutch transmission is standard, as is the quattro all-wheel drive system (hydraulic clutch). It\u2019s largely rear bias as well, with about 80 percent of power being sent rearward.   Just like the \nTT RS\n, it\u2019s underpinned by the ever flexible MQB platform of the VW Group. The RS duo represent the gnarliest variations to ever sit atop the MQB architecture, and if you were to race them on a circuit, the TT RS would outgun the RS 3 Sedan, but not by a huge margin. Standard here are RS-specific body kit, 19-inch RS wheels shod with 235/35 section tyres and RS interior embellishments.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the product launch of the \nlocally assembled Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line\n, the company also posted its performance report for the first half of 2018. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recorded yet another upward trend in sales and market share.\nIn the first six-months of 2018, the premium carmaker delivered 6,790 cars which reflects a 15 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. The main growth driver is still the locally assembled limousines (C, E & S-Class) with 4,322 units sold, 18 per cent more than the previous year.\nThe company\u2019s compact car range (A-Class, CLA & GLA) also recorded 20 per cent growth to 996 cars sold in the first half of the year. MBM sold 1,291 units (+4%) of SUVs and 181 units (+1%) of Dream Cars in the same period.\nMBM now commands a 2.5 per cent market share in Malaysia (up 0.2 per cent from the previous year), putting the three-pointed star as the number one premium brand in Malaysia. They also offer the most comprehensive range of premium cars in the country with 53 variants across 23 models."
"The all-new \n2023 Perodua Axia\n was just launched earlier this year, but it seemed like a manual variant was completely left out. However, \nPerodua\n hasn\u2019t actually forgotten about what Malaysians call the \u2018Kosong Spec\u2019 Axia E manual and has now introduced the return of the Perodua Axia E with an even cheaper price tag of \nRM22,000 \n(without insurance), making it once again the \u2018most affordable car\u2019 in the market.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, plus cashback at the end of your coverage. Head on over to\n\u00a0MotorTakaful.com\n\u00a0to find out more.\nPerodua says the price reduction is made possible by the support given by its vendors, suppliers, and the government, as well as some cost-saving measures. The 2023 Perodua Axia E, unlike its higher-spec siblings, isn\u2019t wearing the new DNGA \u2018costume\u2019, but is still mostly similar to before, both outside and in.\nThe only difference the 2023 Axia E gains on its exterior is the addition of the Granite Grey colour option. Colour options already available with the previous iteration of the Axia E like the Ivory White and Glittering Silver colours have been retained.\nThe rest of the car is pretty much the same as before. The side mirrors are still left unpainted, the turn signal indicators are still positioned on the fender instead of the side mirrors, and the car still sports 14-inch steel wheels like before. And, like the higher-spec DNGA-based Axias, the Axia E doesn\u2019t come with rear defoggers, nor a rear windscreen wiper. But one good news is that the projector headlamps are still here.\nRELATED: \nMIROS to assess Perodua Axia safety, no complaints received so far\nPerodua says this latest iteration of the Axia E is based on the 2017 facelift, which means design-wise, the 2023 Axia E pretty much looks the same as before.\nPowering the 2023 Perodua Axia E is the same 1KR-VE 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) 3-cylinder VVT-i engine like the previous gen Axia, and is paired with the good old 5-speed manual transmission. Power is, as expected, sent to the front wheels only, giving the Axia E a total of \n68 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n.\nInside the new Axia E, it\u2019s about the same story as before. In order to keep the prices down, parts like the dashboard centre console, and door trims are all left unpainted.\nThe fabric seats are here to stay and features that many might have taken for granted, such as the tachometer, vanity mirror on the driver\u2019s side, head unit, and speakers are still omitted, leaving owners the freedom to install their desired head units and speakers. However, the good news is that the powered windows are still here, and there is also a spare tire at the back too, which is certainly a convenient feature to have. There are also ISOFIX points in the rear seats.\nFor those who have been disappointed with the absence of safety features like ABS, EBD, and ESC in the previous Axia E, sorry folks, as it continues to be absent here with the new Axia E. Central locking is also still missing from this latest Axia E.\nThe rest of the safety kits list remains the same though. This means two airbags and a seatbelt reminder for the driver are still fitted as standard to this latest iteration of the Axia E.\nThe local carmaker has also ensured that the 2023 Axia E is certified with a 4-star ASEAN ANCAP rating by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS). And just like any new car, the Perodua Axia E comes with a 5-year/150,000 km manufacturer warranty, whichever comes first.\nPerodua is aiming to sell up to 1,500 units of the Axia E per month. This will include both individual owners and fleet sales. Bookings for the 2023 Perodua Axia E starts today.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThe Perodua Axia E has been market tested and proven over the years and we believe that this variant would serve its current role of giving motorcycle owners an opportunity to own a new car.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cBased on a discussion with local financial institutions, we found that it only takes RM300 per month to pay the hire purchase cost of owning the Axia E. This is the same cost that would take for someone to buy a brand new motorcycle on hire purchase.\u201d\nWhat do you think of the 2023 Perodua Axia E? Liking Perodua\u2019s decision for keeping the manual Axia alive? We believe the driving school instructors and manual purists certainly do. Anyhow, leave your thoughts down below!\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Perodua Axia review \u2013 Still the no-brainer budget car?\nGALLERY"
"You might call the built-in TikTok app in the new W214 \nMercedes-Benz\n \nE-Class\n a publicity stunt, but it actually does its job, which is attracting people\u2019s attention. \nBMW\n saw that and decided to go to a whole other level by launching the all-new \nBMW 5 Series\n with a built-in gaming platform.\nThis built-in gaming platform is possible thanks to \nBMW Group\n\u2019s\n partnership with AirConsole, an online video game platform, allowing the driver and passengers to play casual games while the vehicle is stationary. As odd as it might sound, this built-in gaming platform can actually be a good way to pass the time during long waits, like when the car is charging, for instance.\nSo how does the AirConsole in the BMW 5 Series or \ni5\n work? What you need is basically a smartphone, which acts as a controller, and a screen, which in this context is the new BMW 5 Series\u2019 Curved Display.\nAfter starting the AirConsole app in the vehicle itself, you can connect your smartphone to the car by just scanning a QR code on the Curved Display. To make the in-car gaming experience even more fun, the AirConsole app supports multiplayer too, allowing your passengers to play along with you using their smartphones.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5\nAs of now, BMW describes games that are available via the AirConsole gaming platform as \u2018casual games\u2019. Genres currently offered include racing, sports, quiz, music quiz games, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run, as well as puzzle games.\nThere are around 15 titles available to play from the start. This includes titles such as \u201cGo Kart Go\u201d, \u201cGolazo\u201d, \u201cMusic Guess\u201d, and \u201cOvercooked\u201d. BMW has also promised that the portfolio of available games will be continually expanded.\nJust in case the launch of the in-car gaming platform wasn\u2019t interesting enough, BMW even presented a BMW i5 with a unique gaming wrap. This was done to pay homage to the iconic 8-bit computer games, with its colour scheme inspired by games available on the AirConsole platform.\nIn addition to the new BMW 5 Series, the AirConsole app will also be made available for other BMW models. Among the models listed are the \nBMW 7 Series\n, \nBMW iX\n, and \nBMW i4\n produced after \nJuly 2023\n. The \nBMW X5\n, \nBMW X6\n, \nBMW X7\n, \nBMW XM\n, \nBMW X5 M\n, and the \nBMW X6 M\n produced after \nAugust 2023\n are also shortlisted.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app\nGALLERY"
"When the all-new \nAudi A4 B9\n made its local debut late last year, Audi Malaysia promised that a high-tech Tech Pack option will be made available for all variants sometime down the road. When the \n1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Quattro variants\n were introduced early April this year, only the 2.0 TFSI variant was available with the Tech Pack option.\nNow, Audi Malaysia has made the Tech Pack option available across the range, even on the 2.0 TFSI S-Line! For those of you who have been waiting to have your brand new A4 to come with extra high-tech creature comforts, be prepared to fork out an additional RM20k to RM25k.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi A4 1.4 TFSI Tech Pack\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI Tech Pack\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI S-Line Tech Pack\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tech Pack\nEngine\n1,395cc; inline-4 turbo with Audi valvelift system\n1,984cc; inline-4 turbo with Audi valvelift system\nTransmission\n7-speed S tronic (dual clutch automatic)\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n190 hp @ 4,200 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n252 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.5 seconds; 210 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 240 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM243,900\nRM273,900\nRM298,900\nRM334,900\nStarting with the entry level 1.4 TFSI Tech Pack, you get additional 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, MMI Navigation plus, Audi smartphone interface and reversing camera for RM25k extra over the bog standard 1.4 TFSI variant. Unfortunately, no swanky Matrix LED headlamps for the entry level A4.\nPreviously, you can only have the 2.0 TFSI (front-wheel drive) exclusively in either with S-Line or Tech Pack only. Now, Audi Malaysia has made both options available for the 2.0 TFSI S-Line Tech Pack which now comes with S-Line body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, S-Line sport leather steering wheel, S-Line seats as well as Matrix LED headlamps. It also gets all the Tech Pack kit like the 1.4 TFSI. All these, yours for \nRM298,900\n.\nLastly, stepping up to the 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tech Pack, for RM20k more, you get Matrix LED taillamps and a 755W 19-speaker B&O Surround Sound System.\nMechanically the A4 B9 range remains available with three engine choices \u2013 1.4-litre TFSI with \n150 hp\n/\n250 Nm\n, 2.0-litre TFSI with \n190 hp\n/\n320 Nm\n and a 2.0-litre TFSI with \n252 hp\n/\n370 Nm\n. All engine options are mated to a 7-speed S Tronic transmission.\nAs a bonus, the 1.4 TFSI Tech Pack, 2.0 TFSI S-Line Tech Pack as well as the 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tech Pack will enjoy a special introductory price of RM 224,900, RM 274,900 and RM 314,900, respectively. All A4 B9 comes with a 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty and are fully imported from Ingolstadt, Germany.\nWe had a short stint in the A4 B9 and we think that you need to take a good look at\u00a0\n2.0 TFSI Quattro S-Line\n. But before jumping the gun on this premium compact sedan, maybe you should\u00a0\nconsider whether the Audi A4 B9 worth considering over a 3-Series, C-Class and S60\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The governments of both Malaysia and Singapore today officially reopened the Johor Causeway to allow travelling between the countries for qualified individuals.\nThe 97-year-old Causeway, also known as Tambak Johor, was closed on \n18th March 2020\n as part of Malaysia\u2019s Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus. At its peak, over 400,000 users travel by all means of land transport including walking the 1,000-metre long bridge.\nSource: Twitter/\nMinistryofTransport Malaysia\nThe opening of the Causeway today is a significant step towards normalcy for both nations. Called Vaccinated Travel Lane via land crossing (VTL-Land), travelling is only limited to bus transportation with a daily quota not exceeding 1,500 travellers.\nThe VTL aims to facilitate seamless movement integrating strict and rigorous health protocols, security, immigration clearance as well as quarantine-free travelling. At this initial stage, only the Larkin Sentral Bus terminal in Malaysia and the Queen Street Terminal in Singapore have been designated as boarding and disembarkation points.\nSource: Twitter/\nMinistryofTransport Malaysia\nThe Honda City Hatchback isn\u2019t offered in Singapore, instead, they continue to offer the Jazz/Fit. Check it out here!\nOnly fully-vaccinated individuals who are permanent residents or long-term pass holders of the country they are entering will be able to cross the Causeway without the need for quarantine under the VTL Land. Not surprisingly, travellers must have a negative result on the Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) two days before the departure. \u00a0\nBoth governments will continue to monitor and assess the movement of people across the Causeway and increase the quota and bus capacities when the conditions allow. Travellers can visit the web portals for Malaysia (\nMySafeTravel\n) or Singapore (\nSafeTravel\n) for more detailed information and FAQs regarding travelling between the two countries."
"Just days after posting teaser information and images, BMW Malaysia has officially released the specifications and estimated pricing of the new BMW 5 Series facelift. The executive sedan will only be available with the 30-series powertrain designation, either just petrol propulsion or plug-in hybrid.\nBoth variants of the BMW 5 Series facelift, only in M Sport line, will be locally-assembled here in Malaysia, with an \nestimated\n price of \nRM343,000\n and \nRM396,000\n respectively for the 530e PHEV and 530i, both on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales and service tax.\nThe entry-level \nBMW 520i\n will not be available for now.\nEXTERIOR\nComplete with the M Aerodynamics package, the new models are now fitted with larger kidney grilles (wider, taller but positioned lower) and slimmer headlight clusters with a new twin-L-shaped DRLs.\nAt the back, the lighting units get new 3D housing, featuring a new C-shaped light signature that integrates both the taillights and brake lights into a single lighting fixture.\nAs standard, both the 530e and 530i get the following exterior features:\nFull M Aerodynamics package\n19\u2033 M light-alloy wheels Y-spoke style 845 M Bicolour with staggered sizing runflat tyres\nAdaptive suspension\nBlue painted M Sport brake calipers\nPowered boot with hands-free operation\nDual trapezoidal exhaust outlets\nThe 530e gets Adaptive LED Matrix headlamps and gloss black window surround (Shadowline in BMW lingo), while the more expensive 530i gets blue-accented BMW Laserlight technology, aluminium satinated surround and a tilt-and-slide moonroof.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned earlier, the new 5 Series facelift currently will only be offered in the 30-series powertrain designation of the PHEV and the regular petrol-only driving force. The is the same powertrain strategy (one PHEV and one conventional engine) seen in the recently launched MINI Cooper \nCountryman facelift\n.\nBMW 530e M Sport\nPowerplant: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, updated eDrive plug-in hybrid, \nXtra Boost +40 hp\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Rear-wheel drive\nTotal combined system max horsepower: 292 hp\nTotal combined system max torque: 420 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds\nTop speed: 235 km/h\nAll-electric range:\n 67 km\n (NEDC)\nBMW 530i M Sport\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Rear-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 252 hp\nMax torque: 350 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 6.4 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nThanks to the fitment of the larger 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack placed under the rear seats, the new 530e can travel up to \n67 kilometres\n of zero local emissions. A larger battery means a slightly longer charging time to reach full capacity, requiring 3 hours and 35 minutes via the BMW i Wallbox or under six hours via a domestic household socket.\nNewer niceties that were added into the \nThai market\n facelifted models such as the soft-closing doors, BMW Digital Key and rear-wheel steering are not available for our Kulim-assembled models. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nINTERIOR\nInside, both variants of the new BMW 5 Series feature all the goodies from the M Sport package. There are items such as:\nSport front seats\nM leather steering wheel and foot pedals\nBlack headliner\nTrim panels finished in Aluminium Rhombicle.\nBMW Live Cockpit Professional, Operating System 7, two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays\nHigh-gloss black centre console switches\nBMW Intelligent Personal Assistant\n4G LTE connectivity with Software Upgrade over-the-air (OTA) map updates for the navigation system\nAutomatic air-conditioning with 4-zone control\nSmartphone charger\nWith the voice-command function labelled as BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, functions that can be accessed and controlled via the natural voice include phone calls, temperature adjustment, navigation, windshield heating, movement of the sunshade and automatically lowering of all windows.\nThe BMW 530i M Sport is set further apart from the PHEV variant through the addition of a head-up display (HUD), BMW Display Key, BMW Gesture Control and Harman Kardon surround sound system.\nAdvanced Driving Assists System (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot and lane departure warning plus rear collision prevention are found in both variants, while the adaptive cruise control with stop and go function is only found in the 530i M Sport.\nPRICING\nThe new BMW 5 Series facelift models are provided with an estimated price in Malaysia as follows:\nBMW 530e M Sport: \nRM343,000\nBMW 530i M Sport: \nRM396,000\nBoth price-estimates above are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales and service tax. Also included in the price is a five-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, BMW Service Online as well as a 5-year roadside assistance programme. Best to \ndrop a note\n to your preferred dealer on more information regarding the availability of the new facelifted BMW 5 Series.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW 530e M Sport and the BMW 530i M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM3,808 and RM4,398 respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).\nGALLERY\n (International model)"
"BMW Group Thailand in partnership with the DR\u00c4XLMAIER Group, one of the world\u2019s leading automotive suppliers and a partner of BMW Group since 1966, is now locally-assembling high-voltage batteries in a dedicated plant in Chonburi to cater to the local production of PHEVs.\nThe 500 million baht high-voltage battery assembly plant is \nassembling both battery modules and the battery itself\n.\nIn keeping to BMW Group\u2019s high standards of quality, experts from BMW Group Munich have been involved throughout the process in order to set up a solid foundation for the future.\nThose involved in the production have undergone training in the aspects of battery production, e-drive production and e-drivetrains \u2013 allowing them to appropriately apply cutting-edge production technologies such as laser welding, plasma activation, robotics etc.\n \nThe fully assembled batteries will then be transported to BMW Group Thailand\u2019s Plant Rayong for the production of BMW 5 Series PHEVs \u2013 in this case the \n530e\n.\nSince 2017, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand has assembled four BMW plug-in hybdrids at Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong province.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the \nnew locally assembled variants of the GLA\n \u2013 the G200 Progressive line from \nRM232,379\n and GLA 250 AMG Line from \nRM266,164\n.\nThe GLA 200 Progressive Line gets a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with 163 hp and 250 Nm paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. On the other hand, the GLA 250 AMG Line gets a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, paired to 8-speed dual clutch transmission with 224 hp and 350 Nm. The latter can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds!\n \nThe exterior remains unchanged for both variants, with the A250 wearing a sportier AMG Line body kit, 19-inch wheels and lowered suspension. The GLA 250 also sports a completely different shape and design for the front grille; trapezoid with chrome pins instead of the octagonal grille in the GLA 200.\nOn the inside, both variants still come with a single zone air conditioning system unlike the A Class Sedan which has been upgraded with a dual zone system. It goes without saying that the GLA 250 is furnished with a sportier interior made up of AMG floor mats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and seats with leather and suede upholstery.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line \nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line"
"Following \nProton\n\u2019s success of selling \n141,432 cars\n in 2022 (its highest sales number since 2013), Proton\u2019s financing arm, Proton Commerce Sdn. Bhd. Issued \n22,467 loans\n to Proton buyers in 2022. Eight months saw more than 2,000 monthly disbursements with September setting an all-time high of 2,872 disbursements.\nProton Commerce Sdn Bhd was incorporated in 2003 and is a joint venture between Proton Edar and CIMB, serving to provide financing for Proton buyers. In 2022, Proton Commerce saw a 54% growth from the previous year. In May and June last year, the approval rate was at an all-time high of 59%.\nThe financing arm was the leading financier for the \nProton Saga\n last year. In November 2022, Proton Commerce set a new highwater mark, being the financier of 32% of purchases of the Proton Saga.\nProton Commerce Chief Executive Officer, Moo Fi Phang said, \u201cProton faced a tough start to 2022 and this had a knock-on effect for Proton Commerce. However, we mounted a recovery and made up for lost ground to emerge with a new disbursement record. For 2023, we aim to grow our volume and approval rates even more by leveraging on the continued popularity of the current Proton model range as well as the introduction of new and updated models. Hopefully, this will propel us forwards to become the number one Proton financier.\u201d\nOne month into the new year, Proton Commerce has announced a new benefit for its customers. Effective immediately, the validity of Letters Of Undertaking (LOU) issued will be extended from 90 to 180 days making it more convenient for buyers of Proton models who face a long waiting time for the variant of their choice.\n\u201cAside from extending the validity of our LOUs, Proton Commerce will also honour the interest rate offered at the time of approval and as we offer fixed rate financing, our customers do not need to worry about increasing monthly payments. This will make it easier for Proton buyers waiting for their cars and help control their personal budgets,\u201d added Mooi Fi Phang.\nRELATED: \nProton sales up 118% since 2018 \u2013 5,100 average SUV sales per month"
"While Kia seems to be knocking it out of the park recently with its recent models such as the \nK5\n, \nSorento\n, and even the\n \nCarnival MPV\n, the new models are just step one of what Kia CEO Ho Sung Song calls \u201cPlan S\u201d.\nThe Plan S (the \u201cS\u201d stands for \u201cShift\u201d, apparently) initiative aims to develop the brand to become \u201cmore dynamic, stylish, and inventive,\u201d with a stronger emphasis on electric vehicles. Kia is planning a line-up of at least 11 EVs by the end of 2025 backed by a massive USD25 billion investment, and according to a report by \nAutomotive News\n, Plan S will be officially launched early next year.\nDriving Kia\u2019s paradigm shift is the brand\u2019s new logo, which is set to arrive on a production vehicle next year. The new logo was first sighted in a trademark filing in Korea back in December last year, and later unveiled officially on the \nImagine concept\n.\nIn an interview with the European publication, Song commented on the new logo: \u201cWe need something to initiate or drive that business paradigm into the new world. These days, we are transitioning to a new industry paradigm.\u201d\nKia Imagine concept.\nKia\u2019s new logo ditches the oval surrounds that have become synonymous with the brand since its inception, while the letterings have also been given a more modern, stylised treatment, and are all connected to each other. Song says that the new brand relaunch, together with its new logo, is meant to \u201cset up [its] new customer target\u201d.\nKia\u2019s big EV push will rely heavily on the\u00a0Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that is also shared with Hyundai to be used in its new \nIoniq sub-brand\n. The Hyundai Motor Group as a whole aims to sell 1 million units of BEVs annually by 2025, which should represent a 10% market share to become a leader in the global EV field."
"In 2017, Michelin\npresented its VISION concept at the Movin\u2019On Summit, highlighting their\ndedication and strategy for research and development of sustainable mobility\nsolutions. Now, the French tyre maker has shown its new generation of airless tyres\nfor passenger vehicles.\nThe Michelin Unique\nPuncture-proof Tyre System or Utips for short, is built upon the VISION concept\u2019s\nfour main pillars of innovation \u2013 airless, connected, 3D-printed and 100%\nsustainable (made entirely from renewable or bio-sourced materials).\nAt the centre is a composite\nand high-strength resin embedded fibreglass that can be compressed upon impact\n(going over undulations) and strong enough to maintain its structural integrity\non the move. This results in a completely airless tyre that eliminates the risks\nof puncture, flat tyres and blowouts.\nUtips can be fitted onto any regular wheels and can withstand the weight and speeds of passenger vehicles. On the prototype, the maximum speed was rated at 210 km/h. This airless tyre is also designed to cater for autonomous and fully electric cars when the need arises.\nNot only that, Utips\nwas designed to be near maintenance-free, reducing the need for inspecting tyre\npressure, damage and even rotations for even tread wear.\nBesides the safety benefits for passenger vehicles, operators of fleet vehicles are able to minimise downtime and improve operational efficiency resulting from the Utips puncture-proof and zero-maintenance characteristics.\n \nThese innovations combined\nresults in stunning levels of environmental savings as there are approximately\n200 million tyres worldwide are scrapped prematurely every year due to\npunctures, road hazard damage or uneven wear. Michelin envisions that Utips\nwill significantly cut down on environmental impact.\nUtips is currently undergoing\nprototype testing and validation. Michelin and General Motors (GM) have announced\na joint research agreement to accelerate the process and aims to introduce the\nfirst production ready Utips on passenger cars as early as 2024. Later this\nyear, Utips will undergo real-world testing on a test fleet of Chevrolet Bolt\nEVs in Michigan, USA.\nMichelin has already made great strides in the area of airless tyre technology with the Michelin Tweel back in 2014, an airless tyre for skid steer loaders and commercial vehicles. Watching the robustness and benefits of the Tweel in action, we can\u2019t wait for the first Utips to be used on passenger cars.\n \nIMAGE GALLERY\nMichelin Utips Airless Tyre Prototype"
"Barely less than a month since the introduction of the \nLotus Elise Cup 260\n, the lightest Elise of them all,\u00a0the relentless individuals from Hethel, UK has brought us yet another featherweight savage of a sportscar \u2013 this time the Exige Cup 430.\nThe Exige Cup 430 centres around a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with an output of \n430 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque. With a water-to-air charge cooler and a new Edelbrock supercharger, the engine pumps out 55 hp or 15% more power than the limited production Exige Cup 380 it succeeds.\nWeight, typical of Lotus\u2019 DNA is just a pip over a tonne at 1,059 kg \u2013 giving the Cup 430 a power-to-weight ratio of \n407 hp per tonne\n and to put things in perspective, this makes the Cup 430 \nfaster than a McLaren 570S Spider\n!\nRedline is 7,000 rpm \u2013 at every cog of its 6-speed, close-ratio manual gearbox with an open-gate design \u2013 complimentary of a new intake system and a larger throttle body. Also new is the oil cooler configuration and an uprated clutch to handle the ferocious power.\nAside from the new induction system and supercharger, the Cup 430 is enhanced with a \nhigh-flow titanium exhaust\n that not only saves 10kg of weight at the back, it also sprites up the V6\u2019s engine note.\nIt takes just \n3.3 seconds\n to a 100 km/h, plowing through to a top speed of\n 290 km/h\n with the aid of new aero kits harnessing all that power. The front is attached with a new ultra-lightweight front clam with unique carbon fibre ducts, wider radiator openings and a new mesh pattern grille along with a new front splitter and air curtain mechanism to reduce drag and turbulence generated by the front wheels.\nAt the back sits a new aluminium diffuser, crowned by an oversized carbon fibre rear wing to boost downforce. The body sits on new \nthree-way adjustable Nitron dampers\n tied in by Eiback adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars.\nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are the contact point of choice with the tarmac, matched with ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, either in red, black or silver. Tucked beneath them are \nfour-piston AP Racing\n brake calipers with two-piece J-hook disc brakes (front and back) with higher thermal capacity.\nThe theme of its interior is a reflection of the Cup 430\u2019s carbon fibre construction with visible weaves, handmade sections including a new lightweight carbon tub which houses a pair of Lotus bespoke carbon race seats. Door, centre console and dashboard trims are all wrapped in leather or tartan as an option.\nAlso a highlight of the interior is the six-position rotary switch which controls the variable traction control functions on the Cup 430. It allows for \nfive different presets\n \u2013 1% slip, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% as well as \u201coff\u201d \u2013 which are displayed on the instrument cluster.\nThe Exige Cup 430 is available as a series production car and is priced at \u00a399,800 (approx RM 549k)."
"Malaysians\u2019 new darling, the \nProton X50\n, has received exceptional demand since its launch \u2013 so much so that the waiting list for the B-segment SUV has now supposedly exceeded six months. If you can\u2019t wait to get your hands on Proton\u2019s latest and greatest, good news \u2013 you can now get yours delivered to you in just seven days, thanks to Flux!\nThe \nsubscription service\n is now offering the Proton X50 in Flagship or Premium trims, with a choice of Snow White, Jet Grey, and Passion Red colours. Subscription plans starts from \nRM1,995 per month\n for a 36-month plan, which includes road tax, insurance, as well as maintenance and wear and tear.\nWith Flux\u2019s concierge service, you won\u2019t even have to worry about sending your cars to service \u2013 Flux\u2019s personnel will pick-up and return the car right to your door step. Additionally, all Flux cars also come with 24/7 nationwide unlimited roadside assistance, emergency dispatch services, and car theft recovery.\nAt the end of your subscription, you will also be given the opportunity to purchase the car at a guaranteed future value (GFV) of RM78,000 under Flux\u2019s \nSubscribe to Own programme\n. If you\u2019re looking to offload your current vehicle before subscribing to the X50, the Flux Concierge team can also assist in getting your car evaluated and sold at an agreed transaction price.\nFor business customers, the Proton X50 is also available for corporate subscription through \nFlux Business Class\n.\nInterested? The Proton X50 can now be reserved through Flux\u2019s website here \u2013 the company says that you\u2019ll be able to drive the car before the New Year. If you prefer a larger car, the \nProton X70 is also available through Flux\n."
"Volkswagen has resurrected the legendary Microbus with some modern engineering and tons of electricity. No, this is not Frankenstein but instead, it\u2019s the new Budd-e\u00a0concept; a new all-wheel driven electric-powered MPV which debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.\nThe Budd-e concept is VW\u00a0Braunschweig R&D\u2019s (Volkswagen\u2019s EV specialist) first creation, a move that follows in the footsteps of subsidiaries \nAudi\n and \nPorsche\n. The Budd-e\u2019s shape is an inspiration from the earlier \nBulli concept\n back in 2011. Based on Volkswagen\u00a0new \nMEB platform\n\u00a0(short for Modular Electric Platform) that\u2019s specially crafted for their EVs, the concept\u2019s dimension is at\u00a04,597mm long, 1,940mm wide and 1,835mm tall. Wheelbase is considerably lengthy at 3,151mm.\nThe Budd-e concept is powered by \ntwo\u00a0brushless electric motors\n \u2013\u00a0one at the front and the other at the back. Together, both motors generate\u00a0\n302 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n490 Nm\n of torque. Performance for this MPV is impressive; Volkswagen claims it\u2019ll do the century sprint in under\n 7.0\u00a0seconds\n, whereas max speed is rated at 180km/h. These numbers can certainly match any modern internal combustion engines, but it does so without producing any sort of greenhouse gasses!\nVolkswagen has also developed a new lithium-ion battery technology which improves the range of up to\n 532km\n\u00a0(based on European test cycle).\u00a0Underneath the MPV lies a\u00a0\n94.6 kWh\n battery pack which is integrated\u00a0within the floor structure. The battery boasts \nfast charging capabilities\n and is apparently able to reach from 0 to 80 percent charge in \njust 15 minutes\n!\nOn the inside, a flat digital instrument is seen, which looks like an extension of Virtual Cockpit as seen in recent Audis. In fact, it\u2019s an\u00a0internet-enabled infotainment hub that will reportedly be integrated into the standard gauge cluster and infotainment system.\nAlso to note: buttons are a thing of the past, according to this concept. They\u2019re replaced by \ngesture controls\n and smooth touchscreen surfaces. This means the passenger\u2019s hand motions\u00a0could be used to operate the car either by opening the Budd-e\u2019s doors, starting the engine or activating the seat ejection to rid of the passenger you hate most. We\u2019re kidding with the last one, though.\n \n \nNot only that, but the Budd-e\u2019s onboard tech can also send reminders to the driver or passengers via their mobile devices should they leave any personal belongings in the car.\u00a0The standard rear view mirror is gone too, and it\u2019s replaced by an \u201c\ne-Mirror\n\u201d that feeds visuals from the rear through dedicated display panels.\nThe future for this Budd-e concept is surely a budding one, and could well pave the way for how families will be transported in the future. Volkswagen\u2019s iconic models such as the Beetle and the Golf have already received their successors, and it\u2019s about time the Microbus gets one. We hope the Budd-e will be that. Fingers crossed!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The recently concluded Superbowl, an American blue-ribbon sporting event, broadcasted the latest trailer from the Fast and Furious franchise.\nFor those familiar with the series and the upcoming movie, the new trailer does not reveal new material, apart from an innocent-looking, fully-original Toyota GT86 being lifted, turned sideways and dragged through a building into an awaiting lorry.\n \nThe ninth instalment, called \u201c\nF9 \u2013 The Fast Saga\n\u201d, sees the series-debut of \nJohn Cena\n, playing Jakob, the antagonist role of Dominic Toretto\u2019s (Vin Diesel) estranged brother. Both Jakob and cyberterrorist \u2018Cypher\u2019 plans an act of revenge on Dominic and his team.\nJakob is also said to be incredibly good behind the wheel too so expect plenty of over-the-top vehicular stunts between the two male stars.\nAnother much talked about plot hole in this F9 movie is \nthe return of Han\n, played by Sung Kang. Han was last seen in the sixth instalment where his character was presumed killed by Jason Statham\u2019s Shaw in Tokyo.\nA snippet in the earlier trailer (2020) showed him regrouping with the gang as well as doing a quick power slide in a \nToyota GR Supra\n that has the same black-on-orange two-tone as his wrecked \nMazda RX-7 Veilside\n.\nThe action-packed movie that features plenty of cars and their destruction is scheduled to be released in the US on \n28 May\n.\nSource : \nUniversal Studios\n/\nThe Fast Saga"
"While it is unlikely that the full cast of Formula 1 drivers will feature in the hastily arranged \nF1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series\n, scheduled to happen at the same time as the races which had been called off, the virtual races are nevertheless a welcome reprieve from the already decimated 2020 Formula 1 season, and it starts this Sunday (or \nearly Monday morning 4.00 am\n for Malaysians).\nThe virtual series will be based on \nthe official F1 2019 PC video game\n developed by \nCodemaster \nand will run \nhalf the length of a normal race\n, i.e. 28 laps of the Sakhir circuit \u2013 the (virtual) venue of the \nBahrain GP.\nAs not all F1 drivers are into Esports, the game settings will run cars with \nequal performance\n and fixed setups, reduced vehicle damage, and optional anti-lock brakes and traction control for drivers who may not be familiar with the game.\n \nRegular Esports exponents such as \nMax Verstappen\n and \nLando Norris\n will start as favourites but expect top Esports drivers and reserve team drivers who are typically tasked with simulator duties to give them a hard time. The virtual Bahrain GP is expected to last \nan hour and half\n, and you can catch it on \nFormula 1\u2019s official YouTube channel\n, \nTwitch \nand \nFacebook page\n."
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has announced a new promotion campaign for the Ford Ranger WildTrak to provide customers with more savings during their vehicle purchase.\nStarting from 15 April 2020, customers who purchase the \nFord Ranger 2.0L WildTrak 4\u00d74 (RM144,888)\n will receive a \nRM7,000 cash rebate\n. The promotion will be ongoing until further notice.\nSDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said, \u201cWe know that the Ford Ranger WildTrak has always been a crowd favourite. [.] We hope that this [promotion] would lessen the financial burden for customers who are considering to be a proud Ford Ranger WildTrak owner.\u201d\nThe WildTrak 4\u00d74 is the range-topping variant in the\n \nFord Ranger line-up\n (excluding the \nRanger Raptor\n). Under the hood is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbodiesel engine, generating \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.\nFor those looking for the XLT variants, there is also an ongoing \nXLT Family promotion\n, with savings of \nup to RM9,000\n on specific variants. The XLT Family campaign will run until the \n31st of May 2020\n.\nCustomers interested in any of the ongoing promotions during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period can direct their queries through the \nFord Digital Salesperson\n \u2013 a WhatsApp live chat to link you to their nearest Ford authorised salesperson. The Ford Digital Salesperson service is available from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday."
"The first-ever G28 BMW 330Li M Sport has just arrived in Malaysia following its release in \nChina\n, India, and most recently in Thailand. Priced at an estimated \nRM 300,800\n on-the-road before insurance, the long-wheelbase 3-Series will be accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service.\nUnder the hood is a 3.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder just like the one you find in the s\ntandard 330i we reviewed\n, with no changes in output figures. You still get\n 258 hp \nand \n400 Nm\n, however, the 330Li\u2019s 0 to 100 km/h time is 0.4 seconds slower than the \nstandard 330i\n at 6.2 seconds.\n \nThat\u2019s primarily down to the additional weight the 330Li is carrying as it is \nan extra 110 mm longer than the standard 330i. Unlike the standard 330i, the long-wheelbase\n model also comes with better looking (in our opinion) 18-inch style 848 light-alloy wheels, wrapped with run flat tyres.\nThe additional length in wheelbase also means the 330Li\u2019s boot is 10 litres larger than the standard 330i at 480 litres.\nInside, the \u201cluxury compact limo\u201d feel is further enhanced with 3-zone air conditioning, a light bar behind the front seats, a 10-speaker sound system, and a massive panoramic sunroof!\nFor more details on the 330Li, click \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"We all know that white, silver, and black are the most popular colours on cars \u2013 you don\u2019t need a study to tell you that (although there\u2019s \nat least one every year\n), just take a look outside your window. They\u2019re not the most exciting of colours, but most people will tell you they chose that because it\u2019s \u201csafe\u201d, thus retaining more value when it\u2019s time to sell.\nWell. as it turns out, that might not be the case in actuality. According to a study done by \niSeeCars.com\n, cars with funky colours such as yellow, beige (yes,\n beige\n), and orange might actually have a higher resale value compared to the traditionally safe colours. Yes, we know, we\u2019ll give you a moment to gather your thoughts.\nAccording to the study, which compared the prices of more than six million new and used cars between 2017 and 2020 in the United States, Yellow ranked first with an average depreciation rate of 20.4% after three years, while white, black and silver cars all hovered around the average mark at 37.6%.\nSo why are people still buying these boring colours? Here\u2019s \niSeeCars\n Executive Analyst Karl Brauer\u2019s take: \u201cThere\u2019s a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy going on here, with many consumers picking these mainstream colours not because they like them, but because they assume everyone else does.\n\u201cBecause there are so many of these vehicles in the used car marketplace, buyers can shop around more easily if they\u2019re interested in these colours, reducing the amount of pricing power for dealers,\u201d said Brauer. \u201cThis means black, white, and silver are the safe colours to buy if you\u2019re satisfied with average value retention, but not if you\u2019re trying to do better than average.\u201d\nWhat that essentially means is that because fewer people are buying these colours on new cars, the number of these funky-coloured cars on second-hand markets are also lesser \u2013 and as we all know, high demand plus low supply equals to higher price.\nGreen is the best car colour. Why? Just take a look at the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio QV.\nMoreover, colours like orange are more frequently found on higher performance or special-edition models, and that usually means they come in even more limited quantities, making them hold their value better.\nHowever, just scarcity itself isn\u2019t an accurate-enough indication of how well a car will hold their values. The three car colours with the highest depreciation rate in the study \u2013 purple, brown, and gold \u2013 also have some of the lowest market share, but depreciate far worse than average.\nHere\u2019s a \u201cregular\u201d car that\u2019s available in Orange \u2013 the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo\n\u201cIf a colour doesn\u2019t resonate with enough used car shoppers, it will hurt resale value \u2013 even if it\u2019s uncommon,\u201d added Brauer. The effect of that is even more apparent when you factor in the car\u2019s body style and types. For example, orange SUVs might hold their values well, but they depreciate significantly worse on sedans compared to other colours.\nThe study isn\u2019t completely infallible, either. There are just too many variables to reliably assess resale value based solely off of one factor \u2013 car colours aren\u2019t distributed across carmakers, types, models, and trims. Perhaps a better comparison would be how a yellow \nPorsche 911\n compares to a blue one, or how a red \nHonda HR-V\n compares to a white one.\nThis Nissan GT-R R34 is priced at RM2 million, partly thanks to its Millenium Jade colour \u2013 only 156 V-Spec II Nur editions were ever made in that hue\nSo with all that being said, what colour should you buy for your car? We think that you should just buy the colour (and car) that you like, enjoy the car, and get over the whole hoo-hah on resale values.\nIn our experience, car colour rarely alter the second-hand value \nthat\n much anyway, perhaps at most a few thousand Ringgits. What matters more is usually the condition of the car, so as long as you take care of them properly, you\u2019ll be golden.\n[Source: iSeeCar via \nlifehacker\n]"
"While \nVolvo\n has just released an official teaser video for the \nVolvo EX30\n, its upcoming small electric SUV, patent images of the car have surfaced on the internet. The Volvo EX30 is set to make its world premiere on June 7, 2023.\nSize-wise the Volvo EX30 is reportedly smaller than the XC40, as the numbers in its name suggest. Based on the leaked patent images, the EX30 has an uncanny resemblance to the \nEX90\n, which is Volvo\u2019s first electric car in the \u201cEX\u201d series. Prior to the EX90, Volvo\u2019s electric cars only consisted of the \nXC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n and the \nC40\n.\nUnlike the EX90, the EX30 doesn\u2019t seem to feature any roof lidar, at least based on the leaked patent images. Like the EX90, the Volvo EX30 features an evolved version of the \u201cThor\u2019s hammer\u201d daytime running lights up front. Being an electric car, the front end is closed off and smooth although the leaked patent image doesn\u2019t sport the Volvo emblem.\nThe leaked patent images also suggest a dual-tone colour scheme for the EX30, with its roof being in a darker shade. As futuristic as it may look, the EX30 still sports good old side-view mirrors instead of side-view cameras. Although the bonnet may never be opened by its actual users, the EX30 sports a clamshell bonnet design.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EX30 EV SUV teased, June 7 world premiere \u2013 Something small is coming\nOn the side, the EX30 sports a rather typical SUV profile, albeit with a slightly sloping roofline. The door handles are conventional (as opposed to flush door handles on some EVs) and the charging port is located on the rear left panel of the car.\nAt the back, the EX30 again draws inspiration from the EX90, featuring a vertical taillight element on the rear windscreen and a separate taillight cluster with a clamp-like design. The EX30 also appears to come with a roof spoiler as standard.\n \nSet to make its world premiere on June 7, 2023, the Volvo EX30 will be the brand\u2019s 4th electric car after the EX90, C40, and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. The EX30 had already been teased by Volvo since late last year during the unveiling of the Volvo EX90.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 and XC40 update: RWD, over 500km range, 200kW charging\nGALLERY"
"As if it\u2019s not depressing enough not being able to own a Mercedes-AMG, there\u2019s now an \u201cAMG cool kids club\u201d you can\u2019t be apart of.\nIt\u2019s called the\u00a0AMG Owners Community Malaysia (AOCM) and it\u2019s the latest initiative by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), launched recently at Hap Seng Star\u2019s Balakong Autohaus, to make it worth your while even more, for being a Mercedes-AMG owner.\nBeing a member of this \u201celite social circle\u201d with over 200 members not only allows like-minded enthusiasts to share their horsepower increments and fancy new chrome wraps but also offers privileges to driving events, product previews, exclusive motorsport events and unique collectibles.\n\u201cIt gives us great pleasure to welcome our Mercedes-AMG owners to join The World\u2019s Fastest Family via the AMG Owners Community Malaysia, where the cost of membership is nothing more than ownership and enjoyment of your Mercedes-AMG automobile,\u201d said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Sales and Marketing, Vice President, Mark Raine.\nOwners who register new Mercedes-AMG vehicles, as well as existing owners who sign up from now until 30th of November 2018, will receive a \u201cWelcome Pack\u201d which includes a numbered member card, car sticker, custom-designed polo-shirt and laser-engraved paperweight.\nIf this isn\u2019t good enough a motivation for you to stop procrastinating and get back to work, I don\u2019t know what else is.\nMBM also introduced the Performance Agility Care, where customers now can drive home a Mercedes-AMG with flexible financing solutions along with a service and maintenance package. For a limited time, the first few customers will receive an exclusive Mercedes-AMG merchandise package worth RM 5,000. Campaign ends on 31st of October 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new seventh-generation\nBMW 3 Series is now pricier than ever in Malaysia due to its fully imported origins.\nBut GC Mah thinks that the BMW 330i M Sport is still very much the most\ndesirable premium sports sedan on the market today.\n \nDressed in the full M Sport kit, the 330i is powered by a B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Drive is transferred to the rear wheels via a smooth shifting ZF 8-speed automatic to allow the 330i to go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.8 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of\n 250 km/h\n.\nWhile it may lack in\nthe Advanced Driver Assistance and comes with small-ish 18-inch alloys, the 330i\nM Sport still has some party tricks up its sleeve like the BMW Digital Key,\nReverse Assist and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command feature."
"Volvo has announced that their first fully electric vehicle will be an \nXC40\n, and it\u2019s set to be unveiled on October 16th!\u00a0\nIn true Volvo tradition, the Swedish marquee is promising the electrified XC40 to be one of the safest car on the road, regardless of what is powering the car.\nHowever, converting an existing car to a fully electric model poses certain challenges. Built on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) which was originally developed for an internal combustion engine, Volvo had to completely redesign the front structure to accommodate the lack of an engine in the front.\u00a0\nAdditionally, Volvo also developed a \u201cunique\u201d safety structure for the batteries, forming an aluminium cage extruded from the body structure. This new structure will act as a crumple zone for the batteries, reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion of the battery due to damage.\u00a0\nHaving the batteries on the floor added the benefit of a lower centre of gravity, which helps protect the SUV from rollovers.\u00a0\nMeanwhile, Volvo has also strengthened the structure at the back by integrating the electric powertrain into the structure of the car to better distribute any brunt force away from the passenger cell.\u00a0\nOn the active safety systems front, the electrified XC40 will be the first Volvo model to feature the new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensor platform, with software developed by Zenuity, the joint venture between Volvo Cars and Veoneer.\u00a0\nThe new ADAS platform is a scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Due to it\u2019s scalable nature, Volvo is able to develop the system further and lay the foundation for future autonomous driving technology.\u00a0\nThe Geely-owned carmaker has planned to launch five pure electric vehicles between 2019 an 2025, and targets to sell a total of \none million electric cars by the end of 2025\n."
"Daimler unveiled the third generation smart \nfortwo\n in Berlin, along with the first rear-wheel driven \nforfour\n. Developed in partnership with Renault, the new fortwo and forfour share the base \nrear-engine\n and \nrear-wheel drive\n architecture as seen on the Renault Twingo. While the previous fortwo has always been rear wheel drive, this is a first for the forfour as the previous forfour was related to the Mitsubishi Colt that came in front-engine and front wheel drive format.\nPowering the fortwo and forfour are a new range of three-cylinder engines mounted at the back of the vehicle. Two engines are available at launch, a\n 999cc three-cylinder\n produces \n71hp\n and \n91Nm\n of torque, and another one is an\n 898cc turbocharged three-cylinder\n with\n 90hp\n and \n135Nm\n of torque. Another \n60hp\n powerplant will be added to the range afterwards. All the engines can be had with either a \nfive-speed manual\n or the\n twinamic six-speed dual clutch\n transmission.   The exterior, with new \nFUN.ctional\n design philosophy evolved the fortwo with elongated front section creating a \u201cone-and-a-half box\u201d design as opposed to the one-box design on the previous smart fortwo. The fortwo is still compact at \n2,690mm\n long,\n 1,660mm\n wide, and\n 1,550mm\n tall; while the forfour adds around \n800mm\n to the length. \nWheelbase\n on the fortwo and the forfour are\n 1,873mm\n and\n 2,494mm\n respectively.\nThe trademark \ntridion safety cell\n is still present on both fortwo and forfour making them recognizable as smart cars. Although new styling touches have been added such as the honeycomb pattern on the grille and lower intake and the U-shaped daytime running lights which also pulsates to greet the driver upon unlocking the vehicle. \nSplit-open tailgate\n is reserved only on the fortwo, but forfour is just as practical with its \nrear doors\n opening by almost \n90 degrees\n to ease access. Rear\n cargo space\n is \n260 litres\n in the fortwo and\n 185 litres\n in the forfour.\nThe wheel sizes are stagerred, with narrower front tyres and high outside wheel turn angle contributes to the \nsuper tight turning circle\n at only \n6.95m\n for the fortwo and\n 8.65m\n for the forfour. The chassis features \nMcPherson\n suspension at the front and \nDe-Dion\n rear axle, and the\n steering\n is \nmechanical rack-and-pinion\n type. The optional \nSports suspension\n adds\n firmer springs\n and drops the car \n10mm lower\n to the ground.\nOn the inside, \u201cloop\u201d design element is used on the dashboard and doors. The honeycomb pattern is repeated on the speaker holes, and most of the interior surface can be covered in different kinds if fabric. A hovering infotainment cluster reside in the middle, with controls available via the multifunction steering wheel. The optional \ntouchscreen multimedia system\n offers \nsmartphone integration\n, and a 240W (320W in the forfour)\n JBL sound system\n with eight (twelve in the forfour) speaker is also available on both cars.   Apart from the tridion safety cell, smart fortwo and forfour are equipped with front airbags, driver kneebag, side airbags, cruise control, ABS, ASR, and ESP; and also Crosswind Assist as standard. Forward collision warning and Lane Keeping Assist are also available on the options list.   The fortwo and forfour comes in three equipment lines called \npassion\n, \nprime\n, and \nproxy\n; but at launch there\u2019s the limited \nedition #1\n with lava orange tridion cell and white bodypanels on the fortwo or graphite grey bodypanels on the forfour. Production will be at the same Smartville manufacturing plant in Hambach, France.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALERY"
"Launched alongside the \nAMG GT 4-door Coupe\n on Sepang International Circuit is the \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S facelift\n in both Sedan and Coupe guise. Here are Things You Need to Know about the refreshed C 63 S.\n \nMechanically, the facelifted C 63 S twins share the same M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 packing \n510 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of twist, except the 7-speed transmission is now replaced by a 9-speed AMG Speedshift 9G MCT automatic. The rear-wheel-drive Sedan and Coupe will go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.0 seconds\n and \n3.9 seconds\n respectively. Top speed is limited to \n290 km/h\n on both cars.\nThere is also a new \n\u201cSlippery\u201d\n mode for the AMG Dynamic Select system to give drivers maximum traction and control when the roads get a little too wet. Of course, the existing Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race modes still remain."
"Naza Group is \u201cbelieved\u201d to be giving up its Kia and Peugeot distributorship in Malaysia according to a news report by \nNew Straits Times\n, with Bermaz Auto looking likely to take over the role. The publication says that the decision was accelerated by the soft automotive market post \nCovid-19\n.\nSources told the publication that Bermaz Auto, which currently handles the \nMazda\n brand in Malaysia, has emerged as the \u201cfrontrunner\u201d to take over the South Korean and French marques, but is also facing competition from other interested parties including Sime Darby and Berjaya Group.\nThe change of distributorship will still require approval from the respective brands\u2019 principals, but the report stated that Bermaz is set to take over in particular the Kia franchise \u201clock, stock, and barrel\u201d. However, it remains to be seen if the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun \u2013 which assembles Kia and Peugeot models \u2013 will be included in this deal, due to a previous joint venture deal between Naza and Groupe PSA.\nAdding to the speculations, New Straits Times\u2019 sources also said that Naza Group has already sold its Kia branches to its dealers, and a former top executive from a big local fund has been tasked to dispose the Kia franchise.\n \nRumours surrounding the Kia and Peugeot takeover started when Bermaz Auto CEO Datuk Francis Lee commented on BFM\u2019s Breakfast Grille radio show that the company was in the works to expand its franchise portfolio, though stopped just short of disclosing the brand. However, NST\u2019s sources remarked that \u201cKia will (likely) come in to BAuto [sic] first\u201d.\nAside from Kia and Peugeot, Naza Group also holds the distributorship for Citroen, DS, Ferrari, Maserati, and Ducati, among others. Earlier this year, Naza Group was also rumoured to reintroduce the Suzuki brand in Malaysia, though news on the development of the deal has simmered down since then.\nNaza Kia Malaysia is slated to debut the\n Kia Seltos\n in the country very soon, after \nopening the ordering books\n for the compact SUV model last month."
"If Posh Spice were to give two thumbs up to a car that\u2019s supposedly an introductory model to a brand with a range of other luxurious selection of SUVs, then you know something, at least somewhere, Land Rover got it right.\nEnter the Range Rover Evoque. It has not only springboard Land Rover into new levels of desirability, but also brought the word \u201c\ncrossover\n\u201d to unprecedented levels. Since its introduction in 2011, the \u201cRange Rover\u201d moniker, normally reserved for the elites, has become a more attainable name to many higher middle income households.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLand Rover Range Rover Evoque Si4\nEngine\n1,999cc; inline-4 turbo\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n238 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n340 Nm @ 1,750++ rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM430,000.00 (with GST)\nThe Evoque was launched in Malaysia in late 2011 and became an instant success in the luxury compact crossover segment. Go to affluent neighbourhoods such as Bangsar and you\u2019ll know where home is for this Brit-bred crossover. In 2014, Land Rover updated the Evoque with new goodies, particularly a new\u00a0\nZF-9HP automatic transmission\n. This brings us to the one tested here, the\u00a0\nSi-4 Petrol 5-door\n.\nUPDATE: Earlier in January, Land Rover Malaysia unveiled minor updates for the Evoque, which consist of updated LEDs, rear lights and new rear spoiler. The review car here is based on the revised 2014 model.\nEXTERIOR\nWhile the Range Rover may look\u00a0conventionally bulky, the Evoque\u2019s striking lines and muscular shoulders have turned it into such a desirable four-wheeled metal, appealing more towards the younger demographics. The unit sampled here had Xenon lighting with LED DRLs at the front, LED tail lamps at the rear and sits on huge 20-inch wheels.\nINTERIOR\nThe Evoque also benefits from Land Rover\u2019s\u00a0\nSports Command Driving Position\n. The combination of high seating position makes driving a very safe and confidence inspiring task. Visibility is excellent\u00a0as well, thanks to the slim pillars.\nThe Evoque deserves the \u201cRange Rover\u201d moniker it carries for a few reasons, and one of it is because of its cabin. Driver and occupants will be greeted with high quality leather seats and steering wheel. Just like Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s current crop of vehicles, the gear knob will rise when the engine is fired up.   The Evoque\u2019s interior party piece goes to the high-resolution\n\u00a0\n8.0-inch dual view touch screen\n\u00a0at the front. This information system offers a myriad of options ranging from surround camera system, satellite navigation and as you\u2019d expect \u2013 Bluetooth connectivity. The system also displays useful information when it comes to navigating off-road; complemented by Land Rover\u2019s\n Terrain Response\n and \nHill Descent Control\n.\nWhile the Evoque scores highly in the aesthetics department, it\u00a0does fall short a little when it comes to interior spaciousness.\u00a0Front passengers will have no issues getting comfortable, but the same cannot be said for the rear bench. It can, at best, accommodate two adult-sized passengers comfortably. Three might prove to be a squeeze, but it shouldn\u2019t be a problem if you\u2019re not on a \nVillage Park\u00a0nasi lemak-only\n\u00a0diet.\nDespite that, the Evoque offers a decent\u00a0\n575 litres of boot space\n, which can expand up to\u00a01,445 litres with the rear seats folded. If you have young children, you\u2019ll be pleased to know that the Evoque comes with dual Isofix mounts and rear air-conditioning vents.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering this Evoque is Ford\u2019s trusty 238 hp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The engine is due to be replaced by Land Rover\u2019s own Ingenium line of powertrains later this year, though. That\u2019s not to say the Ford engine isn\u2019t powerful, no, because it propels the Evoque from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds.\nThe distinctive feature of this facelifted Evoque is the ZF-sourced\u00a0\nnine-speedautomatic gearbox\n. Despite having three additional cogs over its predecessor, this Evoque feels even smoother than the six-speeder of old, which led us into this brief moment of questioning the CVT\u2019s existence. It also helps improve fuel economy and drivability as well.\nTHE DRIVE\nWhile the Evoque exudes solidity and grace, it\u2019s a completely different animal when pushed on B-roads. Throwing the Evoque around the bends proved to be a rather surprisingly fun affair, because none would think a car this tall and weighs four times heavier than The Big Show can deliver such composure. Body roll is well kept at bay, but none of this can be achieved without four core arms \u2013 Land Rover\u2019s highly revered air suspension.\nCruising is also effortless despite being powered by just a 2.0-litre unit. It\u2019s heavily reliant on turbocharging though, but the good news is peak torque kicks in from just 1,750 rpm, meaning you\u2019ll have constant access to the engine\u2019s full grunt. One downside to having so many gears within the transmission is it can be quite confusing and tedious when you fiddle with the paddle shifters to upshift or downshift. We recommend leaving it in D or S mode and let Mr. ZF do all shifting for you.\nWe can\u2019t be sure which is the bigger crime here; deliberately taking the Evoque off-road or deliberately buying it without the slightest consideration of taking it off-road. Fret not, it\u2019s our job to put that to the test, and we\u2019re glad to report that the Evoque further deserves the \u201cRange Rover\u201d name it carries. First featured in the Discovery 3, \nTerrain Response system\n allows the driver to adjust the car\u2019s chassis and transmission depending the surface it travels.\nBe it grass, gravel, snow, mud, sand, or\u00a0rock, the system cleverly adjusts ride height, engine, transmission and electronic driving aids, allowing the car to overcome just about anything you throw in its path.\u00a0It\u2019s unfortunate that most Malaysian Evoque owners won\u2019t even have the intention of ever using it. If there\u2019s a parting advice to Evoque owners, be sure to acquaint yourself with this system because trust me, you never know when you need it.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nThe Range Rover Evoque is the perfect example of a car that bridges both want and need. This premium compact crossover for what it\u2019s worth, is already a standout proposition for potential buyers of this segment.\u00a0However, I personally have a different opinion on this. The Evoque somehow feels like the family hatchback of the future. Think of this way; cars are getting safer, better and bigger over the years. The current Volkswagen Polo is slightly larger than the first generation Golf, but they\u2019re both from two completely separate segments!\nThe Evoque gives me the impression that it could well be the go-to standard of the future\u2019s C-Segment car. My gut feeling tells me that a family of four, 10 or 20 years from now may just travel around town in the 12th-gen Golf the size of an Evoque. But whether or not the car can fly is a completely different topic for another day.\nCOMPARISONS\nThere are plenty of alternatives from Germany and Japan that makes the premium compact segment a tight and competitive space. For this round of comparison, we put the Evoque up against the popular \nLexus NX200t\n and BMW X3.\nLand Rover Evoque Si4\nLexus NX200\nBMW X3 F25 LCI\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,999cc\n1,998cc\n1,997cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n238/5,500\n235/4,800\n184/5,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n340/1,750\n350/1,650-4,000\n270/1,250-4,500\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\n8-speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nMulti Link\nDouble Wishbones\nMulti Link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n245/45 R20\n225/65 R17\n245/50 R18\nWheels\n20-inch Alloy\n17-inch Alloy\n18-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,365mm\n4,630mm\n4,648mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,965mm\n1,870mm\n1,881mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,635mm\n1,630mm\n1,675mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,660mm\n2,660mm\n2,810mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,685 kg\n1,860 kg\n1,795 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n575 litres\n500 litres\n550 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n68 litres\n60 litres\n67 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n7.1\u00a0litres\n7.7\u00a0litres\n7.2\u00a0litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n217 km/h\n200 km/h\n210 km/h\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n7.8\n7.1\n8.2\nPrice\nRM\nRM430,000.00 (including insurance)\nRM309,900.00 (w/o Insurance & GST)\nRM325,800.00 (w/o Insurance & GST)\nWILL I BUY IT?\nWell, I must admit, the Evoque is everything luxurious and capable both on and off road, and I fully understand why it makes for the more compelling choice of the lot. But if I were to fork out that sum for a crossover that suit my lifestyle, my money goes to the Lexus NX.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a long time coming, but we\u2019ve now finally received confirmation that the highly-awaited all-new 2022 Honda Civic Type R will make its official debut on the 21st of July, or just about nine days from now. Save the date, JDM fanboys.\nAlthough, of course, the all-new Civic Type R is unlikely to be anything too surprising now, given that \nwe\u2019ve pretty much seen it (fully camouflaged, mind) from every conceivable angle possible\n.\n \nIt\u2019ll also follow the same basic formula that made the Civic Type R so successful over all these years, which means front-wheel drive, a six-speed manual, and an engine that has just enough power to be fun, but not anywhere near enough to make you wet your pants.\nThat being said, the upcoming 2022 Honda Civic Type R did actually already break a record, specifically the \nFWD track record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan\n. So while it\u2019s not a Mercedes-AMG A 45 S competitor, it\u2019s definitely no slouch either.\nThe controversial tri-exit exhaust system remains.\nWord on the street is that the all-new Civic Type R will be powered by an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four from the current-gen FK8 model, which has \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. That should mean a 0-100 km/h sprint time of under six seconds, onward to a top speed of over 270 km/h.\nAs for looks, the all-new 2022 Honda Civic Type R will again be based off of the latest-generation Civic hatchback. As usual, expect additional aerodynamic appendages and sportier design touches around the bumpers, and based on the first non-camouflaged teaser image provided by Honda, the Type R will also get a honeycomb mesh grille cover up front, as well as the usual Type R and red Honda emblem badgings on the exterior."
"Works on the third-generation MINI John Cooper Works\u00a0GP is well underway, according to a report by \nAutocar UK\n. Past two generations of the hardcore MINI have done exceedingly well and were both sold in limited numbers.\nThe previous JCW GP (commonly referred to as GP2) introduced in 2013 had its rear bench stripped out in favour of a thick strut brace. Other modifications include adjustable coil over suspension with unique geometry setup, six piston Brembo front callipers, Recaro sports seats and a slight increase in compression ratio for power gains. The GP2 was exclusively sold\u00a0with a six-speed manual transmission, and just 2,000 units were ever made.\nWe can expect similar mods to the new JCW GP, but with much more power extracted from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder BMW engine. Although, the wait may take a little while."
"Alongside the new \nTriton Quest with 110 hp and 200 Nm\n, Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia also brought out improved versions of the Triton VGT AT Premium and Adventure X.\nFor an extra RM2,700 at \nRM137,900\n, the\n Adventure X we reviewed recently\n gets a new all-round monitor with bird\u2019s eye view, some decals on the side, a dashcam and solar/security tinting.\nThe VGT AT Premium on the other hand, gets leather seats, a much clearer reverse camera display, dashcam, new touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all for an extra RM2,400 \u2013 now priced at \nRM121,000\n.\nThose eager to lay their hands on the improved Triton, \nlaunched in Malaysia early this year\n with a\n first-in-class 4WD feature \nand a\n new 6-speed gearbox\n with a \nmore refined interior\n, are in luck.\nMitsubishi Motor Malaysia is \noffering up to RM10,000\n cash rebates on all Mitsubishi models, or a 0.88% interest rate on selected Triton variants till 31st December 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nTriton VGT Adventure X\nTriton VGT Premium AT"
"An EV\n \nPorsche Cayenne\n has been confirmed by the Stuttgart carmaker, as part of its efforts to fully electrify 80% of its lineup by 2030. The announcement was made during the company\u2019s annual press conference. At the conference, \nPorsche\n also announced the development of an all-electric SUV positioned above the Cayenne.\nMoving towards electrification, Porsche is set to make the all-electric Porsche Macan available by 2024. Images of the camouflaged Macan have been teased by Porsche, sporting a Taycan-like headlight setup. After the all-electric Macan, the All-electric 718 is planned for 2025.\nThe Porsche Cayenne is currently in its third generation and will see a comprehensive update this year, according to the company. The updates to the third-generation model include three further-developed plug-in hybrids with greater ranges. Thanks to a new chassis, there will also be an even wider breadth of abilities, balancing the on-road performance for which Porsche is famous, long-distance comfort and off-road capability.\nThe full electrification of the Cayenne will take place in its fourth generation, which will follow after the all-electric Macan and the all-electric 718. No further details have been revealed on the EV Porche Cayenne just yet.\nPorsche is also planning to expand its portfolio with an all-electric SUV that is positioned above the Cayenne. According to Porsche, the new vehicle concept is designed to offer strong performance and automated driving functions with the typical Porsche flyline, along with a completely new experience inside the vehicle. It will be based on the SSP Sport platform developed by Porsche.\nPorsche Chairman of the Executive, Oliver Blume said, \u201cWe are thereby underlining and strengthening our sporty luxury positioning. We are observing growing profit pools in this segment, in particular in China and the US.\u201d\nPorsche has also set itself ambitious sustainability targets. Within the scope of its strategy, the company is working towards a net carbon neutral value chain for its vehicles in 2030. This also includes a net carbon-neutral use phase for future BEV models (based on an assumed total mileage of 200,000 kilometres per vehicle). The EV Porsche Cayenne will debut after the all-electric 718."
"The Weng Fatt Otomobil\n \nIsuzu\n \n3S Centre in Ipoh has been revamped with the latest retail outlet design, now with a much more spacious and more modern interior. Located on Jalan Permaisuri Bainun, the revamped facility aims at offering visitors and owners a fresh and more comprehensive experience.\nThe newly relaunched 3S centre is built on a 29,000 sq. ft. plot and is the first outlet in the northern region to showcase the new brand identity and features a refreshed design with a larger showroom floor. With the management office located on the mezzanine floor, the Weng Fatt Isuzu 3S Centre has more space for display vehicles, new vehicle delivery bays, as well as a service reception and lounge.\nAt the opening ceremony of the new facility, Isuzu Malaysia Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Shunsuke Okazoe said, \u201cThe new Weng Fatt Otomobil Isuzu 3S Centre represents the new design for our retail outlets with new facilities and a fresh outlook aimed at creating a positive customer experience. I believe that customers seeking a brand-new Isuzu vehicle or current owners seeking professional attention for their current vehicle will find this new and spacious facility very much more inviting.\u201d\nThe showroom is now more warmly-lit, offering a more inviting ambience while a new display area for Isuzu merchandise as well as for new vehicles allows customers more room to view and inspect the vehicle of their choice. A special \u2018hero\u2019 car display is included where the highlighted model is given prominence.\nRELATED: \n2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Premium \u2013 Five areas where the new models stand out!\nCommercial vehicle customers will find the new Weng Fatt Otomobil Isuzu 3S Centre particularly convenient as it not only offers a range of Isuzu trucks for sale, but the spacious service centre is also large enough to service four lorries simultaneously.\nIn conjunction with the opening ceremony, a convoy of 15 Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks toured the city, highlighting\n \nthe newly-launched 2023 flagship X-Terrain\n model finished in the new Islay Gray Mica paintwork.\nThe opening ceremony of the new Weng Fatt Otomobil Isuzu 3S Centre also coincides with the latest Isuzu Test Drive Campaign that runs from 17th February 2023 to 31st March 2023. Besides merchandise giveaways, lucky visitors stand a chance to win RM888 loaded into their Touch & Go e-wallet based on terms and conditions.\nRELATED: \nIsuzu Malaysia\u2019s new 3S Centre in KL pilots a new retail outlet design"
"To provide additional peace of mind for buyers of used Proton cars, the national carmaker will be offering a one-year extended warranty for all of its \nCertified Pre-Owned (PCPO)\n cars sold via authorised Proton used car outlets.\nWhile the extended-warranty programme is not exactly new, the warranty is now being underwritten by Allianz General Insurance. Under the programme, parts of the engine and transmission that are found to be defective under normal use for the \nfirst 25,000 km or 12 months\n will be repaired or replaced by the warranty provider.\n\u201cProton would like to welcome Allianz as our insurance partner in our effort to provide added assurance to our customers,\u201d said Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah. \u201cWith the extended warranty, owners of PCPO vehicles are protected from unexpected costs due to mechanical failure for engine and transmission parts.\nIn addition to the extended warranty programme, all cars sold under the PCPO programme have also underwent a thorough 201-point inspection, and are guaranteed to be free from any flood or major accident damage. Customers are also entitled to a one-time free basic service after six months from the date of purchase.\nSince its inception in 2019, Proton\u2019s Used Car Management (UCM) arm has introduced operating procedures and provided training for used car inspectors to manage transactions at each outlet, ensuring that the services provided are in line with the expectations set by the brand. Currently, the company has 36 outlets in the country that retail PCPO vehicles.\nRecently, the company also unveiled a \ndedicated Proton used car website\n (linked \nhere\n), allowing tech-savvy buyers to view available stocks without walking into the showroom, or even get an estimated market price if they wish to trade in their used Proton vehicles."
"Hyundai Motor has unveiled a special edition Iron Man-inspired Kona SUV that features both exterior and interior design elements that resembles the Iron Man suit and will be available to customers in limited numbers.\nOn the outside, the Kona Iron Man Edition has a unique front-lighting signature, including a custom daytime running light fixture that closely resembles the mask and eye shape of the Iron Man suit. It\u2019s immediately recognisable and is one of the key design inspirations for the Kona.\nOther Iron Man inspired features include the superhero\u2019s mask motif on the roof, a unique V-shaped hood garnish, Iron Man mask badging on the front bonnet, Stark Industries lower fascia and rear door decals, Iron Man-engraved headlamps, custom 18-inch alloy wheels with Iron Man mask center caps, an Iron Man engraving for the D-pillars, and a dark chrome front grille. The exterior color is an exclusive Iron Man red with matte gray.\nInside, Tony Stark\u2019s signature adorns the instrument panel alongside a unique Iron Man shift knob, a special Heads-Up Display and center stack featuring Iron Man visual graphics topped off with a custom seat design.\nThe Kona Iron Man Edition is the latest product from the collaboration between Marvel and Hyundai. Production is scheduled to begin in December, with the first units available in the first quarter of 2019. For more details, visit KonaIronManEdition.com.\nThis summer, the all-new 2019 Veloster Turbo will appear in Marvel Studios\u2019 Ant-Man and The Wasp.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia\n has just launched the \nBMW iX1\n xDrive30\n at \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n, fetching a price of \nRM285,800\n. Available as a single variant only, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 is a new electric vehicle (EV) in the premium compact segment.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nBased on the all-new 3rd-generation BMW X1, the iX1 measures 4,500 mm long, 1,845 mm wide, and 1,616 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,692 mm long. It is essentially 26 mm lower than its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart (the X1 xDrive23i). The lower height is attributed to its lower ground clearance of 170 mm as opposed to the X1\u2019s 205-mm ground clearance. If you\u2019re wondering, the iX1 rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQA and the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.\nOn the outside, the Malaysian-spec BMW iX1 features the following as standard:\nAdaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant\nDaytime Running Lights (DRLs)\n3D full LED taillights in a stylized L shape\nFlush door handles\nWelcome lights with illuminated vehicle environment\nFront apron with air intake trims\nAutomatic tailgate operation\nM Sport exterior\nChrome kidney grille surround\nKidney grille front slats in satinated aluminium\nDistinctive design onside sills, wheel arch trims, and front and rear apron\nM high-gloss Shadowline\nM designation on both sides\n19-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 871M bicolour\nBMW Digital Key Plus\nPowering the car is a dual-motor setup that makes a combined output of \n313 hp\n and \n494 Nm\n. Both the motors on the front and rear axles are identical permanent magnet synchronous motors which BMW refers to as Electrically Excited Synchronous Motors (EESM).\nNaturally, the dual-motor setup provides an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This accelerates the iX1 xDrive30 from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.6 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n180 km/h\n.\nAs for battery and range, the iX1 xDrive30 is equipped with a 64.7-kWh battery pack and this provides a total electric range of 440 km (WLTP). Charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and \n130 kW\n with DC charging. 11-kW AC charging brings the state of charge (SOC) from 0 to 100% in \n6.5 hours\n. 130-kW DC charging brings the SOC from 10% to 80% in \n29 minutes\n.\nA summary of the BMW iX1 xDrive30\u2019s electric drive system and handling-related specifications would be as such:\nDrivetrain: Dual-motor AWD\nCombined power output: \n313 hp\nTotal torque: \n494 Nm\n0-100 km/h: \n5.6 seconds\nTop speed: \n180 km/h\nBattery: \n64.7 kWh\nRange (WLTP): \n440 km\nSuspension: Adaptive M Suspension\nFollowing the i4 and the iX, the iX1 also features the modern BMW Curved Display on the inside. It is a combination of a 10.25-inch and a 10.7-inch display with the former dedicated as a digital instrument cluster and the latter dedicated as a central head unit. The iX1 runs the latest BMW operating system 8 and is fitted with BMW Live Cokpit Professional as standard.\nA summary of the standard interior equipment of the BMW iX1 xDrive 30 for Malaysia is as such:\n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\n10.7-inch central head unit with BMW Operating System 8\nApple CarPlay and Android auto connectivity\nWireless charging tray\nBMW Live Cockpit Professional with Augmented view\nM Leather steering wheel with multi-control function\nSport Boost shift paddle\nM Headliner\nSport Seats for driver and front passenger with electric adjustment (memory function for driver)\nMirror Package\nBMW IconicSounds Electric\nBMW Heads-Up Display\nHarman Kardon Hi-Fi loudspeaker system\nDual-zone climate control\n490-litre boot space (1,495 litres with rear seats down)\nIn the safety department, the BMW iX1 is equipped with:\nDriver Assistant Plus\nParking Assistant Plus\nHill Start Assist\nSpeed Limiter\nAttentiveness Assistant\nLane Departure Warning with active steering intervention\nFront collision warning\nLeft turn warning\nSpeed Limit Info\nEvasion Assistant\nTyre Pressure indicator\nPriced at RM285,800, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 comes with the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience. This includes:\nBMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme\nBMW 8-Year / 160,000 km Battery Warranty (whichever comes first)\nBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline\nThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App \u2013 BMW Privileges Card\nBMW Service Online\nGALLERY"
"The madness on most our major highways have begun for the upcoming Raya celebrations and in anticipation of any potential mishaps, Proton will have in place a total of 36 Proton Mobile Assist teams around the nation to assist you.\n\u201cSince 1996, our Proton Mobile Assist teams have been providing road-side and trouble-shooting assistance to all Proton owners and like a good friend, it is there 24-hours/7-days-week via the \nCall Centre toll free number 1800-888-398\n,\u201d said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON Edar Sdn Bhd.\nTowing services, especially in an accident, will be provided by Multi Automotive Service and Assist (MASA) as Proton\u2019s appointed vendor.\nIf your car is still under warranty, the service is free of charge. If your Proton\u2019s warranty has expired, you\u2019ll only be charged a \nminimal fee of RM31.80\n for such service.\nTrust us to be there for you during this Hari Raya festivities,\u201d Rashid added."
"The F25 BMW X3 has been around for more than a year here in Malaysia and yet, here\u2019s a refreshed \nF25 BMW X3 LCI\n being introduced by \nBMW Group Malaysia\n. With the growing demand which led BMW Group Malaysia to assemble the X3 in \nKulim, Kedah\n since January last year more than 500 units of the pre-facelifted X3 have found homes in this country.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X3 LCI xDrive20i\nBMW X3 LCI xDrive20d\nSegment\nCompact SAV\nCompact SAV\nEngine\n1,997cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol\n1,995cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,000\u20136,250 rpm\n190 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n270 Nm @ 1,250\u20134,500 rpm\n400 Nm @ 1,750\u20132,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM 328,800.00\nRM 348,800.00\n\u00a0\nAs the middle child of BMW\u2019s X-family range of \nSports Activity Vehicle\n (SAV), BMW Group Malaysia offers the X3 in two variants, the \npetrol xDrive20i\n and the \ndiesel xDrive20d\n. The \nLife Cycle Impulse\n (LCI) changes are mild but just enough to keep the X3 up-to-date against its rivals.\nEXTERIOR\nExternally the easiest way you can spot the X3 LCI is from the front. There\u2019s a new nose with headlights that are now merged to the kidney grilles and a more aerodynamic bumper. The signal light that used to reside on the front fender has migrated to the side mirror too.   The X3 LCI comes standard with the \nxLine package\n that features matt aluminium strips in the bumpers all around. Both xDrive20i and xDrive20d rides on \n18-inch light alloy wheels\n but each variant comes with its own design. A set of Y-spoke wheels are fitted to the former while the latter gets double-spoke wheels.\nINTERIOR\nThe xLine package continues on the inside. It includes the stainless-steel loading sill protectors, and xLine-specific leather upholstery with decorative seams and embossed xLine wordmark. A choice of Leather Nevada Mocha or Leather Nevada Black can be specified on both X3.   Both variants get multi-function \nsports steering\n wheel with \nshift paddles\n and the new\n iDrive Touch Controller\n is now featured as well. There\u2019s an \nxDrive status display\n for compass, body roll and pitch, and \nNavigation System Professional\n that also feeds data to the transmission control unit for a pre-programmed gearbox shift patters based on the road conditions ahead.\nSpecifically designed for the xDrive20d, a \nnew acoustic package\n is installed to reduce exterior noise from entering the cabin. The xDrive20d also gets more toys, including the \nPanorama Glass Roof\n and a \nreverse camera\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe\n xDrive20i\n retains the \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol\n mill from the pre-facelifted X3, which produces\n 184 hp\n and\n 270 Nm\n of torque. The\n xDrive20d\n however features the latest \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel\n mill which generates\n 190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth are fitted with the favourite \n8-speed automatic\n with \nECO PRO mode\n with \ncoasting function\n that decouples the drivetrain from the engine at speeds between 50 to 160 km/h when the driver steps off the throttle, reducing the fuel consumption.\nThe xDrive20i clocks a \n0-100 km/h\n time in \n8.2 seconds\n while the xDrive20d is 0.1 seconds faster at\n 8.1 seconds\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n7.2 l/100 km\n for the xDrive20i and \n5.2 l/100 km\n for the\u00a0 xDrive20d.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe xDrive20i and xDrive20d come in Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey, but another two colours are reserved only for the the xDrive20i, Space Grey and Sparkling Brown. The xDrive20i is priced at \nRM 328,800.00\n, the xDrive20d is priced at\n RM 348,800.00\n, and both comes with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI). Both will be available in showrooms from 23rd August onwards.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the used car market growing significantly in recent times (100% in just the first six months of 2020, according to MAA), it\u2019s not unusual to see \ncar brands\n jumping into the \nused car segment\n themselves. Not looking to miss out on the opportunity, Proton has now announced its plans to expanding its own Used Car Management (UCM) network, along with the Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) operations.\nThe UCM network was first started last year as a pilot project with eight outlets to establish operating procedures and to train used car inspectors who would manage transactions in each outlet. In 2020, the company aims to expand the network to \n36 3S and 4S centres nationwide.\nUnlike a more conventional pre-owned cars programme, Proton\u2019s UCM is designed to \u201csupport new car sales and to improve the resale value of Proton cars\u201d, essentially helping customers to dispose of their older Proton vehicles by trading it in for a newer model.\nProton aims for this process, called \u201creplacement sales\u201d, to eventually account for a minimum of \n10% of the volume\n for outlets with UCM operations. To help achieve that target, the national carmaker has also established programmes such as Proton Xchange to incentivise customers.\nAt the same time, the company is also able to essentially dictate the resale value of the older Proton models by setting the prices when they are put back on sale on its UCM platform. These vehicles, sold under the Proton Certified Pre-Owned banner, will all undergo a comprehensive \n201-point inspection\n, and are guaranteed to have \nnever suffered any flood or major accident structural damage\n.\nAdditionally, they will also receive a \none-year extended warranty\n which covers the engine and transmission, and are eligible for a \none-time free service\n (engine oil and oil filter only), up to 6 months after their registration date.\nThe company says that it will also set up a \ndedicated online sales platform\n for its UCM operations to attract tech-savvy used car buyers. Proton Head of UCM, Brian Cheah adds, \u201cPotential customers will be able to view our stock remotely and they can also browse the website to get estimated valuations for their current cars.\u201d"
"Here it is everyone, the first images of the \nall-new Perodua Axia\n in camouflage with the official launch due to take place on February 14. To recap, the Axia is built on the new Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform with four variants available \u2013 G, X, SE and AV.\u00a0\nTentative prices are \nRM38,600\n for the G, \nRM40,000\n for the X, \nRM44,000\n for the SE and \nRM49,500\n for the AV variant. According to Perodua, a total of 3,591 bookings have already been received for the new Axia. All variants will be powered by the carried-over 1.0-litre three-cylinder 1KR-VE VVT-i engine with 67 hp and 91 Nm.\u00a0\nNew here is the Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox replacing the four-speed automatic gearbox from before. The new Axia\u2019s fuel consumption is rated at 27.4 km/L. The top two variants \u2013 SE and AV \u2013 comes with the \u2018Eco Idle\u2019 auto stop-start and Power Mode Drive features. The latter is positioned on the steering wheel, just like the Ativa.\u00a0\nOn the outside, LED headlamps are available from the X variant onwards, while LED daytime running lights are offered in the top two SE and AV variants. The SE and AV variants also come with auto retractable side mirrors while the rest are electric-controlled units. Colour options include a new Coral Blue colour, Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver, and Ivory White.\nMoving inside, only the top-end AV variant gets two-tone semi-leather seats while the rest come with fabric seats. The same goes to the 9-inch touchscreen and the 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster as well, that\u2019s exclusive only to the AV variant.\nThe Axia also gets significant upgrades on the safety front with the range-topping AV variant now fitted with six airbags \u2013 front, side and curtain. ABS, traction control, and vehicle stability control systems are standard across the board.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi, through their official Malaysian distributor Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) have introduced their updated flagship SUV, the Pajero. Priced at \nRM291,177.50\n (OTR without insurance), the Pajero\u2019s interior and exterior have been retouched, and gets additional safety features.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi Pajero\nSegment\nSUV\nEngine\n3,828cc; V8, MIVEC, Multi Point Injection\nTransmission\n5-speed INVECS-II automatic with manual Sport Mode\nMax Power\n247 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n329 Nm @ 2,750 rpm\nPrice\nRM291,177.50 (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nOn the outside, this Pajero receives a new front bumper design which houses the larger grille, while LED daytime running lights are now found next to the chrome-accented fog lamps. At the back, the iconic spare tyre cover and license plate garnish have both been slightly redesigned.   Inside, the dashboard sports a new wood print layout and metallic trim finish. Steering wheel is now wrapped in leather, driver\u2019s seat is electrically powered, rear air-conditioning with temperature control and a 9-inch rear entertainment system with two wireless headphones as standard.\nUnderneath the hood beats a\n 3.8-litre V6 MIVEC\n (Mitsubishi\u2019s Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)\u00a0engine that produces \n247 hp\n\u00a0@ 6,000 rpm and\n 329 Nm\n of torque at 2,750 rpm, paired to the INVECS-II\n\u00a0five-speed\n automatic transmission with manual Sport Mode.   As we have all come to know of the Pajero, it gets the company\u2019s Super Select AWD System that gives you \nfour driving selection modes\n. Complementing the system is Mitsubishi\u2019s Active Stability and Traction Control systems that automatically adjusts brake and engine output when needed. It comes with \nsix airbags\n \u2013 front, side and curtain airbags.\nThe \nfully imported\n SUV carries a price tag of RM291,177.50 and a three-year or 100,000 km warranty. It can be had in three colours, which are Warm White Mica, Eiger Grey Metallic and Cool Silver Metallic.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia today announced the addition of a new dark brown leather interior upholstery option for the \nHR-V RS\n variant, in addition to the existing black leather. Customers can choose between the two leather options at \nno extra cost.\nJust like the black leather option, the new leather upholstery is applied to the centre console, dash board panel, seats, as well as door panel linings. Aside from the new swanky interior colour though, the HR-V RS remains entirely identical as before.\nThat means underneath the hood of the Honda HR-V RS is the 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine, paired to a CVT gearbox to send \n142 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n172 Nm\n to the front wheels. The HR-V RS also gets a variant-exclusive Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering rack which left us a good impression \nduring our first drive.\nOther standard equipment on the HR-V RS include 18-inch dual tone alloys, RS-specific black body kit, reverse camera, 8-way powered driver seat, Honda LaneWatch camera, paddle shifters, 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist.\nYou might recall that the Honda HR-V RS was \ninitially launched with an Ivory White leather interior\n. However, the flashy interior option did not bode well with Malaysians, prompting Honda Malaysia to \nreplace it with a full-black leather upholstery\n.\nThe Honda HR-V RS with the new dark brown leather interior is now available for order at all Honda dealerships nationwide, priced at \nRM124,800\n \u2013 which is exactly the same as before. Three exterior colours are available on the HR-V RS \u2013 Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearl."
"Nothing can make the C-HR stand out more than it already has; unless its covered in a pink chrome wrap or doused in a loud and bold paint job.\nWith the newly-introduced C-HR \u201cDesign\u201d Edition in the UK, it\u2019s the latter. On the outside, the \u201cDesign\u201d edition sports a vibrant Cyan Blue paint work that\u2019s a few shades brighter than the Blue Metallic/Black combination we have locally, 18-inch matte black alloy wheels along with a host of customisations including contrast colours for the side sills, front bumper inserts, lower boot trim, fog light surrounds and door mirror covers.\nThe \u201cDesign\u201d edition is also offered with rear privacy glass, entry illumination, ambient lighting and auto-folding heated door mirrors with integrated turn indicators. Optional extras include a premium JBL sound system and leather upholstery.\nUnlike the sole 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engine option available in Malaysia, the C-HR is available with a 1.8-litre hybrid electric powertrain or with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the UK.\nThe turbocharged model comes with either a 6-speed manual transmission to drive the front wheels or a CVT gearbox with all-wheel drive. Prices for the C-HR starts from \u00a321,880 (approx RM115k)."
"In typical BMW fashion, the Bavarian giant has released a comparison video between the first-generation F26 BMW X4 F26 and the all-new second-gen G02 X4, detailing the exterior and interior design language difference between the two.\nPictures usually never paint the whole picture especially when the designers took an evolutionary step instead of a revolutionary one. With the two cars side by side, we can clearly see the styling differences (read, improvements) of the new car over its predecessor.\nThe most drastic change happens at the rear end with the new sleeker taillamp design and a more coupe-like roofline from the C-pillar onwards. There are also lesser and much cleaner lines on the rear end compared to its predecessor. With the car side by side, the larger kidney grille immediately becomes more pronounced and impactful and thank Heavens that BMW has done away with the awkwardly positioned front fog lamps.\nThe interior is noticeably higher tech with the new LCD instrument cluster, larger infotainment screen and a minimalistic centre console. Perhaps the only thing we will miss are the leaner M Sport steering wheel design of the old car.\nConsidering that BMW Malaysia introduced the X2 to the local market and the availability of the previous-gen X4, the launch of the new X4 would then only be a matter of time.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X4 F26 vs G02   G02 BMW X4 Debut"
"The \nProton X50\n was \nrecently launched with four variants available\n \u2013 Standard, Executive, Premium and Flagship \u2013 with prices starting from RM79,200\u00a0all the way to\u00a0RM103,300\u00a0for the range-topping Flagship model.\nIt should be well known by now that the Flagship variant makes more power than the three variants below it. While it shares essentially the same 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine as the Standard, Executive, and Premium models, it makes more at \n177 hp \nand \n255 Nm\n compared to 150 hp and 226 Nm in the lower three.\nThere\u2019s no doubt that either output packages will get you through traffic and the open road adequately. However, to the minority, the performance nutjobs, who crave for more out of their turbocharged engines, you might want to check out this new product by RaceChip Malaysia.\nThere are three packages available:\nGTS\n \u2013 RM3795\nRS\n \u2013 RM2795\nS\n \u2013 RM1795\nThe local distributors for the German aftermarket brand has claimed that it\u2019s possible to gain up to 20% increase in horsepower and torque with the GTS package simply by hooking up their module on to the car. Basically, it collects the readings from the engine sensor and sends a signal to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), allowing it to free up more power.\nIn the case of the GTS module, there are up to seven different tunings available for the X50. These different setups can be controlled from the module placed inside the engine bay.\nAccording to \nRaceChip\u2019s Facebook post\n, its module is 100% plug-and-play with no need for messy wire patching or alterations to the X50\u2019s Engine Control Unit (ECU). They also claimed that there\u2019s no need to worry about the factory warranty but best be vigilant and check with your local Proton dealer first before you go ahead with such a modification."
"As part of its continuous corporate social responsibility initiative, national carmaker \nPerodua \nhas recently \u2013 once again \u2013 contributed goods and equipment worth a total of RM151,000 to two public hospitals, in an effort to further enhance the public healthcare system.\nThese items, delivered to Hospital Kuala Kubu Bharu and Hospital Selayang, include diagnostic equipment, rehabilitation equipment, patient care equipment, dialysis machine, as well as hampers for the patients and front liners. The contribution was presented by Perodua Sales Chief Operating Officer, JH Rozman Jaafar, to the hospital management, and witnessed by the medical officers and its staff.\nCommenting on the initiative, Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cOur intention is to assist institutions that give the greatest benefit to all Malaysians, such as government hospitals which are available to all.\u201d\nPerodua has contributed medical and health equipment to public hospitals all over the country as part of its CSR initiative. These include the Sarawak General Hospital, Selayang hospital, Sungai Buloh Hospital, Sabah Women\u2019s and Children\u2019s Hospital in Likas, Shah Alam Hospital, Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz Hospital, Ampang Hospital, Putrajaya Hospital and several community clinics in the Hulu Selangor district.\nRELATED:\n Perodua lends a helping hand to Hospital Sg. Buloh with medical supplies\n\u201cWe believe that in order to make a difference, we need to be consistent in our efforts, we are proud to assist those who work tirelessly in serving the nation. We will continue to work with such bodies in the future as we believe that this is the best way for us to give back to the support that has been shown to us,\u201d Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal added."
"MINI likes to do its own ways of thinking. When people asked them for a five-door MINI, they gave us the R55 Clubman and the R60 Countryman. Of course they have five doors but both are not regular MINIs. The former has extra doors where you don\u2019t really need them while the latter is not a mini MINI but a crossover MINI. While we appreciate their sense of humour, it took them a few generations of the new MINI to finally introduce a proper MINI 5 door. Now that wasn\u2019t so hard was it, MINI?\nBased on the versatile \nUKL platform\n that underpins the compact family of cars from BMW Group such as the \nMINI 3 Door\n and the \nBMW 2 Series Active Tourer\n, the MINI 5 door adopts a conventional five door layout like on any other regular five door hatchback. By adding a couple of extra doors, MINI has literally opened its doors to a wider market who previously thought they could never own a more practical MINI other than the monstrosity called the \nCountryman\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI 5 Door Cooper S\n \nSegment\nB-segment hatchback\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-four cylinder, turbocharged\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n192 hp @ 4,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n280 Nm @ 1,250 rpm\nPrice\nRM236,888.00\nThe MINI 5 Door was revealed in 2014 and \nlaunched in Malaysia\n at the end of that year, and the 5 Door range mimics the lesser-doored sibling, which consists of the mild Cooper the hot Cooper S featuring a couple of new modular \nTwinPower Turbo\n engines from BMW. Although the hotter \nJohn Cooper Works\n (JCW) variant is yet to be offered for the MINI 5 Door here in Malaysia. Prices start from \nRM189k\n for the \n5 Door Cooper\n and from \nRM237k\n for the \n5 Door Cooper S\n.\nThe \n3 Door Cooper\n we sampled not long ago with its 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo was a delight. Undeterred by the fact that it\u2019s not a fast hatch, the whole package makes for a fun little car to be driven hard. It\u2019s no surprise we were also keen to try the turbo triple in the 5 Door, whether that engine in the heavier 5 Door would be enough to deliver the same amount of fun, if not less. Instead, we were granted the MINI 5 Door in the \nCooper S\n variant with 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque. Oh well, beggars can\u2019t be choosers.\nEXTERIOR\nWhile the original MINI 3 Door looks every bit as cheeky as it can be, the MINI 5 door is like a portlier twin to the MINI 3 door. Yet, to our eyes it\u2019s far more palatable than the oversized Countryman. It\u2019s instantly recognisable with that familiar mug from the MINI 3 Door, because the face is exactly the same on both cars. Likewise the back end with those comically oversized tail lights.   Although keen eyes will spot the slightly more contoured tailgate that\u2019s also missing a roof spoiler, everything else is identical down to the chromed exhaust tips. Since our car is the Cooper S, it gets a set of busier front and rear bumpers, \nLED front lights\n, a dummy \nbonnet scoop\n, and pair of \ncenter-exit tailpipes\n.\nIt would be too predictable for MINI to extend the 3 Door and chuck in a couple of extra doors at the back. Therefore, apart from the \nextra 72 mm\n in the wheelbase and two additional entry points at the back, MINI designers also gave the 5 Door a more sloping rear window, bestowing the car with a distinct side profile. Yours truly wasn\u2019t sold on the rather awkward silhouette upon the first encounter, but the shape grows on me the more I see it.   The glitzy \n17-inch \u201cRoulette\u201d wheels\n look attractive on the 5 Door, although we think there are better designs out there that better suits the car. Our car looks electrifying in \nElectric Blue\n, which is the halo colour for the 5 Door, and as usual you can have the roof, side mirror caps, and bonnet stripes in either black or white.\nINTERIOR\nIf you\u2019re a critical person, you may be displeased upon opening the doors because the MINI 5 Door doesn\u2019t retain the sexy frameless windows from the 3 Door. However it does retain the chic interior, so go ahead and make yourself comfortable in the driver\u2019s seat and close the door. The solid interior builds on the modern-retro fusion theme, presenting eye catching details such as the funky switchgear on the center panel, the pulsating starter toggle ahead of the gearknob, as well as the driving mode selector around the base of the gear lever.   The adjustments for the leather wrapped seats and steering wheel are still done manually, but it\u2019s easy to obtain your desired driving position. The front sports seats feel great and holds you in place quite snugly. Besides, not only the base go really low and slide ridiculously far back to accommodate the tallest of basketball players, the backrest recline to an almost flat angle too. Perfect for a quick nap after a long drive.\nThe cabin\u2019s highlight has to be the circular center panel. A \n6.5-inch screen\n sits on top of a bar of controls for the audio system, and they are surrounded by a hypnotic glowing tube that changes colour depending on the settings you will find inside the menu. The screen is controlled by MINI\u2019s interpretation of the iDrive controller, but it\u2019s located down below next to the handbrake lever, which can make your left arm quite uncomfortable when you\u2019re operating it while on the move. A center arm rest isn\u2019t even included as standard. Come on MINI! Are you kidding me?   As we digress, the best thing about having the rear doors is you no longer need to tumble the front seats forward to get to the back seats. The opening is not particularly huge and for that reason the access to the rear is still rather tight, but it\u2019s definitely much easier than before. Headroom is fine and you also get a wee bit more of leg room compared to the 3 Door. You can squeeze in three passengers in the back, but expect to see grumpy faces in your rear view mirror over long journeys.\nThere are a total of \nsix airbags\n but only three cupholders in the entire cabin, and with the low surrounding base to hold your drink in place you wouldn\u2019t want to put your hot latte in there during your spirited driving for the risk of spilling. Tiny storage spaces are available for you to stash your knick knacks such as the dual glovebox, door pockets, and the netting near the front passenger\u2019s foot well, but you will struggle to find anywhere to store your bigger items other than the boot.\nThe boot is bigger than the 3 Door by 67 litres, giving a total of \n278 litres\n which is now comparable to its peers in its segment, and MINI provides flexible storage options such as the \nadjustable boot floor\n and the 60/40 split folding rear seat backrests that\u2019s also equipped with \nISOFIX mounts\n. Additional compartment can be found under the boot floor, as the runflat-equipped MINI eliminates the need of a spare wheel.\nPERFORMANCE\nWhereas the Cooper gets a downsized turbocharged engine with one cylinder less, the Cooper S receives its biggest engine ever. Replacing the turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder \u201cprince\u201d engine is a \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n with BMW\u2019s famed \nTwinPower Turbo\n technology, leaving very little space left in the compact engine bay. The new engine pumps out 8 hp and 40 Nm more than what the prince can whip out, delivering a total of \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n to the front wheels via the \n6-speed automatic\n gearbox.\nWith that kind of hardware the 5 Door Cooper S clocks the century sprint 0.1 seconds slower than the 3 Door Cooper S, at \n6.8 seconds\n. Keep going past the 100 km/h mark and the Cooper S will top out at \n230 km/h\n on the speedometer, but obviously you won\u2019t be able to get the claimed combined fuel consumption of \n5.5 l/100 km\n if you keep your right foot planted all the time.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe powerplant under that clamshell bonnet proved to be a sizzling one. In Sports mode it makes all the right noises with the obligatory burps, pops, and crackles when pushed, and most of the time you won\u2019t be left wanting for more power. BMW really nailed it with their TwinPower Turbo thingamajig. It pulls cleanly with no lag and delivers a bucketload of mid range poke making it a cinch to overtake slower vehicles.\nYou rarely need to play with the shift paddles behind the steering wheel, because oftentimes the Aisin six-speeder knows which gear to be in based on your ankle angle over the floor-hinged throttle pedal. The shifts are not as quick as a dual clutch gearbox, but at least it\u2019s smooth and more importantly it\u2019s jerk-free in crawling traffic.\nHowever, unlike the Cooper 3 Door we drove last year, the steering on our test car sometimes feel a little slow to react before it weighs up, and this usually happens when driving around in low to mid speed. But once everything clicks, it\u2019s a joy taking on tight and twisty roads. The brakes provided are proportionate to the performance too, resisting fade really well after multiple usage.\nYou will also appreciate the 5 Door\u2019s exemplary body control. The longer wheelbase contributes to the better handling compared to the 3 Door; it\u2019s less nervous on the limit although it\u2019s no less agile than the shorter sibling. The suspension is definitely tuned for back roads blasting because there\u2019s barely any body roll to speak of.\u00a0On the other hand, the firm suspension setup may be a drawback when you\u2019re traveling on undulating roads but it\u2019s never too stiff to make it uncomfortable.\nOut of the three driving modes, \nSports mode\n possesses that magical power to bring out the inner-child in you, cajoling you to go for a drive not because you want to get to places, but simply because it\u2019s a fun thing to do. Nevertheless, under normal circumstances \nMid mode\n would suffice. After all, it is the default mode every time you turn on the MINI. Gearchange occurs sooner than in Sports mode, and the throttle response is more subdued in Mid mode. You will still make good progress around town thanks to dollops of torque on tap, allowing you to dart in and out of traffic without hesitation.\nThe fact that the new MINI has grown in size over its predecessors, the 5 Door still occupies a tiny footprint, meaning it\u2019s a highly maneuverable car in town. With wheels placed at each corner you shouldn\u2019t have any problem navigating narrow lanes. Parking is also a piece of cake, and the front and rear sensors are the icing on the cake.\nThe last of the three driving modes is the \nGreen mode\n. This final driving mode is best left alone, unless you\u2019re running really low on fuel. We really don\u2019t see the point driving a Cooper S in Green mode when everything is held back and dulled down. You should be driving a \nMitsubishi Attrage\n instead.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you always wanted the MINI but the missus dismissed it for being too cramped,\u00a0this car is the answer that you\u2019ve been waiting for. Both of you will appreciate the increased practicalities\u00a0over the 3 Door, especially when it\u2019s less of a hassle when you\u2019re trying to install a child seat in the back. Although we foresee an issue might arise on who gets to drive it, so good luck fighting for the keys to the MINI.\nFurthermore, in this Cooper S form it\u2019s a formidable choice to those who are seeking hot hatch thrills. On weekdays it will behave like a normal city runabout, but on weekends you just flick the driving mode to Sport and you\u2019re all set to tackle your favourite B-road with gusto.\nCOMPARISONS\nLike its looks, the positioning of the MINI Cooper S 5 Door is a bit weird. It\u2019s a B-segment hatch with a C-segment heart and price. It\u2019s certainly the most expensive in its category, costing an eye-watering RM70k more than the next expensive hot hatch, the \nRenault Clio RS 200\n. There\u2019s also the \nVolkswagen Polo GTI\n, but the latest incarnation is not yet available in Malaysia, so we have to leave that one out for this moment.\nEven though both cars offer almost identical performance figures, each are targeted at different clientele. Both are brisk performers, but it all boils down to your preferences. You can\u2019t really substitute each car with each other, but it shows that how different approach were taken by these two manufacturers to come up with an entertaining hot hatch.\nMINI 5 Door Cooper S\nRenault Clio RS 200 EDC\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder petrol, turbocharged\n4-cylinder petrol, turbocharged\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,998\n1,618\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n192/4,700\n200/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n280/1,250\n240/1,750\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power-Steering\nElectric Power-Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed dual-clutch\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson Strut / Multi-Link\nMacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n205/45 R17\n205/45 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,005\n4,090\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,727\n1,732\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,425\n1,448\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,567\n2,589\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,295\n1,218\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n278\n300\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n44\n45\nConsumption\n5.5l/100 km\nN/A\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n230\n230\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n6.8\n6.7\nPRICE\n (without insurance)\nRM\n236,888.00\n168,270.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIt\u2019s not the question of need but it\u2019s the question of want. Most people don\u2019t actually need the MINI 5 Door but for a car that just radiates coolness you can\u2019t help but want one. Gladly, it\u2019s not all about style, the MINI delivers the goods when it comes to driving enjoyment. For a car that made me giggle every time I get behind the wheel like a 10 year old kid who was given a huge serving of ice cream, I say this car deserves a spot in my garage.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Chery has opened the order books to the \nOmoda 5 \ncrossover in Indonesia, at the currently ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show 2023 (IIMS 2023). Offered in two variants, the Chery Omoda 5 is estimated to be priced from just IDR328 million (approx. RM96k) in the Archipelago, placing it below the starting price of a \nHonda HR-V\n!\nBoth of those variants will be powered by the same 1.5-litre \u2018TCI\u2019 turbocharged inline-four engine, making \n147 hp \nand \n230 Nm\n. The engine is paired to a CVT gearbox to send drive to the front wheels.\nBack when Chery made its\n first official preview in Malaysia\n, the company mentioned that the Omoda 5 will also be offered with a 1.6-litre turbocharged mill here in our markets. However, it seems that this option will not be available in Indonesia. Furthermore, the stated horsepower figure is also curiously lower than the outputs from the same mill in China (154 hp).\nIn terms of equipment, the Chery Omoda 5 in Indonesia comes as standard with fully-LED lighting on the outside across both variants, alongside a set of 18-inch wheels, and the dual 10.25-inch displays on the inside for the infotainment display and digital instrument cluster \u2013 the former featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nDual-zone climate control, wireless charging pad, and the funky ambient lighting system on the dashboard trim are all standard across both variants, but only the range-topping \u2018RZ\u2019 variant will come with the premium creature comforts, including powered driver seats (with ventilation for the front passengers), a powered tailgate, powered sunroof, the eight-speaker Sony sound system, heated side mirrors, and sequential LED turn indicators.\nREAD MORE:\n Chery set to relaunch brand in Australia \u2013 Omoda 5 SUV to launch in March this year\nMalaysia preview-model specification\nThe advanced driver assistance system is thankfully standard across the range, with features including adaptive cruise control with low speed follow function, integrated cruise assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and intelligent high beam. Opting for the range-topping RZ variant will also net you an additional 360-degree surround view monitor.\nAgain, the Indonesian pricing for the Chery Omoda 5 still isn\u2019t confirmed yet, but it could be indicative of what we\u2019ll be getting \u2013 both in terms of specifications and pricing \u2013 when the compact crossover eventually launches in Malaysia!\nThe Omoda 5 crossover is part of Chery Malaysia\u2019s \u2018Phase One\u2019 plans, alongside the larger \nTiggo 8 Pro\n. A concrete launch date is still not available yet, but we expect it to be sometime in the second half of this year."
"Kia has revealed more teasers for its new flagship fully-electric SUV, the \nEV9\n after \nreleasing some images recently\n. The name EV9, comes from Kia\u2019s EV nomenclature, pairing \u2018EV\u2019 (electric vehicle) with the number \u20189\u2019, which represents the model\u2019s segment among Kia\u2019s EV lineup.\nThe images do not reveal much but it does show how striking the EV9\u2019s front section would be with striking light patterns and multiple LED light projectors. Details are still scarce but for now, we know that the EV9 will be built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture.\nThe E-GMP is Kia\u2019s dedicated EV platform and is the same 800V architecture that the EV6 is built on. The EV9 is expected to offer an electric range of up to 482 km and can take up to 350 kW of fast charging where 10-80% state of charge is expected to take 20 to 30 minutes.\nRELATED: \nGallery: Kia EV6 GT Line AWD \u2013 506 km range EV from RM301k\nLast year, Kia revealed a camouflaged EV9 undergoing its \nfinal tests\n, after 44 months of development. Over the period, the EV9 was subjected to deep water wading, rough terrains, hill climbs, cobbled road surfaces and various other tests on stability and handling.\nAlongside the teaser images, Kia also announced that it will fully reveal both the exterior and interior design in mid-March with a world premiere set to take place at the end of this month.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"The era of fuel-guzzling monster cars are coming to an end, thanks to the ever-tightening emission regulations. Knowing that, Porsche couldn\u2019t possibly let the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX have the whole super-SUV pie just to themselves.\nAs a last hurrah for the pure internal combustion engines, Porsche is now developing an all-out \u201cultimate\u201d Cayenne featuring a tweaked twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. And according to \nAuto Express\n, who were given the privilege to test drive the prototype, it\u2019ll supposedly make \n640 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n.\nCompared to the\n Cayenne Turbo\n that\u2019s currently on sale, the new top-of-the-line Cayenne makes an additional 98 hp and 80 Nm of torque, shaving off around 0.5 seconds in its 0-100 km/h sprint time and raising the top speed to 300 km/h.\nWhile the \nCayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid\n technically still makes more power, \nAuto Express\n says that the weight penalty from its fancy hybrid system means that it \u201ccan\u2019t keep up\u201d with the new ultra-performance model when it comes to acceleration and top speed.\nAside from the significantly more powerful engine, Porsche\u2019s own press release also says that it\u2019ll come with a new Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system, which helps \u201ckeep the body balanced and level even during very spirited cornering\u201d \u2013 at least according to Porsche\u2019s own test driver, Lars Kern.\nThe new \u201cultimate\u201d Cayenne also rides on 22-inch forged aluminium wheels, shod with 285 and 315 section tyres front and rear \u2013 the largest tyre Porsche has ever fitted as standard on the Cayenne. The larger offset on the wheels marginally increases the track on both ends, while also allowing for more negative camber \u2013 0.45 degrees to be exact \u2013 which increases the contact area between the tyres and the road.\nFurther dynamic upgrades come in the form of a 15% stiffer air suspension, which also doubles as an aesthetic tweak to give the new super-SUV an aggressive stance on the road.\nPorsche says that the all-new \u201cultimate\u201d Cayenne is currently undergoing final testing and optimisation in the hands of Lars Kern and\u00a0two-time World Rally Champion, Walter R\u00f6hrl who had the following to say: \u201cThe car remains incredibly stable even in fast corners, and its turn-in behaviour is extremely precise. More than ever, you have the feeling that you are sitting in a compact sports car rather than in a large SUV.\u201d\nAs such, most of its visual changes are still largely hidden under the black camouflage. We do know that it\u2019ll only be available in the Cayenne Coupe form though, and will come equipped with a new titanium exhaust system with the dual exits positioned centrally on the rear bumper.\nAlso, if you haven\u2019t noticed yet, we\u2019ve been calling it the \u201cultimate\u201d Cayenne in quotation marks for now, because Porsche has yet to give the super-SUV a name. If we had to guess, it\u2019ll probably be called the Cayenne Turbo S, as it\u2019s the one \u201ctraditional\u201d Porsche name that\u2019s absent from the current model line-up \u2013 just don\u2019t quote us on that."
"Mercedes-Benz\n has just published its sales performance data for 2021, of which the company managed to deliver a total of 2,093,476 vehicles from January to December last year.\nCompared to 2020, last year\u2019s figure represents a 5% drop in sales, which the company attributes to the bottlenecks introduced by the global semiconductor shortage. The German carmaker says it was impacted particularly badly in Q4 of 2021, which saw sales dropped by 24.7%.\nRELATED: All-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class launched in Malaysia in sole S 580 e guise\nUnfortunately, that figure also means that it has now lost its crown as the best-selling luxury carmaker to \nBMW\n for the first time in five years \u2013 the latter delivered a record-breaking 2.2 million vehicles in 2021.\nDespite that, there are still several silver linings for the Stuttgart-based carmaker. Sales of electrified models have seen a significant growth with 227,458 units sold (+69%). Of these, fully-electric models have nearly doubled in volume with a 90% uptick compared to last year (99,301 units).\nMercedes-Benz\u2019s \nluxury, performance, and off-road sub-brands \nhave also seen solid growth throughout the year. Deliveries of Mercedes-AMG models soared by 16.7% to 145,979 units, while Mercedes-Maybach saw a jump of 50.7% (15,730 units), with more than 900 units delivered per month in China.\nThe \nMercedes-Benz G-Class\n also achieved a new sales record last year with 41,174 units sold. Orders for the Mercedes-Benz EQ\u2019s range-topping \nEQS sedan\n also reached 16,370 since its launch in August last year, the carmaker said.\nRELATED: The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is finally going electric!\nDespite the significant drop in sales in the last quarter of 2021, Mercedes-Benz says that demand for its vehicles are still high, adding that the company is making every effort to fulfil customers\u2019 orders \u201cas soon as possible\u201d.\n\u201cIn a challenging year, Maybach, AMG and G-Class vehicles posted new records. Order intake for the EQS, the longest-range EV on the market today, is very encouraging and production of the \nfirst all-electric AMG \nkicked off in December, starting a new chapter for our electric flagship,\u201d said Mercedes-Benz board member for marketing and sales, Britta Seeger.\u00a0\n\u201cThis strong global demand for all our brands gives Mercedes-Benz the tailwinds to accelerate into a new electric era.\u201d"
"In conjunction with Hari Raya celebrations, Petronas Dagangan Berhad is offering motorists complimentary coffee and snacks at over 150 Petronas stations nationwide through the annual Coffee Break campaign.\nThe Petronas Coffee Break campaign is one of the company\u2019s flagship road safety campaign which aims to remind motorists to stay safe during the festive season with the typically high volume of cars on the road.\nFor Peninsular Malaysia, the campaign for Hari Raya Aidilfitri will commence from \n1st to 2nd of June 2019\n and resume from the 8th to 9th of June 2019.\nThe campaign will commence in Sabah and Sarawak from 30th of May to 2nd June 2019 and resume from 8th to 9th of June 2019, for the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan and Gawai festivals.\nIn addition to Nescaf\u00e9 coffee, motorists will also get to enjoy offerings from other campaign partners including Julie\u2019s Butter Crackers, Munchworld\u2019s 7Days croissant, Cadbury 5 Star chocolate, Tong Garden\u2019s sunflower seed, Kopiko candies as well as vouchers from Shopee and Dunkin\u2019 Donuts.\nIf you\u2019re looking to service your car before the long drive, you might want to check out \nPetronas\u2019 new Auto Expert service centre\n!\nTo cultivate a safety-first mindset, the Road Safety Department will carry out an advocacy programme to educate the public on road safety tips during the campaign.\nFree vehicle inspection will also be conducted by Perodua for its customers alongside the campaign\u2019s new partner, Yamaha, which will be carrying out \nsafety checks for all brands of motorcycles\n.\nAt the same time, free health screening will also be offered by St John Ambulance Malaysia. All these will be held at selected Petronas stations throughout the campaign period."
"MINI Malaysia would probably thrown a big party today if it weren\u2019t for Covid-19 and the nonsensical lockdowns imposed, to no avail. Aside from the launch of the \nfacelift MINI JCW 3 Door\n, MINI Malaysia also introduced the Countryman version of the MINI John Cooper Works.\nPerformance wise, the numbers remain unchanged from before. You still get \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. You get all-wheel drive and an 8-speed gearbox in between. 0 to 100 km/h is still 5.1 seconds.\nThere\u2019s more to look forward to when it comes to aesthetics. Unlike the 3 Door JCW, the Countryman received more subtle updates in the grille and headlamp department.\nAt the rear, the Countryman is (finally) fitted with taillights featuring the Union Jack flag. The diffuser section has also undergone a minor redesign.\nWhat ties all the new details up are black surrounds applied generously around the exterior. You get glossy black finishing around the head and tail lamps, black Countryman lettering and plenty more black everywhere for a more sinister image.\n19-inch wheels.\nOther standard items include 4-pot Brembo brakes in the front, adaptive suspension and adaptive headlights. The JCW comes in Rebel Green, Midnight Black and White Silver, paired to a red roof.\nCheck out the facelift MINI Countryman S launched in Malaysia earlier this year!\nInside, the changes are similar to the 3 Door JCW. There\u2019s a new 5-inch fully digital display, an updated infotainment system and a new Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel in the most spacious cabin of the entire MINI range.\nLike the 3 Door version, the JCW Countryman also gets all the good stuff like a head-up display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof for more natural light. As for driver assistance and safety, there\u2019s six airbags, Driver Assistant Package with autonomous braking and lane keeping assist.\nFor all that, the JCW Countryman will cost you \nRM375,493 \nincluding a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty. With the 5-year package, you\u2019re looking at RM383,463. Check it out on MINI\u2019s official site \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia\n may soon expand its all-electric lineup with the BMW iX1 xDrive30. The \nBMW iX1\n has now appeared on BMW Malaysia\u2019s official website and registration of interest (ROI) for the car is now open.\nThe BMW iX1 is a fully electric car that was introduced together with the all-new X1 back in June last year. Currently, the iX1 is only available in one guise, which is the iX1 xDrive30. As such, the specifications listed on BMW Malaysia\u2019s website reflect that.\nPowering the BMW iX1 is a dual-motor setup that makes 230 kW (\n313 hp\n) and \n494 Nm\n. The drivetrain consists of BMW\u2019s 5\nth\n-generation eDrive technology. Both motors in the iX1 are permanent magnet synchronous motors. The BMW iX1 xDrive30 does 0-100 km/h in \n5.6 seconds\n onward to an electronically limited top speed of \n180 km/h\n.\nAs for battery and range, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 houses a \n64.7-kWh\n lithium-ion battery pack that provides up to \n440 km\n of range (WLTP). As standard, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 can handle a maximum charging rate of 11 kW with AC charging and 130 kW with DC charging.\nRELATED: \nBMW starts production of iX1 \u2013 EQA, XC40 rival with 440 km range\n11-kW\n AC charging will charge the car from 0 to 100% in \n6.5 hours\n. \n130-kW\n DC charging will charge the car from 10% to 80% in \n29 minutes\n. Interestingly, the iX1 can be fitted with a 22-kW AC onboard charger (OBC). Its details, however, are not shared on BMW Malaysia\u2019s website.\nSize-wise, the BMW iX1 measures 4,500 mm long, 1,845 mm wide, and 1,616 mm tall. The car\u2019s wheelbase measures 2,692 mm long. Like the all-new X1, the iX1 gets slim LED headlights and an almost-square kidney grille design. Inside, the iX1 features a curved display setup which consists of a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display. More information on the BMW iX1 for Malaysia will be available upon launch.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 BMW X1 unveiled with wildly good looks, 272 hp fully-electric iX1 variant\nGALLERY"
"Is the \nMercedes GLC 43 SUV\n\u00a0a little too ordinary for your liking? Then Stuttgart has another option for you. Enter the\u00a0new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe, one to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show soon.\nLets highlight the obvious. The AMG touch gives the GLC Coupe a more athletic stance, thanks to the new set of \n19-inch AMG alloy wheels\n. Wheel sizes can go as big as 21 inches. It comes dressed with AMG bodykit, sporty single-bar front grille, and quad tailpipes.   Just like its Mercedes-AMG stablemates (like the\u00a0\nSLC 43\n, \nC 43\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nE 43\n),\u00a0the GLC 43 Coupe is powered by the same \ntwin-turbo 3.0-litre V6\n petrol engine\u00a0that\u2019s capable of generating\u00a0\n362 hp\n and\n 520 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through the\u00a0\n4MATIC\n system via a\u00a0\nnine-speed automatic transmission\n. Key performance figures are as such: 0 to 100km/h dash is achieved in 4.9 seconds, while its combined fuel consumption is rated at\u00a0\n8.4 litres per 100km/h\n. As with any performance-oriented German-made cars, top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.\nThe GLC 43 Coupe is also equipped with\n\u00a0AMG Dynamic Select\n system, allowing drivers to select their preferred driving mode: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual. The GLC 43 Coupe\u2019s air suspension can increase its ride height while the\u00a04MATIC four-wheel drive system provides added traction when the need arises. The car is rear-biased by default, though.\nDeliveries of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe will commence as early as December 2016. Just recently, Mercedes Malaysia launched the locally assembled\u00a0\nGLC 250 4MATIC\n at RM325k. Read our\u00a0\nreview to find out what we think of it\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota USA has debuted the \nGR86\n Special Edition that\u2019s limited to just 860 units to celebrate the \u2018pure fun of sports car driving\u2019.\nThe second-generation GR86 is sold exclusively in the Solar Shift orange paint, with black stripes on its rear quarter. The forged wheels are 18-inch in size from the GR catalogue paired with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, complementing the black ducktail spoiler.\nThe GR86 Special Edition also gets a GR catback performance exhaust system with stainless steel pipes and black chrome tips but there was no mention of increased output.\nSave to assume, the GR86 Special Edition still produces 235 hp and 249 Nm from a larger 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine with 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions available. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in just\u00a0\n6.3 seconds\n.\nThere was no mention on the interior although Toyota mentioned that it would come with leather/Ultrasuede seats. Standard features include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, GR start-stop button, dual-zone air-conditioning, Track mode, Active Sound Control, LED head and tail lamps.\nLocally, there\u2019s no word on the GR86 for now although Subaru has been busy collecting orders for the \nBRZ\n. It starts from\u00a0\nRM229,245\u00a0\n(on-the-road, without insurance) for the manual variant, and\n\u00a0RM239,245\n\u00a0for the automatic but those figures have seen been \nincreased by RM20k.\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019ve seen the \nengine\n, we\u2019ve heard it \non track\n and we\u2019ve even seen it \nout in the open\n. It\u2019s finally\u00a0official, McLaren\u2019s second-generation Super Series supercar, codenamed P14 is called the 720S.\nUnveiled to the world at the Geneva International Motor Show, the 720S is a new interpretation of the British carmaker\u2019s design language and raises the bar for supercar performance. The new design direction is a reflection of McLaren\u2019s pursuit in aerodynamics, and every panel was purposely sculpted for maximum aero efficiency. Unlike previous McLarens with side air intakes at the rear wheel arches, the dihedral doors of the 720S features a unique \u201cdouble-skin\u201d design that channels air directly into the radiators without relying on side air intakes.   Up front, the LED DRLs no longer look like the signature swoosh we\u2019ve come to adore. Instead it gets a single horizontal DRL. At the rear, the twin oval tail pipes\u2019 design is a nod to the hardcore \n675LT\n. Besides that, the active aero wing \u2013 which doubles up as an air brake during hard braking \u2013 is now a full-sized piece, similar to the ones on the 675LT.\nThe dihedral doors of the 720S now extend into the roof, just like the legendary \nMcLaren F1\n. The roof section sports a small glass panel for natural\u00a0light to enter the cabin. Inside, the cabin is smothered with fine quality materials. A new infotainment screen, redesigned steering wheel, repositioned gear selector and centre storage space all give the 720S a more ergonomic interior.   For drivers who are keen on taking their 720S on track and would like to have an unobstructed view of the roads ahead, McLaren\u2019s new Folding Driver Display can switch between the large LCD Central Infotainment Screen and the track-inspired slim display. In Full Display mode, the 8-inch TFT display delivers crisp and clear information whereas in Slim Mode, the TFT display retracts and leaves a horizontal bar that feeds the driver with engine speed and gear for minimum distraction.\nAs the name \u201c720S\u201d denotes, McLaren\u2019s new supercar packs\n 720 PS\n (\n710 hp\n) and\n 770 Nm\n of torque courtesy of a new M840 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Key performance figures include a century sprint time of \n2.9 seconds\n, 0 to 200 km/h in \n7.8 seconds\n and a top speed of\n 341 km/h\n.\nTasked with stopping this monstrous machine are carbon ceramic discs (390 mm front; 380 mm rear) that can bring the car to a complete standstill from 200 km/h in just \n4.6 seconds\n\u00a0with a distance of\u00a0\n117 meters\n. An all new Proactive Chassis Control (independent adaptive suspension) and McLaren Carbon Fibre Monocage II give the 720S the higher levels of grip and balance.\nRetail prices for the 720S start from \u00a3208,600 (RM1.13 mil) before options. Three trim levels are available at launch \u2013 Standard, Performance and Luxury. However, if you\u2019re feeling adventurous with the specifications, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will always be more than glad to welcome you at their doors.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia has just unveiled the \nBMW i3s\n, the first Battery Electric Vehicle or in other words a pure electric vehicle at the \n2019 Malaysia Autoshow\n in MAEPS, Serdang.\nWhile the car may be foreign to us, BMW had previously sold more than 120,000 units of the BMW i3 globally and the new one is said to be more polished and refined than its predecessor.\n \nThe BMW i3s is capable of an output of \n184 hp\n with \n270 Nm\n of torque from a synchronous electric motor with a single-speed automatic transmission.\nThe BMW i3s is capable of 0 to 100 km/h in just \n6.9 seconds\n, before hitting a top speed of \n160 km/h\n.\nLED headlamps are standard, along with sports suspension (custom springs, dampers and anti-roll bars) that lowers the ride by 10mm to complement the wider track width (40mm) for sportier handling. Filling the arches are 20-inch style 431 BMW i light alloy wheels \nThe BMW i3s\u2019 lithium-ion battery is place in the vehicle floor offers up to 260 km of pure electric driving range based on the Customer Oriented Electric range in everyday use. Combined electric power consumption is rated at 14.3kWh per 100 km \u2013 better get used to these figures.\nOver 80% of all visible surfaces are made of recycled material such as recycled plastics, natural fibres and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood.\nThe carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell also helped achieve that feeling of lightweight spaciousness that every electric vehicle strives for.\nThe model is furnished with a 10.2-inch infotainment display, a 5.7-inch TFT instrument cluster and the BMW i Interior Design Suite that features a sophisticated instrument panel and Dark Truffle Leather Vernasca upholstery.\nSafety features include the Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Contol, ABS with Brake Assist.\nThe First-Ever BMW i3s can be pre-ordered from the authorised BMW i dealership, Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur as of today. It\u2019s available in Fluid Black and Capparis White, and Mineral Grey.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW i3s can be owned with monthly installment plans starting from \nRM 3,188.00\n (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).\nThe BMW i3s is priced at an estimated \nRM279,000\n and comes with a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service programme, 2-year Tyre Warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and BMW\u2019s White Card privileges.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW\u00a0i3s\u00a0Previewed\u00a0at\u00a02019\u00a0Malaysia\u00a0Auto\u00a0Show"
"Another unit of the most famous Toyota Supra in the world; the one that sparked over two decades of Japanese tuner car madness since it appeared in the first ever The Fast and the Furious movie over 20 years ago, is up for auction.\nThis is unlikely to be the one driven by Paul Walker in the final scene as that one came with a much more race-oriented cabin. Our best guess is that this is the one Paul Walker jumped out of, to rescue Vince towards the end of the movie.\nHere\u2019s a brief history throughout all the generations of Toyota Supra!\nBoth Supras..\n.are the same car!\nSome of you may not know but this is also the Supra that reappeared in 2 Fast 2 Furious released two years later.\nHere\u2019s everything you need to know about the latest A90 Toyota Supra!\nLabelled as Lot 744 in the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction happening between the 17th till the 19th of June, the Supra is accompanied by extensive documentation and a Certificate of Authenticity but that\u2019s not all.\nDespite having an engine bay that looks almost completely standard, the cabin is decked out with all the meters and gauges that a Supra owner then would\u2019ve listed on a wishlist.\nThis Supra is so powerful it destroyed its own tyres during a dyno run!\nAhead of the driver, on the A-pillar, is an exhaust temperature gauge that was a common sight in turbocharged cars of that time.\nThere\u2019s also a boost meter, a water temperature gauge and oil pressure gauge ahead of the front passenger but the seats do look a little tacky in this era with that black and blue combo, don\u2019t you think?\nWatch us race the new Toyota Supra against the BMW M2 Competition here!\nAnd what most of you would also be surprised to know that this unit came with a 4-speed automatic transmission instead; probably for the scenes that require proper acting \u2013 if there was such thing in that franchise.\nAs for the figures, no reserve price was stated but considering another authentic and identical unit (the manual one) sold for nearly USD $200,000 at an auction in 2015, this one shouldn\u2019t be far off.\nHow much would you pay for it?\nFor more images of the Supra, check out Barret-Jackson\u2019s site here!\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019re wondering why Koenigsegg has called this a \u201cmegacar\u201d, over supercar or hypercar, this video of the CEO of Koenigsegg revealing and test-driving the Jesko for the first time, is the answer to everything.\nIf you haven\u2019t already heard, the Jesko is the latest thing from the Swedish company with a \n1280 hp\n and\n 1500 Nm\n from a 5.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The figure can go up to 1,600 hp, with E85 fuel. So far, these are the only figures provided.\nWatch the Jesko\u2019s acceleration video on Instagram here!\n \nPerhaps the biggest appeal of the Jesko, as per the video, is its throttle response and sheer relentless acceleration. It\u2019s like Sonic the Hedgehog, on 20 cans of Red Bull.\nCheck out these incredible images of the Koenigsegg Jesko in old town Hong Kong. It just looks like a spaceship!\nOne of the many factors that contribute to Jesko\u2019s ferocity is the \nin-house air injection system\n that directs 20-bar of compressed air to the turbochargers to pre-spool their turbines, for instant power and throttle response.\nThe other appeal of the Jesko is its \n9-speed Light Speed Transmission\n, also designed in-house, which makes the fastest transmissions look like kindergarten science projects.\nIt comes with an \nUltimate Power on Demand \nfeature that\u2019s simply one of a kind. It basically allows you to downshift, whether from the gear shifters on the steering or gear lever, from \n7th gear to 4th gear for example, in just one click\n. Here\u2019s how it works!\nThe shifter paddles on the steering and gear lever come with a \ndouble-notch shifting mechanism\n. The first click shifts one gear up or down. Two clicks at once and the\n \nUltimate Power on Demand feature is activated; shifting the car from whatever gear it is in, to the lowest gear instantly for maximum acceleration; instead of shifting gear by gear from 7th to 4th.\nThe Jesko is the most aerodynamic car to wear the Koenigsegg badge, with up to 1000 kg of downforce at 275 km/h. That\u2019s the weight of a Perodua Myvi, keeping the Jesko\u2019s Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres firmly planted on the road for traction and stability.\nThe Jesko is named after Jesko von Koenigsegg, the father of company Founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg. Since the company\u2019s early years, Jesko has been a key presence at Koenigsegg Automotive, steering the company through various challenges.\nKoenigsegg is experimenting with \u201cvolcano fuel\u201d as an alternative to fossil fuel. Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"As GC handed me the key to the Subaru XV, the first thing that came to mind was, how would this fare? After all, I was driving the turbocharged \u00a0\nSubaru Forester 2.0 XT\n prior to the XV. Can the XV live up to the expectations? Will it be a worthy purchase? Well guys, read on to find out more.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru XV\nSegment\nCrossover\nEngine\n1998cc Boxer engine (150hp)\nPrice\nRM151,226\n \n\u00a0\nUnder the hood of this rather handsome compact SUV is the tried and tested 2.0-liter Boxer engine from Subaru. No fancy turbocharging or direct injection turbo (DIT) like its bigger brother, the Forester. That however helps to keep the price competitive. But will that compromise be worthy of the price cut?\nExterior\n \nI am very fond of the looks of the XV. It has a very modern look, which carries some hints of the Impreza it\u2019s based on. But unlike some of its nearest competitors (Honda CRV), the XV does offer a roof rack for you to carry extra luggage, should the need arise.   The other part I like about the XV are these rims. They really stand out and gives the XV a certain character that\u2019s rather missing from some of its rivals. The 17\u2033 rims gets the same glossy black treatment that the Forester gets, but with a different design. But unlike the Forester, the XV makes do with regular halogen bulbs, instead of pricier HIDs and fancy DRLs. That blank spot where the foglight was supposed to be did irked me somewhat\nInterior\n \nMoving onto the interior, you\u2019ll be greeted with a relatively bland interior. The only saving grace is the premium Kenwood head unit that Subaru bundles with the XV. It is a GPS system powered by Garmin, which means navigation and map routing are top notch, if not the best. Navigating through the menus are a painless affair, with no major issues encountered.\nThe screen can remain very readable under bright sunlight, something that the Forester\u2019s unit was lacking at. Music quality is decent, despite not having the Harman Kardon speakers like its bigger brother. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and you can actually pair it with your phone for a handsfree experience. There\u2019s not much to be said about the build quality as it\u2019s assembled by Tan Chong Industries, so fit and finish are pretty good.   As for other toys, the XV also provides. You also get a reverse camera when the need arises. And surprisingly enough, it also has a pair of reverse sensors that the Forester is missing. The smaller size of the XV makes reverse parking a breeze, and coupled with the reverse camera, tight parking spots are no longer an issue.\nAnother point also worth mentioning is that the reverse camera works pretty well in dark places as well. You do get foglights as a standard equipment , as well as self leveling headlights. Other options like sunroof, cargo tray, engine start stop button, dual zone climate control, idle stop system and auto rain sensors sadly isn\u2019t available on our local unit.\nThe boot space is rather lacking, due to the rather wide spare tire used. This unfortunately eats up precious boot space, but on the flip side, the rear seats can be split folded at 60:40, and that increases the usable boot space to a healthy 1250 litres.\nAs Shawn moved to the back seat, he did like the amount of rear legroom the XV has to offer, but lamented on the lack of toys.\nPerformance\n \nKnowing most of you, this section matters the most. The XV\u2019s engine is a 2.0L boxer unit, which comes with Subaru\u2019s Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and has an optimized air intake. In the real world, this means that the engine can provide a very good amount of low end torque, as well as linear power delivery.\nWith 150hp and 196NM of torque, it won\u2019t push you hard into the seats, but it will take it\u2019s own sweet time to build it up. By no means it\u2019s slow, but thanks to the CVT transmission, acceleration is gradual and smooth, not abrupt at all. Speaking of the CVT gearbox, it only has 2 modes, Drive and Manual. No fancy Sports mode to be found here, but there are paddles shifts for that somewhat semi sporty feel.   Handling wise, the XV is very composed. Funny car, this XV, as it can balance passenger comfort as well as road handling relatively well. My mom did enjoy the quietness of the XV, as well as the comfort of it, while I did find the handling to be pretty decent through the corners.\nBodyroll is to be expected from an SUV, but thanks to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, you are always in control, and the car won\u2019t surprise you. Steering wise, it is an electronic assisted power steering, and feedback is rather vague. Odd, I feel, as the bigger brother\u2019s electronic power steering feels so much better than this. Perhaps Subaru might want to retune it?\nThe Drive\n \nFor the XV, I drove Shawn (my photographer) up to Kuala Kubu Bharu for the photo shoot, via Jalan Kuching. The XV doesn\u2019t make you feel tired driving it for long journey, and this makes it an excellent highway cruiser. Cruising at 110km/h is barely an issue for the XV, as wind noises as well as tire noises are kept at a bare minimum.\nWhen I collected the car, the average fuel consumption was at 14.4L/100km. After cruising and being extremely gentle on the throttle, I brought that number down to a respectable 9.6L/100km. It\u2019s still a far cry from Subaru\u2019s official figures of 7.3L/100km, but do bear in mind that it was a mix of hilly roads, some traffic jam along Jalan Kuching (towards town), some spirited driving as well as idling the car. Passing the key to Shawn to have a drive, he mentioned that the XV does not feel like an SUV at all, in fact feels very much car like. Body roll, according to him, is very controlled, in a good way.\nIs it for you?\n \nTo be really honest, I preferred the XV over the Forester for a few reasons. Firstly. The size. The Forester may have a bigger presence on the road, but that is also its downfall. Parking can be a bit hard when driving the Forester, and navigating through tight spots can be rather daunting. The XV\u2019s size fares better in this, as the size suits our city roads better.\nThen there\u2019s the looks. I know, looks is very subjective, and some people may question my taste, but don\u2019t get me wrong, the XV isn\u2019t perfect, but I\u2019m really digging the looks of the XV. The front end itself, already looks better than the Mitsubishi ASX, while the 4WD system leaves some of its rivals in the dust.\nThirdly, the XV isn\u2019t entirely underpowered. Sure, it\u2019s not as fast as the Forester, but the XV doesn\u2019t pretend to be a mini Forester. On its own, the XV is a very capable SUV, able to keep up with it rivals very well. The other thing worth nothing is the Subaru XV can help you garner some attention, like the priceless expression on my colleagues who saw me drove off in this very unit.\nComparisons\n \nFor the sake of comparing, the Subaru XV has quite a tough set of competitors. Among the competitors are the Mitsubishi ASX, Peugeot 3008, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga and the Honda CR-V. Price wise, the CKD Mitsubishi ASX, which ironically enough, rolls off the same assembly plant as the Subaru XV, has a clear advantage, as the 4WD model tops out at RM128,800. But the ASX is based on a rather old platform, while the XV\u2019s platform is much newer. Safety kit is pretty much the same, down to the 3 airbags and traction control.   Mitsubishi ASX CKD\nSubaru XV 2.0i Premium\nKia Sportage\nENGINE\nType\n\u00a02.0L 16 Valve Inline-4 DOHC MIVEC (4B11)\nDOHC 16-Valve, Horizontally-Opposed,\n 4-Cylinder, 4-Stroke, Petrol Engine\n2.0 DOHC DCVVT THETA II\nDisplacement\ncc\n\u00a01998\n1995\n1998\nBore x Stroke\nmm\n86 x 86\n\u00a084 x 90\n\u00a086 x 86\nCompression Ratio\n10.0\n10.5\n10.5\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n\u00a0155 / 6000\n\u00a0150 / 6200\n166 / 6200\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n197 / 4200\n196 / 4200\n\u00a0197 / 4600\nCarburetion System\nMulti Point Injection\n\u00a0Multi point sequential injection\n\u00a0Multi Point Injection\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n\u00a060\n\u00a060\n55\nSTEERING\nType\nPower Assisted Rack & Pinion\n\u00a0Electric power assistance rack and pinion\n\u00a0Motor Driven Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nType\n4WD\n4WD\nAWD\nTransmission\nINVECS-III CVT\n\u00a0Lineartronic CVT\n6-Speed Automatic with All-Wheel Drive\nGear Ratio\n\u00a0D \u2013 2.349 \u2013 0.394\n R \u2013 1.750\n FDR \u2013 6.120\nD \u2013 3.581 \u2013 0.570\n R \u2013\u00a03.667\n FDR \u2013 3.7\n1- 4.162 , 2- 2.575 , 3- 1.772 , 4- 1.369, 5- 1.000 6- 0.778\n R \u2013 3.5\n FDR \u2013 3.648\nSUSPENSION\nType\n\u00a0\nFront\n \u2013\u00a0MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar\n \nRear\n \u2013\u00a0Multilink with stabilizer bar\n\u00a0\nFront\u00a0\n\u2013 \u00a0MacPherson strut type\n \nRear \u2013\u00a0\nDouble wishbone type\nFront\n \u2013\u00a0MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring\n \nRear\n\u2013\u00a0Multilink, coil springs\nBRAKES\nFront\n\u00a0Ventilated disc brakes\n\u00a0Ventilated disc brakes\nVentilated disc brakes\nRear\n\u00a0\u00a0Solid disc brake\n\u00a0 Solid disc brakes\n\u00a0Solid disc brake\nDiameter \u2013 Front\ninches\n\u00a011.6\n11.6\n11.8\nDiameter \u2013 Rear\ninches\n\u00a011.9\n\u00a010.8\n11.1\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n\u00a0215/60 R17\n\u00a0225/55 R17\n235/55 R18\nWheels\n\u00a0Alloy\n\u00a0Alloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,295\n\u00a04,450\n4,440\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,770\n\u00a01,780\n\u00a01,855\nOverall Height\nmm\n\u00a01,615\n1,615\n1,645\nWheelbase\nmm\n\u00a02,670\n\u00a02,635\n\u00a02,640\nGround Clearance\nmm\n\u00a0195\n\u00a0220\n172\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n\u00a01,475\n\u00a01,430\n1,655\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n\u00a0614\n Seats Folded \u2013 1,402\n310\n Seats Folded \u2013 1270\n564\n Seats Folded \u2013 1353\nFUEL\nGrade\nmin. 95 RON\nmin. 95 RON\nmin. 95 RON\nConsumption\n\u00a07.9 L/100 km\n8.6 L/100 km\n8.2 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n190\n187\n180\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n9.6\n\u00a010.7\n10.8\nPRICE\nRM\n\u00a0128,880\n152,255\n135,000\n\u00a0\nWill I buy it?\n \nWeighing the pros and cons, the Subaru XV is very tempting, but I wont put my money down as yet, until I\u2019ve tested the Mitsubishi ASX. But on its own, the Subaru XV does have a special place in my heart.\nSpecial thanks going out to my friend Shawn who was my photographer and Motor Image Malaysia for loaning us this unit.\nRead our full review on \nSubaru Forester 2.0 XT\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In celebrating its 100th year anniversary,\n local Mazda distributor Bermaz \nhas introduced a limited edition \nCX-3\n, which has been developed by Bermaz\u2019s MazdaSports division.\nThe enhancements on the limited edition model is purely aesthetic. On the outside the CX-3 gets a front lip spoiler, rear bumper diffuser and a two-tone finish with Piano Black roof along with a matching spoiler.\nThe limited edition CX-3 also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, which appear quite similar to the ones seen on the CX-9 and CX-8. Looking in detail, the CX-3\u2019s exhaust tips are finished in brushed in aluminium and is only available exclusively in Snowflake White Pearl. As it is a limited edition model, the CX-3 also dons 100 Years Anniversary Limited Edition badges.\nInside, the suede seats have been embroidered with a Mazda 100 Years Anniversary logo, while the same suede treatment is seen on the steering, arm rest and gear lever. The same applied to the dashboard and door trims. The limited edition CX-3 also throws out the \u201cmaggi mee carpets\u201d in replacement of black limited edition floor mats. Brushed aluminium pedals and scuff plates complete the interior.\nBut that\u2019s not all as Mazda has given some attention to improving the driving experience as well. For starters, it\u2019s fitted with a JBL Basspro Hub 11-inch subwoofer under the boot floor that produces tight, deep bass with low distortion.\nAlso part of package is a front strut bar across the engine bay, along with stabiliser bars in the front, mid and rear section of the undercarriage.\nAll-in-all, the limited edition CX-3 package is priced at \nRM14,500\n and is accompanied by a 1-year Mazda Genuine Accessory Warranty. With the standard Mazda CX-3 priced at \nRM126,829\n, after the \nsales tax exemption\n, the limited edition model will cost \nRM141,329\n. Orders and reservations can be made at any of the Mazda outlets with delivery expected by the end July 2020.\nGALLERY"
"Three and a half years after the introduction of the \nfifth-generation model\n, Lexus today unveiled the 2020 LS mid-cycle, with a nip and tuck to its exterior styling and overall refinement to take on the \nsoon-to-be-released updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class\n.\nOn the exterior, the new \nLexus LS\n gains a slightly updated front fascia, with the most obvious change being the new cleaned-up headlights that have now ditched the split daytime-running lights design for a single lighting package \u2013 much like the \nnew Lexus IS.\nThe headlights also now come with the marque\u2019s BladeScan Adaptive High Beam system, which uses a rotating blade mirror to accurately project light ahead without blinding oncoming and preceding traffic.\nOther exterior changes include a reworked front bumper with new vertical character lines on the front bumper edges to emphasise the vehicle\u2019s stance, a slightly refreshed taillights assembly with new piano black trims instead of chrome, as well as a slightly retouched rear bumper.\nThere\u2019s also a new silver paint job called the \u201cGin-ei Luster\u201d, which uses aluminium flakes to achieve deep shadows and shimmering highlights \u2013 Lexus says it\u2019s almost mirror-like, an exterior hue Lexus says is only possible thanks to new paint technology.\nOn the inside, the new Lexus LS gains a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, along with a new digital rear-view mirror. Though, the overall architecture is largely carried over from the outgoing model.\nCabin styling on the 2020 Lexus LS is headlined by the new \u2018\nNishijin & Haku\n\u2018 interior ornamentation option, emulating the look of \u201csparkles of light on moonlit waves\u201d and \u201csparkle of platinum leaf\u201d \u2013 \nHaku\n stands for metal leaf in Japanese.\nIf you think that the styling updates made on the 2020 Lexus LS is a little reserved, that\u2019s because the Japanese luxury carmaker focused this update on refining the sedan\u2019s comfort and overall refinement \u2013 meticulously down to the smallest detail, such as the positioning of stitch points on the seats.\nComfort-oriented revisions include a retuned suspension spring rates an dampers to go along with the updated Adaptive Variable Suspension system, updated engine mounts, as well as optimised stabiliser bars. The Active Noise Control system has also been updated, along with the Engine Sound Enhancement tuning.\nThe powertrain on the new LS remains the same as the outgoing model, though Lexus says that the low-end torque on the petrol model has now been improved, while the hybrid model\u2019s electric motor will now kick in earlier to enhance acceleration while keeping the engine revs low.\nAnother key addition to the 2020 Lexus LS is the new Lexus Teammate artificial intelligence-based advanced driving assistance technologies, with features including adaptive cruise control, and semi-autonomous driving with actions mimicking actual human drivers, as well as a new upgraded Park Assist feature.\nLexus says that the new Lexus Teammate system can be updated via software updates down the line for improved safety performance, and bringing new functionalities when it becomes available.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The one Proton car which started it all some 31 years ago is the Saga. With over millions sold throughout two generations, the Saga plays a pivotal role in facilitating the growth of our national carmaker, particularly by providing an affordable car\u00a0for Malaysians.\nWith the third generation Proton Saga\u2019s arrival just around the corner, perhaps it\u2019s time we take a look back at the makings of the Saga. So here are seven things you may not know about the Proton Saga.\n1. The Name\nMany believe Proton\u2019s first car was named after a tiny red seed, which is actually quite close to the truth. Instead, among the thousands of entries at the time, the winning choice came from Ismail Jaafar, a retired soldier who coined the \u201cSAGA\u201d acronym. It\u2019s short for \u201c\nSafety\n, \nAchievement\n, \nGreatness\n,\n and \nAbility\n\u201c.\nImage Source: Proton\n2. The Initial Pricing\nThe Saga was offered in two variants back in 1985 \u2013 a \n1.3S\n and \n1.5S\n. The cheapest variant was priced at\n\u00a0RM17,575\n while the 1.5S costed\u00a0\nRM19,005\n. Proton\u2019s first ever customer was \nTun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad \nhimself (then Prime Minister; Malaysia\u2019s fourth PM). The purchase was actually a gift to his wife, Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah.\n3. Battling initial perception\nThe first obstacle\u00a0faced by Proton was not about the Saga\u2019s production, but rather \nmeeting Malaysians\u2019 expectations\n. Many aren\u2019t convinced\u00a0that a Malaysian-made car can be as good as their Japanese or European makes, let alone survive a trip up Genting Highlands. Proton relied\u00a0on the marketing genius of one Malaysian \u2013 the late Datuk Gurcharan Singh.\nAccording to \nthis amazing story\n\u00a0curated\u00a0by our friends at \nCarlist.my\n, this man, also known as \u2018\nGurch\n\u2019, was instrumental in marketing the car and did so with much more efficacy than regular print advertisements. He masterminded an interstate roadshow, called the \u2018\nSagarama\n\u2019, where two Proton Sagas traveled to towns, villages and East Malaysia to show people what this Proton was all about.\nImage Source: Motor Trader MY\nGurch later pushed the limit of the Sagas by organising\u00a0a bigger roadshow called\u00a0 \u2018\nSagathon\n\u2019. Aimed at aspiring Proton owners, this event pitted\u00a0them driving\u00a0from Kuantan to Genting Highlands and\u00a0from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands. But the\u00a01986\u2019s edition of the Sagathon was the most epic of all, when the Sagas were pitted to drive at the unforgiving lands of East Malaysia. Our friends at Motor Trader had that amazing account of that event \nhere\n.\nJust in case you\u2019re wondering,\u00a0all Proton Sagas survived the Sagathon\u00a0events.\n4. It appeared on Top Gear UK!\nEventually, the first-generation Proton Saga was so big a success, it even did well overseas. In the United Kingdom, the Saga\u2019s \u201ccheap and cheerful\u201d nature struck a chord with the Brits, earning Proton the \u201cfastest new marque\u201d to enter the UK. More amazingly, it appeared on UK\u2019s original TV show \nTop Gear\n, but this was way before the era of Jeremy Clarkson and co. Proton should be thanking its lucky stars for that!\n5. Aeroback was Proton\u2019s own invention\nRemember the Saga \u201chatchback\u201d, more commonly known as the \u201c\naeroback\n\u201c? The word \u201caeroback\u201d was truly Proton\u2019s own creation. During the time when Knight Rider was at its peak, Proton briefly renamed the Aeroback as the Proton Knight, but this Knight spoke no word nor perform any turbo boost runs.\n6. The first generation Saga lasted 23 years\nA car model typically goes through a generational change after five years or so. The first-gen Saga lasted for over two decades, making it the longest running production model sold in Malaysia. It evolved at least twice (Iswara and LMST) before passing the baton onto the second-gen Saga in 2008.\nImage Source: Wikipedia\n7. The Saga has been demoted, twice\nThe first-generation Saga was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore, which was a C-segment saloon model of the 80s. Its successor, the Saga Base Line Model (BLM), was downgraded to a B-Segment saloon. Now, the third-gen Saga will be marketed as an A-Segment saloon to take the \nPerodua Bezza\n head on.\nThe Saga has had its vehicle classification changed throughout the years. Regardless,\u00a0the Saga is still up to the task of offering Malaysians a decently practical saloon that\u2019s bang for the buck. That objective remains hardly swayed since the model\u2019s inception three decades ago. On that note, we can\u2019t wait to see what\u2019s to come.\nThe third-generation Proton Saga will be launched at 2pm on 28 September 2016, and our short spin around Proton\u2019s private test drive circuit proved to be quite promising. Stay tuned!"
"The apprentices at BMW\u2019s plant in Dingolfing have added another unique showpiece to BMW Group Classic\u2019s collection with the restoration of a convertible BMW 1600 GT, in a project spanning years, under the supervision of their trainers.\nThe story of this BMW 1600 GT goes beyond its restoration as it\u2019s the only surviving example of two original convertible prototypes that BMW commissioned from Italian bodywork designer Pietro Frua.\nIn 1967, both automobiles left the production plants in Dingolfing for the first time. Testing for one of the vehicles came to an abrupt end when it met with an accident and was subsequently scrapped.\nThe second unit went on to live a colourful life under the ownership of BMW AG\u2019s then major shareholder, Herbert Quandt, before being passed on to several private owners where it eventually fell into the hands of a fashion model from Munich, Germany.\nThe car was later acquired by a businessman from F\u00fcrth in Franconia, before the 1600 GT called the Munich-based Allianz Centre for Engineering its new home.\nWhen experts from BMW Group Classic caught wind of the car, they acquired it with a plan to return the car to its original condition and former glory.\nThe restoration at the Dingolfing plant became a project that formed part of the training for BMW apprentices who aspired to become bodywork and vehicle construction mechanics.\nBefore its conception, a proposal was made by US importer Max Hoffmann to develop a new version of the 1600 GT coup\u00e9, fitted with a 2.0-litre engine and an open-top for export to the USA.\nIn October 1967, Frua delivered a convertible body mounted on a strengthened floor assembly which was then painted in Dingolfing where all further assembly work took place. In November that same year, the BMW\u00a01600\u00a0GT\u00a0convertible was entered in the plant\u2019s production book as being completed.\nHowever, the plans for series production and export to the USA never came to fruition. As such, only a single example of the Italian-Bavarian convertible was ever licensed for driving on public roads.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Italia has just introduced the new Ferrari Portofino M in Malaysia as the new entry point into the convertible Ferrari with prices starting from \nRM998,000\n excluding taxes, duties and options.\n \nThe M stands for \u2018\nModificata\n\u2018 which by Ferrari\u2019s standards is a name \u2018for cars that have undergone an evolution that has significantly boosted their performance\u2019.\nThe Portofino M makes extra 20 hp \nfrom before\n, and also gets a new 8-speed gearbox box adopted from the \nFerrari SF90 Stradale\n to replace the previous 7-speed gearbox. The new dual-clutch differs from the SF90\u2019s unit with longer gear ratios and a mechanical reverse gear. The Portofino M is also a full second faster from 0 to 200 km/h compared to the \n2018 model\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8\nTransmission: 8-speed dual clutch\nDrivetrain: Rear-wheel drive\nMax Power: 620 hp @ 5,750 to 7,500 rpm\nMax Torque: 760 Nm @ 3,000 to 5,750 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.4 seconds\nTop speed: 320 km/h\nThe new Portofino M gets revised front and rear bumpers as the latter has been redesigned to accommodate a new exhaust system. The rear diffuser has also been completely redesigned and is now separate from the bumpers. This also allows clients to be able to specify it in carbon fibre.\u00a0\nAs for the convertible roof, it can open and close within 14 seconds.\nEXTERIOR options\nAdaptive headlights with SBL function\nGloss black brake calipers\nMatte black grille with Satin effect\nSport tailpipe tips\nScuderia Ferrari emblems\nMagneride Dual Mode suspension\n20-inch Forged diamond wheels\nInside, the design architecture remains largely the same save for some savoury optional extras and an exciting new drive mode. The Portofino M\u2019s Manettino switch now features five driving modes instead of three from before, and with an exciting new \u201cRace Mode\u201d.\nJust to heighten the senses for both driver and passenger, this specific Portofino M unit comes with the optional carbon fibre steering wheel with LED rev indicators and a passenger display.\nINTERIOR options\nYellow rev meter\nPassenger display\nCarbon fibren steering with LED rev indicator\nVentilated seats\nNeck warmer\nCavallion stitching on headrest\nHigh Power Hi-Fi system\nSurround view\nDRIVER ASSISTANCE\nAs Ferrari calls it, the Portofino M is a 2+ GT Spider so long-distance and ease of driving is highly crucial. As such, not only is it quick, it can also do a butler\u2019s work with the full Advance Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package.\nADAS includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive high beam and a 3D surround-view monitor. These features were not available in the previous Portofino.\nGALLERY"
"Two months after the public unveiling of the \nBMW X2 M35i xDrive\n, BMW Malaysia has announced the official retail pricing for its first M Performance model in the country. The fully imported BMW X2 M35i xDrive is priced at RM398,800 (OTR without insurance), which is under RM400k as promised.\nTo recap, the X2 M35i xDrive is not a direct rival to the \nmuch-loved Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC\n as the Beemer only derives \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque from the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.\n \nThe ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wind-drive system allow the X2 M35i to go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.9 seconds\n with an electronically governed top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Our local spec X2 M35i also comes with the M Sport adaptive suspension (Comfort and Sport Modes), M Sport exhaust system and M Sport front differentials.\nDifferentiating items from a regular X2 sDrive20i includes the M Sport Aero Kit, M Sport Brakes with blue callipers, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels Double-spoke style 721 M wrapped in 225/40 profile run-flat rubbers, Red Dakota leather upholstery as well as M Sport Seats and seat belts.\nEvery purchase of the BMW X2 M35i xDrive comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 5-Years Free Scheduled Service.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M35i xDrive\nBMW X2M35i\nBMW_X2M35i"
"With prices\n starting from RM59,800 for the Executive model\n, there really isn\u2019t any parallels out there that even comes close to the new Proton Exora \u2013 you get so much car for the money!\nAlso offered is the \nPremium variant, priced at RM66,800\n. As for the exterior, the new Exora is available in a new Rosewood Maroon colour along with a new 16-inch wheel design.\nPowering the two variants is the sole 1.6-litre turbocharged engine option paired to a CVT gearbox, making \n140 hp\n and \n203 Nm\n of torque.\nIn the Premium model, you get LED fog lamps, rear fog lamps, daytime running lights, a black roof, side skirts, a rear spoiler and power folding side mirrors.\nInside is probably where the changes are more apparent. Inside the Premium model, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with voice command controls as opposed to a Urethane unit, cruise control, semi leather seats and arm rest for the front row.\nThe interior as a whole as been revamped with a redesigned instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch TFT display, new centre console that houses a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display (only for Premium model) with the GKUI voice command system, new door panel insert and seat designs.\nAlong with the GKUI voice command system, the Premium model is also equipped with 4G and WiFi connectivity. That said, standard on both models are Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports and 4 speakers.\nBoth models come with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD while features like Electronic Stability Control and a reverse camera is only available for the Premium model.\nThe new 2019 Exora is offered with four different Extra Value Packages. There\u2019s the Service Package that offers three free labour services, an Internet Data Package with free data (1 GB) for five years.\nThe other two packages are the Interest Rate Package with \nfinancing rates as low as 2.76%\n and the Insurance Package that offers a number of benefits to buyers who insure their 2019 Exora with Proton\u2019s panel insurers.\nOn top of the Extra Value packages, Proton is also offering special Value Added packages where those who buy the 2019 Exora this year will be given a 5-year or 11 times free labour service package while the first 1,000\nbuyers will also be given free road tax for two years for private buyers and free road tax for one year for corporate customers.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The first Nissan Leaf fully-electric vehicle (EV) was launched in Japan and the USA in December 2010 and since then, Nissan has delivered over \nhalf a million units\n in close to 60 countries around the globe.\nCelebrating this milestone, Nissan USA spoke to one of the first owners who purchase the Nissan Leaf back in December 2010. He is one of over 118,000 owners of the first-generation Nissan Leaf models sold in the US alone.\n \nShannon Monroe from Bellevue, Washington, had his first electric vehicle (EV) experience in his neighbour\u2019s garage-project when he was a child. When the order books for the Nissan Leaf opened, Monroe stayed up till midnight to place his order.\nSharing the first few years of ownership of the Nissan Leaf, Monroe also \u201celectrified\u201d his parents after sending his then-newborn son home in the Nissan Leaf.\n\u201cAs soon as my parents realised we were that committed to it, they went out and bought a Nissan Leaf as well. That was another great moment that we made another transition for someone else,\u201d he said.\n\u201cIt is a great feeling to know that, for ten years I haven\u2019t had to purchase gasoline, I haven\u2019t contributed to those emissions,\u201d said Christin Monroe, wife of Shannon.\nMrs. Monroe drives the Nissan Leaf to work, send her kids to school as well as taekwondo practice \u2013 it\u2019s the household\u2019s daily car. \u00a0Apart from scheduled maintenance, Monroe said there haven\u2019t been any unplanned trips to the workshop. The family has travelled over \n200,000 kilometres\n \nsince starting their ownership\n journey in Florida, with a short stay in California and now in Washington.\nAlthough it works out to an average of just 20,000 kilometres of travel a year for the Monroes, the range of the first-generation Nissan Leaf was only 120 kilometres per full charge (US EPA cycle) with its relatively small 24 kWh battery. The Monroes certainly know how to \nplan their trips\n and adopt a habit of charging whenever possible.\n \nGlobally launched in 2018, the \nsecond-generation Nissan Leaf\n offers up to \n311 kilometres\n of range (NEDC cycle) per charge in a larger \n40 kWh battery\n. Power output from the motor has also increased tremendously, from 109 hp / 254 Nm to \n150 hp / 320 Nm\n. The new Nissan Leaf can even be \ndriven with just the accelerator pedal\n!\nMonroe definitely has huge praises for the Nissan Leaf and its EV technology, claiming that \u201cthere is no going back, once you had a Nissan EV\u201d. Good news for the household then, as the latest \nNissan Ariya\n in a more spacious crossover size has at least 400 kilometres of emission-free range. \u00a0\nEdaran Tan Chong Motor has been offering both generations of the Nissan Leaf in Malaysia, and the latest Leaf can be had with \na subscription plan\n rather than outright purchasing it.\nThe plan offers the usage of the Nissan Leaf at \nRM 2,500 per month\n for a three-year contract and it includes all scheduled maintenance, a wall box charger and first year\u2019s insurance coverage."
"As if driving a Tesla Model S wouldn\u2019t help you stand out enough, since it is doesn\u2019t emit the melodious soundtracks only petrol-powered cars can produce, Novitec, a well-known German-based tuner are offering some subtle tweaks for the electrifying saloon\u2019s exterior without drastically changing its form.\nExterior enhancements include aerodynamic carbon fibre body trims consisting of a front lip, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler. The Novitec suspension system offers electronically-adjustable shock absorbers where ride height can be lowered by up to \n1.5 inches\n.   Novitec\u2019s interpretation of the Models S comes with custom\n 21-inch forged wheels\n designed by Vossen in a variety of colours but the gold and white combination certainly tickles our fancy. Stopping power comes from Novitec\u2019s carbon-ceramic brake kit with new calipers and brake pads.\nVisual enhancements also extend to the interior with leather and Alcantara combinations offered in any colour your heart desires. The company also offers visual and performance enhancements for the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren and even Rolls-Royces!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) alongside its newly appointed dealer, Motion Beyond, just launched Volvo Setia Alam, the latest Volvo 3S centre in Klang Valley and the second in three months after \nthe opening of Fotroende Automobile in Kuching\n.\nTo date, VCM has \n11 dealerships across Malaysia with five locations\n within Kuala Lumpur and they\u2019ll be looking to add to that figure and widen their dealership network in more locations within this year.\nLike the sole dealership in Kuching, the Setia Alam dealership with three service bays also adheres to Volvo\u2019s global showroom and service standards called the Volvo Retail Experience\u201d or VRE; a customer-centric, Scandinavian-inspired experience that is cool on the outside and warm on the inside.\nVolvo Setia Alam is located at No. 5-1, Setia Avenue, No.2 Jalan Setia Prima S U13/S, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor.\nOperation hours are from 9:00 am till 7:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and from 10:00 am till 5:30 pm (Sundays and public holidays) while the service centre opens from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For enquiries, do call 03-5891 6627 (Showroom) or 03-7499 0027 (Service Centre).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Motor Image Malaysia, the authorised distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, has just officially launched the \nfacelifted Subaru BRZ\n in Malaysia and to the delight of enthusiasts, the Toyota GT 86\u2019s twin can finally be had with a manual transmission alongside the automatic variant!\nThe facelift exercise brings aesthetic enhancements inside and out as well as subtle suspension tweaks to the BRZ. Outside, the updated BRZ gets full LED headlamps with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, a new fender design, restyled dual exhaust outlets and 10-spoke 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru BRZ facelift 2.0 (MT)\nSubaru BRZ facelift 2.0 (AT)\nEngine\n2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n197 hp @ 7,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n205 Nm @ 6,400 \u2013 6,600 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM224,389\nRM230,749\nThe interior benefits from a new 4.2-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, new climate control knobs and Alcantara leather combination upholstery. Drivers will also be happy to know that the redesigned instrument cluster now offers better clarity.\nUnderneath the hood rests the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine pushing \n197 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels either through a six-speed automatic or\u00a0\nmanual transmission\n. Subaru claims the BRZ will return \n7.8 L/100 km\n on the manual while the automatic consumes lesser fuel at \n7.1 L/100 km\n.\nChanges that goes skin deep include a larger stabiliser bar at the rear axle, strengthened chassis and revised suspension damping. All these gives the updated BRZ better control at high speed turns.\nOn the safety front, the BRZ comes equipped with seven airbags, Vehicle Dynamics Control and Hill Start Assist among others.\nThe facelifted Subaru BRZ can be had in \nthree exterior shades\n \u2013 Crystal White Pearl, WR Blue Pearl and Pure Red. Motor Image is asking you to part with RM224k for the manual transmission and RM231k for the automatic, both on-the-road without insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has plenty of reasons to celebrate this occasion, especially after sailing through the past year by selling close to 11,000 cars. It\u2019s hard to imagine how such a feat could be achieved in this struggling economic climate, but the company\u2019s tactical finesse shot them right up to the top of the premium segment.\nFrom January to December 2015, MBM shifted approximately \n10,845 units of vehicles\n \u2013 up by 56 percent compared to the previous year where they sold 6,932 units. Their best-selling model is none other than the \nW212 Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n with 3,383 units shifted, followed by the \nW205 C-Class\n at 2,697 units and 1,909 units of the \nW222 S-Class\n. All three models are the company\u2019s \ncore products\n, and they are all locally produced at the Pekan Production Plant. The trio also qualify for the \nEEV tax break incentive\n.\nClose to 80 percent of the 3,383 units of E-Class sold is of the \nE300 BlueTec hybrid variant\nThe C-, E- and S-Class models total up to 7,989 CKD cars that were sold in 2015, up 75 percent from 2014. The remaining figures come from Mercedes-Benz\u2019s compact vehicles \u2013 a segment which saw a growth of 21 percent (2,811 total units sold). Here, the best selling model is the CLA with 959 units registered (74 percent growth), whereas the A-Class and GLA found 832 and 816 new homes respectively.\nLastly, the company\u2019s Dream Cars range which comprise of the AMG models saw a record sales of 379 units. This includes the A45, \nCLA45\n, \nGLA45\n, \nC63 S\n and of course the \nAMG GTS\n.   Additionally, the \nPekan Production Plant\n is the \nfirst CKD plant in the world\n to successfully implement the Second Shift Production. This maximises production capacity to \nmeet the rising demands\n of the S400L Hybrid and E300 BlueTec Hybrid models.\nMBM President and CEO, DR Claus Weidner said, \u201c2015 produced many milestones for the Mercedes-Benz brand in Malaysia, both on the product and customer service fronts. As we mark our 13th year in Malaysia and the brand\u2019s 130th year as the inventor of the automobile, we are more aligned than ever in pairing a \u2018Best or Nothing\u2019 model lineup complete with the best ownership experience in the business.\u201d\nTo sum things up, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is now the market leader for the premium segment, with a \nYTD market share of 1.9 percent\n \u2013 up from 1.2 percent in 2014. The three-pointed star will continue their product offensive this year, beginning with the GLC, \nGLE and GLE Coupe models\n next Friday at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). Other models like the \nfacelifted A-Class\n will also arrive later in the year."
"The \nall-new Toyota GR 86\n has been out for a while now, and with it being a mod-friendly model, several tuning outfits have already started work on the car. Naturally, Toyota\u2019s own in-house tuning arm TRD wants to have a go at it too, and what do you know \u2013 they\u2019ve given us not just one, but two different takes on the beloved two-door coupe.\nJust like their recent work for the \nYaris Cross\n, the new TRD kits for the second-generation Toyota GR 86 will actually be branded as \u201cGR Parts\u201d items \u2013 specifically, GR Parts and GR Parts Concept.\nThe former is a more street-friendly take on the GR 86, with modifications leaning more towards the reserved end of things. These include new front and rear bumper extensions, side skirts, and a relatively small (you\u2019ll see) trunk lid spoiler at the back.\nHKS and GReddy have both also shown-off their own takes on the Toyota GR 86, with \u2013 of course \u2013 additional forced-induction parts. Check them out here!\nAdditional canards on the front bumper and fender fins give the GR Parts-equipped Toyota GR 86 a touch of extra sportiness, while the GR muffler and 19-inch forged-aluminium wheels round up the exterior modifications.\nInside, buyers can also specify it with an exposed carbon fibre look on the panels, alongside a suede knee pad on the centre console to help keep your legs comfy during hard cornering.\nIs the Toyota GR 86 actually better to drive than its Subaru twin? Check out the comparison here!\nOn the performance front, there\u2019s a new set of GR adjustable suspension, alongside a larger GR Monoblock brake kit on all four corners. The company does not mention any changes underneath the hood, though, so we\u2019re assuming there are no changes there.\nFor proper performance gains, you\u2019ll have to step up to the Toyota GR 86 GR Parts Concept, which comes equipped with a revised intake and exhaust system. The website also mentions weight reduction, and improved body rigidity, but exact figures were not disclosed.\nDesigned for track use (without the constraints of any racing series), the GR Parts Concept model does get a significantly more aggressive design, including a more aggressive front fascia with a large ram air intake on the grille, and more substantial front and rear bumper extensions.\nThe Concept also comes with wide-body 43 mm-wide fenders, with built-in air vents (alongside those on the bonnet) to channel air over the top of the car, enhancing the effectiveness of the massive GT wing at the back. Meanwhile, the carbon fibre side skirts also function to split the underbody airflow from the air above, to \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 amplify the effects of the large diffusers.\nCheck out the massive diffuser fins!\nThe 19-inch forged aluminium wheels share the same Y-spoke design as the street car, but feature a deeper cone to fill out the massive flared wheel wells and increase out-of-plane rigidity, which according to TRD, allows for a thinner cross-section and thus reducing unsprung mass.\nSounds too good to be true? Well. yeah. The GR Parts Concept is just \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 a concept. However, TRD says the research that went into designing the concept has trickled down into the regular street car version of the GR Parts kit, so the silver lining is that the regular street version isn\u2019t just some dress-up parts.\nBut given the choice, would you rather pick the street style, or the balls-to-the-walls Concept race-track version? Let us know in the comments section below!\nGALLERY\nToyota GR 86 with GR Parts\nToyota GR 86 with GR Parts Concept"
"The updated 2020 \nPerodua\n Myvi will now be available with the more capable Advance Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 and a new colour called \nElectric Blue\n. Other colours available before such as Peppermint Green and Mystical Purple have been taken away from the colour options list.\nColours available now include Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Lava Red and Granite Grey. Granite Grey in now offered in all variants except the 1.3 G. Previously, it was only available for the 1.5-litre variants.\nPreviously only available in the range-topping Myvi 1.5 AV, the new Advance Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 driver assistance system seen in the \nAruz\n, \nAxia \nand \nfacelift Bezza,\n is now available in both 1.5 AV and 1.5 H models. It is also available as an option for the 1.3 X.\nThe ASA 2.0 comes with Pre-collision Warning (up to 100 km/h), Pre-collision Braking (up to 80 km/h) and Pedestrian Detection (up to 50 km/h). In the \nfirst generation ASA\n, the Pre-collision Warning and Pre-collision Braking only worked up to 30 km/h. Also offered in the ASA 2.0 is the Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.\nGALLERY"
"Having expectations \u2013 whether with relationships, goals, be it even cars \u2013 can be tricky. It\u2019s great when things fall into place, but when they don\u2019t, it can be rather heartbreaking, disappointing and maybe even downright revolting for the lack of a better adjective \u2013 especially with the part on cars.\nI\u2019m not going to lie to you; I\u2019ve been sitting on this review for a while and it did take a lot for me to buckle down and type my two cents out on this facelifted Peugeot 2008 1.2 PURETECH. It\u2019s not that I dislike Peugeots or this particular 2008 \u2013 no, the truth is far from it.\nI like all cars, whether they\u2019re French or Chinese \u2013 with the only condition that they must be well-made and by that I\u2019m not saying that it should be made of elephant tusks and crocodile skins. Even if it were a sub-RM100k vehicle, there needs to be evidence that things were given thought on \u2013 even if it wasn\u2019t necessarily well executed.\nOn that front, I think it\u2019s rather clear to see that there\u2019s been thought given on the Peugeot\u2019s crossover attributes; and it\u2019s been rather well executed too. Compared to the pre-facelifted 2008, this one just looks a lot leaner \u2013 everything just seems to have been tightened up \u2013 befitting of its \u201cfacelift\u201d calling.   If you look closely, you\u2019d see that the edges on its LED headlamps have been sharpened; it\u2019s got a new grille that makes it look way more imposing as compared to the \u201cdual horizontal appearance\u201d in the older 2008, to go with a bulgier forehead at the edge of the front bonnet without looking odd \u2013 like the once trendy flowerhorn fish. Oh, its front fog lamps swivel as you turn into a bend \u2013 always a nice touch.\nIt may just be plastic mouldings but you know what \u2013 I liked how they emphasised so much more on the 2008\u2019s side profile compared to the glare of the chrome trims \u2013 highlighting the wheel arches and the door sills and drawing the eyes closer to those 17-inch wheels which I must say, is a real match with the car. If you\u2019ve watch the Kingsmen movie, which by the way got worse with the sequel, you\u2019d be familiar with the whole \u201cManners maketh man\u201d phrase and I\u2019ve always thought that the \u201cWheels maketh the car\u201d and the wheels on the 2008 sure \u201cmaketh\u201d it striking.\nSome may not be in favour of it but I\u2019m a big fan of how the roof takes an elevation from the B-pillar onwards with the signature roof rails on \u2013 sure gives the side profile more character and not without substance too as it does have an effect on the interior but we\u2019ll get back to that later. Over at the back, again, those black, plastic mouldings which follows on to the tailgate of the 2008 makes it look stealthier, more subtle without losing a drop of its handsome aura. What really did it for the rear though had to be those LED taillights which demanded a more focused attention to the back end.\nI\u2019d give it a 7 out of 10 for how it looks on the outside but you see, that\u2019s the thing with Peugeots \u2013\u00a0 I would never ever disagree that they make relatively good looking cars, except the old 2010 3008 but often times, it ends there. As harsh as it sounds, I have to single the 3008 out as one of the most visually-revolting models from Peugeot I\u2019ve seen on our roads. Now that they\u2019ve aged and become irrelevant, I\u2019m glad they\u2019re less prominent on our roads \u2013\u00a0 and certainly do not care where they\u2019ve ended up. Hope I\u2019m not the only to have that sentiment and it\u2019s so pleasing that the new one is such an eye candy.\nGetting back on track with the 2008, this is where it gets tricky in terms of impression. Yes, it has some blue lighting around the dials (which by the way can be switched off), with the same lighting running parallel with the panoramic roof, where together really makes the interior pop, especially at night fall. Elsewhere if I\u2019m rather honest and I should be, lacks that French-styling factor. Unless of course, you consider the oval steering a standout feature \u2013 something I took lots of kilometres to get used to before finally accepting the oddly-shaped but rather functional steering wheel.   What stood out to my attention though was how comfortable and supportive those semi-leather and fabric semi-bucket seats were \u2013 on a high driving position with great all-round visibility and that rather mean sounding 6-speaker Arkamys 3D audio system which held up even when I went a little mad with the bass. And then there was what Peugeot called the \u201cAviation-style\u201d handbrake \u2013 not sure what to think of it but I\u2019d say this, I\u2019d rather have my fist clenched on a conventional handbrake than operate an electronic parking unit.\nElsewhere, I found the 7-inch multifunction touchscreen rather easy and straightforward to use with handy information for parameters like the engine oil level easily obtainable through the display unit. Other than that, a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity are standard, including automatic dual-zone air conditioning and cruise control. What I did not particularly fancy, and this might be me just nitpicking, was the curved air-con control panel with that glossy surface \u2013 it leaves just way too much fingerprints.\nSo far so good then \u2013 except for the plastic panels which I thought could\u2019ve been given a different appearance, a different surface if you will, to make it look less \u201cinexpensive\u201d. The aluminium surface did offer a little saving grace though \u2013 providing, at least, a contrasting look to a slightly average interior.\u00a0 The seats at the back were a little upright if you asked me but no matter, given the space afforded (for the head, knees and foot), it makes sitting in the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V feel like you\u2019re in a baby tub.   I did spot a little quirk that may or may not bother you \u2013 the rear headrests. When erected, they completely obstruct your line of sight on the rear view mirror. It\u2019s not so much a design flaw if you ask me, but more of a minor inconvenience. Further at the back, as GC Mah could attest in his review video, offered plenty of usable room with over \n350 litres\n of space with \n1194 litres\n with all the seats folded down!\nThe driving bit well \u2013 well let\u2019s just say was as exciting as a rocking chair. It doesn\u2019t raise hairs but it was predictable without unsettling you. First off, its 1.2-litre turbocharged engine\u2019s note \u2013 it was no Adele, it was no Pavarotti, it sounded like an old Proton on carburetors screaming up the rev range \u2013 safe to say, I wasn\u2019t a fan but maybe I\u2019m too fussy because it was only me in the office who didn\u2019t enjoy it. What I did enjoy was the smoothness of the engine from the get-go and onwards to the mid-range aided by \n110 hp\n and\n 205 Nm\n of torque from as low as 1,500 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h, if it matters to you, is done in around \n10 seconds\n with a top speed of \n190 km/h\n \u2013 tried and tested.\nWhile I wouldn\u2019t confer high praises for the 6-speed auto transmission with Quickshift Technology, it did its job without the jerking about and being confused as to what gears it had to employ. Although, moving up and down through the drive selector was a bit of a farce \u2013 why can\u2019t the \u201cP, R, N, D\u201d and so on just be in a straight line, why? Every drive change was met with harshness and unrefinement \u2013 totally uncalled for if you asked me.\nA pair of ventilated discs in the front and a solid pair at the back offered plenty of progressive and assuring brake performance \u2013 although, it was quite noticeable how the brake pedal was positioned much higher than the accelerator pedal \u2013 thought it was an inconvenience. It\u2019s probably pointless to talk about the handling attributes of such a car, even more pointless to expect anything out of it but inheriting the underpinnings of the 208, I\u2019d say it was rather predictable and poised when it was chucked about.\nWhile the 2008 did not jolt me and my passengers around the backseat of the car, I thought it could\u2019ve done better absorbing all the bumps left behind by incompetent roadworks men. At speeds, I\u2019d say wind noise in the 2008\u2019s cabin was present but not blaring in your face. Fuel consumption is rated at\n 6.6L/100 km\n (urban) although I\u2019m not so sure about the 1,000 km range Peugeot claims it to be capable of \u2013 in the few days that I had it, I managed to clock over 500 km with just over a quarter tank to go \u2013 it\u2019s perhaps more feasible for the 2008 to reach the 1000 km on one tank if it were on a long distance drive.\nSafety wise, the 2008 can\u2019t be faulted at all \u2013 as it comes with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating,\n 6 airbags\n, ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, Electronic Brake Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Anti-skid Regulation and the standard ISOFIX anchor points.\n10 years ago, if you were to ask me whether I\u2019d buy a Peugeot, I\u2019d laughed so uncontrollably that I wouldn\u2019t have been able to answer a simple \u201cNo\u201d. But with the changes and improvements, in terms of usability, practicality and more importantly, the looks, it\u2019s actually worth a second look. At RM 106k (on the road without insurance), it\u2019s hard to deny, or at least avoid considering, don\u2019t you think?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The humble \nToyota Corolla\n first made its debut in November 1966 in Japan, and within two years, doubled its annual production from 480,000 to 1.1 million units. Looking back in hindsight, it\u2019s clear that was a sign of what\u2019s to come, because 55 years on and 12 generations later, Toyota has now sold 50 million units of the Corolla sedan worldwide.\nTwelve generations apart.\nThe Corolla was a catalyst for mass car ownership in Japan and the rest of Asia, says Toyota. At the time of introduction, Japan was just about to experience its first boom in motorisation, and the same phenomenon was also happening in many countries, including our young Malaysia, thanks to the government\u2019s plans to industrialise the nation.\nAs such, the Corolla was developed right from the start to be a global model, not only by export from Japan, but also for assembly in many countries. Completely knocked-down (CKD) packs were developed to accelerate local assembly, and in the process, valuable technology was transferred which helped in the industrial development of these countries.\nUMW Toyota restored an original KE10 Toyota Corolla to celebrate the 12th-generation model\u2019s launch! Check it out here.\nAnd that was why in 1965, when the Malaysia government invited car manufacturers to assemble their products in Malaysia, Toyota was among the first to respond, with the Corolla being the ideal candidate to kick off the Japanese carmaker\u2019s local assembly operations.\nSince then, the carmaker has sold some 300,000 units of the Corolla in the Malaysian market, a part of the 50 million nationwide. Demand has only grown stronger since the model was first launched in 1968 \u2013 more than 40,000 units of those were for the \n11th-generation Corolla\n, sold from 2006 to 2013.\nIn fact, in the decade between 2010 and 2020, the Corolla accounted for 6% of Toyota\u2019s total sales in the country, with the 11th-generation model becoming the best-selling generation to date.\nAffordable and reliable, the perfect recipe that\u2019s even good enough for workhorse applications by the PDRM. Check out the police\u2019s new ride here!\n \nNow in its 12th generation, the Corolla has become Toyota\u2019s most recognised models, and one of the world\u2019s top-selling cars. It\u2019s available in more than 150 countries around the world, and about one of every five Toyotas made is a Corolla.\nThe Toyota Corolla also bred a generation of loyal Toyota customers \u2013 and specifically loyal Corolla customers; 63% traded in their old model for a new one when it was launched, and almost a third of Corolla customers also bought one as an additional car for the household.\n\u201cEach generation, right from the very first, has been a contributor in the brand transformation. From the first generation which began the motorization of the masses to the latest generation which was the basis of the transformation, the Corolla has always been in sync with the changes in society and the economy of Malaysia,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\nIn the 55 years that the Corolla has been around, one thing remain constant and still valid \u2013 the basic philosophy of affordable and reliable motoring, filled with advanced technologies. The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla is a true testament to that ideology, now being built on the TNGA platform, and offering class-leading advanced driver assistance and technologies with the Toyota Safety Sense suite.\n \nWe had the chance to test drive the Toyota Corolla Cross earlier this year, and here\u2019s what we think about it!\nWhile the philosophy remains, the original design of the Corolla has also evolved over the generations to meet changing tastes and lifestyles of customers. For example, the \nToyota Corolla Cross\n was unveiled last year in response to the surge in popularity of SUVs, marking the first time that the best-selling car model in the world has been offered in this body style.\nThe segment has since become increasingly competitive in recent years, the Toyota Corolla\u2019s achievements cannot be denied, and we\u2019re sure it\u2019ll continue to achieve greater successes in the future. Do you have a Corolla story of your own? Let us know in the comments section below!"
"Remember those homemade supercar replicas, like the \nBugatti Chiron\n we shared yesterday? Despite nailing most of the exterior features, these home projects all seem to have one fatal flaw, and that\u2019s their proportions, usually due to the limitations posed by the donor car.\nWhat you\u2019re looking at here though, is actually Lebanon\u2019s first-ever electric car, the Electra Quds Rise, and not a homemade project. But somehow, even though it\u2019s a brand-new car, its proportions are just downright odd \u2013 as if someone accidentally squished the photo in Photoshop.\nThe Electra Quds Rise, whose name is derived from the Arabic name for Jerusalem (Al-Quds), claims to be the first car ever \u2013 not just fully-electric \u2013 to be made in a Mediterranean country \u201cfrom start to finish\u201d. Although, online commentators are quick to point out that Lebanon is currently struggling through a dire economic crisis, with frequent power cuts \u2013 oh the irony.\nAnyway, just like Bugatti, Electra also gets its own signature grille design, styled after the Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalem\u2019s al-Aqsa mosque \u2013 Islam\u2019s third-holiest site. The body panels are fibre glass, bolted onto a \u201csuperlight aluminum\u201d chassis, while a set of 18-inch staggered forged aluminium wheels complete the exterior package.\nInside, the cabin of the Quds Rise does look fairly lavish, while being minimalistic at the same time. Dominating the dashboard is a 15.9-inch touchscreen display, mounted in a vertical layout.\nThe Electra Quds Rise is branded as a sportscar, and it does pack some proper performance. According to official documents on Electra\u2019s website, the odd-looking sports car allegedly hits 100 km/h in \n3.6 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of 180 km/h. Power comes from a 45 kWh battery that helps the single electric motor on the rear axle deliver \n180 hp\n, through a single speed transmission.\nIt\u2019s priced at USD30,000 (~RM124k), which is frankly quite cheap when compared to other EV sports car. Then again, affordability is relative; the average annual salary in Lebanon is USD38,000, but most typical Lebanese earn nearer to half of that, at USD17,000. So by all measures, this is a premium car.\nElectra hopes to make up to 10,000 units of the Quds Rise by next year, with production to start later this year.\nGALLERY"
"Aston Martin has announced a new series of limited edition cars, this time celebrating the 80 years of Britan\u2019s most iconic World World 2 fighter \u2013 the Supermarine Spitfire.\nFirst, a little trivia about that plane\u2019s history. \nThe Spitfire\n first flew in 1936 and had played a\u00a0pivotal role in defending Britain from the clutches of the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. The beautiful yet agile fighter packed enough machine guns to completely annihilate the\u00a0\nMe 109\n, and has been a source of inspiration and hope for the Brits.\nFast forward to today and what we have here is Aston Martin \nV12 Vantage\n S Spitfire 80.\u00a0No, there isn\u2019t any machine guns, instead, it features components made by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford. It receives a special \u2018\nDuxford Green\n\u2019 colour with yellow pinstripes\u00a0on the sides, of course inspired by the warplane.\nIt also receives Spitfire inspired goodies, ranging from\u00a0an aluminium bar inside the car which looks like the fighter\u2019s rear strut brace, and tailpipes tips that mimic the fighter\u2019s\u00a0exhausts. The carbon fibre front and rear\u00a0diffusers bring some contemporary\u00a0touches to the car.\nThe attention to detail on the inside is pretty amazing too. The \u2018Spitfire 80\u2019 logo can be found embroidered onto the headrests, and\u00a0the door handles come\u00a0in red \u2018webbing\u2019 finishing, just like the Spitfire. To complete the experience, buyers can spec for Irvin flying helmet and flying goggles just for kicks.\nUnlike the real deal, there\u2019s no Rolls-Royce Merlin engine underneath the hood. Instead, \u00a0Aston Martin retains the same \n565 hp 5.9-litre V12\n engine from the standard V12 Vantage S.\u00a0In case you\u2019re wondering, it takes \n3.9 seconds\n to reach from nought to 100 km/h, with a top speed of\n 328 km/h\n.\n\u00a0\nOnly 80 examples will be made and exclusively available at Aston Martin Cambridge dealership. Each of these fine models will cost\u00a0\n\u00a3180,000\n (or approximately RM956k based on today\u2019s rates). As a matter of fact, for each car sold, a portion of the profit will be donated to the Royal Air Force welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.\n[Image Source:\u00a0Aston Martin Cambridge]\nIMAGE GALLERY   Source: Wikipedia"
"Less than a month after the official debut of the \nfourth-generation Perodua Myvi\n, the company has collected over 20,000 bookings for the all-new Myvi and successfully delivered 4,500 units so far.\nWhen the car was first teased at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow, \n5,000 prospective buyers placed their bookings\n for one before the car was unveiled in full. Just a week after pulling the wraps off the new Myvi, the \nbookings soared to 13,000 units\n and 1,000 owners collected the keys to their new car within the same period.\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, YBhg Dato\u2019 Dr. Zahari Husin said, \u201cThe focus now is to ensure delivery of the All-New Perodua Myvi within an acceptable time frame. We thank the public for choosing the Myvi as the car of choice.\u201d\n\u201cPlease speak with our authorised sales and service advisors about the many deals in store for you as they would have the latest and correct information about our offering. Please get an opportunity to test drive our all-new Myvi 1.5 and 1.3 and feel the experience,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zahari added.\nPerodua has shifted 184,707 vehicles in the first 11 months of 2017, 1.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The company targets to sell an average of 6,000 units of the new Myvi monthly and remains positive to achieve \nannual sales target of 202,000 cars\n for 2017."
"To encourage and motivate more women to take part in motorsports, Morac Go Kart Track 1 Utama and \nLeona Chin\n together organised \u201cThe Pink Stuff SODI Ladies Cup\u201d go kart championship. Exclusive to women, this special competition is the first of its kind.\nRound 1 took place on October 1, 2022, at the Morac Go Kart Track at 1 Utama with the support of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM). The tarmac track measures 420 meters in length and consists of 17 corners.\nThe championship is open to the public and consists of five catgeories \u2013 \u201cExpert\u201d, \u201cNovice A\u201d, \u201cNovice B\u201d, \u201cMedia\u201d, and \u201crealme Celebrity\u201d. A total of 44 participants registered for the first round of the championship. Prior to the race, the participants were given a 10-minute practice session and a 5-minute qualifying session. The participants battled it out in a 30-lap long race.\nFinishing first in the \u201cExpert\u201d category was Nurul Auni Nasharuddin followed by Latun Fatin Lyana and Wan Farrahrunissa. The podium for the \u201cNovice A\u201d saw Coleen Tan in first place followed by Siti Nor Aminah and Najwa. Emerging victorious in \u201cNovice B\u201d was Siti Khadijah, followed by Putri Razana and Anness Chua.\nALSO WATCH: \nA purposeful morning drive to an Orang Asli village, with Leona Chin \u2013 AutoVlog\nMeanwhile in the \u201crealme Celebrity\u201d category, Emitsa Shirazi finished in first place, while DJ Jeana and Mira Rizam finished second and third respectively. As for the \u201cMedia\u201d category, Dorathy Anne took the checkered flag to finish ahead of Nurul Husna in second place, and Siti Balqis in third.\nBesides the real-life karting action, the racing also went onto the virtual world where Raceroom Simulators prepared two simulators. Participants and visitors got a taste of eSports through the racing simulators, and some even walked away with trophies as a mini time attack challenge was held during the event.\nCommenting on the successful event at Morac Go Kart 1 Utama, Leona Chin said, \u201cI\u2019m very glad to see the spirit and level of competition shown by the participants, and we hope that we can inspire more women to come out and give motorsports a try!\u201d\nRELATED: \nLeona Chin wins again at Sepang, clinches MCS 2021 championship!\nGALLERY"
"In the vicious and lawless world of the animal kingdom, you either eat or be eaten. The sentiments in the exclusive circle of fast saloons aren\u2019t that different either and this time, its the Jaguar\u2019s turn to prey.\u00a0\nGone in 44 Seconds, was the heading of Jaguar\u2019s press release of the new XJR 575 as it will hit its top speed of 299 km/h in just 44 seconds with a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.4 seconds.\nThe XJR will be the new performance flagship of the \nXJ range\n with an output of \n567 horsepower\n from 6,250-6,500 rpm, a whole 25 horsepower extra from the outgoing XJR.\nBut the source of the XJR575\u2019s mammoth grunt is down to its \n700Nm of torque\n from 3,500-4,500 rpm courtesy of the 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine similarly found in the \nF-Type SVR\n. Despite the hike in output, the immense power is deployed through the same 8-speed ZF automatic found in the other XJ\u2019s.\nJaguar\u2019s Director of Design, Ian Callum said, \u201cThis is a performance vehicle, but that doesn\u2019t mean we have had to cut any corners when it comes to comfort or design. Jaguar is the standard bearer for interior refinement and the XJR575 is no different. It can go very quickly, but it does so with the serene comfort customers expect from a Jaguar saloon. That makes this a very special car indeed.\u201d\nDistinguishing itself from the rest of the XJ range, the new XJR575 features updated exterior badging and twin bonnet louvres as well as red brake calipers and 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels. Other tailor-made exterior details that allows the XJR575 to project a discreet yet imposing figure includes a rear spoiler, side sills, the front bumper and lower air intakes with gloss black surroundings.\u00a0\nThe XJ line-up will adopt, across the range, Jaguar\u2019s Advanced Adaptive Dynamic system alongside a new system called All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC) for improved all-weather traction.\nAvailable in short wheelbase options only, the XJR575\u2019s uncompromised interior refinement flourishes with bespoke embossed tread plates, intaglio and diamond-quilted seating. There will be two bespoke colour finishes available, either in Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey, courtesy of Jaguar\u2019s Special Vehicle Operations division.\nThe XJR575 is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s Castle Bromwich plant alongside the XE, XF, F-TYPE and XJ model lines.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I like a good hatchback; whether it\u2019s the first generation Myvi, which I used to own, or even the \nGR Yaris we test drove in Sepang\n, they all have an inherent characteristic that just injects more fun into a drive.\nHaving been a fan of the Jazz, and spent time with it (through an ex-girlfriend), I was convinced the Jazz was the car to get when I retire the \nBMW\n \nProject EJ36 \nto serve as just a weekend car. You can imagine my reaction when it was announced that the Jazz will be no more and instead, replaced with the \nCity hatchback\n.\nIt doesn\u2019t look anything like the Jazz but the City hatchback promises to be every bit as good, if not even better. So we went to the Sepang Circuit recently to find out just what the City hatchback is all about and if it\u2019s as good as a Honda hatchback should be. Remember, this is a car company with a long and illustrious history of producing immensely quick hatchbacks that have since gained cult status.\nThere were three cars on the chopping block that day; the City hatchback RS with Honda\u2019s new E:HEV system, the petrol-powered 1.5 V City hatchback, and lastly the City hatchback\u2019s direct competitor, the Toyota Yaris.\nWe first set off in the Honda City RS hatchback and instantly, its E:HEV system makes an introduction. The system makes the RS get off the line just like an electric vehicle \u2013 smooth, effortless, and a complete surprise.\nIn a nutshell, the E:HEV system essentially makes the City RS hatchback a semi-electric car with the 1.5 engine only serving as an assistant. The latter only kicks in upon hard acceleration, on uphill climbs, and when the car is on the highways. Otherwise, the car is running mostly on the electric motor.\nTruthfully speaking, it didn\u2019t feel like much on the wide-open Sepang circuit but the difference in acceleration became more apparent when we got into the Toyota Yaris and 1.5 V City hatchback.\nThe \u201coomph\u201d from the RS may not be drastic but definitely noticeable, especially when moving from a standstill, uphill sections of the track and speeding up while the car is moving. Its CVT gearbox also comes with \u201csimulated gear changes\u201d for a more natural experience.\nWhat I liked most was how composed both the City hatchback (RS and 1.5 V) felt and how communicative the steering was. Honda said the City hatch comes with stiffer engine mounts, improved suspension, and a more rigid body. Interestingly, it\u2019s also lighter.\nAll that translated to a more communicative steering which felt engaging but not cumbersome. It felt more responsive too, making the car feel nimble through the slalom course prepared for us.\nAs we were speeding down the main straight of the circuit, the additional insulation to the body and floor of the City hatchback came into effect. Granted the surface of the circuit was smooth as butter but even at speeds well above 120 km/h, the cabin was undisturbed with annoying wind noise.\nThe improved suspension was also noticeable when compared with the Yaris. Through a series of long swooping bends, the City hatchback felt more composed and stable with less effort needed to keep the car in the right direction.\nThe additional weight in the City RS, due to the batteries it carries, did have an effect on the handling of the car but the suspension was still up to the task. It merely felt a little heavier through the slalom but without any adverse effect.\nPersonally, what I liked most was how supportive the seats were in the RS especially in the rib section \u2013 something that would really appeal to all the young Honda enthusiasts.\nCould this be the new hot property in the B-segment? How will it fare in the real world? Will it be as spacious as its sedan sibling?Only time will tell but for now, based on what we experienced on track yesterday, it has ticked all the right boxes.\nGALLERY\nHonda City RS hatchback\nHonda City hatchback"
"For the enthusiasts, it\u2019s a euphoric drug that brings them (and their car) to another dimension. For manufacturers, it\u2019s a \u201cget out jail free card\u201d from emission regulations. But what exactly is a turbocharger?\nTurbocharging technology has been around since the early 1900s and has been in motor car applications since the early 1930s. Back in those simpler times, forced induction (supercharging or turbocharging) was used for one reason \u2013 to make more power.\nA turbocharger is a compressor that utilises a portion of the waste gases from the exhaust system to generate clean, compressed air through the turbine (pictured below) before it is channelled through the intercooler for cooling.\nThe cooled, compressed air is then channelled to the combustion chambers through the intake manifold with more dense air containing more oxygen, prompting a larger combustion thus creating more power.\nThis allows the original engine to produce more power without having to add more cylinders which ultimately reduces emissions and improve fuel economy (using less fuel for more power). For car manufacturers, the benefits are a more compact engine design with lower capacity, more powerful cars and lower emissions.\nTurbocharging is not only found in high-performance sports cars to go blazingly fast but also in small capacity engines. Cars such as the \nVolkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI\n are only fitted with tiny 1.2-litre four-cylinder engines but thanks to turbocharging, it makes more power than its 1.6-litre equivalent at \n104 hp\n and \n175 Nm\n of torque as compared to the naturally aspirated \n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n.\nTurbocharging also allows maximum power to come in at a much lower rev range like in the case of the Vento 1.2-litre TSI; it makes all the \n175 Nm\n from 1,550 rpm while the 1.6-litre MPI engine gives you all its grunt only when the needle sips past 3,800 rpm. What do all these mean? Quicker off the line and addictive in-gear acceleration.\nFor us living in a country that imposes higher road tax for higher capacity engines, turbocharged cars allow us to own small capacity engines that is equally powerful but with a much lower annual road tax. For example, the\n 1.6-litre Vento MPI\n would cost you \nRM90\n in annual road tax while the \n1.2-litre Vento TSI\n would only cost you \nRM55\n.\nNow that might not seem like a lot to many, but scale that up to a \nFerrari 458 Italia\n (4,499cc naturally aspirated V8) vs a \n488 GTB\n (3,902cc twin-turbo V8), you are looking at RM11,352 vs RM6,189 \u2013 an annual savings of RM5,163.\nHowever, turbocharging is far from perfect. Because the engine is working \u201covertime\u201d to produce more power than it normally would, heat build-up and engine longevity can be a concern. The best way to ensure that your turbocharged engine runs as it should for as long as it possibly can, here are some ways of keeping it in shape.\nUse high-quality engine oils and have them changed regularly and on time. Good quality engine oil reduces the friction between the cylinders by keeping it well lubricated and can withstand higher operating temperature.\nEngine oils in turbocharged engines tend to go through heat cycles more aggressively than normally aspirated engines which is why you should be stricter on the oil change interval to ensure the engine is running with good engine oil.\nAs turbocharged engines find its way to more and more mainstream vehicles, it is vital that you are aware of the technology you are buying into, understand the characteristics of your car and exercise the necessary preventive maintenance. Lastly, I will leave you with this \u201cWith Great Power Comes Great Responsibilities\u201d."
"MINI Malaysia has revealed new colourways for the \nMINI Electric\n Resolute Edition priced at RM205,834 for the standard two year warranty. With the extended four-year extended warranty with service, the price is RM211,164. The battery comes with an eight-year/100,000 km warranty.\nLimited to 90 units in Malaysia, the MINI Electric Resolute Edition is now also available in Enigmatic Black and Nanuq White. The two new colourways add to the existing Rebel Green exterior finish. As part of the Resolute Edition package, the MINI Electric moves away from chrome trims in favour of Resolute Bronze on the headlamps, front grille and tail lights.\u00a0\nThe Resolute Bronze treatment is also applied to the front fenders, door handles and tailgate. Finished in Piano Black are the MINI and model badges. The door sill trims like the bonnet decals come with a \u2018Resolute\u2019 inscription. Completing the exterior are 17-inch Electric Collection Spoke alloy wheels.\nOn the inside, the MINI Electric Resolute Edition is furnished with Black Pearl/Light Chequered fabric upholstery. The fabric seats are made of recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles. The steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather and bears the MINI Resolute logo. Boot space is rated at 211 litres.\nAs for specifications, the MINI Electric Resolute Edition comes with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charger, autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, a head-up display, a five-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and adaptive LED headlamps.\nIn terms of powertrain, the Resolute Edition shares the same with the standard MINI Electric (Cooper SE). It\u2019s driven by a front-mounted electric motor with 184 hp and 270 Nm. The 0-100 km/h time is 7.3 seconds, while top speed is capped at 150 km/h.\nThe electric motor is powered by a 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that\u2019s good for 232 km of range based on the WLTP cycle. With 11 kW AC charging, a full charge takes 2.5 hours while with 50 kW DC charging, 10%-80% state of charge takes just 36 minutes.\nGALLERY"
"Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), a Texas based tuning house specialising in weaponising everyday high-performance cars and supercars like the\u00a0\n1,000 hp Chevrolet Camaro\n, has announced that they will be revealing an all-new hypercar, the Venom F5.\nInspired by the fastest and most vicious tornado on the Fujita scale, the F5 tornado, the Venom F5 is developed from the ground up by Hennessey and will take the fight straight to the \nBugatti Chiron\n for the title of world\u2019s fastest production series super sports car.\nTo achieve this goal, the Venom F5 will feature a unique chassis design, cutting-edge engine and aerodynamic profiles as well as an ultra-light weight body. Hennessey expects the Venom F5 be capable of speeds\n close to 300 mph\n (483 km/h). In comparison, the Chiron\u2019s top speed is rated at \n418 km/h\n.\n\u201cWe are very excited about our F5 and that it brings forth an all-new design and chassis to achieve even higher performance through improved aerodynamics and technology,\u201d said company founder and CEO, John Hennessey. \u201cThe best way I can describe the Venom F5 is that it is sophisticated aggression on wheels. We look forward to sharing F5 with the world later this year,\u201d added Hennessey.\nThe Venom F5 hypercar will be built in Texas and is expected to debut end-2017. HPE has incorporated a new company to spearhead the development and sales of the Venom F5 \u2013 \nHennessey Special Vehicles\n. Yeah, as if what HPE has been doing all these while is not special enough."
"Shell Rimula, the world\u2019s best selling heavy duty diesel engine oil (HDDEO) brand has just been updated. Two products are available in Malaysia beginning today, starting with the R5 LE 10W-40 and fully synthetic R6 LM 10W-40. They both feature Shell\u2019s Dynamic Protection Plus Technology and its base oil is made of natural gas through the company\u2019s patented gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology.\nThe acronym in the R5 LE stands for Low Emissions and Energy Saving, whereas the R6 LM stands for Low Emissions and Maintenance Saving. Both lubricants are Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions compliant, and its CJ-4 specification now exceeds ACEA, MAN and Mercedes-Benz\u2019s specifications for engine wear and cleanliness.\n \n \nWhat the engine oils offer is up to \n53 percent better protection\n \nagainst engine wear\n and deposits, especially cam wear and up to \n45 percent lower engine oil consumption\n. Its low SAPs formulation reduces downtime from clogging, which means you get more done time than down time. Prices for the oils begin at\n RM572.60 for a 20-litre\n tub, but those who wish to purchase in bulk will be entitled to a discount.\nIn conjunction with the introduction of the Rimula duo, Shell Lubricants have also launched the 2016 edition of the Shell Rimula Global Promotion. This year, eight lucky Grand Prize winners will be sent South Africa for a unique, money-can\u2019t-buy driving challenge. Last year, the winners visited Budapest to experience first hand the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, while the winners in 2014 took part in a heavy equipment challenge in London.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nobody likes traffic jams, but most of us usually keep our displeasures within the confines of our cars. Sometimes though, the inconveniences can get a bit too much to handle, as this group of drivers experienced after being stuck in a four-hour-long crawl at the Sungai Besi Toll yesterday.\nPhoto: Bernama/\nFacebook\nThe traffic jam built up on rush hour Monday morning, following the commencement of the \nthird Movement Control Order (MCO) in Kuala Lumpur\n which banned interstate travels without police permit. Speaking to Astro Awani, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim confirmed that the congestion traffic jam lasted between 7am until 10am, stretching out to over 2 km in length.\nHowever, he said that the traffic returned to a more acceptable flow after 10 am, once the police on duty had relaxed inspections at the road block, even though there were still many vehicles on the route.\nClick to go to the video!\nIn an emotion-induced fit, a few drivers decided to vent their anger towards the policemen on duty. As seen on a \nvideo published on Bernama\u2019s Facebook page\n, the group can be heard saying that their cars were running out of petrol, and engines overheating as a result of sitting motionless in the traffic jam.\nAn agitated driver added that they had no other choice but to sit through to traffic jam, as they weren\u2019t allowed to turn around. The police officer responded saying \u201cyou want to be angry at me, but I can\u2019t do anything,\u201d to which the crowd replied \u201cwe are not angry, just trying to negotiate.\u201d\nAzmi added that the Police\u2019s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department has set up a special patrol force during \nOp Lancar\n, who will advise the officer manning the road block to relax the inspections if there are severe congestions.\nPhoto: Bernama/\nFacebook\nTraffic jams are never pleasant, however we should all keep in mind that it is a necessary evil in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic; the police officers are also just carrying out their duty in keeping us all safe.\nUnless absolutely necessary, please, play your role by staying at home \u2013 at least until the end of \nMCO3.0\n \u2013 and we\u2019ll be able to get over this sooner. It\u2019s easy to see through \n\u201clame excuses\u201d\n, and you might even get fined for breaching the SOPs \u2013 so why risk it?\n[Header Image: Bernama/\nFacebook\n]"
"Early this year, Infiniti dropped a \u201cdesign study\u201d for their third-generation QX80 SUV called the \nQX80 Monograph\n. Although the car has been showed in its full glory, it does not represent the actual production model. Think of it as a concept car, if you will.\nNow, the Japanese luxury carmaker has just teased the all-new QX80 in a series of images ahead of its global premier at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show happening on 14 November. The overall design resembles the QX80 Monograph very much but the design has been refined to suit a production vehicle.   Infiniti\u2019s design language has been scaled up considerably for its most commanding vehicle available in its stable. Flanked with the iconic double arch grille and signature headlamps, the QX80 will certainly be a head turner. Those outrageous 24-inch items on the \u201cdesign study\u201d have been swapped out for more \nconventional\n 22-inch multi-spoke items wrapped in 275/50 profile tyres, although it is not known whether Infiniti will offer other wheel options.\nLocally, the Infiniti Malaysia has the second-generation QX80 on sale for a shade under RM800k and if it does arrive to our shores, do you think the Japanese marquee is able to go up against the likes of \nMercedes-Benz GLS 400\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nInfiniti QX80 Teaser   Infiniti QX80 Monograph Design Study"
"Mercedes-Maybach will soon be unveiling the concept version of its upcoming third-generation GLS, following the immense success of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, at the Beijing Motor Show, according to reports by Autocar UK.\nThe push for this ultra luxurious SUV will see the new Maybach-branded GLS challenge the likes of \nBentley Bentayga\n, the \nLamborghini Urus\n, the Range Rover and the highly-anticipated \nRolls-Royce Cullinan\n.\nMercedes-Benz also took to Facebook to vaguely introduce the concept Mercedes-Maybach GLS in a teaser video above. It is said that the new Maybach GLS will share the \nsame aluminium bodyshell as the regular GLS\n with a few signature Maybach design tweaks.\nThere\u2019s still no confirmation on what the GLS would be powered with just yet, but all signs point to the twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine found in the recently launched S560. It\u2019s also the same powerplant that powers the \nAston Martin DB11\n and the \nnew Vantage\n."
"Someone has to say it and we don\u2019t mind being that voice but we hope it\u2019s the last of what we\u2019ll see of the current generation 86 after this.\nToyota has introduced the Black Limited edition which will be limited to 86 units for obvious reasons and it mimics the same move Toyota made when it unveiled the Black Limited model to give the AE86 a grand send off in 1986.\nLike its predecessor, the Black Edition has been given a full black appearance, matched with bronze wheels and red Brembo brake calipers.\nOn the inside, Toyota has applied the same sinister theme with a full black interior with leather and alcantara seats. The only indication of this being a special edition model is the Black Limited embroidery on the partially suede dashboard.\n43 units of the limited edition model will come with a manual transmission while the other half will adopt an automatic transmission \u2013 it\u2019s clear which will be more sort after in the years to come.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Apparently it\u2019s so easy, you can change it in the comfort of your own pyjamas. In this week\u2019s edition of AutoDIY, we\u2019ll show you how you can change your car\u2019s wiper blades without making the unnecessary stop to the workshop again!\nYou\u2019re probably thinking, \u201cI still have to pop by the spare parts shop to buy the new wipers, right?\u201d.\nThat\u2019s true to an extent but now Bosch has that covered even; with \nan official store within Lazada\n to buy most of your vehicle\u2019s consumables!\nI suppose there aren\u2019t any excuses to \u201cAutoDIY it yourself\u201d now. Save your parents some hassle, make them and yourself proud with this simple replacement on your own.\nA new episode of\n AutoDIY\n will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come."
"The Smart brand from Daimler Group is set to rebuild its product portfolio, starting with a fully-electric compact SUV. The brand that focuses on ultra-compact cars for use in narrow European streets currently offers the smart EQ fortwo (hardtop and cabrio) as well as a smart EQ forfour, all in \nfully-electric flavour\n.\nOn its Instagram \npage\n, the Smart company said, \u201cThe shape of things to come \u2013 here\u2019s a never-before-seen glimpse of the next chapter of the Smart brand.\u201d\nIn our earlier \narticle\n, Smart\u2019s vice president of global sales Daniel Lescow, has not been shy to talk about the latest developments within his company. He said \u201cIt may come as a surprise to some: Smart will enter the market with a fully electric SUV \u2013 spacious yet compact. This will be the first vehicle of the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and \nGeely\n, due out in 2022, \nbuilt in China\n.\u201d\nLescow also says in his LinkedIn post that the upcoming Smart vehicle will be built on Geely\u2019s new \nSEA\n electric car architecture.\nMercedes-Benz will be responsible for the design of the new Smart electric SUV model, while Geely will be the main contributor in terms of development and production of the vehicle.\nReports from China suggest that the still-unnamed Smart SUV model will be equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor, generating peak power of 272 hp, alongside a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of less than 70 kWh and a range of more than 500 km, based on the Chinese NEDC test cycle.\nMercedes-Benz\u2019 latest \nEQA\n 350 AWD compact meanwhile has an output of 292 hp, a battery pack with 66.5 kWh usable energy content and a range of 432 km under WLTP test cycle.\nThese examples are much larger scale than the current Smart forfour (image above), with the vehicle measuring just 3.5 metres in length and fitted with a 82 hp/160 Nm electric motor, a 17.2 kWh battery pack and a range of 126 km.\u00a0\nSmart is intending to unveil the new electric SUV in \nSeptember\n at the IAA Mobility in Munich."
"As races go, nothing makes it more exciting for spectators than a little eager door-to-door racing. Save for this season, the Formula One championship, the pinnacle of motorsports, seemed to have lost its luster for being too dull and one-sided.\nThat has made race smaller scale series\u2019 like the evergreen British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) or the V8 Supercars series a more exciting prospect to spectators and TV viewers. Enter the VAG Trophy \u2013 \u00a0a race championship famous for its good ol\u2019 fashioned door-to-door racing by drivers from all walks of life. They come from all sorts of backgrounds; from mere GTi enthusiasts to season racers, hill climbers and track day junkies.\nThe VAG Trophy revolves around 6 different circuits in the UK, bringing together cars like the \nAudi TT\n, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia, and a variety of Volkswagens including the \nPolo\n, \nGolf\n, Scirocco and even \nPassat\n. Divided into two categories, Class A houses the more powerful machinery of up to 300bhp with Class B open to cars of up to approximately 220bhp.\nhttps://twitter.com/KmdRacing/status/893901306590638082\nThe highlight of Round Three at the Brands Hatch circuit had to be the moment when 22-year old Kenan Dole, pulled the most epic save in recent time, possibly even more epic than Max Verstappen\u2019s drift in a Formula 1 car. Having lead the race from start, his car was caught on camera fishtailing wildly for nearly 10 seconds, with on-board footages showing Dole furiously counter steering and miraculously avoided a major crash into other cars or the barriers.\nTalk about skill, and having a bit of luck. We can\u2019t report if he had a change of race suits after that incident though.\nYouTube footage credit: \nStopwatch Hospitality"
"The Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year Awards is back for the second year running, with a new category introduced \u2013 the Most Improved Dealer \u2013 to the \nsix existing awards\n.\nHeld at the Renaissance Hotel in Johor Bahru, this year\u2019s Dealer of the Year award went to \nHap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu\n, as they emerged tops among 35 authorised dealers from nine dealer groups. Last year, the title was clinched by Hap Seng Star Balakong.\nThe representatives of Hap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu with Dr. Claus Weidner (5th from the right)\n Looking ahead, we look forward to continue exciting the market by pushing the boundaries in automotive excellence and innovation,\u201d said \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr. Claus Weidner.\nThe rest of the winners are as follow:\nDealer of the Year\nChampion \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu\n2nd Place \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi\n3rd Place \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Kinrara\nMost Improved\nChampion \u2013 \nNZ Wheels Klang\n2nd Place \u2013 \nCycle & Carriage Bintang Cheras\n3rd Place \u2013 \nNZ Wheels Bangsar\nBest Performance in Sales\nChampion \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi\n2nd Place\n \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Jalan Ipoh\n3rd Place \u2013\nHap Seng Star Balakong\nBest Performance in Customer Services\nChampion \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Balakong\n2nd Place\n \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Kinrara\n \n3rd Place \u2013 \nCycle & Carriage Bintang Glenmarie\nBest Performance in Financial Services \nChampion \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi\n2nd Place\n \u2013 \nCycle & Carriage Bintang Cheras\n3rd Place \u2013 \nNZ Wheels Johor Bahru\nBest Performance in Business Excellence\nChampion \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu\n2nd Place \u2013 \nCycle & Carriage Bintang (North), Juru/Bukit Tengah\n3rd Place \u2013 \nCycle & Carriage Bintang Perak\nBest Performance in CSI & CLI\nChampion \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu\n2nd Place \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi\n3rd Place \u2013 \nHap Seng Star Kuching"
"The updated 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer has just been unveiled today here in Malaysia. Offered in a single variant at launch \u2013 the Select 121 Extra Long, the new Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer will be a \nHap Seng Star\n exclusive, priced at RM342,036 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nEXTERIOR\nThe design of the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer has basically been unchanged since the introduction of the third-generation model back in 2014. With the new Malaysian-specification Vito Tourer being offered exclusively as an Extra Long model, it\u2019s also one of the largest people carriers here on our shores, measuring in at 1,958 mm tall, 2,244 mm wide, and a whopping 5,370 mm long \u2013 that\u2019s even longer than some pick-up trucks!\n \nAs standard, all units of the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer here in Malaysia comes with the following exterior equipment:\nLED Intelligent Light System with High Beam Assist Plus\n17-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels\nElectrically-folding and adjustable exterior mirrors\nRoof rails (150 kg weight limit)\nExterior colour options: Obsidian Black Metallic, Rock Crystal White Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Vavansite Blue Metallic\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned above, the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer will be offered solely in a single Select 121 Extra Long variant, powered by the M274 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.\nEngine: 1,991 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission\nDriveline: Front engine, rear-wheel driven\nSuspension: Comfort suspension\nMax horsepower: 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque: 350 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nINTERIOR\nThe new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer is offered here in Malaysia as a 10-seater (3-2-3 rear seat configuration) as standard, but can be customised into multiple seating options \u2013 including as a seven-seater \u2013 thanks to its guide rail and quick-release system for the rear seats.\nOther interior features on the new Vito Tourer include:\nAnalogue instrument cluster with multi-info display\n7-inch touchscreen Audio 30 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nBlack leatherette upholstery\nElectrically adjustable front seats with memory function\nElectrically-operating sliding doors\nThermotronic dual-zone automatic climate control for the front passengers\nTempmatic semi-automatic climate control for rear passengers\nSAFETY\nAs standard, the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer is equipped with a full suite of advanced driver safety features, including:\nActive Distance Assist Distronic adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality\nLane Keeping Assist\nActive Brake Assist with pedestrian detection\nBlind Spot Assist\nAttention Assist\nCrosswind Assist\nHigh Beam Assist Plus\nAdditionally, the new 2021 Vito also comes with six airbags as standard including windows and thorax-pelvis airbags, alongside Hill-start Assist, tyre-pressure monitoring system, reversing camera, as well as the aforementioned High Beam Assist Plus.\nPRICING\nThe new 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer Select 121 Extra Long is priced at \nRM342,036.40 \non the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that was recently\n extended until the end of June 2022\n.\nAlso included in the price is a four-year unlimited mileage warranty (two-year manufacturers warranty, two-year extended limited warranty).\nThe new Vito Tourer is now available at all Hap Seng Star dealerships nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) had just experienced its best ever first quarter of 2018 with a total of 3,335 vehicles sold \u2013 registering a 13.2% growth compared to the first quarter of 2017. In January 2018 alone, MBM sold an impressive 1,200 vehicles and 1,185 units in Febuary.\nIn Q1 of 2018, MBM\u2019s locally-manufactured C-Class, E-Class and S-Class, collectively recorded a total of \n1,965 units \nsold. Elsewhere, \n596 units\n from the compact segment were sold, consisting of the A-Class, B-Class, GLA and CLA models.\nThe SUV range, a growth driver for the MBM, charted a total of\n 675 units\n sold while the exclusive Dream Cars range recorded a 1% jump from 2017, with \n94 units\n sold.\nTo put this remarkable feat into perspective,\n just five years ago\n, in Q1 of 2013, MBM only sold 1,211 units \u2013 surpassing the 2,000 units mark in 2016; up from 1,886 in 2015 to 2,658 in 2016.   Earlier in the month, Mercedes-Benz announced its best ever quarter on a \nglobal scale\n at 594,304 units with the \nbest month of all time in March 2018\n at 237,307 units.\nMBM recently also held its inaugural \nDealer of the Year awards\n in March 2018 where respective dealers were acknowledged with awards like Dealer of the Year, Best Performance in Sales and Best Performance in After-sales, to name a few.\nWe recently spoke with Mike Ponnaz, MBSM Managing Director (Left), on \nMBSM\u2019s Agility Financing and Lease2Go\n.\nFor a holistic Mercedes-Benz ownership experience, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) continues to \noffer customisable financial and insurance solutions\n. As a result, MBSM recorded a servicing portfolio of over MYR 2.4 billion \u2013 with four out of 10 new Mercedes-Benz financed and insured by MBSM.\nSince the start of 2018, 249,106 customers were handed the keys to their new Mercedes-Benz, more than ever before in the first quarter of a year. South Korea, India and \nMalaysia also set new sales records\n in the first three months of this year."
"Not only is the end product so polished you\u2019d think it was factory-built but the funny thing is, Ford does not even sell the Focus in Russia!\nIt seems speedsters are all the rage these days; \nFerrari\u2019s\n got one as with\n Porsche\n, \nAston Martin\n just introduced one and so did \nMcLaren\n. While those are mere fantasies reserved only for the sweetest of dreams, this converted Focus is a more realistic target.\nApparently it\u2019s based on the 3rd generation Focus with generous use of the 4th generation\u2019s body panels, such as the front bumper, head and tail lights for example. Other major modifications include removing the windshield and rear seats, welding the doors and dual humps behind the passengers \u2013 a signature look of most Speedsters.\nAnd for a car that\u2019s been so drastically modified, the cabin looks unbelievably \u201cstandard\u201d too; who would\u2019ve thought that the Focus would look so good as a speedster?\nUnfortunately, the St. Petersburg-based workshop did not reveal the power source of the Focus Speedster although we sure hope they did something about the Focus\u2019 gearbox \u2013 a prone to fail component that has put most Malaysians off the Blue Oval brand.\nGALLERY\nSource: \nFord-Market"
"Ahead of the \nofficial launch\n of the Kia Seltos here in Malaysia, Naza Kia Malaysia is now giving us a closer look at the\n \ncompact B-segment SUV\n, specifically at its lighting technology of the range-topping GT-Line variant.\nDescribed by Kia themselves as a \u201cwork of art\u201d, the lighting system on the Kia Seltos GT-Line is dubbed as \u201cHeart Beat Lighting\u201d, thanks to its light signature on both the headlights and taillights that mimics the heart monitor graphs.\nUp front, the Kia Seltos GT-Line features an all-LED headlight, with the main highlight being the eyebrow-style daytime running light that extends into the tiger-nose grille, bookended by a U-shaped kink \u2013 a design that is mirrored on the taillights, representing the \u201cheart beat\u201d.\nThe lower part of the headlights assembly houses the turn indicators, which features three J-shaped LED light strips along with four individual LED bulbs \u2013 the former giving the lights a three-dimensional look. The main headlight meanwhile, is illuminated by two individual beams on each side, taking the outer two bulbs in an array of four. Lower down, the Kia Seltos GT-Line also gets vertical LED \u201cice-cube\u201d foglamps as standard.\nThe heartbeat motive is even more apparent on the taillights of the Kia Seltos GT-Line, with a light signature featuring the same u-shaped kink similar to the ones on the daytime-running lights in front. The light signature \u2013 which doubles as the turn indicators \u2013 also feature the same 3D \u201cmulti-layer\u201d effect as seen on the front for even more road presence.\nUnfortunately, all of these fancy LED lighting technology is only present on the range-topping GT-Line variant. The EX variant settles for halogen projector headlights, halogen foglamps, as well as bulb-type taillights, thus removing the 3D heartbeat graphic on both ends of the compact SUV.\nThe Kia Seltos is \nnow available for booking\n at selected Kia showrooms nationwide; the full list of participating showrooms can be found \nhere\n. Two variants are available \u2013 EX and GT-Line, though no pricing has been indicated as of yet.\nExpected to be launched during Q4 of 2020, the Kia Seltos will face stiff competition from other new compact SUVs including its brother-from-another-mother, the \nHyundai Kona\n, as well as the hotly-anticipated \nProton X50\n, and of course the old guards of the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nMazda CX-3\n.\nWill the fancy lighting technology on the Kia Seltos be enough to capture a portion of the compact SUV market? We\u2019ll have to wait and see, but it certainly is exciting to see the B-segment SUV contenders duking it out, giving us the consumers more competitive products to choose from!\n \nGALLERY"
"Ramadan is set to begin on the 24th of April this year. While many will usually choose to travel back to their respective hometowns to spend Ramadan with their families, this will unfortunately not be permitted this year due to the ongoing \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n.\nAccording to a report by \nBerita Harian\n, Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that interstate travel will not be allowed as long as the MCO is in effect. \u201cInterstate travels has been prohibited since the first and second phase of the MCO. The same rules will still be applied even during Ramadan.\n\u201cwhich means, travelling en-masse back home (balik kampung) to celebrate the Ramadan will also not be allowed,\u201d he said to the press after a senior minister meeting in Putrajaya yesterday.\nThe MCO, currently in its third phase, is scheduled to end on the 28th of April \u2013 five days into Ramadan. Although, it is currently unclear if there will be any further extensions to the MCO, or if there will be specific directives to restrict interstate travels.\nThe spread of the virus seems to be stabilising in the country, with 900 confirmed cases in the past week. However, the positive sign is not an invitation for us to let down our guards.\nAll of the hard work from our heroic front liners and our perseverance for the past 30 days will all be flushed down the drain if a \u201cthird wave\u201d epidemic happens \u2013 even after the MCO. So while we can, please do stay home unless absolutely necessary!"
"Within one month, Honda\u2019s new \nHR-V\n has garnered itself \nmore than 7,000 bookings\n, making it the\n fastest selling Honda SUV\n in Malaysia.\u00a0This results a waiting period of up to \nfour months\n, but Honda ensures that the customers will be receiving a quality product made in Pegoh, Malacca.\nOfficially launched \nhere\n back in February, the front-wheel drive \nHip & Smart Runabout Vehicle\n is powered by a \n1.8-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC\n engine coupled to a \nCVT\n and produces \n140 hp\n and\n 172 Nm\n of torque. It comes in three variants: \nRM 99,000 Grade S\n, \nRM 108,000 Grade E\n, and \nRM 118,000 Grade V\n.\nAmong the three variants offered, it\u2019s the \nGrade V\n that accounts for\n 65% of the total units booked\n. We did a \nFirst Look video\n on the Grade V so you can check it out \nhere\n if you want to know more.\nApart from the HR-V, \nHonda Malaysia\n set a new record by receiving a total of 11,047 bookings and more than 6,000 units sold in February. The month before that they sold 6,522 vehicles thus maintaining their No. 1 position in the \nNon-National Passenger Vehicle Segment\n.\n[divider]\nVIDEO\u00a0GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Works Ministry has announced that the public will soon be allowed to make highway toll payments using any digital provider, and move away from Touch \u2018n Go and Smart Tag.\nAccording to \nFMT\n, Works Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, also mentioned that highway concessionaires have been instructed to implement a multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) system by 2025.\nAn example of the gantry system implemented in other countries.\nThe MLFF is a barrier-free toll system without toll booths but instead uses a gantry structure fitted with an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.\nThe ANPR system is currently under going testing at the LEKAS highway and will later extend to the Besraya highway.\nAccording to FMT, there are some 20 million users and over 90% of them use Touch \u2018n Go for toll purposes.\nLong overdue for retirement?\nIn the same report, the Works Minister also said there could be a private investment model to take over the MLFF system if there are delays from highway concessionaires in implementing the MLFF system. The Works Minister used Taiwan and Singapore as an example, where they have a single authority over the system.\nQuestion is then, will it be open to an abuse of power? We all know very well by now what a single entity with absolute power can do.\nRELATED: \nTouch \u2018n Go eWallet now offers \u2018Premium tier\u2019, reload up to RM20k"
"BMW has unveiled the updated 2020 BMW 5 Series, fitted with an extensive list of updates including refreshed styling, updated engines, and newer technology features to take on its \nrecently-updated three-pointed star rival\n.\nIn terms of styling changes, the new 5-er remains on the more conservative end of the spectrum, especially when compared to some of the \nother recent BMW efforts\n. The new kidney grille, although wider and taller (but positioned lower) than before, still looks \u201cnormal\u201d in size. The kidney grilles are also now built in a single-frame design, joined by a chrome central element.\nFlanking the grilles are the new slimmer headlights, featuring a twin-L-shaped daytime running lights that also functions as the turn indicators. As usual, LED headlights are standard, though you can now opt for the Matrix LED or Laserlight headlights on all variants of the 5 Series.\nThe front lower apron gets new reprofiled bumpers \u2013 standard models get small angular air vents at the side, joined by a slim central air inlet, while the M Sport versions (pictured here in blue) gets a U-shaped contour line that connecting the two headlights at the central kink.\nAt the back, the taillights get new three-dimensional housing, featuring a new C-shaped light signature that integrates both the rear lights and brake lights into a single lighting fixture. The rear bumpers have been slightly reshaped, with the M Sport variants getting a more elaborate styling. All variants now get trapezoidal exhaust tips as standard.\nThe new 5-er sits on alloys ranging from 18- to 20-inches \u2013 including the new BMW Individual Air Performance Wheels launched together with the new 5 Series. Behind those wheels, the upgraded brake callipers as part of the M Sport package can now be specified in red, in addition to the standard blue colour.\nAs part of the launch, BMW is also introducing a 1,000-unit limited M Sport Edition, which can be ordered in either Tanzanite Blue or Donington Grey \u2013 a colour previously only reserved for the full-M models. As the name implies, expect to see the usual M Sport touches and larger 20-inch M Sport wheels.\nInside, the changes on the updated BMW 5 Series are less obvious. In general, the overall dashboard architecture is directly inherited from the pre-facelift version, including the BMW iDrive Operating System 7.0 infotainment display \u2013 10.25-inches as standard, or sized up to 12.3-inches \u2013 sitting atop the dashboard.\nOther interior touches on the LCI 5 Series include the rearranged multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, a larger climate control lower display, new gloss-black centre-console, new optional M multifunction seats design and upholstery material options.\nBy far the biggest update to the 5 Series is the engine line-up, now featuring \n48V mild-hybrid technology\n on all four- and six-cylinder variants to provide an additional 11 hp of boost power when needed, aside from other fuel-saving features.\nThe 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is available in the 520i (\n184 hp, 290 Nm\n), and 530i (\n252 hp, 350 Nm\n), while the 3.0-litre inline-six petrol mill powers the 540i with \n333 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque.\nAs for oil-burners, a \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel powerplant is available on the 520d, while the three-litre inline-six diesel engine comes in two configurations \u2013 530d (\n286 hp, 650 Nm\n), and 540d (\n340 hp, 700 Nm\n).\nTopping the range of the new 5-er (for now) is the M550i xDrive, featuring a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that is good for \n530 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque, resulting in a century sprint time of just \nfour seconds flat\n.\nThe 530e plug-in hybrid has also been updated, featuring the brand\u2019s latest 2.0-litre turbocharged mill. Although total system output remains the same as before (\n252 hp\n, \n420 Nm\n), a new XtraBoost function adds an \nextra 40 hp for 10 seconds\n.\nA new 545e xDrive model will be joining plug-in hybrid family, featuring the 252 hp straight-six engine paired to a 109 hp electric motor for a combined output of \n395 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of twist. As a result, the 545e does 0-100 km/h in just \n4.7 seconds\n, onward to a electronically-limited top speed of\n 250 km/h\n.\nAs before, all powertrain options are paired to an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic gearbox, with no manual options available worldwide.\nIn terms of safety, the new BMW 5 Series is available with an updated Driving Assistant Package, which comes with Lane Departure and Lane Keep Assist (previously warning only). Meanwhile, the higher-grade Driving Assistant Professional Package gains an updated Steering and Lane Control Assistant, which can now move the car to the side to give space to emergency response vehicles, along with a navigation-based automatic lane-change system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After an extensive teaser period, the Ora Good Cat has now finally made its official debut in Malaysia. The fully-electric compact hatchback will be offered in two specifications at launch: 400 Pro and 500 Ultra, priced at \nRM139,800\n and \nRM169,800\n respectively.\nAs part of its teaser campaign, members of the media have already been given the chance to sample the Ora Good Cat in person on a media drive recently. Be sure to check out our\n first hands-on experience video\n to see how it actually performs!\nThe highlight of the Ora Good Cat is undoubtedly its cute and quirky looks, which is actually designed by former Porsche designer, Emanual Derta \u2013 we can certainly see a little bit of the \nPorsche 911\n influence here, although its more bulbous silhouette is perhaps more reminiscent of another Porsche cousin, the \nVolkswagen Beetle\n.\nBut don\u2019t let its adorable looks in the photos fool you, because the Ora Good Cat is still quite a sizeable car, measuring in at 4,235 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, 1,596 mm tall, and with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. That puts it roughly in the same size segment as a\n Proton X50\n, but just a little bit shorter in both length and height.\nIn terms of exterior specifications, the Ora Good Cat comes equipped as standard with:\nOra Good Cat 400 Pro\nLED headlights with LED daytime-running lights\nLED tail lights\n18-inch alloy wheels\nAutomatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers\nElectric panoramic sunroof\nPowered wing mirrors\nOra Good Cat 500 Ultra (Adds)\nWelcome lighting effect\nMemory function for the powered wing mirrors\nExterior colour options: Hamilton White (optional black roof), Sun Black, Coral Blue, Mars Red/Black, Hazel Wood Beige/Wisdom Brown (500 Ultra exclusive), Verdant Green/White (500 Ultra exclusive)\nBoth variants share the same base powertrain underneath the bonnet, consisting of a single electric motor on the front axle capable of dishing out \n105 kW (143 hp)\n and\n 210 Nm \nof torque, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.\nOn the 400 Pro, the motor is paired to a \n47.8 kWh\n battery pack that promises a driving range of roughly 400 km (NEDC test cycle, WLTP figures will be lower). The 500 Ultra meanwhile gets a larger \n63.1 kWh\n battery pack, translating to a 500 km EV range (NEDC) \u2013 the range is where its name comes from, by the way, if it isn\u2019t obvious enough yet.\nFor charging, the Ora Good Cat features an on-board 6.6 kW AC charger, which takes eight hours to fully charge on the 400 Pro, and 10 for the 500 Ultra. DC fast charging is also supported at up to 60 kW, letting you charge from 0-80% in roughly 46 minutes on the 400 Pro, and 60 minutes on the Ultra.\nWATCH: \nOra Good Cat \u2013 The cheapest EV with 500km range, maybe\nThe Ora Good Cat\u2019s cabin is just as quirky as its exterior, characterised by a unique two-tone dashboard design. Slthough that option is only exclusive to the 500 Ultra variant; the Ora Good Cat 400 Pro gets an all-black interior. In terms of specification, the compact EV hatchback is quite similarly equipped across both variants, with the 500 Ultra getting some additional creature comforts.\nOra Good Cat 400 Pro \n7.0-inch digital instrument cluster\n10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, four speakers\nAutomatic climate control with PM2.5 filter\n6-way powered driver seats\nSynthetic leather upholstery, Suede leather dashboard topper\nKeyless entry and start\nElectronic parking brake and shifter\nWireless mobile phone charging pad\n4 speakers\n4 USB ports including 1 for front dashcam\n360-degree surround-view monitor\nOra Good Cat 500 Ultra (Adds)\nDriver seat memory with welcome function\nDriver seat massage function\nSide mirror memory function\n6 speakers\nTwo-tone interior upholstery options: Brown/Beige, Green/Grey\nSafety wise, the Ora Good Cat comes as standard with six airbags, four rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as a suite of SAE Level 2 autonomous driving-capable advanced driver assistance features, consisting of:\nAdaptive cruise control with intelligent turning and traffic jam assist\nAutonomous emergency braking with intersection support\nFront collision warning\nLane keeping assist and lane centring assist\n\u201cWisdom dodge\u201d system\nLane departure warning\nThe range-topping 500 Ultra variants add on even more niceties, including additional front parking sensors, a \u201cfull-auto\u201d integrated parking system, auto-reversing assistance, lane-change assist, emergency lane keeping, blind-spot detection, door-open warning rear collision warning, as well as rear cross-traffic alert and braking.\nREAD MORE: \nOra Good Cat leads EV sales in Thailand\nThe Ora Good Cat is now available in Malaysia, priced at:\nOra Good Cat 400 Pro \u2013 RM139,800\nOra Good Cat 500 Ultra \u2013 RM169,800\nIncluded in the price is a five-year/150,000 km warranty, an eight-year/180m000 km battery warranty, five time free labour maintenance, as well as complimentary portable and home chargers.\nThe Ora Good Cat is one of several models announced for our market when\n Great Wall Motors officially entered Malaysia in July\n. The company plans to unveil nine new models in three years, including models in various segments such as sedans, SUVs, and even pick-up trucks, with a goal of being the \u201cxEV leader in Malaysia\u201d.\nGWM also added that it\u2019ll unveil its first five service centres by the end of December 2022, covering the majority of Peninsular Malaysia\u2019s major cities.\nGALLERY"
"Down South, Singapore has finally caught up with Malaysia, with its first locally assembled (CKD) electric vehicle (EV). The EV in question is the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n which will be assembled at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICS). Commemorating the milestone, the first 100 units of the Ioniq 5 produced will be the limited-edition \u2018IONIQ 5 First 100\u2019.\nThe \u2018IONIQ 5 First 100\u2019 is adorned with \u2018First 100\u2019 car badges and commemorative \u2018EVS\u2019 plates numbered 1 to 100. The car will come in the shade Gravity Gold Matte, with Dark Pebble Grey interiors. It will also feature debossed seats for refined detail. Only available in Singapore, the \u2018IONIQ First 100\u2019 can only be bought through a charity auction via the President\u2019s Challenge.\nThe \u2018IONIQ 5 First 100\u2019 is based on the highest trim of the Ioniq 5 in Singapore which is the all-wheel drive (AWD Long Range \u2018Inspiration Trim Model\u2019 that has a \n430 km\n WLTP range. The dual motor setup produces a total output of 305 hp (metric) and 605 Nm, and it accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.2 seconds\n.\nCharging from 0 to 100% g for the range-topping Ioniq 5 model takes \n6.1 hours\n with an \n11-kW\n AC charger. Thanks to its 800 V architecture, the Ioniq 5 can handle \n350-kW\n DC fast charging which charges the car from 10% to 80% in just \n18 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 5 shows it can power an entire hotel via V2L tech\nThere will be three variants of the Singapore-assembled Ioniq 5:\n2WD Standard Range \u2018Exclusive Trim Model\u2019\n2WD Long Range \u2018Prestige Trim Model\u2019\nAWD Long Range \u2018Inspiration Trim Model\nHMGICS is Singapore\u2019s first and only EV production smart facility and it features multiple Industry 4.0 technologies (Robotics, AI, IoT, etc.). It aims to develop new EV business models, forge innovative partnerships, produce mobility products, and develop the Group\u2019s intelligent manufacturing platform to revolutionize the overall mobility value chain.\nRELATED: \nFirst 11 units of Hyundai Ioniq 5 delivered to Malaysian customers \u2013 nearly 300 booked since launch!\nHMGICS CEO, Mr. Hong Bum Jung said, \u201cAs Singapore embarks on its sustainable ecosystem and mobility journey, we are continuously innovating and working with various stakeholders to introduce new mobility experiences for the next generation. The \u2018IONIQ 5\u2019 is the first step in this direction. We are seeing encouraging interest in the \u2018IONIQ 5\u2019, and believe that the launch of our enhanced purchase experience and customer-centered smart mobility services will go a long way in contributing towards Singapore\u2019s adoption of a more sustainable mobility ecosystem.\u201d\n\u201cIn partnership with Komoco Motors, we strive to provide far-reaching, value-adding, unique and differentiated EV mobility experiences. As the first step of this new journey, we are thrilled to be able to showcase the first made-in-Singapore EV \u2018IONIQ 5 First 100\u2019 and commence pre-booking through a charity auction for Singapore as part of the Charity 500 program.\u201d\nIn Malaysia, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is available in three variants. The Ioniq 5 Lite costs \nRM207,808\n, the Ioniq 5 Plus costs \nRM238,408\n, and the Ioniq 5 Max costs \nRM270,408\n with the SST exemption no longer in place.\nRELATED: \nFully electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 Lite, Plus & Max launched in Malaysia, from RM199,888"
"In light of the recent devastating floods that have rampaged many parts of the country, \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n (VPCM) has announced a new flood relief assistance programme to help out owners who have been affected by the floods.\nFrom now until the 28th of February next year, Volkswagen owners who have been affected by the floods will be offered a \n30% discount on parts and labour\n to repair their flood-damaged vehicles. The offer is available at all authorised Volkswagen service centres nationwide.\nAdditionally, to further alleviate the financial burden that many may be facing, VPCM is also introducing an easy payment plan where owners have the option to spread out their bill over\n six or 12 months at 0% interest rate\n.\n\u201cAll of us at VPCM are deeply saddened by the flash floods that struck Malaysia over the weekend,\u201d said VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter. \u201cOur thoughts are with those who are impacted and are facing loss and damages in the aftermath. We hope that our assistance will help to relieve the burden of our owners during this difficult time.\u201d\nOwners are encouraged to download the new Volkswagen Cares app (available on both \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n) to redeem the flood relief support voucher."
"Last year, Sony unveiled a development prototype of their fully-electric car called the \nVision-S\n at the Consumer Electronics Show or CES. Today, the company shares great news that the upcoming Sony fully-electric car has undergone some road testing in Europe.\n \nApart from road testing on the streets of Austria as well as the Alps, the Sony Vision-S was also seen driven at higher cornering speeds at the private test centre.\nKenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO of Sony Corporation said, \u201cOur Vision-S processes information from the surrounding environment in real-time utilizing Sony\u2019s advanced sensing technologies. Currently, we are working to optimize safety through test drives on public roads.\u201d\nMeasuring 4,895 mm in length and 1,900 mm wide, the dimensions of the Vision-S is in fact slightly larger than the benchmark German premium sedans that are the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The wheelbase is 3,030 mm, longer than the Tesla Model S.\nThe Vision-S is powered by dual electric motors (one on each axle) rated at 200 kW or 272 hp each, for a combined system output of \n544 hp\n. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. Range and battery capacity remain unpublished.\nApart from the usual large brakes and signature lighting, the are some tasty details on this test vehicle in its final phase of development. \u00a0The side mirrors in the Sony fully-electric car, while appears to be slim and adopt a \n\u201cvirtual side mirror\u201d\n design, houses not just one but three optical lenses!\nThe fenders meanwhile have another piece of scanning device, together with a few more in the centre of both front and rear bumpers. The rear windshield also features a section for mounting scanning devices as seen on the front windshield.\nAll these high-definition optical scanning devices that measure the environment in real-time mean that the Vision-S is \nLevel 4 self-driving-ready\n, and able to offer the feature when the regulations allow.\nBased on another accompanying video, the Sony fully-electric car is being developed, engineered, and perhaps even manufactured by \nAustria-based Magna Steyr\n. With the progress of this project been kept secretive, there is no mention on the timing of the sale of this stunning Vision-S.\nImages: \nSony"
"The \nMalaysia Autoshow 2017\n had plenty to offer from \ncar launches and teasers\n to the \nfirst ever Karting Slalom in Malaysia\n, attracting 250,000 strong visitors far and wide to Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS). This year, the Malaysia Autoshow will return to MAEPS for the fourth instalment, promising a more comprehensive and immersive experience for the crowd.\nPowered by Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), the Malaysia Autoshow 2018 have its dates brought forward to \n26 to 29 April 2018\n to allow room for more displays and shows later in the year. Despite that, some of the biggest automotive brands in the country will be showcasing their latest and greatest in this year\u2019s show with the theme \u201c360-degree Mobility Experience\u201d. With over 100 cars on display, visitors will also have the chance to get up and personal with the legendary German marque Borgward as well as classic Volvo cars.\nSome of the exciting activities lined up for the show include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) demonstration by Perodua, Mitsubishi Obstacle Course, Toyota 4\u00d74 Experience, Honda Sensing demonstration, personalised legal tender stamps from POS Malaysia and many more.\nEight holiday packages within ASEAN (inclusive of flight and accommodation) are up for grabs for those who book and purchase a car at the Malaysia Autoshow 2018 (Terms & Conditions apply). There is also a brand-new \nKia Picanto\n to be given out to one lucky winner of the Lucky Draw Contest (only open to visitors with a paid ticket).\nMaybank will also be present as the official financing partner for the Malaysia Autoshow 2018 and will be offering online submissions for hire purchase applications as well as best-ever financing packages for cars purchased at the event.\nThe entrance fee to the Malaysia Autoshow 2018 is RM10 per entry and children below the age of 12 can enter free of charge while students have free admission on 26 March 2018 (Thursday). Visitors can also enjoy a discounted rate on their tickets by purchasing online at \nhttp://www.autoshow.com.my/\n."
"Bugatti and Tidal Audio have paired up to produce a new category of sound systems \u2013 what they consider to be the Bugatti of home audio.\nTogether they\u2019ve released the Royale range of speakers, and according to Bugatti, just as the engine of a Bugatti releases power and emotions, the Royale\u2019s unrivaled sound is of the finest definition and incredible power.\nLike Bugattis, these speakers are highly customisable as well. There are two main themes to the exterior design \u2013 monocoque and duotone. Each Royale speaker can be finished with either carbon fiber, fabrics, leather, polished stainless steel, dark aluminum or precious metal surfaces.\nThe front of the speakers feature the company\u2019s plaque, finished in polished stainless steel and curved to accommodate the shape of the speakers to demonstrate Bugatti\u2019s customising abilities.\nEvery set of speakers go through a bespoke ordering process, allowing the customer to share their precise vision for the best audio system in the world.\nThe Royale is deploying four subwoofer drivers per speaker and a 3-way front unit with a midrange-driver and tweeter with diamond diaphragms. The diamond diaphragm is also used in Bugatti\u2019s hypercars.\nThe Royale range of speakers are available in \u2018Edition Noir\u2019 and \u2018Edition Blanc\u2019, each limited to only 15 pairs.\nGALLERY"
"Audi expanded its electric car\u00a0product range with the introduction of the\u00a0Q7 e-Tron 3.0 TDI Quattro. This SUV fuses Audi\u2019s famed TDI powertrain with e-Tron technology, creating the\u00a0world\u2019s first plug-in hybrid with a V6 TDI engine and quattro.\nThe Q7\u00a0plug-in hybrid\u00a0blends\u00a0efficiency and dynamics\u00a0into one. The car is capable of accelerating from\n 0-100kmh in 6.2 seconds,\n while sips only \n1.8 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers\n. In full EV mode, the Q7 is capable of travelling up to\n 56km\n.\nThe Q7\u00a0plug-in hybrid will be available in European showrooms by the second quarter of 2016 with pricing slated to begin from \n80,500 Euros\u00a0\n(some RM381k; converted during press time).\u00a0Meanwhile, the\u00a0second generation Q7 was \nlaunched in Malaysia\n just recently in a form of the\u00a0\n3.0-litre V6 TFSI\n petrol variant, with Audi Malaysia citing more variant introduction in the near future.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro   2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI quattro Malaysian launch"
"Volkswagen of America has announced its entry to the 2021 Rebelle Rally, an all-women off-road navigation rally raid in the United States. But instead of a proper off-road ready baja/pick-up truck, VW has instead opted to participate in the 2,500 km rally with their newly-launched \nID.4 fully-electric SUV\n.\nNow, obviously, bringing a bone stock ID.4 to the deserts in Nevada will be \u2013 in simple terms \u2013 pushing it, so VW America turned to Rhys Millen Racing and Tanner Foust to modify the EV SUV into a capable off-road racer.\nStarting life off as a regular ID.4 AWD PRO, the Rebelle Rally challenger is given a new suspension set-up with better wheel articulation and travel to take on the rougher terrains of the desert. There\u2019s also the new chunkier tubular control arms, alongside custom-fabricated skid plates and additional underbody battery protection to withstand the elements.\nMini, meanwhile, took a basically stock Cooper SE to a rally stage in Romania! Check it out here.\nThe electric powertrain and battery itself however, were left as-is from the production model. The all-wheel drive Volkswagen ID.4 will be powered by a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, to make a combined \n220 kW (295 hp)\n and\n 460 Nm\n of torque.\nPower comes from an 89 kWh battery pack, which is enough for a range of 400 km according to the EPA test cycle. Though of course, with this being a race (a rally through the desert, mind you), expect to see a much lower figure on the rally race car than that.\nCompleting the set of modifications are the OZ Racing alloy wheels, off-road tires, and a Thule roof rack that holds a spare tire and other accessories. The rally-prepped Volkswagen ID.4 was also given a fresh decal wrap, specifically designed by Salt Lake City-based artist Liz Kuz to make it stand out in the desert.\nStart of a new era: Volkswagen ID.4 GTX shows-off new high-performance EV suffix. Learn more here.\nThe Rebelle Rally will run from 7th to 16th October, and Volkswagen of America\u2019s entry, Team #211, will be driven by freelance automotive journalist Mercedes Lilienthal, and assisted by co-driver/navigator Emily Winslow.\nAs per the rules of the rally, competitors will not be able to use phones, or any GPS tech for their navigation, so it should be quite a spectacle to watch the teams navigate the vast Nevada deserts. Want to cheer them on? You can keep track of Lilienthal and Winslow\u2019s progress in the VW ID.4 throughout the entire event on Rebelle Rally\u2019s website \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"As we anticipate the upcoming launch of the DNGA-based all-new Toyota Vios for Malaysia, it seems the\n \nToyota Yaris\n is soldiering on with the outgoing platform, now with a new facelift that has debuted in Thailand. The front end has been given a drastic change that is reminiscent of an older-generation Prius.\nOver in Thailand, the facelift Toyota Yaris is available in 4 trims, namely \u2018Sport\u2019, \u2018Smart\u2019, \u2018Premium\u2019, and \u2018Premium S\u2019. Prices start at THB 559,000 (approx. \nRM72k\n) and top off at THB 694,000 (approx. \nRM90k\n).\nIt is the fourth facelift for the Toyota Yaris, and as such the powertrain has remained the same. Despite the futuristic hybrid-like looks, the Thai-spec Yaris is still powered by the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine that makes \n92 hp\n (metric) and \n109 Nm\n. Power is sent to the front wheels only via the carried-over CVT.\nThe facelift Yaris signals that a DNGA-based all-new Yaris for the ASEAN market is not happening so soon. The front end now sports a new set of projector headlights, a nostril-like upper grille, and a large gaping lower grille that seems inspired by the brand\u2019s GR models.\nRELATED: \nHonda City Hatchback vs Toyota Yaris \u2013 Which is the better-looking hatch?\nEverything else on the exterior remains largely unchanged, save for a sportier-looking rear bumper and a new set of 15-inch wheels. Body colour options for the Thai-spec Yaris includes Spicy Scarlet, Platinum White Pearl and Red Mica Metallic. A new addition to the colour options is Cement Gray Metallic.\nInside, the Yaris now gets a new 9-inch touchscreen head unit that is available in the top-two variants. Other variants get either an 8-inch or a 7-inch unit. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity are only available on the 9-inch and 8-inch units. Also new in the Yarus are Type C USB sockets.\nRELATED: \nToyota Yaris gets SUV-inspired styling with new X-Urban trim in Thailand \u2013 30 mm lift!\nAdvanced safety features on the Thai-spec facelifted Toyota Yaris include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). These are only available for the Premium and Premium S variants.\nWhat are your thoughts on the new look of the Toyota Yaris? Let us know what you think in the comments.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota posts strong sales figures for February \u2013 up 37% from January\nGALLERY"
"Toyota has unveiled new details of the Toyota C-HR compact crossover that is to be sold in Japan. The \nHonda HR-V\n and \nMazda CX-3\n\u00a0rival will go on sale as soon as the end of this year, which is much sooner than initially thought.\nStylistically, the production version will look almost identical to \nthe model which debuted earlier this March\n. Two engine options are offered in Japan; a turbo petrol and a hybrid. It has a cabin space measuring 1,715mm (not to be confused with wheelbase) and a width of 1,455 mm; the turbocharged C-HR rides at a height of 1,565mm, whereas the hybrid sits 15mm lower at 1,550mm. The C-HR will also be the first ever Toyota model to come with a unique LED-based sequential turn signal.   As for the engines, the Japanese market will get a\n\u00a01.2-litre turbocharged mill\n that makes \n112 hp\n and \n185 Nm\n of torque. The hybrid powertrain is the same as the\u00a0\nPrius\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0a \n120 hp 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle\n petrol hybrid. Two variants of each powertrain make a total of four trims available for purchase. The \nS\n and \nS-T\n denote standard variants, while \nG\n and \nG-T\n are the ones with all the bells and whistles. The \u201cT\u201d moniker stands for turbocharged.\nAnother surprising addition here is the use of\u00a0\ndouble-wishbone\n suspension setup for the rear axle, with SACHS shock absorbers offered as standard. It also boasts a minimum turning radius of 5.2 metres, comparable to that of a regular hatchback.\nAll C-HR variants sold in Japan will be equipped with\u00a0\nToyota Safety Sense P\n active safety system. This includes\u00a0Pre-collision System, radar cruise control,\u00a0Lane Departure Alert (with steering control), Blind Spot Monitor, and\u00a0Rear Cross Traffic Alert. As such, expect a 5-Star rating in the Euro NCAP crash safety test.\nWith the rest of the world getting the Toyota C-HR in 2017, its Malaysian debut could well take place sometime towards the end of 2017. Judging by the popularity of subcompact crossovers in this land and with a new \nplant in Klang\n\u00a0scheduled to open by\u00a02019, a locally assembled\u00a0C-HR certainly makes for an interesting proposition.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The event, held in conjunction with Toyota\u2019s partnership with the 2020 Olympics in Japan and Toyota Motor Corporation\u2019s \u201cStart Your Impossible\u201d long term campaign, encourages everyone to \u2018challenge their impossible\u2019.\nWith the same aligned vision, UMW Toyota Motor held the Toyota Outrun charity event last weekend, where over 3,000 participants showed up for the 8 km run around the Bandar Rimbayu township. UMWT also recently organised the Toyota Classics musical charity event with the same intention.\nThe funds collected from registration of participants will be channeled to the initiatives of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia \u2013 to help the physically-disabled who wish to participate in sports.\nParalympic Council of Malaysia, Vice President, YBhg Dato\u2019 Subramaniam Raman, said that the Council will utilise the funds for its \u201cFitness & Exercise with Person with Disabilities\u201d program to train the trainers so that they are well equipped to guide disabled persons who have sports potential.\nAbdul Latif Romly with the participants at the start of the run.\nUnder the \u2018Start Your Impossible\u2019 banner, UMWT introduced a DUAL HEROES CONCEPT \u2013 featuring a local athlete who is constantly fighting against dual odds \u2013 on the field, and in life.\nThrough this concept, the company had chosen Abdul Latif Romly, Malaysia\u2019s first Paralympian named as 2016\u2019s Sportsman of the Year as its Start Your Impossible ambassador.\nLatif was selected as he was up against the impossible at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. The world saw him break the T20 long jump world record three times, before walking away with a Gold Medal at the end of the day.\n\u201cThis is in line with Toyota Motor Corporation\u2019s substantial support for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games as its first ever mobility partner,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama."
"In an effort to boost customer and ownership experience,\u00a0Ford Motor Company \u2013 through\u00a0Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) have announced the opening of \nNINE\u00a0\nQuick Lane service centres across Peninsular Malaysia.\nFord owners can now visit any one of the Quick Lane service centres should they require express vehicle maintenance or minor repair services.\nSome of the services include\u00a0oil and filter changes, tyre rotation and alignment, brake systems checkups, minor exhaust system rectifications and a \ncomplimentary\n multi-point vehicle inspection. \u00a0\nNo appointments are needed, as the service centres operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each visit will take no more than two hours.\nOf the nine Quick Lane service centres, \nfour\n are located within the Klang Valley, and one each in Penang, Ipoh, Juru, Johor Bahru and Muar.\nManaging Director of SDAC, Mr\u00a0Lee Eu San said,\u00a0\u201cPurchasing a new Ford vehicle is just the start of our customer\u2019s ownership experience, and through services like Quick Lane, we\u2019ll be able to support them every step of the way.\u201d"
"Porsche AG has acquired a 10% minority stake in the Croatian firm that develops and produces electric vehicle components and manufactures electric sportscars, as part of its own electrification efforts.\nRimac recently revealed its latest electric hypercar, the \u201cC Two\u201d, a two-seater electric hypercar with \n2,000 hp\n, an electric range of 650 km and a incomprehensible top speed of 412 km/h. It\u2019s capable of an 80% battery charge in just 30 minutes through a 250 kW fast charging system.\nPorsche\u2019s very own electric sportscar, the \nMission E\n, set to \ndebut in 2020\n.\nAs Rimac specialises in engineering and manufacturing high-performance electric vehicle powertrain and battery systems, the acquisition will no doubt help the more established Porsche on its electric mobility development.\n\u201cRimac has impressively demonstrated its credentials in the field of electromobility. We feel that Rimac\u2019s ideas and approaches are extremely promising which is why we hope to enter into close collaboration with the company in the form of a development partnership,\u201d said Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche, Lutz Meschke.\n\u201cThis partnership now is an important step for Rimac on our way to become a component and system supplier of choice for the industry in electrification, connectivity and the exciting field of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems\u201d, explains Rimac\u2019s CEO, Mate Rimac."
"It\u2019s been a boring day news wise but when a colleague dropped this on my lap, it turned my day around with an adrenaline shot!\nBecause the subject matter is the long-awaited successor of the 370Z. Word is that it would be called the \n400Z\n and it wouldn\u2019t be wrong at all to at least hope that it\u2019s an indication of the new Z\u2019s horsepower figure.\n \nBased on what we know from Nissan so far, it\u2019s very unlikely for the new Z to come with a new engine. Instead, it would make a lot more (business) sense if the new sportscar is revealed with the brand\u2019s existing 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, which is more than capable of 400hp.\nIt\u2019s also safe to assume a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout for the new Z because anything less should see an angry mob with torches and pitchforks outside of Nissan\u2019s HQ in Yokohama. With economics playing such a huge part in how cars are developed these days, it would be nice to hold on to some tradition \u2013 just look at \nhow stubborn enthusiasts have perceived the new Supra\n.\nBut we\u2019re not going to dwell into the uncertainties. What\u2019s for sure though is that the new Z looks set to steal hearts and empty wallets solely because of how it looks; with a sloping roofline and muscular rear wheel arches. Traditionally, the long front hood and short rear end design formula has always been a winning one and based on these visuals, the new Z shouldn\u2019t be any different.\nYou see it in the \nToyota 2000GT\n \nwe got to meet in Japan\n, in the Jaguar F-Type, the Ferrari 250 GTO, more recently the \nnew Supra that made more power than advertised\n \nand of course, Nissan\u2019s very own 240Z \u2013 they\u2019re just timeless designs.\nNot only does it bear a Z badge on the C-pillars, an ode to the car that started it all, the new Z\u2019s silhouette alone looks right on the money for it to be a worthy torchbearer of the Z franchise.\nExciting times ahead!"
"Mercedes-Benz has completed its compact crossover lineup with the introduction of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and GLA 45 S, just two months after the \nlaunch of the all-new GLA\n.\nThe three-pointed star says that the new GLA 45 twins are \u201cassured masters of a multitude of disciplines\u201d, and it seems like they have the facts to back it up.\nPowering the performance crossover is a \u201cOne Man, One Engine\u201d 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which Mercedes-Benz says is the \u201cmost powerful series-produced four-cylinder turbo engine\u201d.\nThe powerplant will be available in two output tunes \u2013 the base model delivers \n387 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n, while S-variant produces \n421 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque.\nThe torque curve of the engine was also balanced, with peak torque available from 5,000 to 5,250 rpm on the S-variant, achieving a power delivery \nakin to a naturally aspirated engine\n.\nThe engine is paired to a \neight-speed dual-clutch transmission\n, with power transferred to\n all four wheels\n. Naught-to-hundred km/h is achieved in just \n4.3 seconds\n on the GLA 45 S; the base model takes a hair longer at \n4.4 seconds\n.\nAt full blast, the base model is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n, while the S-variant gets to speed up to \n270 km/h\n out of the factory.\nStopping this level of performance requires some serious muscles too, thus as standard the GLA 45 comes with \n350 mm perforated rotors\n in front, paired with \nfour-pot fixed calipers\n. At the back, single-piston floating calipers squeeze on 330 mm discs.\nUnlike traditional AMG cars, the GLA 45 twins are not just about the raw power \u2013 Mercedes says that the new performance crossover has a level of dynamic handling that can impress \u201ceven sports car owners.\u201d\nThe adaptive suspensions, along with a reinforced body shell and variable ratio steering rack ensures that the GLA 45 handles like a champ. The \nfully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system\n with one disc clutch per rear wheel, enhances the performance by providing the optimum traction at each wheel through the corner.\nThe performance under the hood is revealed by the athletic exterior styling, including the power domes on the bonnet, as well as the muscular shoulder over the flared wheel arches.\nUp front, the GLA 45 twins get a AMG-specific Panamericana grille, large air intakes with vertical fins, as well as functional aerodynamic front splitters.\nFrom the rear, you won\u2019t mistake this car as just another GLA too \u2013 especially with the quad oval exhaust tips, diffusers, as well as the large roof-mounted spoilers. But of course, the AMG exhaust system is already a dead giveaway.\nAs standard, the base GLA 45 sits on \n19-inch alloys\n, while the S-variant gets \n20-inch wheels\n. There\u2019s also a 21-inch light-alloy wheels as options.\nInside, you will feel right at home with the sports seats in Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre, finished with yellow accent stitching (on the S-variant) \u2013 a nod to the brand\u2019s motorsports heritage.\nIf you see yourself doing more track driving, the AMG Performance seats are available as options.\nThe\n AMG Performance steering wheel\n with steering-wheel buttons come as standard on the GLA 45 S, allowing the driver to control AMG-specific performance functions directly from the steering wheel.\nThe MBUX infotainment system on the GLA 45 S also gets several AMG-specific function, such as the AMG Track Pace \u201cvirtual race engineer\u201d. The augmented reality system on the MBUX can even overlay the ideal racing line onto a track surface, via a front-facing camera.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota \nhas just unveiled the all-new second-generation 2023 Toyota C-HR, and if you think you\u2019ve seen this somewhere before, you\u2019d be right. The production 2023 Toyota C-HR is largely a carbon copy of the C-HR Prologue that was first shown off last year \u2013 and in our books, that\u2019s a good thing.\nThe second-generation \nToyota C-HR\n has taken what everyone loved about its \npredecessor\n, and made it less. weird. The signature coupe-like silhouette \u2013 which Toyota calls \u2018super-coupe\u2019 by the way \u2013 is still here, but now paired with a minimalist-inspired design headlined by the new \nPrius-inspired\n front end, giving it a much more mature appearance.\nThe sharp looks aren\u2019t merely for show, either \u2013 Toyota says that the exterior design is also \u201caerodynamically efficient\u201d, with airflow optimisation throughout to make it as slippery through the air as possible. To that end, the second-generation C-HR also comes equipped with a Toyota-first flush door handles (in a more normal position for the rear doors).\nInside, you can certainly argue that the only thing separating this from a \nLexus\n is the Toyota logo. The new upmarket design \u2013 covered with large swaths of premium and eco-friendly material \u2013 is characterised by a new driver-focused dashboard layout, where a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display (depending on trim level) stands proudly atop the centre stack.\nTogether with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the screens now run on the marque\u2019s latest Toyota Smart Connect infotainment software that can be personalised to display various information \u2013 including EV range and local charging locations, to complement the new powertrain options offered on the compact crossover.\nRELATED: \nThe new bZ Compact SUV Concept could be the electric successor to the Toyota C-HR\nThe all-new 2023 Toyota C-HR, in Europe at least, is offered with three electrified powertrains, including two standard hybrids, and a range-topping 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid model.\nOn the former, options include a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated inline-four option paired to an electric motor for a total system output of \n140 hp\n, and a 2.0-litre engine-motor combo making\n 197 hp\n \u2013 rising up to \n199 hp\n if you opt for the E-Four all-wheel drive set-up that adds another (smaller) electric motor on the rear axle.\nAs for the 2.0-litre PHEV model, the engine is paired to a more powerful electric motor for a total system output of \n223 hp\n. With a fully charged battery, Toyota says that the 2.0-litre PHEV variant can travel up to 66 km on pure electricity. A new geofencing feature can also automatically switch the C-HR into pure EV mode in low emission zones across Europe.\nWhile 223 hp is not quite GR-level quite yet, you can at least pay extra to look the part, thanks to the GR Sport Premiere Edition that adds GR styling details, including a variant-exclusive \u2018G-mesh\u2019 grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, as well as GR logos and badging all throughout the interior.\nALSO READ: \nFirst-ever Toyota GR EV sports car could get \u2018manual gearbox\u2019, promises to be \u201cfun to drive\u201d\nGALLERY"
"The futuristic-looking \nHyundai Staria\n is set to be unveiled in ASEAN with Thailand hosting the event as well as being the first in the region to offer the new-generation multi-seat van.\nThe regional premiere event is set to happen \nthis Friday (July 9th)\n, from 7 p.m. Bangkok time and the public can join the launch via \nFacebook\n.\nA replacement for the Hyundai Starex is long overdue, with the highly-capable multi-seat van tracing its roots back to 2007. In Thailand, the \u2018bonnet-van\u2019 landscape is quite varied, with the Volkswagen Caravelle commonly seen around the streets of Bangkok.\nMarket leader Toyota meanwhile offers the locally manufactured Toyota Hiace as well as the fully-imported Toyota Majesty.\nHow to bring more guests to enjoy drifting action? Make a drifting Hyundai Starex bus!\nThe outgoing Hyundai Starex H-1 is reported to be imported from Indonesia. We will soon find out if the current sourcing arrangement continues, as Hyundai has invested over \nUSD1.5 billion (RM6.2 billion) in Indonesia\n to further expand its presence in Indonesia as well as the ASEAN region.\nIts first ASEAN manufacturing hub has an initial capacity of 150,000 vehicles and expandable to a quarter of a million units per year in the future.\nSales of multi-seat vans such as the Hyundai Staria/Starex and Toyota Majesty will continue to be slow this year, as these vehicles are targeted to the tourism industry, a sector that has been heavily hit by the global pandemic. \u00a0\nWith work-from-home directives, shuttling of personnel around the workplace is also severely reduced, further reducing the sales net of these multi-seat vans.\nGALLERY"
"Set to debut in December, the all-terrain Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato has been unveiled (at least its exterior) in several images released by\n \nLamborghini\n. Spearheading a new \u201call-terrain supercar\u201d segment, the Huracan Sterrato will also be the last Lamborghini to house a purely internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain.\nYou\u2019ve seen the various photos and videos of the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato in camouflage, and now finally get to see the car with camouflage wrap peeled off. What seems to be new now is the rather high roof scoop that feeds air into the mid-mounted engine and a \u201cSterrato\u201d graphic on the sides. All else has been pretty much shown in the camouflaged version of the car such as the wheel design, the wheel arch claddings, the front spotlight, and the roof rails.\nPowering the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is the same V10 engine that comes from the \nLamborghini Huracan EVO\n that it is based on. If nothing is changed, the Huracan Sterrato should make the same \n610 hp\n (metric) and have an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.\nWith interior images and technical specs yet to be revealed, what is known about the Huracan Sterrato is its 47-mm ground clearance, 6.5% departure angle, increased approach angle, 30-mm wider track, and 20-inch wheels. It also has underbody reinforcements and a rear skid plate.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini\u2019s last non-hybrid car is the all-terrain Huracan Sterrato, to debut by year end\nAutomoboli Lamborghini has set its sight on full electrification of its lineup by 2024. In the most recent quarterly report, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann said, \u201cThese consistently rising figures [sales] show just how strong Lamborghini is today. We have an order portfolio that already covers the first quarter of 2024, and this allows us to work with peace of mind, looking thoughtfully ahead to the challenges facing us in the future, such as the first step towards hybridization from 2023.\u201d\nThe Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato Concept was first previewed in June 2019. The company has teased a \u201cnameless\u201d off-road \nHuracan\n in several videos in the previous few months as the \u201cSterrato\u201d moniker was not confirmed yet. Just last week the company confirmed the debut of the off-road Huracan before the end of 2022, and now the Huracan Sterrato name is confirmed.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini teases the Safari-style Huracan Sterrato by drifting it in sand"
"Toyota\n has announced its decision to invest up to 730 billion Yen (approx. \n$5.6 billion\n) in Japan and United States toward supplying EV batteries. The company aims to begin battery production between 2024 to 2026. To cater to the needs of its customers in all countries and regions, Toyota says it will be offering multiple powertrains and providing as many options as possible.\nWith the $5.6 billion investment, Toyota targets to achieve a combined annual battery production capacity of 40 GWh from Japan and US. For context, Chinese battery giant CATL\u2019s battery production capacity was 170 GWh in 2021, while LG Chem reported around 155 GWh for the same year.\nOf the 730 billion Yen, approximately 400 billion will be invested in the Himeji Plant of Prime Planet Energy & Solutions Co., Ltd. (PPES) and in Toyota plants and property. As for the United States, about 325 billion Yen (approx. $2.5 billion) will be invested in Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina toward increasing automotive battery production.\nAlso from the land of the rising sun is \nHonda\n, which has joined forces with Korea\u2019s LG Energy to establish a $4.4 billion battery plant in the United States. The one plant itself targets a 40 GWh annual battery production capacity, equalling Toyota\u2019s combined targeted numbers for Japan and US. Honda and LG Energy\u2019s battery facility will start mass production by the end of 2025.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota bZ3 photos leaked \u2013 \u2018EV Corolla\u2019 to debut soon?\nToyota believes that there is more than one option for achieving carbon neutrality as evidently seen in their hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine endeavours. It also believes that the means of reducing CO2 emissions as much as possible and as quickly as possible while protecting the livelihoods of its customers vary greatly depending on the country and region.\nWith such in mind, Toyota will continue to make every effort to flexibly meet the needs of its various customers in all countries and regions by offering multiple powertrains and providing as many options as possible.\nRELATED: \nToyota bZ4X SUV detailed, 218 hp and up to 500 km range"
"Finally making a comeback after many new EVs have made their way into Malaysia, the new \n2023 Renault Zoe\n has been launched in Malaysia. It is now available in two variants, with prices starting from \nRM165,000\n. It is also available on a subscription program with prices starting from \nRM2,799\n per month.\nRenault Zoe R110 \u2013 \nRM165,000\nRenault Zoe R135 \u2013 \nRM179,000\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nStill based on the same underpinnings as the Zoe that we have become familiar with in Malaysia, the new 2023 Renault Zoe tweaks its looks slightly to keep up with modern design trends. The Zoe measures 4,087 mm long, 1,562 mm tall, and 1,945 mm wide. Essentially slightly larger than a Perodua Myvi, the Zoe sits on a set of 16-inch wheels.\nOn the outside, standard features on the Zoe include:\nFull LED headlights with C-shape DRLs\n16-inch alloy wheels with 10-spoke design\nBlack and Solid White Colour Options\nThe R135 Zoe adds:\n16-inch alloy wheels with 16-spoke design\nFront fog lights\nAdditional Blue, Purple, and Red body colours\nRELATED: \nRenault Megane R.S. Ultime revealed \u2013 final model, replaces Megane R.S. Trophy, 1,976 units\nAs for battery and range, both versions of the Renault Zoe are equipped with a \n52-kWh\n battery pack. The \u2018base\u2019 R110 gets \n395 km \nof range while the R135 gets \n386 km\n of range from the same battery. This is since the R110 outputs \n110 hp\n (metric) and \n225 Nm\n while the R135 outputs \n135 hp\n (metric) and \n245 Nm\n.\nAs for charging, both the R110 and R135 can handle a maximum AC charging speed of \n22 kW\n and a maximum DC charging speed of \n50 kW\n. With 22-kW AC charging, the Zoe can be charged from 0 to 100% in \n3 hours\n. 50-kW DC charging brings the Zoe from 0 to 80% state of charge (SOC) in \n70 minutes\n. The 2023 Renault Zoe can also be charged at a rate of 7.4kW (AC single phase) and this will take 9.5 hours.\nRELATED: \nRenault and Geely form new engine company \u2013 to supply Proton, Nissan, Mitsubishi\nInside, standard interior features of the Zoe include:\nAutomatic climate control\n10-inch customizable driver screen\n7-inch touchscreen head unit compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay\n6 speakers\nBlack fabric seats\nA standard rearview mirror\nElectric adjustable side mirrors\nReverse sensors\nThe Zoe R135 adds the following interior amenities:\nOffline Navigation\nRear USB charging ports\nBlack leather-cloth combination upholstery\nElectrochromic rearview mirror\nElectric adjustable and foldable side mirrors\nFront and reverse sensors\nReverse Camera\nHands-Free park assist\nRELATED: \nFor Europe only, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is a rebadged Renault Captur\nIn the safety department, the 2023 Renault Zoe comes equipped with the following as standard:\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nLane Keep Assist (LKA)\nElectronic Stability Control (ESC)\nEmergency Brake Assist (EBA)\nHill Start Assist (HAS)\nTyre Pressure monitoring system (TPMS)\n4 airbags\nThe range-topping Zoe R135 adds:\nAuto High Beam\nBlind Spot Warning\nIncluded in the retail price of the 2023 Renault Zoe is a \n3-year/100,000km\n base vehicle and electric powertrain warranty. The Zoe also comes with an \n8-year/160,000km\n EV battery warranty.\nBesides being available for regular purchase, the Renault Zoe is also available through a subscription program with tenures ranging from 1 to 3 years. Prices start at RM2,799 per month all the way up to RM3,999 per month depending on the variant.\nZoe R110 monthly subscription\nZoe R135 monthly subscription\n3 years\nRM2,799\nRM2,999\n2 years\nRM3,299\nRM3,499\n1 year\nRM3,799\nRM3,999\nGALLERY"
"Chinese New Year is just around the corner and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is giving you a number of reasons to drive home a brand-new Mitsubishi this festive season with their 2019 Prosperity Bonus.\nStarting from the \naward-winning Mitsubishi Outlander\n, customers who book and register a new 2.0L or 2.4L variant will enjoy up to RM8,000 rebate under this campaign. Additionally, every purchase of a new Outlander comes with 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 2-Years Free Scheduled Maintenance.\nCustomers who are looking to purchase \nMY18 Triton\n will also enjoy prosperity bonus of up to RM12,000 for the VGT (AT) variants while the VGT (MT) gets an RM11,000 rebate. The basic Triton (MT) and Triton Quest get RM8,000 and RM5,000 rebate respectively.\nThe \nASX Compact crossover\n also receives prosperity bonus of up to RM8,000 for both the 4WD and 2WD. Every purchase of a new ASX comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.   First facelift\nModel Variant\nPrice OTR without insurance (Peninsular Malaysia)\nProsperity Bonus Rebate\nWarranty\nOutlander 2.0L 4WD\nRM137,888\nRM12,000\n5-Years Unlimited Mileage with 2-Years Free Service\nOutlander 2.4L 4WD\nRM152,888\nTriton VGT Adventure X\nRM129,270\n5-Years/200,000 km\nTriton VGT AT Premium\nRM118,560\nTriton VGT AT GL\nRM105,990\nTriton VGT MT\nRM109,600\nRM11,000\nTriton MT\nRM95,610\nRM8,000\nTriton Quest\nRM78,890\nRM5,000\n5-Years/100,000 km\nASX 4WD\nRM133,336\nRM8,000\n5-Years Unlimited Mileage\nASX 2WD\nRM118,866\nWhile the prosperity rebates are not applicable for the \nsoon to be launched Mitsubishi Triton facelift\n, MMM is rewarding the first 1,000 customers who placed a booking for the refreshed pick-up truck with an exclusive Thule Subterra luggage worth RM2,000. Or if you\u2019re feeling lucky, book your new Triton online and stand a chance to receive a GoPro HERO7 Black from now until 20 January 2019.\nLast but not least, existing Mitsubishi customers who service their vehicles at authorised service outlets from 15 January to 15 February 2019 will stand a chance to win an iPhone XS."
"The \nProton X50 \nhas achieved yet another sales record with 4,763 units sold in July 2022, not only marking the highest monthly volume the model has seen since its \nlaunch here some two years ago\n, but also the title of the best-selling car in Malaysia for July 2022, knocking the venerable \nPerodua Myvi\n off its perch.\nProton says that this is the first time a vehicle in this segment has led the overall market in sales volume, and it has also helped Proton retain its position as the leader of the hotly-contested SUV segment.\nIn total, Proton sold \n11,477\n cars in July 2022 (including domestic and export sales), marking two consecutive strong months following its \nbest sales month of the year in June\n \u2013 that is with the Total Industry Volume (TIV) for July retreating to the median of an estimated 50,500 units, following the expiry of SST incentives on June 30.\nThe results also mean Proton retains its second position in the national automotive sales table, with an estimated market share of 22.7% for the month. Overall sales for the year, meanwhile, now stands at 71,601 units, which is an increase of 19.7% over the same period in 2021. Year-to-date market share for Proton now stands at an estimated 18.7%.\n \nAside from the X50, the \nProton X70\n also enjoyed continued strong sales in the month of July, with 1,704 units registered last month. \nRecently updated in June\n, the X70 retains its sales leadership for C-segment SUVs thanks to its strong sales performance this last month, while also helping the brand boost its SUV volume in 2022 past 31,500 units for the first seven months of the year.\nThe \nProton Saga\n also continues its track record as the best-selling A-segment sedan with 4,521 units registered last month, pushing cumulative sales for the year to 28,005 units. The model, which was only recently updated in May, managed to achieve 9,811 registrations in just 80 days.\nALSO READ:\n Proton opens new engine plant in Tg Malim, first outside of China to assemble 1.5 TGDi mill\nAlso at the top of its segment is the \nProton Exora\n, which saw a total of 476 units registered in July. However, the \nProton Persona \nand \nIriz \nboth suffered in their July sales performance due to \u201capproval delays\u201d resulting in registrations being temporarily halted, the company says.\n\u201cFollowing a hectic June where automotive industry players scrambled to lock in bookings before the end of SST incentives, July was a month of consolidation where market demand fell to normal levels, and everybody concentrated on fulfilling orders already received,\u201d said Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah.\n\u201cThe company is immensely proud of the [X50] becoming the first SUV to be crowned as the best-selling vehicle in Malaysia and we are thankful for the support from our customers. This achievement and Proton\u2019s sales leadership in other segments shows our business plan is on the right track and repays the confidence placed in the brand by buyers, investors and other stakeholders,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: \nTengku Sulaiman Shah takes delivery of custom golden Proton X50!\nAs for export sales, the national carmaker saw a total of 380 units registered in the month of July 2022, bringing the total cumulative export sales up to 3,102 units, surpassing last year\u2019s total in just seven months. The Proton Saga, X70, and X50 remain as the leading export models, with the latter achieving a new export sales high of 126 units.\n\u201cThe easing of restrictions in global trade has been a major boost for PROTON\u2019s export division. With five months to go, we are on target for yet another year of double-digit percentage growth, though our enthusiasm is couched by economic issues faced in overseas markets,\u201d Roslan Abdullah commented."
"A consortium led by LG of South Korea has inked out a partnership with Indonesia Battery Corp to build a new battery plant in Indonesia.\nThis is the first light of detail after the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) containing investments worth \nUSD9.8 billion\n that was signed between LG Energy Solution Ltd. together with Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) for developing an integrated battery cell industry.\nIn the article reported by \nReuters\n, the proposed battery plant has an annual capacity of \n10 GWh\n where its products are being slated for use in\n Hyundai\n electric vehicles (EV). The facility estimated to worth \nUSD1.2 billion\n is being built at Bekasi, with much of the details withheld by Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.\nFile image of management of LG Chem\nThe consortium led by LG consists of different LG business units as well as steelmaker Posco and Chinese cobalt company, Huayou Holdings.\nIn late 2019, Hyundai Motor Company announced their mega-investment totalling \nUSD1.55 billion\n in Indonesia with the construction of a new automotive production facility in Kota Deltamas, east of Jakarta.\nNickel, together with cobalt and manganese are key materials for the high voltage batteries in electric vehicles (EV) and Indonesia, specifically the islands of Sulawesi and Halmahera, have the \nlargest production\n and reserves of nickel in the worlds.\nThe large deposit there has also attracted the eyes of \nTesla\n, where it was reported by the Indonesian government that the American automaker has \nsent in proposals\n on plans for a battery manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem. \u00a0\u00a0\nAs for the electric vehicle, the \nIoniq 5\n is Hyundai Motor Company\u2019s first dedicated battery EV, equipped with batteries having an energy content of either\n 58 kWh\n or 72.6 kWh, priced from \nGBP37,000\n (RM200,000), a significant premium over the smaller \nNissan Leaf\n priced from \nGBP28,500\n (RM154,000) with a 40 kWh battery pack.\nThere is no news if Hyundai plans to offer the premium-segmented Ioniq 5 in ASEAN region."
"Unveiled in Shanghai at the 5th China International Import Expo, the \nHonda e:N2 Concept\n previews the next generation of electric cars by \nHonda\n in China. Exuding a totally different aura than the cute and bubbly \nHonda e\n, the e:N2 concept takes its styling from the e:N GT Concept that was unveiled last year.\nPlanned for China only, Honda\u2019 e:N series was first \npreviewed via three concept cars last year\n, namely the Honda e:N SUV Concept, the Honda e:N GT Concept, and the Honda e:N Coupe Concept. Honda aims for its lineup in China to be fully electrified by 2030, and fully electric by 2040. By 2027, there will already be 10 e:N models by Honda.\nAccording to Honda, the newly unveiled Honda e:N2 Concept is in a new class of its own in terms of body style. The Chinese press are calling it an SUV, but its jacked-up ride height and fastback-like body style really remind us of the \nPolestar 2\n.\nNo information has been released on the powertrain and battery system, but we are informed that it is built on the \u201cHonda e:N Architecture F\u201d platform. Through the videos released, we can also see that the Honda e:N2 Concept runs a front-mounted electric motor that powers the front wheels. As with most electric cars, the battery pack sits low on the floor in between the wheels. The batteries also look taller in the rear, hinting at a raised second row of seats.\nRELATED: \nHonda unveils e:N EV sub-brand in China \u2013 10 models in next five years!\nAlthough no numbers have been revealed, Honda says that the e:N2 has been designed to achieve \u201cunique driving pleasure\u201d, enabling the driver to enjoy a \u201cstrong sense of unity with the vehicle\u201d. Honda says this was realised based on the dynamics technologies of Honda, including outstanding vehicle stability and crisp handling.\nAs for the interior, the Honda e:N2 shows an uncluttered cockpit and an interesting dashboard with a \u201chidden screen\u201d in the centre of the dashboard. The brand says that with the interior, the e:N2 was designed with an aim to realise the value of EV as \u201cspace\u201d. Equipped with the latest Honda Connect system, the presentation video also shows the Head-Up Display (HUD) of the e:N2 Concept.\nRELATED: \nHonda exec says EVs will always cost more than petrol cars, unless.\nLook ma, no screens.\nHonda Motor Co. Ltd. Director, President, and Representative Executive, Toshihiro Mibe said, \u201cThe e:N2 Concept represents the value of our e:N Series, which will \u2018redefine the fun EVs can offer to customers with their unique driving pleasure, the value as a mobility space and design. In China, Honda will continue delivering a broad range of electrified mobility products unique only to Honda and experience our rebirth into an electric mobility brand.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGeneral Motors and Honda to produce more affordable electric vehicles together\nGALLERY"
"In the 1970s, many car manufacturers started toying with the idea of compact and affordable sports cars, such as the legendary Datsun 240Z. Toyota, being one of the main competitor to Datsun, had to build something to compete with the increasingly popular sports car. Behold the beginning of a cult following, the Toyota Supra.\nWhile the word \nsupra\n means \u201cto surpass\u201d or \u201cgo beyond\u201d in Latin, we thought it\u2019d be right to look back into the Supra\u2019s decorated history before we dwell on the new \u2013 you can\u2019t know where you\u2019re going until you know where you\u2019ve been.\nFirst Generation (A40/A50) Toyota Celica Supra\nToyota released the Toyota Celica Supra in 1978. You should be able to tell just by the name: The original Supra shares the same chassis with the Celica liftback. By extending the wheelbase by 129.5 mm, Toyota managed to fit a 123 hp 2.0-litre inline-six engine into the small chassis.\u00a0 This was also how the Supra got its classic extended bonnet shape.\nThe inline-six engine in the Supra was Toyota\u2019s first production engine with electronic fuel injection. A five-speed manual transmission came as standard, but buyers can opt for a 4-speed auto if they preferred.\u00a0\nYou might have noticed the A40 chassis code given to the Supra \u2014 The Supra can also trace its roots to the 2000GT \u2013 owing to the inline-six engine used, therefore sharing the same A chassis code as the 2000GT as well as the Toyota Crown.\nSecond Generation (A60) Toyota Celica Supra\nToyota saw enough demand to give the Supra a complete redesign in 1981. Like the first model, the A60 was also based on the Celica. However, Toyota gave the Supra a uniquely new rear suspension design \u2013 moving away from the live rear axle on the Celica to an independent semi-trailing arm set-up.\u00a0\nToyota even had the suspension design and set-up done by the masterminds at Lotus. The handling of the A60 was so good that it helped snag Car and Driver Magazine\u2019s 10Best Cars award,\n twice in a row.\nThe engine was up-sized to a 2.8-litre twin-cam engine, pushing out 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque. The engine upgrade gave the Supra a century run time of 9.8 seconds \u2014 pretty decent at that time.\u00a0\nIt was also this generation that Toyota introduced forced-induction to the Supra line-up; offering an optional 2.0-litre turbocharged M-TEU engine. However this engine was only available to the Japanese market.\nThird Generation (A70) Toyota Supra\nWhen 1986 rolled around, Toyota decided to cut the bond completely between the Supra and Celica. The smaller four cylinder Celica went on to become a front-wheel drive car, while the Supra remained rear-wheel driven.\nMechanically, the Supra is now related to the Toyota Soarer in the Japanese market (which later went on to become the Lexus SC internationally). Initially introduced with a naturally-aspirated engine, Toyota decided to fit a turbocharger to the 3.0-litre inline-six engine, resulting in a power output of 232 hp and 344 Nm of torque. The new turbocharged Supra is also available internationally, as compared to the second generation car.\u00a0\nThe A70 was also the first Supra to be officially involved in motorsports, finding success in several championships including the Japanese Touring Car Championship and Australian Touring Car Championship, with the homologated Turbo-A evolution model.\nFourth Generation (A80) Toyota Supra\nThe fourth generation of the Toyota Supra is what went on to win the hearts of every car enthusiast. On its fourth iteration, Toyota has opted to emphasise the Supra as a more serious high-performance car.\u00a0\nWhile the standard Supra made do with \u201cjust\u201d 223 hp and 431 Nm from its inline-six, Toyota also equipped the A80 with the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine, bringing power output up to 325 hp and 427 Nm of torque thanks to the dual turbochargers. It\u2019s a legendary engine for a reason \u2014 in the hands of the right tuners, it\u2019s common to see these engines pumping out more than 1000 ponies.\nStyling wise, the swooping and rounded design is unlike anything that we\u2019ve seen before it. The design team for the A80 Toyota Supra actually started working on the design of the car since 1989 \u2013 four years before the actual production of the Supra started.\nAlthough highly in demand by car enthusiasts, the A80 Supra has seen declining sales due to the general lack of interest in sports coupes especially in the United States. The rise in the Japanese Yen has also pushed the price of the Supra out of many car enthusiast\u2019s reach. Toyota USA stopped sales of the A80 Supra in 1998, and production of the Supra in Japan ceased in August 2002.\nHowever, the Supra has already sealed its position in the heart of car enthusiast and car \u201cmodders\u201d. With it being featured prominently in Hollywood blockbuster \nThe Fast And The Furious\n as well as many video games such as \nInitial D, Wangan Midnight, Need For Speed\n and many more, the Supra also cemented itself in the minds of the younger generation.\nFifth Generation (A90/J29) Toyota Supra\nAfter almost 20 years, Toyota has finally \ntaken the wraps off the long-awaited fifth generation Toyota Supra\n at the 2019 North American International Auto Show.\nAlthough being called the A90 for marketing purposes, the 2020 Toyota Supra actually has a chassis code of J29. Why the change? Well, Toyota actually designed the latest Supra in collaboration with BMW, based on the BMW Z4.\u00a0\nTaking the expertise of BMW\u2019s chassis design, Toyota implemented their own touches in the areas of suspension tuning and many other aspects.\u00a0\nThe engine powering the latest Supra is also sourced from BMW, with two options: a 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged engine, or a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged mill. The 3.0-litre turbocharged Supra pushes 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque to its rear wheels through a 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Currently, no manual option is offered to the disappointment of many enthusiasts, however the ZF gearbox shifts so quickly that you wouldn\u2019t be able to tell that it\u2019s automatic gearbox and not a dual clutch transmission.\nThe noise of the Supra is also quite something \u2013 an area which Toyota had a hand in tuning. With a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds though, it certainly goes as fast as it looks with plenty of promises to deliver.\nWith the Toyota Supra already being delivered to customers internationally, we can only expect it to come to our shores pretty soon, as UMW Toyota (UMWT) \nannounced previously\n. Watch this space closely.."
"First introduced to the \nBentley\n model lineup in 2023, the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine built by the engineering team in Crowe will soon be retiring to make way for V8 and electrified powertrains. Reaching its 20th anniversary soon over \n105,000 units\n of the W12 engine have been made. As a perfect send-off, the last of the W12 engines will be the most powerful and will be powering the limited-production \nBentley Batur\n handcrafted by Mulliner.\nThe decision to end the production of the W12 engine comes as part of Bentley\u2019s acceleration towards a sustainable future through its Beyond100 strategy. Through the strategy, the company\u2019s entire model line will be fully electrified by 2030. Currently, Bentley has the \nFlying Spur Hybrid\n and the \nBentayga Hybrid\n spearheading its electrification efforts.\nBentley Batur handcrafted by Mulliner\nUnveiled to the world in August 2022 during the Monterey Car Week, the Bentley Batur showcases the new design DNA for the brand\u2019s future range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). However, it did so whilst housing a W12 engine. While the performance figures of the Batur\u2019s W12 engine were not confirmed yet back then, the engine\u2019s development has now been completed and Bentley has confirmed that it is capable of producing \n750 hp\n (metric) at 5,5500 rpm and \n1,000 Nm\n at 1,750- 5,000 rpm.\nOnly 18 units of the Bentley Batur will be produced and they have all been sold out at the time of writing. Handcrafted by Mulliner, the Batur\u2019s name is in reference to Lake Batur, which is a 16 km\n2\n crater lake in Bali, Indonesia.\nRELATED: \nBentley Batur previews brand\u2019s future EVs. while using a W12 engine\nBentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark said, \u201cOur progressive journey towards sustainable luxury mobility means making changes to every area of Bentley Motors. When we first launched the W12 back in 2003, we knew we had a mighty engine that would propel both our cars and the brand forward at speed. 20 years and more than 100,000 W12s later, the time has come to retire this now-iconic powertrain as we take strides towards electrification \u2013 but not without giving it the best send-off possible, with the most powerful version of the engine ever created.\u201d\n\u201cThe 750 hp (metric) titan that Mulliner has created for the Batur marks the end of a development journey of which our engineering and manufacturing colleagues should be extremely proud, and when production finishes in April next year we aim to retrain and redeploy all of the skilled craftspeople who still build each engine by hand.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBentley Flying Spur Hybrid launched in Malaysia, from RM 945k before tax\nAs for the 30 skilled craftspeople that hand-assemble and test every single W12 Bentley engine, they will all be retained and redeployed in the company. The W12 engine production facility will be repurposed as an expanded line for the completion of other Bentley engines.\nIn its close to 20 years of existence, Bentley\u2019s W12 engine has evolved for better performance and efficiency. In its final iteration in the Batur, the W12 engine receives a reworked intake, a reworked exhaust, and a reworked cooling system to unleash more power and torque. The turbocharger compressors have been redesigned and the air ducts that feed air into them are now 33% larger.\nRELATED: \nThis 18-carat gold ring in the Bentley Mulliner Batur is fully 3D-printed!"
"With the \nnew Civic out of the way\n, next in line to sweep the D-Segment scene is the \nfacelifted Honda Accord\n, one that will be locally assembled. Just as before, three variants will be on offer \u2013 2.0 VTi, 2.0 VTi-L and top of the line 2.4 VTi-L. There will also be a brand new exterior colour called Obsidian Blue Pearl, which debuts beginning with this Accord.\nThings that are new to the Accord are most obviously the full LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, restyled front grille and front bumper. The tail end of this car gets a sleeker pair of LED-combination tail lamps, as well as a restyled bumper. Completing the exterior refresh is a new set of alloy wheels.   In addition to the new Obsidian Blue Pearl shade, the Accord facelift can also be had in Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and two new colours \u2013 White Orchid Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic.\nIf you wish to see the Accord facelift in the metal, good news await because it will go on a nationwide roadshow beginning 12 August to 4 September 2016. Refer to the following tables for the complete schedule:\nDate\nKlang Valley\n12 August 2016\nKuala Selangor, Selangor\n13 August 2016\nKlang Valley\nKlang\n14 August 2016\nPetaling Jaya, Selangor\nPutrajaya\nEast Coast\n19 August 2016\nKota Bharu, Kelantan\n20 August 2016\nKuala Terengganu, Terengganu\n21 August 2016\nKuantan, Pahang\nNorthern\n26 August 2016\nGeorge Town, Penang\n27 August 2016\nGeorge Town, Penang\n28 August 2016\nGeorge Town, Penang\nIpoh, Perak\nSouthern\n2 September 2016\nJohor Bahru Town, Johor\n3 September 2016\nMuar, Johor\n4 September 2016\nMelaka Town, Melaka"
"After revealing the production-ready design of the \nPolestar 5\n four-door grand tourer (GT), Polestar has shared the first official image of the Polestar 3, but covered in camouflage.\nUnlike the current \nPolestar 1\n and \nPolestar 2\n models that are \nmade in China\n, Polestar 3 will be fully manufactured in the US, at the Volvo Cars plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The \nnext-generation Volvo XC 90\n will also be made here, next year.\n\u201cPolestar 3 will be built in America, for our American customers,\u201d says CEO of Polestar, Thomas Ingenlath. The performance electric SUV segment is constantly seeing new additions, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-e, BMW iX as well as the upcoming \nnew-generation Porsche Macan\n.\nCryptocurrency? Nope. Polestar is instead accepting art pieces as a payment method for their products. More here.\nIngenlath hosted investors and press at a series of events in New York to discuss the company\u2019s vision, brand and growth plans. The audience learned that Polestar 3 is intended to be one of the most climate-responsible cars ever made and will in time offer autonomous highway piloting powered by the best-in-class LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor from Luminar and centralised \nNVIDIA computing power\n plus a next-generation electric vehicle architecture from Volvo Car Group.\nAs for the design of the Polestar 3, we can see the front design having similar features to the Polestar 2, but without the intricate grille pattern. \u00a0\nIn the coming three years, Polestar plans to launch one new electric vehicle per year, starting with this Polestar 3 in 2022 \u2013 the company\u2019s first electric performance SUV. Polestar 4 is expected to follow in 2023, a smaller electric performance SUV coupe.\nThe earlier revealed Polestar 5 electric performance four-door GT is planned to be launched in 2024. Polestar\u2019s current sales network is incredibly limited, but the company has plans to \nincrease its retail presence\n in line with the product expansion."
"Proton Brunei is set to be the first recipient of an updated Proton X70, dubbed the X70 EE or Exclusive Edition. The configuration of this Premium 2WD variant is currently not on sale in Malaysia. \u00a0\nThere seem to be no styling changes on this new Proton X70 other than the 19-inch wheel with Y-spoke design that is taken from the 2019 Geely Boyue Pro- a model that featured revised front and styling, bonnet and dashboard.\n2021 Proton X70 EE for Brunei, note the wheels\n2019 Geely Boyue PRO\nApart from the bright metallic blue paintwork (reminds us of the\n Ocean Blue\n from the new \n2019 Proton Iriz\n as well as the \nX50 TGDi Flagship\n we tested) with \ngloss black roof and side mirrors\n, the interior is also offered in a different colour compared to the units in Malaysia.\n \nSimilar shade of blue as the Proton X70 EE?\nBlack Nappa leather\n with subtle red highlights is used in this special Proton X70 EE edition for Brunei, a change from the brown shade fitted in the regular variants. \u00a0\nOnly \n37 units\n will be offered, in conjunction with the celebration of the \n37th National Day of Brunei Darussalam\n and is now open for booking. Brunei was also the \nfirst export market\n for the 2020 Proton X70 that was locally-assembled at Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant.\nThe Proton X70 2WD Premium is powered by the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine generating 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The benchmark century sprint time is 9.5 seconds.\nLast month, Proton export division managed to \ndeliver 669 units\n, a 98-month high. As of May 2021, the total exports are just 100 units shy of the full-year figures the company managed to move internationally in 2020.\nSource: \nPad Motors Proton Brunei"
"New to the \nsecond-generation Panamera lineup\n is an electrifying variant called the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid! Available as standard or extended wheelbase (\nPanamera Executive\n), the fastest sprinting Panamera will make its world premiere at Geneva in just a matter of days.\nPorsche is no amateur when it comes\u00a0to high performance hybrid vehicles (the\u00a0\n918 Spyder Hypercar\n\u00a0can attest to that). By applying the same formula, the engineers at\u00a0Stuttgart have slapped on an \nelectric motor\n onto a\u00a0\n4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n,\u00a0resulting in a\u00a0hybrid system that delivers a combined output of\u00a0\n670 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque.\nTransmission of choice is the fast shifting \neight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox\n\u00a0which sends power to all four-wheels. Thanks to the electric motor, \nfull torque\n is available just above idle. This lets the plug-in hybrid Panamera to sprint from 0 to 100km/h\u00a0in\u00a0\n3.4 seconds\n\u00a0before maxing out at\u00a0\n310 km/h\n. Amazingly, fuel economy is rated at \n2.9 litres per 100km\n.\nWhen plugged to a 10 amp 230V output, the \n14.1 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack\n can be fully charged within six-hours. Opt for the optional 32 amp 230V connection charger and it will charge to a full in just 2.4 hours. At full capacity, the battery can supply about 50km in full electric mode!\nAs expected from a range topping model, this car gets a host of equipment as standard. Standard issue here include Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), Air Suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) with\u00a0Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), Power Steering Plus and 21-inch 911 Turbo Design alloy wheels.\nPorsche Malaysia (Sime Darby Auto Performance or SDAP) will be introducing the \n2017 Porsche Panamera to our market\n\u00a0very soon. It\u2019s hard to say whether this high performance hybrid variant will make its way here, but even if it does, expect to pay a fine price for one.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia today concluded the \u201c\n1 Million Dreams Campaign\n\u201d at the 1 Million Dreams Brand Collaboration prize-giving ceremony with its brand partners- Cuckoo, Shopee and Watsons.\nThe prominent brand partners came onboard the celebration adding further excitement with exclusive activities to reward their respective loyal customers. Since Honda Malaysia kicked off the promotional campaign in February 2021, the response has been overwhelming and alongside the favourable feedback was the over 155,600 entries received in just one month!\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, \nMs. Madoka Chujo\n, who took office on 1st April 2021 said, \u201cThanks to the excellent leadership of my predecessors, the strong commitment of our Honda associates and dealers, as well as the support from the Malaysian Government has led Honda Malaysia to achieve many remarkable milestones. Last month, Honda Malaysia reached the one-millionth sale unit milestone and celebrated the achievement with all Malaysians.\u201d\n\u201cThe company presented four of the 1 Million Special Edition models to the lucky winners at the 1 Million Dreams Grand Finale. Today, I am very privileged to be here celebrating this \noutstanding achievement\n with all of you and presenting another three 1 Million Special Edition models to the lucky winners from our brand partners.\n\u201cTo all Malaysians, Honda customers, members of the media, and brand partners, thank you for your strong support and for being part of this momentous achievement,\u201d Ms. Chujo added.\nThe 1 Million Special Edition Honda \nBR\u2011V\n, presented by brand partner Watsons, was won by Mr Mohd Aisamuddin Bin Mohd Azilah while the \nHR-V\n, presented by brand partner Shopee, went to Mr Muhammed Faisal Adnan. The lucky winner of Honda Malaysia\u2019s latest model to roll out of their assembly plant, the \nall-new Honda City\n, is Ms Megawati Binti Affendi with Cuckoo being the brand partner.\nAdding to the excitement, Honda Malaysia also announced the \none-millionth \nsales model which is the \nCivic\n, and it belongs to Mr. Ahmad Sirwan Bin Mat Tuselim. Honda Malaysia together with Cuckoo, Shopee and Watsons presented Mr. Ahmad Sirwan with a token of appreciation that is worth more than RM8,000, as an appreciation gift for the one millionth Honda owner in the country.\nIn a funfair carnival-themed ceremony last month, winners of the first four Special Edition models were announced. The \nHonda Civic\n 1.5 went to Mr Chuah Sze Yong, the \nHonda CR-V AWD\n was won by Ms Lim Lye-Gaik and Mr Abdul Hakim bin Mohd Radzi was the lucky winner of the \nHonda Accord\n.\nTo extend its appreciation to all the frontline workers who have been working tirelessly over the past year to protect the health and safety of everyone in Malaysia, the \nHonda Jazz 1 Million Edition\n was specifically reserved for government servants and frontliners in the health, defence, public service, and education sectors. Mr Shaiful Rezza bin Abdul Razak who is attached to the PDRM was the lucky winner of the special frontliners-only Honda Jazz.\nEach of these seven cars, all finished in \nwhite with a black roof\n, come with identical cosmetic upgrades. At the front, every model comes with a red strip either across the front bumper or the front grille, red strips on the side mirrors, exclusive \u201cHonda 1 Million Dreams\u201d badges on the front fenders and a red-painted spoke on each black-finished rim.\nInside, all seven models also receive special touches that differentiate them from the rest of the Honda vehicles in Malaysia. You get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, finished with a red centre marker and red stitching, headrests embossed with \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d lettering, and the commemorative badge on the dashboard."
"Renault, together with Malaysian distributor TC Euro Cars (TCEC) have announced that the Renault Zoe electric vehicle (EV) is now available for sale in Malaysia, but only in limited numbers. The 2015\u2019s best selling EV car in Europe was introduced in 2012, and is also Renault\u2019s\u00a0solution to Zero Emission mobility.\nBeing a pure electric car, the Zoe is powered by a\u00a0synchronous electric motor\u00a0that generates \n85 hp\n and\n 220Nm\n of torque. The electric motor is paired with an automatic gearbox and utilises a\u00a0\n22kWh lithium-ion battery\n.\nAccording to Renault, the battery can be fully charged in just \nfour hours\n\u00a0(from empty) using the\u00a0a 7kW fast charger, or nine hours if a default 3.6kW charger is used.\u00a0Once it\u2019s fully charged, the Zoe has a travelling distance of\n\u00a0220km\n.\nInside, the Zoe gets a 7-inch Renault R-Link touchscreen display that acts as the Zoe\u2019s Infotainment panel. Interior space is just as you would expect of a supermini, and it gets\u00a0\n338 litres of boot space\n which can be upped to 1,225 litres with its rear seats folded.\nThe Zoe is a 5-Star vehicle too, achieving maximum Euro NCAP safety rating back in 2013. This is thanks to the Zoe\u2019s strong body, four airbags, ABS with EBD,\u00a0Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ISOFIX mount points.\nAvailable only in Glacier White colour, the Zoe can be yours for\n\u00a0RM145,888\n\u00a0OTR with GST, sans insurance. It comes with a 3-year or 100,000km manufacturer\u2019s warranty, five-year electrical powertrain warranty or 100,000km and a five-year traction battery warranty or 100,000km\u00a0(whichever comes first).\nThe Zoe\u2019s main competitor hails from the Land of the Rising Sun, the \nNissan Leaf\n, and it\u2019s sold in Malaysia for \nRM180,566.18\n. Be sure to check out our review!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After its debut in Japan late last year, Suzuki Motor Corporation has just released more details of their new global supermini \u2013 \nthe fourth-generation Suzuki Swift\n at the Geneva Motor Show. And the new Swift is much more than just another budget Japanese hatchback with European styling.\nUnderpinning this Swift is a new \n\u201cHEARTECT\u201d platform\n that promises enhanced vehicle dynamics and collision safety thanks to generous use of lightweight and rigid materials as well as a complete overhaul of underbody structure and component layout. As a result, the new platform is \n30kg\n lighter and stronger than the previous generation platform, contributing to a total weight saving of \n120kg\n.\nThe Swift\u2019s dimensions now measures 2,450mm in wheelbase (+20mm), 3,840mm in length (-10mm), 1,735mm in width (+40mm) and 1,495mm in height (-15mm). Interestingly, Europe-bound models get a wider front and rear track compared to the Japanese Domestic model.\nThanks to the extended wheelbase, the engineers were able to package the interior better resulting in additional \n23mm\n of knee room and shoulder room for the rear passengers. The front seats were also moved 10mm outwards from each other, giving the front occupants \n20mm\n more distance in between. To address the lower roofline, Suzuki has lowered all seating positions to ensure sufficient headroom in the supermini. Boot space has also increased from 200 litres to \n254 litres\n.   The new Swift had its development tests done not only in Japan but also in several parts of Europe to ensure that the car is able to perform exceptionally on the roads of Europe. The company has tested as many as \n90 different suspension prototypes\n before arriving at the final product that provides optimum steering feel with the suppleness and agility expected from its European customers.\nInside, the new Swift gets a decidedly upmarket interior but the highlight would definitely be the \n4.2-inch coloured LCD instrument cluster\n display that displays engine output and \ntorque data\n, fuel consumption, average speed, acceleration and brake operation as well as \ndriving G-force\n. All these driving data and it\u2019s not even the hotter Swift Sport!\nAs standard, the Swift drives with the front wheels but the \nALLGRIP AUTO four-wheel drive system\n can be had on certain models. It is a simple permanent four-wheel drive layout that is able to send additional grip to the rear wheels for extra traction.\nTwo new engines are available with this new Swift \u2013 a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder Boosterjet petrol engine making \u00a0\n109 hp/170 Nm\n and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Dualjet engine producing\u00a0\n89 hp/120 Nm\n. Thanks to direct injection and turbocharging technology, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine \ngets peak\u00a0torque from 2,000 rpm\n.\nAlternatively, the Swift can be had with a \nSHVS mild hybrid system\n that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator that assists the engine during vehicle take-off and harvests energy through regenerative braking. The SHVS helps in reducing emissions, yet weighs just 6.2kg more than the standard version. Interestingly, this system is available for both the 1.0-litre Boosterjet and 1.2-litre Dualjet engines!\nPerhaps the best part about a global product is that manufacturers have to meet various stringent crash safety tests around the world. As such, the Swift can be had with \nAdvanced Forward Detection System\n that bundles Dual Sensor Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking), lane departure warning and high beam assist.\nWith the introduction of the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift, it\u2019s a shame that \nSuzuki has pulled out from Malaysia\n. Perhaps this global model could\u2019ve changed the fate of the Japanese carmaker in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSuzuki Swift \u2013 Europe Model   Suzuki Swift \u2013 Japan Domestic Model"
"There are many reasons for a person to like a car \u2013 be it looks, power, driving feel, functionality, or even social status. It doesn\u2019t have to be a unique or popular reason, as long as it\u2019s \nyour\n reason for liking \nyour\n car \u2013 I mean, it\u2019s written in my byline for a reason.\nWith that being said, it\u2019s really rare for us to be truly enamoured by a car these days. But with the \nall-new 2022 Honda Civic\n, we found ourselves smiling every time we get a chance to drive one. And the reason? Well, for us anyway, it\u2019s just how effortless everything feels.\n \nIt\u2019s effortless in its drive, with the uprated 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine now making \n182 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n \u2013 or 9 hp and 20 Nm more than before. It\u2019s not a huge increase, mind you, but in actual driving circumstances, it\u2019s definitely noticeable.\nPower builds up fast but still gentle, which makes overtaking on the highways a breeze; the engine never once felt strained during our four-hour drive to Penang. But more substantially for us, was how well-tuned the CVT gearbox is on the all-new Civic.\nALSO READ: It\u2019s not \u201cjust tuning\u201d, here\u2019s how the all-new Honda Civic Turbo became more powerful\nFor the most part, the CVT actually behaves mostly like an automatic. The gearshift paddles behind the steering wheels work almost instantaneously just like in an automatic car, and in sports mode, the gearbox even downshifts a (virtual) gear or two by itself under heavy braking, mimicking the slushboxes to help slow down your car with engine braking.\nAnd when you pair that to a handling feel that can genuinely rival a \nBMW 3 Series\n, driving the all-new Honda Civic just brings out so much joy, no matter on the highway, or through the twisty back roads.\nComplementing the Civic\u2019s driving proficiency, is how effortless it is to live in one. Comfort has been significantly upgraded on the all-new model, particularly in terms of noise within the cabin thanks to additional spray foam and insulation. And in normal driving conditions, or at least under the national speed limit, it really is a night and day difference when compared to the previous-generation model.\nBut it\u2019s also how the car rides over humps and the usual uneven surfaces of Malaysian roads. The all-new Civic never felt uneasy over the undulations while driving on the highways, and in city streets, most of the road imperfections are perfectly soaked up by the pliant but confident suspension set-up \u2013 even with the 18-inch wheels and Michelin PS4 tyres.\nWhile the looks might not necessarily be everyone\u2019s cup of tea, the rest of the car really does offer a little bit of everything for you to find your own reason to like it. And when you add all of those up, the all-new 2022 Honda Civic might just be the best all-rounder package available in the segment, at least for now.\nBe sure to watch the video above to see what else we discovered during our media trip to Penang with the all-new Civic!"
"McLaren has released full details of its latest Longtail model, the \nMcLaren 600LT\n. The most extreme Sport Series gains many technology learnings from the Senna which resulted in a track machine that is more extreme than the 675LT.\nThe M838 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 has been recalibrated to go with the freer flowing top-exit exhaust system allowing the engineers to unlock \n600 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint is done in \n2.9 seconds\n \u2013 equal to the 675LT and 0 to 200 km/h is achieved in\n 8.2 seconds\n. Top speed is governed at \n328 km/h\n.\nTo tame those extra horses, McLaren had to optimise the car\u2019s overall aerodynamic performance with an extended front splitter, longer rear diffuser, fixed rear wing and lengthen the car by 74 mm. All these work in conjunction with the flat carbon fibre underbody to produce \n100 kg of downforce\n at 250 km/h for more cornering grip and high-speed stability.\nThere are two ultralightweight wheel options for the 600LT \u2013 10-spoke or five spoke \u2013 that reduces unsprung weight for greater cornering performance. They are shod in bespoke Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres. The 600LT also sits 8 mm closer to the ground for better high-speed stability.   As with any McLaren Longtail model, the 600LT has undergone a strict diet plan to save \n100 kg\n (in its lightest configuration) over the standard 570S. Lightweight exercise comes in the form of adopting lighter and stiffer suspension components from the 720S (-10.2 kg), lightweight aluminium calipers and stiffer carbon ceramic discs (-4 kg), removal of interior carpet (-5.7 kg) and carbon fibre racing seats (-21 kg).\nCustomers can also opt to remove air-conditioning, infotainment system, the audio system for further weight reduction. The optional MSO Clubsport Pack adds Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats, Carbon Fibre Interior Upgrade, Carbon Fibre Roof and Cantrails, Visual Carbon Fibre Fender Louvres in gloss finish and titanium wheel bolts for maximum visual impact and weight savings.   Unlike other limited run McLaren models, the McLaren 600LT can still be ordered new from dealers with a base price of \u00a3185,500 in the UK. The price tag also includes a Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day circuit experience.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 600LT"
"The all-new\n seventh-generation Ford Fiesta\n has just been awarded the maximum 5-Star safety rating at the Euro NCAP, proving once again that small cars can be big on safety too. The all-new Fiesta which went on sale in Europe recently, is equipped with a suite of driver assistance systems which helped the small hatchback\u2019s 5-star score.\nThe model tested was equipped with the full range of driver assistance system which includes enhanced \nFord Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection\n, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), \nLane Keeping Aid\n, Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking,\n Adaptive Cruise Control\n, Auto High Beam, Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, Distance Indication, Driver Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition. Yep, all these in a Fiesta.\nBesides the range of driver assistance system, the all-new Fiesta features an overall\u00a0\nstronger body\n\u00a0thanks to 36 percent more boron steel for greater strength in key areas, new T-Section configuration to transfer side impact more effectively and redesigned door cross sections. All these helped the Fiesta to score 87 percent in the adult occupant category, 84 percent in child occupant category, 64 percent in pedestrian category and 60 percent in safety assist category.\n\u201cThe latest Euro NCAP safety standards are more stringent than ever, with new emphasis placed on technologies that can help drivers avoid accidents,\u201d said Ford of Europe, Vice President of Product Development, Joe Bakaj. \u201cFiesta can now help steer drifting drivers back into lane, and can monitor the road ahead up to the length of a football pitch \u2013 helping drivers detect and avoid hazards for safer journeys.\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Co has announced that it would be launching a long-range electric vehicle with a 500 km driving range per charge after 2021, as reported by \nReuters\n.\nThere are also plans for \n31 eco-friendly models by 2020\n with automaker and affliate Kia Motors Corp. New additions will include three plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with eight battery powered and two fuel-cell vehicles.\nAlthough Hyundai has just introduced its first pure electric car, the IONIQ, it still lags behind Tesla and GM with shorter driving range per charge. An electric version of the \nKona SUV\n will be introduced, offering 390 km of driving in the first half of 2018.\nThis confirms Reuters previous report that it is developing its first dedicated electric vehicle platform for the company to produce multiple models with longer driving ranges.\nHyundai has also unveiled a \u201cnear production version\u201d of its new mid-sized SUV powered by fuel cell with a driving range of \nmore than 800 km per charge\n under European standards. The SUV which will be launched in Korea next year will nearly double the 415 km range for its current Tucson fuel cell SUV.\nSource: \nReuters"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n (MMM) has contributed a unit of the \nTriton pick-up truck\n to INSAF Malaysia, a non-profit organisation carrying out humanitarian efforts in the country. The Triton will be used to help run several programmes under INSAF Malaysia\u2019s belt.\nThese programmes include distribution of food bank, lunch box, and rice bags to orphanages and welfare homes, as well as \u2018Meals on Wheels\u2019 where food are distributed to old folks who have been abandoned or are living alone. The NGO also builds shelter homes for those that have been hit by natural disasters and is in dire need for a roof above their heads.\n\u201cOur CSR vision for this year is \u2018Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future\u2019. While our missions are to implement CSR activities that provides aid to support underprivileged children, and to collaborate with NGOs in promoting a sustainable economy, society and environment,\u201d said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\n\u201cSo when we found out that INSAF Malaysia\u2019s humanitarian efforts is constantly striving for voluntarily action, we want to support their work by contributing a Triton pick-up truck in hopes that the NGO can go beyond the distance and to help more underprivileged families,\u201d he added.\n \nCheck out our \noff-road experience\n with the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete!\nSpeaking during the handover ceremony, INSAF Malaysia President and Founder, Ishak Bin Abdul Kadir said: \u201cWe have been witnessing a dangerous trend from the number of people suffering from malnutrition and food insecurity especially during this pandemic.\n\u201cHunger is on the rise in Malaysia as we\u2019ve seen a lot of breadwinners lose their source of income which leads to the inability to put food on the table. We are doing all that we can to make sure children or families don\u2019t go to bed hungry hence we are so glad to have companies like Mitsubishi Motors reach out to us to offer help. The contribution of the Triton pick-up truck is timely, practical and very much appreciated.\u201d"
"It sure seems like Honda Malaysia is off to a great start to the year! After launching the\u00a0\nall-new BR-V\n in the first week of 2017, the company has secured over 4,000 bookings to date. This is by leaps and bounds more than their sales target of 800 units a month!\nOf the 4,000 BR-Vs on order, \n83 percent\n\u00a0of them are the\n\u00a0range topping V variant\n. Unlike the longer wait list of the\u00a0\nHR-V\n and \nCivic\n, Honda Malaysia ensures that customers will receive their vehicles within one to two months, thanks to adjustments made to the production plant.\nTo recap, the\n range topping V variant is priced at RM93k\n and comes with all the bells and whistles such as front fog lamps, exterior chrome garnish, leather upholstery, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and reverse camera. \nEntry level E variant is yours for RM86k\n but makes do with fabric upholstery, urethane steering wheel, manual air conditioning and a standard audio system.\nBoth cars are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SOHC with i-VTEC, producing\u00a0\n118 hp\n and\n 145 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a continuous variable transmission (CVT). On the safety front, \nboth variants\n are equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), hill-start assist and ISOFIX mounting points.\nHonda\u2019s recent efforts in pushing for practical, well-specced and decently priced cars have certainly paid off in a huge way. Both the E and V grade will ferry seven occupants while receiving a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating. If you\u2019re keen on buying the BR-V, hurry on to your nearest Honda showroom before the waiting period gets longer! While you\u2019re at it, be sure to check out \nour First Look\u00a0of the Honda BR-V\n embedded in the gallery below.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the launch of the new\u00a0\nProton Perdana\n and \nPersona\n, next in\u00a0line is the new Proton Saga. The\u00a0\nPerodua Bezza\n\u00a0contender will be launched in less than two weeks\u2019 time, but it has already got off to a good start after receiving a 4-Star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating.\nThe new Proton Saga scored\u00a0\n13.33\n out of a full\n\u00a016.00\n points in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category. This is an improvement over its predecessor\u2019s achievement (10.23 points, 3-Star rating) recorded in 2013.\nChild Occupant Protection (COP) is also decent in the new Saga, as it also received a 4-Star rating with a\u00a0\n71 percent compliance\n. The older Saga fared much worse in 2013, with a score of 48 percent or a 2-Star equivalent. \nAs the image above shows, the Bezza scored the same (4-Star) for the non-ESC variant. However, the Bezza gets a full 5-Star on variants equipped with ESC. It\u2019s quite likely that the new Saga will not be equipped with ESC, but this remains to be seen.\nPowering the Saga is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine with VVT, pushing out\u00a0\n94 hp\n (same powertrain as the\u00a0\nIriz\n). Expect both drivetrain options \u2013 the five-speed manual and CVT \u2013 to be featured as well."
"BMW has just lifted the veils on the new 2022 X7 facelift, and even though we\u2019ve already seen it in full thanks to an\n earlier leak\n, it\u2019ll probably still be a little while until we\u2019re used to this new look \u2013 tough luck, because this will be the new corporate face for BMW\u2019s luxury models, including the \nupcoming i7\n and 7-Series.\nThe main identifying feature of the new front fascia is, of course, the new split headlights. The slim top sections, which have been pushed up to meet the bonnet shut lines, houses the LED daytime running lights (which also doubles as turn indicators).\nMeanwhile, the actual low and high beams are located in a darkened and recessed housing on the bumper that\u2019s integrated into the side air curtain intakes, the idea being that they\u2019re somewhat hidden from view until the headlights are turned on.\nBMW says that the new headlights design is meant to emphasise the car\u2019s \u201cupright stance and reinforce its road presence\u201d, just like its enlarged kidney grille we all made fun of when the X7 was first unveiled \u2013 hey look, you\u2019ve forgotten about them already, haven\u2019t you?\nSpeaking of the grille, it\u2019s not grown any larger this time round, but now features an updated two-tone design with darkened slats and brighter chrome surrounds. The grille also now gets a new Iconic Glow soft lighting effect, similar to that of the \nRolls-Royce Ghost\n \u2013 the illuminated grille is standard on the M60i variant, but can be optioned on the X7 xDrive40i.\nRELATED: The jokes and memes have come to life \u2013 new BMW i7 kidney grille now occupies half its face\nOther exterior updates include a new triangular trim piece on the front bumper bookending the lower intakes, alongside a new set of taillights with 3D graphics on the side, linked across the entire tailgate by a slim chrome strip. For the first time ever, BMW will also be offering massive 23-inch alloy wheels straight from the factory, as optional items on the X7.\nThe 2022 BMW X7 will also be offered with an optional M Sport package, which equips the X7 with M-specific front and rear bumpers, side skirts, dark trapezoidal tailpipes, and double-spoke two-toned 21-inch wheels. For even more sportiness, the M60i variant ditches most chrome elements for gloss black, while adding the aerodynamic M wing mirrors, bigger air intakes, M-badged grille, quad tailpipes, and 22-inch wheels.\nBuyers of the M60i can also option the BMW M 50 Years emblems on the bonnet, tailgate, and wheel centre caps, which\n looks something like this\n.\nAside from the front fascia, the next biggest change on the new 2022 BMW X7 is actually on the inside. Sitting atop the dashboard is now the marque\u2019s latest \niDrive 8 infotainment system\n, made up of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen in a single pane of curved glass.\nThe addition of the iDrive 8 on the BMW X7 marks the first time the system is featured in a ICE-powered BMW \u2013 it was previously only available in fully-electric models such as the\n iX\n and \ni4\n \u2013 not even the \niX3\n.\nOther updates inside a cabin include a new tiny toggle gear selector lever, replacing the glass-topped joystick, while the multi-contour seats are now standard on the X7, topped with the vegan Sensafin faux leather in the standard xDrive40i variant, and Merino leather on the M60i.\nRELATED: BMW\u2019s all-new iDrive system wants you to forget about physical controls\nJust as before, the new 2022 BMW X7 can be configured with either six or seven seats, the former featuring two individual seats on the second row. But no matter which seating configuration you choose, you\u2019ll be happy to know that there\u2019ll be enough firepower to haul all your passengers, thanks to the newly updated engines.\nThe base xDrive40i\u2019s 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged engine gets a healthy 40 hp boost to now make \n380 hp\n, while torque is also increased significantly to \n519 Nm\n, and can even go as high as 540 Nm momentarily when the now-standard 48V mild-hybrid technology kicks in to help out.\nPaired to the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox and the standard xDrive all-wheel drive system, the xDrive40i can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n5.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nGoing one step up to the M60i, and you\u2019ll get an updated 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, now also paired to a 48V mild-hybrid system. Power output, curiously, is unchanged from the older M50i it replaces at \n530 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n, as is the century sprint time of \n4.7 seconds\n.\nWhy? Well, perhaps because there\u2019ll also be an even more performant model coming soon, courtesy of the \nnow-BMW-owned Alpina sub brand\n. Dubbed the XB7, the range-topping variant boosts the output of the 4.4-litre V8 up to \n639 hp\n (from 621 hp), while torque remains unchanged at\n 800 Nm\n. 0-100 km/h takes \n4.2 seconds\n, and top speed is raised up to \n290 km/h\n.\nAs for the oil-burners, the xDrive40d also now gets a 48V mild-hybrid system, and when paired to the 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel, power output is rated at \n340 hp \nand \n700 Nm \n(temporarily up to 720 Nm with mild-hybrid boost).\nAside from engine updates, the X7 now comes as standard with adaptive two-axle air suspensions across all variants. Rear wheel steering and active roll stabilisation are included as standard on the M60i, but can also be optioned in the lower variants.\nSafety kit has also been upgraded across the board, especially on the advanced driver assist systems, including added detection zones for oncoming traffic for the front-collision warning system, as well as a new front cross-traffic warning to reduce risk of collisions at junctions.\nThe new BMW X7 will be produced at the company\u2019s Spartanburg plant in the US, with worldwide market launch planned from August this year. Closer to home, the pre-LCI BMW X7 is available here in Malaysia as a locally-assembled (CKD) model, in a sole\n xDrive40i Design Pure Excellence \ntrim.\nGALLERY"
"Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company under Alphabet Inc (Google\u2019s parent company), has announced a new partnership with \nGeely\u2019s premium EV brand Zeekr\n. The carmaker will be building new fully-electric vehicles for Waymo, which will be used as part of the Waymo One autonomous ride-hailing services in the United States.\nThe new purpose-built EV is being developed at Geely\u2019s China Europe Vehicle Technology Centre (CEVT) in Gothenburg, Sweden, and is said to be built with a \u201cmobility-focused\u201d design, incorporating the Waymo Driver autonomous technology at its core.\nThe concept vehicle that was shown off alongside the press release takes on the silhouette of an MPV-like vehicle. Waymo\u2019s autonomous driving sensors are also mostly crammed onto the roof, resulting in a clean and futuristic-looking bodywork.\nHowever, in the interest of prioritising the \u201ccomfort, convenience, and preferences of Waymo One riders\u201d, the B-pillars seems to have been completely removed, resulting in a large aperture for easy ingress and egress \u2013 especially when paired with the low flat floor and sliding suicide doors.\nALSO READ: Hyundai IONIQ 5 \u2018Robotaxi\u2019 self-driving taxi to begin operation in 2023\nThis being a completely autonomous EV vehicle, there\u2019s also no steering wheel and centre tunnel/control stack to be seen, freeing up valuable space for the passengers. The seats also look to be reclinable (at least on the front row), and there\u2019s also easy access charging ports for your various electronic devices.\nHowever, Geely says that the cars can also be configured with driver controls, depending on the needs of Waymo\u2019s fleet (and regulators). When optioned without, like the one in the photos, the only user interface within the cabin is a large touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, presumably for the purpose of inputting your destinations and accessing other infotainment controls.\nRELATED: Daimler AG and BMW Group joins forces in developing autonomous vehicles\nWaymo is already offering autonomous ride-hailing services in Phoenix, Arizona, and San Francisco, using specially-modified vehicles based on the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and the Jaguar I-Pace EV.\nWaymo did not mention when the Zeekr-built cars will begin operations, but said that they will arrive on US roads \u201cin the years to come\u201d.\nZeekr Technology CEO Andy An added, \u201cBy becoming a strategic partner and vehicle supplier to the Waymo One fleet, we will be able to share our experience, ideals and provide our expertise in collaborating on a fully electric vehicle that fits Waymo\u2019s requirements for this rapidly expanding segment in the global market for sustainable travel.\u201d"
"Isuzu Malaysia is offering relief to potential customers of its D-Max pick-up with a moratorium on financing payments on new vehicles purchased \nfrom 1st of June till 31st August 2020\n.\nAs the first programme of its kind in the pick-up segment, the Isuzu Deferred Instalment offers \neither a three or six month deferment period\n before customers need to worry about loan repayments.\n \nIn collaboration with \nPublic Bank Berhad\n, the moratorium applies to every model in the Isuzu D-Max range except the 1.9-litre 4\u00d72 Premium Auto variant. It offers up to 90% financing margin for a maximum tenure of 84 months. The minimum loan amount to qualify for this campaign is RM20,000.00.\nAccording to CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, Light Commercial Vehicle Division, Masayuki Suzuki, \u201cThe objective of the moratorium is to help Malaysians move forward during this recovery period with the services of an efficient and versatile new Isuzu D-Max. By providing this moratorium, Isuzu hopes that customers will be able to speedily attain their new normal.\u201d\nRecently, the new 1.9-litre Single Cab version underlined its remarkable capabilities by traversing four of the highest peaks in Peninsular Malaysia carrying a tonne of load and covering a distance of 1,145km with fuel to spare underlining its capabilities as a dependable workhorse.\nThe 1.9-litre D-Max was \nlaunched in September last year\n with prices starting from as low as RM80k. The highlight of the new D-Max is its smaller capacity engine; it\u2019s quieter, more powerful, more efficient and reliable than before, alongside minor aesthetic upgrades. The new engine, to the Malaysian market at least, makes 10% more power and 9% more torque with\u00a0\n150 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n350 Nm\n\u00a0of torque."
"Unlike the lukewarm fortunes of its Formula 1 racing team, McLaren\nAutomotive \u2013 the manufacturer of sports and bespoke hyper cars \u2013 has just\nproduced its 20,000\nth\n unit, eight years after production began in\nJuly 2011.\nThe scale of the achievement is even more significant when you consider that the cars are all hand-assembled and made on the spanking clean factory floor of its Woking facility at Surrey, alongside those orange-liveried F1 cars you see racing on some weekends.\nYou can probably eat your fish & chips on that production floor.\nThose who may be \u2018worried\u2019 about the exclusivity of McLaren road cars, don\u2019t. McLaren will maintain a production volume of around 5,000 units a year (it was 4,800 units in 2018, or 20 cars a day) into the next decade before increasing to 6,000 units, when required.\nThe 20,000th unit is a 600LT Spider, nice.\nThe 20,000\nth\n car built was a right-hand drive 600LT Spider in Chicane Grey from the Sports Series range which was introduced last summer. If you\u2019ve been twiddling your thumbs and wondering if you should go for the \nCoupe variant\n, well, all the production slots have all been spoken for."
"When Toyota Motor Corporation intended to export the Toyota Camry to America back in 1983, the company had to tweak the entire formula that would better suit the US market. After \nteasing us with just one picture\n, the best-selling car in America just made its debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).\nThe eighth-generation Camry benefits from\u00a0\nToyota New Global Architecture\n\u00a0\n(TNGA)\n, which will help give it its renowned build quality and reliability but with a dose of fun driving experience. Toyota Senior Vice President, Bob Carter\u00a0said, \u201cThe all-new 2018 Camry is, without a doubt, the most captivating mid-size sedan we\u2019ve ever produced\u201d.\nThis Camry, as much as it resembles our\u00a0\nMalaysian-spec Camry\n, is actually entirely new. That\u2019s because they both share the same\n\u00a0\u201cKeen Look\u201d design philosophy\n. Toyota incorporated a sleek yet aggressive profile by lowering the roof lines and hood height. This in turn allows engineers to create a more aerodynamic car while maintaining a sporty and elegant character.\nDespite the lowered roof line, interior headroom has not been compromised. Achieving this required the engineers to lower the seating position by 25.4mm for the front seats and 30.5mm for the rear. This also brings the driver closer to the car\u2019s centre of gravity, hence the newfound drivability.   The Camry will be available in the US in four trims \u2013 LE, XLE, SE and XSE. SE and XSE trims wear a sportier appearance as the S badge denotes. These two get more aggressive front bumpers, larger side intakes, mesh grille, restyled rear bumper with integrated diffuser, rear lip spoiler as well as smoked rear lamps.\nOn the other hand, the interior features a futuristic cockpit with a blend of functionality, personal space and craftsmanship. Toyota\u2019s latest-gen\u00a0\nHuman and Machine Interface (HMI)\n is also seen here. The latest HMI features a 10-inch coloured Heads-Up Display (HUD), 7-inch LCD multi-info display and 8-inch infotainment system with reverse camera. The latter is seamlessly integrated with the climate control.   It\u2019s available in three engines: an all-new \n3.5-litre V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection\n, all-new \n2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol\n and a \n2.5-litre four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System (THS II)\n. No output figures have been revealed at the launch, but Toyota assures that all three engines are expected to deliver exceptional fuel economy, relative to class of course.\nThe\n 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol\n engine with the latest \nVariable-Valve-Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE)\u00a0\nand\u00a0is paired to an\u00a0eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. The engine boasts a world-leading thermal efficiency of \n40 percent\n.\nAs for the hybrid powertrain, the\n 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol engine\n is strapped to an electric motor and an e-Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with six-speed Sequential Shift and Sports Mode. The battery pack on the hybrid system is now relocated from the trunk to the rear seats for better driving dynamics.\nTo enhance drivability, Toyota used more ultra-high tensile steel and new moulding technology for improved chassis rigidity. Surprisingly, the\u00a0rear axle is managed by a double wishbone suspension!\u00a0On top of that, a new four-point engine mounting system is utilised to greatly improve NVH levels.\nToyota has certainly placed emphasis on the Camry\u2019s safety features by including \nToyota Safety Sense\u2122 P (TSS-P)\n as standard across the board. TSS-P includes a range of autonomous safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA); and Automatic High Beams (AHB).\nSelected models get additional Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). On top of the high-tech TSS-P, other standard safety features include \u2013 10 airbags, ABS with EBD, BA, ESC and Smart Stop Technology.\nSeems that our friends in the US will be getting a good looking and impressive Camry. In Japan, the next-gen Camry will soon be unveiled to the public, and that\u2019s the version we will be getting.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over the weekend, Mustang Club Malaysia has successfully set a new entry in the Malaysian Book of Records for the \u2018largest Ford Mustang gathering\u2019 in the country, with 137\n \nFord Mustangs\n of various generations present at the gathering.\nThe gathering took place at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Shopping Centre, where the certificate of recognition was also presented on the spot to the Club President Alfred C.K. Joseph, by the Malaysia Book of Records\u2019 Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Wong.\nWithin two years of its formation in 2018, Mustang Club Malaysia has now already grown to a staggering number of 245 registered club members. Created for members to share information on the new Mustang, the club is also used as a platform to promote safe driving habits, as well as building the comradeship between Mustang enthusiasts in Malaysia.\n\u201cWe are delighted to have earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for having the title of biggest gathering of Ford Mustang vehicles in the country. Our aim is to show unity and harmony by bringing all walks of life together in our multiracial community through our passion and love for cars,\u201d said Joseph.\nSime Darby Auto Connexion Managing Director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz added,\u201dKudos to Mustang Club Malaysia for spearheading this event and setting a new record in the country. It is a tremendous feat to organise and mobilise 137 Mustang vehicles and club members.\n\u201cWe are incredibly proud of their efforts. We continue to be committed in maintaining close relations with the network of various Ford owners\u2019 clubs and supporting their activities to foster deeper mutual understanding and camaraderie.\u201d"
"Motul has launched the new 8100 Power engine oil in Malaysia, a 100% synthetic Ester engine oil catering to everyday, mass-produced vehicles and those with high-performance engines. The 8100 Power engine oil is available in \n0W20\n, \n5W30\n, \n5W40\n and \n5W50\n viscosities.\nWith the Motul 300V engine oil as the company\u2019s flagship product catered to high-performance cars and the 8100 engine oil catered to everyday vehicles, the new 8100 Power sits between the 300V and 8100 to offer the best of both worlds.\u00a0\nIt combines both the qualities of the 300V and 8100 engine oils; offering protection against engine wear, better thermal protection, stable oil pressure, longer service intervals (compared to 300V) and is compatible with new vehicles with after-treatment systems. After-treatment systems essentially filter harmful exhaust gases before it\u2019s released into the atmosphere.\nThe 8100 Power is also formulated with the latest \nAPI SP formulation\n developed for modern engines \nwhether naturally-aspirated or turbocharged\n. It helps to prevent low speed pre-ignition \u2013 a situation where fuel is not properly ignited \u2013 for more efficient fuel combustion in the engine. Low speed pre-ignition is said to be particularly common in small-displacement, turbocharged engines.\nMade with Ester technology, the 8100 Power also ensures smoother engine operation, protection for the engine\u2019s internal components and reduced engine vibrations. With longer drain intervals, the 8100 Power is able to comply with the vehicle manufacturer\u2019s recommended drain intervals.\nOther benefits of the Motul 8100 Power include reduced friction between the engine\u2019s internal components, reduced engine noise and quicker oil pressure build-up. While on the move, the engine should also feel lighter and less strained.\nAccording to the company, the Motul 8100 Power is suited for vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Suzuki Swift, Subaru BRZ, Honda Civic Turbo, Toyota GT86, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic Type R, to name a few.\n\u201cWe are proud of our latest product that is not only about performance but also for protection. Modern car users will find the 8100 Power to be long lasting and requiring less oil change,\u201d said Ravi Shankar, Country Manager, Motul Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"The all-new DS4 is here and is set to go on sale at the end of this year. The coupe SUV/compact hatchback as DS calls it is built on the EMP2 platform, the DS4 is available with petrol, diesel and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) variants. Just last week, DS Automobiles announced the arrival of the \nDS7 Louvre Edition\n.\nPerhaps the first thing that catches your attention will probably be the DS Matrix LED Vision headlamps with daytime running lights that consists of \n98 LEDs\n!\n \nAs for the headlamps, it\u2019s made up of 15 segments that light up and switch off individually depending on driving conditions. Along the side of the car are flush door handles, like the ones in the Range Rover Velar will certain, and origami-like C-pillars.\nThe rear end is perhaps the most beautiful section of the car with laser-etched taillights although there are two uncertainties from the rear end design.\nIt may look sleek, like the previous-generation Megane R.S. but we\u2019re not sure what visibility is like; and we\u2019re not sure if those exhaust outlets are fake \u2013 it was not mentioned.\nBy the way, those wheels measure up to 19- and 20-inch in size. DS claims that it is 10% lighter than conventional alloys of the same size but let\u2019s be real, wheels of that size will be heavy, regardless.\nIt\u2019s a whole different world on the inside the DS4 too. Every essential control is operated via hand gestures with invisible air-con vents!\nThat\u2019s because the main air-con vents are actually positioned around the switches at the centre of the dashboard. Like the main air-con vents, you\u2019d probably struggle to find the window switches as they\u2019re discreetly positioned by the side air vents.\nThe super-futuristic cabin can be specified with a wide range of materials such as forged carbon fibre, Alcantara, wood, and of course, leather. The seats are said to be supremely comfortable too, with the use of high-density foam.\nEntertainment is provided by a 690-watt Focal Electra sound system consisting of 14-speakers \u2013 the first in its segment \u2013 paired to a 10-inch infotainment system.\nThe standout safety feature in the DS4 has to be its 200 metre range infrared night vision display along with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities and blindspot monitoring up to 70 metres. The DS4 also comes with an Active Scan Suspension system that scans the road ahead with a windscreen-mounted camera and adjusts each of the suspension individually for optimum ride comfort.\nGALLERY"
"Everyone, say hello to the\u00a0Nissan BladeGlider. First surfaced at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Show, the DeltaWing-inspired electric vehicle (EV) is now on display at a special event in Brazil. The BladeGlider, in its version 2 guise, is now in its advanced prototype stage and could shape Nissan\u2019s EV cars in the future.\nDeveloped together with Williams Advanced Engineering, Nissan didn\u2019t choose the moniker \u201cBladeGlider\u201d just because it sounds cool. While there are elements of \u201cblade\u201d in its aesthetics, the car \u201cglides\u201d in motion, made possible thanks to the performance of its dual 130kW electric powertrain.\nThe total output for this beast is\u00a0\n268 hp\n and \n706 Nm\n of torque, and the BladeGlider weighs about\u00a0\n1,300kg\n. The electric motors are juiced by a\u00a0\n220kW lithium-ion battery\n. Performance wise, the BladeGlider completes the 0-100km/h sprint in less than \n5.0\u00a0seconds\n\u00a0and has a top speed of above\u00a0\n190km/h\n.\nNow here comes the interesting bit. The BladeGlider features a \ntorque vectoring\n system that channels appropriate amount of torque to all wheels. The system has three settings: \noff, agile\n and \ndrift\n mode. If the driver demands for grip and precision driving, select the agile mode and the torque vectoring system will intelligently manage torque distribution to each individual wheel, while preventing understeer in the process. Otherwise, if the driver wants more fun by going sideways, the drift mode is pretty self explanatory.   Interior wise, the BladeGlider\u2019s three-seater layout is a dead ringer to the McLaren F1. All occupants receive racing bucket seats with four-point safety harnesses with seats trimmed in a highly tactile blend of fabric and epoxy resin coating. As for now, two colour trims are offered:\u00a0Cyber Green and Stealth Orange.\nThe racecar-inspired BladeGlider epitomises Nissan\u2019s aim to expand its \nIntelligent Mobility philosophy\n, where driving pleasure is combined with environmental responsibility. That said, it would be interesting to see how much of the technology behind the BladeGlider will be incorporated into Nissan\u2019s future cars, such as the second-generation LEAF hatchback. Or maybe an electric powered GT-R isn\u2019t a bad idea after all.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Right after the weekend of the Goodwood Festival of Speed showcasing the V12-engined \nAston Martin Valkyrie\n, the company continued its bespoke limited-run supercar unveiling with the Valhalla hybrid supercar.\nThe stunning mid-engine limited-production supercar was first shown as a \nsketch concept in 2019\n, said to only have V6 engine power.\nAfter \njoining forces with Mercedes-AMG\n as well as running its own Formula 1 team rather than partnership with Red Bull Racing, Aston Martin has now equipped the Valhalla with a \n4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine\n and able to pivot from its own F1 racing program even more.\nThe company says the engine is its most advanced, responsive and highest performance V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, featuring a flat-plane crankshaft, redlining at 7,200 rpm and delivers \n750 hp\n, 30 hp more than the unit fitted in the \nMercedes-AMG GT Black Series\n.\nThere is still some time left before the end of the combustion engine so owners, as well as bystanders, can enjoy the aural pleasure carefully crafted from the V8 engine and top-exit tailpipes. \u00a0\nFor the electrified portion of this supercar, Aston Martin will place a motor on each axle, making it an \nelectric all-wheel drive\n set up. The electrical system will run on a 400-volt architecture and the combined system output of the hybrid system is \n950 hp\n.\nYou won\u2019t believe how much work goes into making an Aston Martin badge! More here!\nPaired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the Aston Martin Valhalla will complete the century sprint in just \n2.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n330 km/h\n. When fully charged, the compact battery will allow the supercar to travel up to \n15 km\n in zero-local emissions.\nWhile the Aston Martin Valhalla sounds like it will compete directly against the \n1,000-hp Ferrari SF90 Stradale\n, the construction of the chassis makes the British supercar even more glamorous. The Valhalla will be built around a new \ncarbon fibre tub\n with fixed seats, featuring Formula One-style \npushrod front suspension\n with inboard damper units. The rear axle will have a multi-link design.\nPushrod suspension arrangement allows more precise movement of the wheel and a much more compact packaging of the entire assembly. Response of the steering is also more amplified, benefiting driver enjoyment. \u00a0\nSurprisingly, even with a carbon fibre tub, the Valhalla is not significantly lighter than the series-production Ferrari, targeted to weigh 1,550 kg or just 20 kg lighter than the lightest specification SF90 Stradale. As such, the weight-to-power ratio of the Valhalla at this current performance target is \n1.63 kg/hp\n, just a little worse than the plug-in hybrid Ferrari.\nHowever, Aston Martin is quick to counter back these figures, as the Valhalla will have weight of a different kind that aids with cornering performance- high downforce. Thanks to the front surfaces, rear wing and underbody airflow through venturi tunnels, the Valhalla can generate \n600 kg of downforce \nat just 241 km/h, 54% more than the Italian hybrid supercar.\nWith all that horsepower and grip, Aston Martin is targeting a Nurburgring Nordschleife laptime of just six minutes and 30 seconds; a good 13 seconds quicker than the fastest production car, the \nPorsche 911 GT2 RS with Manthey Performance Kit\n.\nDynamic development of the Valhalla will be the task of Aston Martin\u2019s award-winning dynamics team and complemented with an enviable pool of talent which also includes four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenburg, the trio of drivers from the F1 Team.\nThey will give their invaluable perspective to the project and bring added authenticity to a car which boasts such a clear connection to Aston Martin\u2019s Grand Prix machines.\nThe name Valhalla denotes a warrior\u2019s paradise in ancient Norse mythology where warriors who die in battle go to rest. It also continues the tradition of Aston Martin \u201cV\u201d cars dating back to 1951 with the Vantage designation was given to the high-performance variants.\nGALLERY"
"It has been quite a run since 2006, but from next year onwards, we won\u2019t be seeing the familiar sight of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche unveiling new models on the global stage. The Denim-wearing, moustache-rocking CEO of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars will step down from the Board of Management by end of this year and seek election as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board which is expected to take effect in 2021.\nOla K\u00e4llenius will take over the wheel at Daimler and Mercedes-Benz in 2019.\nReplacing Zetsche at the helm will be Ola K\u00e4llenius, who currently oversees Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. The 49-year old Swede will be the first non-German to lead the largest automotive premium brand in the world. K\u00e4llenius was appointed to the Board of Management in 2015 as the Head of Marketing & Sales for Mercedes-Benz cars and had been heavily tipped to succeed Zetsche.\nFrom the demerger of Daimler and Chrysler in 2007 to reclaiming the premium car crown from BMW in 2016, Zetsche has steered Daimler through tricky waters and initiated transformation on many levels. Under his watch, Mercedes-Benz shed its stodgy image and reinvented itself as a cool carmaker driven by innovation and forward-thinking ideas and is now primed for the future of electrified and connected mobility. Dr. Zetsche also personally played his part in softening the image of Mercedes-Benz by appearing many lighthearted videos, such as the 2017 year-end message above. We are looking forward to his final one as CEO of Daimler in a few months time."
"Forget supercars \u2013 the updated 2023 Peugeot 208 is\n the\n forbidden fruit that we\u2019re drooling over the most, thanks to the latest facelift update that takes the \nalready-handsome compact\n hatchback to even greater heights. Why can\u2019t we Malaysians have nice things, too? (\nSpoiler: it\u2019s you, you SUV-obsessed bunch\n).\nThe biggest change on the new 2023 Peugeot 208 (and E-208) is up front. The frameless grille is now larger, and features a body-coloured mesh pattern to draw your attention to the new Peugeot emblem. At the corners, the previous single lion fang daytime-running lights are also replaced by a new triple vertical claws design that Peugeot says is inspired by the \n9X8 hypercar race car\n.\nRound the back, the three claws tail lights from before are now horizontally aligned to visually widen the car. A set of new 16- and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels round out the exterior updates, while the range-topping GT version takes the aggression up another notch with the blacked-out wheel arches and black roof, alongside the exclusive three-element headlights to match the new light signature.\nRELATED: \nPeugeot unveils new interior design \u2013 Panoramic screen, touch-based controls in upcoming 3008\nChanges on the inside are fairly minimal, with most of the interior appointments and the i-Cockpit system pretty much carried over unchanged from the pre-facelift Peugeot 208. For this update, the 2023 Peugeot 208 now come equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen in the centre as standard, paired to a 10-inch digital instrument cluster on most variants.\nOther changes here are mostly creature comfort upgrades; the cameras are now higher in definition, the wireless charger (if optioned) gets a higher output, and you also get additional USB ports all around the cabin. Opt for the GT version, and you\u2019ll also get an Alcantara-lined interior, contrasted by Adamite Green accents on the armrests, dashboard, and seat pipings.\nVariants with the automatic gearbox will retain their low-profile rocker gear shifter on the centre, but the manual variant gets an updated shift knob as part of the 2023 update for improved ergonomics.\nYep, the French carmaker will still be offering manual transmission options on the updated 2023 Peugeot 208. That said, they\u2019re only available on the pure internal combustion engine (ICE) options featuring the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder engine, rated at \n75 hp\n (five-speed manual) for the PureTech 75 and \n101 hp\n (six-speed manual) for the PureTech 100.\nAll automatic variants on the 2023 Peugeot 208 facelift, meanwhile, get 48V mild-hybrid assistance as part of its six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Paired to the same 1.2-litre turbocharged three-pot mill, outputs for the automatic variants are rated at \n101 hp\n and \n136 hp\n respectively for the Hybrid 100 and Hybrid 136 variants.\nThe highlight here, however, is the updated powertrain in the Peugeot E-208. A slightly larger battery pack (now 51 kWh instead of 50 kWh) increases the EV range up to 400 km (WLTP), up from 362 km from before, while an improved electric motor also raises its power output up to 156 hp, compared to the 136 hp of the pre-facelift model.\nA 7.4 kW single-phase on-board AC charger is standard, requiring approximately four hours and 40 minutes to recharge from 20-80%. This can be shortened quite significantly if you opt for the 11 kW three-phase AC charger, or if you\u2019re really in a hurry, DC fast charging is also supported out of the box at speeds of up to 100 kW.\nALSO READ: \n2023 Peugeot 508 updated with new looks, but old engine tech\nThe European best-seller will begin deliveries in the continent later this year, before expanding to other markets by early next year. Don\u2019t keep your hopes up for it to make an appearance here in Malaysia, though, as the crossover models are more popular locally, and Stellantis is in the business of making money instead of pleasing weird car nerds like me.\nAt least, the Peugeot 2008 also recently \nreceived a facelift update globally\n with many of the same visual updates. The fully-electric \nPeugeot E-2008\n was also only \nrecently previewed \nhere in Malaysia, so chances are we\u2019ll be hearing about the launch of the fully-electric crossover very soon.\nGALLERY"
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia looks prepared to regaining the public\u2019s confidence and customer satisfaction.\nNo thanks to the challenging economy in 2016, consumers are more cautious than ever with their spending. Having that in mind, the company has announced a RM5 million investment to strengthen their customer service arm. The investment will see the development of a new Technical Centre, Body & Paint Centre as well as complementary 3-Year Roadside Assistance.\nIn addition to that, following the successful launch of the high-tech 408 e-THP (click \nhere\n to find out just how high-tech), Nasim is aiming to go on the product offensive with five model launches in 2017. Besides the B-segment hatchback and crossover (\n208 and 2008 facelift\n), we will see the launch of the \nall-new 3008 SUV\n, all-new 5008 SUV (no longer an MPV) and Traveller MPV.\nBased on the \nlimited information we have on hand\n,\u00a0the 3008 SUV will arrive here in Malaysia with a sole engine choice, the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, all \n165 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n are sent to the front wheels. We recently had a spin in the all-new 3008 in Bologna and it\u2019s a shame that the \nturbodiesel won\u2019t be offered alongside the Prince\n.\nMoving onto the 5008, the new seven-seater SUV is positioned to go against the likes of Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. Internationally, the 5008 is available in a variety of engine ranging from 1.2-litre turbo petrol to 2.0-litre turbodiesels. We can expect Nasim to introduce either the 1.6-litre PureTech 165 petrol\u00a0or the 2.0-litre BlueHDi outputting\u00a0\n180 hp\n. Perhaps both?\nLastly, the Peugeot Traveller, an upmarket MPV that\u2019s able to accommodate up to nine passengers, will also be making its way here. It\u2019s powered purely by Peugeot\u2019s diesel engines, making anywhere between 95 hp to 180 hp. The diesel engines are all Euro 6 compliant. Comparable models include the\u00a0\nMercedes V-Class\n\u00a0and \nHyundai Grand Starex\n.\nWith the 208 and 2008 facelift set to arrive in Q1 and the 3008 1.6 THP in Q2, it seems that the guys at Peugeot Malaysia are really going all out next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPeugeot 208 5-door   Peugeot 2008 Crossover   Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP\nPeugeot 5008 MPV   Peugeot Traveller"
"While Tesla CEO Elon Musk did not specifically spell out \u2018Level 5 autonomy\u2019, he claimed that by the middle of 2020, there would be a million Tesla vehicles with self-driving capability \u2018at a reliability level that we would consider that no one needs to pay attention\u2019.\n \nLooks unreal, but it is happening.\nMusk made this prediction at a recent briefing to investors called the \nTesla Autonomy Day\n. He said that by virtue of a software update sometime next year, existing Tesla vehicles fitted with the necessary hardware can self-drive without human intervention or attention, and that includes being able to read traffic lights and to react to other vehicles and road users.\nTesla self-driving computer: developed in-house, manufactured by Samsung.\nThe push for a self-driving future at Tesla is further accelerated by the introduction of a self-driving computer with a proprietary micro-chip developed in-house and manufactured by Samsung. \u00a0Instead of sourcing from suppliers such as Nvidia, Musk claims that the Tesla\u2019s micro-chip is the \u2018best in the world\u2019 and is many times more powerful than what it previously used, but also less costly.\nMusk also revealed that the Model S, Model X and Model 3 are already being fitted with this new self-driving computer on the production lines."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) said that it\u2019ll be unveiling two fully-electric models in the country this year. They\u2019ve already launched the first one last week with the\n EQA\n, but now it seems that we don\u2019t have to wait too long for the second as the company has just teased the \nMercedes-Benz EQS \non its website, accompanied by a page for potential buyers to register their interest.\nThis seems to fall nicely in line with our \nprevious rumour\n, suggesting that the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQS could be launched here in Malaysia in CKD (locally-assembled) form!\nScreenshot: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\nAs usual, the company did not provide any form of information on the car\u2019s local specifications. Globally, the fully-electric flagship sedan is offered in three variants, starting with the single-motor EQS 350 offering \n292 hp\n and \n565 Nm\n of torque, followed by the EQS 450+ with \n333 hp\n and \n568 Nm\n, and lastly the dual-motor EQS 580 4Matic with \n523 hp\n and \n855 Nm\n.\nSeeing that the EQS will likely be MBM\u2019s flagship EQ model, we\u2019re guessing that the latter two might stand a better chance to be introduced here in Malaysia. They\u2019re both equipped with the same 107.8 kWh battery pack, but the EQS 450+ is the range champion in the line-up, offering up to a whopping 770 km of range in a single charge based on the WLTP test cycle.\nThe EQS is also offered in a \nMercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+\n flavour, with a peak power output of \n761 hp\n and \n1020 Nm\n in Race Start mode. However, we\u2019re guessing that it\u2019s unlikely we\u2019ll be seeing it in Malaysia for the time being \u2013 at least not until the base car is available here first.\nVIDEO: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 EV SUV now in Malaysia, 5 Things\nAs it is a flagship model after all, we can expect the Mercedes-Benz EQS to come with a pretty extensive list of standard equipments here in Malaysia, including the Digital Light headlights (which debuted here with the \nall-new S-Class\n), rear entertainment screens, and powered rear seats.\nPricing, as usual, is also still up in the air. But just for comparison\u2019s sake, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e is \npriced at RM 698,744\n \u2013 we\u2019re assuming that the EQS will not stray too far from that figure, too, based on its pricing of the EQA compared to the \nGLA 250\n.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-EQS"
"Getting fuel for your car from a tanker is probably one of the ideas petroleum companies thought of but never got to implementing. After all, there are numerous scenarios where this service can come in handy. Enter the ROVR, Malaysia\u2019s first mobile refueling service.\nROVR mobile service is especially useful for fleet operators.\nPetronas, through their retail arm Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB), have been running a pilot programme for commercial customers (imagine it being deployed at a depot housing a fleet of buses or lorries) since October 2018, delivering over 1 million litres of fuel, and they are ready to roll out to B2B customers nationwide.\nROVR has been on trial since October 2018, delivering over 1 million litres of fuel.\n\u201cAt PDB, we invest heavily in understanding the customer journey and we address the frictions in their daily lives by offering progressive solutions. ROVR provides a new refuelling experience, and we are excited to have our customers be the first in Malaysia to experience this. We have received positive feedback from our B2B customers and we are ready to cater to more. We want our customers to move like never before as we continue to deliver a seamless and frictionless customer experience,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Zainal Abidin, MD and CEO of PDB.\nAdd a Silver Arrows pit crew for an unforgettable AMG track day.\nROVR fuel trucks are certified for fuel delivery and dispensing, adhering to health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) requirements stipulated by national regulatory bodies. All ROVR trucks are also equipped with sensors to monitor vital information and to maintain operational safety. ROVR\u2019s current fleet includes a 4,000-liter and three 11,000-liter capacity trucks for commercial customers, with a 3,000-liter capacity truck for end-consumers at a later stage. PDB will expand ROVR services nationwide and set up more refueling sites by the end of this year.\nThis 3,000-litre mobile refueling tanker is currently undergoing testing."
"Last month, Proton\u2019s car sales saw a 2.3% increase with 4,091 units sold compared to 3,999 in the month of April. The improved sales numbers also helped Proton record an unofficial 8.8% market share.\nThe main drivers behind this positive feat are the Persona and the \nSaga\n \u2013 currently two of Proton\u2019s most popular models. The increase in sales is also credited to the\n Government\u2019s recent zero-rated GST exercise\n.\nCheck out our review of the 1.3L Premium Saga \nhere\n\u201cPROTON continuously strives to provide the best deals for its customers as we realised that having good products alone is not enough if there are no additional attractions to pull customers into our showroom,\u201d said PROTON Edar Sdn Bhd, Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Rashid Musa.\nHence, we have concurrently put in place all the right measures and efforts for total quality improvement of our products, attractive offers for ease of car ownership and in the pipeline, the dealers upgrade of 3S and 4S centres which will prepare us to face the challenging market more positively,\u201d he added.\nThe Iriz \nyou can\u2019t have\n.\nIn conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations, Proton is also carrying out a Duit Raya promotion; where \nprices for the Saga starts from below RM 30,000\n for the 1.3-litre Standard Manual variant. There will also be savings of up to \nRM4,000 for Iriz\n and Ertiga and up to \nRM3,000 for Persona\n, on top of 0% GST."
"Still fresh from the hype of the new \nFerrari 812 Superfast launch in Malaysia\n, Ferrari has added fuel to the fire by revealing the new Portofino V8 GT which will be making its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.\nNamed after one of Italy\u2019s most picturesque towns, the new V8 Grand Tourer will be launched in a Rosso Portofino colour as a dedication to the charming town by the Italian Riviera.\nDespite being a grand tourer, the new Portofino is no slouch. 0 to 100 km/h takes a blinding \n3.5 seconds\n with a top speed of \n320 km/h\n. The source of this might comes from the Portofino\u2019s twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine producing \n591 hp\n @ 7,500 rpm and \n760 Nm\n of torque @ 5,250 rpm.\nCompared to the previous California T, the Portofino punches out \n40 hp more\n with the adoption of a new intake system, an improved exhaust system, redesigned pistons and connecting rods and recalibration of the engine\u2019s management software. A new one-piece-cast-exhaust header ensures that Ferrari\u2019s signature zero turbo lag throttle response is maintained.\nThe improvements, coupled with the Variable Boost Management which adjusts torque delivery according to the gears selected, enables the Portofino to be more efficient throughout the rev range, gears and also in its fuel consumption.\nThe Portofino is the first Ferrari of its kind to adopt the third generation \nelectronic rear differential (E-Diff3)\n alongside the F1-Trac system, to enhance the grip and control of the vehicle while on the limit. It is also the first GT to be fitted with \nElectronic Power Steering (EPS)\n for reduced steering ratio, increasing steering response.\nAs GT\u2019s go, comfort levels are just as vital as the performance it offers. With that in mind, the \nmagnetorheological damping system (SCM-E)\n has been uprated with a dual-coil technology to help reduce roll yet improve on shock absorption.\nOn the 4.5 meter (in length) Portofino features a large radiator grille opening that stretches from edge to edge of the contoured nose, complemented by a new full LED headlight fixture. The air intake tucked on the outside edge of these new headlights vents air into the front wheel arch and exits along the flank to reduce drag.\nIts tailights have been placed further apart whereby cleverly concealing the housing of the all-new retractable hard top that is not only lightweight but can be erected or retracted at low speeds. On the inside, the Portofino comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, a new air-conditioning system, a new steering wheel and 18-way electrically-adjustable seats. Occupants will also appreciate the new wind deflector which cuts air flow inside the cabin by 30%.\nCalifornia dreaming is over, next stop Portofino!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The BMW 5 Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, or BMW speak for facelift) has \njust made its official launch\n here in Malaysia last week, which brought with it some significant changes both inside and out of the executive sedan.\nLocally-assembled here in BMW Malaysia\u2019s Kulim assembly plant, the new 5-er is offered in two variants at launch, a 530e PHEV M Sport which starts at \nRM317,534\n, and the 530i M Sport starting at \nRM368,122\n \u2013 both an increment over its predecessors. So what do you get with the extra dough? Let\u2019s dive in and find out.\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, the most obvious update on the new BMW 5 Series is on its front fascia. The kidney grille has been reprofiled to be slightly larger with a more upright stature, though it\u2019s nothing like the ones on the \nnew M3 and M4\n that people like to criticise these days.\nFlanking the new grille are the new LED headlights, perhaps the main highlight of the redesign. A new L-shaped daytime-running light signature replaces the old hexagonal corona ring-inspired ones, while the entire headlight lens also gets a slimmer profile for a sleeker, more aggressive look.\nThe Laserlight units also get the unmistakable blue \u201ceyebrows\u201d.\nThe range-topping 530i variant also gets the fancier BMW Laserlight system, which can project light twice as far down the road compared to the regular adaptive LED units on the 530e.\nTo complement the new light signature, the front bumper has also been restyled with a line running through the gap between the two \u2018L\u2019 light signature, forming a coherent line with the shut lines on the bonnet.\nMoving over to the rear, the most noticeable change on the new BMW 5 Series are the tail light assembly, now covered with a new three-dimensional lens with a brand-new light signature. Further down, the bumper profile gets a slight makeover, alongside a new diffuser insert.\nTying up the exterior updates are the new sportier-looking Style 845 Y-spoke M wheels that are standard on both new variants, although its size is unchanged at 19-inches in diameter.\nINTERIOR\nInside the cabin, the new BMW 5 Series LCI retains most of the aesthetics of the outgoing model, aside from the now darker Smoke Grey Aluminium Rhombicle trim on the dashboard, doors, and centre console. The buttons on the centre console surrounding the gear lever has also been slightly reworked, with a new gloss black finishing.\nIn terms of equipment, both variants of the updated BMW 5 Series gets a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display atop the dashboard (10.25-inch on the outgoing model), paired to a new 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional fully-digital instrument cluster. The range-topping 530i variant also gets an additional head-up display unit.\nAside from these changes, plus the slightly reworked buttons on the steering wheel, everything else is essentially identical to the pre-facelift model, including the Dakota leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, and the powered sunroof (or lack thereof).\nSAFETY\nBarring the styling tweaks, the biggest difference between the old and new BMW 5 Series facelift is in the safety and conveniences department \u2013 well, on the range-topping 530i variant at least.\nBoth new models now get the Parking Assistant Plus suite, which can automatically park your car in both perpendicular and parallel spots, alongside a new 360-degree surround view monitor (only reverse parking camera on the outgoing model) which can even send the 3D birds-eye view to your phone in real time.\nHowever, only the BMW 530i gets the adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, a feature that was available on the previous fully-imported 530i model, and later removed on the locally-assembled one.\nOtherwise, both the 530e and 530i come fitted with the BMW Driving Assistant package that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert \u2013 untouched from the outgoing model.\nRadar module on the front bumper, only available on the BMW 530i M Sport.\nPERFORMANCE\nMechanically, the BMW 530i M Sport is essentially identical to its predecessor, aside from a higher pressure fuel injection system. Despite that, the engine output is still unchanged at 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels.\nPerformance figures are also unchanged \u2013 0-100 km/h takes \n6.4 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nThe new BMW 530e M Sport meanwhile receives an updated powertrain underneath the bonnet, which pairs the 184 hp/300 Nm B48 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill to a new 50 kW (68 hp) electric motor.\nAlthough the \n252 hp \nand \n420 Nm\n total system output figures are identical to the outgoing model, the updated PHEV powertrain features a new XtraBoost function that provides an\u00a0\nextra 40 hp for 10 seconds\n, increasing the power output temporarily to 292 hp during heavier acceleration.\nAs a result, the PHEV 5-er\u2019s century sprint time is dropped from 6.2 seconds to \n5.9 seconds\n, while top speed remains unchanged and is electronically cut off at \n235 km/h\n. Additionally, the 530e also now gets a larger 12 kWh battery (up from 9.2 kWh), which increases the fully-electric range up from 48 km to \n67 km\n.\nSo there you have it, an overview of what\u2019s new on the BMW 5 Series facelift. Is it worth the extra cash? Well, that\u2019s for you to decide. We do really like how the new car looks, though!\nFor a detailed breakdown of all of the new specifications on both the BMW 530i and 530e M Sport, be sure to check out our full Facts & Figures write-up, \nhere\n.\nGALLERY\n2021 BMW 530e M Sport\n2021 BMW 530i M Sport"
"A month after its launch in Indonesia, the \nToyota Sienta\n is set to join the Malaysian lineup after UMW Toyota Motor took the wraps off the small MPV at the My Auto Fest 2016. If all goes well, this small and funky seven-seater will be on sale by the end of 2016.\nThe Sienta will be sold alongside the popular\u00a0\nAvanza\n, but Toyota says the former is packaged to suit the younger demographic and those with a small family. The top-of-the-line Sienta seen here in these pictures feature automated \nsoft closing rear\u00a0sliding doors\n.   What the Sienta shares with the Avanza is the powertrain, which means underneath the hood is the\n 1.5-litre 2NR-FE Dual VVTI engine \nmated to a\n\u00a0CVT with seven virtual ratios\n. The similar powertrain will be in place for the long-awaited \nVios facelift\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels, unlike the Avanza\u2019s rear-wheel drive configuration.\nThis variant gets a decent safety kit, comprised of all-round disc brakes, \nVehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA)\n, ABS with EBD and\n three airbags \n\u2013 dual front and a driver\u2019s knee airbag.\nCreature comforts are plenty in\u00a0our Sienta, as it receives\u00a0LED headlights, a 4.2-inch multi-info display built within the instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment screen in the centre dash, digital air conditioning, electric sliding doors and\u00a0keyless entry with push start button. The third-row seats can be uniquely folded down and pushed underneath the second-row seats in order to make room for cargo.\nThe Sienta will become UMW Toyota\u2019s middle child between the Avanza and the Innova, and tentative pricing is around the RM100,000 ballpark. Look out for the Sienta when it\u2019ll be officially unveiled before the end of 2016. Meanwhile, enjoy the gallery below.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"His name is Jorge and he hails from Alberta, Canada. Nearly 20 years ago, he watched the first The Fast and the Furious movie in 2001 and was instantly captivated with the aftermarket tuning scene following the first drag race in the movie.\nIt featured Vin Diesel in a Mazda RX-7, the late Paul Walker in a Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Ja Rule in a Honda Integra among others. Since then, he has never looked back. The interest grew into a hobby that has since snowballed into an obsession.\n \nIt\u2019s an obsession he hopes would end with a \ngrand total of 35 replicas\n from the Fast and Furious franchise, due to spousal pressure. As it stands, Jorge has built, to near exact specification, a collection of 24 replicas featured in the last 20 years of the franchise.\nAnd it all started with the green Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by Paul Walker in the original film. It wasn\u2019t even his intention to have the largest collection of Fast & Furious replicas, highlighting that he had flipped 10 units of the A80 Toyota Supra to fund his \u201caddiction\u201d.\nThe level of dedication required to build such a collection of cars, however, extends beyond just having the financial means to do so. Take the blue Subaru Impreza Ver.10 for example, which Jorge said is his most accurately replicated Fast & Furious car, aside from the green Eclipse.\nJorge and his Mazda RX-7 replica from the The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift.\nHe had gone to the extent of contacting the owner of the original Impreza replica, just so he could get pictures and videos of it, in order to build his own replica to the exact specification.\nIt\u2019s all got to be worth it though; who else can actually replicate the final race from the first-ever movie? Oh yea, that\u2019s right. He has Dominic Toretto\u2019s Dodge Charger too!\nCredit: \nRoads Untraveled"
"Everything just looks more beautiful with cherry blossoms in the background, don\u2019t you think? This MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk seems to have proven so.\nSpecial spring messengers is what MINI calls them \u2013 an indicator that spring has arrived and a symbol of anticipation for magical moments to be celebrated together in the open air, it seems.\nIt\u2019s beautiful, we get it and if I\u2019m honest, there\u2019s not much to this aside from a collection of beautiful images. Car companies are finding it difficult to produce content with the global lockdown so the cheeky boys and girls from MINI took this opportunity for shout about the MINI Convertible Sidewalk and how it\u2019s the most \u201cspring time\u201d vehicle you can buy \u2013 we wouldn\u2019t disagree.\nThis colourful splendour is located at Breite Stra\u00dfe (or rather Broad Street) in Bonn \u2013 once the capital of Germany. Contrasting the white and pink, is a Deep Laguna metallic Convertible Sidewalk, with 17-inch light alloy Scissor Spoke wheels. Convertible Sidewalk and Scissor Spoke \u2013 MINI is just going to town with the names, aren\u2019t they?\nThe Sidewalk is sheltered by a roof that features artistically-woven arrow graphics and takes just 18 seconds to open up. With that, MINI said the first blossoms are able to fall on the anthracite-coloured seats contrasted with Petrol and Energetic Yellow stitching, but no thanks \u2013 vacuuming isn\u2019t what I\u2019d call recreational.\nThe four-seater Convertible Sidewalk is available with a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with either 102 hp or 136 hp or a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 192 hp in the Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual clutch unit.\nLocally, the Sidewalk Convertible model isn\u2019t available yet but you can still acquire a \nCooper S Convertible\n, for RM279,888 on-the-road. It comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with \n192 hp\n and\n 280 Nm\n. Alternatively, if you\u2019re looking for something much more exclusive, check out the \n60 Years Edition model\n with \u2013 you\u2019ve guessed it \u2013 only 60 units available in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia has officially put the \nall-new Lexus NX on sale in Malaysia\n, after opening its order books at the end of April. The Lexus NX is available in two variants; the \nNX250 Luxury from RM370,888\n\u00a0and the\u00a0\nNX350 F Sport from RM389,888\n. Both prices are on-the-road without insurance, excluding SST exemptions.\nIn its press release, Lexus highlighted that the all-new SUV consists of \n95% new components,\n and since we\u2019ve seen it (only the NX350 F Sport) in person, here are some of the highlights of the new SUV we thought are worth sharing.\nEngine and Transmission\nThe NX350 F Sport model gets a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine compared to the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine in the NX250 Luxury. Both may come with AWD and an 8-speed automatic but the NX350 produces far more power, with \n275 hp\n and \n430\n \nNm \ncompared to the 204 hp and 243 Nm in the NX250 Luxury.\nAt the Sepang International Circuit, where we got to test mainly the SUV\u2019s performance and cornering stability, it was clear how different the Lexus NX was in terms of acceleration compared to its German competitors.\nUnlike the German SUVs fitted with turbocharged engines, with a (potent) forward surge when the turbo kicks in, the Lexus NX350 F Sport accelerated in a more progressive fashion even though it had far more torque than most 2.0-litre turbocharged German SUVs. The way it delivered its power felt more like an SUV with a big displacement, non-turbocharged engine.you almost can\u2019t feel the turbo kicking in and that was what Lexus was aiming to deliver.\nElectronically Controlled Full-Time AWD\nOf the two variants, only the NX350 F-Sport comes with an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system that can distribute power between the front and rear wheels from 75:25 to 50:50 to offer different driving sensations and assurance depending on the road condition. Also, only the NX350 F Sport comes with Sport+ mode which sharpens the SUV even more; mainly the suspension and throttle response.\nAdaptive Variable Suspension \nAnother item reserved only for the F Sport variant is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that offers sharper handling, and better stability with reduced body roll, which is especially obvious through the corners. The suspension setup varies according to the drive mode selected and has had a significant effect on the NX350\u2019s driving feel when we drove the SUV through a slalom course at the Sepang Circuit.\nIn Comfort mode, body roll was more apparent but at the same speed, in Sport Mode, there was noticeably less body roll while the steering and throttle felt more responsive and engaging.\nF-Sport goodies\nWith the striking new design of the Lexus NX \u2013 with more pronounced creases and arches than before \u2013 we thought the F Sport trim really allowed the SUV to pop. Opting for the NX350 F Sport allows you to stand out further with an F Sport Spindle grille with interlocking L-mesh design, Jet Black side mirrors, and roof rails, along with body-coloured wheel arch trims.\nInside, you\u2019d first be greeted with F Sport seats which are not only pleasing to look at but were also very supportive as we have experienced when driving the SUV around the bends of Sepang Circuit. Other F Sport-specific items include the pedals, door sills, and an F Sport steering wheel. Also available exclusively in the F-Sport variant is the progressive rev meter upon selecting Sport+ mode.\nL-shaped Daytime Running Lights\nWhile we may not have considered the \nprevious NX \nto be an eye-sore, it would take some convincing to call it good-looking. With the new NX, they\u2019ve sharpened everything up and now, it\u2019s extremely hard to not go \u201cWow!\u201d but that\u2019s not all.\nExterior design and F Sport items aside, Lexus has also taught the daytime running lights a new trick to give the SUV a little more character. Now, the DRLs get brighter upon acceleration and dims down when the SUV slows down, giving a sense of the Lexus NX \u2018coming to life\u2019.\nFront doors\nRear doors\ne-Latch door opening system\nThe Lexus NX debuts the new e-Latch door opening system that eliminates the conventional 2-step motion of unlocking and opening the doors. Instead of pulling the door handle from the inside or out to unlock the door, and subsequently pushing/pulling the doors open, the new system incorporates a switch on both ends of the door handles to unlock and open the doors in a single motion. The e-Latch system is also supported by a manual door lever mechanism to open the doors in case the e-Latch system fails.\nMore images of the Lexus NX350 F Sport AWD \nhere\n!"
"Just yesterday, we posted a story on \nAudi\u2019s \u201con demand+\u201d app\n which allows you to drive Audi\u2019s comprehensive range of cars at hourly charges without the cost of ownership. Now Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) too is allowing you to experience their range \u2013 in Augmented Reality.\nPCNA has just introduced a new 3D augmented reality app called the \nPorsche AR Imagine\n. The app literally places the brand into the hands of consumers \u2013 allowing them to design their own Porsche and digitally place it into their personal space such as on their porch.\nUsers can also customise their virtual Porsche by selecting from a range of exterior colours, wheel design and interior option but that\u2019s not all. Once completed, you can also drive it in 3D augmented reality. Models on showcase now are the \n911 Turbo S\n, \n718 Boxter S\n and \nPanamera Turbo Sport Turismo\n. The free app is available iPhone and iPad from the App Store in the United States.\n\u201cWe\u2019re excited to offer consumers and enthusiasts a completely new way of experiencing our sports cars. For us to be wherever our fans are \u2013 with the Porsche of their dreams \u2013 is the road ahead.\u201dsaid President and CEO at PCNA, Klaus Zellmer.\nThe Porsche AR-Imagine app is compatible with \niPhone 6s\n or later, iPad Pro and iPad (2017) running \niOS 11\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Bugatti Veyron: \n8-litre W16\n monstrosity, 64 valves, \nfour turbochargers\n, a total of \n10 radiators\n, various output figures ranging from \n1,000 hp to 1,200 hp\n, blistering \n2.6 seconds\n century sprint, top speed in excess of \n400 km/h\n; some say it\u2019s the greatest car ever made, while Jeremy Clarkson thinks it\u2019s the greatest car we will ever see in our lifetime.\nA good ten years and\n 450 units\n produced since the first Veyron shook the world, it\u2019s time to bid farewell to the decorated\u00a0four-wheeled rocket. The \n450th Veyron Sport Vitesse La Finale\n (chassis number 450) has already been sold to a Middle Eastern customer and it will\u00a0be on display at Geneva alongside the very first Veyron 16.4.\n \nWatch the live stream video here next Tuesday evening at 6.10pm!\nThe La Finale signals the end of the current Veyron era, but the end is far out of reach for Bugatti. Sources indicated that the Veyron will be succeeded in \n2016\n, boasting some serious hardware that could make up to \n1,500 horsepower \nand\n 2,000 Nm\n of torque. It all seems too good to be true as of now, but didn\u2019t we say that before the Veyron\u2019s conception?"
"BMW Group Malaysia announced yesterday that it has received 64 pre-booking registrations for the fully electric BMW iX just five days after \nits launch here\n, coinciding with Malaysia\u2019s 64th National Day.\n\u201cWe are pleased to see Malaysians take a bold step in choosing sustainable mobility as part of their lifestyle, which underlines our belief that the future is in fact electric. We have long committed to shape the future of mobility in the country, and we will confidently continue to cultivate the shift towards electromobility further by accelerating the availability of charging infrastructures in Malaysia and rapidly expanding the BMW i dealer network in key cities nationwide,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Hans de Visser.\nLaunched: BMW iX xDrive40 electric SUV now in Malaysia, from RM419k!\nThe pre-booking was offered on the \nBMW Shop Online\n platform for a fee of RM5,000. As part of the pre-booking fee, customers are also entitled to complimentary charger installation although you\u2019d have to buy the charger yourself along with 1-year access to ChargEV\u2019s public charging stations.\nThe offer was initially offered to 50 customers but has now been extended to 100 customers. The offer ends on the 22nd of September 2021.\nIn time, BMW Malaysia will also offer the iX xDrive50 but for now, the iX will only be available in the xDrive40 variant. It gets two electric motors to drive all four wheels, with an output of 326 hp and 630 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 6.1 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h.\nIt\u2019s powered by a 76.6 kWh battery, capable of returning 425 km of driving range. A full charge with the standard charger will take about seven hours.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the iX xDrive40 starts from RM4,888 per month, based on an 80% loan on a five-year tenure."
"It\u2019s been almost five years since the demise of the \n159\n, and now Alfa Romeo\u2019s compact exec is back with a resurrected name from the 1960s.\nThis, ladies and gentlemen, is the\n Alfa Romeo Giulia \n(pronounced Julia), finally revealed after years of development hiccups, and just in time for their \n105th anniversary celebration\n.\nUnveiled at the newly-refurbished \nAlfa Romeo Museum\n in Arese, the Giulia is primed with an \nall-new rear-wheel drive platform\n, and already it has its sights set on the usual suspects, such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the likes of it all. It even comes with a\n restyled Alfa Romeo badge\n to mark its return as a proper driver-focused Alfa.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Giulia looks gorgeous in these official pictures. Being a rear-wheel drive sedan allows the Giulia to have a \nshorter front overhang\n compared to the front-wheel drive 159 it replaces, giving it a \nmore dynamic stance\n than the nose-heavy predecessor.\nNothing too radical with the styling, \nde rigeur\n triangular \u201c\ntrefoil\n\u201d shield grille is present at the front coupled with a pair of keen-looking horizontal headlamps, the side is characterised by a deep signature line, while the back features a pair of sharp taillamps.\n \n \nMarked by the \niconic triangular emblem\n on the front fenders, the Giulia you\u2019re seeing here is the hot \nQuadrifoglio\n variant, and it\u2019s wearing a\n fancy aerokit\n to complement its equally hot hardware underneath.\nThe kit includes a front \nActive Aero Splitter\n that serves to regulate the downforce, additional flics on the side skirts, a \nboot lid spoiler\n, a serious-looking \nrear diffuser\n incorporating a couple of twin tailpipes on each side, and a set of anthracite five-hole wheels.\nINTERIOR\nAlfa haven\u2019t release any official interior pictures yet, but they insist that the Giulia will have a \nsmall steering wheel\n with a bunch of controls \u201c\nin a similar fashion to a Formula 1 car\n\u201c; we\u2019re guessing something like the steering in the \nFerrari 488 GTB\n. Additionally, \ntwo simple knobs\n are provided to control the infotainment system and the \nAlfa DNA selector\n, where the driver can choose from Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficient, and an extra Racing mode in the Giulia Quadrifoglio.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Quadrifoglio variant is fitted with a \n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n tuned by \u201cengineers from a Ferrari background\u201d, and it\u2019s equipped with electronically-controlled\n cylinder deactivation system\n. Constructed out of \nlightweight aluminium\n, the V6 generates \n510 hp\n and it will get the Giulia from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in a blistering \n3.9 seconds\n. The engine is also claimed to produce the special Alfa Romeo soundtrack to go with the said performance.\nThe suspension consists of a double-wishbone at the front and \u201cAlfalink\u201d multilink at the rear, together with electronically-controlled \nadaptive dampers\n. There\u2019s also a \ndouble-clutch Torque Vectoring system\n for optimum traction and the \nIntegrated Brake System\n for a quicker brake response.\nLightweight materials such as \ncarbon fibre\n for the bonnet and roof, and\n aluminium\n for the doors and front and rear frames help to achieve an impressive \nweight-to-power ratio\n of \nless than 3 kg per hp\n. The components are also carefully organised to acquire the perfect \n50/50 weight distribution\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Giulia will enter the European market some time next year, so it\u2019s still a long wait for the \nAlfisti\n out there. Alfa will eventually announce the lesser variants of the Giulia, and word on the grapevine that a couple of\n\u00a0four-cylinder engines\n (petrol and diesel each), and a \nV6 diesel\n will find their way under the Giulia\u2019s shapely bonnet. There will be an\n all-wheel drive option\n too. So, what do you think of Alfa\u2019s new \u2018Romeo\u2019?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Having introduced the \nID.3 \nand \nID.4\n electric vehicles (EV), Volkswagen is now moving downwards to offer a more compact city car under the \nID. sub-brand\n. At the ongoing 2021 IAA Munich Motor Show, Volkswagen has presented the ID. Life concept that previews a compact and entry-level EV.\nThe design brief for the Volkswagen ID. Life is strikingly clear with simple lines without any complex shapes of geometry. Circular lighting at the front and back breaks away from the current ID. design language. Hidden door handles and the absence of physical side mirrors are meant to further improve the aerodynamic qualities of the concept car.\nAt this stage, the ID. Life is still viewed as a city hatchback with a crossover character and a high ground clearance of 190 mm. Measuring just 4,091 mm in length brings it like a Volkswagen \nT-Cross\n, but a very wide 1,845 mm width brings it as wide as a \nTiguan\n. Not so compact anymore then.\nIt is however the interior of the Volkswagen ID. Life that sets it apart and vows young consumers, able to transform into a comfortable cinema or gaming lounge for two. This is possible thanks to the inclusion of a game console and projector with a retractable screen that will use the entire area of the windscreen. Heavy digitalisation will be key to winning new customers in this decade.\nUnlike fully autonomous (Level 4) concept cars, the steering wheel and foot pedals\n \nof the ID. Life will not be hidden away and as such, onboard entertainment will only be possible when the vehicle is parked.\nThe ID.5 GTX is Volkswagen\u2019s first-ever all-electric SUV Coupe. More about the yet-to-be-released teaser here.\nFor those who plan to rest a little longer after the movie experience, the rear seats also can fold flat, making both rows of seats into a comfortable lying area in cabin space with a total of 1,285 litres of space, similar to a C-segment SUV. Lining the interior of the Volkswagen ID. Life concept are high amounts of natural and recycled materials such as sustainable wood for the dash panel and eco fabrics and textiles for the seats.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nOne common issue with usage of larger smartphones with connectivity to the car is the lack of proper storage spaces. The Volkswagen ID. Life is cleverly placing flexible smartphone pouches with charging function on the doors. The vehicle will also be able to provide electricity to the grid, akin to a mobile power bank to support the national grid or during emergencies.\nThe Volkswagen ID. Life concept, based on the smaller Volkswagen electric drive matrix (MEB) platform, will also be the first model in the ID. family to feature front-wheel drive propulsion. The front-mounted motor has \n234 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n and takes energy from a battery pack with 57 kWh content.\nBallpark figures for the performance of the Volkswagen ID. Life concept are a driving range of 400 km, a 10-minute charge adds 163 km of range and 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \n6.9 seconds\n. It is a much larger and more powerful EV than the \nHonda e\n.\nThe entry-level Volkswagen ID. Life is expected to be priced between \nEUR20,000 to EUR25,000\n (approx. RM98,000 to RM123,000), with production to begin only in 2025 and perhaps carrying the ID.2 name.\nVolkswagen will stop selling petrol-powered cars in Europe by 2035, with 70% of the line-up already EV by 2030. More about the plans here.\nGALLERY"
"First introduced in 2019\n, Hyundai has updated the Veloster N with an 8-speed wet dual clutch gearbox that the company says can help the car shift faster \u2013 cutting its 0 to 100 km/h time to 5.6 seconds, down 0.5 seconds from the manual model \u2013 traditionally the designated gearbox for Hyundai\u2019s N models.\nThey\u2019ve gone to great lengths to produce this video to highlight a few other updates and frankly, it\u2019s \na far cry from their earlier N promotional video which was amusing but borderline disturbing\n. This one\u2019s definitely more informative, interactive and entertaining.\n \nThe first significant feature in the video is the Veloster N\u2019s or \u201ccorner rascal\u201d, as Hyundai calls it, \nN Power Shift\n system. It\u2019s engaged when the car accelerates with more than 90% throttle input to reduce loss in power and torque during gear shifts.\nThe animated racer then proceeds to engage the Veloster\u2019s\n N Grin Shift\n mode. When selected, the system \nincreases torque by 7% from 353 Nm to 378 Nm for a period of 20 seconds\n. There\u2019s even a countdown (as seen in the video) of that 20 seconds! Hyundai says it\u2019s performance that is certain to induce \u201cdriver grin\u201d.\nOnce the video transitions from an urban environment to the track, it highlights the car\u2019s \nN Track Sense Shift\n feature which operates automatically; knowing the right gear to select with quicker shift times, according to road and driving conditions. Hyundai claims that it has made the DCT-equipped Veloster N almost a second quicker around a track compared to the manual model.\nWhat also caught our attention in the video were the \nN Light Sports\n bucket seats. Wrapped in soft Alcantara, the seats are said to be thinner, two kilograms lighter than the standard seats and come with an illuminated N logo.\nFinally, there\u2019s the \nN Power Sense Axle\n \u2013 an enhanced front axle \u2013 that\u2019s lighter but stiffer for more responsive steering and the \nN Corner Carving Differential\n. It\u2019s an electronic limited-slip differential that Hyundai says increases cornering speeds by 5%, reduces understeer and wheel slip.\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has announced the arrival of the 2016 \nPorsche Macan\n range that has been given an update to the equipment list.\nCustomers can now specify the new \nfull-LED headlamps\n with \nPorsche Dynamic Light System Plus\n (PDLS Plus) from the options list for the new Macan. By doing so they will get a pair of smart headlamps that bend in corners as well as automatically adjust the beam depending on the speed and surrounding light source detected by the on-board camera.\n \n \nEqually smart is the new \nPorsche Communication Management\n (PCM) infotainment system inside the cabin. Accessed by the tablet-like user interface on the \n7-inch touchscreen\n display incorporated in the dashboard, it even has a proximity sensor and allows for on-screen multi-touch selection. The PCM also supports \nApple CarPlay\n connectivity.\nThe \nnavigation system\n is new too, featuring \n3D map\n, real-time traffic info, and accepts input via \nvoice commands\n.\nUnder the clamshell bonnet, the \nMacan 2.0\n receives a\n 15 hp\n and \n20 Nm power hike\n, delivering a total of \n252 hp\n at 5,000 to 6,800 rpm and \n370 Nm\n at 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. The power increase cuts down the \n0 to 100 km/h\n sprint time to \n6.7 seconds\n, 0.2 seconds quicker than before. The rest of the Macan range will soldier on with their respective powerplants.\nSDAP will reveal the 2016 Porsche Macan\u2019s prices at a later date. Currently, the outgoing Macan range is priced at RM435,000 for the Macan 2.0, RM560,000 for the Macan S Diesel, RM590,000 for the Macan S and RM820,000 for the Macan Turbo.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the introduction of the \u201c\nR-Performance Pack\n\u201d for the \nVolkswagen Golf R MK 7.5\n couple months back, Volkswagen has introduced yet another performance upgrade for its hot hatch \u2013 the Performance Pack. The new upgrade is only available for DSG equipped Golf R facelift.\nFor \u00a32,300 (RM12.6k), you get new visual bits of \n19-inch Spielberg alloy wheels\n and a \nrear spoiler\n (hatchback only). The \n\u201cR-Performance\u201d brake system\n that debuted on the \u201cR-Performance Pack\u201d cuts overall weight by \n2 kgs\n and adds new high-performance brake pads with superior hot braking response to ensure consistent bite during track outings as well as silver brake callipers with R-lettering.\nThe electronically restricted top speed of 250 km/h has been lifted, allowing the Golf R hatchback to hit \n267 km/h\n on the hatchback and\n\u00a0270 km/h\n on the estate body. Volkswagen attributes the lower top speed on the hatch to the new functional rear spoiler that adds \n20 kg more downforce\n. Mechanically, it retains the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-potter that churns out \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch.\nAdditionally, customers can now order the \nAkrapovic titanium exhaust system\n ala carte from factory for \u00a32,975 (RM16k). The new exhaust system saves \n7 kg\n on the rear axles and features valve control technology that opens and closes the valves according to the car\u2019s Driving Mode Selection \u2013 Eco Normal, Sport and Race.\nThe Volkswagen Golf R facelift has been a familiar sighting in other markets but is still missing from our local scene. Earlier this year, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) hinted that the \nGolf facelift range was supposed to arrive on our shores this year\n. But looking at the calendar, we might have to wait till 2018 for it to make its local debut.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When the \nall-new Audi RS3\n was launched a couple of weeks back, we called it the new performance king of its segment, just because there\u2019s nothing out there that can compare to its numbers. But numbers are just that, numbers; you can\u2019t be the best at something without proving it with actual tangible results, so that\u2019s exactly what Audi did \u2013 by setting a new record with the RS3 at the \nNurburgring Nordschleife\n.\n \nAs of June 14, 2021 (but only announced today), the all-new Audi RS3 sedan is now the official record holder for the fastest compact car around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with a verified time of \n7:40.748\n, beating the \nRenault Megane R.S\n\u2018s previous record by 4.64 seconds.\nFor the record to be official, the car had to essentially be bone stock, which the RS3 was, aside from the Pirelli P Zero \u201cTrofeo R\u201d semi-slick tires that are available as an optional extra from the factory \u2013 sometimes we wonder if these ultra-niche items are offered just for the sake of setting \u201cofficial\u201d lap records, but we digress.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is now the fastest road-legal car around the \u2018Ring. Watch the lap here!\nPiloting the Audi RS3 to the new Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record was Audi Sport racing and development driver, Frank Stippler, who attributed the newfound performance to the Torque Splitter technology in the car\u2019s Quattro all-wheel drive system.\n\u201cFor me, the torque splitter is a quantum leap in terms of agile driving,\u201d Stippler said after setting the record lap. \u201cIn general, the new RS3\u00a0is much more agile when driving from the middle of the curve to its end and when accelerating out of the curve.\u201d\nThese two Dutch brothers gave a new meaning to \u201cRing Taxi\u201d. with a Proton Wira taxi car! Check it out here.\nThe Torque Splitter works in combination with the newly-developed RS Performance driving mode, which essentially sets the engine and transmission into an all-out attack setting for the racetrack.\nIn this mode, the torque splitter works to provide the \u201cmost neutral handling\u201d possible, with a dab of oversteer or understeer depending on the actual driving situation. According to Audi, this enables the driver to accelerate earlier upon exiting a corner, thus resulting in faster lap times.\nPorsche\u2019s new 640 hp Cayenne Turbo GT meanwhile holds the record for the SUV category. Read more about it here!\nThe only other modification made to the record-seetting RS3 came in the form of a tuned tyre pressure, specifically catered to the Nurburgring\u2019s track conditions and weather of the day during the record attempt.\n\u201cWe don\u2019t have unlimited opportunities to try for a record like this,\u201d said Stippler. \u201cThat\u2019s why a little is always necessary on the day when it matters \u2013 particularly with respect to tire pressure, because that also affects how the torque splitter functions.\u201d\nAudi RS3 Technical Project Leader Marvin Schw\u00e4tter said, \u201cWhen we started development, we didn\u2019t know just how quickly our compact sportscar would really be on the Nordschleife. But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record.\u201d\nMission accomplished it is, then, for the Audi RS3 and the entire project team \u2013 as it is now the indisputable performance king of the segment. Although we\u2019re not sure if they can rest easy, as there\u2019ll certainly be more parties interested in gunning for the same record now, just for bragging rights at the very least.\nGALLERY"
"Subaru and its performance and motorsports division, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), has unveiled their fully electric concept vehicle called Electric Record Attempt or STI E-RA. The company intends to learn new electric propulsion technologies to prepare itself for an emission-free world of motorsports in the near-future. \u00a0\nThe STI team will attempt to perform multiple electric vehicle record lap times in Japan this year, and then head to the famed Nurburgring in 2023 with a target lap time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. The current record lap time (EV) is held by the \nVolkswagen ID.R\n electric concept machine, completing the 20.8 km \u2018Nordschleife\u2019 loop in 6 minutes and 5.336 seconds. Perhaps Subaru is trying to set a new record on the full 24-hour layout that is over 25 km, hence the additional 35 seconds longer lap time.\nThe STI E-RA has plans to have up to \n1,088 hp\n (or 800 kW) and a new iteration of its famed all-wheel drive technology via a proprietary four-motor setup. For the motors, a high-torque high-revolution type with an integrated inverter and a gear for hyper EVs, which were developed and supplied by Yamaha Motor have been adopted. This motor is driven by a lithium-ion battery with a storage capacity of 60 kWh.\nThe four-motor four-wheel torque vectoring technology by Subaru and STI is said to independently apply the optimum drive torque to the four wheels as the load shifts, balancing the grip limit at each corner to deliver maximum grip and vehicle stability.\nHow much power do you need to hit zero to 60 mph in under 2 seconds? A lot! Find out the record run by Rimac here.\nThe company also plans to hone and fine tune the four-motor four-wheel torque vectoring technology as a key focus area as this has been included in the regulations for future motorsports such as FIA E-GT. \u00a0\u00a0\nAlongside the STI E-RA at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon are the \nSolterra\n STI Concept as well as the \nWRX\n STI performance Concept vehicles. Cherry-red highlights on the bodykit is the key differentiator in this new generation of Subaru vehicles with STI parts.\nGALLERY"
"Pick-up trucks just get better and better with every generation. While styling for a functional truck with a load deck behind can only differ so much from one brand to another, the all-new third-generation \nIsuzu D-Max X-Terrain\n sets itself apart thanks to clean lines and an upmarket interior that\u2019s unseen in the segment!\nFor the range-topping Isuzu D-Max 3.0L X-Terrain, the Valencia Orange paintwork is well paired with the dark grey highlights on the radiator grille, side mirrors, the door and tailgate handles plus the overfenders that blend cleanly onto the front bumper. Those 18-inch rims look racy too as if taken off from a Dakar rally machine!\n \nPriced at \nRM141,938.40\n the Isuzu D-Max 3.0L X-Terrain also gets plenty of tech under the aerodynamic and stylish exterior, such as walk-away auto door lock, infra-red (IR) reducing windscreen and glass and a clever wiper system with hidden washer jets.\nA feature only in the D-Max X-Terrain, which is also a first-in-the-segment, is the remote engine start, useful to cool down the wonderful cabin on a hot sunny day.\nMany of us find the interior of the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max quite the \ngame-changer\n, with not just great looks but also materials and colour coordination resembling a higher-range SUV. Brown, soft combination leather is well paired with the two-tone dashboard, which features soft-touch plastics and even double stitching!\nWhile the meter cluster has a rather small 4.2-inch colour display, all vital information can be found here, much like the small but high-resolution \u2018Cover Screen\u2019 of the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip3\n.\nThe air-conditioning switch panel has a nice metallic finish and well-weighted toggle switches also deserves mention, looking even better than many global sedans and SUVs. Flipping up the rear seats is easy, much like using the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip3\n. \nThe Flip3\u2019s compact dimensions also slot nicely into the rear storage sleeve with a USB charging port and rear air vents.\nFor occupants with a larger physique, the seats in the Isuzu D-Max are probably the most comfortable in the segment. They hold the body well as well thanks to innovative padding technology as provide much better support for the upper back and shoulders with its large and wide seat back dimensions.\nThe all-new Isuzu D-Max also comes with the most extensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), equipping the trendy pick-up truck with Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go as well as autonomous emergency braking with Turn Assist.\nPowering the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel unit churning out \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic and delivering power to all four wheels via an electronically controlled transfer case with the shift-on-the-fly feature.\nEnjoy the video review for more information and experiences that are easier to be featured than in writing.\nGALLERY"
"Traditionally, Corvettes have always been front-engined sportscars but Chevrolet claims that the front-engine layout has reached its limits of performance and the mid-engined Corvette Stingray, due in 2020, will drive better than any vehicle in Corvette history.\nHow much better? In terms of performance, the new Corvette is said to be capable of 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds, when equipped with the Z51 Performance Package \u2013 that\u2019s Ferrari F8 Tributo territory!\nThe Z51 Performance Package consists of a performance exhaust, larger brakes, performance suspension and a specific rear differential ratio.\nAt the heart of the Chevy\u2019s new mid-engined sportscar is the new 6.2-litre V8 LT2 engine \u2013 the only naturally-aspirated example that makes \n495 hp\n and \n637 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to Chevy\u2019s first 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with double-paddle de-clutch feature.\nJust like the Corvettes of old, the new mid-engined comes with a lightweight, 3.2mm-thick glass panel on the rear hatch to allows owners to show off the engine.\nThe car promises better weight distribution and sense of control with the driver\u2019s seating position that\u2019s almost on the top of the front wheels.\nEngineering and style is not the only emphasis of the new mid-engined Corvette. At the front, the storage compartment is capable of swallowing a cabin-sized luggage and a laptop bag. At the back, Chevy claims there\u2019s more room for either two golf bags or the Stingray\u2019s removable roof panel.\nThe practicality aspect is also improved with the front suspension that raises ground clearance at the front by approximately 40mm in just 2.8 seconds, at speeds of up to 39 km/h.\nNot only the first mid-engined sportscar, the Corvette will be available in both left and right-hand drive configuration for the first time ever with prices starting from USD60,000 (approximately RM246k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Europe buyer can now finally buy the fifth-generation Honda CR-V in their home market, the first time the family SUV is offered with an electrified powertrain. However, Europe market gets a detuned version of the \nCR-V hybrid\n compared to the one offered in the Chinese market.\nThe CR-V hybrid is powered by Honda\u2019s i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) technology compromising a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and an innovative direct transmission. Total output from the i-MMD system is \n184 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n of torque, \n28 hp\n lower than what you get in \nChina\n but it generates more torque the \n190 hp\n/\n243 Nm\n \n1.5-litre i-VTEC turbo mill\n.\nRather than using a conventional cogged transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission, the CR-V Hybrid adopts a \nsingle speed fixed ratio transmission\n. The benefit is a smooth and direct transfer of torque, resulting in high levels of efficiency and refinement.\nThe i-MMD technology features three drive modes \u2013 \nEV Drive\n, \nHybrid Drive\n and \nEngine Drive\n. As the name suggests, EV Drive allows the car to drive on electric power only while the combustion engine will kick in occasionally for additional propulsion power in Hybrid Drive mode. Engine Drive drives the car on the combustion engine alone and Honda says this mode is the most efficient set-up for high-speed cruising.\nThe new CR-V hybrid can be distinguished through the unique Vehicle Driver Information Interface (DII) screen that displays the current drive status, lithium-ion battery charge, current power flow, and recharging status of the system.\nProduction of the Honda CR-V hybrid for the European market is scheduled to start in October 2018 while customer delivers is expected to happen in early 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda CR-V Hybrid for Europe"
"We Malaysians are quite lucky to be blessed with the \nFord Ranger Raptor\n, but when it comes to desert trucks, nothing can compare to the OG. Following the launch of the 2021 Ford F-150 late last year, the American carmaker has now unveiled the all-new \nFord F-150 Raptor\n, and we are seriously considering moving to the US just for a taste.\nWhile on the surface the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor looks somewhat evolutionary with a carry-forward 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, the changes underneath it could be monumental for the trophy truck-inspired nameplate moving forward.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOEuw_UW59A\nThe biggest change of all is at the rear, more specifically the rear suspension, which now ditches the leaf-spring suspension for a \nfive-link coil spring set-up\n. As a result, total suspension travel now checks in at 14 inches up front and 15 in the rear \u2014 up from 13 and 13.9 respectively of the outgoing truck.\nAside from more suspension articulation, the coil suspension set-up also gives the all-new F-150 Raptor better stability at high speeds, be it on the road or out on the dirt track.\nThe new coil springs are also paired with an electronically-controlled \nFox Live Valve internal bypass shocks\n, which automatically adjusts the damping rates independently at each corner at up to 500 times per second, which according to Ford, is the \u201csame speed the human brain processes visual information\u201d.\nThe impressive suspension numbers above are measured with the standard 35-inch wheels, but Ford is also offering the all-new F-150 Raptor with a set of brawny 37-inch tyres straight from the factory, which drops the suspension travel to 13 inches up front and 14.1 inches in the rear.\u00a0Not too big of a sacrifice for some extra style points.\nAs we\u2019ve mentioned at the start, the all-new Ford F-150 Raptor is powered by the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that\u2019s been carried over from the outgoing truck. Ford did not publish the new performance figures just yet, but a spokesperson said that it won\u2019t stray too far from the outgoing truck \u2013 which means it will be somewhere in the region of 470 hp and 700 Nm of torque.\nFor extra sportiness, Ford has also equipped the all-new F-150 Raptor with an active dual exhaust system with a\u00a0unique \u201ctrombone loop\u201d, promising better sound (and from what we can hear in the video, it does sound really good), but also able to remain quiet when you\u2019re just trying to be a good neighbour.\nA more powerful Raptor R variant is slated for 2022, but no other information was provided, aside from confirming that it will be powered by a V8 mill.\nAll of the above are wrapped underneath a \u201chigh-strength, military-grade\u201d aluminium alloy and composite body, which Ford once again looked to its long-running inspirations \u2013 the F-22 Raptor fighter jet \u2013 for design ideas.\nThe wide gaping grille and functional side vents on the fender are all inspired by the intakes of the fighter jet, while the front fenders supposedly \u201cemulate the windswept look of dust billowing off the top of the tires at high speed\u201d. There\u2019s even an optional truck bed graphics package with a pattern designed to mimic the F-22\u2019s afterburners.\u00a0\nInside, Raptor-exclusive goodies include a unique steering wheel with suede inserts and aluminium shift paddles, big-bolstered seats which can be upgraded to Recaro bucket seats, and a whole load of carbon fibre and aluminium trim \u2013 if optioned.\nThere\u2019s also a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, paired to a 12-inch infotainment display with Ford\u2019s Sync 4 infotainment system, which can be updated over-the-air in the future for newer digital trail maps.\nGALLERY"
"Confident with its current lineup, Honda Malaysia has set an ambitious target of selling 85,000 cars for 2015. As of June 2015, the company has achieved 51 percent of its annual sales target, selling a total of 43,597 units \u2013 up by 17 percent during the same period in 2014\u00a0(37,189 units).\nThe figures mean that Honda Malaysia has contributed \n13.5 percent\n to this year\u2019s Total Industry Volume (TIV; 670,000 units forecasted), while averaging more than 7,200 units of sales monthly. Earlier in March, they recorded their milestone achievement by selling 9,582 units, the best in the company\u2019s history.\nThe \nHonda City\n remains its \nbest seller\n and contributed 41 percent to the overall sales, effectively topping the non-national B-Segment category ahead of rivals such as the Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera. This is followed by the \nJazz\n and \nHR-V\n at 19 percent and 17 percent respectively. The \nCR-V\n, \nHR-V\n and Accord, despite not as voluminous, also \nlead their respective segments\n as of June 2015.\nGrowth is also evident in East Malaysia with sales being 32 percent higher than the same period in 2014, up from 1,814 units to \n2,390 units as of June 2015\n. Honda Malaysia plans to add three more dealership in East Malaysia this year on top of the existing 10. They now have a total of 82 dealerships nationwide and are planning to increase the number to 90 by 2016, a move which will help elevate annual sales target to 100,000.\nWith the \nimplementation of GST\n, weakening of Ringgit and fluctuation in fuel prices, the Malaysian Automotive Institute have revised its TIV forecast for 2015 to 670,000 units. However, Honda Malaysia remains optimistic about achieving their annual sales target of 85,000 units, or the \n12 percent market share\n equivalent.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s current lineup"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched the new GLE 450 AMG Line with a price tag of RM633,888 for the 5-seater and the RM638,888 for the 7-seater unit.\nAt the heart of the GLE 450 AMG Line is a 367 hp 3.0-litre turbocharged engine with 500 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.7 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h at the top end of the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.\n \nOn the outside, the GLE 450 is dressed with sporty AMG trims and the Night Package, along with MultiBeam LED head lamps and 22-inch 5-twin-spoke AMG light alloy wheels.\nElevating passengers to new levels of comfort is the AIRMATIC active air suspension along with the Acoustic Comfort Package, which comes with noise damping film for the windows.\nInside, the luxurious ambiance of the GLE 450 is further enhanced with a some of the softest leather you can ever lay your hands on, a panoramic sunroof, brushed aluminium trims, ventilated seats and the MBUX voice command system.\nThe most eye-catching of all within the interior of the GLE 450 are the four individual air con vents on the dash which is occupied two 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system.\nThe GLE 450 AMG Line along with the new GLC 300 Coupe can be viewed at the Hungry For Adventure Festival happening this weekend at the Sentul Depot in Sentul West.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following a \nbrief preview\n last month, BMW has now officially unveiled the 128ti in full, their first-ever front-wheel driven hot hatch set to rival the likes of the \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n and \nRenault Megane R.S\n. The new 128ti is only the third BMW model ever to feature the ti suffix, which stands for \nTurismo Internazionale\n.\nThe all-new BMW 128ti will slot in nicely between the 120i and the range-topping \nM135i xDrive\n. According to BMW, the 128ti is more than an additional engine variant, rather it\u2019s an \u201cunfiltered driving machine with a distinctive character\u201d.\nTo back up those claims, the 128ti comes with a set of specially-tuned M Sport suspension with a 10-millimetre decrease in ride height for a lower centre of gravity, which translates to better handling. It also comes with the same Torsen limited-slip differential employed on the BMW M135i xDrive, combined with a model-specific steering setup specifically designed to further reduce torque steer.\nAlso from the M135i xDrive are the firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts with high preload, as well as stiffer springs and shock absorbers.\nPowering this front-wheel driven hot hatch is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces \n265 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the BMW 128ti launches from naught to 100 km/h in\n 6.1 seconds\n, onward to a electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nMeanwhile, stopping power is provided by the 360 mm and 300 mm discs front and rear, paired to a four-piston brake fixed calliper and single-piston floating caliper respectively \u2013 painted red (apparently a first on the 1 Series) to match the exterior flourishes of the new ti.\nThe exterior of 128ti is based on the M Sport specification, which means it looks essentially identical to the M135i, down to the front apron with sculpted air intakes and the rear bumpers in high-gloss black.\nTo differentiate between the models, the outer air intakes and vents for the air curtain have been painted a bright red colour, alongside the side skirts which also comes with a \u2018ti\u2019 badging. The 18-inch Y-spoke style 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels are also exclusive to the model, in addition to the 128ti badging on the tailgate and dual 90 mm tailpipe exits.\nThe red accents are only available on cars painted in Storm Bay, Mineral Grey, Sapphire Black, or Alpine White though; the BMW 128ti in Melbourne Red or Misano Blue will get black accents, which should work quite well with the Extended Shadowline exterior package which blacks out the kidney grille and wing mirrors, alongside the dark-tinted headlights.\nThe red accents continue onto the interior of the 128ti, including a large strip on the backrests of the standard sport seats, the embroidered \u201cti\u201d badge in the central armrest, and contrast stitching along the armrests, door panels, M Sport steering wheel, and the dashboard.\nOther highlights on the interior of the new ti include the M footrest and stainless steel M pedals, M door sill strips, and M seatbelts. As standard, the 128ti is fitted with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system with two 10.25-inch displays.\nThe BMW 128ti is set to launch in Germany somewhere in November 2020. Closer to home, BMW Malaysia recently launched the M135i xDrive which you can read more about over \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"After it\u2019s global introduction at the tail end of 2018, the \nMcLaren 720S Spider\n is now in Malaysia.\nFor starters, let\u2019s talk numbers. It\u2019s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 serves up \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque exclusively to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.\n \nAnd the ferocity in acceleration is exactly what you\u2019d expect. 0 to 100 km/h is done in \n2.9 seconds\n, 0 to 200 km/h in \n7.9 second\ns and top speed is rated at 341 km/h. With the roof lowered, it\u2019s still good for a 325 km/h top speed! Imagine what that would feel like!\nThe most striking highlight of the car is obviously its retractable hard top \u2013 a completely new design made entirely of carbon fibre. Its folding mechanism is also the fastest in its class; capable of retracting the roof in just 11 seconds, at speeds of up to 50 km/h.\nBeing a convertible, naturally, you\u2019d expect this to be a heavy lump but with a bespoke carbon fibre monocoque, coupled with the carbon fibre roof, the Spider is even lighter than a standard BMW 3-series at just over 1.3-tonnes.\nIf your mind\u2019s ready to be blown, this thing is 88 kg lighter than the Ferrari 488 Spider, its closest competitor and weighs 48 kg less than the stripped-out 488 Pista Spider, without lacking any creature comforts you\u2019d usually find in mid-size German sedan.\nPirelli P Zero Corsa tyres can be specified at no additional cost to complement the new 10-spoke wheel designed exclusively for the Spider, accompanied by Pirelli P Zero tyres as standard.\nLike the 720S Coupe, the Spider can be had in three different trims \u2013 standard, Luxury and Performance with a starting price of \nRM 1,218,000 before duties and options.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve all grown accustomed to the concept of wireless charging with our smartphones \u2013 whether it\u2019s in the car or in our homes but BMW\u2019s new tech will allow you to charge something a whole lot larger.\nBMW will be the first automotive manufacturer to introduce wireless charging of a car\u2019s battery with the \n530e iPerformance\n that\u2019s due next year, according to reports by \nAutocar UK\n.\nBased on the one used by the BMW i8 safety car in the Formula E race series, it is reportedly claimed to be able to fully charge the 530e\u2019s lithium ion battery in\n 3.5 hours\n albeit 1.5 hours slower than the current fastest charging wallbox plug offered with the car.\nThe system is developed by Formula E partners, Qualcomm, that charges the batteries by generating an electromagnetic field. It is said that charging will begin on its own as soon as the car switched off and parked on top of the \u201c\ncharge pad\n\u201d placed on the floor.\nGuiding lines will also be displayed on the infotainment screen for drivers to position their vehicles on the charge pad which can be placed either indoors or out.\nSource: \nAutocar UK\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Our friends over in the UK has finally received Kia\u2019s first Grand Turismo and first rear-wheel drive car, the Kia Stinger. Available in three turbocharged engines (two petrol and one diesel), UK customers will have three different trim lines to choose from.\nIn the UK, the base Stinger is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo T-GDI that outputs \n244 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n of torque. For those who are keen on a high-output mill but frequently crunch up long-distance mileage, the 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDi with \n197 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque should be the perfect fit. But the holy grail will have to be the 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 that churns out \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of torque, allowing the Stinger to complete the century sprint in \n4.9 seconds\n.\nTransfer of drive to the rear-wheels on all engine choices is handled by an \neight-speed speed slush box\n. The eight-speed auto features five different shift and throttle programmes with the option of full manual control on the paddle shifters. A \nlimited slip differential\n is available across the board while the range topping GT S gets \nelectronic suspension\n which can be cycled to five driving modes.\nTelling the three trim lines apart are the projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights on the base GT-Line while the higher-grade GT-Line S and GT-S gets full LED items. The two lower variants ride on 18-inch alloys while the GT-S gets upsized to 19-inches. The GT-S also can be told apart by its Brembo brakes.   As standard, all UK-bound Stinger will feature 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster, leather upholstery (black, grey or red), eight-way powered front seats with memory function and wireless charging tray.\nStepping up to the mid-range GT-Line S, it adds on 360-degree surround view camera, ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, powered tailgate and 15-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system. Only the most expensive GT-S comes with Nappa leather upholstery.\nStandard safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning and Speed Limit Information. GT-Line S and GT-S trims gets additional Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nUK customers can have their Kia Stinger to be finished in Sunset Yellow, Pearl White, Midnight Black, Ceramic Silver, HiChroma Red and Panthera Metal. Prices for the new Grand Turismo starts from \u00a331,995 (RM180k) to \u00a340,495 (RM228k) with deliveries starting in early 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Marking its 10th year as an authorised BMW dealer in Malaysia, Wheelcorp Premium together with \nBMW Group Malaysia\n recently opened the door to its latest dealership outlet in the nation. Located in Bukit Tinggi, the new facility is intended to serve customers in the Klang vicinity, as well as surrounding townships including Shah Alam, Setia Alam, and Kota Kemuning.\nTaking the form of a 4S centre, the new 170,000 square-feet facility will house a showroom displaying \nBMW\n, BMW i, BMW M, Mini, and pre-owned Premium Selection vehicles, alongside a full-blown service centre with 20 bays, as well as a spare parts centre.\nThe unique outlet also offers a NEXTGen Luxury space for its customers featuring luxurious kitchen equipment from De Dietrich, as well as an Ogawa Relaxation Zone, and Starbucks coffee in one of its two Isetta Bar lounges.\nRELATED: \nSeong Hoe Premium Motors unveils refurbished BMW and MINI dealership in Melaka\nIn terms of aftersales services, Wheelcorp Premium says that the service centre can handle a capacity of 80 appointments per day, complemented by a drive-through fast-lane service for customers requiring on-the-go maintenance and repairs.\nThe BMW Bukit Tinggi 4S centre will also be offering several customer-dedicated services and facilities, including insurance renewal and trade-in services, along with Reception at the Car (RATC), merchandise and accessories collection, plus\n DC charging facilities\n.\nSpeaking at the launch, BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director Hans de Visser said, \u201c.We are constantly looking in growing our presence in new areas which have tremendous business potential. Klang, Shah Alam, Kota Kemuning, and Setia Alam in the Klang Valley are such areas.\n\u201cOver the next five years, we will see the premium segment in these areas grow by over 20% and we need to prime ourselves to meet this growth,\u201d he added.\nWheelcorp Premium Bukit Tinggi 4S Centre is located at Lot 142646, Jalan Remia 5/KS 07, Ambang Botanik, 41200 Klang. They operate from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm on Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday.\nALSO READ: \nBMW Malaysia partners with JomCharge \u2013 10% off on charging sessions, extra free credits for owners\nGALLERY"
"Just a day after \nhinting\n at something \u201cmonumental\u201d on the N\u00fcrburgring, \nMercedes-AMG\n has announced the new record lap time set by the \nMercedes-AMG One\n on the Green Hell. With a blistering \n6:35.183\n \nminutes\n recorded, the AMG One is officially 8 seconds (8.117 seconds to be precise) faster than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS on the 20.832 km lap of the \nN\u00fcrburgring-Nordschleife\n.\nSet on October 28, 2022, the new lap record was achieved in not the most perfect of conditions \u2013 still damp and partly dirt in some areas, typical of the autumn season. The ideal racing line had not completely dried and there wasn\u2019t much time left before the track\u2019s closing. To make full use of the \u2018good\u2019 weather and time, Mercedes-AMG GmbH brought two Mercedes-AMG One hypercars to the track.\nPiloting the record-setting Mercedes-AMG One was racing driver and brand ambassador, Maro Engel. Maro had already broken the \n911 GT2 RS\u2019s 6:43.300-minute time\n at the early stages of the attempt with a lap time that has not been disclosed by Mercedes-AMG, but the team decided to take things further.\nWith track conditions getting better towards the end of the day, the Mercedes-AMG team took advantage of the remaining time and pushed themselves to set a new 6:35.183-minute time. Besides setting a new production car, the Mercedes AMG-One is also the first hypercar on the Green Hell, spearheading a new \u201csuper sports car\u201d lap time category.\nRELATED: \nPorsche beats Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Nurburgring record with 911 GT2 RS\nMaro Engel said, \u201cThat was really an unforgettable experience. I didn\u2019t expect that we would be able to set such a lap time with these track conditions. In some crucial areas of the track, it hadn\u2019t dried completely yet and was therefore tricky. That was a special challenge.\u201d\n\u201cWe tried to find the optimal deployment strategy during the pre-tests. Like \nLewis Hamilton\n and George Russell on their race weekends, I also had to deploy the electrical energy of the hybrid drive in the best possible way. That\u2019s not easy, especially with this length of track. In addition, the DRS function had to be used optimally. But that\u2019s also a real Formula 1 feeling. I would like to thank you for this opportunity and the trust you\u2019ve placed in me. It was definitely something very special to drive this incredible car on the Ring.\u201d\nRELATED: \nThe Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is now the fastest road-legal car around the Nurburgring\nTo recap, powering the Mercedes-AMG One is a hybrid system with a 1.6-litre V6 engine and 4 electric motors on each wheel that makes \n1,063 hp\n (metric). The front wheels are purely electrically driven while the rear wheels are turned by a hybrid system. The transmission in use is a 7-speed automated manual gearbox and the Mercedes AMG-One gets an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system.\nWith only 275 units made and all of them already spoken for, Mercedes-AMG One comes as standard with technically everything that the record-breaking unit had. Customers of the AMG One get the Formula 1 hybrid technology, the carbon monocoque, and the carbon body. Mercedes says the AMG One\u2019s powertrain has a \u201clightning-quick response, faster than a naturally aspirated V8 engine\u201d.\nRELATED: \nPorsche Taycan reclaims N\u00fcrburgring EV lap record from Tesla Model S Plaid\nMercedes-AMG GmbH Chairman of the Board of Management, Philipp Schiemer said, \u201cI\u2019m proud of the whole AMG team \u2013 everyone who was involved in this project. The various departments in Affalterbach as well as our colleagues at HPP in Brixworth never gave up and continued to push the dream of this vehicle.\u201d\n\u201cThis success is the well-deserved reward for their hard work. Even though the AMG ONE is certainly more at home on a Grand Prix circuit than on the Nordschleife \u2013 as is so often the case with this project \u2013 we\u2019ve simply gone one step further. We\u2019re the first ever to have taken on the challenges of the N\u00fcrburgring with a super sports car. That\u2019s also what makes this project so unique and I\u2019m very happy about this fantastic lap time.\u201d\nThe fastest production car N\u00fcrburgring-Nordschleife 20.832 km lap times at the time of writing are as such:\nMercedes-AMG One \u2013 6:35.183 minutes\n991.2 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (Manthey Racing) \u2013 6:43.300 minutes\nMercedes-AMG GT Black Series \u2013 6:48.047 minutes\n992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS \u2013 6:49.328 minutes\nGALLERY"
"Remember that iconic two-door gullwing coupe that was capable of traveling through time? The DeLorean DMC-12, the unmistakable car imprinted deep within our brains (thanks to the movie series Back to the Future) was also one of automotive history\u2019s infamous failures, is making a comeback thanks to a certainlaw in the United States.\nAmerica\u2019s \u201c\nLow Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act\n\u201d (H.R. 2675) now legally allows the company to salvage all DeLorean leftover parts to assemble new DMC-12 models. The gullwing coupe could make into production by as early as 2017, and up to 325 DeLoreans will be built each year for the United States.\nBut it, of course, has to meet the current Clean Air Act standards for the model year in which they are produced, meaning a new engine that meets current emission standards is required. The DeLorean DMC-12 model had a rather short lifespan of two years from 1981, with just 9,000 units built to see the light of day. The company, DeLorean Motor Compact, went defunct in 1982 following\u00a0multiple scandals.\nUp to this point, a few engine options from Japan and America have been shortlisted, but the likeliest powertrain supplier may just be automotive giant General Motors. One thing is for sure, it won\u2019t be powered by a flux capacitor, so forget about going back to the past with plans of undoing all your silly mistakes.\nIf all goes well, the reborn DeLorean DMC-12 can be at your doorstep for USD100,000 (approx RM430,000). It won\u2019t be breaking any world speed records or anything, but we\u2019re beyond certain that this car will make for a really valuable collector\u2019s item. Pity those who have kept the original DeLorean up and running for years now, eh?"
"Americans are in for a real treat here following news that the next generation (10th-gen) \nHonda Civic\n will adopt the company\u2019s new \n1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC\n engine, and that a short shifting \nsix-speed manual \ngearbox will also be thrown into the mix.\nThis Civic Concept debuted at the 2015 New York International Auto Show and is a major leap as far as its looks go. Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor, Mr John Mendel said the new C-Segment model will be the \nmost refined\n and \nstylish\n\u00a0Civic Honda has ever made. Mendel also defined the new Civic as \nmost dynamic\n, most technologically advanced and an \nepic\n Civic in every way. Bold claims indeed.\nIt features a \nlonger wheelbase\n, wider stance and \nsits lower\n than the outgoing version. The hood is evidently longer too, while the front face gets an aggressive style highlighted by the \u201cFlying H\u201d Honda grille. These improvements align with the brand\u2019s reimagination of the Civic, which Honda aims to pay meticulous attention to its \nspirited performance\n and \nclass-leading versatility\n. A total of \nfive variants\n will be offered in the Land of the Free \u2013 Sedan, Coupe, Si, Hatchback (5-door) and Type-R.\nNow comes the interesting bit. The new Civic will be the first U.S model to feature Honda\u2019s VTEC turbo engines from its line of Earth Dream Technology powertrain series. One prominent engine choice would be the \nturbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC\n petrol engine with \ndirect injection\n paired to either a \nsix-speed short shifting manual\n gearbox or the improved \nCVT \ngearbox. No output figures have been released so far, but we can expect the engine to make between \n180 to 200 horses\n, if not more.   Besides the emphasis on spirited driving, the Civic targets \nclass-leading fuel economy\n with near-luxury levels of cabin refinement. All this is also taken into consideration without compromising on its safety. As such, the model will get \nHonda Sensing\n \u2013 the brand\u2019s trademarked range of \nadvanced safety\n and \ndriver-assistive technologies\n which include Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Honda LaneWatch.\nHonda says the production version of the new Civic will not stray too far from this Concept \u2013 a statement that adds on to the forced induction hype. We hate to burst your bubble, but it\u2019s very likely that this Civic will not hit Malaysian roads. If you\u2019re reading this Honda Malaysia, \nplease give us\n the VTEC turbo.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Isuzu Malaysia has revealed that the MU-X (MU stands for Multi Utility), successor to the 7-seater Isuzu MU-7 that was sold in Thailand, will be making its way here come June.\nThe brand\u2019s flagship SUV made its world debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and shares the same underpinnings (ladder frame chassis) as the outgoing D-Max. It will be offered here with the sole \n2.5-litre VGT diesel \nengine.\nTwo variants of the midsize SUV will be brought in \u2013 a \n4\u00d72\n and \n4\u00d74\n configuration, both featuring the said 2.5-litre engine paired to a \nfive-speed automatic \ntransmission. The engine, thanks to \nVariable Valve Geometry Turbo \n(VGS), makes \n134 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and \n320 Nm\n of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm.\nFuel tank capacity is estimated to be \n65 litres\n large, about 11 litres less than the D-Max which made the \n1,809km drive from Bangkok to Singapore\n a successful feat. In other words, the same frugality and performance are retained, or so it seems.\nThe \ndual purpose SUV\n comes with hydraulic shocks and rides on independent double wishbones with coil springs and a stabiliser bar at the front. The rear however, gets a multilink suspension with coil springs instead of the D-Max\u2019s elliptical leaf springs. Isuzu says this gives passengers better comfort without compromising the car\u2019s off-road capabilities.\nExternally, the MU-X looks strikingly similar to the D-Max, especially when viewed from the front. However, several visual cues set them apart, such as the fog lamps and lower grille. The headlamps get \nhalogen projectors\n, whereas the 4\u00d74 variant will get an extra pair of \nLED daytime running lights\n built next to the fog lamps. The side mirrors here are finished in chrome and comes with the integrated signal indicators.\nUnfortunately, both the 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 variants will not come with keyless entry and push-start button. Inside, there\u2019s a lot of the D-Max that\u2019s been carried over, but the MU-X gets a two-tone black and silver finish. Where the 4\u00d72 makes do with manual air conditioning, the 4\u00d74 gets a single-zone auto air conditioning, but both variants will get \nsecond and third row air vents\n. The rear air-cond vents also get a separate condenser and blower speed.\nLeather seats are standard in both variants, including a 6-way electric seat for the driver. The 4\u00d74 benefits from a \nrear DVD monitor\n and a \nBlaupunkt touchscreen\n multimedia DVD player (Android OS) with mirror link, WiFi, USB, Bluetooth, GPS Navigation and reverse camera, whereas the 4\u00d72 gets a 2-din CD player that supports Bluetooth and USB. Both variants get six speakers, though.   The safety kit includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and Isofix mount for the second row seats. The 4\u00d72 gets two reverse sensors at the back, while the 4\u00d74 gets four.\nThe MU-X is given an introductory price of \nRM151,944.56\n and \nRM164,969.84\n for the 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 respectively. Both prices are OTR with insurance and GST inclusive. Like the D-Max, it comes with a \n3-year or 100,000km warranty \nprogramme, whichever occurs first.\nWe\u2019ve just sampled the MU-X on a drive from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands and back, so for those who are on the lookout for a new, flexible 7-seater SUV, stay tuned for our report!\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Isuzu MU-X 4\u00d74"
"For those who are not in the know, the \nFord Mustang GT\n is being \npreviewed at Publika\n, Solaris Dutamas courtesy of Ford distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC). The GT variant on display needs no introduction, as it\u2019s fitted with the range topping \n5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine\n\u00a0(naturally aspirated) making\u00a0\n435 hp\n and \n542 Nm\n of torque.   A source from SDAC revealed that public response has been overwhelming, but was unable to provide any details as far as its pricing is concerned. However, we have been told that the \n2.3-litre EcoBoost\n Mustang will definitely be priced below the\u00a0\nRM500,000\n\u00a0mark \u2013 if that\u2019s of any good news to you guys out there.\nThe V8 Stallion will most likely carry the RM500k to RM600k price tag, although nothing is set in stone as of yet. If that\u2019s the case, then the Mustang V8 will surely give \nLexus\u2019 RM782k RC F Coupe\n a run for its money.   All right hand drive Mustangs will be fully imported from Ford\u2019s assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, and the Malaysian bound ponies will come in a fastback or convertible guise. Meanwhile, enjoy the picture gallery we\u2019ve put together just for you!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Leading up to the return of one of Europe\u2019s largest motor show post lockdown, the IAA in Germany, Porsche has released a lone teaser image of the headlamp on a red vehicle.\nThe accompanying caption mentions using motorsports as a testing ground for new products and continues to do so. At the upcoming IAA Mobility in Munich, it looks like Porsche will be unveiling a concept car that is said to \u201ccombine cutting edge technology with breath-taking design\u201d.\nWith the 24 Hour of Le Mans endurance race happening this weekend, we doubt the concept image relates to anything specific to motor racing as Porsche is only live-streaming the unveiling event on \nSeptember 6th\n. \u00a0\nBased on the layout of the large signature four-point lighting units, we suspect this could be a precursor to the fully electric Macan compact SUV. Porsche, which has \nbegun testing\n on public roads, formally announced that the new \nfully electric Macan\n is only due for sale in 2023, which is still a good 18 to 24 months from now.\nIs this a Porsche showroom or a high-end fashion boutique? New Porsche Studio opens in Vietnam\nThe electric vehicle will be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture which is jointly developed with Audi.\nThere is still plenty of life in the current compact SUV \u201csportscar\u201d, as the company recently \nrevamped the power\n output of the Macan range, with the base model now delivering 265 hp while the Macan GTS gets the 440 hp V6 biturbo engine previously fitted to the Macan Turbo.\nPorsche recently revealed beautiful, unseen prototypes from their vault. This particular oblong \u201ctravel cabin\u201d is everyone\u2019s favourite. Find out more here!\nAlthough at a downward trend, Porsche still managed to move almost 80,000 units of Macan models last year, from a high of almost 100,000 units in 2019."
"Volvo, right after \nacquiring tuning expert Polestar in full\n, has revealed that the V60 Polestar will be the official safety car for the 2016 season of World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).\nBased on the standard V60 Polestar, the car comes installed with a roll cage and proper communication equipments to meet stringent FIA regulations and safety car criteria. It is powered by a\u00a0\n3.0-liter turbocharged\n\u00a0petrol engine tuned by Polestar which makes \n345 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0The standard V60 Polestar is available with a\u00a0sole\u00a0\nsix-speed automatic\n\u00a0gearbox driving all four wheels, and it\u2019s no different with this Swedish safety car.\nThe hot blue wagon with shades of azure will lead a field of 20 touring cars prior to each race across twelve nations. Comparatively, a standard WTCC car (read Citroen C-Elysee, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze and the all-new Volvo S60) has 380 hp produced through a 1.6-litre turbocharged units. Check out the V60 Polestar safety car in action when the first race kick starts in France this weekend.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Catering to those who would rather not be seen driving a diesel, the BMW M550i xDrive is the revvier and sweeter-smelling sibling to the \nM550d xDrive\n. Unlike the oil burning sibling, the petrol M550i xDrive uses a bigger 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo.\nUntil the next M5 is unveiled, the M550i xDrive sits at the top of the G30 5 Series range. The \ntwin-turbo V8\n develops \n462 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n, while an \neight-speed automatic\n is on duty to send power to the rear-biased \nxDrive\n all-wheel drive system. Nought\u00a0to 100 km/h time is clocked in \n4.0 seconds\n, and the M550i will go on to its electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.   The \nM Sport\n kit comes as standard, which include M Sport brakes with blue callipers, \nM Sport suspension\n that reduces ride height by 10 mm and a set of \n19-inch wheels\n. Options include bigger 20-inch wheels, Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistant, and Remote Parking System where owners can park the car using the key fob as a remote.\nLike the M550d xDrive, this high-powered beast will not likely be launched here in Malaysia. Currently there\u2019s only a single variant of the G30 5er that you can buy here and it\u2019s the \n530i M Sport\n for just under RM400k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Celebrating the Volkswagen Beetle\u2019s association with surfing and coastal heritage, the new 2018 Beetle Coast Special Edition will get you to the seashore or pretty much anywhere else with a modern twist on its long heritage \u2013 if only our weather wasn\u2019t so humid and the air wasn\u2019t so dusty.\nEquipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine, it packs \n174 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque coupled with a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, sending drive to the front-wheels.   Although not entirely lightweight, at around 1,400 kg, we reckon there\u2019s still enough grunt to have a little fun in the modern interpretation of a favourite classic. That said, the standard Electronic Differential Locking should allow the Beetle to offer all the tingly sensations around the bends.\nTo expect this Coast Edition Beetle to be a Nurburging lap record setter would be silly, it\u2019s more about the lifestyle with this convertible. What really stood out to us was the 17-inch Heritage alloy wheels that brings back all the memories from the chrome wheel/white tyre wall combination of the classic Beetle. Why they\u2019re still offering Halogen headlamps when even the \nnew Myvi has LED units\n, is beyond us.\nInside as you\u2019d notice, isn\u2019t too foreign from the \nlocal-spec Beetle we have in Malaysia\n save for a few notable difference, eye-catching differences. True to its Coast Edition nature, the dashboard projects a surfboard-inspired look, complemented by Pepita cloth upholstery.\nSafety wise, it comes with the standard ABS, ESC, Anti-slip Regulation (ASR), Engine Brake Assist (EBA) and the Intelligent Crash Response System.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After announcing its \nnew test drive delivery service\n last month, Ford in Malaysia is now offering vehicle service appointments to be made in real-time through its\n official website\n.\nOnce on the site, customers will be required to select their vehicle model, select the state they are in and select their preferred service centre. The available date and time slots will then be shown, and customers can schedule a service appointment up to one (1) month in advance.\nCustomers will then have to fill in their name, contact details and vehicle registration number. Once completed, a confirmation email of the appointment will be sent.\u00a0\nThe new \n1,400 hp Ford Mustang Mach-E\n.\nThe real-time e-Service appointment booking is currently available at seven (7) authorised Ford Service Centres in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak \u2013 namely \nFord Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford Tawau\n.\n\u201cIn the months to come, we will be looking at fully establishing this real-time e-Service appointment booking throughout our network of over 40 dealerships nationwide\u201d, said Sime Darby Auto Connexion, Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri.\u00a0\nLast month, Ford also announced a \nService Relief Promotion \ncampaign with 20% discounts on selected OEM parts, timing belt and lubricants along with 10% off on labour charges. The campaign ends 30th of July."
"When it was first launched\n last year\n, we thought the G01 X3 xDrive30i Luxury was a little too serious (read: boring) in it\u2019s styling. Well, it seems like BMW Malaysia heard our grumbles and unveiled the G01 X3 xDrive30i with M Sport Package!\nPriced at \nRM328,800\n (a RM15,000 premium over the luxury line), the G01 X3 xDrive30i with M Sport package nets you an additional M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and M Aerodynamic body styling, along with bigger 20-inch double-spoke M light alloy wheels (the luxury variant gets 19-inch wheels) with run-flat tyres.\u00a0\n \nWe reviewed the G01 X3 xDrive30i.. with an AutoBuzz exclusive design!\nOn the outside, the new bumpers are probably the most obvious change other than the M emblem on the fenders. On the front, the X3 M Sport receives a honeycomb grille to complement the aggressive bumper design, loses its chrome bits and gets a new integrated LED fog lamp, while the rear gets a darker diffuser and twin gloss chrome exhaust tips.\nThe M Sport trim also removes the chrome strip around the windows, replacing it with what BMW calls a \u201cShadow Line\u201d \u2013 a gloss black strip for a sportier and understated design.\nBMW has also dressed the interior with M Sport specific parts, such as M Sport steering wheel, door sill finishers and Vernasca leather upholstery with contrasting stitching in blue, and a new fine aluminium cutting and Pearl Chrome interior garnish.\nThere are no changes to on-board equipment, with the same 10.25-inch touch screen iDrive system, 12-speaker audio system and triple-zone climate control as standard.\u00a0\nThere are also no changes to the powertrain \u2013 it still utilises the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, mated to a 8-speed automatic gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h still takes the same \n6.3 seconds\n.\u00a0\nThe New M Sport package is available in four exterior colours \u2013 Alpine White, Carbon Black, Glacier Silver and Phytonic Blue. Booking is now open, but do act fast if you want the M Sport package as it will be limited to \nonly 120 units\n in Malaysia!\nAs standard with every new BMW purchase is a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and scheduled servicing, as well as 2-year warranty for your run-flat tyres. BMW X3 owners also get access to BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline, BMW White Card in the BMW Group Loyalty+ app, as well as BMW Service Online.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the upcoming Milano Design Week, Toyota went away with the norm by\u00a0unveiling a unique two-seat roadster named \u201cSetsuna\u201d. The distinctive feature about the Setsuna is that it\u2019s made of wood \u2013 all of it, except the tyres of course.\nBefore environmentalists could jump in to save the trees, mind you, this is just a concept\u00a0from Toyota that makes use of various trees to construct this car. For instance,\u00a0Japanese Cedar is best known for its flexibility, so that goes to the making of the Setsuna\u2019s exterior. The chassis requires the toughest kind of wood, and Birch wood is commissioned.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=r4eE2MpJ8IQ\nInside, Japanese zelkova was used for the flooring while the seats were crafted from\u00a0smooth castor aralia. For items such as wheel caps, steering wheel, and seat frames, aluminium is used, but very sparingly.\nNo nails, yes, no nails have been used to join\u00a0the body parts. The body is made out of 86 handmade panels and are connected using a unique Japanese technique called\u00a0\n\u201cokuriari\u201d\n. Meanwhile, a \nstandard electric motor\n with \nsix batteries\n is used to move the car because you know, an internal combustion engine made entirely out of wood would somehow smell like bonfire.\nToyota said the word \u201cSetsuna\u201d stands for \u201cmoment\u201d in the Japanese language. Or as its lead designer Kenji Tsuji puts it, \u201cenvisaging a family pouring its love into it over generations so that the car gains an irreplaceable value.\u201d\n \n \nFamily values matter here. \u201cContinuous development is possible in the form of bonds between the car and the family, like the growth rings of a tree\u201d, added Tsuji.\nAlso, look closely at the dials on the dashboard. They aren\u2019t actual your usual speedo and tachometer, but rather a clock displaying the hours, days and years \u2013 all up to 100 years. This serves as a reminder for us to value time and memories instead of the distance travelled.\nWhile the car\u2019s top speed of\n 45km/h\n won\u2019t set this on fire (also not a good idea with this concept), think of it this way. Wood is lightweight, which is good for speed, as proven by the World War 2 bomber \nDe Havilland Mosquito\n. If Setsuna is packed with a more powerful electric motor and perhaps some clever use of thermal insulation, it could potentially become\u00a0a fun and fast roadster, which sadly is not what Toyota is thinking now at this point of time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has announced a recall for Honda HR-Vs manufactured in 2016 to replace a faulty front stabiliser bar. A total of 2,814 units are affected in the recall campaign and all other current models on sale are not affected by this recall.\nAccording to the company, the defective \nfront stabiliser bar may potentially break under high stress\n which will disrupt the cars stability when driving. Honda has pinpoint a manufacturing defect is due to insufficient temperature control during its production process, resulting in compromised strength of the stabiliser bar.\nHonda Malaysia stresses that there are no incidents or injuries related to this issue. The company is taking necessary measures to ensure customer safety. As of today, the availability of replacement parts is at \n50 percent\n and parts availability will be at \n100 percent by mid-November 2017\n.\nAffected customers will be informed via mail and are advised to send their vehicle to the nearest Honda authorised dealer nationwide for inspection and replacement.\n All replacement cost will be borne by Honda Malaysia\n.\nHonda owners can check whether their vehicle are involved in a product recall campaign (related to this or otherwise) either by logging on to \nwww.productrecall.honda.com.my\n today or by calling the Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020."
"Honda has just shown off a new prototype vehicle, called the SUV e:Prototype at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show \u2013 and as the refreshingly articulate name suggests, this will be the Japanese carmaker\u2019s upcoming fully-electric SUV, set to go on sale in China mid-2022.\nThe new fully-electric SUV will spearhead Honda\u2019s EV charge in China, where it aims to introduce 10 Honda-branded EV models in the country within five years, to realise its carbon-neutral goal by 2050.\nBased on these photos provided by Honda, it seems like the upcoming SUV EV will be based on the all-new HR-V, which was \njust recently unveiled in February \nof this year.\nSeeing how closely the \nall-new Honda Civic\n resembled the first\n public \u201cprototype\u201d\n, we\u2019re convinced that this is pretty much how the actual car will look like \u2013 save for some minor changes (such as bigger functional wing mirrors) to satisfy local safety regulations.\nThis being an electric-only model, there are of course several EV-friendly modifications to the looks, most noticeably the new front grille \u2013 or lack thereof, replaced by what looks like a charging port cover with an illuminated Honda logo in the middle.\nBright lights seem to be Honda\u2019s idea of a \u2018future-ready\u2019 EV design, as there are LED light bars almost everywhere on the prototype vehicle. The headlights are unique on the SUV e:Prototype, with a U-shaped light signature, paired to an extended eyebrow-style daytime running light that stretches inwards, almost across the entire front fascia.\nFurther down, the black bumpers are accented by thin LED light strips trims \u2013 not chrome, as one would presume at first glance. Air inlets bookend the bottom apron, accompanied by horizontal LED positioning lights.\nThe all-new Honda Vezel/HR-V.\nThe whole lighting motif is once again found on the sides of the SUV e:Prototype, with a thin LED light strip adorning the bottom trim element, and another on the slim wing mirrors. Otherwise, the sides are largely unchanged from the Honda HR-V, including the character line that extends from the front bonnet shut line all the way towards the tail lights at the rear.\nMore similarities can be found on the rear door handles, which are tucked in nicely into the C-pillars, though the e:Prototype comes equipped with \u201chidden\u201d front door handles for aerodynamic purposes.\nAt the back, the full-width light bar tail light assembly from the HR-V is carried over onto the Honda SUV e:Prototype, though there seems to be a new light signature design here. There\u2019s a new roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated sleek full-width third braking light, while further down on the bumpers, the LED positioning light strips mirrors that on the front fascia.\nNo photos have been shared on the upcoming electric SUV\u2019s interior, but a \nshort video on Honda China\u2019s websit\ne shows a large portrait style central infotainment display, paired to a fully-digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Obviously, these could just be computer renders, and might not reflect on the production-ready car.\nThe video also shows a facial-recognition system at work \u2013 Honda says that the upcoming fully-electric SUV will come with the third-generation Honda Connect system, which utilises artificial intelligence to power a host of connected services, alongside a new \u201comnidirectional ADAS\u201d system, so we\u2019re guessing that\u2019s part of the sensor suite.\nSimilarly, no information has been shed on the electric powertrain underneath the bonnet, but Honda says that they are focusing on delivering \u201cdynamic, yet smooth acceleration performance\u201d on the upcoming fully-electric SUV, of which the driver can feel the \u201cjoy of driving in abundance\u201d \u2013 we\u2019ll see about that when the car is actually launched.\nGALLERY"
"The Road Transport Department or JPJ has announced the extension of the deadline for the \u201cpromotion\u201d on summonses to the end of the month, now in sync with PDRM\u2019s. This is the second extension, after the first which supposedly \nends today\n. \u00a0\nTo recap, entitled summonses (that are compoundable) will be offered up to a discount of 80%. Payment of the summons can be transacted at all JPJ offices nationwide, kiosks, mobile JPJ counters, UTC premises as well as online through the \nMySikap JPJ\n portal. Physical counters mentioned above are open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. and inclusive of weekends.\nSource: Facebook/\nJPJMalaysia\nHowever, a scheduled maintenance activity on the MySikap JPJ system has been earmarked for this weekend, thus, all JPJ counters nationwide will be \nclosed this Saturday\n, December 18th.\nThe promotion to encourage road users to settle their unpaid summonses was first touted in conjunction with the government\u2019s \u201c100-Hari Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia\u201d (AKM) programme that was held in KLCC over the weekend of December 9th to 12th.\nIn the accompanying press statement, the JPJ announced the collection of RM4,126,938 via settlement of 81,146 summonses from December 9th to the 14th. Out of that figure, 11,113 transactions were done online. \u00a0\nThe JPJ also earlier reminded vehicle owners to renew their expired road tax and driving licences before the end of the year as the Ministry of Transport is no longer extending the deadline that was announced in \nSeptember\n. These renewals can be done at Pos Malaysia, Puspakom as well as through MyEG web portal.\nCurrently, the department has also set up \u2018Ops Sedar\u2019 \nroadblocks\n around the country to nab road users with uninsured vehicles."
"UMW Toyota Motor has announced that the all-new Toyota Veloz, which will be locally-assembled to replace the Toyota Avanza, is now available for booking. The Toyota Avanza was introduced locally in 2004 and\u00a0UMW Toyota Motor has sold over 178,000 units.\u00a0\nThe Veloz was launched in \nIndonesia \nin November 2021 followed by\n Thailand \nearlier this year.\nThe Toyota Veloz will be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine paired to a 7-speed CVT gearbox. As it is the 2NR-VE engine, it\u2019s safe to assume that the 1.5-litre engine will produce 107 hp and 140 Nm to drive the front wheels.\nWhat has been revealed so far on the exterior is that the Toyota Veloz will feature LED headlamps with sequential turn indicators, with five different exterior colour options available \u2013 Blue Metallic with Black Roof, Silver Metallic with Black Roof, Red Metallic, Metallic Bluish Black, and White.\nAlso available in the Veloz are features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a 9-inch touchscreen, electronic parking brake with brake autohold, wireless charging and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Bootspace is rated at a generious 498 litres.\nToyota Safety Sense driver aids will also be available; offering features such as autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.\nThere was no mention on how many variants will be available although UMW Toyota listed an estimated price of RM95,000."
"According to \nAuto Express UK\n, Mazda is looking to introduce an all-new electric car that is due in 2019. This electric car is said to take shape as a city car to rival the likes of the \nRenault Zoe\n and \nNissan Leaf\n. The company also revealed the possibility of employing a rotary engine as a range extender for the electric car.\nMatsuhiro Tanaka, head of Mazda\u2019s European R&D explained that the logic for rolling out a small city car is because a larger car would require heavier parts and is not Mazda\u2019s priority to work around the problem. Tanaka-san however, mentioned that for Mazda to create a large-sized EV, they would have to reimagine their strategy to bring weight down, such as developing lighter materials in the future.\nAn all-electric Mazda2 perhaps?\nOn the rumoured rotary engine electric powertrain, Tanaka-san confirmed that such technology exists as rotary engines are capable of producing consistent power quietly at standard revolutions.\nWith Mazda\u2019s plan to introduce \nplug-in hybrid cars by 2021\n, this all-electric city car with a rotary powered range extender may soon be a reality. So folks, seems like the rotary is not dead yet, just that it\u2019s taking a different form from what we remembered it."
"It\u2019s called the Aston Martin DB11 AMR; inspired by Aston Martin Racing\u2019s successful endurance programme, it replaces the outgoing V12 model as the new flagship of the DB11 range.\nStuffed inside its long front hood is a \n630 hp\n 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, a full 129 hp more than the V8 DB11 launched in Malaysia recently. Off the line, the DB11 AMR tips the 100 km/h mark in just 3.7 seconds with\u00a0\n700 Nm\u00a0\n\u2013 similar to the AMG GT C Roadster and if you dare, the DB11 AMR can transport you to the hair-raising threshold of 335 km/h.\nAston Martin President & Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the DB11 AMR, \u201cSince its initial launch back in 2016 the DB11 has sold close to 4,200 V12 examples. With the exceptional V8 Coupe and Volante, we felt the V12 could reveal more of its sporting potential, while remaining the consummate GT.\u201d\nThe DB11 AMR is available in three Designer Specifications, plus an exclusive AMR Signature Edition, which carries a striking Stirling Green and lime livery. Strictly limited to \n100 units worldwide\n, the AMR Signature Edition is priced at \u00a3201,995 (approx. RM\u00a01.08 mil).\nThe Aston Martin DB11 AMR is priced at \u00a3174,995 (approx. RM\u00a0937k) in the UK, with deliveries set to take place in Q2 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Yeap, that pun was most definitely intended. In the last two years or so, Mitsubishi\u2019s social media channels \u2013 whether on Facebook or Instagram \u2013 have been quite vibrant with gorgeous pictures and exciting videos and their most recent posting on Instagram featuring the Triton certainly deserves a mention.\nThe \nTriton Athlete\n was previously featured in a Facebook video, with Leona Chin behind the wheel, powering through multiple sections of the \nShah Alam Stadium\n as if it were a playground. This time, it\u2019s a little different.\nWith the Triton Athlete in a static position, this time it was the photographer\n Aereon Wong\n, who was moving around in what is known as \u2018light painting\u2019 and the results look simply incredible! Check out the Instagram Reel \nhere\n!\nThe Triton Athlete is available in White Diamond (as per video), Jet Black Mica and Sun Flare Orange. Complementing those colours and the Triton Athlete decals are 18-inch blacked-out wheels. As part of the Triton Athlete look, the\u00a0door handles, wing mirror housing, side steps, aero door visors, and rear bumpers have also been blacked-out.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Athlete goes for\u00a0\nRM141,500\n and is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine with\u00a0\n181 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n430 Nm\n\u00a0to power all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox."
"It is still another five years away, but Lotus has begun key engineering work on its fully electric sports car that is scheduled to be available in 2026.\nAs part of the brand\u2019s transformation into higher volumes and a dramatic increase in product offerings, Lotus has split its business into low-volume and high-volume products.\nIn summary, Lotus offence into the \nEV segment\n over the course of five years will be:\n2022 \u2013 SUV, E-segment, Type 132\n2023 \u2013 \n4-door coupe, E-segment\n, Type 133\n2025 \u2013 SUV, D-segment, Type 134\nThese three will have much of its design, engineering and high-volume production in \nWuhan, China\n2026 \u2013 Sports car, Type 135, made in the UK \u00a0\nYesterday, Lotus unveiled the new EV platform with a modular rear structure that was developed through Project LEVA (Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture). Intended to be constructed with lightweight die-cast aluminium with multiple interchangeable components, the rear structure is designed to accommodate a single or dual electric motor drive unit (EDU) as well as up to three different sizes of battery packs.\nThe platform will most likely be used by \nAlpine\n, Renault\u2019s performance car division, to replace their \nA110\n mid-engine sports car, as the French automaker inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January this year which includes joint development of an EV sports car with Lotus.\nLotus is still building Exige and Elise models today, but not for long. Find out how to purchase one here!\nCalled the Type 135, the \u201csmallest\u201d variation of the electric two-seater sports car will have a short wheelbase of just 2,470 mm (although much more than the current \nElise\n at 2,300 mm) and a chest-type battery pack occupies the space where the mid-mounted engine and transmission .\nA single-motor EDU, nestled behind the battery and in between the suspension arms, delivers a whopping \n476 hp\n (350 kW), even more than the recently launched \nLotus Emira V6\n.\nA more powerful version of the two-seater Type 135 will see a 50% larger 12-module chest-type battery pack with an energy content of 99.6 kWh mated to a dual-motor EDU with a maximum output of \n884 hp\n (650 kW). The wheelbase is also lengthened to at least 2,650 mm (longer than today\u2019s Emira and \nEvora\n) to accommodate the battery pack.\nLotus is looking back into history to better represent the sound of 2,000 hp! More here on the sound of the Lotus Evija!\nThe chest-type battery pack, where battery modules are vertically stacked, was first seen in the 2,000-hp \nLotus Evija\n fully electric hypercar. Lotus says the mid-mounted power pack of the chest layout is ideal for sports cars to deliver the requirement of low overall ride height and low centre of gravity.\nThe \u2018slab\u2019 battery pack is placed under the cabin floor\nThe third model variation of Type 135 will use utilise the long-wheelbase design to create a 2+2 cabin, but with the battery pack arranged in a more traditional \u201cslab\u201d placed beneath the chassis. Lotus is planning to have this Type 135 in 2+2 configuration to offer either outputs of 476 hp or 884 hp.\nApart from being used by Lotus as well as Alpine, this innovative mid-mounted rear-drive EV platform for sports cars is also planned to be made available to other clients through Lotus Engineering.\nGALLERY"
"For Malaysia Day 2022, \nBMW Group Malaysia\n and the M owners Malaysia community gathered over 120 BMW M cars in Kuala Lumpur. Being the largest BMW M gathering in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia also took this as an opportunity to award winners of the \u201csearch for the oldest BMW M models of each model series\u201d in the country.\nA group of BMW M cars joined a convoy from Ingress Auto Damansara to Lalaport Bukit Bintang to celebrate the 59th Malaysia Day. At the destination, the public had the opportunity to see the high-performance BMW M cars up close.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said in his officiation speech, \u201cThis year, as we commemorate five decades of rich history as one team with a united passion for BMW M; let us not forget the unity of Malaysians as one nation who are also celebrating 59 years of national identity.\u201d\n\u201cIt is a true delight to witness this passion that Malaysians have for the brand in full strength, demonstrating not only their pride and love for our motorsport division but for Malaysia on such a significant day as well. We hope that the Most Powerful Letter in the World will continue to resonate with the diverse yet close-knit BMW M community here.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia and Safe \u2018n Sound present 90 fully-subsidised child car seats to B40 families\nEarlier this year, BMW Group Malaysia announced a nationwide competition in search for \u201cthe oldest BMW M models of each model series in the country\u201d. The contest is in celebration of 50 years of the BMW M Division. Three of the six winning BMW M cars were placed on special display during the gathering. Winners of the contest are:\nHan Kim Leng, 1981 BMW M535i (E12)\nHarris Mah Kar Keat \u2013 1988 BMW M3 (E30)\nLim Shin Tom \u2013 1991 BMW M5\nGan Kian Yeh \u2013 2006 BMW M6 (E63)\nTan Kai Che \u2013 2015 BMW M4\nTee Yee Jiuh \u2013 2017 BMW M2\nWinners of the search for \u201cthe oldest BMW M models of each model series in the country\u201d with BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser\nHans de Visser adds, \u201cAs we commemorate 50 Years of BMW M, we are truly floored by the strong support of all our BMW M owners and fans in Malaysia, many of whom have journeyed with us all these years to honour five rich decades of the brand\u2019s pursuit for motorsport perfection. Their unwavering support has been pivotal to our success here, and ///M for Malaysia Day is a true exemplification of the unity and pride shown by the Malaysian BMW M community.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"The all-new Honda Jazz (or Fit as it is known in Japan and the Americas) is scheduled to make its worldwide debut at the Tokyo Motor Show tomorrow, but images of the fully-uncovered car has already found its way onto the internet, courtesy of Japanese website \nCreative Trend\n.\u00a0\nThe images seem to be taken from the motor show magazine, and someone clearly managed to get a hold of a copy early.\u00a0\nFrom the leaked images, we can see that Honda designers went with a more gentle design philosophy on the new Jazz. Standing out on the front facade is the new Solid Wing Face \u201cgrille\u201d, which is mostly just a solid piece of bodywork. The air intake is slimmed down to just a single slit underneath the Honda emblem.\u00a0\nFlanking the grille is the new larger headlights, which takes on a rounder shape that reminds us of the first-generation Honda Jazz. Inside the enclosure, Honda has upgraded the headlights to a square projector along with what seems to be a \u2018U\u2019-shaped daytime running lights.\u00a0\nAround the side, the wide angular character line of the \nthird-generation Honda Jazz\n has been replaced with a sleek line that runs from the top of the front-wheel arch along the entire length of the car. The C-pillar also has been redesigned with a split paint job that joins the taillamp enclosure to the roofline.\u00a0\nAt the rear, the existing vertical-oriented taillights of the previous Honda Jazz have been replaced by two-piece horizontal taillights.\u00a0\nThe leaked magazine also shows 5 different variants of the all-new Honda Jazz, namely the Basic, Home, Ness, Luxe and Crosstar. The Crosstar adopts a crossover-inspired design, with a variant-specific louvered front grille, bumper with larger air intakes, wheel arch cladding, roof rails, and a two-tone colour scheme.\u00a0\nThe Ness variant gets a more youthful colour accent that extends onto the inside, while the Luxe gets a few additional chrome trim pieces on the outside and a leather interior.\nOn the inside, the dashboard seems to have been redesigned with a more minimalistic look, where the touchscreen infotainment display takes centre-stage. The air vents have been moved from the top to flank the infotainment display, while the climate controls take the form of three circular dials below the screen.\nThe top of the dashboard has been reshaped into a single flat surface, while the front mimics the upholstery material of the seats. The instrument cluster has also been replaced by a digital screen, while the two spoke steering wheel seems to be lifted directly from the \nHonda e\n.\u00a0\nThe leaked magazine in question.\nHonda has announced that the all-new Honda Jazz will be available with the Intelligent Multi-mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain, and the source has indicated that the fourth-generation Honda Jazz will be utilising a 1.5-litre two-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors.\u00a0\nMore information will be made available once the car is officially launched in Japan tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest coverage!"
"Traditionally, how much power a car makes have always been its first talking point, especially when sportscars are concerned.\u00a0It\u2019s simply a measure of superiority \u2013 a real booster not just on the road, but for the ego. Lately, with the imminent arrival of a certain B-segment sedan, there\u2019s been a lot of talk about torque.\u00a0\nTo some, perhaps a little too much but what is it really? What\u2019s the difference between horsepower and torque? Do you need more torque than horsepower or vice versa? How does that benefit you?\nTo understand the significance of high torque figures, we need to first understand what horsepower and torque are. Horsepower is how much power a car\u2019s engine makes while torque is the twisting force generated to turn the wheels.\u00a0In a way, horsepower determines how quickly that work is done while torque determines how much force is applied to get that work done.\u00a0\nFinal scene from The Fast and the Furious \u2013 the first-ever \u201cadvertisement\u201d on the significance of having loads of torque.\nA car with high horsepower but low torque figures can accelerate quickly but may not be able to sustain that hard acceleration beyond a certain speed. On the other hand, a car with lower horsepower figures but higher torque may not accelerate as quick but as it accelerates, the force or rather \u201cforward surge\u201d is a lot stronger.\nThis is most apparent in diesel-powered, turbocharged pick-up trucks or cars with higher capacity engines or rather \u201cbig c.c. cars\u201d. They deliver the most amount of torque in the lower revs and while they may not necessarily be fast cars, the force of that acceleration would be stronger as compared to a car with higher horsepower but lower torque. This is why pick-ups in particular are used to haul heavy cargo or tow heavy objects.\nWhile on the move, a car with more torque can also up-and-go with a lot more ease, while keeping the car in the lower revs. As a result, it also prevents the engine from being overstrained. This can also have a more positive effect on fuel economy.\nThe same can also be experienced on uphill climbs. Cars with more torque may not necessarily be faster in these terrains but it would have a much stronger acceleration whereas in a car with insufficient torque, you\u2019d probably have to keep your foot firmly on the floor to get the car moving.\nRevving the engine to its redline is only fun when you\u2019ve got VTEC!\nFor those who derive excitement from speeding through B-roads, revving the engine to its limit may offer a more visceral experience but for most, in compact sedans or crossovers, carrying a full load of passengers and cargo, having more torque makes for a more relaxing drive.\nWith a healthy horsepower output, the car may accelerate quicker but at higher speeds, its torque output determines if the car can accelerate further with ease or if the driver needs to downshift a gear and rev to the limiter.\u00a0\nImagine having to constantly rev the engine to its redline to perform overtaking maneuvers or to sustain a high speed on the highway, rather than merely flexing your right toe to perform the same task, which sounds more comfortable?\nUphill climbs, slopes, slowing moving traffic is where you\u2019d fully experience the use of torque.\nFor the last decade also, car manufacturers have accelerated the use of turbocharged engines and now almost every model of every continental make is turbocharged. Even the Japanese and Korean makes are picking this up, albeit slowly but surely.\nWith turbocharging, you get plenty of torque before 3,000 rpm; more than enough to get you through your daily drives and it\u2019s proven to be the more efficient in terms of fuel consumption. It\u2019s kinder on the environment too, if you buy into the data. With lower capacity (such as 1.0- or 1.5-litre 3 cylinder) turbocharged engines, not only can manufacturers build lighter, more efficient engines and provide more room for safety and cabin enhancements for city runners, in Malaysia at least, we\u2019d pay lower roadtax too.\nIts achilles heel however is throttle response. Even with the deftest calibration by car manufacturers, a turbocharged vehicle will never be as responsible as a non-turbo example and there are plenty of videos on YouTube to convince you of that.\nNow, car manufacturers are adopting a new solution; by harnessing the power, efficiency and immediacy of electric motors. The most apt example now is perhaps the \nnew Honda City RS i-MMD\n.\nFind out \nwhat\u2019s in and what\u2019s not\n in the new Honda City.\nHonda \nhas somehow devised the new City to be driven primarily by one of two electric motors while the engine only kicks in at higher/cruising speeds where it can perform at its optimum with the least strain. The rest of the time, it\u2019s used to charge the batteries on board while the other electric motor acts as a starter.\nAccording to Honda Malaysia\u2019s marketing material so far, this should result in near instanteous and effortless acceleration \u2013 something we\u2019ve not had the chance to confirm just yet. Soon, hopefully. Although, one thing is for sure, if all that is advertised applies as it should in reality, minimal use of the internal combustion engine will also be a consequence. That would mean longer refuel intervals and ultimately, lesser of the toxic stuff in our atmosphere.\u00a0\nMother nature would approve of this."
"Unveiled back in late 2016, the second-generation MINI Cooper Countryman is the largest MINI ever produced to\u00a0compete in the compact crossover segment. It goes against the likes of the \nAudi Q2\n and \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n.\nMINI Malaysia has two variants on offer for now \u2013 the Cooper Countryman and the Cooper S Countryman. Rest assured that the hotter 231 hp and 350 Nm \nall-wheel drive JCW Countryman\n will make an appearance in due course. For now, you\u2019d have to settle for the RM240k Cooper and RM270k Cooper S Countryman.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI Cooper Countryman\nMINI Cooper S Countryman\nEngine\n1,499cc; MINI TwinPower turbo 3-cylinder\n1,998cc; MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n6-speed Steptronic automatic\n8-speed Steptronic automatic\nMax Power\n136 hp @ 4,400 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n192 hp @\u00a05,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n220 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 4,300 rpm\n280 Nm @\u00a01,350 \u2013 4,600 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n9.6 seconds; 200 km/h\n7.4 seconds; 224 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM239,888\nRM269,888\n EXTERIOR\nBased on BMW Group\u2019s UKL2 platform that also underpins the \nBMW X1\n and \n2 Series Active/Gran Tourer\n, the Countryman is now 202 mm longer (4,299 mm), 30 mm wider (1,822 mm), and 5 mm shorter (1,557 mm) than the model it replaces. Wheelbase has also stretched to 2,670 mm (+74 mm).\nBoth variants are dressed in the \nMINI ALL4 Bodykit\n, therefore\u00a0you get a more rugged front and rear fenders, Piano Black trim on the bumpers, silver coloured sump guard, and satin finished roof rails, emphasising the adventurous character of the all-new Countryman.   Standard equipment includes \nauto LED Headlamps\n with cornering lights. The Cooper Countryman rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 profile tyres while the Cooper S Countryman gets 19-inch items wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.\nINTERIOR\nThanks to the stretched dimensions, the Countryman offers even more space for versatility and practicality. Boot space for example is rated at \n450 litres\n with all the seats in use and with the 40:20:40 split rear seats folded down, the Countryman can swallow up to 1,390 litres of cargo. It even comes with a Picnic Bench that folds out from\u00a0the luggage compartment lid. Who says a MINI is not practical?\nStandard features on the Cooper Countryman includes Cloth Firework Carbon Black fabric upholstery, Hazy Grey interior theme, Chrome Line interior as well as a leather wrapped sports steering wheel. Other creature comforts include dual-zone climate control, 6.5-inch infotainment system with reverse camera and powered tailgate.   Stepping up to the Cooper S Countryman, you\u2019ll get significantly more kit on top of the standard variant. It gets MINI Yours Piano Black interior theme, ambient lighting, Carbon Black leather upholstery, John Cooper Works leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, powered front seats with memory function and keyless entry and start.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the Cooper Countryman is a 1.5-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that outputs \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.6 seconds\n and top speed is registered at \n200 km/h\n. Official fuel consumption figure is \n6.0 litres per 100 km\n.\nUnder the bonnet of the hotter Cooper S Countryman, is a 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine packing \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in 7.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of \n224 km/h\n. It also consumes slightly more fuel at \n6.5L/100 km\n.\nBoth variants of the Countryman come with the MINI Drive Mode Selector where drivers can shuffle between Green, Mid, and Sport. Green mode as the name suggests calls for a relaxed drive while Sport is for a more responsive throttle and handling response. For the best of both worlds, Mid should be your pick.\nSAFETY\nBoth variants come equipped with six airbags, ABS with BA, EBD, Cornering brake control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), hill-hold control, flat tyre indicator and ISOFIX mounting points.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe MINI Cooper Countryman can be had in eight exterior shades \u2013 Chestnut, Island Blue, British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, and Moonwalk Grey. Meanwhile\u00a0Thunder Grey is available exclusively on the MINI Cooper S Countryman.\nEvery purchase of the Countryman comes with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty package and a 4-Year or 60,000 km (whichever comes first) free service package. Interested parties can experience and test drive the new Countryman at The International Gallery at Alya Kuala Lumpur from 15 to 16 April 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI Cooper S Countryman   MINI Cooper Countryman"
"A buzz of excitement fills the air with super-luxury British marque Bentley pulling the covers off its latest creation ahead of its Frankfurt debut. The Crewe based company has been very busy at work with its first ever production SUV that\u2019s an evolution of the EXP 9F concept that was shown to the world at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.\nThe Bentayga may not have inherited Bentley\u2019s best naming paradigms, but it did get the\u00a0Volkswagen Group\u2019s \nPL71 platform\n on which it\u2019s built on. The same platform can be found on the more popular \nAudi Q7\n, \nPorsche Cayenne\n and \nVolkswagen Touareg\n. It sure is a stepping stone for what is being hailed as the \u2018\nfastest SUV in the world\n\u2018.\nGiving a product like the Bentayga with the abovementioned tag is a bold and daring move, especially for a company with a sterling \nreputation\n to uphold. Bentley had to pull out all the stops here. From the powertrain to the interiors upholstery, the perfectionists from Crewe took their time and made sure they had the real deal to show for at Frankfurt.\nThe drivetrain is as good place as any to delve into the Bentayga. Powering this uber-luxurious SUV is a tried and tested, all-new \nTSI W12\n engine for which Bentley is billing is as the \nmost\u00a0technologically advanced 12-cylinder\n production engine in the world. It kicks out \n600 hp\n at \n6,000 rpm\n\u00a0while making an astonishing \n900 Nm\n of twist from a mere \n1,250 rpm\n, thanks to a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers.   The Flying B dishes out the century sprint in\n 4.1 seconds\n\u00a0before reaching a top speed of \n301 km/h\n!\u00a0Not bad at all for car that weighs\u00a0\n3,250 kg\n. What makes this powerplant so technologically advanced is the fact that it can \nshut down half\n its \ncylinders\n depending on driving conditions that\u2019s acclimated to\u00a0\nBentley\u2019s Variable Displacement\n system.\u00a0The TSI W12 sees a\n 11.9 percent\n efficiency improvement compared to the \nexisting W12\n.\nAdditionally, it can \nswitch\n between \ndirect\n and \nindirect fuel injection\n, thus improving \nfuel efficiency\n and \nemissions\n. The engine is mated to an \neight-speed\n automatic gearbox. The \ntransmission\n and \nfour-wheel-drive\n system has been strengthened to handle the demands and high torque levels of off-road driving should it strike your fancy. An \noil-burner\n and \nplug-in hybrid\n will make their debut later on.   Onto the business end of this SUV, for which the marque applauds as the \nworld\u2019s finest cabin\n. In typical fashion befitting only that of Bentley, the \nveneer\n is handpicked, the select \nbull hide\n is sourced from only the best European climates and are\u00a0\nnaturally tanned\n.\u00a0The remarkable attention to detail in metal, wood and leather is the epitome of modern British luxury, and is achievable thanks to the exceptional skills of the craftsman in Crewe.\nThe cossetting handcrafted upholstery features a \n22-way\n adjustable front seats\u00a0that\u2019s further enhanced with a \nsix-programme massage\n system, seat \nheating\n and \nventilation\n. The Bentayga is available in either a \nfour\n or \nfive seat configuration\n\u00a0and are available with contrast stitching including a quilted diamond design applied to the \u2018shoulders\u2019 and bolsters that draws inspiration from classic hunting jackets.   This SUV exudes opulence by the bucket-loads and that\u2019s ever more apparent with a four-seater layout.\u00a0The two individual \nrear seats\n adjust in \n18\n different ways and includes a\n massage\n and \nventilation\n functions, not to mention \nfootrests\n.\u00a0 The veneered rear console hides away \ncup holders\n, \nstorage\n areas and \nUSB\n charging sockets.\u00a0Customers can choose from \n15\n colours, in three duo-tone and one single mono-tone colour split.\nThe Bentayga takes the term \u2018tailgate party\u2019 to the next level when you drop the tailgate and discover\u00a0the \noptional folding event seat\n that\u2019s decked out just like the rest of interior for taking in the lush scenery. Beats sitting on the tailgate we suppose. Should this not amuse you, Bentley has equipped the Bentayga with a \nfull-length panoramic glass roof\n.   The brand is adamant of the SUV\u2019s \ngo-anywhere-attitude\n. Bentley has gone to the ends of the world when it came to testing and has proved to be the most exhaustive exercise in the company\u2019s history. From the frozen \n-30\u00b0C\n\u00a0wastelands of the North Cape, to blistering\u00a0\n50\u00b0C\n desert heat of Dubai to the\n muddy\n fields of Cheshire; the Bentayga has been put through its pace on all terrains navigable by wheel.\nAnd the product of that pursuit is\u00a0the \nworld\u2019s first electric active roll control\n technology that utilises an unrivalled \n48V\n system, dubbed the\u00a0\nBentley Dynamic Ride \nsystem. This system instantly\n counteracts lateral rolling forces\n when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver cabin \nstability\n, \nride comfort\n and car-like \nhandling\n. Conventional anti-roll bars present a compromise between body control and ride comfort, whereas Bentley\u2019s adaptive and reactive system provides \nvariable torsional resistance\n, allowing the Bentayga to be both capable in corners and remain comfortable at all times.   The Bentayga comes jam-packed with safety acronyms for good measure, such as Electronic Stability Control (\nESC\n),\u00a0Hill Descent Control (\nHDC\n) and a\u00a0multi-mode Traction Control (\nTCS\n). Steering is job left to\n EPAS\n or\u00a0Electric Power-Assisted Steering.\u00a0The system gives feedback to the driver, whilst providing isolation from steering kick-back. EPAS \u00a0features a\n variable rack ratio\n that permits \nlight\n and \nfast\n steering while manoeuvring at \nlow\n \nspeeds\n, as well as a more \nweighted\n response for better \nstability\n at \nhigher\n\u00a0\nspeeds\n.\nOpulence and luxury are the mainstays of the brand and it wouldn\u2019t be an exception here. Even the \nclock\n that lives in the dash is a\u00a0 bespoke mechanical \nMulliner Tourbillon\n by \nBreitling\n (as an option of course). Speaking of \nMulliner\n, should the \u2018standard\u2019 Bentayga not jig your whimsy, Mulliner will \nbow\n to the customer\u2019s \nevery bespoke needs\n. That being said, the Bentayga comes with \nsix\n different lifestyle-orientated packages at \nlaunch\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Maserati has introduced two new additions to the Trofeo range \u2013 the Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo \u2013 joining the existing Levante Trofeo, which was \nlaunched here in Malaysia back in June\n.\nThe new Trofeo models will all be powered by the same Ferrari-sourced \n3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine\n, making it the first time the Ghibli is available with a V8 mill. The engine outputs \n580 hp\n and\n 730 Nm \nof torque as standard, though the Levante Trofeo is available with 590 hp in certain markets \u2013 including Malaysia.\nAlso unlike the Levante Trofeo, the new Maserati super sedans are exclusively rear-wheel driven. Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Ghibli Trofeo does 0-100 km/h in\n 4.3 seconds\n, while the larger Quarttroporte does it a touch slower at \n4.5 seconds\n.\nFor comparison, the Levante Trofeo does the century sprint in 3.9 seconds \u2013 though it tops out at \u201cjust\u201d 304 km/h; the new Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo both achieves a top speed of \n326 km/h\n.\nAs standard, all three Trofeo models are equipped with a specifically-tuned Maserati\u2019s Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) advanced traction management system, an additional \u201cCorsa\u201d hardcore driving mode, as well as launch control.\nThe new Trofeo models also gain additional exterior styling points to differentiate them from their lower siblings. These include a new front grille with twin vertical bars in Black Piano, carbon fibre front air duct trims and rear extractor, and red accents on the side air vents and Trident badges.\nAt the rear, the taillights have also been redesigned, now with a boomerang-like light signature as seen on the new Ghibli Hybrid that are inspired by the 3200 GT and Alfieri concept car. Specifically for the Ghibli Trofeo, the bonnet has also been restyled with two additional air ducts for better cooling, similar to the Levante Trofeo.\nThe new super sedans ride on 21-inch aluminium \u201cOrione\u201d wheels, while the Levante Trofeo SUV rides on 22-inch items of the same design.\nInside, Full-Grain Pieno Fiore natural leather upholstery is standard \u2013 with the Trofeo Trident badge embroidered into the headrests, along with an improved advanced driver assistance system and the latest Maserati Intelligent Assistant infotainment system, with larger 10.1-inch touchscreen display \u2013 the Levante retains a smaller 8.4-inch unit.\nOn the other end of the spectrum, Maserati has recently unveiled the \nGhibli Hybrid\n \u2013 the marque\u2019s first electrified model. The Italian luxury carmaker \nconfirmed last year \nthat all models moving forward will be offered with an electrified drivetrain, as part of its large-scale electric push.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since its launch in March 2014\n, the Honda City went on to be the best selling model for Honda Malaysia with over 100,000 units delivered to date. For those of you who waited it out, well, the City is only going to get better.\nThe star of the show here is none other than the range topping V variant\n, the sole recipient of LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps. It will also get LED tail lamps, a duck tail spoiler with integrated LED brake lights as well as multi-angle reverse camera as standard, while sitting on a brand new set of 16-inch alloys. The V variant is the only one to come with six airbags.   What\u2019s even more appealing is that the push start button and keyless entry will be standard across all variants, as are safety systems such as Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal.\nIt remains mechanically identical to the outgoing City, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine up front that\u2019s paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Boot space is still class leading at 536 litres.\nCustomers who place their booking now will be the first to receive the keys to the facelifted City. It will be launched sometime in the first quarter of 2017, meaning it could arrive as early as this month or the next!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Yesterday, many Malaysians were thrown into confusion when several media outlets\u00a0\nmistakenly\n reported that the PH (Pakatan Harapan) Federal Government will not impose Sales and Services Tax (SST) on locally assembled (CKD) cars.\nDirector of\u00a0 Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Dato\u2019 Sri Subromaniam Tholasy,\u00a0immediately denied those reports, clarifying that motor vehicles, CKD or otherwise, will be subjected to SST come 1 September 2018. In the \nProposed Goods Exempted from Sales Tax document\n that was made available on the Malaysian Customs official website, item 87.03 refers to the \nCKD kit\n (components that make up the final vehicle) which are unfinished goods and therefore will not be subjected to SST, he added in a press statement.\n\u00a0\nThe 10 per cent (proposed) SST will only be imposed on the finished goods, in this case, the completed vehicle. Looking back, when the 6 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented to replace SST in 2015, we saw a price drop across the board, albeit marginal for some. Hence it is safe to assume that car price will see an upward revision when SST kicks in. By how much remains an open question.\nIn view of the zero-rated GST car price that was announced in early June, many jumped on the chance to reward themselves with a new ride which resulted in a spike in orders and a long waiting list that stretches beyond the tax-holiday period.\nBest time to buy an \nMX-5 RF\n?\nBermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has stepped up to say that the company \nwill honour\n the zero-rated GST prices for all its customers who have secured a booking before 1 September 2018.\nThe booking process as we understood from an authorised Mazda dealer, involves putting down a refundable deposit of RM1,000, submitting the loan application and wait in line for allocations. If you manage to lock down the \nzero-rated GST price tag\n, you are looking at a nett savings of between RM4k (Mazda 2 mid-spec) to RM16.7k for the \nCX-9 AWD\n."
"Sime Darby Auto Connection (SDAC) has unveiled the Ford Ranger FX4 through an online broadcast on its social media channels today. The new Ford Ranger FX4 is priced at \nRM126,888\n on the road, without insurance.\nBased on the \nexisting XLT variant of the T6 Ford Ranger,\n the Ranger FX4 dresses up the pick-up truck with exclusive styling details and additional kit, for those who like the toughened-up look. The full list of added exterior features are listed below:\nEXTERIOR\nEbony Black mesh front grille\n18-inch blacked-out alloy wheels, 265/60 profile tyres\nblacked-out side steps, wing mirror housings, door handles, front and rear bumpers\nFX4 side decal, rear emblem\nMatte-black sports bar \u2013 free accessory for the first 150 customers, otherwise optional at RM1,899.00\nThree exterior colours \u2013 Meteor Grey, Absolute Black and Artic White\nOther exterior features are inherited directly from the XLT variant. These include halogen headlights with manual levelling function, daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights, and rain-sensing automatic wipers.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Ranger FX4 features the same drivetrain found in it\u2019s \u201cdonor\u201d variant, the Ranger XLT.\nEngine: 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder turbocharged diesel\nTransmission: six-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: electronic shift-on-the-fly 4\u00d74\nMax Horsepower: \n160 hp\n @ 3,200 rpm\nMax Torque: \n385 Nm\n @ 1,600 \u2013 2,600 rpm\nINTERIOR\nThe toughened-up look continues inside, with some FX4 variant-exclusive interior trim. These include:\nLeather-accented seats with embossed FX4 logo on seatback\nEbony black soft top instrument panel\nRed accent stitching\nFX4 floor mats\nThe new Ranger FX4 also gains a \nnew larger eight-inch SYNC 3 infotainment display\n (from the XLT+ and higher models), featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and reverse camera display. Otherwise, standard equipment list is identical to the XLT, including the manual air conditioning, six-way powered driver\u2019s seat, and four-way powered front passenger seat.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the FX4 comes with several basic and pick-up specific safety features. These include:\nDual airbags (front)\nABS with EBD\nElectronic stability control and traction control\nHill Descent Control\nHill Launch Assist\nRollover Mitigation\nTrailer Sway Control\nAdaptive Load Control\nAs with its XLT counterpart, the new Ranger FX4 does not come with any advanced driver assistance features \u2013 these are reserved only for the top-of-the-range Wildtrak variants.\nPRICING\nThe 2020 Ford Ranger FX4 is available now at \nRM126,888\n (OTR, w/o insurance). As standard, the Ranger FX4 comes with a three-year/100,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty. Interested parties can make use of SDAC-Ford\u2019s new \nDigital Salesperson\n WhatsApp chat line to enquire or book a new vehicle.\nTo sweeten the deal, SDAC is also offering exclusive free accessories worth RM5,398 for the \nfirst 150 customers\n:\nMatte black sports bar\nExecutive tinting\nIntegrated digital video recorder (DVR, dashcam) with 8GB memory card and hotspot connectivity\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In a surprise to everyone, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia also officially launched the \nall-new Golf R\n in Malaysia, in addition to the \nGolf R-Line\n and\n GTI\n, completing the eighth-generation Golf line-up here on our shores.\nUnlike the other two, though, the range-topper R will only be sold as a fully-imported model, priced at \nRM356,413\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions until the 30th of June 2022.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe all-new Volkswagen Golf R is stands out from the other two with a variant-exclusive body kit, consisting of their new signature R-styled front bumper, side skirts, and a more prominent diffuser at the back. Other exterior features include:\nBlue pin stripe accents\nSatin silver wing mirror cover\nQuad exhaust tailpipes\n19-inch \u2018Adelaide\u2019 alloy wheels\nBlue R-styled brake calipers\nLED headlights\nLED tail lights with sequential turn indicators\nExterior colour options: Lapiz Blue, Deep Black, Pure White\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the bonnet of the all-new Golf R is a revamped EA888 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine, making more power than before.\nEngine: 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: Seven-speed DSG dual-clutch with gearshift pedals\nDriveline: Front-engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive\nSuspension: Sports suspension\nMax horsepower: 320 hp @ 5,600 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax torque: 400 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nThe 4Motion system on the all-new Golf R comes with the new Performance Torque vectoring system, which means that power is further distributed between the individual rear wheels, in addition to just between the front and rear axle, giving you more traction to accelerate out of corners.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the range-topping Golf R still retains most of the looks and features from the standard Golf variants, though with a few extras to help it stand out as the all-out hot hatch model.\n10-inch digital instrument cluster with R-specific displays\n10-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nR black headlining\nR brushed stainless steel pedals\nLeather-wrapped haptic flat-bottom steering wheel with dedicated R button, larger gearshift pedals\nR carbon grey trim\nFront sport seats in Nappa leather, powered driver adjustments with lumbar support\n480W 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system\nThree-zone climate control with rear blower and control panel\nSAFETY\nWhile the all-new Volkswagen Golf R in Malaysia still does not come with the iQ.Drive advanced driver assistance features, it does at least stand out from the other two variants with several additional features.\nSix airbags\nDriver alert system, fatigue detection\nSide Assist with rear cross traffic alert\nProactive passenger protection system\nAutomatic Post-Collision Braking System\nESC (Electronic Stability control) including EDL (electronic differential lock) and ASR (traction control)\nPRICING\nThe all-new Volkswagen Golf R in Malaysia is priced at \nRM356,412.85\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions valid until June 30, 2022.\nAs standard, VPCM will also be offering a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with every purchase, alongside a three-year free scheduled service programme and five years of free roadside assistance.\nGALLERY"
"BYD\n is now China\u2019s best-selling car brand for the first time, dethroning \nVolkswagen\n by selling more than 440,000 cars in its home nation in the first quarter of the year. The latter, who only moved a total of 427,247 units in the same period, has been the best-selling brand in China since at least 2008, when data from the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre first became available.\nThe Chinese carmker\u2019s meteoric rise to the top means it has even outpaced its Chairman, Wang Chuanfu\u2019s own projection of overtaking Volkswagen by the end of 2023,\n Automotive News Europe\n reports.\n\u201cBYD is very, very strong,\u201d Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said during an event at the Shanghai motor show this month. \u201cIn the end, not everything is about volume. We want to have a successful business, and it is more important to be the best international group here in China.\u201d\nThe strong performance is not just restricted to China, too. BYD sold a total of 1.86 million vehicles last year, more than it did in the last four years combined. In the first quarter of 2023, the company sold almost 550,000 cars globally \u2013 a convincing result from the company\u2019s recent push for overseas sales in markets such as Europe, Latin America, and Asia \u2013 including Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nBYD sold nearly 2 million cars globally in 2022 \u2013 911k full EVs\nThe rise in sales is also reflective of the growing influence of the Chinese brands in the electrification era. BYD accounted for two in every five new-energy vehicle sales in China in the first quarter, while only 6% of Volkswagen\u2019s sales were from EVs.\nBYD is aiming to sell at least three million vehicles globally this year. To date, the company has already sold more than 2,000 units of the BYD Atto 3 here in Malaysia, with half of those \ndelivered within the first 100 days\n of sale.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 BYD Atto 3 review \u2013 the best value for money EV?"
"Volkswagen has just unveiled a zero-emission concept Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Volkswagen I.D. Crozz. Marrying the practicality of an SUV and the styling of a coupe, Volkswagen\u2019s new CUV concept will go into production by\u00a02020 as part of a new range of avant-garde electric vehicles.\nUnveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show 2017, the I.D. Crozz is expected to deliver \n302 hp\n to all four corners, effectively making\u00a0this an all-wheel drive (AWD) SUV. It boasts a top speed of \n180 km/h\n and can cover up to \n500 km\n in a single charge. When plugged into a fast-charging system (150 kW DC power), the battery pack can be charged to 80 percent capacity (from zero) in just 30 minutes.   Volkswagen is also looking to fit the I.D. Crozz with fully autonomous driving tech called the \u201cI.D. Pilot\u201d mode. All the driver needs to do is hold the VW badge on the steering wheel for three seconds and the car will go into autopilot. Much like a smartphone on wheels, the I.D. Crozz comes with fully digital instrument cluster and controls. It even relays some of the driving data to the driver via \nAugmented Reality\n.\nOther high tech gizmos include gesture-control-operated transparent panoramic sunroof, interior and \nexterior ambient lighting\n, CleanAir filtration system and even powered sliding doors. On an SUV!   The I.D. Crozz features Volkswagen\u2019s \u201cElectric Mobility DNA\u201d design language that can be characterised by its C-shaped LED daytime running lights, variably controlled LED headlights that changes in design to communicate with other road users and slim LED tail lamps.\nThe I.D. electric car range will shape Volkswagen\u2019s next generation brand strategy that encompasses four pillars of innovation: Smart Sustainability, Intuitive Usability, Connected Community and Automated Driving. The I.D. Crozz will also play a role in Volkswagen\u2019s aim to sell one million electric vehicles annually by 2025.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Riding on the success of the D-Max XTR that was launched in the UK last year, Isuzu has introduced the XTR Colour Edition in celebration of it and of course, for their customers to stand out even more.\nThe only difference between the standard XTR and the XTR Colour Edition lies in its aesthetics. Traditionally, the body parts and panels on the XTR models are finished in Raptor Black but Isuzu decided it needed a more aggressive twist.\nIn the Colour Edition XTRs, the front bumper guard, bonnet protector and head light surrounds adopt the same colour as the body while the fog light housing and grille have remained black to contrast the body colour. Offered as an option before, the green front grille badge is now standard on the Colour Edition.\nAs with the standard XTR, the Colour Edition is equipped with heavy-duty six spoke 17-inch alloy wheels in Satin Black paired with Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tyres. The tyres are said to be quiet when on tarmac, but just as capable off-road.\nThe side steps on the XTR have an angular bar framework which is designed to prevent rocks and stones from damaging the bodywork. It has a durable textured black finish which prevents scuff marks or scratches while providing extra grip for passengers as they get in and out of the truck.\nAt the back, the Colour Edition distinguishes itself with a body-coloured tail gate spoiler, tail light surrounds and rear bumper. A little peak under the cargo bed and you\u2019d notice even the anti-roll bars and rear dampers project a vibrant green finish.\nInside, the cabin is upholstered with a mix of leather, suede and carbon fibre with contrast green stitching. An XTR logo is embroidered on both the front seats and similarly on the rear centre headrest. The flat-bottom steering wheel is wrapped in leather and suede with green stitching \u2013 all of which were hand-sewn.\nThe XTR Colour Edition\u2019s front brakes have been upgraded with ventilated and slotted discs, paired to kelvar ceramic brake pads for improved stopping power. Its 250 mm ground clearance is credit to the bespoke suspension by Pedders, which can sustain longer suspension travel and endure harsher driving conditions.\nPerformance front brake discs have been designed for a consistent brake pedal feel, high wear resistance and better anti\u2013corrosion protection. They are also fully vented and slotted for improved heat dissipation and braking. Kevlar ceramic front brake pads work in combination with the discs to give a much improved braking performance and stopping power.\nGALLERY"
"When Nissan launched the first generation Juke back in 2010, it had no clue that it would go on to become an international best seller spanning continents, not to mention \u2018inspiring\u2019 rivals to embrace sporty compact crossovers (read CH-R). A decade on, we finally have a successor and it looks like Nissan has not watered down any of the original\u2019s spunky presence.\nWhile the first generation was all about being bold and trendy, the new car \u2013 based on the \nRenault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance\u2019s CMF B-platform\n \u2013 has now grown up in size and offers as much interior room and cargo space (422 litres) as the one segment larger Nissan Qashqai sold in Europe, this despite retaining its stylish silhouette, narrow greenhouse and a cabin featuring a raised centre tunnel and striking hues.\nIn fact, the new Juke retains many of the styling elements (e.g. hidden rear door handles, \u2018floating roof\u2019, round headlamps, etc.) of the original but they have all been refined on a body that\u2019s \nsubstantially larger\n. That said, the new Juke actually weighs less than the previous car thanks to the generous use of \nhigh tensile steel\n which also raises rigidity.\nThe sole powertrain announced for now is a \n117 hp 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n, with more engines to be made available later which could also include a plug-in hybrid. As part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility initiative, the new Juke will also be offered with Nissan\u2019s \nProPilot semi-autonomous driving suite\n.\nNissan Juke image gallery"
"McLaren Automotive has just removed the roof of their highly acclaimed McLaren 570S, the first Sport Series to feature a Spider body style. Making its first public appearance at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 570S Spider offers uncompromising performance with the added exhilaration of open-top motoring.\nHand assembled at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England, the 570S uses the same MonoCell II carbon fibre monocoque and adopts the same two-piece folding roof mechanism as the \n650S\n and \n675LT Spider\n models. With the retractable roof, weight penalty is only a scant 46 kg! Yet despite all that, the chassis strength and rigidity is identical to the 570S \nCoupe\n and \nGT\n.\nThe roof opens and closes completely in just \n15 seconds\n at speeds of up to 40 km/h. When the roof is up, outside noise can still be channelled into the cabin by lowering the rear windscreen electronically. For even more exhilarating experience, McLaren has the optional sports exhaust system that channels exhaust note into the cabin via the engine bay.\nPowering the 570S Spider is the same M838TE 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces \n570 PS\n (562 hp) and \n600 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With launch control engaged, the convertible supercar will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.2 seconds\n and 0 to 200 km/h in \n9.6 seconds\u00a0\n\u2013\u00a0identical to the Coupe. Top speed, with the roof up, is again identical to the Coupe at \n328 km/h\n. With the roof down, the Spider can still hit a limited top speed of \n315 km/h\n.   Visually, the 570S Spider is nearly identical to the Coupe and GT save for the rear spoiler that now sits \n12 mm higher\n to offset the aerodynamic changes as well as a slightly different roof design. Carbon ceramic brakes, mixed alloy wheel size 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres are standard fitment. Three new exterior colour \u2013 Curacao Blue, Vega Blue and Sicilian Yellow were added to the existing 17 colour palette to celebrate the launch of the Spider.\nAs with all McLarens, customer can personalise the 570S Spider to their hearts\u2019 (or wallets) content via a range of McLaren Special Operations (MSO) optional equipment. From carbon fibre exterior bits to dual-tone interior upholstery finish, MSO will make all your dreams come true.\nFirst deliveries of the 570S Spider will begin in August and the first 400 customers will receive launch edition models to celebrate the success of the \n720S\n launch edition. How much, you ask? A cool \u00a3164,750 (RM894k) before options.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche has recently put their 991 GT3 RS to the test in extreme temperatures of negative 20-degrees celcius and 40-degrees celcius with 50% humidity in collaboration with Mobil 1 on the operating temperatures of its engine oil.\nThree vloggers, from UK, Germany and Russia were invited to be part of this challenge with one of Porsche\u2019s most extreme road-going vehicle. As you can see in the video, in temperatures below freezing point, the Porsche\u2019s exterior is draped in a veneer with ice along with the interior trims like the door handles and seat which have frozen up.\nDespite so, as Shmee150 demonstrated, the engine still fires up to life without any hesitation with the signature rumble of the boxer. Mobil 1 claims that the engine oil can operate in low temperatures up to \nnegative 40-degrees\n while its touch sensitive display still shows no sign of lag or delay when browsing through it.\nIn the later bit of the test, temperatures were hiked up to the other extreme end at \n40-degrees celcius with 50% humidity\n. The human test subjects may have thrown in the towel very early on but Mobil 1 claims that its engine oil is capable of operating at up to \n240-degrees celcius\n."
"Like clockwork, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled the all-new 2023 GLC Coupe, a little more than nine months after the debut of its more \ntraditional SUV counterpart last June\n. And just like the regular GLC, the all-new C254 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe here is also more of an evolution than a complete makeover.\nThat\u2019s especially the case for its exterior design changes, as updates here are pretty much limited to just a wider grille, a sleeker headlight with Digital Light matrix LED options, and a new slim-line tail lights that, to be honest, actually does look very nice.\nEverything else, though, is basically just a slight rehash of the outgoing model \u2013 including its dimensions. While the standard GLC saw quite a significant change in proportions, the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe very much maintains the same silhouette from before, only gaining 31 mm in overall length and 5 mm in height.\nThe rear track does see a significant gain at 23 mm (while maintaining overall width), which should give it a more imposing stance on the road (on top of better driving dynamics), while the raked coupe roofline, alongside the more aggressive rear ducktail spoiler, have also been refined to give it a more aerodynamic shape measuring 0.27 Cd.\nStandard equipment on the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe include 18-inch alloy wheels, but stepping up to the AMG Line specifications brings them up to a 19- and 20-inch staggered set-up, plus body-coloured wheel arch flarings for a sportier appearance.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC goes small on design tweaks, but big on tech\nInside, the cabin of the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe basically mirrors that of the GLC and the all-new C-Class, with the same dashboard design featuring the free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, as well as the tablet-styled 11.9-inch infotainment display connected to the centre console.\nAll the tech upgrades found on the GLC have also made their way onto the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, including the optional MBUX Augmented Reality system that overlays virtual objects into the built-in navigation system\u2019s camera display, as well as a \u201ctransparent bonnet\u201d feature for the 360-degree surround view monitor that will help significantly with off-roading. for the remote possibility that you need to take the car off the beaten path.\nThe slightly longer dimensions of the all-new coupe SUV has also translated to a larger boot space at the back, with an additional 45 litres compared to its predecessor, measuring 545 litres on the mild-hybrid versions, and 390 on the plug-in hybrids.\nOn that note, The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will only be offered with electrified powertrains at launch. These include four mild-hybrid options, made up of two petrol and two diesel mills, as well as three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants (two petrol) that offer up to 131 km of fully-electric range, and an EV-only off-roading feature.\nThe petrol mild-hybrid line-up consists of the GLC 200 4Matic and GLC 300 4Matic, both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill for an output of \n204 hp/320 Nm\n and \n258 hp/400 Nm\n respectively. The new second-generation integrated starter-generator gives an additional temporary boost of 23 hp and 200 Nm when needed.\nAs their variant names suggest, they all come with the marque\u2019s all-wheel drive system, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. Sport suspension also comes equipped as standard, alongside a variable ratio steering rack; air suspensions are available as an option, alongside rear axle steering of up to 4.5 degrees, as part of the Tech package.\nAs for the PHEV variants, they come in two petrol options, pairing the same 2.0-litre mill with a larger electric motor for a total system output of \n313 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n on the GLC 300e, and \n381 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n on the GLC 400e.\nAll PHEV variants come equipped with a 31.2 kWh battery, offering a fully-electric driving range between 119 km and 131 km. Charging can be done using the on-board 11 kW AC charger, or optionally through a 60 kW DC charger that takes the battery from empty to 100% in roughly 30 minutes.\nThe PHEVs also get an air suspension system on the rear axle, with additional level control, in order to manage the extra weight from the battery.\nAs for safety, the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe comes equipped with the latest generation of the marque\u2019s Driving Assistance Plus package, which includes an improved adaptive cruise control system, and a new lane detection feature for the Active Steering Assist system, which can now even automatically form an emergency lane at low speeds by moving over to one side of the lane when needed.\nThere\u2019s also a new Parking Package, which includes a Memory Parking Assistant feature that remembers parking locations such as how to get into and out of the garage at home \u2013 and can then automatically park the car after completing the training process.\nALSO READ: \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe Gallery \u2013 plug-in hybrid SUV, RM404k\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019ve heard about it for a while now, but the \nHummer\n is now finally officially back \u2013 this time a whole lot quieter than all previous iterations. Gone are the loud and brawny fuel-guzzling internal combustion engines, because the new Hummer is actually an EV \u201csupertruck\u201d.\nThe headline of the new Hummer EV\u2019s new Ultium Drive electric powertrain is its \n1,000 horsepower\n output figure, derived from three electric motors. GMC also claims that the new Hummer EV has a massive 15,591 Nm of torque, but it\u2019s best not to pay too much attention to that \u2013 it\u2019s measured at the wheels (with transmission ratio multiplication) instead of at the driveshaft, so it\u2019s intentionally misleading.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjMhZKmHKGk\nBased on the most common drive ratio of electric vehicles available on the market, the Hummer EV should have an \u201cactual\u201d torque figure nearer to the 2,000 Nm ball park \u2013 still a whole lot of twist, just nothing near the five-figure number provided by GMC. Anyway, we digress.\nPower is provided from a double-stacked Ultium battery pack (of unknown capacity), which GMC estimates to enable a \ndriving range of up to 563 km\n. The Hummer EV also supports 800-volt DC public quick charging at up to 350 kW, which equates to around 160 km of driving range from just 10 minutes of charging, according to GMC that is.\nIn terms of performance, the American company says that the Hummer EV does \n0-96 km/h (60 mph) in \u201capproximately three seconds\u201d\n when put into the \u201cWatts to Freedom\u201d drive mode \u2013 yes, it\u2019s really called that. Despite that impressive time especially when taken into account how heavy it must weigh (no official figures were given), the Hummer EV\u2019s true prowess is when it\u2019s taken off road.\nThe Hummer EV is equipped with a \nCrabWalk feature\n, which turns the rear wheels at the same angle as the front wheels at low speed, allowing the truck to move diagonally and get out of tricky terrain easier. The air suspensions, standard on the Hummer EV, is also capable of providing an additional 149 mm of lift in \u201cExtract Mode\u201d, helping it traverse across larger boulders or water hazards of up to 600 mm.\nBear in mind that the powertrain and features above are for the Edition 1 variant, which should begin deliveries in Autumn of 2021. The range-topping Edition 1 will be followed by a 800 hp/480 km range tri-motor Hummer EV3X a year later in 2022, a 480 hp/460 km dual-motor Hummer EV2X in 2023, and lastly a 480 hp/400 km dual-motor Hummer EV2 base variant in 2024.\nIf you think that batteries, sharp rocks, and water don\u2019t sound particularly confidence-inducing when put together, there\u2019s no need to worry as GMC has obviously thought of that. An extensive underbody armour made out of steel plates is designed to specifically protect the batteries.\nThere\u2019s also the UltraVision underbody camera system with live \u201cvirtual spotter\u201d views to help drivers navigate obstacles and place wheels more accurately off the beaten path. Speaking of cameras, the GMC Hummer EV can also be equipped with up to 18 cameras all round, which the company says is \u201cbest-in-class\u201d.\nIn terms of styling, few cars on the road are as instantly-recognisable as a Hummer. The all-new Hummer EV takes on the iconic look, but reimagined with a \u201cbold and futuristic\u201d twist.\nFor example, the classic Hummer grille slats have been turned into a full-width LED light bar at the front, with each column housing a letter spelling out \u201cHummer\u201d. From the launch video, it also seems like the light bar is used as a charge indicator with blue LED lights when plugged in.\nThe exterior design also doesn\u2019t try to hide the Hummer EV\u2019s offroad prowess one bit, as evident from the comically-oversized front skid plates and squared-off wheel arches, surrounding the large 35-inch all-terrain tyres. The extra structural rigidity provided by the Ultium batteries also allows for removable Infinity Roof panels, which can be stowed in the frunk storage compartment.\nThe boxy motif is also mirrored throughout the cabin, giving the Hummer EV\u2019s interior a super utilitarian look and feel. Staying true to its name, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.4-inch infotainment screens come with off-road-specific widgets that display the vehicle\u2019s functions and terrain status, such as torque output, differential locker engagement, tyre pressure, pitch and roll angles including maximum values, drift gauge, friction circle, and torque vectoring, among others.\nThe Edition 1 also gets a MultiPro tailgate that can be set to six different \u201cfunctional positions\u201d, along with power-operated rear glass window and tonneau cover. The Edition 1 Hummer EV will also come with the latest version of the Super Cruise advanced driver assistance feature, offering hands-free driving on more than 322,000 km of enabled roads, and a new automatic lane changing feature.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, together with authorised dealer Ingress Motors Centre (IMC) has officiated a new 3S (Sales, Service & Spare parts) Mitsubishi showroom in Petaling Jaya.\nThis is IMC\u2019s fourth Mitsubishi showroom in Malaysia with the \nfirst three in Puchong, Bangi and Shah Alam\n respectively.\u00a0Just like the first three, the latest showroom by IMC in Petaling Jaya has also incorporated the company\u2019s new corporate brand; represented by its global tagline \u201cDrive Your Ambition\u201d.\n\u201cMMM and IMC have been business partners since 2013 and within seven years, IMC has established four out of 14 MMM showrooms within Klang Valley,\u201d said MMM CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\nHe added, \u201cAs we work together towards introducing the new XPANDER to the Malaysian market very soon, the opening of this new showroom is in line with putting our customers at the forefront and as our utmost priority. It is our aim to serve our customers better in terms of sales and after sales in the central region.\u201d\u00a0\n \nAlso speaking at the new showroom launch was Ingress Motors Centre Auto Dealership Division, President, Rabian Abdul Rahman who said, \u201cI strongly believe that the opening of our new Mitsubishi showroom in PJ will pave the way for new Mitsubishi customers. There is an enormous market potential here in view of the huge population and promising growth of not less than 1.25% per annum with at least 60% of mid to high-income households.\u201d\u00a0\nWith a built-up area of over 34,000 square feet, the 3S Centre houses a customer lounge with WIFI and sufficient space to display up to four cars. Its service centre also comes with a fully-equipped workshop with 12 service bays.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe new Mitsubishi spare parts warehouse..\n.located in Shah Alam, Selangor.\nThe\nThere are now 52 Mitsubishi showrooms (out of which 46 are 3S Centres) and 52 service outlets throughout Malaysia.\u00a0In East Malaysia, MMM is represented by 14 showrooms (7 in Sarawak and 7 in Sabah). As for the new 3S Centre in Petaling Jaya, it is located at No. 13, Jalan 225 Section 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya.\u00a0\u00a0\nMMM also recently launched a \nnew 3S centre in Temerloh, Pahang\n, followed by the opening of a \nnew, larger warehouse for spare parts in Shah Alam, Selangor\n. These efforts should more than prepare the company for the imminent arrival of the Xpander, which \nwill be launched this year following its preview recently in Midvalley Megamall\n, KL. \nClick here\n to watch our Xpander review, in collaboration with Fitra Eri, Indonesia\u2019s top motoring journalist.\nThe Mitsubishi Connect App.\nAs a refresher, in light of the COVID-19 situation, the new \nMitsubishi CONNECT app\n was introduced to allow customers to\u00a0\nschedule service appointments\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nmonitor their vehicle\u2019s maintenance history\n. Owners can also receive reminders of their next service and more conveniently, register more than one vehicle under one account. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free."
"Yes, the electric powertrain is most probably the future, for both performance gains as well as environmental reasons. But let\u2019s be honest here, a main reason why electric vehicles haven\u2019t truly taken over yet is because they all just look really. \nuninspiring\n.\nFiat is looking to change that by injecting some soul into the electric vehicle scene with the introduction of the all-new 500e, the third-generation \nFiat 500\n that just happens to also be the Italian carmaker\u2019s first fully-electric car.\nAlthough still carrying the timeless Fiat 500 silhouette, the 500e is \ndesigned completely from the ground up\n, built on a new electric platform making it 6 cm wider and 6 cm longer, while the wheelbase has been extended by 2 cm.\nStyling wise, the design team focused on cleaner lines and better proportions in relation to its chassis. Fiat says that this makes the 500e \u201cspatially attractive\u201d, giving a perception of increased stability and dimensional presence.\nThe front fascia has been completely reworked for a more modern and upright look; the headlights now separated by the bonnet line, while the Fiat logo in front has been replaced by the 500 logo. The rear of the car has been reshaped, featuring a more three-dimensional taillight design.\nThe interior has also been cleaned up, featuring a more modern and horizontal dashboard, dominated by a central freestanding \n10.25-inch UConnect5 infotainment display\n. The instrument cluster has also been replaced by a \nseven-inch TFT display\n.\nIt\u2019s not a fast EV by any means, but as a city-focused runabout, we\u2019d say Fiat got the target absolutely right. Powered by a single electric motor generating\n 87 kW (117 hp)\n, the Fiat 500e sips juice out of a \n42 kWh\n battery for a range of up to\n 320 km\n on the WLTP scale.\nZero-to-hundred km/h takes \nnine seconds\n, onward to a limited top speed of \n150 km/h\n \u2013 It\u2019s probably not going to be anywhere near that figure regularly anyway.\nFiat thinks that charging time is a more important factor in a city runabout. the Fiat 500e comes with a \n85 kW fast charger system\n, capable of giving you a \n50 km\n range with just \nfive minutes\n of charging time, and reaching \n80%\n in \njust 35 minutes\n. At home, the Easy Wallbox charges the 500e fully in \njust over six hours\n.\nThere\u2019s also three driving modes for different situations \u2013 Normal, Range, and a long-range mode affectionately called \u2018Sherpa\u2019. Inspired by the Himalayan Sherpas in charge of expeditions, the Sherpa mode in the 500e adjusts the maximum speed (to 80 km/h), accelerator response, and deactivation of the climate control system (can be activated manually by the driver), to ensure that the car reaches its destination. Cute.\nThe third-generation Fiat 500 will come with \u201c\nlevel 2 autonomous driving\n\u201c, a first in its segment according to Fiat. Other safety features include intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Autonomous Emergency Brake, Lane Control, and Automatic headlights.\nIf the \u201cregular\u201d Fiat 500e isn\u2019t stylish enough for you, there\u2019s also three one-off editions, thanks to iconic Italian brands \u2013 Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari, and Kartell. Talk about coming in with a bang.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton today began work on a further addition to their Tanjung Malim plant with an official ground breaking ceremony. The expansion will house a \nnew stamping facility\n.\nWith an investment of \nRM200 million\n, this new facility is part of Proton\u2019s plan to make Tanjung Malim a world-class manufacturing plant. \u00a0The new \u201cSuperlarge\u201d press machine that stamps large pieces of steel \nbody panels\n, is necessary to enhance the automaker\u2019s stamping abilities.\nMore significantly, it is part of Proton\u2019s overarching plan to increase levels of localisation on both current and future models. The facility will also be equipped with state-of-the-art tools as well as systems.\nThe expansion project is a further commitment of the company that has already spent \nRM1.2 billion\n previously for the manufacturing of the Geely-based models, with the investment part of its growth strategy for the manufacturing of more models. The new stamping facility is expected to commence production from the \nthird quarter of 2022\n.\n\u201cWhile we are happy with our progress so far, Proton must continue to look to the future\u201d, said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.\n\u201cThis new addition is part of our strategy to ensure that we can grow continuously as well as \nincrease our model footprint\n when we have to. This means having the ability to build more variants but more importantly to be able to build them to the highest standards as well as to incorporate new technology\u201d, he added.\n\u201cWe are very clear about direction and growth for Proton. While Malaysia will always be our primary market, we must be able to \ncompete beyond our shores\n. This facility is one small part of that journey. It is especially important for us because it means we can do far more localisation going forward. This will have a spill-over effect which will see us engaging with more vendors and further growing the local automotive ecosystem\u201d, said Li.\nThe Proton Tanjung Malim plant currently produces the \nX70\n, the \nX50\n as well as the \nIriz\n and \nPersona\n models. The new-generation plant also has the capability to stamp \nhigh tensile steel\n that adds to the strength and rigidity of the vehicle\u2019s bodyshell, without the penalty of increase in weight."
"Local car maker \nPerodua\n sold \n46,385 cars\n in the first two months of 2023, showing a \n33%\n year-on-year growth. Production has also been ramped up by \n32.95%\n to \n51,134 units\n from 38,460 units.\nPerodua attributes the increase in sales and production to improved efficiency in terms of production, better financing facilities for Perodua dealers, and better communication, both internally and with Perodua customers.\nAll-new Perodua Axia launched in February 2023\nDemand for its cars is also remaining healthy according to Perodua, and the company is ramping up its production to cater to that. Currently on \u201coverdrive\u201d, Perodua\u2019s production side is working hard to meet customers\u2019 demands\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cWhile there are still ongoing challenges with the supply of semiconductor chips, cost increases \u2013 among others but despite these challenges, we managed to see double-digit growth in our production and sales, for this we thank our partners for their dedication.\u201d\nAs a result of the global automotive crisis, the average waiting period for a Perodua car is now between 2.5 months to 8 months.\nRELATED: \nMITI wants Proton and Perodua to speed up development of national EVs\nCommenting on the waiting time for a Perodua vehicle, The Perodua President and CEO said, \u201cOf course, this timeframe is subject to the model, variant, and colour. That being said, we apologise to our customers and thank them for their patience. We will try to further improve our production and registrations in the months to come.\u201d\nAs shared during the company\u2019s \n2023 outlook\n, Perodua is aiming to sell \n314,000 cars\n this year, which is 11.3% more than the number of cars sold in 2022. In the first 2 months of the year, 15% of that has been achieved. While the company predicts a lower total industry volume (TIV) this year, its prediction is more optimistic compared to other manufacturers. Perodua is also aiming to produce \n330,000 cars\n this year and 15% of that has been achieved.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia \u2013 now with more space and why it should be better to drive\nDato\u2019 Sri Zainal added that Perodua will continue to improve its operations and within the ecosystem as well as the delivery timing of its customers. Moving forward, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal said the outlook for the automotive industry and Perodua are positive given that the current economic situation remains stable.\n\u201cThe current focus now is labour stability, especially for the automotive suppliers to ensure that production can be improved. We also hope that the policymakers continue to engage with the ecosystem on future changes in policies that may impact the industry\u201d he said.\nRELATED: \nPerodua to launch at least one more new car in 2023 \u2013 Bezza, Aruz facelift due?"
"Auto Bavaria, the longest serving BMW authorised dealer in Malaysia has\u00a0officially launched the BMW i Showroom and service centre at its Jalan Tun Razak dealership, right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.\nOccupying the entire first floor of the dealership, Auto Bavaria set aside \n1,383 sq ft\n\u00a0for our nation\u2019s first \nBMW i showroom\n to showcase the brand\u2019s identity, furniture and fittings. It houses a (one, singular) unit of the \nBMW i8 plug-in hybrid\n sports car, along with the wall mounted charging accessory, the \nBMW i Wallbox\n.   BMW\u2019s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Alan Harris said, \u201cIntroduced earlier this year at the BMW World Malaysia 2015, BMW i is about the development of futuristic vehicles and mobility services with inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. With BMW i, the BMW Group has changed the premium automotive industry and with this new BMW i facility from Auto Bavaria, we are able to develop the BMW i brand further here in the country.\u201d\nJeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Auto Bavaria said, \u201cCustomers of the BMW i8 can be rest assured that our BMW i centre will offer excellent day to day support for their BMW i vehicle. This includes service and maintenance appointments as well as vehicle repairs and on the road assistance, with a dedicated mobile charging device for owners courtesy of our BMW i Mobile Care Centre\u201d.\n \n \nFor now, the\u00a0\nRM1,188,800\n i8 will be the sole model offered for our market, as the complexity of setting up the charging infrastructure in place for \ni3\n\u2019s two different models needs to be sorted. BMW Malaysia is in talks with the government and related agencies to make that happen. \u201cOnce that comes, we will consider to bring in the i3\u201d, said Harris.\nWhile declining to comment on the exact numbers of the i8 reserved for our market, Harris did confirm that all examples have been snapped up. That being said, Auto Bavaria and BMW is committed to offer excellent day to day support for their BMW i vehicles, from service and maintenance appointments to repairs and road-side assistance; qualified personnel are ready to assist.\nAuto Bavaria\u2019s BMW i showroom is the \nthird of its kind\n in South East Asia, joining \nThailand\n and \nSingapore\n to serve the demands of the region.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The highly-awaited\n all-new 2022 Ford Ranger\n will finally be making its official debut here in Malaysia on July 22, as announced by the marque\u2019s sole distributor in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC).\nA registration of interest (ROI) form for the all-new pick-up is now open on SDAC-Ford\u2019s website, which you can find \nlinked here\n. Although the launch event on the 22nd will be closed to invited guests only, interested customers can also sign up to view the car in person (\nlinked here\n), as it makes its way around the country on a nationwide tour starting from July 23.\nThe all-new 2022 Ranger pick-up truck has been redesigned from the ground up as an \u201call-rounder lifestyle vehicle\u201d that can cater to not just work, but also family and play, says Ford.\nLaunched in Thailand back in March this year, the all-new Ford Ranger is offered in the Kingdom in two different powertrain options \u2013 both utilising a 2.0-litre EcoBlue inline-four diesel mill, paired to either a single or double turbochargers.\nThe former, available on the lower-end variants, is rated for an output of \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, while the latter boasts a higher output figure of \n170 hp\n and \n405 Nm\n. Depending on variant, you\u2019ll also be able to opt between a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed auto, or 10-speed automatic transmission.\nAside from the regular Ford Ranger, we should also be getting the Baja racing-inspired \nRanger Raptor\n here in Malaysia, which gets a huge injection of power on this all-new generation thanks to the switch from diesel to petrol power.\nUnderneath the bonnet of the Thai-spec Ford Ranger Raptor is a new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost petrol engine, making \n397 hp\n and \n583 Nm\n, although the existing 213 hp/500 Nm bi-turbo diesel mill will still be made available in select markets.\nRELATED: Next-gen Ford Ranger is so advanced that plant in Thailand gets USD900 million investment!\nAs for looks, key highlights on the all-new 2022 Ford Ranger include the new C-shaped LED headlights, large hexagonal front grille, a unique H-shaped front bumper, three-dimensional LED taillights on the back, and unique integrated steps on the sides of the rear bumper to make ease access to the truck bed.\nInside, the all-new Ranger also gets an extensive makeover, with the biggest change being the new massive portrait-oriented touchscreen central display that measures up to 12-inches diagonally, depending on variant.\nGet excited, boys and girls, because the pick-up truck market here is about to heat up. by quite some margin.\nGALLERY\nAll-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak\nAll-new Ford Ranger Raptor"
"Hyundai has just launched the sixth-generation Elantra saloon in Korea, a model natively called the Avante Sport.\nThe new Elantra is more than just a fresh face, but its overall dimension is more or less similar than the outgoing Elantra that\u2019s currently sold in Malaysia. The new Elantra dons a new grille design that\u2019s consistent with Hyundai\u2019s latest lineup, complemented with sleeker headlights and bumper. It\u2019s now a lot more aggressive and better looking than the preceding model, and it features a sharp shoulder line that\u2019s reminiscent of the Sonata YF. The rear end gets a design overhaul as well, complete with a pair of all-new tail lamps.   New to the Elantra is the \nVeloster\n-sourced \n1.6-litre turbocharged\u00a0direct injection\n four-cylinder engine that produces \n204 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque. The Veloster\u2019s \nseven-speed dual clutch transmission\n is also utilised in the new Elantra, with a six-speed manual offered alongside it.\nUnlike the Veloster\u2019s rear torsion beam setup, this Avante Sport utilises a\u00a0\nmulti-link setup\n. Adding to its sporty allure is the inclusion of lightweight 18-inch rims, tuned suspension and anti-roll bars via the optional Extreme Selection variant.\nAt present, Hyundai Malaysia is selling the fifth-generation Elantra (launched since 2012) with the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre naturally aspirated variants. Prices start from RM92k onwards.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you thought high fashioned and the masses don\u2019t go hand in hand, then Toyota Motor Thailand has proven you wrong with this limited edition\n C-HR \nwith fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld\u2019s name slapped on it. Finally, there\u2019s now 200 units of a Toyota worthy of a teenage girl\u2019s wet dream.\nPriced at 1.2 million Thai Baht (approx. RM159k), the limited edition model is draped in \u201cspecial materials\u201d both inside and out in a \u201cunique collaboration to embark on radical design revolution by integrating the science of automotive technology with the art of fashion\u201d.\nThe deal is also sweetened by a set of limited edition merchandise made up of a luggage, handbag, cap and keychain said to be worth 50,000 Thai Baht (approx. RM6,600).\nOn the outside, the Karl Lagerfeld edition C-HR gets a roof, side mirrors, side skirts, front bumper and rear spoiler in Pearl White. And that white strip that runs along the side of the car with Karl Lagerfeld\u2019s logo at the end of it, well, sorry to disappoint you but it\u2019s merely a wrap. Topping the exterior off are 17-inch wheels in gloss back.\nStep inside and you\u2019d immediately be greeted with a two-tone dashboard with yet another repetition of the fashion designer\u2019s name on it and in case you forget how it\u2019s spelt, there\u2019s more to remind you on the leather seats and scuff plates.\nKarl Lagerfeld CEO, Mr. Pier Paolo Righi said, \u201cIt is extremely surprising that the design of Toyota C-HR can blend seamlessly with Karl Lagerfeld\u2019s identity. Shades of black and white have been artfully expressed in the car as we call it \u2018Parisian Rock Chic\u2019 style, which provides beyond the illustration of beauty.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Fans of the Renault Megane R.S. hot hatchback can finally get their hands on the facelifted model. However, while the previous Megane R.S. 280 came with the \noption\n of a manual or automatic transmission, the new R.S. 300 Trophy will only be offered with the six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic.\nThe new facelift Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy imported by TC Euro Cars is priced from \nRM326,477\n that is valid until June 30th thanks to the sales tax exemption.\nThe changes to the exterior are minimal, limited to the fitment of new LED headlamps and taillamps that emit a new signature. With the Trophy package, the front bumper now shyly sports a \n\u2018Trophy\u2019 decal\n on what Renault calls an F1-styled blade.\nThe Trophy also package adds-on the \ndual-sound exhaust\n valve system, where sportier and fuller acoustics are channelled from the muffler depending on the R.S. Drive mode. \u00a0The 10%-stiffer Cup chassis and Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) are maintained while new 19-inch \u2018Jerez\u2019 wheels with red highlights are fitted to the Megane R.S. 300 Trophy.\nThe sophisticated \n4Control\n four-wheel steering is also maintained in the new Megane R.S. 300 Trophy. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels delivering incisive \nhandling and agility\n, while at high speeds, they turn in the same direction for increased stability.\nMore power has been extracted out of the \nturbocharged 1.8-litre\n four-cylinder engine. Credit to the \nceramic ball bearing\n system in the turbocharger\u2019s turbine, the engine now develops \n300 hp\n, up from 280 hp. The dual-clutch automatic available for Malaysia gets access to \n420 Nm\n of torque at 3,200 rpm (up from 390 Nm), a higher value than the non-available three-pedal manual transmission that is \u2018limited\u2019 to 400 Nm of torque.\nWith Launch Control activated, the Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy EDC sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.7 seconds\n with the top speed limited to 255 km/h.\u00a0\nIn Sport and Race modes of the R.S. Drive Modes, the EDC transmission allows for \nmulti-change downshift\n, where the computer control unit automatically drops several gears while the driver holds the left shift paddle.\nThe colour palette of the new Megane R.S. 300 Trophy has increased to five, with the addition of Flame Red. Existing colours are Diamond Black, Pearl White, Liquid Yellow and Orange Tonic with the latter two colours being premium colours and require an additional RM9,000.\nInside, a new EASYLINK seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity has been added. The front seats continue to be thickly padded RS sports seats, with dark carbon upholstery highlighted by red stitching.\nThe yellow R.S. double-diamond logo is now more visible too, placed on the new leather and Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, the front sports seats and the front grille. A new sportier instrument panel with a seven-inch customisable TFT driver\u2019s information display conveys the powerful and dynamic agility of the Megane R.S. 300 Trophy even better.\nApart from outright purchase at a price of \nRM326,477\n, TC Euro Cars also continues to offer the Renault Megane R.S. model with a \nsubscription plan\n, ranging from one- to three-years plan, with pricing starting at RM5,200 per month. Test drives are available at selected Renault showrooms by appointments only and can be requested via the Renault Malaysia \nE-Store\n.\nGALLERY"
"After what seems like an eternity, most Malaysians have returned to work today, with most car manufacturers resuming business and production operations within the strict confinements issued by the National Security Council (Majlis Keselamatan Negara).\nSchools, colleges and higher learning institutions however are \nstill not allowed to open\n as \nper our Prime Minister\u2019s announcement last week\n therefore time is still in abundance for those who might still find colouring to be an interesting activity.\nOver the weeks, there have been plenty of it from \nNissan\n, \nAudi\n, \nBMW\n, \nVolkswagen\n, \nToyota\n and now it\u2019s Porsche\u2019s turn to tend to your kids \u2013 albeit a little late \u2013 to help make their hours stranded at home feel more bearable with arts and crafts, puzzles and more that\u2019s guaranteed to stop your kids from becoming bored at home through the dedicated \nPorsche 4Kids website\n.\nThe interactive activities will not only keep your children entertained but also trains their concentration according to Porsche. Through the dedicated site, children can also learn about all things electro-mobility as well as \ntake virtual tours of the Porsche museum\n \u2013 an activity that should interests the adults too.\n \u201cBefore, our learning programmes were only limited to physical experiences at exhibitions but the new children\u2019s website now allows us to make them available to everyone online. With the Kids Driving School magazine, parents can also practise correct road traffic behaviour\nwith their children,\u201d says Porsche Museum and Head of Heritage, Achim Stejskal.\nGALLERY\nTom Targa and Tina Turbo will be at hand to guide your children.\n.no really, those are their names."
"As the\n COVID-19\n pandemic continues to cause an upheaval worldwide, many carmakers have hopped into action by producing medical and personal protection equipments (PPE) for the front liners in the fight against the virus.\nOne of these carmakers is Ford, whom in addition to current production of more than \n3 million face shields\n, announced today that it will begin making face masks and medical gown, with the latter produced using \nrepurposed material used to make airbags\n.\nThe Detroit-based carmaker collaborated with Beaumont Health hospital in Detroit and supplier Joyson Safety Systems to rapidly prototype the ingenious medical gown. The gowns are fully tested to \nmeet the US federal standards\n, and are \nwashable up to 50 times\n.\nFord aims to produce 75,000 gowns a week by this Sunday, and scaling up to \n100,000 gowns per week\n by April 19. The company aims to produce a \ntotal of 1.3 million gowns\n by July 4. As of now, more than 5,000 gowns have already been delivered to the Beaumont Health hospital.\nMeanwhile at the company\u2019s Van Dyke Transmission Plant, the facility\u2019s ISO Class 8 cleanroom has been repurposed to \nmanufacture face masks\n. Currently made for Ford\u2019s internal use globally, the brand is currently pursuing certification for medical use.\nAside from those, Ford has also partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to produce \nplastic vials for COVID-19 test collections\n. Face shields are also being produced globally at the company\u2019s facilities in Canada, Thailand, and India with partner Mahindra.\nThe previously-reported powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), dubbed \nProject Apollo\n, will begin production today in Michigan, where it aims to produce 100,000 or more units.\nThe \nModel A-E ventilator\n \nbuilt in collaboration with 3M has also received an order of 15,000 from the UK government, where it will be produced at the Dagenham engine plant in London. This is in addition to the 50,000 units to be produced by June 4 at its Rawsonville plant in Michigan US.\nFord Vice President of Enterprise Product Line Management, Jim Baumbick said, \u201cWe knew that to play our part helping combat coronavirus, we had to go like hell and join forces with experts like 3M to expand production of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies.\n\u201cIn just three weeks under Project Apollo, we\u2019ve unleashed our world-class manufacturing, purchasing and design talent to get scrappy and start making personal protection equipment and help increase the availability and production of ventilators,\u201d he added."
"You\u2019ve seen the videos of Eu Jin taking the all-new Forester \nfrom Hat Yai to Hua Hin\n (in one tank of fuel!), and then another one where \nhe tested Subaru\u2019s famous AWD and the EyeSight driver assistance system\n. Here\u2019s our first drive of the car on Malaysian roads, and spoiler alert, we think really highly of it.\nThis is the fifth generation of the SUV, and there are three variants of the all new Subaru Forester offered here in Malaysia; they are the \n2.0i-L, the 2.0i-S, \nand \nthe 2.0i-S EyeSight\n (or ES).\nThe\noverall design remains familiar but there is enough to differentiate it from\nits predecessor. C-shaped LED DRLs adorn the LED headlamps and that shape finds\nits way to the rear light cluster as well. These are standard in the 2.0i-S and\n2.0i-S ES, while the 2.0i-L gets bulb-type DRLs. Finally, a prominent skid\nplate finishes the lower apron.\nThat\u2019s it? Not really, as the changes go beyond skin deep. It is 30 mm longer at its wheelbase at 2,670 mm, resulting in an overall length of 4,625 mm. It is wider as well, with an additional 20 mm to give it an overall width of 1,815 mm.\nBoot space has increased by 100 litres to 520 litres\n. This means luggage plus the family dog will fit nicely at the back, and you have 2,155 litres if you fold the rear seats down (60:40).\nWhat does this all mean? \nIncreased room where you and the fam will spend most of your time\n. There are acres of real estate here, a criterion that is highly valuable in a family SUV. What\u2019s more, the rear seats are also reclinable for added comfort.\nThere is only one engine option in our country, which is Subaru\u2019s 2.0-litre, horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine (codenamed FB20) and it is mated to a Lineartronic CVT transmission. The powerplant is good for \n156 PS (153 hp) \nand \n196 Nm of torque\n.\nYou\u2019d think these figures are humble. and you\u2019re right, so let\u2019s address it right now.\nWe\u2019re not advocating power for power\u2019s sake, but there will be occasions where more of it is necessary, like when you need to pass a truck or to avoid an accident.\nIn this era of turbocharging it\u2019s not something we think about anymore, but in the Forester the manoeuvre does require a bit of \u201cpre-planning\u201d. In short, \nhaving just enough means having slightly less peace of mind in these situations\n.\nThe modest engine finds a perfect partner in the CVT\n, however. The Subaru intelligent Drive provides two drive modes. It is modern and refined and does not retain much of the \u2018rubber band\u2019 character in Intelligent mode.\nIn Sport mode, the transmission gets 7 virtual speeds. In the former, it is smooth and quick to find the meat of the engine \u2013 around 4,000 rpm \u2013 and in the latter feels like a quick little conventional auto box with its virtual gears.\nRide and handling is where the all-new Forester really, really shines. Our route took us from Petaling Jaya to Gambang (half an hour away from Kuantan), and \nit handled the twisty bits of the Karak highway with ease \u2013 nay, with aplomb\n.\nThere is a sophistication in the suspension setup, which is a McPherson strut and double wishbone combo. Small imperfections on the road are isolated, while bigger undulations are absorbed well. The Forester will take any corner (at appropriate speeds) with poise, and even mid-corner bumps won\u2019t faze it.\nThis is also in no small part due to \nSubaru\u2019s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system\n. It hangs on to the chosen cornering line well even when we were a little ham-handed, and when we were tidier, the traction out of the apex was immense. The unmistakable Subaru DNA is well and truly alive in the Forester.\nThe system is even more impressive off road. There are two different settings to choose from for when the tarmac ends: \nSnow/Dirt \nand \nDeep Snow/Mud, via the X Mode dial\n. The latter allows for more wheel spin, causing the tires to dig into the ground and find more traction.\nEven on normal road tyres, we climbed small hills effortlessly, and descended them with even more ease as its Hill Descent Control system turns on automatically when X Mode (either terrain) is engaged.\nThis halo variant comes with the \nEyeSight Driver Assist Technology\n. The system uses a pair of cameras (or stereo cameras) to provide information for a suite of assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking.\nA full review is coming soon, but this was a fantastic first impression of the car. There are downsides to the car too, like its divisive looks and the lack of any other engine option. However, these are easily offset with all the positive takeaways from the car. Subaru\u2019s new Forester. Go check it out for yourselves!\nSubaru Forester 2.0i-L\n RM139,788\nSubaru Forester 2.0i-S\n RM149,488\nSubaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight\n RM159,788\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Group\n announced on Monday announced its global sales volume for the first half of 2022 stood at \n3.3 million vehicles\n. According to \nKorea Times\n, that makes the Korean firm the third-largest carmaker in the world, following behind Volkswagen Group at 4 million vehicles and Toyota at 5.1 million vehicles between January to June 2022.\nTrailing behind Hyundai Motor Group, meanwhile, are the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance with 3.14 million vehicles, and Stellantis with 3.01 million vehicles sold in H1 2022.\nCompared to the same period in 2021, Hyundai Motor Group has moved up two ranks in 2022. While Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia Corporation did see a 5.1% drop in sales in H1 2022, the drop was still smaller than that of the other automotive groups. \nToyota\n \nsales decreased by 6%, \nVolkswagen\n by 14%, \nStellantis\n by 16%, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance by 17.3%, and GM by 18.6% compared to the same period last year.\nThe \nHyundai\n \nbrand recorded a global sale of 325,999 vehicles in July 2022 (up 4% from 2021), of which 269,694 vehicles were sold outside of Korea (6.3% YoY increase), and 56,305 vehicles in Korea (5.9% YoY decrease). Over 16,000 Hyundai EVs were sold globally, with the \nIoniq 5\n \naccounting for more than 8,000 of the EVs sold.\nKia\n \nmeanwhile recorded a total global sales figure of 257,903 vehicles in July 2022, which is a 6.3% jump from 2021. Kia Corporation sold 206,548 vehicles outside of Korea (6.2% YoY increase) and 51,355 vehicles in Korea (6.6% YoY increase). Globally, Kia reportedly sold 44,000 EVs in the second quarter of 2022, with 8,171 units being the \nKia EV6\n.\nFocusing on just the EVs, Hyundai Motor Group has now sold 27,000 EVs in the United States market alone between January and May of this year, as reported by \nBloomberg\n. The Group is now only second after \nTesla\n in terms of EV sales market share in the country.\nRELATED: \nHyundai reportedly shut down combustion engine development centre"
"Seong Hoe Premium Motors, \nBMW Group Malaysia\n\u2019s longest-serving dealer in Malacca has unveiled a new \nMINI\n charging facility. Situated strategically at Kota Syahbandar, the charging facility is just two kilometres from the iconic Jonker Street, and is open to all EVs, no matter if it\u2019s a MINI or not.\nSet up to address the historical city\u2019s rising demand for EV infrastructure, and support locals and tourists who are visiting from out of state, the facility is equipped with four parking lots and compromises two Stellar40 \n40 kW\n chargers. Powered by ChargeSini, the chargers are capable of providing 40 kW of charging when one is in use, and \n20 \n+\n 20 kW\n when both are in use.\nTwo Nexus \n22 kW\n AC chargers are also provided. The MINI charging facility is precisely located at Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Melaka.\nUsers will be charged a minimum fee of RM 5 upon booking confirmation. The charging rate for the DC charger is \nRM 1.20\n per kWh or \nRM 0.80\n per minute. Meanwhile, the AC charging rates start from \nRM 0.07\n per minute at 3.7 kW to \nRM 0.40\n per minute at 22 kW.\nRELATED: \nMINI teases new steering wheel, OLED screen for upcoming models\nSeong Hoe Premium Motors General Manager, Loy Suan Chiow said, \u201cWe are seeing rising demand for not just electrified vehicles amongst our loyal customers in Malacca but also proper infrastructure to support them as well, especially amongst tourists who are visiting and exploring our rich heritage here during the weekends and long holidays.\u201d\n\u201cTogether with BMW Group Malaysia, we are ever-ready to support the growing market for Electrified Mobility in Malaysia and we are happy to have also partnered with leading smart EV charging provider \u2013 ChargeSini, to deliver on this commitment,\u201d said Loy.\nThe new MINI charging Facility in Malacca by Seong Hoe Premium Motors is part of the 1,000+ charging facilities available under BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s network thus far. This is thanks to the company\u2019s partnerships with energy providers such as ChargEV, Yinson Greentech, JomCharge, Gentari and more.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen MINI Cooper Electric specs revealed \u2013 up to 400km range, 214hp"
"It\u2019s that time of the year again. If you\u2019ve been waiting for another discount to pay off your \nsamans\n, here\u2019s your chance \u2013 the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will be offering up to a 50% discount in traffic fines for selected offences through its Road March 2022 programme t commemorate the upcoming 215th Police Day.\nThe offer will be valid for one day only, and you\u2019ll have to be present at the event at Dataran Merdeka on \nJuly 30\n to take advantage of it.\nAs with previous summonses discount programmes, the offer will not be valid for summonses that involve accidents, dangerous driving, misuse of emergency lanes, disobeying traffic lights, non-compoundable offences, exhaust modifications, as well as those involving heavy commercial vehicles.\nThe payment counter will be open from \n9 am to 6 pm\n on the day, according to the announcement on PDRM\u2019s Facebook page. The event at Dataran Merdeka will also feature performances from PDRM\u2019s various special units, as well as an exhibition of the police\u2019s assets."
"Carmakers have experimented with all sorts of \u201cfuturistic\u201d or \u201cnext-generation\u201d design ever since electric vehicles became mainstream. We say \u201cexperiment\u201d, because some (\nread: \nTesla Cybertruck\n) have clearly taken that ethos to the extreme. But as nature often plays out, for every Cybertruck out there, there\u2019s bound to be a Kia EV9 that does things just right.\nSticking closely to the design of its \noriginal concept\n, Kia\u2019s fully-electric three-row SUV represents a huge departure from the sleek silhouette of the \nEV6\n thanks to its large, polygonal body panels and sharp lines throughout. The most interesting angle is on its side, we think, especially with the massively flared and squared off fenders, alongside the blocky character lines, and a sharp beltline that tapers into a unique triangular kick on the D-pillars.\nRELATED: \nKia is reusing old EV batteries as energy storage systems for buildings in Europe\nThe front and rear fascias are comparatively a lot more muted, although it all contributes to the three-row SUV\u2019s tough stance on the road, which we think the EV9 wears incredibly well. Despite being significantly modernised, Kia\u2019s signature design touches are all still here too, including the new \u2018Digital Tiger Face\u2019 which combines the sleek vertical headlights up front with a \u2018Digital Pattern Lighting Grille\u2019 \u2013 the latter with individual cube-like lighting elements hidden within the bodywork itself.\nOverall, Kia says that the EV9 \u201ceffortlessly combines an undoubted aura of rugged capability for all conditions with the serene calmness of a sophisticated EV\u201d, and we think that description is pretty much spot-on.\nMoving inside, the Kia EV9\u2019s interior design draws inspiration from its previous electric models, with an emphasis on clean and uncluttered layouts, mixed with unique \u201cenvironmental-friendly\u201d materials. Two 12.3-inch displays sit atop the dashboard in a scalloped section, with a smaller five-inch segment display sandwiched between them to control basically all the vehicle\u2019s functions.\nKia says that the physical buttons are kept to a minimum on the EV9, though from first glance, it seems there are still a number of them littered around the dashboard for easy access to the most important functions \u2013 old dinosaurs like myself would appreciate.\nThanks to the use of the marque\u2019s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9\u2019s long wheelbase, low beltline, and the completely flat floor all contribute to its generous space on the interior \u2013 especially when compared to an ICE-powered vehicle of similar stature.\nIt\u2019s available as either a six- or seven-seater SUV, and Kia says the occupants of both the first- and second-rows can simultaneously recline their seats to relax and rest while the car is charging. The second row seats can also be swivelled 180 degrees for a meeting-room like seating arrangement, although based on pictures, it does seem a little too cramped in terms of foot space for a comfortable boardroom meeting.\nPowertrain and detailed specifications will be revealed later this month, but as it\u2019s built on the same E-GMP platform as the EV6, we can already get a rough idea of what\u2019s in store for the three-row SUV. Just by looking at its design, though, we think Kia has already hit a home run with the EV9.\nGALLERY"
"For most of us, watching a Formula 1 driver\u2019s POV from the TV in our living rooms is the closest we\u2019ll get to the race car\u2019s steering wheel.\nEven the most oblivious of Formula 1 drivers can notice how cluttered a Formula 1 car\u2019s steering is; but how complicated is it really? Valtteri Bottas of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team explains.\n \nThe drivers are involved from the development of the steering from the get-go \u2013 from the mould of the steering, to the layout of the buttons.\nIn this video, you\u2019ll finally get to find out, in relative detail, on the work that goes on behind every Formula 1 driver\u2019s tool of the trade.\nCredit: \nMercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport"
"Shell Malaysia has just launched a new fully synthetic engine oil and they\u2019re going as far as saying it\u2019s the most affordable premium engine oil of its kind in the country.\nThe new \nShell Helix HX8\n is available in two different viscosity \u2013 5W-40 and 5W-30 which are suitable for most passenger vehicle types in the Malaysian market. Both viscosity ratings come with the adaptive \nFlexi Molecule Technology\n that promises better engine protection and fuel economy.\nThe Helix HX8 offers 58%\nbetter high-temperature deposit control and viscosity stability, 78% better\ncorrosion protection in start-stop urban driving conditions and 40% better engine\nwear protection. As a result, car owners can enjoy longer engine life, longer\noil drain intervals with lower maintenance costs.\nEach 4-litre pack of the \nHX8 5W-40\n is priced at \nRM165\n for Peninsular Malaysia (RM166 East Malaysia) while the \nHX8 5W-30\n is priced at \nRM180 \nin PM and RM181 in EM.\nAdditionally, each purchase of Shell Helix HX8 qualifies the consumer for the unique \nShell Advantage and Rewards (SHARE)\n loyalty programme which offers free Shell engine oil from accumulated purchases and free \nShell Helix Engine Warranty (SHEW)\n for cars eight years and below and 150,000 km on the odometer.\nLook out for the \u201cUntuk Pasaran Malaysia\u201d label\nTo identify the authenticity of the new Shell Helix HX8, each bottle comes with a \n\u201cMade for Malaysia / Untuk Pasaran Malaysia\u201d\n label on the packaging which contains a unique QR & product code to verify whether they are authorised products from Shell Malaysia."
"With \nBMW offering the world\u2019s first factory-fitted\u00a0wireless charging technology\n for electrified vehicles, Hyundai and Kia are in arms to top the idea with an additional Automated Valet Parking System (AVPS).\nAs with the wireless charging system, the car will first inform the driver when the battery charge is low. Through the smartphone, the driver can then command the car to head to the nearest wireless charging facility.\nWhen the vehicle is fully charged, it will \nautomatically relocate itself\n to another vacant parking space using the Automated Valet Parking System (AVPS), allowing other vehicles to charge at the spot.\nWhen the driver calls for the vehicle, it will then autonomously return to the location of the driver. It\u2019s a seamless process between the driver, electric vehicle, parking facility and charging system.\nWith overcrowded parking lots already becoming a problem of the present, this concept although still in the \u201chopes and dreams stage\u201d offers the drivers the convenience of being dropped off at their destination as the car drives itself to an empty charging station and subsequently a parking space. Charging status can also be monitored in real-time.\nKia and Hyundai are looking to implement the technology upon the launch of a Level 4 autonomous vehicle around 2025. The Korean heavyweights also plan to commercialise autonomous vehicles in various smart cities from 2021, with a goal of launching fully autonomous vehicles by 2030."
"It\u2019s called the BMW Vision M NEXT and it was just revealed in Munich hours ago and BMW says it offers a foretaste of the BMW M brand\u2019s electrified future.\nThe Vision M NEXT represents BMW\u2019s future experience concepts \u2013 EASE and BOOST. \u201cEASE\u201d is where the vehicle is transformed into a living space on four wheels while \u201cBOOST\u201d represents the ultimate active driving experience.\nInspired by the iconic BMW Turbo and BMW i8, it adopts a low-slung, wedged-shaped silhouette with gullwing doors.\nIts Power PHEV drive system can offer between electric all-wheel drive and pure rear-wheel drive, with either all-electric power or from a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.\nOutput is rated at \n600 hp\n, allowing the Vision M NEXT to get to \n100 km/h from standstill in just three seconds\n, before hitting its claimed top speed of 300 km/h. Purely electric driving range is rated at 100 km.\nThe Vision M NEXT also debuts BMW\u2019s latest Laser Wire lighting technology on the headlamps and tail lights \u2013 featuring glass fibres coated with phosphorous to produce a new, super-slim and extremely precise form.\nParts of the exterior and interior are made of recycled carbon fibre, while contoured shoulders are used to create the effect of the iconic Hoffmeister kink, instead of incorporating the actual design we\u2019ve all been so used to seeing.\nFilling the arches are 21-inch wheels in the front while a 22-inch pair occupies the rear. Its rear window design takes its cue from the BMW M1.\nDistinctive features displayed with the car also include the Curved Glass Display that stretches around the steering wheel like a visor, facial recognition, foam material for the seats with shape memory properties, with minimal use of leather \u2013 applied only in areas where the occupant\u2019s hands would touch \u2013 such as the steering wheel and door handles.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Isuzu UK has provided three D-Max pick-ups to support the construction of the NHS Nightingale \u2013 a temporary hospital to help hospitals around the Birmingham area cope with the increasing number of patients infected with Covid-19.\nThe first NHS Nightingale Hospital was first set up in London, after converting the ExCel London Convention Centre into a temporary hospital capable of housing up to 4,000 patients.\nThe NHS Nightingale in Birmingham will be the largest of all five Nightingale hospitals earmarked for construction and will have a capacity of up to 4,000 beds. Nearly 300 people have been working on the site, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to relief the mounting pressure on existing healthcare services and local hospitals in one of the worst-hit regions in the UK by the Covid-19 pandemic.\n \nThe new 1.9-litre turbo diesel Isuzu D-Max tested in Phuket, Thailand.\nIsuzu is firmly committed to helping wherever possible and is delighted to play even a small role in the construction of this important hospital. The three Utah specification pick-ups form part of the D-Max \u2018All Purpose\u2019 range and have high levels of comfort, practicality and safety which will be put to good use moving building materials around the site and to transport supplies and equipment.\nIsuzu UK, Managing Director, William Brown said, \u201cAs we\u2019re based in the most hard-hit region in the UK, we felt the need to get involved and offer assistance in our local community at this critical time. We\u2019re really pleased to be able to contribute to such a crucial development and would encourage other frontline services to get in touch as we\u2019re ready and willing to help further\u201d.\nThe company has made four key commitments to help during the Covid-19 pandemic as many of their customers form part of the \u2018key worker\u2019 group. In addition to keeping workshops open for essential services, Isuzu is pledging to loan its fleet and demonstrator vehicles, free of charge, to those businesses and services that need to get food and medicine to people who are most in need and are hardest to reach."
"A month after the facelift CR-V was launched\n, \nHonda Malaysia\n is pleased to announce a 180% increase in bookings for the upgraded SUV. To date, the company has received over 1,700 bookings for the facelift SUV.\nThe facelift CR-V is now available in \nthree different variants\n \u2013 2.0L 2WD, 1.5L TC-P 2WD, and 1.5L TC-P 4WD. The 1.5L TC-P 2WD has been the most popular choice among customers, making up for 46% of the total bookings.\nThe Central region has contributed to the highest number of bookings, making up 45% of the total bookings nationwide. The facelift CR-V has also been well received in the Southern region (20% of total bookings) and Northern region (19%).\nDark Olive Metallic \nhas been the colour of choice, with 30% of customers opting for the unconventional exterior shade. So far, Honda Malaysia has delivered more than 1,300 units of facelift SUV.\nHonda Malaysia, Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cWe would like to thank our valued customers for their trust and support towards Honda Malaysia even during these challenging times. The launch of the New CR-V has definitely captured the interest of many SUV enthusiasts. Combining its premium features and attractive pricing starting from RM139,912.53, we believe the new CR-V is the ideal SUV for customers, especially families and professionals who have a discerning taste for SUV with top-notch specifications.\u201d\nThe new CR-V features a new grille, new bumper design, smoked taillights, and new 18-inch wheels among many. Creature comforts now include the remote engine start feature, remote retractable side mirrors, and hands-free powered tailgate.\nIt\u2019s also equipped with a new rear seat belt reminder feature, to go with the existing Honda SENSING features. They include adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and auto high beam.\nGALLERY"
"While their operations in Malaysia has ceased since 2016, SsangYong Motors continues to be available in selected markets, such as the UK. The struggling South Korean automaker has been treading on a tightrope and the company has been under court receivership since April this year as its parent, Mahindra & Mahindra failed to secure a buyer for its 75% stake.\nSsangYong Motors is nonetheless moving forward with the rollout of new products and utilising their expertise in the SUV segment. As the automotive landscape is moving towards full electrification (EV), SsangYong Motor is also joining the bandwagon too.\nWalk-away auto-lock, remote engine start, soft-touch materials.Find out what makes the new Isuzu D-Max more SUV than a pick-up!\nThe X200 design concept is based on the company\u2019s new design philosophy \u201cPower by Toughness\u201d and follows the recently announced J100 mid-sized SUV that will be an EV.\nSsangYong Motor is no stranger to quirky designs. It is great to see the company bringing back some distinctiveness for the brand, in particular the Korando compact SUV that was available in the late 90s. The X200 showcases a strong identity to communicate a powerful and modern SUV while drawing on the inherited values and its authentic heritage.\nWhen placed side-by-side, the X200 features the core styling of the old Korando via the circular headlamps over a narrow front fascia, a large and upright windscreen and very-pronounced wheel arches.\nLee Kang, head of SsangYong Design Centre said, \u201cWe have re-interpreted our future design vision and product philosophy by drawing heavily on our unique heritage. With the forthcoming J100 and X200 models, we have drawn a line in the sand in terms of design, and everything from this point forward will follow this new brand design direction.\u201d\nMid-size J100 SUV\nSubaru, another by-word for tough and rugged SUVs, is transitioning to EV as soon as next year. Find out more here!\nWhile the larger J100 will be an EV, the smaller X200 will have a range of low emission powertrains.\nAn existing Korando with an electric powertrain called Emotion will fill the gap first before the arrival of newer models. However, the global semiconductor chip shortage is also affecting the small automaker in building up inventories for its European launch in Q4 2021.\nAs for the arrival of the new owner, a final bidder is only expected to be chosen in September and hopefully can keep the introduction of the J100 on track for a 2022 launch. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Remember when we reported earlier this year that Huawei is \nplanning to make its own electric cars\n? Well, it\u2019s happened faster than we thought it would, but also not in the way we thought it to be. It\u2019s called Seres SF5, and it\u2019s a range-extender \u2013 not a pure EV \u2013 built by Chinese-owned, California-based (but still built in China by Chongqing Sokon) EV start-up, Seres.\nWell. actually \u2013 it\u2019s called the Seres Huawei Selection SF5, and the car itself is pretty much identical to the Seres SF5 shown off at the Auto Guangzhou motor show back in 2019. So no, Huawei did not technically design a car, or at least not any more so than using an existing template.\nBut what Huawei did have a hand in is the powertrain underneath. The Chinese tech giant calls it the Huawei DriveONE, which is supposedly a \u201cthree-in-one\u201d powertrain consisting of the motor, a motor controller, and something that Google translates as \u201creducer\u201d \u2013 whatever that is.\nAs mentioned above, the Seres SF5 is actually a range-extender EV rather than a pure fully-electric model, of which it makes use of a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a generator to extend its range\n up to 1,000 km\n. Just on battery-power alone, the SF5 is capable of driving 180 km without a single drop of fuel.\nThe SF5 will be available in two powertrain options, with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. No technical specifications were shared on the former, but on the latter, the dual-motor set-up is capable of generating up to\n 405 kW (551 hp)\n and \n820 Nm\n of torque.\nCentury sprint is completed in a very specific\n 4.68 seconds\n, but Huawei is also particularly happy about its 0 \u2013 50 km/h acceleration figure, with 1.99 seconds proudly displayed on its website.\nInside, the large portrait-styled centre infotainment display runs Huawei\u2019s own HiCar software, which promises various connectivity solutions including V2X inter-car connectivity, and even smart home controls with various IoT devices, all directly from the touchscreen within your car.\nOther interior highlights include the Huawei Sound sound system, which uses 11 speakers to achieve a supposedly \u201ctheatre-grade\u201d experience. Although, according to Huawei, it\u2019s not just the loudspeakers doing the work.\nThe Seres SF5 supposedly boasts a 38 dB noise floor within the cabin \u2013 which according to Huawei is similar to that of a library \u2013 thanks to the various noise dampening techniques found within the SUV.\nAs for safety, the Huawei Seres SF5 is equipped with two radars (millimetre-wave and ultrasonic), along with a surround-view camera system to enable \u201cL2+\u201d autonomous driving features, including a \u201ctraffic jam assist\u201d (or as we understand it, adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality), autonomous emergency braking, and lane centering assist, among others.\nThe Huawei Seres SF5 is now available for in the Chinese market, priced at RMB216,800 (~RM137k) for the single-motor variant, and RMB246,800 (~RM156k) for the dual-motor, all-wheel drive variant.\nInterested customers can make a booking via Huawei\u2019s own Vmall e-commerce platform with a fee of RMB1,000 (~RM630). The Seres SF5 will also be available for test drives at Huawei Experience Stores in China starting today.\nGALLERY"
"Goodyear Malaysia\n has announced the official launch of the Assurance MaxGuard SUV, the company\u2019s latest addition in the Assurance range catered specifically for mid-sized SUVs and crossovers.\nThe new Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV will serve as the successor to the \nWrangler TripleMax\n, and is said to be customised specifically for the Asia Pacific market with a focus on improved wet grip and durability, making it ideal for customers who are shopping for tyres with safety in mind.\nThe new Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres achieves its wet grip capabilities thanks to the unique tread design of Goodyear\u2019s ActiveGrip Technology. The increased number of multi-biting edges, alongside vertical serrations on the treads and blended silica ActiveGrip cap compound help claw on to the road surfaces to provide up to 15% improved wet braking distance and 25% improved wet handling characteristics over the TripleMax.\nGoodyear also says that the new Assurance MaxGuard SUV also boasts the best wet braking distance in its class, compared to three other unnamed competitors.\nMeanwhile, the DuraGuard Technology employs a more robust tyre carcass to withstand cuts and punctures, alongside a two-ply steel belt package inside the tyres to ensure even more strength specific for SUV applications.\nAdditionally, Goodyear also claims that the new Assurance MaxGuard SUV also provides a quieter ride thanks to its new angled block design on the tread pattern, alongside a noise reduction rib and narrower outward-facing grooves. The more squared-off cavity shape and optimised tread depth also ensure a longer-lasting usage life \u2013 estimated to be around 40,000 to 60,000 km depending on the weight of the SUV and driving styles, according to Goodyear Asia Pacific product director, Jenner Powell.\n\u201cWe are very excited to introduce Assurance MaxGuard SUV to the Malaysian market. We know many Malaysian drivers are family-orientated and want the best products to ensure safety. At the same time, we recognise that they are looking for comfort,\u201d said Goodyear Malaysia Managing Director, Alex Ng.\n\u201cThe Assurance MaxGuard SUV is a significant expansion of our product portfolio for SUV vehicles in providing a more pleasurable driving experience,\u201d he added.\nAnd just in case you\u2019re wondering, the Goodyear Wranger line-up is now reserved for more off-road-focused tyres, while the Assurance series is for road-going applications \u2013 hence the change from Wrangler TripleMax to Assurance MaxGuard SUV, even though they\u2019re from the same lineage.\nThe new Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres will be offered in 15 individual SKUs, suitable for rim sizes ranging from 16 to 19-inches, which means it\u2019ll fit most of the popular midsized SUV models in the market, including the \nHonda CR-V\n and \nHR-V\n, \nMazda CX-5\n, \nNissan X-Trail\n, \nProton X70\n, \nHyundai Santa Fe\n, and \nProton X50\n.\nThe Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV is now available at all Goodyear Autocare Centres nationwide as well as the Goodyear Lazada Flagship Store online, priced \nfrom RM375 each\n.\nJust like other Goodyear Assurance models, it also comes with the company\u2019s Worry Free Assurance that includes six months of road hazard protection and a five-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects."
"What would you do if you were the ruler of one of the richest nations on earth and just so happened to be a huge petrolhead as well? Well you\u2019d have the largest collection of exotic cars known to man.\nDespite being a tiny nation, no bigger than the state of Negeri Sembilan, it\u2019s no secret that the tiny nation of Brunei is one the wealthiest in the world with crude oil and natural gas accounting for a large chunk of its income. Since the death of the Thai King, the Sultan reigned supreme as the richest monarch in the world.\nIt\u2019s also no secret that its Prime Minister and also Sultan, the Yang Di-Pertuan Hassanal Bolkiah is a massive car enthusiasts \u2013 you\u2019d probably guess where this is going. Recently, \nGTBOARD.com\n, a portal known for all things super/hypercars, shared a video made up of a compilation of pictures actually taken from the Sultan\u2019s garage during a private preview.\nAs explained by \nTaffy Sastrawiguna\n, the saint who provided these pictures, \u201cIt was a miracle that those pictures were not lost after 16 years, the printed photos survived and were in an album but the negatives did not\u201d.\nApparently, a friend of his was miraculously given the exclusive permission to take these pictures during his stay in Brunei. Unfortunately time was limited and there were more than 3000 cars in the main garage alone. Just imagine the size of that compound! Limited to only TWO ROLLS of film, he had to overlook other sections of the garage.\nLooking at the video the Sultan seemed to even have a few of the same cars, just in different colours! Amongst the cars, as listed by GTBOARD.com includes a\u00a0few Ferrari F50\u2019s (RHD), McLaren F1, Pininfarina Venice Cabriolet, a few Jaguar XJ220\u2019s, Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversario, an ultra rare Ferrari FX, Bugatti EB110 SS, McLaren F1 LM, Tokyo Ueno Clinic, and the \nrarest McLaren of them all\n, the F1 GT also known as the \u201cLongtail\u201d.\nIn hindsight, feels kinda nostalgic thinking back on how we used to take our pictures doesn\u2019t it? Glad those days are over though; we\u2019ll happily stick to carrying \u201clittle chips with oversized capacities\u201d instead rolls of films."
"With schools reopening on the 24th of June, \nPerodua\n has distributed over 5,000 face shields to 17 secondary schools in the Hulu Selangor district. Perodua also distributed face shields to the Hulu Selangor District Education Office in Kuala Kubu Bharu.\nThe face shields will complement the face masks used by Form 5 and Form 6 students, teachers and support staff who will return after a 3-month school closure.\nSelected Perodua service centres will be extending its operation hours from 8 am to 9 pm.\nThe self-made face shields feature a fog resistant visor made of polyethylene terephthlate for optimal visibility. It also comes with a sponge to cushion the forehead, while also acting as a barrier against airborne droplets. Eventually, Perodua plans to distribute these face shields to community clinics in the Hulu Selangor district.\n\u201cWe would like to thank the government, especially the Health Ministry, and all frontliners for working so hard to guide our nation through the Covid-19 crisis. We hope the Malaysian public will continue to exercise caution and comply with all health and safety guidelines,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nIn April, Perodua \ndonated RM2 million to the National Disaster Management Agency\u2019s (NADMA) Covid-19 fund\n. They also donated 150 mattresses, 200 pillows, 105 boxes of mineral water, 15 industrial fans and 300 pairs of rubber boots to the Sungai Buloh hospital.\nMore recently, Perodua announced that it would extend the operation hours of selected service centres and Body & Paint centres. It \ninvolves 16 service centres and three Body & Paint centres\n, which will operate from 8 am to 9 pm.\nIn conjuction with the recent Hari Raya celebration, Perodua is offering \nspecial cash redemptions of up to RM1,300\n for the \nAruz\n and \nselected Myvi models\n."
"The days of long queues and hours waiting at JPJ offices for a simple road tax or driver\u2019s license renewal could soon be over, according to a \nFacebook post\n by Transport Minister, Anthony Loke.\nIn the post, Loke said he had visited the JPJ Negeri Sembilan branch along with JPJ Director-General, Datuk Zailani to observe the situation during operation hours.\nLoke pointed out that the JPJ has added new kiosks at branches across the country to ease the process of renewing road tax and driver\u2019s licenses. The kiosks also serve to reduce waiting time and congestion at branches. Operation hours of these kiosks also extend beyond office hours.\nThe Seremban MP noted that the digitalisation process will not stop with the kiosks as work is underway to offer online services with the JPJ currently working on offering services to renew road tax and driver\u2019s license via a smartphone app.\nThis follows after a recent announcement by Loke that the JPJ will focus on digitalising its core services along with the introduction of \nimproved road tax stickers\n.\nGALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) finally adds another\u00a0\nIngenium petrol engine\n to their \npowertrain lineup\n, this time with a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. It will power the \nXE\n, \nXF\n,\u00a0\nF-Pace\n\u00a0and \nF-Type\n models and will propel these cars to 100 km/h in less than six seconds.\nBuilt at JLR\u2019s Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, the engine produces \n296 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the driveshaft via an \neight-speed automatic transmission\n sourced from ZF. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in the F-Pace takes \n6.0 seconds\n flat while the XF business saloon gets there in \n5.6 seconds\n. The XE sports saloon is the quickest among the lot, taking only \n5.5 seconds\n to hit the 100 km/h mark.   JLR also claims that this new 296 hp 2.0-litre turbo returns \n6.9 to 7.7 litres per 100 km\n despite the added performance, thanks to JLR\u2019s latest engine technologies such as a twin-scroll turbine and a high flow compressor wheel.\nBesides the new engine option, 2018 models of the XF and XE will come with added features of Gesture Boot Lid, Configurable Dynamics (allows the driver to personalise gearbox, throttle and steering settings), Forward Vehicle Guidance and Forward Traffic Detection.\n \n \nCurrently, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has all three models on sale: XE from RM340k, XF from RM450k and the F-Pace from RM599k."
"It\u2019s been a \npretty long wait\n, but Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has finally introduced the Jaguar E-Pace compact SUV on our shores. The E-Pace will be available in a single variant, priced at \nRM403,216.67\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThe exterior design of the Jaguar E-Pace is said to be heavily inspired by the brand\u2019s F-Type sports car, with many of its design cues such as the sweeping roofline, gaping front grille, and the muscular rear haunches, all making its way onto the compact SUV.\nDespite not equipped with the more aggressive R-Dynamic body kit, the Jaguar E-Pace still looks plenty sporty. Exterior highlights include:\nLED headlights with Signature daytime-running lights\nLED Taillight\n20-inch \u201cStyle 6014\u201d six split-spoke alloy wheels with Satin Grey Diamond Turned finish\nTwin tailpipes with finishers\nTwo exterior colour options: Yulong White Metallic and Firenze Red Metallic\nPERFORMANCE\nThe E-Pace compact SUV is powered by a two-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine that\u2019s shared with the recently-updated \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n. In fact, the E-Pace is also built on the same Jaguar Land Rover Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA) as the Disco Sport.\nEngine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine\nTransmission: ZF Nine-speed automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: all-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 200 hp @ 5,500 RPM\nMax torque: 320 Nm @ 1,250 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 8.2 seconds\nTop speed: 216 km/h\nThe all-wheel drive system is mated to a bunch of electronic wizardries, such as JaguarDrive Control driving mode switch, All Surface Progress Control, and Torque Vectoring by Braking, to ensure that the drivability of the E-Pace is on par with other Jaguar models.\nINTERIOR\nA key addition to the E-Pace is the introduction of Smart Settings, as seen on the \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n and \nEvoque\n, which automatically adjusts the seats, climate control, and various other comfort and infotainment settings as the driver approaches the car with the key fob or registered smartphone.\nOver time, the Smart Settings system will pick up more of the driver\u2019s preferences such as time, location, weather, and behaviour patterns thanks to the built-in artificial intelligence \u2018self-learning\u2019 technology. For example, the system is able to change the media source on a particular day of the week or time of day.\nOtherwise, interior equipment are as such:\n10-inch Touch Pro infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity\nNavigation Pro service\n5.0-inch multi-info display in the instrument cluster\n380W Meridian Sound System\nTwo-zone climate control\nGrained leather upholstery, Ebony\n14-way electric memory front seats\nPowered tailgate with gesture control\nSAFETY\nSafety equipment on the Jaguar E-Pace include:\nSix airbags \u2013 Front, side, and full-length curtain airbags\nAutomatic headlights with automatic high-beam assist\nLane Keep Assist\nDriver Condition Monitor\nPark Assist with 360-degree Parking Aid\nRear-view camera\nRear Traffic Monitor\nPRICING\nThe Jaguar E-Pace is available in Malaysia in a sole 2.0L AWD variant, priced at \nRM403,216.67\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of 2020.\nIncluded as standard in the price is the Jaguar Care programme, which includes:\nfive-year/150,000 km warranty\nfive-year/65,000 km free service package\nthree-year roadside assistance\nIf you\u2019re interested in the new Jaguar E-Type, you can now register for a test drive via Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia\u2019s website \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nJaguar E-Pace\nJaguar E-Pace R-Dynamic"
"Bentley announces the company\u2019s most dynamic road car in history with the Continental GT Speed. The 2021 Continental GT Speed is only the third generation of Speed models, with the pioneering 3-Litre Speed model introduced in the 1920s.\nOnly one engine is available with the Continental GT Speed, keeping with the Speed\u2019s ethos. The renowned twin-turbocharged \nW12 engine\n displacing 6.0 litres now delivers an additional 24 hp to bring the peak output to \n659 hp\n. Torque is maintained at an extraordinary \n900 Nm\n. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GT Speed completes the century dash in \n3.6 seconds\n and onward to a top speed of \n335 km/h\n.\nApart from Active All-Wheel drive, the Continental GT Speed is equipped with an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), a first time in a Bentley. Suspending the 2.3-tonne grand tourer is a three-chamber adaptive air suspension system and the Bentley Dynamic Ride anti-roll control system.\nThe dynamic anti-roll control system operates on a 48-volt system and features powerful electric motors within the anti-roll bars to resist body roll, delivering as much as 1,300 Nm within 300 milliseconds to counteract cornering forces, keeping the body level.\nAll these features are well-calibrated and come alive together in Sport mode to deliver a thrilling and engaging drive. The transmission\u2019s shifting time is also quicker, in fact, \ntwice as fast\n as in any other Bentley. All that speed and weight comes to a stop, confidently, with the newly engineered light-weight carbon-ceramic brake system. Ten-piston front calipers and four-piston rears supply incredible braking force.\n \nAll these upgrades in the chassis make the Continental GT Speed the most capable, performance-focused Bentley ever with no compromise to comfort or luxury.\nBentley also specified that limited amounts of brake dust are discharged, ensuring the 22-inch unique Speed wheels are perfectly presentable. Speaking of the wheels, buyers can select the finishing to be bright silver, dark tint or black gloss finish.\nOther exterior enrichments on the Continental GT Speed include dark-tinted bumper grilles, more sculpted sports sills and discreet Speed badges on the front fenders.\nFor even more personalisation, the Continental Blackline Specification replaces the chrome coating with black on exterior trim pieces such as headlamp and taillamp bezels, exhaust outlets, window frame, door trim and fender vents.\nInside the 2+2 grand tourer, the Continental GT Speed\u2019s credentials are further highlighted by a unique duotone colour split handcrafted in hide and matching Alcantara, which is also applied to the steering wheel. The exterior badging is matched with an elegant Speed icon on the passenger fascia.\nBentley\u2019s Diamond in Diamond quilting is included as standard, and Speed embroidered headrests distinguish the cabin of the most potent Continental GT.\nThe luxurious interior can be further personalised with a choice of 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours, as well as the use of leather in place of Alcantara for the Speed colour split. The centre console can be finished in a new dark tint engine turned aluminium, bringing a geometrically perfect machined surface and a beautifully patterned finish.\nCloser to home, Bentley Kuala Lumpur offers the Bentayga, the \nContinental GT\n as well as the \nFlying Spur\n four-door limousine, with limited\n First Editions\n available direct from Crewe.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after announcing in January that they\u2019ve delivered over 70 Chirons, painstakingly \nput together by just 20 technicians\n, Bugatti is celebrating the delivery of its 100th \nChiron\n.\nThe car in question costs \u20ac2.85 million (\napprox. RM 13 million\n) where it will now be delivered to an Arab owner \u2013 possibly on the back of priceless camels, draped in diamond-encrusted Egytian cotton.\nThe first used Bugatti Chiron in the UK, sold for approx. RM 20 million.\nWith each costing a minimum of 2.5 million pounds (\napprox. RM 13 million\n), that\u2019s more than RM 1 billion worth of Chirons sold.\u00a0With the Chiron introduced just two years ago, its resale value has soared too; with \none owner in the UK walking away with a million pound profit\n after just four months of ownership.\nLet that sink into you, while you ponder why 100 million children in developing countries are still hungry everyday according to the Food Aid Foundation.\nThe recently unveiled \nBugatti Chiron Sport\n.\nThe shell of the immensely \nthirsty 1,500 hp Chiron\n consists\u00a0entirely of dark blue carbon, with a matte finish, contrasted by a predominantly red full-leather interior.\nBugatti have had their hands tied recently; while having to deal with overwhelming orders, they\u2019ve also had to recall 47 Chirons globally, which were affected with\u00a0\nfaulty welds in the front seat recliner brackets\n.\u00a0\nOnly 500 Chirons\n in total will ever be produced."
"Launched here in August\n of this year, the \nJaguar XE facelift\n, priced at \nRM395,831.02\n, has arrived with a host of changes both on the inside and out.\nFor starters, it\u2019s got a sleek new exterior; with slimmer head and tail lamps to render the pre-facelift model it replaces, a dinosaur. The front grille is also less prominent and along with a coupe-like silhouette that makes the XE, now finished with the R-Dynamic kit and sportier wheels, looks fast without even moving.\n \nInside, the facelift jaguar XE R-Dynamic\u2019s leather upholstery is available in various shades, along with a complete tech overhaul. This includes a new digital instrument cluster, new infotainment system, and a more stylish control panel for the air conditioning. It even gets a new steering wheel taken out of the \nJaguar I-Pace\n.\nUnder the hood is a\u00a0P300 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Output is rated\n 300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n \u2013 enough to get the XE from 0 to 100km/h in about 5.7 seconds.\nBrought in to compete with the higher end models of BMW\u2019s 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz\u2019s C-Class, it got us asking two questions. Does it still retain the exclusivity of a Jaguar sedan? And does it feel like a sports saloon?\nHere\u2019s what we thought."
"Berjaya Auto Alliance (BAASB), \nnew distributors of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia\n from a joint venture between Berjaya Corporation and Bermaz Auto, is taking the first step in improving the ownership experience of current Peugeot owners.\nThe company is doing so by calling on owners to \nprovide their vehicle\u2019s information on their official site\n.\nOwners are encouraged to submit their vehicle registration card, warranty card, free service card, insurance (optional) on the site. Information such as the vehicle\u2019s registration number and chassis number will also be required.\nThe exercise will allow BAASB to keep owners updated with recall notifications, service intervals, warranty periods, news, and other campaigns. All information and details provided will be kept and protected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) of Malaysia.\nAside from distributing Peugeot vehicles, BAASB is now also the provider of aftersales services and spare parts for Citro\u00ebn and DS vehicles in Malaysia.\nFor more information on this, owners can email their enquiries at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n or call the Peugeot Customer Support number at 03-76278818."
"The \nToyota GR Yaris\n is perhaps the most celebrated car of 2020, with journalists and car enthusiasts alike singing unending praise for the little hot hatch. It was made as a homologation special for its 2021 rally car, though the race car never actually got to race no thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic causing havoc for the World Rally Championships (WRC), eventually leading Toyota to scrap its plans for the car.\nYou can\u2019t help but be disappointed \u2013 considering how good the car is on the roads, it would\u2019ve been interesting to see how it performs off the beaten path as well. Fortunately, there is good news \u2013 Toyota will be running a significantly updated GR Yaris in the 2022 championships, in line with the revised Rally 1 specifications, and there\u2019s now a new teaser video to show what they\u2019ve been working on.\n \nCurrently undergoing testing at the Portugal rally stage, the most obvious change on the exterior of the 2022 Toyota GR Yaris rally car that we can see is undoubtedly the giant air scoops on both sides of the car. The Japanese carmaker did not divulge what these are for, but they\u2019re most likely used to channel air to cool the hybrid batteries \u2013 yes, these cars will be electrified, as per the 2022 Rally1 specification!\nAs it\u2019s still undergoing testing, Toyota also did not share any information on its performance figures. According to the Rally1 technical regulations however, these hybrid powertrains will make around the region of \n510 hp\n when the battery is fully charged, and it certainly looks and sounds fast in the video.\nMassive side air scoops.\nAnother new addition to the 2021 Rally1 regulations is the new roll cage, to further improve the safety of the driver and co-driver in the treacherous rally stages. The new safety-cell structure as part of a \u201ccompletely new chassis design\u201d can be seen on the on-board footage of the new car.\nOther changes on the 2021 spec include less complex suspension set-ups with shorter wheel travel and more straightforward components, a more simplified five-speed transmission system, and simpler brake cooling and fuel tank configurations.\nAll of these changes are designed to make WRC more accessible for new manufacturers (i.e. cheaper), while also improving the sport\u2019s environmental credentials.\nNew safety cell structure.\nToyota Gazoo Racing technical director, Tom Fowler said: \u201cIt is a really exciting project because so many things have changed; we have had to go back to the drawing board on almost the complete car and all of the systems.\n\u201cIt has been a real pleasure to work with our excellent team of engineers, designers and technicians to get this car ready, and now we are here on the stages of Portugal to put the car through its paces on European gravel roads and really start to experience what the World Rally Championship has to show for a WRC car.\u201d\nThe 2022 Toyota GR Yaris rally car will continue its validation tests around other sites in Europe until the end of the year, after which the car will be homologated for the Monte Carlo Rally stage as well as the start of the 2022 season.\nGALLERY"
"A quick check on Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\u2019s (VPCM) website revealed that the company has quietly updated the pricing for the new \n2022 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion\n, roughly seven months after the facelift\u2019s launch here in Malaysia.\nThe fastback sedan now costs over RM9,000 dearer compared to when it was first launched here, pushing its pricing up to \nRM258,019\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the ongoing SST exemptions until the 30th of June 2022 (100% here, as the model is locally assembled in Malaysia).\nAside from the pricing update, however, it seems like the rest of its spec sheet remains unchanged from before. Underneath the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine and seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG gearbox providing motivation to all four wheels, with \n280 hp\n and \n350 Nm \non tap translating to a century sprint time of just\n 5.6 seconds\n.\nStandard kit also remains completely identical to the launch car, including the full R-Line exterior package, 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and full LED lighting on the exterior. The cabin meanwhile comes equipped with an 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster, 9.2-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment display with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered Nappa leather ErgoComfort seats, and a 700W Harman Kardon premium sound system as standard.\nFor the full list of facts and figures on the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line, Click here!\nUnfortunately, an unchanged equipment list also means that the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line facelift here in Malaysia also continues to miss out on basic ADAS features such as autonomous emergency braking. It does, however, come with new rear cross-traffic alert feature, alongside blind-spot alert (Side Assist), and lane departure alert and assist system.\nIncluded in the price is still an unchanged five-year unlimited mileage warranty, alongside a three-year free maintenance package and five years of roadside assistance. In related news, the Volkswagen Passat Elegance has also\n recently been updated\n with a mild price increase, although that includes actual equipment changes.\nGALLERY"
"Carmakers used to one-up each other\u2019s engines, but it seems like these days all they\u2019re competing for are screen sizes. Infotainment displays are reaching upwards of 15 inches across, and heck \u2013 Mercedes even fills up its entire dashboard with screens on its \nHyperscreen\n set-up.\nThe big-screens\u2019 aesthetic charm is arguable, but to us, it\u2019s just a usability nightmare \u2013 especially when you\u2019re actually driving, like what a car is supposed to do. Fortunately, though, it seems that this weird obsession with big screens might just be ending soon \u2013 at least according to \nBMW \ni interior designer, Matthias Junghanns.\n \nThe statement came from a livestreamed roundtable hosted by \nCar Design News\n, discussing the luxury car interiors of the future with some of the brightest minds in the industry \u2013 in which, a question from the audience was highlighted: \u201cToday, premium luxury and UX (user experience) seems to be synonymous with the big screen, will it still be the case tomorrow?\u201d He added, \u201cHave we reached Peak Screen?\u201d\nJunghanns responded, with another question: \u201cIs it the big screen that counts?\u201d, adding that he personally believes that the trend will be left behind, \u201csooner or later\u201d. As for what\u2019s coming in the future, the designer imagines a cabin where \u201call the intelligence of your car [is] at your fingertips, but interfaces that [only] appear when you need them, and when you want them.\u201d\nRELATED: BMW\u2019s all-new iDrive system wants you to forget about physical controls\nA similar all-screen dashboard design on the \nGeely Xingyue L\n.\nPolestar\n\u2018s interior design manager, Conny Blomm\u00e9 concurred with the view: \u201cEverything has its peak, and probably screens have. Most of the time, you\u2019re travelling in a car, and you enjoy the view more than you enjoy the screens.\u201d\nSure, two designers definitely don\u2019t represent the entire industry. But at the very least, it\u2019s indicative that not everyone in the car world share the design ethos of \u201cbig screen or bust\u201d. Do you agree with the two designers? Let us know in the comments section below.\n[\nH/T: The Drive\n]"
"Shortly after the global unveiling of the \nKia Stonic\n, the Korean carmaker\u2019s first B-Segment SUV will first go on sale in UK. A total of five variants will be made available at launch and all models will be front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission.\nThree powertrains will be available for purchase: a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine T-GDI (\n118 hp\n/\n172 Nm\n), 1.4-litre four-cylinder MPI (\n98 hp\n/\n132 Nm\n) and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel CRDi (\n108 hp\n/\n260 Nm\n). To no one\u2019s surprise, the most powerful turbo petrol engine is the quickest to the 100 km/h mark at \n9.9 seconds\n while the 1.6-litre turbodiesel is a full second slower at \n10.9 seconds\n. The naturally aspirated 1.4-litre MPI is the slowest of the lot, taking \n12.2 seconds\n to complete the century sprint.\nIn the UK, the Stonic is offered in two distinct trim lines \u2013 an entry level \ngrade \u201c2\u201d\n and the higher grade \u201c\nFirst Edition\n\u201d. Despite being the cheapest model, the grade \u201c2\u201d comes generously equipped with projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels. Buyers who went for the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d can have their Stonic to receive a swanky two-tone paintwork along with chrome window trim.\nThe entry level variant comes equipped with multifunctional steering wheels, heated side mirrors, 7-inch infotainment display and 3.5-inch supervision instrument cluster. If you\u2019re someone who is big on features, the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d packs a whole lot more kit \u2013 keyless entry and start, black cloth and grey faux leather upholstery, automatic climate control, privacy glass, D-shaped steering wheel, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and dual-height luggage floor.   All variants of the Stonic comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management, Torque Vectoring, Straight Line Stability, Cornering Brake Control and Hill-Start Assist. The top of the line \u201cFirst Edition\u201d gets a series of \nadvanced driver assistance systems as standard \nsuch as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Fortunately, grade \u201c2\u201d buyers can have all these advanced assistance systems as an option.\nPrices for the entry level 1.4-litre MPI grade \u201c2\u201d starts at \u00a316,295 (RM92k) while the highest grade 1.6-litre CRDi \u201cFirst Edition is priced at \u00a320,495 (RM116k). Kia expects to sell 70,000 units of the Kia Stonic across Europe in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Its been three years since the tenth-generation Honda Civic FC graced the world and now the US market has just given the Civic sedan and coupe a mid-life refresher. It gains slightly refreshed styling and Honda Sensing as standard across the board.\nUp front, the refreshed Civic spots a new piano black finish on the Honda wing, restyled lower bumper, lower grille and headlamps (halogen projector or full LED), full-width front splitter as well as chrome touches on the side and lower rear bumper. All these combined gives the Civic a wider and lower stance.\nNo changes were made to the still decent interior. However, safety kit has been enhanced with Honda Sensing as standard across all vehicles as part of the brand\u2019s global move to include advanced driver assist systems standard on all vehicles by MY2022. In the US, the entire Civic line up gets Collision Mitigation Braking System\u2122 (CMBS\u2122) with Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as standard.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) continues their digital onslaught with the launch of the the \nVPCM official store on Shopee\n. In conjunction with the online shopping platform\u2019s upcoming 7.7 Mid Year Sale event, VPCM will also be offering exclusive deals for cars booked via Shopee starting now \nuntil the 7th of July\n.\nDuring the promotional period, customers can book a Volkswagen model on the official Shopee store at\n just RM199\n, and enjoy \nrewards ranging from RM4,279 to RM14,819\n depending on the model selected. These rewards include exclusive online deals and rebates, \nfree home delivery\n (within 20 km radius from dealership), free deep sanitisation package worth RM150.\nThe first 10 customers will receive a free Volkswagen Lego Campervan worth RM499. Additionally, seven lucky customers who purchase a Volkswagen vehicle through the official store on Shopee during the promotional period will also stand a chance to take home a RM700 Shopee voucher.\nVPCM says that the launch of the Shopee official store is in line with the \nbrand\u2019s new \u2018digital-first\u2019 principle\n. The new Shopee store will offer the brand\u2019s full line-up of models in Malaysia, and together with VPCM\u2019s own \neShowroom\n, act as a convenient alternative to brick-and-mortar showrooms as Malaysians embrace the new normal post COVID-19.\nThe \nrecently-launched limited-edition United Series\n is also available on VPCM\u2019s Shopee official store.\nVPCM was the first car brand in Malaysia to retail their vehicles on e-commerce platforms. Back in 2017, the firm \npartnered with Lazada\n to offer 12 units of the Volkswagen Beetle exclusively on the online shopping marketplace. The Lazada store still remains operational today, though obviously this promotion will be exclusive to the new Shopee official store.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cWe have achieved great success with our digital and e-commerce initiatives and being present on Shopee was the next natural step for us. This partnership with Shopee leverages on their digital expertise and platform to connect with our customers whilst offering them irresistible deals in conjunction with Shopee\u2019s 7.7 Mid-Year Sale.\u201d\nShopee Regional Managing Director, Ian Ho added, \u201c[The partnership] comes just at the right time following the recent announcement by the Government on the \nsales tax exemption on imported and locally assembled cars\n.\u201d The revised Volkswagen price list following the government\u2019s announcement sees the car prices \nreduced by up to RM9,485.\n\u201cWe look forward to strategic partnerships such as this one with Volkswagen which provides an avenue for brands to go online for the benefit of Malaysians as we begin on this journey to recovery.\u201d"
"It all started in the early 1970s when Porsche\u2019s successful exploits in rally sparked the interest of Stuttgart-based \u201cAlberto\u201d, whose real name has been preserved for privacy sake, in the Stuttgart-based company.\nOver the years, Alberto\u2019s wholehearted devotion to the brand has turned his house into a Porsche Museum of sorts, with over 1,000 pieces of Porsche die cast models of 1:43 scale. Such is his love for the brand that Alberto even has specific plans when he meets his maker.\n\u201cWhen I die, I want my ashes to be scattered here \u2013 by the chapel in the town of Zell am See in Austria where Ferry Porsche was buried,\u201d said Alberto.\nAt the centre of Alberto\u2019s play room is a space perfectly laid out to simulate a Porsche showroom, right down to the last detail. The ensemble includes a reception, exhibition, and even the company\u2019s corporate identity.\n\u201cEvery time I get my hands on a new miniature, I place it on the dealership floor and do the official presentation\u201d, said Alberto\u2019s wife who also indulges in her husband\u2019s hobby.\nThe collectibles are displayed on tailor-made pieces of display furniture and enclosed in glass. To pick them up, Alberto uses suction cups that only he controls \u2013 no one is strictly allowed to touch any of his prized possessions.\nAlberto\u2019s collection of all things Porsche isn\u2019t just limited to die cast models but everything else with the brand\u2019s emblem on it. There are paintings, backpacks, commemorative coins, banners, notebooks, wastepaper bins, pens, a Porsche office chair and even a menu from the restaurant at Porsche\u2019s factory.\nA lot of these have been the culmination of Alberto\u2019s annual visits to the Porsche Museum for the last few decades. By driving there instead of flying, it has allowed him to bring back books and memorabilia without the hassle of dealing with airline regulations.\n\u201cWhen I was a young boy, I used to come home from college and most days I\u2019d go past the Porsche dealership and spend ages peering through the window but never mustered the courage to venture inside\u201d, said Alberto.\nBut look where he is now; not only is he a proud owner of a 911 Turbo but also is now also a \u201creal estate tycoon\u201d of his personal miniature development museum.\nGALLERY"
"Luxury carmaker Bentley will be adding five new fully-electric models to its line-up by 2030, with the first to arrive in 2025 and one per year after, as the Crewe firm seeks to accelerate its \nBeyond100 plan\n that was laid out back in 2020, further cementing its commitment to become a carbon-neutral fully-electric brand in 2030.\nSpeaking to UK\u2019s \nAutocar\n, Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark confirmed that the first of the five models will \u201cbe an incremental product to the ones we have today\u201d in a new market segment, and won\u2019t compete with anything they currently offer.\nHe added that it\u2019ll be built on a shared Volkswagen Group platform, although all five cars won\u2019t be based on the same architecture. \u201cSome will be higher, some will be lower,\u201d said Hallmark.\nRELATED: The new Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner is for when \u201cluxury\u201d just isn\u2019t enough\nDevelopment work of the first Bentley EV model due in 2025 is already well underway. \u201cWe know the battery, the performance of the battery. The final design is weeks to a couple of months away,\u201d said Hallmark, confirming that the first model will have more than 480 km of range.\nIn addition to the EV assault from 2025, Bentley will also be unveiling five new hybrid derivatives of the \nBentayga \nand \nFlying Spur\n \u201cto meet the diverse needs of Bentley\u2019s discerning customers\u201d. The company estimates that 20% of this year\u2019s sales will be hybrid cars.\nBentley also confirmed in its announcement that the new EVs will all be built at the firm\u2019s Crewe headquarters, as it commits GBP2.5 billion into the development of the plant with a focus on sustainability.\nCalled \u2018Dream Factory\u2019, Bentley says that its Crewe site will become a \u201cdigital, zero environmental impact, flexible and high-value manufacturing facility\u201d that will help develop its next-generation products.\nALSO READ: Bentley\u2019s second electrified model is the 544 hp Flying Spur Hybrid\nAmong the latest initiatives to revamp the plant include increasing the number of solar panels from 30,000 to 40,000 within the next two years, as well as researching the use of sustainable biofuel in its fleet cars, including its iconic Heritage Collection vehicles.\n\u201cSimultaneously accelerating our Beyond100 strategy and securing BEV production at Crewe, alongside a \u00a32.5 billion investment, makes this a major landmark in Bentley\u2019s 102-year history. It is a shining light for the Bentley family, our suppliers and partners, as well as the automotive industry and UK manufacturing as a whole,\u201d said Hallmark.\n\u201cThis latest announcement regarding Bentley\u2019s Beyond100 plan confirms the initiation of a major transformative phase in the company\u2019s long and illustrious history. The world is changing and we need to play our part in neutralising our environmental impact. That means delivering on our aim to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030, and reaffirming our role as the leader in sustainable luxury mobility.\u201d"
"At long last, after a 30-year absence, the BMW 8-series is back and for the Malaysian market, we\u2019ll only get it in a single variant \u2013 the 850i xDrive.\nYours for \nRM1,008,800\n (OTR without insurance), it\u2019s hard not to imagine the 850i xDrive looking as beautiful on the move as it is graceful being stationary.\n \nWhile it may not posses the drama of the \nFirst Edition 850i xDrive\n, or the other 850i xDrive that\u2019s \nmade of materials from out of this world\n, its hunkered down stance should stop pedestrians in their tracks and sprain necks along the way.\nUnder the hood of the new BMW 850i xDrive is a\u00a04.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 shared with the \ncurrent BMW M5\n with\u00a0\n530 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0\n750 Nm\n\u00a0of torque.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve ever read anything on the \nAston Martin DBX707\n, then you\u2019ll understand why they invited us to a racetrack \u2013 more specifically, the Fuji Speedway Circuit in Japan \u2013 to test out an SUV. After all, what\u2019s better to utilise one of the longest straights on a circuit, than one of the most powerful SUVs in production?\nBut as luck would have it, the sky had other plans that day. The Shizuoka area experienced some of the heaviest snowfall it\u2019s seen the entire winter. on a random Friday in February, mind you. The suits at Aston Martin judged that the six-inch snow is too dangerous for us motoring hacks to drive around in a multi-million dollar car, and to be fair, we wouldn\u2019t have experienced much anyway \u2013 the cars were all kitted with sticky street-going tyres.\nWe really weren\u2019t kidding.\nIn an attempt to salvage a little something out of the trip, we were treated to some ice donuts in a taxi ride alongside AM\u2019s winter driving expert. But as much fun as that was, we can\u2019t help but feel a little (read: incredibly) disappointed for not having the chance to experience the DBX707 by ourselves, on one of Japan\u2019s most storied racetracks.\nSo when Aston Martin rang us up for another chance to drive the Aston Martin DBX707, this time in sunny Kuala Lumpur, there\u2019s no way I\u2019m letting this opportunity pass me by again.\nWhile we didn\u2019t have the long straight of the Fuji Speedway to unleash all of the 707 ponies from its uprated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mill, the DBX707 still wasted no time in getting up to the national speed limit here on the Malaysian highways, even in GT mode (Aston Martin\u2019s version of \u201cNormal\u201d).\nFlick it into Sports mode via the new mode dial on the centre console, and the entire powertrain instantly comes alive. Squeeze down on the throttle, and as soon as the snails spool up, you\u2019ll watch the speeds multiply on the speedo. Aston Martin says that 0-100 km/h on this thing is done in just 3.3 seconds. I believe it.\nWhile you\u2019re busy flicking through the gears on the new wet clutch nine-speed transmission (which Aston Martin says is 30% quicker than the DBX\u2019s auto), the magnificent V8 noise pierces through the cabin, assaulting your every sense with aural ecstasy.\nREAD MORE: \nNew Aston Martin DBX 707 is now the most powerful luxury SUV\nYou\u2019d be surprised, then, to hear that the best way to experience the 707 isn\u2019t on the straights, but rather in the corners. It\u2019s hard to explain what Aston Martin engineers did here aside from pure black magic, because the DBX707 truly has no business being as agile as it is.\nDespite weighing over 2.2 tonnes, the front end of the Aston Martin DBX707 still grips on to the tarmac and turns in with razor-sharp precision. Its body stays virtually flat through quick direction changes, while on longer sweeping corners, the torque vectoring system and suspension wizardries translates to a mind-boggling amount of mechanical grip \u2013 although as we saw with the ice donuts, the DBX707 can still hang its tail out when you want it to.\nAston Martin credits most of the DBX707\u2019s athleticism to the reworked 48-volt active anti-roll system, which helps maintain its body roll to within 0.7 of a degree. That is then coupled to the retuned damper and spring rates, alongside a rebalanced 52/48 weight distribution, to give the big SUV truly sportscar-rivalling handling chops.\nYet, even with its newfound aggression, the Aston Martin DBX707 can still behave itself on public roads. Aston Martin says that as a result of the suspension changes, comfort and ride quality in the DBX707 has also improved over the regular DBX. Key of which, the rear springs have actually been softened to let the rear axle work harder during corners, while still ensuring your kids stay asleep during your \nbalik kampung\n journeys.\nYou\u2019d want to keep the car in GT mode when you\u2019re doing SUV things, where the air suspension softens and powertrain relaxed; the nine-speed transmission smoothly meshing the gears from ratio to ratio unperturbed. But even in the roided-out Sport+ mode, the DBX707 never actually feels uncomfortable, so you could be \nthat guy\n if you really want to.\nAnd you\u2019d be doing it in a cabin filled with the usual Aston Martin luxuries. Satin chrome jewellery and leather cover almost every surface of the interior, while the hinged swan doors and \u201chandshake\u201d handles make entering the cabin a fanfare, every single time.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts \u2013 F1 medical car replica\nWith a name like the DBX707, where its horsepower figure is now firmly part of its identity, you\u2019d be tempted to chalk this off as just a brute in a suit. Heck, even Aston Martin themselves are guilty of this, too: take a quick glance at the DBX707\u2019s webpage, and you\u2019ll quickly find copy like \u201cPower Redefined\u201d, or \u201cExhilarating Power\u201d.\nBut the 707 is more than just a numbers job, because behind that big grille and incredible numbers is an engineering feat that makes it a far better car than its lesser counterpart \u2013 more athletic, more exciting, and in some cases, more normal. in a good way. Most importantly, it\u2019s made me realise one thing \u2013 I don\u2019t hate SUVs, just boring ones.\n2023 Aston Martin DBX707 specifications, as tested: \nEngine\n3,982 cc; \u201chot-V\u201d twin-turbocharged V8, petrol\nTransmission\n9-speed wet-clutch automatic\nMax horsepower\n707 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque\n900 Nm @ 2,750 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top speed\n3.3 seconds; 310 km/h\nPrice\nfrom \nRM1,098,000\n before taxes, duties, and options\nGALLERY"
"While electric vehicles have seen a significant uptick in adoption recently, the majority of road users are still hesitant on buying one, partly due to its higher price; you\u2019re effectively paying for an early adopter tax, so to speak, as it\u2019s a new and upcoming technology still very much in development.\nWell, that could all be changing sooner than we thought. A recent study by BloombergNEF \u2013 and reported by \nThe Guardian\n \u2013 suggested that, in Europe at least, electric vehicles will reach price parity with ICE cars by 2027.\nIn fact, the research says that larger electric sedans and SUVs are poised to achieve that in 2026. By 2030, the study anticipates that all EVs will cost significant lesser than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts to produce.\nMercedes-Benz is going all-in on EV, with \neight EQ\n and \nEV AMG models\n already in the works\nThe main contributing factor to the changeover is due to economies of scale, the study argues, as manufacturers continue to invest heavily in EV technologies, while more and more dedicated EV production lines are being created within their respective factories.\nAdditionally, batteries are also becoming less expensive to manufacture, which means the reduced costs will be eventually passed on to end buyers. A study commissioned by Transport & Environment, a non-profit organization campaigning for cleaner transport in Europe, predicts that battery prices will fall by 58% (to USD58 per kWh) within the next decade.\nKeep in mind that USD100/kWh is considered by many to \nthe\n another major milestone in EV adoption.\nBloombergNEF anticipates that by 2026, the average price of a mid-sized vehicle will be around EUR19,000 (~RM95k), regardless of its propulsion method. By 2030, it predicts that the average price of an EV will further drop to EUR16,300 (~RM82k), while the average ICE\u2019s price will have risen slightly to EUR19,900 (~RM100k).\nThat\u2019s a significant difference from today\u2019s figures, with EVs being priced at around EUR33,300 (~RM167k) on average, and EUR18,600 (~RM93k) for an ICE-powered car.\nAlmost every carmaker is now coming up with their own dedicated EV line-up.\nSounds good, doesn\u2019t it? You\u2019d be even more surprised that BloombergNEF\u2019s forecast is actually one of the more conservative ones. Investment bank UBS \npreviously predicted\n that cost parity between EVs and ICE cars can be achieved as soon as 2024!\nAll signs right now are pointing towards an EV takeover sooner than later, especially with governments across the globe imposing even \nstricter emissions regulations \nin the coming years. Let\u2019s just hope that the lower pricing trend will be carried over to our side of the world, and we\u2019ll have the \nelectric charging infrastructure\n to back it up!"
"Perodua has just announced that the company will fully reimburse the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to all its customers who purchased a new vehicle, parts and even serviced their cars between 18 and 31 May 2018. This comes after the new Pakatan Harapan Government announced that the current 6% GST will be zero-rated come 1 June 2018.\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, YBhg Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari Husin said, \u201cPerodua will fully reimburse our valued customers the GST amount in cash upon registration or servicing of their vehicles as well as parts purchased.\u201d\nPerodua GST Bonus\nFor customers who have made transactions at the service centres, Perodua will be providing reimbursement in the form of e-vouchers, which is valid from 1st June 2018 onwards. Starting from \n19th May 2018\n, customers will receive an instant 6% cash rebate for vehicle serviced."
"For the first time ever, Volkswagen will be using a new 3D printing process called \nbinder jetting\n to manufacture components at the company\u2019s plant in Wolfsburg, Germany.\nUnlike conventional 3D printing which uses a laser to build a component layer by layer from metallic powder, the binder jetting process uses an adhesive. The finished component is then heated and shaped. Watch the video below to better understand the process.\n \nThis will not only \nreduce costs but increase productivity\n by cutting production time by months. The components will also be lighter, \nweighing only half as much as those made from sheet steel\n.\nVolkswagen is currently the only car manufacturer using this 3D printing technology in the production process. In achieving this, Volkswagen has invested around 50 million euros over the past five years. The company also announced its collaboration with Siemens and HP in this effort.\nCheck out the new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI inside and out here!\nThe interior of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI.\nHP will provide the high-tech printers needed while Siemens will assist with special software for additive manufacturing. Together Volkswagen and Siemens also optimises the positioning of these components in the build chamber.\nThe process is called \n\u201cnesting\u201d\n, a technique that Volkswagen says allows them to \nproduce twice as many parts per print session\n, compared to conventional 3D printing methods.\nThe T-Roc cabriolet.\nRemember the drop-top Evoque? The T-Roc cabriolet is Volkswagen\u2019s answer to it! More info here!\nThe first components made using the binder jetting process includes components for the \nA-pillar of the T-Roc cabriolet\n. These weigh almost 50% less than conventional components made from sheet steel.\nBy 2025, Volkswagen aims to produce up to 100,000 components by 3D printing in Wolfsburg each year. In the last 25 years, Volkswagen has produced over one million components via 3D printing. Typical components for prototype vehicles include center consoles, door cladding, instrument panels and bumpers."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)\n has launched a new 3S centre with the company\u2019s new Nissan Retail Concept (NRC) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan through its newly appointed dealer, Edaran Nuri Sdn Bhd.\nThe new Nissan Retail Concept features Nissan\u2019s new corporate identity, with a red Nissan signage on the outside of the building. Aside from the \u201cNissan Drive\u201d sales and consultation area, there\u2019s also an exclusive delivery bay to enhance the customer\u2019s new car delivery experience.\nThe new 3S centre has a built-up area of over 12,000 sq ft and is capable of displaying five Nissan vehicles with three service bays for after-sales services that can accommodate up to 15 vehicles per day. Other facilities on the premises include a cafe-style customer lounge, free WiFi, and a kid\u2019s area.\n\u201cCustomer satisfaction is our main priority, and it is important that we work closely with our dealer to serve our customers better. The Nissan Retail Concept is our commitment in providing customers with high-quality services and after-sales offerings from the minute they arrive,\u201d said ETCM, Sales and Marketing Director, Mr Christopher Tan.\nTo alleviate customer concerns on the issue of hygiene, frequent disinfecting will be carried out at the showrooms and service centres throughout the day on all touchpoints including display and test drive vehicles, as well as all customer vehicles before and after service. During this period, ETCM encourages contactless payments.\nThe new 3S centre is located at Lot 6621, KM10, Jalan Pasir Puteh Pasir Tumboh, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Operating hours are between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm from Saturday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Friday.\nFor the latest price list of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Lynk & Co, the new Chinese carmaker backed by Geely Auto Group, has just announced its latest model, the Lynk & Co 02 compact SUV, positioned as a more stylish alternative to the \n01 SUV\n that was introduced in 2016.\nUnlike the 01 that was aimed at the Chinese market, the 02 will focus on urbanites residing in key European cities. Head of Design Lynk & Co, Andreas Nilsson, said: \u201cSporty, adventurous, dynamic, daring, confident and fun, the 02 sits at the absolute centre of our brand. A shorter wheelbase, lower ride height and centre of gravity \u2013 combined with two-tone colour-schemes and softer, voluptuous surfaces, muscular haunches and wheel-arches \u2013 give 02 a solid and confident stance while being agile and sporty in character.\u201d   On the outside, we can see that the 02 spots a leaner profile with a more angular C-pillar design compared to its larger sibling. The Lynk & Co\u00a0family face is also present as are the quirky taillamp graphics. All 02 will come with a two-tone paint scheme. The new car shares the same\u00a0Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform as the \naward-winning Volvo XC40\n.\nPeeking inside, you\u2019ll find a modern cabin identical to other models in the Lynk & Co range \u2013 LCD instrument cluster, central touchscreen display with control knobs tucked under it, multifunctional steering wheel design and more. Some of its design was also lifted off from Volvo models.   Alain Visser added: \u201cSales started in China late last year, and we quickly established Lynk & Co as a very hot property in cities from Beijing to Shanghai. We intend to make a similar impact in our home European cities with Lynk & Co\u2019s innovative approach to buying, using and owning personal mobility.\u201d\nThe first European Lynk & Co showroom will open in Amsterdam followed by Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels and London. These brick and mortar facility will be located in central fashion districts, in line with the brand\u2019s fun and youthful corporate image. If Geely\u2019s promise is unchanged, the 02 will also\u00a0come with a \nLifetime Product Warranty and free data traffic access\n as standard.\nAlso revealed at the launch is that Volvo Cars will be manufacturing Lynk & Co vehicles at their plant in Ghent, Belgium from late 2019 onwards. By providing Lynk & Co with production capacity at its Ghent plant, Volvo Cars is backing the expansion of the new car brand in Europe and further diversifying its business.\nLynk & Co vehicles share the same CMA platform as Volvo Cars hence the joint production will have a positive effect on economies of scale. At present, the Ghent plant produces the \nXC40\n, \nV40\n, V40 Cross Country, \nS60\n and will start producing the \nall-new V60\n in time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a really long time since I had the time or quite frankly the initiative to update this space and when the slightest urge to do so arises, something pops up and I\u2019m back to my procrastinating ways.\nThe lifestyle of someone who reports on automotive news can be quite an illusion to another. We\u2019re understood as people of privilege; seen as \u201cliving the life\u201d most could only dream of from behind their depressing little cubicles and for the most part, it\u2019s rather accurate.\nWe get to try out brand spanking new cars all the time, sent overseas to pass judgment on new cars, put up at fancy hotels where standard rooms costs as much as we earn in a month and the pseudo-royal treatment just goes on.\nWhat most don\u2019t see behind this curtain of glitter is the controlled chaos. The hours can be long and uncertain, there\u2019s a constant and desperate need to be creative, albeit mostly unsuccessful, with rewards limited to career fulfillment most of the time.\nAs dynamic as the job scope is, every once in a while it all becomes a cycle \u2013 opinions on different cars somehow appear the same and as a result, it all just lacks the verbal impact we seek.\nBut every now and then, something new comes along, hits all the right notes and jolts us out of our rut. I recently found my spark; in the form of the very unassuming, severely underrated \nBMW 520i Luxury Line\n.\nWhen BMW first introduced the \nnew G30 BMW 5 series\n in the form of the \n530i M Sport\n more than two years ago, I remember vividly probing BMW Malaysia\u2019s executives on the subsequent arrival of a lower, bread and butter variant such as the 520i; instead of asking when I could get test drive the 530i.\nAesthetically pleasing as it may be, the 530i with its ultra low profile tyres and M Sport suspension just doesn\u2019t indicate supreme comfort. And true enough, it didn\u2019t \u2013 something I realised after a quick spin in the rear seat.\nThroughout the 5-minute drive back from lunch, I couldn\u2019t help but think to myself repeatedly what the overall ride experience would be like in a \u201cless sportier\u201d version with fatter tyres and true enough, when the 520i arrived, it met and exceeded all the expectations I had of it.\nIf BMW produced cream (any sort for that matter), it should be called the 520i and for good reason. Living up, above and beyond, to its Luxury Line designation, it\u2019s so unbelievably refined that you couldn\u2019t have possibly felt a ride more plush, an operation so smooth even if you were sliding on oil-soaked, silk sheets.\nThe bumps and humps were heavily diluted before it reaches your bum and with immaculate sound-proofing, the sheer silence within the cabin is just deafening. I swear, it\u2019s like sitting inside an air-tight tupperware.\nAnd this being the supposed entry-level 5 series, it isn\u2019t sparse on equipment. In fact this tupperware is filled to the brim; or at least more than what is usually expected of a 520i.\nElectric rear sunblinds, rear air con vents by the B-pillar and centre console with control, active cornering lights and even Apple CarPlay. It\u2019s got more than sufficient head and leg room for five and is as well put together as you\u2019d expect a 5 series to be. The cabin was a real pleasant place to be.\nThe only glaring omission for a car of this segment and price point, is the lack of any form of Autonomous Emergency Braking and paddle shifters. Personally the lack of AEB wasn\u2019t that big a deal for me although the merits of it is unquestionable at a time when driving means juggling two things at a time \u2013 operating a vehicle while texting.\nThe lack of paddle shifters mattered more to me. The ability to downshift manually in the event of heavy braking is crucial not just for safety reasons but is also a crucial part of the \u201csheer driving pleasure\u201d experience because not only was the 520i essentially a cushion on wheels, it was also quite capable when the need for speed is streaming down your veins.\nWith only \n184 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n of torque, it\u2019s got \neven less power than a Golf GTI\n (220 hp & 350 Nm) but here\u2019s the thing, being a 520i, it\u2019s not burdened by the need to be powerful \u2013 BMW\u2019s got the 530i and \n530e M Sport\n for that.\nBut was it underpowered? Not by any means. Would you consider 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds slow? I wouldn\u2019t. On paper it may seem inferior, but in reality, for everyday situations and driving conditions, it was plenty enough.\nIt was smooth and linear in urban environments and even upon hitting the wider interstate highways, it performed with a flourish \u2013 truly bewildering on one hand as to why anyone would need anymore power than this but yet, hardly surprising.\nHave you, in recent history, driven an underpowered BMW? Is there even such a thing?\nHigh speeds were so easily attainable, it makes you forget that you\u2019re merely in a 520i and the sheer calmness from within the cabin, even when the car was \u201ccruising\u201d at unspeakable speeds was second to none.\nNot being a 530e, it\u2019s also not bogged down by additional weight from the batteries and not having these batteries at the back also meant a larger boot.\nIt also doesn\u2019t look as sinister as the 530e that\u2019s dressed in M Sport attire. If you think about it, why the environmentally-friendly 5 series is made to look so aggressive with large 19-inch wheels (which isn\u2019t known to offer good fuel economy) is beyond me.\nWould having the 520i\u2019s visual appeal be heightened with an M Sport body kit? Most probably so. But is the 520i desperately in need of \u201clouder exterior\u201d? The answer is a resounding no.\nFortunately it\u2019s tastefully dressed in moderate amounts of chrome and those 18-inch wheels, which looked fantastic in my eyes, made all the difference between a firm ride and one of the most comfortable I\u2019ve experienced in a RM300k car.\nIf you ask me, the \u201creal 520i customer\u201d wouldn\u2019t be bothered either. Those who buy the 520i do so not for the power, not for the aggression but the absolute all-roundedness of a 5 series.\nIt\u2019s discreet and understated yet is everything you\u2019d expect (and more) in a 5-series. Can you imagine a 40, 50 or even 60 year old man in a blacked out 530e on low profile tyres? Probably not.\nWould a 30-odd year old look old in the 520i? You\u2019d be crazy to think so. If you disagree though, the 520i is not for you to begin with because it\u2019s far from inappropriate for the image of a young over-achiever.\nIf you\u2019re moving up from a 3-series, this is definitely a big upgrade \u2013 there\u2019s no need for the heavier 530e where the effectiveness of its PHEV system (like all else in the market) is heavily reliant on the frequency the car is charged.\nFor these very reasons, if you\u2019re looking to elevate your lifestyle with something more expensive (and German) but the 520i isn\u2019t under radar, you\u2019re doing it wrong because it\u2019s everything you\u2019d ever want and need in a luxury sedan and is, in my books, one of the most (if not the most) impressive set of wheels introduced in Malaysia this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bugatti has had close associations with aviation ever since the company was first established more than 110 years ago. Many successful Bugatti racing drivers, including Albert Divo, Robert Benoist, and Bartolomeo Constantini, all flew for the French Air Force; and French aviator legend and sportsman Roland Garros also owned one of the seven Bugatti Type 18 ever made \u2013 the model was later affectionally given the name \u201cGarros\u201d.\nIn fact, founder Ettore Bugatti himself was also involved in the design of aircraft engines, and from 1937, also developed an entire aircraft just to break speed records. The project unfortunately had to be stopped due to World War II, but Bugatti kept in close personal contact with the pilots throughout his life.\nAs a tribute to these \u201cdaredevils\u201d, Bugatti has unveiled the Chiron Sport \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d edition in honour of the brand\u2019s heritage. Based on the \nChiron Sport\n, the Legends of the Sky edition is limited to just 20 units, and will cost EUR2.88 million net each.\nThe main standout feature on the \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d is its matte-grey paint job, dubbed \u201cGris Serpent\u201d, which Bugatti says is a modern interpretation of the exterior colour found on aircrafts from the 1920s. A white gloss centre stripe splits the car into two halves right down the middle, all the way from the top of the horseshoe grille to the edge of the rear wing.\nSpeaking of the horseshoe grille, Bugatti has also given the Chiron Sport \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d a unique mesh pattern, made of laser-cut and deep-drawn aluminium, to represent planes flying in formation in an air parade. The same pattern is also found on the stitched seams on the leather seats inside.\nOther exterior features include the \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d logo on the front fender, while the exposed black carbon fibre side sills are decorated with the French \u201cLe Bleu-Blanc-Rouge\u201d tricolour. Further back, black exposed carbon fibre along with white contrast lettering is again used on the engine cover, while the exhaust trim cover is 3D-printed out of a high-temperature-resistant Inconel material.\nMoving inside, you\u2019ll immediately be greeted by the special-edition Logo puddle light projected on the ground once you open the doors. The door sills also feature the \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d logo, and are made out of brushed aluminium \u2013 the only material on the trims you\u2019ll find inside the cabin, contrasting the \u201cGaucho\u201d bright tan leather which the company says is reminiscent of the leather used in aircrafts from the olden days.\nThe \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d logo can be found again on the headrests along with the special-edition numbering \u201c1 of 20\u201d, as well as the centre console insert which is made out of polished aluminium in perl\u00e9e-finish, a nod to Bugatti\u2019s historic race cars. As an option, the Legends of the Sky special edition can also be fitted with a \u201cSky View\u201d glass roof to simulate the feel of an open-top aircraft.\nOther details that can be found on the interior include a hand-sketched racing scene on the door panels, featuring the Nieuport 17 aircraft and Bugatti Type 13 \u2013 the two \u201csouls\u201d honoured by this special edition.\nThe Nieuport 17 is a French biplane aircraft built from 1916 that was very popular among pilots due to its reliability, speed, agility and manoeuvrability, while the Bugatti Type 13 was the first model to bear the Bugatti nameplate, and formed the foundations for the brand\u2019s racing success.\nThe W16 engine found behind the passenger compartment is unchanged, with a capacity of 8.0-litres delivering 1,500 hp and 1,600 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h takes just 2.5 seconds, onward to a electronically-limited top speed of 420 km/h \u2013 certainly fast enough to run alongside a fighter jet, as \nTop Gear demonstrated 12 years ago\n with the Bugatti Veyron.\nGALLERY"
"Apollo Tyres now offers five additional tyre sizes of the dual-branded Apollo-Manchester United range, in reinforcing the brand\u2019s commitment to offer a broader range of the high quality tyres to football fans (presumably only to MUFC loyalists) in Malaysia.\n(From left) Denis Irwin, former Manchester United defender, Lau Den Nee, Group Manager of Apollo Tyres Malaysia, Victor Siew, Divisional Head Malaysia of Apollo Tyres Malaysia, David May, former\u00a0 Manchester United defender, and Dwight Yorke, former Manchester United striker.\nTo meet the consumer\u2019s demands, the Apollo-Manchester United range is now made available in these sizes:\n195 55 R15\n205 55 R16\n215 55 R17\n245 45 R18\n265 65 R17\n\u201cThese five new sizes were developed based on the success of our debut 15-inch variant which was introduced almost three years ago.\u00a0With this tyre range, drivers will not only experience a quieter drive, superior handling in the dry and wet but will also get to \nshow off the Manchester United logo on their tyre\u2019s sidewall\n,\u201d said Shubhro Ghosh, Group Head, ASEAN & Middle East region, Apollo Tyres Ltd.\nIn addition, the company continues to provide a 1-Year Unconditional Warranty (UCW) for the entire passenger car tyre range \u2013 covering all kinds of tyre damages \nsuch as accidental tyre damage or impact breaks\n for a peace of mind. This complements the existing 5-year basic manufacturer\u2019s warranty.\nCommenting on the UCW offer, Ghosh added, \u201cOur Malaysian consumers are very important to us. Since starting operations in Malaysia, back in 2016, we have established our distribution channel throughout Malaysia that would allow our business partners to deliver our tyres right to the customer\u2019s door step.\nThe extended range of Apollo-Manchester United tyres are now available at all authorised Apollo dealers nationwide."
"Like the majority of us, I spend considerable time in my day window shopping through our local classified websites including Mudah, Lelong, MotorTrader and Carlist to name a few; looking at cars and even spare parts I\u2019m most certainly not able to afford.\nAs unproductive as it sounds, the thrill however, of going through these sites is that, no matter what you\u2019re browsing through whether its for limited edition apparels, gadgets, household goods or even car parts, you\u2019ll never know what you\u2019d stumble upon with sheer blind luck.\nLast week was one of those moments. Having had the privilege of growing up with a \u201csquashed Beetle\u201d as some would like to refer; I\u2019ve always had a soft spot for air-cooled Porsche 911\u2019s \u2013 especially for a certain 1982 Porsche 911 SC. You can imagine then the excitement I felt upon discovering this ultra-mint \n1995 3.6-litre Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 2\n.   These things don\u2019t come by often nowadays, you\u2019ll hardly see one posted online and even more so in the flesh. This is because values for these \u201ctoys\u201d have skyrocketed over the last five years and those with deep pockets are already latching on to it as a form of investment. Based on a what I\u2019ve heard, a 1996 3.6-litre Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 2 was bought for RM 140,000 and flipped for RM 250,000 just 14 months later.\nWhether its actually worth such monumental amounts of cash (yea cash, you can\u2019t buy these things on loan anymore) is not a concern for us civilians. What I care about, is sharing the sight or rather the beacon of a well-cared classic.\nThis model was apparently a unit that was imported new by Porsche 911. When new, these things were pushing out around 250 hp with around 310 Nm of torque \u2013 good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds (for Tiptronic as is with this model) and a top speed of more than 250 km/h.\nThe owner quoted that \u201cits been maintained fastidiously as a reliable daily car\u201d \u2013 we think its understatement. Looking at the pictures you know you\u2019re dealing with a car that has been meticulously cared for with no expense spared.\nIt\u2019s been so reliable that the owner even drove it up to Phuket, \na drive that our friends at Evo Malaysia will soon be embarking on\n, adding that it handled the long drive wonderfully and reliably. We wouldn\u2019t question that all. While it still has some grunt, buying an exquisite piece of machinery such as this, with a Tiptronic gearbox to beat modern day performance cars is like buying contraband cigarettes hoping that it would offer the same kick as a pack of Dunhill\u2019s. No, these cars, in its current form, are meant for long, relaxing, dignified drives on a grand tour.\n\u201cI am fussy with small things and the car reflects this\u201d, said the owner. Judging from the pictures, would you doubt it?\n*Pictures are provided by the owner\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has had to raise prices of some SUV models in China due to higher duties being imposed on imports from the U.S. The move by China to raise import duties from 15% to 40% was in response to tariffs (worth US$34 billion) imposed by the Trump administration against China-made goods.\nThe X5 and X6 SUV prices are now between 4% to 7% higher, with the impending launch of \nthe new X4\n to be similarly affected as BMW makes most of its SUVs in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Rival Mercedes-Benz has also been reported to have raised prices of its American-made GLS and GLE models while Tesla likewise with its Model X and S.\nMajority of BMW SUVs are made in Spartanburg, South Carolina, including the new X4 you see here.\nThe irony is that China has just recently introduced wide-ranging tariff cuts in July covering an array of consumer goods including automobiles; a move to open its market further to imported goods. In fact, China will remove the cap on foreign ownership of car makers by 2022; the limit stands at 50% currently.\nAs the trade war escalates, it remains to be seen which superpower will blink first. But as the world\u2019s largest consumer of automobiles \u2013 over 28 million new vehicles were registered last year \u2013 the implications could be severe for both sides if the situation persists. Closer to home, the Malaysian government is said to be considering imposing restrictions on foreign car brands even though Perodua and Proton command 50% of the market share, with the remainder constituted mainly by brands that produces and assembles cars locally."
"UMW Toyota Motor is extending its Special Service Campaign after receiving confirmation from principal, Toyota Motor Corporation, that close to 30,000 cars are affected by the airbag inflation issue.\nModels involved in the campaign are the \nVios, Yaris\n and\n Altis\n manufactured \nbetween April 2007 to December 2008\n. UMW Toyota Motor will be in direct contact with those affected and will carry out the necessary corrective measures should the inflators prove to be faulty. If so, the faulty part will be replaced with a brand new unit at no cost to the owner.\nAnnouncementDate\nModel Name\nYear Manufactured\nFront Passenger Side Airbag Inflator\nDriver\u2019s side Airbag Inflator\n7 July 2015 (29,985 units)\nVios\nApril 2007 \u2013December 2008\n\u221a\n\u2013\nCorolla Altis\n\u221a\n\u2013\nYaris\n\u221a\n\u2013\nThe company also said cars manufactured after December 2008 are not affected by the campaign.\u00a0Customers may call Toyota\u2019s Toll Free Line at 1800-8-869682 for further information."
"Next up in the ranks of car brands releasing revised price lists after Sales Tax Exemption today is \nBMW Group Malaysia\n with the updated prices for BMW and MINI models. The new price list will be in effect starting Monday the 15th of June to the 31st of December 2020, thanks to the government\u2019s \nshort-term economy recovery plan \nwhich sees a 100% sales tax exemption on locally-assembled cars and 50% on imported units.\nBMW Malaysia Price List after Sales Tax Exemption:\nBMW Malaysia\u2019s latest releases, the \n840i Gran Coupe M Sport\n and \nX6 xDrive40i M Sport\n \u2013 both CBU models \u2013 received sizeable reductions in price at 3.2% (RM31,388.77) and 3.5% (RM25,852.61) respectively. Meanwhile, the \nCKD 320i Sport and 330i M Sport\n models are now priced 2.8% (RM7,005.60) and 2.6% (RM7612.52) lower respectively.\nMINI Malaysia Price List after Sales Tax Exemption:\nAs for MINI, the limited-run \nCountryman Blackheath Edition\n gets a RM9,607.62 reduction in price, the same as the \nCountryman Sports\n which it is based on. The new \nJCW Clubman and Countryman\n are now 3.7% cheaper, which accounts for RM13,390.18 and RM13,997.27 respectively.\nWe are covering the updated price lists \nhere\n as they come in, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!"
"Orders for the \nall-new Nissan Leaf\n has surpassed the 10,000 mark in just two months and as such Nissan UK has launched an online reservation tool to make ordering the all-electric vehicle a simpler process.\nThe new digital ordering system will allow customers to place orders for the all-new Leaf \u2013 currently limited to just 2.ZERO special editions \u2013 in just a matter of minutes.\nThe \nNismo edition\n of the all-new Nissan Leaf\nLimited to \n1,500 units\n, the Leaf 2.ZERO edition will sit between the upper N-Connecta variant and the high-spec Tekna model. It will be available in two colours \u2013 Spring Cloud and Pearl Black.\nLocally, the all-new Nissan Leaf is expected to make its appearance by 2018 \nas mentioned by Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia previously\n. The electric vehicle\u00a0now packs\u00a0\n147 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0320 Nm\n\u00a0with a theoretical driving range of\u00a0\n378 km."
"When it was first \npreviewed\n, the CKD BMW X7 was given an estimated price of\u00a0RM708,000. BMW Malaysia today has released the final price of their latest locally-assembled product from Kulim, Kedah.\nThe locally-assembled BMW X7 xDrive40i, in Pure Excellence trim, is priced from \nRM648,934\n and inclusive of the soon-to-expire sales and service tax exemption. Comparing the price when it was \nfirst introduced\n at RM888,800, this final CKD price is a full \nRM239,866 cheaper\n, out of which, RM83,734 is listed as government-approved EEV incentives with another RM25,000 thanks to the sales and service tax exemption.\nAs for the main specifications and features, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i does not differ from the\u00a0CBU\u00a0variant launched in 2019. The colour palette sees a reduction from seven to five- Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Phytonic Blue, Mineral White and the new Manhattan Metallic. \u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nThe Pure Excellence line continues in the CKD model, the only model in BMW Malaysia without a M Sport line. The window surrounds, air breather and \u2018hockey stick\u2019 door mouldings are in bright chrome, with front and rear bumper underbody protection in stainless steel styling. Key features in the BMW X7 xDrive40i includes:\nBMW Laserlight headlamps\nAluminium roof rails\nAluminium running boards\n21\u2033 wheels in Y-spoke style 753 Bicolour with run-flats\nSoft-close doors\nPowered split tailgate\nWelcome light carpet\nINTERIOR\nInside, the features continue to remain as similarly nicely equipped as the fully imported model. There are three interior schemes with Vernasca leather paired with their respective exterior colours.\nAll three rows get to control their own air-conditioning preference with the \nautomatic five-zone\n control system. High-gloss brown wood trim continues to decorate the interior with other key features below:\n\u201cCraftedClarity\u201d glass application on the gear selector, iDrive controller, volume knob and start/stop button\nBMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and similarly-sized infotainment system\nFront active seat ventilation\nPower-adjusting second-row seats in 40:20:40 split, with one-touch easy-access\nPower-folding third-row seats in 50:50 split\nPanorama glass roof Sky Lounge\nHarman Kardon surround sound with 16 speakers\nRear seat entertainment with two 10.2-inch touch screen monitors\n \nPERFORMANCE\nThe X7 in the xDrive40i guise is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine pushing out\u00a0\n340 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n450 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Century sprint takes\u00a0\n6.1\n\u00a0\nseconds\n\u00a0while the top speed is capped at 245 km/h.\nA new addition into the CKD model is the fitment of the\u00a0\nIntegral Active Steering\n\u00a0that marginally turns the rear wheels in the opposite or same direction as the front wheels for either better low-speed agility or high-speed comfort and stability.\nAn 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, xDrive all-wheel drive and air suspension with active roll stabilisation are standard items. Like the imported variant, ride comfort is further enhanced by the \nDynamic Damper Control\n system, which can process data from the navigation system and front camera.\nAlso carried over are the Driving Assistance Professional features like the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, steering and lane control assistant, a head-up display, and Reversing Assist.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned earlier, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i is priced from\u00a0\nRM648,934\n\u00a0but this is only with the \nstandard two-year warranty\n. A price of \nRM673,324\n is quoted for the five-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service programme. With the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing Plan, the X7 xDrive40i can be had with a monthly instalment plan starting from \nRM7,468\n (based on an 80% loan estimate on a five-year tenure).\nFrom \nJuly 1st 2021\n onwards, prices are \nRM674,410\n for the standard warranty and \nRM698,800\n with the extended warranty and service-inclusive package. BMW Malaysia also includes BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW Privileges Card and Service Online in the pricing.\nThe BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting tomorrow (May 8th 2021). Customers can also book the new luxury SAV for \nRM 5,000\n via the \nBMW Shop Online\n platform from May 11th 2021 onwards.\nGALLERY\nGALLERY AT PREVIEW"
"Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing (TDEM), Toyota\u2019s regional\u00a0office in Asia for engineering, manufacturing, and other functions today announced that Toyota\u00a0has received multiple \u201cDecade of Safer Vehicle Awards\u201d in conjunction with the ASEAN NCAP\u2019s 10\nth\n anniversary celebration.\u00a0\nAs of the 8th of December 2021, the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) turned 10 years old.\nToyota received four awards including:\nBest Adult Occupant Protection 2017 \u2013 2020\n \u2013 Toyota C-HR\nBest Safety Assist 2019\n \u2013 Toyota Majesty & Granvia\nThe Most 5-Star Car 2017 \u2013 2020 \nThe Most 5-Star Car 2012 \u2013 2020\n\u201cToyota has had a long history in Asia,\u00a0where we have been recognised by our customers as the foremost brand for QDR \u2013 Quality,\u00a0 Reliability and Durability \u2013 and safety. We started production activities in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia as early as the 1960s, and over the last six decades, we have strived to develop the best products not only to suit our ASEAN customers\u2019 needs but also to improve and adopt\u00a0safety technologies as part of our responsibility as a mobility company; prioritising\u00a0the improvement of road and traffic safety in this region,\u201d said TDEM.\n \nAs for the company\u2019s vision towards zero traffic fatalities, Toyota said it is committed to improving its vehicle safety technologies and performance continuously with a focus on three essential elements; advancing safety technology, educating drivers, passengers and pedestrians toward traffic safety, and supporting safer traffic infrastructure."
"Dodge has announced its electric vehicle (EV) plan and products for the decade and the brand famous for big V8 engines and high horsepower values will debut an electric muscle car in 2024.\nThe Stellantis automotive group of companies that includes Peugeot, Opel, Jeep and Alfa Romeo, showcased their plans and strategies to roll out EVs with their new \nscalable EV platform called STLA (Stella)\n. Three STLA unibody platforms will cover small, premium and large vehicles, while a dedicated STLA Frame construction will be used for large pick-ups and SUVs.\nIn the presentation, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said, \u201dOur engineers are reaching a practical limit of what we can squeeze from internal combustion innovation. They know, we know, electric motors can give us more. And if we know a technology that can give our customers an advantage, we have an obligation to embrace it,\u201d\nThe \u00a0Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is a road-legal \u201810-second\u2019 drag machine! 0 to 60 in 2.3s\n https://youtu.be/l7Bp730y53o\nThe proposed muscle car is expected to have close to \n900 hp\n from its dual-motor layout (450 hp per axle-motor) with the highest variant pushing the \u2018zero to sixty\u2019 time (96 km/h) in \njust two seconds\n. That time places it neck-and-neck with the range-topping \nTesla Model S Plaid\n, while the \nPorsche Taycan Turbo S\n does it in 2.6 seconds.\nBarely anything on the design was teased, apart from a triangle emblem on the front and rear of the concept vehicle. The said emblem is what Dodge calls the \u2018Fratzog\u2019 that was used on certain models in the \u201860s and the \u201870s that had futuristic-looking themes. \u00a0\nOpel brings back the classic Manta coupe, demonstrates EV platforms can accommodate any styling\nApart from the new muscle car, the STLA Large platform will be the basis for seven other new vehicles that will be introduced in three to five year\u2019s time."
"Mazda UK has just announced a small update for the \nMazda2\n that brings to the table the new G-Vectoring Control technology (GVC), revised suspension, enhanced sound insulation and additional equipment.\nFirst introduced in the Mazda3 facelift, Mazda\u2019s \nGVC\n is a breakthrough software that improves ride quality and reduces body roll by modulating engine load. This system is simply known as motion control technology.\nTo further enhance the Mazda2\u2019s steering feel and response, Mazda revised the damper settings, gives it new anti-roll bar bushings, new front lower suspension arm structure and re-calibrated electric power steering. These mechanical revisions, coupled with GVC results in better ride and handling.\nCabin noise has always been the Achilles heel of the Mazda2. To address this, Mazda has fitted the Mazda2 with \nnoise-insulating windscreen\n, reshaped wing mirrors and additional sound deadening materials at the bonnet, tailgate, parcel shelf and spare wheel well.\nPowerplant options for the UK-spec Mazda2 is courtesy of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with three different state of tunes \u2013 \n74 hp\n, \n89 hp\n and \n113 hp\n. The \n113 hp\n engine is mated exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox while others can be had with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.   Mazda UK will have eight variants of the Mazda2 on offer starting from the base SE to the range topping GT Sport. All variants get a new three-spoke design steering wheel and new seat fabrics. The SE-L and SE-L Nav variants now come equipped with LED front fog lamps, auto power-folding wing mirrors, passenger seat height adjustment while Sport Nav models gets shark fin antenna and 16-inch alloy wheels.\nStepping up to the GT and GT Sport trims, it features LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, black rear spoiler and 16-inch silver alloys. Other features such as 7-inch MZD-Connect infotainment system, satellite navigation, coloured heads up display, cruise control, privacy glass, smart keyless entry and leather upholstery are available depending on variants selected.   All 89 hp and 113 hp powered cars will be equipped as standard with \nSmart City Brake Support\n and \nLane Departure Warning System\n, making it the second B-Segment hatchback to come equipped with these safety features after the \nfourth-generation Kia Rio\n.\nPrices for the Mazda2 facelift in the UK starts from \u00a312,695 (RM71k) and stretches all the way to \u00a316,395 (RM92k). Deliveries is scheduled to begin in June 2017. Locally, our highly specced \nMazda2\n\u00a0starts from RM87k. It is only a matter of time before Bermaz Motor brings in the updated\u00a0Mazda2, but the only question is, will it still cost the same?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The makers of the unmistakable \u2018Prancing Horse\u2019 has just taken the wraps of their newest creation, the 488 Spider ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.\u00a0\nFerrari\n took a can opener to the recently launched \n488 GTB\n, and the company\u00a0is also the first manufacturer to feature an RHT or retractable hard top technology onto this caliber of cars. It is the most powerful mid-engined convertible in the company\u2019s history.\nIt\u2019s said that the RHT architecture on the Spider is almost \n25 kg lighter\n as compared to the \nconventional fabric folding setup\n, and only takes \n14 seconds\n to erect from close. But like all previous drop top Ferraris in the past, it\u2019s made squarely for those who want unlimited headroom and a better ear on that \n3,902cc twin-turbo V8\n power house. Ferrari has mentioned that the handling is unchanged from the GTB but suffers a \n50 kg \npenalty.\n\u00a0\nShimmering underneath that gleaming paint-job is the heart of this immense beast \u2013 a\n 3.9-litre\n twin turbo V8 mill that makes\u00a0\n660 hp\n\u00a0with a maximum torque figure of \n760 Nm\n at \n3,000 rpm\n.\n\u00a0\nThis sends the Spider sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.0 seconds flat\n, with a\u00a00 to 200 km/h time of just\u00a0\n8.7 seconds\n. Top speed is\u00a0\n325 km/h\n. Mated to the engine is a seven-speed F1 dual clutch transmission by racing gearbox aficionado, \nGetrag.\nFerrari has quite boldly said that the Spider is the\n most\u00a0aerodynamically efficient Ferrari spider\n ever built, thanks to a series of complex aero solutions designed to guarantee\n optimal downforce\n whilst \nreducing drag\n. Maranello\u2019s finest engineers have bolted on a\u00a0\nblown spoiler\n and an aerodynamic underbody \nvortex generators\n.\nThe Ferrari 488 Spider will debut at the upcoming 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is expected to retail on our shores for an estimated excess of \nRM 2 million \nwith prices estimated at \u00a3205,000 (approx. RM\u00a01,222,827) in the UK. Watch this space for more timely updates.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has added yet another model to their Dream Car lineup, this time a two-doored tyre-shredding beast from Affalterbach. The \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe\n is now officially available in Malaysia, and in typical MBM fashion, early adopters stand a chance to purchase the exclusive Edition 1 variant. \nThe C 63 S Coupe is priced at RM773,888, whereas the Edition 1 will set you back for RM795,888. As a reminder, it\u2019s about RM75,000 dearer than the \nfour-door C 63 S launched back in October 2015\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe\nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe Edition 1\nEngine\n3,982cc; twin-turbo V8, direct injection\nTransmission\nAMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission\nMax Power\n510 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n700 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0-100km/h; Top Speed\n3.9 seconds; 290km/h\nPrice\nRM773,888\nRM795,888\nThe twin-turbo V8 engine in question here is the same kind found on most modern AMG-badged cars, except the \nAMG GT\n gets dry sump lubrication. The turbochargers on the other hand, are all similarly fitted; they are built between \u2018V\u2019, which helps make the overall packaging more compact and provides better response time. At full whack, the car sprints from 0 to 100km/h in \n3.9 seconds\n before maxing out at an electronically limited\n 290km/h\n. All this is achieved thanks to the 4.0-litre\u2019s output of \n510 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n.   There are no performance gains should you choose to go with the Edition 1. Instead, it benefits from exclusive yellow decals and 19-inch front wheels (forged; 255/35 R19 tyres) and 20-inch AMG cross-spoke rear wheels (285/30 R20). Standard exterior features are panoramic sliding sunroof, AMG spoiler lip, full active LED headlamps, AMG carbon fibre pack and AMG Night package.\nTasked with stopping the C 63 S are a set of AMG high-performance composite discs (upgradable to ceramic composites), and the rear wheel drive coupe gets electronic limited slip differential as standard. Other equipment thrown into the mix are DVD player, Touchpad with Controller, 360-degree camera and Burmester surround sound system. The AMG sports seats are draped in dark Nappa leather, while the dashboard, centre console and door trims are embellished in either carbon fibre or brushed aluminium, but the Edition 1 gets matte carbon fibre trims.   Bonus luxuries include an analogue clock, ambient lighting, AMG door sill panels with white LED illumination and AMG floor mats. \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Malaysia driving license will now last up to 10 years upon renewal, starting \nMay 8\n, \n2023\n. This announcement was made by Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke on May 3, 2023.\nMalaysian citizens are now able to renew their driving licenses for up to a maximum period of 10 years. This is much longer compared to the current maximum renewable period of 5 years only.\nAlso, the MOT is giving a 10% discount for those who choose to renew their driving license for 10 years. This means if you are to go for the 10-year renewal, you will only be charged 9 years\u2019 worth of payment and will get one year\u2019s worth free (this will only cost you \nRM270\n in total, compared to RM300).\nThe transport minister has reminded the public that they can only renew their licenses if their license\u2019s remaining validity is less than a year. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the renewal fee discount, you will have to wait till your driving license will expire in less than a year before you can renew your license for up to 10 years.\nRELATED: \nStill confused about the road tax situation? Anthony Loke answers your questions\nFor Malaysian citizens who were overseas during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, and thus faced issues with renewing their driving licenses, the MOT has your back. The ministry will be giving permission to those whose driving licenses expired to renew their licenses without needing to retake the driving test. The initiative aims to assist those who were overseas during MCO but is also applicable to everybody else.\nTake note that this special permission is only for those whose driving licenses expired from \nJanuary 1\n, \n2018\n onwards. The special permission will only take effect till \nDecember 31\n, \n2023\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X50 R3 Concept previews production model \u2013 200 units only, booking only at MAS2023"
"Stamford Tyres, the official distributor of Falken tyres in Malaysia has just officially launched their latest flagship Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres, the Falken Azenis FK510 here in Malaysia. The new UHP tyres boast superior wet weather performance without sacrificing refinement.\nSucceeding the outgoing FK453 in the Azenis line up, the FK510 is catered for the regular drivers and enthusiast alike who seek a UHP tyre with high levels of comfort and refinement. Available for wheels measuring 17 to 22-inch in diameter, Stamford Tyres says the FK510 is suitable for most luxury vehicles and sports cars in Malaysia.\nUsing \n4D Nano Design\n technology, engineers were able to develop the FK510 with enhanced compounds at the molecular level, giving the tyres improved dry and wet grip, braking performance, comfort and longevity.\nFalken has paid great attention to the FK510\u2019s wet weather performance to ensure that drivers will experience the high-levels of safety when driving in the wet. To achieve this, \nBlade Sipes\n \u2013 small \u2018cuts\u2019 \u2013 was incorporated to the tyre design which allows the tyres to cut through surface water more efficiently as well as optimise the contact patch for greater stability.\nThe new tyre pattern was also developed with a new innovation called \nAdaptive Constant Pressure (ACP)\n which essentially means the tyre groove ensures a consistent pressure distribution throughout the contact patch. As a result, the FK510 boasts sharper steering response, greater directional stability and improved braking performance.\nA total of 86 sizes of the Falken Azenis FK510, covering 17 to 22-inch wheels will be available for purchase at all authorised Falken dealers and distributors nationwide. Manufacturer\u2019s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the FK510 starts from RM480 to RM2,500.\nThe FK510 SUV (replaces the \nFK453 CC\n) for crossovers and SUVs as well as a run-flat version will go on sale in Malaysia as soon as 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s Christmas weekend and the guys at Hethel, home of Lotus Cars extends their season greetings by doing something pretty bonkers \u2013 strapping a Christmas tree on a \nLotus Evora GT410 Sport\n. And in true Lotus fashion, the Evora GT410 Sport went about the Hethel facility sideways.\nThe Evora GT410 Sport is the most extreme, non-limited edition, Evora money can buy. Powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine pushing out \n410 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque, the Evora GT410 Sport can obliterate the century sprint in 3.9 seconds with the automatic-equipped or 4.0 seconds if you went for the six-speed manual.\nTipping the scale at 1,297 kgs, the Evora GT410 is 28 kgs lighter than the Evora 410 which was one of the \nBest Cars we\u2019ve driven in 2017\n. A lightweight titanium exhaust system gives the Evora GT410 its glorious soundtrack.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLotus Evora GT410 Sport Christmas Drift"
"After being \nteased\n last week, here we have it, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet with its wraps taken off at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Limited to just 300 examples worldwide, the ultra-luxury carmaker has injected a heavy dose of bling into the \nMercedes-Benz S65 Cabriolet\n. Not that the S65 is in need of it anyway.\nAsking price? Oh just 300,000 Euros (that\u2019s about RM1.4 mil) nett, regardless of specification. Compared to the S-class, the S650 features a new front bumper with extensive\u00a0chrome highlights, discreet Maybach emblem, puddle lights that projects the Maybach logo and 20-inch Maybach forged wheels. However, rest assured that Maybach did not ask its customers to fork out \u20ac300k for a pimped out S65 as the interior gets a massive touch of fine craftsmanship on top of all the optional extras you get in a regular S65.   Based on the interior theme \u201cEverything flows\u201d, the S650\u2019s features a fully hand-crafted leather-trimmed upholstery. The seats upholstery now feature a waterfall-like look, achieved by using progressive perforations and diamond quilting on the side bolsters.\nUnique interior trim pieces can be altered for each vehicle based on the colour and grain choice. Inside the S650, there are numerous Maybach logos, from the embroidery in the headrest to the steering wheel and a chromed plated numbered lettering to remind you that this is no regular S-Class Coupe.\nAs an option, the interior can be further enhanced with \u201cflowing lines\u201d design that creates a yacht-like ambience inspired by the Mercedes-Benz Style \u201cArrow 460-Granturismo\u201d yacht. There are nine additional colour concepts customers can spec their Maybach\u2019s interior in and among the colours are a bold pastel yellow/black, talk about making a statement.\nUnder the hood of the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet is the same 6.0-litre biturbo V12 that produces \n630 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n found in the regular S65 S-Class Cabriolet. Drive is sent to the rear-wheels via a \nseven-speed G-Tronic automatic\n transmission. AIRMATIC suspension is also a standard issue here. Interestingly, performance figures are also identical to the car it is based on; 0 \u2013 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds with an electronically limited 250km/h top speed.\nSo, any takers for the \nRolls-Royce Dawn\n\u2019s competitor? Don\u2019t forget that it\u2019s a limited production unit and even comes with a car cover matching the soft top\u2019s colour, travel bags made from the same cut of leather as the upholstery, Nappa-wrapped leather key ring which matches the interior colour and also a certificate of ownership. All for just RM1.4 million, nett!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche is celebrating 10 years of Panamera with a special edition, featuring exclusive cosmetic upgrades as well as additional comfort and safety equipment.\u00a0\nThe 10 Years Edition package will be available on the Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo.\u00a0\nThe gold trimmings, particularly the 21-inch Sport Design alloy wheels finished in satin-gloss white gold Metallic are the first things that would elude you to the Panamera 10 Years Edition, likewise the \u201cPanamera10\u201d emblems on the front doors.\nMoving inside, the 10 Years Edition Panamera is decked out in black partial-leather with white gold decorative stitching. The same anniversary logo is also found on the front passenger trim panel and door sills.\u00a0\nPorsche has also given the Panamera 10 Years Edition a special treatment by including a whole suite of luxury equipment as standard. Every 10 Years edition will include ParkAssist with 360-degree camera, LED matrix headlights with PDLS Plus, lane change and lane-keeping assist, panoramic sun roof, privacy glass, 14-way power adjustable seats, soft-close doors, digital radio and a Bose surround sound system.\u00a0\nAdding to the standard equipment list are air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and Power Steering Plus. Buyers opting for the E-Hybrid variants also benefit from a faster 7.2 kW on-board charger.\nUnder the hood, there are no mechanical changes. The Panamera 4 variants carry a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine, capable of producing \n330 hp\n to all four wheels. The E-Hybrid models tack on a 100 kW electric motor, making a combined output of 462 hp.\u00a0\nOnce seen as the black sheep of the Porsche line up, the Panamera underwent a \nmajor refresh in 2016\n. In our review of the second generation model, we even called the Sport Turismo \nStuttgart\u2019s new eye candy\n! With over 250,000 units delivered over its model cycle, we think it\u2019s only fitting that Porsche celebrates this milestone. Happy 10th birthday, Panamera!"
"The F-Type, as the British brand calls it, is the definitive Jaguar sports car. Although we think that the design of the (now predecessor) F-Type still remains timeless, Jaguar has given their quintessential sports car an overhaul to keep up with the competitors, as well as their own newer models.\nVisual changes for the refreshed F-Type are mostly found ahead of the windscreen. The front-end is completely redesigned, featuring a super-slim pixel LED headlights with \u2018Caligraphy J\u2019 daytime running lights and sweeping indicators.\u00a0\nThe front grille of the F-Type has been enlarged with a new mesh finish, flanked by sculpted air inlets with variant-specific discreet signature graphics.\nThe lower apron receives trim-specific design choices \u2013 Entry-level core F-Type models get a clean and sculptural look, while the sportier R-Dynamic trim gains functional layered J aero-blades. The R models meanwhile gets additional black bezels around the air inlets.\u00a0\nThe Jaguar F-Type also features a new clamshell bonnet design, with softer curves and surfaces, which Jaguar calls \u201cliquid metal\u201d. Jaguar says that the new front redesign gives the F-type a more sculpted and assertive look, exaggerating the car\u2019s stance, and visual width and length while being no bigger in terms of dimensions than its predecessor.\u00a0\nThe timeless F-type haunch shape is still here, along with sloping roofline (on the coupe). The changes made to the rear are more subtle, including new taillights featuring the \u2018chicane\u2019 design introduced in the\u00a0all-electric \nJaguar I-Pace\n. The rear diffusers also received minute tweaks, which surrounds the powertrain-specific exhaust tailpipes.\u00a0\u00a0\nAlong with the refreshed looks, the engine line-up of the F-Type has also been given a revamp. A total of four engine choices are now available globally, where a new \n450 hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8\n engine joins the line-up.\nJaguar says that the new engine is designed to deliver instantly exploitable and rewarding performance, with peak torque of \n580 Nm\n is available at just 2,500 rpm. The result? 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in\n 4.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n285 km/h.\n\u00a0\nThe entry-level \n2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium 4-cylinder engine\n remains the same with a \n300 hp\n power output, as with the \n380 hp 3.0-litre V6\n; The top-of-the-range \n5.0-litre V8\n has its output bumped to \n575 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n (from 550 hp and 680 Nm respectively).\nThe 575 hp V8 is only available in the sportiest R specification, which gets new adaptive dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, among other mechanical parts to handle the added power. Zero to 100 km/h is now done in just \n3.5 seconds\n, reaching an electronically-limited \n299 km/h\n flat out.\nAll engine choices are paired to an eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission, but Jaguar says the F-Type R and the 450 hp models receive a retuned box for faster shifts, based on the learnings from Jaguar XE SV Project 8.\nThe two middle engine choices (380 hp V6 and 450 hp V8) have the option of either an AWD or RWD set up, but the 575 hp F-Type R is strictly limited to all-wheel drive. Conversely, the entry-level four-cylinder mill will only be available with rear-wheel drive.\u00a0\nOn the inside, the Jaguar F-Type receives a new 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster \u2013 configurable in multiple display styles including a large central tachometer and full map view.\u00a0\nThe TouchPro infotainment system has also been updated with Smartphone Pack with Apple CarPlay as standard. Depending on the market, the Smartphone Pack also comes with Android Auto or Baidu CarLife.\u00a0\nTwo \u201clightweight slimline\u201d seats are available \u2013 Sport and Performance. The Sport comes standard on the base and R-Dynamic trims, while the Performance featuring enhanced shoulder support is standard for the R edition.\nIn terms of materials, the interior of the F-Type features Windsor Leather and satin-finish Noble Chrome trims. Intricate details are found throughout the cabin, such as the monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, along with Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle \u2018Jaguar Est.1935\u2019 markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides.\u00a0\nFor the first year on sale, the F-Type will also be offered in a First Edition guise. Based on the R-Dynamic trim, the First Edition gains the Exterior Design Pack in special colours, black contrast roof, unique 20-inch wheels, special trim details, Performance seats, as well as First Edition brandings.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Receiving over 400 orders since its Malaysian launch in March this year, the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n has been updated today for 2023. An array of changes have been made to the all-electric XC40, and it now fetches a price of \nRM 278,888\n. Together with the update of the all-electric version, the B5 and T5 versions of the \nXC40\n also receive the facelift.\nRefreshed on the exterior of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric are a new front bumper and a new front panel (or grille). The new bumper sports a more aggressive fog light cluster while the new panel is much more rounded and simplified on the updated version.\nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric in Fjord Blue\nAlso new on the outside are a new set of 19-inch 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut wheels. In addition to that, a new \u2018Fjord Blue\u2019 exterior colour is now offered. The other four colours offered are \u201cBlack Stone\u201d, \u201cThunder Grey\u201d, \u201cCrystal White\u201d, and \u201cSage Green\u201d.\nOn the inside, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric gets a new Charcoal Connect Suede upholstery, replacing the previous Charcoal leather/Nubuck textile upholstery. There is also a new gear lever that has been made with leather-free materials, a PM2.5 remote air purifier, and an updated Foot Movement Detection Module (FMDM).\nALSO WATCH: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge P8 review \u2013 408hp for only RM262k\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, \u201cThe astounding success of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric tells me we are moving in the right direction with our all-electric journey. Since the introduction of our electrification agenda, we are constantly seeking ways to improve customers\u2019 driving experiences. With the new upgrades of the model year 2023 XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, we believe customers can expect an enhanced driving experience that provides them the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.\u201d\nPowering the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is still the same dual-motor setup that gives the car an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Making \n408 hp\n (metric) and \n660 Nm\n, the electric drive system launches the car from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 4.9 seconds\n. Power is stored in a \n78-kWh\n battery pack that provides \n438 km\n of range (WLTP).\nALSO WATCH: \nCan the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV be the only car you own? \u2013 AutoVlogs\nAs for charging, the Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 is capable of \n150-kW\n DC fast charging and \n11-kW\n AC charging. With 150-kW DC fast charging, the XC40 Recharge P8 can charge from 0 to 80% in just \n40 minutes\n. With 11-kW AC charging, it takes \n8 hours and 15 minutes\n to charge from 0 to 100%.\nThe model year 2023 updates are also available to the XC40 Recharge T5 Ultimate (Plug-in Hybrid) and XC40 B5 Ultimate (Mild Hybrid) with both priced at RM268,888. They will also receive a facelift to their design which includes a Dynamic Chassis change.\nRELATED: \n2023 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Ultimate replaces T8 Inscription in Malaysia \u2013 what\u2019s new?"
"That\u2019s cause BMW Malaysia and MINI Malaysia announced an added 1-year extension to Service and Repair Inclusive Programs for new BMW and MINI vehicles purchased with JPJ registration dated from now till 30th June 2019.\nThis provides new owners of BMW vehicles with a 6-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programs and for new MINI owners, 5-years Unlimited Mileage MINI Service Inclusive and 5-years Unlimited Mileage MINI Repair Inclusive.\nThe scope of services made available with the extended warranty programs is in accordance to the BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) status and includes service vehicle check, engine oil change, along with servicing for air filter, fuel filter, micro filter, spark plug and brake fluid.\nThe MINI 5-years Unlimited Mileage MINI Service Inclusive and 5-years Unlimited Mileage MINI Repair Inclusive Programs will also be applicable for fleet packages, duty-exempted vehicles, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program and the Returning Expert Program (REP) customers.\nThe \nBMW M Performance Edition X5 xDrive40e\nRunning simultaneously with campaign is the BMW ChargeNow Promo, where new owners of any BMW iPerformance vehicles will receive the BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable and BMW ChargeNow card, for access to 270 charging stations by ChargEV, an initiative by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation.\nAdditionally, new BMW 740Le and BMW X5 xDrive40e owners will also enjoy a complimentary BMW i Wallbox Plus and BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable with the BMW i Wallbox Promo."
"BMW has just introduced a new entry-level variant to the G20 generation 3 Series, the 318i. The new variant ditches the three-cylinder engine from the previous-generation \n318i\n, for a 2.0-litre four cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine.\nThe new engine option is good for \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a 20 hp and 30 Nm increase from the previous-generation. The engine continues to be paired to a ZF sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nBMW claims that the 318i can complete the century sprint in \n8.4 seconds\n \u2013 1.3 seconds slower than the \n320i\n, which utilises a higher-tuned version of the same engine. Top speed for the new 318i is \n223 km/h\n.\nDespite running a touch slower, the lower power output on the BMW 318i does return a better fuel consumption figure between \n5.3 and 5.7 l/100 km\n.\nBesides the 3 Series, BMW is also expanding its powertrain options for the 1-Series, with a new 120d variant introduced featuring a two-litre turbodiesel engine to drive the front wheels. \u00a0\nBMW is also adding its \n48-volt mild hybrid technology\n to more models, including the 320d, 320d xDrive, X3 xDrive20d, and X4 xDrive20d. First introduced in the 520d last year, the mild hybrid system recuperates kinetic energy during braking to deliver an additional power output of up to \n11 hp\n.\nAdditionally, the energy recuperated is also used to power the electrical vehicle functions, as well as enhancing the Auto Start Stop function of the vehicle. The engine can now completely disconnect under 15 km/h when coming to a stop, as well as coasting at speeds up to 160 km/h."
"Concept cars rarely set the motoring scene abuzz with hype, but what Renault did this time around is simply irresistible. It\u2019s no wonder why the Renault Trevor was voted as the most beautiful concept car in 2016 at the 32nd Festival Automobile International. Just look at it!\nThis 2-seater electric GT concept car points towards Renault\u2019s future design direction, and it\u2019s already sending ripples of frenzied fanfare across the industry. The bonnet features an out-of-this-world honeycomb-shaped air inlet that opens and shuts. When it does, it just oozes sophistication.   At its heart is an electric motor capable of producing \n350 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque, sending it from 0 to 100km/h in less than\n 4.0 seconds\n. Similar to their Formula E, the Trezor comes with RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System) which recovers energy from braking. Two batteries are strategically positioned atop the chassis, creating an ideal weight balance. The tub is made entirely out of carbon and reinforced with tubular steel. All exterior panels, including the windows, are made 100 percent out of carbon.\nStepping inside the cabin takes you two decades into the future as well. It has a large L-shaped OLED multimedia display with a customisable user interface, just like a modern smartphone. Want an app behind the steering wheel? Just swipe and drag!\nThere are three driving modes to choose from: Neutral, Sport and Self-Drive. When autopilot is engaged, the car\u2019s exterior lighting system (from the side to rear logo) changes colour to inform other drivers. You can also watch a movie, play games or browse through photo galleries, all while being \u201cchauffeured\u201d to your destination.\nNow that sounds more like a proper vision for future mobility. Please make it happen, Renault!\nVIDEO GALLERY\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8L38t3Ch44\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nKia Sorento\n was introduced to our local market back in 2016 and was initially offered in three variants \u2013 two petrol and one diesel. Due to the high demand for a high spec diesel, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has finally introduced the Kia Sorento 2.2L CRDi HS. Priced at RM191k, the Kia Sorento 2.2L CRDi HS is the most expensive variant of the lot and gets all the bells and whistles checked.\nDato\u2019 Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings said, \u201cWe are confident that we have done everything possible to make the wait a worthwhile one and it will be another success story since there is a big demand of diesel variant in the market\u201d.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Sorento 2.4L MS\nKia Sorento 2.4L HS\nKia Sorento 2.2L CRDi LS\nKia Sorento 2.2L CRDi HS\nEngine\n2,359cc; 4-cylinder MPI\n2,199cc; CRDi turbodiesel\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n168 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n197 hp @ 3,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n224 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n440 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM168,888\nRM178,888\nRM158,888\nRM191,888\nPowering the Sorento CRDi HS is a 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel that develops \n197 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque. Transmission of choice is a six-speed slush box, sending drive permanently to all four corners. \nDrive Mode Select (DMS)\n allows the driver to put the transmission into three different driving modes \u2013 Eco, Normal or Sport. Just like the \nSportage diesel\n, this\u00a0Sorento is able to cover close to 1,000 km on a single tank of diesel.   From the outside, the only way to tell the Sorento CRDi HS apart from the petrol HS is the tiny Eco Dynamics badge at the rear tailgate. Otherwise, it gets the same kit such as HID projector headlamps with adaptive front lighting system, LED daytime running lamps, front fog lamps, keyless entry, LED combination tail lamps, roof rack, shark fin antenna, powered tailgate and 19-inch chrome alloys wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.\nInside, the seven seater gets leather upholstery, powered front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, three-spoke leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, rear air vents, keyless start and manual rear passenger sun blinds.   As standard, all variants of the Sorento come with six airbags, ABS with BA, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and hill-start assist. The Sorento is awarded with a full 5 Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.\nCustomers can have their Sorento in \nfour\n colours \u2013 Imperial Bronze, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black and Silky Silver. All purchases come with a 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A Thai national has set a new benchmark in cashless payment with the purchase of an all-new Lamborghini via \ncryptocurrency\n.\nAccording to a release by Zipmex, Jo Chirawat used Zipmex\u2019s mobile app to put a downpayment with \nBitcoin\n on a 2021 \nHurac\u00e1n EVO\n RWD\n at Renazzo Motor Co. Ltd. in Bangkok, Thailand.\nManagement of Zipmex and Renazzo Motor with the Lamborghini Huracan\nThe balance of the THB20 million car is expected to be paid in Bitcoin as well. As of trading today, one Bitcoin is valued at \nTHB1.7 million\n. The transaction with Zipmex is said to be \nthe first recorded in Asia\n.\nZipmex is one of the leading digital assets exchange platforms in South East Asia and the fastest growing with a focus on providing retail and institutional investors with the tools and convenience to trade digital assets securely. It currently has operations in Singapore, Thailand, Australia and Indonesia.\nThe partnership between Zipmex and Renazzo Motor\n allows the usage of Bitcoin (BTC), Tether USD (USDT), and Zipmex Token (ZMT)\n. The ability to accept cryptocurrencies also expands potential in untapped customer segments for the supercar distributor.\nAs for the Lamborghini Hurac\u00e1n EVO RWD, the 5.2-litre V10 engine delivers \n610 hp\n at 8,000 rpm and \n560 Nm \nof torque. Drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sends the Huracan EVO from standstill to 100 km/h in \n3.3 seconds\n, taking just another six seconds to reach 200 km/h.\nRenazzo Motor has been the official sole importer, dealer and after-sales service provider for Lamborghini automobiles in Thailand since 2018. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, recently-appointed \nSunAgata Supercars\n is handling all sales and after-sales aspects of the brand. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"European makes are not the only ones gearing up for the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Kia Motors too will be unveiling a new concept model right here in Frankfurt. The yet to be named concept car was conceived at Kia\u2019s European design centre located in, you guess it, Frankfurt.\nDespite the sportswagon like design, but Kia has expressed that this is actually a hot hatch styling and will set the tone for the next generation Pro_cee\u2019d hatchback\u2019s design. Kia has retained the athleticism of the current generation Pro_cee\u2019d and given it \u201ca dash of real-world versatility\u201d. We can imagine the next-gen hatchback to offer greater interior space and practicality.\nCurrently, the Pro_cee\u2019d is an exclusive model for the European market, but seeing that the trend is moving towards introducing global products to streamline the model line up, Kia might just surprise the world with this sleek looking hatchback."
"Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President & CEO Takahiro Hachigo has announced at the Honda Meeting 2017 that all Honda vehicles introduced in Japan from this year onwards will receive Honda SENSING as standard, including the small cars.\nThere are plans to do the same for other markets, beginning with North America, China and Europe. Takahiro-san aims to achieve \u201ccollision-free mobility worldwide\u201d and breaks down the plan to two main ideas \u2013 to give drivers confidence and trust in automated driving and to feature smooth and natural automated driving characteristics.\nHonda\u2019s current\u00a0\nHonda Sensing\n\u00a0system bundles Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Honda LaneWatch, Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) and Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM).\nMoving forward, Honda is on track to introduce autonomous driving technologies for highway use by 2020, including lane changing without needing drivers\u2019 input. The company will strive to achieve technological maturity for\u00a0\n\u201cLevel 4\u201d autonomous driving\n, which completely takes over driving duties from the driver by 2025.\nIt seems that Honda is firm on achieving these goals with the introduction of Honda Sensing on the \nUS market Honda Jazz facelift\n. Locally, the first model to receive Honda Sensing is the \nfifth-generation Honda CR-V\n, and it will make its debut real soon."
"Having provided us with a \nteaser just last month\n, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that it would debut the new Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept which will showcase the brand\u2019s EV strengths and renowned all-wheel drive SUV expertise with the addition of\n Artificial Intelligence (AI)\n.\nUtilising high-performance electric motors with high torque output, powered by high-capacity batteries, the e-Evolution Concept promises smooth and responsive power delivery that will distinguish itself from conventional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.\u00a0Its \ntriple motor 4WD system\n employs a single motor to drive the front wheels and a new \nDual Motor AYC (Active Yaw Control)\n system to couple the two rear motors through an electronically controlled torque-vectoring Active Yaw Control unit.\nThe brain of the e-Evolution is an AI system that uses sensors to instantly read changes in road traffic conditions as well as the driver\u2019s behaviour behind the wheel. With this, it seamlessly coordinates the vehicle\u2019s performance with the driver\u2019s intent \u2013 making the vehicle easier and safer to control.\nThis is the coolest bit \u2013 the AI system also comes with a \u201c\ncoaching function\n\u201d to help improve and enhance the driver\u2019s expertise without being obtrusive. After understanding the driver\u2019s skill level, the system comes up with a \u201ctraining program\u201d that will coach the driver through voice dialogues and a large dashboard display."
"Sarawak is now home to the first \nToyota Mirai\n in Malaysia, as UMW Toyota Motor hands over four units of the second-generation hydrogen fuel cell EV (FCEV) to SEDC Energy, and one to the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.\nThe move was in line with Sarawak\u2019s Green Mobility and Green Energy Initiative, as well as Toyota\u2019s own commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. With the delivery of these five units of the Toyota Mirai to Sarawak, the companies aim to create awareness to the public on the many solutions that are available in mobility.\nToyota globally is committed to becoming climate neutral by 2050 through a practical and sustainable manner, with more carbon-neutral or carbon reducing options \u2013 instead of a \nhead-on charge towards battery EVs\n \u2013 to meet the diverse economic realities of customers, the available energy sources, charging infrastructure readiness, industrial policies, and the customers\u2019 mobility needs in every country.\nThis approach, according to the company, will help achieve accessible electrification at scale and speed, supporting each country\u2019s prorities and national objectives, including carbon neutrality, air quality improvement, oil import reduction, industrial development, and sustainable employment, while still providing realistic mobility solutions to their citizens.\n\u201cThe immediate way forward to address CO2 emissions is via Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) like the \nCorolla Cross Hybrid\n, which is at its most advanced technologically and economical, making it accessible to the masses. Meanwhile, a full line-up of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is underway globally, and we are exploring the possibility of the introduction of a \nToyota beyond Zero (bZ) model \nfor the Malaysian market,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\nRELATED:\n UMW Toyota announces RM270 million investment into locally-assembled hybrid vehicles\n\u201cTo continue the acceleration of electrified vehicles, Toyota has invested in research and development for the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. With the delivery of the Mirai to SDEC Energy . both UMW Toyota Motor and SEDC Energy are set to capitalise on the\nopportunity to further study the potential of its technology as a stepping stone for developing a low-carbon economy with new fuel cell systems that prioritise compact size, efficiency and productivity to support the mobility needs of society,\u201d he added.\nThe second-generation Toyota Mirai was unveiled in Japan back at the\n 2019 Tokyo Motor Show\n, ditching its predecessor\u2019s clumsy styling to emerge as a sleek and slender fastback \u2013 with some of the world\u2019s most advanced consumer-ready hydrogen FCEV tech underneath it.\nWith the new longer silhouette and a rear-wheel drive-only drivetrain, the second-generation Toyota Mirai (which means Future in Japanese) is able to accommodate a larger fuel cell, translating to a 35% improvement in driving range over its predecessor with a rated range of 645 km from a single tank.\nSarawak has been one of the largest proponents to new energy vehicles (NEV) not just in Malaysia, but throughout the entire region too. The state \u2013 through Sarawak Energy \u2013\n previously purchased two units of the Hyundai Nexo\n as a test bed for its pilot hydrogen production plant and refueling station project in Kuching.\nLast year, Sarawak also saw the opening of the nation\u2019s first-ever multi-fuel station in Kuching, which houses petrol, diesel, hydrogen, as well as EV charging stations under one roof. The multi-fuel station is developed and wholly owned by SEDC Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, and is operated by the state-owned Petroleum Sarawak (Petros).\nREAD MORE: \nToyota Hilux swaps diesel for hydrogen, development of FCEV pickup begins"
"If the \nMcLaren Senna\n is called the ultimate race car for the road, the \nAston Martin Valkyrie\n should then be known as the ultimate Formula One (F1) car for the road since it will adopt an ultra-high-revving F1-derived naturally aspirated V12 engine that spins up to 11,100 revolutions per minute.\nAston Martin has just released more information about the Valkyrie\u2019s powertrain, confirming that the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 Cosworth petrol engine will be boosted by a battery hybrid system for increased performance and meeting strict emission standards. However, the internal combustion engine (ICE) on its own is a force to be reckoned with.\nAston Martin\u2019s brief to Cosworth is \u201cto create the ultimate expression of the internal combustion engine\u201d and the result is a 6.5-litre V12 that develops 1,000 bhp (1,014 hp) at 10,500 rpm. Peak torque of 740 Nm arrives at 7,000 rpm and the engine will continue to build revs to 11,100 rpm, unheard of in a homologated road car. While the production version of the Valkyrie is still some time away, Aston Martin has graced us with a sound clip of the 6.5-litre V12:\nTo answer the question why Aston Martin has opted for a naturally aspirated V12 engine while its direct rival, the \nMercedes-AMG Project One\n employs a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid that makes over a thousand horsepower, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer said: \u201cTo anyone with a drop of petrol in their blood, a high-revving naturally aspirated V12 is the absolute pinnacle. Nothing sounds better or encapsulates the emotion and excitement of the internal combustion engine more completely. Despite the apparently insurmountable challenges it presented, there was never any question that the Aston Martin Valkyrie would make do with anything less.\u201d\nThank you, Dr. Palmer\u00a0and Cosworth, for keeping the symphony of a naturally aspirated V12 going for many more years to come.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAston Martin Valkyrie 6.5L V12   Aston Martin Valkyrie"
"Despite the \novertly dangerous\n and frankly, \nincredibly stupid\n demonstrations online of people leaving the driver\u2019s seat completely while the car \u201cdrives itself\u201d, it should be clear that Tesla\u2019s \u201cFull Self-Driving\u201d system \u2013 currently in Beta testing for a select group of owners \u2013 is by no means anywhere near full self-driving. At most, it is a Level 3 autonomous system \u2013 which \nis\n an incredible feat, but calling it self-driving is overselling it, by a lot.\nBut that\u2019s not going to stop eccentric billionaire and avid Twitter user Elon Musk from making some overzealous claims. According to a report by \nElectrek\n, the Tesla CEO said that he is \u201cextremely confident\u201d his company will release a fully-autonomous driving system to customers in 2021.\nThe comment came after Musk won the Axel Springer Award in Germany this past Monday. When the publication\u2019s CEO Mathias D\u00f6pfner asked about when Tesla will be delivering full autonomy to customers, Musk replied: \u201cTo actually answer your question, I am extremely confident of achieving full autonomy and releasing it to the \nTesla\n customer base next year.\u201d\nWhile Musk admits that the answer is significantly simplified and the regulatory landscape over the world \u2013 or even in the United States \u2013 could throw a wrench in his plans,\u00a0he did express his belief that \u201cat least some jurisdictions are going to allow full self-driving next year.\u201d\nElon Musk\u2019s predictions about autonomous driving has become somewhat of a running joke among the industry. He famously (infamously?) predicted that its cars will have full autonomous driving capabilities, and there will be \none million Tesla Robotaxis on the roads\n, both by the end of 2020.\nBut of course, neither of those have happened thus far, four days into December 2020. The first we\u2019ve already debunked above, and the second \u2013 well, there are approximately zero of them on the roads.\nSo will Tesla release the \nactual\n full self-driving Level 5 autonomous driving system next year? That\u2019s a tough question to answer \u2013 not just because of Elon Musk\u2019s history of predictions, but also due to the long and arduous certification process for these systems to be approved throughout the world. We certainly won\u2019t keep our hopes up, if we\u2019re being honest."
"The all-wheel-drive Nissan GT-R isn\u2019t a weapon of choice when it comes to producing sideways action in a\u00a0massive cloud of tyre smoke. This heavily modified GT-R however has just set a new Guinness\u00a0World Record for the fastest drift ever recorded,\u00a0in the world.\nUnder the hands of Japanese drift legend,\u00a0\nMasato Kawabata\n, the GT-R set the record while going at a mind boggling\u00a0\n304 km/h\n at Fujairah International Airport in the\u00a0UAE. This broke the record set\u00a0formerly by Poland\u2019s Jakub Przygo\u0144ski, drifting\u00a0his 1,068-horsepower Toyota GT86 at 216 km/h three years ago.\nhttps://youtu.be/KTEITmTomII\nThe bespoke GT-R developed by Nismo and\u00a0GReddy Trust, had the GT-R\u2019s front driveshaft removed to make it\u00a0rear-wheel driven. With some heavy modifications in\u00a0the engine, it generates\u00a0\n1,361 hp!\nCongratulations and huge RESPECT to Nissan &\u00a0Masato Kawabata for the record!"
"Mercedes-Benz has really pushed the envelop here when it comes to nonconformity. The fact that BMW, Audi and Volvo have not made a luxury pick-up truck meant only one thing \u2013 to get the ball rolling with the all-new Mercedes-Benz X-Class.\nThe X-Class is the third product to be conceived out of the Daimler AG and Nissan-Renault partnership. Although greatly differing from the\u00a0\nconcept\n last year, the ute still looks fairly decent to earn itself a pass in the aesthetics department.   The fascia sports the familiar twin-louvre radiator grille, while the side profile is clearly reminiscent of the \nNavara\n. The\u00a0rear end, well, looks just about like any other conventional pick-ups. Three trims will be offered for the X-Class: \nPure, Progressive\n and \nPower\n.\nEach differs in dashboard, trimmings and upholstery (up to six configurations, in fact). Depending on the variant, the X-Class comes with an\u00a0\n8.4-inch COMAND\n\u00a0online infotainment screen, leather seats, powered seats with lumbar support and a redesigned rear bench that offers better comfort for passengers.\nThere will be four engines powering the X-Class, with the X 350 d being the range topper. The X 200 petrol is only reserved for left-hand drive markets, by the way.\nName\nX 220 d\nX 250 d\nX 350 d\nX 200\nEngine\n2.3-litre four-cylinder single-turbodiesel\n3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel\n2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol\nMax Power\n163 hp\n190 hp\n258 hp\n165 hp\nMax Torque\n430 Nm\n450 Nm\n550 Nm\n238 Nm\n\u00a0Drive\nRear-drive & selectable four-wheel\n4MATIC All-wheel\nRear-wheel\nTransmission\nSix-speed manual\nSix-speed manual &\u00a0seven-speed automatic\nSeven-speed dual clutch automatic\nSix-speed manual\nThe suspension has also been reworked \u2013 it gets revised coil springs, double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear axle. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz offers two ride heights depending on customers\u2019 needs \u2013 202 mm ground clearance for the more comfort-oriented setup, whereas the workhorse is taller by 20 mm for greater axle articulation. Both would suit the Malaysian palette, we bet.\nThe X-Class has a payload of\u00a0\n1,042 kg\n, and the cargo bay is thoughtfully lit (just like the \nRanger\n). On the safety front, it\u2019s packed with seven airbags,\u00a0active brake assist, lane keeping assist and collision prevention assist as standard. It doesn\u2019t end there, because there\u2019s Trailer Stability Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and even emergency call system!\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aGK4xW2jFM\nThe Mercedes-Benz X-Class will go on sale in European markets by November this year before making its way to the rest of the world in 2018. Pricing in Germany starts from\u00a0\n37,294\u00a0Euros (approximately RM184k)\n\u00a0and upwards. Want one? Guess you\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bridgestone Tyre Malaysia has officially introduced the Potenza Adrenalin RE004, replacing the \npopular Adrenalin RE003\n. Described as a \u201cpremium street sports\u201d tyre, the RE004 promises enhanced driving pleasure with \u201cmaximum handling and high responsiveness on both wet and dry surfaces\u201d.\nAccording to the company, the new RE004 offers superb dry handling and wet braking performance, while at the same time still in compliance with the ECE R117-02 international regulation governing the tyre requirements for sound emission, rolling resistance, and wet performance.\nTriple and half grooves\nWide inner rib\nRigid connecting blocks\nThe new tyres feature the \n\u201ctriple and half grooves\u201d\n technology, along with an \naggressive \u201cA-shaped\u201d tread pattern\n to deliver maximum control and stability during braking and cornering. Highly\n rigid connecting blocks on the shoulder\n enhances the tyre\u2019s sensitivity, while reducing excess movements at high speeds.\nThe RE004 also features \nwider ribs\n than before to maximise contact patch between tyre and road , allowing for a more even distribution of pressure on the road. The tyres are manufactured with a \nnew improved compound\n featuring evenly-spread silica, which the company says improves wet and dry performance, as well as lowers the rolling resistance for enhanced fuel efficiency.\nas a result, the new Adrenalin RE004 delivers an improved overall performance compared to its predecessor. According to Bridgestone\u2019s own internal tests, dry handling and initial response have been improved significantly, followed by wet handling, wet grip, wet braking, and ride comfort \u2013 all while maintaining the performance in terms of road noise and dry braking distance.\nThe Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE004 is now available at all Bridgestone authorised dealers nationwide. Sizes range from \n15- to 17-inches\n \u2013 do check out the full list in the table below:\nClick to enlarge"
"The Protonic editions of the\u00a0\nBMW i8\n\u00a0isn\u2019t exactly new, but they have went on to add two more colours to the unique lineup \u2013\u00a0Frozen Black and Frozen\u00a0Yellow.\u00a0The new duo joins other Protonic offerings of the past \u2013 Ionic Silver, Crystal White, Sophisto Grey,\u00a0Protonic Blue and\u00a0\nProtonic Red\n.\nBesides the obvious new colours, they both have bespoke interior styling that adds to the allure of this electrifying sports car.\u00a0Mechanically, the same\u00a0\n1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged\n petrol engine is retained, and it is paired to an electric motor. The hybrid powertrain generates\u00a0\n362 hp and\u00a0570 Nm of\n \ntorque\n, and it is capable of a 4.4-second century sprint.\nThe BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black will take centre stage at BMW\u2019s stand at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, while the Frozen Yellow will be available later this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s getting ever so clear that the days of the petrol-powered cars are numbered. With countries like \nFrance, India\n and\n\u00a0\nChina,\u00a0\nall taking steps leading to their ban in the impending future, major automakers are hard pressed to ditch their traditional ways and oversee a smooth transition to electric vehicle production.\nRecently, Toyota has just entered into a new venture to develop electric vehicle technology with another industry leader, Mazda and Denso, Toyota\u2019s biggest supplier of components, according to a report by \nReuters\n. This follows after reports that Ford is in talks to \nbuild EVs in China\n, alongside future electric \nVolvo\u2019s being built in China \n\u2013 with all clearly taking necessary steps to meet growing trends and future demands.\nDevelopment of affordable EV technology, with Toyota providing the financial muscle will also be applied to compact cars, sedans, SUVs and even pick up trucks. With batteries costing lesser, EVs can be built with more power, allowing its production to be more feasible.\nWith Mitsubishi\u2019s recent announcement that its \nnew Evolution model\n may not be petrol-powered alongside their new \u201cAlliance\u201d with Renault and Nissan, the pressure is on. The likes \nHonda\n, \nBMW Group\n, \nHyundai\n and \nVW\n\u00a0have all pledged electric car launches by 2020. Mazda with this new venture has whispered plans of an EV launch by the same year.\nAt the moment, we can expect to receive one of the world\u2019s best selling electric cars, the \nNissan Leaf\n, due to be \nlaunched in Malaysia next year\n. Let\u2019s see what the public perception and response would be like."
"Despite the various roadblocks, the 2020 season will always be remembered fondly by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team. Not only did they become the first team in the history of F1 to win \nseven consecutive World Constructor Championships\n, Mercedes-AMG F1 team\u2019s championship-winning W11 this year is also arguably one of the most dominant Formula 1 car to ever have graced the sport \u2013 achieving 12 front-row lock-outs across 17 races.\nThe success of the team is further bolstered by Lewis Hamilton\u2019s \nseventh World Championship title\n, equalling Michael Schumacher\u2019s all-time record \u2013 but you\u2019d be amiss to think that all of these achievements are based on individual brilliance either.\nAs they always say, behind every successful man is a strong woman, and behind every successful racing driver is a hard-working team, from co-drivers to the janitors. As for Mercedes, their team spans from the two drivers and race engineers by the trackside, all the way to the guys working behind the scenes at Petronas\u2019 laboratories and the team\u2019s factory in Brackley.\nThanks to the brilliant people over at \nPetronas\n, we had the distinct pleasure of speaking to some of these key team players \u2013 including driver \nValtteri Bottas\n in today\u2019s entry, who is an integral part to the team\u2019s recent success.\nThe Number 77 Finn is without a doubt a true title contender in his own right, with performances that often matched \u2013 if not exceeded \u2013 that of his teammate Lewis Hamilton. Unfortunately, a string of rotten luck and poor performances meant that Bottas can only settle for second once again, this year.\nIn this 15-minute roundtable session alongside the regional media outlets, we got the chance to learn a little more about what makes him tick, from how it\u2019s like being Lewis Hamilton\u2019s teammate, to his own race car collection.\nThe full interview transcript is below the break.\nHow important is Petronas\u2019 contribution to the team\u2019s record-breaking seven consecutive world championship title?\nThe relationship between Mercedes and Petronas has been ongoing for over a decade. It\u2019s been a long journey and a successful journey so far. I have no doubt in the future it can be as well.\nI always think about the fluids in the car that Petronas provides as the blood of the heart \u2013 and engine is always the heart \u2013 so it\u2019s been super important in terms of performance and reliability. That\u2019s something that our team is well known for \u2013 in terms of reliability and obviously performance as well \u2013 as you can see from the results.\nSo this ongoing push for the technology from the fluid side, working together, has been definitely a big part of the success of the team in the last past years.\nEarlier this year, we had the opportunity to speak to Petronas\u2019 trackside fluid engineers about the length that they go to in order to extract the most from the car. As a driver how does that help you prepare for the races, and get all the performance out of the W11?\nYeah, we have some Petronas fluid engineers at every single Grand Prix, and they are basically making sure that everything is functioning well \u2013 taking samples and detecting if there are any risks with any particular part of the car, and there are no extra [impurities] in the fluids post-session; so they can detect if something is about to go wrong.\nHaving them there, and chatting with them every now and then, just gives me the confidence that everything is under control, and trust that the car is going to see the chequered flag in every race.\nThey are doing their job, and they\u2019re really busy with that, and I\u2019m also busy with my work \u2013 obviously driving, but also the engineering work between my performance and race engineer \u2013 so we\u2019re doing different things, but it gives me the confidence to race at the full performance knowing that there\u2019s nothing to worry about, basically.\nFinland has such a rich history in Formula 1, with drivers like Keke Rosberg, Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen, and obviously yourself. Why do you think your country has such a strong representation and has such strong success in the sport, and who was your childhood hero?\nI think in Finland \u2013 at least for me \u2013 the big thing was that we as young kids doing go-karting, there were always heroes and people that we look up to. For me, it was Mika Hakkinen, clearly. Having had the accident in \u201895 in Adelaide, and then recovering from that and becoming a double world champion, it was something that was super inspiring for me. So I think that made me push even further and work hard to become a driver one day.\nIn Finland, Motorsport is really important in the culture. Anything with an engine, there\u2019s always a racing series for it. Maybe some of the series are not that well known, but whether it\u2019s on two wheels or four wheels there are lots of categories [for them].\nThe level of go-karting is really good \u2013 although we can only race in the summer because in winter it\u2019s more difficult with the snow! (laughs) But yeah, the level is really, really high, so that brings up the competition from a young age.\nI believe the mentality of the Finns is really good for the sport because we need to be able to stay calm no matter what in this sport no matter what. That kind of mental determination that I think we have as a nation is only a bonus for any sport \u2013 for sure for motorsport as well.\nWhat is actually more popular in Finland \u2013 Formula 1 drivers or some of the drivers that compete in other leagues such as ice racing that is very popular in your country?\nI believe, it\u2019s still the Formula 1 drivers, in terms of their following and TV numbers; Formula 1 is still the most followed motorsport in Finland. But I think the most popular, if I\u2019m not wrong, is ice hockey, overall as a sport. It\u2019s a big passion for the Finns, and also for me as a kid. Other winter sports as well, like cross-country skiing and ski jumping is also big [in Finland].\nThey do have some nice ice racing series, and actually I am lining myself up to do the Arctic Rally in Lapland in January, I think 15-16 January if it goes on, which for the moment it is. I\u2019m planning to do that with a WRC car, and it will be my third time doing that rally, good fun.\nBeing in Mercedes is a bit of a double-edged sword; it puts you in a position to win races and maybe championships, but it also puts you in direct comparison to Lewis Hamilton. You get a lot of comments such as \u201cit\u2019s all about the car\u201d and \u201cother people can also beat Lewis Hamilton if they had the same car\u201d, what are your thoughts about this?\nI\u2019m really proud to be a team member of this team. We\u2019ve been able to make history in recent years, and with all the success we had together and the opportunities provided, I wouldn\u2019t change a thing.\nBeing against Lewis, it\u2019s a great motivation; in terms of numbers, he\u2019s the most successful racing driver in F1 history, so it\u2019s a great motivation to try to be better than him. It\u2019s not easy \u2013 I\u2019ve had many defeats, but also I\u2019ve had wins. And with statistics \u2013 in terms of pure pace \u2013 I\u2019m getting closer and closer, so it definitely keeps me going on.\nI wouldn\u2019t want anything in the easy way, so I don\u2019t see that as a negative thing. For sure, people are always going to compare, that\u2019s the nature of this sport, and that\u2019s what it is, but that\u2019s only going to motivate me.\nDoes it change your mentality in the races itself (being matched against Hamilton) \u2013 perhaps make you push a bit harder, or choose a different strategy in the race? And what will you be doing \u2013 or changing \u2013 to mount a bigger challenge next year?\nBeing against Lewis, for sure it\u2019s mentally draining, because you have to always be at a 100% and try to be at my best capability every single race week, but I believe that is the same for every single driver if they want to perform at their very best.\nIt\u2019s a challenge for sure, but it\u2019s also very rewarding when I get the results \u2013 when I get to be on top of my game and be better than Lewis. The feeling, the reward from that always feeds into more motivation to be better. Like I said earlier, I wouldn\u2019t have anything easy. I want to earn it \u2013 the results \u2013 and I will give everything I\u2019m able to do that. For me, I am in a good situation.\nFor the future, like next year, it\u2019s not about big things. If you break every single race week down, it\u2019s the small things that I have to perfect. There\u2019s no one particular area, it\u2019s more of the small things here and there that I will have to nail every single race week.\nI know I have it in me because I have been able to win races, so it\u2019s about getting the small things together and just build on this year. I\u2019ve been able to progress each year, so I need to keep doing that, keep working hard and eventually, the hard work will pay off.\nIt\u2019s safe to say that your team has outclassed every other team this season. What is the key to the success behind the team\u2019s performance?\nThere\u2019s no one thing, it\u2019s multiple things in the team that makes up the performance. For sure the partnership with Petronas definitely made a big difference. Because of them we\u2019ve been definitely one of the most \u2013 if not the most \u2013 reliable team over the years, and we\u2019ve been always collecting the points when others have failed, basically. I think it\u2019s the consistency in the team.\nIt\u2019s not always easy to stay at the top because all the other teams have a clear goal of trying to chase us, and trying to beat us. But for us, we need to make our own goals and our own targets to meet if we want to stay on top.\nI think in the recent years, the key is that we\u2019ve been really setting clear targets, realistic but brave targets, for all the departments of the factory and every single team personnel \u2013 and going for that together, super united, and being supportive and honest at making mistakes, and learning from mistakes.\nThere\u2019s so much talent in this team, both in the race team and in the factory, and it\u2019s the quality of the people and the motivation of the people that is bringing these amazing results that we\u2019ve been getting lately. Even for me it\u2019s really motivating to watch and follow the drive that the team has.\nIt\u2019s very much a mental mindset, that we\u2019re willing to do whatever it takes to be the best, and that applies to every team member.\nAlbert park is going to be resurfaced after next year\u2019s race, with changes to radius and surface to improve the racing. What do you think \u2013 as a driver \u2013 could or should be done to Albert Park to help bolster some of the overtaking opportunities that just aren\u2019t there at the moment?\nFirst of all, it\u2019s already a great track, so I don\u2019t see a really massive need to change anything. I think the bumps on the surface of the circuit actually brings a bit of character.\nEvery track is unique in its own way, and I\u2019ve always been a big fan of the track in Melbourne, but it is true that the overtaking is super tricky because the track is super narrow, and there are not that many corners that are good for doing good attacks under braking and overtaking.\nIt\u2019s not rocket science when it comes to changing a track to improve overtaking; it\u2019s basically extending some of the straights and making sure that after the straights is a rather big braking zone and a big wider track, that can make racing better.\nBut to be honest, I think that with the new \nregulation changes coming in 2022\n \u2013 at least in theory \u2013 the racing should be a lot better so hopefully that will fix the issue, and we don\u2019t have to change the tracks. And the resurfacing, I hope they don\u2019t remove all the bumps, it would be nice to keep some character (laughs).\nDo you own any of your former Formula 1 cars, or any of the cars from your junior career? And would you wish to build a bit of a collection when you finish racing to look back on, or do you see the cars as the tools of your job, and it\u2019s the success and achievements that you scored within them that you take away?\nI\u2019ve actually been chasing for my first go-kart that I started racing with, but still no success. I don\u2019t know where it is, but it will be a nice memory, you know, where it all started. Eventually one day, it would be nice to have something where it all ended.\nI\u00a0actually have one car, the 2014 Williams [FW36] car that I had my first podium in at Austria. That season with Williams in 2014 was really successful and the team felt like they wanted to compensate me more at the end of the year, so they gave me the car as a gift.\nThat\u2019s now in a secret place, where hopefully one day I can build a bigger collection (laughs). So yes, absolutely, it might be expensive to get all the cars, but if there\u2019s a way, it would be nice to have some memories.\nIt\u2019s tight between yourself and Max Verstappen in the championship. How important is second in the championship, or does it not matter because it\u2019s not first?\nFor sure it\u2019s not first, so yeah, it\u2019s not quite as important, but I\u2019d still rather be second. I always push forward every season trying to get maximum points and finish as high as possible, and I feel our team would deserve being 1-2 in the championship. With the car we have this year, I think it would be a shame if I was third (laughs). So yeah, definitely still pushing for that.\nIt\u2019s still pretty close, and especially with the bad race I had last weekend [Bahrain] and the weekend before, Max is pretty close in the points so that should be interesting \u2013 last two races in the season. The Red Bull in Max\u2019s hands doesn\u2019t look too shabby, so it could be an interesting couple of races.\n[This interview took place right before the Sakhir Grand Prix, which due to a string of unfortunate circumstances, saw Bottas finish the race in seventh position. Max Verstappen retired from the race that weekend due to a collision with Charles Leclerc on lap 1.\nMax Verstappen managed to win the following race, coincidentally the last race of the season. However, the points from his race win was not sufficient to overtake Valtteri Bottas (who finished second) in the championship standings. The season concluded with Lewis Hamilton winning his seventh WDC title, with Bottas in second, and Max Verstappen in third.\nWe were also originally scheduled to have a roundtable session with Lewis Hamilton, but he unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19 just hours before the interview was scheduled to take place. Toto Wolff is coming up next, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!]"
"Exactly a week ago, we broke the news to you that the \nMazda3 CKD\n will be making its way here by May along with its tentative price tag of \nRM119k\n. Now, we have just been tipped of their equipment levels and they appear to be close to being confirmed.   There\u2019s a slight change in the chain of info now regarding the price tag for both sedan and hatch touring variants. According to the spec list,\u00a0there will be three trims available \u2013 \nsedan mid spec\n, \nhatch touring mid+ spec\n and the \nsedan high spec\n. Our previous report revealed that the sedan and hatch variants will be identically specced, but the leaked spec sheet indicates otherwise.\nThe mechanics remain largely the same as the \nRM139k CBU unit\n, sharing the same \n2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine\n (14.0:1 compression ratio) that\u2019s good for \n162 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n210 Nm\n at 4,000 rpm. It\u2019s paired to the same \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive\n transmission driving the \nfront wheels\n.\nMazda3 sedan CBU: Read review \nhere\nSo what\u2019s different in the three CKD trims as opposed to the CBU sedan unit? Let us break it down for you in the table below.\n* Proposed OTR price\n (without insurance)\nCBU Sedan \u00a0\n(RM135,159.00)\nCKD Sedan Mid \u00a0\n(RM105,000.00)*\nCKD HB Mid+ \u00a0\n(RM119,000.00)*\nCKD Sedan High \u00a0\n(RM125,000.00)*\nWheel\n215/45R18 7J\n205/60R16 6.5J\n215/45R18 7J\n215/45R18 7J\nLength\n4,580 mm\n4,580 mm\n4,460 mm (- 120mm)\n4,580 mm\nClimate Control\nAuto, Single Zone\nManual\nAuto, Single Zone\nAuto, Single Zone\nAuto Cruise Control\nN/A\nN/A\nN/A\nEquipped\nAuto Dimming Rear View Mirror\nN/A\nN/A\nN/A\nEquipped\nWindshield Wipers\nManual\nManual\nManual\nAuto\nSeats\nFabric\nFabric\nFabric\nLeather\nPower Seat\nN/A\nN/A\nN/A\nDriver Only\n\u00a0\nOn the outside, the key differences are as such:\nGPS Navigation\nEquipped\nN/A\nN/A\nEquipped\nReverse Camera\nN/A\nEquipped\nEquipped\nEquipped\nPaddle Shifters\nEquipped\nN/A\nEquipped\nEquipped\nHeadlights\nBi-xenon, auto levelling\nHalogen, manual levelling\nBi-xenon, auto levelling\nBi-xenon, auto levelling\nTail Lamp Type\nLED\nBulb\nLED\nLED\nDRLs\nEquipped\nN/A\nEquipped\nEquipped\nSunroof\nEquipped\nN/A\nN/A\nN/A\nKeyless Entry\nEquipped\nN/A\nEquipped\nEquipped\n\u00a0\nThe high spec variant will be getting a few more special features to justify its asking price, and for about RM15,000 lesser than the CBU unit, you get the Head Up Display, High Beam Control System, Smart City Brake System, Rear Vehicle Monitoring System and Lane Departure Warning System. Airbag count is the same across the range, with each variant getting a total of six airbags. As per the table above, the high spec variant will lose the sunroof offered in the CBU variant.   The mid spec sedan is tentatively priced at \nRM105,000\n; hatchback mid+ spec at \nRM119,000\n and high spec sedan at \nRM125,000\n. Prices listed here are pending confirmation and does not come with insurance. All variants of the Mazda3 CKD will be packaged with a \nthree-year\n or \n60,000 km warranty\n programme. Mazda announced that they only have 20 units of CBU Mazda3s left, after which the CKD variants will resume sales duties.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda3 2.0L Skyactiv-G Sedan CBU   Mazda3 2.0L Skyactiv-G Hatchback CKD"
"Audi has finally unveiled its latest business sedan, the Audi A6. This completes the four ring\u2019s new-generation of core sedan models \u2013 \nA8 D5\n, A6 C8 and \nA4 B9\n. The eighth-generation A6 gets an elegant exterior to match its progressive interior as well as a mild hybrid system on all variants.\nMeasuring at 4,939 mm in length, 1,886 mm in width and 1,457 mm in height, the new car is marginally larger than \nthe model it replaces\n \u2013 7 mm longer, 12 mm wider and 2 mm taller to be precise. Despite the swelled profile, boot space remains the same at \n530 litres\n.   Design wise, the Russian Doll effect is still very much in place. Like the rest of the Audi range, the front end of the A6 is dominated by the large Singleframe grille and sleek LED headlamps. Unlike the \nA7\n which spots a more progressive design language, the design of the A6 is less busy with necessary lines to show sophistication.\nThere are \nfive trim levels\n available for the A6 \u2013 Basic, Sport, Design, Design Selection and S Line, all ranges in exterior equipment, body kit and wheel options (up to 21-inch). Top of the range A6 comes equipped with \nMatrix LED headlight\n with five horizontal lines for daytime running lights, single horizontal chrome strip connecting LED taillamps\u00a0 and dynamic indicators. Audi offers 14 colour options for the exterior \u2013 seven which are new to the A6 colour palette.\nLike its larger siblings, the A6 features a \ntriple screen cockpit\n \u2013 a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, 10.1-inch upper MMI display and 8.6-inch lower display. The three screens are coupled with a variety of interior trims from open-pore wood trim to leather wrapped trims. Two interior lighting packages can be had with the interior \u2013 ambient lighting and contour ambient lighting. The latter can set off the cabin with 30 different colours.\nAt launch, the A6 is available with two powertrain options \u2013 a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol with \n335 hp\n/\n500 Nm\n and a 3.0-litre TDI diesel with \n281 hp\n/\n620 Nm\n. The two engines are equipped with Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard. An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic is paired to the TDI mill while the petrol engine gets a seven-speed S Tronic dual clutch box.\nThose who like a little more excitement in their A6 can check the options list for\n dynamic all-wheel steering\n, sport differential, adaptive air suspension and dynamic dampers. All these are paired with the Audi Drive Select System to give an even wider spread of driving characteristic.\nLike the A7, all variants of the A6 will feature mild hybridisation courtesy of a 48-volt primary electrical system to improve fuel economy by up to 0.7 litres per 100 km. Read all about the mild-hybrid system \nhere\n.\nAudi will be setting new standards in the segment for driver assistance systems as the A6 comes equipped with Audi AI system that uses as many as five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner to allow the A6 to park itself into designated carpark without a driver. Adaptive Cruise Assist semi-autonomous driving is also available on the A6.\nThe all-new Audi A6 is due to roll off the assembly line at the Neckarsulm plant and will go on sale in Germany in June 2018 with base price starting from \u20ac58,050 (RM278k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi and Skoda, both subsidiaries under the Volkswagen Group, have come forward admitting to have sold some 3.3 million cars installed with the \u2018defeat device\u2019 software which allows each car to cheat on emissions tests.\nAccording to a report by \nAuto Express UK\n, Audi\u2019s representative said about 1.42 million cars with V-compliant engines are affected in Western Europe, with more than 30 percent (577,000 units to be precise) of them sold in Germany alone. Affected Audi models ranging from the A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, TT, Q3 and Q5 are all confirmed to be fitted with the prohibited software, but Audi claims newer models with EU6 engines aren\u2019t affected by the software.\nThe engine in question here is Volkswagen\u2019s\n type EA189 oil burner\n used in over 11 million cars including SEAT, Skoda, Audi and Volkswagen models. All four brands have admitted to using the \n1.6-litre\n or\n 2.0-litre TDI engine\n with the nefarious software, allowing them to fly under the radar when put through emissions test. In real world driving, it was found that the cars produced over 40 times the pollution count.\nThe illegal software \ncost former VAG CEO, Martin Winterkorn his job\n\u00a0who is now replaced by ex-Porsche CEO, Matthias M\u00fcller. But Winterkorn wasn\u2019t the only one to lose his job. Both top spots in SEAT and Skoda have also been vacated, with Luca de Meo (from Audi) succeeding Jurgen Stackmann of SEAT. Skoda\u2019s ex-chairman Dr Winfried Vahland\u2019s successor hasn\u2019t been named yet, but Vahland will be helming VAG\u2019s North American operations."
"MINI\u2019s largest and latest model, \nthe Countryman\n, is now available as a plug-in hybrid variant. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 packs a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that\u2019s paired to a synchronous electric motor, and will go on sale by June this year.\nThe hybrid system generates \n224 hp\n and would sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.8 seconds\n. Power is sent to all four wheels, but the task is evenly split between the engine and electric motor: the former powers the front wheels through a \nsix-speed conventional automatic\n, while the latter juices the rear wheels via a \ntwo-stage single-speed transmission\n.\nMINI claims an all-electric range of 40km, with charge time taking anywhere between 2 to 3 hours. Like all plug-in hybrids, the Cooper S E Countryman can be charged through a home domestic socket or a wallbox. There\u2019s no cranking when setting off \u2013 only the electric motor comes to life. In auto mode, the engine is only activated above 80 km/h, but when MAX eDRIVE is toggled, the threshold raises to \n125 km/h\n.\nExclusive design bits of the Countryman PHEV include\u00a0\u201cE\u201d emblems on the radiator grille, side scuttles and door sills, 17-inch Light Spoke alloy wheels, hybrid-specific displays on the instrument cluster and 6.5-inch screen and of course the eDRIVE toggle switch.   MINI is giving a six-year or 100,000km warranty for the high voltage lithium-ion battery. Now for the bigger question. will this come to Malaysia? There\u2019s a good chance it will, considering that the previous Countryman was also locally assembled. Do watch this space for future updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 PHEV   MINI Cooper S Countryman"
"The highly anticipated Toyota Supra sports car is scheduled to make its public debut at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. The only thing is that it is a prototype model and will be draped in a full camouflage.\nAccording to Toyota, the prototype model will be participating in the Goodwood hill climb with Chief Engineer Testuya Tada and Master Driver, Herwig Daenens behind the wheel. This will give onlookers and fans around the world a first taste of the glorious in-line six-cylinder engine as well as how the near-perfect balance (50:50) chassis and front-engine rear-wheel drive sports car will dance through the corners.\nUpon closer inspection of the camouflaged Supra, we can tell that the road-going version shares the same silhouette as the \nToyota GR Supra Racing Concept\n (\u00a0\n\u201ctest drive\u201d exercise of the GR Supra Racing Concept race car is now available)\n\u00a0down to the raised boot lid. The prototype also wears a less elaborate rear diffuser, twin exhaust pipes (one on either side of the car) as well as stylish five twin-spoke alloy wheels shod in Michelin branded rubbers.\nThe new Toyota Supra is expected to hit markets in the first half of 2019 and will be available strictly as a coupe. If you prefer an open top motoring experience while carving through a mountain pass, perhaps the \nBMW Z4\n that shares the same development grounds with the Supra will pique your interest.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Supra Prototype   Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept"
"The only MINI with six doors \u2013 the Clubman \u2013 is now in Malaysia with interior, exterior and even powertrain upgrades.\nPriced at\n RM298,888\n, the new Clubman can be had from RM 3,418 a month based on estimates of 80% loan on a 5-year tenure through the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.\nPerhaps the most catchy offering in the Clubman is the new \nIndian Summer Red\n exterior paint job \u2013 a move away from the darker, more subdued tones from before.\nOther exterior colour offerings include a new British Racing Green, Pepper White, Thunder Grey, Melting Silver and Starlight Blue.\nThe new Clubman comes with a redesigned radiator grille which now extends across the front bumper, new LED headlights, Union Jack-styled tail lights and 18-inch alloy wheels.\nTrue to the funky nature of a MINI, the white headlight rings not only serve as Daytime Running Lights but also turn indicators. Being a Clubman, it was never going to struggle with space \u2013 capable of offering from 360-litres up to 1,250-litres of boot space.\nUnder the hood is a powerful 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine with \n192 hp \nand \n280 Nm\n that\u2019s good for a 7.2 second time to 100 km/h from standstill and a top speed of 228 km/h while returning a claimed 6.2 L/100km fuel consumption rating.\nThe engine is paired with a new 7-speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission that provides fast gear changes and can be operated via a newly designed electronic selector lever which returns to its original position after changing between driving mode, neutral position and reverse mode.\nProminent interior deco includes a Walknappa leather steering wheel and seat upholstery with Union Jack motifs on the headrest. The vibrant mood is also enhanced by Frozen Blue illuminations for the door bezel, cockpit bezel and centre console.\nAs for tech, the Clubman\u2019s young and hip owners will not be shortchanged of entertainment and conveniences with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay, built-in 4G sim technology,\nThe current update of the MINI Connected app now enables sending of navigational information from smartphone to vehicle and receiving departure information as well as the MINI Remote Services \u2013 which displays vehicle location, fuel level and other vehicle status details on their mobile devices.\nThe function also allows quick activation of the headlight flash, horn, ventilation and door lock/unlock function.\nAside from the 4-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, the new Clubman is accompanied by MINI Malaysia\u2019s 5 Years Roadside Assistance programme, along with 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200KM from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"CUPRA has introduced a new feature in its \nFormentor SUV\n which will help prevent car dooring accidents \u2013 where a car, pedestrian or other moving object is hit when the door is opened.\nThe\n \u201cExit Warning\u201d feature\n, which is aided by a rear-facing camera, will deliver an audible warning to the passenger, if a cyclist, pedestrian or vehicle is coming from behind, and the SUV will be the first CUPRA vehicle to be equipped with it. The Formentor is also the first vehicle to be designed and developed from the ground up by SEAT.\nWhile it may seem like the most effective solution at the moment for the reckless, car manufacturers have various safety features in place to counter such accidents.\nTake the \nRange Rover Evoque we reviewed\n for example; if there is a moving object by or approaching the doors, a symbol by the door handle (in the passenger\u2019s line of sight) will illuminate to warn the passenger against opening the door.\nMight sound insignificant to you, but according to data in the UK, 10 cyclists were killed in 2019 alone from such incidents.\nThe VZ is the most powerful variant of the Formentor SUV, with 310 hp and 400 Nm from a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine driving all four wheels. The engine is paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, allowing the Formentor to get from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds!"
"Following similar announcements from \nThailand\n and \nSingapore\n, Indonesia is now the latest country in the region to join in on the EV push. According to a report by\n Reuters\n, Indonesia\u2019s energy minister Arifin Tasrif said that the country is aiming to sell only electric cars by 2050.\nThe plan doesn\u2019t just include cars either; EV motorcycles will precede the 2050 target by 10 years, as the country seeks to reduce its carbon emissions across all facets. Indonesia announced earlier that it intends to become carbon-neutral, with all coal-powered power plants to be retired by 2056.\nThe\n LG-backed battery plant in Indonesia\n will reportedly make batteries for Hyundai EVs\nThe move is in line with Indonesia\u2019s plans of becoming a global EV production hub, taking advantage of the country\u2019s rich supplies of nickel laterite ore used in lithium-ion batteries.\nEven Mercedes-AMG is going fully-electric! Check out what the future holds for the performance marque here. \nJust three weeks ago, LG Energy Solutions \nsigned a Memorandum of Understanding\n with Indonesia\u2019s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) for the development of a new integrated battery cell plant in Bekasi, Indonesia, with a total investment worth USD9.8 billion planned.\nIndonesia has long grappled with air pollution and traffic congestion problems, especially in its capital Jakarta, which consistently ranks among the region\u2019s most polluted cities.\nAccording to data published by the country\u2019s Automotive Industries Association in 2019, the country had more than 15 million cars and 112 million motorcycles on its roads. The country sold on average 6.5 million motorcycles per year and about 1 million cars per year in the past decade."
"Luc Donckerwolke has left Hyundai Motor Group after two years of overseeing the company\u2019s global designing efforts. According to an internal memo sighted by \nAutomotive News\n, Donckerwolke cited personal reasons for his departure.\nThe Belgian designer joined the South Korean giant in 2015 as the head of design for Hyundai and Genesis, later stepping up as the group Chief Design Officer and taking Kia under his purview in 2018, replacing Peter Schreyer in that role.\nDonckerwolke is the man behind Hyundai\u2019s new \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d design language. He is credited for the design of the all-new \nHyundai Sonata\n,\n Elantra\n, \ni20\n, as well as concept vehicles such as the\n Prophecy \nand \nLe Fil Rouge\n.\nThe new design language at Genesis, characterised by two lines joining the front headlights to the taillights \u2013 as seen on the \nall-new G80\n, is also the work of Donckerwolke.\nPrior to his stint at Hyundai Motor Group, Donckerwolke had a 23-year history at the Volkswagen Group, most recently the Director of Design at Bentley. His work at the group includes the Audi A2, Lamborghini Mucierlago and Gallardo, as well as the Bentley Flying Spur, among others.\nDonckerwolke was behind many of Hyundai\u2019s more controversial styling, such as the \nall-new Elantra.\n\u201cIt\u2019s been an honour and privilege to contribute to the shaping of the future of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis,\u201d Donckerwolke said in a statement. \u201cTheir audacious and progressive attitude has allowed me to push the boundaries and challenge the status quo.\u201d\nIt is understood that no successor has been named for the position currently. SangYup Lee will continue serving as head of design at Hyundai and Genesis, while Karim Habib, previously at Infiniti, will be overseeing design efforts at Kia."
"Unveiled during the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n\u00a0is the brand\u2019s smallest crossover offering. Considering that the A-Class has recently undergone a facelift exercise, it is only a matter of time before the SUV equivalent receives the same updates.\nNow, Mercedes has just released a single teaser image of the GLA facelift on their Facebook page, ahead of its global debut at the Detroit motor show happening next week. It\u00a0appears that the GLA facelift will receive styling cues from its hatchback sibling. We can tell the headlamps now feature a single LED tube design, new front grille and a reworked front bumper along with repositioned fog lamps. No images of the rear were revealed but expect Mercedes to tweak the LED tail lamps and revise the rear bumper.\nIf the A-Class updates are of any indication, we could very well see similar nip and tucks to the interior as well as the 7G-Tronic dual clutch transmission. The most exciting part however, would be the updates to the GLA45 range. Considering that the facelifted A45 now packs \n381 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n under its sleeves, the same updated \nM133 2.0-litre inline-four turbo\n may very well find its way to the GLA45 facelift.\nWe can trust Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) to be quick to introduce this updated range to our shores very soon, especially if they intend to keep up with their aggressive product launch we saw last year. For now, stay tuned for more info on the Mercedes-Benz GLA class when the global debut happens next week."
"Lamborghini is expected to unveil their track-focused Lamborghini Aventador SVJ at Monterey Car Week in California this August but before that, the Italian supercar maker decided to take their raging bull to the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife for a record-breaking lap.\nClocking in at 6:44.97 minutes, the Aventador SVJ took the title of fastest production vehicle from previous record holder, the \nPorsche 911 GT2 RS\u2019 record\n of 6:47.3 minutes which it held on for one year.\nPiloting the all-wheel drive Aventador SVJ is Lamborghini official driver, Marco Mapelli who took the car to its absolute limits during an exclusive session on the Ring. Technical details of the Aventador SVJ remains scarce but the company promised higher power output, weight-to-power ratio of 1.98kg/hp. Other aerodynamic enhancements include the brands patented ALA 2.0 active aerodynamics system with aero vectoring.\nAutomobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali said: \u201cIts tenure as the N\u00fcrburgring lap time record holder, even before its unveiling during the Monterey Car Week in California in August, endorses Lamborghini\u2019s competence in applying superlative design engineering and ground-breaking technologies.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019re three months into the new year, which means some of you may have already received\u00a0your bonus for last year\u2019s hard work. If you\u2019ve decided to buy yourself a new car, then consider dropping by Mazda\u2019s Zoom Zoom Carnival; a month-long campaign with plenty to look forward to.\nBeginning this weekend (5 and 6 March only), the Zoom Zoom Carnival will kick off at two prime locations within the Klang Valley \u2013 \nMazda Glenmarie\n (HQ) and \nMazda Puchong\n. Customers who sign up during this promotional period can stand a chance to win some \nMazda Bonanza Vouchers\n. These vouchers will either give you discounts on the car, body kit or car coating. However, most cars will come with Mazda\u2019s SkyTint fitted as standard \u2013 \nfor free\n!\nWill the \nMazda MX-5\n be your next car?\nBut that\u2019s not all. You will also be in the running to walk home with a brand new, \nexclusive Mazda EPOS watch\n (worth over RM2,000) upon signing up! And if you are unaware of this, every purchase of a new Mazda vehicle comes packaged with a \n3-Year Free Scheduled Maintenance\n, which means you won\u2019t have to pay a single cent (yes, not even labour fee) when you send your car in for servicing. All of Mazda\u2019s new models have a \nservice interval of 10,000km\n. Imagine the amount of money and time you get to save! This service package however, does not extend to the Mazda BT-50.\nIf you\u2019re not convinced, be sure to \nwatch our video reviews\n below, or drop by these locations for viewing and test drive:\nLocation\nDate\nTelephone Number\nAddress\nMazda Glenmarie (HQ)\n5 & 6 March (Sat & Sun)\n03 \u2013 7626 8888\nNo. 7, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park, Section U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor\nMazda Puchong\n5 & 6 March (Sat & Sun)\n03 \u2013 8063 7888\nLot 2-G-1, Menara 2 @ PFCC Jalan Puteri 1/2, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor\nMazda Ampang\n19 & 20 March (Sat & Sun)\n03 \u2013 2161 1399\nNo. 214, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur\nMazda Kajang\n19 & 20 March (Sat & Sun)\n03 \u2013 8737 5563\nLot 1872 Block C/D, Jalan Semenyih, 43300 Kajang, Selangor\nMazda Padang Jawa\n26 & 27 March (Sat & Sun)\n03 \u2013 5518 0590\nLot 765, Jalan Padang Jawa, Seksyen 16, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor\n1 Utama Shopping Centre (Oval Concourse, New Wing)\n30 March \u2013 3 April (Wed \u2013 Sun)\n\u2013\nBandar Utama City Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNew Colours for the Mazda2 1.5L Skyactiv-G"
"Okay, before I start the review, here\u2019s my confession. I haven\u2019t driven any Korean cars before, only being a passenger in them. And this is my first diesel. So it\u2019s safe to say that I dont know what to expect. After spending some quality time with the Hyundai (Inokom) \nSanta Fe\n, perhaps, this can be good.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Executive Plus\nSegment\nJ-Segment / SUV\nEngine\n2,199cc CRDi Diesel (197hp, 436Nm)\nTransmission\n6-Speed Automatic\nPrice\nRM189,903.30 \nWatch our video review on the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Executive Plus here\nThe Santa Fe I have here, is the \nthird\n iteration of Hyundai\u2019s mod-sive SUV. Back in 2001, Hyundai started offering the Santa Fe to the North American market. It was not much of a looker, but was a solid workhorse. Hyundai sold the first generation Santa Fe \u00a0till 2006, then the second generation came along.\nIn the Malaysian market, the second generation was marketed as an Inokom. It looked sleeker than the first generation, while maintaining the signature rear door hatch handle. The third generation here, was introduced back in 2013, so it features the Korean\u2019s latest corporate face.\nEXTERIOR\n \nFrom the outside, the Santa Fe displays a very muscular face, without trying too hard. To add to the modern taste, the Santa Fe is also equipped with \nDRLs\n as eyebrows, above the headlights. Foglights are standard across the range. Moving on to the rear of the SUV shows that the new Santa Fe has sharper lines than the outgoing model.   Gone were the soft curvy lines, and it has been replaced by much sharper lines the new model has. Unlike the Sonata, I\u2019m quite fond of the Santa Fe\u2019s rear end. Perhaps its how the lines flow in the Santa Fe, which I feel, is better than the Sonata. \u00a0No fancy roofrails or sidesteps can be found on the Santa Fe, unfortunately. Executive Plus variant such as this one comes with \n19-inch\n wheels whereas Elegance ones are with 18-inch.\nINTERIOR\n \nThe interior of the Santa Fe is a pleasant place to be, both in terms of comfort and design. The brown seats you see here, are nappa leather seats. They not only smell good, but they are very comfortable. In the past, Korean cars never had any good looking interiors, but ever since\u00a0Peter Schreyer took helm, things improved a lot.   The dashboard has the usual touch screen display, which pleasantly, is of the capacitive type, has radio, GPS and USB playback functions. Upon digging into the many submenus, it seems like it supports TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) as well, but sadly, isn\u2019t available on our local trim.\nAudio quality\u00a0is pretty decent, considering that it doesn\u2019t have any audiophile branded equipment inside. Build quality on the inside is pretty good, and soft touch materials can be found throughout the Santa Fe\u2019s interior. The steering wheel itself, has the ability to set the cruise control, audio volume, steering sensitivity and navigating through the menus. Also, it is worth noting that the Santa Fe, like the Forester before, has European-style signal and wiper stalks, meaning that the signal is on the left, while wiper is on the right.   The Santa Fe is also littered with aircon vents and power sockets. On the front, there are 2 12V sockets, while the rear also has one. In terms of aircon vents, the Santa Fe also delivers. It has aircon vents on the B-pillar to blow rear passengers, and also blows from under the front passenger seats. So on a hot afternoon, it wont be a mobile sauna in the Santa Fe.\nOn a side note, if you\u2019re like the many Wazers out there, the Santa Fe might pose an issue with your GPS satellite locking. I suspect this is due to the sunroof\u2019s 2 piece design which effectively killed off the GPS signal. Opening the sunroof did allow for a very quick GPS lock, so the main culprit is the sunroof. Just something to keep in mind.\nWatch our video review on the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Executive Plus here\nPERFORMANCE + THE DRIVE\n \nThe Santa Fe is powered by a \n2.2-liter CRDi\n\u00a0(Common Rail Diesel Injection) 4 cylinder engine. This particular diesel engine, produces \n197 hp\n, and \n436Nm\n of torque. Yup, 436Nm of torque. That is even more than what the Mother Trucker (Nissan Navara) has. In fact, it has more torque than most sub-RM200k SUVs in our market.\nOvertaking is effortless, and with a silky smooth \n6-speed automatic\n gearbox developed by Hyundai themselves, you won\u2019t feel the speed climbing. It\u2019s until when you peek at the speedometer, and realise how fast the needle climbs. For those who prefers manual shifting, it is quite unfortunate that the Santa Fe only has manual shifting via the gear selector, and not paddle shifters. Speaking of gear selector, the blanks buttons surrounding it kinda cheapens the interior.   Also, the parking brake switch could do with a bit more feedback, like a click. Steering feedback isn\u2019t great, since its an EPS unit. On the bright side, there are 3 modes (Normal, Comfort, Sport) to choose from, but toggling between them doesn\u2019t seem to have any noticeable changes. But niggles aside, the Santa Fe is still pretty good. Cruising at 90km/h is pretty frugal, as the engine is only spinning at 1500rpm. But despite my absolute best efforts, I couldn\u2019t manage to lower the average fuel consumption of \n9.1L/100km\n.\nRide comfort of the Santa Fe is good. It can travel on some pretty rough trunk roads without making the passengers feel uncomfortable. High speed stability is also good, as travelling at 170km/h, wind noise isn\u2019t an issue. The good part is that the EPS get progressively heavier as the speed climbs. On the flip side, the Santa Fe isn\u2019t the SUV you would chuck into corners, as the sheer weight makes itself very noticeable. Body roll is aplenty through the corners, and the height of it doesn\u2019t exactly encourage me to go any faster.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nLooking at the price, the Hyundai Santa Fe is not cheap. It costs almost RM190k for the top spec diesel variant. That is almost RM200k for a Korean car. A very tough pill to swallow for most car buyers. But this is not an average Korean car. The Santa Fe is very refined. It has the looks, the performance, the build quality to justify the price tag. If you want a big SUV, with the presence and performance to boot, then the Santa Fe is a very good option. Resale value shouldn\u2019t be of a concern when choosing a Korean marque.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nPrice wise, the Santa Fe is well above the likes of the Honda CRV and Mazda CX5. But the Santa Fe doesn\u2019t compete in that segment, as it is much bigger than them. Who else does the Santa Fe compete against? Well, the Santa Fe is practically in a league of its own. In other markets, the Santa Fe would be going against the Mazda CX9, Ford Flex, Kia Sorento, Jeep Grand Cherokee among others. Well since the Kia Sorento is also sold in Malaysia (albeit petrol only), it can be said that sibling rivalry is at it again.\nMazda CX-5\nHyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDI\nToyota Fortuner\nENGINE\nType\n\u00a0SKYACTIV-G 2.0 Direct Injection\n4-cylinder all aluminum common rail diesel injection\n4-cylinder, In-line, 16-valve, DOHC, Intercooler VNT Diesel\nDisplacement\ncc\n\u00a01997\n2199\n2494\nBore x Stroke\nmm\n83.5 x 91.2\n\u00a085.4 x 96\n\u00a092 x 93.8\nCompression Ratio\n13.0:1\nN/A\n18.5:1\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n\u00a0113 / 6000\n\u00a0197 / 3800\n101 / 3400\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n198 / 4000\n436 / 1800-2500\n\u00a0343 / 1600-3600\nCarburetion System\nElectronically Controlled Direct Injection\nCommon Rail Diesel Injection\n\u00a0D-4D Common Rail\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n58\n71\n80\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power Assist (EPAS)\n\u00a0Electric power assistance rack and pinion\n\u00a0Rack and Pinion\nDRIVETRAIN\nType\n4WD\n4WD\nFull-time 4WD\nTransmission\nSKYACTIV-Drive 6AT\n\u00a06 Speed Automatic\n4 Speed Auto\nGear Ratio\n1 \u2013 3.552\n 2 \u2013 2.022\n 3 \u2013 1.452\n 4 \u2013 1.000\n 5 \u2013 0.708\n 6 \u2013 0.599\n R \u2013 3.893\n FDR \u2013 4.624\n1 \u2013\u00a04.651\n 2 \u2013 2.831\n 3 \u2013 1.842\n 4 \u2013 1.386\n 5 \u2013 1.000\n 6 \u2013 0.772\n R \u2013 3.393\n FDR \u2013 4.750\n1 \u2013 2.804\n 2 \u2013 1.531\n 3 \u2013 1.000\n 4 \u2013 0.753\n R \u2013 2.393\n FDR \u2013 4.555\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront\n\u2013\u00a0MacPherson strut\n \nRear\n \u2013\u00a0Multilink\n\u00a0\nFront\u00a0\n\u2013 \u00a0MacPherson strut type\n \nRear \u2013\n\u00a0Multi-link System\nFront\n \u2013\u00a0Independent Double Wishbone with Coil Spring and Stabiliser\n \nRear\u00a0\n\u2013\u00a04-Link with Coil Spring and Lateral Control Rod\nBRAKES\nFront\n\u00a0Ventilated disc brakes\n\u00a0Ventilated disc brakes\nVentilated disc brakes\nRear\n\u00a0\u00a0Solid disc brake\n\u00a0 Solid disc brakes\n\u00a0Leading-trailing Drums\nDiameter \u2013 Front\ninches\n\u00a011.7\n17\nNA\nDiameter \u2013 Rear\ninches\n\u00a011.9\n16\nNA\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n\u00a0225/65 R17\n\u00a0235/55 R19\n265/65 R17\nWheels\n\u00a0Alloy\n\u00a0Alloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,555\n\u00a04,690\n4,705\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,840\n\u00a01,880\n\u00a01,840\nOverall Height\nmm\n\u00a01,670\n1,690\n1,850\nWheelbase\nmm\n\u00a02,700\n\u00a02,700\n\u00a02,750\nGround Clearance\nmm\n210\n185\n220\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n\u00a01,589\n\u00a01,879\n1,945\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n\u00a0561\n516\n296\nFUEL\nGrade\nmin. 95 RON\nDiesel\nDiesel\nConsumption\n\u00a08.4 L/100 km\n8.1 L/100 km\n \n9.1 L/100 km as tested\nN/A\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n207\n200\n185\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n9.4\n\u00a010.2\nN/A\nPRICE\nRM\n\u00a0154,401\n189,903.30\n170,073\u00a0\nWatch our video review on the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Executive Plus here\nWILL I BUY IT?\n It depends. If you need the comfort and space it offers, then the Santa Fe is right up your aisle. But if resale value bothers you like mosquitoes at night, then look away. You won\u2019t find another SUV with that amount of power for anything less. The Santa Fe is a very good effort from Hyundai, and despite the previous incarnations being pretty mediocre, the latest Santa Fe shows that the Koreans now has an ace up their sleeves.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We knew it was happening, but it\u2019s still sad to see. Shortly after the \nofficial announcement\n that the Exige and Elise will go out of production after this year, Lotus has now introduced several special \u201cFinal Edition\u201d versions to bid farewell to the beloved sports cars.\nA total of five Final Edition variants are being made in \u201climited numbers\u201d, two for the Elise and three for Exige, all offered with unique paint colours, new exterior kit, exclusive badging and plaques, and extra power \u2013 reflected in their new names.\nFor the \nLotus Elise\n, The range starts off with the Elise Sport 240, which replaces the outgoing \nSport 220\n. As the name suggests, the Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine has been tuned for more power, now making \n243 hp\n (240 bhp) and\n 244 Nm\n of torque.\nThanks to the 23 extra ponies, 0-100 km/h sprint now takes 4.1 seconds,\u00a0onward to a higher top speed of 237 km/h. But more power isn\u2019t the only thing that\u2019s going for the new Elise Sport 240; it now also boasts a weight-to-power ratio of just 264 hp/tonne, thanks to various lightweighting measures, such as the new 10-spoke Anthracite lightweight forged alloy wheels which are 0.5 kg lighter each corner, dropping total weight down to 922 kg.\nFurther weight savings can be had if you opt for the optional carbon fibre sill covers and engine cover, lithium-ion battery, and lightweight polycarbonate rear window, which further drops the mass of the Elise Sport 240 down to 898 kg.\nNext up on the list is the Elise Cup 250, which sees a modest gain of 2 hp over the outgoing model, now making \n248 hp\n and \n244 Nm\n from the same 1.8-litre supercharged mill.\nHowever, the key focus on the Elise Cup is in its aerodynamic department, which sees the inclusion of a new front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser, and side floor extension. All in, the Final Edition Elise cup makes a total of 66 kg of downforce at 160 km/h, and 155 kg of downforce at its 248 km/h top speed.\nIn terms of kit, the new car gets a new 10-spoke diamond-cut ultra-lightweight M Sport (not \nthat\n M Sport) forged wheels, Bilstein sport dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars, lightweight lithium-ion battery, and a polycarbonate rear window as standard.\nJust like the Sport 240, a variety of other lightweight carbon fibre options are available for the new Elise cup, further reducing the weight to just 931 kg.\nCelebrating 25 years since the introduction of the nameplate, both the Final Edition variants of the Elise will be offered in several exclusive colours, including Azure Blue, the colours used in the first production car images provided to the media in 1996; Black, the official brand colour of Lotus\u2019 motorsport division; and Racing Green, the colour of the original Elise unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show.\nThe Final Edition Lotus Elises also get additional standard equipment on the interior, including a new digital instrument cluster, alongside a new flat-bottom steering wheel design wrapped in leather and Alcantara, as well as new seat trim and stitch patterns.\nThe\n Lotus Exige\n meanwhile, bows out with three Final Edition models \u2013 Exige Sport 390, Exige Sport 420 and Exige Cup 430, all fitted with the same Toyota-sourced 3.5 litre V6 engine.\nThe Exige Sport 390 replaces the outgoing \nExige Sport 380\n, featuring a revised Edelbrock supercharger to provide\n 402 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque, translating to a century sprint time of 3.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 277 km/h.\nThe Exige Sport 420, meanwhile, is an improvement to the \nSport 410\n, with a slight 10 hp and 7 Nm gain in its power output, now making \n426 hp\n and \n427 Nm\n of torque. While not the most powerful (the honour goes to the Exige Cup 430, which we\u2019ll discuss later), the Exige Sport 420 is actually the fastest car of the lot, with a top speed of 290 km/h (+16 km/h), though its 0-100 km/h time is unchanged at 3.4 seconds.\nStandard equipment on the new Exige Sport 420 include Nitron three-way adjustable dampers, Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, four-piston AP Racing brake calipers with J-hook brake discs, and 10-spoke Anthracite lightweight forged alloy wheels.\nLast but definitely not the least is the \nExige Cup 430\n, the flagship track-focused model of the line-up. Power output is unchanged at\n 436 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n, and so are the top speed (280 km/h) and century sprint time (3.3 seconds).\nWith the motorsport-grade carbon fibre front splitter, front access panel, roof, diffuser surround, enlarged air-intake side pods, one-piece tailgate and race-derived rear wing, the Exige Cup 430 boasts a massive 76 kg downforce at the front, and a further 95 kg at the rear, giving a total of 171 kg of downforce at its top speed \u2013 all on a car that weighs just a pip over one tonne.\nAll of the handling goodies from the Sport 420 is also carried over here, but the Exige Cup 430 benefits from a high-flow titanium exhaust system as standard, alongside a motorsport-derived variable traction control, with five pre-set traction levels controlled via a rotary switch on the steering column.\nJust like the Elise Final Edition models, the Exige variants are also offered in several iconic colourways, including Metallic White from the unveiling of the V6 Exige at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and Metallic Orange, used on the first press fleet car in 2000 and the Exige GT3 concept.\nHere in Malaysia, the Final Edition Lotus cars are now available for order through our \nlocal Lotus distributor, Lotus Karz\n. Prices start at \nRM618,000\n (RM288,000 w/o duties) for the Elise Sport 240, while the Exige Sport 390 and Exige Sport 420 Final Editions are priced at \nRM968,000\n (RM398,000 w/o duties) and \nRM1,239,000\n (RM508,000 w/o duties) respectively.\nWith the production for the Elise and Exige slated to end later this year, Lotus estimates that they would have made around 55,000 of these cars in total \u2013 accounting for more than half of all Lotus road cars ever produced since the first Lotus in 1948.\nWhile we\u2019re certainly sad to see the end of an era, Lotus is already hard at work in anticipation of its new chapter of sports cars, starting with the \nType 131\n. We can\u2019t wait to see what\u2019s on offer from Lotus in the near future, but for now, goodbye, old friend.\nGALLERY"
"The 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) is coming your way this weekend from the 23rd November to 2nd December 2018. Hosted by MAA (Malaysia Automotive Association), KLIMS is back after a five-year hiatus and patrons can expect it to be bigger and better than before.\nWith a new venue partner, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), KLIMS 2018 will be hosting the unveiling of concept cars and the latest production models. Here are some of the cars and concepts that will be making its public appearance at Malaysia\u2019s biggest Motor Show.\nProton X70\nThe national carmaker will be presenting to the public for the first time, their first-ever SUV, the \nProton X70\n. As the first newborn from the partnership between Proton and Geely, the X70 will spearhead Proton\u2019s new vision to restore its brand image not only in Malaysia but also in the ASEAN region.\nWord has it is that Proton will be showing all \nfour variants of the X70\n \u2013 Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD. If you\u2019re wondering what the future of Proton cars entail, be sure to head over to the Proton booth to touch and feel the X70 yourself.\nPerodua Concept Car\nNot much information on the concept car was announced by the company, only a short teaser on their official Facebook page. The concept car will be unveiled at the \u201cPerodua Illumination\u201d booth with the promise of \u201ctechnology innovations and more\u201d.\nThe last time Perodua presented their concept car at the 2013 KLIMS, the \nBuddyz Concept\n went on to become the brand\u2019s first-ever sedan, the Perodua Bezza in 2016. So be on a look out, for what \nmay \nbe Perodua\u2019s next car.\nUpdated Mitsubishi Triton\nCheck out\n what the Triton is like to drive here\n!\nFresh off its \nglobal debut in Bangkok, Thailand\n, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has managed to swiftly bring the updated Triton to our shores. Although its official local debut will only \nhappen early next year\n, this preview will give us a taste of its new exterior design in the metal.\nDespite major changes on its exterior, the updates in the new Triton also runs skin deep with the new model being 15 kg lighter, equipped with a new six-speed automatic transmission, larger rear dampers, improved Super Select 4WD system as well as a host of new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.\nIt sure sounds like Mitsubishi has a fierce contender in the pick-up segment. Although, we have a feeling that the refreshed Triton will be overshadowed by the next car on our list.\nFord Ranger Raptor\nThe first ever high-performance pick-up truck in Malaysia will be making its official debut here at KLIMS. Getting inputs from the Ford Performance division, the \nRanger Raptor\n is the first model to wear the Raptor badge other than its big brother, the F-150 Raptor.\nDistinguishing it from a standard Ranger, the Ranger Raptor stands 320 mm wider and 150 mm taller, complete with less-than-subtle cosmetic changes on its exterior. Want to know how much this monster pick-up will cost? Be sure to head on over to Ford\u2019s stand at KLIMS.\nAll-New Toyota Camry\nAlso making its market debut is the \neight-generation Camry\n which will be displayed at the Toyota stand. While its powertrain options will be carried over from the outgoing model, the all-new Camry still has lots going for it in the shape of a new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, stylish cabin design as well as a range of Toyota Safety Sense Advanced Driver Assistance System.\nWe will be able to see the all-new Camry in the flesh as well as the variant models that UMW Toyota will be offering. Will it finally sway buyers away from the mighty \nHonda Accord\n and German alternatives like the \nVolkswagen Passat\n? Come over to KLIMS and find out yourself.\nNew Toyota Vios \nUMW Toyota will also be presenting a \nnew Vios\n which is essentially the Yaris Ativ sedan that is on sale in Thailand. Complete with a restyled exterior, more sophisticated cabin and most importantly seven airbags, the new Vios will finally measure up to the rest of the competition in terms of equipment.\nThe company has said that this will merely be a preview for the public to get up close and personal with the B-Segment sedan before its official debut at a later date.\nToyota FT-1 Concept (New Supra)\nIf the Vios and Camry doesn\u2019t pique your interest, perhaps the \nFT-1 Concept\n will have your attention. While the \nproduction version of the Supra\n is well underway, being in the presence of the concept car will still be quite an occasion.\nThe rationale behind showing the FT-1 Concept at one of the biggest motoring events in the country may hint towards the imminent arrival of the new Supra when the car is due for its\u00a0global debut. Remember, Toyota Malaysia did officially sell and distribute the first-generation Supra back in the 90s. Exciting times ahead for UMW Toyota eh?\nAll-New Lexus ES\nLexus Malaysia has confirmed that the \nLexus ES\n sedan will be taking centre stage at their booth, alongside the \nLC 500 Coupe\n. Essentially a watered-down \nLS\n, the ES certainly has the presence and poise to put up a good fight against German rivals like the \nG30 BMW 5 Series\n and \nW213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n.\nAlthough don\u2019t expect the Lexus to command the same, attractive price positioning as the locally-assembled Germans. What you get in return is top notch Japanese craftsmanship and a cabin that exudes \nOmotenashi\n \u2013 the Japanese spirit of hospitality.\nFirst-Ever Lexus UX\nAlso on display at the Lexus stand is the Japanese premium car maker\u2019s first ever compact luxury crossover dubbed the \nLexus UX\n \u2013 U for urban and X for crossover. The smallest Lexus SUV has plenty to offer with its edgy exterior and posh interior \u2013 you even get the same LCD instrument cluster display as the LC 500!\nKnowing that Lexus Malaysia prides itself over an extensive variant line up of SUVs, it wouldn\u2019t be surprising that the UX will make its local debut eventually. If you\u2019re in the market for a BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA, pop by KLIMS and check out this baby SUV for yourself before deciding.\nAll-New Hyundai Santa Fe\nThe \nfourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe\n made its world premiere at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show and for the flagship SUV to make its way to Malaysia within the same year is a commendable feat from Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM).\nHyundai Santa Fe\nThe new Santa Fe is larger than before, carries a bolder look and gets the full range of Hyundai\u2019s latest-generation \nSmartSense Technology\n. HSDM did not disclose whether other models like the Kona or the i30 will be making an appearance at the Motor Show but hey, the Santa Fe is a good start.\nAll-New Nissan Leaf\nNo motor show will be complete without at least one electrified vehicle on display. The second-generation Nissan Leaf will be making an appearance here in Malaysia, in line with \nEdaran Tan Chong Motor\u2019s (ETCM) plans to introduce the new Leaf to the market\n.\nThe new-generation Leaf boasts a sleeker and more conventional design as well as an updated e-powertrain and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Compared to the old model, the electric driving range on the new Leaf has doubled to \n378 km\n.\nAll in all, the 2018 KLIMS is not a show to be missed with plenty of new launches and concept cars stimulate your senses. Tickets are priced at \nRM20\n for adults (RM25 on weekends) and \nRM5\n for students and children below 12 years old for both weekdays and weekends.\nFurthermore, every ticket purchase earns the visitors a lucky draw entry to win a Toyota C-HR, Honda City or Perodua Myvi. Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show is happening from 23rd November to 2nd December 2018, 11 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 10 pm on weekends."
"Another week, another Thursday and we\u2019re back with another installment of our throwback series! The last two editions covered two special Perodua cars so this time we\u2019ll look into an outgoing but aged supercar that\u2019s still causing those way beyond its prestige and value to run for cover \u2013 the \nNissan GT-R\n R35.\nThose familiar with the GT-R\u2019s history would be well aware of its previous incarnation \u2013 the\u00a0\nSkyline GT-R\n. Nicknamed the \u201c\nGodzilla\n\u201d by Australian journalists for its supercar-killing attributes, the car was considered the David amongst Goliaths. However, the last Skyline GT-R rolled out in 2002, at a time when Nissan was in a middle of a painful restructuring plan.\nThe legendary \nNissan Skyline GT-R (R32)\nCarlos Ghosn, the then freshly-appointed head honcho of Nissan understood the Skyline GT-R\u2019s rich legacy as seen in the digital realms of Gran Turismo and the then Japan GT (precursor to Super GT) races. Axing it would be a disastrous move as it should be revived to become the company\u2019s halo car to boost confidence (and more importantly, sales) on the brand. Thus, the Skyline GT-R\u2019s successor was given the green light.\nFor starters, the car, codenamed the R35, must retain the\n three key recipes\n that made a worthy GT-R: all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, and a lower asking price compared to its rivals. Aesthetically, it was largely based on the 2001 GT-R Prototype revealed at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show.\nDesigners took inspiration from the Gundam mecha and the predecessor\u2019s signature quad circular taillights were retained. Inside, the multi-display function was developed by \nPolyphony\n, the video game developers behind the Gran Turismo series, whose exploits with the Skyline GT-R had turned it into a legend during the PlayStation era.\nOn the technical front, Nissan bade farewell to the iconic RB26 twin-turbocharged engine to make way for a new 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, the \nVR38DETT\n. It no longer applied the stick shifter, replaced with an all-new \nsix-speed double clutch automatic\n. The transmission was coupled with Nissan\u2019s famed \nATTESA E-TS\n system that deploys power to all four wheels. Nissan also purposely made the ECU \u201cuntuneable\u201d, only to be proven wrong by the talented aftermarket tuners in the following years.\nIn December 2007 during the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan proudly debuted the all-new Nissan GT-R R35 to the world; sending it on an immediate path to glory.\nIn the years that followed, the\u00a0\n480 hp\n monster broke records at the Nurburgring and many other circuits worldwide, shaming many supercars multiple of its value in the process. The new GT-R even carried the brand\u2019s racing pedigree with victories in the Super GT and GT series worldwide. \nThroughout the next decade, the Nissan GT-R R35 received numerous special editions with incremental horsepower upgrades and hefty price hikes. Today, its replacement is yet to be seen and it\u2019s unsure how long the R35 will soldier on as Nissan\u2019s halo car. Only time will tell if the next Godzilla will be an electrical brute or face the similar fate of the Silvia and the outgoing Fairlady.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 Nissan GT-R R35 Facelift   2016 Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo"
"Porsche has affirmed that they will always make cars that you will want and most importantly be able to drive yourself. In an interview with Porsche AG Vice President of the Executive Board, Lutz Meschke released by the company, Meschke reveals how Porsche envisions the future of autonomous driving technology and how Porsche plans to adopt these technologies in their sports cars.\nFor starters, a \nfully autonomous Porsche without a steering wheel is out of the question\n as Meschke quickly revealed from the get-go. However, Porsche will be embracing \ncertain elements of autonomous driving\n such as (but not limited to) traffic jam assists, automated parking and adaptive cruise control to reduce driving fatigue. The idea is to allow semi-autonomous driving tech to add to the convenience of the driver and not take over the role of driving.\nPorsche AG Vice President of the Executive Board, Lutz Meschke\nTo quote an example by Meschke, \u201cImagine you have dinner plans and are running late \u2013 and you can let the car park itself automatically. That\u2019s really useful\u201d. These functions help take away the mundane side of driving and will soon to be \u201cmust haves\u201d for future car buyers.\nMoving forward, Porsche will start to adopt higher-levels of autonomous driving with the \nMission E that will be unveiled in 2020\n. Although Meschke did not reveal further about the next-gen autonomous driving, the principle behind the technology he said, \u201cThere are hundreds of thousands of things that you can do with technology. For us, it is important to narrow down the options to the key areas for Porsche and concentrate on these.\u201d"
"Mercedes-Benz has just\nunveiled its third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS, the brand\u2019s largest and most\nluxurious SUV at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The new car is now larger than ever\nwhich translates to a spacious cabin for passengers in all three rows.\nThe new GLS is a massive car with a wheelbase of 3,135 mm which is 60 mm longer than the model it replaces. Overall length has also grown by 77 mm to 5,207 mm while width has also increased to 1,956 mm (+22 mm). If you\u2019re wondering, the new GLS is longer than the \nBMW X7\n.\nThe front end features the brand\u2019s new SUV family face with roundish sculpture flanked with large front grille and two power domes to exude presence and off-road intentions. As standard, the GLS comes with Multibeam LED headlamps, with a total of 112 LEDs per headlamp that can light up a distance of more than 650 metres. The three LED daytime running light graphics just like the \nS-Class\n underlines the GLS\u2019 positioning.\nUnlike its predecessor with a boxy profile, the new GLS is a whole lot sleeker thanks to the curves around the C-pillars to mask its bulk. The taillamp clusters feature the similar design first debut on the \nGLE\n and \nGLC\n facelift which might take some getting used to for some.\nDespite being a large\nSUV, engineers have managed to bring down the drag coefficient to 0.32 Cd as\ncompared to 0.35 Cd of the model it replaces, contributing to lower fuel\nconsumption and wind noise.\nThe interior is\nfurnished with all the latest gizmos the brand has to offer starting from the Widescreen\ncockpit with MBUX infotainment system, 64-colour ambient lighting, two\nprominent grab handles on the centre console, solid aluminium switch gears and\nmore.\nBut the highlight of\nthe cabin is the considerably more spacious interior. All seats are\nelectrically adjustable as standard, and the second-row seats now has 87 mm\nmore maximum legroom compared to before. The third-row seats are now full-fledged\nseats that can comfortably seat people up to 194 cm \u2013 which is plenty for the\naverage Malaysian.\nA seven-seater with\n2-2-3 seating layout is standard while a more luxurious six-seater variant with\ntwo individual seats for the second-row passengers is available for the first\ntime.\nAt launch, the GLS is available with a variety of petrol and diesel variants. Sitting at the top is the \nGLS 580 4MATIC\n with a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 with EQ Boost 48V integrator starter generator (ISG) system packing an output of \n489 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n. Next up is the \nGLS 450 4MATIC\n with a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-line six with EQ Boost technology making \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\nAs for the two diesel variants, they are powered by the OM656 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel with two states of tune. The \nGLS 350 d 4MATIC\n commands \n286 hp/600 Nm\n while the \nGLS 400 d 4MATIC\n gets \n330 hp/700 Nm\n. All variants of the GLS are equipped with a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.\nAirmatic air suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus is fitted as standard on the GLS but for even greater comfort and off-road capabilities, customers would want to go for the E-Active Body Control suspension.\nLike the S-Class, the GLS gets the Driving Assistance package Plus advanced driving assistance systems including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Stop-and-Go Assist and Trailer Manoeuvring Assist.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0GLS AMG Line\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0GLS\u00a0in Emerald\u00a0Green"
"Proton Cars, after selling 49.9 percent stake to Geely, is set to launch a new SUV based on the Geely Boyue as part of the agreement. Recently, the national carmaker has just released a teaser video hinting the equipment that will be available on the yet-to-be-named Proton SUV.\nIn the minute-long trailer, the SUV is said to be equipped with Intelligent Voice Command system, Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-degre 3D View camera and the company has just confirmed that Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) will be thrown into the mix.\nBased on the information available, the equipment levels mirror the top of the range Boyue that comes will the full Intelligent Safety Suite driver assistance system. Other safety features available for the Chinese market include Door Opening Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Detection.\nOf course, it remains unclear the number of variants the Proton SUV will be offered in or whether these safety suites will be standard fitment across the board (although highly unlikely, here is hoping Proton will surprise us).\nWe know that Proton\u2019s first car to spawn from the new management board will be jammed packed with features that betters even some major premium brands in Malaysia, but the million-dollar question is, how much would Proton\u2019s first SUV cost to Malaysian consumers?\nIn China, the \nBoyue\n is priced from RMB98k (RM60k) to RMB160k (RM98k), undercutting its main rivals by a staggering margin. As a comparison, the \nMazda CX-5\n retails for RMB168k (RM103k) to RMB245k (RM151k) while a \nHonda CR-V\n is priced at RMB169k (RM104k) to RMB249k (RM153k). In essence, a top-spec Boyue is even cheaper than even the lowest-spec Mazda or Honda, despite competing in the same category!\nAlthough the prices in China is not reflective of the actual situation here in Malaysia, one thing we can be sure of is that the Proton Boyue will offer an outstanding value proposition for all Malaysians.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGeely Boyue in Malaysia"
"After making its debut in \nSingapore earlier this year\n, UMW Toyota has now officially teased the fourth-generation Harrier on its own website, alongside the caption \u201ccoming soon April 2021\u201d confirming its Malaysia launch date.\nThe \u201cfind out more\u201d button links to a registration of interest page, which means that the actual launch will be happening very soon, if UMW Toyota\u2019s past launches have anything to go by.\nAs always, no specifications have been divulged so far, but we expect it to be similar to the Singapore-specification model, as it is currently the only export market for the fourth-generation Toyota Harrier coming out from Japan.\nThe \nall-new Toyota Harrier\n is available in three variants in the island nation:\u00a0Elegance, Premium, and Luxury. The first in the list, being the base variant, comes with a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine with \n170 hp\n and \n203 Nm\n, paired to a Direct Shift CVT gearbox to propel the SUV to 100 km/h in\n 9.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n190 km/h\n.\nThe two latter variants meanwhile get a more powerful 2.5-litre engine with 176 hp and 221 Nm engine, paired to an electric motor that produces 118 hp and 202 Nm for a \ntotal system output of 215 hp\n. Working alongside an eCVT gearbox, the hybrid variants get to 100 km/h in \n8.1 seconds\n, onward to a lower top speed of \n180 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated as low as 4.7 L/100km.\nIn terms of kit, the Singaporean Toyota Harrier comes with 18-inch wheels as standard, along with full LED lighting (with adaptive high beam for the headlights), and a hands-free powered tailgate.\nInside, standard equipment on the fourth-generation Toyota Harrier include a 10.5-inch head-up display, an analogue instrument cluster with a massive seven-inch multi-info display, as well as an eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Qi wireless charging pad.\nThe fancier items, such as leather upholstery with ventilated front seats, as well as the auto-dimming panoramic sunroof, are only available on the two higher-end hybrid variants.\nAs for safety, all variants of the Toyota Harrier in Singapore come with seven airbags as standard, alongside the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance system, with features including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and centring assist, adaptive high beam, and adaptive cruise control.\nMaybe even with some \nGazoo Racing parts\n?\nSimilarly, no pricing information have been announced so far, though we won\u2019t be surprised to see a slight increase in price with the introduction of newer technologies. For context, the \noutgoing Toyota Harrier\n in Malaysia starts at RM234,510 (with SST exemptions)."
"First shown off in a \npreview back in January \nthis year, the all-new 2023 Kia Sorento has now been officially launched in Malaysia with three variants on offer, starting from \nRM211,498\n for the seven-seater entry-level variant, moving up to\n RM235,498 \nfor the mid-range six-seater petrol variant, and\n RM255,229\n for the range-topping diesel-powered six-seater.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\n2023 Kia Sorento: Refined Boldness design\nWhile the \noutgoing Sorento\n can be \u2013 at best \u2013 described as a little bland, the all-new fourth-generation model is really anything but. It bears the marque\u2019s latest iteration of the \u201crefined boldness\u201d design ethos, featuring a robust, tough-looking aesthetic yet not discounting on its elegance and sportiness.\nThe signature Kia touches are all here, including the new hallmark \u2018tiger nose\u2019 LED grille, and the \u2018tiger eyeline\u2019 LED daytime-running light signature on the headlights that are integrated into the frame of the grille. The aggressive look is complemented by a wide lower air intake with wing-shaped air curtains on the corners, and the skid plate-like elements on the bumpers.\nThe overall footprint of the all-new 2023 Kia Sorento has been tweaked by a little bit, with a 35 mm longer wheelbase (2,815 mm) but shorter overhangs, and a \u2018cab-rearward\u2019 design to make it appear even longer than before (on top of the 50 mm increase in overall length). Its width and height have both only grown by 10 mm, but overall, the 2023 Kia Sorento looks significantly more dominant on the road.\nAs for equipment, all variants get automatic dual LED projector headlamps as standard, alongside the vertical LED tail lamps, LED fog lights, a smart powered tailgate, and alloy wheels ranging from 18- (seven-seater) to 19-inches (six seater variants) in diameter. The sole entry-level seven-seater variant also misses out on the roof rails, so if are more in tune with the active lifestyle, you might want to look further up the range.\n2023 Kia Sorento: Upgraded interior\nJust like the exterior, the all-new 2023 Kia Sorento\u2019s cabin also represents a \u201cstep-change\u201d in quality and design when compared to its predecessors, thanks to its new striking design and the use of \u201cpremium-quality materials\u201d, including metallic trims and embossed wood-effect surfaces.\nIn terms of equipment, all variants of the 2023 Kia Sorento here in Malaysia will come equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This is paired to a set of analogue dials for the instrumentation on the entry-level variant, but step up to the two six-seater variants and you\u2019ll get a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster as well.\nThe fourth-generation Sorento also comes equipped with dual zone climate control with rear air conditioning vents and third-row manual controls as standard, alongside fabric upholstery (on the entry-level variant), eight-way powered front seats (driver gets additional two-way lumbar support adjustments), folding second-row seats with remote folding capabilities, reverse camera, a Mood Lighting System, two USB charging ports for each row of seats, and a wireless charging pad.\nStep up to the six-seater variants, and you\u2019ll get an additional head-up display, as well as leatherette upholstery, second-row sunshades, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor. The range-topping diesel variant goes one step further with the addition of steering-wheel gearshift paddles.\nGallery: Kia EV6 GT Line AWD \u2013 506 km range EV from RM301k\n2023 Kia Sorento: Petrol and diesel powertrain options\nThe all-new 2023 Kia Sorento will be offered in two powertrain options here in Malaysia: a 2.5-litre Smartstream inline-four petrol engine available for both the seven- and six-seater variants, making \n177 hp \nand\n 232 Nm\n, and a 2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel mill reserved specifically for the range-topping six-seater variant, making \n199 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n.\nThe petrol engine is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, while the diesel mill gets an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that\u2019s said to be designed for \u201csmooth shifting\u201d and \u201cenhanced fuel efficiency\u201d. The entry-level seven-seater variant also only get a front-wheel drive drivetrain, while the two six-seater variants get all-wheel drive as standard, with an extra terrain mode switch for the diesel.\n2023 Kia Sorento: Enhanced safety\nHere in Malaysia, all variants of the 2023 Kia Sorento will come as standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including:\nHigh Beam Assist\nBlind-Spot Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist\nRear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist\nLane Keeping Assist (Line and Road)\nDriver Attention Warning\nForward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning support\nLane Following Assist\nSmart Cruise Control with Stop and Go support\nThe two six-seater variants also add on a blind spot monitor on the wing mirrors, but the passive safety kit is standard across all variants, including six airbags, ABS, EBD with BA, electronic stability control, traction control, multi-collision brake control, and hill start assist control.\n2023 Kia Sorento pricing in Malaysia\nThe all-new 2023 Kia Sorento will be locally-assembled (CKD) at the Inokom Assembly Plant in Kulim, Kedah. Pricing for the 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia is as follows, on the road, without insurance:\nKia Sorento 2.5L 2WD 7-seater \u2013 RM211,498.40\nKia Sorento 2.5L AWD 6-seater \u2013 RM235,498.40\nKia Sorento 2.2L Diesel AWD 6-seater \u2013 RM255,228.80\nA total of five exterior colours are available on offer, including Astra Blue, Meteor Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, and Jet Black.\nThe 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia is offered with a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty as standard, alongside a five-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance package.\nGALLERY"
"Equipped with plastic claddings and beefy tyres, the all-terrain \nLamborghini Huracan Sterrato\n is set to debut in December 2022, and it is highly significant to the brand in two ways. One is the fact that it is an all-terrain supercar, creating its new own segment. Secondly, it will be the last car by \nLamborghini\n to have a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain before a \nfull electrification of the brand in 2024\n.\nAutomobili Lamborghini first previewed the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato as the \u201c\nLamborghini Huracan Sterrato Concept\n\u201d. The brand later teased the all-terrain Huracan in two videos, showing the all-terrain supercar attacking off-road trails, kicking up sand and dust behind it.\nLamborghini Huracan Sterrato Concept\nTechnical specs for the production Huracan Sterrato have not been revealed, but the Huracan Sterrato Concept did have a 47 mm ground clearance, an increased approach angle, a 6.5% departure angle, a 30mm wider track, and 20-inch wheels. It also featured underbody reinforcements and body protection, including a rear skid plate that acts as a diffuser.\nBased on the \nLamborghini Huracan EVO\n, the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato Concept shared the same 5.2-litre V10 powertrain. If things remain the same for the production version of the Sterrato, it will make \n640 hp\n and get an all-wheel drive system.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini teases the Safari-style Huracan Sterrato by drifting it in sand\nCamouflaged off-road Lamborghini Huracan\nThe announcement was made together with the company\u2019s third-quarter report, which saw 7,430 Lamborghinis sold worldwide from January to September 2022. Leading Lamborghinis sales for the year so far is the \nLamborghini Urus\n with 4,834 units delivered in the first nine months of 2022. The greatest growth was shown by the \nLamborghini Huracan\n (2,738 units) with an 11% increase from the same period last year.\nIn the quarterly report, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann commented, \u201cThese consistently rising figures show just how strong Lamborghini is today. We have an order portfolio that already covers the first quarter of 2024, and this allows us to work with peace of mind, looking thoughtfully ahead to the challenges facing us in the future, such as the first step towards hybridization from 2023.\u201d\nRELATED: \nThe idea of an off-road Lamborghini Huracan sounds as exciting as it is bonkers!\nGALLERY"
"In a rather surprising move, Honda chose Malaysia to host the global unveiling of the\u00a0\nHonda Jazz facelift\n, otherwise known as Honda Fit in Japan. It gets numerous aesthetic enhancements, and joining the lineup is the range topping\u00a0Sport Hybrid variant. Malaysia is also the only country outside of Japan to receive and assemble the Sport Hybrid variant.\nThe Jazz Sport Hybrid finished in Lunar Silver Metallic debuted at the\u00a0\n2017 Carlist.my Drive, Test and Buy Event\n. Regular petrol variants of the Jazz facelift will be launched in the coming month, whereas deliveries of the Jazz Sport Hybrid will begin in \nQ3 2017\n. Now, let\u2019s find out what the Jazz Sport Hybrid is all about.\nPowering the Jazz Sport Hybrid is Honda\u2019s new \nIntelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD)\n hybrid system which combines a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine and an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) electric motor to generate a combined output of \n135 hp\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a \nseven-speed dual-clutch automatic\n. Unlike the previous generation Jazz Hybrid, this i-DCD hybrid system is able to run on \npure electric mode\n.\nFrom the outside, this facelift exercise introduced a new front bumper with new LED daytime running lights and a revised rear bumper. Exclusive to the Sport Hybrid model are blue \u201cHybrid\u201d badges on the front fenders and rear tailgate. Oddly, the display unit does not come with the fancier full LED headlamps, front fog lamps and multi-spoke alloys like in the press pictures. The interior, while covered, sports fabric seats instead of leather. However, be reminded that this is just a preview and may not be an accurate representation of the actual spec.   Order books for the refreshed Jazz (petrol and hybrid) are now open and will be locally assembled at Honda Malaysia\u2019s production plant in Alor Gajah. If you missed the chance to see the Jazz Sport Hybrid in person, Honda Malaysia will be displaying the very unit at the upcoming Standard Charted KL Marathon happening on 21 May 2017 (Sunday).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Our neighbours across the causeway can finally purchase the \nVolvo XC40\n after its official unveiling here at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show. The new compact crossover from the Swedish premium carmaker comes dressed in the sporty R-Design for the Singaporean market.\nBased on the company\u2019s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the XC40 is the brand\u2019s most compact SUV yet. Visually, it gets all the Volvo signature styling such as Thor\u2019s Hammer headlamps, side mirror design and taillamp graphics. The R-Design adds on a sportier body kit, larger wheels and a blacked-out roof with imprinted R-Design badge.   The cabin\n is typically Volvo too with the iPad style Sensus touchscreen display, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, LCD instrument cluster and a leather gear selector with a design similar to the Orrefors gear knob on T8 models. The XC40 can be had in a wide range of interior themes \u2013 the model displayed comes with a black with orange (tan?) contrast for the floor and door inserts. Interestingly the orange inserts are made from high-quality fabric commonly found in top grade furniture.\nThis particular unit is the \nT5 AWD variant\n which packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating \n247 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four-wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nOn the question of whether the all-new Volvo XC40 will be introduced in Malaysia, we can expect Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) to be keen on bringing this compact SUV in. However, considering that the XC40 has yet to hit the roads of Europe, it may be some time before its heading our way.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Honda Insight prototype will be making its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January as an early introduction to the all-new 2019 Honda Insight \u2013 an upscale five-seater sedan which will sit atop the Civic in Honda\u2019s model line-up.\nFirst introduced in 1999, the Insight was America\u2019s first hybrid vehicle, a technological marvel with optimised aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminium structure. It was also the first Honda vehicle to utilise Honda\u2019s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.   The all-new Insight will adopt an entirely new approach in terms of styling, features and performance as expected by mainstream buyers \u2013 a hybrid vehicle without compromise. Unlike the first two generations of the Insight, the all-new model will be powered by \nHonda\u2019s two-motor hybrid system\n\u00a0that will chart competitive fuel economy ratings.\nWith the Insight due for launch later in 2018, it will further affirm Honda\u2019s aim to make electric vehicles 2/3 of Honda\u2019s global vehicle sales by 2030.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With only 70 units to be made, the new Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition is Bentley\u2019s most sustainable car to date. To date, \nBentley\n \nhas successfully electrified half of its offerings. Based on the Bentayga Hybrid, the \nBentayga\n Odyssean Edition pushes sustainability further by also using sustainable materials in addition to the Hybrid powertrain.\nYes, the same plug-in hybrid system with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine powers the Bentayga Odyssean Edition. This means that it makes the same combined output of \n462 hp\n (metric) and \n700 Nm\n. The powertrain is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Odyssean Edition launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n5.3 seconds\n.\nAs for the electric component of the hybrid system, the electric motor alone is capable of 136 hp (metric) and 400 Nm. Storing electricity in the Odyssean Edition is an \n18-kWh\n battery pack that gives the car an electric range of \n45 km\n (WLTP).\nThree \u2018E\u2019 driving modes are available in the Bentayga Odyssean Edition, namely the \u201cEV Drive\u201d, \u201cHybrid Mode\u201d, and \u201cHold Mode\u201d. The \u201cEV Drive\u201d mode, as its name suggests, lets you drive on electric power only. The car starts in this mode, and the \u201cEV Drive\u201d mode can take you up to 135 km/h should you desire.\nRELATED: \nBentley Continental GT Convertible Mulliner Riviera Collection is the perfect match for your yacht\n\u201cHybrid Mode\u201d maximises the Bentayga\u2019s efficiency and cleverly utilizes information from the intelligent navigation system. What this means is that on planned long journeys, the car uses predictive E-mode and engine coasting when necessary. When you set a destination, the system will ensure that the 18-kWh battery is at 0% state-of-charge (SOC) at the final destination, maximizing overall efficiency. \u201cHold Mode\u201d essentially holds the battery\u2019s charge for later use and is the default mode when in \u201cSport\u201d.\nTo one-up the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid in terms of sustainability, the Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition makes use of the following sustainable materials:\nOpen pore koa veneers\nSustainable natural leather\nTweed upholstery panels\nALSO WATCH: \nBentley Flying Spur Hybrid, 2.9L V6 from RM945k \u2013 5 Things\nBentley says the Open Pore Koa veneers use 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers. Minimising waste, the open-pore veneer is painted with just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, together totalling only 0.1 mm in thickness. The leather upholstery is authentic but is a sustainably-sourced natural leather. As for the tweed upholstery panels, they are made of 100%British wool which minimizes the carbon footprint of the Odyssean\u2019s manufacturing process.\nDistinguishing the Bentayga Odyssean Edition from the Bentayga Hybrid are the Pale Brodgar accents around the car and an Odyssean-exclusive set of wheels. To help you spot the 70 limited units of the Bentayga Odyssean Edition, here are its distinguishing features:\nOmbr\u00e9 embroidery\nThree-colour interior, unique and bespoke to Odyssean\nUnique 22-inch wheels with Pale Brodgar accents\nPale Brodgar on front and rear bumpers\nPale Brodgar on headlight and taillight surrounds\nPale Brodgar on lower body side chrome\nRELATED: \n2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed debuts \u2013 6.0L W12, 626 hp, 900 Nm\nTo match the Pale Brodgar Accents, Bentley has curated six colours for the Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition. However, customers still have the freedom to choose from over 60 colours for the car.\nAs for Bentley specifications, the Bentayga Odyssean Edition comes equipped with the Front Seat Comfort Specification as standard. This gives the front seats 22-way adjustability and a heating and ventilation function.\nAlso standard for The Odyssean Edition is the Touring Specification driver assistance system. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Traffic Assist, and Bentley Safeguard. Bentley Safeguard is Bentley\u2019s suite of onboard radar and camera systems that constantly monitor the surrounding traffic and roads. Production of the Bentayga Odyssean Edition will begin in Q1 2023.\nRELATED: \nBentley Batur previews brand\u2019s future EVs. while using a W12 engine\nGALLERY"
"After what seems to be forever, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has finally added a \nturbo diesel variant\n to the third-generation Tucson range. The 2.0L CRDi is the second forced induction mill following the recently introduced 1.6L T-GDi petrol.   Curiously, HSDM has decided to drop the 2.0L Premium bringing the Tucson range to three variants \u2013 2.0L petrol Elegance, \n1.6L T-GDi turbo petrol\n, 2.0L CRDi turbodiesel. However, the base price of the entry level Tucson has been revised downwards to RM126,188, \nRM3,802.87 cheaper\n than before. HSDM has positioned the turbodiesel variant as the range topper, retailing at RM155,788, on-the-road without insurance.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance\nHyundai Tucson 1.6L T-GDI\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L CRDI\nEngine\n1,999cc; 4-cylinder Nu MPI\n1,591cc; 4-cylinder turbocharged direct injection\n1,995cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n7-speed dual-clutch\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n175 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n176 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n265 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n400 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n9.3 seconds; 201 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM126,188\nRM145,688\nRM155,788\nThe range topping Tucson 2.0L CRDi gets the exact same kit as the turbopetrol variant \u2013 LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, power folding door mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless entry and 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. Like before, an optional body kit and \n19-inch alloys\n (245/45 profile tyres) are available for a small fee. Continental ContiMaxContact tyres are provided in the 1.6-litre variant, while the 2.0-litre variant gets Hankook Kinergy GT tyres.   Inside, equipment dittos the T-GDi variant as well. Standard features include leather upholstery (optional black, red or white), eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat, multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, 8.0-inch Android based touchscreen infotainment system, 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, \nfront camera\n, \nsmart powered tailgate\n and\n reclining rear seats\n. Boot space is also retained at \n488 litres\n.\nMotivation now comes from a 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel that churns out \n176 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai claims the turbodiesel equipped SUV complete the century sprint in \n9.3 seconds\n before maxing out at \n201 km/h\n.\nSafety equipment reads six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Down-hill brake control (DBC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HSAC).\nAll purchase of the Hyundai Tucson come with a 5-Years or 300,000 km warranty package and a\n 3-Years or 50,000 km free service\n. A 24-hour road assist service is also available now for new and existing Hyundai vehicles. The discontinued Tucson Premium (previously known as Executive) was \none of our favourite SUVs\n\u00a0and its only flaw was the subpar powertrain. Now that the new Tucson range comes with blown mills, the only question you should ask yourself is which pump you\u2019d rather frequent: petrol or diesel.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L CRDi   Hyundai Tuscon 1.6L T-GDi"
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur (AMKL) has just introduced the \nAston Martin DB11 V8\n to go alongside the \nV12 powered DB11\n. Here are Things You Need to Know about the road-tax friendlier DB11 V8:\nPowered by an AMG-sourced 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, the new variant packs \n503 hp\n and \n675 Nm\n of twist paired to an eight-speed ZF sourced automatic\u00a0transmission to drive the rear wheels. The new V8 can propel the DB11 from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.0 seconds flat\n, just 0.1 seconds off the V12 in case you\u2019re scoffing at the \npuny V8\n. Top speed is quoted at \n301 km/h\n.\nPrices for the DB11 V8 starts from \nRM1.8 million\n (inclusive of taxes and duties) before slapping on some of the endless options available from the Gaydon based carmaker."
"Naza Italia-Maserati, the official distributor of Maserati vehicles in Malaysia, is proud to announce the arrival of the renowned Italian automaker\u2019s \nfirst hybrid vehicle\n, just a little over a year after its global launch.\nThe new electrified premium sports sedan is priced from \nRM427,800\n inclusive of full specifications and options before local duties and taxes.\nPERFORMANCE\nLie beneath the elegant look of the new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid is the high-tech and innovative hybrid powerplant. Maserati approach to hybrid propulsion focuses on both higher performance as well as fuel saving.\nCombined system outputs are a whopping \n330 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque from the electrified 2.0-litre engine that includes an electric supercharger or eBooster.\nEngine: 2.0-litre engine, four-cylinder, exhaust turbocharger, electric supercharger, 48-volt BSG, petrol\nTransmission: 8-speed ZF automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: Rear engine, self-locking rear limited-slip differential\nHorsepower: 330 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nTorque: 450 Nm @ 2,250 to 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds\nTop speed: 255 km/h\nFully developed in-house by Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena, Italy, this electrified powertrain is unique in its segment, delivering a performance akin to a V6 turbodiesel without the weight penalty.\nEXTERIOR\nApart from the normal design pack, the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid will also be offered with the GranSport trim in Malaysia. The exterior features an updated front grille with gloss black highlights, Nerissimo package and 20-inch wheels.\nBlue accents are tastefully applied to identify the Ghibli Hybrid, with blue colour on the three iconic side air ducts, the Brembo brake calipers and the thunderbolt in the oval that encloses the Trident on the rear pillar.\nExterior features include:\n18-inch wheels\nTwin exhaust system, optimised for Ghibli Hybrid\nBlue-painted 4-piston Brembo brake calipers\nBoomerang-like tail light clusters\nGranSport design package\nSport bumpers \u00a0\u00a0\n20-inch wheels\nNerissimo black highlights\nFull LED Matrix headlamps\nINTERIOR\nOn the interior of the new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid, sculpted sport seats are upholstered with a premium full-grain \u201cPieno Fiore\u201d natural leather, like no other leather used in the automotive industry. It is processed to develop a unique character throughout the years with dark blue contrast stitching and the Trident embroidered on the headrests.\nAndroid Automotive OS-powered infotainment system with 10.1\u201d HD touchscreen\nBowers & Wilkins Premium Surround Sound System with 15 speakers, 1,280 W amplifier and QuantumLogic Surround\nCarbon twill high-gloss trim pieces\nAlcantara roof lining\nGranSport design\nSports seats\nSports steering wheel\nSAFETY\nThe Maserati Ghibli Hybrid will also be equipped with the company\u2019s latest Active ADAS suite, featuring assistance systems such as Active Driving Assist, Pedestrian recognition and Surround View Camera. \u00a0\nPRICING\nThe new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid in Malaysia is priced starting from \nRM427,800\n and \nRM456,800\n for the GranSport design pack and inclusive of full specifications and options but before local duties and taxes.\nThe price includes a three-year standard warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a free maintenance program of three years/60,000 km whichever comes first (inclusive of Maserati Premium Service Plus of three years/60,000 km).\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s official. The future of automobile is silent and green. Late last year, NextEV (Chinese EV startup) unveiled the world\u2019s fastest EV around N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife \u2013 \nthe NIO EP9\n. Today, the EP9 is also the title bearer of the fastest road-legal car around the Green Hell.\nNextEV has just achieved a new record-breaking lap time of 6 minutes and 45.9 seconds, shaving off a staggering \n19.22 seconds\n off its previous record of 7 minute and 5.12 seconds! This makes it the fastest road-legal vehicle to conquer the 20.8 km track. There\u2019s even an on board recording as proof!\nTo recap, the EP9 is a two-seater full-electric hypercar with a carbon monocoque and aero-driven chassis. It is powered by four electric motors, one on each wheel, to generate 1 megawatt of power, equivalent to 1,360 hp. This allows the EP9 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 7.1 seconds. If you have a runway as long as the one in Fast & Furious, the EP9 will max out at 313 km/h.\nAt launch, only six units of EP9 have been produced for investors, but the company expressed plans to produce 10 additional units, all made to order for interested parties. Want one? NextEV is asking for a cool USD $1.48 million (RM6.4 million).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with its 15th\u00a0\nanniversary\n,\u00a0\nZF\n\u00a0Sales and Service (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (ZFSSM), a subsidiary of leading automotive supplier,\u00a0\nZF\n\u00a0Group,\u00a0 has renewed its commitment to enhance urban transport modernisation in Malaysia.\nGeneral Manager of Business Unit Services, Mr Siew Chee Kok said, \u201cUrban\u00a0\ncentres\u00a0\nface demand for commercial vehicles that are reliable, safe and most importantly, cost effective and productive. Sustainable urbanisation poses a challenge as automotive industry requires vehicles to have low operating costs given the high intensity of vehicle usage without compromising safety and speed. ZFSSM intends to be the enabler for the Malaysian transport network by lending our expertise to modernise urban transport backed by\u00a0\nZF\n\u00a0Group\u2019s innovative products and technologies,\u201d explained\u00a0\nZFSSM has been played a huge role in the Malaysian automotive industry for the last 15 years; from supplying aftermarket SACHS shock absorbers to Proton and Perodua, to providing rail shock absorbers for Rapid KL.\nIn keeping up with its commitment to support sustainable urbanisation, ZFSSM has equipped 300 MRT single deck city feeder buses with\u00a0\nZF\n\u00a0EcoLife, a high performance 6-speed automatic transmission for buses. To date, there are more than 900 city buses in Malaysia equipped with\u00a0\nZF\n\u00a0EcoLife transmissions with various torque outputs ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 Nm to ensure utmost efficiency in buses that can weigh up to 32 tonnes in gross vehicle weight.\n\u00a0\nOn the vehicle fleet management front, ZF also offers connectivity solutions with OPENMATICS, an innovative telematics solution that allows fleet management to be transparent, thus avoiding driving without loads, taking into account driving and rest periods in route planning and monitoring fuel consumption. It can be accessed via mobile applications like Google Play and Apple Store.\nOPENMATICS Asset Tracking solution enables tracking and monitoring of valuable assets allowing for efficient and modern logistics as prevention of loss of goods. The core element of the technology are Bluetooth Smart TAGs that can be easily installed anywhere, be it on transport containers, pallets, swap bodies or cargo itself. They can be used for up to five years before being recycled by OPENMATICS.\nBacked by over 100 years of German innovation, ZFSSM\u2019s product range includes its strong aftermarket brands such as SACHS, LEMF\u00d6RDER, TRW, BOGE, and its connectivity product, OPENMATICS. \u00a0The year 2017 marks the 15th\u00a0\nanniversary\n\u00a0of\u00a0\nZF\n\u00a0Sales and Service (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The sixth \u2018ID\u2019 all-electric car by \nVolkswagen\n is here, and it is the Volkswagen ID.7. Still hidden in a brightly-coloured \u2018digital camouflage\u2019 for now, the ID.7 is premiering at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) happening in Las Vegas from 5 to 8 January.\nBuilt on Volkswagen\u2019s MEB platform, the ID.7 is the second MEB-platform global car after the \nID.4\n. With the ID.7, Volkswagen is expanding its \u2018ID.\u2019 family into the \u201cupper middle class of the high-volume segment\u201d. The ID.7 has a wheelbase of 2.97 metres, making it the size of a \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n or a \nBMW 5 Series\n.\nAs for range, Volkswagen says that the ID.7 will have \n700 km\n of all-electric range on the WLTP test cycle. No information on the battery and electric drive system has been revealed by the company, but an official image hints at a rear-wheel-drive (RWD system)\nTech innovations/highlights on the Volkswagen ID.7 include:\nThe new display concept\nThe augmented reality head-up display\nA 15-inch screen\nNew air conditioning controls integrated into the first level of the infotainment system\nIlluminated touch slider\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 \u2013 520km range EV SUV\nThe steering wheel still seems to have the \ncapacitive controls\nThe floating screen on the centre of the dashboard is now much larger than what you would see on the Volkswagen ID.4. The official images also show the new digital instrument cluster which is no longer sitting on the steering column.\nWith the new air conditioning system, the ID.7 can detect when the driver is approaching based on their key and will already start to cool or heat the interior (based on the weather) before the driver gets into the vehicle. Newly designed \u201cSmart Air Vents\u201d control the flow of air and move dynamically to distribute the air over large areas as quickly as possible.\nRELATED: \nMake buttons great again \u2013 Volkswagen ditches capacitive steering controls for \u2018real\u2019 buttons\nThe \u2018digital camouflage\u2019 of the premiere unit of the Volkswagen ID.7 features a digital design with unique paintwork, which lights up the ID.7 interactively. 40 layers of paint have been applied, of which some are conductive while others have insulating properties.\nA total of 22 areas of the vehicle can be controlled separately and are electrified below the top layer of paint (electroluminescence) so that they light up. If all this is connected to a sound system, the rhythm is visualized by illumination of individual areas.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen Golf to live on in EV era \u2013 \u2018ID. Golf\u2019 name possible, GTI & R to live on too\nGALLERY"
"No one likes potholes. They make the journey uncomfortable, messes up the wheel alignment and sometimes even damages the suspension if its severe enough. Ford knows this very well and has come up with a solution to make going over potholes a little more bearable in the \nall-new Ford Focus\n.\nCoined as the \nPothole Detection Technology\n, the system detects when a wheel is falling into a pothole and adjusts the suspension to limit the wheel drop. By doing so, the wheel does not fall too far into the pothole and therefore not strike the road as harshly on exit. The rear suspension will react even quicker after being pre-empted by the front wheels.\nThis innovative pothole detection technology is a feature available with the optional Continuously Controlled Damping technology on new Focus that adjusts the suspension damping every two milliseconds according to the body, steering and braking inputs for the smoothest ride quality.\nFord Focus vehicle dynamics supervisor, Guy Mathot said: \u201cOur engineers are always searching for the roughest roads to really test our suspension to the limit, but more and more we\u2019re noticing that the rough roads are finding us. Potholes are a problem that isn\u2019t going away anytime soon, but with our advanced suspension technology for all-new Focus, we\u2019ve been able to reduce their impact.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The IAA motor show 2019 is now well underway in Frankfurt. BMW took this opportunity to unveil the BMW Concept 4 \u2014 a future-focused interpretation of the BMW Group\u2019s DNA that represents the coupe of tomorrow.\nThe Concept 4 will most likely become the new design guideline for the next 4 Series, and we are fortunate to have a closer look at what is coming next!\nThe front end of the Concept 4 is sharp and angular, with huge air intakes and aggressive use of lines. However, what takes the spotlight of the front facade is the new vertically-aligned kidney grille. According to Head of BMW Design, Domagoj Dukec, \u201cThe kidney grille has always been a signature feature of BMW cars. The BMW Concept 4 presents a confident and classy take on this iconic feature. At the same time, the BMW Concept 4 offers a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4 Series range.\u201d\nThe vertical kidney grilles dominates the entire front of the Concept 4, and is an homage to the legendary classics such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi, highlighting the illustrious history of BMW in making coupes.\nWithin the kidney grilles, the horizontal trim elements with a faceted cut gives the grille an enhanced depth effect. Looking closer at the kidney grille and air intakes also reveals that the intricate gratings are made up of an array of small \u201cnumber 4s\u201d joined together, an elaborate attention to detail.\nAnother thing you might notice on the front of the Concept 4 are the slim headlights \u2014 they have no glass cover! The LED light elements are arranged directly into the body to give the front end a greater sense of modernity and technical sophistication.\nLooking at the Concept 4 from the side, the silhouette of the vehicle is instantly unmistakable as a BMW coupe. The extended front bonnet, long wheel base, flowing roof line and short overhangs oozes the BMW coupe DNA from every angle. The new exterior paint tone named \u201cForbidden Red\u201d accentuates the use of lines to form contours on the body of the Concept 4.\n A lot of effort is put into the most minute details of the Concept 4, as we have just seen from the front grille details and three dimensional headlights. Another example of the attention to detail can be seen with the wing mirrors, which extends outwards directly from the weather strip, with split toning to ensure it blends well with the rest of the body. The designers even managed to hide a floating BMW logo within the wing mirror housing, which will only be seen if you are specifically looking on it!\nThe 21-inch alloy wheels on the Concept 4 are also a work of art and equally rich in details. The designers used differently finished surfaces to emphasise the contrast between the foreground and background.\nThe rear of the Concept 4 sits low to the ground, and the two large air outlets at the lower section further emphasizes the broad stance of the car. The iconic \u201cL\u201d shape of BMW rear lights makes a return on the Concept 4, with the LED rear lights consist of a single fibre-optic element, which lends the L shape a \u201cheartbeat graphic\u201d visual effect. Just like the front headlights, the BMW Concept 4 also does away the glass cover for the lighting elements.\u00a0\nThe BMW Concept 4 manages to look modern and fashionable, yet retaining many of the existing characteristic BMW elements into the design. We think the Concept 4 looks incredible especially with the \u201cForbidden Red\u201d paint work, and can\u2019t wait for these design cues to make way to production ready cars!"
"As part of a new partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, Legoland Japan Resort in Nagoya has commissioned the build of a full-sized replica of the Toyota GR Supra. What is impressive about the replica is that it accommodates two persons and can be driven!\nHowever, the LEGO Toyota GR Supra replica will only be a static display and for photography as part of a new campaign by Toyota Gazoo Racing. The new attraction is also in conjunction with the \n35th anniversary\n of the Toyota Supra being launched in Japan.\n \nFrom the \nvideo\n shared by LEGO, the LEGO Toyota GR Supra replica is constructed over a specially designed and scaled steel frame to hold the bricks. Thanks to computer-aided design, a total of \n477,303\n \nbricks\n were needed to construct the scale model, including a fully replicated interior with two seats and the shift lever.\nAssembled in a day?! Watch GC guides us through his build of the LEGO Technic Ferrari 488 GTE consisting of over 1,600 pieces\n. \u00a0\nA team of 21 were tasked with the project that took 5,400 hours to design and construct the full-size replica. The actual \nconstruction took 2,400 hours\n according to the team at LEGO.\nThe best part of the replica is that it can be driven. An electric motor and a small battery can move the replica up to speeds of 28 km/h. With so many bricks plus the structural frame beneath, it comes to no surprise that the LEGO Toyota GR Supra replica weighs more than the actual car, tipping the scales at 1,885 kg, over 300 kg more! On the exterior, only the 19-inch forged alloy rims and Michelin tyres are items from the real \nToyota GR Supra\n.   Children who participate in the Legoland Japan Driving School will also receive a very cool Toyota Gazoo Racing \u201cSpecial Driving License\u201d and a commemorative block under this two-month campaign. \u00a0\nHere is a quick recap on the performance of the Toyota GR Supra- 3.0L turbocharged straight-six engine developing \n388 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and drive the rear wheels. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes just \n4.1 seconds\n. \u00a0\nThe Toyota Supra\u2019s BMW-sourced engine is said to develop more power than published. Find out how much power did the Supra register at the dyno shop!\nFor those who would like to assemble their own LEGO Toyota GR Supra, the LEGO Speed Champions Toyota GR Supra is priced at \nRM89.90\n and can be bought through \nLazada\n, \nShopee\n and at all LEGO certified stores!\nAs for the actual Toyota GR Supra, UMW Toyota Motor currently offers the sportscar from \nRM589,987\n inclusive of a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty. Watch our review of the Toyota GR Supra \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Just a week after they revealed the \nContinental GT and GTC S\n, Bentley is now completing the S family of models by bringing the same \u201cdramatic visual presence and heightened aural drama\u201d to the \nFlying Spur\n, with a new driver-focused S model for the four-door sedan.\nMuch like the Continental GT, the S treatment on the Bentley Flying Spur is largely just a styling exercise. It\u2019s characterised by the \u201cblack brightware\u201d (i.e. chrome delete) all around, with only the Bentley badge and lettering on the bootlid as the only shiny items remaining on the exterior.\nThe headlights and taillights are also tinted for a sportier look, and \u2013 perhaps more importantly \u2013 the Bentley Flying Spur S is also distinguished by two unique alloy wheel options in either 21- or 22-inches, with the red brake callipers peeking out from beneath.\nRELATED: Bentley expands Continental GT and GTC range with new \u2018S\u2019 model \nInside, there\u2019s a new two-tone combination upholstery, with leather used on the seat bolsters, door pads, and dashboard, while the suede-like Dinamica microfibre covers the steering wheel, gear lever, and seat cushions.\nThe seats are fluted as standard, but quilting is also available as an option if you\u2019re looking for a little more sophistication in your ride, while the S badge (or alternatively the Bentley wings) are embroidered on the headrests. Other unique interior details include new graphics on the instrument cluster borrowed from the \nContinental GT Speed\n, a metal S badge on the dashboard, and illuminated \u2018S\u2019 door sill plates.\nDespite being dubbed as the driver-focused model, the Bentley Flying Spur S unfortunately gets no increase in power. It is, however, offered in two powertrain options \u2013 a V8 option and a 2.9-litre V6 hybrid, making it the first time in the company\u2019s history that an S model is applied to a hybrid product.\nThe former gets a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine underneath its bonnet, with \n550 hp \nand \n770 Nm \non tap allowing for a century sprint time of\n four seconds\n and a top speed of\n 319 km/h\n (198 mph). The hybrid meanwhile combines a 2.9-litre V6 with an electric motor for a total of \n544 hp \nand \n750 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n4.1 seconds\n, while also giving it a 41 km EV range.\nAlthough power output is not increased, the sportier Flying Spur does at least get enhanced handling chops, thanks to the Dynamic Ride 48V system and electronic all-wheel steering that comes as standard with the S badge. The former uses an electrical system to apply up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll torque in 0.3 seconds to keep the body flat and stable under spirited cornering.\nAdditionally, the V8 models also get a redesigned sports exhaust for added \u201caural pleasure\u201d, but unfortunately those who go with the Hybrid S will need to settle for \u201csound enhancements\u201d (read: fake noise through the speakers) that\u2019s only available in Sport mode.\nThe Bentley Flying Spur S, together with the rest of the S family, will make an appearance at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed that\u2019s happening from 23 to 26 June, with the Flying Spur, GT, and GTC models taking part in the famous hill climb run as part of the First Glance class.\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Motors (SDM) today launched its Employee Mobility at Ease Programme (EMAEP), a new subscription programme designed specifically for all employees of Sime Darby Berhad and its subsidiaries in Peninsular Malaysia.\nThe programme is billed as an \u201cinnovative mobility solution\u201d, promising greater accessibility and flexibility to owning selected SDM franchise cars and used cars, with minimal or zero down payment.\nJust like a normal subscription service, the programme offers Sime Darby employees the convenience of owning a car, without the usual hassle of traditional car ownership such as depreciation costs. The fixed monthly fee not only covers the car, but also insurance, road tax, scheduled maintenance, as well as general wear and tear.\nWhat the programme stands out apart from the other consumer-facing subscription services, though, is that the lock-in period (or subscription term) is only a brief one year. Upon completing the tenure, the employees can then choose to either upgrade or switch to different models based on their needs.\nIs a vehicle subscription plan a good choice for fresh graduates? Check out our overview here!\nThe recently-launched Sime Darby Auto City, spanning 8.6 acres with six flagship 3S centres. Check it out here!\nThe cars from the EMAEP programme will then head to Sime Darby\u2019s used car arm, \nSime Darby Auto Selection\n\u2018s (SDAS) inventory, ensuring a constant supply of used cars to be sold off to the general public.\nCommenting on the launch of EMAEP, SDM Malaysia\u2019s Retail and Distribution Managing Director Jeffrey Gan said, \u201cThe modern marketplace is asking for mobility solutions, not just transportation and EMAEP is the logical response to society\u2019s changing mobility needs. EMAEP guarantees mobility and the joy of experiencing a new car every year, with peace of mind.\n\u201cSDM is constantly looking at ways in which we can leverage on our expertise and customer know-how to elevate our value proposition. This programme addresses customer\u2019s wants for convenience and choice but also complements our existing initiatives by SDAS to provide consistent and quality used car supply,\u201d he added.\u00a0\u00a0\nSDAS recently launched its \nnew online used car shopping platform\n, allowing customers to search from a wide range of high quality used cars, from used to nearly new vehicles. The cars on the platform are also not just limited to SDM\u2019s stable of franchise brands.\nAdditionally, SDAS also offers after sales service for cars sold through their platform, thanks to the new \nmulti-brand service centre\n in Glenmarie, Selangor. There\u2019s also a \nnew Extended Warranty programme\n available for pre-owned cars on its platform, offering extra piece of mind for customers.\nFor more information, visit Sime Darby Auto Selection\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n."
"No no no no no.this is unlikely a replacement for the last Lancer Evolution X that was last rolled out a few years ago \u2013 this does not in any way indicate the return of the Lancer Evolutions we all loved growing up. This follows after recent announcements that \nMitsubishi has joined the Alliance of Nissan and Renault\n.\nMitsubishi Motors will instead be projecting the brand\u2019s future direction with an exciting premier of the Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT at upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. It will be the first model to bear the Evolution name since it was discontinued with the Evo X.\nDetails have been scarce at the moment, but it will adopt Mitsubishi\u2019s signature \n4WD\n electric drivetrain with \u201c\nadvanced\u00a0Artificial Intelligence technology\n\u201c. Sporty credentials should be expected as Mitsubishi described it to be of a\u00a0\nlow-slung, highly-aerodynamic SUV Coup\u00e9 shape\n.\nMore details will follow as Mitsubishi announces what will be its new flagship concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of October."
"Bentley Kuala Lumpur has announced the arrival of the new \nBentayga V8 Design Series\n in Malaysia \u2013 a special edition model that combines \nMulliner exterior and interior styling\n. There is only one unit of the Design Series available in our market; at a cool RM1,045,000 before taxes and duties.\nKey features of the Bentayga includes the seven-spoke Paragon wheels from the Mulliner collection in Palladium. The wheels are also fitted with self-levelling badges also from the Mulliner collection \u2013 like the ones you\u2019d find in a Rolls-Royce.\nThe Designer Series V8 Bentayga is also dressed with Blackline trims as standard. As such, the Bentayga is differentiated with a body-coloured front bumper apron, twin gloss black tail pipes and Design Series badging on the lower section of the front doors.\nInside, the Bentayga Design Series is specified with a Duotone interior theme that\u2019s a blend of orange accents on a white Beluga hide. The highly distinctive orange accents that contrast against other colours in the cabin is a first on a Bentayga, introduced through the Design Series.\nThe Design Series also features all-new carbon fibre weaves on the dashboard and door panels. The weave is presented in a diamond-quilted pattern with a high gloss finish.\nThe Design Series Bentayga also comes with the Front Seat Comfort package that bundles heated and ventilated seats with massaging functions, electrical height adjustments and cushioned headrests and at the front is a diamond-jewelled Breitling clock, the centre-piece of the cabin.\nUnlike the \nW12 model we reviewed\n, the 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol-powered V8 in the Design Series makes 550 hp and 770 Nm of torque with 0 to 100 km/h done in just 4.4 seconds.\n \nGALLERY"
"That is quite a lot of legroom! Photographed in this clean workshop, Porsche seems to have cut a Taycan into half and trying to make a super-stretched limousine for a special customer.\nNot quite. In fact, this is just another day\u2019s work at Porsche\u2019s interior engineering department. The team led by Klaus Bernhard is busy projecting the future needs of customers onto a car that doesn\u2019t yet exist.\nBernhard and his team are experts in ergonomics and use the \nPackage Functioning Model (PFM)\n to recreate as closely as possible to the ideal finished product. PFM\u2019s internal \u2018seating box\u2019 allows Bernhard to enact all the daily interactions the users might experience.\n\u201cGetting into the car, how you feel inside, getting out again \u2013 we evaluate everything. These are the things you have to actually experience because just a few millimetres can make a difference between feeling comfortable or not,\u201d Bernhard elaborates. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe PFM in this particular setting is modelled for the upcoming \nPorsche Taycan Cross Turismo\n. The main aim of the Taycan Cross Turismo is the increase in space, flexibility and versatility. This is the second Porsche sedan model to have a sporty fastback profile (some will debate that it\u2019s an estate/station wagon), the first being the \nPanamera Sport Turismo\n.\nL-R: The Panamera Sport Turismo, the upcoming Taycan Cross Turismo and the Taycan 4S.\nHead of the Taycan model line, Stefan Weckbach said the company developed a completely new roofline, added roof rails, more generous passenger space and a bigger trunk for this model.\n\u201cWe have also increased the ground clearance and optimised our suspension system so the Cross Turismo comes with a cross utility vehicle specific driving mode. This make sure it does well on gravel roads in terms of stability, performance and dynamics,\u201d added Weckbach.\nMeanwhile, Bernhard and his team have worked closely with the engineers and designers to optimise the best boot space for both usability as well as volume. Capacity is essential, but so too is the size and shape of the objects likely to be consuming it.\n \nThe fully-electric \nPorsche Taycan\n, with prices in Malaysia starting \nfrom RM 585k\n, has had an amazing first year of \nsales\n, and the addition of a more usable Cross Turismo will only further solidify Porsche\u2019s lead in the premium electric vehicle segment."
"There are many reasons to get excited with the \nFord GT\n. Not only is the GT downright beautiful to the eyes, but now, it has a special meter cluster that actually takes all that up a notch. The Ford GT is the first Ford to receive an all-new 10-inch\u00a0high-resolution digital gauge.\nThe digital gauges were inspired by real race cars, each displaying crisp, high-res graphics. The tachometer bar is now located at the top and runs from left to right. The speed and gear displays are most prominent, and as the image suggests, the Ford GT could even go up to \n346 km/h\n!\nA total of five modes are offered \u2013\u00a0\nNormal, Wet, Sport, Track\n and\n V-Max\n. Each individual mode will display relevant information that the system deems most essential to the driver.\u00a0In both Sport and Track mode, the gear selection screen will take centre stage, moving the speedometer to the side. As for the V-Max mode, the speedometer is the prioritised info.\nThe good news is, this digital cluster will be fitted onto other Ford vehicles in the future. Now can you imagine that!\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n V-Max mode\n \n Wet mode\n \n Track mode\n \n Normal mode"
"EVs can be pretty dang fun, as we\u2019ve \nexperienced with the Porsche Taycan\n \u2013 but that\u2019s not exactly what most people think of when you say \u201celectric\u201d. So in an effort to \u201crebrand\u201d EVs, Audi has now enlisted the help of a certain \nKen Block \nto help convince the non-believers.\n \nUnless you\u2019ve been living under a rock, you\u2019ll most definitely know who Ken Block is. But just in case, here\u2019s a quick recap: Ken Block is a 53-year-old drifting extraordinaire most known for his over-the-top \nGymkhana videos\n on YouTube.\nHe\u2019s a rally driver by trade, and has competed in the World Rally Championships and World Rallycross Championships (and the electric Projekt E counterpart) with his team, Hoonigan Racing Division. Got it? Great.\nKen Block is apparently stepping away from Gymkhana videos, and has passed the torch to Travis Pastrana. Read more here.\nKen Block, Audi V8 quattro (DTM)\nKen Block says that the partnership with Audi closes a circle for him, as watching the Audi Quattro\u2019s dominate in the WRC was what inspired him to become a rally driver himself.\n\u201cAudi is the brand that ignited my passion for motorsport. I am extremely excited to start this new chapter,\u201d said Block. \u201cTogether, we will develop innovative projects and push the boundaries of electric mobility.\u201d\nKen Block, Audi Sport quattro S1\nExactly what the partnership entails hasn\u2019t been made clear yet, but Audi says that the 53-year-old drifting extraordinaire will work with the brand on \u201cexclusive joint projects in the field of electric mobility\u201d \u2013 whatever that means.\nWhat we think truly convinced Block, though, was the chance to finally drive some of the brand\u2019s most historic race and rally cars, including the Audi Sport Quattro S1, Audi V8 Quattro, and the e-Tron Vision Gran Turismo, which he already did on his very first visit to Audi HQ.\nWe\u2019re kidding, but still \u2013 let\u2019s hope that the video footage for the drives will see the light of day soon, preferably in the Gymkhana style.\nKen Block is selling his \u201cdream car\u201d collection, including two Gymkhana Ford Fiestas. Check them out here.\nKen Block, Audi RS e-tron GT\nKen Block was also given the keys to the \nAudi RS e-tron GT\n during his visit, the most powerful fully-electric car currently in the brand\u2019s model line-up \u2013 and of course, he only had good things to say.\n\u201cThe Audi RS e-Tron GT really surprised me. The design is exquisite with great attention to detail and a perfect finish. The driving experience is amazing: the car is incredibly fast and handles very well. The centre of gravity is very low so you can change direction quickly.\u201d\nKen Block, Audi RS Q e-tron\n\u201cElectric mobility is the future,\u201d says Block. \u201cI see the electric car as a leap forward for us as a society in order to create something that can not only reduce emissions and hopefully make the planet a better place, but not only that: it\u2019s also about performance.\n\u201cI love anything that makes me go faster. Electric cars can do that. And as far as sound goes, I have kids who don\u2019t care about that. They think that the sound of electric cars is just as cool as the sound of internal combustion engines.\u201d\nKen Block, Henrik Wenders, Oliver Hoffmann, Audi RS e-tron GT\n\u201cKen Block shares our love of performance,\u201d says Head of Audi Brand Henrik Wenders. \u201cHe has the ability to inspire people. With his progressive thinking, he will accompany us on our way into an electrifying future. Welcome to the team!\u201d\nBack in January, Block announced the end of his 11-year-long partnership with Ford Performance, who supplied many of the fuel-guzzling, tyre-slaying drift monsters featured in his Gymkhana videos. Perhaps his stint with the electric rally cars in the RX Projekt E series and the 2020 Dakar Rally has finally convinced him to dive into EVs.\nHopefully, that means we\u2019ll still be seeing more tyre smoke madness in his Gymkhana videos, just without the engine noise \u2013 ironically similar to what Ford has done with the \nMach-E 1400\n."
"Previously we talked about the \nexterior lighting of the all-new Kia Seltos\n, and why it was so unique. This time we take a look at the unique lighting system inside the cabin and other features the Kia Seltos will come with.\nThe range-topping GT Line will be fitted with a \nSound Mood Lighting System\n, a first in the Kia SUV segment. This system emits a soft light from unique 3D-patterned surface panels located on the door cards.\nThe uniqueness of the Sound Mood Lighting system is that it emits \npulses according to the beat of the music played in the cabin\n, and it comes with eight customisable colours and six themes to illuminate the cabin.\nAside from the above, the Kia Seltos GT Line will come equipped with 8-way power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat with 2-way lumbar support, and for additional comfort, both driver and passenger will get ventilated front seats.\nTo further enhance the driving experience, the Kia Seltos GT Line will feature a \nHeads Up Display (HUD)\n and 7.0-inch colour Supervision display multi-info display in the instrument cluster that will be able to display a variety of information such as the vehicle\u2019s speed, radio stations/playlist and cruise control information.\nSitting proudly on the centre console is the 8.0-inch infotainment with \nAndroid Auto and Apple CarPlay\n connectivity. Below the Automatic Climate Control, the Kia Seltos GT Line gets a wireless charging pad.\nOn the exterior, the GT Line will sport LED headlights, LED fog lights, a glossy black grille, front parking sensors, LED rear combination lights, and sportier 17-inch dual-tone alloy rims.\nThe EX variant, on the other hand, shares quite a bit with GT Line such as LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy rims, 8.0-inch infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a six speaker audio system, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, cruise control, self-dimming rear-view mirror, rear air-con vents, stability control and six airbags.\nBoth variants of the Kia Seltos will be powered by a 1.6-Litre Gamma naturally-aspirated MPI four-cylinder engine, offering\u00a0\n123 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n151 Nm\n. The petrol mill will be paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nThe Kia Seltos is\u00a0\nnow available for booking\n\u00a0at selected Kia showrooms nationwide; the full list of participating showrooms can be found\u00a0\nhere\n. Following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Just last week we saw Audi roll out the most brutal variant of the A3 range \u2013 the \nRS3 Sportback\n. While the five-cylinder beast shreds its tyres alongside the fearsome A45 AMG, its lesser siblings, the \nA3 and S3 sedans\n have done themselves some good at the US NCAP crash test, effectively making them among the safest vehicles in its class.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi A3 1.4 TFSI Sedan\nAudi A3 1.8 TFSI Sedan\nAudi S3 TFSI Sedan\nSegment\nLuxury C-Segment\nEngine\n1,395cc; turbocharged inline 4-cyl\n1,798cc; turbocharged inline 4-cyl\n1,984cc; turbocharged inline 4-cyl\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch (dry) automatic\n6-speed dual clutch (wet) automatic\n6-speed dual clutch (wet) automatic\nMax Power; Max Torque\n122 hp @ 5,000 rpm;\u00a0200 Nm @ 1,400 rpm\n180 hp @ 5,100 rpm; 280 Nm @ 1,350 rpm\n300 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 380 Nm @ 1,800 rpm\nPrice\nRM179,900\n\u00a0(OTR without insurance)\nRM240,888\n\u00a0(OTR without insurance)\nN/A\n\u00a0\nLike all other crash tests, cars undergoing the US NCAP crash test will be fitted with crash test dummies to measure bodily impacts in the event of a crash. The A3 and S3 sedans both repeatedly\u00a0went through rigorous frontal, side and rollover tests.\nThe five star rating is strictly limited to cars that provide the greatest amount of crash protection and rollover safety beyond the required US federal law.\nOn a side note, the \nA3 Sportback e-tron\n, Audi\u2019s first e-tron (plug-in hybrid vehicle) model also earned a five-star crash safety rating but from Euro NCAP.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\n is set to launch in Malaysia \nsometime around June this year\n, but it won\u2019t actually be the same car that was shown off in the \npreview last year\n. Instead, we\u2019ll be getting an \u2018all-new\u2019 version, dubbed the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which has just made its official debut in China last week.\nChery \nsays that it\u2019s an all-new generation model, although having seen it in person in Wuhu, China, we\u2019re more inclined to call it a major facelift update \u2013 think the\n facelift for the third-generation Toyota Vios\n. Anyway, we digress.\nOn the outside, the new 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro now wears a \u201cgalaxy\u201d-inspired front grille, with new prism-shaped inserts on the mesh, drawing your attention to the new illuminated Chery emblem.\nRound the back, the Tiggo 8 Pro is also now fitted with a new full-width tail light, alongside a fancy-looking third brake light that\u2019s integrated into the roof-mounted spoiler. The wheels are also now 19-inch items, an inch bigger than the previous unit seen during the local preview. However, that can still change depending on the final equipment list for the Malaysia-specification car.\nWhile the styling updates does make the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro look quite a bit better (in our opinion), the main highlight on this 2023 model is actually on the inside. The updated seven-seater SUV now gets a completely reworked dashboard, featuring a more horizontal layout and a neater dual-screen set-up atop.\nThe bottom level of the multi-tiered dashboard design houses the new touch-sensitive climate control buttons, eschewing the weirdly old-school sci-fi secondary screen from the outgoing model for a much more modern design. Look closer, and you\u2019ll start to find some Mercedes-inspired details, including the push-start button, door card designs, and Burmester-style speaker grilles.\nRELATED: \nChery Malaysia to begin CKD production in June, Tiggo 8 Pro launch expected in July\nTo be fair, these small details do really help give the new 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro a much more premium look and feel \u2013 even the switches on the new flat-bottomed steering wheel also come with detailed knurling. And it\u2019s not just looks, either \u2013 on the range topping variants, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro even comes with a high-end Sony sound system.\nThe Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max will be offered with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four powertrains over in China, but for Malaysia, we\u2019ll only be getting the bigger 2.0-litre mill. Outputs are unchanged from before, at \n250 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nChery Malaysia has also confirmed the arrival of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant for the Tiggo 8 Pro, which will be making its official debut in the country late-2023. The PHEV\u2019s powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, two electric motors, as well as what the marque calls a 3DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) gearbox, for a combined output of\n 241 hp\n and\n 510 Nm\n.\nPricing for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia is not confirmed yet, but rumours are suggesting a figure of around the RM160,000 mark. Either way, you can expect it to be priced similarly to the \nHonda CR-V\n, which the company is naming it as its chief competitor, despite it being only a five-seater SUV compared to the Tiggo 8 Pro\u2019s seven seats.\nALSO READ: \nChery to produce 30,000 cars annually in Malaysia CKD plant\nGALLERY"
"The local automotive landscape is like a hearty plate of Nasi Lemak \u2013 made up of diverse ingredients that culminate into something that is unmistakably Malaysian.\nOn the eve of our long-awaited Malaysia Day holiday, we have compiled a list of vehicles that define us. While they may not be of local origins or manufacture, they\u2019ve been every bit as Malaysian as the Nasi Lemak.\n\u00a01. Land Rovers of Cameron Highlands\nImage Source: http://youmustroam.com/malaysia/cameron-highlands-heaven-and-hell/\nThere is a large concentration of \nSeries 1 and 2 Land Rovers\n at Cameron Highlands. Beaten up by rust, dirt and the elements, these 7,000 Land Rovers have soldiered on to serve the local agricultural industry despite being way past their prime.\nAccording to this amazing piece from \nRoad and Track\n, owners pay only 10 percent of road tax, with the caveat that these Land Rovers never leave the Cameron Highlands. Safe to say they are fated to deliver fresh produce\u00a0and supplies until their demise, if that day ever comes. Calling these trusty workhorses resilient would be an understatement.\nImage source: https://www.pinterest.com/antoinecst/land-rover-series/\nAs Land Rover does not have an official workshop at Cameron Highlands, it\u2019s the owner\u2019s ingenuity that keeps those Landies working. Salvaging engines and parts from Japanese makes are common, and sometimes, a hammer is all it takes to fix them.\nImage source: http://two-scenic-cyclists.com\nSimply put, there could be no better testament to the hardiness of Land Rovers than those found in Cameron Highland.\n2. Nissan Sentra Genting Taxis\nImage Source: Nissan\nThe roads that lead to the country\u2019s sole (hillside) casino is known to put a smile on keen drivers. However, if there was a group of drivers who can zip up and down the winding roads up the hilly resort, with finesse that would shame the boy racers, it would be the Genting taxi drivers in their \nNissan Sentra B13.\nThese Sentras of the early 90\u2019s were family sedans with no sporting credentials \u2013 its\n 1.6-litre\n engine produced a modest\n 110 hp\n. The combination of their lightweight construction and the driver\u2019s experience through the winding section have made them some of the slickest vehicles up the hill. Some have gone as far as to say that the downhill rides in those taxis have been no less exhilarating than a game of Baccarat.\nSadly, these taxis are no longer around. So the urban legend about a Sentra taxi outgunning cars worth 10 times its value will never be verified.\n3.\u00a0\nMercedes 911 Lorry\nIn the 80s, a robust German workhorse helped build the country. Known as \u201c\nKurzhauber\n\u201d (short-bonnet), this truck can be seen in rural areas hauling timber, oil palm and construction materials.   The truck\u2019s cab is sheltered only with a wooden roof as some even had their doors removed. These things are so basic that some put in makeshift chairs to make it more comfortable with a simple dash mounted fan being the only luxury. Whatever you make of it, drivers swore by it because it just slogs faithfully without a complain, and it has helped put food on their tables, with credit to the 3 pointed star.\n4. Bas Mini Wilayah\nImage Source: http://www.seniorsaloud.com/2015/11/\nThe Thais have tuk-tuks and the Filipinos have the Jeepneys; KL-ites relied on a certain \npink mini bus\n to get around back in the day. These compact buses were pretty basic \u2013 air conditioning was unheard of, and the recommended capacity of 25 was merely a suggestion.\nManned by a two-person driver and conductor crew, the latter used to squeeze in as many passengers as possible, while the former made sure that you\u2019d reach your destination in record time. The spectacle of these buses zipping through traffic was enough reason for tourists to visit KL!\nImage Source: Ruby.my\nWhile monorails and modern city buses have proven to be safer, quicker and more reliable, these mini buses provided an economical means of transportation and fond memories for city folks of yesteryear.\n5. Roti Bike\nImage Source: https://smpeters5.wordpress.com/tag/kuala-lumpur/\nA motorcycle laden with \nbread and snacks\n with a rhythmic honking manner was a common sight in kampungs, residential areas, and flats. Generations of Malaysians have relied on this \nroti bike\n for literally their bread and butter.If you think balancing that huge load on a \u201ckapcai\u201d is hard work, don\u2019t forget they have to brave the erratic Malaysian weather to bring food to you.\nLike most traditional industries, the roti bike is gradually ceasing because of stiff competition from hypermarkets and convenience stores. The emergence of avocado toast is not helping these humble sellers either.\nImage Source: https://hiveminer.com/Tags/malaysia%2Crotiman\nBut to the few who are still plying the trade, they are fuelled by the children\u2019s joyous smiles.\nSo, there you go, 5 vehicles that are no-less Malaysian than Malaysian manufactured vehicles. Meanwhile, do share with us which vehicles we might have missed out on.\nHappy birthday, Malaysia."
"BMW Group Malaysia has just announced that the \nBMW M4 Coup\u00e9\n will be the\n\u00a0Official Safety Car\n for the upcoming \nMalaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix\n that will take place next week, from \n24 to 26 October\n at the\n Sepang International Circuit\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW M4\u00a0\nCoup\u00e9\n \nSegment\nC-Segment, 2-Door\u00a0Coup\u00e9\nEngine\n2,979cc, inline 6, M TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n431hp @ 5,500-7,300\u00a0rpm\nMax Torque\n550Nm @ 1,850\u20135,500\u00a0rpm\nPrice\n\u00a0RM 748,800\n \n\u00a0\nThe BMW M4\u00a0Coup\u00e9 was \nquietly introduced\n to a few potential customers at the Sepang Circuit, together with its four-door compatriot, the M3 Sedan. Both models get the same \n3.0-litre inline-six\n cylinder engine featuring BMW\u2019s \nM TwinPower Turbo\n technology that makes \n431 horsepower\n and \n550 Nm of torque\n. As for the Safety Car M4, \nno changes\n have been made under the hood, so the numbers are equal to that of the production model M4.   For those who are keen to see the Safety Car\n\u00a0in the flesh\n, you can head on over to \nGlenmarie\u2019s Auto Bavaria\n on \n23 October\n (Thursday) at \n2pm\u00a0\nto catch the special showcase of the said M4\u00a0Coup\u00e9.\nBMW Motorrad Malaysia\n will also be present over the MotoGP weekend at SIC, with their latest offering \u2013 \nspecial lower seating kit\n variants of the\u00a0\nBMW F800GS\n, \nR1200GS\n and \nR1200GS Adventure\n motorcycles.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has officially launched the long-range version of their best-selling electric vehicle. The \nNissan Leaf e+\n boasts increased driving range courtesy of a larger battery pack as well as increased output from the electric motor.\nJuicing the Leaf e+ is a newly developed 62-kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers 55% more capacity and 25% improved energy density while retaining the similar dimensions to the 40-kWh battery pack on the standard Leaf. This significantly boosts the Leaf e+ driving range to \n384 km\n from 285 km based on the WLTP combined cycle.\nMax output is also bumped from 147 hp and 320 Nm to \n217 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n from the revised electric motor. Century sprint is now dispatched in \n6.9 seconds\n with a higher top speed of \n158 km/h\n. However, Nissan says the benefit of the increased output is in the acceleration where going from 80 km/h to 120 km/h is now 13% faster compared to the regular Leaf.\nOther than the 5 mm increased overall height, the packaging and features of the Leaf remains unchanged. Items you\u2019ll find include 17-inch alloys, 8.0-inch touchscreen NissanConnect infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Remote Climate Control, dual-tone exterior paintwork and Nissan\u2019s ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving technology.\nPrices for the\nlong-range Nissan Leaf e+ starts from \u00a335,895 (RM190k) before UK Government incentives.\nWhen converted into Malaysian Ringgit with duties and all the relevant taxes applied,\nwe may be looking at a price point of over RM250k, which is overly optimistic for\na hatchback.\nHence, we can be certain that the variant Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will be \nlaunching for the Malaysian market\n will be the standard 40-kWh Nissan Leaf with 285 km of range (WLTP combined cycle).\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Leaf e+ in Scarlet Ember Tintcoat"
"It\u2019s only been a couple of days since BMW South Korea caused a big hoohah on the internet, for introducing subscription fees for the heated seats in their cars. But \nBMW Malaysia\n has also now followed suit by introducing several new subscriptions on its ConnectedDrive Store, for things that are already built into the car you bought.\nThis isn\u2019t the first time that BMW Malaysia has attempted the subscription model. Back when Apple CarPlay was introduced on BMW models here in Malaysia in 2019, the company also \nintroduced a monthly subscription fee\n for the feature, before (partly) walking back on it following the \nbrand\u2019s global directives caused by customer outrage\n.\nClick to enlarge \u2013 a snapshot of the BMW ConnectedDrive Store as of 14/7/2022.\nThe \u201cApple CarPlay Preparation\u201d is still listed on the ConnectedDrive Store with a one-time fee of RM1,299, that\u2019s meant for older cars that did not already have the feature enabled from the factory. But today\u2019s news is not that, because BMW Malaysia has added even more items onto the store, including ones for actual driving-related items such as the Adaptive M suspension at RM1,880 \u2013 something that you\u2019ve probably already paid for, when they installed the part into your car in the factory.\nOwners of BMW electric vehicles like the\n iX \nand\n iX3 \nwill also need to pay RM640 for the \nHans Zimmer-made IconicSounds Sport \npackage, and a USB Map Update for the on-board navigation system will set you back RM269 per year.\nThose aren\u2019t even the most egregious ones in the list, too, because they\u2019re still a one-time fee after all. How about the Driving Assistant Plus ADAS system, which came as standard on most recent BMW models in Malaysia, now costing RM170 a month to use (RM1,690 annually, RM2,640 for a three-year subscription, or a RM3,750 one-time fee)?\nOther new subscription items that are now listed on the ConnectedDrive Store also include:\nHigh beam assistant \u2013 RM40 monthly, RM370 per year, RM550 per three years, or RM800 for unlimited access\nFront seat heating \u2013 RM80 monthly, RM780 per year, RM1,230 per three years, or RM1,750 for unlimited access\nSteering wheel heating \u2013 RM50 per month, RM410 per year, RM690 per three years, or RM950 for unlimited access\nBMW Drive Recorder \u2013 RM55 per month, RM235 per year, RM549 per three years, or RM1,239 for unlimited access\nGranted, all of these subscription items do offer a one-month free trial, and items such as the heated seats and steering wheel would probably never be used in our climate anyway. But charging extra on a monthly basis for items that are already technically paid for, in a car that you own, still does leave a sour taste in our mouths.\nBMW\u2019s justification for these subscription services is that customers can save money by paying for items only when they need it. But what do you think about them? Let us know in the comments below."
"In case you\u2019re wondering, the \n600LT\n is essentially a more extreme version of the \nMcLaren 570S\n. The LT on the other hand, stands for \u201cLongtail\u201d which was formerly a designation for the McLaren F1 GTR race car and has since been applied onto the likes of the \n675LT\n.\nThe McLaren 600LT is home to a reworked 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an output of\n 600 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque. Power is delivered through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission to the rear wheels, with 0 to 100 km/h taking just\n 2.9 seconds\n \u2013 0.1 seconds slower than the \nFerrari 812 Superfast\n \u2013 and before you know it, 200 km/h will arrive just under five seconds later.\nThe McLaren 600LT Coupe goes for\n RM998,000\n before you start weighing in the taxes and options, which will be plenty as you\u2019ll see in this video.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 600LT in Malaysia"
"Volvo once announced that by 2020, no one should be killed or seriously injured in their cars. In achieving that, they\u2019ve announced a new addition to their SPA2 vehicle platforms due in the early 2020s \u2013 in-car cameras.\nIntoxication and distraction\n has been singled out as the two primary areas of concern for traffic safety. Figures by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have shown that in the U.S., \nalmost 30% of all road fatalities in vehicles in 2017 involved intoxicated drivers\n.\n \nDetails on the exact amount of cameras and their positions in the cabin have yet to be announced but Volvo says these sensors and in-cameras will monitor the driver and allow the car to intervene if the driver is detected to be intoxicated or distracted and did not respond to warning signals.\nWhen the sensors detect a complete lack of steering input for extended periods of time, drivers having their eyes closed, weaving across lanes or reacting too slowly, the system will intervene.\nThese interventions could involve limiting the car\u2019s speed, alerting the Volvo on Call assistance service and actively slowing down and safely parking the car \u2013 remotely.\nThis follows after the brand\u2019s announcement recently that they\u2019d be \nlimiting the top speed on all its cars to 180 km/h from 2021\n. Although the company did say that it will look into \nwhether car makers have the right or even obligation to install such systems\n in cars.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been nearly five years since David Coulthard, Red Bull ambassador and 13-time Grand Prix winner, performed donuts on the Burj Al Arab helipad in Dubai and they\u2019re at it again.\nThis time on a\u00a0700-foot high, 1000 Museum building in Miami, in efforts to promote the Formula 1 race in Austin, Texas this weekend.\nThe race car used was the double title-winning Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB7, driven by Sebastian Vettel en route to winning the 2011 Driver\u2019s title. Alongside Mark Webber, the duo even went on to clinch the Constructor\u2019s title in the same year.\nGetting the car up to the helipad was as challenging as the task of \u201cserving donuts\u201d itself; it had to be carefully craned up to the 63rd floor of the building in downtown Miami \u2013 with help of a 100-strong crew.\nThis, however, is not the first time the Red Bull team had successfully pulled off such a daring stunt. After clinching their \u201cquadruple double\u201d, winning the Driver\u2019s and Constructor\u2019s title for the fourth consecutive year (2010-2014), the team celebrated their remarkable feat by becoming the first to do donuts on the Burj Al Arab helipad.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor\n has just unveiled a new set of accessories from Tomei for the \nNissan Almera Turbo\n, which \u2013 for a limited time \u2013 will now come as a complementary free gift on all new purchases of the B-segment sedan here in Malaysia.\nThe Tomei kit is priced at RM8,000, although they will come with different items depending on which variant you choose. Starting with the base VL and VLP variants, the package includes an aerokit consisting of two-tone bumper extensions and boot lid spoiler, ICE Cool window tint film, and sports pedals for the driver \u2013 the latter also comes with a foot rest.\nMoving up to the range-topping VLT variant will net you the additional door handle protectors, Almera-branded door sill plates, as well as door visors, in addition to what\u2019s already available on the standard base kit. The Nissan Almera Turbo VLT already comes as standard with a boot lid spoiler, but if you still want to spruce it up even more, you can also opt for a Tomei GT wing for an extra RM1,400 (also available on the VL and VLP).\nAll of these Tomei accessories and body kit will come with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty. Existing Nissan Almera Turbo owners can also have these accessories fitted on, at the aforementioned RM8,000 price tag.\nALSO WATCH: \nHow far can we travel in the Nissan Almera Turbo with just RM50 of fuel?\nThe Nissan Almera Turbo is not exactly new any more, with it being launched here in Malaysia back in 2020, so a new shiny body kit could help the B-segment sedan feel just a bit fresher.\nThree variants are available on offer, although all of them are powered by the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, making \n100 hp\n and \n152 Nm\n. Autonomous emergency braking is also standard across all variants, although the fancier features such as blind-spot monitor and 360-degree surround view monitor are only available on the higher-end variants.\nPricing for the Nissan Almera Turbo starts from RM83,888 (on-the-road, without insurance) for the entry-level VL variant, moving up to \nRM89,888\n and\n RM95,888\n for the VLP and VLT variants respectively.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Nissan Almera finally reaches the Philippines \u2013 factory-fitted N-Sport body kit!"
"Last week, \nPrime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad personally sampled the soon-to-be-launched Proton SUV\n in the close to production right-hand drive (RHD) guise. The premier was \nimpressed by the SUV\u2019s\n quality and finds it to be a perfect car for the Malaysian market.\nShortly after that, a video clip of Tun Mahathir sampling the Voice Command system of the SUV surfaced onto his official YouTube channel. The PM closed the sunroof by simply saying \u201cHi Proton, close the sunroof\u201d to which the Voice Command system replied, \u201cThe sunroof is closed\u201d.\nA presumably Proton personnel demonstrated various other functions that can be controlled via \nVoice Command\n such as turning on the radio, changing the tuner channel and adjusting the volume of the sound system. In China, the \nGeely Boyue\n can also operate the climate control functions via voice chat, albeit in the Mandarin language.\nDespite the system shown in the video operate using the English language, it is certain that Proton is working around the clock to roll out a Bahasa Melayu compatible system. After all, the Malay language is the nation\u2019s National Language. The system will first be English compatible simply because the system is already readily available on other Geely Group models.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nTun Mahathir Test Drives Proton SUV RHD"
"TRD has revealed the a variety of F Sport goodies for the\n Lexus ES\n and we want it bad! Not only does it extend the lifespan of the ES, which has been around for years now, but it has also turned a \u2018premium uncle sedan\u2019 into one that even a learner driver would want.\nThe \u2018sport parts list\u2019 as Lexus puts it, consists of 10 different items including an Aerodynamics Package, wheels, and a sports muffler.\nThe 2021 Lexus ES facelift finally gets a touchscreen infotainment system! Read about it here!\nThe Aerodynamics Package includes a front splitter, side skirts, side mirror caps, a sports muffler, and rear diffuser.\nReview: Lexus ES 250 Luxury \u2013 Effortless opulence. Check out our review of the Camry\u2019s cousin here!\nThe front splitter is said to reduce drag, and channel air under the car and towards the side. It also helps improve stability and traction with better downforce.\nThe side skirts and side mirror caps continue to channel air towards the rear while the latter also reduces wind noise in the cabin by directing air away from the side windows more efficiently. The sports muffler and rear diffuser come hand-in-hand; the latter helps improve airflow out of the undercarriage for better stability.\nTRD\u2019s new collection also comes with new shoes for the ES made from forged aluminium. They\u2019re available in two different sizes \u2013 19 and 20 inches. To further improve the ES\u2019 handling,\n as if TNGA hasn\u2019t already\n, TRD is also selling a set of braces for the ES\u2019 undercarriage. This helps increase the rigidity of the chassis for better control and road holding.\nVideo: Here\u2019s how Toyota\u2019s TNGA is transforming their new cars.watch it here!\nInside lies a visual enhancement (by the door armrests) that even Lexus would be proud of. It features an Arrowhead monogram, a symbolic motif of Lexus, that consists of more than 70,000 lines laser-etched by hand.\nPrices range from 35,200 Yen (approx. RM1,300) to 959,600 Yen (approx. RM36,000). For more info on the \u2018sports parts list\u2019, click \nhere\n!\n GALLERY"
"Naza Kia Malaysia has revealed at a private media event their plans to introduce the turbodiesel variant of the \nfourth-generation Kia Sportage\n.\nAs a recap, Kia Malaysia is currently selling two variants of the SUV \u2013\u00a0KX 2WD and GT 2WD. Both variants are powered by the same 2.0-litre Nu MPI four-cylinder that develops \n152 hp\n and \n192 Nm\n of torque. Paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels.\nWhen the diesel powered Sportage comes, it will be the range topping model in all-wheel drive (AWD) wearing the GT trim. The engine of choice is a 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel pushing out \n182 hp\n and a whopping \n400 Nm\n of torque. Power is permanently sent to all four wheels via a six-speed slush box. Fuel economy is rated at \n6.5 litres of diesel per 100 km\n.\nIt will get HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, quad LED fog lamps and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard. Inside, there\u2019s leather seats, keyless entry and push-start, dual zone automatic climate control, powered seats and paddle shifters. Expect the same, if not more equipment to be fitted here.   The Sportage scores a maximum 5-star crash safety rating at Euro NCAP (regardless of variants) thanks to an impressive safety kit comprised of six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and VSM, hill-start assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Emergency Stop Signal.\nWith the increasing availability of the cleaner Euro 5 diesel and soaring petrol prices, perhaps now\u2019s the right time to look into a diesel powered car. Question is, which would you put your money on, the Kia Sportage CRDi, \nMazda CX-5 SkyActiv-D\n or the\u00a0\nHyundai Tucson CRDi\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSportage GT"
"After numerous closed doors previews for loyal customers and media, Proton has finally revealed their first-ever SUV in full at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, marking the first-ever public debut of the\u00a0\nProton X70.\nWearing the brand\u2019s first-ever alphanumerical model designation, the X70 is the first car to come into reality after Proton\u2019s new partnership with China automaker, Geely. Three out of \nfour variants\n are on display here at the Proton booth \u2013 Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD.   All variants spot the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode (no option for paddle shifters). With \n183 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of twist available, 2WD variants of the X70 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds with a rated fuel consumption of \n7.8L /100 km\n.\nThe X70 also features a Drive Mode selector that allows the driver to alter the transmission and steering characteristics into three drive modes \u2013 Eco, Normal and Sport. The LCD instrument cluster also changes the display hue to Green, Blue and Red.\nIn the Executive and Premium models, the car comes equipped with LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED combination taillamps, roof rails, keyless entry/start and a manual operated tailgate. On the Executive variants, it rides on 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. One little surprise Proton had in store for KLIMS 2018 is the upgraded 19-inch alloys on the Premium variant, shod in 225/55 profile Continental UC6 SUV rubbers.\nInside, the models displayed all share the similar cabin design and layout \u2013 LCD instrument cluster, black leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel, 360-degree surround view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air ioniser, \n8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with Voice Command\n, six USB charging ports, rear air vents.   The Premium 2WD variant gets even more bells and whistle such as Brown Nappa leather seats, panoramic sunroof, nine-speaker Kenwood surround sound system as well as a powered function for the front passenger seats.\nSafety-wise, all variants of the X70 comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX mounting points.\nThe Premium 2WD gets the full suite of \nAdvanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)\n that adds Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (under 30 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (operable between 30 to 150 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW \u2013 emphasis on the warning), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as front and rear parking sensors. This earns the X70 the full \n5-Star ASEAN ANCAP Crash Safety Rating\n.\nDepending on the variant, the X70 is available in five different exterior shades \u2013 Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red\nProton did not reveal their pricing strategy for the highly anticipated SUV at KLIMS 2018, saving the grand reveal for a later date. However, the company has assured that the Proton X70 will be officially launched before we enter a new calendar year.\nThe X70 is available for bookings at all Proton showrooms nationwide as well as \nonline\n. Come on over to KLIMS 2018 to touch and feel Proton\u2019s turnaround product and decide whether you want to be one of the early birds to put your money down for one.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nProton X70 Premium 2WD at KLIMS 2018   Proton X70 Executive 4WD at KLIMS 2018   Proton X70 Executive 2WD at KLIMS 2018"
"With the launch of the updated C-Class range,\nit is only a matter of time before the top of the line Mercedes-AMG C 63 gets a\nrefreshed with all the latest goodies.\nAs with its range of AMG vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has unleashed both the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan and Coupe at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).\nQUICK\nFACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan\nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe\nEngine\n4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n510 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n700 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.0 seconds; 290 km/h\n3.9 seconds; 290 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM 768,888\nRM 820,888\nResting under the hood of these \nC-Klasse \nis the same M177 \n4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n generating \n510 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. A new \n9-speed AMG Speedshift 9G MCT\n automatic is tasked to transfer power exclusively to the rear wheels. With launch control engaged, the Coupe will go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.9 seconds\n while the Sedan manages a touch slower at 4.0 seconds \u2013 still ridiculously fast for a family saloon. Top speed is electronically limited to \n290 km/h\n on both cars.\nThe \nAMG Dynamic Select\n system has also been retuned on the facelifted cars, now featuring a new \u201cSlippery\u201d mode for maximum traction on slippery conditions, joining the existing Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and \nRace\n.\nAs for styling, our local-spec vehicles come as standard with \nPanamericana grille\n, Multibeam LED headlamps, AMG Night package, AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package, AMG lip spoiler, red painted brake calipers and 19-inch AMG alloys \u2013 cross spoke design for the Sedan and five-twin-spoke design for the Coupe.\nStepping inside, both cars are updated with a \n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, AMG Performance steering wheel, powered front AMG Performance bucket seats with memory function, heads-up display, \n64-colour ambient lighting\n, Burmester Surround sound system and a powered sunroof.\nSafety wise, the C 63 S twin gets the \nDriving Assistance Package\n which bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pilot Distance Distronic (adaptive cruise control), Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.\nEvery purchase of a facelifted Mercedes-AMG C 63 S is covered with a 4-Years Warranty and are available with attractive financing package through Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation has decided to establish Toyota Myanmar Co. Ltd. (TMY) as its first vehicle production company in Myanmar where it will locally produce the Toyota Hilux beginning from February 2021.\nDemand for new vehicles in Myanmar has soared in recent years with approximately 18,000 new vehicles registered in 2018 registering \u2013 twice as much as the previous year.\nThe \nnew Toyota Camry\n encourages you to be more playful behind the wheel, find out why!\nToyota currently sells the Hilux, Vios, Rush, and other models in Myanmar by relying on imports but will establish TMY in June 2019 and promote initiatives that will allow even more customers to choose Toyota vehicles.\nToyota plans to construct the new TMY plant in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, situated in the southern suburbs of Yangon city, the country\u2019s largest metropolis with investments costing around USD52.6 million.\nCheck out our latest Vlog of the \nnew Toyota Yaris\n \nhere\n.\nThe move will see Toyota hiring approximately 130 new employees with the intention to build an estimated 2,500 new Hilux per year using the SKD (semi knock-down) method when operations begin in 2021."
"Michelin has launched the new Primacy SUV+ tyres with a new range of improvements to better accommodate the growing SUV market and consumer\u2019s needs.\n\u201cIt is estimated that from 2021 to 2026, the SUV market in the East Asian region will continue to grow 5.9% year on year and achieve a 33% growth in 2026,\u201d said Michelin Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director, Oliver Biggart.\nAmong the new features include:\nMichelin Premium Touch sidewall design with a velvet-like texture that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the SUV\nHigher silica loading and functionalised polymer that offers improved wet and dry braking performance without compromising mileage or rolling resistance\nMaxTouch Construction optimising the contact patch for more even wear and longer tread life\nStabiliGrip sipesoffer better wet and dry braking performance due to improved water evacuation\nThe new tyres now also feature more tread depth and more sipes with a U-shaped groove design for improved safety in wet driving conditions. Its chamfered tread block also prevents the tread block from distorting under heavy load.\nThe Michelin Primacy SUV+ is now available in Malaysia at all Michelin\u2019s authorized tyre dealers in 26 sizes, including 7 new dimensions, across the 16 to 20-inch range."
"Rolls-Royce Motor Cars understand that its influential clients require the highest levels of privacy when making important business deals but now the British carmaker wants to offer another private location for these meetings. In the \u201cPrivacy Suite\u201d of the new extended wheelbase Phantom.\nDebut at the 2018 Chengdu Motor Show, the Privacy Suite is privacy in every sense of the word. Separating the front and rear passengers is an Electrochromatic Glass that changes opacity from fully see through to opaque with the touch of a button. The separator is complemented with improved sound insulation using a frequency-specific compound that mutes the conversations in the rear cabin to the front.   The only way of communication between the driver and the rear passengers is through an Intercom System that opens a direct line from the rear passenger to the driver at a press of a button whilst the driver can \u201ccall\u201d the rear occupants, who can choose to accept or decline the call.\nIn addition, Rolls-Royce has installed an opening between the separator that is controlled solely by the rear passengers to allow document or objects to be passed between the front and rear cabins. Rear Privacy Curtains and Rear Privacy Glass extends the privacy levels even further.\nOther options on the Privacy Suite equipped Phantom includes Bespoke Rear Theatre Entertainment system, Starlight Headliner and a Bespoke Clock in the rear.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019re now just days away from the global unveiling of the all-new, \nsixth-generation Volkswagen Polo\n. To date, over 14 million Polos have been sold, and the new B-segment hatchback will take centre stage in Berlin on Friday.\nVolkswagen says the new model is more spacious on the inside and has \u2018numerous technological highlights\u2019. Among the engines it will reportedly get are the 1.0-litre three cylinder turbo or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.\nAccording to Head of Design Volkswagen Brand, Klaus Bischoff, the new Volkswagen Polo will feature an expressive design which makes it sportier, cleaner and unique within the brand range. It is a car that will fit perfectly with our times, both visually and technologically.\nSave the date, guys. Friday, 16 June 2017."
"The annual Special Equipment Market Association or better known as SEMA is a feast for the eyes and a stimulant for the mind as to where the boundaries are when it comes to automotive tuning.\n \nThe most anticipated sports car of the year, the Toyota Supra, which in GC Mah\u2019s video has proven to make more power than it\u2019s advertised, will be making its appearance in various forms at one of the largest car shows in the USA and boy, do they look tantalising!\nGR Supra Heritage Edition\nThe stock turbocharger of the new Supra has been tuned to produce 18% more airflow where along with a custom intake and a larger exhaust system, it now makes over 500 hp.\nGR Supra Performance Line Concept\nBuilt by Toyota Customising & Development (TCD) which specialises in customisation for Toyota and Lexus vehicles, the Performance Line Concept focuses on aerodynamics with carbon fibre components such as the larger winglets on the front lip, side skirts for better downforce, door garnishes for smoother airflow through the side and a rear spoiler to maximise downforce at the back.\nGR Supra Wasabi Concept\nFunny as it\u2019s name sounds, the \u201cWasabi Concept\u201d is actually quite an important experiment as the Toyota Genuine Accessory Team will be using it to measure consumer interest as they make plans on future products.\nIt features a centre exit exhaust system, an aero package with spoiler, 20-inch forged aluminium wheels by Toyota, 6-pot front and 4-pot rear Brembro brakes and Ohlins adjustable suspension.\nGR Supra 3000 GT Concept\nThis one gets a bit of a \u201cvintage DNA\u201d as Toyota calls it. Also built by Toyota Customising & Development (TCD), this 3000 GT Concept draws inspiration from the original TRD 3000 GT \u2013 a limited production, wide-body aero kit for the Mk 4 Supra in 1994 called the TRD3000GT in celebration of its success in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship.\nThe hood vents and rear-wing styling of the 3000 GT Concept were modeled after the original. The rear bumper is incorporated with a diffuser that accommodates a custom HKS exhaust.\nGR Supra HyperBoost Edition\nThis is possibly the most extreme concept yet and with a name like \u201cHyperBoost\u201d, it isn\u2019t shy about it either. A carbon roof, oversized turbocharger and 750 hp makes this one of the most souped up Supras we have seen so far!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is to launch a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of the all-new Outlander fully evolved with a new-generation PHEV system. It will be introduced in Japan at the end of 2021 and in the second half of 2022 in the US.\nIt may be sharing the same Common Modular Family (CMF) platform as the Nissan X-Trail but the PHEV powertrain should be Mitsubishi\u2019s very own.\nFind out more about the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander here!\nMitsubishi said the Outlander is set to come with higher output from the electric motors and higher battery capacity which should mean improved electric driving range too. The improved performance is expected to allow the Outlander PHEV to run purely on electric power for 70km while returning over 700 km in total mileage.\nIn the previous model, the lithium-ion battery capacity was only rated at 13.8 kWh, that figure could be pumped up to 20 kWh in the new model.\n \nSince the launch of the Outlander PHEV, it has been sold in more than 60 countries around the world. MMC\u2019s goal is to reduce CO2 emissions of its new cars by 40% by 2030 through leveraging EVs \u2014 with PHEVs as the centerpiece."
"The \nProton Perdana\n, the first of four new Proton models to be unveiled this year, is now open for booking. It will be launched sometime in March.\nIt\u2019s no secret now that the new Perdana is based on the eight-generation Honda Accord, done courtesy of a one-off deal signed between the two carmakers some years back. Two variants have been offered, but here\u2019s a quick summary for a easier read:\nQUICK FACTS\nModel\nPerdana 2.0\nPerdana 2.4\nEngine\n2.0-litre R20A3 4-Cylinder\u00a0i-VTEC\n2.4-litre\u00a0K24Z2 4-Cylinder\u00a0i-VTEC\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic\n5-speed automatic\nPower\n154 hp\u00a0 @ 6,300\u00a0rpm\n181 hp\u00a0 @ 6500\u00a0rpm\nTorque\n189 Nm @ 4,300\u00a0rpm\n222 Nm\u00a0@ 4300\u00a0rpm\nWhile the mechanical and electrical components from Honda remain untouched, Proton spent millions upon millions in reworking the car, particularly its aesthetics. We were given the opportunity to view the car in person (courtesy of a media preview event held by Proton) and suffice to say, the new Proton Perdana is definitely the company\u2019s most handsome car to date.\nApart from its looks, the new Perdana gets a multitude of goodies as well. This includes an infotainment system\u00a0that integrates reverse camera and GPS Navigation, dual zone auto air conditioning as well as power seat, but only for the driver.\u00a0Safety wise, it comes with ABS with EBD and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) \u2013 otherwise known as Honda\u2019s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).\nThe new Perdana will look different compared to this one\nProton Chairman, Tun Dr.Mahathir, has also hinted that the pricing will between\u00a0\nRM100k to RM150k\n for the new Perdana. Stay tuned for more news and the launch of the new Perdana next month!"
"Lexus has over the weekend released yet another teaser of the upcoming \u201cLF-1 Limitless\u201d concept car set to make its debut sometime in January next year \u2013 indicated as the new \u201cflagship crossover\u201d of the Lexus marque.\nThe concept is said to feature the future design language of the brand\u2019s next generation of luxury crossovers.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/26150958/lexus_lf_1_limitless_teaser_12_19_17_3d31bd2fa8f89758ffdb2241835335b7d4b9dc00_low.mp4\nThe outgoing RX was only just launched in 2015 and recently Lexus unveiled a \nthree-row RX L\n which has its dimensions stretched by \n110mm\n to accommodate either \na six or seven-seater\n configuration.\nThe seven-seater layout will feature two individual seats in the second row, leaving a gap in the middle for better access to the third row. It\u2019s hard to imagine the fourth generation RX being replaced so soon with these \u201crefreshments\u201d, could the LF-1 be the new LX?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The upcoming Tokyo Motor Show is already on track to be an exciting one as it promises a series of interesting and rather quirky showcases by Toyota alone. There is the automatic \nGR HV SPORTS Concept\n which allows you to shift gears as if it were a manual with a push of a button and then this, the Tj Cruiser.\nLike a cross between with the Bentayga with its imposing headlamps and the H2 Hummer with its sloping front bonnet, the T and J in its name stands for \n\u201cToolbox\u201d\n and \n\u201cJoy\u201d\n. The Cruiser bit is meant to express the power of the vehicle and like the boxy Nissan Cube, they couldn\u2019t have named it more appropriately.\nInside its square-shaped cabin, the front and rear passenger seats can be reclined completely flat for storing items of up to three metres in length. Also there are numerous tie-down points within the interior to enable easy anchoring of items from small packages to longer objects while the large openings of the MPV-like sliding doors enable easy loading and unloading.\nOn the outside, the hood, rood and fenders use materials with special coasting are scratch and dirt resistant. The Tj Cruiser is said to be powered with a 2.0-liter engine that is optimised with a hybrid system \u2013 which will power front-wheel and four-wheel drive drivetrains.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over nine years ago, a parade of 77 Lamborghini supercars assembled in the city of Kuala Lumpur, landing a spot in the Malaysian Book of Records for the largest number of Lamborghinis at an event. Almost a decade later, Lamborghini Owners Malaysia (LOM) is now looking to surpass that feat.\u00a0\nLOM members will be assembling at KLCC\u2019s open-air car park in front of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the 11th of June from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.\u00a0The goal is to assemble at least 100 Lamborghini models this time.\n\u201cThis record-breaking event which includes a drive element. Once the record is set, we will travel to Chateau, Bukit Tinggi where a gala dinner, dubbed Bulls Ball, will be held,\u201d said LOM, Organising Committee Chairperson, Dato\u2019 Rakesh Sachdev.\nRELATED: The Huracan is Lamborghini\u2019s most popular model ever, with 20,000 units produced\n\u201cCrowning the gala feast, LOM will honour the underprivileged with a sizeable contribution to representatives of four charities. Our goal is to raise a minimum of RM 40,000 from our members and partners,\u201d he added.\nLamborghini enthusiasts are also invited to join the fun and be in the presence of the latest and rarest Lamborghini supercars such as the Lamborghini Gallardo MLE, Huracan Spyder, Urus SUV, and Aventador SVJ which are expected to make an appearance.\nEstablished in 2014, LOM started with only 50 members but today the club boasts 150 members.\u00a0\nRELATED: Lamborghini unleashes a new 640 hp monster \u2013 the Huracan Tecnica"
"The Corolla nameplate needs no introduction, really. Known here as the Toyota Corolla Altis, the once dominant C-segment sedan is now hugely trailing in popularity ever since the groundbreaking 10th generation\u00a0\nHonda Civic\n\u00a0arrived in Malaysia. \nLaunched globally just months ago\n, UMW Toyota Motors is finally teasing the car on their website.\nJust like before, the 11th generation Corolla Altis will be offered in three variants \u2013\u00a0\n1.8E\n, \n1.8G\n and \n2.0V\n. As predicted, no mechanical changes have been made in this refresh exercise. While the engine and transmissions (a \u201cseven-speed\u201d CVT) remain the same, the Altis benefits from a new set of suspension which will help improve ride.\nThe aesthetic enhancements are really subtle to say the least, but these are welcoming \u2013 if a tad underwhelming \u2013 revisions that are both timely and sorely needed. At the front, the grille and bumper are all new, as are the headlamps. As with the pre-facelift edition, the 2.0V gets auto levelling full LED headlamps.\nNew to the car is also the wheel design; the 1.8-litre variants settle for 16-inch rims, whereas the 2.0V will sit on larger 17-inch hoops. The LED tail lamps on the other hand, are very slightly different. The housing remains the same, just that the graphics differ. There are also fog lamps at the back now. A total of six exterior colours will be offered with the car.\nIn similar fashion to the \nupdated Vios\n, the Altis now gets \nVehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control\n and \nseven airbags\n (Driver, Passenger, Curtain, Side and Driver Knee) across all variants, as standard. Previously, VSC was reserved only for the range topper, while the seven airbag package was a cost option. Yup.\nThe order books for the facelifted Corolla Altis are now open, with pricing for the 1.8E beginning at\u00a0\nRM120,900.00\n, which is the same as before. The mid-spec 1.8G is priced at \nRM123,900.00\n.\nThe best value goes to the 2.0V, with an asking price of\u00a0\nRM138,900.00\n, making\n\u00a0\nit RM8,000 cheaper than the original\n RM146,900.00\n price tag of the pre-facelift version. It\u2019s probably going to take a whole lot more for the Altis to go against the \nHonda Civic\n, \nFord Focus\n\u00a0and \nVolkswagen Jetta\n, but maybe Toyota is saving the best for the next generation Altis. Let this fight be its last, because the next bout will be hot!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Dodge Viper, an iconic combination of\u00a0sports and muscle car in one package,\u00a0will meet its end after a quarter of a century. Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced that next year will be the final production year for this brutish American car.\nAs a final sendoff, Dodge will unveil a\u00a0series of limited-production, special-edition models. The five mentioned models (from left to right as per the picture above), are as follows:\nViper Snakeskin Edition GTC: \nReceives a Snakeskin Green job, SRT stripes, and customised interiors. 25-unit only.\nVoodoo II ACR: \nBlack with grey stripe, receives an aero kit, and\u00a0carbon ceramic brakes. 31-unit only.\nViper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR: \nReceives white exterior paint complemented with matching dual blue stripes.\n\u00a0\nGets\u00a0the most allocation with 100 cars.\nViper 1:28 ACR: \nBlack exteriors with a wide red stripe. Named after ACR\u2019s Laguna Seca lap record. 28-unit only.\nDealer Edition ACR (not pictured here): \nPainted in white with a blue center stripe and red driver\u2019s stripe. Allocated for two Dodge dealers with the highest sales of the Viper models. 33-unit only.\nIn its most recent form, the SRT Viper is powered by an\n 8.0-litre V10\n lump that\u00a0outputs\n 640 hp\n and \n813 Nm\n of torque\u00a0and mated with the one and only \nsix-speed manual transmission\n. Over its 25 years of existence, there were countless versions of the Viper. Sadly, FCA is no longer seeing the business justification of preserving\u00a0an assembly line of 75-people for a small but expensive production.\nThough its days are numbered, CEO Sergio Marchionne has hinted that the Viper could be revived via a shared FCA platform. That said, in the age where performance is boosted by forced induction and electrification, the days of raw power could be a thing of the past, which makes these five final editions of Vipers worthwhile."
"Designed for its \nFord Transit vans\n used primarily for commercial services, the shields which come with factory warranty, are made of transparent polyvinyl (PVC) plastic with integrated straps and suction mounts.\nOnce installed, the shields do not restrict passenger comfort, interior space or operation of the heating and ventilation systems. The transparent PVC material also allows the driver to retain full visibility of the windscreen, side windows and mirrors, and passengers can still hear and see each other as normal. Definitely \nnot as cool as what they did with the Ford Interceptor police vehicle\n though!\nUsers can quickly and easily fit, adjust and remove shields in the Ford Transit without requiring interior modifications, while the shield\u2019s versatile design allows them to be flattened for storage.\nThe shields can be fitted to offer four separate configurations \u2013 between driver and front passenger, behind front seats to partition from the rest of the cabin, between driver, front passenger and behind the front seats and lastly, between and behind the driver and front passenger and between second-row seats.\nLightweight, flexible materials with secure mountings are designed to prevent injury in the event of an accident while the mounting points and strap positions will not prevent the airbags in the Ford Transit van from deploying.\nGALLERY"
"Getting the keys to a car, whether it\u2019s new or pre-owned, is an exciting prospect. But more often than not, car buyers, particularly first timers, overlook the fact that the ownership of a vehicle goes well beyond just being able to afford the downpayment and monthly instalments.\nThe car buyer must take into account expenses incurred to run, maintain and insure one of the biggest purchases in life. To generate more awareness on this topic, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch) organised an experts\u2019 roundtable session recently with RinggitPlus and Allianz General Insurance Company to discuss and provide insights on financial planning, vehicle protection, car maintenance issues and their cost-benefit perspectives when purchasing a first car.\nQuestions to ask before pulling the trigger\n\u201cWhen purchasing a car, you have to ask yourself two important questions: \u2018Do you need it?\u2019 and \u2018Can you afford it?\u2019. The biggest misconception most first-time car buyers have is that as long you can afford the downpayment and the loan instalments, you are in the clear\u201d, said Hann Liew, Founder and Director, RinggitPlus Malaysia, a leading personal finance portal.\nExperts representing insurance, automotive parts and personal finance sharing valuable knowledge.\nOn the topic of insurance, Sazali Abdul Rahman, Head of Franchise, Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Bhd commented, \u201cBe it a new or used car, there are a set of detariff factors that we take into account to determine the insurance premium. These detariff factors include age of vehicle, vehicle make and model, gender, insured age, high-risk theft vehicle and cubic capacity\u201d.\nSazali added that used cars usually have a lower insurance premium when compared to new cars. For example, comparing a three-year old car against a new car, the difference in premium is 4.4% for national cars, 13% for Japanese cars and 22% for European cars.\nHann and Sazali both stressed that there are in fact many hidden costs that should be factored in when determining the ability to afford a car. These hidden costs create a sum called Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) that includes depreciation, interest, petrol, parking and toll, insurance, road tax and car maintenance on top of the down payment and loan instalments. As a rule of thumb, your monthly TCO should not exceed 20% of your gross income and to follow a 36% rule of debt-to-income ratio.\nGo Boon Wah of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia expounding on the benefits of choosing reputable aftermarket spare parts.\nVehicle maintenance is key in managing TCO\n\u201cWhen it comes to car maintenance and auto parts, choose what is best for your pocket and for your car. To stretch your maintenance budget, one can either DIY in the upkeep of certain auto parts such as \nchanging your own wiper blades\n or opt for reputable spare parts brand such as Bosch as this can lower vehicle maintenance costs by 25% to 50%\u201d, said Go Boon Wah, Marketing Manager, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia.\nGo concluded the session by emphasising that regular maintenance is the life of the car and it\u2019s important to learn the vehicle maintenance eco-system available in the market including identifying trusted workshops and mechanics, which auto parts to maintain and change, as well as which loan financing and insurance coverage that work best for you.\n(\nClick here to view the presentation by\u00a0Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia\n)"
"Motorsport has always been plagued by criticisms in terms of costs, with many claiming it as a rich man\u2019s hobby. However, in our recent trip to Philippines for the launch of Giti passenger car tyres, we had the opportunity to briefly experience a new form of racing that is poised to change that very mindset.\u00a0\nThe Giti Formula V1 Series took the Philippines racing landscape by storm when it first flagged off in 2018. Designed as the \u2018next step\u2019 for those looking to step up from karting in the motorsport ladder, the Formula V1 promises to be cheap to own and cheap to run, bringing single-seater racing back to the nation.\nThe Formula V1 is a single-seater kit car. Originally built by West Racing Cars Co. Ltd. in Japan, the kit is imported into Philippines by Tuason Racing School, the organisers of the racing series.\nPowering the Formula V1 cars is the mid-mounted \n1.5-litre 4-cylinder\n engine sourced from a Toyota Vios. The five-speed manual transmission along with the driveshaft are also borrowed from the B-segment sedan.\u00a0\nNow, you might think the \n110 or so horsepower\n from the 1NZ engine is child\u2019s play compared to other single-seater racing series, but for a car weighing just\n 530 kg\n without fluids, the Formula V1 car does zero to 100 km/h in just \n4.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\n 200 km/h\n.\nIn our brief stint in the car on the Clark International Speedway, we can confirm that the Formula V1 is a hoot to drive. Acceleration feels raw and brutal with every gear change, and turning in to a corner feels direct and darty, a result of the minimal weight and the MR drivetrain setup.\u00a0\nContributing to the lightweight setup is the fibreglass body, which lays on top of the tubular steel chassis. Other performance-oriented parts include bespoke TEIN coilovers, Wilwood brakes on all four corners with adjustable bias, as well as motorsport wheels provided by ROTA. Of course, there are no driver aids here.\u00a0\nThe tyre choice is perhaps the most unusual detail here. Supplied by series title sponsor Giti, the Formula V1 cars are decked out in \nstreet-legal Gitisport GTR3 RR1 tyres\n instead of racing slicks.\u00a0\nHowever, our drive revealed that the lightweight car mixed with relatively low power output results in a pretty balanced driving experience with the street-based tyres. Upon turn-in, the car responds instantly and hugs the line pretty well. Although we weren\u2019t able to test it ourselves, we would wager that the lower grip levels mean that the car should be pretty playful on extreme conditions too.\u00a0\nGiti says that their involvement in the racing series directly influence the research and development of their consumer-facing products. In particular, three aspects of the tyres \u2013 sheer forces, heat dissipation, and reaction to rotational forces, are tested to the extreme on race circuits. As a result, the compound choices and construction of the street tyres can all be better formulated.\nGiti Europe Testing Centre Manager, Martin Gibson, also said that their engineers keep a close watch at every Formula V1 race event. The technology from motorsport tyres have already trickled down to Giti consumer tyres such as the newly launched Gitisport GTR3, which rivals the likes of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup and Pirelli P Zero Corsa.\u00a0\nThe organisers have expressed intent to bring the Formula V1 series to other parts of the region including Malaysia, and we can\u2019t wait to see these cars on our own Sepang International Circuit!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Behold, dear readers. The car you see in the pictures here is the all-new, fourth-generation \nMazda MX-5\n, a name that has been resonating in the world of lightweight sports cars for \n25 years\n. The global unveiling took place this morning on three separate continents: Japan, USA and Spain.\nIt\u2019s pretty clear cut here that the new MX-5 embodies the brand\u2019s \nKODO-Soul of Motion\n design language. One undeniable difference from the third generation MX-5 to the fourth is its design. Despite keeping many of its characteristics relatively close to its original conception, the KODO designed MX-5 is by far the most drastic change made to the MX-5 lineage.\nThe MX-5, a model reflective of Mazda\u2019s vehicle engineering philosophy that is the \npursuit of driving pleasure\n. With the fourth-gen MX-5, Mazda promises to deliver what the car was intended to deliver since its creation \u2013 a lightweight, fun to drive sports car to suit the needs of today\u2019s drivers. According to Mazda, the new MX-5 adopts the \nSkyactiv technology\n which has contributed greatly to its weight loss, one of which is the brand new \nrear-wheel-drive chassis\n.\nSpeaking of lightweight, Mazda isn\u2019t revealing any official numbers of yet, but have said that the new car is about \n100kg lighter\n than the model it replaces. This brings it closer to the original kerb weight of the Mk1 of 940kg. The front wings, bonnet and boot are now made from aluminium, including a lightweight soft-top construction all contribute to the weight shed.\nTwo Skyactiv engines\n have been rumoured to feature in the MX-5, that is the \n1.5-litre\n and \n2.0-litre\n naturally aspirated engines found in the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 respectively. Judging from its previous powertrains, it\u2019s quite unlikely that the new model\u2019s engine will be force inducted. Nothing is set in stone here, so we may or may not be proven wrong.\nThe engine now sits \nfurther back\n than the superseding model, and \nlower \ntoo. This means better centre of gravity and of course, better weight distribution. Mazda claims that the new MX-5 has a \nperfect 50:50 weight balance\n, further adding credibility to the fun dynamism the Mk1 offered, it seems.\nLittle has been made known to the public regarding the latest iteration of the MX-5. But what we do know on the whole is that the MX-5 still holds the record for the \nworld\u2019s best-selling two-seater sports car\n with \nover 940,000 units produced\n to date. Only time will tell how well the new one will fare. Watch this space for more MX-5 updates!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First introduced here \nthree years ago\n in 2019, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has revealed some updates and changes to the Range Rover Velar 2.0L R-Dynamic model.\nAmong them is the Electronic Air Suspension that can lower or increase the SUVs ride height by up to 50 mm. These ride height changes can be done via the infotainment display, physical controls in the boot area or through the key fob. When cruising above 105 km/h, the air suspension will automatically drop the Velar\u2019s height by 10 mm.\nAnother addition that supplements ride comfort is the Active Road Noise Cancellation system that comes as standard with the Meridian Sound System. The feature basically works like a pair of noise cancellation headphones.\nAlso new is the Wade Sensing system, which uses ultrasonic sensors by the side mirrors, to alert the driver of the water depth via the touchscreen infotainment display. Speaking of the infotainment system, the Velar\u2019s all-new Pivi Pro infotainment system offers plenty of customised options, including allowing two smartphones to be connected at once.\nThe infotainment system has also been upgraded to feature 3D Surround Camera and the highly amusing ClearSight Ground View feature which allows users to see what\u2019s under the car.\nNew design touches include a new toggle shifter and steering wheel design with integrated smart buttons and a \u201chands-on wheel detection\u201d feature.\nThe 2.0-litre R-Dynamic model retains the same P250 turbocharged powertrain, translating to 249 hp and 365 Nm. The turbocharged engine drives all-four wheels via an 8-speed ZF gearbox.\nThe new 2021 Range Rover Velar 2.0-litre R-Dynamic model starts from \nRM612,207.74\n, inclusive of SST exemptions."
"Sime Darby AutoConnexion has quietly introduced the second generation Ford S-Max, an MPV that\u2019s closely related to the \nMondeo\n. It packs an almost identical underpinning from the handsome D-segment sedan, but its MPV form commands a price premium of about RM37k over the Mondeo.\nAnd just like the Mondeo, only a single variant is offered for the Malaysian market. This \nTitanium-spec\n S-Max is laden with useful tech, and it\u2019s powered by the same \n2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost\n mill from the Mondeo.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost\n \nEngine\n1,999 cc 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n237 hp @ 5,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n345 Nm @ 2,300 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.4 seconds; 226 km/h\nPrice\nRM234,988\nEXTERIOR\nIt\u2019s not surprising that the S-Max looks like the MPV version of the Mondeo. Although it\u2019s worth to note that the S-Max is not a full-blown MPV, that spot is occupied by the larger Ford Galaxy, which is not sold in the Malaysian market. The S-Max measures \n1,655 mm tall\n, \n1,916 mm wide\n, and \n4,796 mm long\n with a \n2,849 mm wheelbase\n.   The side profile looks pretty sleek for an MPV, but the \n17-inch alloys\n shod with \n235/55 R17\n rubbers are rather modestly-sized like on the Mondeo. The Aston-esque grille is still featured at the front, and it\u2019s flanked by a pair of \nAdaptive LED headlamps\n with LED DRLs. Meanwhile at the other end there\u2019s the LED combination tail lights and a pair of chrome-tipped tail pipes.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is brimmed with tech. You will get the \n8-inch touchscreen SYNC 2 audio system\n that features \nvoice command\n to almost every function in the car, and it\u2019s paired with \nnine speakers by Sony\n. \nBlack leather\n wraps all\n seven seats\n, and the front two seats are fitted with \nventilation system\n and a \nmassage function\n.\nThe second row seats slide forwards and backwards, and both the second and third rows of seats feature the \nelectro mechanical remote easy fold seat release\n via buttons in the boot. \nDual-zone automatic climate control\n is standard, and second row passengers also get their own aircond vents.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe turbocharged \n1,999cc four-cylinder EcoBoost\n is carried over from the Mondeo. It develops a healthy \n237 hp\n and \n345 Nm\n of torque, and the EcoBoost mill is mated to a\n six-speed automatic\n that deploys the power to the front wheels. We doubt that performance figures matter to the soccermoms out there, but the S-Max gets from \n0 to 100km/h\n in \n8.4 seconds\n, with a \ntop speed\n of \n226 km/h\n.\nSAFETY\nThe S-Max is equipped with \nseven airbags\n, and it\u2019s packed with safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Hill Launch Assist (HLA). \nLane Keeping Alert\n with \nLane Keeping Aid\n is fitted to the S-Max too.\nOther than that, Ford\u2019s brilliant \nMyKey\n is available as standard on the S-Max, which allows owners to configure the car\u2019s settings as the seat belt reminder and top speed limiter.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe fully-imported Ford S-Max retails at \nRM234,988.00 without insurance\n. Order books are now open, and there are \nthree colours\n to choose from: Frozen White, Moondust Silver, and Magnetic Grey.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of its official launch, UMW Toyota has made the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis available for viewing at Toyota dealerships. Pictured here is the range-topping G variant Toyota Corolla Altis in White Pearl CS.\nBuilt on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the new Corolla Altis promises better handling and stability through the corners. Based on our experience with the\n 2019 Toyota Camry\n and \nC-HR\n, we\u2019re expecting nothing less from the new Corolla Altis.\nThe new Corolla Altis adopts Toyota\u2019s new design language, looking more angular and aggressive compared to the last one. The Toyota emblem at the front is integrated into the top grille with a prominent V-shape. The headlights on the new Corolla Altis also reminds us a lot of the Camry, making it look a lot like a younger brother to the D-segment flagship from Toyota.\nOn the interior, Toyota has kitted the new Corolla Altis with several \u201cquality-of-life\u201d improvements. The instrument cluster has been updated to include a 7-inch color multi-information display, surrounded by Optitron meters on both sides for the tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges.\nToyota has also updated the climate control system to a dual-zone automatic air conditioning, with blowers for the rear passengers as well. Additionally, a wireless charger also makes an appearance on the new Toyota Corolla Altis.\nOn the G variant, the new Corolla Altis will come with full leather upholstery, as well as a 8-way power adjustable seats for the driver only.\nThe new Toyota Corolla Altis will also come with the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense \u2013 Toyota\u2019s active driver assistance system \u2013 including Pre-collision System (automatic emergency braking), Automatic High-Beam Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist and even Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.\nToyota has not made available the full specifications and official pricing yet, however estimated pricing of the new Toyota Corolla Altis will start at RM128,888 for the E variant., RM136,888 for the G variant is \nnow available for booking\n at authorised Toyota dealerships.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A select group of soon-to-be Mercedes-Maybach S-Class owners this year will be able to experience what DIGITAL LIGHT, premiered at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show by Mercedes-Benz is all about. Well, maybe their drivers, come to think of it.\nDIGITAL LIGHT offers even higher lighting precision than the already cutting-edge MULTIBEAM LED headlights,\u00a0minimising the risk of other road users being glared by the main beam.\nWith over \na million pixels per headlamp\n, DIGITAL LIGHT not only creates ideal lighting distribution but can also \nproject visuals such as symbols in HD quality to warn the driver of what\u2019s ahead \n\u2013 whether it\u2019s a pedestrian, a bend or even a construction site!\u00a0The symbols include low-grip surface, lane keeping and even construction sites, to name a few.\nIt will operate in tandem with cameras and sensors to detect other road users, with data analysed by computers, a lighting chip with digital navigation maps within milliseconds to direct the headlamps to provide the best possible light distribution.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just like clockwork, Hyundai has now unveiled a new N Line trim for the all-new Tucson. The sportier C-segment will go on sale in Europe in spring this year, offering more aggressive looks, and a jazzed-up suspension set-up to suit.\nThe futuristic design of the\n base Hyundai Tucson\n is of course still present here, but is now paired with sportier bumpers and body-coloured claddings all-round. Up front, the lower air intakes and headlight cutouts have been restyled with a more angular design \u2013 the latter also now surrounded by black bezels.\nThe grille on the N Line trim, which sits taller and wider than the regular Tucson, also receives a new parametric jewel design with more elaborate edges, supposedly creating \u201cadditional reflections depending on the angle\u201d. As is customary on a \u201csporty\u201d trim, the grille is also given a new coat of black paint to go along the Phantom Black wing mirrors and roof.\nAt the back, the Hyundai Tucson N Line trim receives a new aerodynamic spoiler with integrated fins, while the bumper is accentuated by the new diffuser in satin silver, surrounded by a reflective red band. For extra sporty appeal, the Tucson N Line comes standard with twin tailpipe exits, along with a set of 19-inch alloys with a parametric design as standard.\nInside, the N Line touches are fairly limited, with the entire cabin basically lifted unchanged from its \u201cregular\u201d siblings. Sporty touches include the new leather and suede seats with red contrast stitching, N-branded leather steering wheel, N gear shifter buttons, alloy pedals, and a black headliner.\nUnlike the \nElantra N Line\n which gets a new powertrain and manual shifter option alongside its sportier outfit, the Hyundai Tucson N Line is unfortunately all show, no go \u2013 disappointing. Buyers in Europe can pair the N Line trim with every powertrain option available in the continent, ranging from a pure ICE 1.6-litre T-GDi engine with \n150 hp\n, to a plug-in hybrid version of the same powertrain making \n265 hp\n.\nHyundai does however, slightly make up for it with an optional electronically-controlled suspension set-up with N-Line specific tuning, which the company says will deliver \u201ceven more driving fun\u201d as the system \u201creacts faster and more strongly to both body movements and steering commands.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Even if money is no option, this is a little bonkers. It\u2019s called the \u201cChampagne Chest\u201d, a new addition to the Rolls-Royce Accessories Collection, and I guess there\u2019s no need to explain what it\u2019s for.\nBut you have no idea how much this things costs; a disturbing\n\u00a337,000 pounds \u2013 that\u2019s RM197k!\n You can buy a brand new Toyota Camry with that kind of money!\nThe body is made of machined aluminium, carbon fibre and Tudor Oak wood, lined with Natural Grain black leather and embossed with the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy. Like all Rolls-Royces, the chest can be customised to your heart\u2019s content.\nOpening the chest requires nothing more than a touch of a button \u2013 opening to a champagne set fits for industrialists, oligarchs or even blood-sucking heads of state.\nThe illuminated chest not only contains four hand-blown crystal champagne glasses etched with the \u201cRR\u201d monogram and arranged to mimic the layout of a V12 engine, but also comes with four cotton napkins with \u201cRR\u201d monograms embroidered onto them.\nThe elaborate set also includes two anodised aluminium spoons, three porcelain bowls and thermal champagne coolers made from black anodised aluminium and carbon fibre, also proudly bearing the \u201cRR\u201d emblem.\nStill, even with the financial might to own a Rolls-Royce, is it worth RM200k?"
"During the unveiling of the BMW i Vision Dee, \nBMW\n took the opportunity to showcase its new windscreen-wide Head-up Display (HUD) digital technology. BMW says that the technology will be available in its \u2018\nNeue Klasse\n\u2019 cars starting 2025.\nRecently, the BMW social media accounts were apparently \u2018hacked\u2019 by an artificial intelligence entity named \u2018Dee\u2019. It turned out to be the brand\u2019s way of announcing its new \u2018Digital Emotional Experience\u2019 (DEE) that aims to create an even stronger bond between people and their cars going forward.\nWith the unveiling of the BMW i Vision Dee, we can expect many of the features showcased to eventually be available in future BMW production cars. One feature from the i Vision Dee that BMW has confirmed for its future productions cars is the new HUD that spans the entire width of the windscreen, providing a rather immersive experience.\nBMW AG Chairman of the board of management, Oliver Zipse said, \u201cIt is more than a vision. We bring this innovation into the \u2018Neue Klasse\u2019. As early as 2025 \u2013 the year after next \u2013 our customers will be able to experience this completely new technology in their vehicles.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNext-gen BMW 3 Series to go fully-electric with Neue Klasse EV platform, due 2025\nThe windscreen-wide HUD only becomes recognisable as a display once it is activated. With \u2018Shy-Tech\u2019 sensors on the instrument panel, drivers can decide for themselves how much digital content they want to see on the advanced Head-Up Display. The five-step selection ranges from analogue, to driving-related information, to the contents of the communications system, to augmented-reality projection, and entry into virtual worlds.\nWhat the vast HUD has done (at least to the BMW i Vision Dee) is create an empty dashboard. There are still some \u2018Shy-tech\u2019 controls on the dashboard, but generally, it is a look Marie Kondo would approve of.\nRELATED:\n BMW\u2019s sixth-gen EV battery offers 30% longer range and faster charging\nBMW says that it is known in the automotive sector as the \u201ctrailblazer for the Head-Up-Display\u201d and has \u201csystematically refined this technology over the past two decades\u201d. With the HUD in the i Vision Dee, BMW believes it has demonstrated the huge potential of projection technology.\nBMW has been generally conservative with its cars in terms of digital displays, especially when you compare it to other German brands. The windscreen-wide HUD skips the \u2018multiple-screen\u2019 phase and jumps straight into full-on projection technology.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW M2 (G87) ROI open for Malaysia, launching soon \u2013 RWD, 6-speed manual\nA digital display is still present in a bar that runs across the dashboard of the BMW i Vision Dee\nThe digitalisation of in-car controls and displays has generated mixed reactions with Volkswagen recently announcing that \nit will return to tactile buttons\n from capacitive buttons. A study has also shown that \nbuttons are better than touchscreen controls\n. What are your thoughts on BMW\u2019s windscreen-wide HUD? Share them with us in the comments section below.\nRELATED: \nBMW iX xDrive50 Sport now available in Malaysia \u2013 more power at RM546,800"
"The \nJaguar E-Pace\n is ready to present itself to the world on 13 July 2017, so Jaguar started revealing bits of the gruelling tests it went through during the development phase.\nAfter some 150 prototypes and 25 months of testing and with over 500 engineers involved, the E-Pace is ready to withstand a lifetime of abuse from its most demanding and active customers. From the sub-zero Artic Circle to the scorching Dubai, the E-Pace has seen and conquered it all. Jaguar engineers have put the E-Pace to temperatures as high as \n48\u00b0C\n to as low as \n-40\u00b0C\n and it didn\u2019t even break a sweat.\nOther tests include a 500 mm submersion,\u00a0a\u00a0\n5,000 feet hike above sea level\n and went flat out around Walter\u2019s Arena, a famous rally stage in the UK. Not forgetting that the E-Pace was intended to be a \u201cdynamic and entertaining performance SUV\u201d, the team put it round the \nN\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife more than 400 times\n to ensure that the E-Pace is worthy of the Jaguar badge.\nWhile we wait with bated breath for its global unveiling, catch the E-Pace in action in the video below!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In light of the Movement Control Order and the mad spread of Covid-19, Shell has announced steps to keep all 950 of their stations sanitary.\nThe company would like to assure customers that the most common touch points, such as the fuel nozzles, sinks, taps, switches/buttons and such are \ndisinfected by the hour\n.\nCustomers at the Deli2go \ncan only takeaway food\n during this time. Hourly sanitisation is also conducted onto areas such as counter tops, pastry thongs, handles, and the touchscreen displays on the coffee machines.\nThey\u2019re even\n increasing the frequency of cleaning their toilets, to every hour, \nwhile ensuring constant soap and water supply. To remind customers of the need for \u201csocial distancing\u201d, markers will be placed at the store\u2019s counter and pay window.\nShell Malaysia would also like to assure customers that their staff undergo daily temperature screenings, are fully equipped with face masks and nitrile hand gloves.\nSpeaking of which, Shell would like to remind customers to remove all gloves and plastic protective gear to avoid static contact when refueling.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nPeugeot 508\n has just been given a facelift update for 2023, sporting a refreshed exterior bearing many of the marque\u2019s latest signature design touches. Although weirdly, its powertrain options are still stuck on older tech \u2013 we\u2019ll get to that later.\nAvailable in both sedan and estate/wagon body styles, the new 2023 Peugeot 508 distinguishes itself from its predecessor with an updated daytime-running light signature, featuring a three-stripe \u2018claw\u2019 design instead of the single \u2018fang\u2019 from before. Above, the headlight assembly is also now slimmer than before, and gets matrix LED illumination as standard across the range.\nThe grille has also been updated with the marque\u2019s new emblem and its latest \u201cborderless\u201d design that blends into the bumper, which has also been given a slight revamp.\nChanges to the rear are a little less obvious, limited to just a new Peugeot script between the taillights that replaces the previous logo. The taillights themselves have also been slightly restyled, with the triple-claw light signature now in a slanted orientation.\nWrapping up the exterior aesthetic changes are the new 18-inch aluminium wheels, alongside an updated colour palette that adds on Okenite White, Eclipse Blue, and Titanium Grey.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Peugeot 3008 and 5008 to debut in 2023 with 700 km range EV variant\nInside, the 2023 Peugeot 508\u2019s i-Cockpit is updated with new software on the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, adding new features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a TomTom Connected satellite navigation system, voice recognition, and over-the-air software updates.\nThe previous gear lever is also replaced with a new toggle switch, but aside from these changes, the rest of the cabin is largely identical to its predecessor.\nSafety wise, the Peugeot 508 can be specified with a wide range of advanced driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, lane assist, and interestingly, a night-vision system that that can detect cyclists, animals, and pedestrians.\nAs for powertrains, the new 2023 Peugeot 508 unfortunately misses out on the new mild-hybrid mill that was introduced on the 3008 and 5008 recently. Instead, the old 1.2-litre PureTech inline-three engine will soldier on as the model\u2019s entry-level offering alongside the 1.5 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, both serving up \n130 hp\n.\nFor export markets in Africa, Middle East, and Asia, a 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with \n218 hp\n will be offered instead. All three internal combustion engine options are paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.\nMost buyers, in Europe at least, will likely be opting for one of the three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options instead. For the standard 508 range, they\u2019re made up of a 1.6-litre PureTech engine in two output configurations, paired to an 81 kW electric motor on the front axle for a total system output of either \n180 hp\n or \n225 hp\n.\nOpt for the range-topping Peugeot Sport Engineering (PSE) variants, and you\u2019ll get an extra 83 kW motor on the rear axle to give you all-wheel drive capabilities, and a total system output of \n360 hp\n. The PSE also gets its energy management system from the Peugeot 9X8 race car, so it\u2019s probably meant to feel a little more sporty.\nThe Peugeot 508 PSE is also slightly larger than the standard car, measuring 22 mm wider in front and 12 mm at the rear. The 20-inch wheels \u2013 wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres \u2013 are standard, and behind that are the larger brakes measuring 380 mm in front. Also standard on the PSE are the variable dampers that adapts to the Comfort, Hybrid, or Sport driving modes.\nAll three variants of the PHEV powertrains are paired to the same 12.4 kWh battery pack, which takes approximately one hour and 40 minutes to charge using the optional 7.4 kW charger, or about double that with the standard 3.7 kW onboard charger.\nGALLERY"
"Alongside the exciting Toyota GR Yaris and the \nnew Vios GR-S\n, UMW Toyota Motor also launched the facelift Yaris \u2013 available in three variants \u2013 1.5 J, 1.5 E, and 1.5 G.\nPrices start from \nRM70,940\n for the 1.5 J, \nRM80,380\n for the 1.5 E and \nRM84,808\n for the highest spec 1.5 G. Since it was launched in 2019, alongside the Vios, over 20,000 units of the Yaris have been delivered to customers nationwide.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i\nTransmission: CVT with 7 speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)\nHorsepower: 107 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nTorque: 140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nEXTERIOR\nOn the exterior, the facelift Vios certainly looks a lot less busy than before, and a whole lot more pleasing to the eye. It gets a new front bumper and front grille design, along with redesigned headlamps.\n15-inch wheels with 185/60 R15 tyres for 1.5 J\n16-inch wheels with 195/50 R16 tyres for 1.5 E and 1.5 G\nLED headlamps with Follow Me Home function\nLED daytime running lights\nRear LED combination lamps for 1.5 E and 1.5 G\nOnly the 1.5 J model is fitted with bulb-type rear tail lights. In the 1.5 E and 1.5 G variants of the facelift Yaris, acoustic windshield glass has been used for better cabin insulation and noise reduction.\nINTERIOR\nInside, smart entry with push start, redesigned fabric seats with 60:40 split-folding, illuminated scuff plates and automatic windows with Jam Protection for the driver is standard across three variants. Both 1.5 E and 1.5 G variants come with an Optitron instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-information display and a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nAs for the highest spec 1.5 G variant, you get the following:\nMulti-function leather-wrapped steering wheel\nLeather-wrapped gear knob\nAuto air-conditioning\n6 speakers\n2x USB ports\nElectrochromic rearview mirror\nSAFETY\nNew in the Yaris is the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system which has been upgraded from 2D to 3D type. This is supplemented by a rear-view camera and parking sensors.\nSeven airbags\nBlind spot monitor\nRear cross-traffic alert\nHill-start assist control\nEmergency stop signal\nRear seatbelt reminder\nISOFIX\nThe Yaris is now equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) which includes the Pre-collision system and Lane Departure Alert. It\u2019s only available for the 1.5 E and 1.5 G variants.\nOptional items include an Aerokit that provides a front and rear bumper lip, side skirts, and a roof spoiler. You can also upgrade the facelift Yaris to come with wireless charging.\nVehicle Telematics System (VTS) is standard for both Vios and Yaris variants except the 1.5J variants are offered as optional. This system uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times so if it is stolen, recovery by the police can be made easier and more likely. It can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions, with data sent by email to a designated user via mobile app.\nGALLERY\nImage converted using ifftoany"
"Pos Malaysia Berhad (Pos Malaysia)\n has announced its strategic partnership with Yinson GreenTech (YGT), a green technologies solutions provider, to install \nChargEV \nelectric vehicle (EV) charging stations at selected Pos Malaysia post offices throughout Malaysia.\nAt launch, six outlets (Shah Alam, Ipoh, Melaka, Seremban, Alor Setar, and Johor Bahru) are already up and running, with more locations planned for future roll-out. The chargers are accessible to ChargEV users daily from 7 AM to 11 PM.\nThese charging stations will be equipped with one DC charger, with two CCS2-type nozzles that provide fast charging at up to \n40 kW\n. Pos Malaysia says charging an EV up to 80% with the provided charger will require anywhere between \n60 and 90 minutes\n, depending on the EV model.\nThe national postal service provider also recently partnered with a myriad of brands, including Cafe Mesra, Zus Coffee, and Photobook, to offer customers a diverse range of services at its retail outlets while waiting for their EVs to charge.\nRELATED: \nYinson GreenTech & PLUS to develop Malaysia\u2019s first hyperpower DC fast charging hub with 8X 350kW chargers\nPos Malaysia Berhad\u2019s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Charles Brewer said, \u201cThis partnership marks a big step in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. As Malaysia\u2019s postal and courier provider, we embrace the responsibility to forge a path towards a more sustainable future and we recognise the significance of integrating sustainability into every facet of our operations, ensuring that our legacy endures for generations to come.\u201d\n\u201cThis [partnership] demonstrates our unwavering commitment to lowering carbon emissions and advancing a greener future for Malaysia, and it perfectly complements our larger sustainability initiatives and net-zero goals,\u201d he added. The company is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.\nIn parallel with this partnership, Pos Malaysia recently also deployed over 40 e-Bikes to deliver mail and parcels across the Klang Valley. By the end of 2023, Pos Malaysia aims to have a combination of more than 200 e-Bikes and 140 e-Vans, across Peninsular Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nTNB Electron DC chargers now in Ayer Keroh and Paka, free of charge"
"Mercedes-AMG has just introduced a mid-cycle facelift for their entire AMG GT range from the AMG GT all the way up to the AMG GT R. The facelift brings about updated styling and a revamped interior with more digital screens and buttons.\nStarting from the exterior, all variants of the AMG GT now wears the Panamericana grille which was previously reserved for GT C variants and up. Not much has been done to the exterior styling but the facelifted model can be identified through its new LED headlamp graphics, restyled black diffuser inserts with quad exhaust outlets (AMG GT R still wears the centrally mounted items), side skirts and smoked taillamps.   The AMG GT and GT S can be ordered with the new Y-spoke polished alloy wheels with soft black outlines or the 10 double-spoke forged wheels in titanium grey. The latter also available for the AMG GT C.\nThe highlight of this facelift exercise is the interior with new items include the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch multimedia display (non-touchscreen) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new-generation AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG steering wheel buttons as well as the display buttons on the centre console.   The new Command Online infotainment system also comes with the AMG Track Pace function that logs more than 80 specific performance data of the car including lap times, acceleration and deceleration values and more.\nNo changes were made to the M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 and seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission. Outputs are also the same as before \n476 hp\n/\n630 Nm\n on the AMG GT,\n 522 hp\n/\n670 Nm\n for the GT S, \n557 hp\n/\n680 Nm\n for the GT C and \n585 hp\n/\n700 Nm\n on the GT R.\nCentury sprint times remains unchanged at \n4.0 seconds\n, \n3.8 seconds\n, \n3.7 seconds\n and \n3.6 seconds\n as you climb up the horsepower ladder. In addition to the AMG Dynamic Select function that puts the car in Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Race and Individual drive programmes, the updated AMG GT range also comes with the AMG Dynamics function that alters the ESP programme according to the drive mode selected, giving the drivers a wider range of dynamic potential.\nAll in all, the facelift exercise introduces a range of new connectivity technologies to the Mercedes-AMG GT range, bringing the two-door sports car closer to the AMG GT four-door Coupe in terms of design and technologies. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) offers the AMG GT in \nGT S\n, \nGT C\n and \nGT R\n flavours to the local market.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GT Facelift   Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Facelift   Mercedes-AMG GT R Facelift"
"Toyota announced today that the standard GR Yaris is joining its Kinto Factory line-up, which means the factory tune-up, previously available exclusively to the \nGR Yaris Morizo Selection\n, is also now available on the standard car. Well, in Japan at least.\nThe Kinto Factory line-up enables the cars to \u201cevolve\u201d throughout its lifecycle. Currently, Toyota offers the \u201cGR Yaris Performance Software 2.0\u201d upgrade for the rabid hot hatch, which increases torque output from 370 Nm \nup to 390 Nm\n.\nToyota adds that the software improves the torque delivery curve, too, not just the peak figure. The maximum torque is boosted between 3,200 and 4,000 rpm, which the carmaker says provides a more \u201crelaxed\u201d acceleration.\nIf \u201crelaxed\u201d isn\u2019t what you\u2019re looking for, Toyota is also offering customers the ability to personalise their cars\u2019 performance \u2013 including throttle response, AWD torque distribution, and even steering assist response \u2013 according to their tastes.\nAnd for a little more money, Toyota can even help you tune your car using driving data analysis. For this, Toyota will gather data from having the driver drive on a designated track, with the information then sent to a GR Garage for analysis to pick out the best settings for all 27 of the input configurations.\nRELATED: \nToyota is apparently working on a \u201csporty\u201d automatic transmission for the GR Yaris\nThe first customisation option costs JPY8,800 (approx. RM290), but is also included in the GR Yaris Performance Software 2.0 update package, which costs JPY141,000 (approx. RM4,620). As for the data-based customisation, that\u2019ll be a JPY15,000 (approx RM490) upgrade.\nThe upgrade package is unfortunately not available here in Malaysia, but at least the base car is already quite a hoot to drive \u2013 \nespecially out on the track\n. The Toyota GR Yaris is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill, which in Malaysia makes a pretty mind-boggling \n261 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n of torque.\nALSO WATCH: \nRoad trip in the GR Yaris, JCW Clubman & AMG A45S, with GitiSport S2 tyres!"
"Radical Sportscars has blurred the lines between road and race performance with the introduction of its new flagship road-legal sports car, the Rapture, unveiled at the world-famous Goodwood Festival of Speed.\nThe Rapture is the latest road-legal model from one of the world\u2019s most successful racing car manufacturers where the name essentially means a feeling of intense pleasure or joy.\n \nThe Rapture boasts a lightweight spaceframe chassis with FIA-compliant safety cell and crash structure and features high-downforce composite bodywork, complete with bi-plane rear wing and double-tunnel diffuser.\nPowering the lightweight track car for the road is a 2.2-litre Ford EcoBoost engine that\u2019s been reworked by Radical to feature an all-new turbo and air intake system, paired to a 6-speed paddle-shift gearbox.\nAs a result the Rapture is armed with \n355 hp\n and \n433 Nm\n, enough to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 0 to 160 km/h in 8.4 seconds, onward to a top speed of 265 km/h.\nTo put things in perspective, that\u2019s marginally faster than one of the most powerful cars of the present day, the \nMercedes-AMG GT R\n that was launched in Malaysia for an estimated RM1.7million, which does the same run (0 to 100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the adage goes, the devil is in the details. It seems to ring true with Bosch too, as the German automotive parts giant launched the \u2018One Wrong Part Ruins Everything\u2019 campaign at its Petaling Jaya HQ.\nOverlooking vehicle maintenance could often lead to disastrous results, and the culprit could be one of the many minor parts of the car. In the \n#GetItRight\n vehicle safety workshop conducted for the media, participants were taught the basics of vehicle maintenance, including checks on essential fluids, battery level and wiper blades.\nChoosing quality parts for your car is important too, foregoing safety and quality for measly savings at the checkout counter is unwise, to say the least. Malaysia has a traffic related death to population ratio of 24 to 100,000; a sobering \nfive times more\n than our neighbour down south.\nAlso released is the new Advantage Wiper featuring an exclusive \u201ctropicalised rubber\u201d engineered for our punishing climate. Malaysian celebrity Awal Ashaari was present to launch the blades with Country Manager of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, Mr. Pang Yoon Kong. The wipers are now available at all major car accessories shops and Lazada at RM35 a pair.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Land Rover just did something that most people would have thought to be impossible; they have given the \nEvoque\n a facelift. Since its reveal in 2011 the Evoque has been the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time, accounting for a total of more than 400,000 units sold worldwide. So Land Rover was very careful not to spoil the looks for the facelift.\nThe changes are very subtle but Land Rover claims that they create \u201cmore visual impact than ever before\u201d to the already stunning Evoque. The \nfront bumper\n with taller side intakes and \ngrille\n is all-new, and the graphics on the lights are different too.\nSpeaking about lights, the Evoque is the first Jaguar Land Rover vehicle to feature\n full-LED adaptive headlamp\n technology. Apart from that, \nbonnet vents\n are now available on selected five-door models, and \nthree new alloy wheel designs\n are also introduced, to go with the choice of either Standard or Dynamic body kit. You might also notice that weird looking \ntwin fins\n in the middle of the rear spoiler; they\u2019re actually the optional 3G antenna and designed as such for optimum signal reception while on the move.   Land Rover didn\u2019t mess much with the interior either. The cabin gets a \nredesigned instrument binnacle\n, \nnew seats\n and door casings, and a new \neight-inch InControl Touch\n touchscreen infotainment system. A massage function for the front seats are also available as option. Other than that it\u2019s the same Evoque interior with that familiar rising souffle transmission selector.\nHowever, the update under the bonnet is quite significant. The Evoque receives the new all-aluminium \nIngenium TD4\n engine with two power outputs: \n148 hp\n, and \n178 hp\n. Not only the new Ingenium TD4 weighs around \n20-30 kg lighter\n than the outgoing TD4 unit, it\u2019s cleaner and can do up to \n4.2 l/100 km\n.\nFor those who prefer their Evoques powered by a petrol engine, there\u2019s the \nSi4\n with \n237 hp\n that can accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n7.6 seconds\n and a \ntop speed\n of \n217 km/h\n.\nKeeping the Evoque safe is a host of driver assistance system. This includes \nAll-Terrain Progress Control\n (ATPC), \nLane-Keeping Assist\n, \nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n (AEB), and \nAttention Assist Estimation\n that warns the driver when drowsiness is detected.\nThe facelifted Evoque will debut at the upcoming\n Geneva Motor Show\n, and deliveries will commence in \nAugust 2015\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen USA has just unveiled the all-new 2019 Jetta \u2013 one of the most successful sedans with over 17 million units sold worldwide since it was introduced in 1979.\nIt\u2019s powered by Volkswagen\u2019s 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI engine making \n147 hp\n and \n249 Nm\n of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nOn the outside, LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights are standard. It\u2019s also got a longer wheelbase but with shorter front overhangs, while being taller and wider at the same time \u2013 opening up more interior space than the current outgoing model.\nThe new model is now \n10% more aerodynamic\n with a drag co-efficient of 0.27 \u2013 credit to a special low-turbulence rear design, flow-optimised underbody panels, drag-reduced aluminium alloy wheels and an air curtain in the front. Vertical air intakes by the fog lights help guide air through the bumper and serves as an aerodynamic curtain in the front of the wheel arches.\nInside, the 2019 Jetta features digital instruments for the first time where the Active Info Display and infotainment systems are interconnected. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display allows drivers to configure and re-position all the important data for easy viewing. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are available along with a 400-watt BeatsAudio system, the first Volkswagen in the US to feature it.\nThe 2019 Jetta\u2019s interior had also been fully redesigned featuring soft-touch materials and new trapezoidal design elements. It also features a 10-colour ambient lighting system surrounding an interior which will be offered with heated and ventilated front seats, power adjustable seats with memory, dual zone Climatronic air-conditioning.\nSafety features are also abundant in the new 2019 Jetta \u2013 Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Control (Light Assist) and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) \u2013 are among the noteworthy.\nAn R-Line is said to join the Jetta line-up at launch with more sporty and aggressive styling, R-Line badging and the coveted XDS electronic differential.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda UK has unveiled a bespoke CR-V race car to partake in the 2017 Race of Remembrance. The charity race aims to promote motorsport as an avenue of rehabilitation for injured veterans to ease them into civilian lives. In respect for the cause, the CR-V was donated by Honda UK, designed and built by Mission Motorsport.\nThe SUV donated is the previous-gen 1.6-litre i-DTEC AWD turbodiesel, the most powerful variant in the CR-V range. It retains its \nnine-speed automatic transmission\n for amputees in the team to be able to drive the race car. In preparation for the race, Mission Motorsport has replaced the panoramic glass roof with a clear Perspex panel and have the interior stripped bare to be replaced by a bespoke roll cage with racing seats and harnesses.\nMechanically, the CR-V diesel has been fitted with lowered racing suspension, large Brembo brakes from a \nCivic Type R\n, wider wheels and adjustable camber control has been fitted. Honda did not reveal whether the 1.6-litre i-DTEC gets a power bump but from factory, the oil burner churns out \n160 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque.\nIn lieu of a 6 hours race in the dark, the CR-V race car gets an additional LED light bar fitted onto the grille while bonnet and roof scoops were installed to cool the engine and send fresh air into the cabin during the whole 12-hour race.\nThe Honda CR-V race car will be piloted by Private Lionel O\u2019Connor who lost his left leg when serving in Iraq in 2006, Jon-Allan Butterworth MBE, 2016 Gold medal Paralympian who lost his left arm when serving in Iraq in 2007, along with able-bodied drivers: motoring journalist Alex Goy and Mission Motorsport\u2019s CEO and Chief Instructor, Major (Retd) James Cameron.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just one week before the launch of the new Honda Civic, Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official and authorised distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia have leapt at the opportunity to introduce their very own turbocharged C-Segment sedan, the Peugeot 408 e-THP.\nIf you think what you\u2019re seeing here is a familiar face, that\u2019s because the 408 is essentially the sedan version of the award winning \n308 THP\n. And just like the hatch, the 408 is also locally assembled at the company\u2019s facility in Gurun, Kedah. Just one variant will be offered, though it remains unclear at present time if Nasim will be introducing a cheaper Active (like the \n308 Active\n) trim somewhere down the road.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 408 e-THP\nEngine\n1,598cc; Turbo High Pressure, direct injection\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with Quickshift technology\nMax Power\n165 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n245 Nm @ 1,400 rpm\nPrice\nRM143,888 (OTR with GST and Insurance)\nEXTERIOR\nThe 408\u2019s fascia is almost identical to the 308. They both share the same\u00a0full LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, but the subtle difference between the two is the new grille on the sedan. The lion badge is also moved to the grille instead of on the bonnet.   It sits on 17-inch Rubis wheels first seen on the 308 Active, which is one size down from the 308 THP\u2019s 18-inch Sapphire alloys. Over the back, there\u2019s a new pair of C-shaped LED tail lamps, reverse camera and two exhaust cutouts. In terms of dimensions, it\u2019s every bit improved over its predecessor, but now sits 20mm lower to the ground thanks to the new EMP2 Platform. In total, over 140 kg have been shaved off, which should improve fuel consumption, amongst others.\nINTERIOR\nInside the 408 is also a familiar affair. It gets the same i-Cockpit design which comes with a raised instrument cluster, small leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, \n9.7-inch touchscreen head unit\n\u00a0(paired to six speakers) with integrated \ndual-zone air conditioning controls\n, electric parking brake, keyless entry and push-start button.   All seats are upholstered in black leather, but only the driver\u2019s seat is electrically adjustable with memory function. Rear passengers benefit from dual air conditioning vents, a 12V outlet and a centre armrest with dual cup holders. It has one of the largest boot space in its class \u2013 a huge 565-litre cargo area.\nPERFORMANCE\nIt\u2019s the same old story here in the performance department. As its name suggests, the 408 e-THP gets \u00a0a\n 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine\n with Turbo High Pressure, cranked to make \n165 horsepower\n and\n 245 Nm\n of torque from 1,450 rpm. The transversely mounted 16-valve direct injection engine is paired to an Aisin-sourced\n\u00a0six-speed automatic torque converter\n\u00a0(with Quickshift technology) that channels drive to the front wheels.\nThe e in the e-THP doesn\u2019t stand for\u00a0\nelectric\n, though. Instead, it\u2019s to denote the engine\u2019s auto start-stop feature, a first for Peugeot Malaysia. Interestingly though, this feature shuts off the engine when no throttle is applied at speeds below 20km/h, but restarts as soon as the gas paddle is depressed.\nSAFETY\nThe 408 is big on safety. It has six airbags, blind spot information system, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS with EBD and Anti-Skid Regulation all as standard. There\u2019s also four rear parking sensors, reverse camera and a more rigid unibody that can better absorb and deform, structurally, in the event of a collision.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAll purchases of the Peugeot 408 e-THP comes packaged with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty that includes Peugeot\u2019s 24-hour roadside Assistance aid. It\u2019s available in six exterior colours \u2013 Aluminium, Alpine White, Lucifer Red, Premium Black, Aster Grey and Bourrasque Blue. New Peugeot owners will also be entitled to complimentary access at Subang Skypark Terminal\u2019s Peugeot Lounge.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Auto Alliance has officially opened its first Peugeot flagship 3S Centre in Glenmarie for sales, service and spare parts. The new 3S facility features the company\u2019s new brand identity feature the new lion\u2019s head \nrevealed in March last year\n.\nIn a statement released by Bermaz Auto Alliance, the company said that as part of the Bermaz Automotive group that has been so successful with the Mazda brand in Malaysia, it aims to provide the best ownership experience for its customers through this new facility.\nRELATED:\n \n(Gallery)\n \nAll-new Peugeot 2008 now launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM127k\nThe company also said it is committed to improving after-sales support and warranty-related coverage to its customers. After-sales support will also be offered to Citroen and DS customers.\nThe new state-of-the-art service is home to 21 operational service bays, manned by trained and skilled technicians who are always kept up-to-date with the latest vehicle development updates. The service centre is also equipped with the latest manufacturer\u2019s diagnostic system equipment and maintenance tools. Waiting customers can do so at a waiting lounge with refreshments and a working space with Wi-Fi amenities.\nThe new Peugeot 3S centre is located at Lot.15, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park U1, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor. Operation hours are from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (weekdays) and 8.00 am to 12.00 pm (Saturday).\nTo book a service appointment, call 03-5021 2300 (ext. 2402/2403) or head to \nPeugeot\u2019s customer portal\n to book a slot online. Customers in need of roadside assistance can contact the Peugeot 24-hours roadside assistance at 1-800-22-3399.\nPeugeot customers are encouraged to update their information \nhere\n."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just introduced a new limited-edition variant of their seven-seater SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sports Edition. Only 120 units of this special edition variant will be available, priced at RM142,888 (OTR without insurance).\nFor RM5,000 more than the standard Outlander 2.0L 4WD it is based on, the Sports Edition gains visual enhancements in the form of a dual-tone paint scheme \u2013 Red Metallic body with Ruby Black Roof, black dynamic shield front grille, 18-inch multi-spoke alloys in gloss black, extended roof spoiler, black tailgate trim and diffuser inserts as well as an \u201cOUTLANDER\u201d emblem on the hood.   Inside, you\u2019ll find new dual DVD rear entertainment screens and red accent floor mats with Sports Edition embroidery. Equipment list remains the same as the enhanced Outlander which was introduced last Raya with leather seats, multifunctional steering wheel with cruise control, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Gesture Control, dual-zone automatic climate control, digital video recorder (dashcam) and security tinted film for all windows.\nThe same 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated MIVEC petrol engine that pushes out 145 hp and 196 Nm of torque paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to drive all four wheels. The Outlander is also equipped with the intelligent 4WD system that allows the driver to cycle between three driving modes \u2013 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock according to their driving needs.   On the safety front, the Outlander Sports Edition comes with seven airbags, ABS and EBD, Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts and all-round view monitor.\nThe Mitsubishi Outlander was recently crowned as the Family SUV of Malaysia at the 2018 Cars of Malaysia Awards. Enjoy the full gallery after the jump and let us know what do you think of this spruced up family SUV.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMitsubishi Outlander Sports Edition 2.0L 4WD"
"The government introduced a \nnew set of laws \nlast year in response to the increasing incidents of blatant drunk driving in our country, and according to a new comment by the Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, these efforts seem to be serving their purpose.\nSpeaking during the Ministers\u2019 Question Time session at the \nDewan Rakyat\n yesterday, Dr Wee said that from January until July this year, the total number of fatal car crashes stood at 2,560 cases \u2013 among which, 11 cases were due to the influence of alcohol or drugs.\nAdditionally, the Ministry is also working with the \nMalaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS)\n on an ongoing study to understand the impact of the harsher penalties for those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. \u201cFrom what we have found, the mandatory jail term does serve as a deterrent.\u201d\nThe Minister said that there has been a change of mindset from previous times since the introduction of the harsher penalties, where previously many would just drive home after having drinks. \u201cThis is among the steps the ministry has taken to prevent fatal accidents,\u201d he added.\nThe government is studying the implementation of a vehicle end-of-life policy for old cars in Malaysia. Read more about it here.\nThe Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020, passed in the Senate in September 2020, contains 15 main clauses against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Among which, first-time offenders convicted for drunk driving causing injuries (but not death) will face a jail term of seven to 10 years, and slapped with a fine of RM30,000-RM50,000. Repeat offenders meanwhile will see penalties increased to 10-15 years jail time, and a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000.\nFor fatal accidents due to drunk driving, first time offenders will be jailed between 10 and 15 years, and fined between RM50,000 and RM100,000, with the driving licence being disqualified for 10 years. Subsequent offences will see a jail term of 15 to 20 years, and a maximum fine of up to RM150,000, while their driving licence will be revoked for a period of 20 years.\nAdditionally, the bill also reduced the permissible alcohol content limit to 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 ml of breath; 50 milligrams (mg) of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, and 67 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of urine, in line with the World Health Organisation standards used in many countries throughout the world. These levels were previously 35 micrograms, 80 mg, and 107 mg.\nFor more information on the new drunk driving laws, click here.\nIn related news, Dr Wee also revealed that there were 807 accidents involving vehicles going against the flow of traffic since January this year. \u201cFrom the total, 29 fatalities were recorded, 17 cases had serious injuries, 49 with minor injuries and 712 cases involving damage,\u201d he said.\nThe minister added that studies have shown that human factors were among the main contributors to car accidents, especially for those who were speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and not focusing on driving because of the use of mobile phones and road navigation apps.\n[source: \nThe Star\n]"
"The pinnacle of motorsports, Formula One, undergoes massive technological advances every year. But have we ever stopped to wonder how future F1 cars will look like? Well, this Renault RS 2027 Vision\u00a0could be it, and it is simply breathtaking.\nDeveloped by Renault Sport division (overseers of their F1 team), the RS 2027 Vision appears to come straight off a certain \nJapanese anime\n. It gets the brand\u2019s signature C-shaped LED lights\u00a0up front and the driver will be cocooned in a closed cockpit. The\u00a0ultra-resistant polycarbonate cockpit will serve to protect the driver in the event of an accident.\nThe one thing that\u2019s shared with current F1 cars is the \nturbocharged V6 powertrain\n mated with two units of energy recovery system. In total, this machine cranks out\u00a0\n1,341 hp\n, approximately 350 hp more than the outgoing F1 cars. It tips the scale at just\n 600 kg\n!\nConversely, the fuel tank is shrunk to half of today\u2019s capacity, but this is overcome by incorporating higher density batteries. Renault predicts that the future of F1 cars will be all-wheel drive and use four-wheel steering for even more dramatic corner-carving manoeuvres.\nIs anyone else as excited as I am for the future of motor racing?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Genesis \nwants to make sportier cars now. No, really \u2013 that\u2019s pretty what it said in the press release. So to that end, they\u2019ve unveiled the GV80 Coupe Concept ahead of the upcoming New York Auto Show 2023, and. it\u2019s very orange.\nAside from the fact that fastback SUVs are now called \u2018Coupes\u2019, and they are apparently the definition of \u201cmore emotional, performance-oriented\u201d cars, we do have to admit that the GV80 Coupe Concept does look very nice, and realistic enough that we can see it rolling off the production floor today, even though it\u2019s officially a \u201cconcept\u201d \u2013 well, maybe aside from the interior. We\u2019ll get to that.\nGenesis says that the GV80 Coupe Concept\u2019s looks are inspired by the \nX Speedium Coupe Concept\n, though in practice, it\u2019s essentially a GV80 with a swoopy rear end (\nthat somewhat looks like a Kia EV6?\n), alongside a new grille, reworked exterior lighting, a sporty body kit, flared wheel arches, and massive five-spoke alloy wheels.\nGenesis says the wheels are made out of forged aluminium, working together with the carbon fibre roof to lower the GV80 Coupe Concept\u2019s weight and centre of gravity, thus aiding in its \u201cdynamic driving qualities\u201d. The twin spoilers at the back \u2013 consisting of a roof spoiler and the elliptical ducktail upkick on the bodywork \u2013 are functional too, giving the SUV extra downforce at speed.\nRELATED: \nThe Genesis GV60 is a premium EV SUV with 435 hp. and a drift mode for some reason\nWhile the exterior does look fairly production-ready, the interior of the Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept does give you a hint that it\u2019s perhaps really just a concept vehicle. That mostly comes down to the four individual bucket seats (though with pretty plaid-style Alcantara fabric), as well as an exposed strut brace near the rear cargo area \u2013 both of which we probably won\u2019t see in the final production version of the car.\nNo technical specifications are available just yet, but we can probably expect it to be powered something probably much more powerful than the 375 hp 3.5-litre V6 it currently offers on the standard GV80, if it wants to compete with the likes of the \nBMW X6 M\n and \nCayenne Coupe\n.\n\u201cAt its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans, which evolved into the \nG70\n, \nG80\n, and \nG90\n models,\u201d said Hyundai Motor Group Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke. Over the past seven years, we have added more lifestyle-oriented models to the portfolio, such as our GV80 and GV70 SUVs. Now we are pushing the envelope with more emotional cars that elevate Genesis\u2019 performance and dynamic attributes.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Following the Housing and Local Government\u2019s (KPKT) announcement last year that \nall street lights nationwide will be converted to LEDs\n beginning September 2020, the ministry is now focusing on the disposal of abandoned cars.\nA pilot study is now underway, according to\n \nlocal news sources\n, to improve on the disposal of abandoned cars and will take place for the next six months, said Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.\nThe Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ), the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), and the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) are among the five local councils currently involved in the study. In Kajang alone, about 150 abandoned vehicles are towed away each day.\nDatuk Zuraida said these municipals will be studied and they would draft standard operating procedures (SOP) and disposal methods. Zuraida is also seeking cooperation from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to implement this.\nThese places are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes as highlighted by Datuk Zuraida. She also stressed that the disposal methods are not as comprehensive as after the abandoned cars are towed away, the area will still be littered with rubbish.\nThis initiative also seeks to reduce the expenditure of local municipals as they would no longer need to rent a site for storage of abandoned vehicles if a more efficient system is in place."
"Toyota Motor Corp has issued another\u00a0\nworldwide recall\u00a0\nin a series of large-scaled recalls, totalling up to a good\u00a0\n1.75 million vehicles\n in what appears to be a voluntary move to address several \npotentially hazardous\n\u00a0manufacturing defects. Over \n1.05 million\n vehicles from Toyota and Lexus have been recalled in \nJapan\n alone, whereas the remaining bulk of defective vehicles are from markets outside of Japan.\nThe 2006 Toyota Mark X\nSome of the defects include a \nfaulty brake master cylinder\n that could hinder braking performance and \nfaulty fuel delivery pipes\n which could \u2013 in the worst case scenario \u2013 \ncause a fire\n through the leakage. The affected vehicles are the Crown, Crown Majesta, \nMark X\n, Noah, Voxy, Auris and Corolla Rumion, including more than a dozen Lexus models \nbuilt between the year 2007 to 2012\n, although \nno fires, crashes or injuries\n linked to the defects have been reported.\nApparently, the problem with the fuel line involves some plating along the engine compartment which is responsible for the \nprevention of corrosion\n. However, there are fears that these particles could have found their way into the gasket seating surface, causing leakages and \npotentially catching fire\n should there be \npresence of an ignition source\n.\nThe 2008 Lexus IS F is one of the many Lexus models recalled for inspection\nHowever, \nnot more than 250 Lexus IS and LS models\n are affected in Malaysia, and Lexus Malaysia will be in \ndirect contact\n with owners of the affected vehicles for further inspection. Owners of the vehicles affected outside of Malaysia will receive a notification via \nfirst class mail\n.\nFor those who own some of the mentioned cars bought from our local\u00a0\ngrey importers\n, it\u2019s best to get your vehicles checked by an authorised service centre."
"Ferrari turns \n70 years\n this year, and there\u2019s no better way for the boys at Maranello to celebrate the occasion than bagging three major trophies in this year\u2019s Engine of the Year awards. They also won the coveted \u201cInternational\u00a0Engine of the Year\u201d title for the second year running.\nThe \n3.9-litre V8 turbocharged engine\n that powers the \n488 GTB\n, \nCalifornia T\n, and\u00a0\nGTC4 Lusso T\n, was the biggest winner of the award, winning the \u2018Performance Engine\u2019 and the \u20183.0 to 4.0-litre\u2019 categories. Also, for the past six years, Ferrari dominated the \u201cAbove 4.0-litre Performance Engine\u201d category, making them the most successful brand for any high-performance sports car manufacturer.\nIn the smaller displacement sector, particularly the three-cylinder category, Ford\u2019s 1.0-litre EcoBoost, BMW\u2019s\u00a01.5-litre\u00a0petrol-electric hybrid, and\u00a0Peugeot\u2019s 1.2-litre PureTech all won their respective categories. Honda also walked home with the \u201cbest new engine\u201d category with the 3.5-litre hybrid engine in the \nNSX\n.\nThis annual awards ceremony is run by\u00a0Engine Technology International Magazine\u00a0with a panel of 58 international motoring journalists. And if you\u2019ve paid close scrutiny to this, no diesel engines \u00a0realised something, the diesel engines came out empty handed. How times have changed. Below is the full list of winners:\nCategory Winners\nNew engine \u2013\u00a0\nHonda 3.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid.\nGreen engine\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\nTesla electric powertrain.\nElectric powertrain \u2013\u00a0\nTesla electric powertrain.\nPerformance engine \u2013\u00a0\nFerrari 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8\nBelow 1.0-litre \u2013\u00a0\nFord 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder\n1.4 to 1.8-litre \u2013\u00a0\nBMW 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid\n1.8 to 2.0-litre \u2013\u00a0\nPorsche 2.0-litre turbo flat-four\n2.0 to 2.5-litre \u2013\u00a0\nAudi 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder\n2.5 to 3.0-litre \u2013\u00a0\nPorsche 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six\n3.0 to 4.0-litre \u2013\u00a0\nFerrari 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8\nAbove 4.0-litre \u2013\u00a0\nFerrari 6.3-litre V12"
"After making its ASEAN debut in \nThailand\n in early July, Hyundai has introduced the Staria MPV in Indonesia. It\u2019s designed to replace the \nStarex\n 11-seater window van that has been in service since 2007.\nThe specifications between the Thailand and Indonesia units appear the same and are in the right-hand drive. However, the Indonesia-market Hyundai Staria gets an exclusive rim design as well as two different trim and badging highlights.\nThe Brass Chrome package gives a bronze effect on the Hyundai emblems, Staria emblem as well as the mesh pattern on the grille, the front spoiler, side mirrors, and the elaborate 18-inch rims.\nFor the Indonesian market, the colour palette for the new Staria includes White among three exterior colours- Abyss Black Pearl, Silver Metallic and Graphite Grey. The Dark Chrome package (image above) is paired only to this grey shade. \u00a0\u00a0\nHyundai and LG Energy to build Gigafactory in Indonesia. How big? More about the facility here.\nNow for the interior, of which the new Hyundai Staria is offered in 7- or 9-seater configuration in Indonesia. Called \u201cPremium Relaxation Seats\u201d, the captain seats in the 7-seater are loaded with comfort features, such as ventilation, 8-way adjustment with additional reclining angle as well as ottoman leg support!\nFor the 9-seater, occupants can swivel the individual second-row seats to face the third row, turning the Staria into a mobile conference room or more engaging atmosphere.\nBoth interior configurations have standard premium features such as remote engine start, a fully automatic air-conditioning system for the front and back sections, leather upholstery (two colour choices), front passenger walk-in switch, manual window sunshades and LED ambient mood lighting. The 7-seater variant adds a Bose 12-speaker Premium Audio System.\u00a0\nPower to move the new Hyundai Staria is a modern CRDi turbodiesel unit displacing 2.2-litres. Outputs are \n177 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque and all that power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Independent multi-link rear suspension provides comfort to the occupants as well as better cornering stability.\nPrefer a rear-wheel driven Hyundai Starex? Find out how to own one with the new Smart Lease programme!\nSimilar to the Thailand model, the Staria gets almost the full suite of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS features. We say almost because the only missing assist system is the Adaptive Cruise Control. Both seat configurations have standard fitment of the blind-spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), Safe Exit Assist and Surround View Monitor camera system.\nHyundai Mobil Indonesia is positioning the 7-seater higher; thus it gets autonomous emergency braking, lane following assist, front vehicle departure alert and active assists in the BSM, RCTA and Safe Exit Assist. \u00a0\nThe new Hyundai Staria in Indonesia is priced at IDR888 million (approx. RM260k) for the 9-seater variant and \nIDR1.020 billion\n (RM300k) for the 7-seater variant. A ballpark figure, the new Hyundai Staria is IDR300 million (approx. RM88k) dearer than the Starex H1 model.\nFor reference, the entry-level Toyota Alphard 2.5 X starts from IDR1.065 billion, while a Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer starts from IDR1.027 billion. \u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019re almost at the end of the line with this one. DRB-HICOM announced that Proton Holdings\u2019 new foreign strategic partner will be Geely Automobile, one of at least five bidders for the spot. The Chinese giant is agreeable to a 49.9 percent stake and will acquire a controlling stake (51 percent) of Lotus Cars.\nOne of the immediate benefits of this partnership for Geely is the utilisation of Proton\u2019s manufacturing hub in Tanjung Malim to produce its products, among which\u00a0is the \nright-hand drive\u00a0variant\n of the \nLynk & Co 01\n SUV for export. Geely said it will assist Proton with any available technology and resources to regain some of the global presence they\u00a0have lost in recent years.\nMeanwhile,\u00a0Geely seems adamant in acquiring Lotus in full. Besides gaining access to the British carmaker\u2019s engineering prowess, Geely is equally optimistic about the brand\u2019s future. If Volvo\u2019s current success is anything to go by, perhaps Lotus will soon have their share of taste in success as well. Proton\u2019s shares are suspended for the day pending this vital announcement.\nProton, once the prideful carmaker of our country\u2019s, has been in the reds ever since they lost their coveted top spot to Perodua. Last year, Proton took a \nRM1.5 billion soft loan\n from the Malaysian government, but with the condition that Proton must seek a foreign strategic partner as part of its turnaround plan or risk winding up. Even with the launch of four new models last year, Proton struggled to deliver in the first quarter of the year, falling behind Perodua and Honda.\u00a0\nOther bidders for the partnership include Groupe PSA, Suzuki Motors, Skoda and Renault. Groupe PSA was also close to securing Proton after expressing interest in locally assembling their SUVs in Tanjung Malim.\nThe deal, which was signed today, is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. The definitive agreement\u00a0between both parties is expected to be announced by July 2017."
"Following the launch of the \niX back in August\n, BMW Malaysia has now unveiled the iX3 here on our shores. The EV SUV will be offered in two variants \u2013 iX3 M Sport Inspiring and iX3 M Sport Impressive. Pricing starts at RM317,360, and is now available for viewing and pre-booking at selected BMW dealerships nationwide.\nEXTERIOR\nThe BMW iX3 arrives at our shores in the\n facelifted form\n, featuring a reworked, slimmer headlights with trapezoidal daytime-running lights signature, a larger (conjoined) kidney grille, as well as a redesigned pincer-style 3D taillights.\nBoth variants comes equipped with the M Sport exterior package on both variants, consisting of the M Sport front and rear bumpers with iX3-specific design, M high-gloss Shadowline (chrome delete for window surrounds), and M Aerodynamics package.\nBoth variants are also equipped as standard with the panorama glass roof with electric with sun protection roller blind. To differentiate between the two, you\u2019ll have to look at the wheels: the Inspiring comes with a set of 19-inch alloys in Style 842 Bicolour, while the range-topping Impressive gets the 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels in style 890 M Bicolour, replete with run-flat tyres.\nThe Impressive also gets the BMW Laserlight headlights up front; the Inspiring instead comes with the usual adaptive LED items, though both are equipped with high-beam assist as standard.\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth variants of the BMW iX3 here in Malaysia are powered by the same electric drive unit underneath the sheet metal.\nDrive unit: rear axle single electric motor\nMax output: 210 kW (286 hp)\nMax torque: 400 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds\nTop speed: 180 km/h\nThe electric drive unit is also paired to the same 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (73.8 kWh usable), offering up to 461 km of range based on the WLTP test cycle.\nTopping up the batteries with a 150 kW DC fast charger takes 32 minutes from 0-80%, while an 11 kW AC wall-box (Type 2 connector) can fill the batteries from empty to 100% in approximately 7.5 hours.\nINTERIOR\nThe facelift on the BMW X3 line-up is more apparent on the inside, which gets a heavily reworked dashboard designed inspired by the G20 3 Series. Interior appointments are also similar between the two variants, which comes with the following items:\nBMW Live Cockpit Professional \u2013 dual 12.3-inch displays for instrument cluster and centre infotainment display\n3-zone automatic climate control\nSport seats with electric adjustments and memory function for driver and front passengers\nM Leather steering wheel\nM headliner in anthracite\nVernasca leather upholstery\nStitched Sensatec faux leather dashboard\nBrushed aluminium interior trim with Pearl Chrome finishers and galvanised silver embellishers for the switches\nComfort Access contactless tailgate access\nQi wireless charging pad\nThe range-topping Impressive variant swaps the standard 205W 12-speaker sound system with a 464W 16-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound system, while adding additional acoustic glazing on the windows, head-up display, 360-degree surround view monitor, gesture control, and the \nBMW IconicSounds Electric system that was developed with Hans Zimmer\n.\nSAFETY\nSafety equipment is also fairly standard across the range, with the full suite of the Driving Assistant Professional systems available across both variants:\nActive Cruise Control with Stop&Go functionality\nSteering and Lane Control Assistant\nAutonomous emergency braking\nEvasion Assistant\nSpeed Limit Assist\nAcoustic protection for pedestrians\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the BMW iX3 in Malaysia starts at RM317,360 for the M Sport Inspiring variant (on the road, without insurance), however that only comes without a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty comes as standard. The prices also\n include \nsales tax, which means deliveries will only begin next year after \nexemptions expire on the 31st of December\n.\nAs usual, you\u2019ll be able to upgrade to the five-year Extended Warranty & Service Package at additional cost. A Power Package is also available, which adds a 22 kW BMW i Wallbox and a BMW i Standard Charging Cable at RM5,000 (without installation). The full pricing breakdown is as follows:\nBMW iX3 M Sport Inspiring \u2013 RM317,360\nwith Extended Warranty & Service Package \u2013 RM330,800\nwith Power Package \u2013 RM322,360\nwith Extended Warranty & Service Package and Power Package \u2013 RM335,800\nBMW iX3 M Sport Impressive \u2013 RM336,360\nwith Extended Warranty & Service Package \u2013 RM349,800\nwith Power Package \u2013 RM341,360\nwith Extended Warranty & Service Package and Power Package \u2013 RM354,800\nGALLERY"
"It was all smiles at BMW Group Malaysia when they announced that \n2017 was their best year in the country yet\n, delivering 12,680 to new homes across Malaysia. On the global scale, the BMW and MINI brand achieved all-time high sales figures, resulted in BMW Group (as a whole) maintaining their Number 1 position in the premium brand segment.\nIn 2017, BMW Group delivered \n2,463,526 cars\n worldwide, \nup 4.1 percent\n compared to the previous year. The Group\u2019s core \nBMW brand\n recorded a 4.2 percent increase in global sales amounting to 2,088,283 units in a single calendar year. BMW X models were once again the main driving force with sales of X vehicles up 9.6 percent compared to the previous year. Other models that contributed greatly to the total sales include the \n5 Series\n (+6.3 percent; 291,856), \n1 Series\n (+14.7 percent; 201,968) and the \n7 Series\n (4.5 percent; 64,311).\nBMW\u2019s performance arm, \nBMW M GmbH\n also achieved record sales in 2017. M division delivered a total of \n80,795 units\n, \nup 19.1 percent\n compared to the previous year. The \nM2\n charted the strongest growth with total sales of 12,293 units. M Performance variants of the new BMW 5 Series also contributed strongly to the increase in sales.\nThe MINI brand proved to be increasingly popular with customers across the globe, achieving an all-time high of 371,881 vehicles sold in 2017 \u2013 an increase of 3.2 percent compared to the previous year. The \nMINI Countryman\n saw a significant jump in sales of 30 percent (84,441) while the \nMINI Convertible\n was also a strong sales driver with 33,317 units delivered to customers.\nRolls-Royce, on the other hand, did not share the same success stories as the other two. The high-end luxury carmaker recorded a 16.2 percent decrease in sales to 3,362 units across the 50 countries it is represented in. The drop in sales was due to the absence of the \nnew Phantom\n which was only introduced in July 2017 and first deliveries are scheduled only in January 2018.\nAs reported earlier, \nBMW Group has delivered 103,080 electrified vehicles\n to customers, exceeding their initial target. At the launch of the \nG30 530e PHEV\n, BMW Group Malaysia has expressed that Malaysia is the fifth largest market for BMW Plug-in Hybrid vehicles.\nChina remains the \nsingle largest market\n for BMW and MINI cars in 2017 with 594,388 units delivered to new customers, 15.1 percent increase from the previous year. In Asia, the group delivered a total of 847,493 units (+13.6 percent) of BMW and MINI vehicles. A total of 1,100,975 cars were delivered across Europe, a slight increase of 0.9 percent from 2016 but Americas suffered a slight decrease in overall sales, with only 450,020 units (-2.0 percent) delivered to customers due to the limited availability of BMW X models.\nBoard member of BMW AG, Pieter Nota added \u201cI am confident BMW sales will continue to grow during 2018, while we also maintain our focus on profitability. Increased availability of BMW X models and our ongoing model offensive, which includes the launches of brand new models this year such as the BMW X2 and the BMW 8 Series, will ensure we bring even more customers to the BMW brand in 2018.\u201d"
"SUVs are all the craze these days. Head to any auto exhibition and you\u2019ll find more SUVs than anything else on display. Such is the case with PSA Groupe as the Group\u2019s SUV market share in Europe has risen to 16.9 percent in the first quarter of 2018.\nAcross the Group\u2019s five brands \u2013 Peugeot, Citro\u00ebn, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall \u2013 a total of 250,000 new SUV registrations in Europe was recorded in the first three months of 2018. As of end-March, PSA Groupe was among the segment leaders in the SUV game.\nTo support the rapid growth in demand for SUVs in Europe, the Group has made a move to increase its production capacity for SUVs in Europe. Appropriate investments will be made to support this expansion to maintain the high-quality standards of PSA Groupe vehicles.\nPSA Groupe is also steadily expanding their global footprint as part of their Push to Pass business plan. The recent \nacquisition of Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant in Gurun, Kedah\n, as the first ASEAN manufacturing hub for Groupe PSA shows the Group\u2019s commitment to tap into the 680 million potential customers in ASEAN.\nThanks to the use of modular platforms in their vehicles, PSA Groupe is able to adopt a worldwide and multi-site strategy of SUV production. Here are where PSA Groupe builds their cars:\nPeugeot 2008 \u2013 Mulhouse (France), Porto Real (Brazil), Wuhan (China)\nPeugeot 3008 \u2013 Sochaux (France), Chulai (Vietnam), Gurun (Malaysia), Walvis Bay (Namibia)\nPeugeot 4008 \u2013 Chengdu (China)\nPeugeot 5008 \u2013 Rennes and Sochaux (France), Chulai (Vietnam), Chengdu (China)\nC3 Aircross \u2013 Zaragoza (Spain)\nC4 Aircross \u2013 Wuhan (China)\nC5 Aircross \u2013 Rennes (France), Chengdu (China)\nDS 7 Crossback \u2013 Mulhouse (France) and Shenzhen (China)\nOpel/Vauxhall Grandland X \u2013 Sochaux (France), Eisenach (Germany), Walvis Bay (Namibia)\nOpel/Vauxhall Crossland X \u2013 Zaragoza (Spain)\nOpel/Vauxhall Mokka X \u2013 Zaragoza (Spain), Bupyeong (Korea)"
"Peugeot has released an update on its price revisions following the government\u2019s recent initiative to spur the automotive industry following two months of inactivity during the MCO period.\nThe \nCKD 3008 launched last year\n was featured in our Mega SUV shootout recently, piloted by Leona Chin, against the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Proton X70 and Nissan X-Trail.\nThe Mega SUV shootout saw all five SUVs take part in a drag race, an agility test and a fuel consumption test where each of the drivers in their respective SUVs were required to use the least amount of fuel to get to Port Dickson.\nFor the latest updates on the revised price lists from all other car brands in Malaysia, do check out our round-up, available\u00a0\nhere\n."
"In June 2018, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) invested US$1 billion into Grab, the regions leading O2O mobile platform, to transform the Japanese automaker into a mobility company. As a result of the new partnership, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (TMAP), the sales and marketing regional headquarters of Toyota in Asia will be offering Total-care Service for 1,500 Toyota vehicles owned by GrabRentals in Singapore.\nOn average, ride-hailing vehicles accumulates five times more mileage than privately-owned vehicles which is why the Total-care Service is an innovative and world\u2019s first service for ride-hailing companies to help ensure that their fleet of vehicles are maintained timely and are in safe condition.\nUnder Toyota\u2019s Mobility Service Platform (MSPF), the company can leverage on the onboard telematics data from ride-hailing drivers and users to design dedicated fleet management, automotive insurance and vehicle maintenance packages to extend the life of ride-hailing vehicles. Through this Total-care Service, Grab is able to provide its driver-partners with more cost-efficient and timely maintenance services.\nThrough the Total-care Service, driving data is collected by Toyota\u2019s in-vehicle data-transmission device, TransLog, and sent to the MSPF, an information infrastructure developed by Toyota for vehicle connectivity. Grab, Toyota and its local dealers will use such vehicle data collaboratively to achieve a safer and more secure ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia. For example, using vehicle data, Grab will be able to provide its driver-partners with support and advice for safety as needed. In addition, the Toyota dealer will apply TPS to vehicle maintenance for Grab-owned vehicles.\nSince the rollout of telematics on the Grab driver app last year, there has been a 50 per cent reduction in speeding incidents and 20 per cent reduction in hard braking and sudden acceleration, which are potential causes of road accidents. Grab\u2019s incident rates have decreased by 40 per cent over the last year since Q3 2017.\nPresident of Grab, Ming Maa commented: \u201cWe are excited to work with Toyota to roll out the Total-care Service to our Grab Rental fleet. The ability to meld data analytics with vehicle maintenance will make our rental fleet even safer for our driver-partners and go toward achieving our goal to raise transport safety standards in the region.\u201d\nTMAP President, Susumu Matsuda said: \u201cWe are starting this world-first Total-care Service here in Southeast Asia, making full use of Toyota\u2019s strength such as our philosophy of Toyota Production System and vehicle connectivity technologies. I believe the service will support the sustainable growth of Grab\u2019s business and help offer even safer and more attractive ride-hailing services.\u201d"
"The Toyota Corolla Cross has enjoyed quite a notable success in Thailand, selling over 22,500 units over the past year since its launch in July 2020, making it the best-selling C-segment SUV in the Land of Smiles. So to celebrate, the company has now unveiled a new Special Edition Modellista model for the \nCorolla Cross\n.\nAvailable exclusively to the Hybrid Premium Safety and Hybrid Premium variants, and only limited to 250 units, the Toyota Corolla Cross Modellista Special Edition is dressed up for a sportier look with a new exterior body kit consisting of front and rear bumper extensions, side skirts, and an exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels.\nCustomers can also further specify their special edition models with a black roof (at extra cost) for the full sporty crossover look.\nToyota Thailand also recently unveilled a Modellista kit for the Fortuner. Check it out here!\nAside from these aesthetic tweaks, though, the rest of the car is unchanged from what\u2019s already offered in Thailand. Underneath the bonnet is a 98 hp/142 Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine, paired with an electric motor that makes 72 hp and 163 Nm for a total system output of \n122 hp\n, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.\nThe Hybrid Premium Safety variant, as the name suggests, adds the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance system, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and auto high-beam.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross Modellista is also only available in three exterior colour choices: Celestite Gray Metallic, Metal Stream Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl \u2013 the last one being an extra-cost option at 10,000 baht (approx. RM1,276).\nAs for the interior, customers can choose between a regular all-black cabin, or a Terra Rossa two-tone upholstery option.\nCan the Corolla Cross dethrone the Toyota HR-V as the SUV king in Malaysia? Check out our quick test drive review here!\nThe Modellista kit for the Toyota Corolla Cross is valued at 41,500 baht (approx. RM5.3k), which brings the total price (without cost options) up to \n1,130,500 baht (approx. RM144k)\n and \n1,240,500 baht (approx RM155k)\n for the Hybrid Premium and Hybrid Premium Safety respectively.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia, in a completely unanticipated move, announced the official arrival of the \nBMW i8\n. The model is by far the costliest Bimmer on sale right now, bandying a price tag of \nRM1,188,800\n without insurance.\u00a0Naysayers will find the price tag unjustifiable considering that this sports car comes with a \n1.5-litre three-cylinder engine\n, however\u00a0do read on to find out how amazing this machine is.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW i8\nEngine\n1,499cc; inline 3-cyl with TwinPower Turbo\nElectric Motor\nHybrid synchronous motor (131 hp & 250 Nm)\nTransmission\n6-speed Steptronic Sport auto\nMax Power\n362 hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n570 Nm from 1,200 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n4.4 seconds\nTop Speed\n250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM1,188,800.00 with GST\nThe i8 is a highly advanced, lightweight sports car and is one of BMW\u2019s most distinguished models of late. It sits on an \naluminium chassis\n and the passenger cell is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Tipping the scale at just \n1,485kg\n, the \n2+2 plug-in hybrid\n sports car measures at 4,689mm in length, 1,942mm wide and is 1,293mm tall. The axles are 2,800mm apart and the i8 has a ground clearance of 117mm.\nEXTERIOR\nStandard exterior features include \nfull LED headlamps\n with their distinctive LED DRLs, \n\u2018Butterfly\u2019 door design\n that opens upwards (they\u2019re really light, don\u2019t worry), beautiful \nLED tail lamps\n and \n20-inch \nBMW i light alloy wheels. The front wheels are wrapped with 215/45 R20 series tyres whereas the rear wheels get fatter 245/40 R20 profile rubbers. All factory equipped tyres are run-flats and come with individual flat tyre indicator.   INTERIOR\nSitting inside the i8 with the doors closed will have you realise how well the outside noise gets filtered out, and in that sweet moment of serenity, we dialed into the intricacies of its cabin. It is said that the leather used to wrap the instrument panel is tanned with olive leaf extracts, but the same cannot be said with the leather seats, we\u2019re afraid.   Other interior features include \nautomatic dual-zone air conditioning\n, power adjustable front seats with memory function, folding centre armrests with storage compartment, high definition \n10.25-inch display monitor\n with GPS navigation, 3D mapping and arrow display, \niDrive Touch Controller\n, on-board computer with Check Control, \n16-speaker 600W Harman Kardon\n surround sound system and \nBMW Head-Up Display\n.\u00a0You also get convenient features like \ncruise control\n with brake function, top and side view camera system as well as front and rear sensors \u2013 also known as Park Distance Control (PDC).\nPERFORMANCE\nNow for the most interesting part. We\u2019ve already told you about its \n1.5-litre engine\n, but what we have yet to tell you is that it\u2019s paired to a \nhybrid synchronous motor\n that makes \n131 horsepower\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. The petrol engine on its own makes \n231 hp\n at 5,800 rpm and \n320 Nm\n of torque at 3,700 rpm, courtesy of BMW\u2019s TwinPower Turbo technology. Together with the electric motor, it makes for a combined output of \n362 hp\n and \n570 Nm\n of torque.\nThe numbers are good enough to propel this sub 1,500 kg green sports car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.4 seconds\n, onto an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. As with the BMWs that we\u2019ve come to know, the combustion engine sends its power to the rear wheels with a \nsix-speed Steptronic Sport automatic\n transmission, whereas the electric motor sends power to the front wheels via a \ntwo-stage automatic\n transmission. Battery type is \nlithium-ion\n with a gross capacity of \n7.1 kWh\n, and gets to a full charge in three hours via a domestic charging port or two hours with BMW\u2019s i Wallbox.\nEven more impressive is its fuel consumption, rated at \n2.1 litres per 100 km\n. There are \nfive driving modes\n to choose from; Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. The other two driving modes \u2013 Comfort and Eco Pro \u2013 can be toggled in pure electric mode simply by pressing the eDrive button. In pure electric mode, the i8 is capable of doing 35km and maxes out at 120 km/h.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe i8 again, is priced at \nRM1,88,800.00\n on-the-road without insurance. It comes with a \ntwo-year warranty\n with \nunlimited mileage\n as well as a three-year or 60,000 km BS+RI free service and repair, whereas the battery gets an eight-year or 100,000km assurance coverage, whichever occurs first. Keep in mind that when buying the i8, the aforementioned price comes with the \nBMW i Wallbox\n for you to charge your car at home, but installation is a separate cost.\nCatch the BMW i8 live in person at the \nBMW World Malaysia 2015\n held at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort from 17 to 19 April. Tickets, which cost at \nRM16.98\n, can be bought \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has released some stunning images of the new 545e PHEV xDrive and gorgeous as it may be, it\u2019s not all show and no go.\nUnder the hood is a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine paired to a synchronous electric motor for a combined output of \n394 hp \nwhile max torque is \n600 Nm\n. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.\nBMW says 0 to 100 km/h in the 545e xDrive takes 4.7 seconds \u2013 a tad quicker than the\n \nGolf R\n \u2013 onward to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Using purely electric power, the 545e xDrive can reach a top speed of 140 km/h.\nThis makes the 545e xDrive the fastest BMW PHEV you can buy and within it\u2019s own 5 Series family, it\u2019s behind only to the 550i xDrive and the \nM5\n in terms of performance.\nThe 550i xDrive makes \n462 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n from 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. With power driving all four wheels, it\u2019s capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds.\nThe \nM5\n, on the other hand, is also powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, but with\n 600 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h in the first-ever all-wheel drive M5 takes just 3.4 seconds, while 0 to 200 km/h is done in just\u00a011 seconds.\nWith a pure electric range of up to 57 km, average fuel consumption in the 545e xDrive is rated at 2.1L/100km. Its 400V lithium-ion battery has been placed under the seat to save space; resulting in 410-litres of boot space.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n, the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia continued its sales trend on an upward trajectory after closing Financial Year 2022 (April 2022 \u2013 March 2023) with \n24,315 units\n sold. This is 27% more vehicles sold compared to the same time last financial year.\nThe company managed to capture a market share of 3.2% as well, allowing it to retain its top-three spot in the non-national automotive sales table. This is also MMM\u2019s historical high sales achievement since its inception in 2005.\nMMM\u2019s top seller, the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n remains Malaysia\u2019s most popular non-national MPV with \n13,794 units\n sold and has contributed 57% to the company\u2019s overall total sales. This is a 52.2% increase compared to the same period in FY2021.\nThe \nMitsubishi Triton\n pick-up truck also had a sales growth of 12% compared to the financial year before. With \n10,520 units\n sold, the Triton maintained a solid market share of 18% and is currently a strong number two in the pick-up truck segment.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Triton, Xpander now cost up to RM3.3k more, Phantom Plus dropped\n\u201cThe Triton and Xpander have been a catalyst for our sales growth in Financial Year 2022. In ending a successful financial year, we will continue to focus on improving customer purchase and service experience to meet the evolving needs of our customers, assuring a seamless experience,\u201d said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda.\n\u201cOn the global front, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) recently premiered the Mitsubishi XRT, the concept car of the all-new Triton at the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show 2023. For the upcoming Asia Cross Country Rally 2023, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart plans to compete with a prototype cross-country model of the all-new Triton in its quest for a second straight victory,\u201d Shinya Ikeda added.\nMMM\u2019s CEO also mentioned that the company will not only be participating in rallies with the new Triton models but also with other Mitsubishi models as well. The company is optimistic about its future as a brand and its presence in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi expands footprint in Malaysia with new 3S centres in Alor Setar and Langkawi"
"Growing up, we\u2019ve all had that one adult in our lives, be it our mothers or relatives, who are extra fussy about everything. and we mean everything. But while we may not realise at the time, they usually have your best interests at heart, as demonstrated in \nUMW Toyota\n\u2018s Hari Raya advertisement this year.\n \nThe story was told by the character Aiman, who chronicles his childhood under the watchful eyes of his mother, affectionately nicknamed \nUmi Pembaris\n \u2013 as she always seems to have a ruler in her hand. As you might have experienced yourselves growing up in an Asian household, the ruler \u2013 aside from being used to actually measure things \u2013 also sometimes function as a form of punishment.\nAs years go by, almost everything has changed; Aiman now has his own family, and he\u2019s switched from riding in the KE10 Toyota Corolla, to now driving his own \nCorolla Cross\n. But the one thing that just doesn\u2019t change is \nUmi Pembaris\n, her ruler, and her constant nagging.\nWithout her children by her side this year, Umi Pembaris\u2019s ruler has now taken on a hilarious new role.\nHaving his own family though, did make Aiman understand \nUmi\n\u2018s way \u2013 while the teachings of tradition and cultures may seem harsh, it\u2019s the one thing that truly strengthens the bond in the family. And that is why he\u2019s now passing on the same teachings to his own children, albeit in a more. gentle way.\nAside from the main message, the film also reminded us of the good ol\u2019 days before the world was turned completely upside-down by the Covid-19 pandemic. But while we may not be with our loved ones this festive season, it doesn\u2019t mean that we can\u2019t still have fun in different ways, as the video cheekily shows at the end.\nHopefully, the pandemic will soon blow over, and we can have a more regular \nHari Raya\n next year. But for now, let\u2019s all stay home, and stay safe. \nSelamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri\n, everyone!"
"MINI is tired of everyone saying that the all-electric Cooper SE is not a \u201creal MINI\u201d, so of course, the British brand (well, sort of) did what it does best \u2013 by taking the \nall-electric Mini\n to an Opel Trophy rally stage in Romania, opening a new chapter in its rallying history that dates back to the 1960s.\nThe effort was a partnership between the local Romanian BMW arm and Vitesco Technologies, a German company supplying electric drive solutions. However, changes to the Cooper SE that took part in this race were minimal \u2013 modifications were focused on safety and weight-saving, along with a cheeky \u201cNo gas? No problem!\u201d number plate.\nThe rear seats in the MINI Cooper SE were removed, and the ones in front replaced with proper racing seats. A roll cage was also installed, along with six point harnesses to ensure the safety of the driver. In total, these changes shed approximately 150 kg off from the weight of the original car.\nWith the drivetrain, battery set-up, suspension setup and brakes retained from the stock car, and the only mechanical performance upgrade being a set of slightly-stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (road) tyres, the electric Mini managed to complete the 5 km rally course in 3:18.\nThe MINI Cooper SE finishes round one in the second-half of the standings, and achieved an average speed of 96 km/h throughout the stage. However, the most impressive part of the feat is that it completed all eight runs in just one single charge. Yes, it\u2019s only around 40 km in distance, but it\u2019s 40 km of hard driving, on a hill no less.\nAccording to the driver, Andrei Barbu, the car still had lots of potential to be explored, with this first entry being more of a benchmark run more than anything else. \u201cI set off in this adventure rather skeptical towards the car\u2019s potential. However, during my eight runs in this stage I learned a lot about the car, its pros and cons and I can say there\u2019s room for improvement.\n\u201cThis is where our partners from Vitesco Technologies will step in, as they will hopefully provide a better thermal management solution for the battery packs, so that we can squeeze 100% of the performance they can offer in future runs.\u201d\nThis race was only the first in a long series to come, and the electric Mini will receive further modifications to better cope with the challenging conditions of the Romanian National Hill Speed Championship rally stages. For starters, the rally-prepped Cooper SE will receive a new suspension, new tyres and a new management unit for the battery module for the next race.\nBMW Group Romania General Manager, Dr. Josef Reiter added: \u201cWe\u2019re still in the early stages of this project and we don\u2019t have any special modifications done to the car to enhance its performance so far but this only goes to show that the\u00a0MINI Electric, even in stock form, can deliver incredible performance and keeps the \u2018go-kart\u2019 feeling alive and well.\u201d\nCloser to home, MINI Malaysia has only \nrecently unveiled the MINI Cooper SE on our shores\n, priced at RM218k inclusive of sales tax exemptions. Powered by a single electric motor on the front axle which serves up \n184 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque, the Cooper SE completes the century sprint in a brisk \n7.3 seconds\n, and boasts a pure-electric driving range of\n 234 km\n (WLTP cycle) from its 28.9 kWh battery pack."
"Thanks to the delivery of\n 4,156\n vehicles between January to March this year, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is ranked among the \ntop three\n non-national brands in the country. This figure is also a \nhistorical high\n for MMM.\nThis stellar quarterly performance also registered a \ngrowth of 135%\n compared to the same quarter a year ago (Q1 2020). In total, MMM delivered \n11,554\n vehicles during its 2020 Financial Year FY20 (April 2020 to March 2021) which represented an \nincrease of 51%\n compared to the previous Financial Year (FY19).\n \nNo surprise on which product has significantly pushed the total sales of MMM to cross the ten-thousand unit mark- the recently launched locally-assembled \nXpander\n MPV. In the recently issued press release, MMM said its dealers have delivered 2,742 units out of the \n9,300\n over bookings received since its launch in November last year.\n\u201cDue to the overwhelming positive response for the new Xpander, we are progressing to increase our production volume to cater for higher \nproduction\n capacity to fulfil all booking demands,\u201d said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.\nThe bulk of MMM sales are contributed by the popular Mitsubishi \nTriton\n, registering \n7,568\n units or a solid 32% increase between FY20 and FY19.\nMr Shinnishi added that new sales outlets have opened in \nTemerloh\n, Kuala Selangor and Petaling Jaya and the theme of dealer network expansion will continue into FY21. Over 60% of MMM dealers \nhave upgraded\n their outlets for better sales and \nafter-sales experience\n.\n \n\u201cWe thank our customers who have supported the Mitsubishi brand and the good sales only reveal brand and customer\u2019s loyalty. In return for this strong support, we prioritize all our customers\u2019 needs by introducing a seamless digitalisation sale and after-sales experience with the introduction of \nTest Drive 2U\n, \nMitsubishi CONNECT\n mobile application as well as the newly launched \nMitsubishi Online Showroom\n.\n\u201cWith this, we persevere to push forward and to remain optimistic in our new financial year, in terms of growing our sales while maintaining a dedicated after-sales service,\u201d Mr Shinnishi in his closing remarks."
"The \nMercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet\n underwent a refresher not too long ago and now the guys at Daimler has released more images of the their facelifted two-door S-Classes.\nThe flagship coupe and cabriolet now feature redesigned front and rear bumper with chrome-plated finish, subtle but highly effective. The flashiest item on the list has got to be the new\n organic LED taillamps\n consisting of 66 ultra-flat individual OLED to create a unique light sequence. AMG Line gets a new 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheel design finished in either high-sheen titanium grey or high-gloss black.   Inside, the two door S-Classes gets a revamped cabin design featuring the \nWidescreen Cockpit \n(two 12.3-inch display) and new-generation steering multifunctional steering wheel design. this being the flagship luxury coupe/cabriolet, the interior is furnished with high quality Nappa leather contrasted with a choice of high-gloss brown burr walnut wood, satin-finish grey ash wood or designo flowing lines magnolia wood.\nThe S-Class Coupe models are available with a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 with \n362 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque as well as a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 packing \n462 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Meanwhile the S-Class Cabriolet only comes in a sole \nS 560\n variant packing the same 4.0-litre V8 as its coupe twin. The new V8 engines now feature\u00a0\ncylinder deactivation technology\n that shuts off four cylinders under light load for better fuel efficiency.\nA nine-speed 9G-Tronic transmission comes as standard on all variants. Interestingly, the coupe style is only offered with a 4MATIC four-wheel drive layout while the cabriolet is strictly rear-wheel drive.\nThe optional \nMagic Body Control\n suspension on the S-Class Coupe has been further improved to detect road surfaces better and is now operable at speeds of up to 180 km/h, ensuring that you and your passengers are feel nothing more than a slight bump when you\u2019re travelling at ridiculous speeds.\nLastly, Mercedes-Benz has fitted both the S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet with \nActive Distance Control DISTRONIC\n and \nActive Steering Assist\n which semi-autonomously keeps a safe distance between the car in front, maintain the lane, steer and adjusts cruising speed according to bends or junctions.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Facelift   Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet Facelift"
"Lotus\n \nhas always been known as a low-volume two-seater sports car maker, but things have changed. Introducing the all-new highly anticipated\n 2023 \nLotus Eletre\n, Lotus\u2019 first electric SUV that has just been launched in Malaysia! Priced from \nRM578,000\n all the way to \nRM798,000\n, the British Hyper-SUV is available in three variants.\nLotus Eletre \u2013 \nRM578,000\nLotus Eletre S \u2013 \nRM648,000\nLotus Eletre R \u2013 \nRM789,000\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nBuilt on Lotus\u2019 all-new 800v Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) which uses aluminium and high-tensile steel for optimum structural rigidity, the Eletre has a similar footprint as the \nLamborghini Urus\n and is just marginally bigger than \nBMW\u2019s iX\n.\nFeaturing Lotus\u2019 aerodynamic \u2018porosity\u2019 design, which the manufacturer claims to improve aerodynamics and overall efficiency, gives the Eletre\u2019s exterior a muscular look. The Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R feature 22-inch wheels as standard. Customers can upgrade their wheel to the 23-inch options, with five designs to choose from.\nRELATED: \nLotus Eletre is world\u2019s fastest dual-motor EV SUV \u2013 905hp, 985Nm, 0-100km/h in 2.95s\nAt launch, the Eletre and Eletre S exteriors are finished in Kaimu Grey as standard, while the Eletre R is finished in Solar Yellow, as per the images you see. There are also other colours that come as cost options \u2013 Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black and Blossom Grey. On the outside, the standard Lotus Eletre comes with these features:\nMatrix LED headlamps, DRLs, side lights, fog lights, reverse lights and rear light strip\nWelcome home lighting\nPowered hands-free tailgate\nActive front grille\nHeated washer jets\nCarbon fibre roof spoiler\n22-inch 10-spoke silver diamond forged alloy wheels\nPirelli P-Zero tyres\nBlack lightweight brake discs and six-piston callipers\nUp a tier, the Eletre S adds on the following exterior features:\nAuto-dimming side mirrors\nRear privacy glass\nSoft-close doors\n22-inch 10-spoke grey diamond forged alloy wheels\nPirelli P-Zero tyres\nLightweight brake discs and six-piston callipers with a choice of six colours\nActive tailgate spoiler\nWith the top-of-the-line Lotus Eletre R, you get:\n22-inch 10-spoke gloss black forged alloy wheels\nPirelli P-Zero CORSA performance tyres\nHere comes the exciting part, the performance. All three Eletre variants come with dual electric motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains, albeit with different outputs. The powertrain and technical details of the standard Lotus Eletre and Eletre S are as follows:\nEngine: Dual-motor system\nMaximum output: \n603 hp\nMaximum torque: \n710 Nm\nTransmission: Single-speed\n0-100 km/h: \n4.5 seconds\nTop speed: \n258 km/h\nBattery capacity: \n112 kWh\nRange (WLTP): \n600 km\nMaximum DC Charging rate: \n350 kW\nDC charging time (10-80% with 350 kW charging): \n20 minutes\nMaximum AC charging rate: \n22kW\nAC charging time (with 22kW charging): \n6-7 hours\nOpt for the Eletre R and you get these tasty performance figures:\nEngine: Dual-motor system\nMaximum output: \n905 hp\nMaximum torque: \n985 Nm\nTransmission: Dual-speed\n0-100 km/h: \n2.95 seconds\nTop speed: \n265 km/h\nBattery capacity: \n112 kWh\nRange (WLTP): \n490 km\nMaximum DC Charging rate: \n350 kW\nDC charging time (10-80% with 350 kW charging): \n20 minutes\nMaximum AC charging rate: \n22kW\nAC charging time (with 22kW charging): \n6-7 hours\nInside, all Eletres feature 100% recycled and recyclable man-made microfibre materials and come with a five-seat configuration. This provides 688 litres of rear boot capacity and 1,532 litres with the rear seats folded. A four-seat configuration is available with the optional Executive Seat Pack.\nInside, these are features you get standard with the Eletre:\n12-way power-adjustable front seats\nFour-zone automatic climate control\nAugmented Reality (AR) head-up display\n15.1-inch full HD OLED display\nLotus Hyper OS\n\u2018Intelligent cockpit\u2019 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto\n1,380-watt, 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio system\nWireless charging system\nAdditional features found in the Eletre S\u2019 interior include:\nIlluminated side sills\nAmbient lighting\n2,160-watt, 23-speaker KEF Reference system\nLotus also adds these features to the Eletre R exclusively:\nStainless steel sports pedals\nSports motor sound\nSafety-wise, The Lotus Eletre is fully loaded with deployable LIDAR technology, as well as a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a driver monitoring system, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning/Prevention (LKA+), Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Sign Information (TSI), Front and Rear Park Assist, Visual Park Assist and Lotus Intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control.\nTo recap, the Lotus Eletre is launched in Malaysia with three variants: Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R, and are priced at \nRM578,000\n, \nRM648,000 \nand \nRM798,000\n respectively. Fully packed with safety features, the Eletre also comes with a five-year/150,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty and an eight-year/200,000 km warranty for the battery. As of today, Lotus\u2019 Hyper SUV has collected 140 bookings with a total of only 200 units available throughout 2023 in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nThe Lotus Emira GT4 is here to rip through racetracks\nGALLERY"
"Michelin has just announced a new ultra-high performance (UHP) tyre to their line-up, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S (PS4S). Not to be confused with the Pilot Sport 4 (PS4), the PS4S is positioned higher in the line-up and is set to replace the Michelin Pilot Super Sport series.\nThe PS4S was developed in partnership with BMW M division, Ferrari, Ford, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche to engineer a tyre to best complement the high performance vehicle line-up from these esteemed manufacturers. As such, the Michelin PS4S, designed to provide maximum performance and safety on all surfaces, was born.\nWith Michelin\u2019s Total Performance philosophy in mind, engineers applied a \u2018bi-compound technology\u2019 that uses a new hybrid compound on the outer thread for high levels of dry grip while the inner thread uses a new silica and functional elastomers compound to provide consistent grip on wet surfaces.\nIn a comparison test conducted by an independent organisation \u2013 T\u00dcV S\u00dcD in Germany, the PS4S came out on top in four key segments \u2013 \ndry braking\n, \nwet braking\n, \nlap time \nand \nlongevity\n. The test was conducted with \n255/35/R19 section tyres\n against five other main competitors \u2013 Bridgestone Potenza S001, Continental SportContact 6, Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 and Pirelli PZero Nero GT purchased on the European market.   In the dry braking test, the PS4S came to a stop from 100km/h in 33.66 meters, besting its closest competitor by 0.83 meter. In the wet from 80km/h, the PS4S takes only 27.73 although Goodyear trails behind by only 0.1 meter. Around a 2.6km track, the PS4S took 1 minute and 20.33 seconds beating its rivals by 0.4 seconds to 1.39 seconds. Perhaps the most significant edge the PS4S has over its competitors is longevity. The PS4S is the only tyre to break the 50k mileage barrier at \n52,032km\n while its closest rival only manages 48,910 km. That\u2019s almost 2,600 km lesser than the PS4S!\nLike all of Michelin\u2019s high performance tyres, the PS4S also gets \nMichelin Premium Touch Technology\u00ae\n at the sidewalls. This not only gives the tyre a \nvelvet-like tyre writing\n to make it easier recognisable but also acts as a rim protector that cushions the rims from coming into contact with the kerb.\nSales of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S will begin\u00a0in January 2017 in Europe and March 2017 in USA. The PS4S comes in 34 different sizes ranging from 19 to 20 inch in diameter, effectively dropping the 18-inch sizes that was previously available for the Pilot Super Sport.\nFor those who are keen on having Michelin\u2019s UHP tyres for smaller wheel diameters, maybe the \nMichelin Pilot Super Sport 4\n (which we will be testing real soon) may be of your interest. For now, catch what GC Mah was up to at the 2016 Michelin Pilot Sport Experience \nhere\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s no secret that us Malaysians love pickup trucks. Some buy it for their small businesses, others get them for the sole purpose of terrorising other motorists. While the inept are certainly deserving (I\u2019m generally against this, but some people really ask for it), there\u2019s one pickup truck that deserves our attention, and it\u2019s the Honda Ridgeline.\nYou may have not heard of this, but the Ridgeline is actually in its second generation cycle. Commissioned specially for the North American market, the Ridgeline is actually a direct competitor to the \nChevrolet Colorado\n, \nNissan Navara\n and \nToyota Hilux\n, with the sole and biggest difference being its underpinning.\nUnlike the trio, the Ridgeline is built atop a unibody architecture, compared to the more utilitarian ladder frame setup of the Hilux and \nFord Ranger\n. The Ridgeline is also designed to ride more comfortably, which better suits the general American automotive palate. At heart is a \n3.5-litre gasoline V6 (J35Y6) with i-VTEC\n technology, producing \n280 hp\n and \n355 Nm\n of torque.\nOnly one engine is available, and it\u2019s paired to a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n. Drive is sent either to the front wheels or all four wheels depending on trim, whereas its kerb weight tips the scale at just over 2,000kg.\nThe Ridgeline comes with a multitude of equipment, such as multi-view camera, leather seats, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system, 200 Watt sound system with seven-speaker and a subwoofer (upgradable to a 540 Watt setup). There\u2019s also a tri-zone air conditioning system, blind spot monitoring system, 10-way powered driver\u2019s seat and acoustic windshield.\nAs to why we can\u2019t have the Ridgeline, it\u2019s because the pickup, like many other American-made Hondas, are exclusive to the market. Even if Honda Malaysia has plans to introduce it locally, the pricing alone (never mind the road tax) would render the effort futile. And oh, the two pictures above are of the Black Edition variant. Anyone else drooling over this, or is it just me?"
"Volvo is no stranger to the unconventional; just look at their cars and you can tell these guys are all about individualism. Their approaches, however unorthodox, have never failed to be relevant \u2013 like this video for example.\nIt features the legendary Dolph Lundgren, known for his roles in Rocky IV, Universal Soldier and more recently The Expendables, as the coach of sorts to a very unusual group of trainers \u2013 an arsenal of Volvo excavators.\nNot only is it entertaining to watch, it exemplifies Volvo\u2019s heavy machinery to be highly maneuverable and robust. I mean, have you seen an excavator performing a pull up?\nIt\u2019s not the first time Volvo has produced such a quirky video; remember the one featuring \nJean-Claude Van Damme\n? You might want to refresh your memory here.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Before we embark on this technological journey of new developments on the 2019 NSX, I\u2019m just going to put it out there \u2013 I prefer calling it a Honda rather than an Acura.\nRight, so the 2019 Honda NSX with a starting price from USD157,500 (RM647k) just debuted at the Monterey Car Week with a queue of updates that include new designs, new exterior and interior combinations and chassis upgrades. US deliveries are expected to begin in October.\n2019 NSXs will be available with a new striking Thermal Orange Pearl colour as an option where it pays tribute to 30 years of Acura Motorsports vehicles with orange accented liveries.\nOptional carbon ceramic metallic (CCM) brakes can now also be fitted with optional orange calipers. As standard, the calipers will appear in red but I can\u2019t imagine those red calipers going well with the optional orange body paint.   The 2019 NSX is distinguished with a new body-coloured front grille garnish (previously silver) and high-gloss treatments for the front grille surround, front air intake mesh and rear bumper outlet mesh.\nHigh-gloss treatment is also applied to the available Carbon Fiber Decklid Spoiler and Carbon Fiber Exterior Package \u2013 including a front chin spoiler, side sill garnish and rear diffuser.\nInside, there is now an option for an Indigo Blue interior with a mix of Alcantara and leather upholstery. The 4-way powered sport seats which previously was a $1,500 (approx. RM6k) option, are now offered as standard. Lightweight manually-adjustable sport seats, wrapped in Black Milano leather and Alcantara, remain an available no-cost option.\nOther standard equipment includes an ELS Studio premium sound system, front and rear proximity sensors and aluminum sport pedals. Can you believe that the front and rear sensors along with the aluminium sports pedals were an option before?\nMechanically, modifications have been done on the chassis, tyres and software to make the NSX more responsive and reactive to the driver\u2019s inputs.\u00a0The changes resulted in a \nnearly 2-second faster lap time around the famous Suzuka Circuit\n during testing.\nThe chassis has been tightened up with larger front and rear stabiliser bars. Software updates have been applied to the NSX\u2019s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit, active magnetorheological dampers, electric power steering and VSA settings.\nThe 2019 NSX now sits on grippier Continental SportContact 6 tires, developed exclusively for the NSX. The tyres\u00a0feature a revised tread pattern, construction and rubber compound for improved handling performance in all conditions\u2014from daily commuting to track use\u2014including wet weather driving.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019ll be new generations of Cayman and Boxster models that will bear the \u201c718\u201d moniker, paying homage the company\u2019s iconic sports car from the same year our country gained its independence. Also, the new Cayman and Boxster will receive\u00a0new forced induction engines, the first for both models, after the \nfacelifted 911\n.\nPorsche claims that both models will be known as \n718 Cayman\n\u00a0and\n 718 Boxster\n; both featuring more\u00a0\n\u201cvisual and technical\u201d similarities\n than before. That said, the Boxster will carry a slightly higher pricetag compared to the Cayman couple.\nFor the uninitiated, the 718 was one of Porsche\u2019s most important open-cockpit sports car that raced and won\u00a0Targa Florio and Le Mans. The company referred the 718 as \u201ca reference to the ground-breaking sports car of this type during 1957, which enjoyed much success in renowned car races of the period.\u201d\nAlso reported was that the new Cayman and Boxster will lose the existing 2.7-litre and 3.4-litre flat-six engines for a single \nturbocharged 2.0-litre flat four\n. The standard version gets \n240 hp\n while the S version gets an additional \n60 hp\n \u2013 all powered by the same 2.0-litre engine.\nPorsche has yet to announce any firm dates on the revealing of these new models. Instead, they have hinted that both cars will be introduced sometime in 2016.\nCloser to home, the GTS variants for both \nCayman and Boxster models were just launched by Porsche Malaysia\n for the local market back in July this year. If these aren\u2019t hardcore enough for you, there\u2019s always the \nRM840k Cayman GT4\n! If you\u2019re considering to get one, it\u2019s now or never, because the next Cayman may just come with an engine that\u2019ll cost you RM380 on road tax per annum."
"Andy Murray, an international tennis figure \nfrom Scotland\n came out triumphant at the \n2015 BMW Open\n and walked away with not just the title and a trophy, but a brand new \nBMW i8\n to go with them. The tennis tournament was organised by FWU AG 2015 and the finals took place on a clay court in Munich.\nPhilipp Kohlschreiber serves against Murray with the BMW i8 in the background\nThe victory marks the 27-year-old\u2019s \nmaiden win\n on a clay court, outplaying Philipp Kohlschreiber with a score of\u00a07:6 (4), 5:7 and 7:6 (4) after three hours of world-class tennis. During the award ceremony, BMW Group Germany\u2019s head of sales and marketing, Peter van Binsbergen congratulated Murray on his victory at the tournament\u2019s 100th anniversary, and that the Munich carmaker looks forward to 2016 \u2013 BMW\u2019s 100th anniversary.\nRead all about the RM1.2mil BMW i8 in our report \nhere\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Back in 2014, Singapore started imposing toll charges for vehicle entering the country at its Woodlands Checkpoint along the Johor-Singapore Causeway to match Malaysia\u2019s revision in toll charges. This is in line with Singapore\u2019s long-standing policy of matching Malaysia\u2019s toll rates.\nNow, Singapore will be revising its toll charges again at Woodlands Checkpoint from 1 February 2018, to match Malaysia\u2019s recent removal of toll charges at the Eastern Dispersal Link.\nFrom 1 February 2018 onwards, all vehicle classes will not be imposed any toll charges entering Singapore through Woodlands Checkpoint. At the same time, vehicles leaving Singapore through the same route will see a reduction in toll charges. The revised Woodlands Checkpoint toll charges are as below:\nVehicle Category\nCurrent\n (Since 1 October 2014)\nRevised\n (From 1 February 2018)\nLeaving\n Singapore\nEntering\n Singapore\nLeaving\n Singapore\nEntering\n Singapore\nCars\nS$3.80\nS$2.70\nS$1.00\n\u2013\nVans/ Light Goods Vehicles\nS$5.80\nS$4.00\nS$1.50\n\u2013\nHeavy Goods Vehicles\nS$7.70\nS$5.30\nS$2.00\n\u2013\nTaxis\nS$1.90\nS$1.40\nS$0.50\n\u2013\nBuses\nS$3.10\nS$2.20\nS$0.80\n\u2013\nWhen the new toll charges come into effect, cars entering Singapore will save S$2.70 (RM8.10) when and will only need to pay S$1.00 (RM3) when exiting the country; saving S$5.5 (RM16.50) for every return trip (from MY to SG). Heavy Goods Vehicles, on the other hand, will save S$11 (RM33) for every return trip.\nNo changes were made to the toll charges at the Tuas Checkpoint along the Second Link Bridge."
"Alongside the \nMazda 3\n, \nBermaz Motor\n has also now updated the \nMazda CX-30\n for 2022 with two new Ignite Edition variants joining the line-up.\nThe two variants are based on the existing 2.0G High and 2.0G High AWD variants (the latter now discontinued in the local line-up), with pricing starting at \nRM169,044\n and \nRM180,689\n respectively \u2013 a RM9,000 increase over the standard models.\nFor that extra dough, the Ignite Edition models receive several extra aesthetic and equipment upgrades. The former includes a new set of 18-inch wheels finished in gloss black alongside blacked-out wing mirror covers, as well as burgundy leather upholstery on the seats inside.\nAs for equipment upgrades, the Ignite Edition variants gain a new 360-degree surround view monitor in place of the regular reverse camera, while the i-ActivSense advance driver assistance suite has also been updated to now include Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Driver Attention Alert with Driver Monitoring, and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS).\nWith the new CTS feature working alongside the existing adaptive cruise control, the Mazda CX-30 Ignite Edition variants can now support a Level 2 semi-autonomous highway driving capability.\nBeyond these changes, the rest of the Ignite Edition is carried over wholesale from the existing 2.0G High variants, with standard kit including the automatic LED headlights with a unique daytime-running light signature, powered sunroof, 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as a dual-zone climate control system with rear blower vents.\nThe powertrains are also unchanged from the existing variants. Underneath the bonnet for both Ignite Edition Variants is the same SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, pushing out \n162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n of torque. Both are paired to the same six-speed automatic gearbox, but the AWD variant adds the i-Activ all-wheel drive system (with Off-Road Traction Assist) to send power to all four wheels.\nRELATED: Mazda 3 updated in Malaysia for 2022 \u2013 new range-topping Ignite Edition variant\nThe rest of the Mazda CX-30 model line-up in Malaysia remains unchanged from before, although there\u2019s now a slight price increase across the range for 2022. The revised Mazda CX-30 price list is now as follows:\nMazda CX-30 2.0G Core \u2013 RM145,759\nMazda CX-30 2.0G High \u2013 RM160,109\nMazda CX-30 1.8D High \u2013 RM168,673\nMazda CX-30 2.0G High Ignite Edition \u2013 RM169,044\nMazda CX-30 2.0G High AWD Ignite Edition RM180,689\nJust like before, the model will be fully-imported (CBU) from Japan, and thus comes with a 50% SST rebate until the 30th of June 2022. Also included in the price is a five-year/100,000 km warranty with free scheduled service package.\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve still not heard, Koenigsegg recently set a new world record for the \nhighest top speed in a production car at 445.7 km/h\n in the Agera RS \u2013 powered by a 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing well over 1,300 hp.\nWhile there may have been other footages of the record-breaking feat, this one projects more of the driver\u2019s point of view and what he had to do which was very very little considering the speeds at which he was travelling at.\nFor the keen eye with questions on the slow take off, Koenigsegg\u2019s reason was simple \u2013 \nit wasn\u2019t an acceleration record\n. They didn\u2019t want to cause additional stress to the engine as it would be at redline for a considerable time at its top speed.\nFull throttle only took place \nfrom 300 km/h onwards\n and from the looks of it, the Agera was still faster from 300 km/h to 400 km/h than most cars would be from 0 to 100 km/h.\nWhat you\u2019d also notice is how stable the car is at such high speeds. Bear in mind the record was not attempted on a track but instead on a public road. The driver merely had to control the car and not fight it. If the numbers still don\u2019t impress you, get this; at its top speed, the Agera RS was covering over \n127 meters per second!\u00a0\nRecently, Koenigsegg also\n broke the 0 to 400 km/h to 0 record\n in the Agera RS which was set by the \nBugatti Chiron\n just less than a month ago."
"We\u2019ve \nseen it in camo\n, and we\u2019ve heard all about its \nfancy rear torque splitter\n, but now, we finally get to see it all together in full. Here it is, then, the all-new Audi RS3 \u2013 and it\u2019s rather stunning, isn\u2019t it?\nAs before, the all-new Audi RS3 will be available in both sedan and fastback form, with both getting the aggressive styling treatment including larger air intakes, flared wheel arches (with chunky front brake vents!), and larger exhaust exits at the rear.\nBut for the first time ever, the German carmaker has also given the compact performance model a bespoke front end to differentiate it from its \nregular A3\n brethen.\nThe Audi A3 is now launched in Singapore, in both sportback and sedan guises. Check it out here!\nUnique to the RS3 twins is the new front grille surround in black (either matte or glossy) that extends into the headlights, which themselves comes with darkened bezels, and are also optionally upgradeable to matrix LED items.\nThe sinister black theme continues throughout the exterior styling of the new hot hatch/sedan, as seen on the side skirts, wing mirrors, rear diffuser, and optionally, the roof, which we think works really well on the striking new Kyalami Green exterior colour.\nCompared to the regular A3, the RS3 also sits 25 mm lower, thanks to its performance-oriented suspension set-up and bespoke subframes. It also has a 33 mm wider track up front and 10 mm at the back over the old car for improved handling and a wider stance.\nAs revealed earlier\n, the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine from its predecessor has been retained on this all-new model. Horsepower output hasn\u2019t changed at \n400 hp\n, but its torque figures have now been bumped up to \n500 Nm\n.\nPaired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive, the all-new RS3 propels from zero to 100 km/h in just \n3.8 seconds\n \u2013 that\u2019s three tenths faster than its predecessor, and a tenth faster than the \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S\n.\nThe Audi RS3 can soon join the Volkswagen Golf R and AMG A45 S in their drift battles.\nTop speed in standard form is rated at 250 km/h, but customers can optionally upgrade it to 280 km/h, or 290 km/h with the RS Dynamic Package \u2013 the latter is the fastest in its class, Audi says.\nThe Quattro all-wheel drive system has also been updated on the all-new Audi RS3 with a new RS Torque Splitter system, which uses a pair of multi-disc clutch packs, one for each rear wheel, to direct up to 100% of the power to any one wheel. The new system is also what gives the RS3 its ability to execute \u201ccontrolled drift\u201d, courtesy of the new \u2018RS Torque Rear\u2019 mode.\nOther performance upgrades include the new set of larger six-pot brakes up front, mated to ventilated and drilled discs on each axle. Buyers can also opt for ceramic brake discs for the front axle if they so wish, alongside factory-appointed semi-slick tyres for improved on-track performance.\nAs for the interior, Audi has suitably given the RS3 some additional flair over the A3 to complement its performance credentials. The instrument panel is made out of carbon fibre for maximum \u201cracing feeling\u201d, and buyers can even opt for a RS Design package to add even more flourishes in the form of red or green piping and accent highlights on the seats and air-con vents.\nA 12.3-inch instrument cluster is fitted as standard, and features RS-specific displays including a \u2018RS Runway\u2019 rev counter design. To the side is a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display, which also comes with a \u2018RS Monitor\u2019 feature that shows additional real-time performance-oriented data such as coolant, engine and gearbox oil temperatures.\nThe all-new Audi RS3 will go on sale in August, priced from GBP50,900 (~RM295k) and GBP51,900 (~RM301k) respectively for the hatchback and sedan variants in the UK. First customer deliveries are expected to begin towards the end of the year.\nGALLERY"
"Petronas Dagangan Berhad today launched the \nnew Mesra redemption portal\n and expanded its network of merchants to over 81 brands, making it easier and faster for card members to redeem rewards.\nAside from Kedai Mesra items and purchasing fuel, Mesra card holders can now access lifestyle rewards from merchants such as TGV, Baskin Robbins, Tealive, AirAsia BIG, Inside Scoop, Llao Llao, Legoland and more.\nThe portal also offers a cash top-up option for members with insufficient Mesra points. All rewards redeemed will be in the form of e-vouchers which members will need to present at the merchant\u2019s stores.\nThe Mesra Rewards Festival is happening between 27th to 29th September 2019 at Sunway Pyramid where shoppers can sign up for a Mesra card and instantly receive 200 Mesra points.\nUpon signing up for the Mesra card \nfree of charge\n, card holders will be given a chance to win prizes from such as Mesra points, AirAsia BIG points, fuel vouchers Petronas merchandise, Dyson products, a Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and more!\nThroughout the 3-day festival, there\u2019ll also be lucky draws where prizes include flight tickets and gadgets."
"Despite amassing a whopping RM 150 million as of last week, it seems that the fund-raising initiative of Tabung Harapan Malaysia has not lost any of its traction (or lustre) since its announcement on the 30th of May 2018.\nIf anything, the \u201cnation-saving fund\u201d should see a spike before its dateline with Naza Group now in on the action among others. The Group has announced that it will \ncontribute RM1,000 towards the Tabung Harapan Malaysia for every car sold by them\n.\nHave you seen Adrian\u2019s \nwalkaround video of the all-new Kia Stinger\n yet?\nThis noble move will begin from the \n1st of June to the 31st of August 2018\n. The Naza Group is an importer and distributor for a diverse range of established automotive brands such as Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Citro\u00ebn, DS Automobiles and Kia in Malaysia.\n\u201cThe Naza Group is proud to play its part by contributing to the Tabung Harapan Malaysia as a responsible and patriotic corporate citizen. Our contribution is also a way of thanking the Government of Malaysia for the stable economic and political landscape and most of all, for the 3-month tax holiday which has spurred car sales to achieve record levels this year,\u201d said Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Group Executive Chairman and CEO, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.\n\u201cAs a homegrown company, it is our obligation and responsibility to assist wherever possible for the betterment of our beloved nation, especially as we\u2019ll soon celebrate our 61st Merdeka anniversary and 55th Malaysia Day,\u201d he added."
"The days of having to search high and low for that RM1 note will soon be over, as Sunway has just introduced their cashless and ticket-less smart parking system at a preview at Sunway Pyramid.\u00a0\nThe smart parking system will be deployed in Sunway City, which comprises of Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Hotels and Menara Sunway. Currently in operation for season pass holders, the system is expected to be rolled out to the public in the first quarter of 2020.\u00a0\nHere\u2019s how it works. First, drivers will need to register their license plate number through the \nSunway Parking portal\n. Once your license plate is linked to a participating e-wallet, the license plate recognition system will allow for seamless entry and exit to the parking lot.\u00a0\nNot a fan of e-wallets? There is also an automatic payment kiosk at the car park to enable Touch \u2018n Go and cash payments on the spot. A Sunway spokesperson said that for the time being, the existing cash and Touch \u2018n Go payment systems will not be eliminated to allow for a smooth transition to the smart parking system.\nTo facilitate the adoption of the cashless system, Sunway is also offering a one-time free parking when the system is open to the public for shoppers who register their cars during the pre-registration period.\nAs for the non-standard registration plate fonts that we have here locally, Sunway says that the machine learning built into the license plate recognition system will identify the various styles over time.\nFor the time being, drivers of cars with unreadable plates will need to look for the photo of their license plates at the automatic payment kiosk or help desk to make payment.\n \nSunway\u2019s electronic payment partners include GrabPay, Boost, WeChat Pay, Alipay, Touch N\u2019 Go Digital, and Maybank QR, alongside credit partners MasterCard, Visa, American Express, JCB, UnionPay, and MyDebit.\nAside from simplifying the parking experience for its shoppers, Sunway says that the smart parking system also helps reduce the carbon footprint of all shoppers by reducing paper waste."
"Sime Darby Beyond Auto\n, together with its latest dealer-partner \nSISMA Auto\n, has opened the doors to the largest BYD 3S centre here in Malaysia, in the heart of Glenmarie, Shah Alam.\nSet up at a cost of RM5 million, the new Glenmarie 3S centre is the first Class-A BYD facility in the country, featuring a nine-car display showroom and 16 service bays \u2013 the latter with a throughput capacity of \nover 1,000 customers per month\n.\nThe \u201cstate-of-the-art\u201d service centre is built for BYD\u2019s electric vehicles in mind, and is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment, specialised tools, as well as climate-controlled storage areas for sensitive power battery components. There is also a New Energy Vehicle room specifically for repairing all high voltage components.\nIn line with the marque\u2019s EV push, the new Glenmarie 3S centre is also equipped with various charging points throughout the centre, including two AC chargers and DC chargers out in front, both of which will be open for public use once the charging network onboarding is finalised.\nSpeaking at the launch of the new BYD Glenmarie 3S centre today, SISMA Auto Group Managing Director Syed Khalil bin Syed Ibrahim said, \u201cWe believe the future of the automotive industry is electric and as the number one New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer in the world, BYD is well positioned to be a leader in this electrified future.\u201d\n\u201cWe are very encouraged by the Malaysian market\u2019s response to the\n BYD Atto 3\n and eagerly looking forward to the introduction of more BYD models in the coming months,\u201d he added.\nThe BYD SISMA Auto 3S Centre is located at \n19, Jalan Perintis U1/52, Temasya Industrial Park, Glenmarie, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor\n, and opens from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on Sunday and public holidays. The Service Centre operates from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm on Monday to Friday, and 8.30 am to 12.30 pm on Saturday.\nIn conjunction with its grand opening, the BYD SISMA Auto 3S Centre will also be hosting a special \u2018Electric Dreams Carnival\u2019 event from 2-11 June 2023, from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. Customers who register for test drives are entitled to door gifts, snacks, and lucky draws.\nGALLERY"
"Perodua is set to be boosted by the newly launched Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing\u00a0(DPEM) plant in Sendayan. This RM500 million plant will complement the existing transmission plant, Akashi Kikai, in the same vicinity as well. Together, this sets up a\u00a0powertrain production hub for Malaysia.\nThe new plant\u00a0is currently producing engine components for the \nPerodua Bezza\n. This means both the \n1.0-litre 1KR-VE\n and \n1.3-litre 1NR-VE\n\u00a0\npetrol mills are assembled in DPEM. Meanwhile, the\u00a0Akashi Kikai plant supplies both manual and automatic transmissions to the \nAxia\n and Bezza models.\nHowever, this isn\u2019t just limited to Perodua, because the company is open to supply engine components for other car manufacturers as well. With Toyota using a range of broadly similar engine components (Dual VVT-i NR series engines), the 1.5-litre motor currently powering the\u00a0\nfacelifted Vios\n and \nAvanza\n\u00a0are also being assembled in DPEM.\nThe new\u00a0powertrain production hub will strengthen the country\u2019s automotive industry, one such way is to increase local content among locally assembled cars. That will subsequently lower the price tag of our locally assembled cars, which translates to good news for Malaysians."
"UMW Toyota Motor today\ncelebrated their 50-years of local production in Malaysia at its new\nmanufacturing plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, Selangor.\nThe first made in\nMalaysia Toyota vehicle, the Toyota Corolla KE10 rolled off the assembly lines\nof Champion Motor plant in Shah Alam in 1968, two years after the KE10 made its\nofficial debut in Japan. Subsequently in 1975, Champion Motor was renamed to\nAssembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB), a wholly owned subsidiary of UMW Toyota Motor\nSdn Bhd, and the production facility hit their first milestone of 300k units of\nToyota assembled in 1990.\nMr Anuar Ani, Executive Director ASSB explaining to HRH Sultan of Selangor\nTen years on, half a\nmillion units of Toyota vehicles were proudly assembled in Malaysia and the\ncompany hit their 1-million-unit milestone in 2011. Fast forward to 2016, ASSB\nbegan construction of their new Bukit Raja plant and rolled off their first\nvehicle, which is the Toyota Vios facelift on 10 January 2019.\nWith an initial\ninvestment of RM2 billion, the new Bukit Raja plant is one of the most advanced\nvehicle manufacturing facility in Malaysia with high levels of automation (45%\nautomation), energy efficient, technology-driven and people centric\nenvironment.\nThe new plant features\nup to 2 mega watt of solar energy production, rainwater recycling, bright and\nbreezy working environment as well as LED and natural lighting with high roof\ndesign. With the spirit of \nKaizen \nwhich translates to continuous\nimprovements, the assembly line has a flexible set up to quickly accommodate\nnewer functions and models in the future.\nThe new Bukit Raja Plant will be dedicated to the production of passenger vehicles and currently assembles the new \nYaris\n and \nVios\n while the company\u2019s Shah Alam facility will focus on commercial vehicles like the \nHilux\n, \nFortuner\n, Innova and Hiace.\nCurrently, the Shah Alam plant operates on a single shift and has an annual capacity of 38,000 units. Bukit Raja plant with its high levels of automation and 2 shift operation has a maximum capacity of 50,000 units annually."
"The Volkswagen Amarok was just given a mid-life refresher earlier this year. Now, the Europe-only Volkswagen pickup has gone on sale in the UK with four variants to choose from. Also available at the launch is a special edition Aventura trim, to which only 240 examples will be made.\nExterior wise, the Amarok gets a revised front bumper, radiator grille, front fog lamps, LED third brake light and new alloy wheels. The interior now comes with an all-new dash panel design and Volkswagen\u2019s MIB touchscreen infotainment system. Optional extras include navigation, Guide & Inform, Car-Net and App-Connect systems.\nSafety equipment for the Amarok include four airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Park Pilot and a rear-view camera.\nFor the exclusive \nAventura edition\n, it adds on \n19-inch alloys\n wrapped in 255/55 profile tyres, arch extensions, matte black Drabed coating for the cargo bed, \u201cDiscover Media\u201d infotainment system, ParkPilot automatic parking system, front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera. The Amarok Aventura also gets a unique \nRavenna Blue Metallic \npaint finish.\nNew to the Amarok is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel making it the only six-cylinder model in its segment. In its highest tune, the turbodiesel outputs \n221 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque channelled through a \nconventional eight-speed automatic gearbox\n. This allows the Amarok to be capable of a century sprint time of\n 8.0 seconds\n and a top speed of \n192km/h.\n The engine also comes with an over boost function that pumps the engine output to \n237 hp\n. The same engine also comes in a lower \n201 hp\n tune (paired to the eight-speed automatic), as well as a \n161 hp\n manual variant to come in 2017.\nFor automatic variants, it features a \npermanent\n 4MOTION four-wheel drive system while the manual variants get a \nselectable\n 4MOTION four-wheel drive system. Additionally, customers can opt for a mechanical rear-axle differential lock for added off-roading capabilities.\nIn the UK, prices for the Amarok begins from\u00a0\u00a332,493.00 (RM181k) for the entry automatic model to\u00a0\u00a339,381.00 (RM220k) for the range topping limited edition Aventura.\nWith luxury brands trying to get a hand in the pickup segment (such as the\u00a0\nMercedes X-Class\n) and the growing demand for luxury pickups, the Volkswagen Amarok may be an interesting proposition to the Malaysian market. What do you think, dear readers? Should Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) toy with the idea of introducing the Amarok here?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the opening of the registry book for the all-new eight-generation Volkswagen Golf in \nMalaysia\n, more details regarding the hatchback have been revealed on social media via short teaser clips.\nNo additional variants have been added if that is in anyone\u2019s mind following the announcement of the government\u2019s \nproposed tax-free incentive\n on electric cars, with the short reels just showing key features of the new Golf hatchbacks.\nOne key feature Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is keen to highlight is the fitment of the advanced \nIQ Light\n or LED Matrix lighting system. Up in front, the headlamps fitted with 22 individual LEDs have advanced high-beam control with Dynamic Light Assist, DRLs and poor weather lighting with cornering function.\nThe taillamps also feature LED technology and both front and rear turn signals have dynamic illumination for the added premium look. The wheels on the Volkswagen Golf R-Line are 17-inch \u2018Valencia\u2019 units finished in grey metallic.\nAs for the Volkswagen Golf GTI, all that \n245 hp \nand \n370 Nm\n of torque from the turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI engine is transferred to the road via 18-inch wheels in Richmond design and wrapped with 225/40R18 Bridgestone Potenza S005 tyres.\n0 to 100 km/h is dispatched in just \n6.4 seconds\n with the rapid-shifting seven-speed DSG transmission in the Golf GTI. Volkswagen says this latest GTI is also the most digital variant of all time, with the fully computer-controlled chassis handled by the new \nVehicle Dynamics Manager\n. It integrates the ESC, with the new electronic differential locks (brake system-based XDS and mechanical-based VAQ) and the continuously adaptive electronic damping control system (DCC).\nAt a touch of a button, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport has its entire chassis set up just to tackle the 20.8 km of the Nurburgring! Find out more here!\nThe unique five-LED foglight in honeycomb design is exclusive to just the Golf GTI, together with red highlights in the LED headlamps with IQ Light function.\nAs for the Golf R-Line, the engine is a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit with a mild-hybrid assist system (eTSI) to return self-charging hybrid-like fuel consumption of just 4.8 litres per 100 km travelled. Power outputs are \n150 hp \nand\n 250 Nm\n, and the benchmark sprint time of 0 to 100 km/h is 8.5 seconds.\nNo pricing has been mentioned in these short clips or in the registry of interest \npages\n, but expect to not differ too far away from the previous generation\u2019s Mk 7.5 pricing (inclusive of sales tax exemption) of \nRM168,505\n for the Golf R-Line and \nRM238,860\n for the Golf GTI.\nGALLERY\nVolkswagen Golf R-Line\nVolkswagen Golf GTI"
"Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua, Perodua launched its face-lifted and improved MPV, the New Perodua Alza at One Utama shopping mall today in a fashionable manner. All three models namely Standard, SE and Advanced Version of the New Perodua Alza now come with more equipment yet more affordable than the previous Alza.\nThe launch event at One Utama Shopping Mall was quite a spectacular affair with the involvement of media, public and a grand stage. Despite all that, changes on the new Alza are mainly cosmetic as they still run on the same 1.5-liter engine with DVVT that produces 103 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque.\nHowever, there are two good news to celebrate; Perodua is extending the 3-year Free Service programme it offered last year to mark its 20th Anniversary celebration. This offer applies to all Perodua vehicles purchased in 2014. The other good news is, Perodua is pricing the new Alza lower than the previous one. Meaning, you pay less and get more!\n\u00a0\nTHE MODELS & PRICES\n \nPrices for all three Alza models have gone through price reduction from 2.1% to 7.4%. This is an afford from Perodua and its vendors to produce a competitive MPV in Malaysia. Refer table below for the price comparisons of the previous Alza and the New Alza.\nOTR Price (RM)\nReduction\nVariants\nPrevious Alza\nNew Alza\nStandard (MT)\n53,517\n52,400\nRM1,117 (2.1%)\nStandard (AT)\n56,517\n55,400\nSE (MT)\n60,517\n56,400\nRM4,117 (6.8%)\nSE (AT)\n63,517\n59,400\nAdvanced Version (AT)\n69,517\n64,000\nRM45,117 (7.4%)\n Perodua Alza Standard\nPerodua Alza SE\nPerodua Alza Advanced Version\nWHAT IS NEW?\nPerodua said all-in-all the added improvements into each new car is worth about RM4,000, making it a great value to their customers. One of the standard features that come in all models is pre-installed security tint, Perodua\u2019s answer to the rising cases of smash and snatch. To better explain the new features in this new Alza, the following are images of the new features and improvements.\nClear Lens Signal Headlamp\nNew Front Grille\nNew Sport Rim Design\nSide Skirting\nClear Lens Tail Lamp\nISOFIX System (2nd Row Only)\nISOFIX System (2nd Row Only)\nMonotone Interior (SE & Advanced Version)\n2-tone Interior (Standard)\nMultimedia System (Advanced Version Only)\nNew Design Meter Combination (SE & Advanced Version)\n\u00a0\nRetractable Side Mirror (Advanced Version Only)\nRoof-mounted Monitor (Advanced Version Only)\n\u00a0Shopping Hook\n\u00a050:50\u00a0Split Folding 3rd Row Seat\nArm Rest with Compartment (Auto Only)\nSince the introduction of the MPV in 2009, Perodua had sold 167,000 units of Perodua Alza. Making it the best-selling\u00a0MPV in Malaysia. Perodua is expecting a double digit growth this year, like all the previous years. This new Alza has proven to be a hot MPV in Malaysia as Perodua has received 5,000 booking in just 21 days from the day it was opened for booking in December 20th.\u00a0The New Perodua Alza, the Alza for everyone does seem like a great value for money. For more information, visit \nPerodua\u2019s official website\n.\nDo enjoy the images below of the launching coverage and video gallery.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY \u2013 EVENT   [divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY \u2013 THE NEW PERODUA ALZA   [divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY"
"The shopping malls are all decked-out in bright red decorations, which means that Chinese New Year is upon us. To welcome the auspicious Year of the Rat, Naza Automotive Group is offering some golden deals for its cars.\nFirst up, Naza Kia Malaysia will be holding their \u2018More Ong, More Huat\u2019 Chinese New Year campaign. Customers who purchase and register a Kia vehicle from the \n7th January until 29th of February 2020\n will stand a chance to win exclusive prizes, including the grand prize of a \nKia Picanto\n.\u00a0\nAside from the grand prize, eight petrol vouchers worth \nRM1,000\n will be given out monthly, while eight weekly winners will take home a Touch \u2018n Go Card worth \nRM200\n.\u00a0\nNaza Kia is also offering a \nfive-year/unlimited mileage warranty\n for all Kia models, \ntwo-year complimentary lubricant service\n, and access to Sky Lounge by Naza during this festive period.\u00a0\nClick to enlarge\nUp next, Naza Euro Motors, the official distributor for Citroen in Malaysia, is running the \u2018Citroen Prosperity Drive\u2019 campaign from now until the \n29th of February 2020\n.\nAs part of the campaign, Customers who purchase the \nCitroen C3 Aircross\n SUV (\nRM115,888\n) will receive an \nAng Pau\n worth \nRM8,888\n, and a\n three-year free service package\n.\u00a0\nAs for Peugeot, Nasim is also offering a \nthree-year free service\n package, which includes parts and labour charges, with every purchase of a Peugeot vehicle.\u00a0\nNaza Motor Trading will also be offering special prices on selected luxury vehicles with their \u2018888 Prosperity CNY Deals\u2019 campaign this festive period.\nThe campaign will run from today until the\n 24th of January 2020\n, with models such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA180, Mercedes-Benz C200, Toyota Vellfire, Toyota Alphard, and Toyota Harrier on offer at the Naza Automall showroom in Petaling Jaya."
"The 10 km travel limit imposed from the previous Movement Control Order (MCO) is no more, said Senior Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob after the new relaxed Conditional Movement Control Order was announced by Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.\nLast week, the government announced that most businesses will be allowed to resume operations beginning 4th of May 2020, as the National Security Council released\n a list of places and activities which we have translated, which are still not allowed\n.\nThat said, entry and exit into Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) areas are still prohibited. As of today, \nthree new areas\n in Kuala Lumpur have been added to the list of EMCO areas. The three includes the Jalan Raja Bot area in Kampung Baru, residential areas of Taman Wilayah and Taman Desa Bakti in Selayang, which have all been classified as \nRed Zones\n.\nActivities still not allowed under the CMCO.\nThe three new locations means there are now 10 locations under strict lockdown. Among them are:\nMenara City One, Kuala Lumpur\nBangunan Selangor Mansion and Malayan Mansion, Kuala Lumpur\nMasjid India and surrounding areas Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Ampang\nKampung Sungai Lui, Hulu Langat\nKampung Dato Ibrahim Majid and Bandar Baharu Dato Ibrahim Majid, Simpang Renggam, Johor\nSelayang Baru\nBandar Baru Utara, Selayang\nAlso part of the new CMCO is that \nup to four people (from the same household) are now allowed to travel together in the same vehicle\n from the previous two, up from just one at the start of the MCO.\nAs for e-hailing services, drivers are \nonly allowed to pick up two passengers\n \u2013 both of which are required to sit in the back \u2013 as announced by the National Security Council."
"Remember the time when a certain camouflaged \nMINI was used to tow a Boeing 777 plane\n? Well, it has finally arrived in Malaysia with a price tag of RM225,888 but with the Sales Tax Exemption, it\u2019s priced at \nRM218,381\n. MINI says a quarter the total units brought into the country have been booked up.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: Front-mounted electric motor\nTransmission: Single speed\nHorsepower: 184 hp\nTorque: 270 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 7.3 seconds\nTop Speed: 150 km/h\nBattery Capacity: 28.9 kWh\nElectric driving range: 234 km (WLTP cycle)\nWhen driving, brake energy regeneration from decelerating the vehicle not only feeds back into the high-voltage battery but also allows for the vehicle to be driven using only a single pedal. Within just 2.5 hours, the all-electric MINI can be charged up to 80% using the MINI Wallbox Plus. As it is fully electric, the T-shaped battery pack is positioned where the conventional exhaust system would sit.\nEXTERIOR\nThe all-electric MINI is available in White Silver with Energetic Yellow exterior finishing, along with the British Racing Green and Chili Red colour options. The grille blades will be available in two colours \u2013 Vigorous Grey and Energetic Yellow. There are also aero-optimised mirror caps either in Black or Energetic Yellow.\nMatrix LED headlights\nLED tailights with Union Jack graphics\n17-inch \u201cPower\u201d spoke wheels with run flat tyres\nINTERIOR\nDual zone air conditioning\nMINI 12-colour ambient lighting\nHead up display\n12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system\n8.8-infotainment display with Apple CarPlay only\nSAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE\nDigital High Beam Assistant\nCruise Control with Braking Function\nPark Distance Control (Front and Rear)\nPark Assistant\nApproach Control Warning\nThe Green Driving Assistant (GDA) provides useful onboard functionalities, such as the Range Assistant that presents different solutions to the driver in case of insufficient battery.\nWith the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the all-electric MINI will only cost RM 2,421.00 per month to own on estimates of 80% loan on a five-year tenure. The MINI is accompanied with a 4-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty and an 8-years or 100,000km High Voltage Battery Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.\nGALLERY"
"Right before the new norm we live in today, Sony at the CES 2020 (Consumer Electronics Show) shocked both the automotive as well as the consumer electronics world with the unveiling of the simple yet stunning \nVision-S\n fully electric car.\nMore well-known for televisions, home entertainment equipment and cameras, Sony\u2019s Vision-S teased the world with its clean exterior styling, hospitable interior and decent performance figures. The completeness of the prototype looked like it could be in the hands of owners within the next 10 months.\nHowever, it was all a tease as last year, the company announced it has \nno intentions\n to manufacturer the Vision-S sedan, even after undergoing public road tests.\nNow making its third appearance in a row, Sony is back at the CES and after 12 months of silence, the company unveiled an \nSUV version\n of the Vision-S concept car! From here on, the sedan will be known as Vision-S 01 and the SUV as Vision-S 02. Sony has also made a \u2018U-Turn\u2019, with a statement simply saying, \u201cwill establish an operating company \u2018Sony Mobility Inc.\u2019 in the spring of 2022, through which the company intends to explore entry into the EV market,\u201d\nAs for the new Vision-S 02 SUV, it uses the same EV/cloud platform as the 01 prototype, which is being tested on public roads. Much of the styling of the 01 sedan is replicated on the SUV, such as the small headlamps, full-width taillamp with illuminated brand logo, virtual side mirrors, deeply contoured door panels and an upper half exterior finished in gloss black.\nInside, the 02 SUV also shared the full-width digital \u2018panoramic screen\u2019 dashboard, which offers three distinct displays. As expected, the central screen functions like a television, powered by the brand\u2019s Bravia video streaming technology. Playstation games can also be played inside the Vision-S, with the Dualshock 4 wireless controller included as a control device!\nThe infotainment system in the Vision-S is highlighted by the \u201c360 Reality Audio\u201d. The four main seats have individual speakers, enveloping the occupants in sound from all directions. We, however, question how much genuine space is there in the third-row seating though, as the Sony Vision-S is dimensionally as large as an \nAudi e-Tron\n and smaller than a \nBMW iX\n, both models exclude third-row seating. \u00a0\nThe Vision-S pair is powered by dual electric motors (one on each axle) rated at 200 kW or 272 hp each, for a combined system output of \n544 hp\n. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h for the 01 sedan takes \n4.8 seconds\n, with a top speed of 240 km/h, while the 02 SUV is expected to take slightly longer and onward to a lower top speed of over 180 km/h.\nThe Sony Vision-S project was originally envisaged to further advance Sony\u2019s capabilities in the field optics, where sensing and graphics processing technologies are vital for the deployment of autonomous vehicles. Its \u201cSafety Cocoon\u201d concept uses 40 different imaging and scanning devices to monitor the exterior and interior of the vehicle in real-time, sufficient to allow a Level-4 equivalent self-driving system.\n \nA lip-reading sensor is also placed in front of the driver to improve the accuracy of speech recognition. Last month, the company released a demonstration video showing a remote operation of the physical 01 car in Germany, being \u201cdriven\u201d by a team member in Japan to highlight the incredibly high-speed connection and low latency transmission of 5G networks. This is in anticipation of the remote operation of self-driving cars to be rolled out in the future.\nAmongst the big names in the auto industry working with Sony on the Vision-S are Bosch, Continental, ZF and Valeo with Magna tasked to physically build the prototype vehicles. \u00a0\nWith three straight years of model introduction at the exact same venue, perhaps Sony will showcase the Vision-S 03 sports car at next year\u2019s CES 2023? Enthusiasts sure enjoy wishing and hoping.\nImages: \nSony\nGALLERY\nSONY Vision-S 02 SUV\nSONY Vision-S 01 sedan"
"BMW Malaysia\n has welcomed the new \nX5 xDrive45e PHEV M Sport\n with several changes when compared to the xDrive40i model launched last year.\nAlong with the \nsales tax exemptions\n and the fact that it\u2019s locally-assembled, the plug-in hybrid SUV \ncosts around RM200k less than the fully imported model introduced in May 2019\n.\n \nSo what\u2019s different then? As for the exterior, the xDrive45e is also dressed in M Sport attire and finished with the same wheel design however it\u2019s been fitted with Bridgestone Alenza tyres as opposed to the Pirelli P Zero tyres found in the xDrive40i.\nAs for the vital figures, the non-PHEV xDrive40i produces 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque \u2013 capable propelling it from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds \u2013 while the xDrive45e makes a combined \n394 hp \nand \n600 Nm\n. Unfortunately, due to its immense 2.5-tonne weight, it\u2019s actually 0.1 second slower than the xDrive40i from 0 to 100 km/h.\nThere is however a silver lining. If you\u2019re right foot is made of feathers, BMW claims that the X5 is capable of doing 2.5L/100km with a \npure electric driving range of 77km\n.\nThe X5 xDrive PHEV can be yours with a monthly payment starting from RM5,028 based on estimates of an 80% loan, on a 5-year tenure. It also comes with a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service and 8-year or 160,000km Battery Warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Ford has rather ingeniously made an eight-part documentary of the inside story in the making of the\u00a0\nFocus RS\n with the help of Ford Rally and Hoonigan Racing division superstar Ken Block. The company has done a fair bit of hyping on the all-new RS model, especially with the new EcoBoost engine.\nHaving said that, what other cars have had the privilege of bearing the RS badge ? It all started in 1970 with the \nFord Escort RS1600\n and the sexier \nCapri RS2600\n. These two legends started the craze of hot British coupes and sedans. The culmination of this was the \nEscort RS Turbo\n and the insane\n RS200\n model with the mud-slingers kicking out in excess of\n 500 hp\n from their four bangers. Legends in their own right is to say the least.\nThe 2015 Focus RS is more of a throwback to the \nall-wheel drive\n fire spitters such as the \nSierra Cosworth 4\u00d74\n and the \nEscort RS2000 4\u00d74\n which needed the quad-drivers to channel the power down onto the black top for better, more responsive and immediate feel that made them excellent\n track warriors\n. Back in the day, be it on the streets or on the track, utter the words \u201cFord-RS\u201d and most would tremble with trepidation. Such was the reputation the moniker carried.\nIt really is fascinating to watch the engineers and the factory\u2019s tech guys get down and dirty with the development project of the Focus RS. Like all other global models, it undergoes rigorous testing on all sorts of weather and conditions \u2013 from the desert of Arizona to the bone chilling \nArctic\n.\nThe eight-part weekly episodes starts today:\nEpisode 1: Project kick-off \u2013 Ken Block and Raj Nair debate what the car should deliver, from behind the wheel of an early prototype\nEpisode 2: Design and development \u2013 Crunching crashes put the new design to the toughest of tests\nEpisode 3: Hitting the road \u2013 A 1,600-kilometre (1,000-mile) drive through epic terrain takes prototypes from high in the Rocky Mountains to the Arizona desert\nEpisode 4: Test-track trials \u2013 Block heads for Ford\u2019s top-secret test facility, and indulges in some \u201chooning\u201d\nEpisode 5: Arctic extremes \u2013 Winter testing in Sweden, and the team is under pressure to improve performance\nEpisode 6: Power struggle \u2013 It\u2019s all about performance, as the Ford manufacturing plant in Saarlouis, Germany, gears up for production\nEpisode 7: Close scrutiny \u2013 The day of the critical sign-off drive follows Block\u2019s headline appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed\nEpisode 8: Final chapter \u2013 It\u2019s time for the nail-biting management review\nBe sure to subscribe to the \nFord Performance\n page on Youtube to catch all eight episodes."
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia\u00a0\nteased\n the Peugeot \n208\n and \n2008\n duo in Penang earlier this month. Yesterday, at the Peugeot Malaysia Media Night, we had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the pair.\nStarting with the 208 B-Segment hatchback, it now features a new front bumper, front grille, fog lamp surrounds, chrome side mirror caps and \nLED taillamps\n with signature lion claw graphics. This zesty \nOrange Power metallic\n example shown here rides on new design \n16-inch alloys\n wrapped in 195/55 profile Michelin Energy Saver tyres.   The interior dittos the pre-facelift specifications, save for the carbon fibre-like trims on the dashboard, new fabric seat design and new leather material on the multifunctional steering wheel.\nOn the other hand, the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nMazda CX-3\n rival now wears a larger front grille with the lion\u2019s badge now positioned at the centre of the grille giving a more rugged appearance. Other than the new \n17-inch \nalloy\u00a0wheel design wrapped in 205/50 profile Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres, the 2008 is as per the pre-facelift. The same can be said for the interior.   Under the hood is where the meat of the facelift is for the duo. Peugeot has retired the 1.6-litre four-cylinder VTi engine and four-speed automatic gear box for a punchier \n1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged three\u00a0pot\n mated to an Aisin sourced \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission with quickshift.\nThe new turbocharged mill and six-speed combo dishes out a healthy \n110 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. This will make the 208 to be the hatchback with the highest torque figures in our market, besting even the \nFord Fiesta EcoBoost\n\u2019s \n170 Nm\n! In addition to the auto start/stop system, Peugeot claims that their award winning engine is capable of returning \n4.2 litres per 100 km\n and is able to travel \n1,190 km\n on a single tank of fuel.\nNo prices were revealed but the pre-facelift 208 and 2008 retailed at RM86k and RM120k respectively. If Nasim is keen on outplaying their competitors, pricing will be key to swing conservative buyers to give the French make a try. More info of the Peugeot 208 and 2008 facelift will come when it\u2019s officially launched in January 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPeugeot 208 5-door   Peugeot 2008 Crossover"
"At the launch of the \nMichelin XM2+\n, Managing Director of Michelin (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei), Pascal Nouvellon has hinted that the company will be launching the new \nMichelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV\n (PS4 SUV) tyres to the Malaysian market as soon as July 2019.\nAcknowledging the\ngrowing market share for SUV vehicles not just in Malaysia but also globally, there\nis a strong demand for road-oriented SUV tyres for customers who almost never take\ntheir vehicles off tarmac. Hence the PS4 SUV, a high-performance tyre that\nreplaces the Latitude Sport 3.\nMichelin claims that the PS4 SUV is a dedicated sports tyre of the Pilot Sport family and not merely an SUV tyre made sporty. Learnings from brand\u2019s Formula E activities as well as developments of the \nPS4\n and \nPS4 S\n have been carried over to the PS4 SUV.\nHence the PS4 SUV\nfeatures an asymmetrical thread pattern like the PS4/PS4 S, ultra-reactive thread\npattern inspired from Formula E racing tyres as well as \u201cDynamic Response\u201d\ntechnology. All these innovations give the driver optimum contact patch and unrivalled\nsteering precision.\nOf course, the PS4 SUV\nis not all about setting the quickest lap times, comfort and tyre longevity are\nalso a concern here. Using rigid tread blocks and a two-layer high-density\ncasing ply, Michelin promises that the PS4 SUV will deliver excellent comfort and\nlow rolling noise. Michelin\u2019s\nPremium Touch Technology that adds a velvet finish onto the sidewalls are a\nnice and premium touch.\nGlobally, there are a total of 53 sizes available for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV ranging from 17- to 23-inch. Selected 18-, 19- and 20-inch tyres are available with Michelin\u2019s Zero Pressure run flat technology. Michelin Malaysia has yet to disclose the available sizes in Malaysia but we can expect the common SUV sizes to be available."
"Mercedes-Benz UK had issued a major recall involving over 400,000 vehicles sold through their network regarding a faulty steering column component that could potentially break and cause the driver\u2019s airbag to deploy abruptly. The company stressed that this recall is \nunrelated\n to the ongoing Takata Airbag recall.\nA total of \neight models\n are affected \u2013 A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, CLA, GLA, GLK and GLC that are manufactured between November 2011 and July 2017. Hence, if your prized Mercedes-Benz vehicle is a \nreconditioned or parallel imported unit from the UK\n, you might want to be extra cautious when driving it around.\nCLA   GLA\n \n B-Class\n \n GLC\nAccording to BBC, the faulty component in question is a steering column module clock spring which when broken, can lead to the wiring components not being properly earthed and potentially\u00a0\nshort circuit \nthe airbag module and \ndeploy\n \nthe driver\u2019s side airbag\n \nprematurely\n.\nHowever, a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said that the car is safe to drive under \nnormal conditions\n and should the steering column module clock spring breaks, it will first trigger the \ndriver airbag warning light\n. When the warning light pops up, owners should promptly have the vehicle transported to the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer for an immediate fix.\n \n W212 E-Class\n \n C-Class\nWe have reached out to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) and confirmed that MBM will assist all owners, official- and grey-import alike, who are involved in a \nglobal recall campaign\n. In other words, you can have your parallel imported Mercedes-Benz looked at under the recall fix at MBM.\nMBM did not express whether the owners will have to bear the costs of replacement, it is a grey area after all as these cars were not made available to the Malaysian market officially by MBM. But then again, there should not be a price on the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones."
"Having been actively replacing affected Takata front airbag deflators since 2014, Honda Malaysia has announced that completion is almost at 70% as at August 2017. Completion rate for the replacement of Takata driver airbag is at 81.2% and 59.5% for the front passenger airbag inflators.\nHonda Malaysia has ensured that the stock availability for Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflators is at 100% as of August 2017 for customers convenience and peace of mind.\nThe same dedication is not neglected elsewhere around Malaysia as Mobile Hubs in selected Shopping Malls and PETRONAS Station Hubs will continue, providing convenient venues for customers to replace the affected Takata front airbag inflators \u2013 credit to the support of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PBD) in this campaign.\nThe Honda Malaysia Mobile Hub in various Shopping Malls in Peninsular Malaysia will be available every weekend in the month of August for ease of access to replacement by affected Honda customers. Locations and operating hours of these replacement activities are as per the table above.\nIt is vital that all affected Honda customers replace the\u00a0defective Takata front airbag inflators immediately\u00a0as they may deploy with excessive internal pressure when activated. The airbag inflator casing might rupture, resulting in injury or even fatality to the driver and passenger.\nAffected customers are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at any Honda Authorised Service Centre to avoid delays or setbacks in replacing the Takata front airbag inflators. Meanwhile, customers can \nsimply walk-in without advance appointments\n for replacement activities at the Mobile Hubs in selected Shopping Malls and PETRONAS Station Hubs.\nHonda customers can check their vehicle\u2019s recall status either by logging on to \nwww.honda.com.my\n or \nwww.productrecall.honda.com.my\n or by calling the Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020."
"The \nnew Range Rover Velar\n has just been launched in Malaysia with three different variants available; the standard P250 Velar, the P250 Velar R-Dynamic and the range-topping P380 Velar R-Dynamic. Here are the Things You Need To Know about Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s latest offering.\nAt the moment, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia is \nonly offering the P250 Velar and the P250 Velar R-Dynamic\n while the P380 Velar R-Dynamic will be introduced later on.\nThe P250\u2019s are assembled with the new 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine, \nsimilarly found in the 2.0-litre Jaguar F-Pace\n\u00a0recently introduced in Malaysia, producing \n246 hp\n and \n365 Nm\n of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with Drive Select.\nDespite weighing 1,800 kg, the P250 Velars are still expected to hit 100 km/h from standstill in just 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 217 km/h. The P250 Velar is priced at \nRM 529,800\n and the P250 Velar R-Dynamic at \nRM 588,800\n. As for the 3.0-litre P380 R-Dynamic, prices will be announced soon."
"Over 50 percent of Audi A4 customers in the UK purchased the Black Edition when it was introduced to the B8 model. So it\u2019s back, naturally, by popular demand, and the stealthy trim can be opted across the entire \nA4 B9\n lineup.\nThe Black Edition variant comes with 18-inch 10-spoke gloss black alloy wheels (as depicted in the pictures here), upgradable to the 19-inch five-arm rotor alloys finished in matte titanium. The chrome bits on the outside such as the Singleframe grille and window surrounds are all finished in titanium black. This extends to the side mirrors, side skirts, rear spoiler (for the sedan), air intakes and roof rails (Avant).\nAll Black Edition A4s get flat-bottomed steering wheel with piano black inlays, acoustic front side windows and tinted rear windows. Back at home, Audi Malaysia is currently selling \nthree variants of the ninth-generation Audi A4\n \u2013 1.4 TFSI (RM218,900), 2.0 TFSI (RM248,900) and 2.0 TFSI quattro (RM314,900).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Malaysians will now have another choice of petrol to fuel up their prized possessions, as Five Petroleum Malaysia is officially launched in the country with its first station now operational in \nKalumpang, Selangor\n.\nOperated and managed by \nSeng Group\n, Five represents the group\u2019s first foray independent foray into petrol retail business. Seng Group also operates several BHPetrol stations as authorised dealers.\nSeng Group has had nearly five decades of experience in supplying and managing distribution to petrol stations, as well as construction of new petrol stations.\nThe launch also marks the debut of the brand\u2019s \nUltimaxx fuels\n,\n supplied by Petronas\n, as well as the its own petrol station convenience store, W\noo! Mart\n.\nBeing a completely homegrown brand, Five aspires to go provide Malaysians with a hassle-free fuelling experience by closely integrating their service with the latest technology and innovation.\nFive will be introducing a brand-new \nmobile application \nthat will enable \ncashless payments\n at the petrol station, as well as integrating other features such as\n partnerships, rewards, and loyalty features\n directly in the application.\nFive also added that the brand will provide an easier entry to opening its petrol station for new entrepreneurs by offering smaller station and easier station set up.\nThe smaller station size also makes it easier to open more petrol stations at more remote areas, bringing the much-needed fuel supply to more accessible locations."
"The much-rumoured souped-up \nGR Yaris\n is finally official, as Toyota has just revealed the GRMN Yaris at the \n2022 Tokyo Auto Salon\n. The extra spicy hot hatch is only limited to just 500 units, and will be sold through GR Garages in Japan exclusively through a lottery system. Sorry, we\u2019re still not getting more GR Yarises here.\nThe Toyota GRMN Yaris has undergone a number of upgrades over the standard GR Yaris, and can be further optioned with specialised packages, depending on whether the lucky buyer prefers precision (Circuit Package) or dirt (Rally Package) driving.\nNo matter which package you choose though, the GRMN Yaris is already equipped with a long list of performance tweaks, including a reworked six-speed manual transmission with closer gear ratios, GR-specific mechanical limited-slip differentials (both front and rear) replacing the Torsen units, and a reinforced three-puck metal clutch and pressure plate.\nThe engine however remains unchanged from the stock car, but that\u2019s not something we\u2019d complain about after \nsampling the car on the Sepang Circuit\n \u2013 the mighty 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine still produces a pretty mind-blowing \n272 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque.\nTo increase the car\u2019s body rigidity, Toyota has given the \u201cfully-tuned\u201d hot hatch an additional reinforcement brace at the rear, while the number of spot welds have also increased by 545 over the standard GR Yaris. And to take things even further, the Toyota GRMN Yaris also ditches its rear seats and touchscreen infotainment display, all in the name of weight saving.\nRELATED: The Tom\u2019s Toyota GR Yaris bodykit is the very definition of \u201cjust right\u201d\nThe weight saving measures, alongside the new carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and vented bonnet, results in a drop of up to 30 kg compared to the standard car. Toyota also says that the new GRMN Yaris is 10 mm wider and sits 10 mm lower too, for better aerodynamics and a lower centre of gravity.\nOther changes on the GRMN Yaris can be found on the interior, which now comes as standard with a pair of Recaro bucket seats, alongside Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, gear knob, and handbrake. There\u2019s also a new plaque on the centre console to remind you that GRMN means \u201cGazoo Racing Masters of N\u00fcrburgring\u201d. Yes, Seriously.\nToyota GRMN Yaris with Circuit Package\n Toyota GRMN Yaris with Circuit Package\n Toyota GRMN Yaris with Rally Package\n Toyota GRMN Yaris with Rally Package\nMoving on to the extra upgrades, the Circuit Package gets a bespoke set of 18-inch alloys from BBS, larger brakes, new Bilstein adjustable shocks, an additional carbon fibre rear wing, a more aggressive body kit consisting of a new front lip and extended side skirts, and a variant-exclusive Matte Steel paint job.\nAs for the Rally Package, the Toyota GRMN Yaris gets a GR-tuned shock absorber and short stabiliser link set, a new underguard to protect it against the rough terrains, as well as a roll bar with side protection.\nToyota says that the Circuit Package will be limited to just 50 units, but did not set a production limit for the Rally Package. Japanese Pricing for the GRMN Yaris starts at JPY7,317,000 (approx. RM270k), and increases to JPY8,467,000 (approx. RM310k) for the Circuit Package and JPY8,378,764 (approx. RM307k) for the Rally Package \u2013 but good luck in getting one.\nFor the other already-fortunate GR Yaris owners, Toyota will also be offering some of these GRMN parts on sale around fall 2022.\nGALLERY"
"When a car rolls over, seat belts, front, side and curtain airbags are almost helpless in preventing injuries to its occupants. In some circumstances, passengers can even be thrown out of the car\u2019s sunroof.\nIn fact, according to surveys by Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), out of 13,700 accidents occurred in the US for 15 years from the year 2000, 17% of cases had passengers thrown out of the car through the sunroof.\nAs such, this has led to Hyundai developing the roof airbag, \nfirst announced in 2018\n, to protect passengers from being ejected out of the car through the sunroof.\nThe roof airbag which is mounted around the sunroof can be deployed to cover the entire roof in just 0.08 seconds. It\u2019s coated with silicone to maintain its inflated shape for up to six seconds, while stainless steel wires increase the deployment speed.\nUpon testing, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found the roof airbag to be effective in preventing passengers from being ejected from the car through the sunroof. It also prevents passengers from bouncing off the sunroof, reducing head and neck injuries.\n \nGALLERY"
"The most anticipated Proton since the company was first established in 1983 has \nfinally been launched\n with prices starting from \nRM79,200\n for the Standard variant, \nRM84,800\n for the Executive, \nRM93,200\n for the Premium and lastly, \nRM103,300\n for the Flagship variant of the \nX50\n.\nAll \nfour variants\n will be powered by a \n1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder\n engine which will be \nadapted into future Proton models\n however there will be \ntwo different output\n \nlevels\n, depending on which variant you go for. The highest spec Flagship variant will come with \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm \nwhile the lower three variants are rated at \n150 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n. Transmission wise, all variants are equipped with a \n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n first seen in the\n locally-assembled Proton X70\n.\nAs for the exterior, all variants come with LED headlamps but from the Executive onwards to the Flagship variant, the X50 will be available with LED fog lights along with an automatic feature for the headlamps. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 18-inches depending on which variant you opt for. As for the quad tailpipes and sporty rear spoiler, it will be available in all variants. There will be six colours available for the Proton X50 \u2013 Snow White, Armor Silver, Ocean Blue, Jet Grey, Citric Orange, and Passion Red.\n \nOn the inside, the lower two variants are equipped with an analog instrument cluster while the top two feature fully digital units. The Standard variant gets fabric seats while the top three are finished with leather upholstery. As for the infotainment display, there are two different sizes available depending on variant but are powered by the same processors. Impressively, all variants are equipped with rear air-con vents and USB charging ports. Opt for the Flagship variant and you\u2019d stand out from the rest with a dual-tone dashboard and a massive panoramic roof.\nAs for safety features, the X50 comes with a maximum of six airbags along with the following in the highest spec Flagship variant:\nIntelligent Cruise Control (Level Two)\nAuto park assist with support for both parallel and perpendicular parking (level two)\nAdaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality\nLane keep assist\nLane departure warning\nBlind-spot information system\nIntelligent high beam control\nAutonomous emergency braking\nForward Collision Warning\nFind out all you need to know about the new Proton X50 \nhere\n. Following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Proton vehicles, click \nhere\n."
"Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has just announced an updated version of the Economic Stimulus Package or \u201cPrihatin\u201d as he prefers to call it and it\u2019s good news all round.\nThe updated stimulus package amounts to RM250 billion and with every industry and sector taken into account, \ne-hailing drivers (Grab, Mula etc)\n stand to benefit from this as well.\nA total of 120,000 \ne-hailing drivers will receive a one-off payment of\n \nRM500\n with RM60 billion allocated to the cause.\nThis follows after the governments recent announcement where\n taxi drivers will receive one-off payments of RM600\n beginning 1st of April 2020.\nThe PM also took the opportunity to slip in a cheeky message at the end of his announcement.\n\u201cWe are a nation at war with invisible forces. The situation we are now facing is unprecedented in history. \nAnd, this government may not be the government that you voted for. But I want all of you to know that this government cares for you\n. I resigned to the fact that I came in as your Prime Minister not at the best moment. I face political, economic and health crisis all at the same time.\u201d\n\u201cThis unprecedented situation of course requires unprecedented measures. So, my dear brothers and sisters, and the children of this beloved country, whether you are a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Iban, Kadazan, Dusun, orang asal, please bear with me and my friends in the cabinet and the government. We are not perfect, but we are doing the best we can to pull through this crisis together, as one nation. God willing, we will come out stronger when this crisis ends and the dust settles,\u201d he added.\nBless this man\u2019s honesty."
"Naza Quest, the official distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia has just launched the Chevrolet Complete Care (CCC) programme. Together with the tagline \u2013 \nCommitted. Constant. Comprehensive.\n\u00a0\u2013 they aim to deliver a worry-free ownership experience before, during and after every purchase.\nThe CCC programme encompasses five services that are offered to all Chevy owners in Malaysia:\n1. Comprehensive Vehicle Manufacturer Warranty\nA 5-Year or 200,000km bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage, giving customers peace of mind on their brand new Chevrolet of choice.\n2. Chevy Assist \u2013 24/7 Roadside Assistance\nA \none-year complimentary\n 24-hour roadside assistance including minor roadside repairs, emergency on-site towing assistance, workshop referral and etc. Owners only need to dial the Chevrolet Assist toll-free hotline at 1-800-2-24389 (CHEVY) in the event of a breakdown or accident anywhere in Malaysia.\n3. Complete Chevrolet Service\nAll Chevy owners can trust that their vehicles will be taken care by highly trained technicians using only high-quality genuine Chevrolet replacement parts. Other than that, owners will be presented with clear service schedules and transparent pricing to estimate the cost for their upcoming service.\n4. 24/7 Customer Care Assistance\nApart from the 24/7 customer support hotline, owners will be able to send in their queries via an Online Live Chat which is also available throughout the day on \nChevrolet Malaysia\u2019s website\n and receive instant real-time response.\n5. Chevy Link\nAn integrated Service Operations System that shares all service records and vehicle data. All information pertaining to your Chevrolet will be accessible by all authorised Chevrolet dealerships in the country.\nThe CCC programme isn\u2019t just a local initiative, actually, but a part of the brand\u2019s global initiative to provide value added services and deliver a more satisfying ownership experience for all new and existing customers around the world."
"Our \nearlier reports\n mentioned plans by Nissan China to launch the all-new X-Trail this month have been proven correct. The company has previewed the all-new Nissan X-Trail at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show that also debuts a new \n1.5L turbocharged\n petrol engine.\nMore details have emerged on this downsized turbocharged petrol engine. The new \nthree-cylinder\n engine uses \nvariable compression ratio\n technology that Nissan first employed in the \nInfiniti QX50\n model in the USA.\nAll internal combustion engines have a fixed compression ratio, in the case of turbocharged engines, excellent fuel economy can only be achieved with a high value, while a lower figure is applicable to achieve high power outputs. Nissan designed the engine to vary the compression ratio of the new turbocharged three-cylinder engine between \n14:1 to 8:1\n to achieve the said targets, via special hardware, actuators and control systems.\nIn China, the revolutionary \u2018VC-Turbo\u2019 engine is said to deliver class-leading outputs of \n204 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque with only Volkswagen\u2019s Tharu model eclipsing the torque output by dishing out 320 Nm from a much larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Engine output is channelled to a CVT-type transmission that cleverly adjust to the engine outputs, all transparent to the driver and occupants.\nThe latest Nissan X-Trail for China is identical to the design that was launched \nin the USA\n back in June of last year. Key features inside include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen display (largest in its class), a 10.8-inch head-up display, ambient lighting and a Bose Premium Audio System.\nTo further separate itself from the crowded SUV segment, the rear doors itself now open up to nearly \n90 degrees\n, making ingress and egress easier plus movement of child seats.\nThe new X-Trail also comes with the new Vehicle Motion Control system that predicts what the driver is trying to do by monitoring steering, acceleration and brake inputs. It works in conjunction with the revamped Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system through different drive modes (now with Off-Road, Snow and Sport) to provide four-wheel individual control, even by applying a single brake to allow the SUV to corner more smoothly.\nThe all-new Nissan X-Trail with the new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine will only arrive at Chinese dealerships at the second half of this year.\nWhich do you prefer to see made available in Malaysia? An all-new technology with high outputs as seen in this Chinese variant, or the proven large displacement 2.5-litre four-cylinder found in the US market?\nGALLERY"
"[\nUpdate 5:14 pm, 10/9:\n Tesla has now published the full on-board video, which we\u2019ve included into the post below. The run is still yet to be certified by Nurburgring officials.]\nThe \nTesla Model S Plaid\n has supposedly just smashed the electric car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, according to a tweet by the boss man Elon Musk.\n\u201cTesla Model S Plaid just set official world speed record [sic] for a production electric car at N\u00fcrburgring. Completely unmodified, directly from factory,\u201d the \ntweet\n read, alongside a photo that shows two lap times: \n7:30.909\n and \n7:35.579\n.\n \nBased on previous official runs, it\u2019s seems likely that the former is for the shorter 20.6 km configuration of the track, while the latter time is for the full 20.832 km track that\u2019s used for official record timekeeping in recent years.\nEither way, we still need to wait for the full on-board video to verify, which also means that the Tesla Model S Plaid\u2019s lap isn\u2019t officially certified just yet \u2013 and a cursory check on Nurburgring\u2019s website confirms that.\nThe all-new Audi RS3 is now the fastest compact car around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Watch the on-board video here!\nImage: \nElon Musk/Twitter\nBut for now, if we take the results at face value, then a 7:30.909 time around the shorter configuration is indeed a new EV sedan Nurburgring lap record, smashing the previous 7:42.3 lap time set by the \nPorsche Taycan Turbo\n back in 2019.\nTaking into account the Plaid\u2019s performance credentials, the results doesn\u2019t seem all too surprising. Powered by three electric motors, the Tesla Model S Plaid makes a total of 1020 hp and 1,420Nm, which translates to a claimed 2.1-second 0-100 km/h time.\nDespite its incredible straight-line performance, its massive 2,162 kg weight does make it pretty challenging to fling it around all 154 corners of the Nordschleife, which probably explains why it\u2019s still slower than a handful of ICE-powered cars.\nFor comparison\u2019s sake, the \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4Matic+\n currently holds the lap record for the \u201cExecutive Cars\u201d category, with a time of 7:27.8 around the longer 20.8 km loop. Recently, the P\norsche Cayenne Turbo GT\n also took the crown for the SUV category, with a new official lap record time of 7:38.925 around the same 20.8 km layout.\nThere aren\u2019t too many pure EVs that have made the lap record attempt, but the record for that is currently held by the VW ID.R (in the Prototype class), with a time of 6:05.336.\nWill Porsche come back for another official attempt, using the more powerful Turbo S variant? Well, with the carmakers recent fascination with setting N\u00fcrburgring lap records, we\u2019d say that it\u2019s at least a non-zero chance of this happening.\nAt least we know that Tesla is also still planning for a second Nurburgring run, featuring a modified Model S Plaid with added aero surfaces, carbon brakes, and track tires \u2013 although, it wouldn\u2019t be certifiable as an official record, as that requires a car in its stock, factory form.\n[images: \nTouristen Niko/YouTube\n]"
"As part of an effort to reconnect the brand with its illustrious past, Nissan recently launched a new exhibition corner at its headquarters in Yokohama dedicated to telling the story of its many iconic cars. The Heritage Zone is located within the Nissan Gallery and will become a permanent feature of the sprawling brand experience space.\nUp to 19 heritage models will go on display for a limited period, the timing of which coincides with the \n10\nth\n anniversary of Nissan\u2019s move from Tokyo to Yokohama in 2009\n. Other classic models from the Nissan Heritage Collection, located in \nZama\n (30 km away) would then be rotated to keep the exhibits fresh.\nThe Heritage Zone will also feature a \nmini library\n where visitors can read and browse in comfort, a \nmodel car wall\n with over 100 vehicles, as well as a 220-inch LED screen playing rare footage from Nissan\u2019s archive. Yokohama is only a \n40-minute train ride\n from Tokyo, if you\u2019re a Nissan fan (or any car fan for the matter) and find yourself around the vicinity, make it a point to drop by the \nNissan Gallery\n which had played host to some \n13 million visitors\n since 2009.\n \nFor the rest of us who can\u2019t make it to Japan, you can salivate over this video which Nissan put together showing its iconic models spanning eight decades as part of the launch of The Heritage Zone."
"Porsche recently launched the third generation of their successful Cayenne, which has sold more than 760,000 units since 2002, with completely new developments. It will come, for now, with two turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engines \u2013 for the Cayenne and Cayenne S.\nThe Cayenne\u2019s 3.0-litre single turbo engine produces \n340 hp\n with \n450 Nm\n of torque with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just \n6.2 seconds\n (5.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) with a top speed of \n245 km/h\n.\nThe Cayenne S on the other hand gets to 100 km/h in just \n5.2 seconds\n (4.9 with the Sport Chrono Package) with a top speed of \n265 km/h\n. Power comes a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that develops\n 440 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque \u2013 20 hp more than its predecessor. The new Cayennes also come with a new eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox with shorter response times and sportier ratios in the lower gears.\nPerformance figures aside, there have been various other new developments that make up the new Porsche Cayenne. Here\u2019s what to note on the latest updates of Porsche\u2019s saviour:\nNew Design\nThe new Cayenne comes with enlarged air intakes at the front with new horizontal light edges for a more athletic appearance. Exterior length has been increased by 6.3 cm and roof height reduced by almost 1 cm. Luggage compartment has been increased by a full 100 litres from before to \n770 litres\n. Larger wheels are provided on the rear axle for the first time.   Porsche is offering a new three-stage lighting concept for the headlights: Every Cayenne is fitted with LED headlights as standard. In the next upgrade, the \nPorsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)\n can be selected as an option, offering a variety of light modes such as cornering light and motorway light.\nIts new LED three-stage lighting headlights including the \nPorsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) Plus\n system comes with fully variable light distribution and intensity, enabled by 84 individually activated light-emitting diodes to ensure that the Cayenne\u2019s high beam does not glare opposing traffic.\nNew Chassis\nTaking precedent from the Panamera and the new 911, the new Cayenne\u2019s body utilises a combination of alloy and steel while its exterior is made entirely of aluminium with its floorpan assembly, front section and most other chassis components are made of alloy.\nThe new Cayenne will feature mix tyres, with larger wheels on the rear axle. This setup is allows the active chassis systems to be analysed and synchronised by the integrated \nPorsche 4D Chassis Control system\n. With the exception of the active PASM damper system (as standard with the Cayenne S), all other chassis systems are new developments. For the first time, the Cayenne will come with electric rear-axle steering much like the ones found on the 911\u2019s to improve stability and turning radius\u2019.\nNew Brakes & Suspension\nThe Cayenne features the new \nPorsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB)\n consisting of a cast-iron disc with tungsten-carbide coating which increases friction for improved braking power without compromise brake wear. Its calipers are painted in white, while the disc\u2019s surface develops a unique gloss appearance after a run-in.   The \nnew adaptive air suspension\n comes with a new three-chamber technology that emulates the driving dynamics of a touring car with adjustments to the ground clearance. The new system works with the optional \nPorsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)\n roll stabilisation \u2013 benefiting drivers with a change from hydraulic to an electric system \u2013 made possible by a powerful 48-volt electrical system. Shorter response time equals higher driving precision.\nSadly, both the brakes and suspension are optional extras.\nNew Cockpit\nThe cockpit of the new Cayenne features a new 12.3-inch full HD display with the latest \nPorsche Communication Management (PCM)\n, Porsche Connect Plus with other functions cleverly integrated into a smartphone-like, glass-look touch surface. Other features include Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ParkAssist, Surround View and Porsche InnoDrive. On-board entertainment now comes from new sound systems from Bose and Burmester.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia will be co-operating with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Road Transport Department (JPJ) with emphasis on the replacement of affected Takata airbag inflators. \nRM 300 summons will be issued\n to those who ignore the recalls.\nCustomers are encouraged to urgently replace their affected Takata front airbag inflators as it might rupture when activated, potentially causing injury or fatality to the driver and passenger.\nThe replacement of the affected Takata airbag inflators are \nFREE OF CHARGE\n and any cost related to Takata airbag inflator replacements will be borne by Honda Malaysia.\nStock availability for replacement parts is at 100% and the affected airbag inflators \ncan be replaced at any of the 92 Honda authorised service dealers nationwide\n. Customers are highly recommended to make an appointment with Honda authorised service centres to enable priority and avoid delays or setbacks for the replacement works.\nReplacement activities can also be done at Mobile Hubs at selected shopping malls and Petronas stations and DO NOT require advance appointments.\nHonda Malaysia will also be extending the replacement of Takata airbag inflators to \nparallel imported Honda vehicles\n not sold by them. These owners are advised to refer their vehicles to Honda authorised dealers and if replacements are required, costs of parts and labour will be borne by Honda Malaysia.\nAs at July 2, 2018, Honda Malaysia has completed more than 228,000 units of Takata driver front airbag inflator replacements which translates to 87% completion ratio. The total number of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements completed is at more than 465,000 units or 79% completion ratio.\nHonda Malaysia would like to affirm that the current selling line-up of Honda vehicles are not affected as they do not have the same type of Takata airbag inflators as previous models affected in the recall.\nVehicle owners can check their vehicle\u2019s product recall status \nhere\n\u00a0or call the Honda toll free number at 1-800-88-2020."
"Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Perodua) has announced the availability of the upcoming new model for booking at all 180 showrooms nationwide. \nPerodua Axia\n, Malaysia\u2019s first Energy Efficient Vehicle (\nEEV\n) will open for booking tomorrow, \n15th August 2014\n, starting from an affordable \nRM24,900\n.\nThe name \u2018\nAxia\n\u2018, pronounced as \u2018a-zee-a\u2019, is a combination of the word Asia with an \u201cX\u201d, as a roman numeral for the number 10 representing the \n10th Perodua model\n. It is\u00a0the car maker\u2019s most fuel efficient car that may travel up to an impressive \n21.6 km/l\n.\nTogether with\u00a0its spaciousness, unique Malaysia features, and an overall low cost of ownership, Perodua describes it as \u201c\nthe all-in-one package for every Malaysian\n\u201c. In other words, it\u2019s the people\u2019s car.\nThe new model comes in 4 variants; \nStandard E\n, \nStandard G\n, \nSpecial Edition\n and \nAdvance\n. And for the first time ever, Perodua is offering a \n5-year warranty\n for all Axis models.\u00a0\nBooking fee\n are RM250 and RM300 depending on the variant you choose.\nTaglined \u201c\nYour Smart Move\n\u201c, which means it\u2019s a smart buy, and also represents\u00a0Perodua\u2019s efforts in becoming globally competitive in terms of styling, features and price competitiveness.\n\u201cWe believe that the Perodua Axia is competitive in the region, which is why the word \u201cAsia\u201d was incorporated into the name; in addition, this vehicle also represents a whole new standard for us.\u00a0This standard can be categorised by \n4 key highlights\n, which are environmentally friendly, very spacious for a compact vehicle, easy driving and economical in terms of the overall cost of ownership,\u201d said\u00a0Perodua President and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.\nNo official words as of what is powering the Axis, but we have heard it is a\u00a0\n1.0-liter\n 12-valve DOHC engine that produces \n66 horsepower\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n87 Nm\n of torque. We will keep you updated on the confirmed specifications from our exclusive preview on the Axia soon!\nIn conjunction with the month of Hari Raya, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh\u00a0is inviting all Malaysians to a nationwide open house at all its sales and service outlets, on 16th and 17th August 2014, for a Raya celebration and also to find out more on the Perodua Axia.\n[divider]\nPHOTO GALLERY"
"Picture this scene in your mind: Nissan took a standard road-going GT-R, whipped off the body shell, cut and shortened the chassis, shafts, wires and hoses. The shapely Juke body was then bolted around the bespoke chassis and garnished to taste.\nThe end result dear readers, is a \nNissan Juke\n with the beating heart from a car many hail as \nGodzilla\n. At the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Nissan rolled out the \nJuke-R 2.0 Concept\n. Dr Frankenstein would be proud of this car. Just like the GT-R, \nno two Juke-Rs are the same\n in terms of engine output. Some reportedly came with power figures ranging from 480 hp to 540 hp in the outgoing\u00a0Juke-R models introduced back in 2012.   A lot like the monster he cooked up in that lab, Nissan has announced that this Juke-R\u00a02.0\u00a0will be able to reach power figures as high up as\n 600 hp\n. If you were wondering, that\u2019s over\u00a0\n100 hp\n \nmore\n\u00a0than a standard \nGT-R\n\u00a0and early\n\u00a0\nproduction\n Juke-R \nmodels\n\u00a0\nthat came powered with a \ntwin turbocharged, 3.8-litre V6 VR38DETT\n. Not bad for a birthday present to commemorate the\n Juke\u2019s fifth anniversary\n.\nThe \nsix-speed dual clutch gearbox\n and \nall-wheel-drive\n system from the GT-R is tasked with laying down the power of this gruesomely powered crossover onto the black top. It is capable of bolting itself from 0 to 100 km/h in\n under 3.5 seconds\n and if you\u2019ve still got your foot mashed up against the loud pedal, you\u2019ll be able to nudge an excess of \n300 km/h.   The Juke-R 2.0 was\u00a0debuted on \nGoodwood\u2019s Hillclimb\n on all three days of the event. The matte black specimen was\u00a0flailed up the hill by Le Mans 24 Hours driver, \nJann Mardenborough\n and in the process, wowing spectators and showing the world that Nissan has a rather contorted sense of humour in making what could possibly the first legit \ncrossover supercar\n ever.\nWould one buy one ? The Juke-R is being made on an \nextremely limited\n production, made-to-order run. Nissan is keeping rather hush-hush on the price of the\n Juke-R\n. However, it has been estimated that it will cost over \nUSD 600,000 \n(or\n RM2,252,940\n). That\u2019s excluding taxes, mind you. To put that into perspective, the snarling\n\u00a0\nLamborghini Huracan\n\u00a0pokes the price tag at \ncirca RM2.1 million\n after taxes, and that\u2019s even after excise duty and all other taxes!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation is set to unveil the GR HV SPORTS concept car at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show at the end of the month which will combine the thrill of a sports car with the environmental friendliness of an eco car. This follows after the recent launch by Toyota Japan of the \nGR Sports car series\n.\nDesign inspiration is taken off the \nToyota GAZOO Racing\n\u2018s TS050 Hybrid racing car, that competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Similarly, like the TS050 Hybrid racing car, the GR HV SPORTS concept will also be powered by the Toyota Hybrid System Racing (THS-R).\nIt will feature a targa top previously found in Toyota\u2019s legendary convertible sports car, the Toyota Sports 800 also known as Yotahachi and the infamous Toyota Supra. Highlights of its exterior include LED headlights, aluminium wheels and a rear diffuser before being doused with matte black body colour.\nEssentially an automatic, control of the vehicles drive can be operated by the buttons positioned at the centre console for a motorsport-inspired vibe. If you feel like switching to a proper manual, the 6-speed \u201cmanual-style\u201d driving with H-pattern shifting can be activated with a push of a button. Elsewhere the hybrid battery is mounted near the centre of the vehicle to achieve the best possible balance to provide the GR HV concept with the essential driving dynamics of a sports car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Ford\u2019s former head of vehicle engineering, Steve von Foerster drove home a Shelby GT350 Mustang, his neighbour in the suburban Detroit neighbourhood was not happy with the thunderous noise from the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. When von Foerster was backing out from his drive way, a neighbour actually called the cops on him for disrupting the neighbourhood\u2019s peace.\nHowever, instead of confronting his neighbour with a clenched jaw, von Foerster, who now leads Ford\u2019s user experience team in product development, went back to the drawing board and explore ways to give driver\u2019s more control over the engine\u2019s sound. Thus, the\n \u201cGood Neighbour Mode\u201d\n is born.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1q0ivrhPto\nAvailable on \nMustang GTs\n with a 5.0-litre V8 lump, the \u201cGood Neighbour Mode\u201d allows drivers to mute the engine and exhaust volume on the fly which is especially helpful when driving past neighbourhoods during ungodly hours. In \nQuiet Exhaust mode\n, selectable through the steering controls, the exhaust drops 10 decibels to 72 dB, equivalent to the volume of a household dishwasher.\nIn addition, the \nQuiet Start function\n allows drivers to set within a designated time frame for example from 8pm to 7am, where the engine will come to life without the signature V8 roar.\nThe \u201cGood Neighbour Mode\u201d will be available on all new Mustang GT models from next year onwards. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 that GC Mah tested a while ago does not come with the new exhaust function. Watch how he fill up the mountains and valleys with the glorious V8 noise here:"
"There\u2019s probably not much most of us can agree on more unanimously than how the \nnew BMW M3 \nand\n \nM4 looks\n with their new vertical kidney grille design. This follows after the groundbreaking but eye-watering look was first seen in the \nnew BMW 4 Series\n.\nAt a time when looking and staying fresh is everything, we\u2019ll take nothing away from BMW for pushing the boundaries of its kidney grille design. The online response it has generated however, since the tradition-breaking design was revealed, is probably far from what they were expecting.\nA tuning company in Germany has responded as well; not with rants on social media but with solutions. They\u2019ve shown us \nvariations of a completely redesigned front end\n and it makes you wonder why BMW did not adopt that look, to begin with.\nThe horizontal kidney grille route would\u2019ve been the safer route, as we\u2019ve seen with the \n8 Series here in Malaysia\n, and these new renders by Prior Design in Germany prove that sometimes you shouldn\u2019t fix what isn\u2019t broken.\nAccording to The Drive, word is that Prior Design will likely put these drawings into production \u2013 an announcement which will be most welcomed by those looking to own one of Bavaria\u2019s latest household bad boys. A similarly positive effect can be seen on the renderings of the new BMW M3 as well.\nSure, it makes it harder for you to tell apart the BMW 4 and 8 Series, but what good is a distinction if no one ends up buying them out of nausea?\nWith this new look, those road hogging ahead of \nthe new M3 or M4\n will move aside out of sheer intimidation when before, they\u2019d most likely give way solely to get the unsightly M cars out of their rearview mirror.\nGALLERY"
"While waiting 20 minutes for an additional 300 km of range sounds great for the general public, the charging time is still a little too much for the mobility fleets like taxis, where the time spent waiting could have been easily used to earn more money.\nSo in addition to strengthening the numbers for its fast charging stations, \nGeely\n has now also committed to building 5,000 battery swapping stations across China by 2025.\nGeely\u2019s battery swapping technology, called E-Energee, was first shown off in Chongqing back in September last year, and over the past 12 months, the battery-swapping system has already been deployed in over ten provinces across China.\nWith the E-Energee battery swapping technology, the taxi drivers will be able to swap their batteries for a fully charged one within 59 seconds \u2013 all while without the users exiting the vehicles itself.\nCheck out Geely\u2019s battery swapping tech in action here!\nThe modular batteries are then charged centrally in the battery swapping stations in a safer manner, which means in addition to reducing wait times for the drivers, the system can also help prevent spontaneous combustion due to high battery temperatures from high-speed charging, and extend the usable life of any given battery pack up to 8 years or 600,000 kilometres.\nGeely begun researching battery swapping technologies in 2017, and over the years, the R&D team has now grown to a headcount of over 1,000 people, with hundreds of patents registered for their systems.\nE-Energee\u2019s platform is designed with a wide compatibility in mind. The current system will be able to swap batteries for specially-designed models with wheelbases between 2,700 to 3,100 mm \u2013 including the Maple 80V, the first model in Geely Group\u2019s line-up to support battery swapping.\nShell and Porsche has announced a new cross-country 180 kW charging network, with six stations stationed in Malaysia. Learn more about it here!\nEarlier this year, Chinese EV carmaker Nio has also announced their plans for 4,000 battery swapping stations globally by 2025 \u2013 700 of which is due by the end of 2021 in China.\nIt remains to be seen if these \u201cBattery-as-a-Service\u201d (Baas) business model will help boost wider adoption of EVs, particularly for the mobility service providers. Although, we have to admit that going from 0% to 100% in just 60 seconds does sound almost magical."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd and authorised dealer Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (HSS) have officially opened their doors to the brand new and seventh Autohaus in Malaysia. The launch is the start\u00a0of an RM30 million investment for HSS to enhance customer reach in East Malaysia.\nHSS Kota Kinabalu spans an area of \n7,346 sq ft\n and is located right in the heart of town at the Ground Floor of Plaza Shell at 29 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. The \nRM2 million showroom\n\u00a0is manned by 11 trained employees and incorporates the brand\u2019s streamlined design, dubbed Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II).\n \n \nTo complement the showroom, the workshop in Inanam was also refurbished to improve after-sales services which covers both passenger and commercial vehicles. The \n24,000 sq ft workshop\n accommodates up to 14 passenger cars and two commercial vehicles, including body repairs and paintwork.\nThe partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd go way back since 1969 when HSS first introduced Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles in the East Malaysian region. CEO and President of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Dr Claus Weidner said, \u201cHSS Kota Kinabalu is a positive step in developing our dealer network, especially in East Malaysia. Our presence in this region dates back to 1969, and our partnership with Hap Seng Star, has served to strengthen it. Hap Seng Star has fully embraced an \u2018enduring passion\u2019 for the Mercedes-Benz brand and business that continues till today.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember that invoice that was making the rounds on Facebook just after Romain Grosjean\u2019s (of Haas F1 Team) crash? Well, it\u2019s been established that it\u2019s more fake than Donald Trump\u2019s majestic comb over.\nBut guess what, it wasn\u2019t the end of the saga as according to reports by \nAutoweek\n, the actual bill which Haas F1 Team is planning to dish out at Sepang\u2019s officials is even higher!\nCredit: \nBlackFlag\nIf you\u2019ve not read the papers or tuned in to F1 related news recently, long story short, during the recent and final edition of the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix at Sepang, Romain Grosjean of Haas F1 team spun out after a supposed welding failure caused the drain cover to dislodge. That led to the puncture of his rear tyres, sending him to the barriers after losing control of his race car at speeds in excess of \n170 mph (273 km/h)\n.\nThankfully, Grosjean walked away uninjured but his team felt the real pain with damages to the new floor and front wing \u2013 to the tune of \nalmost RM 3 million\n according to reports.\nHaas F1 team principal reportedly called the situation \u201cunacceptable\u201d and \u201cnot up to the standards\u201d required of F1 tracks \u2013 a thought that perhaps the spectators would have an opinion on themselves regarding the facilities. Despite having insured the car, let\u2019s keep the speculating down to a minimum as we anticipate a response from the Sepang International Circui officials.\nCover Photo Credit: \nMotorsportal.com"
"It was as usual another stifling hot day at the Sepang circuit last Saturday, but Porsche owners pulled together to set a new Malaysian record for the largest Porsche gathering ever with a tidy total of 320 cars, as verified by the Malaysia Book of Records.\nMore than 2,000 Porsche enthusiasts and fans of all ages turned out in strength for Sime Darby Auto Performance\u2019s inaugural Sportscar Together Day held on 3\nrd\n August 2019, and they witnessed eight generations of the 911, 911 GT3 Cup race cars and even the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid up close, while children in tow also got some indoor track time courtesy of the Porsche Junior Experience programme.\nChristopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance, said, \u201cCelebrating our first \u2018Sportscar Together Day\u2019 in Malaysia is a momentous occasion for us. We are thrilled to be able to share the experience of driving a Porsche with more people than ever before, or even for new enthusiasts to start their journey with Porsche with the introduction of our new 360 Leasing programme.\u201d\nAside from introducing a leasing programme for Porsche, applicable to both private and corporate customers, Hunter also unveiled the \nnew Macan S SUV\n."
"China\u2019s very own \u201cPorsche Macan\u201d, is getting a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant! No, it\u2019s not an exclusive variant for the Chinese market, it\u2019s the \nZotye SR8 SUV\n.\nAccording to \nAutoHome\n, the SR8 SUV, which is essentially a carbon copy of the Macan, will present itself at the Chengdu Auto Show later this month. It features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with\n 190 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n mated to two electric motors. Combined power output remains unknown for now but Zotye reckons the SUV is capable sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \nunder 5 seconds\n. The most powerful Macan Turbo only boasts a sub-five seconds century sprint time.\u00a0\nThe hybrid powertrain is also said to have a pure electric range of 80 km and a fuel consumption figure of \n2.4 litre per 100 km\n. Transmission options include a six-speed dual clutch or five-speed manual box, sending drive to the front wheels. A \nfour-wheel drive\n variant is also on the cards, reported \nAutoHome\n. Got to have that proper Porsche experience eh?\nVisually it remains identical to the petrol variants and still very Macan-like. Inside however, welcomes a host of new upgrade such as a centre analogue clock, \nNappa leather upholstery\n, ashtray, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof. Yep, just like a Porsche.\n \n Looks familiar?\n \nOn the safety front, the SR8 comes equipped with tyre pressure monitoring system, \nlane departure warning system\n, blind spot monitoring system, front and rear paring sensors as well as a dash camera.\nIn China prices for the SR8 ranges between \u200e109k (RM70k) to 162k (RM103k) yuan; even if the SR8 PHEV is priced at twice the amount, it is still significantly cheaper than the base Porsche Macan\u2019s RM435k price tag. There you have it folks, the poor man\u2019s Macan with an innovative powertrain, tickles your fancy?\nSource: \nAutoHome.com.cn\nImage Credit:\u00a0\nAutoHome.com.cn"
"GoCar has just reduced its price permanently for the rental of a Nissan Almera from RM9.90/hour to just RM6.90/hour or RM69/day. The revised rate is applicable only from Monday to Thursday.\nA new weekend promotional rate for the Nissan Almera has also been announced, applicable from Friday to Sunday at RM8.90/hour or RM89/day, \nvalid till 24th of July 2019\n.\nThe \nAlmera \u201cBlack Series\u201d\n introduced in Malaysia last year.\nStarting off with only five cars to more than 600 cars today, GoCar has since expanded to seven states with the latest locations situated in Ipoh and Seremban.\nLast year, GoCar announced that the Nissan Almera and Renault Captur will be \navailable at 100 Shell stations across Klang Valley, Penang and Johor\n.\nFind out what\u2019s new in the\n updated 2019 Renault Captur\n.\nAs for the 1.2-litre turbocharged Captur, where \n150 units were delivered to GoCar in collaboration with Renault\n is available for rent at RM12.90/hour or RM129/day.\nOther options in the GoCar inventory includes the \nRenault Koleos \n(RM29.90/hr), \nNissan Serena S-Hybrid\n (RM26.90/hr), \nNissan Grand Livina \n(RM16.90/hr), and \nNissan Navara\n (RM24.90/hr)."
"I\u2019ll be honest \u2013 when I first saw the photos of the \nA-Class Sedan\n during its launch, I felt like there was something wrong with its design. The rear quarter seems a little too short, and the proportions of the car just seems.. off. My colleagues tell me that I\u2019m the odd one here.\u00a0\nHowever, seeing the car in person has slowly made me change my mind. Over the weekend, I\u2019ve grown from accepting its looks, to actually feeling smug being seen in one. Perhaps it\u2019s the AMG Line bodykit, which just brings the modern design to a whole other level.\u00a0\nUp front, the large air inlets paired with the diamond-pin grille gives the A 250 Sedan an imposing face, while the faux vents at the rear squares up the more rounded \u201cSensual Purity\u201d design language for a more aggressive stance.\nJust based on its styling, the A 250 Sedan looks like it\u2019s the perfect car to drive to a party. But step into the cabin at night, and you\u2019ll find that the party is actually inside \u2013 The 64-colour ambient lighting makes you feel as if you\u2019re walking into a nightclub, with the giant screens announcing your arrival. All it\u2019s lacking is the eardrum-ripping thumping music.\u00a0\u00a0\nAlthough it may look like a riot, the A 250 Sedan is actually fairly pleasant to live with. Wind and traffic noise are well managed, with only a faint tyre hum coming into the cabin at speeds.\nThe leather-wrapped sports seats are comfortable to sit in even on longer journeys, and material selection throughout the cabin is also impeccable -with scratchy plastics only relegated to the lower portion around the foot well. Although it\u2019s the entry-level Merc, there\u2019s no doubt you\u2019re still sitting in a true Mercedes-Benz.\nThe party piece of the interior \u2013 the twin 10.25-inch displays \u2013 sits loud and proud on the dashboard. Animations are smooth on the MBUX system, and graphics are vibrant and attractive.\nHowever, functionality on the system is fairly limited at this stage, as the A 250 Sedan is still not connected to the cloud. With the recent introduction of \nMercedes me connectivity\n in Malaysia though, this experience might change in the very near future.\nMatching the party theme is the M260 2.0-litre four-banger under the hood, with a hot-hatch rivaling power output of \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Paired with an ultra-aware \n7-speed dual-clutch gearbox\n, the A 250 Sedan is constantly waiting to pounce on its prey \u2013 or in this context, put on a dance show.\u00a0\nA gentle prod on the accelerator and the gearbox immediately drops a cog, waiting for you to unleash the deep throaty roar from the engine \u2013 which is a blessing, because the paddle shifters are fiddly and unresponsive at times.\u00a0\u00a0\nAdding all of that up equates to a car that is brilliant to drive on the highways, and it is way too easy to reach unspeakable speeds. But once you arrive at the back roads, it\u2019s perhaps a wise move to tone it down a little.\nDon\u2019t get me wrong, the little sedan holds its line well through curves. However, if you so much as alter any of your inputs by a hair mid corner \u2013 be it a touch more throttle input, or a light tap on the brakes \u2013 the car just wants to unsettle itself.\u00a0\nIt\u2019s almost as if the A 250 Sedan is riding a unicycle on a tightrope; any change of movement and it\u2019ll fall down a deep valley. It\u2019s a shame that the car sometimes become quite unnerving to drive, because the powertrain just aches for you to squeeze out the power whenever you can.\nTruth be told though, most A 250 Sedans sold here will probably end up dwelling in the daily traffic of the bustling city centre. In that case, the A 250 Sedan pretty much hits all the right spots \u2013 it\u2019s good looking, small and easy to maneuver, comfortable to stay in for long periods of time, and doesn\u2019t drink fuel like a madman.\u00a0\nThough if you ask me, I will probably still choose the A 200 Sedan over this \u2013 you\u2019re really not missing much with the torsion beam suspension. If only it comes with the AMG Line body kit.\u00a0\nSocial media has made us all constantly crave for attention from our peers. The A 250 Sedan then, might just be the ultimate \u2018look-at-me\u2019 car for the young over-achiever.\nMercedes-Benz A 250 Sedan AMG Line Specifications:\nEngine\n 1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\nMax Power\n224 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 6.3 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR w/o Insurance)\nRM267,888\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"OSIM Malaysia recently gave away a brand-new Nissan X-Trail 2.5L Aero Edition worth RM170k to Tan Eng Yoong, the grand prize winner of their Love Your Parents Contest.\nThe two-category contest which ran from 18 April to 1 July 2018 was held in conjunction with Parent\u2019s Day as OSIM believes that their products are beneficial to everyone\u2019s health, makes for a great gift for parents. Shortlisted participants were invited to a final challenge where they were put through a series of tasks against other contestants.\nThe Nissan X-Trail 2.5L Aero Edition 2.5L AWD is a special variant offered by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) that is kitted out with an aero body kit developed by Tomei as well as brown Nappa leather upholstery \u2013 perfect to ferry\u00a0friends and family comfortably. The seven-seater SUV retains its 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a CVT transmission to develop\n 171 hp\n and \n233\n Nm of torque.\nChia Sook Fun, OSIM\u2019s General Manager said: \u201cThe contest has received tremendous response from our customers. One of the highlights of this contest, to me, was the many touching stories from participants who told us about why their parents deserve an OSIM massage chair. Thank you for sharing with us your thoughts and stories, and for participating in this contest. Thank you once again for all your participation.\u201d   Commenting on his win, Tan, MD of \nhello1010.my\n, travel SIM provider and distributor said: \u201cWe were not told what we will be doing (during the finals). In the final, it was all by chance and apparently, lady luck was on my side. It was a euphoric moment to have won the car, against all odds and expectations!\u201d"
"Lexus\n makes a lot of cars, and for some reason, the Japanese luxury carmaker still insists on using letters to label their models, making it hell for the regular car buyer to differentiate between them.\nWhile it may not seem obvious, each of these combinations of letters actually \ndo\n mean something. So to help their customers out (or anyone who\u2019s trying to win a pub quiz), Lexus UK has published an explainer for all of their model names. Here\u2019s the full list, in alphabetical order.\nLexus CT\nLexus introduced its first compact hatchback model back in 2010 and named it the \nCT\n, for \nCreative Touring\n. According to the carmaker, the CT was \nCreative\n as it \u201cdared\u201d to debut with a hybrid powertrain in a segment dominated by diesel-powered models, while \nTouring\n was used to counter the myth that hybrid cars meant sacrificing luggage and passenger space.\nLexus ES\nThe \nLexus ES\n \u2013 for \nExecutive Sedan\n \u2013 was unveiled alongside the LS in 1989 as a younger brother to the marque\u2019s flagship model, with a name that\u2019s pretty self-explanatory.\nLexus GS\nJust like the ES and LS, the S in\n GS\n also stands for \nSedan\n. The G suffix meanwhile meant \nGrand\n, which symbolises the mid-size model as the middle child in the Lexus sedan line-up when it was still in production.\nREAD MORE: \nLexus says Sayonara to the GS with special edition model\nLexus GX\nFor some reason, this model was left out of Lexus UK\u2019s list. But based on our FBI-level deduction skills, we can definitively tell you that GX stands for \nGrand Crossover\n, which, like the GS, signifies the middle position in the marque\u2019s SUV/Crossover line-up.\nLexus IS\nConfusingly, the S in IS doesn\u2019t mean sedan, despite bearing the sedan silhouette. Instead, the \nLexus IS\n stands for \nIntelligent Sport\n, and was meant to represent the Lexus traditional qualities, but in a smaller, more mechanically dynamic package aimed at younger customers.\nLexus LC/LC C\nGC Mah once called the LC a \nwork of art on wheels\n, and who can deny that? Made to combine the luxuries of the Lexus LS in a more \u201cseductive\u201d and sporty grand-touring coupe, the\n LC\n, or \nLuxury Coupe\n, was a car that was \u201cengineered in every dimension to deliver a very special and rewarding driving experience\u201d. The additional C denotes the \nconvertible version\n.\nWATCH: \nLexus LC 500 vs Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe drag race on KLIA runway\nLexus LFA\nThe \nLFA\n is a bit of a weird one, because the name actually meant two different things at two different times. In concept form, the acronym stood for\n Lexus Future Advance\n, which, while a little cringy, does actually make some sense.\nWhen the model transitioned to a production model, however, Lexus thought it\u2019d be fitting to redefine it as \nLexus F-Sports Apex\n, to represent the epitome of the F-Sports brand. but it just sounds way too forced in our opinion. At least the car itself is universally loved.\nLexus LM\nThe \nLexus LM \nstands for \nLuxury Mover\n. But despite being based on the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire twins, and having \nMover\n in its name, the LM can only carry two (ultra-rich) passengers in the rear compartment.\nLexus LS\nThe \nLS\n is \nthe\n quintessential Lexus, and its name quite simply just means \nLuxury Sedan\n. It was the car that launched Lexus as a luxury brand back in 1989, and its sole purpose was to be the \u201cfinest luxury car in the world\u201d, culminating the work of 60 designers, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians and over 200 support workers.\nLexus LX\nSimilarly omitted in Lexus UK\u2019s round up, the \nLX\n stands for \nLuxury Crossover\n, making it the flagship model in the marque\u2019s SUV/crossover line-up. We\u2019d argue that \u2018luxury four-wheel drive\u2019 would perhaps be a more accurate description, since it\u2019s based on a Land Cruiser after all, but L4WD just doesn\u2019t look good as an acronym.\nLexus LY\nYou probably don\u2019t know this (\nwe didn\u2019t!\n), but Lexus makes yachts too. It was unveiled in 2019, and unsurprisingly, it\u2019s called the LY, for \nLuxury Yacht\n.\nLexus NX\nComing in at a smaller size, the \nLexus NX\n name \u2013 for \nNimble Crossover\n \u2013 was meant to represent its more agile nature compared to its bigger siblings, suitable for both urban and country routes.\nLexus RC/RC F\nThe\n Lexus RC\n, or \nRadical Coupe\n, was designed to challenge perceptions about what a self-charging, petrol-electric hybrid should look like. For the high-performance range-topping model, the F suffix is a reference to Fuji Speedway in Japan, where hundreds of hours of testing were done on the \nRC F\n.\nLexus RX/RX L\nDesigned to represent Lexus\u2019 \u201cnew future\u201d when it was launched at the start of the millennium, The \nRadiant Crossover\n, or \nRX\n, has quickly become one of the most popular models in the Lexus stable today. The L suffix is used to denote the larger seven-seat variant.\nLexus SC\nThe Lexus SC was designed almost specifically to target the Mercedes-Benz CLK that was very popular at that time. Its name stood \u2013 quite obviously \u2013 for \nSports Coupe\n, and it\u2019s also one of the few Lexus models that doesn\u2019t end with an S or X suffix.\nLexus UX\nThe \nUX\n marks the first time Lexus has produced a real compact luxury crossover. As the smallest model in the marque\u2019s crossover line-up, the \nUrban Crossover\n is \u201caimed to embody a free-spirited style that would appeal to modern urban explorers\u201d, according to Lexus.\nALSO READ: \nLexus UX 200 Luxury Review \u2013 Dressed to impress\n[Edit 7:00 PM 30 Dec: Added Lexus LM]"
"The all-new Nissan Almera has finally made its way over to the Philippines, nearly a year after its \ndebut here in Malaysia\n. The B-segment sedan will be offered in the Philippines in four variants, with prices starting at 728,000 pesos (approx. RM60k) for the entry-level model.\nJust like the Nissan Almera here in Malaysia, all four variants of the B-segment sedan in the Philippines are powered by the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, pushing \n98 hp \nto the front wheels.\nTorque figures meanwhile differ according to the transmission choice; the two lower-end variants (EL and VE MT) with a five-speed manual transmission gets \n160 Nm\n, while the two higher-end variants (VE CVT and VL) with a CVT gearbox has a slightly lower figure at \n152 Nm\n.\nCheck out our full review of the Malaysian Nissan Almera here!\nOn the exterior, most variants of the Nissan Almera in the Philippines are equipped with LED head and tail light, except for the entry-level EL Turbo, which gets a Halogen-illuminated headlight instead. The entry-level EL also gets 15-inch steelies, while the VE Turbo trim level gets 15-inch alloys instead.\nStepping up to the range-topping VL Turbo N-Sport variant, and you\u2019ll receive a set of 16-inch N-Sport Design alloy wheels, alongside a sportier body kit consisting of a front splitter, reworked rear bumpers, and wing mirrors in silver accents to spruce up its looks.\nAs for the interior, standard equipment across most of the range include the fabric upholstery, urethane-wrapped steering wheel, and a single-zone automatic climate control. The range-topping VL however gets an upgraded leather-wrapped steering wheel, alongside a black leather upholstery.\nAside from the base variant, all other trim levels for the Nissan Almera in the Philippines are equipped with a seven-inch display in the instrument cluster, alongside an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. The base model gets an analogue instrument cluster (with MID) and a 2-DIN head-unit for these items.\nHow does the Nissan Almera fare against the all-new Honda City? Check out our comparison here!\nIn terms of safety, the mid-range VE variants are equipped with Nissan\u2019s Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Emergency Braking system, alongside a surround-view monitor with moving object detection. The VL meanwhile adds two additional features \u2013 blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, alongside two airbags (two for the other variants).\nPricing for the Nissan Almera in the Philippines starts at PHP728,000 (approx RM60k), and tops out at PHP1.098 million (approx RM90k) for the range-topping VL Turbo N-Sport CVT.\nGALLERY"
"The all-new Hyundai Elantra is supposedly coming to Malaysia soon, if Hyundai Malaysia\u2019s \npost on Facebook\n is anything to go by. The \nC-segment sedan\n will be the latest addition to the Hyundai Sime Darby Motor\u2019s (HSDM) line-up, following the launch of the \nHyundai Kona\n and \nSonata\n \u2013 both of which also received their own \u201cteaser\u201d on Facebook before their launch.\nAside from the usual PR quotes though, nothing else has been revealed by the company \u2013 including the ballpark price figure which the company \ndid\n reveal through the Facebook teaser for the Sonata. With the \nsales tax exemption period\n quickly coming to an end, it\u2019s unclear if the Hyundai Elantra will be launched \u2013 or delivered \u2013 by the end of the year.\nThe all-new Hyundai Elantra is perhaps the most exciting C-segment sedan in recent times, largely thanks to its new controversial \u201csensuous sportiness\u201d design language. The gratuitous use of parametric shapes and sharp lines resulted in a car that\u2019s really unlike anything we\u2019ve ever seen before.\nCompared to the \noutgoing model\n, the all-new Elantra also takes on a more coupe-like silhouette, paired with a wider stance and lower roofline (-20 mm). In terms of dimensions, the new C-segment sedan has grown in almost every aspect; its body widened by 25 mm at 1,826 mm, while the length is stretched by a whopping 56 mm at 4,676 mm. Wheelbase has also increased to 2,720 mm (+20 mm).\nGlobally, the all-new Hyundai Elantra is available with a handful of powertrain options, including a 2.0-litre MPI engine that\u2019s good for\u00a0\n147 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n179 Nm\n paired to a CVT gearbox, as well as a Hybrid option powered powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, making a combined system output of \n139 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n264 Nm\n\u00a0of torque, paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nIt\u2019s unclear at the time of writing which powertrain options will make its way into our country \u2013 but if we had to guess, we are expecting the 2.0-litre MPI engine to form the base variant, while the range-topping variant will see a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine (sans electrification) underneath its bonnet, much like the recently-launched Kona.\nJust like the aforementioned SUV, we are also expecting the all-new Hyundai Elantra to be fully-imported from South Korea, though the definite answer will only come when the car is launched here in Malaysia.\nIn terms of safety equipment, the car is available globally with the Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance suite. Standard features include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.\nThe SmartSense system can be further upgraded with Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Radar Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.\nHSDM\u2019s strategy in this department is slightly confusing, seeing that the lower-priced Hyundai Kona is equipped with the SmartSense ADAS suite, but the higher-end Sonata is not \u2013 most probably due to pricing concerns.\nIt remains to be seen if these features will make its way onto our Malaysian-spec Hyundai Elantra, though it will be a feature hard to ignore seeing that the best-selling C-segment sedan in the country \u2013 the \nHonda Civic\n \u2013 does come with ADAS features on the range-topping model.\nOne thing\u2019s for certain though: we will find out more about the car nearer to the launch date. But for now, any personal wishlists for the all-new Hyundai Elantra in Malaysia? For us, we\u2019re hoping that the \nElantra N Line\n will also make its debut here, but it doesn\u2019t take a genius to know that chances for that are probably slim to none.\nGALLERY"
"So the \nM4\n passes the baton. There\u2019ll be a new safety car for the 2016 MotoGP season, and it\u2019s none other than the\u00a0\nBMW M2\n coupe. In continuing the relationship between the world\u2019s most premier motorcycle race series and BMW that dates back to 1999, the new M2 coupe joins its M3 and M4 siblings rounding the globe during this 18-leg season.\nThe M2 in question here is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine which unleashes \n370 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n465 Nm\n of torque from 1,400 to 5,560 rpm. The M2 is undoubtedly a performer too, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.3 seconds\n\u00a0while its top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n. It\u2019s still fine considering that the safety car is not supposed to\u00a0chase Valentino Rossi and his fearless rivals.   This M2 has been given additional work from BMW\u2019s M Division, apart from its classic liveries and bronze trims. To start, most of its interior parts have been taken away, not for weight reduction but really, you don\u2019t need rear passenger seats and carpets in a safety car. Instead, a big roll cage\u00a0and\u00a0six-point harnesses were installed, together with two Recaro bucket seats.\nIt also receives new aero parts; the front gets modified lightweight front skirt integrated with a\u00a0splitter. An adjustable, carbon fibre reinforced plastic rear wing has been included for improved downforce.\nWhile the engine remains untouched, BMW fits its M Performance exhaust system and intake, while stopping power is courtesy from carbon-ceramic brake rotor kit. Handling capabilities have been boosted with\u00a0M Performance coilover suspension and Michelin Cup tyres.\nThe\u00a0car is a playground for the Bavarian to fit\u00a0BMW M Performance Parts, although the LED roof lights won\u2019t be included in their catalogue. It took ten weeks to turn a standard M2 into a car policing the MotoGP riders on race tracks.\nThe BMW M2 MotoGP safety car will begin its duties when the first race begins in Qatar on 20 March. We\u2019ll need to wait until the end of October to witness just how loud this bespoke M2 actually is when the MotoGP circus arrives in Sepang.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Austria did the unusual by unveiling a set of official \u201cspy shots\u201d of the\u00a0third-generation X3 SUV during a winter performance testing in Sweden. The 2018 BMW X3, codenamed G01, will make its global debut later this year.\nThe slippery surface was to test the car\u2019s handling ability and more importantly, its safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). \u00a0Besides, the sideway X3 does make for brilliant photography opportunity!\nThe new X3 is built on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture)\u00a0platform that underpins the \nG30 5 Series\n and the upcoming 3 Series. It is lightweight enough for BMW to claim up to 50kg of weight loss. While the exterior remains largely camouflaged, we just can\u2019t seem to get our eyes off the abnormally large kidney grille cutout.\nA range of twin-scroll turbocharged engine are lined up, including a high performance M variant that\u2019s in the pipeline. The X3 M will potentially get a 3.0-litre straight-six producing upwards of 400 hp! There is also of course the iPerformance\u00a0plug-in hybrid variant that would potentially share the same setup as the hugely successful\u00a0\n330e iPerformance\n. The standard transmission of choice is the trusty\u00a0ZF eight-speed automatic. xDrive all-wheel drive system is optional.\nThe 2018 BMW X3 will go up against the \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n and the all-new, \nsecond generation Audi Q5\n. Currently, BMW Malaysia is offering the\u00a0\nF25 BMW X3\n\u00a0with both petrol and diesel engines. Pricing starts from RM296,800.00.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely has updated the Boyue (\nProton X70\n in Malaysia) with a new variant simply called Boyue X. The range-topping Boyue variant already features a different front design, interior and taillamps compared to the Proton X70, which is based on the older 2018 model.\nUnlike the new \nXingyue L\n or \nfacelifted Binyue\n/X50, the Boyue X ditches the \u2018Expanding Cosmos\u2019 grille styling and replaced it with a rather aggressive array of pointed edges in gloss black, spanning the entire height of the front fascia. \u00a0\u00a0\nGeely Boyue X\nGeely Starburst Concept\nGeely says the design of the new front bumper takes styling cues from the \nGeely Starburst concept\n, which is perhaps just limited to very certain elements. The Geely Boyue X is also the first model to carry the new design language.\nLynk & Co. could soon be South Korea\u2019s latest locally assembled brand. Find out the new plan by Geely and that other party, here.\nOrange is used as highlights in the fog lamp trim, side moulding as well as front and rear brake calipers, replacing the red used on this March\u2019s \nBoyue Asian Games\n Edition. An uninspiring wheel design in gloss black completes the Boyue X\u2019s new look.\nAt the back, the lower portion of the bumper has been reprofiled to fit a new reflector as well as a diffuser in silver. The trim in between the taillamps also sees a gloss black finish to match the front bumper and wheels.\nBehind the new fascia which looks like a mixture of \nMitsubishi\u2019s\n Dynamic Shield and \nLexus\n\u2019 Spindle Grille, the Boyue X continues to be powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed DCT. Similar to the Proton X70, engine outputs are \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque.\nInside, a rather different theme is adopted, with white upholstered seats contrasted by a dark blue upper half cabin. A further distinction is applied via orange and white threads on the double stitching found on the seats and door panels. An enhanced ambient lighting feature is also fitted in the Boyue X, with the passenger section having an illuminated decorative pattern on the dashboard.\nApart from making many models under the Geely group, the SEA electric car platform is also used to convince other companies to venture into EV. Find out how here!\nThe Boyue X features a more premium looking dashboard that is also used in the Boyue Pro. The driver gets exclusive a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and similarly-sized infotainment system with Bose premium audio.\nLaunched last month, the \nProton X70 Special Edition\n used the multispoke rims from the Boyue Pro, thus, could we see the orange highlights being used for the next Proton limited edition? The interior certainly looks much better than the X70 which has its original styling penned in 2016. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Soon to make its full return in the Malaysian market is \nChery\n, the car carmaker from China. With plans to establish 70 showrooms nationwide, Chery has just announced that its showroom units are currently being shipped from China. Chery will soon locally assemble (CKD) its cars in Malaysia, but its showroom units for now will be fully imported (CBU).\nThrough images shared by Chery, its SUVs can be seen at a port during a \u201cDelivery Ceremony of the initial collection of Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro to Chery Malaysia\u201d event. Part of the showroom units are 2 units of the \nOmoda 5\n and 2 units of the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n, but Chery has not detailed the total number of cars being shipped to Malaysia.\nBoth the Omoda 5 and the Tiggo 8 Pro were previously on display at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. The Omoda 5 is a futuristic-looking 5-seater SUV while the Tiggo 8 Pro is a 7-seater SUV.\nDuring Chery\u2019s initial preview in 2022, Chery revealed that the Omoda 5 will be offered with a 1.5-litre turbo option (\n154 hp\n/\n230 Nm\n) and a 1.6-litre turbo option (\n194 hp\n/\n290 Nm\n). A \nfully-electric Omoda 5\n is also planned for Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nChery makes first official appearance in Malaysia \u2013 Tiggo Pro Series, Omoda 5 previewed\nAs for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, it will be initially offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making up to \n250 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n. Only the front wheels are driven, and power is transmitted via a 7-speed DCT. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Tiggo 8 Pro will also be launched in Malaysia and it consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and 2 electric motors. The system outputs \n241 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n.\nAt the Malaysia Autoshow this year, Chery announced that it plans to have 70 showrooms nationwide. Out of those planned, 30 are currently undergoing renovations. During the event as well, Chery announced that it has appointed Inokom as its local assembly partner. If all goes well, the local assembly of Chery cars should begin in June 2023.\nRELATED: \nChery Malaysia appoints Inokom as local assembly partner \u2013 CKD production for Tiggo 8 Pro, Omoda 5 to begin in June"
"Priced at RM199,888 on-the-road without insurance, not only is the new DS 7 Crossback SUV fully loaded with every imaginable modern amenity, but it\u2019s also got an extremely striking and contemporary design to match.\nFor starters, you get a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine making \n165 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n paired to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. 0 to 100 km/h times may not matter in a car like this but it\u2019s still no slouch; taking \n10.2 seconds\n to complete the run, with a top speed of \n220 km/h\n.\n \nFuel consumption is rated at 7.5L/100km, with up to 628 litres of bootspace (1,752 litres) with the rear seats folded.\nYou get ventilated discs upfront supported by a solid pair at the back, tucked behind 19-inch lightweight wheels with possibly the most aggressive design seen on an SUV.\nAs for the exterior features, there\u2019s plenty to go with the DS 7\u2019s bold design. You get the DS Active LED Vision lighting system, with auto leveling and follow me home functions, that offers different lighting modes \u2013 Town, Country, Motorway, Adverse Weather and High Beam Assist.\nStandard items on the single variant includes, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights with cornering function, sequential turn indicators at the front and back, LED tail lights, automatic wipers and headlamps, automatic folding and heated side mirrors and a hands-free tail gate.\nAs for the cabin, which resembles a contemporary art boutique, features items like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, complementing an 8-inch touchscreen display with WIFI, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and of course Bluetooth connectivity.\nElsewhere there is also an exquisite BRM R180 timepiece positioned between the air con vents and wireless changing. Audio entertainment is provided by a 515-watt HIFI FOCAL Electra sound sytem with 14 speakers and an 8-inch subwoofer placed under the driver\u2019s seat.\nThe edginess of the cabin is also enhanced with Alcantara trims and upholstery and a leather-wrapped telescopic steering wheel. What you\u2019d be impressed with are the electronically-adjustable front (with memory function) and \nEVEN \nrear seats (for reclining)!\nRear seats are equipped with a 60:40 split folding feature and one touch function although sadly, there is only one USB port to show for among the extensive list of features. All the windows come with a one-touch feature and better yet, anti-pinch function.\nAs for driver assistance, the DS 7 is equipped with cruise control while safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program, Emergency Brake Assist, Anti-skid Regulation, Dynamic Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, auto rear hazard lights and not forgetting the dual ISOFIX points.\nEven if you\u2019re not in the market for an RM200k SUV, you should pop by the DS Showroom in Petaling Jaya to check out this incredible means of transportation.\nThe DS7 comes in four different colours \u2013 Platinum Grey, Nera Black, Absolute Red and Pearl White and is accompanied with a 5-year/120,000km warranty (whichever comes first), 5-years 24-hour Roadside Assistance and exclusive access to the SkyLounge by NAZA at Subang Skypark.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nDS7 Crossback Performance Line"
"Naza Group today introduced an exotic hypercar in Malaysia via its new unit Naza Swedish Motors Sdn Bhd. It is the \nKoenigsegg Agera S\n. Present at the launch today was the man himself, \nMr. Christian von Koenigsegg\n to explain to us his 1030hp creation. The price tag on the Agera S is a staggering RM5 million, before taxes.\nHere\u2019s an exclusive interview and walk-around the Agera S with founder Christian von Koenigsegg!\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKoenigsegg Agera S\nSegment\nS-segment Hypercar\nEngine\n5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine\nTransmission\n7-speed\u00a0dual clutch\nMax Power\n1030hp @ 7100 rpm\nMax Torque\n1100Nm @ 4100 rpm\nPrice\nRM5,000,000 (before tax)\n\u00a0\nFamous brands that originated from the beautiful land of Sweden, as we know of are Volvo, Saab, IKEA (and its meatballs) and\u00a0Hennes & Mauritz (H&M).\u00a0Many may not have heard of the hypercar marque until the recent video game inspired movie,\u00a0\u201c\nNeed for Speed\n\u201c, where three Koenigsegg Agera R were street racing. They were only kit cars by the way, and Koenigsegg Automotive AB denied involvement in building them except lending the production team an actual Agera R for their modeling purposes.\nEverything started as a child\u2019s dream of building his own racing car. At the age of 22,\u00a0Christian von Koenigsegg started\u00a0Koenigsegg Automotive AB in 1994 and produced his first prototype 2 years later, the Koenigsegg \nCC\n. \u00a0In year 2002, he introduced his first production car the Koenigsegg \nCC8S\n that won multiple accolades including \u2018Most Powerful Production Engine\u2019.\nFrom then on, there were the \nCCR\n in 2004 (fastest production car in the world 2005 @ 388.87 km/h), \nCCX\n in 2006 and \nCCXR\n in 2007 (world\u2019s first green hypercar, biofuel powered).\nThe \nAgera\n made its world debut at the\u00a02010 Geneva Motor Show. \u2018Agera\u2019 means \u2018\nto take action\n\u2018 in Swedish. It\u00a0features a Koenigsegg developed 5.0-litre variable geometry twin-turbo V8 engine, with \u00a0a newly developed 7-speed gearbox. It\u00a0produces 910 hp. In 2011, the Agera was pumped up to 1140hp, the Agera R. That runs on E85 biofuel.\nThe\n Agera S\n was introduced in 2012 for countries where E85 biofuel doesn\u2019t come by easily. Powered by a 5.0-liter twin turbo V8 petrol engine, it produces less power than its biofuel dependent sibling. The 100th Koenigsegg vehicle ever made was a\u00a0Agera S in 2013, commemorated by a special built unit with gold leaf inlays named \u201cHundra\u201d (Swedish for hundred).\nDid I mention all Koenigsegg cars are hand made? It takes \n4,000 hours\n to build 1 car at the \u00c4ngelholm plant.\nMr. Koenigsegg didn\u2019t stop there. He then continues to achieve his dream of building the perfect sports car. In less than 20 years, he created the world\u2019s first \u2018megacar\u2019, the\n One:1\n. The one to one ratio of power to weight, that\u2019s 1 horsepower to 1 kilogram of weight. 1360 hp to 1360 kg ratio to be exact. That\u2019s 1 Megawatt car.\nEXTERIOR\n\u201cLess is more\u201d, that\u2019s the philosophy Koenigsegg apply to all their cars. Minimalistic design that allows maximum attention on performance. The Agera S is made almost entirely by \ncarbon fiber\n, including the wheels, which is\u00a0the world\u2019s first to produce the lightest and strongest hypercar wheels.   Developed and made by Koenigsegg, this one-piece hollow carbon fiber wheel or \u2018Aircore Carbon fiber wheel\u2019 as they call it, is stronger than aluminium forged wheels and also lighter by 41%.\nThe roof of the Agera S can be detached and inserted into the boot compartment. Its chassis is designed to achieve maximum stiffness even without a roof, hence a unique carbon fiber monocoque is used. It weighs just 70kg together with integrated fuel tanks, and has outstanding stiffness and strength capability. 65,000 Nm/deg to be exact.\nThe Ageras S is the lightest road legal hypercar in production, weighing at\u00a0\n1330kg\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin can be full personalized as to what colour \u00a0theme, the kind of leather for the upholstery, gold plated buttons \u00a0maybe or even diamond studded dashboard. Anything can be done. The standard cabin comes with full carbon fiber steering wheel with paddle shift,\u00a0high-definition touch screen infotainment system in the center console and comfortable carbon fiber seats.   The unique feature in the interior is the Koenigsegg Ghost light. Solid aluminium buttons illuminate icons on the surface, via almost invisible micro holes. Creating an element of surprise of the icons appearing from nowhere.\nThere is a Koenigsegg fire extinguisher fitted on the passenger foot well \u00a0as standard. Just in case.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe engine behind the Agera S is a 5-liter V8 bi-turbo Koenigsegg engine mated with a 7-speed\u00a0dual clutch gearbox. It churns out a staggering\u00a0\n1030hp\n and \n1100Nm\n of torque, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just \n2.9 seconds\n. With the help of its ceramic pistons and ceramic discs braking system, it can get from 0 to 300km/h back to 0 in just \n22.7 seconds\n. Top speed can go all the way up to\u00a0\n400km/h\n.\nEven with all the monstrous figures, fuel consumption figure is at 14.7-liter/100km. Or about 500km coverage using about 80-liter of fuel.\nAnother technological breakthrough by Christian von Koenigsegg is the world\u2019s first\u00a0all-new rear suspension system for a road car, the Triplex rear suspension.\u00a0\u00a0The system works in series with the normal springs and dampers, allowing their spring and damping rates to be lowered. This results in increased comfort and better handling on rough and wet surfaces without compromising dry track handling.\nTHE PRICE\nThis particular unit in Malaysia is the \n104th\n\u00a0car from Angelholm. As of today, \n106\n cars have been made, and Koenigsegg has received orders up to number 115th. The Koenigsegg Agera S price is at \nRM5 million\n before duty in Malaysia. It should be at about \nRM15 million\n after tax.\nShould you place an order today, and would like to personalize it with sapphire studded interior and crocodile leather upholstery, the waiting period is one and a half year. Worth the wait.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Orchids are among the most coveted ornament plants and for the first time, it\u2019s being paired with a Rolls-Royce, specifically a Phantom.\nThe \u20181 of 1\u2019 Rolls-Royce Phantom \u201cOrchid\u201d is the result of two years of work by the designers, craftsmen, and artisans at the Bespoke Collective division of Rolls-Royce.\nInspired by the Singapore orchid among others, the art piece was first hand-designed by award-winning artist Helen Amy Murray and subsequently hand sculptured onto silk crepe satin fabric. The process took 200 hours to complete.\nA unique paint, Arctic White, was specially-created and chosen as the base colour of the \u2018art piece\u2019, while a tint of violet was added; inspired by orchids. Finished with a layer of fine glass particles, the result is a stunning pearlescent appearance.\nThe orchid theme can be seen mainly on the dashboard, or \u2018The Gallery\u2019 as Rolls-Royce calls it, a space that enables customers to exhibit art, sculptures, or objects. Orchids are also \u2018planted\u2019 on the door sills, rear \u2018picnic table\u2019 and even featured on the Phantom\u2019s coachline.\nGrace White, Havana and Smoke Grey with Dark Olive stitching were chosen to express a calm and serene environment similar to an orchid sanctuary.\n \nGALLERY"
"In conjunction with achieving the milestone of 900,000 units sold since its inception, Honda Malaysia organised the Honda Road to 900k Campaign as a way to thank their customers.\u00a0\nOver the weekend, nine Malaysians were crowned winners at the grand finale carnival and got to drive home brand new Honda cars, with models ranging from the Jazz all the way to a Honda Accord!\u00a0\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cWe are very grateful to all our customers for their support who have made Honda a trusted car brand in Malaysia. We are very happy to reach such a significant milestone of 900,000 sales units since our establishment in 2002 and we want to celebrate it with all Malaysians.\u201d\nOf the 900,000 units sold by Honda Malaysia, around 95% of the overall sales volume were \nlocally-assembled units\n, with the Honda City contributing 37%, followed by the Honda Civic at 15% and Honda CR-V at 11% since the company\u2019s establishment. Demand for the Honda City is still strong, contributing 33% of total sales to date in 2019, with the HR-V and CR-V at 18% and 14% respectively.\nOver 122,000 entries were received in the two-months contest period, where Honda Malaysia selected nine as the lucky winners. The nine new cars were handed over to Mohamad Adib Fida\u2019iy bin Mohamad Hanapi (Civic), Lim Hong Ngee (HR-V), Nik Siti Nurhidayah Juhan (HR-V Hybrid), Yasmoon binti Osman (City), Fong Yee Wern (City Hybrid), Ee Shi Lin (Jazz), Chester Lim (BR-V), Lim Hock Kuang (CR-V), and Muhamad Abdul Hadi bin Junus (Accord).\nThe Honda Road to 900k Grand Finale took place over the weekend at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium car park, filled with various activities such as a 38-feet long water slide, racing simulators, food trucks and carnival games. Honda also took the opportunity to show off the upcoming refreshed Honda Civic with Honda Sensing technology, now open for booking.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \neight-generation Volkswagen Golf\n has just been launched in Singapore, making it one of the first nation in the region to receive the model. The Mk.8 Golf is available in two variants at launch in the island nation \u2013 a 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid (with three equipment packages \u2013 Life, Life Plus, and R-Line), as well as the \nGolf GTI\n.\nThe standard 1.5 eTSI model starts at SGD125,900 (~RM390k) inclusive of COE for the entry-level Life trim level, while the GTI retails for SGD205,900 (~RM639k) inclusive of COE.\nUnderneath the bonnet of the standard Volkswagen Golf in Singapore is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine,\u00a0with an integrated\u00a048V starter-generator that makes \n150 hp \nand\n 250 Nm\n in total. The mild hybrid mill is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox for a 0-100 km/h time of \n8.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n224 km/h\n.\nThe 48V mild hybrid tech allows the all-new Volkswagen Golf to coast with the engine shut down entirely, while providing additional grunt during acceleration. The engine also features the Active Cylinder Management (ACT) system, which switches off half of the four cylinders under lower loads to help lower fuel consumption and emissions.\nOn that note, Volkswagen boasts a fuel-consumption figure of 4.8 L/100km for the 1.5-litre Golf, which is 0.7 L/100km better than the \ncurrent 1.4 TSI model here in Malaysia\n.\nThe GTI gets a more aggressive exterior styling package to complement its extra performance.\nThe Mk.8 Volkswagen Golf GTI meanwhile features a reworked EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill, which makes \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a 15 hp and 20 Nm increase from the outgoing \nMk7.5 GTI\n. Just like the regular golf, the GTI is also paired to a seven-speed DSG transmission, as will the eventual Malaysian model \u2013 unfortunately no manual gearbox this side of the globe.\nUnique to the GTI is the new Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which controls both the XDS electronic differential locks, as well as the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) for the adaptive dampers. On the latter, the VW Golf GTI comes equipped with a sports suspension setup that\u2019s 15 mm lower in ride height than the standard model.\nThe 19-inch wheels on the Singapore-spec GTI are actually the same ones seen on the \nGTI Clubsport\n!\nIn terms of kit, the all-new Volkswagen Golf in Singapore comes as standard with LED headlights across the board. The entry-level Life variant gets 17-inch wheels, while the Life Plus and R-Line variants get 18-inch items \u2013 the latter with a variant-specific design. The GTI meanwhile, gets even larger 19-inch \u2018Adelaide\u2019 wheels to complement its sportier styling.\nMoving inside, the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster is standard across all variants. The Life and Life Plus trim levels come with an 8.25-inch Composition infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the R-Line and GTI gets the larger 10.25-inch Discover Pro units with additional wireless smartphone connectivity support.\nA completely revamped interior. Six-speed manual shifter not included.\nAll variants do however get digital touch sensitive buttons and touchpads for almost every single control surface in the car, including the climate control and lighting \u2013 we still maintain that it\u2019s a worse solution than good ol\u2019 regular buttons, but it doesn\u2019t seem like we\u2019ll have a choice at all.\nIndividual pricing for the other variants will only be announced tomorrow, following COE bidding results. The new Volkswagen Golf 8 and Golf GTI in Singapore will be available for sale at showrooms starting from 20 May, with first customer deliveries expected to begin by June.\nCloser to home, the eight-generation Volkswagen Golf has already been spotted multiple times doing rounds around the country \u2013 which means the official launch here in Malaysia is also not too far away.\nNo further information have been revealed just yet aside from a teaser on Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia\u2019s Instagram page, but word on the streets is that the all-new model will be locally-assembled here in Pekan, Pahang \u2013 which means we\u2019ll potentially see a price drop from the current Mk7.5 model!"
"Peugeot\u2019s electrified performance-oriented division, Peugeot Sport Engineered (or PSE as it\u2019s more commonly known), is about to see a massive expansion in the coming years according to CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato.\nIn a recent interview with \nAuto Express\n, Imparato revealed that the company is planning to introduce a PSE variant for every Peugeot model in the future. \u201cWe will launch at the beginning of 2021 with the\u00a0\n508 Peugeot Sport Engineered\n\u00a0to send a message to the market.\u201d\nThe 508 PSE will be followed by the performance-oriented variant of the new \n208\n, as well as the upcoming all-new Peugeot 308 \u2013 which will be launched in March this year, according to Imparato. \u201cI want to have a big launch each and every year in each and every region \u2013 it will be the case in 2021, and we will have something in March.\u201d\nBeyond that, Imparato also confirmed that the company is looking to widen its model range with all-new models. \u201cI\u2019m then working on the next step of the\u00a0\nPeugeot\n\u00a0line-up in 2023 \u2013 I\u2019m always feeding the renewal of the line-up in order to achieve the one launch per year strategy,\u201d he said.\n\u201cIt is a question I have on the table in the coming two years. We will have to choose one day if we go larger adding something on top, or if we go below (smaller) depending on the studies we make.\u201d\nThe \nPeugeot 208\n is one of our favourite small hatchbacks launched last year, in terms of looks anyway!\nBut smaller doesn\u2019t necessarily mean cheap, as Imparato explains: \u201cIt could be that it\u2019s not a question of dimension, but it could be a question of positioning. You can go below in terms of dimension but up in terms of content \u2013 that could be one of the directions we could choose.\u201d A \nToyota GR Yaris\n competitor is on the cards, then?\nPeugeot\u2019s push for electrification through the PSE division stems from their revived involvement in the World Endurance Championship\u2019s new top-flight LMDh class, which they will be \ncompeting for their 20th overall Le Mans victory beginning 2023\n.\n\u201cIt puts something on top of our range that sends a message to the world that we don\u2019t want the EV transition to be boring \u2013 we want to have fun even if we have CO2 below 50 grams. It fits at the same time the upmarket move and the message that we want to bring on electrification.\n\u201cMy target is an upmarket move for Peugeot. In 2020, we sold 32% of all cars at the maximum GT-Line and GT levels. It feeds the upmarket move of the brand,\u201d said Imparato.\nGALLERY\nPeugeot 508 \u2018Peugeot Sport Engineered\u2019"
"Well for starters, it\u2019s known as one of the fastest, if not the fastest shifting transmissions in the business and perhaps one of the hardest names to pronounce in the industry.\nPDK is the acronym for\u00a0\nPorsche Doppelkupplungs\n (getriebe) which in English means Porsche \nDouble Clutch Transmission\n. While it may be new to us in the past decade or so, Porsche has adopted this advanced system \nsince the 1960\u2019s\n when they were experimenting it in motorsports.\nIn the 1980\u2019s, it was introduced in the legendary Porsche 956 Group C racing car that famously holds the all-time record for the\u00a0fastest vehicle ever to lap the famed 20 km N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife circuit with a time of just\u00a06:11.13.\nIt finally found its way into Porsche\u2019s production vehicles when it was introduced in the mid-2000\u2019s in the 997 series Porsche 911 and the rest as they say is history."
"The 2023 \nKia Sorento\n is now available in Malaysia, with a total of three variants for you to choose from. These are namely the 2.5L seven-seater 2WD, the 2.5L six-seater AWD, and the 2.2D six-seater AWD. What we have here are the 2.5L petrol six-seater and the 2.2D diesel six-seater variants of the Kia Sorento.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nFor the Kia Sorento in Malaysia, prices start from \nRM211,498\n for the entry-level 2.5L petrol seven-seater 2WD variant. The mid-range 2.5L petrol six-seater AWD variant is priced at \nRM235,498\n, while the top-of-the-line 2.2D diesel six-seater AWD variant tops the line at \nRM255,229\n.\nIf you are opting for the six-seater options of the Kia Sorento, you will have the choice between the 2.5L petrol six-seater and 2.2 diesel six-seater variants. With a RM20k price gap setting them apart, which one should you go for? Keep on reading to find out!\nTo start, the fourth-generation Kia Sorento\u2019s footprint is generally larger than its predecessor as it sits on a slightly longer wheelbase, at \n2,815 mm\n (35 mm longer than before). Dimensions-wise, it measures \n4,810 mm\n long, \n1,900 mm\n wide, and \n1,695 mm\n tall. This makes the 2023 Kia Sorento 50 mm longer, and 10 mm wider and taller than its predecessor.\nRELATED: \nKia EV9 specs revealed \u2013 over 541km range, V2L, L3 autonomous driving\nOn the outside, one word to describe the Sorento is muscular. All variants of the Sorento feature Kia\u2019s latest iteration of the \u2018refined boldness\u2019 design ethos, making the SUV not only look tough but also elegant and sporty at the same time. This is not something that can be easily achieved, and we personally think Kia\u2019s design team certainly deserves credit for designing this handsome-looking exterior.\nAt the front, all variants of the Sorento get many of Kia\u2019s latest design touches, such as the brand\u2019s signature \u2018tiger nose\u2019 LED grille, and the \u2018tiger eyeline\u2019 LED daytime-running light that is integrated into the frame of the grille. The wide lower air intake, wing-shaped air curtains on the corners, and skid plate-like elements on the bumpers also contribute to the car\u2019s muscular look.\nEquipments-wise, automatic dual LED projector headlamps, vertical LED tail lamps, LED fog lights, a smart powered tailgate, and roof rails are all standard equipment on the 2023 Kia Sorento. The petrol seven-seater gets a set of 18-inch wheels, while the six-seaters both get a set of 19-inch alloy wheels.\nUnder the hood, both the 2.5L variants, as the name suggests, are powered by a 2.5-litre Smartstream inline-four petrol engine. Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the petrol engine produces \n177 hp\n and \n232 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels only for the seven-seater, while the petrol six-seater variant gets power fed to all four wheels.\nThe top-of-the-line 2.2D six-seater on the other hand is powered by a 2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel engine and is paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, which the Korean carmaker said is designed for \u2018smooth shifting\u2019 and \u2018enhanced fuel efficiency\u2019. This combo is capable of pushing out \n199 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to all four wheels as well.\nRELATED: \nKia Concept EV5 unveiled: Swivelling seats, Polestar-inspired taillights?\nMoving inside, the Sorento features an interior that is much improved, compared to its predecessors. This is thanks to the use of a new striking design and the use of \u2018premium-quality materials\u2019, such as metallic trims and embossed wood-effect surfaces.\nStandard equipment found in all variants of the 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate control with rear air conditioning vents and third-row manual controls, and eight-way powered front seats (driver gets additional two-way lumbar support adjustments). Folding second-row seats with remote folding capabilities, a reverse camera, a Mood Lighting System, two USB charging ports for each row of seats, and a wireless charging pad are also among other standard equipment found in the Korean SUV.\nRELATED: \nHyundai N Vision 74 production model reportedly coming this month!\nMoving up to the six-seaters, you will also get extra kits on top of the ones mentioned above. This includes a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, head-up display, leather upholstery, second-row sunshades, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor. Two pieces of equipment that is reserved for the top-of-the-line diesel variant only are the steering-wheel gearshift paddles and a \u2018Terrain Mode\u2019 for the drive mode selection.\nSafety-wise, the 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia is specified with a suite of advanced driver assistance features as standard. This includes High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning support (FCA \u2013 JT), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go support. On top of the long list of system systems, both the petrol and diesel six-seater variants come with a blind-spot monitoring system as well.\nRELATED: \n3 new Hyundai models teased for 2023 \u2013 Ioniq 6, Santa Fe & Tucson, is that you?\nGALLERY\n2.2D 6-seater AWD vs 2.5L 6-seater AWD\n2.2D 6-seater AWD\n2.5L 6-seater AWD"
"Thanks to the success of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, BMW also decided to develop a \u201cfour-door coupe\u201d body style in the new BMW 2 Series.\nOnly the BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport is available from BMW Malaysia. Priced from RM199,177 for basic warranty to RM211,367 for unlimited mileage warranty with five-years free scheduled maintenance package, a low price thanks to local-assembly by BMW Malaysia.\n \nThanks to the new front-wheel drive layout of the platform, the packaging inside the 2 Series is much better than the outgoing F20 BMW 118i that also served as entry to the BMW experience.\nHow about the power delivery of this new front-wheel drive orientation? Woon went out to put the BMW 218i Gran Coupe through its paces on some of the central region\u2019s best bend of roads.\nOn the \nspecifications sheet\n, the BMW 218i Gran Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n8.7 seconds\n courtesy of a \n140 hp/220 Nm\n turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5-litre engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.\nWatch and enjoy the full video above for more insights on the new BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport and why it has become so popular on Malaysian roads."
"The BMW i3 has been the best-selling electric car in the premium compact segment with over 8,000 units sold in the UK since its launch. BMW now seeks to elevate the success story with a major refresh, new tech and a sportier variant in the new i3s.\nDue for its world premier at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September, it is expected to be debuted in the global market by November. \u00a0This also follows after BMW\u2019s latest announcement to \noffer electrified variants for BMW and MINI\n models. Both the i3 and i3s will draw power from its lithium-ion-high-voltage 33kWh battery with a range-extender engine available as an option. The battery is expected to provide a range of 180-186 miles based on NEDC cycle and up to 125 miles in everyday use.\nA maximum output of \n170 hp\n with peak torque at \n250 Nm\n is delivered via a single-speed automatic transmission with a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n7.3 seconds\n and a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). The i3 will come with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and a unique wheel speed limiter that ensures stability under acceleration and overrun with strong regenerative braking.   In the i3s, output is at\n 184 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque. The i3s also boast sports suspension and springs, dampers and anti-roll bars to go with its performance. It sits on \n20-inch light-alloy wheels\n which are 20mm wider than before. Sports mode is available with the Driving Experience Control switch, resulting in more responsive throttle and steering. The i3s gets from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.9 seconds\n with top speed of \n99 mph\n\u00a0(160 km/h) and mileage returns of 174 miles on the NEDC cycle and up to 125 miles in daily use.\nA \n38hp two-cylinder range extender petrol engine\n is available as an option for both the new BMW i3 and the new BMW i3s. The engine drives a generator that produces power as required while driving to maintain a constant level of charge in the high-voltage battery. This extends the car\u2019s overall range in everyday use by 93 miles, increasing it from around 112 miles to a maximum of 205 miles.   Both the i3 and i3s comes with LED lights front and back alongside daytime running lights. On the inside, The carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell has a light and spacious feel. The design principle of the two four-seater models means there is no need for either fixed B-pillars or a transmission tunnel. Doors that open in opposite directions allow the occupants to get in and out with ease.\nDriver assistance features new to the BMW i3 include Parking Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant. The optional Parking Assistance package includes Park Distance Control, a reverse camera and the Parking Assistant feature itself which takes hold of acceleration, braking and gear selection when at a determined parking spot.\nThe Driving Assistant Plus, also an option, features Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking Function, Speed Limit Info, Proactive Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the Traffic Jam assistant.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW i3s   BMW i3"
"It\u2019s interesting to see how \u201cfamily cars\u201d have developed to be these days \u2013 practical, safe, ozone-layer friendly and some, so absurdly powerful it\u2019s downright silly. There\u2019s nothing cooler than a fast wagon though \u2013 unassuming, unpretentious and yet, unforgiving when you try to outpace it when the light turns green at the traffic stop.\nThe \nMercedes-AMG E63S 4MATIC+ Estate\n is one such car, the wagon alternative to the \nmillion-ringgit E63S\n Mercedes-Benz recently launched in Malaysia. With over \n612 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque at its disposal from a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, its obscene power is delivered through a 9-speed automatic gearbox. o to 100 km/h takes just \n3.5 seconds\n, onwards to an electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nAnd recently, the ridiculously quick wagon set a new record in none other than the famed Nurburging circuit, a venue that seems to be the proving ground for almost every car manufacturer, \neven Honda\n with its \nCivic Type R\n. The E63S wagon lapped the 20-odd kilometer track in just \n7:45:19\n, the fastest time set by a wagon.\nWhat kind of \u201cfamily car\u201d would need to go from 0 to 100 km/h in such haste? For parent\u2019s who are never early with dropping their kids off at school? Honestly, who cares really \u2013 when it offers such duality of performance and practicality. It\u2019s just utter shame that Malaysians don\u2019t seem to fancy them, for no apparent reason."
"The Vauxhall Insignia could very well be one of the best spy cars ever made. It is known in the UK as the Insignia, whereas in other markets like China and North America, it goes by the name, Buick Regal. In certain parts of Europe, it\u2019s hailed as the Opel Insignia.\nIn Chile, the Insignia was originally due to be marketed as the Chevrolet Vectra. We shudder to imagine what this car will be called if it were sold locally.\nThis car, of many aliases has just been inferred a new powertrain, which has been dubbed the \n\u201cWhisper Diesel\u201d\n. The mill will replace the outgoing \n2.0-litre\n engine with the new\n 1.6-litre\u00a0CDTi ecoFLEX\n that\u2019s developed originally by \nGeneral Motors\n. Performance figures for the new ecoFLEX engine is rated at 135 hp. It does the century sprint in \n10.9 seconds\n with an eventual top speed of \n210 km/h\n.\nNew to the Insignia range is the \nGM-derived OnStar\n system that is equipped with\n Wi-Fi hotspots\n\u00a0that connects up to seven devices, supports \nhands-free calls\n and comes with\u00a0\nsatellite navigation \n\u2013\u00a0just to name a few. In the event of an accident, an\n\u00a0emergency response notification\n will be sent to call for help should the \nairbags deploy\n.\u00a0OnStar is also armed with \nstolen vehicle recovery\n technology, a system that\u2019s able to track the vehicle\u2019s whereabouts in real time.\n \n \nAside from OnStar, the Insignia gets a\n\u00a0Navi 900 IntelliLink\n system that integrates the \nApple CarPlay\n technology which bestows\u00a0fast access to entertainment apps for music and news for iPhone users. All of this is displayed via the\n eight-inch LCD touchscreen\n.\u00a0IntelliLink also enables \naudio streaming\n, \nincoming text messages read aloud\n and \nvoice control\n.\nThe navigation system also features maps of more than \n30 European countries \nand\u00a0it can be displayed in either \n2D or 3D\n,\u00a0according to personal preference and can be controlled by \nvoice command\n.\nPriced\u00a0from \u00a319,534 to \u00a326,114 (est RM116k to RM155k) the \n1.6-litre CDTi\n (134 hp) ecoFLEX version is graded with a fuel consumption rate of\n 3.8 litre per 100km,\n which is almost as good as the \nhydrogen powered \nToyota Mirai\n.\u00a0\nNot bad for an oil burner.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following some final adjustments, Porsche announced that the 3D-printed seat is now available as part of the new Performance Parts offering from\u00a0\nPorsche Tequipment\n. The full bucket seats also made its debut recently in the Porsche Mission R.\nThe\u00a0seat and backrest cushions of the new line of bucket seats are partly produced by a 3D printer. Customers can choose between three levels of firmness \u2013 hard, medium, and soft.\n\u201cThe seat connects the driver and car; vital for precise, sporty handling. That\u2019s why personalised seats for the driver have been standard in race cars for a long time now,\u201d said Porsche Research & Development.\nIn addition to an ergonomic fit similar to that found in motorsports, this seat also delivers a unique design, lower weight, improved comfort, with improved airflow.\nThe seat\u2019s base support made from expanded polypropylene (EPP) is bonded to a breathable \u2018comfort layer\u2019 consisting of a mixture of polyurethane-based materials. \u2018Window panels\u2019 provide a view of exposed coloured components in the 3D-printed structure.\nThe seats are compatible with various Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models. They can also be ordered from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as a standard feature and can be found in the Porsche Car Configurator.\nGuards Red\nBlack\nRacing Yellow\nThe seat can also be retrofitted in vehicles that have already been delivered, and some models can even have the full bucket seat fitted on the passenger side. The assembly process takes just a few minutes. Each seat is priced at 2,677.50 Euros (approximately RM12,297).\nColour options include Black, Guards Red, Racing Yellow, Arctic Grey, Ultramarine, and Shark Blue."
"Quality films and movies are few and far between and in the scope of motorsports, they\u2019re even rarer. Aside from Senna and a few others, there aren\u2019t many out there that really fuels our curiosity and passion for all things on four wheels.\nSpeaking of Senna, the creators of the epic bio-film have pulled another rabbit out of their hats with this new film, Heroes.\n \nThe new movie, set to be released in mid-July leading up to the 2019 British Grand Prix, brings together four drivers consisting of two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika H\u00e4kkinen, former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen and World Rally Championship runner-up Mich\u00e8le Mouton.\nIn the film, they each talk about their own stories and experiences from their humble beginnings leading up to where they were in their respective forms of motorsports.\nAs for myself, nothing hits the spot more than a good story whether on an individual or a specific season so this one\u2019s definitely getting on the \u201cto-watch list\u201d!"
"It almost feels like \ndeja vu\n, but Mercedes-Benz has been ranked as the world\u2019s most valuable luxury car brand once again by American consultancy firm Interbrand in its \nannual \u2018Best Global Brands\u2019 study\n. In fact, the headline feels all too familiar as it is the fourth consecutive year Mercedes-Benz took home the title.\nThe German marque stood its position in \neighth place\n overall, and is the only European company to place in top ten. However, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the estimated brand value actually fell by 3% to 49.2 billion US dollars.\nThe drop in brand value is mirrored almost entirely across the automotive industry, with its closest competitor, \nBMW\n, also falling by 4% to USD37b \u2013 though its position in the rankings is similarly unchanged at 11th.\nIt should also be noted that \nMercedes-Benz\n was not the only automotive brand placed in the top ten; the most valuable automotive brand goes to \nToyota\n at seventh position \u2013 also unchanged from last year \u2013 valued at USD51.6b (-8%).\nAs for the other luxury carmakers in the rankings, \nTesla\n is the latest addition to the leaderboard, coming in at 40th with an estimated brand value of USD12.8b. \nAudi\n dropped two positions to 44th this year with a valuation of USD12.4b (-2%), while Porsche dropped five places to 55th this year, with an estimated brand value of USD11.3b.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia recently launched the GLB here in Malaysia. Watch our video \nhere\n.\nInterbrand\u2019s brand valuation methodology takes into account three main factors: \u201cfinancial performance of the brand\u2019s products or services\u201d, \u201crole of the brand in the purchase decision process\u201d, and \u201cstrength of the brand with regard to securing future corporate earnings\u201d. The monetary value of the brand is then determined by an ISO-certified methodology, pioneered by the firm itself.\nMercedes-Benz Director of Brand and Marketing, Rita Felder, commenting on this year\u2019s rankings, said: \u201cDuring times of great uncertainty, providing orientation and support becomes more important than ever. We feel it is vital to develop an attitude \u2013 as individuals, as a society but also as a company.\u201d\nThe company recently announced a massive expansion for its EQ brand, with \nsix new models planned\n.\nMoving forward, the brand says that it will see a renewed focus on luxury in all of its products, as laid out during its investors and analysts conference. As for \u201cattitude\u201d, the brand is charging forward with its \u2018Ambition 2039\u2019 sustainability plan, where the company aims to be completely carbon-neutral in its new car fleet by 2039.\nThe full leaderboard can be found on Interbrand\u2019s website \nhere\n, and if you\u2019re interested in the company\u2019s plans to continue building its brand value, Rita Felder\u2019s full interview can be found \nhere\n."
"You\u2019ve seen them scout for new test drivers while failing miserably at it. \nFormer F1 driver Mark Webber\n, \na stunt driver\n and \na former car thief\n have all had a go in the hotseat in place of the unlikable American from Season 1 but in typical Grand Tour fashion, it all went horribly wrong.\nAuditions for the new test driver aside as it remains to be seen how the saga would unfold, it seems that our three most favourite TV show hosts have been asked to be more \u201cAmerican\u201d.\nWhat seemed like a racist demand to May, was understood as a challenge to Clarkson, who was also cynical of a Brit\u2019s tardy appearance. A make up session ensued and let\u2019s just say, the outcome is the stuff of nightmares. Season 2 of the Grand Tour is set to air on the 8th of December 2017. Watch the trailer \nhere\n!\nCredit: \nYouTube"
"Thanks to ample supply of stocks and production methodology that is seen as the benchmark, UMW Toyota Motor achieved sales of 9,246 units in December, a remarkable feat considering the modest annual target of only 62,000 units. For reference, the company only sold a total of 34,026 units in the first five months of the year.\nAs such, with strong monthly sales performances since \nSeptember\n, the company ended the turbulent 2021 with registration of \n72,394\n units- a 22% increase over the previous year. The \nToyota Vios\n remains the best-selling model for the company, amassing some 31% of the 72,394 units, while the Toyota Hilux retains its leadership in the pick-up segment.\n\u201cWe would like to thank Malaysians and our loyal customers for their continuous support towards our brand and choosing Toyota as their preferred road companion. We are driven by their love and passion towards our brand. Despite the most of 2021 being a rather challenging year for most sectors, including automotive, the team at Toyota showed resilience by continuously innovating to offer only the best mobility solutions to our customers who are eager to get back on the road upon the \nlifting of the lockdown\n in August,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran. K.\nHighlights for 2021 include the customer deliveries of the ever-entertaining \nToyota GR Yaris\n as well as the launch of the \nToyota Corolla Cross\n. UMW Toyota also introduced the fourth-generation \nToyota Harrier\n as well as \nGR-branded accessories\n and a full assault in the \nSepang 1,000 km\n endurance race.\nFor 2022, the company will be the first to launch a new model amongst the key automakers, with the \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8\n scheduled for an official unveiling on \nJanuary 14th\n. The self-charging hybrid system dishes out a modest 122 hp but returns an impressive 4.3 litres per 100 km of fuel consumption.\nExpect other regional models such as the \nall-new Toyota Avanza\n, facelifted \nToyota Camry\n and perhaps the \nToyota Hilux GR Sport\n to reach our shores this year too."
"What business does Porsche Asia Pacific have taking their million-ringgit hybrid-powered hypercar onto the former F1 circuit on a rainy night when cars like these \nshould\n \nonly \nbe driven when the surface is bone dry and the stars aligned?\nBut as the brand\u2019s halo electrified vehicle, naturally the 887 hp \nPorsche 918 Spyder\n will have to make a grand appearance at Porsche APAC\u2019s first-ever E-Performance Night held at Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) in Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia.\nThe pioneering event showcased Porsche\u2019s range of plug-in hybrid models such as the 918 Spyder, \nPanamera Turbo S E-Hybrid\n, \nPanamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo\n as well as the \nCayenne E-Hybrid\n, the latter making its first ever public debut in Asia Pacific. The range of electrified Porsche\u2019s were unleashed onto a very, very wet circuit, offering participants a one-of-a-kind night racetrack experience.\nThe E-Performance Night was not only an opportunity to go full whack in a plug-in hybrid Porsche but also to experience how the engineers at Stuttgart had combined efficiency and performance in an everyday sports car. It also demonstrates the company\u2019s commitment towards a cleaner future through electrification as well as paving the way for the \nTaycan\n, Porsche\u2019s first ever pure electric vehicle that is set to debut in 2019.   Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific, Arthur Willmann said: \u201cE-Performance is a core tenet of our future strategy. In 2025, we envision that around half of the new cars we sell will be electrically-powered Porsche models, whether fully-electric or hybrids. The E-Performance Nights event is the perfect way for us to demonstrate our plug-in hybrid models that embody the Porsche DNA, whether it is urban driving in Kuala Lumpur or driving on the racetrack at Sepang. Our Taycan will encapsulate all of this and more \u2013 stay tuned.\u201d\nElectrification is no doubt the way to work around tightening emission standards and slapping on a hybrid system is possibly the only way to keep the V-configuration engines alive for many more years to come. Porsche knows this well and was the first manufacturer in the premium segment to offer plug-in hybrids in three different model lines and now, we await their first-ever pure electric vehicle.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced the availability of the MY2018 Toyota Vios which gets a refreshed look with additional equipment inside and out. Unfortunately, it is not the new look Vios which the folks in the Land of Smiles are getting.\nLike before, the MY2018 Vios will be offered in \nsix variants\n \u2013 \u00a0J (MT), J (MT), E, G, GX and TRD Sportivo with prices ranging from RM74,980 to RM93,980 (OTR without insurance). \nNew equipment\n reads \u2013 shark fin antenna, illuminated scuff plates, new body kit design (variant dependant), \nfront parking sensors\n \u2013 a first in the segment and DVD-AVX infotainment system with reverse camera.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo\nToyota Vios 1.5 GX\nToyota Vios 1.5 G\nToyota Vios 1.5 E\nToyota Vios 1.5 J CVT\nToyota Vios 1.5 J MT\nEngine\n1,496cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\nCVT with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic\n5-speed Manual\nMax Power\n106 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM93,980\nRM90,980\nRM87,980\nRM81,980\nRM77,980\nRM74,980\nFront parking sensors are exclusive to G variants and above while the DVD-AVX infotainment is standard on all variants except the J variant (MT & AT). Existing optional items such as Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Video Recorder and etc can still be had for a small fee.\nNo mechanical upgrades were introduced hence the MY2018 Vios soldiers on with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder paired to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or five-speed manual\u00a0to send \n106 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels.\nOn the \nGX trim\n, it gets a new bumper design with honeycomb elements on the fog lamps and a more protruding front lip. The honeycomb elements continue to the rear bumper. Other than that it appears to ride on with the same kit as before \u2013 halogen projector headlamps, bumper integrated LED daytime running lights, multi-spoke alloys and chrome door trims.\nLike all Toyota models sold by UMWT, the MY2018 Vios comes with a 5-Years unlimited warranty coverage. Bookings for the updated Vios are now open at all Toyota showrooms nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While most special edition models are usually just a styling update exercise, Geely\u2019s new Boyue Asian Games Edition comes with more than just additional aesthetic flair. Curiously though, Geely has given the new special edition Boyue model an updated chassis that even comes with the famed \u201cLotus Ride & Handling\u201d treatment \u2013 we\u2019re not complaining, just jealous that we can\u2019t get it here on our Proton X70!\nUnveiled as a commemorative model for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games (which Geely is one of the main sponsors), the Chinese-exclusive Boyue Asian Games Edition comes equipped with a new rear subframe that is said to be 25% lighter, yet 20% stiffer than the one it replaces.\nThe updated chassis is paired to a new suspension with tuning courtesy of Lotus \u2013 which Geely now owns \u2013 and as a result, Geely says that the handling and even off-road performance of the Boyue has been improved on this special edition model.\nAs for looks, Geely clearly took a few pages out of Proton\u2019s design books for the Boyue Asian Games Edition, most noticeably with the Proton \u201cInfinite Weave\u201d grille, and the Geely script across the rear tailgate in place of the usual Geely logo \u2013 both previously seen on the Geely Boyue \u201cMillion Model\u201d Edition.\nJust like the Proton X50 and its Chinese cousin Binyue, the Asian Games Edition model here also gets a red stripe surrounding the front grille \u2013 but the red accent here is more coherent with the rest of the design of the car, with the front fog lamp housing, side skirts, and brake calipers all getting a touch of red-coloured flair.\nBeyond these changes though, the rest of the car is pretty much identical to the regular Geely Boyue sold in China (not the \nBoyue Pro\n). Underneath the bonnet is an unchanged 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, and can be paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nWhile it\u2019s certainly unusual to see such drastic changes made on a special edition model, and of an older model at that, these modifications would certainly entice the driving enthusiasts and Lotus fans \u2013 I, for one, would love to see it being brought over to our Proton X70 one day!\nGALLERY"
"The \nfirst-generation Land Rover Range Rover Evoque\n was the British marque\u2019s first attempt in the compact luxury crossover segment and it proved to be a worthwhile investment. In the seven model years of the Evoque, Land Rover has sold over 770,000 units worldwide.\nNow, we welcome the all-new second-generation Evoque, packed with even more on-board technologies, styling cues from the \nVelar\n and Land Rover\u2019s first mild-hybrid electric technology (MHEV).\nBuilt on the brand\u2019s new \nPremium Transverse Architecture\n, the new Evoque is marginally larger than the outgoing model; now measuring at 4,371 mm (+6 mm) in length, 1,649 mm (+14 mm) in height, 2,100 mm (+135 mm) in width and a longer wheelbase of 2,681 mm (+21 mm). This translates to a more spacious cabin with \n20 mm extra\n \nlegroom\n at the rear and a larger boot space of \n591 litres\n (+16 litres).\nThe designers heavily referenced the Velar when penning the new Evoque and that\u2019s a good thing because the Velar is one of the most beautiful SUVs out there. Familiar design cues include the Matrix LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights graphics, slim grille and a prominent front bumper. It\u2019s the same story around the rear, donning a more mature appearance with its ultra slim tail lamps.   But the highlight of the Evoque has got to be the flushed door handles that tuck away when on the move to create a smooth, sculpted aesthetic for the car. Optional items include R-Dynamic package, burnished copper accents and wheels measuring up to 21-inch in size.\nMinimalism and clutter-free is the theme of the new Evoque\u2019s cabin. Like the Velar, the Evoque features the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system that combines two 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreen that houses all the main functions of the vehicle. Staring directly at the driver is a 12.3-inch LCD Driver Display as well as a full-coloured heads-up display.   In addition to premium leather, the Evoque is offered with Kvadrat wool blend and Dinamica suede cloth, as well as Eucalyptus and Ultrafabric options that are made of recycled plastics. Other in-car features available in the new Evoque include 16-way powered seats, panoramic sunroof, six USB charging ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electronic gear selector, wireless charging tray, built-in 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot and more.\nThere are three engine options available on the new Evoque \u2013 two diesels, one petrol. They all measure 2.0-litres in engine capacity, has a four-cylinder layout and is from JLR\u2019s family of Ingenium engines. All engine options are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and 48V Belt-Integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) except for the base TD4 2WD manual variant.\nPetrol Engines\nName\nEvoque SI4 200PS AWD\nEvoque SI4 250PS AWD\nEvoque SI4 300PS AWD\nEngine\n1,999cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n200 hp @ 5,500rpm\n249 hp @ 5,500rpm\n300 hp @ 5,500rpm\nMax Torque\n340 Nm @ 1,300-\n4,500rpm\n365 Nm @ 1,300-\n4,500rpm\n400 Nm @ 1,500-\n4,500rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.5 seconds; 216 km/h\n7.5 seconds; 230 km/h\n6.6 seconds; 242 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n7.7 L/100 km\n7.9 L/100 km\n8.1 L/100 km\nDiesel Engines\nName\nEvoque TD4 150PS 2WD\nEvoque TD4 150PS\u00a0\nAWD\nEvoque TD4 180PS\u00a0\nAWD\nEvoque SD4 240PS\u00a0\nAWD\nEngine\n1,999cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel\n1,999cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel with BiSG\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 2,400 rpm\n150 hp @ 2,400 rpm\n180 hp @ 2,400 rpm\n240 hp @ 2,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n380 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n380 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n430 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n500 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n10.5 seconds; 201 km/h\n11.2 seconds; 196 km/h\n9.3 seconds; 205 km/h\n7.7 seconds; 225 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n5.4 L/100 km\n5.6 L/100 km\n5.7 L/100 km\n6.2 L/100 km\nThe BiSG provides the engine with up to\n 140 Nm\n of instant torque from 0 rpm to fill in the torque dip when the turbochargers are building boost. It also provides a seamless engine start/stop function for better refinement. When the car is slowing down to speeds below 17 km/h, the combustion engine is automatically cut off to reduce emissions.\nWith the BiSG, the Ingenium engines boast up to six per cent reduction in fuel consumption, now as low as \n5.6l/100km\n on the diesel engines and \n7.7L/100km\n on the petrol variants.\nAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems on the Evoque includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor. The new Evoque will also feature a new Ground View technology for its front camera that projects a 180-degree view of under the front of the vehicle onto the display screen, helpful when negotiating city kerbs and rough terrains.\nThe new Range Rover Evoque will be manufactured in Britain and will be available in 127 countries from 2019 onwards. A plug-in hybrid variant of the Evoque is also planned for introduction late next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Keyboard warriors, it\u2019s time to put down those pitchforks, and put your money where your mouth is \u2013 because Toyota is now, actually, finally offering the \nGR Supra\n with a six-speed manual transmission. It took three full years of begging and pleading from the #savethemanuals crowd, but they\u2019ve actually done it now.\nThe six-speed manual will only be offered on the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine variants, which in Japan is the top-spec RZ trim, and in the United States, the 3.0, 3.0 Premium, plus a new A91-MT special edition model.\nThat\u2019s not too much of an issue, however, since it\u2019s what the \n\u201creal enthusiasts\u201d\n have been asking for anyway: a manual coupe with an inline-six engine; one that they\u2019ve been lusting for since the Z4 M.\nRELATED: Self-drifting Toyota Supra offers a look into safer autonomous vehicles\nToyota doesn\u2019t say who makes the GR Supra\u2019s actual transmission itself aside from calling it \u201cnewly developed\u201d (despite also saying that it\u2019s based on an \u201cexisting transmission housing\u201d), but ramblings on the internet are pointing towards a transmission lifted from the M3 and M4, but with several (Toyota-led) revisions, and Toyota\u2019s own shifter.\nThe manual transmission will also come with Toyota\u2019s iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) system \u2013 just like the \nGR Yaris \n\u2013 that offers automatic rev-matching/throttle blipping. The final drive ratio on the manual is also shorter than the eight-speed auto at 3.46 (vs 3.15).\nChanges to the cabin include a slightly revised centre console to fit the new shifter, and obviously there\u2019s also an extra pedal in the footwell for the clutch. The gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel are also no more, although the electronic parking brake is retained on the manual GR Supra.\nToyota says that the shift knob is weighs precisely 200 grams, and has been designed specifically to be \u201ceasy to grip and operate from any direction\u201d. There\u2019s also a reworked \u201cinterior sound\u201d, that\u2019s supposedly tuned specifically for the manual to \u201cgenerate excitement during acceleration\u201d.\nALSO READ: Toyota GR Supra updated with Apple CarPlay \u2013 price unchanged at RM590k\nAside from the just adding a manual option, Toyota has also updated the rest of the GR Supra with several enhancements to its handling and ride characteristics, including new dampers for the Adaptive Variable Suspension for improved roll balance and ride comfort, alongside new stabiliser bushings for better steering response.\nThe AVS system, alongside the electric power steering and Vehicle Stability Control, have also been retuned for \u201cimproved overall steering feel and controllability\u201d at the car\u2019s limits. Meanwhile, the car\u2019s Track mode has also been specifically reworked to allow for \u201ceasy drifting\u201d.\nRecognise those wheels? those are new 19-inch items (reserved for the RZ in Japan and A91-MT in US) which takes design inspiration from the GR Yaris and 86. Not only do they look pretty, they\u2019re also 1.2 kg lighter on each corner to reduce unsprung weight.\nAnd if the manual transmission itself is not enough to convince you that Toyota engineers know how to have fun, the A91-MT limited-edition model will also be offered with a colour called \u201cCU Later Gray\u201d, for obvious reasons.\nIn related news, rumours are suggesting that the much-beloved Toyota GR Yaris will also soon be\n offered with an automatic gearbox.\nGALLERY"
"BMW has unveiled the long-awaited, all-new G20 BMW 3-series at the Paris Motor Show with a global launch due to take place in March 2019.\nSo far there are five different variants \u2013 320i, 330i, 318d, 320d, 320d xDrive and 330d \u2013 powered by 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line four engines, except the 330d that\u2019s fitted with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine.\nModel\nPower\nTorque\n0 to 100km/h\nTop Speed\n320i\n184 hp\n300 Nm\n7.2 secs\n238 km/h\n330i\n258 hp\n400 Nm\n5.8 secs\n250 km/h\n318d\n150 hp\n320 Nm \n8.5 secs\n226 km/h\n320d\n190 hp\n400 Nm\n7.1 secs\n240 km/h\n320d xDrive\n190 hp \n400 Nm\n6.9 secs\n233 km/h\n330d\n265 hp\n580 Nm\n5.5 secs\n250 km/h\nAn 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is standard on all models except the 318d and 320d, where it is an option. On the 318d and 320d, a 6-speed manual comes as standard.\nUpgrades on the transmission include a new control unit, shorter gearing and lower ratios for better acceleration. An optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is available for even quicker gear shifts\u00a0and a Launch Control function.   The new G20 3-series offers a lower centre of gravity, 50:50 weight distribution and 25% increase overall body rigidity.\u00a0In addition, it also features a new shock absorber technology, the lift-related damper control used for the first time in a BMW model. It reduces body movement and prevents excessive body dive.\nWith the use of aluminium on the front bonnet and fenders among other weight saving measures, the new G20 3-series is 55 kg lighter than the model it replaces.\nStarting from the outside, the new car is now 76 mm longer, 16 mm wider with a 41 mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. At the front, the 3-series now sports a one-piece kidney grille, positioned seamlessly between the front two headlamps like the G30 5-series.\nFull-LED headlights are\u00a0standard, while the LED headlights with extended features, U-shaped daytime driving lights and the Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option.\nAlso new to the car is the redesigned Hofmeister kink at the bottom of the rear window frame. It is now integrated into the C-pillar, giving the rear doors a \u201cfreestanding\u201d glass edge.\nThe 320i, 318d and 320d are equipped with 16-inch light-alloy wheels as standard while all other variants are supplied with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. 18 and 19-inch light-alloy wheels are optionally available.\nThe back, well draw your own inferences but most medias and memes are already pointing to it looking like a certain upscale Japanese sedan. Tail lights are LED units with twin tailpipes adding to the aggressive appearance. The boot opens up to 480-litres of cargo space.\nThere are four equipment lines available \u2013\u00a0Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport \u2013 with an M Performance model and 330e PHEV to follow suit.   The Advantage model includes a storage package, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror, three-zone automatic climate control, Park Distance Control with front and rear sensors.\nAs well as a line-specific front and rear bumpers, they\u2019re also equipped with\u00a017 or 18-inch light-alloy wheels, bespoke door sill strips and LED front fog lamps.\nThe Sport Line features BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim for the side window surrounds, kidney grille bars and trim elements for the air intakes and rear apron in High-gloss Black.\nThe Sport Line\u2019s interior comes with sports seats and High Gloss Black trims while the Luxury Line comes with chrome trims on the kidney grille, rear apron and front air intake. Inside, the Luxury Line gets a more premium touch with fine wood and High Gloss Ash Grey Brown trims.\nIn the M Sport variant, there\u2019s a larger air intake on the front bumper, distinctive side skirts and a rear diffuser. Inside, M-Sport seats, M leather steering and aluminium trims are among the notable mentions.\nChanges on the interior are subtle but effective. You now get thinner A-pillars, a new digital instrument cluster, a relocated centre display, a repositioned start/stop button on the centre console, a newly designed gear lever and an electronic parking brake.   The BMW Live Cockpit fitted as standard includes an 8.8-inch Control Display with\u00a0a 5.7-inch instrument cluster with colour display. A head-up display is available as an optional extra.\nThe newly-designed standard seats offer greater long-distance comfort for the driver and front passenger, while the optional sports seats provide good lateral support with even greater range of adjustments. Two USB ports and a 12V socket can be found on the centre console.\nGetting in and out of the car is now easier for the rear passengers as the modified roof edge and side skirt design has increased the\u00a0door opening, while the distance between the front and rear seats had been extended by 11 mm, allowing more room for the feet.\nSmart entry and auto lock will be available while a new movement sensor in the key permanently monitors whether the key is being carried (and therefore is always transmitting) or has been put down on a table, allowing it to switch into standby mode with the transmit function deactivated.\nFor entertainment, the all-new 3-series features six speakers but if you feel like spending, there is a Harman Kardon surround sound system as part of the optional Entertainment Package, complete with 16 speakers and a digital seven-channel amplifier.\nTopping it all of, among the driver assistance systems offered in the all-new G20 3-series are\u00a0Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, Lane Keeping Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function\u00a0and\u00a0Cross-Traffic Alert.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"SSC North America has announced that it will reattempt the world fastest production car record for the Tuatara, as confirmed by a video statement from CEO Jerod Shelby, after controversies regarding the legitimacy of its initial run started appearing online.\nIf you missed our \nprevious coverage\n, here\u2019s a quick rundown: SSC claimed to have beaten the world record for the fastest production with the \nTuatara\n, and posted the video of the VMax run as proof that the car did indeed reach a top speed of 533 km/h (331.15 mph), with the two runs \u2013 as required by the record \u2013 averaging to a speed of 509 km/h (316.11 mph).\nHowever, several influential media figures began casting doubts on the legitimacy of the run, after calculations based on both visual and mechanical information shows that it\u2019s pretty much impossible for the car to be doing the speeds as claimed.\nSSC responded by saying that the data from the Tuatara has been validated by Dewetron, the manufacturer of the GPS device used in the world record attempt, though admitted that the \ndepiction of the run in video form has been \u201csubstantially incorrect\u201d\n. Dewetron, looking to distant themselves from the controversy, promptly \nreleased a statement\n on the same day saying that they in fact, did not verify the data.\n \nAfter the emotional roller coaster ride, Jerod Shelby decided that there\u2019s nothing else to be done other to reattempt the record with the SSC Tuatara. \u201cNo matter what we do in the coming days to salvage this particular record, it\u2019s always going to have a stain on it,\u201d he said in the statement.\nHe admits that after reviewing the raw footage (which he claims that the company did not have access to), they too started seeing the irregularities that did not line up with the claimed speed. \u201cThe more we looked and the more we tried to analyze, we were concerned there were doubts in the relationship between the video and the GPS.\u201d\n\u201cWe have to re-run the record. We have to do this again and do it in a way that is undeniable and irrefutable,\u201d he added.\nSSC founder and CEO, Jerod Shelby (left), alongside record attempt driver Oliver Webb, who has claimed that he does not have any idea of what\u2019s happening behind the scenes.\nThe reattempt, which is due to happen \u201cin the very near future\u201d, will also quell some of the common criticisms on the previous attempt by using multiple GPS loggers from multiple manufacturers with their respective representatives present at the run.\nShelby has also extended the invitation to Shmee150\u2019s Tim Burton, Misha Charoudin, and Robert Mitchell, the trio that sparked the conversation surrounding the video, to be there in person at the reattempt. What a truly stand-up thing to do. Their responses can be seen in the videos below."
"Nissan has unveiled a 100% electric emergency response vehicle concept, designed to provide mobile power supply to areas affected by natural disasters or extreme weather. Based on the \nNissan LEAF\n, The \u2018RE\u2019 in the cute wordplay name, RE-LEAF, represents the three elements of disaster preparedness: response, recovery, and resilience.\nSome modifications were made specifically to allow RE-LEAF to drive directly into critical areas through the debris-covered roads, such as the chunky off-road wheels, and weatherproof plug sockets mounted directly to the exterior of the vehicle \u2013 which can supply 110- and 230-volt power from the car\u2019s high-capacity lithium-ion battery.\nThe rear seats have been removed and the floor levelled to provide storage for essential equipment, while a custom bulkhead cage separates the front seats from the cargo area. A bespoke pull-out desk extends from the trunk \u2013 fitted with a 32-inch LED screen and dedicated power supply \u2013 designed to create an operational hub to run communications from and manage the recovery process.\nNissan Europe, Head of Electric Passenger Cars and Infrastructure, Helen Perry said \u201cWe\u2019re constantly exploring ways that electric vehicles can enrich our lives, beyond just zero-emission transportation.\n\u201cConcepts like the RE-LEAF show the possible application of EVs in disaster management and demonstrate that smarter, cleaner technology can help save lives and provide greater resilience,\u201d she added.\nNissan says the RE-LEAF is a demonstration of the potential of electric vehicles in disaster recovery. Although it\u2019s a working concept, the technology is already being used in real-world applications.\nNissan previously utilised the LEAF to provide emergency power and transportation following \nnatural disasters in Japan since 2011\n, and the company has also formed partnerships with more than 60 local governments to support disaster relief efforts.\nGALLERY"
"Hot on the heels of the newly \nlaunched Mazda2\n, we\u2019ve received a tip off from a reliable source stating that the \ndiesel variant\n of the \nMazda2\n will be making its way here somewhere around May to July 2015.\nThis \nSkyactiv-D powerplant\n is also a \n1.5-litre\n, features \nvariable geometry turbo\n and low/high pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The Euro 6 compliant oil burner makes \n103 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and a mighty \n250 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. Tasked to drive the front wheels is the \nsame six-speed Skyactiv-Drive\n automatic transmission.\nDuring the press conference at the \nMazda2 launch\n, Managing Director of Bermaz Motor, Dato\u2019 Sri Ben Yeoh did not discount the possibility of introducing the \nMazda2 Skyactiv-D\n to the Malaysian market.\u00a0He added that the diesel variant is only here for market surveying, and hopes that better grade diesels will be made available soon.\u00a0Several markets have already been receiving the clean diesel 2, such as Thailand, Japan and Europe.\nWe however have\u00a0just received news that the \nMazda2 diesel variant\n\u00a0will be coming to Malaysia, with its \nSkyActiv-D\n engine ready to run on our \u2018unique\u2019 Euro 2 diesel.\nStick around for our full review as we will be testing out both the Mazda2 1.5L SkyActiv-G and SkyActiv-D real soon!\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY"
"Following lengthy discussions with the Malaysian government, Volvo Car Malaysia has finally received the Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status for its XC60 T6, XC60 T5, V40 T5 Drive-E. Said models will receive a special incentive under the 2014 National Automotive Policy (NAP).\nThe models that will qualify for the EEV incentive are equipped with Volvo\u2019s new range of Drive-E powertrains. The before-and-after prices are as below:\nModel\nPrice before EEV incentive (OTR without insurance)\nPrice \nAFTER\n\u00a0EEV incentive (OTR without insurance)\nXC60 T6\nRM318,888\nRM298,888\nXC60 T5\nRM288,888\nRM266,888\nV40 T5 Drive-E\nRM192,888\nRM180,888\nAll the more reasons to consider getting an underrated Scandinavian car now, isn\u2019t it?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo V40 T5   Volvo XC60 T5   Volvo XC60 T6"
"McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has just announced a limited number of bespoke 570GT using traditional British automotive colour. It celebrates the iconic F1 XP GT \u201cLongtail\u201d model built in 1997 and only six units of the specially commissioned 570GT will be made exclusively for UK and Europe.\nThe six cars are finished in McLarens historic \n\u201cXP Green\u201d\n exterior paint \u2013 the same colour as the F1 XP GT \u201cLongtail\u201d \u2013 flanked by Saddle Tan aero pinstripes around the front aero blades, side skirts and rear diffuser. A subtle silver-grey Union Jack emblem is fitted on both sides of the front wheel arches. MSO has replaced the front splitter, door inserts, side air intakes, side skirts and rear bumper, diffuser and spoiler in MSO Black.\n \n 1997 McLaren F1 XP GT \u201cLongtail\u201d\n \nInside, the luxurious cabin features Saddle Tan interior with green leather inserts to reflect the exterior theme. Additionally, a dedicated plaque \u201cone of six MSO Collection 2017\u201d is mounted on the centre tunnel (below the infotainment screen). The 570GT gets a unique side-hinged glass door that gives the super sportscar extra \n220 litres\n of cargo space and together with the existing front trunk, it boats a total boot space of 350 litres.\nThe 570GT remains powered by a mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing \n562 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Despite the additional \n37 kg\n weight penalty from the rear glass deck, the 570GT will still sprint to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n (0.2 seconds slower than the 570S) with a top speed of \n326 km/h\n.\nBase price of the 570GT in the UK starts at \u00a3154,000 (RM872k). With the MSO contents and extra options ticked, the final bill for the XP Green MSO Collection McLaren 570GT reads \u00a3188,567 (RM1.06 mill). Is the paintjob and Saddle Tan interior worth the additional \u00a334,567 (RM190k) ? You decide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n 1997 McLaren F1 XP GT \u201cLongtail\u201d"
"Luxury cars like the\n Bentley Continental GT\n are items of excess, but sometimes a 6.0-litre W12 engine can be just a little too much, even for the wealthy. Luckily for you, Bentley Kuala Lumpur has now introduced the \u201ctoned-down\u201d \nBentley Continental GT V8\n here on our shores.\nPERFORMANCE\nWe say toned-down in inverted commas, because it is still plenty fast, especially for a huge chunk of metal like this luxury grand tourer. The lower weight and better weight distribution thanks to the smaller engine also helps with the Continental GT V8\u2019s handling and fuel efficiency.\nEngine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8\nTransmission: eight-speed dual clutch transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, active all-wheel drive with rear bias\nMax horsepower: 550 hp\nMax torque: 770 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 4.0 seconds\nTop speed: 318 km/h\nAside from the new \u201ccharacterful V8 burble\u201d, the new engine is also capable of shutting off half of its cylinders in suitable conditions to help with fuel consumption, all while being pretty much imperceptible to the driver.\nRide and handling on the new Continental GT has also been tweaked for the V8 version, with the use of new lightweight hollow anti-roll bars at the front and rear. Air suspension is available as standard, while customers can select the Bentley Intelligent Dynamic Ride System adaptive chassis as an option.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Continental GT is still as much a beautiful art piece as it is a mind-bendingly quick grand tourer. The V8 version differentiates itself with the quad exhausts, 20-inch 10-spoke painted alloys (with nine other options ranging up to 22-inches), and V8 badging on the front fenders.\nOtherwise, exterior equipment are pretty much the same as its W12 counterpart, including the cut-gem-like LED Matrix headlights. For a more aggressive and striking look, buyers can opt for the Blackline Specification, which replaces the following exterior items with specially-commissioned high-gloss black carbon fibre and black-painted trims:\nDoor handles\nHeadlight surrounds\nTaillamp surrounds\nNumber plate surrounds\nSide window surrounds\nWing vents\nLower side sills\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the Continental GT V8 stays true to its luxury heritage of the Bentley badge, handcrafted with a generous use of rare wood veneers and the highest quality leathers. As standard, the Bentley Continental GT V8 in Malaysia comes with a new Crown Cut Walnut on the dashboard but as is standard Bentley affair, there are a multitude of other options to choose from.\nOther standard interior equipment include the fully-digital instrument cluster, 22-way adjustable leather seats in monotone colour split, and 650W 10-speaker Bentley audio system. But if there\u2019s one option you have to tick during checkout, it\u2019ll be the Bentley Rotating Display.\nThe rotating display features a 12.3-inch infotainment display housed in a three-sided revolving unit in the veneer \u2013 letting the occupants choose between displaying the infotainment screen, three analogue dials, or just plain shiny veneer on the dashboard.\nSAFETY\nThe all-new Bentley Continental GT V8 is equipped with a wide range of safety and convenience features, including:\nActive Lane Assist\nTraffic Jam Assist\nPark Assist\nVariable ratio electric power steering rack\nContinuous damping control\nPRICING\nThe all-new Bentley Continental GT V8 is now available in Malaysia, starting at \nRM795,000 before duties, taxes, options, and insurance\n.\nFor more information on the new luxury grand tourer, customers can contact Bentley Kuala Lumpur at \n+60 3 2165 1688\n, or through any of their social media accounts with the handle @bentleykualalumpur.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ralliart, the name many of us happily stuck to our Proton cars back in the-90s, has resurfaced! The motorsport and tuning arm of Mitsubishi Motors Corp (MMC) is set to make a timely comeback after an \n11-year break\n.\nMMC made the announcement as part of the delivery of FY2020 performance and an update to the mid-term business plan to shareholders in Tokyo, Japan.\nOne of the final models bearing the Ralliart performance upgrades\nThe Ralliart branding and performance attributes (adventurous, durability and advancement) are used as a direction towards the realisation of \n\u201cMitsubishi Motor-ness\u201d\n, in what looks like the company\u2019s pillars for defining the brand moving forward.\nThe one-slide announcement did not come with accompanying elaboration, but according to a report by \nForbes\n, the move is more than just another line of accessories or special editions. MMC is planning to enter relevant motorsports under the Ralliart banner. \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cFor customers who wish to experience our Mitsubishi-ness, we will launch custom-made accessories for our model lineup as well as \nre-entering motorsport\n events around the world,\u201d said Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato.\n \nCheck out the dynamic performance of the \nMitsubishi Triton Athlete\n, all locally shot in Malaysia!\nThe timeline in the presentation shows big plans coming \nfrom 2023\n. Under the said \u201cMitsubishi Motor-ness\u201d plans, two silhouettes of SUVs are planned for introduction, one compact like an ASX, another larger like an Outlander. Could this be Ralliart, souped-up versions of all-new Mitsubishi models?\nMMC has said its long history in motorsports has helped the company developed excellent vehicle dynamics on both tarmac and off-road driving.\nThe Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV participated in the Baja Portalegre 500\nSubaru, MMC\u2019s arch-rival from the glorious WRC days, has long left rallying to pursue circuit and endurance motorsport activities which are the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Japan\u2019s \nSuper GT\n. The company continues with products enhanced by the Ralliart-equivalent named STI, such as the US-only \nSubaru WRX STI S209\n pumping out 341 hp and \nSubaru BRZ STI Sport\n. \u00a0\nWho would have expected, re-entering motorsports at a time when electrification is the biggest buzzword in the auto industry. Great news for us petrolheads nonetheless!"
"Test drives at dealerships are as common as having \u201ctelur\u201d on your roti canai; most customers go about their drives and return safely but every once in a while, you come across stories like these.\nA lady in her 30\u2019s, while returning from her test drive in a BMW X1 in Guangzhou, China mistakenly pressed on the accelerator instead of the brakes at the entrance of the showroom and the rest as they say, is history.\nWhat\u2019s strange was that, it wasn\u2019t a full-on bulldoze through the glass entrance. The car actually slammed into the glass frame first, stopped briefly and carried on ploughing through into the showroom before crashing into some furniture. Did she mistakenly step on the accelerator, twice?\nTwo employees of the showroom supposedly suffered minor injuries while the clumsy driver and unfortunate sales person, were unhurt.\u00a0I pity the car sales people sometimes; the things they have to do and the nonsense they have to put up with for their commission\u2019s sake."
"Ferrari\n is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and to mark the momentous occasion, they\u2019ve unveiled a new anniversary logo, alongside an emotional video on its YouTube channel starring some of its employees \u2013 who the company says \u201censure Ferrari\u2019s success day in, day out\u201d.\nThe special logo was created to mark 75 years since Enzo Ferrari opened his small factory in Maranello back in 1947, and is made up by a stylised number 75, alongside the iconic prancing horse and the 1947-2022 lettering.\n \nAside from the anniversary logo, Ferrari Chairman John Elkann also unveiled a sculpture of the iconic prancing horse to commemorate the milestone, which is actually a giant puzzle with all the individual pieces laid down by Ferrari employees.\n\u201cFor this special year we have created a special icon: a sculpture made up of thousands of components forged here in our factory and positioned one-by-one by my Ferrari colleagues,\u201d said Elkann.\n\u201cIt is a symbol of the Ferrari spirit which is shared both here in Maranello and by all our family around the world. It reflects the essence of who we are, our past 75 years, and our future. It is a symbol of a company that, as Enzo Ferrari once said \u2013 Above all, is made of people.\u201d\nThe Ferrari SF90 Spider, one of the stars of \nABC 2021!\nBack in 2017, Ferrari celebrated its 70th anniversary by unveiling the \nlimited-production LaFerrari Aperta\n, alongside 350 special-edition units of each of their models. We don\u2019t know what 2022 holds for the iconic Italian marque, but rest assured it\u2019ll not be a quiet one. Happy 75th, Ferrari!"
"Tesla is taking their own sweet time with the \nall-new Tesla Roadster\n, with a scheduled launch date this year if everything goes according to plan. But if you already can\u2019t wait to get your hands on a new topless Tesla, good news: a coach builder by the name of Ares Design is making one based on the\n Model S\n, and it looks every bit just as good as one that would\u2019ve come out from Tesla\u2019s own factory.\nThe modifications made on the Model S \u2013 which you\u2019ll have to provide one yourself \u2013 were quite extensive to achieve the new look, including chopping off the entire roof (obviously), along with the removal of the rear doors and B-pillars, while elongating the front doors.\nThe top half of the rear quarter also had to be reworked to fit the roof folding mechanism, and of course the folded fabric roof. Unfortunately, Ares Design did not provide any photos of the Tesla Model S \u201cRoadster\u201d with its roof up, so we can\u2019t judge how that looks.\nCompleting the exterior styling efforts is a custom carbon fibre body kit, which includes new front and rear bumpers, an extended front splitter, side skirts, and custom Ares Design 21-inch wheels.\nDue to the removal of the roof, Ares Design engineers had to reinforce the chassis with additional strengthening on the side members, beneath the cockpit, and at the rear seating area to maintain the structural integrity of the car.\nThe reworked rear quarters also necessitated a set of custom-made rear seats, but the rest of the cabin is pretty much left as-is \u2013 aside from a touch of flair at the request of the client, in the form of orange and carbon fibre detailing contrasting the hand-stitched ice white leather.\nAres Design co-founder and CEO, Dany Bahar said, \u201cour co-create philosophy allows clients to work side by side with our designers and engineers to create their very own bespoke vehicle, a service that is unique to Ares. This Tesla project is a superb example of this; it was a pure coachbuilding project which we very much enjoy doing and seeing the results of our uncompromising standards.\u201d\nAres definitely wasn\u2019t the first ones to toy with the Tesla Model S\u2019 roof. Back in 2018, UK-based QWest modified the \nelectric sedan into a shooting brake\n, and YouTuber Simone Giertz even \nturned her own Tesla Model S into a one-of-one pick-up truck\n \u2013 way before the \nCybertruck\n was even announced.\nGALLERY"
"Looks like it\u2019s not great news to usher in the Lunar New Year. Fuel prices for the month of February will see RON 95 and RON 97 go up by as much as 20 sen, whereas diesel is up by 10 sen.\nThe new prices are as follow:\nRON 95 \u2013 \nRM2.30\n per litre (formerly RM2.10 in January)\nRON 97 \u2013 \nRM2.60\n per litre (from RM2.40)\nDiesel \u2013 \nRM2.15\n per litre (from RM2.05)\nEuro 5 Diesel \u2013 \nRM2.25\n per litre (from RM2.15)\nAlso, here\u2019s a friendly reminder from us at \nAutoBuzz.my\n: please, practice caution when receiving and/or forwarding chain messages regarding fuel price adjustments. For those who are sharing old news, stop, and be sure to check the time and date of posting before jumping aboard the hate-wagon. In any case, it\u2019s always better to refer to official news portals for reliable updates."
"BMW Malaysia together with Lee Motors has broken ground for the new Auto Care showroom in Alor Setar, Kedah that\u2019s set to open by the first quarter of 2023. The new 50,000 sq ft facility will offer more than twice the space compared to the previous location and will feature the latest BMW Retail NEXT corporate identity.\nThe new showroom can accommodate up to 16 vehicles from the lineup of BMW and BMW Premium Selection vehicles. The Auto Care showroom is also home to two delivery bays, eight work bays \u2013 which can be expanded to 12 \u2013 along with two bays for reception-at-the-car. The new Lee Motors Auto Care showroom will be located at 218, Jalan Gangsa, Kawasan Perusahaan Mergong II, 05150, Alor Setar, Kedah.\nHans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, \u201cThe new and larger facility by Lee Motors is a testament to the strong market growth for the premium segment in this region. With that, we are confident that they will be able to deliver the highest level of premium ownership experience for BMW customers in the area.\u201d\n\u201c\u201cIn 2022, we successfully delivered over 270 premium vehicles from the BMW Group portfolio, and we are looking forward to growing our deliveries alongside the expansion of our facility and services,\u201d Eugene Lee, Managing Director of Lee Motors.\nAs an authorised BMW dealer for 20 years now and the sole dealer representative for the brand in Kedah. Driven by the passion to not only introduce new owners to the BMW brand, we are also looking to create better access to electrified mobility in Kedah,\u201d he added.\nOn that note, Lee Motors together with BMW Group Malaysia also officiated a new BMW i Charging facility at the Royal Kedah Club, powered by local charging provider RExharge. The charging facility is open to the public, with an 11 kW AC charger that costs RM0.15 per minute and a 60 kW DC fast charger that costs RM1.40 per minute."
"After making its debut as a \nconcept car\n at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda has confirmed that its first fully electric urban vehicle will be named the Honda e. The new EV will lead the brand\u2019s \n\u201cElectric Vision\u201d strategy\n for the European region.\nBased on a rear-wheel-drive\nall-electric platform, the Honda e has been packaged to meet the needs of a\nmodern lifestyle with its unique design, clean energy and engaging driving\ndynamics. The retro boxy profile has been penned for the modern day with\nelements such as stepless A-pillars, pop out door handles and Camera Mirror\nSystem (camera side mirrors) to improve aerodynamics.\nThe minimalistic design\ntheme continues to the uncluttered cabin with a widescreen for the infotainment\nand instrument cluster while the centre console features only the essential\nbuttons for the electronic parking brake, gear selector and drive mode toggle\nswitch.\nOn a single charge, the Honda e can deliver over \n200 km\n of driving range and the \u201cfast charge\u201d functionality can give the battery 80% of juice in 30 minutes. Honda claims that this set up is ideal for urban environments and everyday commuting without sacrificing a fun driving experience.\nThe Honda e will go\ninto production later this year and Honda has already collected almost 6,500 registration\nof interest in the UK. However, we are not betting that this cute urban warrior\nwill come to Malaysia any time soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda e Prototype at Geneva"
"At long last, Honda Malaysia has announced that the 10th-generation Honda Accord is \nnow open for booking\n, at all 100 Honda dealerships nationwide. The all-new Honda Accord is set to be launched in \nQ1 2020\n.\nFirst introduced in 2001, the Honda Accord has sold more than 84,100 units to-date. With the new 10th-generation Honda Accord, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cThe much-anticipated All-New Accord is set to move the yardstick for next generation sedans with its unmatched performance, stylish and premium design as well as cutting-edge technology and safety features.\u201d\nIn terms of styling, the all-new Honda Accord has incorporated the fastback body shape for a more modern appearance. The wider stance is paired with a lower hood, as well as a low-slung roofline to achieve greater road presence.\nThe all-new Honda Accord comes equipped with \nfull-LED headlights and taillights\n, with a slight resemblance to the \nHonda Civic\n. At the rear, the Accord also sports a twin tailpipe finished in chrome \u2013 none of those fake exhaust \u201choles\u201d. Completing the sporty appearance is the standard \n18-inch alloys\n.\nUnder the hood, the all-new Honda Accord is powered by a new \n1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC engine\n, a first for the D-segment model. The turbocharged mill churns out \n201 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque, which Honda says is more powerful than a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine.\nAs standard, the 10th-generation Honda Accord comes with \nsix airbags\n, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), front and rear parking sensors together with Multi-angle Rearview Camera.\nthe global market 10th-Generation Honda Accord\nHonda has also equipped the latest D-segment sedan with the full suite of \nHonda Sensing\n advanced driver assistance features (first introduced locally in the \n2017 Honda Accord\n), which includes eight features in three categories:\n \nDriver Cruising Aid\n\u2013 Adaptive Cruise Control \n\u2013 Low Speed Follow \n\u2013 Auto High-Beam \nFrontal Collision Deterrence\n\u2013 Forward Collision Warning \n\u2013 Collision Mitigation Braking System\nSide Collision Deterrence\n\u2013 Lane Keep Assist System \n\u2013 Road Departure Mitigation\n\u2013 Lane Departure Warning\n the global market 10th-Generation Honda Accord\nThe 10th-generation Honda Accord will be \nlocally-assembled\n in Honda Malaysia\u2019s Pagoh plant, making it the sole Japanese D-segment sedan to be assembled in Malaysia.\nPricing information and other features will only be announced during the launch. At the meantime, here\u2019s a video from\n Honda Thailand\n to give you an idea of what might be included in the localised version of the 10th-generation Honda Accord.\n \nIMAGE GALLERY\n10th-Generation Honda Accord (Global)"
"It\u2019s really, really hot out these days, so having a bottle of water with you at all times to stay hydrated is just smart. But if you\u2019re using a clear plastic bottle (or glass ones, for the matter), remember to never leave it unsupervised in the car, especially if it\u2019s going to be parked under the hot sun. Unless you want your car looking like this poor Redditor\u2019s.\nReddit user, WarningImBroken, \nposted two photos of their car\n \u2013 or at least what remains of it after a fire \u2013 to the subreddit /r/WellThatSucks, along with the caption \u201cToday I learned not to leave a clear bottle of water in my car on a hot sunny day!!\u201d\nWhile it may seem a little far-fetched to blame a car fire on a small water bottle, it\u2019s actually not that uncommon of a phenomenon \u2013 so much so that fire departments in the US have warned drivers against leaving them, particularly clear bottles, partially or fully filled with water.\nRELATED: \nWhen comprehensive isn\u2019t enough \u2013 Here\u2019s why your car needs special perils coverage\n \nThat\u2019s because these clear bottles can act very much like a magnifying glass, focusing the sunlight into a single beam. Remember those science experiments you used to do in primary school? If the beam unfortunately hits the right spot in the car, there\u2019s a chance it may spark a flame, and in worst-case scenarios, quickly escalate into a big fire engulfing your whole car.\nIt\u2019s definitely a good idea to bring drinking water with you when you\u2019re out and about, especially when the heatwave that we\u2019re currently experiencing is\n predicted to last until August\n. But maybe, swap that clear plastic disposable bottle for an opaque reusable one, which not only is a little safer in this context, but can also be better for the environment too.\nOr, you know, remember to take your bottle with you whenever you step out of the car.\n[H/T: \nJalopnik\n]"
"The upcoming \nHonda Civic Type R\n will be making its first public appearance next month at the \n2022 Tokyo Auto Salon\n, giving eager Japanese fans a chance to catch a quick look at the highly-awaited hot hatch. However, this isn\u2019t the Type R\u2019s debut just yet \u2013 it\u2019ll still be in prototype form, covered in the unique camo wrap that we first saw last week.\nStill, that won\u2019t be enough to hide all of the extra aerodynamic appendages that Honda has fitted onto the Civic Type R, including wider fenders, sporty bumpers, a large rear wing, and a rear diffuser \u2013 the latter even comes with the now-iconic triple exhaust exits down the middle.\nThe Type R Prototype\u2019s unique vinyl wrap that Honda seemingly loves to talk about\nWith it still being a prototype, though, we won\u2019t know for sure what kind of technical information Honda is willing to disclose at TAS 2022 itself. They did mention that it\u2019ll be featured in an \u201caction-packed test-driving video\u201d so TAS attendees can go behind the scenes and catch a glimpse of the Type R\u2019s development process, so there\u2019s that, I guess.\nFor what it\u2019s worth, we do know that Honda will be attempting to break the existing lap record at the Suzuka circuit set by the \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition\n. So as usual, it\u2019ll be fair to say that the upcoming Type R will be the best one ever.\nThe upcoming Civic Type R is expected to still feature the proven 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine underneath its bonnet. Outputs are expected to remain roughly similar to its predecessor, in the region of \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, and will be paired to a six-speed manual transmission.\nThe all-new Type R will join its other Japanese rivals in showing off their latest and greatest at the TAS; Subaru will be unveiling a new \nSTI concept race car\n, while Mitsubishi will be unveiling a \nRalliart concept car\n. Nissan, meanwhile, will officially debut the \nnew Z\n for the Japanese market, with a couple of special-edition models including a one-off in retro styling.\nThat\u2019s if, the show isn\u2019t cancelled due to the new Omicron variant that\u2019s currently ravaging the entire world. Fingers crossed!\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019ve almost reached the end of the five leg Type R Challenge now; having seen the all-new FK8 Civic Type R obliterate lap records at the \nMagny Cours\n circuit, the \nSpa-Francorchamps\n circuit, the \nSilverstone\n circuit and now in Portugal.\nAt the Estoril circuit in Portugal, the \nCivic Type R set a new lap record for a front-wheel drive production car\n with a time of 2 minutes 01.84 seconds, with Honda WTCR driver, Tiago Monteiro behind the wheel.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/25115852/135774_Honda_Civic_Type_R_sets_new_lap_record_at_Estoril_circuit_in_Portugal.mp4\n\u201cThe FK8 Civic Type R is very stable, has very good braking efficiency and an amazing engine so it just feels like you are driving a race car. On the track, it\u2019s easy to forget that it\u2019s a proper road car but then you can drive it home,\u201d said Tiago.\n\u201cThe new Type R is a big evolution. I mean we\u2019re talking about a totally different car in terms of design, aero, suspension, geometries, engine, but more than anything the feeling of driving the car,\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The\n Mercedes-Benz GLC\n has been available in Malaysia for quite some time now, with the last \nfacelift update making its debut back in 2019\n. And even though the \nall-new X254-generation GLC \njust made its global debut earlier this month, it might still not be the end of the line yet for the outgoing X253 GLC, as \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has just published a teaser photo on its social media channels, hinting at a new launch soon.\nImage: \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia/Facebook\nWhile the shadowy photo makes it hard to see what exactly is special with this GLC, the tag line \u201cStay tuned to take charge\u201d makes it pretty clear that it\u2019ll feature some form of electrification underneath the bonnet, which leaves only one possible model \u2013 the GLC 300e plug-in hybrid (PHEV).\nUnveiled globally back in 2019, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e features a M274 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, paired to an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox to make a total of\n 320 hp\n and\n 700 Nm \nof torque.\nALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 gains AMG Line and full Keyless-Go, price bumped to RM294k\nWith the 4Matic all-wheel drive that comes as standard on the GLC 300e, the 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in just \n5.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n230 km/h. \nAs a comparison, the current range-topping GLC 300 that was launched in Malaysia back in 2019 gets 258 hp and 370 Nm, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds.\nElectric power for the hybrid powertrain comes from a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides enough charge for an EV range of up to 43 km on the WLTP test cycle. Charging via a 7.4 kW on-board AC charger takes roughly 1.5 hours to fill up the battery, or approximately five hours using a conventional three-pin socket.\nThere are still many questions left unanswered so far, such as \u201cdoes the two cars in the teaser photo mean that there\u2019ll also be a Coupe variant\u201d. We\u2019ll likely be hearing more about it very soon, so keep your eyes peeled here as we bring you the latest info!"
"There seems to be no real interest to have a new generation of the venerable Nissan GT-R (R35) sportscar anytime soon. Nissan has officially unveiled the 2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo edition for the Japanese market, with the base product essentially engineered in mid-2000s and released in 2007.\nTo highlight how much life is still left for the Nissan GT-R, the company has placed its \nlatest corporate logo\n, something significant that is only set to appear on the fully electric \nNissan Ariya\n in the coming months.\nPaired with the new emblems is the exclusive Nismo \nStealth Grey\n paintwork, which was inspired by track tarmacs GT-Rs have set records and competed on. This paint hue is also available in the just-launched \n2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X\n.\nThis latest edition features a Nismo-exclusive \nclear-coated\n carbon fibre hood. Opting out of a painted hood not only exposes the intricate carbon fibre weave, it also sheds \n100 grams\n from this already svelte GT-R. Other body panels made from lightweight carbon fibre include front fenders, front and rear bumpers, the roof and rear spoiler.\nMatching the new Stealth Grey paintwork is a circular red accent on the existing set of black-painted 9-spoke \nforged wheels\n from Rays measuring 20 inches in diameter.\nThe engine continues to be a made-to-order high output unit. Each \ntwin-turbocharged\n \n3.8-litre V6\n engine is handcrafted by its own \u2018takumi\u2019 master craftsman. The \u2018takumi\u2019 certification plate on the engine is also in an exclusive colour.\nThis motorsport-inspired power unit utilises new high-precision, weight-balanced parts including the piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, crank pulley and valve springs dialed in with tighter tolerances, delivering snappier revs and quicker turbo spooling.\u00a0\nNissan quotes outputs of \n600 hp\n and \n652 Nm\n of torque for the GT-R Nismo with the century sprint benchmark completed in \n2.8 seconds\n. \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe GT-R NISMO has always been an ongoing pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure,\u201d said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the GT-R. \u201cWe take a holistic approach, seeking precision performance through a meticulous balance of engine components and shaving weight, and incrementally evolving the GT-R\u2019s appearance to deliver the ultimate balance of power, performance and excitement to our customers.\u201d\nCheck out the vehicles in the background!\nEnjoy the photos, taken at Nismo\u2019s flagship \nNismo Omori Factory\n, which prepares their Super GT GT-R race machines as well as recently commenced \nrefurbishment work\n. You can also own a unique piece of Nissan Skyline GT-R-inspired item made by Autobuzz.my \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"It is still uncertain if this is Mitsubishi\u2019s answer to \nFord\u2019s Ranger Raptor\n but judging from the sole image released, Mitsubishi\u2019s \u201csurprise\u201d for the 40th Bangkok International Motor Show will be an exciting one.\nMitsubishi said the company\u2019s designers were tasked with creating a vehicle that represents what the\n Triton \nis all about \u2013 and they did not disappoint \u2013 engineering a vehicle that\u2019s \u201cAbsolutely\u201d Beyond Tough.\nCheck out our\n first impressions video of the new Mitsubishi Triton here\n!\nDespite adopting the engine and \nupdated transmission\n from the previous model Triton, the new pick-up has been improved in more ways than one \u2013 not only making it tougher on the ragged edge but crucially, \nmore livable for urban use and comfortable for long drives\n.\nLocally, \nprices for the Triton\n starts from RM100,200 to RM135,200 for the fully-loaded Triton Adventure X."
"The Ministry of Transport (JPJ) is now focusing on a more lenient approach to the \nenforcement of vehicle exhaust systems\n the emit more than the allowed parameters.\nTransport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Sion said that his ministry will now focus on the advocacy approach rather than to issue summons after studying a speech by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at a recent political party\u2019s general assembly.\nDatuk Seri Dr Wee said he had informed the matter to JPJ Director-General Datuk Zailani Hashim which the department indicated that an \nInterview Notice\n will be issued under Section 114(1), Road Transport Act (APJ) 187. The purpose of the first notice is to conduct an investigation and information gathering on the illegal modification of the vehicle\u2019s exhaust system.\nRecipients of the Interview Notice must present themselves at any JPJ branch office. Datuk Zailani also elaborated that a second notice called \nDirective for Inspection Notice\n under Section 61(1) together with \nProhibited Use of Vehicle Notice\n (PG1) under Section 59(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 will only be issued should the owner be suspected of committing the \nillegal vehicle exhaust\n modification offence.\nHe added that with the second notice, the vehicle owner \nmust then reinstate the exhaust system\n to its original specifications and perform an inspection at any JPJ branch office.\nNews reports from \nBernama\n and \nThe Sun Daily\n said that in just five days from March 1st, a total of 10,166 summonses for various offences were issued during large-scaled operations conducted against vehicles with illegal modifications. As of March 21st, over 4,000 summonses were issued to motorcycle owners after an inspection of over 59,000 units of the two-wheeler.\nOffenders can be prosecuted under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 and can be fined up to \nRM2,000\n or a \nsix-month jail term\n. Earlier this year, the JPJ issued a reminder to vehicle owners who modified their cars with a \n\u201chellaflush\u201d\n look that a summon is also awaiting them should they caught driving on the road.\nImages: Facebook/\nJPJ"
"The \nCovid-19\n pandemic in our country is still far from over, with daily cases and death numbers at an all-time high, one and a half year on since the first cases broke out. As a response, \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia \n(MMM) has stepped up once again by contributing to various Covid-19 aids efforts, to help continue the fight against the virus.\nWorking with medical relief non-governmental organisation Mercy Malaysia, MMM will loan three Mitsubishi vehicles \u2013 one \nTriton pick-up truck \nand two \nOutlander SUVs\n \u2013 to help transport frontliners to vaccination centres (PPV) for the public outreach vaccination program.\nIn addition, MMM has also donated RM20,000 to the NGO, which will assist the health workers further in conducting extensive Covid-19 screening, contract tracing works, isolating the infected, and dispensing care to those who need it.\nAside from Mercy Malaysia, MMM also purchased 400 units of Tyvek PPE suits for frontliners, which was distributed to three Covid-19 Assesment Centres (CAC) in Stadium Melawati, Stadium Jugra, and Klinik Kesihatan Gombak Setia.\nEarlier this year, MMM also donated a Triton pick-up to Insaf Malaysia to aid in their humanitarian works. Learn more about it here. \nThe company also purchased RM43,000 worth of items for another CAC in Hulu Langat, including tents, tables, chairs, portable air-conditioning units, and heavy-duty wires.\nThese CAC assesses Covid-19 patients before they are sent to hospital, quarantine at treatment centres, or ordered to undergo home quarantine. The CAC which MMM is assisting in can accommodate up to 400 patients a day.\nNeed to travel during the National Recovery Plan period? Here\u2019s everything you need to know. \n\u201cAlthough our core business is producing cars, we are committed to doing our part in ensuring the country and our customers are kept safe,\u201d said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi. \u201cWe will continue to communicate closely with key NGOs and public institutions to see how Mitsubishi Motors can continue to contribute.\u201d\n\u201cThis pandemic is one of the most challenging times we have faced as a nation, and thus we must step up and breach the support needed, especially now where Covid-19 infections are at their highest.\u201d\n\u201cThe recent increase in cases and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to significant emotional stress among the country\u2019s frontliners, particularly healthcare workers in Malaysia. We thank our brave frontliners who worked tirelessly for us all,\u201d Shinnishi added."
"When the F45 2-Series Active Tourer debuted earlier this year, it received a wave of attention for being the first BMW model to be front-wheel driven. Since then, the folks at Munich have decided to give the Mercedes B-Class rival their xDrive all-wheel drive system which is shared with many of their SUV models \u2013 \nX3\n, \nX4\n and \nX5\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer\nBMW 225i xDrive Active Tourer\nSegment\nCompact SUV\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n1,995cc; inline-4, BMW TwinPower Turbo with Commonrail Direct Injection\n1,998cc; inline-4, BMW TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic with Steptronic\n8-speed automatic with Steptronic\nMax Power\n190hp @ 4,000 rpm\n231 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100kmh; Top Speed\n7.3 seconds; 223kmh\n6.3 seconds; 237kmh\n\u00a0\nThe brand\u2019s intelligent four-wheel drive system is now available on the \n220d\n and \n225i\n \nActive Tourers\n, but there\u2019s a catch. Unlike the other permanent all-wheel drive xDrive systems, the 2-Series Active Tourer\u2019s xDrive system can \ndisengage the rear wheels\n in normal driving mode, improving overall fuel efficiency.\nIf the xDrive system detects reduced traction, it sends up to 100 percent of power to the wheels with the most grip. The distribution of torque is also continuously monitored when driving spiritedly, minimising slippages.\nAccording to BMW, the whole xDrive system only adds \n61kg\n to the overall weight of the car, achieving \n4.6 litres per 100km\n with the 220d. The non-xDrive 220d Active Tourer managed 4.4 litres per 100km, so that\u2019s not much of a compromise to be frank.\nIt\u2019s unclear at present if BMW Group Malaysia will ever be bringing this in, but seeing how well their current line of SUVs are doing, we don\u2019t think the 2-Series Active Tourer is worth the risk. If they do introduce this sometime later, it would be hard putting a right price on it.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer   BMW 225i xDrive Active Tourer"
"In the budget 2023 presentation today, Malaysian finance minister Dato\u2019 Sri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will be allocating \nRM 2.7 billion\n to maintain and upgrade the federal roads. Another \nRM 1.5 billion\n will be allocated for rural roads.\nThemed \u201cMembangun Malaysia Madani\u201d, Budet 2023 covered several areas pertaining to transportation, including matters like the \nmotorcycle license and commercial driving license\n, and the electricity tariff. The budget allocation for road maintenance and upgrades stems from the aim to handle the increasing road accident issue.\nTo manage the increasing road accidents, Dato\u2019 Sri Anwar Ibrahim announced that a total of RM 2.7 billion will be allocated for the maintenance and upgrades of federal roads. Relating to the issue, \nRM 300 million\n will be specially allocated for G1 to G4 contractors to conduct minor maintenance works.\nAs for rural roads, a total of RM 1.5 billion will be allocated for upgrades and construction of new roads that connect rural areas and villages.\nTo combat the issue of potholes, the government will engage the district engineer to expedite road repair works and other infrastructure repair works based on complaints received from the citizens. Each district will be given an allocation of \nRM100,000\n to fix the pothole issue.\nRELATED: \nBudget 2023 \u2013 Gov\u2019t to bear licence test fees for B2 motorcycle, taxi, bus, and e-hailing PSV\n \nTo improve road visibility at night and in bad weather conditions, a total of \nRM 50 million\n will be allocated to install road lights in areas prone to accidents.\nBesides all the above-mentioned matters from budget 2023, the government will also increase the allocation for the Malaysia Road Record Information System (MARRIS) to \nRM 5.2 billion\n. The system which is already in existence serves to maintain state roads. The federal government has now allowed MARRIS to be used for road, bridge, and drainage repairs due to natural disasters."
"Mazda in Japan has introduced a special edition Mazda 2 \u201cSunlit Citrus\u201d that comes with several \u201cpremium touches\u201d in the cabin for that Mazda 6 feel. In Mazda\u2019s own words (translated from Japanese), it\u2019s \u201ca car that makes your usual driving feel positive and enjoyable\u201d and frankly, it could.\nFind out more about the facelift Mazda 2 in Malaysia here!\nPart of the Sunlit Citrus edition are features like wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree camera display but creature comforts isn\u2019t what this Mazda 2 is about. This one\u2019s all about aesthetics.\nThe special edition model comes with a Greige (grey and beige) interior with Grandlux artificial suede and leather upholstery \u2013 applied on the dashboard, door trims, and seats. The upholstery is a trademarked material by local upholstery manufacturer, Seiren Co, in Japan.\nWhat we particularly like is the \ngold fabric strip \nin the middle on the seat with diamond-shaped motifs \u2013 like the ones you see on golf attire or Christmas-themed sweaters.\nAccording to Mazda, \u201cIt (the cabin) expresses an indoor space that imagines a trip to the south under the sun\u201d.\nTell you what though, it does elevate the cabin feel of the Mazda 2. With brighter upholstery, the cabin does look wider and more spacious. Cleaning it is a different story altogether.\nThe Sunlit Citrus edition also comes with matching floor mats and key fobs. While we can see the appeal of the key fobs but you\u2019d probably have to remove your shoes before you step into the car with those floor mats. Or don\u2019t take passengers. Ever.\nAlong with the Sunlit Citrus edition is a new \nPlatinum Quartz Metallic\n exterior colour and improvements to the engine. Mazda said they\u2019ve increased the compression ratio of the 1.5-litre engine for better fuel efficiency and \u201cenvironmental performance\u201d.\nOutput is rated at \n110 hp \nand \n142 Nm\n, compared to the 114 hp and 149 Nm in our local model. Interestingly, in terms of fuel consumption, the updated model is rated at \n4.9L/100km\n, compared to the local Mazda 2\u2019s 5.3L/100km \u2013 a \n6.8% improvement\n.\nPrices for Sunlit Citrus edition starts from 1,969,000 yen (approx. RM73,917).\nCheck out our GALLERY of the facelift Mazda2 sedan in Malaysia!"
"The facelifted \nRenault Fluence\n\u00a0has finally been launched by TC Euro Cars, effectively replacing the outgoing model despite being in the market for just less than a year. It was launched at the Centre Court of Mid Valley Megamall. Two variants are offered this time around, as opposed to the sole variant offered previously \u2013 the\u00a0\nExpression\n\u00a0variant which retails at\u00a0\nRM 112,178.81\n\u00a0and the range topper\u00a0\nDynamique\n at \nRM 123,481.97\n. Both prices include GST and insurance premium.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Fluence 2.0L Expression\nRenault Fluence 2.0L Dynamique\nSegment\nC-Segment\nC-Segment\nEngine\n1,997cc; 16v 140 X-Tronic\n1,997cc; 16v 140 X-Tronic\nTransmission\nCVT with tiptronic mode\nCVT with tiptronic mode\nMax Power\n143hp @ 6,000 rpm\n143hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n195Nm @ 3,750 rpm\n195Nm @ 3,750 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM 112,178.81\n (with GST)\n \nRM 123,481.97 \n(with GST)\n\u00a0\nWe have to say, the new look is quite pleasing to the eyes. So what\u2019s different from the previous model that was launched last May, you ask?\nEXTERIOR\nWell, the front fascia now follows the design language found on many other current Renault models, such as the Clio and the Koleos. The upper air intake grille is now wider and contours around the bottom of the emblem, which gives it a nice floating effect. The lower grille is smaller, more angular and separates the fog light clusters.\u00a0The top-end Dynamique variant gets \nLED daytime running lights\n\u00a0built into the fog lamp housing, a feature that isn\u2019t shared with the Expression variant.   Over at the back, nothing much has changed, though the base trim will make do with bulb-type rear lamps where the Dynamique gets LED.\u00a0Also new to the refreshed C-Segment sedan is its \n17-inch\n alloy wheels, though the Dynamique gets a cool\u00a0\nAkihiro\n \ntwo-tone\n paint.\nINTERIOR\nThe Fluence retains many of its interior space and creature comforts. While the Expression variant gets \nfabric\n seats, the more expensive variant gets wrapped entirely in \nleather\n. Found on both cars are a plethora of equipment, beginning with the \ndigital speedometer\n, R-Link\n 7-inch touchscreen\n with integrated\u00a0\nrear view camera\n, \n3D sound by Arkamys\n, \nTomTom Navigation\n, \nBluetooth\n connectivity, \nUSB\n ports, \nstart/stop button\n and the list goes on.   PERFORMANCE\nThere are no mechanical tweaks or upgrades here. Powering this French beauty is a familiar engine plucked from the previous-gen Nissan Sylphy \u2013 a \n2.0-litre\n\u00a0naturally aspirated engine that makes \n143 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n195 Nm\n of torque at 3,750 rpm. It is paired also to Nissan\u2019s famed \nX-Tronic\u00a0CVT\u00a0\ngearbox, driving the front wheels.\nFuel consumption is rated at \n7.7 L/100 km\n while achieving a respectable 0 to 100 km/h time of \n10.1 seconds\n and a top speed of \n195km/h\n.\nSAFETY\n Standard on all variants are the usual suspects: ESP, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX, six airbags and Renault\u2019s own Hands-free cards that replaces the usual key fob found on many modern cars.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe new Renault Fluence come with a \nfive-year unlimited mileage\n warranty. The Dynamique variant gets an additional \n5inFluence\n warranty package that includes \nfree maintenance\n for the \nfirst five years or 100,000 km\n, whichever comes first.\nIt is available in five different shades of grey. No, I\u2019m just kidding. Let\u2019s not go there. There\u2019s \nUltra Silver\n, \nBlack Metallic\n, \nMars Grey\n and \nWhite Pearl\n to choose from. The fifth colour is an all-new one \u2013 \nCrimson Red\n, the very colour you see this car donning right here.\u00a0Now, can we get the \nFluence Z.E.\n and the Renault Sport version? Pretty please?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Now that you\u2019ve seen our video of the \n718 Cayman GT4 drive in Sepang\n, check this one out \u2013 where Porsche has pitted its electric Taycan Turbo against its \n911 GT3 RS\n and 911 GT3 Cup car!\nThe Taycan Turbo makes 680 hp and 850 Nm while the GT3 Cup has an output of 485 hp and 480 Nm from a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six engine. As for the 911 GT3 RS, it has more horsepower than the Cup car but less torque, at 520 hp and 469 Nm.\n \nThe shootout took place at the Sandown International Raceway in Melbourne, Australia with the cars driven by Australian race car drivers Luke Youlden (Taycan Turbo) and Tony D\u2019Alberto (GT3 Cup) and New Zealand race car driver Chris Pither (GT3 RS).\nThe 991-generation GT3 Cup Car cup will no doubt have the upper hand in high-speed stability and through the corners, with that big wing and all its aerodynamic aids, but the Taycan Turbo should have a strong advantage on the straights.\nThe new, base model Taycan RWD.\nThe cars went through two different tests; the \nSpeed Comparison \nand a \ndrag race\n. In the first test, the Taycan Turbo set off first, the GT3 RS second, and the GT3 Cup car last. The aim is for the first two to pull a gap from the Cup car, while it tries to catch up and overtake both before the end of one lap.\nCan the GT3 Cup car do it? Or will Porsche\u2019s electric sedan run away with this? Watch and find out!\nSpeaking of the Taycan, there\u2019s now a \nnew RWD model in Malaysia\n to go with the Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S \nlaunched in September last year\n. Check it out \nhere\n!"
"The \nBMW M4 GTS\n is back, sort of, because this M4 DTM Champion Edition features pretty much what the GTS offered back then. Built in honour of Marco Wittmann\u2019s 2016 DTM championship title, the M4 DTM Champion Edition is another limited-run special that you probably can\u2019t buy, since BMW only makes 200 examples of it.\nThere\u2019s that 69 hp and 50 Nm \npower hike\n over the standard M4 courtesy of the \nwater injection system\n fitted to the \ntwin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six\n, so the M4 DTM Champion Edition produces a total \n500 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n. Sprint time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n takes \n3.8 seconds\n, and the\n top speed\n is limited to \n305 km/h\n.\nIt wears almost the same kit as the M4 GTS, but the DTM Champion Edition adds \naero flicks\n on the front bumper, and the \nrear wing\n is slightly different than the one fixed on the GTS. And unlike the GTS, the DTM Champion Edition\u2019s colour scheme is mainly white and garnished with\u00a0the tricoloured M stripes.\nThe same M4 GTS story goes on the inside, the front seats are replaced with proper \nfull-buckets with racing harnesses\n while the rear seats were sacrificed for a \nrollover bar\n. However, BMW retains the \naircond\n and the \nnavigation system\n in this one.\nThe base M4 costs \u20ac73,300 (RM339,860) in Germany, but the \nDTM Champion Edition\n is almost double that price at \n\u20ac148,500\n (RM688,540). With only 200 units scattered worldwide, chances are you won\u2019t see two of them at the same time, unless of course you\u2019re in Dubai.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M4 DTM Champion Edition   BMW M4 GTS"
"Because of ultimate driving machines are meant for driving pleasure and not for crawling through traffic just for it to be checked and serviced.\nThe largest authorised dealer of BMW vehicles in Malaysia has launched a \nAuto Bavaria i-Service mobile app\n \u2013 the first service of its kind apparently \u2013 bringing its service to your doorstep.\nAmong the services offered by the app are as follows:\nBook service appointments\nReview their service history\nMake payments\n\u201cTrack & Chat\u201d feature to track the location of the i-Service vehicle and chat with technicians for updates on the service progress\nThree of these i-Service vehicles will be rolled out to cater to Klang Valley customers, with plans for more to come.\nThrough the app, users can receive cost estimates, including itemised costs for parts and labour beforehand, to promote price transparency.\nThree i-Service vehicles will be rolled out initially, to cater to the prime areas in Klang Valley although Auto Bavaria says there are plans to increase this figure.\nCustomers can direct these i-Service vehicles, equipped with the latest tools and equipment, to within 40 kilometres from an Auto Bavaria dealership to perform services such as:\noil change\nbrake pad change\ntyre change\ntyre balancing\nbattery change\nThe Auto Bavaria i-Service operates six days a week except public holidays, between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12pm on Saturday.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The world\u2019s most exclusive McLaren owner experience has taken to the track for the first time at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. It\u2019s called the\u00a0\nMcLaren P1\n Driver Programme, and the debut event saw seven primed examples of the track-only model let loose. Each lucky owner got behind the wheel of the most powerful model ever produced by McLaren with the support of a dedicated pitcrew.\nA few weeks prior to this, we brought you news of this ultra rare billionaire-gentleman racing club and the best part of it was that Bruno Senna, nephew of legendary F1 driver Aryton Senna, \nwas named the \u2018driving coach\u2019 and instructor\n.\u00a0The programme has been designed to prepare each driver \nmentally\n and \nphysically\n to allow them to fully \nexploit\n the abilities of the McLaren P1 GTR, which, mind you, produces \n1,000 PS\n or \n986 bhp\n and runs on race-proven \nPirelli\n slick tyres.\nThe programme is \ncompletely bespoke\n, with each individual having a fully-tailored experience, working closely with a support team from McLaren Spec Ops (MSO) division comprising authentic professionals that have operated within the rarefied world of professional motorsport. In terms of personalisation, you can even\n custom your own livery and decals\n to your liking. And how bout this \u2013 the GTR is even air conditioned\u00a0to keep drivers cool and comfy. Fair enough, considering you just plopped out \ntwo million\n of the Queen\u2019s Great \nBritish Pounds\n, sweating profusely would be a major\u00a0\nfaux pas\n.\nOne would imagine if you were a billionaire and were part of this uber-exclusive club, that racing around a single circuit would be the utter definition of boring and mundane. But because they\u2019ve paid so much money for the P1 GTR, the contingent will be coming to our very own \nSepang F1 International Circuit\n,\n Circuit of the Americas\n (North America), \nSilverstone\n (UK), \nAutodromo Nazionale Monza\n (Italy), \nRed Bull Ring\n (Austria), \nSpa-Francorchamps\n (Belgium), \nBahrain International Circuit\n (Bahrain) and \nYas Marina\n (Abu Dhabi). We for one cannot wait to see these monsters get flailed around Sepang in the flesh."
"Proton\n \nhas recently delivered 50 units of the \nProton Iriz\n to Metro Driving Academy to be used at their Subang and Puchong campuses. The 50 cars were modified for driving school purposes by ACE, a subsidiary of Proton Global Services which specialises in custom builds and modifications.\nMetro Driving Academy is a licensed driving academy that was established in 1998. It has been awarded the Best Driving Academy and 5-Star Rated Driving Academy by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). Proton delivered the 50 cars in a handover ceremony to the Managing Director of Metro Driving Academy, Encik Mat Aris Bakar.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton is proud to continue to play a role in helping to educate and train new Malaysian drivers. The Proton Iriz is an excellent choice for new drivers as its combination of manoeuvrability, compact dimensions, and safety make it unimposing from behind the wheel. We are appreciative of the trust shown by Metro Driving Academy and hope this will encourage more driving schools to consider adding a Proton to their fleet.\u201d\nAccording to Proton, the most helpful feature for learner drivers would be the reverse camera and parking sensors in the Iriz. These provide both visual and audible parking assistance. The safety of learner drivers is also in good hands as the Proton Iriz was awarded a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and comes with a comprehensive list of safety features such as reinforced body structure using Hot Press Formed (HPF) steel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA).\nRELATED: \nProton sends 1000th car to South Africa \u2013 5,028 global exports as of Nov 2022\nRoslan Abdullah adds, \u201cDriving schools are a great touchpoint for Proton to get closer to the younger generation. With the collaboration with Metro Driving Academy, we can showcase the USPs offered by our products and tap into the psyche of potential first-time car buyers.\u201d\nThe 50 Proton Iriz delivered to Metro Driving Academy will certainly create memories for the learner drivers. Driving schools in Malaysia have always utilised a Proton or Perodua car in their fleet.\nRELATED: \nProton sends 16 staff to China for NEV Training, to finalise Smart #1 specs"
"After a few teaser shots of it \nin action\n, \nthe rear\n and even roaming \nthe \nstreets of Thailand\n, Ford Asia Pacific has finally \u201cbooked our timing\u201d to witness the global reveal of the all-new Ford Ranger.\nThe world premiere digital broadcast even, to be hosted in Melbourne, Australia, will be broadcast live on the Ford Australia Youtube channel (\nhere\n) from 6:00 P.M. local time on \nNovember 24th\n.\nIn an accompanying statement, Ford has reimagined, redesigned and reengineered the Ranger to be the smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever for customers in more than 180 markets around the world. Ford conducted more than 5,000 interviews and worked with hundreds of pick-up owners, in dozens of workshops across the globe to find out how owners used their trucks, what they liked, what they wished it had and what experiences mattered the most to them.\nWe will have to wait until November 24th for more details, but from the initial impression, it looks like the new Ranger has plenty of resemblance to the compact Maverick pick-up truck that is only available in North America.\n \nAs for powertrain options, expect the latest 2.0-litre Biturbo (213 hp, 500 Nm) paired with a 10-speed automatic to be available, while rumours of an electrified unit also persist."
"With the \nall-new Ranger\n pick-up truck being unveiled recently, Ford has now turned its attention to its SUV sibling \u2013 the upcoming all-new \nEverest\n \u2013 by unveiling its first official photos.\nThe next-generation Ford Everest is currently undergoing final development tests in the wilderness of Australian outskirts, and thus it\u2019s still wearing a unique camo livery to hide most of its details. Despite that, there are still several details that we can make out.\nThe Everest SUV is based on the latest Ranger\u2019s body-on-frame construction, so it\u2019s no wonder it shares many of the Ranger\u2019s features, including looks. These include pretty much the entire front fascia, featuring the Maverick-style C-shape headlights and a chrome trim bisecting the grille.\nWith it being a more civilian-oriented vehicle, however, Ford saw fit to introduce a simpler bumper design for the Everest, jettisoning the rugged H-shaped trim of the Ranger that surrounds the bottom half of the grille.\nCheck out the all-new Ford Ranger in more detail here!\n \nRound the back, the all-new Ford Everest gets a set of downturned L-shape tail lights, with a segmented light signature that looks somewhat like a mix between Peugeot and Lynk & Co design. There\u2019s a trim piece connecting the two tail lights together, although it remains to be seen if there are any LED elements hiding behind the blacked-out plastic bar.\nThere\u2019s an integrated third brake light at the centre of the roof-mounted spoiler, while the rear fog lights take up the corners of the rear bumper, giving it a more structured, square-ish look at the back.\nNo images have been shared on the upcoming Ford Everest\u2019s interior, but we think it won\u2019t be too different from the all-new Ranger\u2019s \u201cfuturistic\u201d cabin design, with a massive portrait-oriented screen dominating the centre stack.\nMechanicals should also remain fairly identical to the Ranger, which means there could be a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel mill topping the range, with outputs up to 253 hp. As for the lesser variants, the trusty 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel engine should also make its appearance here in both single- or bi-turbo form.\nFord says the all-new Everest will be officially unveiled in the first quarter of 2022, with sales to begin in the next quarter. Just like the Ranger, Ford has also confirmed that the Everest will be built at its assembly plant in Rayong, Thailand."
"Nissan will begin using a new type of steel that combines high tensile strength with an ability to withstand high levels of deformation as it would help future models reduce emissions while offering unrivalled protection to occupants.\nNissan is the \nworld\u2019s first carmaker\n to use the high-formability steel. Being thinner and lighter, it still has the strength and flexibility to form parts with complex shapes yet able to absorb energy in a collision.\nThe \nInfiniti QX50\n that went on sale earlier this year in the US is the \nworld\u2019s first vehicle \nto be reinforced with this high tensile strength steel as the material makes up for 27% of the car.\nNissan plans to expand the use of this material, which enhances fuel efficiency as well as driving performance by lowering vehicle weight, to other models. It wants to implement the material to\u00a0make up for 25% of the company\u2019s vehicle parts by weight."
"Honda Malaysia officially debuted the \nfacelifted Honda HR-V range\n before the Lunar New Year and today we can already see a number of them running about. Today, the HR-V Hybrid made its first public debut at the company\u2019s Chinese New Year luncheon with the media.\nLike the positioning of the \nJazz\n and \nCity\n Sport Hybrids, the HR-V Hybrid while priced more expensive than the mid-spec HR-V 1.8L V, it wears the same equipment levels as the entry-level HR-V 1.8L E. As it stands, the HR-V 1.5L Hybrid is priced at RM120,800 on-the-road without insurance.\nQUICK\u00a0FACTS\n Name\n \nHonda HR-V 1.5L Hybrid \n Engine\n 1,496cc; 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC\n Transmission\n 7-speed DCT\n Max Power\n 132 hp @6,000 rpm\n Max Torque\n 156 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\n Electric Motor Max Power\n 29.5 hp @ 1,313 \u2013 2,000 rpm\n Electric Motor Max Torque\n 160 Nm @ 0 \u2013 1,313 rpm\n Combined Output\n 152 hp; 190 Nm\n Price (OTR without insurance)\n RM120,800\nExterior items you\u2019ll\nfind on the HR-V Hybrid include projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running\nlights, platinum design Honda Wing grille, new fog lamp housing with halogen\nbulbs, chrome trim across the tailgate, body painted door handles, shark fin\nantenna and dotted LED taillamps like the pre-facelift model. It rides on the\nsame 17-inch dual-tone five-spoke alloy wheel design as before but gets new set\nof 215/55 profile Continental UltraContact UC6 rubbers.\nInside, you\u2019ll find\nhalf leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, keyless\nentry and start, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, single-zone automatic\nclimate control, 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with HDMI input,\nfour-speakers, cruise control and reverse camera.\nUnique to the Hybrid variant\nare the illuminated Power start button, electronic gear selector and Hybrid\nMulti-Info Display. The MID displays the charge status of the hybrid system and\nhas a blue ring light around the centre dials.\nUnder the hood, the HR-V Hybrid spots the Sport Hybrid i-DCD system combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine (132 hp/156 Nm) and an electric motor (29.5 hp/160 Nm). Combined output is rated at \n152 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n, driving the front wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.\nSafety wise, the hybrid-powered HR-V features 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal. Unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t get the Honda Lane Watch Camera that is exclusive to the \nHR-V RS\n.\nThe Honda HR-V Hybrid is available in four exterior colours \u2013 Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl (RM300 option) while a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 8-Years Unlimited Mileage for the Hybrid Battery Pack is standard with every purchase.\nBut before you jump on board with the latest and \ngreatest\u00a0\ntechnology carmakers have to offer (especially electrification), \nbe sure to be well informed of what you\u2019re getting into\n.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nHonda\u00a0HR-V Hybrid\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM), the financial services arm of \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n, today introduced two new insurance and takaful plans under the Mercedes-Benz Protection Programme for Mercedes-Benz owners in Malaysia.\nThe new Star Protect and Star Protect Plus insurance and takaful plans, billed as a \u201cfirst-of-its-kind\u201d in the premium motor insurance and takaful category, offers a temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement vehicle benefit for up to 20-days, if the insured car is in an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop for accident repair.\nThe plans also include new benefits such as a unlimited-mileage nationwide towing service for breakdowns and accidents, and even floods. Under the towing plan, customers can also utilise the 24-hour minor roadside repair service, as well as free assistance in arranging value-added benefits such as accommodation, taxi transportations, and cross-border towing services \u2013 customers will only have to pay for these benefits if used.\nAs standard, the new insurance and takaful plans now cover basic loss or damages resulting from accidental collision, burglary, housebreaking, theft and attempted theft, or any malicious acts. Additional protection is also provided for impact damage caused by falling trees.\nAdditionally, the new packages also offer coverage for car key replacements, compensation for loss due to window snatch theft, flood relief allowance, as well as personal accident (PA insurance) coverage for the driver and up to four passengers. The Star Protection Plus plan offers additional tyres and rims protection \u2013 the only difference between the two plans.\nThe new insurance and takaful plans are underwritten by Allianz General Insurance, AmGeneral Insurance, MSIG Insurance, Zurich General Insurance, and Zurich General Takaful. Star Protect and Star Protect Plus insurance and takaful plans are now available at all authorised Mercedes-Benz Malaysia dealerships. More information on the new insurance plans can be found on the MBSM website, \nhere\n.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia recently released the \nrevised price list\n for its model line-up, in reflection of the recently-announced \nsales tax exemption period\n, as part of the government\u2019s short-term economy recovery plan. For the updated price lists of all other car brands in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Caltex has concluded the\n \nCaltex Ohay\u014d Contest\n by rewarding two lucky customers with a brand-new \nToyota C-HR\n after being selected as the grand prize winners of the promotional campaign.\nThe two winners, Khairul Fikrie bin Alias, 34 and Mohd Yarid bin Ahmad, 32, both hailing from Pahang, were expectedly overjoyed when they were informed of their win.\n\u201cI am a loyal Caltex customer so when I heard about the contest, I did not hesitate to try my luck,\u201d said Khairul Fikrie. \u201cWith my Journey Card in hand, I made sure every fuel purchase exceeded the RM30 threshold. Now that I have won, I can take road trips in my new Toyota C-HR with family and friends \u2013 Thank you, Caltex!\u201d\nMeanwhile, Mohd Yarid described his win as a pleasant surprise: \u201cFor the longest time, I have never thought of winning a car from a contest like this. It is something very farfetched for an average person like me. I wasn\u2019t putting my hopes too high, but miracles do happen. It\u2019s such a surreal feeling to have won a car from this and I am very grateful to Caltex for giving me this opportunity!\u201d\nThe Caltex Ohayo promotion, which ended on July 15 2020, rewarded lucky customers with the experience on \u201call things Japanese\u201d with prizes from Panasonic, and AEON, in addition to the grand prizes of two Toyota C-HR SUVs. Do keep a lookout on Caltex\u2019s official social media channels as the second and third-prize winners of the contest will also be announced soon.\nChevron Malaysia Limited Deputy General Manager, Jeff Tan said, \u201cAt Caltex, we constantly seek novel and creative ways to reward our customers through good and challenging times, and this was exactly what we did with the Ohayo promotion.\n\u201cThe prize presentation also came at an opportune time, as we would also like to take this opportunity to wish the nation Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan and Selamat Hari Malaysia, in conjunction with Malaysia\u2019s two very special national celebrations,\u201d he added.\nIf you\u2019ve unfortunately missed out on the Ohayo contest, Caltex is now running a \u201cTap & Win via Visa Contactless\u201d initiative until September 30 2020, where customers can stand a chance to win up to 100% cashback and the grand prize of a \nMercedes-Benz A200 Sedan\n with just a 10-time minimum spend of RM5.\nAdditionally, Caltex has also collaborated with European food storageware brand Nutrifresh, offering customers who pump any amount of fuel at a Caltex station to buy one Nutrifresh product and get another free. The offer will run from September 9, whilst stocks last."
"Made by the same guys that brought us a completely unrecognisable Mazda RX-7 FD driven by Han in the \u201cFast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift\u201d, the latest body kit by Veilside significantly transforms the first generation AH10 Toyota Alphard\u2019s front end into a Roll-Royce.\nVeilside calls it \nThe Dominator\n \u2013 presumably from the combination of sheer presence that both the Alphard and Rolls-Royce has. There\u2019s a little bit of the\n new Phantom VIII\n and the \nnew Cullinan\n in this \u2013 with horizontal slates under its headlamps but unlike the Roll-Royce, the kit for the Alphard actually features turn signals.\nAs the saying goes, the devil is in the details and Veilside has even gone to the extent of replicating the font of the Rolls-Royce emblem. However, instead of two R\u2019s overlapping each other, it\u2019s the V and S alphabets, for Veilside of course.\nThe kit consists of a front bumper, front grille, front hood, front fenders and turn indicators\n as you can see here\n and will set you back 698,000 Yen or \napproximately RM28,300\n. If you want the full blown package, there is the optional side skirts for 72,000 Yen (approx. RM2,919).\nSource: \nVeilside\nGALLERY"
"Toyota Malaysia is now taking orders for the Toyota Vios Sports Edition, a variant specifically inspired by \nToyota Gazoo Racing\u2019s Vios Challenge race car\n. Unlike the TGR spec, this Vios is completely road legal despite looking almost identical in outward appearance.\nThe Vios Sports Edition gets sports aero kit with rear spoiler and black-painted alloy wheels. The decals that you see on the car is exactly what you\u2019ll be getting, and of course this is on top of all the curious heads it\u2019ll turn on the road.\nIt\u2019s not all show no go, though. This special Vios gets sports suspension which lowers the centre of gravity by up to 27mm. Visually, you can also tell that it sits closer to the ground compared to the roll-off-the-mill Vios. This suspension helps improve cornering stability and reduces body roll as well.\nInside, the car gets unique fabric seat design with the Sports edition emblem embroidered onto the carpet. The gear knob is also special, whereas the front footwell gets amber illumination \u2013 \nunlike the tacky blue ones previously fitted to the 1.5 GX\n.\nThe Toyota Vios Sports Edition is priced at \nRM85,300 before insurance\n and is covered with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. Customers who purchase this Vios will receive a complimentary Sports Edition merchandise comprised of a TGR polo shirt that can be customised with their name, cap and tumbler. The order books are now open at all authorised Toyota dealerships nationwide."
"If you\u2019re in the market for a large people carrier, \nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM)\n has just launched the new 10-seater \nHyundai Staria\n in Malaysia. Available in three variants (Lite, Plus, and Max), the prices of the 10-seater Hyundai Staria start at \nRM179,888\n.\nYes, the 10-seater Hyundai Staria actually has 11 seats including the middle bench seat on the first row. However, since it doesn\u2019t have a proper three-point seat belt, it can\u2019t be considered an official 11th seat in Malaysia. With more people-carrying capacity, the 10-seater Hyundai Staria joins the \nseven-seater Staria Premium\n that was launched in October last year.\nEXTERIOR\nThe futuristic look of the Hyundai Staria is hard to miss. It is also a very large vehicle, measuring longer, wider, and taller than the \nKia Carnival\n. The Staria measures 5,253mm, 1,997 mm, and 1,990 mm in terms of length, width, and height. The Kia Carnival measures 5,155 mm, 1,995 mm, and 1,775 mm in the same dimensions.\nStandard exterior equipment on the 10-seater Hyundai Staria \u201cLite\u201d are:\n17-inch alloy wheels\nLED headlights\nBulb taillights\nRear bulb fog lights\nLED daytime running lights\nManual sliding doors\nThe \u201cPlus\u201d variant adds on:\nLED Taillights\nRear LED Foglights\nPower sliding doors\nParametric Pixel LED taillights\nThe \u201cMax\u201d version adds on:\n18-inch alloy wheels\nSmart Sliding doors with one-touch button\nElectric tailgate with Smart System\nRemaining exclusive to the seven-seater version Hyundai Staria Premium is the following exterior features:\nFull LED headlamps (Premium-exclusive)\nBrass trim options\n1st-row double-laminated soundproof glass\nTouch-type outside door handle (1st row)\nPERFORMANCE\nLike the seven-seater Hyundai Staria Premium, the 10-seater is powered by the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All \n177 hp\n and \n431 Nm\n are sent to the front wheels and the Hyundai Staria does 0-100 km/h in \n12.4 seconds\n. Although the Staria is offered with a 3.5-litre V6 petroleum gasoline engine in other markets, all four versions in Malaysia are sticking to the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine.\nINTERIOR\nWith more seats in the cabin, the 10-seater Staria has a 2-3-2-3 seat arrangement (3-3-2-3 if you consider it an 11-seater). This means there are no plush second-row seats from the seven-seater version. Even in its most basic form, the \u201cLite\u201d variant, the Staria still gets a an eight-inch touchscreen unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 10-seater Staria also uses a basic gear lever instead of the shift-by-wire buttons in the seven-seater Staria Premium.\nRELATED: \n2021 Hyundai Staria Premium launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM359k\nStandard interior equipment on the 10-seater Hyundai Staria \u201cLite\u201d includes:\n4.2-inch digital instrument cluster\nFabric (black) upholstery\nManually adjustable driver seat\n8 USB sockets (7 for charging, 1 for connectivity)\nPower up-and-down window for driver only\n8-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay\nThe \u201cPlus\u201d variant adds on:\n10.25-inch TFT digital instrument cluster\nSemi Nappa Leather (Carbon) upholstery\nPower up-and-down window for driver and front passenger\nSurround view monitor\nThe \u201cMax\u201d variant adds on:\nNappa Leather (black) Upholstery\nPower-adjustable driver seat\nSmart Cruise Control with Stop & Go\nWireless phone charger\nHigh-beam assist\nElectrochromatic rear-view mirror\nDual-zone auto air-conditioning system\nSmart walk-in entry system\nAuto Light Control\nSAFETY\nIn its highest variant, the 10-seater Hyundai Staria features the full suite of the Hyundai SmartSense safety system. This includes:\nForward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)\nLane Keeping Assist (LKA)\nBlind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)\nSafe Exit Assist (SEA)\nSmart Cruise Control (SCC)\nLane Following Assist (LFA)\nRear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)\nThe most basic \u201cLite\u201d variant doesn\u2019t come with the full suite of Hyundai SmartSense, but be rest assured that the following safety features are standard across all variants of the Hyundai Staria:\nABS & ESC\nFront & rear parking sensors\nHill-start Assist Control (HAC)\nRear Occupant Alert (ROA)\nThe 10-seater Stari does not get a sunroof.\nPRICING\nOffered in three variants, prices for the 10-seater Hyundai Staria start at \nRM 179,888\n for the \u201cLite\u201d variant, and maxes out at \nRM 209,888 \nfor the \u201cMax\u201d variant.\nHyundai Staria Lite \u2013 \nRM179,888\nHyundai Staria Plus \u2013 \nRM196,888\nHyundai Staria Max \u2013 \nRM209,888\nThe seven-seater Hyundai Staria Premium is priced at RM 366,768 with SST. As standard, the price of the Hyundai Staria includes a two-year/50,000km warranty. To extend the warranty to five years/300,000 km (alongside a 50,000 km free scheduled maintenance package), you would have to pay an additional RM 10,000.\nALSO WATCH: \n2021 Hyundai Staria Premium launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nGALLERY\n4.2-inch digital instrument cluster for the \u201cLite\u201d"
"Geely\n has unveiled yet another sub-brand, this time a new luxury electrified offshoot, dubbed Geely Galaxy. The company is leaving no stones unturned, with an ambitious seven model line-up already planned for the next two years for the new sub-brand.\nThe seven models will include four long-range plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and three fully-electric battery electric vehicles (BEV), two of those were showcased at the brand\u2019s launch yesterday: a production-ready PHEV SUV called the Galaxy L7, and an EV concept dubbed Galaxy Light.\nThe Galaxy sub-brand is said to integrate Geely\u2019s global car development capabilities to offer its customers \u201cbest in class intelligent and electrified vehicles\u201d. The full EVs will be built on a \u201cdedicated smart electrified architecture\u201d, which we assume is likely to be derived from its existing \nScalable Electric Architecture (SEA)\n, while the PHEVs will utilise the E-CMA platform.\nThe Geely Galaxy models will also feature a new \u201cfuturistic\u201d design language that was created specifically for the sub-brand. As seen from the photos of the L7 and Galaxy Light, the design is characterised by slim lighting elements and sharp angles throughout the entire vehicle.\nALSO READ: \nGeely launches new \u2018Radar Auto\u2019 outdoors EV sub-brand, RD6 pick-up to offer 600 km of range\nIn terms of model launches, the PHEVs will be arriving first, starting with the Geely Galaxy L7 SUV as previewed yesterday in the second quarter of 2023. This will then be followed by a yet unseen L6 sedan in the third quarter.\nThe hybrid models will feature the Geely\u2019s latest generation of PHEV powertrain, dubbed NordThor Hybrid 8848, which boasts a maximum thermal efficiency of up to 44.2%. Paired to a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and what the marque calls \u201cthe industry\u2019s first predictive energy management system\u201d, the new hybrid powertrain is said to improve fuel economy by up to 15% over Geely\u2019s existing PHEVs.\nOn the Geely Galaxy L7 SUV, this translates to a fuel consumption of \n5.23 l/100 km\n, or roughly 1,370 km of range from a single tank of fuel in hybrid driving conditions \u2013 pure electric range will be announced later. In terms of performance, the hybrid SUV is able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in \n7.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n200 km/h\n.\nAs for the EVs, the first to launch will be the Galaxy E8 flagship, which is scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year. It\u2019ll be the first to utilise Geely\u2019s latest Aegis battery safety system, which promises increased protection against direct impacts to the battery during crash situations.\nThe new battery safety system works together with the vehicle\u2019s \nWise Star Cloud Connected Central Computing System\n, allowing the car to accurately predict and pre-empt thermal runaways and other dangerous situations, and thereby increasing its battery life by up to 20%.\nRELATED: \nZeekr X EV revealed \u2013 third model after Zeekr 001 & 009 based on Geely platform\nGeely did not explicitly mention this, but it\u2019s likely that the Galaxy Light is indeed a preview to the upcoming fully-electric Galaxy E8. The model\u2019s design will most likely be toned-down for production, but the large screen within the cabin will most likely remain in some form, running the marque\u2019s latest smart vehicle operating system called Galaxy N-OS.\nThe vehicle will be powered by Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 8155 vehicle processor, which enables what Geely calls \u201cthe fastest system startup and response time in its class\u201d, taking only half a second to be operational from boot up.\nThe operating system will also be connected to Geely Holding Group\u2019s network of satellites, which allows for \u201ccentimetre-accurate precision positioning\u201d and \u201chigh-precision maps to assist in intelligent driving functionality\u201d.\nThe company expects to launch all 72 satellites by the end of 2025, providing \u201cfull global coverage\u201d for its new Galaxy models \u2013 which could hint at Geely\u2019s export plans.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has just updated its model line-up, with many of its models now being offered with \u201ccomfort-oriented suspensions\u201d starting March 2023. More specifically, the \nBMW 218i Gran Coupe\n, as well as the X3 sDrive20i M Sport, will now be offered with the marque\u2019s Standard Suspension system with a softer spring and damper set-up, which the company says will enable a more comfortable ride in these models.\nThe change will be much welcomed on the former, as it was widely criticised for being \ntoo harshly sprung\n for such a compact model.\nThe X3 xDrive30i M Sport, and \nX3 xDrive30e M Sport\n, meanwhile, will now be offered with an Adaptive Suspension set-up, replacing the previously fitted M Sport Suspension and Standard Suspension respectively. BMW says the new set-up is designed to reduce disruptive vehicle movements to a minimum, with shock absorbers that automatically adapt to road conditions.\nAdditionally, the recently-updated \nBMW 330i M Sport\n will also now be offered with a set of Adaptive M Suspension, replacing the previous M Sport Suspension. The new Adaptive M Suspension offers \u201cincreased sportiness\u201d compared to the previous set-up thanks to the electronically controlled dampers with individual control for each wheel, and can also adapt to the different driving conditions based on the drive mode selected via the Driving Dynamics control switch on the car\u2019s central console.\nBMW Malaysia has yet to confirm if the updated specifications have resulted in a price change, but we have reached out to the company for clarification \u2013 the price list below will be updated as soon as we received confirmation. As of now, the models are priced as follows, inclusive of the extended five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and service package.\nBMW 218i Gran Coupe: RM235,800\nBMW X3 sDrive20i M Sport: RM329,800\nBMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport: RM367,800\nBMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport: RM371,800\nBMW 330i M Sport: RM317,800"
"Mercedes-AMG has just added two entry-level variants to the new \nMercedes-AMG GT four-door coupe\n, the AMG GT 43 4MATIC+ and the AMG GT 53 4MATIC+, both equipped with the marques new 3.0-litre in-line six engines.\nThe GT 43 comes equipped with a 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six mill that pushes out \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. The engine is further supported by an \nEQ Boost integrated starter-generator (ISG)\n that supplies additional \n22 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n for seamless engine performance and improved fuel economy.   Drive is transferred to all four corners via an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission, allowing the GT 43 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.9 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n270 km/h\n.\nThe GT 53 follows the same recipe \u2013 3.0-litre in-line six with EQ Boost ISG and 9-speed auto combo \u2013 but the petrol engine commands increased output of \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of twist. Century sprint time is also slashed to \n4.5 seconds\n while top speed is raised to \n285 km/h\n.\nThere are not many visual differences from the in-line six powered AMG GT four-door coupe compared to the \nV8 powered variants\n \u2013 Panamericana grille, adaptive spoiler, quad exhaust outlets and AMG styling body kit; albeit all in a more mellow design.\nBut the elephant in the room is the Black 21-inch AMG five-spoke alloys on the Jupiter Red GT 43 that in this author\u2019s opinion, is one of the most stunning looking wheels ever fitted on a modern car. It pays tribute to the wheel design fitted on the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG that looks badass on the W202 C-Class. Now before you grab your pitchforks to Affalterbach, AMG does offer other wheel designs for the GT 43 but nothing half as cool as this.\nSee the resemblance?\n\u00a0\nThe idea of the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 and 53 4MATIC+, is to bring the entry price point of the four-door coupe to more \u201caffordable levels\u201d but in Europe, the company is asking \u20ac95k and \u20ac109k respectively.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GT 43 4MATIC+ 4-door Coupe   Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ 4-door Coupe"
"In conjunction with the upcoming 63rd Merdeka celebrations, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is offering attractive promotions valid till the 30th of September 2020.\nCustomers interested in the Mitsubishi ASX may opt to trade in their current vehicles for an additional RM8,888 trade-in top-up support from MMM authorised dealers. The promotion also comes with 5-years free maintenance and 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.\nThose who opt for the Outlander 2.0-litre will receive a cash rebate of up to RM4,000 and 2-years free maintenance. As for the Outlander 2.4-litre, customers will receive up to RM2,000 and 2-years free maintenance as well. Both variants of the Outlander comes with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.\nAs for those interested in the Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium, and Triton VGT MT Premium, they can either opt for cash rebates or a low-interest rate of up to 0.88%. The 0.88 low-interest rate is exclusive with Maybank or Public Bank hire purchase only.\nFor the latest price list of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n!"
"Clearly, the \nCovid-19\n pandemic has caused a lasting financial impact for many people. Case in point: Ken Block, the professional rally driver best known for his \u201cGymkhana\u201d YouTube series, is now putting up his \u201cdream cars\u201d for sale. We kid, but the cars are really being sold.\nThree of Ken Block\u2019s cars are currently listed on LBI Limited\u2019s website, a company specialising in trading collector cars: the 2011 Ford Fiesta ST \u201cGYM3\u201d, the 2013 Fiesta ST \u201cRX43\u201d, as well as a rare 1986 Ford Escort RS200 that makes over 800 hp.\n \nThe first two in the list perhaps makes a little bit of sense, since Ken Block and his Hoonigan Racing team only just recently split up (amicably, we should add) with the Blue Oval brand. The RS200 however, was one of Block\u2019s most prized possession, with him affectionately calling it his \u201cdream car\u201d, so it\u2019s a little odd to see it being sold.\nAnyway, the first Fiesta in the list is the exact one featured in the 11-year-old Gymkhana Three video. Starting life off as just a regular Ford Fiesta ST, Block turned to Swedish racing team Olsbergs MSE to transform it specifically for his Gymkhana antics.\nUnderneath the bonnet is an Olsbergs\u00a02.0-litre Duratec engine, which makes \n600 hp\n and nearly \n900 Nm\n of torque. Supposedly, these engines are capable of making north of 850 hp, but Ken Block preferred the torque band in this tune to better control his car around tight obstacles.\nWorking in conjunction with the six-speed sequential gearbox and all-wheel drive, the Fiesta ST GYM3 propels from a standstill to 100 km/h in the two seconds range.\nThe next Fiesta ST meanwhile, dubbed \u201cRX43\u201d, is featured in the three separate Gymkhana videos: Six, Eight, and Terrakhana, with a combined view count of over than 100 million. Ken Block fans will also know that this RX43 Fiesta ST brought him his first-ever Rallycross win, back in 2013.\nThis one here is modified by M-Sport, with a\n 600 hp \n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine launching it from 0-100 km/h in \u201cunder two seconds\u201d \u2013 that\u2019s \nfaster than a F1 car off the line\n, by the way.\nLBI Limited doesn\u2019t list the prices for the two Gymkhana Fiesta STs; you\u2019ll have to inquire directly with them to find out. Don\u2019t expect it to be cheap though, considering the extensive modifications and of course, their YouTube fame.\nLast but not least \u2013 and arguably perhaps the coolest one in the list \u2013 is the Ford Escort RS200, which Block says is his \u201cfavourite car of all time\u201d. Born from the Group B rally era, Ken Block\u2019s RS200 unit here is number 80 out of the 200 ever made for homologation requirements.\nBlock\u2019s RS200 is also one of the 24 that were upgraded to EVO specifications, which means the 2.1-litre Cosworth four-cylinder engine makes \nover 800 hp\n on race fuel. This car here also gets custom K&W coilovers, alongside a custom exterior and interior makeover to Ken Block\u2019s signature style.\nThe RS200 does get a price here, at USD550,000 (~RM2.3 million). A small price to pay, we think, for a piece of Group B history, and even more so for the hardcore Ken Block fan.\nAnd just for posterity\u2019s sake, here are some of the Gymkhana videos featuring the two Ford Fiestas.   GALLERY"
"It\u2019s called the Robocar. Built by Roborace, it became the first ever race car in the history of the Goodwood Festival of Speed to have completed the traditional Hillclimb without a driver in it.\nThe electric race car utilised a variety of sensors located around the vehicle to give it 360-degree \u201cvision\u201d. The information gathered from the sensors provide the Robocar with the ability to localise its position and detect drivable surfaces and objects using \ndeep neural networks\n.\nIts speed was limited to \n120 km/h\n \u2013 allowing visitors to have a clearer look of the car as it made its way up the Hill but honestly, the whole idea and concept of a driverless race (should there ever be one) just sounds weird.\n\u201cIt is an enormous achievement for a race car to complete the very first run of the hill using only artificial intelligence,\u201d said Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond and Founder of the Festival of Speed.\nSure that\u2019s rather impressive but really, what\u2019s its purpose? To eliminate the need for drivers with the most outlandishly reckless drivers?\nIt\u2019s hard to imagine Formula 1 being this \u201csterile\u201d as part of what makes motorsport interesting are the drivers and their individual driving styles and behaviour, both on and off track.\nImagine what the pinnacle of motorsports would be like if it were to lose the arrogant confidence of Lewis Hamilton, the outlandish maneuvers of Daniel Ricciardo and of course, the blatantly crude and short replies of Kimi Raikkonen.\nWhere\u2019s the fun in that? Sure, lap times tumble and accidents reduced without the likes of Max Verstappen around but who wants to see such a clean and calamity-free race?\nA future where driverless race cars are controlled by computers and monitored indoors through multiple screens \u2013 is not one I\u2019d like to live in.\nRobocar is the \nworld\u2019s first autonomous race car\n and is the creation of those behind Hollywood films like Oblivion and Tron: Legacy. It weighs 1,350 kg and is powered by four 135 kW (\n184 hp\n) electric motors \nused to drive each wheel\n, for a combined output in excess of \n500 hp\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In line with the newly installed Pakatan Harapan Government\u2019s move to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 0%, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will offer GST rebates for Nissan models registered from 16 to 31 May 2018.\nUnder this promotion, ETCM will provide full GST cash rebates between RM4.6k to RM9.4k for its customers ahead of 1st June 2018 when the 0% GST takes effect. When the new fiscal policy is in place, ETCM will honour the new zero-rated GST price list as below:\nAdditionally, ETCM also encourages customers to take advantage of the Duit Raya Rewards promotion throughout the month of May with \nattractive cash rebates of up to RM13,000\n and lucky draw prizes such as an OSIM uLove Massage Chair (worth RM19,888) when they purchase a new Nissan vehicle.\nWith car prices plummeting thanks to zero-rated GST, we have highlighted some tips and tricks on \nwhether you should buy a new car amidst the \u201ctax-free holiday\u201d\n."
"The New Car Assessment Programme for South East Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) has just released its latest crash test results for the MG 3 and Renault Kwid and the two cars did not do very well. The MG 3 fared a measly 2 Stars while the Renault was given 0 Stars. As a comparison, the \nPerodua Myvi scored full 5 Stars ASEAN NCAP rating\n.\nLet\u2019s dissect the cars in a little more detail. The MG 3, which is sold in Thailand, gets a decent list of safety equipment such as dual airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, ISOFIX mounting points and Seatbelt Reminder yet, its poor performance in the impact tests brought the car\u2019s overall scoring down.\nThe MG 3 scored zero in the offset frontal impact showing its poor structural rigidity in a head-on collision. All its 19.58 points (out of 50) in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category was solely contributed by its side-impact score. To put things into perspective, the Myvi scored 45.43 points in the AOP category.\nOnto the Kwid which is destined for the Indonesian market (made in India), the 0 Star rating is due to the absence of safety assist systems (ABS, ESC), single airbag set up and the car\u2019s weak overall structural rigidity. Results have shown that in a frontal and side impact collision, the front occupants sustained serious injury to the chest area.\nFortunately for us, these two models are not sold here in Malaysia as our country adheres to the UNECE standards for crash safety standards. This means cars sold in Malaysia must live up to crash safety standards dictate by UNECE.\nSo, the next time you go banging on the \npoor\n safety standards of cars in Malaysia, know that we are making good progress in making cars safer for everyone. Even a compact hatchback."
"Ahead of Auto Shanghai which is set to happen later this month, it is revealed that \nZeekr\n, the Geely premium electric sub-brand may soon make its way to Malaysia. The news comes as part of the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)\u2019s investment mission to China.\nZeekr\u2019s upcoming arrival to Malaysia was indirectly announced through \nSmart Malaysia\u2019s Facebook post\n that reads, \u201cThe delegation test-drove various EV models, including the \nSmart #1\n and were thoroughly impressed by the premium design and advanced technology of the EV cars from Geely and Zeekr, heightening the anticipation of their arrival to Malaysia, with the Smart #1 expected to be the first on the road.\u201d\nOver the past few days, Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz has been seen testing several Chinese electric cars during his visit. Through the images that he has shared on social media, it can be seen that he has test-drove the Zeekr 001 and even the soon-to-launch \nLotus Eletre\n electric car.\nDatuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz\u2019s delegation to China included MITI, MIDA, MATRADE, DRB-HICOM, and local car maker Proton. The visit takes place just a few weeks ahead of Auto Shanghai which is set to happen later this month. Stay tuned for that as \nAutoBuzz.my\n will be covering the international motorshow.\nRELATED: \nZeekr X EV revealed \u2013 third model after Zeekr 001 & 009 based on Geely platform\nInside the Lptus Eletre\nThrough his social media accounts, Tengku Zafrul was also seen in talks with Chery for investments in Malaysia. Through the investment mission, it was reported that the ministry has secured RM170 billion in foreign direct investments. Malaysia has also secured RM2.44 billion in potential exports.\nUnder the Geely umbrella, the Zeekr 001 shares design traits with the Lynk & Co 01. The first electric car under the Geely group that will make it to Malaysia is the \nSmart #1\n. It will be distributed by PRO-NET, which is a new energy subsidiary of \nProton\n.\nProton later released a press statement on the ministry\u2019s visit to the Ningbo plant. The event saw the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HOA) document between DRB-HICOM and Geely that sealed their commitment to jointly invest, manage, and develop the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim into a smart city and hub for Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV). Over the next 10 years, AHTV is expected to attract investments worth an estimated RM32 billion.\nProton Chairman, Dato\u2019s Sri Syed Faisal Albar said, \u201cI am pleased to highlight after five years into their partnership, Proton and Geely have made great strides in bringing new products, technology, and investment to Malaysia. Following the signing of the HOA in Beijing on 1 April, it is now clear AHTV has great potential to attract RM32 billion of investment and today\u2019s visit to Ningbo demonstrates the PROTON and Geely partnership will continue to prosper with the future implementation of NEV programmes.\u201d\n\u201cWe acknowledge the importance of Malaysia becoming the regional hub for NxGV products hence Proton as the national brand will play an active role in contributing significantly towards achieving the nation\u2019s goals. To be competitive, Proton and the automotive ecosystem must invest in research and development (R&D), as well as advanced manufacturing processes. With progressive development of AHTV and constant engagement among stakeholders especially the Government of Malaysia, DRB-HICOM, Geely Group, Proton and automotive ecosystem, these goals are within reach.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGeely\u2019s Zeekr 001 rolls out of Intelligent Factory at Ningbo\nGALLERY"
"With over 10,000 units sold in Malaysia after its debut in early 2015 and the waiting list stretching beyond the six-month mark, does the \nHonda HR-V\n\u00a0deserve the title\u00a0above?\nKnown as the Honda Vezel in Japan,\u00a0the HR-V is based on an extended platform from the third-generation \nHonda Jazz\n. The is also not Honda\u2019s first attempt at introducing the HR-V, in fact the first iteration of the HR-V was\u00a0a weird mashup between the Hummer and a platypus.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda HR-V 1.8L (Grade S)\nHonda HR-V 1.8L (Grade E)\nHonda HR-V 1.8L (Grade V)\nSegment\nB-Segment Compact Crossover\nEngine\n\u00a01,799cc; inline 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\nTransmission\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n\u00a0140 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n\u00a0172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0with\n\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM101,500\nRM111,100\nRM121,500\nWhile many subcompact crossovers like the \nFord EcoSport\n and Peugeot 2008 have failed to grasp the market, the HR-V was introduced at the right time, and boy does it pay. Malaysians who have eagerly waited for the HR-V reminds me of the Honda Cub (aka, the EX5) of yore, where decades ago Honda\u2019s ingenious two-wheels mobility solution generated a tremendous demand in the West.\nOver here, we tested the Grade V HR-V, which you may see was \npitted face-to-face with the handsome looking Mazda CX-3\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThe HR-V\u2019s aesthetics strike a fine balance between the larger CR-V and the smaller Jazz supermini, resulting in a handsome looking compact crossover that will appeal to most buyers. The front\u2019s bold design is more alluring when combined with the LED headlights with LED DRLs, while the sporty looking hidden rear door handles give it that alluring coupe-esque silhouette.   Also included in this review unit is the \u201c\nTough Advance Package\n\u201d, which for RM3,700 gives you bumper guards, extended side sills, and some chrome garnish under the foglamp. Not sure if these give the HR-V some ruggedness to it, but my kind advice is to spend that money elsewhere.\nI would say the overall package will be sweeter should Honda Malaysia equip the HR-V with 17-inch rims for the V-spec, as its puny 16-inch set didn\u2019t do justice to the car\u2019s overall handsome packaging.\nINTERIOR\nStep inside into the HR-V and you\u2019ll be greeted by an all-black interior with piano black instrument panels, giving the Honda a premium allure for the driver and occupants. The hard plastics blend in well with the interior, not leaving any sense of \u201ccheapness\u201d.   The gear lever is a tad too small for my liking, but the electronic parking brake is one welcoming feature that wasn\u2019t introduced to the Jazz or City.\nPerhaps the most prominent feature found in the cabin is the floating centre console, something we\u2019ve seen in Volvo cars over the past two decades. Underneath the centre console are dual USB sockets, a HDMI input and a 12 volt outlet.\nThe 7-inch infotainment screen and climate controls are both touch-sensitive and are easy to use, responsive but takes some time to get intuitive. The rear-view camera feeds a visual display onto the screen when reversing, and this proves to be useful no thanks to the slim rear windscreen panel during parking.\nWhile Honda\u2019s engineering capabilities are unquestionably good, the way they\u2019ve packaged the HR-V deserves some high praise. Riding on Honda\u2019s \u201cMan Maximum, Machine Minimum\u201d philosophy, the HR-V is by far the roomiest crossover in its class. The versatile \nMagic Seats\n\u00a0from the Jazz makes it even better. Just like the Jazz and City, the HR-V\u2019s fuel tank is positioned underneath the driver\u2019s seat, freeing more cargo space for a total of \n437 litres\n. When rear seats are folded flat, this will expand to a cavernous 1,032 litres.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe HR-V is powered by Honda\u2019s tried and tested \n140 hp R18A 1.8-litre\n four cylinder engine that have been in existence since the eighth-generation Civic. Luckily for us, we won\u2019t be getting the 1.5-litre lump used to power a 1.2 tonne crossover in Japan.\nSharing the similar\n\u00a0Honda EarthDreams CVT\n\u00a0(with seven virtual ratios) with the Jazz, the HR-V\u2019s powertrain does its job adequately.\u00a0Just like most modern Hondas, an Econ mode is available, allowing the car to extract more km/litre, a useful feature to use in all occasions.\nTHE DRIVE\nBeing a\u00a0crossover, the HR-V has already established itself as the practical car as opposed to the CX-3\u2019s more sporty credentials. Firstly, the CVT here is one of the better CVT gearboxes I have sampled, if only acceleration is not rushed. The omission of paddle shifters dampen things a little, especially during overtaking.\nThe HR-V\u2019s ride is pliable, translating to a rather comfortable experience while cruising on the highways.\u00a0Predictability and fun to drive factors are two things I would not associate the HR-V with, although we have to say that the refinement is decent enough.\u00a0The HR-V\u2019s quest for more space and lower cost means that rear axle management is overseen by a torsion beam setup, which explains the harsher ride quality for rear occupants.\nNo thanks to our poor road conditions, the HR-V\u2019s choppy ride became apparent, causing discomfort occupants inside. The comfort-based dampers aren\u2019t as promising as they sound, but the omission of 17-inch wheels in Malaysia proves to be quite the blessing in disguise.\nIS THIS THE CAR FOR YOU?\nLet\u2019s be clear. Honda didn\u2019t cheekily name this compact crossover as the\u00a0Highly Recommended Vehicle. However, the \u201cR\u201d could very well stand for as \u201cReliable\u201d or \u201cRobust\u201d because well, they make sense after all. Also, we\u2019re talking about\u00a0a solid Honda car which has brilliant residual values.\nBut will this be the vehicle I highly recommend? Well, it\u2019s close by a whisker. The HR-V is indeed solid compact crossover for the small family or urbanites, but the only gripes I have for it are the air con vent\u2019s design and harsh ride. Otherwise, it\u2019s a car that many will be happy living with, until the next best crossover comes along of course.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe subcompact crossover segment is decently competitive lately. With the introduction of the hip and sporty Mazda CX-3 (CKD assembly will commence soon), the HR-V is up against a real contender. For this round of comparisons, the HR-V will go head to head against the CX-3 and Europe\u2019s best selling subcompact crossover, the \nRenault Captur\n\u00a0which was just given a price cut\u00a0to \nRM117k\n.\nHonda HR-V\nMazda CX-3\nRenault Captur\nENGINE\nType\ninline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC\n4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC\n4-cyl turbo, direct injection\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,799cc\n1,998cc\n1,197cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n140/6,500\n154/6,000\n118/4,900\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n172/4,300\n204/2,800\n190/2.000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n7-speed Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC)\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nDrum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n215/60 R16\n215/50 R18\n205/55 R17\nWheels\n16-inch Alloy\n18-inch Alloy\n17-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,294mm\n4,275mm\n4,122mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,772mm\n1,765mm\n1,778mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,605mm\n1,535mm\n1,567mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,610mm\n2,570mm\n2,606mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,249 kg\n1,211 kg\n1,180 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n437 litres\n350 litres\n455 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n50 litres\n48 litres\n45 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\nN\\A\n6.6 litres\n5.4 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n188 km/h\n192 km/h\n192 km/h\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\nN\\A\nN\\A\n10.9\nPrice\nRM\nRM121,500.00 (OTR including insurance & GST)\nRM135,082.99 (OTR including insurance & GST)\nRM117,200.00 (OTR w/o Insurance & GST)\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIf common sense trumps emotion, then the HR-V would be the one to go for. The HR-V\u2019s overall package meets all the needs in daily motoring shenanigans and does so with flying colours. It\u2019s affordability (priced from RM100k) also makes it a very enticing proposition and should be convincing enough to sway those who are planning to upgrade from a B-Segment to a C.\nDespite excelling in many aspects, the Hiroshima-made subcompact would surely make me a happier new-car owner because of its looks and the way it drives.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This piece of news is probably one you\u2019ve been dreading to hear come true, but the outcome is simply unavoidable. It\u2019s the same old story; \ndevaluing Ringgit, rising production costs, rising operating costs\n and so on. As such, the prices will go up from a minimum of RM312 to RM2,021, depending on the model.\nProton has already been absorbing the increase of manufacturing costs since August 2015 by optimising operational costs through several rationalisation programmes. However, there\u2019s only so much they can do, and the Ringgit\u2019s 20 percent depreciation in such a short period of time didn\u2019t help at all. Despite that, Proton is still\u00a0\noffering promotions and cash rebates\n\u00a0of up to RM6,200 for selected 2015 models with a low 2.8 percent interest rate for all Proton cars.\nAt press time, Proton has yet to update its product pricing up to this point. Currently, there are six models on offer \u2013 the Saga, Persona, Preve, Suprima S, Iriz and Exora SUV. This year, the \nPerdana\n model will make a return, followed by the upcoming launches of the new Persona and Saga models. If all goes well by the end of 2016, we may just see\u00a0\nProton and Suzuki\u2019s\n\u00a0first ever co-developed product make it to life."
"Ford\u2019s long overdue SUV, the \nEverest\n, has just made its world premier at the 2015 Bangkok International Motor Show alongside the \nRanger facelift\n.\nIt\u2019s designed to meet Southeast Asian demand and live up to what is expected of a premium SUV. Unlike the previous Everest, this\u00a0\nseven seater\n\u00a0SUV isn\u2019t built on the Ranger T6\u2019s platform, but is new from the ground up, we\u2019re told.\nThe all-new Ford Everest world debut in 2015 Bangkok Motor Show. #Ford #FordEverest #FordBIMS #BIMS #BIMS2015\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 23, 2015 at 9:53pm PDT\nYou might notice a bit of design familiarity here with the Ranger, and you\u2019re not wrong to spot them because the Everest\u2019s front end looks like it is indeed chopped off the Ranger, except less bold, like that grille in particular. It boasts best-in-class all-terrain capability, further strengthening that ethos with a class best \n225 mm ground clearance\n and \n800 mm water-wading\n capability.   Inside, this SUV should be the answer to all your weekend outdoor excursions with more than \n30 cleverly positioned stowage spaces\n. It also comes with the \nActive Noise Cancellation\n feature which, like the Honda Accord\u2019s, uses three microphones inside the cabin to detect and measure noise.\nWhen sound is picked up by the microphones, a smart control module immediately generates opposing sound waves through the speakers to cancel out noise. To add comfort, the Everest also gets a generous amount of sound \ndeadening materials\n, optimising cabin sealing.   Not much is known in terms of its specifications, but Ford Asia Pacific revealed that two Duratorq engines will power this SUV: an updated\u00a0\n2.2-litre\n and \n3.2-litre\n diesel engines sourced from the \nRanger facelift\n. Output figures are exactly the same too. The former makes \n158 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque, whereas the \n3.2-litre\n engine makes \n197 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque. No mention on any EcoBoost engines, though.\nPower is channeled through a six-speed automatic gearbox to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the variant.\nIf you\u2019re wondering when the Everest will arrive here, Sime Darby Auto Connexion confirmed that its arrival will be sometime in August or September this year. Pricing for the 2.2L variant is said to be around \nRM150k to RM160k\n, whereas the 3.2L will be touching the RM200k figure. That said, does this SUV pique your interest? Let us know in the comments section below!\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Ford Everest at the Bangkok Motor Show   2015 Ford Everest Product Photos"
"There are still more than half a million vehicles in Malaysia fitted with faulty, life-threatening Takata airbags according to a Public Service Announcement (PSA) by Transport Minister, Anthony Loke.\nOn June 2018, Loke said that\u00a0\nowners who have yet to replace their faulty Takata airbags\n will not be allowed to renew their road tax and now the Road Transport Department (JPJ) together with affected car brands will issue reminders to affected owners to bring their vehicles in for a replacement. Owners of the affected vehicles who fail to do so will be given a\u00a0\nRM300 fine by JPJ\n.\nTo date, there have been seven Takata airbag-related deaths recorded in Malaysia, where the most recent happened on \n21 May 2018 involving a 2004 Honda City\n. Certainly, your life is worth more than a short trip to your nearest authorised dealership for a replacement, yes?\nTo check whether your car(s) are involved in a Takata Airbag recall campaign, access the online VIN checkers as listed below and follow the instructions provided:\nHonda \u2013 \nProduct Recall Honda\nToyota \u2013 \nSpecial Service Campaign\nNissan \u2013 \nRecall Campaign\nMazda \u2013 \nTakata Airbag Recall\nMitsubishi \u2013 \nMitsubishi Field Fix Campaign\nSubaru \u2013 \nTakata Airbag Recall\nBMW \u2013 \nTakata Airbag Technical Campaign\nLexus \u2013 1-800-88-53987"
"Since the launch of the newly improved \nShell\n FuelSave95 fuel in \nFebruary\n this year, Shell has been promoting the benefits of its new fuel, which includes providing deeper cleaning and improved protection for the engine, as well as extending your range by up to 15 km per tank. To further prove the effectiveness of the new fuel, Shell recently held its 2023 FuelSave 95 Challenge across the country, with the grand finale having taken place just yesterday, on \nJune 18\n, \n2023\n.\nFive winners from five different zones across the country, which include the Northern, Eastern, Southern, Central, and Borneo zones participated in the grand finale of the fuel economy challenge. Chin Li Qin (26) from Johor appeared as the winner of the challenge, clocking \n28.23 km/l\n during the grand finale challenge, which is an even higher achievement than his previous record of 25.45 km/l, driving home with the \nRM20,000\n grand prize.\nChin said after the prize-giving ceremony, \u201cI\u2019m genuinely excited to win the Grand Finale of Shell FuelSave 95 Challenge 2023, and I was surprised when my name was announced as the champion. It was impressive to see all participants achieving mileage beyond the average benchmark. Some roads were quite challenging, but I tried to keep myself calm and drive like I normally do back in my hometown.\u201d\nThe Grand Finale challenge took place at Shell SM Alisha, Shah Alam, with the participants driving through Cyberjaya \u2013 Bukit Jalil \u2013 Cheras \u2013 Ampang \u2013 Gombak \u2013 Sri Hartamas \u2013 Kota Damansara \u2013 Puncak Alam and returning to the starting point. The participants were provided with a fleet of \nHonda City\n cars for the challenge, and drove across various types of roads totalling up to \n121 km\n of distance.\nShell Mobility General Manager, Seow Lee Ming said, \u201cNow, not only are we able to quantify the fuel economy gained by the customers from a full tank of Shell FuelSave 95, but we are also able to witness the unbelievable mileage experienced by our customers, which further proves our New + Improved Shell FuelSave95 to be truly better by far.\u201d"
"Here we go again, with carmakers publishing their own \u201cspy shots\u201d showing off yet-to-be-announced models undergoing testing. Sorry, BMW, but the charm about spy shots is their inherent blurriness and mystique, as carmakers are still trying to keep their secret under wraps. When you hire your own photographers to do these photoshoots, the magic just falls apart.\nOkay, sorry, we got carried away. Why are we here again? Oh, right \u2013 what you\u2019re looking at here is the upcoming all-new i7, BMW\u2019s shiny new flagship electric sedan that will eventually replace the \n7 Series\n in the future, undergoing its final endurance tests in the icy weather of BMW Group winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden.\nA more traditional three-box shape, so I guess BMW is technically right.\nInterestingly, BMW calls the i7 the \u201cworld\u2019s first all-electric luxury sedan\u201d \u2013 which I guess is fair enough since the \nTeslas\n, \nTaycans\n, and \nMercedes-Benz EQ\n models are technically liftbacks/fastbacks, but it still doesn\u2019t really sit right with me.\nBut let\u2019s not fixate on technicalities, because there\u2019s a brand-new car in front of us that we can pore over. And from what we can see (over the inordinate amount of camouflage), it does indeed appear to carry a more traditional three-box design, with a charging port above the right rear wheel arch, and headlights at a bizarrely low position on the front fascia.\nBMW says the i7 will be officially launched sometime next year, which means we\u2019ll probably get to see more details of the new flagship EV model pretty soon. But at the meantime, the car is currently being tested for driving dynamics, as well as \u201cintegrated application of all drive and suspension systems\u201d.\nSpecifically, the suspension components, steering, braking, and vehicle stability systems are all being subjected to \u201cperformance-oriented tuning\u201d in line with the car\u2019s different driving modes \u201cto ensure maximum driver feedback and enjoyment\u201d, while the low-friction surface of Lapland\u2019s frozen lakes also give the engineers a chance to hone in on the car\u2019s Dynamic Stability Control system.\nAren\u2019t these headlights just a little too. low?\nOn top of that, the extreme sub-zero temperatures at the north of Sweden also makes it a perfect test bed for the electric powertrain\u2019s temperature control system, ensuring the motor and batteries remain completely functional in all weather and conditions.\nNo further information have been provided in terms of powertrain, but BMW says that the upcoming i7 will feature a powertrain based off of its fifth-generation eDrive technology, so we won\u2019t be surprised if it closely follows the \niX\n\u2018s performance figures.\nEither way, BMW\u2019s entrance to the electric executive sedan(-ish) space has been a long time coming. With so many players competing for the same piece of pie, it\u2019ll certainly be interesting to see what the Munich-based carmaker will pull out of its hat to claim the top spot against the other heavy hitters. Stay tuned.\nGALLERY"
"Ariel Atom, the automaker set out in little Somerset, England is set to send more English chills down our spine with a\u00a01196 hp electric supercar that is due for production in 2020, in a report by \nAutocar\n.\nThe British firm believes that it will be the fastest-accelerating and most advanced supercar in history, but not out of thin air. Codenamed the \nP40\n, it\u2019s two-seater aluminium monocoque chassis will be clad in carbon fibre body panels with an expected weight of around \n1600 kg\n \u2013 an obese by Ariel\u2019s standard.\nPower comes from four separate electric motors with liquid-cooled batteries mounted at the car\u2019s base. There will be a 4\u00d74 variant alongside a proposed \u201cslower\u201d two-wheel drive model. Both models will include a \nturbine range extender\n sitting at the back to provide continuous performance once the initial 200 km or so range is exhausted. It is estimated that a good 50 minutes of charging would get you 15 minutes of flat-out track driving.\nWith around \n1,800 Nm\n of torque, forecasted performance figures are simply uncomprehensible \u2013 0 to 100 km/h takes \n2.4 seconds\n, 0 to 160 km/h in \n3.8 seconds\n, 0 to 240 km/h in \n7.8 seconds\n with a restricted top speed of \n257 km/h\n. Reinforcements come in the form of an advance electronic traction control system, torque vectoring alongside regenerative braking.\nDue to be revealed later this month, the new Ariel is a result of a three company cooperative project called Hipercar (High-Performance Carbon Reduction) together with Innovate UK, a government technology agency.\nImage Credit: \narielatom.com"
"There aren\u2019t many crossovers available in Malaysia that shy away from the conventional SUV bodies except the Subaru XV being the only notable comparison.\nJudging from its facts and figures, features and proportions, it could be quite a hit should it be sold in our local market; which it wouldn\u2019t as the Xceed was created specifically for the European market.\nThere are up to five different engine options from 1.0-litre, 1.4-litre, and 1.6-litre turbocharged although the most feasible for our market seems to the 1.4-litre turbocharged T-GDi engine making 140 hp and 242 Nm.\nFor the curious, the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine makes as much as\n 204 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n; enough power to turn the Xceed into a \u201chot crossover\u201d. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed Dual Clutch unit.\nAs for the looks, it\u2019s almost impossible to point out a flaw in the Xceed\u2019s aesthetics from any angle. It bears the same \u201cice cube\u201d LED headlamp design like in the \nnew Kia Forte\n, slapped on to a body that does not have to try hard to impress.\nThe Xceed is equipped with either 16-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, with ground clearance rather at 174 mm and 184 mm. Decent figures, but it would be no match for the Subaru XV\u2019s 220 mm ground clearance. Then again, it may not even match the Subaru\u2019s off-road prowess so that shouldn\u2019t matter all that much.\nInside, the Xceed is laced with soft touch materials and is available with a new yellow-themed interior made up of yellow stitching for the seats and doors, yellow seat piping and metallic yellow highlights throughout the cabin.\nWhat it lacks in ground clearance, the Xceed makes up for it in bootspace where it\u2019s rated at 426-litres, giving it bragging rights over the Subaru XV\u2019s mere 345-litres.\nFeatures which have been made available also includes the Smart Power Tailgate, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a JBL Premium sound system with Clari-Fi technology, and the most significant of all, the brand\u2019s fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster \u2013 similar in size to the newly-launched DS7 Crossback.\nSmart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Smart Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist and High Beam Assist are among the driver assistance systems available.\nThe Xceed is supposedly more engaging to drive due to its bespoke suspension tuning, aimed at offering more compliant rides, absorbing large shocks and improved steering response.\nAccording to Kia, there will even be plug-in hybrid and 48V mild hybrid models available by 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the rebranding of the DS by Citroen into a separate entity, DS Automobiles is now introducing the updated DS 4. No longer carrying a Citroen name, the DS 4 is now available in two guises: the DS 4 and the DS 4 Crossback.\nExternally, major work has been done to the front, where the face received a \nnew DS grille\n and a pair of new \nDS LED Vision\n headlamps. The back receives a new pair of tail lights along with the new lettering. Elsewhere, it looks just like the outgoing Citroen DS 4, with its semi-crossover hatchback body style.\n \n \nBut if the standard DS 4 is still not \ncrossover\n enough for you, you need the \nDS 4 Crossback\n. The Crossback rides \n30 mm higher\n than the standard DS 4, as well as having additional \nwheel arch extensions\n and \nroof rails\n. Some parts are also finished in \ngloss black\n, such as the middle section of the front bumper, side mirrors, and rear roof spoiler.\nThe interior has been revamped slightly, the center panel now incorporates a new \n7-inch touch screen display\n which also includes \nMirror Screen technology\n that displays your smartphone contents to the screen. The DS 4 is also the first vehicle in the PSA Group that supports \nApple CarPlay\u00ae technology\n.\nThe touch screen helps reduce the button count on the center panel too, while the handbrake lever on the center console gave way to a more space-efficient \nparking brake button\n.\nThere\u2019s also the \nDS Connect Box\n that uses the connectivity to locate the vehicle\u2019s location in case of an emergency, as well as helping the owner by providing information about the vehicle\u2019s condition.\nThree petrol and three diesel engines are available on the new DS 4. The \npetrol\n range kicks off with the \nPureTech 130\n, churning out \n130 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n, followed by the \nTHP 165\n\u00a0that produces \n162 hp\n and\n 240 Nm\n, and topping off with the \nTHP 210\n, generating \n208 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n. Only the \nTHP 165\n is mated with an Aisin-made\u00a0\nsix-speed automatic\n, while the other two petrol engines are coupled to a \nsix-speed manual transmission\n.\nThe \ndiesel\n range consists of torquey oil burning\u00a0mills; the \nBlueHDi 120\n with \n300 Nm\n, the \nBlueHDi 150\n with \n370 Nm\n\u00a0and the \nBlueHDi 180\n with \n400 Nm\n. The \nBlueHDi 120\n comes with a choice of either \na manual or an automatic\n\u00a0\nsix-speed transmission\n, whereas the \nBlueHDi 150\n comes only with a \nsix-speed manual \nand\u00a0the most powerful \nBlueHDi 180\n comes exclusively with a \nsix-speed auto\n.\nThe DS 4 duo will debut at the upcoming \n2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show\n, and they will go on sale in the UK from \nNovember 2015\n. We drove the \nCitroen DS 4\n last year, which is the petrol variant with a six-speed auto. So if the revised DS 4 makes its way to our shores, we can expect it to be the THP 165 guise.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has announced its revised price list in anticipation of the \nsales tax exemption period\n starting next Monday, from 15th June to 31st of December 2020. The sales tax exemption is announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as part of the government\u2019s short-term economy recovery plan.\nAll prices listed above are without insurance, inclusive of excise duty and exclusive of sales tax.\nAs the entire Volvo line-up in Malaysia are assembled locally, all models are eligible for 100% sales tax exemption \u2013 including the recently-launched \nCKD S60 T8 R-Design\n, now available at RM282,540 (-4.5%). The\n XC90 T5 Momentum\n sees the largest price reduction at RM23,078, while the \nXC60 T5 Momentum\n gets the largest rebate in terms of percentage change (6.5%).\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Nalin Jain said: \u201cWe fully welcome the introduction of the sales tax holiday and are grateful for the opportunity to pass on the full benefits to our customers.\u00a0 The incentive comes at an opportune time especially as the nation and the auto sector look towards recovery, onward from challenges brought on by the pause in business operations.\n\u201cThe attention and support for the automotive sector in Malaysia has always been progressive and we believe that this decision will not only boost the economy but also provide relief and hope for Malaysians as we transition out of a challenging period to better times ahead together,\u201d Jain added.\nThe company added that all ongoing promotions, such as the complimentary Recharge Package worth up to RM30,888, and 5 years maintenance service package (VSA 5+) are still applicable on selected models. The full list of current offers are available on VCM\u2019s website \nhere\n.\nFor more coverage on the revised price lists during the sales tax exemption period, be sure to check out our other posts \nhere\n \u2013 we will continuously update as we receive the latest information."
"The \nthird-generation BMW X5\n has been in service for the better part of five years now and it is starting to show its age against modern rivals like the \nVolvo XC90\n. BMW is set to regain lost ground with a little teaser of the next-generation X5.\nTo ensure that the new Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is as durable and dynamic as the generation before it, the prototype model is being put through its paces from the depths of the polar circle to the Green Hell that is the N\u00fcrburgring. The prototype X5 must not only withstand the\u00a0 world\u2019s different climates but also master every kind of terrain.\nBMW has hinted that the new-generation model will bring the X5\u2019s all-round, all-terrain capabilities to the next level with a new suspension set up, chassis and off-road drive mode calibration. Through these real-world tests, the X5 meets BMWs expectations of agility, precision, control and comfort thanks to the Adaptive M Suspension Professional and the Integral Active Steering \u2013 both are new technologies being offered for the first time.\nThe heavily-camouflaged prototype wears an enlarged kidney grille, adaptive LED headlamps with \u201ccorona ring\u201d LED daytime running lights, a never-seen-before multi-spoke alloy wheel design and a radar cut out on the front apron. \u00a0While there are no hints of the interior, expect the X5 to follow a similar cabin design as the new \nG30 5 Series\n and \nG02 X4\n.\nBMW did not hint on a release date, but we can expect the X5 to present itself this year at the soonest or by early 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNew BMW X5 Protoype"
"Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia is extending their Hari Raya promo to two additional models \u2013 the \nPassat\n and \nVento\n.\nFrom now till 31 July 2017, new and aspiring Volkswagen customers will get 5-years free maintenance when they purchase either models. The company is also offering RM500 petrol voucher for those who make their bookings before 30 June 2017.\u00a0\nIn the aftersales department, Volkswagen is running a special promo for existing customers. Between 5 June till 15 July 2017, owners can get up to 20 percent off for brake discs and brake pads which start from RM304 (subject to car model). Those who spend a minimum of RM400 within this promotional period will also be given free gifts and Raya packets."
"It all started when GC Mah was at McLaren\u2019s showroom in Glenmarie. Being a fan of 3-time Formula 1 Champion, Ayrton Senna, he was instantly drawn to a painting of him that was on display.\nUpon closer inspection, to his surprise, the picture which he thought was a print due to how realistic it looked, was actually hand-painted. After some probing, it turns out that the painting was the work of a local artist from Ipoh.\nHer name is \nKarwai\n, and having spoken to her briefly through the phone, here\u2019s her story.\nEver since she was a child, Karwai always had a passion for all things art and paintings, and at the tender age of 14, she sold her first piece of art for SGD500 (approx. RM1,500) and it wasn\u2019t of a car! Her first big break, however, came a few years ago when a painting she drew fetched up to SGD 2,888 at an auction in Singapore.\nGiven the exposure, she started receiving countless enquiries from car enthusiasts and collectors for paintings of their personal cars. It was then she started taking an interest in all things cars and has not looked back since \u2013 with a series of ultra-realistic motorsport-inspired paintings including the \nrecently crowned Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton\n and Sebastien Vettel.\nIt\u2019s no easy feat as you\u2019d imagine, with some commissioned paintings taking more than a month to complete. Patience aside, you\u2019d better have deep pockets before getting in touch with her as some of her paintings will easily set you back RM40,000!\nNot wanting to limit herself to just automotive and motorsport-inspired art pieces, Karwai has also painted potraits of royalties and landscapes but that\u2019s not all. At the present time, her clientele stretches far and wide across the region, with clients all the way from Sydney, Australia.\nWith a heart as pure as her smile, Karwai donated five paintings just recently which were sold for RM1 million each. All of the proceeds went to assist our local Covid-19 frontliners, with the initiative receiving high praise from our Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.\nAs for what she\u2019d like to own in the future, she singled out the \nFord Mustang\n and the \nMercedes-AMG G63\n. We reckon she\u2019s not far off from achieving that dream.\nGALLERY"
"Do motorcycle companies know a thing or two on making fun cars? We all know Honda made tonnes of them, in fact Suzuki\u2019s popular Swift is joy and practicality combined \u2013 just like \nyin and yang\n. In Europe, Austrian motorcycle maker KTM showed the world their version of \u201cfun with two extra wheels\u201d with the KTM X-Bow. Now, Yamaha is hopping onto the bandwagon with the unveiling of their\u00a0\nSports Car Concept\n\u00a0at the 2015 Tokyo Motorshow.\nThe Sports Car Concept is essentially Yamaha\u2019s follow up to the Motiv city car revealed in the 2013 Tokyo Motorshow.\u00a0The true innovation of this car goes to the inclusion of \nGordon Murray\u2019s iStream production process,\n a known method of manufacturing light cars at low cost. Despite not being designed by the man who crafted the legendary McLaren F1 himself, some valuable inputs from Murray point towards a really special vehicle from Yamaha. When I said \nspecial\n, you ought to know that this car weighs a mind boggling\u00a0\n770kg\n, thanks to a\u00a0\nradically new carbon fibre\u00a0technology\n.\nAlthough no details have been revealed on the powertrain as yet, the concept is expected to be propelled by a 1.0-litre three cylinder engine. But given Yamaha\u2019s solid record of creating loud and fast automotive engines (Lexus and Toyota will nod to that), it\u2019s safe to expect something magical from this one.\nAs much we enjoy the looks of this whimsical concept, sadly, Yamaha has no plans to make into production. Perhaps time will tell if we will get a \nsmall fun lightweight coupe\n that brought smiles at every corner or if it\u2019s just another easily forgettable concept like the Motiv city car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Look, I don\u2019t get streetwear, and I won\u2019t pretend that I do. But even though I might not be the target audience for Auto Bavaria MINI\u2019s new line of \u201cChrome\u201d clothing capsule that was made in collaboration with Malaysian streetwear label TNTCO, I must admit that these do look pretty sweet.\nThe new limited-edition collection consists of items such as jackets, hoodies, tracksuits, and graphic T-shirts, and features the winning designs of Yu Jin Lim, who was named top designer at the recently-concluded TNTCO x Auto Bavaria MINI T-shirt design competition.\nAccording to them, Chrome supposedly stands for \u201cthe spark of ideas that inspire and epitomizes the bright future that lies ahead for those who are always in pursuit of their dreams with relentless passion\u201d.\nIt also reflects the \u201ceye-catching and infectious allure of the iconic MINI\u201d, and represents both Auto Bavaria MINI and TNTCO\u2019s interpretation of \u201cwhat it means to be a trendsetter, a leader in fashion, and a trailblazer\u201d.\nRELATED: Bugatti\u2019s latest merchandise is. a shaver. Check it out here.\nAuto Bavaria continues by saying that MINI has always been associated with cool ideas and passion, as well as \u201cyouthfull inspiration, independence, and spontaneity\u201d \u2013 the same spirit that TNTCO supposedly embodies, which ultimately resulted in the partnership between the two companies.\nThe Auto Bavaria MINI x TNTCO Chrome collection is now available for purchase on Auto Bavaria MINI\u2019s Lazada Flagship Store, linked \nhere\n. Prices start at RM179 for the graphic T-shirts.\nGALLERY"
"It seems like in the past few years, carmakers have been going at it in an undisclosed arms race to see who can make the biggest grille. It all started with \nAudi\n and their Singleframe design, and now even \nHyundai\n is also pushing the envelope on what\u2019s considered \u201cacceptable\u201d on a car; we don\u2019t have to mention \nBMW\n.\nWhile the overwhelming negative sentiment online haven\u2019t really made a dent in these carmakers\u2019 unending quest towards the gaping holes, it seems like \nat least\n \nLexus\n is starting to realise that perhaps big doesn\u2019t necessarily mean better.\nThe Lexus LX\u2019s front fascia is almost entirely all-grille.\nSpeaking to \nAutomotive News\n, Lexus global design chief Koichi Suga said that based on US market research, the oversized grilles, in the publication\u2019s words, can be a \u201cturnoff\u201d for potential customers. In particular, Suga said customers have even compared their own trademark spindle grille to everything from a Braun electric shaver to the fictional Predator character from the sci-fi movie series.\nBut that doesn\u2019t mean that Lexus will be ditching the spindle grille once and for all. Instead, Suga said that the designers have to find \u201cthe right balance\u201d, which is why they\u2019ve come up a new design style called the \u2018spindle body\u2019.\nThe new grille design standards made its debuted on the\n all-new Lexus RX\n and \nfully-electric RZ\n, where the \u2018spindle body\u2019 grille blends in more homogeneously with the rest of the front fascia \u2013 by integrating a filled-in top insert on the RX, or blanking it out entirely on the RZ.\n\u201cWe want to maintain the spindle shape itself. But the spindle has always been based on functionality of what\u2019s happening under the hood,\u201d Suga said. \u201cThis sleek, dynamic design is symbolized by a sense of solid mass.\u201d\nRELATED: All-new Lexus RX debuts striking design and new \u2018F Sport Performance\u2019 variant\nThe headlights also play a huge part in Lexus\u2019 new spindle body design, where the sharp swoosh-shaped daytime-running lights pinch in from both sides to \u201cstrengthen and evolve the signature design\u201d.\nAt least that\u2019s how it\u2019s supposed to be in theory. Suga noted that people have already started drawing comparisons between the new RX\u2019s front grille to Darth Vader\u2019s helmet, so perhaps there really is no way of pleasing everyone. Maybe BMW is onto something then; make whatever you want, and people will still snap it up anyway."
"Daimler claims that when it comes to safety, there should be no compromises to all the cars whether big or small. Thus their \nsmart fortwo\n has been put into the same safety development programme as the new \nS-Class\n. The in-house crash test they conducted showcases the strength of smart fortwo\u2019s tridion safety cell, by crashing it against an S-Class.\nFor comparison, the fortwo only weighs 1,124kg compared to the \nW222\n S-Class that weighs 2,308kg.The test was regulated at the speed of 50 km/h, head-on with half of the car overlapping each other.\nFind out more about the new smart fortwo \nhere\n.\nAs you can see from the video, the tridion cell is pretty much still in shape after colliding with the S-Class. With the combination of front airbags for each occupants and knee airbag for the driver, you can say that the chances of survival for both driver and passenger in the fortwo is pretty bright.   Professor Rodolfo Sch\u00f6neburg, Head of Vehicle Safety at Mercedes-Benz Cars says \u201cThe well-proven tridion cell forms the basis for the high crash safety of the new smart. It ensures efficient energy absorption in a frontal impact.To this end, the crumple zones of the new smart have been made as large as possible. Homogeneous application of force in the structure is achieved with several load paths\u201d.\nFind out more about the new smart fortwo \nhere\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen America announced that it has prepared a purpose-built Jetta based on the 2019 model to attempt a new speed record at the\u00a0 famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA.\nTo break the existing class record, it will have to exceeds speeds of\u00a0\n208.472 mph (335 km/h)\n. The Bonneville Jetta, as its called, is powered by a modified version of Volkswagen\u2019s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injection four-cylinder engine.\nThe Bonneville Jetta previews the powertrain that will be used in the forthcoming Jetta GLI performance model. Volkswagen is hopeful that it can beat the existing class record, with the performance of the modified EA888 engine and the all-new Jetta\u2019s low drag coefficient of just 0.27.\nTo run at high speed on the salt-laced surface, the Bonneville Jetta has undergone substantial modifications. Its suspension has been lowered, special Salt Flat wheels and tires have been fitted along with a limited-slip differential to aid traction.\nThe interior has been stripped and treated to a full range of safety equipment including a roll cage, a racing seat with harness and a fire extinguisher system. To help slow the car down from its top speed, the Bonneville Jetta will be utilising a pair of parachutes.\n\u201cWe wish the team luck as they attempt to make this the fastest Jetta and the fastest production-based Volkswagen we\u2019ve ever seen!\u201d, said Director of Volkswagen Design Center California, Reto Brun."
"At the announcement of the \nfacelifted Mercedes-AMG GT\n, the company has also released a limited-edition, even more track focused version called the Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO. The PRO brings the GT R even closer to their \nAMG GT3\n and GT4 race cars.\nLearnings from its motorsports programme can be found in four different areas of the AMG GT R PRO \u2013 suspension, weight reduction, aerodynamics and exterior styling. Starting with the design, the GT R PRO gains a more aggressive styling in the form of extended front splitter, air louvres, redesigned roof with lowered centre and extended rear diffusers all finished in high-gloss carbon fibre. The rear wing is also bolted onto a lighter housing.   Besides the carbon fibre components, the GT R PRO benefits from a weight saving exercise through the standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, lightweight AMG Performance five double-spoke forged wheels as well as AMG carbon fibre bucket seats.\nUnder the hood rests the same M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 sharing the same tune as a standard AMG GT R \u2013 \n585 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of twist. Drive is channelled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed AMG Speedshfit dual-clutch transmission. As a result, century sprint and top speed maintains at 3.6 seconds and 318 km/h.\nDespite that, the GT R PRO manage to set a quicker lap time around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife of 7:04.0632 minutes, beating the GT R by some six seconds. Although the World\u2019s fastest rear-wheel-drive production vehicle title still belongs to the Porsche GT2 RS.\nThe faster lap time was contributed to the motorsport derived suspension set up consisting of adjustable AMG coil-over suspension, carbon fibre adjustable torsion bar, Uniball spherical bearings on the upper wishbones, carbon fibre shear panel as well as the standard Track Package which includes a roll cage and four-point harnesses for the driver and passenger. All these combined gives the GT R PRO more precise control at the limit and better road feedback.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GT R PRO"
"Since its inception, the \nAudi R8\n has always featured the brand\u2019s famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system.. Except for that one time when Audi made the limited-production \nR8 RWS\n in 2017, race cars aside.\nWell, it seems like Audi has realised a thing or two from that experience, as the marque has just announced the Audi R8 RWD as a permament fixture to their model lineup. The rear-wheel drive R8 will be available in both Coupe and Spyder form, too.\nPowering the R8 RWD is the \n5.2-litre V10\n naturally aspirated engine, delivering \n540 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed \nS tronic gearbox\n, and transfers power to the rear wheels via a mechanical locking differential.\nWithout the extra mechanical parts for the all-wheel-drive system, the R8 RWD also sheds \n65 kg\n in weight (55 kg for the Spyder), though the 0 to 100 km/h times remain unchanged at \n3.7 seconds\n, with the Spyder coming in a hair slower at \n3.8 seconds\n. Flat out, the R8 RWD will reach a top speed of \n320 km/h\n.\nThe Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) should help keep the oversteer in check. For the more daring bunch, Audi says that the sport mode will allow for \u201ccontrolled drifting\u201d on the R8 RWD.\nStyling wise, the R8 AWD is pretty much identical to the all-wheel drive models, though Audi has added a new Kemora Gray colour scheme to the R8\u2019s color chart. The rear-wheel drive R8 rides on \n19-inch forged wheels\n as standard with a staggered sizing of 245/35 and 295/35 at the front and rear respectively; Larger 20-inch wheels are available as option.\nNow, can Audi please bring back the 6-speed gated manual transmission from the first-generation Audi R8?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK has received funding from the UK government to develop a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) \nToyota Hilux\n prototype. The funding was received through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) for zero-emissions vehicle development, and the Hydrogen-powered Hilux will be produced in the UK in 2023.\nThe Japanese carmaker\n has been known for taking a multi-path approach to carbon neutrality by offering all electrified vehicle technologies including Hybrid Electric, Plug-in Hybrid Electric, Battery Electric, and Fuel Cell Electric. Toyota\u2019s famous hydrogen fuel cell car is the \nToyota Mirai\n. As such, the prototype Toyota Hilux will use the same second-generation Toyota fuel cell components as the Mirai.\nJoining Toyota in the development of the Hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux are UK-based technical engineering partners. These include Ricardo, ETL, D2H, and Thatcham Research.\nToyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide expert technical support to enable the UK-based teams to build its own expertise and self-sufficiency to develop next-generation hydrogen drivetrain capabilities. If the prototype is successful, Toyota targets to prepare for small series production of the Hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux.\nRELATED: \n2022 Toyota Fortuner, Innova, and Hilux updated in Malaysia with wireless CarPlay, dashcam\nToyota Motor Europe President & CEO, Matt Harison said, \u201cThe UK is one of the key markets for pick-up trucks and is an important market for Toyota. This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to develop a zero-emission solution in a critical market segment. We would like to thank the UK Government for the funding that will enable the consortium to investigate the development of a fuel cell powered powertrain for the Toyota Hilux, supporting our carbon neutrality ambition.\u201d\nIn Malaysia, the Toyota Hilux is the most popular pickup truck, with its name being used to label the entire segment. There are two engine options in Malaysia which are the 2.4-litre turbodiesel and the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engines. With East Malaysia being the \u2018land of pickup trucks\u2019 and also \nfocusing on hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology\n, the hydrogen fuel cell Hilux might just be perfect for the region.\nRELATED: \n2022 Toyota Hilux Rogue updated in Australia with wider, Raptor-esque looks"
"Official Malaysian distributor and sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles, TC Euro Cars, have announced that there won\u2019t be any price increase for all locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) units this year.\nAlthough the poor exchange rate has impacted the cost of importing vehicles, acquisition of components and production costs, TC Euro Cars\u2019 strategy in optimising operating efficiencies and cost management exercises have allowed the company to continue selling the cars at the same price.\nThe full price list for all Renault cars in Malaysia for 2016\nEvery purchase of a brand new Renault car will come packaged with a \nfive-year unlimited mileage manufacturer\u2019s warranty\n (fully backed by Renault), except for the R.S and EV models. Each car\u2019s service interval is 10,000km or six months, whichever comes first.\nRead our review of the Renault Clio GT Line and Captur\n (both powered by a peppy direct injection \n1.2-litre turbocharged engine\n) to see if it\u2019s the car for you!"
"It appears that the good people at Volkswagen are eager to present their \nlatest-generation Volkswagen Touareg\n in a series of teaser images showing a camouflaged SUV undergoing road testing in the remote areas of Saragossa, Spain.\nEngineers conducted its latest test drives or \u201capproval test run\u201d as they call it, in the challenging terrains of Saragossa to complete final tweaks before the Touareg hits the production floor. The flagship SUV is scheduled to make its global debut in Beijing, China this month.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMnKdqZc-co\nSpeaking to the test drivers, Head of Driving Dynamics, Karsten Schebsdat was eager to promote that the Touareg is able to handle tight corners like a Golf. Its agile handling prowess is due to innovations such as the MQB platform, roll stabilisation and rear-wheel steering that reduces turning radius from 12.20 metres to 11.13 compared to the outgoing model.\nInside, the new Innovision Cockpit is Volkswagen\u2019s latest digital instrument cluster that combines two 12.0- and 15.0-inch displays to create a seamless surface. The infotainment screen controls the main functions of infotainment, navigation and air-conditioning while the driver display provides all the essential driving data to the driver. New interior trims include radiate real wood and aluminium to create a luxurious cabin.   The all-new Volkswagen Touareg will be presented to the world on 23rd March 2018 in China, the firm\u2019s largest individual market and also the world\u2019s strongest growing SUV market. The German carmaker is expected to double its sales volume of the Touareg in China by 2023.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Technology sells cars, so it\u2019s no surprise that many new generation models come equipped with digital instrument panel, touch interface, voice command, even remote access. The \nnew Volkswagen Golf Mk 8\n doesn\u2019t disappoint in that regard \u2013 it has a dashboard that\u2019s virtually free of physical buttons and knobs.\nLook Ma, no hands. no problem.\nBut as is typically the case with touch interfaces, you do trade familiarity and tactility for uncluttered coolness. The operation through touch can also be imprecise when the driver is focused on driving and looking out for the traffic around him.\n \nVolkswagen would have been aware of this and have outed a video showing how the \nSmart Climate\n menu system works as part of the 3-zone \nAir Care Climatronic\n system in the latest generation Golf. To adjust the temperature of the air conditioning, you slide your finger horizontally on a \u2018strip\u2019 located at the base of the infotainment display. To call up more on-screen AC functions and frequently used presets, there\u2019s a \u2018\ndirect entry key\n\u2019 on the centre of the dashboard which serves as a shortcut button.\nOf course, if the fingers are occupied with other tasks (like holding the steering wheel), there\u2019s the \nvoice command feature \nthat\u2019s smart enough to respond contextually to what the driver is saying, such as \u2018I am cold\u2019 and then dial up the temperature. We do wonder if the system would launch Spotify or lower the temp when the driver says, \u201cIt\u2019s getting hot in here\u201d or \u201c98 degrees, please\u201d."
"One of the most anticipated SUV in Malaysia, the Toyota C-HR made its first public appearance at the 2017 Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy event two months ago. Thanks to the overwhelming interest in the compact SUV, UMW Toyota Motors (UMWT) will be hosting a public preview of the C-HR starting 4 August to 10 September.\nThe full list of venues and dates are as follow:\nVenue\nDate\nToyota Section 19, Petaling Jaya Showroom\n4 \u2013 8 August\nToyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Racing Festival at Batu Kawan Stadium, Penang.\n12 \u2013 13 August\nToyota Subang Jaya Showroom\n16\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 22\u00a0August\nMid Valley Megamall\n23 \u2013 27 August\nSunway Pyramid Shopping Mall\n4 \u2013 10 September\n\u00a0\nThe C-HR has appeared on UMWT\u2019s website stating that it will feature a \n1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Dual VVT-i engine\n\u00a0mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with sequential shifter. UMWT has also equipped the C-HR with side mirror puddle light, follow-me-home headlamps, a \u201cluxurious interior\u201d, \n\u201cfull range\u201d of safety features\n and \nRear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)\n that should be bundled with Blind Spot Monitoring.\nOur local-spec C-HR will be available in no less than \nsix exterior shades\n \u2013 White Pearl CS, Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black while Red Mica, Radiant Green Metallic and Blue Metallic will come with a \nblacked-out roof\n.\nWith all that said, what remains a corporate secret is the price, drive platform and number of trim levels. If the funky looking C-HR tickles your fancy, be sure to check it out at the selected venues. Lock those dates down people!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you are wondering as to why European manufacturers are rushing headlong into hybrids and pure electric vehicles, 2020 marks the year where the strict \n95g CO2/km fleet emission rule\n is enforced upon manufacturers based on total passenger vehicle registrations.\nThere are now six EQ Power plug-in hybrid variants in the compact class range.\nWhile there are exceptions, it effectively means that manufacturers are liable to be fined if the \naverage CO2 per km\n output of passenger cars sold by the end of the year exceeds the \n95g\n. To achieve that magical number, Mercedes-Benz (and other European brands) are introducing various new plug-in hybrid models to help keep the average CO2 output below the threshold, and they have just added \nthree more plug-in models\n to compact class range.\nCLA Shooting Brake 250e can travel up to 71 km on electric power (NEDC).\nExpected to go on sale in spring, the \nCLA Coupe\n, \nCLA Shooting Brake\n and \nGLA \nin \n250e \nguise will join the A250e (hatch and saloon) and B250e announced last year. The three plug-in newcomers are powered by the same power unit as found in the A250e; comprising a \n160 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n \n1.33-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder\n supplemented by an \nelectric motor\n rated at \n100 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n, in combination, they generate a \ntotal system output\n of \n218 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n.\nCLA Coupe 250e does 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds.\nThe EQ Power hybrid unit is mated to an \n8-speed dual-clutch transmission\n and drives the \nfront wheels\n. While the 0-100km/h acceleration numbers are impressive \u2013 CLA 250e (6.8 seconds), CLA Shooting Brake (6.9 seconds) and GLA (7.1 seconds) with top speeds exceeding 220 km/h, the same can also be said of their CO2 outputs which ranges from \n31 g/km \nto \n42 g/km\n.\nHow the high voltage battery pack is packaged under the skin (image of A250e used)\nAll three models carry a \n15.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack\n (weighs approximately 150 kg) under their rear seats and Mercedes-Benz says that the clever exhaust system packaging is such that there\u2019s \nvirtually no compromise\n to the practical aspects of the vehicles such as legroom and cargo space.\nThe electric range per full charge are quoted in NEDC and WLTP (in brackets) cycles, it ranges from \n72 km to 79 km\n (60km to 69 km) for the CLA 250e, \n69 km to 76 km\n (58km to 68 km) for the CLA Shooting Brake 250e and \n64 km to 71 km\n (53 km to 61 km) for the GLA 250e. AC normal charging is up to 7.4 kW while fast DC charging accommodates a maximum of 24 kW."
"Shortly after the international debut of the \n2020 Toyota Vios\n in Philippines, Toyota Thailand has now unveiled the new Yaris facelift, bringing over some of the design changes that has been introduced to the B-segment sedan.\nUp front, the 2020 \nToyota Yaris\n receives a similar new face to the Vios (also known as the Yaris Ativ in Thailand), replacing the old wide grin-like lower grille from the outgoing model. The Yaris, catering to the sportier and more youthful crowd, gets a mesh-like pattern instead of the horizontal slats as seen on the Vios.\nThe headlights are now slimmer and integrates neatly into the tweaked upper grille, with the range-topping variants receiving fully LED units with integrated LED daytime-running lights. Other cosmetic upgrades include more discreet skirtings all round, along with a less shouty rear lower apron and roof spoiler.\nThe new exterior look is completed by the new 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, while the range-topping Sport Premium variant in Thailand gets a blacked-out roof.\nInside, the bright brushed silver trims on the outgoing model have been replaced by darker smoked brushed aluminium items. But most importantly, the infotainment display has also been upgraded with a 6.7-inch unit, now supporting \nApple CarPlay\n connectivity in addition to MirrorLink screen mirroring!\nThe new 2020 Thailand-spec Toyota Vios and Yaris also received a big upgrade in its safety department, now equipped with a basic \nToyota Safety Sense\n advanced driver assistance suite, including autonomous emergency braking and lane departure alert (without correction assist) on the range-topping Sport Premium variant.\nOtherwise, the rest of the B-segment duos remain unchanged, including the Thailand-only 3NR-FE 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, making \n86 PS\n and \n108 Nm\n. When the facelift models make its way over to our country though, expect to see the same 1.5-litre 2NR-FE units under the hood.\nAs the outgoing \nToyota Vios\n and \nYaris\n were only launched here in Malaysia last year, it might still be some time before we get see the facelifted models being introduced here on our shores. However, with the \nall-new Honda City\n and \nNissan Almera\n due for launch very soon, the B-segment space is shaping up to be quite an exciting playing field!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the bonkers \nVolkswagen Golf R we reviewed recently\n \u2013 the one that could hang with the likes of \nFerrari\u2019s 812 Superfast\n and \nAston Martin\u2019s new V8 Vantage \nfor \nlast year\u2019s Car of the Year video\n?\nThe new T-Roc R could just trump that, while offering generous head room and boot space.\nIn fact, the T-Roc R should do so effortless cause it has 10 hp more than our local Golf R at \n300 hp\n and 20 Nm more torque at \n400 Nm\n.\nSize and weight does not seem to hinder the T-Roc R either. With the same 7-speed DSG and 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the T-Roc R is marginally quicker from 0-100 km/h, which is done in just 4.9 seconds.\nOur local Golf R\n on the other hand does the same in around 5.1 seconds. In terms of top speed, both are anti-climatically limited to just 250 km/h.\nThe 19-inch Pretoria wheels you seen in the pictures are actually an optional extra, along with the R-performance titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic \u2013 Bummer. Instead, the T-Roc R gets 18-inch Spielberg wheels as standard.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BFGoodrich\n, a subsidiary of Michelin tyres, has unveiled the Trail-Terrain T/A tyres here in Malaysia. Designed specifically for all-wheel drive crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks, BFGoodrich says these are premium \u201con-road plus\u201d tyres promising superior on-road performance and light off-pavement capabilities.\nThe new BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tyres features a Full-Depth 3D Locking Sipes tread design, which provides improved tread block stability for even wear, resulting in longer tread life, while maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride.\nThe new treads with a serrated shoulder design also promises increased grip in soft-soil traction in light off-pavement situations, while also able to resist chipping and tearing from the rougher gravel terrains. The tyres are rated for a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) severe snow rating, and promises enhanced grip throughout the full life of the tyre.\nMichelin Malaysia Managing Director, Oliver Biggart said, \u201cDue to the pandemic, not only has leisure travel replaced the work commute, but people are increasingly looking to go outdoors, or turning to home improvements and DIY projects. Thus, they need vehicles that are ready for anything.\n\u201cThe BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A that values the freedom and versatility of All-Wheel-Drive crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks, is therefore the perfect tyre at the perfect time.\u201d\nThe BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A comes in a total of 41 tyre sizes (23 T-rated, 18 H-rated) covering all key OE fitments for crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks. It\u2019s now available at selected Michelin authorised dealers nationwide, and comes with a six-year manufacturer warranty as standard.\nPricing information hasn\u2019t been provided at the time of writing, but we\u2019ll update as soon as we hear back from BFGoodrich."
"While not mentioned during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim\u2019s speech, the revised \nBudget 2023\n that was tabled today also included proposals for the extension of tax exemptions for electric vehicles (EV) in Malaysia.\nAs laid out in the tax measures appendix document, the excise and import duty exemptions for fully-imported (CBU) EVs is now being extended for two more years until December 31, 2025, if the Budget 2023 in its current form passes through the parliament\u2019s legislation process.\nThe tax exemption for CBU EVs was originally set to end by the end of this year, although the former minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has already proposed an extension until end-2024 in the original tabling of Budget 2023 last year.\nSimilarly, the excise duty and sales tax exemption for locally-assembled (CKD) EVs is also being proposed for an extension of two more years until 31 December 2027. In the same vein, the import duty exemption for EV components used in local assembly will also be extended until end-2027.\nOther EV-related proposals include 100% tax deductions for companies renting non-commercial EVs, up to a value of RM300,000, as well as a 100% income tax exemption from year of assessment 2023 to 2032 for local EV charger manufacturers. Both of these porposals will be eligible until 2025.\nThe tax exemption intiatives included in Budget 2023 were said to help support the development of the EV industry in Malaysia, and in particular to encourage the growth of locally-assembled EV activites, in line with the nation\u2019s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint.\nRELATED: \nGovernment working to reduce EV prices for the rakyat \u2013 Tengku Zafrul"
"Right after the world premier of the \n2017 Honda Jazz facelift\n\u00a0at Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy Event, Thailand becomes the first country to officially launch the new and refreshed Jazz hatchback.\u00a0While the Jazz Sport Hybrid\u00a0landed on our shores,\u00a0our northern\u00a0neighbour gets the sportier RS variant.\nWe have seen the \nexterior changes\n (mainly cosmetic) on the Jazz hybrid, and the differences between the hybrid and RS are minimal. The White Orchid Pearl and snazzy\u00a0\nPhoenix Orange\n\u00a0are both new to the range topper.\nInterior goodies such as Ultra Seats, Multi-Information Display (MID), touchscreen air condition panels, 6.8-inch infotainment screen and push start button are standard for the Jazz RS. In the safety department, it gets\u00a0six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and a rearview camera.\nPowering this hatchback is the same\u00a0\n1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC\n four-cylinder petrol engine that develops\u00a0\n117 hp\n and \n146 Nm\n of torque. The \nseven-speed EarthDreams CVT \nis also carried over from before, while a manual transmission\u00a0is offered for the base variant.\nThe Thai-bound Jazz is available in\n six variants\n, beginning with the S manual at\n\u00a0555,000 baht\n (approximately \nRM70k\n) and S CVT at\u00a0594,000 baht (RM74.4k). The mid-range V and V+ can be had for 654,000 (RM82k) baht and\u00a0694,000 (RM87k) respectively.\u00a0The RS commands an asking price of 739,000 baht (RM93k) while the RS+ is the priciest among all at\u00a0\n754,000 baht (RM95k)\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s called the \nLove Audacious\n. The limited-edition hybrid model is a collaboration between \nMaserati Fuoriserie\n and \nCanotwait\n, a fashion label owned by William Chan, a singer/actor from Hong Kong.\nThe limited-edition model was made to commemorate the 20th of May, or 520 which loosely translates to \u201cwuo ai ni\u201d which means \u201cI Love You\u201d in Mandarin. Think of this day as like an unofficial Valentine\u2019s Day within the Chinese community.\nIt doesn\u2019t come with dimmer headlights for romantic lighting, nor does it come with a love counselor onboard. What the Ghibli Hybrid features is a special shade of purple called \nDigital Aurora\n.\nThe unique multi-colour appearance was inspired by the Northern lights with a blend of purple, blue and pink flakes. Watch the video of the development process \nhere\n!\nThe \nMaserati Ghibli Hybrid\n Love Order is only for the Chinese market, with eight units available for purchase online.\nWith a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and an electric supercharger, the Ghibli Hybrid produces 330 hp and 450 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes a brisk 5.7 seconds, before topping out at 255 km/h."
"Daily driving a sports car might just become a whole lot easier starting today, thanks to \nGoCar Malaysia\u2019s Subs car subscription \nservice and its newly-launched Sports category.\nAs with the company\u2019s other subscription plans, the new Sports category offers customers the experience the joy of \u201cowning\u201d a sports car, without any of the hassle from \ntraditional long-term ownerships\n, such as maintenance costs, road tax, and depreciation.\nGoCar Subs\u2019 Sports categories currently includes the \nSubaru BRZ\n and \nSubaru WRX\n \u201cfor a start\u201d. As with GoCar Subs\u2019 plans, there isn\u2019t an individual price for the models, but rather three single prices (12, 24 and 36 months) for the entire category.\nThe one-year package costs \nRM3,299 per month\n, while the two-year and three year plans are priced at\n RM2,999\n and \nRM2,699\n per month respectively. All fees are inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing, wear & tear parts coverage, as well as a mileage cap of 1,650 km per month.\nAdditional mileage can be purchased as optional add-ons, alongside additional insurance coverage, Singapore access fee, and window tinting.\nWith the new Sports category, GoCar Subs\u2019 offerings now spans six categories, with the others being Econ, Base, Plus, Exec, and Luxe, each with a streamlined \u201cOne Price\u201d structure ranging from RM799 to RM2,299 per month.\nThe new Sports category, alongside all other offerings, can be subscribed via the company\u2019s website \nhere\n."
"The 5-door \nSuzuki Jimny\n has been unveiled at Auto Expo 2023 in India, officially making its world debut. It is the first time the Jimny has an extra two doors, and the company plans to \u201cappeal to a wider range of customers\u201d with this new configuration.\nPreviously, the 5-door Jimny has been spotted undisguised, and it has now become official, first being available in India. It will be built at Maruti Suzuki\u2019s plant in Gurugram.\nTo accommodate the extra two doors, the 5-door Jimny is 505 mm longer, measuring a total length of 3,985 mm. The wheelbase has also been extended by 340 mm, now measuring at 2,590 mm. Despite the additional length, the 5-door Jimny retains its compact boxy look that we have all grown to love on the 3-door version.\nPowering the 5-door Jimny is the same 1.5-litre engine that powers the 3-door version. Making \n102 hp\n and \n130 Nm\n, the engine is paired with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.\nRELATED: \n5-door Suzuki Jimny to debut on 13 January, with brand\u2019s concept EV\nSuzuki says that the Jimny 5-Door will provide the driving performance expected by customers from an authentic off-roader, like the 3-door Jimny. Like the 3-door, the 5-door is equipped with Suzuki\u2019s AllGrip Pro 4WD system.\nInside, the cabin remains largely the same save for the addition of the second-row seats. Special rear seats and interior trim have been adopted in the rear space.\nALSO WATCH: \n2021 Suzuki Jimny now in Malaysia \u2013 5 Things\nIn Malaysia, the 3-door Suzuki Jimny fetches a price of RM174,900 with SST included. It is fully imported from Japan and is available in one variant only. The Malaysian-spec Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that is paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It remains to be seen whether the 5-door Jimny (which is built in India) will find its way into the Malaysian market.\nRELATED: \n2021 Suzuki Jimny launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM169k"
"The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States has conferred the highest, TOP SAFETY PICK+ award to the \n2017/18 Mercedes-Benz GLC\n for its good ratings in all of IIHS\u2019s crashworthiness tests.\nIt is the first time the GLC, since the 2016 model, has been put through all of IIHS\u2019 evaluations. The year before, it also scored a \n5-star Euro NCAP\n rating. To receive the award, a vehicle must score good rating in five crashworthiness tests which covers the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, the vehicle\u2019s sides, roof strength and head restraints.\nIt will also need to score either an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and have a good or acceptable headlight rating. The GLC\u2019s standard front crash prevention system earned a superior rating as it avoided collisions in IIHS track tests at \n12 mph\n and \n25 mph\u00a0\nwhile its LED headlights earned a good rating.\nEver since the\n locally-assembled GLC 250 4MATIC\n was made available, it instantly became the brand\u2019s \nbest selling mid-sized SUV model\n in 2016, with 1,421 units sold in just four months.\nAside from the most recently addition to the GLC line up, the \nGLC 200\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also has an wide selection of models like the \nGLC 250 4MATIC Coupe\n and the \nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV and Coupe\n to cater to different demographic of buyers.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLC 200"
"It may just be February but it isn\u2019t necessarily too soon to decide. Ford has just revealed the all-new Focus ST and my oh my does it look a far cry better than the old one!\nThe new fourth-generation model has been enhanced mainly with a new unique suspension system, improved braking ability and two engine options.\nFirst, there\u2019s the petrol-powered 2.3-litre turbocharged engine \u2013 the most powerful ever offered to a Focus ST \u2013 with \n280 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n that replaces the previous 2.0-litre engine with 252 hp and 366 Nm of torque.\nThere\u2019s also a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo diesel engine making \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h in the former is said to take \nless than six seconds\n.\nPerformance enhancements include a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, a unique exhaust system that reduces back pressure, a bespoke air intake system and an optimised intercooler.\nAnti-lag technology used in the Ford GT and F-150 Raptor has been applied to the Focus ST, for almost immediate power delivery in Sport and Track modes.\nThe new Focus ST can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission. As for the manual unit, \u201cshift-throws\u201d between gears have been reduced by 7%.\nFor the 2.3-litre models, there\u2019s also an \noptional Performance Pack \nthat offers Ford\u2019s new rev-matching technology with shift indicator \u2013 like the one on the new Mustang. The package also comes with red calipers and launch control.\nAs for the ride, the new Focus ST retains the springs from a standard Focus but with damping stiffened by up to 20% in the front and 13% at the rear. Height has also been reduced by 10mm.\nSteering response too, was not neglected with Ford claiming that the electric power-assisted steering is now 15% faster than the standard Focus, and dethrones the Fiesta ST for the \u201c\nfastest steering response\n\u201d crown.\nBigger brakes in both the front (twin pot calipers) and rear has been said to achieve almost four times the fade resistance performance of the previous Focus ST.\nThe brakes sit behind either 18 or 19-inch wheel options wrapped in bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.\nOn the inside, it\u2019s quite a familiar setting to Ford\u2019s observers. You\u2019re first greeted by a pair of massive Recaro seats that can be had in full leather, fabric or a mixed of both, followed by a host of items embossed with ST lettering.\nOn the flat-bottomed steering, you get a Sport and a separate Mode button to scroll through the different driving modes.\nFurther ahead, you\u2019d find a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display that\u2019s capable of displaying boost pressure, oil pressure and oil temperature. Towards the side is an \u00a08-inch colour touchscreen with Ford SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The fourth generation smart fortwo electric drive has been announced, now with more power, torque, and an extended drive range compared to its predecessor. And this time the electric powertrain is also offered in the fortwo cabrio and the forfour as well, making smart as the only car manufacturer in the world to offer its model range with both combustion engines and pure battery-electric drive.\nThese rear-wheel drive trio share the same electric powertrain, which is a \n60 kW\n (80 hp) \nelectric motor\n with a \nfixed gear ratio\n. While the peak torque of \n160 Nm\n is readily available from standstill, the smart electric drive is no pocket-rocket. Getting from \n0 to 100 km/h\n takes \n11.5 seconds\n in the fortwo, and the \ntop speed\n has been capped at \n130 km/h\n on all three variants to maximise the travel range.   A fully charged fortwo will travel \nup to 160km\n before it needs to find a power source to recharge its \n17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery\n. Normal charge takes about \n2.5 hours\n, but an optional \n22 kW fast charger\n will be made available from next year and it will cut the charging time down to just \n45 minutes\n. While the car is charging, owners can set a \npre-entry climate control\n remotely using the \nsmart control app\n too.   Looks-wise the smart electric drive is no different from the non-electric variants, although the rev counter and clock pod on the driver side of the dashboard have both been replaced with a power meter and battery gauge. Externally, the optional \nelectric drive design package\n will highlight the car\u2019s green credentials with a splash of \nelectric green\n paint.\nThe entire smart electric drive range will debut at the \n2016 Paris Motor Show\n, before going on sale in the USA by the end of this year. European sales start in early 2017, while the Malaysian sale is most unlikely to happen. Meanwhile you can get your EV fix here from \nNissan Leaf\n or the Renaults \nTwizy\n and \nZoe\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY   smart fortwo electric drive   smart fortwo cabrio electric drive   smart forfour electric drive"
"Kia has released a sketch of the upcoming fourth-generation Carnival, teasing the exterior design changes on the MPV. The all-new Kia Carnival \u2013 also known as the Sedona in some markets \u2013 is set to debut sometime in the \nthird quarter of 2020\n.\nFrom the single sketch image provided, the fourth-generation Kia MPV looks to feature a significantly more modern design when compared to the current Carnival \u2013 which was updated recently on our shores with the \nintroduction of a 11-seater variant\n.\nUp front, the slimmer headlights integrate neatly into brand\u2019s iconic \u2018Tiger Nose\u2019 grille. The heartbeat-styled light signature also extends into the grille to form part of the frame \u2013 Kia designers call this \u2018symphonic architecture\u2019, blending design with technical features to \u201ccreate a sense of harmony and structural energy.\u201d\nThe line dividing the hood and the front grille wraps around the side, forming a single character line across the sides of the MPV connecting the headlights to the taillights. The fourth-gen Kia Carnival also seems to feature prominent front wheel arches for an aggressive stance.\nThe recently-updated \nKia Grand Carnival 2.2D LX (11-seater)\n.\nAbove the beltline, the upcoming Kia Carnival uses blacked-out pillars to create a wraparound greenhouse look, highlighting the floating roof. The stronger and more stylish appearance is designed to appeal to progressive young families, according to Kia.\nKia says that the design of the fourth-gen Carnival is heavily influenced SUVs \u2013 we can definitely see some resemblance to the all-new Sorento, and perhaps even a little bit of the \nRange Rover Evoque\n too. Acknowledging the inspiration, The Korean carmaker even gave it a new segment name for the model, dubbed \u2018Grand Utility Vehicle\u2019.\nCurrently, the third-generation of the MPV \u2013 sold as Kia Grand Carnival here \u2013 is available in a single 11-seater LX variant, priced at RM179,888. However, the older eight-seater KX and SX variants (depending on remaining stock availability) are \navailable at up to 3.2% off\n, thanks to the \nsales tax exemption period\n."
"More than two years after the \nlocal introduction of the F-Pace\n, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Malaysia is now upping the ante for the luxury performance SUV with the launch of an updated \u201climited-edition\u201d Jaguar F-Pace here in Malaysia, with only 20 units available nationwide.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe main highlight of the new variant is its beating heart underneath the sheet metal, an updated 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with its output \nuprated to 300 hp\n.\nEngine: 2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder\nTransmission: ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic\nPowertrain: Front engine, all-wheel drive\nMax Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,500 RPM\nMax Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 6.1 seconds\nTop Speed: 233 km/h (with 22-inch wheels fitted)\nThe updated mill represents quite a sizeable jump compared to the standard F-Pace, which produces 246 hp and 365 Nm of torque. As a result of the higher power output, century sprint times is dropped by 0.7 seconds from the previous 6.8 seconds.\nJust like the standard variant, the \u201climited-edition\u201d F-Pace also comes equipped with the Configurable Dynamics and Adaptive Dynamics system; the former, available in the R-Sport variants, allows the driver to switch between Normal or Sports modes for the throttle, gearbox, and steering response, while the latter (only available on the highest-spec variant) adjusts the dampers based on road conditions and driving styles.\nThe Hi-Spec R-Sport variant also gains the Adaptive Surface Response (AdsR) system, which recognises the traction difference between surfaces to exploit available grip by adjusting engine and brake settings.\nVARIANT BREAKDOWN\nNot much changes have been made to the styling and equipment list of the new 300 hp F-Pace. Just as before, the Jaguar F-Pace is offered in three different variants here in Malaysia \u2013 Prestige, R-Sport (Mid-Spec), and R-Sport (Hi-Spec).\nNotable standard equipment on the entry-level \nPrestige\n model include:\n20-inch 5 split-spoke \u2018Style 5031\u2019 alloy wheels, Grey Diamond Turned finish\nFull LED headlights, taillights\n10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto support\nDual-zone climate control\nLeather upholstery\nPower-reclining rear seats\nPowered tailgate with hands-free function\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nLane Keep Assist\nDriver Condition Monitor\nStepping up to the \nR-Sport (Mid-Spec)\n adds on the following:\nAdaptive LED headlamps with automatic high beam assist\nLED Signature daytime-running lights\ngloss black roof rails\nInterior ambient lighting system\nMeanwhile, the \nR-Sport (Hi-Spec)\n variant gets equipped with 22-inch wheels as standard.\nPRICING\nThe \u201climited-edition\u201d 300 hp Jaguar F-Pace is now available at Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia showrooms, with prices listed as follows (including \n50% sales tax exemptions\n, excluding road tax and insurance):\nPrestige: RM436,420.82\nR-Sport (Mid-Spec): RM470,212.97\nR-Sport (Hi-Spec) RM485,433.81\nAs standard, the new F-Pace will come with the \u201cJaguar Care\u201d programme, which includes a \nfive-year warranty\n, \nfive years free service\n package, and \nthree years roadside assistance\n.\nInterested customers can now arrange for a test drive via JLR Malaysia\u2019s website, \nhere\n. Be quick, as only 20 units will be available for sale."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the\n fully-electric EQA \n\u2013 available in a single variant, the EQA 250 \u2013 starting from \nRM 278,201\n. The EQA is fully imported from Germany. Compared to the CKD Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line, the EQA 250 costs just \nRM7k\n more.\nThe EQA 250 comes with a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty while the batteries comes with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.\nThe first 1,000 owners of the EQA will receive a 1-year subscription with JomCharge, for unlimited charging at 50% discount at all JomCharge stations. JomCharge will also have 13 new DC fast chargers installed in strategic dealer locations this year where EQ customers can use at no cost until the end of 2023.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe front-wheel drive EQA 250 is driven by a single electric motor, using a single-speed gearbox.\nMax Power: 190 hp\nMax Torque: 375 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 8.9 seconds\nTop Speed: 160 km/h\nThe 2-tonne EQA\u2019s electric motor is powered by a 420-volt lithium-ion battery with 66.5 kWh capacity. Using the car\u2019s 11kW on board Type 2 AC charger, the EQA can be fully charged in just 5 hours 45 minutes.\nDC charging, meanwhile, is supported up to speeds of 100 kW, can get the EQA from 10 to 80% in just 32 minutes. Electric driving range is rated at 429 km. The batteries are located underneath the cabin floor, and as a result, boot space is rated at 340-litres, 100-litres smaller than the GLA.\nWhile the EQA does share the second iteration of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Modular Front Architecture (MFA2) with the GLA, the platform has been re-engineered to accommodate the electric powertrain. For starters, the battery is comprised of five modules located beneath the passenger compartment in the centre of the vehicle.\nEXTERIOR\nAs the fully electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the EQA gets distinctive features such as a covered radiator grille, and light strip across the front and rear. The headlamps also come with blue highlights to announce its EQA identity.\nWith the AMG Line bodykit, the EQA 250 gets a sportier front splitter and rear diffuser.\nFull LED lighting\nAMG Line body kit\n19-inch 5 twin-spoke light alloy wheels\nHands-free powered boot\nINTERIOR\nInside, the cabin of the EQA isn\u2019t any different from the GLA 250 AMG Line with dual 10.25-inch displays. Unlike the single-zone system in the CKD GLA 250 AMG Line, the EQA 250 comes with dual zone air conditioning, including rear air vents. The rest of the interior is upholstered in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre.\nOpen pore Linden wood trims\nHead up display\nSports seats with ventilation\nNappa leather steering\nWireless charging\nSAFETY\nThe EQA 250 is aided by a host of driver aids and safety systems including:\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nActive Steering Assist\nActive Blind Spot Assist,\nParking Assit\nAdaptive cruise control\nAutonomous emergency braking\nThe EQA 250 is equipped with a Acoustic Ambient Protection feature that generates sounds up to speeds of 20 km/h to alert cyclists and other pedestrians.\nGALLERY"
"Kia Motors and Hyundai Motor Company will soon introduce \u201csolar roof\u201d charging technology on selected Hyundai Motor Group vehicles, where implementation will begin as soon as the year 2020.\nThese electric solar panels will be placed on the roof of the vehicles to support the vehicle\u2019s main power source, charge the batteries in hybrid, electric and even internal combustion vehicles.\nThe Group is currently developing three types of solar roof charging systems \u2013 for hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.\nHybrid vehicles will feature first generation systems with silicon solar panels integrated into a standard car roof and is capable of charging 30-60% of the car\u2019s battery depending on conditions.\nVehicles with internal combustion engines will feature a world-first, semi-transparent solar roof, which can be integrated with a panoramic sunroof \u2013 to let light into the cabin while charging the vehicle\u2019s battery at the same time. \nHyundai believes this will help vehicles with internal combustion engines to be more efficient and more compliant to global environmental regulations.\n\u00a0\nStill under testing are the systems for pure electric vehicles, where lightweight solar panels will be applied to the hood and roof of these vehicles, to maximise efficiency and increase their driving range.\nThe solar roof is the first of these technologies, and will mean that automobiles no longer passively consume energy but will begin to produce it actively,\u201d said the developer of the technology, Executive Vice President of the Engineering and Design Division of Hyundai Motor Group, Jeong-Gil Park."
"Alongside the \n3 Series\n, BMW Malaysia has also updated the equipment list of the locally-assembled (CKD) G02 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport, introduced in \nJune last year\n.\nSimilar to the 3-er, the updated BMW X4 now comes equipped with the brand\u2019s \nDriver Assistant Package\n, which includes Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and front collision warning with brake intervention (Autonomous Emergency Braking), crossing traffic warning rear and rear collision prevention.\n \nCompared to its direct competitor \u2013 the \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC\n, the X4 does pull out slightly ahead now with the addition of the rear cross-traffic alert and rear collision prevention assist.\nAside from safety, the updated CKD BMW X4 also includes the new 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster \u2013 the one without the \u201canalogue-look\u201d dials, as seen on the all-new \nBMW 3 Series\n and \nX5\n.\nThe new kit does come at a price though, as the CKD BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is now priced from \nRM375,800\n, a whole RM11,000 up from before. However, it does still have the upper hand in pricing against the GLC Coupe, which is priced at RM419,888.\nAs a recap, the X4 xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to drive all four wheels.\nThe new RRP is inclusive of a \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty and free service package\n, as well as a \n24-month BMW Tyre Warranty\n from the date of purchase."
"Nismo, otherwise known as Nissan Motorsports, is the BMW M equivalent for Nissan. It has recently been rebranded to\u00a0\nNismo Cars Business Department\n and will be a subset of Nissan Autech division.\nWhat does this mean? More Nismo cars globally, basically. Currently, Nismo sells over 15,000 specially commissioned cars a year, ranging from the\u00a0\nGT-R\n, \nFairlady\u00a0Z\n, \nJuke\n, \nNote\n, Sentra (Sylphy in Malaysia) and the Patrol. Usually, Nismo takes regular road-going cars and slaps on sportier bodykits and slight performance upgrades.\nInterestingly, such efforts have already begun back home with Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) now offering Nismo kits to the \nAlmera\n and \nTeana\n models. The kit, which are all optional, come with red-accented bodykits, Nismo rims, stiffer coils and sportier exhaust system. But is this all the Nismo we will be getting? Only time will tell."
"It\u2019s no secret that the highly-anticipated Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater crossover will be launching soon on our shores. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has even (literally) \nteased us,\n with a set-up that revealed the front and rear of the car at Mid Valley Megamall in early September.\nFrom the teaser, it\u2019s clear that we\u2019d be getting the latest facelifted version of the Mitsubishi Xpander which means Malaysians will get to enjoy a slew of nice upgrades that can be found on the facelifted Xpander and then some.\nFacelift\nPre-facelift\nLet\u2019s begin with the exterior. The facelift Xpander will come with a revised Dynamic Shield front grille design. The 3-slate grille found in the pre-facelift has been replaced with a \n2-slate grille\n instead. Less noticeable is the slightly larger Mitsubishi emblem that sits proudly on the shield.\nStaying on the front still, the facelifted Xpander will be equipped with Bi-LED Headlights, replacing the halogen ones found in the pre-facelift. Also new to the facelift is a pair of halogen fog lights which also doubles up as daytime running lights.\nFacelift\nPre-facelift\nAlso, if you pay close attention to the lower air intake section at the front, you will find a camera hidden neatly tucked inside. This is part of the \n360-degree camera\n that was previously not available on the pre-facelift model.\nFrom the side, the obvious change on the facelift Xpander is the wheel design. Though they remain the same at 16-inches, the facelift Xpander will get \n5-spoke Dual Tone Alloy wheels\n replacing the 10-spoke Single Tone Alloy Wheels seen on the pre-facelift model.\nMoving to the rear of the car, three things do stand out. The first being the \nShark Fin antenna\n, which replaces the Bee Sting style antenna in the pre-facelift version. The second and third item to stand out is the \nrear fog lamps\n and\n reverse sensors\n which were absent in the pre-facelift.\nFacelift\nPre-facelift\nFor the interior, we can only speculate since the interior of the teaser unit was concealed. Based on the teaser video \nhere\n, it shows that the facelift Xpander\u2019s interior would be of\n black leather upholstery\n.\nCompared to the Indonesian pre-facelift Xpander, they have an option of either a black or beige interior depending on the variant, but no leather option.\nFrom the teaser video, we can also tell that our facelift Xpander will not come with wood trims which were seen in the range-topping pre-facelift Ultimate variant Xpander. Instead, the local model appears to be finished with a carbon fibre look to go with the black leather upholstery.\nThe teaser video from Mitsubishi Malaysia, we can see the trim beside the HU unit is a Carbon Fiber-eques trim.\nThe last feature that we hope will make its way into our facelift Xpander, is cruise control. This feature is not available in the pre-facelift Xpander, but it\u2019s \navailable on the facelift model in Indonesia\n as seen in our \nfull review\n of the seven-seater crossover, featuring our friend Fitra Eri from Oto Driver of Indonesia!\nThere you have it; the niceties you can expect to find in the upcoming Mitsubishi Xpander. Unfortunately, MMM has not divulged any information regarding the Xpander\u2019s price or how many variants it would come in."
"We\u2019ve gone to too many extra miles with the \nVolkswagen Golf R\n in our short stint with the super hatch, simply because we loved how it sounds, looks and most importantly, drives. Since we won\u2019t be getting the \nGTI Clubsport S variant\n anytime soon, if not ever, let\u2019s shift our focus to the facelifted Golf R.\nLike the rest of the range\n, the styling tweaks are minimal but obvious. The new Golf R gets new front and tail lamps, bumpers and alloy wheels. Inside, the changes are even more insignificant, bar the new but optional 12.3-inch Active Info Display that\u2019s identical to the ones fitted in the \nPassat B8\n.\nUnder the hood, the EA888 engine, a \n2.0-litre turbocharged\n four-potter is boosted to produce 10 hp and 27 Nm more than before. It now makes a whopping\u00a0\n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, which shaves off a good 0.3 seconds in the century sprint (\n4.6 seconds\n vs the old 4.9-second time) when equipped with a \nseven-speed DSG\n. There is also a market-specific six-speed manual, though we can expect Volkswagen Malaysia to introduce just the twin-clutch version.\nThe facelifted Golf lineup will be launched sometime next year. Here\u2019s a little thought: if Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia is locally assembling the Passat B8, which sits atop the group\u2019s modular platform, perhaps the Golf too could be CKD. Keep those fingers crossed!"
"The 2017 Subaru XV is set to make its worldwide debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. Just like the newly unveiled \nImpreza\n, the XV will also sit on the new Subaru Global Platform while receiving the DYNAMIC x SOLID design.\nBeing a crossover, the XV has a much higher clearance than its saloon equivalent. The picture above flaunts the new model\u2019s character line, and its silhouette much resemble the outgoing model. According to Subaru, the\u00a0XV will share the same 2.0-litre flat-four and \nLineartronic CVT\n\u00a0as the new\u00a0Impreza. That direct-injected, naturally aspirated engine generates\u00a0\n154 hp\n\u00a0and \n196 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\nThe \nfirst-generation XV\n arrived in Malaysia in CKD guise, built in Tan Chong\u2019s Segambut plant in 2012. The new model will be locally assembled, and will go on sale here in Malaysia by Q4 2017."
"Malaysians are no stranger to the \nHonda Civic (FC) sedan\n. Introduced to the local market in 2016, the Civic went on to become the \nmost popular model in its segment\n and revitalised the slow-moving C-segment sedan segment.\nOur friends in the UK, however, have always had their Civic as a \nhatchback\n but Honda UK has revealed that they will be bringing the Civic sedan to the UK market. This comes as a surprise as uptake of family sedans have been on a decline in the UK due to shoppers shifting to more versatile SUVs.\n \n Civic Sedan\n \n Civic Hatch\nTwo powertrain options are available at launch \u2013 1.0-litre i-VTEC turbo petrol paired to either a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a six-speed manual and a \n1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel\n mated to either a six-speed manual or a new nine-speed automatic. The 1.0-litre petrol mill makes a respectable \n129 hp\n while the i-DTEC turbodiesel makes \n120 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque.\nMore than just a pretty face\nSpecification of UK-bound Civic sedan has not been revealed but expect to be quite similarly equipped with our local spec, after all the Civic FC is a global product. Of course, UK shoppers will have the luxury to have added premium features such as Honda SENSING, sunroof and more.\nWhile the Civic hatchback is assembled locally in Swindon, England, the Civic sedan will be imported from Turkey to the UK market.\nHonda Civic Sedan in Malaysia   Before (pre facelift)"
"Following the confirmation of the \nG01 BMW X3 that is slated for Malaysian shores\n in the first half of 2018, BMW Malaysia has also hinted to \nAutoBuzz.my \nthat the \nG32 BMW 6 Series GT\n will be here to replace the outgoing 5 Series GT.\nSources familiar with the matter has expressed that the 6 Series GT is scheduled to make its local debut sometime in the \nfirst half of 2018\n but not simultaneously with the all-new X3. Globally, the 6 Series GT is available in \nthree flavours\n: 630i, 640i and 630d. If we were to take a guess the 630i is the most plausible variant, considering the G30 5 Series is offered in a sole \n530i M Sport variant here in Malaysia\n, but don\u2019t count on BMW Malaysia to locally assemble the 6 Series GT.   Thanks to its swelled dimensions (81 mm longer), new technologies and better sound proofing, the new 6 Series GT is lighter by some 150 kg (variant dependant), more spacious and more refined compared to its predecessor, the 5 Series GT. The cabin looks eerily similar to the G30 5 Series but BMW promises more generous of premium materials.\nAs standard, every 6 Series GT will be equipped with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, whereas Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function can be specified as an option. The latter works at speeds up to 210 km/h, and there\u2019s also Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning systems, as well as Remote Control Parking feature.   BMW created its GT model line up to fill in a very niche market gap of individuals who are looking for a spacious SUV-like vehicle with driving dynamics of a sedan but, thinks the design of an estate is way too unpolished for their taste. We still have mixed feelings about BMWs GT line up but hey, to each his own eh?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Like the incoming \nG29 BMW Z4\n, I\u2019d probably stay away from choosing Black if I were to buy a \nG20 BMW 330i M Sport\n \u2013 it just doesn\u2019t allow the car\u2019s lines and bulges to shine.\nGranted \nRM328,800\n (OTR without insurance) may be a little high for a 3-series but it is a fully-imported unit. Although, I\u2019m not so sure if the 330i is as well spec-ced, safety wise at least as autonomous emergency braking is still absent here.\n \nThe G20 330i M Sport is home to a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine, paired to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox, making\u00a0\n258 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n400 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes\u00a0\n5.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\u00a0\n250 km/h\n.\nBMW Group Malaysia also showed off what the\n G20 3-series would look like dressed in the M Performance kit\n \u2013 something you\u2019d want to check out!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Kian Hon Tyres Sdn. Bhd., the sole distributor of Maxxis Tyres in Malaysia, together with TAL Tyres Supply Sdn. Bhd. has just launched Malaysia\u2019s first Maxxis Concept Store in Petaling Jaya. MaxxPit is a one of a kind car service centre that aims to provide consistent and superior service to Maxxis customers.\nMaxxPit was built upon the vision of forging strong trust with Maxxis customers through high-quality and consistent service. MaxxPit offers a range of car care services for 4\u00d74 vehicles, trucks, lorries and passenger cars. \u201cWith MaxxPit, we can ensure our message \u2013 providing 100 percent in quality, service and trust, is concisely tailored and delivered during each customer\u2019s Maxxis journey,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Sydney Tan, Managing Director of Kian Hon Tyres.\nThe company plans to open 15 MaxxPits across Peninsular Malaysia in the next three years. MaxxPit PJ is located at the premise of TAL Tyres Supply (PJ) Sdn. Bhd., 6, Jalan 51/225A, Zon Perindustrian PJCT.\nIMAGE GALLERY   How a properly inflated tyre would normally look like."
"While Audi Malaysia only had one public launch earlier in the year for the \nAudi Q2\n and \nQ8\n, the company has been quietly rolling out new models to the local market. Their latest addition is the \nsecond-generation Audi A7 Sportback\n in 3.0-litre V6 TFSI guise.\nOur local spec A7 Sportback rolls off the Neckarsulm assembly facility in Germany and is priced at RM609,900 OTR without insurance in Malaysia. That is an extremely attractive pricing considering its closest \u2013 and only \u2013 competitor is the \nMercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC\n which also uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder is priced at RM650k.\nAlthough the four rings is not as sprightly as the three-pointed star, commanding\n 340 hp\n and \n500 N\nm of torque from its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 TFSI mill, 27 hp down from the CLS. With the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch and Quattro all-wheel-drive, the A7 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.3 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of 250 km/h. Again, 0.5 seconds slower than the Merc if that matters to you.\nThe A7 is also fitted with a 48-volt primary electrical system that helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 km. But that doesn\u2019t mean the A7 is an eco-warrior because it comes fitted with dynamic all-wheel steering technology (rear-wheel steering) for better low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability as well as front brake discs measuring 400 mm in diameter.\nAs standard, our local\nspec A7 comes dressed in the S-Line exterior pack, donning a sportier front and\nrear bumpers, 20-inch alloys as well as HD Matrix LED headlamps as standard. There\nis also an integrated active rear spoiler that extends automatically at 120 km/h.\nCustomers can also choose from a range of 15 colour options.\nThe A7 also comes with a highly appointed cabin with the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, dual-screen set up for the Audi MMI \u2013 10.1-inch upper screen for the infotainment and 8.6-inch lower display for climate control, Heads up display, soft close doors, Valcona leather upholstery, surround-view camera, panoramic sunroof, contour ambient lighting package as well as Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System.\nEvery purchase of the all-new\nAudi A7 3.0-litre V6 TFSI comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A7 3.0L V6 TFSI Quattro"
"The Honda CR-Z is a small hybrid sports hatchback that Honda hope would emulate the CR-X\u2019s success. Unfortunately, it looks like the CR-Z will be canned for good following a confirmation of its discontinuity by Honda North American. In its place are two new hybrid models.\nThis news follows the recent unveiling of the Japan-only CR-Z Final Label edition that could very well be the final production batch before nailing the coffin. The CR-Z Final Edition (finished in shades of blue) gets subtle cosmetic updates, a new set of rims and the obvious \u201cFinal Label\u201d embroidery on both front seats.\nIt retains the same naturally aspirated \n1.5-litre four-cylinder engine\n and electric motor combo that outputs\n 130 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n190 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s either paired to a s\nix-speed manual transmission \nor a\n seven-speed c\nontinuously variable transmission (CVT)\n.\nUnveiled in 2010, the CR-Z somehow made its way to Malaysia in 2011; thanks to the country\u2019s hybrid incentives back then. It had an initial sticker price of \nRM111,878\n. When the incentives were revised a few years after, the priced skyrocketed to \nRM183,000\n, which is the CR-Z\u2019s current price as indicated on Honda Malaysia\u2019s website.\nWhile Honda Japan has yet to officially announce the CR-Z\u2019s fate, the telltale signs are there. It\u2019s sporty appeal somehow doesn\u2019t jive with buyers, on top of that its modest performance wasn\u2019t exhilarating enough to please enthusiasts, plus the fact that its fuel economy trails behind some of its rivals.\nThe CR-Z has now gone relatively quiet in Europe, Australia, and even in Malaysia.\u00a0There are no signs of a successor of yet, which isn\u2019t a bad thing, for now."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is ushering in Chinese New Year (CNY) 2022 by offering attractive festive deals for everyone.\nFans of Volkswagen can look forward to auspicious deals of \nRM1,000\n \u2018ang pao\u2019 rebate and \nRM3,500\n \neShowroom\n \nsavings for the impressive \nArteon R-Line 4Motion\n and the \nTiguan Allspace Highline\n and R-Line.\nThe \nPassat Elegance\n gets a sweeter deal that includes the \nRM2,500\n rebate, the aforementioned RM1,000 rebate, RM3,500 eShowroom savings plus one-year free petrol. All models come with three years of free maintenance and five-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nTo ensure road safety during the upcoming festivity, VPCM is providing free vehicle checks at all its authorised service centres. Owners can now conveniently schedule an appointment through the newly revamped Volkswagen Cares \napp\n.\nRELATED: 8th-gen Volkswagen Golf previewed, to be launched soon!\nThere is a complimentary car disinfectant kit for owners who spend a minimum of RM800 for any service from 13th January 2022 onwards. The gift is also available with ozone or mist treatment, as well as for those who replace HEPA or charcoal air-conditioning filters.\nWith the option to spread the bill over six or 12 months at a 0% interest rate (terms and conditions applies), VPCM\u2019s easy payment plan makes it more affordable for owners to service and repair their vehicle during the festive season too.\nAll Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be organising a showroom event from \n15th to 16th\n \nJanuary\n with test drives available with the CNY deals only scheduled to end on 28th February 2022."
"Acura has just released another sketch of the highly anticipated \nIntegra\n sports model, this time with a piece of all-important information \u2013 its body type!\nFans and enthusiasts can rejoice as the Integra is a five-door sedan and not another crossover or SUV. During the initial model mention to selected guests and media personnel, Acura did present the silhouette which resembled a 3-door design, but in a light show by a team of drones.\nToday\u2019s second official teaser sketch confirms the new Acura Integra will be a five-door design. \u00a0\n\u201cJust like the original Integra, which helped launch the Acura brand in 1986, the fifth-generation Integra will be a premium sport compact with striking five-door design,\u201d said the statement accompanying the teaser sketch.\n \nSuch a bodytype today is extremely rare, in which is dominated by Audi and its Sportback designs. Audi Malaysia provided us with the \nA5 Sportback TFSI Quattro\n and combined with the mellow-yet-striking District Green paintwork, was given plenty of second and even third glances on the road.\nBMW meanwhile has the \n4 Series Gran Coupe\n which is now in its second generation. Strangely, BMW M\u2019s first fully electric car called the \ni4 M50\n is based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe thanks to the additional height available to tuck in the battery pack underneath. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe Integra nameplate was used from the first to the third-generation model and then moving to the RSX nameplate for the fourth and final generation from 2002 to 2006. The third generation also introduced the \nType R\n name into the US, with the model featuring a hand-built 1.8-litre engine delivering \n195 hp\n and high-revving excitement.\nHonda is teaming up with America\u2019s GM to produce their first electric SUV. Find out what it\u2019s called here!\nIn 2019, a one-owner 1997 Acura Integra Type-R (White) sold for a record \nUSD82,000\n (approx. RM340k) at an auction, almost four times the original price when new.\nAs always, Acura said to provide more details as we approach closer to the 2022 introduction."
"Mobile car service app Maxx \u2018N Go has just partnered with Grab Malaysia to provide on-the-go vehicle maintenance services for Grab drivers.\nAs most Grab drivers are constantly on the move, time is a privilege most do not have, especially when it comes to maintaining their cars that would usually rack up a higher than usual mileage.\nWith the partnership, Grab drivers can enjoy a semi-synthetic engine oil change with Maxx \u2018N Go for just \nRM 99 nett\n while a\u00a0\nfully synthetic service will cost \nRM179 nett\n. The quoted prices includes the engine oil, oil filter and labour charges,\u201d said Maxx \u2018N Go, Technical Director, Tengku Djan Ley.\nGrab drivers using the Maxx \u2018N Go app \nwill only be charged RM 50 for the first service\n. The app also provides on-site support, tyre and battery changes.\nHead of Business Development for Grab Malaysia, Tan Jiong Jian said, \u201cIt\u2019s a great idea that really benefits Grab drivers who are looking for added convenience when it comes to general vehicle maintenance. The service not only takes good care of our drivers but ensures the safety of the riders, which is definitely a priority for us. Our drivers really appreciate the benefits of a service like this.\u201d"
"After its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru Vehicles across nine countries in Asia, has just launched the \nsecond-generation Subaru XV\n\u00a0in Taiwan.\nWith the all-new XV, changes happen mostly underneath the skin. Subaru has taken an evolutionary step with the design instead of a revolutionary one to maintain its bold and active image. Looks aside, let\u2019s find out what the second-gen XV is all about.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru XV 2.0i\nSubaru XV 2.0i-S\nEngine\n1,995cc; 4-cylinder Direct Injection Boxer\nTransmission\nLineartronic CVT\nMax Power\n154 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nTBA\nEXTERIOR\nUnderpinning the new XV is the company\u2019s brand-new Subaru Global Platform that first debuted on the \nfifth-generation Subaru Impreza\n. Exterior dimensions now measure at 4,465 mm (+15 mm) in length, 1,800 mm (+20 mm) in width, 1,615 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,665 mm (+30 mm). Subaru claims that the crossover is \nover 70 percent more rigid\n and has \n50 percent lesser body roll\n than the model it replaces.   Thanks to the redesigned front and rear bumper and the new front grille, the new XV has a wider and lower stance while maintaining the 220 mm ground clearance. The base 2.0i comes equipped with halogen headlamps, front fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, blacked out spoiler, roof rails, keyless entry and 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres.\nStepping up to the 2.0i-S, it adds LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, power folding door mirrors with LED turn signals and larger 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/55 profile tyres.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the cabin layout is similar to the one on the Impreza and comes with a number of goodies to play with. The base \n2.0i\n variant features fabric upholstery with orange stitching, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, single zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, keyless start, reverse camera and a retractable cargo cover.\nUpgrade to the\n 2.0i-S\n\u00a0and you\u2019ll be greeted with leather upholstery with orange stitching, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, powered sun roof, auto dimming rear view mirror and aluminium sport pedals. While the features are abundant, Motor Image has hinted that some of the features may be omitted when the car arrives to our shores to maintain a competitive pricing.   Thanks to the larger dimensions of the car, Subaru has freed up \n27 mm more leg room\n for rear passengers and created a larger trunk aperture (+100 mm) for added comfort and convenience. Boot space is rated at 385 litres.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the all-new XV is an updated 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder direct injection Boxer engine that produces \n154 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque. The Lineartronic CVT has also been revised with a new final drive ratio to offer better performance. Both the revised engine and transmission are\u00a0lighter than the outgoing model\u00a0and Subaru claims that the new powertrain offers six to 10 percent better fuel economy.\nPower is channelled to all four-wheels via the famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Like the \nfacelifted Forester\n, it now comes with\n X-Mode\u00a0\nwhich offers\u00a0greater traction for challenging terrains as well as Hill Descent Control.\nWith the all new chassis design, Subaru has also revised the steering ratio to give the driver a more responsive steering feel and straight-line stability. Fuel tank has also been expanded to \n63 litres\n (+13 litres).\nSAFETY\nAs standard, the new XV gets seven-airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDCS), ISOFIX mounting points, Brake Override, Engine Immobiliser and side door reinforcement beams. This helps the XV achieve 199.7 points in the Japan NCAP crash safety assessment, the \nhighest score ever awarded to a passenger car\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe second-gen Subaru XV can be had in nine exterior colours\u00a0\u2013 Pure Red, Quartz Blue Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Cool Grey Khaki and Sunshine Orange. Subaru Malaysia said\u00a0the\u00a0CKD operations for the XV will begin sometime in December this year, with initial deliveries beginning in early 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru XV 2.0i-S   Subaru XV 2.0i"
"Unveiled to the world earlier this year, deliveries of the \nMercedes-AMG E 63 and E 63 S Estate\n will finally commence come September, but only for the UK market.\nCost for the V8 powered wagons starts from RM453k (\u00a381,130) for the E 63 Estate, whereas the hotter E 63 S Estate has an asking price of RM505k (\u00a390,490). Both share the same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, with the former cranking \n571 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n and the latter tuned to belt\n 612 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s good for a century sprint of \n3.6 seconds\n and \n3.5 seconds\n respectively, while top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n.   The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Estate 4MATIC+ is currently the quickest production wagon in the world, and it\u2019s also massively practical with a boot space of 630 litres. Fold the rear seats down and this goes up to 1,820 litres! Will it ever come to Malaysia, though?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda isn\u2019t the\u00a0brand it is today if its founder, Soichiro Honda, did not turn his dreams into reality. Here, we have a group of Malaysian racing enthusiasts who have gone the\u00a0distance by allowing some young Malaysians to pursue their racing dreams. This is \u201cDream Chaser Malaysia\u201d, and this is how they fared at their first race in 2016 at the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS).\nThere are two categories in the MCS;\u00a0\nTouring Production\n (TP, for cars above 1,900cc) and\n Malaysian Touring Car\n (MTC, for cars below 1,600). A total of four rounds will be contested this season, all taking place at the newly resurfaced Sepang International Circuit and will consist of sprint and endurance races. The first round was two sprint races of 10 laps each.\nDream Chaser Malaysia\n is an independent team founded\u00a0by \nCY Ong\n\u00a0who aims\u00a0to\u00a0provide a platform for young talents to unleash their potential in motor racing. This year, the team welcomed a young and interesting talent, \nGeraldine Read\n. She is one of just two female competitors in the MCS, with the other being a seasoned racer, Claire Jedrek, who hails from Singapore.\nThe young lass from Sarawak and former Red Bull Rookies driver will be part of this year\u2019s\u00a0\nDream Chaser Racing Development Programme\n. She pilots\u00a0car no. 12 in the MTC Independent Class, while car no. 100, which will be in MTC Open Class, will be shared by both team principal, CY, and the man behind the \nZerotoHundred\n portal, \nTom Goh\n. The team fielded two Satria Neos in this year\u2019s MTC.\nSo how did the team fare last weekend? Despite the reduced number of racers (Proton R3 team was absent), competition in the MTC was tough. Geraldine who never raced in sprint races,\u00a0qualified ninth out of 10 entries. The other car meanwhile, qualified for sixth place on the starting grid.\nGeraldine had a rough start in Race 1 and trailed behind the pack. The more experienced Tom Goh in the other Satria Neo fought closely with a field consisting Suzuki Swifts, Proton Satria Neos and a Proton Preve. Geraldine was later forced to pit when she lost her gears, but fortunately managed to get back onto the track.\nShe eventually finished in eighth, while Tom settled for fourth place. The race was won by Mark Darwin in his Proton Preve from Team Sakura-Tedco Racing, which is actually a partner of the Dream Chaser team.\nIn race two, Geraldine started at the back while car no.100 was passed over to CY and started in fourth. When\u00a0the lights turned green, Geraldine took no chances and began chasing the pack. She quickly overtook a Swift and things fell into place, to her favour. Unfortunately, the troublesome gearbox gave way, forcing car 12 into retirement by the fifth lap. It was indeed a crushing disappointment to\u00a0a great start. That\u2019s the reality of motor racing, though. You win some, you lose some. For the latter, it builds character. Just ask Lewis Hamilton on that.\nMeanwhile, CY (piloting car no.100) gave everything he\u2019s got but later rewarded with third place. Race 2 was yet again won by Mark Darwin.\nOn the other hand, it was basically a Honda affair in the TP category, where a field of Civics and Integras duked out for glory. Both races were won by \nTeam Tedco\u2019s\n\u00a0\nFitra Efi\n\u00a0in a Honda Civic FD2R.\u00a0In a nutshell, it was a weekend to remember for the dominating Team Tedco, who quickly positioned themselves as the team to beat.\nCY Ong added, \u201cDespite the setbacks, Geraldine has shown the right attitude. She\u2019s a quick learner and has a strong fighting spirit. On race two, she displayed tremendous improvement on her lap times and gave a good fight to her nearest competitor.\u201d\n\u201cWe will need to help her to improve further on some of the fundamental skills (gear upshifting and downshifting, heel & toe), racing line, braking skill, feel the feedback from tyres and car balance. She\u2019ll learn about mechanical knowledge about cars, tyre difference in terms of compound and branding.\u201d\nFor sure, they\u2019ll be back stronger later in round two in August. Regardless of the outcome, racers will always adhere to this adage \u201conwards and upwards\u201d, and this applies to both Geraldine and the Dream Chaser team. Soichiro Honda\u2019s dream for personal mobility didn\u2019t just end with his first motorcycle; the D-Type (D stands for Dream) motorcycle then evolved to become the Cup. Needless to say, the rest is history.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has announced that the locally assembled S90 T8 plug-in hybrid is now open for booking, joining the fully imported \nS90\n and \nV90 T6 R-Design\n line up. Customers who place their orders now will enjoy a special introductory price of RM348,888, on-the-road without insurance, RM40k cheaper than the \nentry level\n S90 T5.\nLike the locally assembled \nXC90 T8 PHEV\n, the S90 T8 PHEV will be furnished in Inscription trim level, the highest and most luxurious trim available in the Volvo family. Complete specification of the vehicle will be released during the official launch however, the highly equipped XC90 T8 should give you an idea what the S90 T8 will feel like.   Motivation is courtesy of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mated to an electric motor to push out a combined output of \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of twisting force. Drive is channelled to all four-corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in \n4.8 seconds\n, 1.1 seconds quicker than the \nS90 T6 R-Design\n.\nVCM has not confirmed a launch date for the S90 T8 Inscription but if you\u2019re intrigued by a more powerful and luxurious Volvo S90 at under RM350k, better hurry on to your nearest Volvo showroom now.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"British design firm Mulgari has revealed the Icon03, based on the \nBMW M240i\n, built with a focus on chassis and drivetrain enhancements along with weight-saving measures.\nVarious elements of the Icon03\u2019s design were inspired by the iconic M cars of the past and present. The dimpled carbon roof takes after the E46 M3 CSL while the extended wings pay tribute to the E30 M3.\nThe B58 3.0-litre turbocharged engine in the Icon03 has been tweaked to make just under \n500 hp\n with\n 589 Nm\n but performance wasn\u2019t the focus.\nBelieving that performance is nothing without sound, they\u2019ve fitted in an Akrapovic exhaust system. With chassis and suspension being the main focus, they\u2019ve been able to create a balanced car that\u2019s both usable and engaging.\nInside, the Icon03 is fitted with Recaro seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, carbon shift paddles and a series of gauges in the centre console.\nOnly \n25 units\n of the Icon03 will be built with Mulgari expecting the car to be half a minute quicker than the \nBMW M2 \naround the Nurburgring.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perhaps the most anticipated new car to launch in Malaysia this year would be the \nProton X90\n. Those who have been eyeing the large SUV by \nProton\n can now make their bookings for the car, albeit at Proton 3S and 4S centres only.\nAccording to an \nInstagram post\n by protoncars, the official Instagram account for Proton, bookings forth Proton X90 were already opened during the recent weekend, more precisely on \nApril 8, 2023\n. Not shown on Proton\u2019s official website yet, the bookings can only be made at the brand\u2019s 3S and 4S centres only.\nSource: \nprotoncars\nBefore opening the bookings, Proton has already previewed the Proton X90 to the members of the media, and it is already known that the X90 will be available in four variants. All variants are powered by a mil-hybrid system which consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine (\n190 hp\n/\n300 Nm\n) and an electric drive system. All variants get a 7-seater configuration except for the Flagship which comes with a 6-seater configuration.\nThe four Proton X90 variants available for bookings are Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. Over the recent weekend, specifications of the four variants of the X90 also surfaced on the internet. As standard, the X90 comes with full LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, a 12.3-inch head unit, and a reverse camera.\nRELATED \u2013 \nThe 2023 Proton X90 debuts several \u2018Proton-first\u2019 features \u2013 What are they?\nThe Executive variant adds on a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a power tailgate, leatherette seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, and a 360\u00b0 camera with 3D display.\nUp a tier, the Premium variant adds on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), 19-inch wheels, nappa leather seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a wireless charger, and auto park assist. The Flagship variant adds a panoramic sunroof, a front passenger \u2018boss\u2019 switch, and second-row captain seats.\nThe Proton X90 is currently on a preview session across six cities in Malaysia. Although bookings for the Proton X90 have been opened, Proton has yet to announce the official launch date of the Proton X90.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 unveiled ahead of launch \u2013 4 variants, hybrid powertrain only"
"To celebrate its 110th anniversary this year, British carmaker \nAston Martin\n has unveiled the Aston Martin Valour \u2013 an ode to its tradition of superlative special edition front-engine sportscars. Referred to by the brand as \u201cthe last of an era\u201d, the Aston Martin Valour is a twin-turbo V12 supercar with a 6-speed manual transmission \u2013 quite the car to delight the purists.\nIf you feel that it draws an uncanny resemblance to a muscle car, that is pretty much what is intended with the Aston Martin Valour. As Aston Martin\u2019s Director of Vehicle Performance, Simon Newton said, it is \u201cinspired by the iconic, muscle cars from our [Aston Martin\u2019s] past\u201d. Recall the V8 Vantage from the 70s.\nThe Valour has a broad stance and a muscular physique and is built entirely out of carbon fibre. At the front end is a clamshell bonnet that features a large \u2018horse shoe\u2019 vent and twin NACA ducts to feed air into the V12 twin-turbocharged engine, which we shall address in just a bit.\nIts low-sitting headlights are integrated into the grille which is adorned with aluminium strakes. The grille also houses large carbon fibre intakes on both sides that feed both the engine and the brakes. Aero bits include vortex-generating aero blades, an upswept Kamm tail, and a prominent diffuser to achieve aerodynamic balance.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin is going electric \u2013 EV motors and batteries to be supplied by Lucid Motors\nThe wheels measure 21 inches in diameter and are lightweight forged alloy \u2018Honeycomb\u2019 wheels. Wrapping the wheels are a set of AML-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres \u2013 275/35 R21 front tyres and 325/30 R21 on the rear.\nAt the back, the Valour is an ode to the \nValkyrie\n with its dramatic taillight graphic with clusters of LED light blades on each side. Completing the dramatic rear end is a triple tailpipe exhaust system which has been fabricated from lightweight stainless steel. The exhaust has a wall thickness of less than 1 mm.\nRELATED: \n2023 Aston Martin DBX707 review \u2013 physics-defying masterpiece\nAs mentioned earlier, the Aston Martin Valour is powered by a V12 twin-turbo engine. With a 5.2-litre capacity, the 12-banger churns out \n715 hp\n (metric) and \n753 Nm\n. Most importantly, the engine is mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox which should provide the claimed \u201cvisceral driving experience\u201d. With such technical specifications, Aston Martin says that the Valour\u2019s purist approach is unique in 2023 and that it is a \u201cthrilling tribute to the golden era of driving\u201d.\nInside, the Aston Martin Valour is a two-seater with \u201cuncommon simplicity\u201d and \u201cseductive tactility\u201d. With the manual shifter being the highlight, customers can opt for it to be machined aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre, or walnut. The cabin is highly customizable and can even be specced with traditional woollen tweed inspired by the seat coverings of Aston Martin\u2019s 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1.\nRELATED: \nThe Aston Martin DB12 marks 110 years of the brand \u2013 680hp, RWD, 0-100km/h in 3.6 secs\nFurther personalisation comes in the form of a flexible method of livery customisation. Separating the Valour\u2019s body into four areas \u2013 front, bonnet, sides and rear \u2013 clients may choose from an extensive array of hand-painted stripes and graphics designs, which can be applied in any one of 21 paint colours.\nShould a customer wish to go beyond the standard palette of Valour options then they may engage the services of Q by Aston Martin to create a truly bespoke specification.\nProduction of the Aston Martin Valour is scheduled to begin in Q3 2023 at Aston Martin\u2019s Gaydon Headquarters. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q4 2023. Only 110 units of the Aston Martin Valour will be made.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts \u2013 F1 medical car replica\nGALLERY"
"The \nsecond-generation Mazda CX-5\n has officially gone on sale in the UK, and customers can choose between the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol or the 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel with two states of tunes. Curiously, the 2.5-litre petrol mill is not offered.\nWith the all-new CX-5, Mazda has further heightened the \nJinba-Ittai\n philosophy to deliver greater driver engagement and comfort. NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) has greatly improved through use of additional sound deadening materials. The new model also boasts \n15 percent stiffer torsional body rigidity\n compared to the \nfirst-gen CX-5\n.\nFirst introduced in the \nMazda3 facelift\n, Mazda\u2019s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) is now standard across the CX-5 range. Revisions have also been made to the steering, suspension and brakes, making the all-new SUV even more comfortable, refined and responsive than before.\nThe 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine has been revised to deliver \n163 hp\n (up 8 hp). This petrol mill is mated exclusively to a six-speed SkyActiv-MT manual transmission and can only be had in front wheel drive layout.\nThe 2.2-litre diesel on the other hand, belts either\u00a0\n148 hp\n\u00a0or\u00a0\n173 hp\n. The oil burners now feature\n Natural Sound Smoother\n technology that helps reduce start-up and idle vibration as well as \nTransient Control\n that sharpens throttle response. Both diesel engines can be had with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The lesser version (148 hp) can be had in 2WD or 4WD, while the hotter one comes exclusively in AWD.\nMazda has taken an evolutionary step in design, incorporating design cues from the flagship \nCX-9\n. As standard, all variants of the CX-5 get full LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, Adaptive Front Lighting System and auto power folding wing mirrors. Entry level variants ride on 17-inch alloys while higher trims ride on 19-inch alloys finished in Gunmetal.   Also making its debut are two new optional paint colours \u2013 \nSoul Red Crystal Metallic\n and Machine Grey Metallic. Both colours use Mazda\u2019s Takuminuri painting technology (an advanced three-coat spraying technique that\u2019s said to be as good as hand-painted finish). As compared to the Soul Red Metallic, the new Soul Red Crystal metallic has 20 percent greater saturation and 50 percent more depth.\nAs standard, the CX-5 comes equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, fabric upholstery, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, 7-inch MZD connect infotainment system with navigation, electronic parking brake, rear air vents and cruise control. Higher trim levels add reverse camera, powered tailgate, powered sun roof, leather upholstery, powered front seats with memory function, smart keyless entry, full coloured Active Driving Display (HUD) and 10-speaker BOSE surround-sound system.   All variants get six airbags, \nAdvanced Smart City Brake Support\n (AEB), Hill-Hold Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and ISOFIX mounting points. For just\n \u00a3800 (RM4,300) extra\n, UK customers can spec their CX-5 with the optional Safety Pack that adds the full suite of\n i-ActivSense safety technology\n including Adaptive LED Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane-keep Assist System and Rear Smart City Brake Support.\nPrices for the second-generation Mazda CX-5 in the UK start from \u00a323,695 (RM128k) to \u00a326,695 (RM144k) for the petrol variants while the diesel variants range from \u00a325,695 (RM138k) and \u00a333,195 (RM179k).\nBermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has confirmed that our local market will be getting the all-new CX-5 in \nQ4 of 2017 as a CKD model\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda CX-5 2.2L SkyActiv-D AWD   Mazda CX-5 2.0L SkyActiv-G 2WD"
"We don\u2019t always get to buy the car of our dreams, be it due to financial reasons, or because your significant other was shouting at you to buy something practical and economic. Sometimes, you end up with a \nToyota Prius\n or a \nRAV4\n. They\u2019re perfectly fine cars, and in the case of the RAV4, actually pretty good looking \u2013 though not exactly dream car levels.\nIt\u2019s understandable if you\u2019d want to add some spice to your everyday econo-box, I mean hey, we\u2019ve got to live our dreams somehow, right? Fortunately, if your dreams are something a little Italian, this little Japanese outfit called Albermo might actually have something up your alley.\n https://www.instagram.com/p/B-nvoaGg4Lr/\nThe RAV4 kit is called the XR51, and consists of a front bumper, rear \u201chalf-spoiler\u201d, and a four-piece side skirts. The entire \nLamborghini Urus\n knock-off kit will set you back around JPY232,000 (RM9,375), but if you so wish to, you can purchase the parts individually too.\nThe front bumper actually looks quite convincing in its minute details, and it\u2019s clear that Albermo has put in the effort to make it look as similar to the Italian super-SUV as possible. However, when fitted onto the RAV4, it somehow makes the \nJapan Car of the Year\n look odd and disproportionate, with a droopy nose up front.\nIf you\u2019re an owner of the latest Toyota Prius, you can also transform your fuel-efficient Japanese hybrid into something that sort of resembles the very Italian Ferrari FF for just JPY186,000 (RM7,518). And to be honest, we think it actually makes the Prius look a little better.\nThe kit, called SP42, consists of a new front bumper, as well as a rear half-spoiler. Just like the RAV4 kit, you can also order the parts individually, though be aware that paintwork is not included in the list price.\nIf our Google Translate is serving us right, it seems that the company will also be \nselling the kit on complete cars\n that you can purchase in its entirety. For the complete Italian premium sportscar experience, you can even contact Albermo to build a new car entirely up to your specifications.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota RAV4 XR51\nToyota Prius SP42"
"Following the launch of the updated 2023 BMW 3 Series facelift line-up earlier this year, BMW Malaysia has now added the new 330Li M Sport into the local line-up, alongside the M340i xDrive \u2013 details for the latter can be found in a separate post \nhere\n.\nThe new 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport is priced at \nRM325,800\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the extended five-year warranty and service package, representing a RM20,000 hike over the\n outgoing pre-facelift model\n.\nIn terms of updates, changes on the new 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport mirrors those on the other \n3 Series\n variants, including a reworked front fascia characterised by the sleeker headlights design and wider lower air intakes on the bumpers. Dimensions are unchanged from before, where the long-wheelbase 330Li variant measures some 110 mm longer than the regular 3 Series.\nEquipment wise, the BMW 330Li M Sport comes as standard with regular LED headlights up front with High-Beam Assistant, alongside 18-inch Style 848 M Bicolour alloy wheels, M aerodynamics Package, and the M High-Gloss Shadowline package that blacks out the window trims surrounding the glasshouse.\nInterior photo from the \nBMW 330e M Sport\nInside, the new 2023 BMW 330Li is also equipped with the new BMW Curved Display atop the dashboard, consisting of two 12.3-inch displays running the BMW Operating System 8 software with Connected Package Professional as standard. The package enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongside a range of digital services such as Remote Services, as well as remote software update capability.\nOther interior appointments include a head-up display for the driver, powered adjustments for the driver\u2019s seat, panoramic glass roof, M leather steering wheel, three-zone automatic climate control, standard BMW HiFi sound system, and a black high-gloss and aluminium combination interior trim finishers.\nREAD MORE: \n2023 BMW 320i, 330i, 330e facelift in Malaysia \u2013 What\u2019s new on the facelift?\nThe new 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport continues to be powered by the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making\n 258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n6.2 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h. The new 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport also rides on the Comfort Suspension as before.\nSafety kit is also unchanged for the 2023 BMW 330Li M Sport here in Malaysia, with features including lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic warning and brake intervention, and the standard Parking Assistant package consisting of a reverse camera, active park distance control, and a Reversing Assistant feature.\nWith the addition of the BMW 330Li M Sport and the M340i xDrive, the 2023 3 Series facelift line-up in Malaysia is now complete, and is priced as follows (inclusive of the extended five-year/unlimited mileage warranty and service package):\nBMW 320i M Sport (CKD)\n \u2013 RM283,800\nBMW 330e M Sport (CKD)\n \u2013 RM298,800\nBMW 330i M Sport (CKD)\n \u2013 RM317,800\nBMW 330Li M Sport (CKD) \u2013 RM325,800\nBMW M340i xDrive (CKD)\n \u2013 RM391,800\nBMW M340 xDrive M Sport Pro (CKD) \u2013 RM386,800\nGALLERY"
"MINI, the British premium carmaker has just introduced its MINI Yours Customised personalization programme to allow customers to create bespoke personalised trims for their beloved MINI. Customisable items include side scuttles, interior trims, illuminated door sills and LED puddle lamps.\nThrough innovative use of 3D printing technology, customers have free reign over the font, colour, design layout and even surface finishes. The whole customisation process is done through the global online store and customers will be guided step by step through the process.   For the side scuttles, customers can build upon one of four basic design, select their desired colour, surface finish, text and pattern. You can even have different designs for the left and right scuttles and are interchangeable with a new pair of design in a few simple steps.\nOn the side, the illuminated door sills and LED puddle lamps can also be customised with bespoke writing and design. How cool is it to be greeted by your signature the moment you open door? The same configuration can be applied to the dashboard trim as well.\nAll MINI Yours Customised products will be produced at production facilities in Germany and will be available from 2018 onwards. The bespoke items can be applied to most MINI models.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At a question and answer session with the media at the facelifted Nissan X-Trail Media drive, Sales & Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), Christopher Tan revealed that the \nNissan Teana\n has been officially discontinued in Japan and Malaysia.\nNissan is officially exiting the D-segment market and the brand will be focusing on SUVs instead. This global direction is also reflected in ETCMs product strategy where the \nfacelifted X-Trail\n is now positioned as the brand\u2019s top model.\nAccording to Tan, customers want a high riding vehicle in Malaysia for that extra sense of security when going through flash floods and poor road conditions. Besides that, global demand for sedans has been dropping steadily, in favour of SUVs.\n\u00a0Currently, ETCM\u2019s line up of models include\nthe Nissan X-Trail, Serena, Almera, Navara and Urvan."
"In case you\u2019ve not heard or come to know this name, \nBisimoto Engineering\n is synonymous with bizarre and madness. In fact the company founded by \nBisi Ezerioha\n, was built on unusual, bizarre projects that rewrites the rule book.\nThe company rose to prominence and fame with a few notoriously powerful projects in the past \u2013 a \n1,000 Honda Odyssey\n, an \n850 hp Porsche 911 Turbo\n and now their latest projects, according to Bisi, is the middle ground between the old and new world.\nIt\u2019s called the Porsche 935 K3V \u2013 in essence a standard 1984 Porsche 911 SC that\u2019s been unconventionally modified both aesthetically and mechanically.\nOn the outside, it has received a complete makeover with a fibre glass body kit and extensions inspired by \nthe Porsche 935\n and has been (literally) amped-up with Tesla\u2019s electric motors. Without an internal combustion engine, the massive air ducts at the rear fenders are used to cool the batteries instead.\nIt makes \n636 hp\n and upwards of \n800 Nm\n and get this, it only weighs 1,216 kg as a result of its stripped out interior. Redline is at 18,000 rpm and top speed is well in excess of 260 km/h. On a full charge, the rear-wheel driven 935 K3V is said to be able to achieve \n290 km of electric driving range\n.\nThere are only two running gears in the 935 K3V \u2013 one to move forward and the other to reverse. Unlike most electric cars, the original gear lever was retained for this operation.\nThe 17-inch front/19-inch rear wheels are a tribute to the Porsche 935/78 Le Mans race car from the 1970s while the 3D-printed wheel caps are a nod to the Formula race cars from Formula E. These decadent items are wrapped in \nToyo Proxes RR competition tyres\n. Behind them are Stoptech brakes with what seems like a 6-pot pair in the front.\nAccording to Bisi, there\u2019s hardly any opportunities to use the brakes when travelling at low speeds as the regenerative braking system is capable of slowing the car down significantly, much like the system in the new Nissan Leaf available in Malaysia.\nWith the spike in interest from the younger generation on vintage cars, if this is the way forward. There\u2019s no doubt most would be inclined to jump on the electric bandwagon. Heck, it might even persuade the old thick skulls to make this transition.\nWith that level of performance and efficiency, would the lack of noise and drama still deter you from electric cars? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!\n \nGALLERY"
"Aston Martin has just confirmed their next project that will join the \nAston Martin Valkyrie\n and \nValkyrie AMR Pro\n in the brand\u2019s cutting-edge hypercar line up. Befittingly its bears the internal codename Project \u201c003\u201d.\nGaydon\u2019s third hypercar will feature a mid-engine configuration as well as a turbocharged petrol hybrid powertrain, taking the fight to the likes of the \nMcLaren P1\n, \nFerrari LaFerrari\n and \nPorsche 918 Spyder\n. No output figures were quoted in the release, but Project 003 would have to hover around the sub\n 1,000 hp\n figures if it wants to compete against the Holy Trinity of hybrid hypercars.   The car will also feature innovations from the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro in the form of active aerodynamics, downforce and active suspension systems to give it class-leading dynamics both on the road and track. Aston Martin also promises next-level precision, control and driver connection in the Project 003.\nOnly 500 coupe examples will be made, and deliveries are expected to commence in late 2021. Despite its exclusivity and exceptional performance, Aston Martin claims that the Project 003 is being designed and engineered to be used comfortably on the road with practical concessions and space for luggage."
"It\u2019s no secret that Volkswagen is going all-in on electrification \u2013 just look at the \nID.R\n. But we\u2019re pretty sure no one was expecting this (at least not right now) \u2013 a top-of-the-line performance SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Introducing the \nVolkswagen Touareg\n R.\nVolkswagen says that the Touareg R represents a \u201cparadigm shift\u201d for the brand, and we think it\u2019s pretty self explanatory. Not only is it the first R model to feature a hybrid drive, but it is also the first time the most powerful vehicle in the entire Volkswagen line-up is powered by an electrified powertrain.\nUnder the hood is a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine, paired to an electric drive motor for a combined output of \n476 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent through an \neight-speed automatic gearbox\n and a transfer box to drive \nall four wheels\n.\nThe hybrid powertrain is not just about performance here. Volkswagen says that the the Touareg R can cover most commuter distances in pure electric power, \nup to a top speed of 140 km/h\n.\nThe high torque output also means that the Touareg R can haul some pretty serious load. According to Volkswagen, \n3.5 tonnes\n is the official maximum trailer weight. And yes, you can do it with pure electric power, too.\nStyling wise, the Touareg R does not shy from showing its performance nature. On the outside, the large SUV gets a Black Style design package, which includes a reworked bumper design, blacked-out chrome trims, as well as 20-inch Braga alloy wheels.\nMoving inside, the large performance SUV gets an R-Line interior trim, which includes Vienna leather upholstery with Crsytal Grey stitching, along with with specific Hybrid menu in the infotainment system.\nVolkswagen says that the battery manager in the Touareg R also utilises the navigation system in the car, predictively taking into account the route and topography data to better adapt battery usage, and thus optimise the electric range.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We should now all be familiar with the whole wash, dry, and sanitise routine that has been hammered into our heads ever since the \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n broke out. But aside from our personal hygiene, we are also advised to sanitise our surrounding areas such as the working table and our cars as much as we can, and that\u2019s for good reason.\nRecent studies suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can persist on glass, metal, and plastic surfaces for up to nine days, all of which make up a majority of the cabin in most cars. With our cars being the first contact point from the \u201coutside world\u201d, they can become a virus hotbed if not cleaned and disinfected regularly.\nSo should we all be rushing out to buy those popular alcohol-based disinfectant sprays that are making rounds on the internet? Not quite yet.\nLeather upholstery, such as these in the \nBMW 330i M Sport\n, is especially prone to damage when exposed to alcohol.\nWhile alcohol is an effective disinfectant against coronavirus and can work wonders on our hands, alcohol-based products such as rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) might not be the best solution for our cars \u2013 especially if it\u2019s upholstered with leather, as it can easily dry out the leather, causing it to crack prematurely.\nOn plastic surfaces, high concentrations of alcohol can cause what is known as \u201cchemical etching\u201d, essentially melting the plastic surfaces, turning it opaque and creating a hazy effect. Additionally, alcohol-based disinfectants can also sometimes cause discolouration on certain materials in our cars.\nSo what should we use to remove potential virus particles from our cars then? According to Katzkin Automotive Leather senior marketing director Dara Ward, nothing beats good ol\u2019 \nsoap and water\n. The advice is also echoed by Larry Kosilla, founder of Ammo NYC vehicle detailing products and host of popular \nYouTube channel\n of the same name.\nSoap works effectively against viruses because of its fatty-like substances called amphiphiles, which can essentially destroy the lipid layer that encloses the virus particles. Even if the virus is not \u201ckilled\u201d, scrubbing a surface with soap and then wiping it off can also physically remove the virus from the surface itself.\nIt is important to \nagitate the soap\n on the surface, either by using a microfibre cloth or a small brush in hard to reach areas. Once a lather is formed, immediately wipe up the soapy liquid with a clean and dry microfibre cloth. The small hook-like fibre strands in a microfibre cloth is great at scooping up loose dirt, bacteria, and virus particles.\nMake sure to cover all high-contact areas such as the steering wheel, door handles, gear knob, indicator stalks, seat belts, air conditioning controls, air vents, infotainment display and buttons, and the often-forgotten car keys. Be wary not to spray soapy liquid directly onto electrical parts \u2013 always use a microfibre cloth.\nTest the product at an out-of-sight area of the same material to ensure that no discolouration occurs, before using it on the main bulk of the surface.\nTo be clear, using disinfectant wipes in our cars \u2013 alcohol-based or not \u2013 should still be fine if only used once in a while. Ensure that you follow the instructions for the \u201c\nwet contact time\n\u201d written on the packaging to properly sanitise or disinfect the surface \u2013 different types of product will require a different contact time to effectively remove or destroy the virus particles.\nAdditionally, when using a new product, \ntest it on a non-visible area\n first \u2013 such as the back of the steering wheel, or lower parts of the seat \u2013 to ensure no discolouration occurs. If you are using an alcohol-based disinfectant on a leather surface, be sure to treat it with a car leather conditioner afterwards as soon as possible, ensuring that the moisture content in leather is sufficiently replenished.\nAs most of our car interior surfaces are either dyed or painted, using bleach-based products can cause irreversible damage!\nHowever, it is important to \nstay clear of any products containing bleach\n. While it is an effective disinfectant, bleach can cause severe irreversible discolouration on most materials! Save the bleach for your toilet floors.\nLastly, \nopen the windows\n when possible to air the cabin, and as always, wash your hands whenever possible. No matter how much we clean our cars, we\u2019ll still be bringing in dirt, germs, and viruses if our hands are dirty. Keep a bottle of hand sanitiser with you at all-times in case you can\u2019t wash your hands."
"In early 2013 Mercedes-Benz stunned the world when it showcased the G63 AMG 6\u00d76 behemoth of a truck. People gasped at the thought of a six-wheeled 540hp G-wagon running around and crushing cars. But therein lies also the factor of rarity, for which only a handful of the bespoke wagon will be built.\nHaving said that, there is a firm that goes by the name of \nKhan Design\n\u00a0and is notable for customising and selling anything from a million Pound \nBugatti Veyron\n to a tricked out \nJeep Wrangler Sahara\n. In keeping with the times, their latest creation is based on rather a humble \nLand Rover Defender\n. The end result is the \nFlying Huntsman 6\u00d76\n, dubbed \u201cPrototype Mission I\u201d.   What Khan has done is strip and gut the aforementioned Defender and elongated the chassis by \n400mm\n to support the additional \naxle\n. A bespoke built rear cab is then bolted in place. In place of what used to be an oil-burning lump is hence replaced with GM-sourced\n LS3, 6.2-litre V8\n engine from a Chevrolet \nCorvette\n that kicks out the better part of \n500\n stallions,\n\u00a0\nbut there was no mention of its transmission.\nKhan has indicated that the Flying Huntsman will be\u00a0\n\u201call-wheel-drive\u201d\n, making this a \ntrue 6\u00d76\n brute. Just as you would expect from its \ndeutch\n competitor, the Flying Huntsman has a custom built interior that would make any Italian seamstress hot under the collar.   The front seats are a pair of \nsports GTB seats\n that are upholstered in quilted and perforated leather finished in a hue termed as \nVolcanic Rock Satin\n \u2013 not forgetting also the tweed fabric inserts. Further back, the passenger \nseats\n, \ndashboard top\n, \ngrab handles\n, door card inserts, trimings, glovebox and even the headlining is wrapped in the same fashion as those GTB sports seats upfront.\nThe attention to detail is uncanny no doubt, however there are a couple of problems. \nFirstly\n, The Flying Huntsman is strictly\n made to order\n and the example we see here already put on sale. Which leads us onto the \nsecond\n hitch. It costs\n\u00a0\u00a3200,000\n (or RM 1,255,736). But if you\u2019re Dan Bilzerian and already purchased a \n\u00a3370,000\n (RM 2,323,111) G63 AMG 6\u00d76 while wanting something smaller that\u2019s also a 6\u00d76 runabout option, then this car is just for you.\nPic credits thanks to \nkhandesign.com\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"TC Subaru, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, is offering an incredible promotion on the fully-imported Subaru Forester line-up. Customers who purchase a new Subaru Forester will receive rebates worth up to \nRM30,000\n.\n \nWatch our review of the Subaru Forester \nhere\nWith six variants of the Subaru Forester that is priced from \nRM159,788\n at the retail level, the promotion is only available for selected model year (2019 and 2020) units with a limited selection of colours. Every new Forester sold is entitled to a five-year comprehensive warranty.\nPowering the range of the Subaru Forester in Malayisa is the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four boxer engine, which sends\u00a0\n156 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n196 Nm\n\u00a0of torque to all four wheels via Subaru\u2019s Lineartronic CVT gearbox and\u00a0\nSymmetrical All-Wheel Drive system\n.\n \nHere are the \nfive things\n about the \nSubaru Forester GT Lite Edition\nTC Subaru will also continue the \n\u2018Test drive at home\u2019\n initiative for customers who do not wish to travel to the showrooms. Customers can contact their nearest Subaru showroom and \nschedule an appointment\n for a sales consultant to drive their Subaru of choice to their residences, or preferred locations for a test drive.\nAll Subaru test drive vehicles are thoroughly sanitised before and after, including all touchpoints, including centre armrests, door handles and gear knob."
"In line with their electrification plans from 2021 onwards, INFINITI will be showcasing how the world\u2019s first dual-hybrid electric powertrain from Formula 1 can be applied on a road car with the Project Black S prototype due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show next week.\nWith a VR30 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 as the beating heart, supplemented by an Energy Recovery System (ERS), the Project Black S is expected to make\n 571 hp\n, achieving a 0 to 100 km/h time in under four seconds. The standard VR30 engine only makes around \n405 hp\n.\nhttps://www.instagram.com/p/BoJ64uuARnN/?taken-by=infiniti\nThe prototype\u2019s unique powertrain employs three motor generator units (MGU). A single MGU-K (\u2018K\u2019 stands for \u2018kinetic\u2019) unit harvests kinetic energy from braking.\nUniquely, the engine\u2019s twin electric turbochargers are fitted with two MGU-H (\u2018H\u2019 for \u2018heat\u2019) units, to harvest heat energy from exhaust gases. This enables the powertrain to generate electrical power under both braking and acceleration.\nBased on the Q60 Red Sports coupe, the Black S is built in partnership with the Renault Sport Formula 1 team will represent the highest level of performance, dynamic capability, effective aerodynamics and intelligent energy management of the INFINITI brand.\nThe partnership will give INFINITI the access to more specialist development technologies, including advanced digital validation tools for optimising the car\u2019s aerodynamics.\nThe latter is evident in the high-tech design of the rear wing finished in carbon fibre, validated by Renault Sport Formula 1 Team\u2019s aerodynamic experts.\nThe wing has similar aerodynamic characteristics to the Renault Sport Formula 1 team\u2019s \u2018Monza\u2019 wing, which provides maximum straight-line stability and high-traction under cornering.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the unicorn Hyundai Kona Electric that was shown off during the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show? That car was never available here in Malaysia, but there\u2019s good news for EV enthusiasts \u2013 Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has just officially launched the new facelifted Kona Electric here on our shores.\n \nThe new Hyundai Kona Electric will be offered in three variants (e-Lite, e-Plus, and e-Max) with prices starting from \nRM149,888\n \u2013 for a fully electric vehicle with up to 305 km driving range!\nEXTERIOR\nThe new Hyundai Kona Electric is based on the \nKona facelift\n that was unveiled in Malaysia just earlier this year, which means it gets all of the latest design touches, including new bumpers and lighting fixtures.\nIn terms of exterior equipment, the new Kona Electric comes as standard with the following items for all three variants:\nLED headlights, daytime-runing lights\nLED tail lights cluster\nBody-coloured wheel arch claddings\nBlacked-out roof with roof rails\n17-inch alloy wheels\nExterior colour options: Ignite Red, Dark Knight, Atlas White, Dive in Jeju, Cyber Gray Metallic, Pulse Red Pearl, Galastic Gray, Surfy Blue Metallic, Jungle Green\nPERFORMANCE\nThe new 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric will be offered in three variants here in Malaysia, segregated by their battery size, charging speed, and performance.\nHyundai Kona Electric e-Lite\nBattery pack: 39.2 kWh\nOn-board charger: 7.2 kW (6.5 hours charging time)\nMax output: 100 kW (136 hp)\nMax torque: 395 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 9.9 seconds\nTop speed: 155 km/h\nDriving range: 305 km (WLTP)\nHyundai Kona Electric e-Plus\nBattery pack: 39.2 kWh\nOn-board charger: 11 kW (4.5 hours charging time)\nMax output: 100 kW (136 hp)\nMax torque: 395 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 9.9 seconds\nTop speed: 155 km/h\nDriving range: 305 km (WLTP)\nHyundai Kona Electric e-Max\nBattery pack: 64 kWh\nOn-board charger: 11 kW (7.5 hours charging time)\nMax output: 150 kW (204 hp)\nMax torque: 395 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds\nTop speed: 167 km/h\nDriving range: 484 km (WLTP)\nAll three variants support DC fast charging of up to 100 kW. Based on a benchmark of 50 kW DC fast charging, the Lite and Plus variants take approximately 60 minutes to charge up to 80%, while the Max takes 90 minutes to reach the same charge level.\nThe fully-electric Hyundai Kona also comes with a multi-link rear suspension set-up, instead of the torsion beam suspension on the regular ICE Kona here in Malaysia.\nINTERIOR\nJust like the exterior, most of the cabin equipment appointments on the new Hyundai Kona Electric here in Malaysia is also largely shared across all three variants. These include:\n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display\n8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nSix speakers\nSingle zone automatic climate control\nShift-by-wire button-styled gear selectors\nleather upholstery (white or grey)\n60:40 split folding rear seats\nSmart key fob with remote start\nShift paddles on steering wheel to adjust regenerative braking levels\nThe two higher end variants step it up one step further with the addition of powered front seats (10-way for Driver, eight-way for passenger, heating and ventilation on the Max), head-up display, and a wireless qi charging pad.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, all variants of the new Hyundai Kona Electric is equipped with the following advanced driver assistance features:\nLane Keeping Assist\nLane Following Assist (lane centring)\nForward Collision Avoidance Assist\nLeading Vehicle Departure Alert\nHigh Beam Assist\nDriver Attention Warning\nRear Occupant Alert\nThe two higher-end variants meanwhile adds Smart Cruise Control with stop and go functionality, Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear-cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Alert.\nPRICING\nThe pricing for the new Hyundai Kona Electric is as follows, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of tax exemptions:\nKona Electric Lite \u2013 RM149,888\nKona Electric Plus \u2013 RM169,888\nKona Electric Max \u2013 RM199,888\nAll prices also come with a two-year/50,000 km standard warranty, plus an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty. A Hyundai spokesperson told \nAutoBuzz.my\n that an extended warranty programme will also be offered, however details for that will only come at a later date, closer to the delivery dates of the new Hyundai Kona Electric next year.\nGALLERY"
"Launched back in \nJune 2022\n, the \nMazda MX-30\n is now available in Malaysia. Fully imported (CBU) from Japan, the fully-electric Mazda MX-30 crossover was introduced in two variants in Malaysia \u2013 Mid and High, although prices for the Mid variant have not been confirmed, the High variant of the Mazda MX-30 is priced at \nRM198,780\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nFrom the outside, the Mazda MX-30 comes standard with equipment such as LED headlights, LED taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and heated side mirrors, along with 10 parking sensors \u2013 four in front and six at the rear. The High variant we have here is also packed with a powered sunroof and LED Signature headlights.\nBuilt on the same platform as its sibling, the CX-30, the fully electric Mazda MX-30 packs a \n35.5 kWh\n battery. This battery helps power an electric motor which drives the front wheels, resulting in a total of \n143 hp\n and \n271 Nm\n. Range-wise, the MX-30 is able to carry you as far as \n199 km\n (WLTP).\nRELATED: \nMazda MX-30 R-EV: The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it\nCharging up the Mazda MX-30 takes around \n5 hours\n using a \n6.6 kW\n Type 2 AC charger. The \n40 kW\n DC charger can help charge faster, taking \n36 minutes\n to juice up the MX-30 to 80%.\nInside, equipment that is fitted to the Malaysian-spec Mazda MX-30 High as standard include a 7-inch LCD multi-info display, an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a head-up display, dual-zone airconditioning, an electronic parking brake, gear shift paddles, two USB ports, and a reverse camera display. In addition, a Bose sound system with 12 speakers, a frameless rear-view mirror, 360-degree view display, seats wrapped with a mix of leatherette and fabric material, as well as 8-way powered seats with memory, lumbar, and heated function are also available with the MX-30 High.\nIn the safety department, Mazda has equipped the MX-30 with seven airbags, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop-Go function, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for both front and rear, lane keep assist (LKA) and lane departure warning (LDW). Front cross-traffic alert (FCTA), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and blindspot monitor (BSM) are also available.\nThe Mazda MX-30 in Malaysia comes with a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty, whichever comes first. An 8-year/160,000 km EV battery warranty is also provided, whichever comes first.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Mazda CX-5 reportedly coming in 2025 \u2013 Possible hybrid variant\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)\n has announced the launch of its We Drive Football campaign, which the company says is \u201cin line with the brand\u2019s commitment to embrace the passion, unity, and diversity that comes with the footballing way of life\u201d.\nRunning throughout the final quarter of 2022 in conjunction with the upcoming World Cup, the campaign offers several aftersales deals that promise savings on elected wear and tear parts for their vehicles, including a 10% discount when replacing windscreen cleaners, wiper blades, as well as brake discs and pads.\nAdditionally, battery and tyres replacement at authorised Volkswagen service centres nationwide will also be offered with a 20% discount. The promotion will be open to all Volkswagen owners.\nOwners who take advantage of the deals through the \nVolkswagen Cares mobile app\n will also stand a chance to win exclusive Volkswagen football merchandise.\nAside from the aftersales promotion, VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter added that there is \u201ca lot more in store\u201d as part of the campaign, which will come at a later date.\nALSO READ: \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace adds new entry-level \u2018Life\u2019 variant in Malaysia, from RM173k\n\u201cThe Volkswagen brand has been supporting the sport all over the world under its #WeDriveFootball tag line, and we are delighted to be able to join in the celebration that follows football everywhere it goes.\u00a0\n\u201cThis aftersales initiative is only the beginning of our We Drive Football campaign on a brand level, and in the next few weeks, we also will be launching other initiatives on social media, at our on-ground events, and announcing a partnership that would greatly support Malaysia\u2019s budding grassroot football scene,\u201d he said."
"According to Fitch Rating, car sales around the world are expected to see the steepest drop year-over-year in 2019, the biggest decline since the Great Recession of 2008, as consumer demand from the USA to China weakens.\nPassenger car sales fell from 81 million new cars sold in 2017 to 80 million in 2018 \u2013 the first annual drop since 2009 \u2013 and this year, it\u2019s expected to fall by about 3.1 million.\nWith changes in the way we see cars, this is \nToyota\u2019s vision of future mobility\n.\nFalling demand in China, the world\u2019s largest auto market is a major factor in this worldwide decline with a rise in used car sales and new emission standards as the driving factor.\nThe increasing number of ride-hailing and car-sharing services are also contributing to this. Other countries experiencing a slump in vehicle sales include Russia, India and Brazil.\nIn Malaysia, 2018 actually saw a jump in car sales from 2017 which in part was due to the \u201ctax holiday\u201d by the government. More than 50% of the automotive brands in Malaysia reported an increase in sales."
"Volvo aims to become a fully-electric carmaker by 2030, and today, the Swedish carmaker unveiled its next big step in making its ambition come true. This is the \nVolvo EX90\n, the fully-electric counterpart to the massively-successful \nXC90 flagship SUV\n, and it\u2019s got big shoes to fill.\nAnd it\u2019s doing so with a very familiar look, with a design that can be described as more of an evolution than a revolution. It still largely retains the same proportions that emanates presence on the road, as well as the same Volvo design elements, including the lighting signatures both front and rear.\nWith that being said, they\u2019ve all been reworked with a futuristic touch that looks right at home in a modern, fully-electric SUV. The Thor\u2019s Hammer daytime-running light signature physically opens up to reveal the \u201c1.3 megapixel\u201d headlights behind it, while the vertical tail lights have now been broken up to include the separate lighting elements into the rear windscreen itself.\nThe front fascia also gets a new unique appearance without an upper grille, but most importantly, the Volvo EX90\u2019s silhouette is also a lot more rounded around the edges, to help bring the drag coefficient down to just 0.29 Cd \u2013 pretty impressive for a large seven-seater SUV.\nHiding under the familiar appearance, however, is a brand-new architecture that allowed Volvo to stuff \n111 kWh\n of batteries underneath the floor. The electrons drive \u2013 at least at launch \u2013 a duo of electric motors, delivering \n380 kW (517 hp)\n and \n910 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels.\nVolvo says the batteries in the EX90 also offers up to \n600 km of range\n on a single charge, and can be refilled with DC power at up to 250 kWh, giving you 180 km of range in 10 minutes, or charging from 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes. The batteries can also be used for \u201cbi-directional charging\u201d, or in simpler terms, a powerbank for your other electric devices, your home, and even another electric Volvo car.\nALSO READ: \nVolvo aims to become an all-electric carmaker within 20 years\nIt\u2019s also a similar story on the inside, where the design is still unmistakeably Scandinavian, just with a much more modern twist to it. The dashboard, which was \nalready unveiled earlier\n, is mostly distilled into two screens, measuring 14.5-inch on the central vertically-oriented display, and a slim horizontal bar for the instrument cluster.\nAside from the screens, Volvo also highlighted the new illuminated wooden veneer on the dashboard, which acts as ambient lighting at night for a sci-fi-esque look, alongside the glass-topped volume knob, and a \u201creference-quality\u201d Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos sound system that even includes additional tweeters in the front seats\u2019 headrests.\nVolvo says the EX90 is its most technologically-advanced vehicle ever made, with a digital platform that \u201cgrows\u201d with the user. The screens inside runs on Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms using Unreal Engine\u2019s 3D tech for graphics, with Google apps and services built-in as before.\nBut more importantly, the entire car is powered by a pair of Nvidia Drive AI platforms and a Snapdragon 8155 processor, which ensures the car has \u201cexactly the amount of computing power [it] needs for the future\u201d, allowing the EX90 to get better over time via regular over-the-air software updates, not just in terms of software features, but also in its safety capabilities too.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Volvo digital interiors to be powered by Snapdragon\nThat\u2019s because the digital stack also powers the Volvo EX90\u2019s safety sensing technologies, including a myriad of exterior sensors and radars, cameras, a \nnew lidar sensor\n on the roof, and even new interior sensors, looking directly at the drivers.\nVolvo says the system will get smarter and safer over time as the AI learns from new data gathered from the aforementioned sensors, and will respond to small objects \u201chundreds of metres ahead\u201d, or when it detects that the driver has become inattentive, taking necessary actions be it during active or autonomous driving.\nAll in all, Volvo says the new safety systems on the EX90 can reduce serious accidents by up to 20%. Meanwhile, the lidar sensor is also \u201chardware-ready\u201d for unsupervised driving in the future, which will be enabled via software updates when the software and legislations catch up.\nAlthough the Volvo EX90 follows in the footsteps of the\n XC40 Recharge \nand\n C40\n, it truly feels like a brand-new start for the Swedish carmaker in its pursuit to becoming fully climate-neutral by 2040. Expect to see many \u2013 or most \u2013 of these new features and car-making ethos being passed down onto future models, which they\u2019ll be unveiling one new electric model per year. Sit tight \u2013 it\u2019s going to be a wild ride.\nGALLERY"
"LEGO Creator is back at it again; in collaboration with the Ford, they\u2019ve introduced the Ford Mustang based on the 1967 Fastback.\nConsisting of 1,470 pieces, the American icon comes with a working steering, bonnet scoop, GT emblems and five-spoke wheels.\nMeasuring over 10 cm, over 34 cm long and 14 cm wide, the new addition to the LEGO Creator line-up also comes with customisation options to include a supercharger, rear duck tail spoiler, beefy exhaust pipes, front chin spoiler and a nitrous oxide tank.\nThe replica model also allows owners to store items in the trunk and access the 6.4-litre \u201cbig block\u201d V8 engine, complete with battery, hoses and air filter details.\nRemoving the roof panel opens up to a more detailed look of the interior with retro seats, radio, working steering and a mid-console gearshift.\n\u201cThere are few cars on the road that are as instantly recognisable as the Ford Mustang, and it\u2019s exciting to see the iconic car\u2019s combination of design and heritage come through in this LEGO set,\u201d said Ford Europe, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service, Roelant de Waard.\nWhen LEGO did the unthinkable.\nIn the past, LEGO had presented a \nlife-sized Bugatti Chiron that you can actually drive\n, a \nlife-sized Porsche 911\n\u00a0and \nToyota Camry\n."
"Malaysia\u2019s vibrant B-segment SUV market is about to welcome a new contender, as \nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors\n (HSDM) has officially announced that the \nHyundai Creta\n is now open for booking at all its authorised sales outlets in Malaysia.\nThis new Korean B-segment SUV is positioned just under its bigger sibling, the \nKona\n, and shares the same platform with the \nKia Seltos\n.\n As of now, HSDM has not shared detailed specifications about the Creta yet but here are some details of the Creta, based on the models launched in Thailand and Indonesia.\nDimensions-wise, the Hyundai Creta measures \n4,315 mm\n long, \n1,790 mm\n wide, and \n1,630 mm\n tall, which makes it slightly longer, taller and a hair wider than the Kona. Compared to the popular \nProton X50\n, the Creta is just a hair shorter, narrower, but taller.\nOn the outside, the Creta\u2019s front end features Hyundai\u2019s Parametric Jewel design. Unlike most cars, the Creta\u2019s LED daytime running lights are \u2018hidden\u2019 within the grille, while the main LED headlights are mounted in the bumper instead. Other notable details include dual-tone rims as well as the triangular-shaped rear combination LED lamps.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Hyundai Kona Electric specs unveiled \u2013 gets frunk, V2L, 490km range\nInside, the Creta features an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch TFT instrument cluster with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As for driving modes, there are no less than four of them.\nIn terms of safety, the Creta comes standard with six airbags and Hyundai\u2019s suite of SmartSense active safety features, including Forward and Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCTA), Safe Exit Warning and High Beam Assist \u2013 all of which contribute to its full five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.\n\u201cThe Hyundai Creta targets the young as well as the young-at-heart with its distinctive combination of contemporary design, connected technology and comprehensive active safety features,\u201d said HSDM Managing Director, Mr Low Yuan Lung.\nPricing has not been announced by HSDM as of yet, but in Thailand, the Creta starts from \nTHB 949,000\n (approximately \nRM 122,484\n) for the base SE variant all the way to \nTHB 999,000\n (approximately \nRM128,937\n) for the high-spec SEL variant. When this Korean B-segment launches, it will be competing against contenders such as the Proton X50, \nHonda HRV\n, \nToyota Corolla Cross\n and \nPeugeot 2008\n.\nRELATED: \nThe upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N \u2018hot\u2019 EV will help you drift better"
"Bugatti has always known to be a pioneer in new technical developments and innovations in the world of extreme performance. Just when you thought the Veyron will be as powerful as road going cars will ever be, they introduced the \nChiron with 1,500 hp and 1,500 Nm of torque\n.\nBut as the saying goes \u201cWith great power comes great responsibilities\u201d and Bugatti\u2019s greatest responsibility is to bring the car to a complete halt safely and effectively. Which brings us to their latest creation, the world\u2019s first titanium brake caliper to be produced by a 3D printer.\nThe newly developed brake caliper is made up of a titanium alloy with the scientific designation \nTi6AI4V\n, mainly used in the aerospace industry for high-stress undercarriage and wing components in aircrafts and rocket engines. The caliper now weights only \n2.9 kg\n, 40 percent lighter than the aluminium component currently used (4.9 kg), measuring at 41 cm long, 21 cm wide and 13.6 cm high.\nThis approach was extremely difficult before due to the inherent high rigidity of a titanium block but thanks to 3D printing technology, it opens up the possibilities of forging complex structures which are significantly stronger. Despite it being a 3D printed part, the brake caliper has a tensile strength of \n1,250 N/mm\n2\n \nwhich translates to more than 125 kg of force can be applied to a square millimetre of this titanium alloy before rupturing.\nIn the printing process, titanium powder is deposited layer by layer, four lasers melt the powdered material into the brake calliper\u2019s shape. It takes a total of 2,213 layers and \n45 hours\n to complete a single brake calliper. The result is a pair of eight-piston front calipers and six-piston rear callipers for the Bugatti Chiron.\nFirst trials of these titanium brake calipers on production vehicles are due to be held in the first half of 2018. By then, the engineers promise shorter production times to keep up with production schedules."
"Since the debut of the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, many were worried about the feasibility of a new-generation model considering they don\u2019t amass big numbers on the sales chart. But \nreports were hopeful\n that Toyota and Subaru will be joining forces again.\nAs reported by \nAutoCar UK\n, Vice President Toyota Sales and Marketing of Toyota Motors Europe, Matthew Harrison said that the company has all the intention to continue the model\u2019s legacy with an all-new model.\nWhere the \nA90 Supra\n (which by the way, is \ncoming to Malaysia\n) is positioned as the brand\u2019s flagship sports car, the 86 will find its place on the lower end of the spectrum, providing a more affordable entry for the driving enthusiast. Like the Supra, Toyota will develop the new 86 through their partnership with Subaru which will help to \noffset the high production costs\n.\nA \nnaturally aspirated motor is likely to be retained\n and so is the manual option. Toyota aims to continue the ethos of the 86 \u2013 a lightweight, balanced sportscar that excels around the bends. The Supra, 86 and similar performance-oriented models are brand shapers more than anything else.\nWhat a looker, this\nHarrison, commenting on\nthe 86 said: \u201cIts role is not one particularly about volume globally. It\u2019s\nabout adding excitement to the brand and emotional appeal.\u201d"
"BMW Group Malaysia has announced today that its annual Premium Selection Fair that offers a wide range of pre-owned and preloved BMW and MINI vehicles, will take place via an \nall-new digital experience\n.\n\u201cThe Premium Ownership Experience from the BMW Group is a complete 360-degree suite of privileges and services that is not only limited to the purchase, service and maintenance of the vehicle. Instead, it is a life cycle and ownership ecosystem where the vehicle is seen to move in a value chain of ownership,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl.\nThe newly launched BMW 330e PHEV M Sport.\nHe added, \u201cThe best part about this new platform is that the entire process can be conducted contactless from the comforts of your home and is hassle-free, reiterating the vision of the BMW Group in digitalising its touch points around the world.\u201d\nThis industry-first initiative will see over 300 BMW and MINI vehicles on a dedicated BMW Premium Selection microsite for viewing and purchase with attractive and limited-time offers exclusively on the digital platform.\u00a0\nCustomers who purchase vehicles from the Premium Selection Fair will also be entitled to The dedicated site also enables potential owners of vehicles from BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s Premium Selection range to be entitled to the BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience which includes:\nMinimum of 12 months BMW Premium Selection Warranty\n360-Degree Technical and Optical Checks of the vehicle\nApproved Vehicles and Service History\nFinancing Offers from BMW Financial Services Malaysia\nTrade-In Offers\nBMW Roadside Assistance"
"Honda Malaysia\n has announced a recall exercise involving 1,380 units of the \n1999 year model Honda Accord\n, as well as 1,404 units of the units of the \n2000 year model Honda CR-V\n. The 2,784-unit recall exercise is in line with the Honda global Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI) recall to replace the \nTakata driver front airbag inflator\n as a preventive measure.\nThe potentially faulty Takata driver front airbag inflator could result in excessive internal pressure during operation, and thus causing the airbag to fail to function properly or to rupture. As at today, there have been no reports in Malaysia of any incident or injury caused by the Takata driver front airbag in these vehicles.\nAffected owners will be informed via notification letters, which will include further details of the product recall. Honda Malaysia urges all affected customers to make an appointment with any authorised Honda authorised dealer upon receipt of notification to replace the faulty part.\nThe company also encourages the public who have relatives or friends owning these two models to immediately contact Honda Malaysia to arrange for the driver front airbag replacement. The replacement of the affected Takata driver front airbag inflator will be done free of charge, and all costs related to this replacement activity will be borne by Honda Malaysia. The replacement stock will be available in stages.\nFor more information surrounding this product recall, customers can call the Honda Toll Free number at \n1-800-88-2020\n, or log on to \nproductrecall.honda.com.my\n to check if their vehicles are involved in this recall by producing the vehicle identification number (VIN).\nHonda Malaysia reassures that current selling models are not affected in this product recall, and the company said that it will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls for customers.\nAdditionally, strict health and safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place during this critical time to safeguard the well-being of its customers and staff. As such, the company requests all affected customers to make a prior appointment to ensure a smooth replacement process.\nAll individuals in the premise will be required to adhere by the SOPs set by the authorities at all times, including the wearing of face masks, maintaining physical distancing."
"Bermaz Motor, distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has just given us a preview of a \nJapanese-spec Mazda CX-8\n, Japan\u2019s version of\n our local CX-9\n.\nThe CX-8, which will be available as locally-assembled units from the get-go.\nThey\u2019ll either be powered by the 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbo diesel engine, the \nsame one you\u2019d find in the diesel models in Malaysia\n, but with \n187 hp\n and \n450 Nm\u00a0\nor a\u00a02.5-litre\u00a0petrol\u00a0engine.\nThis is not the case for the folks in the land of the rising sun, where the CX-8 is only available with a diesel engine. Only the diesel models will come with all-wheel drive.\nThe petrol powered models will play host to a 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine with \n192\n \nhp\n and \n257 Nm\n of torque. The new CX-8s will utilise the 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission.\nAs for equipment and features, it\u2019s safe to expect the CX-8 to be fitted with automatic LED head and tail lights, LED fog lamps, 19-inch alloys like the ones you find in our local CX-9, six airbags and a generous list of other goodies.\nFocusing on the interior, it\u2019s said that the CX-8 will be available in both 2-3-2 and 2-2-2 seating arrangements \u2013 the latter featuring two individual seats in the second row \u2013 like most MPVs.\nWord is that it is still undecided whether the i-Activesense suite of safety systems will be available for our local CX-8s.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda CX-8 2.5-litre 2WD\nMazda CX-8 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbo diesel AWD"
"Evo Malaysia invites you to join the Evo Enduro drive in a 1,000 km journey from our capital, Kuala Lumpur all the way to Phuket, Thailand.\nLegendary open road endurance races have long been the pinnacle of every driver\u2019s ambition. The famous 1,000 km Targa Florio, the 1,500 km Mille Miglia an\u200d\u200d\u200dd of course, the famous 24 Hour of Le Mans race are all historical competitions that cover a distance akin to that of Malaysia to Russia.\nWhether it\u2019s the year 1917 or 2017, the determination and bond between man and machine as well as the sheer joy of being accompanied by many who share the same love for cars, forever encompasses something much larger than the chequered flag itself. Join in the fun as they embark on an epic drive beyond the Peninsula Malaysia through highways and scenic landscapes, crossing borders and meeting new faces.\nDubbed the Mille Miglia of the East, Evo Enduro will embark on a 1,000 km journey from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket. To spice things up further, those who participate will get to attend a driving exercise in Sepang a month later, all for FREE.\nParticipation is very easy; if your vehicle qualifies according to the make and model list as provided at \nhttps://evomalaysia.com/2017-evo-enduro-drive\n, proceed to make bookings for accommodation in Phuket, Thailand for the 1st and 2nd of September 2017 (minimum) and submit the booking confirmation to \nEvo Malaysia\n.\nSubmission for participation ends on the \n25th of August 2017\n, and it is limited to only \n50 participants\n."
"When someone mentions \u201cVolvo\u201d, the first thing that may spring to mind is the evergreen boxy 240 sedan that our parents used to own. Most people might have forgotten that Volvo also produce smaller cars than the 240. Volvo\u2019s modern compact model can be traced as far back to the 300-series in the late 70\u2019s.\nThe 300-series\u00a0started out as a hatchback but eventually a saloon bodystyle was offered. The rear-wheel drive compact gave way to the front-wheel driven 400-series in the late 80\u2019s. In the 90\u2019s the 40-series Volvos replaced the old 400-series and it comes in two guises, the S40 sedan and the V40 wagon. The second-generation S40 introduced in 2007 but the wagon version was confusingly named the V50.\u00a0After production ended in 2012, both the S40 and V50 are replaced by the sole hatchback V40.\nLike the previous S40/V50 duo, the current V40 is assembled here in Malaysia by Swedish Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd. (SMA) in Shah Alam. The V40 comes with two engine options; the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T4 priced at RM173,888, or the 2.0-litre turbocharged five-cylinder T5 at RM190,888. The\n\u00a0Biarritz Blue\n\u00a0V40 you see here is the range-topping T5.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo V40 T5\n \nSegment\nC-Segment Hatchback\nEngine\n1,984cc; five-cylinder turbocharged\nMax Power\n213 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @\u00a02,700-5,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM190,888.00\n (OTR without insurance)\nEXTERIOR\nFirst time I saw the V40 in person was August last year during the launch event. Half a year went by and the V40 still looks fresh like it was just launched yesterday; maybe because of its rarity on the road. The front is dominated by the long overhang and sculpted bonnet which rises up to the base of the A-pillar. The trademark Volvo iron mark takes center stage in the trapezoidal grille flanked by the almond-shaped Xenon headlamps on each side. There are no front fog lamps but the LED daytime running lights are neatly hidden at the edge of the lower air intake.\nFrom the side it\u2019s pretty bare but the prominent shoulder line rises up towards the back meeting the thick D-pillar giving it a hunched-down look. The back houses one of the curviest taillamps on any car in the market today. You do get rear fog lamps and those twin pipes jutting out on each side of the rear bumper give the V40 a sporty look. Eccentric touches like the finned roof spoiler with extended winglets and the optional \nAilos\n \n18-inch rims\n with lime green detailing may sound tacky but somehow Volvo managed to pull it off tastefully.   You can lock and unlock the car via the buttons on the Personal Car Communicator (\nPCC\n) but you can also approach the car with the PCC in your pocket, reach the door handle with your hand and the car will unlock itself. Locking the car is just by touching a tiny sensor on the door handle and the side mirrors whirrs itself to their folding position like a Transformer while the puddle lights illuminate the floor. My nephew and niece even bicker over who gets to lock and unlock the car just to see the mirrors in action.\nINTERIOR\nAs you settle yourself in the driver\u2019s seat, you will notice that the built quality of this locally-assembled Volvo is top-notch. The dashboard design is minimalist but oozes Scandinavian coolness. The fully-digital instrument panel will definitely catch your eyes and can be customised to three preset themes called Elegance, ECO, and Performance.\nElegance is the default theme with the main binnacle houses the speedometer with tachometer on the right side and temperature meter on the left. Switch to ECO and the temperature meter is replaced with an EcoGuide bar to display how economical is your driving style. Performance theme moves the tachometer to the center and you get a PowerMeter on the right so you can see how much power you\u2019re extracting from the engine.   The powered front seats give ample adjustments for you to find your desired driving position and the steering also adjusts for reach and rake. The five-inch screen in the center console displays everything from the parking sensors, the car\u2019s settings, to audio and climate control but it doesn\u2019t come with satellite navigation. However the controls are not quite intuitive, as the buttons for each function are separated individually instead of just a single main controller a-la BMW\u2019s i-drive. Surprisingly Volvo still retains the good old handbrake lever but it\u2019s positioned at the passenger side instead of the driver\nThe deep cubby under the center armrest is where you will find the USB port and a 12v power outlet, and there\u2019s another 12v power outlet in the center twin cup holders. The glove box is chilled and decently-sized. Worth mentioning is the tiny pouch just in front of the seat base, where you can stash your Smart Tag or phone discreetly from prying eyes.   However, the rear passengers are not as lucky as the front occupants. They don\u2019t get their own air conditioning vents and the rear windows roll down only two thirds of their height. Rear space can be pretty tight, so it\u2019s best to carry only two passengers at the back for longer trips, because the middle seat is best suited for a small child. Cargo space is also limited at just 324 litres, although the 60:40 split folding seats are easy to operate and folds flat to give you 1,021 litres of space.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe V40 T5 is no slouch, not when it\u2019s equipped with a sweet-sounding 2.0-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. Producing \n213 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, this car will reach 100km/h in just under seven seconds. Keep the lusty engine within the torque\u2019s sweet spot at 2700rpm to 5000 rpm and you will get the power surge that catapults you into the horizon, or the car in front, or the barricade wall; depending on where you point the steering wheel.\nWith all the power channeled to the front wheels, you do get torque-steer so have to be careful with your right foot, especially when exiting mid-corner. The gearbox is a conventional \n6-speed\n auto which doesn\u2019t shift as instant when pushed, but in city driving it shifts smoothly. It does have a sports mode with manual override, but sometimes you just can\u2019t help but longing for a nice pair of shift paddles behind the steering wheel.\nThe noise emitted from the engine is subtle, perhaps too subtle. You can still hear the turbo spooling in the background but you have to drive with the windows down to fully appreciate the trademark 5-cylinder rumble. Powering uphill winding roads is an easy task with the huge amount of torque and the brakes provide decent stopping power.\nThe steering is on the heavy side but still delivers sufficient feedback upon attacking the twisty roads. Body roll is minimal but even with the Dynamic Stability & Traction Control (\nDSTC\n) is in Sport mode, you will still feel the car understeer round the bends. It\u2019s not really a hot hatch to be thrown around the corners, it suffices to say that the V40 is better suited for the long highway where you can just pile on the miles effortlessly.\n \nTHE DRIVE\nDriving around town is a standard affair, it is comfortable most of the time but the ride can be a bit jarring at times when running over uneven surface. That could be due to the optional 18\u2033 wheels with 225/40-profiled tyres. The turbo lag is present at lower revs but the automatic start stop function cuts in and out with minimal jerk. The turning radius is so wide that you will need to do a three-point-turn where you normally don\u2019t. The view out from the driver\u2019s seat might be an issue especially out of the rear three-quarter but the V40 got this covered by a Swedish nanny; and by Swedish nanny I mean a host of driving aids and safety features that comes with the car.\nThere are front and rear sensors that constantly scanning the distance between you and your surroundings. The Blind Spot Information System (\nBLIS\n) indicators let you know if there\u2019s a vehicle in your blind spot and this is always helpful especially when you\u2019re attempting to switch lanes. There is also \nCity Safety\n, whereby a laser-based sensor at the top of the windscreen able to sense a car in front is slowing down or stationary.\nIt is claimed to work at speeds up to 50 km/h and it will brake the car for you if it senses a possibility of a collision. If you have trouble parallel-parking your car, you\u2019ll be glad to know that the V40 comes with Park Assist Pilot (\nPAP\n) to guide you. I\u2019ve used it in a few occasions and it worked brilliantly by magically steering the car into the available parking space.\nAfter a session of driving on the B-roads, the V40 also turns out to be a quite serene highway cruiser. Set the cruise control at 110 km/h, the T5 will pull along lazily just above 2000rpm and you\u2019re on your way to a relaxing drive. Wind noise is not an issue although the constant hum of the optional low profile tyres is noticeable, you can always drown it out with your favourite tune blasting out of the eight speakers. You probably won\u2019t be seeing a V40 tailgating other vehicles, because if you\u2019re driving one you just wouldn\u2019t be bothered about how fast you need to travel but if push comes to shove you can always summon the 300Nm of torque anytime just by flexing your right ankle.\nAnd if you do that, be prepared to see the fuel bar severely depleted in no time. If you\u2019re not careful, the fuel consumption will be north of 20 litres per 100km but driven sedately, 9.0 litres 100km average is still achievable around town. I managed to get 8.6 litres per 100km at best and that\u2019s still way off the official claim of \n7.5 litres per 100km\n.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re looking for something out of the ordinary, this car will suit you to a tee. When was the last time you see a V40 on the road? People might question your choice but only you will know what you\u2019re getting with the V40. It\u2019s a car for those who secretly enjoy a quick blast down the highway and it looks so unassuming that most people will be caught off guard by this compact hatch\u2019s ability to leave them in the dust. If you rarely take passengers, the V40 is fine but if you really need to transport cargo frequently then maybe the V40 is not for you. This Volvo does not belong in the Ikea car park.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe usual suspects are the Germans. Current favourite Volkswagen\n Golf GTI\n may still be on top of the list, while the Mercedes-Benz \nA250\n \nSport\n is slowly gaining popularity. Bear in mind you can\u2019t go wrong with any of these, but it takes more than gut feeling to choose the V40 over the others. The Volvo might not give you an entertaining drive as the Germans, but it has its own strengths. Depending on your preferences, if you want prestige and like to show off, A250 Sport is for you.\nIf you want the most powerful of the bunch, Golf GTI is your car. But I\u2019m telling you that none of the Germans come with a 5-cylinder engine. When everybody is downsizing their engines, you may not see another 5-cylinder-powered car in this price range in the future so this is your chance to own one while you still can.\nVolvo V40 T5\n \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n \nMercedes-Benz A250 Sport\n \nENGINE\nType\n5-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1984\n1984\n1991\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n213/6000\n217/4500-6200\n211/5500\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n300/2700-5000\n350/1500-4400\n350/1200-4000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed Geartronic\n6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox\n7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nMacPherson struts / Control Arm & Wishbones\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n225/45 R17\n225/40 R18\n235/40 R18\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4369\n4268\n4292\nOverall Width\nmm\n2041\n1799\n2022\nOverall Height\nmm\n1439\n1442\n1430\nWheelbase\nmm\n2647\n2631\n2699\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1521\n1370\n1445\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n324\n380\n341\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n62\n50\n50\nConsumption\n7.5L/100km\n6.4L/100km\n6.6L/100km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n230\n244\n240\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n6.9\n6.5\n6.6\nPRICE\nRM\n190,888\n211,888\n238,888\nWILL I BUY IT?\nWell, I\u2019m not quite sure actually because for a few thousand Ringgit more, there\u2019s the more attractive version of the V40 called the V40\u00a0\nCross Country\n. It comes with the same engine but rides a bit taller than the normal V40 and looks twice as good with the additional body kit. Either way,\u00a0I\u2019ll be glad as long as it has that charming 5-cylinder engine under the bonnet.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Local carmaker Proton has now partnered up with three e-bidding companies (EBCs) \u2013 Carsome, myTukar, and MUV. The strategic partnership aims to refine the disposal process of trade-in cars for Proton customers.\nThose who wish to trade in their cars to purchase a Proton will now be able to send their old vehicles for auction online. The main benefit of trading in with Proton\u2019s three partners is that customers will receive competitive trade-in values. Other benefits include \u201cenhanced convenience, trustworthiness, transparency in pricing, secure payment, ownership transfer, daily auctions, faster disposal, and comprehensive inspections\u201d.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cWe are thrilled to join forces with myTukar, MUV and Carsome as we believe this transforms the trade-in experience for our customers. By leveraging on their expertise in e-commerce and auction platforms, the EBCs offer our customers a seamless and reliable solution for disposing of their trade-in cars, while also receiving competitive trade-in values.\u201d\nProton says that as sales volume increases, it needs to offer its customers a better way to trade-in and dispose off their old cars. The new partnership omits the need for customers to visit multiple dealerships or negotiate with potential buyers, thus saving them time and effort.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X70 gains new 1.5 TGDi Premium X variant \u2013 limited-edition Quartz Black colour, RM127k\nRoslan Abdullah adds, \u201cOver the last five years, Proton has increased the number of models offered and updated our current line-up, while improving product quality and introducing connectivity technology in our models. Consumer confidence has increased due to these efforts as well as improvements made at the dealership level. Working with EBCs will help to enhance these efforts as well as the trade-in value of our models while helping to facilitate customers who intend to upgrade their vehicles.\u201d\n\u201cProton is the first OEM to form strategic partnerships with EBCs and we think this will help pave the way for faster and more transparent trade-in transactions for customers and in turn help drive new car sales. Additionally, by using open platforms, the resale value for our models can be established helping to build consumer confidence and giving a more accurate ownership picture to buyers.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton records 28.6% sales jump in 1H 2023 \u2013 14,351 units sold in June"
"Following the launch of the \nall-new City Hatchback\n last year, Honda Malaysia has now finally announced the pricing for the range-topping RS e:HEV variant at RM107,783.09.\nThe pricing above is on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemption, which means it\u2019ll be valid until the June 30, 2022. With that, pricing for the entire Honda City Hatchback line-up is as follows:\n1.5 S \n\u2013 RM75,670\n1.5 E\n \u2013 RM83,080\n1.5 V\n \u2013 RM87,860\n1.5 RS e:HEV\n \u2013 RM107,783\n \nFor roughly RM20,000 more than the 1.5 V variant, the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 RS e:HEV gets a unique hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.5-litre engine and an electric motor for a total system output of\n 109 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque. However, unlike most hybrid systems, the engine on the e:HEV does not usually drive the wheels directly.\nPropulsion is supplied by the electric motor for the most part, with the engine only driving the wheels directly via the lock-up clutch during high-speed cruising, as it is more efficient than the electric motors at that wheel speed.\nThe rest of the Honda City Hatchback line-up, meanwhile, gets a new naturally-aspirated 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine that makes \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nAside from the powertrain, the Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV variant also receives several exclusive items to make it stand out from the others. These include:\n16-inch alloy wheels\nGloss-black front grille and door mirrors\nRS-exclusive front grille mesh\nRS rear bumper\nElectronic parking brake\n7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster\nRear air-cond vents\n\u201cUltrasuede\u201d upholstery\nAlso included on the RS variant is the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced driver assist features, which includes:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nAuto High-Beam (AHB)\nAccording to Honda Malaysia MD and CEO Madoka Chujo, the all-new City Hatchback has received overwhelming response from Malaysians since its launch in December last year. To date, the company has collected more than 5,200 bookings for the B-segment hatchback.\n\u201cWe are confident that the All-New City Hatchback RS e:HEV will set the benchmark in the market with its complete package of stylish RS exterior, e:HEV powertrain, Honda Sensing and advanced telematics Honda \nConnect\n. It will be an attraction to customers, especially the younger audience,\u201d she added.\nGALLERY\nRS variant"
"Shell\u2019s Make The Future Live, a collaboration platform driving lower-carbon energy future, returns to Malaysia for the second year in a row, with its main event \u2013 \nShell Eco-marathon Asia (SEMA) \ntaking place in Sepang International Circuit from the \n2nd to 5th of June\n.\nSEMA is an intercountry competition that challenges students to build ultra energy-efficient cars and put them to the test. This year, Shell Malaysia has collaborated with \nMalaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute\n (MARii) to improve the performance of the five participating local teams.\nThe students were given an opportunity to meet with \nfour local original equipment manufacturers\n (OEMs) \u2013 namely Suria Component Manufacturing, Sapura Engineering, Kasai Teck See Malaysia, and Jasa Sarjana in a matchmaking session organised by Shell and MARii.\nThe session \nencouraged collaboration\n between industry players and the Malaysian students to further enhance the performance of their cars. The partnership also provided firsthand-exposure to the OEMs to the potential talent pool the nation has in the area of STEM.\nSEMA is the regional leg of the global Eco-marathon challenge. The 2020 edition will see participation from \nover 100 students\n from \n18 countries\n around Asia Pacific and Middle East. The students will take their self-built energy-efficient cars on to the Sepang track to put their design to the test.\nThere will be two key competitions in SEMA this year \u2013 the \nMileage Challenge\n where teams compete to travel the farthest with the least amount of fuel, as well as the \nqualifier for the Driver\u2019s World Championship\n, where teams have to cross the finishing line without running out of the limited allocation of energy, matching their cars with strategy and driver\u2019s skill.\nThe top teams in the challenge will win their place in the 2020 Driver\u2019s World Championship, to compete with other best performers around the world.\nThe Malaysian students competing in SEMA are from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Team Genesis UTAR), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP Auto Racing Team), Multimedia University (Team MMU Grune Welt), Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (Heriot-Watt Racing Team), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Team Aurora).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u7ec8\u4e8e\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\uff0c\u4f5c\u4e3a\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8fea\u5728\u8be5\u56fd\u7684\u9996\u6b3e\u7535\u52a8\u5c0f\u578b\u8f66\u3002Dolphin\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e24\u4e2a\u7248\u672c \u2013 \u52a8\u6001\u6807\u51c6\u7248\u548c\u9ad8\u7ea7\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u4ece\nRM100,530\n\uff08\u4e0a\u8def\u4ef7\uff0c\u4e0d\u542b\u4fdd\u9669\uff09\u8d77\u3002\n\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin \u52a8\u6001\u6807\u51c6\u7248 \u2013 \nRM100,530\n\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin \u9ad8\u7ea7\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248 \u2013 \nRM125,530\n\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u662f\u9996\u6b3e\u57fa\u4e8e\u54c1\u724cE-platform 3.0\u5e73\u53f0\u7684\u6a21\u578b\uff0c\u8f66\u8eab\u5c3a\u5bf8\u957f4290mm\uff0c\u9ad81570mm\uff0c\u5bbd1770mm\uff0c\u8f74\u8ddd2700mm\u3002\u8fd9\u4f7f\u5f97Dolphin\u7684\u5c3a\u5bf8\u7565\u5927\u4e8ePerodua Myvi, Proton Iriz\u548cToyota Yaris\uff0c\u7ea6\u7b49\u540c\u4e8eHonda City Hatchback\u3002\u4f46\u5982\u9884\u671f\uff0cOra Good Cat EV\u7684\u5c3a\u5bf8\u4ecd\u7136\u6bd4\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u5927\u3002\n\u5728\u5916\u89c2\u4e0a\uff0c\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u6807\u914dLED\u5927\u706f\u548c\u5c3e\u706f\u3002\u6807\u51c6\u7248\u914d\u590716\u82f1\u5bf8\u8f6e\u6bc2\uff0c\u800c\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\u914d\u590717\u82f1\u5bf8\u8f6e\u6bc2\uff0c\u5916\u89c2\u989c\u8272\u6709\u53cc\u8272\u9009\u62e9\u3002\n\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u6807\u51c6\u7248\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684\u6807\u914d\u529f\u80fd\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\nLED\u5927\u706f\n\u9ad8\u5149\u675f\u8f85\u52a9 (HMA)\nLED\u65e5\u884c\u706f (DRLs)\nLED\u5c3e\u706f\n16\u82f1\u5bf8\u8f6e\u6bc2\nUrban Grey, Sand White\u5916\u89c2\u989c\u8272\u9009\u9879\n\u5347\u7ea7\u5230\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff0c\u4f60\u5c06\u83b7\u5f97\uff1a\n17\u82f1\u5bf8\u8f6e\u6bc2\nAtlantis Grey/Delan Black, Surf Blue/Urban Grey, Ski White/Urban Grey\u53cc\u8272\u5916\u89c2\u989c\u8272\u9009\u9879\n\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\u7684\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u6807\u51c6\u7248\u548c\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\u90fd\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u4e00\u4e2a\u524d\u7f6e\u7535\u52a8\u673a\uff0c\u5e76\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8fea\u81ea\u4e3b\u7814\u53d1\u7684Blade Cell-to-Body (CTB)\u7535\u6c60\u3002\u8fd9\u4e24\u6b3e\u4e2d\u56fd\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u5c0f\u578b\u8f66\u90fd\u652f\u6301\n7 kW\u7684\u4ea4\u6d41\u5145\u7535\n\u3002\u81f3\u4e8e\u76f4\u6d41\u5145\u7535\uff0c\u6807\u51c6\u7248\u652f\u6301\u6700\u9ad8\n60 kW\n\u7684\u5145\u7535\uff0c\u800c\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\u652f\u6301\u6700\u9ad8\n80 kW\n\u7684\u76f4\u6d41\u5145\u7535\u3002\u8f66\u8f7d\u8d1f\u8f7d\uff08V2L\uff09\u7535\u6e90\u4f9b\u5e94\u529f\u80fd\u5728\u6240\u6709\u7248\u672c\u4e2d\u90fd\u53ef\u7528\u3002\n\u5173\u4e8e\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u7684\u7535\u9a71\u52a8\u7cfb\u7edf\u548c\u64cd\u63a7\u76f8\u5173\u89c4\u683c\u7684\u8be6\u7ec6\u4fe1\u606f\u5982\u4e0b\uff1a\n\u9a71\u52a8\u65b9\u5f0f\uff1a\u5355\u9a6c\u8fbe\u524d\u9a71\n\u603b\u529f\u7387\u8f93\u51fa\uff1a\n94\u9a6c\u529b\n\uff08\u6807\u51c6\u7248\uff09 / \n201\u9a6c\u529b\n\uff08\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff09\n\u603b\u626d\u77e9\uff1a\n180 Nm\n\uff08\u6807\u51c6\u7248\uff09 / \n310 Nm\n\uff08\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff09\n0-100km/h\u52a0\u901f\u65f6\u95f4\uff1a\n12.3\u79d2\n\uff08\u6807\u51c6\u7248\uff09 / \n7.0\u79d2\n\uff08\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff09\n\u7535\u6c60\uff1a\n44.9 kWh\n\uff08\u6807\u51c6\u7248\uff09 / \n60.48 kWh\n\uff08\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff09\n\u7eed\u822a\u91cc\u7a0b\uff08WLTP\uff09\uff1a\n340\u516c\u91cc\n\uff08\u6807\u51c6\u7248\uff09 / \n427\u516c\u91cc\n\uff08\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff09\n\u4ea4\u6d41\u5145\u7535\uff1a\n7 kW\n\u76f4\u6d41\u5145\u7535\uff1a\n60 kW\n\uff08\u6807\u51c6\u7248\uff09 / \n80 kW\n\uff08\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff09\n\u524d\u60ac\u6302\uff1a\u72ec\u7acb\u9ea6\u5f17\u900a\u51cf\u9707\u5668\n\u540e\u60ac\u6302\uff1a\u534a\u72ec\u7acb\u626d\u529b\u6881\uff08\u6807\u51c6\u7248\uff09 / \u591a\u8fde\u6746\u72ec\u7acb\uff08\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\uff09\n\u524d\u5239\u8f66\u7cfb\u7edf\uff1a\u901a\u98ce\u5f0f\u5239\u8f66\u76d8\n\u540e\u5239\u8f66\u7cfb\u7edf\uff1a\u5b9e\u5fc3\u5239\u8f66\u76d8\n\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u89c4\u683c\u7684\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u5185\u9970\u4e2d\uff0c\u4f60\u53ef\u4ee5\u6839\u636e\u9009\u62e9\u7684\u5916\u89c2\u989c\u8272\u5f97\u5230\u4e0d\u540c\u7684\u53cc\u8272\u5185\u9970\u7ec4\u5408\u3002\u4e24\u6b3e\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u90fd\u914d\u67095\u82f1\u5bf8\u4eea\u8868\u663e\u793a\u5668\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u914d\u6709\u6709\u7ebfApple CarPlay\u652f\u6301\u768412.8\u82f1\u5bf8\u65cb\u8f6c\u4fe1\u606f\u5a31\u4e50\u663e\u793a\u5668\u3002\n\u6807\u914d\u8fd8\u5305\u62ec\u4e00\u5f20\u4fbf\u643a\u5f0f\u5361\u7247\u94a5\u5319\u3002\u7136\u800c\uff0c\u53ea\u6709\u9876\u7ea7\u7684\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\u624d\u6709\u5982\u5168\u666f\u73bb\u7483\u9876\u548c\u901a\u98ce\u524d\u6392\u5ea7\u6905\u7b49\u9ad8\u7ea7\u529f\u80fd\u3002\n\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u89c4\u683c\u7684\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u6807\u51c6\u7248\u7684\u5185\u90e8\u88c5\u5907\u6e05\u5355\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u7070\u8272/\u9ed1\u8272\u6216\u68d5\u8272/\u9ed1\u8272\u53cc\u8272\u5185\u9970\n\u76ae\u8d28\u5ea7\u6905\n\u624b\u52a8\u524d\u6392\u5ea7\u6905\n5\u82f1\u5bf8\u4eea\u8868\u663e\u793a\u5668\n12.8\u82f1\u5bf8\u65cb\u8f6c\u4fe1\u606f\u5a31\u4e50\u663e\u793a\u5668\n\u652f\u6301\u6709\u7ebfApple CarPlay\n\u8bed\u97f3\u52a9\u624b\n\u7535\u5b50\u9a7b\u8f66\u5239\u8f66 (EPB)\n\u65e0\u94a5\u5319\u8fdb\u5165\u548c\u542f\u52a8\n\u4fbf\u643a\u5f0f\u5361\u7247\u94a5\u5319\n\u9a7e\u9a76\u5458\u7a97\u6237\u4e00\u952e\u5347\u964d\u529f\u80fd\n6\u626c\u58f0\u5668\u97f3\u54cd\u7cfb\u7edf\n2\u4e2aUSB Type-A + 2\u4e2aUSB Type-C\u63a5\u53e3\n345\u5347\u7684\u884c\u674e\u53a2\u5bb9\u91cf\uff08\u540e\u5ea7\u6298\u53e0\u540e\u53ef\u8fbe858\u5347\uff09\nPM2.5\u7a7a\u6c14\u8fc7\u6ee4\u7cfb\u7edf\n\u66f4\u9ad8\u7aef\u7684\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\u4e3a\u60a8\u63d0\u4f9b\u4ee5\u4e0b\u529f\u80fd\uff1a\n\u7070\u8272/\u9ed1\u8272\u6216\u84dd\u8272/\u9ed1\u8272\u53cc\u8272\u5185\u9970\n\u901a\u98ce\u524d\u6392\u5ea7\u6905\n\u7535\u52a8\u524d\u6392\u5ea7\u6905\n\u65e0\u7ebf\u624b\u673a\u5145\u7535\u5668\n\u56db\u4e2a\u8f66\u95e8\u7a97\u6237\u90fd\u6709\u4e00\u952e\u5347\u964d\u529f\u80fd\n\u5168\u666f\u73bb\u7483\u9876\n\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u6807\u914d\u5148\u8fdb\u7684\u5b89\u5168\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u81ea\u9002\u5e94\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236 (ACC)\n\u81ea\u52a8\u7d27\u6025\u5239\u8f66 (AEB)\n\u667a\u80fd\u7535\u6e90\u5239\u8f66\u7cfb\u7edf\n\u9884\u6d4b\u78b0\u649e\u8b66\u544a (PCW)\n\u540e\u65b9\u4ea4\u53c9\u901a\u884c\u8b66\u544a (RCTA)\n\u540e\u65b9\u4ea4\u53c9\u901a\u884c\u5239\u8f66\n\u8f66\u9053\u504f\u79bb\u8b66\u544a (LDW)\n\u8f66\u9053\u504f\u79bb\u9632\u6b62 (LDP)\n\u7d27\u6025\u8f66\u9053\u4fdd\u6301\u52a9\u529b (ELKA)\n\u8f66\u9053\u4fdd\u6301\u652f\u6301 (LKS)\n\u6362\u9053\u78b0\u649e\u8b66\u544a (LCW)\n360\u5ea6\u6444\u50cf\u5934\u7cfb\u7edf\n\u76f2\u70b9\u68c0\u6d4b (BSD)\n\u5f00\u95e8\u8b66\u544a (DOW)\n\u80ce\u538b\u76d1\u6d4b\u7cfb\u7edf (TPMS)\n\u5355\u7ea7\u524d\u6392\u5b89\u5168\u5e26\u9884\u7d27\u5668\n\u7136\u800c\uff0c\u53cc\u7ea7\u524d\u6392\u5b89\u5168\u5e26\u9884\u7d27\u5668\u529f\u80fd\u53ea\u6709\u5728\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u7684\u9876\u7ea7\u5ef6\u5c55\u7248\u4e2d\u624d\u6709\u3002\n\u603b\u7ed3\u4e00\u4e0b\uff0c2023\u6b3e\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u521a\u521a\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\uff0c\u4f5c\u4e3a\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8fea\u5728\u8be5\u56fd\u7684\u9996\u6b3e\u7535\u52a8\u5c0f\u578b\u8f66\u3002\u4e24\u4e2a\u7248\u672c\u7684\u4ef7\u683c\u4ece\nRM100,530\n\u7684\u4e0a\u8def\u4ef7\u5f00\u59cb\uff0c\u5305\u542b\u4fdd\u9669\u3002Dolphin\u7684\u4ea4\u4ed8\u5c06\u4e8e\u4eca\u5e74\u516b\u6708\u5f00\u59cb\uff0c\u516c\u53f8\u5df2\u6697\u793a\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaSeal\u4e5f\u5c06\u201c\u5f88\u5feb\u201d\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\u3002\nDolphin\u7684\u4ef7\u683c\u5305\u62ec\u6807\u51c6\u7684\n6\u5e74/150,000\u516c\u91cc\n\u8f66\u8f86\u4fdd\u4fee\uff0c\n8\u5e74/160,000\u516c\u91cc\n\u9ad8\u538b\u7535\u6c60\u4fdd\u4fee\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\n8\u5e74/150,000\u516c\u91cc\n\u9a71\u52a8\u5355\u5143\u4fdd\u4fee\u3002\u8fd8\u6709\u4e00\u4efd\n3\u5e74/60,000\u516c\u91cc\n\u7684\u4fdd\u4fee\uff0c\u8986\u76d6\u591a\u5a92\u4f53\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u51cf\u9707\u5668\uff0c\u8f6e\u8f74\u627f\uff0c\u4ea4\u6d41/\u76f4\u6d41\u5145\u7535\u53e3\u7ec4\u4ef6\uff0c\u886c\u5957\uff0c\u57ab\u7247\uff0cUSB\u5145\u7535\u53e3\u7ec4\u4ef6\uff0cPM2.5\u6d4b\u91cf\u4eea\u5668\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u9632\u5c18\u7f69\u7b49\u90e8\u4ef6\u3002\u53e6\u6709\u4e00\u4efd\n4\u5e74/100,000\u516c\u91cc\n\u7684\u4fdd\u4fee\uff0c\u8986\u76d6\u8f66\u8f86\u7684\u706f\u5149\uff0c\u8f6e\u80ce\u538b\u529b\u76d1\u6d4b\u6a21\u5757\uff0c\u60ac\u6302\uff0c\u548c\u7403\u5934\u63a5\u5934\u3002\n\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8feaDolphin\u8fd8\u63d0\u4f9b\u4e86\u8bb8\u591a\u670d\u52a1\u5305\u3002\u9996\u5148\u662f\u6807\u51c6\u5305\uff0c\u6db5\u76d6\u51cf\u901f\u5668\u6cb9\u670d\u52a1\uff0c\u7a7a\u8c03\u6ee4\u82af\u670d\u52a1\uff0c\u5239\u8f66\u6cb9\u670d\u52a1\uff0c\u9a71\u52a8\u7535\u673a\u51b7\u5374\u6db2\u670d\u52a1\uff0c\u548c\u7a7a\u8c03\u5236\u51b7\u5242\u670d\u52a1\u3002\u53ef\u9009\u7684\u6807\u51c6\u670d\u52a1\u5305\u5982\u4e0b\uff1a\n3\u5e74/60,000\u516c\u91cc\uff08RM1,688\uff09\n6\u5e74/120,000\u516c\u91cc\uff08RM3,888\uff09\n8\u5e74/160,000\u516c\u91cc\uff08RM4,888\uff09\n\u6bd4\u4e9a\u8fea\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u8fd8\u63d0\u4f9bPlus\u670d\u52a1\u5305\uff0c\u5176\u4e2d\u989d\u5916\u5305\u62ec\u6321\u98ce\u73bb\u7483\u6e05\u6d17\u6db2\u66f4\u6362\uff0c\u524d\u540e\u96e8\u5237\u7247\u66f4\u6362\uff0c\u9065\u63a7\u7535\u6c60\u66f4\u6362\uff0c12V\u7535\u6c60\u66f4\u6362\uff0c\u524d\u540e\u5239\u8f66\u7247\u66f4\u6362\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u524d\u540e\u5239\u8f66\u76d8\u66f4\u6362\u3002\u53ef\u9009\u7684Plus\u670d\u52a1\u5305\u5982\u4e0b\uff1a\n6\u5e74/120,000\u516c\u91cc\uff08RM7,888\uff09\n8\u5e74/160,000\u516c\u91cc\uff08RM12,888\uff09\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"Suzuki Malaysia Automotive has just announced that they will be taking pre-sale orders for the facelifted Swift. The B-Segment hatch will continue being offered in three flavours \u2013 GA, GL and GLX.\nChanges on the Swift are minimal to say the least, with the only evident restyling being the front bumper. For the GA and GL trims, you get a silver garnish in the foglamp housing whereas the range topping GLX gets LED daytime running lights in place of the said garnish.\u00a0There\u2019s also a new colour to go with it \u2013 \nLagoon\u00a0\nTurquoise\n.\n \n \nTo finish off the exterior package, the GL and GLX Swifts come with a new set of \n16-inch alloy wheels\u00a0\nwrapped with 185/55 series tyres, whereas the base model GA will make do with 15-inchers. In the case of the GLX, it gets \nPush Start System\n, a\u00a0\ntouch screen display\u00a0\nwith GPS navigation, automatic \nair-conditioning\n, tilt and telescopic \nmulti-function steering wheel\n with a\u00a0\n6-speaker stereo system.\nAll guises of the Swift run on the unchanged \n1.4-litre inline-four\n engine, pumping out \n93 hp \nat 6,000 rpm\u00a0and \n130 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Swift also comes equipped with \nABS, EBD, Brake Assist \nand\n dual SRS airbags\n.\nAgain, the Swift trio is priced from \nRM59,000\n for the GA trim; RM65,000 for the GL and RM73,000 for the GLX.\u00a0All prices are on the road \ninclusive of GST \nbut \nexcludes insurance\n.\u00a0The Swift comes with a\n five-year or 150,000 km warranty\n, which ever comes first. Aside from the Lagoon Turquoise, other colours available on offer include\u00a0\nSupreme Red\n, \nOlive Gray, Bayside Blue\n and \nSuperior White.\nThose interested can pay a visit to \nSuzuki Malaysia\u2019s official website\n where full details of the Swift facelift can be found.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren has unveiled its latest lightweight carbon fibre tub architecture that will underpin its upcoming line-up of electrified models, with the brand\u2019s first hybrid supercar slated for launch next year.\nDesigned specifically to accommodate the marque\u2019s upcoming hybrid powertrains, McLaren says that the new carbon fibre tub is developed completely in-house at its new Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Sheffield, UK, and will also be produced at the same site.\nThe company says that the new chassis is built using \u201cworld-first processes and techniques\u201d to strip out unnecessary weight, while maintaining structural integrity and improve safety. For example, computer software is used to determine the shape and orientation of each sheet of carbon fibre cloth to optimise the shell strength and weight of the tub.\nMcLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt said, \u201cThe new ground-breaking vehicle architecture is every bit as revolutionary as the MonoCell chassis we introduced with the company\u2019s first car, the \n12C\n, when we first embarked on making production vehicles a decade ago.\n\u201cThis new, ultra-lightweight carbon fibre chassis boasts greater structural integrity and higher levels of quality than ever before with our new MCTC facility quickly becoming recognised as a global centre of excellence in composite materials science and manufacturing.\u201d\nThis intensive light-weighting exercise was done specifically to offset the weight penalty from an electrified powertrain, thanks to the lithium-ion batteries. Flewitt has previously said to \nAutocar UK\n that the \nupcoming hybrid Sports Series model\n will be only 30-40kg heavier than the \nMcLaren P1 \nof the Ultimate Series, which is two rungs higher in performance in McLaren\u2019s model line-up.\nUpcoming McLaren models will also look similar to the \nSpeedtail\n, which showed-off the marque\u2019s latest design language.\n\u201cOur advanced expertise in light weight composites processes and manufacturing combined with our experience in cutting-edge battery technology and high-performance hybrid propulsion systems means we are ideally placed to deliver to customers levels of electrified high-performance motoring that until now have simply been unattainable,\u201d Flewitt added.\n\u201cFor us, light-weighting and electrification go hand-in-hand to achieve better performance as well as more efficient vehicles.\u201d He also said that the new architecture would enable McLaren to \u201ctransition to 100% electrified supercars\u201d \u2013 fully-electric P1, anyone?"
"Production of the all-new Honda Civic is underway at Honda\u2019s production plant in Alliston, Canada, and the company has gone ahead to whet our appetite with the first official image of the 2022 car. For a closer look at its details, \ncheck out this post\n!\nThe all-new car which was first previewed as a \nprototype\n last \nNovember \nhas been touted to be the company\u2019s most fun to drive, and technologically advanced Civic in the model\u2019s 50-year history.\n \nThe design of the new Civic draws inspiration from the timeless design and human-focused values of past Civic models, with the \naim to maximise space for the driver and passenger while minimising space needed for mechanical parts\n.\nIt\u2019s set to roll off the production line for the North American market by middle of this year while the official global reveal is set to take place on the\n 28th of April\n this year.\nFollowing the reveal of the Civic sedan, Honda said the all-new Civic hatchback will be next to take centre stage in a few months after.\nGALLERY"
"Just before six months since the \nHyundai Kona first made its local debut \nhere in Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has now introduced the new Kona facelift here on our shores.\nThe new Hyundai Kona is available in two variants \u2013 2.0 Standard and 2.0 Active, with prices starting from RM119,888 on the road, without tax, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe new Hyundai Kona retains a lot of the funky styling elements from the original model, with the facelift just freshening things up slightly. Most noticeably is the redesigned front fascia, characterised by the chunky plastic claddings that wrap around the front fenders.\nThe grille on the front has also been widened and shortened, while the letterbox grille above on the pre-facelift model has been replaced by the large Hyundai logo. On the sides, the the LED-daytime running light \u2013 which comes as standard across both variants \u2013 have now been slimmed down, while the main headlights below it also get a sleeker housing.\nThe range-topping variant gets full-LED headlights, split into three individual beams, while the standard variant gets halogen projectors. To differentiate things a little more between the two variants, the turn signal indicators on the 2.0 standard variant is located on the main headlight assembly, while the range-topper gets integrated LED turn indicators together the daytime-running lights.\nOver at the rear, the tail lights get a new horizontal light signature reflecting the design of the front lights, while the combination light cluster at the bottom also gets a new look, the latter being LED for the 2.0 Active, and halogen for the standard variant.\nLeft \u2013 2.0 Standard; Right \u2013 2.0 Active\nTwo wheel sizes are available \u2013 17-inch items for the standard, and 18-inch for the range-topping 2.0 Active \u2013 both of which are new designs.\nColour options are split according to variants as below:\nKona Standard: Chalk White, Galactic Grey (pictured), Surfy Blue, Pulse Red\nKona Active: Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju (pictured), Ignite Flame, Dark Knight, Misty Jungle\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth variants of the new Hyundai Kona are powered by the same SmartStream G2.0 naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, which is actually a different unit than the 2.0-litre Nu Kappa engine featured in the pre-facelift model.\nHowever, the 1.6-litre turbocharged mill available on the pre-facelift model has been dropped this time round on the new Hyundai Kona.\nEngine: 2.0-litre SmartStream G2.0 naturally-aspirated inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: SmartStream IVT constantly-variable transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 149 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nTorque: 180 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\n0-100: 9.7 seconds\nTop speed: electronically-limited 198 km/h\nWhile the power is sent exclusively to the front wheels, the new Hyundai Kona does come with individual traction control modes, specifically tuned for mud, sand, and even snow driving.\nINTERIOR\nWhile the exterior sees quite drastic changes, on the inside, the Hyundai Kona facelift does remain quite faithful to the outgoing model, with only slight design tweaks to the dashboard architecture \u2013 particularly the centre console, which is now \u201cdisconnected\u201d from the dashboard to emphasise the latter\u2019s width.\nThe circular air conditioning vents that bookend the entire dashboard also gets a redesigned, more \u201cEuropean-styled\u201d look.\nThe entry-level 2.0 Standard variant gets the following as standard:\nAnalogue instrument cluster with multi-info display\nEight-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nRear-view camera\nElectronic parking brake\nManual air-conditioning\nFabric seats, black\nSmart key with remote engine start\nThe 2.0 Active adds on the following:\n10.25-inch fully-digital instrument cluster\nSingle-zone automatic climate control\nPower-adjustable driver seat\nLeather upholstery, black or beige based on exterior colour choices\nSAFETY\nThe new Hyundai Kona comes as standard with six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill start assist, and hill descent control.\nThe range-topping 2.0 Active variant steps it up a notch with the included SmartSense advanced driver assistance features, which includes the following as standard:\nForward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and vehicle detection\nBlind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)\nRear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)\nLane Keeping Assist (LKA)\nLane Following Assist (LFA)\nDriver Attention Warning (DAW)\nLeading Vehicle Departure Alert\nHigh Beam Assist (HBA)\nSafe Exit Warning (SEW)\nRear Occupant Alert (ROA)\nPRICING\nThe new Hyundai Kona facelift in Malaysia starts at \nRM119,888 \nfor the entry-level 2.0 Standard variant, moving up to \nRM136,888\n for the range-topping 2.0 Active variant, both on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nIncluded in the price is a five-year/300,000 km warranty, alongside a three-year/50,000 km free scheduled maintenance programme.\nThese prices are RM4,000 and RM2,000 cheaper respectively when compared to the outgoing model, based on the actual recommended retail price as announced during the launch.\nAt the end of the virtual launch, HSDM also included a teaser of the Hyundai Kona N-Line, along with the caption \u201cComing Soon\u201d, possibly being introduced here with the \u201cdiscontinued\u201d 1.6-litre T-GDi engine \u2013 and if you\u2019ve seen photos of the\n Kona N-Line\n, you\u2019ll know why we\u2019re excited.\nGALLERY"
"General Motors and Honda today announced plans for a new chapter by codeveloping a series of affordable electric vehicles based on a new global architecture using next-generation Ultium battery technology.\u00a0\nThe two automotive giants are paving the way for global production of millions of electric vehicles (EV) starting in 2027, including compact crossover vehicles, utilising their respective technologies, design, and sourcing strategies. The compact crossover segment is the largest in the world, with annual volumes of more than 13 million vehicles.\n \nGM and Honda will also look into collaboration opportunities in the development of EV batteries, reducing the cost of EV production and improving EV performance. The sharing of technologies and manufacturing strategies will help deliver more affordable EVs in key markets like North and South America and China.\nIn 2020, GM and Honda announced plans to co-develop two EVs, including the Honda Prologue, to be launched in early 2024; followed by Acura\u2019s first EV SUV."
"It\u2019s that time of the year again, where Christmas carols fill the air\u00a0of public spaces and for most people, it\u2019s when the grind starts to slow down. For us here at \nAutoBuzz.my\n, we thought it\u2019s best to take a retrospective look at how far we\u2019ve come.\nThis time, we\u2019re delving into the shallowing depths of the country\u2019s C-Segment marketplace, once dominated by the very car you see here, the \n11th-generation Toyota Corolla Altis\n. It\u2019s close to three years now since we did the video review, and it was for the longest time the most viewed C-Segment car review \non our YouTube channel\n.\nThe Thai-spec Corolla Altis 2.0 ESport was previewed at the 36th Bangkok International Motor Show earlier this year\nBut boy how times have changed. Within the said period, cars like the \nMazda3\n took\u00a0the market by storm. Though many tried, few can come close to matching the Corolla Altis in terms of sales figures. That is, until the \n10th generation Honda Civic came along\n. It\u2019s long due for a \nfacelift\n (the launch is just around the corner, by the way), but we doubt the new looks alone can do a good enough job of giving the Civic a run for its money.\nBe that as it may, the Corolla Altis facelift will boast features such as seven airbags and VSC as standard across the range, and \nthree trims\n will be available upon introduction \u2013 1.8E, 1.8G and 2.0V. The \u201cseven-speed\u201d CVT remains as is, driving the front wheels. The suspension is perhaps the only mechanical tweaks done to the car, which is said to improve ride and handling by a fair bit.\nPricing for the Corolla Altis facelift begins at about RM121k for the 1.8E, RM124k for the 1.8G and RM139k for the 2.0V. That\u2019s still costlier than the Civic and \nFord Focus\n, but we have no doubts that the car will appeal to some.\nIf you\u2019re wondering why we\u2019re running this story, well. All we can say is, stay tuned!"
"The sensation also known as \u201cdrive-in raves\u201d was initially inspired by a drive-in concert that took place in Denmark but party organisers in Western Germany had other things in mind.\nA stage, hypnotising light displays and a banging sound system \u2013 it had everything you\u2019d expect at a rave but there weren\u2019t excessively sweaty crowds nor long queues. Instead, there were (strictly) \n250 cars per event\n, each with two passengers in it.\n \nThat\u2019s not all, to strictly adhere to social distancing, each of the car\u2019s windows had to be shut has well. So you ask, how would they properly enjoy the music then? They\u2019re transmitted into the cars via FM radio \u2013 talk about utilising technology.\nThe absence of loud cheers and jumping crowds were instead replaced with high beams and honks \u2013 what a sight that would be!\nAccording to foreign media, there were no reports of any driving under influence or even consumption of illegal substances \u2013 I\u2019d take that with a pinch of salt. Local authorities however weighed in and applauded the measures and precautions taken.\nWouldn\u2019t it be fun to experience, even just once, something like that in Malaysia?"
"According to a recent survey by \nAxalta\n, an American automotive paint producer, White has been the most popular exterior colour of 2020 with over 1/3 of the world\u2019s vehicles adopting the colour.\nThis is followed by Black, and Gray; making up the top three most popular automotive colours of 2020. White has been the most popular colour around the world for the last 10 years, especially in Asia where 48% of the vehicles on the road are White.\nGR Yaris\n320i Sport\nThe African region came in 2nd; where 46% of its cars in White. White and Black have been reported to be the most popular colours in China. Surprisingly, the colour Red, one of the most auspicious colours in Chinese culture, saw a 3% drop in demand.\nAs for luxury cars and SUVs, Black remains the go-to colour worldwide. Demand for the Silver colour, arguably the easiest exterior colour to maintain has shown a major decline in most regions except India, where 32% of its cars are in Silver.\nIn Japan, where expression of oneself through cars is almost cultural, the colours red, blue, green and yellow are the most popular.\nIn the same survey, Axalta also found that over 28% would go for Black when repainting their cars, followed by Blue, Red, Silver and White.\nOver 80% of car buyers prefer a monochromatic over a two-tone exterior.\nThe survey also showed over 79% of car buyers believe colour is a key factor when buying a car and that 33% claimed that they would change car brands if their preferred colours were not available. Over 80% of car buyers prefer a monochromatic over a two-tone exterior."
"With Volkswagen\u2019s electric vehicle (EV) lineup carrying the \u2018ID\u2019 moniker followed by numbers (e.g., \nID.4\n, \nID.5\n), one might assume that the \nVolkswagen Golf\n will finally be axed, and that the \u2018Golf\u2019 name will be replaced with the\n ID.3\n. Golf fans can now rejoice, as the German brand plans to continue using its \u201ciconic\u201d model name even throughout the EV era.\nSpeaking to \nAutocar\n at the LA motor show, Volkswagen Chief Operating Officer (COO), Thomas Sch\u00e4fer said, \u201cWe have iconic brand names, Golf and GTI. It would be crazy to let them die and slip away. We will stick with the ID logic but iconic models will carry a name.\u201d Stressing on the brand\u2019s firm decision, he adds, \u201cWe would not let go of the Golf name, no way.\u201d To that end, VW \u201cmight have an ID Golf\u201d.\nThe Golf GTI Clubsport S \u201crecord\u201d with 7 GTI generations at the 2016 W\u00f6rthersee GTI gathering\nIn \na separate report\n by the publication, Sch\u00e4fer also said that the \u2018GTI\u2019 and \u2018R\u2019 badges will also live on although the \nnewly-coined \u2018GTX\u2019 moniker\n may not. He said, \u201cGTX as an idea is en route for EVs. If in the future we\u2019ll need it, we\u2019ll see. We might not need it. But GTI and R, yes. With a strong brand, you need to spend less getting it out there.\u201d\nOn the fate of the \u2018GTI\u2019, Sch\u00e4fer said, \u201cGTI with Golf was always legendary. We will carry on. We need substance to it, with performance. We\u2019re working on a performance model with EV to carry GTI forward.\u201d On the \u2018R\u2019, he said that it will remain an \u201call-paw\u201d performance flagship, hinting at the \u2018R\u2019 being all-wheel drive (AWD) and the \u2018GTI\u2019 being two-wheel drive (2WD).\nRELATED: \nStart of a new era- Volkswagen ID.4 GTX shows-off new high-performance EV suffix\nSo far, both \u2018GTI\u2019 and \u2018R\u2019 badges have not been used on EV Volkswagen models as the new \u2018\nGTX\n\u2019 badge has been used. As for the Golf\u2019s EV future, \u2018ID. Golf\u2019 doesn\u2019t sound too far-fetched as a possible name. Volkswagen has already named its EV van the \u2018\nID. Buzz\n\u2019 and shown that the \u2018ID\u2019 moniker doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be followed by a number.\nRegarding the EV ID.3 being a replacement for the Golf, the Volkswagen COO said, \u201cThe ID.3 has never been a successor to the Golf, it is more a Golf Plus.\u201d\nIn Malaysia, \nPHS Automotive\n, or Volkswagen Malaysia, has \npreviewed the EV Volkswagen ID.4 during Volkswagen Fest 2022\n. Boasting 520 km of range (WLTP) from a 77-kWH battery pack, the ID.4 will be a good new contender in the Malaysian EV market.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 \u2013 520km range EV SUV"
"For most of us, the thought of owning a Bugatti Chiron (which is limited to 500 units to be ever produced, by the way) already seems like a pipe dream. But for the elite few, a 2.5 million Euros Chiron is just too common-man.\nIntroducing Manny Khoshbin, a real estate mogul and renowned car collector. When Bugatti announced the Veyron replacement, Khoshbin knew he wanted something more unique \u2013 so much so that he turned down an offer for the 30-unit limited-run Chiron Super Sport 300+.\n \nBecause of his passion for the French luxury brand, Khoshbin reached out to Hermes and Bugatti to create the one-of-one exclusive commission piece \u2013 Hermes Edition Bugatti Chiron.\nThe Hermes Edition Bugatti Chiron took three years to build, according to \nCar and Driver\n. The design was first conceived in 2016 by Hermes, but Khoshbin didn\u2019t want to settle for an ordinary paint job \u2013 and took three years to finally settle on the exquisite \nHermes Craie\n.\u00a0\nThe one-of-one Hermes Edition is not just a cream-coloured Chiron either. The horseshoe grille is made up of the Hermes H\u2019s, and the Hermes Courbettes horse pattern is painted on the underside of the rear wing. The special-edition Chiron also gets a fully-painted rear bumper, something not available on \u201cregular\u201d Chirons.\u00a0\nThe cabin of the Hermes Edition Bugatti Chiron is also a sea of cream, offset by cashmere fabric, featuring the iconic horse pattern. The centre console is also engraved with a \u201cdressed by Hermes\u201d badge, in French, along with other numerous one-of-one badges throughout the car to remind you how special you are.\u00a0\nThe special-edition Chiron also came with a whole stack of Hermes goods, including a Birkin bag, made out of the same leather used in the interior, as well as a larger suitcase that is supposed to fit in the froot.\nManny Khoshbin never revealed how much the Hermes Edition Bugatti Chiron actually costs, but seeing that the \nSky View glass roof\n costs more than a Porsche Macan, it\u2019s safe to assume that the final price of the car would be a number most of us will never see in our bank accounts.\nThe Hermes Edition Bugatti Chiron is not the first time the two brands collaborated \u2013 their partnership dates all the way back to the 1920s. Likewise, this car isn\u2019t Manny Khoshbin\u2019s first Hermes special edition car either \u2013 in his garage also sits the one-off Hermes Pagani Huayra.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Car wash centres will be allowed to operate again once the National Recovery Plan (NRP) moves into its second phase. Malaysia is still currently at Phase One which began on June 15th.\nWatch how Nissan test their paint durability \nIn a statement issued on Sunday, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government has added a few more economic sectors that will be allowed to operate in the plan\u2019s subsequent phases. He also added that \neateries\n are now allowed to operate from \n6 a.m. until 10 p.m\n. starting today, June 28th.\nThe ministry has added automotive (vehicle/component), ceramic, furniture, iron and steel and cement manufacturing sectors for the go-ahead to operate from Phase Two. There is no fixed date for the transition from Phase One to Phase Two, as the parameters are daily cases under 4,000 and 10% of the population has been vaccinated.\nCurrently, daily cases still soar above 5,000 however based on data from the Special Committee for Ensuring Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Supply (JKJAV), vaccination for the first dose is 15.9%, while the second dose is 6.2% of the population.\n\u201cComputer and telecommunications, electrical appliances retailers and stationery plus book shops will also be in the positive list,\u201d he said, but hair salons were only allowed to offer basic haircuts. These sectors can operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.\nInfographic credit: \nThe Malay Mail\nThe ministry also elaborated on the opening of morning and farmers market, where operation hours are only limited between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. with only six main items be on sale- vegetables, fruits, groceries, processed chicken, meat and seafood.\n\u2018Pasar malam\u2019 or night market, weekend markets and \u201ctamu\u201d will remain closed.\nSocial activities are still strictly disallowed during Phase Two, with interstate and inter-district travel remain off-limits except for students facing examinations and teachers."
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has continued its momentum into the new year with solid sales performance again in February, registering a total of 6,432 units sold consisting of 6,366 Toyota and 66 Lexus vehicles.\nThe figure represents a significant 27% jump compared to the same period last year (5,074 units combined), although a slight decrease (14.5%) from its sales figures in \nJanuary\n.\nRELATED: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid launched in Malaysia from RM136k\nAlthough the company did not provide a detailed model-to-model breakdown of its sales figures this time round, it\u2019s keeping an optimistic outlook moving forward, especially with ongoing promotions in March that offer value added benefits worth RM4,000 for the \nVios\n and \nYaris\n, alongside upcoming \u201chighly anticipated product launches\u201d \u2013 which should include the updated Vios soon, and possibly even the \nGR86\n.\nThe new \n2022 Toyota Camry\n, which was launched just last month, should also help bolster the company\u2019s performance in the coming months.\n\u201cWe truly appreciate the support our customers have given towards the Toyota brand and are optimistic about the continuous growth of the Malaysian automotive sector. As we continue to innovate and bring mobility products offering the absolute best technology and safety that enhances lifestyles, we trust that Malaysians will continue to choose Toyota as their preferred road companion,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\n \nAside from sales, UMW Toyota also announced that it has contributed RM140,000 to the Naational Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) in February. The funds will go towards the purchase of a new Digital Doppler Ultrasound Machine to provide better treatment to cancer patients.\nSeparately, the company also concluded its \n15th Dream Car Art Contest\n, which saw a total of 2,300 entries from children up to the age of 15. The three winners of the National Contest, announced earlier this month, will represent Malaysia in the World Contest in Japan in August this year.\n\u201cAs a leader in mobility, UMW Toyota Motor is committed to propel society forward by educating, engaging and empowering people beyond the road. We endeavour to do what wecan to give back and help local communities in various areas to enhance lifestyles of today and the future,\u201d Ravindran K. added.\nUMW Toyota also recently unveiled a new 2S outlet with Body & Paint services in Skudai, Johor. The opening of the new outlet is in partnership with Super Evergreen (Nusajaya) to accommodate the steadily increasing number of Toyota customers in the state, and joins the company\u2019s expanding network of authorised facilities around the country."
"DS Automobiles and Citroen have announced the updated prices for their vehicles following the government\u2019s initiative to kick start the automotive industry again after two months of economic inactivity due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) through Sales Tax Exemptions for CKD and CBU vehicles.\nThe \nC3 Aircross 1.2 PureTech\n was\n introduced in April last year\n, while the \nGrand C4 Space Tourer 1.6 THP\n was launched at the of 2018.\nAs for the fully imported \nDS7 Crossback\n, \nlaunched in June last year\n, is now \npriced in between the two variants of the fully imported Harrier\n in Malaysia at RM249,572. It\u2019s powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine making\u00a0\n165 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n240 Nm\n\u00a0paired to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. 0 to 100 km/h times may not matter in a car like this but it\u2019s still no slouch; taking\u00a0\n10.2 seconds\n\u00a0to complete the run, with a top speed of\u00a0\n220 km/h\n."
"The Volkswagen Golf needs no introduction. Since its inception back in 1974, the Golf has made it to homes all over the world and became one of the most recognisable vehicles in the Volkswagen stable.\nNow in its seventh-generation, it still hasn\u2019t lost it charm that appeals to families and enthusiasts alike, thanks to a broad variety of trims from basic TSI models to the wicked \nGolf R\n. Unfortunately, here in Malaysia, the Golf doesn\u2019t share the same high flying success as its European counterparts.\nPerhaps it can be attributed to the poor brand image of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia or the hefty price to purchase and maintain one. Maybe it\u2019s a little bit of both. However, after spending the Chinese New Year holidays with a \nGolf 1.4 TSI\n Highline, I believe it truly deserves more attention than it is getting. I\u2019ve dissected the Golf down to five of its most appealing factors to me, so here goes.\n1. Iconic yet Timeless Design\nNo one will pass off the Golf as \u201cjust another hatchback\u201d. Thanks to decades of relentless effort to position the car as a people\u2019s car, the Golf has become a household nameplate for most of us. When you\u2019re driving the Golf, you\u2019re not just driving a family hatchback, you\u2019re driving a piece of history.   Thanks to a\u00a0\nminor update in 2016\n\u00a0(not to be confused with the \nfacelift\n), Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced some aesthetic enhancements for the Highline, including Golf R-esque LED tail lamps and 17-inch Madrid alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres. These add a touch of sporty elegance to the Golf Highline.\n2. Ergonomically Sound Interior\nAfter almost half a century of perfecting the Golf, Volkswagen finally nailed the interior. Like in the \nJetta\n, all controls are ergonomically sound and extremely intuitive to use. I much appreciate the physical dials, buttons and knobs, especially in a time where more and more manufacturers are digitising all of these. Or worse, replacing all the physical buttons into the touchscreen display.   If you\u2019re coming from a Japanese brand, you will definitely appreciate the decidedly more premium cabin the folks at Wolfsburg have put together. When you\u2019re up to speed, wind and engine noise are impressively isolated from the cabin.\n3. Compact Practicality\nAt the end of the day, the Golf still remains as a family hatchback, through and through. It\u2019s practical enough to accommodate a family of five, yet compact enough to manoeuvre around narrow city streets. Cubby spaces are aplenty, and from my testing, three adults can be seated comfortably at the back. A 380 litre boot space is also more than enough for a quick weekend getaway. Why have two cars \u2013 one for the city and the other for long distance travels \u2013 when the Golf can do both?\n4. TSI and DSG Combo\nMotivating this Golf Highline is a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol TSI unit that kicks out a healthy \n148 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a seven-speed DSG gearbox (dry clutch).\nOn the go, getting up to highway speeds is a breeze, even with four adult occupants and some load at the rear, thanks to the full torque available at a lowly\n 1,500 rpm\n. Mash the throttle, the Golf immediately leaps forward and will max out at\u00a0\n216 km/h\n\u00a0without so much as breaking a sweat. In town, the notorious dry clutch DSG jerk is nonexistent, even when creeping in traffic. It is by far the most satisfying powertrain (bar the high-performance variants) available in the segment.\nIf you\u2019re still in the skeptics camp, maybe VPCM\u2019s 5-Year manufacturer warranty and \nGoodwill Programme\n can prove to you their resolve to ensure a worry-free ownership experience.\n5. Handling and Ride Comfort\nUnderpinning this Mk7 is VAG\u2019s MQB platform that \nshaves off almost 100 kg\n compared to the Mk6, which means that the Mk7 is extremely light on its feet. Throwing the Golf around bends proved to be a rewarding experience. Despite its exceptional road holding capabilities and larger 17-inch alloys with low profile tyres, the Golf is able to maintain its composure through road undulations rather pleasantly \u2013 the perfect setup for all, including driving enthusiasts.\nThese are just some of the key elements of the Golf that I personally adore. Many may turn away from Volkswagen especially after\u00a0all the negativity plaguing the brand, what more with an asking price of RM161k. However, with VPCM (backed by Porsche Holdings Salzburg) behind the brand, the poor reliability and aftersales of Volkswagen in Malaysia may very well be a thing of the past.   VPCM is offering all Volkswagen models with a \n5-Year manufacturer warranty\n, whereas service interval is at ever\u00a0\n15,000km or 12 months\n,\u00a0as opposed to the more common 10,000km or 6 months service interval.\nIt\u2019s only a matter of time before the facelifted Golf Mk7 arrives on our shores. We know that Volkswagen\u2019s Pekan plant is capable of locally assembling the MQB-based \nPassat B8\n, so perhaps a cheaper, CKD Golf\u00a0could soon be a reality.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nHyundai Ioniq 5 N\n just made its world debut today and it is perhaps the most bonkers electric vehicle (EV) out there. Not because it is the fastest, nor is it the most extreme-looking one, but simply because it screams \u201cI wish I wasn\u2019t an EV\u201d in just about all areas \u2013 The most obvious one being the fact that it comes with a fake 2.0-L turbo engine sound complete with pops and bangs.\nWe\u2019ve become familiar with the Ioniq 5 as the model is locally available in Malaysia. Now try to recall the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n and throw in \u201cdriving enthusiast\u201d bits and pieces onto it. It gets an un-EV-like gaping lower grille, black treatments here and there to make it look slimmer than it really is, red accents, swooping side intakes on the front bumper, and a much more aggressive spoiler at the back.\nThe wheels are 21 inches in size and they are forged alloy wheels. Wrapping these wheels is a set of Pirelli P-Zero tires.\nAnd it\u2019s not just all show and no go with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. With a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup, the drive system outputs a maximum of \n609\n \nhp\n and \n740 Nm\n of torque. That is way more than what the normal AWD Ioniq 5 makes (305 hp/605 Nm). 0-100 km/h is done in \n3.4 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n260 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nFirst 11 units of Hyundai Ioniq 5 delivered to Malaysian customers \u2013 nearly 300 booked since launch!\nAs for the EV numbers, the Ioniq 5 N packs a larger battery pack with an \n84 kWh\n capacity compared the usual Ioniq 5\u2019s 72.6 kWh or 58 kWh capacity. The electric range of the Ioniq 5 N will be announced during its first regional market launch. Like its \u2018normal\u2019 counterpart, charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n350 kW\n with DC charging and this takes \n18 minutes\n to charge the Ioniq 5 N from 10% to 80%.\nBoring numbers aside, the Ioniq 5 N is built on three main pillars \u2013 \u201cCorner Rascal\u201d, \u201cRacetrack Capability\u201d, and \u201cEveryday Sportscar\u201d. Among the Ioniq 5 N\u2019s many exclusive performance features are N Battery Preconditioning, N Race, N Pedal, N Brake Regen, N Drift Optimizer, N Torque Distribution, N Launch Control, N Grin Boost, N Active Sound +, N e-shift, N Road Sense, and Track SOC. That is a lot of \u201cN\u201d treatment on the first all-electric N car.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 teased for Malaysia again \u2013 official launch imminent?\nMost importantly, you must know that with the \u201cN Active Sound+\u201d, the Ioniq 5 N emits a fake 2.0L turbo engine sound when set to \u201cignition\u201d (There\u2019s also \u201cevolution\u201d and \u201csupersonic\u201d). If you don\u2019t believe us, you can watch the videos to hear it yourself. It even comes with fake pops and bangs. And with the \u201cN e-shift\u201d, the Ioniq 5 N simulates the experience of driving a vehicle with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), complete with the \u201cshifting jolts\u201d that you get from the real one.\nHyundai says that the Ioniq 5 N has been developed with \u201cRally-inspired\u201d handling. It all sounds like the company is going all out to cater to the \u201cdriving enthusiast\u201d crowd, which some say is a dying breed.\nRELATED: \n2023 Hyundai Creta launched in Malaysia, RM150k \u2013 Still want that X50?\nHere are some of its performance and handling highlights that may entice you, provided you are a driving enthusiast:\n42 additional welding points and 2.1 meters of additional adhesives\nReinforced motor and battery mountings\nWRC-inspired integrated drive axles (IDA) front & rear\nStrengthened steering column\nSpecially tuned N R-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system with a higher steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback\nInstant turn-in behavior and enhanced throttle sensitivity\nIntegrated Torque Kick Drift which allows the driver to simulate clutch kick\ne-LSD\n \nTo keep up with the enhanced driving performance, the Ioniq 5 N is said to boast a higher resistance to heat induced power degradation thanks to an enhanced battery thermal management system. The cooling area has been increased, a better motor oil cooler is used, as well as a better battery chiller. The Ioniq 5 N is also equipped with an \u201cN Battery Pre-conditioning system\u201d to get the battery operating at optimum temperatures for either \u201cDrag\u201d or \u201cTrack\u201d racing.\nAs for the brakes, they are bigger on the \u201cN\u201d Ioniq 5 but since the regen braking is so strong, the hydraulic brakes act as more of a support. The regen braking itself can generate 0.6G of decelerative force.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Elantra N facelift revealed, another robocop-ed Hyundai\nInside, the Ioniq 5 N is the first to get the latest N steering wheel. For the first time, the \u201cN\u201d logo sits proudly smack in the centre of the wheel. With an almost AMG-like steering wheel, the images of the Ioniq 5 N\u2019s interior suggest a rather fun driving experience \u2013 We\u2019d have to try it ourselves to confirm that.\nWith the \u201cdriving enthusiast\u201d in mind, the cabin of the Ioniq 5 comes with knee pads and shin support on the centre console. The N bucket seats have reinforced bolsters and are positioned about 20 mm lower compared to the basic specification.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Sonata facelift unveiled \u2013 Staria lights, BMW-like curved display\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is perhaps the most interesting electric car of the year. While still being an EV, it does quite indirectly say that petrol cars are just honestly much more fun to be driven. The Ioniq 5 N believes in this so much that it simulates just about everything a petrol car does (gear shift jolts, engine sounds, pops & bangs, and even a clutch kick). It is almost as if it wishes it wasn\u2019t an electric car \u2013 Kind of like a vegan steak.\nGALLERY"
"Starting at 8 pm today, you will be able to order a brand-new Volvo car through its new \u2018Online Sales\u2019 e-commerce platform. Announced during the launch of the all-electric Volvo C40 today, the new e-commerce platform is \nVolvo Car Malaysia\n\u2019s initiative to sell cars directly to its customers.\nVolvo Car Malaysia says that its new online platform will not only enable customers to purchase their cars directly from Volvo, but also provide price transparency, full visibility on available stock, and a \u201chassle-free purchase experience online\u201d, and retailer assistance.\nA preview of the new e-commerce platform by Volvo Car Malaysia\nThrough the e-commerce platform, bookings and payments will be made directly to Volvo Car Malaysia on the company\u2019s official website. The \u2018Online Sales\u2019 platform will be instrumental in assisting the company\u2019s nationwide retailers in delivering an outstanding Swedish luxury experience to all customers.\nFirst to be available for online orders will be \nthe newly-launched Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\n starting 8 pm today. The C40 is the second electric vehicle (EV) by the brand, which is essentially a fastback version of the Volvo XC40 that has a \n451 km\n all-electric range from a \n78-kWh\n battery.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k\nCurrently the all-electric C40 and XC40 are shown to be \u2018Available Online\u2019\nWithout the new \u2018Online Sales\u2019 e-commerce platform by Volvo Car Malaysia, customers can only hit \u201cSend Request\u201d after selecting the desired specification for their Volvo car. With the new e-commerce platform, customers will be able to select their desired specifications, know the stock availability, select the delivery payment method, and even know the estimated delivery for their purchased vehicle.\nThe new e-commerce platform is essentially a step up from the current facilities on Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s website. Volvo states that it plans to \u201cride on the rapid wave of digitalisation and growing online affinity of luxury consumers in Malaysia\u201d.\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric updated for 2023, now from RM 279k\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, \u201cOur customers\u2019 journey to owning a Volvo will be seamless from hereon, and one that is in line with our hassle-free price. Together with our authorised dealers, the \u2018Online Sales\u2019 platform will enhance the buying experience of every customer,\u201d\nIf you\u2019re planning to buy a Volvo C40, you might want to check out Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s website after 8pm tonight!\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Volvo XC40 EV, PHEV & MHEV facelift now in Malaysia, from RM269k"
"The \nVolkswagen Sharan facelift\n revealed earlier this year will finally go on sale in the UK, with prices starting from\u00a0\u00a326,300 (roughly RM110k) to\u00a0\u00a336,280 (RM151k).\nTo recap, the seven-seater people carrier gets a range of updated engines that meet Euro6 emission standards and are 15 percent more economical than before.\u00a0The diesel range is comprised of a \n1.6 TDI\n with \n115 hp\n\u00a0and a \n2.0 TDI\n with either \n150 hp\n or \n184 hp\n, while the petrol range consists of the familiar\u00a0\n1.4 TSI\n with \n150 hp\n and a \n2.0 TSI\u00a0\nwith \n220 hp\n. A \nsix-speed manual\n box is standard, but an optional \nsix-speed DSG\n with coasting function is available for all Sharans except the 1.6 TDI.\nExternally, the MPV remains largely the same, save for the obvious tweaks done to the front and tail lamps, both featuring new LED designs. On the inside however, buyers get to choose between a 5-inch composition colour, a 6.5-inch composition media or the\n 6.5-inch Discovery Media with navigation\n. They all support MirrorLink function\u00a0and is Android Auto and Car Play compatible.\nIt also gets new upholstery, new steering wheel design and \nthree-zone auto air conditioning\n system. Depending on the market and trim level, there\u2019s Alcantara upholstered seats, panoramic sunroof and several driving assistance programmes; the latter which is exclusive to the upper-end variants.\nSafety wise, the Sharan gets\u00a0\nAutomatic Post-Collision Braking System\n\u00a0as standard, but \nFront Assist with integrated City Emergency Braking,\n traffic monitoring system, \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n (ACC), and \nPark Assist\n are some of the optional driving assistance systems on offer.\nOur Sharan was launched in February 2012 and is currently priced at \nRM278,888\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after \naccepting bookings for the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid\n, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially previewed the seven-seater MPV. The official launch will happen sometime in May 2018 and deliveries will commence after that.\nThe Serena S-Hybrid will be offered in two trims \u2013 Highway Star and Premium Highway Star, the latter packing additional accessories and features. Both variants are motivated by a MR20DD 2.0-litre Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control) four-cylinder hybrid system paired to an XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Highway Star\nNissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star\nEngine\n2.0L; MR20DD 4-cylinder Twin CVTC Hybrid\nTransmission\nXTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nEst. Price (OTR without insurance)\nRM140,000\nRM155,000\nTotal system output is rated at \n150 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque while drive is deployed exclusively to the front wheels. Although the hybrid system is similar to the outgoing model, Nissan has introduced a new Dual Arm Tensioner (DAT) and improved ECO motor to give the car better performance and fuel economy. The improved hybrid system is said to give the MPV best-in-class fuel economy of 14.2 km/L, based on the New European Driving Cycle.\nThe new Serena also benefits from increased steering rack ratio for quicker turning and smaller turning radius, variable assist electric power steering, stiffer front and rear suspension mounting for better stability as well as additional wheelhouse sound-absorption material.\nAs standard, all variants of the Serena come equipped with LED projector headlamps with LED positioning lamps, twin V Motion grille, fog lamps, \ndual power sliding doors\n and LED combination taillamps. Inside, you\u2019ll find seven USB charging ports, \n7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display LCD instrument cluster\n, 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility, soft-padded dashboard, flat-bottom leather multifunctional steering wheel, second-row captain seats, sliding third-row seats and dual opening tailgate standard across the board.   Stepping up to the range-topping Serena Premium Highway Star model, it adds significantly more kit \u2013 16-inch alloys (15-inch for the lower variant), leather upholstery available in two-tone Truffle Brown & Chestnut or single-tone Black, a 10.1-inch Roof-Mounted LCD Panel rear passenger display, Tech-on Tray Mat, Driving Video Recorder (DVR) dash cam, LED Room Lamp, Door Visor, 4 mill V-Kool Security Film Tinting and ThreeBond Ultra Glass Body Coating.\nThose who considering the Serena Premium Highway Star have the option for two-tone exterior colours available in Cashmere Gold with Imperial Umber roof, Tungsten Silver with Diamond Black roof and Brilliant White with Diamond Black roof. Are the additional features, larger alloys and the dual-tone colour option(s) worth the additional RM15k (estimated)? You decide.   Safety wise, the Serena S-Hybrid is adequately equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), two ISOFIX mounting points, Driver Attention Alert as well as first-in-class Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) 360-degree camera and Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) that detects moving objects surrounding the vehicle. Unfortunately, we will not be getting the \nNissan ProPilot semi-autonomous driving technology\n.\nAll purchase of the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 3-Years or 60,000 km maintenence service package. Order books of the Serena is now open at all authorised Nissan dealers nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Highway Star"
"If you wanted a small EV but don\u2019t wish to go the Sino-super-mini route with 12-inch wheels, the Abarth 500e might just be the perfect car for you. And in case you don\u2019t want to forego the internal combustion engine (ICE) sounds, the Abarth 500e even comes with the signature \nAbarth\n \u201croar\u201d to fulfill your petrolhead needs (watch the embedded video at the end).\nWhat it is, is the brand\u2019s first EV which is based on the latest version of the \nFiat 500e\n. As such it still has the same \n42-kWh\n battery pack that provides up to 320 km of range (WLTP). Driving the car is a single electric motor that makes \n155 hp\n (metric) and \n235 Nm\n. The motor powers the front wheels only and launches the Abarth 500e from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7 seconds\n flat.\nTo charge the 42-kWh battery, the Abarth 500e can handle \n11-kW\n AC charging and \n85-kW\n DC Fast Charging (DCFC). With 11-kW AC charging, the Abarth 500e charges from 0 to 100% in \n4 hours and 15 minutes\n. With 85-kW DCFC, it charges from 0 to 80% in just \n35 minutes\n.\nClaimed to be \u201cmore Abarth than EVer\u201d (no, that\u2019s not a typo), the Abarth 500e is said to be more responsive than the \nAbarth 695\n. Abarth says the 500e has \u201c50% faster acceleration from 12 to 25mph than its petrol-powered counterpart\u201d. And on open roads, the 500e performs overtaking manoeuvres faster than its petrol version, reaching a speed of 62mph (starting from 37mph) when its petrol counterpart is still driving at 56mph, with a difference of approximately 1 second.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Fiat 500 EV scored near-perfect marks in Green NCAP tests, rated full five-stars!\nDriving modes in the Abarth 500e include \u201cTurismo\u201d, \u201cScorpion Street\u201d, and \u201cScorpion Track\u201d. \u201cTurismo\u201d limits the maximum power to 100 kW (from 1113 kW0 and the torque to 220 Nm (from 235 Nm) and allows for smoother acceleration and lower power.\n\u201cScorpion Street\u201d offers top performance while regenerative braking. Both \u201cTurismo\u201d and \u201cScorpion Street\u201d allow for one-pedal driving. Lastly, \u201cScorpion Track\u201d is the mode you switch to if you\u2019re \u201clooking for top performance\u201d.\nThe car you in the pictures is the \u201cScorpionissima\u201d launch edition with only \n1,949 units\n produced. The number has been chosen to pay homage to the brand\u2019s birth year. The Abarth 500e introduces a new \u2018Acid Green\u2019 and \u2018Poison Blue\u2019 colour scheme and the limited edition \u201cScorpionissima\u201d is decorated with Abarth side graphics.\nRELATED: \nWe need more quirky EVs like the Fiat 500e to save the planet\nAlso equipped on the \u201cScorpionissima\u201d 500e are 18-inch Diamond-Cut Titanium Grey alloy wheels, a fixed glass roof, and rear privacy glass. It also comes with advanced sporty steel pedals and a kick plate with an engraved logo.\nInside, the Abarth 500e gets new sporty seats with an embossed scorpion in Alcantara. The New Abarth 500e Scorpionissima also comes with a closed central tunnel, heated front seats and windshield, a height-adjustable driver seat, and 50/50 split-folding rear seats.\nRELATED: \nThese 1 of 1 Fiat 500 \u201cGiorgio Armani and Bvlgari Editions\u201d are for the ultra brand-conscious\nAs for entertainment, the Abarth 500e provides a 10.25-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. A 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster sits in front of the steering wheel, providing information on speed, range, current driving mode, and battery status.\nSafety features of the Abarth 500e include Traffic Sign Information, Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, Intelligent Speed Assistant, Lane Keeping Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, Attention assist, Cruise control, and Blind Spot warning. It also comes with 6 airbags.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Fiat 500 EV scored near-perfect marks in Green NCAP tests, rated full five-stars!\n \nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen, Europe\u2019s biggest car manufacturer, has just named \nRobbie Williams\n (real name Robert Peter Williams) as their new \u2018\nMarketingleiter\n\u2018 (marketing manager in German). The 40-year-old singer-songwriter is branded as VW\u2019s key protagonist in a multi-channel advertising campaign for the new \u201cClub & Lounge\u201d special models.\nSpeaking at the press conference, Williams said, \u201cThe job is a big change for me. It\u2019s stepping out of the world of pop into a proper job.\u201d\u00a0Volkswagen is also cooperating with \nSpotify\n, and its customers will have exclusive access to the \u201cSay it with a Playlist\u201d function which creates an individualised playlist based on personal messages sent via Facebook or e-mail.\nVolkswagen\u2019s Club & Lounge Microsite\nThe special models comprise of the Up!, Beetle, Golf, Tiguan and Polo family, making up for a total of\u00a0\nnine models\n\u00a0to choose from. All nine special models can be viewed on their \nmicrosite here\n. Advance sales of the customised and special edition models have already begun and the cars will hit European showrooms in January next year.\nAs of now, there\u2019s no word from Volkswagen Group Malaysia regarding the arrival of the Club & Lounge special edition models, but expect the \nplug-in hybrid Golf GTE\n to be introduced sometime \nlate next year\n."
"The new logo will make its debut in the locally-assembled Proton X70 and will be implemented in its new products and throughout dealerships in the next two years.\nWhile the company had intended to implement some changes to its image after the takeover by Geely, focus was instead placed on solving other deep seeded issues such as customer service, improving the product line up, upgrading dealer network and ultimately restoring customers\u2019 trust.\nDitching the \u201cshield surrounds\u201d from before, the new Tiger head not only looks more detailed but also more aggressive and is driven by \nthree core values\n \u2013 innovative technology, reliability and international.\nOn the point of \n\u201cinnovative technology\u201d\n, this signifies the brand\u2019s intention and commitment to strive to greater heights with the most innovative technologies \u2013 incorporating global R&D and Geely\u2019s iNTEC platform.\nThe \n\u201creliability\u201d\n aspect refers to their product line-up and aftersales services. Proton is committed to improving the quality of their products and services through the adoption of global standards and extensive training of staff. Currently, Proton\u2019s dealership network is made up of 102 3S and 4S centres.\nModernisation.\nAs for \n\u201cinternational\u201d\n, it refers to Proton\u2019s ambition to be one of the top three automotive manufacturers in the ASEAN region.\n\u201cToday as we unveil our new logo and tagline \u2013 Inspiring Connections \u2013 we are capturing the new ethos of Proton and our ambition to become a truly modern, global automotive brand,\u201d said Proton Holdings Berhad, Dr. Li Chunrong.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A fully-electric \nBugatti\n has been rumoured ever since the French hypercar maker\n joined forces with Rimac\n, but nobody expected it to be like this \u2013 with only two wheels. That\u2019s because instead of a car, Bugatti has teamed up with Bytech International to unveil a basic electric scooter at CES this year.\nBugatti International Managing Director, Wiebke Stahl said that the electric scooter gives them \u201can opportunity to expand our reach in the electric mobility space\u201d, while letting more consumers experience the brand. Why they didn\u2019t want to maintain exclusivity of the Bugatti name is anyone\u2019s guess. Anyway, we digress.\nOn the exterior, well. it\u2019s a scooter, so obviously it\u2019s never going to look like the \nBolide\n or the \nDivo\n. But Bugatti did still give it a few unique touches to make it stand out from the sea of China-made electric scooters, like the curved tail lights at the back, as well as a unique curved magnesium alloy deck with LED illumination underneath.\nTurn signals have also been included for safety, and there\u2019s also a large LED screen pn the handlebar that displays the speed, riding mode, battery life, and light status. But of course, you\u2019re buying a Bugatti electric scooter for the emblem in front \u2013 and as a bonus, you also get a rear-mounted light that projects Bugatti\u2019s \u2018EB\u2019 logo onto the ground.\nThe scooter is powered by a 700 W motor, enough to bring it up to a top speed of \n30 km/h\n (in Sport mode). No mention of its performance figures and acceleration times, but rest assured it\u2019s not going to compete with the other Bugatti hypercars.\nCruise control comes as standard, and Bugatti says that the electric scooter is capable of riding up a 15-degree slope while carrying a rider of up to 110 kg in weight. There\u2019s also a 360 Wh (without the k) battery, which Bugatti says is capable of providing up to 35 km of range. Recharging the the battery takes around four hours using a standard wall socket at home.\nBugatti did not mention when the scooter will go on sale or how much it\u2019ll cost, but says that buyers will have three colours to choose from: Agile Blue, silver, and black.\n[H/T: Electrek]"
"Three months after the Definitive Agreement between DRB-HICOM Berhad and Zhejiang Geely Holdings (Geely) has been signed to appoint \nGeely as Proton\u2019s Foreign Strategic Partner (FSP)\n, the two companies have just confirmed a new management structure for Proton Holdings Berhad (PHB) and its related companies under the Proton Group.\nProton Group and Geely has appointed \nDr. Li Chunrong as PONSB\u2019s\n (Perusahan Otomobil National Sdn Bhd) new \nChief Executive Officer\n, following the departure of Dato\u2019 Ahman Fuaad Kenali. Dr. Li will be assisted by current deputy CEO, Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohammed in the revitalisation plan for Proton.\nPHB remains chaired by Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Faisal Albar who is joined by DRB-HICOM nominees Shaharul Farez Hassan and Amalanathan Thomas. Geely has also nominated Daniel Donghui Li, current Executive Vice President and CFO of Geely Holding as well as Feng Qing Feng, Group Vice President and CTO of Geely Auto to join the board of PHB.\nAll five members will also sit on the board of PONSB along with Dr. Nathan Yu Ning, Vice President of International Business at Geely Holding and Winfried Vahland, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Skoda Auto.\nDr. Li will assume his position as PONSB\u2019s CEO from \n1 October 2017\n onwards and will work together with both companies on the turnaround plan for Proton. The first model to be conceived from this new partnership will be the \nlocal assembly of the Boyue mid-sized SUV\n which will go on sale in late 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director DRB-HICOM Berhad\n \n Dr. Li Chunrong Chief Executive Officer PONSB\n \n Mr. Daniel Donghui Li, Executive Vice President and CFO of Geely Holding"
"Proton\n held a business briefing event for the press yesterday, where it outlined its sales targets and goals for the coming years. Among the details shared were its upcoming product strategy, and while Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah was being cryptic in his speech, he essentially told members of the media to \u201cread between the lines\u201d. So after piecing everything together and doing some extra digging, here\u2019s what we came up with \u2013 the Proton X90 will debut in Malaysia in the second quarter of 2023, and it\u2019ll include a mild hybrid powertrain option!\nThe 1.5 TGDi engine with 48V EMS, on display at Proton COE\nThe Proton X90 is almost an open secret at this point, having being sighted on Malaysian roads multiple times previously. Based on the \nGeely Haoyue\n (or Okavango in certain markets), the seven-seater model will become the flagship model in Proton\u2019s range, sitting atop its SUV line-up that currently consists of the \nX70\n and \nX50\n.\nIn the Philippines, the Okavango is offered with a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre turbocharged powertrain, utilising the same 1.5-litre TGDi three-cylinder mill that Proton is making in its\n new engine assembly line\n in Tanjung Malim. As a whole, the mild-hybrid powertrain makes \n190 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, with power delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nRELATED: \nProton sends 16 staff to China for NEV Training, to finalise Smart #1 specs\nThe mild hybrid route is Proton\u2019s first step in its electrification roadmap, which will eventually lead to a full-blown home-grown EV in the future. The 1.5 TGDi engine has been designed for electrification from the get-go, so it\u2019ll be a fairly straightforward add-on for Proton. We\u2019ve already seen the mild-hybrid powertrain on display at \nProton\u2019s Gallery of Inspiration\n at its Centre of Excellence outlet.\nIn the shorter term, we could also see the mild hybrid powertrain utilised in the updated X70 here in Malaysia, as it\u2019s also already being offered in the Philippines on the Azkarra (\nBoyue Pro\n).\nAs for the Proton X90, we\u2019ll still have to wait a little longer before we know its specifications in detail. A non-electrified X90 powered by the standard 1.5 TGDi three-cylinder engine could also be on the cards for lower-end models \u2013 the Geely Haoyue is offered in China with a 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, the same engine that was \nreplaced by the newer 1.5-litre mill \non the X70 recently.\nBased on what was shared during the business briefing yesterday, we can also expect it to feature a high level of connectivity features, with infotainment systems developed in conjunction with \nACO Tech\n.\nAnd if you\u2019re wondering when the Proton X90 will launch here in Malaysia, Roslan Abdullah had this to say: \u201cIf you\u2019re waiting for a Proton event to visit Tanjung Malim, we will be organising events in March, April, May, and so on \u2013 so keep your calendars clear.\u201d Seems pretty clear-cut, don\u2019t you think?"
"Just as many predicted previously, \nACO Tech\n has now announced its new partnership with Spotify. The collaboration will see the world\u2019s most popular audio streaming subscription service being made available directly on the vehicle Infotainment Head Unit (IHU), provided that it\u2019s running the brand\u2019s latest \nATLAS operating system\n.\nACO Tech\u2019s ATLAS OS is currently only available on the updated \n2022 Proton Persona\n and \nIriz\n, but the company says that the\n Proton X50\n will also be receiving the new operating system through an over-the-air software update soon. The company added that the Spotify app will also be preloaded into brand-new Proton vehicles, while existing users will be able to download the app via the A store.\nThe built-in Spotify app will allow both free and Premium subscribers to access over 82 million audio tracks and more than four million podcast titles, right from the infotainment display itself. Customers who wish to browse Spotify via their phones can also still do so, with audio being casted to the IHU via the Spotify Connect system.\n\u201cWorking together with Spotify is an important milestone for ACO Tech as the partnership not only helps us to stay competitive in the smart mobility industry, it is also instrumental in easing Malaysians into the possibilities of smart and connected car technologies,\u201d said ACO Tech CEO, Li Pu.\nRELATED: ACO Tech\u2019s new ATLAS infotainment OS even comes with an in-car e-wallet payment system!\nProton\u2019s GKUI infotainment operating system initially came with \u2018Unlimited Music\u2019 preloaded in their cars, and was later replaced with Joox Music sometime during 2020. We think the latest addition of Spotify will be more in tune with what most of its customers want, however, and it\u2019s great to see ACO Tech listening to and actually working towards the customer demands.\nWhile we\u2019re at it, can we please have Google Maps and Waze in the A Store too, or even better \u2013 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity?"
"After announcing that \nPolestar will operate independently from its parent company Volvo\n, the performance arm of Volvo promised that they will continue to work on Volvo vehicles and as always, they\u2019ve delivered. Introducing the model year 2018 S60 and V60 Polestar, the most dynamic 60-Series Volvo money can buy and is limited to 1,500 units combined.\nThe new S60 and V60 Polestar receives significant exterior modifications jointly developed by the engineers of Polestar and Cyan Racing, Polestar\u2019s motorsport partner. Applying their experience at the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) programme and its \nrecord breaking run around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife\n, the engineers had managed to increase the car\u2019s overall downforce by \n30 percent\n.\nThis was achieved through the new \ncarbon fibre extensions\n at the front splitter, side sills and rear spoiler. The additional downforce helps to increase the car\u2019s grip and high-speed stability as well as greater control and steering feedback.\nOther cosmetic changes include the gloss black Polestar diamond cut wheels, carbon fibre wing mirrors, new interior upholstery, blue contrast stitching and Polestar embroidery.   Underneath the skin, Polestar has changed \nmore than 250 components\n as compared to the standard S60/V60 model and among the key components include adjustable \nOhlins shock absorbers\n and \nsix-piston Brembo brake calipers\n with larger 371 mm rotors.\nPowertrain remains with Polestar\u2019s tuned 2.0-liter four-cylinder Drive-E engine and eight-speed automatic pair that produces \n362 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels on both the S60 and V60 models. The sedan takes \n4.7 seconds\n to hit the 100 km/h mark while the wagon twin is a fraction slower at \n4.8 seconds\n. Top speed is governed at \n250 km/h\n.\nLocally, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has the \nS60 T6 on sale for RM239k\n as well as a Polestar optimisation package that takes peak output from \n306 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n to \n310 hp\n/\n430 Nm\n. Not quite the full Polestar experience but it\u2019s something eh?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S60 Polestar   Volvo V60 Polestar"
"Following Ford Motor Company\u2019s decision to shut down production operations in Australia which will take effect later this year, the Blue Oval has launched a limited-edition Falcon Sprints as a farewell bid to the Land Down Under.\nThe Falcon model is Ford\u2019s large saloon, primarily sold in the Australian and New Zealand markets. The Sprint variant is the high-performance version of the already fast and powerful Falcon. Two variants of the limited edition variant (both totalling 1,400 units) will be offered; a \n4.0 Turbo XR6 six-cylinder\n\u00a0making \n435 hp\n and the other, a\u00a0supercharged \n462 hp 5.0-litre V8 \nmodel. Both variants have an Overboost feature that ups power and torque for 10 seconds.\nThe XR6 Sprint is offered with an in-house six-speed transmission only, whereas the XR8 Sprint can be had in either a manual or automatic gearbox.\u00a0Both models receive gold-painted six-piston Brembo calipers at the front and four-piston Brembos at the rear. The V8 variant meanwhile, gets an additional black painted roof and black wing mirrors. Both the XR6 and XR8 (manual only) are priced at AUD54,990 (approx. RM162,000) while the XR8 auto is pegged at AUD62,190 (approx. RM183,000).\nFord Australia began assembling cars domestically in Australia since 1925. And over the past few years, sales have steadily declined and couldn\u2019t justify their operating costs, which means all Ford Production Plants in Broadmeadows and Geelong will be closed in October 2016. That leaves one thing clear \u2013 \u00a0the 1,400 Falcon Sprint models here will be the last performance Ford models from Australia, and will surely become\u00a0a collector\u2019s model in the future. We here at \nAutoBuzz.my\n tip our hats to you, Ford Australia. \nAdieu\n!"
"The safety systems in our cars have come a long way, which means the spec sheet is perpetually growing with acronyms that probably make zero sense to the general public \u2013 even entry-level cars these days such as the \nPerodua Bezza\n comes with a decent suite of advanced driver assistance features.\nIn this new entry of our \nWhat Is\n series, we take a look at the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) function that forms the basis of most advance driver assistance suites.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Src2jhS4wcA&feature=emb_title\nSo what exactly is AEB? In the strictest sense, AEB is a type of collision avoidance system that automatically applies the brakes (only) in emergency situations in an attempt to prevent, or reduce the severity of an imminent crash.\nThe AEB system uses various forms of sensors \u2013 from stereoscopic cameras to \nlidars\n \u2013 to detect the distance and speed of the vehicle or obstacle, usually ahead. Together with other information such as current vehicle speed, the system is able to determine a minimum braking distance in ideal circumstances to prevent a collision.\nMost AEB systems also come with what\u2019s called a forward collision warning (FCW) system, though the two should not be confused and grouped together, as some cars have FCW systems but not AEB. The FCW system plays an audible warning tone as an attempt to alert the driver of possible danger and in certain cars, arm the brakes before the AEB system kicks in to intervene if no reaction from the driver was detected.\nThe radar module found in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.\nCollision warning systems have actually been attempted as early as the 1950s, though the implementation of these features did not catch on as the radar systems required was deemed too expensive to manufacture.\nOver the years though, technologies have matured significantly to bring down the cost of the components (sensors and computer processors, specifically), and AEB systems are now commonplace in our cars. In fact, AEB systems have been made mandatory on all new cars in the countries within the European Union since November 2015. United States is set to follow suit in 2022.\nAEB have also become easier to implement in recent years, as several companies \u2013 such as Denso, Bosch, and Continental to name a few \u2013 have introduced ready-made OEM solutions that can be added into cars without too much effort.\nAdditionally, due to the maturity of the technology, several manufacturers are now including more advanced features such as pedestrian and cyclists detection in their AEB systems that can function even in low light situations.\nThe Subaru Eyesight steroscopic camera system.\nBut why has AEB become such a key part of modern vehicle safety systems? A 2015 study based on data from Europe and Australasia countries found that the system can actually help reduce rear-end collisions by up to 38%. The figure is also reflected in a separate study on police-reported car crashes in the United States (39%).\nDespite its effectiveness though, the AEB system should never, ever, replace careful and safe driving. Firstly, AEB systems do not take into account the load of the car, or the surface condition and grip levels between the car and the road surface, and thus it cannot guarantee the prevention of all collisions.\nSecondly, AEB sensors do not work reliably in all weather conditions, especially on camera-based systems which are particularly susceptible to inaccuracies in heavy rain or fog.\nJust like all other safety systems, they are designed to assist drivers in emergency situations (hence the name), within the constraints of the system itself. The drivers should always be in control of the cars, and are accountable for all of the car\u2019s actions.\nWe also recommend all drivers to familiarise yourselves with the AEB system available in your cars, as not all systems operate in the same way; understanding the design specifications and limitations of the system can help us all become safer on the road!\nNow that the AEB system will be assessed not in terms of availability, but in performance as part of the \nupcoming ASEAN NCAP protocol\n which is set to come into effect in 2021, expect to see the AEB feature become more widely available in cars sold in our region."
"Team RX Racing, a UK-based rallycross team, has announced that it will be fielding a modified Proton Iriz for next year\u2019s FIA-accredited World Rallycross Championship events, marking the first time that a Proton model has taken part in the sport!\nThe Proton Iriz rallycross supercar, called the Proton Iriz RX, will be built in conjunction with Tony Bardy Motorsport\u00a0(TBM) and\u00a0Mellors Elliot Motorsport (MEM). Taking on the base platform of MEM\u2019s \u201chighly-regarded\u201d \nIriz R5 rally car\n, the Iriz RX will receive a new bodyshell, alongside purpose-built rallycross parts and modifications.\n\u201cThe car is based on the successful Iriz R5, but it is also an all-new fresh build,\u201d said Team RX Racing principal and lead driver, Ollie O\u2019Donovan. \u201cThere\u2019s a huge amount of work to do before we can even think about the first roll-out, but I already can\u2019t wait to get behind wheel in testing, and then to race the car at some of the best rallycross circuits in the world.\u201d\nAside from the World Rallycross Championships, Team RX Racing will also be competing in the British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy, as well as the European Rallycross Championship with their new Proton Iriz RX Supercar.\nAccording to Ollie, the team chose the Proton Iriz as their new Rallycross racer because they wanted to \u201cdo something different\u201d. \u201cThe easy option would have been to buy a car from the World Championship, but we wanted to do something different, to stand out from the crowd.\u201d\nTony Bardy of TBM added: \u201cIt didn\u2019t take us long to decide that this is the way to go, to create the first Proton rallycross Supercar. The team at MEM want to do this, and they\u2019re committed to making it work . The quality of the Iriz R5 is high, and to be involved in this new project with the Iriz RX is a breath of fresh air.\n\u201cThe Iriz has already done lots of rallies and proved the concept, so as long as we can get comparable power from the engine to what we have now, which I\u2019m sure we can, I see no reason why we can\u2019t be right where we want to be.\u201d\nBased on the latest World RX regulations for the Supercar category, the Iriz RX will be equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, pushing out roughly\n 600 hp\n to all four wheels. 0-100 km/h in one of these cars take just\n 1.9 seconds\n, which is even faster than a Formula 1 car!\nAnd according to the guys that built the original Iriz R5 rally car, there wasn\u2019t much that they had to change in order to turn the B-segment hatchback into a rallycross racer. MEM team principal Chris Mellors said, \u201cWhen we built the Iriz R5 originally, we had in the back of our mind that we might like to do some rallycross, so it was a bit over-engineered in some areas from the start.\n\u201cAlthough the Iriz is very short, it has one of the longest wheelbases of the R5 cars, with very good suspension travel and fabulous front geometry, from Proton\u2019s original design. We\u2019ve got a lot of adjustment available, and we\u2019re going to need to make some specialist components to best suit a rallycross setup, but we\u2019re not far away already.\n\u201cWe\u2019re very excited, both Ollie and Tony have vast rallycross experience, and it\u2019s great to have a collaboration for this project to see what we can achieve together . We\u2019ve had some very positive rally tests recently, and we\u2019re getting stuck into the build of the new car now. We like winning and that\u2019s what we want to be doing with this project too.\u201d\nIt\u2019s great to see that the universally-beloved Proton Iriz is achieving such heights in the motorsports scene, both \nlocally\n and internationally. And Proton \u2013 hint hint, nudge nudge \u2013 perhaps it\u2019s time to revisit the souped-up Proton Iriz R3, yes?"
"We were a little jealous when we saw \nThailand launched the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG\n earlier this year at the \n2015 Bangkok Motor Show\n. To our surprise, we spotted one in Malaysia today! This white BMW X6 rival was seen parked in Bangsar with proper registration plate.\nWe believe this yet to be launched model is a fine grey import that arrived way before Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) can unveil it here. Speaking of which, MBM will be launching the GLE coupe here in Malaysia next month!\nIf you are a little unfamiliar with the model name, then you might not have heard about \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s new naming convention\n. The German automaker\u2019s SUV M-Class has been renamed to \u2018\nGLE\n\u2019, with the all-new model revealed in March this year. There\u2019s a\u00a0shrunken version of the GLE, named \u2018\nGLC\n\u2018. No, nothing to do with our government.\nWhat you are looking at here is the coupe variant which is introduced to slice off a big chunk of \nBMW X6\n\u2019s piece of pie. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC was introduced in Thailand with a 7,990,000 Thai Baht (approx. RM900,000) price tag.\nThis kitted up SUV coupe is powered by a \n3.0-litre V6 Bi-Turbo\n with a \n9G-TRONIC 9-speed Automatic\n gearbox, generating \n367hp\n and\n 520Nm\n of torque.\nThe top of the range \nGLE 63 S Coup\u00e9\n produces \n585hp\n and \n760Nm\n via its \n5.5-litre V8 Bi-Turbo\n powerplant. That will be a tough one for the \nX6 M\n to chew.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe will be launching in Malaysia in \nJanuary 2016\n. Check out the First Look style video we did on the GLE 450 AMG coupe at Bangkok Motor Show.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe at Bangkok Motor Show"
"Proton is celebrating another milestone as the national carmaker posted its highest sales figures in 46 months with 10,611 units sold in May alone \u2013 more than 50% jump from the previous month.\nOverall sales in the first five months of the year is over 70% higher compared to the same period in 2018.\n \nIn case you\u2019re \nwondering if the base model X70 feels inadequate\n, here\u2019s Adrian\u2019s take on it!\nThe biggest contributor was none other than the Proton X70, the first SUV for Proton with 2,439 units sold in May and 13,572 delivered in the first five months of the year.\nAlso driving sales is the 2019 facelift Proton Persona and Iriz, with 2,972 units of the former sold in May, while the Iriz posted 940 units sold. These two models\u2019 strong showing helped contribute 36% of Proton\u2019s overall sales and with 10,000 bookings received thus far, the national carmaker\u2019s got its hand tied for the coming months.\n \nAs for the trusty Saga, sales have surpassed 3,000 units for the second month in a row with 3,610 units in May 2019.\nFor the coming weeks, Proton will be looking to add more 3S/4S outlets to better cater to its customers.\n\u201cPROTON\u2019s strategy for the remainder of the year is to continue to grow our sales by introducing improvements to our current model range and improving our brand experience by opening more 3S/4S outlets as these efforts have obtained positive feedback from our customers,\u201d added CEO of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong."
"During the grand unveiling of the \nVolkswagen Polo Mk6\n, Volkswagen AG introduced its hotter twin, the Polo GTI. Now armed with a larger 2.0-litre TSI with more power, Sports Chassis and all the new-generation features, the Polo GTI may be all you need and more.\nMechanically, Volkswagen has retired the old \n1.8-litre TSI engine\n in favour of a 2.0-litre TSI unit that churns out \n197 hp\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\n8 hp\n more than the previous mill. Power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG or a six-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, key performance figures remain unknown for the time being but the previous Polo sprints to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 236 km/h. This new Polo GTI also gets a more dynamic Sports Chassis to complement the high output powertrain.\nVisually, the GTI differs itself through the honeycomb grille with a strikeout red stripe (this extends into the headlamps), optional LED headlamps, larger black spoiler, rear diffuser, twin exhaust outlet and 17-inch alloys (upgradable to 18-inch), side sill extensions and red brake callipers.\nInside, the GTI gets \u2018Clark\u2019 tartan pattern sport seats, leather wrapped multi-functional sports steering wheel, red stitching, black ceiling upholstery, ambient lighting and GTI gearstick.\nLike the rest of the Polo Mk6 range, the GTI is expected to go on sale end-2017. More information will be revealed in the coming weeks. There was a time when Volkswagen Malaysia had the Polo GTI Mk5 officially on sale. Now with the Mk6, do you think Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) should revive the Polo GTI nameplate and take the fight to the likes of the \nPeugeot 208\u00a0GTI\n and \nFord Fiesta ST\n\u00a0once again?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari has a history of releasing an all-out track special while they run out an ageing model. The \nFerrari FXX-K\n was for the \nLaFerrari\n, and the \n599XX\n was for, well, the Ferrari 599. Now that the\n Ferrari 488\n is being replaced by the \nF8 Tributo\n, Ferrari has kept up with its tradition by unveiling the swansong track special version for the model, the 488 GT Modificata.\n\u2018Modificata\u2019 stands for modified in Italian, or in Ferrari speak, means \u201cdesigns that have been evolved for better performance\u201d. In this case, the Ferrari 488 GT Modificata essentially takes on the best bits from the 488 GT3 and 488 GTE race cars, plus additional development work on the engine since it is unrestrained by FIA\u2019s rulebooks.\nAs a result, the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 now makes\u00a0\n700 hp\n, thanks to a revamped transmission with a carbon-fibre clutch and different transmission ratios, as well as more aggressive engine mapping. The car\u2019s suspension comes straight from the 488 GTE, while its new Brembo brake system with low residual torque callipers and advanced ABS system is taken from the\u00a0488 GT3 Evo.\nThe exterior is also heavily inspired by these race cars, and is equipped with race car-esque front splitters, large rear diffusers, as well as a humongous wing, because race car. The aerodynamics of the 488 GT Modificata was also extensively fine-tuned on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nFerrari says the resulting car has a higher downforce at the front without increasing overall drag, making for better efficiency and sensitivity to changes in rear wing angle. Total downforce is rated at over 1,000 kg at 230 km/h.\nJust like any other race car these days, the entire body is also made out of carbon fibre, barring the roof and uprights \u2013 which are made out of aluminium.\nBuyers can customise both the exterior and interior to any specifications they like. Standard equipment on the track-only Ferrari 488 GT Modificata include aV-Box acquisition system, which is combined with Bosch\u2019s telemetry data acquisition system, a high-resolution rear-view camera, as well as a TPMS system.\nAlthough it is an unrestricted trackday car, the 488 GT Modificata still comes as standard with a second seat, which means you still can bring a passenger along with you for a joyride.\nDue to its limited quantities, the Ferrari 488 GT Modificata will initially only be offered to drivers who have recently participated in Ferrari\u2019s own Competizioni GT or Club Competizioni GT race series. So if you\u2019re not already in Ferrari\u2019s contact book, tough luck. For the rest of us, just be happy there\u2019s now a\n \nLego Technic model for the 488 GTE\n.\nAs it\u2019s not in compliance to any of the FIA race series, the 488 GT Modificata will not be allowed to compete in any FIA-sanctioned race series. To satisfy the racers, the Ferrari 488 GT Modificata will be admitted into the Club Competizioni GT series, organised by the Prancing Horse themselves.\nOwners will also get the chance to participate in five events on tracks that \u201cbring out both the handling and dynamic qualities of the cars\u201d, with events planned at the Virginia International Raceway, Monza, Watkins Glen, Suzuka and N\u00fcrburgring, as well as the Finali Mondiali \u2013 all of which to happen from 2021 onwards.\nGALLERY"
"Soon the join MINI\u2019s all-electric line-up is the \nMINI Countryman\n, and it makes history for a few reasons. The first is that it will be an all-electric shift for the Countryman model. It will also be MINI\u2019s first all-wheel-drive (AWD) electric vehicle (EV). Lastly, the electric MINI Countryman will also be the first MINI to be made in Germany. Still shown in camouflage for now, some specs of the electric MNI Countryman have been revealed.\nWhile the car is still heavily camouflaged, MINI has revealed that the MINI Countryman has grown in size. It is now 130 mm longer at 4,429 mm and almost 60 mm taller at 1,613 mm. The increase in size provides more space (including headroom) and comfort for its occupants.\nThe main highlight of the specification reveal would be the powertrain and EV details of the MINI Countryman. So far, MNI has revealed that there will be 2WD and an AWD version of the MINI Countryman. The 2WD version is called the \u2018MINI Countryman E\u2019 which makes 140 kW (\n191 hp\n). The AWD version is called the \u2018MINI Countryman SE ALL4\u2019 and it gets a dual-motor setup that makes 230 kW (\n313 hp\n) including a temporary boost.\nAs for the battery, the electric MINI Countryman gets a \n64.7-kWh \nbattery, which is a rather average capacity by today\u2019s standards. MINI says that the battery can provide approximately \n450 km\n of range, although the test cycle for the quoted range was not mentioned. It was also not mentioned if the range was for the \u2018E\u2019 or the \u2018SE ALL4\u2019.\nRELATED: \nFirst teasers of fully electric MINI Countryman revealed \u2013 BMW iX1\u2019s cousin to arrive this year\nMaterials used for the electric MINI Countryman are also more environmentally friendly. The surfaces of the dashboards, steering wheel, vehicle headliner and floor, and floor mats are made of recycled polyester obtained from PET bottles and carpet remnants. Even the cast light-alloy wheels are made from 70% secondary aluminium.\nBesides the introduction of the electric MINI Countryman, the electric MINI Cooper SE will soon get \nan all-new revamp\n and the car has already been sighted without camouflage several times. The MINI Countryman will be a fully electric model in its upcoming iteration.\nRELATED: \nSpied \u2013 Next-gen MINI Cooper electric seen undisguised\nGALLERY"
"Lexus has given the green light on the production of the \nLexus LC Convertible\n and the Japanese luxury carmaker has shown a working prototype at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS).\nDespite cladded in a\nunique QR code themed camouflage, it would seem that the LC Convertible will look \nexactly\n like the concept car \u2013 just like its coupe twin when it first\ndebut. The prototype showed a little more detail not seen on the concept such as\na wind deflector and the lack of rear seats. Cues such as the prominent spindle\ngrille and cascading LED taillamps have been retained.\n \nWe have yet to see whether the passengers of the LC Convertible will be sheltered with a hard top or fabric roof, but the latter is more likely. This is taking into account that a folding hardtop mechanism will incur a more serious weight penalty and packaging reasons.\n\u00a0The LC Convertible is expected to share the same powertrain options as the Coupe, a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 with\n 470 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n as well as a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System dishing out a combined output of \n354 hp\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY \nLexus LC Convertible Prototype at Goodwood"
"According to recent\ndata from Korea Tire Manufactures Association (KOTMA), Kumho Tires topped sales\ncharts with 6.52 million tyres sold in 2018 which accounts for 40% of all\nlocally-produced tyres sold in Korea.\nThe brand\u2019s stellar performance\nis largely due to the popular demand for its Majesty 9 Souls TA91 designed for\nhigh-end saloons and the Crugen HP71 premium touring tyres for SUVs. The Majesty\n9 Souls TA91 has been well received by consumers due to its excellent comfort\nand low rolling noise.\nKumho Majesty 9 Souls TA91\nSales of the Crugen HP71\nhas increased by more than 155% compared to the same period in 2017 thanks to\nthe growing SUV market in Korea.\nKumho was acquired by Chinese-owned\nDoublestar after the two signed a USD597.4 million deal for a controlling stake\n(45%) in the Korean tyre maker in 2018."
"The updated 2020 Honda BR-V has received \nmore than 1,400 bookings\n within its first month since the\n \nlaunch of the facelifted seven-seater SUV last month\n, according to Honda. The latest figure brings the total sales figure over \n32,600 units\n since the model was first introduced in Malaysia \nback in 2017\n.\nThe top-of-the-range 1.5V variant proves to be the more favoured one between the two, making up 85% of the order books. The seven-seater SUV is also most popular in the Central region, contributing 42% to the total bookings for the 2020 SUV. Buyers also seem to prefer the Modern Steel Metallic colour, with over 24% of bookings made with that option.\nThe 2020 Honda BR-V (which stands for Bold Runabout Vehicle) received a mid-cycle update in June with several exterior updates, including a new front end with redesigned grille and lower bumper, reworked rear bumper with vertical reflectors, and a new alloy wheel design, which remains unchanged in size at 16-inches.\nInside, the updated Honda BR-V gains new tweeter speakers, cargo lighting, and a cabin filter across the board. The range-topper 1.5V variant in particular gains a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display, power retractable side mirrors, paddle shifters and a multi function steering wheel, along with Black/Red leather upholstery.\nHowever, the key selling point of the updated BR-V is still its versatility in space. Honda claims that the seven-seater SUV has the biggest trunk space in the segment \u2013 \n223 litres\n of cargo space with all seats in its standard position, and \n539 litres\n with the third-row seats stowed away.\nThe seats at the rear passenger area can also be configured in a variety of different set-ups. The second-row seats, which can be slid forwards and backwards, feature a 60:40 One Touch Tilt & Tumble mechanism. The third row seats are split right down the middle, with Tilt & Tumble functions.\nUnder the hood, the 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally-aspirated engine remains unchanged from the outgoing model, making 120 hp and 145 Nm of torque to drive the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nThe 2020 Honda BR-V is priced at \nRM89,900\n for the 1.5E, and \nRM96,900\n for the 1.5V variant. With the \nsales tax exemptions\n which will be in place until the end of the year, the Honda BR-V sees a reduction of 3.5% and 3.6% for the two variants respectively, now \nstarting from RM86,726 and RM93,420\n."
"After making its appearance \nlast October\n at the Malaysian MotoGP race, the \nF82 BMW M4 Coup\u00e9\n\u00a0will yet again be leading the Safety Car fleet in this year\u2019s MotoGP season, but this time with a twist \u2013 it will be featuring the Munich carmaker\u2019s latest \nwater injection technology\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW M4\u00a0\nCoup\u00e9\n \nSegment\n2-Door\u00a0Coup\u00e9\nEngine\n2,979cc, inline-6 cyl, M TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n431hp @ 5,500-7,300\u00a0rpm\nMax Torque\n550Nm @ 1,850\u20135,500\u00a0rpm\nPrice\nRM 748,800\n \n\u00a0\nThe words \u201cwater injection\u201d must not be confused with direct injection, because the former is simply used to \nimprove cooling efficiency\n, especially in the high-performing vehicle lineup. What\u2019s new under the bonnet are \nsupplementary radiators\n for the gearbox, turbocharger and circuitry.\nMore specifically, the production version of the M4\u2019s turbocharger gets the conventional intercooling setup, whereas this MotoGP Safety Car gets an additional electric water pump to further improve the cooling process. The engine also reaps the benefits of this technology by substituting the supercharged air cooling system with water injection technology.\nSo, how does water injection work? The keyword here is \u2018vaporisation\u2019.\u00a0Water is injected (fine spray) into the intake module\u2019s collector, cooling the exhaust air during the vaporisation process. It effectively lowers the discharge temperature in the combustion chamber, reducing knocking tendencies. The resulting effect is that the engine can now run on a \nhigher boosting pressure\n and \nearlier ignition point\n.\nIf water injection does prove its worth and is yet another efficient system in the uptrend realm of forced induction, then your regular BMW 3 Series may just come with this feature some good few years down the road. Sounds promising, right?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M4\u00a0Coup\u00e9 MotoGP Safety Car & Bike   BMW M Division\u2019s Water Injection Technology"
"After 18 long years since they last sold their car (the Proton Wira) in the South American continent, Proton Holdings Berhad is ready to set its foot in a growing left-hand drive market. As of today, 50 units of Proton Preve (Premium CVT, CFE variant) have been shipped to San Antonio, Chile, the first of 1,000 units to be introduced throughout this year.\nThe shipment takes approximately 42 days to reach the Chilean port in San Antonio, and this entire export operation was made possible when Chile and Malaysia signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) dating back to 25 February 2012. Then, on 1 July 2015, a Distributor Agreement was signed between Proton and Andes Motor (more on this company below). With that, the Malaysian government granted Proton a six percent exemption of import duty.   So, how is the Chilean car market really like? The relatively small but long country has a population of about \n17.6 million\n \u2013 about half that of Malaysia, and its Total Industry Volume (TIV) is about 330,000 units strong (passenger cars only), and growing. The top three most popular car brands in Chile, interestingly, are Hyundai, Kia and Chevrolet. However, the American carmaker has been at the top of the sales chart for \n33 consecutive years\n, but is slowly losing its ground to fresh new models produced by Toyota, Peugeot, Nissan (including Infiniti) and Ford.\nIt\u2019s undoubtedly a tough market for Proton to tap into, but according to Proton Chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, it was Andes Motor, a subsidiary of the Kaufmann Group who came forth with great interest to sell Proton cars in Chile. This partnership makes Proton the very first car brand to be sold under the stewardship of Andes Motor, a company which imports and distributes buses and trucks made by Chinese manufacturers Foton, Maxus and Golden Dragon.\nProton isn\u2019t a strange brand in Chile, having \nsold over 3,000 units of cars\n between 1994 and 1998. However, the strategy this time around is to offer the Preve (Premium CVT variant) as its debut model, which will later be joined by the non-CFE variants. It will be priced at USD17,000 (or close to \n12 million Chilean pesos\n) The Proton Evora and \nSaga\n will also be offered \u2013 the latter in November this year, but Proton has confirmed that the Saga will not be that of the new model. Proton CEO, Dato\u2019 Abdul Harith Abdullah explained that the upcoming Saga hasn\u2019t gone through development for Left-Hand Drive (LHD) conversion, but stressed that it will be offered soonest as possible.\nBoth Chile-bound Preve and Exora models will officially be launched in May this year. Proton is still in talks with its Bangladeshi counterpart (Bangladesh has a population of over 170 million), and this expansion includes the setting up of a CKD plant, however its exact location remains unknown at press time. The plant will be manned by Bangladeshis, and this should give Proton a favourable incentive for creating job opportunities.\nDato\u2019 Harith also said, \u201cWe are positive that this is the beginning of many more opportunities to go global, especially after completing the new engine programme which will meet more stringent European regulations. We will continue building good cars and carry out product improvements so that we won\u2019t just do better in our home turf, but improve our global presence as well.\u201d\nThis leaves us with Proton\u2019s latest model, the \nIriz\n. Like the Saga, Proton is all about making its latest supermini a global product, although a specific timeframe has yet to be announced.\u00a0\nWith \na range of new engines\n and \nUK re-entry planned\n for the next 48 months, it seems that Proton is really serious about putting themselves back on the world map once again. The global automotive market is a thriving bubble,\u00a0and it\u2019s only a matter of time before the world\u2019s collective car sales breach the 90 million mark; 70 percent of which are contributed by left-hand drive markets. Maybe this time, things may just play in favour for Proton.\u00a0\nBuena suerte\n, Proton!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Also making an appearance at Kia Motor\u2019s booth at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) is a jacked up, forced induction version of the \nthird-generation Kia Picanto\n, the Picanto X-Line.\nSince its debut, Kia has sold 31,827 units of the supermini in the first half of 2017 and quickly became one of the brand\u2019s best-selling model globally. The Picanto X-Line will help to further bolster sales in Europe with its rugged appearance and superior performance.\nUnlike the standard Picanto which carries an Eco-friendly 1.0-litre engine, the X-Line gets a more powerful \n1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDI\n engine that outputs \n99 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque. This allows the lightweight supermini to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n10.1 seconds\n. Rated fuel economy on the blown mill is a commendable \n4.5L/100 km\n.\n \n \nVisually, the X-Line gets a noticeably more aggressive appearance compared to the standard GT-Line. Kia has introduced a series of cosmetic enhancements to give the little car an SUV attitude such as new bumpers with metal skid plates, additional intake opening at the front bumper, contrasting lime green highlights (silver available too) and black cladding around the wheel arches.\nKia has also raised the overall ride height by\n 15 mm\n on the X-Line to give it additional ground clearance and accentuate the imposing SUV vibe. Other than that, standard equipment on the X-Line dittos the high-specification GT-Line.\nSafety wise, the Picanto X-Line gets six-airbags (seven airbags available as an option), Vehicle Stability Management with Electronic Stability Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking. It\u2019s only a matter of time before the all-new Picanto is officially launched in Malaysia, perhaps you can draw some modification inspiration from this beefed-up X-Line?"
"Never in the history of Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd that four brand new cars are launched in a single year. This year, for the fourth time in less than six months, we were invited to the company\u2019s private test track to sample yet another new car called the Proton Ertiga.\nIt\u2019s not an all-new car, nor is it the successor to the Exora, but rather a rebadged MPV sold in our neighbouring countries as \u2013 you\u2019ve guessed it \u2013 the Suzuki Ertiga. The Proton Ertiga is based on the facelifted version of Suzuki\u2019s B-Segment MPV, which means it gets a redesigned front bumper and a new chromed grille. All these cosmetic changes are done by Suzuki, or in other words, not a single thing on the Proton Ertiga is developed by Proton.\nYep, not aesthetically and not mechanically either, because\u00a0that\u2019s all \npart of the deal signed by Proton and Suzuki last year\n. Instead, Proton engineers will only begin tweaking the Ertiga in the later stages, although no details of this have been revealed as yet.\nThe name Ertiga originated from the R-Tiga concept, where R stands for Rows and \u2018tiga\u2019 for three in the Indonesian (and Malay, of course) language\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Ertiga Executive (MT)\nProton Ertiga Executive (AT)\nProton Ertiga Executive+ (AT)\nSegment\nB-Segment MPV\nEngine\n1,373cc; DOHC with VVT, timing chain, multi-point injection (MPI)\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed auto\nMax Power\n95 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n130 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nTo Be Announced\nAt the heart of the Ertiga is a Suzuki K14B engine \u2013 a \n1.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder\n petrol capable of producing \n95 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n130 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. It\u2019s the same engine powering the \nthird-generation Suzuki Swift\n, except here it\u2019s tasked with lugging around a sub-1,200kg six-seater MPV around. Power is sent to the front wheels through a choice of \nfive-speed manual\n or \nfour-speed automatic\n transmissions. Interestingly, the Ertiga is the first ever Proton car to earn the EEV status.\nAll variants sit on 15-inch wheels, wrapped with 185/65 GT Radial Champiro Eco tyres\nOff the line, the Ertiga\u2019s puny engine punches\u00a0surprisingly well, even with five moderately large occupants (between 65kg to 85kg) in the car. The four-speed auto, as archaic as it may seem, is suitably geared for daily driving around town. It accelerates briskly and should face no troubles getting up to speed, much less overtake distracted drivers. There is of course the want for more power, but the other cars in its class aren\u2019t that much capable either.\nThe smooth automatic transmission will definitely account for the bulk of sales, but those who don\u2019t mind rowing their own gears should find the extra foot paddle far more liveable than the thought suggests. The clutch is completely mechanical (not hydraulic like the Persona and Iriz\u2019s mushy clutch) and feels pleasantly springy, yet effortless at the same time, even for the most demanding\u00a0\nbalik kampung\n journey. Okay, maybe that was a little subjective, but it certainly is one of the more enjoyable\u00a0manual transmissions I\u2019ve tested in the segment.\nFor now, the Ertiga will only come with a beige interior. There are no leather seats as well\nBut of course, the biggest reason anyone would consider buying the Ertiga is to ferry friends and family. It\u2019s marketed strictly as a six seater because there are only six seat belts in the car. Now, although the Ertiga is built atop a B-Segment platform, the wheelbase is actually 10mm longer than the Proton Exora (2,740mm vs the Exora\u2019s 2,730mm wheelbase). The direct consequence of this is that the third row seats are far more conducive to be in, and legroom can be expanded by a fair margin thanks to the sliding (up to 240mm!) second row seats. In short, it will seat six individuals rather comfortably, so long as you\u2019re no taller than 180cm.\nThere is one caveat, though. When fully loaded, occupants in the third row seats will be subjected to more discomfort, but the cause\u00a0of this is mostly mechanical. The rear axle is managed by a torsion beam setup which, by nature of application, rebounds pretty harshly on poor road surfaces.\u00a0Damping falls a tad short of expectation; the Ertiga isn\u2019t as proficient in absorbing road undulations as the usual crop of Proton\u2019s produce, and body roll also becomes apparent when too much speed is carried into the corner. If there\u2019s one thing we can count on Proton to work their magic on, it would be suspension tuning, without a doubt.\nThere is a total of seven cubbies in the car\nFor those who find the Exora\u2019s asking price a tad too steep, this is a worthy alternative, even to those who are torn between that and the Alza. The Ertiga\u2019s 1.4-litre engine is pretty frugal as well, consuming 5.7 litres of fuel per 100km (for the manual; auto variants do 6.0L/100km). It has a 4-Star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating, and additional creature comforts include dual 12V sockets and rear air conditioning vents with a three-step blower speed.\nLastly, you can have your Ertiga in four exterior shades \u2013 Solid White, Carnelian Brown, Fluorite Silver and Ruby Red Metallic, as seen in the pictures here. It will be launched by the end of the month, and with it the pricing for all three variants. All in, as an affordable MPV, I\u00a0think the Proton Ertiga will appeal to those who are in the market for a small but comfortable family car. If you\u2019re already eyeing the\u00a0\nToyota Sienta\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nHonda BR-V\n, we definitely recommend\u00a0taking a quick peek at the Ertiga.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from launching the BMW M135i xDrive last week, BMW Malaysia also made ownership of a compact BMW SUV more accessible with the introduction of the \nX1 sDrive18i\n.\nThe X1 sDrive18i will be sold alongside the \nX1 sDrive20i M Sport launched earlier this year, priced at RM233,800\n. Unlike the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the sDrive20i model, with 192 hp and 280 Nm, the sDrive18i is fitted with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine instead with \n140 hp \nand \n220 Nm\n.\n \nPriced at RM208k, it would be wrong to assume that the BMW X1 would be a \u201ckosong spec\u201d type of car. Surprisingly, it\u2019s rather well equipped and more than makes up for what it lacks in the engine department. For starters, it gets autonomous emergency braking \u2013 something even the CBU 330i doesn\u2019t have \u2013 along with adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.\nAnd aside from the missing M Sport steering in sDrive20i, the equipment list is nearly identical with the pre-facelift sDrive20i. You still get leather upholstery, dual zone air conditioning, automatic tailgate, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver.\nThe X1 sDrive18i is priced RM208,368 on the road without insurance and inclusive of the Sales Tax Exemption. With BMW\u2019s Balloon Financing Plan, the new compact SUV can be yours from RM 2,378.00 per month, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nFor the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"It\u2019s been a long time coming, but it seems like the \nAventador\n name will finally be retired soon. Lamborghini has just published a teaser on its website and \nsocial media accounts\n, featuring an image with the unmistakable Aventador headlights and a save-the-date for July 7th \u2013 hinting at the launch of the much-rumoured \u201cFinal Edition\u201d.\nThe teaser photo is accompanied by the caption \u201cIt takes time to become timeless\u201d, and we think that it\u2019s a pretty apt description for the \u201cfinal edition\u201d Aventador \u2013 the Lamborghini flagship model is now more than 10-years old, being first unveiled at the 2011 Geneva motor show.\nCheck out this unique aero kit by Huber in celebration of the Aventador\u2019s 10-year anniversary!\nEarlier reports claim that the final edition model will be called the \nLamborghini Aventador S Jota\n, or SJ for short. The development mule has already been spotted on the roads, with spy video footages showing that it\u2019ll have a rear-end somewhat similar to the \nAventador SVJ\n \u2013 just without the massive wing.\n \nThe Lamborghini Aventador SJ will also be the last hurrah for the massive 6.5-litre V12 engine \u2013 the next-generation model is expected to feature a hybrid powertrain, as part of the brand\u2019s\n \nCor Tauri \nelectrification plans\n.\nThe Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago Edition is a 10-unit-only celebration of hexagons. Check it out here!\nBased on earlier reports, the V12 mill in the final edition Aventador will gain an \nextra 10 hp\n on top of the SVJ\u2019s already bonkers 770 hp and 720 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Aventador to date!\nNo other information is available at this juncture, but we\u2019ll only have to wait another two more days before we get to see the car in full \u2013 so mark your calendars!"
"Renault Group\n and \nGeely Holding Group\n have signed a non-binding framework agreement to create a new standalone powertrain company. The new company will make hybrid powertrains and low-emission internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains. Both parties will each hold 50% of the company shares and the framework agreement should be finalized in 2023.\nUpon the powertrain company\u2019s launch, it is expected to supply several industrial customers. This includes Renault, \nDacia\n, Geely Auto, \nVolvo Cars\n, \nLynk & Co\n, \nProton\n, as well as \nNissan\n and \nMitsubishi Motors Company\n.\nRenault\u2019s E-Tech hybrid powertrain\nThe new company is expected to operate 17 powertrain mechanical plants on 3 continents, with approximately 19,000 employees. Annually, the company will be able to produce more than 5,000,000 powertrains to serve over 130 countries and regions. Renault says the combined product portfolio and geographic footprint of both companies could provide solutions for 80% of the global ICE market.\nThe announcement of this agreement coincides with Renault Group\u2019s Capital Market Day in Paris, during which the group presented a series of initiatives aimed at accelerating its transformation and presenting its medium-term financial objectives.\nRELATED: \nGeely and Renault join forces to develop new hybrid models for South Korea\nRenault Group CEO, Luca de Meo said, \u201cAs Renault Group accelerates its transformation with Renaulution to capture the value of the entire new automotive value chain, we are pleased to have reached an agreement for an ambitious partnership with Geely in order to continue to develop the technologies for internal combustion and hybrid engines which will remain essential elements of the automotive supply chain in the decades to come. We will be able to offer state-of-the-art powertrains and electrified solutions to many automotive brands around the world, unlocking the market potential of this low-emission technology.\u201d\nRELATED: \nFor Europe only, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is a rebadged Renault Captur\nGeely Holding Group Chairman, Eric Li said, \u201cToday\u2019s agreement with Renault Group will create a global leader in hybrid technologies to provide advanced, energy-efficient solutions to automakers around the world. We look forward to working with Luca de Meo and his Renault team to make this partnership a reality. This agreement builds on our commitment to leverage our group\u2019s technology expertise and brand portfolio to continue our pioneering journey in sustainability and value creation, which leads to excellence for consumers.\u201d\nMoving forward, the new company will be able to welcome new partners and shareholders. More information will be released in the coming months.\nRELATED: \nThe all-new Geely Boyue L looks like an SUV designed for aliens!"
"BMW\n has just made its Digital Key Plus feature available on a handful of Android smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra, as well as the Google Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro.\nThe Digital Key Plus works similarly to the previous \nDigital Key\n, which essentially replaces the traditional key fob in day-to-day use, but now adds more convenient features. Thanks to the ultra-wideband technology (UWB), customers now no longer need to place their smartphones in specific locations in order to lock, unlock, and start the car.\nFor those who don\u2019t know, UWB is a low-energy digital radio technology for close range with high bandwidth, which features very precise localisation with the maximum possible security. The precision of UWB is also able to eliminate the risk of relay attacks, where the radio signal is jammed or intercepted.\nDigital Key Plus has already been made available for Apple iPhones since early 2021, but is now available for compatible Samsung and Google smartphones running Android 13.1 or later. These include Samsung smartphones like the Galaxy S23+, S23 Ultra, S22+, S22 Ultra, S21+, S21 Ultra, the Z Fold4, as well as the Note20 Ultra in markets that support Samsung Wallet. Google\u2019s Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro are also supported.\nUnfortunately, the feature is still not yet available in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nBMW iX1 xDrive30 ROI opens for Malaysia \u2013 440km range, 313hp dual-motor\nThe Digital Key Plus feature is currently only available on BMW vehicles produced from November 2022 onwards. The German carmaker did however promise to expand the Digital Key Plus capabilities to more vehicles via a future remote software upgrade.\nMoving forward, BMW aims to make the full range of comfort access functions available for Android devices as well.\nRELATED: \nBMW i5 teased in pre-production testing \u2018spyshots\u2019 \u2013 fully-electric 5 Series coming this year"
"The Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) or Malaysian Highway Authority has released a statement that the deferment in toll hikes this year has an estimated compensation value of over\n RM2.25 billion\n.\nThree highways which are the \nShah Alam Expressway (KESAS)\n, South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), and East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2) were scheduled to have an increase in \ntoll fares\n this year as stipulated in the Concession Agreement.\nAs the increase did not take place, the total compensation for the said three expressways above amount to RM160.1 million.\nAmong the key highways and expressways that continue to have its toll rates (all vehicle classes) maintained and given compensation are:\nNorth-South Expressway (PLUS)\nLebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP)\nELITE Expressway\nDuta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)\nGuthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)\nSungai Besi Highway (BESRAYA)\nKL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR)\nSMART Tunnel\nKL-Putrajaya Expressway (MEX)\nCheras-Kajang Highway (GRANDSAGA)\nKajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)\nKajang-Seremban Highway (LEKAS)\nKL-Karak Highway (KLK)\nEast Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1)\nMalaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA)\nAs for these highways listed below, the MHA said that the toll rates for private vehicles and buses are maintained for now:\nAmpang-KL Elevated Highway (AKLEH)\nThe Penang Bridge\nSPRINT \u2013 Pantai Toll\nNew Pantai Expressway (NPE) \u2013 PJS2 Toll \u00a0\nMHA said that the government\u2019s step to delay the hike in toll fares are meant to benefit the road users. The highway authority will also play its role to ensure that all highway concessionaires continue to provide the best service quality to preserve customer importance.\n\u201cIn line with the government\u2019s decision, consumers will continue to enjoy toll payments at a lower rate compared to the toll rates under the concession agreements,\u201d said MHA in the statement."
"Volkswagen \nhas just unveiled the first details for the upcoming all-new Tiguan, giving us a first look at the next-generation of the marque\u2019s bestseller that will be officially unveiled in the coming months, ahead of its market launch in 2024.\nThe third-generation \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n will be offered in a variety of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, mild hybrid petrol, and plug-in hybrid \u2013 the latter offering a pure electric driving range that has been increased \u201cto up to 100 km more [sic.] compared with \nthe predecessor\n\u201c, depending on equipment level \u2013 meaning we could possibly see electric driving range upwards of 140 km.\nThe major increase in electric range is partly due to the new MQB evo platform that allows for a bigger battery, and the use of newer, more efficient motors. You\u2019ll also be able to charge the eHybrid variants via DC chargers, in addition to the AC inputs more commonly seen on PHEVs.\nThe new platform also allows Volkswagen to now offer an electronically-controlled adaptive suspension on the next-gen Tiguan, giving the SUV \u201cprobably the best active chassis control in its segment\u201d. A vehicle dynamics manager, which VW says is inherited directly from the current \nGolf GTI\n, also now comes as standard on the all-new next-gen Tiguan.\nThe system controls the functions of the electronic differential locks (XDS), the DCC Pro adaptive absorbers, as well as wheel-specific braking (a la \nMazda\u2019s Kinetic Posture Control\n) and shock absorber hardness control, to further improve the Tiguan\u2019s handling performance \u2013 which the company says is \u201cmore neutral, stable, agile, and precise\u201d.\nDimensions of the upcoming next-gen Tiguan hasn\u2019t grown by all that much \u2013 Volkswagen says that its length has increased by around 3 cm, while its height, width, and wheelbase all remaining \u201calmost identical\u201d to its predecessor. Despite that, the luggage compartment on the all-new Tiguan has grown by 33 litres (now 648 litres), signifying the new generation model\u2019s improved use of space.\nAs is standard for these teasers, the cars all sport significant camouflage, masking most of its exterior styling. But from what we can see, it appears that it\u2019ll feature larger \nID.4-\ninspired headlights (with IQ.Light HD matrix illumination available as option), a slim light bar across the front fascia, and a lower grille reminiscent of the \nVolkswagen Up!\n of all things.\nIn stark contrast, it appears that Volkswagen isn\u2019t shy about the next-gen Tiguan\u2019s interior at all, basically showing it off in full. It\u2019ll feature a revamped infotainment system, with a rotary dial control (\nwith its own screen!\n) on the centre console, and a screen that measures up to 15 inches in diameter. No surprises, really, considering \nhow badly received\n the current system is.\nThe gear shifter has been moved from the centre console up onto the steering column (operating similarly to its EV models), freeing up the centre console for more storage space. Volkswagen also says that the cabin will be covered in \u201chigh-quality materials\u201d, and offer \u201cpremium-class\u201d comfort thanks to its improved noise insulation and upgraded seats.\nRELATED: \nTouchscreen/touch-sensitive controls for air-con: Looks modern but how effective are they?\nThe Tiguan has been Volkswagen\u2019s best-selling model worldwide for years, with over 7.4 million units sold since the model\u2019s debut back in 2007. With what the all-new next-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is set to offer, we can\u2019t see a reason for it to not continue the trend \u2013 even in the age of rapid electrification.\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019re in the midst of customising your new Bentley Continental Flying Spur \u2013 in that we mean Crewe\u2019s all-new four-door grand tourer (as they would like to call it), it might be wise to checkout the Blackline specification on the configurator.\nFor an additional \n\u00a33,550\n in the UK, Bentley will swap most of the exterior brightwork with a darkened \nBlackline \ntrim; from the grille, window surrounds, door handles, wing vents, bumper blades, the bezels on the lighting equipment, even the powered flying \u2018B\u2019 hood ornament!\nThe Blackline specification also brings with it \n21-inch five tri-spoke alloy wheels\n, with the option of upgrading to 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification items. As is already customary at Bentley, you can choose from \n17 different exterior hues\n for the new Flying Spur, on top of the 13 extended range colours shown during its launch in June.\nBentley says that the Blackline specification is proving to be a popular choice with up to 30% of Continental GT customers opting for this subtly sporty but tasteful trim. We can understand why.\nThe third-generation Flying Spur\n is built on an \naluminium composite chassis\n featuring \nall-wheel steering\n for the very first time on a Bentley. Power is courtesy of the updated \n635 hp and 900 Nm 6.0-litre, twin-turbo W12 \nengine, mated to an 8\n-speed transmission driving all four wheels\n. The 2.4-tonne super limo will accelerate from \nidle to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds\n and reach a top speed of 333 km/h."
"The new \nVolvo XC60\n facelift will be making its debut here in Malaysia very soon, based on the teasers published on Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s social media channels. A special registration of interest page is now open on the company\u2019s website, although no official pricing and specifications details have been revealed just yet.\nLaunched \nglobally in March this year\n, the new Volvo XC60 gets a mild nip and tuck on its exterior design, particularly on its bumpers. On the Inscription trim level, which is the one we have here in Malaysia on the pre-facelift model, the front bumper gets a larger pair of fog light housings on the corners, alongside additional chrome trim elements across the entire front lip.\nThe chrome trim is also mirrored onto the rear bumpers, while the exhaust outlets have been completely omitted on this facelift exercise. Rounding up the exterior changes on the Inscription trim are the new wheel designs, and thicker chrome vertical elements on the front grille \u2013 as seen on the\n new Volvo XC90 facelift\n that was launched in Malaysia back in 2019.\nAn R-Design trim level is also offered on the XC60 in other markets, featuring much more aggressive bumper designs, as well as a mesh insert on the grille instead of the vertical slats. However, seeing that the R-Design trim was never offered on the pre-facelift XC60 in Malaysia, it should also most likely remain that way on the forthcoming facelift model.\nRELATED: Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s new genuine parts warranty programme covers defects for a lifetime\nThe key highlight on the new 2021 Volvo XC60 actually lies within its infotainment software \u2013 as hinted by the \u201cintelligent features\u201d caption in Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s marketing materials.\nThe new infotainment system, first debuted inside the \nfully-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge\n, is built on top of the Android Automotive OS, and offers more direct access to various Google services including the hands-free Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more native in-car apps via Google Play Store.\nOther updates to the Volvo XC60\u2019s smarts include a revised Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite, featuring a new sensor stack for improved functionalities.\nCurrently, the pre-facelift Volvo XC60 in Malaysia that was last updated in April this year is offered with two powertrain options \u2013 a T5 petrol variant and a Recharge T8 hybrid.\nThe T5 utilises a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that serves up \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the T8 adds on a supercharger to the engine for 320 hp and 400 Nm, plus an electric motor on the rear axle for a total system output of \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n.\nWe expect that the powertrains will stay unchanged on the new facelift model here in Malaysia, although final confirmation will have to come from Volvo Car Malaysia.\nRELATED: The Volvo S90 Recharge T8 facelift has been introduced in Malaysia, priced at RM339k\nPricing wise, we also expect that the new Volvo XC60 to hover around the same price of the current model, which retails at \nRM278,195\n for the T5 Momentum, and \nRM324,656\n for the range-topping T8 AWD Inscription Plus, both prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nInterested? Submit your information at the ROI page, linked \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Toyota USA released a rather comical YouTube video about two marketing-communication staff members discussing a commercial pitch for the Toyota GR Supra with their more traditional executives.\n \nIn the video, the younger pair wanted plenty of dynamic and dramatic actions of the GR Supra while the more matured executives wanted a more \u201ccalming\u201d commercial.\nMuch of the video centres around the short wheelbase and rear-wheel drive dynamics of the \nBMW-sourced\n Toyota GR Supra, with the bulk of the action footages showing the car performing long continuous drifts and powerslides.\nIn the drifting scene, a regular Toyota GR Supra was tandem-drifting with Formula Drift competition Supras and this behind-the-scene footage actually explained how multiple race winner Fredric Aasbo performed the continuous slides on the showroom GR Supra.\n \nModifications were necessary, which were all prepared by championship-winning outfit \nPapadakis Racing\n that engineered that B58 engine to nearly \n1,100 hp\n output.\nAutonomous driving is cool. How about that school project is building an autonomous drifting GR Supra! More here!\nIn the final scene, the staff members gave up pushing the idea of powerslides, drifts and incredibly demoralised by words like \u201ccan we have the VSC on\u201d, settling down to \u201cjump off a ramp, into the sunset, 2000s internet style.\u201d\nWhile the video showed the special orange-painted GR Supra jumping off a seven-foot ramp at high speed, there was no continuity as to where the car landed.\nThe production team did all the necessary modifications for the utmost stunt-driver safety such as a full roll cage, full-sized bucket seat and multi-point harness system. Weights have been added into the boot to reduce the chances of the GR Supra tilting downward too much that could injure the stunt driver while landing.\nIn the end, the orange GR Supra landed into a pile of \nlarge cardboard boxes\n. Precise calculations by the experienced stunt team meant the car landed smoothly and its momentum stopped perfectly by the vast quantity of giant brown boxes. Acceleration time of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds helped a lot too.\nLast year, Toyota USA sold 5,887 units of the GR Supra, a massive 104% increase over its debut full first-year sales in 2019. Sales in the first quarter have been even better, recording a 70% increase versus Q1 2020. Nissan USA aims to complement this segment with the upcoming \nNissan Z sportscar\n, scheduled for launch in August.\nThe Toyota GR Supra 3.0 with \n382 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque in the USA is priced up to \nUSD54,795( RM223k)\n, while the entry to the GR Supra range begins at USD43,090 (RM175k) thanks to a smaller 258 hp / 400 Nm turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre variant. Meanwhile in Malaysia, the 2020 GR Supra 3.0 retails at \nRM589,987\n.\nGALLERY"
"Imagine yourself as a multi-billionaire cruising down the coastal roads of Cote d\u2019Azur, breathing in the cool sea breeze and soaking up the warm sun rays with your roof down. What do you see yourself in? A \nLexus LC500 Convertible\n? That\u2019s a great choice, but what you really need is this, the Rolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet.\nThe Dawn Silver Bullet is Rolls-Royce\u2019s latest limited-run production model from the company\u2019s client-commissioned Collection Cars line, transforming the \nfour-seater drophead Dawn\n into a two-seater roadster with the addition of a new rakish Aero Cowling over the rear seats, finished with vapour-blasted titanium.\nInspired by its glamorous roadsters from the 1920s, Rolls-Royce says that the Silver Bullet is a \u201ccontemporary interpretation of the classic roadster spirit and driving experience, offering committed drivers a sublime blend of serenity and sophistication with an exhilarating sense of uncompromised freedom.\u201d\nEven the paint job \u2013 ultra-metallic Brewster Silver \u2013 is a nod to the special Rolls-Royce cars of old, such as the Silver Dawn, Silver King, Silver Silence and Silver Spectre, contrasted by subtle black trims.\nInside, the Dawn Silver Bullet features an open-pore carbon fibre dashboard, along with a quilted leather-wrapped centre console which the company says is inspired by leather jackets, the \u201cquintessentially rebellious fashion accessory\u201d. The Silver Dawn will, of course, be hand-built in Goodwood, England.\nWe still don\u2019t know what\u2019s underneath the hood of the Rolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet, but it\u2019ll most likely be powered by the same 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 engine from the regular Dawn. In the \nBlack Badge\n form, the Dawn makes\u00a0\n601 hp\n and \n840 Nm\n of torque.\nOnly 50 units\n of the Rolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet will ever be built, which means the ultimate top down experience will only be reserved to the most elite few in the world. Well, at least the \u201cregular\u201d millionaires can still have the LC500.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u201c\nEh what the heck, price increase so much, and only 1.5-litre engine some more, better buy conti lo like that\n\u201c. Okay fine, we made that up, but that was pretty much the sentiment of many netizens after the launch of the \n10th-generation Honda Accord\n here in Malaysia. Don\u2019t believe us? Check out the comments section on \nour video.\nPriced from\n RM185,900\n for the 1.5TC variant, the Honda Accord is slowly creeping up in terms of price point towards the bigger players in the segment, even matching the \u201celusive\u201d continental cars such as the recently-launched \nVolkswagen Passat Elegance\n (\nRM189,012\n).\nWith barely any difference in terms of price, is it really a better idea to go with the Passat? Let\u2019s see if the netizens are right with an spec-for-spec comparison.\nPOWERTRAIN\nA common complaint we heard online is that the all-new Accord \u201conly\u201d has a 1.5-litre engine. However, when compared to other similar D-segment players, the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine actually produces one of the highest output of the bunch \u2013\n 201 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque.\nOn the Passat, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produces \n190 hp\n and a segment-leading\n 320 Nm\n of torque. Torque to weight ratio wise, the Accord achieves a figure of\n 0.18 Nm/kg\n, compared to \n0.22 Nm/kg\n on the Passat.\nBased on the torque figure, the Accord probably loses out slightly to the Passat in terms of straight-line acceleration \u2013 a quick check online shows that the Passat does the century sprint in about eight seconds, compared to the claimed \nnine seconds\n from Honda.\nObviously, performance shouldn\u2019t be the main factor in a swanky D-segment executive sedan, but there really shouldn\u2019t be any issues when you to overtake someone on the highway in either of these cars.\nAlthough losing on outright performance, there are other merits to having a smaller capacity engine too \u2013 The Accord claims to have a fuel consumption of \n6.3 l/100km\n.\nOn the other hand, the larger 2.0-litre engine on the Passat has a fuel consumption figure of \n6.5 l/100km\n \u2013 admittedly still an admirable result.\nWith a smaller engine, you\u2019ll also be paying a lower road tax rate \u2013 The 1,498 displacement engine on the Accord costs just \nRM 90 per year\n, while the larger 1,984 cc engine on the Passat costs almost \nRM380 per year\n to keep it on the road.\nIf driving dynamics is something you care about though, the seven-speed wet-clutch DSG gearbox will probably be quite a bit better to drive than the CVT on the Honda Accord.\nINTERIOR\nMost D-segment sedans have pretty conservative interior designs, and that\u2019s no different in our two contenders here. But what sets these cars apart are the features packed in the cabin.\nApart from the basics, it\u2019s apparent that the Passat is slightly better-equipped in this match-up. On the German side of the ring, the Passat gains on its tri-zone automatic air conditioning, and a 12-way powered driver seat with a massaging function.\nThe Passat also has a larger \n9.2-inch infotainment display\n compared to the \n8-inch unit\n on the Accord. Additionally, the Passat Elegance also gets \nwireless Apple CarPlay\n connectivity on its Discover Pro infotainment system.\nSpace wise though, the Accord still trumps here. Measuring larger in all dimensions, passengers should get more leg room, shoulder room and also headroom in the Accord. Surprisingly though, the Passat has the larger boot capacity between the two, coming in at \n586 litres\n \u2013 16 litres larger than the Accord.\nSAFETY\nComparing the Volkswagen Passat Elegance against the standard 1.5TC Honda Accord, safety features are pretty much neck and neck between the two. Though with just a slight top-up in price from the Passat, the Accord 1.5TC-P (\nRM195,900\n) does offer quite a bit of value when it comes to safety.\nWith the Premium variant, the Honda Accord gets the full suite of \nHonda Sensing\n advance driver assistance features, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation and Auto High Beam.\nAlthough no advance safety features are included, The Passat Elegance still comes equipped with Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and Blind Spot Monitor \u2013 the former two only available with the Accord 1.5TC-P.\nVERDICT\nThere\u2019s really not a wrong answer in this segment of vehicles \u2013 it all comes down to what features really matter to you. If you\u2019re looking for a better drivability, the Volkswagen Passat Elegance with the higher torque figure and DSG gearbox might be a better fit.\nOn the other hand, the Honda Accord in the 1.5TC-P variant does have a better safety equipment list if that\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for.\nOf course, there\u2019s always the venerable \nToyota Camry\n, which comes with the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance suite, and the brilliant TNGA platform which makes the car a joy to drive.\nIf you don\u2019t mind the ride height (or perceived image), SUVs such as the \nHonda CR-V\n, \nMazda CX-8\n and the \nHyundai Santa Fe\n are also great value propositions at this price point.\nWe have reviewed the \nVolkswagen Passat Elegance\n and \nToyota Camry\n in full \u2013 do check them out to help you make up your mind, too."
"After the last three legs taking place first in Penang, Johor and MAEPS, Serdang, the finale of the inaugural Vios Challenge, at Technology Park, Bukit Jalil continued to present nail-biting drama as all three categories \u2013 Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting \u2013 gave the 20,000-strong crowd over the weekend lots of excitement.\nThe Promotional Class may have been aimed at celebrity racers including the likes of Shawn Lee, Fattah Amin, Diana Danielle and Venice Min to name a few but the quality of racing was as evident as their prowess on screen.\u00a0 The final race saw Shawn Lee in pole position followed by Shukri Yahaya and Diana Danielle.\u00a0\nWhen the lights turned green, Shukri made a great pass on Shawn on the opening lap while Fattah Amin rapidly moved in on Diana Danielle to clinch 3rd place off her.\u00a0\nFattah Amin then made tremendous progress with the leading pack to snatch 2nd place off Shawn Lee, who was having transmission problems.\nShawn slipped further down to 4th after Diana made up place to 3rd position before the end of the race. Yet, Shawn Lee walked home the overall champion of the Promotional Class having flourished in previous races.\nIn the Sporting Class, Brendan Paul of Team Dream Chaser led the pack in pole position with Brendon Lim of Tedco Racing and Patrick Tam of Team NanoPlus in 2nd and 3rd place.\nThe top two positions were swapped immediately after Brendan Paul was caught off-guard, allowing Brandon Lim to creep ahead going into Turn 1. Brendan Paul later on made a bold move and dove into the inside of a right turn to pass Brendon Lim with the two exchanging paintwork along the way.\nWith double wins in Race 1 and 2, Brendan Paul clinched the Sporting Class championship, despite missing the season opener in Penang, impressively. \nThe category to watch though, had to be the Super Sporting Class \u2013 starring the likes of Tengku Djan and Mark Darwin among other top drivers. The start of the final race saw Tengku Djan of Team NanoPlus and Mark Darwin of Team Dream Chaser both making perfect starts with Ser Ming Hui of MMCS Sports Racing in third making things difficult for those tailing behind him.\nContact was made between 3rd place Ser Ming Hui and William Ho in 4th position going into Turn 1. Following an intense pursuit, things took an ugly turn when William Ho again nudged into Ser Ming Hui from the back, causing him to go into a spin on the back straight. Despite earlier engine issues, Tengku Djan did not look back and opened up a five second gap over Mark Darwin in 2nd to cruise to a comfortable win.\nThe race ended with Tengku Djan taking first place, Mark Darwin in 2nd and William Ho in 3rd. Later on, the results were overturned with William Ho dropped two positions down the order as a penalty for the offence on Ser Ming Hui, ultimately costing him the championship. That left Tengku Djan to walk home the champion of the Super Sporting category along with a brand new Toyota Vios.\nIt was indeed a thrilling end to an exciting season of impeccable motor racing in the inaugural Vios Challenge. It was also without a doubt a celebration of grassroots racing the Malaysian motorsport fans have not seen in a long while. Bring on the next season!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Although not officially open for booking just yet, Dinamikjaya Motor has put the locally-assembled (CKD) 2022 \nKia Carnival \non a preview over the weekend, with pricing information for the MPV now available.\nThe new CKD 2022 Kia Carnival will be offered in three different variants, in seven- and eight-seater guises as opposed to the 11-seater layout that was standard on the\n existing fully-imported model\n, and are priced as follows (on-the-road, without insurance, inclusive of SST):\n2.2D 8-Seater \u2013 \nRM 231,228\n2.2D 8-Seater \u2018High\u2019 \u2013 \nRM 247,228\n2.2D 7-seater \u2018High\u2019 \u2013 \nRM 261,228\nAs previously reported\n, the pricing is indeed higher than the existing fully-imported counterpart, as the latter benefitted from preferential taxation status with the 11-seater being categorised as commercial vehicle.\nAt least, you do get a couple of extra standard equipment to help make up for the steep price increase, including a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in place of the analogue unit of the imported model, new LED tail lights, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, as well as the Kia Drive Wise suite of advanced driver assistance systems, depending on variant.\nThe latter, said to be exclusive to the High variants, will come with features such as autonomous emergency braking with cross traffic detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane centring and lane keeping assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic collision avoidance, as well as automatic high beam.\nWhile detailed specifications will have to wait until closer to the official launch, we do know that the existing 2.2-litre turbodiesel mill will be retained on the 2022 CKD Kia Carnival, which makes \n202 hp\n and \n44\n0\n Nm\n to drive the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nCheck out our first-drive impressions of the Kia Carnival here!"
"Three weeks since it was\n first unveiled here in Malaysia\n, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has now officially announced the pricing for its first-ever fully-electric model, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, coming in at \nRM262,459.75\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of all relevant tax exemptions.\nAs the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is locally-assembled here at VCM\u2019s Shah Alam plant, it is exempt from sales tax, road tax, import duties for all imported CKD parts, as well as excise duties until the end of 2025.\nThe pricing essentially makes the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric the range-topping variant in the line-up, costing approximately RM20k higher than the \nT5 Recharge plug-in hybrid variant\n (RM242,055), and RM32k more than the \nnon-PHEV XC40 T5\n (RM230,091).\nRELATED: Volvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year from 2022 \u2013 XC40 Recharge, C40 this year\nFor that price, which Volvo calls \u201chassle-free price\u201d, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric EV will also come with a five-year warranty and free service package, an eight-year battery warranty, five-year roadside assistance package, as well as an included charging cable.\nThe Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is now available for order via its new online ordering page, linked \nhere\n, as part of the company\u2019s pledge to become completely carbon-neutral by 2040.\nAs a quick recap, the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV is powered by a P8 twin-motor set-up, with a total system output of \n408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels (one motor per axle), which propels the compact SUV from 0-100 km/h in just \n4.9 seconds\n \u2013 the quickest of all Volvo SUVs on sale.\nThe motors sip power from a 78 kWh battery pack for a rated range of \n418 km\n from a full charge based on the WLTP test cycle. To charge, the XC40 EV supports AC charging of up to 11 kWh, taking roughly 7.5 hours for a full charge, or DC fast charging at up to 150 kWh which juices the battery from 0-80% SoC in roughly 33 minutes.\nIn terms of features, the fully-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge\u2019s spec sheet matches closely to its other ICE-powered brethens. The main difference, aside from the powertrain of course, comes in the form of the Google Android Automotive operating system running on the infotainment and digital instrument cluster displays.\nThe software allows the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric to be tightly integrated into Google\u2019s services, including an EV-focused Google Maps experience, Google Assistant, as well as a Google Play Store to download other additional apps such as Spotify.\nAt RM262k, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is priced roughly RM16k cheaper than its chief rival, the fully-imported \nMercedes-Benz EQA 250\n, but just RM7k cheaper than the larger, range-topping \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n Max with the extended five-year warranty package. Which would you choose?"
"UMW Toyota Motor \nhas just published its sales performance report for March 2022, recording a total sale of 8,386 units for the Toyota brand, and 101 units for Lexus.\nThe figure represents a 32% and 53% increase in sales over February for the two brands respectively. As a whole, total sales for the first quarter of 2022 reached 22,447 units, which is incidentally also a 32% increase over the \nsame period last year\n.\nThe company attributes the positive growth in sales to its ongoing promotions, including value added benefits worth RM4,000 for its two best-selling models, the \nVios\n and \nYaris\n.\nUMW Toyota is also anticipating a further boost in its sales figures thanks to new product launches later in the year, which it says will offer \u201cbest value of money deals to its customers, along with top-of-the-line security features and enhanced performance\u201d. Could it be the highly-rumoured \nall-new Toyota Veloz\n?\nVideo: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in Malaysia from RM136k\nCommenting on the parts supply shortage that has plagued its productions, UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cWe are constantly reviewing and adapting to the changing circumstances and uncertainties. We are working closely with our suppliers and monitoring the developments closely to ensure minimal impact to our production and our customers.\u201d\n\u201cAs we transform towards sustainable mobility, Toyota aims to leave no one behind as we continue to beat the forefront in offering value for money innovations equipped with technological advancements and state-of-the-art safety features across all our products,\u201d he added.\nIn conjunction with the months of Ramandan and Syawal, UMW Toyota Motor is offering a chance for customers to win \u2018\nduit raya\n\u2018 with the new\n Pandu Uji dan Menang Duit Raya\n contest, as part of its \nBersama Lebih Bermakna\n celebrations.\nFrom now until the 1 May 2022, each test drive at any Toyota showroom will represent one contest entry to win RM100, while a successful vehicle booking will give the participant a chance to receive RM200 \nduit raya\n. A total of 30 winners will be selected weekly.\nIn addition, the celebrations will also include a Ramadan Weekender event on the 16th and 17th April at all Toyota outlets nationwide, where the company will be offering exclusive \u2018\nbulan puasa\n\u2018 deals and value added offers, in addition to exclusive free gifts when you test drive a vehicle."
"Today\u2019s world dictates that for one to standout, one has to be different. Whether it\u2019s with your choice of phone covers, clothing or vehicle (and its colour) of preference.\nA lot of us own the cars we do because of specific reasons \u2013 we like how it looks, how it drives, how technologically advance or efficient it is but no one will have a legitimate reason to own a Mercedes G63 AMG 6\u00d76 or a \nKahn Flying Huntsman\n (pictured below) \u2013 unless you spend most of your life in the North Pole or in a deserted wasteland.   These cars are purely a statement of wealth \u2013 a means to flaunt your riches in such an exuberant way that an average continental car owner would feel inferior. In terms of exuberance, there are only a handful of cars out there that can match up to the stretched, soft-top Land Rover Defender.\nThe Flying Huntsman which debuted in 2015 costed a whopping RM 1.25 million and came with 6.2-litre V8 making \n430 hp\n. Prices for the soft-top version of the Flying Huntsman has yet to be revealed but 6x6s on Kahn Automobile\u2019s website are listed for as much as RM 1.3 million so expect the soft-top to fetch a figure in that ball park."
"Toyota has given the venerable \nHilux pick-up truck\n a new facelift, including significant updates to the styling, drivetrain, and chassis, to ward off stiffer competition.\nOn the exterior styling, the new Hilux gets an enlarged hexagonal grille, surrounded by a much thicker chrome trim to emphasise its three-dimensional appearance. On higher-end variants, the surrounding trim piece extends downwards, dominating the entire front fascia, giving the pick-up truck a tougher appearance and increased road presence.\nThe new Toyota Hilux also gets a redesigned slimmer headlights, and depending on variant, features Bi-Beam LED illumination and LED daytime running lights. Meanwhile at the back, the redesigned LED taillights take on a new angular LED light signature. The pick-up truck rides on 17- or 18-inch alloys depending on the variant.\nThe updates made to the interior are less obvious, with the dashboard architecture still pretty much identical to when the model \nfirst launched in 2015\n. The analogue instrument cluster has been slightly redesigned featuring a 4.2-inch multi-info display, and depending on the trim level, you now get a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.\nUnderneath the hood, the 2.8-litre turbodiesel mill has been given a significant power bump, now producing\n 204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque (up from 177 hp and 450 Nm). As a result, Toyota claims that the Hilux will now reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n10 seconds flat\n, while also returning an average fuel consumption of \n7.8 l/100km\n.\nIn other markets, the updated Hilux is also with the existing 2.4-litre turbodiesel, producing 150 hp and 400 Nm of twist. All engines are paired to a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox.\nToyota Hilux Revo PreRunner (Thailand)\nToyota Hilux Revo Recco (Thailand)\nToyota Hilux Revo Recco (Thailand)\nOn the chassis, Toyota has fitted the new Hilux with a revised suspension set-up \u2013 retuned shock absorbers and leaf spring structure \u2013 to improve comfort on the road. Despite the plusher ride, the pick-up truck\u2019s hauling capabilities have been improved \u2013 all 4\u00d74 now have a one tonne payload and a 3.5 tonne towing capacity; the 4\u00d72 variants gets bumped to 300 kg and 2.8 tonnes respectively.\nThe offroad prowess of the Hilux have also been worked on, featuring a new electronically-controlled slip differential on 2WD models, lower engine idle speeds, new vehicle stability control system, new tyre angle monitor, and a retuned accelerator response.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the internet grows more connected than ever, carmakers find themselves trying to keep their upcoming models under wraps increasingly challenging. Another vehicle to be stripped naked and put on display for the entire world to see ahead of its official debut is the BMW G30 M5.\nA series of undisguised images of the new M5 was uploaded to a Korean-based YouTube channel \nReturn\n. From the snippets, the model displayed is unmistakeably the G30 M5 from the obvious M5 badges at the kidney grille, front fenders and rear trunk. Visually, the M5 wears a more aggressive front and rear bumper, but looks somewhat tamed when parked next to the M-Performance.   It appears that the M5 loses the bumper integrated LED fog lamps in favour of larger scoops presumably to channel more air into the engine bay. The wing mirror housings now dittos the ones on the M3 and\u00a0\nM4\n. At the rear, the M5\u2019s iconic quad-tailpipes are retained and are handsomely tucked into both ends of the bumper with diffuser. A little duck tail spoiler can also be seen. Curiously, the xDrive badge denoting all-wheel drive beemers are nowhere to be found.\nAs for the wheels, they are 20-inch multi-spoke diamond cut items wrapped in 275/35 profile at the front but with the limited information at hand, we can\u2019t tell what\u2019s on the rear axles. However, the gold brake calipers are a very nice touch.   Inside, the M5 gets the same kit as the regular 5-er with additional bits such as the M gear leaver, three-spoke M steering wheel with paddle shifters, carbon fibre trimmings, M5-specific bucket seats and M5-specific iDrive menu.\nMotivating the most hardcore 5 Series is a \n4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 lump\n that will outdo the previous generation \nF10 M5 Competition\n in terms of performance. Expect the M5\u2019s powerplant to best the M550i xDrive\u2019s output of\n 462 hp\n/\n650 Nm\n and \n4.0 seconds\n century sprint time. Like the \nM550i xDrive\n, the new M5 will be equipped with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (rear bias).\nThe new BMW G30 M5 is scheduled to debut next week while on the local front, BMW Malaysia has only one variant of the G30 5 Series on sale, the \n530i M Sport for RM398,800\n. With the \nMercedes-AMG E43\n (though the \nE63\n is the M5\u2019s direct competitor) officially on sale here, perhaps BMW Malaysia could consider bringing in the M5 and slay the high-performance business saloon segment.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Abarth is celebrating its position as the Official Sponsor and Car Supplier to the FIM MotoGP Championship with the launch of a new range of 595 sports hatches \u2013 the Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition. Abarth is a brand known for making performance exhausts and other hot bits for Fiat cars for over half a century. Now, they\u2019ve taken their expertise and applied them to this pukka Fiat 500.\nCreated from a partnership with the \nYamaha Factory Team\n, and with world champion riders \nValentino Rossi\n and \nJorge Lorenzo\n who are on course for an historic one-two finish in this year\u2019s championship, the tiny Fiat is powered by\u00a0Abarth\u2019s potent \n1.4-litre T-Jet\n engine that churns out \n160 hp\n and\n 230 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\u00a0The 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is further enhanced with a \nRecord Monza\n exhaust system, \nKoni shock absorbers\n with \nFSD\n (frequency selective dampers) valves and \nEibach\n lowering \nsprings\n.\nThis tiny city runabout does boast some impressive figures, such a century sprint time of just\n 7.4 seconds\n with an eventual top speed of \n210 km/h\n shot out via a \nfive-speed stick shifter\n. But what sets this apart from any other Fiat 500?\u00a0With \n17-inch\n matte black alloy wheels, painted brake callipers and optional matching Abarth side stripes and mirror covers, there is no mistaking the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition.\nDarkened windows, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and a special \u2018Yamaha Factory Racing\u2019 badge \u2013 all as standard \u2013 enhance the model\u2019s sporting credentials. Xenon headlamps, leather interior and dual zone air conditioning are among the cost options that are offered should it tickle you fancy. The\u00a0595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition retails for\u00a0\u00a317,420 or about\u00a0\nRM115k\n."
"The Triton for the working man is here \u2013 the Triton \u201cQuest\u201d \u2013 priced at an unbelievably enticing RM79,800 and is accompanied with a 5-year factory warranty or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.\nFor that you don\u2019t get the current 2.4-litre turbocharged MIVEC engine with 181 hp and 430 Nm but instead you get the older, proven 2.5-litre turbocharged powertrain with \n110 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n.\nGranted, these figures are substantially smaller than the more desirable Triton models higher up the spectrum but the Triton Quest only weighs 1,600 kg (kerb weight), nearly 400 kg lighter than its more luxurious siblings.\nYou don\u2019t get the optimised 6-speed automatic gearbox in the higher grade Tritons too. Instead, the Quest is only available with 5-speed manual, in 4\u00d72 rear-wheel drive configuration and with a White Diamond exterior only.\nBuilt for the heavy lifters, the Triton Quest comes with a load capacity of up to 970 kg, and the largest cargo deck in the low rider category. Spartan as it may seem both on the inside and outside (it doesn\u2019t even come with a rear bumper), the Triton Quest does come with some basic modern amenities.\nAmong them includes a reverse camera, auto off headlamp function, a multi-information display, speed sensing wipers, one-touch turn indicators, along with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX \u2013 because the working men have families too.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Four years after its \nintroduction back in 2018\n, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled a mild mid-cycle update to the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which continues to be offered in both hatchback and sedan body styles.\nIn this case, however, the term \u2018mild\u2019 actually means a little more \u2013 in a literal sense. Because in addition to the light facelift with several minor design tweaks, the updated 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is also now offered with 48V mild-hybrid electrification across all petrol powertrain options, the only exception being the \nAMG A 45 S\n.\nWhile actual output figures are unchanged from before, the new 48V MHEV powertrains come with an additional belt-driven starter-generator (RSG), capable of providing up to 14 hp of temporary boost when needed. Additionally, the RSG also allows for a quieter and smoother engine start-up, as well as a \u2018sailing\u2019 feature where the combustion engine is shut off during steady cruising.\nRELATED: \nCKD Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM211k\nThe powertrain offerings for the standard A-Class are unchanged from before, including four petrol, three diesel, and a plug-in hybrid variant. For us Malaysians, we are more familiar with the 1.3-litre turbocharged inline-four-powered A 200 with \n163 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n, as well as the A 250 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making and unchanged \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n.\nThe A-Class\u2019 AMG line-up has also been updated. The AMG A 35 gains the same RSG mild-hybrid system as its other petrol siblings, alongside a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox replacing the old seven-speed unit, while the \u201cregular\u201d A 45 model has been dropped, leaving the A 45 S at the top of the pecking order. Just like the other variants, output figures are unchanged for both of these AMG models.\nAs for looks, it really is just about as mild as it gets. New to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class are the new headlamps, which have been slightly reshaped and now come with a new single-line daytime-running light signature, alongside a slightly resized front grille, redesigned LED tail lights signature, and reworked bumpers.\nThe bonnet on the A-Class now comes with two power bulges on all variants for a more aggressive look, while the new wheel designs round up the exterior visual changes. Specifically for the AMG models, the round badge on the bonnet edge now shows an AMG emblem instead of (another) three-pointed star.\nALSO READ: \nLocally-assembled Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC sedan now with new features!\nThe interior of the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is largely unchanged compared to the pre-facelift model, save for the new steering wheel that was first introduced on the \nnew E-Class back in 2020\n. On the AMG models, the steering wheel also comes with an additional rotary dial for quick access to your performance settings.\nSharp-eyed viewers will notice that the touchpad panel on the centre console has also been removed, replaced by a shallow storage cubby for your smartphone, and joined by a small island of buttons for the Dynamic Select driving mode selector, parking assistance systems, a volume dial, as well as a new fingerprint sensor.\nMercedes-Benz says the new fingerprint sensor is expected to be available from the 1st quarter of 2023, and will function as a quick switch for driver profile selection in the central display, as well as driver-specific settings like seats adjustments. Presumably, the fingerprint sensor will also help authenticate payments in supported countries in the future, as previewed on the \nall-new S-Class\n.\nOrder books for the facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class will start in the final few months of the year in Europe, with market launches expected in Q1 of 2023. The model\u2019s Malaysian launch should follow not too long after, although likely to be widely available in the sedan form only; the A-class hatchback is currently only available on an indent-order basis for interested customers, with a higher price tag due to the hatchback model being fully-imported only.\nGALLERY"
"What you\u2019re looking at isn\u2019t a concept car. It is an actual new car from \nFerrari\n, but one that isn\u2019t bound by homologation constraints. This is the Ferrari KC23, and it is a one-off Ferrari for track use only. Yes, this one-off creation is not road-legal, but thanks to its owner, it will be making its first public appearance at this year\u2019s Goodwood Festival of Speed and will also be on display at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from August 1 to October 2, 2023.\nThe special one-off creation is based on the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 which is Ferrari\u2019s most successful track car in its 76-year history. Having collected over 530 victories and 119 championship wins, it isn\u2019t exactly a bad platform to build a unique private Ferrari.\nBeing a track-only car, the Ferrari KC23 isn\u2019t bound by homologation constraints. Destined to be a radical creation, all of the 488 GT3 Evo 2020\u2019s lines were redesigned, with glass surfaces and light clusters included.\nThe result is a futuristic Ferrari with moving body panels (active aero), a front end that pays homage to the 499P endurance racer, and a rear end that is inspired by the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo Single Seater. Stunning is quite an understatement (at least based on the picture) and it is a shame that this one-off Ferrari is limited to track use only. Even the special colour begs to be shown off in public.\nRELATED: \nOne-off Ferrari SP51 unveiled \u2013 based on 812 GTS with V12 engine\nSpeaking of the colour, the paintwork is a specially-developed 4-layer aluminium livery called \u201cGold Mercury\u201d. Part of the paint is a liquid metal which gives it a luminous gleam in the sunlight. The colour changes depending on the light and where you\u2019re standing. It all just seems a little too precious to be taken to the track. But hey, Ferrari says that the KC23 has been designed exclusively for \u201cnon-competitive track use\u201d as opposed to the road.\nSet to make its first public appearance at this year\u2019s Goodwood Festival of Speed, it would be interesting to see the KC23 in person. Especially since it adopts a clean look when parked (with the aero bits hidden), but as soon as you start the car, it transforms using custom kinematics to reveal its huge air intakes and active aerodynamics. To top it all off, the KC23 comes with butterfly doors.\nRELATED: \nFerrari SF90 XX brings race car tech, giant GT wing to the public roads\nEssentially the 488 GT3 Evo 2020 underneath it all, the Ferrari KC23 is powered by a 3.9-litre V8 Twin Turbo engine that outputs \n600 hp\n at 7,000 rpm and \n700 Nm\n at 6,000 rpm. The transmission is a sequential 7-speed by Getrag. No further performance figures have been shared.\nInside, the KC23 is a Spartan racer with toggle switches, a roll cage, a utilitarian instrument cluster and a racecar steering wheel. The bucket seats are wrapped in Alcantara, bridging the focused interior and the urbane exterior.\nRELATED: \nItal Auto is Ferrari\u2019s new partner in Malaysia, replaces Naza Italia\nSometimes Ferrari\u2019s unique SP cars are never shown in public. In this case, the owner is keen to share his collaboration with the world. The KC23 will make its first public appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK from July 13 to 16, before going on display at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from August 1 to October 2, much to the delight of the Ferraristi.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Purosangue orders reopen, 3,567 Ferraris sold in Q1 2023\n \nGALLERY"
"After teasing on their website for the past week, Michelin Malaysia has just introduced the replacement to their high performance Pilot Sport 3 (PS3) tyre, the Pilot Sport 4 (PS4). For those who have tried and tested the PS3, you will know that the PS4 has big shoes to fill.\nLet\u2019s dive straight into the technical aspects of the brand new PS4. The PS4 is engineered and developed with the aim to satisfy consumers who have a burning \npassion\n towards driving and a strong concern towards \nsafety\n in both dry and wet surfaces. To further improve the already excellent PS3, Michelin engineers compiled the knowledge and experience they have in motorsports and ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres and applied them on the road-biased PS4.\nFirstly, the new thread pattern on the PS4 is inspired by\u00a0\nMichelin\u2019s Formula E tyres\n. When placed side by side, one can hardly tell the difference between the two, claims Michelin. This gives the PS4 a very similar thread pattern to racing tyres that provide superb handling in the dry and wet.\nUnlike in Formula One where the teams utilise unique sets of tyres specifically for either wet or dry conditions, Formula E employs one specific pattern for both conditions. Therefore, Michelin as Formula E\u2019s official tyre supplier developed a unique pattern that is able to handle the immense instant torque from Formula E\u2019s racing cars yet provide superb performance in the dry and wet.   As a result, the PS4, which closely resembles the Formula E racing tyres boasts 10 percent greater positive profile that gives\u00a0more contact between the rubbers and the road surface as well as a more rigid thread that maintains a more consistent contact patch during high speed manoeuvres as compared to the outgoing PS3.\nThe trickled down technology does not stop there. The new PS4 is now made with an additional tyre carcass layer dubbed the Hybrid Aramid-nylon belt. First used in Michelin Pilot Super Sport and Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tyres, the hybrid compound combines the two materials to produce a robust yet lightweight belt to withstand centrifugal force and maintain contact patch at extreme speeds. This in return ensures a high level of traction and precise handling on the road.\nTo further enhance the tyres\u2019 performance in the wet, Michelin has added a new-generation functional elastomers and silica hydrophobic into the tyre compound. These compounds work on a molecular level that repels water upon contact, allowing for the drainage system to begin even before the tyre grooves do their work.\nLastly, as seen in \nMichelin\u2019s Pilot Sport 4 S\n and other high performance tyres from the company, the PS4 gets\u00a0\nMichelin Premium Touch Technology\u00ae\n treatment at the sidewalls. This technology gives a velvet-like finish to the tyre writing and acts as a cushion for the rim when it comes into contact with a kerb.\nUnlike the PS3 which starts from 15-inch, the PS4 range starts from 16-inch all the way up to 19-inch in diameter. In total, Michelin Malaysia has 23 different sizes made available for the PS4, with retail prices starting from RM481. The tyres are produced in Thailand while some specific sizes are imported from Europe.\nAVAILABLE SIZES\nSection\nRim Size (inch)\nLoad Index\nSpeed Rating\n205/50\n16\n91\nW\n205/55\n16\n94\nW\n215/55\n17\n98\nW\n205/50\n17\n93\nW\n245/45\n17\n99\nY\n245/40\n17\n95\nY\n225/45\n17\n94\nY\n215/45\n17\n91\nY\n205/45\n17\n88\nW\n225/50\n17\n98\nY\n215/50\n17\n95\nW\n235/45\n17\n97\nY\n235/45\n18\n98\nY\n235/40\n18\n95\nY\n275/35\n18\n99\nY\n225/40\n18\n92\nY\n245/40\n18\n97\nY\n265/35\n18\n97\nY\n245/45\n18\n100\nY\n255/40\n18\n99\nY\n255/35\n18\n94\nY\n225/45\n18\n95\nW\n245/40\n19\n98\nY\nFor Thailand made tyres, Michelin explained that the compound is slightly harder than its European twin. This is due to the difference in manufacturing process but assures that both are identical in quality and performance. Besides that, Thai imported products have a \u201cST\u201d marking to indicate that it is manufactured for the South East Asian market.\nStill not convinced that this is the tyre for you? Stay tuned for our full review of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 4!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"According to reports by other media outlets, the name represents an \n\u201cact of continuous dynamic motion that signifies progress\u201d\n. The arrival of Perodua\u2019s first ever 7-seater SUV should give the likes of \nHonda\u2019s BR-V\n (up to RM 10k extra) and \nToyota\u2019s new Rush\n (up to RM 20k extra) a run for their money.\nThe Aruz will be available in two variants \u2013 \n1.5 X at RM 72,900\n and the \n1.5 AV at RM 77,900\n \u2013 attached with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).\n \n Perodua Aruz AV\n \n Perodua Aruz X\n\u201cThe Perodua Aruz is expected to complement our existing product line-up and based on our value proposition, we expect sales to average 2,500 units monthly or 31,200 units by end of 2019,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nAt the heart of the Aruz is a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE engine, the same unit you\u2019d find in the new \nPerodua Myvi\n and the Aruz\u2019s stepbrother, the \nToyota Rush\n, but makes slightly less power with\u00a0\n102 hp\n and\n 133 Nm\n of torque. The Dual VVT-i unit is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.\nWith 95 per cent of its components locally-sourced, the Perodua Aruz is the national carmaker\u2019s fourth Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV), with a class-leading fuel economy of 15.6 km/L (6.4L/100km).\nOn the outside, both cars come as standard with LED headlights with follow-me-home function, 17-inch alloy wheels, a reverse camera, keyless entry and power folding door mirrors.   In the more expensive \n1.5 AV\n, the Aruz is added with the automatic headlamp feature, front fog lamps, roof rails and skid plates at the front and back.\nInside, you get a 7.0-inch touchscreen head unit, a multi-function steering wheel with only tilt adjustment, single zone air condition with memory function, like the one you find in the Myvi, integrated Smart Tag, USB ports in the front and second row and second-row air-con blowers.   For an extra RM 5k, the 1.5 AV gets treated to leather upholstery instead of fabric, applied similarly to the steering wheel and gear knob, along with smartphone mirroring functions via a HDMI port and a dash cam.\nSafety wise, \nall variants of the Aruz\n comes with six airbags, \nABS\n with \nEBD\n, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX while the 1.5 AV gets the extra \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0\u00a0\nsystem which includes Pre-Collision Warning (between 4 km/h to 100 km/h) and Pre-Collision Braking (4 km/h to 80 km/h) with \npedestrian detection (4 km/h to 50 km/h)\n, front departure alert and pedal misoperation control. It\u2019s an upgraded version from the ASA 1.0 system you get in the new Toyota Rush, as \nshown in our video\n.\nThe Perodua Aruz has also been awarded a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).\nFrom 9th of January onwards, customers who purchase the Perodua Total Protect Plus motor insurance will not only enjoy free Perodua Auto Assist benefits but also free unlimited unnamed drivers, flood allowance of up to RM1,000 and Personal Accident coverage of up to RM10,000.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua Aruz 1.5 AV\n \n Perodua Aruz AV   Perodua Aruz 1.5 X\n \n Perodua Aruz X\n \n \nPerodua Aruz GearUp Accesories"
"In a move to spur the application of 5G technologies in the automotive industry, information and communications technology (ICT) provider Huawei has formed an alliance with 18 carmakers to develop what the company calls a \u201c5G-enabled automotive ecosphere\u201d.\nThe first batch of 18 carmakers, all based in China, include the state-owned \u201cbig-four\u201d \u2013 First Automobile Group, Chang\u2019an Automobile, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, and SAIC Motor Corporation; Guangzhou Automobile Group, \nBYD Auto\n, \nGreat Wall Motors\n, \nChery Holdings\n, and JAC Motors.\nThe advancement of 5G technology can be hugely beneficial to the automotive industry, especially in the application of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) and self-driving technologies, due to its advantages in transmission speed, reliability, and low latency.\nThe new alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of 5G in the Asia Pacific region, which is set to become the leading region for 5G technology adoption, accounting for than 65% of global subscriptions by 2024 according to GlobalData.\nThe Baojun RC-6, built with Huawei\u2019s 5G communication module.\nThis announcement comes approximately one year after the launch of the company\u2019s first 5G communications hardware in April last year. Since then, Huawei has been providing products and technologies to their \u201cecosystem partners\u201d to support the development of 5G technology in vehicles.\nAs reported by \nSouth China Morning Post\n, a car built with Huawei\u2019s 5G communications module, the Baojun RC-6, has already been in sale in China since December last year.\nGlobally, Huawei has also been actively advocating for the adoption of 5G technology in vehicles. The Chinese ICT provider is one of the eight founding members of the 5G Automotive Association \u2013 alongside Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ericsson, Intel, Nokia, and Qualcomm.\nIn recent years, automotive industry players have been utilising 5G technologies in various innovative ways, including tyre manufacturer Pirelli in their \n5G-connected Cyber Tyre\n."
"Tesla Motors\u2019 billionaire founder Elon Musk revealed, in a recent interview, that the American electric carmaker is in talks with BMW over the possibility of a major collaboration.\nTesla Model S P85D\nIf successful, this collaboration will align Tesla and BMW\u2019s interests in producing \nhigh performance\n plug-in hybrid cars, with both manufacturing giants sharing next-gen technologies. During the interview, Musk said, \u201cWe are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations.\u201d\nAlthough the discussions with BMW were informal, Musk described BMW\u2019s production of carbon fibre reinforced parts for the i3 and i8 were relatively \ncost efficient\n and an \ninteresting prospect\n.\nAs of yet, it\u2019s still too early to say whether the two will arrive at the conclusion of a formal partnership, but it points the way forward in the field of electrically powered vehicles. Musk also hopes to materialise his plans of having a battery production plant in Germany within the coming five to six years.\nIn the \u2018future-centric\u2019 interview, Musk expressed confusions over Toyota\u2019s pursuit in fuel cell technology, stating that a fuel cell powered car consumes at least\n three times as much energy\n when compared to the equivalent battery powered car.\nToyota Mirai\n, Fuel Cell Vehicle\nReuters reported\n that BMW and Tesla executives have already met in June to discuss the creation of charging stations that can be used by different types of electric cars.\nThe duo have yet to enter formal discussions on the matter, though. Interesting times ahead, eh?"
"The McLaren F1 is one of the \ngreatest and most iconic supercars in the world\n with the sole purpose of giving the driver maximum driving engagement behind the wheel. Naturally, its \u201csuccessor\u201d will have big shoes to fill. But the thing is, the McLaren Speedtail shares none of the ethos of the F1.\nCEO of McLaren Automotive, Mike Flewitt said: \u201cMcLaren has \nnever\n built a vehicle like the Speedtail before. As our first \u2018Hyper-GT\u2019, the Speedtail is the ultimate McLaren road car; a fusion of art and science that combines an astonishing maximum speed with an iconic central-driving position and a truly pioneering approach to bespoke personalisation.\u201d\nThe Speedtail I the most powerful and most aerodynamically drag efficient McLaren ever produced, capable of achieving speeds of up to \n403 km/h\n courtesy of a \n1,050 hp\n petrol hybrid powertrain. The Woking-based carmaker did not reveal details of the powertrain but expect it to adopt an uprated version of its M840T twin-turbo V8 engine with 4.0-litres in displacement boosted by an electrical system.\nWith over 1,000 hp at its disposal, talking about 0 to 100 km/h times would be underplaying the performance of the rear-wheel drive Hyper-GT. Instead, McLaren would like to talk about \n0 to 300 km/h\n sprint time which is claimed to be \n12.8 seconds\n \u2013 3.4 seconds quicker than the \nP1\n, bonkers.   To achieve this ludicrous top speed, engineers had to harness the power of aerodynamics. It\u2019s 5,137 mm carbon fibre body was modelled after a teardrop \u2013 the fastest shape in nature \u2013 which creates the smoothest initial contact at the front splitter while the elongated tail bleeds off the flow to reduce turbulence.\nMcLaren has even fitted static wheel covers on the front wheels (don\u2019t worry its removable) to ensure air flows through the body seamlessly. Notice that there are no physical exterior side mirrors to disturb airflow? That\u2019s because the Speedtail uses a retractable camera \u2013 for minimum drag \u2013 that feeds a live feed onto the screens. When \nVelocity mode\n is engaged \u2013 essentially VMAX mode \u2013 the cameras are retracted into the doors to further reduce drag.\nOpen the dihedral doors and you\u2019ll find a cabin with a central driving position flanked by two passenger seats. McLaren understands that it may be difficult to operate the doors when the driver is seated, hence they have installed powered doors that opens and closes with a touch of a button.\nLike the Senna, the main control dials for the McLaren Active Dynamics Panel, gear selector and engine start/stop buttons are mounted on the roof, freeing up additional space in the cabin. The driver is then greeted by five display screens for the instrument cluster, infotainment system and rear-view display.   Tipping the scale at 1,430 kg (dry), McLaren had to innovate to shave every gram from the Speedtail without sacrificing the luxuriousness and customisation of the material used. From the 1K Titanium Deposition Carbon Fibre front splitter, diffuser and side skirts, Thin-Ply Technology Carbon Fibre (TPT) trimmings and full aniline leather material that is lighter by conventional material by 30 per cent. These innovations allow all 106 customers to tailor their Speedtail with McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to their individual tastes. It is \nvirtually\n certain that no two examples will be identical.\n\u201cA ground-breaking hybrid powertrain sits within a lightweight carbon fibre body reminiscent of sleek \u2018streamliners\u2019 that once set world speed records, while the luxurious three-seat cockpit offers a sublime combination of an incredible driving experience, unmatched individualism and innovative materials never seen before in a road-going vehicle,\u201d said Flewitt.\nOnly 106 units of the Speedtail will be created and all units have been spoken for, even before the project was announced by McLaren. Each example carries a base price of \u00a31.75million plus taxes before adding on the personalisation options.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Good news to all bosses in Malaysia, as \nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)\n has just opened bookings for the all-new \nToyota Alphard\n and \nVellfire\n. The Alphard is offered in the form of the 2.4T Executive Lounge variant and will feature the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, while the sportier Vellfire is offered with the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) engine. Prices for the two luxury MPVs are \nRM538,000\n and \nRM438,000\n (OTR, without insurance) respectively.\nPaired with Toyota\u2019s Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the Toyota Alphard\u2019s 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces a total of \n279 hp\n (metric) and \n430 Nm\n. The Vellfire, on the other hand, is powered by the brand\u2019s 2.5-litre NA petrol engine and is paired with a Super CVT-i gearbox, resulting in \n182 hp\n (metric) and \n235 Nm\n.\nUMWT says that the luxury MPV twins are now more luxurious than ever. Besides featuring premium materials such as leather and woodgrain, their interiors also come with a fixed panoramic glass roof, together with a 64-colour illumination.\nThe new Alphard and Vellfire are built with the Anti-Vibration Structure which helps reduce impacts caused by bumpy and uneven roads so that bosses like you can conduct meetings or even relax with comfort and luxury. Speaking of comfort, the front and rear first-row seats of the all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are also equipped with heating and ventilation functions. The Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge rear first-row seats also come with massage functions.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Toyota Alphard & Vellfire debut \u2013 more luxury & space, 2.5-litre NA, 2.4-litre turbo, hybrid\nThe all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are also the world\u2019s firsts to come with the Hybrid Long Slide function. The first row rear seats can slide up to a range of 480 mm and can be adjusted using both electric power and manual control in the Alphard, and manual only in the Vellfire. The two new luxury MPVs are fitted with 12.3-inch full-colour TFT digital instrument panels, together with head-up displays.\nSafety-wise, the Malaysian-spec Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are packed with the Toyota Safety Sense suite. This includes safety features such as dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), lane departure alert (LDA), road sign assist (RSA), and adaptive high-beam assist (AHS).\nIn Malaysia, the two new luxury MPVs are available in four colours \u2013 Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, Black, as well as the Alphard-exclusive Precious Leo-Blond. Customers in Malaysia can now book the all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota Motor records 6% sales jump in 1H 2023 \u2013 8,669 Toyota, Lexus vehicles sold in June"
"TC Euro Cars, official distributors of Renault vehicles in Malaysia has released an updated price list in light of the \ngovernment\u2019s recent initiative to kick start the automotive industry\n again.\nAside from the Captur which is locally assembled, the rest of the Renault line up is subject to a 50% sales tax reduction. On top of the sales tax savings, TCEC will continue to offer \nexclusive online deals through the Renault E-Store\n in the form of six-month instalment waivers with savings ranging from RM6,600 for the Captur to RM17,000 for the Megane R.S.\nCustomers who trade-in their vehicles will enjoy further rewards of up to RM8,400. Additionally, Captur and Koleos customers also get a free five-year/100,000km service package worth RM6,278 and RM7,837 respectively.\nFor the updated price list from other car brands in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"For more than two years, the FIA and the Formula 1 governing body have been working on new regulations for the sport, to be used starting from the 2021 season.\u00a0\nPresented at the Circuit of the Americas before the 2019 United States Grand Prix, The new regulations aim to create better looking cars, closer racing on track, fairer finances and a better experience for the fans. And boy, do they deliver on the looks.\nThe 2021 F1 cars will be based on a new design philosophy and sport some pretty radical changes \u2013 sweeping bodywork, simplified front wings and suspension, bigger rear wings, increased underbody aerodynamics, wheel wake control devices, and low-profile tyres with 18-inch wheels.\nAlthough visual appeal is one of the big considerations here, Formula 1 says that the cars are carefully designed to promote closer racing on track. In the current season, trailing in the \u201cdirty\u201d air of the car in front means a downforce reduction of up to 50%; The new design aims to drop the downforce lost to about 10%.\nFor the first time ever, Formula 1 is also introducing a spending restriction for the development of the cars. Each team is allowed a maximum of USD175 million per year to cover all on-track performance-related expenses.\u00a0\nThe cost cap will exclude marketing costs, salaries of the drivers, and of the top-three personnel of the team. It will be interesting to see how Formula 1 enforces the new spending restriction, knowing that teams will try to find loopholes in the written rules to squeeze out every ounce of performance possible.\nThe McLaren F1 Team had some fun with the new design renders\nOver the season, the number of performance and aerodynamic upgrades on the cars will also be restricted. Certain parts such as fuel pumps will also be standardised, or have a prescribed design for the teams to adhere by.\nThe same 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engines will remain on the 2021 cars, but now with the exhaust system added to the list of components that are limited in number per season.\u00a0\nRace weekends will be condensed starting from 2021, with the press conference moved from Thursday to Friday before the free practice sessions. Teams are also required to run two practice sessions during the year using drivers who have completed two Grand Prix races or fewer, giving more opportunities for fresh talents to emerge!\nThe new regulations, which Formula 1 claims is one of the biggest set of rule changes in the sport\u2019s history, intends to level the playing field across the grid. Hopefully these changes can result in more battles on track, and less runaway champions!\u00a0\n \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What happens when you drop a \nMercedes-Benz G-Wagen\n, \nFord Bronco\n, and a \nSuzuki Jimny\n into a blender? Well \u2013 with a bit of \nCyberpunk\n seasoning, what you end up with will probably look a little something like this. What you\u2019re looking at is the Cybertank 300 concept, unveiled by Chinese carmaker Wey at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show.\nWey probably took the saying \u201cimitation is the sincerest form of flattery\u201d a little too seriously here, because in terms of styling, the Cybertank 300 is pretty much a blend of every boxy SUV in one. Just from first glance, we\u2019re already seeing the Ford Bronco in the front fascia, the flat overfenders from the G-Wagen, and also even the side profile of a Defender 110.\nWhile the Cybertank is still a one-off concept, it\u2019s actually based off an actual production car called the Tank 300, and yes \u2013 it still has most of the imitation styling touches. The \u201ccyber\u201d part of the Cybertank basically adds on several LED lighting accents (nothing shouts \u201cfuturistic\u201d more than LED lights,\n right?\n), a hood scoop, a large roof spoiler, chunkier bumpers, and an honestly pretty-good-looking square-shaped spare tire cover.\nStepping foot inside the Wey Cybertank 300, and. no wait, isn\u2019t this a Mercedes-Benz? Well obviously no it isn\u2019t, but you\u2019d be forgiven if you thought so. It\u2019s got the same flat dashboard architecture as the G-Wagen, and the round vents just adds more to the effect. And the dual-screen set-up? That just shouts MBUX.\nParticularly on the Cybertank, Wey has also stepped up the interior with a more lavish equipment appointment, including a white leather upholstery with yellow accents, aluminium trims, and piano black plastic, bringing it even closer to the \u201cluxury-oriented\u201d G-Class.\nNow, since this is a concept and (still) not a production model, Wey did not reveal what\u2019s lurking underneath the bonnet. But if we had to guess, it\u2019s probably the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill as the standard Tank, which is good for \n227 hp\n and is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox \u2013 that is, if there\u2019s an actual powertrain in there.\nTruth be told, the Cybertank does have pretty much everything needed to be a good Suzuki Jimny rival. The ladder frame construction also probably means it\u2019ll be able to handle some tough terrains \u2013 though it\u2019s not like Cybertank buyers would actually bring them off-road.\nIt\u2019s just, we still can\u2019t take the mix-and-match styling effort seriously, at all. But seeing how many of these\n Suzuki Jimny conversion kits \ndo actually exist, we\u2019re sure there\u2019ll be an actual queue to buy the Cybertank, if it actually makes it into production.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has finally introduced the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class to our local market after the refreshed limousine made its global premiere in July 2017. The W222 generation S-Class that represents the pinnacle of luxury in the three-pointed star line up gains revised styling, new technologies as well as more new powertrain options.\nUnlike the pre-facelift model, MBM has trimmed the variant line up to a sole S 450 L AMG Line, dropping the popular and attractively priced (CKD hybrid tax incentives) S 400h from the facelift line up. Despite the RM100k premium over the old S 400h, rest assured you\u2019re getting nothing but the best on the S 450 L AMG Line.\nQUICK FACTS   Name\nMercedes-Benz S 450 L AMG Line\nEngine\n2,996cc; twin-turbo V6\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n367 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n500 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.4 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM699,888\n\u00a0\nThe most obvious visual differences on the refreshed S-Class are the headlamp design that now houses triple LED daytime running as opposed to a single bar from before. The taillamps have also been updated with a stardust effect to complement the more angular and sharper AMG body kit.\nAs standard the S 450 L comes equipped with Multibeam LED headlamps, 20-inch 10-spoke AMG lightweight alloys, head- and noise-insulating glass as well as twin exhaust outlets. Customers have the option to have their S-Class painted in a Designo Paint finish for an additional RM6,000.   Inside, the locally assembled S-Class features leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, multifunctional sports steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, Widescreen Cockpit, high-gloss brown eucalyptus wood trim and AMG floor mats.\nFeel good items include 64-colour ambient lighting, Air-Balance package, executive seats, powered rear seats with memory function, Burmester surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging tray for front and rear passengers as well as rear seat entertainment.   The S 450 L is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that develops \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission to allow the limousine to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.4 seconds\n with an electronically governed top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Airmatic suspension is a standard fitment on the S 450 L.\nSafety wise, the S-Class comes with the latest array of driver assistance systems including Distronic Plus, Active Distance Control Distronic and Active Steering Assist that allows the S-Class to have semi-autonomous driving capabilities at speeds of up to 210 km/h.\nAll purchase of the Mercedes-Benz S 450 L comes with a 4-Years warranty and is eligible for Agility Financing from Mercedes-Benz Financial Service which brings down the monthly instalment (with service package) to RM8,888.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hard to believe but Volvo\u2019s best-selling large SUV is already five years old, and the variants which are locally assembled in Malaysia have just received a string of updates.\nExterior\nMost prominent in this model year update is a redesigned grille (any and all updates must have a new grille it seems), along with some silver trim on the fog lamp housing and across the rear reflectors. Completing the exterior updates are new alloy rims and two new colour choices (total is five) for all three variants.\nSlightly higher battery capacity, longer electric range\nFor the T8 plug-in hybrid, the battery capacity has been increased from 10.4 kWh to 11.6 kWh.\nMaximum pure electric range is now 50 km, a slight improvement from the previous 45 km. This range however differs in different markets around the globe, in accordance to local PHEV engine settings. It\u2019s due to different emission standards from country to country.\nSame classy interior\nThe highlight of the interior is the redesigned Orrefors crystal gear selector for the T8 variants. The T5 is not forgotten either, it receives third-row air conditioning (via vents on the C-pillars), 4-zone electronic climate control and a cooled glove compartment.\nUpdated active safety\nCity Safety and Blind Spot Information System both receives steering assist now, while Oncoming Lane Mitigation (first introduced in the XC60) also makes its appearance. Finally, the Cross Traffic Alert system is now capable of auto braking.\nThe refreshed XC90 is available in showrooms, and prices (without insurance, personal registration) remained unchanged:\nVolvo XC90 T5 \nRM373,888\nVolvo XC90 T8 Inscription \nRM399,888\nVolvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus \nRM409,888\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Meet Patrick Bergel. He may sound like a regular joe, but he has achieved something extraordinary. Just like his great-grandfather, famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, he made his feat by becoming the first person to drive across the Antarctic \u2013 in a Hyundai Santa Fe.\nThe expedition, held in December last year, offers close to\n 5,800 km\n of challenging icy terrain, not forgetting the brutally frigid weather. It\u2019s also in line to commemorate the centenary of Shackleton\u2019s heroic Trans-Antarctic expedition of 1914-16.\nWhat\u2019s more amazing is that the Santa Fe used in this journey is largely the same as\u00a0the one sold in showrooms. Still, few modifications are required, like using \nA-1 jet fuel\n for the standard \n2.2-litre diesel engine\n because it\u2019s the only fuel sold in that continent. The tyres have been swapped for snow-terrain tyres, and special suspension have been fitted.\nPatrick spent 30 days persevering, driving at an average speed of\n 27 km/h\n. All that effort paid off substantially in his favour after etching his name (and the Santa Fe) in the book of records.\nBack at home, the Hyundai Santa Fe is sold by Hyundai Malaysia from \nRM168k\n for the base 2.4-litre petrol variant to \nRM201k\n for the range topper 2.2-litre diesel.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Cars such as\u00a04\u00d74 SUVs have always been a left-field choice. A ladder frame chassis that fits seven is usually based on a pickup truck, and this formula appeals to a very niche crowd. For some reason, I can\u2019t wrap my head around the rationale behind the purchases of these 4\u00d74 SUVs, that is until I was given the keys to one.\nToyota was the first to introduce vehicles of this class to Malaysia with the first generation Toyota Fortuner. The rugged SUV was well received by Malaysians and Toyota went on to sell them for years, and later introduced limited-run TRD trims. Naturally, the \nsecond generation Toyota Fortuner\n made its way to our shores.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4X4\nEngine\n2,694cc; DOHC, inline-4 petrol\nTransmission\n6-speed Electronically-controlled automatic transmission (ECT) with paddle shifters.\nMax Power\n164 hp @ 5,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n245 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM199,900\nBuyers have two variants to choose from, either the 2.4 VRZ turbodiesel or the 2.7 SRZ petrol. Besides the different mills, the biggest difference between the two are the safety features. Other than that, you can spec the diesel to closely match the equipment levels of the SRZ. The test unit in discussion is the top of the line 2.7 SRZ petrol with all the optional checkboxes ticked. Now, let\u2019s see what this 4\u00d74 SUV is all about.\nEXTERIOR\nIf you are wondering that those sleek curves and elegant design can\u2019t possibly be on a Toyota Fortuner, I kid you not. This is the real deal. Toyota has taken a design leap to offer more sophistication in their recent designs, as you can tell from their latest line-up from \nthe Camry\n to the \nHilux\n.   Although there are some similarities in the design cues with the Hilux (which it is based on), the Fortuner gets a massive dose of elegance injected into the mix. Previously, the Fortuner was basically a Hilux with a tailgate, but the new generation model is distinctly different from its workhorse sibling.\nI akin the exterior of the Fortuner to a gentle giant. Why? Despite its large dimensions, the aura, if you will, is not menacing. Should this Fortuner pop up in your rear view mirror during the day, you\u2019ll feel as though it\u2019s greeting you\u00a0\nKonichiwa\n. That is, until the sun goes down and the headlamps come on.   While some may comment that Toyota is a poor man\u2019s Lexus, I beg to differ. When parked next to a Lexus, the avantgarde Bronze Metallic paint, full LED Headlamps with LED daytime running lights, chrome plated door handles with keyless entry, LED combination tail lamps, rear spoiler with integrated third brake light and shuriken-style 18-inch alloys make it hard to tell apart which is the more expensive of the lot.\nINTERIOR\nStep inside the new Fortuner and you will marvel at the exclusivity of the cabin. Lex- I mean Toyota certainly did not slack off after penning its impressive exterior. At first glance, the cabin is reminiscent of the more luxurious \nToyota Vellfire\n and \nAlphard\n.\nThe dark brown leather is exquisite. Smooth to the touch and soft to the butt. Finding a comfortable driving position is a fuss-free affair thanks to the eight-way powered seats with lumbar support. The four spoke steering wheel is finished in leather and wood. However, I am not too sure of the leather\u2019s quality on the steering wheel. It feels more urethane than leather to my hands, but it\u2019s\u00a0adequately thick and comfortable.   This is forgiven with the gorgeous 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-info display and \nOptitron meter\n. Originally developed for Lexus models, the system displays a multitude of driving information such as fuel consumption, text messages (if your phone has Bluetooth linked) and an Eco indicator. This blue illuminated instrument cluster is a must-have for those who went for the lower spec variant.\nThe overall ergonomics of the cabin is typical of Toyota \u2013 simple and functional. From the 8-inch touch screen infotainment system to the \nelectronic 4WD transfer dial\n, everything is well laid out and familiar. One little detail that needs a little getting used to is the raised dashboard that is present in all new model Toyotas. It is not obstructive in any way except it takes a day or two for the awkwardness to go away.\nPassengers at the back will be more than comfortable in the middle row as overhead air vents keep them cool and the optional Roof Mounted Monitor is there to keep them entertained. Legroom and headroom is ample to fit three adults in the second row. The same can\u2019t be said for the third row, though. While accessing the third row is a graceful affair, thanks to the one-touch fold rear seats that stows the middle row seats all the way. However, anyone above the average height of a 12-year-old will not be happy stuck back there for a \nbalik kampung\n trip.   No thanks to the third row seats, boot space is rated at a mere 200 litres. The third row seats can be folded up for extra cargo space. Yes, folded up not down. Thankfully, the seats were on the lighter end of the scale, which made it easier to tuck them away. With the seats out of the way, you get a flat loading area which makes it really easy to slide things in and out from the boot. Plus, the powered tailgate on this test unit allows for easy access to the boot.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the two tonne machine is an updated version of the previous generation \n2.7-litre\n mill. The \nnaturally aspirated\n engine now features \nDual VVT-i\n (previously VVT-i) which adds an additional variable valve on the exhaust for better efficiency.\nThe tried and tested mill now produces \n164 hp\n and \n245 Nm\n of torque, paired to an all-new six speed slushbox with paddle shifters. By default, the car remains in front wheel drive with the 4WD transfer dial set to H2. Toggle the dials to H4 or L4 will put the car into four-wheel drive.\nTHE DRIVE \u2013 ROAD TEST\nThe 2.7-litre\u2019s 164 hp and 245 Nm may seem insufficient to power the ladder frame SUV but for everyday use, it is more than capable. The gearbox can be had in three different settings: Power, Normal and Eco. After spending four days with the Fortuner, I\u2019d say best avoid the Eco button.\nWhile the Eco mode supposedly optimises gearshifts for maximum efficiency, it robs almost all of the power. The Fortuner instantly feels sluggish and is slow to react to your right foot\u2019s input by a dangerous amount of time. The delay in power makes exiting junctions and lane switching manoeuvres a scary ordeal. The only time when I have the green Eco light on is during bumper to bumper traffic.\nNormal or Power are the modes you want to have the car in for a more reasonable drive. With Power mode engaged the power delivery is more willing and the revs climb faster. Going back to Normal after spending some time in Power gives the impression of a sluggish car.\nWith the six-speed automatic transmission, gearshifts are smooth. This gets the Fortuner up to highway speeds at a reasonable and drama-free pace. You can manually override the gears with a pull on the paddle shifters \u2013 a nifty feature especially since the gearbox has an eco-friendly mind set.\nGetting around in the Fortuner was surprisingly easy. Visibility out the Fortuner is simply amazing. As I was seated high up in traffic, I have a good view of what is around me. Even in tight spots, the front and rear parking sensors make it easy to gauge the surroundings. Parking is made even easier with a \nreverse camera\n that displays everything that\u2019s going on at the rear on the large 8-inch screen.\nCommuting in the Fortuner is extremely comfortable. Going through uneven surfaces does not send a jolt up your spine regardless of which row you are seated at, thanks to its new coil spring setup at the rear suspension.\nOverall, as a daily commuter, the Fortuner scores well in my books. Comfortable, convenient and has a host of goodies to play with. As a family car, there really is nothing much to complain about.\nTHE DRIVE \u2013 OFF ROAD\nAlbert Einstein once said \u201cJudge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid\u201d. Hence, it will be unfair to the Fortuner if it was not put to its paces in the great outdoors.\nDriving onto gravel with H2 engaged, the Fortuner maintains its composure well. However, put it into H4 as it should be, the Fortuner cuts through gravel without so much as breaking a sweat. Grip levels are high even when you\u2019re traversing rocky\u00a0terrains at unreasonable speeds.\nEven on uneven pathways, the car absorbs surface imperfections so well, my passengers were not thrown off even once. I can prod the throttle with confidence on such roads. Ascending\u00a0on dirt road was also effortless, thanks to the intelligent Active Traction Control (A-TRC) which ensures all four corners of the car sticks onto the ground. With H4, the Fortuner is able to venture into most territory, with the only limitation being your guts.\nHowever, should you find yourself stuck in a ditch, turn the dial to L4 and it should do the trick. Not something I find myself having to do, even in the rain up a rocky patch. I didn\u2019t have the chance to put the Fortuner through extreme stages. However, our very own GC Mah did. Watch how GC puts the Fortuner through its paces \nhere\n.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nAs a casual road car with seven seats, the Fortuner fares well. It has seven seats, handsome good looks and decent bells and whistles to play with. However, at that price point, there are many other better and more sensible options to choose from, such as the \nHyundai Santa Fe\n, \nNissan X-Trail\n or the \nKia Sorento\n. Then again, these alternatives are nowhere near what the Fortuner is capable of off-road.\nThe Fortuner is better suited for the adventure seekers. Those whom are willing to walk down the road less travelled, who find joy in exploring the mysteries mother nature has to offer yet appreciate the taste of prestige and elegance in their vehicles; this is the car for you.\nI say that because in the ladder cab SUV segment, the Fortuner\u2019s aesthetics is simply a cut above the rest. It even has the performance to boot. Except, maybe the king himself, the\u00a0\nFord Everest\n.\nMatthew\u2019s take: In all honesty, the Fortuner\u2019s only appeal to me is the way it looks. It\u2019s hard to stomach the RM200k asking price, especially if it doesn\u2019t come with a turbodiesel engine. UMW Toyota explicitly said the main reason behind this is taxation (bigger engines such as the 2.8L diesel will push the price further upwards). Despite being CKD, the Fortuner is still having a hard time convincing buyers to put their money down on this. Just how many Fortuners have you seen on the roads today?\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Apparently it all started when a Taekwondo practitioner posted a video of the cool trick and it just \nblew up on Instagram\n; everyone from Jason Statham, Mariah Carey to Justin Bieber got in on the action but the best has to go \nDonnie Yen (Ip Man) effortless blindfolded kick\n.\nWhile most opted for the flying kick, or at least what they thought was a flying kick, some used their hands, tongue and even voice (Mariah Carey) but it hasn\u2019t stopped a few motorheads and \neven BMW \nto get creative on four wheels.\nMINI DIGGER\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by @dozers_excavators\nATV BIKE\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by VELOCIDAD \u2022 STUNT \u2022 MOTOS \ud83d\udd25\u270a\ud83c\udffd (@locombia_stunt)\nDODGE CHARGER\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0631\u0627\u0642\u064a \u0639\u0627\u0634\u0642 \u0627\u0644 SRT (@srt_lq)\nE36 BMW 3-series\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Elvin Xudaverdiyev (@elvin023official)\nMcLAREN P1 (Our Pick)\n https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzqdwu-olQ7/\nSo, who do you think did it best?"
"Lotus Cars Malaysia has just launched their latest and fastest road-going sports car in the form of the Evora 400 here in Malaysia.\nThe Evora 400 is Lotus\u2019 newest\u00a02+2 sports car\u00a0to hit the niche market that combines performance with legendary handling \u2013 something we are all too familiar with the Lotus brand.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLotus Evora 400 (Manual)\nLotus Evora 400 (Auto)\nEngine\n3,456cc; Supercharged V6\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n6-speed auto\nMax Power\n400 hp @ 7,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n410 Nm @ 3,500 rpm\n400 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.2 seconds; 300 km/h\n4.2 seconds; 280 km/h\nPrice\nfrom RM597,999\nfrom RM610,999\nEXTERIOR\nThe new Evora 400 brings forth more than just new\u00a0\nfenders\n and trimmings. Instead, it\u2019s Lotus\u2019 way of saying they\u2019re serious about building cars that looks just as fast as they go. So, what makes the Evora a worthy alternative to the crowd favourite \nCayman GT4\n? Well, you make body panels even more lightweight than before. The front fender and the redesigned rear spoiler are both new, while the latter is capable of producing \n32kg of downforce at 250 km/h\n.   Lotus claims that as much as \ntwo thirds\n of the Evora\u2019s components are new or altered. However, it takes a very fine eye to comb over the changes. Lotus commissioned a team of engineers to put those bits on a strict diet and the net result of all is a significant reduction in weight amounting to \n42kg\n, which means that the kerb weight is down to a mind boggling\u00a0\n1,395kg\n. Now that makes for an impressive power-to-weight ratio.\nINTERIOR\nThe brand has been hard at work refining the driving experience of the Evora. To get in or out of a regular run-of-the-mill Evora, one would need to either be a contortionist or an Olympic-grade figure skater. That problem is solved by\u00a0\ndropping\n the door sills just low enough, making ingress and egress that much easier than before.   Apart from that, Lotus also draped the interior in a tastefully chosen shade of \nred leather hide\n. Speaking of the seats, due to the now lowered door sill, Lotus thought it to be a good idea to swap out the old ones for a new pair that comes with intricate \nstitching\n to match the leather.\nThe steering wheel feels a lot sportier and driver focussed now than ever. The paddle shifters have a better \u2018click\u2019 to it while the old gauges make way for solid looking new ones that\u2019s backlit in red. Even the door cards have been replaced with \nthinner\n ones in the quest for lightness.\nPERFORMANCE\nWe\u2019re pretty sure you\u2019re aware that the 400 tag on the Evora refers to the pony-count that\u2019s pumped out from the \nToyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6\n motor. Performance is the singular most aspect that has seen the biggest change in this 400 hp/410 Nm flagship. The brakes have been uprated to a set of AP Racing cross-drilled rotors that measure \n370mm\n upfront with \n350mm\n discs at the rear, which translates to a whole heap of stopping power.\nBut what\u2019s a Lotus without firmer springs and dampers to help out with the job of handling? Speaking of which, the company has fitted the 400 with an \nLSD\n that\u2019s sourced over from British drivetrain gurus\u00a0\nQuaife\n. Couple that to the newly reconfigured traction control system and you have, at your disposal, all the grip and traction the road could possibly offer. The combination of these make the Evora one of the biggest challengers in the world of track weapons.\nIt\u2019s worthy to note that the Evora 400 wears \nMichelin Pilot Super Sports\n for shoes that measure \n235/35 R19\n for the front, while the rears are shod with fatter\u00a0\n285/30 R20 \nrubbers. If you aren\u2019t already convinced of the potential under the hood, then you\u2019ll need to listen to the exhaust notes. Here, the Rice Crispies tagline comes to mind \u2013 \nSnap, Crackle & Pop\n.\n\u00a0\nTo achieve this, the exhaust system is fitted with a butterfly bypass valve that makes this V6 come to life.\nUnleash those ponies and you\u2019ll see the century sprint mark tick past in a mere \n4.2 seconds\n and if you keep the right pedal flat to the floor, you\u2019ll see the speedo nudge the 300 km/h per hour barrier \u2013 with the manual transmission. The automatic variant (with 10 Nm less) maxes out at 280 km/h. For that matter, the new Evora 400 is a full seven seconds quicker around the Norfolk test track compared to its predecessor.\nWHAT ELSE?\nLotus Cars Malaysia will be offering a promotional package which includes a \n3-\nY\near warranty\u00a0\nand \n2-year Free Service\n\u00a0that also comes bundled with a one-time driving experience at the Lotus Driving Academy. What\u2019s more, you too will automatically be given a membership to the distinguished Lotus Official Club Malaysia (LOCM). Furthermore, the first \n30 buyers\n will also enjoy a sizeable discount. For further enquiries and a chance to this view this junior supercar in the flesh, visit the Lotus showroom located along Jalan Damansara.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Although just introduced recently, the \nAudi A8\n\u2018s facade has been given a Sports Exterior package for a little sharpening up. It also marks the introduction of the exterior color Daytona gray for the luxury sedan.\nThe package consists mainly of an aluminium clip below the Singleframe grille, clear contours around the air inlets along with honeycomb grilles.\u00a0The side sills have also been stretched wider towards the wheels. The rear bumper has been redesigned to accommodate a rhombus-grille insert and a contrasting diffuser.\nInside the A8\n, new sports seats feature optically-integrated head restraints, a first for the Audi A8, as it previously comes with electric height adjustment only. The seats are also added with backrest side bolster adjustment, along with climate control and massage function.\nFor upholstery, customers can choose from the top leather grades \u2013 Volcona and unicum \u2013 where the latter appears in nutmeg brown with tourmaline blue stitching. The Valcona leather is available in sard brown with steel grey stitching.\nThe sports seats which cost EUR 4,520 (RM 20,403) is available for all engine and body versions. So far, the exterior package is only reserved for German and European markets, available from next year onwards, at the price of EUR 1,950 (RM 9,361).\nIMAGE GALLERY   Audi A8 sport seat"
"It\u2019s never easy to witness accidents but even more so when the car concerned is one that is dear to us. As you know we\u2019ve aired several episodes from the \nProject EJ36 video series on YouTube\n and with every upgrade, the attachment with the car has gotten stronger.\nThe incident took place in Ulu Yam according to the \nInstagram post \nand based on the front dashcam footage, it looked like nothing more than a slow and peaceful morning session between man and his machine.\nThat\u2019s until a Proton Preve showed up and ruined the morning, the day, and perhaps the car; forever. The caption in the post read, \u201cClosing another chapter.\u201d\nAlong with the footage of the accident, the owner of the black BMW E36 also posted several images of the damaged car. One of them, with the owner by the side of the wreck, really hits the feels. You can just feel his pain and despair from the picture.\nThe innocent classic and its owner \u2013 we feel your pain.\nJust like the \nToyota Yaris vs Proton Wira \naccident that took place a few months back, it looks like another severe case of understeer caused by the vehicle carrying excessive speeds through the bend. In fact, it could be the exact location in Ulu Yam where the Yaris collided into the Wira.\nUnlike the Yaris incident, this time it has wiped out a great classic. It\u2019s hard to see where the finish line is for this madness; it may be someone\u2019s prized possession now, the next could be a life."
"At yesterday\u2019s \nToyota Fortuner GR Sport\n launch, Toyota Thailand also debuted the Modellista styling kit for the Fortuner. Unlike GR Sport or the old TRD Sportivo designs, the Modellista design is more expressive, with the company\u2019s direction to \u201cmake vehicle design even more prominent\u201d.\nThe Fortuner Modellista kit consists of a front bumper spoiler, front grille decoration, rear bumper spoiler and lower door decals. The standard Toyota-designed rims will also be changed to exclusive dual-tone Modellista units, maintaining 18 inches in size.\nChrome highlights are signature with Modellista design and there are subtle touches of chrome at the corners of the front bumper spoiler and contrasted with gloss black finish. \u00a0\nWas this Toyota Alphard Modellista 4-seat conversion the prototype/precursor to the Lexus LM? Take a look at the similarities here!\nPriced at \nTHB57,620\n (approx RM7,400), the Modellista kit (compatible only with the \nSRZ bumpers\n) is now offered as a zero-cost option for selected new Toyota Fortuner purchases in Thailand. Sold and installed by TCD Asia Sales Co. Ltd, the Modellista kit also gets a warranty coverage of 36 months or 100,000 km.\nCould we be seeing the Modellista kit being offered in Malaysia? The brand has been unheard of except for the group of Toyota Alphard and Vellfire owners, where a large number of used and new units come fitted with Modellista kits.\nFor the keen observers who noticed, the \n2021 Toyota Vios Challenge\n also see sponsorship by Modellista (replacing TRD). Wing Hin Motorsports is currently the authorised distributor of Modellista kits in Malaysia and they also offer the kit for the new Toyota Camry, RAV4 as well as the Sienta.\nImages from \nModellista Malaysia\n Facebook page\nThus, the Fortuner Modellista kit being previewed in Thailand could soon be here in Malaysia, brought in by Wing Hing Motorsports. \u00a0\nCheck out Toyota Motor Indonesia\u2019s GR Sport range, now up to six models! But do they communicate fun-to-drive? More about the line-up here.\nGALLERY"
"After exhausting the W213 \nE-Class\n, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the all-new W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The E-Class now bridges the gap between the brand\u2019s \u2018normal\u2019 cars and its models from the EQ series.\nFor now, \nMercedes-Benz\n \nhas officially listed 6 variants of the all-new W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 3 of them being plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models and the other 3 being mild hybrid (MHEV) models. With no AMG versions announced yet, the lineup of the W214 E-Class is as such:\nE 220 d (MHEV)\nE 220 d 4MATIC (MHEV)\nE 200 (MHEV)\nE 300 e (PHEV)\nE 300 e 4MATIC (PHEV)\nE 400 e 4MATIC (PHEV)\nIn terms of dimensions, the all-new W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class measures 4,949 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,468 mm tall. Its wheelbase is now 22mm longer than it used to be, now measuring 2,961 mm. As for luggage capacity, the new E-Class\u2019s boot provides 540 litres of storage capacity.\nAt the front, you now see a design that bridges the internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and the fully electric EQ cars. The front end features a black panel-like surface that surrounds the grille. The black panel surface connects the grille with the headlamps of the car. The grille is a 3D-designed radiator grille that can be had with either a progressive or classic look, depending on the equipment line. Customers can also opt for an illuminated radiator grille.\nNow with a larger front surface area, the new E-Class is still very aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.23. With the wheelbase now 22 mm longer, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the W214 E-Class with optional rear wheel steering. This comes together in optional Technology Package which also includes an all-round AIRMATIC suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping.\nThe rear wheel steering system reduces the turning radius by up to 900 mm. For AWD variants, the turning circle is reduced to 11.1 m (from 12.0 m) while for RWD variants, the turning circle is reduced to 10.8 m (from 11.6 m).\nAnother new feature of the W214 E-Class is the Digital Vehicle Key which is now available for iPhone and Apple Watch. They digital key can be shared with 16 people at one time.\nAs for powertrain options, a summary of the offerings are as such:\nMHEV options\n:\nE 220 d\nE 220 d 4MATIC\nE 200\nEngine\ninline-4 turbodiesel\ninline-4 turbodiesel\ninline-4 turbo\nDisplacement (cc)\n1,993\n1,993\n1,999\nMax. Power (hp)\n197\n197\n204\nMax. torque (Nm)\n440\n440\n320\nISG Additional Power (hp)\n23\n23\n23\nISG Additional Torque (Nm)\n205\n205\n205\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic auto\n9G-Tronic auto\n9G-Tronic auto\n0-100 km/h (s)\n7.6\n7.8\n7.5\nTop speed (km/h)\n238\n234\n240\nPHEV Options\n:\nE 300 e\nE 300 e 4MATIC\nE 400 e 4MATIC\nEngine\ninline-4 turbo\ninline-4 turbo\ninline-4 turbo\nDisplacement (cc)\n1,999\n1,999\n1,999\nEngine Max. Power (hp)\n204\n204\n252\nEngine Max. torque (Nm)\n320\n320\n400\nElectric Motor Power (hp)\n95\n95\n95\nElectric Motor Torque (Nm)\n440\n440\n440\nSystem Power (hp)\n230\n230\n280\nSystem Torque (Nm)\n550\n550\n650\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic auto\n9G-Tronic auto\n9G-Tronic auto\n0-100 km/h (s)\n6.4\n6.5\n5.3\nTop speed (km/h)\n236\n234\n250\nInside, the main highlight of the W214 E-Class would be the new Superscreen. Mercedes-Benz has revealed this previously and it is an evolution from the Hyperscreen. For the first time in an E-Class, the front passenger comes with an optional screen. Interestingly, the front passenger\u2019s screen comes with Intelligent blocking which means it can\u2019t be viewed from the driver\u2019s seat, in order to reduce driving distractions.\nAs mentioned before, the latest MBUX system now supports apps like Tiktok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom, and Vivaldi. At the centre of the dashboard is a conference camera to be used with the relevant apps. Another new thing for the MBUX system is newly designed icons that Mercedes-Benz claims to be more intuitive.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 interior revealed \u2013 Superscreen debuts with in-car TikTok app\nAs expected of a Mercedes-Benz, you do get optional ambient lighting in the W214 E-Class. It is a new Active Ambient lighting system that comes with Sound Visualisation. This essentially synchronises the ambient light animation/effects with the beat of the music that is playing. Speaking of music, the E-Class can be had with an optional Burmester 4D surround sound system.\nAs for the interior colours, the W214 E-Class\u2019s cabin can be had in several options. This ranges from light beige combined with space grey, including a classy pearl effect, to the sophisticated tonka brown and the cool and technical-looking grey.\nExclusive to the E-Class is interior trim of open-pore wood in dark ash which is backlit by the Mercedes-Benz pattern. \u201cMANUFAKTUR piano lacquer black flowing lines\u201d variant familiar from the S-Class is also now available in the W214. Another highlight is the interior trim in a silver-coloured metal-mix material.\nIn the safety department, the W214 E-Class is equipped with Active Steering Assist, Automatic start off after coming to a standstill, Active Distance DISTRONIC, junction start-off, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist. The E\u2014Class is also equipped with the brand\u2019s PRE-SAFE PLUS."
"Since the \nGeely Bin Yue\n made its market debut in October 2018 and by the end of 2018, the Chinese carmaker has delivered 23,361 units of their first compact SUV.\nThe Bin Yue is the first Geely model to sit on the new \nB-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform\n which was developed with passenger and pedestrian safety as its highest priority. On the outside, the Bin Yue appeals to the younger audience with its sporty appearance thanks to the angular front splitters, quad exhaust outlets, rear diffuser inserts, dual-tone paint scheme, red painted brake calipers and sporty rear spoiler.\nInside, the Bin Yue\nboasts a decidedly more attractive cabin with its dual tone leather upholstery\nwith brushed aluminium inlays, 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster display, 10.25-inch\nfloating touchscreen display, panoramic\nsunroof and others.\nOnly two powertrain options are available with the Bin Yue \u2013 an entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo with \n136 hp\n/\n205 Nm\n and a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder turbo \nco-developed with Volvo\n packing \n177 hp\n/\n255 Nm\n. The latter is mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that sends the Bin Yue sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.9 seconds\n.\nThe Bin Yue is not\nshort on safety equipment too, packing Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with\nLane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Blind Spot Detection, Electronic\nStability Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking system with pedestrian\nrecognition, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with temperature readouts and HD\ndriving recorder.\nJammed packed with features and safety technologies in a stylish compact SUV package really makes for a recipe of success. The Bin Yue received a positive market introduction, but the \nBo Yue\n\u2019s (\nProton X70\n) remains Geely\u2019s bestselling SUV with an average monthly sale of 20,000 units.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nGeely\u00a0Bin\u00a0Yue\u00a0in\u00a0China"
"It looks like\n Mitsubishi\n is not alone when it comes to falsifying fuel economy test. Now, Suzuki is the latest car manufacturer to come forth admitting to this dishonesty, a move which saw their shares tumble by 9.4 percent in the Tokyo Stoke Exchange.\nSuzuki\u2019s CEO, Osamu Suzuki said, \u201cThe company apologises for the fact that we did not follow rules set by the country.\u201d He also said that\u00a0his workers did not intentionally provide improper data. That said, a total of \n2.1 million cars\n\u00a0involving 16 different models are affected. However, this does not impact Suzuki cars sold overseas.\nStrangely, Suzuki pointed fingers towards its test facility in Sagara, Japan, as the root cause for the test discrepancies. The coastal location of the said facility means that it\u2019s exposed to different weather conditions such as the influence of wind, thus making tests difficult to conduct.\n\u201cAs the result of verification of all certified fuel efficiency value with these actual data through the coasting test, all certified values remained within the range of measurement deviation.\u00a0Therefore, we consider it not necessary to amend the driving resistance value applied, nor the fuel efficiency value measured using the driving resistance value,\u201d\u00a0said Suzuki.\nLast month, Mitsubishi admitted to rigging fuel economy tests in four of their models by over-inflating their tyre pressure. Just recently, the struggling Mitsubishi was \nrescued by Nissan\n and the company\u2019s president, Tetsuro Aikawa, has announced his resignation.\nSuzuki is Japan\u2019s fourth largest auto manufacturer and specialise in making small and compact vehicles. Earlier this year, Suzuki inked a \nstrategic partnership\n deal with Proton to develop cars in Malaysia.\n[Source: Reuters]"
"In support of the local food relief efforts for the underprivileged and marginalised communities in Malaysia during the \nCovid-19\n pandemic, \nBMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\n has announced their commitment to contribute \nRM100\n towards two local organisations \u2013 Refuge for the Refugees, and Empire Project \u2013 for every electrified model funded via their BMW Engage platform.\nThe initiative will run from \n1st September to 31st December 2021\n, and will include the following models: \nBMW 330e\n, \nBMW 530e\n, \nBMW 740Le xDrive\n, \nBMW X5 xDrive45e\n, \nMINI Cooper SE\n, \nMi\nni Cooper SE Countryman.\nThese contributions will support the Refuge for the Refugees food aid programme that serves upwards of 700 families in the B40, migrant, and refugee communities on a weekly basis, as well as the various food and essential relief efforts conducted by Empire Project throughout the pandemic that serves marginalised Malaysians across the country.\nBMW Group Malaysia meanwhile, will support the effort by providing help with logistics and delivery needs.\nBMW Group Malaysia and NGOs offer support to B40 families during the pandemic. Learn more here.\nPhoto: Refuge for the Refugees\nBMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Chief of Sales & Marketing, Danielle Maassen said: \u201cIn these challenging times, it is imperative that we come together to lend a helping hand wherever we can. Although we are looking at a gradual shift into the next phase of the National Recovery Plan, we want to continue providing support to these exceptional non-profit organisations who work hard to ensure that underprivileged families and individuals in the country do not go hungry.\n\u201cWe have had the privilege of volunteering our time as an organisation with both Refuge for the Refugees and Empire Project for the \nlast 18 months\n, and we are humbled to be able to contribute further to their relief efforts,\u201d Maassen added.\nPhoto: Refuge for the Refugees\nLearn more about Refuge for the Refugees at their website (\nhttps://rftr.super.site\n) and Instagram Page (linked \nhere\n), and Empire Project on their Facebook page \nhere\n. For more information on the \nBMW Engage platform\n, visit their website linked \nhere\n."
"Just last week, Volkswagen previewed the\u00a0\nTron-inspired crossover\n on the Internet, and now it\u2019s just been fully revealed as the T-Prime Concept GTE at the ongoing Beijing Motor Show. This plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) crossover is our first glimpse at how the next generation Touareg could look like.\nThe first observation we make of this crossover is that it\u2019s considerably larger and wider than the current Touareg. The concept is built upon Audi\u2019s MLB platform, meaning it would share similar underpinnings and technology from the VW group such as the \nBentley Bentayga\n, \nAudi Q7\n, and the Lamborghini Urus.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg5EgHftPk0\nDespite being the biggest crossover in Volkswagen\u2019s stable, the T-Prime seats only four, for now, because let\u2019s not forget that it\u2019s just a concept. But what\u2019s more important is the new dashboard design that integrates\u00a0Active Info Display with a new 15-inch display screen called\u00a0\nCurved Interaction Area\n. The screen will run apps as well as support gesture and touch control.\nAs this is a plug-in hybrid, it\u2019s powered by a\n 2.0-litre turbocharged \u00a0four-cylinder petrol engine\n coupled with an electric motor, producing a healthy\u00a0\n375 hp\n with \n750 Nm\n of torque. Like before, it remains an all-wheel drive, and power is sent to the four corners through an\u00a0\neight-speed automatic gearbox\n.\nPerformance wise, Volkswagen claims that the 0 \u2013 100km/h is achieved in\n 6.0 seconds\n with a top speed of\u00a0\n222 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is impressive, consuming just\u00a0\n3.2 litres per 100km\n and can travel up to 50km on full electric mode, thanks to the\u00a0\n14.1 kWh\n battery pack.\nThe current Touareg debuted in Malaysia back in 2012 with a price of RM443,888.00 for the V6 FSI variant.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The critically acclaimed Toyota GT86 sports car will very likely be given a second lease of life following a statement from the Executive Vice President of Toyota Europe, \nKarl Schlicht.\u00a0\nSchlicht said, \u201cThe GT86 is at the stage where it\u2019s being decided on the next one. After that, a chief engineer will be assigned and away we go.\u201d The partnership between them and Subaru remains unconfirmed for the time being, but Toyota has plenty of good reasons to continue working with them, especially for the low-mounted flat-four engine.\nRumours abound the availability of a soft-top GT86, however Schlicht was quick to respond by saying \u201cDealers would like one, but we won\u2019t do it on the current model.\u201d\nThe next-generation GT86 will slot below the all-new Supra. Just as how the GT86 is co-developed with Subaru, the reborn Supra is currently in development with BMW. The Bavarian giant\u2019s version will succeed the Z4.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Jaguar F-Type first broke cover at the 2012 Paris Motor Show which served as the British marque\u2019s halo model. Available as a soft-top convertible or a coupe, the F-Type can be had in a variety of engine choices ranging from a \n300 hp 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo petrol\n to a \n575 hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8\n.\nHowever, Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum hinted that the next-generation F-Type replacement could go fully electric as reported by \nAutoCar UK\n. The development cycle for its successor is expected to begin soon and Jaguar is mulling the idea of whether to have it as a final hurrah for the old-school sports cars or switch to their first all-electric sports car.\nCommenting on the challenges\nof a battery powered sports car Callum said: \u201cThen there\u2019s range, but that is\nbecoming less of an issue, and there are advances coming that should help move\nthat on again in the next few years. So the main challenge remaining is the\ninherent raising up of a car required by the packaging of the batteries. But I\nsee that as an interesting challenge, not an insurmountable one.\u201d\n\u201cThe performance\ncapabilities of an electric car are not an issue. The kick from an electric car\nis quite beguiling, and if you adapt your mindset to enjoying that \u2013 driving slower\ninto corners but getting the thump when you hit the throttle earlier \u2013 it\u2019s\nevery bit as enjoyable as a V8-engined car in many respects,\u201d added Callum."
"Not too long ago, Honda introduced us to the City Hatchback to replace the Honda Jazz and along with that, we made a comparison article between the two that you can check out \nhere\n.\nBefore the Honda City Hatchback, the only viable competitor for the Honda Jazz was the Toyota Yaris.\u00a0\nPerformance\u00a0\nThe Honda City Hatchback and Toyota Yaris both offer 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines with DOHC and variable valve timing technology.\nThe City Hatchback pumps out 127hp and 145Nm while the hybrid variant pumps out 98hp and 127Nm via the internal combustion engine with a separate 108hp and 253Nm from the electric motors of Honda\u2019s complex\n i-MMD system\n, both of which significantly outperform the Yaris which only puts out 107hp and 140Nm across the range.\u00a0\nExterior\u00a0\nIt cannot be said enough that looks are highly subjective but in this case, many of us agree that the City Hatchback is a more handsome and mature-looking hatchback compared to the Yaris.\nAt the front, the City Hatchback starts with Halogen projectors and only features LEDs as you progress to the V-spec and onwards while the Yaris is equipped with LED headlamps with the \u2018Follow Me Home\u2019 function available in all variants.\u00a0\nAt the rear, the tables are turned with the City Hatchback coming with full LED rear lights across the range while the Yaris is equipped with bulbed rear lights for the lowest spec and LEDs for the higher specs.\u00a0\nInterior\u00a0\nSimilar to the exterior, the design and layout of the interior boils down to your personal preference. However, with the Yaris being two years older than the City Hatchback, things are starting to look a little outdated when put side to side with the City Hatchback.\u00a0\nStarting with the infotainment system, the City Hatchback is fitted with an eight-inch display while the Yaris loses out with a seven-inch display but take note that the entry-level specs for both cars will not be fitted with said screens.\n8-inch display in the City Hatchback\n7-inch display in the Yaris\nAnother thing that the City Hatchback wins over the Yaris is the instrument cluster. The Yaris includes a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display with the lowest spec getting a fully analogue cluster, a sad offering compared to the City Hatchback\u2019s seven-inch infotainment cluster in the V-Sensing and RS specs when lower specs get a partially digital cluster.\u00a0\n7-inch infotainment cluster in the City Hatchback\n4.2-inch Multi-Information Display in the Yaris\nClimate controls are also made simpler and straightforward for the City Hatchback with rotating dials fitted to the centre console to adjust temperatures swiftly. On the other hand, the Yaris is fitted with buttons pointing up and down to adjust the temperature which seems like an inferior system to us.\u00a0\nSafety\nThe City Hatchback takes the cake once again when it comes to safety. With all of its Honda Sensing features on the \nV-Sensing\n and \nRS\n specs like Lane Departure Warning and Mitigation (stops the car from weaving out roads), Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning as well as Collision Mitigation Braking (autonomously stops the car from crashing onto the car in front) it proves that safety is no weak point of the car.\u00a0\nThe City also comes with nice features like the Honda Lane Watch feature that shows the left blindspot of the car, ISOFIX I-Size type for your child, and one of the most important features as a Malaysian; Auto Brake Hold which allows you to let your foot off the brake during a traffic jam without putting it in park.\nsafety bag layout of the Yaris\nThe Yaris scores some points back with its abundance of safety bags numbering at seven safety bags across all specs compared to the City Hatchback\u2019s six on higher specs and four on lower specs (yikes), the Yaris also comes with a 3D Panoramic View Monitor and a front Digital Video Recorder across the range so you don\u2019t have to install one in the aftermarket yourself anymore.\u00a0\nPrice\nPrices for the City Hatchback start from RM 75,669 to a whopping RM 107,783 while the Yaris starts from RM 73,800 to RM 87,600. It wouldn\u2019t be comparing apples-to-apples if we were to compare the range-topping variants from both cars as the City Hatchback is much more expensive than the range-topping Yaris and of course, it would be the better car by a long shot.\u00a0\nSo out of the two Japanese hatchbacks, which would you choose? In this scenario, it all boils down to how much you are willing to spend on the City Hatchback as it is no doubt the superior car when fully specced out.\u00a0\nSuppose you think RM 107,783 is too much for a City Hatchback. In that case, both cars are similarly matched when comparing variants with a similar price tag with the City Hatchback packing more modern features and the Yaris with better safety.\nFor more details, check out the \nHonda City Hatchback\n and \nToyota Yaris\n here!"
"Following the announcement made by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) under the new Pakatan Harapan Government that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be zero-rated from 1 June 2018, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has released a revised price list for its model range to reflect this fiscal change.\nThe entire model line up will see a price reduction of between RM9.2k to RM23.3k with the most expensive Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus getting the biggest price cut. The zero-rated GST will also be applicable for parts and servicing prices at all VCM authorised dealers nationwide. The new pricing will take effect from 1 June 2018 onwards until further notice from the MoF.\nIn addition to that, the zero-rated GST is also applicable to the purchase of all \nVolvo Service Agreement (VSA)\n scheduled maintenance package that covers \nthree\n (VSA 3+) or \nfive\n (VSA 5+) scheduled services, carried out every 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever comes first) as well as wear & tear parts including wiper blades, brake pads, brake discs, brake fluid and starter battery.\nVSA Package\nPrice with 6% GST\nPrice with 0% GST\nDifference\nVSA 3+\nRM6,254\nRM5,900\n-RM354\nVSA 5+\nRM9,752\nRM9,200\n-RM552\n*Scheduled Maintenance and Wear & Tear Parts\nWith the lowered price thanks to zero-rated GST, should you sign your name on the dotted line for a brand-new ride? Read \nhere\n to help you decide."
"During the press conference at today\u2019s \nGeneral Distributorship Agreement signing ceremony with Smart\n, Proton announced that the company will be investing in both public and private EV charging networks here in Malaysia, ahead of its official entry into the new energy vehicle market.\nThe local carmaker is keeping mum on the details for now, but revealed that they will be collaborating with local charging providers to set up the network. The company says they are currently speaking to \u201cseven to eight\u201d partners.\nThe network will cover the \u201cmost popular routes\u201d around the nation, including East Malaysia, with the company adding that they intend to serve the rural areas as quickly as urban areas.\nAside from the EV charging network, Proton will also be offering domestic units for customers who intend to charge their vehicles at home, along with installation services. The local carmaker will also lean heavily into integrated digital services, offering a \u201cconnected digital solution\u201d that will include journey planning, charging availability, and even \u201cpurchase considerations\u201d in the near future.\nRELATED: \nTNB, PLUS Malaysia to set up EV charging network along North-South Expressway\nCurrently in Malaysia, many carmakers have already signed partnership deals with either JomCharge (EV Conection) and \nChargEV (Green EV Charge)\n, the two largest EV charging network in Malaysia, to further expand their AC and DC fast charging network around the country. The two government linked energy company, Petronas and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), have also embarked on setting up their own respective charging networks.\nTNB forecasts the number of EVs on the road to reach half a million by 2030 here in Malaysia, raising the electricity consumption requirements up to 2.3 TWh just for EV charging alone. The company expects roughly 3,300 charging points around Malaysia by 2025, rising up to 18,000 chargers by 2030."
"There seems to be this trend where car manufacturers are jazzing up their un-sporty vehicles to attract buyers while at the same time\u00a0aiming to instil a more exciting persona to the brand. This affects everything from the tiny city runabouts all the way up to the large trucks with their less than necessary bodykits and exposed exhaust tips.\nEven the D-segment sedans are not spared. Usually associated as the choice of boring uncles, most of the D-segment sedans have been given a shot of\n joie de vivre\n thus making them flashier than before. \nNissan\n\u2018s latest foray in the D-segment is slightly different in this case, going for a more restrained and not-as-sporty approach on the \nTeana\n. This second-generation \nL33\n Teana is not trying to be sporty but there\u2019s a subtle amount of dynamism in the design if compared to its predecessor.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan Teana 2.0 XL\nSegment\nD-Segment sedan\nEngine\n1,997cc 4-Cylinder, Normally-Aspirated\nTransmission\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 4,450 rpm\nPrice\nRM 149,800.00\n\u00a0\nLaunched here in June 2014, the \nL33 Teana\n range consists of two 4-cylinder engines, displacing either \n2.0-litre\n or \n2.5-litre\n in capacity. The 2.5-litre engine is reserved for the top-spec XV, while the 2.0-litre can be had in two trim levels, XE and XL with RM 10,000 worth of equipment separating them.\nEven in the base XE form the Teana is fitted with numerous safety features that include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, VDC with TCS, and Active Understeer Control, enabling it to bag \n5 stars in the ASEAN NCAP crash test\n. We\u2019re testing the higher-specced 2.0-litre variant, the\n 2.0 XL\n to find out what Nissan\u2019s large sedan costing just below \nRM 150k\n mark has to offer.\nEXTERIOR\nUnlike the previous generation J32 Teana, the L33 Teana has curves incorporated into the design, resulting an appearance akin to a floating cloud. The flowing curve that starts from the nose melds in smoothly with the crisp shoulder line before rising and falling gently towards the back.   Chrome is used moderately on the large front grille, side window frames, door handles, and on the rear number plate garnish; where it also hides the reverse camera. Amusingly there\u2019s a couple of exposed tailpipes peeking out from the rear bumper, but at least you have to give credits to the designer for trying.   LED\n is used in the pointy taillights and for the turn indicators on the side mirrors but you won\u2019t find any LED daytime running lights at the front. What you get is a pair of \nhalogen headlamps\n, a pair of foglamps and the position lamps that\u2019s located down below with the turn indicators.   With such graceful appearance, dare I say that the Teana could even pass as Nissan\u2019s posher cousin, the Infiniti. In spite of that, the only fly in the ointment is that the Teana looks disappointingly under-wheeled on those \n16-inch alloys\n. Oh well, nothing more than a quick trip to the tyre shop for an inch up or two to the wheels to fix that, no?\nINTERIOR\nThe seats in the Teana are supremely comfortable because apparently; I kid you not, Nissan calls them the \u201c\nzero-gravity inspired seats\n\u201d derived from NASA technology that reduces fatigue over longer drives. The driver\u2019s seat doesn\u2019t contain memory function, but it still adjusts electrically and the seat base rises absurdly high enough for the vertically-challenged to feel like they\u2019re on cloud nine.   Along with the powered front seats, the 2.0 XL also receives supple\n leather upholstery\n, auto lamps, a \n5-inch full-colour display\n head unit with \nBluetooth connectivity\n, and not forgetting the ever-useful \nreverse camera\n.   The interior is well put together except for some materials that feel cheap, particularly the hard plastic covering the top of the dash. The shiny plastic trim with a pattern that resembles fish scales tries to lift the cabin\u2019s atmosphere but there\u2019s nothing much to distract you from your driving. The controls for the \ndual-zone climate control\n and the infotainment system are simple to use, and it even has full \nkeyless push start button\n.\nThe steering steers away (no pun intended) from the trend of excessively thick rim that you may find in some rival D-segmenters. It\u2019s also free from shift paddles, although S mode can be selected from the gear selector. The instrument binnacle houses a pair of sharp and clear dials flanking a \n4-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display\n that shows various vehicle information including the ECO indicator.\nRear passengers get aircond vents and generous legroom but not so much headroom. Under the fold-down center armrest is a couple of cupholders and nothing else, however the backrests do \nsplit and fold 60/40\n. Storage space is fine in the cabin which includes the lockable glovebox and the two-tiered compartment under the front armrest, although the door pockets are on the small side, especially at the back.   The boot is huge at \n516 litres\n but the finishing is patchy with some exposed metalwork and the use of fabric straps to fold down the rear seats\u2019 backrests. Furthermore, it\u2019s lacking useful compartments or dividers for smaller items, and a grab handle on the inside to prevent your hands from getting dirty upon closing the boot.\nPERFORMANCE\nI\u2019m a fan of Nissan\u2019s creamy 6-cylinder engines (okay, not only Nissan\u2019s, but any other 6-cylinders), but I didn\u2019t expect their 4-cylinder to be this smooth and quiet. It\u2019s surprisingly refined and barely audible at idle. Paired to a \nContinuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT), the power delivery is gradual without any sudden burst of power usually associated with force-inducted engines.\nWith\n 134 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque produced by the normally-aspirated\n 1,997 cc\n engine, Nissan didn\u2019t release any official 0 to 100 km/h or top speed figures but it\u2019s safe to say they\u2019re sufficient for the daily routine. The Teana is not equipped with stop/start technology, but there is an\n ECO mode\n to help conserve the fuel usage.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe Teana feels very easy to thread along around town thanks to the electric-hydraulic steering that requires minimal effort from the driver. Even if the fact the Teana feels large from behind the wheel, the light steering with small turning circle makes it easy to position the car where you want it to be. The inclusion of the front and rear sensors help with the parking duties, and the reverse camera further alleviates the fear of crunching the rear bumper.\nDespite looking under-wheeled, the combination of the tall \n60-profile tyres\n with the well-tuned suspension soak up the road\u2019s crookedness like a sponge. The Teana comes with\n multi-link rear suspension\n, but it is not a car that you would want to carve the mountain roads. When thrown into the bends the Teana handles them adequately with minimal body roll, but realistically the Teana is more at home on the highways where the car\u2019s relaxed and demure nature is ideally suited to.\nLong highway journey is a soothing experience for both the driver and passengers. Apart from the cosseting \u201czero-gravity inspired seats\u201d, it\u2019s also pleasantly serene inside the Teana\u2019s cabin and there\u2019s hardly any wind noise while cruising at 110 km/h. The\n XTRONIC CVT\n goes well with the comfort-oriented package, and it\u2019s best for you to let the transmission do its own work rather than disturbing it by slotting the lever in S, where it only makes the engine scream louder.\nTo fully appreciate the Teana\u2019s laid-back attribute you should drive it in \nECO mode\n, where the muffled throttle response transports the car in dignified manner. In return you should achieve around \n7.4 l/100 km\n figure, or even better than that if you\u2019re a frequent highway user.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nTo those of you who are looking for a nice comfortable car to get from point A to point B, the Teana might suit your requirements especially if you regularly spend most of the time traveling on the highway. In terms of excitement there\u2019s really nothing to be said about the Teana and on the technology front it doesn\u2019t offer much either, but the Teana should make a strong case as a company car or for those who seek for an uncomplicated car draped in an elegant styling. If you can live without powered leather seats, Bluetooth connection, and reverse camera, you can save yourself ten grand by opting for the XE variant too.\nCOMPARISONS\nApart from Nissan, fellow Japanese manufacturers are also pitting in their D-segment sedans with a similar format. What we have here are all powered by a\n normally-aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n engine driving the front wheels. Their physical size and price doesn\u2019t stray far apart from each other too.\nThe\n Teana\n produces the least amount of horses at just \n136 hp\n, followed by the \nCamry\n with\n 10 more\n \nhorses\n, while both the \nAccord\n and \nMazad6\n produces\n 153 hp\n. The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder in the Mazda is also the torquiest with 200 Nm which is up to 10 Nm more than the other three contenders. Only Nissan pairs its engine with a\n CVT\n while the others choose the automatic way, \n6-speed\n in the \nMazda\n, \n5-speed\n in the \nHonda\n, and an archaic \n4-speed\n in the \nToyota\n.\nEquipment wise, all four sedans offer \nleather upholstery\n, \npowered front seats\n, \nreverse camera\n, \ncruise control\n, \npush start button\n,\n dual-zone climate control\n as standard. In terms of safety, each car is equipped with \nABS\n, \nEBD\n, and traction control; and the \nNissan\n and \nMazda\n leads the way with a total of \nsix airbags\n while \nHonda\n and \nToyota\n are still lagging behind with just \ntwo front airbags\n.\nNissan Teana 2.0 XL\nHonda Accord 2.0 VTi-L\nToyota Camry 2.0G X\nMazda6 2.0 SkyActiv-G\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,997\n1,997\n1,998\n1,998\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n134/5,600\n153/6,500\n146/6,000\n153/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n190/4,450\n193/4,300\n190/4,000\n200/4,000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical-hydraulic power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\nCVT\n5-speed Automatic\n4-speed Automatic\n6-speed Automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson strut / Multi-link\nMacPherson strut / Multi-link\nMacPherson strut / Dual-link\nMacPherson strut / Multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n215/60 R16\n225/50 R17\n215/55 R17\n225/55 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,885\n4,870\n4,825\n4,865\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,830\n1,850\n1,825\n1,840\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,485\n1,465\n1,470\n1,450\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,775\n2,775\n2,775\n2,830\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,456\n1,530\n1,445\n1,393\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n516\n461\n515\n438\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n65\n65\n70\n62\nConsumption\n7.4 L/100 km\nN/A\n8.3 L/100 km\n5.7 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\nN/A\nN/A\nN/A\nN/A\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\nN/A\nN/A\nN/A\nN/A\nPRICE (with insurance)\nRM\n149,800.00\n149,815.30\n159,900.00\n159,455.50\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThe Teana is one of those cars with that calming effect where you can leave your worries behind and revel in the sheer tranquility it has to offer. Although I do enjoy a nice long cruise once in awhile I still prefer a car that is also able to deliver something more than just that. The Teana is a pleasant car to drive but maybe a better car to be driven in.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Looks like us motorists aren\u2019t off to a good start after all. At the stroke of midnight, prices for all fuels \u2013 petrol and diesel alike \u2013 will go up by 20 sen.\nBelow are the new fuel prices for January 2017:\nRON 95 \u2013 RM2.10 per litre (up by 20 sen)\n RON 97 \u2013 RM2.40 per litre (up by 15 sen)\n Diesel \u2013 RM2.05 per litre (up by 20 sen)\n Euro 5 Diesel \u2013 RM2.15 per litre (up by 20 sen)"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP)\n has upgraded the DC High Performance Chargers (HPC) at Porsche Centres across Malaysia, enabling up to a maximum 350 kW of output from the enhanced twin-outlet chargers, up from the 175 kW from before.\nAs is usual with all twin-outlet charger units, the maximum 350 kW output is available when only one of the two outlets are being used. Otherwise, the outputs will be split in half, to 175 kW each. With the new higher outputs, however, the \nPorsche Taycan\n (which accepts DC power up to 270 kW) can recharge its battery from 5-80% in less than 23 minutes.\nThe high performance 350 kW DC fast charging facility is now available at \nPorsche Centre Ara Damansara\n and Porsche Centre Penang, and will be made available at Porsche Centre Sungai Besi and \nPorsche Centre Johor Bahru\n in June 2023. The upgraded chargers are also exclusive to Porsche Taycan owners only.\nPorsche EV owners will also have access to the \nShell Recharge charging network\n, with preferential rates for the usage of the 180 kW high performance chargers along the North South Expressway. These chargers, meanwhile, are open to the public.\nAs part of its parent Sime Darby\u2019s commitment to a 30% reduction of emissions by 2030, the company has also installed a new \u201csolar panel carport\u201d at Porsche Centre Penang, covering the open-air car park facility with a sunlight-capturing photovoltaic canopy. With 151 panels generating up to 81.51 kWp, the new solar carport could reduce the outlet\u2019s electricity consumption by up to 30% on average.\n\u201cWe are committed to making our business more environmentally conscious. With innovative and forward-looking initiatives like our new solar carport concept at Porsche Centre Penang, we are finding better ways to source renewable energy, and preparing our business better for increased energy demands we will face in the years to come,\u201d said SDAP Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Hunter.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has updated the 2022 Passat Elegance with several new additions on the inside and out.\nOn the exterior, the 2022 Passat Elegance gets a new pair of kicks \u2013 with the \nnew 18-inch \u201cBonneville\u201d wheels \nreplacing the \u201cLiverpool\u201d multi-spoke wheel from before. The previous \u201cLiverpool\u201d wheels are also 18-inch in size.\nBefore\nAfter\nIn the cabin, the 2022 Passat Elegance joins the \nfacelift Arteon\n and the recently\n updated Passat R-Line\n to feature a touch-sensitive control panel for its 3-zone air conditioning system.\nButton-free: The new touch-sensitive air-con control panel.\nThese three are the only models to feature the new air-con panel; even the \nnew Tiguan Allspace\n does not come with the touch-sensitive panel. The feature will also be present in the \nsoon-to-be-launched Volkswagen Golf Mk.8 this week\n.\nAside from the new air-con control panel, the 2022 Passat Elegance will also feature \nwireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n, through its 9.2-inch infotainment system.\nMechanically, nothing has changed with no increase in power. The Passat Elegance still makes 190 hp and 320 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The more powerful Passat R-Line model, with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox, produces 220 hp and 350 Nm.\nLike the facelift Arteon and the new Golf which will be launched in Malaysia this week, the Passat Elegance is finished with the \nnew Volkswagen badges\n and is priced higher than before at\n RM183,680\n \u2013 an RM801 increase from before. The recently updated Passat R-Line, on the hand, goes for RM212,939 \u2013 an RM8,506 increase."
"After dropping a \nsmall little teaser\n just last week, Mercedes-Benz has just pulled the covers off the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show. This facelift exercise sees an introduction of new technologies and conveniences, bringing the smallest SUV in Mercedes-Benz\u2019s seven model SUV range closer to its larger siblings.\nA new engine has been added to the range, bringing the total number of engine choices to seven: four petrol mills and three diesel mills. The high performance \nGLA 45\n also receives an update which now comes with more power and a new name.\nFrom the outside, the GLA gets LED High Performance headlights with LED DRLs that replace the current bi-xenon units. Like the A-Class, the LED daytime running lights are now a single bar design instead of individual LED modules. The LED tail lamps now feature new graphics with sparkly accents like on the \nE-Class\n. The intensity of the headlamps, tail lamps and turn signals vary according to the light conditions. This reduces the chances of dazzling other road users.\nA number of aerodynamics optimisation measures were taken to further reduce the drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.28. These include a lower A-pillar step, redesigned exterior mirror housings, optimised rear silencer, roof spoiler and rear diffuser. This altogether contributes to a lower fuel consumption and NVH levels.   Inside, the GLA benefits from new seat covers, chrome trims and an 8-inch free-standing infotainment display. A 360-degree camera and powered tailgate with hands-free access (can be opened and closed with a swiping action of the foot) can be optioned for better convenience.\nThe GLA now comes with Active Brake Assist and Attention Assist as standard. The former autonomously applies braking when an oncoming collision is detected to reduce the impact or even prevent the collision while the latter signals the driver when signs of drowsiness are detected through steering behaviour.   Petrol variants of the GLA start with a \n1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n with two states of tune,\n 120 hp\n and\n 200 Nm\n\u00a0for the GLA 180 and \n154 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n\u00a0for the GLA 200. The GLA 220 is equipped with a \n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n with \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n while the GLA 250 gets its power bumped to \n208 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n.\nDiesel engines include a \n1.6-litre turbodiesel\n with \n108 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n for the GLA 180d and a \n2.2-litre turbodiesel\n with \n134 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n on the GLA 200d, while the GLA 220d gets a higher output of \n168 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n.\nRegardless of engine choice, all GLAs can be equipped with comfort suspension, lowered comfort suspension or off-road comfort suspension which raises ride height by 30 mm. The GLA 250, GLA 200d and GLA 220d can be specified with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system whereas the GLA 220 can only be had with 4MATIC.\nDeliveries are expected to begin from April this year with prices starting from as low as \u20ac29k (RM137k) for the GLA 180. If you\u2019re wondering when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will introduce this, we have reasons to believe it will be within this year. It will also be joined with the hot GLA 45 variant, no less.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As you all know by now, the all-new Perodua Axia has been launched with four variants available. The G variants start from \nRM38,600\n, the X from \nRM40,000\n, the SE from \nRM44,000\n and the AV from \nRM49,500\n.\nCompared to before, the Axia does come with a higher asking price whichever variant you look. The previous generation AV variant was priced from around RM41,000 (post SST exemption) while the new AV variant is at RM49,500.\nFor that, you do get new toys like a digital air-con panel, larger displays and improved safety features, depending on which variant you go for but there\u2019s more. Beneath the surface and beyond the naked eye, the new Axia does come with several tweaks and additions.\nOur videographer, who is nearly 180 cm tall.\nMore boot space\nAside from being 15 mm lower than before at 1,495 mm, with 20 mm less ground clearance, it is 115 mm longer and 45 mm wider than before. Perodua says the interior is 40 mm wider but with the extra length and wheelbase you don\u2019t actually get more rear legroom.\u00a0\nWhat you do get is a slightly larger boot. It\u2019s now \n47 mm longer\n, with \nboot space increased by five litres to 265 litres\n.\nBetter driving position\nTilt steering adjustments are now (finally) available in the Perodua Axia but rather than just giving a simple feature that should\u2019ve been standard from a decade ago, the company has gone a step further in offering the most optimal driving position possible.\u00a0\nPerodua says it has changed the angle of the Axia\u2019s steering column to allow the upper rim of the steering wheel to be closer to the driver. From the diagram, it appears that the driver is seated lower too. That\u2019s not all, Perodua also moved the accelerator pedal to a position that allows the right leg to be extended in a natural position while driving.\nDaihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)\nThe new Axia is built on the latest DNGA platform; the same platform the \nnew Alza\n\u00a0and Ativa is built on. The platform focuses on optimum driving position, vehicle stability and a lighter body with higher rigidity. Complementing this, Perodua also fitted softer front and rear springs and bushes to the new Axia to better absorb impacts from uneven road surfaces."
"There\u2019s no other way to say this; Ferraris are so sought after that the Italian supercar manufacturer has sold out most of its inventory for 2018 and for most part of 2019 as well.\nAccording to a report by Bloomberg, CEO Sergio Marchionne claims that \nproduction is at maximum capacity\n for this year; stretching into the early part of 2019. Availability so far is only limited to the GTC Lussos \u2013 the V8 and V12.\n\u201cEverything else is pretty well gone,\u201d Marchionne told Bloomberg.\nElsewhere, Ferrari has not hidden the fact that they\u2019re currently working on tapping into new segments, including the production of SUVs and electric hybrid cars.\nRecently, Ferrari was seen testing a \nheavily-camouflaged prototype\n that\n pulled away in complete silence\n on their proving grounds in Fiorano. Ferrari claims that there would not be a fully-electric vehicle before 2022 but it is within their intention to demonstrate the full potential of electrification.\nFind out \nwhat\u2019s new in the Portofino\n here.\nLocally, Ferrari Malaysia recently launched the\n new Portofino\n, a \n600 hp\n convertible that takes the baton from the retired California T.\nSource: \nBloomberg"
"If you\u2019ve seen \nour VLOG of the RM1 million BMW M850i Coupe xDrive\n, you\u2019d know that it can be tame and gentle, but also ferociously quick on-demand. Tuning it up for more \u201coomph\u201d should be the last thing on your mind.\nRead about the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe in Malaysia \nhere\n!\nHowever, if you insist to squeeze more juice out of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, AC Schnitzer with the support of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure in Germany wants to show that you can safely extract more power from a car.\nThis initiative is in conjunction with the annual \u201cTUNE IT! SAFE!\u201d campaign by the Association of German Automobile Tuners (VDAT).\nEven the engine bay looks incredible!\nFor starters, the V8 engine has been massaged to now produce \n620 hp \nand a disturbing \n840 Nm\n! Frightening figures as the standard output of 530 hp and 750 Nm was already plenty enough to wet your pants!\nThe BMW M850i xDrive \u201cKyoto Edition\u201d comes with the most unique dashboard you\u2019ll ever see! Check it out \nhere\n! \nTo heighten the exhilaration, AC Schnitzer also fitted an exhaust system with dual flaps and carbon tailpipes. These comply with local regulations on noise emissions.\nThe ride of the M850i has been lowered by 30 mm at the front and 25 mm at the rear using AC Schnitzer springs. The springs were tested on the Nurburgring before being fitted into the car.\nFilling the wheel arches are AC Schnitzer AC3 Flow Forming rims with a matte anthracite finish. All four corners are 21-inch in size, wrapped in Hankook S1 Evo 3 tyres \u2013 255 mm for the front pair and 295 mm for the rear.\nClick \nhere\n and join us as we explore San Francisco with the convertible BMW M850i!\nIn terms of body kit, AC Schnitzer\u2019s influence can be seen on the front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and spoiler; all made of carbon fibre. AC Schnitzer said aside from increasing the aesthetic appeal of the car, it also improves downforce.\nInside, AC Schnitzer added aluminium gear shift paddles set, aluminium pedals and a footrest. The key holder and cover for the Drive controller is also made of aluminium.\nWhile it may not necessarily be a real cop car, sure makes for a striking one, don\u2019t you think?\nGALLERY"
"The different classes of GT sports car racing can be puzzling to the occasional race fan. Essentially, low value numerals such as \nGT1 \nand \nGT2 \ntypically denote professional outfits with highly modified machines backed by manufacturers; \nGT3 class\n is a notch below showcasing a mix of professional and amateur teams, while \nGT4 \nis the \n\u2018entry-level\u2019\n class helmed by \namateur racers\n using \nroad cars\n that are \ntrack optimised\n.\nWhile the GT4 class receives little media coverage, it has been growing in popularity in Europe and North America with numerous manufacturers offering GT4-spec race cars under their \ncustomer racing programmes\n, Since its market launch in 2018, the \nMercedes-AMG GT4\n had competed in 363 races, managing 137 podiums, 151 class wins and 53 overall wins, and now the new \n2020-spec GT4\n has been unveiled.\nApart from looking meaner with its \nfacelifted exterior styling\n, the performance of 2020 GT4 has been optimised with \nbetter brake and engine cooling\n, improved illumination with \nnew LED headlamps\n, \ntoughened track rods\n at the rear axle for better race endurance and upgraded overall safety for the driver with the roll cage bolted to the aluminium space frame and a \nrecovery hatch\n integrated into the roof of the car.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT4 is powered by a \n4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n rated at \n476 hp and 630 Nm\n (subject to classifications) which is mated to a\n 6-speed sequential gearbox\n with adjustable differentials. The \n1,390 kg race car\n also comes with competition-spec traction control, multi-adjustable ABS and electronic torque control, and rides on all-round double wishbones and fully adjustable shock absorbers.\nMercedes-AMG quotes a \n0-100km/h time of \u2018under 4 seconds\u2019\n, top speed of \n\u2018over 250 km/h\u2019\n and a price tag of \n209,000.00 Euros\n (before VAT) for the 2020 GT4. Well, we just ogle at how lovely it looks.\nMercedes-AMG GT4 gallery"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor\n has just unveiled the new \n2022 Nissan Serena facelift\n here in Malaysia, which will be offered in two variants \u2013 2.0L Highway Star and 2.0L Premium Highway Star \u2013 with pricing starting from \nRM149,888\n on-the-road, and without-insurance.\nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of appearance changes, the main update on the new 2022 Nissan Serena is up front, with a new larger and taller \u2018V Motion\u2019 grille, flanked by redesigned headlights. Round the back, the taillights have also been slightly reworked and now extends further downwards for a taller appearance.\nThe bumpers have also been given a slight refresh, with additional gloss black finishing all round, and full LED front fog lights and daytime-running lights. To differentiate between the two variants, the Premium Highway Star variant gets a two-tone paint job with blacked-out roof and pillars, alongside larger alloy wheels (black 16- vs silver 15-inch on the Highway Star), and additional door visors.\nAs for exterior equipment, the following items are standard on both variants:\nAutomatic LED headlights\n\u201cDual back door\u201d split tailgate\nhands-free sliding rear doors\nRoof spoiler\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth variants of the new 2022 Nissan Serena are powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four hybrid engine, which was retained from the \npre-facelift model\n.\nThe engine is further aided by a mild-hybrid motor that adds roughly 3 hp and 50 Nm during hard acceleration, and also functions as the starter and alternator to control the idle-stop system, as well as energy recuperation into the secondary battery.\nEngine: 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated direct-injection inline-four, petrol, with\nTransmission: continuously variable transmission (CVT)\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 150 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 200 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nINTERIOR\nThe interior layout of the new 2022 Nissan Serena remains largely identical to the pre-facelift model, with the only changes coming in the form of additional equipment on the inside:\nThree-row seats with 13 configurable seating layouts\nFabric upholstery\nZero-gravity seats for driver, front passenger, and second-row\n6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment display\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\n7.0-inch central Advanced Driver Assist Display, instrument cluster\ndual-zone automatic climate control for front passengers, ceiling-mounted controls for second-row air vents\nPremium Highway Star exclusives:\nFront and rear dashcam (optional front DVR for standard Highway Star variant)\nV-Kool window tint\nNew larger 9.0-inch infotainment display\nBlack/brown quilted premium Nappa leather upholstery\n11.6-inch roof-mounted entertainment monitor\n\u201cTech On\u201d mats for second-row folding tray table\nLED interior lighting\nSAFETY\nThe main contributor to the price hike in the new 2022 Nissan Serena is the addition of an advanced driver assistance suite, with the following features standard on both variants:\nAutonomous emergency braking\nLane departure warning\nBlind-spot monitoring\nRear-cross traffic alert\nDriver attention warning\nOther standard safety kit include six airbags, stability control, as well as second-row ISOFIX child seat anchors.\nPRICING\nThe new 2022 Nissan Serena is priced as follows, on-the-road, without insurance:\nHighway Star \u2013 \nRM149,888\nPremium Highway Star \u2013 \nRM162,888\nIncluded in the price is also a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, alongside five times free maintenance service, with parts and labour included.\nGALLERY"
"The all-new fifth-generation Renault Clio has just made its global debut, shortly after the French carmaker \nteased its minimalistic cabin\n. The new Clio gains a more mature styling, revamped interior and a new CMF-B platform.\nImmediately you can\ntell that the new Clio features the same design language as the larger Megane,\nmost notably its C-shaped LED daytime running lights profile. It now sits 30 mm\nlower than the outgoing model giving it a more athletic stance and promotes aerodynamics.\nLED headlamps are fitted as standard across the range while the 17-inch alloys,\nhidden rear door handles, chrome-plated side-window trim, shark fin antenna and\nflushed tailgate gives the car a more upmarket look.\nThe new design is\nreasonably attractive for a city car especially from the front and side\nprofile, but Renault could\u2019ve done a bit more on the rear bumpers to give it a\nbit more sculpture for a more \u201ccomplete\u201d look. Fortunately, there will be an\nR.S. Line which promises a sportier touch to the little hatchback.\nAs detailed before,\nthe new Clio spots the Smart Cockpit cabin architecture that draws on a more\ncompact design to free up more space to integrate more in-car technologies.\nYou\u2019ll find items such as 10-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster (7.0-inch on lower\ngrade models), 9.3-inch multimedia screen, eight-colour ambient lighting, BOSE\npremium audio sound system and more.\nDespite measuring 14\nmm than the previous model, the new Clio is said to be more spacious inside and\nboot space has also increased to 391 litres (+91 litres), the largest in the\ncompact hatchback segment.\nRenault has not\nrevealed details of the powertrains available on the new Clio, but the CMF-B\nplatform was designed to integrate electrification architectures. At launch,\nthe Clio will be available with its E-Tech hybrid engine technology developed\nby Renault.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAll-new\u00a0fifth-gen\u00a0Renault\u00a0Clio"
"Maybe the life of an expat isn\u2019t all it\u2019s cracked up to be as Nissan held an \nextraordinary shareholders meeting\n to strip its former chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, of the remaining position as director of the board \u2013 the same person credited for turning around an ailing Nissan at the turn of the century. \u00a0\u00a0\n Ghosn announcing the Alliance 2022 mid-term plan in 2017; he alleges those who opposed the plan plotted his fall.\nBut things are going to get a lot more absorbing in the coming days as Ghosn, incarcerated at a detention cell after being re-arrested four days ago by authorities on the suspicion of further financial misconduct, plans to release a \u2018tell all\u2019 video through his lawyers and to publicly name those \u2018responsible for his downfall\u2019.\n \nJust in\n: Watch Ghosn\u2019s video \u2018tell all!\nThis comes after Japanese prosecutors requested for the co-operation of Ghosn\u2019s wife, Carole, on fresh investigations into alleged misuse of company funds. Mrs. Ghosn was \nreported to have fled Tokyo\n over the weekend with the help of the French ambassador. As they say, stay tuned for more."
"In pursuit of a \u2018cleaner\u2019 and more futuristic feel, a few car makers have opted for capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. However, it seems that some customers aren\u2019t a big fan of this as seen in the case of \nVolkswagen\n, and the brand has decided to listen to its customers. The company\u2019s CEO has hinted at the return of \u2018push-button\u2019 steering wheel controls in a recent post on LinkedIn.\nIn the \nLinkedIn post\n, Volkswagen CEO, Thomas Sch\u00e4fer said, \u201cWe are sharpening our portfolio and our design, plus creating a new simplicity in operating our vehicles. For example, we are bringing back the \npush-button steering wheel\n! That\u2019s what customers want from VW.\u201d\nPush-button controls are more intuitive and allow you to keep your eyes on the road.\nCapacitive buttons, like touchscreen controls, may offer a clean aesthetic but aren\u2019t as intuitive as the more tactile traditional push-button controls. It is often that one must glance at the controls and it becomes a distraction. Previously, a \nstudy has even reported that buttons are much better than touchscreen controls in cars\n.\nVolkswagen is not the first to backtrack from the use of capacitive touch buttons. Previously \nHonda\n has reverted to physical buttons for the latest-generation \nHonda Civic\n\u2019s volume control. The German carmaker has not made any comments about capacitive controls in other areas apart from the steering wheel.\nRELATED: \nStudy confirms that buttons are indeed better than touchscreens in cars\nCockpit of the Volkswagen GTI\nAside from the return of push-buttons on the steering wheel, the Volkswagen CEO also announced two other things in the same LinkedIn post. The first one is that by 2026, the brand will have launched ten EV models worldwide in every relevant segment. So far, Volkswagen already has the \nID.3\n, \nID.4\n, ID.5, ID.6, and ID.Buzz in its electric offence.\nSecondly, Volkswagen is pushing for digitalisation in the entire customer journey. The company boss said, \u201cWe are pushing digitalization not just in our vehicles but in the entire customer journey. Customers in Germany, France, and Italy can now complete the entire process of buying a car online \u2013 and more markets will follow. However, our dealers are and will remain our foundation and the face of the brand to our customers.\u201d\nVolkswagen fans who are not fans of the capacitive buttons can now rejoice. Listening to their customers is the top priority for Volkswagen as the CEO assures, \u201cOne thing is clear: We are continually working on offering our customers what they really want.\u201d\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 \u2013 520km range EV SUV"
"Lexus will soon release a new range of \nF Sport\n vehicles, with its largest sales region, the US, releasing a couple of teaser images.\nAutomotive news portals suggest that with the photo of the new \n2020 IS sedan\n, Lexus is planning to offer the \nIS 500 F Sport\n. The company has also filed a trademark of \u2018IS 500\u2019 in the US a few months back.\nCurrently, the F Sport variant is offered on all Lexus sedans and SUV models except the LX 570.\nThe 2020 Lexus IS 350 F Sport\nThe latest 2020 IS sedan has a IS 350 F Sport variant that is installed with a 311 horsepower naturally aspirated V6 engine. The \u2018500\u2019 engine nomenclature is currently used in the \nLS limousine\n and \nLC coupe\n and both are incredibly different in power delivery.\nThe LS 500\n \nis fitted with a 3.5-litre \ntwin-turbocharged\n V6 engine delivering \n415 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. The performance and emotionally charged LC 500 sports car meanwhile has a \nnaturally aspirated\n 5.0-litre V8 engine with \n470 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque.\nWe will just need to wait for a \nfew more hours\n for Lexus to reveal the new range of F Sport vehicles.\nIn the Lexus brand, the F Sport variant is the sportier flavour, akin to BMW\u2019s M Sport, Mercedes-Benz\u2019 AMG Line and Audi\u2019s S-Line. F Sport variants feature more aggressive front and rear bumpers, rim design, and added black highlights on the exterior.\nThe interior meanwhile has a unique steering wheel, increased content in the driver\u2019s multi-information display as well as specific seat and trim finishes. \u00a0The suspension tuning for F Sport variants is also be tweaked for a reduced body roll and better overall body control.\nVehicles with the full-fledged performance F build are the IS F, \nGS F\n and the \nRC F\n. All are equipped with a melodic 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, multi-piston high-performance brakes, aggressive suspension and drivetrain calibration as well as the use of carbon fibre for weight reduction.\nAs such, they are competing directly with the BMW M, Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS models from Germany.\nLexus even raced the IS F in Europe, Japan, the US and has passed the baton to the Lexus RC F GT3 to continue with global motorsport duties.\nThe F in name and the logo design is taken from Japan\u2019s \nFuji Speedway\n \u2013 one of the earlier key vehicle performance development venues for Lexus.\nThe \u201cF\u201d symbol is more than just the first letter of its namesake \u2013 it also depicts the first corner of Fuji Speedway known as 27R.\nIn Malaysia, Lexus currently offers F Sport variants on the \nUX\n, the \nNX\n and the \nRX\n models. The IS sedan had an F Sport variant too in the outgoing model but news of the beautiful heavily revised 2020 IS model coming to Malaysia is inconclusive.\n \u00a0\u00a0GALLERY of F Sport variants"
"If you haven\u2019t put your name down on one then you\u2019re a little too late to get the LaFerrari Aperta. This open-topp limited-run of an already limited-run hybrid hypercar was \nsold out\n a couple months before it made its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, which is not really a surprise since Ferrari is only making \n209 examples\n of the LaFerrari Aperta.\nSome would say the \u201cspyder\u201d usually carries a performance deficit over the standard coupe but the \nAperta\n is far from any of those compromise. Despite carrying extra weight, the Aperta matches the performance\u00a0figures\u00a0of the coupe, so Aperta owners can still crack \n100 km/h\n in just \nthree seconds\n and they should see \n350 km/h\n on the speedo if they have an empty stretch of road long enough.\nThe hybrid powertrain is left untouched, which by the way consists of a \n6.3-litre naturally-aspirated V12\n that works together with a \n120 kW (161 hp) electric motor\n. Connected to a \nseven-speed dual-clutch \u2018box\n, it gets a total of \n950 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n sent to the rear wheels.\nBut to match the coupe\u2019s figures, Ferrari has done a couple of changes on the Aperta. The chassis has been strengthened to deliver the same torsional rigidity as the coupe, and the aerodynamics have been recalibrated to match the coupe\u2019s drag coefficient even when driving topless (the car, not the driver).\nFrom the pictures alone, it may look like a simple job of removing the roof from the coupe, but they actually had to redo the butterfly doors on the Aperta. The carbon-fibre insert just aft the front wheels are not merely to differentiate the Aperta from the coupe, but they are actually needed so that the doors could rotate.\nApart from that and the absence of a roof, other changes are not exactly visible from the outside. There\u2019s a redesigned vortex generator underneath the front dam, and they\u2019ve added two small flaps at the upper edge of the windscreen and a fixed angle wind-stop on the parcel shelf to maintain the same drag even when the top is removed.\nWith those modifications done, Ferrari claims that the occupants can \u201ceasily carry on a conversation even at high speeds\u201d.\u00a0We\u2019d love to put that claim to test, unfortunately all of the LaFerrari Aperta have been spoken for. Oh well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"No longer available on Hyundai Malaysia\u2019s official website, the \nHyundai Sonata\n has been given a facelift to fit in with the brand\u2019s new model lineup. Featuring a \u201cseamless horizon lamp\u201d in front and \u201cH-Lights\u201d at the back, the Hyundai Sonata facelift is set to make its global debut at the Seoul Mobility Show happening from March 30 to April 9, 2023.\nHyundai has announced that the Sonata will be available in Standard and N Line Variants upon its launch at the end of the month. The exterior has been designed \u201cwith an N Line base\u201d, featuring a long hood, low front-end, and a fastback roofline.\nJust like the \nStaria\n, \nStargazer\n, Grandeur, and upcoming all-new \nHyundai Kona\n, the Hyundai Sonata facelift features a Seamless Horizon Lamp upfront, together with hidden headlamps, a wide grille, and air intake for a more dynamic and aggressive appearance. Already low-slung, the continuous light strip makes the Sonata look even wider than it already is.\nThe rear end of the Hyundai Sonata has also been refreshed, now with \u201cH-Lights\u201d that give the saloon a more futuristic look. As standard, the rear end of the Sonata features a swooping spoiler-shaped trunk lid and muffler-shaped rear garnish. The Sporty N Line version of the Sonata adds a rear spoiler, dual-twin tip mufflers, and exclusive 19-inch wheels.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Sonata facelift spotted with Staria LEDs \u2013 Last hurrah before discontinuation?\nHyundai has also shared several images of the Hyundai Sonata facelift\u2019s interior. For the first time, a Hyundai model features a twin 12.3-inch display in its cabin, almost mimicking a BMW. One of the displays functions as the central head unit while the other functions as a driver information cluster. The Sonata also features a touch-type climate control unit.\nGenerally, the interior employs a \u201cfloating theme to create a futuristic mood. Like the all-new Hyundai Kona, the facelifted Hyundai Sonata also features a column-type shift-by-wire controller behind the steering wheel creating more space in the center console area. The center console is further enhanced by the palm rest which provides more comfort for the driver by extending the armrest to lean up to the palm of the hand. The large size cup holder and tray provide additional convenience.\nPowertrain details of the facelifted Hyundai Sonata will be revealed during its global debut. Hyundai\u2019s D-segment saloon will make its world premiere at the Seoul Mobility Show happening from \nMarch 30\n to \nApril 9, 2023\n.\nRELATED: \nThis all-black Hyundai Sonata N Line Night Edition looks lit!\nGALLERY"
"The majority of the automotive brands in Europe is beginning the full phasing in of electric vehicles (EV) by the start of the next decade, in preparation for full discontinuation of the internal combustion engine by 2035.\nWhile it is relatively easy for mass-market automakers such as BMW (\nelectric M brand\n), Mercedes-Benz (\nfirst electric Mercedes-AMG\n), Renault, Peugeot and \nVolkswagen\n to adhere to the policy as they have the demand volumes, smaller but ultra-niche supercar manufacturers still have emotional baggage attached to them.\nWe all love the noise and turn our heads to the melodic symphony of a Lamborghini or Ferrari engine being \nrevved to the red line\n, or a short bark when the big engine fires up. It is a natural phenomenon of the internal combustion engine with multiple cylinders and the switch to clean electric drive will end it.\nAs such, the Italian government, realising the huge value these brands have, is in talks with the European Union to provide an exemption for supercar manufacturers to continue sales of internal combustion engines post 2035.\nIn a report by \nDrive.com.au\n that originally appeared in the Italian Bloomberg TV, Italy\u2019s Minister of Ecological Transition, Roberto Cingoloni said low volumes of niche, supercar-level vehicles produced in his country would have minimal impact on overall emissions when compared to the regular high volume automakers.\nListen to this nat-atmo V12 engine of the Pagani Huayra R being tested to 9,000 rpm! It certainly sounds like a national treasure!\nFor a quick comparison, Porsche alone made close to 100,000 units of the compact Macan model last year, compared to a total of 9,100 units coming out of Ferrari and 7,400 units out of Lamborghini.\nFerrari has launched two electrified high-performance models (plug-in hybrid technology) to slowly transition the brand to fully electric. The most powerful hybrid Ferrari is the \nSF90\n models with a total system output of \n1,000 hp\n, while the recently-launched \nFerrari 296 GTB\n has \n830 hp\n.\nDuring the company\u2019s annual general meeting, the chairman of the company targets 2025 as the year the prancing horse will have its first fully electric car.\nNo need to wait till 2025, this scaled-down Ferrari Testa Rossa is fully electric and even comes with a manettino! More about the junior Ferrari here!\nLamborghini, under the ownership of Volkswagen Group, is only launching its first fully electric \u201cbull\u201d in \n2030\n. The company\u2019s only electrified powertrain is the V12 unit found in the limited-edition Si\u00e1n (and recently revived \nCountach\n) that pairs a compact 34 hp motor to the venerable 6.5-litre V12 engine for a combined system output of \n819 hp\n. \u00a0\nThere is no comment yet from the European Union regarding Italy\u2019s request. Looking at the implementation timeline that spans over a decade, there sure is plenty of time for all parties to deliberate on the matter."
"After nearly a decade since the original gargantuan of an Audi Q7 was revealed to the world (in 2005), it\u2019s only a matter of time before it gets a successor. Due for production as early as next year, the second generation \nall-new Audi Q7\n is slimmer \u2013 both by dimensions and weight, and it has gone through one heck of a weight loss.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi Q7 3.0 V6 TFSI\nAudi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI\nAudi Q7 2.0 TFSI\nDrive Type\nQuattro permanent all-wheel drive\nEngine\n3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6\n3.0-litre turbodiesel V6\n2.0-litre inline-4 cylinder, turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic with Tiptronic\n8-speed automatic with Tiptronic\n8-speed automatic with Tiptronic\nMax Power\n333 hp\n272 hp\n252 hp\nMax Torque\n440 Nm\n600 Nm\n370 Nm\nThis new Q7 weighs approximately \n325kg less\n, and is about 37mm shorter and 15mm narrower. Despite the smaller footprint, Audi is claiming that the new SUV has more interior space \u2013 about 21mm more between the first and second row seats.\nEXTERIOR\nTruth be told, the new Q7\u2019s silhouette looks strikingly similar on the outside when compared to the first-gen Q7, save for its aggressively \nredesigned front face\n. It also benefits from Audi\u2019s current design theme, with profound use of sharp horizontal lines stretching from the hood all the way to the rear. Side mirrors (with integrated signal indicators) are now mounted on the doors.\nAt the front, the four-ringed large SUV gets the signature \u2018Singleframe\u2019 grille with thick horizontal crossbars all coated in chrome. The headlights can either be powered by xenon, LED or Matrix LED technology, depending on the customer\u2019s choice. It also comes with integrated LED daytime running lights shaped like a double arrow.\nStandard on the Q7 are the 18-inch wheels wrapped with 235/65R18 profile tyres, with additional wheel sizes up to 21 inches.\u00a0In base trim, the lower side of the bumpers are plastic and finished in anthracite, while having it painted in body colour is an additional cost. If you go with the S-Line trim, you get bolder bumpers, spoiler, diffuser, air inlets, side sills and of course, the S-Line badge.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the new Q7 tells us a different story altogether and is a clear departure from how things were laid out in the first-gen Q7. For a start, there\u2019s a 7-inch non-touch colour display unit that pops out when the car is started, and can be upgraded to the optional 8.3-inch MMI navigation plus package.\nSeats here can be wrapped either in fabric, Alcantara, Cricket leather or fine Valcona leather, and are electrically powered with 18-way adjustments with the optional massage function. There\u2019s also the optional third row child seats which transforms the five-seater SUV into a seven-seater. Without the third row seats, you get \n890 litres\n of boot capacity, which can be expanded up to a \ncavernous 2,075 litres\n with the second row seats folded down.\nAlso present in the new Q7 is the ambient lighting seen shared with some of Audi\u2019s higher-end cars. It uses ultra-narrow light that follows the contours of the instrument panel and onto the doors, which can be further upgraded to light up the centre tunnel console. This ambient lighting can now be controlled via the MMI unit for the first time, with various colours to choose from.\nAnother interesting feature in the cabin is the \nrear seat entertainment\n that grants you a single 10.1-inch screen placed behind the front seats\u2019 headrests. In standard trim you get one screen, but with a little extra dough you get two screens. These tablets are connected to the MMI navigation, allowing WiFi usage as well as access to the car\u2019s main functions.\nWhile we\u2019re on that front, the Q7 comes standard with a 10-speaker configuration. If that\u2019s not enough for you, there\u2019s the optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound package, granting you a mind boggling \n23-speakers\n with subwoofers and 1,920 watts of amplification.\nPERFORMANCE\nTwo high-performance V6 engines will be making its way to the European market \u2013 the 3.0-litre TDI and TFSI mills. Both engines are Euro6 emission compliant. The TDI engine makes \n272 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.3 seconds\n before topping out at \n234 km/h\n. This oil burning mill returns \n5.7 litres per 100 km traveled\n.\nThe petrol V6 makes \n333 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, and is good for a century sprint time of \n6.1 seconds\n, while managing a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n7.7 litres per 100 km\n. There will also be another V6 TDI engine offered at a later date, and this cleaner engine makes \n218 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque.\nFor the US and Asian markets, Audi is offering the 2.0-litre TFSI four cylinder engine producing \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque. In late 2015, Audi plans to introduce the Q7 e-tron plug in hybrid variant, which uses the same V6 TDI engine paired to an electric motor, putting out \n373\u00a0hp\n and a whopping\u00a0\n700 Nm\n of torque.\nIt can do up to 56 km in pure electric mode, while in optimum hybrid mode it consumes just \n1.7 litres of oil per 100 km\n. Top speed for the e-tron is 225 km/h.\u00a0All engines are paired to an \neight-speed Tiptronic\n automatic gearbox which offers a free-wheeling function when the driver steps off the throttle. The new vaporisation system allows the engine to run at speeds below 1,000 rpm, further contributing to its fuel efficiency.\nSAFETY\nThe new Q7 comes equipped with rear parking aid, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, rest recommendation and Audi pre-sense city safety system with braking intervention\u00a0as standard. As with many other features on the car, there\u2019s also the optional Safety pack: Parking, City and Tour.\nThe Parking package gives you an all-around view of the car with automated parking.\u00a0For the City pack, you get cross-traffic assist and carpark exit warning system. The Tour pack comes with adaptive cruise control including stop and go traffic assist.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are as many as \nseven driving modes\n here via Audi\u2019s Drive Select: Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, Allroad and Lift/Offroad. First batch of delivery for the Q7 will begin as early as June or July next year in Germany, with a starting price of 61,000 Euros (RM265k). What do you guys think about the new Audi Q7? Yay, or nay?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Besides previewing the\n2019 Proton Persona facelift in full, the national carmaker also released its 5-Years\u2019\nService Cost for the reference for future owners and potential customers. Proton\nclaims that the service cost of the Persona is 32% lesser (on average) than its\ncompetitors.\nThis is just an\nestimate based on Proton\u2019s service intervals of every 10,000 km or 6 months,\ninclusive of recommended parts change \u2013 Engine Oil Change, Service Labour and related\nconsumables. This estimate does not take into account perishable consumables\nsuch as brake pads, bulbs and others.\nThe chart shows that the\nfirst year of service (1,000 km, 10,000 km & 20,000 km) would cost RM381.04\ncompared to the competitors total of over RM400. There is a hike in the third\nyear of service, amounting to RM934.46 and that is largely due to the Persona\nrequiring a major service at 60,000 km/36 months interval.\nOver 5-Years (60 months)/100,000 km, expect to fork out a total of RM3,051.91 for service costs. This guide is particularly useful for buyers to get a clearer picture with the cost of ownership of a Persona beyond the monthly instalments, insurance and road tax.\nWhat do you think, reasonable or too expensive?\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\u00a0\n2019 Proton\u00a0Persona\u00a01.6L CVT Facelift"
"When a carmaker plans to introduce \nmore than 30 models\n (with no less than 11 all-new models) to the global market by the year 2020, it\u2019s hard not to imagine that confusion will arise in the process of naming them \u2013 a problem for people like us, that is.\nTake this; we all know by now that the \nGLA\n\u00a0shares the same underpinnings as the A-Class hatchback, as is the \nfour-door coupe CLA\n. Clear as day, isn\u2019t it? Well, according to Mercedes-Benz, now is the ideal time to introduce a \nmore transparent\n and \nsimpler vehicle naming system\n, just so we won\u2019t be having a hard time differentiating the models apart.\nThis new system revolves around the \nfive core model\n series \u2013 A, B, \nC\n, E and \nS-Class\n; which will aid our orientation when it comes to telling models apart. As of now, all SUV models will have the \nGL suffix\n, save for the original G-Class. All roadsters will include the \u201cSL\u201d suffix in their names beginning 2016, with the third letter (i.e SL\nS\n) linking back to one of the five core model series. The SLK therefore becomes the new SLC.\nHere\u2019s a quick guide for the \nnew SUV names\n:\nNew Name\nSpecific Name\nGLA\nGL A-Class\nGLC\nGL C-Class; previously known as \nGLK\nGLE\nGL E-Class; previously known as \nM-Class\n or \nML\nGLE\u00a0Coup\u00e9\nGL E-Class\u00a0Coup\u00e9\nGLS\nGL S-Class; previously known as \nGL\n\u00a0\nBesides renaming the models, each variant \u2013 across the board \u2013 will receive a more transparent suffix as seen in the diagram above.\u00a0There will be no suffix for the \npetrol models\n, though.\nIt\u2019s a move we applaud. After all, it does make our lives easier, don\u2019t you think? The only way your Mercedes-Benz will not be recognised from this juncture onward is if you peel the badges off the rear."
"In just a short 10 days since its official return to the country,\n Chery Malaysia\n has already recorded more than 3,000 orders placed for its two SUVs, the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n and \nOmoda 5\n, which the company says is a record for the marque globally.\nWhile the company did not provide a sales figure breakdown for its models, the press release does highlight its 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty extension offered as complimentary to the first 3,000 customers, which is likely a main driving force behind its impressive sales performance thus far.\nThe warranty extension is otherwise a RM2,000 option, offering customers three extra years of warranty coverage for the powertrain components on top of the standard seven-year/150,000 km warranty. According to Chery Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang, the extended warranty is also transferable to the next owner in the event that the car is sold.\nChery Malaysia currently has 23 \u201cready to serve\u201d showroom outlets operational, with eight more to open by the end of August 2023. As for aftersales services, Chery Malaysia currently has a network of 22 service centres with \u201cspare parts readiness\u201d operational in the country across Peninsular and East Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nChery promises \u201cuser-centric\u201d aftersales services in Malaysia with nationwide dealership network\n\u201cAs an automotive manufacturer with extensive manufacturing experience and innovative capabilities, Chery is dedicated to delivering high-quality products that meet the needs of Malaysian consumers,\u201d said Chery Malaysia Executive Vice President, Leo Chen.\n\u201cWe place utmost emphasis on product quality, safety, and performance, continuously innovating and improving our technologies to stay ahead of market demands,\u201d Chen added.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Chery Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro FIRST DRIVE\nChery Malaysia marked its return into the nation earlier this month with the launch of its two highly awaited SUVs, the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro. The former is a B-segment crossover competing against the likes of the\n Honda HR-V\n and \nProton X50\n, while the latter is its flagship seven-seater model, sizing up against the \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace\n and other C-segment SUVs.\nAside from an impressive warranty coverage, both models also stand out in the market with their attractive pricing \u2013 the Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia starts from \nRM108,800\n, while the Tiggo 8 Pro retails at \nRM159,800\n. Both models are\n locally assembled at the Inokom plant\n in Kulim, Kedah."
"Volvo Cars has just announced that its high-performance arm, Polestar, will become a new separate brand to develop high-performance electric vehicles for the Swedish brand. The new cars will wear the Polestar logo and will ship globally.\nAs a subsidiary of Volvo Cars, Polestar will have access to existing technologies and engineering database of Volvo, resulting in significant economies of scale. And in return, Polestar will \ncontinue to offer Polestar Optimisation\n for Volvo vehicles. The new high-performance EVs will be designed and developed in-house from the ground up by Polestar. Further details about its products, industrialisation and commercial plans will be revealed in the coming months.\nTo support this drastic transformation, Volvo Cars has appointed Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer at Polestar. Jonathan Goodman, Senior Vice President Corporate Communication at Volvo Cars will take over the role as Chief Operating Officer at Polestar.\nJust recently, Polestar has just achieved a significant milestone of \ntuning 100,000 Volvo cars\n. Also, check out \nPolestar\u2019s potential flagship, the C90\n and let us know what you think!"
"Following the mid-cycle update to the \nstandard-spec Giulia and Stelvio\n, Alfa Romeo has now given the top-of-the-line performance \nQuadrifoglio\n editions a refresh. But before we go into the details, can we just take a moment to appreciate how utterly beautiful this shade of green looks?\nCalled the \u2018Montreal Green\u2019, Alfa Romeo says that this new hue is designed as a homage to the iconic Alfa Romeo Montreal, launched 50 years ago. Forget the reds, this is the colour you should get for your Italian \nBMW M3\n rival.\nIn terms of styling updates, the 2020 Quadrifoglio duos lean on the conservative side, with changes reserved to just a smoke-tinted LED taillights assembly, blacked-out \u201cTrilobe\u201d grille, and some new gloss-black badges at the rear.\nCustomers do get some new accessory options courtesy of FCA\u2019s Mopar, including a carbon fibre front grille with \u201cV\u201d insert, mirror caps, and rear spoiler. The Stelvio QV also gets an optional 21-inch alloy wheels \u2013 a first on a Quadrifoglio.\nInside, the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio gets a new leather trimmed steering wheel and gear stick, along with a perforated leather and Alcantara sports seats as standard. Customers can also opt for the carbon shell Sparco seats, along with red or green seat belts.\nThe refreshed Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio QV also adopts the updated dashboard and centre console stack, featuring a new and improved 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with added connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and always-on internet connection.\nThe infotainment system also comes with Quadrifoglio-exclusive Performance Pages menus, allowing the driver to monitor the temperature of components, turbo pressure, power output, and other performance-focused displays.\nThe biggest update on the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio QV comes in the form of technology. The new Quadrifoglio duos now come equipped with a Bosch-developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that supports L2 autonomous driving, along with Lane Keep Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Control, Traffic Jam Asist and Highway Assist, and Driver Attention Assist.\nUnder the hood, the engine remains identical from before. Powering the new Giulia and Stelvio QV is the all-aluminium 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6, generating \n510 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of twist. Power is sent through the eight-speeder auto to the rear wheels on the Giulia QV via the Alfa Active Torque Vectoring differential, while the Stelvio gets the Q4 all-wheel-drive system.\nThe new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio does come with a new optional titanium Akrapovi\u010d exhaust system with carbon fibre tips, so it should sound better even if it basically looks and performs the same.\nRecently, Alfa Romeo also introduced the limited-edition stripped-down \nGiulia GTA and GTAm\n, featuring a more powerful 540 hp engine and 100 kg of weight loss, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.82 kg/hp. Century sprint takes 3.6 seconds, down from 3.9 seconds of the regular Giulia QV.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Having blacked-out emblems seem to be a trend in the USA now that dealers are also trying to profit from. Earlier this year, the humble Toyota Prius was also treated to the \nblack-emblem\n treatment.\nHyundai USA has just started offering the Sonata N Line decked with the Night Edition kit. In this Phantom Black paintwork, the large sedan actually looks amazing with the Night Edition treatment! Key to the balanced transformation is perhaps the application of dark chrome tint on the Hyundai emblems, rather than full gloss black, bringing out some depth and contrast.\nFirst appeared as one of the hero\u2019s vehicles in the action movie \u201cSnake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins\u201d, the Hyundai Sonata N Line Night Edition features a set of dark chrome coated \u2018Hyundai\u2019 and \u2018Sonata\u2019 emblems, matte black 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and rim centre caps made from carbon-fibre material (CFRP) and finished with bright red brake calipers. The package is a USD1,300 upgrade over the regular Sonata N Line.\nNo changes are made to the powertrain, with the Hyundai Sonata N Line fitted with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine pushing out a healthy \n290 hp\n and \n422 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via an 8-speed \nN Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission\n.\nInstead of dark chrome, the new Hyundai Staria in Indonesia has bronze highlights! Check it out here! \n\u00a0\nInside, the Hyundai Sonata N Line features unique N sport front seats with Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre combination material, N sport steering wheel, sports pedals, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers. \u00a0\nHyundai USA will only be limiting the production of the Sonata N Line Night Edition to just 1,000 units, with prices starting from US$34,750 (approx. RM145k). White paintwork is also available for the Sonata N Line Night Edition, where the door handles and side mirror caps are replaced from matte black to white.\n \nCloser to home, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) recently debuted the \nfirst N Line model in Malaysia\n with the launch of the facelifted \nHyundai Kona N Line\n 1.6 Turbo. Last year, HSDM launched the \nall-new 8th generation Sonata\n sedan in just a single variant, the G2.5, priced from \nRM189,888\n.\nBMW has also joined in the \u2018black and red\u2019 highlights editions. Take a look at the Black Vermilion package on the large SAVs here.\nGALLERY"
"Racing drivers such as\u00a0\nLucas Ord\u00f3\u00f1ez\n,\u00a0\nJann Mardenborough\n, and Wolfgang Reip shared the same similarity \u2013 video gamers who cut their teeth in the world of motor racing via the Gran Turismo video game. \u00a0Now, you too can become just like them with the announcement of the next installment of the Grand Turismo series \u2013 Gran Turismo Sport.\nThis will be the seventh Gran Turismo series and the \nfirst for the PlayStation 4\n console. Polyphony, the developers of the Gran Turismo series, is working closely with FIA \u2013 Mother Earth\u2019s\u00a0motorsport governing body \u2013 with the advent of \u201c\nGran Turismo Online Championship\n\u201d. This effectively means that FIA sanctioned events such as\u00a0World Rally Championship, World Touring Car Championship,\u00a0World Endurance Championship and Formula 1 could be featured in this game.\n \nThere are plans to promote\u00a0Grand Turismo as part of the ever growing \u201ce-sport\u201d, just like how DOTA 2, CounterStrike and StarCraft 2 stormed the competitive video gaming world with pool prizes amounting to the millions! With FIA\u2019s help, two championships will be announced:\u00a0\u201c\nNations Cup\n\u201d and \u201c\nManufacturers Cup\n\u201d. The winners will be awarded and be given the opportunity to stand alongside world champions from other motorsports disciplines during year-end FIA annual awards ceremony.\n \nFor those who aren\u2019t into competitive gaming or motorsports, don\u2019t worry, because this driving simulation promises to be family friendly, from children to seniors and even to those who have never had a go in racing video games. It\u2019s a fairly realistic driving simulation (our personal favourite actually) which gives players the ability to go against other players from different countries when connected to the Internet. But seeing how it\u2019s all but a video game, the reset button sure comes in handy when things go out of hand (i.e. crashing into the wall)!\n \nApart from improved graphics, sound and physics thanks to the PS4\u2019s extra \noomph\n\u00a0in computation thresholds, Gran Turismo Sport will feature a technology of the future, that is the PlayStation VR (Virtual Reality) headset for the first time. The game is set to be launched in 2016, with public beta testing schedule for launch in Spring.\n \nMotor racing has always been an affair not only for the bold and the brave but the rich and famous. Thankfully, the Gran Turismo series has narrowed that gap; giving a chance for regular joes like us to become professional racing drivers. We will never know if, in the near future, a potential F1 or GT racing driver will be discovered not from someone who started go-karting since at\u00a0young age, but from someone who actually spent all his/her time burning virtual rubbers from the comfort of their own homes.\n[Source: Gran Turismo & GT Planet]"
"The Mille Miglia race in Italy in the modern era traditionally involve vintage cars and sightseeing. It is one of the rare motorsport events that still follows its original route of 1,600 km (or 1,000 miles) from Brescia to Rome, Itlay and back. \u00a0\nThis year, the Dubai Police Force has sent a rather fitting representative \u2013 a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Over the past, the original Mercedes 300SL has had success in the 1955 edition of the Mille Miglia.\nThe Dubai Police Force patrol car fleet, back in 2016\nThe participation of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will share the United Arab Emirate\u2019s social values of safety, security and happiness to its community of over 190 nationalities. It is also part of the communication and marketing build-up to the Mille Miglia Experience 2021 that will tour the UAE in December over five days.\nEmirates Airline flew the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG from Dubai to Italy\nAccording to the article by \nGulfnews\n, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jalaf, at Dubai Police said, \u201cOur participation in the race symbolises the UAE\u2019s efforts to bring safety and security at home and to promote mutual dialogue and respect with other cultures globally.\u201d\n\u201cThe UAE is established on the values of tolerance and openness, evident in its rich diverse society of over 190 nationalities who live and work together in harmony. We look forward to sharing these values with millions of race spectators across the world in the UAE\u2019s Golden Jubilee year.\u201d\nThe Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is powered by a 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine developing \n571 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque. Plenty of styling elements such as the long bonnet, front grille, short tail and gullwing doors are inspired by the original 300SL.\nAn Alfa Romeo GTAm ahead of a Mercedes 300SL in the Mille Miglia 2021\nThe Dubai Police force is also one of the most famous thanks to its fleet of high-performance sportcars and supercars. Apart from adding a Genesis GV80 luxury SUV for patrol and public service duties, the force also added the region\u2019s most popular vehicle into its fleet.\nImage credit: \nGaadiwaadi\nJust days after its \ninternational launch\n, a Land Cruiser 300 has been spotted with the Dubai Police force\u2019s livery and registration plates. Retaining its core body-on-frame construction on a new TNGA GA-F platform, the new Land Cruiser 300 has two new twin-turbocharged V6 engines are on offer, with the 3.5-litre petrol developing \n415 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque.\nThe diesel mill meanwhile generates 309 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive."
"To people like us, visiting a tyre shop is almost like being a kid in a candy store. There are just so many things to see and so many things going on that we can\u2019t help but get excited. If you\u2019re like us and have been paying close attention when your tyres are being fitted, you might have noticed that some of these new tyres have a few coloured dots on the side wall. Most of us just chalk it off as a leftover mark from the manufacturing process, but they actually serve a pretty important function!\nSo what exactly are they? Usually found on the side wall in yellow and red, these dots are commonly known as balancing dots in the tyre industry. As the name implies, they help the technicians to ensure that the wheels are as balanced as possible, while using the minimum required balancing weights.\nThe Yellow Dot \u2013 Weight\nMost manufacturers use a yellow dot to mark out the \u201clight static balance point\u201d of the tyre, although there\u2019s no standardised colour for this purpose. In simpler terms, these dots represent the \nlightest point\n in terms of weight of the tyre, as they are never manufactured to pin-point accuracy.\nBy lining up the yellow coloured dot with the valve stem on the wheel, the weight distribution across the entire fitted wheel will be more balanced, thus requiring less lead weights to properly balance the wheel, and therefore resulting in a smoother and quieter ride, while also extending the life of your tyres.\nHowever, thanks to the improvement in manufacturing of newer alloy wheels, the valve stem placement has evolved to being more of an aesthetic consideration over weight distribution, so yellow dots might not necessarily be the most accurate way of \u201charmonising\u201d the new tyres to your wheels.\nThe Red Dot \u2013 Uniformity\nJust like how the tyres are never perfectly balanced, they are also never uniform in shape (roundness), with peaks and depressed spots at the joints of the multiple layers of belts within the tyres. If left unaddressed, the high points will result in vibrations in the cabin.\nThe red coloured dot marks out the\n highest point in the tyre\n, or the \u201cradial force variation first harmonic maximum\u201d \u2013 where the centrifugal forces are at maximum on a rotating tyre. In most cases, your wheels will also have a dot \u2013 either drilled or marked out by sticker \u2013 to signify its lowest point. The red dot on your tyres should then match up with this marking on your wheel.\nThis is the most accurate method to optimise your tyres for your wheels, and that\u2019s why they have a standardised red dot marking across the industry! If your wheels have its low points marked out, definitely follow the red dot instead of relying on the yellow dot.\nRed over Yellow\nIn the event that you have both yellow and red dots on the tyre, but no marking on your wheels, the red dots should take precedence over the yellow in lining up with the valve stem, due to the reasons mentioned above; weight balance can always be rectified with balancing weights.\nSo that\u2019s it! The next time you fit new tyres at the shop, you\u2019ll know what the technicians are doing with these dots, or even show them a thing or two if they\u2019re not in the know! Ensuring that your tyres are properly balanced means that they are running better, and remain running for longer, saving you money in the long run.\nWhile you\u2019re here, also check out \nhow your tyres look from the inside\n while you\u2019re driving down the streets!\n[Images: \nTyrepower Blackwood\n]"
"After introducing the \nlimited-run Heritage 60 Edition Jaguar F-Type in December last yea\nr, Jaguar has followed up with yet another limited edition model called the \nF-Type Reims Edition\n.\nOnly 150 units will be built, with the F-Type Reims Edition only available in the French Racing Blue colour. The bespoke colour is only reserved for the Reims Edition models and the F-Type is only the second Jaguar model to feature it after the Jaguar XE Reims Edition released in 2019.\nThe Reims Edition name was inspired by Jaguar\u2019s sporting heritage, specifically the D-Type\u2019s maiden victory at the 12 Hours of Reims in 1954. It also marked the start of a truly golden era in Jaguar\u2019s racing history as it went on to influence all future Jaguar sports cars, from E-Type to F-Type.\nThe Heritage 60 Edition in Coupe.\n.and convertible form.\nExterior enhancements include the 20-inch five-spoke wheels and an Exterior Black Pack which comes with black fender vents, black Jaguar wordings and grille surround.\nThe Black Pack influence continues inside on the door handles and the instrument cluster surface. Optional items such as the Fixed Panoramic Roof, heated seats, and Climate Pack (heated steering wheels and windscreen) are now standard.\nThe Reims Edition F-Type is available in two different variants \u2013 the \nP300 RWD\n with 300 hp and 400 Nm or\n P450 RWD\n with 450 hp and 580 Nm."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced the arrival of the GLA 200 \u201cStyle\u201d priced at RM223,888 on-the-road without insurance. With Agility Financing, the \u201cStyle\u201d edition can be had from RM3,288.\nA quick check on \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s official site\n shows that the GLA 200 \u201cStyle\u201d is\n now the cheapest GLA, in fact, the most affordable Mercedes-Benz\n in the local range of three-pointed star vehicles.\nFurther up the food chain is the GLA \u201cNight Edition\u201d priced at \nRM244,888\n, the GLA 250 4MATIC AMG LINE at \nRM274,888\n and the borderline lunatic GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC at\n RM413,888\n.\nAs the name prescribes, the latest GLA 200 sports a set of 18-inch five twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and high gloss chrome inserts on the beltine strip which runs around the windows on the side of the car and the load sill guard while the radiator is finished in matt iridium silver.\nInside, the new \u201cStyle\u201d edition projects a subdued interior with a Artico man-made leather and Macapa fabric upholstery with a catchy pattern on the back rests of the \u201cComfort package\u201d seats inspired by tyre tracks for a more rugged look.\nAs is mandatory these days, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is present on the 8-inch infotainment display. Should you feel the need to fuel you inner speed demon desires, it\u2019s also equipped with the Dynamic Select switch to jump alter the car\u2019s behaviour through different drive modes.\nMore importantly, albeit being an entry level model, the \u201cStyle\u201d edition is equipped with Active Brake PRE-SAFE, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and Attention Assist.\nUnder the hood, the GLA 200 \u201cStyle\u201d is powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine making \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n, paired to a 7G DCT transmission \u2013 enough to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds."
"Mercedes-Benz owners, specifically for those with \nW212 E-Class\n (both pre-facelift and facelift models) and \nW218 CLS-Class\n, there may be a need to get a \nrubber seal\n in the engine compartment replaced. The recall is part of the German carmaker\u2019s global product monitoring, and this comes after the \nlast recall\n which involved its new \nW205 C-Class\n model.\nMercedes-Benz W212 E-Class (pre-facelift)\nThe rubber seal issue as per discovered by Daimler AG, is only affecting \nselected batches\n of the E- and CLS-Class. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has already started informing all affected customers and rectification works will take place at its authorised dealers.\nMercedes-Benz W218 CLS-Class\nPresident and CEO of MBM, Mr Roland Folger highlighted, \u201cMercedes-Benz Malaysia adheres to the highest safety standards and will attend to all affected vehicles promptly. We are committed to ensuring that customers have the best ownership experience.\u201d\nThe rectification process will take no more than an hour to complete and is expected to commence in mid-March.\u00a0For further information on the recall, you can contact MBM\u2019s\u00a0\nCustomer Care Centre at\u00a0\n1-800-88-1133\n from Monday to Friday at 9am to 5pm."
"The 2017 Tokyo Motor Show will go into full swing in about a months\u2019 time but that is not stopping carmakers to give us a little taste of what is to come at the largest auto show in Japan. Subaru is kicking things off with the WRX STI S208, a limited-edition literation of its high-performance sedan that succeeds the S207 that was introduced back in 2015.\nAesthetically, the S208 gets an extensive body rework to include a carbon roof as well as exclusive front and rear bumpers to aid aerodynamics. The new rear wing should also contribute to the cars overall performance. It also gets a unique Cool Grey paintjob to highlight its exclusivity. Inside, the S208 also gets some exclusive trims.\nBesides the additional go-fast bits, engineers at Subaru and STI have given the S208 a slight performance boost over the \nstandard WRX STI\n. Subaru has hinted at \u201c\nimproved engine output and acceleration and a lower centre of gravity\n\u201d although exact upgrades will only be announced during the launch.\nSubaru will only be producing 450 units of the Subaru WRX STI S208 and will sell them through official channels in Japan. Acquiring one of these super saloon is not as straightforward as walking to a dealership and putting a deposit down. In anticipation of its wide market acceptance, Subaru will only sell it to lucky individuals who were picked from the lottery, further adding to its exclusivity. More details of Subaru\u2019s limited edition WRX STI will be announced at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show."
"At the launch of the \nall-new G30 BMW 5 Series\n, BMW Malaysia has expressed that a cheaper locally assembled variant is underway. Six months later, they delivered. Introducing the locally assembled 530i M Sport, yours for RM388,800 a full RM10k cheaper than before.\nLike before, BMW Malaysia continues to offer the business athlete in a sole 530i M Sport variant. Compared to the CBU units the CKD 5 Series \nonly loses out on Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function\n. Other than that, the specification list is dittos the fully imported units.\nQUICK FACTS\u00a0\nName\nG30 BMW 530i M Sport (CKD)\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n252 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM388,800.00\nTo recap, the 530i CKD gets the M Sport which adds M Sport aerodynamic body kit, M Sport brake and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels to the exterior. Hop inside, one will find the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen display, \n600W 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system\n, GPS navigation, powered sunroof, ambient lighting and four-zone climate control intact. Oh, the the CKD model also comes with the futuristic BMW Display Key.   The 530i is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower turbo with \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint is completed in 6.2 seconds while top speed is electronically cut at \n250 km/h\n. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear-wheels via an eight-speed automatic. The Adaptive mode that automatically adjust damping levels according to your driving style and the route ahead is also present in the locally assembled 5 Series.\nOn the safety front, other than the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the 530i CKD still comes with Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Approach Control Warning & Person Warning with City Brake function, front and rear parking sensors as well as reverse camera. Pretty impressive to say the least.\nAvailable colours include Alpine White, Mediterranean Blue, Sophisto Grey \ntwo additional colours\n, Carbon Black Metallic and Bluestone Metallic. Every purchase of the BMW 530i M Sport CKD is covered with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program, 2 Years BMW Tyre Warranty Programme and BMW Malaysia\u2019s 5-Years New Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline Program.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The facelifted Mazda CX-5 has just been unveiled and changes have been limited to the model that was first introduced as an all-new model in \nlate 2017\n. The second-generation Mazda CX-5 introduced a more sophisticated level of Mazda\u2019s Kodo design, featuring a \u201cless is more\u201d approach to beautiful styling.\nThe new facelifted 2022 Mazda CX-5 continues the SUV\u2019s evolution with a redesigned front and rear end, with the front fascia adopting a new three-dimensional grille and signature wing design. Similar to the \nMazda 3 hatchback\n, the lower corners of the front bumper ditches any plastic trim or housing for LED fog lamps. The facelifted design was first \nleaked\n by Chinese websites. \u00a0\nBoth the front and rear lights have been restyled with a new rectangular shape, portraying a double \u2018L\u2019 signature. The newly styled wheel design completes the facelift look of the 2022 Mazda CX-5.\nIn the US and Europe, different trim levels offer a different finishing to the lower body cladding. Mid-range variants have the claddings in gloss black finish and are accompanied by similar black finishing on the signature wing, side mirrors and 19-inch wheels.\nThis mid-range variant will also sport the new grille design in gloss black as well as incorporating red accents in the three-dimensional texture.\nThe flagship or range-topping 2022 Mazda CX-5 meanwhile will have colour-coded or unified body claddings and paired with 19-inch wheels finished in bright gloss silver, as seen in the white example. The interior will also be appointed with higher quality Nappa leather and decorated with genuine woodgrain.\nMazda will be using their legendary rotary engine again, but in a more efficient installation. Learn about the new approach here!\nUnder the bodyshell, Mazda has been said to have fine-tuned and improved the driving dynamics and ride quality of the CX-5. The bodyshell, suspension and even seats have been evolved to enhance ride comfort and reduce fatigue. Occupants are also treated to lower levels of road noise, especially over rough surfaces such as gravel.\nThe facelifted 2022 Mazda CX-5 will also introduce Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode via the toggle switch. The six-speed automatic transmission has also been updated to deliver smoother accelerations and more responsive action.\nBased on the limited photographs of the interior as well as (lack of) mention in the press release, it looks like the interior design has largely been maintained since the introduction of the \n2019 model\n year improvement, which adds the 10.25-inch Mazda Connect central infotainment display and an enlarged driver\u2019s multi-information colour display (MID) measuring seven inches. \u00a0\nThe new facelifted 2022 Mazda CX-5 will only go on sale in Europe from early 2022 thus expect the new model to arrive in Malaysia perhaps in the second half of next year.\nThe locally-assembled 2021 Mazda CX-5 in Malaysia is currently priced from \nRM132,404\n for the 2.0 Mid, approx. RM16k more for the 2.0 High, RM161,104 for the 2.5 2WD High and \nRM174,852\n for the CX-5 2.5 Turbo 4WD which \nwe reviewed\n.\nThe torque-rich Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-Diesel that sends \n450 Nm\n to just the front wheels meanwhile is priced at RM167,275.\nThe next-gen Mazda CX-5 is rumoured to be a big step-up to compete with the Germans: six-cylinder paired with rear-wheel drive sounds tasty! Read more about it here!\nGALLERY"
"The Malaysian government will soon make the switch over to fully-electric vehicles (EVs) for ministers\u2019 official vehicles, according to Minister of Environment and Water, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. Speaking in a press conference after officiating a Khidmat Malaysia office in Batu Caves yesterday, he said, \u201cStarting next year (2023), all government procurements will move toward electric cars,\u201d as reported by \nMalaysia Gazette\n.\nThe Hyundai Kona electric is the cheapest EV in Malaysia currently, from RM149,888\nDespite the verbal confirmation, details on EV usage by the Malaysian government have yet to be disclosed. According to Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the cost of EVs is expensive as their numbers are low. He believes that the cost will go down as the number of EVs in Malaysia increases.\nThe minister adds that the issue with EVs right now is (or lack thereof) the charging facility. He says that the government must first prepare charging stations where needed to allow usage of EVs by the government ministers.\nRELATED: \nTNB, PLUS Malaysia to set up EV charging network along North-South Expresswa\ny\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ retails at RM698,888\nCurrently, the EVs that have been launched in Malaysia include the likes of the \nHyundai Kona Electric\n, \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n, \nKia EV6\n, \nBMW iX\n, \nBMW i4\n, \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n, \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n, \nPorsche Taycan\n, and the \nMINI Cooper SE\n.\nMost of them, however, don\u2019t really fit the \u2018usual\u2019 look of the official minister\u2019s cars in Malaysia \u2013 sub-compact SUVs and low-slung sedans aren\u2019t exactly the kind of cars used by government officials, and the most \u201cproper\u201d sedan in the list costs nearly RM700,000.\nSo far, official cars for government ministers have included the cars like the Proton Perdana and Toyota Vellfire. Will our ministers be chauffeured around in the luxurious \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n? Or could it be another more affordable, properly-sized EV that is making its way to our shores? With the elections expected to take place later this year, let\u2019s not get too excited about what the ministers say they plan for 2023 just yet.\nRELATED: \nYou can now pay for EV charging via Setel from RM1.20 per minute"
"Toyota\u2019s own subscription service, Kinto One, has now made its way onto the shores of Malaysia. Although already having an established presence worldwide, the Kinto One service in Malaysia backed by Toyota Capital Malaysia is actually the first-in-the-world to introduce an Islamic based car subscription programme!\nKinto One is marketed as an \u201call-inclusive\u201d, fixed monthly payment car subscription plan, offering a new medium to own and drive a car, without the hassles associated with the traditionally popular hire-purchase facility.\nWhile the subscription prices are higher than what you would normally pay for in a traditional hire-purchase arrangement, the fixed monthly subscription fee is also inclusive of the registration of the vehicle, annual comprehensive insurance and road tax, as well as periodic and preventive maintenances.\nThe included periodic and preventive maintenance works will be carried out by authorised Toyota dealerships with genuine parts, and even includes replacement of tyres and batteries, as well as all associated labour costs. All Kinto One customers are also covered under a comprehensive takaful insurance coverage with 24-hour emergency assistance.\n \nCustomers subscribing to Kinto One can choose between a two-year or three-year plan. Once the subscription period is completed, the customer just has to simply return the car to Toyota Malaysia, and everything else will be taken care of \u2013 no need to worry about residual value nor the process of selling of the car after years of use.\nToyota Capital Malaysia President, Thomas Chai said, \u201cKinto One is the direct translation of a strategic partnership between Toyota Capital Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor and is a distinctly curated respond to the new generation lifestyle seeking for mobility. It is about the shift of consumer behaviour from car ownership to car usership [sic].\u201d\nKinto One is now available in Malaysia through the new website at \nwww.kinto-my.com\n, where customers can view the available car models, decide on a suitable subscription plan, and apply directly online. The Kinto One subscription plan does not require any down payment, but customers will have to pay a refundable one-month deposit at the time of application.\nModels currently available in the service include the recently-updated \nToyota Vios\n, \nYaris\n, \nCorolla\n, \nInnova\n, \nFortuner\n, as well as Lexus models such as the all-new \nLexus UX200\n. Subscription plans start at RM1,678 per month."
"Many of us drivers have our own favourite audio tracks for certain driving moods. Slow jazz to end the night or perhaps some EDM to keep the spirits up.\nCurrently, music selection is still done manually according to the drive but Bentley has developed a technology to adapt to both vehicle and driver input automatically.\nBentley, together with Lifescore who are experts in the field of \u2018adaptive music\u2019, are working together in creating algorithms that allow vehicle inputs such as \nengine revs and acceleration to influence the composition of music\n in real-time.\nThis industry-first feature will create unique audio soundscapes that respond to how and where the vehicle is being driven and under what conditions. This means the sound system will compose a soundtrack to engage with the journey, all unique and in real-time.\nThe library of sound provided by LifeScore utilises world-class musicians, contemporary and classical instruments recorded with state-of-the-art equipment at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. All of the audio elements are recorded in full-sphere surround sound (ambisonic) using more than 50 microphones to provide for all possible future formats.\nThe Bentley Flying Spur now available in Malaysia from RM839k\nAs such, in the cabin of the future, sound can be designed to come from any direction at the highest possible resolution. In an hour\u2019s drive, the system can \ncompose more than 100 billion unique music tracks\n \u2013 an astounding figure.\nThe algorithms are designed to produce compositions that flow through themes and variations achieved by maximising coherence, minimising the repetition of cells and other AI-techniques.\nFor example, in Cocoon mode, as the Bentley is winding through town, the music builds and evolves slowly and when cruising speed is achieved, the music is sustained and deeply calming.\nThis Lexus is waxed with a record player snuggedly placed in the glovebox!\nThe Enhanced driving mode meanwhile composes music that is exciting and highly reactive, in tune with the vehicle\u2019s high engine RPM and faster cornering speeds.\nBentley developed and is demonstrating such a system for widespread use in their EV models as soon as 2025 and by \n2030\n, all Bentley cars will be battery EVs only.\nThe development stories of bringing sound and acoustics into vehicles have been heightened recently courtesy of the eerily quiet electric vehicles. BMW has teamed up with Academy Award winner \nHans Zimmer\n to produce sound clips for their upcoming BMW i models, while Audi and Porsche have their own unique \u2018futuristic\u2019 soundtrack accompanying the \ne-tron GT\n and Taycan models."
"ABB of Switzerland, the world leader in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, offers the full range of charging and electrification solutions for not just cars but buses, vans, commercial vehicles and even trains and ships.\nThe company today unveils its latest Terra 360 EV charger for mainstream vehicles. With a maximum \n360 kW\n of charging power, it is dubbed the world\u2019s fastest EV charger, as the new machine is capable of \nfully charging any EV in 15 minutes\n or less or 100 km of range in under three minutes.\nThis Shell station is the greenest in the country, and not due to just have EV chargers! More about their initiative here!\nMajority of the high-capacity DC fast chargers are delivering between 150 kW to 180 kW. In Malaysia, Porsche and Shell has embarked to \n\u201celectrify\u201d Malaysia and Singapore\n with strategically placed DC fast chargers along the North-South Expressway (PLUS) to make travelling time from Penang to Singapore comparable to conventional cars.\nIn an example given by Porsche, using a 180-kW charger at their showroom for just 30 minutes can deliver up to 390 km of range to a \nPorsche Taycan\n.\nBMW Malaysia is offering the i3s EV at RM279k, 0 to 100 km/h under 7 seconds. More info here!\nThanks to its modular design and small footprint, the new Terra 360 can simultaneously charge up to four vehicles with dynamic power distribution. ABB sees the potential of this big rig being installed at high volume locations such as refuelling stations, urban charging stations and especially fleet applications.\nMuch closer to home, ABB has installed their Terra 53 multi-connector charging system at their head office in Subang Jaya, Selangor. Three connectors are available, including an AC connector rated up to 43 kW plus a CCS Type 2 Connector that is the default \u201csocket\u201d used by European automakers. \u00a0\nThe CCS connector, the default for European EVs\nThe CHAdeMO connector (left) in the Japanese Nissan Leaf\nOwners of \nNissan Leaf\n are also welcomed to use the ABB Terra 53 charging bay, as it is one of the very few locations in Malaysia to have the 50 kW CHAdeMO connector, topping up to 80% of electrons in 50 minutes.\nGALLERY"
"The long-awaited and highly anticipated 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has finally made its launch in Malaysia. Offered in a single variant only, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia is priced at \nRM159,800\n (OTR, without insurance).\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.\n \nBased on the Tiggo 8 Pro Max in China, the 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro measures 4,722 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,705 mm tall, with a 2,710 mm long wheelbase underpinning it, and is meant to compete against the likes of the \nProton X90\n, \nKia Sorento\n, and \nHyundai Santa Fe\n in Malaysia. Compared to the three competitors, the Tiggo 8 Pro is both shorter in length and narrower as well. In terms of height, it is taller than the two Korean competitors but is slightly shorter than the Proton X90.\nOn the outside, the 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro wears a \u201cgalaxy\u201d-inspired front grille, with prism-inspired inserts on the mesh. The Chery logo at the front will also illuminate together with the headlights and tail lights to form the welcome light upon unlocking the car.\nRELATED: \n2023 Chery Omoda 5 launched in Malaysia, Honda HR-V rival from RM109k\nAt the back, the Tiggo 8 Pro features tail lights that extend horizontally across the width of the car. The interesting-looking T-shaped third brake light is also integrated into the roof-mounted spoiler. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is also fitted with a set of 19-inch alloys.\nExterior features that come standard with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia include:\nLED headlights\nLED tail lights\nLED daytime running lights (DRL)\nIlluminated front logo with welcome sequence\n19-inch dual-tone alloys\nPowered tailgate\nQuad tailpipes\nRoof rails\nPowering the Malaysian-spec Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the Tiggo 8 Pro sends a total of \n256 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n to the front wheels only.\nThere are also three drive modes for the drivers to choose from \u2013 Eco, Normal, and Sport. The powertrain and further technical details of the all-new Tiggo 8 Pro are as such:\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\nMax. Power: \n256 hp\nMax. Torque: \n390 Nm\nTransmission: Seven-speed DCT\nFront brakes: Ventilated disc brakes\nRear brakes: Solid disc brakes\nFront suspension: MacPherson independent suspension\nRear suspension: Longitudinal towing-arm independent suspension\nMoving inside, the Malaysian-spec 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro gets a rather premium-looking interior with a total of seven seats. Besides looking premium, the interior is also properly modern, featuring a floating dual-screen setup that consists of an instrument display cluster and an infotainment display. Combined, the two screens measure 24.6 inches in total.\u00a0\nCarrying on with the modern theme, the climate control is operated via touch-sensitive buttons and is positioned just right below the aircon vents. The steering wheel is leather wrapped and has a flat bottom too. To add to the premium look and feel, the steering wheel even houses switches that come with detailed knurling.\nThere is a reason why people have been describing the Tiggo 8 Pro\u2019s interior design as being inspired by \nMercedes-Benz\n. Take a look at the designs of the push-start button, door cards, and the Burmester-style speaker grilles, and you might just realise why.\nRELATED: \nChery Omoda 5 EV specs revealed, 450km range \u2013 BYD Atto 3 rival?\nInterior features that come with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro as standard in Malaysia include:\nSeven leather-wrapped seats\nMemory function for the driver seat\nHeating and ventilation function for the front seats\n24.6-inch (combined) instrument cluster and infotainment displays\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility\nTouch-sensitive climate control\nFlat-bottomed steering wheel\neight-speaker Sony sound system\nMobile phone wireless charger\nMulti-colour ambient lighting\nDual-zone automatic climate control\nIndependent third-row aircon\nElectric panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade\nRemote engine start\nSafety-wise, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is packed with a full ADAS suite and even comes with a 540-degree camera. And no, the 540-degree camera isn\u2019t a typo. It\u2019s just Chery\u2019s way of advertising its 360-degree camera system that consists of an underfloor camera.\u00a0\u00a0\nHere is a list of safety features that come equipped with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro as standard:\nAdaptive cruise control (ACC) & integrated cruise assist (ICA)\nFront collision warning (FCW)\nAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)\nLane departure warning (LDP)\nLane departure keeping (LDK)\nRear cross traffic alert (RCTA)\nTraffic sign recognition (TSR)\nTraffic jam assist (TJA)\nTyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)\nBlind spot detection\nDoor open warning\n540-degree camera system\nTo recap, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has just been launched in Malaysia and is offered in a sole variant only. Priced at \nRM159,800\n (OTR, w/o insurance), the Tiggo 8 Pro comes with a 7-year/150,000 km standard manufacturer\u2019s warranty and five years of free service.\nThe first 3,000 customers also get a special 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro\u2019s powertrain components. The 1,000,000 km engine warranty program would normally cost an additional RM2,000.\nRELATED: \nChery Omoda 3 revealed in China \u2013 stylish compact SUV to rival the Perodua Ativa?\nGALLERY"
"The all-new \nthird generation Audi TT\n has officially been launched here under the stewardship of \nAudi Malaysia\n, effectively taking over operational duties from Euromobil, a DRB-Hicom subsidiary. Only one variant will be offered for now, and that\u2019s the \n2.0-litre TFSI\n unit bearing the \nRM284,900\n asking price (with GST but excludes insurance).\nThe TT brand is considerably popular in Malaysia, thanks to grey importers. The Mk3 coupe has an overall length of 4,177 mm, is 1,832 mm wide, 1,353 mm tall and the axles sit 2,505 mm apart. Also, the TT sits on Volkswagen\u2019s MQB platform, just like the Audi A3.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi TT 2.0L TFSI\nEngine\n1,984cc; direct injection, turbocharged\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch S-tronic auto\nMax Power\n230 hp @ 4,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,300 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n5.9 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\nRM284,900\n (with GST)\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, this car cannot be mistaken for anything else but Audi\u2019s famed four-seater coupe. Now in its \nthird life cycle\n, the TT is much, much more chiseled than both the Mk1 and Mk2 TT, conceived in 1998 and 2006 respectively. From the front, you still get the brand\u2019s signature hexagonal grille, but here it is wider and sharper than before.   Standard features here include \nbi-xenon projector headlamps\n with integrated LED daytime running lights, LED combination tail lamps, electronically foldable side mirrors with signal indicators and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with 245/40 R18 \nContinental ContiSportContact 5\n tyres. Both the front and the rear tyres are of the same size.\u00a0Move towards the back and you\u2019ll notice the \ndual exhaust pipes\n and a \nrear spoiler\n that flips open to improve downforce at speeds over 120 km/h.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin, as one would expect out of Audi, continues to impress with its exceptional build quality, but this time the four-ringed marque is taking things one step ahead by incorporating a \n12.3-inch TFT LCD display panel\n into the instrument cluster that supports \nGPS navigation\n and \n3D mapping\n as standard. Not optional, but standard!   Having \nAudi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit\n built into the instrument cluster means forgoing the central MMI screen that Audi owners have become accustomed to. However, the MMI system itself is retained, and the TT comes with \nMMI Touch\n and \nMMI Radio\n as standard. Also standard here are the 9-speaker (155W) configuration and leather upholstery; the seats get a dash of Alcantara, and buyers can opt for the RM4,000 S Sport Seats with powered adjusters.\nShould you feel the need to upgrade the already impressive interior, there\u2019s the RM3,000 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, RM1,200 Quartz lacquer silver interior trims, and the RM12,500 S-Line package which gives you external cosmetic upgrades as well.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering this \n1,335 kg\n bad boy is the familiar \n2.0-litre TFSI\n motor, and in this state of tune it makes \n230 hp\n at 4,500 rpm and a healthy \n370 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 4,300 rpm. Only one transmission choice here, that is the \nsix-speed dual clutch automatic\n gearbox, channeling drive to the \nfront wheels\n. No Quattro here, fellas. As such, the car will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.9 seconds\n before reaching a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n6.3 litres per 100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nA total of \nsix airbags\n are fitted as standard to the TT. Along with it are the usual three-lettered acronyms; ABS with EBD, ESC, Isofix mounts and a 4-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. For drivers, there\u2019s the passive cruise control that you can make use of, while the front and rear of the car comes with four parking sensors each.\nWHAT ELSE?\nTo recap, the Audi TT carries the RM285k asking price, but with that many option boxes to tick, only you can determine how high the ceiling is. The option kit includes: a RM5,000 LED headlights or the \nRM9,000 Matrix LED headlights\n packages, three sets of 19-inch wheels of varying designs (RM6,000 each), RM12,500 S-Line package and RM4,000 S sport seats as well as the RM9,500 MMI Navigation and MMI Touch pack. Quite a kit there, don\u2019t you think?\nTopping it off is the \n10-colour option\n \u2013 Tango Red, Scuba Blue, three shades of grey, two blacks, two whites and a silver colour. The TT comes with a\n 4-year or 120,000 km\n warranty programme, whichever occurs first. The arrival of this TT signals at a very exciting year at Audi Malaysia, with the new \nTT S\n and \nQ7\n rumoured to hit local shores later this year. So stay tuned for the latest news on Audi!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a preview for the \nNavara PRO-4X\n flagship variant last month, Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) has now officially launched the new Nissan Navara pick-up truck here in Malaysia.\nSix variants are available for the new Nissan Navara, starting with the sole single-cab workhorse variant at RM92k, and topping out with the aforementioned PRO-4X, priced at RM142,200.\nEXTERIOR\nThe styling of the new Nissan Navara is heavily influenced by the US-market-only \nTitan pick-up truck\n, especially on the new front fascia, which now gets a large \u2018Interlock\u2019 grille, surrounded by a chunky piece of chrome trim.\nAutomatic halogen headlights are standard items, but the three higher-end variants get a quad-LED projector set-up with a new C-shaped signature daytime-running lights. It\u2019s also the same at the rear, with only the top three variants getting the LED tail lights with C-shaped lighting signature.\nAt the rear, the new Navara gets a new \u201cintegrated spoiler\u201d look on the tailgate. Further down, the bumper has also been redesigned, now with an integrated step to make getting in and out of the truck a lot easier.\nStandard on the Nissan Navara is also a new Tailgate Assist torsion beam system in the tailgate, making it significantly easier to access the truck bed.\nPERFORMANCE\nAll six variants of the Nissan Navara are powered by the same YD25 2.5-litre inline-four turbodiesel engine, but their outputs vary based on the transmission choices \u2013 with the six-speed manual option (available on the single-cab and SE variants) getting the lower output.\nHigh Output configuration (PRO-4X, VL, V, SE Auto)\nEngine: YD25 2.5-litre inline-four DOHC Intercooler turbodiesel\nTransmission: 7-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode\nDriveline: Front engine, four-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 190 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nTorque: 450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nMedium Output configuration (SE Manual, workhorse single-cab)\nEngine: YD25 2.5-litre inline-four DOHC Intercooler turbodiesel\nTransmission: 6-speed manual transmission\nDriveline: Front engine, four-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 163 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nTorque: 403 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nINTERIOR\nAs this new Nissan Navara is a facelift model, there are virtually no changes to its interior architecture and design from the outgoing model.\nHowever, Nissan said that significant work has been put in to improve the quietness and comfort in the cabin, and can be seen from the new noise-isolation acoustic laminated glass on the windshield and front windows, as well as the new rear seats with improved thigh support, curved backrest, and a new centre armrest with integrated cup holders.\nBeing the only pick-up truck in the market with a multi-link rear suspension instead of leaf springs, the new Nissan Navara also adopts a new dual-rate coil spring that is said to reduce \u201cbody toss\u201d by up to 33%, while improving vehicle stability, ride comfort, and handling to be \u201con par with SUVs\u201d.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, the new Nissan Navara line-up is equipped with two airbags, and two rear reversing sensors as standard. Moving up to the \u201cvalue for money\u201d V variant ups the airbag count to six, alongside the addition a rearview camera and autonomous emergency braking features.\nStepping up to the two premium variants \u2013 the VL and PRO-4X \u2013 will net you the full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced driver assistance features, alongside a 360-degree surround view monitor and two additional rear parking sensors.\nPRICING\nThe new Nissan Navara line-up in Malaysia is priced as follows, on-the-road, without insurance:\n2.5L Single-Cab MT \u2013 RM91,900\n2.5L SE MT \u2013 RM110,900\n2.5L SE AT \u2013 RM116,900\n2.5L V AT \u2013 RM125,500\n2.5L VL AT \u2013 RM137,900\nPRO-4X AT \u2013 RM142,200\nIncluded as standard in the price of the new Nissan Navara is a five-year, 150,000 km warranty. As pick-up trucks are classified as commercials, they are not eligible for the SST exemptions, currently still valid until the 30th of June.\nAt launch, ETCM is also offering four exclusive factory-fitted accessories packages for the new Nissan Navara, with different contents depending on the variant:\nGALLERY"
"The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA was named the \n\u201cMost Beautiful Car\u201d of 2021\n, and it\u2019s not hard to see why. Taking on a completely new styling direction, the\n all-new GLA\n has now ditched away its \u201ctaller A-Class\u201d look for a more proper SUV-like stature; almost like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.\nBut are good looks the only thing that the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA has going for it? The \noutgoing GLA\n was a massively successful product \u2013 especially in its \nAMG form\n, so does the all-new model have what it takes to uphold the reputation and keep the fans happy? Let\u2019s find out.\nPOWERTRAIN\nBarring the AMG model, which \u2013 in this latest generation \u2013 has not been launched here just yet, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA line-up in Malaysia is unchanged from before. Two variants are on offer here, the GLA 200 and GLA 250, but while the \nold GLA 250 \nhad the 4Matic all-wheel-drive drivetrain, the new line-up is strictly front-wheel driven only.\nIn terms of what\u2019s underneath the sheet metal, both new variants have received brand-new powertrains, with gains in their power outputs. The GLA 200 is now powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, with its horsepower up marginally by 7 hp to \n163 hp\n.\nThe M260 engine in the current GLA 250 is the successor to the M270 unit found in the outgoing GLA 250.\nMeanwhile, the GLA 250 with the new M260 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill sees its horsepower rise by a more substantial 13 hp to \n224 hp\n. Torque figures for both variants remain the same as before, at 250 Nm and 350 Nm for the GLA 200 and 250 respectively.\nThe GLA 200 retains the 7G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox to go along with the new powertrain, while the GLA 250 sees an extra set of sprockets in its transmission, moving up to a 8G-DCT gearbox.\nThe 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbo in the GLA 200 is a really tiny unit!\nInterestingly though, while the all-new GLA variants now have a higher power output than their predecessors, they actually both \nperform worse than the outgoing models in the 0-100 km/h sprint\n, taking 0.6 seconds (8.7 s) longer on the GLA 200, and 0.3 seconds (6.9 s) longer on the more powerful GLA 250.\nAs for fuel consumption, the downsized engine in the GLA 200 sees a reduction of 0.2 l/100 km to 5.6 l/100km, while the GLA 250 drops marginally from 6.6 to 6.5 l/100 km \u2013 not a night and day difference, but still a welcome change.\nEXTERIOR\nWe concede that looks are a subjective matter, but to us, the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA just never looked quite \u201cright\u201d. A large part of the reason is due to its A-Class roots, resulting in a \u201cjacked-up hatchback\u201d look. The end result never felt proportionate to us, and is somehow stuck in no man\u2019s land between sleek and rugged.\nThis all-new model meanwhile, takes on a completely different approach in the styling department. While it still shares a lot of the same motifs as the other compact Mercedes models, Mercedes-Benz has given the all-new GLA a unique feel of its own, with an overall taller height (+117 mm on the GLA 200, 250 is 10 mm lower thanks to its lowered comfort springs) more befitting of its \u201clifestyle-oriented SUV\u201d label.\nIn terms of dimensions, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA now measures 1,611 mm in height, 1,834 mm in width (+30 mm), while its length is reduced by 7 mm to 4,410 mm. However, the wheelbase has actually increased by 30 mm to 2,729 mm, resulting in a shorter overhang both front and rear to give it a more rugged persona.\nIn addition, the all-new GLA\u2019s tracks (distance between left and right wheels) have also increased by 46 mm, which means the wheels now fill the wheel wells a lot better for a more aggressive stance.\nAs we\u2019ve mentioned above, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is offered in two variants here; the GLA 200 is dressed in a Progressive exterior styling pack, while the GLA 250 gets equipped with an AMG Line bodykit.\nThe differences between the two, as evident from the photos above, are largely restricted to the front and rear bumpers, with the AMG Line sporting the more aggressive-looking trims including a larger diamond pin front grille, a larger bone-shaped trim on the front bumper with horizontal trim elements, integrated rear diffuser on the rear bumper.\nThe AMG Line-equipped GLA 250 also gets a larger set of wheels \u2013 19-inch compared to the 18-inch items on the GLA 200.\nFake \u201cexhaust tips\u201d, just. why?\nAs good as those sound though, Mercedes-Benz just couldn\u2019t help themselves and tacked on some non-functional air-vents and \u201cexhaust tips\u201d at the rear, the latter a particular pain point for us as the outgoing model had some actual functional exhaust surround trims.\nAnyway, we digress. In terms of exterior equipment, both variants are fairly evenly equipped, and basically unchanged from their predecessors. Standard-fit items across both variants include automatic High Performance LED headlights, LED tail lights, automatic windscreen wipers, and auto-dimming driver\u2019s side exterior mirror.\nA whole new world.\nINTERIOR\nJust like the current-generation \nA-Class\n, the cabin of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is also a huge leap up over its predecessor, both in terms of look and feel, as well as equipment.\nUnsurprisingly, the interior of the all-new GLA gets a more modern design overall, in line with all the latest Mercedes-Benz models. There\u2019s also a significant reduction in physical buttons, specifically on the centre console (\nthe old one even had a number pad! How many owners actually used that?\n) \u2013 though fortunately all the important controls, such as those for the air conditioning, are still physical switches.\nThe most apparent upgrade inside is undoubtedly the new dual 10.25-inch screen set-up \u2013 one each for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display \u2013 running Mercedes-Benz\u2019s latest MBUX system. The outgoing model only had one single eight-inch non-touchscreen display, running the outdated Audio 20 software \u2013 though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were already present on the outgoing models.\nThe new MBUX systems also come as standard with the Mercedes me connectivity features, allowing for remote features including remote engine start and checking of remaining fuel levels through the accompanying mobile application, among other things.\n114 mm more rear legroom than before.\nThanks to the increase in dimensions, interior space has also been increased, specifically in the front headroom and rear legroom department, according to Mercedes-Benz \u2013 the latter by a whopping 114 mm. Boot capacity has also been increased by 14 litres, to now 435 litres of cargo space \u2013 which can always be extended by folding down the 60:40 split folding rear seats.\nSAFETY\nWhile it seems like everything else on the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA has been upgraded or renewed, the onboard advanced driver assistance features does remain essentially unchanged from its predecessor.\nStandard safety kit on both variants of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA include the Pre-Safe autonomous emergency braking system, active parking assist (with parking package and reversing camera), tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as an interior monitoring system.\nThe range-topping GLA 250 does gain an additional blind-spot monitoring system, which also functions as a visual warning for the passenger exiting the car when another vehicle is approaching.\nPRICING\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced at \nRM 244,199.82\n for the GLA 200, and \nRM285,336.66\n for the range-topping GLA 250 here in Malaysia \u2013 both on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nCompared to the latest pricing details for the outgoing model (which ranged from RM216k to RM266k) the new models are roughly 7-13% more expensive than their predecessors.\nHowever, with the recent Mercedes-Benz Malaysia announcement heavily suggesting that the\n GLA might be locally-assembled here this year\n, prices for the compact crossover will most likely fall following the launch of the CKD model. Of course, none of this is confirmed just yet, so we\u2019ll have to wait and see!\nSo there you have it \u2013 a quick rundown on what\u2019s new on the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA. Do you think it has what it takes to win over the hearts of existing fans and doubters alike? Let us know in the comments below!"
"Perodua today gifted 100 GearUp child seats to lucky Perodua owners travelling with children aged between two to six at selected Petronas stations along the Peninsular ahead of the Raya festive season.\nAs part of the national carmaker\u2019s on-going five-year Road Safety Campaign, Perodua partnered with Petronas to distribute the Toddler seats at Petronas stations at Rawang PLUS highway, Bentong Karak Highway and Seremban KL-Seremban Highway rest areas. The \nToddler seat\n is designed for children weighing\n 9 to 36 kg\n.\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari giving the thumbs up to a safer journey for children\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari said: \u201cOver two million vehicles are expected to hit the roads this Raya. That\u2019s a lot of vehicles, and naturally, there is a higher risk of collisions and accidents\u201d\n\u201cWe took this special initiative because we care for the well-being of our customers and their families. We hope Malaysians will come to realise how important it is to keep children properly secured in child seats while on the move,\u201d he added.\nIntroduced during their Road Safety Campaign in October 2017, Perodua\u2019s GearUp child seats are available in two models \u2013 Infant seat and Toddler seat, the former is suitable for infants weighing up to \n13 kg\n. Both models are also \nISOFIX compatible\n and comply with\n ECE R44 safety standards\n.\nInterested parties can purchase these GearUp child seats for an introductory price of \nRM622.50\n for the \nInfant seat\n (RM640 in East Malaysia) while the \nToddler seat\n is priced at\n RM736\n (RM754.50 in EM). The introductory price, without GST, is valid until 30 June 2018.\n\u201cSeat belts are designed to restrain adults and not children. Please secure your young ones in child seats, ideally in the back seat, and do not place them on your laps when the vehicle is in motion. Always buckle up in the front and in the back, use your turn signals and do not operate your mobile devices on the move. Above all, drive carefully and have a safe journey back to your hometowns,\u201d concluded Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari."
"Following the launch of the WRX STI Final Edition in the UK, Subaru of America revealed the 2019 WRX and WRX STI \u201cSeries.Gray\u201d at the 2018 Subaru Tecnica International Boxerfast last weekend, the largest Subaru festival in the Mid-Atlantic area.\nThe \u201cSeries.Gray\u201d will be on a limited production run of just 750 WRXs and 250 WRX STIs.\nThe Subaru WRX.\nPriced at USD 32,595 (RM 129k), the WRX is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Cool Gray Khaki paint is paired with 18-inch alloy wheels in black finish.Elsewhere its equipment list includes Ultrasuede-trimmed Recaro seats, 8-way powered driver\u2019s seat, JURID front brake pads and moonroof delete.\nThe limited production WRX STI Series.Gray offers the same exterior colour scheme but is instead matched with 19-inch alloy wheels that shields the silver Brembo brake calipers with black STI logo.\nThe WRX STI Series.Gray sits on Bilstein STI sport-tuned suspension featuring Bilstein dampers for the inverted-strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension.\nPriced at USD 39,695 (RM 157k), its interior is draped in black Ultrasuede and leather upholstery, along with a pair of Recaro seats with 8-way powered seats.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shell today announced that the Touch \u2018n Go (TNG) top-up fee is now waived at all petrol stations along the \nPLUS Expressways (NKVE and ELITE)\n, and the \nEast-Coast Expressway (ECE)\n. The announcement follows its previous initiative to waive the TNG top-up charges at\n 27 petrol stations along the North-South Expressway (NSE)\n.\nThe fee waiver is in line with Shell\u2019s effort to help reduce Malaysians\u2019 living expenditures. The expansion in the number of zero-fee TNG top-up locations also includes \n25 other Shell petrol stations\n nationwide.\nShell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain, said \u201cShell understands the challenge Malaysians face against the rising cost of living.\n\u201cHopefully, forgoing the Touch \u2018n Go top-up charges at all stations along NSE, NKVE, ELITE, ECE, and other Shell stations will give our customers one less worry when travelling or fueling up at Shell during long journeys,\u201d she adds.\nAccording to the official Touch \u2018n Go website, There are over 11,000 TNG reload points nationwide. However, other than the approximately 500 selected locations, topping up your TNG card usually incurs a \nRM0.50 top-up fee\n.\nThe full list of Shell petrol stations participating in the top-up fee waiver programme can be found\n here\n."
"As you\u2019ve known, Volkswagen has literally driven E-mobility to the top with the fully-electric ID.R on Tianmen Mountain recently.\nThe man behind the wheel, Romain Dumas, ascended the 10.9 km road in just 7:38.585 \u2013 managing short bursts of 230 km/h through short straights and narrow tunnels \u2013 \nbreaking all records before him\n.\nIf that\u2019s hard to imagine, you might wanna wrap your head around this incredible feat with this quick 7-minute video.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVJpr41zENY&feature=youtu.be\nThe route up \u2018Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road\u2019 was a real challenge for the 680 hp ID.R \u2013 powered by two electric motors \u2013 with 99 hairpins and 164 braking manoeuvres.\nThe ID.R now holds the all-time record on Pikes Peak and at the \nGoodwood Festival of Speed\n, as well as the electric lap record on the \nN\u00fcrburgring-Nordschleife\n and now the fastest time on Tianmen Mountain in China."
"Mazda US has just issued a recall involving 227,814 units of the Mazda3 and Mazda6 over the possibility of a parking brake failure. We reached out to\u00a0Bermaz Motor (official Mazda distributor in Malaysia) and are pleased to say that Malaysian models are not affected at all.\nAccording to \nNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA)\n, the parking brake on the affected models have defective seals at the rear brake calliper protective boot which can result in water and debris entering the actuator shaft. This will cause corrosion over time and potentially cause the shaft to be stuck in the brake calliper body. \u00a0\nIn extreme cases, the defected part will \ndecrease the parking brake force\n or to cause brake drag (brakes are engaged even when pedals are not applied) while driving. This poses a safety risk as the \nvehicle may move by itself\n if parked on a slope, even if the parking brake is engaged.\nThe models affected by the recall are Mazda6 assembled in Hofu Plant, Japan between 2014 to 2015 and Mazda3 manufactured between 2014 to 2016 at Mazda\u2019s Mexico plant. Only those equipped with the lever-type manual handbrake are affected.\nAll owners are currently in the process of being notified for repair works, with charges fully borne by Mazda US.\nOnce again, vehicles sold in Malaysia are \nnot affected\n by the parking brake recall but certain models are involved in the Takata airbag recall. Full list of the affected vehicles can be found \nhere\n."
"At the \nhalf-yearly sales report announcement\n, Proton also highlighted to the media of its intention to achieve top spot on the Malaysia Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) and Customer Service Index (CSI) by the end of 2019.\nIn the \nJ.D. Power 2018 Malaysia SSI (Mass Market) Study\n, Proton scored 782 points on a 1,000-point scale, slightly under the industry average of 784 points but ahead of non-national brands like Mazda (781), Volkswagen (779) and arch-rival Perodua (774). Nissan was the best performer in 2018 with 812 points.\n \nSetia Gemilang Auto Sdn Bhd\n, Proton\u2019s first 4S Centre in Malaysia\nThe score was\ntabulated using six factors \u2013 in order of importance \u2013 dealer sales consultant,\ndealership facility, delivery process, working out the deal, paperwork completion\nand dealership website.\nAs for the CSI, J.D. Power ranked Proton below average with a \nfinal score of 739 in 2018\n. The industry average was 754 points. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia topped the CSI ranking with a final score of 814 points.\nJ.D. Power 2018 Malaysia\nCSI (Mass Market) Study measured overall satisfaction among vehicle owners\nbased on five factors (in order of importance): service quality (25%); vehicle\npick-up (21%); service initiation (20%); service facility (17%); and service\nadvisor (16%).\nIn an effort to\nimprove their scores, Proton is rapidly upgrading their showrooms to 3S/4S status.\nAs of end June, Proton has 91 3S/4S centre nationwide, the most of any\nautomotive brand in Malaysia and that number will continue to grow throughout 2019.\nProton\u2019s \nafter sales improvement initiatives\n are in motion\nCEO of Proton, Dr Li\nChunrong said: \u201cOur strategy to grow our presence by increasing the number of\n3S/4S outlets in our network is to ensure we deliver a premium brand experience\nto as many of our customers as possible. Our network development team is\nworking hard to also raise our service levels and hopefully these improvements\nwill have a positive impact on our SSI and CSI scores.\u201d"
"After months of radio silence since the \nleaked images\n of a potential electric hot hatch, Honda has finally put the rumours to rest at the Frankfurt motor show 2019.\nProject leader for the Honda e Kohei Hitomi, said, \u201cA performance version, like Type R, as we have on different models, I don\u2019t see this as\n the way to go with the Honda e\n.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cFor some segments, it might be the right choice and Type R is a way to express Honda\u2019s capability as a sporty brand but for Honda e, we want to provide a new dimension of values for our customers.\u201d\nHonda instead is choosing to focus on features such as artificial intelligence (AI) and connectivity. The Honda e will offer natural voice recognition, digital key, and a mobile application to remotely control the car, among other features which are appealing to the urban crowd, cementing their design choices since the car was still in concept form \u2013 the Honda Urban EV Concept.\nAlthough none of these features are brand-new in the car world, Honda believes that they have made an attractive product with the Honda e. Honda\u2019s connectivity boss, Mirai Aki said, \u201cWhile individually nothing is an industry first, nobody has put it all together in this package like we have.\u201d\nHonda Sports EV Concept\nWe might not be getting the performance focused Honda e Type R, but Honda is still looking at producing an electrified sports car, reaffirmed at Tokyo Motor Show 2017 with the announcement of the \nHonda Sports EV Concept\n. All hope\u2019s not lost!"
"Albert Biermann, the long-time head honcho of BMW\u2019s M division, whose switch to Hyundai has spawned a \nGolf GTI\n competitor, \nthe i30N\n, sure hopes that you\u2019d believe so.\nThe former BMW guru who now spearheads Hyundai\u2019s performance subdivision, \nironically called the N Division\n, has seen his i30N praised and lauded by foreign journalists but over here, we\u2019ve only been caressed by the \u201cBiermann touch\u201d in the form of a Hyundai Elantra Turbo.\nPrice list for all Hyundai models starting 1st June 2018.\nIf you\u2019ve followed Hyundai\u2019s developments from the early 2000\u2019s, the Elantra name would not be one to raise hairs or even induce the slightest bit of excitement. While the current 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated model still needs a kick in the rear end to feel alive, the Elantra Turbo on the other hand, has been\n a heck of a surprise package\n.\nHave you read about our\n first impressions of the Elantra Turbo\n from our trip to PD?\nAnd now at just a whisker \nover RM 120,000\n after the 0% GST effect, it\u2019s a more compelling package for a performance sedan; capable of replicating the image that Biermann\u2019s former company has built for the BMW 3-series \u2013 but even cheaper, if we\u2019re not over-exaggerating."
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has just unveiled the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 version of the acclaimed Aston Martin DB11 \u2013 complementing the existing 5.2-litre twin turbo V12 model.\nPaired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the V8 DB11 produces \n503 hp\n and \n675 Nm\n of torque; allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a blinding four seconds. Top speed is capped at 301 km/h.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAston Martin DB11 V8\nEngine\n4.0-litre Quadcam 32-valve twin turbo V8\nTransmission\n8-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n503 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n675 Nm @ 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4 seconds; 301 km/h\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\n\u00a0RM 1.8 million before options\nThe V8-engined DB11 was also created to make the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made, more accessible to customers around the world, while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from the rest.\nBehind the wheel of the V8 DB11, you\u2019re aided by performance-enhancing systems such as the Adaptive Damping System, Positive Torque Control and Torque Vectoring.   On the Silver Fox exterior, the V8 DB11 is blessed with 20-inch 10-spoke wheels under the arches along with a deployable spoiler with Aston Martin\u2019s AeroBlade system. Another standout feature to the V8 DB11\u2019s body is the one-piece clamshell bonnet with a curlicue aero feature in the front wing.\nInside, the DB11 is lined with Light Ash open pore trims, to go with an Obsidian Black full leather interior. Entertainment is catered by an 8-inch LCD screen, tied to a 400w Aston Martin Sound System.\nAlso announced was the new home of the Aston Martin Service Centre by Wearnes Quest, in Malaysia. Located in Lingui Industrial Park, Sungai Buloh, the new service centre boasts a fully air-conditioned, 4,000 square feet facility which includes 3 work-bays and 1 diagnostic bay.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Everyone loves ice cream, so you can\u2019t possibly go wrong with an ice cream van that tip toes into your neighbourhood and churns out soft serve all day long, all the while emitting zero emission.\nThis will work in Malaysia, just substitute with rojak and cendol!\nSay hello to the Nissan Sky to Scoop e-NV200, a collaboration between Nissan and Mackie\u2019s of Scotland \u2013 an ice cream producer with a dairy farm powered by renewable wind and solar energy.\n \nThe jolly prototype is based on the e-NV200 panel van; an all-electric version of the popular NV200 sold here, and fitted with Nissan\u2019s ROAM portable power pack which uses lithium-ion cells recovered from early first-generation Nissan electric vehicles.\nSay goodbye to diesel generators.\nThe ROAM power pack not only provides ample power to run the refrigeration and ice cream equipment, but it also receives charge via solar panels mounted on the roof of the van \u2013 a working model of Nissan\u2019s Electric Ecosystem combining a zero-emission drivetrain, second-life battery storage and renewable solar energy generation. The Roam portable unit is expected to go on sale later this year in selected markets.\nPortable battery pack can be charged by roof-mounted solar panels.\nUnveiled back in 2014, the e-NV200 was updated last year with a higher capacity 40kWh battery pack which allows it to travel up to 200 km on a full charge, according to WLTP\u2019s combine cycle (300 km on city cycle). The e-NC200 can be topped via a rapid charger, wallbox or a domestic power socket. We think the Nissan Sky to Scoop e-NV200 will be a hit in Malaysia because ice-cold cendol minus the fumes and din from diesel generators at your local pasar malam is so much more pleasant."
"Toyota has launched the Toyota T-Mate, a new umbrella name for all its safety and advanced driver assistance system.\nThe new T-Mate combines Toyota Safety Sense features with other active driving and parking assistance systems to not only make driving safer, but also to protect all vehicle occupants as well as other road users.\n \nThe introduction of T-Mate also coincides with the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features which have been updated and improved.\nThe \nPre-Collision System\n is now offering Acceleration Suppression at low speed and Intersection Cut-In Traffic Assist for the first time, along with the improved Oncoming Traffic detection and Intersection Turn Assist.\n \nAdditionally, new Toyota Safety Sense features such as \nEmergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) \nand Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. The latter allows new functions to be added to existing systems and cars.\nToyota\u2019s other driver assistance features include \nAd\naptive Cruise Control\n,\n Lane Trace Assist,\n \nRear Cross Traffic Alert with Auto\n \nBrake\n, \nIntelligent Clearance Sonar\n,\n \nAutomatic High Beam\n, and \nRoad Sign Assist\n.\n\u201cToyota T-Mate will be introduced with a marketing campaign featuring an empathetic character in a group of friends, who always comes to the rescue in tricky situations. She\u2019s smart, quick-thinking and always there. Just like T-Mate,\u201d as mentioned in the press release.\nWatch as we test the full range of Toyota Safety Sense features in the all-new RAV4!"
"I remember the first time I laid sight on the \nnew Volkswagen Tiguan\n\u00a0when it broke cover in 2015 and thought to myself: \u201cNow that\u2019s what I call a proper looking SUV.\u201d It made the original Tiguan look like a helpless\u00a0wuss, and admittedly I was struck with a slightly overwhelming sense of desire.\nIn selected markets, up to four trims of the Tiguan can be had: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and R-Line. The one that got me hooked was the R-Line because it had 20-inch wheels, full-coloured bodykit and oozed masculinity.\nThere. I wasn\u2019t lying.\nBack at home, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will only be introducing the mid-ranged duo, the Comfortline and Highline. Both share the sole \n1.4-litre TSI\n engine producing \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. The good news is that the Tiguan is\u00a0locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, which means there\u2019s a chance we can get our hands on the \nplug-in hybrid Tiguan GTE\n or even the \n7-seater Tiguan Allspace\n\u00a0in the future!\nNow, Volkswagen is the first of many carmakers poised to launch their next best SUV, such as the \nHonda CR-V\n and \nMazda CX-5\n. And as far as being early is concerned, VPCM certainly has the upper hand. But are they all cut out for the race, though? After spending two days with the Tiguan Highline, here\u2019s my best take on the promising new SUV.\nIt\u2019s exceptionally spacious and comfortable\nAll five occupants including the driver would feel adequately snug in the Tiguan. It may not look the part from the outside, but Volkswagen did a terrific job masking the cavernous cabin with a sleek-cut body. There\u2019s plenty of room for rear passengers to stretch their legs, and I\u2019d go as far as to say that legroom is just as good as the\u00a0\nHonda Accord\n, if not a tad better.\u00a0\nIn fact, the entire rear bench slides by a hair, and the backrests recline as well!   The chassis is another MQB derivative, bestowing additional length to the wheelbase and width. It also sits significantly lower than most SUVs in its class, granting effortless egress and ingress. If you like your SUV to ride high, this one won\u2019t cut it for you. But on the bright side, your 70- or 80-year old parents will face no difficulties getting in and out of the car.\nSeats are plush but not too punishing for the spine on extended drives \u2013 just nice. The Comfortline gets fabric upholstery with interesting quilted-esque stitching, whereas the Highline comes with leather seats. There\u2019s no intricacy in the design of the leather seats, but what\u2019s worse is the inconsistent finishing between the seams. This may just be an isolated incident and could vary between cars, so VPCM, if you\u2019re reading this, you\u2019ve got some suppliers to grill.\nHigh quality, high tech cabin\nTo give credit where its due, Volkswagen is uncompromising when it comes to interior build quality. Those impressed by Mazda cars will find the Tiguan more reassuring in nearly all aspect, with the flip side being the rather boring design. But if you\u2019re new to the Volkswagen family, there\u2019s really not much to fault with.   Stowage spaces are aplenty; door cards are sufficiently large to accommodate a variety of items. I\u2019ve tried chucking an iPhone 6S Plus, 600ml water bottle, Smart Tag and a wallet with some room to spare. There\u2019s also a pair of flexi cubbies in the centre tunnel, aft of which is a sizeable armrest to keep the cabin as neat as humanly possible. \nStandard features include keyless entry and push-start button, cruise control, electronic parking brake, electronic tailgate release, heated seats and tri-zone climate control. Unfortunately, there are no air vents in the B pillars for rear passengers, except for the duo in the middle. Fan speed for the rear air vents are dependent on the front, though.\nIs the 1.4 TSI good enough?\nMore than good enough for most people, actually. With 148 hp, the Tiguan is not big on power, but it makes do with a healthy 250 Nm of torque. We will only be getting the front-wheel drive version for the time being, and delivering all that grunt up front is a six-speed dual clutch transmission (more famously known as DSG).   The turbocharged engine is identical to that of the Golf 1.4 TSI, but here it\u2019s more eager to perform and feels sprightlier thanks to appropriately clever gearing ratios. Flick it into sports mode and you might even get some wheel spin from the get go. As an urban runabout, the Tiguan will meet most expectations. The car feels light on its feet, which makes weaving through traffic a little less daunting for first timers. \nWhere it starts showing signs of lethargy is on the freeway, especially past 160 km/h. Few cars of this output point (that includes most naturally aspirated 2.0L engines) can exhibit the desired degree of athletic competence. As is the case for the Tiguan, the 1.4L motor struggles to build speed past this limit. It can if you insist, just don\u2019t expect seat-strapping accelerations.\nWhat\u2019s the ride quality like?\nIt\u2019s sturdy without being overly harsh on the rebounds, but it\u2019s still no match for the impeccable damping of the Hyundai Tucson. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it\u2019s not a trade off, because the Tiguan is far more pliant and composed at highway speeds. Damping varies very slightly between the Comfortline (17-inch wheels) and the Highline (18-inch wheels), if not barely discernible at all.\n \nA brief head-to-head driving comparison with the Mazda CX-5 2.0 GL and Nissan X-Trail proves that the Tiguan is indeed the better all-rounder, emerging triumphant in almost all instrumented tests. The biggest contributing factor here is weight: the 1.4-litre TSI engine weighs far lesser. Couple that to Volkswagen\u2019s breadth of knowledge in vehicular dynamics and you have yourself a true contender for the class crown. \nIs this car for you?\nIn all fairness, the Tiguan is an excellent product. It\u2019s quiet, refined, comfortable, sufficiently powerful and is jam-packed with features that altogether punch way above its weight. If it sounds like I can\u2019t recommend it enough, that\u2019s because I struggle to find faults with the car.\n \nThe Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI will soon be joined by the crowd favourite Honda CR-V, one which we believe will also come with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Until then, the Tiguan is probably the best bet for the money. \nBut if you ask me for an honest opinion, I\u2019m just bummed we won\u2019t be getting the R-Line, because that\u2019s unequivocally my pick of the lot. \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the new balls-to-the-walls Cayenne that\n Porsche teased earlier\n? Well, the company is not quite ready to unveil the full car just yet, but they do have something to show for it, and that is a new Nurburgring lap record.\nIn the hands of Porsche\u2019s test driver Lars Kern, who was also part of the development team for the new car, the \u201cnew performance model of the Cayenne series\u201d lapped the 20.832 kilometres Nurburgring Nordschleife track in just \n7:38.925 minutes\n, making it the new king of the \u2018SUV, off-road vehicle, van, pick-up\u2019 category.\nFor context, that\u2019s more than three seconds faster than the \nprevious record holder (Audi RS Q8)\n, and just about 11 seconds behind the \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe\n that\u2019s competing in a completely different category!\n \nFor the safety of the driver, the record-breaking Cayenne was equipped with a racing seat and roll cage. But aside from that, the car is basically stock and identical to the series production car \u2013 including the specially-developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres that will be fitted as standard. The record-breaking run, as well as the car configuration, is verified by a notary public that was present at the track.\nSpeaking about the car after the record-breaking Nurburgring run, Kern said: \u201cOver the first few metres of the Nordschleife in this Cayenne, you\u2019re tempted to turn around to make sure that you\u2019re really sitting in a spacious SUV. Its high steering precision and stoically stable rear axle gave me a lot of confidence in the Hatzenbach section.\u201d\nHe added that direction changes are fast and direct, with no tendency to understeer \u2013 even in the trickiest and most technical stretch of the track, nothing that it is a \u201creal driver\u2019s car\u201d that\u2019s easy to control.\n\u201cThe wheels normally leave the ground at both the Pflanzgarten I and II crests but these sections felt smooth and quiet in this Cayenne. There is a lot of wheel travel, and the body stays solid and controlled,\u201d Kern added.\nHe also commented on the car\u2019s powertrain, which \u201cdelivers power in every situation as well as perfect gear changes\u201d. No technical details have been confirmed just yet, but earlier reports from foreign publications said that it\u2019ll feature a tweaked twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that supposedly makes\n 640 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n. The output figures on the on-board video telemetry also closely matches this.\nPorsche says that the new \u201cperformance\u201d Cayenne model is developed specifically for \u201cmaximum longitudinal and lateral dynamics\u201d, while remaining a true all-rounder vehicle, providing the usual high-degree of driving comfort and everyday utility. No launch date has been announced just yet, but Porsche says that the car will \u201ccelebrate its world premiere shortly\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) together with Wei-Ling Gallery have successfully raised \nRM133,200\n from their recent auction of the Arteon Art Car collection. All proceeds from the auction will be channeled to the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA), with a minimum token of appreciation presented to each\u00a0artist\u00a0for their contribution.\nThe auction marked the culmination of the collaboration between VPCM and Wei-Ling Gallery, aimed to celebrate the launch of the Volkswagen Arteon R-Line. The collaboration featured works of 13 Malaysian artists, each designing a one-of-a-kind art sculpture out of an Arteon die-cast model.\nSpeaking at the auction, VPCM Managing Director Erik Winter said, \u201cIt was truly heartening to see\u00a0art\u00a0and\u00a0Arteon\u00a0come together at the auction, and to witness how much the bidders recognised the value of owning such collectible\u00a0art\u00a0pieces. What more, was that their enthusiasm stemmed from their desire to contribute to charity, in this case, breast cancer awareness and support.\u201d\nFounder and Gallery Director Lim Wei-Ling added, \u201cWe are honoured to have partnered with Volkswagen to realise the\u00a0Arteon\u00a0art\u00a0car project in Malaysia and are so pleased this collaboration has resulted in such a successful outcome. I am grateful to the 13 Malaysian\u00a0artists\u00a0who dedicated time and thought to the creation of the\u00a0art\u00a0cars to aid a worthy cause.\u201d\nThe Arteon Art Car project was an extension to Wei-Ling Gallery\u2019s recent \u201c\n[email\u00a0protected]\n Turning Points\u201d exhibition, which curated thought-provoking\u00a0art\u00a0pieces that showed the 13 artists\u2019 pasts\u00a0through different philosophical, technical and aesthetic approaches.\nThe \nVolkswagen Arteon R-Line was launched in Malaysia\n back in September this year. Taking the top spot in VPCM\u2019s model line-up, the sporty four-door coupe is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, good for \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front axle via an seven-speed DSG gearbox.\nThe Volkswagen Arteon R-Line is priced at \nRM221,065\n\u00a0on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions. Following the announcement of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of the year, for the full updated price list of Volkswagen models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Is it time to finally consider an EV? It all depends on what you want out of a car. With the \nsecond-generation Nissan Leaf\n, there\u2019s \n60% more range\n than before, so you now get \nmore than 300 km per full charge\n, and that will suffice for many drivers on the road, especially if your daily travels are within the confines of the city.\nBut beyond just range, there are many attributes of an electric car which makes it compelling. Imagine never having to visit a petrol station ever again, imagine \ncoasting in near silence\n like in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, imagine \nout-accelerating\n just about every car (or motorbike) at the traffic lights.at least up to 60 km/h.\n \nWhile the Leaf is unconventional in the way it is powered, it offers all the usual trappings of a \u2018regular\u2019 C-segment hatchback. There are no compromises in packaging; headroom and legroom are ample, and the boot even measures \n435 litres\n, more than most hatchbacks with similar dimensions. And we think it looks far more fetching than its predecessor.\nThe \nbest-selling EV in the world\n has been improved. The electric motor driving the front wheels now offers \n150 hp and 320 Nm, good for a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds\n, with an electronically governed top speed of 155 km/h.\nThere are also more safety features, including \nautonomous emergency braking\n, but the technological \ntour de force\n has to be the\n \u2018e-Pedal\u2019\n function which encourages one-pedal operation while reclaiming energy without diluting the fun that comes with driving an EV. \nPrice? RM 188,888."
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the official distributor and importer of Ford is offering cash rebates for the Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport models in anticipation of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.\nFord, in a bid to promote ownership of its eco-friendly range of cars, is offering up to \nRM12,000\u00a0cash rebates\n\u00a0for\u00a0the \nFiesta\n. The \nFocus \nand\u00a0\nEcoSport\n\u00a0models get\u00a0up to \nRM10k\n and\u00a0\nRM8k\n respectively. \u00a0However, should you opt for a hire purchase agreement, Ford is offering a\u00a0\nzero percent interest rate \nfor up to five years.\nAlso, Ford is offering all its existing customers a \nfree 27-point vehicle\u00a0health check\n by Ford\u2019s qualified technicians to ensure a safer journey back home this festive season.\u00a0Selected Ford models will also be eligible for \ndiscounts of 10 percent on parts and labour\n charges for the\u00a0\nbrakes and timing belt packages\n.\nOn the other hand, should customers go with\u00a0\n\u2018The Works Fuel Saver\u00a0Package\u2019\n, they can enjoy a \n15 percent\n discount on \nMotorcraft\n and \nCastrol engine oils and oil\u00a0filters\n, followed by a \n10 percent discount on labour\n."
"Lamborghini has announced that the Countach name will be making a comeback, with a recent post on\n Instagram\n and \nTwitter \nwith different teasers.\nWhile the image of Instagram offers some sense of the new car\u2019s silhouette, the message on Twitter can\u2019t be any clearer. The 20-odd second (abstract) video does not reveal much either aside from Lamborghini\u2019s poster boy making a return after 30 years since the last car rolled off the production line in 1990.\nLamborghini\u2019s coolest vehicle is not a car, but this 4,000 hp super-yacht.check it out here!\nTiming-wise, it couldn\u2019t be more perfect as Lamborghini is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Countach this year. It made its first-eve appearance when Lamborghini debuted the Countach LP500 in Yellow, at the Geneva motor show on the 11th of March 1971.\nThe Aventador Ultimae is a celebration of Lamborghini\u2019s V12 era. Find out what\u2019s special in the last-ever Aventador!\nFrom 1974 to 1990, Lamborghini made 1,999 units of the Countach through five different model series as it went on to become a poster boy for supercars in the subsequent decades.\nAnd as Lamborghini highlighted, the Countach did not just change the supercar game but also paved the way (design wise) for all the new models that came after it like the Diablo and Murcielago, for example.\n https://twitter.com/Lamborghini/status/1424762948292169734\n\u201cIt\u2019s the epitome of the DNA in all Lamborghini design, the tradition of the stylistic language from the origins to the present day,\u201d said Lamborghini, Head of Design, Mitja Borkert.\nFor now, info is scarce but we know that it\u2019ll be \npowered by a V12 engine\n according to Lamborghini\u2019s \nrecent announcement \nwhich specifically states that two new V12 models will be introduced in 2021.\nThe modern day Countach.\n.reimagined by \nArc Design\nThe new Countach is set to usher in a new era of electrification for Lamborghini. Recently, the company announced a \n\u201cthree-phase road map\u201d\n to electrification costing 1.5 billion Euros (approx.RM7.4 billion).\nBy 2024, its entire line-up of supercars will be electrified, followed by its first fully electric supercar by 2030. At the moment, the company is in the first phase, which pays tribute to the brand\u2019s history and iconic products from the past and present.\nArc Design reimagines the Lamborghini Countach in the 21st century. Check out how cool it looks!"
"It didn\u2019t take long for McLaren\u2019s customisation division \u2013 McLaren Special Operations (MSO) \u2013 to work their magic on the newly launched \nMcLaren 720S\n, the brand\u2019s second-generation Super Series. So here it is, a bespoke 720S by MSO finished in a unique \u201cVelocity\u201d theme.\n\u201cThe MSO mission is to fulfil customer desire for exclusivity in their choice of McLaren,\u201d explained Ansar Ali, MSO\u2019s Managing Director. To truly give weight to those words, the sub-brand has produced this \u201cVelocity\u201d 720S. \u201cVelocity\u201d is a\n two-tone paintjob\n with the upper half of the body panels finished in Nerello Red while the lower and rear section of the car is painted Volcano Red.\nComplementing the unique pearlescent hues of red are the metallic bronze five twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear. This 720S \u201cVelocity\u201d gets all the carbon fibre exterior bits including the red carbon fibre bonnet. The Rear Deck Vent, Service Cover, rear aero bridge are all finished in gloss carbon fibre while the Full Length Sill Cover gets a satin carbon fibre finish.\nInside, the cabin gets the full MSO treatment. The upholstery is now Carbon Black Alcantara with Harissa Red leather contrast stitching to match with the \u201cVelocity\u201d exterior theme.   How much for all these you ask? A cool \u00a3335,000 (RM1.81 mil), that means this car is fitted with \n\u00a3126,400 (RM685k)\n worth of options! Guess that\u2019s one way to ensure that you have a truly special car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Launched alongside the \nBMW 740Le xDrive LCI\n is the first-ever BMW X7, a 7-seater with the luxury of a 7 Series.\nThe X7 sits on the brand\u2019s CLAR platform just like other new-generation BMW models. Unlike the G11 7 Series, however, the X7 doesn\u2019t come with the Carbon Core chassis reinforcement technology. In that sense, the X7 closer related to the X5 than the 7 Series, at least under the skin.\nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nBMW X7 xDrive40i \n Engine\n 2,998cc; turbocharged in-line 6\n Transmission\n 8-speed automatic transmission\n Max Power\n 340 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\n Max Torque\n 450 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 5,200 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 6.1 seconds; 245 km/h\n Price (OTR without insurance)\n RM888,800\nThe visual impact of\nthe X7 is as prominent as the 7 Series thanks to the large Kidney Grille and ultra\nslim headlamp housings. Quite an in your face design but at least you mistaken\nthis for an X5.\nStandard equipment for\nthe Malaysian market includes Design Pure Excellence exterior trim, BMW laser\nlight headlamps, 21-inch style 753 Bicolour light alloy wheels, soft close\ndoors, aluminium running board, roof rails and powered split tailgate.\nInside, the X7 is\nfurnished with Vernasca leather upholstery, high-gloss fine-wood trim, Glass\ngear selector, 5-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass roof Sky Lounge,\nBMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, BMW\nNavigation system Professional 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, BMW Intelligent\nPersonal Assistant voice command, 464W 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound\nsystem and Rear Seat Entertainment Professional with two 10.2-inch touchscreen\nmonitors.\nThe X7 in the xDrive40i guise is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine pushing out \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint takes \n6.1 seconds\n while top speed is rated at \n245 km/h\n. An 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, xDrive all-wheel-drive and air suspension are standard items.\nWith the \nDriving Assistant Professional\n, the X7 comes equipped with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keeping Assistant, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Change Assistant and front collision braking which allows the X7 to drive semi-autonomously when conditions allow.\nThe BMW X7 xDrive40i is\noffered in seven colours \u2013 Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Artic Grey, Sophisto\nGrey, Phytonic Blue, Terra Brown and Vermont Bronze. Buyers can also specify their\nX7 in either as a 7- or 6-seater. The latter being a 2:2:2 seating configuration.\nAvailability of the X7\nstarts from September 2019 onwards and every purchase comes with a 5-Years\nUnlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, 2-Years Tyre Warranty\nProgramme, BMW Roadside Assistance and BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence"
"Shortly after its \npublic debut\n two months ago, the long awaited Toyota C-HR has finally went live on UMW Toyota Malaysia\u2019s \nofficial website\n along with some key specifications! We now know that it\u2019s going to be powered by the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), \u201cfull range\u201d of safety features and six colour options.\nCuriously, the web URL has \u201c\n4wd\n\u201d in it, hinting that it may actually be all-wheel driven! What remains unclear now is whether or not UMW will introduce the 1.8-litre hybrid. On the safety front, our C-HR will come with \nRear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)\n that should be bundled with Blind Spot Monitoring. Further details of Toyota Safety Sense still remain a corporate secret.\n\u00a0\nOn the outside, you can expect no less than \nsix exterior shades\n\u00a0\u2013 White Pearl CS, Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black while Red Mica, Radiant Green Metallic and Blue Metallic will come with a \nblacked out roof\n. UMW has also equipped the C-HR with side mirror puddle light, follow-me-home headlamps and a \u201cluxurious interior\u201d.\nOrder books for the C-HR are not opened just yet, so you have to hold on to your cheque books for now. There\u2019s no word on pricing for now, but if it were to be \nfully imported, it will cost upwards of RM170k\n. Nevertheless, stay tuned for the latest updates on the hottest crossover to come!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While it has become a norm for carmakers to replace their mainstream passenger car offerings with something new within five to seven years, it\u2019s not so simple when it comes to slow-selling sports cars. Even Toyota, the world\u2019s most profitable mainstream car brand, took nearly two decades before the fifth generation Supra appeared, even then it\u2019s a joint venture, with partner BMW engineering the majority of the hardware.\nR35 GT-R is a living, evolving modern classic.\nIt\u2019s easy to scoff at Nissan for keeping with the R35-generation GT-R for 13 years running. But with traditional carmakers having to keep their noses above water while navigating the tricky but resource-consuming transition to electrification, and in the case of Nissan, having to manage a boardroom distraction as well, you can understand why replacing the R35 isn\u2019t high on the list of priorities.\nMr. GT-R Hiroshi Tamura hints of more iterations of the R35.\nLike it or not, Nissan massaging and tweaking the GT-R to remain relevant beyond 2020 is probably as good as it\u2019ll get for fans of the Godzilla. After hopes were raised by the Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo and Italdesign\u2019s GT-R50 (which turned out to be bespoke limited run GT-R), Nissan has remained rather muted on a future successor. In fact, chief product specialist of the GT-R, Hiroshi Tamura was \nnon-committal\n on a R35 successor and mooted having more iterations of the current car during the 2020 GT-R NISMO\u2019s unveiling in Germany.\n2020 GT-R NISMO inherits turbos from the GT3 race cars.\nFor the fans of the GT-R NISMO, model year 2020 enhancements bring new quicker-spooling turbochargers from the GT3 race cars, revised lightweight titanium exhausts with hand-burnished tips, new gearbox calibration for more aggressive shifts. The work done on the body has been extensive to pare down weight (a GT-R bugbear) with a new carbon fibre roof, NACA ducts on the hood and of course, those louvres on the front fenders that increases downforce by (7 kgf) and also help funnel heat away from the engine bay.\nLatest GT-R NISMO sports the biggest rotors among Japanese performance cars.\nThe optimisation of the exterior body panels resulted in savings of 10.5 kg, along with 20 kg reduction from other parts of the 2020 car means the GT-R NISMO is 30 kg lighter in total. There\u2019s also a new Brembo brake system with the biggest carbon ceramic rotors fitted to a Japanese performance car while the suspension has also been recalibrated for better lateral stability and ride quality. Power rating is maintained at 600 hp and 652 Nm from the VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, though an actual dyno may tell a different story.\nSo 13 years on, do you still want a R35 GT-R as much as when it showed up in 2007?"
"Mercedes-Benz, this one is out to get you. The all-new \nsixth-generation BMW 7-Series unveiled in June 2015\n has finally landed in Malaysia, and it\u2019s available in two trims \u2013 a 2.0-litre (yes, that wasn\u2019t a typo) 730Li and a 3.0-litre 740Li.\nIt\u2019s kitted to the brim, complete with BMW\u2019s latest suite of technologies and finest choice of materials. To kick things off, let\u2019s begin with the key fob. Dubbed the BMW Display Key, it\u2019s the world\u2019s first (in the luxury segment) key fob that displays various data such as fuel level, distance to empty, central locking system, windows and glass roof, service prompts, time of day and activate air conditioning/ventilation system within the vehicle \u2013 \nALL done remotely\n!\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 7-Series 730Li\nBMW 7-Series 740Li\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 cylinder turbo\n2,988cc; inline-6 cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic with Steptronic\nMax Power\n258 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\n326 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 1,550 \u2013 4,400 rpm\n450 Nm @ 1,380 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n250 km/h; 6.3 seconds\n250 km/h; 5.6 seconds\nPrice\nRM698,800\nRM888,800\nIn putting that aside, the new 7-Series (codename G11/12) is stretched by 19mm in overall length (now 5,238mm long), effectively making it the \nlargest-series produced car BMW has ever built\n in its history. The width, height and wheelbase remain largely the same, although the existing chassis has been completely replaced by a new Carbon Core tub, just like the \nBMW i8\n. That said, although the 7-Series\u2019 chassis is built almost out of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP; a class-first), the use of aluminium, high-strength steel and magnesium have all been incorporated to give the G12 its core BMW DNA.\nEXTERIOR\nFrom the front, both the 730Li and 740Li get full LED headlamps, but the higher-specced limo gets BMW Laser headlights as standard, identifiable by a central blue-tinted horizontal bar. The laser headlights can fire its \nbeam up to 600 metres\n in high-beam mode, nearly twice the range of modern LED headlights. Another active feature at the front is the kidney grille which can shut and open to either improve aerodynamics or supply cool air when required.   As for the wheels, both variants sit on \n19-inch wheels\n as standard. The only thing different between the two is design, while the front wheels\u00a0get shod with 245/45 series and the rear, 275/40 series tyres. The rear portion of this brand new limo is a sight to behold, and makes the already handsome fifth-generation model look dated. A long piece of chrome trim runs the length of the car\u2019s rump, further complemented by the LED tail lamps and squared off by the dual exhausts.\nINTERIOR\nNow, the G12\u2019s interior is nothing short of luxurious, and is home to an array of even more impressive bells and whistles. Features offered as standard on both cars are the high-resolution digital instrument cluster, and in the centre dash rests a \n10.25-inch anti-dazzle touchscreen display\n which can also be operated by the standard iDrive controls. For the first time in a BMW vehicle, there is a \n3D infrared camera\n built into the dashboard which \npicks up gesture controls\n. We\u2019re not kidding. By simply waving your hands or twirling your fingers, you can change audio volume or answer and refuse phone calls.   During the entire process of stepping into the car, you can enjoy the class-first \nWelcome Carpet Light\n that illuminates the ground so you know you won\u2019t step on gunk that will stain the carpet of your car. It has six different colours, all of which are dimmable and can be operated via the iDrive system. As for the seats themselves (they\u2019re really, really plush), three leather colour options can be selected \u2013 Black, Beige and Cognac.\nIf you\u2019re seated at the back, you\u2019ll have full access to the car\u2019s entertainment system via a huge tablet built to the back of the front-seat head restraint. Controls are operated through an ejectable 7-inch Samsung-made tablet housed within the rear armrest/centre console. There\u2019s a \nfour-zone air conditioning system\n fitted as standard, with air vents built into the lower side of the B-pillars.\nOne more thing \u2013 the dual-pane panoramic sunroof (retractable also via the controls in the rear bench) called the Sky Lounge comes with LED-based lighting system made of 15,000 lighting elements built into the pano glass itself. So, during the day the cabin will be filled with daylight, and at night you\u2019ll be treated to a fancy lighting system.\nPERFORMANCE\nTwo engines come with the Malaysian 7-Series, one being a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder lump and the other is an inline-six 3.0-litre engine, also turbocharged with BMW TwinPower Technology. The smaller engine isn\u2019t quite shabby though, making \n258 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n of torque, allowing it to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in a respectable \n6.3 seconds\n.\nOpt for the 740Li and a \n326 hp/450 Nm\n straight-sixer will gladly do any chauffeur duties. It shares the same eight-speed automatic gearbox as the 730Li that powers the rear wheels, but here it manages the century sprint in \n5.6 seconds\n. Both variants, if floored, can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The 730Li sips about \n5.8 litres of fuel per 100km\n travelled, and the 740Li covers the same length of tarmac with 6.6 litres of petrol.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety side of things, the 7-Series gets BMW Driving Assistant Plus that comes with steering and directional control assistant, Lane Departure Warning Assistant with active side collision protection (functions by continuously detecting vehicles in neighbouring lanes), rear collision prevention and cross-traffic warning built at the front. The good news is, all these safety systems work at speeds up to 210 km/h.\nJust like the \nF48 X1\n\u00a0and F30 LCI, the G12 7-Series comes with the latest BMW ConnectedDrive with Intelligent Emergency Call that can automatically call for help in the event of an accident. The BMW Call Centre will act as the \u201cpersonal assistant\u201d on the road, and through Remote Services, you can transform your smartphone into a remote control for the vehicle via BMW\u2019s MY Remote app.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe BMW G12 7-Series is fully imported and pricing starts from \nRM699k\n for the 730Li and \nRM889k\n for the 740Li. But here\u2019s the good news. Because BMW is turning 100 this year, both variants will be offered at a celebratory price at RM100k less, meaning the 730Li will go for RM599k and the 740Li at RM789k (both without insurance). Talk about value, eh?\nFive exterior colours are offered as standard, but each variant benefits from its own exclusive colour. The 730Li can be finished in Imperial Blue and the 740Li in Jatoba, a brown shade. Every purchase of the 7-Series comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty package, including BMW\u2019s Free Scheduled Service Program and BMW Tyre Warranty Program.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi Sport has introduced a new Sportback model for the first time in the Audi RS 5\u2019s history with the head of Audi Sport claiming that, \u201cThe new Audi RS 5 Sportback is a true international car \u2013 we expect it to conquer all markets.\u201d\nPower comes from a 2.9 TFSI V6\u00a0twin turbo engine that\u2019s good for \n444 hp\n, \n600 Nm\n and a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds. Top speed is clocked at 280 km/h, although we wouldn\u2019t doubt that a simple tune would help the RS 5 see the 300 km/h mark effortlessly.\nHandling and distributing all that power is the task of an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and Audi\u2019s infamous quattro permanent all wheel drive. The standard\u00a0RS\u00a0sports suspension makes the RS 5 sit lower than the S5 Sportback while optional extras include the RS Sport Suspension Plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering.\nSpace should not be an issue whether you\u2019re parking the RS 5 or seated in it, with its long wheelbase and short overhangs. That said, the wheel arches have been extended sideways by 1.5 cm \u2013 giving the RS 5 a wider, more aggressive stance. The standard RS exhaust system should announce your arrival before on-lookers get drawn to those slick 19-inch wheels.\u00a0\nUnbelievably, the honeycomb pattern you see on the standard RS sport seats are optional. That said, even with the strongest case of amnesia, you wouldn\u2019t forget what a special car you\u2019re in with RS emblems scattered all over the place \u2013 steering wheel, door sills and lever selector.\nIn manual mode, there\u2019s also a shift light that\u2019ll alert you to get on the next gear in case you get distracted with how fast you\u2019re going.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Porsche launched its latest\n Panamera Turbo S\n last August, the sports car maker gleefully claimed the title for \nthe quickest executive car around the Nurburgring Nordschleife\n, posting a time of 7:29.81 around the 20.83 km track. Little did they know, the title would be quickly \nreclaimed\n by the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S in less than three months.\n \nArmed with the 2021 model-year \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4Matic+\n, AMG development engineer Demian Schaffert managed to set an official lap time of \n7:27.8\n, beating the German rival by just over two seconds. The time is \u201cofficially measured and notary-certified\u201d, and will be reflected on Nurburgring\u2019s homepage as part of its \nofficial leaderboard\n started in 2019.\nAccording to Mercedes, the new record is set by a \u201ccompletely standard\u201d GT 63 S, which is a requirement for the official Nurburgring times. A notary will be present at the attempt to monitor the timekeeping (with a standardised timing gear placement), as well as inspect and approve the vehicles and tyres before the run.\nThe record-breaking Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4Matic+ is powered by the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 underneath the hood, which pumps out \n639 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox and a performance-oriented all-wheel drive system for a 0-100 km/h time of just \n3.2 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n315 km/h\n.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4Matic+ used in the attempt is also fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres and the aerodynamics pack, both available to order as optional extras from the factory.\nFollowing the record-breaking lap, Schaffert said \u201cEven though I\u2019ve been accompanying our GT 63 through its development for several years now, it\u2019s always impressive to see the wide spread we have been able to achieve with this exclusive vehicle.\n\u201cOn the one hand, the four-door coup\u00e9 is comfortable and equipped with many intelligent safety features for everyday driving, and on the other hand it offers this extremely high level of driving dynamics and precision, which we have now been able to demonstrate once again on the demanding Nordschleife.\u201d\nAside from the official record, Mercedes-Benz also released an \u201cunofficial\u201d timing of 7:23.009 around the 20.6 km variant of the track, which excludes the T13 straight. The 20.6 km variant is used \u201ctraditionally\u201d by car manufacturers before Nurburgring\u2019s official lap in 2019 came about, which means you\u2019ll be able to stack up the GT 63 S\u2019 performance against older runs, too \u2013 and what do you know, the GT 63 S also beats out the Panamera Turbo S 20.6 km run by about two seconds.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz owners truly have it all. Want a premium compact car? You have the\u00a0\nA-Class\n. Need it to be taller, and you have yourself the\u00a0\nGLA\n. This recipe is replicated with the\u00a0\nC-class \nand \nGLC\n as well as the \nE-class\n and \nGLE\n.\nIn Malaysia, the S-class is the only saloon without a taller twin, but that is all set to change as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just launched their flagship SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 4MATIC. This ultimately completes their Premium SUV range.\nQUICK\u00a0FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLS 400 4MATIC\nEngine\n2,996cc; twinturbo V6\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n333 hp @ 5,250 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n480 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.6 seconds; 240 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM888,888\nEXTERIOR\nStanding at 5,130mm in length, 1,934mm in width and 1,850mm in height, the seven-people carrier is brimming with road presence to say the least. As standard, the GLS 400 wears the AMG Line exterior which gives a sportier front and rear bumper, side step plates, side body painted flaps and a 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.   At the front, the GLS comes with an aggressive front end, courtesy of the AMG twin-louvre grille finished with a central three-pointed star emblem. The sophisticated LED Intelligent Light System adds a touch of luxury to the large SUV. Not forgetting the pair of air inlets on the hood that give away the car\u2019s powerhouse under the hood.\nAt the rear, the GLS is finished with a generous amount of chrome, from the bar across the tailgate, loading bay as well as the dual exhaust tips.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the GLS is deserving of being dubbed as the S-class of SUVs, as the car is filled with premium materials. As standard, the GLS features a three-spoke Nappa leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, coloured instrument panel, 8-inch COMAND Online infotainment system with touchpad, among others.   Optional equipment for the GLS is as extensive as a full-sized SUV can be. For example, if you\u2019re concerned about air quality of your cabin, there is an optional ionisation system. If the Nappa leather on the steering wheel is not to your taste, you can swap them out for a wood and leather combination steering wheel.\nThere is an optional EXCLUSIVE design and equipment line that provides five distinctive interior colour combination (all finished in genuine leather) to choose from\u2013 black, ginger beige with espresso brown, saddle brown with black, crystal grey with black and ginger beige with black.\nFor added refinement and luxury, customers can also opt for the designo Exclusive package that wraps the seats in designo Nappa leather with a diamond quilting design. For a sportier impression, there is an AMG Line interior that specs the GLS with Nappa leather sports seats, black Nappa leather three-spoke steering wheel, chequered flag design on the instrument dials and brushed stainless steel sports pedals.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering this humongous beast is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that dishes out \n333 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n of torque. Power is permanently sent to all four-wheels via a nine-speed G-TRONIC automatic. This is enough to propel the GLS from nought to 100km/h in \n6.6 seconds\n before hitting a top speed of \n240 km/h\n. Despite the large displacement and performance figures, Mercedes claims that the GLS boasts a fuel economy figure of 9.4L/100km.\nFor uncompromising comfort and off-road capabilities, MBM has decided to equip the GLS 400 with AIRMATIC air suspension to provide the best of both worlds. The SUV\u2019s dynamics can be tweaked via the DYNAMIC SELECT system where drivers can select between five driving modes \u2013 comfort, slippery, sport, individual and off-road.\nThe DYNAMIC SELECT system adapts the transmission and AIRMATIC settings to suit the driver\u2019s needs. Additionally, customers can opt for an optional active roll stabilisation ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that adds on active anti-roll bars at the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during corners.\nWHAT ELSE?\nShould the 333 hp GLS 400 fall short of your expectations, MBM also has the 449 hp GLS 500 and the 577 hp GLS 63 on offer. These variants however, require special arrangements. As with all Mercedes-Benz cars, the GLS 400 comes packaged with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Official Photos (by Aaron Lee)"
"Congratulations, you \u2013 that\u2019s the first full week of October done and dusted, so give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done.\nNow that \nCovid-19 restrictions are slowly being lifted\n, many of us have now left the work-from-home lifestyle behind. So if you\u2019ve been swamped with work in the office and can\u2019t keep up with the latest news developments any more, there\u2019s no need to worry \u2013 here\u2019s a round-up of this week\u2019s biggest stories that you may have missed!\nYes, the BMW M3 is indeed PDRM\u2019s new steed\nThe biggest story this week happened on Thursday morning, when social media and instant messaging apps were set abuzz by photos of what seemed like a new police-liveried BMW M3 Competition. Confusion soon followed, as BMW Malaysia claimed that the cars are only to be used as movie props, but the body wrap shop\u2019s owner insists that it\u2019s an actual police car, sending the internet into a tailspin.\nFortunately, the whole ordeal was soon cleared up thanks to new photos that were published online, showing the cars alongside actual uniformed cops from the Selangor police\u2019s Escort Guard division (\nCawangan Pengawal Pengiring\n).\nMazda to introduce a wave of SUVs with new naming scheme, six cylinders, and wider bodies\nIt\u2019s the start of a new era for Mazda, as they\u2019ve just announced a brand-new line-up of (at least) five SUVs that will pave their wave towards full electrification. eventually.\nOut of the five that\u2019s already announced, only the CX-50 will be based on another model (rumoured to be the Toyota Corolla Cross). The other four will all be all-new models based on Mazda\u2019s new large product platform, featuring inline-six engines, RWD, and mild-hybrid technology.\nThe Toyota Corolla is the last car we\u2019d expect to get a \u201cN\u00fcrburgring Package\u201d\nToyota Thailand may have just introduced the world\u2019s slowest \u201cN\u00fcrburgring edition\u201d model, as they are now offering a \u201cN\u00fcrburgring Package\u201d for the Toyota Corolla sedan. Yes, you read that right.\nDesigned to celebrate Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand\u2019s successes in the 24 Hours of N\u00fcrburgring race, the package is being offered as a no-cost option to buyers of selected variants, and includes a racecar-inspired body kit, lowering springs, and a new throttle control box \u2013 but no actual increase in power output.\nThe all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is here to prove that MPVs are still cool\nPretty much the entire world is moving towards SUVs, but BMW is still not quite done with traditional, old-school MPVs just yet. Well, traditional to a point. Introducing the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, with a bold new look that\u2019s shouting \u201cI\u2019m not just for soccer moms\u201d.\nInterestingly, the 2 Series Active Tourer will be the first fossil fuel-powered model in BMW\u2019s line-up to feature the marque\u2019s latest iDrive 8 software stack for its infotainment system, one-upping many of its elder and more expensive siblings! BMW clearly isn\u2019t mucking about with this one.\nVideo: Proton X50 vs Proton X70 drag race on KLIA runway\nWe can\u2019t end the week without mentioning our latest drag race video now, can we? Joining us on the KLIA runway this time are the two new Proton darlings, the X50 and X70. Some people say the younger one\u2019s always a little better at everything, but others say the elder will have more experience. But which of these brothers is the fastest one in a drag race? Well, watch on to find out!"
"I know what you guys are like; it\u2019s a Monday and while some of you are still recovering from your food coma, some are probably monitoring the clock like a hawk, waiting for 6pm to arrive for you to call it a day.\nSo here\u2019s what I\u2019m recommending to kill some time \u2013 watching the former king of drag races get slaughtered by a mid-engined hybrid sportscar in a drag race between the \nNissan GT-R\n and the \nHonda NSX\n.\nThe Honda NSX plays home to a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a combined output of\n 581 hp\n and more than \n600 Nm\n of torque. On the other hand, the latest GT-R with its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 churns out somewhere in the region of\n 562 hp\n with almost the same amount of torque.\nThe result is a 0-400 metre run in just \n10.8 seconds\n for the Honda NSX and a \n11.2 second\n time for the \nNissan GT-R\n. Time for Nissan to conceive a new monster? About time, don\u2019t you think?\nCredit: \ncarwow"
"Toyota\n CEO and grandson of the company\u2019s founder, Akio Toyoda will step down as CEO of the company on 1 April to make way for Koji Sato, his successor who is currently the president of \nLexus\n and \nGazoo Racing\n. Starting April this year, Akio Toyoda will become chairman of the board of directors of the company.\nMr. Toyoda has served as CEO for almost 14 years and during his tenure, unleashed several memorable icons. While he isn\u2019t entirely stepping away from the company, let us have a look at some of the iconic cars that emerged when he was the big man.\nToyota GT86 & GR86\nPossibly the best starter car for motorsport enthusiasts, the first-generation \nToyota GT86\n made its world debut in 2012 and underpinned both the Subaru BR-Z and Scion FR-S. It was an affordable rear-wheel-drive modern car that was also available with a 6-speed manual transmission.\nPower wasn\u2019t exactly the GT86\u2019s strongest suite as the FA-20 boxer engine only made \n207 hp\n (metric) @7,000 rpm and \n212 Nm\n @ 6,400- 6,800 rpm. However, it is one of the best cars out there if you want to learn about car control and is an alternative to the Mazda MX-5.\nIn April last year, the all-new Toyota GR86 made its world debut and \nwill soon be officially available in Malaysia\n, if UMW Toyota follows through with its announcement from last year. The all-new GR86 makes \n235 hp\n (metric) and \n250 Nm\n.\nRELATED: \nToyota confirms GR Corolla, GR86, Manual Supra to launch in Malaysia \u201cvery soon\u201d\nToyota GR Supra\nBesides the 86, Toyota also revived its flagship icon, the \nToyota Supra\n, now in its fifth generation. Already an icon itself, movies from \u201cThe Fast and the Furious\u201d franchise cemented the fourth generation supra as one of the most popular cars among young car enthusiasts back in the day.\nThe revival of the Supra happened almost 20 years after the fourth generation ended, and continues to be an icon for car enthusiasts despite the flak that it received due to its BMW association. In its most powerful form, 5th-gen Supra is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbocharged engine that makes \n340 hp \n(metric) and \n500 Nm\n. Only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission upon its world debut, \na 6-speed manual version was introduced in April 2022\n, and that will soon be officially available in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nEnthusiasts rejoice \u2013 2022 Toyota GR Supra now offered with six-speed manual\nToyota GR Corolla\nAlso joining the manual GR Supra and all-new GR86 in their Malaysian debut is the Toyota GR Corolla. Powered by a beefed-up GR Yaris-sourced G16E-GTS engine, the GR Corolla makes \n304 hp\n (metric) and \n370 Nm\n.\nPower is sent to all wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. \nThe GR Corolla made its ASEAN debut in December last year\n with Thailand being the first country to welcome it. Only 9 units are available in Thailand (for now), and production of the GR Corolla for the global market this year is limited to 2,000 units only.\nRELATED: \nLimited-edition Toyota GR Corolla \u2018Morizon Edition\u2019 could be more exclusive than the GR Yaris!\nToyota GR Yaris\nWho would have thought that a Toyota Yaris could be a poster car for car enthusiasts? Usually remembered as a docile compact hatchback, the GR division developed the GR Yaris as a rally car first, before actually turning it into a production car.\nPowered by a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, the tiny GR Yaris capable of producing \n261 hp\n (metric) and \n360 Nm\n. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of \n5.5 seconds\n and a limited top speed of \n230 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR Yaris gets Kinto factory tune in Japan, extra 20 Nm of torque and personalised performance!\nOne must also remember that part of Toyota is the Lexus brand, which is its luxury division. Even here, Mr. Akio Toyoda has left some memorable icons. Some to name are the Lexus LFA and the Lexus LC 500.\nLexus LFA\nWhen it debuted in 2011, the \nLexus LFA\n was the spiritual successor to the Supra and was one of the most expensive Japanese road cars ever built. While it was too expensive and didn\u2019t quite succeed as a halo car, the V10-powered LFA is iconic for the simple fact that it is Lexus\u2019 only supercar made to date.\nALSO WATCH: \nChase away those Monday Blues with \u2018a ride\u2019 in a screaming Lexus LFA V10!\nLexus LC 500\nA 5.0-litre V8 engine and a RWD drivetrain is something you\u2019d expect to find in an American muscle car, not a luxurious Japanese grand tourer. However, that is what the Lexus LC 500 is. The naturally aspirated V8 engine makes \n470 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This launches the LC500 from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.7 seconds\n. Fetching a RM 1.37 million starting price in Malaysia, the LC 500 is available as both a coupe and a convertible. Coincidentally, the Lexus LC 500 is the brainchild of Koji Sato, making it the perfect car to end the list, signifying the passing of the baton from Akio Toyoda.\nALSO WATCH: \nLexus LC 500 Convertible, 5 Things\nWhile some car companies have committed to an electric-only future, Toyota under the leadership of Akio Toyoda believes in multipath solution towards sustainability. Hence, the company has been working on electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell cars, and hydrogen-fueled engines. It remains to be seen if the stance will remain under the new leadership."
"Two days ago on Monday, an emergency respondent personnel (Facebook username Mohd Azul) uploaded a video onto his personal Facebook account of his ordeal when trying to get to an accident scene on the Elite Highway. At the time of writing, the video had 810k views and 12,770 shares.\nIn the video\n, we can clearly see inconsiderate motorists hogging the emergency lane and making poor road safety judgements that saw precious time being wasted when the ambulance was rushing to the accident scene.\nWe can\u2019t stress enough that the emergency lane is meant for emergencies only. According to the Road Transport Department (JPJ), motorists who use the emergency lane other than the following: stalled vehicles, police duty, rescue works and ambulances, are all chargeable under the Road Transport Act 1987.\nAs seen in the video, there were moments where these ignorant motorists (presumably frantic by then) tried to force their way out of the emergency lane, only to realise that their efforts were futile. As the ambulance got closer to the scene, \nkeh-poh\n\u00a0onlookers took their sweet time \u2018documenting\u2019 the accident, causing further unnecessary delay.\nDuring this Raya festive season, when you come to a crawl on the freeway, please make the better call and stay clear of the emergency lane, please. For all you know, someone\u2019s life might depend on it. Be safe, be patient and be considerate when sharing the highway.\nWe at\n AutoBuzz.my\n would like to wish all our Muslim readers a Selamat Hari Raya."
"The all-new Kia K5 was the talk of the town when \nfirst images\n were revealed last month. Kia has now revealed some additional information for the fifth-generation Kia K5 (or Optima outside of South Korea).\u00a0\nWe\u2019ve all seen the breathtaking exterior of the Kia K5 in quite some detail, but the Interior of the D-segment fastback is equally as beautiful.\nThe dashboard now has a stepped design, with a wood effect trim (or metallic, depending on variant) across the entire bottom step. The trim extends onto the door cards to form a cohesive wrap-around line.\u00a0\nStanding on top of the dashboard is now a new \n10.25-inch\n touchscreen infotainment system, joined directly to a \n12.3-inch\n digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system features voice recognition capable of controlling various vehicle functions.\nThe gear lever has also been removed on certain gearbox options, replaced by a shift-by-wire rotary dial gear selector.\nOther interior options include an ambient light system, 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, 8.0-inch heads-up display, and various leather and cloth upholstery.\nUnsurprisingly, the K5 will be available with the \n1.6-litre turbocharged Smartstream engine\n that is \nshared with Hyundai\n. The engine pushes out \n180 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque, and features Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology that optimises between torque output and fuel efficiency.\nDepending on market, there will also be a 2.0-litre MPI engine (152 hp, 192 Nm), 2.0-litre engine with CVVL technology (160 hp, 196 Nm), and a 2.5-litre GDi engine (194 hp, 246 Nm).\u00a0\nThe\n performance K5 GT variant\n gets a significant bump in power, with a new 2.5-litre T-GDi engine providing\n 290 hp\n and \n422 Nm\n of torque. Paired with Kia\u2019s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission, the K5 GT does 0-to-100 km/h in \n6.6 seconds\n.\u00a0\nAll other engines will be paired to either a six- or eight-speed automatic transmissions, although Kia has not revealed specific pairings. For the first time, the Kia K5 will also be available in \nall-wheel drive\n set-up, in addition the usual front-wheel drive.\nAs with previous generations of the K5, hybrid powertrain options will also be available, but no details are available as of yet.\u00a0\nThe all-new Kia K5 is packed to the brim with advanced safety features. Kia\u2019s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the K5 includes Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Blind-spot View Monitor with Surround View Monitor and Blind-spot Collision-avoid Assist, Smart Cruise Control or Navigation-based SCC, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Highway Driving Assist.\nThe Remote Smart Parking Assist function allows drivers to move the cars autonomously out of a front-and-back parking space remotely with their key fob \u2013 perfect for tight parking spaces and the sometimes questionable Malaysian parking skills.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s a very fair world we live in \u2013 what we gain, we\u2019ll always lose something in return. So when Lexus announced that their new 2019 NX now starts from a lower asking price at RM313,888, with added safety features and a hands-free boot, I asked what\u2019s missing.\nTurns out, nothing too significant \u2013 the premium Mark Levinson sound system, a panoramic sunroof and wireless touch pad; frivolous items if you ask me.\nWith the updated model, Lexus Malaysia has omitted the NX300h model with the NX300 Urban, NX300 Premium and NX300 F Sport the only available models.\nAll three are powered by a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder with \n235 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, powering all four wheels via the Dynamic Torque Control AWD. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h.\nThe highlight of the new Lexus NX has to be the addition of the Lexus Safety System on all variants. The system includes Pre-Collision System with Brake Collision Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Active Cornering Assist and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.\nWhile all three models are equipped with eight airbags, the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert is only available for the Premium model.\nAlso new to the car is the Adaptive High Beam system for the three LED projector headlamps, along with the addition of the dynamic indicator that utilises 16 LEDS to project a mesmerising visual.\nAs for the other features and equipment, the NX comes with LED fog lights with cornering function, powered steering adjustment, 18-inch alloys, a Lexus Premium Audio system with eight speakers while notable distinctions in the Premium model includes electronically-reclined rear seats, ventilation for the front seats and a hands-free tail gate.\nThe fully imported Lexus NX starts from \nRM313,888\n for the Urban variant, \nRM333,888\n for the Premium variant and \nRM349,888\n for the F Sport model. All three models come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Peugeot has just unveiled the estate version of its latest \nPeugeot 508\n. Like the sedan, the Peugeot 508 SW also gets an all-new sleek design, frameless doors and the latest-generation i-Cockpit cabin design language.\nSet for global debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in October, the new 508 SW follows the radical design of the sedan \u2013 low roof, dynamic body shape and flowing lines. Exterior highlights include full LED headlamps, vertical opalescent LED daytime running lights, mesh front grille and Lion Claw LED taillamps.\nMeasuring at 4.78m long and 1.42m in length, the 508 SW naturally can swallow more cargo with \n530 litres\n hidden behind the hands-free powered tailgate, 43 litres more than its sedan twin. Fold the rear seats down and you\u2019ll get a total load capacity of \n1,780 litres\n.\nWith the new-generation Peugeot i-Cockpit design, occupants in the 508 SW will be greeted with LCD instrument cluster, 10-speaker FOCAL hi-fi system, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Keeping Assist and a Night Vision system.   Powertrain options for the 508 SW include two petrol and four diesel options, all mated to either a new eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual. Peugeot has also hinted that a plug-in hybrid petrol engine with an all-electric range of 50 km will join the variant line up in the second half 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For starters, there\u2019s the name \u2013 it\u2019s actually called the Boat Tail \u2013 but it\u2019s not something Rolls-Royce plucked out of thin air. In fact the name was used in custom coachbuilt Rolls-Royce from the early 1920s and 1930s.\nAnd after a \n4-year collaboration\n with three clients, not only has Rolls-Royce repeated history but extended its legacy as one of the masters of coachbuilding.\nWhen asked about the design direction of the 5.8 metre long Boat Tail, the three clients shared a single request, \u201cShow us something we\u2019ve never seen before\u201d.\nJudging by the outcome, we\u2019re pretty sure they got exactly what they had wished for \u2013 the unexpected.\nRolls-Royce said the process was no different from building a yacht. Vast sheets of metal were transformed into that Boat Tail shape, with refinement work done by hand, without the pressure of time.\nHave you heard of the\n \nultra-rare Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VII? There\u2019s only one in Malaysia, click \nhere\n to check it out!\nUnsurprisingly, the clients\u2019 fascination with the Boat Tail design was sparked by one from their very own private collection, a fully-restored 1932 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail.\nHere comes the really crazy stuff; the glove box comes storage for a \nMontblanc pen\n from the owner\u2019s collection \u2013 one of their many passions.\nThe dials on the instrument panel is decorated using a technique called Guilloche, similar to those used by watchmakers and fine jewellers.\nAlso collectors of luxury watches, unique \nBOVET 1822 timepieces\n were also specially created for the owners of the Boat Tail but it\u2019s not just another custom luxury watch.\nTwo reversible timepieces were created, one for the lady and one for the gentleman, either to be worn on the wrist or placed on the dashboard or centre console as a clock for the interior.\nThe two-sided timepieces required Rolls-Royce and BOVET 1822 to work side by side over three years to develop the Amadeo convertible system, the most complex task to date.\n\u201cThe result is an accomplishment never before realised in either industry,\u201d said Rolls-Royce.\nAs for the pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance of the Boat Tail, a press of a button and the \u201cdeck\u201d (not rear bonnet) opens like the movement of a butterfly. The complex movement was inspired by cantilever concepts explored by \nrenowned architect Santiago Calatrava\n.\nInside lies a chest that is filled to the brim with exquisite cutlery made by \nChristofle\n in Paris on one side and beverages (aperitifs) on the other, for an al fresco dining experience.\nA double refrigerator houses the client\u2019s favourite vintages of \nArmand de Brignac champagne\n. The stools which were designed by Rolls-Royce and executed by \nItalian furniture maker Promemoria\n can be stowed away discreetly.\nNow you must be wondering, how much does something like that cost? How do you even put a price, not just to the insane levels of customisation, but the time and dedication required to achieve such a creation?\nWell, regardless, Rolls-Royce did not specifically reveal the price of the Boat Tail but it\u2019s been reported by Autocar UK to cost somewhere around \u00a320 million pounds!\nHave a seat, take a deep breath and just enjoy these pictures.\nGALLERY"
"In line with the announcement by the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, on the reopening of various government counter services beginning the 1st of July, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) Malaysia has \nissued a statement\n regarding the operations of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Puspakom.\nMOT reiterates that agencies under their purview will reopen counter services subject to 50% staff capacity, off-line services (cannot be done online), and by-appointment-only. \nWalk-ins are strictly prohibited\n.\nTo schedule an appointment at your nearest JPJ office, visit their Facebook page \nhere\n.\nFor the JPJ, the counters will transact and offer the services except those that can be done online through the mySikap public portal or JPJ\u2019s strategic partners that offer the department\u2019s services. Currently, \nmySikap\n offers renewal of road tax (LKM), renewal of driving licence, application of driving licence, approval of accident-repaired vehicles and payment of summons among its listed 38 transactions.\nOf that 38 in total, 11 transactions with higher security profile (eID Advance) that requires specific registration will still need one to physically be at the JPJ office for mySikap account registration and obtain a reference number.\nRelaxation of road tax renewals extended to September, valid insurance still a must. Read more here.\nClick \nhere\n to see what is listed in mySikap transactions that JPJ is said to not proceed at its offices. The self-service kiosk, located at its offices at certain UTCs however will still operate as usual however it also requires a scheduled appointment.\nAs for Puspakom, the directive is similar with appointments to be made through Puspakom\u2019s \nwebsite\n and customer service hotline with their staff operating at 50% capacity."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced the\n third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS\n SUV here on our shores. Available in Malaysia only in the 450 4Matic AMG Line variant currently, the Mercedes-Benz GLS will go head-to-head against the \nBMW X7\n \nand \nLexus LX\n.\nLaunched alongside the \nGLE 450 Coupe\n and \nAMG GLE 53 Coupe\n, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic AMG Line is priced at \nRM899,888\n on the road, without insurance. The price is inclusive of the 10% sales and service tax, as the car is only expected to arrive on our shores in 2021.\nEXTERIOR\nThe big daddy Mercedes-Benz SUV\u2019s is styled along the philosophy of \u201cmodern luxury with the character of an off-roader\u201d, featuring chrome plated skid plates, muscular rear haunches, and aluminium-look running boards to suggest its performance.\nOne of the bigger changes on the third-generation GLS is it\u2019s size, particularly lengthwise which has now grown to a whopping 5,207 mm (+77 mm), with most of the added length going to the wheelbase (+60 mm), giving the seven-seater SUV a more balanced proportion.\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLS in Malaysia is fitted with the AMG Line exterior package, which includes the following exterior highlights:\nMultibeam LED headlights with 112 LEDs per side\nLED taillights\nAMG Line front bumper with \u201cbone-shaped\u201d air-inlet grille design\nAMG Line rear bumper with chrome trim strip surrounding twin exhaust finishers\n22-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels\nAluminium-look running boards with rubber studs\nElectric panoramic sliding sunroof\nPower-closing doors\nPERFORMANCE\nMatching its powerful stature is the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six mild hybrid engine underneath the hood, with performance hinted by the two powerdomes on the bonnet.\nEngine: M256 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with EQ Boost mild hybrid technology\nTransmission: 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: 4Matic all-wheel drive\nSuspension: AirMatic air suspensions with Adaptive Damping System Plus\nMax horsepower: 367 hp (22 hp EQ Boost)\nMax torque: 500 Nm (250 Nm EQ Boost)\n0-100 km/h: 6.2 seconds\nTop speed: 246 km/h\nINTERIOR\nBeing the \u201cS-Class among the SUVs\u201d, the GLS is suitably luxurious inside, with a dashboard design that is reminiscent of the \nsmaller GLE\n. Interior highlights of the Mercedes-Benz GLS in Malaysia include:\nDual 12.3-inch displays with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)\nDual 11.6-inch MBUX rear-seat entertainment system\u00a0\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nMercedes me telematics and connected services\nWireless charging pad\nBurmester surround sound system\nTwo wireless headset for rear-seat entertainment\nThermotronic four-zone climate control\nPowered front-seats with memory function and 4-way lumbar support\nPowered double sunblinds for the rear doors\nEasy-Entry electronically-adjusted second-row seats, easier ingress and egress for third-row passengers\nThe interior is finished in the Exclusive interior package, which includes high-gloss anthracite lime wood trims, Artico man-made leather dashboard, and a Nappa leather steering wheel.\nWith all the rear seats folded down \u2013 where there are dedicated buttons in the boot that will do it for you electronically \u2013 the Mercedes-Benz GLS boasts a cargo space of 2,400 litres. The air suspension can also be lowered by 50 mm with the buttons to make the load floor more accessible, helpful when loading heavy items into the boot.\nSAFETY\nIn terms of safety, the Malaysian-specification GLS 450 4Matic is equipped with the following:\nMercedes-Benz Pre-Safe collision prevention system\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\n360-degree around-view camera\nExit warning\nMagic Vision Control wipers\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nMercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package including adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and active brake assist with cross-traffic support\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s been awhile since we last saw a movie featuring an epic motorsport duel with the last memorable one being Rush, a biopic on the rivalry of James Hunt and the \nrecently deceased, Niki Lauda\n.\nWith Matt Damon playing Carroll Shelby, the man Ford entrusted to beat Ferrari at Le Mans and renowned method actor Christian Bale, playing Ken Miles, the man behind the wheel of the Ford GT, this is one film you do not want to miss.\n \nIn brief, it all started when Ford was looking to acquire Ferrari back in the early 60\u2019s but negotiations collapsed because the deal meant that Enzo Ferrari would lose his absolute authority on the race team.\nDue to be released in November, it seems (from the trailer at least) that not only will it be a mechanical feast but will also shed light on the emotional hurdles and struggles of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles in their efforts to challenge Ferrari."
"In conjunction with the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong announced through his social media channel that the road transport department (JPJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD, previously known as SPAD) will be offering 70% discounts on all summonses for the entire month of August.\nThe discounts will be applicable for all compoundable summonses issued by the JPJ and APAD under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 (Act 334) and Land Public Transport Act 2010(Act 715).\nThese acts cover offenses such as unroadworthy vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as the \nAWAS (or better known as AES) cameras\n, with compounds ranging from RM40 to RM300. Police-issued summonses are not eligible for this discount campaign.\nImage: Facebook/\nJabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia\nThe offer will also be extended to road users who have previously been blacklisted by the JPJ, although these individuals will have to go to a JPJ office for a documentation process before the payment can be made.\nOtherwise, payments can be made at all JPJ offices as well as other online channels including the mySikap JPJ portal, Kiosk JPJ, as well as JPJ Mobile.\n[Header Image: \nFacebook/Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia\n]"
"You stare blankly at the opposite side of the road, waiting for the traffic lights to turn before you can cross the zebra crossing. You come across another one, this time without traffic lights to signal you to cross. You waited patiently until traffic is clear, before dashing across.\nYou\u2019ve probably used the zebra crossings like the above. Yet, it would have slipped your mind that you just came across two completely different coloured zebra crossings, a yellow and a white. Both serve the same purpose, yet slightly different and now you know.\nWhite Zebra Crossing\nWhen we conjure up an image of a zebra crossing, chances are we\u2019d picture a black and white. The function of a white zebra crossing is to let drivers know that they \nmust stop and give way\n to pedestrians who are crossing it.\nUnfortunately, that is easier said than done. You\u2019d notice that most white zebra crossings have no traffic lights accompanying it, which can make crossing them a challenge. \nA study done by MIROS\n showed that 74% of drivers do not give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings especially in the absence of traffic signal.\nTherefore, it will be up to the pedestrian to when it\u2019s safe to cross. However, once a pedestrian is already crossing a white zebra crossing, drivers must stop to give pedestrians the right of way.\nYellow Zebra Crossing\nThe yellow zebra crossing is a little different. These crossings are usually accompanied by traffic lights and are usually placed in areas with high traffic density, making it hard to cross the road. Unlike the black and white zebra crossing, pedestrians and motorists will have to abide by the traffic signals. According to the \nMalaysian Public Works Department\n, there is no \u2018first come first serve\u2019 basis at this crossing.\nIt goes without saying that the road is a dangerous place, while zebra crossings help pedestrians cross the road safely, safety should not be taken for granted and pedestrians must be vigilant when crossing the road. As for drivers, \nwe highly urge that you slow down when coming up to a zebra crossing\n regardless if it\u2019s white or yellow.\nKnow someone who could use this bit of information? Share this with them. Did we miss out something? Share with us in the comments below!"
"The car that took centre stage at the 2019 Malaysia Auto Show, the all-new Toyota Yaris, has been officially launched by UMW Toyota Motor with three variants available.\nThere is the high spec G variant, priced at \nRM83,888\n, E variant at \nRM76,888\n and the base model J at \nRM70,888\n.\n \nThe Yaris comes in five different colours \u2013 Super White, Red Mica Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic and the vibrant Citrus Mica Metallic.\nPowering the Yaris is the same engine you\u2019ll find in the Vios \u2013 a 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i with \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque \u2013 paired to a 7-speed CVT transmission.\nAs for the exterior of the E and G variants, the Yaris comes with projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 16-inch wheels and LED tail lights.\nAs for the base model J variant, it gets 15-inch wheels, reflector headlamps, and bulb-type rear tail lights.\nInside, the Yaris comes with a 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display linked to six speakers, an Optitron meter with TFT display, fabric seats, for the auto air conditioning (for G variant only), Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree view and dual USB ports. The G variant also gets an electrochromic rear view mirror.\nAs for the E and J variants, the Yaris is equipped with an instrument cluster with the more conventional backlit illumination.\nWhat you\u2019d want to know is that the Yaris boasts the best-in-class Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) and cabin space. Sound insulation has been improved around the engine compartment, transmission while the engine mountings have been designed to reduced further vibration.\nSafety wise, the Yaris comes with seven airbags, Hill-Start Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control.\nWith the E and G variants, the Yaris is further equipped with a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Also provided with these two models is a front Digital Video Recorder dashcam that offers Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning features.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia\n announced that the new Range Rover Evoque will be launched in Malaysia this coming 26th of June 2020. The virtual launch will take place on its \nFacebook page \nat 11 am.\nFor starters, the new Range Rover Evoque in Malaysia will come with a 2.0-litre petrol-powered turbocharged Ingenium engine paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.\n \nAside from looking like a \nbaby Velar\n, the new Evoque is also laden with technology. It\u2019s the first Land Rover to feature \nSmart Settings\n, an artificial intelligence system that can learn and adapt to its driver\u2019s preference.\nThe new Evoque will also get the \nClear Sight Technology\n which includes ClearSight Rear View Mirror and ClearSight Ground View. \nClearSight Rear View\n turns the side mirrors into a high-definition screen using a camera positioned on top of the car. The display provides a 50-degree field of vision and superior visibility in low light.\n \nClearSight Ground View\n on the other hand allows the driver to see what\u2019s happneing under the engine. This is achieved by projecting a 180-degree view of the ground onto the car\u2019s infotainment display.\nOnboard, the new Evoque features the Land Rover InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. It consists of two 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens and a 12.3-inch display on the instrument cluster. At the back, the Evoque\u2019s boot is rated at 591 litres, expandable to 1,383 litres with the second row seats folded.\nDetails on pricing and variants will be announced at the virtual launch.Those interested can \nreceive updates on the launch and details of the car here\n.\nThe new Range Rover Evoque in Malaysia will come with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, 5-year/65,000km service package and 3-years Roadside Assistance."
"Michael Schumacher is still in a induced coma since the \nskiing accident in the French Alps\n on Sunday. After going through a second brain surgery, he is reported to be in stable condition but not out of danger. Michael Schumacher turns 45 today.\nOver two hundred fans from the Italian and French Scuderia Ferrari Clubs turned up at Grenoble Hospital where Schumacher is being treated, to pay a special tribute on his birthday. The fans who traveled for hours presented the Ferrari Heart in the hospital car park to represent the strength and support of the millions of fans from around the world to Schumacher as he fights the hardest challenge of his life.\nEven though the German driver officially retired from his F1 career with Mercedes, Scuderia Ferrari where he spent most of his time winning has been very supportive and was the one urging Scuderia Ferrari Clubs from across Europe to honour the F1 legend. He\u00a0won 72 Grand Prix races between 1996 and 2006 with Scuderia Ferrari.\nDuring the incident at the French Alps, Schumacher had stopped to help a friend\u2019s daughter who had fallen on the slopes before he\u00a0hit a rock and catapulted in the air, falling head down on another rock. Due to the massive impact, the helmet he was wearing broke into three. The doctors said,\u00a0\u201cWithout a helmet, he wouldn\u2019t be here now\u201d. Schumacher suffers from\u00a0cerebral hemorrhage due to the severe head trauma and is forced to put in artificial coma to stabilize his condition.\nFriends and fans around the world have tweeted and posted well wishes to the F1 legend. This is when journalists would want to have the first hand news about Schuey\u2019s condition, even to an extent of pretending to be a priest. According to Schumacher\u2019s manager Sabine Kehm,\u00a0\n\u201cThere have been several interesting incidents here at the hospital. There apparently was a person dressed-up as a priest, who tried to get near Michael.\u201d She added,\u00a0\n\u201cI am asking everyone to let the doctors work and leave the family spend peaceful time with Michael.\u201d\nAfter the journalist was caught,\u00a0he was escorted off the premises and wasn\u2019t identified. To whoever that was, \u201cDUDE, have a little RESPECT.\u201d\nHappy Birthday Schuey, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Get well soon.\u00a0Forza Michael!"
"At the tail end of 2017, Nissan introduced the NISMO heritage programme that would \nallow owners of the R32 Skyline to purchase new and original replacements parts\n from them.\nA year on, they went on to expand the range of \nreplacement parts for the R33 and R34\n as well.\nIn their latest announcement, not only are there additional replacement parts for the RB26 engine, NISMO will now also offer the legendary engine itself for sale.\nThe new parts include the engine block, cylinder head, fuel pump assembly, muffler assembly and the original engine harness. Body parts such as the roof and rear 3/4 panel (for the R32) will also be sold.\nThe \nblock of the RB26\n, that\u2019s capable of making over 1,000 hp as some videos on YouTube would show, will set you back 170,000 yen (approx. RM6,200).\nThe cylinder head, on the other hand, is priced at 187,000 yen (approx. RM6,800) for the R32 and 425,000 yen (approx. RM15,600) for the R33 and R34.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In an effort to support our local medical front liners in their war against the\n COVID-19 pandemic\n, GoCar Malaysia and Shell Malaysia are joining forces to help make their daily commute easier.\nStarting now until the 14th of April (when the MCO is scheduled to end), GoCar is offering 200 Nissan Almera located at 127 Shell petrol stations across Peninsular Malaysia free of charge to the medical workers, while Shell will be topping up with a complimentary petrol e-voucher.\nhealthcare personnel can register via \nGoCar\u2019s website\n for verification. The initiative covers healthcare frontliners including doctors, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and administrative staff.\nOnce registered, registrants will receive a GoCar promo code worth RM483 \u2013 sufficient for seven consecutive days of booking, followed by a RM30 Shell Fuel e-voucher, both delivered via email on a first-come first-serve basis.\nGoCar Malaysia CEO, Alan Cheah said, \u201cAt GoCar, we strive to act fast to give back to the community in any way possible, now more than ever.\n\u201cAs our frontliners continue working tirelessly for us, we are doing our part to keep them safe by helping them travel in isolation in GoCars with Shell supporting the necessary petrol needed,\u201d he added.\nCheah also assures that all GoCar vehicles are sanitised regularly for the safety of all GoCar members. The company is also placing and replenishing anti-bacterial wet tissues in each car for the convenience of all users.\nShell Malaysia Managing Director, Shairan Huzaini Husain said, \u201cWe are all striving to do what we can to heed the nation\u2019s call to flatten the COVID-19 curve, and Shell is undertaking this initiative to ensure our nation\u2019s health frontliners are able to go well in their journeys to the battleground of this pandemic.\u201d\nShell recently concluded its \nnationwide donation drive with BonusLink\n, while continuously contributing care packages to the front liners. The petroleum company is now working to provide face masks to Shell Fleet Card customers and commercial truckers."
"In pursuit of cleaner emissions, \nMercedes-Benz\n \nhas finally unveiled the new four-cylinder \nMercedes-AMG C63\n S E Performance\n. Yes, the \nAMG C63 S\n \nhas bid farewell to the V8 engine and now gets assistance from a hybrid system. Interesting times indeed.\nLet us first address the powertrain. With half the number of cylinders, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance now makes a total maximum power output of \n680 hp\n and a maximum torque of \n1,020 Nm\n (Its V8 predecessor made 510 hp/700 Nm). Transmitting power to the wheels is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT\u20139G transmission. The electric drive battery only has a capacity of \n6.1 kWh\n with an almost useless all-electric driving range of \n13 km\n, but that\u2019s not the point of the hybrid system. Its main purpose is to boost the C63 S\u2019s performance.\nIn case you\u2019re a V8 fan, be assured that \nMercedes-AMG will continue to make its iconic V8 engine beyond 2030\n, should there be enough demand for it. You just have to buy one (in other AMG models) to make sure they keep making them.\nThe hybrid powertrain provides a fully variable all-wheel drive (AWD) system that launches the car from 0-100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds \nand even comes with \u201cDrift\u201d mode. The turbocharged engine (476 hp/545 Nm) powers the front wheels while the two-speed electric motor (204 hp/320 Nm) powers the rear wheels.\nAn interesting technology on the 2.0-litre engine is the electric exhaust gas turbocharger (the turbo\u2019s electric assistance spools the turbocharger before the exhaust gas flow takes over). The electric motor is part of an electric drive unit (EDU) that also consists of a two-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential (LSD).\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG to continue making V8 engines beyond 2030 if demand is strong\nA total of eight AMG drive programs are provided on the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance:\n\u201cElectric\u201d\n\u201cComfort\u201d\n\u201cBattery Hold\u201d\n\u201cSport\u201d\n\u201cSport+\u201d\n\u201cRace\u201d\n\u201cSlippery\u201d\n\u201cIndividual\u201d\nStandard on the C63 S E Performance is the AMG RIDE CONTROL steel-spring suspension with an Adaptive Damping System. With this, the damping at each individual wheel is continuously adjusted to the current demand \u2013 always considering the preselected suspension level, the driving style, and the road surface condition. \u201cComfort\u201d, \u201cSport\u201d and \u201cSport+\u201d modes each adjust the C63 S\u2019s damping characteristic differently.\nRELATED: \nAMG turns 55 with Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 \u2013 RM2.8M, 5 units only\nThe C63 S E performance is also available as a wagon\nAlso equipped on the C63 S E Performance is an all-wheel steering system with a maximum steering angle of 2.5\u00b0. At higher speeds, the maximum steering angle is set to 0.7\u00b0. We hope all this tech mentioned above has managed to compensate for the omission of the V8 engine.\nNow, onto the looks. On the outside, the front end of the C63 S E Performance is 50 mm longer than the normal C Class to accommodate the larger hybrid powertrain. The front fenders have been changed, but the rear fenders have been left untouched. Overall, both the sedan and estate version of the C63 S E Performance are 83 mm longer than their \u2018normal\u2019 counterparts and have a 10mm longer wheelbase. The front track has been widened, resulting in a 76mm increase in overall front width.\nRELATED: \nLocally-assembled Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC sedan now with new features!\nNotable features on the outside include a slim air outlet on the bonnet, an AMG badge on the hood replacing the Mercedes star (an AMG first), an AMG-specific grille, side skirts, and a large rear diffuser. Completing the look of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance are 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Exclusive for the C63 S is the graphite grey magno matt paint finish.\nOptional items on the C63 E Performance include 20-inch wheels, the AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre packages (I and II), the AMG Night packages (I and II), and the AMG Aerodynamics Package.\nRELATED: \nLocally-assembled Mercedes-AMG GLA35 launched in Malaysia from RM345k\nInside, the AMG C63 S E Performance gets AMG Sports seats with special upholstery layout and a distinctive stitching pattern. There are also many individual choices available for the interior. The completely redesigned second-generation AMG Performance seat is available as an option. Standard interior equipment include the AMG Performance steering wheel and the MBUX multimedia system.\nWith F1 know-how, boosted performance, and a bucketload of technology, perhaps the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance could justify ditching the good old V8 engine.\nGALLERY"
"Karrus Automotive\n is giving driving enthusiasts a reason to celebrate by announcing the arrival of the Caterham 7 \u2013 now available in Malaysia \u2013 in the form of the \n310S\n, the \n420R\n,\n \nand the \n620S\n.\nThe \n310S \nis powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine with \n154 hp\n and \n168 Nm\n, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Its performance figures may not seem like much, but with the car weighing just 540 kg, 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is rated at 204 km/h.\nThe 310\nWith the Sport pack, the 310S comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brake master cylinder, and a MOMO steering wheel.\nAs for the \n420R\n, it gets a 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine that\u2019s good for\n 212 hp\n and \n203 Nm\n. With the extra power, the 560 kg 420R will give the \nMercedes-AMG A45\n and \nBMW M3\n a good run for their money; taking just 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Top speed is rated at 219 km/h.\nThe 420\nLike the 310S, the 420R also gets a 5-speed manual with the addition of a limited-slip differential and lightweight flywheel. Notable features include a carbon fibre dashboard, composite race seats with a 4-point harness, \u201cRace-pack\u201d front ventilated discs with 4-pot calipers, a suede MOMO steering with quick release, and a track day roll bar.\nLastly, there\u2019s the\n 620S\n, the most powerful of all the Caterham 7s. Its 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox has been supercharged to produce \n314 hp\n and \n297 Nm\n.\nDespite weighing the most at 610 kg, the 620S will keep up with the likes of \nFerrari\u2019s 812 Superfast\n from a standstill as 0 to 100 km/h takes just 2.8 seconds, onward to a top speed of 249 km/h.\nThe 620\nWith all that performance, the 620S gets a race developed cooling system, limited-slip differential, front aerofoil wishbones, and rear anti-roll bars. Unlike the 310S and 420R, which comes with side-exit exhausts, the one on the 620S extends all the way to the rear.\nStandard equipment includes a 4-point harness, 4-pot front calipers, a carbon fibre dashboard and carbon interior panels. Prices start from \nRM462k\n for the 310S, \nRM568k\n for the 420R and \nRM688k \nfor the 620S.\nKarrus Automotive\n is located at 43, Jalan Astaka U8/84A, Bukit Jelutong. Shah Alam. Operation hours are between 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. For more info, they can be contacted at 012-317 6606."
"Ferrari\u2019s first SUV isn\u2019t much of a secret any more, as they\u2019ve already \nconfirmed its existence more than four years ago\n back in 2017. Since then though, it was basically radio silence from the supercar maker, and every mule or prototype spotted outside were covered in acres of heavy cladding and camouflage, making it impossible for us to even catch a glimpse of the car. That is, until today.\nInstagram user and proficient leaker Wilco Blok has somehow got his hands on a set of photos of what is purportedly the Ferrari Purosangue, giving us our first look at the highly-anticipated and controversial SUV from the Prancing Horse.\nImage: \nWilcoblok/Instagram\nAs previously suggested, the Ferrari Purosangue does bear a pretty significant resemblance to the \nGTC4Lusso\n in terms of design and proportions, especially round the back. The headlights and taillights, however, are clearly taken from the \nSF90 Stradale\n.\nWe\u2019re not quite sure why they didn\u2019t go with the design of the \nFerrari 296 GTB\n headlights, seeing that that\u2019s their latest design language, but we digress.\nOther notable features that we can see include a chunky gloss black cladding around the wheel arches, and a pretty busy-looking front bumper with a large mesh grille in the centre. Fortunately, the rear fascia does look quite a lot cleaner, with just the conventional diffuser elements and quad tail pipes.\nRELATED: Ferrari is supposedly building \u201ca range of electric SUVs\u201d after Purosangue\nImage: \nWilcoblok/Instagram\nWe\u2019re still not quite sure yet what\u2019s underneath the bonnet of the upcoming Purosangue SUV, but the leading rumour right now seems to point at the hybrid powertrain from the Ferrari 296 GTB, with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 and an electric motor making a total of 830 hp and 740 Nm of torque.\nThe SF90 Stradale\u2019s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is also another possibility, although it would almost certainly be without the hypercar\u2019s three electric motors, as we can\u2019t see Ferrari canibalising its own flagship by putting 1,000 hp in a SUV. Nevertheless, the V8 is still plently punch on its own, making 780 hp and 800 Nm of torque.\nThere\u2019s also been rumours that the Purosangue could get Ferrari\u2019s naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 from the 812 Superfast for its range-topping variant. Sounds enticing, but we\u2019ll have to wait and see if it actually comes true."
"Following the announcement earlier this year that Porsche will be \nlocally assembling its cars here in Kulim, Kedah\n, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has now confirmed that the first model under its CKD initiative will be the \nPorsche Cayenne\n \u2013 and its order books are now open.\nPricing wise, the locally-assembled Porsche Cayenne starts at \nRM550,000\n inclusive of taxes and duties, but excludes insurance, and of course, options. The asking price also takes into account the full SST exemption thanks to its new CKD status, which puts it RM115,000 lower than the previous CBU unit.\nIn terms of standard equipment, the new CKD Porsche Cayenne has been specified with a wide range of items that were previously optional on the CBU models. These include:\nLED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)\n21-inch RS Spyder design wheels\n14-way power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function\nBose\u00a0Surround Sound System\nFour-zone climate control\u00a0\nPorsche Communication Management system\n12-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple\u00a0CarPlay\u00a0connectivity\nPark Assist with front, rear and surround views\nPorsche Advanced Cockpit\nSports steering wheel\nRELATED: Porsche to locally assemble CKD cars in Malaysia by 2022\nIf that\u2019s still not fancy enough for you, the CKD Porsche Cayenne can also be specified with an optional Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Package (RM58,000), which adds the SportsDesign exterior styling package (unique front apron, more pronounced wheel arch extensions, and dark-tinted exterior lighting elements), a body colour-matching key fob, and a sports exhaust system.\nOther options also include the Carbon Interior Package which \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 lines the interior trims with carbon fibre, a range of 22-inch wheels, and other random bits and bobs of accessories like a luggage net, boot liner, and all-weather floor mats. Still want more? How does a RM38,888 Porsche Design timepiece sound?\nColour wise, the CKD Cayenne will be offered in three exterior colour choices \u2013 Carrara White Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, and Quartzite Grey Metallic \u2013 as well as two interior leather combos \u2013 Black, and Black-Bordeaux Red.\nThe oily bits underneath the bonnet meanwhile remain unchanged, which in this base Cayenne model, sees a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that serves up \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic gearbox to send power to all four wheels, thanks to an active all-wheel drive system.\nRELATED: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo launched in Malaysia, from RM645k\n\u201cSince its inception, the Cayenne has evolved to become a customer favourite with Malaysian Porsche fans. It has always held special place in the Porsche family, and we are delighted today to enable countless new possibilities with the Cayenne,\u201d said SDAP Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Hunter.\nThe new CKD Porsche Cayenne is now available for pre-order via the new dedicated website, linked \nhere\n, and to mark the debut of this ordering platform for Porsche customers in Malaysia, the first 50 orders placed online will also receive a complimentary Porsche Driver\u2019s Selection voucher worth RM 911.\nGALLERY"
"Last year at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda wowed everyone with their latest rotary-powered concept, the \nMazda RX-Vision\n. The Hiroshima-based carmaker\u2019s newest\u00a0sports car subsequently went on public display at the recently concluded Festival Automobile International held in Paris last weekend.\nThe RX-Vision is Mazda\u2019s latest\u00a0expression of their KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy, and takes the look of this front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car to a whole new level. It was nominated alongside several other impressive concept cars such as the \nPorsche Mission E\n, Bentley Exp10 Speed 6 and Peugeot Fractal.   If you\u2019re new to the term \u2018rotary-powered\u2019, that\u2019s because the engine isn\u2019t as common as you would think, and it\u2019s headed the way of the dodo due to terrible fuel economy and emissions. That is, until now. The RX-Vision, together with the rotary engine (coined as \nSkyactiv-R\n, also known as the Wankel engine) is set to make a comeback by 2020, and it shouldn\u2019t serve as a surprise if the engineers at Hiroshima are having sleepless nights in their efforts to produce the next-generation, butter-smooth rotary engine.\nWith the way things are going, we\u2019re certainly in for a pleasant surprise."
"In an effort to develop improved advance technologies for future electric vehicles, Nissan has revealed an all-wheel-control test car as a testament of their research and development.\nThe vehicle, based on the \nNissan Leaf e+\n, features an advanced all-wheel drive system powered by a pair of high-power motors on the front and rear axles.\u00a0\nThe twin-motor electric powertrain generates \n304 hp\n (227 kilowatts) and \n680 Nm\n of torque. Combined with ultra-high-precision motor control, Nissan claims that the test car is able to offer a highly responsive and smooth acceleration.\u00a0\nNissan also says that the precision motor control module helps with the ride comfort of the EV. By utilising controlled regenerative motor braking on the front and rear axles, the test car is able to reduce unpleasant forces during braking, especially in a city environment.\nHandling has also been enhanced by Nissan\u2019s new all-wheel drive system. Along with managing the torque allocation between the front and rear axles, the test car can also apply brake control independently at each wheel to maximize the cornering force generated by each tyre.\u00a0\nThe improved traction on all four wheels also results in increased driver confidence across a broad range of road conditions, be it road, snow or gravel.\u00a0\nDespite being a test car, Nissan has fitted the research EV with overfenders and rally-style wheels to \u201ccreate excitement for the new era of Nissan EV technology\u201d.\nOn the inside, the test car features a 12.3-inch display mounted at the centre of the dashboard, displaying real-time information of the vehicle control technology to the driver.\u00a0\nNissan aims to make the new all-wheel-drive technology a key component of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company\u2019s vision of how vehicles are driven, powered and integrated into society.\nNissan\u2019s senior vice president of research and advanced engineering, Takao Asami said that Nissan will launch a next-generation EV based on the new technology soon.\u00a0\n\u201cThe new electric-drive four-wheel-control technology now being developed integrates Nissan\u2019s electric propulsion and 4WD control technologies with our chassis control technology to achieve a huge leap in acceleration, cornering and braking performance, on par with the latest sports cars,\u201d he added.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"On 14th of April 1927 the Volvo \u00d6V4 rolled out of the production line in Sweden. 90 years later, the first batch of the highly-anticipated Volvo XC60 begins its production in Gothenburg, Sweden. What started as an offshoot from a ball bearing maker is now the only remaining mass-production car company from Sweden.\nA Swedish abbreviation for \u201c\nOpen Carriage 4 cylinders\n\u201c, the \u00d6V4 was a dinky open-top car that sits on a wooden frame made of ash tree and beech, powered by a \n1.9-litre 4-cylinder\n engine. The engine generates about 28 hp and it\u2019s paired to a \n3-speed manual transmission\n to drive the rear wheels.\nFast forward to the year 2017, the base \nXC60 D4\n with its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel churns out more than six times the horsepower count and the only wood used are for the inlays inside the cabin. H\u00e5kan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo Cars says \u201cVolvo is very proud of its history. The past 90 years have been exciting, but the 10 years left until the 100-year anniversary may come to be more exciting as industry focus shifts to autonomous driving, electrification and connectivity.\u201d\nVolvo UK \nrecently launched the XC60\n for the UK market, and the Malaysian launch is said to be in \nlate this year or early next year\n. In the mean time, you can build your \ndream XC60\n using \nVolvo\u2019s online configurator\n. We specced our XC60 T8 R-Design in Passion Red with 22-inch 10 Open Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n1927 Volvo \u00d6V4   2017 Volvo XC60"
"Mercedes-AMG will fiddle with any car that bears the three-pointed star badge, from the \ntiny A-Class\n all the way up to the \nGelandewagen\n. Their latest work, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan.\nLike the \nA 35 hatch\n, the sedan features a tuned-up version of the M260 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder found in the \nA 250 variant\n. With a sprinkle of AMG dust, power is now up from \n224 hp\n to \n306 hp\n while peak torque is up to \n400 Nm\n.\nWith the 7-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, the A 35 Sedan can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.8 seconds\n onwards to a governed \n250 km/h\n top speed.\nSubtle touches separate the A 35 from a regular AMG Line variant. Keen observers will notice the twin louvres diamond radiator grille, additional flicks on the side intakes, AMG branded brake calipers, \u201cTurbo 4MATIC\u201d badge on the front fenders and the 19-inch 5-twin spoke AMG alloys.\n \nDifferences around the\nrear is a little more obvious with the additional rear spoiler as well as the\nreprofiled bumpers to house the round shape twin exhaust outlets.\nThe cabin is identical to the A 35 hatchback with AMG specific widescreen cockpit with three AMG display styles, new-generation AMG performance steering wheel, additional buttons to alter the ESP programme, manual transmission mode and Adaptive Damping system as well as the AMG Track Pace data logger that records track times, acceleration and deceleration values.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG A\u00a035\u00a04MATIC Sedan"
"It seems like people just can\u2019t get enough of the jacked up SUV looks; at the launch of the Thai 2021 \nToyota Vios\n (Yaris Ativ) and \nYaris\n last Friday, Toyota Thailand also unveiled a new \u2018X-Urban\u2019 trim for the Yaris hatchback, equipped with a lifted suspension kit to give it a crossover-like appearance.\nAside from the raised suspension set-up, which gives the hatchback an \nadditional 30 mm of height\n, the X-Urban trim also comes with a \u201cSport Crossover style\u201d body kit, consisting of new front and rear bumper extensions with chunky bashplate-like styling elements, along with black plastic wheel arch claddings and side skirts.\nThe Toyota Yaris X-Urban is also equipped with a set of two-toned 16-inch alloy wheels, up from 15-inch units on the standard Yaris models.\nThe Toyota Yaris facelift was launched in Malaysia last December, featuring a redesigned front fascia! Check it out here.\nInside, the Toyota Yaris X-Urban gets a unique two-tone Terra Rossa red and black synthetic leather upholstery, contrasted by grey cross stitching on the seats, centre console armrest, and steering wheel. Everything else, though, is unchanged from the standard Toyota Yaris models in Thailand.\nThe X-Urban trim is only available on the Sport and Sport Premium variants of the Toyota Yaris in Thailand, at an extra cost of 44,600 baht (approx. RM5,580).\nThe Sport Premium variant adds several additional niceties to the SUV-fied hatchback, including LED front fog lights, automatic wipers, a 4.2-inch multi-info display on the instrument cluster, front and rear digital video recorder (dashcam), and extra safety standard equipment in the form of autonomous emergency braking and lane-departure alert.\nUMW Toyota Motor has announced a RM270m investment to locally-assemble hybrid vehicles. Read more here.\nPowering the Toyota Yaris X-Urban is the same unchanged 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, providing a maximum power output of \n92 hp\n and\n 109 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a Super CVT-i automatic gearbox.\nColour choices for the SUV-fied Toyota Yaris include Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, and Grey Metallic \u2013 all with a glossy black roof.\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s a new SUV in town, this time from a brand that\u2019s making a comeback to the scene it once dominated with the Trooper in the late 90s. As you can tell, the \nMU-X\n, short for Multi-Utility-X, is a seven-seater SUV built based on the D-Max, but it\u2019s tuned to provide the best combination of on- and off-road performance.\nThe MU-X first broke its cover in 2013 at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it shares\u00a0the same ladder frame chassis as the outgoing D-Max. The duo launched today will be powered by the familiar \n2.5-litre VGS\n\u00a0engine, although the more powerful 3.0-litre turbodiesel is only being offered in Thailand. Whether or not that will make its way here remains to be seen.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nIsuzu MU-X 4\u00d72\nIsuzu MU-X 4\u00d74\nEngine\n\u00a02,499cc; DOHC commonrail diesel with Variable Geometry Turbo\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic with Sequential Shift\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 3,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @ 1,800 to 2,800 rpm\nPrice with GST and insurance\nRM151,944.56\nRM164,969.84\nIt comes with hydraulic shocks and rides on independent double wishbones with coil springs and a stabiliser bar at the front, whereas the rear gets a multilink suspension with coil springs instead of the D-Max\u2019s elliptical leaf springs. Isuzu says this gives passengers better comfort without compromising the car\u2019s off-road capabilities.\nEXTERIOR\nThere\u2019s no denying that the MU-X bears great resemblance to the D-Max. But there are telling visuals differentiating the two, namely the fog lamps placement and lower grille. Like the D-Max, this people carrier also gets halogen projector headlights, although the 4\u00d74 benefits from a pair of LED daytime running lights built into the fog lamp binnacle. It also\u00a0gets an additional rear spoiler and fancier exhaust tip.\nOther features include chromed side mirrors with signal indicators, 16-inch wheels on the 4\u00d72 and 17-inch on the 4\u00d74. The smaller wheel get wrapped with \n245/70\n \nR16\n whereas the larger wheels get wrapped with \n255/65 R17\n rubbers. No keyless entry or push-start features here, though.\nINTERIOR\nStep inside the MU-X and you\u2019ll realise that the finishing differs from the truck it\u2019s based on. Here, although broadly similar, features a two-tone black and silver finish. Standard on both 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 are leather seats, including a 6-way electric powered driver-only seats. When heat becomes unbearable, sitting anywhere in the MU-X will be a breeze because there are separate air vents for the second, even the third row seats. There\u2019s a standalone condenser and blower speed as well.   The base 4\u00d72 variant gets manual air conditioning, whereas the 4\u00d74 gets a single-zone auto air conditioning. The latter also features a rear DVD monitor and a Blaupunkt touchscreen multimedia head unit (Android powered) that mirrors your phone. It\u2019s also WiFi, USB, Bluetooth enabled, and will feed visuals from the reverse camera. GPS navigation comes with the unit, too. Both variants get six-speakers as standard.\nNow, we already know that this SUV accommodates seven. However, the second and third row seats are very flexible and there are up to seven, if not more ways you can adjust luggage space by adjusting rear seats. Make no mistake, the MU-X has one cavernous cabin; so big in fact, there are 12 cup holders to be found all around the cabin.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere\u2019s not much unfamiliarity in this department. The MU-X gets the D-Max sourced 4JK1-TCX\u00a0\n2.5-litre inline-four\n cylinder diesel with Variable Valve Geometry Turbo (VGS) technology that makes a respectable \n134 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and \n320 Nm\n of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm. Transmission choice is a \nfive-speed automatic\n with \nmanual shift mode\n.\nTo refresh your memory, the engine is the same unit powering our D-Max, and is capable of covering over \n1,800 km on a single tank of fuel\n as proven by Isuzu themselves. That said, the fuel tank\u2019s size in the MU-X is smaller by 11 litres at 65 litres.\nIn the 4\u00d74 variant, you get Isuzu\u2019s 4WD Terrain Command system built just next to the parking brake lever. Drivers can choose between 2H or 4H at speeds up to 100 km/h, but when desired and needed, a complete stop is required before switching it into 4L prior to some serious off-roading.\nSAFETY\nThe safety kit includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and Isofix mount for the second row seats. The 4\u00d72 gets two reverse sensors at the back, while the 4\u00d74 gets four. User convenience feature includes cruise control and is only fitted to the 4\u00d74 variant. This kit is topped off with just two SRS airbags.\n \n \nWHAT ELSE?\nThe MU-X is given an introductory price of \nRM151,944.56\n and \nRM164,969.84\n for the 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 respectively. Both prices are OTR with insurance and GST inclusive. Like the D-Max, it comes with a\u00a0\n3-year or 100,000km warranty \nprogramme, whichever occurs first. There are four colours to choose from \u2013 Titanium Silver, Cosmic Black, Splash White and their signature colour Uluru Brown.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nIsuzu MU-X Official Launch   Isuzu MU-X Preview"
"Mercedes-Benz has launched the new EQB fully-electric 7-seater SUV at the Shanghai Motor Show in China. It\u2019s the 3rd compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz\u2019s EQ division following the introduction of the \nEQA \nand EQS.\n\u201cChina is not only the most important passenger car sales region for us, it is also the world\u2019s leading market for electric cars\u201d, said a board member of Daimler AG.\nIn China, the new EQB has been launched as the \nEQB 350 4MATIC\n with a 66.5 kWh battery and an output of 292 hp. Electric driving range is rated at 419 km. Charging takes \njust 30 minutes\n to attain up to 80% charge using a direct current (DC) charger.\nIn Europe, customers will have the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants with a minimum of 270 hp.\nCompared to the \nGLB models\n with internal combustion engines, the EQB is 50 mm longer and slightly taller but in terms of width and wheelbase, the EQB shares the same dimensions as the GLB models.\nThat being said, the GLB can accommodate \npassengers up to 168 cm\n in the 3rd row but in the EQB, it can only take up to 165 cm. The 3rd row seats are standard in the Mercedes-Benz EQB for the China market but are optional everywhere else around the world.\nEQB\nGLB\nIn terms of boot space, the fully-electric EQB offers up to 100-litres more space than its internal combustion engine siblings; 1805-litres (EQB) vs 1710 litres in the 5-seater models and 1710-litres (EQB) vs 1680-litres in the 7-seater models.\nProduction of the EQB\u00a0will commence this year at two manufacturing facilities; the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskem\u00e9t for the global market and at the German-Chinese joint venture BBAC in Beijing for the local market.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"The all-new Kia Sorento SUV will be making its world\npremiere at the 90\nth\n edition of the Geneva motor show in early\nMarch.\nThe fourth-generation Sorento will become the newest model in Kia\u2019s updated SUV line-up and is based on the \nnew-generation midsize SUV\n \nplatform \noffering more space, a hybrid powertrain option, advanced driver assistance systems and expanded connectivity via a new infotainment system.\nMore than \nthree million Sorento SUVs have been sold\n worldwide since the nameplate\u2019s launch in 2002. The preview images released by Kia shows a chiselled iteration of \u2018tiger nose\u2019 grille, a distinctive window line and large, vertical tail-lamps. Kia has also retained an upright profile for the Sorento, no doubt with practicality in mind.\nThe new Ceed is Kia\u2019s best-selling model in Europe.\nKia has also recently announced an \nannual sales volume of more than half a million cars in the European continent\n for the first time, or 502,845 units sold in 2019, representing an increase of 1.7% \u2014 the Korean brand\u2019s 11th consecutive year of growth, and an all-time-high market share of 3.2% across the EU.\n \nSales were driven by the introduction of the \nnew Ceed model\n and its variants, the popular \nSportage SUV\n and the \naffable Picanto supermini\n, while the increased uptake of electrified models also contributed to Kia\u2019s overall tally."
"The humble side mirror has not seen much new technology over the years, even up to the latest \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n or the \nNio ET7\n. They are still large physical plastic pieces housing large simple mirrors plus the accompanying side parking cameras and turn signals.\nIn 2018, two carmakers offered new side mirror technology through the virtual mirror system. Both Audi and Lexus offered the technology in the \ne-tron\n and \nES sedan\n respectively, but the feature has stagnated at just those two models.\nThe fully electric \nHonda e\nThe side mirror on the Honda e\nDisplays are projected on a screen at the side of the dashboard.\nReleased in late 2019, the \nHonda e\n is the latest vehicle to feature virtual side mirrors.\nBMW\n has returned to fine-tune this technology, with sightings of the company filing a patent with the European Patent Office on such a system.\nBack in 2016, BMW showcased the \n\u2018i8 Mirrorless\u2019\n technology which removed the large conventional side mirrors and instead provided live feed into the digital \nrear-view mirror\n.\nBMW i8 Mirrorless concept from 2016\nAccording to the discovery picked up by fan site \ni4talk.com\n and further elaborated by \ntheDrive\n, the new design of the virtual side mirror ditches the display projected in the digital rear-view mirror or even smaller screens at the base of the dashboard, now advancing to technology similar to current \nhead-up displays\n.\nIn the patent filing, BMW is said to be using a semi-transparent side window to help with the projection of the live feed. The pair of virtual images are strategically placed outside of the vehicle, between 0.5 m to 2.0 m from the driver\u2019s eye, just like head-up display systems.\nImages from the patent filed by BMW\n \nAG\nThe projection, which is said to originate from inside the dashboard, is designed to be visible at the location of the conventional side mirrors for familiarity and minimal relearning.\nCurrent virtual mirror system by Lexus, Audi and Sony:\nLexus ES has the least graceful placement of the screens\nAudi integrates the screen into the door panels\nSony Vision-S beautifully blends the screens into the dashboard, similar to Honda e\nSo, what happens if the driver or passenger winds the window down? The information in the patent states that \u2018at least that part of the side window is fixed, connected to a vehicle door\u2019.\nApart from better aerodynamics and reduction of wind noise, virtual side mirrors also allow engineers to feed more information, such as blind-spot monitoring as well as increase the field of vision. At parking speeds, the image can also automatically display a \u2018kerb view\u2019 to better provide information around the tyres.\u00a0\nBeing a video feed, the processor can also adjust the brightness and contrast according to lighting conditions as well as not severely affected by rain droplets.\nThe recently launched fully-electric \nBMW i4\n and iX models are still mounted with conventional side mirrors, even though they have the new Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8. Perhaps this technology will appear in the new-generation BMW 7 Series, or i7?\nMeanwhile, Audi seems to be introducing their virtual mirror system in the next-generation Audi A6, as the \nA6 e-tron concept\n vehicle is fitted with a pair of these slim attachments and the styling of the dashboard integrates with two corner displays."
"The \nall-new Honda Jazz\n (or fit in certain markets) has always been seen as a bit too cutesy, so much so that it\u2019s probably one of the reasons why the model isn\u2019t even planned for launch here in Malaysia. Well, that is until you see the new Honda Jazz Modulo X edition \u2013 to say we\u2019re jealous is an understatement.\nDeveloped in-house by Honda Access, the Japanese carmaker\u2019s genuine accessories arm, the Modulo X kit gave the Honda Jazz a completely new exterior look, trading cute for outright sportiness.\nThe main reason, we think, is that the Modulo X-kitted Jazz now gets a proper honeycomb grille up front, instead of the odd, bulgy metal nose. It\u2019s science, really, because the bigger the grille, the sportier the car is \u2013\n just ask BMW\n.\nAll kidding aside, the sportier Honda Jazz also gets a dedicated more aggressive new front bumper with a wider lower air intake and larger housings for the fog lamps, new tailgate spoiler, as well as a new rear bumper with diffuser-like elements. They all feature black accents, to go along with the blacked-out wing mirrors, door trims, tailgate handle, and the optional blacked-out roof.\nThese items are not merely for aesthetic purposes only, although they do look really, really good. Honda says that they also help improve the Jazz\u2019s \u201ceffective aerodynamics\u201d, which basically means aerodynamic effects at regular daily speeds.\nComplementing the improved aerodynamics are a set of new dampers, which are presumably firmer to improve its handling chops, alongside new motorsports-inspired 16-inch lightweight aluminium wheels on all four corners.\nOn the inside, the Honda Jazz Modulo X is suited up in a Bordeaux red and black outfit, paired to a special darker accent trim on the dashboard. The front seats are even wrapped in leather and Alcantara for a sportier feel, replete with \u201cModulo X\u201d stitching on the back rests.\nStunning, right? Unfortunately, the Honda Jazz Modulo X will only be available in Japan, specifically for the\n e:HEV \nvariant. It\u2019s priced at 2,866,600YEN (~RM108k), and will be available in either Platinum White Pearl, Midnight Blue Beam Metallic, or Crystal Black Pearl.\nGALLERY"
"The entry-level European car segment here in Malaysia is heating up once again with the recent introduction of the \nlocally-assembled Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan\n.\nWith the reduced pricing as part of the CKD exercise, we can now finally pit the two German rivals\u2019 entry-level models here in Malaysia \u2013 the Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan and the \nBMW 218i Gran Coupe\n \u2013 against each other in a proper head-to-head battle, to see which one of these compact models is a better buy!\nPERFORMANCE\nBMW 218i Gran Coupe\nMercedes-Benz A 200\n1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder\nEngine\n1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\nTransmission\n 7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n140 hp @ 4,600 rpm\nMax horsepower\n163 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n220 Nm @ 1,480 rpm\nMax torque\n250 Nm @ 1,620 rpm\n8.7 seconds\n0-100 km/h\n8.1 seconds\n213 km/h\nTop speed\n230 km/h\nBased on numbers, the Mercedes-Benz A 200 is without a doubt the better car here in the engine department. The 1.3-litre turbocharged four-banger that was co-developed with Renault makes 23 hp and 30 Nm more than its rival, giving it a faster 0-100 km/h time (-0.6 seconds) and top speed (+17 km/h), and arguably also sounds better than the BMW\u2019s three-pot mill.\nIt\u2019s also interesting to note that despite its more efficiency-focused three-pot engine, the 218i Gran Coupe still uses more fuel (on paper) than the Mercedes \u2013 5.9 litres/100 km compared to the A200\u2019s 5.6 litres/100 km when tested via the NEDC test cycle. Less powerful and less efficient (on paper, again) \u2013 not a good look for the BMW.\nBut for some people, the powertrain is just one part of the equation. The other part being the elusive \u201cdriving feel\u201d, and that\u2019s where the BMW 218i Gran Coupe really starts to shine.\nEquipped as standard with a set of passive M Sport suspensions (and multi-link set-up at the rear), the BMW 218i certainly offers more thrills per buck than the Mercedes. And despite bucking BMW\u2019s \nmodus operandi \nand going front-wheel drive, the 218i still somehow behaves almost like a rear-wheel-driven model when coming out of corners. The \u201cmost powerful letter in the world\u201d is not just for show, after all.\nIt does, however, come at a cost. The firmer suspension does mean a more jaunty and harsher ride on your daily commute, especially when pitted right up against the Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan\u2019s comfort-oriented set-up. Pick your poison, I guess.\nThe Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan comes with a more subdued Progressive Line exterior kit.\nSTYLE\nThe looks of a car is always the hardest to compare, because as they say, looks are subjective (for the most part). But to us, we find that the Mercedes-Benz A 200 sedan looks significantly more proportionate than the 218i \u2013 or perhaps we\u2019re just not used to the \u201cGran Coupe\u201d treatment on such a compact car.\nTo be fair, the BMW 218i\u2019s most direct competitor is the CLA and not the A-Class sedan \u2013 but even then, we think that the CLA looks a lot sleeker than the Gran Coupe. That\u2019s all moot, though, since the CLA is not officially available here in Malaysia (aside from the \nAMG CLA 45 S\n).\nYou can even equip your BMW 218i Gran Coupe with real carbon fibre \u201cM Performance\u201d parts.\nWith all that being said, though, the 218i Gran Coupe might actually be more welcomed by its target demographic of young successful people. The M Sport exterior kit does help add a lot more aggression to the Gran Coupe, especially when it\u2019s parked right next to the A 200 Sedan with its more subdued Progressive Line kit. And of course, the frameless doors design is just the cherry on top.\nSize wise, the Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan is bigger than the 218i Gran Coupe in almost every dimension, except for width (by 4 mm). The BMW does edge out a little in terms of its boot space, offering 10 more litres of cargo space than the Merc. It\u2019s still nothing to shout about at 430 litres, though \u2013 other B-segment sedans like the Honda City already offer upwards of 500 litres.\nAs for equipment appointments, both cars are pretty similarly specced \u2013 both get fully LED head and tail lights, alongside 18-inch wheels, so it\u2019s still up to your personal preference in design at the end of the day.\nThe A-Class Sedan\u2019s cabin is arguably one of the best-looking modern interior in recent times.\nINTERIOR\nJust like the exterior, a car\u2019s interior design is once again a question of personal preference. Some may like BMW\u2019s classic utilitarian and clean look, while others may prefer Mercedes-Benz\u2019s futuristic styling efforts on the A-Class.\nDespite that, there are quite significant equipment differences between the two cars here \u2013 with the Mercedes taking the upper hand. The A 200 Sedan gets a much larger touchscreen infotainment display (10.25-inch vs 8-inch on the BMW), and its MBUX software is also significantly more modern than the 218i\u2019s iDrive 6.0 \u2013 and you still have to pay for Apple CarPlay on the latter!\nThe Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan also gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display, although it can be argued that the analogue unit on the BMW might prove to be more functional (just less flashy), especially with the glare on the A-Class Sedan\u2019s unsheltered displays on sunny days.\nClean and utilitarian \u2013 that\u2019s how you know it\u2019s a real BMW.\nAs part of the localisation efforts for the A-Class Sedan, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has removed the 64-colour ambient lighting system on the entry-level A 200 variant (but adds dual-zone climate control with rear air vents), so the BMW 218i Gran Coupe does claw back some points here, if that\u2019s something you fancy.\nSpace wise, both of these cars offer similar room for the rear passengers in terms of knee room and legroom, but the significantly raked roofline of the BMW (thanks to its \u201ccoupe\u201d status) does rob off a little of its headroom \u2013 a small price to pay for style?\nSAFETY\nWhere the BMW loses in terms of interior appointments, it wins back with its safety kit. That\u2019s because the 218i Gran Coupe is equipped with pretty much the full suite of BMW\u2019s advanced driver assistance systems, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane change assist, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, as well as a Parking and Reversing Assistant.\nThe Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan meanwhile comes with a leaner set of safety systems, only including features such as autonomous emergency braking, Pre-Safe pre-collision system, parking assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. It\u2019s pretty rare in our market for a BMW to be better equipped than a Mercedes-Benz in this department, so this was a surprise \u2013 but a welcome one.\nPRICING\nThe Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan Progressive Line is priced at \nRM210,903\n and comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty, while the BMW 218i Gran Coupe comes in at \nRM211,367\n with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme. Both prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the full SST exemptions that have been recently extended until the end of June 2022.\nWhere it gets slightly more interesting, though, is that you can actually \nopt-out of the five-year warranty package\n on the BMW, bringing the price down to \nRM199,177 \nwith only a two-year unlimited mileage warranty. So if you want to save a quick penny in the short term, the 218i Gran Coupe might be the way to go.\nSo between this two German compact sedans, which should you pick? As always, it comes down to what you as a driver want in a car. Value driving? Then the BMW 218i Gran Coupe might be the better choice. But if you\u2019re just looking for the latest tech and flashiest designs, then the Mercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan might be the one. Although let\u2019s be honest, the choice between these two cars will boil down to which logo you ultimately prefer.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan Progressive Line\nBMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport"
"Mazda announced earlier this year its plans to introduce a \nwhole swathe of new SUVs\n over the next few years, and the first one of the bunch has just been unveiled. It\u2019s called the CX-50, and Mazda says it\u2019s positioned to slot in between the \nCX-30\n and \nCX-5\n.\nAnd well, it certainly does look that way \u2013 with a body roughly the size and proportions of the CX-5, complemented by design elements from the smaller CX-30 such as the chunky plastic fender claddings.\nOther new design touches include a gloss black wraparound trim around the front grille that even surrounds the new headlights, and to fit its off-road credentials, the CX-50 also gets significantly flared wheel arches and massive rear haunches, and even sporty matte black decals on the bonnet \u2013 for the launch car at least.\nMazda also noted that the rear doors on the new CX-50 were given particularly wide openings to make it easier to step on the door sills for access to the roof rack.\nRELATED: Mazda to introduce a wave of SUVs with new naming scheme, six cylinders, and wider bodies\nInside, the Mazda CX-50\u2019s cabin is fairly reminiscent of other Mazda models with a minimal and classy dashboard. Although, there\u2019s the unique vertical air vents around the instrument cluster for perhaps a touch of added ruggedness.\nMazda is still keeping most of the CX-50\u2019s mechanical details under wraps. But at launch, the new compact SUV will be offered with a couple of familiar engines from the Japanese carmaker\u2019s stable, including the naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre petrol and SkyActiv-G 2.5T turbocharged variant that can both be found on the \ncurrent CX-5\n. A hybrid variant will be introduced at a later date.\nBased on the CX-5\u2019s specification sheet, the naturally-aspirated mill will be good for \n192 hp\n and \n257 Nm\n, while the turbocharged unit brings it up to \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox as usual, but uniquely on the CX-50, all-wheel-drive will be standard on all models to make this the stand-out off-road capable option compared to other Mazda models.\nBefitting to its off-road nature, there\u2019s also a drive mode selector with an Off-Road Mode in addition to just Normal and Sport, which perks up the G-Vectoring system and locks the differentials of the all-wheel drive system to make traversing rougher terrains that much easier.\nRELATED: New 2022 Mazda CX-5 unveiled, facelifted with new lights and coloured claddings\nThe all-new Mazda CX-50 will be the first vehicle to be manufactured at the new joint Mazda and Toyota factory in Alabama, US. It\u2019s slated to go on sale next Spring, but unfortunately will most likely remain as a US-exclusive for the foreseeable future.\nGALLERY"
"Having watched countless videos of the Ferrari F12 on YouTube, two of which have stood out to unforgettable effect. Both were presented by Chris Harris, formerly under the Chris Harris On Cars channel and the sheer superiority highlighted had left such excitement and lasting impressions that it always beckons the question, can Ferrari top this bonkers excuse of a car?\nWell, you just have to remind yourself; this is after all a company whose founder, Enzo Ferrari, once famously quoted, \u201cAerodynamics is for those who can\u2019t build engines\u201d.   Mr. Ferrari probably wouldn\u2019t be rolling in his grave seeing as the company had tapped vastly into the aerodynamics realm; in fact if there was any way to communicate the launch of this new 812 Superfast into the after life, Enzo would probably rise from the ashes to personally applaud the company\u2019s new feat.\nFirstly, the figures; and they\u2019re huge. Up from 6.2-litres in the F12, the 812 Superfast\u2019s V12 engine has been stroked to 6.5-litre alongside an improvement in the intake system. As a result, the naturally-aspirated engine squeezes out \n800 hp\n at 8,500 rpm with \n718 Nm\n of torque at 7,000 rpm before it hits the rev limiter at an ear-splitting 8,900 rpm, creating an automotive symphony that even got our very own GC Mah all giddy when he got to have \na taste of the 812 Superfast in Ferrari\u2019s Fiorano test track\n.\n0 \u2013 100 km/h is claimed to be completed in \n2.9 seconds\n (with Launch Control) with 200 km/h exceeded in just 7.9 seconds before maxing out at a top speed of \n340 km/h\n. With Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes fitted in the front and back, the 812 is just as Superfast at deceleration as it is off the line. It is claimed to get from 100 km/h to standstill in just \n32 metres\n. Those 398mm rotors in the front and 360mm at the back hides behind a set of 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zeros.\nPower is processed by a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox which now offers 30% faster upshifts and 40% faster downshifts. The new 812 Superfast features a new electronic four-wheel steering system that is slightly rear-biased to eradicate understeer and dramatically improve turn-in responses.   The 1630 kg Superfast also comes with a new electronic differential and Ferrari\u2019s fifth generation side slip control system \u2013 where together, creates what Ferrari refers to as a \u201cVirtual Short Wheelbase System\u201d which can be engaged or disengaged with the signature mannetino switch on the steering wheel.\nAlso new to the 812 Superfast is the electronic power steering with variable torque assistance. Aerodynamic enhancements include passive flaps in the front bumper that opens when speeds exceed 200 km/h to channel through the underbody diffuser. This also includes huge scoops on the side alongside an active electronic wing to manage the airflow across the Superfast\u2019s body.\nA new colour has been applied for the new 812 Superfast \u2013 the Rosso Settantanni, in commemorating the company\u2019s 70th anniversary. The 812 Superfast starts at a base price of \nRM 1,578,800\n excluding tax and options.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nFerrari\n and Pininfarina partnership is perhaps one of the most famous tie-up in the automotive sphere, spawning some of the most memorable sports cars we\u2019ve ever seen. But now that automotive technology has moved on, car designs, too, needs to move away from its past \u2013 and who better to head up that task than perhaps the most influential industrial designer of our times, Sir Jony Ive?\nFerrari and its parent company, Exor, has announced a new \u201clong term, multi-year collaboration\u201d with LoveFrom, the design firm headed by the former Apple designer and Marc Newsom. But before you get all excited, we think it\u2019s our duty to tell you that. we have absolutely no idea what\u2019s going to come out of this partnership.\nThe Ferrari Portofino M has just been launched in Malaysia! Check it out here.\nThe press release is \u2013 as usual \u2013 brief on specifics, but it does say that the first \u201cexpression\u201d of the collaboration will \u201cbring together Ferrari\u2019s legendary performance and excellence, with LoveFrom\u2019s unrivalled experience and creativity that has defined extraordinary world changing products\u201d. Which, really, could mean anything from lifestyle products (like \nPorsche Design-branded items\n) to actual cars \u2013 pretty wishy-washy.\nThe next line from the copy does read \u201cbeyond the collaboration with Ferrari, LoveFrom will explore a range of creative projects with Exor in the business of luxury\u201d, so hopefully that means that the actual Ferrari part of the deal will actually involve designing cars \u2013 but we won\u2019t know until something is actually unveiled in the future.\nIn case you didn\u2019t know, Exor is also involved in a couple of big name luxury fashion brands, including the French shoe and bag maker Christian Louboutin. And with Ferrari recently embracing fashion with the launch of its own clothing line (and hosting a runway show in its factory.), it won\u2019t be wild to assume that the LoveFrom partnership will be just that.\nStill, we really do hope that this has something to do with that Ferrari EV that\u2019s \ncoming out in 2025\n.\nThe jaw-dropping Ferrari 296 GTB is the start of team Maranello\u2019s new V6 hybrid era. Check it out here!\nCommenting on the new partnership, Ferrari Chairman John Elkann said, \u201cSoon after LoveFrom was founded we began to talk with Jony and Marc about opportunities to combine their world-renowned creativity with ours, in complementary and incremental ways. Ferrari represents a first, exciting chance to do great things together as we build our future.\u201d\nMarc Newson and Sir Jony Ive added: \u201cWe are thrilled to be embarking on such an important, long term collaboration with Ferrari and more broadly Exor. As Ferrari owners and collectors, we could not be more excited about collaborating with this extraordinary company and in particular with the design team expertly led by Flavio Manzoni.\n\u201cWe see some uniquely exciting opportunities working together which we believe will yield important and valuable work.\u201d\nAs part of the tie-up, Ive will also be joining Exor\u2019s Partners Council. This annual forum draws on the experience, expertise, and insights of a group of highly successful Exor friends and partners, to share ideas and explore potential business opportunities."
"Photos of an undisguised next-generation \nMINI Cooper\n have surfaced on the internet, allegedly spotted during a shoot in the USA. Based on the lack of exhaust tailpipes, it seems the spotted model is the all-electric version of the car.\nFirst spied in late 2021 in China, the new MINI Cooper was seen sporting a new grille that seems to be inspired by wrestler Hulk Hogan\u2019s mustache. Now seen in blue, the mustache inspiration seems a little less obvious. The new MINI Cooper also shows a radical new rear-end design, with angular taillights that look like the eye holes from Peter Parker\u2019s superhero costume.\nPhoto: \nAutoExpress.co.uk\nThe next-gen MINI Cooper now looks much cleaner thanks to the removal of the all-around claddings and simple body lines. Still looking adorable as a MINI should, credit is due to the original \u2018new MINI\u2019 which was designed by Frank Stephenson. The next-gen MINI Cooper that you see here is essentially an evolution from that revamped design.\nIn its upcoming iteration, the all-electric MINI Cooper will be built in China, hence explaining why its first spy images emerged from there. Reportedly, it will be built on a platform that has been jointly developed between BMW and Great Wall.\nRELATED: \nFully-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible launched \u2013 999 units, 201km range, 0-100km/h 8.2 seconds\nPhoto: \nAutoExpress.co.uk\nAutoExpress reports that the next-generation MINI Cooper will still be available in internal combustion engine (ICE) versions, and production will continue at BMW\u2019s Oxford plant. Both ICE and electric versions will share a similar design theme.\nCurrently, BMW has teased the \nupcoming all-electric MINI Countryman\n that is set to join MINI\u2019s electric lineup. The upcoming MINI Countryman will be the first \u201cMade in Germany\u201d MINI and is set to arrive this year.\nIn Malaysia, the MINI electric has been updated for the year 2023. The recent update has equipped the car with a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a new Nanuq White body colour.\nRELATED: \n2023 MINI Electric updated in Malaysia \u2013 panoramic sunroof, heated seats, new colour, RM193k\nGALLERY"
"While many carmakers have made verbal commitments to transition towards full electric, \nHyundai\n might have just taken a giant, tangible leap forward towards electrification by ending its development efforts on internal combustion engines.\nOr at least, that is according to \nBusiness Korea\n and \nThe Korea Economic Daily\n, who both reported the closure of Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s engine development department at the company\u2019s Namyang Research Institute.\nUnnamed industry sources have told \nThe Korea Economic Daily\n that Hyundai\u2019s new R&D chief Chung-Kook Park allegedly sent an email to its employees, stating: \u201cOur own engine development is a great achievement, but we must change the system to create future innovation based on the great asset from the past.\u201d\nBusiness Korea\n adds that the carmaker\u2019s powertrain group was subsequently reorganised into an electrification development team post shut-down, and that a battery development centre was also established in order to focus on \u201csecuring battery technology\u201d.\nRELATED: Hyundai Kona Electric now launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM150k\nThe company also reportedly consolidated several of its R&D departments to further expedite its EV development schedules, including the merging of Project Management and Integrated Product Development teams for each vehicle level to oversee all aspects ranging from design to mass production,\n Business Korea\n wrote.\nHyundai has not provided any official communications yet regarding the alleged shutdown, but it does coincide with a major upper-level management reshuffle within the Korean company.\nAlbert Biermann recently announced his retirement as the company\u2019s R&D head, and now assumes the role of technical advisor for the Hyundai Motor Group. Meanwhile, design head Peter Schreyer is also moving to a new advisory role \u2013 both vacated positions now filled by South Korean executives Chung-Kook Park and SangYup Lee respectively."
"Looking for a MINI? Want the MINI to carry five and some cargo? Need a MINI to do both the above and still breathe down the neck of a Volkswagen Golf R?\nThere\u2019s this; the 2019 facelift MINI JCW Countryman with over 75 hp and 100 Nm more than the model it replaces. Is that even necessary, you ask? We ask, \u201cwhy not\u201d.\n \nAside from a few cosmetic upgrades, the new JCW Countryman does come with substantial mechanical upgrades. It\u2019s got larger brakes, air suspension and a whole lot of modern amenities that a MINI owner would find essential.\nAs for the rest, we\u2019ll leave you to find out in the video.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Much to the delight of all Honda loyalists, Honda Motor Company has pulled the veils off the hottest Honda Civic Type R to date. It packs \nthe same 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine from before\n, but produces a bit more power this time around.\nThe four-cylinder engine is blown to produce \n315 hp\n\u00a0(up by 9 hp)\u00a0and \n400 Nm\n\u00a0of torque (same as before) while being paired to the sole \nsix-speed manual\n transmission which now features a unique rev-match control system. Drive is sent to the front wheels. Additionally, throttle response and drivability are both better than before.   Based on the \nCivic hatchback\n, it\u2019s lighter overall and comes with a more rigid shell compared to its predecessor. Torsional rigidity is up by 38 percent, whereas the front Macpherson strut suspension features a new geometry to minimise torque steer and maximise sporty handling. The rear axle benefits from a brand new set of independent multi-link suspension, and all four corners now use unique high rigidity suspension arms.\nThere\u2019s three drive modes now: Comfort, Sport and R+, each incrementally alter the threshold of\u00a0throttle mapping, steering force, gear shift feeling and adaptive dampers. And let\u2019s not forget the massive aerodynamic upgrades this guy has over the standard Civic. All aero bits, such as the underbody tray, front air curtains, rear wing and vortex generator have been improved to give the Civic Type R the best-in-class balance between lift and drag. This translates to better high speed stability.\nThe all-new Civic Type R will be made at Honda\u2019s production facility in Swindon, UK, where it will then be exported to selected markets, with Japan and US among the lucky few. Will it ever come to Malaysia, though? Fat chance, but we can always count on our friendly parallel importers to ship a few in. For a hefty sum, of course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The people of China has a serious \u201cthing\u201d for long-wheelbase models. Even just from Mercedes-Benz, there are already the \nA-Class L\n, E-Class L, and GLC L from their latest model line-up. Now at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show, Mercedes-Benz has taken the covers off yet another China-exclusive long-wheelbase version model, in the form of the new C-Class L.\nBuilt by Beijing Benz, the joint venture company between BAIC Motor and Daimler, the new long-wheelbase variant boasts an 89 mm-longer wheelbase, which stretches the overall length of the car to be 131 mm longer than the \nregular C-Class\n, coming in at 4,882 mm.\nSimilar to the BMW 330Li that was \njust launched here in Malaysia\n not too long ago, the new C-Class L doesn\u2019t stand out too much from its \u201cregular\u201d brethen \u2013 even the longer rear doors don\u2019t look out of place, unless you\u2019re comparing the two side-by-side.\nMercedes-Benz C-Class L.\n.versus the regular C-Class. Barely any differences!\nTo mark it out as the LWB variant, Mercedes-Benz has added a stylised \u201cL\u201d badge onto the C-pillar, and of course the \u2018L\u2019 denomination at the back of the variant badge.\nBased on the images provided by Mercedes-Benz, the C-Class L will be available with two exterior styling packages over in China \u2013 one being the AMG Line trim with the now-iconic diamond pin grille and sportier bumpers, and the other bearing a more \u201cclassic\u201d Mercedes-Benz look complete with the standing hood logo ornament that\u2019s \nnot even available on the regular C-Class globally\n!\nMoving inside, the interior architecture is again, largely similar to the standard global Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. Most notably, there\u2019s still the large 11.9-inch portrait-styled touchscreen infotainment\u00a0system \u2013 similar to that first introduced on the \nall-new S-Class\n \u2013 running the latest-generation MBUX software.\nHowever, this being a LWB variant, the main party is obviously at the back seats. In addition to the extra legroom afforded by the longer wheelbase, Mercedes-Benz also fitted the new LWB C-Class with the more luxurious pillow-style headrests, as well as a larger armrest with a \u201cparticularly spacious stowage compartment\u201d, USB ports, and cupholders.\nAccording to the short press release, the new LWB Mercedes-Benz C-Class also gets softer comfort-oriented suspension, and enhanced noise insulation compared to the regular C-Class to ensure an even quieter ride.\nBased on reports from local publications on the Weibo micro-blogging site, the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class LWB will be offered with either a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (48 V mild-hybrid variants available), or a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill \u2013 presumably carrying the C 260 L badging in the press photos.\nOutput figures range from 170 hp to 204 hp, with a nine-speed automatic transmission standard on all variants.\nGALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia has officially unveiled the latest version of their compact sedan, the IS. Two years since its Malaysian debut, the Lexus IS range has been \nrevised with the introduction of a new engine\n that\u2019s more relevant in today\u2019s market outside of North America.\nThe \nnew engine\n for the IS is the \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n in the \nIS 200t\n, and at the same time the IS 250 with its \n2.5-litre V6 has been discontinued\n to make way for the smaller yet more powerful engine. The \nIS 300h\n remains the range-topper, with no changes on the \nhybrid\n drivetrain under the hood.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus IS 200t Premium\nLexus IS 200t Luxury\nLexus IS 200t F Sport\nLexus IS 300h\nEngine\n1,998 cc inline-4 twin-scroll turbo\n1,998 cc inline-4 twin-scroll turbo\n1,998 cc inline-4 twin-scroll turbo\n2,494 cc inline-4, 650 V electric motor\nTransmission\n8-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic\n8-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic\n8-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic\nElectronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission\nMax Power\n241hp @ 5,800 rpm\n241hp @ 5,800 rpm\n241hp @ 5,800 rpm\n178 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 105 kW (electric motor), 220 hp (combined)\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650-4,400 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,650-4,400 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,650-4,400 rpm\n221 Nm @ 4,200-5,400 rpm, 300 Nm (electric motor)\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n7.0 seconds\n7.0 seconds\n7.0 seconds\n8.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n230 km/h\n230 km/h\n230 km/h\n200 km/h\nPrice (w/o insurance)\nRM 298,000\nRM 350,000\nRM 385,000\nRM 452,000\nEXTERIOR\nThe sharp lines on the IS still looks as fresh when it was introduced a few years back, therefore Lexus has kept everything intact in terms of the design. As before, the \nIS 300h\n comes only in a\n single spec\n, and the \nIS 200t\n follows the outgoing IS 250, which means it\u2019s available in \nPremium\n, \nLuxury\n\u00a0or \nF Sport\n trims.\nAll Lexus IS models get \nLED DRLs\n and \nLED front foglamps\n as standard, but only the \nIS 300h\n gets the \nfull-LED headlamps\n as opposed to the \nXenon headlamps\n on the \nIS 200t\n. Every IS variant bar the IS 200t F Sport gets the \nspindle grille\n with horizontal slats, whereas the F Sport feature a wiremesh insert to go along with the unique \nF Sport front bumper\n.   The wheels are not only different in design on each model, they differ in size as well. The \nIS 200t Premium\n and \nIS 300h\n are running on \n17-inch alloys\n wrapped in \n225/45 R17 tyres\n (runflats for the latter), while \nIS 200t Luxury\n and \nIS 200t F Sport\n are fitted with \n18-inch staggered alloy wheels\n wrapped in \n225/40 R18 tyres at the front\n and \n255/35 R18 tyres at the rear\n.\nAt the tail end, \nLED tail lamps\n are standard feature, together with \ndual exhaust tips\n on each side. Even so, the tailpipes are hidden underneath the diffuser on the IS 300h. \nReverse camera\n is available on all models except the IS 200t Premium, though.\nINTERIOR\nNothing is changed on the inside either, you will still get the lovely \u201c\nLFA-inspired\n\u201d cockpit with the horizontal dashboard bar and a sloping center console, but every variant is trimmed differently from each other.   The instrument cluster for instance \u2013 as seen in the \nIS 200t F Sport\n\u00a0\u2013 uses the super-cool LFA-style \nF Sport meter\n with configurable display and performance-oriented theme. In the IS 300h it\u2019s almost similar to the IS 200t Premium and the IS 200t Luxury, but it gets the rev-counter replaced with an \nEco dial\n.\nNo matter which variant you choose, the cabin is sumptuously equipped. There\u2019s \nleather upholstery\n, powered steering column adjuster, \npowered front seats\n, dual-zone climate control, and \n7-inch screen\n for the infotainment system with \nBluetooth connectivity\n.\nHowever, the IS 200t Premium misses out on the \nnavigation system\n, Remote Touch Controller, \ndriver\u2019s memory seat\n, and powered rear sunshade. The \n15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround System\n is available exclusively on the IS 300h and the IS 200t F Sport, while the latter also adds \naluminium pedals\n as well as dimpled genuine leather covering the steering wheel and the gear lever.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe major update is the powerplant in the \nIS 200t\n, where it shares the same \n2.0-litre\u00a0longitudinally mounted four-cylinder turbo\n that debuted in the \nNX 200t\n. Mated to an \neight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic\n transmission driving the rear wheels, the \n241 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n engine is capable of sending the IS 200t from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n7.0 seconds\n and onto a \ntop speed\n of \n230 km/h\n. Those who want a sportier ride can opt for the \nIS 200t F Sport\n;\u00a0it throws in \nadaptive suspension\n which includes additional \nSport +\n on the \nDrive Mode Select\n on top of Sport, Normal, and Eco.\nThe \nIS 300h\n still utilises the \nLexus Hybrid Drive System\n consisting of a \n2,494cc four-cylinder petrol engine\n producing \n178 hp\n and \n221 Nm \nthat\u2019s assisted with\u00a0an \nelectric motor\n\u00a0juiced by a dense\u00a0\nNickel-metal Hydride\n (Ni-MH) battery pack. Although the electric motor alone generates \n105 kW\n\u00a0(or 140 hp equivalent) and \n300 Nm\n of toque, their \ncombined output\n is rated at \n220 hp\n.\nThe IS 300h sprints slower than the IS 200t, but then again the IS 300h is geared towards economy rather than performance, and it even has an additional \nEco mode\n on the Drive Mode Select. Using\u00a0an\u00a0\nElectronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission\n (E-CVT), the IS 300h gets from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n8.2 seconds\n, and the top speed is lower than the turbocharged variants by 30 km/h, at 200 km/h. The hybrid\u2019s\u00a0\nfuel consumption\n is better at\u00a0\n4.3 litres per 100 km\n, compared to\u00a0\n7.0 litres per 100 km\n\u00a0manage by the IS 200t.\nSAFETY\nUp to \n10 airbags\n\u00a0(yes, 10 airbags as standard) can be found in the cabin, and the IS is equipped with the usual host of safety kit including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC), and \nVehicle Dynamic Integrated Management\n (VDIM). Additionally,\u00a0\nBlind Spot Monitor & Rear Cross Traffic Alert\n (BSM & RCTA) is offered on all trims except the IS 200t Premium.   WHAT ELSE?\nThe \nprices have gone up\n slightly for all models in the latest IS range. It starts with the \nIS 200t Premium\n at \nRM 298,000\n, followed by \nIS 200t Luxury\n at \nRM 350,000\n. The sporty \nIS 200t F Sport\n is priced at a hefty\u00a0\nRM 385,000\n, while the sole hybrid model \nIS 300h\n retails at \nRM 452,000\n. Every model is covered by a \n3-year or 100,000 km warranty\n, whichever comes first. Furthermore, the IS 300h gets an \n8-year hybrid battery assurance programme\n thrown in as well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the launch of the all-electric Ora Good Cat, \nGreat Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia\n announced that it will be launching nine cars in the next three years. The company has also announced that it will begin local assembly (CKD) operations in 2023.\nIn a presentation by GWM President, Elliot Zhang, a slide highlighted \u201cCar\u201d, \u201cSUV\u201d, and \u201cPickup\u201d, teasing the future models by the brand. Possible models that could be launched soon include the \nHaval H6\n, \nHaval Jolion\n, and the GWM Pao pickup truck.\nThe same slide also reads \u201cTo be xEV Leader in Malaysia\u201d, which means most of, or all the upcoming GWM models will be electrified. \u201cxEV\u201d is an umbrella term for all electrified (MHEV, PHEV, etc.) and fully-electric vehicles.\nAs for GWM Malaysia\u2019s CKD plans, EV assembly will take place, but not soon as more preparation will be needed for EV assembly. The company will likely assemble its SUVs and its pickup trucks first. Local assembly will take place in the company\u2019s Gurun facility and will be run in partnership with \nGo Auto\n.\nRELATED: \nOra Good Cat launched as the cheapest EV in Malaysia currently \u2013 from RM140k\nIn Thailand, the Haval H6 is available as a mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The MHEV version is available in two variants \u2013 the \u201cPro\u201d costs 1,149,000 Baht (approx. RM144,669) and the \u201cUltra\u201d costs 1,249,000 Baht (approx. RM157,260).\nThe MHEV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo hybrid system that makes a combined output of \n243 hp\n (metric) and \n530 Nm\n. The MHEV Haval H6 utilises a \n1.69-kWh\n battery.\nALSO WATCH: \nOra Good Cat \u2013 The cheapest EV with 500km range, maybe\nHaval H6 hybrid\nPositioned above the MHEV Haval H6 is the PHEV version which fetches a price of 1,699,000 Baht (approx. RM214,139). THE PHEV Haval H6 with its 1.5-litre turbo hybrid system makes a combined output of \n326 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n. With a \n34-kWH\n battery pack, Haval claims the H6 has a pure electric range of up to \n201 km\n.\nCheaper and smaller than the Haval H6 is the Haval Jolion which is priced between 879,000 Baht (approx. RM110,787) and 999,000 Baht (approx. RM125,912). The MHEV Haval Jolion has a 1.5-litre turbo hybrid system that makes \n243 hp\n (metric) and \n530 Nm\n. A possible truck from GWM is the GWM Pao which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that makes 163 hp (metric) and 400 Nm.\nRELATED: \nGreat Wall Motor officially returns to Malaysia, Ora Good Cat EV previewed ahead of launch\nAmong the dealers for GWM Malaysia are Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, CS Euro Auto Sdn Bhd, and Superhub Auto Sdn Bhd. At the recent Malaysia Motor Expo, \nover 100 bookings were placed for the Ora Good Cat\n.\nRELATED: \nGWM Malaysia collects over 100 bookings for Ora Good Cat EV in just three days"
"Aston Martin has launched yet another model with a bespoke exterior finish; this time the \nAston Martin DBX\n in Arden Green. The colour is inspired by Aston Martin\u2019s racing heritage.\nWhile Green has always been a signature colour for Aston Martin and other British sports car makers, the DBX adopts a lighter hue with a hint of grey-green.\nComplementing the unique exterior finish is the traditional tan leather interior. The DBX in Arden Green has also been specified with a sports exhaust for deeper and more aggressive exhaust notes.\nFirst-ever Aston Martin Vantage with optional Vaned front grille has arrived in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nTo bring out the grey-green colour even more, the DBX is fitted with smoked taillights, and gloss black trims on the exterior. On the inside, the interior trims are part of the dark satin chrome jewellery package.\nThe Aston Martin DBX starts from RM818,000 while the bespoke DBX in Arden Green is priced from \nRM1,072,000\n, excluding taxes and duties.\nAston Martin becomes official sponsor and partner of Johor Darul Ta\u2019zim Football Club! More in detail here!\n \nGALLERY"
"Thailand is undoubted the land of pick-ups, thanks to incentives for domestic consumption, as well as exports. Every month, pick-up trucks have sales of circa 30,000 units, taking up some 60% of the monthly Total Industry Volume (TIV) in Thailand.\nWith the pick-up segment expanding to cover more and more sophisticated customers, the vehicle itself also gets more advanced technologies and the accompanying construction method. The recently revealed \nall-new Ford Ranger\n has been loaded with more features and to ensure quality and production efficiency, Ford Motor Company is modernising the wholly-owned Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FMT) and joint-venture AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) plants.\nScanBox\nAn investment value of \nUSD900 million\n (approx. RM3.8 billion), the largest single investment in Ford\u2019s 25-year history in Thailand, sees the plants receiving plenty of new vehicle manufacturing equipment, processes as well as training. One such addition to Ford Thailand\u2019s production arsenal is the ScanBox- a surface scanning machine that accurately measures the whole vehicle by five times during assembly to increase efficiency in problem-solving for better quality control.\nElectric cars are the new norm in China, as such, Ford will be manufacturing the Mustang Mach-E there!\nThe plant will also see an addition of 356 state-of-the-art robots at the body shop and paint shop, bringing the level of automation at FTM and AAT from 34% to 80% and 69%, respectively. More importantly, local Thais will also be employed with the addition of the second shift at FTM, adding up to 1,250 incremental jobs and thus increasing the workforce to over 9,000 employees with their products exported to over 180 markets around the world.\nSelangor\u2019s Sime Darby Motor City houses the largest Ford showroom in Malaysia! More about the facility here!\nThe USD900 million investment also forms part of more than USD400 million (approx. RM1.7 billion) invested in the supply chain network to localise and enhance the quality of vehicle parts and design-related tools, creating approximately 250 incremental jobs.\nMarket launch of the latest Ford Ranger, dubbed the smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger yet, is scheduled for the middle of 2022, with the all-new three-row Everest SUV at a supposedly later date."
"UMW Toyota Motor has announced the arrival of the \nToyota Altis 1.8G\n, a model that will \neffectively replace\n the Altis 2.0G variant. The 1.8G (RM119,900) is a good RM3,000 cheaper than the 2.0G, but costs RM4,000 more than the base 1.8E ( RM115,900) variant.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Corolla Altis 1.8G\nSegment\nC-Segment\nEngine\n1,798cc; inline 4-cylinder, DOHC and Dual VVT-i\nMax Power\n139 hp @ 6,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n173 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM119,900 (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nChanges on the outside are minimal but definitely noticeable. For one, the door handles are now finished in chrome. The Altis 1.8G also gets \nkeyless entry\n, \npush-start ignition\n\u00a0(the 2.0G had traditional key-in ignition) and auto on/off halogen-powered headlights.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the 1.8G gets black combination leather upholstery and an upgraded \n\u2018Optitron\u2019\u00a0\ninstrument panel, much like the ones in some of Lexus\u2019 cars. Cupholders between the front seats are now illuminated, as is the front foot well. The head unit here is exactly like the one found in the range topping 2.0V variant, which is the 2-DIN, \n7-inch touch screen\n with built in \nDVD player\n and \nrear view camera\n. Compatible smartphones can be paired to this head unit, which also reads SD card and performs voice commands.\nPERFORMANCE\nIn place of the 2.0-litre engine is the familiar \n1.8-litre\n, inline four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that makes \n139 hp\n and \n173 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to the same Super CVT-i with seven-speed Sports Sequential Shift (essentially a CVT \u2018box) which drives the front wheels. No paddle shifters to tinker with here, unfortunately.\nWHAT ELSE?\nToyota also announced that their base Altis 1.8E\n will get\n some of the \nadded convenience\n found in the 1.8G, like the keyless entry and push-start ignition, illuminated cupholders and front foot well, chrome-finished exterior door handles and auto on/off halogen headlights. And then you ask, is it worth the additional RM4,000 to get the 1.8G? Well, if you could \ndo without\n the touchscreen head unit and leather seats, I guess the 1.8E will suffice.\nThe Altis 1.8G comes with a three-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty programme.\u00a0Read our review of the \nToyota Altis 2.0V\n\u00a0to find out how it fared and its \nlaunch \nearlier this year.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the inception of the Volkswagen Golf MK1 back in 1974, the small family hatchback has gone on to be the most important model for the brand. With a cheeky design and everyday usability, the Golf was in a class on its own.\nAlmost 42-years later, the Golf is now in its seventh life cycle and is built on the same recipe: a handsome car with great usability. Except, competition today is much more vicious compared to the good old days. To keep it ahead of the game, the Golf MK7 received a major update for the year 2017. It\u2019s now more economical, more powerful and more technologically advanced than ever.\nEXTERIOR\nThe updated Golf also gets several aesthetic upgrades, starting from the new LED headlamps with redesigned LED daytime running lights. The Golf GTI maintains the signature red lining that extends into the headlamps while the GTE gets blue accents. From next year onwards, LED headlamps will replace all existing xenon headlamps. A redesigned front and rear bumper rejuvenates the aesthetics of the Golf. The tail lamps now feature full LED (redesigned of course) and the top of the range even gets dynamic\u00a0indicators, like that on the \nAudi A4\n and \nAudi A6\n.   INTERIOR\nMoving to the inside, the infotainment screen has been upgraded to either a 6.5-inch coloured touchscreen, 8.0-inch \u201cComposition Media\u201d, 8.0-inch \u201cDiscover Media\u201d (navigation) or 9.2-inch \u201cDiscover Pro\u201d with gesture control. With the \u201cDiscover Pro\u201d system equipped, drivers can operate the infotainment system via gestures. Opt for the Volkswagen Car-Net package and you will get a\u00a0host of internet services like Security & Service and Guide & Inform.\nWith the intention to introduce a full digital cockpit, the Golf now features Volkswagen Group\u2019s 12.3-inch Active Info Display in place of the conventional instrument cluster. Similar to the on found on the \nPassat B8\n, the Active Info Display is a full LCD screen that displays essential driving aids with high detail. The display also projects navigation and multimedia info for added convenience.\nOther subtler touches in the interior are new decorative patterns on the trim pieces as well as new seat covers.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Golf is now powered by an enhanced EA211 TSI engine,\u00a0dubbed the 1.5 TSI EVO. The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 rpm. It also features the Group\u2019s Active Cylinder Management (ACT) technology which shuts down the middle two cylinders during light throttle load. As such, the 1.5 TSI EVO Golf will return 4.9 litres per 100 km.\nIf you fancy something a little more frugal, there is a 1.5 TSI EVO with BlueMotion technology that returns 4.6 litres per 100km, although power outputs are slightly lower at \n129 hp\n and \n200 Nm \n\u2013 the latter peaking from 1,400 rpm. Both units come with coasting function that disengages the engine completely when the driver lifts off the accelerator.\nStepping into the hotter Golf GTI, the 2.0-litre TSI engine was given a little rub to dish out \n227 hp\n, up by 9 hp from before. Opt for the Performance Pack, the same engine will push out additional 14 hp, bringing the total output to \n241 hp\n.\nAs for transmission options, a newly developed seven-speed DSG dual clutch automatic that is more efficient will gradually replace the existing six-speed DSG dual clutch automatic.\nSAFETY\nWhen the MK7 Golf was introduced, the compact hatchback features an arsenal of safety systems such as ABS, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Sensor, Rear Traffic Alert, Park Assist 3.0, Driver Alert System, reverse \u00a0camera (Rear View), traffic sign recognition, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and trailer stabilisation.\nTo that, Volkswagen has taken the liberty to add Traffic Jam Assist, the new Pedestrian Monitoring for Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Trailer Assist, and Emergency Assist. With these active city driving assists, the car is capable of semi-autonomous driving during traffic jams.\nUtilising the radars and sensors from the Traffic Jam Assists, Lane Assists and Adaptive Cruise Control, the Golf is able to drive safely in start-stop traffic, making commuting in traffic a much more pleasant experience.\nWHAT ELSE?\nWith the extensive upgrades the Golf receives, the term \nupdate \nis a huge understatement for the Golf MK7 facelift. One thing is for sure, this will surely keep the Golf more relevant for the years to come. Now, has anyone seen the Golf R?\nLocally, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) imports the Golf as a \nCBU unit\n. With deliveries to the UK scheduled to begin next year, we may very well be catching this on our roads very\u00a0soon. If VPCM decides to CKD this car, well, let\u2019s just say it\u2019s time to save up.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia has announced that prices for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles will be revised to be zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) until further notice from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.\nAll models, CKD and CBU included, will have their prices slashed by at least RM8,600. The pricier fully imported models get the biggest price cut. For example, the \nBMW M2 Coupe\n now retails for RM30k less while the \ni8\n is \ncheaper \nby some RM69k.\n \n MINI RRP after zero-rated GST\n \n BMW RRP after zero-rated GST\nShoppers looking for a MINI will be delighted to know that they will save up to \nRM19k\n on selected models which otherwise would have contributed to GST charges.\nEven the recently introduced locally assembled \nCountryman Plug-in Hybrid\n is now priced at RM241,420.19, a savings of RM14k as compared to when the 6 percent GST was imposed. Prices quoted are\u00a0for Personal Registration excluding Insurance."
"There\u2019s nothing we can tell you about the \nnew A90 Toyota Supra\n that you don\u2019t know already know. More so, after this video.\nBut there is something you may never know, and it\u2019s exactly what GC Mah and the AutoBuzz.my team has had the privilege to experience \u2013 the r\nelentless nature of the new Supra\u2019s acceleration\n and the \nsound that accompanies the ferocity\n \u2013 something even our guest A80 owners approve.\n \nAnd in the personal opinion of some of us, the more you drive it, the more it actually sounds like the old Supra, especially in the higher revs and in between gear changes.\n \nIn case you\u2019re not convinced, here\u2019s another less refined, off the cuff, first impression video of the Supra and all its straight-six glory in the hands of another one of AutoBuzz.my\u2019s baboons.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The news that Mercedes-AMG may developed a \u2018killer app\u2019 on their \nW10 \nrace car captured the headlines on second day of pre-season testing at \nBarcelona \n\u2013 a \nsteering system\n that \nalters the toe angle \nof the front wheels, and it may well prove to be legal.\nTechnical director Allison claims FIA is aware of DAS.\nIn fact, \nMercedes technical director James Allison\n even conceded that the team had a name for it \u2013 \nDAS\n, or \nDual Axis Steering\n, and that the team isn\u2019t too concerned about its legality as FIA is aware of it. You can be sure that rivals will be ready to launch a legal challenge if Mercedes decimates the field in the season-opening race in Melbourne.\n \nDAS works by \nchanging the toe angle of the front wheels\n which are typically fixed (with a degree of toe out), but as witnessed on Hamilton\u2019s in-car footage, the driver can now \npull back on the steering\n on the straights to straighten up the wheels which has the effect of \nevening out the contact area\n of the tyre in relation to the tarmac, which could conceivably help \nwarm the tyres faster\n or even benefit \naerodynamic efficiency\n.\n\u201cWe had an interesting day activating the DAS system for the first time and we are on a voyage of discovery with the drivers to learn about the system and see what it can bring us for the season ahead,\u201d said Allison. Whether Mercedes will use the system at Melbourne is anyone\u2019s guess.\nTeams finding \n\u2018loopholes\u2019 \nwithin the complex technical regulations of Formula 1 aren\u2019t exactly new, the \nblown diffuser\n of the \nBrawn GP \nteam practically earned them the drivers and constructors title in \n2009\n, while McLaren\u2019s drag-reducing \nF-duct contraption\n also stole a march on the field in 2010. Both inventions were eventually outlawed by the FIA."
"We thought we\u2019ve seen it all with the \nLexus LM\n, but apparently we were wrong. This is GAC\u2019s all-new Trumpchi M8, and it has \u2013 without a shadow of a doubt \u2013 the largest grille we\u2019ve ever seen on a production car.\nMaking its debut at the recent 2022 Guangzhou Auto Show, the second-generation seven-seater luxury MPV will be offered in two guises: a hybrid and a petrol version. But before that, we\u2019ll have to talk about the looks.\nWe can already hear BMW in the distance shouting \u201cwe told you so\u201d, but bling is indeed king over in China. The entire car is designed around a \u2018star diamond shadow (translated)\u2019 theme, with the main star of the show being the imposing front grille that looks like it\u2019ll devour everything that comes into its path.\nDubbed the \u201csky-dominating wings 2.0\u201d, the humongous grille is made up of 10 vertical chrome bars, sculpted similarly to Lexus\u2019 spindle grille to illustrate \u201cthe peak momentum of a lion leaping Mount Everest and smashing the sky\u201d. The Chinese certainly aren\u2019t lacking imagination.\nRELATED: \nGAC GS3 compact SUV now in Malaysia from RM88,800\nThe grille is accompanied by the fang-like headlights, with intricate details for the vertical daytime-running lights portion inset deep into the fascia to give the entire front end a super aggressive appearance. The same inverted L-shaped motif is also mirrored on the full-width tail lights, while the rest of the exterior is also adorned in copious amounts of chrome for the ultimate \u201clook-at-me\u201d factor.\nIn terms of size, the all-new Trumpchi M8 measures 5,212 mm long, 1,893 mm wide, and 1,823 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,070 mm, making it slightly bigger than the \nAlphard\n (and Lexus LM), but smaller than the \nKia Carnival\n and \nHyundai Staria\n.\nThe Trumpchi M8 is also obviously luxurious on the inside, which is the main appeal of a boss-tier MPV like this anyway. In the range-topping variant, the M8 gets a 2-2-3 seating layout with two \u201cQingyun\u201d powered captain seats in the second row, which supposedly feels like sitting on clouds, and even gets integrated Yamaha Masters speakers in the headrest.\nGAC says the interior design is crafted after the natural landscapes in Lingnan, China, while the seats themselves take inspiration from the Chinese opera houses. To that end, the seats can also be optioned in a unique red, black, and gold finish for added extravagance.\nAs for the cockpit, the driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, paired to a massive 14.6-inch infotainment display that takes up the entire centre stack on the dashboard. Being a chauffeur doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll miss out on luxuries, too \u2013 the gear lever comprises an illuminated crystal sphere with 160 facets, which also syncs with the rest of the car\u2019s ambient system.\nThe petrol-powered GAC Trumpchi M8 gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill underneath the bonnet, reportedly making \n255 hp \nand \n400 Nm\n of torque, while the hybrid system gets an Atkinson cycle variant of the same engine, alongside a Toyota-sourced hybrid system to make a combined output of around the \n260 hp \nmark \u2013 the Chinese carmaker hasn\u2019t provided detailed specifications.\nPricing for the GAC Trumpchi M8 will be revealed when the MPV goes on sale in China later this year. Now that\n GAC Motor has officially made its Malaysian debut\n, will you look to the Chinese kingpin-mobile when you\u2019re shopping for a luxury MPV? Let us know in the comments below!"
"The two-passenger-per-vehicle limit, which has been in place ever since the \nsecond iteration of the Movement Control Order (MCO)\n came into effect on January 13, 2021, has been lifted effective immediately today.\nThis change in the standard operating procedure was announced by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during his briefing last night. \u201cWe are no longer capping the number of passengers in a car so long as it \nfollows the capacity of a vehicle\n,\u201d he said.\nSimilarly, the 10 km travel limit has also been lifted nationwide, however \ninter-district and inter-state travel without prior approval is still prohibited\n. Road blocks will still be set up at state borders, and at the discretion of the police, to enforce the new ruling.\nDatuk Seri Ismail Sabri explained that the travel restrictions are less relevant now that many economic sectors have since been allowed to reopen.\nIn addition to the relaxation of travel restrictions, the government has also lifted the two-per-table seating limit for dine-in customers at restaurants. Seating limit at restaurants is now subject to the size of the table, with one-metre physical distancing between patrons as well as between tables.\nThe current MCO, which was supposed to end today, has since been extended yet again for another two weeks (until March 4) for Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, and Penang. All other states, except Perlis and Sarawak, will be placed under Recovery (RMCO) and Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) respectively.\nSarawak is the only state under CMCO currently. The restriction began on February 15, and is scheduled to end on March 1.\nAs always, all of us must do our part to help get the pandemic under control as soon as possible. Please do stay home, stay safe, and only head out when absolutely necessary. Hanging out with friends can still wait."
"At long last, the striking Renault Megane GT has reached our shores and can be previewed at the on-going Malaysia Autoshow from 9th-12th November 2017 at MAEPS, Serdang.\nAffixed with a 1.6-litre turbocharged Energy TCe 205 petrol engine, it makes \n205 hp\n and\n 280 Nm\n of torque, delivering power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch EDC automatic transmission. 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n7.1 seconds\n with a fuel consumption rating of\n 6L/100 km\n.   The Megane GT features a bespoke chassis by Renault Sport and is the first vehicle in its segment to employ the \n4CONTROL system\n with four-wheel steering. The 4CONTROL system controls the alignment of the rear wheels, providing exceptional driving and steering response.\nThe new Megane GT also incorporates new technologies by Renault Sport, mainly the Multi-Change Down for rapid downshifting and Launch Control for a more effective getaway off the line.   The outside features a distinctive lighting signature both at the front and rear together with a large, upright diamond logo and a broad grille. The front also houses the Pure Vision full LED headlamps with daytime running lights while at the rear, the LED lights are permanently illuminated to a stunning effect.\nThanks to new Edge Light technology, it provides a slender 3D brush stroke effect in a deep red appearance. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels alongside twin chrome-plated tailpipes that echo the style of the twin air scoops at the front, completes the exterior of the new Megane GT.\nInside, the dashboard houses a 7-inch colour TFT display, together with a 7-inch R-LINK 2 touchscreen. The R-LINK 2 display also provides access to the MULTI-SENSE system for access to \nfour different driving modes\n \u2013 Sport, Neutral, Comfort, Perso with customisable interior lighting.\nAn Arkamys 3D sound system with 8 speakers take centre stage on the entertainment front while creature comforts provided as standard include keyless entry/start,an auto lock function, automatic wipers, reverse camera, cruise control with speed limiter and Idle Start Stop.   There is also an R.S. Drive button, which activates the Sport Mode for spirited drives. The leather-trimmed steering is provided with aluminium paddle shifters to complement the segment-leading \u201chaute couture\u201d seats constructed with dual density foam to envelope passengers with optimum comfort and ample support.\nSafety wise, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), ESP with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and a total of 6 airbags (driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger chest-level, front and rear head level curtain airbags) comes as standard.\nThe new Megane GT can be viewed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 and will also be on display at selected Renault showrooms in the following weeks.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Goodyear now has Michelin squarely in its crosshairs with the new UUHP (for Ultra Ultra High Performance) Eagle F1 SuperSport range comprising the SuperSport, SuperSport R and SuperSport RS, with the latter being homologated for the fearsome Porsche 911 GT2 RS and GT3 RS.\nWith 700 hp and 750 Nm driving just the rear wheels, and with peak torque arriving at a low 2,500rpm, it was always going to be a challenge to meet the demands of the Porsche GT2 RS \u2013 one of the fastest road legal car ever to lap N\u00fcrburgring.\nTo that end, racing compound with very stiff tread blocks and a reduced depth were deployed in the SuperSport RS. The elements combined to maximise resistance to g-forces while minimising movement of the tread pattern under high cornering loads.\nMeanwhile, the tyre construction utilises a profile which increases the size of the contact patch in combination with Aramid winding to keep the load distribution constant in varying conditions, this is complemented by a massive outer shoulder to withstand lateral forces in extreme cornering, something likely to be encountered in a 911 bearing GT2 and GT3 emblems.\nThe homologation of the SuperSport RS means that Porsche\nwill be retailing N0-marked Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS tyres through its\ndealer network to owners \u2018seeking performance and steering precision in dry\nconditions\u2019."
"Despite still being affected by the aftershocks of the pandemic, \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n saw a significant rise in sales in its 2021 financial year (FY21), with a total of \n19,217 vehicles delivered\n to new customers from April 2021 to March 2022.\nThe figure represents a 66% increase from the previous financial year, which the company says it achieved despite the total industry volume (TIV) shrinking by 6.7% during the period. The company also said that the sales figure helped propel it \u201ccomfortably [into] the top three spots\u201d of the non-national automotive category.\u00a0\u00a0\nLeading the charge for Mitsubishi\u2019s success is the \nXpander\n, which continues to dominate the non-national MPV segment here in Malaysia. Over the course of FY21, the company delivered a total of 9,065 Xpanders to new owners, accounting for 47.2% of its overall sales.\nThe \nTriton pick-up truck\n also maintained a solid market share of close to 21.4%, with 9,420 units sold during FY21. The amount also translates to a 24% increase over the same period last financial year.\nGALLERY: Possibly the most \u201cgaya\u201d Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia\n\u201cIn general, the past two years have been tough on the automotive industry, not only with the rising cases of Omicron but floods that affected the Klang Valley and East Coast region, as well as parts or chips shortage,\u201d said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda. \u201cThere were many hurdles for the industry to overcome, thus for our sales performance to grow is a significant triumph for us.\u201d\n\u201cWe take this chance to thank the Malaysian government for initiating and extending the SST exemption these last couple of years. With this, our customers could enjoy extra savings while it also gives us the time to fulfil all booking orders made,\u201d added Ikeda.\nRELATED: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia now delivers your brand new car to you!\nIkeda also added that the company is aware of the high demand from their customers to purchase a Mitsubishi before the end of the SST exemption period, currently scheduled for June 30, 2022.\n\u201cWe are continuing our best efforts to meet the booking numbers, and we have already increased our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality. Our customers are the ones that put us here, thus providing them with utmost convenience and confidence towards the brand is our utmost priority,\u201d he said."
"We\u2019re only months away to the official unveiling of the next best Audi, but word has it that all variants of the Audi A8 D5 will get some form of electrification.\nAccording to a report by \nAuto Express UK\n, the new Audi A8 will get the four rings\u2019\u00a0state-of-the-art 48-volt electrical systems for both petrol and diesel engines. Audi\u2019s head of mild hybrid, Alexander Kruse said, \u201cFirst we begin with the A8, then continue on to other models. The plan is to very quickly implement the system on other models.\u201d   A variety of engines from V6, V8 to V12 will be deployed as primary source of propulsion. When equipped with the V6, the hybrid system could potentially shave off 0.7 litres of fuel per 100km. And in EV mode alone, top speed goes as high up as 160 km/h! That\u2019s at least 30 km/h more than the current industry standard for hybrid cars.\nAudi\u2019s 48-volt system is already being used for production cars such as the SQ7 TDI, which takes guise as an electrical compressor to help the V8-powered SUV eliminate turbo lag. But expect the A8\u2019s hybrid system to be more sophisticated and practical for everyday motoring.\nNow, besides electrification, Audi says the A8 will be their first ever car built with full \u2018Level 3\u2019 autonomous driving technology. This means the car is fully capable of self driving, using long-range radar sensors, a dozen ultrasonic sensors, laser scanners and high-res cameras to manoeuvre without human intervention. The system can also autonomously guide the\u00a0A8 through traffic jams at up to speeds of 60 km/h.\nAs technological pioneers of LED daytime running lights, Audi has confirmed to experimenting with organic LEDs (better known as OLED). This will give way to new, more futuristic forms of expression in the cars to come.\nWith the \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n and \nBMW 7 Series\n reaping the bulk of the marketshare, the wait has been far too long. But as the saying goes, sometimes, it really is worth the wait.\nSource: \nAuto Express UK"
"Mercedes-Benz pressed on a \nrecall\n for the new \nW205 C-Class\n in Europe and the West last month, for fears that an \nerror\n may have taken place during production that \ncauses the steering wheel to squeak\n and \nnot react to steering input\n.\nA Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said, \u201cIn the event that the \nsteering coupling interlock mechanism\n should not have been properly locked, \nnoises may become perceptible\n and the \nsteering ability\n of the vehicle might be affected.\u201d\nThe announcement has seen over 10,500 C-Classes being called back in for checks in North America alone. \u00a0However, the \nC-Class sold in Malaysia\n are \nunaffected\n by the recall as all units sold by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) dealers were \nthoroughly checked and cleared\n prior to the launch and delivery of the vehicles.\nMBM President and CEO, Mr Roland Folger (right), former MBM Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mr Kai Schlickum (left)\nMBM President and CEO\n, Mr Roland Folger said, \u201cWe want to assure all customers who purchased the new C-Class from our authorised dealers that \ntheir cars are not affected\n by the recall which has affected many units in Europe. The recall was issued even before the launching of the C-Class took place last month.\n\u201cAs such, we were fully aware of the situation in advance and made sure that all vehicles \nundergo the necessary quality and safety checks\n before delivering them to our customers. There is \nabsolutely no need for a recall\n in Malaysia,\u201d Folger added.\nAs for the affected vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has urged their customers to visit the nearest authorised service centre, at which the visit will take no more than \n30 minutes\n to rectify the problem for free."
"The world is currently being turned upside-down due to the \nCOVID-19 virus\n, with many brands resorting to cost-cutting measures in order to ride out the economic chaos caused by the pandemic. However, that might not even be the final nail in the coffin for the Rallye Sport.\nFirst spotted by \nMotor1\n, Ford internal sources have apparently confirmed to French magazine \nCaradisiac\n in a Q&A session that the \nfourth-generation Ford Focus\n will not be available in \nRS form\n, due to the \ntightening EU emissions regulations\n.\nOver in Europe, carmakers will have to adhere to a new fleet-wide average CO2 emissions regulations of 95 g/km starting next year. For context, the outgoing Ford Focus RS produces 195 g of CO2 per kilometre.\nIt has been long rumoured that the next-generation Ford Focus RS will be equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain with an output of over 400 hp \u2013 a decision made partly to comply with the new emissions target. However, back in February\n Autocar UK\n reported that the \n\u201cmild hybrid is still not enough\u201d\n.\nThe \nFord Focus ST\n looks pretty in blue.\nIn the report, senior Ford executives told Autocar that they are still waiting for a solution from the engineering department to comply by the new ruling. Ford was reportedly looking to create a RS-worthy version of the 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain used in the \nKuga\n. However, if the report by \nCaradisiac\n is accurate, the plans appear to have fallen through, and the project now scrapped completely.\nCaradisiac\n also reported that the RS project might just be too expensive to sustain, especially when the Blue Oval recently instituted a cost-cutting exercise in Europe \u2013 including plant closures, job cuts, and even axing unprofitable models such as the Ka+ and \nEdge\n.\nWhile it will be incredibly heart-breaking if we do lose one of the old guards of hot hatches, Europeans can at least savour the \nFord Focus ST\n, launched just a year ago, which (judging by the specification sheet) should be quite a \nwarm\n little hatch too."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has released further information of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Sedan and Coupe duo, days after the two new AMG variants were \npreviewed\n during the company\u2019s\n Q3 performance press conference\n.\nDiving straight into the price, the E 53 Sedan is estimated to cost RM740,000 while the more elegant twin goes for RM764,000, on-the-road without insurance applied. The E 53 Sedan is RM81,000 costlier than the \nE 43\n that was on offer but is six figures cheaper than the beastly \nmillion-ringgit E 63 S\n.\nBoth the E 53 Sedan and Coupe are powered by a new 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six petrol engine that is paired to the brand\u2019s EQ Boost Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) to give a combined output of \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of twist. Gearbox is a nine-speed AMG Speedshift that can propel the pair from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n. Top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nThe E 53 pair features the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system that can split the torque between the front and rear axles for maximum traction for dynamic driving fun and high levels of safety in all conditions. AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with Adaptive Damping System+ is also fitted here that alters the damping characteristics to three preselected modes \u2013 Comfort, Sport and Sport+.   Standard equipment includes Multibeam LED headlamps, AMG Night Package, 20-inch AMG five twin-spoke light alloy wheels, AMG spoiler lip, quad exhaust outlets, Nappa leather upholstery, Panoramic sunroof, AMG Carbon Fibre Centre Console (Black Piano-Lacquer on the Coupe), Widescreen Cockpit, AMG Track Pace function, Burmester surround sound system, Heads-up Display, wireless charging tray and more.\nAs for safety features, the E 53 comes with Driving Assistance Package, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active parking assist with PARKTRONIC, surround view camera and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.\n \n \nLike all new vehicles sold through MBM\u2019s network of dealers and distributors, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Sedan and Coupe comes with a 4-Years Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Sedan   Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe"
"In conjunction with the Gulf-Oil livery for the \nMcLaren F1\n team participating in this year\u2019s Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) unveiled a bespoke McLaren 720S with the iconic blue and orange racing colours. McLaren and Gulf have a relationship that dates back to 1968.\nThe India-owned petroleum company reunited again with McLaren last year, and this project on a series production model is a demonstration of the personalisation possibilities available on McLaren\u2019s supercars. A limited number of customers will have the exclusive opportunity to have their McLaren supercars hand-painted by MSO in Gulf livery.\nThe limited-edition windscreen-less \nMcLaren Elva\n, priced from GBP1.4 million was the first vehicle to that was born from this renewed strategic partnership.\nFor the 720S, the team from MSO took 20 days to apply the Gulf livery using AkzoNobel premium paints, which is probably tea time break compared to the \n800 hours\n required for the bespoke 1997 Le Mans F1 GTR-theme \nMcLaren 675LT\n commissioned by His Royal Highness Tunku Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Temenggong Johor (TTJ).\nIn this 720S Gulf livery example, the interior features matching blue and orange stitching with Gulf logos embroidered on the headrests and painted on the sills. Orange seatbelts together with markings on the steering wheel complete the key changes.\nAs the name \u201c720S\u201d denotes, the supercar packs\n 720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque courtesy of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and now factory-filled with Gulf lubricants. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Key performance figures include a century sprint time of \n2.9 seconds\n, 0 to 200 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 341 km/h.\nIts carbon fibre Monocage II contributes to a class-leading lightest dry weight of 1,283kg, while Proactive Chassis Control II suspension and active aerodynamics help to unleash this sensational performance on both road and track.\nGALLERY"
"If the full-fledge high-performance oriented \nMINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW)\n is too much for your daily needs, but want a taste of some JCW goodness, the MINI Cooper S Works 210 will hit all the sweet spots. The Cooper S Works 210 gets not only styling enhancements but also minor performance bump.\nAvailable as a three-door, five-door and convertible body style, the Cooper S Works 210 gets the full \nJCW aerodynamic kit\n that adds a JCW-specific front and rear bumpers boot spoiler as well as unique 17-inch black Track Spoke alloy wheels. It also gets subtle Works 210 badges all round and centre mounted twin exhaust pipes on top of all the standard Cooper S equipment.   Underneath the hood, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower turbo gets its output bumped from 192 hp to \n210 hp\n. Besides that, the Cooper S Works 210 range also gets a Bluetooth activated \u2018\nTrack Mode\n\u201d that opens the rear exhaust bypass for a more exciting exhaust note.\nUnfortunately, the MINI Cooper S Works 210 is available exclusively to the UK market with prices ranging from \u00a322,155 (RM124k) to \u00a325,800 (RM144k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has announced that it has moved into a new parts warehouse in Shah Alam, Selangor, as part of an expansion plan to meet increasing after-sales demands.\nWith a storage capacity of up to 40,000 square feet, the expansion will also improve warehouse operations including consolidating all holdings under-one-roof. This move will speed up delivery of parts required by all MMM authorized business partners including 52 dealers nationwide.\n\u201cThe relocation of our warehouse is in line with the continuous growth of Mitsubishi Motors business in Malaysia. The new parts warehouse is located at a strategic location with less road congestion and easy access to Federal and KESAS highway,\u201d said MMM CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\n\u201cWith this accessibility, we will be able to accelerate our parts delivery to MMM\u2019s business partners as we constantly seek to improve customer\u2019s after-sales experience by reducing cost and increasing our work efficiency,\u201d he added.\nThis is likely a preparation for the imminent launch of the new, highly anticipated Mitsubishi Xpander which was previewed to the public at Mid Valley recently. Information has been limited although we can confirm that it would come with Apple Car Play, a 360 degree view monitor, LED headlights and16-inch alloys.\nCheck out our\n review of the\n \nXpander\n, hosted by Indonesia\u2019s #1 motoring journalist, Fitra Eri!\nWhile it\u2019s not confirmed, it\u2019s very safe to assume that the Xpander would come with only one engine option \u2013 a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 105 hp and 141 Nm to power the front wheels via 4-speed automatic.\nCheck out our full review of the Xpander \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"BMW Group China has finally outsold Mercedes-Benz and Audi in April to become China\u2019s bestselling luxury brand. The company\u00a0sold 48,869 cars in April alone, which translates to a whopping \n39.2 percent increase\n compared to the same month last year.\nFollowing closely in second place is Mercedes-Benz with 47,627 cars (+35.3 percent), while Audi came in third with 46,166 units (-6.9 percent). Since January, approximately 191,697 units of BMWs have been sold in China, marking a stunning\n 18.2 percent\n\u00a0growth compared to the same period in 2016.\nThis strong growth is predominantly attributed to the increased demand for the \nBMW X1\n\u00a0and the market-exclusive \n1 Series sedan\n. On the local front, BMW Group Malaysia is also following an \nupward trend in sales\n but still trails behind Mercedes-Benz Malaysia who is currently the \nleading premium marque in Malaysia\n."
"From the amount of interest and positive comments generated by an earlier \nstory on the new generation Nissan Almera\n (or Versa in other some other markets), it appears that Nissan has gotten more than a few things right with its latest B-segment sedan challenger.\nNow that neighbour \nThailand \nhas unveiled the Almera in all its glory \u2013 the first country in the \nAsia and Oceania region\n to do so, you have every reason to be properly excited about what\u2019s coming next year, not only from a styling angle (it is a dramatic departure from the current car), but also in the way of engineering and technology.\nHey, there\u2019s no way you\u2019re related to the current Almera!\nThe 1.0-litre turbocharged engine\nWhile the revelation that the new Almera will be powered by a \nturbocharged 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine\n took many by surprise, industry insiders would have known that going the downsize turbocharged route was inevitable, to ensure that the Almera meets the requirements of \nThailand\u2019s Eco Car programme\n (phase 2), which includes \nEURO 5\n emission compliance, fuel efficiency of \nno less than 23.25 km per litre\n (for petrol engines on NEDC cycle), an \nengine capacity no higher than 1,300 cc\n, along with a string of \nsafety related UNECE regulations\n.\nCodenamed \nHRA0\n, the new turbocharged 1.0-liter delivers a maximum output of \n100 hp and 152 Nm of torque\n. The 3-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) to achieve a fuel consumption of \n23.3 km per liter (or 4.3L/100km)\n, a number that\u2019s obviously devised to meet the Eco Car requirements (see above). The new \n999 cc 3-pot\n utilises \nmirror-bore coating\n on its cylinder walls for lower wear and durability, and employs an \nelectric DC motor\n to better regulate the compression of the turbocharger. Maximum torque is available from \n2,400 rpm\n.\nThe new turbo engine is marginally less powerful than the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder found in the current Almera (rated at 102 hp and 139 Nm) but the 3-cylinder generates \ngreater torque\n, so drivability and response are likely to be improved as the vehicle kerb weight of the new Almera is only slightly raised compared to the previous car (still \nunder 1,100 kg\n). Nissan did not quote any performance figures, but this package is really about efficiency.\nDesign and styling\nWe\u2019ll skip Nissan\u2019s design jargons and let the images speak for themselves \u2013 the new Almera is an attractive-looking B-sedan, not only when compared to the dowdy-looking predecessor, but on its own, this is a stylish and measured design effort by Nissan, without going overboard, probably what the majority of B-sedan customers seek anyway.\nAs expected, the dimensions have grown in terms of \nwidth (+45 mm)\n, \noverall length (+70 mm)\n and \nwheelbase (+20 mm)\n, which now stands at \n2,620 mm\n, so it should retain best-in-class legroom and overall roominess. More importantly, the new Almera has shed the awkward stance of the current car, looking far more proportional, if not subtly sporty with its slim front headlamps design and boomerang-style tail lamps.\nNot that the current car is short on space, but all-new Almera will offer even more.\nThe interior has also made the corresponding leap in style, the architecture is all new and looks premium. The perception of technology is high as well, with the driver getting an instrument cluster comprising of a \n7-inch multi-function display\n next to a self-illuminated speedometer while the centre console now has an \ninfotainment system featuring an 8-inch touch display\n, along with \nAndroid Auto \nand \nApple CarPlay\n compatibility. Heck, there\u2019s even an armrest now! Of course, all of this is subject to the chosen variant and corresponding spec level. In Thailand, there are a whopping five grades to choose from.\nActive safety comes to the fore\nYou will hear a lot more about \u2018\nNissan Intelligent Mobility\n\u2019 as Nissan moves to position active safety as one of its product pillars, just like in the facelifted X-Trail and now on the new Almera. While the full suite of safety features is likely to be variant specific, the Almera can had with factory-fitted \nblind spot warning\n, \nrear cross traffic alert\n, \nmoving object detection\n, \nforward collision warning\n and \nautonomous emergency braking\n, this is on top of \naround-view 360 camera\n, vehicle stability control, ABS and such. Suffice to say, the new Almera is expected to be big on safety when it arrives in Malaysia.\nThe forthcoming Almera will be big on tech and safety.\nWhat price in Malaysia?\nIt\u2019s pointless to speculate the price of the new Almera as \nThailand has a different tax structure\n compared to Malaysia (Eco Car-compliant models also enjoy lower excise duties), so it might be misleading to convert the price in Thai baht to Ringgit.\nBut it goes without saying that the new Almera, when it does arrive in Malaysia in 2020, has to be priced within the vicinity of the current-generation Almera, alongside its usual rivals such as the Toyota Vios and Honda City, if it is to sell in numbers. Expect a price range of between \nRM70,000 to RM85,000\n, taking into account that the new-generation Almera will likely come with a \nhigher level of standard safety\n \nequipment \nand tech features compared to the current car.\nNew Nissan Almera gallery"
"After a \nteaser\n not too long ago, Subaru has unveiled its Viziv Performance Concept in full at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. It embodies the future vision of Subaru\u2019s commitment to create safe and dynamic vehicles for its customers. The company also hinted that the concept car will be a successor model that features \u201c\nsedan body, symmetrical AWD and horizontally opposed engine\n\u201d No prizes for those who guessed it.\nStanding at 4,630 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, 1,430 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,730 mm in wheelbase, the Viziv Performance is a tad larger than the \ncurrent-generation WRX sedan\n (L:4,595 mm, H:1,795 mm, W:1,475 mm and WB:2,650 mm). Although it is a given that the ridiculously flared arches will never make it to the final design.   Up front, the concept car wears a new front grill and 3D Hawkeye headlamps, mimicking the horizontally opposed layout of Boxer engines. Carbon parts are applied generously at the bumpers, fenders and roof. Over at the back the concept car gets a pair boomerang shaped taillamps complemented by the aggressive quad-tailpipes.\nSubaru aims to equip the sedan with their next-generation Advanced Driver Assist systems in line with the company\u2019s vision in becoming the Number One brand in overall safety. The new systems are currently being developed at \nSubaru\u2019s new testing facility\n in Hokkaido, Japan.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Not wanting to go under the radar amidst one of the world\u2019s biggest motor show, Kia Motors has unveiled their \nall-new concept car\n, the Kia Proceed Concept in full ahead of its global debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). The Proceed Concept features a hot hatch styling, giving us an idea of what the next-generation Cee\u2019d could look like.\nWith the Proceed Concept, Kia is trying to appeal to a new-generation of drivers through a striking design coupled with real-world versatility. As you can tell from the images, its\n low-slung design\n and proportionate front end creates an illusion that the car is larger than it actually is. But rest assured that this is indeed \na hatchback\n and not a sportswagon.\nWhile its proportions and stance may be new, the Proceed Concept features some familiar family design cues such as the \u2018tiger nose\u2019 grille, long sculpted bonnet inspired by the \nStinger\n among others. The concept is finished in a bespoke \nLava Red\n paintwork created by a delicate mix of black, chrome silver and red-tinted lacquer for a deep glossy finish.\nKia will officially unveil the Kia Proceed Concept come 12 September as the IAA goes into full swing next week. More details, hopefully, to follow."
"Today, even supercar companies and ultra-luxury brands have a hybrid model. However, there is only one name that comes to everyone\u2019s mind when you say \u201chybrid car\u201d, and it is the \nToyota Prius\n. Today, \nToyota\n has unveiled the fifth-generation Toyota Prius, marking 25 years of its hybrid model.\nIntroduced to the world in 1997, over 5.05 million units of the Toyota Prius have been sold to date (from all 4 generations). Toyota says the total sales of the Prius are equivalent to reducing at least 82 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO\n2\n) emissions as of March this year. In Malaysia, the third-generation Toyota Prius was officially sold, but only briefly.\nFrom the outside, the fifth-generation Toyota Prius is much more exciting to look at than all of its predecessors, and it is by intention. Toyota says the Prius needs more than just its core strength as an \u201cenvironmentally friendly vehicle\u201d to continue being the \u201cvehicle of choice\u201d for the coming generations. As such, it features \u201cstylish designs that users will fall in love with at first sight\u201d. Looking at the pictures, Toyota might be right to a certain extent.\nBuilt on the second-generation TNGA platform, the new Toyota Prius can achieve a lower centre of gravity and fit larger 19-inch wheels. The chassis has also received additional reinforcement to provide increased rigidity and improved quietness. With a Macpherson strut suspension setup in front and a double wishbone setup in the rear, the Prius is said to provide a \u201ccaptivating driving performance\u201d. Oh, and if the front end looks familiar, that\u2019s because its the same \u201chammerhead shark-like\u201d design as the electric \nbZ4x\n and \nbZ3\n.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-bound Toyota bZ4x launched in Indonesia \u2013 FWD, 500 km range\nPowering the fifth-generation Prius are three choices of powertrain:\n2.0-litre plug-in hybrid \u2013 \n223 hp\n (metric)\n2.0-litre series parallel hybrid \u2013 \n193 hp\n (metric)\n1.8-litre series parallel hybrid \u2013 \n140 hp\n (metric)\nThe new addition is the 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid system that makes \n223 hp\n (metric) and launches the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.7 seconds\n. Looks like Toyota wasn\u2019t messing around when it said the fifth-gen Prius would provide a \u201ccaptivating driving performance\u201d.\nThe 2.0-litre series-parallel hybrid system is said to make 1.6 times the power its predecessor made. Also included in the powertrain choices is a 1.8-litre series-parallel hybrid system that makes \n140 hp\n (metric). The fifth-gen Prius also gets Toyota\u2019s latest e-Four system that improves uphill performance on low-friction road surfaces and provides greater stability when turning.\nRELATED: \nNew \u2018EV Corolla\u2019 Toyota bZ3 unveiled with 600+ km range, for China only\nInside, the Prius looks like a sombre spaceship. Toyota has used \u201cisland architecture\u201d to provide a \u201clow-stress\u201d and \u201cspacious\u201d interior that makes it easy to concentrate on driving. The main highlight in the cabin is the \u201cilluminated warning system\u201d which is essentially the ambient lighting with active functions such as alerting the driver to detected objects through flashing lights before the audible warnings come on.\nAs for safety, the new-generation Prius comes with the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package as standard on all variants. It also comes with the Toyota Teammate advanced parking assist that comes with remote function.\nIn Malaysia, the only current hybrid offering from Toyota is the \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n which fetches a price of RM139,991. Previously, the \nToyota Camry\n was also offered with a hybrid powertrain.\nRELATED: \nThailand sales of Toyota Camry and Honda Accord dominated by hybrids"
"Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET)\n has appointed Hap Seng Smart, a new a subsidiary under the Hap Seng Group, as the first authorised dealer for the\n Smart \nbrand in Malaysia. The latter\u2019s first showroom is scheduled to be opened in the fourth quarter at Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, followed by another showroom in Balakong, Selangor.\nHap Seng Group, with over 50 years of automotive retailing experience, is also one of the largest dealers for \nMercedes-Benz \nvehicles in Malaysia \u2013 giving it a unique relationship with the Smart brand. Based on the provided concept art, it appears that the Smart showroom will also be integrated into the company\u2019s existing Mercedes-Benz dealerships.\nConcept art for the upcoming Smart dealership in Balakong, Selangor.\n\u201cPRO-NET believes automotive excellence is more than creating the best vehicles. It also means providing a seamless and comprehensive retail customer journey and experience. The new dealership marks PRO-NET\u2019s entry into the premium retail automotive market, as well as the latest EV market in Malaysia,\u201d said PRO-NET CEO, Zhang Qiang.\n\u201cThis partnership between Hap Seng Group through Hap Seng Smart and PRO-NET reflects not only our confidence in smart\u2019s universal appeal, but also shows our commitment to promote a low-carbon mobility future in Malaysia,\u201d added Hap Seng Consolidated COO and Hap Seng Automotive Division Chief Executive, Harald Behrend.\nRELATED: \nProton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022\nConcept art for the upcoming Smart dealership in Balakong, Selangor.\nPRO-NET says in a statement that \u201cmore dealers are coming on board\u201d, with announcements to be made soon. Aside from just the appointment of new premium dealers, though, the company also intends to establish an all-new \u201cSmart Brand Centre\u201d or \u201cSmart Space\u201d for its customers to experience its vehicles.\nThe first model from the new Smart line-up \u2013 following the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely \u2013 is the \n#1\n, a hatchback-shaped fully-electric crossover with 440 km of range (WLTP). The #1 is scheduled to make its Malaysian debut by the end of 2023, so expect more dealerships to pop up prior to that.\nAside from Malaysia, PRO-NET is also the official importer and distributor for Smart vehicles in Thailand, although no public timeline for the marque\u2019s introduction in the Land of Smiles have been announced just yet.\nRELATED: \nSmart #3 could enter Malaysian market, fastback EV debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023\nGALLERY"
"While the \nVolkswagen e-Golf\n has been discontinued for the \neight-generation Golf\n in favour of the purpose-built \nID.3\n, sales of the e-Golf is still going strong, with Volkswagen announcing the delivery of its 100,000th unit.\u00a0\nThe 100,000 units milestone has made the e-Golf one of the most successful battery electric vehicles (BEV) in Europe as well as the USA. The anniversary vehicle, finished in \u201cPure White\u201d, was handed over to Maik Jaehde from Germany. The customer was also given an exclusive tour of the production line.\nProduction of the e-Golf began at Volkswagen\u2019s Wolfsburg plant in 2014, but the increasing demand motivated the brand to expand its production to Dresden in 2017, where the ID.3 will also be produced starting next year.\u00a0The Dresden plant is on track to achieve an all-time high 16,000 units produced this year.\nVolkswagen Head of Sales and Marketing Germany, Holger B. Santel said, \u201cThe e-Golf has already been our ambassador for e-mobility for more than five years.\n\u201cToday\u2019s delivery milestone of 100,000 vehicles is confirmation of the e-Golf\u2019s success in fulfilling its mission. It therefore plays an important role in the mobility turnaround for many customers and paves the way for the new ID.3,\u201d he added.\nThe e-Golf features a \n35.8 kWh\n lithium-ion battery, powering the electric motor to produce \n100 kW\n (134 hp) and \n290 Nm\n of torque. Translated to real world performance, the e-Golf takes \n9.4 seconds\n to complete the century sprint, onward to a top speed of \n150 km/h\n.\nOn a full charge, the VW e-Golf boasts a driving range of up to \n230 km\n based on the WLTP cycle. The battery pack takes approximately \nsix hours\n to be recharged from a home wallbox, while a 40 kW CCS charging station should recharge the e-Golf from empty to 80% in \none hour\n.\nThe ID.3 improves on every aspect of the e-Golf, being a purpose-built BEV. Power output has been increased to\n 201 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n of torque, along with a range of up to\n 550 km\n (WLTP cycle) if equipped with the 77 kWh battery."
"Honda cars, for the longest time, have had dashboards that can only be described as \u201cJapanese\u201d. You see this in all of their models, from the \nJazz\n to the\n CR-V\n, where a busy centre column on the dashboard houses pretty much all the controls.\nBut on the future Honda models, the Japanese carmaker is looking to break out from its shell with a more minimalist \u201cEuropean-esque\u201d design for its interior, and has even given it a name \u2013 \u201cSimplicity and \nSomething\n\u201c. Yes, really.\n \nThe name makes it sound like Honda might have forgotten the second part of its new philosophy, but it basically means to keep the interior as simple as possible, while adding a little pizazz or something unique. Honda says that the latter refers to the\u00a0\u201cpersonality and character of the design\u201d, and is expressed through design details such as the knurling on a knob.\nThe \u201cSimplicity\u201d part meanwhile is pretty straightforward. Essentially, this means making all controls as straightforward as possible and reducing visual clutter, such as reducing the size of the A-pillars, lowering the cowl, minimising the space needed for control surfaces, and even simplifying the displays and menu structure of the software.\nThe cluttered centre stack of the CR-V\nCompared to the cleaner layout on the all-new Accord!\nHonda says this new design philosophy renews its focus on the brand\u2019s classic human-centric \u201cMan Maximum/Machine Minimum\u201d approach, and the vehicle should just \u201cfade away\u201d while driving, giving you a clearer view of the road and neighbouring environment \u2013 all while maximising cabin space.\n\u201cSimplicity in design requires not only a strong philosophy, but a discipline toward the user experience,\u201d said Honda Interior Design US Creative Lead, Johnathan Norman. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard from designers working for other brands who say they were inspired by the simple, human-centered design of old Hondas. Well, so are we!\u201d\u00a0\nThe company did not say which new model will be the first to get the new interior design philosophy, but we\u2019re already seeing hints of the new horizontally-focused dashboard on the latest Honda products, such as the \nall-new Honda Accord\n.\nAnd if Honda\u2019s concept photos of the \nupcoming Honda Civic\n is anything to go by, we\u2019re also definitely going to be seeing the new design philosophy being applied on the new C-segment sedan."
"When it comes to cars of such calibre as the McLaren 675LT, the old adage \u2013 less is more \u2013 somehow rings true in this case. But just what are we talking about? McLaren\u2019s cars of late are incredibly well equipped and trimmed. \nMacca\u2019s\n aren\u2019t as decked out like a Bentley Continental but neither is it stripped bare like a Lotus Elise. JVCKenwood however, thought differently.\nYes, you read that right. McLaren teamed up with the \nAV/Electronics\n gurus from Japan on this new concept for CES this time around. Usually, when manufacturers want to make a lightened and stripped out version of their already \u2019hardcore\u2019 models, they would start by throwing out all the creature comforts that you and me would take for granted such as carpets and air conditioning. And most of the tim, the end result is a barren wasteland of an interior.\nThe McLaren design team, led by designer Peter Wilkins, was tasked with incorporating the \nJVCKenwood Caroptronics\n system into the 675LT Coupe. To get their vision of the ground, the team crafted a purposeful interior layout using a mix of classic McLaren materials and new fabrics.\nCarbon Black Nappa Leather is used to finish the top of the bespoke dashboard, upper beltline and forward portion of the central floor tunnel.\u00a0 A new Geometric Black Technical Fabric with waxy grained finish to \nprevent\n reflections is used for the area facing the driver. The entire centre console, along with the air-conditioning system has been \nchucked\n out in favour of aesthetics.\nThe steering wheel on the other hand, is borrowed from the most exclusive of McLaren\u2019s lineup, the track-devoted \nP1 GTR\n, with the IPAS and DRS buttons replaced by positioning controls for the \nHead-Up Display\n (HUD) that come with fighter jet-type graphics. The graphics in question here conjures up memories of the Lamborghini Reventon\nAs radical as the changes are on the interior, one would be hard-pressed to imagine that the same treatment has been applied to the exterior. Far from it, however the key functional differences are the door-mounted\n rear view camera blades\n and third camera mounted above the rear number plate.\nAside from that, JVCKenwood have stuffed this concept to the brim with futuristic technologies such as the \nfully digital cockpit\n via its HUD so that the driver will never have to take his gaze away from the road. Another cool feature as mentioned is the DVRM (digital rear view mirror) which replaces a conventional rear view mirror. The combination of three cameras, one on each side and one at the rear of the vehicle, offers a wider rear field ofview while\n reducing weight\n, \ndrag\n resistance and lending it a very Tron-esque vibe.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nothing shouts \u2018I love you\u2019 more than a brand-new car, doesn\u2019t it? Perhaps even more so when the car is a Rolls-Royce. But this couple in the US took it to the next level by commissioning two bespoke Rolls-Royces to celebrate their 40-year anniversary.\nYes, you read that right \u2013 two. They must \nreally\n love each other (we kid). And to make it even more special, the first of the two Rolls-Royce is the 20-unit-only \nPhantom Tempus Collection\n \u2013 which might just be the ultimate gift to celebrate an anniversary.\nFor those whose brains aren\u2019t just filled with pointless car facts, Tempus is Latin for \u201ctime\u201d, and the whole car is designed around the fact that the concept of \u201ctime\u201d just doesn\u2019t apply within the cabin \u2013 as illustrated with the deliberate omission of a clock.\nThe cabin of the Phantom Tempus is a truly unique place. Check it out in detail here!\nAs per the press release, \u201cRolls-Royce Phantom Tempus is a motor car for those who shape the world as they seek their own place in the universe. They understand that whatever our individual gifts, talents, and opportunities, we are all gifted time \u2013 and it is up to us to make the most of every precious moment.\u201d\nThe Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus was painted a bright silver \u201cCrystal over Arctic White\u201d, was chosen by Glenn and Gigi Moss to signify the \u201clight and infinite nature of time in their marriage\u201d. The same \u2018light\u2019 theme is also mirrored onto the interior, with hand-crafted Arctic White leather offset by black contrast stitching and piping.\nThe location (with precise coordinates!) and date the couple first met in 1976 is engraved into the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy statuette, which is made out of solid silver. Quite literally, love is built into the details of the car. Tying up the specially-commissioned art piece is an illuminated door sill plate that reads \u2018Phantom Tempus Collection \u2013 Hand built in Goodwood England for Glenn L. Moss Sr.\u2019.\nFor the second car, Gigi Moss picked out a \nRolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge\n, and painted it Crystal over Bright Red to contrast the white of her husband\u2019s Phantom Tempus. The convertible also gets a bespoke Aero Cowling, which turns the four-seater convertible into a two-seater roadster \u2013 it\u2019s an anniversary gift, there\u2019s no need to ferry anyone else.\nThe entire Rolls-Royce Black Badge collection is now available in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nJust like the Phantom, the Spirit of Ecstasy \u2013 milled from black carbon fibre \u2013 also gets an engraving at its base with the couple\u2019s date and location of their wedding in 1981.\nInside, the special-edition Dawn features a dashboard is topped off with \u201caerospace-grade, aluminum-threaded carbon fibre composite surfacing material\u201d to complement its darker Black Badge looks, and just for a little more pizzazz, there\u2019s also a door sill plate that reas \u201cHand built in Goodwood England for Gigi Moss\u201d.\nThe two cars were presented to the couple in a private ceremony by Rolls-Royce in Orange County, California. I just wish that one day someone will love me as much as how Glenn and Gigi Moss loves each other.\nGALLERY"
"The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding agreement between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) and the Ministry of Youth and Sport (MOYS) signifies a historic genesis between both parties in the endeavour to develop skills of the youth for the automotive industry.\nThe main agenda behind the ministry is to create a \npositive and conducive environment\n for the \nyouth\n in the industry to expand their\n potential to the full\n, as pointed out by the patriarch and Minister of MOYS, \nYB Mr. Khairy Jamaluddin\n.   The ministry launched the \nVocational Transformation Plan\n last year and has already signed on multiple blue-chip companies onto the initiative. They include the like of \nSamsung, Petronas, AEON, Tan Chong Motors and Tune Hotels \n\u2013 just to name a few. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia now \njoins\n the ranks of those listed.\nMr. Jamaluddin also pointed out in his speech the \nfive key areas\n that MBM and MOYS has come to a noted understanding. \nFirstly\n, a total of \n12 students\n from the field (\nCommercial Vehicle Maintainance\n) will be drafted into the pilot program. These students hail from all the far flung corners of the country.\nSecondly\n, these students will be in training for a duration of\n three months\n as part of the program at the MBM \nApprentice Training Centre\n. There they will be trained on the \ndaily operations of FUSO.\n \nThirdly\n, MBM will collaborate with the \nDept. of Skill Development\n in building \ncurriculums\n and \nteaching materials\n.\nFourth\n, all successful participants of the program will be awarded a\n full-time permanent employment\n determined by MBM at any of its authorized \nFUSO dealerships\n. Not only that, a minimum basic wage of \nRM1,800\n per month comes with the job.\n Lastly, three trainers\n from the National Youth Skill Institute (IKBN) will be postulated the same \ntraining\n as the pupils undergo."
"You\u2019ve seen \nwhat five of Malaysia\u2019s most sought-after pick-ups are capable of in our previous video\n so for this one, we\u2019ve picked out five SUVs we thought you\u2019d like to see go head-to-head against each other in yet another special episode of our shootout series.\nWe have the \nProton X70\n, the \nevergreen Honda CR-V\n, the \npowerful Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo\n, the \nNissan X-Trail\n and a wildcard, the \nPeugeot 3008\n.\n \nThe faces in this video are a little different too. This time it was \nGC Mah\n\u2018s turn to babysit the line-up of other presenters which consisted of the surprisingly quiet (in this video) \nBobby\n from \nAuri\nzn Malaysi\na\n, \nHisham\n from \nRoda Pusing\n, \nTom\n from \nZerotohundred\n and last but not least, our local motorsport darling, \nLeona Chin\n.\nThe challenges this time around were different too. As they were SUVs used mostly in urban areas and for families to go on road trips, the off-road challenge from the previous pick-up video was axed in favour of a fuel consumption challenge. This required all the drivers and their respective SUVs to go on a short drive to Port Dickson to see who could get there using the least fuel. The result would surprise you.\nOf course there is the customary drag race, followed by a short course in which the SUV\u2019s maneuverability, visibility and braking performance were put to the test.\nWithout further spoiling the video for you, we\u2019ll leave you with one question.\n What would you like to see next? \nPerhaps a compact hatchback shootout? Or maybe a B-segment sedan shootout? Let us know in the comment section!\nGALLERY"
"As a contender to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, BMW has introduced the \nGran Tourer\n model of the 2-Series which seats seven people in this premium compact crossover segment. The 220i Gran Tourer represents the first ever multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) for the German automaker.\nAt 4,556 mm long the BMW 2 Series GT is a good \n214 mm longer\n and sits about \n53 mm higher\n as compared to the five-seater, \n2 Series Active Tourer\n.\nModel\nBMW 220i Gran Tourer\nEngine\n1,998cc inline-four, twin scroll turbocharged engine\nTransmission\n8 speed StepTronic automatic\nMax Power\n192 hp @ 4,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n280 Nm @ 1,250 rpm\nTop Speed\n221 km/h\nPrice\nRM279,800\nEXTERIOR\nThe 220i GT sports a front nose with adornments of\n chrome trimming\ns around the signature pair of \nkidney grille\n intakes and above the fog lamps. The GT also gets LED headlights as standard, while\u00a0sitting on \n205/55 R17 \nseries rubbers\u00a0all round. From the side though, it does possess a finite resemblance to the \ncoupe\n it\u2019s based on, featuring distinctive lines that run the length of the side panel.\nThe back however is business as usual for this \nMPV\n, with a \npower assisted fifth door\n and \nlow loading height\n, making it a rather versatile candidate that any urban mom would approve of. The tail lamps get the \nLED\n treatment as well. The \nchrome\n garnishing from the front have been carried on at the rear, with \nchromed exhaust tips\n and a \nchrome strip\n that runs the lower horizon of the bumper.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is as you would expect of a BMW of this stature, which comes bathed in helpings of \nDakota leather\n wrapped seats and trim pieces. The seats, especially the front have a rather \nergonomic\n feel to it. The second row of seats clearly have safety in mind with plenty of \nISOFIX\n mounting points. The third row may be a bit of squeeze for a full grown adult but suffices for children.\nThe interior is finished off with metal trim pieces such as the\n \u201cluxury\u201d\n insignia door sill finishers. The \nwood trimming\n on the\n dashboard and door panels\n does accent that insignia indeed. As with the \nBMW 120i M-Sport\n that was launched as well, it does share the same \nseven-speaker\n stereo system, the \nBMW apps\n platform that\u2019s displayed via the \n6.5 inch LCD display.\nPERFORMANCE\nThis\n MPV\n is powered by the\u00a0familiar \n2.0-litre\n mill that we would find in the rest of the Bimmer family. The unit produces \n192 hp\n at \n4,700 rpm\n and makes\u00a0\n280 Nm\n of twist from as low as \n1,250 rpm\n, thanks in part to \ndirect injection\n\u00a0and\u00a0\ntwin scroll turbochargers\n\u00a0setup found here.\nCentury sprint time is done in\n 7.6 seconds\n and hits a top speed of \n221 km/h\n. Not bad for what\u2019s essentially a mini van. Putting the power onto the ground is the equally familiar \neight-speed StepTronic\n automatic transmission. Fuel consumption figures are rated at\n 6.2 litres per 100km\n.\nSAFETY\nAs previously mentioned, the seconds row of seats come with a whole bunch of\n ISOFIX child seat mounting points\n and the rest of the usual suspects that\u2019s in place to keep you safe, such as \nABS\n, \nASC\n and \nDynamic Braking Control\n (DBC). Needless to say there are \nairbags\n for the \ndriver, front passenger\n and \ncurtain airbags\n that cover the side windows and \nside airbags\n.\u00a0The GT comes equipped with \nrun-flat tyres\n, which will prove to be a life saver in an emergency situation.\nWhen it comes to parking, the 220i GT comes with a\n park assist system\n which uses the PDC or \nPark Distance Control\n system located on the front and rear bumpers to help the driver in the manoeuvring process. A \nrear view camera\n lends its hand to the process too.\nWHAT ELSE?\nShades of \npaint\n available on the GT include \nAlpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, \nand\n Glacier Silver\n while the \nImperial Blue\n and \nPlatinum Silver\n colours are made primarily for the luxury line which are featured as standard. BMW Malaysia\u2019s latest 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service program comes as standard as well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the amount of attention the \nM4 \ngets, particularly when it comes to special edition models, you\u2019d be forgiven to think that the two-door coupe is BMW\u2019s favourite child among the two. But for folks who prefer the \nM3\n\u2018s more traditional three-box shape, don\u2019t worry \u2013 they aren\u2019t forgetting you too, as BMW has now unveiled the M3 CS, bringing the same \nM4 CSL \nrecipe to the sedan body style.\nThat includes extra power, with the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine underneath the M3 CS\u2019 bonnet now making \n550 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque \u2013 40 hp more than the \nCompetition guise that we get here in Malaysia\n. The power bump comes from an increased boost pressure from 1.7 to 2.1 bar, along with a new crankcase and lightweight crankshaft, weight-saving cylinder bores, a 3D-printed cylinder head core, as well as upgraded oil supply and cooling systems.\nWorking together with the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the new BMW M3 CS accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, even quicker than the M4 CSL. Top speed, meanwhile, is rated at 302 km/h, courtesy of the standard M Driver\u2019s package.\nWhile it does come with an all-wheel drive system and an active M Differential as standard, the M3 CS can also be switched to a pure rear-wheel drive mode to satisfy your tyre burning needs \u2013 with the M Drift Analyser system also built into the infotainment system.\nTo complement the extra firepower, the BMW M3 CS also includes bespoke chassis tuning, including specially-designed engine mounts, specific axle kinematics, as well as exclusive dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, and wheel camber settings. The brakes are M Compound brakes by default, but customers can also opt for carbon ceramic brakes (with matte gold or red calipers) for even more stopping power, at an extra cost.\nALSO READ: \n6-speed manual only, the BMW 3.0 CSL is more than just an M4 with a better grille\nDespite not having \u2018Lightweight\u2019 in its moniker, the all-new BMW M3 CS has also undergone a significant weight loss regime, borrowing many of the M4 CSL\u2019s weight-saving parts, such as the littering of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts both inside and out, including a carbon fibre roof.\nIt\u2019s not M4 CSL \nlight\n light, but together with the weight-saving frameless kidney grille, the M3 CS measures in some 20 kg when compared to an \nM xDrive-equipped M3 Competition\n. And as we all know, every little kg \u2013 aside from the driver\u2019s weight \u2013 counts.\nFor those who are actually spending that extra cash to buy the M3 CS, don\u2019t worry \u2013 people \nwill \nknow that you\u2019re driving the pinnacle M3 model. Aside from the exposed carbon fibre bits and \u2018M3 CS\u2019 badges all around, the souped up sports sedan also gets the unique yellow daytime-running lights (like the M5 CS) as a nod to the GT race cars, as well as a set of staggered M light-alloys wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design, finished in Gold Bronze for that extra wow factor.\nInside, you get the M Carbon bucket seats as standard, alongside an M Alcantara steering wheel with a red centre marker, plus carbon fibre gearshift paddles for the authentic race car experience. The BMW Curved Display is standard here too, with the iDrive 8.0 operating system incorperating several M-specific displays, including an M Laptimer for your track days.\nBMW says it will build the M3 CS in \u201climited numbers\u201d, but did not reveal the exact number of cars they\u2019re making. We\u2019re guessing it\u2019ll probably be less exclusive than the M4 CSL though, of which just 1,000 units are being built for the entire world.\nIn the UK, the BMW M3 CS is priced from GBP115,900 (approx RM609k), making it roughly GBP40k (approx RM211k) more expensive than the standard M3 Competition. Production for the sporty sedan will begin in March at the marque\u2019s Munich home.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia \u2013 from RM798k\nGALLERY"
"The \nG30 BMW 5 Series\n\u00a0is finally going in full swing since the model debuted last year. They\u2019ve released a slew of engine options for the sedan, including some spy shots of the upcoming M5 super saloon \u2013 more on that later.\nEngines that are freshly introduced to the G30 are the \n520i\n petrol,\u00a0\n525d\n and\n 540d\n diesel engines. The petrol is the entry level choice, powered by a\n\u00a02.0-litre four-cylinder\n turbocharged engine that churns out\u00a0\n181 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n of torque.\nThe\u00a0525d is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged oil burner, producing\u00a0\n228 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. The 3.0-litre diesel motivates the\u00a0540d model, with the six-cylinder engine deploying\u00a0\n315 hp\n and\n 680 Nm\n of torque. The latter is also fitted with the\u00a0xDrive all-wheel drive system, sitting right below the \nM550d\n launched recently. The xDrive is also available as an option for the 520i and 525d variants.\nWhen it comes down to sprinting, the 525d would go from 0 to 100 km/h in\u00a0\n6.6 seconds\n while the 540d dusts that in\u00a0\n4.7 seconds.\n The 520i\u00a0meanwhile manages a respectable\u00a0\n7.8 seconds.\n\u00a0All variants share the same\u00a0\neight-speed\u00a0Steptronic automatic transmission\n that drives the rear wheels.\nMoving over to the most powerful G30 variant of the lot \u2013 the all-encompassing M5. BMW has confirmed that the\u00a0\n4.4-litre twin turbo petrol engine\n\u00a0from the F10 will be carried over, as well as the\u00a0\neight-speed automatic transmission\n. It gets a slight power bump over the predecessor and will be faster than the\u00a03.9 seconds century sprint achieved by the \nM5 Competition\n (F10).   New to the M5 is the inclusion of\u00a0\nxDrive\n, with BMW saying it\u2019s a \u201c\nrear-wheel drive with a twist\n\u201c. In layman terms, it combines the best of both systems. It has the\u00a0agility and precision of standard rear-wheel drive system while gains the traction prowess\u00a0expected from an all-wheel drive system. Notice the sideway actions seen on the images? That\u2019s still possible thanks to\u00a0\nM Dynamic Mode (MDM)\n that works in tandem with the\u00a0M\u00a0xDrive 4WD Sport mode.\nAll engine variations of the G30 BMW 5 Series can be had with the sedan and the touring (estate) models by July this year. As for the new M5, it could make its worldwide debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September before sales commence by 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the announcement from Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to \nreduce private vehicle sales tax until the year-end\n as part of the post-COVID-19 economy recovery plan, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has now released the revised pricing after Sales Tax Exemption for Nissan models in Malaysia.\nTo sweeten the deal, \nETCM\n is also introducing the wittily-named Remarkable Car Offers (RMCO) campaign, offering additional rebates on top of the tax-exempted prices for selected Nissan models in Malaysia. The new prices are applicable starting today until the 31st of December 2020.\nThe RMCO rebates ranges from \nRM4,000 to RM13,000\n, depending on the model. Included in the campaign is the \nAlmera 1.5L E\n, which gets a whopping 14.6% (RM10,189) total rebate inclusive of the 6% reduction from the sales tax exemption. The \nX-Trail 2.0L Hybrid\n gets an additional RM13,000 rebate, on top of the 1.5% (RM2,437) sales tax rebate.\nThe \nNissan Navara\n is not eligible for the sales tax exemption, as they are classified as commercial vehicles instead of private passenger vehicles. However, ETCM is offering cash rebates of up to RM18,000 on the pick-up truck as part of the RMCO campaign.\nAdditionally, all existing ETCM offers are still applicable. Any purchase of a \nNissan Serena S-Hybrid\n or X-Trail from now until 30th June 2020 will receive a \ncomplimentary one-year FWD Protect Direct Family Takaful protection plan\n, with a sum insured of RM100,000 for up to a family of four.\nETCM is also rewarding 20 lucky new Nissan owners with Cuckoo healthy home appliances worth up to RM128,888. Any purchase of a Nissan model registered before the 30th of June 2020 will be automatically entered in the Nissan Buy & Win contest.\nFor more information on the revised price list from other car brands in Malaysia after Sales Tax Exemption, check out our posts \nhere\n."
"The \nAston Martin Vantage\n sports car was introduced more than a decade ago, positioned as the most accessible model into the prestigious British luxury performance vehicle brand. As such, it was designed to be fitted a competitive V8 engine as standard, with the company later offering the 5.9-litre V12 engine option because, well, why not since they also manufacture the engine.\nWhile market demand was within expectation, the performance and aural qualities of the Vantage V12 were immense that Aston Martin homologated the large displacement engine for international racing series. \u00a0\nThe launch of the \nsecond-generation in 2018\n saw the introduction of a new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG (\n510 hp, 685 Nm\n) and also no mention of the V12 engine to continue under series production. Aston Martin did put a V12 engine in a Vantage in 2020, but the windscreen-less \nV12 Speedster\n \nis not only immensely expensive but also rare with just 88 examples built.\u00a0\n \nAston Martin yesterday provided a teaser sound clip to announce the arrival of the Vantage V12, with the captions \u201cit is not just a Limited Edition, it\u2019s a Final Edition.\u201d\nWatch Eujin enjoy the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 race car on its proper exercising route- the Sepang International Circuit\nFitment of the V12 engine could also mark the Vantage\u2019s final phase of being available with pure high-revving, unelectrified petrol engines, as the company said the next-generation models will be \nfully electric\n. \u00a0\nThe company has recently introduced a \nmild-hybrid engine\n in the Aston Martin DBX luxury SUV, with China being the first market to offer it. Their upcoming Valhalla supercar, which already has \ntwo orders from Malaysia\n, \nhas a total power output of \n950 hp\n thanks to a hybrid system with dual electric motors. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe V12 engine is certainly far from kept in hiding, with Ferrari launching not only the \n812 Competizione\n but also the \nFerrari Daytona SP3\n under the Icona series, while legendary automotive designer Gordon Murray\u2019s T50 just had its first public \ndynamic demonstration\n in October, allowing the V12 engine to sing along with a traditional three-pedal manual transmission.\nA work of art. More on the Cosworth V12 powering the Aston Martin Valkyrie \nhere\n.\nThe Italian government has even requested the European Union to \nprovide an exemption\n for supercar manufacturers to continue sales of internal combustion engines post 2035, due to their acoustic qualities and low production volume. Users also rarely drive them, so the Italians do have a valid reason."
"Following the announcement of the \nVolvo S60 T8 TwinEngine Polestar Engineered\n variant, the Swedish premium car maker has taken to social media to tease the imminent launch of the new premium compact sedan on 20 June 2018.\nIn the 12 second clip, Volvo is not hiding the fact that the front fascia of the \nS60\n will have the brand\u2019s family face \u2013 Thor\u2019s hammer LED daytime running lights, iron mark grille and angular front bumper, exactly like its \nV60\n twin. From the aerial view of the car, we can tell that the sedan features an elongated rear profile as compared to the V60. Just like the design differentiation of the \nS90 and V90\n.\n\u00a0\nAs for powertrain options, Volvo has previously announced that the S60 will be solely powered by petrol, \ndropping diesel engines for good\n. Among the planned powertrains include a range of four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engines and two plug-in hybrid petrol mills while mild-hybrid variants will be available from 2019 onwards.\nVolvo\u2019s 3-series and C-Class rival is an exciting car to look out for as it will be the first model to be offered with a full-blown Polestar Engineered variant that sits above the R-Design variant. It packs\n 415 hp\n and \n670 Nm\n of twist from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin charged T8 plug-in hybrid combination as well as gold-painted Brembo brake calipers, adjustable \u00d6hlins shock absorbers and strut bars as well as gold seatbelts.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S60 Teaser   Volvo S60 T8 TwinEngine Polestar Engineered"
"It\u2019s called the Hennessey Venom F5 \u2013 an all-new hypercar designed and built from the ground up with the aim to be the absolute fastest road car on Earth \u2013 we\u2019ll see how long that lasts.\nAs we\u2019ve shared previously\n, the Venom F5 is constructed with a completely new design, chassis and carbon fibre body focused on aerodynamics, along with active aero that will yield a drag coefficient of just 0.33. This will allow the Venom F5\u2019s \n1600 hp\n twin turbo V8 engine to power through to a staggering top speed in excess of 301 mph (\n484 km/h\n).\n\u201cWe\u2019ve designed F5 to be timeless so that in 25 years it will still have a level of performance and design that will be unmatched,\u201d said the founder and CEO of the company, John Hennessey. \u201cThe F5 is an all new car, designed and built from the ground up, from the engine to the chassis. We expect the Venom F5, named for the most powerful tornado speed winds on the Fujita scale, to be the first road car capable of achieving more than 300 mph.\u201d\nMated to a 7-speed single clutch paddle shift transmission, the Venom F5 also features an all-new lightweight chassis and carbon fiber body, giving the Venom F5 a kerb weight of just \n1,338 kg\n.\nAs a result, the numbers projected are simply mind-boggling; 0 to 300 km/h take \nless than 10 seconds\n \u2013 the same a \nMini Cooper 1499 GT\n would need just to get to 100 km/h \u2013 a statistic that also makes the Venom F5 faster than a Formula One race car. Looking to ridicule the \nBugatti Chiron\n\u2018s and \nKoenigsegg Agera RS\n\u2018s 0-400-0 feat, the Hennessey Venom F5 will look to complete the above mentioned run in just \nunder 30 seconds\n.\nThe base price of the Hennessey Venom F5 is said to be in the region USD 1.6 million (\nRM 6.7 million\n) with the company planning to build around \n24 units only\n.\u00a0Alongside the Venom F5, Hennessey is also displaying the \nHennessey VelociRaptor 6X6\n at the on-going SEMA show in Las Vegas.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The\n Alpine A110\n is a back to basics lightweight, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive two-seater sportscar \u2013 the same formula as the original A110 Berlinette that won the 1873 Monte Carlo Rally.\nAlpine has upped the ante with the new A110S that sits at the top of the A110 line up. Staying faithful to the ethos of the A110, the A110S gets a power bump in the Renault supplied 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine to\n 292 hp\n, 40 hp more than the standard A110 as well as \u201cspecific chassis setup\u201d which the company did not break down the details for us.\nThe A110S has been engineered to deliver precise handling and response as well as improved high-speed stability yet is easy to drive and live with every day.\nUnlike Lotuses with its bare metal interior, the Alpine has a minimalistic, yet sophisticated cabin furnished with digital screens, Dinamica upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel and carbon fibre trims.\nAn Alpine A110S costs \u20ac66,500 in France before options and deliveries are set to begin at the end of 2019. We\u2019ve had the opportunity to get up close with a standard A110 at the \n2019 Singapore Motor Show\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAlpine A110S"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has launched the all-new Jaguar XF executive saloon, aimed at taking on the \nBMW 5-Series\n, the \nAudi A6\n and \nall-new Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class\n that will make its Malaysian debut later this year.\nOnly one engine variant of the XF is offered in Malaysia, the 25t which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 236 hp and 340 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. There are two trim levels, the Prestige which is priced at RM450,000 and the R-Sport at RM460,000. Both are rear-wheel drives.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nJaguar XF 25t Prestige\nJaguar XF 25t R-Sport\nEngine\n2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo\n2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed auto\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n236bhp\n236bhp\nMax Torque\n340Nm\n340Nm\n0-100km/h; Top Speed\n7.0 seconds; 248km/h\n7.0 seconds; 248km/h\nPrice\nRM450,000\nRM460,000\nThe first generation XF is Jaguar\u2019s most awarded model. Over successive years it garnered several \u201cBest Executive Car\u201d accolades. Its debut in 2007 marked a significant change in Jaguar\u2019s design language.\nThis all-new XF sits on an aluminium-intensive platform that is lightweight yet very rigid. The new architecture and extensive use of aluminium throughout makes the new car 190kg lighter. It is also 7mm shorter although the wheelbase is 51mm longer. The overall length of the car is 4954mm and it\u2019s 2091mm wide. Not noticeable because shortening the front overhang and subtly elongated proportions have made the car look longer and sleeker. Aerodynamics have been improved with the drag coefficient of the XF dropping from 0.29 to 0.26 in the newer car.\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside Jaguar has retained much of what is familiar about the XF \u2013 its profile, the shapes of the front and rear lights \u2013 but apart from that, everything is new.   Inside the xenon headlights is a new lamp configuration, underscored by the parallel lines of the LED daytime running light strip which Jaguar calls the J-blade. The LED tail lamp is now slimmer and stretched across the boot lid. The light design, described by Jaguar as \u201cdouble roundel with intersecting horizontal detail\u201d and inspired by the F-Type, is very distinctive. You\u2019d know the car in front was a Jaguar.\nIn terms of trim, the Prestige comes with 17-inch lightweight 15-spoke rims. The R-Sport has 18-inch Helix 10-spoke wheels and R-Sport body-kit. The R-Sport is easily differentiated by with the signature red and green logo on the boot and on the air breathers on the front wheel arch. Both have twin tailpipes.\nINTERIOR\nThe XF has keyless entry and push-button ignition.\u00a0Leather and brush aluminium frames feature heavily in the Prestige and R-Sport. Both have all-leather upholstery and 10-way electric front seats with tonal stitching. Driver seat has memory function to retain seat settings. The Prestige gets Perforated Taurus Leather seats while the R-Sport gets Sport Taurus Leather with technical mesh. Duo-tone leather is an option for the R-Sport. The multi-function steering wheel, in both variants, is clad in leather. The R-Sport has red paddle shifters which is brushed aluminium in the Prestige.   The rotary gear selector (ringed in red in the R-Sport) called the JaguarDrive control which made its debut in the first XF \u00a0(a signature Jaguar feature) is also in the new XF. Also carried over are the flat air conditioning vents that are flush with the dashboard when closed but rotate around when the car is started. The gear dial also rises up from the centre console when the engine is fired up.\nThe instrument panel is analogue. Power steering is electrically assisted. Meridian sound system, two power sockets, an 8-inch touchscreen monitor, Bluetooth connectivity and streaming, GPS navigation and iPod integration are standard.\nRear passengers are now less cramped. The longer wheelbase has resulted in an improvement in legroom by 15mm, knee room by 24mm. Jaguar claims their rear legroom is segment leading. Rear headroom has also been increased by up to 27mm, if the car is not fitted with the optional sunroof. The boot has a volume of 540 litres.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned earlier, there is only one engine variant, the Ford-sourced \n2.0-litre EcoBoost\n engine that is also in the Si4 Evoque and Discovery Sport. 0-100 km/h is claimed to be \n7.0 seconds\n while top speed is 248km/h.\nFront suspension is double wishbone and this is paired with integral link rear suspension with a 50:50 weight distribution. The Prestige gets the standard suspension while the R-Sport gets the stiffer sports suspension. Both are rear wheel drive.\nSAFETY\nThe standard safety features in the XF include ABS, emergency brake assist, stability control, traction control and emergency stop signal under heavy braking, hill start assist, torque vectoring and brake pad wear indicator.There is also cruise control and a speed limiter, automatic door locking, Isofix child anchors on the rear seats, seat belt reminder, front parking aid and a rear view camera.\nThere is also Jaguar All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) which is a low speed cruise control that manages the brakes and throttle in slippery conditions to improve traction.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe all-new Jaguar XF is available in 10\u00a0exterior paint colours: two solid, Polaris White and Ebony Black; and eight metallic options, Glacier White, Ultimate Black, Rhodium Silver, Ammonite Grey, Dark Sapphire, Italian Racing Red, Quartzite and Odyssey Red.\nThe Prestige is priced at RM450,000 and the R-Sport at RM460,000 Both prices are inclusive of GST but not road tax, registration or insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has \u201cgiven birth\u201d to a new member of the AMG GT family \u2013 the AMG GT C Coupe priced at\u00a0RM1,461,605.60 \u2013 as the middle child where it will be slotted between the AMG GT S and the AMG GT R.\nInside the long swooping front bonnet rests a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine that makes \n557 hp\n and\n 680 Nm\n of torque. The potent power plant is mated to an AMG Speedshift 7-speed DCT Wand together, they\u2019ll annihilate the 0 to 100 km/h run in just \n3.7 seconds\n before maxing out at 316 km/h.\n\u00a0\nThe roar is also enhanced with an AMG Performance exhaust system as standard with two variably adjustable flaps modulate the exhaust note. The flaps open and close depending on the selected AMG DRIVE SELECT mode, although they can also be controlled individually using a separate button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT.\nWhat\u2019s also really striking to the attention aside from the imposing front bonnet is the AMG Panamerica grille that features 15 chrome-plated, vertical bars that mimic the\u00a0Mercedes-AMG GT3 customer sports racing car.\nUnder the imposing front grille is the AIRPANEL active air management system, adopted from the AMG GT R. Vertical louvres located in the lower area of the front apron can be opened and closed by an electric motor in around one second. During normal driving, the louvres are closed for reduced drag where the air is then directed to the underbody of the car.\nThe GT C\u2019s wider contours on its rear apron also improve the airflow at the rear with their large outer air vents and features an aerofoil integrated into the boot lid \u2013 where it electrically extends and retracts at certain speeds.\nThe exterior is garnished with 19-inch 5 twin-spoke light alloy wheels in the front, with a 20-inch pair at the back. The tyres at the back are 305mm in width!\nSitting behind all fours is the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with Adaptive Damping System (Comfort, Sport, Sport +) as standard. The electronically-controlled system automatically adapts the damping on each wheel to the current driving situation, speed and road conditions.\nThe Active rear-wheel steering that was debuted in the AMG GT R is applied in the AMG GT C for better stability and improved agility. At speeds of up to 100 km/h, the rear wheels point in the opposite direction to the front wheels. At lower speeds, the AMG GT C\u00a0 turns into corners with significantly higher agility, requiring less steering input.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After more than a decade in production, the last \nBentley Mulsanne\n has rolled off the production line. This marks the end of Mulsanne after more than 7,300 units have been handcrafted at Bentley\u2019s home in Crewe, England.\nIn the past 11 years of the Bentley Mulsanne\u2019s production, over 700 people have spent three million hours crafting Bentley\u2019s flagship limo. The intricacies of the Mulsanne is no laughing matter with over a million hours spent creating the leather upholstery and 90,000 hours spent polishing the cars. Once that\u2019s done, the Mulsanne undergoes over four million individual quality checkpoints.\n\u201cThe Mulsanne is the culmination of all that we at Bentley have learnt during our first 100 years in producing the finest luxury cars in the world. As the flagship of our model range for over a decade, the Mulsanne has firmly solidified its place in the history of Bentley as nothing less than a true icon. I am immensely proud of the hundreds of designers, engineers and craftspeople that brought the Mulsanne to life over the last ten years,\u201d said Bentley Chairman and CEO, Adrian Hallmark.\nEarlier this month, Bentley also put to sleep another one of its long running icons \u2013 the 6.75-litre V8 engine. The iconic engine has been in production for over 60 years, bearing the same configuration (albeit with modern touches along the way) since 1959.\nThe Bentayga V8 Design Series\nAt the height of its development, the engine \nmade over 500 hp and over 1,000 Nm of torque\n when it found its way into the Mulsanne Speed.\nCloser to home, Bentley Kuala Lumpur recently introduced the\n Bentayga V8 Design Series\n to the tune of RM1.04 million before taxes/duties and options. The 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol-powered V8 in the Design Series makes\n 550 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque with 0 to 100 km/h done in just 4.4 seconds.\nGALLERY"
"Chevrolet\u00a0will be having a sales event for their pre-registered Chevrolet Cruze 1.8L at the Puchong Showroom (next to Tesco Puchong) this weekend, from 29 to 30 November.\nEvent: Pre-registered Chevrolet Cruze Sales Event\n \nDate: 29 Nov \u2013 30 Nov 2014 (Saturday and Sunday)\n \nTime: 10.00am \u2013 7.00pm\n \nVenue: Chevrolet Puchong 3S Centre, P2 & P4 Jalan Bandar Tujuh Belas, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor. (Next to Tesco Puchong)\n \nPromo: Great savings, up to RM20,000.00\n1) Enjoy the same experience as owning a brand new Chevrolet: Showroom condition with low mileage.\n 2) Good condition: Vehicles have been thoroughly inspected by highly-trained Chevrolet technicians. Many colours available.\n 3) Ultimate warranty: Peace of mind with \n5 years or 200,000km\n warranty,\u00a0whichever comes first.\n 4) Limited units!\nMessage: Don\u2019t miss the chance of owning a Cruze from only \nRM83,000.00*\n. Nett selling price excludes insurance & road tax. Terms & conditions apply."
"Amazing cars piloted by amazing drivers doing amazing things \u2013 this probably tops our pick for the most exciting car video we\u2019ve seen this year as BMW really went all out on this.\nSet in the all-new \nF90 BMW M5\n, it drifted for a period of EIGHT HOURS (374 km done in over 200 laps) around a skid pad with Johan Schwartz behind the wheel \u2013 setting a \nnew world record \nfor the\n \u201cgreatest distance vehicle drift in eight hours\u201d\n.\nTo allow eight hours of continuous drifting, an older BMW M5 (F10) had to drift in tandem with the new car with a \u201crefueller\u201d suspended out of the rear window.\nA total of \nfive refuels\n were made and in the video, it\u2019s clear to see the risks involved when the vehicles nudged each other at mid-drift while the \u201crefueller\u201d sandwiched between the two cars.\nOnce the first world record was accomplished, the two vehicles set another Guinness World Record for the\n \u201clongest twin vehicle drift\u201d\n for a duration of one hour (79 km).\nCredit: \nBMW USA"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just teased their upcoming model launch on its official Facebook page. The silhouette points towards the facelifted Hyundai Tucson as told by the angular front end and trapezoidal grille.\nThe refreshed Tucson gets a sharper and more modern look with the new Cascading Grille, sharper bumper, full LED headlamps, sharper taillamps and restyled alloy wheel design. Inside, the cabin is largely unchanged save for some added feature such as Krell Premium Sound System, wireless charging tray, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as rear USB charging port. It remains to be seen whether HSDM will include all the new features when the car is available.   In other markets, the Tucson is offered with four powertrain options \u2013 183 hp 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel with, 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel with 114 hp or 131 hp, 174 hp 1.6-litre T-GDi and a 130 hp 1.6-litre GDi. Expect the Malaysian market to receive the same line up of powertrain which is the \n2.0-litre MPI\n, \n1.6-litre T-GDi\n and the \n2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel\n.\nThe biggest upgrade to the facelifted Tucson is the introduction of Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features that bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Speed Limit Indicator Function (SLIF), Hyundai\u2019s Surround View Monitor (SVM) 360-degree camera and High-Beam Assist. Expect HSDM to offer the full suite of Hyundai SmartSense on at least one variant of the Tucson to rival the \nHonda CR-V\n."
"The next generation of Volvo vehicles will run on the company\u2019s own operating system (OS) called VolvoCars.OS.\nThe new \nVolvoCars.OS will act as an umbrella system\n for electric Volvo cars. It incorporates the company\u2019s various operating systems across the car and the cloud, creating one coherent software OS environment. The underlying operating systems include Android Automotive OS, QNX, AUTOSAR and Linux.\nThrough a variety of application programming interfaces (APIs), including the previously announced Extended Vehicle API, the VolvoCars.OS gives developers access to in-car features such as vehicle sensor data, user interfaces and cloud-based features such as fleet data, subject to customer consent. This allows developers to create new services and applications for Volvo cars.\n\u201cBy developing software in-house we can boost development speeds and improve your Volvo faster than we can today,\u201d said Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer. The interior being featured here is from the \nVolvo Concept Recharge\n, more information can be found \nhere\n.\nApart from an improved infotainment system, find out what\u2019s new in the 2021 Volvo XC60 facelift here.\n\u201cJust like on your smartphone or computer, new software and features can be rolled out swiftly through over-the-air (OTA) updates, making your Volvo better and even more enjoyable over time,\u201d Green added.\nRather than various multiple electronic control units (ECU) around the vehicle that control specific individual features and systems, the VolvoCars.OS will also \noperate a core computing system\n in partnership with \nNVIDIA\n plus in-house developed software.\nVolvo Car Group was the first company to team up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built-in, and the \nfully-electric XC40 Recharge\n became the first Volvo car to carry the system.\nIn the \nnext generation Volvo models\n such as the \nall-new XC90\n that is due as early as next year, Volvo Cars and Google are building simple, easy to use interfaces with large, centralised touch screen with responsive interaction. Seamless connection with smartphones will also take precedence, with the device acting as a key to the electric vehicle and its ecosystem.\nFeatures such as finding and paying for charging and connecting to your home devices will be included, as well as popular remote features already appreciated today such as preheating and cooling.\nGALLERY"
"With its eyes set on the typical pickup trucks in the country, the 2023 \nPeugeot Landtrek\n has been launched in Malaysia, also making its debut in the ASEAN region. Sold in one variant only, the \u2018Allure\u2019, the Peugeot Landtrek fetches a price of \nRM120,072\n (OTR without insurance).\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nPerhaps the first time for most of us to witness a pickup truck by Peugeot, the brand has been making trucks as early as 1938. Pickup trucks all look almost similar and Peugeot Landtrek differentiates itself with the large brand emblem on the large grille and unique colour options.\nThe Peugeot Landtrek measures 5,331 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,877 mm in height. Its wheelbase measures 3,180 mm long and the truck has a ground clearance of 235 mm. The truck weighs a total of 2,095 kg.\nAs for its off-roading related dimensions, the Peugeot Landtrek has a wading depth of 600 mm, a 29\u00b0 approach angle, a 27\u00b0 departure angle, a 25\u00b0 break-over angle, a 42\u00b0 side slope angle, and an 80% hill climb angle.\nRELATED: \n2023 Peugeot 508 updated with new looks, but old engine tech\nExterior highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with signature illumination, auto front headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs), front fog lights, rear fog lights, keyless entry, chrome door handles, roof rails, and side steps. The truck gets disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the back. The front suspension is a double wishbone setup while the rear suspension is a leaf spring setup.\nThe colour line-up for the new Peugeot Landtrek includes Ceramic White, Silver Grey, Magnetic Blue, Red Rubi, Rockstone Grey, and the model\u2019s exclusive colour Olea Green, making a total of 6 colours available.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Peugeot 3008 and 5008 to debut in 2023 with 700 km range EV variant\nPowering the 2023 Peugeot Landtrek is a 1.9-litre 4-cylinder common rail turbodiesel engine that makes \n150 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n350 Nm\n at 1,800-2,800 rpm. The recommended fuel for the turbo diesel engine is Euro 4 and above.\nThe turbodiesel engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the car is equipped with a part-time 4WD system. The Peugeot Landtrek comes equipped with a mechanical rear differential lock.\nALSO WATCH: \nPeugeot 5008 \u2013 You pay for what you get, nothing more, nothing less!\nInside, the Peugeot Landtrek is equipped with a 10-inch head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone connectivity. It also gets a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Both front seats are power adjustable and the rear seats have a 60:40 split.\nSafety features of the Peugeot Landtrek include Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Descent Control, and Hill Start Assist.\nThe New Peugeot Landtrek comes with a standard\n 5-Years\n Manufacturer Warranty with a mileage limit of \n100,000km\n, whichever comes first.\nRELATED: \nGallery \u2013 Peugeot 2008 Allure, from RM133k \u2013 The French alternative\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has announced its sales report for the month of June 2023, in which it recorded 8,559 units of \nToyota\n and 110 units of \nLexus\n vehicles sold, for a combined total sales of 8,669 units. That figure translates to an 8.3% increase over \nMay 2023\n, with most of the rise stemming from the Toyota brand.\nWith the June figures accounted for, the company\u2019s year-to-date sales data now stands at 48,659 units as of June 2023, which represents a significant 6% increase compared to the same period last year (45,911 units).\nThe company did not provide a detailed breakdown on its per-model sales numbers, merely highlighting the \nlaunch of the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix in Malaysia\n in June. It\u2019s unlikely that the MPV contributed much to the sales increase, however, as it only made its local debut in the tail end of the month.\nIn line with \nUMW Toyota\u2019s multi-pathway strategy\n, the all-new 2023 \nToyota Innova Zenix \nis offered in both internal combustion engine- and hybrid-powered guises. The former features a new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four engine making \n174 hp \nand \n205 Nm\n, while the latter tacks on an additional electric motor for a total system output of \n186 hp\n.\nREAD MORE: \n2023 Toyota Innova Zenix: First model in Malaysia with TSS 3.0, what\u2019s new?\nThe Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV comes with two captain seats in the second row.\n\u201cAt UMW Toyota Motor, we strive to expand the boundaries of technology and revolutionize the mobility ecosystem,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. \u201cOur virtual launch of the all-new Toyota Zenix represents our relentless pursuit of new age innovations, as we continue to move people and enhance lifestyles.\u201d he added.\nA detailed breakdown of the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix can be found at our launch coverage, linked \nhere\n.\nAdditionally, the company also \nannounced the opening of the order books\n in Malaysia for the\n all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire\n, just two weeks after the luxury MPV duos made their global debut. The all-new \ntauke\n-mobile duo is estimated to be priced from \nRM538,000\n and \nRM438,000\n, for the Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge and Vellfire 2.5 respectively.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota\u2019s sim racing series returns for 2023 with new GR GT Cup name \u2013 RM90,500 prize pool"
"While \nTouch \u2018n Go\n payment facilities at parking lots do provide a great deal of convenience, which is especially helpful during the Covid-19 pandemic when we\u2019re all trying to minimize physical contact, many still choose to continue with ticket-and-cash payments due to the 10% surcharge imposed by the system.\nWell, those days are soon to be over. In an interview with \nThe Star\n, newly-minted Touch \u2018n Go CEO\u00a0Effendy Shahul Hamid told the publication that the surcharge for parking fees paid using Touch \u2018n Go cards will be removed \nby the end of Q1 2021\n.\n\u201cI\u2019m very happy to say that by the end of the first quarter, we\u2019ll take away all parking surcharges,\u201d said Effendy. \u201cIt requires innovation and some sacrifice on our side, but I think it\u2019s the right thing to do. Basically, we\u2019ve been able to convince our parking operator partners and ensure the surcharge is removed by the end of the first quarter.\u201d\nAccording to Effendy, the change is supposedly made in response to the customer feedback. \u201cCustomers are starting to give us feedback in terms of what are the things that we can do, and we\u2019re starting to engineer the company around that. Customers don\u2019t want the parking surcharge, we\u2019re listening to them.\u201d\nEffendy also said in the interview that the company is continuously working towards a zero-surcharge model for all Touch \u2018n Go top-ups. \u201cIt is work in progress. Today, some of our agents already do not impose any reload surcharge, like Watsons, Guardian, Caring Pharmacy, Giant and selected Petronas and \nShell stations\n, to name a few.\u201d\nHowever, in an effort to further reduce any forms of physical contact, Touch \u2018n Go will also be introducing a new card which can be recharged directly through the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet mobile app.\nCurrently, the only way to tie the physical cards to the eWallet is via the PayDirect function, which allows toll users to deduct payments directly from their eWallet balance instead. However, both the card and eWallet balances are not directly connected. In the event that the eWallet has insufficient funds, the payment will then be deducted from the card."
"Just in case you didn\u2019t know, \nTokyo Auto Salon \n(TAS) Kuala Lumpur\n 2023\n is currently being held at MITEC KL. At the event, \nNissan\n\u2019s\n official distributor in Malaysia, \nEdaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)\n is showcasing \u201cTokyo Auto Salon\u201d editions of the \nAlmera\n, \nSerena\n, \nX-Trail\n, and \nLeaf\n. These special edition cars are one-off units and they are for sale.\nThe TAS Edition treatments are essentially cosmetic upgrades but executed in a tasteful manner, mostly at least. The Nissan Almera TAS Edition features a dual-tone storm grey paint and black roof combo. The front grille trim is finished in gloss black and the front bumper gets a sporty lip.\nWearing 17-inch Nismo wheels with 215/45 profile tyres, the Almera TAS edition is finished with the Tomei aerokit, as well as a black GT wing. There is also a TAS Edition sticker purged on the tailgate, but at least they are subtle.\nTango door handle protectors are also present on the Almera TAS Edition out of the factory. Inside the limited edition Almera, you get a black Nappa leather interior and black leatherette dashboard together with red stitchings.\nHow much will this tasteful-looking one-off Nissan Almera hurt your wallet? The answer is \nRM105,888\n (OTR without insurance), which is exactly RM10,000 more than the range-topping Turbo VLT variant.\nREGULAR: \nNissan Almera facelift debuts in Thailand \u2013 Approx. RM5k price hike, new ADAS features\nThe Nissan Serena is also here, in the form of the TAS Edition. Finished in a dual-tone look, featuring black paint and a silver roof, the one-off special edition MPV is also dressed up with the J-Impul aerokit.\nNissan has fitted the Serena TAS Edition with 18-inch Impul wheels with 225/40 profile tyres, together with the TAS Edition stickers. Inside, the limited edition Serena features a dual-tone Impul burgundy and black Nappa leather interior, giving it a sporty vibe.\nJust like the Almera, the Serena TAS Edition gets Tango door handle protectors as well, to keep your door handles from being scratched. The Serena TAS Edition also costs RM10k more than the range-topping Serena Premium Highway Star, wearing a \nRM162,888\n price tag OTR without insurance.\nNissan\u2019s old fighter \u2013 the Nissan X-Trail has also received the TAS Edition treatment to keep it looking fresh. However, unlike the Almera and Serena, Nissan has chosen the mid-range 2.0L Mid variant for this limited edition unit, instead of the 2.5L 4WD variant.\nBut like the Serena, the one-off X-Trail gets dual-tone diamond black paint with a silver roof but gets the black Tomei aerokit instead. The front grille has also been blackened out, and the silver roof spoiler helps enhance the car\u2019s dynamic look.\n18-inch Nismo LMX6 wheels are fitted to the Japanese SUV, together with 235/55 tyres and Tango door handle protectors. Just in case the cosmetic upgrades aren\u2019t obvious enough, there are TAS Edition stickers around the car too.\nThe interior of the limited edition Nissan X-Trail is finished with a sea of maroon finishings. This includes the maroon Nappa leather interior, as well as the maroon leatherette dashboard and kneepads. Costs-wise, the X-Trail TAS Edition is offered at \nRM161,888\n, RM10k more than the regular 2.0L 2WD Mid variant.\nLast but not least, Nissan has chosen the Leaf EV to put on the TAS Edition kit. Featuring a dual-tone stealth grey paint and black roof combo, the Leaf has also been added with exclusive black and red body stickers, because who says you can\u2019t go sporty while saving the environment right?\nJust like its petrol-powered and hybrid siblings, there are also TAS Edition stickers around the EV to remind you of your purchase, and the Tango door handle protectors are here too. The Nissan Leaf is the only TAS Edition model to not feature any price hike (yay!), maintaining the \nRM168,888\n (OTR without insurance) price tag.\nWhat do you think of these TAS Edition Nissans? Share your thoughts below! And if you want to see these cars in the flesh, do head to MITEC KL for the Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023, which will be held from today, \nJune 9\n till Sunday, \nJune 11\n, \n2023\n.\nRELATED: \nNissan Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star 7-seater MPV from RM162k\nGALLERY"
"Let\u2019s face it. The only reason anyone above the age of 20 these days know about the \nSubaru\n brand is because at some point in their lives, a loud, sometimes irritably noisy \nWRX STI\n of yesteryear whizzes past them.\nEverything about the \nSTI\n, up till today, is loud. From the flared wheel arches and body panels to the golden rims, the exhaust note and the large \npicnic table\n rear spoiler; they are made specifically to be noticed.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru WRX\nSubaru WRX STI\nEngine\n1,998cc; turbocharged flat-4, Direct injection, DOHC\n2,457cc; turbocharged flat-4, port injection, DOHC\nTransmission\nLineartronic CVT\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n264 hp @ 5,600 rpm\n296 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 2,400 rpm\n407 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.3 seconds; 240 km/h\n5.2 seconds; 255 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwith\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM235,227.00\n \u00a0(with GST)\nRM276,042.90\n (with GST)\nThe WRX STI is not a car for everyone and anyone to have, hence why you don\u2019t see all that many on our roads. Cars in the past decade or two have advanced so much that it\u2019s forcing carmakers such as Subaru themselves to evolve, to make cars that can be driven by anyone other than hardcore stick shifting, heel-and-toeing enthusiasts.\nAnd because technology in cars have made so much progress, it\u2019s gradually chipping off the real driving purists as the days go by. Take Mitsubishi for example, and how they\u2019ve moved from making Subie-rivalling Lancer Evolutions to the family oriented and fuel sipping cars we see today. That\u2019s right, Mitsubishi has already shelved all plans of continuing the \nEvo\n breed, so that\u2019s the end of that chapter.\nCars aren\u2019t dying, no. They are thriving because of the world\u2019s volume-driven marketplace. So why should we bother making niche products like the WRX STI when the unforgiving world of consumerism has moved to idolising the likes of \nVolkswagen R\ns and \nMercedes AMG\ns? Don\u2019t get me wrong, they are both absolutely fantastic products in their own rights, but that\u2019s another story altogether.\nSo again, why bother, right? Let\u2019s put things into perspective. Comparatively, on paper, the \nGolf R\n is dwarfed when put next to the WRX STI. But because the former comes with all the niceties and daily driving conveniences Volkswagen has to offer, plus the fact that it\u2019s priced only about RM7,000 more than the STI and comes with a lightning quick dual clutch gearbox as opposed to the Japanese\u2019s six-speed manual, it somehow is the more sensible buy.\nThe Volkswagen Mk7 Golf R. Read our review \nhere\nIt\u2019s almost as if the WRX STI is in the midst of an existential crisis, like it exists only because it can, not because it should. That said, is there really no light at the end of the tunnel for this rally thoroughbred? We\u2019ll find out in just a bit.\nEXTERIOR\nThis time around, the WRX STI is only available in a \nfour-door sedan form\n and the reason for not conceiving a hatchback is because they lacked solid development resources. With that, they channelled all their focus to producing a new model worthy of succeeding and continuing the WRX STI nameplate. And boy have they done so.\nAt its world premiere, it was obvious that the WRX STI didn\u2019t stray too far off from its concept. In classic STI style, the front bumper gets an aggressive squared styling, this time featuring more chiselled lines than before. Then there\u2019s the gaping hexagonal grille housing the Subaru and STI badges, lower intake and hood scoop. A \nfunctional hood scoop\n, mind you.   Illumination source is through a pair of \nLED projector headlamps\n and fog lamps, while the C-shaped DRL strip is simply the LED positioning lamps. Underneath the enlarged fenders, you\u2019ll find a set of \n18-inch wheels\n wrapped with 245/40 series Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres. That makes for terrible road noise, but they provide insane amount of grip.\nTowards the back, there\u2019s that familiar look of the Version 10 sedan\u2019s, but there\u2019s no mistaking this for what it is. You get LED combination tail lamps, WRX STI\u2019s signature rear wing, shark fine antenna, more badges, a trim exclusive rear bumper with diffusers and quad tail pipes. In terms of improvements, the exterior is a major leap forwards. That, we dig. A lot.\nINTERIOR\nStep inside and you\u2019ll be quick to realise how quickly the cabin ages. Subaru could have at least given the dashboard (and the air cond vents for that matter) a little bit more styling finesse. I mean, when the outside looks that good, why not spend that bit more time crafting the interior?   Naysayers will argue that real driving enthusiasts care less about form and more about function. But truth is, if I were to dump some odd RM280k on a car that I would appreciate driving more than just staring at it parked at a random valet lot, I\u2019d prefer having a nicer cabin. Let\u2019s not even get started talking about the materials used and build quality.\nOn the lighter scale of things, the interior is more spacious and expensive-looking than before, and you also get a nice leather mixed Alcantara seats. The leather wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel may look like there\u2019s a lot going on, but the switches are quick to get used to. It turns quicker (meaning more responsive) than the WRX too, requiring just \n2.5 turns lock-to-lock\n compared to 2.8.\nThere\u2019s a lot of \nfaux carbon fibre inserts\n round the cabin, but that does nothing more than keeping you right in the zone. An additional \n25mm growth in wheelbase\n directly translates to \nbetter rear legroom\n space. Favouring the sedan form means swinging practicality right back to the STI, and this is where you get to brag about having a sports car with \n460 litres of boot space\n. If that wasn\u2019t enough, the seats do fold completely flat, so haul away.\nOther user convenience features include dual-zone auto air conditioning, \npush-start button\n, passive cruise control, \nreverse camera\n and a 4.3-inch coloured multifunction display built atop the dashboard. This screen is navigated via a \n4-way rocker switch\n between the centre air vents and \ndisplays turbo boost\n, drivetrain operation, fuel consumption, air-cond temp and time.\nPERFORMANCE\nPop the hood and long-time Subie fans will instantly recognise the horizontally-opposed block. Instead of chucking in a brand new mill, Subaru chose to carry over the same \nturbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four\n engine. Hey, if it ain\u2019t broken, don\u2019t fix it, right? Now here is where the debate heats up.\nThe engine, in essence, has nothing new at all save for a very slight bump of 5 horsepower and a \nbrand new ECU\n. It\u2019s got a compression ratio only people in the 80\u2019s will sing praise of \u2013 8.2:1, and relies on \n14.7 psi of boost\u00a0\nto draw all its grunt. And that\u2019s not all. There\u2019s \nno direct injection\n, meaning you\u2019ll be burning more cash refuelling this thing than changing its tyres after a full day at the track.\nThat said, it makes \n296 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n407 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm, rightfully paired to the \nclose-ratio six-speed manual\n transmission that sends power to all four wheels through Subaru\u2019s \nSymmetrical AWD\u00a0\nsystem.\nAs a result, the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.2 seconds\n, though it could easily do better with aftermarket mods. Nobody leaves their STIs stock after all, right? Top speed is \n255 km/h\n, and the automaker suggests that the STI consumes just \n10.4 litres of fuel per 100 km\n travelled. Yeah.\nIn contrast, the cheaper WRX runs on a \nnew 2.0-litre FA20F engine\n that makes just 32 hp less, producing \n264 hp\n at 5,600 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque at 2,400 rpm thanks to a turbocharger. This engine is more advanced, having a compression ratio of 10.6:1 and features \ndirect injection\n. The only downside here is there\u2019s no manual gearbox, so buyers will have to settle for the \nLineartronic CVT\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nWe recently \nreviewed the Golf R\n and spewed many wonderful things about how it should be THE fast car to get for the money. Knowing that the WRX STI is next in line, we weren\u2019t sure if it could match up to the prodigious breed that is the R. We expected nothing much, but that mentality simply paved the way for it to tug every heartstring of this writer.\nFor the most part, this is one STI that obliterates the word understeer with fair ease. It\u2019s more than happy to nail any corners you throw at it and won\u2019t go wide when you floor the throttle immediately after. There\u2019s so much grip \u2013 and man, the \nshort-stroke 2.5-litre mill\n feels most alive from \n3,500 rpm\n. Climb slightly upwards and you will be sold. Never mind the antiquated boxer engine because once you hit 4,000 rpm, your vision blurs and before you know it, the \nrev limiter\n calls on you to upshift.\nThe \nhydraulically assisted steering wheel\n is perfectly weighted and reacts instantly to every change of input. Driving position is also pretty darn close to perfection. As much as it is an instrument of hoon, the STI is remarkably forgiving as well. I say that because the STI, even without load, appears to sit very closely to the ground. Drive it however you want over any grade of tarmac; the front bumper will never scrape the road. Ever.\nThis newfound agility is courtesy of a \nnew chassis and suspension\n that is \nmuch stiffer\n than before. Add Subaru\u2019s world renowned Symmetrical AWD system into the mix and you\u2019ll realise the wonders that they do in tandem. For starters, the system uses a combination of \ntwo centre differentials\n (electronic and mechanical, mated to a third planetary gear-type diff) that defaults to a \nrear-biased 41:59 torque split\n, but can continuously vary to an even 50:50 split.\nThen, a helical-gear at the front axle will split this power to both wheels while an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (Torsen torque-sensing) manages the two rear wheels. Icing the cake is Subaru\u2019s new Active Torque Vectoring software that utilises bias braking to readily send more torque to either the left or the right wheel when cornering. In short, the WRX STI hates understeer. That\u2019s why there\u2019s five differentials at play.\nLike the WRX, the WRX STI also comes with \nSI-Drive\n, operated via a dial just next to the parking brake. This gives you \nthree driving modes\n; \nIntelligent\n \u2013 for the laid back daily drives, \nSport\n \u2013 the default mode for sporty drives and \nSport Sharp (S#)\n which grants you the \nsharpest throttle response\n regardless of engine speed. \u00a0To be frank, even in Intelligent mode, the car screams a ton of fun, but Sport mode hits right in the sweet spot.\nNotice the +/- rocker switch that says \nC.Diff\n? That\u2019s the Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) with three settings; Auto [+] for increased traction on slippery roads, Auto for daily driving and Auto [-] for quicker steering response. Tip: just leave it in Auto, but when you hit the track, drop it to Auto [-] and you\u2019re good to go.\nSure, it handles great and is nimble around the corners, sprints to 100 km/h two tenths of a second slower than the Golf R (still fast by any measure) and is \nintoxicatingly fun to drive\n. But how do the stock brakes perform? Pretty much up to par, really. The \n4-pot Brembos\n at the front and \n2-pots at the rear\n bite rather firmly and are confidence-inspiring. The \naluminium pedals\n are also well spaced, making heel-and-toe downshifts a breezy task.\nUnlike most sports cars out there, the WRX STI doesn\u2019t come with adaptive suspension. \nIt\u2019s super stiff\n, resulting in a very go-karty ride on undulating surfaces (go-karts have no suspension arms, as goes without saying). In spite of all the on-board user customisation features, this is one part you don\u2019t get to tinker with.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nThe WRX STI is quite possibly more car than one can handle. Unless you\u2019re a regular at the track or have always been the STI-or-nothing kinda guy, then this may well just be a passing thought. However, we\u2019d strongly recommend giving the WRX a shot. It\u2019s priced lower, you pay less for fuel and road tax; there\u2019s a new direct injected engine and comes with an efficient CVT gearbox. If you\u2019re a Subaru virgin, the WRX is certainly a good place to start.\nSo is the STI the car for you? At RM276k, options are aplenty \u2013 BMW 328i, MINI JCW Cooper S, VW Golf R. you get the point. They are all great cars and are even better daily drivers. Sure, they\u2019ll have the larger piece of the pie. But the STI; it\u2019s the ultimate car for purists to happily drain their full tank of V Power Racing empty, only to repeat the cycle time and again until the next service is due. It\u2019s the perfect machine to go ferociously fast while thumping up the six-speed box; the authentic adrenaline racing through the veins when driving one part of World Rally\u2019s most celebrated cars.\nCOMPARISONS\nWe\u2019ve picked three cars to pit against the STI; \nRenault Megane\n, \nFord Focus ST\n and the \nGolf R\n, all of which are cars built for speed.\nSubaru WRX STI\nRenault Megane RS 260 Sport\nFord Focus ST\nVolkswagen Golf R\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder (flat) petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n2,457\n1,998\n1,999\n1,984\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n296/6,000\n265/5,500\n250/5,500\n277/5,700\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n407/4,000\n360/3,800\n340/1,750\n380/1,750\nSTEERING\nType\nHydraulic Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n6-speed manual\n6-speed manual\n6-speed DSG auto\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront / Rear\nMacPherson strut / Double Wishbones\nMacPherson strut / Torsion Beam\nMacPherson strut / Multi-link\nMacPherson strut / Multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc (Brembo 4-pot)\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nVentilated disc (Brembo 2-pot)\nSolid disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n245/40 R18\n235/40 R18\n235/40 R18\n235/35 R19\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,595\n4,299\n4,362\n4,276\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,795\n1,848\n1,824\n1,799\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,475\n\u2013\n1,484\n1,436\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,650\n2,636\n2,648\n2,630\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,516\n1,374\n1,362\n1,495\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n460\n344\n316\n380\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n60 litres\n60 litres\n55 litres\n55 litres\nConsumption\n10.4 L/100 km\n8.2 L/100 km\n7.2 L/100 km\n6.9 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n255\n250\n248\n250\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n5.2\n6.0\n6.5\n5.0\nPRICE (without insurance)\nRM\n271,387.00\n199,999.00\n203,359.00\n293,060.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nBy now, you would have realised that the benchmarks I\u2019ve drawn against the STI is of the Golf R\u2019s. To pick either one would have me cracking my head for weeks, if not months, on which is the more rewarding car to have in the long run. My choice was initially very much skewed towards the German after a thoroughly pleasant drive, then came the STI and jumbled it all up in the air. But all things considered, the time for me to give the WRX STI the green light is still to come.\nI stand by my case that unless the STI gets the belated powertrain upgrade it deserves, my club swings in favour of the Golf. \nMitsubishi\n, if you\u2019re reading this, we plead of the Lancer Evo\u2019s revival.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nNissan Z\n is already a bit of a unicorn here in our parts of our worlds, but prepare to drool over it even more because the Japanese carmaker has confirmed that a hotter Nismo Z edition will be coming soon. that is, if you\u2019re not one of those \u201centhusiast\u201d snobs.\n \nEagle-eyed fans immediately noticed that the prototype car in Nissan\u2019s teaser video featured two flappy paddles behind the steering wheel, but most shrugged it off as just a prototype \u2013 surely a performance-focused model will also at least offer a manual gear box option, given that the standard car already has one?\nA leaked order guide on the\n New Nissan Z \nforums have, however, seemingly confirmed that the new performance-focused model will not come with a manual gearbox, instead relying on the nine-speed torque-converter automatic from the standard Z car to switch ratios.\nRELATED: \n2024 Nissan GT-R facelift unveiled in Japan \u2013 Nismo Special Edition and T-spec\nFlappy paddles and two pedals.\nIt\u2019s disappointing, for sure, but the Nismo Z\u2019s (rumoured) more powerful engine might also just be its own achilles\u2019 heel. See, the Nissan Z might look all new and fancy, but the platform it\u2019s built on actually dates back to the \n370Z\n from 2008. As such, the gearbox selection might have been hamstrung by the platform\u2019s physical dimensions, and the old six-speed manual likely can\u2019t handle the rumoured extra torque output.\nWell, that\u2019s our theory at least. Nissan could have opted for the automatic because it\u2019s just plainly faster, and on a more track-focused performance model, that does at least make some sense.\nREAD MORE: \nThe 2022 Nissan Z continues with \u201cFairlady\u201d name but only in Japan\nNissan hasn\u2019t provided any official technical information just yet, but based on what\u2019s shown in the teaser video, we do know that it\u2019ll still feature the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine underneath the bonnet. A more performance-focused suspension tuning is also likely, given its track-ready credentials.\nOtherwise, expect the usual visual overhaul, including the red Nismo accents, elaborate body kit, new wraparound ducktail spoiler, new wheels with sticky tyres, and \u2013 surprisingly \u2013 a new wider grille that replaces the square design that Nissan talked so much about. Inside, the Nismo Z also appears to now feature red Alcantara-wrapped bucket seats, a new red push-start button, alongside multiple Nismo branding all around.\nThe Nissan Nismo Z is scheduled to be unveiled this summer.\nGALLERY"
"Following an\n early preview\n of the \u201cR-Line Trinity\u201d at the VW Tour roadshow in August, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today officially launched the 2020 Passat R-Line here in Malaysia, with prices starting at \nRM203,411\n inclusive of the\n sales tax exemptions\n \u2013 applicable until the end of 2020.\nThe R-Line treatment on the exterior of the Volkswagen Passat include the more aggressively-styled front bumper with larger air intakes and foglamps surrounds at the corners, a variant-exclusive rear bumper with quad \u201ctailpipes exit\u201d mouldings, lower side skirts, a strip of chrome lining surrounding the entire car at the bottom, customary R-Line badges on the grille and front fender, as well as a set of larger, 19-inch \u201cVerona\u201d wheels on all four corners.\nOn the inside, the 2020 Passat R-Line gets sportier variant-exclusive trims, including a thicker flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium sport pedals, black rooflining, carbon fibre-like dashboard trims, and Nappa \u201ccarbon-style\u201d black leather seats.\nOtherwise, the cabin equipment list pretty much mirrors that of the Passat Elegance, which includes as standard the 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster display, 9.2-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, tri-zone automatic climate control, as well as 14-way power adjustable front seats with memory and massage function for the driver.\nAlso unchanged from the Volkswagen Passat Elegance is the powerplant under the hood, which is a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque, paired to a new wet-clutch DSG dual-clutch gearbox to send power to the front wheels \u2013 unfortunately no 4Motion all-wheel drive here.\nNo performance figures were provided for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line, though the company says that the sportier D-segment sedan achieves a fuel consumption figure of 6.5 l/100 km \u2013 which is unsurprisingly identical to the Passat Elegance.\nWhile the powertrain is exactly the same as the Elegance, the sportier R-Line variant does get some electronic and mechanical upgrades for a sportier driving experience. These include the \nDynamic Chassis Control (DCC)\n\u00a0driving mode selector with up to 15 selectable increments for for different engine, throttle, and steering response, as well as\u00a0\nElectronic Differential Lock (XDS)\n\u00a0to help control understeer.\nSafety equipment is also identical to the Passat Elegance, which includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The Volkswagen Passat R-Line does not come equipped with autonomous emergency braking and other advance driver assistance features.\nOnce again, the locally-assembled 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line is priced at \nRM203,411\n in Malaysia,\u00a0inclusive of the full sales and service tax exemption valid until December 31, which slots it nicely in between the \nPassat Elegance\n and \nArteon R-Line.\n Included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, a three-year free service package and five years of free roadside assistance.\nThe Passat R-Line will be offered in six exterior colour choices: Aquamarine Blue Metallic, Tamarind Brown Metallic, Manganese Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic; Deep Black Pearl, and Oryx White Pearl.\nGALLERY"
"Following Volkswagen Group\u2019s dieselgate scandal, it seems that other Deutsch giants are stepping up their game into overdrive. What better place to start than with BMW, who\u2019ve just announced this week that they will be revamping the company\u2019s British engine manufacturing arm, Hams Hall located in the north of Warwickshire, UK.\nOriginally opened in \n2001\n with an initial investment figure of over\n\u00a0\u00a3400 million\n (RM2.54 billion), the plant\u2019s primary mission was the \nmanufacturing\n of\n engine components\n such as \ncrankshafts\n, \ncylinder heads\n and \ncylinder blocks\n. The factory churned out parts for \nBMW\n and \nMini\n models that would go on to power countless cars around the globe. Fourteen years since then, BMW decided that it was about time to give the old girl a makeover.\nThe makeover in question here is in line with Bimmer\u2019s new direction relative to powertrains. Gone are the sweet, smooth purring straight-six free breathers that once powered the bulk of Bimmers of old. The \u201c\nGreen Movement\n\u201d or whatever eco-mentalists choose to label it these days has seen giants like BMW move from big-bore sixers to tiny little turbocharged four potters for the sole reason of better\n carbon dioxide emissions \nand \nfuel efficiency\n. And what pray tell is the cost of \u2018keeping up with the times?\u2019 BMW has just stroked a cheque to the tune of a whooping\u00a0\n\u00a3750 million \nor\n RM4.7 billion\n!\nAs the headline suggests, the factory will be churning out engines and components\u00a0of the new \nthree\n and \nfour-cylinder\n engines which is already being ramped up on brand-new production lines, and over\n one million components\n will be machined at the plant for the first time this year as supply extends to other plants in the Group. The plant will be responsible for producing engines for Mini\u2019s new \nClubman\n, the all-new \nG11 7-Series\n\u00a0and Bimmer\u2019s very own\n i8\n plug-in hybrid sports car. In addition to that, the plant will also be casting the latest-gen\n twin-turbo straight six\n\u00a0(same one that powers the \nnew M2\n) engines too.\nOverall, the new \nEfficient Dynamics\n engine family includes both petrol and diesel flavours, all employing \nTwinPower Turbo\n technology and ranging from\n 1.5-litres\n to\n 3.0-litres\n. With different power ratings, the engines can be adapted to a variety of models across the stable. \nCommonality\n between the engines makes it possible to be extremely flexible in achieving significant efficiencies at high production volumes, as well as being able to produce additional special versions of the engines at relatively small volumes (and cost) across the network of engine plants.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over in Thailand, the \nNissan Almera\n has been given a facelift, finally catching up to the look of the current Nissan Versa, its US counterpart. Mainly exhibiting a different design on the front end, the facelifted Almera in Thailand also adds new ADAS features. The facelift also introduces a 24,000 THB to 44,000 THB (approx. \nRM3,174\n to \nRM5,819\n) price hike across the range.\nUp front, the Nissan Almera facelift receives a new front grille design with the latest \u201cV-motion\u201d look. Another update at the front end are the headlights which now get a High Beam Assist (HBA) system. With the rest of the exterior remaining largely the same, the Almera facelift in Thailand introduces two new body colours \u2013 Milk Gray and Gray Sky Pearl. The Monarch Orange body colour has been dropped.\nPowering the Nissan Almera facelift is still the same 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. Like the Almera that we get in Malaysia, the Thai-spec Nissan Almera\u2019s 3-cylinder engine outputs \n100 hp\n (metric) and \n152 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is Nissan\u2019s Xtronic CVT, sending power to the front wheels only. The wheels and tyres have been carried over from the pre-facelift version.\nInside, changes to the Nissan Almera facelift include a new interior colour, mainly on the dashboard and door trims. Previously a cream colour, the trims are now in Dark Blue (for the V and VL variants only). Nissan has also changed the steering wheel leather to a softer version and changed the rearview mirror to a frameless type. As for convenience, the Nissan Almera facelift introduces a wireless phone charger located at the front section of the centre console.\nRELATED: \nNissan Almera Turbo in Malaysia now comes with free Tomei aero kit and tint, worth RM8k!\nIn the safety department, the Nissan Almera facelift now comes with High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). However, these new safety features are only available in the range-topping VL variant.\nIn Malaysia, the Nissan Almera has yet to receive a significant update since its launch in 2020. With the car updated in Thailand, a necessary update (and a price hike) may be coming soon to the Nissan Almera in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \n2023 Nissan Leaf launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM169k, RM1.8k per month subscription plan\nGALLERY"
"Time flies, doesn\u2019t it? It\u2019s already been two years since \nTravis Pastrana took over the Hoonigan Gymkhana video series\n from Ken Block, and in that two years, he\u2019s now already published two separate Gymkhana videos. But this latest one is perhaps his best yet, and arguably even one of the top ones in the entire series, because he\u2019s brought silly fun back to Gymkhana again.\nYes, Gymkhana is about the hilariously powerful cars doing slidey things past the tyres\u2019 limit of adhesion, but it\u2019s also just as much about the silly stunts. Think about what you remember the most from past Gymkhana videos \u2013 if you\u2019re like us, it\u2019s probably the donuts around a Segway, the drift across the front of a moving train, the wrecking ball, and that insane jump on San Francisco streets.\nThe good news is the latest Gymkhana has them all, and perhaps even taken things to a whole new level.\n \nAs always, the Gymkhana cars are always a bit special. For the 2022 instalment, Travis Pastrana opted for a custom-built Subaru GL Wagon known as \u201cThe Family Huckster\u201d, that rides on a bespoke tube frame.\nThe original flat-four engine from the second-generation GL wagon obviously won\u2019t cut it here, so it\u2019s inherited the custom 2.3-litre turbocharged boxer engine and from the \nprevious Gymkhana machine\n, which makes a whopping \n862 hp\n.\nAll-wheel drive is expected, but what\u2019s special are all of the active-aero bits that the team has tacked onto the car, including fins and spoilers that automatically deploy under heavy braking to act as air brakes.\nWithout giving too much away, the new Gymkhana 2022 has most definitely upped the ante in terms of stunts. Expect sparks, huge air time, massive tyre smoke clouds, and even a fighter jet and a helicopter.\nIt\u2019s so extreme that Travis Pastrana even broke his back and pelvis while filming (not from driving), but fortunately he\u2019s already fully recovered. Be sure to stay for the post-credit scenes to find out why.\nREAD MORE: \nKen Block is selling his \u201cdream car\u201d collection, including two Gymkhana Ford Fiestas"
"Yesterday\u2019s announcement of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) has bought up many familiar as well as new themes especially regarding the country gearing towards a sustainable environment. In the 12MP, the government will prioritise low-carbon, clean and resilient development that touches many aspects of our beloved automobiles.\nWhile the government acknowledges the fact that citizens are still heavily reliant on private vehicles, even in greater Klang Valley when the majority of the new mass rapid transit systems are built, there are plans to further encourage the production of green vehicles.\nUMW Toyota is investing RM270 million to produce hybrid models in Klang, with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid its first model.\nIn the 12MP, incentives provided to local manufacturers to produce vehicles emitting low greenhouse gas, such as \nhybrids\n, \nplug-in hybrids (PHEV)\n as well as fully-electric vehicles (EV) will be reviewed. The purchase of low emission vehicles by end-users will also be reviewed and given incentives to further accelerate the usage of low emission vehicles.\nThere is a new automaker planning to set up an assembly plant in Malaysia. It has been announced that Porsche will start CKD as soon as next year!\nOne surprising mention in the 12MP is the mandatory requirement of the inclusion of energy-efficient driving techniques into \ndriving licence\n and permit applications. Nothing has been elaborated as of now.\nThe transportation and \nlogistics industry\n are also encouraged to switch to greener means, such as usage of rail freight as well as the development of a carbon impact assessment for the sector. The 12MP also proposes the introduction of carbon pricing, such as carbon tax and the Emission Trading Scheme.\nDeliveries of the fully-electric BMW iX only begin next year, but there is already a queue forming! Find out why here!\nThe goal is for Malaysia to achieve carbon-neutrality by as early as 2050, with long-term low carbon development strategies being planned plus the enactment of a comprehensive National Energy Policy. One such large-scale directive is the end of building new coal-fired power plants in Malaysia and replaced by plants that consume natural gas."
"Following the reveal of \nTT Coupe\n back in March, Audi now introduces the topless version of the TT in two variants, \nTT Roadster\n and TTS Roadster. Essentially a TT Coupe with the roof chopped off, the TT Roadster sits on the VW Group\u2019s infamous MQB platform. Since it\u2019s based on the TT Coupe, the TT Roadster inherits the Coupe\u2019s good looks.\nEverything bar the roof is similar to the Coupe. The front features the same singleframe grille and sharp headlamps with trademark daytime running LED pattern. \nFull-LED headlamps\n are optional, while the new\n Matrix LED headlamps\n will be available shortly after the official launch. The\n LED taillamps\n are standard fitment, as well as a \npop-up rear spoiler\n that retracts from the boot lid from 120 km/h onwards.\nThe \nconvertible fabric top\n operates automatically, opens and closes in just\n 10 seconds\n at speeds\n up to 50 km/h\n. When the top is down, it folds into its own aluminium tray so it doesn\u2019t intrude into the \n280-litre bootspace\n. Available in a choice of black, titanium gray, and jive, the top weighs 3 kg lighter than the one on the previous TT Roadster.\nExtra strengthening have been put into the TT Roadster\u2019s body which includes a solid steel tube in the A-pillar, steel ribbing in the aluminium sills, and V-shaped steel struts below the engine compartment. There\u2019s also a couple of steel roll-over bars behind each occupant\u2019s head.\nUnlike the TT Coupe that sits four, the TT Roadster only accommodates two on board, featuring the smart interior found on the TT Coupe. The interior theme is aviation-inspired, instrument panel that\u2019s claimed to resemble the wing of an airplane, and the jet engine round air vents that incorporates the aircond controls. The driver can choose from Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, and Individual mode from the \nAudi drive select\n which alters the characteristics of the engine, steering, dampers and gearbox.\nThe are two variants offered, TT Roadster and TTS Roadster. The\n TTS Roadster\n only comes in a single engine option, the \n2.0 TFSI\n producing \n310 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque, and it only comes with \nquattro all-wheel drive system\n. The \nTT Roadster\n is also powered by a\n 2.0 TFSI\n but with lower output at \n230 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque.\nA \n2.0 TDI ultra\n diesel producing\n 184 hp\n and\n 380 Nm\n of torque is also available in the TT Roadster. All variants are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, while the 6-speed S tronic transmission can only be had with the petrol TT Roadsters. Fuel consumption range from 4.5 \u2013 4.3 l/100 km for the TT Roadster 2.0 TDI ultra, 6.8 \u2013 6.0 l/100 km for the TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI, and 7.5 \u2013 6.9 l/100 km for the TTS Roadster 2.0 TFSI.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When queried at the recent media preview as to how the brand image of Proton can be improved, Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong\u2019s reply was unequivocal \u2013 the product would have to speak for itself. A few days prior to the Proton X70\u2019s unmasking (the tease isn\u2019t over yet), we were at a test track some 4,000km away on the outskirts of Beijing trialling no less than 11 home-grown passenger vehicles, and one of them was none other than the Geely Boyue, the Proton X70\u2019s Chinese twin.\nOf course, this report is by no means a definitive account of how the Proton X70 would behave on our roads; test tracks tend to have smooth surfaces which are quite different from public roads, though the one we would drive the Boyue on was saturated from a morning shower. The dynamic exercises comprised of a slalom, a full-bore stop from around 90km/h and a string of tight corners. The X70 also underwent said a conversion from left-hand drive and according to Proton, its own flavour of chassis tuning to suit local conditions. Nevertheless, we expect its characteristics to be largely similar to the Boyue you see here.\nThere\u2019s no need to copy when you have Peter Horbury to design your cars.\nMuch more than funny-sounding names\nIt\u2019s easy to be a sceptic for there isn\u2019t much of a track record for Chinese auto brands in Malaysia to speak of, but to dismiss them for their lack of achievement thus far would be foolhardy. Look at where Huawei and Xiaomi stand today, so much has changed in China, so quickly. For context, Geely is the fastest growing auto brand in China and is currently ranked second in overall market share (6.24%) after posting strong sales in the first seven months of 2018. The brand from Hangzhou is only behind long-time powerhouse Volkswagen (13.42%) but has since nudged ahead of Honda (5.79%), Toyota (5.51%) and Nissan (4.63%).\nSince its launch in March 2016, the Boyue has chalked up close to 600,000 units in total sales (till July 2018), which works out to around 20,000 units a month. It is Geely\u2019s most popular model in its 38-car line-up and the fourth best-selling SUV in China currently, with only the Haval H6, Baojun 510 (a smaller, lower-priced alternative) and Volkswagen Tiguan ahead of it.\nGeely is now the leading Chinese brand in China, second overall to Volkswagen.\nOriginal exterior design, premium interior\nEver since the Boyue was revealed as the next new Proton model, the response among Malaysians been largely positive but also one of curiosity. Styling preference is subjective of course, but the Boyue, penned by former Volvo design head Peter Horbury does look original and tidy, with its raked window and shoulder lines and blacked out C-pillars the standout styling cues. By adopting the facelifted 2018 edition of the Boyue that shows off more intricate detailing, especially on the bumpers, you could say that Proton\u2019s first SUV is starting life on the front foot.\nBoyue cabin feels as good as it looks.\nIf the exterior doesn\u2019t grab your attention, the interior most likely would, and it serves as a shot across the bow to its competitors. In the limited time spent with the Boyue, I can\u2019t recall coming in contact which any part of the cabin that felt compromised by costs. The dashboard is made large swatches of soft touch materials along with a wide expanse of faux brushed aluminium that looks convincing and pleasing to the eye. Switchgear and buttons are of the matte textured variety and they feel tactile and clicky. This level of quality seems like an overkill, yet it is what car buyers in China expect these days.\nThe equipment on display on our test unit is impressive too; fully digital instrument cluster along with an eight-inch 720p infotainment touch screen, electronic park brake with auto hold function, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats with Nappa cowhide (also found on the flat-bottom steering) and 360-view reverse camera. We found out later on that the Boyue sampled wasn\u2019t even the most expensive variant but it was already equipped with lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control and blind spot warning, to name but a few active safety features. Surely then there has to be something amiss with the Boyue\u2019s interior packaging.only that there isn\u2019t. Legroom is generous on a floor that\u2019s nearly flat, there are large air-con vents and the spacious trunk is free from intrusions. We are getting serious here.   Behind the wheel of the Boyue\nA slalom course can sometimes make or break a car, or in our case, a tallish SUV. Expectations weren\u2019t high admittedly but the Boyue surprised us by ducking between the cones with ease, the underlining behaviour being one of predictability which is then manifested in marked increases in confidence and speed after each run. No, it probably won\u2019t outpace a VW Tiguan or even a Mazda CX-5 in this discipline, but the Boyue\u2019s inherent stability means that the electronic nannies were rarely called into action to keep the vehicle on the intended path, something which can\u2019t be said for other Chinese-branded SUVs tested on the day.\nThe Boyue keeps roll in check and inspires confidence through the slalom course.\nIt wouldn\u2019t come as a surprise if Volvo engineers had lent a hand in maximising the potential of the fully-independent front strut and rear multilink set up, the Boyue offering good resistance to body roll once past the initial degree of suspension compliance. The steering, an electrical powered unit, maintained good directional response even when subjected to heavy lateral loads, and never washed out as some other cars did in the test. The results were once again surprising.\nNext up was the braking test which necessitated accelerating from idle to around 80km/h to 90km/h before executing a full-bore stop. The Boyue \u2013 powered by a 183hp/285Nm 1.8-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic of Aisin origins (we think) driving its front wheels \u2013 felt a little soft off the line considering the amount of torque it had on paper, possibly hampered by its near 1690kg kerb weight even if the acceleration was smooth and linear.\nWhat the braking runs did confirm was that the engine and transmission remained civil when a turn of speed was required. Even though there wasn\u2019t a Honda CR-V or a Mazda CX-5 to benchmark against, the Boyue is easily class competitive when it comes to powertrain refinement. Meshing the brake pedal and coming to a reassuringly undramatic stop thereafter further reaffirmed what the Boyue managed at the slalom \u2013 that the suspension is properly sorted.\nRide comfort will have to be assessed some other time on public roads, though that didn\u2019t stop us from running the Boyue over gnarly chicanes on the way back to the pits. Again, the Geely SUV showed composure with an unfussy ride over the rumble strips. If Proton have further fine-tuned the dynamics of the Boyue to take on Malaysian roads, then good times lie ahead for the X70.\nCompetition makes better cars\nWhen you consider that foreign brands make up for more than 50% of passenger car sales in China (over 24 million units last year) and that the biggest market in the world usually gets the best products earlier than other regions, it shouldn\u2019t come as a shock that the Boyue turned out to be this competitive. Geely has had no choice but to compete (and is winning), it\u2019s just that the rest of the world is largely unaware of the giant strides made by the leading Chinese auto manufacturer. Well, it won\u2019t be the case anymore as the Boyue\u2019s near identical twin, the Proton X70, is unleashed upon Malaysians. Prepare to be surprised.\nThe Proton X70 already has a lot going for it in the shape of the Boyue.\nGeely Boyue 1.8TD\nPrice\n: RMB 151,800\u00a0\nEngine\n: 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cyl, FWD\u00a0\nOutput\n: 183hp / 285Nm\u00a0\nTransmission\n: 6-speed automatic\u00a0\nPerformance\n: 0-100km/h in 10.0 (est.); top speed 195km/h\u00a0\nWheels/tyres\n: 225/55 R19 (F&R)\u00a0\nSafety\n: 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, BSW, LDW.\n(This author was invited by Xingyuan Automotive Information Technology Co. or Xingyuan Auto as part of the Belt & Road Car Media Union to sample a range of vehicles manufactured by Chinese auto manufacturers.)"
"Volvo to many people is probably one of the most sedate brands they can think of when it comes to a car buying paradigm \u2013 my dad had one for that matter. It was understated when it comes to looks with a bit of punch under the hood to not make it completely inadequate. The official mode of transportation for geography teachers and architects who chose not go down the SAAB route has been on a very steep evolutionary transformation in recent months and years.\nThe brand has taken on a sudden \ncool factor\n all on its own and just recently, Volvo \nbought over Scandinavian tuning nutters Polestar\n, whom have been on an amazing trajectory with their involvement in the \nAussie V8 Supercar series\n and a growing range of \nsouped\n up road-going examples with the newest possibility being a cool blue\n XC90\n Polestar based on the company\u2019s all-new flagship SUV. We have to admit,\u00a0it\u00a0looks absolutely brilliant.   Now, there\u2019s a couple of possible scenarios when it comes to its powertrain. The 2.0-litre \nDrive-E \nunit from the \nXC60\n will pair a \nturbocharger\n and \nsupercharger\n, along with an \neight-speed\n automatic transmission, to become \u201cas strong or even stronger\u201d than the 3.0-litre straight sixer from the \nS60\n Polestar, says Polestar CEO\u00a0\nNiels M\u00f6ller\n. That translates to at least \n350\n horsepower.\u00a0No matter how you look at it, Polestar will get hold of it and soup it right up the measurements to \ncompete\n with the likes of \nBimmer\u2019s X5 M\n, \nJaguar\u2019s F-PACE\n and possibly \nMercedes-AMG GLE 63\n.\nIn terms of looks, the previous model was so badly outdated that the Druids probably used it to get around. This new one however, brings an all-new \nfresh\n-faced Scandinavian dimension to the battle of the SUVs whom, as of late, have grown to become more \nangular\n and \nmasculine\n. That trend is due solely to the fact that we love driving around in\n gutsy city cruisers\n. Volvo reckons that this brutish cruiser should be able to get some \ntrack-time\n under its belt.   Seeing that nothing is set in stone and given the enormous potential Polestar has in \nweaponising\n Volvo\u2019s range of cars to compete with the performance offerings from Europe, the sky is the limit. But from where we stand, it seems that the Swedes have a\u00a0\nbit\n more to go when it comes to being a viable contender in this very \nniche\n\u00a0segment dominated by \ntitans\n of industry. That being said, we are waiting for Volvo to \nofficially\n confirm the project\u2019s existence and figures. Stay tuned for more updates on this hot Swede from the icy cold North.\nPicture credits: AutoBlog\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To most people, \nHotwheels diecast cars\n are nothing but tiny little disposable toys. But for car nuts like us, these inconspicuous toys were beacons of hope, that some day we\u2019ll be able to own the actual car. Ask any car guy, and they\u2019ll happily show you their proud collection.\nBut while most of us are just mere casual collectors, some people take this hobby a little more seriously, carrying out all sorts of projects on these diecast models, from restorations to custom bodywork. But those are still nothing when compared to people like the \nJakarta Diecast Project YouTube channel\n, turning a Hotwheels model into a fully-functional RC drift car, complete with working shocks.\n \nStarting with a stock Hotwheels BMW E30 M3 model (with the German \nPolizei\n livery), the diecast model was completely disassembled, with the baseplate heavily modified with a new suspension set-up and axles \u2013 the front axle even gets a custom-built mechanism to turn the wheels!\nThe rest of the interior is completely stripped to make space for the added electronics, including a small servo to steer the front wheels, a DC motor to drive the rear wheels, batteries, and other radio communication components. There\u2019s even a gyroscopic sensor inside to keep the car in a straight line \u2013 when you\u2019re not drifting about, of course.\nCompleting the Hotwheels RC drift car build is a custom-made miniaturised Pandem bodykit, complemented by a sweet bright orange paint job and on-brand liveries. The whole body shell has also been modified to sit atop the baseplate with magnets, making accessing the innards a little easier.\nWhile we might not have the mechanical skills to make something like this, perhaps ever, watching the Hotwheels RC drift car build video has made us scour the web \u2013 again \u2013 in search for more toys to tide us over this \nthird Movement Control Order \nperiod. Don\u2019t kid yourselves, you\u2019ll probably do the same too after this."
"Peugeot has launched a special edition of their 2008 crossover, called the 2008 Urban Cross and will be sold in the UK market. It gets minor exterior and interior restyling, and can be had in two engine options.\nRight off the bat, this French B-Segment crossover gets a new coat of \nEmerald metallic\n paint. It sits on a new set of \n17-inch twin-five spoke wheels\n finished in gloss black, including some turquoise-orange graphics running across the lower side from wheel-to-wheel. Finishing the new exterior look is the blacked out side mirrors.   Inside this Urban Cross, the fabric and leather upholstered seats also get the Emerald touch here in the form of contrast stitching. The Emerald stitching is also extended to the floor mats, gearknob and steering wheel, including some faux carbon fibre trimming across the dashboard. Additional safety features are thrown into the kit here, and comprises of Grip Control, Rear Parking Aid and heated electric side mirrors.\nUnlike our 2008, the UK folks will be getting either a \n1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder\n engine or a \n1.6-litre BlueHDI diesel\n mill. The former makes \n110 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and a whopping \n205 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 rpm, while the latter produces \n100 hp\n at 3,750 rpm and \n254 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 rpm. In contrast, our 1.6-litre petrol powered 2008 makes 120 hp at 6,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm; hardly as impressive as the three-potter unit.\nThe 2008 Cross Urban will be sold at \u00a316,495 or RM97,000, thereabout. Since it was launched in 2013, over 30,000 units of the 2008 have been sold.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Four years since it made its debut in China, the \nGeely Boyue\n \u2013 affectionately known as the \u201cmost beautiful SUV\u201d by Chinese media and consumers \u2013 has now reached the milestone of one million units sold globally.\nThe Geely Boyue is sold in over 17 countries across the world, including Russia, Eastern Europe, South America, Africa and South-East Asia. Outside of China, the Boyue is also known as the Azkarra, Atlas, Emgrand X7 Sport, and of course, the \nProton X70\n as we know it here. Seeing how welcomed the X70 is in our country, it\u2019s not hard to see how it managed to move one million units in such as short time span.\nAccording to Geely, the Boyue is one of the first models on sale in China to feature intelligent connectivity features, such as the \u201cNihao Buoyue\u201d feature, which quickly became one of its most-frequently used functions. After the two companies signed the collaboration agreement back in 2017, the feature was adapted for the Proton X70 with the phrase\n \u201cHi Proton\u201d\n, and as they say, \nthe rest is history.\nThe now-iconic feature has successfully helped transformed Proton into a technology and value-driven brand, not only in Malaysia but also across the ASEAN market \u2013 with the Malaysia-assembled Proton X70 now already being \nexported to Brunei\n.\n \nGeely says that the Boyue averaged 20,000 units per month for the past three and a half years \u2013 pretty much across its entire existence \u2013 and is showing no signs of slowing down, either in China or globally. Just last year, the model was updated to create the \nBoyue Pro\n, powered by a new hybrid powertrain featuring the \naward-winning 1.5T engine\n (as seen on the \nX50\n), paired to an electrified rear axle.\nTo celebrate the million-unit milestone, Geely has also created a limited-edition \u2018Million Model\u2019 Boyue, featuring the \u201cinfinite weave\u201d grille that was designed for the Malaysian Proton X70!\nWhile the Boyue was born as a China domestic product, its recent expansion to other countries has certainly cemented Geely as a true global brand."
"Mercedes-AMG earlier this week launched their first-ever fully electric performance vehicle, the \nEQS 53\n as well as a plug-in performance hybrid model, the \nGT 63 S E Performance 4-door coupe\n. Both vehicles signify the performance brand\u2019s transition to adopt electrification in the long- and short-term offence.\nWith the Mercedes-AMG\u2019s traditionally using large displacement, multi-cylinder engines and thus a sonorous soundtrack, the focus for the next generation of electric performance models turns to sound tuning.\nIn an interview with \nAutocar UK\n, \nthe lack of a combustion engine and its associated noise in the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 made the development team worked hard to produce a unique and \u201cvery profound\u201d propulsion sound that will distinguish the brand from its key rivals.\n \nNot one but two Mercedes-AMG V8 models drag race at Sepang\nCustomers purchase the Mercedes-AMG models for their sound, as internal research have shown. As such, developing a unique, emotional and powerful soundtrack continues to be one of the key targets at Mercedes-AMG. The boss of the Mercedes-AMG, Philipp Schiemer, said the first Mercedes-AMG electric car will have \u201can electric sound, quite closely related to what we hear in science fiction films.\u201d Listen to the clip \nhere\n.\nExpressive and forceful sound for performance electric vehicles was first developed in the \nAudi e-tron GT\n and Porsche Taycan, as they were the first automakers among the German \u201csuper sedans\u201d segment to introduce the emission-free vehicles. BMW meanwhile teamed up with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer to energized the cabin of electric BMW M models, such as the \nBMW i4 M50\n.\nIt\u2019s faint due to the vast open space of Sepang Circuit, but you can definitely hear the futuristic tone of the Porsche Taycan accelerating away. Listen to more of it here!\nIn the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53, soundtrack in accordance with the speed and throttle input is not only played into the cabin but also pumped to the outside environment via loudspeakers and shakers under the AMG Sound Experience function.\nSchiemer concedes that traditional buyers won\u2019t like the synthesised soundtrack, but is also confident that the new sound has strong potential to attract a new set of customers to the brand. He further elaborated that the visceral soundtrack of Mercedes-AMG engines and exhausts are so emotional and profound that he sees the high-performance combustion engines will continue to be on sale thanks to high demand.\nMercedes-Benz will be ready to go \nall-electric\n by 2030, where market conditions allow, leaving the lifespan of the AMG-tuned V8, \nstraight-six\n and four-cylinder engines for another nine years before being removed from the line-up. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAudio clip credit: \nYoutube/Cars\ncoops.com\nGALLERY"
"We all dream of flying through space one day, but unfortunately that\u2019s still just a little too unrealistic for now, no matter how wealthy you are. Although, if you \ndo\n have space-exploration money, you\u2019ll have the privilege to get a lot closer than most people, thanks to Rolls-Royce\u2019s new Phantom Tempus Collection.\nAccording to \nRolls-Royce\n, the new Tempus Collection is inspired by \u201ctime, astronomical phenomena, and the infinite reaches of the universe\u201d. As ridiculous as that sounds, you\u2019ll have to give props to Rolls-Royce\u2019s incredible Bespoke team for the end product, based on an idea that was clearly dreamt up in the marketing department\u2019s office.\nNow, obviously we are not suggesting that the car drives like a spaceship through space. But with all the additional flourishes that have been fitted on to the Phantom, it\u2019s hard not to feel that way when you\u2019re seated inside.\nEverything on the Rolls-Royce Tempus Collection was created with one purpose in mind \u2013 to recreate the idyllic marvel of faraway galaxies. Take for example the exclusive \u2018Kairos Blue\u2019 paint on the exterior, masterfully crafted by RR Bespoke to mimic stars twinkling in the night skies using blue mica flakes.\nInside, the entire dashboard, or \u201cGallery\u201d as Rolls-Royce calls it, has been transformed into a three-dimensional art piece, formed by 100 individual columns, all milled from a single billet of black-anodised and hand-polished aluminium.\nRolls-Royce calls this the \u201cFrozen Flow of Time\u201d, and is designed to represent the 100-million-year period of a rotational spin of a pulsar star \u2013 apparently a rare astronomical phenomenon only found \u201cin the deepest reaches of space\u201d. There\u2019s even a plaque within the glovebox, engraved with Albert Einstein\u2019s quote: \u201c\nThe distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion\n\u201c.\nThe standout centrepiece inside the Phantom Tempus though, is most definitely the Bespoke Pulsar Headliner, with several pulsar stars carefully embroidered onto the headliner fabric. Pair that to the fibre-optic lighting, and the starry night sky effect is truly awe-inspiring. The incredible headliner is complemented by the illuminated door panels, created by hundreds of perforation in contrasting leather.\nCommitting to the whole time standing still bit, Rolls-Royce also deliberately omitted the clock on the dashboard of the Phantom Tempus, supposedly to signify patrons\u2019 \u201cfreedom from time and its limitations\u201d. I guess you don\u2019t need to be on time when you\u2019re being ferried around in a multi-million dollar art piece as a car.\nTo further cement home the whole timelessness idea, buyers can even engrave a specific date and time of their own choosing \u2013 like their wedding anniversary \u2013 onto the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy emblem.\nAnd just because this is a Rolls-Royce, you also get a champagne chest, custom painted with pulsar artwork. Inside, there are thermal flasks for chilling \u201cboth champagne and caviar\u201d, alongside four hand-blown crystal champagne flutes, arranged in a way to evoke the cylinders of a V12 engine, as well as a fine mother-of-pearl caviar spoon.\nOnly 20 units of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus Collection will ever be made, but unfortunately they\u2019ve all already been spoken for. Although, if you really \ndo\n have the money for space exploration, it probably won\u2019t be too hard to convince RR to make you one, anyway.\nGALLERY"
"Following the \nhype generated by the new BRZ\n, Subaru Corporation has announced more good news! The \nall-new Subaru Levorg\n launched just a few months ago has been named the \nCar of the Year Japan 2020/21\n. It\u2019s the third time Subaru was awarded the coveted title, following the Impreza Sport/G4\u2019s win in 2016.\nIn 2004, it was another wagon that took home the title for Subaru, in the form of the Legacy. Other categories in the awards include Import Car of the Year, Design Car of the Year, Technology Car of the Year, K Car of the Year, and Performance Car of the Year.\n\u201cIt is a great honor that the Levorg has been recognised with this distinctive award,\u201d said Subaru Corporation, President and CEO, Tomomi Nakamura.\n\u201cI would like to thank our customers and all other stakeholders for their continued support for Subaru. We will continue to enhance our efforts to offer an \u2018enjoyment and peace of mind\u2019 to all customers,\u201d he added.\nIntroduced just a few months ago, the all-new Levorg is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged boxer engine with 177 hp and 300 Nm, drive is sent to all the wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nUntil this month, Subaru has collected 12,594 orders for the Levorg, where 94% of customers in Japan have opted for the variants equipped with EyeSight X.\nAmong the features offered with the EyeSight X system includes active lane change assist, active speed control, pedal misoperation control, and autonomous braking to name a few. It even comes with a new pedestrian airbag that deploys from the cowl of the Levorg.\nGALLERY"
"This round of the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan is all about sustainability and environmental-friendliness and this extends across all spectrums of the games, including the Olympic Village.\nOlympians sleep on beds made of cardboard, which came in handy to prevent sexual activities due to Covid-19, their medals are made of recycled electronics and other metals, and even most interesting of all is how they get around the Olympic village.\n \nAnd it\u2019s with this, the Toyota e-Palette, a fully-electric people mover with Level 4 autonomous driving.\n\u201cOlympic and Paralympic athletes work tirelessly to achieve the impossible, and we wanted to provide them with a vehicle specifically designed and calibrated to fit their mobility needs during the Olympics,\u201d said the creator of the e-Palette, Takahiro Muta.\nInstagram: James Jones, Welsh Olympian \nInstagram: Dimous Bouloukos, Sports Journalist\nAs you can tell, it\u2019s been designed and built solely to maximise space for maximum occupants, resulting in its symmetrical, boxy shape.\nIt\u2019s as long as a \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n, nearly one foot wider than the spacious Honda CR-V and significantly taller than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak. With a wheelbase of 4,000 mm, it makes the \nLexus LM limo-van\n look small at 3,000 mm.\nToyota says it can carry up to four passengers on wheelchairs, and seven other standing passengers. Otherwise, the e-Palette can \naccommodate up to 20 standing passengers\n, including an operator.\nYes, it may drive around the Olympic village on its own but it\u2019s still manned by an onboard safety operator to assume full control in case of emergencies. It has enough power for a range of 150 km before needing a charge and can reach \nspeeds of up to 19 km/h\n.\n \nAside from its unquestionable ability to move athletes around, it\u2019s full of interesting features like the \nArrival Control system\n. It\u2019s essentially an automated ramp that allow passengers to get on and off easily, especially for Paralympians on wheelchairs.\nOnce onboard, the various handles and rails have been finished with contrasting colours to assist passengers who are colour blind.\nThe e-Palette uses \ncameras and LiDAR sensors\n, combined with high-accuracy 3D mapping to find its way around. Apart from the on-board operator, all of the e-Pallette\u2019s routes and movements are also monitored at a central hub.\nWith the aid of the cameras, the e-Palette comes with \n360-degree vision\n and can change its speed according to the obstacles and environment in the Olympic Village.\n \nMost intriguing of all, the e-Palette can \ncommunicate with pedestrians\n using its front and rear lamps to mimic eye movements \u2013 to signal pedestrians of its actions.\nThe e-Palette is the first of many transitions by Toyota in becoming a mobility company that combines electrification, connected driving, and advanced driving technologies to support new shared mobility businesses.\nGallery"
"We\u2019ve all heard it before \u2013 Italian cars are sloppily made, even the fancy-pants ones like \nFerrari\n and \nLamborghini\n. There\u2019s no way for us to tell you (without owning one) if it\u2019s just a silly stereotype or actual truth, but at least \nMaserati\n is willing to prove their cars are reliable by offering a 10-year warranty programme for their powertrains.\nDubbed \u201cExtra10\u201d, the new warranty programme is offered in addition to the existing \u201cExtended Warranty\u201d programme, which already offers up to five years of coverage. It\u2019s available for all customers with any Maserati model, as long as it\u2019s within nine years and six months from the registration date.\nObviously, there\u2019ll be certain terms and conditions for your car to be covered by the 10-year warranty (engine modifications clearly a big no-no), but at least the Extra10 warranty will be offered with no mileage limit.\nRELATED: \nMaserati MC20 launched in Malaysia from RM1.078 million\n\u201cThis new service enables Maserati to provide all its customers with an innovative offer, adding value in terms of unparalleled flexibility in the automotive world,\u201d Maserati said in a statement. \u201cA major new feature for the brand, aimed at consolidating the value of its cars over time, guaranteeing total peace of mind by combining top performance and the driving pleasure typical of every Trident car.\u201d\nThe programme also includes other additional services, such as pick-up and return service to your home, as well as a courtesy car if your car is out-of-service. Maserati customers are urged to visit their preferred dealerships to check if their cars are included in the scheme.\nALSO READ: \nMaserati wants you to embrace the sky with the drop-dead gorgeous MC20 Cielo\nThe press release makes no mention if the Extra10 warranty programme will also be available for the brand\u2019s upcoming electric vehicles, although we presume that to be the case.\nMaserati has already committed to an electrification plan, and will become fully electric by the end of the decade starting with the all-electric version of the GranTurismo, dubbed the \nFolgore\n. Technical specifications aren\u2019t confirmed yet, but rumours suggest that it will be equipped with a tri-motor set-up making over 1,200 hp."
"Six Malaysian \nBMW\n owners have recently received Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) titles. The award was presented at the M4NTAP Track Day held at Sepang International Circuit last weekend.\nOrganized by the Malaysian car club, M4NTAP, over 50 BMW cars gathered at the international circuit where approximately 700 members of the public also gathered for the festivities.\nThe Six awarded titles are:\nFastest 1M/M2\n \u2013 Jay Choong; F87 BMW M2 (2:22.154 s)\nFastest Naturally Aspirated M3\n \u2013 Adi Fansuri; E92 BMW M3 for clocking (2:26.743 s)\nFastest Turbocharged M3/M4\n \u2013 Hisham Jaffar; F82 BMW M4 (2:20.549 s) \u2013 also fastest BMW around Sepang Circuit\nFastest Naturally Aspirated M5/M6\n \u2013 Aaron Kow; E60 BMW M5 (2:33.007 s)\nFastest M5/M6/M8\n \u2013 Mohamad Heikel; F90 BMW M5 (2:37.674 s)\nFastest Non-M BMW\n \u2013 \u00a0Adil Adnan; F30 BMW 330i (2:31.674 s)\nRELATED: \nUnlike AMG, BMW M says it won\u2019t downsize its engines to four cylinders\nCongratulating the BMW owners, BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201cWe are constantly in awe by the many remarkable feats that our local community of BMW owners and enthusiasts attempt \u2013 in the name of love for the brand, especially for BMW M.\u201d\n\u201cThis is a community that we proudly cherish, support, and continue to serve with excitement, with every new vehicle or programme we introduce. Being awarded a Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) tile is no easy feat, and for the six of them to manage a clean sweep of all the award titles truly exemplifies the spirit of The Most Powerful Letter in the World!\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW turns the M2\u2019s garish looks up to 11 with new M Performance parts\nBMW M GmbH celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and has debuted many new and exciting models as well as special edition models to commemorate its Golden Jubilee. Among this year\u2019s debut by BMW M GmbH include the all-new \nBMW XM\n, the \nBMW M2\n, the \nBMW M3 Touring\n, and the \n\u201cBMW M50 Jahre Edition\u201d of the M3 and M4\n.\nThe event and MBOR award ceremony organized by M4NTAP coincides perfectly with the year\u2019s occasion. In September, BMW Malaysia and the \u201cM Owners Malaysia\u201d club organised the largest BMW M gathering.\nRELATED: \nBMW celebrates ///Malaysia Day with the largest BMW M gathering"
"The current L494 \nRange Rover Sport\n is nearly reaching its end-of-life in showrooms, having enjoyed considerable success since its introduction back in 2014. As a farewell, Range Rover\u2019s Special Vehicles Operations department has launched a special edition SVR \u201cUltimate\u201d to give the model a proper send-off.\nAnd by \u201cproper\u201d, we mean proper fancy. The Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate Edition is available in a selection of hand-finished exterior colour choices, including Gloss Maya Blue, Gloss Marl Grey, and Satin Ligurian Black \u2013 the first two are exclusive to the new Ultimate edition, and features reflective fine white glass flake particles in their solid base coat to give it an \u201cintense star-like sparkle\u201d.\nNo matter which colour you choose though, you\u2019ll still get the roof in a contrasting Gloss Narvik Black hue, alongside the Black knurled Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate, with exclusive contrasting Fuji White outlines. The same colour combination is also used for the fender accents on the sides.\nOther exterior highlights include the wing mirror caps, front grilles and grille surrounds, front wing detail, and tailgate finisher, all painted in the same Narvik Black colour. All Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate Edition models also come with a body-coloured carbon fibre vented bonnet, as well as 22-inch five split-spoke forged alloy wheels, paired with black brake calipers.\nCan the Sport SVR outrun a Ferrari 458? Watch the performance SUV tackle China\u2019s Tianmen Road here!\nThe same posh treatment extends to the interior, with the addition of new specially commissioned chrome SV Bespoke B-pillar badges, black anodised metal gearshift paddles, and Ultimate edition illuminated door sill plates.\nAs usual, customers will be able to choose their own interior upholstery options, but JLR apparently recommends an \u2018Ebony and Cirrus\u2019 interior, which wraps the lightweight Performance Seats in Windsor leather and contrasting Suedecloth, with the SVR logo embossed on the headrests.\nThe Range Rover Velar has just been updated for 2021 with some new goodies! Learn more here.\nAs for performance, the existing 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine is carried over from the Range Rover Sport SVR. With\n 575 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque, the \u201c\nfastest, most powerful and most dynamic Land Rover\n\u201d sprints from 0-100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n280 km/h\n.\nThe new Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate Edition will make its public debut at the Salon Prive next month, but is now already available to order globally, priced at \u00a3123,900 (Approx. RM718k) in the UK.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) introduced a new edition to its rally-bred Lancer, the new Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GTE. The latest edition of Lancer is \nfully imported\n and now comes packaged with plenty of goodies. This Completely Built-Up (\nCBU\n) unit from Japan is priced at \nRM115,590.20\n.\n \n \nOn the exterior, the new Lancer is fitted with standard body kit and integrated daytime running lights (\nDRL\n). The wheels are now 18-nch eight-spoke alloy wheels, paired with 215/45 R18 Yokohama Advan Sport tires.\nThe new Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GTE now comes with Keyless Operation System for true hands-free entry, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an additional driver-side knee airbag for increased safety and\u00a0\nPower Sunroof\n.\u00a0\nIn addition to that, it also comes equipped with Premium Nappa Leather Seats, 6.1-inch touch-screen audio with \nrear view camera\n, rain-sensing wipers, auto-headlamps, automatic air conditioning, steering column mounted magnesium \npaddle shifters\n and cruise control.\nThis Lancer 2.0 GTE t is powered by the same 2.0-liter \nMIVEC\n engine based on a lightweight aluminum block for an optimum output of \n148hp\n and \n197Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Its MIVEC engine (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) automatically adjusts valve timing control for optimal performance across the rev range.\nAs for safety, the new Lancer is equipped with Dual Stage SRS Airbags, together with a new knee airbag for the driver, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), seat-belt pre-tensioners and force limiters as well as RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body provide further occupant safety by employing extensive front and rear crumple zones to absorb impact.\n \nFully imported from Japan, the Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GTE (CBU) is priced at \nRM 115,590.20\n on-the-road without insurance. It also\u00a0comes with a \n2-Year Free Maintenance\n package.\u00a0Available in three colour choices; White Solid, Black Mica and Red Metallic.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"F1 drivers should always let their driving do the talking, but for Antonio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo Racing, it led to him losing part of his locks. We are no style gurus ourselves, but team boss Frederic Vasseur (who doesn\u2019t have much hair, admittedly) probably wasn\u2019t a fan of the frazzled, unshaven look.\nGiovinazzi sacrificed his mane for one point at Austria.\nTurned out that the two Alfa Romeo men had a bet going; if Giovinazzi managed to finish in the points (he failed to score any in the first eight races), he would get a haircut. So when Giovinazzi crossed the line in 10\nth \nplace in Austria (earning his first point of the season), it must have been a bitter sweet moment for the young Italian driver.\nA promise is a promise.. (especially with your boss). \u2702\ufe0f \n \n#AustrianGP\n \npic.twitter.com/TEQydDLyU1\n\u2014 Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN (@alfaromeoorlen) \nJune 30, 2019\n \nTrue enough when he got back to the Alfa Romeo hospitality suite, Vasseur was waiting with a pair of scissors and after a futile foot race, Giovinazzi\u2019s luscious mane was no longer symmetrical. Poor boy didn\u2019t look too thrilled, understandably, but less hair could mean better helmet cooling in the next race (Silverstone) as Europe comes under a severe heat wave.\nDon\u2019t worry Antonio, your boss is just jealous.\nIf only Toto Wolff would have a similar bet with Lewis Hamilton, braids really have no place in Formula 1, but then again Hamilton is leading the championship by a country mile, so maybe they work a treat.\nDear Toto, please make a bet with Lewis, the braids have to go, and Bottas\u2019 beard isn\u2019t working anymore."
"Lotus cars are well-known for their lightness rather than brute power.\u00a0Surely, a little\u00a0more power in a Lotus wouldn\u2019t hurt, right? This happens on\u00a0the latest iteration of the\u00a0Exige, which now has reached into the supercar territory. Let\u2019s welcome the Lotus Exige Sport 380.\nAn incremental upgrade from last year\u2019s \nSport 350\n, this model is\u00a0more powerful, lighter, and more aerodynamic than the model it replaces. The same supercharged \n3.5-litre V6\n from the US-spec Toyota Camry has been tweaked further\u00a0to develop \n375 hp\n and\u00a0\n410Nm\n of torque. It hits 100 km/h from standstill\u00a0in \n3.7 seconds\n (0.2 seconds quicker than the 350)\u00a0with a top speed of \n285 km/h\n.   A\u00a0\nsix-speed manual gearbox\n\u00a0is standard fitment together with an oil cooler to keep temperature at bay, and it\u2019s represented in a sexy open-gate design. An automatic variant will be available by Spring 2017, but just like the Sport 350, why would you want that?\nEnsuring the car sticks like it\u2019s on rails are the\u00a0\nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n tyres fitted on this Exige. Also, the car\u2019s claimed\u00a0aerodynamic downforce of 140 kg at top speed is made possible via the application of twin pairs of front canard wings, a rear wing, and air blades behind the rear wheels.\nThe car weighs\n 1,066 kg\n,\u00a0boasting an incredible power-to-weight ratio of 352 hp per tonne. An extensive usage of carbonfibre on the\u00a0diffusers, access panel, and roof panel keeps the weight down, as well as\u00a0the application of a polycarbonate rear window instead of glass, titanium exhaust, light alloy wheels, lithium ion battery, and carbonfibre sports seats.\nThe Lotus Exige Sport 380\u00a0is available in both coupe and roadster variants, and it\u2019s\u00a0retailed at\u00a0\n\u00a367,900\n (approximately\u00a0RM375k). That\u2019s a lot of money, but mind you this Exige is the David against the supercar Goliaths. Now, the pertaining question is will Lotus Malaysia bring this car over to our shores?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the launch of the iconic Ducati Scrambler, \nDucati\n has taken the Scrambler to greater heights. It isn\u2019t just about motorcycles anymore but a \u201clifestyle\u201d.\nWe all know that Ducati or any other Italian makes are known for their lifestyle marketing and cult following. We\u2019ve also known Ducati\u2019s for its performance, technology, design and the colour RED.\u00a0But this is a whole new paradigm shift. \nYellow\n is the new Red. It\u2019s pop icon culture time.\u00a0Ranging from the Scrambler\u2019s Standard Icon model right up to the \nFull Throttle\n, one is able pick a model, customise it further to create and identify with their bike from the range of apparels and accessories available for that perfect image.\nTo further solidify and inspire the younger generation of beginner riders to embrace this Pop Icon Culture of self-expression and free spirit (it all began for the Scrambler back in 1962 to 1975), the \nScrambler Sixty2\n was born.\nThe Sixty2 is definitely leaner looking with the \n399cc air cooled 90 degree V-Twin\n displacement. Ergonomics, weight and overall feel is noticeably leaner as well. Notable change was the traditional forks as compared to the inverted forks on the 803\u2019s. Finishing was to a high standard and honestly, it was a tad better than the \nHyperstrada\n. Paint finish was excellent with \nOcean Grey\n being my favourite out of the three available colours \u2013 Atomic Tangerine and Shining Black.   Upon startup, you could definitely tell that it lacks a little grunt as compared to the 803 which had the right \u2018oomph\u2019 factor to it. This could be due to Euro4 emissions controls that Ducati has to comply with. Power is rated at \n41 hp\n which peaks at 8,750rpm, with \n34.6 Nm\n of torque available at a whizzing 8,000rpm. Not too shabby for a 400cc set up.\nRide wise, the Sixty2 was surprisingly a joy to ride. It was smooth, comfortable, easy, light and flickable into turns with enough usable power to pull it through. Personally, I would have enjoyed a little more juice from it. But if we focus back to its built purpose, I seriously have no complaints about it.\nThe \nsix-speed transmission\n on the other hand needed a lot of shift work to keep within the mid-range revs where its sweet spot seems to be at. Gearshifts were silky smooth, and it\u2019s paired with a cable clutch that seems to be the formula with Ducati. Personally, a cable clutch gives me more flexibility.\nBraking from the single front and rear disc was more than adequate, and they were paired up with ABS as a standard feature (which I hope some Jap models will do too, soon). It definitely is a necessity, especially for beginners who are still experimenting\u00a0with their braking pressure, distance and reaction. The brakes were not too soft nor too grippy for my liking.\nOverall, the Sixty2 is great as a daily commuter, that weekend getaway bike that is practical, fun and very easy to handle. This is definitely a head turner with its \nPop Icon Heritage\n of 1962.\nThe downside may be due to the price that is above \nRM40k\n for a 400cc. But if you are in the market for something smooth, iconic, youthful, accessible and usable in most conditions, this would be a choice to consider.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has extended its\n Toyota Hilux\n range with an \u201cL-Edition\u201d for its 2.8-litre AT 4\u00d74 and 2.4-litre AT 4\u00d74 models where they will begin taking orders from 14th March 2018.\nOn the outside, the Hilux sports a wider appearance with a he\nxagonal grille surrounded by a chrome outline. More significantly, the front bumper feature\n\u00a0larger and wider air intakes below the grille.\u00a0\nThe luxury theme is further enhanced with new five\n-spoke 18-inch rims in two-tone black and silver finishing. A n\new rear step ornament is integrated with silver trims, adding a premium touch to the vehicle\u2019s looks.\nInside, the \u2018L-Edition\u2019 comes with combination leather upholstery in an all-black theme. Specially for the 2.8-litre AT 4\u00d74 variant, there\u2019ll be Optitron meters with white background lighting for better clarity. Other standard items include a new\u00a06.1-inch touchscreen DVD player with Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers, push start button, leather-wrapped\u00a0multifunction steering wheel and gear knob.\nThe 2.4-litre AT 4\u00d74 produces \n148 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n while the 2.8-litre AT 4\u00d74 models is capable of \n175 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n. Both models utilise a 6-speed transmission with Super ECT and Sequential Shifter.\nFor safety, the L-Edition is equipped with 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) as standard. For the 2.8 L-Edition, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is added to make driving down a steep slope easier and safer.\nThe 2.4 \u2018L-Edition\u2019 is priced at \nRM 119,300\n while the 2.8-litre \u2018L-Edition\u2019 retails at \nRM 133,900\n. Both are on-the-road prices excluding insurance. Every Hilux comes with a 5-year or 150,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While most would be more familiar with the exhilarating 1M moniker, it was the BMW M1 that started it all \u2013 sparking a series of legendary \u201cM-division\u201d creations that we\u2019ve all revered and adored all these years.\nFor the enthusiasts, the M1 is something of a holy-grail of BMW\u2019s. As it was originally designed to go racing, homologation models were required and due to complications with it\u2019s creation, the series it was built for never took flight before the car was completed.\nAs a result, the German automaker was left with these cars with no championships to race with; enter the BMW M1 Procar series \u2013 a championship specifically for BMW M1\u2019s. Even that was shortlived; lasting only \ntwo seasons\n before being dissolved.   In that time \n40 units of this BMW M1 Procar\n was developed and this exquisite piece of machinery here bears the chassis number 31 \u2013 an example which has been converted into a street-legal road car \u2013 a street legal BMW M1 Procar, imagine that. Having spent years exchanging hands since 1979, its most recent owner in California actually rebuilt it back to Procar spec upon realisation of its history.\nIt\u2019s got Procar written all over it \u2013 body kits, wheels, interior, and even down to its wheel hubs but it was still restraint from a full Procar conversion as parts have long been extinct. Its \n3.5-litre engine\n has been rebuilt to house an electronic fuel injection system, producing \n470 hp\n and \n484 Nm\n of torque with power being delivered through a 5-speed ZF gearbox.\nBrakes were supplied by Brembo and tucked beneath its BBS wheels. The Procar had impressive power-to-weight ratio as the car only weighed approximately 1,020 kg and performance figures spoke for its own \u2013 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.3 seconds\n with a disturbing top speed \n311 km/h\n.\nRoad-issued M1\u2019s never really came with this distinct colour, called Basalt Blue, save for four units which were made for BMW board members. BMW made just over 450 units of the street legal M1 from 1978 to 1981.\nSource: \nBMW Blog\n / Image Credit: \nTop Gear UK\n & \nBMW Car Club of America\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Android users who are also \nBMW\n fans are in for a treat as BMW Korea and SK Telecom have come together to release the limited edition \nSamsung\n \u2018Galaxy S23 Ultra BMW M Edition\u2019. Limited to 1,000 units only, the Ultra BMW M Edition will be officially released on \nFebruary 17\n with a listed price of 1,727,000 KRW (Approx. \nRM5,901\n). Made available for \npre-orders\n from 7 to 13 February, it seems the limited edition phone has already been sold out.\nThe lucky 1,000 customers who have managed to secure a pre-order will receive the following items with their smartphone purchase:\nSpecially produced die-casting package in the guise of the BMW E30 M3\nHardcover phone case\nMulti keyring and 7 types of detachable emblems\nM design vehicle clock that can be plugged into the air vent\nVehicle sunshade clip\nAir pump\nMetal letter M sticker\nBMW history book and photo poster\nUnboxing the package will be an interesting experience as all items are packed nicely in a special die-casting package that pays homage to the M3 E30. To protect the 1,000-limited unit phone, customers get a hard cover phone case that was designed with inspiration from the bonnet and vertical kidney grille of the G80 BMW M3.\nThere are also 6 types of emblems containing the history of BMW and the classic \u201cBMW Motorsport\u201d emblem to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the BMW M brand which took place last year. The emblem is detachable from the multi-keyring included in the limited edition package. In addition, various accessories that reflect the M design enhance the value of the collection.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW X6 facelift debuts \u2013 M Sport package as standard, all variants electrified\nThe phone itself gets a dedicated booting video with a three-color stripe logo symbolizing BMW M that plays when the phone is turned on. The phone is also pre-installed with \u2018BMW Vantage\u2019, which is a BMW lifestyle membership app.\nBesides the special edition phone and limited edition memorabilia, customers of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra BMW M Edition\u2019 also get a BMW Driving Center \u2018Starter Pack Voucher\u2019 where they can learn safe driving tips and dynamic driving skills by riding a BMW vehicle under the guidance of a professional instructor. Unfortunately, all 1,000 units have been sold out.\nRELATED: \nThe 2023 BMW M3 CS is really just an M4 CSL with more seats and AWD"
"Alongside the throng of new cars being launched today by BMW Group Malaysia, Mini Malaysia has also unveiled the new \nMini Cooper Countryman facelift\n here in Malaysia. It will be available in two variants for now: the Mini Cooper S Countryman, and Mini Cooper SE Countryman PHEV.\nBoth variants of the Countryman facelift will be locally-assembled here in Malaysia, priced at \nRM 244,265.76\n and \nRM 254,461.84\n respectively for the S and SE, both on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales tax exemptions.\n \nEXTERIOR\nChanges to the exterior styling on this facelift model were fairly minute and evolutionary, with the most noticeable change perhaps being the new Union Jack-inspired tail lights at the rear.\nUp front, the radiator grille \u2013 while still bearing the same shape \u2013 now gets a new hexagonal mesh design pattern. Below it, the bumpers have been redesigned with a new hexagonal lower air intake, flanked by the LED fog lights. New vertical air intakes bookend the front fascia.\nMini Tunrstile Spoke\nMini Yours British Spoke\nAs standard, both the Cooper S and Cooper SE Countryman get the following exterior features:\nRugged-look front and rear bumpers with decorative elements and sump guard in aluminium matt (Mini All4 Exterior Optic)\nAutomatic LED headlights with cornering lights\nDecorative bonnet stripes\nHeadlight surrounds, rear lights, radiator grille, fender decorations, door handles, rear badging in gloss black (Piano Black Exterior Optic pack)\nDark tinted tail lamp cover glasses\n19-inch Alloy wheels \u2013 Mini Turnstile Spoke style (Cooper S), Mini Yours British Spoke (Cooper SE)\nExterior colour options: Chili Red, White Silver, Island Blue, Thunder Grey, British Racing Green, Sage Green\nPERFORMANCE\nThe two variants of the new Mini Cooper Countryman facelift each feature a different powertrain option underneath the bonnet \u2013 the S being internal-combustion only, while the SE is a plug-in hybrid model. Both powertrains are unchanged from before.\nMini Cooper S Countryman\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 192 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax torque: 280 hp @ 1,350 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 7.5 seconds\nTop speed:226 km/h\nMini Cooper SE Countryman\nPowerplant: 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-three, petrol + electric motor\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: All4 all-wheel drive\nTotal combined system max horsepower: 224 hp\nTotal combined system max torque: 385 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds\nTop speed: 194 km/h\nElectric juice on the Cooper SE Countryman PHEV comes from a 10 kWh lithium-ion battery, which can provide up to 48 km of pure electric driving range.\nUsing a conventional household socket, the battery can be recharged completely via the onboard 2.3 kW charger in approximately 5 hours. A higher-powered 3.7 kW public charger meanwhile tops off the battery pack in 3 hours and 15 seconds.\nINTERIOR\nInside, both variants of the Mini Cooper Countryman facelift feature the Mini Yours Illuminated cockpit in Shaded Silver. For the first time ever on the Countryman, the new models are also equipped with a five-inch digital instrument cluster, a feature first introduced on the \nall-electric Cooper SE\n.\nOther interior highlights include the following:\n8.8-inch infotainment display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto\nWalknappa steering wheel\nHead-up display\nWireless charging pad\n12-speaker Harman Kardon HiFi sound system\nCarbon black leather seat upholstery\nComfort Access with Easy Opener automatic tailgate\nPicnic Bench\nAlso new on the Mini Cooper Countryman facelift is the built-in 4G connectivity within the infotainment system, which enables digital services such as Intelligent Emergency Call, Mini TeleServices, Remote Services, Mini Concierge Service, as well as display crucial vehicle information such as battery status and charge timer (for the Mini Cooper SE Countryman) directly on your mobile phone.\nSAFETY\nMini\u2019s Driving Assistant advanced driver assistance suite is standard on both Mini Cooper Countryman variants here in Malaysia. The Driving Assistant system includes features such as:\nHigh-beam assistant\nSpeed limit information\nPerson warning, approach control with light city braking function (autonomous emergency braking)\nAs standard, the Mini Cooper S Countryman and SE Countryman PHEV both come with six airbags onboard.\nPRICING\nThe new Mini Cooper S Countryman and Cooper SE Countryman PHEV facelift are priced in Malaysia as follows:\nMini Cooper S Countryman:\n RM 244,265.76\nMini Cooper SE Countryman: \nRM 254,461.84\nBoth prices listed above are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of \nsales tax exemptions\n. Also included in the price is a 4-year Service and Repair Inclusive package, as well as a 5-year roadside assistance programme.\nEvery purchase of the Mini Cooper SE Countryman PHEV will come with a complimentary public charging cable, as well as a one-year free subscription of unlimited charging at all ChargEV stations nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"As if not unique enough in the Malaysian market, there is now a special version of the \nPeugeot 2008\n, called the Peugeot 2008 Special Edition (SE). Just launched today, the Peugeot 2008 SE costs an additional \nRM2,900\n more than the \u2018Allure\u2019 variant.\nFor the record, the Peugeot 2008 \u2018Allure\u2019 costs RM134,103 (OTR without insurance and without accessories). Optional accessories for the Allure variant include a hands-free power tailgate which costs RM2,100 and a P-URE Performance tint which costs RM1,900. The SE Accessories will cost an additional \nRM2,900\n (inclusive of installation).\nThe Peugeot 2008 SE can only be purchased in two body colours \u2013 Orange Fusion and Pearl White. The SE accessories package adds on:\nBlack front bumper garnish\nBlack rear bumper garnish\nBlack side bumper garnish (left & right)\nPiano black rims\nVehicle decals\nSE badges\nIt is essentially a chrome delete of the 2008 Allure\u2019s trims, replacing the chrome trims with matte black trims instead. Even the dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels from the Allure are now finished in piano black.\nWhile the chrome has been dialled down, the 2008 SE gets a splash of red and black decals. These can be seen on the car\u2019s hood and sides.\nRELATED: \nGallery \u2013 Peugeot 2008 Allure, from RM134k \u2013 The French alternative\nThe SE accessories package only entails the exterior of the car and doesn\u2019t find its way into the cabin and engine bay. All else, the Peugeot 2008 SE shares the same specifications as the Allure variant.\nLike the Allure, under the hood of the 2008 SE is a 1.2-3-cylinder turbocharged engine. The engine makes \n130 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n230 Nm\n at 1,750 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, power is sent to the front wheels only. It gets ventilated disc brakes in front and solid disc brakes in the rear. As for suspension, the car gets a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam setup in the back.\nALSO WATCH: \nPeugeot 2008 review \u2013 the alluring French alternative\nEssentially a cosmetic package, the SE accessories package comes with a \n1-year/20,000 km\n Peugeot Genuine Accessory Warranty based on the period of fitment at the time of new vehicle purchase. Those interested in the Peugeot 2008 SE can already make their bookings now. Deliveries are expected to begin by end of April.\nRELATED: \n2023 Peugeot Landtrek launched in Malaysia, RM120k \u2013 ASEAN debut for French truck"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has just unveiled the new 2022 Porsche Macan facelift here in Malaysia. This is the first-generation model\u2019s second facelift exercise, which was \nunveiled globally in July this year\n; the first facelift was launched \nback in 2019\n.\nPorsche\u2019s compact SUV will be offered in three variants here in Malaysia \u2013 the base-model Macan, Macan S, and Macan GTS \u2013 with prices ranging from RM433k to RM786k, without options of course.\n \nEXTERIOR\nVisual changes on this facelift exercise is considerably mild, with most changes restricted to just the bumpers. Up front, the bumper receives a new body-coloured inlay (black on GTS) to emphasise the car\u2019s visual width, alongside redesigned corner fins, which also houses the new slim-style LED daytime-running lights.\nSpeaking of lighting, the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) units are now standard equipment across the range, as are the Sport Design side mirrors with the unique V-shaped stalks.\nMoving over to the rear, the Macan also receives a reworked bumper with a more prominent rear diffuser element, while the side blades on the doors also get a new three-dimensional design.\nMacan GTS in Python Green.\nThe standard wheel sizes have also been increased across the board, starting with 19-inches on the base Macan, 20- on the Macan S, and 21-inch items on the Macan GTS \u2013 although, of course, these can all be swapped around and changed when you put down your order.\nThe new 2022 Macan can be ordered in 14 different colours as part of the standard palette, including the new Papaya Metallic (pictured) and Gentian Blue Metallic, alongside a Python Green that\u2019s exclusively for the Macan GTS.\nBut of course, you\u2019ll also be able to choose from a wide range of available special colours, or utilise Porsche\u2019s Paint to Sample programme if you\u2019re looking for something really specific that\u2019s not readily available in any of the company\u2019s colour palettes.\nPERFORMANCE\nWhile the engines options, seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, and Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive system on the Porsche Macan remain unchanged from before, they\u2019ve all been reworked with mechanical updates for better performance across the board.\nAs a result, the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine in the \nbase Macan\n now makes \n265 hp\n (+13 hp) and \n400 Nm\n (+30 Nm), and does the century sprint in\n 6.2 seconds \n(-0.5s) onward to a top speed of \n232 km/h\n (+7 km/h).\nThe \n380 hp\n and\n 520 Nm\n 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine that was previously serving the pre-facelift GTS has now been moved down to the more \u201cstreet-friendly\u201d \nMacan S\n, giving it a boost of 26 hp and 40 Nm. 0-100 km/h on the new 2022 Porsche Macan S now takes \n4.6 seconds \n(-0.5s), and top speed has also been raised slightly to \n259 km/h\n (+5 km/h).\nAs for the \nMacan GTS\n, the same 2.9-litre V6 mill now outputs a whopping \n440 hp\n (+60 hp) and \n550 Nm\n (+30 Nm), dropping the century sprint time down to just \n4.3 seconds\n (-0.4s), while top speed is bumped up by a massive 11 km/h to now \n272 km/h\n.\nAll of the acceleration times are with the optional Sport Chrono package equipped; all variants take an additional 0.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h if not equipped.\nPorsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) dampers are standard on all variants of the new 2022 Macan range, and have been further optimised for greater feedback and responsiveness. The new Macan GTS meanwhile gets air suspension as standard, which is said to be 10% stiffer at the front and 15% at the rear, and drops overall ride height by 10 mm.\nINTERIOR\nThe 2022 Porsche Macan is updated with a new centre console in the cabin, which jettisons almost all physical buttons and knobs for a flat panel with touch-sensitive \u201cbuttons\u201d, similar to other newer models in Porsche\u2019s line-up.\nThe new centre console also features a more modern looking (and smaller) gear-shift lever, alongside a new, larger stowage space right above the Macan trim piece.\nOther changes on the inside include a new GT Sport steering wheel taken from the \n911\n, alongside a new bank of touch-sensitive controls and dials for the climate control, as well as reworked air-conditioning vents.\nThe 10.9-inch touchscreen Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment remains unchanged from before, while the redesigned analogue clock above the dashboard is now standard equipment across the board.\nPRICING\nThe 2022 Porsche Macan in Malaysia starts at \nRM433,154\n for the Macan, \nRM623,593\n for the Macan S, and \nRM786,232\n for the Macan GTS \u2013 all prices inclusive of taxes and duties, but excludes on-the-road fees, any options, and insurance.\nAlso included in the price is a two-year unlimited-mileage factory warranty, alongside a two-year free service programme. The Macan and Macan S also comes as standard with the Premium Package, which includes additional creature comfort niceties such as 14-way electric comfort seats, Power Steering Plus, Park Assist (with surround view), automatic dimming mirrors, and a Bose surround sound system.\nGALLERY"
"Following the global launch of the \nG30 BMW 5-Series\n, the Bavarian giant\u00a0was quick to introduce the hot \nM Performance\n\u00a0kit to go along with their new model. Now, details of the 530e iPerformance has just surfaced and the plug-in hybrid business saloon sure looks like an exciting proposition.\nLet\u2019s get performance out of the way, shall we? The 530e packs the same powertrain setup as the \n330e\n and \nX5 xDrive40e\n; albeit in different states of tune. As such, you get a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out \n184 hp\n and \n320 Nm\u00a0\nwhich is paired to\u00a0a \n95 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n electric motor. Together, the eDrive system\u2019s rated output is \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.\nPerformance figures on the 530e is as impressive as the car itself. Century sprint is clocked in \n6.2 seconds\n while top speed is registered at \n235km/h\n. The 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivers 47km of a pure electric range and boasts a top speed of\u00a0\n140km/h\n. It\u2019s strategically located underneath the rear seats for clever packaging. Even so, boot space is just slightly compromised, measuring at at 410 litres versus the non-hybrid\u2019s 530 litres. A full charge (from empty) takes just under five hours from a standard domestic power socket or under three hours when plugged to a BMW i Wallbox.\nUnique to BMW hybrid models is the eDrive button, which joins the other drive modes (Sport Comfort and Eco Pro). The eDrive toggles the hybrid system in three separate modes \u2013 Auto eDrive (hybrid mode for maximum efficiency), Max eDrive (pure electric mode) and Battery Control (charges the battery). Battery Control mode allows the driver to set the target battery charge between 30 to 100 percent.   The eDrive gets unique styling cues to differentiate this plug-in hybrid model such as blue accents on the kidney grille, blue wheel cover hubs, eDrive emblems and 530e badging at the rear lid.\nA host of passive safety features are available on the 530e, such as evasion aid, crossing traffic warning, Lane Change Assistant and Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection. However, the Active Cruise Control is an option. \nSince the BMW 330e here is so well received, we can safely assume that the 530e will also be joining the G30 lineup when the model gets launched next March. What do you think, folks?\u00a0A fully decked out G30 530e at an irresistible price. Tempted? We sure are!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Making a Tourer \u00a0look distinctive is not an easy job for a car designer but Hyundai reckons they have done it. The i40 is Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors competitive introduction car into the family orientated D-segment here in Malaysia. Sales has been rather promising since its launch together with the i40 Sedan at the 2013 KL International Motor Show, according to Hyundai.\nThe heart of the car is a\u00a0Nu 2.0L GDI engine which generates 176hp maximum power and 214Nm maximum torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission gearbox, NCAP 5 star rating, 9 air-bags, ISOFIX anchor, ESP, parking assist, power tailgate system, Hill \u2013 start Assist control, auto cruise, keyless entry and the list goes on and on.\nRead our review on the other variant of i40, the\u00a0\nHyundai i40 2.0 GDI sedan\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai i40 Tourer\nSegment\nD-SEGMENT Large Family orientated\u00a0\nPrice\nRM178,888\n EXTERIOR\nThe i40\u2019s design, represents water flow while the headlights are inspired by \u201cthe falcon\u2019s eye\u201d. It has it\u2019s own original visual identity, which is a good thing. \u00a0I prefer the design of the Tourer compared to the sedan, simply because the design flows better. Unfortunately, the flow is ruined by the not so fancy 10-spoke and lock nut designed rims, which is rather unpleasing to the eye, in my opinion. Overall, I find the Hyundai i40 Tourer \u00a0as a \u201cpolite and well mannered\u201d car. Simple and under-stated.   INTERIOR\nThe i40 Tourer has a good driving position, the steering controls and the Audio Visual Navigator (AVN) are all within reach. There is however a design flaw, of the AVN. During the afternoon, when the sun is right on top of you, there will be a glare on the head unit, it makes looking at the AVN unclear. That was the first thing I noticed when I picked up the car on a hot afternoon day.   The driver seat is a 10-direction electrical controlled seat with power lumbar support, good for those long distance \u201cBalik Kampung trips\u201d. Unfortunately, I find the steering has too many buttons on it, it would be better to have the functions built into the meter dash in pages.\nFor the \u201cBalik Kampung trips\u201d, the kids would love the rear seats because they will be screaming for their favorite cartoon series or educational videos. Don\u2019t worry, you are able to select the rear two screens to play the movie, while the front screen showing the GPS navigation on the AVN. The GPS system in the i40 Tourer is simple to use, unlike some in the market which are pretty confusing. The 6-speakers sound system is slightly above average, you\u2019ll get a decent sounding bandwidth across the frequency range.\nThe center console has a rather big compartment, I call it the phone charging station. There\u2019s a USB, cigarette lighter and an auxiliary input for music pods. There are 2 particular buttons next to this compartment which I find rather out of place, the sports mode button and the traction control off button. They are way too big too.\nA very nice feature for those who are always on the phone and don\u2019t want to get a \u201csaman\u201d is the Bluetooth hands-free call. The AVN is able to store your phone book into the system and your hands do not have to leave the steering wheel to answer calls or to switch calls. It also has a voice recognition system built in. The Bluetooth hands-free is clear, thanks to the microphone placement located at the drivers sun shade. The middle console has 2 cup holders and has a large compartment under the arm rest, to store various DVDs and stuff.\nThe entire cabin is quiet and you don\u2019t really hear the road noise thanks to it\u2019s\u00a0all-aluminum ladder frame construction for improved durability, reduced noise and vibration. There are some rather interesting sounds from the Hyundai i40 Tourer, this is also part of the reason I find the i40 is a polite & well mannered car, here\u2019s a clip.\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors added a rather interesting add on for the car\u2019s security. A Safe Drive Recorder. This device will auto record after 30 seconds after you have shut the engine and will record while you\u2019re on the move. Good to keep it always running, you\u2019ll never know when you might need evidence of an accident. It will record motion and audio together but the storage will be based on the size of the sd card.   If you\u2019re moving big bulky long stuffs, the rear seat backrests feature a 60:40 split. If that\u2019s not enough, the\u00a0i40 offers a maximum 1,719\u2113 of trunk capacity. You\u2019ll be able to carry your bicycles or do some major household shopping with that amount of trunk space.\nA friend of mine, asked me for a favor. Could you help me move a single bed mattress to somewhere nearby ? I asked him: Single or twin bed mattress ? Single Bed. Drove over to my buddies place, move the bed into the car with ease. Here\u2019s a picture of an actual single size mattress fitted in the i40 Tourer, a perfect fit.   There\u2019s even a floor rail system which helps keep your luggage or items safely secured. Under the truck space are some hidden trays which allows you to store some magazine\u2019s or some old newspapers.\nAs standard the i40 Tourer \u00a0comes with a useful cargo net that fits together with the tonneau cover and would prevent high-up items from sliding forwards towards the heads of rear passengers under hard braking. Be warned, you are not allowed to transport items which are above the window frame, the authorities just might issue you a \u201csaman\u201d. \u00a0For dog lovers, this would be great feature. You can now drive your dog to your favorite park for walks with ease.\nThe i40 tourer, surprisingly comes with a full size 17 inch spare tire. Most automakers has resolved the unnecessary weight with a space saver tire or run flat tires, makes me wonder why the i40 has a full size spare.\nThe Panoramic Sunroof is a nice feature for the Tourer, but how many times does an average Malaysian driver use the sunroof ? I have a sunroof in my current car, I have only open it about four times in the last 2 years. The Hyundai Panoramic sunroof comes with a wind deflector, once you switch open the sunroof. A nice add on feature, which deflects wind noise while driving up Cameron Highlands or Bukit Tinggi. That would be the only time I guess, I would use the sun-roof.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nIn the heart of the i40 is the new and highly fuel efficient Nu 2.0 with Multi-Point Fuel Injection with the output of 177ps/6,500rpm and peak torque measures 214 nm/4,700rpm. The i40 would feel great with 185ps and 250nw of torque, but yet again. Some of us writers and car enthusiasts are always looking for the perfect car. In reality it doesn\u2019t exist, not for this price bracket that is. The i40 Tourer feels sluggish for small little hill climbs, example Bukit Damansara and Bangsar. It could seriously do with some fine ECU reconfiguration.\nHyundai did not give the i40\u00a0a sports suspension,\u00a0which has enough compliance to deal quietly and comfortably with speed bumps and potholes at everyday city driving. The sports mode button doesn\u2019t adjust the suspension to sports mode, it just allows you to have a higher rpm gear change.\u00a0On a good note,the i40 Tourer has an impressive braking system. The type which gives you the confidence on the road.\nTHE DRIVE\n.\nThe i40 Tourer is \nmissing\n the \ndriver involvement\n and \ndynamic composure \nif compared to the other mass automaker market.\nDriving the i40 is a perfectly acceptable experience for your city round and about.The controls are light enough and easy to get on with, and its handling is precise and predictable. Three point turn, easy-peasy even for a car of this length. It has a minimum turning radius of 5.47 meters.\nIt\u2019s only when you begin to ask more of the car, you\u2019ll discover the dynamic shortfalls. For example, the Motor-Driven Power Steering system is light and responsive enough in town, takes away the unwanted weight but on the highways, the system doesn\u2019t adapt to the speed that you are traveling on. The car\u2019s body also feels a little too easily disturbed by small movement of the steering while on the highways.\nThe 6 speed automatic transmission, for your daily drive around the city, D mode is smooth and efficient enough. Just bare in mind, going upto Genting Highlands on a full load will take a slightly longer time then expected. If you\u2019re on the highways and in need for some speed, you are able to use the paddle shift to shift down the gears but you have to use plenty of revs to really get it moving.There will be a slight jerk on the down shifts and I noticed the i40\u2019s rpm tends to lag at the same gear before it actually shifts down.\u00a0Changing gears on the paddle shift \u00a0feels \u201cclunky\u201d, a very plasticky feel.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nI can conclude that the i40 Tourer is a car for \u201cthe soccer mum\u201d or the above average family car. Fetching the kids for their various classes, while keeping them entertained in the car and providing ample space. The i40 Tourer excels in that manner. If you\u2019re not really into\u00a0the\u00a0driver involvement, speed and power, the i40 Tourer would be a rather adequate family car.\nCOMPARISONS\nIn Malaysia, there aren\u2019t many tourers or station wagons which matches the price range of the Hyundai i40 Tourer. The closest would be the Mazda 6 Tourer but at RM\u00a0193,832.40. The Mazda 6 Tourer has a much aggressive look and \u00a0stance, kinda reminds me of the awesome powerful wagon, the Audi RS6 Avant.\nThen there\u2019s the AWD 2.0 turbocharge Subaru Legacy, which comes at a hefty RM\u00a0242,819.40. If there was a drag race between this 3 cars, the Subaru Legacy would win hands down, followed by the Mazda 6 Tourer and finally the Hyundai i40 Tourer. But then again, it\u2019s a family car. The Hyundai i40 Tourer would win in pricing, accessories and built in gadgets.   Hyundai i40 Tourer\nMazda 6 Grand Touring\nSubaru Legacy Station Wagon\nENGINE\nType\nNu 2.0 GDI,\u00a0In-line 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-Valve\n\u00a0\u00a0SKYACTIV-G 2.5,\u00a0In-line 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-Valve\n2.5 Boxer engine, Horizontally-Opposed\u00a04-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve,Turbocharged petrol engine\nDisplacement\ncc\n\u00a01999\n2196\n2,457\nBore x Stroke\nmm\n\u00a077.2\u00a0X\u00a090   89.0 x 100.0   99.5 x 79.0\nCompression Ratio\nMax Power\nps/rpm\n177 / 6,500\n\u00a0185/5,700\n210 / 6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n214\n250\n\u00a0350\nCarburetion System\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n70\n\u00a062\n\u00a065\nSTEERING\nType\nMotor-Driven Power Steering\n\u00a0Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)\n\u00a0Hydraulic power steering system\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6 speed Automatic\n\u00a0SKYACTIV-Drive 6-Speed AT\nVariable Torque Distribution AWD system\nGear Ratio?\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson / Multi-link\n\u00a0MacPherson / Multi-link\n4-wheel independent, Coil suspension, MacPherson strut type front4-wheel independent, Coil suspension, Double wishbone type\u00a0rear\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\n\u00a0Ventilated Disc\nVentilated disc brakes\nRear\n\u00a0Solid Disc\nSolid Disc\n\u00a0Ventilated disc brakes\nDiameter \u2013 Front\nmm\n\u00a0320\nDiameter \u2013 Rear\nmm\n\u00a0300\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n215/50R17\n225/45 R19\n\u00a0225/45R18\nWheels\n\u00a07.5JX17\n\u00a019 x 7.5J\n\u00a018\u00d77\u2033 1/2J\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n\u00a04770\n4800\n4,775\nOverall Width\nmm\n\u00a01815\n1840\n1,780\nOverall Height\nmm\n\u00a01470\n\u00a01480\n1,535\nWheelbase\nmm\n\u00a02770\n\u00a02750\n2,750\nGround Clearance\nmm\n150\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n\u00a01,470\u20131,659\n\u00a01,506\n1,560\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n\u00a0553 / 1719\n522 /\u00a01,632\n1,690\nFUEL\nGrade\nmin. 95 RON\nmin. 95 RON\nmin. 95 RON\nConsumption\n\u00a0L/100 km\n\u00a0L/100 km\n\u00a0L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n\u00a0200\n210\n250\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n\u00a09.7\n9.3\nPRICE\nRM\n\u00a0\n178,888.00\n193,832.40\n242,819.40\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\n \nNo.\u00a0To sum it all, the Hyundai i40 Tourer is a rather polite and well mannered styled Tourer car with a very practical cabin of decent quality, attractive design in some parts, \u00a0and an impressive accessories, but it is a less rewarding to drive than I\u2019d hoped.\nRead our review on the other variant of i40, the \nHyundai i40 2.0 GDI sedan\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In a year when the Covid-19 pandemic essentially stopped the world from spinning for a good few months, it\u2019s not surprising to see sales figures fall, especially those in the premium segment such as \nBMW \nand \nMercedes-Benz\n \u2013 and they did, with a decrease of 7.5% for Mercedes-Benz (2.2 million units) and 7.2% for BMW (2.0 million units), with the former holding on to the lead in the segment.\nBut when it comes to performance vehicles, the story is quite the opposite. In fact, BMW M actually \nincreased their sales by 6%\n, moving a total of 144,218 units in 2020. The figure further improved \nBMW M\u2019s lead over Mercedes-AMG in this segment\n, who didn\u2019t enjoy the same fate, dropping 5.3% in sales last year with a total of 125,129 units sold globally.\nUSA was once again the single most important market for BMW M cars alongside China \u2013 both region achieving new sales records in 2020. Russia and Korea both saw more than 60% growth in demand, while Italy sales performance increased by 47% last year.\nOn the AMG side of things, the States also took the largest chunk of the pie, and actually saw a 1.5% growth in the country. However, the Most Improved Award for Mercedes-AMG was actually in China, which saw a 32.3% improvement in sales in 2020, setting a new sales record in the region.\nBMW attributed the increase in sales to the \nX5 M and X6 M\n, both of which unveiled globally towards the tail-end of 2019. Credits were also given to the new\n M2 CS\n, but it was actually the range-topping M Performance variant of the BMW 3 and 4 Series \u2013 such as the \nM340i xDrive\n \u2013 that helped boost sales last year.\nMercedes-AMG did not provide specifics to its sales figures, but it wouldn\u2019t be amiss to guess that their hardest hitters are its newest models, such as \nA 45\n and \nA 35\n\u00a0hot hatchbacks (and sedans), as well as the \nGLA\n and \nGLB\n\u00a0models.\nBMW M chairman and CEO, Markus Flasch said, \u201cThe fact that we were able to conclude this exceptionally challenging year with yet a further record is great validation of our consistent growth strategy. We can be particularly proud of the fact that we were able not only to defend our market dominance as the most successful provider of performance and high-performances automobiles, but also to have even expanded it.\u201d\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series recently took the crown as the\n fastest car to ever (officially) lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife\n!\n2021 looks to be an even stronger year for both brands, with BMW confirming the debut of the M5 CS later in January, followed by the market launch of the all-new BMW M3 and M4 in March \u2013 both of which are \nnow open for bookings in Malaysia\n.\nThe BMW performance division also teased the arrival of the first-ever electrified M model in 2021 \u2013 could it be the one we saw in the \nrecent M Town video\n? Well, at least we don\u2019t have to wait too long to find out!\nAs for Mercedes-AMG, new models in the pipeline for 2021 could include a new \nC 63 S\n model \u2013 which has been rumoured to come with a hybrid powertrain \u2013 as well as the production version of the F1-inspired \nMercedes-AMG One Hypercar\n."
"Roughly four years ago, \nAudi\n introduced the \nA1\n supermini to the global market. To date, they have sold over \n500,000 units\n, but the time has come for a facelift, and this is it in all its glory.\nWe\u2019ve seen the field of hot hatchery expand rapidly (in sheer competitors) \u2013 they\u2019re now \nfaster\n, more fuel efficient and to some extent \nmore practical\n. Take the \nMINI Cooper S 5-Door\n that was launched last week, for example.\nEXTERIOR\nThe facelifted A1 is now offered in both \nthree-door\n and \nfive-door trims\u00a0\n\u2013 the latter called the \nA1 Sportback\n, and its exterior has been subtly reworked to keep things up to date. Among the changes on the outside are the \nhexagonal front grille\n, more angular front bumper and the beautifully designed \nLED powered headlights\n that only Audi knows how.   The LED daytime running lights are now placed on the upper side of the headlights as compared to the pre-facelift model which had them housed below the headlights.\nIts side profile now looks different thanks to the \nrevised door sills\n. The rear now sports new tail lights and a redesigned rear bumper to match the front. All these changes contribute to the its increased overall dimension of \n20mm\n. As before, the roof can be ordered in \ncontrasting colour\n.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the layout of the A1\u2019s controls is neat and typically Audi, with fine chrome strips to accentuate the premium feel. Two new trims have been added \u2013 \nDesign\n and \nSport\n \u2013 which include a variety of customisation options.   For starters, the infotainment system (which folds out like the Audi A6) now features a Wi-Fi hotspot, GPS navigation system, speech recognition, Bose Surround Sound system and \nAudi Connect\n\u00a0\u2013 Audi\u2019s extensive range of internet services.\u00a0Other options include the S-line sport package, coloured air-conditioning vents and decals for the exterior body.\nPERFORMANCE\nThis has got to be the highlight of this facelift. Two new turbocharged three-cylinder engines have debuted in the A1 line-up; the \n1.0-litre petrol\n engine that makes \n95 hp\n and the \n1.4-litre turbodiesel\n mill that makes \n90 hp\n. The last time an Audi car was fitted with a three-cylinder engine was the \nAudi A2 1.4 TDI\n, so this may very well be the first \nthree-cylinder petrol engine\n to be used in their entire line-up.\nThe 1.0-litre petrol engine achieves an impressive \n4.3-litres per 100km\n, whereas the diesel engine manages \n3.4-litres per 100km\n. Both the engines are paired to the \nseven-speed\n S-Tronic \ndual clutch transmission\n.\nIn the driving department, Audi\u2019s engineers have spent time fine tuning the chassis to make the A1 more fun to drive, as it now comes with \nadaptive damping\n and a new \nelectromechanical power steering\n system.\nWHAT ELSE?\nWe should expect the arrival of this A1 and the A1 Sport back sometime next year. In European markets, this facelift variant costs between\n \u00a3200\n to \n\u00a3400\n more than the pre-facelift model. The question now is, how much more do we have to pay over its current RM180k price tag?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A1   Audi A1 Sportback"
"Proton has introduced the Proton Insurance Programme (PIP) for new and existing Proton owners where they\u2019ll be able to insure their cars with six of the company\u2019s panel insurers; at all authorised Proton dealerships nationwide.\nThe panel of insurers include Allianz General Insurance, Zurich General Insurance, Liberty General Insurance, AmGeneral Insurance, Etiqa General Takaful and Zurich General Takaful.\nThe \nfacelift Proton Iriz \nlaunched in April.\nProton owners who opt for or renew their insurance with PIP would be eligible for a free key replacement up to RM1,000 in the event of theft, RM1,000 flood relief allowance, coverage for all permanent driving license holders above 21 years old and personal coverage of up to RM15,000 for private car owners.\nPIP also offers a waiver of betterment costs for up to 10 years with the requirement that the car is repaired at authorised Proton centres and an agreed value coverage that guarantees a full reimbursement of the sum amount insured for the first 12 years, in the case of theft or total loss.\nHave you checked out what\u2019s new in the \nProton Persona facelift\n?\n\u201cProton is constantly looking for ways to deliver more value and with the Proton Insurance Programme, we can ensure that old, current and new customers alike are eligible to receive the same benefits just by renewing their insurance policy with us,\u201d said Proton CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong.\nHe added, \u201cThe programme is backed by six of the strongest names in the insurance industry so our customers can have a peace of mind that promises will be delivered.\u201d"
"About a month ago, 9 Proton X70 owners Led by Borneo Automobile Leisure Touring Team and the Kunming Scenery-Customer International Travel Co. China, embarked on a \n13,000 km trip\n taking them from Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam, Malaysia to Geely\u2019s HQ in Hangzhou, China.\n\u00a0Throughout the 33-day journey, the entourage crossed\nfour countries and 13 cities through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China. It took\nthem five days to get to the border of China where the participants were required\nto apply for a temporary road tax and driving license to allow them to legally\ndrive in China.\n \nWe joined the convoy on the first leg from \nKL to Hatyai\nThe cars were subjected\nto an inspection by the traffic police in Mengla but with over 600,000 of the\nBoyue sold in China (the X70\u2019s donor car), it didn\u2019t take long for the authorities\nto welcome the convoy of X70s into the country.\nParticipants were also treated to a tour of the Geely Experience Centre where the participants were shown the rapid developments Geely underwent since the company obtained its manufacturing license from the Chinese Government in 2001. Guests were also shown a range of new Geely \nproducts that may bear the Proton badge in the near future\n such as the Geely \nBin Yue compact crossover\n and \nJia Ji MPV\n.\nThe group then took a\nleisure drive back to Malaysia, stopping by and visiting the ancient cities of\nChina along the way. On average, the convoy covered roughly 400 km daily in\ntheir X70s and their longest route throughout the trip took them from Lampang\nto Cha\u2019am on the return leg covering 775 km in a single day.\nThis Proton X70 Malaysia-China\nAmazing Trip 2019 is not a challenge to subject cars to gruesome long-haul tests\nbut a journey of exploration to understand their vehicles in different driving conditions\nand promote overland tourism from and to Malaysia.\nThe owners were pleased to report that their \nX70 performed exceptionally\n in a variety of conditions \u2013 steep hills, wet weather and rough terrains. The 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGD-i engine with \n183 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of torque also performed reliably despite the varying fuel quality and extensive driving.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nProton\u00a0X70\u00a0Malaysia-China\u00a0Amazing\u00a0Trip\u00a02019"
"Following the \nintroduction of the Forester GT Edition\n last year, TC Subaru has now unveiled the Forester GT Lite Edition, bringing the GT Line treatment down to a lower price point of\n RM163,788\n \u2013 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nMuch like the original GT Edition, the new Forester GT Lite is also based on an existing variant, specifically the \n2.0i-L variant\n here in Malaysia.\n \nThe new GT Lite Edition gets the full GT body kit designed in collaboration with\u00a0Giken and Masahiko \u201cJack\u201d Kobayashi, consisting of new front and back bumpers with large black plastic panels and lip extensions, along with flashier side skirts, a new roof spoiler, and a larger exhaust finisher.\nAside from these changes though, the GT Lite Edition is essentially identical to the entry-level Subaru Forester available here in Malaysia. Other standard exterior equipment on the new GT Lite include LED headlights, daytime-running lights, and combination taillights, halogen fog lamps, as well as 17-inch alloys.\nThe interior is also unchanged from the 2.0i-L variant, which includes leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, cruise control, paddle shifters, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with 360-degree surround view monitor as standard.\nPowering the Subaru Forester GT Lite is the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four boxer engine, which sends \n156 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels via Subaru\u2019s Lineartronic CVT gearbox and \nSymmetrical All-Wheel Drive system\n.\nThe interior of the Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition is essentially identical to that of the range-topping variant (pictured here), save for the aluminium pedals.\nThe Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition is offered in seven colours \u2013 Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, Sepia Bronze Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica \u2013 and is now available for viewing at all Subaru showrooms nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"Welcome the new Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo range \u2013 including the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo and Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo \u2013 the first Panamera to sport the \u201cshooting brake\u201d layout.\nThe Panamera 4 Sport Turismo comes with a V6 petrol engine with \n330 hp\u00a0\nand\n 450 Nm\n\u00a0while the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo with a V6 biturbo petrol engine and an electric motor produces\n 462 hp \nand\n 700 Nm\n. The most powerful model in the range is the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo with a V8 biturbo engine producing\n 550 hp \nand\n 770 Nm\n.\n\u00a0\nPerformance wise, the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo takes just 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h from standstill (5.3 with the Sport Chrono Package), the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo just 4.6 seconds and the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo just 3.8 seconds (3.6 with the Sport Chrono Package). Top speed is 259 km/h for the Panamera 4, 275 km/h for the E-Hybrid and 304 km/h for the Turbo model.\nPower is channeled to all four wheels with an 8-speed PDK gearbox with rear-wheel steering, Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and adaptive air suspension with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).   On the outside, the Sport Turismo has been redesigned from the B-pillar onwards to the rear. At the tailgate is a active rear spoiler as part of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) which can be raised to three different positions.\nAt speed over 170 km/h, the spoiler goes into \u201cPerformance\u201d position and if the optional panoramic roof is opened, the roof spoiler changes its angle to minimise wind noise. The roof spoiler can be controlled via the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.   Measuring at over five metres long, the Sport Turismo does not lack any presence. As standard, 19-inch wheels are fitted onto the base model Panamera 4 and the E-Hybrid, while the Turbo variant gets a 20-inch set. Optional 21-inch wheels can be specified. The main headlights are LED units with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), with an LED pair at the rear as well.\nInside the Sport Turismo is the first Panamera to feature three rear seats, with an optional four seat configuration. Other standard equipment include the Porsche Advanced Cockpit and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that recognises hand writings and is operated with touch gesture controls while the rear gets two 10-inch screens for air conditioning controls.\nDriver assistance systems available include Night View Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is priced at RM990,000, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo at RM 1,125,000 and the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo at RM 1,940,000 on-the-road before insurance and options.\nAs with all Porsches sold through Sime Darby Auto Performance, the Panamera Sport Turismo will be safeguarded by a four-year warranty and a free maintenance package with complimentary service, parts and labour.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Blistering speeds, unapologetic styling and sheer noise \u2013 these are some of the famous traits of a Ferrari, a trademark of Maranello\u2019s produce for as long as history has dictated.\nWhat you\u2019re about to see in this video however, is rather eerie. It shows a heavily-camouflaged Ferrari at the Fiorano Circuit, Ferrari\u2019s very own test track but here\u2019s the creepy part; it accelerated from standstill in complete silence.\nThe 488 in the video is likely a mule for Ferrari\u2019s new hybrid powertrain and the video suggests that it can run purely on electric. It\u2019s said that Ferrari would have to meet stricter emission regulations once its annual production volume \nexceeds 10,000 units\n \u2013 a mark Ferrari will surely exceed \nonce its long-awaited SUV arrives\n.\nThe \nLaFerrari\n launched in 2013 was Ferrari\u2019s first production hybrid but its charge is more supplementary than primary. Based on the video, it seems like the new hybrid powertrain will feature higher capacity batteries for a decent electric range."
"With more than 35 million units sold in the last four decades, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the most successful cars in the world. In a new chapter of the family hatchback\u2019s history, Volkswagen has unveiled the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf, claiming it to be the biggest technological leap in the history of the model.\u00a0\nUnderneath the hood, the new Golf will be available in a whole raft of powertrain options. At the low end, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine will be offered with \n90 hp\n and \n110 hp\n, while a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine will come in \n115 hp\n and \n150 hp\n versions. Volkswagen says that the new petrol engines have particularly low consumption values and emissions in part due to a new combustion process.\u00a0\nOn the diesel side, two four-cylinder oil-burners are available in \n115 hp\n and \n150 hp\n guises. Using a twin-dosing technology featuring two catalytic converters, Volkswagen says that the new TDI engines significantly reduces nitrous oxide emissions by up to 80%, while lowering consumption by approximately 17% compared to its predecessor.\u00a0\nFor the first time in the segment, Volkswagen is offering three \n48V mild hybrid powertrains\n with the new Golf, carrying the eTSI badge. Available in \n110 hp\n, \n130 hp\n and \n150 hp\n versions, Volkswagen claims that the 48V lithium-ion battery reduces fuel consumption by around 10%, while offering better acceleration off the line.\u00a0\nTwo plug-in hybrids are also available on the new Golf, starting with the performance-oriented GTE variant. Combining a 1.4-litre TSI engine with an electric motor, the GTE plug-in hybrid pushes out \n245 hp\n, making it the most powerful Golf at launch.\u00a0\nA slightly milder eHybrid variant is also available, generating a combined \n204 hp\n. Both plug-in hybrids utilise a \n13 kWh battery pack\n \u2013 which is 50% more capacity than the outgoing GTE \u2013 increasing the battery-only range to approximately 60 km.\u00a0\nIn certain Europe markets, a natural gas TGI engine is also available, with power output rated at \n130 hp\n.\u00a0\nSitting on the latest MQB platform, the dimensions of the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf remain largely unchanged. The new Golf retains the MacPherson Strut front and multi-link rear suspensions from the \nMk. 7.5\n.\u00a0\nExterior proportions changes are also minimal compared to the Mk 7.5. The C-pillar on the new Golf has been reshaped to provide more presence at the rear.\u00a0\nAt the front, the revamped headlights come with LED illumination as standard. As a cost option, the headlights can be upgraded to Volkswagen\u2019s IQ.Light matrix LED system, which can be dipped for oncoming traffic.\u00a0\nOver at the rear, the taillight enclosures are reshaped to a more angular design with a cutout at the bottom, along with a new Golf inscription badging positioned centrally underneath the new Volkswagen emblem.\u00a0\nAlthough the exterior changes are \nmostly evolutionary\n, Volkswagen has completely revamped the entire interior of the eighth-generation Golf. As standard, the new Golf will feature a digital instrument cluster and an 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen display.\u00a0\nThe infotainment display \u2013 upgradeable to a 10-inch model \u2013 features We Connect always-on connectivity for music streaming and other onboard online features, as well as Alexa voice control assistant.\u00a0\nThe new Volkswagen Golf is also the first car from the German carmaker to come equipped with the Car2X system, which uses swarm information from surrounding vehicles and infrastructure in a 800-meter radius to create real-time data for the driver.\u00a0\nAs for safety, the new Golf features the IQ.Drive Travel Assist system, which uses adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist to aid driving at up to speeds of \n210 km/h\n.\nVolkswagen claims that the technologies on the new Golf can also be upgraded. Features such as adaptive cruise control, navigation, Light Assist main-beam control as well as Wi-Fi hotspot can be enabled retrospectively.\u00a0\n IMAGE GALLERY"
"There are many reasons why you might not want an SUV \u2013 among them, the common ones we usually hear are that they\u2019re big, heavy, and usually thirsty vehicles for day-to-day commute. But the strongest opponent to the SUV takeover has always been the brilliant Volkswagen Golf R Wagon (or Estate, depending on where you\u2019re from), and good news \u2013 there\u2019s a brand-new one for us to be jealous about. Okay, maybe \u2018bad news\u2019 is more appropriate.\nThere are no changes to the tried and true recipe here; It\u2019s still a \nVolkswagen Golf R\n, just with a stretched roof. But just like a Margherita pizza, simple and traditional \u2013 if done right \u2013 is still very, very good.\nThe wagon variant basically takes everything you love from the hot hatch, and adds on a large serving of practicality thanks to the bigger cargo area at the back. Specifically, the estate Golf R can now swallow 611 litres of luggage, expandable to 1,642 litres with the rear bench folded down.\nRead all about the regular VW Golf R hot hatch here.\nThere\u2019s also a slightly elongated wheelbase which results in more rear legroom, roof rails as standard, and even an optional electronically-controlled ball coupling hook at the rear to tow trailers up to 1.9 tonnes.\nAside from these additions, everything else on the new Volkswagen Golf R wagon is pretty much carried over from the regular hot hatch, including the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine which makes a maximum of \n320 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n.\n4Motion all-wheel drive with R Performance Torque Vectoring is standard, as is the R-specific DSG dual-clutch gearbox. But with the extra heft, 0-100 km/h on the stretchback Golf R is a touch slower at \n4.9 seconds\n, although top speed is still the same at 250 km/h standard, or 270 km/h with the optional R Performance package.\nWatch the VW Golf R challenge the AMG A 45 S to a drift battle!\nThe package also includes a set of 19-inch wheels, along with two new driving modes \u2013 Special (or Nurburgring mode) and Drift \u2013 for when you want to do sports car stuff.\nSounds brilliant, doesn\u2019t it? But as usual, the VW Golf R wagon will mostly be a European-only affair. Pricing information is not available yet, but we expect it to be priced slightly higher than the regular hatchback model, which costs EUR49,400 (~RM242k) in Germany.\nIn related news, the eight-generation Volkswagen Golf \u2013 including the Golf R \u2013 is slated to be launched here in Malaysia very soon. Would you like to see the wagon variant being sold here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments section below!\nGALLERY"
"Building an electric car is hard. Not just the technical aspects of it, but also because people expect so much from an EV to believe that it is really the future.\nI mean, just check out the numbers Lucid Motors had to put out for their upcoming Lucid Air \u2013 0-100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds, top speed of over 200 mph (that\u2019s 322 km/h for us), and a range of over 400 miles (643 km). How many \u201cregular\u201d cars can achieve all of that?\nThat\u2019s probably why the Air took so many years to develop. But no matter, because Lucid Motors is set out to prove all the EV doubters wrong. A little more than two years ago, the Lucid Air showed us that it can \nhit a top speed of 378 km/h\n, and now it\u2019s out to defend its 400 miles of range claim.\n \nBack in February, before the entire state of California was placed on lockdown, the Lucid Motors team took beta prototype number nine (VIN 9) on a road trip from their headquarters in Silicon Valley in San Francisco to Los Angeles and back \u2013 a distance of \nmore than 400 miles each way\n.\nThe first leg was relatively easier, with the R&D team driving the prototype along the coastal Highway 1, before an overnight stop in Santa Monica to charge up the car. The next day, the team took a more hilly route with Interstate 5, where the Lucid Air reached an elevation of 1,263 m at the Tejon Pass \u2013 all while sticking as close as possible to the \n70 mph (112 km/h) speed limit\n.\nObviously, without a third-party adjuticator, we\u2019ll have to take Lucid\u2019s claim with a pinch of salt. Looking at the video, it\u2019s also clear that the prototype still lacks quite a lot of finishing touches in the interior \u2013 possibly reducing the weight and therefore giving an advantage to the range of the prototype.\nHowever, the magical 400 mile figure is still an impressive feat \u2013 and even more so in an EV. Lucid\u2019s \u201csmart range\u201d philosophy (efficiency over large batteries) seem to be working. There\u2019s a lot to look forward to, but we\u2019ll just have to wait and see at the official launch, which was scheduled for the\n now-cancelled New York motor show\n."
"Just as we brought you news of Hyundai\u2019s \nnew global premium sub-brand Genesis\n, they rolled out a duo of renderings of their new range-topping G90 luxury sedan \u2013 named EQ900 in Korea. The \u2018elegantly designed\u2019 Genesis G90 will effectively be the brand\u2019s blueprint for future models to come.\nThe luxury limo\u00a0embodies Genesis\u2019 design language called Athletic Elegance (interpreted by the new Prestige Design Division), and flanking the front end is a huge trapezoidal grille crowned by the Genesis winged emblem. There\u2019s also a strong shoulder line flowing along its body into the tail lamp clusters \u2013 some key design cues that its luxury stablemates will surely adopt.\u00a0\nHyundai Motor\u2019s Head of R&D and Vice Chairman Woong-Chul Yang said, \u201cThe new Genesis G90 sedan will deliver a concept of \u2018New Luxury\u2019 to our customers. The G90 \nsits at the pinnacle\n of the Genesis brand and demonstrates how we apply our human-centred values to give our customers true satisfaction in every aspect of the vehicle ownership experience.\u201d\nFull details of the G90 will be revealed soon. As far as the sketches go, the Genesis G90 certainly looks on point and with great stature to match. It will come with Hyundai\u2019s full suite of safety features, including some technological innovations that Hyundai claims will hold its own in the luxury car segment. We can\u2019t wait."
"Perodua has released some official photos of their latest baby, the\n Axia\n. Finally we\u2019re able to see the engine bay where the \n1.0-liter\n 12-valve DOHC engine that produces \n66 horsepower\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n87 Nm\n of torque resides.\nWith the official launch date getting closer and closer, the order books have been piling up for the highly anticipated 10th Perodua model, the Axia. Perodua has been accepting orders since 15th of August and on the fifth day, \n3,500 bookings\n have been made, and the number will keep on increasing by the looks of it.\nPerodua is targeting to sell around \n30,000 units\n of the Axia by emphasising on the 4 key highlights mentioned previously by Perodua President and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, which are environmentally friendly, very spacious for a compact vehicle, easy driving and economical in terms of the overall cost of ownership.\nTo recap, the Axia will come in\n 4 variants\n; Standard E, Standard G, SE, and Advance while the indicative price is from \nRM24,900\n for the Standard E and all the way up to \nRM44,900\n for the range-topping Advance complete with leather seats and navigation system.\nAll Axia will be covered by factory-backed\n 5-year Warranty\n, and it is also Malaysia\u2019s first \nEnergy Efficient Vehicle\n (EEV) that can travel up to \n21.6km/l\n in all Manual variants, while 4-speed Automatic variants achieves 20.1km/l.\nStay tuned with Autobuzz.my as we bring you more info on the latest Perodua Axia!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia has announced that the all-new second-generation NX SUV is now available for booking. Prices start from\n RM370,888\n for the NX 250 Luxury while the NX 350 F Sport starts from \nRM389,888 \non-the-road without insurance, and includes SST exemptions.\nThe NX 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 204 hp and 243 Nm, while the more powerful NX 350 F Sport gets a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 275 hp and 430 Nm.\nBoth are fitted with 8-speed automatic transmissions, that feature Artificial Intelligence shift control. The system uses a camera to scan the road ahead, ensuring that the car is always in the right gear depending on the driving condition.\nWhile it may be front-wheel drive most of the time, the Lexus NX can switch to all-wheel drive using the electronically-controlled AWD system to split power between the front and rear wheels. Lexus says the system reduces understeer and oversteer.\nThe Lexus NX rides on the new Lexus Global Architecture (GA-K) platform that offers 30% more rigidity over the previous generation, for better handling and stability through the corners. Over 95% of the Lexus NX consists of completely new components.\nInside, the Lexus NX come with far lesser physical controls, reserved only for frequently-used features. Specifications are yet to be revealed except for the 14-inch infotainment display, a head-up display, Apple Car and Android Auto features.\nSafety features are provided by the Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+), that comes with autonomous emergency braking that detects pedestrians and bicyclists, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, adaptive high beam, a panoramic view monitor and more.\nAmong the highlights of the new Lexus NX is the e-latch door opener, that replaces the traditional two-step motion to open the doors from the inside \u2013 pulling the handle and pushing the door outwards. With the e-latch feature, passengers simply need to push a button to open doors from the inside in a single action."
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced the latest revised price list for its models in Malaysia, following Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin\u2019s announcement for the \nexemptions on sales tax on private vehicles\n as part of the government\u2019s short-term economy recovery plan.\nThe exemption period, which went into effect on Monday 15th June, will be applicable until the 31st of December 2020, during which the sales tax on locally-assembled models will be dropped to 0%, while imported models will have their sales tax halved to 5%.\nThe revised Hyundai price list for Malaysia only includes price reductions on the \nSanta Fe\n and \ni30 N Performance\n. This is in part due to the government\u2019s directive that only models manufactured in 2020 will be eligible for the sales tax exemption \u2013 the \nIoniq Hybrid\n, \nTucson\n, and \nElantra\n were listed without 2020 models.\nThe Hyundai Santa Fe gets a reduction of approximately 2.9% across the board. As a result, the seven-seater SUV is now priced from RM166,974.01 to RM207,638.46 depending on the variant chosen.\nAs for the Hyundai i30 N which only comes in the Performance variant locally, the \u201ceveryday sportscar\u201d sees a reduction in price of 1.7% (RM5,090.40).\nFor more information on the revised price lists from other car brands in Malaysia during the sales tax exemption period, do check out our round-up \nhere\n!"
"Subaru is finally getting into the EV game after years of rumours and teasers, and their first fully-electric vehicle will be an SUV named \u201cSolterra\u201d. The SUV EV is scheduled to go on sale in 2022 in selected markets, including Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and China.\nThe Solterra will be Subaru\u2019s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), occupying the C-segment SUV space. Codeveloped with Toyota, the Solterra will be built on a new dedicated electric platform, which it calls the e-Subaru Global Platform (e-SGP). In Toyota\u2019s case, the platform (called e-TNGA) is used underneath the \nbZ4X\n \u2013 essentially the same car with a name that\u2019s significantly harder to pronounce.\nThe name comes from \u2018Sol\u2019 and \u2018Terra\u2019, which are Latin for sun and earth respectively. According to Subaru, the new EV was given the name as it\u2019s meant to \u201cappreciate mother nature and further advance the form of coexistence with it\u201d, and of course, highlight the traditional Subaru go-anywhere capabilities \u2013 the latter playing a large role in the partnership between the two companies.\nLeveraging on Toyota\u2019s electrification technology and Subaru\u2019s all-wheel drive know-how, the platform will support \u201cvarious types of EVs\u201d thanks to its modular components. For now though, the platform\u2019s are only found on the SUV twins.\nSubaru isn\u2019t sharing further details on the powertrain just yet, but the press release does come with a teaser image of the car. While most details have been blackened out (\ntrust us, we looked!\n), the car does strongly resemble the \nEvoltis clay model\n that the company showed off last year, just a lot more conventional \u2013 which is probably a good thing.\nFrom what we can see, the upcoming Subaru Solterra gets a different headlight design to the bZ4X, featuring a more angular design. The overall silhouette though, including its tall stature, does remain quite faithful to its Toyota counterpart."
"A total of eight interior design firms has been nominated as finalists in the VolvoAurizn Design Challenge. The finalists are in the running to win an all-expense-paid trip to Volvo Car\u2019s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden as well as being listed as B\u00d6N Estates\u2019 panel of interior designers.\nThe eight finalists are listed as below (linked to their social media site):\nChi Design Sdn Bhd\nFid Atelier Sdn Bhd\nGreen Apple Design Sdn Bhd\nGrov Design Studio Sdn Bhd\nKS Galaxy Kitchen Renovation\nHome Project by TMG\nOriwise Sdn Bhd\nZeitlus Design\nVolvo Retail Environment\nIn the final round, the finalists will showcase their designs to an esteemed group of audience and judging panel at a private event held at B\u00d6N Estates\u2019 show house in Bangsar. Five out of these eight finalists stand a chance to be listed as B\u00d6N Estates\u2019 panel of interior designers for their upcoming project, The Estate at Bangsar South while only one lucky winner will be flying to Gothenburg, Sweden.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve been observing the used car market for 90s to early 2000s Japanese tuner/sports car, you\u2019d be aware that prices for them these days, regardless of make and model, are sky-high.\nThis Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nur is one such example and that RM2,000,0300 asking price isn\u2019t purely based on the importer\u2019s greed, but it seems to be the market value (somewhat) for one of these things.\nAfter a little digging on the Internet through several international classifieds, it seems the V-Spec II Nur has been valued at RM1.6 million in Australia as early as 2015. A more \nrecent post for the same car on JDM Expo\n also valued the car at over RM2 million. The \u201cNur\u201d in the name was inspired by the Nurburgring circuit, in case you were wondering.\nBut why is it so expensive? For starters, it was among the final production Skyline GT-Rs by Nissan and as for the V-Spec II Nur, \nonly 718 were ever built\n.\nPerformance-wise, the V-Spec II Nur made 334 hp, far more than the 280 hp in \u201cnormal GT-Rs\u201d, as a result of bigger turbos and higher boost. Significant work was also done to the chassis and suspension of the Nurburgring edition along with distinctive features like a gold valve cover and a 300 km/h speedometer.\nAlso adding to the rarity is the Millenium Jade exterior colour, where \nonly 156 units\n of the V-Spec II Nur were produced in that colour.\nSource: \nMutiara Motors Facebook\nGALLERY"
"He was so enthusiastic about reviewing the Mazda CX-3, Adrian even bought matching coloured shoes to wear for the shoot.\nI\u2019m just kidding but his enthusiasm for the car did spur me to try it and after a couple spins around our office, I get why people have gone so crazy over this car \u2013 shelling out unreasonable amounts of money for a car that barely fits five \u2013 it drives so well!\n \nYou\u2019ve seen AutoBuzz.my co-founder \nDominic present on the car\u2019s new features\n and you\u2019ve seen our \ncomprehensive gallery of the car\u2019s pictures\n, now allow to Adrian to share his thoughts on a car I feel is as stylish as it is substantial.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While many electric vehicles (EVs) have made their way to Malaysia, one of the early EVs to enter Malaysia was the \nNissan Leaf\n back in 2013 (ZE0 first generation). The ZE1 was launched in Malaysia in 2019, and now Nissan Malaysia has previewed the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift ahead of its launch on March 10, 2023.\nA quick look on the outside will let you know that the Leaf has been given several new enhancements. The front end now gets a full black aero front grille, a newly redesigned lower bumper and new black inner-finished headlights that now come with high beam assist.\nOther exterior enhancements on the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift include a new redesigned aero spoiler, new grey-accent diffuser, new 17-inch 5-spoke wheels, and most importantly, the new Nissan Logo at the front and the rear. All together, the minor changes to the Nissan Leaf result in a refreshed sleek exterior that challenges some of the newer EVs of today.\nExterior enhancements aside, the 2023 Nissan Leaf remains the same under the skin. The electric motor and the high-voltage battery setup have been carried over from the outgoing version. As such, the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift produces a total output of 110 kW (\n150 hp\n metric) and \n320 Nm\n from a front-mounted single electric motor. The same 40kWh high voltage battery still provides up to \n311 km\n of range (NEDC), which is a bit of a shortfall compared to the new EV competitors in Malaysia.\nMaximum charging rates also remain the same at \n6.6 kW\n with AC charging and \n50 kW\n with DC fast charging. What\u2019s new in terms of charging for the Nissan Leaf is that the AC charging socket is now the Type 2 socket. The DC charging socket is still the CHAdeMO type.\nInside, the 8-inch touchscreen head unit now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. There is also a new smart rearview mirror that is connected to a camera located under the third brake light. Interior upholstery options include Graphite Black and Stone Grey colour options.\nA few updates are also given in terms of safety. The 2023 Nissan Leaf features a new intelligent lane intervention & intelligent lane departure warning system, a new intelligent rearview mirror, and a new high beam assist system.\nLike the outgoing model, the 2023 Nissan Leaf can also be \u201cowned\u201d via a subscription program estimated at a monthly price of RM1,800. More details on the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift will be available upon its launch in a few days from now.\nFollowing its upcoming launch, the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift will be on display at the \u201cNissan Electrifying Drive\u201d event at selected Nissan Showrooms nationwide. The dates and locations of the events are as such:\n11-12 March \u2013 ETCM Glenmarie, ETCM Jalan Raja Laut\n18-19 March \u2013 ETCM Klang, ETCM Kuantan\n25-26 March \u2013 ETCM Butterworth, ETCM Johor Jaya\n8-9 April \u2013 ETCM Ipoh, ETCM Batu Pahat"
"Sometimes it can be very provoking but sometimes it can also be very helpful as a precautionary measure; either way, the horn is the most important weapons we have at our disposal, from behind the wheel.\nIt\u2019s also actually one of the easiest things to swap out on your own in the event that it fails. If you haven\u2019t heard, a used horn can be recycled for other applications too!\nA new episode of\n AutoDIY\n will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come."
"The Malayan tapir is the the largest of the four widely-recognised species of the tapir, and is the only species native to Asia, on the island of Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and Southern Thailand.\nThe endangered species has an expected lifespan of up to 30 years, but agriculture developments and deforestation, illegal hunting, and animal trafficking has resulted in an alarming decrease in their numbers. It is estimated that there are only\n less than 3,000 of the Malayan tapir left.\nAs a bid to raise awareness and raise funds for the preservation of the Malayan Tapir, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has teamed up with local denim streetwear brand,\n Tarik Jeans\n, with the launch of an exclusively designed capsule collection, \u201cModern Nostalgia\u201d.\nThe limited edition collection comprises of a variety of items including T-shirts, caps, bandanas, tote bags, key chains, and clothing patches.\n\u201cModern Nostalgia\u201d features key design elements from both brands, such as modern and iconic Volkswagen models, married with local classic and vintage design elements.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cA key pillar for Volkswagen is sustainability, and the group is investing heavily in this cause with over 500 sustainability projects worldwide.\n\u201cWe are pleased to play our part in this meaningful project, and we will certainly not stop here as we will continue to explore ways to contribute to making a difference,\u201d he added.\nAs for Tarik Jeans, Founder and CEO Afiq Iskandar said that the Malayan Tapir \u201chas always been a part of the Tarik design aesthetics\u201d, so much so that the it was also added to the brand\u2019s logo, in addition to the main \u2018teh tarik\u2019 design.\nThe \u2018Modern Nostalgia\u2019b merchandise can be purchased on both Volkswagen\u2019s and \nTarik Jeans\u2019\n website, Shopee, Zalora, and at all Volkswagen authorised dealers nationwide.\nA total of \n50% of all proceeds\n from the sales of the collection will be donated to the \nKenaboi Forest Reserve\n in Negeri Sembilan on \nWorld Tapir Day\n, this 27th April."
"Whether it\u2019s to the touch or sight, there are certain (high) expectations placed on a car that surpasses the million Ringgit mark. With the new Flying Spur, Bentley has not only met those expectations but surpassed them.\nOur hopelessly high import taxes aside, you really do see why these marques costs an arm a leg and a few \u201csell-able\u201d organs. Every section, every corner, every component and fine detail appears to have been given hours of deliberation before it\u2019s put into production.\n \nThe completely restyled body, possibly one of the most elegant Bentley has ever sculpted, is accompanied with a somewhat new name. The new 3rd generation model which coincides with the company\u2019s 100th year anniversary, bears the Flying Spur name plate. The Continental moniker from before, is no more.\nWhat a way to usher in a new century and to extend the brand\u2019s legacy as the purveyors of some of the most luxurious cars man has ever seen.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"They say \u201cyou don\u2019t know where you\u2019re headed until you know where you\u2019ve been\u201d; and in the context of the all-new Toyota Supra, what better way to appreciate it than to treasure its history.\nSaid to be the \nlast gift from Toyota to driving enthusiasts\n, the new Supra which was \nrevealed and driven on the hillclimb at the recently concluded Goodwood Festival of Speed\n, is set for debut in the earlier part of 2019.\nEnthusiasts may also be angered by the fact that the new Supra, built in partnership with BMW, will not come with a manual transmission but instead be fitted with an 8-speed automatic, one that\u2019s shared with the \nnew BMW Z4\n, along with a \n3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine\n.\nCredit: \nCars Evolution"
"Remember the group of Malaysians who \ndrove from Malaysia to Europe and back\n in their Volkswagen Kombi and classic Beetle? They are back on Malaysian soil and have a very interesting story to share about the tyres they used.\nThe #Live2Drive team saw three Kombi\u2019s and one Beetle which covered 30 countries over eight months, clocking over 52,000 km and 607 hours of driving in the process. Throughout their journey, the team used only \nContinental ComfortContact 6 (CC6) and UltraContact 6 (UC6)\n for their air-cooled Volkswagens.\n \n \nAt a press conference today at Continental Tyre Malaysia (CTM)\u2019s premise in Petaling Jaya, #Life2Drive team member, Cliften Nathaniel commented on the Continental tyres: \u201cDriving through what was a \u2018cold summer\u2019 in summer tyres was beyond my expectations. Cold summer is like driving up really high altitudes with cold temperatures, rough hard-off roads, as well as through snow and on some parts of icy roads.\u201d\n\u201cDespite all that, the tyres performed fantastically and made us wanting to keep driving. I used two different sets of Continental tyres: 185/65/15 (CC6 on the Beetle) and 215/55/17 (UC6) for my Kombi \u2013 apart from the comfort, they also handled well in wet conditions and allowed me more confidence when driving through the continents in a classic car.\u201d Nathaniel added.\nCTM Managing Director and Head of Continental\u2019s ASEAN Region for BU PLT Replacement APAC, Cameron Wilson said: \u201cCTM is also pleased that the robustness and durability of Continental tyres have successfully taken the #Live2Drive team safely across various terrains and roads which can get rough at places. Along the way, fans who recognised the Continental brand, as well as those who are keen on classic cars, came along to meet and cheer the team along. This reaffirms the premise that Continental tyres are trusted the world over for quality, performance and its German Technology.\u201d"
"Launched in Malaysia on December 8, 2022, the \nBYD Atto 3\n managed to garner over 1,000 bookings in just 10 days since it landed in Malaysia. The all-electric BYD Atto 3 is the pilot model for the brand in Malaysia, which is officially distributed by \nSime Darby Beyond Auto\n.\nIn a Facebook Update, the company posted images celebrating the 1,000th order of the BYD Atto 3 in the brand\u2019s showroom in TREC Kuala Lumpur. BYD Malaysia will open showrooms in Ara Damansara, Penang, and Johor by the first half of 2023. By the end of 2024, BYD targets to have 40 showrooms nationwide.\nThe BYD Atto 3 is offered in two variants in Malaysia, namely the Atto3 Standard Range and the Atto 3 Extended Range. The Standard Range offers \n345 km\n of range (WLTP) from a \n49.92-kWh \nbattery while the Extended Range offers \n420 km \nof range (WLTP) from a \n60.48-kWh\n battery.\nBoth cars can be charged at a maximum rate of \n6.6 kW\n for AC charging and \n70 kW\n for DC fast charging. Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the BYD Atto 3 is capable of vehicle-to-load function (V2L) at a rate of \n2.2 kW\n.\nPowering the BYD Atto 3 is a single electric motor that makes \n203 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n. All power is sent to the front wheels and the Atto 3 does the century sprint in \n7.3 seconds\n.\nRELATED: \nBYD to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by end of 2024, first in KL to open Dec 2022\nLooking sleek and rather unassuming on the outside, the BYD Atto 3 has a bizarre interior that is sure to divide opinions. With a \u2018fitness\u2019 theme, the Atto 3\u2019s interior has a \u2018Muscle Streamline Design\u2019 for its trims, dumbbell-inspired air conditioning vents, and a treadmill-inspired front armrest.\nCustomers can look forward to receiving their cars in the first quarter of 2023. With an attractive price starting at \nRM149,800 \nfor the Standard Range variant, the BYD Atto 3 might be the EV to create critical mass in terms of EV adoption in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \n2023 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, X70-size EV from RM150k"
"The \nBugatti Bolide\n has been voted as this year\u2019s most beautiful hypercar by a jury of design professionals during the 36\nth\n Festival Automobile International in Paris. The limited run \u201cexperimental\u201d track-focused model won in the hypercar category \u201cby a substantial margin\u201d according to Bugatti, among a total of four finalists.\nThe category\u2019s rules state that the cars must be \u201cproduced in series but sold for more than 60,000 euros, which display a sporty design and outstanding performance\u201d. The four finalists for the category also included the BAC Mono 2, \nGordon Murray\u2019s T.50\n, and the\n Mercedes-AMG Project One\n.\nAmong the four, the Bugatti Bolide is probably the most expensive one of the bunch, with a price of four million Euros each. Although, we\u2019re pretty sure that the price isn\u2019t taken into consideration for the actual award, because the Bolide does look properly mad.\nCheck out the Bugatti Bolide in more detail here!\nDesigned specifically for the track, every surface of the Bolide was designed firstly with function (such as aerodynamics) in mind, then only followed by style. That\u2019s why there\u2019s all the crazy elements such as the numerous air ducts all around the exterior, and the X-shaped taillight-diffuser combo, but it also speaks volumes of how good Bugatti\u2019s designers are.\n\u201cThe Bolide was an entirely different challenge for our design team, and a kind of mental experiment where we stripped the car back to its W16 quad-turbocharged heart and rebuild it with the bare minimum to create the most extreme Bugatti yet,\u201d said Bugatti Design Director, Achim Anscheidt. \u201cThe key for us was to respect the technical requirements of Bolide, focusing first on the function and only then developing the form.\u201d\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honour for us that the resulting design has won such a highly coveted award, voted for by experts in our field. Praise must go to the entire design team, each dedicated to their craft in harmonizing and perfecting all aspects of the Bolide\u2019s design during an innovative four-months, purely digital process,\u201d Anscheidt added.\nThe Bugatti Bolide was first unveiled in\u00a0October last year,\u00a0in the form of a \none-off\u00a0concept car\n. However, due to the overwhelming response from its customers, Bugatti finally decided in August 2021 that it\u2019ll be making a limited 40-unit run of the model as a track-only hypercar.\nAside from a unique exterior design, the Bolide also packs a massive punch in performance. The concept car featured a unique tune on Bugatti\u2019s iconic quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine, which makes a mind-bending \n1,850 hp\n using RON110 race fuel.\nFor the production version, however, Bugatti (sensibly) tuned it down to a \u201cmere\u201d \n1,600 hp\n and\n 1,600 Nm\n of torque \u2013 but you\u2019ll be able to fuel the car with the more widely-available RON98 petrol.\nGALLERY"
"After endless rumours and speculations squashed by firm, dead serious answers from Prancing Horse representatives around the region that there wouldn\u2019t be an SUV with the Ferrari badge on it, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Ferrari boss, Sergio Marchionne has delivered the final verdict \u2013 \nFerrari will be building an SUV after all\n.\nBut expect a long, long wait to even catch a glimpse or teaser of it though. This is as reports claim that Ferrari will be taking at least \n30 months\n just to \u201cdecide on production\u201d and when that eventually happens, it will be produced in limited numbers to preserve the marque\u2019s exclusivity.\nReferred to as the \u201cFUV\u201d \u2013 short for \nFerrari Utility Vehicle\n, it will be Ferrari\u2019s first and only SUV in it\u2019s entire 78-year history since Enzo Ferrari founded this legacy in 1939.\nExpect it to not shy too far from the overall configuration of the outgoing GTC4 Lusso, one that\u2019s already built around a four-seater, all-wheel drive arrangement.\nDespite lamenting this new decision to jump on the SUV bandwagon over years of stubborn resistance, it doesn\u2019t come as much of a surprise. With the likes of Porsche leading the charge, with their overly-successful \nCayenne\n, together with Bentley\u2019s \nBentayga,\u00a0\nthe Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the \nLamborghini Urus\n tapping into the lucrative luxury SUV segment, it\u2019s hard to not think that such an inevitable move is needed to ensure continued development and production of cars like the \nnewly-launched 812 Superfast \nand recently unveiled \nPortofino\n."
"To ensure future vehicles meet future connectivity and electronics standards, \nJaguar Land Rover\n has opened a new laboratory in Gaydon, UK to test for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). EMC is simply the ability of electrical equipment and systems to function correctly in their electromagnetic environment.\nEMC works by limiting the unintentional generation, propagation, and reception of electromagnetic energy to reduce the risk of unwanted effects such as electromagnetic interference.\nElectrical and radio interferences may have not been an issue in the past (e.g. speakers buzzing when you\u2019re getting an SMS). However, with industry advances set to increase the number of electric powertrains and the range of digital and cloud-based services on vehicles (from Software-Over-The-Air updates to autonomous technology), testing for EMC is crucial to delivering quality, legal, and customer satisfaction.\nRELATED: \nRM1mil Land Rover Defender 110 P400 MHEV full review\nJaguar Land Rover\u2019s new vehicle laboratory features two anechoic chambers: an electrically \u2018quiet\u2019 rolling road that enables engineers to test vehicles at speed, as well as equipment to assess the performance of individual components, such as batteries or electric motors.\nBluetooth, GPS, WiFi, 4G, 5G, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, and blind spot monitoring are all examples of vehicle services and features that the facility will test for EMC. The new \nRange Rover Sport\n, which launched in May, was the first vehicle to undergo a bespoke testing program at the in-house facility.\nRELATED: \nJaguar Land Rover combats driver fatigue with new noise cancellation tech\nJaguar Land Rover Electromagnetics and Compliance Senior Manager Peter Phillips said, \u201cThe importance of testing our vehicles for electromagnetic compatibility cannot be underestimated. Opening this new testing facility is an important step forward for the business and it will play a crucial role in helping us deliver quality, legal, and customer satisfaction.\u201d\nThis new facility demonstrates Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s commitment to giving customers the most advanced in-vehicle connectivity as the business accelerates electrification through its Reimagine strategy.\nRELATED: \nJaguar Land Rover Malaysia \u2019employs\u2019 two robots for customer services!"
"After Singapore, Indonesia is the next country to introduce the \nfacelifted\n Toyota Camry, even ahead of the region\u2019s biggest producer of Toyota vehicles, Thailand. The line-up continues to be limited to just the 2.5-litre petrol and the 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid variants.\nExterior changes in the scope of the design refresh only see minor styling tweaks to the front bumper, radiator grille and rim design, with the rear-end of the new Toyota Camry untouched.\nPositioned as the flagship variant, the new Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid in Indonesia also features a tilt-and-slide moonroof, 360-degree surround camera system and Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite.\nInside, the dashboard sees a reconfigured centre console with a new floating 9-inch infotainment display and air-conditioning switch panel. Standard features in the Toyota Camry Hybrid include Nanoe air purifier, JBL Sound system and an executive rear seat package that includes a digital controller for the seatback adjustment and the front infotainment system. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nNewly added in the facelifted Toyota Camry Hybrid is the Toyota T Intouch smart telematics connection.\nIn Indonesia, they have a Toyota GR Sport variant of almost every variant! Take a look at their line-up here!\nThe fourth-generation self-charging hybrid system for mid-sized vehicles sees the A25A-FXS 2.5-litre engine with Dynamic Force design paired with Toyota\u2019s dual-motor-generator layout to deliver a total of \n211 hp\n whilst returning a fuel consumption figure of just 4.4 litres per 100 km. 0 to 100 km/h is reported to be dispatched in \n8.3 seconds\n.\nUnlike the \n2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid\n with the hybrid battery being placed behind the rear seats making the boot impractically shaped and sized, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid built on the TNGA platform has its Ni-Mh battery pack placed under the rear seats, resulting in a large boot space of 524 litres.\nThe Mitsubishi Xpander was Indonesia\u2019s best-selling car! Find out more about the achievement here!\nToyota Motor Indonesia has also updated the Camry 2.5V petrol variant, ditching the older 2AR-FE engine that also continues to be available in \nMalaysia\n, with the latest A25A-FKS Dynamic Force engine and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power outputs sees a huge jump, from 184 hp/235 Nm to\n 204hp/243 Nm\n. \u00a0\nContinue to be fully imported from Thailand, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid is retailing from \nIDR767 million\n (approx. RM223k) which is an increase of over IDR45 million. The regular petrol variant meanwhile gets a price tag starting from IDR637 million (approx. RM185k), an increase of IDR 30 million, with both prices inclusive of a new CO2 emission-based taxation scheme.\nGALLERY"
"Following the successful campaign last year, the Proton 1 Tank Adventure is back again this year for its second installment and will be welcoming owners of the 2019 Proton Iriz, Persona and Saga, as well as \nmembers of the media\n.\nDesigned to showcase the latest range of Proton cars and their efficiency, the Proton 1 Tank Adventure brings participants on a nationwide journey to witness the beautiful sights and cuisines of Malaysia. The event this year consists of three preliminary rounds, including two rounds in East Malaysia \u2014 one round each for Sabah and Sarawak, as well as a grand final.\nOne of the main aims of the 1 Tank Adventure is to demonstrate the real world fuel consumption of the latest Proton cars.\u00a0\nProton\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chun Rong, said \u201cProton would like to demonstrate the efficiency of our cars by embarking on some epic journeys around the country. These figures won\u2019t be obtained in a controlled environment but in driving conditions owners experience every day. Ultimately, we will prove the current range of Proton cars can deliver fuel economy figures that will help keep running costs low.\u201d\nWith the updated 2019 Proton\n Iriz\n, \nPersona\n and \nSaga\n, the engineers paid particular attention to the ride and handling balance of the cars, reinforcing the dynamic and fun handling of every Proton car.\u00a0\nParticipants of the 1 Tank Adventure will be able to put the handling capabilities of the cars during sessions held at every round, showing what their own cars are capable of.\nThe Proton 1 Tank Adventure kicks off tomorrow (14th September 2019), with prizes worth over RM100,000 to be won!"
"The assimilation between car brands and lifestyle and popular culture is becoming ever more common. Now, even \nBentley\n is releasing their own line of limited edition sneakers, thanks to a new partnership with Dominic Ciambrone, the man behind the sneaker customizing brand The Surgeon.\nTogether, they\u2019ve created a collection of three sets of shoes; all of them based on the Adidas Forum Low sneaker, but modified to feature Bentley-specific design language such as the diamond quilting and cross stitching, and even use the same leather hides as the carmaker themselves. But if you think you can just buy one for collection, tough luck \u2013 they\u2019ll only be sold exclusively to \nBentley Mulliner\n customers.\nThe collaboration began early this year, when Ciambrone visited Bentley\u2019s headquarters in Crewe, England, to \u201cimmerse himself in the luxury British brand\u201d while exploring the materials and elements used in Bentleys. The partnership also tapped into Bentley Mulliner\u2019s expertise to best replicate the additional Bentley design details on the sneakers themselves.\nEach of these pairs of shoes are said to be inspired by a specific model within the Bentley model range. The first set of two, featuring a Titan Grey and Cricket Ball deep red colour palette, are designed to mimic the athletic stance of the \nBentley Continental GT Speed\n. Meanwhile, the Portofino blue pair with Saddle coloured details is made to evoke the \u201cwellbeing focus\u201d and \u201crelaxing\u201d vibe of the Azure range of models, more specifically, the \nBentayga Extended Wheelbase\n Azure.\nALSO READ: \nThis Puma x Porsche collection was the world\u2019s fastest sneaker pre-release!\nThe final and most special one, is a unique one-of-one pair made specifically to complement an upcoming bespoke Mulliner collaboration car, which will be unveiled in December at Art Basel Miami. Sold together with the shoe, the car will feature a Beluga Black and Anthracite Dark Gray exterior, paired to a Linen and Beluga interior.\n\u201cCreativity and bespoke design is consistently woven into our DNA and has been since 1919, especially as it relates to our private coachbuilding division of Mulliner,\u201d said Bentley Americas President and CEO, Christophe Georges. \u201cConnecting and producing with a like-minded creative like The Surgeon is not only rewarding but also exciting to watch as we support the next generation of diverse craftspeople who share similar brand values.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"After an epic 16,000-kilometer drive, polar explorer Marek Kaminski has arrived in Japan, having started his expedition from Poland three months earlier in\n Europe\u2019s best-selling electric vehicle\n, the new \nNissan LEAF\n, which will be\n coming to Malaysia soon\n.\nKaminski\u2019s \u201ceco-friendly trip\u201d took him from Zakopane, Poland through eight countries over two continents and challenging road conditions, passing through Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, China and South Korea on his way to the finishing point in Tokyo.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApGU-taJ0Y0\nThe #NoTraceExpedition demonstrates the feasibility of travelling in a zero-emissions vehicle, and sets the example for explorers wanting to visit the world\u2019s furthest corners without damaging the environment.\nUnfazed by the first 16,000 kilometers, Kaminski will now get back behind the wheel and complete the return journey from Tokyo to Poland in the same car.\n\u201cFor me, this journey is not just about reaching my destination \u2013 it is also about making a simple, brilliant change to be more sustainable,\u201d said Kaminski. \u201cWhether in the wilds of Russia, on remote Mongolian dirt tracks or in the bustling streets of Tokyo, the LEAF has been a reliable partner throughout.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If there\u2019s one car most connoisseurs look to by default when shopping for a new ride, it has to be the venerable Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Since starting out life in 1972 (W116), it is now in its sixth lease of life and ever more alluring, like aged wine.\nThe very car you see here is four years old and goes head to head against Munich\u2019s finest, the\u00a0\nG11 740Le xDrive\n. Both limousines are locally assembled, with \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia now offering the AMG Line variant for the same amount of money\n. It\u2019s only a matter of time before the S-Class facelift arrives on our shores, presumably by the first half of 2018.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz S 400 L Hybrid\nMercedes-Benz S 400 L Hybrid (AMG Line)\nEngine\n3,498cc; DOHC, naturally aspirated V6 with 250 Nm electric motor\nTransmission\n7G-Tronic automatic\nMax Power\n306 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n370 Nm @ 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n6.8 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nPrice\nRM598,888\nRM598,888\nIn Malaysia, the S-Class can only be had as a hybrid, one without the incurrence of excise duty for meeting EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) standards set by the government. The 7 Series plug-in hybrid also qualifies for the same tax break, putting the duo neck and neck at RM599k.\nIn terms of technology, performance and after sales coverage, the 7 Series seems like the more sensible buy. It gets a more potent yet frugal powertrain, all-wheel drive, lightweight carbon fibre core, laser headlamps (yeah, no joke) and 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. On paper, there really is no contest, but those in the upper echelons of society who can afford cars like this don\u2019t necessarily shop by the same logic now, do they?   I\u2019ll be honest with you, though. If I had to choose between the two, I\u2019d put my money on the tri-Star. There\u2019s just something implicitly inviting about it, something I for some reason am unable to put a finger on. Maybe that indistinguishable nuance is the very edge it has against the competition, perhaps until new crops like the \nLexus LS\n and \nAudi A8\n find their way here. Until then, the S-Class reigns supreme.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Italia has officially unveiled the \n2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid\n here in Malaysia. The new hybrid SUV will join the\n Ghibli Hybrid\n as the two electrified Maserati offerings here on our shores, and is priced from\n RM738,000\n on-the-road, without insurance, and before options.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe highlight of the new 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is, of course, the electrified powertrain underneath its bonnet. Although, unlike what its name suggests, the mill is more appropriately categorised as a mild-hybrid mill, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet paired to 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG), as well as an e-Booster electric supercharger.\nTogether, the powertrain makes a combined\n 330 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n, which is enough for a century sprint in\n 6.0 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n245 km/h\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and Maserati\u2019s Q4 all-wheel drive system, with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.\nThe 48 volt system and e-Booster works together as a torque-infill device, providing an extra boost of power before the turbocharger spools up to effective speeds. Overall, Maserati says that the new hybrid powertrain \u201ccombines the smoothness of a six-cylinder engine with the low rev count of a diesel engine\u201d.\nThe output figures of the hybrid powertrain are also fairly similar to the 350 hp 3.0 V6 biturbo engine, but it weighs some 20 kg lighter. With a small battery fitted at the rear, Maserati says that the new hybrid powertrain improves on the Levante\u2019s 50:50 weight distribution, making the GT Hybrid \u201ceven more manageable and fun to drive\u201d \u2013 not to mention its 20% better fuel efficiency.\nRELATED: \nMaserati announces full electrified model lineup\nIn terms of looks, the new 2023 Levante GT Hybrid arrives in its latest revised form, featuring an updated Maserati logo on the bonnet, the new Trident on the C-pillars, alongside the Maserati lettering on the tailgate. A pair of GT badges above the marque\u2019s signature side air intakes on the front fender marks out the variant.\nIn terms of equipment, the 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid comes equipped with LED adaptive matrix headlights, alongside chrome plated accents, and 20-inch alloy wheels on all four corners as standard. Behind the wheels are a set of adjustable air suspensions with Skyhook dampers.\nSafety wise, the new 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid comes equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, highway assist, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, active blind-spot assist, and traffic sign recognition, among others.\nThe 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is priced at \nRM738,000\n inclusive of local duties and taxes, but before customization options and insurance. Included in the price is a three-year unlimited-mileage standard warranty coverage.\nGALLERY"
"After \nreleasing the specifications\n of the updated 2019 Mazda CX-5 recently, Bermaz Motor, Mazda\u2019s sole distributor in Malaysia, has finally provided the official pricing for the much-awaited SUV update.\u00a0\nThe 2019 lineup of the Mazda CX-5 will be available in 5 variants, starting with the entry-level 2.0 2WD Mid (\nRM137k\n), 2.0 2WD High (\nRM154k\n), 2.5 2WD High (\nRM168k\n), 2.2 Diesel 2WD (\nRM173k\n) and 2.5 Turbocharged 4WD High (\nRM182k\n). All variants will be equipped with Mazda\u2019s new \nGVC Plus\n torque vectoring system, and will be assembled locally in Kulim, Kedah.\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nENGINE\nThe CX-5 lineup now sports a new addition \u2013 the SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The forced-induction mill produces a peak power of \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque \u2013 40 hp more than the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, although torque is 30 Nm lower.\nIn terms of fuel economy, the new turbocharged engine is rated at \n8.2 l/100km\n, while the naturally-aspirated variant of the same engine is slightly more frugal at 7.3 l/100km. The i-Activ all-wheel drive system is now reserved only for the 2.5-litre turbo variant, the 2.2D GLS AWD variant has been dropped from the line-up.\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nVisually, not much has changed from the existing facelifted Mazda CX-5. LED headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard across the board, along with LED rear combination lights, LED fog lamps, dual exhaust tips and piano black door garnish.\u00a0\nHowever, the entry-level 2.0 2WD Mid variant does omit a few luxuries, favouring for bulb-type daytime running lights, regular black door garnish, and loses features such as keyless-entry, power tailgate, and front parking sensors. The 2.0-litre variants ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, while all 2.5-litre grades sport 19-inch alloys.\u00a0\nINTERIOR\nInside the cabin, the entry level 2.0G variant nets you fabric seats with manual adjustments, regular reverse-camera with guide lines, and a 4.6-inch TFT LCD multi-info display in the instrument cluster.\nMoving up the line, the seats are upgraded to full leather upholstery with 10-way power adjustment (6-way adjustment for the front passenger), GPS navigation and 360-degree reversing cameras.\nOtherwise, the 7.0-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate controls, and electronic parking brake with brake-hold assist are standard across all variants.\u00a0\nThe 2.0-litre variants will have a standard 4.6-inch TFT display on their instrument clusters, while the higher-end variants gets 7-inch display in the centre \u2013 not unlike the one in the \nnew Mazda 3\n. Unique to the 2.5-litre 4WD variant is a new multicolour windshield-projection heads-up display.\nSAFETY\nAll variants get a standard safety equipment suite including 6 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC), electric brake-force distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), traction control system (TCS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), auto hold function, and speed sensing auto lock.\u00a0\nThe 2.0-litre High variant and onwards gets additional \nadaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and front Smart City Brake Support (SCBC) with pedestrian detection\n while the 2.5-litre 2WD High variant and onwards gets an \nadditional Driver Attention Alert system (DAA)\n.\nThe 2.5-litre turbocharged 4WD and 2.2-litre turbodiesel 2WD are also equipped wth additional Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and lane-keep assist, but the radar cruise-control system is not present in Malaysian CKD line-up.\u00a0\nThe Mazda CX-5 will be available in 8 body colours, including Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Meteor Grey, Jet Black, and Arctic White. However, buyers who opt for the first three will have to pay an additional RM3,000 for the premium metallic colours.\nAll variants will have safety tint film (worth RM1,900) and illuminated sill plate (worth RM310) pre-installed on their cars. Buyers of the entry-level 2.0-litre 2WD Mid variant can opt to upgrade their fabric upholstery to leather seats for RM2,900, as well as the GPS navigation system for RM1,270.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has launched its new regional parts centre in Kuching, Sarawak, in an effort to enhance its aftersales service in East Malaysia. It\u2019s said that the new facility can reduce the lead time for parts delivery by at least 30%.\nLocated at the Bintawa Industrial centre, the 28,000 sq ft facility can receive up to six containers of parts on site simultaneously. It is currently processing an average of 17 containers per month and is fully utilising its capacity to store up to three months of stock.\nThe new regional parts centre in Kuching is three times larger than Proton\u2019s previous warehouse which was running inefficiently due to excess parts and space limitations. The new centre will also function as a parts distribution centre for aftersales parts and components in the state and for Sabah as well.\nThe extra space in the new centre is set to \nincrease delivery by 50%\n, from 3,000 orders to 4,500 orders per month, with a maximum capacity of 6,000 orders per month if needed. In 2022, the sale of Proton vehicles in East Malaysia accounted for 15% of the company\u2019s total sales volume while its market share in East Malaysia has grown from 10% in 2018 to 20% in 2022.\nThe Proton Saga remains the most popular model in the region as the company sold 10,242 units of it, 4,181 units of the X50 and 2,605 units of the Persona. Last year, Proton sold 19,844 vehicles in East Malaysia \u2013\u00a0 a huge jump compared to 7,697 units in 2018.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has launched the new City hatchback that\u2019s \nbased on the sedan\n launched last year with four variants available \u2013 RS e:HEV, V, E and S \u2013 starting from RM75,670.\n \nAs per the Honda City sedan, the City hatchback is available with two powertrains; a new 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated DOHC engine and the new Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).\nFind out what we think about the City hatchback around the Sepang Circuit!\nPERFORMANCE\nVariants\nS, E, V\nRS e:HEV\nPower Unit\n1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder DOHC\ni-MMD hybrid system, 1.5-litre NA engine\nTransmission\nConstantly-variable transmission (CVT)\nLock-up clutch, single-speed transmission, e-CVT\nMax horsepower\n121 hp @ 6,600 rpm\n109 hp @ 3,500 \u2013 8,000 rpm\nMax torque\n145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n253 Nm @ 0 \u2013 3 ,000 rpm\nUnlike most hybrid vehicles where the engine assists the electric motor in providing more acceleration, the i-MMD does it mainly uses the electric motor to power the car while the only kicks in when more power is needed.\nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of dimensions, the City hatchback measures exactly the same as the sedan except that it\u2019s slightly shorter in length but with a higher roofline. In terms of space, the City hatchback offers even more legroom than the sedan due to the structure of its Ultra seats.\nThe new City hatchback also debuts two new colours \u2013 Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Ignite Red Metallic. Four optional exterior packages are available to complement the City hatchback\u2019s youthful exterior including the Modulo Package, Urban Package, Utility Package, and Protection Package.\nLED daytime running lights and LED taillights are standard across all four variants. The S and E variants come with halogen projectors while the top two variants, the V and RS, gets automatic LED headlamps. LED fog lights are only reserved for the V and RS variants. As for wheel size, you\u2019re looking at 15-inches for the S and E, and 16-inches for the V and RS variants.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the E, V and RS variants comes with an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The S variant gets a standard audio unit. As for the instrument panel, only the RS variant gets a semi-digital meter panel while the other variants come with analogue dials. Automatic air conditioning is only available in the E, V and RS variants.\nOther items reserved only for the RS variant are the sport pedals, \u201cUltrasuede\u201d leather and suede combination upholstery, as well as an electronic parking brake. The RS comes with rear air con vents while the V variant comes with a storage bin.\nV variant\nRS variant\nAs for trims and upholstery, the V variant comes with Piano Black trims and leather seats while the S and E variants come with Silver trims and fabric seats.\nSAFETY\nOnly the City hatchback RS will be available with a host of Honda SENSING features, using a front wide-view camera. They include adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keep assist, front collision warning with collision mitigation braking (autonomous braking), lane departure warning with road departure mitigation. Only the top two variants \u2013 the V and RS \u2013 come with six airbags and Honda LaneWatch.\nPRICE\nThe 2020 Honda City in Malaysia starts at\u00a0\nRM75,670\n\u00a0for the entry-level S variant,\u00a0\nRM83,080\n\u00a0for the E variant, and\u00a0\nRM87,860\n\u00a0for the V variant. As for the RS, prices will only be announced in early 2022. The City hatchback comes with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\n \nGALLERY\nHonda City RS e:HEV\nHonda City V"
"Late last year, we saw the \nfinal-unit of Ferrari LaFerrari Coupe, traded hands for \u20ac5.8 million (RM31 million) at an auction\n to raise funds to aid victims affected by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck central Italy. The \u20ac5.8 million sale made the LaFerrari Coupe the single most valuable automobile ever sold at an auction in the 21st century.\nThat insane record was broken just nine months later at \nFerrari\u2019s 70\nth\n anniversary celebration\n held at Fiorano where the company sold its 210\nth\n \nLaFerrari Aperta\n for \n8.3 million Euros\n, which roughly equates to \nRM41.8 million\n. Smashing the previous record by \u20ac2.5 million, that is another supercar mind you!\nHowever, like the Coupe auctioned off last year, all proceeds from the sale will be donated away for a good cause. The beneficiary is none other than \u00a0\nSave the Children\n, an international organisation that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in over 120 countries worldwide and in this case, the funds raised will be channelled to educational projects in Asia and Africa.\nThis extra special car is finished in Rosso Fuoco flanked with double metallic Biano Italia racing stripe on its bonnet and tail. Inside its carbon fibre tub, is a set of bucket racing seats with red contrast elements. Mechanically, it remains motivated by a 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 paired to an electric motor to dish out \n950 hp\n and over\n 900 Nm\n of torque.\n \n \nSeveral other extremely valuable Ferraris also sold at the auction include a California 250 GT SWB for \u20ac7.9 million (RM39.8 mill), a 1958 250 GT Cabriolet Series I for \u20ac4.7 million (RM23.7 mill) and the aluminium-bodied 365 GTB/4 rediscovered in a Japanese hayloft, which changed hands for \u20ac1.8 million (RM9 mill)."
"Most of you may not have realised but the current, 3rd generation Nissan Navara has been in the market for nearly a decade since it was first introduced in 2014.\nSince then, the Navara even went on to provide the platform for pick-ups by other car manufacturers such as the Mercedes-Benz X-Class and the Renault Alaskan. With rivals going all-in with the latest tech, introduced in all-new (more refined) models like the highly impressive all-new Isuzu D-Max for example, the Navara appears to be at a disadvantage.\nHere\u2019s what\u2019s new in the latest facelift Navara launched in Malaysia. Read about it here!\n \nIf you\u2019re holding back for the latest Nissan pick-up, best be ready to wait as an \nautomotive portal in the Philippines\n has reported that the all-new model would only go into production in Thailand in 2025.\nThe information was revealed to the publication from a source in the region that\u2019s \u201cfamiliar with the manufacturing plans of major automakers\u201d. Our best guess is that it won\u2019t get here in Malaysia until the start of 2026 from the looks of it.\nThat means the current Navara will have to hold the fort for at least another 4 years, before it can happily retire.\n \nLocally, there are six different variants of the facelift Navara to choose from; prices start from RM 91,900 for the single cab all the way to RM 142,200 for the Navara PRO-4X model.\nAll variants are powered by a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmissions. The top four variants come with 190 hp and 450 Nm while the lower two is rated at 163 hp and 403 Nm.\nThis Nissan Navara Dark Sky Concept is used to look deep into outer space! Read about it here!"
"Sitting at the top of the \nfacelifted GLA range\n is the fire breathing \nMercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC\n. Like the regular GLA 200 and 250, the GLA 45 features refreshed looks inside and out. The world\u2019s most powerful four-cylinder production engine also gets a slight power bump. Prices are also up slightly at RM408,888.\nUnder the hood, the M133 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has been massaged to produce \n375 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n of torque, up 21 hp and 25 Nm from before. Power is transferred to all four corners via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed dual clutch sports transmission. Century sprint is managed in just \n4.4 seconds\n while top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC\nEngine\n1,991cc; in-line four turbocharged\nTransmission\n7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT\nMax Power\n375 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n475 Nm @ 2,250 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.4 seconds, 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM408,888\nAs standard, the GLA 45 is equipped with AMG performance exhaust system with electronically controlled flap that changes the exhaust note at the press of a button. A performance oriented AMG Ride Control sports suspension is also standard fitment.\nFrom the outside, the GLA 45 sets itself apart from regular GLA models through the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille, sharper front apron, revised air intake and front splitter. These help guide air into the radiators more efficiently. At the rear, it features a more aerodynamic roof spoiler and new diffuser insert. These exterior revisions altogether give the GLA 45 improved driving dynamics, lower wind resistance and better stability. It rides on 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.   Inside, the AMG Exclusive interior package features black leather upholstery with red contrast stitching. Other AMG-specific parts include AMG performance steering wheel with paddle shifters, AMG carbon fibre trim, AMG floor mats, new instrument cluster with 30 km/h blocks (previously 20 km/h blocks) and red seat belts.\nOther creature comfort amenities include keyless entry and start, panoramic sliding sunroof, powered tailgate, 8-inch Media Display Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, Harman Kardon surround sound system and powered front seats with memory function.   Like the GLA 200 and 250 4MATIC, it comes equipped with PRE-SAFE system, Active Brake Assist, adaptive brake lights, tyre pressure monitoring system, Attention Assist and active parking assist.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC comes with a 4-year unlimited warranty package as standard and can be financed through Mercedes-Benz Financial with interest rates ranging from 1.88 percent to 2.88 percent.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If \nthis spec sheet from Mazda Slovakia\n is to be believed, the much anticipated Skyactiv-X engine, expected to debut on the \nall-new Mazda 3\n will have an output of 181 hp and 222 Nm \u2013 highly respectable numbers considering that it\u2019s only a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and will easily top its class for fuel efficiency.\nThe Skyactive-X petrol engine utilises a new combustion technology dubbed the Spark Controlled Compression Ignition or SPCCI \u2013 think of it as a marriage between petrol and diesel combustion processes which Mazda has invested and refined over the years.\nSkyactiv-X marries petrol engine emissions with diesel-like performance and efficiency.\nThe technology capitalises on a high compression ratio (16:1) along with a lean fuel-air mixture to harness a \u2018rapid and simultaneous\u2019 combustion that begins via a small initial spark (yes, there will still be spark plugs). The resulting micro ignition first raises the temperature and pressure within the combustion chamber which then facilitates a compression ignition akin to a diesel engine, which pushes the pistons down stronger and longer to generate more torque.\n \nWe tested a Mazda 3 prototype powered by a Skyactiv-X engine last year at Mazda\u2019s Mine proving ground and came away \nmightily impressed with Mazda\u2019s resolve\n to extract the most out of the internal combustion engine with Skyactiv-X.\nEven though the engine then was still a work-in-progress (you can hear the \u2018knocks\u2019 at part throttle), it was already smoother, torquier and more refined compared to the existing 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine, based on A-B observations.\nRevolutionary engine technology meets courageous re-design.\nThe new generation Mazda 3 is expected to arrive in Malaysia within 2019 (possibly in CBU form), let\u2019s hope Skyactiv-X will be making its debut then. Talk about sexy technology in an equally sexy-looking car."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official franchise holder for Nissan vehicles here in Malaysia, is welcoming in the year of the tiger with new colours for the X-Trail and Serena. Specifically, the Nissan X-Trail will now be offered in \nMonarch Orange\n, while the Serena S-Hybrid is now available in \nRadiant Red\n \u2013 both colours lifted from the \nAlmera\n\u2018s colour palette.\nThe new colours are only available on specific variants. On the X-Trail, the new Monarch Orange colour is only offered on the \n2.0L Mid variant\n (\nRM139,643\n), which \u2013 aside from the striking new paint job \u2013 comes with standard equipments such as LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree surround view monitor, and a basic set of ADAS systems including lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear-cross traffic alert.\nAs for the Nissan Serena, the Radiant Red colour is only available on the \nSerena 2.0L S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star\n variant (\nRM152,103\n). Standard features on the range-topping variant include LED headlights, 16-inch alloys, leather seats (with second-row captain chairs), hands-free powered sliding doors, a 6.75-inch touchscreen head-unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.\nETCM assures its customers that these cars are all 2022 units and not repainted older cars, so there\u2019s no need to worry about your resale value and the likes.\nAside from the new paint jobs, ETCM is also extending its 1.88% Interest Rate campaign for selected Nissan models until the 28th of February, as part of its Chinese New Year celebrations. Customers who purchase and register a Nissan vehicle during this campaign period will also standa a chance to win Lazada vouchers worth up to RM50,000.\nAdditionally, customers who test drive the all-new Nissan Almera during the campaign period will also stand a chance to win Watsons vouchers worth RM500.\nBack in 2019, ETCM also introduced the Imperial Red and Passion Red colours for the Nissan Serena and X-Trail as part of its Chinese New Year celebrations."
"Ladies and gentlemen, make way for the new Mercedes-Banz S-Class Coupe, a proper good looking \u00a3100,000\u00a0two-door machine. This coupe version of the super luxury class in the Mercedes line up has just be officially revealed ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This gorgeous looking thing is almost identical to the concept which was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.\nThe 2014 Mercedes S-Class Coupe is the replacement of the CL coupe and it uses the same engine as its four-door twin. For now, Mercedes will only offer one variant, the S500. It is powered by a\u00a0\ntwin-turbo 4.7-litre V8\n, producing \n455hp\n and \n700Nm\n of torque. No official figures on its performance but it should be quicker than the sedan which does 0-100kph in 4.8 sec and a limited top speed of 250kph.\u00a0Dimension wise, the coupe is 89mm shorter than the saloon and the roofline is lowered by 85mm.\nLike the S-Class saloon, the coupe is readied with the Magic Body Control suspension, or \u201csuspension with eyes\u201d as they call it. What it does is, it scans the road ahead for bumps and prepares the ride stiffness of the car accordingly for optimum comfort. This coupe however has something new called \u2018curve tilting\u2019 function, world\u2019s first. It leans into bends by tilting individual struts to brace the car, counteracting natural body roll and provides better stability in high speed maneuvers and sharp cornering.\u00a0This however only works between the speed of 30 and 180 kph.\nThe coupe does carry some striking details that makes it looks stunning. The mirrored silver front and rear bumper inserts put the right kind of bling on it. From the front, it shares the same 3D pin grille and huge badge as the new A-Class.\u00a0If you would like to make your S-Class Coupe even more bling than it already is, you can opt for headlights that features 47 Swarovski crytals; 17 for the daytime running lights, and 30 in the turn indicators.\u00a0This is definitely world\u2019s first.\nThe S-Class Coupe features the touchpad controller from the new C-Class, which allows smartphone-style gestures to control the infotainment system. It also gets a sportier three-spoke steering wheel, superb looking switchgear,\u00a0\nhead-up display, and a standard panoramic glass roof which can.. wait for it. become opaque or transparent just at the touch of a button!\nThe Mercedes Benz S-Class Coupe will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. There is no official words on its pricing but it is speculated to be around\u00a0\u00a3100,000 in the UK. Both the S500 and the S63 AMG will be available in November 2014. The higher range S600 and S65 AMG V12 missile on wheels could be on their way as well.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While the \nMercedes-Benz GLC facelift\n recently made its global debut, that is not stopping Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) to introduce a new variant of the outgoing model. Introducing the new locally assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe AMG Line.\nThis is the first time\nthe Coupe version of the GLC is assembled at MBM\u2019s Pekan plant and the company went\nfor a feature packed product strategy. Equipped with the top of the line\n2.0-litre engine, sporty AMG Line and advanced driver assistance systems.\n \nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe AMG Line\n Engine\n 1,991cc; 4-cylinder turbo\n Transmission\n 9-speed automatic\n Max Power\n 245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n Max Torque\n 370 Nm @ 1,3000 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 6.5 seconds; 236 km/h\n Price (OTR without insurance)\n RM399,888\nDressed in the AMG Line,\nthe GLC 300 Coupe checks all the boxes as the GLC 250 Coupe that was on offer\npreviously \u2013 AMG body kit, diamond grille, aluminium-look running boards, LED\nIntelligent Light System and 20-inch multi-spoke light-alloys.\nInside, you\u2019ll find Artico leather seats (red or black), AMG sports pedals, black piano-lacquer or light longitudinal-grain aluminium interior trim, AMG flat-bottom sports steering wheel, COMAND Online infotainment system, Burmester surround sound system and powered sunroof. Comprehensive list of equipment, but be sure to check out what the \nfacelift model\n has if you haven\u2019t.\nUnder the hood rests the M274 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine pushing out \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque paired to a 9-speed 9G-Tronic. Century sprint is done in \n6.5 seconds \nwhile top speed is registered at \n236 km/h\n. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, Dynamic Select and Sports Suspension are standard fitment here.\nSafety is a big step\nup compared to the previous GLC 250 Coupe. The new model variant gains Lane\nTracking Package, Blind Sport Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Collision\nPrevention Assist Plus and Attention Assist.\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC AMG Line is priced at RM399,888 on-the-road without insurance, a full RM46,000 cheaper than the fully imported (CBU) GLC 250 Coupe on offer previously.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0GLC 300\u00a0Coupe\u00a0AMG Line"
"In its third and what is expected to be its final entrant, the Bentley Continental GT3 was the fastest racecar to complete the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb using sustainable fuel.\nThe car, driven by legendary Rhys Millen, finished second in the Time Attack 1 category and fourth overall. The time of 6:36.281, good enough to beat other sustainability-focused entrants and fully electric competitors, could have been faster if not for a very late engine issue that estimated to cost the team an additional 16 seconds and the win.\nThe 99th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb saw a reduced competition distance (by a third) due to treacherous weather conditions at the summit with the chequered flag being waved at Devil\u2019s Playground, 12,780 ft above sea level rather than the 14,115-ft summit.\nCheck out the full onboard run with breathtaking scenery in the 2019 Bentley Continental GT\nBentley was aiming to achieve an unofficial Pikes Peak \u201ctriple crown\u201d with Continental GT3 Pikes Peak being entered in the Time Attack class, after already taking records for Production SUV record with the \nBentayga W12\n in 2018 and Production Car record a year later with a \nContinental GT\n.\nThe Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak is quite different from the circuit racing FIA-GT3 machine. First up are the massive front and rear appendages that add \n30% more downforce\n. The rear features the biggest wing ever fitted to a Bentley together with a highly efficient floor diffuser.\nMeanwhile, the front bumper has an integrated dual-plane splitter flanked by separate dive planes.\nFind out more about the Fanatec steering wheel that allows usage from sim to actual Bentley race car!\nMechanical grip has also been increased via a dedicated Pikes Peak suspension setup that is softer for low-speed cornering performance and the brakes are water-cooled for maximum performance during the hill climb race that ascends nearly 5,000 ft (1,524 metres). The car was using Pirelli P Zero slick tyres for the event.\nAs for power, the unrestricted \n4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n pumps out at least \n750 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque at sea level. For the Pikes Peak time attack, the engine has been thoroughly upgraded for more power, switching to larger turbochargers pushing over 2.2 bar of boost with dedicated wastegate exhaust pipes and even stronger internal components.\nA new carbon fibre intake manifold has also been made to withstand the higher pressures. The engine runs on \nRON 98\n renewable racing fuel which is a blend of \nadvanced synthetic fuels\n that can offer up to an \n85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions\n.\nLessons learnt from using synthetic and renewable fuels will also be applied to road cars, as Bentley will \ncontinue to offer the internal combustion\n engine for the next nine years.\nGALLERY"
"What \nToyota\n \nhas definitely done is \nchange the way a Corolla drives\n \nand ultimately how we see one of the longest-running names in the automotive world with its edgy new exterior design. \nAt launch\n, the new Corolla is available in Malaysia in two variants \u2013 the 1.8E and 1.8G.\nWith a price tag of RM128,888 and RM136,888 respectively, prices for the Corolla since our review have been revised following the \nSales Tax Exemption\n to \nRM123,972\n for the 1.8E and \nRM134,505\n for the 1.8G model.\n \nThe new Corolla shares the same \nTNGA-C platform\n as the\n \nC-HR\n,\n the \nnew Corolla Cross\n and the \nLexus UX we got to test earlier this year\n. Underneath the hood is a 2ZR-FE\u00a01.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing\u00a0\n139 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n172 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Both variants are fitted with a\u00a07-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT gearbox. In the 1.8G variant, you even get paddle shifters for manual changes.\nBetween the current 1.8G and the 1.8E, there\u2019s a huge difference in what you get. The 1.8E may be RM11k cheaper (post Sales Tax Exemption) but it doesn\u2019t get wireless charging, electronic parking brake, Blind Spot Monitor, adaptive high beam, panoramic view display, Digital Video Recorder, rear sunshade, chromatic rearview mirror, leather seats, dual-zone air conditioning, Optitron instrument cluster, automatic wipers, LED headlamps, paddle shifters, and even the 17-inch rims.\nAs for the rest of the Corolla we reviewed, we\u2019ll leave it to you to find out in the video. For the latest price list of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia following the Sales Tax Exemption, click\n \nhere\n."
"Electric vehicles are on an upward trend in Malaysia and with more and more cozying to the idea of electric car ownership, BMW Malaysia is getting ahead to prepare itself and its customers for when EVs ownership becomes more mainstream.\nIn doing so, the company is cultivating highly skilled individuals in the field of electric mobility through its BMW High Voltage Expert Certification programme.\nA \u2018BMW High Voltage Expert\u2019 is an individual who specialises in the area of BMW electric vehicles. The programme is conducted at the BMW Group Regional Training Centre in Malaysia, to train BMW High Voltage Expert capable of performing servicing and repair works on BMW i vehicles worldwide.\nRELATED: BMW Malaysia starts charging subscription fees for things your car already has\nTo qualify as a BMW High Voltage Expert, the prospect must first be an existing BMW High Voltage Technician. A BMW High Voltage Technician has to first undergo a pre-selection process which includes a knowledge assessment and an interview. The prospect would also need to obtain first aid certification and undergo a full body check-up.\nThe prospect will then undergo 15 days of intensive training, and is required to pass two theory and four practical examinations before proceeding to the next stage. This is followed by a final theory exam and practical demonstration with high live voltage to secure the certification.\nBMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201cSince BMW Group Malaysia first introduced BMW i to the country back in 2015, we have envisioned a Malaysia where electric mobility is fully embraced and have been working hard to that end. We understood the obstacles faced by Malaysians in adopting EVs, such as range anxiety, which we have been alleviating by rolling out EV infrastructure across the country.\u201d\n\u201cAt the same time, service and repair are also important points of consideration. As such, the need for qualified experts in the field of Electric Mobility is crucial to our preparation for electrification and introduction of BMW i in the country,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: Gallery: BMW iX3 M Sport \u2018Impressive\u2019 electric SUV from RM318k"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has just announced the \nHyundai\n Grand Starex Royale facelift for 2017. The facelift exercise is largely an aesthetic makeover for the 11-seater family mover featuring a bolder and more imposing appearance.\nIntroduced to the Malaysian market since 1998, the Starex became a popular choice for consumers looking for an affordable full-sized \nMPV\n. With a price tag of \nRM168,888\n OTR inclusive of road tax and insurance for \nthe Grand Starex Royale Deluxe 2.5GLS Diesel (A) VGT\n, it is definitely an attractive package for those looking for a large people mover.\nAt the front, the facelifted model gets a more prominent mesh-design chrome grille with revised front bumper that houses the new fog lamps. Parts that are carried over from the pre-facelift model are the halogen reflector headlamps and wing mirror mounted LED daytime running lights.\nAt the rear, the Grand Starex Royale packs a little more aggression with a sportier tailgate spoiler with integrated third brake light, revised tail lamps with black housings and a redesigned rear bumper with integrated exhaust outlets. A pair of new side skirts completes the look of the facelift model.\nPowertrain remains the same with a \n2.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel\n with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and turbo cooler that produces \n168 hp\n at 3,800 rpm and \n392 Nm\n at 2,000 \u2013 2,500 rpm mated to a five-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels.\nAs standard the Grand Starex Royale is equipped with cruise control, dual SRS airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Safe Drive Recorder.\nHSDM is offering the Starex in \nthree\n exterior shades \u2013 Creamy White, Timeless Black and Hyper Silver. With a price tag of RM169k, its positioned well below the likes of Toyota \nVellfire\n, \nAlphard\n and \nMercedes-Benz V-Class\n; bear in mind that neither of the alternatives are able to fit 11 people at one go.\nAt that price point, it even undercuts the grey imports while providing a peace of mind to customers with HSDM\u2019s \nfive-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty\n and 24-hour road assist service for all its new (and old for the road side assist) passenger vehicles.\nThe Hyundai Grand Starex Royale facelift is available for viewing, booking and test-drive at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide from December 2016 onwards."
"Remember the \nKia Optima EX we shared about last month\n? Well, sorry for the lack of pictures but since Kia has the car on display at the\n 2019 Malaysia Autoshow\n, here\u2019s a closer look at the car.\nIf you observe closely, at \nRM139,888\u00a0\nwith\u00a05-years\u00a0 unlimited\u00a0 mileage\u00a0 warranty, this car which sits below the \npowerful Optima GT\n, is nothing short of a value buy.\nWhile it may lack the luxury of leather seats, it\u2019s doesn\u2019t exactly feel like a \u201ckosong spec\u201d car.\nFrankly, the only major difference from the Optima GT is that the EX gets a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine paired to a 6-speed automatic with\n 163 hp \nand\n 196 Nm\n, as opposed to the turbocharged Optima GT\u2019s 245 hp and 350 Nm.\nBut if you think about it, not everyone needs that kind of performance. Granted it would be a little underwhelming on our major highways, especially when overtaking, but it should perform sufficiently in urban areas.\nIn terms of equipment, it still gets the twin projector LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and LED combination tail lights. New to the car, in comparison to the Optima GT is the imposing \u201cvertical intaglio grille\u201d and 17-inch wheels as opposed to 18-inch in the GT.\nWith the fabric seats being the only drawback for the RM30,000 difference in asking price, the cabin still gets powered seats for the driver (cause who cares about the passengers), a newly-added 360-degree Around View Monitor, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With all that\u2019s happened in the Mazda camp these few months, it\u2019s hard to believe any more that they\u2019re \nnot\n making a new rotary sports car. Following last week\u2019s news of a \nhydrogen-powered rotary engine\n, another Japanese automotive publication, \nHatena Blog\n, has now found eight new Mazda trademark filings to support that rumour \u2013 including a new logo and three \u201ce-SkyActiv R\u201d names.\nSource: \nHatena Blog\nIt doesn\u2019t take a genius to see that the logo clearly references the rotors in a rotary engine, and it also resembles the Japanese marque\u2019s rotary logos of its early days, including the Spirit R ones. Mazda also managed to incorporate an \u2018e\u2019-letter cutout into the logo, which we presume that it points towards some kind of electrification.\nMazda also recently applied trademark for a new \u2018R\u2019 logo \u2013 is the Spirit R coming back? Read more about it here!\nThe trademarked names further corroborate our hunch \u2013 e-SkyActiv R-Energy, e-SkyActiv R-HEV, and e-SkyActiv R-EV. The \u201ce-SkyActiv\u201d name is in-tune with Mazda\u2019s current branding for their electrified powertrain, and well, the R at the back is pretty self-explanatory.\nSource: \nHatena Blog\nIf we had to guess, the R-HEV is probably destined for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle, with the rotary engine directly powering the wheels in a parallel hybrid set-up, while the R-EV points towards the rotary range extenders, recently confirmed for the \nMazda MX-30\n.\nThat leaves us with R-Energy, which sounds like a name from an overzealous energy drinks company. We\u2019re kidding, but we still aren\u2019t too sure what to make of it \u2013 could it be referencing to an alternative form of energy source (read: fuel), such as Hydrogen?\nMazda will be unveiling a rotary-powered range extender variant to the MX-30 EV next year. Read more about it here!\nOf course, the usual disclaimer still applies: a trademark \napplication\n doesn\u2019t necessarily have to mean anything or turn into an actual product eventually; companies sometimes just trademark things as a placeholder, or to prevent others from having a similar name to what they\u2019re planning to release.\nBut then again, with that much smoke, there must be a fire; with that many rumours swirling about the very same topic within such a short timeframe, it seems more than likely that Mazda is actually working on a rotary engine and/or a sporty coupe. We can\u2019t wait to see what actually comes out!\nRecent Mazda patents suggest that the company is making a new sports coupe based on the RX-Vision concept! Check it out here.\nAs for the other four trademark applications, \nHatena Blog\n thinks that they\u2019re just trim names to be applied to JDM models: \u2018Field Journey\u2019 and \u2018Sports Appearance\u2019 for the \nMazda CX-5\n, \u2018VS Terracotta Selection\u2019 for the \nMX-5 Roadster RF\n (in addition to the existing VS White Selection), and a \u2018Pro-X Ross Style\u2019 that\u2019s stumped most journalists online.\n[source: \nHatena Blog\n via \nAutoBlog\n]"
"Nissan will be showcasing a demo unit of the limited-edition \nNissan GT-R50 by Italdesign\n at its Nissan Crossing exhibition centre in Ginza, Tokyo.\nThe car exhibited was used for circuit driving in order to test the rigidity and durability of various exterior parts such as the body, rear wing, and carbon parts.\nThe GT-R50 by Italdesign was a joint effort by Nissan and the Italian design house to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Italdesign and the GT-R name.\nThe GT-R50 is based on the Nismo version of the GT-R but its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine has been caressed to push out 720 hp and 780 Nm, from 600 hp and 652 Nm. Each engine has an Italdesign-exclusive 50 serial number on it.\nAside from the completely new rear end design, which has drawn mixed opinions for its unconventional looks, the GT-R50 by Italdesign also features an adjustable rear wing \u2013 an item not available in the standard Nismo production car.\nIn case you haven\u2019t heard, the GT-R50 by Italdesign comes with a whopping price tag of \u2013 please be seated for this \u2013 \n\u20ac990,000\n (approx. RM4.8 million ringgit).\nAccording to Nissan, only a few units remain with deliveries expected to begin from mid-2021 after undergoing approval procedures in respective markets.\nGALLERY"
"Only 20 units have been\u00a0built and they\u2019re all sold out. That explains the exclusivity of the Lamborghini Centenario Roadster,\u00a0aimed to celebrate the 100th year since the birth of its founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini.\nThis roadster is basically the\u00a0\nCentenario coupe\n which, of course, is also sold out.\u00a0Based on the \nAventador\n, the roadster retains most of the aggressive lines and bodywork from its coupe variant. At the back lies the same\u00a0\n6.5-litre V12\n\u00a0engine producing\u00a0\n760 hp\n and\n 690 Nm\n of torque.\nIn the words of Automobili Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali, the car is meant to deliver \u201cthe freedom of a true open-top super sports car for a pure drive experience\u201d. Lamborghini has also said the Centenario model will pave the way for how their future models will look like. We really can\u2019t wait to see what\u2019s in store for Lamborghini for the next couple of years to come.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Peugeot Malaysia has finally launched the highly-anticipated \nPeugeot 3008 SUV\n in Malaysia, now let us tell you whether this range-topping 3008 1.6 THP Allure is the car for you.\nLocally, you can have the 3008 in two variants, the entry-level Active priced at RM142,888 and the top-spec Allure priced at RM155,888. Both variants are powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder THP engine that kicks out \n165 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque. A six-speed automatic is tasked to send drive to the front wheels. Main rivals for the French SUV include the \nHonda CR-V\n, \nMazda CX-5\n, \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n and \nRenault Koleos\n.\nCustomers can choose from \nfive exterior shades\n \u2013 Metallic Copper, Magnetic Blue, Amazonite Grey while Ultimate Red and Pearl White (featured in the video) are a\u00a0\nRM1,590 \noption.The fully-imported Peugeot 3008 is backed by a 5-Year or 120,000 km warranty with 24-hour Peugeot Assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPeugeot 3008 1.6 Allure THP"
"If you\u2019ve somehow been holding out on getting a \nLamborghini \nwithout any of the electrification business, bad news \u2013 all of its pure internal combustion models are now already completely sold out. This was according to its CEO Stephan Winkelmann, who was quoted as saying in Germany\u2019s \nWELT\n newspaper.\nAccording to Winkelmann, the order books for the Lamborghini Huracan and Urus have all been completely filled out until the end of their production.\nThe Italian supercar maker first\n announced its electrification plans back in 2021\n. Dubbed \u201cDirezione Cor Tauri\u201d, the plan will see Lamborghini\u2019s entire line-up be electrified by 2024, ahead of its first fully-electric EV model in 2030. The electrification plan will see a total investment worth over EUR1.8 billion (approx. RM9.1 billion).\nIts last pure combustion car, the \nLamborghini Huracan Sterrato\n, was unveiled in December last year with a planned production limit of only 1,499 units \u2013 all of which are now already spoken for.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini\u2019s first EV, due in 2030, won\u2019t be an SUV\nLamborghini has since unveiled its first ever production plug-in hybrid model in the \nRevuelto\n earlier this year. Billed as the successor to the Aventador, the Lamborghini Revuelto is powered by a V12 engine mated to three electric motors, for a total system output of 1015 hp.\nLamborghini expects that the hybrid Revuelto model to be sold out by the end of 2025.\nFollowing the Revuelto, Lamborghini will also be updating the \nUrus\n \u2013 which represents \nover 60% of all Lambos sold\n \u2013 some time next year with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This will then be followed by the \nHuracan\n replacement, which will also be a plug-in hybrid of some sorts.\nOff the back of its best year in sales in its history, which saw 9,233 cars delivered worldwide, Lamborghini has started its 60-year anniversary strong by selling 5,341 vehicles as of the end of June \u2013 5% higher than the same period last year. Most of its customers are in China, the USA, and Germany, says Winkelmann.\nALSO READ: \nLamborghini Urus Performante \u201cEssenza SCV12\u201d unveiled \u2013 Limited 40 units, for Essenza owners only\n[source:\n Reuters\n]"
"The leaked images of the \nPeugeot 308\n\u00a0facelift have surfaced on the Internet, hinting at the upcoming refresh for the\u00a0\nVolkswagen Golf\n\u2018s rival. The second-generation 308 has been around since 2013, followed by its \nMalaysian launch in 2015\n.\nIt may take\u00a0a trained eye to identify the changes between the facelift model and its predecessor. For starters, the front grille is new, so as the aggressive front bumpers and fog lights. The headlights now feature continuous LED strips for the daytime running lights, replacing the individual LED \u201cdots\u201d on the pre-facelift version, while changes at the back are bare minimal at best.\nIt also appears that nothing much has changed on the inside, and it seems that the facelifted 308 won\u2019t get the second-generation i-Cockpit like in the new \n3008\n and 5008 SUVs.\nPowertrain options are still unknown at this point of time but don\u2019t be surprised if the 1.6-litre THP engine and the six-speed automatic transmission is retained on this facelift. That powertrain combination, developed together with BMW, has been around since the first-generation 308.\nThe introduction of the Peugeot 308 facelift could take place by the\u00a0end of Q2\u00a02017. At present, there are two variants available on sale for the Malaysian market, the \n308 Active\n for \nRM119K\n, and the range topping \n308 THP\n at \nRM133K\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Season 5 of the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship finally came to a close last Sunday at the grand finale event held at 1 Utama shopping centre, with Muhammad Iqbal Suji being crowned champion in the 2022 edition of the tournament.\nRacing in front of a live audience and online fans, the 24-year-old sim racer from Selangor finished the final round of races ahead of nine other finalists to clinch a grand prize of RM20,000 cash. Standing alongside Muhammad Iqbal Suji on the podium were Muhammad Uzair in second, and Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira who finished in third place in the championship.\nThe three-race grand finale showdown consisted of a 15-minute sprint race and a 30-minute feature race at Brazil\u2019s Autodromo Interlagos, followed by a final 40-minute feature race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, with the sim racers getting behind the wheel of a 1,000bhp Toyota TS050 Hybrid.\nAfter an eventful day with the three drivers swapping places in the championship lead, an emotional Muhammad Iqbal Suji finally came home first to win the championship, finishing some eight seconds ahead of Taj Izrin Aimar in P2.\n\u201cWinning the event made me recall all the emotions and frustrations of not getting the position that I felt I deserved over the last few years and now that I finally have, it feels great and steaming hot!,\u201d said Muhammad Iqbal.\nRELATED: \nGran Turismo, the sim racing game, is now an official Olympic sport\nFollowing the victory, Muhammad Iqbal will now lead a three-man Malaysian team, comprised of his two other compatriots in second and third place, to the Asia Pacific regional finals of the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup on October 2. If victorious, the trio will also take on the colossal task of representing Asia in the global finals, which will be held in Monaco on November 25.\n\u201cToyota\u2019s on-track and online racing activities are about empowering the dreams of individuals \u2013 propelling them to excel. The organizing of the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship gives those who excel online an ideal platform to further develop and unleash their fullest potential with some even transitioning into real racing,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K, adding that Toyota\u2019s combination of physical and online racing since 2018 has given the company the opportunity to contribute immensely to greater promoting Malaysian motorsports.\nAside from the main GR Velocity race, the grande finale weekend also featured four exhibition races involving drivers and celebrities competing in the T\noyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge\n; members of the media (including yours truly, finishing in second place); invited gamers, as well as the young drivers in the Vios Challenge rookie class.\nThe celebrity race was won by actor Zizan Razak, followed by presenter Nabil Ahmad and actor Shukri Yahaya, who coincidentally also happen to be the top three contenders in the Promotional Class of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge series. The Vios Challenge rookies, meanwhile, saw four young drivers \u2013 Adele Lew, Nabil Azlan, Sharique Zulqarnain, and Muizz Musyaffa \u2013 taking up the challenge.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s been nearly six weeks since any of us have done anything significant, again. Who would\u2019ve thought that after coming out from MCO 1.0 last year that we\u2019d be once again deprived of life\u2019s simple pleasures? Driving, in our case.\nComing across this video then, of the \n992 Porsche 911 GT3\n \nrevving its heart out, did not help.\nFind out more about the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 here!\n \nOn one hand, the sound of the 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine screaming all the way to 9,000 rpm is the war cry we all need. It\u2019s the inner voice that\u2019s been pent up for more than a month, locked in at home without any method of release (which in our case, is again, driving).\nJust when most engines in normal would be on the verge of exploding at 6,000 to 7,000 rpm, the 911 GT3\u2019s party has just begun \u2013 with 3,000 or so rpm to go!\nPorsche did 300 km/h non-stop in the new 911 GT3 for 5,000 km, only stopping for fuel. Read about it here!\n \nAnd \nhaving driven the previous 911 GT3 ourselves in Sepang\n, the REAL magic, lies in the last 1,000 rpm when the engine feels like it\u2019s unleashing an inner power. The intensity of the sound and mechanical sensations is unlike any other \u2013 it\u2019s signature Porsche.\nOn the other hand, well, there\u2019s the lockdown."
"Gold has always been the embodiment of wealth, partly because of its significance in jewellery, and also partly because it\u2019s just a very expensive material \u2013 so much so that there\u2019s even a saying that goes along the lines of \u201cworth its weight in gold\u201d.\nWhile the saying is usually used figuratively to express a non-tangible value, there are actual physical things \u2013 albeit few and far in between \u2013 that are worth more than its own weight in gold, literally. One of which, is the Ferrari 250 GTO, as figured out by Reddit user, \nsubtle_anarchist\n.\nThis particular Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for a whopping USD70 million in 2018.\nThe Ferrari 250 GTO is often regarded as the \u201cHoly Grail\u201d of collectibles. Only 36 individual units were ever built (in two body styles), so there\u2019s the rarity factor at play. Couple that with the Ferrari clout, and the fact that these cars are all featured in many iconic races in the 60s, resulted in them regularly fetching more than USD40 million at auctions worldwide.\nBut one particular example of the Ferrari 250 GTO was worth more than the others:\n chassis number 4153GT\n, a Series I model that was sold for a whopping USD70 million just two years ago, setting the record for the most expensive car ever sold.\nAccording to Ferrari, the 250 GTO weighs in at just 880 kg dry. At the USD70 million price, this particular unit of the 250 GTO costs USD79.55 per gram.\nAnd what\u2019s the price for pure gold you ask? According to the (very descriptive) website \ngoldprice.org\n, the price for a gram of gold today is USD55.84. So if the Ferrari 250 GTO is made out of \npure gold\n, it\u2019ll \u201conly\u201d cost around the region of USD49 million. Let that sink in for a moment.\nNow, of course, not every single Ferrari 250 GTO is worth USD70 million. But looking at how sought after this car is, it won\u2019t be surprising to see it going past the pure-gold-price every now and again \u2013 and eventually even surpassing the current USD70 million record. The last unit listed at the RM Sotheby\u2019s auction was sold for USD48.4 million in 2018.\nYou know how gold has always been the \u201cgo-to\u201d option for someone looking for a relatively stable investment? Well, maybe it\u2019s time for the rare earth material to move over for classic cars like these.\nGALLERY"
"Today, car images are all in some way shape or form digitalised, illustrated and heavily-edited. It\u2019s rare that anyone will ever see a tasteful acrylic painting of a car on display \u2013 like shifting a manual transmission, these paintings are a lost art.\nBut for those of you who still appreciate the simplicity and craftsmanship of hand-drawn images, you\u2019re in for a treat. Kazuhiro Ikeda, who goes by the pseudo name of Bow, painted a series of classic Honda\u2019s (and some modern ones) to draw a connection (pun intended) and depict the daily lives of a Honda owner.\nThere are over 30 different drawings of different generations of Hondas, dating back to the first-generation Honda Civic, the S800 and the CR-X, to name a few. My personal favourites are the Honda S2000 and NSX; which I\u2019ve made my personal mission this weekend to see them framed and hung in my room.\nI wish I was more artsy and articulate, to be able to discuss art with you guys but I\u2019m clearly not. So here\u2019s a gallery instead, of every iconic Honda imaginable, if your PC is in need of a new wallpaper. The images are also \ncompatible for both \niPhones\n and \nAndroid\n smartphones\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the global premiere of the \nall-electric Audi e-Tron SUV\n in San Francisco, Audi also took the opportunity to highlight the brand\u2019s commitment towards pure electric vehicles (EV). A total of 12 production EVs will bear the four-rings emblem by 2025 starting with the e-Tron SUV and Audi is prepared to offer one EV in all key market segments from the high-volume A segment to the large-sized D segment.\nThe electric portfolio is spearheaded by two SUVs, the \ne-Tron\n and the \ne-Tron Sportback\n debuting in 2019. A new electric platform based on the e-Tron GT concept will be presented by the end of 2018 at the LA Auto Show. The e-Tron GT will be a dynamic couple with flat floor assembly and its inner workings were developed in collaboration with Porsche, so you know the car\u2019s character is packed with Audi DNA.\n \n \nAudi and Porsche are also working together on a Premium Platform Electric (PPE) that is being developed from the ground up exclusively for electric drivetrains. It will be the basis for multiple Audi EV models covering from B to D segments of the market and naturally, dedicated SUV styles are also part of the plan.\nFor the smaller, but high-volume A segment, Audi is collaborating with several other Volkswagen Group brands on the development of a modular electrification platform (MEB) which like PPE, is developed for electrified powertrains from the ground up. This platform will be served as a basis for lower range EV models in the Audi range and one of these is being developed specifically for China, the single most important market for Audi.\nAudi e-Tron GT Concept   Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG, Peter Mertens said: \u201cIn the future, virtually every market segment will include models powered by a combination of electric motors and a combustion engine, and that can be charged at an electric outlet.\u201d\n\u201cThe Audi e-tron is definitely a highlight in the history of our company and the starting signal for our electrification strategy,\u201d Mertens added.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi PB18 e-Tron Concept in San Francisco   Audi e-Tron SUV Global Premiere   Audi integrates the screen into the door panels   Audi e-Tron Aicon Concecpt"
"Volvo Car Malaysia and new dealer-partner, \nSime Darby Swedish Auto\n, today opened the doors to their latest Volvo 3S Centre at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara.\nThe new \n50,742 square feet\n facility is built according to Volvo Car\u2019s global retail standard \u2013 the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE). Spread across \nfour storeys\n, the new Volvo 3S Centre will be the first 3S Centre in the region to be equipped with a \nVirtual Reality Studio\n and \n\u201cReception at the Counter\u201d bay\n \u2013 immediate service without prior appointment.\nThe ground floor houses the showroom as well as the service centre, while a car detailing area is spread across the second and third floor. The fourth floor houses the wheel alignment and balancing zone.\nThe service centre comprises of \neight repair and service bays\n in total, including the two \u201cReception at the Counter\u201d bays, manned by eight highly skilled personnel. The new service centre expects a\n monthly service throughput of 400 vehicles\n.\nAside from the VRE, the Volvo 3S by Sime Darby Swedish Auto also adheres to the marquee\u2019s principles of sustainability. All customer parking bays will be equipped with an \nelectric vehicle charger\n, while the showroom also attempts to reduces usage of single-use plastic and paper by adopting a \nDigital Silent Salesman\n (DSS) tablet beside every model on display.\nAt the launch, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Nalin Jain said, \u201cThe partnership we have with premium dealers such as Sime Darby Swedish Auto is the key to expanding the Volvo brand\u2019s Swedish-inspired ideals and heritage especially within regard to its retail experience, new car sales and customer service improvement. There is an amazing potential.\u201d\nWhen asked about sales target for 2020, Nalin says that the brand has \u201cvery aggressive sales targets\u201d this year, especially with the expansion of the Swedish brand\u2019s dealership network in recent years. However, no specific numbers were given.\nVolvo 3S Ara Damansara is located at\n Block 6, Sime Darby Motors City, 6 Jalan PJU 1A/7, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor\n. Operation hours for the showroom is from \n8.30 am to 6 pm\n from Mondays to Fridays, from \n9 am to 6 pm\n on Saturdays, and \n10 am to 6 pm\n on Sundays and public holidays.\nThe Service Centre opens from \n8.30 am to 5.30 pm\n on Mondays to Fridays, and from\n 8.30 am to 12.45 pm\n on Saturdays.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After introducing to the world the \nE-Class\n W214 sedan, \nMercedes-Benz\n has now just unveiled the wagon version of the new luxury vehicle, and has kept the tradition for its name. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214.\nWagons might not be the most popular form of vehicles out there, including in Malaysia. But to why Mercedes-Benz has decided to not give up on this segment, it explained that the estate model is an integral part of the luxury segment and has a loyal fan base, particularly in its home base, Germany. The E-Class Estate S214 is offered in three trims, which includes the Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG Line.\nDesign-wise, the E-Class Estate is naturally developed based on its sedan sibling. At the front of its exterior is a black-panel surface that connects the radiator grille with the headlamps. This insert in high-gloss black is visually reminiscent of the all-electric Mercedes-EQ models.\nThe headlamps also come with Mercedes-Benz\u2019s optional Digital Light. A chrome-framed radiator grille backlit by optical fibres is also optionally available for all lines \u2013 Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG Line.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app\nMercedes-Benz says that the roofline of the E-Class Estate S214 is designed in a more dynamic manner than its predecessor, the W213. The German luxury carmaker has also made the new E-Class Estate more aerodynamic, with a Cd figure of 0.26, undercutting the 0.27 Cd value achieved by its facelifted predecessor.\nThe E-Class Estate S214 is available in three different powertrains. This includes the petrol mild hybrid (MHEV) E 200, diesel MHEV E 220 d, and the petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV) E 300 e.\nThe E 200 features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, paired to a 9G Tronic automatic transmission. Power is sent to the rear wheels only, and the engine produces \n204 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n on its own.\nThere is also an intelligent starter generator (ISG) that provides an additional \n23 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of boost. Going from 0-100 km/h with the E 200 takes \n7.8 seconds\n, and top speed is rated at \n231 km/h\n.\nThe E 200 d\u2019s MHEV system consists of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, and is mated to the 9G Tronic automatic transmission. With power sent to the rear wheels only, the engine produces an output of \n197 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n.\nJust like the E 200, the E 220 d also features an ISG that gives an additional \n23 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of boost. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in \n7.9 seconds\n, while top speed is rated at \n230 km/h\n.\nThe PHEV E 300 e features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired with the 9G automatic transmission. There is also an electric motor that produces \n127 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n. With power also sent to the rear wheels only, combined output for the E 300 e is rated at \n308 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n.\nRELATED: \nNot only taking our jobs, ChatGPT is now in Mercedes-Benz\u2019s voice control system\nAll power options of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class S214 come with the brand\u2019s Agility Control suspension and single-chamber air suspension on the rear as standard. Mercedes-Benz claims that the latter can maintain ride comfort even with a full load on board, and ensures that the vehicle remains horizontal even when laden. Mercedes-Benz is also offering its Airmatic air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping as an option.\nDimensions-wise, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214 measures \n4949 mm\n long, \n1,880 mm\n wide, and \n1,469 mm\n tall (\n1,470 mm\n for the E 300 e), with a \n2,961 mm\n long wheelbase, This makes it \n28 mm\n wider than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also grown by \n22 mm\n, which Mercedes-Benz says enables passengers sitting at the back to enjoy more knee room and leg room.\nSpeaking of knee and leg room, let\u2019s talk about the E-Class Estate S214\u2019s interior. Mercedes-Benz is giving buyers of the wagon customizability options, by allowing them to choose between a large library of interior colour combinations.\nCar interiors nowadays, especially in luxury vehicles, are all about digitalisation and screens. The E-Class S214 is no exception, as it is equipped with a driver display as well as a central display. Customers can also opt for the brand\u2019s MBUX Superscreen as an option, which extends to the central display. A front passenger screen is available as an option as well.\nJust like the E-Class W214 sedan, the E-Class Estate comes with an infotainment system that allows users to install third-party apps. At market launch, the E-Class Estate is available with apps such as TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom, Vivaldi, and Pocket Casts. Just in case customers need to conduct video calls in the E-Class Estate, the luxury wagon can also be opted with the optional selfie and video cameras, which comes together with the optional MBUX Superscreen.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM510k\nThe new E-Class Estate is fitted with Nappa leather seats, quilted and perforated diamond patterns that follow the shape of the seat. The seat with Microcut offered as part of AMG Line interior is also perforated. The Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualisation also comes as an option.\nSafety-wise, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214 is equipped with Active Distance Assist Distronic, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reversing camera, and Speed Limit Assist. The Driving Assistance Plus package is also offered as an optional extra. This package consists of Active Steering Assist, which assists with lane-keeping.\nAs already on motorways, the E-Class can now also restart automatically in city traffic and on country roads after a longer standstill. In the case of Active Steering Assist not being available due to the lane markings not clearly visible, the car signals this to the drive through vibration on the steering wheel.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM650k \u2013 687hp, 1020Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs\nGALLERY"
"When we first saw the all-new Kia K5 last year, we couldn\u2019t stop \nsinging praises for its looks\n \u2013 both \ninside and out\n. Kia however, wants to convince us all that its new D-segment packs a whole lot more than just a pretty face. How? By subjecting the Kia K5 to a 360-degree flat spin jump stunt, and broadcast it during the 72nd Emmy Awards telecast, of course.\nKia Motors America marketing operations director, Russell Wager said, \u201cPartnering with the 72nd\u00a0Emmy Awards puts the all-new K5 front and center during one of the most watched live television events of the year. The K5 launch is like nothing the midsize sedan category has ever seen and this latest initiative highlights the \u2018It Factor\u2019 that sets the K5 apart from everything else.\u201d\n https://youtu.be/JmoLtL8A43w\nTo achieve the ambitious stunt, the driver had to enter the ramp at an angle, then swiftly kick the rear of the Kia K5 out into a slide right before it reaches the edge of the ramp. The rotational force from the slide flips the car around, landing on the rear wheels, acting as an anchor to turn the car forwards again, completing the stunt.\nAs the board behind the ramps suggests, the Kia K5 featured in the stunt is the \nGT variant\n, packing a 2.5-litre T-GDi engine that outputs \n290 hp\n and\n 422 Nm\n of torque. Paired to a dual-clutch transmission, the Kia K5 GT is capable of sprinting to 100 km/h from a standstill in \n6.6 seconds\n.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPfeBQhJ7ZU\nAside from the flat spin jump, Kia also released a separate \n\u201ctriple threat\u201d stunt video\n, featuring three K5 GTs \u2013 two jumping across the ramp, and one more underneath it doing a 180-degree spin simultaneously, ending with a cool family photo along with the tagline \u201cboring doesn\u2019t fly around here\u201d at the background."
"Launched in the USA at the end of last year, the \nnew RX 350 L\n is now available in Malaysia with a price of RM 475,000, the first ever variant of the RX in its 20-year history of the model to feature three rows and seven seats.\nThe new RX 350 L will now be part of the 2018 RX line up consisting of the RX 300, RX 350, RX 350 F SPORT and RX 450h Hybrid. Except the RX 350 L, all the other models will retain the two row/five-seater layout.\nAs with all Lexus models, the RX 350 L will feature the signature spindle grille up front flanked by slim LED headlights on either side. The lower section of the rear bumper now features a single tailpipe instead of the two that were on the RX 350 before.\nBesides the blacked-out C-pillars that now creates a \u2018floating-roof\u2019 effect, the Lexus spindle theme repeats at the rear with L-shaped LED taillights enveloping the tailgate, stretching to the rear fenders.   More importantly, the new RX 350 L is now\n 110 mm longer\n while its roofline had been changed over the rear portion of the vehicle. The edge of the roof extends slightly further back and the angle of the rear window is now steeper, providing comfortable headroom for the occupants in the third row.\nThe third row comes with full-sized seats, providing the passengers with the same levels of comfort and luxury as those in the middle row. Access to the third row is provided with a lever that slides and folds the second-row seats forward for walk-in convenience.   The second row has 40/20/40 split backrests to provide cabin layout flexibility while the third row has power operation for seat adjustment. The RX 350 L also comes with a three-zone air conditioning system with separate controls for the rear occupants.\nPerformance wise, the RX 350 L comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing\n 289 hp\n with \n358 Nm\n of torque. Variable Valve Timing \u2013 Intelligent Wide (VVT-iW)\u00a0\nVariable Valve Timing is used on the intake camshaft, along with VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission with Drive Mode Select.\u00a0\nThe Drive Mode Select systems offer three driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport S and ECO.\nThe RX 300 variants in the 2018 range are identical to the RX 200t variants sold before \u2013 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The RX 300 is available in Premium, Luxury and F Sport variants with prices ranging from RM388,800 to RM422,900.\nThere are seven colours to choose from where the paint used contains high-performance macromolecular polymer which gives a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat for a long-lasting finish.\u00a0\nAll new models sold by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We have heard of speculators buying limited edition supercars (such as the Ferrari LaFerrari) and getting into trouble with the brand after selling flipping them almost immediately for a handsome profit.\nWho would have thought that getting your hands on an \nall-new Land Cruiser LC300\n would be so tedious as well?\nThe Toyota Land Cruiser is so popular in the Gulf Emirates, it\u2019s in the police fleet within weeks! Check out their range of tourist-attracting patrol cars here!\nNews of such a farce has surfaced in Japan, where \nCreative311\n reported that customers who placed their bookings were required to\n sign an agreement to not sell the new Toyota Land Cruiser for at least a year\n.\nThe Japanese document that was translated by \nCaradvice.com.au\n said that the company intends to make buying a new Land Cruiser a fairer process while customers can get the models they want via legitimate channels.\nThe document ends with a sentence saying that the act of unauthorised parallel trading may infringe on foreign exchange law or jeopardise global safety in export destinations. Perhaps the sub-sale restriction is to prevent the vehicles from being sold largely by unofficial channels.\nThis is as Toyota dealers in Japan registered \nover 20,000 pre-orders\n for the new Toyota Land Cruiser and are concerned about not being able to meet such demands.\nThe new-generation Land Cruiser is built on an all-new GA-F platform that is some 200 kg lighter yet stiffer than its LC200 predecessor that originated from the late 2000s.\nTwo new twin-turbocharged V6 engines are on offer, with the 3.5-litre petrol developing \n415 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque. The diesel mill meanwhile generates \n309 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.\nThe suspension system now features a world-first Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), where hydraulic fluid is used to keep the body level on smooth roads while extending suspension stroke during off-road. Other areas of improvement for better off-road driving include a Multi-Terrain Monitor and the Multi-Terrain Select drive mode.\nToyota Land Cruiser twin-turbo V6 accelerates like a hot-hatch! View the video here!\nGALLERY"
"Subaru UK announced that the all-new Subaru XV (European spec-ed) had been named the safest vehicle in the Small Family Car category from the 2017 Euro NCAP testings, earning it the \u201cBest In Class\u201d title.\nThe XV achieved the best scores in the Small Family Car class for three out of four aspects \u2013 \nAdult Occupant\n, \nChild Occupant\n and \nPedestrian Protection\n. It also performed outstandingly in the \nSafety Assist\n tests with its Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Support System. All in all it achieved the maximum \nfive-star overall rating\n in the 2017 European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).\nThe XV is one of the first models, aside from the Impreza, to feature the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), for higher levels of safety performance, driving enjoyment and ride comfort. The SGP platform offers enhanced body and chassis rigidity \u2013 70% increased torsional rigidity, 70% increased front suspension rigidity and 100% increased rear sub frame rigidity.\nAlso contributing to the XV\u2019s outstanding results is Subaru\u2019s Eye Sight technology which utilises two digital cameras that monitors traffic movement to warn the driver of threats ahead and to apply pre-collision braking in emergency situations. The system also prevents unintentional lane departure. The XV also comes with seven airbags, including one SRS knee airbag."
"The second-generation Audi Q7 was introduced to the Malaysian market some time last year in the sole \n3.0-litre supercharged V6 guise\n. For those who fancy a Q7 but can\u2019t stomach the asking price of the 3.0-litre variant, fret not because Audi Malaysia has added an entry-level variant to their Q7 line up, the Q7 2.0 TFSI Quattro.\nAudi Malaysia explained that the 2.0 TFSI is a direct replacement of the second-generation Q7 3.0 Quattro. Although a base variant, the 2.0 TFSI Q7 still packs an extensive list of equipment, features, performance and off-road capabilities the full-sized SUV is known for.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi Q7 2.0 TFSI Quattro\nEngine\n1,984cc; inline-four, direct injection turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed tiptronic\nMax Power\n252 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n7.1 seconds; 233 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM524,900\nEXTERIOR\nOn the exterior, the 2.0-litre Q7 wears the same fascia as its 3.0-litre twin. Therefore, Audi\u2019s signature Singleframe grille, automatic LED headlamps with double-arrow LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, twin exhaust outlets, aluminium roof rails and roof spoiler all come as standard.\nThe only way to tell the two variants apart is the smaller 19-inch five-spoke cast aluminium alloys wrapped in 255/55 profile tyres and the more obvious 2.0 TFSI badge on the 2.0-litre Q7.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the differences are more apparent. In the 2.0-litre, the sporty three-spoke steering wheel have been swapped out for a four-spoke design with the paddle shifters retained. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the steering column is no longer electronically adjustable.\nThe 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit is not standard here, unfortunately\nThe fancy 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit was also given a miss, and is replaced with a conventional Driver Information System with a 7-inch full coloured instrument cluster. Another feature that was omitted from the 2.0 TFSI is the 558 watts 15-channel amplifier with 19-speakers BOSE 3D sound system. The entry variant gets a 180 watts 9-channel amplifier with 10-speakers Audi Sound System.\nHowever, Audi Malaysia has \nretained\n most of the conveniences available in the more expensive variant such as comfort key, leather upholstery, powered front seats with memory function for driver\u2019s seat, \nfour-zone deluxe climate control\n, electric parking brake with hold assist, parking system advanced with surround view camera, park assist, powered tailgate, automatic anti-glare rear and side mirrors and cruise control.\nBoot volume on the Q7 is rated at 770 litres but the \nelectrically operated\n 50:50 split third row seats can be folded flat to free up 1,955 litres of cargo space.\nPERFORMANCE\nDespite having a smaller capacity engine under the hood, the 2.0-litre TFSI, when mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission is able to deliver \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n\u00a0which drives all four wheels. With the \nQuattro permanent all-wheel drive system\n, the Q7 2.0 TFSI is able to sprint to 100km/h in a brisk \n7.1 seconds\n all the way to a top speed of \n233km/h\n.\nBesides that, the smaller engine with start/stop system and energy recovery offers better fuel consumption of \n7.4 litres per 100km\n as compared to the 3.0-litre\u2019s 7.9L/100km. Still think you need that 3.0-litre?\nThe 2.0 TFSI is the same unit powering the soon-to-come Audi A4 (B9) 2.0 TFSI quattro\nAs standard, the 2.0-litre Q7 gets \nadaptive air suspension\n\u00a0to ensure superior ride quality and driving dynamics. Managed by a continuous variable electronically controlled air spring damper system, the vehicle will always remain levelled regardless of the load distribution.\nWith the adaptive air suspension, the Q7 gets an advanced Audi drive select that features seven different damper settings. In addition to Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, Comfort and Individual, the off-road capable SUV gets two modes \u2013 Allroad and Lift/Offroad specifically for going off road.\nIn Allroad, the vehicle\u2019s ride height is raised by 25mm to prepare the car for mixed terrains. On the other hand, Lift/Offroad raises the ride height to the maximum 60mm for additional ground clearance when tackling extreme terrains, improving approach and departure angles.\nAnother feature of the air suspension is a Convenient Loading mode that lowers the rear axle by 45mm to ease loading and unloading cargo from the boot.\nSAFETY\nThe base variant Q7 gets the same safety features as the top spec model. As such, the Q7 is equipped with eight airbags, ABS, ESC with traction control, EBD, Electronic Differential Lock, hill descent control and tyre pressure loss indicator.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs a CBU unit, customers are able to choose from seven different exterior shades: Glacier White, Floret Silver, Argus Brown, Ink Blue, Graphite Grey, Orca Black and a special Daytona Grey with pearl effect. Additionally, customers can also spec an optional S-line package that includes a sportier body kit, S-line steering wheel, 20-inch cast aluminium wheels, sport seats (among others) for an additional RM15,000 over the asking price of RM524,900.\nIn short, the Q7 2.0 TFSI Quattro immediately made the Q7 a good\n RM65k\n more accessible to buyers without losing out all that much. Should the base Q7 check a good number of your boxes, order books for the four rings SUV are now open. If you still can\u2019t decide between the 2.0 or 3.0 TFSI, check out what GC thinks of the 3.0-litre Q7 \nhere\n.\nDisclaimer: The Q7 you see here is of the 3.0 V6 TFSI quattro, and not the actual specification of the 2.0 TFSI quattro."
"After more than 70 years of sports car design, engineering, and manufacturing, the brand known for its commitment to lightness and pure driving has yet again, revealed a completely unprecedented product, a fully-electric Hyper SUV called the Eletre.\n \nNot only the first fully-electric SUV by Lotus, the Eletre is also the first 5-door production car and the first-ever model that\u2019s not a sports car by the company. So what\u2019s it all about then?\nFor starters, you get two electric motors driving all four wheels offering AWD capabilities, \n600 hp\n (no torque figures were revealed), a 100 kWh battery, and the ability to offer 400 km of electric driving range with just 20 minutes of charging using a 350kW. The maximum driving range is rated at over 600 km. 0 to 100 km/h can be done in just \nunder three seconds\n.\nAs standard, it will be fitted with air suspension while optional features include rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars, and torque vectoring. Lotus said the Eletre has been developed to deliver everything you would expect from a Lotus \u2013 outstanding ride and handling, highly communicative steering, and exceptional driver engagement.\nThe emphasis on the Eletre\u2019s design was just as paramount as its electric powertrain and one of the main features of the exterior is the Active Front Grille \u2013 a network of interconnecting triangular petals that close and open depending one when the car needs better cooling or better aerodynamics. The 23-inch wheels and 10-pot brake calipers you see here are optional items.\nThe Eletre does not have side mirrors but instead uses an Electric Reverse Mirror Display (ERMD) which consists of three cameras \u2013 one for rearview, one to create a 360-degree view and a third that works with the cars driver assistance system. ERMD also works hand-in-hand with the Eletre\u2019s LIDAR sensors \u2013 one installed on each side of the car. is also fitted with LIDAR sensors on each side of the car that work together with\nThe Eletre\u2019s comes with a carbon fibre roof spoiler that channels air to the active tailgate spoiler that deploys in three different angles, depending on vehicle speed.\nLotus said walking up to the Eletre in itself would be \u201ca peacock moment\u201d due to the SUV\u2019s dynamic \u2018walk-up\u2019 sequence involving its exterior lights, door handles and active front grille.\nThe immersive experience with the Lotus Eletre begins before the driver even enters the car. Unlocking it triggers a light sequence from the head and taillights, the active front grille \u2018breathes\u2019,\u00a0all while the illuminated door handles are being deployed.\nInside, the Eletre is available either as a four- or five-seater while the panoramic sunroof is standard only in the Chinese market and optional around the world.\nThe interior is dressed with microfibre material at the vital touch points and wool-blend fabric on the seats. The materials are 50% lighter than leather according to Lotus, further reducing the weight of the car. Most of the harder trims in the cabin are made of recycled carbon fibre.\nThe light strip that runs across the dashboard changes in colour for an interactive effect when the driver is answering a call, or changing the air-con temperature. Below the light strip are two displays \u2013 one for the driver and another for the passenger to display information relating to the car, journey, music selection and more.\nBeneath them is a 15.1-inch OLED touch-screen with more information projected on the head-up display with augmented reality (AR) technology.\nDriver aids are aplenty in the Eletre including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane change assist, rear-cross traffic alert with brake assist.\nThe Eletre is only the first of many more exciting fully-electric vehicles from the company as Lotus Group, CEO, Mr. Feng Qingfeng highlighted.\nFollowing the new Eletre, Lotus has announced that it will launch a four-door sports coupe (Type 133) in 2023 and a D-segment SUV (Type 134) in 2025, and an\u00a0\nall-new electric sports car (Type 135) by 2026\n.\nGALLERY"
"[Update 8.50 pm: The new vehicles are now confirmed to be \u201ctechnical evaluation\u201d units, according to \nphotos taken outside the Selangor PDRM\u2019s headquarters\n]\nThe internet was set ablaze this morning, with photos and footages of a new police-liveried \nBMW M3\n spreading like wildfire on social media and instant messaging apps.\nDue to the lack of official communications from the \nRoyal Malaysian Police (PDRM)\n, many understandably had doubts about the whole ordeal, wondering if it\u2019s just props for an upcoming Malaysian movie. The livery on the side that says \u201c\nPolis\n High Performance\u201d certainly doesn\u2019t help instil any confidence.\nBut as it turns out, the new cars are indeed meant for official police use. if a Facebook post by user Nornikman Mesri is anything to be believed. \u201cEight nights without sleep. these are not movie props,\u201d the post read.\nNornikman Mesri is the founder of Armorblaze, the firm that helped install the liveries and body protection wraps for the new cars. According to his Facebook post, there were a total of five vehicles that received the new PDRM liveries \u2013 the BMW M3, two \nBMW X3s\n, and two \nVolkswagen Tiguans\n.\nThe Honda Civic Type R was also recently seen sporting PDRM liveries! Read more about that here. \nAnd if you\u2019re still in disbelief, here\u2019s something that should put your doubts to bed: When the new police cars left Mesri\u2019s premises, there were even uniformed police present to escort the new cars out! We\u2019re certain that movie props will not get the same treatment. Check out the video for yourself \nhere\n.\nPDRM recently also received over 1,200 new patrol vehicles, consisting of 197 Proton X70s and 1,078 Honda Civics! Check it out here.\nThere hasn\u2019t been any official news from the police thus far, although we presume that it\u2019s because they have yet to install the necessary equipments (such as VHF radios) for their official duties.\nNew photos that surfaced online have now shown that these vehicles are indeed designated for \u201ctechnical evaluations\u201d for the Selangor police\u2019s escort guard division (\nCawangan Pengawal Pengiring\n) \u2013 all that\u2019s left are the official confirmations from both PDRM and BMW Malaysia!\n[Source: Nornikman Mesri/Facebook]\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia today launched the Volvo Car Leasing in collaboration with MyMotor (MYEG Fintech) \u2013\u00a0\u00a0a first for Volvo Cars in the Southeast Asia region; offering customers an opportunity to drive a Volvo, worry-free, with the insurance, road tax, maintenance cost, and warranty covered.\n\u201cOur company philosophy is centred around people, their needs and what they care about. Now with Volvo Car Leasing, our customers are able to choose an appropriate model based on their current need or station in life and change it when the need arises,\u201d said Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Mr Lennart Stegland.\nManaging Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Mr Lennart Stegland and Chief Executive Officer of MyMotor, Mr Justin Cheah at the Volvo Car Malaysia headquarters.\nThe programme will be available for all Volvo models sold in Malaysia, at all participating dealerships. Customers can drive home a new Volvo from as low as\n RM2,762 per month\n which is inclusive of a\n comprehensive insurance package\n,\n road tax\n,\n and maintenance cost\n.\nAt the end of the leasing agreement, customers could either choose to select a new model to drive home, purchase the car at market rate or Future Guaranteed Value (FGV), or simply return the car to the dealership.\nVolvo Car Leasing also allows customers greater financial flexibility when compared to a typical hire-purchase agreement, freeing up valuable credit to purchase other assets on top of not having to worry about incidentals related to car ownership.\nEvery Volvo leased under this programme comes complete with our\n Volvo Service Agreement Plus (VSA+)\n which covers a list of service actions including a wide range of wear and tear items, giving the customer peace of mind with his or her Volvo ownership experience.\nCheck out our \nreview of the Volvo S90 T6 and V90 T6\n here!\nIn conjunction with the launch of Volvo Car Leasing, all models will be \noffered with a promotional rate\n that is applicable from today till 31 August 2018. Volvo Car Leasing will also be offering\n free petrol vouchers worth RM300\n for all bookings received within this promotional period.\nFor more information on the available models, applicable rates, VSA+, and Volvo Car Leasing and any current promotions, please visit \nVolvo Car Malaysia\u2019s webpage\n. Alternatively, you may contact your preferred Volvo dealership for further assistance."
"Most people are happy to take a back seat in a luxury limousine but there are a small group of thrill-seekers who thinks speed and luxury can go hand-in-hand.\nFor the same reason, the automotive world is graced with four-door limousines with enough firepower to light up a drag strip, like this all-new Audi S8.\nNow in its latest-generation, the S8 gets a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 TFSI generating\n 571 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque. Interestingly that is only 100 Nm more torque than a standard A8 with a \n3.0-litre V6 TFSI plug-in hybrid system\n.\nAn onboard 48V mild-hybrid system helps with fuel savings of up to 0.8 litres per 100 km. Audi has not disclosed century sprint times or top speed of the S8 but we can expect it to be in the sub 4 seconds mark if it wants to keep up with the competition.\nChassis equipment\ninclude predictive active suspension, dynamic all-wheel-steering, Quattro\nall-wheel drive and a sport differential. Customers can also opt for the\noptional carbon ceramic brakes for better stopping power and reduced unsprung\nweight. \u00a0\nThe predictive active suspension, depending on drive mode, works together with the air suspension to adjust the ride height and even tilt the body of the S8 to ensure the passengers are not affected by the lateral forces.\nIn maximum attack (Dynamic) mode, the S8 is even more poised with a maximum roll angle of only 2.5 degrees compared to the standard suspension that rolls up to 5 degrees.\nOther than the S-specific\nelements to the digital displays and interior trim, the S8 gets all the tech\nand features available on the regular A8 including 38 driver assistance systems\nthat Audi offers."
"A recall has just been issued by Honda Malaysia concerning an improper hydraulic pressure control software in the CVT gearbox. Only two models are affected with this fault \u2013 the \nCity\n (model 2014) and \nJazz\n (model 2015).\nThe total number of vehicles affected is \n12,329\n, the bulk of which affects the City (12,232 units). To date, only 97 units of the Jazz were identified with the problem. This \u2018product update\u2019, as Honda calls it, will \nrectify the Powertrain Control Module\n through a CVT software update containing the solution \u2013 a stress reduction software.\nHonda Malaysia explained, \u201cDue to the stepping in and releasing of the accelerator pedal at high speed, high hydraulic pressure will cause great stress to be generated to the drive pulley shaft and \nmay cause the shaft to break\n, thus experiencing a loss of power during driving.\u201d There have been no injuries or crashes related to this issue as of today, and Honda Malaysia regrets the inconvenience caused to its customers.\nCustomers who are affected with the issue will be contacted via notification letters. Recipients are advised to\n send their vehicles to the nearest authorised Honda dealer for inspection\n. If rectification is needed, all cost incurred will be borne by Honda Malaysia. No other models besides the City and Jazz are affected in this campaign."
"Lamborghini\u2019s new super SUV, the\n Urus\n, is scaling the sales chart beyond all expectations, with most buyers being new to the Lamborghini brand, according to CEO Stefano Domenicali.\nAlmost two thirds of the Urus\u2019 buyers have not owned a Lamborghini before. Since it was launched, the Urus had been well received particularly in Russia and India, along with an increase in female buyers.   Although Lamborghini is reaching out to the lucrative SUV-buying demographic, it is claimed that the brand will keep production numbers low to preserve the brand\u2019s exclusivity.\nLamborghini\u2019s sales in general has continued to strengthen, particularly in Germany and the U.K. along with unexpected growth contributed by \u201cnew money\u201d from crytocurrency investors. Production is expected to hit close to five figures by end of 2019, where half of which will be the Urus.\u00a0\nThe Urus features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering\n 650 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n where 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h \u2013 the highest top speed for an SUV. \u2018\nThere are 6 driving modes available through the \u201cTamburo\u201d drive mode selector \u2013 Strada (Street), Sport, Corsa (Race), Neve (Snow), Terra (off-road) and Sabbia (Sand).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Chery \nhas sold 50,614 vehicles outside of China in July 2022, making it the first-ever Chinese marque to export more than 50,000 vehicles in a single month. The figure represents 38% of its total global sales in July (131,533 units), and a 90.1% increase in exports over the same period last year.\nWith the July figures accounted for, Chery has now exported nearly 200,000 vehicles in the first seven months of 2022 (+36.8%), or roughly a third of its global sales total so far this year.\nThe sales performance, in spite of the ongoing challenges caused by the after effects of \nCovid-19\n and logistical difficulties, was largely contributed by Chery\u2019s new SUV line-up, particularly the Tiggo models.\nThe Tiggo 8 Series saw a total of 31,263 exported in the first seven months of 2022, marking a 43.3% growth over the same period last year. The company adds that the model is also serving as the presidential and state transport in several countries and regions, a testament to the model\u2019s quality and stature.\nRELATED:\n Chery CKD plant for Malaysia in the works, SUV models to compete with Proton X50, X70\nAs for specific country figures, Egypt saw 1,846 Chery vehicles sold in July, boosting its sales total in the country up to 12,591 units in the first seven months of the year. Another highlight for Chery was South Africa, with 1,262 units sold in the month of July to bring the marque\u2019s market share up to 4.01% in the nation, a record high figure for the company.\nThe Chinese carmaker is reiterating its commitment to its globalisation strategy, and says that it will further strengthen its brand and global operations in the second half of the year. Headlining its globalisation efforts will be the\n Omoda 5\n, the first member of Chery\u2019s new global Omoda series, which has also already been confirmed for Malaysia alongside the\n Tiggo 7 Pro\n and \nTiggo 8 Pro\n.\nALSO READ: \nChery returns to Indonesia, to become new base for ASEAN exports\nChery is also targetting to launch new energy vehicles (NEV) in 14 countries this year, including Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, covering a variety of powertrains such as pure electric, plug-in hybrid and 48V mild hybrid systems."
"It couldn\u2019t have possibly gotten any better than this \u2013 three high performance hatchbacks, open roads, winding B-roads, and new tyres to shred. Recently, we went on a road trip with the \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC\n, the \nMINI JCW Clubman\n, and one of the most loved cars within the AutoBuzz team, the \nGR Yaris\n.\nObviously it was all about fun, but we also had new performance by Giti, the GitiSport S2 to test, and while it may not be a household name like the Michelins and Goodyears that we\u2019ve been used to (and comes at a premium), suffice to say, the more affordable GitiSport S2 tyres didn\u2019t let up.\n \nIn short, with the three cars having very different characters, the German-engineered GitiSport S2 coped well with the JCW Clubman\u2019s weight and load, with the AMG A 45\u2019s brute performance, and the ballet-like agility of the GR Yaris really well. Granted, they may not be as superior as the Michelin PS4, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport or even the Goodyear Assymetric 5, but considering the costs, the GitiSport S2 is a rather close second.\nWith the new GitiSport S2 tyres, the rubber compound has been tweaked to make the tyres more durable and allow it to withstand higher temperatures. With a redesigned thread pattern, Giti says it has even shorter braking distance than before.\nGiti said the tyre\u2019s shoulders are stiffer for better cornering and more precise steering but even so, in the time that we drove on less than ideal road condition, it didn\u2019t feel bumpy at all. The GitiSport S2 tyres also come with a curved design by the edges, which helps the tyre cut through water. As a result, Giti says aquaplaning resistance have been improved by 10% compared to before.\nJust reading this wouldn\u2019t do the tyres (and cars) and justice.so why don\u2019t you check the video out and experience the fun we had!"
"Schneider Electric along with Resorts World Genting has recently launched the first electric vehicle charging station at the Awana SkyCentral Transportation Hub Car park at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets (GPHO).\nThe Schneider Electrics\u2019 EVlink Smart Wallbox charger is compatible with all electric vehicles on the road today, capable of charging up to 10 times faster than a domestic socket outlet.\nLocated Level B1 of the GPHO parking facility, the charging station is open 24 hours and is free of charge.\nThere are nine charging bays available, located at each with 7.4kW charging power via a Type 2 socket outlet, offering 40 km of electric range from an \naverage charging time of four hours\n.\nResorts World Genting, Vice President of Hotel Operations, Mr. Ganesan Subramaniam said, \u201cWe can confidently say that many of our customers drive PHEVs and there is a need to have EV charger at the carpark.\u201d\n\u201cThere is an average of 50% occupancy rate in the 5,000 bay car park during the weekdays and on public holidays and weekends over 100%,\u201d he added."
"Riding on the wave of its \nsuccess in 2019\n, Proton has announced its sales performance for January 2020, reporting a total of\n 8,506 units registered\n in the first month of the year.\nThe figure represents a \n20.2% increase\n over the same period last year, marking the brand\u2019s best performance in January in over four years. The national carmaker also claimed that its \nmarket share\n increased to \n19.5%\n, a 4.9% increase over the same period last year.\nDespite the short month due to Chinese New Year celebrations, the company claims that the January performance is well within expectations. Last month, Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong announced the carmaker\u2019s target to sell \n132,000 cars this year\n.\nThe main contributor to Proton\u2019s sales figure is once again the updated \nProton Saga\n, moving \n3,871 units\n in January. The\n X70\n, launched slightly more than a year ago, also held its position as the market leader for its segment, with \n1,367 units\n registered.\nThe Proton X70 is still currently being sold as imported (CBU) units, however the locally-assembled model is due to be launched very soon, with \nproduction already started in December\n last year. Do watch this space!\nElsewhere, Proton delivered \n2,109 units\n of the \nPersona\n in January, representing a 84% increase over the same period last year. Meanwhile, its hatchback cousin,\n Proton Iriz\n, recorded a figure of \n785 units\n registered \u2013 465% increase from its corresponding period.\nDr. Li Chunrong said in the announcement, \u201cThis is a great start to the year on the back of our performance in 2019. January is always a tough month but we still managed to have our best showing in four years.\u201d"
"One way of telling if a car manufacturer is serious about a product is if you see them conducting winter/ice testings. Hyundai it seems, is not keen on playing second fiddle now after the i30N hot hatch was spotted in Sweden.\nPiloting the test mule is none other than Hyundai\u2019s factory rally driver, Thierry Neuville. The Belgian praised the i30N\u2019s traction and stability on challenging\u00a0terrains, and he admitted that it\u2019s rather easy to handle.\nThe Golf GTI fighter from Korea will become Hyundai\u2019s first \u201cN\u201d model in their range of high performance cars, and the i30N is the third variant of the i30 line, after the\u00a0\nhatchback\n and\u00a0\nestate\n\u00a0variants. It will be powered by a \n2.0-litre turbocharged\n engine that will supposedly produce \n260 hp\n. It will be front wheel drive and can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6DJtDHveh4\nHyundai\u2019s objective with the i30N is to produce high performance cars that are affordable and fun at the same time \u2013 the very reason of this segment\u2019s existence. The Hyundai i30N will be unveiled later this year, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if this Korean hot hatch could take on established giants such as the \nGolf GTI\n and \nFocus ST\n."
"It\u2019s not everyday that you get to be in the presence of an \nAston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 race car\n but from the 13th till 22nd of April 2018, even your kids will get to witness the full-scale version of the \u201canimated character\u201d from the Chuck Chicken series.\nIn conjunction with the Chuck Chicken Junior Warriors competition, a multi-stage obstacle course competition for primary school students, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 racer will be on display at the Main Atrium of Sunway Velocity Mall \u2013 bringing life to the animated series.\nParticipants will be divided into categories based on age and gender, where they will have to conquer a course made up of inflatable obstacles. There will also be Chuck Chicken merchandises on sale featuring characters from the animated series along with the caricature of the Aston Martin race car.\nAlso, stand a chance to win limited edition Chuck Chicken merchandises by watching the video above and answering these questions:\n 1. What is the title of this video?\n 2. What is the racing number of the new racer?\n 3. When is the event date for Chuck Chicken Junior Warrior Competition at Sunway Velocity Mall?\nShare the above post and your answers on your Facebook timeline, with the hashtags #sunwayvelocitymall and #cmrteurasia. The contest ends on the \n15th of April 2018\n where a total of 50 winners will be selected.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This is the second generation of the \n911 GTS\n, and it\u2019s positioned between the Carrera S and GT3 variants in the 911 range. Available in either a \ncoupe or a cabriolet\n driving the \nrear or all four wheels\n, it\u2019s also offered with a choice of \nseven-speed manual or Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe\n (PDK) transmission.\nThe \n3.8-litre flat six\n engine in the back of the 911 GTS produces \n430 hp\n, which is 30 hp more than the Carrera S. The GTS rides 10 mm lower than the Carrera S too, thanks to the\n PASM active damper system\n that\u2019s fitted as standard along with the\n Sport Chrono package\n.\nCompared to the Carrera S, the sprint time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n drops one-tenth of a second, at\n 3.8 seconds\n if equipped with the PDK transmission while the top speed is just above 300 km/h. However the\n fuel consumption\n remains the same, ranging from \n13.9 \u2013 12.2 l/100 km\n depending on the variant.\nExternally those hips don\u2019t lie, they are indeed greater in width as the GTS is using the wider Carrera 4 body. More noticeable telltale from the outside are those matt black \n20-inch wheels\n with\n centre wheel locks\n, unique bumpers, and \nsmoked bi-xenon headlamps\n with the \nPorsche Dynamic Light System\n (PDLS). The changes are less obvious inside, but the GTS gets Alcantara upholstery as standard.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has just presented the China market exclusive long-wheelbase version of the eight-generation BMW 3 Series sedan at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. The 3 Series Li addresses the local demand for spaciousness and comfort in a premium compact sports sedan.\nCompared to a standard wheelbase 3 Series, the 3 Series Li has a 110 mm longer wheelbase (2,851 mm vs. 2,961 mm) which transforms the overall length to 4,829 mm (120 mm more). To put things into perspective, the \nG30 5 Series\n measures 4,935 mm in length, making the 3 Series Li a big car.\nThe longer wheelbase\ntranslates to a roomier cabin, most of which benefits the rear passengers. Besides\nthe visually longer rear doors, everything else are identical to what the\nstandard 3er is with available equipment include LED projector Headlamps, M\nSport body kit, M Sport suspension, 19-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, 12.3-inch\nLCD instrument cluster, 10.25-inch Control Display with BMW Intelligent\nPersonal Assistant and more.\nIn China, the 3 Series\n\u2013 both SWB and LWB \u2013 are offered in a sole 325i guise, powered by a 2.0-litre\nturbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission.\nUnlike the \n330i that we have in Malaysia\n, China\u2019s 3 Series comes with the full suite of advanced driver\u2019s assistance system including Lane Departure Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning, crossing traffic warning and Driving Assistant Professional.\nThe new G20 BMW 3 Series will be produced by BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) at its Tiexi plant in Shenyang, Liaoning Province.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nBMW\u00a0325\u00a0Li\u00a0Long-wheelbase\u00a0for\u00a0China"
"During our time with the \nGolf R Mk7\n, we managed to catch up with its predecessor, the \nGolf R Mk6\n. We literally mean catching up because the R Mk6 is no slouch of a car. Packing close to\n 270 horses\n ready to be deployed to all four wheels, the R Mk6 costs \nRM 268,888\n when new and it was the first to get a downsized \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo\n after the passing of the huge \n3.2-litre V6\n in the \nGolf R32 Mk5\n.\nThe downsizing of the engine for the \nGolf\n R Mk6 has proven to be a brilliant move, not only it\u2019s friendlier to the environment and sips less fuel, it reduces the mass over the front axle for better handling, and the 4-cylinder also happens to be \nmore powerful\n than the old V6 too.\nSo the ingredients are retained but the recipe has been revised, freeing up more horses from the 4-cylinder in the R Mk7. For the Malaysian-spec R Mk7 at least, it generates \n276 hp\n, while torque has climbed from 330 Nm to \n380 Nm\n. The selling price is\u00a0also bumped up to \nRM 293,888\n.\nCombined with \n45 kg reduction\n in weight, the sprint time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is quicker,\u00a0from \n5.7 seconds\n in the R Mk6 to \n5.0 seconds\n in the R Mk7. Although \ntop speed\n is still \nelectronically limited\n to\n 250 km/h\n. The Mk7 R is \nmore economical\n as well, sipping only \n6.9 l/100 km\n compared to 8.4 l/100 km on the R Mk6.\nThe R Mk6 never really had its foot in the wrong place in terms of its ride and handling, and the R Mk7 inherits the same poise and composure but with a little bit more polish. The main difference is, on the R Mk7 you can \nfully switch the traction control off\n, unlike the over-protective R Mk6. This allows more freedom for you to explore the car\u2019s limits of adhesion as long as you\u2019re willing to.\nOn the outside, the R Mk7 follows the understated approach of the R Mk6 and their predecessors with subtle R touches to spice things up. Parked next to the R Mk6, the R Mk7 looks wider and flatter due to the growth in width and length by 13 mm and 64 mm respectively, but it\u2019s lower than the R Mk6 by 25 mm.\nThe R elements on the exterior of both cars are identical: simple grille, huge air intakes on the front bumper, side skirts, 19-inch wheels, twin-exit tailpipes, and R badges; however the details are distinctly different.\nFor example on the R Mk7, the \nLapiz Blue\n shade is deeper than the \nRising Blue\n on the R Mk6, the slats on the front side air intakes have been reduced, side mirror caps are now in matte silver instead of gloss black, Cadiz alloys have took the place of a set of Talladega wheels, and the amount of tailpipes at the back end have been doubled to four.\nSimilarly on the inside, you will find a chunky flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles, \nblue needles\n, push start button, piano black trim, glass sunroof, and leather upholstery in both cars. Although the R Mk7 is missing the gorgeous Motorsport Bucket Seats in the R Mk6, the seats in the R Mk7 is just as accommodating.   Whichever you look at it, the R offers supercar-baiting performance in a conventional compact hatch shell. The way the R makes it so accessible is nothing short of amazing and sometimes we wonder how can VW make it any better, but they are already teasing with a madder \nGolf R400\n with 400 hp from essentially the same turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder. It might still be a concept car at this stage but judging by the growth of progress these days it\u2019s only a matter of time we\u2019ll get to see it in the showroom.\n[divider]\nVIDEO\u00a0GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGolf R Mk6   Golf R Mk7   Golf R Mk6\n \n&\n \nGolf R Mk7"
"Just when we thought things couldn\u2019t get more extreme with the\u00a0\nMcLaren Senna\n, the Woking-based carmaker has just released initial details of a track-only McLaren Senna GTR variant that is currently in its prototype testing stage.\nLike the sold-out Senna, production numbers of the GTR variant of McLaren Ultimate Series is capped at\n 75 units worldwide\n and all of them are already snapped up. The track-only machine will be available in \nleft-hand-drive configuration only\n. Deliveries are expected to begin from September 2019 once production of the road-going Senna is complete.\n \n \nWhile the car is in its development phase, based on the official design sketch from McLaren, we can tell that radical does not even begin to describe its track-carving intent. The chassis of the Senna GTR will feature a wider front and rear track, wider fenders and ridiculously wide front splitters and diffusers. The end plates of the active rear wing appear to extend downwards towards the diffuser presumably to promote cleaner airflow and downforce.\nMcLaren claims that the revisions on the bodywork allow the Senna GTR to generate 1,000 kg of downforce \u2013 200 kg more than its road-legal brethren. To complement the 1-tonne downforce, engineers have fitted the car with a suspension system derived from the brand\u2019s GT3 customer racing programme as well as Pirelli slick race tyres. Together, the Senna GTR is projected to deliver 20 per cent greater maximum deceleration with forces exceeding 3g.\nThe M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 in the Senna GTR application makes \n825 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque to drive the rear wheels. Although the final vehicle weight is yet to be confirmed, the GTR will weigh lesser than the regular Senna\u2019s 1,198 kg dry weight.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren Senna"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, is now offering the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L at RM 127,888 for Peninsula Malaysia and RM133,888 for East Malaysia; both on-the-road prices without insurance.\nThe 2.2-litre Ranger Wildtrak now gets Ford\u2019s latest SYNC 3 in-car connectivity system through an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other noteworthy additions to the 2.2-litre Ranger Wildtrak includes a 240V power socket in the back seat, a feature we found to be the most interesting addition to a car since the introduction of air-conditioning.\nMore notably, it\u2019s not just a Ranger dressed up in Wildtrak clothings; it now gets the full suite of safety systems that previously was only exclusive to the 3.2-litre model. The 2.2-litre Wildtrak now gets the Adaptive Cruise Control treatment, along with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Forward Collision Alert and Mitigation by Brakes, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist and\u00a0Hill Descent Control.\nThe Wildtrak now also gets\n six airbags\n \u2013 front, side and curtain airbags \u2013 instead of the miserable two available in the 2.2 XLT. The rest of the interior, such as upholstery and trims are similar to the 3.2-litre Wildtrak variant.\nThe Ranger Wildtrak is powered by the 2.2-litre turbocharged Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine with an output of \n158 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.\nThe Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L is available in three colours \u2013 Cool White, Pride Orange and Shadow Black \u2013 and comes with an early bird offer of 2-years/40,000km (whichever comes first) free service and maintenance. The same offer is now also available for the Wildtrak 3.2L variant.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Seven delicate years have passed since the third generation \nMazda2\n was first brought to our shores. Since then, the Malaysian \nB-segment\n playing field has seen a significant growth both in terms of competition and standards.\nCompact cars of late have evolved from the safe idea of prioritising affordability, reliability and ease of maintenance to offering cars that look as good as it is purposeful, value for money and laden with various in and out of car technology.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda2 1.5L Skyactiv-G Hatchback / Sedan\nSegment\nB-Segment\nEngine\n1,496cc; inline-4 cyl SkyActiv-G, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic\nMax Power\n114 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0\nwith\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM87,956.00\nCarmakers who were once dominant have had their complacency challenged with such great intensity that they are forced to comply with the rising demands from their customers. Be that as it may, the competition turned out healthy and we, the people, get to reap the benefits. Despite the list of tech and toys we get with our cars, there\u2019s just some things we find off putting, things that you could do without but just happen to want.\nThe Mazda2 was one promising car, the car many revered for its exceptional value for money, more so with the brand\u2019s full suite of \nSkyActiv technology\n. We\u2019ve sampled the car and made a video out of it to find out if it will live up to the average Malaysian\u2019s expectations. So let\u2019s get on with it, shall we?\nEXTERIOR\nLittle can go wrong with the looks of this Mazda2. Being the fourth model to feature the brand\u2019s \nKODO Soul of Motion\n design language, the 2 is a pretty handsome car that comes in two body types \u2013 hatchback and sedan. Our test unit was the former, but I personally gravitate towards the latter because of its similarity to the \nMazda3\n. According to our friends at Mazda, the sedan is also the more popular variant, and the waiting list is weeks, if not a month longer than the hatch\u2019s.   The Mazda2 adorns subtle curves around the body, giving it a sleek appeal from just about any angles you can find. At the front, the 2 is instantly recognisable as a Mazda, and the same can be said when seen from the back. Many find the omission of the LED daytime running lights and projector headlights to be the deal breaker, but jumping the gun in that demeanor means losing out on what is essentially the best car money can buy.\nDuring the launch, there were several Mazda2s dressed up in\n full bodykit\n with its rims, roof and side mirrors blackened. It also had a black rear spoiler, so if Mazda ever decides to introduce that as an option in the future, take it. We insist.\nThe dressed up Mazda2 displayed during the \nlaunch\nOffered as standard on the outside are \nkeyless entry\n, \nrear view camera\n, electronically foldable side mirrors with integrated signal indicators as well as \nhalogen daytime running lights.\n On the sedan you lose the single rear wiper found on the hatchback, but that\u2019s just standard omission.\nINTERIOR\nI\u2019ve \nsaid it once\n, but I\u2019ll say it again. The interior of this car is simply a cut above the rest, because upon entry you will be greeted with an air of luxury so immersive, it\u2019s impressive. The last time I was reminded of such exemplary cabin build quality (for the price)\u00a0was of the \nVolkswagen Polo CKD\u2019s\n, but even on that scale the Mazda2 deservingly holds the upper hand.   The textured plastics used here are\u00a0hard to the touch, but\u00a0knock it a few times and you\u2019ll find that they are made of good quality composites. One thing that needs pointing out is the unusually large diameter of the steering wheel. It even comes with fake carbon fibre printing and the multi-function switches are positioned a tad too far for convenient thumb operation.\nDashboard layout is clean with lines that blend well into the doors, while the \n7-inch LCD\n head unit, Active Driving Display (Head-Up Display, \nHUD\n) and tweeters are neatly positioned atop the dashboard. The instrument meters are pretty fancy too, but the \nHonda City\u2019s\n meter cluster takes the cake in terms of design.\nDown the centre you\u2019ll find Mazda\u2019s rotary knob, which helps you navigate the standard \nMZD Connect\n system. The LCD screen is touch sensitive, but is disabled when the car isn\u2019t stationary. \nGPS\n navigation system is an additional RM1,200 and it comes preloaded in the form of an SD card. Getting that would give you navigational arrows shot onto the HUD, but our test unit did not come with that option. We\u2019ll stick to \nWaze\n for the time being.   The feel good factor doesn\u2019t just cater to what you see and touch in the Mazda2. This extends to the seats which are wrapped in a mixture of \nleather and fabric\n, and you also get red stitching complemented by a singular red strip running across the middle. The front seats are comfortable by any standards and provide adequate lumbar support for all your long distance driving needs. At the back however, I found the seats a touch too upright, so\u00a0it may not be the ideal place to be in for long.\nRear legroom space doesn\u2019t score high here, not least when you compare it to the \nAlmera\n, \nCity\n/\nJazz\n\u00a0and \nVios\n. The same can be said for the sedan variant because their measurements are exactly the same, although it does fare better than our \ndethroned segment leader\n Ford Fiesta. Yes, dethroned, because the Mazda2 is our new favourite by far and large.   That said, the rear seats will still accommodate three average sized adults, but like what Jenn has said in the video, you may feel crammed,\u00a0but the roomy head and shoulder space make up for what it lacks. It\u2019s a B-segment daily driver after all, and in that respect it ticks every box of what is expected from a car its class.\nIf \nboot space\n is something your nitpicking self will have issues dealing with, then I\u2019ll have you know that the hatchback\u2019s measure at \n220 litres\n, the smallest in its class. The more sensible buy of the lot would be the sedan variant with \n410 litres of boot space\n, with that you also get the added bonus of it looking like a shrunken \nMazda3\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nOkay, let\u2019s get straight to the point here. The petrol engine nestling under this bonnet is the starlet of the show, one that performs beyond any initial expectations the crew at \nAutobuzz.my\n had. This \nSkyActiv-G\n (G for gasoline) four cylinder direct injected engine displaces \n1,496cc\n and makes a rather conservative \n114 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n148 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm.\nWhat makes the powertrain all the more remarkable is the drivetrain \u2013 Mazda\u2019s SkyActiv-Drive, \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n. There\u2019s just something about in-house developed engines and transmissions. They complement each other so well, much like your proverbial case of \nmatch made in heaven\n.\nTrust us, because we remember \ndriving the Polo CKD\n, one that had a bigger 1.6-litre multi-port injected engine also paired to a six-speeder \u2018box, a combo that led to Volkswagen\u2019s claim of \u201cbest in class torque delivery\u201d. They were right, for a good while, then came the Mazda2 SkyActiv. Enough said.\nTHE DRIVE\nMazda built the 2 with the objective of shattering all conventional notions of a small, city car. That goal drove them to produce what\u2019s evidently a fun to drive daily runabout vehicle, and it\u2019s not just another run off the mill, point A to B purpose driven car.\nThe perfect couple that is the engine and the transmission delivers ample low end torque, and provides sufficient pull even while ascending steep slopes. Getting the car up to highway cruising speeds proves to be an effortless task, and a fun one at that too. There\u2019s one drawback though, the SkyActiv engine tends to be coarse and noisy upon ignition, and this noise can also be heard when the tacho needle climbs upwards of 4,500 revolutions.\nThe \ni-Stop function\n\u00a0does kick in when extra brake force is applied at idle or when shifted into neutral, but it could use some\u00a0refining to make the re-ignition more seamless. But as far as its technology is concerned, it does help conserve a bit more fuel when your happy foot isn\u2019t so busy chasing the 10-second 0 to 100 km/h sprint. Just as a quick comparo, the Polo 1.6 sprints to 100 km/h in 11.1 seconds.\nHandling wise, as we\u2019ve enjoyed in our \nbrief stint with the Mazda3 SkyActiv-G sedan\n, is unsurprisingly agile and the wheels quickly respond to your steering input. Its SkyActiv chassis and suspension excel at resisting body rolls, making high speed turns and quick cornering a safe undertaking. When you have a car this fun, try flicking the \nSport Mode\n switch. It\u2019s built into the shifter gate, and upon activation will automatically alter transmission behaviour, giving you the freedom that comes with the \npaddle shifters\n.\nWhere the Mazda2 lacks in the driving department is its \npoor road insulation\n, a shortcoming shared between many of their models for the past few years. Despite sitting on \n16-inch wheels\n shod with \n185/60\n series high profile tyres, road noise seeps into the cabin at 80 km/h and becomes increasingly unpleasant as you cruise over the three-figure mark. This could be the \nDunlop Enasave EC300 tyres\n at play, though it wouldn\u2019t surprise us if the wheel wells aren\u2019t given enough insulation to negate Malaysian roads.\nAnother positive upshot of the 2\u2019s SkyActiv chassis is how spongy it becomes when driving over poorly maintained roads. This writer was thoroughly impressed with the car\u2019s confidence in soaking up road undulations, effectively subduing the nightmarish reality of driving in and around Port Klang, a place I very closely associate myself to being at home. What better way to put the SkyActiv\u2019s claim to the test, right?\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nThere\u2019s plenty of reasons for us to convince you that this is \nthe\n B-segment car you\u2019ve been waiting for, but it\u2019s easier said than done because there\u2019s just so many cars out there to choose from. But if we boil things down to just the popular few, you would be looking at the \nCity\n, \nJazz\n, \nPolo CKD\n, Fiesta EcoBoost, \nVios\n and the ageing \nPeugeot 208 VTi\n. Then there\u2019s of course the handsome Kia Rio, \nNissan Almera facelift\n, Suzuki Swift, \nMitsubishi Attrage\n; you get the head scratching point. There\u2019s no few when it\u2019s this competitive.\nIt\u2019s undoubtedly a heavily competed segment, and the Mazda2 is edged by the segment leading City and Jazz in terms of its warranty programmes by a good two years. Having said that, the Mazda2 is a package many will find irresistible, and this is greatly attributed to the outstanding build quality inside and out.\nFor just a tinge \nbelow RM88,000\n with insurance, you\u2019re looking at an absolute bargain for all that it\u2019s worth. If the hatchback is too impractical for your wandering needs, the sedan can be yours for exactly the same price, right down to the cent. Like I said earlier, Mazda has gotten many things right with the car, and its attractive price tag just does it for me.\nCOMPARISONS\nAt this level of ballgame, we put the Mazda2 head to head against some of the crowd favourite.\nMazda2 1.5L SkyActiv\nHonda Jazz 1.5L Grade V\nVolkswagen Polo 1.6L MPI\nFord Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\n3-cylinder petrol turbo\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,496cc\n1,497cc\n1,598cc\n998cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n114/6,000\n118/6,600\n103/5,250\n123/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n148/4,000\n145/4,600\n153/3,800\n170/1,400\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric power-assisted\nElectric power-assisted\nElectric power-assisted\nHydraulic power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nCVT automatic\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed dual clutch\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson strut / Torsion beam\nMacPherson strut / Torsion beam\nMacPherson strut / Torsion beam\nMacPherson strut / Torsion beam\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nDrum\nDrum\nDrum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n185/60 R16\n185/55/ R16\n185/60 R15\n195/50 R16\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,060\n3,955\n3,970\n3,982\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,695\n1,694\n1,682\n1,722\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,470\n\u00a01,524\n1,453\n1,489\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,570\n\u00a02,530\n2,470\n2,489\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,056\n\u00a01,081\n1,020\nN/A\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n220\n363\n280\n276\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n44 litres\n40 litres\n45 litres\n43 litres\nConsumption\n5.1 l/100 km\n5.6 l/100 km\n6.3 l/100 km\n5.3 l/ 100km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n184\nN/A\n184\nN/A\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n10 seconds\nN/A\n11.1 seconds\nN/A\nPRICE (with insurance)\nRM\n87,956.00\n87,800.00\n89,888.00\n\u00a0\n96,551.65\nWILL I BUY IT?\nA resounding yes, but not in a heartbeat. Why, you ask? Many factors come into play when choosing the right car for yourself, and the Mazda2 SkyActiv-G pulls my heartstrings in all the right direction. The pros far outweigh the cons even after having the car for a week, but the only factor worthy of my reconsideration is the \nturbodiesel 2\n, which we were told would \nmake its way here\n sometime between Q2 and Q3 this year.\nIt\u2019s also a \n1.5-litre SkyActiv\n four pot, but makes \n103 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and a whopping \n250 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. Now, combine that and its naturally frugal nature, if you ask me, that\u2019s a surefire way to be the cream of all crops.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After its \nglobal reveal\n last month, Michelin Malaysia has launched the new Pilot Sport 5 (PS5) with longer-lasting grip, maximum control, and grip on wet and dry surfaces.\nMichelin Malaysia, Managing Director, Oliver Biggart said, \u201cWith the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, it further strengthens our complete and best overall high-performance Pilot Sport range, with \u2018Performance Made to Last\u2019 being our key differentiator. The new Michelin PS5 is perfect for drivers who demand sporty driving performance and expect nothing but the best.\u201d\n\u201cThe PS5 goes one step further in aesthetics as acknowledged by the 2021 Contemporary Good Design Award it won; one of the world\u2019s most prestigious international design awards,\u201d he added.\nKey benefits include:\nDual Sport Tread Design Technology\n \u2013 a dual side functionalised tread design, featuring the inner side with large grooves and high void ratio for enhanced wet road traction, and the external side with rigid blocks for better grip on dry roads\nGroove Clear\n \u2013 large longitudinal grooves that dump water into wide transversal channels designed to efficiently divert water out of the way\nDynamic Response Technology\n \u2013 features a hybrid aramid and nylon belt for optimum transmission of steering instructions onto the road for precise and responsive driving feel\nMaxTouch Construction\n \u2013 maximises the tyre\u2019s contact with the road and evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking, and cornering to deliver longer tread life without sacrificing performance\nPremium Touch Sidewall Design\n \u2013 creates a sleek, matte-black aesthetic with a velvet-like micro texture\nWear2Check\n \u2013 an easy-to-find and easy-to-read tread wear indicator, designed to facilitate monitoring and to help drivers to optimise the longevity potential of the tyre\nThe new Michelin PS5 is now available in 26 dimensions from 17 to 19-inches at Michelin\u2019s authorised tyre dealers across the nation, with 21 more sizes from 17 to 21 inches to be made available by end of 2022. The recommended retail price of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 starts from \nRM700 to RM1,900\n.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has just previewed the \nfacelifted Honda HR-V\n here on local soil and interested parties can now place their bookings for the refreshed compact SUV. Scheduled to make its official debut in Q3 of 2018, the company will introduce a sporty RS variant to the facelifted HR-V line up.\nThe facelift exercise is a nip and tuck situation with minor revisions to the full LED headlamps (like the Honda Civic), front bumper with LED fog lamps and LED combination taillamps. The RS variant gets a sportier appearance with Sport Design front grille, more angular front and rear bumper, black chrome license garnish, sport black side sill and 18-inch dual tone alloy wheels. The HR-V RS also gets an exclusive Passion Red Pearl paint job.   Like all previous previews, the facelifted HR-V\u2019s interior is sealed off from prying eye. Internationally, the HR-V benefits from reshaped front seats, eight-way powered driver seats with memory function, additional damping material and a restructured high-pressure fuel pump for suppressed engine noise during acceleration. It remains to be seen whether Malaysian-bound units will feature some or all the items above.\nSafety specification is somewhat of a let-down because Honda Sensing is a standard fitment on all HR-V variants in Japan. Malaysian-spec HR-V has been confirmed to come with six-airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal and Honda LaneWatch as standard on all variants.\nThe facelifted Honda HR-V will soldier on with the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine and CVT combination which is good for \n140 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque, driving the front wheels. Pricing details and full specification will be unveiled in full closer to the official launch.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda HR-V RS Facelift in Passion Red Pearl"
"Volkswagen\u2019s only pick-up truck, the \nAmarok \nhas just been awarded the Best Pick-Up award at the Tow Car Awards 2017. Now in its 11th year, this award ceremony sees esteemed caravan specialist and influential journalist to vote on the best pick-up based on towing capability, practical features and day-to-day usability.\nThe Amarok stood out among competitors with its towing prowess and braking performance. With the \nAmarok facelift\n introduced late last year, the refreshed aesthetics and new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel with \n221 hp\n and\n 550 Nm\n further elevates its competitiveness. It was awarded four out of five stars in the Best Pick-Up category.\nDirector of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Carl zu Dohna, said: \u201cI\u2019d like to thank the team behind the Tow Car Awards for this accolade. We know our Amarok customers appreciate its unique ability to combine rugged off-road capability with on-road comfort and high levels of technology. To add a towing award string to its bow gives customers another reason to choose the Amarok.\u201d\nThe Volkswagen Amarok was actually spotted on Malaysian soil during the \n2012 Volkswagen Das Auto KL\n. Do you think Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) should reconsider introducing this award-winning pick-up truck here in Malaysia?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The history of the anti-lock braking system dates back to the turn of the 20th century when early concepts were developed for use on trains as a sort of \u201cslip prevention measure\u201d.\nIn the 1950s, its use was widespread in the UK aviation industry (known as anti-skid) as it significantly reduced stopping distance upon landing on icy or wet runways while reducing tyre wear.\nBritish motorcycle maker, Royal Enfield, subsequently tested the similar Dunlop Maxaret anti-lock braking system used in the aviation industry on its motorcycles the next decade and the same results prevailed \u2013 braking distances were significantly.\nUnfortunately it was deemed not feasible for motorcycle applications and the idea was scrapped.\nFord and British car maker, Jensen, also tried applying a fully-mechanical system in their cars but it was then deemed too expensive and unreliable for large scale production. Moving on, it was the aviation industry again that introduced the first fully electronic anti-lock system; this time on the iconic Concorde airplane.\nThe black steel wheels were painted as such to allow closer observation of how the anti-lock braking system worked.\nFast forward to 22-25 August 1978, together with Bosch, Mercedes-Benz presented the W116 S-Class which became the first production car to adopt an electronic four-wheel, multi-channel anti-lock braking system with one speed sensor and control valve for each wheel. The system was offered as an option then, costing more than RM 10,000 in the 70s.\nPrevious systems such as the three-channel, four sensor system consisted of two control valves for each of the two front wheels with the third valve controlling the two rear wheels.\nIn the words of Mercedes-Benz in a brochure about the anti-lock braking system, they explained, \u201cThe anti-lock braking system uses a computer to monitor the change in rotational speed of each wheel during braking. If the speed slows too quickly (such as when braking on a slippery surface) and the wheel risks locking, the computer automatically reduces the brake pressure.\u201d\n\u201cThe wheel accelerates again and the brake pressure is increased again, thereby braking the wheel. This process is repeated several times in a matter of seconds,\u201d they added.\nWhether it was in the wet, on snow or on most slippery conditions, ABS allowed the car to deliver the maximum possible brake force and braking efficiency, without the wheels locking up, while allowing the vehicle to be steered under emergency braking.\nTwo years later, Mercedes-Benz offered it as an option in every passenger car they produced while in 1981, the system was introduced in their fleet of commercial vehicles.\n(1) Speed sensors for each of the front wheels (2) electronic control unit (3) hydraulic control unit (4) rear sensor\nThe use of a digital controllers instead of analogue electronics allowed the ABS system to be adopted on a mass-scale production with less complexity, better cost effectiveness and more importantly, improved reliability.\nFrom October 1992 onwards, ABS became a standard feature in all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, paving the way for future introductions of other digital assistance systems such as\u00a0Acceleration Skid Control (1985), Electronic Stability Program (1995), Brake Assist System (1996) and adaptive cruise control DISTRONIC (1998)."
"Here it is \u2013 Isuzu Malaysia has just confirmed that the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max will be making its debut here in Malaysia by the end of April this year. Order books are now open for the all-new pick-up truck at all Isuzu dealerships nationwide.\nThe third-generation Isuzu D-Max was \nlaunched globally in October 2019\n, just one month after the \nfacelift model\n (of the outgoing generation) was launched here in Malaysia \u2013 leading many to speculate that the all-new model will only arrive here earliest in 2022.\nAccording to Isuzu Malaysia Light Commercial Division COO, Masayuki Suzuki, the fast-tracked launch was made possible through the support of Isuzu Motors, that views Malaysia as a strategic market.\n\u201cAs the fifth country in the world to launch this model after its global introduction in Thailand, it stands as testament to the strong commitment from Isuzu Motors towards ensuring that the Malaysian market enjoys the latest selection of choice Isuzu vehicles,\u201d he said.\nThe third-generation Isuzu D-Max is estimated to be priced \nbetween RM89,000 and RM145,000\n, depending on model subject to government approvals.\nThe all-new Isuzu D-Max features a striking exterior design, with aggressive design cues that sets it worlds apart from its predecessor. Inside, Isuzu has also ditched the plasticky utilitarian look for a classy, leather-wrapped interior (for the range-topping model) to entice the lifestyle pick-up truck users.\nAs always, the new truck will come in a variety of configurations including single- and double-cab guises, powered either by the award-winning \nRZ-4E 1.9-litre turbodiesel mill\n (first introduced here in the \nfacelifted second-generation model\n) or a revised 4JJ-3TCX 3.0-litre engine.\nThe third-generation is the first pick-up truck to score a maximum \nfive-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests\n, and has also obtained a five-star rating in the 2020 ASEAN NCAP. In the press release, Isuzu Malaysia also says that a host of advanced driver assistance systems will be available in \u201cselected variants\u201d.\n\u201cThe all-new Isuzu D-Max has made scores of new fans in the markets it has been introduced in, and I believe that the same will happen here in Malaysia.\n\u201cThis new model evokes a new level of interest in owning and driving a pick-up truck hence we have initiated this pre-launch booking programme to ensure those who have eagerly awaited the arrival of the new model will be among the very first to take delivery once it has been officially launched,\u201d added Suzuki."
"It won\u2019t be long guys \u2013 we\u2019re expected to see the new Honda Accord in Malaysia very soon and this new video by\n Honda Thailand\n is making the wait even more unbearable.\nEver since the release of our \nnew review of the 3/4 new Toyota Camry\u00a02.5V\n, netizens have been quick to respond with discontent; of the car\u2019s pricing, lacklustre looks and its carried-over engine and transmission.\n \nAccording to the comments in the same video, most are now more inclined to wait for the new Honda Accord to see how well it\u2019s packaged before pulling the trigger.\nWhile that may be a fair assessment, I don\u2019t buy into those who said \u201cTop up and buy a C-Class\u201d though. I mean come on, if you were looking at a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or even the \nnew G20 BMW 3-series\n, you wouldn\u2019t bat an eye at the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord \u2013 they\u2019re just totally different cars.\nRecently in Thailand, the new Honda Accord was launched with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine making\n 190 hp \nand\n 243 Nm\n along with 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine aided by two electric motors. At its international launch, the \nnew Accord was also introduced with a 10-speed gearbox\n, although don\u2019t expect it to be fitted in our local models just yet."
"The eagerly-awaited BMW M brothers have now arrived on our shores. \nBMW Group Malaysia\n officialy announced the introduction of the F80 \nM3 Sedan\n an F82 \nM4 Coupe\n to the local lineup simultaneously, retailing at RM738,800 and RM748,800 respectively. With the new naming convention the M3 Coupe becomes the M4, so the M3 badge will only grace the sedan bootlid from now on.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW M3 Sedan / M4 Coupe\n \nSegment\nC-segment 4 Door Sedan / 2 Door Coupe\nEngine\n2,979cc In-line 6, M TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n431hp @ 5,500-7,300\u00a0rpm\nMax Torque\n550Nm @ 1,850\u20135,500\u00a0rpm\nPrice\nRM 738,800 / RM 748,800\n \n\u00a0\nWith the long motorsports history attached to the brand and the car itself, the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe should again represent the sportiest model from the 3-Series and 4-Series range without sacrificing the comfort and practicality.\nEXTERIOR\n The wide and lowered stance of both cars show their sporting intention even when standing still. The powerdome on the lightweight \naluminium bonnet\n not only adds to the effect but also hint about the serious powerplant that resides under it. Both the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe were designed with special M details such as the double-bar inserts in the kidney grille and unique \n19-inch\n M double-spoke wheels.   The M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe share similar front-end designed for optimum airflow with the inclusion of Air Breathers and Air Curtains. The M gills on the front fenders are actually a functional design element to improve the airflow around the front wheel arches. Even the wing mirrors have been aerodynamically redesigned for better airflow.\nThe Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) roof sheds 5kg on the M3 Sedan and more than 6kg on the M4 Coupe. CFRP is also used for the boot but only on the M4 Coupe while the M3 Sedan gets a subtle lip spoiler. Down below, four polished tailpipes poke out underneath the integrated diffuser on the rear bumper. Flaps in the exhaust system can also alter the sound from the pipe, based on which mode is selected from the Driving Experience Control.\nINTERIOR\n The \nM sports steering\n wheel with shift paddles comes as standard with additional M design touches to distinguish them against the non-M cars. This include the \nM-design instrument panel\n, M door sills, M driver\u2019s footrest, \nM gearshift lever\n, and sculpted front\n bucket seats\n. The bucket seats also have M emblems that that light up upon entering the car.\nM display\n has been added to the full-colour Head-Up Display that projects vital information including rev counter and gear display on the windscreen. M3 and M4 are equipped with the latest\n iDrive Touch Controller\n along with\n Navigation System Professional\n which features a 3D map display.\nThere\u2019s also a newly developed \nBMW M Laptimer\n app that records the car\u2019s acceleration, braking points, and G-forces along with lap times for drivers to analyse their drive. The app, installed on a smartphone can be controlled using the iDrive Controller once connected via USB cable or the car\u2019s snap-in adapter.\nPERFORMANCE\n The \ntwin turbo 3.0-litre straight six\n that powers the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe may be smaller in size than the previous 4.0-litre V8 that powers the previous E90/92/93 M3, but it generates more power than the previous V8 unit. \n431 hp\n is delivered between 5,300 rpm and 7,300 rpm and \n550 Nm\n of torque is spread evenly from 1,850 rpm to 5,500 rpm. Amazingly with all the power it generates, the fuel consumption is rated at \n8.3l / 100 km\n.\nUsing a \nseven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission\n gearbox, the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe accelerate from \n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n in \n4.1 seconds\n and will max out at \n250 km/h\n. The gearbox features \nLaunch Control\n, and drift-friendly\n Stability Clutch Control\n function that stabilise the car by opening the clutch when it detects oversteer, and the\n Smokey Burnout\n function that allows the rear wheel to slip just enough while the vehicle is moving. The shift characteristics can also be specified from the \nDrivelogic modes\n ranging from comfort to sporty.   In the handling department is taken care by the \nM Servotronic\n electromechanical steering system, \nAdaptive M\n suspension with adjustable damper settings, and \nActive M Differential\n that works together with the \nDynamic Stability Control\n (DSC) system with\n M Dynamic Mode\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\n Both cars can be had in Alpine White or Sakhir Orange with Leather Merino Black interior but Yas Marina Blue is M3 Sedan-only exclusive with optional Leather Merino Silverstone interior. Additional two colours available on the M4 Coupe, Mineral Grey or Austin Yellow with Leather Merino Sakhir Orange interior. Like any other BMW models, the on-the-road price of RM738,800 for the M3 Sedan and RM748,800 for the M4 Coupe comes with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS +RI).\nBMW Group Malaysia also announced the availability of \nBMW M Performance accessories\n for the current line up of BMW models. They are \ndeveloped by BMW M GmbH\n and consist of the BMW M Aerodynamics Kits, BMW M Performance Interior Trim and Selector Lever in Carbon Fibre as well as a selection BMW M Performance Alloy Wheel options, Sports Brakes and Suspension.   [divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the introduction of the all-electric EQ models by \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n, the company has now introduced the AMG version of the \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n. The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC + is now available in Malaysia at a price of RM798,888. It is launched together with the AMG version of the EQE sedan.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nWhen first introduced in Malaysia, the EQS came in the guise of the EQS 450+ which was a single-motor RWD version of the car. It was fully imported (CBU) from Germany. The EQS 450+ was later replaced by the locally assembled EQS 500 4MATIC, which is a dual-motor version of the car. Now Malaysia welcomes the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+.\nOn the outside, the Mercedes-AMG EQS distinguishes itself from its non-AMG counterpart with the typical AMG styling cues. Proudly placed upfront is the AMG-specific black panel \u201cgrille\u201d with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome. Of course, you also get the usual AMG letterings on the \u201cgrille\u201d and on the tailgate.\nThe EQS 53 4MATIC+ boasts a drag coefficient of 0.23 and this is thanks to several design features. The AMG aero-specialists have carried a large number of wind tunnel and flow testing and have added the following features for the best aerodynamics:\nFront splitter in high-gloss black with chrome trim\nAir Curtains on the left and right in high gloss black with chrome trims\nAMG side sill panels in high-gloss black\nRear apron in body colour with aerodynamically optimized diffuser (with 6 longitudinal fins)\nLarger rear spoiler (compared to AMG line version)\n21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC, RM649k \u2013 Proudly assembled in Malaysia\nPerformance-wise, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup. The system outputs 484 kW (\n658 hp\n metric) and \n950 Nm\n by default. This launches the large EV sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.8 seconds\n.\nWith the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, the AMG EQS 53 outputs a staggering 560 kW (\n761 hp\n metric) and \n1,020 Nm\n, The century sprint time is a tad faster at \n3.4 seconds\n. The EQS 53 has a top speed of \n220 km/h\n by default and \n250 km/h\n with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.\nAn overview of the technical details of the EQS 53 4MATIC+ are as such:\nDrive: Dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD)\nMaximum power output: 484 kW (658 hp metric)\nMaximum torque: 950 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds\nTop speed: 220 km/h\nMaximum power output (with AMG Dynamic Plus): 560 kW (761 hp metric)\nMaximum torque (with AMG Dynamic Plus): 1,020 Nm\n0-100 km/h (with AMG Dynamic Plus): 3.4 seconds\nTop Speed (with AMG Dynamic Plus): 250 km/h\nRELATED: \nI drove 1,142km in an EV for Hari Raya and didn\u2019t need a DC fast charger at all\nAs for the typical EV numbers, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ houses a \n108.4-kWh\n battery pack which provides up to \n586 km\n of range (WLTP). As for charging, the fastest charging method is with \n200-kW\n DC fast charging.\nWith 200-kW DC charging, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ can 300 km of range in just 19 minutes. As for AC charging, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ comes with \n11-kW\n AC charging as standard, but customers can also upgrade to a \n22-kW\n AC charging system.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app\nInside, the AMG EQS spruces things up with several AMG touches. Part of the highlights of the AMG EQS\u2019s interior include:\nInstrument panel and beltlines in space grey ARTICO man-made leather with NEOTEX grain and red topstitching\nDoor centre panels and also transition from centre console to dashboard in black MICROCUT microfibre with red topstitching\nAMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather, with flattened lower section, perforated in the grip area with silver-coloured aluminium paddles for setting various recuperation levels, in addition to standard AMG steering wheel buttons\nAMG sports pedals\nAMG floor mats and door sill trims with \u201cAMG\u201d lettering (illuminated with interchangeable cover)\nLike the \u2018standard\u2019 EQS, the AMG EQS 53 also boasts an MBUX-powered hyperscreen, albeit with some AMG-specific functions. The display on the instrument cluster is distinctive and you get quick access to the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes through the specific button on the centre console.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz credit card launched in Malaysia, in partnership with Maybank\nGALLERY"
"After months of teasing, Bermaz Auto has finally launched the all-new Mazda CX-30 on our shores. The Mazda CX-30 is a brand-new product from the Japanese brand, sitting between the \nCX-3\n and \nCX-5\n in the sizing chart.\n At launch, the Mazda CX-30 will be available in three variants \u2013 2.0G, 2.0G HIGH, as well as a diesel-powered 1.8D HIGH, with prices starting from RM143,059.\n \n \nEXTERIOR\n The Mazda CX-30 is the second model in the brand\u2019s new-generation product line-up to feature the latest evolution of the Kodo design concept, after the \nMazda 3\n.\nBased on the concept of \u201cSleek and Bold\u201d, the CX-30 is designed to combine the toughness of an SUV, with supple and flowing body lines.\nJust like the Mazda 3, the CX-30 also utilises the curved body panels for the \u201cinterplay between light and shadow\u201d, although there is a more apparent character line along the side on the CX-30.\nFor a more detailed look around the all-new Mazda CX-30, be sure to check out our \nin-depth gallery\n of the CX-30 in 2.0G HIGH guise!\n Exterior features of the all-new Mazda CX-30 include:\n \u2013 Full LED headlights and taillights\n \u2013 slim integrated LED daytime running lights design (entry-level variant gets bulb DRLs)\n \u2013 all-round black plastic cladding\n \u2013 18-inch alloy wheels (entry-level variant gets 16-inch items)\n \u2013 Dual exhaust tailpipes\nThe High and diesel variants get some additional goodies, including keyless entry, powered sunroof with sliding and tilt glass, front and rear Signature Illumination lighting graphics, as well as a powered tailgate.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the Mazda CX-30 is seemingly lifted from the Mazda 3. As standard, all variants get a \n8.8-inch infotainment display\n with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse camera with guide lines, as well as voice command, paired to eight speakers.\nAlso standard is the new instrument cluster design, featuring a \nseven-inch TFT LCD display\n in the centre, flanked by analog dials at the side. All variants also get a \ncoloured heads-up display.\n\u00a0\nSitting in between the CX-3 and CX-5, the all-new Mazda CX-30 also comes with a slightly roomier interior space, as well as a larger boot, coming in at \n430 litres\n \u2013 80 litres more than the CX-3.\nIn terms of kit, the entry-level 2.0G variant is equipped with fabric seats with manual adjustments, and manual air-conditioning. The two higher-specification models come included with:\n \u2013 Black leather upholstery\n \u2013 10-way power adjustable driver seats with memory function\n \u2013 Paddle shifters\n \u2013 Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning\n \u2013 Rear air-conditioning vents\n \u2013 Auto-dimming rear-view mirrors\nPOWERTRAIN\nThe CX-30 is available with two powertrain options. The 2.0G and 2.0G High variants get a SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, generating \n162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\nAs for the diesel variant, a 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engine pushes out \n114 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth engines are paired to a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n with manual-shift mode, with power sent to the \nfront wheels\n.\nSAFETY\nMazda has equipped the CX-30 with a generous amount of safety features. As standard, all variants get:\n \u2013 seven airbags\n \u2013 ABS with EBD\n \u2013 Emergency Brake Assist\n \u2013 Traction Control System\n \u2013 Emergency stop signal\n \u2013 Hill launch assist\n \u2013 Automatic brake-hold function\nThe 2.0G High and 1.8D Diesel variants comes with additional advanced safety features, which includes:\n \u2013 Adaptive front headlights with automatic high-beam function\n \u2013 Blind Spot Monitoring\n \u2013 Rear Cross Traffic Alert\n \u2013 Lane Departure Warning System\n \u2013 Lane-Keep Assist System\n \u2013 Driver Attention Assist\n \u2013 Smart Brake Support\n \u2013 Mazda Radar Cruise Control\nPRICING\nSince the order books opened in \nNovember last year\n, Bermaz Auto has updated the pricing for the CX-30. As before, only three variants are available (prices quoted below are on the road without insurance):\u00a0\n \u2013 \n2.0G\n \u2013 RM143,059\u00a0\n \u2013 \n2.0G HIGH\n \u2013 RM164,059\n \u2013 \n1.8D HIGH\n \u2013 RM172,944\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is making a return this year, and our Malaysian team will be competing for a top-5 finish!\u00a0\nThe sole Malaysian participant, Eco Photon Solar Racing Team from University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) will be representing the nation for the third time. To further encourage their commitment to excel, Bridgestone Tyres Malaysia will be sponsoring \u201cEcopia with Ologic\u201d tyres for the team\u2019s vehicles from testing to the race.\u00a0\nBridgestone Tyre Malaysia, Managing Director, Michael Chung said, \u201cWe are proud and honoured to support UiTM\u2019s Eco Photon Solar Racing Team to the leading event. The \u201cEcopia with Ologic\u201d tyre is engineered with Bridgestone fuel saving technology which is designed specifically for solar cars. The tyre comes with a wider diameter which limits changes in the shape of the contact patch to yield lower rolling resistance, thus improves fuel efficiency.\u201d\nThe Eco Photon Solar Racing Team will be driving the Tigris on a 3000 km journey from Darwin to Adelaide from the 13th to 20th of October 2019. Competing in the Challenger class, the optimized carbon fibre solar car \u2013 which comprises of an upgraded self-built monitoring system with high accuracy measurements and robust safety system \u2013 will be fighting among other competitors to be the first car to the finish line.\nTeam president, Syazwan said that \u201cwith all the improvements from previous car and the new technology implemented, we aim to be on the top 5 in the Challenger class. We are also eyeing for the \u2018Best Creative and Multimedia\u2019 award as well as \u2018Best Safety Prioritized\u2019 award.\u201d\nBy supporting the World Solar Challenge, Bridgestone is standing by its core values of their global social responsibility commitment of \u2018mobility, people and environment\u2019, by supporting the further development of solar cars, young engineers and the use of renewable power source.\u00a0\nTraversing 3,000 kilometers in a single trip is a challenge for any car, and even more so for a built-from-scratch solar-powered car. We wish Tigris and the Eco Photon Solar Racing Team the best of luck in the upcoming race!"
"After \nunveiling the car\n to much fanfare last month, Geely has now officially launched the 2021 Bin Yue facelift in China. The mid-cycle update has brought along several changes, particularly in the compact crossover\u2019s safety and tech appointments.\nBut first, the looks. As we\u2019ve seen previously, the 2021\n \nGeely Bin Yue\n facelift, simply called \u201cNew Bin Yue\u201d in China, now features a new aggressive front fascia, characterised by the blacked-out \u2018X\u2019-shaped trim piece that extends from just below the headlights down to the fog lamp enclosures on the front bumper.\nThe grille also received a splash of athleticism, thanks to the new honeycomb mesh cover with yellow (or red) accents and the \u201cethereal bow\u201d trim. The front splitter and side skirts also get the same accent colour treatment, complemented by the decorative vinyl strip on the bonnet for the added \u201cbecause race car\u201d look.\nNot just a rebadge \u2013 Proton\u2019s R&D efforts actually help make other Geely models safer! Learn more about it here.\nThe LED headlights have been updated with a new \u201clight show\u201d mode (think Audi) upon unlocking, while over at the rear, the New Bin Yue \u2013 at least on this range-topping Battle variant \u2013 gets a slightly reworked roof spoiler with a carbon fibre-look finish to match the blacked-out roof and 18-inch alloys.\nInside, the new 2021 Geely Bin Yue features a sports car-inspired two-toned design across the dashboard, steering wheel, and upholstery \u2013 the latter is a combination of leather and suede on the sports seats, which look particularly supportive!\nThe new Geely Bin Yue also gets a new 72-colour ambient lighting system in the cabin, with light shining through perforations on the brushed aluminium trim pieces on the door and dashboard.\nVideo: Watch our full review of the Geely Bin Yue\u2019s Malaysian cousin, the Proton X50!\nThere\u2019s also a new T-shaped gear selector lever on the centre console, plus a new AI interior camera system that can help monitor the driver while operating the vehicle, and also be used for in-car teleconference calls. But the main upgrade for the interior is the new 12.3-inch infotainment system, running Geely\u2019s latest GalaxyOS software stack.\nThe infotainment system features ECarx\u2019s new E02 SoC silicon, which promises up to 3.3-times faster processing speed, ultimately resulting in faster operation for the driver. As with most modern on-board software suite these days, updates are delivered over-the-air thanks to the built-in 4G connectivity.\nIn terms of safety, the New Bin Yue\u2019s advanced driver assistance suite is updated with the addition of Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), which feeds information into the navigation system using its on-board camera, remote parking assist and vehicle operation via the mobile app, as well as an enhanced Autonomous Emergency Braking system.\nAdditionally, the 2021 Bin Yue also comes equipped with a new 360-degree camera system that also acts as a digital video recorder (DVR/dashcam), recording videos from all directions via four individual cameras.\nPowertrain wise, the new Geely Bin Yue is offered with the same two engines as before \u2013 a 1.4-litre mill that makes \n141 hp\n and \n235 Nm\n, paired to a six speed manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and a familiar (for Malaysians) 1.5-litre\n \nturbocharged three-cylinder engine that\u2019s good for \n177 hp\n and\n 255 Nm\n, mated exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch.\nDespite the powertrain being unchanged on the update, Geely did give the Bin Yue a slight update via software, with a new launch control system, an additional Track driving mode for snappier response, and an electronically-adjustable exhaust system.\nHere\u2019s everything you should know about the 7DCT gearbox used in the Geely Bin Yue, Proton X50, and Proton X70!\nPricing for the 2021 Geely Bin Yue starts at CNY75,800 (~RM50k) for the entry-level 1.4-litre manual variant, and tops out at CNY119,800 (~RM78k) for the 1.5TD Battle variant you see here.\nWould you like to see these changes being brought over onto its Malaysian cousin, the much-beloved Proton X50? Let us know in the comments below!\nGALLERY"
"Although interest in the Porsche Taycan has been phenomenal, the company is updating the vehicle come \nSeptember 2021\n. Approximately 20,000 Taycans have been delivered in the first half of this year, the same quantity the company sold the entire year of \n2020\n!\nFor this update, prospective customers would be glad to know that the company has extended the Taycan\u2019s real-world driving range plus a much larger selection of colours, including shades that were popular back in the 90s.\nThanks to extensive technological developments, real-world gains in driving range will be greater in day-to-day use. Porsche is not planning to re-homologate the Taycan so, on paper, the values will be the same.\nCurrently, the farthest travelling distance a Taycan model can achieve under the WLTP combined cycle is \n484 km\n through the \nTaycan RWD\n model with optimised tyre and wheel sizes. It has up to \n476 hp\n and can be specified with the large 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus while the standard battery delivers up to 431 km of range.\nThe range-topping \nTaycan Turbo S\n \nunleashes up to \n761 hp\n and \n1,050 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels, launching from standstill to 100 km/h in just \n2.8 seconds\n. With such performance, the range is also understandably compromised to just 415 km.\nFor a further range of up to 452 km, the Taycan Turbo trades a lower peak output to 680 hp and a higher century sprint time of 3.2 seconds. The Taycan 4S meanwhile has a maximum output of 571 hp and up to 464 km of range with a larger Performance Battery Plus fitted. \u00a0\n \nA day on the road and track with the Porsche Taycan!\nPorsche said in Normal and Range driving modes, the front electric motor is almost 100% decoupled and de-energised in the partial load range. Furthermore, no drive is transmitted to either axle when the car is coasting (freewheeling) or at a standstill, reducing drag losses.\nThe thermal management and charging functions have also been improved, increasing the battery temperature earlier for a faster and higher charging level. A new remote parking assist has also been made available in this updated Taycan. The driver can get out of the Taycan and command the car to park in parallel or perpendicular parking spaces from the smartphone app. \u00a0\n13 EV records in a day, on a racing circuit. How did the Porsche Taycan do it? More about the records including covering 1,000 km here!\nAs part of the continually developing personalisation strategy of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the updated Taycan is also available with \u2018Paint to Sample\u2019 and \u2018Paint to Sample Plus\u2019. The first option allows painting with 65 additional colours, at present.\nThis includes the \nRubystar Red\n (as photographed), Moonlight Blue Metallic, Acid Green, Riviera Blue and Viola Metallic colours that are so characteristic of the brand in the 90s and especially popular today on classics like the 964-generation cars.\n\u2018Paint to Sample Plus\u2019 meanwhile gives customers almost complete freedom in their choice of colour, even permitting them to match their new Taycan to their favourite accessory.\nNot only it has a respectable driving range, the Taycan is also a record holder for the longest continuous drift distance. How far? Find out here!\nFor the interior, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system now also includes Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Improvements have also been done to Voice Pilot voice assistant in understanding everyday language even better.\nGALLERY"
"He\u2019s back! And this time bigger than ever, if not the biggest. With Ken Block, the next video was always going to be bigger than the last but this, this was totally unexpected.\nInstead of the usual one car/one location format, this non stop action-infused video takes us on a worldwide tour through five unique locations in five very different cars.\nYou got a \n1,400 hp\n\u00a0/\u00a0\n1694 Nm\n 1965 Ford Mustang, a \n380 hp\n / \n450 Nm\n WRC Ford Fiesta, a Ford Escort RS Cosworth with \n645 hp\n\u00a0/\u00a0\n715 Nm\n and a Ford Focus RS with \n650 hp\n\u00a0/\u00a0\n800 Nm\n.\nCompleting the line-up of \u201cHoonicorns\u201d is the world debut of Block\u2019s latest creation, a 1977 Ford F-150 pick-up, dubbed the \nHoonitruck\n, with \n914 hp\n and \n952 Nm\n of torque.\nThis \u201ctrip\u201d will take you from Lule\u00e5, Sweden to Detroit, Michigan before proceeding to Guanajuato, Mexico followed by Los Angeles, California. The icing on the cake is then sprinkled all over the iconic Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas by Block in his all-new drift monster.\nGood luck snapping out of this.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE celebrated its world premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show recently with dropped-jaws from every quarter of the industry and it\u2019s no surprise why. The two-seater hypercar is pretty much, for the lack of better description, a Formula One car for the road with full-fledged Formula One hybrid technology and design adopted, not to mention output figures comparable to the pinnacle of motor racing.\nIt is a world first \u2013 extreme lengths have been pushed in terms of design and powertrain. Despite that, the Project ONE is the first \u201cFormula One car\u201d with a MOT approval \u2013 essentially a test by a governing body in the UK on emission levels and the road-worthiness of a car. It\u2019s got an output of over \n1,000 hp\n \u2013 all derived from a petite \n1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine\n mated to an 8-speed AMG transmission. Petrol engine aside, its got four other electric motors and as a result, 0 to 200 km/h takes just \nunder six seconds\n with a top speed exceeding \n350 km/h\n.\nBut that\u2019s not all, here\u2019s five other interesting quirks of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE car that might amuse you:\n1. Formula One-styled seats and steering\nFrom its rectangular, \nFormula One-like steering wheel\n to the sculptured nappa leather racing seats which are integrated into the monocoque much like a Formula One car, every major detail in the Project ONE takes inspiration from the pinnacle of motorsports. Unlike a Formula One car though, the Project One comes with two high-resolution 10-inch displays, storage compartments, power windows, air-conditioning and even a COMAND infotainment system.\nWhat\u2019s also really cool is that the rear-view mirror has been replaced by a screen showing real-time images of the rear from a mirror cam.\n2. It shares the same engine as an actual Formula One car!\nThe 1.6-litre V6 hybrid, direct injection petrol engine with an electrically-assisted single turbocharging system \ncomes directly from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car\n. It\u2019s got one hybrid, turbocharged engine with four other electric motors. One motor is integrated into the turbocharger, one is installed directly to the engine by the crank and the remaining two drives the front wheels.\nThe quad cam engine with pneumatic valve springs can easily reach speeds of \n11,000 rpm\n. However, for higher longevity and the use of conventional petrol instead of racing fuel, it remains significantly below the F1 engine speed limit. On the other hand, the two electric motors for the front wheels can up to \n50,000 rpm\n!\n3. Turbo lag eliminated\nWith a large turbocharger, turbo lag, a dreaded delay in performance every time you floor the accelerator is \ncompletely eliminated\n in the Project ONE. Throttle response is said to be even shorter than that of naturally-aspirated V8 engines. Its electric turbocharger uses surplus energy from the exhaust system to generate electricity either for storage or to provide more power by feeding it to the electric motors in the front.\n4. It can go full EV mode\nThe Mercedes-AMG Project ONE allows you to opt for a fully electric operation or an intense-mad-rage mode. The car can set off entirely in electric mode with the two motors driving the front wheels. When more power is needed, the V6 engine comes to life and in\u00a0\nRace Start\n mode, \n0 to 200 km/h\n takes just under six seconds.\nWhen the driver lifts off the accelerator, the system switches to full electric again with braking forces under normal driving conditions capable of recuperating up to 80 percent of the energy, which is then re-fed into the battery.\n5. Formula One exhaust...tips.\nThe of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE\u2019s construction is provided by the lightweight, high-strength carbon-fibre monocoque body, a technology owing to Formula One. The religious following of Formula One teachings are such that even the design of the exhaust tailpipes with a large, round outlet and two smaller exits were adopted directly from the Formula One cars.\nEven the battery cells, their arrangement and the cell cooling system are the same as the ones used in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. However, the quantity of lithium-ion batteries battery cells tucked away in the vehicle floor behind the front axle of the AMG Project ONE will make it significantly more practical for everyday use.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In an effort to ease traffic flow during the Chinese New Year holidays, PLUS is offering a \n30 percent toll rebate\n for those driving more than 100 km and paying toll electronically via Touch n\u2019 Go or SmartTAG. This rebate however, only applies to those travelling on \noff-peak days\n (16 and 23 February, both Mondays).\nTTA from Klang Valley to major towns\nFor those who are travelling in between the off-peak days (17, 18, 21 and 22 February), PLUS is giving a \n20 percent rebate\n to Class 1 vehicles who follow the Travel Time Advisory (TTA), pictured above. To qualify for the rebate, you\u00a0will have to pay toll electronically and travel over \n100 km\n in a single journey between \n12am to 6am\n only.\nTTA between major towns in the North Zone\nPLUS has also urged travelers to do their best in following the TTA, adding that the public\u2019s compliance will significantly reduce traffic congestion. PLUS estimates that about \n1.5 million vehicles\n will be using the North-South Expressway on peak days.\nTTA between major towns in the South Zone\nOther measures of easing traffic flow include \nstopping all construction works\n between 13 and 22 February along the mainline, and heavy vehicles will be barred from entering the highways on 17, 18, 22 and 23 February.\nFor those of you who will be departing for the long drive home, we at \nAutoBuzz.my\n\u00a0wish you a very happy Chinese New Year and please, never fiddle with your smartphones while driving. Safe journey everyone!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We all know that this is just a matter of time, and sources from Bermaz Motor have revealed that their highly anticipated crossover, the \nCX-3\n will be making its way here come\u00a0November this year.\nThe Peugeot 2008, \nFord EcoSport\n and \nHonda HR-V\n rival was revealed to the world in November 2014 at the Los Angeles Auto Show with two engine choices \u2013 a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol\n (Skyactiv-G; 155hp and 200 Nm) or the\n 1.5-litre turbodiesel\n (Skyactiv-D; 104 hp and 270 Nm) engines.\nLike the US market, Malaysian-bound CX-3s will be fitted with the 2.0-litre lump paired to a \nsix-speed\n Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission, earning itself the top spot in terms of outright performance in the growing B-Segment crossover segment. Whether or not it will come with an All-Wheel Drive system remains a mystery, but it\u2019s likelier for\u00a0our CX-3 to be \nfront-wheel driven\n.\nNow, pricing is said to hover around the \nRM130,000\n mark, which also means that it will be the most expensive B-Segment crossover to be sold in Malaysia. Comparatively, the insanely popular HR-V is priced from RM100k to RM119k, with the range topping Grade V trim\u00a0already offering an irresistibly generous kit, such as \nfull LED headlights\n with LED DRLs, touch sensitive air conditioning controls and \nsix airbags\n.\nThat said, we can expect Bermaz Motor to give the HR-V a good run for its money, offering projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED combination tail lamps and a class-leading interior build. This includes leather-upholstered seats, heads-up display, MZD Connect System with GPS navigation, a \n7-inch touchscreen head unit\n, six standard stereo speakers and \nsix airbags\n.\nWe\u2019re unsure if the \n18-inch wheels\n will make its way here as standard, but a move in making it a cost option will certainly add to the appeal. Those fancying themselves a dynamic SUV will be pleased to know that the CX-3 comes with Mazda\u2019s \nfull suite of Skyactiv Technology\n, which without question should make the crossover a more enjoyable car to drive compared to the \nFord EcoSport\n.\nSo, dear readers, what do you think of the CX-3? Has it got what it takes to butt heads with the Honda HR-V, or is the indicative RM130k price tag a case of \u2018asking too much\u2019?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia is expanding its recall exercise, or in UMW\u2019s terms \u2013 Special Service Campaign (SSC) for the replacement of front passenger side airbag inflator modules.\nA total of 42,000 vehicles manufactured between May 2010 to December 2012 are involved in this SSC. Cars involved include:\nModel\nYear Model\nCorolla Altis\n2010 \u2013 2012\nVios\nYaris\nAlphard\nAll models affected are distributed by UMW Toyota. The company is working closely with Toyota Motor Corporation to obtain the replacement parts as soon as possible. In time, UMW Toyota will inform owners directly to bring their cars to an authorised Toyota Service Centre to make the necessary replacement. \nAll costs involved will be borne by UMW Toyota\n.   In case you are not aware of the ongoing Takata\u00a0crisis, we have detailed in full on \nwhy you should get your faulty airbags replaced as soon as possible\n. In short, the faulty airbag module, when deployed, will send metal shards into the occupants and cause even more\u00a0harm, In some cases, even \ndeath\n!\nToyota owners of any model can also head over to \nToyota\u2019s dedicated SSC webpage\n to key in your respective VIN number(s) to determine if your car is affected. The replacement only takes one to three hours and is \nfree of charge\n, so hurry and get those faulty airbags replaced."
"Recently, a Proton dealership in Seri Kembangan made waves on social media for accepting cryptocurrency as a legal means of transaction to purchase a Proton vehicle. However, Proton Holdings (the company) has just released a statement that the company does not accept any form of cryptocurrency as legal payment methods.\nThe dealership posted a banner with the heading \u201cWe are now accepting payment in Bitcoin/Ethereum\u201d which prompted netizens to question the legitimacy of the information. Proton has since \nsuspended\n operations by said dealer, pending further investigation and highlighted that such transaction was independently initiated by the dealer.\nOne Bitcoin is equivalent to a Preve 1.6 Executive\nProton also said \u201cPROTON is open to innovative ways of car sales to keep customer\u2019s interest in our cars. However, we would also like to caution our sales network to exercise consideration and due care in carrying out promotion activities which are not endorsed by the Company.\u201d\nBitcoin is the world\u2019s largest traded cryptocurrency where one Bitcoin is traded at RM65,800 \u2013 almost the price of a brand new Preve. Ethereum is the third largest cryptocurrency, listed at RM4,800 per unit. If you come across any dealerships who accept cryptocurrency, keep in mind that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has reiterated that \nthe central bank does not accept Bitcoin or any form of cryptocurrency as legal payment methods in Malaysia\n."
"Geely\u2019s first premium electric vehicle has just started full-scale production yesterday, with the Zeekr 001 rolling off the production line at a special ceremony.\nThe Zeekr 001 is also the first vehicle to be manufactured at the new Zeekr Intelligent Factory in Ningbo, China. This new vehicle manufacturing facility is one of the most advanced to date thanks to a 5G+ system that allows for agile and transparent production management. \u00a0Key areas such as the welding section are fully automated with over 300 robots performing the task with limited human intervention.\nGeely reveals new Vision Starburst Concept, previews design language for future models. More here\nIn addition, the Zeekr production process allows for continuous self-optimisation, ensuring the quality of each Zeekr vehicle. Take the welding line as an example, monitoring systems such as glue application visual guidance, online measurement and ultrasonic self-inspection uses intelligent self-adaptation to continually improve the welding process.\nSince the initial launch in \nApril 2021\n, the development team at Geely and Zeekr have also improved the vehicle, now upgraded with better Over The Air (OTA) communications to better improve the Zeekr Assisted Drive system, where the car will keep updating to adapt to the latest software technologies for the best mobility experience. \u00a0\nTo recap, the Zeekr 001 is underpinned by Geely\u2019s latest Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform that promises to be cost-efficient, high performance as well as modular. The Zeekr 001 is not a medium-sized car, in which Geely places it in the larger Sport E-segment, with dimensions similar to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.\nGeely\u2019s new SEA platform will also be used by other carmakers. Find out more here!\nThe range-topping Zeekr 001 \u2018YOU\u2019 variant features all the technical highlights on the SEA platform such as a dual-motor setup and a large 100 kWh battery pack. Total system output is 400 kW or \n544 hp\n and \n768 Nm\n of torque, capable of sending the sporty fastback from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The driving range is circa 600 km under the older NEDC test cycle.\nIn China, the pricing of the Zeekr 001 starts from around \nCNY299,000\n (approx. RM194k) which is slightly more than a Tesla Model 3 base with has been strategically priced at CNY251,800 (approx. RM163k). \u00a0\u00a0\nSuccessful customers who have placed their fees for the Zeekr 001 when the order books first opened at the end of July 2021 will be able to take their new car from this weekend, but Zeekr and Geely have a very long list of orders to fulfil due to strong demand as well as being affected by the semiconductor chip shortage.\nRetail expansion is also set to coincide with the deliveries, with Hangzhou and Tianjin Zeekr Space\u2019s opened last month and 10 more to come online within weeks.\nGALLERY\nZeekr 001 at Ningbo Intelligent Factory\nZeekr 001"
"If the latest \u2018brand presence\u2019 makeover at Cycle & Carriage Bintang\u2019s impressively remodelled Mutiara Damansara Autohaus facility is anything to go; it\u2019s clear that Mercedes-Benz isn\u2019t just satisfied with leading the premium segment in sales, it wants its customers to remain where they are while attracting more to the fold.\nCan you identify the remnants of the original Mutiara Damansara Autohaus that was launched back in 2006?\nPresident and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dr. Claus Weidner had this to say at the launch, \u201cThe new brand presence redefines the future of retail. At Mercedes-Benz, we take great pride in making the customer journey just as fulfilling as the ride ahead. We strongly believe that the introduction of this new brand presence will enable us to better cater to customers together with our trusted partner (Cycle & Carriage Bintang).\u201d\nThe human touch is complemented by digital touch points in Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new \u2018brand presence\u2019.\nPresident and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dr. Claus Weidner (above, right) had this to say at the launch, \u201cThe new brand presence redefines the future of retail. At Mercedes-Benz, we take great pride in making the customer journey just as fulfilling as the ride ahead. We strongly believe that the introduction of this new brand presence will enable us to better cater to customers together with our trusted partner (Cycle & Carriage Bintang).\u201d\nRedefinition is an appropriate description given that the original Mutiara Damansara centre, opened back in 2006, bears little resemblance to the newly reconstituted Autohaus facility shown to the members of the media. It is also the first Mercedes-Benz dealership in Malaysia to adopt the new brand presence at a cost of RM18 million, with three other Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz dealerships to be upgraded before the year is out.\nThe makeover entails new processes from the moment the customer makes an appointment or when he/she steps into the showroom, where a \u2018Star Assistant\u2019 will be assigned specifically to attend to the needs of the guest. Not surprisingly, the show floor and lounges will now feature numerous touch points driven by the latest in multimedia, with walls made out of LED displays and digital specs stands next to each vehicle, equipped with a help button in case the customer requires attention.\nApart from a cosy and airy ambience that takes after the design elements and latest features of the products (e.g. the showroom lighting is akin to the ambient lighting of a modern Mercedes-Benz model), the after-sales experience is also being elevated with the incorporation of a drive-in reception where the vehicle is received by service advisors indoors.\nTaking delivery of a new car is always a special moment.\nIn essence, the redefinition of customer service in an Autohaus is all-encompassing, whether it\u2019s the F&B area (look like a business class lounge and generously stocked) or the vehicle delivery room (personal, private and comfortable), it is a massive show of commitment by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Cycle & Carriage Bintang to their customers. The best or nothing, you better believe it."
"Lo and behold, the Porsche 935 \u2013 reminiscent of the legendary Porsche 935/78 LeMans racecar from the 1970s \u2013 with only 77 units available for the public to buy at a handsome\u00a0701,948 Euros (approx RM3.3 million).\nWhile it may be based on the\n current 911 GT2 RS\n, the \nfastest 911 to date\n, it\u2019s nearly a full 100 kg lighter with heavy use of carbon fibre kevlar body panels. This is despite the addition of a roll cage and an air jack system!\nUnlike the GT2 RS, it\u2019s almost unrecognisable as a 911 with a flat nose and an extremely long tail that completely drowns the typical 911 silhouette. As a result, the car now measures almost five metres long.\nThe homage to the legendary LeMans race car of the 70s also extend to the aerodynamically-enhanced, 18-inch one-piece light alloy forged wheel.\nTributes to other Porsche race cars include the use of side mirrors from the current LeMans-winning 911 RSR, exposed titanium tailpipes that replicate the Porsche 908 from 1968 and LED rear lights on the rear wing endplates from the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car.\nIt\u2019s essentially a decorated military man\u2019s uniform, with different badges of distinction for every contribution.\nInside the single-seater cockpit is a Recaro bucket seat, 6-point harness, removable escape hatch on the roof, a laminated wood gear lever inspired by the 909 Bergspyder and Carrera GT supercar, and a carbon steering wheel from the 2019 911 GT3 R.\nUnderneath the hood, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine taken from the 911 GT2 RS remains largely unchanged along with the 7-speed PDK transmission.\n\u201cThis spectacular car is a birthday present from Porsche Motorsport to fans all over the world,\u201d says Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser. \u201cBecause the car isn\u2019t homologated, engineers and designers didn\u2019t have to follow the usual rules and thus had freedom in the development.\u201d\nPorsche said the car will be used for clubsport events and private training sessions on racetracks and looking at the spec sheet, it will no doubt realise every man-child\u2019s race car driver fantasy.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As we move ever closer to the debut of the EQS, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its slow-leak of information by now giving us a first look at the interior of its S-Class-equivalent fully-electric sedan, featuring the marque\u2019s latest Hyperscreen infotainment dashboard-thing.\nThe Hyperscreen dashboard was\n first unveiled earlier this year\n, but this is the first time we\u2019re seeing it \u201cin action\u201d, attached to the cabin of a car \u2013 and yes, it turns the entire dashboard into a screen. Well, three screens, under one single unbroken pane of glass, but you get the idea.\nThe curved glass panel spans across the entire dashboard from end to end, measuring 141 cm in length. Underneath it, there\u2019s a 12.3-inch screen for the digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch screen as the main central infotainment display, and a 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger.\nThe Hyperscreen sure does look impressive, but Mercedes-Benz says that the cabin of the EQS is not just for looks. In fact, the exact wording that the German carmaker used was \u201cdesigned for all senses\u201d, including visual, haptic, auditory, and olfactory. Yes, olfactory, as in smell.\nTimely in a pandemic-struck era, the Mercedes-Benz EQS will come equipped as standard with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that cleans and filters outside air entering the cabin, capable of trapping 99.65% of small particles from PM 2.5 to PM 0.3.\nThe electric sedan also comes with active fragrance as part of the Air-Balance Package, with a new fragrance specifically designed for the EQS dubbed \u201cNo.6 Mood Linen\u201d. Mercedes-Benz describes the smell as \u201cthe green note of a fig lying on a piece of linen\u201d.\nOn the haptic front, the Hyperscreen on the Mercedes-Benz EQS uses 12 actuators under the touchscreen surfaces to trigger localised vibration feedback anywhere the user touches the screen, giving the feeling of actually pressing a physical button. The screens are also pressure-sensitive, changing the response on screen based on the level of pressure on the glass.\nAs for sound, Mercedes-Benz has designed three different \u201csoundscapes\u201d for its electric powertrain: Silver Waves, Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse \u2013 the latter supposedly coming in an over-the-air update. Silver Waves is meant to be a soothing, subtle sound in the background, while the Vivid Flux is a high-tech wooshing sound, designed for the EV enthusiasts. Roaring Pulse meanwhile, is supposedly\u00a0\u201creminiscent of powerful machines\u201d.\nPerhaps more importantly on the EQS are the three soothing Energizing Nature sounds\u00a0called Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea, and Summer Rain, designed to be used when you\u2019re charging the car to, well, recharge the driver. When used in conjunction with the Power Nap feature, the driver\u2019s seat will move into a rest position, while the blinds for the windows and panoramic sunroof will automatically roll-up to promote sleep.\nAll of these sounds are played through a 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system.\nAs impressive as the Hyperscreen sounds, the massive screen-dash is actually an optional item on the EQS. On the standard car, the Mercedes-Benz EQS comes equipped with the \n12.8-inch portrait-style infotainment display\n, first seen on the \nall-new S-Class\n, alongside a floating 12.3-inch standalone digital instrument cluster.\nThe standard variant also gets a different centre console, with all of the \u201cphysical\u201d controls relocated onto the dashboard underneath the screen to make space for a storage cubby.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQS is\n currently being built\n at \u201cFactory 56\u201d at the Sindelfingen plant, supposedly the marque\u2019s most modern automotive production facility. The global debut is scheduled on April 15, with deliveries in Europe to begin in August.\nGALLERY"
"Just when\u00a0we thought that the \nLotus Exige Sport 380\n was the most hardcore road going Exige \never\n, Lotus Cars has just unveiled a faster, lighter and more track focused Lotus Exige Cup 380. Limited to only 60 units worldwide, the Exige Cup 380 will establish itself as one of Lotus\u2019 most collectable road car.\nWhat Lotus has done with the Cup 380 is taking a Sport 380 and dial things up a few notches. First off, the Cup 380 shaves off\u00a0\n9 kg over\n the Sport 380, courtesy of a new one-piece carbon rear tailgate (-6.5 kg), gas strut delete (-1 kg), carbon side pods (-0.5 kg) and optional interior carbon fibre components (-1 kg). For even more weight savings, customer can opt for the full titanium exhaust system that reduces 10 kg.\nBesides that, the body panels are extensively revised to provide even more downforce that further refines the Cup 380\u2019s high speed handling capabilities. New components include front splitter, front access panel, bargeboards, roof, diffuser surround, larger side air-intake pods, one piece tailgate and motorsport derived rear wing that collectively generates\u00a0\n200 kg of downforce\n at a top speed of \n282 km/h\n.\nIn the pursuit of optimum\u00a0downforce, Lotus has gone the extra mile to ensure that the 380 Cup is the best handling Exige ever produced. The front louvres are designed to \nequalise pressure differential\n within the wheel arches, thus increasing downforce during high speeds and hard braking whereas the cut-out sections behind the rear wheel helps channel air to the rear diffuser. Even the windscreen wiper has moved to a centre mounted position to avoid disrupting air flow.   To cope with the increased downforce, Lotus has fitted the Cup 380 with fatter rear tyres measuring 285/35 ZR18 (215/45 ZR17 at the front) in size for better mechanical grip. \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n tyres are fitted as standard. Stopping power comes from AP Racing forged, four-piston brake callipers and grooved performance two-piece brake discs.\nPowering the Cup 380 is the same supercharged 3.5-litre V6 that is tweaked to produce\u00a0\n375 hp\n and \n410 Nm\n of torque. Thanks to a power to weight ratio of \n355 hp\n per tonne, the Cup 380 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.6 seconds\n with a top speed of \n282 km/h\n.\nOf course, Lotus understands that not all owners of the Cup 380 are keen on taking their beloved ride to the track, so customers can choose to add or delete stuff such as FIA compliant roll cage, full race harness, electrical cut-off and fire extinguisher controls as well as airbag deletion and a non-airbag steering wheel.\nPrices for the Lotus Exige Cup 380 start at \u00a383,000 (RM465k) in the UK and \u20ac109,900 (RM523k) in Germany. Owners can also personalise their Exige to their heart\u2019s desire via the Lotus Exclusive programme.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, was presented with a unit of the \nOra Good Cat\n yesterday by Great Wall Motor Malaysia (GWM Malaysia), as part of the ministry\u2019s research into EV policies for the country.\nThe Hazel Wood Beige-coloured Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra will serve as a long-term test drive unit for the ministry, where relevant departments will study the electric vehicle\u2019s daily usage pattern.\nIn his recent plans to accelerate EV growth in the Malaysia market, Tengku Zafrul said that the government aims to attract RM20 billion in EV investments by 2025. The delivery of the long-term test drive unit is a mark of support by GWM Malaysia in the government\u2019s efforts to become a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions country.\n\u201cThe EV industry must be viewed holistically, including factors such as software, technical, equipment, engineering and others, as it plays a crucial role in achieving the country\u2019s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050,\u201d said Tengku Zafrul.\nRELATED: \nGovernment working to reduce EV prices for the rakyat \u2013 Tengku Zafrul\nIn support of the statement, Great Wall Motor ASEAN Region President, Elliot Zhang said, \u201cI fully endorse Minister Tengku Zafrul\u2019s statement on the potential of building a strong EV foundation in ASEAN countries and specifically in Malaysia to strengthen the EV network.\u201d\nZhang added that a strategic collaboration with the Malaysian government would help accelerate the growth and adoption of sustainable transportation solutions in the region. The company reiterated its commitment to promote sustainability mobility solutions in Malaysia, and is prepared to work with the government to introduce more environmentally friendly vehicles to the market in the nation\u2019s effort to achieve its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target.\nAside from the long-term loaner unit, GWM Malaysia also recently presented an Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra to the Secretary General of MITI for a series of test drives.\nREAD MORE: \nOra Good Cat launched as the cheapest EV in Malaysia currently \u2013 from RM140k"
"The Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) has \nposted a reminder of tyres\n linking to \u201chellaflush\u201d vehicles can be fined up to RM2,000 or be sentenced to a six-month jail term.\nNotice: \nJPJ Malaysia \nHellaflush? What the flush? Yours truly is also unsure of the term but looking at the graphics accompany the posting, it looks like it refers to the modification that creates an extremely low vehicle stance \u2013 or slammed as they call it \u2013 where the wheels and tyres are nearly parallel to the road.\nYes, we\u2019re pretty sure you\u2019ve encountered such cars on the road \u2013 sometimes even a whole group of these \u201chellaflush\u201d vehicles crawling on the highways.\n \n\u2018Hellaflush\u2019, according to CarThrottle, is the modification of \ndeliberately pushing the top section of the wheels inwards\n to create an even more aggressive stance.\nImage : Twitter/\nStanceloversKK\nThe JPJ reminds owners that \nthis modification is against the law\n and usage/construction of the motor vehicle\n. Tyres that are suspended in such an extreme geometry reduces the dynamic stability of the vehicle and reduces the braking performance, increasing the risk of an accident.\nIf caught driving on the road, the owners of \u201chellaflush\u201d vehicles can be prosecuted under Section 6(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 and can be\n fined up to RM2,000 or a six-month jail term\n.\nWhile we are at the subject of tyres, here is a friendly reminder of the steps required to \nsafely perform a tyre change\n."
"It appears that the 2018 Toyota Camry will make its debut soon, as seen with the sole image teased by the Japanese carmaker. The Camry is Toyota\u2019s most important model in America, and you can trust that they won\u2019t mess this up.\nThe image shows the tail section of the Camry, which sees a new slim LED cluster setup. There\u2019s a faux vertical vent which closely resembles that of the\u00a0\nfacelifted Corolla\n\u2018s front bumper. The rear boot is complete with a sporty ducktail spoiler, and the XSE trim is the sportier variant among the North American Camry lineup.\nOverall, the next generation Camry will carry a sportier outlook, and there\u2019s a good chance of some Lexus styling trickling down to the brand\u2019s volume chaser. The North American Toyota Camry will be fully uncovered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit come January 2017. In our region meanwhile, we will be getting an updated\u00a0version of the\u00a0\nfacelifted Camry\n.\u00a0Judging from market trend, the current\u00a0\nCamry\n could soldier on in Malaysia for at least one more year before we get the next-gen model."
"The \nall-new 2022 Honda HR-V\n is set to make its debut here in Malaysia very soon, with the car already being displayed at various showrooms over the weekend in an attempt to drum up hype. But if you unfortunately missed out on the preview, don\u2019t worry \u2013 we\u2019ve got our hands on the full list of specifications for all four variants of the all-new HR-V, and surprisingly, we might be the first country in the world to offer the compact crossover in all three different engine options!\nAccording to a document sighted by \nAutoBuzz.my\n, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V will be offered in three different powertrain options across four variants. They\u2019re all based on a 1.5-litre inline-four engine, but will be offered in three different configurations for a wide range of power output.\nThe entry-level S variant will be the only one without any form of augmentation, with the 1.5-litre engine coming in a naturally-aspirated form to make \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n. If you\u2019re keeping track, the engine \u2013 which is the same unit found in the \nCity\n \u2013 makes 21 hp and 27 Nm less than the 1.8-litre mill on the \noutgoing model\n, so it remains to be seen how effective it is at motivating the compact crossover.\nThe standard bar-type grille design, available on the entry-level S variant.\nMoving up to the E and V variant will net you a vastly more powerful turbocharged engine with \n177 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque \u2013 similar to that of the \nHR-V Turbo in Indonesia\n. While it\u2019s roughly 5 hp lower than the \nCivic\n, it should still be plenty for the HR-V, and will be the default recommendation for the model.\nAll three variants above will be paired to a CVT gearbox, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels.\nRELATED: Honda HR-V open for booking \u2013 to be launched in Q3 of 2022\nJust like the City, Honda Malaysia is also capping off the HR-V range with an RS variant, powered by an \ne:HEV hybrid powertrain\n. It gets a slight boost in horsepower output here at \n131 hp\n (+22 hp), but the torque figure remains unchanged at \n253 Nm\n. Power is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.\nThe e:HEV\u2019s powertrain configuration means that most of the propulsion is provided by the traction motor; the atkinson-cycle engine functions as a generator during most driving situations, but a lock-up clutch links the engine to the drivetrain at higher speeds for higher efficiency.\nIn terms of appearance, all variants bar the entry-level S will come equipped with the RS bodykit, which includes the \u201cchequered flag\u201d grille mesh (S gets a horizontal bar-type design), and sportier front and rear bumper designs \u2013 the former also includes an adorable \u201cheartbeat\u201d signature graphic, painted in red on the RS and silver on the other variants.\nAll variants of the 2022 Honda HR-V will also come with LED reflector headlights, but the V and RS variants stand out with sequential LED turn indicators. As for the wheels, they range from 17-inches on the S and E variants, moving up to 18-inches in diameter on the V and RS variants.\nThailand-spec Honda HR-V RS shown.\nMoving inside, standard features across the board include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 60:40 split-folding Ultra seats, and keyless entry with walk away auto lock, four reverse sensors, and a reverse camera.\nThe E variant adds on a semi-digital instrument cluster, drive-mode selector, gearshift paddles, and a rear centre armrest, while the V and RS also throws in an eight-way power adjustable driver\u2019s seat, Variable Gear Ratio steering, and Honda Connect smartphone connectivity.\nExclusive to the range-topping RS variant are the automatic wipers, hands-free powered tailgate, and a dual-zone climate control system, one-upping even the Civic. However, due to the batteries sitting underneath the boot floor at the back, the full-sized spare tyre here is replaced with a tyre repair kit.\nThe Honda Sensing advanced driver assist suite will come as standard across all variants, with features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-go support, lane keeping and lane centring assist, and automatic high-beam.\nAs with other Honda models in our region, the all-new 2022 HR-V still does not come with blind-spot monitors on all variants; the V and RS variants do however get the LaneWatch blind-spot camera, with the video feed displayed on the central infotainment screen when the left turn indicator is activated.\nAll that\u2019s left now is the pricing, which will not be confirmed until the official launch, which is scheduled to happen in the next couple of months. Keep your eyes peeled on our site as we bring you our usual timely coverage!"
"Shortly after unveiling the \n992-generation Porsche 911 coupe\n, the fine people at Stuttgart has released the convertible version of the all-new 911 just in time for the open top season. The new model features an improved roof mechanism, a new generation interior and for the first time in a 911 Cabriolet, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport chassis.\nOn the exterior, the 911 Cabriolet echoes the new design of the 911 coupe. Rear-wheel drive 911 Cabriolets now feature a wider body just like all its existing all-wheel drive models. The rear axle is 44 mm longer while the front end is 45 mm wider.\nAll variants of the 911 Cabriolet feature horizontal profile intakes, new LED headlamps, pop-out door handles, variable-position spoiler, rear lightbar taillamps and integrated tailpipes in the rear bumper trim which Porsche says gives the car a stronger and lower stance.\nThe only discerning design cue is the retractable fabric roof that now opens or closes quicker than ever \u2013 \n12 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h\n, thanks to new hydraulic components. The 911 Cabriolet also features an electronically-extendable wind deflector that shields the cabin from wind impact for better refinement when driving with the roof down.   Inside, the new minimalistic cabin is identical to the coupe with a 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen infotainment system, five-dial design instrument cluster with an analogue central rev counter, tiny electronic gear selector and new-generation steering wheel with a drive mode selector dial on the steering wheel for cars equipped with Sports Chrono Package equipped.\nThe 911 Cabriolet is available immediately in two variants \u2013 Carrera S and Carrera 4S. Both variants are equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission pushing out \n450 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n of torque.\nThe rear-wheel drive Carrera S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.9 seconds\n (3.7 seconds with Sport Chrono Package) while the Carrera 4S will get there in \n3.8 seconds\n (3.6 seconds with Sport Chrono Package). Top speed is rated at \n306 km/h\n for the Carrera S and \n304 km/h\n on the Carrera 4S. Both Cabriolets are 0.2 seconds slower and have a 2 km/h lower top speed than their coupe equivalent.\nThe PASM sport chassis that is made available for the 911 Cabriolet for the first time lowers the car by 10 mm, adds stiffer springs and more rigid front and rear roll bars gives the car a more neutral feel on the road with better weight distribution.\nThe camera-based warning and brake assist system, park assistant system and reverse cameras are fitted as standard while optional items include Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, adaptive cruise control with automatic distance control, stop-and-go function and reversible occupant protection.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet"
"The crossover segment in Malaysia is nothing short of a buffet at the moment. With newcomers such as the \nProton X50\n and the \nHyundai Kona\n, disrupting the dominance of the Honda\n HR-V\n, Mazda \nCX-3\n and to some extent, the Toyota \nC-HR\n (when it was new).\nIt\u2019s easy to see the charm in these things. The HR-V has red badge most covet, the C-HR looks like a funky sports shoe, and the X50 has so much value for money, it gives an average joe the first taste of the \u201cgood life\u201d for the price of a Proton. Appealing as these things are, none can hold the candle to the (often overlooked) \nSubaru XV\n when it comes to these few aspects.\nFor starters, there\u2019s the \ncabin insulation\n. It\u2019s most apparent every time you wind up the windows; it feels like you just got zip-locked into an airtight bag. In fact, it\u2019s so well insulated it\u2019s annoying because the Continental tyres fitted were so noisy it ruined the peace in the cabin.\nCabin space\n is another strong suit of the XV. Whether it\u2019s head, knee, or legroom, there\u2019s no question the XV leads the way. You may able to fit or rather squeeze three adults in the backseat of the Honda, Toyota, and Mazda but in the XV, it actually ferries them comfortably.\nThe C-HR, with all its good looks on the outside, has the least substance and fares the worst in this aspect. With its tiny rear windows, it even feels claustrophobic. It\u2019s a good thing it looks good and that as we know, is all that matters these days.\nAs for the XV, while it may be longer, wider, taller with a longer wheelbase than the C-HR, CX-3 and HR-V, it\u2019s still isn\u2019t as big as the larger SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. If there are any concerns in terms of maneuverability, you can put them to rest.\nThen there\u2019s the \ncomfort and refinement\n aspect of the XV. Subaru\u2019s billion-dollar investment into a new platform has resulted in the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) on which the Forester is built as well.\nNot only does is the chassis stiffer and safer, but it also allows the suspension to be tuned for comfort and the results speak for itself. You might label these comments as nothing more than paid cock and bull and rightfully so but after a consecutive test drive of all the crossovers, you\u2019d be eating your words.\n \nLastly, there\u2019s the \nSymmetrical All-wheel Drive System\n that\u2019s the pride and joy, the golden egg of Subaru and the very thing makes a Subaru, a Subaru.\nMost all-wheel drive (AWD) SUVs aren\u2019t really all-wheel drive, all the time. Majority of the time they\u2019re front-wheel drive and only when the car detects that more traction is needed, will it send power to the rear-wheels effectively making it all-wheel drive.\nWith Subaru\u2019s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system, power is sent equally to all four wheels, all the time. So what you have is unparalleled amounts of traction on the road at all times and the difference can\u2019t be more apparent. Just ask your friend who owns an XV for a test drive and you\u2019d understand.\nThe most powerful examples.\n.in Malaysia\u2019s crossover segment.\nThis might sound like a paid advertorial but the opposite is true. We just figured that with all the hype surrounding the new Kona and X50, blanketed by the ever-present C-HR, HR-V and CX-3, it\u2019s only fair to shed some light on the underdog.\nDespite all the positive qualities of the XV, \nit is not without flaws\n \u2013 no car is ever perfect. Firstly, it\u2019s the entire dashboard architecture. It\u2019s neither ugly nor is it the most attractive and over the years, it hasn\u2019t aged as well as fine wine. The X50\u2019s arrival hasn\u2019t done it any favours either.\nSubaru may have upgraded to a new infotainment system from the one you see here, but there\u2019s still some catching up to do.\nThen there\u2019s the infotainment system and its interface that looks like a typewriter in the age of smartphones. It may be practical and easy to use, but that kind of appearance has no place in a world where the X50 exists. People who chase the latest iPhones and gadgets certainly wouldn\u2019t find the displays very appealing. Unfortunately, that very demographic is one that the Subaru XV is targeted at.\nAll in all, it wouldn\u2019t be at all bias to say that it\u2019s a great crossover but there\u2019s plenty to iron out if Subaru is serious about staying relevant in the crossover game. We wouldn\u2019t wanna see roads filled with nothing but X50s, do we?\n***Again, this isn\u2019t a paid article. It\u2019s is merely the opinion of someone who has spent considerable time in all of the abovementioned crossovers. Also, because even underdogs deserve some stage time in the spotlight. Although if Subaru feels the need to reward us for this shout out, we\u2019d be happy to have the XV for a few days ; )"
"Those still tirelessly championing the \n#SaveTheManuals\n movement, congratulations on a job well done. According to JD Power statistics for the US shared by the \nWall Street Journal\n, sales of vehicles with manual transmission has already gone up by 41.7% in 2023, compared to last year.\nNow, okay, that\u2019s maybe somewhat of a disingenuous way to represent the data, when it\u2019s only 1.7% of all cars sold. But look \u2013 the figure was only at 0.9% just some three years ago in 2019, so we consider that a massive win already.\nThe boost in sales wasn\u2019t just limited to new cars, either. In the US, Autotrader marketplace reported a 13% rise in page views for manual cars in 2023 compared to the same time last year. Similarly, if you\u2019ve ever trawled through the classifieds here in Malaysia, you\u2019ll know that manual cars somehow command a higher price over their automatic counterparts \u2013 I\u2019d know that, as I myself have been looking for a used \nToyota 86\n.\n\u201cWhat on earth is happening?\u201d you may ask. Well, according to the \nWall Street Journal\n, it\u2019s because of the Gen Zs. No, seriously \u2013 statistics apparently back this claim up: Acura reported that over half of those buying the manual \nIntegra\n are aged between 18 and 46 years old, while Mazda says about a quarter of those who bought manual \nMX-5\ns in the States last year were aged between 18 and 35.\nWe unfortunately don\u2019t have the same kind of detailed data for our Malaysian car market, but through anecdotal data, I can already think of two fellows around my age (late-millenial) who just bought themselves a fancy manual car.\nI\u2019d argue, however, that it\u2019s much more than just the Gen Zs. The new manual cars offered here in Malaysia are nearly all enthusiast grade, with prices north of RM300k \u2013 not many Gen Zs can afford a car that expensive. Yet, carmakers like Toyota are still bringing in new models like the\n GR86\n and \nGR Supra\n, because there \nare\n people buying them.\nRELATED:\n 2023 Toyota GR Corolla launched in Malaysia, RM355k 6-speed manual hot hatch\nMuch like the resurgence of vinyl records, or the rise of mechanical keyboards, people these days increasingly crave for physical things that can give them an anologue feel. The manual gearbox in the automotive world is like what the mechanical watches are to timepieces; it might be less accurate than a smartwatch, but it\u2019s the theatrics, the involvement, that make them such prized possessions within the community.\nNo matter the reason, though, we\u2019re just really happy to see people finally buying manuals again. With electrification coming thick and fast these days, who knows if this might actually be your last chance to buy a brand-new car with a manual gearbox.\nNow, as for that Toyota 86."
"Yesterday we witness Mercedes-Benz\u2019s first ever fully-electric SUV, the \nMercedes-Benz EQC 400\n and the four-rings did not want to be left behind in this technological race by announcing the start of production of the new Audi e-Tron SUV.\nThe first all-electric SUV from Audi are assembled at the brand\u2019s Brussels plant and Audi will present the production-ready car to the world for the first time in San Francisco on 17 September 2018. The Brussels facility has been comprehensively upgraded to cater to the production of electric vehicles and it is also the world\u2019s first certified CO2-neutral mass production plant in the premium segment.\nThe Audi e-tron Prototype in Berlin\nThe e-Tron SUV features a triple motor set up that is juiced by a 95-kWh battery pack, giving the e-Quattro all-wheel-drive EV over \n400 hp\n and a century sprint time of \n4.5 seconds\n. The e-Tron is capable to be plugged into a 150 kW high-speed charger allowing it to gain more than \n400 km of driving range in 30 minutes\n.\nAudi UK has already begun \naccepting orders\n for the Audi e-Tron and the all-electric SUV will compete against the likes of Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes-Benz EQ 400 in the premium EV segment.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi e-Tron Prototype   The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage   The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage\n \n The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage"
"Purists can finally breathe a sigh of relief, as Jaguar\u2019s sexy F-Type finally gets a \nsix-speed manual transmission\n. Along with the gearbox, Jaguar also introduces the \nAll-Wheel Drive\n (AWD) F-Type to complement the existing rear-wheel drive F-Type.   QUICK FACTS\nName\nJaguar F-Type\u00a0Coup\n\u00e9 / Convertible\nEngine\n2,995cc supercharged V6\nTransmission\nEight-speed Quickshift automatic [Six-speed manual]\nMax Power\n350 PS @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n450 Nm @ 3,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n5.3 seconds [5.7 seconds]\nTop Speed\n260 km/h\n\u00a0\nName\nJaguar F-Type S\u00a0Coup\n\u00e9 / Convertible\nEngine\n2,995cc supercharged V6\nTransmission\nEight-speed Quickshift automatic [Six-speed manual]\nMax Power\n380 PS @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n460 Nm @ 3,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n4.9 seconds [5.5 seconds]\nTop Speed\n275 km/h\n\u00a0\nName\nJaguar F-Type S\u00a0AWD Coup\n\u00e9 / Convertible\nEngine\n2,995cc supercharged V6\nTransmission\nEight-speed Quickshift automatic\nMax Power\n380 PS @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n460 Nm @ 3,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n5.1 seconds\nTop Speed\n275 km/h\n\u00a0\nName\nJaguar F-Type R\u00a0Coup\n\u00e9 / Convertible\nEngine\n5,000cc supercharged V8\nTransmission\nEight-speed Quickshift automatic\nMax Power\n550 PS @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n680 Nm @ 3,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n4.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n300 km/h\n\u00a0\nName\nJaguar F-Type R AWD\u00a0Coup\n\u00e9 / Convertible\nEngine\n5,000cc supercharged V8\nTransmission\nEight-speed Quickshift automatic\nMax Power\n550 PS @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n680 Nm @ 3,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n4.1 seconds\nTop Speed\n300 km/h\n\u00a0\nLike the existing eight-speed Quickshift transmission in the F-Type, the \nsix-speed manual\n was\n developed by ZF\n. The six-speed transmission is not only compact in size, it\u2019s also highly efficient thanks to its innovative \nsemi-dry sump lubrication system\n.\nThe shift mechanism, right down to the placement of the gearknob in the center console, has been thoroughly engineered to provide the driver with a \u201ccompletely engaging driving experience\u201d. Jaguar also paid attention to the the position of the brake and throttle pedals for heel-and-toe shifts.\nHowever the manual box option will be available\n exclusively on the V6 RWD F-Type\n models only, so unfortunately you still can\u2019t have a manual V8 F-Type.\nMeanwhile, the \nAWD system\n is offered in the\n V6 F-Type S\n and the\n V8 F-Type R\n models and only coupled with the\n eight-speed auto\n. The AWD F-Type is rear-wheel biased with\n Intelligent Driveline Dynamics\n (IDD) providing \u2018torque on demand\u2019 to deliver torque to the front wheels only when required to enhance traction. Jaguar has fitted stiffer front control arm bushes and recalibrated the dampers and springs up to 10% stiffer in the AWD F-Type.   Externally the AWD F-Type gains a more prominent \npower bulge\n on the bonnet and new side vents along with discreet \nAWD badges\n. The addition of the manual and AWD variants bring the F-Type range now to a total of 14 derivatives.\nThe F-Type Coupe was recently launched here in Malaysia last month in both V6 S and V8 R guise. You can read about the Malaysian-market F-Type Coupe \nhere\n.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A couple weeks ago, the local social media scene was set alight by an\n image of a service bill\n where the replacement of lithium-ion batteries in a Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC was quoted at RM120,960.\nMad figures considering the car retailed for under RM350k when it was new back in 2015. Math prodigies will be able to tell that it\u2019s \na third of the value\n of a car that has probably depreciated to, again, 1/3 of its original value.\nThe E300 BlueTEC diesel hybrid \nlaunched in 2015\n.\nIn other words, alternatively you can buy another used E300 BlueTEC than replace the battery.\nIn weathering the storm, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has not only introduced the new \nHybrid Battery Extended Warranty\n programme where owners of the two hybrid vehicles can opt to extend their battery\u2019s warranty by an \nadditional four years at RM2,688\n.\nOne of the \nmost impressive limousines \nwe\u2019ve driven/sat in.\nThe warranty provides 100% coverage for the repair and replacement of the lithium-ion batteries for up to \neight years or 180,000 km\n, whichever comes first.\nAlso revised is the price of the lithium-ion batteries for the E300 BlueTEC hybrid \n(RM50,000)\n and S400h \n(RM65,000)\n.\nFor more information, contact Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s Customer Care Centre at 1-800-88-1133 from Monday to Friday (8am to 8pm). Alternatively, they can be reached at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n."
"A must-have feature on any electric vehicle this day is a charging port, but this problem is challenged by infrastructural development more than anything else. In Malaysia, you have to be at selected places to be able to charge your car, and sometimes this can be troublesome. Nissan meanwhile, has a solution that could eliminate this problem, and they\u2019re calling it the e-POWER system.\nThe system is displayed for the first time through this JDM Nissan Note\u00a0e-POWER, and this range extender concept is rather simple. Conventional electric cars solely rely on their\u00a0batteries, whereas hybrids weigh more because they have an engine, electric motor, a power generator and a battery pack to operate. These batteries also usually take up boot space, reducing practicality.\nNissan\u2019s\u00a0innovative solution to this is by employing a\u00a01.2-litre three-cylinder gasoline engine to deliver electrical juice to the battery. It uses a smaller battery size (1/20 the size of that in the Nissan Leaf) which doesn\u2019t eat into cabin space. This concept works brilliantly for compact cars as demonstrated in this Note.\u00a0The benefits are substantial as not only it matches the drivability\u00a0of an EV, it also claims to consume fuel as efficiently as a conventional hybrid.\nNissan has hinted that this concept could be applied beyond compact cars, but with a\u00a0slightly bigger battery. We can safely say that the Note e-POWER won\u2019t be coming to Malaysia anytime soon (if ever). However the question becomes, with Nissan venturing into the electrification space, what will Edaran Tan Chong Motor do? Can the company offer locally assembled hybrids in the near future?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nseventh-generation Hyundai Sonata\n is now due for a facelift, and based on these sketches, the Korean D-Segment sedan will get quite the visual enhancements.\nBased on yet an evolutionary take of Hyundai\u2019s\n\u00a0Fluidic Sculpture 2.0\n design language, the front fascia is flanked by a new cascading grille design, just like the new \nElantra\n. The front fog lights have also been revamped with a stacked design, and the headlights are new as well. The rear end now looks miles more aggressive,\u00a0with\u00a0slimmer tail lamps and a sportier exhaust finishing.\nIf you look closely, the word \u201cTurbo\u201d can be seen on the leftmost sketch. In the United States, the Sonata is offered with a variety of engines, particularly the 2.0-litre twin-scroll T-GDI producing a good 245 hp. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.\nOf course, Hyundai has yet to reveal the facelifted Sonata, but that will happen real soon. Its much improved looks will surely help Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (Hyundai Malaysia) move the model up the sales charts, but will it ever come with the turbocharged engine? Well, only time will tell."
"In conjunction with Proton\u2019s\nrecent Chinese New Year open house that took place across 74 Proton 3S & 4S\noutlets, the national carmaker also delivered over 1,000 units of the Proton\nX70 SUV to customers in a single day.\nThe open house was attended\nby Proton customers from all walks of life to celebrate the Lunar New Year as\nwell as an opportunity to reach out and connect with X70 customers. Customers who\ntook delivery of their new SUV were briefed with a comprehensive presentation on\nhow to maximise the unique features of their new car.\n \n\u00a0There are \nfour variants of the X70 on sale\n today \u2013 Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive 4WD and Premium 4WD with prices ranging from RM99,800 to RM123,800. All variants are powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDi engine and 6-speed automatic transmission pushing out \n183 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n.\nFeatures that are standard across the range include smart keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air Ioniser, LCD instrument cluster, \n8.0-inch touchscreen GKUI infotainment system\n, reverse camera, six USB charging ports, rear air vents, six airbags, electronic stability control and Hill Descent Control."
"One thing is for certain in the automotive industry; you are only as good as your last product. By 2025, Mercedes-Benz will be retailing no less than 10 fully-electric models under its EQ (for Electric Intelligence) umbrella, and the first model to take the fight to Tesla (which currently offers three models) will be based on the Concept EQ you see here.\nSaid to unite \u2018the genes of an SUV with the dynamic character of a coupe and a dash of shooting brake at the rear end\u2019, the Concept EQ doesn\u2019t bear any resemblance to existing Mercedes-Benz models despite sporting the familiar three-pointed star on its LED-illuminated front grille and tailgate.\nUnderneath that smooth, wind-cheating monolithic shape are underpinnings that belong to a modular platform with variable building blocks to accommodate different body styles and battery capacities.\nThe clean, uncluttered theme carries on inside, where there is a distinct absence of hard switches and knobs (though there are physical stalks on the steering column). Instead, you are enveloped by vibrant touch-sensitive OLED screens that would make Samsung or LG blush, even the door handles and power windows are touch operated.\nThe rear passengers aren\u2019t neglected and they\u00a0get 24-inch portrait-type TFT screens incorporated into the front backrests. To this end, we hope that Mercedes-Benz will figure out a way to make digital displays resistant to fingerprint smudges.\nWhile the Concept EQ is a four-seater, expect the production model to accommodate a fifth passenger when it rolls out of a Mercedes-Benz production plant at some point next year (probably late 2019). The fully-electric EQ C, as it is rumoured to be called, will offer 500km worth of electric range from its floor-mounted 70kWh battery pack.\nOf course, it wouldn\u2019t be a Tesla challenger if it didn\u2019t offer respectable performance; how about 400hp and 700Nm, all-wheel drive and zero to 100km/h in less than five seconds, complemented by cutting-edge connectivity and autonomous technology from Mercedes-Benz.\nThe Concept EQ is making its debut in South East Asia as we speak. If you want to experience the concept vehicle up close and try out the Mercedes-Benz C350e and E350e EQ Power models, head on to The Waterfront at Desa Park City this weekend, 4\nth\n to 7\nth\n May 2018, between 10am to 6pm.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) became\u00a0nothing short of an overnight sensation following the official launching of the \nHyundai Ioniq Hybrid\n. For the longest time, the Korean brand dipped way below the radar, eclipsed by rivalling brands whose fresh crop of products offered greater value than anything in the Hyundai stable. That is, until now.\nIn other markets, \nthe Ioniq is offered in three configurations\n: 1.6-litre hybrid, 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid and an all-electric version. Hyundai chose to go with a dual-clutch transmission setup, straying away from the usual CVT route employed by most other prominent hybrid carmakers. Apparently, it makes driving a tad more fun, and with 265 Nm on tap (for the Malaysian 1.6L hybrid), it\u2019s hard not to get excited.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 HEV\nHyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 HEV Plus\nEngine\n1,580cc; four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle Kappa GDI\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n104 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n147 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nHybrid Motor Output\n43 hp & 170 Nm\nCombine Max Power / Torque\n140 hp / 265 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n11.1 seconds; 180 km/h\n10.8 seconds; 180 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n3.4 litres per 100km\n4.0 litres per 100km\nPrice\nRM103,390.27\nRM114,165.87\nHyundai\u00a0engineers used aluminium and high tensile strength steel wherever possible to bring overall weight down. They\u2019ve also placed the battery pack under the rear passenger seat, yielding two salient outcomes: a more usable boot space and \nlower centre of gravity\n. In fact, the Ioniq\u2019s\u00a0centre of gravity is 3mm lower than the \nVolkswagen Golf\n\u00a0(already one of the lowest in its class), imbuing the car with better dynamics and high-speed stability than most other cars in its segment.   So it\u2019s fun, drives more confidently, powerful and is practical enough for the vast majority of people. Now, while many find the Ioniq ravishing, I myself am not generally fond of how eco cars look. If I had to choose between the Ioniq and the \nfourth-gen Prius\n based on looks alone, I\u2019d steer more willingly towards the Japanese. But the Ioniq\u2019s design is explicitly functional. Compared to the razor-cut Prius, the Ioniq is far more curvaceous on the whole, which by logic would make it less aerodynamic. But it isn\u2019t.\nIn fact, it slices through air just as efficiently as the Prius with a drag coefficient of 0.24. Achieving this calls for clever aero know-how, so what Hyundai did was supply the car with a full-flat underbody, active air flaps in the front grille, air inlets just next to the LED DRLs and lightweight alloy wheels that all work in tandem to eradicate drag-creating air vortices. The wheels, although not the prettiest, contribute so much to aerodynamics that if you choose to go for an aftermarket set, the largest consequence to pay is fuel efficiency.\nTHE POWERTRAIN\nAh, in case you\u2019re wondering, Hyundai confirms that the rather advanced Kappa 1.6-litre Atkinson GDI can indeed take RON 95 fuel. The four banger makes \n104 hp\n and \n147 Nm\n of torque on its own. It\u2019s aided by an electric motor capable of belting \n43 hp\n and \n170 Nm\u00a0\nthat\u2019s juiced by a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer (Li-Po, 240V) battery. The upsides to using Li-Po batteries are aplenty: it has a \nmuch higher charge/discharge rate\n and is \ndenser\n compared to conventional NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries. The downside is, well, that it burns far more aggressively when caught on fire. Just Google them for proof!\nBut worry not, because there\u2019s no way the Ioniq would have gone on sale if there\u2019s even a remote chance of it ending up as a bonfire. The battery pack is protected by what Hyundai calls a four-stage protection system, and its temperature is constantly monitored and regulated through an inlet in the rear-left side of the cabin. For firmer assurance, the entire body is tough enough to earn itself five stars from Euro NCAP.\nTHE DRIVE\nWith a combined output of \n140 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque, the Ioniq feels decidedly urgent off the line and would sprint to 100 km/h in \n10.8 seconds\n.\u00a0At full whack, it will top out at \n180km/h\n. However, the entire 265 Nm is only available in first gear, because the continuous charge and discharge cycles would cause the battery to generate too much heat. You don\u2019t want your Li-Po to catch fire now, do you?   There\u2019s still adequate thrust in second to fourth gear for most overtaking scenarios, but it gradually wanes in fifth and sixth gear for all the fuel saving causes. It\u2019s a purebred eco car, so don\u2019t expect the same kind of thrill you\u2019d get from the equivalent\u00a0\nHonda Civic 1.5 turbo\n or \nFord Focus EcoBoost\n. A glance through the trip counter read 5.5 litres per 100km on mixed roads, including the many mischievous first-gear thrills\u00a0upon exiting a toll booth. Its on-paper figure is 4.0L/100km which I think is reasonably\u00a0achievable when driven under the right conditions.\nMounted just behind the front grille is a speaker unit which synthesises engine noise. It acts as a safety feature to warn pedestrians of an oncoming car \u2013 especially when creeping from behind \u2013 and even enhances engine noise as the revs go up! The \nsix-speed twin-clutch transmission\n (dry clutch), though not free of flaws, is \njerk-free and smooth\n. The flip side is the palpable delay in gear engagement, like a turbo lag of sorts.\nThe delay, as explained by Hyundai, is an intended function which protects the transmission from any premature wear and tear. It also creates enough time for the flywheel to properly latch onto the transmission. An all-new gearbox housing also helps prevent mechatronic failures that was once a commonality among DSG-equipped Volkswagens.   COMFORT, ERGONOMICS & CONVENIENCES\nDespite all its sporty attributes, the Ioniq also proved to be decently comfortable for driver and passengers alike. So plush and supportive are the leather seats (accented with blue stitching) that few will find uncomfortable, even for extended city or highway drives. More importantly, there\u2019s adequate headroom and legroom for rear passengers, while width is good for three average sized adults.\nIn place of the driver\u2019s seat are the leather wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and high-res LCD instrument cluster. The seat itself is powered 8-way, which includes a 2-way lumbar support as well. The steering wheel is especially impressive in the manner it\u2019s contoured \u2013 not too meaty nor too thin. What\u2019s equally nifty is that all on-wheel controls can be easily accessed by your two thumbs with minimal distraction.\u00a0You can also change the graphics\u00a0of your instrument cluster from Eco to Sport mode from the steering wheel controls.\nThe centre tunnel features a dedicated cutout to stow away mobile phones or even tablets!\nTHE BEST THING ABOUT THE IONIQ IS.\nIts safety features. It is beyond any doubt the most celebrated achievement by Hyundai Malaysia when it comes to the Ioniq. No one else have managed to cram in Smart (Adaptive) Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection and seven airbags into a C-Segment car and slap on a RM114k sticker price (inclusive of insurance!).\nAnd they\u2019re not just there for show either. Our test drive route gave ample opportunities to\u00a0sample all the car\u2019s safety features and they each worked flawlessly. Typically, any application of adaptive cruise control (SCC) would accelerate and brake the car abruptly, and they are mostly intrusive and unnatural. But the Ioniq\u2019s execution was incredibly graceful and natural, almost as though I was doing it myself. When SCC is engaged, all the on-board radars and computers will constantly monitor the distance between you and the vehicle ahead, making necessary accelerations or decelerations with laudable accuracy. It\u2019s almost, if not as refined as those in the \nFord Everest\n and \nVolvo XC90 T8\n.\nJUST WHAT ARE ITS FLAWS?\nThere\u2019s not a whole lot to dislike about this car, but the two things I can\u2019t get past are its exterior design and the lack of paddle shifters. The fact that I raised the latter perfectly illustrates how impeccably well equipped this car is.\u00a0Oh, before you ask, HSDM is offering an 8-Year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery. If in any case it gives way after the warranty period, it will cost you less than RM10,000 for a brand new pack.\nMany industry colleagues agreed with surety that the Ioniq was possibly \u2013 and still is \u2013 the best deal ever to be presented in the Malaysian car-buying scene within the last decade. Perhaps, it may even be the closest thing to being the perfect, affordable city car.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Hyundai Ioniq 1.6L Hybrid Launch"
"When we speak about the Nurburgring Nordschleife \u2013 which we do, \na lot\n \u2013 it\u2019s usually about the wildest supercars setting the shortest time around the \u201cgreen hell\u201d; the \nProton Wira\n would have never crossed our minds. But that\u2019s exactly what the Gravemade brothers of the \nDutch DIY Mechanics YouTube channel\n did \u2013 taking a Proton Wira onto the Nurburgring Nordschleife for what might well possibly be the first-ever lap by the Malaysian-made car.\n \nBut why a Proton Wira in particular? In the first instalment of the \nProject Proton\n series, the brothers said that they wanted a track car made specifically for the Nurburgring Nordschleife that was cheap and wouldn\u2019t cause too much heartaches if they crash it \u2013 which seemed pretty logical, seeing that they now live about 90 minutes away from the famed race track.\nImage: \nDutch DIY Mechanics\n/Instagram\nBehind that logical surface explanation though, there was actually a much more personal reason behind the purchase. In a \npost on Instagram\n speaking about their purchase, the Gravemade brothers revealed that they actually spent their childhood growing up in Malaysia, thus buying the Wira was \u201cjust a matter of time\u201d.\nUnfortunately, the faulty engine in their first 1.3L Proton Wira Aeroback (sold as the 413GLSi in Germany) proved too much work to solve, and they had to then source for a second 4G13 engine from a Mitsubishi \u2013 which, due to problematic electrical wirings, also failed to get the car running properly.\nScreen Capture: \nDutch DIY Mechanics\n/YouTube\nIn a last ditch effort, the Gravemade brothers decided to purchase a second Proton Wira \u2013 this time a 1.5-litre model with a working 4G15 engine, which just needed a quick tune-up to get it in great running condition ready for the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nImage: \nDutch DIY Mechanics\n/Instagram\nSeveral modifications were made to the Proton Wira to get it ready for the Nurburgring, which includes a stripped-out interior with Sparco racing seats for the front passengers, high-performance brake pads and shoes, 15-inch OZ Wheels with semi-slick tyres, as well as a sportier APEX suspension springs.\nScreen Capture: \nDutch DIY Mechanics\n/YouTube\nTo give it a true Malaysian vibe (and a play on \u2018ring-taxi\u2019), the dutch brothers even wrapped the Proton Wira in a red and white colour scheme in reference to the taxis in KL, finished with a yellow and white \u201c\nTeksi\n Ampang\u201d badge reading \u201cDDM Dutch Mechanics Sdn Bhd\u201d, along with actual Malaysian taxi paraphernalia and the iconic McDonald\u2019s drive-through VIP Sticker sent to them by a Malaysian fan.\n \nAlmost exactly one year after getting their hands on their \nfirst Proton Wira\n, the Gravemade brothers finally took their purpose-made track car for an emotional lap on the Nurburgring. You can watch the full lap (and a second lap done in August), as well as the entire build log over at the \nDutch DIY Mechanics YouTube channel\n."
"Last month, \nGeely Auto rolled out its own online sales system\n that offered customers a one-stop solution for all things car-buying. Services included alteration of vehicle specifications, financing and insurance.\nBut there is one option that surpasses the imagination and couldn\u2019t have been a more ideal solution for a time when human contact is best kept to a minimum.\nAnd it\u2019s drones. Geely is \nusing drones to deliver new car keys to their owners by flying directly to their doorstep or even balcony\n. This not only eliminates the need for customers to drop by the dealership but also creates a truly contactless car-buying experience.\n \nSince the platform was launched in February, just over 10,000 consumers have ordered and paid for vehicles on Geely\u2019s online mall with a further 110,000 users registering their interest to buy a Geely vehicle in the short term.\nAll Geely Auto vehicles are thoroughly disinfected by the dealership including through ionization prior to delivery in order to ensure customers enjoy a safe and healthy purchase experience.\nAs part of Geely\u2019s commitment to developing healthy cars, Geely Auto has set aside a RMB370 million fund that will focus on the development of cleaner, healthier vehicles providing clean cabin air and using materials that are antimicrobial in nature. The\n first mass produced vehicle equipped with anti-bacterial filters, the Geely ICON\n, was launched in late February 2020."
"Last year today, at the very same venue, Honda wowed the crowd with a controversial take on the all-new \nCivic Type R Concept\n. Say what you want, because the teams at Honda have certainly outdone themselves, going from concept to \u2018road going race car\u2019 in just a year\u2019s time.\nSeen here in pictures is the production version of the most feral \nCivic Type R\n to date, following many \nteasers\n including a very clever \nvideo advertisement\n.\u00a0The numbers we were \npreviously informed\n \u2013 all 280 horsepower of it \u2013 proved to be far from the 2.0-litre VTEC\u2019s limit. There\u2019s an old adage saying that we should save the juicy bits for last, so we\u2019ll get to that in a bit\nAs per our \nprevious report\n, the red-badged Civic has looks with function, and all of its exterior design elements have been put through extensive aerodynamic optimisation. This includes numerous wind tunnel testing and computer-based modelling in Sakura, Japan, which also happens to be Honda\u2019s Formula One engine development hub.\nNo Civic Type R is complete without its rear wing. Forgive me for this\u00a0clich\u00e9, but the downforce is strong in this one. Parts that work in tandem to keep the car sucked to the ground includes the wide front bumper and splitter, deeply cut side skirts, almost full-flat underbody, rear spoiler and rear diffuser. These parts have been carefully engineered to optimise downforce without causing drag buildup at higher speeds.\nWith its turbocharged engine comes great speed and heat \u2013 lots of it. To counter this, Honda made the upper and lower front grilles larger to allow greater volume of cooling air into the engine bay.\nThe latest Type R moniker sits on \n19-inch\n highly rigid alloy wheels, wrapped in a set of slim \n235/35 R19 profile tyres\n that were specifically designed for it. Stopping this hasty front-wheel drive are a pair of Brembo high performance brakes, with the front fitted with \nfour-piston calipers\n clamping the \n350 mm ventilated discs\n.\nNew to the Type R is its suspension setup, as it benefits from the brand\u2019s four-point \nAdaptive Damper System\n. It enables continuous independent control of each wheel whilst limiting wheel-load transfer during acceleration and deceleration, making your daily drive more comfortable. So they say.\nThe front axle is suspended by an advanced \ndual axis strut suspension\n that helps to \nreduce torque steer\n by as much as 50 percent, while the rear gets an H-shaped torsion beam setup, capable of improving rear roll rigidity by 180 percent. That directly translates to better overall handling, if we are to put it simply. Oh, also expect the road feel to increase by a considerable margin too, judging from how it\u2019s sprung.\nInside, the Civic Type R gets a raft of aesthetic and functional upgrades. The gear lever knob, like its predecessor, is entirely machined from aluminium. The sports bucket seats here are trimmed in a combination of black and red suede-like fabric, finished in double red stitching. They really do look comfy as far as pictures can tell. More red can be found on the gear knob and steering wheel, which is home to some of your dedicated function buttons.\nNow for the exciting bit. Under the hood rests the newly developed \n2.0-litre direct injected turbocharged\n \nVTEC\n engine. The engine is also part of Honda\u2019s next-gen Earth Dreams Technology series, though it\u2019s most unlikely to debut in voluminous cars like the \nCR-V\n or Accord. The numbers it makes \u2013 \n306 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque from 2,500 rpm; all-time high figures as far as Type Rs are concerned.\nThis front-wheel drive Civic \nredlines at 7,000 rpm\n, and through its \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n, the car will sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in \n5.7 seconds\n and onto a top speed of \n270 km/h\n. Honda claims that the sprint time is the fastest of any FWD hatchbacks, trumping Renault\u2019s Megane R.S 275 Trophy-R\u2019s 5.8-second century sprint time. If this gives you any indication, the Civic Type R lapped the\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring in \n7:50.63 seconds\n (video below), a good 4 seconds faster than the comparable Megane R.S 275 and 8 seconds quicker than the Seat Leon Cupra 280.\nThat laptime should rightfully earn the Civic Type R the \u2018King of the Ring\u2019 title, but looking at the growth rate of super fast hot hatches, it could be anyone\u2019s game now. Having said that, what are your thoughts on the new Civic Type R? Did Honda get it right by going down the turbocharging route, and the all-important question is, will it ever find its way to Malaysian ground?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last weekend, the local auto news scene was set alight by the launch of the \nPerodua Myvi\n in Brunei. Aside from the Standard 1.3 variant, the Myvi was also sold as the \nS-Edition\n; with a body kit resembling the \nMyvi GT Concept \npreviewed at the\n 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n.\nThe launched caused quite a buzz, to a point that netizens were questioning if Perodua would launch the same, following speculation by the local automotive media. Well, \nPerodua\n has spoken.\nThe Myvi GT at KLIMS 2018.\nAccording to the company, the sporty body kit was \nsourced independently by GHK Motors\n, distributors of Perodua vehicles in Brunei. Perodua also added that they\u2019re in talks with the distributor to ensure that the body kit complies with the company\u2019s standards.\nAs for GHK Motors, the company said the introduction of the Myvi S-Edition was \nan attempt to introduce a variant that is better suited for their market\n. So I guess we have the answer guys \u2013 a Myvi with a sporty body kit may be some time away, if ever.\nGALLERY"
"The appetite for MINI vehicles in Malaysia has certainly grown after \nMINI Malaysia charted a 12 percent increase in sales for 2017\n with 1,010 vehicles delivered. Having said that, MINI Malaysia understands that their cars are quirky lifestyle choices hence if you log on to their \nofficial website\n, you can find a plethora of options to customise your prized ride.\nWe recently got our hands on a heavily kitted out \nCooper S 3 Door\n \u2013 actually heavily kitted is an understatement. Introducing the MINI Cooper S 3 Door Challenge Inspired Edition, the only one of its kind in Malaysia, packed with uprated performance and cosmetic enhancements worth over \nRM65,000\n (yikes!).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI Cooper S 3 Door Challenge Inspired\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n207 hp @ 4,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,250 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.8 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM295,377\nSo, what exactly is the Challenge Inspired Edition and how is it possible that a Cooper S is more expensive than the full-fledge JCW 3 Door? The Challenge Inspired is essentially the 3 Door version of the JCW Pro Edition that only comes in the 5 Door body style, this car also shows how crazy you can go with the official accessories on offer.\nFor starters, this panda-themed MINI gets the full range of \nexterior upgrades\n including the JCW Aero Kit, Carbon Air Intake, Carbon Wing Mirror Caps, Black Decals, MINI LED Door Projector and 18-inch JCW Cross Spoke (506) lightweight alloy wheels.   Additionally, you can pick and choose your desired design for each individual component to suit your taste such as Union Jack roof, Chequered Flag decals, illuminated door sills and many more. You can even get the Key Fob in a different design if you so wish.\nOf course, there are also performance enhancing options to go with the go faster exterior. Under the hood, the 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line four gets the JCW Tuning Kit that bumps output to \n207 hp\n and\n 300 Nm\n (+15 hp & 20 Nm). The uprated engine is paired with the JCW Valve Silencer System with carbon tailpipe trim that adds a dedicated \nTrack Mode\n for ferocious pops and bangs \u2013 no I am not exaggerating it one bit. How much for that shouty exhaust? \nRM12,999\n.   With great power comes great stopping power, the Challenge Inspired Edition also comes with 17-inch JCW Sport Brakes, ventilated and cross-drilled, more effective than what the full-fledged JCW has. The last item on the list is the JCW Pro Suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 mm, giving it the perfect stance on the road.\nThe only option you can find in the cabin is the retrofitted Head-Up Display that displays the speed and Sports Display \u2013 instantaneous power (in kW) and torque (in Nm).\nHere is the breakdown of parts of this one-of-one Cooper S in the country:\nDescription\nRetail Price (inclusive of GST)\n18\u2033 JCW Cross Spoke 506\nRM13,388\n17\u2033 JCW Sport Brakes\nRM9,288\nJCW Aero Kit\nRM13,353\nJCW Pro Tuning Kit with Carbon Tailpipe\nRM12,999\nMINI LED Door Projector\nRM355\nBlack Trim, Front and Rear\nRM1,099\nJCW Pro Suspension\nRM7,800\nCarbon Mirror\nRM2,700\nCarbon Air Intake\nRM1,399\nHead-Up Display\nRM3,108\nTotal\nRM65,489\nTotal cost for dressing a standard Cooper S to the Challenge Inspired costs a staggering RM65,489. Considering that a standard Cooper S 3 Door retails for RM229,888, with the kit added you are looking at a total cost of RM295,377. Just a reminder, one of \nAutoBuzz.my\n Bests Cars of 2017, the full-fledged MINI John Cooper Works Hatch\n will only set you back at RM293,888. Is it worth it? Stay tuned for the full review coming soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bring those tissues out, this one\u2019s going to give you all sorts of warm, fuzzy feelings.\nAfter \nannouncing the end of its production\n, Volkswagen has produced a final tribute video for the iconic Beetle and it\u2019s more touching than you\u2019d expect.\nThe animated film follows the story of a boy whose major life events \u2013 from childhood, all the way to a senior age \u2013 were accompanied by the Volkswagen Beetle.\n \nAdding more sentimental value to the video was the rendition of \u201cLet it Be\u201d \u2013 perhaps Volkswagen\u2019s way of saying \u201clet the past, be the past\u201d as Volkswagen charges into a new decade (and era) of electrification.\nAt the end of the video, there was even a cameo appearance by what seems like the front end of the \nnew all-electric ID.3 with 550km of pure electric driving range\n. It was also reported that Volkswagen\u2019s new generation of the \u201cpeople\u2019s car\u201d will also \nfeature a hotter \u201cR version\u201d\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has just unveiled the convertible version of the M4 that was \nlaunched late last year\n. While the outgoing M4 Convertible had a folding metal roof, BMW has given the all-new model a soft cloth top to save weight. Yet, it still weighs a massive \n1,995 kg \n\u2013 just five kilograms off two tonnes, and nearly 150 kg heavier than its predecessor.\nThe extra weight boils down to two key points. One, the G82 BMW M4 Competition that this new convertible is based on has already put on quite a fair bit of weight compared to its previous generation, and two: It\u2019s only available with all-wheel drive.\nBut despite the weight, the M4 Convertible is still seriously quick. With a \n510 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n Competition-spec S58 3.0 litre twin-turbo straight-six engine underneath the hood, which is the only tune the M4 Convertible comes in, the AWD model propels itself to 100 km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n.\nFor context, that\u2019s 0.2 seconds quicker than the RWD-only M4 Competition coupe, and 0.2 seconds slower than the \nM4 Competition in xDrive form\n. Top speed meanwhile, is electronically limited to \n280 km/h\n with the optional M Driver\u2019s Package (250 km/h without).\nBMW says the new panel bow fabric roof (the same one found on the all-new \n4 Series Convertible\n) combines the \u201cpractical benefits of a retractable hardtop with the classically elegant aesthetic of a fabric hood\u201d, while being nearly \n40% lighter than its predecessor\n. It takes around 18 seconds to open and close the roof, and can be done while travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h.\nAs expected in a convertible, the boot space has taken a hit thanks to its folding roof mechanism \u2013 dropping from the 440 litres offered with the coupe, to 385 litres with the roof up, and 300 litres when stowed. Still, it\u2019s a huge improvement from its predecessor \u2013 the latter being 80 litres more than before.\nTo offset the removal of the roof, which is a key structural part in any car, BMW has added a model-specific torsion strut package at the rear of the all-new M4 Convertible to increase torsional rigidity, in addition to the existing M specific chassis bracing and a aluminium sheer panel for the front subframe from the M4 Coupe.\nStill not a fan of the \nlarge kidney grille\n?\nAside from the obvious changes on the upper half of the car, the rest of the all-new BMW M4 Competition Convertible \u2013 including both the interior and exterior appointments as well as options \u2013 are all basically unchanged from the M4 Coupe.\nProduction of the model is scheduled to begin in July this year at BMW\u2019s Dingolfing assembly plant, with sales set to begin shortly after. Pricing for the convertible model starts at GBP81,915 (~RM480k) in the UK, making it about GBP3,600 (~RM21k) more expensive than the AWD M4 Competition Coupe.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n has just announced an update to the \nBR-V\n\u2018s colour palette, with the introduction of Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.\nThe new hues for the Honda BR-V are part of the company\u2019s \nrecent streak of exterior colour palette updates\n, and will replace the existing Passion Red Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic colours respectively. Other colour options for the seven-seater model include Platinum White Pearl (extra-cost option), Marine Purple Pearl, and Lunar Silver Metallic.\nThe two new colours were first introduced on the all-new Honda City Hatchback, and have since been expanded to the all-new Civic and City sedan. The Honda Accord meanwhile is offered with the Meteoroid Gray Metallic colour.\n\u201cThese colours have been receiving good response from the market. In view of the good acceptance, we now continue to expand the new colours to the BR-V,\u201d said Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Hironobu Yoshimura. \u201cThe Ignite Red Metallic further elevates the attractiveness and bold appearance of the BR-V, while the Meteoroid Gray Metallic enhances its rugged look.\u201d\nSince its launch back in June 2020, the \nfacelifted seven-seater crossover\n has already sold more than 5,700 units as of last month. Honda Malaysia attributes the positive demand to the BR-V\u2019s overall design that \u201cmeets customers\u2019 needs for a 7-seater with stylish SUV design, exciting driving performance and incredible versatility\u201d.\nAs a quick recap, the Honda BR-V is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated i-VTEC inline-four engine that sends \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nHowever, it\u2019s the BR-V\u2019s unique features that make it a versatile family vehicle, including the 60:40 one-touch tilt and tumble seats in the second row, and 50:50 tilt and full tumble seats in the third row. The boot space expands from 223 to 539 litres with the third-row seats folded down.\nOther creature comforts include tweeter speakers, cabin air filter, automatic air conditioning, Smart Entry, as well as a seven-inch Display Audio infotainment system on the range-topping V variant.\nThe 2020 Honda BR-V is priced from \nRM86,726\n for the base E variant, and \nRM93,420\n for the range-topping V variant. The pricing is inclusive of the ongoing SST exemptions, although if you\u2019re not looking for one immediately, you might want to hold off for the \nnext-generation model \nthat\u2019s due to be \nlaunched here in Malaysia very soon\n."
"We\u2019re pretty sure you\u2019re aware by now that Honda Malaysia has introduced the all-new 11th generation Honda Civic with\n three\n \nvariants available\n.\nYou get the base model 1.5 E from \nRM125,634\n, 1.5V from\n\u00a0RM138,043,\n\u00a0and the range-topping RS from\u00a0RM144,350. Their features may differ from the three variants but they have something in common.\nRELATED: Honda Civic beats VW Golf GTI to be crowned Car of the Year in North America\nAs Honda Malaysia has stopped offering the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine previously available for the lower variants of the previous generation Civic FC, all three variants of the newly launched Civic will be powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.\nREALTED: Brief review of the all-new 11th-gen Honda Civic \u2013 Grown up in more ways than one\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, it\u2019s not a new shoe with the same sole design. For Malaysia at least, they\u2019ve squeezed out \n182 hp\n and 24\n0 Nm\n from the same engine in the previous generation; that\u2019s a \n9 hp and 20 Nm increase\n from\n \nbefore but how did they get that extra power?\n \nIn case you\u2019re wondering, it\u2019s not just a matter of tuning or re-mapping the engine but there\u2019s actually some new hardware involved.\nDuring our recent session with the Civic\u2019s Lead Project Leader from Japan, Mr. Tomoyuki Yamagami, we asked how and where the extra power came from and was told that the turbocharger\u2019s components in the new Civic have also been upgraded. No specific details were shared on what these components were; we will update this section as soon as we get further confirmation from Honda Malaysia.\nAccording to Mr. Tomoyuki, the new components not only contribute to additional horsepower but allow the turbocharger to be more responsive. This allows acceleration to not just be quicker but more responsive and instant with reduced lag.\nThat\u2019s not all. Honda has also made the oil pan more rigid and the engine\u2019s crankshaft thicker to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness while the engine is running.\nAs to why the 1.8-litre engine was discontinued, we were told that it was due to emission restrictions and that the engine is considered old now. The focus now is to further develop the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.\nLastly, if you\u2019re unaware, the \nall-new Civic in Thailand\n produces a few horsepower less and when asked why by other media representatives, Honda said it was due to the E85 fuel used in Thailand.\nStay tuned for more info on how the all-new Honda Civic has been improved!\nRELATED: All-new Honda Civic awarded with full 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating\nGALLERY"
"Thanks to dash cams and mobile recordings, we were able to see some of the crazy and peculiar habits of users on the road. But one particular (and most of the times questionable) action that irks us motorist is turning up to an unoccupied parking space only to find someone standing there to \u201ccop\u201d (reserve) the empty spot, waiting for their friend, father, mother, grandmother to turn up from Narnia.\nYou may think \u201chow can he/she do that, the car is not even here!\u201d but more often than not we move away to avoid causing a scene (read: running them over). What can we, as fellow road users do when facing these kinds of bullies? Well, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has come out to clarify that it is illegal for unauthorised personnel (that means you, auntie), to \u201ccop\u201d a parking spot and divert traffic away from the empty space:\n\u00a0\nUnder Section 50(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987, \u201cUnlawful interference and importuning\u201d: \u201cIf any person, otherwise than with lawful authority, remains on any road or at any parking place for the purpose of importuning any other person in respect of the watching or cleaning of a motor vehicle, or for the purpose of directing any driver of a motor vehicle in respect of parking on such road or at such place, he shall be guilty of an offence.\u201d\nIf found guilty, the offender can be fined up to RM2,000 or face a maximum six months jail term. So the next time you\u2019re making rounds for a parking spot, be sure to have your car ready with you."
"But of course, there are things about it that I didn\u2019t like, left me bemused and even dumbfounded. Three full tanks of fuel (at 400 km each), hundreds of kilometres and 10 days later though, I must say, my perception of the Toyota C-HR has changed.\nI still lament its existence, but now I see why Toyota, a brand so well-known for making the most practical, user-friendly and sensible cars, would bother creating such a thing.\nOn that note, they\u2019ve got it spot on. Everything about the C-HR is, nearly perfect, ESPECIALLY for the demographic it caters to.\nThe C-HR is not for sensible people like you and I; it\u2019s not for those who spend hours going through multiple money changers for the best possible exchange rate just so they can save RM 10.   Instead, it\u2019ll likely attract those who\u2019d queue outside an Adidas store for hours just so they could get their hands on an ugly pair of Yeezys, for thousands of ringgit, so they can be seen as \u201ccurrent and trendy\u201d people.\nAs a car though, on what it\u2019s like to drive and be driven in, the C-HR is right up there with its rivals. Some might even think that it\u2019s the best, and I wouldn\u2019t necessarily argue with them because of there are more reasons than one to like the car, despite its shortcomings, and here\u2019s mine:\nIt\u2019s as welcoming and comfortable as a lazy chair, one you \u201ccan\u2019t see out of\u201d\nYou all know that feeling; kicking back on your couch or a lazy chair, mindlessly flipping through the channels on your hopeless and repetitive cable TV, it\u2019s nice isn\u2019t it? It\u2019s an effortless way to go about life.   Well that\u2019s exactly how I felt from behind the wheel, on that comfortable seat. To an extent those seats even reminded me of those in the \nHarrier I reviewed earlier this year\n, only that it wasn\u2019t wrapped in Nappa leather. You don\u2019t sink in it, like you would into a bean bag, it\u2019s just supports you with the right amount of padding and contour.\nJust like being on your lazy chair that\u2019s positioned strategically in front of the TV, visibility ahead is great as well but what\u2019s more profound is how well it rides, and how well insulated the cabin is from the elements outside \u2013 it\u2019s not something you\u2019d overlook.\nWish I could say the same about its rear visibility though. There\u2019s not much to complain about through the rear view mirrors but the rear quarters make you feel as if you\u2019re badly blindfolded \u2013 with very partial visibility \u2013 no thanks to those huge \u201cC-pillars\u201d. Not very convenient when you\u2019re trying to parallel park or change lanes; good thing it comes with a Blind Spot Detector.\nA smooth operated held back by minor incompetencies\nOnce you start driving the C-HR, that\u2019s when you\u2019d be impressed because this thing is smoother than Michael Jackson doing the Moonwalk, in the way it drives. You just get the sense that everything is working together in synchronous harmony, like a well-oiled machine.   Even better, when the roads start to curve, that\u2019s when the C-HR really shows off its party piece \u2013 its road holding capabilities. The only thing holding it back from actually being \u201can exciting prospect\u201d is another 20 or so horsepower and a good set of tyres because there\u2019s only so much a 1.8-litre engine with 138 hp can offer and those Dunlop Eco-whatever-it\u2019s-called is just garbage.\nNot only is it noisy on the move, it just can\u2019t cope with how well the C-HR goes through the bends. I usually call bullshit every chance I get, but it does somewhat drive like a \u201cCoupe\u201d, despite being a \u201cHigh-Rider\u201d; it\u2019s actually true to the name it was given!\nAttention-seeking exterior design that isn\u2019t without drawbacks\nIn the 10 days I spent with the car, ferrying everyone from friends, colleagues and family members, not one had anything bad to say about how the C-HR looks. Overtime, I saw the appeal too. I\u2019m still not a fan of how it looks, but I get why people are appealed to it.\nJust look at that rear end and tell me I\u2019m wrong.\nCompare it with your HR-Vs and CX-3s, this thing sticks out like a beautifully-sore thumb with bulging character lines, swoops and curves molded all over its body. It\u2019s not exactly a stunning piece, but it sure is striking.\nBut there are, however, a list of let downs. Considering how radical the car looks, those rims looked like a pussy cat next to a ferocious tiger. And what\u2019s up with the position of those door handles? I can understand how a conventional one would ruin the flow and design of the car but how would a tiny 5-year old in a young family be able to reach it?   Also victim to the C-HR\u2019s dynamic design is rear headroom and visibility out of the rear windows. Sure, your kids wouldn\u2019t have trouble feeling snug back there but try fitting someone my height (180 cm) and he\u2019d beg to be released almost instantly. You could just feel this light, but perpetually pat on your head, from the sloping roof line.\nNot that anyone can see you suffer cause at full recline, your face would be completely swallowed by those thick C-pillars. Some would call it privacy, I\u2019d call it a nuisance. Having to lean forward just to catch a glimpse of what\u2019s outside, is no fun.\nA youthful interior that lacks a hint of maturity\nYouthful and futuristic as it may be on the inside, it does have a few quirks which aren\u2019t negligible. It\u2019s all very plush and pleasant at first but when you start spending more time in it, a few inconveniences come to light.\nTake the dashboard for example, I love the tri-coloured, multi-layered, soft touch dashboard where everything seems to be angled towards the driver but my front passenger wouldn\u2019t share the same enthusiasm. That\u2019s cause right in front of her (or him), where the glove box is tucked away, is an unnecessarily massive bulge.\nNot that it would matter most times, but if you need to make room for the passenger behind, bid au revoir to your knee caps. What the Yeezy-wearing C-HR owner would appreciate are the details on the headliner and the door panels, I\u2019ve never seen anything that \u201coutstanding\u201d in car with a RM 150k price tag.\nThis brings me back to my initial point about the C-HR catering to a very specific group of people. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s a car for the masses, it\u2019s for the urban-trotting, latte-drinking, yoga-going demographic that pays more attention to style than the underlying substance.\nAnd certain parts of the cabin just don\u2019t gel with the rest. It makes you wonder if Toyota, being the sensible car maker that they are, is trying just a little too hard to be hip and is out of its comfort zone.\nWhile it may have a decent sound system, a necessary feature for the under 35s, what bothers me is the glossy panels. Not only are they glossy but they have this \u201cgold dust effect\u201d throughout the surface.\nHow did Toyota think that it would gel with the classy and sophisticated, tri-coloured, multi-layered, soft touch dashboard? It doesn\u2019t make sense. Looking at the centre console, I can\u2019t help but think if there was a better way of designing it as there was no where to place my coins but in the cupholder \u2013 good thing it was deep enough. #twss\nI might have sounded like I absolutely hated the C-HR but truth be told, I\u2019ve been missing it. Is it a car I would buy? No. Would I recommend it to my friends? Depends who\u2019s asking. Is it a practical all-rounder? Not entirely.\nBut would I bet on it to get me from A to B effortlessly, in style and in comfort, with a hint of excitement most Toyotas in this price bracket seem to lack? Sure, with the RM 150k I don\u2019t have.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus\n has just teased its new entry-level SUV that will be added to its European model lineup. Known as the Lexus LBX, the upcoming small luxury SUV will be positioned under the \nUX\n compact SUV and is said to become the Japanese luxury carmaker\u2019s top seller.\nPlanned to be unveiled on \nJune 5\n, \n2023\n, in Milan Italy, the Lexus LBX will be the first Lexus model with a three-letter naming structure. All Lexus models thus far have been named after a two-letter naming structure, such as the \nRX\n, \nNX\n, \nES\n and CT.\nLooking at teaser pictures of the Lexus LBX, its front end features Lexus\u2019 new grille style, as well as a newly designed daytime running light (DRL). This is different from Lexus\u2019 usual Nike-esque DRL design. The second picture of the LBX teaser shows the car\u2019s rear lights that run across the rear of the car.\nLexus mentioned that the LBX is expected to be its best-selling model in Europe, which is a title currently held by the UX compact SUV. Since rolling out the UX, Lexus\u2019 sales have seen an 80% boost, and the company hopes the LBX will help boost its sales even further.\nRELATED: \nHere\u2019s what the letters in each Lexus model mean\nThe upcoming small Lexus SUV will sit beneath the Lexus UX in the brand\u2019s model lineup and will be sharing the same TNGA platform as the Europe and Japanese market \nToyota Yaris Cross\n platform. However, this platform is totally different from the one underpinning the Yaris Cross \nrecently launched in Indonesia\n, as that utilises the DNGA platform. Despite carrying the same Yaris Cross name, the two models are totally different inside and out as well.\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury now open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 RM469k"
"We\u2019re not sure where it all started, but car brands are seemingly much more daring these days (in our side of the world, at least), directly calling out competitors in their own commercials. Last week, Honda Malaysia \nreleased a video\n for its upcoming City throwing shade at the Toyota Camry, and now Geely is comparing its upcoming Preface flagship sedan against the likes of the \nBMW M4\n,\n \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S\n, and the \nPorsche Panamera\n in its new advertisement. No pressure, then.\n https://twitter.com/GeelyGlobal/status/1296267766014468099\nIn a video released yesterday on Geely\u2019s social media channels, the new commercial depicts the three German sportscars driving up a mountainous route \u2013 which looks fabulous, by the way \u2013 while passing a man dressed in a swanky three-piece suit.\nThe sharply-dressed man is then seen entering the conveniently-parked \nGeely Preface\n, wrapped in camouflage with \u201cCMA\u201d plastered across the side, and perhaps unexpectedly to the three competitors passing by previously, gives chase to the German convoy \u2013 with driving gloves and a helmet even, perhaps showing that he\u2019s not taking it lightly.\nWhat follows in the advertisement is a series of clips showing off the Geely Preface in spirited driving conditions, overtaking the aforementioned German stallions, perhaps just a little too easily to be believable. The four cars then gather at a scenic spot overlooking the valley below, with the Preface arriving last for some reason.\nThe video is undoubtedly designed to highlight the agility of the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which also underlines the likes of the \nVolvo XC40\n,\n \nPolestar 2\n,\n \nGeely Xing Yue\n, as well as the \nLynk & Co 03\n and the 2019 WTCR Championship-winning \n03 TCR race car\n.\nHaving \ndriven the Volvo XC40\n, we certainly have no doubts about the CMA\u2019s handling chops. Now all that\u2019s left to know is if the powertrain options can send its German rivals packing as suggested from the video above, which we\u2019ll find out at the launch of the new luxury sedan nearer to the end of the year.\nWith rumours floating about suggesting that the next-generation \nProton Perdana\n might be based on the Geely Preface, there\u2019s certainly a lot for us to to look forward to!"
"An all-new model series has been unveiled by Mercedes-Benz and it is the Mercedes-Benz CLE (C236). Like the \nCLA\n and \nCLS\n, this is a coupe model. More interestingly though, this new series replaces the C-Class Coupe, E-Class Coupe, and their cabriolet counterparts. The market launch of the CLE will begin in Europe this November.\nReplacing the C-Class and E-Class Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz CLE measures 4,850 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,428 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,865 mm long. It is longer and lower than both the C-Class and E-Class coupe, so the CLE name is rather appropriate since it leans towards being an E-Class.\nThe front end draws an uncanny resemblance to the CLA, especially with the shape of the headlights (the cluster does defer though and the CLE utilizes the brand\u2019s Digital Light technology). CLA similarities aside, the CLE does have decent proportions and a domineering appearance.\nOne thing that may bother fans of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s midsize coupe is the introduction of the B-Pillar. The E-Class Coupe made do without this, but the C-Class Coupe had it. The lack of the B-Pillar in the E-Class coupe and many older Mercedes-Benz mid-size coupes gave the car a signature look. With the windows down, you had a clean opening which was quite the head-turner. That aside, the CLE is still a decent-looking car.\nRELATED: \nNot only taking our jobs, ChatGPT is now in Mercedes-Benz\u2019s voice control system\nWheel sizes for the CLE range from 18 to 20 inches with varying designs and the AMG-Line CLE comes with 19-inch wheels as standard. At the back, the Mercedes-Benz CLE comes with a new set of taillights which is a two-part LED light with new contours and three-dimensional bodies.\nUpon its market launch in Europe set to happen in November this year, there will be 5 powertrain options for the CLE. Namely the CLE 220 d, CLE 200, CLE 200 4MATIC, CLE 300 4MATIC, and CLE 450 4MATIC. All powertrain options are 48V mild hybrid systems with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). There are no plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options yet, but Mercedes-Benz says it is a work in progress.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG SL 43 previewed in Malaysia \u2013 Estimated RM1 million, 2.0-litre turbo, 381hp, 275km/h top speed\nIn its most powerful version, the CLE 450 4MATIC sources power from a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 engine (M 256 M) that outputs \n381 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. The ISG provides an additional boost of \n23 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is the brand\u2019s 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.\nOther versions of the CLE are powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine (with varying outputs with respect to variant) or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Both fuel options get assistance from the 48V mild hybrid system.\nInside, the cabin design is already quite expected. Naturally, it is in sync with the cabin of the newly introduced W214 and the W206 with its large portrait head unit and prominent centre console. Of course, the head unit features the latest version of MBUX which has become quite popular among customers.\nLike the W214 E-Class, the Mercedes-Benz CLE\u2019s head unit can be installed the entertainment platform \u201cTikTok\u201d, the podcast platform \u201cPocket Casts\u201d, the audio and video streaming platform \u201cAudials\u201d, the game \u201cAngry Birds\u201d, the cloud-based collaboration application \u201d Webex\u201d, the video conferencing system \u201cZoom\u201d and the internet browser \u201cVivaldi\u201d.\nIn Malaysia, the E-Class Coupe is still available for purchase, selling at RM520,888. The sedan E-Class for Malaysia is also currently in the W213 generation.\nGALLERY"
"First\n \npreviewed in the country\n nearly a year ago now in conjunction with the global debut, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur (AMKL) today officially launched the Aston Martin DBX here in Malaysia. The Aston Martin DBX will join a pretty crowded bunch of ultra-luxury SUVs in the market including the \nLamborghini Urus\n and the \nBentley Bentayga\n, the latter launched in Malaysia just yesterday.\nThe Aston Martin DBX will go on sale in Malaysia starting at\n RM818,000\n without insurance, taxes, and associated costs, which is quite a bit higher than previously anticipated. The company explains that the increase in cost was due to the several quality enhancements made to the final production model.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the hood of the DBX is a Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, tuned in this iteration to make \n550 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque \u2013 higher than the Vantage and DB11.\nPower is transferred to the ground via a nine-speed automatic transmission (also sourced from Mercedes) and an all-wheel drive system featuring an active central differential and an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eDiff). The AWD system allows for torque to not only be controlled between the axles, but across the rear axles as well.\nWith that much traction, the Aston Martin DBX completes the century sprint in just\n 4.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n291 km/h\n. Aston Martin says that its not only quick on a straight line, but around bends as well, thanks to the triple-chamber air springs at all corners as standard, along with a 48-volt electric anti-roll control system.\nCollectively, the suspension system is able to raise or lower the car by 45 mm and 50 mm respectively, and exert up to 1,400 Nm of force on each axle to mitigate the rolling effects from the higher centre of gravity of an SUV. Aston Martin said that the DBX is a sports car first, SUV second, and we certainly have no doubts about that ambitious claim.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Aston Martin DBX features some of the company\u2019s most iconic design elements, including the signature grille design (the largest that\u2019s ever been fitted on any AM model, by the way), and a full-width taillight with integrated ducktail spoiler inspired by the new Vantage.\nThe Gaydon-based company not only paid extra-close attention to small visual details such as the glass cover on the B-pillars and flush window sills for a more coherent and elegant look, but also to the SUV\u2019s overall aerodynamic performance.\nThese include a vent on the daytime-running light up front that channels air through the front wheel arches and along the sides, as well as a slotted rear roof spoiler which not only helps clean up air flow over the roof, but also helps enhance the effectiveness of the ducktail spoiler, and even helps clear the rear windscreen from rainwater \u2013 removing the need of an ugly rear wiper.\nAnother benefit to the aerodynamic performance of the car is the reduction of cabin noise while on the move; Aston Martin says that they are one of the very few companies who are using computational aeroacoustics technology to help improve passenger comfort.\nINTERIOR\nOn the inside, the passengers are pretty much cocooned in acres of full-grain leather covering the entirety of the dashboard, as well as trims on the door panels, and of course the sport seats. The leather is offset by the headlining and electric roof blind which can be optioned in Alcantara suede.\nThe centre console is constructed as a floating bridge, where you\u2019ll find most of the driving and infotainment system controls, while underneath it is some flexible storage space. Along the sides, the decorative trims can be furnished in a range of different finishes, including solid wood, composite and metal veeners, as well as a new flax composite designed to be an ecologically-friendly alternative to carbon fibre.\nOther interior highlights include a\u00a010.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting with two control zones, three-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera system, and a 14-speaker, 800-watt sound system.\nAs for the SUV side of the equation, the Aston Martin DBX boasts a class-leading interior space thanks in part to the slim sport seats for the front passenger, and a reworked panoramic glass roof that reduces the height required for the rolling blinds mechanism. Further at the back, the DBX also features a cargo space of 632 litres, expandable by the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.\nIn fact, Aston Martin says that its Female Advisory Board was significantly involved during the design process of the DBX, in addition to dealership feedback and private focus groups to enhance the overall ergonomics of the luxury SUV, including the separate central armrests, glovebox design, and even the positioning of the car\u2019s key control systems.\nSAFETY\nThe family-oriented Aston Martin is well equipped with advanced safety features, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beam.\nAdditionally, the DBX also comes as standard with six airbags (front, side, and curtain), stability control, emergency brake assist, roll-over stability control, hill descent control, and hill start assist.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the Aston Martin DBX retails at RM818,000 before options, taxes, duties, and all other associated costs. On the options, Aston Martin is also offering additional packages such as the Pet package which includes a portable washer for your furry friends after a walk in the mud, in addition to the various wheel options, as well as exterior and interior finishes.\nThe DBX will be built at the company\u2019s manufacturing plant in St Athan, Wales, and is now available for viewing and booking at the Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur showroom.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has launched the new Volvo Car Finance programme offering low finance rates and more flexible packages to make Volvo ownership more accessible.\nThe new Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric EV\u00a0\nKey benefits include:\nFinancing rates as low as 1.88% p.a. (Flat rate equivalent) for all Volvo vehicles across all tenures;\nFinancing period of up to nine years, with a maximum facility of RM500,000;\nOption to embed a Prepaid Maintenance and Accessories Package into the financing facility;\nFacilities that are similar to a housing loan/financing which allows for reduction of principal balance and profit charges.\nVolvo updates Recharge T8 PHEV powertrain for 60, 90 series models in Malaysia\nVolvo Car Malaysia said, \u201cWith favourable financing rates and monthly instalments, owning a Volvo vehicle of choice has never been as hassle-free as now for Malaysians. Through the new financing programme, we empower our customers to embark on an ownership experience that is personalised for them, as Volvo continues to offer luxury designed for safety and sustainability \u2013 all of which are the needs of discerning customers today.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nThe new financing programme was introduced through Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s its partnership with RHB Bank Berhad. Volvo Car Finance is available at all Volvo authorized dealerships. More details \nhere\n!"
"Launched right alongside the \nfacelifted Mazda6 diesel\n is this, the facelifted Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D. Just one variant is introduced, and unlike our friends in Thailand, there will not be an all-wheel drive variant. Instead, we get the front-wheel drive model, and it will be locally assembled with the rest of the CX-5 range.\nAt heart is the same \n2.2-litre twin-scroll turbocharged\n clean diesel engine, making the same \n173 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n of torque as the Mazda6 diesel. It\u2019s paired to a \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission, but fun is slightly limited by the lack of paddle shifters. Nitpicking aside, this oil burning variant is just 55kg heavier than the 2.5-litre 2WD variant, and is lighter by 6kg compared to the 2.5-litre AWD variant.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G 2.0 (Mid Spec)\nMazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G 2.0 (High Spec)\nMazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2WD)\nMazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G 2.5 (AWD)\nMazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 2.2L (2WD)\nEngine\n1,998cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,488cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,488cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,488cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,191cc; DOHC, turbocharged inline-4\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n155 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n155 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n185 hp @ 5,700 rpm\n185 hp @ 5,700 rpm\n173 hp @ 4,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n250 Nm @ 3,250 rpm\n250 Nm @ 3,250 rpm\n420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM128,775.50\nRM142,775.50\nRM155,166.70\nRM166,666.70\nRM161,929.10\nDespite being the second most expensive variant in the lineup, it certainly is the best equipped one of the lot. The list starts with adaptive full LED headlights, LED fog lamps, leather seats, electric parking brake, GPS navigation (3D and 2D mapping) and six airbags, the CX-5 diesel benefits from additional features exclusive to its own \u2013 Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.   Like the Mazda6, this SUV is also awarded 5-stars by Euro NCAP, and gets six airbags as standard. Priced just under RM162k, this locally assembled SUV comes in four different colours \u2013 Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White (solid finish), Blue Reflex and Meteor Grey. Mazda Malaysia is currently in the midst of upgrading their production plant in Kulim, so for those who prefer the Soul Red Metallic over the four existing hues, just wait it out a little longer.\nAll Mazda CX-5s come with a 3-year manufacturer\u2019s warranty, as well as a 3-year free service package. Mazda also says their diesel models are best complemented by Euro5 diesel (to prevent soot buildup in the engine), which is becoming increasingly accessible throughout the country. As of today, there are 235 petrol stations offering Euro5 diesel.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We hope everyone is dutifully abiding by the Movement Control Order (MCO) and staying at home as much as possible. With that being said, there\u2019s definitely still a need to go out for our daily necessities once in a while, which means the interior of our cars might potentially be a virus hot zone after human contact.\nRecent studies suggests that the \nCOVID-19\n virus can survive for up to three days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces, therefore it is important to regularly clean and disinfect our cars to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.\nAs a continuation to the \ncar care tips\n provided last week, Proton has shared a few basic hygiene tips to keep our cars clean and safe \u2013 which can be useful for both the MCO period and in the long run!\nFirstly, Proton recommends to\n clean all touch points\n in the interior regularly using disinfectant wipes, which includes items such as the steering wheel, gear knob, door handles (both inside and out), push-start button, infotainment display, and climate control buttons.\nAs for car seats, usage of regular disinfectants might cause discolouration or damage to the upholstery \u2013 especially leather. Proton recommends to use the appropriate cleaning solutions for the right material, and ensure that it is fully dried after cleaning.\nClick to enlarge\nOne simple advice for personal hygiene during these trying times is to minimise contact by avoiding gestures such as handshakes, wash our hands frequently, and prevent touching your face as much as possible.\nThis simple advice can be taken to the next level in our cars too by\n using hands-free functionalities\n, such as voice command and feet sensor boot release \u2013 provided if your cars come with these features.\nProton also advices to frequently clean the interior of your cars by\n vacuuming\n out the trash, dust, loose dirt and small bits of food. If possible, invest in small\n air purifier\n which can help filter out microparticles and airborne bacteria. If you drive the Proton X70 though, lucky you \u2013 the air purifier is already built in to your air conditioning."
"BMW Group Malaysia has restructured the retail prices of its new vehicles. Let\u2019s take a deeper look to find out how the BMW restructured retail price looks like and what it means to customers.\nA new column has been added to the price list and it lists \u201cWith extended warranty and service package\u201d. BMW Group Malaysia has now made its signature \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty and service\n inclusive package as a \ncustomizable selection\n.\nThis is just a shortened list of popular models. The price of all models can be found at the end of the article\n\u201cBMW Group Malaysia is now offering our dealers and customers greater flexibility in terms of customizable specifications and warranty on their BMW and MINI vehicles, all of which can be done on the new digital interfaces of \nBMW Shop Online\n and MINI Online Shop. This also enables a more direct interaction between our dealer network and their respective customers for a more personalized product offerings at attractive prices,\u201d said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.\nCustomers now get to alter the purchase value of their new BMW vehicle, either taking just the standard two-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage with a new retail price or \ninclude everything which sees the price being maintained\n whilst transitioning from 2020 to this year.\n \nSo what does the BMW restructured retail price look like? Take the latest \nBMW 218i Gran Coupe\n as an example, a customer can now purchase the stylish vehicle for under RM200k at \nRM199,177\n but only comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage and no service package.\nThe customer can just singularly select the five-year extended warranty coverage for RM 5,300. Choosing the extended warranty coverage together with the 100,000-kilometre service package will price the vehicle\n \nat\n RM 211,367, no changes compared to last year\n.\nAs for the recently \nintroduced BMW M3 and M4 Competition models\n with sub-RM700k pricing, it excludes the 2021 aftersales package. Buyers can top up an additional RM26,240 for the said warranty and service package, which will bump up the M4 Competition\u2019s price to RM711,040, before adding the \nInnovation package and carbon-ceramic braking system\n.\nExtension of the warranty coverage for popular models like \nthe 3 Series\n and \nX1 Series\n is priced at RM5,900, while the \n5 Series\n requires RM2,000 more at RM7,900.\nMeanwhile, the five-year / 100,000-kilometre service package that includes replacement of lubricants and air filters is priced at RM8,800 for the 3 Series and RM10,900 for the 5 Series. Interesting to note that the 100% electric \nBMW i3s\n only requires a service package of RM2,700.\n \nPlug-in hybrid (PHEV)\n \nmodels still have their battery warranty extension programme that covers the battery and its units for \na total of 8 years or 160,000 kilometres\n, whichever comes first. It also looks like there will be a revision to this warranty coverage, as BMW Malaysia listed the validity for purchases only until 31st March 2021.\nThe BMW restructured retail price is undoubtedly targeting a very specific group of owners. The restructuring allows customers to opt-out of the long term warranty and aftersales lock-in period, which some fleet owners are not keen on as they have their service providers.\nBMW MALAYSIA 2021\n \nPRICE LIST"
"From now till the 26th of December, BMW Group Malaysia will give the public a chance to win exclusive BMW merchandises via lucky draws.\nThe initiative is in support of fulfilling the Christmas wish lists of the children from Shelter, a foster home for children in Petaling Jaya.\nTo participate in the lucky draw, visitors can help fulfill a wish by purchasing an item off the children\u2019s list and dropping them off in the \u2018Joy of Giving\u2019 box placed in the boot of the first ever BMW X7 on display next to La Bodega.\nIn doing so, they will be entitled to an exclusive BMW Christmas gift wrapper.\nThere will also be test drives of various BMW models such as the \nBMW X3\n and the \n530e\n. Customers who participate in the test drive will also be entitled to a lucky draw.\nThose who purchase more than RM200 worth of items at the Bangsar Shopping Centre is entitled to the exclusive BMW Christmas gift wrapper."
"Audi Malaysia today announced the arrival two new models to complete its executive line-up \u2013 Audi A6 2.0 TFSI quattro and unmistakable Audi A7 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro.\nBoth the A6 and A7 Sportback come with a high performance 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder \u00a0petrol engine working alongside Audi\u2019s legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive for added assurance and stability on the tarmac.\nThe Audi A6 2.0 TFSI quattro takes its place between the \nentry-level A6 1.8 TFSI\n and the range-topping Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro, standing out with 18-inch 10-spoke V-design wheels, its signature\u00a0Singleframe grille, LED headlights and taillights with dynamic indicators.\nThe A7 Sportback on the other hand provides a distinctively progressive silhouette with its long bonnet, muscular waistline and sloping roofline; making it a more accessible option for owners\u00a0looking to combine the sporty appeal of a coup\u00e9, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of an Avant (station wagon).\nBoth the direct fuel injection engines develop a total of \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque between the range of 1,600 and 4,500 rpm and is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, delivering power through Audi\u2019s famed quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Zero to 100 km/h takes just \n6.5 seconds\n in the A6 sedan while the A7 Sportback five-door coupe does it in \n6.7 seconds\n.\nThe insides of the A6 sedan sets the tone for business class comfort with electrically-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support followed by spacious and comfortable rear seats wrapped in \nMilano leather\n. The executive sedan also come with Audi MMI navigation plus with MMI Touch which can be accessed through an electronically-retractable 8-inch display. Other creature comforts include Audi Connect, Bose surround sound with a 12-channel amplifier powering \n14 loudspeakers\n.\nOn the contrary, the A7 Sportback projects a more sportier vibe from its interior with a more sculpted dashboard with Aluminium Ellipse silver inlays. This is further enhanced with similar electrical adjustments on its alluring sports seats with four-way lumbar support in the front and cosseting rear seats, all done up in sumptuous Alcantara-leather combination.\nTech wise, the A7 Sportback is as bristled with features with the same \u00a0infotainment and connectivity features as the A6 sedan but with additional \nAudi Smartphone Interface\n, providing iOS and Android smartphone connectivity through the vehicle\u2019s MMI interface.\nBoth the A6 sedan and A7 Sportback are swamped with features to ensure safety and efficiency. These include the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). They also come with a start/stop system with energy recovery, tyre pressure loss indicator, hill descent control and a grand total of \neight airbags\n.\nThe Audi A6 2.0 TFSI quattro is priced from \nRM 407,900\n whilst the Audi A7 2.0 TFSI quattro will retail from \nRM 484,900\n. Both are now available for booking at all authorised dealerships effective immediately.\n*Pictures of Audi A6 are for illustration purposes only."
"BMW i first wowed the world when they introduced the groundbreaking i8, but plans to introduce an open-top version is now an open secret.\nIn fact, we\u2019re getting closer to its world debut, with the production version due for completion by 2018. It\u2019s difficult to tell apart the new design save for the\u00a0\nfabric\n\u00a0\nroof\n, of course. The iconic\u00a0\nscissor doors\n are here to stay.\nIt retains the same carbon-fibre reinforced plastic tub and the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The \ncoupe\n\u00a0gets a\u00a0\n1.5-litre\u00a0turbocharged three-cylinder engine\n and an \nelectric motor\n, coupled with a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n, produces\u00a0\n362 hp\n and\n 570 Nm \nof torque. It sprints (the standard coupe) from\u00a00-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.\nThe history of the BMW i8 Roadster can be traced back to the unveiling of the\u00a0\nSpyder Concept\n back in 2012. The coupe was launched in 2013 and took the world by storm. Next year, the roadster, together with the mid-life update for the coupe, should propel the i8 to greater heights."
"Renault\u2019s all-new second generation Koleos SUV is set to hit Malaysian showrooms sometime in September, but Renault Malaysia (TC Euro Cars) is wasting no time by taking early orders for those who are interested.\nIt\u2019s the first Renault model to be introduced here bearing the company\u2019s new design philosophy, and the SUV comes fitted with a range of features such as full LED \u2018Pure Vision\u2019 headlights, C-shaped LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and some really swanky LED bar tail lamps. Other exterior touches include a shark fin antenna, dual exhaust pipes and keyless entry.\nOn the inside, a three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel comes as standard, as are the \n8.7-inch R-LINK 2 head unit\n, 7-inch screen built within the instrument binnacle, ambient lights, push-start button, electric parking brake, leather seats, blind spot monitoring system and six airbags.\nUnder the French skin is a thoroughly familiar platform \u2013 the Renault CMF platform which also underpins the outgoing \nNissan X-Trail\n. This means they both share the same QR25DE \n2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine\n, producing \n168 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n of torque. Renault says about 200 Nm of torque can be available from as low as 1,800 rpm, making it relatively responsive at low to medium engine load. However, unlike the four-wheel drive X-Trail, the Koleos will only come with a \nfront-wheel drive\n configuration. Tasked with managing all the power up front is the same \nX-Tronic CVT\n.   Like most Renault models sold here, the Koleos comes with a \n5-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty with unlimited mileage\n. The warranty is completely backed by Renault and not by other insurance companies. Those who are looking for an alternative offering other than the \nMazda CX-5\n and \nHonda CR-V\n, this could be your calling.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has announced the availability of new variant to G20-generation 3 Series range, the \n320i Sport\n. The 320i variant was previously the best-selling variant during F30 era, before making way for the 330e plug-in hybrid.\nThe new 320i Sport is priced at a competitive \nRM243,800\n \u2013 well within the ballpark of what the F30 320i used to command \u2014 a testament to the \nlocal assembly efforts of BMW Malaysia\n. Here are the \nkey specs\n of the 320i Sport:\n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n 2.0-litre Twin-power turbo four-cylinder\n8-speed Sport automatic\n with steering shift paddles\nZero to 100km/h in\n 7.1 seconds\n, top speed of \n235 km/h\n18-inch double-spoke\n 790 M dual-tone alloy wheels (225/45 R18)\nAdaptive LED headlights\n and LED fog lamps (housed in NACA ducts)\nAluminium \u2018Mesh effect\u2019 interior trim with Pearl Chrome highlight\nVernasca leather upholstery\nSport seats and steering wheel\nAnalogue driving instruments\n with 5.7-inch digital display (BMW Live Cockpit Plus)\n8.8-inch central iDrive display\n with navigation (running on \nOperating System 6\n)\n3-zone automatic climate control\n6-speaker audio system\nBMW \nConnectedDrive \nwith Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices and Digital Key\nParking Assistant with \nReversing Assist\n and reversing camera\n320i Sport gets analogue dials unlike 330i, may be better appreciated by traditionalists.\nVisually, it\u2019s easy to distinguish the 320i Sport from the 330i M Sport as they both have different body kits; the front fog lamp housing of the 320i features \nNACA-inspired air intakes\n, along with the horizontal T motif at the corners of the rear bumper.\nThere is a total of \nfive body colours\n to choose from; Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Mediterranean Blue and Sunset Orange. Like all new BMW models, the 320i Sport comes with \n5-year unlimited warranty\n, and \n5-year or 100,000 scheduled maintenance\n (BMW Service Inclusive Basic package).\nIf you don\u2019t have RM 250K cash lying around in a duffle bag, you can own the new BMW 320i Sport via BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s \nDynamic financial programme\n with a monthly instalment plan starting from \nRM2,788 \nbased on estimates of an 80% loan over a five-year tenure.\nBMW 320i Sport gallery"
"Winston Churchill once famously said, \u201cThe price of greatness is responsibility\u201d. Considering the recent milestones of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) over the past two years, greatness is certainly a word to go by.\nBesides selling cars and commercial vehicles, MBM plays a crucial role in the shaping of our community. The 13-year old company, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Cycle & Carriage Bintang, is one of the founding sponsors of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). Over the past 11 years, the non-profit company has \nreceived over RM1.2 million in donations\n from MBM alone. This year, MBM kickstarted its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by giving an additional \nRM120,000\n to KLPAC, but that\u2019s not all.\nIn continuing their \npartnership with Driven Communications\n\u00a0(which saw Driven and MBM jointly leasing 110 child car seats for the Hari Raya celebrations last year), MBM will be providing an additional 135 child car seats worth RM50,000 this year, which means there\u2019s a total of 245 child car seats to be given out to deserving families this festive season.\nThe objective of this Child Car Seat Rental Programme is to create awareness and educate families on road safety, especially their\u00a0children\u2019s.\u00a0Here, parents\u00a0will learn how to properly install child car seats (Isofix and non-Isofix models available) and the importance of having one. These seats range from \nRM499 to RM1,099 each\n.\u00a0But before buying them, we strongly suggest you give this rental programme a try. The only fee you pay is a minimum deposit, which of course is refunded after returning the child seat.\nAlso to benefit from MBM\u2019s CSR campaign this year are non-governmental organisations Teach for Malaysia and Monfort Boys Town. Over \n200 units of pre-owned computers\n will be donated to primary schools, with both the aforementioned NGOs receiving 50 units each. Three other unnamed vernacular primary schools (35 units each) will benefit from the remaining computers.\nLastly, \nHospis Malaysia\n, also known as the organiser for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon (taking place this year on 7 August, Sunday), will be receiving RM20,000 as corporate sponsorship. Hospis Malaysia is a \ncharitable organisation\n that offers professional palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, for free.\nIt\u2019s little things and courteous gestures like these that shape us, and in the grander scheme of things, our country. We at \nAutoBuzz.my\n tip our hats off to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and all the worthy recipients \u2013 the unsung heroes \u2013 who collectively and continuously strive\u00a0to make a change.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz CSR Campaign Launch   Mercedes-Benz A250 Motorsport Edition"
"Seeing as most Malaysians are so enthusiastic about personalising their cars and that most \nHonda Jazz\n I\u2019ve noticed at least, have been meddled with one way or another \u2013 with at least a spoiler \u2013 this Mugen kit should be a sure win with the locals.\nAfter announcing that there\u2019ll \nonly be 300 units of the Jazz Mugen for sale last month\n, Honda Malaysia took to the \n2019 Malaysia Autoshow\n to display the Jazz Mugen.\nWhat do you think of those 17-inch Mugen wheels?\nUnlike the ones on sale, which are only available in Modern Steel and White Orchid colours, the Passion Red colour on the Jazz sure makes the Mugen kit pop just a little more.\nWhile the rear end may not look as bombastic as the \nFK8 Civic Type R Mugen Concept\n, the front half would surely be an intimidating sight in everyone\u2019s rear view mirror.\nOn the inside, sad to say, there\u2019s no Mugen additions or garnish to the plain Jane cabin of the standard Honda Jazz. There aren\u2019t performance upgrades available either \u2013 bummer.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Using a sportscar as your daily get-around can be quite taxing for some but the\n new Honda Civic Type R\n, has proven to be as docile as it is aggressive, for extended durations behind the wheel.\nAnd it\u2019s a trait that Red Bull Toro Rosso\u2019s Formula 1 drivers, Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley can surely attest for, as both have opted for the Honda Civic Type R as their primary road car.\nDubbed the \u2018race car for the road\u2019, it holds the record for the \nfastest front-wheel drive car ever around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife\n with a lap time of 7 minutes 43.8 seconds.\nFrenchman, Gasly, who received his new car last month commented, \u201cI am very lucky to have a Type R as my daily car. I\u2019m excited to try it out on the iconic Route Napoleon in the South of France, and maybe even on a racetrack where I will really be able to push the limit.\nAs for Hartley, whose first ever road car was a 1996 Honda Civic said, \u201cIt\u2019s a shame that I don\u2019t get to drive it as much as I\u2019d like due to the busy F1 schedule.\u201d\nGasly added, \u201cThe interior is spacious, particularly the trunk, which is important for going to the airport with all the luggage I need to carry.\u201d"
"With the size and heft to announce its arrival not just at hotel lobbies and private air strips but in the world of posh SUVs, suffice to say, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has also lived up to the name it was given \u2013 \ninspired by the world\u2019s largest diamond\n.\nUnder the hood rests a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 with \n571 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n of torque, allowing the\n 2,700 kg\n Cullinan to glide to 100 km/h from standstill in just 5.1 seconds.\nOne of the main reasons why the Cullinan is so heavy is because it\u2019s been lined with \nmore than 100 kg of sound deadening materials\n. The Cullinan is also the first model in the history of Rolls-Royce to feature four-wheel drive, with rear-wheel steering as standard.\nFor those wondering what it would cost to have the world at your feet, the price tag is \nRM1.8 million\n before applicable duties and taxes; that\u2019s even before you start flipping through the endless pages of the customisation menu!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It all started early last year when the manager at a Hyundai dealership in Brazil noticed a stray dog roaming around the premises. What was thought to be a temporary appearance by the stray turned permanent and now, he\u2019s even got a name and a \u201cnew role\u201d!.\nHe\u2019s called \nTucson Prime\n \u2013 named after the \ncompany\u2019s mid-size SUV\n and the \nHyundai dealership\u2019s name \n\u2013 and has been hired as the dealership\u2019s \u201cProfessional Consultant\u201d. He\u2019s even got his own employee tag!\nThe story was picked up by the local media and guess what, Tucson is now more famous than the dealership itself; with \nover 100k followers on Instagram\n. The \nlocal dealership\n only has 11,000 followers.\nThe manager of the dealership said they decided to offer Tucson a permanent home because of his ability to greet and interact with customers. Hardly surprising as most dogs have been known to be friendlier than human beings. Apparently, it has improved the work environment in the dealership too.\nCustomers who have purchased a car from the dealership have also been coming back just to visit Tucson, along with gifts for the canine.\nThat\u2019s not all, Tucson\u2019s fame and good fortune could further improve as he is expected to star in Hyundai\u2019s upcoming advertising campaign in Brazil!"
"When it comes to off-road toughness, the Land Rover Defender has a pretty established reputation for being virtually indestructible. With the\n all-new Defender\n launched just last year, what better way is there to prove its ruggedness than to star in a James Bond movie?\nLand Rover has just released a behind-the-scenes video of a car chase scene in the upcoming James Bond movie, \nNo Time To Die\n, featuring none other than the all-new Defender, where we get to see just how tough it really is.\n \nThe footage is actually from a stunt rehearsal for the movie\u2019s chase sequence. Despite that, the stunts are still very real, and the video gives us a good idea of the Land Rover Defender\u2019s off-road capabilities.\nLooking at the stunts performed in the video, it\u2019s very hard to imagine that the cars have not been modified. However, Land Rover Defender Vehicle Line Director Nick Collins, clarified that there were no modifications done to the body structure, \nother than the installation of a roll cage\n.\n\u201cWe developed a new test standard for Defender, the most challenging we\u2019ve ever had and unique to this vehicle. Physical strength and durability is measured by a number of different tests including a bridge jump test which gave us confidence to deliver\u00a0what the stunt team needed to create for No Time To Die, \u201d said Collins.\nIn total, \n10 Land Rover Defenders\n were used in the filming of the movie, including the seventh Defender to roll off the production line, carrying a very James Bond VIN number \u2013 007.\nPutting these vehicles through their paces is Jessica Hawkins, driver in the Formula 3 W series. \nNo Time To Die\n is also the first time Hawkins worked on a movie set!\n\u201cIt doesn\u2019t get any more exhilarating than being a stunt driver in a James Bond movie and it\u2019s an honour to be a part of this incredible movie driving the new Defender,\u201d said Hawkins.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Automobili Lamborghini has released another monster off its chain, the Huracan Tecnica, developed for both the road and track.\nPowered by the same 5.2-litre V10 engine used in the Huracan STO, the Huracan Tecnica produces the same output as the STO, with 640 hp and 565 Nm. Gearshifts are made through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, for a quick 3.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Top speed is 325 km/h.\n \nWeighing just 1,379 kg, it\u2019s the second lightest Huracan behind the Huracan STO. Lamborghini said the Huracan Tecnica emits sharper engine sound at higher revs while inside the cockpit offers improved acoustic comfort.\nThe Tecnica\u2019s carbon-ceramic brakes are aided with cooling deflectors and brake caliper ducts. This helps direct airflow into the discs to maximise heat dissipation and reduce brake fluid temperatures and brake pedal travel.\nThe rear-wheel drive Tecnica features rear-wheel steering and torque vectoring, together with a modified Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS) and specific suspension set-up. Depending on the drive mode selected \u2013 Strada, Sport, or Corsa \u2013 the systems mentioned above come together to provide a highly different driving experience.\nIn Strada, the rear-wheel-steering provides stability and manoeuvrability, while in Sport mode, maximum driving fun comes from the rear-wheel steering\u2019s enhanced oversteer and with more slip allowed by the P-TCS system. Torque vectoring ensures the Tecnica\u2019s agility and responsiveness in the hands of the driver.\u00a0\nIn Corsa mode, the Huracan Tecnica\u2019s true colours are revealed; as it responds to every input by the driver with extreme precision. The powertrain is calibrated to provide optimised track-oriented throttle response and the fastest gearshifts.\nThe Huracan Tecnica\u2019s revised design lends a stronger, predatory stance with a new bumper featuring the Terzo Millennio\u2019s black Ypsilon design. The front bumper also incorporates an air curtain for the first time in a Huracan. The front hood is a full carbon fibre unit.\nThe rear section has also undergone some changes, with a new vertical rear glass window to improve visibility, along with a redesigned engine hood made of (you guessed it) carbon fiber. Similar to the front end, the rear incorporates a new bumper with air ducts and also houses the new hexagonal exhaust tips.\u00a0\nThe fixed rear wing contributes to 35% more downforce than the Huracan EVO RWD. The Huracan\u2019s new shoes are 20-inch Damiso diamond cut wheels, inspired by the Lamborghini Vision GT and wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres.\u00a0The brakes are 6-pot caliper units in the front, and 4-pot units at the back.\nInside is a redesigned, infotainment interface that\u2019s exclusive to the Tecnica.\u00a0 The driver\u2019s instrument panel reduces colors and emphasizes readability in a large new \u2018arc\u2019 in front of the pilot. A new Alcantara interior has also been created exclusively for the Tecnica.\nGALLERY"
"The \nPorsche Taycan\n is no stranger to the record books, with the title for the \nworld\u2019s longest EV drift\n and \nfastest EV lap around the Nordschleife\n already under its belt. But in just a single day, the EV sportscar added 13 more to that list.\nPorsche couldn\u2019t have chosen a better location than the Brands Hatch circuit to set the records either, the same place where the 917 won the rain-soaked 1,000-kilometre race by an incredible five laps in 1970, and later in 1984 claimed the top six finishes in the same event.\n \nIn an attempt to emulate their successes here in the past, Porsche brought out two versions of its EV sports car \u2013 a \nTaycan Turbo S\n and a \nTaycan 4S\n, piloted by Le Mans legend Richard Attwood (who took a podium finish with the 917 in 1970), ex Formula One and Porsche racer Jonathan Palmer (who won the race in 1984), 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion Harry King, and 2020 Cayman Islands Porsche Sprint Challenge GB champion James Dorlin.\nDuring their 1,000 km run around the circuit, which took a whopping 13 hours to complete (from 7 am to 8 pm), the two Porsche Taycan cars \u2013 both covered in specially-designed Salzburg tribute livery \u2013 racked up a remarkable 13 separate records, each one ratified by Motorsport UK in the category of \u2018electric cars over 1,000 kilograms\u2019.\nPorsche Taycan Turbo S\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 200 km\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 100 miles (160.9 km)\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 200 miles (321.8 km)\ndistance covered from a standing start in three hours \u2013 252.356 km\ndistance covered from a standing start in six hours \u2013 450.065 km\ndistance covered from a standing start in 12 hours \u2013 915.762 km\nPorsche Taycan 4S\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 50 km\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 50 miles (80.5 km)\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 100 km\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 500 km\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 500 miles (804.7 km)\ntime taken from a standing start to cover 1000 km\ndistance covered from a standing start in one hour \u2013 98.192 km\nAs luck would have it, the record attempt \u2013 just like the 1970 race \u2013 was also met with intermittent rain and heavy showers, meaning that the track surface was always damp at best. The long hours also meant that a huge chunk of the 13 hours were in complete darkness, but fortunately the line-up of experienced drivers, each of whom completed two or three stints of around 90 minutes, proved up to the challenge.\nEqually as impressive was the Porsche Taycan\u2019s thermal management technology, which proved to be a valuable asset during the record attempt, especially when it came to recharging. Despite an ambient temperature of just eight degrees Celsius at Brands Hatch, and the heat generated by constant high-speed driving, the battery temperature was always within the optimal range for minimal power loss and efficient charging.\nWith the Porsche Taycan\u2019s 270 kW charging capacity, the 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus was able to charge from 5-80% in just 22.5 minutes under ideal conditions, which helped minimise time spent in the pits. According to Porsche, the cars were each stopped in the pits for around three hours across six stops during their runs, each stop lasting around 30 minutes, with the cars charging from around 5-85% each time.\nGALLERY"
"This comes as a surprise as BMW Thailand has added another long-wheelbase variant to the popular 3 Series sedan. \u00a0\nThe introduction of the BMW 320Li Luxury also sees the demised of the regular 320i standard wheelbase and makes this variant the entry model into the BMW 3 Series family with a starting price of \nTHB2,439,000\n (approx. RM306k).\nFor fans and driving enthusiasts who prefer a 3 Series with a standard wheelbase of 2,851 mm, they will only have the turbodiesel (BMW 320d) and plug-in hybrid (BMW 330e) options. The BMW M340i xDrive that comes with an \nincredibly impressive powertrain\n is priced closer to THB4,000,000. \u00a0\nIn terms of outlook and features, the BMW 320Li Luxury adopts the regular bumper and wheel designs (still 18-inches with single size) plus bright chrome window surrounds. The panoramic two-piece glass roof is also maintained on the new entry model.\nAs for propulsion, the BMW 320Li continues to be fitted with the standard tuning of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with outputs of \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque. The added weight of features, sheet metal and glass has certainly blunted its straight-line performance, where the longer BMW 320Li registered a time of \n8.1 seconds\n for the benchmark century sprint, a full second slower than the standard BMW 320i.\nRead our test drive review on the BMW 320i Sport! Rear-wheel drive and steering precision never felt any better!\nInside the BMW 320Li, just selected gadgets have been removed compared to the earlier-launched BMW 330Li, such as the BMW Head-up display, Driving Assistant suite and Harman Kardon Surround Sound system.\nAdopting the Luxury line means the long-wheelbase interior also gets fitted with the standard steering wheel, foot pedals and is decorated by open-pored oak grain trim.\nConsumers would be happy to know that all other features from the 330Li have been made available in the 320Li, such as the Vernasca leather upholstery, Sensatec-lined dashboard, enhanced ambient lighting, 3-zone automatic air-conditioning, hands-free boot opening, Intelligent Emergency Call module and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with dual high-resolution displays.\nTo recap, the long wheelbase stretches the G20 BMW 3 Series by \n110 mm\n, which translates to an increase of \n42 mm\n in rear passenger legroom. There is also a 6 mm gain in headroom compared to the regular models. \u00a0\nBMW Thailand is pricing the latest 320Li Luxury starting at \nTHB2,439,000\n (approx. RM306k) or 15% cheaper than the 330Li M Sport. \u00a0\nIn Malaysia, BMW recently introduced the first-ever \nBMW 330Li in M Sport\n guise priced from \nRM277,164.22\n on the road, without insurance, inclusive of the SST exemptions and a standard two-year warranty.\nFor the full five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme and, the price increases to \nRM290,284.22\n \u2013 a RM13,120 premium.\nImages: Facebook/\nBMWThailand\nGALLERY"
"The Malaysian-spec Mazda CX-9 which will be launched very soon is being showcased at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 at MAEPS, Serdang from 9th to 12th November 2017. The CBU model will be replacing the \nAustralian-spec CX-9\n which has been on sale.\nThe CX-9 will utilise a 2.5-litre Dynamic Pressure Turbo 4-cylinder engine with VVT, with an output of \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque, mated to a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission.   On the outside the CX-9 now comes with a host of LED lightings which extend to the headlamps, tailights, fog lamps and daytime running lights, replacing the previous halogen units \u2013 as it carries on with a set of 20-inch wheels.\nWhat you don\u2019t get with the Malaysian-spec CX-9 is the i-Stop system \u2013 eliminating the idle stop/start function previously found in the Australian-spec model along with the i-ELOOP system, a capacitor-based energy recovery system.\nHighlights on the inside includes Bose sounds system linked to a whopping 12 speakers, the 8-inch touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System, an Active Driving display along with leather upholstery and a triple-zone auto climate control system.\nIts i-ActiveSense system now comes with Lane Depature Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and also Mazda\u2019s signature G-Vectoring Control GVC) system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The father of all luxury SUVs has entered its fifth generation, and it is the \nRange Rover\n L460\n which is now available in Malaysia with a tax-, duty-, and option-free price of \nRM1,268,000\n. After taxes and duties, the price hovers near the region of \nRM2,480,000\n. In its most basic form for Malaysia, the L460 comes in the standard wheelbase with the High Specification Equipment (HSE) trim.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\n \nPioneering the luxury SUV segment, the Range Rover has been around for more than 50 years and has been continuously refined throughout those years. On the outside, the fifth generation introduces an overall smoother body styling with a dash of minimalism thrown in as well.\nMore aerodynamic than its predecessor, the fourth generation, the fifth-gen/L460 has a drag coefficient of 0.3 thanks to its tighter panel gaps, flusher body trims, and retractable door handles. Exterior style-wise, the fifth-gen very is a subtle evolution from the fourth-gen, with its rear end being the most dramatic part of it all.\nAt the rear, the Range Rover L460 gets a boat tail-like design with thin taillights that feature a \u201cHidden until lit\u201d concept. More body colours covering the rear end make the L460 look even much larger than it already is. As for the tailgate, the L460 gets the signature split tailgate with an optional \u2018Tailgate Event Suite\u2019 that makes the L460 perfect for a luxurious picnic should you desire to have one.\nRELATED: \nRange Rover Velar facelift debuts, P400e gets boosted 64km EV range\nUnder the hood, the Malaysian Range Rover L460 comes with the P530 powertrain which is essentially a BM-sourced 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine. The Bavarian V8 makes \n530 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n, launching this behemoth of an off-roader from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.6 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nThere are PHEV and MHEV powertrains for the L460, but currently, the only option for Malaysia is the V8 twin-turbocharged mill. An all-electric version is also set to make its world debut in 2024.\nInside, leather upholstery comes as standard, but customers do have the option to upgrade to an optional leather-free interior that combines Ultrafbarics and Kvadrat wool blend. The fifth-gen Land Rover comes in four, five, and a new seven-seater configuration (for the long wheelbase model), but to start, the Malaysian spec L460 is the standard wheelbase with a five-seater configuration.\nWith the minimalist theme flowing to the interior, there is now only one central touchscreen which is the 13.1-inch Pivi Pro infotainment unit that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Behind the steering wheel is a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster with customisable displays.\nIn the safety department, the Range Rover L460 comes with Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Driver Condition Response, Blindspot Assist, and Rear Traffic Monitoring. It also comes with a 3D surround camera and a Clearsight interior rear view mirror. \u00b0\nGALLERY"
"The updated\u00a0\nProton Iriz\n became the first model to be introduced after\u00a0\nappointing Geely as their foreign strategic partner\n. Some of the updates were taken straight off the newer\u00a0\nPersona\n, further refining the B-segment hatchback in many ways.\nThe key improvements here are\u00a0\nNoise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)\n levels and fuel consumption. For starters, there are now just three mounting points for the engine instead of four, which Proton says helps reduce vibration. The cabin is also better insulated from noise, whereas the exhaust system is sourced from a different supplier altogether.   The exterior and interior both get a slight update, but only the 1.6L Premium CVT gets gloss black roof, rear spoiler and side mirrors to contrast the body paint.\nInside, the 1.3L Executive gets a new push-start button, previously reserved only for the 1.6L variant. The seats are part leather (only for Premium) with red stitches on the\u00a0steering wheel and seats. The Iriz also receives a newer infotainment screen that supports\u00a0Smart E-Link smartphone mirroring. Finally, the\u00a0\nEco-Drive Assist Indicator\n is offered for all\u00a0Iriz CVT models.   There\u2019s no changes to both powertrain and safety, but it still is a solid\n\u00a0\n5-Star achiever at the ASEAN NCAP crash safety test,\u00a0just like before. As a refresher, the Iriz is offered with two engines: \n1.3-litre VVT\n engine that makes\n 94 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n of torque and the \n1.6-litre\n that develops \n107 hp\n and\n 150 Nm\n of torque. The \nfive-speed manual\n and \nseven-speed CVT\n are offered. Proton claims the ECU has been reprogrammed\u00a0for improved drivability.\nThe Iriz\u2019s\u00a0safety repertoire includes electronic stability control (ESC) with Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-Hold Assist, ISOFIX with top tether mounts for all variants. The 1.6L Premium variant get six airbags, while the others settle for two.\nThe 2017 Proton Iriz has been reduced to \nfour variants\n and is available in five hues (Graphite Grey, Atlantic Blue, Cotton White, Ruby Red and Carnelian Brown). It begins with the 1.3L Standard manual at \nRM43,800\n while its CVT variant is priced at\u00a0\nRM46,800\n. One step above is the 1.3 Executive CVT at \nRM50,800\n,\u00a0while the sole 1.6-litre Premium CVT costs\u00a0\nRM58,800.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The iX EV SUV seems to be ticking a lot of the right boxes for BMW. Not only are they flying off the shelves \u2013 even \nhere in Malaysia\n \u2013 despite outcries online concerning its looks, but it has also just received a full five-star rating in the \nEuro NCAP\n safety assessment that was recently \u201cintensified\u201d under the new 2020 test standards.\nWhile not specifically \u201cbest in class\u201d results (Euro NCAP stopped publishing a \u201cbest in class\u201d list since 2019), the \nBMW iX\n is still one of the highest-scoring vehicles within the \u201cLarge Off-road\u201d category that have been tested according to the new 2020 standards, scoring five stars in all four categories in the assessment.\n \nThe BMW iX scored a total of 91% in the adult occupant protection tests, with testers noting the effectiveness of the new interactive airbag between the driver and front passenger seats, which provides additional protection against injury in the event of a side collision.\nChild safety in the BMW iX was also given the highest possible score for both frontal and side collisions, although points were deducted for not providing ISOFIX mounts on the front passenger seat and the rear centre seat.\nThe advanced driver assistance features on board the BMW iX also helped the fully-electric SUV score five stars in both the \u201cvulnerable road users\u201d and \u201csafety assist\u201d assessments. Particularly on the former, there\u2019s also an Active Bonnet feature that automatically sets off (by pyrotechnics, no less) to help protect road users\u2019 heads in the event of a collision.\nBMW also points out that in addition to the restraint systems and tech smarts, the iX\u2019s construction itself already takes into account its passenger\u2019s safety and protection, particularly with its aluminium spaceframe concept with a carbon cage for the passenger compartment, as well as the \u201cparticularly torsion-resistant\u201d carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) components that have been installed in the roof, side, and rear sections of the SUV.\nRELATED: The BMW iX is now available in Malaysia, starting from RM419k!\n\u201cThe BMW iX sets new standards in sustainability, and its top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP underlines the vehicle\u2019s comprehensive sustainability concept,\u201d says BMW Head of Vehicle Safety, Dominik Schuster.\n\u201cThe extremely stable body structure and the extended range of restraint systems ensure an outstanding level of occupant protection. In addition, the BMW iX scores highly both in the test programme and in everyday driving with innovative driver assistance systems that significantly reduce the risk of accidents in a wide array of situations.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s no secret that the all-new \nPerodua Alza\n is due to be unveiled sometime this year, but as far as official announcements go, it has pretty much been complete radio silence from the national carmaker thus far. But that ends today, because Perodua have just given us a first look at the upcoming D27A Alza, in a short video published on its social media channels.\nThe video, dubbed \u201cPerodua Smart Build\u201d, is just a run-off-the-mill marketing video boasting the company\u2019s \u201cinnovative\u201d and \u201csmarter\u201d products and processes. But sit through the marketing fluff, and you\u2019ll find a short hidden segment within the video previewing the upcoming Perodua Alza.\nIn typical fashion, the car in the video is barely visible thanks to the shadowy video style, but it pretty much confirms that the Alza will indeed be based on the\n all-new Toyota Avanza\n that made its global debut in November last year.\nALSO READ: All-new Daihatsu Xenia unveiled in Indonesia \u2013 is this the next Perodua Alza?\nAs with all Perodua cars, however, the Malaysia-bound Alza will get some unique design touches to stand out from the standard Toyota model. And from what we can see, the front fascia will get a X-shaped design motif in line with the \nnew Myvi \nand \nAtiva\n, and the grille will also likely get its own styling.\nFlanking the grille are the LED headlights, with an eyebrow-style daytime-running light signature on top. It also looks to be slightly more angular compared to the Avanza\u2019s headlights, but the taillights seem to be taken lock, stock, and barrel from the Toyota counterpart.\nNo interior shots were provided, too, but we expect it to look pretty similar to the Avanza, aside from a few trim and upholstery differences.\nFrom the profile, we can also see a \u2018Dual VVT-i\u2019 badge on the fender, pretty much confirming that the D27A Perodua Alza will be powered by the Myvi\u2019s 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, instead of the 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-banger from the Ativa.\nPower output should be around the region of \n101 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n of torque, which is the same as the outgoing Alza, with drive sent to the front wheels via a new D-CVT gearbox.\nWith the all-new Perodua Alza now officially teased, the reveal should not be too long more of a wait from now too. Rumours on the good ol\u2019 internet suggested that a launch could happen as soon as the end of June, so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest info!"
"It\u2019s no secret that the\u00a0\nHonda Civic Type R (FK8R)\n is one of the best road-going hatchbacks out there today, but it still hasn\u2019t proven itself in the realm of motorsports. Making that decision didn\u2019t take long after all, because JAS Motorsports has already started preparations for the 2018 TCR (Touring Car Racer) race series.\nTCR regulations require cars to be\u00a0closely based on their production models, apart from having the usual roll cage and race seats. The Italian team is relatively well acquainted with Hondas, because besides their exploits in TCR, they used to race Civics in WTCC (World Touring car Championship). The current\u00a0FK2R TCR car (picture as below) has been a proven winner in TCR rounds across the globe.\nThe race-spec Civic will get specific aerodynamic kit to improve downforce,\u00a0new multilink rear suspension and a comprehensive anti-roll bar system. The ECU will be tweaked to extract additional power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The road version of the Civic Type R FK8 deploys 315 hp and 400 Nm of torque, but it\u2019s currently unclear what the TCR version will crank.\nThe first batch of 25 cars will be ready by year\u2019s end, and it\u2019ll be sold to interested customers competing in regional or international TCR championships. The price of a TCR-spec car begins at \u20ac70k (approximately RM344k)."
"It\u2019s a new year and a new start and BMW\u2019s M-Division seems to think that potential owners looking to buy into the world tyre-smoking hooliganisms and shouty exhaust notes aren\u2019t really getting their money\u2019s worth when they cross their cheque for either an \nM3 or an M4\n (convertible included) and so, the company has just announced that they will be introducing the Competition Package to the options list.\nBut isn\u2019t an M3 or M4 already a hell of a thing out-of-the-box? To some that may suffice. But to others, it\u2019s just the beginning. Different strokes. For those out there looking to have a little more \u2018\ntrack-prep\n\u2019 to their Bimmers, now is the time to rejoice. The Competition Package means that the power output takes a \n19 hp\n hike to a grand total of \n450\n rampaging horses.\nThe extra power naturally means improved performance figures. The duo is now available with an\n optional seven-speed M Double Clutch\n transmission that will sprint it from rest to 100 km/h in just \n4.0 seconds\n. But oddly enough, the sprint time for models with the \nstandard six-speed\n\u00a0\nmanual\n\u00a0is 0.1 seconds faster in all cases than without the package, BMW claims.\nThe Competition Package also includes the brand\u2019s \nAdaptive M Suspension\n, which has been specifically tuned to manage the increased performance and handling upgrades. The suspension features new \nsprings\n, \ndampers\n and \nanti-roll bars\n. The standard \nActive M Differential\n on the rear axle and \nDSC Dynamic Stability Control\n have likewise been \nreconfigured\n to match the uprated hot bits that\u2019s been kitted.\nIncluded also in the pack, are the \nM-Sports exhaust system\n complete with black chrome tailpipes. Even more than its good looks, the most distinctive feature of the M sports exhaust system is its \npotent\n sound, starting \nrumble\n and the distinctive \nburble\n on \noverrun\n never fails to get under the skin of ardent Bimmer fans time and time again.\nAesthetically speaking, aside from the forged, machine-polished, weight- and rigidity-optimised \n20-inch\n M alloy wheels (fronts 265/30 R20, rears 285/30 R20), not much else is included in the pack. Substance over style, we reckon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just shortly after \nProton released a teaser image of the all-new Proton Persona\n, the national carmaker invited a group of journalists to an exclusive preview of the company\u2019s next B-Segment car. In hindsight, the first-generation Persona was introduced a decade ago in 2006, but is the new Persona a little too late to the party?\nWell, one thing\u2019s for sure, the Persona certainly has big shoes to fill. And to kick things off, the Persona shares the same platform as the Proton Iriz. At first glance, the Persona bears a strikingly similar face to the Iriz. It\u2019s a far departure from the older model, but this relatively narrow-bodied sedan will undoubtedly take some time to grow on us. First off, let\u2019s see some of the standard features that will be fitted across the entire Persona lineup.\nReflector Headlights\nChrome Grille\nBody-mounted Side Mirrors with Integrated Signal Indicators\n15-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 185/55 series tyres\nRear Fog Lamps\nHorizontal Chrome Bar along the tailgate\nReverse Parking Sensors\nAnti-lock Braking System\nElectronic Brake-force Distribution\nVehicle Stability Control\n510-litre boot space\nTwo-tone interior\nFront Disc Brakes\nRear Drum Brakes\nSingle-zone Climate Controls\nThis time, the entire range is fitted with essential safety features such as ABS and VSC. There will be \nfour variants on offer\n \u2013 Standard (MT and AT), Executive (AT), Premium (AT) and Premium SE (AT). All Persona will get the sole \n1.6-litre four-cylinder engine\n with Variable Valve Timing technology, one that is 10 percent more fuel efficient than the old Campro mill (13 percent better for the manual). A choice of \nfive-speed manual\n or \nContinuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT) can be specified, although the manual can only be had with the entry-level Standard variant.\nMechanically, the Persona is almost identical to the Iriz. They share the same \n107 hp\n (at 5,750 rpm), \n150 Nm\n (at 4,000 rpm) engine, but it now has just three mounting points instead of four. According to Proton engineers, this improves refinement. Also updated is the clutch-type CVT \u2013 yes, it\u2019s still the same Punch drivetrain, but thanks to recalibration of the TCU and ECU, it\u2019s less noisy and accelerates marginally better.\nEverything rearward of the B-pillars is reworked, but the extra length and boot space is achieved without as much as extending the Iriz\u2019s 2,555mm wheelbase. Speaking of boot space, it\u2019s merely 2 litres more in volume than the Perodua Bezza, but Proton\u2019s execution in designing a more usable room merits some applause. We say that because unlike the Bezza\u2019s tall and shallow boot space, the Persona\u2019s boot goes deeper, which should be more convenient for organising goods.\nIn our brief test drive, cabin insulation and NVH levels scored high. Wind noise barely crept in even when driving at 140km/h, but at those speeds the engine and CVT noises became all the more apparent. Stopping power is managed by a pair of ventilated\u00a0discs up front and drums for the rear wheels. This is standard across all variants. Be that as it may, Proton claims that the new Persona would come to a complete stop from 100km/h in a distance of \n41.4 metres\n, down from the previous Persona\u2019s 44.6 metre mark. Conversely, the nought to 100km/h sprint is achieved in \n10.9 seconds\n, nearly a second quicker than the old Persona.\nAll four variants can be had in \nsix different exterior colours\n \u2013 Red, Brown, Black, White, Silver and Grey. Pricing remains a trade secret for now, but Proton has just opened the order books for early adopters. The all-new Proton Persona will be launched on \n23 August 2016\n, and all purchases made between the launch date till end-September will come with a \n3-Year free service\n, inclusive of parts and labour. Proton CEO Dato\u2019 Ahmad Fuaad Kenali says this is initiative is to reward customers, and comes as a promotional package\u00a0for purchases made within the\u00a0\nMerdeka\n month.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor\n in Glenmarie has something in store that is\u00a0brand new and yet to launch here in Malaysia. You however would just walk pass it without noticing, which we did. Well, that\u2019s because it looks exactly the same as before. It is the facelifted \nMazda6 2.0L SkyActiv Sedan\n!\nWhen the \nupdated Mazda6\n\u00a0made its world debut end of last year, we spotted\u00a0mild updates on both outside and in, the 2.5L variant however gets most of the exterior updates. Which is said to have arrived and clearing customs at the port as we speak. This 2.0L Sedan that we stumbled upon has little change on the exterior. The only update is the \nnew headlights \nand\n foglamps\n. You\u2019ll see\u00a0more differences\u00a0on the 2.5L.   The interior however gets a full rework. It\u2019s fitted with the latest\u00a0\nMZD Connect\n\u00a0system, the screen is where it\u2019s supposed to be but unlike the \nMazda3\n\u2018s, the screen now is fitted nicely on the dash. More posh. More solid. Next to it is the \nEngine Start/Stop\n button, which has been moved up.   Leather wrapped upholsteries are now in classy \ndark brown\n\u00a0except for the seats. The highlight accent on the dash panel now features this\u00a0new leather instead of plastic. \nClimate control\n dials and buttons get a new arrangement.   Moving downwards to the center console, you get 3 new gadgets: MZD Connect\n Commander control dial\n\u00a0that you get in the Mazda3, the same \nSport\n rocker button from the newly launched \nMazda2\n, and \nelectronic parking brake \nbutton. The 2.5L variant gets \nhead-up display\n by the way. Just like Mazda2\u2019s.\nPowerplants under the hood remain as before: \n2.0-liter\n and \n2.5-liter\n SkyActiv-G producing \n153hp\n, \n200Nm\n and \n185hp\n, \n250Nm\n respectively. Both with the same\u00a0\n6-speed\n SkyActiv-Drive transmission.\nWe have also gotten hold of the confirmed price list for the full range of new Mazda6. The price of the new 2.0L Sedan is now RM4,000 more at \nRM159,158\n. While the 2.5L Sedan is priced at\u00a0\nRM194,647\n, that\u2019s RM10,000 more. Joining in the party soon\u00a0is the Mazda6 2.5L Touring at\u00a0\nRM198,647\n, RM10,000 more than before.\n\u00a0\nWe should be expecting Bermaz Motor to announce the official arrival of the new Mazda6 line-up. No fancy launch gambit.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve thought about it before; I\u2019m also sure that you\u2019ve stared at the switch, wondering what would happen if you pulled it while the car was on the move.\nSince the introduction of electronic handbrakes, this has been one of the most asked questions and quite frankly it\u2019s been demonstrated many times before but in case you\u2019ve missed it, here\u2019s your answer.\nThe car used in this experiment was none other than the \nVolkswagen Golf R \nwhere\u00a0Volkswagen has\n delivered over 200,000 units of since 2002\n; a car that \nAdrian also got to review a few months back\n.\nNow priced at\u00a0RM304,390 (after SST),\u00a0the Golf R will take just 5.1 seconds to a 100 km/h from standstill, before it hits an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h."
"The \n2023 Perodua Axia\n has been launched with four variants available. The G variants start from \nRM38,600\n, the X from \nRM40,000\n, the SE from \nRM44,000\n and the AV from \nRM49,500\n. The new Axia replaces the previous generation model after nearly 600,000 units were sold in eight years between 2014 to 2023.\nSo far, Perodua has received over \n20,000 bookings\n for the new compact hatchback, including over 13,000 bookings for the previous model converted to the new. While the new Axia retains the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from the previous generation with \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n, here are some of the latest offerings not available in the Axia before.\nDaihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform\nThe new Axia is built on the DNGA platform much like the current generation Toyota vehicles are built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform. The modular platform focuses on improved driving position, driving stability with optimised suspension tuning and offering a lighter body with higher rigidity. The new platform also promises reduced Noise, Vibrations and Harshness (NVH). The \nnew Alza\n and Ativa are also built on this similar platform.\nFour-speed automatic to Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT)\nThe new 2023 Axia may have retained the proven 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from before but it\u2019s now paired with a dual-mode CVT gearbox. The D-CVT gearbox first made its debut here in the \nPerodua Ativa\n.\nHere, the split gear system uses a belt-driven system at low speeds and switches to a gear-driven system at higher speeds for better fuel efficiency and power delivery. Fuel economy is rated at 25.3 km/L for variants without the Eco Idle feature and \n27.4 km/L\n for variants with the feature. Based on current fuel prices of RM2.05 per litre for RON95, Perodua says it will \ncost less than RM28\n to travel over a distance of 365 km from Kuala Lumpur to Penang.\nSafety \u2013 Advance Safety Assist 3.0\nOn top of the features you get in the Advance Safety Assist 3.0, which includes autonomous emergency braking and front departure warning, the new Axia is now also equipped with \nlane departure warning and prevention, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert\n.\u00a0Even the airbag count has been bumped up to six from a maximum of two previously. These are only available in the top-spec AV variant.\nNew features inside and out!\nAside from its larger dimensions and new design, the Axia is now also fitted with LED daytime running lights, automatic LED headlamps with automatic high beam function and rear LED combinations lamps. That said, the L-shaped lighting on the headlamps are actually positioned lights and the LED daytime running lights are actually on the front bumper. These are offered from the X variant onwards.\nInside, the Axia gets a seven-inch digital instrument cluster for the first time, a Power button on the steering wheel and digital air-conditioning controls (all in AV variants only) and at long last, steering tilt adjustments (in X variants onwards).\nThe Axia may cost more than before and is now priced much closer to the Perodua Myvi but what\u2019s your take on the new additions? Would you consider the 2023 Perodua Axia to have levelled-up?"
"Ever since the Batmobile from the 1960\u2019s TV series based on the Lincoln Futura, \u201cmodern\u201d Batmobiles have taken a more superficial approach but it seems the franchise is returning to its roots.\nCompared to Michael Keaton\u2019s Batmobile from the early 1990s and Christian Bale\u2019s \u201cTumbler\u201d, the new Batmobile seems to have adopted a more realistic, car-like approach, unlike the extra-terrestrial concepts of before.\nIn fact, it looks more like something out of a Mad Max film set than Batman\u2019s! Specifications of the new Batmobile have yet to be revealed but based on these images, it seems like the new Batmobile will be \npowered by a V8 engine \nof some sort. The architecture of the new Batmobile itself seems to suggest that it\u2019s based off an older American muscle car \u2013 only time will tell.\n \nDie-hard fans of the franchise might have mixed feelings about this \u2013 some might cry foul, some might embrace it as a much-needed change and it won\u2019t be the only thing that\u2019s new about the franchise.\nThe biggest change of all in the upcoming film due in 2021 is the man behind the mask; now played by \nRobert Pattinson of Twilight \nfame, of all people. Ugh. They should just make him drive a pink Volkswagen Beetle.\nSource: \nTwitter\nGALLERY"
"Hot off the press from the \nF-150 Lightning EV pick-up truck\n launch last month, Ford has announced another new addition to its pick-up truck line-up called the Maverick, to make its global debut on the 8th of June.\nThe Maverick will be a compact pick-up truck that is rumoured to be positioned below the Ford Ranger. And unlike its elder siblings that are built on a body-on-frame structure, the Maverick will reportedly to have an unibody construction, putting it in line with the \nHonda Ridgeline\n and the\n Hyundai Santa Cruz\n.\nAccording to numerous rumours and reports, the chassis in question is the Ford C2 platform, which also underpins the \nFocus\n and \nBronco Sport\n. That means it\u2019ll also most likely share the same powertrain options as the Bronco Sport, including a\n 245 hp/375 Nm\n 2.0-litre turbo inline-four, and a \n181 hp/258 Nm\n 1.5-litre turbo inline-three.\nHowever, Ford\u2019s latest teaser video also briefly showed a Hybrid badge, so there\u2019s no doubt that the Maverick will come with an electrified variant!\nAll rumours so far suggests that the Maverick will be an entry-level truck, with a fairly basic equipment list. Front-wheel drive will come as standard on the base variant, alongside a torsion beam rear suspension set-up. However, that also means that it\u2019ll have a lower entry price, rumoured to be below the USD20,000 (~RM83k) mark.\nBuyers will be able to opt for four-wheel drive on higher-end variants, which also replaces the torsion beam with a more sophisticated independent suspension set-up at the rear.\n \nAmericans love their pick-up trucks, and the Maverick looks like the best solution to owning a pick-up while living in congested cities like New York. More information will have to wait until the Maverick\u2019s official launch, but for now, would you be open to a baby pick-up truck like this? Let us know in the comments section below."
"Honda Malaysia has announced a recall exercise involving \n55,354 vehicles\n to replace the fuel pump as a precautionary measure, in line with Honda\u2019s \nglobal fuel pump recall\n.\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s recall on the fuel pump issue involves the \nAccord\n, \nBR-V\n, \nCity\n, \nCivic\n, \nCR-V\n, \nHR-V\n, and \nJazz\n, all \nmanufactured between 2018 and 2019\n. The full breakdown of the models affected by this recall is available in the table below:\nAccording to Honda, the fuel pump equipped in the vehicles listed above have a slight chance of failure, which may cause possible loss of engine power or vehicle stalling. As of today, no incidences of crashes or injuries caused by this issue have been reported in Malaysia.\nHonda Malaysia says all affected customers will be informed directly via notification letters with further details of the product recall. Customers affected by the recall are urged to make an appointment with any Honda authorised dealers upon receipt of the notification, as replacement stock will be available in stages. You can also check on \nHonda Malaysia website here\n. The fuel pump replacement will be free of charge.\nDenso, the fuel pump manufacturer, has issued a \nworldwide recall for over 2 million units\n of the potentially faulty fuel pump. The same fuel pump was also responsible for \nUMW Toyota Motor\u2019s recall of over 13,500 vehicles earlier this year.\n Globally, the fuel pump issue has affected more than 1.4 million Honda vehicles."
"When you don\u2019t succeed, try again. Nick Heidfeld\u2019s Goodwood Hillclimb record in a McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Formula 1 car stood for 20 years, and it has finally been beaten by Romain Dumas in a fully electric Volkswagen ID.R over the weekend.\nAfter \nmissing Heidfeld\u2019s record time last year\n by a pretty significant margin of two seconds, Volkswagen got smart and tweaked the ID.R by lowering its kerb weight to sub-1,000 kg through the use of a smaller battery pack, removed the drag reduction system and got technical partner Bridgestone to supply them some super sticky rubber. And they worked a treat.\n \nOn Friday\u2019s practice run, Dumas eased the ID.R over the 1.86 km course clocking 41.18 seconds and then drop the hammer and dipped under 40 seconds on Saturday with an astonishing run of 39.90-second. And while he didn\u2019t quite manage to better that on the final shootout on Sunday due to slippery conditions, the deed was done.\n \nIt\u2019s a shame that Formula 1 cars have been excluded from the hillclimb competition on the grounds of safety, you can see how lairy it got on Heidfeld\u2019s run in the McLaren 20 years ago, so it isn\u2019t entirely accurate to say that Formula 1 car and combustion engines (which are hybrids these days) have got beaten since they aren\u2019t allowed to compete. One thing we do know is that for sheer drama and theatre, electrics still have a lot of ground to make up."
"The all-new 5th generation Lexus RX had made its global debut with a striking new look and a bounty of new features.\nIt features a completely new design on the infamous spindle grille. Dubbed the \u2018Spindle Body\u2019 design philosophy, the front bonnet panel now blends into the Spindle grille.\nThe overall design of the car now takes a mature look, toning down on the sharp edges of the previous generation RX. The headlamp units now feature daytime running lights (DRL) that are sandwiched between the slim headlights and fog lamps.\u00a0\nMoving on to the sides, the creases are no longer as sharp compared to the previous generation RX to improve aerodynamics. A familiar but more elegant-looking floating roofline finds its way into the 5th generation RX as well as side fenders that match the body\u2019s colour.\nOn the rear, we see the biggest change made to the car. The eye-catching rear lights feature a long singular light strip similar to the tips of a plane\u2019s wings. Gone are the shameful fake exhaust tips as they are now replaced with clean-looking bumper trims that are flanked with subtle plastic finishes.\nInside, the new interior design is aimed at offering a deeper connection between driver and car is inspired by the Tazuna concept. The new infotainment cluster and infotainment system now sit on an elegantly swooping dashboard that effortlessly flows to the door panels.\u00a0\nA new 9.8-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a 14-inch makes its way to replace the infamous touch bar controls and is merged with a new digital instrument cluster.\u00a0\nThe steering is integrated with the head-up display granting control to functions like navigation, audio, and more to ensure minimal distractions for the driver.\nThe E-Latch door opening system makes another appearance in this model, offering an effortless take on the process of opening a door. A new smartphone app is also introduced so that users can lock and unlock the door using their smartphones as keys. The engine can even be started without operating the screen. These smartphone keys can be passed along to anyone with the app like friends and family but it only works with one phone at a time.\u00a0\nFurther enhancements include new front and rear suspension along with Lexus\u2019 new DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system in the RX500h F Sport that uses electronics to control power distribution on all four wheels independently.\u00a0\n2022.03.28\nGone is the V6 in the outgoing model as Lexus has brought a wide variety of four-cylinder engines and hybrids to the table. The range kicks off with the RX 350 with a 2.4L turbocharged inline-four engine with a choice of AWD or FF paired with a Direct Shift eight-speed-auto putting out 275hp and 430Nm.\nIt is then followed by the RX 350h with a 2.5-litre engine supported by a hybrid electric system that\u2019s paired with an eCVT carried over from the previous generation RX, making 246hp and 316Nm. Next in line is the RX 450h+, powered by a 2.5L plug-in hybrid electric system the same eCVT producing 304hp.\nThe RX 500h gets a turbocharged 2.4-litre mated to a hybrid electric system and six-speed automatic transmission along with the new DIRECT4 AWD technology that uses a high-powered \u2018eAxle\u2019 motor in the rear, producing 367hp and 550Nm.\nAs for the RX 500h F-Sport Performance, it\u2019s sprinkled with F-Sport goodies including bumpers, grille, wheels and brakes to improve the car\u2019s performance while also giving it a meaner look. Similarly on the inside, the variant gets F-Sport seats, steering wheel, pedals, and different door panels.\nGALLERY"
"You will soon be able to drive up to a drop-off area, get out of your car, and send it to a pre-booked parking space just with a few taps on your smartphone, thanks to the latest SAE Level 4 (L4) autonomous driving technology from \nMercedes-Benz\n and \nBosch\n. The driverless valet parking will first start for commercial use at the autonomous P6 parking garage at Stuttgart Airport which is run by APCOA parking.\nMercedes-Benz and Bosch believe that with the vehicle and infrastructure taking over driving and manoeuvring, drivers will be able to turn their attention to other things, instead of time spent looking for a parking space and manoeuvring in tight parking garages.\nHaving been developed for a while, the L4 autonomous parking system by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch \nwas first approved for use in 2019\n, but only for use at the Mercedes-Benz Museum for daily operations. Now, the L4 autonomous technology by the two German companies has been approved by Germany\u2019s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) for \ncommercial use with privately owned vehicles\n at the Stuttgart Airport parking.\nThe autonomous technology in the Mercedes-Benz vehicle will convert the information received from the Bosh infrastructure into driving manoeuvres. This way, vehicles can even drive themselves up and down ramps to move between stories in the parking garage. If the infrastructure sensors detect an obstacle, the vehicle brakes and safely comes to a complete stop. Only once the route is clear does it continue on its way.\nRELATED: \nBaidu\u2019s autonomous driving tech will be one generation ahead of Tesla, says CEO\nBosch video camera\nThe L4 driverless valet parking works with the help of intelligent infrastructure supplied by Bosch and Mercedes-Benz automotive technology. Bosch sensors are placed in the parking garage to monitor the driving corridor and its surroundings and provide the information needed to guide the vehicle.\nCars that will be able to use the autonomous parking feature at the Stuttgart Airport P6 parking garage are the \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n and \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n (built since July 2022) that are equipped with the brand\u2019s INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT2 service as part of the \nMercedes me connect\n. With the service activated, users can book the parking space in advance via the Mercedes me app.\nRELATED: \nMercedes me Store launched in Malaysia \u2013 Navigation now requires subscription\nThe car is parked in the \u201cWith Reservation\u201d drop-off area, not the final parking spot for the car. It will drive itself to the pre-booked parking spot when instructed. To the right is the \u201cWaiting Area\u201d.\nMercedes Benz Group Member of the Board of Management and Chief Technology Officer, Markus Sch\u00e4fer said, \u201cThe world\u2019s first approval for customer use of our highly automated and driverless parking function, developed together with our technology partner Bosch, shows that innovation leadership and \u2018Made in Germany\u2019 go hand in hand.\u201d\n\u201cFollowing the market launch of our DRIVE PILOT Level 3 system, we will soon be offering a Level 4 system for parking with our INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT \u2013 all of that this year. We really are showing our customers how technology can make life easier and give back precious time,\u201d he adds.\nRELATED: \nBosch and Daimler receive approval for automated parking system\nL-R: Walter Schoefer, management spokesperson for Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH; Markus Sch\u00e4fer, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG; Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the Bosch board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector; Niels Christ, Director Urban Hubs, APCOA Group\nBosch member of the board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector, Dr. Markus Heyn said, \u201cFrom the outset, Bosch has taken the approach of making the infrastructure in parking garages intelligent. Accordingly, we have set standards in this area. In the future, our aim is to equip more and more parking garages with the necessary infrastructure technology \u2013 we plan to do several hundred of them worldwide in the next few years.\u201d\nThe basis for the approval is a law that came into force in Germany in July 2021, which permits driverless driving in accordance with SAE Level 4 for motor. Application of this law to the parking system was implemented in close coordination with the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and the KBA. The AFGBV (autonomous driving directive), passed by the German Bundesrat on May 20, 2022, clearly specifies the criteria of the German road traffic act that Level 4 vehicles must satisfy.\nRELATED: \nLeaked \u2013 Next-gen W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class adopts \u2018EQ\u2019 grille, landscape screen"
"Swedish carmaker Volvo has sold 277,641 cars in the first half of 2017, marking an 8.2 percent growth compared to the same period last year. Their best performing month was in March, shifting 57,158 cars globally followed by June with 54,351 units.\nVolvo attributed the positive sales growth to the growing demand for its 90 series models (\nV90\n, \nS90\n and \nXC 90\n) while the \nfirst-generation XC60\n remains to be the best-selling model overall. Asia-Pacific region reported the highest growth rate of 27.3 percent, selling 70,584 units vs 57,568 units last year. China remains as the brand\u2019s largest market, shifting a total of 51,914 cars. This remarkable growth was supported by the locally produced XC60, S60L and S90 models.   Volvo sold a total of 164,128 units in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA Region) \u2013 a 6.6 percent increase over the previous year. Strong-performing markets include home country Sweden, UK, France and Germany.\nSecond-generation XC60 to debut soon\nThe Americas region reported a slight dip in overall sales, selling only 41,277 units collectively, as compared to 43,412 units (-4.9 percent) last year. Volvo\u2019s SUV range (XC60 and XC90) remain as the most popular models in the said region.\nLocally, Volvo Car Malaysia still sells the first-generation XC60 on sale, and will continue to go on sale until the succeeding XC60\u00a0\nmakes its way to our shores soon\n."
"When the original Rolls-Royce \u201cSilver Ghost\u201d was first built in 1906, it went on to establish Rolls-Royce\u2019s reputation as the \u201cBest Car in the World\u201d. In saluting the original car, Rolls-Royce has built 35 bespoke units of the Silver Ghost that makes up the \u201cSilver Ghost Collection\u201d.\nProduct Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars for the Ghost said, \u201cCareful consideration has been paid to the Collection\u2019s defining features. References extoling the past are skilfully hand-crafted into Ghost\u2019s interior and exterior, creating a contemporary homage which speaks as much of today\u2019s great brand as the original Silver Ghost does of its day. This is a truly remarkable Collection.\u201d\nThe engravings around the wheel cap represents the year the original Silver Ghost was built.\nA sterling-silver Spirit of Ecstacy takes centre stage at the front along with the prominent black front grille, where the former has been a trademark of the British marque since 1911.\nAlong the sides, look closely and you\u2019d notice the vehicle name and the year the original Silver Ghost was conceived engraved onto the chrome surrounds of the oversized wheels.\nOn the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, you\u2019ll also notice the \u201cAX201\u201d engraving on the hammered copper insert \u2013 a tribute not just to the registration plate of the original Silver Ghost but also a homage to the extensive use of copper in the engine bay of the original Silver Ghost."
"The Internet can be a very informative yet quirky place to be \u2013 it\u2019s vast, full of amusement and most of all, it\u2019s a reliable source for endless entertainment. There\u2019s just something for everyone!\nNot sure if you\u2019ve seen it but take this drag race for example, between what seems to be a Boondocker snowmobile with an output of just under 200 hp and a Ferrari F430 Spider packing around \n490 hp\n and \n465 Nm\n of torque \u2013 sure it\u2019s a little dated but it isn\u2019t any less entertaining.\nIf not for the Internet, the only kinda drag races we\u2019ll get to see are between high-schoolers racing their Boon Siew EX5s on skinny tyres along Dataran Merdeka or some desolate street.\nIt must be ego-shattering for the owner of the F430 Spider, but it was the Prancing Horse which had the last laugh but only marginally, after a 488 Spider saved Ferrari some dignity.\nCredit: \nNM 2255"
"Malaysia had the privilege to witness the global debut of Continental Tyres\u2019 latest innovation, the ContiConnect digital tyre monitoring platform for commercial vehicles. The 147-year-old premium tyre manufacturer has created a full circle solution to allow fleet managers to monitor the tyre conditions of the entire fleet on a single web portal.\nBased on Continental Tyre Malaysia\u2019s internal study, the company found that \n58 percent of fleet tyres are underinflated in Malaysia\n and fleet trucks face a high number of tyre related breakdown. These problems adversely affect the company\u2019s productivity as well as create a safety hazard to all road users. With ContiConnet, Continental aims to improve the safety standards of fleet trucks as well as bring nett savings for fleet truck operators.   Conti Tyre Sensors weighs only 30 grams\nContiConnect uses a variety of sensors and telematics to monitor each\n individual tyre\u2019s pressure and temperature.\n The Continental tyre sensor is mounted on the tyre\u2019s inner liner to continuously measure the tyre\u2019s pressure and temperature just like any other tyre pressure monitoring system available on passenger cars. The sensors then relay real-time information to the in-cab display and alert the driver if there are any prevailing issues.\nThe information will also be transmitted onto the cloud platform to allow fleet managers to identify and resolve tyre issues immediately, helping to prolong the tyres longevity and improve the safety of not only the drivers but also other road users.\nBased on their pilot test in Malaysia and Thailand, with over 3,000 tyres fitted with ContiConnect, over 90 percent of fleet tyres maintained good inflation and resulted in \n50 percent reduction in roadside tyre-related breakdowns\n. Companies that ran the pilot test also saw improvements in speed, accuracy and transparency of tyre maintenance activities which resulted in substantial cost savings.\nHead of Sales & Marketing, Business Region APAC Truck Tyres, Philippe Barabinot: \u201cIt is such an exciting time for Continental in Asia Pacific. The pilot test we ran on ContiConnect in Malaysia and Thailand showed promising results. We are excited to share with our customers how ContiConnect can offer our brand promise of lowest overall driving cost and optimise fleet efficiency. This is an important step Continental is taking towards becoming an integrated solutions provider.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY   Conti Tyre Sensors weighs only 30 grams"
"It\u2019ll either inject some youth into your soul or drain the passion for cars from your soul. Either ways, the Kia Soul is a refreshing reminder of how cars can be a representation of individualism and taste.\nIt may not get people tripping over it but at a time when eccentricity matters matters as much as substance and practicality, the Kia Soul strikes what seems like a perfect balance; evidently, after blowing off its competitors since its introduction to the U.S. market in 2010.\nSet to hit the streets in 2020, the Soul is offered with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine paired to a 6-speed manual or Kia\u2019s very own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), with \n147 hp\n and\n 179 Nm\n of torque.\nIf a little more punch is needed, there\u2019s a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged model, equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with \n201 hp\n and \n264 Nm\n \u2013 plenty of grunt for a car weighing 1,300-1,400 kg.\nTrue to its versatile nature, the Soul can be had in various trims \u2013 GT Line, X-Line, EX Designer Collection \u2013 to suit various demographics and the image they\u2019re trying to project.\nThe GT Line model offers a sportier look with large 18-inch wheels, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, larger brakes, tuned suspension, and of course a whole lot of red accents.\nThe X-Line would be more suited for those with a taste for the rugged outdoors. It\u2019s got a chunkier, more robust look with flared wheel arches while the EX Designer Collection caters to the urban-trotting commuter, as the name clearly indicates.\nInside, the Soul bears the very essence of Kia\u2019s current interior design, and then some. The cabin looks fun, quirky and doesn\u2019t take itself too seriously but still upholds the principle of usability and practicality.\nIt even has different ambient lightings for different occassions and vibes! Even the name of the six different modes are as unconventional as the car\u2019s design. There\u2019s Romance, Midnight City, Cafe, Hey! Yo!, Travelling and Party Time.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Soul GT-Line   Soul GT-Line   Soul GT-Line"
"The super high tech \nMercedes-Benz W213 E-Class\n gets top honours in the UK by bagging the 2017 Car of the Year title, following the final vote tally casted by 27 of the country\u2019s most influential journalists.\nIn the past year alone, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK sold over 12,000 W213 E-Class saloons, while the Estate variant joined the lineup later in September.\nThe company\u2019s Head of Product Management said, \u201c\nThe E-Class is one of our core models and it\u2019s at the very heart of our brand. It features\u00a0a host of innovative technology which makes it one of the most advanced cars in its segment. Together with its modern, comfortable cabin the E-Class presents a very desirable package \u2013 it\u2019s great to see it getting the recognition it deserves.\u201d\nBack at home, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is offering the W213 range with a base price of \nRM396k for the E 200 Avantgarde\n to \nRM459k for the range topping E 300 AMG Line\n. It will soon be challenged by the \nBMW G30 5-Series\n which will make its Malaysian debut very soon."
"During the MoU exchange between PRO-NET (\nProton\n\u2019s new energy vehicle subsidiary) and Gentari (\nPetronas\n\u2019 clean energy subsidiary), Proton announced that it will develop its own electrified cars soon which they refer to as new energy vehicles (NEVs). The NEV term includes mild-hybrid vehicles (MHEV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), and fully electric vehicles (EV).\nThe local carmaker is currently working closely with Smart (via PRO-NET) to ensure their EV offerings match the usage profile of Malaysian EV buyers. Although \nProton signed a general distributorship agreement with Smart in \nAugust\n, Proton plans to have NEVs of its own brand. To obtain the necessary know-how on NEVs, Proton will send 16 of its engineers to China to be trained in all aspects of the field.\nProton Iriz\n EV prototype\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cToday\u2019s exchange of documents with Gentari addresses one piece of Proton\u2019s move into the NEV market and opens opportunities to collaborate with the clean energy subsidiary of Petronas to contribute to the buildup of Malaysia\u2019s charging infrastructure. However, Proton must pay equal attention to other areas of the business if we want to have a comprehensive business solution.\u201d\n\u201cFor instance, as a national automotive brand Proton should spearhead the development of Malaysia\u2019s EV ecosystem by investing in knowledge and expertise to address potential blind spots in areas where we have little experience. So, we are sending 16 engineers to China for six months to be trained in R&D, vehicle performance, homologation, and testing with the aim of eventually developing and selling a homegrown NEV. This is an important step in supporting the government\u2019s efforts to move Malaysia towards a knowledge-based economy and to be a regional epicentre for NEVs,\u201d he adds.\nRELATED: \nProton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022\nProton Iriz\n EV prototype\nIn the past, Proton has showcased prototype electric vehicles with range extenders, prototype fully-electric vehicles, and prototype mild-hybrid powertrains. However, one has yet to make it to production. With its new subsidiary and collaboration with new parties, an electrified car with a Proton badge is to be expected soon.\nRELATED: \nPRO-NET is Proton\u2019s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network"
"Despite the tumultuous 2020 due to the still-ongoing \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, Mercedes-Benz has had a pretty good year all things considered, delivering over two million vehicles globally for the fifth year in a row. Locally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also had a pretty eventful year, with the digital launch of several new models including the \nnew compact AMG trio\n, as well as the\n all-new GLB\n and \nGLA SUVs\n.\nLooking forward to 2021, MBM confirmed that it will be localising more Mercedes-Benz compact cars and SUV models this year through its CKD local assembly operations Pekan, Pahang, both of which are sure to excite Malaysians with lower-priced offerings from the premium marque.\nThe company\u2019s current locally-assembled range spans across five model lines \u2013 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLC, and GLC coupe \u2013 with a total of 13 variants on offer, including two Mercedes-AMG models, the \nC 43\n and \nGLC 43 Coupe\n.\nThe \u201ccompact cars\u201d referred to by MBM is most likely the hugely-popular \nA-Class\n sedan and hatchback variants \u2013 which, when introduced, will go head-to-head against the \nBMW 2 Series Gran Coupe\n.\nOther models that fall into the same category could also include the \nrecently-unveiled Mercedes-Benz GLA\n, as well as the \nseven-seater GLB compact SUV\n \u2013 though the latter probably stand less of a chance, given its relatively higher price-point and narrower market appeal.\nGiven that the 35-series Mercedes-AMG models share the same M260 base engine as the 250 models for the brand\u2019s compact vehicles, there\u2019s a possibility that we might even see the \nMercedes-AMG A 35\n and GLA 35 (or even the \nGLB 35 \nif the base model is being locally assembled!) making its way to the Malaysia market as CKD models. Enthusiasts rejoice!\nAs for the larger SUVs, we\u2019d wager our bets on the \nall-new Mercedes-Benz GLE\n, which was introduced here in Malaysia back in 2019 in a sole GLE 450 flavour.\nThe localisation of the Mercedes-Benz GLE could lower the price-of-entry for the D-segment SUV with the introduction of new variants, and also opens the opportunity for a new hybrid variant to go up against the \nBMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport hybrid\n, which retails for RM441k (with sales tax exemptions), which is quite a bit lower than the RM585k commanded by the GLE 450.\nIn its annual round-up for 2020, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also announced that its financing arm, \nMercedes-Benz Service Malaysia\n (MBSM), financed more than 50% of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold by authorised dealers in Malaysia. Its servicing portfolio reached a total of RM2.27 billion, while recording new contracts worth RM717 million in the last year.\nThe company also unveiled newly-renovated dealerships in \nAlor Setar (Cycle & Carriage)\n and \nKuala Lumpur (Hap Seng Star)\n, featuring the \u201cfirst of its kind\u201d Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Accessories and Collection Boutique.\nDespite most Malaysians staying home for a large chunk of 2020, MBM Service Centres across Malaysia still saw a throughput of over 140,000 vehicles last year, supported by the company\u2019s various offerings and digitalised services, including extended service and warranty grace period, Drop&Go, Door-to-Door, Star Mobile, and the implementation of Mercedes-Benz Star Shield Programme, covering comprehensive health and safety SOPs during this pandemic across dealerships nationwide.\n2021 is set to be an interesting year for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, and we can\u2019t wait to see what they have in store for us. What other cars would you like to see being brought into Malaysia as a locally-assembled model? Let us know in the comments section below!"
"Mitsuoka is no stranger to the weird and quirky. A quick look at their lineup and you\u2019d understand what the Japanese coachbuilder with over 50 years of history is all about.\nThey\u2019ve recently built cars like the \nHimiko\n that looks like a cross between the classic Jaguar XK and the more modern Morgan Aero 8 and the \nRock Star\n, a roadster inspired by the Corvette Stingray from the 70s. Wise as they are, they left the engineering work to Mazda as both cars are based entirely on the Mazda MX-5. They\u2019ve just focused on their craft and what they did best; bodywork.\nROCK STAR\nHIMIKO\nRecently, they\u2019ve gotten themselves drunk on retro American styling again. This time, it\u2019s with an SUV that seems to have returned from 1980s America into Coronovirus-plagued 2020, with more \u201cmodern styling and clothings\u201d called the \nBuddy\n. Unlike how Suzuki adopted the \nToyota RAV4\n, Mitsuoka has taken its underpinnings and threw away the rest of it.\nIt will be available either with Toyota\u2019s 2.0-litre petrol engine or 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain paired to a Direct Shift CVT gearbox, also by Toyota. It will also come with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.\nJudging from the dimensions of the Buddy, which defers from the RAV4 by millimetres, it\u2019s highly likely that the Buddy also rides on \nToyota\u2019s TNGA-K platform\n, shared with the \nCamry\n. This could mean that the Buddy is the \u201cfirst classic American SUV\u201d that can actually drives well and wouldn\u2019t threaten to topple over at every bend.\nAs for the exterior styling, while the Buddy does appear drastically different from the RAV4, its C-pillar is a dead giveaway to the keen eye. With strong doses of classic Americana \u2013 from the gapping front grille, to the retro wheel design and the black panel that stretches across the tailgate, the rear end\u2019s disproportionate look certainly raises questions and eyebrows.\nAs for the inside of the car, nothing has yet to be revealed however if you are keen to follow up, the Buddy will be officially revealed come the 26th of November so stay tuned!\nGALLERY"
"The announcement of this news comes to us as a surprise. At the recent \u201cSmart Geely 2025\u201d strategy that outlines Geely Auto Group\u2019s future development roadmap with electrification and sustainable mobility, the auto giant also listed a key goal of pushing out \n3.65 million\n units of sales by 2025. For reference, sales are circa 1.3 million units in 2019 and 2020, with a target of 1.53 million units for this year.\nApart from increasing more brands, such as \nZeekr\n, Geely is also pushing the Lynk & Co brand harder than usual, with plans to \nexpand\n to Russia and the Asia Pacific including \nMalaysia!\n In August, Geely was reported on planning a significant entry into \nSouth Korea\n by not only selling Lynk & Co models, but also assembling them.\nProton dealers were very impressed by the Lynk & Co atmosphere and concept back in \n2018\nIn its home country, Lynk & Co offers five models, with the sixth \nflagship 09\n SUV joining the line-up last month. Sales are seeing explosive growth, accumulating close to 150,000 units for the first nine months of 2021 which is a 40% increase compared to the year before. The \n03 sedan\n seems to be the best seller, followed by the 06 compact SUV and 01 SUV.\nThe Lynk & Co 05 is a popular coupe-SUV in China, thanks to a powerful engine. More here!\nSales in Europe are picking up too, with close to 8,000 units delivered and almost 25% of the users selected the innovative subscription route from just four fixed retail outlets called \nClubs\n. Last month, Lynk & Co added the Berlin Club, where it offers event spaces, flexible lounge areas, a coffee bar, and retail areas to showcase the local Gear Collection, a selection of brands that share Lynk & Co\u2019s values of sustainability, creativity, and community.\nOther locations where a physical store is not viable would feature short-term pop-up stores. Lynk & Co separate themselves from other auto brands via a simple product lineup featuring full specifications such as ADAS, panoramic moonroof, large wheels and connectivity as well as subscription or sharing-based usage.\nCould Lynk & Co open up a \u2018shop in shop\u2019 in Volvo or Proton dealerships?\nIn China, the Lynk & Co 06 that closely resembles the \nProton X50 TGDI\n / \nGeely Bin Yue\n has its pricing starting at where the Geely model ends, from CNY119,000 to CNY145,000 (approx. RM77.3k to RM94k).\nLynk & Co 01\nLynk & Co 06\nLynk & Co 03\nThe 03 sedan meanwhile has similar pricing to a Honda Accord, starting from CNY136,800 all the way to CNY256,800 (approx. RM88k to RM166k). The \nEuropean 01\n SUV slots in between the price range, hovering between CNY179,800 to CNY201,800.\nWhile it\u2019s still too early to speculate on the pricing, anything above RM200k will be a difficult sale as that is where the flashy \nBMW 218i Gran Coupe\n and \nMercedes-Benz A200\n begin their pricing thanks to local assembly or CKD.\nGALLERY\nLynk & Co 01\nLynk & Co Clubs"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and media art collective, Filamen, have announced a collection of exclusive non-fungible tokens (NFT) based on the Arteon called \nAccelerated Futurescapes\n.\u00a0\nFour one-of-a-kind crypto art inspired by the high-performance saloon will be sold on \nPentas\n, a leading NFT platform in South East Asia powered by Binance Smart Chain. The NFTs will also be available on \nFilamen\u2019s virtual gallery\n and co-curated design research platform, \nNo-to-scale\n.\nNFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets based on blockchain technology that allows for digital ownership. As each piece is uniquely certified where no two are the same. It is expected to appeal to art collectors and Arteon enthusiasts alike.\nThe work of Syed Mohamad.\n\u201cVolkswagen has always been at the forefront of digitalisation initiatives in Malaysia, and pushing digital boundaries is something we constantly strive to do. With this collaboration, we are once again setting new standards, and we thank Filamen in realising this dream with us,\u201d said\u00a0VPCM, Managing Director, Erik Winter.\n\u201cWe saw the project as a digital exploration of the relationship between the car and aesthetic imagery and the artworks are distinct visions of the Arteon, exemplifying a car beyond just a vehicle,\u201d said Filamen co-founder Abdul Shakir.\nUp-and-coming Filamen artists, Syed Mohamad and Jason Choo, were commissioned to create the NFTs, and the results are four visions of the future inspired by the Volkswagen Arteon; everything from design, performance, sound, shape, and the other little details that matter.\nThe work of Jason Choo.\nSyed\u2019s work revolves around the themes of \u2018energy\u2019\u00a0and \u2018motion\u2019. Though digital, the work mirrors natural phenomena such as waves on the ocean surface. Jason, on the other hand, focused on fictional imagery. Using themes such as \u2018life\u2019 and \u2018flight\u2019 to represent the Arteon\u2019s intangible dimensions, Jason\u2019s work acts as a mediator between him and the audience.\nThe NFT project is the second art collaboration to feature the Arteon. In 2019, \nVPCM partnered with Wei-Ling contemporary art gallery\n to feature 13 Arteon Art Cars by 13 local artists that were auctioned off for charity.\nAll four Arteon NFTs are available for viewing at \nWe Are Filamen\n or purchase from the \nPentas platform\n. Each is priced at \nUSD 1,314 (approx. RM5,492) or 2.5 BNB. \nGALLERY"
"At the launch of the new \nMercedes-Benz GLC 200\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has also added another 43 Series to the Mercedes-AMG family, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe, in the OrangeArt Special Edition no less.\nAvailable for order from RM719k (OTR without insurance), the GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe gets the full AMG treatment down from the engine down to the suspension tuning. It is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 paired to a nine-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission that outputs \n385 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four corners as denoted by the 4MATIC badge. Key performance figures read \n5.7 seconds\n century sprint time and \n250 km/h\n top speed; the exact figures of the \nGLE 450 4MATIC Coupe\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe\nEngine\n2,996cc; twin-turbo V6\nTransmission\n9-G Tronic automatic\nMax Power\n385 hp\nMax Torque\n520 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.7 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM718,888\nOn the outside, the GLE Coupe wears the AMG exterior line as expected \u2013 AMG diamond radiator grille, AMG body kit, twin exhaust outlets, AMG spoiler lip and 21-inch five twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels are fitted as standard. On top of that, the OrangeArt Edition gets additional orange accents on the lower bumper and wheels as well as the Night Package which blacks out the front grille, wing mirrors and roof. As for the paint finish, customers can choose between \nsix options\n \u2013 Black, Polar White, Obsidian Black, Iridium Silver, Selenite Grey and Designo Diamond White Bright.   Inside, the cabin gets the full AMG treatment too with Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre upholstery, carbon fibre trim, AMG three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel and AMG instrument cluster. The orange contrast stitching on the seats and floor mats are unique OrangeArt Edition touches. Other standard items on the GLE 43 Coupe includes panoramic sunroof, Command Online infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound syste, rear seat infotaintment, keyless entry and start, powered tailgate, soft closing doors and many more luxurious features befitting of the E-Class equivalent SUV.\nMBM has expressed that the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe OrangeArt Edition will be available in very limited units only. For RM718k, the only question you have to ask yourself is would you rather be rolling in a three-pointed AMG SUV or a \nPorsche Cayenne\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the launch of the\n third-generation GLS 450 4Matic\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today also launched the GLE Coupe body style here in our country. It will be offerd in the 450 4Matic AMG Line variant, as well as a full-fledged performance-oriented \nMercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe\n.\nJoining the existing GLE 450 that was \nlaunched here last year\n, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe 4Matic AMG Line is priced from \nRM 661,009.42\n here in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n that will be in effect until the end of 2020. As standard, each GLE 450 Coupe will also come with a four-year/unlimited-mileage warranty.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Coupe body style shortens the length of the SUV by 60 mm compared to the regular Mercedes-Benz GLE. Other than the slight dimension changes, the exterior of GLE Coupe is dressed quite similarly to its regular-shaped sibling, aside from the obvious sloping coupe roofline and a flatter-angled windshield of course.\nFitted with the AMG Line exterior package, the GLE 450 4Matic Coupe gets the following exterior highlights:\nAMG Line front fascia with diamond mesh grille, and AMG-Line front bumper\nAMG Line rear bumper with integrated diffuser with wide chrome trim, surrounding the twin exhaust exits\nMultibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\nLED taillights\n21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels (Regular GLE gets 22-inch units)\nPanoramic sliding sunroof\nAluminium-look, illuminated running boards with rubber studs\nPERFORMANCE\nSimilar to the existing GLE 450, the GLE 450 Coupe is also powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine. As such, power output figures are identical, down to the 0-100 km/h times.\nEngine: M256 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology\nTransmission: 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: 4Matic all-wheel drive\nSuspension: AirMatic air suspension\nMax horsepower: 367 hp\nMax torque: 500 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds\nTop speed: electronically-limited 250 km/h\nINTERIOR\nThe dashboard architecture on the Coupe bodystyle is unsurprisingly identical to the regular Mercedes-Benz GLE. However, the Coupe does gain an additional sporty touch befitting its exterior looks, thanks to the Nappa leather sports seats in front and sports steering wheel, the former includes as standard a four-way lumbar support adjustment.\nDespite having a 60 mm shorter wheelbase, Mercedes-Benz says that the GLE Coupe is still plenty spacious, especially when compared to its predecessor. The door openings have also been enlarged by 35 mm to aid with ingress and egress.\nCompared to the outgoing GLE Coupe, the new model also boasts a 40-litres larger cargo space at 655 litres, and 70-litres larger at at 1790 litres with the rear seats folded down. Thanks to the Airmatic suspension, the entire car can also be lowered by 50 mm with just a press of a button, which will be particularly useful when loading heavy items.\nOther interior highlights include:\nDual 12.3-inch displays with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nMercedes me telematics and connected services\nDual-zone automatic climate control\nAnthracite open-pore oak wood and artico leather trims\nDesigno red seat belts\nWireless charging pad\nSAFETY\nThe Malaysian-specification Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe comes as standard with the following safety equipment:\nAdaptive cruise control with Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\n360-degree around-view monitor\nMercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package\nExit warning\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nGALLERY"
"This piece of news has been a long time coming, and it\u2019s just a matter of time before someone breaks the silence. In light of the weakening Ringgit, UMW Toyota has announced that car prices under the Toyota and Lexus brands will rise between 4 to 16 percent (depending on model and make), and is effective January 2016.\nIt was revealed in their press statement that despite the Ringgit\u2019s continual depreciation against the Greenback, the company has implemented strategic plans to absorb additional operating costs for the past few months and will continue to do so until the year ends.\u00a0\nUMW Toyota President, Datuk Ismet Suki said \u201cSince the beginning of 2015, the Ringgit\u2019s fluctuation has impacted our business as some of our parts and components are imported, resulting in an increase in overall production cost. We have implemented cost-efficiency measures and reviewed our operations across the supply chain to mitigate the weaker Ringgit.\u201d\nDatuk Ismet also stressed that the company has done their utmost in keeping the price increase at a minimal, and added that the unfortunate move will not even recover 100 percent from the impact that they have been absorbing. He also said if the Ringgit continues to weaken, the pricing structure will eventually be revised once again.\nTough times await, and we can most certainly expect all other brands to announce similar statements in the coming weeks."
"Some of us have waited long for the slightest piece of update on the \nall-new Audi A4 B9\n. Well, we needn\u2019t wait any longer, for the bomb has begun ticking.\nNo official specifications have been revealed, but judging from the picture, a 2.0-litre quattro variant will be among the mix, which we assume will be of the more powerful tune (\n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque). The current A4 B8\u2019s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 210 hp and 350 Nm. A seven-speed S Tronic transmission is standard issue here.\nThose who have paid close scrutiny to the A4 B9 will know Audi is offering a smaller 1.4 TFSI engine that makes\n 150 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n of torque. Should this be introduced, it will go right up against its rivals \nBMW 318i\n and the Mercedes C180. The Bavarian saloon puts out \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque, whereas the Mercedes-Benz C180 belts \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. The only deterrent here is pricing it competitively, which is a problem for Audi Malaysia because all Audi models are fully imported.\nThe Audi A4 B9 will be launched very soon, but the bigger question is, will the A4 Avant and the hotter\u00a0\nS4\n be introduced here as well?\n2016 Audi A4 B9 Avant (S-Line)"
"In moving towards electrification, Perodua has just unveiled the \nPerodua Ativa\n Hybrid\n, the first hybrid car from a Malaysian car brand. The Perodua Ativa Hybrid is only available as a subscription and it is a part of a first-of-its-kind electric vehicle study as well as a \u201cmobility as a service\u201d market study by Perodua. The monthly subscription fee is limited to 300 units only and all units have been subscribed for. The subscription programme is handled by Perodua\u2019s existing arm called \u201cEZ Mobi\u201d.\nPerodua has divided the study into two parts, with the first part to understand group driving behaviour of a hybrid vehicle in populated locations like Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru. The other part of the study aims to understand consumers\u2019 acceptance of a five-year \u201csubscription\u201d service.\nPowering the car is a series hybrid system. What this means is that the wheels are solely propelled by the electric motor that produces \n106 hp\n and \n170 Nm\n. Under the hood is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 82 hp and 105 Nm, but it only functions as a generator/range extender. Designed for urban driving, the Ativa hybrid\u2019s battery capacity is only 4.3Ah.\nA similar system is used by Nissan for the e-Power drivetrain, which allows you to experience \u201celectric driving\u201d while still fuelling up the car with petroleum gasoline and not having to look for charging stations. All power is sent to the front wheels and the Ativa Hybrid supposedly has a fuel consumption of \n31.3 km/l\n based on the Malaysian Driving Cycle test.\nSince the Ativa Hybrid drives like an electric car, it also comes with a one-pedal driving feature called the \u201cSmart Pedal\u201d. Changing between \u201cnormal\u201d and eco\u201d modes affects the throttle response.\nAnother change in terms of driving experience is the use of the electronic parking brake (EPB) instead of the mechanical hand brake lever. This also allows for the implementation of an \u201cauto-hold\u201d function.\nRELATED: \nNew Nissan Kicks e-Power teased in ETCM\u2019s CNY video \u2013 Malaysia launch in 2022?\nEssentially a rebadged \nDaihatsu Rocky\n e-Smart Hybrid\n, the grille and air conditioning controls are noticeably different from the normal Perodua Ativa. With only the centre caps changed, the wheels are also shared with the Daihatsu Rocky e-smart.\nTo the uninitiated, it will be quite hard to tell apart the normal Ativa from the hybrid version. The bumpers are different and so is the grille, but the difference is not obvious. There are no \u201c e-Smart Hybrid\u201d badges on the front fenders, although the Rocky has them. Another small difference on the additional mirror on the left wing mirror.\nRELATED: \nDaihatsu Rocky Hybrid delivers 28 km/L, 106 hp system, from est. RM77k\nOn the inside, significant differences between the Ativa hybrid and the normal Ativa include the Aircond controls, the EPB, and the upholstery. There are also cooling vents in the interior for the hybrid battery. For the Ativa Hybrid, a tyre repair kit replaces the full-sized spare in the regular Ativa.\nAs for safety, the Ativa Hybrid gets the same safety features as the Daihatsu Rocky e-smart which include newly EPB with auto hold cornering trace assist (CTA). CTA applies a small amount of braking force to the \u201cinside\u201d wheel when it detects the car to be drifting while taking a corner.\nPerodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThe Perodua Ativa Hybrid would be the best vehicle for us to gain unique insights on Malaysian behaviour as a controlled group, as this data will be used to anticipate our customers\u2019 needs when using an electric vehicle.\u201d\nOn the subject of vehicle subscription, he adds, \u201cWhile we believe that vehicle ownership will still be our bread and butter; there is the possibility that a vehicle subscription business model may be acceptable for more users in the near future.\u201d\n\u201cThis is what we mean by \u2018subscription\u2019 \u2013 a service where all other obligations of owning a vehicle \u2013 such as following a service schedule, paying vehicle insurance and paying road tax \u2013 will be managed entirely by us; all the customer has to do is pay a subscription fee to enjoy the package.\u201d\nAlthough the Perodua Ativa Hybrid is only a market study, it is the first hybrid car from a Malaysian car brand. The subscription costs RM500 and lasts for 5 years. An upfront payment of RM 2,150 is required. Both the hybrid powertrain and subscription programme are a first for a local car brand. At the launch event itself, Perodua handed over five keys to five of the Ativa Hybrid subscribers.\nGALLERY"
"Acknowledging it as the \u201celephant in the room\u201d in a recent press conference during an\n X90\n media drive event, Proton deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah confirmed that the \nApple CarPlay\n and \nAndroid Auto\n smartphone connectivity features will indeed be making their way into \nProton\n cars in the future.\nHowever, as the feature is still currently under development, its arrival will be \u201cnot too soon\u201d, and \u201cnot on the next model\u201d too. Which means that, unfortunately, the upcoming Proton sedan due later this year \u2013 heavily rumoured to be called the S50 \u2013 will \nnot\n be getting the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features.\nProton\u2019s infotainment system is currently developed by \nACO Tech\n, a Malaysian company jointly formed between Proton, ECarX, and Altel. The latest iteration of its Atlas operating system, now being used in the X90, boasts many advanced features such as an\n in-car e-wallet payment system\n and\n direct Spotify integration\n, although its smartphone connectivity is only limited to just Bluetooth or the QDLink screen mirroring system.\nWhen questioned about the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features, a representative from ACO Tech previously explained that the hold-up was mainly down to user data collection by Apple and Google. \u201c(.) But I think the ACO Tech team understands what is the market requirements for the CarPlay and Android Auto, and they\u2019re still working on it,\u201d the representative added.\nRELATED: \nPeople are getting increasingly fed up with the built-in touchscreen systems in their cars\nWhile Proton may have committed to introducing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in its future models, it\u2019s unclear if these features will be retroactively added to its existing cars via software updates, as Apple requires specific hardware certifications through its MFi programme for Apple CarPlay connectivity on vehicle head units and infotainment systems.\nIt has certainly been done before, however. Volvo previously \nrolled out an over-the-air software update\n for its Android Automotive-based operating system to enable Apple CarPlay connectivity on its cars, and the same was done for the \nPerodua Al\nz\na\n too, albeit with a \nmanual software update \ndone by its technicians at service centres."
"Proton has achieved a new milestone for its business, as the first locally-assembled \nSaga\n has rolled off the assembly line at the Al-Haj Automotive\u2019s Karachi plant in Pakistan.\nThe green field production plant, \nannounced in March 2019\n, was built at a cost of USD20 million and has an initial annual capacity of 25,000 units. The potential sales volume of the Pakistan market makes it a critical part of Proton\u2019s plan to grow exports in the future, and the carmaker has stationed 20 manufacturing staff at the site to assist in the operation.\nSpeaking during the line-off ceremony, Al-Haj Automotive CEO, Hilal Khan Alfridi said, \u201cThe successful assembly of the Proton Saga in Pakistan is the culmination of the hard-work and untiring efforts of Proton, the entire Al-Haj team, its suppliers and vendors.\n\u201cEven with Covid-19 restrictions in place, we continued to push to build our new assembly plant and as such, we are confident it will set new industry standards and enable us to introduce more products that meet the international quality levels set by Proton.\u201d\nFind out what we think of the Proton Saga 1.3 Premium in our review here!\nFollowing the Saga, Al-Haj Automotive will also be assembling the\n Proton X70\n at the site, with a tentative roll-off scheduled to happen in December 2021.\u00a0The C-segment SUV was initially launched in Pakistan as a CBU model in December 2020, with a plan to begin local assembly by the first quarter of 2021 \u2013 but Covid-19 restrictions means that the original schedule had to be delayed.\nAs the firm finalises its plans to begin local assembly, the final 154 units of the Proton X70 was shipped to Pakistan on Sunday, 17 October 2021, bringing the total number of CBU units exported to the country to 602.\n\u201cDespite \nCovid-19\n severely affecting our project timelines in Pakistan, demand for Proton models in the country remains high for both the Proton Saga and Proton X70 attracting a strong following. Al-Haj has received 2,500 orders for the Saga and over 2,000 orders have been placed for the X70, so we wish to thank the customers for their belief in our products and especially their patience and understanding over the delays in receiving their cars,\u201d said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\n\u201cNow that the final shipment of CBU units is on the way and local assembly has started for the Saga with the X70 to roll off the production line before the end of the year, we can finally work to catch up to market demand. This will allow Al-Haj Automotive and Proton to establish a strong market presence in the country to benefit future sales growth.\u201d\nProton previously announced its aims to grow its presence in overseas markets, with a sales target of 400,000 units by 2027."
"It may just be a sneak peek, if you will, on a future production model which is set to make its debut in 2018 but the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance previewed at the \nFrankfurt Motor Show\n is already making us want to start the next year sooner.\nThe concept X7 will be housing the groundbreaking \nBMW eDrive system\n mated to a \nBMW TwinPower Turbo\n engine for an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. The front end, without a doubt, is the most eye-catching sight of the car with a large, vertical kidney grille.   The kidney grille is joined by twin elongated headlights with\n BMW laser light featuring a \u201cblue X\u201d symbol\n together with the Quasi-vertical aero lips that further accentuates the car\u2019s powerfully presence on the road. For the first time in an \u201cX\u201d vehicle, the wheel arches feature a circular cut and emphasize the exclusivity and elegance of the flanks.\nThe exterior\u2019s luxurious vibe is also highlighted with\n 23-inch light alloy wheels\n with aerodynamically-optimised inlays between the spokes reduce drag which complement the aero lips at the front and rear to ensure improved airflow. At the back, the X7\u2019s bold presence is further enhanced with\u00a0\nthree-dimensional, L-shaped\n rear lights.   On the inside, the \nlarge panoramic roof\n which not only provides remarkable head room but also provides the interior with a light and airy feel takes centre stage in a cabin. The luxurious sense of spaciousness enjoyed from all seats is reinforced to subtle effect by strands of laser light in the roof and the dynamic ambient and contour lighting.\nAt the front, the layout of the instrument panel and centre console are typical of BMW\u2019s driver-focussed ergonomics. The sleek dashboard is occupied by a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and central touchscreen information display.\n \nSix amply proportioned seats\n are spread out across three rows where four of them are of exclusive individual designs. The rest of the interior applies an open-pore ash in dark-stained, matt and polished aluminium finishes.\u00a0Second-row passengers can enjoy personalised infotainment comfort courtesy of the rear-seat\u2019s touchscreen monitors. Here, the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance indicates BMW Group\u2019s vision of seamless integrating the customer\u2019s digital world into their vehicles via BMW Connected.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The fastest Cayman has arrived in Malaysia as official distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) introduces the Porsche Cayman GT4 \u2013 priced at RM840,000 (excluding road tax and insurance).\nWhat do you get when you fit a 911 Carrera S engine and sprinkle some \n911 GT3\n goodness onto a Cayman? A\u00a0\n385 horsepower\n mid-engine machine that goes around the Nurburgring (North Loop) \n13 seconds\n faster than a standard Cayman \u2013 7 minutes 40 seconds. And still as versatile to be an everyday sports car.\n\u00a0\nMade its world debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the mini \n911 GT3\n is now available for Malaysian enthusiasts just four months after the \nRM700,000 Cayman GTS\n was introduced locally. We\u00a0had a\u00a0taxi ride in the GT4 around a mini track at Johor Premium Outlet. The sounds really good and is surprisingly comfortable, for a GT car.\n\u201cThe Cayman GT4 is the most powerful model in the Cayman model range and features motor sports-orientated technology that allows it to offer exceptionally high levels of performance potential and emotional driving pleasure,\u201d said Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP.\nEXTERIOR\n Aerodynamics emphasis on the GT4 sets it apart from the rest of the Caymans. It\u2019s been lowered by \n18mm\n as compared to the Cayman GTS, and the longer wheelbase and front overhang with large front lip made it \n34mm\n longer. The front bumper features three large air intakes supplying air into three radiators and front brakes.   The signature look is the large GT wing at the back, made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP), generating downforce onto the rear axle. You can further identify the GT4 by spotting the central twin tailpipes, smoked rear lights and rear diffuser.\nThe wheels and brakes came straight from the \nPorsche 911 GT3\n and they are larger than other Cayman models. 20-inch rims with Ultra High Performance tyres (245/35 tyres in front and 295/30 at the rear). \nPorsche 911 GT3\n components can also be found in the front suspension such as larger wheel bearings and split wishbones.\nINTERIOR\n The Alcantara dominated cabin is decorated with brushed aluminium trims, \u201cGT4\u201d badges and fabric door pulls. Not forgetting the \n360mm\n diameter 918 Spyder design steering wheel, 10mm smaller than the ones in GTS model.   Lightweight two-way Sport seat Plus wrapped with Alcantara and leather are fitted as standard, the same type you see in the \n911 GT3 RS\n. Porsche offers 918 Spyder\u2019s full bucket seat made of lightweight CFRP material.   The GT4 is not entirely stripped out. It is still equipped with seven-inch touchscreen colour display, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation, digital radio, Bluetooth and speech control. The Cayman GT4 with optional Club Sport Package gets a rollover protection bar at the rear, front roll cage, fire extinguisher and six- point safety harness.\nPERFORMANCE\n The heart of the Cayman GT4 is a 3.8-litre straight-six engine from the 911 Carrera S. Slightly detuned to produce 385 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Transmitting power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. This 1,340kg machine gets off the line to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds all the way to 295 km/h.   WHAT ELSE?\n Sime Darby Auto Performance built a mini track at Johor Premium Outlet and you are invited to join this weekend\u2019s (7th \u2013 8th Nov 2015) roadshow to experience the Cayman GT4 in a taxi ride. You can also go for a test drive in the some of the selected models.\n The base price for the Porsche Cayman GT4 starts from RM 840,000 excluding registration fee, road tax and insurance. It also comes with a 4-year warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a little \nteaser\n a month ago, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) has finally unleashed the most hardcore XE in all its glory. Limited to 300 left-hand drive examples worldwide, the XE SV Project 8 is reengineered from the ground up to become a four-door supercar killer.\nThe Project 8 packs a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 generating \n592 hp\n, which is\u00a017 horses more than the highly acclaimed \nF-Type SVR\n! Power is applied to all four-corners via an eight-speed Quickshift transmission and Jaguar\u2019s All-Wheel Drive system (AWD). As a result, sprinting to 96 km/h from naught takes \n3.3 seconds\n, almost as quick as an \nAudi R8 V10 Plus\n. At full whack, the speedo will read \n322 km/h\n or 200 mph.\nTo complement the mind-boggling performance from a four-door family saloon, SVO done \nsignificant revisions to the body work\n. Among the new components include vented carbon fibre bonnet, carbon fibre bumper with larger air inlets, adjustable front splitter, flared arches, flat underbody, rear carbon fibre bumper, rear diffuser, adjustable rear wing and 20-inch forged aluminium alloys.\nBesides that, the Project 8 also features stiffer springs, manually adjustable continuously variable dampers that can further lower the car by \n15 mm\n for track outings, carbon ceramic brakes and rear Electronic Active Differential (EAD). The Project 8 is also the first Jaguar to feature a dedicated \ntrack mode\n that alters powertrain, steering response and stability control for ultimate driver feedback on track.   As for the interior, SVO is offering two distinct options \u2013 the standard four-seat or the optional \ntwo-seat track pack\n. On the standard configuration, the front seats are of magnesium frames with extra bolster support while the track pack gets front carbon fibre racing seats with four-point harnesses and a retention hoop in place of the rear seats.\nKeen customers can also personalise their Project 8 with SVO. It is of course done for a small fee on top of the \u00a3149,995 (RM834k) asking price.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve seen them everywhere \u2013 on various parts of the car, various form of merchandises while others feel so strongly for it, they\u2019ve even had them tattooed on their bodies but what do the colours on BMW\u2019s M logo represent?\nThe M logo consists of three different colours \u2013 \nRed\n, \nBlue\n and contrary to what most believe to be a darker shade of blue, is actually \nPurple\n.\nIt\u2019s appropriate to first be reminded that BMW stands for \nBavarian Motor Works\n. As such the \nlight blue\n is taken off the flag that represents the region where the brand was established. The\n red\n is a tribute to Texaco, an American oil giant who had partnered with BMW since the early days of BMW\u2019s motorsport exploits in 1970s.\nFinally, the middle stripe, the\n purple\n, is an elegant representation of the two company\u2019s collaboration where red mixed with blue, turns to purple. It is said that once the BMW/Texaco partnership ended, BMW had to buyout Texaco to secure the rights to carry on with the red stripe.\nThe first use of the M colours were seen on the BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile and has remained a permanent representation of BMW\u2019s motorsports endeavour ever since."
"Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd has officially introduced the Ecopia H/L 001, replacing the EP 850. The tyre is specifically designed for SUV drivers who desire a balance between safety, long wear life and fuel efficiency.\nDeveloped using Bridgestone\u2019s advanced technologies and compounds such as the NanoPro-tech, the Ecopia H/L 001 provides confident wet handling and braking performance, an optimized contact patch for longer-lasting tread life and low rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency. The new tyre is also designed for a smooth and comfortable ride.\nManaging Director, Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, Michael Chung commented, \u201cThe Ecopia H/L 001 is a low rolling resistance tyre designed for SUVs without compromising on safety or comfort. Through our market feedback, key attributes of driver\u2019s when evaluating tyres are grip, wet performance, wear life and comfort. The Ecopia H/L 001 is a tyre that excels in all these fields with the added bonus of fuel savings,\u201d\nIn the new Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 001, new tread pattern with improved chamfered design provides a flat contact point for enhanced wet grip and handling. Based on internal benchmarking, up to 12% shorter wet braking distance is achieved compared to the EP 850.\nThe deeper lug depth on the tyre shoulder is meanwhile designed to strengthen stiffness in the tyre and increase wear resistance as well as noise vibration for a more comfortable ride.\nBridgestone\u2019s NanoPro-tech chemistry strengthens the bond between silica and polymer, resulting in lower heat generation for better fuel efficiency and carbon emissions.\nFind out more about the dangers of driving with under-inflated tyres here!\nFor this initial launch timing, the new Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 001 is available in 10 sizes ranging from 15-inch to 18-inch and priced from \nRM294 to RM854\n a piece.\nPopular SUVs in Malaysia that can experience the new Ecopia H/L 001 include:\n205/70R15- Toyota Unser\n215/60R17- Perodua Aruz, Toyota Rush, Toyota C-HR and Mitsubishi ASX\n225/65R17- Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V 2.0 and Proton X70 Standard\n225/60R17- Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester and Subaru XV\n225/60R18- Honda CR-V 2.4 and Proton X70 Executive\nIn conjunction with the product launch, Bridgestone Malaysia is also having a promotion for the new tyre, where up to \nRM 80 cash rebate\n is offered for a set of four tyres.\nWondered what will you see if you placed an action camera inside a moving tyre? Find out more here!\nGALLERY"
"While purist have lamented the fact that modern supercars are nothing but turbocharged monsters with rapid-shifting automatic gearboxes, this news from Stuttgart may just be the sweetest music to their ears. \nAs revealed by a German website\n, Porsche is set to unveil the 911R, just hours before its official unveiling at Geneva.\nThe pictures here don\u2019t reveal much, but the 911R essentially shares the same track-bred credentials as the \n911 GT3 RS\n. Sure, it loses the RS\u2019 aesthetic prominence, but the bright red stripes here make up for all the kind of heads you\u2019d like to turn when driving by your favourite shopping mall.\nUnder the hood (or boot, cos\u2019 it\u2019s positioned at the back) of this 911R is the same naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine as the GT3 RS, and makes \n493 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. However, instead of being paired to Porsche\u2019s PDK dual clutch gearbox, the 911R gets a manual transmission, which should translate to a slightly slower century sprint performance. The GT3 RS gets that dusted in just 3.3 seconds, though we reckon the 911R will manage below \n3.6 seconds\n. Oh yes, the manual transmission here cannot be upgraded to the PDK, so it\u2019s either this or the GT3 RS.\nPorsche conceived the 911R as a tribute to their original model produced some 50 years ago. In an era dominated by turbocharged and electrified super/hypercars (Porsche isn\u2019t spared, ironically), it\u2019s really refreshing to see Porsche giving its core model a piece of what driving used to be in the old days \u2013 simple driving pleasure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Malaysia has introduced the updated Golf 1.4 TSI, and customers can now choose between two trims \u2013 Comfortline and Highline. They cost RM149,888 and RM159,888 respectively, both cheaper than the \nRM163,888 asking price prior to this update\n.\nThe Comfortline trim carries essentially the same kit from before, but opt for the Highline and you\u2019ll get some added features like Keyless Entry with Push Start, Park Assist and Rest Assist, Fatigue Detection System, \n17-inch five-spoke Madrid wheels\n (as seen in the picture above) and a new pair of LED tail lights, just like the \nGolf R\n\u2018s, except it\u2019s not smoked.\nThe Golf R\u2019s LED tail lamps are smoked, thus appear darker than those on the Golf 1.4 TSI Highline\nInside the cabin, the Highline trim gets new sport seats with \u201cMel Stripe\u201d fabric upholstery while retaining the same 6.5-inch touchscreen head unit. The rest of the equipment kit here are as before \u2013 six airbags, multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and eight speakers.\nIf you\u2019re looking for more firepower then good news because both trims will benefit from a more powerful engine; the \n1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n engine now makes \n148 hp\n from (5,000 to 6,000 rpm) instead of 138 horses, but torque figures remain the same at \n250 Nm\n, peaking from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. Only one transmission is offered, and it\u2019s the same \nseven-speed dual clutch\n auto.\nAgain, the Comfortline is priced at RM149,888 and the Highline costs RM159,888. Both are not inclusive of insurance, by the way. If you\u2019re in the market for a car in this price bracket, the \nFord Focus EcoBoost\n\u00a0makes for a very compelling alternative and costs RM139,888 for the highest specced Sport+ variant. If you\u2019re not in a rush, then hang on to that dough and wait for the \nnew Honda Civic\n to make its Malaysian debut."
"Dear bosses, after an 8-year long run of the second generation\n Toyota Alphard\n and \nVellfire\n, an all-new generation of the luxury MPV twins is finally here. Presenting you the 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, which have just made their global debut in Japan today.\nFor starters, the all-new third-generation Toyota Alphard is offered in three variants, namely the Z, Executive Lounge, and Welcab. The sportier Vellfire, on the other hand, is available in two variants \u2013 Z Premier and Executive Lounge.\nThe two luxury MPVs are built upon the GA-K version of Toyota\u2019s TNGA platform, which the Japanese carmaker says is optimised for MPV use. This optimisation is said to improve the cars\u2019 rigidity by 50% as compared to the third-generation models, as well as provide better manoeuvrability and stability.\nUnderpinned by a \n3,000 mm\n long wheelbase, the luxury Toyota MPV twins measures \n4,995 mm\n long, and \n1,850 mm\n wide. Depending on the model and variant chosen, height is measured at \n1,935 mm\n or \n1,945 mm\n tall.\nThe Alphard and Vellfire have also been designed to conform to the size constraints of the standard automated parking system, which limits the car\u2019s dimensions to a maximum of 5,000 mm long and 1,850 mm wide. Suspension-wise, Toyota has fitted the Alphard and Vellfire with MacPherson struts at the front and an updated double wishbone setup at the rear. The suspensions are also said to be tuned to deliver a more fun driving experience.\nRELATED: \nToyota Yaris Cross launched in Indonesia \u2013 DNGA, petrol and hybrid, Perodua D66B SUV twin?\nOn the outside, Toyota says that it has made an effort in differentiating the Alphard and Vellfire even more clearly this time around. Despite featuring different faces, the luxury MPV twins are still fitted with large grilles as before.\nAnd as usual, the Alphard features an executive face, with its grille made up of black and chrome plates, together with LED headlamps and dashed-patterned LED DRLs. The Vellfire, which is the sportier twin, features chrome slats for its grille, with LED headlamps and a series of black elements around the car.\nThe black elements on the Vellfire are even more apparent with the Z Premier variant. It gets a series of design elements Toyota calls \u201cJet-black plating\u201d, as well as black equipment to deliver an aggressive demeanour. Toyota also said that the two MPVs have been designed with a sense of solidity, akin to a fighting bull in full charge.\nBoth the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are available in naturally-aspirated (NA) petrol, turbocharged petrol, as well as petrol hybrid powertrain options, depending on the model and variant chosen. A choice of 2WD, AWD, and hybrid AWD options are also available between the all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.\nThe Alphard with its Z variant gets two powertrain options. This includes the 2.5-litre NA petrol engine, which paired to the Super CVT-i transmission makes \n182 hp\n (metric) and \n235 Nm\n. Power is sent to either the front wheels only (FWD) or all four wheels via an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.\nAnother powertrain that is available with the Alphard is Toyota\u2019s series parallel hybrid system, which is available for both the Z and higher-end Executive Lounge variants. This setup consists of a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine which by itself produces \n190 hp\n (metric) and \n236 Nm\n, as well as a 5 NM electric motor that puts out \n182 hp\n (metric) and \n270 Nm\n by itself.\nALSO WATCH: \nToyota bZ4X, Japan\u2019s EV with over 500km of range\nSystem output is rated at \n250 hp\n (metric). Powering the electric motors is a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, rated at \n5 Ah\n.\nMated to the hybrid system is an E-CVT, power can be either sent to the front wheels only or all four wheels via Toyota\u2019s hybrid E-Four AWD System. The rear wheels also gain an extra 4NM electric motor that pushes out \n54 hp\n (metric) and \n121 Nm\n.\nThe sportier Vellfire also gets the same hybrid powertrain as the Alphard, but gains a turbocharged petrol option alongside it. Available with the Z Premier variant only, the 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder is paired with an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. With both FWD and AWD options, power is rated at \n279 hp\n (metric) and \n430 Nm\n. Toyota says that it will further contribute towards carbon neutrality, and is planning to introduce plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options in the future as well.\nMoving inside, the all-new fourth-generation Toyota Alphard and Vellfire gains a more modern and minimalistic interior, which consists of fewer buttons than before. Equipment included in the new MPVs include a digital instrument cluster, central display, and a touch-based climate control. There is also a redesigned gear selector positioned within the centre console, as well as an electronic parking brake which also comes with auto brake hold function.\nAll variants are six-seaters, featuring a 2-2-2 layout. The second row gets a pair of powered captain seats too.\nAs its name suggests, the Executive Lounge variants get \u201cexecutive\u201d features such as a retractable table, captain seats that come with heating and ventilating functions, a detachable control panel that enables occupants in the car to control media playback, climate control settings, and also the sunshade.\nTo make the Alphard and Vellfire which are already known for their comfort even more comfortable, Toyota has increased the space between the front and second-row seats, as well as between the second-and third-row seats, by 5 mm and 10 mm respectively. Toyota has also concentrated on interior fixtures such as lighting, assorted switches, and aircon vents in the centre of the ceiling. These fixtures were all located along both sides of the ceiling in the previous gen luxury MPVs.\nRELATED: \nRemember the Toyota C-HR? An all-new version will be debuting on June 26\nToyota also claims the all-new Alphard and Vellfire to be the first-ever Toyota vehicles to feature its Universal Steps on both left- and right-hand-side sliding doors. The steps are also positioned approximately 220 mm above ground, which helps entering and exiting the vehicles even easier for small children and the elderly.\nJust in case you need more luxurious features, Toyota has further improved the Alphard and Vellfire\u2019s sunshades. The moonroof uses independently operable right and left-side shades, so that some occupants can choose to see the sky while others choose to block out the sunlight. Toyota\u2019s has also installed its first-ever pull-down side sunshades, enabling occupants to block excess sunlight while still enjoying the scenery.\nThe Alphard and Vellfire have often been used by bosses as super-luxury mobile offices and as exquisitely comfortable private rooms. Therefore comfort was one of Toyota\u2019s main priorities while developing the fourth generation Toyota Alphard and Vellfire. With that, Toyota has overhauled the seats to prevent vibrations and noise from being transmitted to the occupants.\nIn the safety department, both the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are fitted with the Toyota Safety Sense suite. The suite features safety features such as proactive driving assist & intra-lane steering assist, as well as deceleration assist when turning at intersections.\nToyota Teammate, which comes as standard with the Executive Lounge hybrid variants, and as an option for the Z and Z Premier variants are also available. This includes the Advanced Park function, which also comes with remote park function, and can also be controlled via the Remote Park smartphone app.\nToyota is also offering the Advanced Drive system. When certain conditions are met, it can help reduce driver fatigue in congested traffic and enables the driver to pay closer attention to his or her surroundings to achieve safe driving. This feature is available as standard with the Executive Lounge and Z Premier variants, and is available as an option with the Z variant.\nThe all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire will be built at Toyota\u2019s Inabe Plant in Japan. Toyota is expecting to sell 8,500 units of the luxury MPVs each month, with 70% of the sales contributed by Alphards, and around 30% contributed by Vellfires.\nThe previous third-gen Toyota Alphard and Vellfire were brought in by \nUMW Toyota Motors\n. Whether the official Toyota distributor will be bringing in the all-new Alphard and Vellfire in the future, only time will tell. What do you think of the new luxury MPVs, bosses? Let us know in the comments!\nRELATED: \nThe Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is mostly just a body kit with no extra power\nGALLERY"
"The Ssangyong Rexton once took the Malaysian SUV market by storm, and the hype went almost as quickly as it arrived. Ssangyong have made great strides with the up and coming model, codenamed Y400, to which they will unveil at the Seoul Motor Show in April 2017.\nPositioned as the company\u2019s flagship model, the large SUV is confirmed to be a seven-seater and will be powered by two engines: a \n2.2-litre turbodiesel engine\n making \n184 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque, as well as a \n2.0-litre lump\n with\n 225 horses\n. A choice of\n seven-speed automatic\n or\n six-speed manual\n will be offered.\nStandard equipment include LED DRLs, a massive \n9.2-inch touch-sensitive infotainment screen\n with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, \nadditional 10.1-inch screens\n mounted behind the headrests of the front seats as well as individual \u201ccaptain seats\u201d with massage function. Yup, this one\u2019s not fooling around. There will also be electric sidesteps (like the Range Rover!) with mild illumination for convenient ingress and egress.\nSsangyong also revealed that the wheelbase is a massive 120 mm longer than the Fortuner\u2019s, potentially giving it a roomier cabin. The best part is, when it\u2019s introduced to the Indian market, the new Rexton will most likely undercut the Fortuner by a full RM34,000. Now that\u2019s an irresistible bargain."
"The Peugeot 2008 is not an old car. It debuted just three years ago in Geneva together with the \nRenault Captur\n. But even so, Peugeot has given their subcompact crossover a mild styling refresh as well as a new GT Line trim.\nThe update is very subtle yet it gives a sizeable impact. A \nnew bonnet\n accompanies the \nnew grille\n, and the black plastic cladding now extends to the wheel arches. A couple of new shades are also introduced to the refreshed 2008 \u2013 Emerald Crystal and Ultimate Red; the latter is a shade nicked from the \n308 GTi\n\u2018s colour palette.   The cabin is left largely untouched, though. Peugeot is adamant that their \ni-Cockpit\n, which includes the quirky small diameter steering wheel and the \n7-inch touch screen\n infotainment display to provide a \u201cunique driving experience\u201d.\nNew for the 2008 is the range-topping \nGT Line\n. Externally marked by some \u201cGT Line\u201d emblems on the fenders and on the tailgate, it gets a set of unique \n17-inch wheels\n finished in Eridan gloss black. Most of the chromed items on the 2008 such as the grille surround, roof rails, and side mirror covers are now finished in \ngloss black\n too.\nMeanwhile the interior of the 2008 GT Line is littered with \nred highlights\n, in the form of the stitch work on the leather upholstery, the edges on the seat belts and the floor mats, and the LED used for the \nHead-Up Display\n. Also bundled in is a set of \naluminium pedals\n as well as \nstainless steel door sills\n.\nPowering the 2008 is a \nPureTech 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol\n and a \nBlueHDi 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel\n. The petrol unit is offered in three states of tune: 82 hp, 110 hp, and 130 hp. The \nPureTech 82\n is available in either a five-speed manual or automatic, and the \nPureTech 110\n comes in either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The most powerful \nPureTech 130\n is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.   The diesel variant comes in three different power outputs: 75 hp, 100 hp, and 120 hp. The least powerful \nBlueHDi 75\n is paired to a five-speed manual and the most powerful \nBlueHDi 120\n is mated to a six-speed manual, while the mid-range \nBlueHDi 100\n comes with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.\nTo recap, our Malaysian-market pre-facelift 2008 currently retails at RM116k. It\u2019s only offered with a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder producing 120 hp, and the engine is mated to a four-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the\u00a0\nRenault\u2019s Captur\n offers 118 hp from its turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder mill and it only costs \nRM1k dearer\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two of the most anticipated cars in 2014 are here. \nMotor Image\n, the exclusive distributor of \nSubaru\n vehicles in Malaysia, has finally unveiled the all-new \nSubaru WRX\n and \nWRX STI\n in Malaysia. The standard variant comes in the guise of \nSubaru WRX 2.0 CVT\n while the performance sibling as the \nSubaru WRX STI 2.5 6MT\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru WRX 2.0 CVT\nSubaru WRX STI 2.5 6MT\nSegment\nC-Segment Sedan\nC-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n1,998cc 4-cylinder Boxer, turbocharged DIT (268hp, 350Nm)\n2,457cc 4-cylinder Boxer, high-boost turbocharged (300hp, 407Nm)\nTransmission\u00a0\nSport Lineartronic CVT\n6-Speed Manual\nPrice\u00a0\nRM 237,190.80\n \nRM 278,720.50\n\u00a0\nWRX\n, which stands for \nW\norld \nR\nally e\nX\nperimental used to be turbocharged version of the Subaru Impreza. While WRX \nSTI\n or\u00a0\nS\nubaru \nT\necnica\n I\nnternational is the hooligan version of the Subaru Impreza WRX. This time around, Subaru decided to develop an all-new sedan, the \nSubaru WRX\n, which comes with \nSubaru WRX STI\n of course.\nThe standard variant has gone for a new but smaller\n 2.0-liter\n turbocharged Boxer engine, whereas the WRX STI sticks with its \n2.5-liter\n turbocharged engine. There\u2019s a bad news for some Scooby fans though, no hatchbacks this time.\nEXTERIOR\n Subaru nailed it with the \nWRX Concept\n\u00a0which was sharp and masculine, with strong WRX DNA. The end product didn\u2019t fall far from it. Thankfully.   Both WRX and WRX STI are exactly the same in terms of dimension. The performance variant is however lighter by 13kg at 1,516kg of kerb weight.\u00a0They are equipped with LED headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, rear diffuser, shark-fin antenna and twin dual tail pipes.   The WRX STI gets the large rear spoiler obviously, whereas the WRX has a ducktail spoiler. 18-inch rims for the performance sedan while the standard variant 17-inch.\nINTERIOR\n \nInterior design is unmistakably Subaru with both cabins looking exactly the same if not for the gear sticks and upholstery. The WRX comes with fabric upholstery with red stitching while the WRX STI gets leather and Alcantara with red stitching.   Both variants are equipped with leather wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake lever, keyless entry, push start button,\u00a0\n2-DIN audio system, Rear Vision Camera System, Multi Function Display including Boost Pressure Meter, cruise control and aluminium pedals.   The WRX STI is fitted with driver-set rev indicator, a D-shaped quick ratio (12.7:1) power steering wheel and stainless side sill plates. The WRX gets a D-shaped quick ratio (14.3:1) power steering and paddle shifters.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nThe Subaru WRX is powered by a new \n2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine\n and for the first time coupled with a \nsport\u00a0lineartronic CVT\n transmission. It produces \n268 horsepower\n and \n350Nm\n of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h at \n6.3 seconds\n with the top speed of \n240 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is reported to be \n8.6 liter per 100km\n for mixed city and highway driving.\nTha Subaru WRX STI gets a little more than that, a \n2.5-liter high-boost turbocharged\n with large capacity intercooler Boxer engine, mated with a \n6-speed manual\n gearbox. It generates \n300 horsepower\n, \n407Nm\n of torque, 0 to 100km/h in \n5.2 seconds\n with a top speed of \n255km/h\n. The WRX STI is fitted with high performance Brembo brakes for that extra braking power. Both city and highway driving in the STI uses \n10.4 liter per 100km\n.\nIn terms of drivetrain, the WRX gets \nVariable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive system\n. The WRX STI has a \nDriver\u2019s Control Centre Differential (DCCD) type all-wheel drive system\n, which can be set on the multi-mode DCCD .\nBoth WRX\u2019s are equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (\nSI-Drive\n) that allows driver to select driving modes; \nIntelligent\u00a0Mode [I]\n for smooth and efficient drive, \nSport Mode [S]\n for a fun and sporty drive, \nSport Sharp Mode [S#]\n allows sharper throttle response and precise rev control.\nSafety is as important for both WRX and WRX STI, so the duo get the same and complete safety package.\n Seven SRS airbags\n including driver\u2019s knee airbag, reinforcement beams, whiplash reducing front seats, Brake Assist and Brake Override.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nMotor Image invited British precision stunt driver \nRuss Swift\n, who invented the Parallel Park manoeuvre. He has had a few Guinness World Record under his belt such as pa\nrallel parking in tightest space,\u00a0J-turn in tightest space and fastest time in doing 10 donuts. A mind boggling 10 donuts in 16.07 seconds. That\u2019s 1.6 seconds per complete spin!   Russ did some amazing tricks in the new Subaru WRX STI at Desa Park City, including a side wheelie in a Subaru XV! He started off with one passenger (me!) in the car, which he eventually took in more passengers. Me managed to perform the side wheelie with 4 other passengers in the car! A great guy with incredible talent. He\u2019s 63 this year by the way.\nAs of the day of launch, Malaysian market is more interested in the performance sedan as there are more orders placed for the Scooby WRX STI than the WRX. The Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT is priced at \nRM\u00a0237,190.80\n, the Subaru WRX STI is priced at about RM41,000 more at\u00a0\nRM 278,720.50\n. \nThere are \nseven colours\n to choose from; Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Galaxy Blue Silica, WR Blue Pearl, Lighting Red, Dark Grey Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has launched the \u201cFine-Comfort Ride,\u201d a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) they hope can set the tone for transportation in a low carbon society.\nWith hydrogen as it energy source to produce electric, it does not emit any carbon dioxide (CO\n2), comes with a generous cruising range and takes only three minutes for a full hydrogen refill.\nPower is delivered through an in-wheel motor which is positioned at the very corner of the vehicle. Together with an underside cover, the Fine-Comfort Ride achieves the stability and quietness of a premium saloon.\nOn the outside, while it may have wider front and middle section dimensions, its diamond-shaped cabin narrows towards the rear \u2013 maximising space for the second row seats and enhancing aerodynamic performance.\nInside the 6-seater, in adopting the \u201cwearing comfort\u201d concept, the Fine-Comfort Ride\u2019s seats allow for flexible layouts and individual seat adjustments according to posture. The its windows on both sides also operate as touch screen displays for both driver and passengers for various accessibility.\nIt is said that the Fine-Comfort Ride is estimated to achieve a cruising range of approximately \n1,000 km\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ireland is the latest country to join the war on internal combustion engines, following recent announcements by \nUK\n and \nFrance\n whose plans are to phase out petrol and diesel-powered vehicles by 2040.\nReports have claimed that the Irish government is proposing a new law that would effectively ban the sale of new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines by 2030, just like India.\nBy then, the local government plans to have nearly one million electric vehicles on the road which would form nearly half of the two million or so vehicles in Ireland at the moment.\nCar manufacturers have also taken unconventional approaches in elevating their brand\u2019s EV appeal, like \nPorsche\u2019s launch of the Taycan in collaboration with Star Wars in Singapore.\nThe ban was proposed by Ireland\u2019s Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Richard Burton, as part of the Irish government\u2019s new \u201cClimate Action Plan\u201d which aims to make the country carbon-neutral by 2050.\nIt\u2019s still mind-boggling to think how these countries would achieve such a target seeing as an overwhelming majority of cars on the road are still powered by conventional internal combustion engines.\nIn the Malaysian context, it\u2019s hard to imagine how our local government would go about such a move seeing as there are still cars from the 1980\u2019s still roaming our streets."
"The BMW i8 has been crowned winner of the International Engine & Powertrain of the Year award for the fifth year running, as it competed in a new category \u2013 Best Hybrid Powertrain.\nThe i8 beat its competition with 233 points with second place competitor coming in with only 138 points.\n The task of electing the best engines in numerous different classes falls to a jury of experts, which this year was made up of 70 motoring journalists from 31 countries.\nThe BMW i8 is the pioneer and technology donor for the entire BMW plug-in hybrid family. The line-up is set to grow to a \ntotal of ten models by the end of 2019\n.\nThe BMW i8\u2019s powertrain has been in the market since 2014 and ever since it has scooped the coveted award in its category every year since \u2013 with the Best New Engine and overall award in its first year of contention.\nThe latest BMW i8\u2019s 3-cylinder engine makes \n231 hp\n supplemented by a \n143 hp\n electric motor to power the rear wheels. The electric motor draws power from the i8\u2019s lithium-ion batteries which can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket \u2013 and sends its power to the front axle.\nWith the combustion engine powering the rear wheels and the electric motor feed the front wheels, it creates an all-wheel drive system that offers maximum traction of the line and through the corners. As such 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 4.4 seconds with the i8\u2019s all-electric driving range rated at 55 km."
"Since Proton forged its partnership with Geely, the national carmaker has achieved many significant milestones \u2013 including the launch of the brand\u2019s first SUV, along with updated versions of four different models, as well as the launch of its \nnew logo\n.\u00a0\nHowever, this achievement might be the sweetest yet \u2013 Proton has just announced that the brand has recorded a total sales figure of \n100,821 units\n for the year of 2019, inclusive of both domestic and export sales. This marks the first time the brand has exceeded the 100,000 unit threshold since 2015.\nThe figure equates to an increase of \n55.7%\n over 2018, giving Proton the highest sales growth in 2019 for the top-five automotive brands in Malaysia. Overall market share for the year is estimated to be at \n16.7%\n, the highest for Proton since 2014.\u00a0\nProton\u2019s December sales figure was also the highest for the year, with a total of \n11,117 units\n sold, a \n112% growth\n from the same period last year. The figure translates to a 20.5% share of the Total Industrial Volume (TIV), and marks the first time the national carmaker has sold more than 11,000 cars a month since July 2014.\n \nThe main contributor for Proton\u2019s successful year is the \nProton Saga\n, having sold a total of \n38,144 units\n for the year \u2013 of which 3,892 units was sold in December alone. The\n Proton X70\n was the second best-seller of the brand, closing the year at \n26,311 units \nsold. The \nProton Persona\n also achieved positive sales performance, with\n 21,876 units\n sold in 2019.\nWhile no specific figures were provided for the \nIriz\n and \nExora\n, Proton says that the sales of the Iriz has nearly doubled for the year at 97%. The Exora recorded a sales growth of 40% from the previous year, as a result of the launch of the updated model in May 2019.\u00a0\nWhile Proton has launched four products in the past year, which is unprecedented in the brand\u2019s history, the national carmaker has also been focusing on improving the quality of its products. According to Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong, \u201c[Proton\u2019s] internal quality audit GCPA score is 1190 points, an improvement of over six times compared to 2017 when we first started using the measurement. This is also a better quality score than Geely currently has, proving the success of our efforts.\u201d"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that all of its Nissan showrooms in the country have resumed operations, following the commencement of the \nConditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)\n.\nIn compliance with the new standard operating procedure (SOP) during the CMCO period as set-out by the Ministry of Health, all Nissan showrooms will be adhering to new operating hours. The showrooms will also strictly enforce hygienic measures, such as temperature screening for all customers and staff and social distancing practices.\nAll staff will be wearing face masks, while face masks, gloves, and hand sanitisers will be freely available to customers. Disinfection of touch points at the premises, including display and test drive vehicles, will also be carried out daily.\nThe company has previously announced that its Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS) service centres have \nrecommenced operations since 10 April\n. All customer vehicles will be disinfected before and after their service. During this period, the company also encourages the use of contactless payment methods.\nThe full list of showrooms and their operating hours can be found on Nissan\u2019s website \nhere\n. Customers who wish to make an appointment for vehicle servicing can do so via the\n DriveOn mobile application\n, or through the TCEAS website \nhere\n.\nFor customers who prefer to minimise contact during this period of time, ETCM has also recently launched the \nNissan Online Showroom\n where they can submit and enquiry or request for a test drive with just a few clicks. A Nissan sales representative will be in contact within 24 hours.\nIn conjunction of the upcoming Hari Raya festivities, ETCM has also announced its Raya promotion campaign, offering attractive instalment packages with monthly repayments starting from RM800, as well as free two-year Periodic Maintenance Service package and other bonuses on selected models. The full list can be found in the table below:\nAdditionally, customers who purchase a Nissan X-Trail or Serena S-Hybrid between 1 May to 30 June will also receive a \ncomplimentary 1-year FWD Protect Direct Family Takaful protection plan\n with a sum insured of up to RM100,000.\nLastly, 20 lucky customers will take home additional \nCuckoo Healthy Home Appliances\n worth up to RM128,888 as part of the Nissan Buy & Win Contest, eligible in the same contest period."
"Alongside the \nFortuner\n, UMW Toyota today also officially launched the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift here in Malaysia, featuring several updated styling and features, along with additional safety features being made standard across the range.\n \nAs before, the 2021 Toyota Innova is available in three variants, with prices starting from \nRM111,622\n for the entry-level 2.0E variant, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nEXTERIOR\nBeing a facelift model, styling changes on the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift are fairly subtle. There\u2019s a new sportier and more angular bumper up front, featuring redesigned fog lamp housings oriented vertically. The Innova facelift also receives a new chrome and black trapezoidal grille, a new signature design element on many new Toyota models.\nChanges are less obvious at the rear, aside from a new garnish trim on the back door to visually widen the vehicle for a more aggressive-looking stance. Capping off the exterior styling changes are the new chrome wing mirror housings with integrated turn indicators, as well as a refreshed dual-tone finish on the 16-inch wheels, which are standard on the 2.0G and 2.0E variants.\nThe range-topping Innova 2.0X variant is also offered with an \u201cEnhancement Package\u201d as standard, which adds on several exclusive exterior styling elements for a sportier touch. These include:\nWheel arch mouldings\nBodyside mouldings\nRedesigned side skirts\nReprofiled roof spoiler for improved aerodynamic performance\nAutomatic LED projector headlights\nChrome door handles\n17-inch alloy wheels, Dark Grey Metallic finish\nPERFORMANCE\nNo changes are found underneath the sheet metal on the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift, which continues to be powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine.\nEngine: 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT-i, petrol\nTransmission: 6-speed Super ECT electronic automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive\nMax hp: 139 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax torque: 183 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the 2021 Toyota Innova is pretty much lifted wholesale from the outgoing model, save for the repositioned USB ports in front, now move to the dashboard instead of on the centre console, while third row passengers also gain additional ports to charge their mobile devices.\nOtherwise, changes to the interior mostly consists of bringing existing features of the outgoing 2.0X variant across the new G and X variant. These include:\nOptitron instrument cluster with 4.2-inch Multi Info Display (MID)\n9-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nLED roof ambient lighting\nEasy closer tailgate\nSecond-row seatback tables\nIn addition to the above features, the range-topping 2.0X variant also gains black combination leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, and captain seats for the second row in place of the 60:40 folding bench seats.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety features across the board of the 2021 Toyota Innova line-up include:\n7 SRS airbags\n3-point auto-retracting seatbelt for all passengers\nABS with EBD and BA\nVehicle Stability Control\nHill-start Assist Control\nThe two higher-end models are also equipped with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) as standard. These features are also available as cost options on the 2.0E variant, though Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is nowhere to be seen on the 2021 Toyota Innova.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift will be available in three variants, priced as following:\nToyota Innova 2.0X \u2013 RM129,677\nToyota Innova 2.0G \u2013 RM121,483\nToyota Innova 2.0E \u2013 RM111,622\nAll prices listed above are on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions which have now been extended until June 30 2021. Included as standard in the price is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.\nThe 2021 Toyota Innova facelift is available in six exterior colour choices: Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown, Silver Metallic, Super White II and Bronze Mica Metallic (new). The range-topping 2.0X variant does get an additional choice of Crimson Spark Red Metallic, pictured in these photos.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s only been a little over two weeks since the \nLamborghini Urus Performante made its global debut\n, but the souped-up performance-luxury SUV has now been officially launched here in Malaysia, marking its first entry into the ASEAN region.\nThe Malaysian premiere of the Urus Performante saw over 150 customers and guests in attendance, who were offered the chance to get up close and personal with the super SUV, as well as the range of customisation options offered Lamborghini\u2019s Ad Personam programme.\nThe new Urus Performante is billed by Lamborghini as the \u201cnew benchmark for Super SUV \u2018fun to drive\u2019 performance\u201d, and its main party piece is the uprated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine underneath the bonnet, now making a devilish \n666 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via an upgraded differential and eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nThanks to the new higher output figures, the Lamborghini Urus Performante completes the 0-100 km/h in just \n3.3 seconds\n, or 0.3 seconds quicker than before. 0-200 km/h meanwhile is achieved in\n 11.5 seconds\n (-1.3 seconds), while top speed is rated at \n306 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini deals with the devil, new Urus Performante unveiled with 666 hp\nBut power alone isn\u2019t what helped the Lamborghini Urus Performante \nbreak the Pikes Peak SUV hill climb record\n \u2013 It\u2019s also been given a serious weight-loss exercise, which saw the Urus drop as much as 47 kg of fat.\nThis is primarily achieved by the generous appointment of carbon fibre parts, most notably on the bonnet and (optionally) roof, both of which can be specified without a paint job to show off the intricate carbon fibre weave \u2013 as seen on the display unit here during the regional launch.\nALSO READ: \nLamborghini Urus makes history as the company\u2019s best-selling model of all time\nLamborghini says that the Urus Performante utilises more carbon fibre in its construction than any other vehicle in its class. The rear diffuser and aggressive new roof spoiler at the back are also made out of the lightweight material \u2013 the latter providing 38% more downforce than the basic spoiler on the regular-spec Urus. Overall, downforce on the Lamborghini Urus Performante has increased by 8%.\nComplementing the huge swath of CFRP parts on the outside are the new set of steel springs, which also lowers the SUV by 20 mm aside from handling improvements, as well as a new set of 23-inch wheels wrapped in Urus Performante-specific Pirelli Trofeo R rubber.\nOn the inside, the new Lamborghini Urus Performante gets a slightly revamped cabin, with the door cards, roof lining, seats, and rear wall all finished in the marque\u2019s Performante trim with microfibre upholstery. Customers, however, can also opt for leather if they so choose, or a myriad of other materials via Lamborghini\u2019s Ad Personam personalisation service.\nMost of the aluminium trims on the inside have been replaced with a black anodised finishing, and customers can also take it a step further with the optional \u2018Dark Package\u2019 which further extends the matte black treatment onto more parts on the interior, including the Urus\u2019 central \u2018Tamburo\u2019 control stack.\n\u201cWe are extremely excited and proud to be one of the first few markets to premiere the Urus Performante,\u201d said Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur CEO, Roland Chan. \u201cThe Malaysian market of Lamborghini enthusiasts has been growing steadfastly and I have no doubt that this higher performance SSUV is going to accelerate that momentum.\u201d\n\u201cThe Urus was a big game changer for the Lamborghini brand, and this new variation of the Performante, combining luxury, performance, and its versatility, is truly escalating the bar set to an all-new level,\u201d Chan added.\nNo pricing information has been announced, but based off of its international pricing, we\u2019re guessing it\u2019ll be around the RM900k mark, before taxes, duties, and \u2013 of course \u2013 options."
"With China reportedly looking\n\u00a0to ban the production and sale of petrol-powered cars\n, the \nmost online-searched car brand in the world\n, Toyota, has just announced that it will be rolling out an electric vehicle under the Toyota brand for the Chinese market by 2020.\nToyota has developed China-made hybrid units for years now and aims to sell around 100,000 units of the Corolla Hybrid and Levin Hybrid models in 2017, with both featuring domestically-produced hybrid units.\nZotye\u2019s Porsche Macan lookalike \u2013 the \nSR8 SUV\nIn addition, development of plug-in hybrid Corollas and Levins are underway in preparation for their rollout. \u201cWe will use the technology we have nurtured in hybrid electrification to carry out extensive development of new energy vehicles\u00a0as required by China,\u201d said Senior Managing Officer and CEO of the China Region, Hiroji Onishi.\nToyota wouldn\u2019t be the only be the only latching on this increasing lucrative prospect. Ford and Zotye, the brand behind the \nPorsche Macan clone\n, have hit the ground running \nin a new joint venture to build electric cars in China\n. Zotye themselves already have a hybrid model in their inventory in the form of a \n2.0-litre Macan lookalike \nwhile Volvo, now fully owned by Zhejian Geely, has announced\n its first electric car will be made in China\n."
"And they\u2019ve launched the first of many today in Shah Alam, Selangor, managed by local partners, Autohaus, and will become Malaysia\u2019s first Petronas AutoExpert service centre, offering top-end products and high-quality car maintenance services to customers.\nThe service centre is a collaboration between Petronas Lubricant International and Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia, with more to be opened across 30 countries in the next five years.\nThe AutoExpert service centre opens from 9 am to 6:30 pm daily, except public holidays. It will be home to 12 personnel, including 14 work bays and the capacity to handle 40 cars a day.\nExpertise at the AutoExpert service centre includes vehicle diagnostics, wheel alignment and balancing. While waiting, customers can kick back at a dedicated lounge with complimentary snacks and beverages as well as free WiFi connectivity.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Italia has made available the all-new, first-ever\n Maserati Grecale in Malaysia \nwith three variants available \u2013 the base model GT, the Modena and the savage Trofeo variant. Unfortunately, prices were not revealed as it was just a preview.\nIt was still enough for the Maserati Grecale to indicate that it has what it takes to wrestle some customers away from the \nPorsche Macan\n. Not only is it NOT a Porsche, but it\u2019s also festooned with Italian flair. It\u2019s got headlamps inspired by the \nMC20 supercar\n, taillights that pay tribute to the Maserati 3200 GT from the early 2000s and triple air vents on the front fenders \u2013 a Maserati signature.\n \nWheel options range from 19-inch to 21-inches, with the largest allocated for the Trofeo variant. Air suspension and the large Brembo 6-pot calliper brakes are only available in the Trofeo as well. Even the door handles are a little more unique, with the switch tucked inside the door handles for a more flush look. A panoramic sunroof can also be specified.\nThe cabin is breath of fresh air as well; everything from how the seats and steering design just induces excitement and if you\u2019re into the digital stuff, there are three digital displays to contend with \u2013 for the instrument cluster, the infotainment display and air-con controls.\nThere\u2019s more to it too..but we\u2019ll let the video do the talking instead!\nMore images of the Maserati Grecale in Malaysia \nhere\n!"
"First proposed in\n May last year\n, the Malaysia Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has announced that they are currently working with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to make the 30 km/h and 50 km/h speed limits within certain parts of the capital city a reality.\nThe \nannouncement was made by MIROS Chairman Suret Singh\n on Twitter, which read \u201cDBKL and MIROS will work together to make speed limit [sic] 30 kmph for selected zones and 50kmph for [others] a reality.\u201d\nAside from that, the two entities are also in talks to share CCTV data and footages to better study and pick out traffic offences within the city centre.\nThe locations for the new speed limit zones have yet to be finalised, but Suret Singh said in response to a concerned citizen that it will be piloted first in \u201c\none or two locations\n and perfect it first before proceeding further\u201d.\nRELATED: Volvo starts rolling out 180 km/h speed limit on new cars\nThe proposal for the lowered speed limit was brought forward following the Stockholm Declaration in 2020, of which Malaysia was part of. During the global ministerial conference, 80 ministers from their respective countries pledged to halve road fatalities by 2030.\nIncluded in the Declaration is the call for law enforcements to mandate a 30 km/h speed limit for areas where vulnerable road users and vehicles frequently coexist, except where \u201cstrong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe\u201d.\nThe World Health Organisation have also pledged their support for the proposal, who said that in addition to reducing road fatalities, also help create \u201chealthy, green, and liveable cities\u201d.\n[Source: ProtectRoadUsers @SuretSingh/Twitter]"
"Possibly the most common term in the Safety Features column of any new car\u2019s brochure, ABS in essence prevents your wheel from locking-up in the event of sudden braking.\nBut what\u2019s this safety feature about, one that\u2019s commonly available in 99.9% of the new cars on our roads today?\nIn a car without ABS, the wheels can lock-up causing the wheels to \u201cstop spinning\u201d and simply skidding forward. When the car\u2019s tyres start skidding, the driver will lose significant vehicle control along with increased braking distance \u2013 meaning that it would take a longer distance for your vehicle to stop especially in wet surfaces.\nUsing a central control unit, each wheel is monitored using speed sensors placed on all four corners. When it is detected that one of the wheels is spinning slower than the rest, indicating a potential lock up, the ABS system will intervene and systematically applies optimum braking pressure to enhance braking performance \u2013 shortening the brake distance significantly.\nThe video above clearly illustrates how the ABS system works to reduce braking distance, maintain a vehicle\u2019s stability and control under heavy braking and increasing the likelihood of evading an obstacle under heavy breaking.\nIt should be known that the ABS system merely supports the driver\u2019s control of the vehicle and not a standalone system that takes over completely should the driver run out of talent."
"Perodua\n organised the Perodua Tree Planting Programme recently at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Around 120 volunteers from the company were involved in the one-day programme, with Perodua Group Chief Financial Officer, Cik Noor Zakiyah Hasan and Perodua General Manager of Corporate Relations and Communications Division, Puan Sulasi Haji Mahadi present during the programme as well.\nThe local carmaker\u2019s tree planting programme is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme run under the UMW Green Shoots Initiative (UGS), which started in the fourth quarter of 2021. The initiative aimed at planting a total of \n300,000 trees\n by the end of 2023.\nPerodua Group Chief Financial Officer, Cik Noor Zakiyah Hasan (centre) with Perodua General Manager of Corporate Relations and Communications Division, Puan Sulasi Haji Mahadi (right) and Perodua General Manager of Purchasing & Safety Operation, Encik Zulkafle Ismail (left) during the Perodua Tree Planting Programme.\nAs of now, approximately \n174,000 trees\n have been planted since the launch of the initiative. The local carmaker expects to plant the remaining \n133,000 trees\n by the end of this year.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cMangroves are a vital part of Malaysia\u2019s ecosystem as it helps to protect riverbanks from environmental risks, particularly from flooding and tsunami. Apart from that, mangrove trees protect water quality by removing nutrients and pollutants from stormwater runoff before they reach seagrass habitats and coral reefs. It also provides nursery habitat for many commercial fish and shellfish, thus contributing to the local abundance of seafood.\u201d\n\u201cGiven the huge benefits of mangrove trees, Perodua has decided to tie up with the Malaysian Nature Society for the tree planting activity as part of our CSR activity\u201d, said the CEO. He also added that as Perodua embarked on its Sustainable Development Goals journey, having such programme is important to reflect the company\u2019s commitment towards achieving its goal.\u201d\n\u201cThe tree planting event is also related to one of the SDG goals, namely the goal number 15, Life on Land. Its objective is to stop biodiversity loss, stop land degradation, stop desertification, protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and manage forests sustainably. Therefore, the tree planting activity organised by Perodua can help spread more awareness to conserve the earth,\u201d he said.\nRELATED: \nPerodua Axia E manual updated for 2023 with RM2K reduction \u2013 RM22,000"
"In conjunction with the Sime Darby Auto Performance\u2019s (SDAP) Media Appreciation Night, SDAP has launched the new Macan SportDesign Series recognisable by its distinctive sporty appearance.\nThe new Porsche Macan SportDesign is available in two attractive exterior colours \u2013 \nVolcano Grey Metallic\n and \nCarrara White Metallic\n on an exterior that features a more dynamic front apron, painted side skirts and rear apron.   Also part of the new look is a livery with subtle silver and red accents especially designed to give the Macan SportDesign Series a sportier appearance. They\u2019re complemented by black LED headlights including the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+), tinted LED taillights as well as roof rails and sports tail pipes in high gloss black.\nThe edgy exterior sits on 21-inch wheels, available in two different designs \u2013 the 911 Turbo wheel in a multi-spoke design or as an alternative, the Sport Classic wheel, a forged one-piece alloy wheel painted in high gloss black.   Internally, the SportDesign is dominated by Black and Garnet Red combination leather upholstery with 14-way power seats including memory function for both the front seats. The Garnet Red is also applied to the seat belts, instrument cluster and Sport Chrono stopwatch while entertainment is provided for by a 14-speaker Bose Surround Sound System.\nOther standard equipment include air suspension with levelling system and ride height adjustment including the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the Sport Chrono package.\nThe Macan SportDesign Series is priced at RM 545,000 (excluding Insurance) and is limited to 40 units only. It will come with a 4-year warranty and free maintenance package. The Porsche 360 Financing, an intelligent alternative to conventional financing by reducing monthly payments by up to 30%, will be available.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The second-generation Nissan Leaf was recently launched in Singapore, Thailand and Australia, it will be Malaysia\u2019s turn tomorrow. And while electric cars sales continue to gain momentum in various parts of the world, its propagation remains subject to governmental policies that support zero-emission mobility, something which carmakers do not have control over. What they can do is to try to win over customers by addressing the inherent concerns of EV ownership.\nDo I need rapid charging or normal charging?\nIn a four-part series dubbed \u2018Demystifying Electric Vehicles\u2019, Nissan looks at key areas, namely charging, range, driving and ownership of an electric car which generate the most questions. What happens when it rains, can I charge the car? Would I have enough battery to last a full day of driving? Are electric cars fun to drive or will they bore me?\nCan I charge an EV when it\u2019s raining?\nWatch the videos below, give it a try and see if your EV knowledge beats that of Tim Jarvis, Australian explorer and environmental scientist, and Naya Ehrlich-Adam, founder of sustainable food business Broccoli Revolution in Bangkok, as they take on the all-electric Nissan Leaf.\n \nPart 1: Charging\n \nPart 2: Range\n \nPart 3: Driving\n \nPart 4: Ownership"
"Ford, like every other leading manufacturer, is always been on the competitive edge of innovation \u2013 most notably with its award-winning EcoBoost technology which has garnered praises from all quarters of the industry.\nThis new \u201cidea\u201d they\u2019re toying with, is on a whole new level. They\u2019re tinkering with the idea of fitting a conference room or a kitchen into their future autonomous vehicle\u2019s interior. This follows after a report by \nAutoNews.com \non a patent filing for a retractable table that comes with an airbag for use in self-driving cars.\nIt makes sense if you think about it; if you\u2019re not going to drive, might as well have some work space to be productive. The table is said to be able to retract into the floor of the vehicle if not in use. Get this \u2013 it will even come with an airbag that would inflate in a crash to absorb the impact to reduce injuries sustained by the passenger.\nAs interesting as the idea sounds, it may or may not be a reality. \nAutoNews.com\n also reported that these patent submissions on new ideas are merely standard business procedures \u2013 to protect new ideas with no concrete indication that it would reach the production line.\nThere\u2019s still loads to be excited about and expected of the Blue Oval though \u2013 its new Fiesta with \ncylinder deactivation technology\n and the prospect of\n 13 new electrified cars and a possible hybrid Mustang\n!\n\u00a0\nSource:\n AutoNews.com"
"It\u2019s not a widely known fact but Malaysia is the only the third country in the world (after Japan and United States) to produce a hybrid bearing the Honda badge. And while 10,000 units is relatively modest in the global scale, this milestone was recently celebrated in conjunction with the delivery of the 10,000\nth\n unit, a Honda City Hybrid, to new owner Saddam Hassan Bin. Abdul Salim.\nThe 10,000th unit of CKD hybrid is a City Hybrid belonging to owner Saddam Hassan.\nThe hybrid journey began in 2004 when Honda Malaysia decided to introduce the first-generation Civic Hybrid with the agenda to promote awareness and green technology. If you were lucky, you may have come across a Civic Hybrid police patrol car sometime back in the mid-2000s, but the lack of government incentives then meant that it had no chance in competing against petrol-powered equivalents.\nThe first ever locally assembled hybrid was a Jazz Hybrid, back in 2012.\nThat changed in 2012 when Honda Malaysia started the local assembly\nof the Jazz Hybrid (based on the second generation Fit/Jazz platform) with duty\nexemptions at the Pegoh plant in Malacca \u2013 the first manufacturer in Malaysia\nto actually assemble a hybrid model. Thus far, out of the 10,000 units produced,\n6,000 units have been the Jazz (previous and current generation), followed by City\nHybrid with around 3,400 units and the remainder being the recently introduced\nHR-V Hybrid at over 600 units. \u00a0\nDo bear in mind that from 2010 to 2013, Honda Malaysia also sold CBU units of the Insight, CR-Z and Honda Civic Hybrid, so the total number of Honda hybrids in Malaysia actually exceeds 10,000."
"The all-new BMW M5 is due sometime next year, and when it does come out, expect it to come with an automatic gearbox, instead of a speedy dual-clutch \u2013 and you can expect the same for all \nBMW M\n models in the future, too.\n\u201cThe double clutch, from BMW M\u2019s point of view these days, it\u2019s gone,\u201d said BMW M Head of Development, Dirk Hacker, in an interview with \nTop Gear\n. \u201cIt\u2019s now manual or automatic, and automatic electrified for the future.\u201d\nHonestly, though, we really could\u2019ve seen it coming, when the more \u201chardcore\u201d\n M4 CSL\n made its debut last year with the same automatic gearbox as the rest of the M3/M4 range. With manuals also on the verge of being sunsetted (the \nall-new M2\n is reportedly the last new BMW M model with a manual gearbox), it might really just be slushboxes from here on out. at least until the electric overlords takeover.\nSo why exactly is BMW M killing the dual-clutch? According to Hacker, it\u2019s about. comfort. Yes, on a BMW M car.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 BMW M2 tested in Arizona \u2013 the only M you\u2019ll ever need!\n\u201cAround the M5 there was a big discussion, not only for the automatic transmission, but also for other things. And the decision was not only because of cost, but also because of comfort [with the automatic], because we got a lot of reactions about manoeuvring, parking, no rolling if you leave the pedal and so on,\u201d he said.\nEssentially, the automatics won because the people buying these BMW M cars spend the majority of their time trundling about in town. Hacker does however say that \u201cthe automatic is better performing than the double clutch,\u201d adding that the automatic shifts faster than a DCT on the M4 CSL, and the same automatic gearbox is also used in their new M4 GTR race car.\nHe also commented on the future of the manual gearboxes for the M division: \u201cIf you take a look around, you will see the future for manual gearbox suppliers will decrease. So I\u2019m not sure we will have the possibility in the future \u2013 but in the future means six, seven years in forecast.\u201d\nSo if you want a manual M car, now is really the time to do so. Because in the near future, not only will there be no more manuals, you won\u2019t even be able to get one with the sportier \u201cautomatic\u201d too.\nRELATED: \nWell done, everyone: manual transmission sales already up 41.7% this year\n[\nsource: Top Gear\n]"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just announced its revised price list for its Nissan models, in line with the Government\u2019s implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) that came into effect on 1 September 2018.\nAll Nissan models that are assembled locally saw a price decrease of up to RM5,400 for the Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD. With the new tax structure, Nissan vehicles in Malaysia are now priced between RM69,800 to RM153,800.\nWhereas for the Nissan Navara pick-up truck, ETCM has not announced its new pricing with SST applied and noted that the pick-up\u2019s price will remain at 0 per cent GST (Goods and Services Tax) while stocks last. This puts the Navara\u2019s price at RM77k to RM119k for the fully loaded VL Plus variant.\nWe have detailed \nwhy are cars now cheaper under SST\n as opposed to GST times and it all boils down to a tax structure that favours high local content for CKD vehicles."
"Here it is, guys. Following a pretty lengthy teaser period for the upcoming fastback sedan, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has finally announced that the new Arteon R-Line will be launched this Friday on the \n16th of July \nvia a livestream on its social media channels, starting at 12.30 pm.\nVPCM has already begun \ntaking orders for the new VW Arteon R-Line\n since more than a month ago. Locally-assembled in Pekan, Pahang, the flagship fastback model will carry a price tag of between \nRM245k to RM255k\n, making it at least RM20k more than \nits predecessor \n\u2013 but at least it has a spec sheet that more than justifies its price hike.\nFirst things first, the numbers. With a new 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine under its bonnet, the new Volkswagean Arteon R-Line here in Malaysia makes \n280 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, significantly higher than the 190 hp/320 Nm from its predecessor.\nFind out how the current (outgoing) Volkswagen Arteon drives in our first impressions video!\nPower is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG transmission and the marque\u2019s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in just \n5.6 seconds\n. Other standard items on the performance side include the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers, as well as the electronic differential lock (XDS).\nAs for the equipment list, our Malaysian model is dressed as standard with the R-Line exterior package, featuring sportier R-Line trims such as the more-aggressive bumpers, rear bootlip spoiler, and 19-inch \u2018Montevideo\u2019 alloys. Fun fact \u2013 the upcoming Volkswagen Arteon R-Line will also be the first model to carry the new VW and R logos here in Malaysia!\nFind out what the new Volkswagen logos are all about here.\nInside, standard items include a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment display with wireless App-Connect for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully-digital instrument cluster, the new steering wheel with haptic touch controls and gearshift pedals, ErgoComfort sports seats wrapped in \u2018Nappa Carbon\u2019 leather, and a premium 700-watt 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.\nWith its newfound performance and a matching pricetag, VPCM seems to be charging straight on into the premium market here in Malaysia. We can\u2019t wait to put it through its paces and see how it compares against the similarly-priced \nBMW 3 Series\n and \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n \u2013 but until then, keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest news on the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line!"
"Alpina\u2019s have been well-known for tweaking BMW\u2019s since the middle of last century and unlike other performance specialists, they\u2019re actually recognised by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority as \u201cautomotive manufacturers\u201d as some of their renditions of BMW models have rolled off the same production line as the \u201cnormal people BMWs\u201d.\nAnd this one-of-a-kind BMW Alpina B6 XDrive Gran Coupe BMW CCA Edition, created together with the BMW Car Club of America, is no exception.\nSitting in the front is a bespoke 4.4-litre V8 Twin-Turbo engine delivering an eye-watering \n600 hp\n with \n800Nm\n of torque; propelling the Gran Coupe to a 100 km/h in just \n3.6 seconds\n with plenty of power left to spare before it hits the \n318 km/h\n. Being the XDrive also means power is sent to all four wheels.\nOn the outside, the Alpina B6 is finished in the exclusive \nAlpina Blue Metallic\n while its interior gets draped in Merino Opal White leather upholstery \u2013 a truly timeless combination of style and exclusivity. Complementing the upholstery are \nAlpina Piano Black\n trims with a hand-finished \nAlpina Lavalina\n steering wheel with white stitching alongside floor and trunk mats with bespoke white edges.   Beside the unique production plaque found in the engine bay, the interior is also finished off with a customary, handmade Alpina production plaque positioned on the centre console \u2013 it reads \nBMW CCA Edition 01/01\n. \u00a0Just one of one, in the whole world. The plaque features signatures from the \nfather and son\n behind the Alpina family business.\nAlso worthy to note is the CCA Edition\u2019s titanium exhaust system which has been engineered as a complete one-piece exhaust system which stretches from near the engine to the rear carbon fibre exhaust tips. The lightweight system by \nAkrapovic\n alone saves around 7 kgs of weight.\nSince 1965, Alpina has been a family-owned business producing exclusive automobiles based on BMW models and have retained close ties with BMW AG. Each BMW Alpina is manufactured in collaboration with BMW production facilities where Alpina\u2019s bespoke components are installed to ensure the highest possible standards of production.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n has just donated a \nMitsubishi Triton\n pick-up truck to National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). The Triton will be used by NCSM to travel to rural communities, especially those in poor urban areas, and suburban villages around Malaysia that have little or no access to screening facilities.\nNCSM is a non-profit organization (NGO) established in 1966 that provides an extensive range of cancer services and support to people affected by cancer. Financed entirely by voluntary contributions from the public, NCSM provides holistic cancer support to patients and caregivers in understanding and dealing with cancer in various phases, through its Cancer and Health Screening Clinic, Nuclear Medicine Centre, Resource and Wellness Centre, the Adults\u2019 Home of Hope, and Children\u2019s Home of Hope.\nPhoto: \nNCSM/Facebook\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Shinya Ikeda said, \u201cMitsubishi Motors supports NCSM\u2019s noble efforts in carrying out their mission to raise public awareness on cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. In line with our CSR vision \u2018Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future\u2019, we know that success isn\u2019t solely measured by the vehicles we put on the road, but also by the lives we enrich along the way. As part of a responsible Malaysian society, we are pleased to fulfill our CSR by utilizing the innovative strength of our 4x4s for the greater improvement of society.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cOver the years, the award-winning Triton pick-up truck has passed many endurance tests and has been put through the harshest road conditions. We hope that the Triton will gain NCSM access to many places and assist as many people as possible.\u201d\nNCSM\u2019s philosophy is to \u201cEducate, Care and Support\u201d. With that, NCSM aims to decrease the incidence of cancer, and also increase the accessibility of cancer services in Malaysia by providing advanced facilities for screening and diagnosis.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia opens new 3S outlet in Rawang"
"Remember the \nCountach\n that \nLamborghini\n kept \nteasing on their social media channels\n? As it turns out, it is indeed a recreation of the original LP500 show car for a very lucky (and wealthy) collector \u2013 one that took Lamborghini over 25,000 hours to complete at that!\nThe recreation work was done by Lamborghini\u2019s own in-house heritage department, Polo Storico. And notice how we say \u201crecreation\u201d and not \u201crestoration\u201d? Well, that\u2019s because the original show car was actually destroyed in the homologation crash tests before the model\u2019s market launch \u2013 a rather heroic sacrificial death if you ask us.\n \nAnyway, in order to recreate the LP500, the Polo Storico had to work directly with Lamborghini\u2019s Centro Stile design department, where they pored over original build documents and photos to ensure that every detail was emulated perfectly.\nThe team even had to consult the memories of people who were working at Lamborghini at that time, and even completely 3D-scanning a LP400 (chassis 001) to ensure authenticity. All-in, the team spent almost three months just working with the documents, before the build even began.\nTo celebrate the Countach\u2019s 50th anniversary, Lamborghini also completely reimagined the model as a brand-new car, limited to only 112 units! Check it out here.\nAs for the build itself, the whole car was largely built entirely from scratch. That includes the platform chassis (different from the tubular design on the eventual model), which also had to be slightly redesigned for the modern recreation.\nDespite that, Lamborghini also incorporated original parts \u2013 especially mechanical components \u2013 for the build to bring it as close to the original 1971 show car as physically possible. The pursuit for authenticity went as far as obtaining the original tread design for the Pirelli Cinturato CN12 tyres on the show car, and recreating it using modern tyre compounds.\nThe documentation that the team collected proved exceptionally useful when it came to painting the car, as they\u2019ve managed to obtain the exact composition to produce the same yellow colour used on the original show car, called \u201c\nGiallo Fly Speciale\n\u201c.\nThe coolest part of the recreation, for us, is that Lamborghini also tried to emulate the production methods that were available at that time. For example, the bodywork for the rebuilt Countach is hand-beaten by traditional Italian \u201cbattilastra\u201d artisans rather than a sheet metal press.\nThe same process is followed for the entire interior, including hand-sewn leather seats and the lighted diagnostic instruments as seen on the original 1971 prototype.\n\u201cThe Countach reinvented high-performance cars, and it became an icon in terms of stylistic language that even today, after decades, still inspires contemporary Lamborghinis,\u201d said Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann.\nAs part of the Lamborghini Countach\u2019s 50th anniversary celebration, the rebuilt LP500 will be put on display at the \nConcorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa d\u2019Este\n at Lake Como, Italy, before being handed over to the collector."
"Right after the launch of the \nBMW M5 and M5 Competition\n, Mercedes-AMG immediately hit back with its own big daddy E 63 4MATIC+ models, continuing the long-standing German rivalry.\nThe new E 63 twins are now refreshed following the introduction of the \nextensively updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift\n, and subsequently the \nMercedes-AMG E 53 \nperformance variant, completing the E-Class AMG performance line-up.\nOn the exterior styling, Mercedes-AMG took the very pretty E-Class facelift, and turned the aggressive knob all the way up to 11. Up front, the big boy E 63 twins gets the full AMG jet wing treatment on the front bumper intakes, along with the AMG-specific Panamericana grille.\nAside from making the supersedan (or wagon) look really cool, the elaborate front fascia details also serve important aerodynamic and cooling purposes \u2013 the front splitter for example \u201csignificantly reduces lift at the front axle\u201d.\nOver at the rear, the 63 twins get a more elaborate rear lip spoiler and bumper design compared to the \nAMG E 53\n which, you guessed it, also helps with the overall aerodynamic performance of the car. The E 63 is shod in 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, while the S model gets 20-inch five-spoke units \u2013 both of which are \u201caerodynamically optimised\u201d.\nExclusively on the 63 models, the exterior trim pieces can be optioned in two levels of carbon fibre-ness. The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I includes the front splitter, trim insert in the longitudinal member, and the rear apron trim element. Upgrade to the Package II, and you\u2019ll get additional carbon fibre on the mirror caps, and the boot-lid spoiler on the sedan.\nUnderneath the hood, the powertrain in the E 63 and E 63 S remains \nunchanged\n \u2013 both still powered by the M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, rated for the same power output as before: \n571 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n on the base E 63; \n612 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of twist on the E 63 S.\nThe V8 mill is paired to an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels via the AMG 4MATIC+ constantly variable all-wheel drive system, with Drift Mode of course.\nPerformance figures are also unchanged from before \u2013 the E 63 S sedan does the century sprint in a scarily-fast \n3.4 seconds\n, while the E 63 does it just 0.1 second slower at \n3.5 seconds\n. The wagons take 0.1 second longer on both S and non-S configurations.\nOn the E 63, top speed is electronically-capped at \n250 km/h\n, though you can raise it to 290 km/h if you tick the optional AMG Driver\u2019s Package. The E 63 S reaches \n300 km/h\n on full whack.\nThe E 63 twins rides on the AMG Ride Control+ suspension with multi-chamber air suspension system, paired with the adaptive adjustable Adaptive Damping System+ to deliver high levels of camber stability, driving dynamics, and steering precision, along with improved ride comfort.\nInside, the updated E 63 comes equipped with the marque\u2019s latest MBUX system, displayed across two 10.25-inch screens on the base model, while the S models get the larger 12.25-inch units as standard.\nThe MBUX system comes with an additional AMG-specific display mode (Supersport), along with other vital performance data such as engine output, gear speed indicator, G-meter and Racetimer.\nThe rest of the interior is pretty much identical to its younger E 53 sibling, with standard kit including the new two twin-spoke design AMG Performance steering wheel with on-wheel integrated buttons and knob, and AMG seats upgradeable to the AMG Performance Seats with integrated head restraints and better lateral support.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Joining the many debuts and special editions that celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH is the newly unveiled all-new \nBMW M2\n. Set to be launched worldwide in \nApril 2023\n, the all-new M2 will be built in BMW Group\u2019s San Luis Potos\u00ed plant in Mexico alongside the new BMW 2 Series Coupe.\nWith bulging fenders and a distinct \u201cM\u201d face on the outside, you already know that the M2 packs some serious performance underneath the skin. The compact coupe houses a 3.0-litre inline-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. Only differing slightly from the \nM3\n/\nM4\n engine, the M2\u2019s power unit makes \n460 hp\n @ 6,250 rpm and \n550 Nm\n @ 2,650-5,870 rpm. It adds an additional 90 hp over its predecessor. BMW says the new M2 engine revs up to a maximum of 7,200 rpm.\nOrchestrating the inline-six engine is an M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps. To enable an intense track driving experience, the oil supply system and cooling system have been beefed up on the all-new M2.\nAll power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission as standard. The eight-speed automatic transmission\u2019s Drivelogic function offers a choice of three shift settings \u2013 one for comfort, one for sporty driving, and one track-optimised configuration.\nThere is also an optional six-speed manual gearbox should you fancy shifting your own gears. The M2 does the 0-100km/h acceleration in \n4.1 seconds \nwith the eight-speed automatic transmission and \n4.3 seconds\n with the six-speed manual box.\nRELATED: \nBMW XM bookings open for Malaysia starting 20 Oct, RM1.4 million estimated price\nSporting a rear-wheel-drive system, the all-new M2 is equipped with BMW\u2019s M Traction Control and Active M Differential. The M Traction control allows the driver to carefully probe the vehicle\u2019s performance limits by setting individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation, with a choice of ten stages.\nThe Active M Differential (at the rear axle) is able to generate a locking effect of up to 100% whenever required. This optimises traction on road surfaces, offering different levels of adhesion for the left- and the right-hand rear wheel as well as improving power transfer when accelerating hard out of corners.\nRELATED: \nIs this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?\nUnderpinning the all-new BMW M2 is a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle with M-specific kinematics. Standard on the all-new M2 are:\nAdaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers\nM Servotronic steering with variable ratio\nDynamic Stability Control (DSC) including M Dynamic Mode\nM Compound brakes with six-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper brakes at the rear.\nOn the outside, the all-new M2 features a large, frameless kidney grille with horizontal bars and a three-section lower air intake with almost rectangular contours. Combined, this gives the M2\u2019s front end a familiar M look. At the rear of the M2 are a spoiler lip on the boot lid, vertically arranged reflectors, diffuser inserts, and quad tailpipes.\nWheels on the new M2 are 19-inch light alloy wheels in front and 20-inch allow wheels at the rear. Customers also have the option of fitting them with track tyres from the factory.\nRELATED: \nManhart\u2019s MH3 GTR is the BMW M3 on steroids \u2013 650hp, 800 Nm, & carbon Recaros\nThe cockpit features a driver-centric design with M-specific readouts, controls and setup options, as well as the advanced BMW Curved Display. Driving-related information including Shift Lights appears in a new graphical layout on the 12.3-inch information display.\nIn the middle of the dashboard is a 14.9-inch control display that features M-specific widgets for vehicle setup and tyre condition. Both the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant form part of the latest-generation BMW iDrive. The new BMW iDrive system enables personalisation with the BMW ID and My BMW App as well as allowing a Personal eSIM to be used in the vehicle. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity are likewise included.\nRELATED: \nThe BMW Alpina XB7 boosts the X7\u2019s performance, but not so much its looks\nStandard seats in the all-new M2 are M2-specific sport seats with Sensatec/Alcantara surfaces. Alternatively, customers can opt for M Sport seats with integral head restraints and perforated surfaces in Vernasca leather/Sensatec. There is also the option to upgrade to M Carbon bucket seats that shave 10.8 kg of the vehicle\u2019s weight. The M Carbon seats use carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest and also feature cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints.\nOptional items for the all-new BMW M2 include the M Race Track Package, comprising the M Driver\u2019s Package together with the M Carbon roof, M Carbon bucket seats, interior trim strips in Carbon Fibre finish and track tyres.\nGALLERY"
"In just several months since the new Nissan LEAF went on sale, Nissan has confirmed that it has received more than 20,000 orders across Europe.\nStatistics have shown that one unit of the \nnew Nissan LEAF\n\u00a0was sold every 12 minutes, making it the fastest-selling electric vehicle in Europe. More than \n300,000 Nissan LEAFs\n have been sold since 2010 \u2013 making it the\u00a0world\u2019s best-selling zero-emissions electric vehicle.\nThe \nNissan LEAF Autech\n \u2013 one that focuses on premium craftsmanship.\nThe all-new Nissan LEAF which made its debut at last year\u2019s Frankfurt Motor Show has been so well-received that Nissan UK had to launch an \nonline digital reservation system\n just to make ordering the LEAF a simpler process.\nRecently, Nissan also \nrevealed the cost to replace/rejuvenate the LEAF\u2019s battery packs\n where owners of the first-generation LEAF will get to exchange their old batteries for refabricated ones, starting this May in Japan, \nfor a fee of RM 11,000\n; new battery packs will cost RM 23,700.\nEdaran Tan Chong Motor had also confirmed that the all-new LEAF, packing \n147 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n320Nm\n with \n378 km of driving range\n, would make its way to Malaysia this year. Stay tuned!"
"The Triton was the only pick-up which successfully achieved positive growth and expanded its overall sales.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) announced a 2.4% increase in sales for the Triton with \n5,792 units sold from January to December 2019\n. It\u2019s a real positive outcome considering that the pick-up truck segment saw a 21% downsize last year.\nIn spite of the challenging climate for pick-up truck sales, the Triton \nmore than quadrupled its market share\n \u2013 from 3.8% to 16.5%. After its introduction early last year, the handsome pick-up has been the bread and butter for Mitsubishi \u2013 contributing to 71.2% of MMM\u2019s overall sales.\n \n\u201cOur achievement this year also includes being ranked No.1 in J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI) Mass Market Study. This is the second consecutive year for MMM to be ranked No.1 and remained in the top three positions for five consecutive years.\nMomentum is unlikely to slow down with the introduction of the new \nTriton Quest\n, \nupdated versions of the Adventure X and Premium AT models\n and a\n limited edition Triton Knight\n."
"As the successor of the highly successful Proxes T1R tyres as used in the Toyota Vios Gazoo Racing one-make race, the new TR1 tyres have a lot to live up to and as tested at the Sepang International Circuit today, they sure did not disappoint.\nThe new Ultra High Performance tyre features a new asymmetric tyre pattern that focuses on giving the best possible grip in the wet along, along with enhanced cornering stability.\nThe new TR1\u2019s combination of long slanted groves and lateral slits improves water drainage while the wide grooves and stiff rib, improves cornering grip and stability.\nAlso new to the Proxes TR1 is the \u201cwear process finder\u201d that uses \u201cfive stars\u201d to indicate the tyre wear. The tyre will indicate five stars at the start and customers are encouraged to replace them when it shows \u201czero stars\u201d \u2013 as if most Malaysians look into the condition of their tyres.\nHaving spent two laps testing the tyres in a F30 BMW 320i around the circuit, the first thing I realised was the rolling noise, which was close to non-existent, when cruising down the back straight at around 100-110 km/h \u2013 a speed that\u2019s not uncommon for BMW drivers.\nGoing through Turn 5 and 6 of the circuit also showed how stiff the side walls were, as the car responded well to quick directional changes from successive left and right turns.\nGoing through a slalom course in the Honda Civic.\nIn terms of all-round improvements, the new Toyo Proxes TR1 is said to be 16% better in the wet and in terms of braking performance compared to the old T1R.\nThe Toyo Proxes TR1 is available in 24 sizes ranging from 15 to 19 inches and is mostly made in Malaysia (18-inch and above are made in Japan) with recommended retail prices starting\n from RM199 to RM800 per tyre\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Chinese carmaker \nChery\n is plotting an \naggressive return to Malaysia\n, with four new models already planned for the country, including the Tiggo 4 Pro, \nTiggo 7 Pro\n,\n Tiggo 8 Pro\n, and the \nOmoda 5\n. While the new cars will certainly be taking all the limelight, Chery says that it is also laying down the groundwork for a solid aftersales service offering here in Malaysia to complement its sales strategy.\nThe company says that it will be establishing a new nationwide sales and after-sales network, which will build on the company\u2019s experience and learnings from its other global markets to offer Malaysians \u201ctop quality\u201d and \u201cuser-centric\u201d services.\nChery dealership outlet in Brazil, built with its global unified corporate identity.\nChery says that it will continuously improve its services through extensive market research, utilising a Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) research management method to ascertain how well its services meet customer expectations.\nThrough this, the company says it can thoroughly understand its customers\u2019 lifestyles and requirements, and based on this knowledge, work to improve customer experience. Chery also says that it will also constantly monitor customers\u2019 feedback on social media, coupled with timely responses from Chery\u2019s after-sales team to boost its customers\u2019 confidence and trust.\nALSO READ: \nChery CKD plant for Malaysia in the works, SUV models to compete with Proton X50, X70\nBesides collecting customer issues through active research, Chery has also developed online service channels to respond quickly to customer\u2019s queries. The company\u2019s OTA (over-the-air) data platform can not only remotely diagnose vehicles intelligently, but also provide services and solutions through the cloud.\nOn top of that, Chery\u2019s global mobile app with 24-hour support allows quick response to customer issues, and customers can also book service appointments directly through the app.\nRELATED: \nChery becomes first-ever Chinese carmaker to export over 50k units a month\nAs for its cars, the company says that both the software and hardware will be optimised specifically for our local preference, and will be paired with \u201ccompetitive service policies\u201d \u2013 the latter could mean a 10-year/1,000,000 km warranty for their cars, similar to what the company is \noffering in South Africa\n."
"The \nVolkswagen Golf Mk7.5\n has just arrived on our shores but the brand has already announced its plans for the next-generation hatchback \u2013 a 48-V mild hybrid system. The Golf Mk8 will spearhead Volkswagens plans to gradually electrify almost every vehicle in its model range.\nThe new Golf will feature a conventional combustion engine supported by a 48-V belt-integrated starter generator and a 48-V battery. It also features a small, lightweight electric motor to give the car improved driving dynamics (higher torque at initial start-up).\nThe 48-V system enables a considerably higher amount of energy to be saved through energy recuperation when braking and stores in the 48-V lithium-ion battery pack. Adopting this system allows the Golf mild hybrid to coast with the combustion engine completely switched off (much like \nAudi\u2019s mild-hybrid system\n) which contributes to fuel savings of up to 0.3 litres per 100 km.\nThe company, however, did not reveal whether the 48-V mild hybrid will be featured in all variants of the Golf or will it be introduced as a new variant altogether. Judging from Volkswagen\u2019s push for greener electrified vehicles, it will only be a matter of time before we see the GTI and R getting the same treatment."
"The cat is now officially out of the bag \u2013 well. sort of. After numerous leaks and rumours over the past year, Proton has now officially announced that the new 2021 \nProton Iriz \nand \nPersona\n facelift will be make its debut via an online launch on its Facebook page, at \n11 am on August 5, 2021\n.\nBased on the short teaser video, it seems like there will be quite a few significant updates to the new \u201csecond major change (MC2)\u201d Proton Iriz and Persona, both inside and out of the B-segment duos.\n \nOn the exterior, we can see that the Iriz has received a major restyling effort, now taking on a \u201cjacked-up\u201d crossover look, as you\u2019ve probably seen on previous leaks. These include new plastic claddings around the fenders, alongside new integrated roof rails up top.\nChanges to the Persona meanwhile aren\u2019t too obvious from the teaser video, though we do see the new round Proton logo in front alongside a redesigned grille, as well as what looks like larger, 16-inch wheels.\nThe teaser video does focus quite significantly on the interior upgrades of the new cars, which, from what we can see, include a new red accent trim around the centre console, and new leather upholstery options \u2013 including one in brown just like the range-topping \nProton X70\n variant!\nThe biggest change on the 2021 Proton Iriz and Persona, however, will come in the form of an upgraded infotainment system, now a free-standing unit on top of the dashboard, underscored by the central air vents underneath.\nAs shown-off in the video, the new infotainment system will come with a more tightly-integrated \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice assistant system, with deeper control over the rest of the car, including the ability to open and close windows \u2013 a huge upgrade over the current system, which pretty much only tells you the weather, or help with navigation.\nCheck out our demonstration on how Proton\u2019s voice assistant can recognise our various \u201cpowderful\u201d Malaysian accents!\nMechanicals underneath the bonnet will most likely remain unchanged from the current model, which means we\u2019ll continue to see the same 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, that\u2019s good for \n109 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n.\nThere are rumours swirling about a change in the engine\u2019s transmission pairings, more specifically a change from CVT to a four-speed automatic gearbox, as well as the discontinuation of the 1.3-litre models for the Proton Iriz. However, we haven\u2019t heard any solid confirmation on either of these, so we\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\nHere\u2019s how the Honda City, Toyota Vios, and Nissan Almera stack up against each other. Can the Proton Persona finally join the fight for the best B-segment sedan?\nEither way, we\u2019re excited to see what Proton can bring to the table now that the partnership with Geely has sufficiently matured. Can we finally have a home-grown product that\u2019s capable of competing head-to-head against the likes of the \nToyota Vios\n and \nHonda City\n? Not too long more to find out!\nGALLERY"
"Maserati is\ncelebrating its 10\nth\n year anniversary in Malaysia and to celebrate\nthe occasion, Naza Italia, the official distributor of Maserati vehicles in\nMalaysia, launched the limited-edition Maserati Levante Vulcano.\nOnly 150 units of the Levante Vulcano will be made available exclusively for Europe and Asia market and Malaysia is fortunate enough to receive 10 units of these beauties. Based on the standard Levante S GrandSport trim, the Vulcano gets exclusive touches inside and out but carries an RM50,000 premium over the standard car.\n \nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nMaserati Levante Vulcano \n Engine\n 2,979cc; twin-turbo V6\n Transmission\n 8-speed automatic\n Max Power\n 430 hp\n Max Torque\n 580 Nm @ 4,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 5.2 seconds; 264 km/h\n Price (OTR without insurance)\n RM838,800\nOn the outside, the Levante\nVulcano features an exclusive \u201cGrigio Lava\u201d matte paint work. The Levante\u2019s athleticism\nis further highlighted by the Nerissimo pack that adds a black chrome touch to\nthe front grilles, logos, black window surrounds, body-colour door handles, burnished\nexhaust outlets and tinted taillamps.\nIt rides on a set of 21-inch Helios wheels finished in matte and gets red painted 6-piston Brembo brake calipers as standard.\nInside, you\u2019ll find full\nred Pieno Fiore leather upholstery \u2013 the highest grade leather Maserati produces,\nTrident logo embroidery on the headrest, carbon fibre interior trims, carbon\nfibre paddle shifters and steering wheel inserts, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins\nsurround sound system and a dedicated \u201cVulcano ONE of 150\u201d badge on the centre\nconsole.\nUnder the hood rests a\n3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol pushing out 430 hp and 580 Nm of twist.\nDrive is channelled to all four corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission.\nCentury sprint takes 5.2 seconds onwards to a top speed of 264 km/h.\nThe Levante Vulcano\nalso features the brand\u2019s comprehensive range of Advanced Driving Assistance\nSystem (ADAS) that bundles Integrated Vehicle Control, Forward Collision\nWarning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View Camera, Highway Assist System,\nLane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.\nEvery purchase of a Maserati\nLevante Vulcano comes with a 3-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and a 3-Years/100,000\nkm Free Maintenance programme.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMaserati\u00a0Levante\u00a0Vulcano\u00a0Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"As part of their continuous corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) recently made a cash donation of RM35,000 to First International Soccer Academy Malaysia (FISA), and also donated laptops to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Yesuwin Mahligai\nSelangor (PKYMS) and the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia (AFM).\nThe company says that the donation to FISA was to support the latter\u2019s efforts towards betterment of children, particularly those coming from the B40 families, and stop teens\u2019 involvement in social issues.\nMMM CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, \u201cWe recognized FISA\u2019s efforts in working towards the betterment of young children and to put a stop towards their involvement in social issues. In line with boosting the country\u2019s economic growth for the underprivileged family, we hope that our contribution for the academy may continue to assist them todevelop these children\u2019s competencies and to provide them with the opportunities to excel and lead a better life.\u201d\nMeanwhile, the laptops donated to PKYMS and AFM will be used to assist students affected by the\n Covid-19 pandemic\n, as well as to support AFM\u2019s administration purposes.\n\u201cWe understand that many students at the welfare homes were at a limitation or left without the technology they require to continue their education. We hope that the contribution of these laptops will support the children for home based learning throughout the pandemic,\u201d Shinnishi said.\n\u201cAt Mitsubishi Motors, we aim to create a better society where people can hope for a better future. We have been making efforts to support the local activities of society and contribute towards the development of the local communities through its various needs,\u201d he added."
"By now, we would already have been pretty familiar with Lynk & Co\u2019s product offerings even though they are heavily focused in China and just started business in \nEurope\n.\nThe brand backed by Zhejiang Geely Holdings, which also owns a 49.9% stake in \nProton\n, has just launched the latest Lynk & Co 09 model to celebrate five successful years of brand operation.\nOriginally planned\n as a premium brand positioned between Geely Auto and Volvo Cars back in 2016, Lynk & Co currently offers the \n01\n Compact SUV, the \n02\n and \n05\n Coupe-SUVs plus the 06 City SUV, with only the 01 available in both China and Europe. Non-SUV models are the 02 Hatchback and the \n03 Sedan\n.\nConnectivity is the key attractor to the Lynk & Co brand, where users have access to actively connected technologies in the vehicles. In just five years, Lynk & Co has accumulated nearly \n600,000\n vehicle users, with app registrations reaching an even higher number of 1.57 million. Average active monthly users on the app exceed half a million whilst average daily users have reached 120,000.\nAll Lynk & Co models share the same CMA platform as Volvo Cars as well as Geely\u2019s BMA platform, but the latest Lynk & Co 09 Flagship SUV goes upscale by using the SPA platform that underpins the current generation Volvo XC90. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe Lynk & Co Zero Concept is now being produced as the Zeekr 001 in an intelligent plant. Find out more here!\nThe flagship SUV for the brand will offer a choice of six or seven seats across two choices of petrol engines. Similar to the \nVolvo XC90 T5\n, the Lynk & Co 09 starts off at CNY265,900 (approx. RM173k) with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 254 hp and 350 Nm of torque to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and mild hybrid assistance.\nCalled the Lynk & Co 09 Ultra, this variant that can be had with either six or seven seats. It features the plug-in hybrid powertrain that also serves the \nVolvo XC90 Recharge\n, dishing out a combined system output of 431 hp and 659 Nm of torque, will all-electric range up to 80 km thanks to a massive 18.83 kWh battery pack.\nLatest Lynk & Co 01 awarded one of the gold standards in global automotive recognitions- Euro NCAP 5-star rating. Learn more about it here!\nKey features in the Lynk & C0 09 include a full suite of ADAS, matrix LED headlamps, in-car PM2.5 air filtration and purification device, massaging and ventilated seats, infotainment system with over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities and 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.\nFully adaptive air suspension and 20-inch wheels are cost-up options even for the range-topping Ultra variant, which is already priced at a relatively high CNY370,900 (approx. RM240k).\nThe company also announced that it is expanding into the Gulf region within this quarter and will begin Asian market expansion, perhaps together with Renault Samsung Motors as \nreported earlier\n.\nGALLERY"
"The hotly anticipated, all-new \nMazda2\n hatch and sedan had their \norder books opened\n last October and were priced at \nRM85k\n and \nRM87k\n respectively. Just today, we were tipped of what appears to be the Mazda2\u2019s official price from a reliable source. It\u2019s good that the prices didn\u2019t veer off the ballpark figure, so kudos to Bermaz Motor for that.   The fully imported, high-spec unit from Japan is priced at\u00a0\nRM85,470\n\u00a0without insurance, although we haven\u2019t yet found out how much more you will have to fork out for the sedan variant (RM87,470 seems probable). Everything on paper here seems to match Mazda\u2019s previous brochure on the Mazda2, so the kit list is pretty much spot on and laden with tech, unlike the Mazda2 sold in Thailand.\n \nUnder the hood beats Mazda\u2019s \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine that makes \n114 hp\n and \n148 Nm\n of torque, paired to a \nsix-speed automatic Skyactiv-Drive\n transmission. It sits on \n16-inch wheels\n wrapped with 185/60R16 profiled tyres, and comes equipped with leather seats, reverse camera, \nLED daytime running lights\n with projector headlamps, keyless entry with push-start system, paddle shifters and auto air conditioning.\nThe Mazda 2 brochure as when it was released last October\nOther in-car features include the 7-inch LCD display with Mazda Connect, audio system with six speakers, power folding side mirrors with integrated signal indicators as well as a \nhead up display\n (HUD) \u2013 a first in its segment. Should you find the need for a navigation system, it will cost you an additional RM1,200.   The all-new Mazda2 will be launched here on 22 January \u2013 that\u2019s a little less than two weeks to go before we get to see the \n2014 Japan Car of the Year\n and \nGolden Steering Wheel \nwinner. [divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda 2 Hatch (Japan high-spec)   Mazda 2 Sedan (Thai spec)"
"Weststar Maxus has just unveiled the updated 2022 Maxus T60 here in Malaysia, with the pick-up truck receiving a mild makeover, but more importantly, a power bump, courtesy of a free performance kit.\nThe fully-imported 2022 Maxus T60 is priced at \nRM115,888\n here in Malaysia, on-the-road, and without insurance. For a limited time, Weststar Maxus will also be offering a cash rebate of RM1,500 for the pick-up truck.\nPERFORMANCE\nFor a limited time, the refreshed Maxus T60 in Malaysia will be offered with a complimentary performance kit that significantly increases both power and torque figures. Said to be worth RM3,000, the performance kit boosts the T60\u2019s torque up to \n425 Nm\n from the standard 360 Nm, and produces a maximum power of \n155 hp\n.\nThe complementary performance kit is applied to the existing 2.8-litre four-cylinder VGT turbodiesel engine (Euro 4), which is paired to a six-speed Punch automatic transmission. The performance kit is also claimed to have slightly reduced the fuel consumption of the Maxus T60, bringing it down from 9.6 l/100km to \n9.0 l/100km\n.\nEquipped with a BorgWarner Electronically Controlled Four-Wheel Drive System, drivers of the Maxus T60 can switch between the modes of 2H, 4H and 4L on-the-fly. Three drive modes are also available \u2013 Eco, Normal, and Power.\nEco mode gives a two-percent reduction in fuel consumption, while Power Mode provides a five percent boost in performance. Ensuring the best traction in all conditions is an Eaton mechanical differential lock, often hailed as one of the world\u2019s best.\nRELATED: \nWeststar Maxus opens first 3S Centre in Bukit Mertajam, launches new V80 Van\nEXTERIOR\nThe refreshed Maxus T60 features a bold new front grille, with the marque\u2019s name dominating its real estate. As standard, the Maxus T60 in Malaysia is equipped with 17-inch wheels. The previously available 19-inch wheels are still available on an optional basis for an extra RM3,000.\nThe automatic headlight adjustments in the Maxus T60 automatically adjusts the beam level according to road conditions and rotates in correspondence to the steering input to illuminate the road ahead. This in addition to the follow-me-home function, daytime-running lights, and automatic headlight sensing features.\nThe Maxus T60 is available in a multitude of colours comprising Obsidian Black, Agate Red, Lava Grey, Blanc White, Aurora Silver, and Ocean Blue. Also featured on the exterior are an aluminium luggage rack, a stainless-steel roll cage, side steps, chrome-plated door handles, chrome-plated electric folding mirrors and fog lamps.\nRELATED: \nMaxus G10 SE launched, 2.0L turbo, 225 hp & 345 Nm, costs just RM158k!\nINTERIOR\nOn the inside, the 2022 Maxus T60 in Malaysia includes power-adjustable front seats, as well as both forward and rearward folding rear seats for extra storage. A total of 15 storage areas within the cabin further add to the convenience and overall cargo volume of 1,188 litres.\nFurther enhancing the cabin\u2019s premium layout is the multifunction steering wheel with the cruise control audio and switches for the integrated 10-inch HD infotainment touchscreen head unit that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Completing the user-oriented Maxus T60 is a push-start button and automatic air-conditioning.\nSAFETY\nSafety-wise, the updated 2022 Maxus T60 in Malaysia is equipped with the following:\nAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)\nElectronic Brake Distribution (EBD)\nTraction Control System (TCS)\nBrake Assist (BA)\nRoll Movement Intervention (RMI)\nHill Start Assist Control (HAS)\nHill Descent Control (HDC)\nFront and side airbags\nAutomatic headlight adjustment\nRear parking sensors\nReverse camera\nTwo ISOFIX anchorage points\nBlind Spot Information System (BLIS) (activated from 30km/h)\nPRICING\nThe Maxus T60 fetches a price of \nRM115,888\n here in Malaysia and is offered with a \nRM1,500\n rebate for a limited time only. A \nfive-year/130,000 km\n warranty is offered, together with a \nfour-year/80,000 km\n all-inclusive free service package (inclusive of parts, lubricants and labour).\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s the moment we\u2019ve all been waiting for, to have a glimpse of the \nMazda2 sedan\n. The \n2014 Japan Car of the Year \nwill be making its first motor show appearance at the upcoming 2014 Thailand International Motor Expo on 28 November.   From the pictures here, it appears that the receiving market, in this case Thailand, will be \nmissing out\n on the LED daytime running lights. It\u2019s unclear if further features will be \nstripped\n from both the sedan and the hatch in efforts to bring costs down, but it\u2019s all in due time.\u00a0\nTwo engines are offered in the entire Mazda2 range \u2013 a \n1.5-litre\n \nSkyactiv-G petrol\n engine and a \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-D clean diesel\n engine. Thailand is set to receive the latter variant, though. We already know from \nour earlier post \nthat we will be receiving the petrol engine, one that makes \n114 horsepower\n and \n148 Nm\n of torque.\nBermaz Motor is \ntaking orders for the Mazda2\n hatch and sedan with a starting price of RM85k and RM87k respectively, and the duo is set to arrive no later than February next year. Which would you pick? Tell us in the comments section below.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the announcement of the \nsecond Movement Control Order (MCO)\n by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) today released an updated version of the list of sectors and companies allowed to operate during the MCO period.\nThe five broad sectors allowed to operate during the MCO period are \nfactories and manufacturing\n, \nconstruction\n, \nservices\n, \ndistribution businesses\n, as well as \nplantations and commodities\n.\nOn the automotive side of things, \nmanufacturing and assembly plants\n will be allowed to operate as usual during the 14-day movement restriction period, as is \naftersales services\n, which is curiously listed under the factories and manufacturing sector according to the updated list. This is in stark contrast to the first MCO period, where all automotive-related businesses were \nordered to shut their doors\n.\nA quick check with several car brands in Malaysia has confirmed that their respective service centres located within the MCO zones will still operate as usual with strict standard operating procedure (SOP) in place.\nAs for \nthird-party automotive workshops\n, Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), an agency under MITI, confirmed to \nAutoBuzz.my\n that they will be \nallowed to operate\n, provided that the workshop has registered with MITI\u2019s Covid-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS).\nAll companies listed in the list of essential services will still have to comply with various restrictions as stated in the announcement yesterday, including a 30% limit on management-level workforce.\nStay tuned for more updates as we seek for more comments from automotive brands.\nOPERATIONAL STATUS ACCORDING TO BRANDS:\nToyota\n: All outlets nationwide (including sales, service, body & paint) \noperating as usual\n."
"We here at \nAutoBuzz.my\n don\u2019t shy away from replicas, because they\u2019re all labours of love and passion, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re here for, right? Admittedly, some of them do \nlook\n kind of. \nrudimentary\n, but every once in a while there\u2019s bound to be one that seriously blows us away, and today, it\u2019s this replica \nFerrari 458\n.\nThis Fauxrari 458 is the creation of Russian YouTuber \nIlya Strekal\n, and underneath all of that custom bodywork is actually a \nPorsche Boxster\n \u2013 which we bet you wouldn\u2019t have realised unless specifically told so. No, seriously, you\u2019d still have a hard time picking out the differences even when it\u2019s placed right next to an \nactual\n Ferrari 458. and that\u2019s exactly what Strekal and his team did.\n \nIn an odd stroke of luck, Ilya Strekal came across an actual Ferrari 458 while driving his homemade version around the streets of St Petersburg. And according to him, the driver of the red Ferrari was so intrigued by his replica, that he even agreed to let them film the cars side-by-side for comparison.\nWell, Strekal\u2019s craftsmanship certainly shows through the video; as you can see from the video above, there\u2019s really not much in between the two cars.\nScreenshot: \nIlya Strekal/YouTube\nSure, Strekal\u2019s replica is still pretty rough around the edges, so the curves and joints don\u2019t look as organic as the Italian-made Ferrari 458. There\u2019s also a couple of smaller issues, such as the angle of the various mesh grilles, and placement of the wing mirrors by the side, that are just off by a couple of millimetres or degrees.\nAnother Russian workshop turned a Ford Focus into a speedster! Check it out here\n Screenshot: \nIlya Strekal/YouTube\nBut these were issues that Strekal and his team couldn\u2019t have discovered until they had an actual car for a side-by-side comparison \u2013 and even then, you had to look really closely to even tell the difference! Apart from these minor niggles, they\u2019ve pretty much got everything else spot-on, from the lights, proportions, to even the shape of the random air inlets around the engine.\nSpeaking of replicas, Tamiya actually made a life-sized toy car that you can drive! Check it out here.\n \nFrom the other videos on his channels, which shows the Ferrari 458 replica farther along its build, it seems like the crew have already managed to clean up some of these problems. With a fresh coat of yellow paint, we really couldn\u2019t tell that this is not a real Ferrari.\n Screenshot: \nIlya Strekal/YouTube\nThe other videos also showed Strekal going through the painstaking process of recreating the entire dashboard, through custom fibreglass moulding and 3D printing, all to make it look as close to the original car as possible. If nothing, it just shows how enthusiastic these group of car nuts are at recreating their dream cars.\nWhile the end product may not be a true Ferrari, the amount of work they\u2019ve put into this build is certainly still an impressive feat, and the end result just speaks for itself. We\u2019re just afraid that they\u2019ll likely hear from an Italian lawyer very soon.\n[H/T: \nCarscoops\n]\nGALLERY"
"In October last year, BMW Group Malaysia, through its financing arm BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia (BMWFSM), pledged on behalf of their customers to \ndonate RM100 to the BMW Safety 360\u00b0 child car seats subsidy programme\n for every contract funded via its \nBMW Engage\n online financing platform.\nNow just three months later, the company announced today that it has contributed over RM20,000 in donations to the programme to date!\nBMWFSM Managing Director, Tobias Eismann said, \u201cWe are pleased to announce that we will be able to subsidise over 300 more child car seats for families in need, from donations raised on our platform in the last three months. We are especially grateful to our customers who have played a key role in contributing to this fundraising initiative.\n\u201cAlthough there is less travel during this period, we want to continue accelerating the adoption of child safety seats to ensure children are safe on the road when travelling is allowed again,\u201d he added.\nImage:\n Facebook/Safe \u2018n Sound\nFirst introduced in December 2019, the\n BMW Safety 360 subsidy programme \nhas now recorded over 25,000 applicants from parents in the B40 income group.\nSeeing the urgency for child car seats accessibility in Malaysia, Shopee later jumped on-board the call-to-action as the exclusive e-commerce partner, alongside baby and children goods brands KU.KU Duckbill and Otomo, educational toys and games distributor Mideer, food storage solutions provider Ankou, as well as car accessories distributor Kakimotor.\nEach child car seat is made available with a RM50 subsidy and a RM13 delivery subsidy, in addition to a discounted price from Safe \u2018n Sound that is exclusive for recipients of the subsidy programme. In total, the recipients will each receive a unique Shopee voucher worth RM113, which can be applied upon checkout at the Shopee dedicated microsite, linked \nhere\n.\n\u201cDespite the delay on the ruling for child car seat enforcement, BMW Group Malaysia continues in our effort to promote the adoption of child car seats via the BMW Safety 360\u00b0 Programme,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia head of Corporate Communications, Sashi Ambi. \u201cWe believe this is a shared responsibility not just amongst our partners, but the parents and the community around them as well, that can help ensure the highest level of safety on the road \u2013 even if travelling is restricted in the current climate.\u201d\nAmbi added, \u201cAlthough the roads will be quieter this Chinese New Year, BMW Group Malaysia would like to wish all Malaysians a Happy Chinese New Year. We wish you and your loved ones safety, health and prosperity for this Year of the Ox.\u201d\n[Header image: \nFacebook/Safe \u2018n Sound\n]"
"Come the 9th of September, BMW Japan will put for sale on their online store 40 units of the \nM135i xDrive\n hot hatch aptly named the \u201cStreet Racer\u201d edition.\nPrices start from 6.9 million yen (approximately RM265k) and you get a fair bit of kit. For starters, it comes with an M Performance Package which includes black mirror caps, black mesh kidney grille, black exhaust tips, 18-inch style 554 M rims in Orbit Grey. The Street Racer is only available with a Alpin White exterior.\nThat\u2019s not all, the boy racer look would not be complete without the roof spoiler, front splitter, side skirts also from M Performance. Sure doesn\u2019t look like it\u2019s trying too hard there.\nFirst Drive: BMW F40 M135i xDrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. Find out what we think about BMW\u2019s hot hatch!\nInside, the cabin gets M Sports seats, just like the M135i xDrive launched in Malaysia, except it\u2019s in Blue along with M seat belts.\nThe M135i xDrive is priced at RM355,646, inclusive of SST exemptions. It\u2019s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with 306 hp and 450 Nm to drive all four wheels.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.5 seconds, with top speed limited to 250 km/h.\nCheck out this drag race between the BMW M135i xDrive and the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC!\n \nGALLERY"
"Perodua displayed their \nPerodua Bezza Limited Edition\n at the \n2019 Malaysia Autoshow\n and all 50 units are snapped up! Not only that, the company has collected 450 bookings during the four-day event \u2013 the highest number of orders it has collected at the annual event.\nThe Myvi made up the biggest\nchunk of the bookings but the Bezza Limited Edition was the star of the show that\nweekend, according to Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari\nHusin.\n \nPerodua Myvi received the most bookings\n\u201cFor now, we are not\nplanning to introduce it (Bezza Limited Edition) as a retail variant as we want\nthese 50 units to be exclusive to the event,\u201d added Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari.\n\u00a0At Rm3,000 more than the Bezza 1.3 Premium X, the specially-built sedan features an exclusive matte black rear spoiler, blacked-out roof, red door mirror covers, geometric graphics, GearUp body kit in matte black with red lower pinstripe and dark grey alloys measuring 14-inches in diameter. Ivory White is the only colour offered for the Bezza Limited Edition.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nPerodua\u00a0Bezza\u00a0Limited\u00a0Edition\u00a0at\u00a02019\u00a0Malaysia\u00a0Autoshow"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced a recall on models made between 2011 to 2015. The recall aims to rectify the hydraulic pressure accumulator within the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox caused by a product deviation.\nThe models affected include the \nBeetle\n, Cross Touran, Golf Mk 6 and \nMk 7\n, \nJetta\n, \nPassat (B7)\n, Passat CC, \nPolo\n and \nScirocco\n for a total of 12,732 vehicles. The recall does not affect Volkswagen models produced from 2016 onwards.\nThe recall by Volkswagen is due to the potential failure of the said component which can \nlead to pressure loss, interrupting power transmission between the engine and the gearbox\n.\nThe nationwide recall campaign will be done in phases to manage the number of cases. Affected owners will be contacted via mail with immediate effect. Alternatively, owners can \nvisit the Volkswagen website to check if their vehicles are affected\n. Otherwise, owners are encouraged to call 1800-18-8947.\nSubsequently, affected owners can contact any authorised Volkswagen service centre to have their cars inspected and parts replaced if necessary. Owners will not be charged for labour and replacement parts.\nAdditionally, owners will receive a \nfree Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) membership\n card as a token of appreciation. VCP is an exclusive program for owners with vehicles that are 5-years and older. Member privileges include three 20% service discount vouchers, Free 2-years Roadside Assistance and 24-hour on-site battery support.\n\u201cWhile we have identified the number of vehicles involved in this recall, it is possible that not all the vehicles will require parts replacement. This is a significant exercise for us and we would like to ensure that all these vehicles are inspected,\u201d said VPCM, Managing Director, Erik Winter.\nFor more information on the campaign, visit www.volkswagen.com.my or call Volkswagen customer care at 1800-18-8947."
"Its official, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) Malaysia has just announced that pump prices of RON95 will be RM1.93 per litre and Diesel Euro 2M will be at RM2.04 per litre starting midnight tomorrow (5 January 2019).\nThis marks the first time RON95 and diesel Euro 2M have seen a downward revision since March 2018. From tomorrow onwards, motorist will enjoy cheaper \nRON95\n from RM2.20/litre to \nRM1.93/litre\n and \nDiesel Euro 2M\n from RM2.18/litre to \nRM2.04/litre\n. Pump prices of \nRON97\n will also be 27 sen cheaper at the stroke of midnight down from RM2.50/litre to \nRM2.23/litre\n.\nEffective immediately, all petroleum products will adopt a weekly floating pricing mechanism to better reflect global crude oil pricing movements. However, should global crude oil prices increase, the Pakatan Harapan Government will provide subsidies to \ncap the price of RON95 to RM2.20/litre and Diesel Euro 2M at RM2.18/litre.\nThis announcement comes after a cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday (2 January 2019). The final fuel price was determined after discussions with all relevant stakeholders including Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) which takes into account dealer commission and margins."
"According to a new study conducted by researchers for Continental Tyres, as part of its Vision Zero initiative, a commitment to reduce traffic fatalities, drivers are not convinced that automated and driverless vehicles will deliver on the promised benefits.\nThe research was conducted on \n2,000 motorists\n and when asked what benefits a driverless vehicle would deliver, the second most popular response was \n\u201cnone\u201d\n as more than a third of respondents could not identify any advantages that come with that technology.\nWhen addressing their concerns, the top six issues were negative with some highlighting the \nfear of conceding control\n. Motorists are three times more likely to be scared of autonomous vehicles \ndue to loss of personal control than to realise its benefits\n.\nMajority are of the opinion that driverless cars make people lazy and reliant on technology and there are too many risk that comes with the technology; like being hacked for example.\nContinental Tyres safety expert, Mark Griffiths said, \u201cDrivers are more concerned with the current real world issues like congestion, cost of motoring and environmental impact and technological solutions being developed now aren\u2019t exactly solutions for the current issues.\nHe continued by saying, \u201cIt is the job of manufacturers like Continental, to inform drivers the immediate and near future gains from the exciting technological developments. In the past the benefits from some advances have been self-evident, such as tyre pressure monitoring systems or anti-lock brakes.\nWhen asked what issues should be prioritised by automotive and technology companies, half of road users agreed it should be improved road safety. This was followed by almost 50% of people saying more economical vehicles using existing and new fuels and 47% saying less traffic on the roads."
"Seems like the folks at Lotus Cars can\u2019t get enough of \u201ctrack-focused\u201d Exiges as they add yet another variant to the line up \u2013 the Lotus Exige Sport 410. Slotting between the \nExige Cup 430\n and \nExige Cup 380\n, the Exige Sport 410 serves as the stable\u2019s ultimate road-oriented sports car.\nThe Exige Sport 410 takes after the track-focused Exige Cup 430, adopting the same chassis, suspension and powertrain set-up. The 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine has been recalibrated to develop \n416 hp\n (410 bhp) and\n 420 Nm\n of torque paired to a close ratio six-speed manual transmission with an open-gate gearshift design. Century sprint is done in \n3.4 seconds\n, onwards to a top speed of \n290 km/h\n for the coupe and \n233 km/h\n for the roadster.\nVisually, the Exige Sport 410 wears wider aperture grilles in the new front clam panel, an extended Aluminium diffuser and a new rear wing that contributes to a\n total downforce of 150 kg\n. Stopping power is courtesy of AP Racing\u2019s four-piston callipers tucked away behind ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels measuring 17-inch front and 18-inch rear.\nTo keep the sports car in check, Lotus has fitted the Exige Sport 410 with three-way adjustable Nitron dampers, Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars as well as Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (215/45 ZR17 front and 285/30 ZR18 rear).   Other performance enhancing options include a full titanium exhaust system, carbon fibre trims for the instrument binnacle, sill covers, barge boards and roof, electrical cut-off and fire extinguisher controls, airbag deletion, 4-point harnesses and FIA compliant roll cage.\nJean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, \u201cWith every new Lotus we look to move the bar higher and apply technology and development ideas drawn from top-of-the-range models. Our agility as a company means that the lessons learnt today can quickly be incorporated into the cars of tomorrow and the Exige Sport 410 is a perfect example of this. We have taken the Exige Cup 430, the ultimate track-centric Exige, and developed it into the perfect road orientated sports car, ensuring that we stay ahead of rivals when it comes to cars that deliver a truly engaging analogue driving experience.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari, together with authorised Malaysian importer Naza Italia, have launched the new \nFerrari 488 GTB\n with an introductory price of RM1,068,800. Hold your horses now, because the price stated is excluding taxes and excise duty.\nThe 488 GTB, the acronym of which is Gran Turismo Berlinetta, replaces the highly acclaimed 458 Italia, and at first glance bears great resemblance to the car it succeeds. It isn\u2019t an entirely new car, but more of a refreshed and modern take on its successful predecessor.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFerrari 488 GTB\nEngine\n3,902cc; turbocharged V8\nTransmission\n7-speed F1 dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n661 hp @ 8,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n760 Nm @ 3,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.0 seconds; 330 km/h\nPrice before taxes and duty\nRM1,068,800.00\nEXTERIOR\nAs such, almost all body panels on the 488 is new. The front fascia features larger air intakes with two \u201cfangs\u201d in the lower grille that functions by channelling air towards the flat underbody. It also carries over the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators.\n \n \nLong-time Ferrari followers will notice the doors features a deep scalloped design first seen on the 308 GTB and cuts upwards into the air intake. It sits on \n20-inch wheels\n as standard, with the front wearing 245/35 series tyres and the back, 305/30 profile.\nRound the back, this turbocharged Ferrari receives more extensive aerodynamic revision courtesy of a new bumper with diffuser that incorporates active flaps, including a \u201cblown\u201d spoiler, as Ferrari calls it. The result is a \n50 percent increase in downforce\n compared to the 458. Its LED tail lights have also been updated, complemented by an F1-inspired fog lamps and dual exhaust pipes (the 458 had three pipes).\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin on the other hand, remains largely the same. Although many would prefer an updated interior, but in the case of a Ferrari, familiarity does not breed contempt. The design layout is still very much driver-oriented, and the ergonomics are thoughtfully placed to ensure that everything is within reach.\n \n \nWhat\u2019s new however, are the updated infotainment screen and keyless push-to-start.\nPERFORMANCE\nContrary to typical Ferrari fashion, the 488 doesn\u2019t represent the 4.8-litre V8 engine that we would expect, because here it gets a downsized \n3.9-litre twin-turbocharged\n engine. Make no mistake, although it\u2019s 600cc smaller, the 488 GTB boasts the best power-to-weight ratio of any road-going Ferraris to date.\nHere are the numbers. The engine makes \n661 horsepower\n at 8,000 rpm (the previous 4.5-litre NA engine redlines at 9,000 rpm) an \n760 Nm of torque\n from 3,000 rpm. That\u2019s a good \n98 horsepower\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque more than the 458! This allows the 488 GTB to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.0 seconds\n and 0 to 200 km/h in \n8.3 seconds\n before reaching a claimed top speed of \n330 km/h\n.\nListen to the #Ferrari #488GTB roar! #wordsarenotenough\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nJun 15, 2015 at 9:01pm PDT\nIt gets mated to the familiar \nseven-speed F1-derived dual clutch automatic\n with Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque. Aiding the 488\u2019s cornering abilities is an evolved \nSide Slip Control 2\n (SSC2), that\u00a0is said to be more precise and less intrusive than before.\nWHAT ELSE?\nYou might have noticed that the 488 here is a left hand drive version, but it\u2019s merely a display unit that will be touring elsewhere in our region. It will come here in a RHD configuration, and Ferrari is asking for a base price of \nRM1,068,800\n, excluding duties, taxes and of course, personalisation.\nThe car is projected to be sold in excess of \nRM2 million\n, and about 20 units of the car have been booked to date.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After months and months of \nteasers\n and \npreviews\n, we\u2019ve now finally gotten the last missing piece of the puzzle as Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the all-new S-Class, set to take the luxury sedan segment by storm thanks to the densely packed technologies.\nAs we\u2019ve seen from the \nleaks\n, the all-new S-Class features a completely new exterior design, with many elements borrowed from the other new Mercedes-Benz stablemates. The entire front fascia is dominated by the new ginormous grille, which is now more angular, and sports a slimmer chrome surround.\nDespite its large size though, it doesn\u2019t really look all that out of place (ahem, \nBMW 7 Series\n), giving the luxury sedan a strong imposing stature. A plastic panel houses all of the advanced driver assistance sensors and radars, and as is standard on the\n \nS-Class\n, the three-pointed star stands loud and proud on top of the bonnet \u2013 no matter which variant.\nThe new grille is flanked by slimmer headlights, featuring an eyebrow style boomerang daytime-running light signature that also works as the turn indicators. Multibeam LED headlights are standard, while an optional Digital Light system uses 1.3-million micro-mirrors to refract and direct more than 2.6-million individual light beams from three extremely-powerful LEDs onto the road.\nThanks to the extremely high resolution (more than your regular 1080p video), the Digital Light headlights can even project important information such as warning symbols onto the road surface, or even highlight pedestrians on the road. It\u2019s integrated right into the new MBUX system, and will also adjust its beam based on the topography with information extracted from the navigation system.\nThe body panels on the side of the all-new S-Class have been cleaned up, with the character line now moved upwards sitting just below the window sills, and has also been extended even further rearwards, almost connecting the headlights and taillights together.\nFor an even cleaner look, customers can opt for the pop-up door handles that retracts flush into the doors when not in use. Wheel options range from 18-inch to 21-inch items depending on the variants selected.\nAt the back, the designers took inspiration from the \nnew CLS\n \nfor the taillights, which are now two-piece horizontal items, joined by a chrome strip across the entire boot lid. The taillights feature tiny individual lighting elements, which can be used for displaying lighting animations.\nDespite having a very similar exterior shape to the outgoing model, Mercedes-Benz said that that the drag coefficient of the new S-Class has been dropped to 0.22 (from 0.24), making it one of the most aerodynamic series production model. The use of aluminium in its underbody structure also helps bring down the weight by up to 60 kg, despite being larger in size.\nSticking to the S-Class\u2019s reputation, Mercedes-Benz has fitted a whole boatload of cutting-edge technology onto the all-new luxury sedan, especially within the nautical-inspired cabin.\nWe\u2019ve covered some of the main features including the new \nportrait-oriented MBUX infotainment display\n in a previous entry, but key highlights include the \nnew active interior ambient lighting\n, three-dimensional digital instrument cluster with eye tracking, augmented-reality head-up display, driver profile authentication via fingerprint, facial, or voice recognition, over-the-air updates, as well as the first-ever \nrear-passenger frontal airbags\n.\nBeing an S-Class, passenger comfort is obviously of the upmost importance. Aside from the improved driving position, redesigned seats, and increased legroom, rear passengers will have a choice of five different seating positions, including the conventional fixed backrests and reclining options, as well as an executive seat option with extended reclining capabilities, and a fixed first-class-style centre console.\nAt launch, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be available in four different powertrain options, with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system pretty much standard across the board barring one diesel option. On the petrol side, a 3.0-litre M256 turbocharged inline-six engine makes up the S 450 4Matic (\n367 hp\n, \n500 Nm\n) and S 500 4Matic (\n435 hp\n, \n520 Nm\n).\nBoth petrol variants include a 48V integrated starter/generator that provides an \nadditional 22 hp and 250 Nm of boost\n when needed. As a result, the S 450 does the century sprint in just \n5.1 seconds\n, while the S 500 shaves off an additional 0.2 seconds to \n4.9 seconds\n.\nOn the diesel end, both the S 350 d and S 400 d 4Matic are powered by a 3.0litre OM656 inline-six turbodiesel, delivering \n286 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n on the 350 d, and \n330 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n for the S 400 d 4Matic.\nThe company says that further drivetrains will follow, including a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology for the S580, as well as the S580e which pairs the M256 three-litre inline-six engine with a gearbox-mounted electric motor for a combined output of 517 hp.\nAutocar UK\n also reports that a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 will be available on the Maybach S650 variant, while two AMG badged models \u2013 the S63e 4Matic+ and S73e 4Matic+ \u2013 is currently under final development, powered by the turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine paired to an electric motor on the rear axle.\nOther driving improvements include a standard-fit Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers, along with a new optional E-Active Body Control system which uses the 48V electric power to provide active damping on each corners, keeping the car level during acceleration, braking, or even on rougher terrains thanks to the Road Surface Scan feature. The Curve function also allows the car to tilt into a corner much like a motorcycle, enhancing cornering abilities and reducing lateral forces on the occupants.\nThe all-new S-Class also comes with an upgraded rear-wheel steering system, with an optional package to increase the rear-wheel steering angle up to 10 degrees. Despite its size, Mercedes-Benz says that its turning diameter of under 11 metres is comparable to the compact A-Class.\nWe\u2019d imagine the rear-wheel steering also helps immensely with parking the large luxury sedan, though if you really don\u2019t want to do it yourself, there\u2019s a new \nIntelligent Parking Pilot\n to park the car for you without needing a driver \u2013 which means it\u2019s a \nLevel 4 autonomous\n feature. The system is currently undergoing certification to be approved for legal use.\nOn the roads, the all-new S-Class is capable of a\n Level 3 autonomous driving\n on selected highway sections in dense traffic, at up to speeds of 60 km/h. The new Drive Pilot system allows drivers to go hands-off for extended periods using lidar sensors and additional cameras. The system will be rolled out in Germany starting in the second half of next year, and will soon be activated in other countries once they\u2019ve gotten the required legal certifications. The performance of the system can also be improved via over-the-air updates over time.\nOther driver assistance features have also been upgraded, including the autonomous emergency braking with improved cross traffic and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control which can now prevent collisions at up to 130 km/h, lane centering assist, lane change assist, evasive steering assist, active emergency stop assist, blind spot monitoring, as well as the parking assist system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the \nMitsubishi ASX\n? Even though it might now look a little different (thanks to \nthree\n major facelift exercises\n), the little Lancer-based crossover is still essentially the same car that was launched all the way back in 2009, and a full-model change is long overdue.\nWell, the good news is an all-new Mitsubishi ASX is finally coming soon. but the bad news is that it might not be for us here in Malaysia.\nFirst facelift\nThird facelift\nDesigned for the European market, the next-generation Mitsubishi ASX will be built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance\u2019s CMF-B platform \u2013 the same architecture underpinning the \nNissan Juke\n and \nRenault Captur\n.\nWhile we won\u2019t know exactly how the car looks like until the launch (aside from the shadowy teaser images here), we do know that it\u2019ll be offered in five different powertrain options, including traditional full hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants.\nKicking things off on the base variant will be a 90 hp 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which will be paired exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox \u2013 which, perhaps not too surprisingly, is also the same entry point as the Renault Captur in Europe.\nThe range then moves up to a 1.3-litre direct injection engine, which will be offered in two different states of tune \u2013 a 138 hp version that will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or a 155 hp variant that will only be available with a seven-speed DCT.\nALSO READ: The all-new Renault Captur just demands a second look!\nThe character lines at the back look nearly identical to that of the all-new Renault Captur\nThe more interesting ones however are the two electrified options, starting with the HEV with 143 hp, and a PHEV with 158 hp; both electrified powertrains are based on the same 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-pot petrol mill that\u2019s also shared with the Renault Captur.\nBoth models get a pair of electric motors for their non-combustion drive, but the PHEV gets a significantly larger battery at 10.5 kWh (compared to the 1.3 kWh on the HEV) that should offer it a fully-electric range upwards of 60 km, as the Captur does.\nThe all-new European-market Mitsubishi ASX is set to make its world debut in September this year, with sales scheduled to begin in spring 2023. Would you want to see the Mitsubishi ASX make a return to Malaysia in this form? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and who knows, it might just work \u2013 we won\u2019t hold our breath though."
"Remember the \nvery pointless but also very cool tractor\n that could do 160 km/h? Well, the team thought that they could do better, and went on to build an even faster version of their record-breaking Fastrac tractor in less than 5 months \u2013 this time reaching a peak speed of \n247.47 km/h\n.\nIn the hands of motorcycle racer and daredevil Guy Martin, the JCB Fastrac Two tractor recorded an average speed (over two runs) of \n217.57 km/h\n, which has been recorded in the \nGuinness Book of Records\n as the World\u2019s Fastest Tractor (modified).\n \nThe Fastrac 2 has undergone massive modifications to achieve such a feat \u2013 although JCB says the record-breaking tractor still maintains\n over 50% standard Fastrac parts\n.\nFirstly, the 7.2-litre JCB 672 diesel engine has been updated to produce over \n1016 hp\n and \n2500 Nm\n of torque. Aerodynamics has also been improved by \n10%\n over the Fastrac One (and 25% over the standard tractor), thanks to the aerodynamics wizards at\n Williams Advanced Engineering\n, a division of the Williams F1 Team.\nIn order to achieve the mind-boggling speed, the tractor also had to shed significant weight. The Fastrac Two was made \n3,500 kg lighter\n thanks to the use of aluminium instead of steel, along with carbon fibre body work. The chassis itself dropped from 750 kg to 480 kg.\nOf course, safety is a huge priority, even with Guy Martin driving the tractor. JCB fitted a FIA-approved roll cage and six-point racing harness, along with a \u201cPlan B\u201d parachute, and uprated advanced split-type air/hydraulic braking system to the Fastrac Two for maximum protection of the driver.\nGuy Martin said, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t feel like a tractor [to drive]. From the outside it looks like a tractor but it doesn\u2019t to sit in and it doesn\u2019t go anything like a tractor.\u201d We certainly have no doubts about that."
"The impending \nHyundai Veloster\n aside, it\u2019s about time we see a two-seater sportscar from the largest South Korean carmaker / the third largest vehicle manufacturer in the world.\nSince the Consumer Electric Show in Las Vegas kicked off this week, Hyundai has been busy showcasing their new fuel cell vehicle and autonomous driving technologies.\nThe Hyundai PassoCorto concept unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show\nSpeaking at the same event, the brand\u2019s chief designer, formerly in charge of penning the Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago cited that a \nproper sports car could be in the pipeline\n.\nHyundai\u2019s Vice Chairman of Research and Development also reportedly said that \na serious sportscar, with a mixed powertrain\n is probably something the brand needs at this time and would like to have the idea of it promoted.\nIt was also cited that the \u201cN division\u201d of the brand will be working on it \u2013 currently headed by former head of BMW\u2019s M division, Albert Biermann. While there isn\u2019t a specific timeline for the two-seater sportscar, we\u2019ve all seen what the \nHyundai i30 N\n is capable of so what\u2019s certain are exciting times ahead for Hyundai.\nSource: \nCarAdvice"
"Despite making two whole generations of it, the BMW 3 Series Compact is still a rare sight these days. The Compact just never sold well in many parts of the world, probably due to its odd proportions and funky looks \u2013 I mean, just look at \nthese headlights\n.\nOver the years though, the compact 3-er has gained itself a loyal following, with many swearing by its supposedly \u201cbetter\u201d handling characteristics. And what better way to prove your point than the fact that BMW M engineers wanted to make a car out of it?\n \nThe E36 M3 Compact was never sold, but BMW did actually make one, literally, supposedly as a gift to commemorate the 50th anniversary of German enthusiast publication\n Auto Motor und Sport\n in 1996.\u00a0And BMW Group Classic\u2019s latest YouTube video gave us a closer look at the unicorn.\nProper M Power.\nThe E36 Compact is pretty much identical to the regular 3 Series from the front of the car up until the B-pillars, which means it had enough space to fit a full-blown S50B32 3.2-litre inline-six engine underneath its bonnet, making a whopping \n321 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque.\nFor context, the most powerful BMW E36 3 Series Compact you could buy was a 323ti, shown earlier in the video, which made 170 hp from its 2.5-litre inline-six engine \u2013 and that was already being marketed as the \u201csportier\u201d model in the line-up, noted by its \n\u2018ti\u2019 (for \nTurismo Internazionale\n) badge\n.\nThe host pointed out in the video that the engine looks \u201cserial production standard\u201d in the engine bay, adding that \u201ceverything is meant to be in here, so they could have built it right away.\u201d But why didn\u2019t they? According to BMW\u2019s own \nretrospective article\n on their website, it could well be because it was\n too\n powerful \u2013 yes, seriously.\nYou see, thanks to its shorter hind, the E36 Compact actually weighs about \n215 kg lighter \nthan the regular M3. As you can imagine, the extra power paired to a significant lighter body means that the E36 M3 Compact was probably quite a bit too much to handle, for regular folks like us anyway.\nThe article added that if the car had ever gone into series production, the engineers would probably have had to \u201cdial down its power in order to improve drivability\u201d. This, of course, never stopped some daredevil E36 Compact owners, who went ahead and shoehorned the S50 engines into their cars anyway, as BMW highlighted at the end of the video.\nAnyway, for the M3 that never was, BMW also gave it a set of Recaro racing bucket seats, Alcantara trim, and a roll-bar to, you know, make it a little safer driving it. Over at the rear, the BMW E36 M3 Compact also gets a ducktail spoiler trim for some additional downforce, as well as a set of quad tailpipe exits \u2013 something even the actual production M3 never had.\nMaybe it\u2019s a good thing that this car never went on sale, because we already have enough things to spend our money on."
"NZ Wheels\n, authorised dealer for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that those who purchase \nselected Mercedes-Benz vehicles\n will stand a chance to win a Ducati XDiavel S through the Double Celebrations campaign.\nThe Double Celebrations campaign will run from 13th of July to 30th September 2020. Those who purchase selected Mercedes-Benz vehicles from any authorised NZ Wheels Autohaus will be entitled to ONE (1) contest entry. Participants will have to fill a form with the proof of purchase attached to be in the running to win the Ducati XDiavel S worth RM161k.\nThe Ducati XDiavel S.\nDetails of the grand prize winner will be announced 30 days after the contest period. The announcement will be made on the NZ Wheels website and its social media platforms such as\n Instagram\n and Facebook. Winners will also be notified via telephone and will be invited to a prize presentation ceremony held at NZ Wheels premises.\nNZ Wheels Autohaus is located in \nKlang\n,\n Bangsar \nand \nJohor Bharu\n. More information on the NZ Wheels Double Celebration campaign is available on NZ Wheels\u2019 Facebook and Instagram platforms. Alternatively customers can call 018 204 7763 for more info."
"In conjunction with MINI\u2019s\n60\nth\n Birthday, MINI Malaysia has just launched the MINI Convertible to\nthe local market. Only 20 units of this premium soft top MINI will be imported\nby the official local distributor and is priced at RM279,888 (OTR without\ninsurance).\nThe powered fabric roof that can be stowed away in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 km/h further elevates MINI\u2019s hallmark Go Kart driving experience. Other than the fabric roof (with Union Jack pattern), the MINI Convertible shares the same exterior equipment as the MINI Cooper S with LED headlamps, Union Jack LED taillamps and 17-inch Rail Spoke design alloy wheels.\n \nBeing the Cooper S variant, the MINI Convertible packs a B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and 7-speed Steptronic Sports dual-clutch automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. Output is rated at \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque, allowing the MINI Convertible to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.1 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of\n 230 km/h\n.\nThe cabin is furnished\nin a Malt Brown theme for the upholstery, MINI Yours illuminated Union Jack\ninterior trim, MINI Yours Nappa leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and\n6.5-inch MINI Centre Instrument touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay\nconnectivity.\nA total of 5 exterior colours are available Chili Red, Solaris Orange, Melting Silver, Starlight Blue and Caribbean Aqua which is exclusive to the convertible model. Every purchase before 31 August 2019 will receive a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 5-Years/80,000 km Free Scheduled Service in conjunction with MINI\u2019s 60\nth\n-anniversary celebration.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI Cooper S Convertible Launched in Malaysia"
"Launched simultaneously with the new 2019 Lexus RX is the new 2019 Lexus ES250; now available in two variants \u2013 \nPremium at RM299,888\n and \nLuxury at RM332,888\n.\nUnder the hood is a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with \n204 hp\n and \n247 Nm\n, paired to an 8-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission. Under its skin, the ES Luxury\u2019s handling is further enhanced with performance dampers.\n0 to 100 km/h takes 9.1 seconds with top speed rated at 210 km/h. The all-new Lexus ES\u2019 fuel consumption is rated at 15km/L.\nOn the outside, the ES Luxury is equipped with Ultra Compact 3-beam LED projectors with Adaptive High Beam System and sequential turn signals while the Premium variant makes do with Bi-LED projector units and bulb type signals.\nThe Luxury variant also stands out with a hands-free boot. Both models come with cornering lights, a moonroof and a Blind Spot Monitor.\nInside, both variants have been lined with a mix of wood and leather trims, paddle shifters, 7-inch TFT display, Pioneer 10-speaker sound system, seat ventilation and an electronic parking brake.\nThe Luxury model stands out with a 3-zone air conditioning system, rear sunshades, 12.3-inch touchscreen display, heads up display, wireless charging, 10-way power adjustable for the front seats and 2-way reclining rear seats.\nThe Premium model on the other hand gets dual zone air conditioning, an 8-inch touchscreen display and 8-way power adjustable front seats.\nSafety wise, the both the ES 250 variants get Lexus Safety System+ which includes the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist with steering control and Pre Collision System. While both models may get 10 airbags, only the Luxury variant gets a panoramic view monitor.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota has unveiled the \nSupra\n \u201c35th Anniversary Edition\u201d, with only 70 units available. The \nBMW Z4\n-based sportscar is priced between 6.5 million yen for the SZ-R model and 7.8 million yen for the RZ. Toyota will only be producing 35 units of each.\nVideo: Chasing the GR Supra in a GR Yaris at Sepang! Watch it on our YouTube channel!\nThe differences between the standard and the 35th Anniversary Edition are mostly aesthetics. Funnily enough, the unique Lightning Yellow paint job you see here isn\u2019t part of the special edition; to make it exclusive.\nNo, in fact, it\u2019s a 33,000 yen (RM1,200) option, before tax.\nWatch us put the Toyota Supra and BMW M2 Competition side by side in a drag race!\nIn the SZ-R model, you get red calipers with Supra graphics which you don\u2019t in the standard model, matte black side mirror covers a special matte metallic storm gray paint, and wireless charging. It also comes with a different pedal design and seats wrapped with a mix of Alcantara and leather.\nIn the RZ, you get all of the above except with the exception of full leather seats; no Alcantara there. Both the special edition Supra models share the same 19-inch wheel design and come with \u201c35th Anniversary\u201d carbon fibre trims on the dashboard.\nLocally, the Supra starts from \nRM589,987\n inclusive of SST exemptions. The 3.0-litre turbocharged engine and 8-speed auto combination deliver 340 hp and 500 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.3 seconds with a top speed rated at 250 km/h.\nWatch our full review of the A90 Toyota Supra here!\nGALLERY"
"The small SUV \nHonda WR-V\n has been launched in Thailand, following its Indonesian launch late last year. About the size of a Perodua Ativa, the Honda WR-V is made available in two variants in Thailand, namely the SV and RS, with prices starting at THB 799,000 (approx. \nRM104k\n).\nFor those unfamiliar with the WR-V, it is a Raize/Rocky rival in Indonesia. It is essentially a smaller 5-seater version of the Honda BR-V. The WR-V has been spotted in camouflage in Malaysia earlier this year, and if it were to be launched here, it would rival the beloved \nPerodua Ativa\n.\nCompared to the Ativa, the WR-V is shorter in length and height, but slightly wider. The WR-V measures 4,060 mm long, 1,780 mm wide, and 1,608 mm tall. Its wheelbase is 2,485 mm long, which is 40 mm shorter than the Ativa\u2019s.\nCurrently in its second generation, the WR-V first made its world debut in 2016. WR-V stands for Winsome Runabout Vehicle and the first generation was specifically built for the South African and Indian market. The first generation was based on the Honda fit, but the second generation is based on the \nHonda BR-V\n.\nPowering the Honda WR-V is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine that produces \n121 hp\n (metric) and \n145 Nm\n. Paired with the 4-cylinder engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels only.\nStandard features on the Honda WR-V in Thailand include automatic LED Headlights, electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors, leather steering wheel with tilt adjustment, synthetic leather and fabric combi seats, automatic air conditioning, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.\nThe Honda WR-V is also equipped with the brand\u2019s Honda Sensing ADAS Suite which consists of a collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), a Lane-Keeping Assist System (LKAS), a Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) system, and Auto High Beam (AHB)."
"Volvo Car Malaysia together with new dealer-partner Sebangga Mitsinbo of Sebangga Group, recently launched a new 3S (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, making it the sole authorised Volvo car dealer in the state. The new outlet joins a network of 13 other Volvo dealerships across the country.\nThe new \n5,432 square feet\n Volvo 3S centre in Sabah is built upon the same Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) visual identity as seen on all other Volvo outlets in the country, featuring open space and \u201cminimalistic-but-functional\u201d furniture.\nThe two-storey space features a showroom at the ground floor with several models on display, a service centre, as well as a Volvo Car Lifestyle Collection and Accessories showcase. As usual, all the latest Volvo models, including the recently-launched \nlocally-assembled S60 T8 R-Design\n will be available for test drives.\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director Nalin Jain said, \u201cWith the establishment of a 3S centre in Kota Kinabalu, it reinforces our commitment to make roads safer \u2013 our vision is that no one should be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo car.\n\u201cWith this partnership, our hope for this new dealership is to make premium, safe and quality vehicles accessible to the Sabahan community and from there, spur a movement of being safe on the road,\u201d added Jain.\nThe Sebangga Mitsinbo Volvo 3S centre is located at \nLot 923, Jalan Tuaran, Taman Sinar 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah\n. For more information and enquiries, customers can visit the Volvo Car Malaysia dealership website, located \nhere\n, or call \n+608 830-9888\n.\nFor the latest revised price list of Volvo vehicles in Malaysia in reflection of the \nsales tax exemptions\n until the end of 2020, click \nhere\n."
"The GP badge on a MINI has always been reserved for the most extreme race inspired hatches to roll out of the brand\u2019s Oxford plant and this is probably their best yet \u2013 the all new MINI John Cooper Works GP.\u00a0\nYes it\u2019s still a MINI, so it still has the iconic silhouette, along with the iconic elliptical headlights and Union Jack taillights.\nThere\u2019s the hood scoop and honeycomb grille design from the JCW too, but the GP-specific front and rear fascias, flared fenders, widened track and lower ride height all give the GP an outrageously aggressive stance.\nLooking at the flared fenders, you\u2019ll see that it actually extends rearwards into something similar of a barge board from a Formula 1 car \u2013 truly embracing its race-inspired spirit. MINI calls these \u201cspats\u201d, and they\u2019re made out of hand-crafted carbon fibre.\u00a0\nAnd just look at that ridiculous rear wing which looks almost too big for the car. The aerodynamic pieces of the car are not all show and no talk either \u2013 they are all functional to help with downforce and cooling of the MINI JCW GP. While we\u2019re at the back, the double stainless steel tailpipes are the largest in diameter MINI has ever made.\u00a0\nThe bonkers hot hatch rides on 18-inch lightweight forged wheels, with a reimagined MINI JCW GP four-spoke design. MINI also says that it\u2019s the lightest 18-inch forged wheels ever featured in a MINI at less than nine kilograms, contributing to the weight savings of the car.\u00a0\nThe powertrain is also the most extreme ever in a MINI, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill that churns out \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the latter available at just 1,750 rpm. Pair that to the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission and the MINI JCW GP does 0 to 100 km/h in just \n5.2 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n265 km/h\n.\u00a0\nUnfortunately though, there won\u2019t be a three-pedal version of the JCW GP. Though if the GP is meant to be a distillation of\u00a0the ultimate MINI race car for the road, we can see why MINI went with this choice.\u00a0\nThe 74 hp upgrade from the standard JCW is due to upgraded engine internals, newly engineered turbocharger, larger intakes and reworked exhaust. MINI also equipped the JCW GP with an upgraded oil and cooling system, so the new powertrain can take a beating while you drive it the way it\u2019s meant to be driven \u2013 like a race car.\nBrakes has also been upgraded with \n360 mm discs\n and\n four-piston front calipers\n, while the rear has single-pot floating calipers. Other performance upgrades include additional reinforcements in the engine bay and chassis, along with stiffer suspension bushings, a strut bar at the front, and a mechanical differential lock for the front wheels.\u00a0\nInside, the ridiculousness continues with the stripped out rear seats, as well as a new free-standing digital cluster on the steering column for the ultimate race car experience. 3D printing was also used generously in the interior, including the aluminium shift pedals, steering wheel clasp, and a decorative trim strip which bears the vehicle\u2019s production number.\u00a0\nEach MINI John Cooper Works GP will have it\u2019s own production number emblazoned proudly on the interior trim piece, as well as the front spats, because \nMINI will only be making 3,000 of these\n. No official pricing has been announced yet, but we won\u2019t expect it to be cheap (or even land here in Malaysia), as the \nstandard JCW\n already costs RM283,888. Oh well, a man can dream.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen owners in Langkawi Island take note; the Volkswagen dealership operated by Goh Brothers Motor Sdn Bhd located in Pusat Bandar Kuah (Kuah Town) has been upgraded to a \n3S\n (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) facility.\nThe single storey, \n9,370 square feet\n facility has \nthree service bays\n that can accommodate up to \nfive vehicles\n. Customers who send their cars in for service can benefit from the designated lounge with WiFi accessibility, along with complimentary beverages. The facility will also provide mobility solutions to its customers, which goes in line with Volkswagen\u2019s efforts to make customer experience better.\nVolkswagen Group Malaysia\u2019s (VGM) Managing Director, Mr Armin Keller said, \u201cWe are very excited to announce the launch of the new Volkswagen Langkawi facility.\u00a0This new facility is a testament to our commitment to the market and compliments our promise, \u2018Always by your side\u2019, that showcases the journey with our customers throughout the entire product life cycle. We are glad that our esteemed partner, Goh Brothers Motors, is helping us bring this promise to life by extending our brand experience from the mainland to the island.\u201d\nThe launch gambit was officiated by Kedah\u2019s Chief Minister, Dato\u2019 Sri Mukhriz Mahathir. Goh Brothers Motor Sdn Bhd also plans to open a new 4S Centre (Sales, Service, Spare Parts and Spray Paint) in Batu Caves sometime this year.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Back in August, we brought you news of the limited-edition version of the Beetle called the \nClub Edition\n. Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) announced that only 50 units have been allocated for the Malaysian market. Interestingly, 200 units of the limited Beetle Bug edition\u00a0has been earmarked locally since its announcement in April 2015.\nThe \nBeetle Bug Edition\n\u00a0(pictured below) on the other hand, was launched earlier this year in April with a sticker price of RM146,888. It came with aesthetic add-ons like the VW Bug \nside sills\n, \nside decals\n, \nracing\n and body \nstripes\u00a0\nembellishments with the\n Bug logo\n, and all units were snapped up by September.\nVolkswagen Beetle Bug\u00a0Edition\nThe Beetle Club edition was fully\u00a0imported from Mexico and priced at RM152,888.\u00a0Now, what sets this Bug apart from its \u2018ordinary\u2019 siblings are down to key few differences such as the\u00a0\n17\u2033 Ravenna alloy\n wheels wrapped in a set of Continental\u00a0\nContiPremiumContact2\n rubbers and\u00a0\ndecals\n that run the length of the car\u2019s lower half with the \n\u201cClub\u201d\n lettering. The Club was painted in signature \nHabanero Orange\n which lends to its country of origin.\nPleased with the sales of the Volkswagen Beetles, \nMr Armin Keller\n,\u00a0Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia said, \u201cThe Beetle\u00a0on its own is an \nIcon\n and the past 60 years of presence in Malaysia is\u00a0proof. With every limited edition, Volkswagen aims to \nengage\n and \nexcite\u00a0\nBeetle fans. With that said, fans and customers should keep an eye out\u00a0for the \nnext\n limited edition which could be \ncoming soon\n \u2013 another reason\u00a0to get excited about.\u201d"
"Before this 0% GST saga, the \nMazda CX-5 2.0 GL\n was already widely known as one of the most good-looking, practical and cost-effective SUV (or even vehicle) you can buy at just RM135,665.50.\nNow, with a \u201c6% discount\u201d, it\u2019ll only set you back \nRM128,030.99\n\u00a0and sure, it may not have leather seats, keyless entry, adaptive headlamps and LED tailights among others, it\u2019s still quite a lot of car for the money \u2013 you can\u2019t even get an entry-level \nHonda CR-V\n for that sum.\nSUV/MPV/4\u00d74\nCurrent Price\nWithout GST\nMazda CX-3 2.0\nRM134,338.30\nRM126,775.51 \nMazda CX-5 2.0 GL 2WD\nRM135,665.50\nRM128,030.99\nMazda CX-5 2.0 GLS 2WD\nRM149,665.50\nRM141,238.53\nMazda CX-5 2.5 GLS\nRM162,056.70\nRM152,950.49\nMazda CX-5 2.2 D 2WD\nRM165,639.10\nRM156,316.66\nMazda CX-5 2.2 D AWD\nRM176,239.10\nRM166,316.66\nMazda CX-9 2.5 2WD\nRM281,449.70\nRM265,585.40\nMazda CX-9 2.5 AWD\nRM297,349.70\nRM280,585.40\nMazda Biante 2.0\nRM148,898.50\nRM140,514.95\nMazda BT-50 2.2 MT\nRM107,457.70\nRM101,428.88\nMazda BT-50 2.2 AT\nRM112,457.70\nRM106,145.86\nMazda BT-50 3.2 AT\nRM123,816.10\nRM116,938.22\nHere are the other price revisions extended to Mazda\u2019s sedans, hatchbacks and the alluring Mazda MX-5 RF.\u00a0Prices are \neffective from\u00a0\n1st June 2018\n\u00a0onwards\n, until further directives are issued by the Government.\nSedan & Hatchback\nCurrent Price\nWithout GST\nMazda 2 1.5 SDN H/B GVC/LED\nRM92,886.30\nRM87,645.00\nMazda 2 1.5 SDN H/B GVC/LED (Soul Red)\nRM93,416.30\nRM88,145.00\nMazda 2 1.5 SDN H/B\n(Non LED/GVC)\nRM87,586.30\nRM82,645.00\nMazda 2 1.5 SDN H/B \n(Non LED/GVC) (Soul Red)\nRM88,116.30\nRM83,145.00\nMazda 2 1.5 Mid\nRM74,866.30\nRM70,645.00\nMazda 2 1.5 Mid (Soul Red)\nRM75,396.30\nRM71,645.00\nMazda 3 2.0 SDN (GL)\nRM110,625.30\nRM104,404.75\nMazda 3 2.0 SDN High\nRM125,625.30\nRM118,555.70\nMazda 3 2.0 HB \nRM128,625.30\nRM121,385.89\nMazda 6 2.0 SDN\nRM165,518.30\nRM156,190.60\nMazda 6 2.5 SDN\nRM201,007.30\nRM189,698.47\nMazda 6 2.5 Touring\nRM205,007.30\nRM193,472.06\nMazda 2.2 Diesel SDN\nRM209,190.30\nRM197,401.47\nMazda MX-5 RF AT\nRM241,198.80\nRM227,587.30\nMazda MX-5 RF MT\nRM235,898.80\nRM222,587.30"
"Mazda Motor Corporation has just opened its new engine machining factory at its Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (MPMT) plant in Chonburi Province, Thailand. The new facility will increase the plant\u2019s annual engine production capacity to 100,000 units.\nMazda has invested a total of 22.1 billion Yen (RM780 million) to facilitate the upgrading works at the MPMT plant. Besides the increase in engine production capacity to 100,000 units, the new engine machining factory will now be able to assemble SkyActiv-G 2.0 petrol engines which will be subsequently supplied to manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam.\nThe MPMT plant started its operations in 2013 and started manufacturing SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission in January 2015, SkyActiv-D 1.5 diesel engine on October 2015 and SkyActiv-G 1.3 petrol engine in January 2016. The SkyActiv-G 2.0 petrol engine is the latest addition to the plant\u2019s portfolio.\nMPMT President and CEO, Mitsunobu Mukaida said, \u201cI hope that the engines we make here at MPMT together with our suppliers will go into cars that become an indispensable part of the customer\u2019s life. We will contribute to the growth of manufacturing in Thailand by working with the local community to build high-quality cars and helping to nurture the next generation of industry leaders.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Huber, a bespoke coach builder based in the United Arab Emirates, is celebrating 10 years of the \nLamborghini Aventador\n with the creation of a new kind of aero kit called ERA.\nThe \u201cfacelift aero kit\u201d for the V12 Huber Aventador, which has been around since 2011, features a new front and rear bumper that\u2019s made entirely of carbon fibre. These parts are available in exposed carbon fibre in various colours. There is also an optional carbon fibre bonnet available.\n \nLed by founder Sean-Peter Huber, the Huber team is made up of designers with a common vision, and ties that date back to their university days as automotive design students.\n\u201cThis new generation of designers are driven by the common understanding that the aftermarket can apply new aesthetic elements and functionalities to the techniques of OEM design studios to create a new, improved rendition on some of the world\u2019s most revered supercars,\u201d said Huber.\nHuber\u2019s mission is to come up with one-off designs and to build a community of collectors and car enthusiasts. Hoewever, over the years, the company has developed a diverse design collection that\u2019s ready for production. The team aims to get many of these designs on the road, and, as Huber explains, \u201cthe ERA is just the beginning of a range of designs we wish to bring to life\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"Good news for buyers looking to purchase a large sized MPV. Naza Kia Malaysia has just confirmed that they will\u00a0be launching the all-new Grand Carnival by the end of this month.\nIt first made its \nlocal appearance\n at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow, and this eight seater MPV will be fully imported and powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi four-cylinder turbodiesel. The engine makes\u00a0\n190 hp\n and\n 440 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed torque converter automatic.\nAccording to the company, our local spec Grand Carnival will be fitted with HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and start, leather seats, power sliding door, powered tailgate, six airbags, electric stability control and hill-start assist. This MPV boasts a full \nfive-star ASEAN NCAP\n crash safety rating.\nNo official pricing has been announced but stay tuned for our comprehensive launch report in due course. Order books are open at all Naza Kia outlets nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just officiated the opening of a new Toyota 2S (Service and Spare Parts) in Klang, Selangor. The new outlet will provide aftersales services to Toyota owners in Pandamaran, Bukit Tinggi, Bandar Botanik and other nearby areas.\nOperated by PS Otomobil\n(Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd who has been an authorised Toyota dealer since 2015, made\nnew investments to expand its facilities to cater to the growing need for aftersales\nservices in the region.\nThe new facility is equipped\nwith 19 service bays complete with the latest diagnostic tools needed to\nmaintain the latest Toyota vehicle as well as a dedicated customer lounge for their\ncomfort and convenience.\nUMW Toyota Motor\u2019s\nPresident, Ravindran K. said, \u201cPS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd has been our\nbusiness partner since 2015 and has provided good services to customers. We are\ndelighted to see that with the growth in their business, they have made the\ndecision to upgrade their facilities to enhance their aftersales services. This\nhas truly reflected the Toyota \u201cCustomer First\u201d philosophy where priorities and\nvalue-added services are prepared for our customers\u2019 convenience.\u201d"
"The \nAston Martin Valhalla\n hybrid supercar was just unveiled in mid of July. Headlining the beautiful supercar is the hybrid system consisting of a mid-mounted 750 hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine and dual electric motors to deliver a total of \n950 horsepower\n.\nThanks to the strength of the brand and its exclusivity, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has just announced that \ntwo units\n of the Aston Martin Valhalla have been booked by Malaysians. A further three units destined for Malaysia is currently available for purchase.\nAston Martin becomes the official sponsor and partner of Malaysia\u2019s JDT football club. More details here!\nThanks to plenty of active aerodynamic features and surfaces, the Valhalla can generate \n600 kg of do\nwnforce at just 241 km/h (150 mph), significantly more than the \nrival from Maranello\n.\nUnder the skin, the Aston Martin Valhalla features a carbon fibre tub chassis with fixed seats as well as Formula One-style pushrod front suspension with inboard damper units.\nWith all that horsepower and grip, Aston Martin is targeting a Nurburgring Nordschleife laptime of just six minutes and 30 seconds; a good 13 seconds quicker than the fastest production car, the \nPorsche 911 GT2 RS with Manthey Performance Kit\n.\nThe name Valhalla denotes a warrior\u2019s paradise in ancient Norse mythology where warriors who die in battle go to rest. It also continues the tradition of Aston Martin \u201cV\u201d cars dating back to 1951 with the Vantage designation was given to the high-performance variants.\nNeed a little wake-up call and some high-speed driving? Ride shotgun in the Aston Martin Valkyrie here!\nThe Aston Martin Valhalla is now available for booking in Malaysia, estimated at \nGBP600,000\n (approx. RM3.523 million) excluding duties and taxes. Should you know someone who perhaps like a treat for themselves and is a big fan of the brand, contact Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur at 03 2163 1196 or email to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n for assistance.\nGALLERY"
"Forget the Rolls-Royce or the Mercedes-Maybach, this 1970\u2019s Cadillac Eldorado is still the King of Limousines having been \ncertified by Guinness World Records\n in the 1980\u2019s.\nBuilt by world renowned custom car guru,\u00a0Jay Ohrberg, the Caddy is \n30.5 metres long\n and comes with a mind-boggling total of 26 wheels! To put things in perspective, the standard semi-trailer is usually fitted with 16 wheels.\nThe flamboyance didn\u2019t just end there. It also came with a swimming pool/jacuzzi, a helipad, an oversized waterbed, and even more bizarre, two separate cabins for its two drivers \u2013 one in the front and another way at the back.\nDue to its sheer length, the one at the back was charged with controlling and navigating the rear wheels while the car is reversing or turning into a bend. Talk about a back seat driver! There\u2019s even a hinge in the middle to enable the limo to bend, making it easier to go around corners.\nThe 26-wheeler Cadillac at the height of its glory.\nUnsurprisingly, according to reports, it was never road legal and was moved around with a trailer as it spent most of its life as a show car. It was subsequently left abandoned in a warehouse in New Jersey before resurfacing earlier this decade in dire condition.\nThankfully, it was acquired by the Automotive Teaching Museum in New York to be used as a study-piece for students with a passion for car design and customisation."
"Earlier this year, Shell Helix was named BMW\u2019s only recommended supplier of genuine engine oil for aftermarket and motorsports use. Today, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) or Hyundai Malaysia announced that they will be exclusively using co-branded Shell Helix motor oils at all authorised service centres.\nThis takes immediate effect beginning December 2015 for Peninsular Malaysia, with the Eastern states slated to follow suit in January 2016. Two variants,\u00a0the fully synthetic \nShell-Hyundai Ultra AH\n and synthetic-technology \nShell-Hyundai Helix HX 7 AH\n, have been specially formulated for Hyundai vehicles.\nShell Helix Malaysia recently launched the \nHelix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30 fully synthetic engine oil\nShell Lubricants General Manager \u2013 Malaysia and Singapore, Leslie Ng said the decision by HSDM was a clear endorsement of the premium quality of Shell Helix motor oils.\u00a0\u201cWe are delighted to supply HSDM with high-quality motor oils that offer\u00a0proven benefits to Hyundai owners in the form of superior engine performance and protection; cleaner engines and better fuel economy,\u201d added Leslie.\nHowever, the partnership between Shell Helix and Hyundai go beyond Malaysian borders. These specially formulated co-branded engine oils will also be recommended in Hyundai workshops across the world, where customers in over 70 countries will benefit from Shell\u2019s most technologically advanced lubricants.\nBMW is also one of their many official partners for engine lubricant\nTo date, Shell Helix has received approvals from a growing list of\u00a0\ntop-tier manufacturers such as BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Ford, Honda, GM, Chrysler and most recently Hyundai.\u00a0\nFind out our review of the \nShell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology 5W-40\n and their top-tier engine oil, the \nShell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After the successful SLS, Mercedes AMG added the Mercedes-AMG GT supercar to their lineup. Breathing through the variable exhaust vanes is a hand built twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out 510hp and 650Nm of torque. To make sure it is up to the challenge from the mighty 911, the Affalterbach firm equipped the car with active rear spoiler and optional ceramic brake system.\nMercedes-AMG\n has finally revealed the highly-anticipated supercar, the \nGT\n. After numerous teaser \nimages and videos\n, we are able to see the \nMercedes-AMG GT\n in its full glory. The new GT is the second model to be developed by Mercedes-AMG, after the demise of the highly successful SLS.\nBeing a performance model, the new GT is optimised for a dynamic and sporty driving experience. With a kerb weight of \n1,540 kg\n (thanks to the intelligent aluminium lightweight construction), a \n47:53 weight balance\n front to rear, and the combination of \nlocking differential\n, and sports suspension with\n aluminium double-wishbone suspension\n, it is said to deliver \u201cracetrack performance\u201d but with everyday practicality.\nThe new GT is still a two-seater coupe but with a new heart (\n4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 codenamed M178\n) nestled under its long front bonnet. The exterior lines on the new GT is softer and more flowing compared to the sharp-edged SLS but the hallmark rear-wheel-drive proportions are still present with the long nose and a stubby tail.   It carries the three-pointed star proudly in the middle of its huge \n3D diamond grille\n flanked by a pair of \nLED High Performance headlamps\n. The bonnet is bulging with twin powerdomes, combined with a pair of vents on top as well as on the front fenders to indicate a serious powerplant underneath.   There are no gullwing doors this time but as a result it should have a lower centre of gravity as the mechanical bits are absent from the roof. Standard wheels measure \n9 x 19-inch\n at the front and \n11 x 19-inch\n at the rear. The tailpipes exit at the back, and the wide strip of LED taillights on each side incorporate a sequentially illuminating turn indicators. Pop the rear hatch open and there\u2019s \n350 litres\n of luggage space where Mercedes claims it can swallow up to two golfbags.\nA wide center console runs in the middle of the cockpit that houses the \nE-SELECT transmission lever\n and the \ntouch-sensitive COMAND Controller\n, among the \nAMG DRIVE UNIT controls\n on each side. A free-standing screen sit atop of the quad aircond vents, while another TFT display resides between the two dials in the instrument cluster infront of the flat bottom steering wheel with \naluminium shift paddles\n.\nThe new GT comes in two guises, the \n462 hp\n and \n600 Nm GT\n and the \n510 hp\n and \n650 Nm GT S\n. Both are powered by the same \n3,982 cc twin-turbo V8\n coupled with the \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed\n sports transmission that can deliver a fuel consumption as low as \n9.3 l/100 km\n in the GT or 9.4 l/100 km in the GT S. The \nGT\n has a top speed of \n304 km/h\n and rockets from \n0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds\n, while the \nGT S\n cuts the sprint time by 0.2 seconds with a top speed of \n310 km/h\n.\nThe benefits of opting the GT S over the GT is that the GT S is packed with more toys. While the GT is fitted with a \nmechanical rear-axle locking differentia\nl, the GT S is fitted with a more sensitive e\nlectronic differential\n that works faster than a mechanical differential. The optional \nAMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension\n in the GT is also fitted as standard in the GT S, allowing the driver to electronically control the damper settings to be in Comfort, Sport, or Sport plus.\nSpecifically available as an option for the GT S is the \nAMG DYNAMIC PLUS package\n which includes \ndynamic engine and transmission mounts\n that constantly adjusts the mounts\u2019 stiffness according to the driving conditions, a stiffer suspension tuning, a more negative front wheel camber, and a \n\u201cRACE\u201d mode\n. Other than that, there\u2019s a \nceramic high-performance composite brake system\n with ceramic discs measuring 402 mm at the front and 360 mm at the rear.\nStandard safety equipment in the new GT includes front, side, window, and knee\n airbags\n, \nCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS\n, \nADAPTIVE BRAKE\n, and \nATTENTION ASSIST\n. PRE-SAFE\u00ae system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, PARKTRONIC, Lane Tracking package, and Traffic Sign Assist are some of the optional equipment that can be fitted to the new GT.\n\u201cWith its technological substance, the Mercedes-AMG GT fulfils our high aspirations with regard to driving dynamics, agility and sportiness. The new GT is the second sports car developed fully independently by Mercedes-AMG. The car is manufactured according to the motto \u2018Handcrafted By Racers\u2019 \u2013 which perfectly encapsulates our heritage and our spirit.\u201d, says \nTobias Moers\n, \nCEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH\n.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For those who spend hours a day behind the wheel, day dreaming is almost an inevitable occurrence whether on a long drive or a painful crawl. In times like these, imaginations can run wild and for those who daydream of being rally drivers behind the wheel of their Ford Transit, the Blue Oval and vehicle design specialist, MS-RT, have turned their fantasy into reality..somewhat.\nThe MS-RT \nTransit \nCustom and Transit Connect was inspired by the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team\u2019s Fiesta WRC car with colours from Ford\u2019s Special Vehicle Operations selection.\nMS-RT is the on-road vehicle production division of long-term Ford partners M-Sport, who have competed in the World Rally Championship, Global Rallycross and GT3 racing. As a member of Ford\u2019s Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) programme, MS-RT conversions are approved for sale in Ford dealerships with conversion work guaranteed by MS-RT.\n\u201cMS-RT conversions mean our motorsport-loving customers can mix business with pleasure, safe in the knowledge that their modified vehicle is fully supported by Ford,\u201d said Ford of Europe.\nThe rally-inspired look is projected through a restyled grille, more aggressive air intakes, integrated fog lights and a motorsport-inspired rear diffuser. For a more aggressive stance, the Transit also received wider wheel arch extensions, a roof spoiler, quad exhaust tips before being finished with a set of bespoke 18-inch OZ Racing anthracite alloy wheels.\nIf that\u2019s not extravagant enough, especially when you consider the purpose of such a vehicle, Ford is even offering optional race decals and liveries for the Transit! The madness doesn\u2019t stop there. Inside, the Transits are line with Nappa leather and suede seats, MS-RT sports steering wheel with carbon fibre inlays!\nGALLERY"
"Swedish carmaker\n Polestar\n has reached a key milestone for its signature \nPolestar 2 \nmodel, with 100,000 units manufactured some two and a half years after\n production started \nat parent company Volvo\u2019s Taizhou factory in Luqiao, China.\nThe 100,000th Polestar 2 is destined for a customer in Ireland, one of the latest in Polestar\u2019s 27 global markets. The milestone car will be adorned with special commemorative decals to celebrate the achievement.\n\u201cIt\u2019s an amazing achievement \u2013 especially given we launched the Polestar 2 during the pandemic,\u201d said Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. \u201cThank you to the team and all our customers who have joined us on this exciting journey.\u201d\nAutomotive News Europe \nreports that the Polestar 2 was the fifth best-selling mid-size premium car in Europe, ahead of the fully-electric \nBMW i4\n, and even the regular ICE-powered\n Audi A5\n. Its sales volume through the first nine months of the year also places it as the fifth best-selling premium EV this year, putting it ahead of the \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n, and the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n.\nThe Polestar 2 was\n launched in Singapore\n last year, making its official debut in the ASEAN region. Two variants are now being offered in the island nation; the Standard Range Single Motor variant offers \n170 kW (231 hp) \nand \n330 Nm\n of torque, with a 69 kWh battery offering up to 470 km of range, while the Long Range Dual Motor variant offering \n300 kW (408 hp)\n and \n660 Nm\n of torque, and 487 km of range from its 78 kWh battery pack.\nPolestar says that the model has been continuously updated through over-the-air (OTA) updates, which brought improvements to its real-world performance, including driving range and increased charging speed, alongside new eco climate function and battery preconditioning optimisations. The carmaker adds that even the first Polestar 2 that rolled through the factory gates have been updated to be \u201cas cutting edge as today\u2019s models\u201d.\nALSO READ: \nThe Polestar 2 BST Edition 270 is what happens when you let engineers run wild"
"The BMW M440i was officially teased last week and according to foreign reports, BMW invited a group of selected medias to stretch its legs on the Autobahn, where they topped out the prototype at 280 km/h! It\u2019s also led us to this, a glimpse of what to expect from the flagship model (for now).\nBased on the video by BMW BLOG, the new 4 Series which will likely adopt the controversial grille as seen on the Concept 4 Series Coupe shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, does not appear that much larger than its predecessor but BMW have suggested that it would be longer, wider and sits nearly 60 mm lower than the 3 Series.\n \nMore importantly, the M440i sounds good; with raspy exhaust notes to leave us with plenty to anticipate and be excited about. The video also shows how rapidly the M440i xDrive accelerates \u2013 even more so in Sport + mode! Although it\u2019s still just a prototype, suffice to say it\u2019s already a strong indicator of things to come.\nWith more than half a year before it will be officially unveiled according to Autocar, only two variants have been confirmed so far \u2013 the 430i and the M440i xDrive. The latter makes \n374 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, most likely from BMW\u2019s B58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six. The 430i on the other hand, will get \n258 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder.\nThe M440i xDrive will also feature 48V mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator and a second battery to offer \n11 hp\n of extra boost. Power is transferred to the road via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport gearbox while the M Sport differential helps ensure that power is delivered in the most optimum way.\nGALLERY"
"In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya festivities, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) is now offering additional savings and rebates for the Ford Ranger Raptor and Ranger WildTrak pick-up trucks.\nFrom now until the 30th of April 2021, customers looking to purchase the Ford Ranger Raptor can enjoy savings of up to RM8,000, while those considering the WildTrak variant can benefit from savings of up to RM7,000. However, the savings are \nonly applicable for 2020 Year Make units only\n.\n \nThe \nFord Ranger Raptor\n is a one of its kind pick-up truck, designed squarely for the off-road racing enthusiasts. Underneath its bonnet is a\u00a02.0-litre bi-turbo diesel mill, sending \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels via the 10-speed automatic transmission.\nBut raw performance isn\u2019t the standout feature of the Raptor, no. What makes the Ranger Raptor unique are the \u201crace-bred\u201d suspension set-up, Fox Racing Shox dampers on all four corners, alongside the Terrain Management System (TMS) with a specific \u201cBaja Mode\u201d to help you speed through the sand dunes with no hassle.\nThe \nWildTrak \nvariant meanwhile is on the complete opposite of the spectrum, built for the \u201cluxury\u201d pick-up truck lifestyle. It\u2019s powered by the same powertrain combination as the Raptor, but misses out on the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, and obviously the Raptor-specific TMS and racing shock absorbers.\nBoasting \u201ca level of refinement unseen in the pick-up segment\u201d, the Ranger WildTrak is equipped with advanced driver assistance features including autonomous emergency braking (with vehicle and pedestrian detection), lane departure, as well as the \u201cfirst and only in-class\u201d semi-automatic parallel parking assist, perfect for such a large vehicle like this.\nSDAC \nrecently updated the price list\n for its Ford Ranger pick-up truck line-up here in Malaysia earlier this year, with price hikes between RM1.5k to RM2k across the board. As a result, the Ford Ranger Raptor is now priced at RM210,888 (+RM2k), while the WildTrak comes in at RM152,388 (+RM2k) \u2013 before any discounts or rebates."
"Michelin Malaysia has just introduced a new product to their pick-up 4\u00d74 and SUV tyre range- the Michelin LTX Trail. The new all-terrain tyre offers more passenger-car like comfort such as lower interior noise among its key benefits. \u00a0\nThe new Michelin LTX Trail tyre features the RallyForce2 Tread Compound that provides better durability and service life for both on- and off-road use, with an independent test showing up to 41% longer mileage compared to competitor tyres.\nA new tread design with the Biting Shoulder that wraps the tread down to the sidewall also ensure greater off-road performance and traction plus protection for the sidewall. As the Michelin LTX Trail is designed for multi-purpose use, it is recommended for 80% on-road and 20% off-road driving.\nWithin the new tread design, the new Michelin LTX Trail tyre also has two different blocks shaped in the tread\u2019s centre called Duo-Harmony Blocks which function to spread the noise energy for less noise and thus a quieter cabin. The independent adjudicator recorded up to 19.8% lower noise levels compared to premium competitor tyres.\n\u201cThe Michelin LTX Trail is perfect for consumers who own 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 high-rise pickups, as well as SUVs \u2013 such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, and Nissan Navara, these tyres also cater to those whose lifestyle demands the ability to reach on- and off-road destinations, for work or pleasure,\u201d said Michelin Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Managing Director, Oliver Biggart.\nThe Toyota Hilux Rogue struggled to get out of a muddy path. Watch how it overcome it with clever electronics!\nSimilar to the \nMichelin Primacy 4\n tyre\u2019s key performance point of \u201csafe even when worn\u201d, the new Michelin LTX Trail has Variable Thickness Sipes that provide improved contact patch for better handling, grip and braking performance. \u00a0\nA comparison test was done to highlight this too, with a Toyota Hilux Vigo fitted with \nworn\n 17-inch Michelin LTX Trail tyres stopping \n4.6 metres shorter\n (additional of 1.5 metres compared to new) than the premium competitors in the wet braking test. On dry roads, when new, it stops 3.8 metres shorter compared to the competitors.\nMichelin Malaysia is offering the new LTX Trail tyres in \nnine key sizes\n ranging for fitment from 15- to 18-inch rims. For vehicles using a 15-inch sizing, four sizes are available such as the 235/75R15 for the older Ford Ranger 2.5 and Mazda BT-50 2.5 and the 255/70R15 size for the Toyota Hilux.\nFor pick-up trucks that are using the popular 16-inch tyre size (265/70R16 and 245/70R16) such as fitted on the Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT and Chevrolet Colorado, owners can also try out this new Michelin LTX Trail tyres.\nMeanwhile, only one size is available for the 17-inch rim, with the 265/65R17 size a popular fitment on pick-up trucks from Mazda, Ford and the Toyota Hilux and \nFortuner\n models.\nThe largest Michelin LTX Trail sizes offered by Michelin Malaysia currently are the 265/60R18 and 285/60R18, which is found on the range-topping Toyota Hilux, \nIsuzu D-Max\n, \nMitsubishi Triton\n and Ford Ranger Wildtrak models. \u00a0\nFor further information on the new Michelin LTX Trail highway tyre with commendable unpaved road performance, visit their website \nhere\n."
"Last year was a major turning point for our national carmaker Proton Holdings. In 2017, we saw \nZhejiang Geely Holdings acquire 49.9 percent stake in Proton\n, Dr. Li Chunrong appointed as \nProton\u2019s new CEO\n and the sad \nclosure of the Proton R3 (Race Rally Research) division\n. Despite the rough year, Proton still managed to stabilise its sales number for 2017 with a mere 1.8 percent decline in overall sales compared to the previous year.\nIn 2017 year alone, Proton shifted \n70,991 units\n of cars, down from 72,291 units in 2016. Despite the decline in overall sales, retail sales saw an increase of 2.5 percent at 68,184 units. The overall decline, according to Proton, was attributed to poorer fleet sales due to lower taxi orders.\nThe \nSaga\n was the brand\u2019s best-selling model, charting a healthy figure of above 30,000 units. The B-segment \nPersona\n, registered a strong 27 percent growth, shifting a total of 19,510 units in 2017. The \nErtiga\n also gained healthy acceptance in the market with 6,091 units sold.\nVice President of Sales & Marketing of Proton, Mr. Abdul Rashid Musa commented, \u201cOur Saga is the most affordable sedan in Malaysia. It offers great drivability, performs much more smoothly and has modern and practical convenience features. The Persona is also a popular choice among our customers due to its excellent value for money propositions with significant safety features while providing a pleasurable drive on every journey.\u201d"
"Mercedes-Benz has introduced the all-new 3rd generation CLS \u2013 the new torch bearer for the Sensual purity design concept that combines the elegance and dynamism of a coupe with the functional comfort of a saloon. Three variants are available \u2013 the CLS 350 d 4MATIC, CLS 400 d 4MATIC and CLS 450 4MATIC.\nThe CLS 350 d 4MATIC is packed with \n286 hp\n with \n600 Nm\n, CLS 400 d 4MATIC with \n340 hp\n with \n700 Nm\n and the CLS 450 4MATIC with \n367\n hp with \n500 Nm\n alongside an additional\n 22 hp\n with \n250 Nm\n via the EQ Boost electric motor system that features a 48-volt on-board electrical system.   The aluminium block diesel engines come with two-stage turbocharging, steel pistons, NANOSLIDE coating of the cylinder walls and for the first time, the CAMTRONIC variable valve-lift control. Particularly in the CLS 450 4MATIC, a particulate filter is standard.\nOn the exterior, highlights include the LED High Performance Headlamps, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and LED tail lights with Edgelight backlighting exuding a crystalline appearance. The combination of the CLS\u2019 reduced lines and edges along with generously arched surfaces is a drag coefficient of just 0.26.\nInside, a high-resolution Widescreen cockpit is available featuring two 12.3-inch displays arranged beneath a shared, continuous glass cover. Three different styles of display can be chosen \u2013 Classic, Sport and Progressive.\u00a0The centre console with open-pored or high-gloss wood appears to be free-floating thanks to its surface trim.\nA new highlight is the illuminated air vents, an extension of the 64-colour ambience lighting \u2013 that resembles jet aircraft turbines. It also works in tandem with the air conditioning \u2013 when temperature is changed, it briefly changes its colour to red (warm) or blue (cold).\nThe interior also comes with the optional ENERGIZING comfort control which uses the air-conditioning including fragrancing, the seat\u2019s heating and massage function, the surface and steering wheel heating as well as lighting to provide a specific \u201cwellness environment\u201d according to the driver\u2019s mood. At the back, boot space is rated at a generous 520-litres.\nThe CLS comes with three different suspension setups \u2013 a\u00a0steel comfort suspension is standard while the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL and AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension are optional.   Safety wise, it\u2019s as impeccable as ever \u2013 sharing loads in common with the new S-Class.\u00a0Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Speed Limit Assist and the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE. Also new and available as standard is the PRE-SAFE Sound which prepares the occupants hearing for the anticipation of accident noise.\nThe optional Driving Assistance Package features the Active Distance Control DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE\u2011SAFE\u00ae PLUS.\nIn addition, the Driving Assistance Plus package includes PRE-SAFE Impulse Side. This system can prepare the front occupants for a side impact by giving them a sideways impulse, reducing the risk of injury.   There will be an Edition 1 launch model as well \u2013 available for only a year after the market launch. It will receive the Copper Art interior design with Black Pearl nappa leather upholstery. The centre console and dashboard trims in black open-pored ash wood also features the\u00a0 IWC analogue clock as its centre piece.\nThe exterior is based on the AMG Line. Special features include the Multibeam LED headlamps, 20-inch multi-spoke AMG light alloy wheels. The special model can be instantly recognisable by the \u201cEdition 1\u201d lettering on the front wings.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) has just previewed the \nfourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe\n here at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). The new seven-seater SUV features the brand\u2019s latest design language for SUVs and technologies.\nCompared to the outgoing model, the new Santa Fe has grown 80 mm in length, 10 mm in width and now has a 65 mm longer wheelbase which translates to better cabin space. Whip out a measuring tape and the new model measures 4,770 mm long, 1,890 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm.\nVisually, the Santa Fe now features the Cascading grille design flanked with twin headlamps that are now positioned on the bumpers like the Kona and Nexo. Yes, those round bulbs on the bumpers are the headlamps while the slim housings on the top are LED daytime running lights.\nBut the main highlight on the new Santa Fe is its taillamp graphics which features a unique 3D look that will surely stand out in the dark. Both the 2.4 MPI and 2.2 CRDi models here on display here rides on the same 19-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 profile rubbers.   Inside the Korean carmaker\u2019s flagship SUV, you\u2019ll find premium leather upholstery, 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster display with analogue dials, 7.0-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electronic parking brake, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-vents, powered front seats, Smart Powered Tailgate, 360-degree surround view monitor and a wireless charging tray. While HSDM did not announce the final specification of Malaysian-bound Santa Fe, at the very least you can expect the aforementioned equipment.\nThere will be two engine options available for the Santa Fe, a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MPI petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic to deliver \n172 hp\n and \n225 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels as well as a 2.2-litre four-cylinder CRDi turbodiesel that puts out \n193 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of twist. The oil burner gets a new eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system as standard.   Safety wise, HSDM has confirmed that the Santa Fe will feature six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Rear Occupant Alert. It remains to be seen whether the Santa Fe will be available with the Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System.\nThe Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 MPI and 2.2 CRDi is estimated to be priced from RM188,000 onwards and will arrive in Q1 of 2019. Order books for the new seven-seater SUV are now open and will come with a 5-Years or 300,000 km Warranty as well as 3-Years or 50,000 km Free Scheduled Service.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi   Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 MPI"
"As Mazda has promised, the \nall-new second generation Mazda CX-9\n will be officially unveiled on 18 November (19 Nov for our timezone). This global unveiling confirms two key things; one, that the CX-9 is built on top of the platform shared with the Mazda6 and two, a turbocharged 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G will power the all-wheel drive SUV.\nWhat\u2019s changed? Essentially everything is new here. The company\u2019s flagship model prominently features Mazda\u2019s KODO \u2013 Soul of Motion design language with a front fascia that looks almost like the Mazda6, but gets a unique \nchrome-lipped bumper\n to square off the bold new look. Wheel sizes vary from 18-inches to 20-inches depending on trim level, and as is the case with crossovers, it gets plastic claddings around the car.\n \n \nInside, the CX-9 continues to impress with high quality materials and build. The driver gets a fancy three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls. The instrument clusters now feature a coloured LCD display that feeds driving information. Look to the centre and you\u2019ll find the familiar \n7-inch touchscreen display\n paired up to the MZD Connect System. We don\u2019t know for sure if the head unit can be stored away with the push of a button, but considering its price, we think it should at least come with it.   The biggest news though, lies under the hood. Powering the all-new CX-9 is a\n turbocharged 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine\n which replaces the 3.7-litre Cyclone V6 engine of old. This blown four banger makes \n227 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and a whopping \n420 Nm\n of torque that peaks from 2,000 rpm. Mazda claims that this engine solves conventional turbocharging hurdles such as poor low-rev performance, turbo lag and poor fuel economy via use of their Dynamic Pressure Turbo technology \u2013 the world\u2019s first turbocharging system which varies the degree of exhaust pulsation relative to engine speed.\nAnd because the turbocharged engine is based on Mazda\u2019s own 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine, parts such as fuel pump and fuel injection system are shared while maintaining the same bore, stroke and bore pitch. As mentioned earlier, all that power will be sent to all four wheels via Mazda\u2019s i-Activ AWD system. Mazda targets an annual sales forecast of 50,000 units globally, 80 percent of which is projected to be sold in the United States.\u00a0\nMore details on the 2016 Mazda CX-9 will surface soon. Meanwhile, enjoy the gallery below.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just one month after Thailand unveiled the Honda City Facelift, Honda Malaysia wasted no time in continuing the hype here. After all, the car is the hottest B-Segment sedan in the market today. Displayed here in the very metal is the Malaysian-spec Honda City facelift, but it differs a tad bit from the\u00a0\nThai-spec model\n we featured earlier this month, but it\u2019s for the better.\nStarting from the front, it gets full LED headlamps (reflector type) and fog lamps like the \nCivic FC\n. The grille resembles the one on the \nCivic FB\n while the Solid Wing chrome grille extends into the headlamp housings. Dual-tone alloys are featured here and measures \n16-inch\n in size, wrapped in 195/55 profile Goodyear Excellence tyres.\nThe rear end is where it slightly differs from the \nThai-spec model we pictured\n. Our City will get an additional ducktail spoiler with integrated third brake light and LED combination tail lamps. Other than that, the facelift exercise sees a slightly revised lower bumper section. This model on display (presumably the highest trim) gets a reverse camera too.   As with recent\u00a0Honda preview models, the car displayed was heavily tinted, therefore there\u2019s no telling if the cabin would remain identical to its Thai counterpart. However, Honda Malaysia revealed that all variants of the City facelift will come \nas standard\n with VSA, hill-start assist, keyless entry and start as well as the dual tone alloy wheels.\nThe City will soldier on with the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder with i-VTEC and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) producing \n119 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque, just like\u00a0\nbefore\n. Regardless, this City is a certified Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV). Honda Malaysia also revealed that they will be revising the City model lineup from the current \nfour variants \u2013 S, S+, E, V\n to only three variants. \nBookings\n\u00a0for the facelifted Honda City is now opened.\nMembers of the public can catch a glimpse of the facelifted Honda City at the following Honda roadshow:\n18 Feb \u2013 The Curve, PJ\n19 Feb \u2013 One Utama, PJ; East Coast Mall, Kuantan; Seberang Jaya, Penang; Icon City, Penang\n20 Feb \u2013 Green Town, Ipoh; Yau Tet Shin, Ipoh\n21 Feb \u2013 SS2 Bank Area, PJ; Uptown, PJ; Section 17, PJ\n22 Feb \u2013 Public Bank Area, Seremban; Dataran Pahlawan, Melaka\n23 \u2013 26 Feb \u2013 Gurney Plaza, Penang\n23 Feb \u2013 Weltex Parade, Muar; AEON Big parking, Batu Pahat\n24 Feb \u2013 Bukit Indah/Perling, JB; Taman Sentosa, JB\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton delivered \n15,017 units\n in April to land the automaker an estimated market share of \n26.7%\n. After four months of strong sales performance, the brand\u2019s total sales of \n47,843 units\n place the company in a solid second position in the ranking with a market share of \n24.4%\n.\nIn terms of growth, April 2021 saw a tiny increase of 28 units over March\u2019s figures. As periods of March and April last year were at its strictest of the MCO phase, a comparison is unnecessary.\nAs always, the main contributor (37%) to Proton\u2019s sales was the \nProton Saga\n \nwhich sold \n5,472 units\n. Based on internal intelligence, the Saga returns to the top of the monthly sales chart, as well as overtaking arch-rival Perodua Bezza.\nProduction of the highly in-demand \nProton X50\n continues to stabilise, with monthly deliveries close to 3,500 units since February 2021.\nSales of the Proton X50 in April saw an increase of 70 units to reach 3,583 units. Combined with the sales of \nProton\n \nX70\n \nwith 2,101 units, Proton\u2019s SUV models are now the biggest contributor to the company\u2019s revenue. A total of 18,328 units of SUVs have been delivered in 2021, \ncontributing to 38% of 2021 sales\n.\n\u201cApril was a good month for the automotive industry and aside from Proton, several other brands also had their best month of the year so far. TIV is estimated to be over 56,000 units as all brands are trying to fulfill sales orders before the \nexpiry of PENJANA sales tax incentives at the end of June\n.\n\u201cFor Proton, we are continuing with efforts to meet the strong demand for our products while maintaining a high level of product quality. At the same time, we are focusing on improving customer service and addressing issues related to spare parts availability, which is vital as our sales volume increases. We estimate the situation will see significant improvement as the year progresses but we are working hard to move up that timeline,\u201d said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.\nThe month of April also saw the best monthly sales performance of the \nPersona\n with 2,266 units and \nExora\n with 616 units. Thanks to the introduction of the \nIriz R3 Edition\n, April\u2019s sales numbers of the hatchback was the best since 2019 with 974 units.\nLast month, Proton commenced the construction of the \nexpansion\n of their Tanjung Malim plant. The RM200 million stamping facility is expected to become operational by the third quarter of 2022 and will allow the company to stamp out much larger pieces of body panels."
"Car manufacturing is already a labourious and finicky task \u2013 there are just so many things to consider, from design and engineering, to user interface and material selection, and those are just the basics. If there\u2019s someone to go above and beyond the standard though, you\u2019ve got to believe it to be the Germans.\nOther than just making their cars drive, look, and feel good, Audi employs a team of scientists to make sure your car smells good too. No, seriously \u2013 we checked the date too.\nAccording to \nThe Drive\n,\n the dedicated smell scientists, called the Audi Nose Team, have been a part of the German carmaker\u2019s research and development team since 1985. Their single goal is to ensure that the car doesn\u2019t stink, not just when it\u2019s fresh off the assembly line, but also under extreme situations, too.\nAnd fortunately for us, they take it very seriously. Heiko L\u00fc\u00dfmann-Geiger, Audi Nose Team lead since the early 2000\u2019s, even said that the smell is one of the most foundational elements in the \u201ccomfort pyramid\u201d that can make or break he experience of car ownership.\n\u201cAt the tip of this hierarchy pyramid is the well-being of the customer, right at the base is the smell,\u201d explained L\u00fc\u00dfmann-Geiger. \u201cIf the customer is now irritated by this odour from below, he will no longer correctly perceive all the other positive comfort properties of the vehicle. He is too irritated by the stress brought about by the odour.\u201d\nAll materials in the car are graded on a scale from one (\u201codourless\u201d) to six (\u201cunbearble\u201d). For example, core carmaking materials such as glass, ceramics, and metals are often rated as a one. All materials must be rated below a four (\u201cirritating\u201d) in order to pass the sniff test.\n \nAccording to the \nofficial Audi Twitter account\n, the nose team analyses over 500 individual interior components in each model to get the \u201cnew car smell\u201d just right.\nSo the next time you get into an Audi, make sure you take a big whiff and remember \u2013 whatever you\u2019re smelling has been fine tuned by a group of scientists. And for those who don\u2019t have regular access to an Audi, at least there\u2019s still the \nspecifically-designed new car scent perfume\n, right?"
"Upgrading your car is never an easy feat. There are various expenses to consider and not to mention the headache of getting the most value out of your used vehicle. If you\u2019re a Volkswagen owner, there may be a solution with Volkswagen\u2019s global used car programme introduced by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia and \nDas WeltAuto\n called the \nTrade-Up campaign\n.\nThe campaign is \ntargeted at existing Volkswagen owners\n including the Touran, Cross Touran, Sharan, Passat CC and Passat B7; giving them the opportunity to trade in their vehicles with \u201cextra support\u201d for a brand new Volkswagen.\n \nThrough the campaign, owners of the above-mentioned Volkswagen vehicles can \nenjoy an additional RM3,000 trade-in support\n for all Volkswagen models including the new \nArteon R-Line\n, \nPassat Elegance\n, and both variants of the \nTiguan Allspace\n (the R-Line and Highline).\nAll Volkswagen vehicles are accepted for trade-in and will undergo a strict and thorough 133-point check conducted and verified by Volkswagen Technicians. Customers who purchase a vehicle from Das WeltAuto will also enjoy a 1-year extended warranty and 1-year roadside assistance. Rest assured that these vehicles are fitted with genuine parts, accident-free, and come with complete proof of service from authorised Volkswagen service centres.\n \nDas WeltAuto is available at eight Volkswagen dealerships:\nVolkswagen Puchong\nVolkswagen Gombak\nVolkswagen Glenmarie\nVolkswagen Tebrau\nVolkswagen Alor Setar\nVolkswagen Juru\nVolkswagen Ipoh\nVolkswagen Skudai\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Alfa Romeo staged a truly memorable comeback with the unveiling of the \nall-new Giulia Quadrifoglio\n back in June 2015. The Italian rear-wheel drive beast is the successor to the 159 (which still looks hot today), and packs about 505 hp and 600 Nm of torque out of a twin-turbocharged, all-aluminium 2.9-litre V6 engine.\nIt dashes from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and boasts a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. A little over a year later, \nAlfa Romeo launched a lukewarm variant called the Giulia Veloce\n. Equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the Veloce is good for \n280 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n. There\u2019s also a 2.2-litre turbodiesel variant making \n210 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque. Unlike the Quadrifoglio, both Veloce variants are all-wheel drive and share the same eight-speed automatic.\nJust recently, at the \nDas Goldene Lenkrad\u00a0\n(Golden Steering Wheel competition), a star-studded panel of 29 automotive judges and readers of \nAuto Bild\n and \nBild am Sonntag\n\u00a0casted the majority of votes favouring the Giulia. Created by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the Giulia is a new expression of the best Italian tradition combining harmonic proportions, linearity of style, high quality materials including sophisticated aluminium, wood and leather accents.\u00a0\nWe\u2019ve seen enough already. Can someone represent the brand here in Malaysia, please?"
"Automobili Lamborghini\n has appointed SunAgata Supercars Sdn. Bhd. as the new sole distributor for its vehicles in Malaysia, beginning January 1, 2021. The agreement includes distribution of new Lamborghini vehicles, alongside spare parts and rights to aftersales services in the country.\nThe newly-formed team at the Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur (LKL) Centre will be led by Chief Executive Officer Roland Chan, who is also concurrently serving as the CEO for McLaren Kuala Lumpur. Working alongside an experienced cohort of automotive professionals, owners of Lamborghini vehicles previously procured from the official Malaysian franchise can look forward to continuity of service excellence at LKL.\nInitial workshop operations will be conducted at a temporary facility at Audi Centre Glenmarie, Shah Alam, while construction of the new state-of-the-art workshop is completed. The new LKL workshop is expected to be operational in March 2021, while the Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur integrated 3S facility is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2021.\nThe temporary facility will still be equipped with dedicated Lamborghini parking area, reception, and facilities, ensuring convenience and the highest level of customer service at all touchpoints during this transition period.\nFor all sales and service enquiries, customers can contact LKL\u2019s dedicated contact point for Lamborghini, Nicole Perreau, via phone at \n+6012-5190380\n or email at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n. The temporary workshop facilities is located at Audi Centre Glenmarie, 27 Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor."
"MINI Malaysia has introduced the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme (MSRI) for all new MINI vehicles purchased in celebration of 60 years of the MINI.\nThe offer will assure new MINI owners with 60 months/80,000 km (whichever comes first) of \nFree Scheduled Service\n along with \n60 months of Warranty with Unlimited Mileage\n for all models in the MINI line-up.\n \nAs part of the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme includes service vehicle check, engine oil and brake fluid change and servicing of air filter, fuel filer, micro filter, spark plugs.\nAll new purchases of MINI vehicles registered from now till 31st of August 2019 will be eligible for the celebratory offer.\nAdditionally, the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme will also be applicable for fleet packages, duty-exempted vehicles and the Returning Expert Programme (REP) customers."
"Ahead of the commencement of the sales tax exemptions for private vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has now released the updated prices list after sales tax exemption for its models, with reductions across the board ranging from 1.9% to 7.1%.\nThe Sales Tax Exemption comes under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin\u2019s \nshort term economy recovery plan\n. The exemption period, which begins on \n15th June to the 31st December 2020\n, sees the sales tax on locally-assembled models reduced to zero, while imported units halved to 5%.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia Price List after Sales Tax Exemption:\nThe recently-launched trio of compact AMG models sees a reduction of 3.4% (RM13,103) on the \nA 35 Edition 1 Hatchback\n, 3.6% (RM16,618) on the \nA 45S Edition 1 Hatchback\n, and 3.4% (RM15,086) on the \nCLA 45S\n. All three models are fully-imported.\nThe \nS450L AMG Line\n gets the largest reduction, coming in at 7.1% (RM49,775). Although, the newer plug-in hybrid \nS560e\n variant is still priced lower at RM646,626, after a 1.9% reduction in price due to the exemption of sales tax. Both of the large executive sedans are locally-assembled.\nAs for the SUVs, the locally-assembled \nAMG GLC43\n gets the largest reduction in terms of percentage at 6.2% (RM29,282). The recently-updated \nGLC 200 and GLC 300\n gets a 4.5% (RM13,509) and 4.8% (RM16,731) reduction respectively, while the \nGLC 300 Coupe\n variant gets a higher reduction at 5.5% (RM23,018).\nFor the updated price list after sales tax exemption from other car brands in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n."
"Geely Auto has released yet another photoset of their upcoming Sports Coupe SUV, this time we can a full look of the car\u2019s interior. Known internally as the \nFY11\n, the brand\u2019s \u201cmost driver-focused car to date\u201d features a driver centric cockpit.\nAt the centre of the FY11\u2019s cabin is a flat-bottomed multifunctional steering wheel and a high-tech centre console that has been angled ever so slightly towards the driver for ease of access. Curiously, the LCD instrument cluster features a familiar layout to \nmodern BMWs\n.\nThe GKUI infotainment\nsystem has also been updated to feature crisper graphics and presumably more intuitive\nto use. Travel down towards the centre console and you\u2019ll find an airplane throttle-styled\nelectronic gear selector and a rotary knob drive mode selector.\nThe FY11 also features\nsemi-bucket seats to hold you in place around bends but the designers also want\nthe seats to be comfortable for long journeys hence the headrest design of the FY11\nwere referenced with headrests found on first-class airline cabins.\nGeely has confirmed that their first model to ride on the Geely-Volvo developed Compact Modular Architecture Platform (CMA) will be equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum output of \n238 hp \nand \n350 Nm \nof torque.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nGeely\u00a0FY11"
"Previewed in July this year, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has finally confirmed the price for both the all-electric Mercedes-Benz \nEQB 350 4MATIC\n and \nEQC 400 4MATIC\n at \nRM328,888\n and \nRM388,888\n respectively. The prices listed are on-the-road (OTR) prices and without insurance.\nBoth cars are offered in one variant each and were previewed during the launch of the \nMercedes-Benz EQS 450+\n. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia currently has four models in its EV line-up.\nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC\nThe EQB 350 4MATIC is a seven-seater EV SUV based on the \nMercedes-Benz GLB\n. Of course, the 4MATIC in its name hints at an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with a dual-motor configuration. The powertrain\u2019s maximum system output is \n292 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n. The century print is done in \n6.2 seconds\n.\nGiving the EQB 350 4MATIC up to \n423 km\n of range (WLTP) is a \n66.5 kWh\n battery pack. The EQB is capable of 100 kW DC fast charging and 11 kW AC charging. DC fast charging (100 kW) brings the state of charge (SOC) from 10% to 80% in \n32 minutes\n while AC charging (11kW) fully charges the car from 10% in \n6 hours and 15 minutes\n.\nBased on the Mercedes-Benz GLB, the exterior of the EQB features Mercedes-Benz\u2019s \u201cElectric Art\u201d styling, 19-inch five-spoke light alloy wheels, polished aluminium roof rails, LED high-performance headlamps, and surround lighting.\nMercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC\nBased on the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the EGC 400 4MATIC is a five-seater EV SUV. The maximum power output of the car is \n408 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n, resulting in a \n5.1 second\n 0-100 km/h acceleration time. Like the EQB, it also gets a dual-motor AWD system.\nThere\u2019s a bit more electric range in the EQC 400 MATIC, thanks to the large \n80 kWh \nbattery. Based on WLTP standards, the electric range of the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC can go up to \n437 km\n. With 11kW AC charging, the EQC charges from 10% to 100% in \nseven hours and thirty minutes\n. With 100 kW DC fast charging, the SOC goes from 10% to 80% in \n40 minutes\n.\nThe exterior design of the EQC 400 4MATIC includes an AMG Line exterior with 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, and Multibeam LED. On the inside, the EQC gets an MBUX multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.\nIn 2022 alone, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched four models in its EV line-up. Besides the EQB and EQC, the line-up includes the \nMercedes-Benz EQA 250\n and the \nMercedes-Benz EQS 450+\n."
"Shortly after announcing the \nworld\u2019s first CVVD engine technology\n, Hyundai is set to roll out the new Sonata Hybrid with a solar roof charging system.\nThe system, which will be rolled out in future Hyundai vehicles, supports the vehicle\u2019s electric power source, improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.\u00a0\nThe silicon solar panels seamlessly incorporated on the car\u2019s roof can be charged while driving and\n with six hours of charging daily, can increase travel distance by an extra 1,300 km annually\n.\nElectricity generated is converted to standard voltage via a controller and subsequently stored in the car\u2019s battery. Hyundai says that while the solar roof system plays a supporting role for now, it\u2019s providing options for vehicles to no longer require fossil fuel to operate.\nThe new Hyundai Sonata is now on sale in Korea and will soon be sold in North America, with no immediate plans for sale in Europe."
"BMW Malaysia has taken to Facebook again to hint at the imminent arrival of the iX all-electric SUV.\nNo further details were spared aside from a statement that kind of implies being stagnant or left behind if you don\u2019t go electric. Ouch.\nRoam around \nBMW\u2019s official page\n and you\u2019ll notice a mention about two different variants \u2013 the xDrive40 and xDrive50 \u2013 aside from all the other fancy touches (especially on the inside).\nIf both the variants are available, you\u2019re looking at some powerful BMW SUVs coming our way. The \nxDrive50\n can up and go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds with 523 hp and 765 Nm. That\u2019s as quick as the \nX3 M\n and \nX4 M\n launched in Malaysia last year!\nThe \u2018lesser\u2019 \nxDrive40\n version of the iX SUV isn\u2019t slow either with Golf GTi-like sprinting abilities. It still packs a healthy 326 hp and 630 Nm. Both are equipped with two motors; one each in the front and back.\nBoth models come with an 11-kW AC Charger as standard. According to BMW, it takes eight hours to fully charge up the xDrive40 and 11 hours for the xDrive50.\nCurrently, the only fully electric vehicle sold locally by BMW Malaysia is not a BMW, but is the \nMINI Cooper SE \ninstead, from RM218k. Stay updated by BMW Malaysia on the new iX fully-electric SUV, click \nhere\n."
"Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB) today announced that Mr. Katsuto Hayashi will step down as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after serving in the company for one and a half years. He will be succeeded by Mr. Toichi Ishiyama, 48.\nMr. Ishiyama has been with the Honda brand for 25 years in various roles in Japan, USA, Thailand, China and Pakistan. He spent a bulk of his time in market research and product planning and will be advantageous in ensuring that HMSB maintains its position as the number one non-national vehicle brand in Malaysia.\nDuring Mr. Hayashi\u2019s tenure in Malaysia, he strategically switched HMSB\u2019s focus under the theme of Next Generation Advanced Technology \u2013 offering \nturbocharging technology\n, \nSport Hybrid i-DCD\n as well as \nHonda Sensing\n to the Malaysian market. He subsequently saw HMSB recorded 100,000 sales units in the fiscal year of April 2016 to March 2017 as well as celebrated its \n600,000\nth\n production unit\n \u2013 of which he delivered his entire speech in Bahasa Malayu.\nMr. Hayashi delivered his entire speech in BM, projected on screen are the translations\nMr. Hayashi will be taking on a new role as General Manager, Overseas Operation Division (Americas), Regional Operation (North America) in Honda Motor Co. Ltd back in his home country Japan.\nWe at \nAutoBuzz.my \nwould like to express our gratitude for everything you have accomplished here in Malaysia Hayashi-\nsan\n, especially how you stir up the competition in the automotive scene. \nSayonara \nHayashi-\nsan\n and we wish you all the best."
"This introduction sees another addition to BMW\u2019s\u00a0\nF15 X5 SAV\n lineup, and is positioned to take on a key competitor from Sweden, the \nVolvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid\n. As the name suggests, the Volvo\u2019s T8 engine configuration is touted as the world\u2019s most powerful and greenest SUV, making some \n450 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque thanks to triple charging aided by a \n60 kW electric\n \nmotor\n,\n\u00a0\nand it sips just 2.5 litres of fuel per 100km. This\u00a0first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand, the\u00a0X5 PHEV however makes almost half of the T8\u2019s output figures, so let\u2019s see how it stacks up.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW F15 X5 xDrive40e PHEV\nEngine\n1,997cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower turbo + 250 Nm electric motor\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n313 hp\nMax Torque\n450 Nm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.8 seconds; 210 km/h (electronically limited)\n\u00a0\nThe rather mouthful X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid by contrast is not nearly as powerful as the Volvo. It comes in one configuration only \u2013 a \n2.0-litre inline-four\n engine with BMW\u2019s TwinPower turbo, one that makes \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s paired to a \n250 Nm synchronous electric motor\n integrated into the \neight-speed ZF gearbox\n driving \nall four wheels\n \u2013 that\u2019s the xDrive for you.   In electric mode alone, the xDrive40e can cover up to 31 kilometers and maxes out at 120 km/h, although it can do 210 km/h when the petrol engine kicks in. Average consumption is rated at 3.3 litres per 100 km and the chunky SAV emits just 77 grams of carbon dioxide.\nThe electric motor draws its power from a lithium-ion battery pack housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, resulting in a loss of 150 litres of cargo space (500 litres now). BMW says this architecture is the safest way of storing the battery because it will remain intact in the event of an accident.\nThree driving modes can be chosen from; EcoPro, Comfort and Sport, and with the additional eDrive button in the centre console, you now get to choose the hybrid drive\u2019s operating mode. There\u2019s the Auto eDrive, Max eDrive and Save. It\u2019s pretty self explanatory, though the Max eDrive mode enables the driver to squeeze every ounce of juice from the battery.\nStandard equipment for this variant includes the Munich carmaker\u2019s GPS navigational system, auxiliary heating and ventilation system, Adaptive Suspension Package and rear air suspension with Dynamic Damper Control. And like all other BMWs, you can customise your PHEV from BMW Individual.\nIf you\u2019re wondering whether the xDrive40e will find its way to Malaysia, chances are it isn\u2019t. Frankly speaking, it\u2019s likelier for us to get the \nX5 M and X6 M\n\u00a0than its PHEV sibling. How\u2019s that for a perspective?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has just expanded its dealership and services network in the East Malaysia region, with the official opening of a new 3S (sales, services, and spare parts) Centre in Tawau.\nThe outlet is operated by Fook Loi Corporation, who has three other Proton 3S centre under its belt in Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu and Sandakan. All of the outlets were opened in the span of less than 15 months.\u00a0\nCarrying Proton\u2019s latest corporate image, the Tawau 3S Centre houses a total of \n10 servicing bays\n with\n four service hoists\n, and can accommodate up to \nfive cars\n in its showroom.\u00a0\nOther amenities include a kids\u2019 corner, coffee bar, laptop charging ports, as well as free WiFi connectivity.\u00a0\n To date, Proton has a total of \n120 3S and 4S certified outlets\n across the country, making Proton the brand with the largest number of 3S and 4S outlets nationwide.\nRecently, Proton has announced that the national carmaker \nexceeded 100,000 units\n sold in 2019, which equates to over 56% growth over the previous year.\nThe new Proton 3S Centre in Tawau is located at \n1.5km, Japan Apas, Tawau, Sabah\n. The Showroom is open from \n8.30 am to 5.30 pm\n from Mondays to Fridays, and \n8.30 am to 1 pm\n on Saturdays. Operating hours for the service centre are \n8 am to 5 pm\n from Mondays to Friday, and \n8 am to 4 pm\n on Saturdays."
"Hozon New Energy Automobile\n, the company responsible for the Neta V(which recently \ndebuted at the Malaysia Auto Show 2023\n), will soon begin making its electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand. \nBangkok Post\n reports that Hozon\u2019s EVs made in Thailand will be for the South East Asian (SEA) market.\nThe Chinese company has recently signed an agreement with Thailand\u2019s Bangchan General Assembly Co Ltd this week to start production of its NETA V model. The Thai-produced Neta V will begin assembly in January 2024 with an annual capacity of 20,000 vehicles.\nIn Thailand alone, Hozon aims to sell 10,000 vehicles in 2023. Globally, the company aims to sell 300,000 vehicles this year. Hozon also aims to enter the Middle Eastern and European markets. Hozon is backed by CATL, the largest EV battery maker in the world that supplies to several well-known carmakers.\nThailand officially welcomed the Hozon electric cars last year in fully-imported (CBU) form. As for Malaysia, Hozon\u2019s Neta V just recently made its debut at Malaysia Auto Show 2023. The Neta V is a budget-oriented compact EV and is priced at \nRM99,800\n, making it the cheapest electric car in Malaysia, dethroning the Ora Good Cat. As a matter of fact, the Neta was even offered with a RM10,000 cash rebate if purchased during the \n2023 Malaysia Auto Show\n.\nRELATED: \nNeta V makes Malaysia debut \u2013 budget-oriented compact EV SUV from RM99,800\nThe Neta V houses a 38.5-kWh battery pack that provides 380 km of range. Performance isn\u2019t exactly the Neta\u2019s forte, only producing 70 kW (\n95 hp\n) and \n150 Nm\n from a single front-mounted electric motor on the front axle. No 0-100 km/h times are specified but officially, the Neta can do \n0-50km/h\n in \n3.9 seconds\n. As for top speed, the Neta maxes out at \n120 km/h\n.\nAs for charging, the Neta V can handle a maximum AC charging rate of \n6.6 kW\n (single phase) which takes about \n8 hours\n to fully charge the car. DC charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n100 kW\n, and this can bring the battery\u2019s state of charge (SOC) from 30% to 80% in just \n30 minutes\n.\nIn Malaysia, the Hozon (or Neta) will be distributed by local distributor Intro Synergy which is a subsidiary of GoAuto Group. Deliveries of the Neta V in Malaysia are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2023.\nRELATED: \nGoAuto subsidiary named Malaysian distributor for Hozon, Neta V EV \u201csoft launch\u201d next week"
"The \nToyota Mirai\n, currently in its second generation, is only one of the couple of hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles actually on sale right now. To showcase its hydrogen FC technology and its potential to be used in \u201cslightly more novel ways\u201d, the carmaker\u2019s UK arm teamed up with Tamiya and Bramble Energy to create this one-of-a-kind mini remote controlled (RC) Toyota Mirai. that\u2019s also actually powered by hydrogen!\nTo make a mini Mirai RC car, the first step is \u2013 of course \u2013 to create a scale model of the actual Toyota Mirai car. With the help of RC car and scale model experts Tamiya, they\u2019ve managed to create a 1/10th scale replica plastic shell of the actual car, painted in Scarlet Flare Red, a colour taken from the Mirai\u2019s actual colour palette.\nThen comes the innards, which is what this mini Mirai is all about. Taking the Tamiya TT-02 RC car as base, Toyota UK enlisted Bramble Energy, a company specialising in miniaturised hydrogen application, to convert the existing electric powertrain into a hydrogen-powered miniature model, consisting of a printed circuit board fuel cell system, a control system, and hydrogen storage.\nWe managed to check out the Toyota Mirai in person during the Tokyo Motor Show in 2019! Take a look here.\nThe end result is a mini hydrogen-powered RC car, with 20 Watts (about 0.03 hp) of power driving all four wheels. Thanks to the switch from LiPo battery to hydrogen fuel cell, the new mini Mirai also doubled the driving time of the existing RC car \u2013 and the best part is that the hydrogen canisters are easily swappable, meaning there\u2019s no need to wait for the car to charge in between play time!\nAccording to Bramble Energy CEO and co-founder, Tom Mason, the biggest challenge in creating the mini Mirai was to fit all the required system components into the compact Tamiya TT02 chassis and the Mirai RC car shell. However, the end result is fully operational, which proves that they\u2019ve succeeded.\nTamiya made a life-sized toy car that you can actually drive! Check it out here.\n \nSpeaking about potential uses of hydrogen technology, Toyota UK spokesperson\u00a0David Rogers said that \u201ccars are the tip of the iceberg for Toyota in terms of progress towards a hydrogen society\u201d. adding that the company is also planning to carry out more \u201ctrials of fuel cell-powered buses, trains, boats and, who knows, maybe even homes\u201d, with the help of collaborations across Europe.\nAnd just for a bit of fun, Toyota UK even took the mini Mirai out for a spin at the Old New Inn mini model village in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire -how apt. Check it out in the video above!\n[Source: Toyota UK via \nCarscoops\n]\nGALLERY"
"The \nMitsubishi Xpander\n first had its \nglobal reveal back in 2017\n, and even then, its design was based on a concept unveiled in 2016. In automotive terms, that\u2019s basically a lifetime \u2013 so a facelift for the Mitsubishi Xpander is pretty much due.\nAccording to a roadmap that was included in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation\u2019s (MMC) FY2020 annual report, the company has now confirmed that a \u201cnew Xpander\u201d model will be introduced in 2023, two years from now!\nNot much else has been revealed on the new model just yet, but the roadmap did mention a \u201cXpander HEV\u201d model that will also be introduced in 2023, which means that there\u2019ll definitely be one new hybrid powertrain option underneath the sheet metal.\nThe 2023 \u201cNew Xpander\u201d is most likely a major facelift for the model, similar to what we saw on the current \nMitsubishi Triton\n. Curiously, the roadmap also mentions a \u201cnew Triton\u201d that\u2019s due for 2022, could we be getting a second facelift for the hugely-popular pick-up truck, perhaps one with \nRalliart branding\n? Only time will tell \u2013 but at least it\u2019s not too long of a wait from now!\nFor the new Xpander, we expect to see a refreshed exterior more closely tied to \nMitsubishi\u2019s latest concepts\n, along with a spruced up cabin with more creature comforts \u2013 the latter hopefully includes a range of advanced driver assistance features.\nThe new Mitsubishi Xpander that\u2019s due for 2023 will actually be the second refresh the model has seen; the \nMalaysian-market model\n was actually launched in the facelifted form. However, the \nchanges were mild at best\n, with most of the differences reserved to the equipment list of the seven-seater MPV."
"The Malaysian launch of the \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S\n just took place at the Sepang International Circuit last week. Alongside it, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n also announced that its younger brother, the 2023 \nMercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC\n is available for pre-booking in Malaysia. Unfortunately however, the performance sedan wasn\u2019t present at the launch event. But worry not, as it later \u201cattended\u201d Mercedes-AMG Track Day, allowing us to show you a gallery of the car just in case you\u2019re curious of how it looks like.\nLooking to renew your vehicle insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa. Renewing online will not only get you a 10% instant rebate, but also cash back at the end of your coverage. Log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n to find out more.\nOn the outside, the 2023 A 35 4MATIC sedan in Malaysia features the AMG-specific radiator grille, as well as the brand\u2019s Multibeam LED headlamps, which comes with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus as standard. The new AMG round badge is also fitted onto the A 35 instead of the Mercedes star in the performance sedan.\nIn addition, the A 35 also comes with a new front apron and power domes (also comes standard with the A 200 and A 250), which gives it a coherent \u2018AMG face\u2019. The performance sedan features a revised rear lamp design, a rear spoiler lip, and round exhaust pipes as well.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift, from RM239k \u2013 5 Things\nAt the sides of the 2023 A 35 4MATIC are the 19-inch AMG 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels, together with red-painted brake callipers as standard. The wheel arch has also been made wider to accommodate the AMG wheels. Underpinning the A 35 is the AMG Ride Control suspension.\nPowering the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC is a mild hybrid system. Part of the mild hybrid system is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. Mated to an 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT transmission, the engine produces \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n.\nThe A 35 also comes with a 48V auxiliary power supply and a belt-driven starter generator (RSG), which gives it an additional \n13 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of boost. Power is sent to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, and the century sprint takes \n4.8 seconds\n to achieve, while top speed for the performance sedan is rated at \n250 km/h\n.\nMoving inside, you get black sports seats that are wrapped in Artico man-made leather together with Microcut microfibre. The front seats are electrically adjustable and come with memory function.\nAs an AMG vehicle, the 2023 A 35 is equipped with the Manufaktur red seat belts too. The AMG Performance steering wheel is also here, wrapped in Nappa leather and features AMG steering wheel buttons. Mercedes-AMG has also decorated the A 35 with black and silver aluminium AMG Design trim elements.\nThe 2023 A 35 performance sedan is specified with the brand\u2019s latest MBUX multimedia system (NTG 7), together with a 10.25-inch MBUX multimedia system, and a 10.25-inch all-digital instrument display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported, the MBUX augmented reality (AR) for navigation, and a mobile device wireless charging system are also included with the Mercedes-AMG A 35 in Malaysia.\nOther AMG trims that come with the 2023 A 35 include the AMG auto dimming interior mirror, AMG illuminated door sills with \u201cAMG\u201d lettering, as well as the AMG floor mats. The Burmester surround sound system, Thermotornic automatic climate control, and ambient lighting with 64 colours are also here with the A 35 sedan.\nSafety-wise, the Malaysian-spec 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC comes with a suite of safety features. This includes the Driving Assistance Package, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Interior monitoring system, and Pedestrian protection. Tow-away protection with visual and audible warning, Tyre pressure monitor, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Guard 360\u00b0 Vehicle protection, Parking Package with 360-degree camera, and Active Parking Assist also come together with the A 35 sedan.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM510k\nGALLERY"
"Following Nissan\u2019s recent announcement of the \nNissan Almera facelift\u2019s arrival\n, we paid a visit to a Nissan dealer earlier today and saw the very car in the metal, dressed up with the \nRM14,000 Nismo Performance Package\n \u2013 a kit that made its world debut here in the Malaysian market. Speaks volume about our market\u2019s significance, no?   You must be asking, what do you get if you pay RM14,000 for the Nismo Performance Package? Well, quite a fair bit, actually. You don\u2019t just get the \nall-around bodykit\n, no. The Nismo designed\u00a0\n16-inch alloy\n wheels come with it, wrapped with 205/50R16 series Continental Max Contact MC5 tyres. This kit also gives you Nismo\u2019s performance suspension system, Nismo exhaust muffler and special edition floor mats, red wing mirrors and aero boot lid.   If you don\u2019t need Nismo\u2019s suspension system and the exhaust tip, you can opt for the less expensive \nNismo Aero Pack\n that gives you the exact bodykit, minus the red wing mirrors, aero boot lid, floor mats and the said suspension and exhaust tip. This pack will set you back at \nRM9,000\n.\nThe Nissan Almera facelift is priced \nfrom RM66,900\n for the base 1.5E model, up to\n RM79,900\n for the range topping VL model. Prices are OTR with insurance, and excludes any of the mentioned Nismo packages. It does however, come with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty programme, whichever occurs first.\nYou can also catch the Nissan Almera facelift and other Nissan models at their ongoing nationwide roadshow (refer to the table below). Meanwhile, enjoy the gallery of the Almera facelift with Nismo Performance Package we\u2019ve put together for you!\nDate\nRegion\nVenue\n6 January \u2013 11 January\nCentral\n1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya\n8 January \u2013 11 January\nNorthern\nVillage Mall, Alor Setar\n9 January \u2013 11 January\nEast Malaysia (Sabah)\nGiant, Tawau\n14 January \u2013 18 January\nCentral\nAlamanda Shopping Centre, Putrajaya\n15 January \u2013 18 January\nNorthern\nQueensbay Mall, Penang\n16 January \u2013 18 January\nEast Malaysia (Sabah)\nCenter Point, Kota Kinabalu\n18 January \u2013 24 January\nEastern\nTesco Kota Bharu\n23 January \u2013 25 January\nEast Malaysia (Sarawak)\nStarMegamall, Sibu\n30 January \u2013 1 February\nCentral\nParadigm Mall, Petaling Jaya\n30 January \u2013 1 February\nEast Malaysia (Sarawak)\nImperial City Mall, Miri\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sharing the stage with the \nMazda Vision Coupe\n is the Mazda Kai Concept, a compact hatchback design that heralds the next-generation of Mazda cars. Unlike the Vision Coupe, the Kai Concept is a more, accurate (if you will) representation of the production model.\nWearing the latest KODO: Soul of Motion design language, the Kai Concept features muscular and solid proportions all round. The body lines were deliberately placed to create a delicate flow of reflections over the body sides, making the \nSoul Red Crystal Metallic paintjob\n \npop\n even more.   With the Kai Concept, Mazda aims to further refine every aspect of the car especially in areas of dynamic performance, NVH levels, comfort and driving feel. Underpinning the Kai Concept is Mazda\u2019s SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture and the \nnext-generation SkyActiv-X with HCCI\n (homogeneous charge compression ignition) technology. The new engine promises 10 to 30 percent increase in torque and 20 to 30 percent better engine efficiency compared to the current SkyActiv-G engines and is said to equal the latest \nSkyActiv-D Diesel engines\n in terms of fuel efficiency.\nThe cabin is unmistakeably Mazda \u2013 driver centric design, three-spoke steering wheel and instrument cluster layout. One standout feature on the Kai Concept is the infotainment display built into the dashboard that \nextends to the passenger side\n. Although it remains unclear whether this design hints at Mazda\u2019s next-gen MZD Connect system or will remain a design study.\nWe know that the SkyActiv-X will make its \nmarket debut sometime in 2019\n, which is around the same time an all-new Mazda3 is due. Could this Kai Concept be the next-generation Mazda3? We\u2019ll find out soon enough.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It says a lot when an all-new Aston Martin model is to be unveiled to the world in Beijing, China. You can guess as much that the focus is about getting the eyeballs of the largest automotive market in the world. If the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus are anything to go by, the DBX should double, if not triple the sales of Aston Martin.\nThe chosen \u2018feng sui\u2019 date is \n20\nth\n November\n, just two weeks to go, but Aston Martin has taken the liberty to tease the interior as well as reveal the \nrecommended retail price\n of the DBX for four different markets \u2013 \n\u00a3158,000 in the UK\n, \n\u20ac193,500 in Germany\n, \nJPY 22,995,000\n \nin Japan\n and U\nS$189,900 in the USA\n. The price of \u00a3158,000 in the UK is targeted directly at the Lamborghini Urus, which should translate into a \nRM2 million price tag\n here, after duties and taxes.\nFrom the image teased, the DBX\u2019s interior could easily be mistaken for a Bentley\u2019s for its opulence and extensive use of leather and alcantara, but presented in a sportier bent. Aston Martin says that the DBX interior was designed \u2018\nmeet the needs of the 99th percentile male\n to the 5th percentile female\u2019, and even a group of children were invited to share their views on the ingress and egress of the vehicle.\nAccording to Aston, all the hard work on the cabin has ensured \nclass-leading front and rear legroom\n, along with a feeling of airiness courtesy of the full-length panoramic glass roof and expansive side windows, and that whichever seat you may be in, there will be \u2018a sense of space and lightness with encapsulating views of the world you\u2019re exploring\u2019. Powerful words.\nThe all-aluminium, all-wheel drive DBX is expected to be powered by \nMercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n in the tune of around 550 hp, mated to a \n9-speed auto\n; Aston\u2019s own 5.2-litre V12 will be the other engine option, with a hybrid powertrain to come later in the model life, also sourced from Mercedes-Benz."
"Mitsubishi\n has just unveiled the all-new \nMitsubishi Triton\n \ntoday and the new truck makes its world debut in Thailand. It is built on a newly developed ladder frame chassis and the Triton is now larger in just about every dimension. Upon its world debut, the Triton is available in a Double Cab (High 4WD & Standard 2WD), Cub Cab (High 2WD), and Single Cab (Standard 4WD) configuration. The all-new Triton is set to launch in Malaysia before the end of 2024.\nLet\u2019s first address the increase in the size of the Mitsubishi Triton. The double cab version now measures 5,360 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,815 mm tall. It is just bigger in every dimension in comparison to its predecessor.\nAs for its wheelbase, it is now 3,130 mm long, which is 130 mm longer than its predecessor\u2019s 3,000 mm wheelbase, and you can immediately see that the Triton has sacrificed a bit of its agility for robustness. Its turning radius is now 6.2 m, which is 0.3 m more than the outgoing version\u2019s 5.9 m. And this is just one of the many changes in the Triton as it has evolved into a more robust workhorse. The approach angle, departure angle, and break-over ramp angle are now slightly down at 29\u00b0, 22.8\u00b0, and 23.4\u00b0, at least for the double cab version.\nAll-new Triton (Double Cab)\nOutgoing Triton (Double Cab)\nLength (mm)\n5,360 (+55)\n5,305\nWidth (mm)\n1,930 (+115)\n1,815\nHeight (mm)\n1,815 (+20)\n1,795\nWheelbase (mm)\n3,130 (130)\n3,000\nFront Track (mm)\n1,570 (+50)\n1,520\nRear Track (mm)\n1,565 (+50)\n1,515\nBed length (mm)\n1,555 (+35)\n1,520\nTurning radius (m)\n6.2 (+0.3)\n5.9\nApproach angle (\u00b0)\n29 (-2)\n31\nDeparture angle (\u00b0)\n22.8 (-0.2)\n23\nRamp break-over angle (\u00b0)\n23.4 (-1.6)\n25\nThe all-new Triton is a tougher machine now with its newly-developed ladder frame chassis boasting a larger cross-sectional area. Thanks to that, bending rigidity is now higher and so is torsional rigidity. So the new Triton is supposedly able to handle more abuse and heavier loads. Speaking of load, the bed is now also longer at 1,555 mm compared to the outgoing Triton\u2019s 1,520 mm. And although the Triton seems to have grown overall, Mitsubishi says that the new Triton\u2019s body is lighter than its predecessor\u2019s.\nRELATED: \nGeely & Renault sign JV agreement for new engine company \u2013 to supply Proton, Volvo, Nissan, Mitsubishi\nAs for improvements to the exterior, the Triton boasts more durable door handles (which are bigger and easier to grip), wider side steps with improved water drainage, a lower cargo bed height, and a larger upper surface area of the rear bumper. The all-new Triton also introduces new exterior colours such as Yamabuki Orange Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic.\nAs for performance, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton gets a newly-developed 4N16 engine. The 4N16 engine is a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine with a 1:15.2 compression ratio. The engine is tuned for three different power outputs for the all-new Mitsubishi Triton and the most powerful version outputs 150 kW (\n204 hp \nmetric) at 3,500 rpm and \n470 Nm\n at 1,500-2,750 rpm. The other two tuning settings of the 4N16 make \n184 hp\n/\n430 Nm\n and \n150 hp\n/\n330 Nm\n respectively.\nHigh Output\nStandard 1\nStandard 2\nEngine\n2,442 cc turbodiesel DOHC inline-4\n2,442 cc turbodiesel DOHC inline-4\n2,442 cc turbodiesel DOHC inline-4\nMax. Power (hp/rpm)\n204/3,500\n184/3,500\n150/3,500\nMax. Torque (Nm @rpm)\n470/1,500-2,750\n430/2,250-2,500\n330/1,500-3,000\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia joins Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023 with modified Triton & Xpander\nTransmission options for the all-new Mitsubishi Triton include a 6-speed automatic transmission which has been carried over from the outgoing Triton and a 6-speed manual transmission. Interestingly, the 6-speed manual is shift-by-wire and this reduces cabin vibration.\nOf course, the Super Select AWD system and Easy Select AWD system are carried over into the all-new Mitsubishi Triton. Suspension-wise, the Triton sports a double wishbone setup in front and a leaf spring setup at the back.\nMitsusbishi Motors has also improved the maintenance aspect of the Triton, with one of them being the fact that maintenance for the 6-speed manual transmission is unnecessary. Work has also been made easier for the maintenance technicians (or those who prefer DIY maintenance) as the oil drain bolt has been relocated in such a way that it can be accessed without having to remove the under-engine-cover. The service holes for the Triton are also now larger so no extra attachments are needed for the standard garage jack.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi\u2019s upcoming HR-V rival teases new floating screen, Yamaha sound system\nAll in all, it seems that the Mitsubishi Triton has looked at the all-new\n \nFord Ranger \nand cranked the \u201cfunctional workhorse\u201d aspect of the Triton to 11. And this treatment continues inside the cabin. For instance, Mitsubishi has improved the visibility of the monitor, meters, and switches with clever use of contrast. The switches have also been given optimum levels of sensitivity that make them easy to operate even when you\u2019re wearing gloves.\nMitsubishi has implemented its \u201cMitsubishi Touch\u201d for the steering wheel grips and door handles and soft pads have been added in main areas that protect the driver and passengers. As for cubby space, the centre console of the all-new Triton can fit two large cups and in the automatic version, it can even fit tablets and files in addition to that. The centre console glovebox itself is able to fit four 600ml water bottles.\nOther cabin enhancements include a higher hip point (by 20mm), USB-C ports, and more vertical A-pillars to ease ingress and egress. Mitsubishi also says that the cabin has also been designed to allow drivers to easily see changes in the vehicle\u2019s posture when driving.\nSafety-wise, some of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton\u2019s safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nThe all-new Mitsubishi Triton also comes with Mitsubishi Connect which allows your car to be connected to your mobile phone. With Mitsubishi Connect, you can use your phone to find your car (location access), check the remaining fuel volume, check the oil condition, check the driving history, remotely start the air conditioning, remotely operate the headlights, and remotely operate the horn.\nWith the global debut of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton in Thailand, it won\u2019t be long until it reaches Malaysia. In Malaysia, the Mitsubishi Triton is available in its double cab 4X4 configuration (VGT Standard, VGT Premium, VGT Athlete) and also in its 4X2 low-riding \u201cQuest\u201d version.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mitsubishi compact SUV set for August debut in Indonesia \u2013 ASX successor?\nGALLERY"
"Does the world really need a Bentley SUV? Probably not. But like the few which resisted the SUV wave, Bentley eventually caved and so the Bentayga was born; not before courting controversy with its 2012 concept, the \nEXP 9 F\n, which was widely disparaged for how it looked. Bentley subsequently tweaked it and this is the result. Hmm.\nI can comprehend, even empathise with what Bentley was trying to achieve with the styling of the Bentayga. With the Volkswagen group brands fully utilising the MLB evo platform and spawning the \nVW Touareg\n, \nAudi Q7\n, \nPorsche Cayenne\n and \nLamborghini Urus\n, it was imperative that the Bentayga occupied a totally different space from its platform-sharing cousins, which goes to explain why the Bentayga isn\u2019t quite an SUV in the vein of the sporty \nContinental series\n, but more in the shape of the ultra-luxurious \nMulsanne\n.\nNot the prettiest of sights, but can\u2019t mistake the Bentayga for anything else other than a Bentley.\nIt had to be something opulent which appealed to royalties (ranging from Buckingham types to hip-hop moguls) who seek added flexibility and a road presence that a saloon can\u2019t quite muster.\nPulling off something that looked easy on the eyes was always a challenge (see also the \nRolls Royce Cullinan\n), especially when you have to somehow incorporate those gawky circular headlamps. All I can say is that the Bentley Bentayga is imposing, a statement of bling, and is much better appreciated from the inside.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBentley Bentayga W12\nEngine\n5,950cc; twin-turbo W12\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n608 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n900 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.1 seconds; 301 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nFrom RM1,883,000\nHides that are Free from Insect Bites\nThe allure of owning a Bentley has a lot to do with the ability to kit the car out to your heart\u2019s content. \nTry and configure a Bentayga to your own liking\n and you\u2019ll understand why its cabin is never going to be confused with that of a Q7 or a Cayenne despite some familiar-looking VW group switchgear, and that each Bentayga is probably unique to its owner.\nOur test unit\u2019s cabin sported a combination of \u2018Camel\u2019 and \u2018Beluga\u2019 hides (referring to the hues, not the animals) which were \u2018hand-picked from herds that graze high above sea level in Northern Europe\u2019 and that all \u2018hides used to upholster the Bentayga are naturally free of the insect bites that could otherwise leave blemishes in the leather\u2019.\nAdd swathes of \u2018dark stained burr walnut\u2019 and plush carpeting and you have an interior that\u2019s made out of genuinely decadent stuff.\nIf you\u2019re going to be a chauffeur, make it a Bentley.   Only blemish-free cow hide is ever used.\n \n Bentayga serves up just the right amount of tech.\n \n A different Bentley for every \u201coccassion\u201d.\nOf course, it\u2019s a wonderful place with which to operate a vehicle, even better if you\u2019re just kicking back in those supple seats at the back, with James the chauffeur going about the business of circumventing the traffic.\nThere is more than a whiff of old-school charm about the Bentayga interior, yet it never feels old fashioned with just the right amount of technology (yes, you can easily overdo it these days) sprinkled over the right places, without detracting from the opulent ambience.\nDecadent Performance\nThere are no slow Bentleys, only different degrees of fast. Before the Lamborghini Urus came along, the Bentayga, with its \n608 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n 6.0-litre W12 engine \u2013 comprising two narrow-angle 15-degree V6 engines joined at the crank, urged on by twin turbochargers \u2013 was the fastest production SUV with a top speed of \n301 km/h\n.\nAnd it could also accelerate from idle to 100 km/h in \n4.1 seconds\n. Having that W12 engine and all-wheel drive helps, but a lot of the Bentayga\u2019s performance also has to do with how relatively \u2018light\u2019 it weighs (2,440kg), considering its size, W12 motor and amount of equipment lavished upon it.\nI guess when you have \n900 Nm\n, 2.5-tonnes can feel like 800kg.\nW12 is buttery smooth mechanically, but could do with more auditory excitement.\n\u2018Unflappable\u2019 comes to mind when you unleash the beast in the Bentayga. The manner in which it wafts from a crawl to unprintable speeds is ludicrous (sorry, Tesla), with little in the way of noise or body motion, only that your body is pinned firmly against those insect bite-free cowhides.\nThe calmness within the cabin at speed is not unlike being on a high-speed train, the buttery smooth W12 motor is curiously devoid of a signature soundtrack but it hums no matter how you wind it up.\nIn fact, forward progress is in a way remarkably.unremarkable, something which Bentley probably intended it to be.\nZero to 100km/h takes 4.1 seconds, top speed is 301km/h, for a 2.5-tonne SUV.\nSo, for all the incredible performance available to the Bentayga, it was never going to be a driver-engaging type of vehicle, even if its adaptive air suspension and more crucially, the active body roll control (dubbed the Dynamic Ride System) allow the Bentayga to stave off body roll and to behave like something a size smaller in corners; perfect for CEO-types seated at the back who are not to be stirred or shaken at all costs.\nJames the chauffeur would also approve of the light steering response from the Bentayga\u2019s electric powered rack. Granular feedback? Who needs them when you\u2019re piloting a tank this luxurious.\nStarts from RM1.8 million\nAs they say, if you need to ask, you probably can\u2019t afford it. The Bentayga is that kind of car, made for a select few who won\u2019t bat an eyelid nor be bothered about what others think of their choices.\nSure, you can get into a Mercedes-Maybach or a fully-decked out Range Rover for less money, but the marque with the wings flies at a higher plane than the aforementioned brands, while the introduction of the Rolls Royce Cullinan only makes the Bentayga a \u2018bargain\u2019 for those who are able to see that beauty lies in the beast itself.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Dynamic Ride System works wonders, keeps body roll on a tight leash.   Some things are better left in analogue.   A different Bentley for every \u201coccassion\u201d.   Only blemish-free cow hide is ever used.   Bentayga serves up just the right amount of tech.   Plush carpeting and an event seat for star-gazing evenings."
"Just recently, Toyota Motor Corp announced a worldwide\u00a0recall over possible\u00a0defects involving airbag modules and fuel emissions control units. Now, UMW Toyota is running a special service campaign\u00a0involving some of the cars sold in Malaysia.\nThis involves two hybrid models:\n3,500 units of Toyota Prius (third generation) \u2013 2009- 2012\n2,700 units of Lexus CT200h \u2013 (2010-2012)\nThe first recall involves the side/curtain airbag inflators, which were not related to the recent\u00a0\nTakata\n\u00a0scandal. Instead, the airbags in question here is supplied by Swedish company Autoliv, who is responsible for supplying over 90 percent of the inflators for the Prius model.\nIt\u2019s believed the inflators for the side airbags are suspected to have a \nsmall crack in a welded area\n, which potentially can cause the\u00a0separation of the inflator chambers. The \ninflator could deploy prematurely into the car\u2019s interior,\n potentially injuring the occupants. The repair work will add retention brackets on the side airbag inflators, preventing the inflator chambers from being ejected into the cabin. The work will take approximately two to four hours to complete.\nThe second recall is related to an emissions control unit or charcoal canister.\u00a0There is a possibility that\n cracks could develop in the coating of the emissions channel\n due to the improper shaping of portions of the channel. This could lead to cracks which will eventually cause a \nfuel leak\n. During the remediation work,\u00a0the fuel suction plate subassembly will be replaced and will take between two to three hours.\nAs reported by \nReuters\n, no injuries\u00a0have been linked to either issue. Meanwhile,\u00a0owners are advised to bring their cars to the nearest authorised UMW Toyota service center for the rectification. All replacement costs, if necessary, will be borne by the manufacturer.\nYou may contact Toyota and Lexus via their toll-free number at\u00a0\n1800-8- TOYOTA (869682) \nor\n 1800-8- LEXUS (53987\n). Remember, this issue is not to be taken lightly at all."
"The local automotive scene is now abuzz with the impending arrival of Perodua\u2019s new compact car, the \nAxia\n. Adding to all that hype is Proton\u2019s Global Small Car (\nGSC\n), also known as the Proton Compact Car (\nPCC\n).\u00a0Little is known about the car, save for the handful of pictures Proton has deliberately made public through their \nmicrosite\n\u00a0\u2013 \nwww.betulbetulonz.com\n, in celebration of our 57th National Independence Day.\nWe can only assume that the car, widely referred to as the \u2018\nIriz\n\u2019, will not be embracing that name judging from the way Proton names their models.Proton\u2019s model naming trend is pretty clear cut, and that it usually ends with the letter \u2018A\u2019. We have the Sag\na\n, Wir\na\n, Satri\na\n, Putr\na\n, Perdan\na\n, Gen-2 (Gen-Du\na\n), Person\na\n, Suprim\na\n, Exor\na\n, Inspir\na\n; you get the point. Objectively speaking, we\u2019ll give Proton the benefit of the doubt, seeing how they\u2019ve gone out of the norms with the Savvy and Preve.\nNames aside, the \u2018Iriz\u2019 spots several unique touches formerly strange to the Proton brand. For example, the new headlights have the word \u2018Proton\u2019 embossed onto it, a nifty touch there. You don\u2019t see many non-premium car manufacturers doing that, so that\u2019s a plus point for prospective buyers, if you\u2019re into that kind of thing.\nIt\u2019s quite likely that the headlights will be halogen powered via the \nprojector units\n, as seen in the teaser picture here. The reflector headlights however, will most probably be for the high-beam. Signal indicators are placed inwards next to the grille. It\u2019s not an unfamiliar look, but they do look good nonetheless.\nIn line with Proton\u2019s ambition to produce a compact car of global standards, the \u2018Iriz\u2019 is claimed to have a \n5-Star\n ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (\nNCAP\n) safety rating and Vehicle Dynamic Control (\nVDC\n) \u2013 that\u2019s the electronic stability control.\n \nNow, the interior is where the \u2018Iriz\u2019 excels in its class. For a start, the PCC features a \ntouch screen colour head unit\n with \nGPS\n navigation, media and Bluetooth connectivity. It also functions as a \nWi-Fi hotspot\n, a first to be offered in the Myvi-dominated segment.\nA \nrear-view camera\n adds to the already impressive list of features the head unit has, and complements it with parking guides instead of displaying just what\u2019s behind the car. The lines on the rear view camera display however, seems to be ghosting, although we are not dismissing the possibility of a trajectory aid.\nMany of the interior features, like the ones mentioned above, could only be available in the upper-end variants. Another likely variant-dependent feature is the \nkeyless entry\n and \npush-to-start ignition\n.\nSix\n \u2013 is the number of \nairbags\n stuffed inside the \u2018Iriz\u2019. It\u2019s clear in the teaser picture that the PCC gets six airbags in the following configuration: dual front, side and curtain airbags. The top-view of its interior layout hints at impressive rear legroom space, but the materials used on the seats aren\u2019t distinguishable. It\u2019s very likely that the seats can be had in fabric or leather, though we won\u2019t be getting a centre armrest from the looks of it.\nThe Proton \u2018Iriz\u2019 has already spurred interest from the public, and the folks at Proton have so far been successful at keeping the car\u2019s development a well-kept secret. It\u2019s about time now, Proton. You\u2019ve got us all excited.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Even with a certain Proton standing in their way, Nissan has earned a solid pat on the back with the \nnew Almera Turbo\n. It has exceeded all our expectations and is much more than the old Almera could ever dream of being.\nAside from its new good looks, the Nissan Almera\u2019s biggest selling point now also includes a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine and the offering of autonomous emergency braking in all three variants; starting from RM79k.\nIt\u2019s a far cry from what the previous generation model offered, allowing the Almera to now be mentioned in the same breath as the \nnew Honda City\n and the \nsoon-to-arrive facelift Toyota Vios\n.\nThe makeover in the cabin is as drastic as the exterior. There\u2019s now an 8-inch touchscreen display with a decent 6-speaker sound system and the convenience of Apple CarPlay.\nThe only shortcoming in this area is the clarity of the display. It\u2019s a seemingly common failing in cars of this segment, as it\u2019s also seen in the \nnew Mitsubishi Xpander\n and surprisingly, \nin the new Proton X50 as well\n. It\u2019s also got a surround-view monitor with bird\u2019s eye view, contributed by a camera mounted on each of the side mirrors.\nThere are also improvements on the Almera Turbo that\u2019s beyond the naked eye. \nCabin insulation has improved\n leaps and bounds, especially when driving in urban areas, with additional insulation in the A-pillar section and the use of thicker glass for the front windows.\nCabin space is still in abundance and despite the car being four centimetres lower, headroom has not been compromised when compared with the older model which we had concurrently for comparisons.\nThe adoption of \na turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 100 hp and 152 Nm\n, in favour of the former 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, paired to a CVT gearbox has allowed power delivery to be far smoother and responsive than before but that\u2019s not all.\n \nIt\u2019s now \nactually fun to drive\n. It feels nimble with far more assurance and composure while you\u2019re at higher speeds. When you\u2019re driving on less than ideal road conditions though, the knocks and vibrations from underneath the car won\u2019t go unnoticed.\nThe new Nissan Almera Turbo is no longer just the entry point to a \u201cfirst Japanese car\u201d this new Almera, but with crossovers and SUVs taking over, let\u2019s hope Nissan\u2019s not too late.\nGALLERY"
"In line with Honda\u2019s recall announcements regarding the passenger airbag inflator on the Accord, Proton has also issued a recall to replace the passenger airbag inflators for all Proton Perdana models based on the Accord.\nA total of 6,432 vehicles \nbuilt from 2012 to the end of August 2018\n are involved, and the affected owners will be notified. This is merely a precautionary measure\u00a0and Proton assures that other Proton models are not affected as the airbags used in them are supplied by a different vendor.\nThe pre-facelift model is also affected.\n\u201cThe safety of our owners is of the utmost importance to PROTON. All Proton Perdana owners will be informed of the matter and are advised to call our designated service centres to book an appointment for the replacement of the passenger airbag in their cars, said\u00a0\n\u00a0Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON,\u00a0 Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed.\nHe added, \u201c\nCars built\n \nafter 31 August 2018 are unaffected\n by the service fix while replacement of the inflator will take approximately one hour and will be performed free of charge.\u201d\nOwners of the affected Perdana are advised to call PROTON\u2019s Customer Care Hotline at 1-800-888-398 or email to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n for any enquiries and assistance."
"After being launched in Indonesia and \nThailand\n, the \n2023 Honda WR-V\n has finally made its launch in Malaysia. Offered in a total of four variants, prices for the WR-V (Winsome Runabout Vehicle) start from \nRM89,900\n.\nHonda WR-V 1.5 S \u2013\n RM89,900\nHonda WR-V 1.5 E- \nRM95,900\nHonda WR-V 1.5 V \u2013 \nRM99,900\nHonda WR-V 1.5 RS \u2013 \nRM107,900\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.\n \nThe 2023 Honda WR-V has been introduced to the Malaysian market to fill in the space of the BR-V which was previously dropped from \nHonda Malaysia\n\u2019s\n line-up, and to rival the \nPerodua Ativa.\n Dimensions-wise, the WR-V measures 4,060 mm long, 1,780 mm wide, and 1,608 mm tall, and is underpinned by a 2,485 mm wheelbase. The crossover also has 220 mm of ground clearance.\nCompared to the Perodua Ativa, which measures 4,065 mm long, 1,710 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall, with a 2,525 mm long wheelbase, the WR-V is essentially slightly smaller than the Ativa in almost all dimensions. However, the WR-V\u2019s width is the sole exception, as it is 27 mm wider than the local competitor.\nRELATED: \n2023 Honda WR-V \u2013 1,300-unit monthly sales target, 2-3 months waiting period\nOn the outside, the Honda WR-V 1.5 S in Malaysia comes with the equipment listed below as standard:\nManual halogen headlights\nFront position lights\nLED rear lights\n16-inch single tone five-spoke alloys\nTrunk spoiler\nMicro pole antenna\nOpting for the WR-V 1.5 E will get you:\nAutomatic halogen headlights\nShark fin antenna\nMoving up to the Honda WR-V 1.5 V, you get:\nAutomatic LED headlights\nAuto high beam (AHB)\nLED daytime running lights (DRL)\nPowered side-view mirrors\nThe top-of-the-range Honda WR-V 1.5 RS gets you:\nRS exterior package\n17-inch dual-tone alloys\nFront LED sequential turn signals\nPowering the 2023 Honda WR-V is the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) 4-cylinder engine found in the Honda City, City Hatchback, as well as the entry-level Honda HR-V 1.5 S. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) equipped with Honda\u2019s G-design shift technology, power is sent to the front wheels only, resulting in a total output of \n121 hp\n (metric) and \n145 Nm\n.\nThe powertrain and further technical details of the 2023 Honda WR-V are as such:\nEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated DOHC with i-VTEC\nMax. power: \n121 hp\n (metric) @ 6,600 rpm\nMax. torque: \n145 Nm\n @ 2,300 rpm\nTop speed: \n165 km/h\nTransmission: CVT\nFront brakes: Ventilated disk\nRear brakes: Drum brakes\nFront suspension: MacPherson strut with stabiliser bar\nRear suspension: H-shape torsion beam\nRELATED: \n2023 Honda Civic e:HEV RS hybrid review \u2013 Japan\u2019s answer to the sports sedan question\nMoving inside, you will find the 2023 Honda WR-V\u2019s interior design to look rather familiar. And this is no surprise, as it is essentially based on the one found in the second-generation BR-V. In fact, the interior design even reminds us quite a bit of a scaled-down version of the outgoing fifth-generation CR-V, which is still on sale here in Malaysia.\nStandard interior features available in the 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S in Malaysia include:\nFabric seats\nKeyless entry and push start system\nManual digital air-conditioning\nAnalogue instrument cluster\n7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support\n2-speaker sound system\nTwo USB-A ports\nMechanical handbrake\n380-litre boot space (but without a tonneau cover)\nOpting for the WR-V 1.5 E will get you:\n4.2-inch TFT instrument display\nMulti-angle reverse camera\nMoving up to the WR-V 1.5 V, you get:\nLeather seats with blue stitchings\nLeather interior with stitchings\nRear centre armrest\nAutomatic air conditioning\nOpting for the higher-end Honda WR-V 1.5 RS will get you these extras:\nRS interior package\nPaddle shifters\nRemote engine start\nWalk-away auto lock\n2 tweeter speakers\nSafety-wise, the Malaysian-spec WR-V is packed with four airbags as standard. As for Honda\u2019s Sensing ADAS suite it is available with the WR-V 1.5 E and beyond. Features like the Honda Connect telematics suite and six airbags are equipped with the top-of-the-range WR-V 1.5 RS. And as with other Honda models, the WR-V doesn\u2019t come with the traditional blind-spot monitoring system, but instead Honda\u2019s own LaneWatch side camera system.\nSafety features that come with the 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S as standard include:\nFour airbags\nHonda LaneWatch system\nWith the WR-V 1.5 E, you get:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\nAutonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nLane Keep Assist (LKAS)\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nLead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)\nThe WR-V 1.5 RS add-on:\nSix airbags\nHonda Connect Telematic suite\nTo recap, the 2023 Honda WR-V crossover has just been launched in Malaysia, with four variants being offered. Prices start from \nRM89,900\n and top out at \nRM107,900\n. The crossover also comes with the standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty, as well as five times free labour service, applicable within 100,000 km or five years, whichever comes first.\nRELATED: \nPrices increased for Honda HR-V, Civic, City Hatchback in Malaysia by RM1.1k, RM1.2k, RM300\nGALLERY\n2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 RS\n2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 V"
"Lexus owners can now kickback in the comforts of a fully refurbished flagship showroom in Mutiara Damansara, aimed to further elevate the luxurious ownership experience.\n\u201cThe enhancements to the facilities allowed Lexus Malaysia to redefine its core brand values and to clearly showcase owners with a truly exclusive Lexus experience,\u201d said President of Lexus Malaysia, Lexus Mutiara Damansara, Ravindran K.\nAmong the highlights of the new showroom includes the Lexus Signature Scent of \u201cWild Earth\u201d in the air, a Mark Levinson audio system in an acoustically-tuned guest room, and even a Zen Room where guests can enjoy soft music and massage chairs.\nThe attention to detail on all things luxury is such that even the coffee is sourced from Cafe Richard, a highly acclaimed French brand offered in high-end Parisian cafes.\n\u201cNot by any means is the Lexus brand and its products deemed conventional, neither should the retail experience be. By designing innovative ways to excite and change the world, Lexus remains the visionary brand that anticipates the future for the people and society,\u201d said Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia, Akio Takeyama.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) has updated the local-spec \nSanta Fe\n, and now includes\n third-row air-conditioning\n for all variants. As a result, pricing for the updated Santa Fe has \nincreased across the board by RM2,000\n, now starting at RM171,888.\nThe updated Hyundai Santa Fe was introduced last year, shortly after the\n \ninitial launch\n. As before, the Santa Fe is offered in four variants with two powertrain options \u2013 2.4L Executive (\nRM171,888\n) and Premium(\nRM191,888\n), as well as the 2.2CRDi Executive (\nRM193,888\n) and Premium (\nRM213,888\n).\nThe 2.4L variants are powered by a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder MPI engine making\n 172 hp\n and \n225 Nm\n, while the 2.2CRDi variants get a 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit under the hood, generating \n193 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n.\nThe 2.4-litre petrol powerplant is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, with drive sent to the front axle. The oil-burners meanwhile get an eight-speed box and all-wheel drive as standard.\nOn the outside, the Executive variants come equipped with projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights, halogen taillights, and 18-inch wheels as standard.\nStepping up to the Premium variants will net you LED units for the headlights, taillights, and both front and rear fog lights. The Premium range also gets the dynamic bending lights function, and 19-inch wheels as standard, shod in 235/55 profile tyres. Diesel-powered variants get dual exhaust exits, while petrol variants get single exhaust tips.\nInside, all variants get 10-way powered driver seats, smart keyless entry and start, electronic parking brake, analogue instrument cluster with 3.5-inch TFT LCD display, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronically folding middle row seats and 7.0-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard.\nThe RM20,000 price hike to the Premium variants will net you an additional Burgundy upholstery option (though black is still available),\u00a08-way powered passenger seat, leather dashboard trim, Deluxe cloth or Suede headliner, 7.0-inch Supervision LCD info display (analogue dials for the tachometer, temperature and fuel gauge), Qi wireless charging tray, rain sensor wipers and powered tailgate.\nAs standard, all variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC).\nPremium variants add\u00a0Rear Occupant Alert, Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BSCW) and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) \u2013 the local-spec Hyundai Santa Fe does not come equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems.\nEvery purchase of the Santa Fe comes with\u00a0a five-year/300,00 km warranty. HSDM is also currently offering cash rebates and complimentary accessories worth up to RM15,000 through it\u2019s \nLove It and Drive It Campaign\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last week\u2019s news of the Sony Vision-S being \nroad-tested\n in Europe and even a short video on the design and engineering of the vehicle got many enthusiasts excited. Unfortunately, you can\u2019t buy the Vision-S even in near future.\nSony has spilt the beans regarding the availability of the Vision-S. The company, in response to automotive portal \u201c\nCar and Driver\n\u201c, said it has no plans to mass-produce or sell the fully electric vehicle. Instead, experience gained in testing the imaging and sensing technology can be used to develop better systems for autonomous driving technology.\nSony said they already possessed the expertise in three of the four areas that CASE represented \u2013 Connected, Autonomous and Electric. The company felt they could play an active role in mobility and took up the challenge.\nThe Vision-S places full self-driving capability as its key strength. The \u201cSafety Cocoon\u201d concept uses \n40 different\n \nimaging\n and scanning devices to monitor the exterior and interior of the vehicle in real-time. The target is to achieve \nLevel 4\n-equivalent self-driving system. A lip-reading sensor is also placed in front of the driver to improve the accuracy of speech recognition.\nWhile one can\u2019t buy the Vision-S, it is still a large part of being a testbed for their consumer electronics products. The infotainment system in the Vision-S is highlighted by the \u201c360 Reality Audio\u201d. All four seats have individual speakers, enveloping the occupants in sound from all directions.\nVarious control interfaces such as haptic, gesture and touch together with the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) are also being developed and tested.\nHigh-speed data access will be handled by a system capable of connecting to 5G networks. Sony says that apart from providing entertainment, high-speed data is also vital to enable sophisticated autonomous driving technology.\nAlthough Sony is not building or selling the Vision-S, development partners in the project such as Magna-Steyr, Almotive, ZF and Bosch will still benefit as the project is a combination of all suppliers integrating their products and services.\nSo while you can\u2019t buy the Vision-S, a technology from this working prototype could just be in the future vehicles and even the PlayStation."
"Honda Malaysia\n announced its business strategies and targets for the 2022 calendar year at a media gathering yesterday, where they\u2019ve also set a sales target of 80,000 units for the year.\nThe company says that that target was set based on a forecasted Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 600,000 units, giving them a market share of approximately 13.3%. The 80,000 figure also represents a 51% increase in sales over a difficult 2021, where Honda Malaysia only sold 53,031 units, 12.3% down from 2020 (60,469).\nThe dip in sales performance last year was largely caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and difficulties with chip shortages. But despite the slower sales in 2021, Honda Malaysia says that it still retained its position of the \u201cNo. 1 Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment\u201d for the eighth consecutive year since 2014, helped largely by its bestsellers \u2013 the \nHonda City\n, \nHR-V\n, and\n CR-V\n, contributing 36%, 21%, and 14% respectively to the total figure.\nHonda Malaysia is optimistic for the year ahead, especially coming off the back of good momentum gained from the launch of the \nall-new City Hatchback \nin December 2021, further boosted by the launch of the\n all-new Honda Civic \nlast month.\n\u201cSince the launch of these models, we are gaining good sales momentum despite the challenges of the flood recovery period recently,\u201d said Honda Malaysia MD and CEO, Madoka Chujo. \u201cI would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Honda customers and the Malaysian Government for their unwavering support towards Honda Malaysia.\u201d\nALSO READ: Honda Malaysia announces pricing for City Hatchback RS e:HEV variant \u2013 RM107,783\nBuilding upon the momentum, Honda Malaysia has announced that it\u2019ll also be launching two all-new models this year \u2013 widely rumoured to be the \nall-new HR-V\n and\n BR-V\n. Both models made their global debut last year, and have since made their way into the neighbouring ASEAN countries.\nHonda Malaysia also announced their plans to further expand the use of their \ne:HEV powertrain\n in its future model line-up, hinting at the inclusion of the \nRS e:HEV variant\n on the upcoming all-new Honda HR-V!\nThe Honda e:HEV hybrid powertrain was first introduced here in Malaysia in the City and City Hatchback. Honda Malaysia says that the unique package of e:HEV and RS has received positive feedback from customers not only on its fuel economy and low carbon emissions, but also on its sporty performance and matching styling.\nAside from all-new models, Honda Malaysia also reaffirmed their commitment to \u201craising the bar\u201d of their respective market segments, by expanding its future model line-up with advanced technologies \u201csuch as VTEC Turbocharged, Honda Sensing, and Honda Connect\u201d.\nThe company also announced the introduction of the new Honda Certified Used Car programme here in Malaysia for the first time, as a means to provide another option for customers to purchase their preferred Honda cars. More details on the new programme will be announced at a later date.\nMeanwhile, strengthening of its after sales service experience remains one of Honda Malaysia\u2019s top priority in 2022. A key element to that is its \nHondaTouch mobile service\n, promising to provide more convenience and satisfaction to their customers."
"So you thought 1,000 Nm from the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 in the \nMercedes-Benz S 65 AMG\n was insane, Bentley announced their \nMulsanne Speed\n is generating \n1,100Nm\n from a \n6\u00be\u2011litre twin-turbo V8\n. As if 1,020Nm in the \u201cstandard\u201d Mulsanne (which Bentley prefers to call it as \u201cthe signature Mulsanne\u201d) wasn\u2019t enough!\nThe legendary 6\u00be\u2011litre V8 gets a totally redesigned combustion system with new variable valve timing and optimised turbocharger control to deliver an extra 25hp and 80Nm more torque compared to the signature Mulsanne. A total of \n530 hp\n can be had \nat 4,200 rpm\n, while the whole dollop of\n 1,100 Nm\n of torque arrives from just \n1,750 rpm\n.\nAll the power is sent to the\n rear wheels only\n, via a ZF \n8-speed automatic\n gearbox that has been recalibrated to cope with the tremendous amount of torque. The Mulsanne Speed is capable of hitting a \ntop speed\n of\n 305 km/h\n, and the century sprint from\n 0 to 100 km/h\n takes just\n 4.8 seconds\n, 0.3 seconds faster than the signature Mulsanne.\nNot only that, the V8 is equipped with \ncylinder deactivation system\n that shuts down half the amount of running cylinders making it a V4 when not in full use which leads to an \nextended fuel range by 80 km\n. The combined\n fuel consumption\n is rated at\n 14.6 l/100 km\n, but seriously who\u2019s counting?\nWith the increased power, the Mulsanne Speed receives a bespoke \ndriver-focused Sport suspension\n with switchable Custom setting that allows drivers to individually match steering, chassis and engine tunes according to personal preference.\nYou can tell apart the Mulsanne Speed from the signature Mulsanne by spotting a polished stainless steel Speed badging on the front fenders, or you can observe the stainless steel parts adorned on the exterior of the Mulsanne Speed. They are finished in a \ndarker tint\n compared to the signature Mulsanne, and the taillights gets a similar treatment as well. A set of Bentley\u2019s first ever \ndirectional 21-inch wheels\n also help to distinguish it from the signature Mulsanne too.\nInside, the Mulsanne Speed is fitted with \nMulliner Driving Specification\n that includes diamond quilted leather on the door panels and seats with embroidered winged-B emblems, knurled gear lever and \u201corgan stop\u201d ventilation controls, coined finished interior door handles, and drilled alloy foot pedals.\nA 60 GB hard drive is available, along with other possible options such as electrically powered tables with iPad connectivity at the back of the front seats, on-board Wi-Fi, frosted glass bottle cooler complete with crystal champagne flutes behind the rear armrest, and a 2,200 watt Naim for Bentley premium audio system with 14-speakers.\nThe Mulsanne Speed will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on 2nd of October, and will be available for customer delivery from December onwards.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 11th generation \nHonda Civic\n is off to collect its first big accolade- the 2022 North America Car of the Year (NACOTY). The award that covers the United States and Canadian market also awards trucks and utility vehicles every year.\nMade in the US and \nCanada\n, the latest Honda Civic hatchback and sedan models might have a less aggressive and \u2018softer\u2019 outlook, the judges were impressed by its driving dynamics and sensation behind the wheel, frequently chanting \u2018\nfun to drive\u2019\n. This year, jurors had the choice between three very different cars.\nThe Honda Civic brings newfound refinement to the iconic compact car, while Volkswagen has emphasised fun-driving performance with the \nGolf GTI\n \nand Golf R Mk 8. Then there\u2019s the \nLucid Air\n \u2013 a vehicle many of our jurors have said is a truly game-changing luxury electric car. Five other cars were knocked out after the semi-final round.\nThe experience in the Lucid Air was a breath of fresh air for many jurors, scoring 170 points compared to the Volkswagen Golf with only 89 points. The Honda Civic secured its win with a total of 241 points.\n \nBoth the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf GTI models have already \nbeen previewed\n to the motoring media in Malaysia, with the Civic slated for \nlaunch very soon\n, judging from the whispers amongst fans.\nWith trucks and utility vehicles a big part of the North American motoring landscape, plenty of attention are paid to the vehicles in this category. The \nFord Bronco\n, a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, won its Utility category with ease with 234 points. The fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 managed to edge ahead of the Genesis GV70 by just 40 points at 153 points.\nMeanwhile, the 2022 North America Truck of the Year goes to the compact Ford Maverick. This edition also sees finalists that are unheard of in the truck segment- the fully electric Rivian R1T and the Tucson-based \nHyundai Santa Cruz\n.\nThe Ford Maverick ran away with the votes, scoring a massive 277 points compared to just 97 in the similar-concept Hyundai Santa Cruz. Jurors were impressed nonetheless by the broad capabilities of these crossover-based trucks and invigorating the smaller pick-up truck segment.\nFounded in 1994, these awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not associated with a single publication. They are judged by 50 professional automotive journalists from a wide variety of print, online, radio and television media outlets in the United States and Canada."
"In times like these, with restricted movement so essential to reduce the number of Covid-19 infections, conveying a simple \u201cStay Home\u201d message to the masses can prove to be a tall order. It requires creative use of technology for the message to be conveyed as comprehensively as possible and the Dubai police force has shown the world how it\u2019s done.\nThey\u2019ve recently launched an SMS alert service which enables them to broadcast awareness messages and safety alerts to BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners across the country. So far, there hasn\u2019t been any information from the Mercedes-Benz camp, but the Dubai police force has recently shared an image of the message on their social media account.\nThe message that reads \u201cPlease stay at home for your safety, Dubai Police\u201d is projected onto the infotainment display every time the car is started via BMW\u2019s ConnectedDrive network.\nReports have it that 18,000 customers have received the message within 24 hours after the initiative was launched. Subsequently, it was broadcasted to over 30,000 BMW vehicles in Dubai.\n\u201cThis move is in accordance with the directives of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police, to utilise the latest technologies and innovations in ensuring the safety and security of community members,\u201d said a spokeperson of the Dubai police force."
"Legendary audio makers Bower & Wilkins have taken the opportunity to premier what can only be described as the holy grail of audio systems as a premium option on the all-new\n G11 BMW 7 Series\n at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.\u00a0B&W claims its Diamond Surround Sound System for the new Bimmer \u201credefines what is possible for sound quality within a car\u201d.\nA bold claim one might add, however the brand does have substance to back such a courageous declaration. B&W has over \n40 years\n of building \nstudio grade audio systems\n that would deeply impress even the likes of legendary composer \nHans Zimmer\n. Consider also that B&W are under the Harman Group who own brands such as\u00a0\nHarman Kardon\n,\n Infinity\n, \nJBL\n, \nLexicon\n and \nMark\n \nLevinson\n; just to name a few.\nDesigned exclusively for the all-new BMW 7 Series by the British audio gurus, the Diamond Surround Sound System is the first of its kind \u2013 an audio system featuring advanced acoustic technologies\n never before seen in a car\n, including of course the Diamond dome tweeters.\nB&W manufactures these diamond dome tweeters \nin-house\n and are made synthetically in a\n clave\n that replicates the \nactual\n \ntemperatures\n and \npressures\n found in \nvolcanoes\n needed to produce diamonds. But why?\u00a0Diamond is the \nideal\n tweeter material, offering the perfect combination of \nlightness\n and \nrigidity\n to deliver crystal clear, \nlife-like\n treble for a truly revelatory audio experience.\nUp to the job of powering the 16-speakers that litter the interior is a\u00a0\n10-channel 1400W Class-D amplifier\n. Not only that, the system is capable of projecting not one, not two, but\n five\n different presets such as\n\u00a0Studio\n,\u00a0\nConcert\n,\u00a0\nOn stage\n, \nCinema\n and \nLounge\n. That task is perfected via the\u00a0\nQuantumLogic\n surround sound\n processor unit\n.\nThe result is that the carefully and finely tuned located 16-speaker system delivers breathtakingly realistic, enveloping sound no matter where in the car you are seated.\u00a0The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is \nexclusively\n available as a \npremium option\n with the all-new \nG11 BMW 7 Series\n. It\u2019s an option that is rumoured to cost in excess of \nRM24,000\n. That\u2019s not too bad, right?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW G11 7 SERIES"
"Taking centre stage at Mazda\u2019s booth at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show is the Mazda Vision Coupe, a design study for the brands future models. The new design is an evolution of its iconic KODO: Soul of Motion design language that shaped its current generation of SkyActiv models.\nWhile strikingly similar to the \nRX-Vision Concept\n that premiered at the last instalment of the Tokyo Motor Show, the Vision Coupe is a low slung, long bonnet, four-door coupe. The exterior features a \u201cone motion\u201d form with pronounced body lines that gives off a strong sense of speed. Mazda has evolved the KODO design into a more \nelegant and premium styling\n which will reflect on its next-generation vehicles.\nL: RX-Vision ; R: Vision Coupe   Inside, the cabin features a longitudinal axis design on the dashboard to \ncreate greater sense of space and speed\n. The interior is also draped in brushed wood trim with generous use of leather. Other familiar items include the instrument cluster design with clearer fonts and the three-spoke steering wheel design as seen on the \nCX-9\n.\nIn line with Mazda\u2019s \u201c\nSustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030\n\u201d vision, the company aims to celebrate the fundamental appeal of automobiles \u2013 driving pleasure \u2013 promising a car ownership experience that celebrates driving. Mazda, we are already drawing pleasure\u00a0 just by looking at this stunning machine.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton Motorsports has \ndropped an image on their Facebook page\n, hinting that\u00a0a \nProton Iriz\n\u00a0could be their subject for a new motorsports project. As far as we can guess, the rally tyres fitted on the Iriz suggest that such a project could be underway.\nProton has had a colourful history in rallying, be it on international or local stages. Remember the good old Satria Neo? That has long been Proton\u2019s weapon\u00a0of choice and ran rather successfully for many years. It\u2019s not surprising to pick the Iriz as a rally car, really. Most manufacturers now use their B-Segment cars such as the VW Polo, Ford Fiesta and Citroen DS3 in the World Rally Championship. Another reason why this is a likely scenario is because the Satria Neo is no longer in production.\nThere\u2019s no confirmation on when the Iriz will make its rallying debut, but we think it\u2019s safe to assume that it will happen in Perlis this May when the 2016 Malaysian Rally Championship kicks off. Two units of the rally-spec Iriz will hit the ground running, piloted by Malaysia\u2019s rally legend Karamjit Singh and up and coming talent Kenneth Koh.\nWe \nreviewed\n the Proton Iriz last year and agree that, given the Iriz\u2019s promising handling capabilities, it should prove to be a good recipe for rally racing. The Iriz\u00a0also appeared in \ntouring car racing\n\u00a0last year as part of the Malaysia Championship Series."
"It\u2019s been a long time coming, this. The Toyota Camry is making a comeback \u2013 a huge one at that might we add, this time packing some mix of really promising things in the bag. Unlike the \nVios\n, the facelift doesn\u2019t just spell skin-deep alterations because new looks aside, the Camry will also gain from a \nnew engine\n, a \nsix-speed gearbox\n and a hybrid variant, no less.\nWord has it that the Camry will share the same base \n2.0-litre VVT-iW\n engine as the \nLexus NX200t\u2019s\n, minus the turbocharger, of course. This more advanced engine is capable of operating in both Otto and Atkinson cycle, optimising fuel efficiency at all rev ranges without compromising performance and emission.\nNot much is known about the Malaysian specced Camry Hybrid at the moment, but we\u2019ll be giving you the full details of it come Monday (23 March) when we see it in the flesh, along with the non-hybrid variants as well. But we can tell you this: the hybrid will most likely be based on a \n2.5-litre engine\n, so stay tuned for the latest updates!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Officially announced back in October 2014, BMW released new pictures of their mega M duo, the \nX5 M\n Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and the \nX6 M\n Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). Sharing same platform but with individual bodystyle, both the X5 M and the X6 M are powered by the same \n4.4-litre twin-turbo V8\n \ndriving all four wheels\n via an\n\u00a0eight-speed auto\n box.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X5 M / X6 M\nEngine\n4,395 cc V8 TwinScroll twin-turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic\nMax Power\n575 hp @ 6,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n750 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nThe X5 and the X6 has been further beefed up externally with lovely M bits. The grille now gets twin slats with a discreet M badge but the front bumper is all-new with gaping intakes. All the matte black trims around the wheel arches, side skirts, and lower edge of the bumpers are now painted in body colour to emphasise the added sportiness of the two vehicles.   Both vehicles sit lower to the ground by 10 mm and the wheel arches are occupied by a set of \n20-inch M light alloy wheels\n. The Air Breathers on the front fenders get highlighted in chrome, and the twin-stalk side mirrors are exclusive to these M variants too.\nThe back receives a new bumper with integrated diffuser as well as quad-tailpipes, but the X6 M has an extra bootlid spoiler for better stability.   INTERIOR\nThe base interior is shared with their vanilla counterparts, but there are quite a number of distinctive M-specific updates done to it. This includes the special \nM sports steering wheel\n with shift paddles and the \nM gearshift lever\n on the center console, and the \nM sports seats\n for the front occupants.\nThere\u2019s a special M theme for the instruments, as well as the inclusion of the \nM Drive menu\n in the information display. The cabin is finished off with a dusting of letter M scattered around on the seats, steering wheel, gearlever, and door sills among others.\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth the X5 M and the X6 M drive all four wheels using the\n xDrive intelligent AWD system\n and \nDynamic Performance Control\n. There\u2019s no dual-clutch transmission here, instead an \n8-speed M Steptronic transmission\n with\n Drivelogic\n is used to propel the duo.\nAll \n575 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque are provided by the \ntwin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8\n engine under the bonnet. With\n launch control\n it will sprint from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in just\n 4.2 seconds\n while the\n top speed\n is limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nThree modes can be chosen from the \nDynamic Stability Control\n: \nDSC on\n, \nM Dynamic Mode\n (MDM), and \nDSC off\n. BMW said the MDM will \u201callow greater wheel slip to give keen drivers the chance to execute some mild drifts\u201d. That sure sounds fun!\nWHAT ELSE?\nA lenghty list of optional items are available for both X5 M and X6 M ranging from the \nHead-Up Display\n, Alcantara roof liner, \nventilated seats\n, to a set of 21-inch wheels.\nAdditionally, BMW is also offering the \nM Performance Parts\n to further enhance the looks inside and out. It features items such as the blacked-out grille, carbonfibre mirror caps, carbonfibre interior trim, Alcantara steering wheel, stainless steel sports pedals, and even the M Performance floor mats.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 BMW X5 M   2015 BMW X6 M   2015 BMW X6 M and X5 M"
"Chinese carmaker Chery\u2019s official return to Malaysia now has a more concrete date: July 2023. But before the scheduled brand launch, local production (CKD) of its \u201cPhase One\u201d models, including the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n and \nOmoda 5\n, will begin in June this year.\nThe estimated timeframe was announced by Chery International Executive Vice President Charlie Zhang, during a media gathering in Kuala Lumpur today.\nZhang says that the company is working tirelessly to meet that schedule, and its local product road map for Malaysia, alongside its localisation plans, are all already confirmed. On the latter, Zhang added that the common parts such as tires, seat upholstery, and plastic trims will be localised.\nThe company has yet to announce its local production partner yet due to non-disclosure agreements, but Zhang reassured that the announcement will be made \u201cvery very soon\u201d.\nRELATED: \nChery to produce 30,000 cars annually in Malaysia CKD plant\nAs announced in the \nfirst official preview last year\n, Chery Malaysia\u2019s \u201cPhase One\u201d plan will include the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Omoda 5 models. This will then be followed by the \nTiggo 7 Pro \nand\n Tiggo 4 Pro\n in the coming years. While the Omoda 5 is expected to become the marque\u2019s volume maker in the Malaysian market, Chery\u2019s return to Malaysia will first be headlined by the Tiggo 8 Pro.\nFor Malaysia, the seven-seater SUV will be offered initially with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making up to \n250 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nFollowing the launch, however, Chery says that a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Tiggo 8 Pro is expected to be launched in Malaysia as soon as next year. It\u2019ll feature the marque\u2019s third-generation PHEV powertrain, consisting of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, two electric motors, as well as what the marque calls a 3DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) gearbox, for a combined output of \n241 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n.\nChery says the third-generation PHEV powertrain will feature class-leading thermal efficiency of up to 44%, and boasts a range of over 100 km in a single charge.\nALSO READ:\n Chery Omoda 5 open for pre-booking in Indonesia \u2013 cheaper than the Honda HR-V!\nAs for the Chery Omoda 5, the futuristic-looking crossover will likely feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the hood, similar to what the Indonesian market gets. The 1.5-litre mill makes \n154 hp \nand\n 230 Nm\n, with power sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nDuring the preview last year, Chery Malaysia revealed that the Omoda 5 will also be offered with a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection inline-four unit, making \n194 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n of torque. However, the most interesting variant of the Omoda 5 has to be the \nfully-electric EV variant\n, confirmed to launch in Malaysia towards the end of this year.\nNo specifications have been announced yet, but Zhang says that the ride-hand-drive model is expected to begin production in China in September, before moving to Malaysia at a later date.\nALSO READ: \nMalaysia-bound Chery Omoda 5 scores full five stars in Euro NCAP safety rating"
"The Mazda6 is undoubtedly a good looking car and today, her pretty little sister is finally in Malaysia. Bermaz Motor launched the highly anticipated Mazda3 at 1 Utama shopping mall today. Unveiled at the launch was the \n2014 Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv sedan\n, and the new Mazda CX-5 2.5 CBU. What\u2019s missing is the Mazda3 hatchback.\nWatch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review\nQuick Facts\nName\nMazda3 2.0L SkyActiv Sedan\nSegment\nC-Segment Sedan\nEngine\nSKYACTIV-G 2.0L, In-line, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16V (162hp, 210Nm)\nPrice\nRM138,935.50\n (OTR with insurance)\nWatch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review\nSince the first generation Mazda3 was introduced back in 2004, the Japanese automaker has sold 4 million units around the world, contributing 30% to Mazda\u2019s global sales volume. This is the third generation Mazda3, which is also the third member in the Mazda family to adopt the SkyActiv Technologies, after the CX-5 and Mazda 6. An essential product that is carefully designed and developed.\nSpecification & Price List\n \n \nExterior\n Many would refer this new C-segment contender as the baby Mazda6 due to its \nKODO\n design theme. KODO, which means Soul of Motion in Japanese, is a concept Mazda adopted to designs inspired by animals in instant motion. Much like a panther, in a position that\u2019s ready to pounce. \u00a0It does look like the all-new muscular Mazda3 is ready to pounce on the rest of the C-segment players in Malaysia, and probably rip them apart as well because, it is really gorgeous.   The look from front of the car is unmistakably a Mazda with the signature front grille and familiar looking Bi-xenon headlights. If you look carefully, the hood of the car is exceptionally longer and the rear is shorter than usual, giving the impression that the weight of the car is shifted to the rear.\nA long hood is good, but short boot? Not so, because you\u2019ll get an unusually small boot opening which means there\u2019s a limitation to what you can fit into it. But, the space in the boot does make up to the issue. You do get a spacious boot out of it. You\u2019ll also get a set of \n18-inch wheels\n that is quite a surprise for a C-segment car. With that, it just completes the broad stance this panther portrays.\nInterior\n Mazda Malaysia advertised in their specs that the seats and upholstery come in fabric, but they are throwing in free upgrade to \nleather seats\n. That should have come as standard but anyway, there are quite a bit of \ncarbon fiber\n touches here and there, raw carbon fiber look. They have it on the door panels, steering wheel and the meter cluster hood; and they do look good, young and sporty.   Infotainment system is displayed on the Samsung-tab-looking \n7-inch display\n in the middle of the dashboard that is controlled by a i-Drive (BMW) looking commander control on the centre console. Meter cluster is simple with the speedometer in the middle.\nThe steering wheel is Electric Power Steering that comes with buttons on one side and \npaddle shifters\n as well! On the safety side, the car comes with \nsix airbags\n and is awarded maximum 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, and the standard ABS, EBD, BA, DSC and TCS. Not forgetting, it has electric sunroof as well.\nWatch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review\nPerformance\n This third generation Mazda3 is built entirely on the \nSkyActiv Technologies\n that covers the engine, chassis, body and transmission which makes it a Energy Efficient Vehicle (\nEEV\n). When asked if Mazda\u2019s EEV qualifies for the EEV incentive from government, Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh, Managing Director of Bermaz Motor said the government has recognized Mazda\u2019s SkyActiv cars as EEV however the guidelines on the incentive is still unclear.\nWhat makes it so efficient is the impressive \ncompression ratio\n figure from the SkyActiv engine, \n14.0:1\n which is the highest in its class. This matches the \nFerrari 458 Speciale\u2019s\n compression ratio from its most powerful V8 engine ever made. With that, more power can be generated using the most efficient amount of fuel. The \n2.0-litre SkyActive-G\n engine is mated with SkyActiv-Drive, a \n6-speed Automatic\n transmission. Both working harmoniously while producing maximum output of \n162 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of \n210 Nm\n at 4,000 rpm.\nWhat else.\n Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said the focus on the C-segment market is family oriented sedan which explains why the hatchback has yet to make its debut in Malaysia. He added there\u2019s plan to bring in the sporty hatchback with the performance spec but it will be pricey. On the plans of locally assembling the Mazda3, Datuk Seri said Bermaz is now focusing on the CX-5 CKD with dedicated assembly line by Inokom, no specific time frame on when the Mazda3 will be localized.\nThe all-new 2014 Mazda3 2.0L SkyActiv Sedan is priced at \nRM138,935.50\n OTR with insurance. It is available in four colours; Soul Red Metallic, Snowflas White Pearl Mica, Titanimum Flash Mica and Meteor Grey Mica.\nRead the new Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan full review here\nWatch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Michelin\n has officially introduced the new \nPilot Sport 5 (PS5)\n and \nPrimacy 4+\n in Europe, available in 50 different sizes ranging from 17 to 21-inches. The new tyres will be available to all markets by the 1st of March 2022.\nThe new tyres feature Michelin\u2019s Dynamic Response technology where a layer forms a belt around the tyre structure for better contact on the road.\nWith the MaxTouch Construction, forces from acceleration, braking, and cornering are distributed evenly around the tyres, the new PS5 promises longer tread life.\nAccording to the company\u2019s press release, the new tyres come with a Dual Sport Tread Design featuring large longitudinal grooves that disperse water quicker for better grip on wet roads. The outer part of the tyres, on the other hand, is more rigid for better grip on dry roads.\nAside from the new PS5 tyres, Michelin also launched the new Primacy 4+ with improved wet braking performances even the tyres are worn. The tyre\u2019s performance is credited to Michelin\u2019s EverGrip technology which combines two layers of rubber to offset the loss of tread while improving water dispersion when the tyres are worn.\nThe Primacy 4+ tyres are available in 121 different sizes, catering to wheels ranging from 16 to 21-inches.\nGALLERY"
"The \nsecond-generation MINI Countryman\n has just gotten a fat dose of steroids, because not only is it the largest MINI model to ever exist, it\u2019s also the fastest, largest ever MINI model to be made. Enter the 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.\nThis Countryman gets the tried and tested \ntwin-scroll turbocharged\u00a02.0-litre four-cylinder\n\u00a0engine, deploying\u00a0\n231 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Buyers can either opt for the eight-speed Steptronic auto or the six-speed manual.\nIt\u2019s only available as a crossover and will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in \n6.5 seconds\n, or about\u00a00.8 seconds quicker than the Cooper S Countryman ALL4. Also, the new model is 0.5 seconds quicker than the outgoing JCW Countryman it replaces.\nApart from the usual JCW\u00a0Aerodynamics kit, it receives a sports exhaust, sports suspension with Brembo brakes, 18-inch wheels and JCW-themed interior.\u00a0Variable damper control is available as an option, though.\nThe MINI JCW Countryman\u00a0will be showcased at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show in April prior to market introduction. Suffice to say, the new Countryman range will undoubtedly make its way to Malaysia, so stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After another high-flying year for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), the company\u2019s product offense strategy this year has earned them no less than five titles at the ASEAN Car of the Year Awards 2016 (ACOTY). Among the five titles, the C-Class also emerged as the third overall winner at the ACOTY, trailing just 2.33 points behind the \ntitle holder\n.\nTo make things even sweeter, all three of MBM\u2019s sedan line up \u2013 the \nC-Class\n, \nE-Class\n and \nS-Class\n\u00a0\u2013 emerged as winners in their respective category. The C-Class was named Premium Family Car of the Year, E-Class as Premium Executive Car of the Year and S-Class as Limousine of the Year.\n \n \nAt the higher end of the price spectrum, the \nMercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe\n went up against the \nBentley Continental GT\n and Porsche Panamera for the Grand Tourer of the Year title and emerged on top. If you wish to have Malaysia\u2019s Grand Tourer of the Year in your stable, MBM is asking for \nRM1.5 million\n for the S63 AMG coupe (pictured below).\nMBM\u2019s success over the past two years is\u00a0greatly contributed by their localisation efforts and attractive financing packages, and it is no wonder that they keep smashing records after records. In addition to that, their range of Dream Cars and in-your-face AMGs (cue \nG63\n) certainly appeals to the affluent few, reaching out to an even wider range of audience.\nWe at \nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to extend our utmost congratulations to MBM for their achievements and look forward to what is in store for\u00a02017."
"At the opening of the New York International Auto Show, Jaguar Land Rover was also awarded, for the very first time, the World Green Car award for the \nJaguar I-PACE\n.\nWinning the 2019 World Car Design of the Year award also means the Jaguar I-PACE now has four of those titles under its belt.\n \nThe other finalist the \nAudi e-tron\n that GC Mah went to see in San Francisco.\nThe Jaguar I-PACE was shortlisted from an initial pool of 40 cars from all over the world and emerged victorious ahead of two other finalists \u2013 the \nAudi e-tron and the \nVolvo S60/V60\n \u2013 for the 2019 World Car of the Year Award.\nHere\u2019s the full list of winners from all the categories:\n2019 World Car of the Year: Jaguar I-PACE\n2019 World Urban Car of the Year: \nSuzuki Jimny\n2019 World Luxury Car of the Year: \nAudi A7\n2019 World Performance Car of the Year: \nMcLaren 720S\n2019 World Car Design of the Year: Jaguar I-PACE\n2019 World Green Car of the Year: Jaguar I-PACE\nThe \nLittle D\n \u2013 Suzuki\u2019s answer to the Land Rover Discovery.\nThe annual World Car Awards has now entered its 15th year since its inauguration in 2003 and has been the \nNo.1 awards programme in the world for six consecutive years\n. \nIt\u2019s administered by a non-profit organisation comprising of members of management and a group of prominent automotive journalist from Europe, North America and Asia. Well, it\u2019s a lie \u2013 cause AutoBuzz.my wasn\u2019t called up for it."
"In case you\u2019re unaware, several areas in West Germany have been devastated by the worst flood the country has seen in over 60 years. The floods have also impacted the areas in Belgium and Netherlands that border East Germany.\nSo far, the death toll is over 180 people with more than 1,000 unaccounted for. The town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, just south of Cologne, reportedly received two months\u2019 worth of rain in just two days.\n \nThe scenes are just as heartbreaking at a Porsche dealership in Stuttgart when a video surfaced on \nCarscoops \nshowing countless 911s and SUVs in a swamp of water.\nThe video above only goes to offer a slight impression of the severity of the flood. Water levels can be seen to be as high as the wheel arches of the Macan and Cayenne models parked outside, while at the top of your screen, only the top half of the Porsche Taycan can be seen.\nThis is not an isolated case as other dealerships have been hard hit by the catastrophe that Germany says is contributed by climate change. Last week, \nan Audi showroom was completely destroyed\n with new units stacked on top of each other following the flood."
"Public Bank Berhad and \nPerodua\n have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to provide financing facilities to Perodua authorized dealers. This collaboration between the two companies will enable Public Bank to interface and facilitate digitalisation via online submission of hire purchase end-financing applications to the bank. Uploading of basic application documents and tracking of application status are also included.\nPublic Bank Berhad Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Dato\u2019 Sri Dr. Tay Ah Lek said, \u201cPerodua is also Malaysia\u2019s first and biggest Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) manufacturer. On our part, supporting the growth of the EEV industry is a key pillar of the Bank\u2019s climate agenda, where Public Bank had mobilised over \nRM30 billion\n in domestic EEV financing by the end of \n2022\n.\u201d\nHe adds, \u201cAs part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of the EEV industry, Public Bank has increased its EEV lending target from \nRM25 billion\n to \nRM33 billion\n by \n2025\n.\u201d\nHe also added, \u201cThus, there is strong synergistic potential where Public Bank and Perodua can continue to work together, in not only growing our respective business, but also contributing positively toward ESG initiatives for the betterment of our society and the world.\u201d\nPerodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad mentioned that this three-pronged deal addresses the need for Perodua\u2019s current and future activities. \u201cI hope this collaboration will further elevate our respective organisations to greater heights,\u201d he said.\nRELATED: \nEV Perodua eM-O concept car at MAS2023 \u2013 350km range, 800V, Myvi-sized"
"Car makers seem to \nreally enjoy coming up with April Fool\u2019s pranks\n\u00a0as\u00a0if\u00a0it\u00a0was a competition among themselves, with one trying to outwit the other.\nReading their press releases, you just can\u2019t help but sit and wonder, how and who even came up with these pranks. They\u2019re so eloquently written \u2013 as if they meant it \u2013 and if you were a little less attentive to the details, you might even think they\u2019re real.\nHonda \u201cPastport\u201d with 1990\u2019s trims and features\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ5oRIXCFlM\nAs a throwback to the 1990\u2019s, Honda supposedly introduced the new Honda Passport with a new \u201c90\u2019s themed Pastport trim\u201d \u2013 equipped with automatic windows, plush micro-fiber seats, a cassette player and a mount for a beeper.\u00a0\nMost remote EV charging point in the UK \nLand Rover supposedly installed the most remote EV charging point in the UK, at the Isle of Skye in Scotland \u2013 located 24 km from the nearest road \u2013 accessible under electric power. Yea, right.\nMG\u2019s road-colouring tyres\nMG Motor UK introduced road-colouring tyres which are coated with water-soluble dye that covers the road for a splash of vibrancy on UK\u2019s roads, before fading off shortly.\nCarGurus\u2019 gets a dog to sniff out the best new car deal\nLeading automotive shopping site, CarGurus, has apparently trained a Cocker Spaniel to help car buyers \u201csniff out\u201d the best deal. When a customer has found the right car, it will bark and offer its paws as a sign of approval. If only there was such a thing.\nFirst ever convertible Toyota\u00a0Hiace\u00a0with\u00a0built-in\u00a0oven\u00a0\nWe actually wished this was the real deal. Apparently only 2,019 units of the Hiace will be built, exclusively for the Australian market. Toyota Australia also \u201crevealed\u201d \nan optional extra \u201cbuilt-in pie oven\u201d for the convertible Hiace\n, called \u2018\nPieAce\n\u2019, that\u2019s fitted neatly behind the rear tailgate."
"As a show of gratitude to the frontliners who\u2019ve worked tirelessly in our country\u2019s battle against the \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n, Proton has introduced the \nProton Cares Programme\n, offering five years of free personal accident (PA) insurance coverage to the frontliners or their immediate families with a purchase of any Proton models.\nUnderwritten by MCIS Insurance, the free PA insurance offers coverage of \nup to RM50,000\n for\n five years\n, in the event of death, accidental death, or permanent disability of the insured individual.\nThis is yet another initiative by the national carmaker in the fight against the pandemic. Earlier, Proton \nprovided 50 units of the X70 SUV to the Ministry of Health \nto support the ministry\u2019s logistical requirements. The carmaker also \ndonated 120,000 face shields\n to hospitals nationwide \u2013 all of which are produced in house by voluntary Proton staff.\n\u201cMalaysia has made great strides in fighting the battle against COVID-19, thanks to our brave frontliners working tirelessly to safeguard our health,\u201d the post on Proton\u2019s social media read. \u201cTogether, let\u2019s adapt to the new normal and continue to play our part to curb the COVID-19 pandemic while making Malaysia a safer country.\u201d\nRecently, Proton also announced their \nrevised price list\n, with reduction from the \nexemption of sales tax \nand additional rebates. The updated price list, which will be in effect until the end of the year, sees the entry price for the \nX70 SUV\n dropped to RM89,900."
"If this video proves anything, is that you\u2019re never too late (or too old for that matter) to indulge in your passion or even realise your dreams.\nAn elderly lady was spotted and filmed at the Monza Circuit in Italy recently, with a (991) Porsche \n911 GT3 RS\n pushing out 513 hp! That\u2019s not what you\u2019d expect a person of her appearance to drive; on one of the fastest circuits in the world no less!\nBased solely on her body language and movements, she could easily be 65 and above but the way she drove suggests anything but old age!\n \nThe age old saying \u201cNever judge a book by its cover\u201d couldn\u2019t be more true and apparent in this video. Right off the bat, the striking green 911 GT3 RS can be seen going full throttle, as it exits the pits.\nAs the video progresses, you\u2019d realise that it\u2019s nothing like a ride to the groceries \u2013 at a snail\u2019s pace \u2013 with your own grandma; she\u2019s actually going full throttle and hitting the redline with every gear in one of Porsche\u2019s most ferocious, track-oriented car!\nAnd she brakes really hard (and late) too as the emergency brake lights can be seen flashing at the end of the straights.\nAre your parent\u2019s saying they\u2019re too old to do fun stuff? Show em\u2019 this video!"
"The headlines for the recently concluded Sepang 1000 km (S1K) 2019 endurance race were mostly grabbed by Team Proton R3 for finishing first and second overall, but it was the third entrant by the team that surprised the most.\u00a0\nCar 82, the Proton Saga driven by an all-women driver line-up consisting of Leona Chin, Faye Kusairi, and Nurul Husna, came home a respectable seventh overall, which set the record for the best result for an all-ladies drivers line-up.\nThis result was especially impressive when you consider that this effort was the first time all three ladies have been in the same car together. A technical issue during qualifying also relegated the team to start at the last position (26th) on the M-Production class grid.\u00a0\nDespite the set back, the ladies performed admirably throughout the nine hours of gruelling racing, methodically working their way up the field to mount a thrilling comeback.\nTeam Proton R3 Driver Faye Kusairi said, \u201cThe S1K was extremely memorable and surreal for me. I am amazed we finished seventh from 26th on the grid but it proves how quick the Proton Saga and our trio of drivers really is. To be honest, I really feel that if we were given another chance, I think we can make it up on to the podium.\u201d\nThe results also proved the natural ability of the Proton Saga as a competent track car. As the production car was only launched in August 2019, the development team faced a monumental challenge to get the Saga ready in time for the race.\nProton Chief Executive Officer Dr Li Chunrong said, \u201cThis year\u2019s car is brand new and despite the very short timelines, the results have been very impressive. This therefore proves the Proton Saga is capable of performing in a variety of environments, from daily commuting to family outings and competing in Malaysia\u2019s biggest race, making it truly a Malaysian favourite.\u201d"
"Mobile phones and have become an integral part of our daily lives. Car manufactures and tech companies all recognise the importance mobile connectivity, hence the creation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nVolvo is taking this to the next level by forming a partnership with Google to develop their next-generation Android-based infotainment system. The objective is to revolutionise how drivers engage and interact with their Volvo vehicles and will offer a variety of Android applications developed by Google, Volvo or third-party app developers. This new infotainment system is set to debut on Volvo models \nwithin the next two years\n.   Volvo believes that this partnership with Google will offer more flexibility and speed up the development of the platform. One of Volvo\u2019s goals is to allow owners the ability to\n personalise the connected in-car experience\n between their mobile device and car.\nThere\u2019s good news for current Volvo owners as well. The Swedish company and Google are working on updating the current Sensus Navigation (currently available on the \nXC90\n, \nV90\n and \nS90\n) with Google Local Search, a location-based service application. Further details of the new infotainment system and \nGoogle Local Search\n will be announced at the Google I/O annual tech show happening on 17 May 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor has launched the new facelift 2022 Toyota Camry \u2013 available only in a single variant \u2013 from \nRM199,109\n. The Camry is fully imported from Thailand.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic Direct Shift with Paddle Shifter\nMax Power: 209 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax Torque: 253 Nm @ 5,000 rpm\nEXTERIOR\nThe bulk of the exterior changes lies in the front, with a completely redesigned front bumper. As a result, the gapping look from before is now narrower, lending a more elegant look. The headlamps design remains unchanged however, a camera and two additional parking sensors have been added just below the Toyota badge up front.\nFull LED lighting front and back including front and rear fog lights\n18-inch wheels\nDouble wishbone rear suspension\nThe taillight design remains largely unchanged as well except for the section that extends to the side of the car. The facelift 2022 Toyota Camry comes in five colours \u2013 Silver Metallic, Graphite Metallic, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Burning Black and Red Mica.\nINTERIOR\nInside the 2022 Toyota Camry is where you\u2019d find more significant changes. Compared to the \nmodel launched in 2018\n, the infotainment display and air-con vents have swapped places in order to accommodate a larger infotainment display. Previously, the Camry came with an 8-inch touchscreen.\nThe multi-info display on the instrument cluster remains similar in size. The wood-like trims on the dashboard and centre console in the pre-facelift model have also been replaced to better suit the interior ambience of the car. The 8-way powered seats for the driver have been upgraded to 10-way powered seats.\n10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto\n9-speaker JBL sound system\n7-inch multi-info display on instrument cluster\n3-zone air conditioning\nReclinable rear seat\nArm rest with air-con, radio, and reclining controls\n10-way electric seats (driver), 8-way (front passenger)\nHead-up display\nWireless charging\nThe \nmost incredible upgrade\n offered in the facelift Camry lies in the rear section. It now comes with reclinable rear seats, and controls for the air-con, radio, and seat-reclining feature. Sadly, the control panel on the rear armrest does not offer air-con fan speed controls.\nSAFETY\nThe facelift 2022 Toyota Camry comes with the full set of Toyota Safety Sense features including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and dynamic radar cruise control. The last two features now work at all speeds.\nSeven airbags\nBlind Spot Monitor\nRear Cross Traffic Alert with autonomous braking\nPanoramic View Monitor\nHill-start assist\nToyota Safety Sense\nAutomatic high beam\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve had an eye on automotive news in recent weeks, you\u2019d know that car companies have not only lent a hand in production of healthcare equipment and apparels, but they\u2019ve also helped customers with scheduled service postponements and even alleviate their cabin fever (and their children\u2019s as well) with art work and handicrafts.\nAudi started the snowball with its colouring book\n, then \nToyota got creative with paper crafts\n \u2013 featuring six different iconic liveries on its GT86 sports car. \nMazda followed suit with their own paper crafts\n featuring classics like the Mazda Familia and the brand\u2019s first ever car, the R360 and yesterday, \nBMW published a colouring book\n by numbers.\nNow Volkswagen has decided they too, want a piece of this colouring action. It\u2019s common knowledge that colouring has some therapeutic qualities and as for these car companies, either they have data to prove this notion or they\u2019re just copying what each other are doing.\nEither ways, it\u2019s a rather cool collection of cars to embark on over the weekend. For starters, there\u2019s the Golf GTI, an overly popular car in Malaysia, the highly-anticipated Arteon and the classic Combi.\nThings have not slowed down at the Volkswagen camp since the Covid-19 pandemic overwhelmed economies around the world. Aside from \nhelping with the production of 3D-printed ventilators\n, Volkswagen also announced a \nnew 2D logo\n to go with the \nnew R logo\n they introduced last year.\nLocally, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) introduced the \neShowroom as an alternative method of car purchase\n during the MCO period. Through the eShowroom, customers stand to save up to RM8,000 for the Beetle, Golf GTI and Golf R models.\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019re here in chilly New Zealand, compliments of Sime Darby Auto Performance, official distributors of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, to be the first few in the region to check out the \nnew Porsche 911 \nin the flesh at its regional launch.\nAs Adrian said it, it\u2019s not easy to recreate an icon. Some might consider Porsche lazy for its stubborn approach to the 911\u2019s design, but on the flip side, it\u2019s actually harder to make a car look new despite having to stick with the very basis of the car\u2019s design \u2013 a long front hood with a sloping roof design and long rear overhangs.\nBut that\u2019s the beauty of the 911 isn\u2019t it? It simply doesn\u2019t need a radical new design but is instead built on the previous success of its predecessor.\nAesthetically, 911s may not shout and scream as much as a Ferrari or Lamborghini would, but you get the feeling that that\u2019s how Porsche wants it \u2013 preferring to reveal its magic on the move.\nAnd this new 992 generation 911, as we will drive and drive hard, is already assuring an absence of disappointment even on paper.\nThe 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six has been given a 30 hp and 30 Nm bump from before, now making \n450 hp \nwith \n530 Nm\n of torque. This power increase is primarily down to the relocated intercoolers that now rests just below the rear bonnet for better cooling and revised turbocharger flow.\n0 to 100 km/h now takes just \n3.7 seconds in the rear-wheel drive Carrera S\n, while the \nall-wheel drive Carrera 4S does it in 3.6 seconds\n with both cars \n0.4 seconds quicker\n than the models they replace.\nTo put things in perspective, that\u2019s Mercedes-AMG GT R (3.5 secs) or even Ferrari Enzo (3.6 secs) rivalling performance and they\u2019re not even the Turbo models! As for top speed, both cars will exceed in excess of 300 km/h \u2013 308 km/h on the Carrera S and 307 km/h on the Carrera 4S.\nYou might point your fingers at the car\u2019s construction, which is now 70% made of aluminium with only 30% of steel used \u2013 unlike 63% steel used before \u2013 but the car\u2019s actually slightly heavier before. Porsche magic? Maybe.\nMaybe it\u2019s down to the car\u2019s science of wind, or more commonly known as aerodynamics \u2013 something Porsche has elevated in the 992. The front vents can now open and close on its own \u2013 either for better cooling performance or reduced drag.\n \nUnder 70 km/h, the flaps are wide open for better cooling but from 70 km/h and beyond, these front vents completely shut for reduced drag. At 170 km/h, these flaps open up again into a \u201cPerformance position\u201d, along with the adaptive rear spoiler.\nRear wheel steer is now available, along with an 11% quicker steering rack, larger vents on the rear bumper comparable to that in the previous generation 991 Turbo. For the first time, the new 992 is fitted with mixed sized wheels \u2013 20-inch in the front and 21-inch at the rear.\nThe 911 Carrera S now features the wide body \u2013 a privilege previously conferred only to the Carrera 4S and Turbo models \u2013 also another first along the Wet Mode drive setting catered to driving on wet and slippery road conditions.\nAs for the other more elaborate details, be sure to check out our Vlog coming up real soon along our first impressions of the new car \u2013 can\u2019t wait for it to arrive in Malaysia!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the country entered the into National Recovery Plan (NPR) exactly a month ago, daily Covid-19 cases have instead risen to five-figure levels, with cases in the Klang Valley alone soaring to over 6,000 cases.\nWith the NRP broken into four phases and using the number of daily cases as a barometer for moving forward, the Klang Valley is still stuck in Phase One where only industries in the essential services are allowed to operate.\nThe automotive industry is stagnant, with production and deliveries of new vehicles halted since the beginning of June. Commenting on the situation, President of UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), Ravindran K. said that the continued closure of all Toyota and Lexus showrooms nationwide meant that no business could be conducted; whilst at the same time manufacturing of vehicles including the supply chain and logistic efforts have also come to a halt.\n\u201cWe still have an encouraging order bank for the various models. Nevertheless, we are hopeful that the restrictions of the lockdown can be eased to allow us to operate in a limited and safe way. Naturally, we will abide by all Standard Operating Procedures, as we have during the past year,\u201d he said.\n\u201cWe encourage customers to \nmake their bookings online\n as we can then plan production at our two assembly plants to minimize waiting time when the restrictions are lifted, to enable customers to enjoy the current financial incentives,\u201d emphasised Ravindran K.\nFind out more about the Toyota Vios and Yaris, sedan vs hatchback here!\nFor the first five months of the year, the company sold a total of 34,026 units, with sales of Toyota Vios, Yaris and the Hilux models contributing to 78% of sales in May. UMWT targets to sell 62,000 units this year, a modest 4.5% increase versus 2020.\nAkio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMWT added that prolonged restrictions on vehicle production can have an impact not just on passenger vehicles but also commercial vehicles, which are essential for transportation of goods around the country.\n\u201cFurthermore, export business will be affected as well as our subsidiaries export a substantial amount of automotive components as part of Toyota\u2019s global supply chain. If this situation continues for long, we are concerned that our overseas customers may look for new suppliers as they cannot have their own production delayed due to shortage of parts from Malaysia. This could have an impact on Malaysia\u2019s economy as a whole if export business declines,\u201d he elaborated.\nLast week, UMWT announced an additional\n investment of RM270 million\n in which the bulk of it is channelled towards expanding the new Bukit Raja plant in Klang \nto produce hybrid vehicles\n. The prolonged shutdown could also affect the timing of new hybrid products being rolled out from the plant.\nUMW Toyota celebrates 50 years of producing Toyota cars in Malaysia!\nCurrent owners of Toyota and Lexus vehicles meanwhile are assured of all necessary measures being in place when they bring their vehicles for servicing. Owners however must contact their nearest service centre on their conditions of opening as well as schedule an appointment.\nWith social activities only allowed from Phase 4 of the NRP, it is unlikely that the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival featuring the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race will see the completion of \nthe original 11-race schedule\n. By the end of this month, the original calendar would have covered eight races, including the new additions at the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS).\nTakeyama, who is also the \nChief Motorsport Officer of Gazoo Racing Malaysia\n stresses that we should do our part and pray that the number of cases quickly reduces, and the government will be able to relax the regulations to allow public events to be held."
"Sole importer and distributor of Ducati bikes in Malaysia, \nNext Bike Sdn Bhd\n together with Ducati Corse Moto GP riders revealed the \n2014 Ducati Diavel\n\u00a0at the KL Tower. Indeed it was the height of the Asia Ducati Week 2014 after launching the new Ducati Scrambler & the official announcement of the creation of Desmodonna Malaysia (A salute to the local Ladies of Ducati).\nDucati Corse MotoGP riders Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow autographed posters much to the delight of guests and media that jam packed the Megaview Banquet Hall. The crowd anticipated to be one of the first to see the new devil of the re-incarnated defines of a modern sports cruiser.\nAll done in style and prestige high above the KL skyline, echoing Naza Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman, Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal\u2019s determination to be right on the very top of the premium bike segment in Malaysia.\nWhen Ducati created the Diavel to stir up the biking world, they never intended to label it a cruiser but the segmentation was popularly used by the motorcycling community and Ducati have since played along with it, and aptly so.\nNot only is the Diavel quite a looker when you\u2019re casually riding it around town but it\u2019s also very easy to be tempted by it\u2019s blistering performance when you\u2019ve hit the open roads. Ducati has had tremendous success in Diavel and 2 generations on, this sports cruiser is more \u201csports\u201d then \u201ccruiser\u201d and Ducati want\u2019s you to know so.\nHarnessing the insane power of the \n162 horsepower\n, \n1,198cc Testastretta 11\u00ba Dual Spark (DS)\n engine, The 2014 Diavel has a shift in torque figures to the lower and more usable RPM range, revving it easier on urban rides. Peak power arrives earlier at 9,250rpm instead of 9500rpm (on the previous model) and is overall more evident throughout the rev range.\nThe improvements are attributed to the revised engine intake & exhaust port as well as a more radically adjusted cam timing & compression ratio.\nDrawing from its reservoir of power of is commanded by a full Ride-By-Wire system and safety regulated by \nDucati Traction Control (DTC)\n with up to 8 levels of sensitivity. Configuration come in presets of 3 riding modes, Urban, Touring & Sports.\nThe new split level instrumentation separates key riding information such as Speed, RPM, Time, Temperature & Warning indicators from the lower \nTFT display\n that beams out indicators such as Riding Mode, Gear, DTC Level, Fuel Level & Trip Milage in full colour.\nAesthetics & practicality come in a package of all-round LED lights with \nLED headlamps\n to accompany the twin LED strip which functions as the brake lights, directional signals & tail lights in clean flowing lines. More on styling & practicality the Ducati way, are Split-level seats with horizontal ribbing (Retro!), grab rails that hideaway into the seats when unused and foot pegs that retract into the sub-frame when you\u2019re riding \u201c\nmonoposto\n\u201c.\nThe \n2014 Diavel\n is available in a very diabolic Dark Stealth with black trellis frame & wheels \u2013 \nRM109,888\n (Nett Selling Price).\nThe \n2014 Diavel Carbon\n however can be yours also in a very diabolic Ducati Red over Matt Carbon with red frame or a tamer Star White over Matte Carbon with white frame. Both come with black contrast-cut forged wheels by Marchesini. Priced at \nRM126,888\n (Nett Selling Price).\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely Holding Group along with the Li Shufu Public Welfare\nFoundation are setting up 200 million RMB fund (that\u2019s around US$ 28.38 million)\nto support the prevention and control of the Coronavirus epidemic in Chinese\nprovinces experiencing the coronavirus outbreak.\nThe Li Shufu Public Welfare Foundation, established by Geely Holding founder, will purchase and distribute urgently needed medical supplies including masks, disinfectants, medical goggles, and ventilators. The fund will also support the construction of temporary hospitals in affected areas.\nIn addition, brands under Geely Holding including Geely\nAuto, Lynk & Co, Volvo, Polestar, Geometry, Lotus, Farizon Auto, etc. will pool\nresources with the Li Shufu Public Welfare Foundation in fighting the epidemic,\nincluding leveraging on the group\u2019s global footprint and logistics; one\ninstance being the procurement of 250,000 medical masks in Sweden which will be\ndistributed to affected areas within China.\nGeely Auto will donate fifty MPVs to the Wuhan New\nCoronavirus Prevention and Control Command Centre for their transportation\nneeds, while CaoCao, Geely\u2019s ride hailing service has set up an emergency fleet\nwithin the Wuhan area to provide free mobility services for local residents.\nGeely Holding is also encouraging all China-based subsidiaries\nto adjust their working hours, avoid major public transport routes and opt to\nwork online."
"A 44-year-old woman from Alor Gajah, Melaka has been fined RM5,000 for crossing district lines during the \nFMCO period\n on her way to a supermarket within the same district, as the main access road to the supermarket skirts the borders of the Melaka Tengah and Alor Gajah districts along some parts.\nEven though the start and end points were within the same district, the lady had to use the road which was under the jurisdiction of the Melaka Tengah district in order to get to the hypermarket.\nThe incident was highlighted by Kota Melaka MP, Khoo Poay Tiong, after the lady was stopped along Jalan Taman Merdeka last Friday. He said that the self-employed woman was now traumatised and could not afford to pay the RM5,000 compound.\nThe main access road, highlighted in red, skirts between the borders of Melaka Tengah and Alor Gajah. Screenshot: Google Maps\n\u201cI visited the site to see for myself the proximity of the border to the road, and felt it was unjust to issue the compound when motorists have no choice but to go through the only access road,\u201d said Khoo, adding that some parts of the road was only 70\u00a0metres from the district border.\nHere\u2019s all you need to know about travelling during the FMCO period. \nThe lady was fined despite explaining to the police that she needed to buy certain items from a hypermarket for her online food delivery business, added Melaka Chief Minister\u2019s Secretary for Community Affairs, Yong Fun Juan.\nYong also said that this is not an isolated incident, as he has received notice of several similar complaints from residents. Another woman from Taman Rembia Utama was issued a similar compound at a roadblock in Paya Rumput just last Monday.\nMelaka police chief, Deputy Comm Datuk Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said that he would look into the cases, especially the first one, where the driver was stopped for driving less than 100\u00a0metres from the border to get to a hypermarket.\n\u201cFor me, the welfare of the people comes first, especially during this challenging period. I will find out why my men had not used their discretion before issuing the compound, especially when the border is only separated by a row of trees,\u201d he said when contacted on Friday.\n[source: \nThe Star\n]"
"Four hundred participants from around the region have their hands on their prizes, literally, holding on to it for as long as they can starting today at Ngee Ann City, Singapore. But only one will emerge as the grand prize winner, driving home a brand new Subaru XV!\nThe endurance \u2018race\u2019 began at 1pm earlier today, as all participants from \nSingapore\n, \nChina\n, \nTaiwan\n, \nHong Kong\n, \nThailand\n, \nPhilippines\n, \nVietnam\n, \nCambodia\n and \nMalaysia\n placed their right palm on ten Subaru XVs. 320 participants from Singapore, while the remaining are the top 10 winners from their respective countries.\nThe challenge was introduced in year 2002 as an endurance competition, participants place their right palm on a Subaru car within the surface area of the palm decal, through day and night until one last participant remains. A \n5-minute break\n is given in \nevery six hour\n, at 1pm, 7pm, 1am and 7am each day. One family member of each participant is allowed to enter the arena at the 7pm break.\nThis year, \nadditional rest breaks\n ruling is introduced whereby supporters can take part in an online game at \nhttp://www.carchallenge2015.com\n. The top 10 game scorers will win the supported participant an \nextra\n 5-minute break, at 10am, 4pm, 10pm and 4am. Let\u2019s show our Malaysian representatives some love!\nIn the \n2014 challenge,\n grand prize winner \nG. Jaishanker\n from Singapore battled through \n82 hours and 16 minutes\n, breaking the previous record of 81 hours and 32 minutes set in 2008. His perseverance won him a brand new Subaru Forester 2.0L.\nThe \nMalaysian\n contingent comprises of experienced participants \u2013 Tan Chuan Kok, 40 (6th time participating), Tan Hong Sheng, 35 (5th time), Chang Wei Khang, 33 (4th time), Sathivale A/L Sundrammorthy, 41 (3rd time) and Mihammad Afif Bin Drani, 29 (3rd time), Tan Chuan Meng, 35 (2nd time), Mohd Fadhlly Bin R. Azmi (2nd time) and Ronesh Biswas A/L Bisanuth Biswas, 32 (2nd time). It is Vimalnath A/L Francis, 21 and Subramaniam A/L Gunasegaran, 35 first time participating in the final leg in Singapore. I\u2019m sure they have a\u00a0better formula to win it this time!\n\u201cOver the years, we have seen numerous contestants battle it out for the final prize of a Subaru car, and they have all displayed tenacity and perseverance, traits that resonate with values of the Subaru brand \u2013 endurance, longevity and durability.\u201d said Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International Ltd.\nDue to the recent haze situation, the organizer built a canopy over the area with fans and air conditioning. So, do expect last year\u2019s record to be broken this time around.   The last man standing will drive away in a Subaru XV 1.6L I-S worth up to \nS$115,000\n (including COE for the first time in the challenge\u2019s history), plus \nS$5,000\n worth of free fuel from \nShell\n.\nIn addition to that, participants will also compete for other titles \u2013 \nCountry Winner\n, the final standing representative of each country walks away with \nS$1,000\n cash. \nAsian Winner\n, the last standing regional contestant gets an additional \nS$5,000\n cash. \nCountry Team Winner\n, the country with the longest combined standing time wins \nS$10,000\n cash, equally divided among the team.\n \n \nIn conjunction with Halloween this weekend, visitors to Ngee Ann City will get to experience\u00a0The Walking Dead Live Showcase! And they stand a chance to win a pair of tickets to Comic Con 2016 in the USA.\nStick around for the latest news on the MediaCorp Subaru Car Challenge 2015, reporting live from Singapore!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Zagato is an Italian coachbuilder famous for crafting exotic supercars into masterpieces on four wheels. Now, Aston Martin became the latest carmaker to receive Zagato\u2019s treatment with the unveiling of the Vanquish Zagato for the upcoming Lake Como event.\nThis is not the first time an Aston receives a makeover from Zagato, as Italian flair has been incorporated into the British marque\u2019s designs for at least the past five decades. The Vantage was the last car from Gaydon to\u00a0receive the Zagato touch, and that was back in 2011.   The Vanquish Zagato\u2019s most distinctive difference is the redesigned back, featuring the trademark slope and \u2018double bubble\u2019 roofline that extends to the new taillights. The body is made mostly from carbon-fibre, and the rear is complemented with quad exhausts along with an integrated diffuser. Inside, the Vanquish Zagato gets carbon-fibre trim fused with fine leather with \u2018Z\u2019 quilt pattern.\nMechanically, it retains the\n 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12\n engine with some performance boost \u2013 up from the original 568 hp to \n592 hp\n. It\u2019s mated to an\u00a0\neight-speed Touchtronic3 automatic\u00a0\ntransmission. Aston proudly claims the car to be more dynamically superior than the car it\u2019s based on, so needless to say, tweaks have been done to the Vanquish\u2019s suspension setup.\nThe\u00a0Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato marks the fifth successful collaboration between the British and the Italians. No figures have been revealed to date, but given the fact the standard Vanquish costs\u00a0\n\u00a3194,000 \n(approx \nRM1,164,000\n based on today\u2019s rates) and that Zagato cars are relatively exclusive, expect a huge premium over that aforementioned figure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Lamborghini Diablo turned 30 years old this year. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Lamborghini is taking us on a trip down memory lane of one of the most iconic poster car ever.\nDespite calling it the 30-year anniversary, the Lamborghini Diablo\u2019s story actually began in 1985, five years before its market launch. Codenamed Project 132, the then-unnamed Countach replacement was designed by Marcello Gandini, and was later partially revised by \u2013 weirdly enough \u2013 Chrysler\u2019s design centre; The American carmaker had become the majority shareholder in Lamborghini at that time.\nLamborghini says that the Diablo has won over the hearts and appreciation of fans since day one, and it\u2019s not hard to see why. With a top speed of 325 km/h, the Lamborghini Diablo became the fastest production car in the world at launch.\nThe Diablo is powered by the classic Lamborghini 5.7-litre V12 engine, sporting four overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and multi-point electronic fuel injection. The powertrain \u2013 tuned by rally champion Sandro Munari \u2013 made 492 hp and 580 Nm of torque, with all of it sent to the rear wheels only.\nNo electronic driving aids or power steering were available on the car at launch; we can\u2019t imagine how it would\u2019ve felt driving this thing full blast all the way up to 325 km/h. It is however luxuriously finished with leather interior, air conditioning, electric windows, as well as powered seats, perhaps making you feel a little more comfortable on the off chance you\u2019ve made a horrific mistake resulting in a crash.\nThree years later in 1993, Lamborghini introduced the Diablo VT, finally equipped with the probably-much-welcomed driving aids, alongside all-wheel drive, several mechanical improvements, and styling changes \u2013 all of which eventually made its way onto the two-wheel drive model.\nIn the same year, Lamborghini also unveiled the SE30 in celebration of the company\u2019s 30-year anniversary. The SE30 bumped the power output to 530 hp. The Diablo SV, unveiled at the 1995 Geneva motor show however, dropped the power output back down to 517 hp, and was only available as a rear-wheel drive model.\nDecember of 1995 also saw the introduction of the Diablo VT Roadster \u2013 Lamborghini\u2019s first 12-cylinder mass-produced convertible. The VT Roadster was available only with all-wheel drive, and in order to accommodate the electronically-operated carbon-fibre targa top, Lamborghini had to significantly alter the styling of the Diablo.\nThe year 1998 saw the purchase of Lamborghini by the Audi Group, and a year later, the updated Diablo SV was unveiled, with a more modern styling inside out designed by none other than \nLuc Donckerwolke\n. The most notable change was the removal of the pop-up headlights, replaced by a fixed composite lens that \u2013 fun fact \u2013 was borrowed from the \nNissan 300ZX\n.\nAs for the greasy beats, power from the engine was boosted up to 536 hp and 605 Nm, thanks to the new variable valve lift system. For the first time ever on a Lamborghini, the brakes was also equipped with ABS.\nFollowing the updated Diablo SV, Lamborghini also introduced a couple of 6.0-litre V12-powered variants, though these were limited to special series or for competition usage only.\nThe Diablo nameplate was finally retired in 2001, where it was succeeded by the Mucierlago. Throughout its life time, Lamborghini made a total of 2,903 Diablos from its Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese plant, and while it may not be the \nmost-produced Lamborghini any more\n, the Diablo still remains as one of the most cherished Lamborghini models in many purists\u2019 hearts.\nAnother fun fact: Diablo means devil in Italian, so it wouldn\u2019t be amiss if we said, \u201cHappy Birthday, you devil.\u201d\n GALLERY"
"Good news for all Shell loyalists, because from today onwards, you will be getting an advanced formulation designed to help your engine run cleaner and more efficiently. Shell\u00a0Malaysia\u2019s new DYNAFLEX technology is available in all their petrol and diesel products \u2013 FuelSave 95, V-Power 97 (Euro 4M), V-Power Racing, FuelSave Diesel and FuelSave Diesel Euro 5.\nIt took them five years to develop this formulation, and the benefits include cleaning and protecting essential engine components such as\u00a0intake valves and fuel injectors. This new formulation is able to reduce carbon built-up that saps away power and efficiency.\nMae Ascan, Senior Scientist, \u200eShell Global Solutions explaining the benefits of new DYNAFLEX\nShell claims that with the new FuelSave 95 with DYNAFLEX has 20 percent more friction reducing molecules compared to the outgoing formulation and helps protect the cylinders against dirt buildup. The same goes for the V-Power 97 which, compared to the old formula, the new one has\u00a0\n3 times more cleaning and friction reducing molecules\n compared to the FuelSave 95 formulation.\nThe new V-Power Racing with DYNAFLEX on the other hand, has a unique design to \nremove up to 80 percent of performance robbing deposits\n. This high-performance fuel is the only fuel co-engineered and recommended by \nFerrari\n.\nOn diesel fuels, the new DYNAFLEX technology contains\u00a0\npowerful dirt-busting molecules\n to clean dirty injectors that contribute to inefficient combustion. This new formulation also helps to offer \nbetter protection against dirt build-up\n.\n\u201cWe place customers at the heart of everything we do, and we aim to make their life\u2019s journey better by giving them one less worry on the road. Our new Shell fuels aim to clean and protect car engines, making them more efficient to help you enjoy your journeys on the road. We believe it is not just where you go, but also how you go that matters. We hope motorists will experience the benefits of our new fuels, enhanced with our latest DYNAFLEX technology, so that they can enjoy better journeys on the road,\u201d said Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.\nThe new Shell fuel with DYNAFLEX is available at all Shell stations nationwide. As of 9 May 2017, petrol prices are at RM2.11 (RON 95) and RM2.39 (RON 97) while diesel is priced at RM2.08 (Euro 2) and RM2.18 (Euro 5). You can keep track of the latest fuel prices with the widget located on the right.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Mr. Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd\n \n Mae Ascan, Senior Scientist, \u200eShell Global Solutions explaining the benefits of new DYNAFLEX"
"Making its grand debut at the Definitive Agreement signing between Proton and Geely is the \nGeely Boyue\n, albeit in left-hand drive form. What you\u2019re seeing is the mass market version of Geely\u2019s most popular model, which will be the basis for Proton\u2019s next big project.\nProton and new Foreign Strategic Partner (FSP) Geely have confirmed that the Boyue will be the first Proton model to be conceived as a result of this partnership. Presently, both Proton and Perodua have not a single SUV on sale \u2013 the latter since the days of the Kembara/Nautica.\nThe Geely Boyue is a midsize SUV, taking on the likes of \nMazda CX-5\n and \nHonda CR-V\n. In China, it\u2019s offered with a \n2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder\n engine producing \n162 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque. It can also be had with a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making no less than \n163 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n of torque. Two transmissions \u2013 \nsix-speed manual\n or \nsix-speed dual clutch auto\n \u2013 can be had. For now, no details as to which we will be receiving.\nIn its highest trim, the Boyue gets keyless entry with push-start button, full LCD instrument cluster, leather wrapped seats, adaptive cruise control, 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Eco and Sport drive modes, hill descent control, dual-zone automatic climate control and electronic handbrake.\nIn China alone, Geely sold a grand total of 109,000 units of the Boyue in the whole of 2016, but the numbers have surged to 103,000 units this year alone, between January and May. Since all Geely models are left-hand drive, the new partnership will see Proton become the right-hand drive hub for the Chinese giant in the ASEAN region.\nInteresting times lie ahead, for sure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Road Safety and Breakdown Recovery organisation, GEM Motoring, of the UK has sent a compelling message out to all motorists to ensure that they carry out regular tyre pressure checks on their cars as it stresses that correct tyre pressure is not only vital for safety but is also one way to maximise fuel economy.\nThe organisation highlighted that under-inflated tyres will reduce your vehicle\u2019s ability to grip onto the road and will also affect your car\u2019s handling for the worse. Not only does it lead to the undesirable situation of unpredictable vehicle behaviour, it also increases the risk of a tyre blowout when sudden rapid defaltion occurs.\nHow a properly inflated tyre would normally look like.\nOn the other hand, over inflated tyres isn\u2019t exactly a good thing either. This is as they have a smaller contact area with the road, resulting in an increase in stopping distance. Also, it causes a lot more wear across the central part of the tyre, leading to a shorter tyre lifespan \u2013 something we all dread.\nGEM Road Safety Officer Neil Worth encourages drivers to perform a tyre pressure check at least once a month \u2013 crucially before a long journey as only then the safety systems on your car can perform to its maximum efficiency. He also highlighted that your car\u2019s tyres will last longer without unnecessary increase in running costs.\n\u201cAfter all, properly inflated tyres require less energy than under-inflated tyres to make them turn, so your vehicle will use less fuel\u201d, said Neil Worth."
"Lamborghini Avventura, a series of Lamborghini expeditions organised to discover the most spectacular places and roads in the world, recently took to the Lofoten Islands in Norway and boy did they return with the most incredible pictures ever to surface on the Internet in recent times.\nThe journey saw seven Huracan EVOs travel through islands connected by what seemed like floating roads, stunning bridges and picturesque mountain ranges.\nAs if it were heaven on earth, the Lofoten Islands is home to unmolested natural surroundings and is one of the biggest producers of stockfish.\nThe 630km journey saw the seven Lamborghini\u2019s pass through fishing villages, pristine white sandy beaches, breathtaking coastal roads before concluding at the summit of Mount Keipen where participants witnessed a jaw-dropping view of the midnight sun.\nLamborghini Malaysia recently unveiled the\n Huracan Evo \nin Malaysia, with an estimated price tag of RM1.1 million before taking duties into account.\nWith\u00a0\n640 hp\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0600 Nm\u00a0\nof torque from a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 powering the 1,422 kg mid-ship, 0 to 100 km/h is annihilated in just 2.9 seconds \u2013 a performance which rivals the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and the\u00a0\nnew Ferrari F8 Tributo\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0onward\u00a0to\u00a0a\u00a0top\u00a0speed\u00a0in\u00a0excess\u00a0of\u00a0340\u00a0km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia\n began taking orders \nfor the all-new \nBMW M3\n and \nM4 Coupe\n last month, both available only solely in the Competition model. Prices for them start at \nRM664,800\n and \nRM684,800\n respectively, though if you\u2019re someone looking for a car at this price, you aren\u2019t going to buy it bog standard, are you?\nIn that case, BMW Malaysia is also offering an Innovation Package for the duos, which costs RM75,000 for the BMW M3 Competition and RM76,000 for the Coupe. The Innovation Package comes with a host of both aesthetic and functional kit for the cars (full list is available \nhere\n), though the options list do not just end there.\nFor more granular control on the options list, BMW Malaysia has launched a new configurator for the cars, where you can customise your dream BMW M3 and M4 Competition to your heart\u2019s content \u2013 but be forewarned, you\u2019ll easily spend upwards of RM300k just on options itself if you\u2019re like us.\nFor starters, if you\u2019re looking to paint your brand-new M car in a colour outside of the standard seven finishes, you\u2019re going to have to pony up anywhere from RM10k to RM33k for it \u2013 the latter is the price for Frozen Brilliant White Metallic. Want some extra exposed carbon fibre outside? The M Carbon exterior package will set you back RM45,920.\nYou can also configure your interior configure your interior upholstery with a range of leather colour options, or swap out your seats for the M carbon bucket seats at RM37,130. For something a little performance oriented, perhaps you\u2019d want to opt for the Carbon ceramic brakes for RM80,120.\nThe most expensive item in the list is the M Race Track package, coming in at RM160,230 \u2013 but just like the Innovation Package, this track package also bundles quite a bit of options, including the entire BMW M Driver\u2019s Package which already costs RM23,940 by itself.\nThat all sounds like a lot to stomach, but fortunately BMW Malaysia is also offering discounts for the optional equipment that you\u2019ve selected. Add on RM30,000 to RM60,000 worth of optional extras, and you\u2019ll receive a 5% discount on the options; anything above RM60,000 will net you a 10% discount.\nIf you\u2019re looking to configure your next BMW M3 or M4 competition, or just want to poke around a little like us, you can access the configuration pages \nhere\n (M3) and \nhere\n (M4). Go ahead, we won\u2019t judge."
"The B-Segment market is well and truly heating up. Within a span of two weeks, we have been privileged to bring you the preview of both the highly-anticipated\n all-new Honda City\n, more specifically the \u201ctorque king\u201d i-MMD RS variant, and very recently the \nall-new Nissan Almera Turbo\n.\nThe Honda City has been dominating the B-Segment market as a firm favourite among Malaysians both young and old. With its ingenious interior packaging and generous equipment, it\u2019s no wonder why the City has been a strong favourite for many. With the launch of new Honda City not too long from now, here are five features that set it apart from its predecessor:\ni-MMD Powertrain\nIt\u2019s no secret that the i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) system is an all-new powertrain being introduce in the upcoming Honda City, although it\u2019ll probably be reserved for the range topping RS variant.\nIts claim to fame is its \nmax torque of 253Nm from its hybrid powertrain\n, significantly higher output compared to the electric motor in the current i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) model of the current generation Honda city, which generates only 160 Nm.\nNew 1.5-Litre DOHC i-VTEC Engine\nIf you prefer the vanilla option, Honda Malaysia has confirmed that the new Honda City will also be getting a new naturally-aspirated mill. This new powertrain will replace the current outgoing model\u2019s trusty 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine.\nIn terms of output, the new DOHC makes 1 hp more than the current SOHC unit; bringing the max output to 121 hp at 6,600rpm. Max torque is retained at 145 Nm but it\u2019s achieved sooner at 4,300 rpm as opposed to 4,600 rpm in the previous model.\nElectric Parking Brake\nThis new Honda City is the first vehicle in the B-segment to have an Electric Parking Brake. Often found in pricier segment vehicles like the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nHonda Civic\n, an Electric Parking Brake essentially frees up the center console, allowing you to have more room to store your bits and bops.\nThe Electric Parking Brake also comes with an additional feature known as Brake Hold. Essentially, the feature holds the brakes for you when your vehicle comes to a complete stop, allowing you to take your foot off the brake pedal which adds convenience when you\u2019re in stop-go traffic.\nHonda LaneWatch Camera\nFirst introduced in \n9th-generation Honda Accord\n, this feature has finally trickled down to the new Honda City. The feature was introduced in the \nHonda Civic facelift\n \nlaunched earlier this year.\nThis nifty feature work its magic when you signal to the left, and a live video feed of the left side of the vehicle will be displayed on your infotainment screen; mitigating any possible blind spot, allowing you to change lanes with confidence.\nHonda Sensing\nDo take this with a pinch of salt, or maybe a tablespoon of it if you will. Based on our recent preview, Honda Malaysia has graciously allowed us to preview the exterior of the new Honda City, we were not privy to what\u2019s on the inside of the car.\nHowever, we did notice a rather peculiar set of sensors and module that can be seen positioned next to the rear view mirror. It\u2019s most likely that the new City would come with the Honda Sensing, possibly the full suite.\nThis would include Forward Collision Warning (FBW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF) and Auto High Beam.\nThe outgoing Honda City\u2019s safety feature was nothing to scoff at, but what the new Honda City may offer could just bring the safety features game to a whole new level.\nThe new Honda City is definitely shaping up to be yet another leader in the B-Segment market, picking up where it last left off. Prices of the new Honda City has yet to be revealed, but we do know that the car will be launched in Q4 of this year. If you wish to get up close and personal with the new Honda City, Honda Malaysia has begun their nationwide road tour and you can find the location and schedule over \nhere."
"Ford has just released first images of their Ford Focus ST in the wagon body style. The \nfront-wheel drive hot hatch\n just got even more practical with a larger boot capacity, giving buyers a more versatile yet dynamic option in the wagon segment.\nLike its hatchback twin, the Focus ST wagon can be had with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol or the 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel. The latter is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission while the EcoBoost mill offers the option for a 7-speed automatic.\nCentury sprint on the petrol-powered Focus ST wagon takes \n5.8 seconds\n, just 0.1 seconds off the hatchback while top speed is similar between the two at 250 km/h. It\u2019s the same case for the oil burner, with the wagon taking \n7.7 seconds\n to the 100 km/h mark from standstill and a top speed registered at \n220 km/h\n.\nIn the wagon, you get \n608 litres of boot space\n with the rear seats up and expandable to 1,653 litres \u2013 that is significantly more spacious than the hatchback\u2019s 375 litres. The extra space will definitely come in handy for long weekend outings or couples with a growing family.\nThat\u2019s not to say the Focus ST wagon has gone all soft, features such as electronic limited-slip differential, rev-matching, Continuous Controlled Damping (CCD), Electronic Sound Enhancement (ESE) and selectable Drive Modes \nfound on the hatchback\n are also available in the wagon.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Focus ST Wagon Unveiled"
"More often than not, the year-end is usually when we find the best deals. If you have been saving up for a new car this year, Christmas is coming early as BMW Malaysia will be organising a Year-End Expo this weekend.\nThe Expo is held jointly by Quill Automobiles, Ingress Auto, and Wheelcorp Premium, three dealerships representing BMW and MINI in the Klang Valley.\u00a0\n \nOver 90 vehicles will be on display at the BMW Year-End Expo, with models including the \nBMW 330i M Sport\n, \nBMW 530i M Sport\n, \nBMW 530e M Sport\n, BMW X1sDrive20i Sport, and the \nBMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport\n.\nMultiple exclusive deals are on offer at the Year-End Expo, including six years and five years Unlimited Mileage Warranty programme, special financing rates from 0.33%, complimentary one-year BMW Comprehensive Motor Insurance.\nThe BMW Year-End Expo 2019 will be happening from the \n6th to 8th December 2019\n at \nThe Marquee, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre\n, from\n 10 AM to 7 PM\n daily."
"You\u2019re probably jumping for joy after Bank Negara Malaysia made a very favourable announcement allowing all bank loans, except credit card bills, to be deferred for six months beginning from the 1st of April 2020.\nThe 6-month deferment period thankfully, also \napplies to hire purchase agreements such as your car loans\n. The interests that comes with it will still apply, be accumulated and due for payment after the deferment period in.\nThe deferment period only applies to loans repayments due from 1st of April onwards and not those which have yet to be paid before the said date.\nAs for the loan tenure, this effectively means your car loan \nwill be extended by six months\n. If you car loan ends in December 2020, this deferment would mean that it would end in June 2021 at no additional cost.\nBelow are some screenshots taken from the \nBank Negara Malaysia website\n with all the relevant FAQs, hope that helps!"
"The handsome new Subaru Forester GT was just launched at the Singapore Motorshow 2020, and Motor Image Subaru has confirmed that it will be available in Malaysia before the first half of the year is over.\nThe pricing of the car is still in the works, but as it has the same trim levels as the 2.0i-S EyeSight, it\u2019s highly likely to be priced higher.\nFor comparison, three variants for the Subaru Forester is available in Malaysia, the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, and 2.0i-S Eyesight, which are priced at RM139,788, RM149,788, and RM159,788 respectively.\nWhat\u2019s more, Subaru says there is a high chance that the Forester GT will replace the 2.0i-S EyeSight, so buyers who are not too keen on the bolder styling may need to get one quick.\nThe exterior of the Forester GT has been given a fresh aero kit that brings a new front bumper extension, side skirts, a roof spoiler and a rear bumper extension. It rides on new bespoke 18-inch alloys as well, while the interior is differentiated from the standard variant by two-tone seats.\nThere is also an updated version of the current 8-inch infotainment display. Though the size is the same as the outgoing one, it is of a higher resolution and comes with a few new features as well, like the \nAll-round View Monitor 2 and a new parking guidance system\n.\nThis new display will be introduced as a running update to both the current XV and Forester models in Malaysia, though the price has yet to be revealed.\nBack to the GT; like the rest of the range, it is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre flat-four Boxer engine. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT transmission. It is good for\n 156 hp \nand\n 198 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Forester GT has the same trim level as the 2.0i-S EyeSight, so it will get LED DRLs, a powered tailgate with memory function, and, true to its offroad aspirations, headlamp washers as well.\nThe EyeSight system brings with it Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Other systems like Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind-Spot Detection also finds its way onto the car.\nWe tested the Emergency Rear Braking system here in Singapore and thought it was rather effective but as its cost-to-utility ratio is quite high, Subaru will most likely not introduce it in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru Forester GT"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has added another full-fledged Toyota 3S centre to its dealership network. The new outlet located in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, will be operated by Unitedstar Corporation, a business partner of UMWT since 1995.\nThe new dealership joins a network of over 90 authorised Toyota 3S and 4S centres nationwide. UMWT President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cThe automobile business has been increasingly competitive and UMW Toyota Motor has encouraged its authorized dealers to enhance their facilities and services, in order to provide the best sales and after-sales services to our customers.\u201d\nBesides a spacious showroom, the new 3S outlet will also houses \n10 servicing bays\n. Other amenities include a comfortable lounge for customers to wait while their vehicles are being serviced.\nThe new Toyota 3S Centre is located at \nLot 19745 \u2013 Lot 19758, Jalan Nilai Perdana 7, Taman Nilai Perdana, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus.\n Customers can call \n06-799 0022\n for enquiries, or book a service appointment via phone at \n06-799 0033\n."
"Once made available for the Malaysian market, the adorable \nKia Picanto\n has no signs of returning to the Malaysian market. That being said though, the Kia Picanto has just been given a facelift which comes with a more futuristic front end.\nAccording to Kia, the Picanto is one of its best-selling models in several regions worldwide. It is just unfortunate that it couldn\u2019t quite compete with the prices of our local car brands. Thus Kia in Malaysia is now only offering cars that aren\u2019t exactly budget-oriented. Now back to the facelifted Picanto.\nWith the facelift, the Kia Picanto is now offered in two choices \u2013 the baseline and the GT Line. Just like most of the cars around these days, the headlights and taillights now have a connected design that successfully updates the ongoing platform of the Picanto. Like other Kia models, the design of the facelifted Picanto embodies the \u2018Opposites United\u2019 design philosophy and features the brand\u2019s signature \u2018tiger nose\u2019.\nAs for wheel choices, the Picanto is available with 14-inch, 15-inch, and even 16-inch wheels, depending on the variant. To enhance the GT Line\u2019s looks, Kia has given it a \u201cconfident\u201d front end emphasizes \u201csporty elements\u201d. The GT Line also gets a special rear diffuser.\nIn the performance department, the new Picanto carries over the pre-facelift engine choices. Customers have the option between a 1.0-litre and a 1.2-litre engine, both naturally aspirated. Both engines drive the front wheels only and can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission of a 5-speed automated manual transmission.\nRELATED: \n2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia, from RM211k \u2013 Is the diesel worth it?\nInside, the Picanto also remains largely the same with the facelift featuring an 8.0-inch floating touchscreen head unit that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also comes with Kia connect in certain regions.\nSafety-wise, the Kia Picanto is well equipped with Kia\u2019s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. This includes Forward Collision-Avoidance (FCA) 1.5, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning and Leading Vehicle Departure Warning (DAW+), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA).\nRELATED: \nKia EV9 specs revealed \u2013 over 541km range, V2L, L3 autonomous driving"
"The final week of August saw the \nFerrari Challenge\n contingent come down to the famed Sepang F1 Circuit (their second last stop of the tour) with an armada of factory-prepped Ferrari 458s.\nIt was\n Round Six\n\u00a0of the Prancing Horse challenge, and each of the 19 drivers pitted in a head-to-head race in the one-make racing series. \nSteve Wyatt\n brought the thunder from Down Under with a podium finish on\n\u00a0\nboth \nRace 1 and\u00a0Race 2\n around the 5.543 km long track.   The drivers were doing an average of\n 2 minutes 15.5 seconds\n,\u00a0thanks to a set of super-sticky \nPirelli\n rubbers. The \nFerrari 458\n in question here isn\u2019t your standard production model, but rather the\u00a0\n458 Challenge Evoluzione\n. It still uses the same road-going\u00a0\n4.5-litre V8\n, but here it is tuned to churn out\u00a0\n750 hp\n at \n9,000 rpm\n! All that power is shot through the rear\u00a0wheels via a\n seven-speed F1-style dual clutch\n close-ratio gearbox.\nThe Evoluzione has a factory-spec \naero kit\n with a revised \nfront spiltter\n and a \nhuge rear wing\n to increase downforce. Ferrari\u2019s engineers have tweaked the \nsuspension\n and \nbrakes\n to handle various track conditions as well. Weight reduction on the other hand, goes into overdrive with most panels replaced by\u00a0lighter and thinner materials. All those modifications mean that the 458 Challenge Evoluzione is just\n 0.2 seconds\n \nslower \naround the hallowed Fiorano test track than the\u00a0\nFerrari\u00a0FXX\n!   Both races were broken down into \nthree classes\n, beginning with \nRace 1\n. The first category was \nTrofeo Pirelli\n, the very race which saw \nSteve Wyatt\n dominating the class.\u00a0The Australian driver also set the fastest lap time of \n2:14.509\n in the second lap of the race.\u00a0Pirelli Championship leader \nRenaldi Hutasoit\n finished second and Indonesian driver \nDavid Tjiptobiantoro \ncame in third.\nThe\u00a0\nTrofeo Pirelli AM\u00a0\ncup saw\u00a0Swedish driver\n Alexander West\u00a0\nclench his first-ever podium win, while\u00a0\nStefano Montesi\n and\u00a0\nXu Wei\n came in \nsecond and third\n respectively. In the \nCoppa Shell Class\n, Chinese driver\u00a0\nYanbin Xin\n\u00a0showed unfettered determination to extend his four consecutive wins to five in Race 2 on Sunday.\u00a0The other two podium places belonged to Japanese driver \nKen Seto\n and Chinese driver \nHuilin Han\n.   On Sunday,\n Wyatt\n led the race from start to finish and once again stood proudly at top of the podium, beating\u00a0\nRenaldi Hutasoit\n\u00a0by a whopping\u00a0\n11.308 seconds\n. Coming in third place was Indonesian driver,\u00a0\nDavid Tjiptobiantoro\n.\nThe \nTrofeo Pirelli AM\n cup witnessed a fierce battle for first and second places, as\u00a0\nAlexander West\n emerged victorious while Chinese driver\u00a0\nWei Xu\n trailed behind the Swede by \n2.917\n seconds. \nJung Hoon Youn\n\u00a0of Korea came in \nthird\n, who hosted the first three seasons of\u00a0Top Gear Korea.   Huilin Han\n of car 139 took home his \nfirst ever podium finish\n in the \nCoppa Shell\n class. Fellow compatriot \nYan Bing Xing\n, who won Saturday\u2019s race, followed closely in second place. Both cars were separated by a gap of only\n\u00a00.662 seconds\n.\u00a0 \nBo Song\n, also from China, settled for \nthird\n.\nThe contingent will be flying to Italy for the \nFinali Mondiali Mugello\u00a0\nor the World Finals at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany. It is scheduled to take place from 5 to 8 November.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As \npreviously hinted\n, Volvo\u2019s top-of-the-range\u00a0\nXC90\n T8 is said to produce a total of \n400 hp\n and\n 640 Nm\n of torque from a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E\n powertrain \u2013 even up to 450 hp \nhere\n. However, this 2.0-litre engine is no ordinary four-cylinder mill.\u00a0\nIn the\u00a0\nXC90 T8,\n\u00a0it\u2019s not only\u00a0\nturbocharged and supercharged\n\u00a0to produce 318 hp and 400 Nm of torque, but it\u2019s also paired to a\n\u00a060kW electric motor\n\u00a0with 240 Nm of torque placed at the rear axle.\nOn top of that, there\u2019s the \ncrankshaft-mounted\n starter generator (CISG) located between the engine and the \neight-speed automatic gearbox\n that juggles between the roles of seamlessly switching from pure electric drive to full-hybrid mode, being a generator, and also as an electric engine booster by providing up to 150 Nm of torque when needed. Smart, huh?\nAs a hybrid, the XC90 T8 is fitted with the \nhigh-voltage (270-400V) battery\n cleverly placed in the center tunnel without sacrificing interior space and also gives the XC90 a lower center of gravity for better handling. The XC90 T8\u2019s \nfuel consumption\n is rated at just \n2.5 litres per 100km \ntravelled.\nBefore entering the vehicle, the driver can configure\u00a0the XC90 T8\u2019s drivetrain, battery and cabin, either directly inside the car or by using the \nVolvo On Call mobile app\n for a preferred cabin temperature. Once inside, the driver can choose from\n five different driving modes\n: Hybrid, Pure electric, Power mode, AWD, and Save.\nThe default \nHybrid\n mode automatically switches the power source from the 2.0-litre engine or the electric motor, \nPure electric\n mode allows the XC90 T8 to be driven in full-electric for up to 40 km, while \nPower\n mode combines both power sources that is said to deliver lower-end torque similar to a V8 engine.\nIt will also send the XC90 T8 from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in just \n5.9 seconds\n. In \nAWD\n mode it offers constant all-wheel drive on demand while in \nSave\n mode the four-cylinder engine will charge the battery and when it\u2019s fully charged, they will be freezed for a later use in Pure electric mode.\nPromising the best of both worlds where performance meets low emission, the XC90 T8 appears to be a multi-faceted vehicle that offers performance and efficiency in a single package. Volvo Car Group\u2019s Senior Vice President of Research and Development,\u00a0Dr Peter Mertens said, \u201cThe XC90 T8 is a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one.\u201d Here\u2019s to hoping that the folks at Volvo Car Malaysia will introduce this very trim here!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nXC90 T8   XC90   XC90 R-Design"
"Mazda Motor Corporation has just announced plans to launch a brand new crossover SUV \u2013 the Mazda CX-8. Slotting between the CX-5 and \nCX-9\n, the CX-8 can be had in either six-seater or seven-seater configuration. The new SUV will go on sale in Japan by end-2017.\nThe CX-8 will feature the full suite of SkyActiv technologies and Kodo: Soul of Motion design like its SUV siblings. While the CX-9 is available almost everywhere else in the world (Malaysia included), its home country does not have the full-sized SUV on offer. Therefore, the new CX-8 will be positioned as Mazda\u2019s flagship SUV in Japan.\nMeasured at 4,900 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width and 1,730 mm in height, the CX-8 is marginally smaller than the CX-9 (5,075 mm height; 1,969 mm width; 1,747 mm height) but shares the same wheelbase of 2,930 mm. Motivation comes in the form of a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D new clean diesel engine, presumable the same albeit tweaked unit from the \nsecond-generation CX-5\n. Transmission option is a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission. Further details such as alternative powertrains or AWD will be announced at a later date.\nBased on the single teaser image, the CX-8 will feature a more upmarket cabin design similar to the CX-9. In the six-seater configuration, the middle seat on the second row is replaced by what appears to be an armrest instead of having a clear pathway for passengers to climb onto the third row seats like on MPVs. Other noticeable observations are the new seat design that offers\u00a0more shoulder support than the CX-9.\n\u201cIt has the looks, performance and high-end feel customers expect from a Mazda, and even adults can sit comfortably in the third row. Mazda aims to create a strong emotional connection with customers, and we will achieve this by continually advancing our lineup to offer all customers our unique combination of driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance,\u201d said Masamichi Kogai, Mazda\u2019s Representative Director, President and CEO."
"The \nHonda City\n is no doubt Honda Malaysia\u2019s most popular car. The sheer number of them on the road can attest to that. In fact, it\u2019s so popular that it dethroned the all-conquering \nToyota Vios\n\u00a0as segment leader to become the most popular B-Segment car in Malaysia!\nWith the imminent launch of the \nHonda City facelift\n, here are five things that you need to know about the car.\n1. Full LED headlamps and LED fog lamps\nYes, that\u2019s right. Forward illumination source is LED for both the headlamps and fog lamps, just like the\u00a0\nHonda Civic FC\n. The \nMazda2\n\u00a0was the first B-Segment car to come with full LED headlamps, but\u00a0the Honda City will be the first to feature LED fog lamps.\n \n \n2. Brand new front grille\nPreviously, it had a large Platinum Grille which divided opinion. On the facelifted model, it gets a much sleeker Honda Solid Wing grille with honeycomb inserts, just like that of the\u00a0\nCivic FB\n. The grille also extends to the headlamp housing like the Civic FC.\n \n \n3. Dual tone alloys\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, all variants (three in total) of the City will feature dual-tone alloy design. The one pictured here measures 16-inch in size and wrapped in 195/55 profile Goodyear Excellence tyres. Lower range variants\u00a0will most likely be fitted with 15-inch in size like the pre-facelift line-up.\n \n \n4. LED combination tail lamps\nLike the JDM Honda Grace, our local-spec City will get LED combination tail lamps. The two-bar design looks so much more premium than the ones before. No need for the grotesque Lexus-esque aftermarket pair now, eh?\n \n \n5. ESC standard across the board\nPreviously, ESC or in Honda terms, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was only available for the top two variants. Now, Honda Malaysia will have this essential safety feature equipped on all variants as standard.\nIf by this point you\u2019re sold and are determined to get yourself a brand new ride, \nHonda Malaysia has already opened the order books\n. This means the facelifted Honda City will be launched very, very soon! No prices were announced but the \npre-facelift model\n was priced \nbetween RM76k to RM91k\n. As usual, watch this space for the full launch report!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) together with authorised dealer partner Hap Seng Star (HSS), has just unveiled the seventh Mercedes-Benz 3S centre in Klang Valley, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus (HSS Setia Alam).\nHSS Setia Alam is the result of an RM2.8 million investment between the principal and authorised dealer and is Hap Seng Star\u2019s 11\nth\n Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in the country. The new 3S centre will serve an ever-growing customer and fan base in the vicinity of Setia Alam, Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang and Sekinchan.   HSS Setia Alam occupies a built-up area of 10,730 sq ft and is equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) design concept. Managed by 39 certified personnel, the Autohaus is able to accommodate up to six showroom vehicles and is capable to service up to 500 vehicles a month.\nHap Seng Consolidated Berhad Group Chief Operating Officer and Hap Seng Star Chief Executive, Mr Harald Behrend, said: \u201cThroughout our nearly 50 years of collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we have been dedicated and passionate in providing exceptional service and best customer experience to our valued customers. Today we remain as dedicated and passionate as we first started. Our strong commitment continues with this new investment in Setia Alam.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia today introduced the new i-Renewal digital service, Allowing BMW and MINI owners to renew their insurance policy easily and quickly through the online portal.\nThe BMW and MINI Comprehensive Motor Insurance Programme offered by the i-Renewal service is underwritten by Allianz General Insurance. Through the i-Renewal portal, customers can request for an instant quotation by providing some basic information, or renew their insurance policies directly on the website with only a few clicks.\nTo celebrate the launch of the new service, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia will also be offering a \none-year complimentary Enhanced Road Warrior coverage\n for every owner who successfully renews their insurance policy through the i-Renewal platform by 31 December 2020.\nThe Enhanced Road Warrior service provides additional Personal Accident coverage and other insurance benefits, as well as a range of comprehensive car assistance programme available around the clock, such as 24-hour emergency towing (unlimited towing distance), minor roadside repair, taxi assistance, arrangement of car rental and hotel accommodation, and international assistance, among others.\nThe all-new BMW 330e M Sport was recently launched here in Malaysia. Check out what\u2019s new in our coverage \nhere\n!\nBMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Managing Director, Tobias Eismann said, \u201cThe BMW Group is committed to innovating and further improving the premium mobility experience for all our customers while digitalising our existing touch points and services.\n\u201cBy introducing the new i-Renewal digital service for the BMW and MINI Comprehensive Motor Insurance Programme, we are expediting this essential part of the premium mobility experience to keep it as hassle-free and seamless as possible.\u201d\nThe new i-Renewal service is now available through the purpose-built website \nhere\n. Additionally, BMW and MINI owners can also access the new digital service via \nBMW Engage\n \nhere\n, or directly through the BMW Group Loyalty+ mobile application."
"Volkswagen Passenger\nCars Malaysia (VPCM) recently celebrated the accomplishments of its network of\ndealers at the 2018 Volkswagen Dealer Awards Night. The awards night recognises\nthe top performing dealers and dealer employees for their achievements in\nsupporting the Volkswagen brand in Malaysia.\nThe judging and\nscoring criteria were based on the individual dealer\u2019s efforts in sales and\nmarketing, aftersales, customer satisfaction, dealer standards compliance and manpower\nqualification from January till December 2018.\nBest Dealer (4S Centres): Wearnes Automotive\nBest Dealer (within Klang Valley): MHV Autohaus\nBest Dealer (outside Klang Valley): \nLee Motors Autohaus\nBest Overall Dealer 2018: MHV Autohaus\nMHV Autohaus was once\nagain named Best Overall Dealer for 2018, retaining their title from last year.\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said: \u201c\u201cYear after year, we continue to\nencourage and steer our dealer partners to strive on continuous improvements.\nIt is through our partners that we build trust and confidence amongst our\nowners to enhance their overall ownership experience, and we are pleased to be\nable to honour our high-achievers in recognising all the hard work they have\nput into their business for the Volkswagen brand.\u201d\nThe six individual\nOverall Top Achievers were:\nBest Sales\nManager: James Leong, MHV Autohaus\nBest Sales\nConsultant: Yan Mun Ee, Goh Brothers, Ipoh\nBest\nAftersales Manager: William Loh, MHV Autohaus\nBest Parts\nManager: John Leow, MHV Autohaus\nBest Service\nAdvisor: Azrul Muzakhair, Wearnes Sungai Besi\nBest\nTechnician: Husni Thamrin, Lee Motors, Alor Star"
"Hailing from the Middle Kingdom, C-segment SUV Haval H2 has just made its Malaysian debut via distributor GO Auto, a model which will compete with the likes of the \nHonda CR-V\n, \nMazda CX-5\n, \nKia Sportage\n and \nHyundai Tucson\n. What the Haval loses out in terms of badge cred, it makes up with a rather impressive equipment list.\nLaunched in three variants \u2013 Standard MT, Comfort AT and Premium AT, GO Auto targets to sell 1,000 units of the H2 before the year ends. The first 100 units slated for the Malaysian market is CBU, but local assembly will commence in September 2016.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHaval H2 Standard MT\nHaval H2 Comfort AT\nHaval H2 Premium AT\nEngine\n1.5-litre; turbocharged inline-four cylinder\nTransmission\n6-Speed Manual\n6-Speed Automatic\nMax Power (hp)\n147hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque (Nm)\n210 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nOTR Price (RM)\nRM89,950\nRM98,950\nRM101,950\nEXTERIOR\nAt 1,695mm, the Haval H2 stands taller than segment favourites Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, but shorter than both at 4,335mm. Looks wise, the Haval H2 is rather well proportioned. Buyers may opt for the roof-body two-tone colour scheme that converges at the C-pillar, separated by a Haval badge.\nFrom the front, the chromed grille is flanked by a pair of height-adjustable halogens underlined with a row of LED DRLs. The indicators are integrated within the wing mirrors, each featuring a miniature projector that lights the ground with the Haval logo.   Moving onto the back, the tailgate sports a neat design with HAVAL lettering emblazoned across. Below that is a concave space dedicated for the number plate, a la Audi Q5. Finished off with a pair of chrome-tipped tailpipes, the rear of the Haval H2 looks decidedly classy to this writer.\nINTERIOR\nApart from the shiny piece of metal that runs across the fascia (which could be a bit too loud), the interior of the Haval H2, at first impression, looks pretty well put together. The six-way electrically adjustable\u00a0driver seat (absent on the base model), for instance, feels pretty sculpted and supportive.\u00a0Standard across the range are leather seats, ISOFIX, Anti-Glare rear view mirror, Bluetooth connectivity and rear air conditioning vents.   The interior is also where the standard model loses out considerably in terms of kit, compared to the comfort and premium versions. It comes without auto headlamps and wipers, cruise control, sunroof, boot space cover, dual high tone speakers, reverse camera, dual zone AC system and ambient lighting.\nThe center console is home to\u00a0two rotary dials that control the stereo and the air-conditioning \u00a0system, whereas buttons for radio and Bluetooth handsfree (to answer calls) are neatly laid out on both sides. The main touchscreen display sits just below the central air conditioning vents.\nPERFORMANCE\nHere\u2019s the star of the show. The Haval H2 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill that churns out 147 hp and 210 Nm of torque. All power is channeled to the front wheels via a sox-speed manual or automatic transmission. Not going to win any drag races against its Japanese rivals, but kudos to GO Auto for offering a manual option.\nSAFETY\nSafety is one aspect that the Haval H2 doesn\u2019t lack. Standard across range are dual front airbags, electronic stability control, collision fuel off system, tyre pressure monitoring system and an active headrest. The Comfort and Premium variants gets more in the form of four additional airbags (front side and curtain airbags), reverse camera and left front wheel zone camera(installed within\u00a0the left rearview mirror).\nWHAT ELSE?\nAgain, the Haval H2 is offered in three variants, beginning with the manual which is priced at RM86,776.01. The Comfort and Premium versions are priced at RM95,527.97 and RM98,445.29 respectively. All prices are inclusive of GST but excludes insurance.\nColours available include Haval Blue, Titanium White, Modern Grey; two tone body colours are offered too, which are Haval Red + Classic Black, Classic Black + Titanium White and a creatively named Brownish Brown + Titanium White. The Haval H2 is packaged with a 5-Year warranty and 3 years or 60,000km free service. Owners may get their vehicles serviced at 20 3S dealerships and 16 2S centres nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In not so many words, over a social media video post lasting 5 seconds, Petron Malaysia has confirmed that all its stations across Malaysia is now offering \nEURO 4M\n RON 95 Petron Blaze petrol, making it the third petroleum company in Malaysia to do so, after Shell (selected stations) and Petronas.\nIf you have missed \nour story yesterday\n, EURO 4M RON 95 had in fact been gazetted by the government to come into effect on 1st January, 2020. The low sulphur content of EURO 4M specified at \n50 parts per million\n (ppm) or lower, compared to \n500 ppm\n as mandated by the outgoing and hopelessly outdated \nEURO 2M \nstandard. RON 97 petrol in Malaysia already complies with EURO 4M.\nInterestingly, the shift to EURO 4M for RON 95 petrol was supposed to coincide with the implementation of the \nPetrol Subsidy Programme\n (PSP) for Malaysians categorised under the \nB40 group\n which would have resulted in the price of RON 95 petrol being pegged to market levels as fuel subsidies are gradually removed. However, the minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced that the PSP is postponed and that the price of RON 95 petrol will remain at \nRM 2.08 per litre\n, for now."
"Bentley\u2019s iconic grand touring sedan has been reimagined and\nredefined for its third iteration. We first saw the Continental Flying Spur in\n2005, and this time around, it has dropped the Continental moniker and is now\nknown simply as the Bentley Flying Spur.\nThe simplicity is only in the name, as the rest of the car\nis an exercise in luxury and pushing boundaries.\nUNDER THE HOOD\nI\nt\u2019s a familiar powerplant. The \n6-litre W12 engine with twin-scroll blowers\n still makes 626 horses like the outgoing Continental Flying Spur W12 S, but it gains a healthy 80 Nm of torque and now makes a whopping 900 Nm of twist.\nFor the first time ever, it is coupled to an\n 8-speed dual-clutch transmission\n. Power can go to all four wheels, but it is sent to the rear most of the time and only to the front when the situation calls for it.\nThere\u2019s also a new \nElectronic All-Wheel Steering system\n, which should make the big grand tourer feel a little smaller on tight city streets. To keep occupants in absolute comfort, it has a new \n48V electric anti-roll system called Bentley Dynamic Ride\n, and it sits on three-chamber air springs all around.\nAll of this is housed on a new platform, which moves the\nfront axle further forward and extends the wheelbase.\nEXTERNAL DESIGN\nThe extra length is noticeable too, and lends an elegant proportion to an otherwise muscular-looking car. It gets \ncut-crystal effect LED matrix headlamps\n which are nothing short of stunning, while the rear has \nwrap-around rear lamps with a familiar \u2018B\u2019 motif\n.\nOf course, we can\u2019t talk about the exterior without going into the \nretractable Flying \u2018B\u2019 mascot\n. It is an option for the first time since the 1950s, and has been redesigned for our modern times.\nUsually, it is polished to a silver shine but with the \nBlackline Specification\n, it is painted black, along with some trim around the car.\nFinally, this particular car sits on 22-inch wheels. It is part of the \nMulliner Driving Specification\n.\nINTERIOR DESIGN\nMove inside, and there is an unmistakeable flow to the design language. The wood trim moves from door to dash and across the other door, while the leather trim also flows from the door and down across the footwells. It\u2019s just so cohesive.\nThe aforementioned Mulliner Driving Specification brings with it seats that feature a tactile and appealing diamond-design quilting on the seats and a similar 3-dimensional motif on the door panels, as well as the embroidered Bentley emblems on the seats.\nThese sumptuous appointments are mirrored at the rear as well, and for a price buyers can have two \ndetachable Touch Screen Remotes\n to operate major functions like the blinds, climate control, rear seat massage functions, and the optional mood lighting system.\nLike the exterior, the centrepiece of the interior is also a transforming object. The \nBentley Rotating Display\n has three faces: the standard wood veneer finish, a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen, and three analogue dials. The last is our favourite and it brings back memories of the good old days.\nSAFE AS CAN BE\nIn terms of safety, the new Flying Spur is up there with the best. Front passengers have four airbags, while the rear occupants have two. Drivers get assistance systems like the Heads-up Display, Night Vision, Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, to name a few.\nINFINITELY CUSTOMISABLE\nAnd of course, like every car made by the marque, the Flying Spur is highly customisable, especially when it comes to appearance and trim. There are 17 standard and 13 extended range colours, and 15 hide colours (hide sounds a little chilling except when you say it with a British accent).\nAs for the wood finish, there are 7 veneer species from which to choose should you eschew the standard one, with dual veneers also being an option.\nThis means that it is highly likely that no two Flying Spur will ever be the same. In these pictures, the car is priced at RM840,000 before duties and taxes, meaning it will be \nclose to RM2 million on the road\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"These days, it\u2019s almost easier to list carmakers that don\u2019t have an electrification plan, than those that do. Lamborghini today announced its roadmap for the next decade that will see the supercar maker electrify its entire model line-up by 2024, followed by its first fully-electric vehicle by 2030.\nThe roadmap is said to be the \u201clargest investment plan in the brand\u2019s history\u201d, costing the company more than EUR1.5 billion by 2024. Although they\u2019re moving away from petrol to electrons, Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann has vowed to \u201ckeep the DNA\u201d of the brand and \u201c\u201ctake it to the next level\u201d.\n\u201cDirezione Cor Tauri\u201d (Towards \nCor Tauri\n), Lamborghini\u2019s roadmap, will be split into three phases, starting off by \u201ccelebrating the combustion engine\u201d from 2021 to 2022. This phase will see the development of new engines that \u201cpay homage to the brand\u2019s glorious history and iconic products past and present\u201d, with the press release adding that \ntwo new V12 models will be announced this year\n.\nSpeaking to \nPistonHeads\n, Winkelmann confirmed that there will be \u201cnew versions or updates\u201d for its three core models, the\n Urus\n, \nHuracan \nand \nAventador\n, within this phase.\nThe next stage in the roadmap is the hybrid transition phase, which will be completed by 2024. Winkelmann said that this will be the \u201cmost important one\u201d, where the \nentire Lamborghini model line-up will be electrified\n, starting with its first hybrid series production model in 2023.\nThe bulk of the EUR1.5 billion investment will be made during this phase, where the company will be developing new technologies, alongside the application of lightweight carbon fibre materials to compensate the weight penalty of a hybrid drivetrain. The company is aiming to reduce its product CO2 emissions by 50% by the beginning of 2025.\nThe \nCor Tauri\n in the name \u2013 the brightest star in the Taurus constellation \u2013 refers to the third phase of the roadmap where the company will unveil its \nfirst-ever fully-electric model\n, the fourth model in the company\u2019s core line-up, by 2030.\nAccording to an interview with \nAutocar UK\n, Winkelmann said that initial development work on the car has already begun, but no decision about its final form has been made just yet. \u201cThis will be at least a 2+2 or four-seater. We imagine a two-door car mainly at this moment, but we haven\u2019t yet taken a final decision on the body style or the power output.\u201d\nAside from its products, Lamborghini is also committed to increase its sustainability efforts throughout its Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese site, from the production lines to the offices. The 160,000 sqm area achieved its CO2 neutral certification in 2015, which was maintained even after the production site doubled in size in recent years.\nIn addition to reducing CO2 emissions, the holistic strategy also includes additional environmental protection, sustainability in the supply chain, attention to employees, and corporate social responsibility."
"Volkswagen Alor Star,\noperated by Lee Motors Autohaus Sdn Bhd, has recently upgraded their 3S centre to\na full fledge 4S centre with the addition of a Body and Paint facility. This is\nVolkswagen\u2019s 10\nth\n 4S centre in the country.\nWith a built-up area of 35,352 square feet, the upgraded 4S centre located at Aman Central spans three floors \u2013 showroom on the ground floor, aftersales on the second floor and Body and Paint on the third floor.\nThe new Body and Paint\nworkshop is able to perform accident repair, paint touch-up and respray, panel\nknocking recovery, chassis alignment and paint mixing. On site facilities\ninclude a spray booth, two preparation bays, a polishing and finishing bay, a two-post\nhoist bay and a Car-0-Liner alignment bay. Volkswagen Alor Star also uses one\nof the world\u2019s best water-based paints \u2013 Cromax Pro Waterbase, at its new Body and\nPaint workshop.\nDirector and Dealer\nPrincipal of Lee Motors Autohaus, Eugene Lee said: \u201cOur goal is to serve as a\none-stop centre for all things Volkswagen in the region, and to continue\nbuilding trust amongst our customers and enhance the overall ownership experience.\u201d"
"Spend any time online, and you\u2019ll know that the\n all-new BMW M2\n has a look that, well, let\u2019s just say is not for everyone. or anyone. But as if it\u2019s not already polarising enough, BMW has now \u2013 like clockwork \u2013 released a full set of M Performance parts for the G87 M2 to lend it an even more controversial look.\nThe new M Performance kit adds on several carbon fibre aerodynamic appendages on the outside, including a new front splitter, rear diffuser, and large rear spoiler, among many other things. But because of their unpainted appearance, the black carbon fibre parts not only add even more visual bulk to the exterior, but also further accentuates the M2\u2019s weird clashing lines, especially on the bumpers.\nWe do have to admit that the staggered wheels (20-inch front and 21-inch rear) in Frozen Gold Bronze do look pretty nice, however, and the M Performance treatment on the inside is at least much more reserved, with the Alcantara and carbon fibre touches only applied onto the armrest, knee pads, door sills, backrest covers, dashboard, and steering wheel.\nFor those who want even more aggression inside, BMW is also offering an M Performance steering wheel Pro, which comes with extra contoured Alcantara grips on the sides, with the top and bottom wrapped in leather.\nRELATED: \nAll-new BMW M2 unveiled \u2013 460hp, 550 Nm, 6-speed manual\nAt least, the BMW M2 with M Performance parts does sound quite a bit meaner than the base model thanks to the titanium M Performance silencer system, even though we\u2019re really not a fan of the quad exhaust tips that first debuted on the\n M3 and M4\n.\nThe new exhaust system is also eight kilograms lighter than the standard kit, and you can also pair it to a set of specially-tuned M Performance height-adjustable (by up to 10 mm lower) coilover suspensions to further fine-tune the car\u2019s handling characteristics.\nWith or without the funky exhaust tips, though, the all-new BMW M2 still makes\n 460 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n from the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six engine. An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission is standard, though the \u2018real drivers\u2019 would of course choose the six-speed manual that\u2019s available as an option.\nALSO READ: \nUnlike AMG, BMW M says it won\u2019t downsize its engines to four cylinders\nGALLERY"
"Launched on one of the grandest stages of the automotive industry is a brand new Swedish car deserving of all that grandiose, the second generation Volvo XC60.\nIt\u2019s been nine years since the original XC60 came about, and today the model accounts for 30 percent of total Volvos sold globally. Just so you know, the exact figure is tens of units shy of the millionth mark, so the succeeding model has really big shoes to fill.   Volvo is offering a range of petrol and diesel Drive-E engines, but the ones that we will most likely get are the petrol T5, T6 and if we\u2019re lucky, the T8 plug-in hybrid. The four-cylinder T5 is the entry level option, turbocharged to produce \n254 horsepower\n. The T6 is twincharged (turbocharged and supercharged), making \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque.\nThe top of the line T8 is also a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, but gets supercharged, turbocharged and an electric motor to generate a combined output of \n407 hp\n and upwards of \n600 Nm\n of torque. This trim is so quick that it would sprint from 0 to 100km/h in \n5.3 seconds\n!\nAt first glance, the XC60 bears great resemblance to the hugely popular flagship \nXC90\n, if not by and large a shrunken version of it. Up front is the brand\u2019s signature \u201cThor\u2019s hammer\u201d LED DRLs, whereas illumination is all LED. The side profile and rear end also receive the same signature treatment.\nThe cabin is a fine display of Swedish craftsmanship, a trait trickled down from the ostensibly extravagant interior of the XC90. All seats are draped in premium Nappa leather, the kind to come from cows living high up the Swedish mountains, free from mosquitoes and other parasitical beings. It also gets Bowers and Wilkins sound system, with each tweeter\u00a0strategically positioned to the highest level of audiophiliac precision.   All those indulgences aside, the XC60 continues to embody the brand\u2019s ethos of making the safest cars in the world. It comes with all the standard safety features such as Blind Spot Indication System with Steer Assist, City Safety system, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and so on. The optional Pilot Assist system is an advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance system which steers, brakes and accelerates by itself on well marked roads at speeds up to 130 km/h.\nProduction of the all-new Volvo XC60 is set to begin by mid-April 2017 at the company\u2019s production facility in Torslanda, Sweden. It will be coming to Malaysia either late this year or sometime next year, with the initial batch being CBU units before the Shah Alam plant takes over local assembly duties.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nToyota Corolla Cross\n Hybrid has been heavily rumoured to be introduced here in Malaysia, ever since \nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)\n announced their intentions to locally assemble hybrid vehicles. However, it was never officially confirmed by the company, well, at least until now.\nUMWT today published a new image on its website and social media channels, showing off the Corolla Cross Hybrid\u2019s headlights alongside the caption \u201cit\u2019s coming soon\u201d, essentially confirming the model for launch in Malaysia.\nTeaser by UMW Toyota.\nvs. official images of the Corolla Cross Hybrid\u2019s headlight (Thailand)\nAs usual, no technical specifications have been surfaced yet, but we expect our Malaysian model to mirror the \nToyota Corolla Cross in Thailand\n.\nThat means a 1.8 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine (98 hp and 142 Nm) underneath the bonnet, paired to an electric motor (72 hp and 163 Nm) for a total system output of \n122 hp\n. Power is sent to the front wheels via an electronic CVT gearbox, while the electric motor sips power from a 6.5-Ah nickel-metal hydride battery.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross has just been launched in Japan. although with a completely different front-end! Check it out here.\nWe also expect the hybrid model here to be placed near the top of the model trim line-up (similar to what Toyota Thailand does with its hybrid models), which means it should also receive all the goodies that we currently have on the range-topping 1.8V variant including the full Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite, and perhaps even a few more additions such as a digital instrument cluster.\nNo launch date has been provided just yet, however it shouldn\u2019t be too long from now. A registration of interest page is now up on UMW Toyota\u2019s website, which you can find \nhere\n.\nToyota Corolla Cross 1.8G (left) and 1.8V (right) in Malaysia.\nJust as a refresher, the Toyota Corolla Cross was launched in Malaysia back in March this year. Two variants are on offer, both powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with \n139 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nPricing for the Toyota Corolla Cross currently in Malaysia starts at RM124,000\n \nfor the 1.8G variant, moving up to RM129,266 for the range-topping 1.8V variant \u2013 we\u2019ll have to wait until the official launch to know the price for the hybrid variant, but local assembly should help bring the pricing down a touch!\nFind out more about the Toyota Corolla Cross in Malaysia here."
"With two Formula One victories, a win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and four triumphs in the 24 Hours of Daytona, the late Pedro Rodr\u00edguez is arguably the most successful Mexican racing driver of all time.\nThe 917 KH driven by Rodriguez.\nRodriguez also helped Porsche to World Endurance Championship wins (known as World Championship of Makes then) in 1970 and 1971. In total, the Mexican snatched 11 titles at the WEC where eight of them were won in the Porsche 917 KH donning the iconic Gulf Oil livery.\nFacts & Figures: All-new Porsche 911 Turbo S now here in Malaysia \u2013 RM2.2 million. More details here!\nTragically, Rodriguez lost his life 50 years ago at the Norising street circuit in Nuremberg, Germany in 1971. Now, half a century later, Porsche Mexico and Porsche Latin America have come together to create this, the \nPorsche 911 \u201cOne of a kind\u201d\n based on the\n new Porsche 911 Turbo S\n.\n\u201cPedro Rodr\u00edguez continues to be the Latin American driver who has given Porsche the most triumphs and joy,\u201d said Porsche Latin America.\n\u201cThis car has unique elements that no other car in the world could have. The specifications on this car have been locked in the Porsche configurator, as well as in the production system so that this car is literally unrepeatable,\u201d they added.\nTom Cruise takes on former F1 drivers in the new Porsche 911 GT3. Watch the video here!\nAside from the Gulf Oil livery, the specially designed wheels feature a black number two in a white circle. The B-pillar on the exterior also comes with a plaque that bears the silhouette of the 917 KH, with the Mexican flag and signature of Rodriguez.\nThe 911 Turbo S in Malaysia, from RM2.2 million!\nThe same details are applied to the carbon door sills. Engraved under the rear spoiler are the eight races won by Rodriguez with the 917 KH.\nThe interior is personalised with 917 embroideries on the headrests, and Rodriguez\u2019 signature on the armrest, and carbon dashboard trim. Even the key was not spared from such personalisation.\nA bespoke luggage set accompanies the car, which will be auctioned off. Proceeds will go to charitable causes according to Porsche.\n \nGALLERY"
"BMW today unveiled an initial design concept for the new BMW iNEXT where it will be built at the Dingolfing plant in Germany from 2021 onward.\nIt\u2019s said that the company\u2019s new technology flagship will incorporate all major strategic areas of innovation in a road-ready vehicle and you\u2019d be quite right to assume that they\u2019re referring to the autonomous driving technology as well.\nChairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Harald Kr\u00fcger said, \u201cThe iNEXT is fully electric, fully connected, offers highly automated driving and will be presented as a\u00a0\nVision Vehicle\n\u00a0later this year.\u201d\nThe BMW Concept iX3\nAs for now, no technical specifications were revealed save for this vague silhouette that seems to resemble that of a hatchback or possibly even a crossover. If anything, the window frames seem to take the shape of the BMW i Vision Dynamics; revealed at last year\u2019s \nFrankfurt Motor Show\n.\nRecently, BMW also premiered the brand\u2019s \nfirst ever all-electric vehicle\n, the\n BMW Concept iX3\n, at the \n2018 Beijing Motor Show\n. Its new platform is capable of accommodating all types of powertrain and drivetrain layouts.\nIt\u2019s equipped with BMW\u2019s 5th-generation eDrive system that\u2019s lighter and more compact where its electric motor is said to be capable of \n272 hp\n with a pure electric driving range of\n more than 400 km\n from its 70 kWh battery pack."
"Missed the chance of owning what is possibly the greatest \n911\n in the market? Couldn\u2019t afford to pay the\u00a0\nastronomical asking price\n\u00a0of the used car market? Stuttgart is tending to your grief by revealing the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package!\nThis 911 GT3 with the Touring Package, which made it debut at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show, is a toned down variant of the\u00a0\n911 GT3\n. For starters, the subtle looking engine cover with black mesh grille takes over from the high rear wing of the regular GT3. \u00a0The bumpers,\u00a0wheel arches, and the forged alloy-wheels are\u00a0carry overs from the aforementioned model as well.\nJust like its exterior, the performance is untouched. The\u00a0\n4.0-litre flat-six\n here makes \n500\u00a0hp\n and \n460 Nm\n of torque; enabling it to complete the century sprint in just\u00a0\n3.9 seconds\n\u00a0with a top speed of \n314 km/h.\n It also shares the\u00a0\nrear-wheel-steering system\n, a torque vectoring limited-slip differential, suspension and chassis settings with the 911 GT3. Drive is sent to the rear through a\n\u00a0six-speed manual transmission\n.\nNotice its similarities with the 911 R? This is, after all, Stuttgart\u2019s answer to\u00a0\nunscrupulous owners\n of the 911 R who are flipping their cars with exorbitant pricing! Regardless, it\u2019s good news for the masses as the Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package\u00a0is not a limited edition model and Porsche will build it as long there\u2019s demand. At\u00a0\n$143,600 (approximately RM604k)\n\u00a0a pop, it\u2019s also actually cheaper than the standard 911 GT3.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Who said internal combustion engines are dead? Bucking the industry trend of engine down-sizing and electrification, Ferrari has announced that it\u2019ll be introducing a brand new V12 engine, and it\u2019s the upcoming \nPurosangue SUV\n that\u2019ll be the first to get it.\nTeased overnight, Ferrari\u2019s press release says that \u201cthe V12 has always been an intrinsic part of Ferrari DNA\u201d, and will remain \u201ca symbol of our relentless quest for new heights of performance and pure driving emotion\u201d.\n \nAlthough the press release does not explicitly name the Purosangue, it does mention that the \u201cnew thoroughbred\u2019s bloodline\u201d will be the new V12 \u2013 and if you recall, Purosangue is Italian for thoroughbred. Throw in \u201cgame changing model\u201d and it\u2019s pretty much confirmed.\nBut if that\u2019s still not enough to convince you, fret not \u2013 Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna also confirmed to \nReuters\n that their new SUV would be the one in line for the new 12-cylinder engine, saying \u201cWe\u2019ve tested several options, it was clear that the V12, for the performance and driving experience it could provide, was the right option for the market\u201d.\nOutput and performance figures for the new (likely 6.5-litre) V12 still remain under wraps for now, but rumours are suggesting a horsepower output\n upwards of 820 hp\n, making it one of the most powerful SUVs on the market \u2013 and the most powerful petrol-powered one.\nAside from this new V12 engine, which should at least help Ferrari market the SUV to their most ardent fans, the Purosangue is also rumoured to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain underneath the hood \u2013 possibly utilising the \n296 GTB\n\u2018s new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.\nThere\u2019s also talk of a fully-electric model in the pipelines, although that isn\u2019t expected to arrive until around 2024 or 2025.\nALSO READ: The topless 296 GTS is the only correct way to sample Ferrari\u2019s new \u2018picollo V12\u2019 powertrain\nThe Ferrari Purosangue SUV is already seen pretty much in full, thanks to a\n set of photos\n leaked from the production floor earlier this year. And although we definitely still need some time to get used to how it looks, there are already a few \u201challmark\u201d Ferrari touches that we can pick out from the design.\nThese include the \nSF90\n-inspired headlights, tail lights from the 296 GTB, and a massive gaping front lower intake that sports a passing resemblance to the \nGTC4Lusso\n. The overall silhouette of the Purosangue is also more lifted coupe-hatchback rather than SUV, although it\u2019ll still have a higher ground clearance than every other Ferrari models.\nThe Ferrari Purosangue (if it\u2019s still called that, since it\u2019s only technically the SUV\u2019s working codename) is slated to be revealed in the coming months, with production to start before the end of the year."
"Caterham\n is known for their simplistic, lightweight, and fun cars \u2013 and now, it\u2019s attempting to do the same thing even with electric power. The British boutique sportscar manufacturer has unveiled the Project V concept ahead of the \nGoodwood Festival of Speed \nthis weekend, which will preview its upcoming fully-electric coupe slated for \u201clate 2025 or early 2026\u201d.\nBut just how light can an EV actually be? Thanks to what must be black magic, the Caterham Project V will weigh in at just \n1,190 kg \n(targeted) \u2013 that\u2019s lighter than even the\n Toyota GR86\n.\nCaterham says that the incredible low weight is mostly down to the \u201cinnovative carbon fibre and aluminium composite chassis\u201d, and not actually through a deal with the devil. In the same vein, the interior of the Caterham Project V is also significantly pared down compared to a more \u201cregular\u201d EV sports car, though you still at least get a large touchscreen in the centre for your smartphone connectivity.\nThe showcar here also has a unique 2+1 seating layout, which Caterham says is to maximise seating comfort for the rear passenger. Looking at the seat itself, though, we aren\u2019t so sure about that. A 2+2 seating layout is also available as an option.\nEven with the obsessive focus on lightweighting, the Caterham Project V doesn\u2019t sacrifice on performance too. Powered by a \n200 kW (272 hp)\n electric motor mounted on the rear axle, the electric sports car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than \n4.5 seconds\n, before reaching a top speed of around \n230 km/h\n.\nElectric juice is supplied by a 55 kWh USOC lithium-ion battery pack \u201cwith advanced thermal management\u201d, which is enough to provide up to 400 km of electric range on the WLTP test cycle. Thanks to the 150 kW DC fast charger support, a quick top up from 20-80% will just take 15 minutes.\nRELATED: \nExperience driving purity with the Caterham 7, now in Malaysia!\nA big chunk of that comes from its slippery shape, too, which is designed by Caterham\u2019s new Chief Designer, Anthony Jannarelly. It\u2019s not the most \nCaterham\n thing to look at, but come on, the \nCaterham Seven\u2019s\n original design dates back all the way to 1957 \u2013 it really is time for a change.\nComplementing the slippery shape and the electric powertrain are the fully adjustable double wishbone suspensions, electrically power steering, and staggered (19- and 20-inch) Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres all round.\nAccording to Caterham Cars CEO, Bob Laishley, the Project V is more than just a design study or concept. The development team, consisting of Caterham and Italian engineering firm Italdesign, have also conducted engineering and production feasibility studies throughout the development process. \u201cProject V fulfils our ambition to sustainably grow the company and explore electrification simultaneously,\u201d he said.\nDespite it being the \u2018shiny new thing\u2019, Laishley says that the Project V won\u2019t be replacing the existing Seven models, but instead complementing it. \u201cWe believe that by retaining the core Caterham values, it will appeal to both our existing customer base and attract new fans to the brand,\u201d Laishley added.\nRELATED: \nCaterham introduces new Seven 170, just 86 hp but 0-100 in 6.9 seconds!\n\u201cBy using a more practical coup\u00e9 body style and by exploiting the packaging benefits of an EV, this is a car that works as well for trips to the shops, or the school run, as it does for Sunday morning sprints.\u201d I guess \u201cwell\u201d is truly relative, but at least it does work better for shopping trips than the Seven.\nThe Caterham Project V is estimated to be priced from around GBP80,000 (approx. RM480k) when it goes on sale.\nGALLERY"
"After revealing that the Polestar 1 is \navailable for pre-order in 18 countries\n and its \nofficial pricing\n, Polestar has announced that its \nhigh-performance plug-in hybrid\n will make its first dynamic appearance at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Naturally, the company have arranged its first ever car to participate in the famous Goodwood hill climb.\nThis will be the first opportunity for the public to get up close and personal with the two-door coupe\u2019s design and performance as it continues its final phases of real-world testing. The last we saw the Polestar 1 in action was at the Arctic Circle when the engineers had the \ncar going sideways on ice\n.\nThe Polestar 1 will be driven by the company\u2019s chief test driver, Joakim Rydholm, who said: \u201cI am really excited to drive the Polestar 1 prototype up the hill at Goodwood. Driving the hill climb has been a long-time ambition for me, and to be able to do it in the same prototype in which we\u2019ve spent so many months of development time, is truly special.\u201d\nWhile prototype #004 that is set to take on the hill climb will be heavily camouflaged, there will be two production-specification Polestar 1 cars on display for the public to experience the car in detail ahead of first customers deliveries in mid-2019.\nChief Executive Officer of Polestar, Thomas Ingenlath comments: \u201cI\u2019m thrilled that we\u2019re going to be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed \u2013 it\u2019s everything a big car event should be: full of passion, enthusiasm and a chance to get really close to the cars. The response to the Polestar 1 from the UK and northern Europe has been fantastic and we see this event as a vital part of our continued \u2018global handshake\u2019 with enthusiasts and our customers around the world. It\u2019s a wonderful opportunity to meet so many people who share our passion for Polestar and the future of the brand.\u201d"
"The electric future for performance cars was always a matter of \u201cwhen\u201d rather than \u201cwhat\u201d and \u201chow\u201d, and it seems that \nMercedes-AMG\n\u2018s answer to that question is \nnow\n, with the debut of the EQS 53 4Matic+ at the \n2021 IAA Motor Show\n in Munich.\nThe number one thing that makes it an AMG? Performance, of course. Underneath the bodywork is a twin-motor set-up, which at its base configuration already outputs an impressive \n658 hp\n and \n950 Nm\n. An optional Dynamic Plus package brings the total up to a peak of \n761 hp\n and \n1020 Nm\n momentarily in Race Start mode.\n \nThe marked increase over the regular EQS is largely thanks to the AMG-specific electric motors, which features different coil windings, higher current, new software, and improved cooling.\nAll together, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is able to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n (3.8 seconds without Dyamic Plus package, 4.3 seconds on EQS 580), onward to an electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nCheck out Mercedes-AMG\u2019s electric strategy in more detail here.\nWhile not quite the at the level of something like the\n Tesla Model S Plaid\n, keep in mind that the EQS 53 is still a \u201cbaby\u201d AMG by the company\u2019s standard naming scheme, and it already boasts some pretty incredible numbers. We can\u2019t wait to see what the 63 (and 63 S!) brings to the table when it inevitably arrives.\nAnyway, electric juice comes from a 400-volt 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with and AMG-specific wiring, which translates to a driving range of\n 580 km\n (WLTP test cycle) \u2013 a significant drop from the \nregular EQS\n\u2018 770 km range, though still a pretty respectable figure especially on a performance-focused car weighing over 2.5 tonnes.\nThe AMG EQS comes with an 11 kW onboard AC charger, which can be upgraded to a 22 kW unit. Though, if you plug it into a DC 200 kW fast charging outlet, just a short 15 minutes charge can already net you 300 km of range.\nAside from the EV EQS, Mercedes-AMG also recently unveiled its first hybrid model, the GT 63 Hybrid S E Performance. Check it out here!\nOther performance upgrades on the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 comes in the form of an upgraded AMG Ride Control+ suspension system, which combines the AMG-specific air suspensions with electronically-adjustable adaptive dampers for even better road-gripping capabilities at the limits of adhesion.\nThe rear-axle steering system also comes as standard on the AMG EQS 53, with a steering angle of up to nine degrees to help both enhance the agility and stability of the performance luxobarge.\nThere\u2019s also the upgraded brakes, with 415 mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front, and 378 mm discs with single-piston calipers at the back. Buyers can also choose the optional AMG ceramic brakes, which also increases the front discs size to 440 mm.\nEither way, the i-Booster system helps regulate between the hydraulic brakes and energy recuperation system \u2013 the latter returning up to 300 kW of energy to the batteries during hard braking.\nIn terms of looks, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ wears the same exterior appointments as the AMG Line-equipped EQS 580. However, additional AMG-specific touches including the Panamericana Black Panel grille, additional splitters and diffusers, plus a larger rear spoiler help the performance variant stand out from the regular line-up.\nBuyers can specify their electric AMG with 21- or 22-inch AMG alloy wheels in Aero or Heritage design, alongside other options like the AMG Night Package Dark Chrome, AMG carbon trim elements, and red brake calipers.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQS is the world\u2019s most aerodynamic production car \u2013 boasting a whopping 770 km of range! Check it out here.\nInside, the massive \nMBUX Hyperscreen \nis standard on the AMG EQS, as is the new AMG performance steering wheel \u2013 the former featuring several AMG-specific features and displays such as the AMG Track Pace and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes settings.\nThe rest of the interior is also suitably dressed up with the AMG sports seats upholstered in Artico man-made leather, aluminium sports pedals, red topstitching, and AMG-branded floor mats and door sills.\nThe G-Wagen is also going electric. Read more about it here.\nFor drivers coming from traditional petrol combustion, Mercedes has included an AMG Sound Experience system to help tide over the lack of engine noise. There are two versions \u2013 Authentic and Performance (with the Dynamic Plus Package) \u2013 designed to generate sounds matching the \u201ctonality and intensity\u201d of the current driving mode or conditions.\nPricing and availability of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ will only be announced closer to market launch, though it\u2019s expected to happen sometime in early 2022.\nGALLERY"
"After releasing the \npreview sketch\n just over a year ago, Volkswagen has unveiled the Tiguan Allspace facelift with the US market premiering the new-look SUV, which is \nits best-seller\n.\nThe front end has been completely reworked, adopting almost everything from the 320 hp \nTiguan R\n, which the styling language debuted on the latest eight-generation \nVolkswagen Golf\n. The LED headlamps are now slimmer with a double DRL signature lighting extending into the grille via a thin LED strip.\nThe new R-Line bumpers has its large C-shaped contours reprofiled, together with a sportier side skirt design and a refreshed \u201cR\u201d marking on the front fender. Newly designed rims will also follow according to the variant.\nNewly centered \u201cTiguan\u201d lettering on the tailgate matches Volkswagen family styling from the \nArteon\n, the \nPassat\n and to the recently unveiled \nnew Polo\n hatchback.\nThe graphics in the taillamps also get an update, with the pattern adopted from the facelifted Volkswagen Passat and are essentially the same units from the new Tiguan R. The horizontal reflector strip across the width of the rear is also carried over from the more powerful sibling.\nIn the US, the taillamps meanwhile are the standard units, which in fact are simpler than the full LED taillamps with sharper graphics that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has specified \nsince 2019\n.\nInside the new facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the company has fitted its latest generation of steering wheel, with the switches featuring \ntouch-sensitive\n design and in piano-black finish. Similar technology is also used on the new-generation Climatronic air-conditioning control panel, where all dials and buttons have been replaced by touch-sensitive sliders.\nDeliveries of the facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace in the US will only begin from the third quarter of this year.\nIn Malaysia, VPCM offer the Tiguan Allspace in two different powertrains and accompanying features. The Tiguan \nAllspace R-Line\n, priced at \nRM209,638\n, makes \n220 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine and drive all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and \n4Motion\n all-wheel drive system. Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive dampers plus 19-inch wheels complete the R-Line package.\nThe \nRM165,031\n \nrecently-updated\n Allspace Highline meanwhile has a smaller 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. It produces \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n to drive the front wheels.\nA five-year unlimited-mileage warranty is also included in the price, alongside a three-year/45,000 km free maintenance package.\nAs part of VPCM\u2019s Raya-Raya promotions, the Tiguan Allspace is currently being offered with a \nRM1,000\n duit raya cash rebate, along with an additional \nRM3,500\n in \neShowroom\n savings. The Raya-Raya promotion runs from now until the 13th of June.\nGALLERY"
"Proton is now back in the motorsports scene with the\u00a0\nIriz R5\n, marking a new and exciting era for the Malaysian car manufacturer. The Evo-powered hatchback first tasted action over the weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it surely looks promising!\nThe car was fully developed by the talents of\u00a0British rally experts\u00a0\nMellors Elliot Motorsport (MEM)\n. They were also the same team whom previously prepared the Satria Neo S2000 and the Proton PERT rally cars. This whole project didn\u2019t involve Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd, so don\u2019t be quick to jump the gun. It\u2019s all-wheel drive and powered by a slightly detuned 4B11T engine that\u2019s expected to crank\n 280 hp\n!   The Iriz R5 had a decent run at Goodwood\u2019s rally stage where it topped the charts. Driven by Ollie Mellors, the family-run team claims the\u00a0car is still in development before it\u2019s due for its first competitive rallying by 2018.\nWatch a short snippet of the Iriz R5 in action in the video below!\nSpecial thanks to James Ward of\n Chicane Media\n for the fine images. Also to user \u201ct\nhesniper89\n\u201d for the video!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from introducing a special edition named Exclusive Mods \u2013 now the flagship model of the CX-3 in Japan \u2013 that features deep red Nappa leather upholstery and white dash trims, Mazda had also introduced major upgrades for the CX-3.\nA new 1.8-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine, that replaces the previous 1.5-litre diesel unit, benefits from strong torque output even at high rpms \u2013 an upgrade which will most certainly transform the CX-3 into a pokey little crossover.\nMechanical improvements also extends to the front dampers, front stabilizers and coil springs, while the G-Vectoring Control and electric power steering systems have been tuned to achieve even smoother changes in vehicle posture.\nChanges to the exterior include a revised front grille, LED rear combination lamps and aluminum wheels. Inside, the center console has been redesigned along with the addition of an electric parking brake and center armrest.\nA quieter cabin has been achieved with increased thickness of the front and rear door outer panels, thicker rear window glass, improved door seals and sound-absorbing properties of the headliner.\nThe attention to detail has been such that even the cushions in the front seats adopt the same high-damping urethane as those used in the Mazda CX-8.\nIn terms of safety, the refreshed CX-3 is the first model to adopt an updated version of the Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) with enhanced ability to detect pedestrians at night.\nOther safety features include the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop on its own and an optional 360\u00b0 View Monitor.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The second-generation Subaru XV has been keeping Motor Image Malaysia occupied since its \nlocal debut\n. A year on, the company is still trying hard to keep up with the demand for the overwhelming demand for this crossover.\nWhat makes the new-generation XV so attractive then?\u00a0 Because for RM135k, it only gets fabric seats, puny 385 litre boot space and lacks the EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems.\nEyeSight is not available on our local-spec Subaru XV\nAs a whole package, the XV appears to be on the losing end especially when pitted against the SUVs of this price point. There\u2019s the competent (but basic) \nMazda CX-5 GL\n, crowd favourite \nHonda CR-V\n and even the spacious people carrier \nMitsubishi Outlander 2.0L\n. It\u2019s a tall order for the XV.\nHowever, after using the car for its intended purposes \u2013 a go-anywhere family SUV, I realised the XV has plenty to offer for not only the family but also the driver. Like Eu Jin said: \u201cThis is the rightful evolution of the old Impreza for this modern time.\u201d\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru XV 2.0i-P\nEngine\n1,995cc; 4-cylinder Direct Injection Boxer\nTransmission\nLineartronic CVT\nMax Power\n154 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM134,788\nNo, it\u2019s Not \u201cJust a Facelift\u201d\nWe won\u2019t blame you if you think the new design appears to be a facelift, but rest assured, everything about the XV is new; from the chassis, dimensions, engine and transmission. Sitting on the brand\u2019s new Subaru Global Platform (which underpins the new WRX and Forester), the XV has grown 15 mm in length, 20 mm in width with a 30 mm longer wheelbase.\nThe new platform also strengthens the XV\u2019s chassis\u00a0\n70% more rigidity\n and\u00a0\n50% lesser body roll\n compared to the model it replaces.\nThe 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct injection Boxer engine has been tweaked to squeeze out \n154 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque, 6 hp more than before. The Lineartronic CVT is lighter than the previous model and gets a new final drive ratio for better pulling power, response and fuel efficiency \u2013 6 to 10% more efficient to be precise.   For the untrained eye, you may have to park the new and old side-by-side to really appreciate the new design cues that Subaru has introduced. Starting from the front, the headlamps (LED projector units on the 2.0i-P) are now sharper than before while the rectangular LED taillamps (which I am a big fan of) replaces the awkward boxy design of old.\nOther little touches like the plastic body mouldings, roof rails, rear spoiler and 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres give the XV a bit of a tough guy look \u2013 ready to take on your weekend escapades.\nYou Will Need a Moment to Appreciate the Cabin\nWhile the cabin design is not particularly stunning at first glance, after getting to know all the controls I would sum the cabin of the XV to be extremely functional. The buttons on the multifunctional steering wheel are chunky and easy to navigate, the instrument cluster and 6.3-inch secondary multifunction display are crisp and easy to read. While it may not look award-winning, the cabin\u2019s build and material quality is top notch.\nI am a fan of the orange top stitching that is present everywhere you look, steering wheel, dashboard, seats and even the door cards. It gives a monotone cabin a splash of vibrance, enough to make up for the manually adjustable fabric seats.   The 385 litres of boot space may be a bit too snug for some, but its wider trunk aperture (+100 mm) makes loading and unloading of items a very graceful affair. The boot space is adequate for a family weekend getaway, but you do have to indulge in a quick game of \nTetris \nbefore fitting all your cargo in.\nOne of the Best CVT in the Business\nLike Eu Jin, I never thought I would enjoy a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) this much. Subaru\u2019s Lineartronic CVT on the XV is responsive, relatively muted throughout the rev range and delivers grunt in a very linear fashion. It does a fantastic job in helping the engine to muster all its 156 hp to all four corners via the brand\u2019s \nSymmetrical all-wheel-drive system\n.\nThe achilles heel of all CVTs is the rubber band effect where the transmission climbs to a high rev but not deliver power to the wheels and on the XV this effect is hardly noticeable as power comes in, in tandem with your right foot. This also means that the dreaded CVT whine is hardly audible in the XV.\nSubaru claims that the improved Lineartronic CVT helps to improve fuel economy and after 559 km of highway and town driving with four adults and a boot full of luggage, its trip computer read\u00a0\n8.9 L/100 km\n; which is pretty impressive considering it uses a naturally-aspirated engine to move four-wheels.\nOff the Beaten Track is where the XV Belongs\nIt will be an insult to Subaru\u2019s rally heritage if the XV is kept on the tarmac for its whole life because the car is insanely capable off-road. Find an empty gravel road, plant your right foot and you will realise that Subaru did not throw away all its experience in WRC to make\u00a0economical people carriers, unlike its \narch-rival\n.\nThe chassis is incredibly composed and the Symmetrical all-wheel-drive is working its magic by sending torque to each individual wheel to give you maximum traction at all times. The suspension filters out most of the undulations from the uneven surface, but you can still clearly feel where the wheels are pointed and what is happening beneath you. If I had one of these, I would take the tougher route; always.\nShould the going get really tough, engaging X-Mode and the Hill-Descent Control can get you out of most tricky situations.\nWill I Buy It?\nThe second-generation Subaru XV is much more than meets the eye. Its vehicle dynamics, powertrain and refinement will suit most needs whether you are looking for a family SUV or a reliable companion to take you on your adventures. It\u2019s an SUV that drive\u2019s like a sedan, handles like a rally car yet ferries five and some cargo without breaking a sweat. Its compact size also makes city driving a much more pleasant affair.\nIf there comes a time in my life where I require an SUV, the Subaru XV will certainly be my prime choice. Even if I don\u2019t, I would love to have one of these just to go \u201crallying\u201d every other weekend.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru XV 2.0i-P Review"
"On display at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) is the Honda CR-V and Jazz Mugen concept. Two of Honda Malaysia\u2019s segment leaders painted in a new Passion Red Pearl colour and kitted out with the full Mugen exterior accessories.\nUnlike the run-out HR-V Mugen, both the \nCR-V\n and \nJazz\n features a Mugen front grille, angular front bumper with new LED daytime running lights housing, sharper rear bumpers and a rear spoiler. On the Jazz Mugen Concept, you\u2019ll find a set of 17-inch 10-spoke Mugen alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45 profile tyres.   Jazz Mugen Concept\n \n \nPeeping into both the locked car, it appears that Honda Malaysia has left the interior untouched. But should the two Mugen concepts turn into reality, expect subtle touches to the interior such as Mugen branded floor mats and badges around the cabin.\nOf all the cars on display at the Honda booth, the CR-V and Jazz Mugen concept with its deep red paint job and aggressive styling certainly stand out among its fleet of display cars. Although, we have more admiration for the Jazz, the CR-V. Not so much.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda CR-V Mugen Concept at KLIMS   Honda CR-V Mugen Concept at KLIMS   Jazz Mugen Concept"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today announced an update to the locally-assembled A-Class Sedan, with the V177 gaining a handful of new equipment alongside a price bump, just five months after its \nintroduction here in Malaysia\n.\nThe new 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan is now priced from\n RM220,459\n (up RM9,556) for the A 200 Progressive Line, while the A 250 AMG Line goes for\n RM243,858\n (up RM4,000). Prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions until June 30th 2022.\nThe Mercedes-Benz A 200 now regains the 64-colour ambient lighting and powered front passenger seats that were removed when the car switched to local assembly, while its safety kit has also been updated with the addition of blind spot monitoring.\nBoth variants also now come with wireless charging and hands-free boot access, alongside an updated list of safety kit including active lane keep assist and automatic high beam \u2013 the latter two were previously available exclusively on the \nCBU A 250 variant\n, but were also removed when CKD operations began.\nAs a trade-off, however, the dual-zone climate control on both variants have been downgraded to just a single-zone Thermatic automatic climate control system.\nAside from the updated equipment list, the rest of both the Mercedes-Benz A 200 and A 250 remain unchanged from before.\nMechanically, the A 200 continues to be powered by the 1.3-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n, while the A 250 gets the M260 turbocharged four-banger making\n 224 hp \nand \n350 Nm\n. Both engines are paired to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive Line (CKD)\nMercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line (CKD)"
"Well, that was quick, wasn\u2019t it? \nTeased just yesterday\n, the new 2022 BMW 3 Series facelift has now made its global debut, and. it\u2019s everything we thought it\u2019d be.\nThe mid-cycle update is likely to be the last major change exercise we\u2019ll receive on the ICE-powered G20 3 Series, and will remain on sale until 2025 when BMW is expected to introduce a \nnew fully-electric 3-er\n based on the Neue Klasse EV platform.\nIn terms of looks, the new 2022 3 Series inherits most of the changes brought forward by the \nchina-exclusive BMW i3\n. The most obvious changes on the new facelift lie within the front fascia, characterised by a pair of slimmer and more streamlined headlights (without the notch at the bottom), new twin inverted L-shaped daytime-running lights signature, a reshaped grille with a double bars pattern, and a reworked bumper with gloss black side air breathers.\nOver at the rear, the new 2022 BMW 3 Series also gets a reworked bumper, with more body colour-painted elements that\u2019s supposed to present \u201ca particularly sophisticated look\u201d, according to BMW.\nThe M Sport-equipped car pictured here also gets a gloss-black chunky diffuser element on the rear bumper, while the front bumpers are also distinguished by a distinctive hexagon lower air intake. Variable sport steering and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels are also standard on the M Sport package, as is the M Sport suspension (aside from PHEV variants), with the adaptive M suspension available as an option.\nThe M340i xDrive variant, meanwhile, takes it up a notch further with an exclusive mesh insert for the kidney grille, trapezoidal tailpipe exit trims, as well as the blacked-out wing mirror caps. We thought that the Cerum Grey Metallic finish on the trims of the current M340i was actually a pretty unique touch, so we\u2019re not too sure why it\u2019s been removed here.\nReview: BMW M340i xDrive \u2013 the best of both worlds\nAs with most BMW models these days, the German carmaker is also offering a whole swath of M Performance exterior upgrade options, too, including a carbon fibre rear diffuser, a larger rear ducktail spoiler, and bespoke wheel designs of up to 20-inches in size.\nInside, the new 2022 BMW 3 Series also now adopts the new BMW Curved Display that was first introduced on the iX. The display panel houses two screens (12.3-inch for the instrument cluster, 14.9-inch for the central infotainment display) in a single curved glass panel, and runs on the firm\u2019s latest\n iDrive 8.0 operating system\n.\nThe new infotainment system boasts heavily upgraded functionalities with more modern technologies, including a wide range of connected services, 5G connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 5G connectivity, the \u201cHey BMW\u201d intelligent voice assistant, as well as over-the-air software updates.\nTo accommodate the new displays, however, the rest of the dashboard also had to undergo a slight makeover. The centre air vents are now slimmer than before, with the climate controls being moved into the infotainment system itself, while the bank of shortcut buttons for the infotainment system have also been replaced by new haptic touch buttons for the hazard lights and window defrosters.\nAside from those, however, the rest of the cabin remains completely unchanged to the existing G20 3 Series that first made its international debut back in 2018. Well, aside from the new toggle-style gearshift lever. Interestingly, the \nfully-electric BMW i4\n, which mirrors most of the interior changes of the new 3-er, still retain the bigger lever \u2013 don\u2019t ask us why.\nAs part of the 2022 LCI facelift update, the safety kit of the BMW 3 Series has also been updated with the addition of Park Distance Control to the standard equipment list. Autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning and assist is also standard, but the more advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and Lane Control Assistant will only be available as options.\nMechanically, the new 2022 BMW 3 Series also still retains the same powertrain line-up as before, consisting of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options depending on market. The range starts from the entry-level 318i with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill offering \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n, and tops out with the BMW Performance-branded M340i xDrive, which gets a 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six making \n374 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\nMalaysians will be more familiar with the 320i, 330i, and 330e guises, all of which are mostly unchanged mechanically from before. The 320i still makes \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n; the 330i\n 245 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, and the 330e making \n292 hp \nand \n420 Nm\n thanks to its electrical assistance.\nAll variants are paired to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox as standard, while the Steptronic Sport unit is available as standard \u2013 the latter adding a Launch Control function for traction-optimised acceleration off the line, along with the Sprint function which \u201cunlocks ultra-quick bursts of mid-range power\u201d.\nRELATED: BMW Malaysia updates 320i Sport and 330i M Sport with AEB and other driving aids, costs RM5k more\nGALLERY"
"Lexus is inviting the public to its showrooms across Malaysia this weekend (except Lexus Centre Ipoh on December 14th) to \u201cUnwrap Amazing\u201d from 10 am to 4 pm to celebrate the end of the year.\nFor starters, all visitors at the Lexus Centre will receive a special Christmas door gift and within the luxurious confinements of the showrooms, they\u2019ll be treated to Amazing Experiences with high-tech digital innovations to elevate the senses.\nThere\u2019ll also be test drives for all Lexus models on sale \u2013 the best way to experience a Lexus beyond their dramatic visual appeal. What\u2019s even better is that after every test drive, there\u2019ll be another gift at the end of the test drive.\nSpecifically at the Lexus showroom in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, visitors can participate in the Ginger House-making workshop and enjoy special performance by Wilson Jong and Thomas Phillip Musical.\nLexus says visitors will be treated to unparalleled standards of hospitality inspired by the Japanese tradition of omotenashi from the moment they step into the showroom. Whether it\u2019s a test drive or merely sipping coffee at the Cafe Richard, visitors will be at the centre of the Lexus Experience Amazing theme.\nThe renowned standards of Lexus are inspired by the Japanese tradition of omotenashi (hospitality) which every visitor to any Lexus centre will experience, right from the time he or she enters the refined environment of the showroom. Whether going for a test-drive or enjoying a cup of coffee from Caf\u00e9 Richard, customers are always at the centre of the Lexus Amazing Experience.\nVisitors will also get to learn more about the Lexus Malaysia\u2019s Corporate Privilege Programme where they can receive discounts and free service packages.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of its full unveiling,\n \nMercedes-Benz\n \nhas revealed the interior of the next-gen \nMercedes Benz E-Class\n (W214), debuting a new \u2018Superscreen\u2019, in succession to the Hyperscreen that debuted on the EQS. Previously, \nleaked images\n have shown a lower-tier interior of the W214 without the Superscreen. The official images released show a range-topping version of the cabin.\nFrom the pictures released by Mercedes-Benz, it can be seen that the Superscreen is like a partial version of the Hyperscreen, where the digital instrument cluster is still a floating screen as you would find in the W206 \nC-Class\n. There is also a camera perched at the centre top that functions as a selfie/video camera that allows the driver to participate in video conference calls and take personal photos/videos when the vehicle is stationary.\nYou will also notice that the W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class doesn\u2019t have the \u201cturbine\u201d air conditioning vents. Generally, the W214\u2019s interior combines the interior of the W206 C-Class and the interior of EQS and EQE. Unlike the EQ sedans, the dashboard and door panels show no change in elevation.\nThe next-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 also debuts a \u201cMotion sickness prevention programme\u201d in the \u201cEnergizing Comfort\u201d programme. A \u201cbio\u2011feedback function\u201d is planned for the \u201cEnergizing Coach\u201d in the medium term. This can reduce the feeling of stress with breathing exercises.\nRELATED: \nLeaked \u2013 Next-gen W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class adopts \u2018EQ\u2019 grille, landscape screen\nLike current Mercedes-Benz cars, the next-gen W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts active ambient lighting that runs across the width of the cabin. The ambient lighting can be made to beat in sync with music played in the car and works in tandem with the Burmester 4D surround sound system to provide a multi-dimensional sound experience that is not only audible but also \u201cfeelable\u201d.\nAs for interior colours, customers can choose from an array of options that include light beige combined with space grey, including a classy pearl effect, to the sophisticated, cinnamon-coloured tonka brown and the cool and technical-looking grey.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen E-Class to be last ICE-only car by Mercedes-Benz, set for 2023\nIn terms of software applications/mobile apps, the next-gen Mercedes E-Class W214 will also have several new in car apps that can be downloaded from the Mercedes me Store. The new in-car apps include Tiktok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom, and Vivaldi.\nWith the reveal of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214\u2019s interior, the E-Class launch will start with the Saloon model. The first models of the 214 series will arrive at European dealerships in summer 2023. In the USA, the market launch will take place in autumn 2023.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan launched in Malaysia, fully-electric E-Class from RM420k\nGALLERY"
"One of Malaysia\u2019s hottest selling premium executive sedans is back in an all-new form. This is the \nG30 BMW 5 Series\n, available immediately in one single\u00a0flavour \u2013 the 530i M Sport.\nWhile co-developed with the \nG11/G12 7 Series\n, this seventh-generation G30 5 Series doesn\u2019t actually share the carbon tub as the flagship limo. But through clever and more liberal use of high tensile steel, aluminium and magnesium, BMW managed to shave 100kg off the G30 from the F10.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nG30 BMW 530i M Sport\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n252 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM398,800.00\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nSince size matters most in this segment, let it be known that the 5 Series has the lengthiest wheelbase when compared to\u00a0the \nE-Class\n and \nS90\n. The Bimmer is also over 200kg lighter than the Volvo, and weighs just about the same as the E 250 \u2013 just above 1,600kg. Overall, the G30 is larger, longer and wider than the F10 it replaces.\nOn the outside, the 530i gets dressed in M Sport bodykit all around. Adaptive LED headlamps and LED fog lamps come as standard, and for the first time ever on a 5 Series, the LED DRLs blend seamlessly into the kidney grille. The headlamps intelligently manage beam throw at night so as to not dazzle drivers of the opposing direction.   It sits on 19-inch M lightweight alloys shod with run flat tyres: 245/40 R19 for the fronts and 275/35 R19 for the rear. Behind each wheel is a \nblue-painted brake calliper\n with M designation that\u2019s exclusive to this trim. The tail lamps are also LED, and the rear section is tastefully\u00a0finished by a pair of trapezoidal exhausts.\nThe G30 5 Series is also an aerodynamic powerhouse, boasting a \nbest-in-class drag coefficient of 0.22cd\n. Managing airflow are a range of functional aero bits, such as an air vent control in the kidney grille, air inlets and air curtains in the front apron and air breathers in the front wings.\nINTERIOR\nHere, a three-spoke M steering wheel comes as standard, as is the \nfully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster\n. Fitted into the centre dashboard is a rather welcoming 10.25-inch touchscreen display which can be operated through the iDrive controls next to the gearstick. Other M-specific dressings include illuminated door sills and foot pedals.   The head unit supports BMW ConnectedDrive (BMW concierge), gesture controls, USB, auxiliary and smartphone pairing functions. It also comes with a 20GB hard drive for you to store audio files. GPS navigation (Navigation system Professional) is standard, as well as a \n16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system\n with 600W digital amplifier.\nCreature comforts like ambient lighting (up to 11 different colours), electric sunroof, roller sunblinds and four-zone climate control are standard fitment.\nAdmittedly, one of the many standout features of this car is the new BMW Display Key which comes with a full-coloured LCD display. This feeds you with a multitude of information regarding your car, and is easily operated by touch, just as you would with a smartphone.\nPERFORMANCE\nIf you\u2019re expecting a straight-six, sorry but that\u2019s reserved for\u00a0the 540i. The 530i variants all come with a longitudinally mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower turbo. It belts \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, enough to send it to 100 km/h in \n6.2 seconds\n from standstill. Top speed is electronically cut at \n250 km/h\n.\nDrive is of course sent to the rear wheels through an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission with manual mode. Paddle shifters come free of charge, by the way. It\u2019s pretty frugal for a big car too, with a combined rating of \n5.8 litres per 100 km\n.\nPrior to this, there were only three driving modes for the 5 Series: Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. BMW has added a\u00a0new \nAdaptive mode\n which, through clever interplay between the dynamic dampers and GPS, will automatically adjust damping levels according to your driving style and the route ahead. If you\u2019re going to tackle a corner at a certain speed, the dampers would stiffen at just the right time for optimal control!\nSAFETY\nBMW is stepping up the game here with a rather extensive list of safety tech. Fitted as standard is the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, meaning the system will automatically accelerate and brake (to a complete stop if necessary) when engaged. This radar-based system is especially useful during traffic jams. What makes it unique is it can detect traffic in roundabouts \u2013 something most similar systems fail to achieve!\nThere\u2019s of course more: Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Approach Control Warning & Person Warning with City Brake function, front and rear parking sensors as well as reverse camera. The list is really extensive, but be sure to download the BMW Connected app on your smartphone for even more mind blowing fun.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe BMW G30 5 Series is available in four\u00a0colours \u2013 Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, Alpine White and Mediterranean Blue. Opt for the Black Sapphire, Alpine White and Sophisto Grey and you can have your 5 Series smothered in cognac leather upholstery with contrast stitching. The standard colour is black leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching.\nAgain, pricing for this fully imported premium executive sedan is RM398,800.00. Each purchase comes packaged with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service. The price includes a 2-Year BMW Tyre warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What is it that you look for in a car? What is the first thing about a car that draws you in and makes you want to take a second and closer look?\nObviously it has to first look good (if not presentable at least) cause we\u2019re a bunch of easily impressionable people and once we get drawn to the car, what is it that we look into next?\nIs it the safety features? Performance? Practicality?\u00a0How often do we come across a car, whether it\u2019s a sedan, hatchback or even SUVs, that can do it all and with a flourish? Not many I\u2019d imagine.\nIt\u2019s just like trying to meet the perfect but hardly-existent other half; we want them to be successful, we want them to have good character and more importantly, we want it all to be packaged into a \u201cgood-looking exterior\u201d but how many of these individuals are out there?\nSo this story, as it should, began more than 43 years ago when Volkswagen debuted the Golf GTI Mk1 at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was as if Volkswagen triggered a complete paradigm shift; reshuffling our believes about what a car should and can be.\nStarting life with a 1.6-litre/5-speed combination, it was already capable of staying marginally ahead of the Ford Escort RS2000! It had just over 100 hp but was capable of hitting 100 km/h from standstill in just nine seconds \u2013 partly because it weighed just over 800 kg.\nIt offered another edge to the all-roundedness of the Golf. Not only can it accommodate at least four passengers within its compact frame, it could now do the same but get off the line and corner with the kind of precision not known to the hatchbacks of its day.\nFast forward decades later, after all the trials, tribulations and controversies, we\u2019re in an era where the Golf GTI conquers all, again.\nNow priced at \nRM 246,490 (post SST)\n, it is perhaps the most bang-for-the-buck performance car you can buy for the money. Arguably you can buy a BMW 330e M Sport or a Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Line that\u2019s barely better spec-ed, with more glitz and glamour to the badge but if you\u2019re in for a car that riles up the rusty bits of your jaded soul, nothing comes close to the Golf GTI when it comes to being eager.\nRight off the bat, you\u2019d probably think there isn\u2019t much to the new car and you\u2019re partly right but the upgrades have been subtle and as effective as a hot knife through butter. After all, it\u2019s just a facelift model.\nIt\u2019s got a new digital instrument cluster that is every bit as intuitive and informative and a new 8-inch infotainment display that comes with 8-speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. More importantly it also comes with a new addition all GTI drivers will appreciate \u2013 digital gauges.\nAt any one time, the display can project three gauges \u2013 whether it\u2019s the G-meter, boost meter, oil or water temperature readings. It now allows the former JDM boys and girls to become Euro men and women \u2013 with a touch of maturity, without the clutter of analog gauges on the dash.\nThe rest of the interior though, is unmistakably Golf GTI. Racey enough to uphold that GTI image yet sufficiently restraint to be unanimously accepted by all ages. It offers more room than you\u2019d ever expect from a hatchback with sufficient boot space to handle the cargo that comes with a full board of passengers.\nOn the outside, I mean just look at the pictures; which part of its exterior could I have possibly faulted? It\u2019s got new full LED headlamps that automatically adjusts the range and projection of light, without sacrificing the cornering lights. At the back, it\u2019s now even got the all-enticing sequential turn indicators.\nLike the interior, the GTI\u2019s outlook is one that doesn\u2019t try to hard, yet it stands out without needing loads of make up, rainbow hair and indiscreet piercings. To me, the Mk7.5 is like an already good-looking person, but refined with a simple hair cut, clean-shaven and dressed in fitting clothes \u2013 it\u2019s all just right.\nBut the best part of all \u2013 as it is a GTI \u2013 is the drive. I\u2019ll even go on a limb and say that I love it more than the R, a notion all my industry peers know with only a few questioning my judgement.\nYou see, I like my hatchbacks eager, nippy and ready to zip away at a moment\u2019s notice. Imagine if someone left a thumbtack on your seat, you\u2019d jump the moment you sat on it. That\u2019s how the GTI, to me, feels when getting off the line \u2013 it\u2019s just lighter on its feet compared to the Golf R with more weight from all the extra components that come with its AWD system.\nIts acceleration, and even launch control will never fail to make you giggle like a teen who\u2019s just received his/her first love letter. It\u2019s powerful without being overwhelming and it allows you to use every bit of its 220 hp/350 Nm of torque with plenty of assurance and progression.\nThat said, the charm of the GTI lies when the roads start to bend. The Golf GTI does not insult nor punish you for your flaws (behind the wheel) but instead, like the \u201cperfect partner\u201d, it makes up for your flaws and complements your lack of talent with its incisiveness.\nWithin the RM250k bracket, save for the FD2R Honda Civic Type R (my favourite FF car) or perhaps the Fiesta ST, I can hardly think of another front-wheel drive sedan or hatchback that can offer such cornering precision with the kind of assurance that makes you wonder if you could\u2019ve gone quicker through the last bend.\nIt was very difficult to write about this car without making it sound like I took some money from Volkswagen but for a car that\u2019s competent, quick, practical and good-looking, it was almost faultless in the few days that I had it.\nIt was so complete, so polished. If the Golf GTI was a person, it\u2019ll be the kind you\u2019d bring to meet your parents \u2013 the kind who is composed, looks presentable, does and says all the right things.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB) has recently announced the arrival of its first woman Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, \nMs. Madoka Chujo\n who succeeded Mr. Toichi Ishiyama.\nCommenting on her new role at Honda Malaysia that commenced on April 1st 2021, Ms Chujo said, \u201cMalaysia is indeed an important market in the Asia and Oceania region with Honda Malaysia achieving various significant sales milestones and has become one of the leading automotive brands in the country.\nCould the \nCity Hatchback\n be Ms Chujo first product launch in Malaysia?\n\u201cI am looking forward and excited for my first assignment as the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, and at the same time I am also eager to explore Malaysia as the country is unique and a melting pot of diverse cultures and people, with enormous potential and of course a fast-paced work environment.\u201d\nMs Chujo has been with the Honda brand for 23 years in various roles in Japan, China, Spain and most recently as Vice President of Honda Canada Inc. She spent the bulk of her time in sales strategy, and her experience will be advantageous in ensuring that HMSB maintains its position as the number one non-national vehicle brand in Malaysia.\nDuring his tenure of over three years in Malaysia, \nMr. Ishiyama \nsuccessfully led Honda Malaysia to achieve \n900,000 units\n sales in 2019 and also maintained its position as the \nnumber one non-national vehicle\n brand for six consecutive years since 2015. In addition, under Mr. Ishiyama\u2019s watch, the company celebrated a remarkable milestone of reaching the \none-millionth\n sales unit in March 2021. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Mr. Ishiyama had to manoeuvre the company through a challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic since March last year.\nMr Toichi Ishiyama, MD and CEO up to 2021\nMr. Ishiyama will be taking on a new role in Business Automobile, Business Strategy Division, Honda Motor Co. Ltd back in his home country Japan."
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (\nSDAP\n) has finally launched the new \nPorsche 911 GT3\n in Malaysia after almost six months since its world premiere at Geneva Motor Show in March. Good thing Porsche AG has put out the fire in the GT3 engine before it reaches our shores.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche 911 GT3\nSegment\nGT3 spec sports car\nEngine\n3,799cc 6-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection\nMax Power\n475 hp @ 8,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n440 Nm @ 6,250 rpm\nPrice\nRM 1,230,000.00\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThis is the fifth generation road legal GT3 series, a trimmed down high performance Porsche 911. Based on the current generation \n911 Carrera\n, with hybrid steel-aluminium body, it\u00a0features the first \nactive rear-wheel steering\n in a production Porsche, first \ndirect-injection engine\n, as well as optional full LED headlights. It achieves an\u00a0impressive lap time on the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife in \n7:25 minutes\n, 15 seconds faster than its predecessor.\nEXTERIOR\n The few design variances that differentiates between a standard 911 and a GT3 are the aerodynamic designs on both front and rear bumpers, side mirros and of course the huge GT3 rear wing.   The new front end has further improved the aerodynamics of the centre radiator, the customary 911 GT3 air outlet to the front of the luggage compartment lid, the wider front spoiler lip, the cooling air openings are protected by titanium-coloured air intake grilles.\nFront headlights are \nBi-Xenon\n, fitted as standard with LED daytime running lights. \nLED\n headlights are available as options. Rear lights are LED as standard. The new GT3 now comes with larger wheels, \n20-inch\n as compared to the previous generation\u2019s 19-inch. They are\u00a0platinum-coloured forged alloy, wrapped with Michelin\u2019s \nPilot Sport Cup 2\n;\u00a0245/35 ZR 20 on 9 J x 20 at the front and 305/30 ZR 20 on 12 J x 20 at the rear.\nDerived from motorsport is the\u00a0\ncentral locking device\n with \u2018GT3\u2019 logo. It reduces rotating masses as compared with the conventional five-bolt wheel connection, hence improves performance. Faster wheel change as wheel if there\u2019s a need.\nINTERIOR\n \nEven the cabin design is designed with speed in mind, it is however not as trimmed down as you would think. Interior ergonomics concept enables the driver to access information and functions quickly.   Porsche believes in its philosophy \u2018Precise not fanciful, minimalist not kitsch\u2019. The instrument cluster is a simple five circular instruments with the rev counter in the middle.\u00a0For the first time in a 911 GT3, it is equipped with a high-resolution \n4.6-inch TFT\n colour display in one of the circular instrument.\nIt feeds the driver data from the on-board computer, including average speed and fuel consumption, fuel range and outside temperature, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) information as well as data from the stopwatch of the optional Sport Chrono Package.\nIts GT3 SportDesign steering wheel is wrapped in black Alcantara leather and of course fitted with gearshift paddles. Shift throw of the paddles has been further reduced by 50%.\nSports seats Plus are fitted as standard, with elevated side bolsters, electric seat height and backrest adjustment and manual fore/aft adjustment. The seat side bolsters are upholstered in leather and the seat centres are lined in black Alcantara. The headrests are embroidered with the \u2018GT3\u2019 logo.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nThe new Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a \n3.8-liter\n\u00a0flat\u00a0six with for the first time Direct Fuel Injection. Coupled with a \n7-speed\n\u00a0\nPorsche Doppelkupplung\n (PDK) gearbox,\u00a0generating \n475 horsepower\n at 8,250 rpm and \n440Nm\n of torque at 6,250 rpm. And it revs up to 9,000 rpm.\u00a0It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.5 seconds\n, 0.6 seconds faster than its predecessor, reaching a maximum top speed of \n315 km/h\n.\nFor the first time in a production Porsche and fitted as standard, the new active \nrear-axle steering\n is an electromechanical adjustment system at each rear wheel enables the steering angle to be adapted based on the current driving situation, steering input and vehicle speed. Similar to the one from the 918 Spyder.\nDuring low-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to that of the front wheels. This has the virtual effect of shortening the wheelbase. The turning circle is reduced to make it easier to park. During high-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as that of the front wheels.\nFor enthusiasts that would like to take the GT3 to the track can opt for the\u00a0\nSport Chrono package\n including Porsche Track Precision app and lap trigger preparation.\u00a0The newly developed Porsche Track Precision app allows lap times to be measured via GPS and a host of driving data (such as speed, steering angle, braking and acceleration behaviour, gear indication as well as engine speed) to be recorded and managed on a smartphone. This data can then also be shared and compared with other drivers.\nIn addition to the dual front airbag, the cockpit is also equipped with \nPOSIP\n,\u00a0Porsche Side Impact Protection System as standard. It consists of side impact protection beams in the doors and two side airbags on each side: an integral thorax airbag is located in each seat side bolster and an upwards-inflating head airbag is incorporated within each door.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nSDAP CEO Mr. \nArnt Bayer\n is glad that the new 911 GT3 is now available in Malaysia and happy with the current number of bookings for the new car, which stands at 20 as of launch day. Delivery will be made in stages depending on the options selected.\u00a0He also clarified that the fire issue from the GT3 engine has been resolved.\nWhen asked about the highly anticipated compact SUV, the \nPorsche Macan\n, he confirmed the arrival of stock in Malaysia and added that launch will take place very soon.\nThe new 911 GT3 comes in 4 standard colours, 6 metallic colours and 4 special colours. The base price for the\u00a0\n2014 Porsche 911 GT3\n is \nRM1.23 million\n.\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Maserati Grecale has been photographed for the first time by company staff members. The images reveal little details as they are heavily blurred together with camouflage wrapping on the prototype vehicles.\nThe Grecale, a north-east wind of the Mediterranean Sea, continues the marques long-standing tradition of using names of \nstrong winds\n for its cars.\nThe prototype cars are currently undergoing a period of intensive road, circuit and off-road tests, in various conditions of use, to acquire vital data for the preparation of the new SUV\u2019s final setup.\nThe Grecale is reported to be positioned below the \nLevante\n \nSUV and as such, will challenge the likes of the Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4.\n \nThe new model will be built in Cassino, Italy, where the \nAlfa Romeo Stelvio\n is also being produced. The company has said to have invested approximately \n800 million Euro\n for the creation of a new production line.\nMaserati is expecting to launch the Grecale by the end of 2021.\nIn Malaysia, Maserati recently introduced the \nLevante S GranSport Ermenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta\n edition that is limited to just \nfive\n units, priced from RM838,800."
"Following up with its teaser last month,\n Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM)\n has now announced that the entry-level 10-seater variant of the \nHyundai Staria\n will be launched here in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2022. Order books for the new, cheaper variant have now opened, with an estimated pricing starting at RM17X,XXX, the company said in a press release.\nAccording to HSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung, the 10-seater Hyundai Staria has been heavily requested by its customer base, after the introduction of the\n seven-seater Premium variant last year\n, priced at RM366,768.\n\u201cWe have been getting enquiries for the 10-seater variant, as there has been anticipation that the 10-seater variant will replace the Starex. Like the Starex, this 10-seater variant is ideal for big families, tour operators, and businesses, but with vast improvements and more functionalities in every aspect of the vehicle as compared to the Starex,\u201d he said.\nRELATED: \nFuturistic all-new Hyundai Staria makes ASEAN debut in Thailand!\nThe 10-seater Hyundai Staria will be offered in three variants: Lite, Plus, and Max, all of which powered by the same 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel mill, providing \n177 hp\n and \n431 Nm\n of torque. Just like the Premium variant, the 10-seater variants will also be paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox across the range.\nApart from the new seating configuration on the inside, there really isn\u2019t all that much visually that sets the new variants apart. The 10-seater Hyundai Staria still gets the same futuristic spaceship-like silhouette on the outside, complemented by the slim full-width daytime-running lights and positioning lamps in front.\nThe front grille seems to get a different design on the 10-seater, and will be finished in the same colour as the rest of the body, while the lower variants will also most likely get smaller wheels. But what remains to be seen is how the variants line-up against each other in terms of their equipment.\nWe do know that the seats will be arranged in a 2-3-2-3 arrangement, and a check on Hyundai Malaysia\u2019s website shows that they\u2019ll all be wrapped in black monotone Nappa leather upholstery. The company also says that it\u2019ll feature one of the best legroom in the segment, and the seats can also be converted into an expansive cargo space when all of the seats are pushed together, thanks to the long sliding seat function.\nALSO WATCH: \n2021 Hyundai Staria Premium launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\n \n2.2 Premium variant shown.\nHyundai also mentioned a \u201cfull-flat mode\u201d for the seats, which we presume means it\u2019ll be completely removable like the \nCKD eight-seater Kia Carnival\n, offering much more flexibility according to the user\u2019s needs.\nAs mentioned above, the 10-seater Hyundai Kia Carnival is now available for booking, with a fee of RM1,000. Interested customers can now walk into any authorised Hyundai showrooms to place a booking, or online via \nHSDM\u2019s online shopping platform\n, Click to Buy, linked \nhere\n."
"BMW Group Malaysia launched an all-new series in Malaysia, the BMW 2 Series\u00a0Coup\u00e9 in conjunction with the \nBMW Malaysian Open 2014\n tennis tournament. Launched alongside it was the \nBMW 4 Series Convertible\n. The BMW 2 Series is available as the 220i Coupe model, which is strangely similar to the 320i in terms of performance. It comes dressed in BMW\u2019s Sport Line Package for RM20,000 more.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 2 Series Coupe\nSegment\nB-segment Coupe\nEngine\n1,997cc In-line 4, BMW\u00a0TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n184hp @ 5,000-6,250\u00a0rpm\nMax Torque\n270Nm @ 1,250\u20134,500\u00a0rpm\nPrice\n220i Coupe   RM 259,800\n220i Coupe Sport \u00a0 RM 279,800\n\u00a0\nBy now, many are still confused by the new \u2018numbers\u2019 popping out from the German automaker\u2019s production line, and how these new Series fit in the market. If you have been following closely on BMW\u2019s development, 2-door models or the coupes from the basic line-up now have their own badge, or rather number.\nThe \u2018confusion\u2019 started when the BMW 4-Series was introduced, replacing the 2-door 3 Series altogether.\u00a0Now, the BMW 1 Series gets a new sibling, the BMW 2 Series as its coupe model.\nEXTERIOR\nThis all-new 2 Series bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, after all it is derived from the 1 Series\u00a0Coup\u00e9. I have to say, the looks of it is provocative, it makes you want to drive it, to understand how this feisty looking\u00a0car of this size and shape handles.   It measures 4,432mm in length and 1,774mm in width, making it\u00a072mm longer and 26mm wider than the 1 Series Coupe. Wheelbase length has also been increased by 30mm. On top of that, it gets wider tracks, with 41mm wider front and 43mm wider rear, giving it a stronger stance.\nThe double-round xenon headlights are positioned wider on the facade making the relatively small car appear wider. The rear lights carries a set of L-shaped red LED light bars and the wheels are \n17-inch\n light alloy Star-spoke rims.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin design with its classic ergonomic and driver-oriented cockpit is very familiar. The BMW 220i Coupe is fitted with sports leather steering wheel with matt Satin Silver interior trim. Whereas the BMW 220i Coupe Sport features the same steering wheel but fitted with paddle shifters, cruise control with braking function and High Gloss Black and matt Coral Red interior trim.   Headroom for front seats has been increased by 19mm while legroom for rear two passengers is increased by 21mm. Yes, only two seats at the back. The backseats has the 60:40 folding configuration for larger storage compartment.\nBMW ConnectedDrive features comes with BMW Radio Professional and a 6.5\u201d display monitor, Bluetooth and USB device connectivity, as well as a HiFi loudspeaker system.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the two-door newcomer is \u00a0a\u00a02.0-litre four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, that is similar to the one in the current BMW 320i F30 model. This feisty car produces \n184hp\n with torque peaking at \n270Nm\n. Acceleration figure, 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.0 seconds\n with a top speed of\n 230km/h\n. It has quite an impressive average fuel consumption reading of 6.0 litres per 100km.\nIf the figures still doesn\u2019t impress you, you\u2019ll have the \nLaunch Control\n function to play with. Turn off the traction control, put the \u2018S\u2019 mode on, set the brake, floor the right-most pedal, then release brake for a feel good time. Made possible by the 8-speed Sport automatic transmission.\nWHAT ELSE?\nBoth BMW 2 Series and BMW 4 Series Convertible were unveiled by international tennis players from the BMW Malaysian Open 2014 event. As for now, only the BMW 220i Coupe and the BMW 220i Coupe Sport is available, priced at \nRM259,800\n and \nRM279,800\n respectively. BMW Group Malaysia has no plans on bringing in the more exciting monstrous M235i at the moment.\nThe all-new BMW 220i Coup\u00e9 is available in Black Sapphire, Midnight Blue and Mineral Grey, while the all-new BMW 220i Coup\u00e9 Sport is available in Glacier Silver, Melbourne Red and Valencia Orange. Alpine White will be offered for both variants.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqdYsMTIJk8&feature=share&list=PLa5S6UwF22IJHm3NXl3T8H3m-6FNciUNy\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"National carmaker Proton has lent a hand in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen 2470 positive cases in the country as of the last 24 hours.\nSo far it\u2019s been a logistical nightmare in every sense of the word. News portals and social media have been alight with images of frontliners draped in nothing more than rubbish bags and other DIY protective gear. The apparent lack of equipment, protective gear and manpower within our healthcare system couldn\u2019t be more apparent.\nIn aiding the situation, Proton has \ndelivered 50 units of the X70\n, to be used by the Ministry of Health to support its logistics network in these critical times.\nAccording to \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n, the vehicles will be used \u201cprimarily to transport medical personnel to and from work, as well as to hurry them to any areas in need of urgent attention.\u201d\nFrom the video, you\u2019d notice that these are pre-facelift CBU X70s which \nstill sports the old Proton emblem\n and the previous centre console design. It\u2019s probably safe to assume that with all the government offices closed, there\u2019s simply no way Proton could register the \nnew facelift CKD\n units, \nupgraded with a 7-speed DCT\n, in time for the cause.\n \nNot only is it a noble one, it\u2019s also a great marketing stunt. We can already imagine all the positive remarks medical personnel would have of the SUV and how the word would spread within the medical field.\nNice one, Proton."
"Infiniti has revealed that they will be developing an all-new electrified vehicle platform influenced by the \nQ Inspiration concept car\n. This comes after \nNissan announced that they will be launching eight electrified models by 2020.\nThe new electrified vehicle will be one of five new models the company will build in China over the next five years and are expected to be a key driver for the brand to \ntriple its sales\n in the fastest growing market for Infiniti. By 2025, the Japanese carmaker anticipates that 50 per cent of new Infiniti cars sold globally will feature some form of electrification.\nInfiniti Chairman and Global President Roland Krueger announced at the Auto China preview event: \u201cInfiniti is developing a new platform for electrified vehicles inspired by the Q Inspiration concept car, which shows the new design language for the age of autonomy and electrification. We very much had China in mind when designing the Q Inspiration, which shows a very sporty, performance-oriented electric concept, with a much bigger interior space.\u201d\nAs for design, Infiniti will apply the Q Inspiration\u2019s design cues from clear and concise lines to dynamic proportions in their upcoming models. INFINITI executive design director Karim Habib said: \u201cThe Q Inspiration concept car takes the traditional sedan architecture to its next stage of evolution. A shift towards smarter, more compact and less intrusive powertrains; we were able to create an alternative form with flowing gestures, more engaging in character and more enriching in experience. With its long cabin, balanced proportions and muscular stance, the concept heralds in a new era for Infiniti models.\u201d\nInfiniti will be displaying their latest \nQX50\n at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2018), marking the premiere of the new premium in Asia. The QX50 will go into production at the company\u2019s manufacturing facility in Dalian, China and will go on sale in China later this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nInfiniti Q Inspiration Concept Car"
"After 12 long months of work, we wouldn\u2019t have wanted to end 2017 in any other way but in emphatic fashion. As a portal that spreads news and produce video reviews, we wouldn\u2019t have been pleased to just strip the last sheet off the calendar and call it a day. NO.\nSo in typical Autobuzz.my manner, this is it. This is the gathering of marvels \u2013 cars that we\u2019ve scrutinised, enjoyed and most importantly loved, in a tribute video, to highlight and toast yet another great year of even greater cars.\nThe selection process of these nine cars wasn\u2019t any easier than the production of this video. Upon weeks of deliberation, countless text exchanges, endless disputes, the list was finally drawn and those in it, rest assured, are an assembly of spectacular machines we personally deem as the Best Cars of 2017.\nLexus LC500 \nby \nGC Mah\nWe were utterly amazed by the LF-LC (Lexus Future-Luxury Coupe) concept car when it was unveiled by Lexus few years back. It looked out of this world, such a sight to behold. Naturally, it was safe to assume the production car will look far from it due to the usual lost in translations going into production.\nWe were wrong. The end product looked almost identical as the concept car was. The LC 500 is one gorgeous machine. It looks amazing from every angle. Hats off to the engineers working around such a design without diluting the earlier concept.\nNot only is it seductive, it oozes luxury from the inside out. The generous use of premium materials all around with uber comfortable Alcantara seats and spot on sitting position makes it a lovely place to be in.\nTogether with the responsive naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre engine that generates impressive power outputs and throaty V8 growls, it just makes for the perfect mile-munching Grand Tourer.\nPorsche Boxster S\n by Dominic Yee\nJust like my pick last year, I have to admit, I am a sucker for roadsters but the Porsche Boxster S is different. It\u2019s like a roadster nicely suited up in an evening tux, all suave and ready to take on the night with much charm and charisma.\nThe latest Porsche Boxster S has adopted a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine instead of the previous naturally-aspirated 6-cylinder engine unit. But do not be fooled thinking that it has lesser power. It packs a punch with an increase in torque and horsepower despite the supposedly smaller engine.\nThey say the difference between mediocrity and excellence is really the attention to detail. As we all know, Porsche excels at this when it comes to sheer precision handling.\nThe Boxster S is like a precision tool that reacts to every movement of the steering and throttle, giving you pin-point accuracy in every bend and corner of the road.\nThe Boxster S is just pure joy to drive. It gives you the confidence to throttle on with ease and eat corners until you run out of tarmac to drive on. More power and precision behind the wheel means more fun and pleasure to drive. That is exactly what the Porsche Boxster S is all about.\nBMW 330e M Sport \nby \nAndrew Choo\nTo many driving enthusiasts, PHEV is a dirty four letter acronym. That is because most of the plug-in hybrid vehicles appear to be an afterthought, where a battery pack adds to an internal combustion engine model, to produce a vehicle with a claimed fuel consumption that is only achievable at sleep-inducing speeds.   In order to accommodate the batteries, sacrifices were made. Hundreds of kilograms of weight were added, taking up boot space and perhaps upsetting its balance and drivability. They claim to reduce pollution by lowering emissions but the only pollution they manage to reduce is noise.\nIf you really have to buy a plug-in hybrid, the BMW 330e M Sport is the one to have. Its power figures easily surpasses those found on the 330i and 320d, with a much lower price tag thanks to EEV incentives.   Throwing the car into a corner, it has lost none of its nimbleness and superior handling compared to its petrol and diesel siblings and powering out of the corner will leave you grinning from ear to ear.   This car makes you want to drive it day and night \u2013 it engages your senses while you trigger its pulses. BMWs have always been the Ultimate Driving Machines and the 330e is every bit the embodiment of that, just more electrifying.\nMercedes-AMG C43 Coupe\u00a0\nby \nYi-Shen Chung\nOver the years, we\u2019ve come to know AMGs to be raw, brutal and very expensive. With the 43 series though, membership to the exclusive AMG club is now more accessible. It may not follow the one man one engine philosophy, nor is it as brash, or as loud.\nBut is that such a bad thing?\nWith a century sprint taking less than five seconds, the car is hardly a slouch. The 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine churns out 367 horses, sent to all four wheels (instead of just the rear like most full-fledged AMGs), making the car simply more livable and lovable on a daily basis. And with an all-wheel drive system that\u2019s rear-wheel biased, you can still have a little bit of fun without running into trouble.\nAll that performance is housed under a sleek, svelte roofline and a body that curves in all the right places \u2013 it\u2019s a car with beauty and brawn at the same time.\nMazda CX-5 2.2D Diesel 2WD \nby \nTravis Chang\nSports Utility Vehicles \u2013 apart from the high-end European makes, most SUVs are more about utility than being sporty b\nut the new Mazda Cx-5 is one glaring exception.\nNot only would it fit five in comfort along with substantial cargo, it\u2019s got the drivability not comparable by many in its segment.\u00a0\nNot only does it have style and substance, it also rides like a SUV but drives like a sedan.\n\u00a0\nIts agility and instantaneous performance is a testament to Mazda\u2019s Jinba Ittai \u2013 the horse and rider as one philosophy. With Mazda\u2019s G-Vectoring Control, it\u2019s now more like the horse and carriage as one. Wonder what\u2019s that called in Japanese.\nVolkswagen Passat Highline\n by \nEric Lim\u00a0\nNo matter how you look at it, the new B8 Passat is a real looker from its more executive-oriented predecessor. It still exudes all the elements of an executive sedan but with a touch of sportiness, especially with the Highline.\nWith a powertrain taken right out of a Golf GTi, it produces 217 hp and 350 Nm of torque, with power delivered through a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. It also inherits the XDS electronic locking differential that applies individual brakes on the inner wheel to reduce understeer around bends.\nAs such, it can be aggressive and agile, yet docile and comfortable when you feel less enthusiastic behind the wheel.\u00a0It\u2019s spacious and comfortable, it\u2019s got presence and performance. All these factors come together in making the Passat the jack of all trades and master of everything \u2013 a true all rounder.\nMini John Cooper Works \nby \nAdrian Chia\nI\u2019ve had the privilege to pilot a diverse range of vehicles this year \u2013 from heart-throbbing bi-turbo V8s to efficient three-potters in a plethora of body styles from full-sized SUVs to compact hatchbacks. Every car was great in their own unique way but nothing stands out more than this quirky little Brit.\nRetailing at RM289k, many won\u2019t be able to justify its price per horsepower (2.0-litre turbo, 231 hp/320 Nm) especially when you can get the mighty Volkswagen Golf R for the same money. But the experience behind the wheel of the MINI JCW simply can\u2019t be measured by dollars and cents.\nThe legendary racing heritage of John Cooper Works is pounded unforgivingly into your body, reminding you that you\u2019re in a very special car. At every turn of the wheel, downshift, pops and crackles, the MINI JCW lights up all my bodily senses like nothing else I\u2019ve ever driven. And have you seen how pretty this thing is?\nVolvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus \nby \nSpeedz Low\nEver since they invented the seat belt in 1959, Volvo has been at the forefront of vehicle safety and as time progressed, so has its innovations. Today, Volvo\u2019s vast offering of driving aids and safety systems put it in the driving seat of passenger protection and the S90 T8 is every bit the culmination of the Swede\u2019s inventiveness.\nWith its full suite of safety systems, posh interior, sublime Bower & Wilkins sound system and its potent twin-charge powertrain, I\u2019ve been made to fall in love with a make I\u2019ve never thought twice about before.\nNot too long ago, Volvo said no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020 and from the looks of it, they\u2019re on the right path to achieving just that.\nWith those edgy looks, cutting edge tech, supreme comfort and luxury and more importantly at such an undeniably competitive price, I simply can\u2019t find a reason for the S90 T8 to not be my 2017 car of the year.\nLotus Evora 410 \nby \nEu Jin\nA car\u2019s maneuverability has always been more important than anything else to me, outweighing even horsepower.\u00a0\nAnd on that note, I\u2019ve always admired Lotus\u2019 for how they drive, especially the Elise. To me, it delivers the ultimate sensations behind the wheel through pure driving.\nIn the Evora 410, things are just a tad different. While it may not possess the featherweight lightness of the Elise, it still retains the nimbleness so synonymous of a Lotus but with added power, presence and arguable levels of comfort.\nEverything from its short-throw gear lever, almost instinctive steering and perfectly-placed pedals make me want to drive it, and hard, at every waking moment. The intoxicating bellow of that rev-happy V6, as much as it was a sensory overload for me, is also a real treat for the on-lookers and trust me, heads do turn.\nIt\u2019s fast, vulgar and unapologetically loud \u2013 it\u2019s almost the perfect middleground between simplicity and functionality. The Lotus Evora 410 is undoubtedly one of the most exciting set of wheels I\u2019ve driven this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has unveiled the new facelift Nissan GT-R for 2024 and it\u2019s set to go on sale in the summer of next year. The GT-R is now in its 17th year of production since its first debuted in 2007.\nWith the new facelift model, the front end looks less busy than before; with a revised front grille design, thinner mesh for the front grille, additional creases on the front bumper and new surrounds for the daytime running light surrounds. At the rear, the GT-R receives a new lower bumper trim, along with F1-styled brake lights at the centre of the rear bumper.\nT-Spec\nNismo\nAs for the mechanical bits, the facelift GT-R soldiers on with the same VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with \n570 hp\n and 637\n Nm\n, paired to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox to drive all four wheels. The GT-R\u2019s specifications include Bilstein DampTronic monotube shock absorbers, Brembo brakes (6-pot front, 4-pot rear), carbon composite driveshafts and 20-inch RAYS aluminium forged wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sports Maxx GT600 tyres.\nThe Nismo version utilises the same 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine but produces \n600 hp\n and \n652 Nm\n as a result of revised turbochargers taken from the GT3 race car. The 2024 GT-R Nismo also features a front limited-slip differential for the first time. Other specifications include Brembo carbon ceramic brakes as standard, carbon fibre roof, Nismo carbon fibre front and rear bumper panels, trunk lid, rear wing and front hood. The rear wing with swan neck struts also features 10% larger surface area for reduced drag.\nNewly available for the GT-R Nismo is the Nismo Appearance Package which includes 20-inch RAYS forged wheels with red accents, a Nismo-exclusive Stealth Gray paint job, a unique clear coat applied to the carbon fiber hood and an exclusive engine cover design.\u00a0\nThe GT-R T-spec, on the other hand, features GT-R Nismo carbon-ceramic brakes, gold-painted version of Nismo\u2019s 20-inch RAYS forged wheels, and wider front fenders. The T-spec is also decorated with special badging inside and out and finished with dark Mori Green upholstery.\nThe T-spec is available in two exclusive colors namely Millennium Jade \u2013 a tribute to one of the rarest GT-Rs ever, the R34 GT-R V-Spec II N\u00fcr \u2013 with the other being Midnight Purple, a modern interpretation of the Midnight Purple III color made famous by the R34 GT-R V-Spec.\nGALLERY"
"Malaysia\u2019s sole franchise holder and distributor of Renault, TC Euro Cars has just recently launched its pure electric vehicle, the Twizy ZE. This tiny pocket-sized urban mobility mode of gettin\u2019 around is all the rage in other parts of the world where it has sold well over 15,000 units.\nSpeaking of sales figures, Renault has been doing rather well in this department, where in European markets for example, the Renault-Nissan alliance has become \ntop\u00a0EV brand\n\u00a0in the first half of this year, with a share of up to\n 26 percent\n. Here, the Twizy is available in two varities, namely the\n Urban\n and \nCargo\n trims.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Twizy ZE\nEngine\nElectric Asynchronous\nBattery\n6.1 kWh lithium-ion\nMax Power\n17 hp (13kW)\nMax Torque\n57 Nm @ 0 \u2013 2100 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\nN/A\nTop Speed\n80 km/h\nPrice\nRM 71,888 \u2013 RM 73,888\nEXTERIOR\nFunky would be one way we\u2019d choose to describe this micro city-runabout\u2019s looks. But it is a bold step forward in the proliferation of EVs in our petrol and diesel dominated market. On the face of it, it stands on all fours and measures out at just\n 2.34 metres\n in length and a mere \n1.23 metres\n wide. So wide that, for example, should you need to measure out a snug parking spot, simply\u00a0\nextend your arms out\n wide and hey presto!\nThe Twizy is made from a unique blend of \nlightweight steel frames\n and wrapped around with\n plastic panels\n. How safe would this be in the event of a crash, you ask? Renault has come forward by saying that the Twizy was designed with\n crumple zones\n and \npedestrian safety\n in mind, and since the Twizy makes\n no noise\n (and emissions for that matter), you might find people inadvertently crossing paths with you.\nThe \ndoors\n on the Twizy will appeal to the inner Lamborghini-ogling child in us when pulling back the handle because the door opens upwards. Couple that with the \nchic front headlights\n and the unmistakable Renault badge that\u2019s displayed ever so prominently gives it all a sense of occasion. Not forgetting the\n tail lamps\n that looks like it was borrowed from Cyclops. The Twizy oozes character and personality in this department.\nStarring down the barrel of that Renault badge is a discreet\n flap\n with ZE written on it, lift it up and you will find a\u00a0\nspiral cord\n hooked up to a\n three-pin 240V\n wall socket for easy charging. Round the back however, there is a \n180-litre\n watertight truck space, but it\u2019s only available on the Cargo variant.\nINTERIOR\nBasic would be a rather rudimentary term to describe the interior of this quadricycle. No thrills and frills to be found here. There\u2019s only a couple of stalks on the steering to work the\n indicators\n and the\n windscreen\n wiper. Move your gaze over to the left and you will find a more buttons to select \ndrive, reverse and neutral\n. Next to it lies the \nhazard warning\n lights.\nThe seats \u2013 or seat in the case of the Cargo variant \u2013 is sturdy and molded to be adequately comfy for short commutes. The front seat is\u00a0\nadjustable\n of course, to suit varying driving positions.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe little Twizy might not deliver face-ripping and electrifying Tesla levels of performance but it does\u00a0come bolted with a\n 6.1 kWh lithium-ion\n battery pack that sends power to the rear wheels. The electric motor makes\n\u00a017 hp\n at a time with a total torque figure of \n57 Nm\n, meaning it can get up to a cruising speed of\n 45 km/h in 6.1 seconds\n. There isn\u2019t a century time clocked, but the Twizy tops out at\n\u00a080 km/h\n. Not bad considering that it tips the scale at just \n450kg\n.\nIn terms of range, the Twizy is rated up to \n100 km\n (on the NEDC cycle) on a full charge. Mind you, a full charge takes \nthree and half hours\n from an ordinary\n 240V wall point.\n No special charging point is needed. Stopping power on the hand is delivered via\n disc brakes\n on all \nfour\n corners. The handling is as-you-would-expect of a car of this nature.\n Go-kart\n like handling will be the most apt way of describing it.\nWHAT ELSE ?\nThe Twizy comes with an\n airbag\n for the driver should push come to shove. For added peace of mind, it comes with \na two-year \nor \n50,000 km\n manufacturer\u2019s warranty. The\n same time frame\n is given for both the \nbattery\n and\n electrical drive train\n. Like all Renault cars, service intervals are scheduled at\n 10,000 km or six months\n, whichever comes first. The single-seater Urban flavour comes in at \nRM71,888\n while the Cargo version retails for\n RM73,888.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During the \nregional launch of the second-generation Subaru XV in Taiwan\n, Motor Image Malaysia promised that the new crossover will arrive on our shores in early 2018. The company has since hastened its timeline and brought forward the launch of the locally-assembled XV in Malaysia.\nFirst broke cover at the \n2017 Geneva Motor Show\n, the all-new XV gets most of its underbody revised while maintaining its bold and active image. While the design may not seem like it, rest assured that this is an all-new model change. Malaysians will have two variants of the XV to choose from, priced at RM118,819 and RM125,868 respectively.\n\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru XV 2.0i\nSubaru XV 2.0i-P\nEngine\n1,995cc; 4-cylinder Direct Injection Boxer\nTransmission\nLineartronic CVT\nMax Power\n154 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM118,819\nRM125,868\nEXTERIOR\nUnderpinning the new XV is the company\u2019s brand-new \nSubaru Global Platform\n that first debuted on the \nfifth-generation Subaru Impreza\n. Exterior dimensions now measure at 4,465 mm (+15 mm) in length, 1,800 mm (+20 mm) in width, 1,615 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,665 mm (+30 mm). Subaru claims that the new crossover is over \n70 percent more rigid\n and has \n50 percent lesser body roll\n than the model it replaces.   Thanks to the redesigned front and rear bumper along with a new front grille, the new XV has a wider and lower stance while maintaining the 220 mm ground clearance. Like our friends over in Taiwan, our locally-assembled XV comes in two variants \u2013 2.0i and 2.0i-P.\nThe base \n2.0i\n comes equipped with halogen headlamps, front fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, blacked out spoiler, roof rails, keyless entry and 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. The only addition in the\u00a0\n2.0i-P\n\u00a0are the LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the cabin is largely similar to the Taiwan-model with some feel-good features omitted to keep the price down. The base \n2.0i variant\n features leather and fabric combination upholstery with orange stitching, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six-speakers, single-zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, keyless start, reverse camera and a retractable cargo cover.   The more expensive \n2.0i-P\n\u00a0adds dual-zone automatic climate control, 6.3-inch secondary multifunction display, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, auto-dimming rearview mirror and aluminium sports pedals.\nThanks to larger dimensions in the new XV, rear passengers now have\u00a0\n27 mm more leg room\n and a larger trunk aperture (+100 mm) for added comfort and convenience. Boot space is rated at \n385 litres\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the bonnet you\u2019ll find a familiar 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct injection Boxer engine but tweaked to produce \n154 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque, 6 hp more than before. The \nLineartronic CVT\n also gets a new final drive ratio for better performance. Both the revised engine and transmission are lighter than the outgoing model and offers \nsix to 10 percent\n better fuel economy.\nPower is channelled to all four wheels via Subaru\u2019s famed \nSymmetrical All-Wheel Drive system\n. Like the facelifted Forester, the new XV comes with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control which offers greater traction for challenging terrains.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, \nall variants of the XV\n get seven-airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDCS), ISOFIX mounting points, Brake Override, Engine Immobiliser and side door reinforcement beams. However, the EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems were given a miss. The Subaru XV scored 199.7 points in the Japan NCAP crash safety assessment, the highest score ever awarded to a passenger car.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe all-new Subaru XV will be available in seven exterior shades \u2013 Pure White, Dark Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Dark Blue Pearl, Sunshine Orange and Cool Grey Khaki (only available six months after official launch). Every purchase of the new XV comes with a 5-Year or 100,000 km warranty and a 5-Year labour free service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u5168\u65b0\u7684BMW 5\u7cfb\u548c\u5168\u7535\u52a8BMW i5\u7684\u751f\u4ea7\u5df2\u4e8e2023\u5e747\u670821\u65e5\u5728\u516c\u53f8\u7684Dingolfing\u5de5\u5382\u5f00\u59cb\u3002\u8fd9\u4e24\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b\u4e8e\u4eca\u5e745\u6708\u9996\u6b21\u5bf9\u5916\u516c\u5f00\uff0c\u5373\u5c06\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4eae\u76f8\uff0c\u81ea\u4eca\u5e743\u6708\u8d77\uff0c\u5df2\u5f00\u59cb\u63a5\u53d7\u9884\u8ba2\u3002\nBMW i5\u662f\u8be5\u516c\u53f8\u5728Dingolfing\u5de5\u5382\u7ec4\u88c5\u7684\u7b2c\u4e09\u6b3e\u5168\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u578b\uff0c\u7ee7BMW iX\u548cBMW i7\u4e4b\u540e\u3002\u52302024\u5e74\uff0cBMW\u9884\u8ba1\u5168\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u5c06\u5360Dingolfing\u5de5\u5382\u751f\u4ea7\u91cf\u768440%\u4ee5\u4e0a\u3002\nBMW AG\u8463\u4e8b\u4f1a\u6210\u5458Milan Nedeljkovi\u0107\u8868\u793a\uff1a\u201cBMW i5\u548c\u6211\u4eec\u5728Dingolfing\u7684\u5de5\u5382\u662fBMW\u96c6\u56e2\u5411\u7535\u52a8\u5316\u8f6c\u53d8\u5e76\u53d1\u5c55\u6211\u4eec\u7684\u5de5\u5382\u8d70\u5411BMW iFACTORY\u7684\u5b8c\u7f8e\u4f8b\u8bc1\u3002\u5728\u6211\u4eec\u5168\u7403\u7684\u5de5\u5382\u4e2d\uff0c\u7535\u52a8\u5316\u5df2\u6210\u4e3a\u65b0\u5e38\u6001\u3002\u4ece2021\u5e74\u52302024\u5e74\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u5c06\u5728\u6211\u4eec\u7684\u751f\u4ea7\u7f51\u7edc\u4e2d\u6574\u5408\u603b\u8ba115\u6b3e\u5168\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u578b\u3002\u201d\n\u5168\u65b0\u7684BMW 5\u7cfb\u5728\u5168\u7403\u9996\u53d1\u65f6\uff0c\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u5fae\u6df7\u5408\uff08MHEV\uff09\u3001\u63d2\u7535\u5f0f\u6df7\u5408\u52a8\u529b\uff08PHEV\uff09\u3001\u7eaf\u5185\u71c3\u673a\uff08ICE\uff09\u4ee5\u53ca\u5168\u7535\u52a8\u52a8\u529b\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\u5168\u65b0BMW 5\u7cfb\u7684\u8f66\u578b\u5305\u62ec520i\u3001530i\u3001540i\u3001520d\u3001i5 M60 xDrive\u7b49\u7b49\u3002\u5e02\u573a\u53d1\u5e03\u9884\u8ba1\u5c06\u57282023\u5e7410\u6708\u8fdb\u884c\u3002\nBMW 5\u7cfb\u4e00\u76f4\u662fDingolfing\u5de5\u5382\u7684\u6838\u5fc3\u8f66\u578b\u3002\u968f\u7740\u5373\u5c06\u751f\u4ea7\u7684\u5168\u65b0M5\u548c5\u7cfb\u65c5\u884c\u7248\uff0c\u9884\u8ba1Dingolfing\u5de5\u5382\u7684\u751f\u4ea7\u6570\u91cf\u5c06\u6709\u6240\u63d0\u5347\u3002\u5de5\u5382\u603b\u76d1Christoph Schr\u00f6der\u8868\u793a\uff1a\u201cBMW 5\u7cfb\u4f20\u7edf\u4e0a\u4e00\u76f4\u662fDingolfing\u7684\u6838\u5fc3\u8f66\u578b\uff0c\u8fd9\u6b21\u4e5f\u5c06\u4e3a\u751f\u4ea7\u91cf\u63d0\u4f9b\u6709\u4ef7\u503c\u7684\u63a8\u52a8\u529b\u3002\u201d\n\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\uff0c\u76ee\u524d\u53ef\u8d2d\u4e70\u7684BMW\u5168\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u578b\u5305\u62eciX1\u3001iX3\u3001iX\u548ci7\u3002\u6700\u540e\u4e24\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b\u4e0ei5\u548c\u5168\u65b05\u7cfb\u4e00\u8d77\u5728Dingolfing\u5de5\u5382\u7ec4\u88c5\u3002\u9884\u8ba1\u6211\u4eec\u5f88\u5feb\u5c31\u80fd\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u770b\u5230\u5b83\u4eec\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"We\u2019re big fans of old school Porsche 911s here at \nAutoBuzz.my\n, specifically the 930 911 Turbo \u2013 that\u2019s why we made \nthis shirt\n. But hearing a bunch of automotive hacks ragging on about how the original design influenced all future \nPorsche 911\ns is not only boring, but also holds no weight at all.\nFor a true testament of the timeless design that is the Porsche 930, the developers of Cyberpunk 2077 \u2013 a sci-fi game that takes place in a dystopian city in the year 2077 \u2013 specifically chose it as the main character\u2019s method of transportation, proving that the two door sports car will still look good 57 years from now.\nIn case you\u2019re unaware, the 930 911 Turbo will be more than a 100 years old in the game\u2019s setting. For context, Johnny Silverhand (the main character who\u2019s played by Keanu Reaves, by the way) driving the Porsche 911 Turbo in 2077 will be almost equivalent to us driving a \nFord Model T\n day-in, day-out today. Just think about that.\nAccording to developer CD Projekt Red, the car has been \u201cpainstakingly recreated\u201d in the game, using sketches, photographs, and photogrammetry. The result is almost a 1:1 virtual copy of the car, and the best part is that it will be completely drivable in game.\nOf course, it\u2019s 2077 after all, so several \u2018modifications\u2019 have been made to the 100-year-old Porsche for it to fit in believably with the other cars in the futuristic city. The wing mirrors have been replaced with cameras, and there\u2019s also a lidar sensor attached to the front. There\u2019s also some sort of sensors around the car to make it identifiable from above \u2013 as the police in 2077 will apparently be using air vehicles.\nOther than that though, the car has been left pretty much as-is \u2013 except that there\u2019s no gear shifter when you take a peek inside. According to Cyberpunk 2077 Senior Vehicle Artist Jakub Przybolewski, that\u2019s because the Porsche\u2019s manual gearbox has been fitted with a controller to have it change gears automatically, so that \u201cthe classic can also drive on the streets of Night City in autonomous mode\u201d.\nWhile they\u2019re at it, the engine of the Cyberpunk 911 Turbo \u2013 also recreated 1:1 \u2013 have also been modified slightly with only the necessary parts to enable it to run on biofuel, along with a custom exhaust system at the rear.\nIn addition to recreating the car in Cyberpunk 2077, \nPorsche\n has also made a replica of it in real life, which will be on display outside the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart from October 15 to October 22. For us less-lucky folks who are not based in Germany, we\u2019ll have to wait for the game launch on November 19th to check out the car.\nGALLERY"
"And it\u2019s called the GR Super Sport Concept. After making its world debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year, it was showed off to the public at the Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota confirming the development of the road-going hypercar.\nThe announcement follows after\u00a0the Japanese carmaker\u2019s \nhistoric first ever win\n in the iconic Le Mans 24 hours World Endurance Championship race in France last weekend \u2013 in the absence of Porsche and Audi.\nThe GR Super Sport Concept will utilise the same hybrid drivetrain technology found in the Le Mans-winning Toyota GAZOO Racing TS050 Hybrid race car.\nUnderneath its flamboyant shell is a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and the Toyota Hybrid System \u2013 Racing (THS-R). Like the LMP1 race car, it will deliver \n1,000 hp\n at the stretch of its multi-millionaire owner\u2019s big toe.\n\u201cWe started this project because we believe that creating a super sports car that delivers the same appeal as the TS050 Hybrid greatly adds to Toyota\u2019s involvement in the WEC. And at some point in the near future, customers will have a chance to get behind the wheel of this incredible machine and experience its astonishing power and driving performance\u201d, said Toyota Gazoo Racing President, Shigeki Tomoyama.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin KL has announced the arrival of their latest customised unit to arrive in Malaysia aptly named the \nHunter Edition\n.\nIt comes with a China Grey exterior paint colour and other exterior options that was inspired by the \u201cvibe of a Hunter\u201d. The Hunter Edition will also stop traffic and pedestrians in their tracks as it is the first and only Vantage in Malaysia so far with the China Grey exterior paint colour.\nThe China Grey colour is supposed to symbolise intelligence while the darker finish on the front grille and other exterior options such as the bonnet vents, mirror caps, roof panel, window surrounds, rear diffuser lends a stealthier look.\nCompleting the exterior of the Hunter Edition are 21-inch wheels in Satin Black. Like the Vantage F1 Edition and other custom Vantage models to have arrived in Malaysia recently, the Hunter Edition also comes with the vanned front grille.\nInside, the Vantage comes with newly designed gearshift paddles along with Onyx Black and Chancellor Red upholstery to complement the interior\u2019s \u201cjewellery package\u201d for a more sinister sparkle in the cabin.\nThe Aston Martin Vantage is available from RM 678,000.00, while The Hunter Edition is priced from RM 880,000.00 (both prices are excluding duties and taxes) with 5 years warranty.\nAston Martin KL announced that another highly personalised Vantage with the vaned grille arriving soon. For more information, call +60 3 2163 1196 or email \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\nGALLERY"
"On the weekend of 13 and 14 June 2015, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd, through their inaugural \n#LoveMyRide Festival\n, have successfully given 500 lucky motorists the ultimate engine rejuvenating experience for their cars.\nThe festival, held at MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre, saw \n378 cars\n receiving their oil change on Saturday, successfully etching Shell\u2019s name into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for \u2018the most number of cars in a lubricant changing event \nwithin 12 hours\n\u2018, exceeding the 350-car mark set by MBR. The overall target of \n500 cars was achieved\n the following day at 3.17 pm, when another 122 cars received the said oil change.\nA happy participant receiving his free engine oil change. He had to wear matching colours, of course.\nThere were over 1,000 entries registering their interest to be part of this historic event, but only 500 were selected to be given a complete drainage of their existing oil before receiving Shell\u2019s most advanced fully synthetic engine oil \u2013 Shell Helix Ultra with Pureplus Technology (5W-40). There\u2019s more!\u00a0Upon completion of the oil change, all 500 participants were given \nRM90 worth of Shell V-Power Racing\n, a premium fuel that is now worth \nRM2.90 per litre\n! Collectively,\u00a0an estimated \n6,000 litres of engine oil\n and \n15,000 litres of Shell V-Power Racing fuel\n were given out on both days.\nDirector of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd, Tuan Haji Azman Ismail said, \u201cWe wanted those who have never tried Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology to really experience what a motor oil made from natural gas could do for a car engine. Imagine a motor oil so pure that it cleanses your car inside out. Combine that with Shell V-Power Racing\u2019s innovative formula and you are all set for an optimum driving experience.\u201d\nEach of the 500 cars received 31 litres of Shell\u2019s premium V-Power Racing fuel\nThe massive oil change event wouldn\u2019t be singing tunes of success if it wasn\u2019t for the 100 student mechanics from \nDespark College\n and \nShell Helix\n branded workshops. It was also an \nadmission-free festival\n organised for car lovers to celebrate and share the\u00a0best of Shell\u2019s innovative solutions for the everyday journey of all Malaysians.\n\u201cThis powerful combination of \nShell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology\n engine oil and Shell V-Power Racing fuel was developed through a technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari. Tried and tested on the race track, its benefits are now available for the enjoyment of every day motorists on the road,\u201d explained Tuan Haji Azman.   Besides the oil changing fiesta, visitors and participants had the opportunity to test drive some of BMW and Mazda\u2019s latest models; participate in an F1 race car simulator challenge and learn more about\u00a0Shell lubricants at the PurePlus Mocktail Mixology sessions. Foodies took their pick from \nover 50 of KL\u2019s top food trucks\n and gastronomic cafes, all under one roof.\nThere was also a flea market for everyone\u2019s enjoyment, including the popular 3D optical illusions or street art that saw many having fun snapping pictures of themselves. Tasked with hyping up the atmosphere were live performances from local acts such as Reza Salleh, IamNEETA, Diandra Arjunaidi and Talitha Tan.   For more user submitted photos of the event, simply key in \n#LoveMyRide\n on any social platforms of your preference to see what all the fun was about.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota has introduced minor updates to the popular Alphard and Vellfire duo which adds the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense, cosmetic changes inside and out as well as a new powertrain combo.\nStarting from the looks, the update gives both MPVs a more prominent look with new items including restyled headlamps and LED daytime running light graphics, restyled bumpers as well as a new taillamp design. The sportier-looking\n Aero kit\n can now be specified on Executive Lounge models (previously only on low and mid-range models), giving it a more distinct look altogether.\nInside, the Alphard and Vellfire \nExecutive Lounge\n gets updated with Black and White Nappa leather upholstery with white wood grain interior trim. The instrument cluster now features a new design depending on the variant specified. On Wheelcab variants, the tilted seats now get a new tilt mechanism that gives better support to the user, reducing the burden of the assistant.\nPowertrain wise, the 2.5-litre 2AR-FE naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, the 2.5-litre 2AR-FXE four-cylinder hybrid along with the CVT gearbox have been retained. Drive is sent to the front wheels on the naturally-aspirated mill while the electrified hybrid sends power to all four corners.   A new\n 3.5-litre-naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine\n, codename 2GR-FKS have been added to the line up and is paired to an \neight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission\n. Toyota has not revealed the official power output for the engine, but they did claim the new powertrain will return 9.4 litres per 100 km.\nLast but not least, the \nsecond-gen Toyota Safety Sense safety\n suite has been added as standard fitment on all variants of the Alphard and Vellfire. The advanced driver assist system bundles Pre-Crash Safety, Lane Tracing Assist, Radar Cruise Control, Adaptive High Beam Assist, Road Sign Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Traffic Movement Notification.\nThe Toyota Alphard and \nVellfire\n are available in Malaysia through official distributor UMW Toyota, including the \nAlphard Executive Lounge\n. Additionally, the \nToyota Harrier\n will be the first car to be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense in Malaysia and perhaps UMW Toyota is already working on bringing in the refreshed MPVs to our shores.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Alphard   Toyota Vellfire"
"As France has already set a target of \neliminating petrol-powered cars by 2040\n, Paris is looking to lead the charge for big cities within the nation for a speedier phase out with a move to ban combustion engine (petrol & diesel) cars by 2030.\nAccording to a report by \nAutonews\n, the French capital is eyeing to end the sight of diesel cars, at least, in the city by the time it plays host to the 2024 Summer Olympics. This also follows after the \nUK\u2019s pledge to ban petrol and diesel-powered\n cars by 2040.\nAlthough most residents of Paris prefer to rely on the city\u2019s extensive public transportation, it\u2019s uncertain how this move would go down with Parisians. This is as previous moves in initiating car-free days and imposing fines for driving \ncars more than 20 years old\n in city have been faced with backlashes.\nMost recently, even \nChina, one of the biggest contributors to the planet\u2019s pollution index\n have announced that it would taking steps to one day phase out all petrol-powered cars.\nIn recent news, the London Taxi Company, now known as London EV Company has begun opting for new means of transportation with its \nnew electric-powered taxis\n while European marques like \nBMW Group\n and \nVolvo\n have confirmed that their line-up of cars will be offered with some form electrification.\nSource: \nAutonews"
"No, no, no, this is not the \n10,000 Nm Tesla Roadster which the company claims can do 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.9 seconds\n. The 2020 model which \nTesla \nsaid can offer up to 1,000 km in pure electric range is supposed to go on sale only later this year.\nWhat we\u2019re talking about is the earlier model that was loosely based on a Lotus Elise in terms of design and development. The first generation Tesla Roadster which went on sale made between \n250 hp to 292 hp\n, with some models producing up to \n400 Nm\n \u2013 plenty enough for a car that weighs just 1.3 tonnes.\n \nOn the other side of the ring, you have the symbol of America \u2013 a Ford pick-up \u2013 more specifically the 8th generation F-650 Supertruck. There are two variants of the F-650; a 6.8-litre petrol-powered V10 making \n320 hp \nand \n460 Nm\n and a 6.7-litre diesel-powered V8 making \n270 hp\n and \n675 Nm\n. Immense figures when you compare it with the punitive figures of the Tesla Roadster.\nBut it seems these torque monsters can\u2019t tow it all. Right off the bat, it\u2019s clear who you\u2019d pick to win this battle effortlessly. In fact the driver of the F-650 was so confident that the video began with him saying, \u201cYea, I don\u2019t think so.\u201d\nHe\u2019ll probably never underestimate the Tesla Roadster after this; or electric power in general."
"When Land Rover first introduced the\u00a0\nEvoque\n, the model singlehandedly shot the brand\u2019s desirability to newfound,\u00a0mainstream success. It\u2019s been six years now, and \u00a0they\u2019ve sold over 600,000 units of the handsome SUV to over 130 countries. The Range Rover Evoque LandMark Edition is conceived as a tribute to that achievement.\nThe Evoque LandMark is mainly just a cosmetic exercise. On the outside, it gains the \u2018Dynamic\u2019 body kit, Carpathian Grey contrast roof and 19-inch gloss dark grey wheels.\u00a0The\u00a0Graphite Atlas finish also extends to the front grille, bonnet and brand lettering, while the paint is finished in\u00a0the exclusive\u00a0\nMoraine Blue\n colour, although\u00a0Yulong White and Corris Grey are also available.   Interior enhancements meanwhile consists of a brushed satin centre console trim\u00a0and Ebony leather seats that come\u00a0together with \u2018Light Lunar\u2019 stitching. The Keyless Entry and Powered Gesture Tailgate are standard offerings here, while the 10-inch InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment\u00a0system can be had at an added cost.\nThe\u00a0Range Rover Evoque LandMark Edition is only offered for the\n Td4 180\n variant with a\u00a0sticker price of\n\u00a0\u00a339,000 (approximately\u00a0RM218k)\n for the manual and the\u00a0\n\u00a340,840 (approximately\u00a0RM229k)\n for the automatic. Meanwhile, do check out our video review of the Evoque Si4 right below to see just how much we liked it.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Being the new darling of the automotive enthusiasts collective, there\u2019s definitely no shortage of tuning options for the \nToyota GR Yaris\n, both aesthetics and performance-wise. On the former, we\u2019ve already seen the Pandem widebody kit on Daigo Saito\u2019s \n2JZ-powered GR Yaris\n, and now Japanese tuning powerhouse Tom\u2019s has also put out a body kit with their own take \u2013 and we really dig it.\nThe styling kit was unveiled last weekend via the \u2018Tom\u2019s Salon\u2019 live stream, which was held as part of the virtual 2021 Tokyo Auto Salon. Presenting the car was none other than Toyota WRC factory Takamoto Katsuta, who actually owns the car you see in these pictures!\n \nThe Tom\u2019s Toyota GR Yaris presentation starts at 27:00\nCompared to the Pandem kit, the Tom\u2019s outfit is significantly more conservative \u2013 which is just the way we like it. Despite being dialled down, it still manages to look fast and angry, like a pissed-off chihuahua.\nImage: Twitter/\nTakamoto Katsuta\nThere\u2019s a slightly-tweaked front bumper, tacking on a new front splitter and additional canards, while the lower air intake cut-out seems to have been widened as well to aid airflow to the seemingly larger radiator.\nImage: Twitter/\nTakamoto Katsuta\nMeanwhile at the rear, the Tom\u2019s Toyota GR Yaris gains a prominent diffuser, and what looks like massive air vents for the rear wheel arches at both edges. Overall, the Tom\u2019s body kit barely changes the silhouette of the perky hot hatchback \u2013 no widebody nonsense here \u2013 aside from a drop in ride height.\nImage: Twitter/\nTakamoto Katsuta\nTom\u2019s has also fitted a new oval-shaped tailpipe exit that shoots right out the middle, replacing the puny twin exits of the standard car. And for the finishing touches, The Tom\u2019s GR Yaris also gets an extravagant rear wing, alongside a set of RAYS G025 wheels on all four corners.\nImage: Twitter/\nTakamoto Katsuta\nKatsuta\u2019s cars had some additional modifications on the inside, with the most significant change being the pair of Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats. The entire door card on the inside has also been swapped out for carbon fibre, along with the shift knob \u2013 the latter probably doesn\u2019t contribute much to weight saving, but it does certainly look cool.\nWhile the modifications are mostly aesthetic for now, Japanese motorsports publication \nAuto Sport Web\n reported that Tom\u2019s also intends to develop engine tunes in the near future. If everything goes smoothly, the new aerokit and engine tune will be available to purchase this summer (June \u2013 Oct)."
"Muhamad Rizal bin Sadiman, a 28-year old high-school teacher, walked home with a brand-new Volkswagen Beetle by test driving the Polo and Tiguan.\nRizal is the winner of Volkswagen\u2019s \n\u201cWin the Icon\u201d contest\n, which ran from 1st October to 30th November 2019. The contest saw over 800 submissions of photos and videos of Malaysians documenting their test drive experience in a Volkswagen car with a creative caption.\u00a0\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Rizal Sadiman (@rizalsadiman)\nIn the winning entry, Rizal submitted a video of him test driving the Polo and Tiguan, showcasing the performance of the vehicles under emergency situations.\u00a0\n\u201cSafety is a top priority for me as I was involved in an accident two years ago where the brakes failed. In my submission video, I showcased how the Tiguan performs during emergency braking and I am very impressed,\u201d says Rizal.\nThe iconic Beetle has ceased \nproduction in July\n this year after three generations, making way for Volkswagen\u2019s latest electric vehicle line-up.\nAlthough the grand prize was not one of the 75 \nCollector\u2019s Edition Volkswagen Beetle\n, we\u2019re sure Rizal will still enjoy his soon-to-be collectors item."
"A few days ago we reported that BMW\u2019s second-generation baby SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), the F48 X1 will be hitting Malaysian shores much sooner than expected. This news stays true to that notion, following the sDrive20i\u2019s Malaysian debut courtesy of BMW Group Malaysia.\nThe E84 X1 was previously sold in Malaysia in several trims, most notably the xDrive20d and xDrive20i variants \u2013 both of which were all-wheel drive. The \u2019s\u2019 on this sDrive20i denotes two-wheel drive only, and because it rides on BMW\u2019s new UKL platform, drive is sent to the front axle instead of the rear.\nName\nF48 BMW X1 sDrive20i\nEngine\n2.0-litre inline-4, TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n192 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n280 Nm @ 1,250 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n7.7 seconds\nTop Speed\n225 km/h\nPrice\nRM279,800\nEXTERIOR\nOn the whole, this X1\u2019s overall length is shorter, however wheelbase and height have both been increased allowing for better rear legroom and headroom. It measures at 4,439mm long, 1,821mm wide and 1,598mm tall (an increase of 53mm), whereas the wheelbase has been stretched by as much as 90mm!   There\u2019s about five exterior colours to come with the X1, however the signature kidney grille slats are now bigger than before and are finished in black throughout. One thing we find hard to come to terms with is the positioning of the fog lamps (worse on the BMW X6), which are placed above where they\u2019re usually housed. That said, illumination source is powered by \nAdaptive LED lights\n with the compulsory LED DRLs taking the form of corona rings.\nSome standard features comprise of the all-black roof railing, and the X1 sits on a set of 18-inch twin-five spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 R18 \nrun-flat rubbers\n. Convenience wise, there\u2019s keyless entry and push-start ignition.\nINTERIOR\nInside, our X1 will miss out on the huge 8.8-inch centrally mounted screen, thus making do with a \n6.5-inch display\n. BMW prides themselves with this X1 because it comes with a new-generation BMW ConnectedDrive software that grants you accessibility to features like \nIntelligent Emergency Call \n(establishes rescue coordination in the event of an accident or breakdown without the use of mobile phone), \nConcierge Services \n(acts like an on-call Waze 24/7), \nRemote Services \n(allows smartphone programming for various in-car functions), \nIntelligent Parking\n and \nBMW Navigation Professional\n.   Thanks to its new transverse engine layout, there\u2019s more perceived interior space and the rear \nlegroom is increased by 37mm\n. The rear seats have a 40/20/40 split configuration and when all of them are folded down, the luggage capacity is increased from 505 to 1,550 litres to suit all your hauling needs. The seats are all wrapped in Dakota Leather with three different colours to choose \u2013 Black, Mocha and Red highlight. Capping off this category is the door sills with embossed BMW lettering.\nPERFORMANCE\nPop open the hood and you\u2019ll find a \n2.0-litre inline-four petrol\n engine that makes \n192 hp \nat 5,000 rpm and \n280 Nm\n of torque from as low as 1,250 rpm, achieved thanks to \nBMW\u2019s TwinPower Turbo\n technology. As mentioned, the engine is transversely mounted to send drive to the \nfront wheels\n, and that\u2019s a job managed by our personal favourite \neight-speed automatic\n transmission with Steptronic.\nPerformance wise, the X1 sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in\n 7.7 seconds\n before reaching a top speed of \n225 km/h\n. If driven sedately (or in ECO PRO mode), it will return, at best, a claimed fuel consumption of \n5.9 litres per 100km\n and emits \n136 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre\n travelled. Steering wheel is electronically assisted, and there\u2019s also Brake Energy Regeneration.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety side of things, the X1 comes with \nsix airbags\n as standard with ISOFIX child-seat fasteners at the rear seats. More to this is cruise control with brake function, \nPark Distance Control\n built into both the front and rear bumpers, \nParking Assistant\n which helps in parallel-parking manoeuvres, ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC with Dynamic Traction Control) and run-flat tyre indicator.\n \n \nWHAT ELSE?\nBMW has confirmed that the F48 X1 is\n fully imported\n, unlike the locally assembled E84. The sole sDrive20i will set you back at \nRM279,800\n and comes with a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty\n package including the Free Scheduled Service Program. The \nfive colours \non offer are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Chestnut Bronze and Mediterranean Blue. If you\u2019re not in a hurry to get the X1, the locally-assembled model will also be introduced at a later date, although when was not specified.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n has announcned the opening of a new 3S Centre (Sales, Service, and Spare parts) in Kota Damansara, which will be operated by its authorised dealer partner, Millenium Autohaus. With the new opening, MMM\u2019s representation in the Klang Valley now stands at 15 outlets strong.\nLocated in a prime location off of the NKVE Highway, the new 3S Centre will be crucial in serving Mitsubishi\u2019s customers within the neighbouring Kota Damansara areas. The new outlet has a built-up area of 12,370 sq ft, and houses a showroom with space for up to three display cars, a fully-equipped service centre with five service bays, alongside a comfortable customer lounge with free WiFi access.\n\u201cAs business operations have restored nationwide, Mitsubishi Motors is placing a lot of emphasis on enhancing our network development such as establishing more dealerships and upgrading our facility, as well as digitally advancing our platforms to provide our customers with the best shopping experience,\u201d said MMM\u2019s \nnew Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda\n.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia\u2019s sales performance has been on an upwards trend ever since operations were allowed to resume following the second national MCO. The company achieved its highest-ever monthly sales figure of 2041 units last month, and Ikeda attributes that success partly to the SST exemptions that have been \nrecently extended until June 2022\n.\nRELATED: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia now delivers your new car right to your door step! Learn more here.\n \n\u201cWe are appreciative of the Government\u2019s effort to extend the sales tax exemption until June 2022. This move will certainly help more Malaysians to purchase cars with extra savings and at the same time boost the nation\u2019s economy through the automotive sector,\u201d Ikeda added.\n\u201cWe would also like to thank our customers for their great support and patience towards the Mitsubishi Motors brand. We will continue to enrich our customer\u2019s touchpoints, providing them with more convenience and only the best.\u201d\nALSO READ: Updated Mitsubishi Connect app now offers even more useful features\nThe Millenium Autohaus Mitsubishi 3S Centre is located at\n 2A-E, Jalan Teknologi 3/1, Pusat Teknologi Sunsuria, Kota Damansara\n, and operates on\n Mondays through Fridays\n from\n 8.30 am to 5.30 pm\n. Appointments can be made via telephone at \n03-6151 6111\n."
"The 10,000th Huracan has just rolled off the assembly line, just shy of four years since it was introduced in 2014. The milestone unit, a Huracan Performante, which pays homage to\u00a0Lamborghini\u2019s GT3 victory in the 2018 Daytona 24 hours race, will call Canada its new home.\nThe V10 model will wear the same Verde Mantis (green) color as the winning #11 Hurac\u00e1n GT3 that took top class honours in January\u2019s world-famous endurance competition at the Daytona International Speedway.\nLamborghini achieved a record year in 2017 with 3,815 cars delivered to customers worldwide,\u00a0including 2,642 Hurac\u00e1n units (an increase of more than 10%) leaving the factory in Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese, Italy.\nThere are currently six different variants to Lamborghini\u2019s V10 model \u2013 the Hurac\u00e1n Performante that holds records at eight different circuits around the world, the recently unveiled Performante Spyder and the four-wheel and two-wheel drive versions in both coup\u00e9 and Spyder configurations.\nWhile the sales figures for the Huracan has clearly been encouraging, we have absolutely no doubt that these figures will soon be eclipsed by the all-new Lamborghini Urus \u2013 the world\u2019s first Super SUV.\nThere\u2019s also little doubt that the Urus will live up to that name \u2013 with its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 oozing \n650 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n. It\u2019s blistering pace allows 0 to 100 km/h to be done in just 3.6 seconds, onward to a staggering 305 km/h top speed. This is a 2.2-ton SUV, mind you."
"In view of the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) period to the 28th of April, TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has introduced its Renault Relax campaign to help take your mind off vehicle maintenance worries.\nFirstly, vehicles with their warranty expiring between 18th March to 28th April will be given a \n30-day extension to the 28th of May\n to carry out any warranty reparation works.\nSimilarly, vehicles with their periodic servicing due between the MCO period will also be given a \ngrace period until 28 May\n to catch-up on their service intervals. Vehicles services during the grace period will not be considered to have missed a scheduled service.\nIn anticipation of the increased traffic at the service centres during the 30-day grace period, TCEC will also be \nextending the operating hours\n of all authorised Renault service centres. The Petaling Jaya Service Centre will be open from 7.30 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Fridays, 8.30 am to 7 pm on Saturdays, and 10 am to 7 pm on Sundays.\nAs for all other authorised Renault Service Centres, the extended operating hours are 8.30 am to 8 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 8.30 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.\nFor added convenience, all Renault customers can also now request for \ndoor-to-door delivery service\n for their service appointments. Previously available only for new and Renault Subscription customers, the \nfree-of-charge\n service offering \npick-up and return of serviced vehicles\n will be available for customers in the \nKlang Valley\n,\n within 30 km of authorised service centres\n.\nAs part of the Renault Relax campaign, TCEC is also offering \n25% savings on tyres\n (205/55R17 ContiEco Contact 5 tyres at \nRM345 per tyre\n), and a \n10% discount on batteries\n (Atlas BX).\nThe tyre discount is applicable to owners of the Renault Captur and Fluence. To enjoy the savings, simply make a \n\u2018lock-in\u2019 booking of RM100\n on the\n Renault E-Store\n from 15 April to 15 May 2020. The lock-in fee will be deducted from the total invoice during redemption, made anytime from \n15 May to 31 August 2020\n.\nAdditionally, all customers purchasing two tyres or more during the redemption period will also be entitled to a \nfree tyre\n balancing service. As for the battery promotion, every unit of the \nAtlas BX battery \npurchased until the \n30th of June\n will receive a 10% discount.\nIf you require emergency assistance during the MCO period, the Rencare team is available 24 hours, seven days a week at \n1800-88-8663\n."
"Clive Sutton is no stranger to the Land Rover brand, having tailor-made multiple unique Range Rovers since 30 years ago. For fans of the stealthy look, this will surely be of interest.\nCustomers can either purchase the Range Rover Sport outright for\u00a0\u00a380,000 (RM440k) or purchase the aftermarket parts separately. Below is the breakdown:\nCustom paintwork: Bumpers, side skirt, grille, air vents, wheels and badges are all painted to order (RM21,410)\nCarbon Fibre package: front grille, bonnet and wing vents, boot rail trim, side mirrors, bumper inserts and rear lower valance (RM19,760)\nSutton aero bodykit: New front and rear bumpers, roof spoiler and new custom exhaust tips; all manufactured to OEM quality and safety standards (RM59,290)\nWide Track pack: Include body-coloured wheel arches with 50mm wheel spacers for the front and 70mm spacers for the rear. This enhances stance without changing out the OEM rims (RM13,175)\nSutton\u2019s lightweight 22-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels is\u00a0yours for RM29,000 and can be painted to any colour of your choice for an additional RM5,270\nTwo-tone leather seat upholstery: Covers seat squabs, back rests, lower dashboard, instrument binnacle, door inserts, cubby box lid and steering wheel centre (RM25,000)\nSutton is based in London and caters to a large clientele from UK and Europe. But for those who really want to get their hands on this, feel free to \ndrop them an inquiry\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For those excited at the prospects of cheaper Kia models following the announcement of the new \nKia Malaysia joint-venture\n, bad news \u2013 you\u2019ll still have to wait a little longer.\nAt the Q&A session following today\u2019s media event formalising the partnership between Bermaz Auto (BAuto) and Kia Motor Corporation, BAuto Executive Chairman Dato\u2019 Sri Ben Yeoh said that the CKD operations will take\n roughly 12 to 18 months\n to set up, implying that the earliest we\u2019ll get to see any new locally-assembled models would be from 2022 onwards.\nFor now, the company will be focusing on establishing a \u201cquality ownership experience\u201d for existing and new customers by addressing the after sales issues that many owners have experienced. \u201cWe have to address these issues before we try to sell cars,\u201d he added.\nWhile the company is working on setting up its new assembly line at Inokom\u2019s plant in Kulim, Dinamikjaya Motors, the BAuto subsidiary that has been appointed distributorship for Kia vehicles in Malaysia, will begin selling off existing \u201changover stock\u201d inherited from the previous distributor.\nAs a recap, Bermaz Auto has just \ntaken over stewardship of the Kia brand \nhere in Malaysia thanks to a new strategic partnership with Kia Motor Corporation themselves, forming the new Kia Malaysia joint-venture company where Kia holds 66.6% of shares \u2013 the rest held by BAuto.\nThe Kia Malaysia company will carry out the local assembly operations here in Malaysia, where three CKD models including the Kia \nSeltos\n and \nCarnival\n have already been planned. The company also plans to export these cars to the neighbouring ASEAN region, making Malaysia the regional hub for Kia.\nMeanwhile, distributorship for Kia vehicles have been appointed to Dinamikjaya Motors, a BAuto subsidiary."
"Contrary to our \nprevious report\n, the all-new SUV by Mitsubishi won\u2019t actually be the replacement model of the ASX, but rather an all-new one to supplement the company\u2019s utilitarian offering.\nOfficially named the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, it\u2019s quite unlike the blander\u00a0\nASX\n and \nOutlander\n\u00a0duo. The new and third SUV will be much edgier and pays homage to the old Eclipse sports car of yore. What\u2019s particularly interesting about this is the company\u2019s target market \u2013 potential first-time owners of the Mitsubishi brand.\nThat claim is backed by two key traits of the car: a sharp, coupe-like body and a brand new, deep gloss red metallic paint specifically developed for the Eclipse Cross.\nEvery detail of the SUV will be revealed soon, when the Geneva Motor Show swings into full action.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after presenting itself in its home market, the \nKia Optima K5 facelift\n has found its way to Europe. The refreshed Optima which is available in both sedan and estate body styles will make its official debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS).\nFirstly, the exterior gets a new front bumper and vertical tiger nose grille, LED fog lamp housings, restyled projector headlamps as well as new LED taillamp graphics. Alloy wheel sizes range from 16- to 18-inches in diameter. A new Runway Red is also added to the colour palette.\nInside the Europe-bound Optima, you\u2019ll find a new steering wheel, satin-chrome interior trims, six-colour ambient lighting and two-tone interior trims (leather or fabric). Like the Korean market Optima, Europe market also gets the new 8.0-inch Smart Navigation UVO 3.0 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger and surround view camera.\nAlso making its debut is Kia\u2019s all-new 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, codenamed \u201cU3\u201d, to replace the 1.-7-litre CRDi unit. The new engine features Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology to reduce emissions and help meet strict Euro 6d emission standards. Output is rated at \n134 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque.\nNew to the Optima range is a \n177 hp\n/\n264 Nm\n 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The new petrol mill slots between the 2.0-litre four-cylinder CVVL (\n160 hp\n/\n196 Nm\n) and 2.0-litre T-GDi (\n241 hp\n/\n350 Nm\n).\nKia\u2019s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) will also be available with the refreshed Optima that bundles Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian recognition, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and High Beam Assist (HBA).\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Optima K5 Wagon Facelift in Europe   Kia Optima K5 Sedan Facelift in Korea"
"Since the acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Proton\u2019s pace of introducing updated products has been at an incredibly fast rate. We now have the second facelift of the popular Proton Persona sedan, just two years after the \nfirst big update\n. The company also unveiled the new \nProton Iriz Active\n together with the new Persona.\nThe new facelifted Proton Persona 2022 is only available in three variants \u2013 Standard CVT at \nRM45,200\n, Executive CVT at \nRM50,100\n and Premium CVT at \nRM54,900\n. The prices are on-the-road, without insurance and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that is valid until December 31st 2021.\nThe 5-speed manual transmission variant has been discontinued from this 2022 facelift model year. All models are equipped with the same 1.6-litre engine making \n109 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque.\nEXTERIOR\nBeing a facelift, changes are focused on the exterior and in particularly, just the front bumper and incorporating grille. The facelifted Proton Persona 2022 now bears the \nnew circular Proton logo\n introduced in early 2020 via the \nCKD Proton X70\n.\nThe new bumper design applies more paint at the corner sections where the DRLs are and a more pronounced central section in black. Larger 16-inch wheels are also fitted on the new Proton Persona 2022 and wrapped with 185/55R16 tyres.\n2019\n2022\nExterior highlights of the new facelift Proton Persona 2022 are:\nRedesigned front bumper\nRedesigned front grille with chrome\nDarkened red finishing on tail lamps\n16-inch wheels (Executive- single tone, Premium dual-tone)\nLED headlamps with auto on/off and follow-me-home (Premium)\nBlack-painted roof and rear spoiler (Premium)\nA new colour has also been added, with the Proton Persona 2022 Premium variant easily distinguishable with the new Space Grey paintwork. There are six colours available in total, but respective variants are limited to four or five colours.\nINTERIOR\nThe most noticeable change to the interior of the facelift Proton Persona 2022 is the introduction of a new centre cluster which sees the fitment of a new 8-inch free-standing infotainment central display. The air vents have also been repositioned and additional USB charging slots have been included.\nThe new infotainment system in the Premium variant has been upgraded with additional \n\u201cHi Proton\u201d\n voice commands, such as changing the settings of the air-conditioner and operation of the driver\u2019s power window. The Premium variant is also fitted with leatherette upholstery and are the same shade of colour as found in the Proton X70.\nFurther down of the redesigned centre cluster is the conveniently located switches for ECO mode, electronic stability control and parking sensors. \u00a0\nInterior highlights of the new facelift Proton Persona 2022 are:\nNew 8-inch free-standing infotainment display (except Standard)\nNew air-conditioning control panel\n5 USB charging ports (2 front, 2 rear and 1 above the rearview mirror)\nNew front armrest with large storage space\nBrown leatherette seats (Premium)\nN95 cabin filter\nThe standard variant priced at RM45,200 gets fabric covered seats, basic steering wheel, basic keyfob entry and ignition start, fixed rear seats and the standard audio with two speakers.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe facelifted Proton Persona 2022 continues with the tried and tested 1.6-litre VVT engine with CVT transmission. Power outputs are \n109 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque.\nEngine: 1.6 litre VVT DOHC\nTransmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 109 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax torque: 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nProton could be planning to have a new model, every year. Read more about their plans here!\nSAFETY\nThe safety kit from the Premium variant is similar as before, with no additional advanced driver assistance included. The standard kit include:\n5-Star Asean NCAP rating\nFront and side airbags (4 airbags)\nRear seat ISOFIX and top tether anchorage\nABS with EBD, brake assist\nElectronic Stability Control\nTraction control\nHill Hold Assist\nThe Proton Persona 2022 Premium and Executive variants add a reverse camera and front parking sensor but only the Premium variant continues to be equipped with six airbags. \u00a0\nClean air is now the utmost importance! The air-conditioning system in Protons are now fitted with N95 filters\n.\nPRICING\nThe facelift Proton Persona 2022 range starts at \nRM45,200\n for the Standard variant, \nRM50,100\n for the Executive variant and topping off at \nRM54,900\n for the Premium variant.\nPrices are inclusive of the sales tax exemptions, which are applicable for all purchases until the 31st of December 2021.\nInclude in the price is a five-year or 150,000 km warranty and free service labour for three intervals.\nGALLERY"
"Geely recently launched its new global brand, \nGeometry\n, focusing on electric vehicles (EV) and new energy vehicles. With Proton\u2019s strategic foreign partner entering into the EV space, one must wonder whether the \nGeometry A\n will enter the Malaysian market.\nShort answer, no. Long\nanswer, it\u2019s complicated.\nSpeaking to Vice President of Communications at Geely Auto Group and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Mr Victor Yang during a private session with the media in Singapore, Yang explained that there are no immediate plans for Geometry vehicles to make its way to Malaysia, be it under the Geometry brand or a rebadged Proton model.\n \nVP of Communications at Geely Auto Group and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Mr Victor Yang\n\u201cIn the starting period,\nany development of a pure electric car needs to get subsidies in one way or\nanother from a country to make it popular. Pure electric cars need support [for]\nfacilities as well, so you need to set up charging stations, you need to make\nall these facilities ready for the development of pure electric cars. But I\nknow that the interest level is growing back in Malaysia,\u201d said Yang.\nEVs require substantial\namount of investment and support from the Government such as charging stations,\ntraining for handling high-voltage vehicles (assembly, maintenance, emergency\nrescue) along with incentives to entice buyers to make the switch to pure\nelectric models.\nMalaysia is working towards\na cleaner automotive industry by providing customised subsidies to locally\nassembled cars that are certified as Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV). Charging stations\nare also popping out across the country as manufacturers are also playing their\npart to building the network needed to support electrified vehicles.\n\u201cIt is up to Proton and its sales company to make an evaluation on the market potential, but we haven\u2019t made a decision to sell Geometry to Malaysia for the moment. I think this can be an appealing car for the Malaysian market,\u201d added Yang."
"If you\u2019re an avid motorsports enthusiast, this incident would strike you as a bit of a deja vu. Remember the \nhuge and expensive pile up of GT cars in Macau\n last year?\nWell, motorsports history has repeated itself and this time during the season opener of the World Touring Car championship at the Vila Real circuit in Portugal.\nIt took just five turns before unfathomable drama unfolded \u2013 when teammates\u00a0Rob Huff and Mehdi Bennani of Team Sebastien Loeb Racing jostled for the race lead in their\n 350 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR race car.\nMiraculously, a Hyundai i30N in sixth place managed to escape the carnage, although by a whisker, and went on to win the race as it restarted after a lengthy two hour delay.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or_wda2F0iQ\nVolkswagen premiered the\u00a0\nGolf GTI TCR concept recently\u00a0\nat the \n2018 W\u00f6rthersee GTI Festival\n, a road-going version of the World Touring Car series race car with\n 290 hp\n and \n370 Nm\u00a0\nof torque."
"If we told you even just two years ago that Toyota is making a performance SUV with over 300 hp, you would have probably scoffed at that ridiculous statement, and brushed it off as a joke.\u00a0\nBut here we are, in 2019, where Toyota is actually making a performance SUV with 302 hp. Introducing the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. Colour us surprised!\nThe RAV4 Prime is powered by a tuned version of the \n2.5-litre four-cylinder engine\n producing \n176 hp\n and \n228 Nm\n of torque. Combined with the newer and more powerful electric motors, the total system output adds up to \n302 hp\n, and is sent to all four wheels.\u00a0\nToyota says that the RAV4 Prime can complete the century sprint in just \n5.8 seconds\n, which puts it right behind the \nA90 Toyota Supra in their line up\n.\u00a0\nWhat\u2019s equally impressive though, is the estimated 90 MPGe\u00a0fuel consumption figure, which is equivalent to approximately 2.6 l/100km on an internal combustion engine car.\u00a0\nBeing a PHEV, the RAV4 Prime had to tack on an additional lithium-ion battery to power the electric motors. However, interior space was not sacrificed as the battery is mounted below the floor. As a result, the RAV4 Prime also has a lower centre of gravity, which translates to better handling characteristics.\u00a0\n In the United States, the RAV4 Prime will be available in two trim levels \u2013 SE and XSE. The SE is the standard sporty trim, but the XSE is where the goodies are at. On the exterior, the XSE gets a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof, and rides on a two-tone designed 19-inch alloy wheels \u2013 the largest ever offered on the RAV4.\u00a0\nInside, the RAV4 Prime in XSE trim gets a moonroof, synthetic leather seats, wireless charging pads, ambient lighting, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.\u00a0\nExclusive to the XSE trim is also the RAV4\u2019s first pedal shifters, allowing the driver to \u201cdownshift\u201d by increasing the regenerative braking in steps, mimicking the sensation of downshifting a regular automatic gearbox car.\u00a0\nAs with \nall other Toyota RAV4 models\n, the RAV4 Prime PHEV will also come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 active driver assistance suite.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When you think of pick-up trucks, you\u2019d usually associate it with the wilderness (or road bullies in recent years), and probably not the racetrack \u2013 well, that is unless you live in Thailand, where they actually\n race pick-up trucks on the circuit\n.\nAnd it\u2019s not just some niche racing series either; the pick-up races are such a big deal in Thailand that Ford\u2019s local arm in the Land of Smiles is now bringing the racing-inspired styling to the streets, with the new Ranger XL Street Special Edition.\nMade to celebrate the carmaker\u2019s 25th anniversary in Thailand, the Street Special Edition gets a new set of racing-inspired bodykit, which includes bumper extensions, side skirts, and a small ducktail-style spoiler on the tailgate.\nIf you\u2019re more interested in off-road racing, then the Ranger Raptor might be more of your style. Check it out in detail here! \nCompleting the exterior modifications are the blacked-out door handles, side mirrors, 16-inch wheels, the Ranger Raptor-inspired grille with large \u2018FORD\u2019 script, and of course, no racing-inspired model is complete without racing stripes decals.\nJust like a proper race car, the interior of the Ford Ranger XL Street is also relatively simple (i.e. standard). Everything is bone stock from the regular Ford Ranger XL in Thailand, including the black fabric upholstery on the manually-adjusted seats, analogue instrument cluster, and manual climate control.\nIt does still have some creature comfort niceties though, such as the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and USB charging ports. And in true race car fashion, it\u2019s also only available with a manual transmission (\nsee that, Toyota?\n).\nPowering the Ford Ranger XL Street Special Edition is the standard 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which makes \n160 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n. There aren\u2019t any advanced driver assistance thingymajigs on the racing-inspired truck, though ABS, EBD, and two airbags are standard-fit items.\nAll pick-up trucks should come with this amazing standard item offered in the Philippines! \nThe special-edition truck is priced at \nTHB682,000 (~ RM 89k)\n, which is THB13,000(~RM1.7k) more than the regular XL. Only 300 units will ever be made, and it\u2019ll only be available with either a Lightning Blue or Absolute Black exterior colour.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) recently celebrated the accomplishments of its dealerships through the Dealer Awards 2021. Dealers were awarded based on their achievements in sales, aftersales, marketing, customer satisfaction, and manpower qualification.\nLee Motors Autohaus (Volkswagen Alor Setar) took centre stage that night as they swept up two out of four major awards. It won the most prestigious Dealer of the Year 2021 and the Best Dealer for Category B.\u00a0In receiving the awards, Lee Motors Autohaus was acknowledged for its solid sales performance, well-executed campaigns, services, and customer satisfaction.\n \nWinners of the respective categories are as follow:\nDealer of the Year\n \u2013 Lee Motors Autohaus (Volkswagen Alor Setar)\nCategory A\n \u2013 F.A. Wagen (Volkswagen Glenmarie)\nCategory B\n \u2013 Lee Motors Autohaus (Volkswagen Alor Setar)\u00a0\nDas WeltAuto\n \u2013 PHS Autohaus (Volkswagen Puchong)\n \nThe Das WeltAuto (DWA) award was introduced in 2021 to acknowledge dealers based on pre-owned vehicle activities, as well as adherence to standards and processes.\u00a0The DWA programme was launched in 2019 to provide customers with the option to purchase certified pre-owned vehicles with confidence and peace of mind. The programme is currently available in nine Volkswagen dealerships in the country."
"Geely\n has just unveiled Radar Auto, which it describes as a new sub-brand for \u201cpure electric outdoors lifestyle vehicles\u201d. The launch also saw the debut of its first model, the RD6 pick-up truck, although the company quickly makes clear that it\u2019s not a pick-up brand \u2013 \u201cStarting with trucks, but is much more than just trucks,\u201d the release reads.\nInstead, Geely says that Radar Auto was created for a \u201cnew generation of global consumers who demand vehicles that are as sustainable as their adventures into nature\u201d, tapping into the outdoors market that have recently seen a meteoric rise in popularity, spurred by the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n.\nThat\u2019s probably why the Radar RD6 looks nothing like those workhorse pick-ups you see frequently traversing construction sites. Instead, it gets a sleek exterior shell, sprinkled with a generous dose of intricate stylistic touches such as the full-width LED lighting fixtures, decorative trims, and unique indented wheel arches.\nThe RD6 will be built on the company\u2019s\n Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform\n, which it shares with other EVs from the wider Geely family, including the \nZeekr 001\n. More detailed specifications including powertrain information will only be provided at a later date, but we can still suss out several interesting tidbits just by looking at the photos.\nMost interesting of all is the charging panel located within the walls of the truck bed, with a variety of charging outlets on offer, which could be useful to power your electrical equipments while camping.\nThe company only mentioned that the Radar RD6 will be offered in both single- and dual-motor configurations, but local Chinese media reported that it\u2019ll feature outputs of between 200-400 hp, and a driving range of up to 600 km in a single charge.\nRadar Auto will be a full-fledged independent brand under the Geely umbrella, and even has its own R&D facility in Hangzhou, and an EV manufacturing plant in Zibo, Shandong. It\u2019s led by Ling Shi Quan, a veteran engineering lead at Geely Auto Group, and will offer a full range of electric lifestyle vehicles including SUVs, and even ATV quad bikes.\nAs for the RD6, Geely/Radar says production and sales will begin in the fourth quarter of 2022. The company does not mention if the RD6 EV pick-up truck will be exported to markets outside of China, but Ling revealed in an interview with Reuters that the company is currently studying the potential expansion of the Radar brand into Southeast Asian markets.\nGALLERY"
"Following a \nshort teaser\n last week, Kia has now unveiled the all-new Sportage SUV in full. As seen in these first images, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage debuts with an all-new design inspired by the carmaker\u2019s latest \u201cOpposites United\u201d design philosophy, first seen on the \nEV6\n.\nAlthough sharing the same design language, the two models can\u2019t be any more different, particularly in front. While the EV6 gets a clean and minimalist design, the Sportage\u2019s front fascia can only be described as loud, featuring a large full-width Tiger Nose grille with black mesh graphics.\nThe grille is bookended by boomerang-style daytime-running lights, which in turn forms the boundary lines for the headlights. We\u2019re not sure if it\u2019s just us, but does the whole boomerang-inspired styling not remind anyone of \nMitsubishi\u2019s Dynamic Shield face\n? Well, at least it\u2019s a good look.\nThe bubbly bodywork of its \npredecessor\n is now replaced by taut lines and sharper creases, including a chrome belt line that kicks up significantly at the back to meet the distinctive D-pillar accent. The greenhouse is also now significantly sleeker, and pairs well with the optional blacked-out roof (for the first time ever on the Sportage) for a proper sporty appearance.\nRound the rear is where the resemblances to the EV6 are most apparent, particularly with the full-width taillights \u2013 although, the Sportage is significantly more \u201cconventional\u201d in design, paired to a more upright rear window and tailgate design.\nAs we\u2019ve seen in the teaser previews, the all-new Kia Sportage features a completely redesigned cabin, characterised by the wide curved display panel and three-dimensional air vents that reinforces the SUV\u2019s \u201cdriver oriented\u201d, \u201cslim cockpit feel\u201d.\nOne of the biggest changes on the all-new Sportage is the all-new centre console panel, featuring a new shift-by-wire rotary dial for the transmission, alongside \u201csoft-touch switches\u201d that controls the various driving and seat ventilation settings.\nKia is keeping mum on the Sportage\u2019s further details, aside from the availability of a \u201cX-Line\u201d model featuring unique bumpers, side sill, curved roof rack, alongside unique upholstery and finishes on the inside. The all-new Kia Sportage is scheduled for a global market launch later this year, so we expect more information \u2013 including the powertrain options \u2013 to be slow-dripped as we edge closer to the launch.\nGALLERY"
"Michelin Malaysia\u2019s annual road safety campaign, \nMichelin Safe on The Road (MSoR)\n is back. This time, the campaign stretches throughout the month of May prior to the Raya festive season, where Michelin experts and staff will be providing free tyre assessments for the public at selected Petron stations and shopping malls.\nDuring the roadshow, Michelin experts will evaluate\nyour tyre pressure, treadwear and overall tyre condition from 11 am to 8 pm and\nprovide a short workshop on tyre maintenance as well as how to prolong the\nlifespan of the tyres. Participating motorist will also receive a car service voucher\nwith free Petron card worth RM50 when they spend at a Michelin Expert Centre.\nLocation\nVenue\nDate\nKuala Lumpur & Selangor\nThe Waterfront @ Desa Park City\nTuesday, 30 April\nPetron Sri Kembangan Raya\nFriday, 3 May\nTesco Extra Cheras\nSaturday, 4 May\nTesco Shah Alam\nSunday, 5 May\nPetron Puchong 1 @ OUG\nMonday, 6 May\nPetron Bandar Baru Klang\nTuesday, 7 May\nPetron Bandar Menjalara\nWednesday, 8 May\nJohor Bahru\nTesco Mutiara Rini\nSaturday, 11 May\nPetron New Skudai\nSunday, 12 May\nPetron Taman Jaya\nMonday, 13 May\nPetron New Skudai\nTuesday, 14 May\nPetron Taman Jaya\nWednesday, 15 May\nAEON Batu Pahat\nSaturday, 18 May\nMalacca\nTesco Melaka\nSunday, 19 May\nPenang\nPetron Jalan Kelawai\nThursday, 23 May\nPetron Perai SS\nFriday, 24 May\nTesco Extra Seberang Jaya\nSaturday, 25 May\nPetron Permatang Batu\nSunday, 26 May\nPetron Ayer Itam\nMonday, 27 May\nPetron Jalan Tengah\nTuesday, 28 May\nPerak\nPetron Jalan Kidd\nWednesday, 29 May\nMichelin Malaysia\u2019s Commercial Director for\nB2B, Muhammad Arya Subrata said, \u201cSafety is synonymous with Michelin. This is\nan important aspect of our societal commitment, whether by providing tyres with\nuncompromising quality or relentlessly initiating road safety programmes.\nMalaysia recorded its highest number of road accidents ever last year and this\nurgently calls for a greater road safety awareness. As the festive season\napproaches, the Michelin Truck will go from place to place to remind the public\nthat tyres, being the first line of defence on the road, are key to ensuring\ntheir own safety during their journey.\u201d\nLast year, Michelin successfully conducted\n1,100 tyre checks in more than 26 locations nationwide. This year, with the\nsupport of its longstanding partners Petron and Tesco as well as the addition\nof Aeon Big, the MSoR campaign will expand to more locations in the North and\nSouth of Peninsular Malaysia.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMichelin\u00a0Safe\u00a0on\u00a0The\u00a0Road\u00a0Campaign"
"We may be a few months shy to the end of the year but it\u2019s unlikely that anyone would pull a bigger surprise than Lamborghini in 2021, after the company revealed the new \nLamborghini Countach LPI 800-4\n to celebrate 50 years since the first-ever Countach was revealed.\nFor starters, there are \nonly 112 units \navailable and we\u2019re told they\u2019re all sold out in a virtual interview with Lamborghini just before the launch. The number 112 was taken from the \u201cLP 112\u201d internal project name used when developing the original Countach from the 1970s.\nYou can\u2019t call it a Countach without having similar design attributes as the original car. The front end sports a similar rectangular design as the Countach 500 Quattrovalvole, while the rear quarter panels and air ducts by the doors on the new Countach were first seen in the early LP 500 and LP 400 Periscopio models.\nLamborghini\u2019s coolest vehicle is not a car, but this 4,000 hp super-yacht.check it out here!\nThere\u2019s also other glaring similarities from the old Countach at the rear; like the \u2018hexagonita\u2019 design housing the three-unit rear light cluster. Just like past Countach models, the new LPI 800-4 also gets quad exhaust tips; two on each side.\nUnlike before, the new Countach doesn\u2019t get a massive rear wing or even pop-up headlights. Instead, the company opted to keep the final outline pure and uncluttered just like the original Countach prototype that has (in a way) helped shape every single Lamborghini that followed after.\nAs it is a tribute car, Lamborghini also offered a range of heritage exterior paint options in solid colours, as on the original Countach. They include the iconic Impact White, Giallo Countach and Verde Medio.\n\u201cThis is an unnegotiable part of our DNA, the essence if you will. The first Countach shaped the Lamborghini design DNA like no other car while the new translates that unconventional and edgy character into the future,\u201d said Lamborghini, Head of Design, Mitja Borkert.\nWhen asked during the virtual interview whether the likes of Diablo or even Miura will be reincarnated, even as tribute models, Lamborghini said the move is a one-off and the focus is not to recreate past models. Instead, their intentions are to keep developing new cars and technologies.\nOn that note, the new Countach also features Lamborghini\u2019s latest hybrid supercapacitor technology, like in the\n Si\u00e1n\n. The system consists of a 48V electric motor paired to the Countach\u2019s 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine to produce\n 819 hp\n and\n 720 Nm\n.\n0 to 100 km/h is over in 2.8 seconds, and shift through all of its seven gears at the engine\u2019s 8,700 rpm redline and you\u2019ll be nudging 355 km/h.\nRest assured, there will be plenty of stopping power with 6-pot calipers in the front and 4-pot at the rear, clamping on the carbon-ceramic discs. It gets all-wheel and rear-wheel steer so there\u2019ll be plenty of agility and stability as well.\nLamborghini reveals limited-edition Aventador called the \u201cKorean Special Series\u201d. Read about it here!\nTrue to its throwback nature, even the 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) wheels were designed to project a retro vibe \u2013 mimicking the analogue telephone dials of the 1980s.\nLarge as it may seem, it weighs about the same as a BMW 520i as the result of a fully carbon fibre monocoque chassis and body panels including the doors, rear panels, and luggage compartments.\n \nIf you haven\u2019t already heard, the Countach name (pronounced as Coon-tach) originated from the Piedmontese dialect in Northwestern Italy as an expression of surprise and wonder. The Countach is one of very few Lamborghini models not connected to bulls.\nGALLERY"
"What has Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, World Cup collectibles, trading cards and this supercool Pirelli wireless speaker have in common? They are made by a Modena-based Italian company founded by the Panini family back in 1961.\nSix years ago, a new subsidiary called Ixoost was launched by the Panini family to produce automotive-themed audiophile-quality, hi-fi speakers. The creations qualify as works of art; an example being the Esavox speaker system which resembles the hindquarters of a Lamborghini Aventador, replete with a monocoque frame made of carbon fibre and exhaust parts made by Lamborgini.\nPetrol heads, repeat after us, \u201cWe will start saving from today!\u201d\nBeing proudly Italian and fine collectors of classic cars (Maseratis in particular), the collaboration with automotive companies has now been expanded to include Pirelli Design, and where better but to start at the pinnacle of motorsport where Pirelli is a major sponsor \u2014 Formula 1.\nThe Pirelli P Zero Sound system is based on the actual scaled down wind tunnel tyre which Pirelli supplies to Formula 1 teams for use on half-size models during aerodynamics testing. The size and aluminium alloy construction of the wheel are retained but Ixxost shoehorned a mid-woofer driver along with a silk dome tweeter within the confines of the wheel. They also added amplification (rated at 100W) and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless operation.\nManaging inventories will be a pain, but our vote goes to the yellow (soft compound). What\u2019s yours?\nLike the real items seen on telly over race weekends, the Pirelli P Zero Sound is available in nine different colours representing the different compounds offered by Pirelli to the Formula 1 teams, including the grooved green Intermediate and blue-banded Wet tyres. And like how the F1 teams fret over the selection of tyres for race weekends, it can be just as tough to decide which colour looks best in the living room, that is if you can afford the ultra-stiff asking price of \u20ac2,400 or RM11,600, each. Mamma mia!"
"Remember how Hyundai and Kia have been putting out \ncars that look just like their concepts\n? Well, this here needs to be one. What you\u2019re looking at is the Genesis X concept, and it\u2019s proof that electric cars don\u2019t have to look \u201cfuturistic\u201d or \u201crevolutionary\u201d.\nWhile an EV can really be any shape you want, the new coupe concept takes on a very traditional GT shape, with a long hood, flowing roofline, and a short rear. From the rear, the shape of the Genesis X concept looks almost like a \nBentley Continental GT\n \u2013 though it\u2019s design is unmistakeably Genesis.\nThe X concept emphasises on all of Genesis\u2019 signature design elements, such as the \u201cTwo Lines\u201d motif that\u2019s seen throughout the entire car \u2013 both inside and out. Particularly interesting is the two-lined headlights, which cut through the wheel arch and ends parallelly right at the shut line of the front door.\nThe headlights flank Genesis\u2019 signature shield-shaped Crest Grille, while lower down, the air intakes on the \u201cdouble-layered\u201d bumpers actually serve a functional purpose to cool off the batteries and other critical components.\nLooking from the front, the entire low-slung clamshell bonnet is devoid of any shut lines or panel gaps, which Genesis says gives the coupe a \u201csensual\u201d look. However, if it ever becomes a production model, be prepared to see the panel lines, because cargo space is actually a thing.\nMoving over to the rear, which itself is shaped like a horseshoe according to Genesis, the Two Lines motif is once again seen on the tail lamps, ending in a slant line this time with the panel gap on the rear fenders. In general, it\u2019s just refreshing to see how simple and sleek the entire rear end is, without any unnecessary (and often-times fake) go-fast vents and the likes.\nAs for the exterior colour, Genesis calls the beautiful green-blue hue \u201cLen\u00e7\u00f3is Blue\u201d, inspired by the lagoons of Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, where a lake forms only during the rainy season. And if there\u2019s one thing to know about car colours, it\u2019s that green is good \u2013 \nit\u2019s already been decided\n.\nInside, the Genesis X concept artfully blends classic with modern; screens \u2013 like all modern cars \u2013 are still present here, but it\u2019s heavily downplayed and wrapped in a leather binnacle that surrounds the driver, like an old-school sports car.\nThe rest of the cabin is also tastefully minimalist. Air vents are hidden neatly across the top of the dashboard into a two-lined trim, and the rest of the dashboard is just plain ol\u2019 beautiful leather. And just check out those leather-padded pedals! Classy.\nInstead of using superficial chrome trims and patterned surfaces for the \u201cpremium\u201d look, Genesis went with colours instead. The front bucket seats (with four-point harness!) and the leather binnacle on the dashboard are finished in scotch brown, while the rear seats get an ocean wave green-blue hue.\nSince this is a concept, Genesis did not reveal any technical specifications about the stunning coupe. When the South Korean premium carmaker moves into the EV space though, expect to see the use of \nHyundai Group\u2019s e-GMP platform,\n the same one that\u2019s underneath the \nKia EV6\n that was unveiled just yesterday.\nAnyway, if we had to guess, we\u2019d say that a 500 km range or so on a grand tourer sounds about right, alongside performance figures of around 3.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h. But really, with looks like that, we\u2019ll take anything we can. Do it, Genesis.\nGALLERY"
"As much as Bentley has repeatedly stressed that they\u2019ve improved the way the Continental GT drives, which for the most part is true according to foreign journalists, you don\u2019t buy the \nContinental GT\n or in this case, the Convertible because you want a sportscar.\nIt will never drive as well as a Porsche nor would it accelerate with the earth shattering screams of a Ferrari; but if you\u2019re hell-bent on making a statement behind the wheel, without having to obnoxiously shout \u201cI\u2019m rich af\u201d, this is perhaps the PERFECT car to achieve that.\nUnless of course, you show up in a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead.\nIf that\u2019s what you want out of your convertible, the Continental GT Convertible is now on display at Bentley Kuala Lumpur, following its \nglobal introduction in November last year\n.\nThe car you see here is merely a pre-production prototype, used to display unique specifications such as the 21-inch wheels and the Silverlake Blue paint job.\nThe car also debuts the \u201cCentenary Specifications\u201d displayed on badges, number plate housing and welcome lamps \u2013 to mark Bentley\u2019s 100th anniversary.\nInside, the convertible\u2019s cabin is pretty much identical with the Continental GT\u2019s \u2013 one that \nrequires 300,000 individual stitches to complete\n!\nOne can never tire of the level of plushness and extravagance inside the convertible; one would also never get bored of the Bentley Rotating Display \u2013 a masterpiece of style and fluidity \u2013 offering either a plain veneer, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display or three analogue dials.\nUnder the hood, the Convertible is powered by the same 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo engine making\n 626 hp\n and\n 900 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h is done in a brisk 3.8 seconds, onward to an unimaginable top speed of 333 km/h!\nFor such bragging rights, prepare to drop\n at least RM2.24 million\n, and that\u2019s before you factor in the options, which most in the higher end of the income spectrum would fail to resist.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You can now get your MINI to look like a Rolls-Royce \u2013 at in the wheel hubcaps department.\nMINI and John Cooper Works models owners can now start harassing their local dealerships for the new \u201cfloating\u201d wheel hubcaps that stay upright even when their wheels are rotating, just like a Rolls-Royce. Superficial stuff really, but undeniably cool.\nThe new \u201cfloating\u201d hub caps are available \ntwo different versions\n \u2013 either with the MINI or John Cooper Works logo.\nIn other news, MINI Malaysia recently introduced \n60 units of the 60 Years Edition MINI Cooper \nthat dons a new British Racing Green exterior paint finish, unique 17-inch light alloy wheels and a Dark Maroon interior that\u2019s finished with commemorative touches on the seats and steering wheel.\nExclusively available as a 3-door variant, the 60 Years Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine with \n192 hp\n and\n 280 Nm\n of torque that\u2019s good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds and a 235 km/h top speed."
"Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium carmaker has unveiled its latest estate, the Volvo V60 estate. Combining good looks and everyday practicality, this baby \nV90\n was designed to cater to the diverse needs of a modern family.\nLike the XC60, the V60 sits on Volvo\u2019s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. Much like its older sibling, the V60 shares much of its design cues as the V90 \u2013 Thor\u2019s Hammer headlamps, roof rails, L-shaped LED taillamps and a range of body kit options such as Momentum, Inscription and R-Design.   Inside, the cabin is typical of a modern Volvo, minimalistic and elegant. Standard items include LCD instrument cluster, Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multifunctional steering wheel, rear climate controls and many more. Customers can also select from a variety of options for the panoramic sunroof, interior trim, sound system and etc.\nAs for engine options, the V60 is available in a variety of petrol or diesel engines including T5, T6, D3 and D4. However, the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me would have to be the Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid pair, the \n340 hp\n T6 and \n390 hp\n T8.   Of course, Volvo\u2019s famed safety suite is not to be missed on the V60 \u2013 City Safety autonomous emergency braking, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Run off-road Mitigation, Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, Steer Assist and Oncoming Lane Mitigation, just to name a few.\nPilot Assist which allows semi-autonomous driving on well-marked roads up to 130 km/h is also standard issue on the all-new V60.\nIn UK, prices for the Volvo V60 starts from \u00a331,810 (RM174k) while first customer deliveries are expected to commence in Q3 of 2018. Malaysia was once graced with the arrival of the \nV90 estate as fully imported models\n but Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has since stopped importing the model citing low volume and interest among buyers. Which gives us reason to believe that the V60 may not make it to our local market.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This news comes in favour for local companies and small and medium enterprises (SME), because BMW Group Malaysia has just introduced their new ownership programme offering attractive cost of ownership experience with additional benefits, as you\u2019ll find out in a bit.\nFor registered\u00a0SMEs, this \nCorporate Programme\n offers a \nthree percent rebate\n\u00a0\nif the below conditions are met:\ni) Manufacturing Sector SMEs \u2013\u00a0\nMinimum purchase of two vehicles;\n sales turnover not exceeding RM50 million or full-time employees not exceeding 200 workers.\n ii) Services and other sectors SMEs \u2013 \nMinimum purchase of two vehicles\u00a0\nsales turnover not exceeding RM20 million or full-time employees not exceeding 75 workers.\nSMEs aside, the Corporate Programme also offers a \nfour percent rebate\n for the companies listed below with every fleet purchase of four to seven units, or \nsix percent rebate\n for companies purchasing over eight units:\ni) Large firms\n ii) Multi-National Corporations (MNCs)\n iii) Government-Linked Companies (GLCs)\n iv)\u00a0Syarikat Menteri Kewangan Diperbadankan (MKDs)\n v) State-owned Enterprises\nAdditionally, a \nfive percent\u00a0rebate\n is also offered on selected vehicles purchased under the International Supply Agreement with the BMW Group. Spouses of employees in partnering companies can also benefit from this Corporate Programme.\nTo qualify for the programme, corporate customers will have to provide documents including a \u201cTo Whom It May Concern\u201d letter, business card, latest payslip and marriage certificate for units registered under the spouses\u2019 name. The programme is valid for 24 months from the first unit purchased.\nAs an extension of the Corporate Programme, customers can also enjoy the following benefits:\ni)\n Privileges from BMW Credit (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, \na 3% reduction off the normal loan interest rate on any purchase under the BMW Corporate Programme.\n ii)\u00a0\nBMW Service and Repair Inclusive\n, all new BMW cars purchased from BMW Authorised Dealers come with maintenance and repair savings for three years or up to 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.\n iii)\u00a0\nMINI Service Inclusive\n, all new MINI cars purchased from MINI Authorised Dealers come with maintenance and repair savings for three years or up to 50,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.\n iv)\u00a0\nBMW Driver Training Program\n, multitude of thrilling exercises designed to sharpen specific driving skills to take control of the vehicle in any situation for a special rate for the training programme at only RM888 instead of the regular RM1,700.\n v)\n BMW White Card Privileges\n, exclusive invitations to special events by BMW such as product launches, sneak previews, and partner events.\nThe programme is not applicable for the BMW X1 xDrive 20d, the new MINI Cooper 3-Door (Salt), and any other models sold under promotional offers, duty free as well as vehicles purchased as part of the MM2H and MREP programmes.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the saying goes, all good things come to an end, and it couldn\u2019t be truer for the owner of this particular Lamborghini Aventador. It\u2019s not just any Aventador, mind you, but one of 600 fine examples of the Italian carmaker\u2019s\u00a0fastest production model to date, the \nLP 750-4 Superveloce\n.\nThe fire took place on an undisclosed stretch of Dubai Marina and is said to have \noriginated from the engine bay\n before making its way to consume the rest of the car. According to Osama Farkh of \nArabGT\n, the flaming V12 supercar is purportedly a customised version that can and should handle the high temperatures of UAE.\nUpdate:\n The burnt Aventador is in fact not the LP 750-4 SV, but more possibly the LP 720-4 50 Anniversario; an even rarer specimen bearing what is believed to be an aftermarket \u2018SV\u2019 decal.\nWitnesses at the scene saw the driver escape unscathed, but one can only imagine the heartbreak of the driver who helplessly watched his/her Italian exotic get burnt down. To add more twist to the story, a Russian woman by the name of \nVictoria Vikki said on Instagram\n\u00a0that the Aventador was a rental unit and it burst into flames after just 30 minutes of driving. She sure showed no sympathy for the loss.\nWas just about 30 minutes after the rental.? #CiaoBella ?? ? pic by ?? @victoria.vikki ??\nA photo posted by @victoria.vikki on \nSep 7, 2015 at 10:51am PDT\nTo recap, the Aventador SV packs a \n6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12\n that makes\u00a0\n750 hp\n\u00a0at 8,400 rpm and\n\u00a0690 Nm\n\u00a0of torque at 5,500 rpm. With a century sprint time of\n 2.8 seconds\n and a top speed of over \n350 km/h\n, the menacing bull \ncracked the Nurburgring\n at a shade under 7 minutes. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a \nseven-speed ISR transmission\n.\nBut wait, did you know that the Aventador SV will be making its way here sometime soon? Lamborghini KL in April announced that \nfive units of the LP 750-4 are headed our way\n, but\u00a0each of them have already been bought. Let\u2019s just hope none of the five will have to suffer the same fate its brother did in Dubai.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI has just updated its ONE and Cooper D with a new seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT). Available for all 3-Door, 5-Door and Convertible versions of the said variants, the new DCT unit offers faster gear changes, better shift comfort and greater efficiency.\nThe new DCT is a huge step up compared to the six-speed automatic where as it cuts shift times to a fraction of a second without any torque interruption, allowing MINI drivers to continuously maintain ideal engine speed. The gearbox features a new electronic control system where it permanently analyses accelerator position, engine speed, road speed and MINI driving mode to ensure the transmission is able to respond quickly to sudden changes such as unexpected throttling.\nBesides that, if the car is equipped with the optional MINI Navigation System, the transmission control unit (TCU) will incorporate navigation data to \nadapt its shift strategies to the road ahead\n. For example, if a successive corner is up\u00a0ahead, the transmission will hold its gears through the bends ensuring powerful acceleration is available upon exiting.\nMINI understands that in pursuit of high-performance driving, low-speed comfort should not be neglected. Which is why the MINI seven-speed DCT is equipped with a \nCrawl Function\n that gives the car a smooth set-off like a conventional torque converter system, allowing for a jerk-free experience in slow-moving traffic.   Lastly, the conventional gear selector has also been replaced with an \nelectronic selector lever\n \u2013 just like the one on modern BMW vehicles. The new selector will always return to its original position after changing gears and the parking lock is activated by pressing the P button. Like other BMWs, S Mode is activated by pushing the gear lever to the left from D.\nCurrently, the seven-speed DCT is equipped on the \nMINI One\n (1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol, 100 hp/190 Nm) and\n Cooper D\n (1.5-litre turbodiesel, 114 hp/270 Nm), offered alongside a six-speed manual option. The rest of the line up soldiers on with the conventional automatics. No word whether the double-clutch will be offered on other more powerful variants like the \nCooper S\n and John Cooper Works.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI ONE with 7-Speed DCT"
"It\u2019s 1\nst\n of June 2018 in Malaysia which means Goods and Services Tax (GST) is effectively zero-rated. While some car manufacturers have announced their new zero-rated GST price list, others held on till the new calendar month to announce their lowered prices.\nInfiniti Malaysia announced that the new price list will take effect from 1 June 2018 till further notice from the Ministry of Finance to reimplement the Sales and Services Tax (SST) which is \nscheduled to return in September.\nSince all models of the Infinity are fully-imported, they all enjoy a substantial savings of RM13k up to RM21k. The sultry \nQ60 Sports Coupe\n Now retails for under RM300k making it a compelling alternative (price pointwise) to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. Have you watched what GC Mah thinks of the Q60 Sports Coupe?"
"Sometimes, the coolest creations happen when two separate worlds intertwine. In this case, it\u2019s luxury sportscar maker \nAston Martin\n and Scottish Whiskey giant Bowmore, teaming up to unveil a limited-edition bottle of single-malt Islay whiskey.\nIt\u2019s called the\n Black Bowmore DB5 1964\n, and if you\u2019re a fan of whiskies, you\u2019ll know why it\u2019s so special. First distilled on 5 November 1964, Black Bowmore has become one of the rarest and most sought-after single malt whiskies ever created. In fact, there has only been six bottlings of this whiskey ever, and only around 6,000 bottles of Black Bowmore have been made available since 1993.\nThe DB5 1964 special-edition makes the already-scarce whiskey even more exclusive, as only 25 bottles will ever be produced \u2013 each of which featuring an actual genuine piston from the \nAston Martin DB5\n.\nThe bottle itself is handcrafted by a bespoke Scottish glass studio called Glasstorm, with each example taking up to one week to complete. The Black Bowmore DB5 1964 is then presented in a handmade box created from the \u201cfinest string-grain calfskin\u201d leather, featuring a custom nickel-plated solid brass latch and hinges, inspired by the Aston Martin DB5.\nThe companies say that the Black Bowmore DB5 1964 is a celebration of time \u2013 more specifically the year 1964 where the the \nAston Martin DB5 was made world famous\n thanks to a certain British spy named James Bond.\nCoincidentally, 1964 was also the year where Bowmore switched over to a steam-powered boiler in place of coal fires, producing the spirit which went on to become the highly sought-after Black Bowmore whiskey.\nBowmore distillery manager David Turner commented, \u201c1964 represents a significant date in the modern\u00a0history of the distillery. Not only a key moment in how we distilled our spirit, but perhaps even more significant as this very spirit went onto create Black Bowmore.\n\u201cThese defining moments are fundamental to the history of Bowmore. This collaboration with Aston Martin has allowed us to once again showcase this iconic single malt in the most incredible way.\u201d\nThe Black Bowmore DB5 1964 will sell for an eye-watering \nGBP55,000\n (RM302,754) each, but will probably be sold out instantly to the wealthy collectors. The companies added that a series of collaborative projects and products have been planned for the coming months and years."
"Nissan has just introduced the new 2018 Nissan Kicks, the newest entry in the thriving compact crossover segment at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Locally, aside from the impending arrival of the \nNissan Leaf\n, there isn\u2019t much for the brand\u2019s loyalist to look forward to yet.\n\u201cFacial features\u201d of the new Kicks includes Nissan\u2019s signature V-Motion grille, boomerang head and taillights, a floating roof with a wrap-around visor look that stretches from the front windscreen to the Kicks\u2019 side windows. Intelligent Auto Headlights (I-AH) and LED low beam headlights are standard equipment at the front.   Available exterior features include standard Intelligent Auto Headlights (I-AH) and available LED low beam headlights with LED signature accents. Five two-tone colour combos will be available \u2013 white/black, orange/black, red/black, orange/grey and white/blue.\nInside, the \u201cgliding wing\u201d dashboard design houses a 7-inch full colour display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Optional equipment includes the Bose Personal Plus sound system with a pair of Bose UltraNearfield neodymium speakers located by the driver\u2019s seat headrest. The dash also house the Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM).   Power is sourced from a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine with an output of \n125 hp\n and \n155 Nm\n of torque, delivered to the front wheels through a Xtronic transmission. Fuel consumption is expected to be around 14km/L.\nGood ground clearance and small turning radius is to be expected of the Kicks. Rounding up the safety systems are Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB), seven airbags, RearView Monitor with the higher end SV and SR variants adding the Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nThe 2018 Nissan Kicks is expected to retail at under USD 19,000 (RM 77k) and will be available in S, SV and SR variants.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aimed at raising awareness on the importance of using safety belts for all car occupants, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has launched #SafeDrive with Volvo Car Malaysia road safety campaign. In an effort to reduce road fatalities during the Hari Raya festive season, for this campaign VCM will work closely with the Road Safety Department (JKJR) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).\n\u201cAll automotive safety technologies rely on the three-point safety belt as a reference point. Without the safety belt, any protective or preventive features in a car could become ineffective. The misconception that the public have is that airbags, crash structures, and active safety systems alone are enough to protect in-car occupants; this is of course, inaccurate,\u201d explained Mr Nalin Jain, Managing Director of VCM.\n(From left) YBrs Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak, Director General of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS); Mr Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia; and Encik Azharul Izwan bin Puaadi, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Director, Road Safety Department Malaysia (JKJR); testing the safety belt rig that demonstrates the impact of a 5 kph collision.\nInvented by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin in 1959, the three point safety belt became the single most important safety innovation ever introduced in cars, and based on internal data collected by Volvo Cars since the 1960s, it has been estimated that the three-point safety belt has saved more than a million lives.\nThe #SafeDrive with Volvo Car Malaysia road safety campaign will be rolled-out via various mediums including radio, newspapers, websites, social media platforms, and through authorised dealerships."
"Seven months after its global debut, BMW UK has announced the pricing details of the all-new \nF90 BMW M5\n. Available for the UK market since February 2018, the V8-powered saloon carries a base price of \u00a389,645 (RM491k) before options.\nResting under the hood is a heavily revised 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8, now packing \n600 hp \nand \n750 Nm\n of power. Transmission of choice is a sole eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. For the first time in the history of the M5, the F90 generation is equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system to handle all that power.\nIt\u2019s got results to prove too, 0 to 100 km/h takes \n3.4 seconds\n, making it the fastest M5 yet. Top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n. Specify the M Driver\u2019s Package (which also earns you an invite to the BMW M Intensive Training) and the limit is raised to \n305 km/h\n. The M xDrive operates in full 4WD on start-up but drivers can switch between 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD, where the latter allows the M5 to be purely \nrear-wheel driven\n without any electronic nannies.\nThe M5 is dressed in the M-specific body kit, giving it a more aggressive front bumper, side sills, rear lip spoiler, rear diffuser and wing mirrors. All that extra show also contributes to the M5\u2019s overall aerodynamics and cooling function. UK-bound M5s are equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels finished in either dual-tone or Jet black while the lighter (-23 kg) \nM Carbon Ceramic brakes\n are also available as an option. UK customers can also have their M5 finished in Frozen Dark Silver and Frozen Arctic Grey matt exterior paint scheme for a fee.   UK customers will enjoy a M-Specific full LCD instrument cluster, heads-up display, M-Sport steering wheel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with gesture control, M multifunctional seats with ventilation and memory function, illuminated M5 logo and Fine Grain Merino leather upholstery.\nCloser to home, BMW Malaysia has confirmed that the \nF90 BMW M5 will arrive on our shores\n but has kept mum on the launch date and pricing details. If its main rival, the \nMercedes-AMG E 63 S is priced at the RM1 million mark\n, expect the Bavarian to not stray too far from that.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve heard plenty of promising prospects of the all-new second generation Volvo XC90 ever since its \nworld debut back in August 2014\n. Since then, the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker have went on to announce the \nT8 plug-in hybrid variant\n and showcased a \npossible Polestar variant to rival its Bavarian competitor\n.\nVolvo also previewed their \nXC90 R-Design\n shortly after its launching last year, although the similarly named model here is currently exclusive to the UK market courtesy of Volvo Car UK. This 2015 Volvo XC90 R-Design gets a myriad of visual, equipment and dynamic upgrades.   Externally, the Scandinavian SUV gets a new set of \n20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels\n, matte-silver side mirrors (like the Audi S models), gloss black meshed front grille and tinted rear windows. All this adds on top of the model\u2019s standard features such as LED headlights, powered tailgate and Volvo\u2019s full suite of latest safety technologies.\nInside, features unique to this variant are finely contoured leather sports seats, a \n12.3-inch active TFT\n driver\u2019s information display and perforated-leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. The foot pedals are of the sporty kin, whereas the SUV benefits from upgraded ambient lighting system and black headlining to square off the sporty package.\n \n \nThe Volvo XC90 R-Design variants also come equipped with Drive Mode Settings and Adjustable Steering Force which work in tandem to alter engine, transmission, steering and air suspension (optional) when a driving mode is specified. Customers can opt to go with the R-Design package for the D5 diesel, T6 petrol and T8 plug-in hybrid variants. Its on-the-road price\u00a0starts from\u00a0\u00a349,785 (about RM319k) upwards.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford Performance scoured the \nFocus RS\n forums and and found suggestions on ways to further improve the car, so they did. Enter the 2018 Ford Focus RS Limited Edition. Only 1,500 units will be produced for the United States and Canada.\nFord monitored the conversations about the \nFocus RS\n on forums, social media platforms and even photoshop renderings to draw inspiration from fellow owners and enthusiasts. In that, Ford added some heavily requested exterior modifications such as blacked out roof, side mirrors and rear spoiler. \nThe previously body-painted RS badge on either side of the rear spoiler now contrasts against the black spoiler. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels which was an option on the standard Focus RS now comes as standard. Changes are subtle but impactful, just look at the delighted faces of the owners in the video below.\nInside, the door handles, handbrake lever and turbo gauge surrounds are now wrapped in carbon fibre to elevate the sporty image of the mega\u00a0hatch. Other interior upgrades include black leather-trimmed Recaro seats with suede inserts, eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated wing mirrors and voice activated navigation system.\nMechanically, it retains the same 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost turbo petrol engine with \n350 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n on tap. Power is channelled to all four corners via a slick six-speed manual gearbox. After comments from owners, Ford has added a \nQuaife limited-slip differential\n on the front axle to give the Focus RS better traction and acceleration through a corner.\nOther high-tech gismos such as Dynamic Torque Vectoring, Torque Vectoring Control and RS Drive Modes are retained. It sprints to 100 km/h the same \u2013 4.7 seconds with Launch Control.\nThe US market will receive 1,000 units of the highly acclaimed hot hatch while Canada will get the remaining 500 units. Ford did not mention about allocations for right-hand drive market but said that this will be \u201cthe last opportunity\u201d to order the current generation Focus RS in North America.\u00a0Perhaps because a\u00a0successor is now in the pipeline?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"He may have gotten over his COVID-19 infection but it\u2019s still the year 2020 and even \nThe Rock a.k.a Dwayne Johnson\n is no exception from continuous calamity.\nAfter months of planning and preparing, not to mention buying the \nPorsche Taycan\n, it was the moment of truth on the film set of Red Notice, an upcoming Netflix film. The Rock was meant to climb behind the wheel of Porsche\u2019s all-electric car to rehearse a chase scene.\n \nIt didn\u2019t turn out quite as planned; the former WWE wrestler was \nsimply too big\n. As The Rock described\n on his Instagram post\n, his back was simply too wide to get into the Taycan\u2019s hugging seats.\n\u201cLike a big ass brown marshmellow getting shoved into a coin slot,\u201d was how The Rock described the experience.\nAfter about 15 seconds of uncomfortable silence on the set, the actor, director, and the entire production crew just started laughing hysterically.\n\u201cFxxk it, welcome to 2020,\u201d The Rock said \u2013 echoing the sentiments everyone on Planet Earth. In the end, they devised a creative way and successfully shot the scene they had initially planned.\nFind out more about the Porsche Taycan \nhere\n!\nPorsche\u2019s electric sedan was recently launched in Malaysia, with three variants available. Prices start from RM725k for the\u00a0\nTaycan 4S\n, RM 999k for the\u00a0\nTaycan Turbo\n\u00a0and RM1.195 million for the\u00a0\nTaycan Turbo S\n.\nThe Taycan Turbo S makes \n625 hp\n and \n1050 Nm \nwhile the Turbo makes\n 680 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n. The Taycan S meanwhile produces \n530 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n. As for pure electric driving range, the Taycan serves up to 463 km depending on which variant you go for."
"Ferrari has done\nsomething no other manufacturer has achieved \u2013 taking the overall title for International\nEngine & Powertrain of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year at\nthe 21\nst\n edition of the awards.\nThe hand build 3,902cc twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine first debuted in the \nFerrari 488GTB\n and subsequently found its way to the \n488 Spider\n, \n488 Pista\n and \n488 Pista Spider\n. Output ranges from 670 hp/760 Nm to 720 hp/770 Nm in the Pista. The same engine was also named \nPerformance Engine of the Year\n and \nBest Power Unit over 650 hp\n.\nGC Mah with the \nFerrari 488GTB\nFerrari\u2019s other V8 with 3,855cc in capacity found in the \nPortofino\n and \nGTC4Lusso T\n also received the Best Power Unit for 550 to 650 hp category. The 3,855cc V8 also packs two turbochargers and generates up to 610 hp and 760 Nm of torque."
"Honda has had many brilliant models in its history of car making, but identifying their most critical model can be as divisive as selecting your favourite car of all time. But for the purposes of this subject, we take a look at the Honda Accord, one that will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.\nThe introduction of the \nAccord\n brought significant impact towards many middle-class families around the\u00a0world.\u00a0After nine generations and millions of Accords sold worldwide,\u00a0\nAutoBuzz.my\n pays tribute to this iconic \nHonda\n model by sharing five facts you may not know about it. The good news is, the \nAccordana\n\u00a0will not be part of the story.\n1. It began as a hatchback model\nWhile we\u2019re all familiar with the saloon-bodied Accord, it actually started as a modest \nthree-door hatchback\n. The first-generation Accord was launched in \n1976\n, and in a way it\u2019s a larger version of the first-generation Civic hatchback. Just like the Civic, the Accord excelled in build quality, reliability and fuel economy. Those three attributes scored big sales in the United States during the oil crisis when gas guzzling American cars became left field choices.\nThe saloon model only began three years later in 1979.\n2. It was the first Japanese car to be assembled in the United States\nWhile Japanese cars in the United States are a norm nowadays, it wasn\u2019t the case in the past where Americans (and their pride) perceived Japanese cars\u00a0as inferior products.\u00a0Things changed in 1982 when Honda opened its production facility \nMarysville, Ohio\n, and rolled the first ever American assembled Japanese car, the second-generation Accord.\nThe result? The plant, manned by Americans, produced \nover 10.5 million\n Accords, including the Accord coupe model that was exported to Japan.\n3.\u00a0The Accord learns from its failed predecessor, the 1300\nPrior the Civic and the Accord, Honda had a rather blotchy\u00a0history with its cars. In 1969, Honda launched its largest car back then, the 1300, in both saloon and coupe guises. Designed to compete against established competitors such as the Mitsubishi Gallant and Toyota Corona, the air-cooled Honda 1300 was plagued\u00a0with issues relating to complex engineering and overambitious pricing. Needless to say, it was a flop.\nHonda then restructured the company\u2019s approach in making cars. In fact, \nclick here\n\u00a0to read in detail how and what they\u2019ve learned from the 1300 episode. The changes were then applied to the process in making the Civic and Accord models.\u00a0Suffice to say, the rest is history.\n4. There are many variants of the Accord\nThings changed during the development of the fifth-generation Accord where in 1993, the European Accord was introduced for the first time, while the Japanese and American Accords shared a similar model. Later in the sixth-generation, Honda decided to split the Accords into three separate models, one each for American, European and Japanese markets. Likewise in Malaysia, we\u2019ve been receiving the \nAmerican variant\n up till today.\nThe Accord expanded from a simple three-door hatchback to an\u00a0estate, coupe, and even the hotter Accord Type R. The Type R was only limited to selected European markets and got involved in some touring car championships.\n5. \u201cThe Cog\u201d was produced to promote the European Accord\nHonda\n has had a pretty good track record in televised commercials, but one that was exceptionally executed was \nThe Cog\n aired in 2003. The 120-second commercial was an advertising genius, created to promote the seventh-generation European Honda Accord.\u00a0In\u00a0a way, it encapsulates Honda\u2019s engineering aspirations so perfectly, we think\u00a0even Soichiro Honda himself could not have been more proud.\nAs for now, Honda Malaysia is currently offering the ninth-generation Accord model (launched in 2013), so expect the\u00a0\nfacelift\n\u00a0to arrive later this year. According to our friends at carlist.my, the locally assembled Honda Accord will arrive in September.\nMeanwhile, here are some cool facts about the Accord in its four decades of existence.\n[Source: Honda]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 Honda Accord Facelift"
"Following the \nnews we shared just a week ago\n, Proton has proceeded to introduce the Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) as standard equipment on the\n \n2020 CKD Proton X70\n with a \n7-speed DCT\n to complement the existing Air Purifier System.\nThe new N95 Cabin Filter is said to be capable of \nremoving 95% of particles larger than 0.3 microns\n and can also \nremove 98% of PM2.5 dust particles\n. As such, it\u2019s an effective \u201cbarrier\u201d against smoke particulates, dust, bacteria and other pollutants for both fresh and recirculated air in the cabin.\nThe new filter will join forces with the existing Air Purifier System already fitted into the \nX70 we tested recently\n. It utilises a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that \nremoves 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns\n.\nThe activated carbon within the filter can also remove odours, formaldehyde while absorbing and purifying smoke particulates. Negative ions discharged by the ioniser also serves to cleanse the air.\nThe combination of both the Air Purifier System and the new N95 cabin filter can serve as protection against contaminated air entering the cabin \u2013 offering a shield against airborne pollutants.\nThe company also announced that although it\u2019s only available in the X70 for now, its engineers are working to fit the cabin filter into its other models.\nOwners of the first batch of X70s can opt to have the new filter fitted for \nRM79 excluding labour charges\n. As for that, a quick poke-around revealed that it shouldn\u2019t cost you more than RM100. As of 18th May to the 18th of August 2020, Proton will be offering a \n15% discount on the new filter\n."
"BMW Malaysia has just launched the most power 1 Series available \u2013 the \nBMW M135i xDrive\n that \nwe drove in South Africa last year\n \u2013 priced at \nRM355,646 \ninclusive of sales tax exemption. From tomorrow onwards, customers will be able to view the car at all authorised BMW dealerships.\nWith BMW Group\u2019s Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing Plan, the M135i xDrive can be yours for \nRM4,058 a month\n based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure. Those who book the M135i xDrive online can even win a new BMW i8 Coupe.\n \nPowering the hatchback is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine similarly found in the \nX2 M35i\n here, along with the JCW models, with \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n. The most powerful 4-cylinder by BMW is paired to an 8-speed automatic. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.8 seconds onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.\nBeneath those 19-inch style 557 light-alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S0005 tyres are 4-pot caliper brakes in the front and single pot caliper units at the back. Inside, among the notable highlights of the cabin include an M Sport steering, M Sport seats and even M Sport seat belts with BMW\u2019s famous M colours embroidered on it. Boot space is rated at 380-litre, with up to 1,200-litres with the second row seats folded.\nAs for driver assistance, the list of features in the M135i xDrive is rather comprehensive. They include Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Collision Warning with Braking Function, Rear Collision Warning, Active Park Distance Control and Reversing Assistant.\nThe Reverse Assistant can help the driver reverse out of a tight space or alley by recalling the last 50 metres covered. It is able to reverse the vehicle the same way it got in by taking control of the steering, braking and throttle.\nFor the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n."
"Together with 1,491 Nm of torque, the one-off factory built prototype is expected to clear 400 metres in the low eight second range, hitting 274 km/h while at it.\nFollowing the debut of the \nMustang Mach-E SUV\n, Ford has been eager to show off their innovations in electric powertrains leading up to this Mustang Cobra Jet 1400. It also presents an opportunity to Ford to extend the heritage of the Mustang.\n\u201cFord has always used motorsport to demonstrate innovation and electric powertrains have given us a completely new kind of performance as seen in the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400,\u201d said Ford Icons, Global Director, Dave Pericak who is currently overseeing all of\u00a0Ford\u2019s\u00a0iconic nameplates such as the Mustang and Bronco.\nThe Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 also pays tribute to the original Cobra Jet that first dominated drag strips in the late 1960s and still is a major force in drag racing today.\nFord also said the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 will offer a platform for the company to develop electric-powered race cars for the future. As the Mustang Cobra Jet is still a prototype, Ford will continue developing it before unveiling it later this year.\nGALLERY"
"The three-month Tax-Free Holiday announced by the newly installed Pakatan Harapan Government has caused a huge spike in uptake of new cars for many, if not all, car brands in Malaysia with many consumers taking advantage of the zero-rated GST deal.\nDue to this, Proton has sold 7,585 cars to the local market and exported 517 cars in the month of July. The total sales figure of 8,102 is the national carmaker\u2019s strongest sales number recorded in the past 30 months. Compared to June, sales figures grew by 31 per cent, driven mainly by the Saga and Persona models with 3,000 and 2,221 units sold respectively.\nCEO of Proton Edar, Abdul Rashid Musa said: \u201cJuly was a very good month for PROTON as we had achieved our highest volume not just for 2018 but also for the last 30 months. We know that a big factor in boosting sales is the current tax holiday period with zero-rated GST prior to the implementation of SST in September but the numbers also prove that Malaysians are opening their eyes to the attractive buying proposition offered by the current range of Proton cars. We are therefore hopeful of carrying over this momentum even after SST has been introduced as we gear up for the launch of our first SUV later in the year.\u201d\nHonouring their pledge of \ndonating RM10 to Tabung Harapan Malaysia (THM)\n for every Proton car sold from 1 June to 31 December 2018, Proton will be appropriating a sum of RM81,020 to the Government fund. In June, the company made a contribution of RM61,730."
"The hype surrounding the \nall-new Mazda 3\n is hardly surprising. Unanimously, it\u2019s a good looking thing; especially the hatchback but what we found out today after it was unveiled at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show, although kind of expected, was the real surprise.\nAnd it was the rear headroom. One may be able to tell from the new Mazda 3\u2019s sloping roof line that it may affect roominess for the rear passengers but what we\u2019re about to share could offset the appeal of the car.\n \n Headroom when seated by the side\n \n Headroom when seated in the middle\nFor someone measuring \n180 cm\n \nin height\n such as myself, my head was literally rubbing against the roof of the car when seated in the middle of the rear seats. Moving to the side, things weren\u2019t that much better with more or less \na finger\u2019s worth of space between my scalp and the roof\n.\nMaybe I was having a bad hair day, or maybe I was just sitting more upright than usual but it seemed like the pursuit for a coupe-like silhouette has come at a price \u2013 hopefully not a heavy one in the eyes of most hopeful Mazda 3 buyers.\nThat being said, there\u2019s still a lot about the all-new Mazda 3 to be optimistic about. Forward visibility was superb as Mazda claimed during its unveiling at last year\u2019s LA Motor Show with thinner A-pillars and reduced blind spots from the unobstructed view ahead.\nThe \u201cless is more\u201d approach to the Mazda 3\u2019s cabin design can also be felt, with ease of access to the main controls; designed to create a driver-centric cockpit.\nMazda also said that the all-new car can be expected to offer dramatic improvements in NVH and having sat in the car to grab pictures of the interior, it was noticeable how much the annoying R&B music playing in the hall, was silenced out.\nThe new telescopic steering adds 10 mm of movement in both ways, along with a new 8.8-inch infotainment display with the new Mazda Connect.\nAccording to Mazda 3\u2019s Programme Manager, Kota Beppu, \u201cThe new Mazda 3 is built on the new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, a new set of structural technologies that make riding in a car feel as natural and stress-free as walking on your own two feet.\u201d\nHe added the all-new C-segment vehicle offers \u201ccomfortable quietness\u201d by \nfocusing not only on noise volumes but on the time it takes for sounds to be transmitted\n and the direction from which they arrive.\nThe all-new Mazda 3 is the first production car to offer Mazda\u2019s new SkyActiv-X engine with engine options including the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of the latest SkyActiv-G petrol engines with optimised intake ports and fueling system.\nThere\u2019ll also be a 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine that utilises high flow fuel injectors for more optimised fuel delivery, which as a result offers better fuel economy, reduced noise and reduced exhaust gases.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Elise, Exige, Evora, Espirit, Elan, Europa, Eleven and now the Evija \u2013 the name Lotus chose for its forthcoming fully-electric hypercar. It\u2019s a bit of a tongue twister this as the correct pronunciation is \u2018ev-eye-a\u2019, which is supposed to mean the \u2018first in existence\u2019, according to Lotus.\nPronounced as \u2018 ev-eye-a\u2019.\nThe Evija will the\n first electric hypercar \nfrom a British carmaker and also the first model to be launched after Geely assumed control of Lotus. In fact, it is the first all-new model from Lotus since 2008, so this has been a long time coming.\nElectric hypercar with 1,000 hp, why not?\nThe model codename of Type 130 also alludes to the plan of producing only 130 units of the Evija which is rumoured to be powered by a 1000 hp all-wheel drive (presumably two motors) electric drivetrain co-engineered with Williams, all housed in a carbon-fibre body with a range of over 400 km. Those attending the Lotus stand at the ongoing Goodwood Festival will get further hints of how the Evija looks in the shape of a \u2018light show\u2019."
"It\u2019s no secret that Nissan has been planning for a replacement model to the aging 370Z for \nquite some time\n now. Ever since a 370Z mule was seen testing on the Nurburgring late last year, the rumour mill has been kicked into high gear.\nIt seems like the hype train isn\u2019t going to stop anytime soon, as \nMotor Trend\n has just spotted a new \ntrademark filing\n by Nissan in Canada, for what looks like the new Z logo for the upcoming Z-car.\nIf this is indeed the new Z logo for the 370Z replacement, we might have just gotten our first hint at how the new car might look like. The logo in the trademark filing features a little cross-flourish, which mimics the logo from the original Datsun 240Z \u2013 pointing to a retro-inspired styling.\nThe Z logo on the 370Z, featuring a \u201csamurai slash\u201d\nIt has been long rumoured that the upcoming Nissan Z sports car will feature the name \u201c\n400Z\n\u201c. However, unlike its predecessor, the name will no longer signify the engine displacement but instead its power output.\nThe 400Z is expected to be powered by a \n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine\n, as seen in various other models from the Nissan family, which produces roughly \n400 hp\n.\nAlthough this specific engine has always been paired to an automatic gearbox, reports suggests that a manual version will still be available for the next Z-Car.\nNissan has previewed this combination before, with a engine-swapped 370Z at the 2018 SEMA Show, featuring a manual transmission.\nWhatever it is, we hope we get to see it sooner rather than later. The Nissan 370Z made its debut more than 10 years ago in 2009, and although there were several \nfacelift treatments\n and \nspecial editions\n, the two-door sports car is starting to show its age."
"Surprise, surprise: ultrarich people want exclusive things. While Bugatti always offered a degree of customisation to all of their cars, it\u2019s never reached the levels of personalisation like say, Aston Martin\u2019s Q or Bentley\u2019s Mulliner programme.\nObviously, not wanting to let their customers slip away to the other brands, the French ultra-luxury hypercar maker has now unveiled a new \u201cSur Mesure\u201d customisation division that promises to offer \u201cnever-before-seen levels of personalisation\u201d for the marque.\nOh, and if you\u2019re wondering, \nSur Mesure\n translates to \u201ctailored\u201d \u2013 how apt.\n \nCustomers who choose to customise their cars through the Sur Mesure programme will have a special team under their disposal to help with the creation of their very own \u201cunique piece of personalised automotive art\u201d.\nBugatti also says that they\u2019ll be given \u201cthe full Molsheim experience\u201d which, as expected, involves many visits to the Mosheim factory between conceptualising the initial design to the final handover.\nTo kick things off, the Sur Mesure division has unveiled a bespoke special design based on the \nBugatti Chiron Pur Sport\n, called \u201cGrand Prix\u201d. And as the name suggests, it takes inspiration from the \u201c20th century heroics of renowned racing driver, Louis Chiron\u201d.\nThe hand-painted \u201932\u2019 lettering on the doors is a nod to the Type 51 racecar which was driven to victory at the 1931 French Grand Prix by Louis Chiron and Achille Varzi, and the unique two-tone light blue and black exterior paint work also comes from race cars of the \u201920s and \u201930s.\nRELATED: Watch the world\u2019s first Bugatti Chiron dyno run here!\nLook even closer, and you\u2019ll notice that even the red decals are not just stickered-on \u2013 they are intricately hand-painted, and the soft \u201cfade\u201d is actually made of the \u2018EB\u2019 pattern that\u2019s spaced out in varying distances to create the unique effect! According to Bugatti, the hand-painting process required new techniques to be developed by the Sur Mesure team.\nThe EB pattern is repeated inside on the door panels, while the centre console gets a special black anodised aluminium inlay, with a silver hand-painted \u201cGrand Prix\u201d inscription. There\u2019s also plenty of Alc\u00e1ntara suede all around the cabin, offset by red accents on the dashboard and upholstery.\nThe new Chiron Pur Sport \u201cGrand Prix\u201d is far from the first \u201cbespoke\u201d model that Bugatti has ever created. Just this year, a customer has already commissioned a special one-off \u201cladybug\u201d specification for the Bugatti Divo, which took them 18 months to complete. And heck \u2013 we\u2019ve even featured the \n\u201cHermes Edition\u201d Chiron\n here on our site last year!\n\u201cFor many years, we have worked with our clients to create their own personal vision of the ultimate hyper sports car. It has always been a highly tailored process, but as an ever-increasing number of our clients request detailed and intricate customization, the launch of Bugatti Sur Mesure will ensure we can cater to their desires with the perfect level of detail required from a Bugatti,\u201d said Bugatti Managing Director for Sales and Marketing, Hendrik Malinowski.\nRELATED: The Bugatti Chiron Sport \u201cLes L\u00e9gendes du Ciel\u201d is a fighter-jet tribute for the road\n\u201cOur clients are often deeply intrigued by Bugatti\u2019s motorsport lineage, and it\u2019s fitting that the first Sur Mesure commission should pay homage to one of our great racing icons. We\u2019re so taken with this creation that we intend to make many of this customer\u2019s ideas available to more of our clients with the Chiron Pur Sport.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Malaysia has just welcomed the 2023 \nMercedes-Benz A-Class\n \nfacelift which introduces an almost entirely electrified lineup. With prices only confirmed for the A 200 and the AMG A 45 S facelift for now, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is all yours from a starting price of \nRM238,888\n for the A 200.\nIt is hard to tell at first glance, but yes, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been given an exterior design refresh. The headlights are now new with a new LED DRL, the grille is now larger, and the bumpers have been redesigned. Admittedly though, these changes are subtle and quite hard to miss if you\u2019re unfamiliar with its predecessor. To get a better look at the differences, we suggest you watch our video.\n \nIn the non-AMG lineup of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift is the A 200 and the A 250 4MATIC. Yes, it\u2019s pretty much like before except for 4MATIC being added to the A 250 in the new facelift. The A 200 is s powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine that gets assistance from a 48V mild hybrid system. Maximum power for the A 200 is rated at \n163 hp\n while maximum torque is rated at \n270 Nm\n. 0-100 km/h is done in \n8.3 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n230 km/\nh.\nThe A 250 4MATIC, now with all-wheel drive (as its name suggests) gets power from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, also getting assistance from a 48V mild hybrid system. Maximum power is rated at \n224 hp\n while maximum torque is rated at \n350 Nm\n. 0-100 km/h is done in \n6.4 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM510k\nThe 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift also introduces updated versions of the AMG A 35 4MATIC and A 45 S 4MATIC+. The A 35 4MATIC makes \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Mated with the turbocharged engine is an 8-speed AMG Speedshift transmission. 0-100 km/h is done in \n4.8 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nMost of powerful in the A-Class lineup is the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+. It is the only one not provided with hybrid assistance but makes a whopping \n421 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. 0-100 km/h is done in\n 3.9 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n270 km/h\n.\nInside, the biggest changes to the 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift would be the use of the latest MBUX version, the new steering wheel design, and the removal of the touchpad on the centre console. More information is provided in our short video.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift launched in Malaysia, from RM239k"
"If \nlast week\u2019s story\n wasn\u2019t enough to convince you that Lewis Hamilton, six times Formula 1 World Champion, can really ride a MotoGP bike, there\u2019s now on-board footage to prove.\nSure, he\u2019s probably not going as fast as the MotoGP riders, and he\u2019s probably not leaning as hard through the corners, too. But watching the video, you\u2019ll have to admit that Hamilton does feel pretty at home on the 2019-spec Yamaha YZR-M1.\n \nOf course, if you\u2019re a Lewis Hamilton fan, you probably already know that the F1 prodigy has a pretty big interest in bikes too \u2013 he even has his \nown special-edition bikes\n courtesy of MV Agusta, four at that to be exact.\nNot to be outdone by Hamilton, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi jumped into the 2017 Mercedes-AMG W08 for a few laps around Valencia Circuit too. From the on-board videos, it seems like Rossi wasn\u2019t holding back either.\n \nAlthough this was Rossi\u2019s first attempt in a Formula 1 car of the hybrid era, his previous attempts with Ferrari in the mid-2000s probably gave him some valuable insights on how Formula 1 cars handle around the bends.\nAnd there\u2019s no denying that Rossi is a pretty good racecar driver too. It was reported that he lapped just 0.7 seconds behind Michael Schumacher in his heydays, during a test with Ferrari."
"The Porsche 911 is arguably one of the world\u2019s most significant sports cars, and it first rolled off the company\u2019s Zuffenhausen plant in 1963. Today, the Stuttgart carmaker reached the momentous milestone of producing their millionth 911 \u2013 from the same plant!\nTo cement the achievement, Porsche built a special one-off that\u2019s based on the\u00a0\nCarrera 911 S\n\u00a0variant. It\u2019s finished in \nIrish Green\n\u00a0paint \u2013 the same colour as the original, and is Ferdinand Porsche\u2019s favourite. Most of the trimmings are purposely created to reflect the original 911 as much as possible, such as the leather seats, inserts and wooden\u00a0steering wheel. Making this unit extra special is the\u00a0\u201c\n1,000,000 911\n\u201d lettering\u00a0on the dashboard.\u00a0\nPowering this Carrera S is a \n3.0-litre twin turbocharged flat-six \npaired with Porsche\u2019s \nPowerkit\n package, making a healthy\u00a0\n450 hp\n. Enthusiasts will be delighted to know that it comes with a\n\u00a0manual transmission\nThe Zuffenhausen plant will continue manufacturing the Boxster, Cayman and 911 models, and the team is currently preparing themselves to produce the upcoming all-electric\u00a0\nMission E\n.\nUnfortunately, this particular 911 is not for sale. It will go on a world tour which includes some driving on scenic roads in the Scottish Highlands, Nurburgring, the United States and China before going on display at the Porsche Museum. Apparently, over 70 percent of Porsche 911 (that\u2019s at least 700,000 units!) that they\u2019ve built are still alive and kicking!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has just released a series of official images of its next-generation Sprinter Van. The new commercial van will receive a heavily revised interior that\u2019ll be more akin to the brand\u2019s upmarket passenger cars than a workhorse.\nFor starters, the multifunctional steering wheel is taken from the \nS-Class\n albeit in a different finish. The air vents are \nturbine style\n similar to the \nE-Class Coupe\n and the \nall-new CLS\n. Like all-new generation Mercedes-Benz cars, the gear lever selector is positioned on the right stalk as is the instrument cluster with LCD multi-info display. The new Sprinter Van will also feature powered front seats with memory function as denoted by the door mounted controls.\nThe large centre floating display screen has its command controls housed on the dash itself in place of the rotary dial selector seen on Mercedes-Benz\u2019s passenger cars. This design helps free the centre tunnel for additional storage space, it is a commercial vehicle after all.\nThe company will also debut it\u2019s Mercedes PRO connected services for fleet operators to help better manage its Sprinter vans. The networking and telematics solutions help operators to easily keep track of all its Sprinter vans on parameters such as fuel consumption, location, fuel level, service intervals and many more.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz G-Class\n (G-Wagon) started off life by serving the military before the elites decided to have their way with it. Take that a notch further and you get these: the Designo Manufaktur Edition and Exclusive Edition.\nThe \nDesigno Manufaktur Edition\n makes a comeback due to popular demand. Available for the G 350 d and G 500 variants, it gains three unique exterior hues \u2013\u00a0Designo Magma Red, Designo Mystic White and Obsidian Black. Items such as 19-inch five-spoke wheels in dark finishing with Obsidian Black trimmings for the\u00a0radiator grille, exterior mirrors and wheel cover all contribute to making a statement.\nThe interior is wrapped with\u00a0black Designo Nappa leather with colour-coordinated red topstitching. The similar red and black theme is found on the\u00a0AMG Performance steering wheel, while\u00a0black design piano lacquer provides a glossy contrast. It comes with the \n\u201cDesigno Manufaktur Edition\u201d\n badge on the dashboard, of course. Also included as standard are Mercedes\u2019s Exclusive Package, Sport Package, and Chrome Package.\nThe \u201c\nExclusive Edition\n\u201d meanwhile is only offered for the\u00a0G63\u00a0and G65 AMG models, which means it receives exterior enhancements from the famed\u00a0Affalterbach tuners. It gets AMG side stripes, 21-inch AMG wheels and the signature Monza Grey Magno paint finish. The interior can be had with the \u201cDesigno Exclusive Package\u201d which comes finished with two-tone leather upholstery and sport seats.\nThese exclusive G-Wagons will be available starting September 2017, but they most likely won\u2019t be introduced to our market.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche\n couldn\u2019t have dreamt of a better start to its electrified era, as the company celebrates its 100,000th \nTaycan\n to roll off the production line yesterday. The milestone car left the Zuffenhausen assembly plant, roughly just three years after production for the fully-electric model first started in September 2019.\nThe 100,000th Porsche Taycan, in the guise of a Neptune Blue Turbo S, will be shipped to its lucky customer in the United Kingdom.\nThe UK and Ireland are one of the largest markets for the Porsche Taycan, alongside the United States and China. While official numbers for Malaysia aren\u2019t available, it does seem that it\u2019s enjoying a fairly successful time here, with the number of Taycans seen on the road. Last year, the Porsche Taycan also \noutsold the 911\n.\n\u201cWe are very pleased to have reached this milestone in production history so quickly \u2013 despite the recent challenges posed by the semiconductor shortage and the volatile Covid situation,\u201d says Porsche Taycan model line vice president, Kevin Giek. \u201cWith the Taycan, we have made a decidedly successful start in the electric age.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPorsche wants to make as many Macan EVs as petrol model, production starts 2023\nThe Porsche Taycan is available globally in three body styles \u2013 regular sedan, Cross Turismo, as well as the Sport Turismo. Up to five powertrain options are available for each of the body styles, including both rear- or all-wheel drive variants.\nHere in Malaysia, Porsche\u2019s first EV is available in sedan and Cross Turismo forms, \nstarting at RM508,000\n for the base, rear-wheel drive Taycan thanks to the government\u2019s tax incentives for electric cars.\nPorsche also currently holds the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife lap record for the \nfastest production electric car\n, with the Taycan Turbo S recently lapping the Green Hell in seven minutes and 33 seconds."
"Mr Toichi Ishiyama has been serving as the CEO and Managing Director of \nHonda Malaysia\n since November 2017. \u00a0Rarely we do get insights into leaders in the industry and an article of a conversation with him revealed some rather interesting lifestyle practices plus his career inspiration.\nRecalling back to his younger years, Mr. Ishiyama who was keen on travelling, wanted to be a pilot\n \nand even attended for an interview with an airline company. His outlook in life changed when \nhe read a \u2018manga\u2019\n that featured Honda\u2019s founder Soichiro Honda. The idea of a career in automotive thus began.\nImage: Honda Malaysia\n\u201c\nI was impressed by Soichiro Honda\u2019s lifestyle\n, the way he works, and his challenging spirit, which gave me the inspiration to join Honda. I felt anything is possible and achievable in Honda.\u201d\nMr. Ishiyama added, \u201dI enjoy what I am doing now. When I joined Honda 30 years ago, I always wanted to be a CEO. It was my dream.\u201d\nWatch our video on the new \n2020 Honda City here\n.\nHis dislike for cold weather seems to have been a key factor in overseas placements such as Pakistan and Thailand. When \nasked about Malaysia\n, Mr. Ishiyama said he like the weather and the people, whom he regards as some of the most talented people he worked with at Honda Malaysia.\nMeditating plays a key role\n in Mr. Ishiyama\u2019s daily life. It has been a nightly routine as it also helps with new ideas when faced with difficulties. Sleep time is also a luxury, as the boss only gets about four-and-a-half hours of shut-eye nightly.\nMr. Ishiyama is however quick to point out, when it is time to sleep, he can \ndoze off within three seconds\n!\nWith the management office situated in Petaling Jaya and \nthe production facility in Melaka\n, Mr. Ishiyama said bringing both business units closer by creating a more open environment was his proudest achievement.\n\u201cI also improved the policy and infrastructure of Honda Malaysia because I want an open environment,\u201d concluded Mr. Ishiyama. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThis year, Mr. Ishiyama and Honda Malaysia are expected to launch all-new generations of their popular \nCivic\n, \nHR-V\n, as well as the \nCity Hatchback\n model as a replacement for the Jazz."
"In March 2023, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n recorded \n9,136 cars\n sold with 9,026 of them being Toyota models and 110 being Lexus models. In terms of quarterly sales, UMW Toyota sold a total of \n25,219 cars\n in the first quarter of 2023, its highest-ever registered sales for a first quarter.\nThe 25,219-unit year-to-date sales figure in 2023 is \n12%\n higher than the 22,447-unit figure in 2022. Monthly sales are slightly down in March with 9,136 cars sold compared to 9,297 cars sold in February 2023.\nUMW Toyota Motor also launched the all-new Toyota Vios in March, a premium evolution from the previous generation. Only available in two variants, the all-new Vios costs \nRM89,600\n for the Standard E variant and \nRM95,500\n for the range-topping G variant. The all-new Vios comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, \u201cThe All-New Toyota Vios represents our commitment to provide our customers with the best vehicles and ownership experience. The All-New Toyota Vios is definitely a model that we are proud to put on the road and we hope many Malaysians will be able to enjoy driving the Vios\u201d.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios launched in Malaysia, from RM90k \u2013 EPB, wireless CarPlay, Android Auto\nBesides announcing its sales performance, UMW Toyota Motor has also taken this opportunity to announce its tree planting event which is under the UMW Green Shoots Initiative. The event was hosted by the Malaysian Nature Society at Tanjung Tuan, Melaka. Up to 6,100 trees were planted by 250 volunteers made up of staff volunteers, students and teachers from University Putra Malaysia, Serdang and Politeknik Port Dickson, Taylor\u2019s University, and members of the public.\nIn conjunction with Ramadan, UMW Toyota Motors has announced a promotion on selected models worth up to RM 8,000, 100% loan financing, and a Toyota Service Savers promotion with monthly installments from as low as RM22.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios \u2013 Over 5,000 orders received in less than a month"
"Another year, another record smashed for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM). In 2016, MBM led the premium brand sector with a 2.4 percent market share, sold the highest number of cars, serviced 108,226 vehicles and achieved the Highest Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) score in history.\nBack in 2015, when MBM announced that they have sold 10,845 units, it was preposterous to even think that they can outperform themselves amidst an increasingly challenging economy climate. But they have done it by shifting a total of \n11,779 units\n, charting a\n\u00a0nine percent growth\n compared to the previous year! Let\u2019s take a look at the break down:\nW205 C-Class CKD\n \u2013 4,762 units\nW212 E-Class CBU\n\u00a0\u2013 2,034 units\nW222 S-Class CKD\n \u2013 954 units\nX205 GLC\n \u2013 1,421 units\nGLE & GLE Coupe\n \u2013 250 units\nS-Coupe, \nC-Coupe\n, \nCLS\n, E-Coupe & \nAMG GT S\n \u2013 301 units in total\nW176 A-Class\n \u2013 1,034 units\nB-Class \u2013 73 units\nGLA\n \u2013 571 units\nCLA\n \u2013 638 units\nThe first half of 2016 saw them shifting\u00a0\n6,017 units\n,\u00a0and they went on to sell 5,762 cars in the second half. This strong growth was driven\u00a0by the 17 vehicle launches (all-new and facelift models included) in 2016 as well as the eight locally assembled vehicles (C180 Avantgarde, C200 Avantgarde, C200 Exclusive, C250 AMG, \nC350e\n, E-Class, S400h and \nGLC250 4MATIC\n).\nOn the global front, Mercedes-Benz recorded double digit growth of 11.3 percent worldwide, with the \nC-Class being\u00a0the brand\u2019s best-selling model\n. The strongest performing country for Mercedes-Benz in the Asia-Pacific region was South Korea, charting a 25 percent year-on-year growth.\nFrom left: CEO and President of MBM, Dr Claus Weidner with VP of Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine\nCongratulations to MBM for another momentous achievement in Malaysia. With times of greater uncertainties ahead of us, we look forward to what MBM has in store for 2017."
"If you\u2019ve been keeping score, that\u2019s \n4.19 seconds \nquicker than the factory \n2021 Porsche 911 GT3\n \u2013 which, by itself, is already a whopping 17 seconds quicker than its predecessor. It\u2019s not record-breaking by any means (that \nhonour goes to the 911 GT2 RS\n), but shaving off four seconds \u2013 from an already fast car \u2013 with just a simple upgrade kit is still nothing to scoff about.\nI mean, just check out the on-board video below for yourselves:\n \nManthey Racing\u2019s Performance upgrade kit\n, offered through Porsche\u2019s own dealership network via the \u2018Tequipment\u2019 accessories outfit, is admittedly expensive at around EUR38k (approx. RM177k) for the whole shebang. But the results definitely speak for itself, and because it\u2019s developed together with Porsche, the upgrade kit doesn\u2019t even void your car\u2019s factory warranty.\nWe\u2019ve already gone through the kit in detail previously, but in essence, the performance pack includes upgrades for almost everything on the car \u2013 from aerodynamics, suspension, brakes, to even a new set of wheels, but not the powertrain itself.\nMost notably are the aerodynamic upgrades, which include a large spoiler lip at the front, additional air intakes on the new front fascia, reworked underbody with new air guide elements, as well as a new diffuser at the back, all to improve the downforce and aero balance of the Porsche 911 GT3.\nThere\u2019s also the distinctive carbon aero discs for the rear wheels for added slipperiness in the air, as well as the massive new carbon fibre rear wing to also give it some additional heat to the car\u2019s rear-end looks \u2013 not that it really needed any.\nRELATED: The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is a bad-ass tribute to Manthey\u2019s 25 years of racing success\nAlso included in the Manthey upgrade kit is a four-way adjustable coilover suspension, which they say can be adapted for use on both road and track, promising improved \u201con-the-limit handling\u201d without sacrificing day-to-day usability.\nThe kit for the Porsche 911 GT3 is now available to order at Porsche Centres in Europe, with deliveries to commence in autumn 2022. Porsche says that it\u2019ll also be offered in other markets soon, so track junkies, time to ready your wallets."
"The Unicorn of \nMcLaren Automotive\n\u2018s model line-up has just landed here in Malaysia. This is the \nMcLaren Elva\n, the latest member of the marque\u2019s Ultimate series, and is limited to just 149 units in the world.\nUniquely, the McLaren Elva features a completely open-top design, meaning there\u2019s no roof here at all \u2013 not even a temporary fabric one. McLaren says that this was inspired by the first sports cars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren, the company\u2019s founder. The car also initially made its debut globally without a physical windscreen, although a \nwindscreen version\n was later introduced due to regulatory reasons in the US.\nThe McLaren Elva that made its debut here at the McLaren Kuala Lumpur showroom is the latter windscreen version, but the company says that customers will be able to order one without the windscreen too \u2013 though makes no promises that it\u2019ll actually be road legal (pending JPJ\u2019s type approval).\nMcLaren says that the Elva is the lightest road car it\u2019s ever produced, tipping the scales at under 1,300 kg. The windscreen only adds about 20 kg to the car\u2019s kerb weight, and that\u2019s including the wipers, washer jets, sun visors, and heating elements in the glass itself!\nThe car is built almost entirely out of carbon fibre, including the chassis which is a bespoke version of the marque\u2019s unique MonoCage III carbon fibre tub. On the windscreen Elva, even the glass surrounds are made out of carbon fibre as well!\nHiding underneath all of that shiny carbon fibre is a mid-rear mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine (codenamed M840TR), making a whopping \n815 hp \n@ 7,500 rpm and \n800 Nm\n of torque @ 5,500 rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) for a 0-100 km/h time of just \n2.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n326 km/h\n.\nIt doesn\u2019t just go fast, either; brakes are taken directly from the McLaren Senna hypercar, measuring 390 mm both front and back, while the active spoiler at the back also acts as an air brake during hard braking, giving you the best chance to slow the car down before every corner.\nAs this is an ultra-exclusive model, buyers can of course opt for their own specifications, both inside and out of the McLaren Elva. There\u2019s even a range of race-inspired liveries available for selection if you\u2019re so inclined.\nPricing wasn\u2019t provided by McLaren Kuala Lumpur, although as the saying goes, \u201cif you have to ask, you probably can\u2019t afford it\u201d. The base-spec Elva starts from roughly GBP1.4 million over in the UK, which comes to about RM8 million when converted to Malaysian Ringgit, before all options, duties, and taxes \u2013 make of that what you will.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Group\n has unveiled the Hydrogen Vision 2040 roadmap, with an ambitious aim to \u201cpopularise hydrogen for everyone, everything and everywhere\u201d by 2040.\nAs the call to action suggests, the Hydrogen Vision 2040 plan will revolve around a new line-up of hydrogen-based products and technologies with a goal of marching towards a \u201chydrogen society\u201d.\nThese products are not just limited to just the automotive sector, too, as the company also has plans in all other aspects of society including homes, buildings, and powerplants as energy solutions.\nIn the passenger cars segment, the charge towards hydrogen will be led by a hydrogen fuel cell concept sports car, called the Vision FK. In its current form, the Vision FK boasts a maximum power output of \nover 500 kW (670 hp) \nto the rear wheels, and can supposedly accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds.\nJust like the \nHyundai RM20e electric race car prototype\n, the underlying electric powertrain will be provided by \nRimac Automobili\n, which Hyundai holds a substantial stake in since 2019.\nHyundai\u2019s FCEV products will bear the HTwo branding, a new sub-brand dedicated to hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Read more about it here.\nHyundai\u2019s Head of R&D Albert Biermann explained in a web conference today that the reason that Rimac was chosen as the technology partner \u2013 rather than relying on their own platform and powertrains \u2013 was due to the \u201cvery challenging\u201d packaging requirements of a compact FCEV sports car.\nAside from that though, the fuel cell energy converter and other components will all be engineered by Hyundai, and the company also says that it\u2019ll boast a driving range of around 600 km.\nOn the commercial vehicles side of things, Hyundai has already begun mass production of a \u201cgreatly improved version\u201d for its hydrogen-powered XCient HGV truck, and is working towards expanding its FCEV commercial line-up with new products including a new XCient tractor, and other innovative concepts such as the Trailer Drone.\nThe latter, unveiled today during the Hydrogen Vision 2040 webcast, is a hydrogen FCEV container transportation system, powered by what Hyundai calls the \u201cFuel Cell e-Bogie\u201d, that can operate autonomously over a distance of over 1,000 km over a single charge.\nThe flat e-Bogies sit underneath the containers much like rail subframes under every train car, and thanks to its four-wheel steering, makes it ideal to negotiate tight shipyards and urban areas. It can also form an autonomous chain with other e-Bogies \u2013 called \u2018Cluster Mode\u2019 \u2013 to further boost efficiency.\nHyundai also envisions to repurpose the e-Bogie system for other usage, such as ground logistics, construction, firefighting, and disaster relief missions, catering to a wide value chain that can all benefit from a zero-emission, fully-autonomous mobility solution.\nThe entire Hydrogen Vision 2040 plan hinges on Hyundai\u2019s next-generation fuel cell system, which was shown off in 100 kW and 200 kW variations today.\nThe 100 kW unit, designed primarily for passenger cars and other civilian applications, is said to have reduced in size by 30% to make it easier to adapt to various vehicle types. Meanwhile, the 200 kW fuel cell stack for commercial usage has doubled in power output while maintaining a similar footprint to the existing system.\nThe new fuel cell system can also be stacked together \u2013 much like lego bricks \u2013 to offer a range of outputs anywhere from 500kW to 1MW, ideal for use as an emergency power system for large ships or IT companies.\nHyundai says that its second-generation fuel cell stack that was launched back in 2018 is already capable of providing 5,000 hours or 160,000 kilometers of reliable usage, which is similar to the warranty period of a regular ICE vehicle.\nFor the third-generation fuel cell, the company is aiming to improve durability by between 50% and 100%, with the \u201chigh durability\u201d commercial models capable of 500,000 km of drive range.\nThe second-gen fuel cell system is currently deployed in the Hyundai Nexo FCEV. Read more about it here.\nAside from technical improvements, the new fuel cell stack also sees costs being lowered by more than 50%, which will be a key factor in its goal to achieve price parity with battery electric vehicles (BEV) by 2030.\nAnother key aspect in driving the price of Hydrogen FCEVs down is through economies of scale. As a first step to widespread adoption, Hyundai has committed \u2013 as the first carmaker globally \u2013 to apply fuel cell systems to all of its commercial vehicle models by 2028."
"Following the Government\u2019s announcement of the reimplementation of Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) from 14th October to 27th October 2020 in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, and Sabah, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today announced that all of its outlets in the affected regions will still \nremain operational\n.\nAll \ndealerships\n will still be open for business, while test drives, routine service and maintenance, and repairs will be carried out as usual in accordance to strict Mercedes-Benz Star Shield SOPs, in line with guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health. The Service24h Roadside Assistance will also remain operational for emergency breakdown and technical issues.\nThe Mercedes-Benz Star Shield programme is a safety protocol consisting of the provision of masks and hand sanitizers for all dealers and customers, regular cleaning and sanitization of showroom cars and common areas, temperature checks, as well as limited customers per entry.\nTo practice social distancing and minimise contact during CMCO, Star Shield also includes initiatives such as the Drop & Go, Door-to-door, and Express Service for all customers at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia authorised service centres.\nCustomers are encouraged to book their vehicle service and test drive appointments ahead of time via the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website, available \nhere\n, and to follow the SOPs at all times when visiting the dealerships or service centres.\nFor any emergencies or queries related to their vehicles during this period, customers can phone Mercedes-Benz Malaysia at the toll-free number \n1-800-88-1133\n."
"In a move to offer greater bang for your buck, UMW Toyota has just enhanced the \nToyota Vios\n with additional premium and first in class features. Despite the value-added features, pricing remains unchanged at RM76,500 to RM96,400.\nFitted as standard on all variants but optional extra for the base 1.5J, is an Advanced Panoramic View Monitor, the first B-Segment to offer a \n360-degree surround view camera\n. Images from four cameras jointly gives you an unobstructed view of your surroundings. Besides that, G, GX and TRD Sportivo variants now gets \nauto folding wing\n mirrors that automatically folds when the car is locked and unfolds when ignition is on.\n \n \nA \nDigital Video Recorder\n (more commonly referred to as dashcam) is now a standard fitment on all variants of the Vios. Now you don\u2019t need to go aftermarket and have an awkward cable dangling down through the centre dashboard. Furthermore,\n\u00a0two USB charging ports\n are made available for the front occupants for added convenience.\n \n \nUMW Toyota is also offering attractive cash rebates plus free accessories worth up to \nRM4,000\n (depending on variant) for very purchase of a new Toyota Vios. Every purchase comes with a 5 Years unlimited mileage warranty package as standard. We\u2019ve tested the facelifted Vios earlier and found it to be\u00a0\na surprisingly refined and highly competitive B-Segment sedan\n."
"Automated Driving has achieved great strides in recent years, but no single carmaker has claimed their cars to be fully automated. Because available technologies and to an extent regulation only has the capacity for semi-autonomous driving where it requires the driver to be able to intervene when necessary.\nBMW, however, has expressed that they will have highly and fully automated driving technology ready in their \nBMW iNEXT\n in 2021. In an interview with Senior Vice President Automated Driving and Driver Assistance, BMW AG, Elmar Frickenstein, BMW Group have created a solid basis for mastering self-driving.\nFrickenstein said, when the technology is ready for production, the \u201cHighway Pilot\u201d feature will allow customers to take their hands off the wheel completely when commuting the highway from Munich to Hamburg at speeds of 130 km/h. This will allow customers to spend that precious time doing other things such as reading a newspaper or just enjoying the landscape.\nThe team is now focusing on adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation as their primary focus of development and are gradually expanding their fleet of testing vehicles. Currently, BMW has 80 vehicles operating in Europe, USA and China for R&D on autonomous driving.\nSenior VP Automated Driving and Driver Assistance, BMW AG, Elmar Frickenstein\n\u201cOur motto is always \u201csafety first\u201d. With the right technology, the right technology partners and an agile working model, automated driving will make our roads safer for everyone. We are changing the face of personal mobility for our customers and giving them back valuable time,\u201d said Frickenstein."
"Worried that your next BMW M car will follow suit with the industry trend of engine downsizing? Well, you can relax. for now. In a world of electrification, BMW M is still adamant that they\u2019ll be sticking with six- and eight-cylinder engines for as long as ICE exists.\nSpeaking to the media during the M Festival at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa, BMW M boss Frank van Meel told \nCarBuzz\n, \u201cI hope that was just a rhetorical question because it\u2019s clear we\u2019re not going to do any three-cylinder engines. We\u2019re not even going to do four-cylinder engines in high-performance cars. I know there are other companies doing that, but we\u2019re not going to do that.\u201d\nIt\u2019s clear who van Meel was referring to with \u201cother companies\u201d. The recently-unveiled \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S\n ditches the sonorous V8 engine underneath the bonnet for a 2.0-litre inline-four hybrid, and despite the massively increased performance figures, the internet still didn\u2019t take to it kindly for losing four whole cylinders.\nBut Mercedes-Benz isn\u2019t the only one who\u2019s dropping cylinders like flies. Even the universally-loved \nToyota GR Yaris\n and \nGR Corolla \nonly have three cylinders, while both\n Bugatti\n and \nBentley\n are also bidding farewell to their W16 and W12 engines respectively.\nALSO READ: \nBMW hints at all-electric M3, says no one cares if there\u2019s no engine\nThe industry trend will definitely continue, too, especially with the ever-tightening emissions regulations worldwide. And when you compound that to the shift towards electrification, well, it\u2019s probably not wrong to say that these big engines are truly on their last legs.\nBMW M themselves have also dabbled into electrification, having recently unveiling its first-ever fully-electric M car, the \nXM\n. We already know that the all-new M2 will be the final pure internal combustion-powered car from BMW M, but at least the M hybrids will still have six or more cylinders.\nRELATED: \nAll-new BMW M2 unveiled \u2013 460hp, 550 Nm, 6-speed manual"
"It\u2019s official \u2013 Perodua\u2019s upcoming D55L SUV, supposedly to be called the \u201cAtiva\u201d, will make its Malaysia debut on the \n3rd of March, 2021\n. As is standard these days, the launch will be held online via a virtual launch on its social media pages, happening at \n8.25 pm\n next Wednesday.\nAs mentioned in the previous \ncommencement of bookings announcement\n, the Perodua Ativa will be offered in three variants locally \u2013 X, H, and AV \u2013 with prices estimated to be between \nRM62,500 to RM73,400\n, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nBeing a cousin to the Japanese-market \nDaihatsu Rocky\n (and \nToyota Raize\n), we do already know quite a fair bit about this compact crossover model. And good news \u2013 based on the images provided by Perodua on its website \nearlier this week\n, it seems like most of the good bits are being retained on our local model!\nFirstly, the D55L/Ativa will feature Perodua\u2019s first-ever forced-induction engine, a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine which makes\u00a0\n98 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n140 Nm\u00a0\nof torque. Also for the first time ever on a Perodua, the three-potter will be paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in place of the four-speed torque-converter auto on all of its recent models.\nPerodua D55L\nMalaysians also aren\u2019t being short-changed in terms of equipment, with most of the Rocky\u2019s headlining features being brought over onto the two higher-end variants, H and AV.\nThese include an Adaptive Driving Beam system for the LED headlights on the two higher-end variants, 17-inch wheels with Perodua\u2019s own design, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and even a fully-digital instrument cluster!\nImpressed? Us, too, but we have not even reached to the most impressive part of the upcoming Perodua D55L/Ativa yet \u2013 its advanced driver\u2019s assistance suite.\nNow in its third generation, Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) suite has been updated with higher operating speeds, and is now also capable of detecting motorbikes and cyclist. Features such as Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, alongside Automatic High beam, have been brought down across the entire model range.\nBut the true party piece of the Perodua Ativa\u2019s ASA 3.0 lies within the range-topping AV variant, which will come with features such as Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control \u2013 making it the cheapest car on sale here in Malaysia to feature Level 2 Autonomous Driving!\nThe Perodua Ativa\u2019s Japanese cousin, Toyota Raize\nThere should be quite a lot more to learn about Perodua\u2019s upcoming SUV, but we\u2019ll have to wait until next Wednesday to find out. Don\u2019t worry, we are just as excited as you are \u2013 so make sure to keep an eye out for the latest updates on \nAutoBuzz.my\n!"
"Joining the already populous lineup of the \n2 Series\n is the new \nBMW 2 Series Gran Tourer\n, a car the Munich carmaker proudly claims to be the first in the premium compact segment to accommodate seven individuals.\nDespite being small by measurement, this 4,556 mm long 2 Series GT is a good 214 mm longer and sits 53 mm higher than the front wheel drive \n2 Series Active Tourer\n. The rear seats have a flexible \n40:20:40 split\n configuration, and cargo space expands from \n645 litres\n to \n1,905 litres\n in the five seater variant. The seven seater GT has a smaller cargo space of 560 litres which expands to 1,820 litres with the seats folded down.\nInside the cabin is very much like the \n2 Series sedan\n, except for the steering wheel design and air conditioning unit placement. The GT shares the 6.5 inch colour display unit operated via BMW\u2019s iDrive controller. Other amenities such as electronic parking brake, auto headlights, collision warning and city braking function all come as standard. One interesting option box to tick would be the heads up display, if you\u2019re into that sort of thing.   There are five Euro6 compliant engines (three and four cylinder mills) offered here for the 2 Series GT \u2013 \ntwo petrol engines\n in the 22oi GT and 218i GT, while \nthree\n other engines are \noil burners\n offered in the 220d xDrive, 218d GT and 216d GT.\nThree transmissions choices including an optional six speed manual is offered alongside the six-speed Steptronic and eight speed Steptronic box, one that we\u2019re familiar with. They all feature auto start stop technology, while the Steptronic boxes benefit from a \u2018coasting\u2019 feature which decouples the clutch when your foot is off the throttle, thus saving fuel.   Our friends at BMW have hinted at the arrival of the \n2 Series Active Tourer\n\u00a0last month, so it\u2019s only a matter of time before this Bavarian Gran Tourer reaches our shores.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 220i Gran Tourer   BMW 220d Gran Tourer   BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer Interior"
"Following a string of events at yesterday\u2019s Styria MotoGP race, Miguel Oliveira of the Red Bull KTM Tech team clinched his maiden victory at the final turn of the race.\nBut the winner\u2019s trophy wasn\u2019t the only thing Miguel went home with. Title sponsors, BMW M, had a prize of their own for the 25 year old ride \u2013 a brand spanking new 2021 BMW M4! This is the first time ever in the long history of the MotoGP where the winner of a race was awarded a car.\nUnfortunately, Miguel will have to wait a while before his new M4 can hit the streets as the all-new car will only make its world debut in the next couple of months. It was seen heavily camouflaged at the race alongside an M4 GT3 race car.\n\u201cCongratulations to Miguel Oliveira but he\u2019ll will have to wait a little while to drive his BMW M4 \u2013 the car is so new that it isn\u2019t actually on the market yet. However, we\u2019re confident that he will have a lot of fun with it \u2013 as the first test drive shortly after the race has already prove,\u201d said CEO of BMW M, Markus Flasch.\nM4 Safety Car\nM2 Safety Car\nThis is, however, not BMW\u2019s first rodeo with such giveaways. Since 2003, BMW has awarded the MotoGP rider with the best results in qualifying throughout a season with a BMW M car at the end of the race calendar.\u00a0\nAs with the scoring system from the races, the riders are given points for their positions in qualifying at each Moto GP weekend. The rider who has picked up the most points at the end of the season will walk away with an M car.\nAt yesterday\u2019s race, BMW also presented the new BMW M8 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car. For its role as a lead car, BMW has fitted the M8 with a plethora of BMW M Performance parts. They include an engine cover, side mirror caps, rear spoiler and diffuser, wheel arch grille and steering wheel, all made with carbon fibre. It also comes with a handmade carbon front splitter and front flaps. Also vital for its safety car purpose is the light bar addition on the roof.\n2020 marks the 22nd season of BMW M as \u201cOfficial Car of MotoGP\u201d. More recently, the M models used included the \nM8 Competition\n, the \nM5\n, the \nM4 \nand the \nM2\n.\nGALLERY"
"Changan Mazda, the joint venture between Mazda and Changan Automobile, posted a teaser on their \nweibo account\n for a rotary announcement \u201cin six days\u201d.\u00a0\nFirst spotted by \nJalopnik\n, the image posted by Changan Mazda highlights the Mazda Cosmo Sport, Mazda\u2019s first rotary-engined production vehicle. Could we see a return of the Wankel engine-powered coupe? Perhaps an RX-9 based on the \nRX-Vision\n revealed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show? A man can certainly dream.\nLoosely translated, the wordings on the image says \u201cthe magic of dreams turns circles, love you to the night and day\u201d. Additionally, the image also says that \u201crotary engines makes the world more stunning.\u201d\nWhile we don\u2019t know what exactly Mazda was trying to illustrate with the first half, the latter part is definitely something we can agree on!\nMore likely than not though, Mazda will be using the rotary engine as a \nrange extender\n for their hybrid and EV vehicles, which was originally slated to arrive this year.\u00a0\nThe RX-8, Mazda\u2019s last rotary engine-powered production car.\nWhat we definitely know is that this mysterious new car will be a part of the \u201c7th Generation Product Cluster\u201d, as written at the bottom of the teaser image.\nAs the teaser was originally posted on the 20th of September, the announcement should be on the 26th, which is just one day away!"
"There\u2019s been talks about Volkswagen building an \u201cR version\u201d of the Arteon for the longest time but it seems to have just ended there. Volkswagen Australia on the other hand, has taken upon themselves and asked their apprentices to build this.\nIt\u2019s called the ART3on, a track-ready \u201cart car\u201d that will be used to compete in the World Time Attack Challenge in Sydney this weekend. To get to this point, its standard 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder has had to go through a complete overhaul.\nIt\u2019s now strapped with a larger Stage 3 turbocharger, a Milltek downpipe, a high flow sports cat, a new intercooler, a larger air intake system and a high pressure fuel pump.\nAs a result, it\u2019s now got nearly \n500 hp\n and\n 600 Nm\n (from 350 Nm) of torque ! The Arteon\u2019s 0 to 100 km/h time also edges it to supercar territory with a time of just 3.9 seconds.\nBigger APR brakes have also been deployed along with a set of Bilstein dampers and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres to help the car put all that immense power down.\nInside the stripped out interior rests a full roll cage, bucket seats with harnesses, a fuel cut-off switch and fire extinguisher.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"An 85-year old retired civil servant walked home today with the keys to a brand new \nProton Saga 1.3L CVT Premium\n\u00a0(worth RM46k) after winning a contest devised by Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd to reward some of their most loyal and earliest customers.\nMohd Isa bin Ibrahim Shah, who formerly worked with RISDA, was the Grand Prize Winner of the Proton Search Contest 2016 (held for 13 weeks from 8 March to 8 June 2016). The contest was organised to search for the longest owned Proton car and must still be in relatively good condition for daily driving. Ibrahim Shah\u00a0is just one out of 866 entries from all corners of Malaysia.\nAccording to Ibrahim, he has been driving his Proton Saga 1.3S manual (then sold for about RM18,500) since 1985. \u201cThe Saga has brought much joy and meaning to my family. It is so reliable that not only did it serve my family, but more importantly it has dutifully served me in my charitable works with the indigenous (\norang asli\n) folks until today,\u201d said the 85-year old.\nWinning the contest isn\u2019t just about who owns the car the longest. All contestants are required to share warm memories of their cars either through written stories or short videos. Proton said the contest is intended to demonstrate the company\u2019s commitment to building, maintaining and rewarding their loyal customers.   Proton\u2019s Deputy CEO, Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed said the contest brought many of the oldest Proton owners (single owners as well) to share their wonderful stories that many Malaysians will be able to connect with.\nOf the 866 entries, 11 finalists were chosen by a panel of professional judges, out of which Ibrahim Shah came out tops. Besides winning the new Saga CVT Premium, Ibrahim was also handed a RM1,000 cash reward and another RM5,000 for the refurbishment of his trusted 31-year old Saga 1.3S.\nThe remaining 10 didn\u2019t go home empty handed, though. Each finalist received a consolation prize of RM1,000 in cash reward and an additional RM5,000 refurbishment voucher, all to be done at Proton\u2019s Centre of Excellence. All winners were taken for a thorough tour at the facility (including Design Studio and R&D facility), as well as a joyride around the Proton Test Track.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nIbrahim Shah\u2019s 1985 Proton Saga 1.3S   2016 Proton Search Contest Winners"
"Building on the success of the Taycan, \nPorsche\n is currently working on an all-electric \nPorsche Panamera\n. Set to make its debut in 2027 alongside a new \nTaycan\n, the electric Panamera will be built on Porsche\u2019s \u2018Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) Sport\u2019 architecture.\nThe Porsche-developed SSP architecture will underpin more volume-oriented EVs from the Volkswagen group. However, the \u2018SSP Sport\u2019 architecture is exclusive to Porsche and will combine \u201cPorsche-specific modules.\u201d\nPorsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid\nKey highlights of the EV Panamera\u2019s SSP Sport architecture are a low cabin floor due to the slimline battery pack, and rear footwells. Besides the SSP Sport architecture, the EV Panamera will also get a further-developed 800-V battery, which has more energy-efficient cell technology and a higher-silicon-content anode than what is used by Porsche today.\nOn the company\u2019s decision to produce an all-electric Panamera, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said, \u201cWe\u2019re targeting higher-margin segments in particular and aim to tap into new sales opportunities in this way.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPorsche Panamera \u201cgoes platinum\u201d with new special edition model\nPorsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid\nWhile the electric Panamera and new Taycan will use the SSP Sport architecture, Porsche\u2019s \nelectric Macan\n and \nCayenne\n \nwill be built on VW Group\u2019s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. The current Porsche Taycan is built on the J1 platform.\nAutocar\n \nreports that the size of the upcoming electric Panamera will be similar to the long-wheelbase (LWB) Panamera that is available in China. Compared to other EVs, it will be about the size of the \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n or the Lucid Air.\nIt is reported that the current Porsche Panamera will receive a facelift sometime next year. According to sources close to the matter, the petrol-powered (PHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Panamera will still be produced alongside the all-electric Panamera until 2030 to cater to various regions. The current Porsche Panamera is built on Porsche\u2019s MSB (Modularer Standardantriebsbaukasten) architecture.\nRELATED: \nPorsche Taycan reclaims N\u00fcrburgring EV lap record from Tesla Model S Plaid\nPrototyp Porsche Macan EV\nIn Porsche\u2019s latest statement addressing its Initial Public Offering (IPO), Porsche said that its ambition is for BEVs to comprise over 80% of new vehicles delivered in 2030. As part of its strategy, Porsche is also working towards a net carbon-neutral value chain in 2030 and a net carbon-neutral use phase for future BEV models. Porsche\u2019s line-up would have about six all-electric models by 2030."
"In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has introduced the \nRamadhan Rewards campaign \nwith attractive offers, available from now until the \n31st of May 2020\n.\nStarting with the Mitsubishi Triton, buyers of the \nhandsome pick-up truck\n can choose between \ncash rebates from RM4,000 to RM8,000\n, or \ninterest rates as low as 0.88% p.a.\n for hire purchases via Maybank or Public Bank, depending on the selected variant. The Mitsubishi Triton is priced from \nRM79,890\n for the \nlow-rider Quest\n, to \nRM137,900\n for the top-of-the-range \nAdventure X Variant\n.\nOn top of that, existing owners of Mitsubishi vehicles are eligible for an extra \nRM3,000 cash rebate\n, while owners of other pick-up trucks will receive an additional \nRM2,000 cash rebate \non top of other offers.\nMeanwhile, new owners of the \nMitsubishi Outlander 2.4L\n (\nRM152,888\n) can enjoy a \ntwo-year complimentary scheduled maintenance package\n. Those opting for the \nOutlander 2.0L\n (\nRM137,888\n) are eligible for an \nadditional RM2,000 cash discount\n, on top of the two-year free service package.\nAs for the Mitsubishi ASX, the compact crossover is offered with a \ntrade-in top-up worth RM8,888\n, as well as a \nfive-year free scheduled service package\n. The Mitsubishi ASX 4WD is priced at \nRM133,336\n, while the 2WD variant is priced at \nRM118,866\n.\nMMM has also recently announced that majority of its showrooms and \nservice centres are now back in operation\n. Strict health and safety measures are in place to safeguard the wellbeing of customers and staff. Customers wishing to service their vehicles are advised to contact their nearest service centres to make an appointment.\nMMM has reassured that it will continue to honour all warranty matters affected by the MCO. All free service maintenance will be offered a 90-day grace period from the expiry date, or within 2,500 km from the mileage due."
"Following the unveiling of the\u00a0\nVolvo S90\n, it\u2019s only a matter of time before the wagon version get introduced. Now, thanks to these leaked images from Swedish\u00a0magazine\u00a0Teknikens Varld, we get an early glimpse as to how the new V90 will look like.\nIn fact, this is not the first time the V90 was leaked onto the Internet. Last year, several pictures of the 1:43 scale model was leaked onto a Swedish website who went on to claim that \u201cthe Swedes fell hardest for estate cars\u201d. Well, it looks like the Swedes\u00a0won\u2019t be sharing the same train of thought when it comes to judging the V90\u2019s new look. It\u2019s stunning!\nWhile the V90 shares the similar front fascia as the S90 and \nXC90\n, the V90 has a more distinctive, sharper looking rear lights. The V90 is 5.9 inches longer than its predecessor, the V70.\nThe V90 will share the similar powertrains with the new XC90 and S90, meaning the top of the range V90 will be powered by\u00a0the most powerful Drive E engine \u2013 a\u00a0\n407 hp T8 \u2018Twin Engine\u2019 plug-in hybrid\n. The standard V90 will not be the sole variant offered by Volvo, because a Cross Country variant as well as a hotter unit by Polestar are currently in the works.\nThe V90 is expected to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Once again, Volvo has proved that practicality, performance, and desirability can be combined to create an ultimate performance car that is not an SUV.\nPhoto credits: \nTeknikens Varld"
"In an effort to simplify the shopping experience for new tyres, \nGoodyear Malaysia\n recently launched its own official online stores on both Lazada and Shopee, the two most popular e-commerce platform in Malaysia.\nThe new online stores will offer customers a variety of major tyre patterns and sizes to choose from, ranging from Goodyear\u2019s Assurance family to their Eagle family of tyres.\nScreenshot: Goodyear Malaysia LazMall Flagship Store\n\u201cWe know online purchasing [is a] rising trend among Malaysians, more so as the trend expands to major industries since the start of the pandemic. People are also looking for a one-stop solution for all their needs online,\u201d said Goodyear Malaysia Managing Director, Alex Ng.\n\u201cWith our e-commerce official stores, we can deliver quality purchasing experience and tyres to our customers. Not only that, all tyres purchased online are entitled with a 5-Year Limited Warranty while some selected tyre patterns come with Goodyear\u2019s Worry Free Assurance (WFA) coverage.\u201d\nGoodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres launched in Malaysia \u2013 16-19 inch, from RM375\nTo further aid customers in the new purchasing experience, Goodyear Malaysia also implemented a detailed step-by-step guide on their online stores to help buyers determine the best tyres for their cars.\n\u201cWe understand that usually the purchase tyres is usually done in store, however in line with constant evolution, we hope to provide as much information as possible for a more informed choice,\u201d Ng added.\nScreenshot: Goodyear Malaysia Official Store, Shopee\nTo purchase Goodyear tyres online, all you need to do is follow the steps below:\nGoodyear Shopee Mall\nSelect the tyres and check out.\nConfirm the appointment with selected Goodyear Autocare Center (GYAC).\nPresent the order details at Goodyear Autocare Center.\nInstall tyres at the selected GYAC and click order received button.\nGoodyear Lazada Flagship Mall\nSelect the tyres and check out.\nConfirm the appointment with selected Goodyear Autocare Center (GYAC).\nView coupon(s) in Lazada Wallet.\nRedeem the coupon at the selected GYAC.\nPurchases from Goodyear Lazada Flagship Store and Shopee Mall can be redeemed at all Goodyear Auto Care Centres within Peninsula Malaysia at the moment, with plans to expand to East Malaysia in the near future. The nearest GYAC can be found on Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nTo celebrate the launch, the company will be offering customers who shop on the Goodyear Shopee Mall store a RM8 voucher when they follow the store, as well as exclusive gifts including a Temperature Retention Flask for the purchase of two tyres, and a set of stylish toolkit box for the purchase of any four tyres.\nAs for Goodyear Lazada Flagship Mall, customers will be entitled to an online exclusive Goodyear Gift set worth RM150 for any purchase of four tyres. Customers will also receive a Goodyear umbrella for purchases of any two tyres. The online exclusive promotion runs from now until the 15th of March 2022, while stock lasts.\nThe official Goodyear Malaysia e-commerce stores can be found on Lazada (linked \nhere\n) and Shopee (linked \nhere\n)."
"Honda Malaysia today launched the new Honda Connect telematics suite here on our shores, with the upcoming City RS e:HEV being the first recipient of the new technology.\nThe Honda Connect suite allows owners to connect with their cars directly via a smartphone application, with its functionalities split into three main categories \u2013 Safety, Security, and Convenience.\nOn the safety and security front, the Honda Connect suite features functionalities such as \nAutomatic Collision Detection System, Security Alarm Detection, Speed Alert, Find My Car, Geo-Fencing Alert \nand\n Emergency Call.\nThe Automatic Collision Detection System will automatically notify Honda\u2019s 24 Hours Roadside Assist Call Center when a collision has been detected, or when an airbag is deployed, ensuring swift dispatch of emergency support services. A notification will also be sent to the mobile application to alert the owner.\n \nThe Security Alarm Detection feature essentially functions as a remote \u201csentry\u201d for the car. A push notification will be sent to the owner as well as the Roadside Assist Call Center when a car door, boot, or bonnet is forcibly opened.\nFind My Car, Speed Alert, and Geo-Fencing Alert meanwhile uses the built-in GPS modules in the Honda Connect system to provide information directly to the mobile application. Find My Car maps the location of the car at all times, even when the car is parked, while the Speed Alert and Geo-Fencing Alert allows owners to pre-set conditional parameters for speed and location range through the application.\nA notification will be sent to the mobile application whenever either of these parameters are exceeded \u2013 useful for parents with kids who have just received their driving licences!\n \nOn the Convenience side, these features include \nRemote Vehicle Control, Car Status and Service Reminder, Vehicle Dashboard, \nand\n Point of Interest (POI) search.\nThe Remote Vehicle Control feature allows customers to access a variety of controls within the vehicle, including remote lock or unlock, remote engine start-stop, as well as air conditioning and lighting controls. If you\u2019ve unfortunately left the car keys locked inside the cabin, the Honda Connect system also allows Honda\u2019s 24 Hours Roadside Assist Call Center to unlock the doors remotely, upon request of course.\n \nCar Status and Service Reminder lives within the vehicle dashboard section of the application, which displays information such as driving behaviour and trip logs, and service history directly within the app itself. For added convenience, the Honda Connect app will also remind you when the next periodical maintenance is almost due, providing tools to directly contact a Honda Dealer to make a service appointment.\nAs an extension, the Honda Connect suite can also provide \nremote diagnostic support\n for an initial assessment and necessary diagnosis for emergency issues. The system can detect issues within these 11 main indicators \u2013 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Supplemental Restraint System, Brake System, Engine Malfunction, Charging System, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System, Electric Power Steering (EPS) System, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC), Safety Support, and Power System.\nAfter the diagnosis is completed, Honda\u2019s roadside assistance call centre can then arrange for necessary support if requested by the owner. Similarly, a push notification will also be sent to the user\u2019s mobile phone.\nOther Honda Connect features include the One-to-One Message function for reminders on service maintenance, as well as insurance and annual vehicle road tax renewals, alongside Social Network Services (SNS) Posting which lets users to share their vehicle trip logs with their community via social media.\nThe Honda Connect system will begin rolling out onto new Honda vehicles, starting with the \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n, which will begin deliveries from March 2021."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) has just announced a\u00a0recall campaign over two issues \u2013 a faulty\u00a0\nTakata airbag inflators\n and the\u00a0defective \u2018back-door stay on selected models. The recall is expected to affect 133,118 Nissan cars sold in Malaysia.\nWe begin with the recall involving the ongoing Takata airbag inflator, where \npreviously\n three Nissan models (2002-2007 X-Trail, 2004 Teana, and 2003 Liberty) were found to suffer from the defects. Now, ETCM identified about\u00a0\n110,945\n\u00a0potential Nissan cars that would be affected by the airbag inflator recall.\nImage Source: Motortrader MY\nTakata SDI Driver Front Airbags Inflator:\nModel\nYear Model\nAffected Units\nNavara D40 (CBU & CKD)\n2007 \u2013 2014\n12,634\nLatio C11 (CKD)\nJune 2007 \u2013 October 2014\n10,763\nGrand Livina L10 (CKD)\nJuly 2007 \u2013 October 2013\n69,965\nX-Gear L10 (CKD)\nNovember 2010 \u2013 October 2013\n4,874\nTakata SDI Passenger Front Airbags Inflator:\nModel\nYear Model\nAffected Units\nNX-Trail T30 (CKD)\nMay 2002 \u2013 March 2007\n10,589\nApril 2007 \u2013 December 2008\n2,101\nTeana J31 (CBU)\nAugust 2004 \u2013 September 2004\n2\nLiberty M12 (CBU)\n2003\n7\nThe back door stay, also known as gas struts, are shown here.\nOn the other hand, ETCM also recalled\n\u00a022,173\n Nissan cars affected by \nfaulty back-door stays\n. Also known as gas struts, it was found that the paint coating applied to the back door stay did not comply with design requirements for anti-rust treatment. This may cause the\u00a0cylinder tube of the door to corrode, causing the gas to leak out from the cylinder. Over an extended period of time, the back door stay may weaken, which leads to the malfunction of the back-door stays. Replacement of parts will commence once parts are available by September 2016.\nBack Door Stay\nModel\nYear Model\nAffected Units\nSerena S-Hybrid C26 (CBU)\nSeptember 2012 \u2013 November 2013\n4,001\nSerena S-Hybrid C26 (CKD)\nFebruary 2014 \u2013 March 2016\n3,715\nX-Trail T32\nAugust 2014 \u2013 December 2015\n8,756\nX-Gear L10 (CKD)\nSeptember 2011 \u2013 February 2016\n5,701\nNissan owners may able to check if their cars are affected via the VIN checker at\u00a0\nhttp://servicecampaign.nissan.com.my\n/ or contact their Toll-Free line at \n1800-88- 3838\n. The costs involved in the rectification will be fully borne by \nETCM\n."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the new fully imported (CBU) facelift Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+, following the launch of the facelift \nE 200 Avantgarde\n and \nE 300 AMG Line\n recently. Prices start from RM 1,118,888, inclusive of 10% SST exemptions (instead of 50%), accompanied by a 4-year warranty.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 4.0-litre twin turbo V8\nTransmission: 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT\nDrivetrain: All-wheel Drive\nMax Power: 612 hp\nMax Torque: 850 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.4 seconds\nTop Speed: 300 km/h\nInterestingly, for about RM100k more than the one launched in 2017, there is no increase in output or improvement in performance. The 0 to 100 km/h time and output remain the same although its top speed is rated at 300 km/h, suggesting that there is no 250 km/h limit to the top speed.\nUnlike the standard E-Class models, the E 63 S gets the typical Panamericana grille, quad exhaust tailpipes, and a prominent rear spoiler.\nEXTERIOR\n20-inch 5-twin spoke alloy wheels\nAMG Night Package\nAMG radiator grille\nAMG Exterior Carbon fibre package\nMultibeam LED headlights\nAMG Performance Exhaust\nAdaptive High Beam Assist Plus\n6-pot calipers (front), single pot (rear)\nAir suspension\nIf you look closer, you\u2019d notice that the car comes with wider wheel arches while the fender is fitted with AMG-specific badging.\nThe AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package includes a carbon fibre front splitter while the AMG Night Package gives items like the side mirror caps and window frames a gloss black finish.\nINTERIOR\nAMG Performance steering in Nappa leather\nPanoramic sunroof\nAMG floor mats\nAMG door sills\nAMG Performance seats\nWireless charging\nThe steering design on the E 63 S is similar to the one in the E 300 AMG Line but with yellow stitching and mixed materials \u2013 leather and microfibre. The sound system of choice is Burmester, operated through the standard dual display setup.\nOther standard features include Apple Car Play and Android Auto, head-up display, and three-zone air conditioning.\nSAFETY\nFor driver assistance and safety, the E 63 S comes with a surround-view monitor, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.\nGALLERY"
"Alongside the \nlong-wheelbase 330Li\n, BMW Malaysia also launched an entry-level X3 to crash the \nMercedes-Benz GLC 200\u2019s \nextended party, with the \nX3 sDrive20i xLine\n.\nRecently, BMW Malaysia also introduced the \nX3 M Competition\n while extending the X3 xDrive30i line up \nwith an M Sport model\n.\nThe new sDrive20i is priced at\n RM270,934\n\u00a0on-the-road without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions. That being said, to think that it\u2019s a completely bare X3 would be wrong.\n \nIt still comes with the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder found in the \nmore powerful X3 xDrive30i we reviewed \nbut has been detuned to produce \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n.\nComparing it with the xDrive30i model, the sDrive20i makes about \n70 hp and 50 Nm less\n than its more powerful sibling, but there should still be plenty of performance as the sDrive20i is only rear-wheel drive.\nAlso, because it\u2019s only rear-wheel drive, and does not come with the additional drive shafts to spin the front wheels like in the xDrive30i, the entry-level X3 is significantly lighter than its more powerful sibling which should mean that it would also be more fuel efficient.\nFor a more details on the X3 sDrive20i xLine, click \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"Those in Austin, Texas will be seeing 10 units of the self-driving \nVolkswagen ID. Buzz\n roaming their streets starting this month. The 10 units of the all-electric ID. Buzz are SAE L4 autonomous vehicles that have been developed by \nVolkswagen\n and Mobileye.\nIt is the first time that Volkswagen is testing its autonomous driving system in America, but not the first time in the world. Back in April 2022, Volkswagen had already begun public road-testing of its autonomous driving system in Munich, also with the ID. Buzz. The 10 units in Austin are part of a pilot program and Volkswagen plans to grow this fleet and expand into other cities in America.\nVolkswagen Group of America President (VWGoA) and CEO, Pablo Di Si said, \u201cWe are thrilled to bring our exciting ID. Buzz vehicles to American roads. Expanding Volkswagen Group\u2019s global autonomous driving vehicle program to the United States marks an important milestone for us. In the future, we will tap into rising demand for new mobility services, and with our iconic ID. Buzz, we will also offer a truly captivating product to support transportation services American consumers can rely upon and trust.\u201d\nTo support the rollout of its autonomous driving vehicle program, VWGoA has established a new subsidiary named Volkswagen ADMT (LLC). IN case you were wondering, ADMT stands for Autonomous Driving Mobility & Transport. The new subsidiary also aims to employ those who worked with Argo AI (A Volkswagen and Ford-backed AI company that has been shut down).\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz one-ups Tesla, launches L3 autonomous driving in California\nVWGoA aims to offer fleets of specially designed autonomous Volkswagen ID. Buzz vehicles as a comprehensive service including fleet management and remote guidance solutions to other leading companies in the mobility and transportation space, and establish long-term partnerships. VWGoA is not building a dedicated ride-hailing or ride-sharing service on its own at this time.\nVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles Member of the board of management, Christian Senger said, \u201cExpanding our autonomous vehicle program to the North American Region is the next step in our global strategic roadmap, and the result of a long-term collaborative investment. Moving into this next phase will help us test, validate and refine technology, bring us closer to establishing commercially available transportation offerings and eventually grow the diverse mobility portfolio for the Volkswagen Group.\u201d\nRELATED: \nThe Kombi van returns with all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz"
"If you\u2019re looking for the luxury of a Maybach, but still want to join in on the recent SUV craze, here\u2019s your answer. Maybach\u2019s first-ever SUV model, the \nMercedes-Maybach GLS\n, is now launched in Malaysia, alongside the\n all-new Maybach S-Class\n.\nThe ultra-luxurious version of the GLS SUV will be arriving in Malaysia in the GLS 600 4Matic form, with prices starting from \nRM1.78 million\n inclusive of the 50% SST rebate until the 30th of June.\nEXTERIOR\nUnlike the S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS here does actually retains the same exterior dimensions as the \n\u201cnormal\u201d GLS\n \u2013 though of course, it\u2019s still a humongous SUV. Of course, there are several Maybach-exclusive touches to help it stand out from the standard model, including:\nSignature Maybach grille\nChrome trims with chrome mesh on front air intakes\nMassive 23-inch polished alloy wheels\nMaybach emblem on C-pillar\nPowered retractable anodised aluminium running boards\nINTERIOR\nThe main highlight of any Maybach model is its interior, and it\u2019s the same script here as well. While it does look fairly similar to the standard GLS, including basically the entire dashboard with the dual 12.3-inch screens, it\u2019s the rear passenger compartment that makes a Maybach, a Maybach.\nThe First Class cabin comes as standard on the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, which means instead of the three-row, seven-seater configuration, there\u2019s now only two seats at the back. The two seats, trimmed in Nappa leather (just like the rest of the cabin), are powered and can tilt backwards by up to 43.5 degrees, and they even come with electrically-adjusted ottomans and massage functions, letting you kick back and relax like you\u2019re flying in a first-class seat.\nAlso standard here on the Maybach GLS is the rear entertainment package, which includes two 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment displays and a seven-inch Android tablet in the rear centre console, a 13-speaker 590W Burmester surround sound system with a two-way intercom between the front and rear seats, twin wireless headphones, plus a fridge for your champagne located between the two backrests.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Maybach GLS is offered here in Malaysia in the GLS 600 4Matic form, featuring a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine making 558 hp and 730 Nm of torque. The engine is further aided by a 48V mild-hybrid system that adds an extra 20 hp and 200 Nm when needed.\nAll that power is sufficient to propel the 2.7-tonne behemoth from idle to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, with drive sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive system.\nTo keep your champagne from spilling, the Maybach GLS also comes as standard with Airmatic suspensions, plus a E-Active Body Control roll stabilisation system to help tilt the car through the corners through the corners, while soaking up the bumps and uneven roads surfaces.\nSAFETY\nAlthough you probably won\u2019t be driving the car all that much, the Maybach GLS still comes with pretty much all of the driving assistance features you\u2019d ever need. These include:\nAutonomous emergency braking with cross traffic and pedestrian detection\nAdaptive cruise control with stop and go function\nLane Centering assist\nActive Parking Assist\nEvasive Steering Assist\nPre-Safe and Pre-Safe Impulse Side\nPRICING\nThe Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is priced from RM1.78 million here in Malaysia, although that\u2019s the price for the standard-equipment model, without any additional option boxes ticked. As usual on a Maybach, the pricing ceiling is pretty much as deep as your wallet allows.\nThe price is inclusive of the 50% SST rebate, due to its fully-imported status, and comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Jozef Kaban, the designer behind the iconic \nBugatti\u00a0Veyron\n and many Skoda models, has now joined BMW as head of design. The\u00a044-year-old Slovakian\u00a0is the latest talent poached by the Bavarian giant to\u00a0style future BMW cars.\nKaban was last with Skoda and has been with the Volkswagen Group (VAG) since 1999. He rose through the ranks pretty quickly, and in 2003 he became Audi\u2019s head of exterior design before assuming the role as head of design operations in Skoda in 2008. Some of his work, apart from the Veyron, are the Skoda Octavia, Fabia, and \nKodiaq\n.\nKaban will replace Karim Habib\u00a0and reports directly to\u00a0BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk. At the same time, \nDomagoj Dukec\u00a0\nhas moved to designing cars for the BMW I and M divisions. Kaban will immediately begin working on\u00a0the upcoming \nX2\n compact SUV, as well as future cars bearing the iconic double-kidney grille."
"Audi Sport GmbH (Audi Sport) has gotten a new captain as of 1st October. Oliver Hoffmann succeeds Stephan Reil as Head of Technical Development and will be responsible for future product strategy of Audi\u2019s performance sub-brand. Most notably, the 40-year-old intends to increase Audi Sport series production model from 11 to 16 by 2020.\nA little background of Audi Sport\u2019s new boss; Hoffman was previously employed as quality management at Lamborghini and has been involved in the development of the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 resting underneath the shell of the \nR8 supercar\n. He was trained in mechanical engineering during his academic years.\n\u201cWith the appointment of Oliver Hoffmann, we have gained a highly qualified manager for the Technical Development division,\u201d says Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. \u201cWith his experience and skills, Hoffmann will help to realise the expansion of the Audi Sport brand.\u201d\nNo further details of what is to come of the rivals from AMG and M division, but if our previous report holds water, we may see \nmore \nhybrid and rear-wheel drive options\n just like the recently launched (albeit in limited numbers) \nAudi R8 RWS V10\n. Audi Malaysia also has plans to introduce the high-performance brand locally, though the plan seems to be delayed a little."
"Mira Filzah, the Ipoh born artiste drove home in a brand new Nissan X-Trail Hybrid after winning the \u201cMost Popular Artiste\u201d award in Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) 2019!\nThe grand prize is provided by official vehicle sponsor Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM). During the presentation, ETCM\u2019s Sales and Marketing Director, Mr Christopher Tan said, \u201cWe are honoured to work along with Anugerah Bintang Popular 2019 Berita Harian as this contest recognizes Malaysian artistes\u2019 hardwork and dedication in growing the local entertainment industry. \u201d\nEstablished in 1987, ABPBH is an annual ceremony organised by Berita Harian to award the most popular Malaysian singers, actors and celebrities in the entertainment industry, based on popular votes by their readers.\u00a0\nMira Filzah was announced as the winner of ABPBH 2019 after garnering 6,320,463 votes.\u00a0\n \nThe \nNissan X-Trail Hybrid\n was unveiled in April this year along with the facelifted X-Trail. Powered by a 2.0-litre engine supplemented with an electric motor, the powertrain generates a combined output of \n185 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a \n7-speed Xtronic CVT transmission\n.\nNissan Intelligent Mobility\n advanced safety suite is also included in the X-Trail Hybrid, which includes forward collision warning with emergency braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Around View Monitor among other safety equipment.\u00a0\nThe hybrid SUV retails for\n RM159,888 \nand comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty that also covers the battery pack.\u00a0 The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid is also available through \nNissan\u2019s subscription plan\n, starting from \nRM1,800 per month\n."
"The people over at the Land of Smiles have just received the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the \nBMW X1\n SUV \u2013 the BMW X1 xDrive30e M Sport. Featuring an exterior design that is largely similar to the \niX1\n, which is the sole variant of the BMW X1 range we currently have here in Malaysia, the X1 PHEV is priced at \nTHB2,799,000\n (approximately \nRM370,359\n). The BMW iX1 xDrive30 in Malaysia, on the other hand, is priced at \nRM 285,800\n.\nAs for Malaysia though, we can expect the BMW X1 PHEV to feature a lower price tag than the iX1. This is because looking at cars with both full EV and PHEV variants in Malaysia, such as the \nVolvo XC40\n, the PHEV variant (XC40 Recharge T5 Ultimate) is slightly cheaper than the fully electric variant (XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate).\nExterior bits available on the Thailand spec BMW X1 xDrive30e M Sport include 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and full LED headlights. Automatic high beam assistant, panoramic sunroof, as well as the M Sport package, are included as well.\nThe biggest difference between the fully electric iX1 and the PHEV X1 is of course the powertrain. The BMW X1 XDrive30e M Sport features a PHEV system made out of a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine and an electric motor, together with a \n16.3 kWh\n battery that is capable of carrying you as far as \n83 km\n (NEDC).\nThis setup paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), pushes out a total of \n326 hp\n (metric) and \n477 Nm\n of torque, enabling the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.6 seconds\n. The top speed for the BMW X1 xDrive30e is \n205 km/h\n.\nThe Malaysian-spec BMW iX1 xDrive30 on the other hand is powered by a dual-motor setup. With power sent to all four wheels, the iX1 xDrive30 pushes out a total of 313 hp and 494 Nm of torque.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 launched in Malaysia, RM286k \u2013 440km range\nComing from the same BMW X1 range, the X1 xDrive30e M Sport should generally look the same as the iX1 xDrive30 on the inside. Features available on the Thailand spec BMW X1 xDrive30e M Sport include heated front seats, a BMW ConnectedDrive system, a Harmon Kardon audio system, a head-up display (HUD), and more.\nHowever, we are still waiting for the petrol version of the BMW X1 to come to Malaysia, and the X1 xDrive30e should be part of the range. Should BMW Malaysia bring the PHEV version of the BMW X1 into Malaysia? Comment your thoughts down below!\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5\nGALLERY"
"In conjunction with Malaysia Day that is being celebrated tomorrow (September 16th), BMW Malaysia is turning up the heat via the spirit and passion in BMW M models.\nBMW M enthusiasts can look forward to special campaigns such as 0% interest rates and trade-in deals at selected BMW M dealerships on their favourite BMW M models, such as the BMW X4 M Competition, BMW M5, the latest BMW M3 and M4 Competition models as well as the BMW M8 line-up. \u00a0\n\u201cWhile we may not be able to replicate the fiery ///Malaysia Day Drive celebrations last year during this time, it does not mean that the celebrations this year are any less significant. This year, we are collaborating with our dealerships to bring together fans and enthusiasts in a safe manner to celebrate the passion and resilience for our beloved country.\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Hans de Visser.\n\u201cBeyond the special campaigns, we hope the 58th Malaysia Day celebration together will give our fans and enthusiasts a meaningful lift as the environment continues on the road to recovery. After all, we too like to associate M for Malaysia!\u201d continued de Visser.\nAt under RM390k, the BMW M340i xDrive is possibly the best locally-assembled sedan in Malaysia. Read our review here!\nBMW Malaysia\u2019s vast network of BMW M dealerships will have a theme to celebrate both Malaysia Day as well as the brand. Customers and enthusiasts can expect special campaigns and offerings for the stable of M vehicles from these respective dealerships throughout the week:\nImage credit: Facebook/\nAutoBavariaMY\nAuto Bavaria   Auto Bavaria will be having campaigns and offerings at all its dealerships this Malaysia Day on the \nBMW M8 Gran Coupe\n \n(RM1,455,145),\n \nBMW M8 Coupe (RM1,452,961) and\n \nBMW M850i xDrive Coupe (RM1,088,800).\n \nQuill Automobiles Petaling Jaya\nQuill Automobiles will be celebrating a special week with the BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 which is the highlight of its dealership during the Malaysia Day celebrations.\nImage credit: Facebook/\nQuillAutomobilesPetalingJaya\nWheelcorp Premium Setia Alam\nWheelcorp Premium will be focusing its celebrations on the \nBMW M4 Competition\n (Innovation Package) (RM761,597) as well as a special campaign on the flagship \nBMW M5\n \n(RM1,010,800).\nImage credit: Facebook/\nBMWWheelcorpPremium\nMillennium Welt Seremban\nMillennium Welt is celebrating Malaysia Day with the \nBMW M3 Competition\n \n(Innovation Package) (RM740,904).\nSeong Hoe Premium Motors Melaka\nSeong Hoe Premium Motors will be celebrating Malaysia Day with the BMW M3 Competition (Innovation Package) and the BMW M8 Gran Coupe.\nTian Siang Premium Auto Ipoh and Butterworth\nTian Siang Premium Auto will be celebrating with the \nBMW X4 M Competition\n (RM904,277) this Malaysia Day.\nRegas Premium Group Sabah and Sarawak\nImage credit: Facebook/\nRegasPremiumAuto\nThe East Malaysian BMW M Flagship Dealerships in Sarawak and Sabah will be celebrating Malaysia Day with the BMW X4 M Competition.\nIngress Auto Damansara and Puchong\nIngress Auto will be going live with its All-New M configurator this Malaysia Day."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd recently concluded its Nissan Almera Turbo Fuel Efficiency Charity Drive, taken part by \nAlmera\n \nTurbo\n \nowners to help those affected by the pandemic\n.\nThe Almera Turbo owners clocked a total of 12,841 km and with a RM1 donated for every kilometre clocked by the Almera Turbo owners, the total amounted to RM12,841. The sum will be donated by several charitable organisations.\nNo.\nParticipants\nBest Fuel Consumption (Km/L)\n1\nMohd Fikri Bin Mohamed Kamal\n49.5\n2\nEmelyne Bani Anak Jam\n49.2\n3\nChong Rui Yang\n48.2\n4\nMuhammad Akmalhakim Bin Abu Hassan\n46.2\n5\nSheariq Sani Bin Abdullah Sani\n46\nDuring the drive, the Almera Turbo owners also participated in a challenge to get the best fuel economy rating out of their cars and the best fuel consumption rating went to Mohd. Fikri Bin Mohamed Kamal clocked an impressive \n49.5 km/L \nor\n 2.02 L/100km\n.\nThe Top 20 best fuel consumption ratings received a Nissan GT-R LEGO while others received a special edition Nissan duffle bag.\n \nIn other news, Nissan is also running a test drive and win contest where 50 lucky winners stand to win up to RM25,000 in WATSONS vouchers."
"Michelin Malaysia has just introduced a new product to their SUV and 4\u00d74 tyre range, the Michelin LTX Force. The new all-terrain tyres promise superior on- and off-road capabilities for both SUV and 4\u00d74 vehicles.\nThe LTX Force features CompacTread Technology where the tread blocks are reinforced to increase the contact area on the tarmac for better braking performance. Also introduced with the new tyre is the CushionGuard Technology which absorbs road imperfections to give it a more comfortable ride on the road. Its BevelTread with a rounded sloping edge design helps cuts the noise frequency for a quieter ride.\nDerived from the World Rally Championship (WRC), the LTX Force features the Extended Sidewall Biting Edge, Deep and Open Shoulder Design for superior off-road traction and sidewall resistance \u2013 giving great confidence for drivers who seek the best driving performance on all types of roads.\nMichelin Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director, Mr. Pascal Nouvellon said, \u201cOver the past two years, the SUV tyre segment has outgrown the passenger car tyre segment globally and will continue to do so for the next five years as most people are seeking safety and versatility in vehicles and would expect the same from their tyres.\u201d\n\u201cThrough a series of tests held at the event, consumers can witness the Michelin LTX Force braking to an average distance of \ntwo meters shorter\n\u00a0versus its competitors, which is a crucial safety feature. Third party studies also revealed that the tyre delivers 35 percent more mileage\u201d added Mr. Nouvellon.\nThe Michelin LTX Force is now available at all TyrePlus service outlets, Michelin Expert Centres and authorised dealers nationwide. Fitment sizes ranges from 15- to 18-inches with recommended retail price starting from \nRM550\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lamborghini\u2019s \nrecord-breaking bull\n, the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has just been unveiled in full during Monterey Car Week in California. Only 900 units of the Aventador Superveloce Jota will be made, and it represents Lamborghini\u2019s idea of the ultimate track-focused supercar.\nThe main goal of the engineers when creating the Aventador SVJ is to take aerodynamic supremacy to the next level with 40 per cent increase in downforce on both front and rear axles while reducing drag coefficient.   This was achieved with a wider front bumper with integrated side fins, tri-dimensional air outlet on the hood, improved underbody aero with vortex generators, more aggressive rear diffusers and \u201cY\u201d design rocker covers. The SVJ boasts 70 per cent improved downforce compared to the SV.\nLamborghini\u2019s patented Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) system that was first seen on the Huracan Performante has also made its way to the Aventador SVJ with some slight improvements \u2013 ALA 2.0. In the ALA 2.0, the system has been re-calibrated to balance the car\u2019s enhanced lateral accelerations.\nOther chassis tuning includes 50 per cent stiffer anti-roll bars, 15 per cent higher damping force on the Magneto Rheological Suspension (LMS), re-engineered rear-wheel steering (LRS) and rebalanced power steering for improved steering precision and natural feedback.\nUnder the hood, the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 now features a new titanium intake valve, modified intake cylinder head duct and a new lightweight exhaust system to boost output to \n770 hp\n and \n720 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint now takes \n2.8 seconds\n and 0 to 200 km/h takes \n8.6 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of over \n350 km/h\n.\nDrive is channelled to all four wheels (now 3 per cent more torque being sent to the rear wheels) via an optimised seven-speed Independent Shifting Road (ISR) single clutch gearbox. The aerodynamic enhancements and performance gains collectively help the Aventador SVJ to take the lap record of the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife with a time of 6 minutes 44.97 seconds.\nThe flagship V12 supercar is also available as a special SVJ 63 edition where it pays homage to the brand\u2019s founding year of 1963. It differs with the extensive use of carbon fibre around the vehicle and is made in an additional limited number of 63 units.\nPricing for the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ starts from \u20ac349k (RM1.6 million) before options in Europe. Enlist the help of Lamborghini\u2019s customisation arm, Ad Personam and you\u2019ll be looking at an even more eye watery figure.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLamborghini Aventador SVJ   Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Edition 63"
"Despite the challenges of the recent Movement Control Order, Perodua\u2019s vehicles seemed to have no problems finding their way out of showrooms.\nThe company posted a total of \n7,886 units cars sold in the month of May\n, bringing its year-to-date sales figure to 52,920 units. That\u2019s rather impressive when you consider that Perodua sold 8,601 cars in March before the MCO came into effect on the 18th. With an estimated year-to-date total industry volume of 129,401 units, that translates to a 41% year-to-date market share for Perodua.\n \n\u201cThe ongoing COVID-19 situation has had a significant impact on car sales in Malaysia over the past two months but we are thankful that in just three weeks since we restarted operations nationwide, we have managed to come close to the level of our March figures pre-Movement Control Order (MCO),\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nOf the 7,886 units that Perodua sold, 2,612 were \nMyvis\n, 2,028 were \nAxias\n, 1,820 were \nthe Bezza which we raced against the Sag\na\n, 950 were the \nAruz\n and the Alza continues to draw decent numbers with 476 units sold.\nAs for the month of June, Perodua\u2019s \u201cMeaningful Raya\u201d campaign is offering special cash redemptions of up to RM1,300 for the Aruz and selected Myvi variants, while buyers of other models will get a RM300 e-voucher that is redeemable for the purchase of selected parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre."
"Landwind, the Chinese automaker who gave the world the\u00a0\nRange Rover Evoque\n clone, has just unveiled a facelift for its Landwind X7. It loses out much of its British design cues and new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine for its entry level model.\nSo, what has changed with the new design exercise? For starters, it gets a more rectangular headlamp design (full LED items) as well as restyled bumpers and grille. On the side new items include the roof rack and alloy wheel design.\n \n Facelifted Landwind X7\n \n Pre-facelift Landwind X7\nThe rear end is where the \ndesigners\n at Landwind spent most of their creative juices. It loses out on the Evoques tailgate sculpture in favour of a more \nface-like\n rear end. The chrome strip connecting the taillamps are positioned much lower compared to the car it copied from. Bumper and exhaust outlets are taken straight from the Evoque.\nLandwind has introduced a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with \n160 hp\n mated to an updated eight-speed automatic transmission. The new turbo engine joins the existing Mitsubishi-sourced \n187 hp\n 2.0-litre turbo.\nOn the pre-facelift model, the X7 comes generously equipped with 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, keyless entry and start, electronic parking brake, dual-zone automatic climate control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, 360-degree surround camera, 6 airbags, ESC, Traction Control, ABS with EBD, Hill Ascend Control and Hill Descend Control.\nCurrently, the range-topping 2.0-litre turbo Landwind X7 starts from RMB129k (RM83k) to RMB148k (RM94k) while the entry level 1.5-litre turbo will carry a starting price of just under RMB100k (RM64k). Only in China where you can have a \u201c\nPorsche Macan Hybrid\n\u201d and a \u201c1.5-litre Turbo Range Rover Evoque\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n Facelifted Landwind X7"
"If you have been fortunate to have driven in the Central Business District (CBD) of Melbourne, Australia, you certainly have experienced the quirky \u201chook turn\u201d at selected intersections.\nThe \n\u201chook turn\u201d\n \nis unique to Melbourne\u2019s CBD as cars are not allowed to travel on tram lanes when turning right at an intersection. As such, cars making a right turn would need to keep left and wait there, before making the right turn. The path when drawn looks like a hook followed by a bend, hence the name.\nAustralia is currently working with various parties to test the Australian Integrated Multimodel EcoSystem (AIMES) and the local Lexus unit is the first automotive partner to join the collaboration of over 50 including government, transport and technology companies.\nLed by the University of Melbourne, this real-world testing of the environment for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications technology under the advanced Co-operative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) will deliver crucial research and data to provide next-generation road safety solutions.\nTake a guess what hot hatch is used by the Aussie police to encourage more warmth with enthusiasts. Click here to reveal it!\nThe target is to reduce the risk of vehicles driving through red lights, turning into trams, or being unable to see obstructed pedestrians.\nTwo units of \nLexus RX 450h\n are specially fitted with Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) and cellular network technologies communicate with traffic lights, trams and emergency service vehicles to proactively deliver warnings and alerts of potential danger to the driver of the vehicle before they come into a driver\u2019s line of sight.\nLexus aims to use the trial to develop applications such as warning the driver when turning in front of a tram, or warning the driver when a cyclist or pedestrian has pushed the button on traffic lights to cross the road \u2013 including at challenging \u201chook turn\u201d intersections.\nThe Lexus UX 200 is dressed to impress! Found out more in our review here!\nIn addition to the connected Lexus RX 450h cars, the AIMES trial area spanning six square kilometres incorporates a network of smart sensors connecting public transport, pedestrians and cyclists, intersections, and streets into a fully integrated ecosystem.\nGALLERY"
"Believe it or not, the first production car in Japan came from Mitsubishi with the Model A in 1917. It\u2019s based on the Fiat Tipo 3 and production was limited to a whopping. 22 units, after which Mitsubishi decided to go back to manufacturing trucks.\nExactly 100 years later, Mitsubishi decided to celebrate the occasion by reviving the dead, and does so rather fittingly \u2013 via electrocution. I mean electrification. Flying cars are all but a reality today, so the least Mitsubishi could do is to make it an all-electric car, which is something they are actually pretty good at.\nThe new Mitsubishi Model A inherits the powertrain from the \nMitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle\n (PHEV). It will be built by \nWest Coast Customs\n\u00a0(yes, the team behind\u00a0\nPimp My Ride\n and\n\u00a0Inside West Coast Customs\n TV series).\nThe standard Outlander PHEV is powered by a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine\n\u00a0that\u2019s paired with two electric motors, putting together a combined output of 200 hp and over 500 Nm of torque. The battery capacity (12 kWh) is enough to yield a full electric range of 52 km! In comparison, the original Model A was powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine belting a massive 35 horsepower.\nThe whole project is set for completion later this summer, with progress being aired on the future episode of\u00a0Inside West Coast Customs."
"In some ways, the Lexus NX is supposed to take the spot where its bigger sibling, the RX, has left off. When the first generation RX was introduced back in 1998, Lexus claims it to be the first luxury SUV in the world! That\u2019s\u00a0a pretty bold claim if you ask us, surely they didn\u2019t forget about the European brands, did they?\nEach progressive generation of the Lexus RX have turned out to be less utilitarian and more luxurious while steadily gaining a few inches in the process, but the RX did it in a good way. Eventually, it created a vacant spot for a smaller SUV to be slotted underneath it, thus the LF-NX concept was born. It was later showcased at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, hinting at a brand new \u201cbaby\u201d SUV.\nSeven months after the unveiling of the LF-NX concept, the \nLexus NX\n was officially unveiled at the \n2014 Beijing Motor Show\n, and it is also the vehicle that Lexus chose to debut their first ever turbocharged engine. Loosely based on the (whisper it) Toyota RAV4, it\u2019s never going to claim all-terrain capabilities of a Land Rover, but that\u2019s fine by Lexus because it was never really advertised to be an off-roader.\nLaunched \nhere\n in January 2015, you can have the NX in either a hybrid or a turbo flavour. The \nNX 300h\n range-topper utilises a combination of a \n2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine\n and an \nelectric motor\n; but you\u2019ll want the \nNX 200t\n because that\u2019s the one with the\n all-new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n engine. Unlike the NX 300h that only comes in a single variant, the NX 200t is offered in \nfour different variants\n: Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport.\nWe\u2019re testing the \nNX 200t F Sport\n, which UMW Toyota claims is the best selling variant of the bunch despite a whopping price gap of RM75k from the base NX 200t. Aside from cosmetic differences, apparently the F Sport has a few tricks up its sleeve, or rather, under the skin. Join us as we find out more about the provocative NX 200t F Sport.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus NX 200t F Sport\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 twin scroll turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n235 hp @ 4,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 rpm\nPrice\nRM362,432.00\nEXTERIOR\nMost were taken aback by its looks. Honestly though, who wouldn\u2019t when it looks like a giant origami katydid? The production NX may have been toned down from the ornate LF-NX concept but it keeps most of the design flourish intact. It still splits opinions though, so it\u2019s either you like it or you don\u2019t.\nLike all current Lexus models styled under the \nL-Finesse\n\u00a0template, the face hits you hard with the offensive \nspindle grille\n so huge it\u2019s seemingly capable of grating little children into a pulp with its intricate wire mesh. Adding to the fierce demeanor is a floating matte silver wing wedged at the trailing edge of the front bumper\u2019s lip.   The sharp tick of the\n\u00a0LED DRLs\n\u00a0complement the compact \ntriple-L full-LED headlamps\n, and while the main headlamp units may be compact in size, they are actually more than capable to light up even the darkest corners of the infamous Ulu Yam road in the wee hours of the night. The LEDs don\u2019t turn with the steering though, but the \nLED foglamps\n below also double as cornering lights.\nSome might think it\u2019s the bigger RX when viewed from the side. Although the window line is a nod to the second-generation RX (codenamed XU30), the surfacing on the bodywork is more intense. The sharp swage line combined with the bulging rear haunches gave the NX its sense of athleticism, while layered wheel arches with black plastic moulding help to prevent the side from appearing too tall.\nThe tiny emblem on the front fenders says \nF Sport\n, and with the badge it brings the aforementioned wire mesh grille, black side mirror caps, and a set of attractive \n18-inch wheels\n finished in what Lexus calls as \u201c\nSuperchrome\n\u201c. More F Sport goodies can be found later when you step into the cabin.   So far, so good; the designers could\u2019ve just packed up by now and leave the tail bare but they didn\u2019t. The L-Finesse touches continue to the rear end of the NX, attacking you visually with its stern stare from the consistent glow of the rear position lamps like it\u2019s telling you not to tailgate it. Too bad the shapely tailpipes down below doesn\u2019t deliver a hair-raising growl to match the looks.\nINTERIOR\nAccess to the interior is by a card that you can keep in your wallet, so you can just casually walk to the vehicle and unlock it by grabbing the door handle. It also comes with a normal key fob complete with its own leather casing, and unlike the buttonless card, it has physical buttons to lock, unlock, and open or close the rear hatch. However, we\u2019re baffled on why Lexus can\u2019t make the key fob smaller if not as slim as the card.\nOther than the plasticky window switches on the doors; the materials used in the cabin look and feel good to the touch. The \nF Sport red leather seats\n not only look hot, they can toast both front occupants\u2019 buns on demand; or if that\u2019s not what you prefer, you can set them to blow cool air to your backside.\nThe \nventilated front seats\n are electrically operated, and the driver\u2019s seat will remember up to three different drivers\u2019 seating position. The steering column is also adjusted electrically for reach and rake, and together with the driver\u2019s seat they move away from you when you switch off the engine to ease ingress and egress.   You\u2019d want to stay inside longer though, because the stylish cabin deserves a second look. You\u2019ll find delicate details such as the stitching on the leather that covers almost everything\u00a0inside the cabin, the tiny Lexus markings on the little hex socket bolts on each side of the center console, or even the hidden bonus mirror underneath the pull-out lid near the center arm rest. Meanwhile, located under the center arm rest is a Qi\u00a0\nwireless charging tray\n, similar to the one that appeared in the \nCamry Hybrid\n.\nThe angular center console is an omnium gatherum of a gearlever, a drive mode knob, a parking brake switch, a few buttons and a touch pad. Dubbed the \nLexus Remote Touch Interface\n, the touch pad controls the menu displayed on the \n7-inch screen\n on the dash, and the screen also telecasts the feed from the cameras around the car, giving you a \n360 degrees bird\u2019s eye view\n of the vehicle to assist with manoeuvring.   The touch pad is easy to use and the system itself supports the usual gamut of external media connectivity. It even vibrates based on your input, but I personally find the layout messy and could\u2019ve been better resolved if they could provide a physical back button instead of having to point the cursor on the screen every time you want to return to the previous menu.\nThere\u2019s another \nLCD display\n in the instrument cluster that sits amidst a couple of analogue dials. It shows a multitude of information that range from the trip info, \neco indicator\n\u00a0and audio info, to the more performance-oriented data like\u00a0\nG-force meter\n and a digital \nturbo boost gauge\n. Scrolling through the screen is done via the buttons on the steering wheel, and speaking of steering wheel, for something that claims to be sporty the steering wheel rim doesn\u2019t gain extra girth, but it does come with \nshift paddles\n.\nWe usually don\u2019t pay that much attention to the audio system, but the \n14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround audio system\n deserves recognition. Available only on the NX 300h and this NX 200t F Sport, it emits sounds with supreme clarity so sinfully satisfying to the ears, it\u2019s akin to having a DJ or a band performing live in the car with you. Freddie Mercury never sounded so alive.   Moving over to the back, the rear bench will comfortably sit three abreast, but the sloping roof robs the headroom a little. The backrests can be reclined and split 60/40 but oddly the power folding and reclining function in the Premium and Luxury variants are not included in the F Sport. Granted, the powered rear hatch to access the \n550 litre\n boot is still featured here, even if it operates in slow motion. We also love the expansive \npanoramic roof\n that stretches all the way to the back. It floods the interior with light during the day, and at night everyone in the car can partake in stargazing activities.\nSafety kit is generous in the NX. Traction Control, \nVehicle Stability Control\n, ABS with\u00a0Brake Assist, and \nHill-start Assist\n are given, and a total of \neight airbags\n can be found inside the cabin. The \nBlind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert\n are also on standby, and they certainly help when the rear view from the driver\u2019s seat is hampered by the thick D pillars.\nPERFORMANCE\nMaking its debut here is the \nturbocharged\n four-pot fully developed in-house by Toyota, and it\u2019s their answer to the European engines of the same format. Essentially the same \n2.0-litre four-cylinder with Dual VVT-iW\n from the \nCamry facelift\n, Toyota has strapped on a \ntwin-scroll turbocharger\n that produces a healthy\u00a0\n235 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of twisting force. Sending the power to an \nintelligent all-wheel drive system\n via a \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission, the NX 200t accelerates from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in\n 7.1 seconds\n and it will continue to go all the way to the \n200 km/h\n top speed.\nThe absence of a\u00a0Stop/Start system is a strange omission on a typically modern and new SUV, but it is available in the NX sold in other markets. Still, the engine is smart enough to switch from Otto cycle during hard driving to Atkinson cycle when driven at a relaxed pace, in a mission to achieve the targeted fuel consumption of \n7.9 litres per 100 km\n.\nAs mentioned, the F Sport treatment is not merely a styling exercise, it adds on the \nSport+ mode\n on top of the three existing driving modes. The Sport+ utilises the \nAdaptive Variable Suspension\n and \nPerformance Rods\n fitted exclusively on this variant, which promises to give the F Sport some edge in the handling department over the lesser-priced NX 200t.\nTHE DRIVE\nTo think the NX 200t as one docile SUV is fallacious. Well, not entirely. You see, in the default \nNormal mode\n the engine performs like any garden-variety naturally-aspirated unit, providing a gradual power delivery throughout the rev range. Ride quality is generally comfortable and the regular road imperfections are very well taken care of by the suspension.\nIt\u2019s when you twist the drive mode knob to \nSport\n that things start to get rather interesting. Short of poking a sleeping bear annoyingly with a stick, a stomp on the throttle pedal awakens the blown-four under the bonnet. Progress is laggy at the lower rev range, but once the turbo spools up the NX 200t charges its way strong and relentlessly as the needle on the speedometer continues to climb pass the three digit figures.\nYou won\u2019t notice that you\u2019ve actually broke the speed limit by 70 km/h because there\u2019s no drama behind the wheel, just a relaxed and steady pace. It feels planted to the road but then again the sub 1,800 kg kerb weight would attest to that. Wind noise can be an issue at higher speeds, but when you have Mark (Levinson) on board that\u2019s no biggie at all.\nYou\u2019ll only get \nSport+\n mode in the F Sport, and it\u2019s the mode that you want to be in if you plan take the NX for some backroads blasting. Most of the tim, drive is sent to the front wheels only, but the AWD system will come into play when more traction is needed, diverting \nup to 50 percent\n of the torque to the rear wheels.\nTurn-in isn\u2019t scalpel sharp and the steering is still on the woolly side, but for a lofty SUV the way it attacks the bends is rather impressive. Not only have the dampers been\u00a0stiffened further\u00a0in Sport+, the Performance Rods also work hand in hand to keep body roll at bay.\nLike the Volvo XC60, the transmission is sourced by Aisin but it\u2019s two cogs short from the Swedish counterpart. In manual override mode it doesn\u2019t respond instantly to your input but the shifts are buttery enough to make it almost as smooth as a CVT, so it\u2019s better to let the \u2018box do its thing in D.\nDespite the clever engine that\u2019s capable to alternate between two operating cycle, fuel economy is not spectacular and it takes a lot of restrain to keep it below 8.0 litres per 100 km. Yours truly managed a best of 7.7 litres per 100 km and that was achieved in Eco mode. But with normal mixed driving you will see more than 10.0 litres per 100 km on the trip computer most of the time.\nSO, IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nThe NX 200t should be able to fulfill the requirements of those who demand style and comfort in an SUV, but deciding on which variant to get is another story. Performance is equally the same in all four variants because they all share the same engine under the lightweight aluminium bonnet, therefore the major difference lies on the equipment.\nIf you\u2019re not fussy about fancy interior fitments and audio quality, the base NX 200t would do just fine, but you will be missing out on that extra glimmer of talent the F Sport has to offer in the Sport+ mode, especially when the road starts to tangle.\nIf getting stares from random strangers make you feel uncomfortable, the NX is definitely not the SUV for you. Even our test unit that came in grey still attracts glances from males and females alike, so there\u2019s no hiding when you\u2019re behind the wheel of an NX. Maybe you can consider the \nVolvo XC60\n instead; but then again that might attract gazes from architects and a certain group of radiant vampire fans.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe stylish and premium compact SUV is currently dominated by none other than the \nLand Rover Range Rover Evoque\n. In \nSi4\n trim, the Evoque is the most expensive here but in terms of performance, the Evoque and the NX 200t are neck and neck. Both dish out almost similar output from their \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n, and both are strutting their equally arresting looks.\nAlternatively, if you want to stand out even more, there\u2019s the American option. Sitting in between the Evoque Si4 and the NX 200t F Sport in terms of pricing is the \nJeep Cherokee Trailhawk\n. The \n2.4-litre naturally-aspirated engine\n won\u2019t be able to match the output figures from the two turbocharged steeds here, but it will guarantee an even more puzzled look from bystanders.\nLexus NX 200t F Sport\nLand Rover Range Rover Evoque 2.0 Si4\nJeep Cherokee 2.4 Trailhawk\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder\u00a0turbocharged petrol\n4-cylinder\u00a0turbocharged petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,998\n1,999\n2,360\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n235/4,800\n237/5,500\n174/6,400\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n350/1,650\n340/2,000\n229/3,900\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-Speed automatic\n9-Speed automatic\n9-Speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType (Front / Rear)\nMacPherson struts /\u00a0Double wishbone\nMacPherson struts / Multi link\nMacPherson struts / Multi link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nDisc\nDisc\nDisc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n235/55 R18\n245/45 R20\n245/65 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,630\n4,365\n4,624\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,870\n1,965\n1,904\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,630\n1,635\n1,732\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,660\n2,660\n2,719\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\nN/A\n1,640\n1,638\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n550\n575\n506\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n56 litres\n58\u00a0litres\n60 litres\nConsumption\n7.9\u00a0L/100 km\n7.8\u00a0L/100 km\nN/A\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n200\n217\nN/A\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n7.1\n7.6\nN/A\nPRICE\nRM\n362,432.00\n399,888.00\n378,889.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nFor a brand that was once related to cosseting limos, Lexus has shed its drab image to become one of the producers of daring looking vehicles, and don\u2019t forget, they are also responsible for giving us the spine-tingling \nLFA supercar\n. While the NX is no supercar, it\u2019s a well-rounded package of grace and pace from Lexus. The only thing that annoys me is that the F Sport\u2019s asking price is closer to the Evoque than to the base NX 200t. Personally it\u2019s either the Evoque, or save RM75k and go for the base NX 200t.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This news might come as a surprise to many.\u00a0Volkswagen\u00a0Group emerged as the largest car manufacturer for the first half of this year, by manufacturing 5.2 million cars and selling 5.1 million cars.\nThey beat former global leader Toyota, who came in a close second. The Japanese company\u00a0manufactured and sold 5 million and 4.9 million cars respectively. Coming in as the world\u2019s third\u00a0best-selling automaker is General Motors who sold 4.76 million cars in the same period.\nRead our \nreview of the Volkswagen Vento 1.2 Turbo\nDespite being plagued by the ongoing dieselgate scandal, VW AG recorded positive sales growth in key markets of China (\u00e1 6.8%) and Europe (\u00e1 3.8%). Yet, the group saw a dip in operating profit, down from \u20ac7b (approximately RM31.5b) in the first half of 2015 to \u20ac5.3b (RM23.8b) in the same period this year. This is largely because of the scandal which cost VW AG \u20ac2.2b (RM9.9b) in expense. The \u201cspecial items\u201d, according to VW AG, are mainly related to the legal issues in North America pertaining to the crisis.\nHowever, VW AG is positive on the overall outlook for 2016 as Group CFO Frank Witter said \u201cWe produced a solid result in difficult conditions, this shows that the Volkswagen Group has high earnings power. But it will require continued hard work to absorb the significant impact from the diesel issue.\u201d"
"The first-generation Peugeot 3008 was introduced as a mid-size crossover that was launched back in 2008. It had not the proportions of a crossover, and instead looked more like a compact MPV. Now, Peugeot said the next-generation 3008 will be developed as a full-SUV, one that will go against the \nHonda CR-V\n, \nMazda CX-5\n,\u00a0and the Renault Koleos.\nThe new 3008 will be based on Peugeot\u2019s \nEMP2 modular platform\n which is\u00a0\n100kg lighter\u00a0\ncompared to the older car. Peugeot abandoned its crossover roots and redesigned it to look more like a conventional SUV. Dimensions wise, the new 3008 is bigger than its predecessor at 4.5m long, 1.8m wide and 1.6m tall. Thanks to its larger dimensions, boot space is cavernous, at 520 litres.\nAt the front, the 3008 sports the same fascia as the \n308\n, with the familiar wide grille, LED headlights and sculpted bonnet. These all give the SUV a more \u201cmacho\u201d look compared to its tamer predecessor. It rides on a set of 18-inch wheels and has a floating roofline complemented by rails.\nIt gets better on the inside, as Peugeot implements the new\n i-Cockpit\n into the 3008. Essentially, it\u2019s their version of Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit, where a\u00a012.3-inch digital display takes over the conventional analogue gauges. It displays speedo and tachometer as standard, and will also project multimedia information and navigation instructions. An 8-inch infotainment screen is built into the middle to complement the i-Cockpit. Also standard here is Peugeot\u2019s small steering wheel.\nEngine choices for the 3008 include a \n128 hp 1.2-litre PureTech\n petrol engine and the \n163 hp 1.6-litre\n turbo engine, the latter only available with a six-speed automatic. That is also the variant that will most likely land in Malaysia should it arrive here. Options for oil burning variants include a\u00a01.6-litre and a 2.0-litre BlueHDi\u00a0engines.\nThree variants will be offered \u2013\u00a0Access, Active, Allure, and pricing begins (at the UK) at around \n\u00a321,000\n (approx \nRM126,000\n based on today\u2019s rates). European delivery is scheduled for the end of 2016, which means the new 3008 should arrive on our shores sometime in 2017. Presently, the Peugeot 3008 1.6L is sold in Malaysia for RM158,888.00.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Maserati has given the Levante a fresh new look and some new toys in the latest round of updates after the model first made its debut here in Malaysia in 2017. With a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, prices start from RM808,000 and unlike most other luxury brands, this is the actual on-the-road price!\nThe exterior comes with a new front grille and taillight design and new rear light cluster that mimics the boomerang-shaped taillights seen on the Maserati 3200 GT from the 1990s. In drawing attention to the rear lights, the taillight clusters were made using a state-of-the-art 3K injection moulding technology.\nThe new, imposing front grille was inspired by the Alfieri concept and can be had in either chrome in the GranLusso variant, or black in the GranSport variant.\nThe GranSport variant differentiates itself with front and black inserts, red brake calipers, and a choice of two 21-inch wheel designs. The GranLusso on the other hand, gets the chrome treatment, black brake calipers, with only a single 21-inch wheel design to choose from. The rear tyres are up to 295 mm wide!\nBehind the wheels are 6-pot caliper brakes in the front, and single pot units at the rear. All variants of the Levante, including the\n \nLevante\n \nV8\n \nTrofeo\n, are equipped with air suspension where its ride height can be manually adjusted.\nBefore\nAfter\nInside, the main changes lie in the dashboard, with changes to the instrument cluster and infotainment display. The infotainment display, although still the same size as before (at 8.4-inches) is now fitted into a new, sleeker housing and compared to before, the new look lends a touch of modernity to the dashboard.\nAs you can tell, the Levante badge below the display from before has been removed in the updated model. The display itself has been improved. With higher resolution graphics, better response and improved user-friendliness.\nBefore\nAfter\nAs for the meter cluster, the graphics of the analouge meter have been updated while much of the plastic covers from the previous versions have been removed and replaced with anti-dazzle flat glass covers. Based on the images above, we don\u2019t have to tell you what a difference it has made.\nUnder the hood of the baby Ferrari, as we\u2019d like to call it, is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with 430 hp and 580 Nm to drive all four wheels via 8-speed automatic transmission. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 5.2 seconds, with top speed rated at 264 km/h.\nGALLERY"
"Speaking at the 24th International Conference on the Future of Asia this morning, otherwise known as the Nikkei Conference, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed ambitions to start a new \u201cMalaysian\u201d car company.\nBelieving that Malaysians now have the capacity to completely manufacture a vehicle from scratch, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also claimed that Malaysian car company must be owned by Malaysians \u2013 citing that since Proton was sold to a Chinese company, it is \nno longer a national car brand.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuT_54IWnM8&t=2849s\nStrong words indeed from the Malaysian premier who defied all odds to establish, grow and object the Proton brand being sold to the Chinese. At the \u201cheight\u201d of Proton\u2019s legacy, the brand exported to more than 10 countries including the \nUnited Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt, Kuwait and Chile\n, to name a few.\n\u201cThere is a capacity to produce good quality cars which are saleable across the world market, we want to access the world market,\u201d he said in the YouTube video above\n from 44:35 to 47:27\n.\nCredit: \nBosnan News"
"Official importer and distributor of Maserati cars in Malaysia, Naza Italia officially launched the Maserati Ghibli.\u00a0This third generation Ghibli comes in two variants, the standard Ghibli and the Ghibli S. Priced at RM 538,800 and RM 628,800 respectively.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMaserati Ghibli \nMaserati Ghibli S\nSegment\nE-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n2979cc 60\u00b0 V6 Twinturbo\nMax Power\n330hp @ 5,000\u00a0rpm\n410hp @ 5500 rpm\nMax Torque\n500Nm @ 4,500\u00a0rpm, sports mode overboost: @ 1750 \u2013 4500 rpm\n550Nm @ 4500 \u2013 5000 rpm, sports mode overboost: @ 1750 \u2013 5000\nPrice\nRM 538,800\nRM 628,800   First introduced in 1967, the Ghibli was a two door, 2+2 grand tourer. In its heyday, the Ghibli outsold the Ferrari Daytona and the Lamborghini Miura. Production ended in 1973.\u00a0The Ghibli then returned in 1992 and ended its successful run in 1997. It was replaced by the gorgeous 3200 GT the following year.\nFlash forward 17 years later, an all-important new Ghibli returns in the guise of a 4-door sedan, a first in Maserati\u2019s 100 years of history.\nCompeting in the E segment, the Maserati Ghibli will be available locally in two variants: the Ghibli and the Ghibli S. Both are powered by a new generation twinturbo 3.0 litre 60-degree V6 and comes with an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.\nIt shares the very same engine gearbox found in their flagship Quattroporte. Lighter and shorter than the Quattropporte, it also shares the same chassis and suspension, achieving a perfect 50:50 weight distribution as well as dynamic and precise handling.\nEXTERIOR\nCosmetically, other than the different colours choices on the brake calipers, there is very little to discern between the two variants. This is in line with Maserati\u2019s views on not separating the Ghibli into too many confusing variants.   INTERIOR\nWith a whole catalog of customisable bits, future owners will be spoilt with choices to choose from. These includes an 8.4\u2033 Maserati Touch Control, Plotrona Frau\u00ae leather finish, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, WLAN and many more.   PERFORMANCE\nThe standard variant Ghibli produces 330 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque @ 4500rpm and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Hit the Sport mode overboost and all 500 Nm will be available at a low 1750rpm. It reaches a non-electronically restricted top speed of 263 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is 9.6 litres per 100km.\nThe Ghibli S delivers a whopping 410 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque @ 1750rpm in Sports overboost. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds flat with a non-restricted top speed of 285 km/h and does a combined 10.4 litres/100 km for fuel efficiency.\u00a0 Again, with a plethora of personalisation options.\n \nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Ghibli is priced at RM 538,800, while\u00a0the Ghibli S at RM628,800 (OTR without insurance).\u00a0Both cars comes with a 3-year or 60,000km service package that is included in their respective prices. Although there is no concrete word of the Q4 and Diesel variants coming to our shores, Maserati is open to bringing them in if there is a strong demand.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We already have female Prime Ministers, female astronauts and industry leaders, heck, even the Middle East had recently allowed women to drive \u2013 although they were decades too late to the party.\nSo when a single-seater race series was formed solely for female race car drivers, it\u2019s really hard for me to fathom why they\u2019re still not allowed to meddle with the men whether it\u2019s in Formula 1 or Formula 3 but have to instead make-do with a separate league, one that will undoubtedly receive less attention than the ones participated by men.\nI can understand if it were contact sports, like football or rugby, with all sorts of physical elements/violations to consider, but in motor racing, competitiveness is hinged on the driver\u2019s skill and the race car itself which is why I feel like this new \u201cW Series\u201d should not even exist.\nThe W Series is a new \u201cfree-to-enter\u201d single-seater motor racing series for women drivers only, with a US 1.5 million cash prize.\nOut of the 18-20 for the first season, the overall winner will walk away with half a million US dollars while the rest of the prize money will be allocated to all the way down to the 18th place driver in the overall standings.\nThe race series which is set to begin around mid of next year, will feature race tracks all around Europe which are also used in Formula 1. The drivers whom will be subjected to stringent physical and simulated test will race in Formula 3 cars\u00a0powered 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, with 6-speed sequential gearboxes.\nOne way to see it is that it encourages wider female participation where these successful female drivers can progress to male-driven, higher level mainstream race series\u2019, but then why can\u2019t they start with the men from the early stages like go-karting, as well?"
"National carmaker Proton has just announced its sales report for the month of June 2022, which it recorded a total of \n14,787 units\n (domestic and export) registered in June. The figure represents a 51% jump over the\n previous month\n, and also helped boost the company\u2019s total sales for the first half of the year to 60,124 units, an increase of 3.9% over the \nsame period in 2021\n.\nCrucially, the June sales figure also represents Proton\u2019s best sales month of the year thus far, which helped the national carmaker retain its second position in the automotive sales table with an estimated market share of 22.6%. Market share for the year however stands at 18.2%, which is a decrease of 5.1% compared to the first six months of last year.\nProton\u2019s sales volume leader this month is, unsurprisingly, the Saga once again, which just received its\n second mid-cycle update in May\n. The national carmaker recorded sales of 5,460 units for the Saga last month, which helped the model return to the top of the A-segment sedan class, with its year-to-date volume standing at 23,484 units.\nFollowing closely behind in sales performance last month was the Proton X50, which recorded its best sales month ever with 4,473 units registered. The figure means that the X50 retains its sales lead in not just the B-segment SUV class, but also in the overall SUV market.\nThe Proton X70, which was \nupdated just last month\n, also maintained a strong sales performance in June with 2,696 units registered, keeping it on the top of the C-segment SUV leaderboards.\nAnother segment leader for Proton in the month of June is the Exora in the C-segment MPV class with 513 units registered, while the Persona and Iriz recorded 1,224 and 421 registrations respectively, placing them third and fourth in their market segments.\nRELATED: 2022 Proton X70 MC launched in Malaysia with new 1.5TGDi engine, from RM94k\n2022\n\u201cJune was a busy month for the automotive industry with most brands trying to produce as many cars as possible to satisfy market demand. The announcement that SST incentives would be removed on 1 July also created a surge in bookings as customers rushed to take advantage of the savings offered,\u201d said Proton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\nHe added that the company has received over 150,000 bookings in the first six months of the year, and is working hard to deliver cars as quickly as possible to its customers, especially those who have been waiting since 2021.\n\u201cThankfully, the gradual resolution to our parts shortage issues has not only boosted production but also had a positive effect on the after sales network. As promised, all our 3S/4S outlets now have \nthree months stock of fast-moving parts (FMP)\n and this is replicated at our parts warehouse. Supply issues for other parts are also being resolved so we are hopeful of delivering a higher level of after sales service to our customers soon,\u201d he added.\nWhile domestic sales for Proton continue to rise, the strongest growth for the company is actually in its export sales, with 636 units recorded in June. The figure brings Proton\u2019s total exports for the first half of 2022 up to 2,722 units, which is an increase of 81.2% over the same period last year, and makes Proton the \u201ctop exporting automotive brand in the country\u201d.\nAmong the 2,722 units, the Proton Saga leads the export sales with 1,602 units sold this year, although the X50 and X70 have also been growing at a rapid rate, with 377 and 100 units registered in June \u2013 both representing their best-ever export numbers.\nAs for individual markets, Pakistan continues to be Proton\u2019s biggest export market with 1,770 units registered in the first half of 2022, representing a growth of 183% compared to the same period last year, followed by Brunei and Bangladesh with 203 and 194 units respectively.\n\u201cProton\u2019s exports is one of the pillars to drive our future growth and is also in line with our promise to the government to help develop Malaysia\u2019s automotive export industry. With the addition of new markets such as\n \nSouth Africa\n to our portfolio, we target for export volumes to continue on their current growth trajectory and form an even larger portion of our sales in the future,\u201d Roslan Abdullah added."
"The new Lamborghin\ni\n SCV12 is set to become the most powerful Lamborghini after completing testing and is set to debut very soon.\nThe track-only SCV12 rests the most powerful naturally aspirated V12 engine Lamborghini ever built and is capable of producing over 830 hp. This is achieved through \u201caerodynamic supercharging\u201d and Lamborghini says, it will have more downforce than a GT3 race car.\nFor starters, the SCV12\u2019s front bonnet features a double air intake and directs airflow to the air scoop located on the roof. This directs air pressure created by the car\u2019s into the engine\u2019s intake manifold thus increasing power.\nThe new V12 Lamborghini also features a prominent splitter at the front, fins on the side sills and a custom built carbon fibre rear wing for maximum downforce.\nThe rear-wheel drive sits on a new fully carbon fibre chassis, developed specifically for the hypercar. The V12 engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox which is part of the chassis\u2019 structure. As such this creates better weight distribution in the SCV12.\nDownforce aside, keeping the most powerful Lamborghini firmly planted on the tarmac are specially developed Pirelli slick tyres, paired to 19 (front) and 20-inch magnesium wheels (rear).\nOwners of the limited edition SCV12 are entitled to participate in advance driving programmes in circuits around the world. The programmes are supported by Lamborghini Squadra Corse engineers along with coaching from 5-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Emanuele Pirro.\nThe Lamborghini Sian by Lego Technic.\nThe Italian supercar makers also revealed their first ever hybrid supercar called the \nSian in September last year\n. As they\u2019re all sold out, even before its official launch, \nLego Technic has offered a \u201cmore affordable\u201d solution\n.\nThe 1:8 scale brick model consists of 3,696 pieces and costs under RM2,000. According to Lego Technic, it will take approximately 14 hours to complete the entire build."
"Volkswagen has launched the new locally-assembled (CKD) Passat R-Line with more power and features starting from \nRM212,938 \nwith SST exemptions. Also included are 5-years unlimited mileage warranty, 3-years free maintenance and 5-years roadside assistance.\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the new 2022 Passat R-Line now cost \naround RM8,000 more\n than the model \nlaunched in October 2020\n. So what are you getting then?\nPERFORMANCE\nFor starters, the Passat R-Line comes with \n30 hp and 30 Nm more than before\n, now producing \n220 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to power the front wheels. Unlike the 7-speed unit in the older model, the new Passat R-Line now uses a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission: 6-speed dual clutch\nMax Power: 220 hp @ 4,500 to 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,500 to 4,400 rpm\nLike before, the 2022 Passat R-Line continues to offer Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) feature with adaptive suspension and a drive mode selector. Unlike the Passat Elegance, the R-Line also gets the Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) for better handling.\nEXTERIOR\nThe R-Line package comes with sportier front bumpers with black accents and rear bumpers with chrome, R-Line logo on the side and front grille and extensions for the door sill. The 2022 Passat R-Line also comes with a new colour called Scale Gray, offered alongside four different colours.\nDynamic cornering lights\nLED daytime running lights\nLED head and taillights\n19-inch Verona wheels\nThere are no changes to the exterior including the wheel design compared to the \n2020 model\n however the Passat is only the second Volkswagen model in Malaysia to wear the \nnew logo\n, after the all-new Mk8 Golf which was \npreviewed in Malaysia recently\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe Passat R-Line package consists of a black headliner, front and rear aluminium scuff plates and sports pedals, leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel. Boot space is rated at 596-litres.\n12-speaker 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer\n3-zone air conditioning\nNappa leather seats\n14-way electric memory seats with lumbar support for driver\n3x USB-C ports\n9.2-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nSAFETY\nSafety features and driver aids include cruise control, six airbags (two front, two side and two curtain airbags), along with a blindspot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert feature."
"The large grille has and still is the talk of the town since BMW officially launched the all-new M3 and M4 models.\nIf you think the large grille is merely for cosmetic and design aspects, you are proven wrong in this video by BMW M.\nThe \nS58 3.0-litre \ntwin-turbocharged inline-six engine in the \nlatest \nBMW M3\n and \nM4 Coupe\n now develop as much as \n510 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque. With that, a lot of heat is generated too.\nPart of being an \u2018M car\u2019 is the \nincrease in cooling performance\n for engine coolant, lubrication, brake discs as well as the \ntwo turbochargers\n. Every component for the cooling or heat removal is enlarged, and some are even dedicated.\n \nOnce the front bumper has been removed, the overall shape of the large grille and nostrils of the BMW M3 and M4 are still very visible. And of course, full view of the multiple layers of aluminium radiators.\nThe shape of the large grille is maintained, focusing lots of air to the centre\nUpfront are the two large radiators, cooled by a 1,000 W electric fan. The engineer mentioned high and low-temperature radiators and this relates to the cooling of the turbocharged air. The separate low-temperature cooling route is a \ndedicated system to cool the hot turbocharged air\n (intercooler), instead of the air-cooled method.\nWhile not mentioned in the video, BMW said that an additional \nelectric water pump\n allows cooling of the \nturbochargers to continue\n even after the engine has been switched off.\nA \nstone guard\n is also placed to protect the radiator from being damaged by gravel while being driven on circuits. A relatively large automatic transmission fluid \n(ATF) cooler\n is found lower down, with the oil cooler directly below it.\nPlacement of the automatic transmission fluid cooler\nInteresting to note that BMW has also placed a \nflap to create negative air pressure\n for better airflow through the \nhorizontally-mounted oil cooler\n.\nImmediately to the left and right of the central intake are enlarged openings for guiding air to cool the large 380\u2013400-millimetre brake discs. The corner openings meanwhile direct air to the auxiliary radiators.\nThere you have it, the huge grille on the new BMW M3 and M4 is indeed fully functional and even concentrates more ambient air to the multiple layers of cooling devices. All these ensure the car can reliably and safely do continuous hard driving on the circuit.\nIn case you wonder how the cooling system is arranged. Image: \nBimmerpost\nBMW Malaysia began taking orders \nfor the all-new BMW M3 and M4 Coupe recently, both available only solely in the \nCompetition\n (Automatic) variant. Prices for them start at \nRM664,800\n and \nRM684,800\n respectively."
"Once spearheading the electrification of \nAudi\n, the \nAudi e-tron\n is now known as the \nAudi Q8 e-tron\n. The brand\u2019s updated flagship electric vehicle (EV) SUV is now offered in three trims, with the range-topping one powered by a triple-motor setup making close to 1,000 Nm of torque.\nThe three trims of the Audi Q8 e-tron are the Q8 50 e-tron, the Q8 55 e-tron, and the SQ8 e-tron. All trims are offered in both SUV and Sportback body styles, so there are a total of 6 versions of the all-electric Audi Q8 e-tron.\nAudi SQ8 e-tron SUV\nOn the outside, the Q8 e-tron\u2019s new look consists of a new front and rear design whilst maintaining the same headlight shape. The front end gets the Singleframe mask and inverted grille while the rear gets a \u201cblade\u201d above the rear diffuser. It is the first model to feature the new model badge with Audi lettering on the B-pillar.\nPowering the Q8 e-tron are three different electric all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. The base Audi Q8 50 e-tron gets a dual-motor setup that makes 250 kW (\n340 hp\n metric) and \n664 Nm\n. Storing power is an \n89-kWh\n (net) battery pack that provides \n491 km\n of range (WLTP) for the SUV version and \n505 km\n of range (WLTP) for the Sportback version.\nA step above is the Q8 55 e-tron which gets a dual-motor setup that makes 300 kW (\n408 hp\n metric) and \n664 Nm\n. The Q8 55 gets a larger \n106-kWh\n (nett) battery pack that gives the SUV version \n582 km\n of range (WLTP) and the Sportback version \n600 km\n of range (WLTP). Its top speed is limited to 200 km/h.\nRELATED: \nAudi RS Q8 launched in Malaysia from RM 1.7m \u2013 in case the Urus is too flashy for you\nAudi SQ8 e-tron SUV\nThe hottest version of the Q8 e-tron would be the Audi SQ8 e-tron which gets a triple-motor setup that makes 370 kW (\n503 hp \nmetric) and \n973 Nm\n. It is the first mass-produced EV by the brand to have a triple-motor configuration. Two of the three motors are mounted in the rear, making 98 kW (\n133 hp\n metric) each. As for the battery, the SQ8 gets the same \n106-kWh\n (net) battery as the Q8 55, providing \n494 km\n of range (WLTP) in the SUV version and \n513 km\n of range (WLTP) in the Sportback version.\nFor the new Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi says it has increased the number of coils in the rear-mounted asynchronous motors from 12 to 14. This generates a stronger magnetic field, allowing more torque to be generated with the same amount of electric input. Besides increasing torque, the motor is also more efficient, meaning it uses less energy overall when the high torque is not needed.\nIn the handling department, the Q8 e-tron gets air-spring suspension with controlled shock absorption as standard. This allows the car\u2019s height to be varied by 76 mm. It also gets a revised progressive steering system and more rigid suspension bearings on the front axle.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Audi A3 Sedan launched in Malaysia from RM332k, RS 3 now open for booking\nAs for charging, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron can handle \n150-kW \nDC fast charging while the Q8 55 and SQ8 can handle 170-kW DC fast charging (DCFC). With \n170-kW\n DCFC, the 106-kWh battery pack charges from 10% to 80% in \n31 minutes\n.\nAC charging is rated at \n11 kW\n as standard for the Audi Q8 e-tron, but customers do have the option to upgrade to \n22 kW\n AC charging. With 11-kW AC charging, the smaller 89-kWh battery fully charges in \n9 hours and 15 minutes\n while the bigger 106-kWh battery fully charges in \n11 hours and 30 minutes\n. With the optional 22-kW AC charging upgrade, the 89-kWh battery charges from 0 to 100% in \n5 hours and 45 minutes\n while the 106-kWh battery does it in \n6 hours\n.\nRELATED: \nAudi Centre Setia Alam reopens, now under Goh Brothers Motor\nInside, the Audi Q8 e-tron gets a glass panoramic roof, standard dual-zone climate control (with optional 4-zone automatic climate control), perforated leather upholstery, and optional porous wood veneers. There is also a 10.1-inch head unit and a bottom 8..6-inch digital control unit. A head-up display is optional for the Q8 e-tron.\nThere are around 40 driver assistance systems available in the Audi Q8 e-tron*. Up to five radar sensors, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide environmental information that\u2019s then analyzed by the central driver assistance control unit. Something new is remote park assist plus, which will be available to order in Europe starting in 2023.\nRELATED: \nAudi Q2, A1 to be axed after current generation as brand moves upmarket\nGALLERY"
"TGT superstar, James May can now add \u201cHero\u201d to his resume as he saves a gorgeous Estoril Blue \nBMW 420i\n from the pimps. In a mere 2 minutes, James has restored glory to the sexy two-door coupe.\n \nOkay let\u2019s be real,\nhow many of you have seen an \u201cM3\u201d with single exhaust outlet and 17-inch wheels\nor an \u201cE 63\u201d with \u201cBlueEfficiency\u201d badge on the front fenders and tiny brake\ncalipers? We understand that no one else but the owner has a say on what they want\nto do with their prized ride, but it boggles the mind why would anyone take\nfakery to this extend.\nIf you ever plan on \nupbadging\n your car, consider sticking just the \u201cM\u201d logo or \u201cAMG\u201d emblem, much more acceptable\nand convincing than a pretending you have a V8 under the hood."
"After unveiling the \nfacelifted C200 Avantgarde, C300 AMG Line\n and \nC43 AMG 4MATIC\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia took to Cameron Highlands, and appropriately so, to introduce the C-Class Coupe in the form of two models \u2013 C200 and C300 AMG Line.\nPrices start from \nRM 346,888\n for the C200 Coupe, while the C300 Coupe wears a\u00a0\nRM 416,888\n price tag.\nBoth models wear the AMG Line bodykit with similar front and rear bumpers but sport different wheel designs and sizes \u2013 the C200 with 18-inch wheels and the C300 with 19-inch wheels.\nThe C200 Coupe makes do with LED headlamps but a pair Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist is fitted onto the C300. Like the exterior, both are almost identical on the inside.\nBoth come with a Nappa leather-wrapped steering, open-pore oak wood trims but the C300 stands out with an automatic panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, surround view camera, an automatic boot, a Lane Tracking Package and the exquisite Burmester Sound System.\nIn terms of driver assistance systems, both come with\u00a0Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist,\u00a0Active Parking Assist, Active Brake Assist and cruise control as standard.\nThe C200 Coupe now comes with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with an EQ Boost system like the one found in the C200 Avantgarde launched yesterday. Like the C200, output is rated at \n184 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n with the EQ Boost adding 13 hp and 160 Nm of extra push.\nLike the C300 sedan, the Coupe is also fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that pushes out \n258 hp\n with \n370 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired to a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission and while the C200 sits on the Agility Control suspension, the C300 gets a set of sports suspension.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nC300 Coupe AMG Line   C200 Coupe AMG Line"
"BRABUS, the German performance tuning house has just unleashed their latest beast, the BRABUS 600 SUV. Based on the already performance-oriented \nMercedes-AMG GLC 63 S\n, the BRABUS 600 kit dials performance to 11.\nStarting with the oily bits, the M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 of Mercedes-AMG is boosted to \n600 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n, \n90 hp\n and \n100 Nm\n more when the car first rolled out of the factory floors. This is courtesy of a software calibration that introduces new mapping for the injection and ignition as well as moderately increased boost pressure.   The result is a century sprint time of \n3.6 seconds\n (0.2 seconds quicker than standard) with an electronically governed top speed of 300 km/h. These blistering numbers are coupled with the BRABUS stainless-steel Sport Exhaust that reduces exhaust backpressure and features electronically controlled flaps to control the exhaust note.\nThere is also a \u201cComing Home\u201d mode that keeps the decibel at minimal when you need to be discreet. But leaving a car meet, you would want the exhaust in its loudest setting that unleashes all the acoustic potential from the twin-turbo V8.\nThe BRABUS 600 kit is available for both the SUV and Coupe body styles, both getting the same visual enhancement such as carbon fibre front bumpers, front splitters, carbon side intakes and dual naked-carbon rear diffusers. Wheel options for the BRABUS 600 range from 19 to 22-inches, all wrapped in Ultra-High-Performance Tyres from BRABUS technology partners: Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.\nBRABUS has also introduced a special control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension that lowers the cars overall ride height by 30 mm to give the all-wheel-drive SUV a lower stance and improved driving dynamics thanks to lower centre of gravity.\nThe cabin you see here is a box standard interior from Mercedes-AMG but BRABUS offers a wide range of customisation options ranging from wrapping the upholstery with fine Mastik leather to custom accessories like aluminium door-lock pins.\nCustomers can opt to purchase a complete car (SUV or Coupe) outright from BRABUS or have their Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S transformed all at once or in stages.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes has just pulled the wrapper off their most feral\u00a0W205 C-Class yet, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) Vice President of Sales and Marketing Malaysia, Mark Raine, was joined by legendary Ferrari \u00a0Formula One driver, Jean Alesi who is currently AMG DTM\u2019s first driver.\nThe C63 AMG represents the company\u2019s most successful class in this respect \u2013 over \n40,000\n units of the \nW204\n\u00a0was sold, making it one of the most successful cars to carry the AMG badge. Merc enjoyed a good sales run with the said model and believes that the W205 will follow its footsteps rather closely. They have also had a great run in Malaysia, with over \n8000\n units flying off the shelves in this year\u00a0alone.\nName\nMercedes-AMG C63 S\nEngine\n4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\nTransmission\n7-speed MCT (dual clutch)\nMax Power\n510 hp @ 5,500-6,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n700 Nm @ 1,750 -4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n4.0 seconds\nTop Speed\n250 km/h (290Km/h optional)\nPrice\nRM698,888\nEXTERIOR\nThis hot Merc really does live up to the Mercede\u2019s\u00a0current design language. It\u2019s sporty without being brash, yet composed without being benign. It\u2019s almost spot on, especially when finished in the matte metallic silver you see here (a cost option, mind you). The front fascia sports all the trappings of an AMG-derived Merc.\nStarting with the front end, which premiers the AMG-badged \ntwin-blade grille\n on the W205. Interestingly, Merc didn\u2019t bother with putting the 3D mesh grille \u2013 as seen on the A45 \u2013 on the C63 S. Bless them for that. Right above the three-pointed badge sits a tiny camera that guides the driver thru tough and sticky spots when parking. Upon closer inspection, all four sides of the car have been fitted with a camera, which will form the \n360 surround view\u00a0\nfor easy manoeuvrability. The carbon composite bumper also \nchannels\n cooling \nair\n into the ducts when things heat up.   One thing for sure, C63 is covered in \nmuscular lines and angles\n. It really does embody the racing spirit of the car and the brand that built it. The wheels are a set of lightweight alloys wrapped with\n Dunlop Sport Maxx RT\n rubbers measuring\n 245/35 R19\n\u00a0at the front and\n 265/35 R19\n at the rear. Did we also mention the \ncarbon-ceramic brakes\n with red brake calipers? More on that later.\nFollow the lines and you\u2019ll inevitably find yourself staring down the barrel of a pair of\n chrome-tipped\n\u00a0tail pipes on each side. You\u2019ll soon cross paths with the \ncarbon-moulded rear diffuser\n that\u2019s also helped out with the tiny but not insignificant boot lid.\nINTERIOR\nElegance\n comes screaming straight to mind, but comes as no surprise because after all, it\u2019s a Mercedes-Benz. But mind you, the chaps from \nAffalterbach\n do have an interesting sense of style. The interior is \nluxurious yet sporty\n but without being\n gourdy\n. One thing is though, the driver\u2019s seat is absolutely rock solid and may prove to be too firm for everyday driving \u2013 as is the case for the A45 and CLA45. A chiropractor does not come included in the listed price, however.\nHaving said that, let that not deter you from letting the luxuries envelop you. The seats are wrapped in\u00a0an\n artificially-made leather\u00a0\ncalled\u00a0\nArtico\n\u00a0which is also generously smothered across the \ndashboard\n and \ntrim pieces\n. The AMG badge is \nsewn\n onto the \nbackrests\n to finish off the look. Extensive use of b\nrushed aluminium\n trimmings add a brilliant \ncontrast\n to the upholstery, which we like. The air vents really give off a \nretro\n vibe to it. That said, the tech and toys that come with it are anything but retro.   Merc has thrown in the \nCOMMAND system\n that pretty much runs the infotainment system in the car. The system handles all of the driver\u2019s needs, from \nGPS navigation\n\u00a0to picking the \nright tune\n. Rear leg room isn\u2019t brilliant but considering the calibre of this machines, it\u2019s rather impressive. The rear seats are a rather \ncosseting\n pair that hugs you in all the right places. The same notion goes towards the front pair as well. As you prepare an exit from this track muncher, you\u2019ll notice the\n back-lit AMG door sills\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs with any AMG, the party piece can always be found under the hood. But the difference here is that, for the first time ever in a C-Class AMG, a \nturbo-charged mill\n\u00a0is at play. The previous one lived up to its legendary ear-bleeding reputation of \nnoise\n and \nbrute power\n, courtesy of a free-breathing\u00a06.2-litre big block V8. But with changing times, even dinosaurs like AMG are powerless but to bow to rulings and regulations.\nAs a result of turbocharging, the W205 C63 S is greener than its predecessor, thus yielding\n 8.4 litres per 100km\n. Certainly impressive efficiency for an AMG-Merc. But not all is lost with\u00a0\nturbocharging\n, in fact it might even give drivers a better edge around the track. Torque figures are now accessible from a mere \n1,750\n rpm making it perfect for flailing aroung Sepang.\nDown to the numbers; it\u2019s a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 block that\u2019s obscenely close to the unit powering the \nAMG GT S\n. In S tune, the engine churns out an impressive \n510 hp\n at\n\u00a05,500 rpm\n with a tsunami twist \u2013 all\u00a0\n700 Nm\n of torque crashing in from as early as \n1,750 rpm\n. Stopping this\n 1,730 kg\n Merc is up to the job of \ncarbon ceramic composite brakes\n\u00a0which, for the first time on a C-Class, is offered as an optional extra, but only for the front axles.\nIt will decimate most sports cars with\n 0 to 100 km/h\n\u00a0time of just \n4.0 seconds\n and will hit an eventual limited top speed of \n250km/h\n. But for a healthy sum of \nmoolah\n, the limiter can be moved up to \n290km/h\n. AMG has yet another interesting fact about the engines that power the C63 S, and it has plenty to do with a four-letter phrase called \u2018one man one engine\u2019. This means that each engine is hand-built by just \none\n technician and will have his name etched onto a tiny steel plaque on the engine cover\u00a0at the end of the process.\nAs usual, power is shot out to\u00a0the rear wheels. But handling all that power is a job tasked to the new \nAMG RIDE CONTROL\n sports suspension with a \nthree-stage adjustable damper\n that offers a agility and high-speed stability. A quick word with \nJean Alesi\n reveals that the man has yet to take this behemoth onto the track, but reports that the C63 behaves well on the roads. And with the car in\n Comfort mode\n, he gives it the thumbs up. Praise doesn\u2019t get much higher than that if we\u2019re honest.\nBut most of us aren\u2019t legendary\n Ferrari F1\n drivers and \u2018\ncomfor\nt\u2019 seems like a good place as any to leave it on. Should you be feeling adventurous, the C63 S\u2019 gearbox comes with four other settings, namely \u2018\nSport\n\u2019, \u2018\nSport +\n\u2019, \u2018\nRACE\n\u2019 and \u2018\nindividual\n\u2019 driving modes that will alter the set up according to your driving needs.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe C63 S comes with all the bells and whistles when it comes to safety and luxury. The C63 S comes with \nADAPTIVE BRAKE\n, \nATTENTION ASSIST\n, \nCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS\n,\n cruise control\n with \nSPEEDTRONIC\n, \nISOFIX\n child mounting points and a\n tyre pressure\n monitoring system.\nThat pretty much wraps up the C63 S but here\u2019s an interesting \u2018\nwhat else\n\u2019 for you. In typical MBM fashion, there will be a limited number of C63 S Edition 1 for sale, costing just RM25,000 more.\u00a0What does this buy you? The Edition 1 comes with all off the above, save for some trim differences. In short, you get a lot of trim pieces finished in \nred carbon-fibre\n\u00a0with the words AMG and Edition 1 splattered everywhere. Since it\u2019s a limited edition variant, if it does tickle your fancy, then we suggest that you waste no more time. The standard C63 S retails for \nRM698,888\n whilst the Edition 1 goes for\u00a0\nRM723,888\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We had the opportunity to sample the MINI Cooper S facelift in Mallorca, Spain before the car is officially launched in Malaysia. The biggest change to the MINI Cooper range is the introduction of a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission and here is what we think of MINI\u2019s first ever DCT:\nThe Cooper S still packs the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine pushing out \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels. Century sprint remains identical to the pre-facelift model, but fuel economy has improved thanks to the new DCT with seven forward ratios.\nMINI Malaysia has \nofficially teased the imminent launch\n of the MINI Cooper facelift range. We can expect the facelift model to replace the current line up, meaning two powertrain options the Cooper and Cooper S in two body styles 3 Door and 5 Door hatchbacks."
"Croatia isn\u2019t a country that comes to mind when the topic is about hypercars, but EV manufacturer Rimac is pushing ahead with its plan to ship up to 150 units of its \nC-Two all-electric hypercar\n around the world, and the Croatian outfit has kicked off real-world testing with a total of 17 prototypes.\nIt\u2019s worth repeating how ambitious the C_Two hypercar is \u2013 it has \nfour electric motors\n (one at each wheel) powered by a \n120 kWh lithium manganese nickel battery pack\n, the total output is a \nstaggering 1,914 hp\n and \n2,300 Nm\n. The C_Two will despatch \n0-100 km/h in 1.9 seconds\n and reach a top speed of \n412 km/h\n. And it\u2019s supposed to offer a cruising range (NEDC cycle) of over \n640 km per full charge\n!\nOf course, the structure of the vehicle is made of \ncarbon fibre\n, but the C_Two, with its dramatic \nbutterfly doors\n, will still tip the scales at around \n1.9-tonne\n, given that it has to meet the latest crash standards and be homologated for global sales by the end of 2020.\n \nRimac is expected to show off the final production version of the C_Two \u2013 which would undoubtedly be one of the fastest cars in the world \u2013 at the \n2020 Geneva motor show\n in a few months\u2019 time."
"Just like the F90 BMW M5, the current \nG80 BMW M3\n and \nG82 BMW M4\n Competition variants will now come with M xDrive all-wheel drive systems. This is the first time all-wheel drive is offered to the two models.\nUnder the hood is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine with \n510 hp\n and\n 650 Nm\n. The all-wheel drive models will only come with 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmissions.\nAs for the 0 to 100 km/h times, the M3 and M4 Competition models with are quicker off the line with the extra traction. It takes them just \n3.5 seconds to complete the run, 0.4 seconds quicker \nthan the rear-wheel drive models.\nIn the default all-wheel drive setting, the cars are primarily rear-biased, with more power sent to the rear wheels and in 4WD Sport, the cars get even more power to the rear wheels without losing its all-wheel drive capabilities.\nOnce the vehicle\u2019s Dynamic Stability Control is switched off, both will be purely rear-wheel driven.\nLike the F90 M5, both models will come with M1 and M2 switches on the steering for two different drive configurations \u2013 allowing the driver to customise engine, damper and transmission settings etc.\nLocally, BMW Malaysia has begun \nto take orders for the M3 and M4 Competition\n with prices starting from \nRM664,800\n, while the M4 Competition starts from \nRM684,800\n. Although these should still be rear-wheel driven models.\nGALLERY\nBMW M3 Competition M xDrive\nBMW\n \nM4 Competition M xDrive"
"Surely most of you have been keeping up with the developments surrounding the \u2018dieselgate\u2019 scandal and the abdication of VW Group\u2019s top man Martin Winterkorn from the top spot on the corporate ladder. Major reshuffling has been going on from within VAG, starting with \nPorsche\u2019s ex-boss helming the company\u2019s operations\n and\u00a0Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing of Audi AG,\u00a0\nLuca de Meo taking the top post at SEAT\n.\nThat\u2019s just scratching the surface, but we\u2019ll leave that for another time. Rewind the clock a \ncouple\n of weeks and the headlines would\u2019ve read \u201c\nVW to buy stake in Red Bull Racing F1\n\u201c. Mixed emotions filled the air as Europe\u2019s biggest automobile conglomerate announced their interests to make an entrance into the pinnacle of motorsport that is\u00a0\nFormula One\n.\nDuring\u00a0that juncture, BBC F1 Chief Analyst and ex-driver \nEddie Jordan\n indicated that VW would \nnot\n be using its own powertrains till the \n2018\n season but interestingly will be using \nFerrari\u00a0\nderived engines. VW is also poised to severe its relationship with powertrain partner, Renault, a whole year before the contracts are up.\nHere\u2019s something else to ponder on. As we all are aware, the VW Group owns many other car manufacturers such as \nAudi\n, \nPorsche\n, \nLamborghini\n, \nBentley\n and \nBugatti\n;\u00a0just to name a few. But that being said, it was \nunclear\n which brand will be promoted as the team\u2019s official make. VW would have\u00a0become the \nfourth\n major manufacturer to partake in the upcoming season.\nSadly, Volkswagen\u2019s dream of making an entrance to F1 is as the headline reads \u2013 \nup in smoke\n. VW is facing probable fines in excess of \nRM78 billion\n \u2013 enough to \nbuy\n some of the \npoorest\n \ncountries\n in the world. However, not everyone\u2019s F1 dreams are down the flusher as \nRenault\n\u00a0just announced that a \nLetter of Intent\n was recently signed, sealed and delivered to the\n Lotus F1\n teams\u2019 front door.\nThe team announced that Renault and\u00a0\nGravity Motorsports S.a.r.l.\n (an affiliate of \nGenii\n Capital SA) may potentially acquire a \ncontrolling stake\n in Lotus F1 Team Ltd in the upcoming 2016 season. Both parties are reportedly working tirelessly to eventually turn this initial undertaking into a definitive transaction, provided all terms and conditions are met between them and other interested parties."
"The New South Wales (NSW) police force has been sponsored the \nfastest FWD vehicle around the Nurburging\n as part of a 12-month partnership with Honda Australia.\nThe \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R, which GC Mah reviewed recently\n, will used as part of the local \nEyewatch social media initiative\n to better connect the public with the local police force.\nThe local Eyewatch programme was initiated back in 2012 to connect local communities with the police via social media for crime prevention measures, to help locate missing or wanted individuals and sharing of local crimes and incidences.\nThe local NSW police chief also believes that the catchy design of the car will serve as a good conversation starter and encourage the public, especially younger people, to be more comfortable in approaching the police.\nLocally, the \nPDRM was also seen testing the Civic Type R\n as it underwent technical evaluations on its suitability for the police force.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLocal PDRM officers inspecting the Civic Type R"
"Besides witnessing an astonishing \n40 percent growth for the Volkswagen Tiguan\n in 2017, Wolfsburg also delivered close to one million of the Volkswagen Golf over the past 12 months. The Golf, now in its \nseventh-generation\n continues to be brand\u2019s most successful model.\nAvailable in three body styles \u2013 hatchback, estate and Sportsvan with a variety of powertrain options from the efficient \nGTE\n to the\u00a0\nfire-breathing R\n, the Golf appealed to a wide range of audience. The Golf hatchback proved to be the most popular and is once again the best-selling model in its class in Germany and Europe.\nThe Golf estate also proved to be increasingly popular among buyers, recording an 11 percent growth compared to the previous year \u2013 the strongest growth in the Golf family. To date, Volkswagen has produced over 34 million units of the Golf across seven generations, including one million this year."
"There\u2019s a Volkswagen Golf for everyone, be it the normal Golf, the Golf GTI, \nGolf R\n for the performance freaks or \nGolf GTE\n for eager adopters of hybrid cars. There\u2019s also the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion 1.5, which the company claims to sip just 4.6 litres of fuel per 100 km!\nAs the name suggests, the Golf is powered by a\u00a0\n1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine\n, although slightly detuned to produce \n129 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via the\u00a0\nseven-speed DSG dual clutch\n automatic that\u2019s offered as standard.\u00a0\nOther tech include \nengine coasting\n\u00a0to reduce fuel consumption, and it works by shutting of the engine when cruising at speeds of up to\u00a0\n130 km/h\n. Also added to the package is a\n\u00a0compact\u00a0lithium-ion battery\n but it\u2019s not used for propulsion, but rather to supply electrical power to the car\u2019s systems when the engine coasts. A \u201c\nQ-diode\n\u201d is tasked to manage the flow between the lithium-ion cell and the Golf\u2019s standard lead-acid batteries.\u00a0\nThe 2017 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion will be on sale in Europe this summer. This Golf BlueMotion model marks yet another solid entry from the recently refreshed seventh-generation \nGolf hatchback\n. Surely, if we are to be given the pass on the\u00a0\nGolf GTE\n, perhaps this BlueMotion could be an interesting alternative."
"It wasn\u2019t too long ago that DS \nlaunched the DS4 and what a looker that was\n. DS, as you may recall, is the \u2018\nhipster\n\u2019 division of French automaker Citroen. The marque has just brought out a facelifted version of their DS3 and DS3 Cabriolet. First launched in 2010, the DS3 has been a hit with customers placing over 390,000 orders for this Parisian supermini.\nThe new DS3 duo comes kitted with a few new features and can be specified with a variety of powerplants such as the new \nPureTech 130 three-cylinder\n turbo petrol engine that\u2019s paired up with the latest-generation \nEAT6\n automatic gearbox. New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio will also be available in a hot Performance spec model that boasts an impressive \n208 hp\n.\n \n \nStarting with the exterior styling, words such a avant-garde and Parisian come screaming immediately to mind but that being said, are we really that surprised? The front headlights are LED as you would expect, DS calls them the \u201c\nDS LED Vision\n\u201d light signature. The DS does utilise a fair bit of \nbling \nif you look at the sheer amount of \nchrome\n on the front end of these superminis, especially the grille. Visually speaking, only the headlights and front bumper seem to be the biggest changes to this new model.\nOn the inside, not much is different from the last apart from the addition of new toys such as the updated \ninfotainment\n system that comes packed with Mirror Screen, courtesy of Apple\u2019s \nCarPlay\n for iOS users and \nMirrorLink\n for Android users. These new toys allow drivers a smarter, safer and more enjoyable way of enjoying the apps on their \nsmartphones.\n \n \nAs we mentioned earlier, DS is bringing out a few engine options for this refreshed supermini. The PureTech110 engine is the company\u2019s latest three-pot mill that\u2019s strapped to a \nturbocharger\n and as the name suggests, chucks out \n110\n \nhorses\n and interestingly, \n205 Nm\n of torque. Figures like that make for fairly enjoyable driving. But that engine option is just scratching the surface.\nIf 110 ponies just isn\u2019t enough for you, worry not because the next engine option is just 20 hp away and better still, the \nPureTech130\n mill can be had with a\n six-speed stick shifter\n. Additionally, this mill is up by 30 Nm. But what if none of these tickle your fancy? Fret not for there is a DS Performance version that cranks out \n208 hp\n and an astonishing \n300 Nm\n of twist. All of that on a supermini? You better believe it. The engineers over at DS mated this package with a \nshort shift six-speed manual\n and Torsen-sourced \nlimited slip differential\n for sake of traction, road-holding and handling.\nFor even more agility, the suspension has been lowered by 15mm and the front and rear tracks have been widened by \n26mm\n and \n14mm\n respectively. The New DS 3 Performance models are also fitted with larger \n323mm\n brake rotors at the front (with \nBrembo\n callipers), and \n249mm\n discs at the rear. This \nPeugeot 208 GTi\n and \nFord Fiesta ST\n rival really has the workings to take on its competition head on.\nBut if whizzing about town in a ball of fury isn\u2019t really your cup of motor-oil then you\u2019ll be pleasantly surpised to know that the DS3 duo is a customisable as an iPhone\u2019s back-cover. With \n78\n various body/roof colour combinations and over \nthree million\n personalisation options, the new DS 3 has plenty of personality to go around. Personalisation is now greater than ever, with ten roof decals available for the hatchback and four fabric roofs on the Cabrio, the DS is at the cutting-edge of \nParisian avant-garde\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"TC Subaru\n has launched a \nPeace of Mind campaign\n where where customers can now \ntest drive a Subaru vehicle without leaving their homes\n.\nUpon deciding to purchase the vehicle, customers will need to fill out an Online Booking form and proceed with a booking fee of RM188. A Subaru sales consultant will then finalise the booking and registration within five working days.\nWhat do Subaru and Porsche vehicles have in common? \nFind out here\n!\nAll Subaru test drive vehicles are thoroughly sanitised before and after, including all touch points, including centre armrests, door handles and gear knob. All sales consultants are equipped with face masks and sanitisers, and have had their temperatures checked upon coming to work and two more times during the day.\nDuring the campaign period, those who purchase the Forester or XV will receive services and rebates worth up to RM20,000, in addition to the sales tax exemption of up to RM5,000 till 31st of December 2020.\nThe Subaru XV is available in three variants \u2013 XV 2.0i, XV 2.0i-P and \nXV 2.0i-P GT Edition\n \u2013 and is priced from RM117,788 before sales tax exemptions. Those who purchase a new XV can opt for a 6-month zero installment plan as part of the Peace of Mind campaign.\nAs for the Subaru Forester, it\u2019s available in \nthree variants\n as well \u2013 Forester 2.0i-L, Forester 2.0i-S and \nForester 2.0i-S Eyesig\nht we reviewe\nd\n \u2013 with prices starting from RM149,788 before sales tax exemptions.\nWith every XV or Forester sold, owners will receive a complimentary Subaru Eco Sterilising In-Cabin 3D Spray Service worth RM1,500. The sterilising service removes up to 99% of harmful bacteria and viruses.\nAs part of the Subaru\u2019s commitment to safety, customers who visit any Subaru showroom in the country for a test drive will be given a complimentary bottle of Eco Sterilising Spray their hands or vehicles."
"Lotus Kars Sdn. Bhd., distributor of Lotus sports cars in Malaysia recently previewed the \nnew Lotus Emira\n locally and \nas we\u2019ve shared before\n, it\u2019ll be priced from \nRM1,131,800\n on-the-road, while prices in Langkawi start from \nRM456,900\n.\nRELATED: \nLotus unleashes a new 400 hp Emira GT4 race car!\n \nSitting behind the occupants is a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre supercharged V6 paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Output is rated at \n405 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. A 6-speed automatic gearbox is available as an option; increasing torque figures by 10 Nm to 430 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds with the automatic gearbox while rowing your own gears is only 0.1 seconds slower.\nThe Emira comes with full LED lighting and automatic headlamps, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, 4-pot brakes front and back, rear parking sensors, power-folding side mirrors, reverse parking sensors, and titanium exhaust tips. With the\n\u00a0Lower Black Pack\n, the front air blades, front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser are all finished in gloss black.\nThe Emira will also get the\u00a0\nDrivers Pack\n\u00a0for a choice of Sport or Touring suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.\nInside, it\u2019s more Evora than Elise or Exige. Unlike the Lotus sports cars we\u2019ve been so familiar with, it\u2019s a lot easier to get in and out of the Emira, with better rear visibility. It\u2019s full of creature comforts too, like electric seats for both driver and passenger, while soft-touch materials can be felt on the dashboard and on the doors!\nWhat\u2019s that saying again, about real men and three pedals?\nThat\u2019s not all, it also gets a fancy 10-speaker KEF sounds system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with cruise control, auto air-conditioning, and even keyless start! Nappa leather for the seats is offered as an option.\nOptions are aplenty for the Emira, including a\u00a0\nDesign Pack\u00a0\nthat adds privacy glass, sports pedals, Alcantara headlining and brake calipers either in black, red, yellow, or silver. The Design pack also comes with Lotus-branded footwell mats.\nOpt for the\u00a0\nConvenience Pack\n and the Emira will be fitted with front parking sensors, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and a net for rear luggage.\nThe new Emira offers up to 208-litre of storage behind the two seats and 151-litres in the boot; enough for one cabin-sized luggage or a set of golf clubs.\nWhat\u2019s even more unusual about the \n2nd model from a new generation of Lotus sports cars\n are its safety features. Not only does it come with curtain airbags, but also a host of driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane change assist, an anti-collision system, and rear cross-traffic alert.\nLater on, the Emira will also be introduced here with an AMG-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged engine \u2013 \nthe most powerful 4-cylinder in\n \nproduction\n \n\u2013 paired to a dual-clutch gearbox, just like the one from the\n \nAMG A 45\n!\nGALLERY"
"I don\u2019t expect the \u201cyoungins\u201d to look up on these cars from the comforts of a hipster cafe cause there are so few of them left around to even raise any queries but when I overheard someone asking my mechanic if the car he was driving, was a Myvi or a Jazz, I realised that the preservation of these cars may not last beyond our generation.\nYes, I\u2019m talking about you old farts curious enough to check out this post. By the way, the \u201cMyvi\u201d my mechanic was driving was in fact an EP82 Toyota Starlet with all its badges removed.\nThen it made me look up all the cars from the 1990s that left a mark on us, but not deep enough that they\u2019re almost forgotten by now, save for the occasional sightings on the road. So here it is, these are the five cars I think that even those born before the 90s may have forgotten.\nToyota Starlet\nThis pokey little hatchback may only have a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine but with the right modifications, could punch way above its weight as all the videos on YouTube can attest.\nThe secret behind its performance wasn\u2019t its 130-140 hp output, but like the Lotus Elise, the Starlet was light \u2013 weighing just under a tonne. Strap on a bigger turbo and even the mighty GTR would struggle to shake off this little giant-killer.\nMitsubishi GTO\nThey may be as uncommon as chivalry these days, but the Mitsubishi GTO was so technologically-advance, it was considered way ahead of its time.\nArmed with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, it made around 300 hp with later models surpassing the 400 hp mark but that wasn\u2019t all. It had an active front lip, an active rear spoiler and even adjustable exhaust valves!\nBMW Z3\nSporting a long hood, short arse and an open top, the BMW Z3 had all the attributes that would make you question your own sportscar decisions. It was based on the BMW E36 with some components taken from the older E30.\nUnder its nose were engine options ranging from 1.8-litre to 3.2-litre, where the latter found its way into the M Roadster or M Coupe models. Heck, it was so pretty it was even featured in Pierce Brosnan\u2019s Golden Eye.\nNissan 300ZX\nThe 300ZX was sold in the Japanese Domestic Market as the Fairlady Z where its potential 300 hp output was once capped at just 280 hp due to Japanese regulations that imposed a \u201cpower ceiling\u201d.\nLike the GTO, it was also way ahead of its time with the introduction of a four-wheel steering system and even a keyless entry! Despite weighing a hefty 1.5-tonnes, it could still do 0 to 100 km/h in around six seconds.\nFord Escort RS Cosworth\nMy favourite car of the lot, one that will be forever be remembered for its oversized \u201cwhale tail\u201d spoiler. Built as a homologation special for Ford to participate in the Group A rally, the RS Cosworth\u2019s production run lasted only four years.\nThis was Ford\u2019s Lancer Evolution and Impreza WRX of the time. It had a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine making over 220 hp and 300 Nm of torque where 0 to 100 km/h was done in under six seconds \u2013 rivaling the likes of Toyota\u2019s Supra and the then BMW M3. Even Jeremy Clarkson had one."
"British carmaker \nMcLaren\n has hinted at an electric vehicle (EV) sedan in the works, targeting the likes of the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Previously, McLaren\u2019s Chief Technical Officer, Michael Leiters has said that company is open to the idea of a \nMcLaren crossover\n (not a classic SUV), and now, the company hints at an EV sedan.\nSpeaking to \nAuto Express\n on the brand\u2019s electric future, Michael Leiters said, \u201cWords like \u2018utility\u2019 or \u2018lifestyle\u2019, you\u2019ll obviously leap to certain conclusions. I think the key measure for McLaren is potentially something with the ability to share with more occupants in the car. Not necessarily higher riding, but it could be.\u201d\nAccording to the publication, the EV plan of McLaren also includes a crossover. However, quoting Leiter saying \u201cnot necessarily higher-riding\u201d, \u201cmore occupants\u201d, and \u201cutility\u201d, an EV sedan makes perfect sense to increase awareness of the brand. The all-electric \nPorsche Taycan\n has enjoyed tremendous success with its \n100,000th unit recently rolling off the production line\n. It would be a shame for McLaren to ignore this new segment spearheaded by the Taycan.\nAs a high-performance car company, it would also make sense for McLaren to produce an EV hypercar to rival the Lotus Evija. However, Leiter believes the technology \u201cisn\u2019t yet advanced enough\u201d, so the McLaren team is focusing on more conventional EVs.\nRELATED: \nPorsche has just made its 100,000th Taycan, three years after start of production\nMcLaren has already begun its electrification with the introduction of the hybrid \nMcLaren Artura\n. The hybrid McLaren which fetches a price of RM 1.05 million (before taxes) in Malaysia makes 585 hp (metric) and 585 Nm from its hybrid powertrain. Making up the hybrid system is a 3.0-litre V6 engine and an electric motor on the rear axle.\nAn EV sedan or an EV SUV will be something entirely new from McLaren. Despite the new body styles, it is said that any electric McLaren will need to meet Leiter\u2019s \u201cstrict lightweight philosophy\u201d.\nRELATED: \nMcLaren\u2019s new boss is open to crossovers and other body styles, but won\u2019t make a \u201cclassic SUV\u201d"
"Proton has officially previewed the \nfacelifted Proton Iriz\n here at their Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam. The refreshed hatchback is the first Proton model in the current range to be updated since they formed their new collaboration with Geely.\nEfforts have been made to tie in the current model line up to the national carmaker\u2019s new flagship product, the \nProton X70\n. As such, design elements and features from the X70 have trickled down to the facelifted Iriz.\nUp front, the grille now\nfeatures the Ethereal Bow design in chrome with the Infinite Weave motive integrated\ninto the radiator grille. There is also a new front bumper with wider intakes\nand houses a pair of new LED daytime running lights (for executive variants and\nup). The chrome accent just above the front lip gives the refreshed Iriz a more\nexpensive look.\nOver to the rear,\nthere is now a black finish across the upper tailgate with the PROTON name spelled\nout just like the X70. Coupled with the new rear bumpers, the designers say it\ngives the little hatchback a wider stance on the road.\nThere are five variants\nof the facelifted Iriz available at launch \u2013 Standard 1.3L MT, Standard 1.3L CVT,\nExecutive 1.3L CVT, Executive 1.6L CVT and Premium 1.6L CVT. However, the\ncompany has not announced the asking price for the facelifted Iriz.\nThe \nStandard 1.3L MT\n is furnished with 14-inch alloy wheels, shark fin antenna, fabric upholstery, black headlining, two speakers and USB charging ports, new gear knob and new instrument cluster with LCD Multi-info display. Stepping up to the CVT variant and you\u2019ll get an additional rear spoiler.\nUp the \nExecutive 1.3L CVT\n variant and you get a tonne more goodies such as 15-inch 10-spoke fan blade alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, 4 speakers, automatic headlamps, TFT Multi-Info Display, rear-view camera with dynamic guide lines and a 7.0-inch GKUI-based touchscreen infotainment system. The latter does not come with an integrated e-SIM hence it does not have online connected services such as music streaming and maps. The Executive 1.6L CVT further adds auto fold side mirrors.\nLastly, the top of the range \nPremium 1.6L CVT\n is the only variant to feature a black painted roof, online connected services for the infotainment system with \u201cHi Proton\u201d Voice Command, frameless rear-view mirror, semi-leather seats with red stitching and a new gear lever taken from the X70.\nAll variants of the\nIriz comes with dual airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Assist as\nwell as front and rear parking sensors. The Premium variant ups the airbag\ncount to six.\nAs for performance, the 1.3L variants are powered by the same 1.3-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder VVT engine pushing out \n95 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n of torque. A 5-speed manual or CVT sends drive to the front wheels.\nOn the Executive and Premium variants, the 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder VVT engine and CVT combo command a higher output of \n109 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque.\nAll variants of the facelifted\nProton Iriz can be had in five exterior colours \u2013 Snow White, Jet Grey, Armour\nSilver and Ocean Blue are new colour palettes taken from the Geely Design library\nwhile Ruby Red is the only colour carried forward from before.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nProton\u00a0Iriz\u00a0Facelift\u00a0Preview"
"Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations recently revealed the Range Rover Sentinel and if you have murderous enemies out to get you, it\u2019s a fitting addition to the garage of your fortress.\nFirst of all, it\u2019s lined with armoured plates and glass and despite carrying more than \none tonne\n of that material, it can still sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.4 seconds\n with top speed reduced to just 193 km/h.\n \nThe Sentinel is also fortified with under-floor and roof blast-protection to even withstand unconventional attacks such as improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, which as a result, bumped up its total weight to \n4,400 kg\n.\nNo matter; as the Sentinel is fitted with upgraded suspension to sustain jumps, improved brake system and is \ncapable of submerging into 850 mm of water\n.\n \nIf you want to know what it\u2019s like to be Barack Obama, there are also siren and emergency lighting packs available.\nThe Sentinel is home to a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that has been given a power bump from 380 hp to \n420 hp.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Soon to join BMW\u2019s sole \n220i Coupe\n variant in the model\u2019s lineup is the\u00a0\nBMW F45 2-Series Active Tourer\n, which also happens to be the Munich carmaker\u2019s first ever \nfront-wheel drive\n \nvehicle\n.\u00a0These spy shots were\u00a0taken (courtesy of our friend and reader Fung) at West Port, Port Klang, and is a clear signal that the variant\u2019s local debut will take place sometime soon. Which will be\u00a0at the upcoming \nBMW World Malaysia\n event that\u2019s taking place next week (17 to 19 April) at Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort.   A closer look at the pictures shows us that we can expect at least \ntwo variants\n, but they both seem to bear the same \n218i badge\n, so the difference may just be in the kit list as opposed to mechanical. The new FWD layout is not the only new thing here, because powering the engine is also BMW\u2019s first\u00a0\n1.5L\u00a0three-cylinder turbo\u00a0\nengine \u2013 one that\u2019s shared with the \nMINI Cooper 1.5L\n. Not surprising because the 2-Series Active Tourer also sits on the same \nUKL1 platform\n underpinning the MINI.\nHere we have image gallery of the Thailand 2-Series Active Tourer, taken at\u00a0the recent \n2015 Bangkok International Motor Show\n.   The numbers the three potter makes \u2013 \n136 horsepower\n from 4,500 to 6,000 rpm and \n220 Nm\n (300 Nm with overboost) of torque from 1,250 to 4,000 rpm. It manages a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of \n9.2 seconds\n, onto a top speed of \n205 km/h\n. Transmission choice will largely be a \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n that\u2019s also shared with the MINI, driving the front wheels.   BMW expects \n75 percent\n of the F45 Active Tourer owners will be new to the brand, so it\u2019s a telltale sign that they are targeting a new pool of customers. It\u2019s unclear as yet whether the \n1-Series LCI\n will be introduced at the event next week, but it\u2019s about time the outgoing \n1-Series\n gets refreshed. Also in the grey is the seven-seater \n2-Series GT\n \u2013 BMW\u2019s answer to Mercedes\u2019 B-Class MPV. Only time will tell, so keep watching this space for the latest updates!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 BMW F45 2-Series Active Tourer Spyshots   2015 BMW F45 2-Series Active Tourer at 36th Bangkok International Motor Show"
"Sime Darby Motors (SDM)\n has partnered with the biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles under Sime Darby Motors for AstraZeneca employees. The collaboration between the two companies was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the corporate headquarters of AstraZeneca, and was witnessed by representatives from the British High Commission, InvestKL Malaysia, and The British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce.\nThis is SDM\u2019s first partnership formed with a biopharmaceutical company. The partnership would entail the provision of corporate rates to AstraZeneca\u2019s employees to own an EV vehicle, particularly \nBMW\n, \nBYD\n, and \nHyundai\n vehicles.\nSime Darby Motors Retail and Distribution for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau\u2019s Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan said, \u201cWe have very clear EV ambitions at Sime Darby Motors and partners such as AstraZeneca play important roles as enablers in helping us achieve our target of a more energy-efficient product portfolio by 2025 and becoming a leader for EV in Malaysia.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cWe are committed to supporting AstraZeneca in their transition to EV and this collaboration marks a crucial part of our efforts to achieve a wider EV adoption in Malaysia as well as to help achieve our mission to be future-ready in the automotive industry.\u201d\nAstraZeneca\u2019s partnership with Sime Darby Motors also marked its commitment to transition into EVs. This is also in line with AstraZeneca\u2019s decarbonisation strategy \u2013 the Ambition Zero Carbon sustainability programme, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.\nRELATED: \n2023 BYD Dolphin EV to launch in Malaysia on July 28, ROI now open"
"The Suzuki Swift Sport has always been one of the most affordable fun hatchbacks money could buy, \nbefore officially pulling out from the Malaysian market\n. Our friends in other markets however, can look forward to getting the third-generation Suzuki Swift Sport real soon.\nAccording to Suzuki, the all-new Swift Sport has been redesigned from the ground up and will deliver \u201c\nall-new levels of excitement for sport-minded drivers across the world\n\u201d. Its styling is arguably more aggressive than \nthe standard model\n, with diamond-cut alloys that mean business.\nJust like the regular Swift, the Sport will also be the first to embrace turbocharging technology. The \n1.4-litre\u00a0Boosterjet petrol engine\n, paired with a six-speed manual\n,\n will be utilised. The Swift Sport is not all about brute power, but that said, key performance figures are still unknown at press time.\nThe \n4.2-inch coloured LCD instrument screen \nand\n autonomous emergency braking\n\u00a0from the standard hatch will be carried over to this model. More information on the Suzuki Swift Sport will be revealed closer to its world debut later in September."
"At the Volkswagen Future Mobility Days event in Germany, a mysterious hatchback was spotted and it was indeed an all-electric car. The side profile is reminiscent that of the Golf, but apparently Volkswagen denies all possibilities of it being the actual successor.\nWhat\u2019s on display here is actually the\u00a0concept of car charging which are done by robots. Volkswagen calls this the \u201c\nMobile Charging Robots\n\u201c. However, there\u2019s no secret that the hatchback, known as the \nGen.E\n, could be of an indication of how the future Golf will be like.\nFor starters, the front sports a full-width grille and angular headlights. Also, the LED daytime running lights are new to the family, donning a design never before seen in their most recent models. The closest would be the facelifted \ne-Golf\n.\nThe Volkswagen Gen.E is rumoured to sit atop a \nnew lightweight platform\n structure optimised for maximum crash safety. The aerodynamically optimised body and employment of next-gen powertrain give it an overall range of \n398 km\u00a0\n\u2013\u00a0an increase of 101 km compared to the current e-Golf.\nLate last year, the seventh-generation \nGolf\n\u00a0received a mid-life update which should soldier on until 2018 or 2019. However, don\u2019t be surprised if the next Golf will be fully electric and come with autonomous driving techs. Perhaps by then, even charging up the car will be automated by robotic jigs."
"Nothing screams a cry for attention louder than driving a mirror around town, because that\u2019s essentially what this \nMINI with Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe\n is. In case you\u2019re wondering, the chrome body you see here isn\u2019t the result of a wrap. Instead, the entire car is \ncoated in chrome\n, and the processes involved in making this special MINI go way back into the production line in their Oxford plant in the UK.   The Munich-based carmaker held an exclusive preview of this \nchromed \nMINI 3 Door\n to a group of selected guests on April Fools\u2019 Day under a precautionary measure that all photojournalists who wish to attend the event \nmust wear sunglasses\n and \nnot use the flash\n on their cameras due to physically uncontrollable reflections. In other words, MINI probably doesn\u2019t want to risk their guests having seizures, hence the ruling.\nMINI added on by saying that the resultant sparkle directs attention to the premium small car\u2019s design features that have typified the MINI brand and its cars since 1959. So what\u2019s new in the production line, you ask? Well, the first obvious step is to \ndim the lights\n of the assembly hall, then comes the wackier part. The operating speed of the conveyor belt will be reduced to give employees the opportunity to \ncheck their clothing\n \nand hair\n in the reflection of the chromed MINI body.\nOn the bright side (quite literally), the chrome finish \nisn\u2019t legal\n in some countries \u2013 Malaysia included,\u00a0and it also happens to be one of the better \nApril Fools\u2019 prank\n MINI has pulled so far. Had us convinced there for a while. \nTouch\u00e9\n, MINI.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"ASEAN NCAP\n has just released the crash test results for the \nHyundai Creta\n and the Hyundai Stargazer. Both models are assembled in Indonesia for several countries in the region. The Creta is a small SUV while the Stargazer is a small MPV.\nWith a total score of 75.78, the Hyundai Creta managed a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. It scored 27.78/32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 39.67/51 in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 14.79/21 in Safety Assist, and 9.14/16 In Motorcycle Safety (MS).\nThe Hyundai Creta is sold in Indonesia and Thailand, and all versions of the car are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Smartstream MPI engine that makes \n115 hp\n (metric) and \n143.8 Nm\n.\nIn its range-topping form, the Creta is equipped with Hyundai Smart Sense which includes Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Driver Rear View Monitor (DRVM), Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA), and Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA).\nOther safety equipments that the range-topping Creta gets include 6 airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Brake Assistant System (BAS), and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). The Creta even has a Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) system.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Hyundai Kona unveiled with Robocop looks, 4 powertrains, LED light bars\nHyundai\u2019s small MPV, the Hyundai Stargazer only managed to score 4 stars in the ASEAN NCAP crash test with a total score of 66.48. It scored 24.97/32 in AOP, 36.92/51 in COP, 12.64/21 in Safety Assist, and 7/16 in Motorcycle Safety (MS).\nThe Stargazer is sold in Indonesia in four variants, namely \u2018Active\u2019, \u2018Trend\u2019, \u2018Style\u2019, and \u2018Prime\u2019. The Prime variant is equipped with 6 airbags while the other three variants only get two airbags. The range-topping Prime variant also gets the full suite of Hyundai Smartsense which includes FCA, LKA, LFA, DAW, BCA, and RCCA.\nThe Stargazer is a small MPV that is in the same league as the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n, \nToyota Veloz\n, and \nHonda BR-V\n. Both the Hyundai Stargazer and Creta performed well in the ASEAN NCAP crash test.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 safer than EV6, Ioniq 5"
"Over the last weekend, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia hosted a Hungry for Adventure Festival which saw Craig David take centre stage at the Sentul Depot in Sentul West.\nThe event also saw the launch of two new Mercedes-Benz vehicles \u2013 the\n GLE 450 AMG Line \nand the \nGLC 300 Coupe AMG Line\n\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia.\n \nPowering the GLE 450 AMG Line is a \n367 hp\n 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, like the one in the \nCLS 450\n with\n 500 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.7 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h at the top end of its 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you haven\u2019t heard of Arctic Trucks, you must\u2019ve seen their red Toyota Hilux pick-up driven by the hosts of Top Gear in the North Pole. Ring a bell?\nThey\u2019ve built yet another monster of a truck to conquer the ice, but this time it\u2019s based on the \nall-new D-Max \ncalled the \nD-Max Arctic AT35\n. It will go on sale in February next year.\nIsuzu D-Max launched in Malaysia \u2013 5 factors that make it more SUV than a pick-up.read about it here!\nAesthetically, the new D-Max looks largely the same except for the extended wheel arches and fat 35-inch wheels. Despite the Isuzu D-Max being 20-30% more rigid than before, its chassis has been strengthened further along with the addition of Bilstein performance suspension.\nOld vs New: Here are the differences between the all-new Isuzu D-Max against the previous model!\nIt may look mean on the outside but inside, it\u2019s a real softie. Step onboard with the Arctic side steps and you\u2019ll be greeted by custom Arctic-branded headlamps and floor mats in a completely revamped interior. With a 30 mm longer wheelbase, Isuzu has also managed to free up more legroom and an extra 20 mm of shoulder room.\nThat\u2019s before you indulge in the conveniences of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the 9-inch infotainment display paired with eight speakers.\nIn Malaysia, the D-Max is available with two engine options \u2013 a 1.9-litre turbo diesel 4-cylinder with\n 150 hp\n and \n350 Nm \nand a more powerful 3.0-litre turbo diesel 4-cylinder with \n190 hp \nand \n450 Nm\n.\nIts safety features include autonomous emergency braking, pedal misapplication mitigation, automatic high beam, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.\nPrices start from \nRM99,599.20\n\u00a0for the 1.9-litre standard double cab with manual transmission.\nClick here for more detailed info on the all-new Isuzu D-Max!"
"Tesla boss Elon Musk is an avid user of social media platform, Twitter and if you ask the right questions, he might even tweet back. Such is the case for Twitter user Vancouver Seed Bank (@VanSeedBank) who expressed that the world needs an electric pick-up truck to which the man himself replied, yes, Tesla will be building one after the Model Y Crossover.\nIn his Twitter exchange, Musk said that the \u201ccore design/engineering elements\u201d of an electric pick-up truck have been on his mind for almost five years. Tesla is looking to introduce the pick-up after the brand\u2019s fourth model, the Model Y Crossover which will be based on the \nModel 3\n.\nI promise that we will make a pickup truck right after Model Y. Have had the core design/engineering elements in my mind for almost 5 years. Am dying to build it.\n\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) \nDecember 26, 2017\n Another follower posed the question to Musk on the potential size of the Tesla pick-up, whether it will be a family-sized truck or a full-sized Ford F150. Musk responded that the pick-up will spot a similar size as the class-leading F150 to accommodate \u201ca really game-changing feature\u201d.\nRecently, Tesla unveiled its \nsecond-generation Roadster\n and \nSemi truck\n with the former expecting to hit the roads by 2020."
"Honda Malaysia announced that the recently launched \n5\nth\n generation Honda City\n has close to 9,000 bookings to date. Amongst the three variants available, the V variant has been the most popular \u2013 making up 54% of the total bookings.\nSince its launch, the all-new Honda City has been well received by customers in the Central region, which contributed the highest number of bookings at 44% of the total bookings, followed by the Northern region at 22% and the Southern region at 19% respectively.\nThe City pictured below in Platinum White Pearl has been the go-to colour among customers. The colour option has taken up 28% of the overall sales. To date, more than 2,400 units of the all-new City have been delivered to customers nationwide.\n\u201cThe 5\nth\n generation, all-new Honda City has been very well received in the market and bookings have increased by an additional 80% within a month of its official launch. This outstanding Honda model continues to capture the hearts of Malaysians be it working adults, young executives or young families,\u201d said Honda Malaysia, CEO and Managing Director, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama.\nThe all-new Honda City is priced from RM73,851 for the S variant, RM81,664 for the E variant, and RM86,561 for the V variant. This includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, as well as five times free labour service, within 100,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first. Pricing for the RS variant has yet to be announced."
"With the lockdown still somewhat in effect, it\u2019s coming to nearly three months since any of us from the industry received a test unit from any car maker. Instead of leaving them to collect dust, Nissan has been putting them to good use.\nAside from giving out donations, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)\u2019s employees have also been distributing food and other necessities as part of the company\u2019s corporate social responsibility (CSR). Their efforts were supported by a few Nissan Navara pick-ups including a single cab unit and the more decorated \nNavara Pro-4X \nwe borrowed before the lockdown.\nVideo: Living the pick-up life with the new Nissan Navara PRO-4X! Watch our 1-day \u2018urban adventure\u2019 here!\nThe trucks were used to transport and distribute daily necessities and supplies such as rice, sugar, eggs, and more.\nSales and Marketing Director, Mr Christopher Tan added, \u201cIt is very heartwarming to see colleagues coming together to support the community in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to thank everyone for their effort, and the Company is committed to support future initiatives of such\u201d.\nEmployees of ETCM were equally as enthusiastic to the aid and grateful for the opportunity to help those who\u2019ve been less fortunate.\nFind out more about the different variants of the new Nissan Navara here!\n\u201cI\u2019m glad that the company has a platform for us to do something meaningful for those in need. We believe that every bit counts and we hope that this contribution can help make a difference to them. The initiative will not stop here as we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of more people in other areas,\u201d said ETCM employee, Mr. Ridwan Hanif bin Zainal.\nIn other Nissan-related news, Edaran Tan Chong is currently offering Malaysia Day promotions where the highest-spec Nissan Almera 1.0 VLT can be yours for just \nRM680 a month\n and the facelift Nissan Navara 2.5V at \nRM1,040 a month\n through the Flexi Financing plan.\nRecently, Nissan also announced a competition to challenge owners of the all-new Almera to get the most mileage out of their cars. The Almera\u2019s fuel economy will be measured in \u201cKM/L\u201d, converted from L/100km as display in the car. Nissan will be donating RM1 per kilometre to charity.\nThe Top 20 entries with the best average fuel economy will receive a Nissan GT-R by lego. The promo ends on the 31st of September 2021.\nMore info on the campaigns here!"
"The Hyundai i10 you see here is the facelifted version of the second-generation i10. In case you\u2019re wondering, for reasons unknown, the first generation i10 is still on sale in Malaysia. Which is a pity, if you ask us, because the car will appeal to a number of Malaysians.\nSo what\u2019s new in this i10? To begin, this A-segment city car looks a lot sharper and better than the model it replaces. In this facelift, it gets a revised front grille and bumper designs, together with a new headlights with LED daytime running lights. There\u2019s an updated shape on the side mouldings together with a new 14-inch rim design.   Inside, the i10\u2019s drab interior has been boosted with the inclusion of a\u00a0\n7-inch touchscreen\n infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen also supports satellite navigational system that includes\u00a0real-time traffic conditions and local weather updates.\nCity cars like the i10 not only rely on its bargain asking price but also must be decently equipped to meet the increasingly demanding market. Thus, Hyundai adds\u00a0\nfront collision warning\n and\u00a0\nlane departure warning systems\n, alerting drivers when\u00a0the\u00a0new front-mounted camera detects approaching danger.\nIts powertrain remains unchanged, but in case you\u2019re wondering what powers this second-generation i10, the\n\u00a065 hp 1.0-litre\n and \n86 hp 1.25-litre\n petrol engines are the only two options. A choice of a standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic torque converter can be had.\nThere\u2019s no word on its pricing as yet, but the facelifted i10 will make its worldwide debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. For now, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors are still offering the preceding model\u00a0at\u00a0RM51,234.07 for the 1.1 and RM55,223.83 for the 1.25, both sold as\u00a0Colourz Edition. We do think this new i10 could give the\u00a0A-segment a little spice with its looks, but is it a little too late for that? Well, better late than never.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jingle bells, jingle bells! Christmas season is officially here, and Mini UK has paired up with content creator Nicholas \u2018Nico\u2019 Martin to introduce a special \u2018Festive Mini\u2019, which Nico will be driving around as many streets as possible in his hometown to spread joy to the public, while also raising money for charity.\nThis is actually the fifth year that Nico has created the Festive Mini, and the second year with Mini UK\u2019s support, but it\u2019s coming back brighter than ever before, with 3,000 smart LED lightbulbs surrounding almost virtually the\n Mini Electric\n\u2018s entire exterior bodywork.\nThe lights can be wirelessly controlled via an app on Nico\u2019s iPad, which can then be customised with custom animations, light patterns, messages, or even synchronised to music. And just like Christmas lights, the Festive Mini will also have an official \u2018switch on\u2019 ceremony, taking place tonight.\nEach of these lights will be available to sponsor for GBP2 (approx. RM11), with funds raised to support two charities that are especially important to Nico \u2013 \nMS Trust\n and \nDuchenne UK\n.\nALSO READ: \nNew Mini Electric facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM217k\nWhat started off as just \u201ca bit of fun\u201d became a real force of joy in 2019 when a kind hearted resident around the neighbourhood asked if Nico could take the Festive MINI to surprise an 11-year-old boy called Marcus, who had been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was just seven.\nDue to his limited mobility and now relying heavily on a wheelchair, it became difficult for Marcus to witness the Christmas displays around Berkshire. When Marcus first saw the lights on the Festive Mini, his face lit up with so much joy and excitement, and it was at that moment that Nico realised the true magical purpose of his project.\nIn December 2020, the illuminating car came to the rescue once again during the Covid lockdowns. What was already a difficult time for most people, was even harder for clinically vulnerable people with life-threatening conditions, like Marcus, but also Nico\u2019s mother, who had been diagnosed with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) seven years ago.\nWith the usual Christmas displays and switch-ons cancelled, Nico sprung into action once again with his Festive Mini, bringing much-needed joy to the residents of Bracknell. It was also 2020 when the Festive Mini became a fundraising effort for the first time, raising over GBP5,000 for the MS Trust and Duchenne UK.\nRELATED: \nMini celebrates International Women\u2019s Day with new Cooper Pat Moss Edition\nAhead of this year\u2019s fundraising period, Nico said, \u201cI\u2019m delighted to be bringing the Festive MINI back for 2022 to raise more money for charities that are really close to my heart. I love having the opportunity to cheer people up whilst raising funds for the MS Trust and Duchenne UK.\u201d\n\u201cThe continued support from MINI is amazing, and it\u2019s brilliant to have the team involved again this year \u2013 while driving a Mini Electric helps to reduce my emissions whilst driving,\u201d he added."
"Genesis (no longer Hyundai Genesis), the luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Group, has just unveiled its all-new Genesis G70 sedan \u2013 a premium compact sedan from the Korean carmaker that squares off against the likes of \nBMW 3 Series\n, \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n and \nAudi A4\n.\nPositioned as an athletic premium sedan, the G70 boasts razor sharp design, dynamic performance, elegant interior and best-in-class safety. The G70 completes the Genesis brand\u2019s sedan line up with the \nG90 flagship sedan\n and G80 premium executive sedan. Is the G70 enough to take on the mighty German-trio? Let\u2019s find out.\nVisually, the G70 gets a prominent \u201ccrest-type\u201d front grille flanked with sleek headlamps with LED daytime running lights. Strong bold lines across the hood and side profile gives the G70 more muscular proportions especially with those multi-spoke alloy wheel. Around the back, the \nraised trunk lid\n and intricate bumper design gives the G70 a wider and muscular stance. The LED combination tail lamps were inspired from the G80 but have been stretched to highlight its planted stance.   Inside, the designers have prioritised on the overall user experience as well as fit and finish. The interior architecture is a driver-focused one with a secluded driving position and intuitively laid out buttons across the centre console. The cabin is available in five colour themes \u2013 Obsidian Black, Sandstorm Gray, Velvet Burgundy, Tobacco Brown and Vanilla Beige. Higher grades of the G70 has the option for Sports Grey and Sports Red.\nInterior features are abundance as expected of a premium sedan such as powered front seats, heads up display, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Kakao voice recognition, 15-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system and many more.   At launch, the G70 sedan will be powered by three powertrains \u2013 two turbo petrol and one turbo diesel. The most potent mill comes in the package of a 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 GDI that produces \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of torque. From standstill, the V6 mill will sprint to 100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n with a limited top speed of \n270 km/h\n.\nFor the less casual driver, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder GDI with \n248 hp\n (\n252 hp\n with Sports Package) and \n353 Nm\n of torque and a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with \n199 hp\n and \n441 Nm\n of torque are available as alternatives.\nRegardless of engine choice, the G70 can be had with a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive layout. Other performance enhancing technologies include \nLaunch Control\n, Motor-Driven Power Steering,\n multi-link rear suspension\n, Dynamic Torque Vectoring System and a \nMechanical Limited Slip Differential\n.\nEquipped with advanced driver assist systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Driver Awareness Warning (DAW) on top of \nnine standard airbags\n and active hood function, the G70 boasts to have the best in class safety features.\nThe Genesis G70 will go on sale in Korea from 20 September 2017 onwards while North America, Russia and the Middle East are scheduled to receive the G70 in 2018. So, what do you think dear readers? Does the design, performance and safety features enough to sway you away from your usual choice of premium compact sedan?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"2018 was an action-packed year for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) most notably the launch of locally assembled AMG products, opening of standalone Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centres, new Dream Cars launches amongst others.\nIn the span of 12 months, MBM has introduced 20 new products to their portfolio compromising of new models like the \nW177 A-Class\n, facelifts like the \nupdated C-Class range\n as well as new variant replacements like the \nE 300 AMG Line\n to replace the \nE 350 e Plug-in Hybrid\n. With the aggressive product offensive and customer-centric activities, MBM recorded their most successful year yet in 2018.\n \n \nIn 2018, MBM delivered a total of 13,079 cars to new owners, 9 per cent more than the previous year. This places Mercedes-Benz again as the number 1 premium brand in Malaysia with 2.4 per cent market share. The company also recorded their \nbest ever Q1\n results with 3,335 cars delivered and June 2018 was their best month in history with 1,750 cars sold which was largely attributed to the tax-free holiday.\nThe breakdown of models sold are as below:\nModel\nUnits Sold\nChange compared to 2017\nCompact Cars (A-Class, CLA, GLA)\n1,875\n-7.7%\nLocally Assembled Limousines (C-, E-, S-Class)\n7,910\n+12%\nSUVs (GLC, GLE)\n2,613\n+0.5%\nDream Cars (AMGs, Coupes, Cabriolets)\n662\n+77%\nEvery product range except the Compact Cars registered growth compared to the previous year and this is largely due to the transition period for new model change of the Compact Cars. MBM Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine believes that the newly launched A-Class and Compact Cars will improve the numbers in 2019.\nNotably, of the 662 units Dream Cars sold, 550 of them were AMG models. No wonder MBM introduced the \nofficial AMG Owners Club Malaysia (AOCM)\n to elevate the AMG experience for owners.\nFrom Left: VP of Sales & Marking, Mark Raine & President & CEO, Dr Claus Weidner\n2018 was also a stellar year for Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) with a servicing portfolio of RM2.7 billion, up 23 per cent compared to the previous year. To date, four out of 10 cars are financed by MBSM while five out of 10 cars are insured by MBSM.\nOn after sales, the brand serviced 148,800 cars throughout 2018 \u2013 unmatched in the premium car segment. To date, 35 dedicated dealerships make up the backbone for the brand\u2019s sales and aftersales touch points, marking the three-pointed star as the largest premium dealer network in the country.\nOn its outlook for the year ahead, MBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said: \u201c2019 will be another exciting year for Mercedes-Benz with refreshing innovations and new benchmarks to elevate the customer experience. We are excited to share these updates in due time.\u201d"
"At long last, the Lamborghini Urus has finally been revealed \u2013 with the name derived from the world of bulls. The Urus, also known as Aurochs, is one of the large, wild ancestors of domestic cattle.\nThe Urus features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering \n650 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n where 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.6 seconds\n, 0 to 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds with a top speed of \n305 km/h\n \u2013 the highest top speed for an SUV. Reduced turbo lag and maximum torque is guaranteed by twin-scroll turbochargers while cylinder deactivation reduces fuel consumption.\nPower is delivered through an 8-speed gearbox to all four wheels, supplemented by active torque vectoring that distributes power to each individual wheel for enhanced traction and increased steering control. Torque is split 40/60 between the front and rear axles \u2013 with \nrear wheel steering\n. There are 6 driving modes available through the \n\u201cTamburo\u201d drive mode selector\n \u2013 Strada (Street), Sport, Corsa (Race), Neve (Snow), Terra (off-road) and Sabbia (Sand).\nIn Strada, the ride height changes according to speed while in Sport, the Urus lowers itself to ensure stability. In Corsa, the Urus becomes more precise with minimal body roll. In three of the off-road modes, ground clearance is raised with electromechanical active roll stabilisation providing independent asymmetric movement for optimal traction \u2013 the system is \nused for the first time in a Lamborghini\n.   The front splitter and large air intakes ensures optimal air flow, hand in hand with the extensively covered undercarriage. Aerodynamic blades on the outer edges of the rear window, together with the floating rear wing, integrated rear spoiler and spoiler lip helps reduce wind resistance.\nThe Urus weighs a staggering \n2,200 kg\n \u2013 even with an intelligent mix of aluminium, steel and forged aluminium. All that sits on an \nadaptive air suspension system\n where ride height is customisable through the Tamburo drive mode selector.   Carbon Ceramic Brakes are standard \u2013 the largest and most powerful available \u2013 with virtually no brake fade. The large brakes are tucked beneath a range of 21 to 23 inch wheels, wrapped in tyres specifically made for the Urus by Pirelli.\nInside, the 5-seater interior can be made up of leather, alcantara, aluminium, carbon fiber and wood trims \u2013 Piano Black and Brushed Aluminium finishes are standard. It features a multifunction, three-spoke steering wheel with vibration dampers, a Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS) and a fully-digital TFT display to project information in 3D form.\nFront seats are fully-electric, heated and 12-way adjustable while rear seats are movable and foldable with ISOFIX mounting points. Boot space is rated at\n 616-litres\n, 1,596-litres with the second row folded. A two-seat second row can be had as an option. Voice command, heads up display and a touchpad are all standard while the Lamborghini Smartphone Interface (LSI) allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.\nSound is projected through 8 speakers \u2013 powered by a \nBang & Olufsen\n sound system with immersive, natural 3D sound throughout the cabin. Safety wise, the Urus comes with High Beam Assistant, parking sensors and a collision mitigation system. The Urus\u2019 retail price starts from \nRM 718k\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just months after \nrevealing the facelifted and turbocharged 911 Carrera\n, Porsche took the wraps off what they claim to be the fastest accelerating 911 to date \u2013 the 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S.\nUnveiled ahead of their world debut at the upcoming 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January, the Turbo and Turbo S variants now boast having more power and \u2018even broader everyday usability\u2019. They still use the same \ntwin-turbocharged 3.8-litre\n\u00a0six-cylinder \u2018Boxer\u2019 engine, but it now makes \n20 hp more\n than before, thanks to modified inlet ports in the cylinder head, new injection nozzles and higher fuel pressure.\n \n \nThe uprated engine produces\u00a0\n540 hp\n and \n580 hp\n for the Turbo and Turbo S respectively. Both engines also feature a new turbocharger with larger compressor, and is still the only manufacturer to produce turbochargers with variable turbine geometry in petrol engines. For comparison\u2019s sake, the base 911 Carrera and Carrera S variants (also turbocharged) make \n370 hp\n and \n420 hp\n respectively.\nBesides that, the engine now comes with \u2018dynamic boost function\u2019 \u2013 a new feature that increases engine responsiveness by reducing input-to-reaction delay. This feature, Porsche claims, is even more pronounced in Sport and Sport Plus modes. As a result, the 911 Turbo is able to sprint from nought to 100km/h in\n 3.0 seconds flat\n, whereas the Turbo S is one-tenth of a second quicker at \n2.9 seconds\n. Fuel consumption is also said to be better, consuming \n9.1 litres per 100km\n.\nStandard on both variants is the Sport Chrono Package with Mode Switch and Sports Response button, both of which are optional to the Carrera and Carrera S. They\u2019re also equipped with PSM Sport Mode (Porsche Stability Management) which heightens sporty driving threshold. In other words, there\u2019s more tail-slipping freedom for that extra kick to tickle your fancy. If, like in Malaysia, you live in an area where there\u2019s plenty of \nunusually high road humps\n, Porsche is offering (as a cost option) what they call a \u2018Lift System\u2019 to increase ground clearance by 40mm.\u00a0\nLike the facelifted Carrera, both the 911 Turbo and Turbo S variants sport the same new look, save for some go-faster exterior and interior trims such as the LED headlights and a new front bumper which includes an additional fin in the central air intake. Both variants sit on 20-inch wheels, with the rear axles benefiting from fatter tyres.\nInside, they share the same new features as introduced with the facelifted range which includes the new touchscreen head unit or Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This supports mobile phone pairing and the myriad of connective support a 2015 car is expected to have. Deliveries of the new 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S will commence in January. Expect Sime Darby Auto Performance to introduce the facelift 911 range next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after its \nglobal debut\n late last year, Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur, the official distributor of Lamborghini vehicles in Malaysia has introduced the new Aventador S right here on our shores.\nThe Aventador S sits between the base Aventador and the hot\u00a0\nAventador SV\n, and not an all-new model per se. This S variant gets revised styling and improved performance over the base model.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLamborghini Aventador S\nEngine\n6,498cc; Naturally aspirated V12\nTransmission\n7-speed single-clutch ISR\nMax Power\n740 hp @\nMax Torque\n690 Nm @\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n2.9 seconds; 350 km/h\nPrice\nTBA\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nTo one-up the already aggressive \nAventador\n, Lamborghini has turned to mother nature for inspiration, specifically predators when designing the S variant. The Aventador S gets a new front bumper and rear diffuser, both functional in style to reduce drag and generate more downforce to maximise aerodynamic efficiency.   As a result, the new Aventador S boasts \n130 percent\n \nimproved front downforce\n, over \n50 percent\n \nimproved overall efficiency\n at high downforce and over \n400 percent\n in low drag situations. As standard, this Italian supercar will come with specially designed Pirelli P Zero tyres.\nPERFORMANCE\nBehind the cabin is a massive \n6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12\n that has been further optimised to push out \n740 hp\n and\n 690 Nm\n of torque. Mind you, that is \nonly\n \n10 horses shy\n of the hard core \nLP-750 Aventador SV\n by the way. The revised engine now revs all the way up to \n8,500 rpm\n thanks to optimised tuning, up from the 8,350 rpm ceiling before.\nPower is channelled to all-four corners via a revised \nsingle-clutch seven-speed ISR gearbox\n. The gearbox now provides faster and more accurate shifts in Sport and Corsa modes, but can also be less aggressive and more comfortable in Strada mode. Century sprint is clocked in\n 2.9 seconds\n while the\u00a0\n0 to 200 km/h\n is clocked at an astonishing \n8.8 seconds\n. Flat out, it will get to\u00a0\n350 km/h\n.\nA newly developed exhaust system is fitted onto the Aventador S which is not only \n20 percent lighter\n than the standard model but also provides a more exciting soundtrack when climbing through the revs. This model is also Lamborghini\u2019s first ever model to be fitted with \nfour-wheel steering\n. The rear wheels turns in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds for sharper turn in. At high speeds, all wheels turn in the same direction (albeit just slightly for the rear) to provide maximum stability.   Speaking of stability, it also gets updated pushrods and Lamborghini Magneto-rheological Suspension (LMS) for better handling and comfort as well as improved Electronic Stability Control programming. Another exciting addition to the car is a new customisable\n EGO driving mode\n on top of the usual three (Strada, Sport and Corsa). It works just like any other \u201cIndividual\u2019 settings, where drivers can select \nup to\n \n24 unique driving settings\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nNotice why there are no mentions of the interior? That\u2019s because customisation to the interior is virtually limitless through Lamborghini\u2019s Ad Personam customisation programme. According to Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur, the Aventador S is estimated to be priced at RM1.8 million before taxes and options, but final pricing will be announced in due course.\nVIDEO GALLERY\n \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after the unveiling of the \nGolf facelift\n, Volkswagen went on to premiere the facelift for the full electric e-Golf. It now comes with more power, extended driving range and several first-in-class technologies.\nThe e-Golf is essentially a Volkswagen Golf MK7 without a combustion engine. Instead, it packs new 35.8 kWh lithium-ion battery powering the electric motor to produce \n100 kW\n (134 hp) and \n290 Nm\n of torque. These figures are good for a \n9.4 seconds\n century sprint and a top speed of 150km/h.\nHowever, don\u2019t get discouraged by the 150km/h top speed because the e-Golf emits zero emissions. On a full\u00a0charge, the e-Golf boasts a total driving range of 300km, based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), while authorities in the US estimates a 200km \u201creal-world driving range\u201d. When plugged into a 7.2 kW wallbox, the battery gets fully charged in under six hours while a 40 kW CCS charging station can charge the e-Golf to 80 percent capacity in one hour.\nInside, the e-Golf is as high tech as its powertrain. As standard, the e-Golf comes with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster or Active Info Display (\nsimilar to the Passat B8\n)and a 9.2-inch \u201cDiscover Pro\u201d touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control and MirrorLink (AndroidAuto/Appple CarPlay) function. With the \u201cDiscover Pro\u201d system, all e-Golfs come with \u201ce-Remote\u201d that enables drivers to remotely start/stop battery charging and activate or set air conditioning.\nAlso included in the mix are new active safety features, such as Traffic Jam Assist (semi-autonomous driving up to 60 km/h), pedestrian monitoring for Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Emergency Assist (automatically stops the car if the driver is unable to control the vehicle).\nThe e-Golf is undoubtedly the most advanced vehicle in the full-electric compact vehicle segment. While the e-Golf is being assembled in Wolfsburg, we too have a \nlocally-assembled electric vehicle\n, but it\u2019s nowhere near as advanced.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Founded in 2016, Lynk & Co is a Chinese car manufacturer owned by Geely, who by the way also owns Swedish Marque, Volvo. It is positioned between the budget friendly Geely and the premium Volvo.\nNow, you\u2019ve seen the hip looking\u00a0\nLynk & Co 01\n,\u00a0and now they\u2019ve gone on to tease a concept sedan ahead of the Shanghai Motor Show.\u00a0Based on the teaser photo, the Lynk & Co\u00a0\n03 Concept\n\u00a0clearly shares the same flair as its SUV sibling.\nIt gets a full length front grille and strong shoulder lines running across the door handles. The rear is reminiscent of the \nAudi A3 sedan\n;\u00a0even the wheels look Audi-esque. However, it remains to be seen how much of this design will make it to the final production stage.\nThe cabin is admittedly familiar, albeit in a good way. The steering wheel looks largely the same as those found in recent Volvos, while the instrument cluster is fully LCD. The centre tunnel looks as though it was lifted off a Volvo, save for the crystal gear knob. Even the way the infotainment system is angled towards the driver is just like Volvo\u2019s doing. The cabin may look like a Volvo, feels like a Volvo but it\u2019s not a Volvo.\nBesides that, Lynk & Co is gearing to take the China market by storm with the promise of offering a car ownership experience like no other. The company is targeting a new generation of car buyers who grew up in the mobile app revolution. Besides the conventional methods of buying and leasing a car, Lynk & Co are looking to introduce \nborrowing\n and \nsharing\n scheme of their Lynk & Co vehicles.\nThe company has not revealed further details about their upcoming vehicles and their business strategy. More information about the newly founded automaker and its model range will be disclosed soon when the Shanghai Motor Show goes into full swing from 21 April to 28 April.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The debut of the LC Coupe a few years ago did not only put Lexus on the map with its new design language but also set a new benchmark for automotive design. It also exemplified the possibility where concept designs need not be diluted by production woes.\nLexus has now pushed the boundaries further and showcased briefly what\u2019s to come with the Lexus LC Convertible Concept, which will make its world premiere at the 2019 North American International Auto Show.\nCheck out the video above and you\u2019d know how far Lexus has pushed the envelope in terms of automotive design. The Convertible Concept, although stemmed from the athletic proportions of the LC Coupe, holds its own with a unique identity.\n\u201cThis concept takes the unmistakable design of the LC coupe and re-imagines it as a future convertible. It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible,\u201d said Chief Designer of the LC Convertible Concept, Tadao Mori.\nSacrificing the carbon fibre roof on the Coupe clearly has not ruined the lines of the car, something I\u2019d imagine was hard to achieve. Just take a look at the \nnew convertible 911\n and you\u2019ll understand what I\u2019m talking about.\nIt\u2019s also hard to imagine Lexus offering a different engine from the coupe. Blessed with a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 making close to \n500 hp\n and \nover 500 Nm\n of torque, it strikes a near perfect balance between refinement and muscle.\n\u201cIt would engage the senses in a way that is unique and exciting every time you get behind the wheel,\u201d said Mori-san. We can\u2019t wait to experience that Sir.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems like the netizens have gotten a hold of a leaked image of the much-awaited BMW M3 ahead of its launch.\u00a0\nCirculating on the \nBimmerpost forum\n, the single leaked image only shows the rear view of the unannounced BMW M3, developed under the codename G80, on what looks like a production line.\nHowever, even with just one image we can see the tell-tale signs of a BMW M car are present, including the gloss-black ducktail spoiler and flared wheel arches.\nThe purported BMW M3 also features quad exhaust tips, split into sets of two on both sides. The exhaust tips sit quite close to the centre of the rear facade, which reminds us of the E46 M3.\u00a0\n Centre quad exhaust pipes. Seems familiar?\nThe exhaust pipes are surrounded by a rear apron that features elaborate diffuser details. However, the black moulding surrounding the diffusers seems to be generating quite a bit of discussion among BMW enthusiasts.\nThe roof of the car in the leaked image is also painted in body colour \u2013 BMW fans online say it\u2019s called Toronto Red. From the image, we aren\u2019t sure if the G80 M3 will be featuring the carbon fibre roof as seen on other M cars, such as the \nM8 Gran Coupe\n and \nM5\n.\nWe expect the G80 M3 to utilise BMW\u2019s S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine \u2013 which was used in the BMW X3 M and X4 M \u2013 that\u2019s good for \n510 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n. There was also word that the new BMW M3 will be available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, in both automatic and manual transmissions.\nWith a few more months to go before the estimated launch date of the new G80 BMW M3, we expect to see a bit more information of the upcoming high-performance sedan in the coming months. What do you think about this, folks?"
"Honestly, this was completely unexpected. A sizeable portion of our viewers actually came out, guns blazing, against our comments on the oversized grille.\nSome even defended the BMW X3\u2019s subdued design but while I stand by my comments on it, I actually appreciated our viewers opinions as it was nice to see some hardcore BMW fans defending the approach of the Bavarian car maker.\n \nFor those of you who haven\u2019t watch it, what do you think? Does it bother you? Or would you guys see it as just another evolution in design?\nDo leave us a comment and let your thoughts be heard!"
"Finance Minister, Lim Guan Eng has just said in a statement that Malaysians will see a reduction in the price of petroleum products like RON95 starting 1 January 2019. This will reflect the decline in global crude oil prices and pass on the savings to the end users.\nOn that note, Lim also confirmed that RON95 will adopt a weekly floating pricing mechanism come 1 January 2019 to better reflect lower global crude oil prices and pass on the savings (if any) more quickly to consumers. However, the minister has also stressed that should there be an increase in global crude oil price, the Federal Government will subsidise and \ncap\n the pump prices of RON95 at RM2.20/litre and diesel Euro 2M at RM2.18/litre.\n\u00a0\nStarting 7 June 2018, the \nPakatan Harapan Government has subsidised and fixed the prices of RON 95 and diesel Euro 2M\n at RM2.20/litre and RM2.18/litre respectively. \u00a0From the month of May to November 2018, the Government has expensed RM5.82 billion on fuel subsidies.\nRON97 will also use a weekly floating mechanism starting next year and will also see a reduction in price at the turn of the new year."
"If the \nLotus Elise\n has always been on your wish list but need a reason to convince the sensible missus of a two-door stripped out sports car, \nAutoCar UK \nhas found that the Lotus Elise is UK\u2019s slowest depreciating high-performance car, besting even the highly sought after Ferrari 458 Italia!\nBased on their findings, the \nElise 1.8 220\n which costs \u00a337,150 (RM205,000) brand new is able to \nhold 54.71 percent of its value\n over a span of \nfour years\n. To put things in perspective, the \nFerrari\u00a0458 Italia\n retains 55.97 percent of its original \u00a3178,491 (RM986,000) list price while the \nAlfa Romeo 4C\n holds only 37.2 percent of its \u00a352,505 (RM290,000) original price over the same span of time and mileage.\nThe resale value of the Elise 1.8 220 Sport is remarkable considering that it\u2019s not a limited production-run car nor any historical significance like the 458\u2019s as Maranello\u2019s last naturally aspirated V8. It must be that Toyota engine that is helping it hold its value. Jokes aside, the Elise was our Editor\u2019s pick for \nthe best car driven in 2016\n and with these information at hand, perhaps it\u2019s time to consider an Elise?"
"Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has officially introduced its new flagship tyre in the Potenza performance tyre range- the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.\nThe new Ultra-High-Performance tyre that replaces the Bridgestone Potenza S007A inherits and enhances many key performance characteristics through new and innovative technologies in tread pattern design, compound and construction.\nThe new Bridgestone Potenza Sport, which is in the same segment as Michelin\u2019s Pilot Sport 4S, Goodyear\u2019s Eagle F1 Supersport and Continental\u2019s SportContact 6, now sets a new standard in premium and high-end sport performance with its exceptional cornering and straight-line stability.\nWholly designed and developed in Europe focusing on the European market, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport has its initial engineering evaluation done through the technical centre\u2019s Virtual Tyre Development Technology, accelerating the time-to-market by up to 50% as well as being more environmentally friendly by using fewer resources.\nThe new Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyre is factory fitted on some of the fastest Italian exotics, such as the \nLamborghini Huracan STO\n and the upcoming \nMaserati MC20\n supercar.\nThe new Bridgestone Potenza Sport features a new compound containing an optimised formula with innovative mixing technology to improve the tyre\u2019s wet and dry handling performance. A sporty carcass package with sidewall and bead fillers are paired with a new hybrid crown reinforcement maximises the tyre\u2019s high-speed stability and steering response.\nAs for the Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyre tread and pattern that we can see, 3D sipes are applied to increase shear stiffness with the benefits of improving braking and abrasion resistance. The sidewall features high-contrast labelling for an innovative and impactful look.\nAn asymmetric wall angle in the Potenza Sport tread also increases the lateral stiffness which reduces block deformation during hard cornering. The overall tread design is also widened to increase the contact area for maximum dry performance as well as steering feel.\nIn an instrumented test, the new Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyre managed to stop a Subaru WRX STI from the speed of 100 km/h at a distance of 37.76 m, 0.64 m shorter than its Potenza S007A predecessor.\nBraking distance under wet conditions is even more impressive, bringing the Subaru WRX STI test vehicle from 80 km/h to standstill in just 25.41 m, reducing the distance by 2.17m! \u00a0\n\u201cSucceeding Bridgestone\u2019s flagship Potenza S007A, the Potenza Sport is designed to meet the wide range of premium sports sedans and SUVs as well as high-performance sports cars\u2019 driver\u2019s needs and expectations by unlocking the performance of their vehicle while keeping them in control,\u201d commented Bridgestone Tyre Sales Malaysia, Managing Director, Michael Chung.\nFrom today\u2019s launch, the new European-made Bridgestone Potenza Sport will be available in \n16 sizes\n in 18- and 19-inch rim sizes, with prices ranging from \nRM959 to RM1,723\n. More sizes are planned to be made available at Bridgestone dealerships in the future, as the Potenza Sport comes in a total of 84 sizes!\nPopular sizes that are currently available from Bridgestone Malaysia include 225/40R18 fitted on vehicles such as the \nToyota GR Yaris\n, Audi A3 sedan and \nMk 7.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI\n.\nOwners of the facelifted Honda Civic 1.5 TC-P can also try out the new Bridgestone Potenza Sport as the 235/40R18 size is available in this new flagship performance tyre.\nMeanwhile, 10 sizes in 19-inch diameter cover the majority of the hot hatchbacks such as \nMk7.5 Volkswagen Golf R\n, Renault Megane R.S. 265 (235/35R19) and the \nMegane R.S. 280 Cup\n (245/35R19), which was factory-fitted with the Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres.\nUnfortunately, although Bridgestone Malaysia has the sizes of 245/40R19 and 275/35R19 pairing for the front and rear tyres of both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 and G30 BMW 530 range, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport are not made with run-flat tyre (RFT) construction. The company said run-flat tyre technology will still be in the Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFT pattern.\nThe Bridgestone Potenza Sport is also suited for a range of premium high-performance sedans, luxury cars and SUVs such as the Ferrari Portofino, Maserati Ghibli, Aston Martin DB11, BMW M5, Porsche Macan and Cayenne and the Jaguar F-Type.\nApart from the new Potenza Sport, the Potenza performance tyre series has had a long history and has been well received amongst consumers. The \nPotenza Adrenalin RE004\n is just another example of a performance tyre from the same series that provides excellent handling on dry and wet roads. This was launched in 2020 and is available from 15 to 18 inches."
"When the Lexus brand was launched 28 years ago, their first full-sized luxury sedan, the Lexus LS 400 took, the market by storm for its impeccable built quality, class leading features and outstanding customer service. After \nteasing\n\u00a0us with some pictures, the all-new, fifth-generation Lexus LS 500 has finally been unveiled to the world at the Detroit Motor Show.\nWith the tagline \u201cA Flagship Reborn\u201d, Lexus has completely reimagined the LS from the ground up. It now sits on the company\u2019s brand new \u201cGlobal Architecture \u2013 Luxury\u201d platform similar to the one on the \nLexus LC coupe\n, except here the wheelbase is stretched to 3,125 mm which is 33 mm longer than the previous generation LS long-wheelbase model. The dimensions of the LS measure at 5,235 mm in overall length, 1,450 mm in height and 1,900 mm in width.   At the heart of the LS is no longer a naturally aspirated V8. In its place is a \n3.5-litre twin turbo V6\u00a0\nwhich produces \n415 hp\n and \n599 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0Power is channelled to either the rear wheels or all-four corners via a first-in class \n10 speed automatic transmission\n\u00a0that\u2019s sourced from the\u00a0\nLC 500\n.\u00a0Three drive modes are available \u2013\u00a0Normal, Sport and Sport+.\nOne interesting styling element is the unique texture of the spindle grille that differs depending on lighting. It also features six side window design \u2013 a first for Lexus \u2013 as well as a flushed window surface to the side pillar. At launch, the LS comes with two 19-inch and three 20-inch alloy wheel designs. \nFour\n of the five designs available feature a hollow rim structure to reduce tyre noise. Talk about attention to detail, eh?\nInside, the LS embodies \nOmotenashi \nwhich means\u00a0the spirit of Japanese selfless hospitality. The seats and organic dashboard is meticulously designed to enable the driver to operate all the system functions without having to change seating posture. The cabin design is a reflection of the Japanese culture; ambient lighting is inspired by Japanese lantern and the wood grains are achieved by using Shimamoku wood.   Creature comfort is a never ending list, as expected from cars of this segment. Options that can be had with the LS include a reclining and Shiatsu massaging rear seats, air suspension,\n 24-inch colour heads up display\n\u00a0(the largest in the world) and 3D surround Mark Levinson audio package with ceiling mounted speakers.\nAs standard, all LS models come with Lexus Safety System+. However, the Advanced Safety Package featuring the world\u2019s first \nIntuitive Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering\n is an optional extra. This system automatically brakes and steers clear of the pedestrian when a potential collision is detected.\nIf you can\u2019t wait to get your hands on this gorgeous piece of machine, you may very well have to wait for at least another year as the LS only goes on sale in the U.S. at the end of this year. But you know what they say, good things are always worth the wait.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nHyundai Ioniq\n is arguably one of the best deals Malaysian consumers have come across in a long time. It\u2019s frugal, packed with features and decently priced thanks to local hybrid assembly incentives.\nIn Europe, the Ioniq is awarded \n5-Star crash safety rating in the Euro NCAP\n but recently, ASEAN NCAP subjected the hatchback through its tests and yielded the same results. Not only that, it is also the safest car ASEAN NCAP has ever tested with an overall score of 91.98 out of 100.\nThe model tested was the Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 HEV made for Singapore and Malaysia market which comes equipped with seven-airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, ISOFIX mounting points and a full suite of driver assist systems (available as option for MY market) \u2013 \nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control.\nFor \nAdult Occupant Protection\n, the Ioniq fared a total score of 33.36 (out of 36) and for \nChild Occupant Protection\n it scored 42.1 (out of 49). Thanks to its incredible suite of safety features, naturally the Ioniq scored a near perfect score for \nSafety Assist\n with 17.40 points out of the maximum 18 points. This gives the Ioniq an overall weighted score of 91.98 points.\nIn Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has two variants of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 on sale: HEV and HEV Plus, priced at RM103k and RM114k respectively. In the words of our former editor \n\u201cMany industry colleagues agreed with surety that the \nIoniq\n was \npossibly\n \u2013 and still is \u2013 the best deal ever to be presented in the Malaysian car-buying scene within the last decade. Perhaps, it may even be the closest thing to being the perfect, affordable city car.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Ioniq Hybrid HEV Plus"
"With the movement control order (MCO) and work-from-home directives, car owners everywhere recorded much lower usage in 2020. We all love driving and many of us took to the streets the moment the MCO and interstate travel restrictions were lifted.\nHowever, with the new norm of working from home, yours truly only recorded 6,000 kilometres of driving last year, a huge drop of 70% compared to the year before. With such low mileage, it is not even reaching the stipulated \u201cservice at every 10,000 kilometres\u201d in 12 months.\nAs such, should we still stick to the kilometre-reading or follow the other rule- every six months?\nWhat happens if you didn\u2019t follow the specified maintenance schedule?\nAll dealerships require the owners of new cars to return for maintenance activities at a stipulated schedule. The majority of mass-market vehicles have a schedule of every 10,000 km travelled or six calendar months from the last date of service, \nwhichever occurs first\n.\nVolkswagen\n in Malaysia meanwhile require customers to return \njust once a year, or every 15,000 km\n, applied to every car from the Polo 1.6 to the Golf R. Check your owner\u2019s and servicing manual for specifics.\nService interval of every 12 months or 15,000 km for \nVolkswagen cars\n in Malaysia\nServicing is important as the engine oil is changed, together with the oil filter and other inspection that ensures the vehicle performs at its best. At certain intervals, transmission fluid is replaced, air and fuel filters swapped to new units, as well as replenishing the brake fluid.\nWith such little driving done last year, owners of new vehicles \nmust\n still adhere to the time-based servicing \nschedule of every six months\n, or as stipulated in the individual manufacturer\u2019s requirement such as Volkswagen.\nIt sounds like wastage as your engine oil might have only done minimal work, but remember, adhering to the manufacturer prescribed service schedule is one of the key methods to \nkeep your warranty valid\n. Apart from wear during operation, oil in the engine also deteriorates with time.\nOxidation\n occurs when oxygen molecules interact with oil molecules which will lead to chemical breakdown, reducing the oil\u2019s protective capabilities plus an increase in viscosity.\nCarefully blended additives in the engine oil are also designed to deplete with time. \nAnti-wear additives\n are added to oils to form a sacrificial barrier and it is this sacrificial nature that makes engine oils lose their effectiveness and must be changed.\nToyota\u2019s policy\nPerodua\u2019s policy\nBy not adhering to the six-month schedule, the dealership has a strong \nreason to deny\n any replacement on parts that fall under the warranty coverage. New car owners should also return to only authorised dealerships for all scheduled preventive maintenance servicing. This is to ensure all fluids and replacement parts are genuine items.\nFilters might be clogged up if you overstretched your servicing schedule, making the vehicle consume more fuel and could even cause a breakdown while driving.\nThe brake system meanwhile might be less effective and suffer more fade, as the corrosion inhibitor additive in the brake fluid has worsened and overheats.\nSome new car owners mentioned earlier that they could not get a slot to service their vehicle within the six months interval (MCO, reduced staff, distancing etc). Under these circumstances, the agreement between the dealership and the owner must be \nclearly laid out\n. With computerised data logging, remarks can easily be tagged to specific vehicles.\nAlright, so you drive a car that is \nalready out of warranty\n coverage. Well then, it is best to \ncheck with your regular mechanic\n if you can stretch your servicing interval. You might have been using semi-synthetic engine oil and these do not hold their lubricating qualities as long as fully synthetic oils.\nFully synthetic oils are made with base oils that are \nmore resilient\n to oxidation and \nheat\n, while their additives also typically provide better performance.\n \nSo, in summary, can I stretch my service interval to follow the 10,000-kilometre distance? For owners of new cars, \nthe answer is no\n. It will \nvoid your warranty\n and complicate things further being a new car owner. Follow the prescribed month-based schedule even if you only have done 1,000 kilometres.\nFor owners with a car that is already out of warranty, it\u2019s best is to check with your mechanic. But on a personal recommendation, best to get the oil change by the\n \nninth month since the last change, as it is already a 50% stretch on the life of the engine oil.\nWe treasure our cars and definitely like to have the best for our passion and hobby. The engine oil is the lifeline of the car, and it is better to spend on servicing rather than deal with a breakdown later, keeping in mind \u2018penny wise, pound foolish\u2019."
"If the Audi\u00a0\nTT\n and \nTT S\n\u00a0aren\u2019t enough to fulfil your need for speed, then Ingolstadt has just the right TT for you. Enter the TT RS \u2013 a peppy two-door coupe that will leave the \nPorsche 718 Cayman S\n\u00a0in the dust!\nUnveiled simultaneously for the first time in Beijing and London, the TT RS is offered with both the coupe and roadster variants. Power comes from a\u00a0reworked \nturbocharged\u00a02.5-litre five-cylinder \nengine (now lighter too) putting out a monstrous\u00a0\n400 hp \nand\n 480 Nm \nof torque!\nOnly a\n\u00a0seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox\u00a0\nis available, though. It\u2019s quite an athletic breed as well, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds before maxing out at 278km/h. The roadster variant is 0.2 seconds slower at 3.9 seconds.\u00a0Just like the \nsecond-generation R8\n, the faster and more hardcore TT RS Plus should be introduced soon.\nExterior wise, the TT RS gets an meaner fascia with its aggressive bumpers, larger front grille, deeper air intakes at the front end, oval exhaust pipes and large rear spoiler. Inside, there\u2019s the same 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, red accents surrounding the air vents and new lightweight sports seats.\nThe TT RS offers good value as well, commanding a starting price of\u00a0\n\u00a350,000\n (approximately\u00a0\nRM283,000\n\u00a0based on today\u2019s conversion rates), which undercuts the R8 by more than half the price (in the UK, that is). In Malaysia, the standard TT can be had at\u00a0\nRM284,900\n while the TTS is an\n extra RM106,000\n more. At the rate we\u2019re going, expect the TT RS to make its Malaysian debut in the future.\nAlso, do check out our \nreview of the TT\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We are familiar with the electric vehicle that carries a large battery pack. These are called Battery Electric Vehicle or BEV in the industry. Another approach that many automakers are putting research and development funds into are the electric vehicles powered by fuel cell technology or FCEV.\nHyundai\n, \nToyota\n and \nHonda\n have models offering FCEV technology at a trial phase in their home countries as well as the US and western Europe. So far, the technology has not progressed as fast as expected due to the need to have a hydrogen refill station as well as the high cost of the technology.\nNonetheless, BMW believes that hydrogen and \nfuel cell technology can supplement BEV\n for sustainable private and local CO2-free mobility. Two years after unveiling the BMW i Hydrogen Next concept car, the company will present the BMW iX5 Hydrogen at the IAA Mobility Motorshow in Munich, Germany.\nDid you know, there is a little hydrogen car testing pilot programme in Kuching? Learn more about it here and the vehicle used!\nAccording to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrogen offers considerable potential as a future energy source in connection with global energy transition activities. Thanks to its storage and transport capabilities, hydrogen can be used for a wide variety of applications.\nMost industrialised countries are therefore adopting hydrogen strategies and backing them up with roadmaps and concrete projects. In the transport sector, hydrogen can become a further technology option, alongside BEV, for shaping sustainable private mobility in the long term.\nAs part of the revamp IAA Motorshow, the core theme is mobility and experience, rather than static displays of concept vehicles. Visitors are encouraged to travel around the city of Munich via new methods of mobility as the show itself is spread across various locations.\nBMW will thus be using the iX5 Hydrogen to mobilise visitors along the 12-km Blue Lane connecting the main exhibition grounds with other exhibition venues in the city centre. Only climate-friendly vehicles are allowed to travel in this exclusive route. \u00a0\nUsing the \nG05 BMW X5\n as a base, the iX5 Hydrogen combines \nfuel cell technology\n with existing fifth-generation BMW eDrive systems. Fuel cells operate by reacting oxygen in the ambient air with hydrogen gas in a process called electrolysis.\nMazda is combining the free-revving greatness of the rotary engine with hydrogen! More about the project here!\nThe by-product of this chemical reaction- water vapour and electricity and plenty of it. The electricity is stored in a compact battery and is also immediately used to propel the vehicle. In this BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle, the system output is\n 374 hp\n, more than the recently launched \nBMW iX3\n BEV model.\nThe large hydrogen tanks made from carbon fibre holds six kilograms of the H2 gas and BMW say with the right refilling station, it only \ntakes three to four minutes for refilling\n.\nThis experimental electric BMW X5 is also trialling some components, such as Pirelli tyres made from certified sustainable natural rubber tree farms as well as 3D printed parts on the rim inserts, kidney grille and interior trim panels.\nThe 2021 IAA Mobility Munich show is scheduled from September 7th to 12th and both \nPorsche\n and \nSmart\n have also lined up product premieres at the show.\nGALLERY"
"Fully autonomous vehicles running on intelligent connected road systems is the future, and it will be significantly safer and more efficient than what we have today. But for anyone who loves to drive and cherishes the sense of freedom when behind the wheel of a car, that scenario can be troubling, to say the least.\n \nWhile this video by BMW is absolutely hilarious, it is also clever in that it communicates a message of safety in that self-driving cars have the technology to preserve lives, regardless of how lifeless some pedestrians may appear or whether they are having a bad hair day. It won\u2019t discriminate. \u00a0\nImagine a day when you\u2019ll never need to worry (or at least worry a whole lot less) about the well-being of love ones when they get on the road, the resulting peace of mind may even add a couple of years to your life. But for \npontianaks \n(female vampires) that roam deserted roads in the woods for a living, the future is terrifying."
"BMW Group Malaysia has just launched the newest member of the BMW line-up, completing the revival of the old 8-series after 30 years of absence.\nThe 850i xDrive Coupe which can be yours for RM1,088,800 comes with a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with \n530 hp \nand \n750 Nm\n of torque. The V8 engine\u2019s \u201cvoice\u201d is further enhanced by a flap-controlled sports exhaust system.\n \nThis allows the (rear-biased) all-wheel drive coupe to propel from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n, before topping out at an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.\nThe 850i xDrive sends power to all four corners through an 8-speed Steptronic Sports tranmission, while an electronically-control rear differential lock spreads power between the two rear wheels.\nOn the outside, standard equipment includes BMW\u2019s Laserlight, the slimmest headlights on any BMW model, an M rear spoiler, a front lower lip, and 20-inch style 728 M light alloy wheels.\nThe colour you see here is called Barcelona Blue but when specified in Sunset Orange exterior colour, the wheels can be had in Jet Black. Stopping power is provided for by 19-inch M sport brake discs with M calipers.\nFor better aerodynamics, the 850i\u2019s underbody is almost completely covered, aided by active air flaps, adjustable kidney grille slates and air curtains.\nAside from the Adaptive M Suspension, the 850i xDrive also comes with Integral Active Steering to reduce turning radius, improving agility on the tighter bends and while offering more composure along the high speed corners.\nInside, the 850i xDrive comes with an M leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, M pedals and driver footrest, Merino leather upholstery and\n active seat ventilation\n.\nResting in the dash is BMW\u2019s Live Cockpit Professional featuring a 12.3-inch high-resolution display along with a 10.25-inch Control Display that utilises the new BMW Operating System 7.0.\nSupplementing the new system is a 20GB hard-drive based multimedia system and built-in SIM card with unlimited data, especially for the Intelligent Emergency Call function.\nLike every car manufacturer at the moment who feels the need to impress with an intelligent voice command system, BMW has conformed to this social norm as well.\nThe 850i xDrive features the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that responds to \u201cHey BMW\u201d. If you dislike calling your car a BMW, you can even customise it to be \u201cHey Audy\u201d or \u201cHey Merci\u201d for instance.\nApplied for the first time is the BMW Digital Key which employs the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology \u2013 allowing the car to be locked and unlocked with a smartphone.\nSimply hold the smartphone up against the door handle to open the doors. Once inside, the engine can be started when the phone is placed on the Wireless Charging tray.\nThe new BMW 8 series can be had in Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Sonic Speed Blue, Barcelona Blue, Sunset Orange and Mineral White.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nBMW\u00a0M850i xDrive\u00a0Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe (TGRE) has just posted up \na sound clip \nof their soon-to-be-unveiled Hypercar racer that will be campaigning at the \n2021 LeMans\n and the World Endurance Championship (WEC).\nVolume up \ud83d\udd0a Here comes your first chance to listen \ud83d\udc42 to the symphony of the 680 hp Hypercar engine. \nHow many cylinders can you hear? \n#TOYOTAGAZOORacing\n \n#PushingTheLimitsForBetter\n \n@FIAWEC\n \n@24hoursoflemans\n \n#LeMans24\n \npic.twitter.com/TqqD9l9QGg\n\u2014 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WEC (@TGR_WEC) \nJanuary 8, 2021\n \n2021 will see the nearly 20-year-old LeMans LMP1 class replaced by the \nLeMans Hypercar (LMH)\n regulation, where the racing machines will look more streamlined due to the limited aerodynamic appendages.\nImages: \nFIA WEC Youtube\nNo mention of the specifications yet, but the Hypercar is expected to have a \n2.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6\n petrol engine, with regulations limiting the output to 500 kW or \n680 hp\n. All-wheel drive traction is achieved via the \nhybrid system\n, with powerful electric motors driving the front axle.\nThe 2018 GR Super Sport Concept that is expected to be the road-going Toyota Hypercar racer\nThe LMH regulations also require manufacturers to produce a minimum of \n25 units of road-going vehicles\n that feature the hybrid setup used in the racing car.\nTGRE will be \nunveiling their Hypercar this Friday\n, with the season opener scheduled on 19 March at the 1000 Miles of Sebring (USA)."
"There is a new SUV being launched soon and glimpses of the rear designed teased the brand\u2019s emblem with the final two alphabets \u2018O\u2019 and \u2018N\u2019. The first guess for anyone in Malaysia would be Proton and supposedly the large X90 model joining \nthe line-up\n.\nUnfortunately, the carmaker with the final two alphabets shared with Proton is a new EV brand from Taiwan called Foxtron. This new automotive company by Foxconn, makers of high-end consumer devices such as Apple\u2019s iPhone, is showing glimpses of several new products to build up to the official launch of the Foxtron brand on Monday.\nThe teaser video was presented as part of the parent company\u2019s annual tech day which usually draws interest from the consumer electronics industry. Hon Hai Tech Day (HHTD) of 2020 also launched the MIH open-sourced EV platform.\nIn the video, three key models were shown- an E-segment sedan, a C-segment SUV dubbed Model C and a commuter bus. All models will be fully electric and built on the MIH platform, while the bus will be on a commercial variant.\nFoxconn, via Hon Hai, has also signed a \njoint venture\n with PTT of Thailand (similar to what Petronas is in Malaysia) to establish a fully integrated electric vehicle production facility to develop and produce EVs in the country. The new facility also allows other automakers and parts suppliers to participate in all things EV.\n \nProduction is only scheduled to begin by 2024 latest, with an initial manufacturing target of 50,000 units per annum and expanding to 150,000 units per annum in the coming future.\nThe government of Thailand recently announced \nbold plans\n to accelerate the supply and adoption of EVs in the country. By the end of 2025, Thailand hopes to have 25% of new vehicles sold are zero local emissions, with the figure increasing to 50% by the end of this decade, up from 30% previously proposed.\nThe kingdom plans to only offer zero-emission new vehicles from 2035, the earliest country in the ASEAN region to wave goodbye to the internal combustion engine.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen, Europe\u2019s largest automotive group with a significant presence in China, has unofficially revealed that the company has taken its first step in ditching the manual transmission.\nAccording to an article by \nMotortrend\n, German portal Auto Motor Und Sport reports that all new Volkswagen models introduced \nafter 2023\n will not include a manual transmission variant. The first model to be automatic-only will be the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan followed by every new generation model of the Passat, Golf, Touran, and so on.\nVolkswagen ID.3\nVolkswagen Golf R (USA)\nThe timeline coincides with the \ngroup\u2019s transition\n to \nfully electric vehicles\n, whereby from 2030, 70% of new Volkswagen vehicles in Europe is combustion engine-less. The company has set between 2033 and 2035 to completely phase out the traditional engine in Europe with an extension to the timeline for the US and China markets. As recent as \nMarch 2020\n, Volkswagen said to try and keep the three-pedal layout for as long as it can.\nIt is only a matter of time before the robust manual transmission is completely removed from mainstream passenger cars. Even commercial vehicles, such as the electric Mercedes-Benz\u2019 eActros, are now offered with electric power in the build-up to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in Europe.\nIn the US, the \nGolf GTI\n and \nGolf R\n with manual transmission are incredibly popular, accounting for almost half of the sales of the hot hatchback models. \u00a0\nWatch how fast Alex Yoong launches the manual Civic Type R in our drag race with the European hatchbacks!\nIn Malaysia, apart from the \nPorsche Cayman GT4\n, \nToyota GR Yaris\n, \nHonda Civic Type R\n, Subaru BRZ, and \nMazda MX-5\n, only the most entry-level vehicles come with a manual transmission option including the Proton Saga 1.3 Standard and Perodua\u2019s Axia 1.0, Bezza 1.0 and Alza 1.5S.\nUMW Toyota used to offer the manual options for the Vios J up to the 2018 update but from the heavily-facelifted model onwards, the five-speed manual variants are only reserved for the Toyota Vios Challenge racing series.\nMeanwhile, clever programming allows a gearless continuously variable transmission (CVT) to have up to ten steps of shifts or \u201cgears\u201d, as heavily marketed in the \nToyota Vios GR Sport\n. Apart from the close-ratio of the shift steps, the transmission also is programmed to induce some \u201cshift shock\u201d like in a traditional automatic transmission for an intangible sporty character.\nThe situation in Indonesia is however very different, as almost every new vehicle launched there for the mass market still has a manual transmission option, such as the \nToyota Raize\n and \nHonda City hatchback\n. Demand for manual transmissions is still strong as they are priced lower and drivers there are still fond of its merits.\nA dedicated EV platform frees up plenty of space in the cabin, such as in this \nHyundai Ioniq 5\nWhile electric vehicles have no gears to shift, their steering wheel-mounted shift paddles are still retained. In the \nHonda City RS eHEV\n, these paddles are used to increase or reduce the amount of regenerative braking from the electric motor, which does most of the traction work for the car.\nRejoice! The all-new Lotus Emira comes with Mercedes-AMG power and a proper manual transmission!\nGALLERY"
"Soon to join the electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia are two EVs from \nBYD\n through \nSime Darby Motors\n as the brand\u2019s official distributor. The company has now opened registration of interests (ROI) for its EVs and has launched its own \nFacebook page\n.\nOn the brand\u2019s Facebook page is a \npost\n that reads, \u201cThe Future of Electric Vehicles in Malaysia. Coming soon.\u201d, with a link to a Google form attached. Back in September, BYD and Sime Darby Motors signed a distributorship agreement and confirmed that two all-electric BYD models will debut in Malaysia, namely the BYD Atto 3 and the BYD E6.\nVariants of the BYD Atto 3 have not yet been confirmed for Malaysia, but it does come in three varaints elsewhere \u2013 \u201cActive\u201d, \u201cComfort\u201d, and \u201cDesign\u201d. Measuring 4,455 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height, and with a wheelbase measuring 2,720 mm, the BYD Atto 3 is about the size of a \nProton X70\n (4,519 mm length, 1,831 mm width, 1,694 mm height, and 2,670 mm wheelbase).\nThe BYD Atto 3 is a crossover with a single electric motor (\n201 hp\n/\n310 Nm\n) that powers the front wheels. Storing energy is a \n60.48-kWh \nbattery that provides \n420 km\n of range (WLTP). Charging from 0 to 100% takes \n6 hours and 30 minutes\n with an 11-kW AC charger (European spec). With a 150-kW DC fast charger, the BYD Atto 3 can charge from 0 to 100% in \n80 minutes\n and 10% to 80% in 44 minutes (European spec).\nRELATED: \nBYD officially enters Malaysia \u2013 distributed by Sime Darby Motors\nBYD Atto 3\nAnother all-electric offering by BYD is the BYD E6, which is an MPV with a \n71.7-kWh\n battery pack and 522 km of range (WLTP). The battery sends energy to an electric motor (\n95 hp\n/\n180 Nm\n) that powers the front wheels. The BYD E6 can handle a 6.6-kW AC charger to charge the car from 0 to 100% in \n12 hours\n. DC fast charging is capped at 60kW, charging the car from 0 to 100% in \n1.5 hours\n.\nBoth the upcoming Atto 3 and E6 will join the upcoming \nOra Good Cat\n in the addition of more accessible EVs in Malaysia. The current cheapest EV in Malaysia is the \nHyundai Kona electric\n e-Lite which fetches a price of RM 156,538.\nRELATED: \nChina\u2019s BYD enters Australia, plans to sell 9,000 EVs per month by next year\nBYD E6"
"Here is a good break from a ton of news on electric vehicles, battery packs and charging infrastructure. Formula 1 is set to not only continue racing with internal combustion hybrid engines into the next decade, but also lead the creation and usage of fully synthetic, sustainable fuels.\nBased on data obtained by Formula 1, it is estimated that there will be 1.8 billion cars on the road by 2030, with only 8% (approx. 145 million units) of those are pure battery EVs (BEV) with internal combustion engines continue to be essential to air, sea as well as the logistics industry.\nBMW still very happy with having combustion engines in their line-up, no plans to bid farewell yet.\nAs such, the pinnacle of motor racing is spearheading the development of 100% sustainable \u2018drop-in\u2019 fuel. They are also actively in discussions with fuel companies, such as Aramco, about creating the fuel for the racing series as well as then scaling up production for public consumption.\nThe creation of a \n100% sustainable \u2018drop-in\u2019 fuel\n also eases the transition as it will be engineered to be a direct replacement for use in current combustion engines without any modifications whilst delivering the same power. Based on simulations, the sustainable synthetic fuel is able to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65%, thanks to production using a combination of sources including carbon capture from the atmosphere, waste and non-food biomass.\nPorsche\n has begun a pilot project with the manufacturing and usage of nearly CO2-neutral fuels. From next year, the Porsche Supercup one-make race will debut the use of fully synthetic fuel that is manufactured in Chile.\nSustainable methanol is produced using electrolysed hydrogen (from water) and CO2 from the atmosphere with energy capture from low-cost wind power. The renewable methanol is then converted into climate-friendly fuel using an MTG (methanol to gasoline) technology licensed and supported by ExxonMobil.\nSustainable methanol-to-gasoline plant in Chile\nHydrogen refuelling with Toyota\nPetronas widely uses the pinnacle of motorsports like MotoGP and F1 to test new fuels. Find out why the Primax 97 with Pro-Race is their best fuel yet.\nToyota meanwhile has been actively racing a modified turbocharged 1.6-litre engine from the Toyota GR Yaris that is only fuelled with \nhydrogen\n. The Japanese auto giant also believes moving to just fully electric propulsion is \nnot a practical solution\n.\nImage credit: \nRedbull Content Pool\nAs for Formula 1, it currently mandates the use of E5 petrol blend, consisting of 5.75% ethanol and the rest from crude oil. For the next three years, the engine specifications are frozen and also run on a slightly richer blend of bio-fuel, increasing to 10% or E10. Formula 1 also hopes the direction to fully synthetic fuels will attract new automakers into the series such as Porsche and Audi.\nThe global racing series that travels up to 21 countries across five continents plans to have the motorsport series be net zero carbon (carbon neutral) from 2030."
"We recently got the keys to the updated Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi AWD Premium and one subject continued to disturb GC- the name. We also took a quick trip down memory lane, as the Hyundai Santa Fe was one of GC\u2019s first video review when it was published back in 2014.\nPriced at RM209,888 before sales tax exemptions, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers dynamism and comfort for seven passengers on board.\n \nNow, you must be thinking, this isn\u2019t the facelifted Santa Fe that features the new T-shaped headlamps. For this round of model \nupdates\n, Hyundai-Sime Darby Malaysia has included new design for the 19-inch rims in this Premium variant and included third-row air-conditioning for all variants.\nOther key features on the Hyundai Santa Fe Premium variant include Bi-LED projection lights with dynamic bending function and a smart powered tailgate with a full contactless opening.\nInside, the \nHyundai Santa Fe\n Premium variant adds a powered driver\u2019s seat, passenger seat with separate controls for rear passengers, Nappa leather upholstery and a digital seven-inch driver\u2019s instrument cluster.\nLook out for the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3\n being featured in this review as well! Folding down the second-row seats for entry to the third row is just a push of the Smart One Touch Walk-in button, making it even easy for children and the elderly to activate the movement. \u00a0\u00a0\nUnder the hood is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit churning out \n193 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, paired to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic and delivered to all four wheels via an active torque distributing all-wheel drive coupling. Smart and Sport drive modes are also available to suit the road conditions and driver\u2019s mood.\nAs for safety features, the premium variant gets Rear Occupant Alert, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and avoidance assist in addition to the standard fitment of six airbags, ESC and Downhill Brake Control."
"Launched alongside the \nfacelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class\n and \nMercedes-Maybach S-Class\n are the \nS-Class Coupe and Cabriolet duo\n, completing the full line up of S-Class family right here in Malaysia.\nThe refreshed two door S-Classes sits in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) Dream Cars portfolio, needless to say, the two models command a price tag north of RM1.3 million. MBM has decided to launch the S-Class cabriolet in the S 560 guise while the S-Class Coupe is represented by the S 63.\nLet\u2019s start with the visual updates, the two model gets dressed in a redesigned front and rear bumper as well as organic LED taillamps, consisting of 66 individual OLEDs that animates upon unlocking the car. The glittery Swarovski crystal headlamps are also present in the Coupe and Cabriolet.\nAs for individual trimmings, the S 560 Cabriolet features the familiar diamond front grille, AMG Line exterior kit and rides on twin five-spoke alloy wheels measuring 20-inch in diameter. The black fabric roof that can be stowed away in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 64 km/h.   Other optional extras on the topless S-Class include Aircap draught shield system that helps reduce turbulence in the interior, Energizing comfort control, Airmatic suspension and Driving Assistance Package that bundles Active Distance Control DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist.\nPowering the S 560 Cabriolet is a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that produces \n469 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque that gets transferred to the rear wheels via a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is completed in \n4.6 seconds\n while top speed is registered at \n250 km/h\n.\n \n S 560 4.0L V8\n \n S 63 4.0L V8\nOn to the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe, it is powered by a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that packs \n612 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. A new nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT gearbox is tasked with power transfer to the rear wheels. With Launch Control activated, the S 63 Coupe will go from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.2 seconds\n before hitting a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. If speed is what you seek, better have the \nAMG Driver\u2019s Package\n option ticked to have the top speed raised to \n300 km/h\n.\nDespite all the ferocity from the AMG tuned V8, Mercedes-AMG did not forget that fuel efficiency and emission is the trend these days, so they have fitted an AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. Under partial load, the V8 will shut off four of its eight cylinders to significantly lower fuel consumption.   This unit you see here is decked out in the exclusive Yellow Night Edition that paints the car in Selenite Grey Magno, 20-inch seven-spoke lightweight AMG alloy wheels, Yellow painted brake calipers, AMG high-performance composite ceramic brakes, gloss black extended front splitter, carbon fibre side mirror caps and boot lid as well as AMG racing decals on the side sills.\nInside, the S 63 gets Yellow accents on the stitching, 12 o\u2019clock marking on the AMG Performance sports steering wheel, Edition badge and carbon fibre interior trim. Standard features include Exclusive Nappa leather, illuminated AMG door sill panels and AMG logo on various location of the cabin.\nAs for pricing, the Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet will set you back at RM1.3 million while the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe is \nonly \nRM100k dearer at RM1.46 million. Like most fully imported Mercedes-Benz models, all authorised three-pointed star dealers are fully equipped to assist you in choosing your ideal spec for your next Dream Car.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe   S 63 4.0L V8\nMercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet   S 560 4.0L V8"
"Lynk & Co, the lifestyle automotive brand, showcased its \nfirst-ever sedan back in 2017\n. Now, the Chinese carmaker is venturing into motorsports with Cyan Racing in their Lynk & Co 03 TCR race car.\nLynk & Co together with Cyan Racing will be participating in the 2019 calendar FIA World Touring Car Championship programme, going up against seven global automotive brands \u2013 Audi, Alfa Romeo, Honda, Hyundai, Peugeot, SEAT and Volkswagen for the title of FIA World Touring Car Cup.\nVice President of Communications at Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Victor Yang said: \u201cThe fusion between Lynk & Co and Cyan Racing will form the spearhead of our automotive performance debut. The combination of Lynk & Co\u2019s challenge of auto industry conventions and Cyan Racing\u2019s vast motorsport and performance experience are two key elements in this unique cooperation.\u201d\nThe Lynk & Co 03 TCR will sport a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making \n350 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, linked to a six-speed sequential gearbox. The race car has undergone a strict diet ahead of its racing season, now tipping the scale at 1,265 kg with an FIA approved roll cage, race seats and six-point HANS-compatible harnesses, fire extinguisher system and FIA safety fuel cell installed.\nAnother announcement from this new partnership is the two companies will be working closely together on a \n500 hp high-performance concept car\n for the road, based on the TCR race car. Dubbed as the Lynk & Co 03 Cyan, the concept car will be the brand\u2019s first step towards offering high-performance vehicles.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Seems like the long-serving Subaru WRX STI, based on the fourth-generation WRX chassis, is getting another Special Edition series before the Japanese carmaker officially bids it goodbye. In a 30-second-long teaser, Subaru teased a more track-focused WRX STI that is set for debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).\nClad in heavy camouflage, the soon to be launched range topper gets a more aggressive body kit, rides lower than a standard WRX STI and a massive GT rear wing which leads us to believe that this could be the S209.\nNo mention of the powertrain specification but Subaru South Africa has managed to squeeze \n353 hp\n and \n464 Nm\n of torque from the EJ257 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine in their \nDiamond Edition\n. Expect the new car to feature beefier brakes, improved aero and a six-speed manual transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru WRX STI Teaser"
"Mercedes-Benz has achieved its most successful year of all time in 2017, shifting a grand total of 2,289,344 vehicles worldwide, a 9.9 percent increase compared to the previous year. The all-time best yearly unit sales were driven by three core regions: Europe, Asia-Pacific and NAFTA. Unsurprisingly, China is the single largest consumer of the three-pointed star brand.\nThe \nC-Class Saloon\n and Estate continue to be the volume seller for the brand with more than \n415,000 units sold\n within the past year. About a quarter of them were the \nlong-wheelbase version of the C-Class Saloon\n, which is produced and sold exclusively for the Chinese market. This goes to show how important is it for carmakers to meet each individual market customers\u2019 requirements.\nAmong Daimler\u2019s diverse range of portfolio, the \nE-Class Saloon\n and Estate stood out to be the most popular model with over 350,000 units delivered to customers between January to December. This means that \nan increase of 40.0%\n was achieved in the first full sales year of the new generation. In China, sales of the E-Class Saloon more than doubled in 2017 driven by the high-demand for the long-wheelbase version.\nMercedes-Benz\u2019s SUV range also saw a solid growth of 14 percent, standing at more than \n805,000 units\n. The best-selling SUVs in 2017 were the \nGLC\n and GLA while the \nGLC coupe\n also played a strong role in driving SUV sales.\nBritta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales said, \u201cThe 58th consecutive record month to close the year underscores our customers\u2019 trust in the first-class products from Mercedes-Benz. In 2017, we delivered approximately 2.3 million new vehicles with the three-pointed star, allowing us to further extend our lead in the premium segment by a significant margin.\u201d\n\u201cAlso in the new year, we will have the right car available for every customer. Overall, we will launch more than a dozen new models in 2018,\u201d he added."
"The facelift BMW 5 Series was \nlaunched here in May\n this year to the tune of \nRM368,122\n for the 530i M Sport and \nRM317,534\n for the 530e PHEV M Sport. These prices are inclusive of a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nIf you want the full 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, the 530i will set you back\u00a0\nRM384,942\n while the 530e PHEV is priced at \nRM334,354\n.\nAside from the substantial difference in price, there are plenty that separates the two from one another. On the outside, while both may be equipped with an M Sport bodykit and similar 19-inch Y-spoke Style 845 M wheels, the 530i is fitted with BMW Laser Lights for even further and better light projection. It can automatically turn on the high beam to brighten up the road ahead (even with other motorists around) without blinding them.\nNotice the bottom of the 530i\u2019s (right) number plate.\nThe 530i M Sport comes with a radar sensor at the front bumper for its adaptive cruise control feature with stop-go function. Both models are equipped with the Driving Assistant package which includes features like autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.\n530i\n530e PHEV\nThe two 5\u2019s have vastly different boot capacity as well. As the 530e PHEV is fitted with batteries at the rear, the boot floor is slightly higher, with a capacity of just 410 litres. The 530i on the other hand can gobble up to 530 litres of cargo.\n530i\n530e\nNotice how the centre console is different between the two. The 530e comes with the additional battery icon for the \u201cBattery Control\u201d where it allows you to keep the battery charge at a certain percentage so as to not drain the battery entirely. The ECO PRO button in the 530i is also replaced with one that says \u201cElectric\u201d in the 530e, making the car run purely on electric power.\n530i\n530e\nBetween the two, only the 530i gets the 16-speaker 464-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system. The 530e gets the standard 205-watt 12-speaker system.\nThe 530i also gets a sunroof and head-up display. Standard equipment on both variants include a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster of the same size.\nIt uses the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 184 hp and 300 Nm, combined with a 50kW electric motor. Total combined output is rated at 252 hp and 420 Nm. The 530e also uses an 8-speed automatic gearbox.\nIn terms of output, the 530i gets 252 hp and 350 Nm from the same B48 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired to an 8-speed automatic. As for the 530e, it gets an updated powertrain as seen in the all-new 330e.\nThe 530e also comes with a new XtraBoost function that can temporarily increase output to 292 hp. Its battery is also larger, up to 12 kWh from 9.2 kWh. This allows the 530e to run purely on electric for up to 67 km, compared to 48 km previously.\n \n \nGALLERY\nBMW 530i M Sport\nBMW 530e PHEV M Sport\n530e PHEV"
"BMW Malaysia has just unleashed their latest M car here on at Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the \nBMW M2 Competition\n. Sticking to its driver-focused ethos, the M2 Competition can be ordered with a three-pedal, 6-speed manual transmission.\nUnder the hood, rests the S55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line six shared with the M3 and \nM4\n but detuned to develop \n410 hp \nand \n550 Nm \nof torque. Drive is transferred to the rear wheels via a 7-speed M dual-clutch transmission, but keen drivers can option the 6-speed manual from BMW Malaysia.\n \nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n BMW M2 Competition\n Engine\n 2,979cc; twin-turbo in-line 6\n Transmission\n 7-Speed M dual-clutch\n Max Power\n 410 hp @ 5,230 \u2013 7,000 rpm\n Max Torque\n 550 Nm @ 2,350 \u2013 5,230 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 4.2 seconds; 250 km/h\n Price (OTR without insurance)\n RM626,800\nCentury sprint takes \n4.2 seconds \non the DCT while the manual is a tad slower to the 100 km/h mark at 4.4 seconds. The M Driver\u2019s Package was not optioned on the local-spec car hence top is limited to 250 km/h. The M2 Competition also benefits from the new carbon fibre high-precision strut and bulkhead strut, recalibrated electric power steering and Dynamic Stability Control.\nOur local-spec M2\nCompetition is dressed in the 19-inch style 437 M light alloy wheels wrapped in\n245/35 front and 265/35 rear profile tyres, BMW individual high-gloss Shadow\nLine, M exhaust system with quad exits, M rear spoiler and M specific side\nmirror caps.\nDifferentiating the M2\nCompetition from a regular M2 are the larger kidney grilles, restyle air\nintakes and a larger rear diffuser. All these works together to give the baby M\ncar better aerodynamics and cooling.\nInside, you\u2019ll find\nthe M gear selector, carbon fibre interior trims, red start/stop button, M\nleather steering wheel, M seat belts and M designation on the door sills. Other\nthan that, standard kit includes 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system,\nreverse camera, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, powered front seats with\nmemory function and keyless entry and start.\nThe new BMW M2\nCompetition is available in five exterior shades Alpine White, Black Sapphire\nMetallic, Long Beach Blue Metallic, Hockenheim Silver Metallic and Sunset\nOrange Metallic which is paired with orange contrast stitching while the rest\ngets blue stitching instead.\nEvery purchase comes\nwith a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Maintenance,\n2-Years Tyre Warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group\nLoyalty+ Mobile App (BMW White Card) and BMW Service Online.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M2 Competition in Long Beach Blue Launched in Malaysia\nBMW M2 Competition in Hockenheim Silver Launched in Malaysia"
"Following the success of the new \nVolkswagen T-Roc\n, Volkswagen has given the green light to build a convertible version of the compact SUV. This will be the Volkswagen\u2019s first ever attempt at a convertible SUV and was deemed essential to grow the brand\u2019s SUV range.\nAt a board meeting, Volkswagen Group Supervisory Board has confirmed an investment of more than \u20ac80 million (RM384 million) to produce the T-Roc convertible at their Osnabr\u00fcck plant in Germany. The new model is set to hit production floors in the first half of 2020 and is expected to reinforce Volkswagens presence in the compact SUV segment.\nCEO of the Volkswagen brand, Dr. Herbert Diess says: \u201cVolkswagen is evolving into an SUV brand. The T-Roc is already setting new standards in the compact SUV segment. With the cabriolet based on the T-Roc, we will be adding a highly emotional model to the range. I am especially pleased to note that we can count on the Osnabr\u00fcck team\u2019s decades of experience with convertibles.\u201d\nSUVs are currently the key growth driver of the Volkswagen brand as proven with 720,000 \nTiguan\n delivered throughout its production lifespan, the Tiguan is among the top 10 best-selling models in the world. By 2020, the brand intends to expand its SUV range to 20 models worldwide as they anticipate \n40 percent of vehicles sold\n will be SUV\u2019s. With the new T-Roc convertible, Volkswagen is adding a convertible option for customers in fast-growing SUV segment.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen T-Roc Convertible Teaser\n \n \nVolkswagen T-Roc SUV"
"Honda Malaysia is giving you the opportunity to win an exclusive trip worth up to RM30,000 to Japan to be part of the 2018 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in October.\nAs part of the \u201cSprint to Suzuka Circuit\u201d campaign, those who purchase and register their \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R\n from\n April to June 2018\n will stand a chance to win the exclusive trip by filling up a form and \nanswering two short questions\n at any of Honda\u2019s 20 Sport Dealers (refer below).\n10 winners (with the most creative answers) will each receive two Business Class flight tickets, two tickets to watch the 2018\u00a0 Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix, five days four nights accommodation in Japan and two official Honda merchandise, all \nworth up to RM30,000\n.\nBesides being the most powerful Honda model ever sold in Malaysia with \n308 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, it is also one of the fastest cars in the world renowned Nurburgring circuit in Germany \u2013 a common proving ground for modern performance cars.\u00a0\nEvery Civic Type R is sold with its own special serial number plate positioned strategically on the center console \u2013 as a reminder of the Civic Type.\nSince it was open for booking on the 1st October 2017, Honda Malaysia has received more than \n100 bookings\n for the All-New Civic Type R. The fully imported All-New Civic Type R is priced at RM320,000 on-the-road without insurance. For more information on the All-New Civic Type R, please call Honda\u2019s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my\nList of Honda Sport dealers:\nCentral\nAutoworld Asia Sdn Bhd\nEast Coast\nSykt Tan Eng Ann Sdn Bhd\nCentral \nBotanic Auto Mall Sdn Bhd \nEast M\u2019sia\nSyarikat Labuan Automobile Sdn Bhd\nCentral\nGlobal Amity Sdn Bhd (Bangi)\nNorthern\nBan Hoe Seng (Auto) Sdn Bhd \nCentral\nKah Motor Co Sdn Bhd \u2013 Selayang\nNorthern\nFormula Venture Sdn Bhd\nCentral\nSri Utama Auto Sdn Bhd\nNorthern\nKah Motor Co Sdn Bhd \u2013 Sg Pinang\nCentral\nMH Prestige Auto Sdn Bhd \nNorthern\nLee Motor SP (Car Div) Sdn Bhd\nCentral\nUSJ Car Express Sdn Bhd\nNorthern\nYooi Cars Sdn Bhd\nCentral\nPeringgit Sri Motor Sdn Bhd\nSouthern\nBan Lee Heng Motor Sdn Bhd (Seremban)\nCentral\nTenaga Setia Resources Sdn Bhd\nSouthern\nSyarikat Motor GS Tay Sdn Bhd\nCentral\nThe Millenium Auto Carriage\nSouthern\nYong Ming Motor Sdn Bhd \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To some people, the smell of a new car that\u2019s just rolled off the showroom floor is as intoxicating and addictive as. let\u2019s say coffee. Hey, we don\u2019t judge \u2013 we do quite enjoy it ourselves in the test cars we\u2019ve been in too.\nHowever, not everyone has the perk of getting a new car every couple of weeks. If you\u2019re the kind of person who can\u2019t get enough of that new car smell, the guys at \nAuto Trader\n has got you covered.\n https://twitter.com/darrencassey/status/1239602969554948104\nMotoring Journalist Darren Cassey reviews a fragrance.\nWe use \u201cyou\u201d quite liberally here, because its limited quantity means that only those staying in the UK will be able to buy one, and that\u2019s if you\u2019re really willing to spend \n175 Pounds\n (RM928 \u2013 as much as a monthly loan repayment) on a \n50 ml bottle\n of new car smell.\nAptly named Eau de New Car, the fragrance is actually for you, not your car. According to the frankly hilarious press material provided by Auto Trader, the scent smells like \u201cfine leathers and hard wax from the most premium of vehicles\u201d, and is \u201cdesigned to recreate the heady emotion of the first journey in a new car\u201d.\n \nEau de New Car was developed by Auto Trader following their own research on the British consumers, which found that \n25% of British adults associate the new car smell with success\n \u2013 and success also equates to attractiveness, naturally.\nAlthough this might sound very much like an April Fools joke, Auto Trader wants you to know that they are very much serious about it \u2013 so much so that they hired former Top Gear presenter Rory Reid to shoot an advert for the product.\n\u201cLet\u2019s face it \u2013 the feeling you get when getting into a brand-new car is unforgettable. From the shine of the metal, smoothness of the leather and the sense of pride you get taking it out for a spin for the first time \u2013 there\u2019s little wonder that this is the scent we most associate with success. Why shouldn\u2019t we be able to smell that scent and feel that way all the time?\u201d, comments Reid.\nIf you\u2019re interested in the \u201cpersonal spritz of success\u201d, the limited-edition Eau de New Car is available for sale on the \nAuto Trader website\n. Of course, you\u2019ll have to sort out the logistics to ship it to Malaysia."
"Daimler and Bosch\u2019s Automated Valet Parking joint project which debuted in the parking lot of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart in 2017, has now been premiered in Beijing.\nIt enables vehicles to proceed to an assigned space and for the user to retrieve the vehicle via their smartphone. It begins when the user parks the vehicle in a designated drop-off area before sending it to be parked using the smartphone app.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/18155914/Daimler_China_Automated_Valet_Parking_Pilot_2018_with_Bosch.mp4\nAfter being registered by the intelligent system installed in the car park, the vehicle is started and guided to an assigned parking space. Sensors installed in the car park monitor the driving corridor and its surroundings while steering the vehicle.\nThe vehicle\u2019s on-board technology safely maneuvers it in response to commands from the intelligent car park infrastructure, stopping the vehicle in good time when necessary. When a user is ready to pick up the car, it can be called through a smartphone app, after which it rolls to the pick-up area without a driver.\nCar parks equipped with the Automated Valet Parking can potentially accommodate up to 20 percent more vehicles while users save time and enjoy greater convenience."
"Lotus has been synonymous with motorsports since its inception over 70 years ago and the journey continues even though a \ntransformation to electric\n has just begun at the other end of the world.\nThe recently launched \nLotus Emira\n \nsportscar will have a competition-spec GT4 challenger that is developed together with project partner RML Group.\nThe mid-engine racer uses the 3.5-litre Toyota 2GR-FE V6 engine with pressures boosted via a Harrop TVS 1900 supercharger. To promote a competitive field and placing the skills on drivers and strategy rather than machinery, a balance of performance (BOP) formula by FIA and race organisers will limit the engine output, with Lotus estimating \n400 hp\n for now.\nA 6-speed xTrac racing transmission with a paddle-shifting system will take care of gear shifting duties, with the driver viewing all vital dashboard information via Motec-supplied hardware with data-logging and bespoke motorsport wiring loom.\nStopping power includes a motorsport-specific ABS from Bosch activating on Alcon calipers and brake discs. Additional aerodynamic upgrades on the exterior include a large adjustable rear wing and front splitter. Extensive use of advanced composite materials on the exterior and interior ensures a healthy starting weight of 1,260 kg for the Lotus Emira GT4, which will be further adjusted following the BOP formula.\nThe Lotus Emira GT4 is expected to race around the world in 2022 with other FIA GT4-homologated racing machines such as the BMW M4 (F82), \nPorsche 718 Cayman CS MR\n, Toyota GR Supra, \nMercedes-AMG GT\n, \nMcLaren 570S\n as well as the \nAston Martin Vantage AMR\n.\nLotus plants to increase production from 2023 in line with global demand and supply, as the return of motorsport is a key pillar of the company\u2019s transformation. Earlier this year, Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business, became technical partner to JBXE, the Extreme E race team led by F1 world champion \nJenson Button\n.\nA formal launch of the Lotus Emira GT4 will take place later this year at an event on the Hethel test track.\nBeing British, it\u2019s no surprise to see a Lotus turned into a police car. Check out the Lotus Evora Police Car\u2019s cool livery here!"
"The highly-awaited\n Honda Civic Type R\n has just been unveiled at the 2022 Vietnam Motor Show, marking the debut of the performance model in the region ahead of Malaysia and Thailand. The Vietnamese launch comes just three months after the model has officially gone on sale in Japan.\nThe Honda Civic Type R will be offered in Vietnam in \u201climited quantities\u201d, with deliveries scheduled to begin by the second quarter of 2023. While pricing for the Type R in Vietnam is not officially available just yet, it is estimated to run around USD100,000 (approx. RM474k), making it certainly an expensive endeavour \u2013 which looks especially bad with our weakening Malaysian Ringgit.\nScreenshot:\n Honda Vietnam/Facebook\nThe sixth-generation Honda Civic Type R is powered by a revamped K20C1 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making \n315 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. Power is sent to the front wheels as always via a six-speed manual transmission and a helical-type limited-slip differential.\nDespite its (relatively) subdued looks, Honda says most of the exterior body panels are specifically designed for the Civic Type R, with aerodynamic appendages to increase downforce and cooling, while the fenders are also widened to accommodate the wider tracks on the Type R.\nALSO READ: \nAll-new Honda Civic Type R gets toned-down looks, but spiced-up performance\nWill the Vietnamese pricing be translated to our Ringgit when the Honda Civic Type R launches here in Malaysia? Considering that Vietnam also imposes a fairly heavy tax on imported vehicles, we\u2019d expect our Malaysian pricing to not stray too far off from what our neighbours have.\nAt RM470k, that\u2019s almost a 50% increase in price over the previous-generation model here in Malaysia. Keep in mind that the number is exaggerated by our weak Malaysian Ringgit currently, but even with a stronger currency, it\u2019s still quite a sizeable hike.\nWith Honda\n only building 400 units of the Civic Type R per month\n, though, it\u2019s going to be a long wait either way before anyone gets their cars, so hopefully the Ringgit would have recovered a little bit by then.\nRELATED: \nHonda dealer begins taking orders for all-new Civic Type R in Malaysia \u2013 real or scam?"
"No, the Volvo isn\u2019t a scale model and if the stars align, you could be driving home a Volvo XC40 SUV \u2013 winner of the European and Japanese Car of the Year awards \u2013 as long as you make a minimum fuel purchase of RM40 at any Caltex station and submit your contest entry from now till 31\nst\n October 2019.\nHere\u2019s how you do it. After filling your car up with at least \nRM40 \nworth of fuel (petrol or diesel) in a single receipt, Whatsapp your entry to \n018 299 9980\n with the following details:\nFull name (as per IC)\nIC number\nTransaction date\nTransacted amount in RM\nSnap and attach the image of the receipt (make sure it is clear and legible)\nIf you have a Caltex Journey card membership, include that too\nPrizes that can be won include:\nGrand prize: Volvo XC40\nSecond prize: Caltex StarCash Petrol Card worth\nRM5,000 each (30 winners)\nThird prize: Caltex JOURNEY Card with 5,000\nBPoints, Techron Concentrate Plus and Havoline Pro DS Fully Synthetic (30\nwinners)\nAdditionally, third prize winners will also win the following\nSpecial Prizes each month:\nDashcam (10 lucky draw winners for month of\nAugust 2019)\nGoPro Cameras (10 lucky draw winners for the\nmonth of September 2019)\nMichelin tyres worth RM2,000 (10 lucky draw\nwinners for the month of October 2019)\n \nThe contest is in celebration of the \u2018Fastest Ascent of Doi Chang Mountain Road by Car\u2019; a new Guinness World Record achieved by professional race car driver, Natasha Chang who drove a Honda EG6 powered by with Caltex with Techron."
"Are you the sort of person who says \u201cthe best music was from the 70s\u201d, or \u201ccars should come with three pedals and (at least) six cylinders\u201d? Well, Porsche has just released what might be the perfect car for you. It\u2019s called the 911 Sport Classic, and it\u2019s designed to look \u2013 at least in spirit \u2013 like the original 911 Carrera RS 2.7 from 1972.\nIt does so by taking a standard \n992-generation Porsche 911 Turbo\n, and throwing on a whole slew of cosmetic upgrades inspired by the OG. Most noticeably are the new classically-styled fixed ducktail rear spoiler at the back and the double-bubble scalloped roof design, the latter also matched with a unique front bonnet \u2013 all of which are made out of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).\nThere\u2019s also a new fixed front lip spoiler that replaces the Turbo\u2019s active item, while the two-tone staggered centre-locking alloy wheels (measuring 20 inches in front and 21 at the rear) are also inspired by the iconic Fuchs design.\nIn addition to the actual physical new design elements, Porsche has also created a brand-new body paint colour for the new model called Sport Grey Metallic, inspired by the 356\u2019s Fashion Grey. And to complete the new (old) look, the 911 Sport Classic will also come with Light Sport Grey racing stripes along the top of the car, and the Porsche script across the doors.\nPorsche is even offering a white and black racing number roundel decal on the sides at no extra charge \u2013 where you can even choose your own racing number from zero to 99. But if you\u2019re not a fan of the more motorsports-inspired touches, you can opt to remove the racing numbers and even the entire graphics package altogether, but why would you?\nThe Sport Classic takes on the Turbo\u2019s wider bodystyle, but crucially, the massive air scoop on the rear fender has been deleted here to mimic the clean lines of the OG 911 Carrera RS. This required Porsche to create a completely new tooling for the Sport Classic for the new body panels starting from the front of the doors to the rear of the car. Cooling duties are now passed on to the new ducts near the spoiler.\nCapping off the looks are the swath of special badging, including a 1963-style Porsche logo, plus the \u201cPorsche 911 Sport Classic\u201d scripts at the back, plated in real gold. And if you\u2019re not a fan of the grey hue, the Sport Classic will also be available in a non-metallic Black, Agate Grey Metallic, or Gentian Blue Metallic, or basically any colour you can dream of thanks to Porsche\u2019s Paint to Sample service. But again, there are other 911s for that.\nThe retro-inspired styling continues onto the interior of the Sport Classic, with a tasteful black and cognac semi-aniline leather upholstery, plus the \u201cpepita\u201d houndstooth black-and-white pattern on the fabric seat centres and door panels. Although, Porsche is again also offering the boring souls an all-black interior.\nElsewhere, you\u2019ll also find the sleek matte-finished paldao wood trims on the dashboard, aluminium illuminated scuff plates, Heritage Design displays on the digital instrument cluster, gold numbered 911 badge, and to tie it all up is the excellent green lettering on the rev counter.\nRELATED: All-new Porsche 911 GT3 now in Malaysia; PDK, 6MT or Touring available, from RM1.77 mil\nFor those wishing for a retro air-cooled engine to go with the old-school looks, sorry \u2013 times have moved on. But there are still many things on the Porsche 911 Sport Classic to get excited about, including a seven-speed manual gearbox instead of the PDK of the Turbo. Unlike the 911 Turbo, the drive is also sent exclusively to the rear wheels.\nUnderneath the rear engine cover is the same 3.7-litre twin-turbo flat-six, although it\u2019s 30 hp and 150 Nm down from the Turbo at\n 550 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. But still, it\u2019s still the most powerful manual-transmission 911 you can buy today, at 40 hp more than the \nGT3 we tested in Sepang.\nKeeping up with modern times, the gearbox will come with an auto-blip function to compensate for many driver\u2019s inability to do a heel-toe downshift. The sports exhaust \u2013 which comes as standard on the Sport Classic \u2013 is also specially tailored to the model for an \u201ceven more emotive sound experience\u201d.\nSports suspension also comes as standard, which lowers the 911 Sport Classic\u2019s ride height by 10 mm, and there\u2019s also the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) on board too which allows the shock absorbers to respond to dynamic changes at lightning speed.\nALSO READ: Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition now in Malaysia, from RM1.6 million\nOnly 1,250 of the Sport Classics will ever be made, and it\u2019s priced \u2013 in Europe at least \u2013 at EUR272,714 (approx. RM975k) before options. If you\u2019re feeling fancy, you can even buy a Porsche Design Chronograph 911 sport Classic watch (EUR12,500/RM57k), with green markings and houndstooth pattern on the dial to match the car.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota plans to end the year with a bang with the launch of the all-new Innova. The second-generation MPV will be offered in three variants, with prices beginning from RM109k to RM126k.\nFirst debuted in the Indonesian market in late 2015, the Innova shares the new IMV platform underpinning the\u00a0\nHilux \nand \nFortuner\n. This means the Innova gets a ladder frame configuration and will be rear-wheel driven just like the older model. For those looking for an MPV that seats more than seven, then good news, because like the old model, this is an\u00a0\neight seater\n.\nAll three variants will be powered by a \n2.0-litre Dual VVT-i\n Engine that is expected to push out 137 hp at 5,600 rpm and 183 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. A \nfive-speed manual\n and \nsix-speed automatic\n\u00a0transmissions are offered in this new Innova.\nThai-spec Innova\nAs usual, the model lineup begins with the E trim, which can be had in both tranmissions. It receives a silver radiator grille and body coloured door handles, Monochrome Multi-info display, and\n three airbags\n (two front & driver knee).\nThe range topping G variant is only available with an automatic transmission, and gets a chromed grille and door handles, 4.2-inch colour multi-info screen, push start button and \nseven airbags\n. Just like the \nSienta\n sibling, it receives active safety kit ranging from Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Assist and Emergency Stop Signal. As a matter of fact, the five-airbag variant of the Innova\u00a0aced in the \nASEAN NCAP\n crash test. The E variant which lacks active safety features scored a decent four-star. \u00a0\nThe new Innova is now open for booking at any UMW Toyota showrooms nationwide, although no launch dates have been revealed thus far. The OTR pricing as stated on \nUMW Toyota\u2019s website\n remains as estimated figures. The Base E manual model begins at \nRM109,000.00\n while the automatic variant costs\n RM117,000.00\n. The range-topping G automatic could be yours at \nRM126,000.00\n. A total of six exterior colour\u00a0are available as well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For the past couple of weeks, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has been releasing teaser videos on its Instagram page related to the Xpander crossover that\u2019s stirring up curiosity on the social media platform. It\u2019s also making us wonder, will there be a special edition Xpander coming soon? Or are they merely building a showcase unit just to show off the Xpander\u2019s \u2018sporty side\u2019?\nThe first Instagram reel revealed a different set of wheels fitted onto the Xpander that seems to be made in collaboration between McClubz and Tengku Djan.\nThose who are more familiar with the aftermarket scene could be pointing to the Raxer RP10X wheels that range up to 17-inch in size. Look closely and you\u2019d also notice the wheels being paired with Kumho tyres as opposed to the Toyo CR1 tyres used in the standard Xpander. Either ways, looking at the screenshots here, it seems to fit the Xpander wheel arches really well \u2013 looking really flush!\nIn the follow-up Instagram reel, things get a little more exciting as the company showed the Xpander being wrapped extensively, with computer graphics giving a glimpse of what the end product would look like. That\u2019s not all, it also looks like the Xpander is sporting a roof scoop, larger rear spoiler, and sporty front and rear bumpers.\nWhat do you think it could be? What do you want it to be? Stay tuned to find out but in the mean time, check out the final reveal \nhere\n!"
"Toyota has finally unveiled the all-new Land Cruiser, replacing the outgoing 200-series that has been in production since September 2007. The new model builds on Land Cruiser\u2019s 70-year heritage and more than 10 million sales across 170 countries and regions.\nThe world premiere of the new model dubbed the 300-series took place in one of the Land Cruiser\u2019s biggest market- Dubai. The all-new Land Cruiser now features a new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that is bespoke for the model, as it is the first to be designed for a body-on-frame application.\nToyota celebrates Land Cruiser\u2019s 70th Anniversary with a special edition Prado (150-series)\nThe \nnew GA-F platform\n was designed to be stiffer yet lighter, with the overall weight of the new Land Cruiser some 200 kg lower than its predecessor. Apart from a lighter chassis, advancement in powertrain technologies also means more compact engine and transmission units are used in the new Land Cruiser.\nTwo new twin-turbocharged V6 engines are on offer, with the 3.5-litre petrol developing \n415 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque. The diesel mill meanwhile generates \n309 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.\nThe suspension system now features a world-first \nElectronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS)\n, where hydraulic fluid is used to keep the body level on smooth roads while extending suspension stroke during off-road. Other areas of improvement for better off-road driving include a Multi-Terrain Monitor and the Multi-Terrain Select drive mode.\nThe all-new Land Cruiser will also offer a sportier \nGR variant\n that has a honeycomb grille and gloss black highlights based on observation of the images.\nThe new Toyota Fortuner with 204 hp / 500 Nm is now fitted with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control\nAs for the safety system, the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system now adds an oncoming traffic and pedestrian detection function while the new Land Cruiser is turning at an intersection. A new emergency steering and crash avoidance will also be featured to avoid a collision via steering and lane-keeping assistance.\nMore information on the new Land Cruiser 300-series will be presented by Toyota as the global launch and introduction to key markets begins from this summer.\nGALLERY"
"While we are still waiting anxiously for the Perodua Axia\u2019s official \nlaunch here in Malaysia tomorrow\n, Toyota took first dibs by unveiling the all-new Agya in Indonesia earlier today.\nThe Toyota Agya, alongside the Daihatsu Ayla, are essentially the Perodua Axia\u2019s Indonesian twins, and as such share the same underpinnings as our national car, based atop the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform.\nScreenshot: Toyota Indonesia/YouTube\nUnlike our \nupcoming Perodua Axia\n, which is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill, the Toyota Agya in Indonesia will instead get a larger 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine. Toyota did not share further details on the Agya\u2019s powertrain, but did indicate that it\u2019ll be a new engine for the model.\nFor context, the outgoing 1.2-litre mill makes \n88 hp\n and \n108 Nm\n, with power sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. On the all-new model, the bew 1.2-litre engine will instead be paired to the new Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox, just like most of its other DNGA brethens.\nRELATED:\n 2023 Perodua Axia scores 4 stars in ASEAN NCAP crash test, to launch soon\nToyota Agya\nPerodua Axia\nIn terms of styling, the Toyota Agya is essentially identical to the upcoming Perodua Axia that was \npreviewed last week\n, albeit with a unique Toyota-exclusive front fascia design characterised by a larger front opening.\nThe Agya also gets a pair of slimmer headlights, with the daytime-running light signature forming a sharp boomerang shape above the main headlight elements, instead of an underline design as seen on the Perodua Axia.\nJust like the outgoing generation, the all-new Toyota Agya will also be offered in a GR Sport variant in Indonesia, equipped with sportier bumpers, and what looks like a set of larger alloy wheels, complemented by a two-tone paint job on the outside.\nInside, the all-new Toyota Agya is also essentially a carbon copy of our upcoming Perodua Axia, sharing the same dashboard design. However, based on the single photo shown during the launch livestream, it appears that the Agya will feature a slightly different air-con control unit on the centre stack, and it also lacks the digital instrument cluster that we\u2019re getting on the range-topping 2023 Perodua Axia.\nThis could however just be based on a lower-spec variant of the all-new Agya, as Toyota only unveiled two variants today during the global debut \u2013 the G and GR Sport. The latter could feature the same seven-inch digital instrument cluster as our Axia, and even more variant-exclusive touches, although we\u2019ll need more photos and information to confirm that.\nNow that we\u2019ve seen the sportier Toyota Agya GR Sport in Indonesia, are you hoping to see a similarly spruced-up version of the Perodua Axia tomorrow? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below!"
"Walk along the streets of our cities or drive on our roads and you\u2019ll notice that every car in Malaysia has something in common. Every window is darkened, every windscreen has a dark film that will keep the sun out and the interior of the car cosy and cool even in our hot climate.\nIt\u2019s a thing that unites us, a little like our pride in our national cuisines or our disappointment in the Government.\nA few keystrokes on the Internet will reveal that there are too many brands of window tints in our country. However, even if you have lived under a rock, there\u2019s no doubt you would\u2019ve heard of 3M.\nTHE PRODUCT\n3M is a multinational conglomerate. One of the things they do is provide automotive tinting, and the best part is that they manufacture the components required. This was said offhandedly (but with a hint of deserved pride) by their representative when we oversaw the tinting process of my car, a ZC32 Suzuki Swift Sport, together.\nThis is impressive, because then 3M has full control of the processes, from R&D to quality control. Take, for example the \n3M AutoFilm Crystalline Series\n. There are 200 layers of nanotechnology in this film, but it\u2019s only 2mm thick.\n3M has six other tinting products as well, ranging from darker tints to security-biased ones. The Crystalline Series stands out amongst them as the one that allows good light penetration (hence the name) but still records great heat rejection.\nThe final layer of the 200 is the adhesive, which 3M manufactures as well. This is great, because the formula is tailored specifically for the tint and it is uniformly distributed, ensuring a perfectly consistent adhesion.\nFor my car, I asked for the aforementioned Crystalline Series for a few reasons, even though it isn\u2019t a security film. I wanted every window except the windscreen to have the same shade of tint, and I didn\u2019t want to apply for darker tints.\nIf you recall, \nthe amended rules for car tint\n states that the front windscreen, and front passenger window must allow 70% and 50% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) respectively. Any higher and the user needs to apply for a special permit. All rear windows can be darkened with no restrictions.\n3M\u2019s security films start at a minimum of 40% VLT and following my preference, the technicians installed a tint that allowed 70% VLT on my windscreen and 50% VLT on every other window of the car.\nTHE SERVICE\nScrutinising the process from start to finish for the first time, what impressed me most were the ease in which the two technicians performed their duties.\nThe initial preparation of the car was finished meticulously and quickly in under an hour. A towel was always laid on every panel before work is performed so none of the mixture used to clean the glass seeped under the panels.\nInterestingly, I discovered that the cleaning liquid is actually a mixture of baby shampoo and purified water. It leaves no residue so the tint will adhere properly without any awful markings beneath it.\nDoor panels were opened too, which is a necessary evil to ensure the tint goes all the way onto the bottom of the glass. Thankfully, it didn\u2019t cause any new rattles after as the experienced technicians put it back together splendidly.\nAttention to detail also extended to my SmarTag usage as I was advised to leave a small rectangle on the top right corner of my windshield untinted for unobstructed passage through the toll gates. This was fantastic advice as the tint blocks out 97% of infrared light which would render the device useless.\nMy appointment was for 2pm in the afternoon, and before the clock turned four, the job was done. Usually, it takes an hour longer, but as the car did not have prior tinting that required removal, it was a faster procedure.\nThe final flourish to the process was a five-year warranty certificate that was sent to me within a day.\nTHE EXPERIENCE\nImmediately after the installation, we took readings of the sun outside, as you can see from the pictures below. The glass by itself removed 12% of the solar energy (here\u2019s \nan explanation on BTU \nif you\u2019re feeling nerdy), while the tint on the front windshield eliminated 91%.\nBTU reading of the sun without the tint.\nAnd a reading with the tint.\nThe tint on the side windows are at an angle relative to the sun and is also a little darker, so it removed 94% of the energy.\nIt\u2019s quite an improvement and of course, when on the move the interior of the car is an infinitely cooler place to be. Coming back to the car after leaving it out in the sun all day is no longer hazardous to my sanity or health, as having the film also removes almost all UV rays.\nOverall, it was a fine experience to have left my car in their capable hands. The workmanship is without fault and the edges of the film ran parallel to the frames of the glass. There was also no leftover odour that usually comes with the use of adhesives.\nHuge thanks to 3M for sponsoring the product, and to \nStarblaze Tinted Solutions\n for handling the job with such care.\nThe price and some specifications of the film are as below:\n \n3M AutoFilm Crystalline Series\n:\n please disregard the 6% GST\nAs mentioned above, 3M has a whole selection of tints to match your needs and your budget. The Ebony Series, for example, starts at RM1400 for standard saloons and they also have a coating called the Ceramic 9H Coating if you want to protect your paint. You can drop by at any of their authorised dealers to find out more.\nIMAGE GALLERY \u2013 BEFORE\n \nIMAGE GALLERY \u2013 AFTER\nIMAGE GALLERY \u2013 WORK IN PROGRESS"
"Following the launch of the\n fully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA 250\n, starting from \nRM278,201\n, Mercedes-Benz Financial has announced the Step Up Agility Financing program to tempt you into EV ownership.\nFor the EQA 250, there are two 5-year Step Up Financing plans available. The \nfirst option \nsees an initial monthly instalment of RM2,288 for the first two years followed by RM4,148 for the 3rd to 5th year. The \nsecond option\n is RM2,288 for the 1st year, followed by RM2,688 for the 2nd year and RM3,994 for the 3rd to 5th year.\nWith the Guaranteed Future Value, customers may opt to refinance, return, or keep the vehicle at the end of the tenure. Mercedes-Benz will purchase back from the customer at a predetermined price if customers opt to return the car at the end of the lease.\nIn addition to the Step Up Agility Financing, with Mobility Plus, customers will be entitled to a replacement car not more than four years old with free drop off and pick up within 24 hours of approval.\nThere is also the option to Lease & Go where customers can lease the EQA 250 for four years or less, starting from RM5,392 a month. No downpayment is required, and it includes motor insurance and road tax.\nGALLERY"
"In light of the ongoing flood disaster in Penang, Perodua will be offering their assistance to all Perodua owners affected by the unfortunate incident to relieve some of the burden of repairing their Perodua vehicles.\nPerodua is offering free inspections to value the damages as well as discounts on selected parts. Owners can refer to Perodua service outlets in Juru, Prai and Kulim for further assistance on their flood-damaged vehicles and receive\u00a0\n20 percent discount\n on all electronic items, carpet, vehicle seats, door trims and engine overhaul gasket.\n\u201cOur customers matter most to us and these value added services are provided to help relieve some of the burden our customers have to deal with during this disaster,\u201d Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dato\u2019 Dr. Zahari Husin said.\nDato\u2019 Dr. Zahari added, \u201cWhile a few of our service centres in Penang are affected by the flood, our customers are welcomed to refer to our service outlets in Juru, Prai and Kulim for assistance. That being said, we are doing our best to resume our operations (at the affected areas) as quickly as possible\u201d\nAffected customers can contact Perodua\u2019s toll-free customer care line at 1-800-88-5555 for towing assistance (terms and conditions apply)."
"TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia has just introduced a new variant to the Forester line up, the Subaru Forester 2.0 STI Performance. This time, it\u2019s not just slapping on STI aesthetic bits but genuine mechanically enhancing STI parts.\nLet\u2019s start with the visual bits, the Forester STI Performance now gets additional STI front and rear under spoilers, STI front grille, cargo step panel while the cabin gains leather seats with red accents, premium carpet mats, side sill plate as well as STI leather shift knob.   Buyers who opt for the STI Performance variant will be happy to know that their Forester will come with an STI Flexible Tower Bar (front strut bars), STI brake pads and STI air filter \u2013 giving the SUV incremental improvements to the handling, braking and engine response.\nDespite that, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine still produces a maximum output of \n150 hp\n and \n198 Nm\n of torque. The naturally aspirated mill is paired to the same Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that drives all four wheels via the brand\u2019s famed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) system.\nOther onboard technologies that make the Forester safe on and off-road include seven airbags, X-MODE, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and others. The Subaru Forester 2.0 STI Performance can be yours for RM135,288, on-the-road without insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s almost customary now to expect an M Performance kit every time a new model BMW is launched and the\n BMW 3-series Touring\n was no exception from the cooler department of BMW.\nFor starters, there\u2019s the Style 796 18-inch M Performance light alloy wheels that offers shelter for the M Performance brakes, which looks simply stunning!\n \nHere\u2019s GC Mah\u2019s take on the latest G20 BMW 3-series.\nYou may have seen them before, that\u2019s because they were displayed at the \nlocal launch of the new 3-series \nand the \nglobal unveiling of the G20\n. As always, the kit also offers a wheel bag for those with a serious case of OCD over the condition of their wheels.\nAside from the head-turning wheels, the exterior can also be amplified by an M Performance rear diffuser, rear spoiler, carbon fibre side mirror caps, and the most unique of all is the M Performance front ornamental grille \u201cIconic Glow\u201d where the radiator grilles light up when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.\nAs for the cabin, options include an M Performance Alcantara steering wheel, carbon fibre shift paddles, Alcantara gaiter for the manual models and M Performance floor mats.\nWhat I find to be a little tacky but unfortunately is to the liking of most people are the LED door projectors; as if a car with such dramatic aesthetics isn\u2019t enough. It\u2019s just a bit of an unnecessary farce \u2013 further fueling the already inflated egos of most luxury vehicle owners, in Malaysia at least.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has once again taken to its \nsocial media platforms\n to tease the arrival of what looks like a new model. More specifically, the darkened photo looks exactly like the headlights of the \nall-new X254-generation 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC\n.\nWith a caption inviting its customers to a test-drive event at Plaza Arkadia, Desa ParkCity on the 8th and 9th April, could the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC be launched here in Malaysia next week? Well, we\u2019ll let you decide for yourselves.\nThe X254-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC made its global debut back in June last year, with a mostly evolutionary design update, but a fairly important change underneath the sheet metal \u2013 it\u2019s now only offered with electrified powertrains.\nOn the petrol-powered end, there\u2019s the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 and GLC 300. Both of these variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, paired to a 48V integrated starter-generator (ISG) motor for a mild hybrid (MHEV) set-up \u2013 the latter providing an additional 23 hp and 200 Nm of boost momentarily when needed.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe pairs familiar looks with new-age tech\nIn terms of outputs, the base GLC 200 offers\n 204 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n, while the GLC 300 gets \n258 hp \nand \n400 Nm\n. Both variants get the marque\u2019s 4Matic all-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard.\nGlobally, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC will also be offered with two plug-in hybrid variants, namely the GLC 300e and GLC 400e. They both also build off the same 2.0-litre turbocharged mill, but are paired to a gearbox-mounted electric motor that provides 136 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Combined, the GLC 300e boasts a total system output of \n313 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n, while the GLC 400e takes it up a notch at \n381 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n.\nIf \u2013 or rather when \u2013 the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC makes its way over to Malaysia, the most obvious variants to be introduced here in Malaysia are the two MHEVs. However, with the launch of the\n GLC 300e Coupe\n here last year, we could possibly see the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e 4Matic making an appearance here in Malaysia too."
"The annual \u201cWorthersee\u201d event in Austria is the time where young apprentices from Volkswagen AG gather to unravel their engineering prowess. This year, these apprentices have created what\u2019s supposed to be the future Golf GTI. Enter the Volkswagen Golf GTI First Decade hybrid.\nThe GTI First Decade is just in its concept form (Volkswagen is currently offering the plug-in hybrid\u00a0\nGolf GTE\n\u00a0in certain markets)\u00a0yet packs\u00a0a combined output of \n402 hp\u00a0\nfrom the 2.0-litre petrol engine and a\u00a0\n48V 12kW\n electric motor. The former drives the front wheel while the latter drives the rear.   The concept\u2019s party trick this: drivers can choose which axle to lay down all that power. Either to the front, rear or even all-wheel drive. Most interestingly of all, it can be done via a smartphone app connected to the infotainment system. Inside, the two front seats will get massage function as well!\nBeing young adults, the\u00a011-speaker sound system with subwoofer and LED lighting are commissioned for this concept.\u00a0The Atlantic Blue Metallic paint here represent the Worthersee lake and blue sky, while the number 10 indicates the 10th\u00a0Worthersee project by Volkswagen.\nJoining the Golf GTI First Decade in Worthersee\u00a0is the\u00a0\nGolf GTE Estate impulsE\n. Just like that GTI, the wagon is yet another hybrid with more emphasis in environmental friendliness. For instance, battery size is doubled from \n8.8kWh to 18.8kWh\n!\nWhether or not these concepts will be realised one day remains to be seen. But one thing\u2019s for sure, Volkswagen\u2019s pool of young talents seems broadly promising. Also, notice how big of a zero emissions fan these guys are?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After launching the \ncontroversial-looking\n seventh-generation \nBMW 7 series\n and \nBMW i7\n in April 2022, BMW has just unveiled the third variant of the all-electric BMW i7. Known as the BMW i7 eDrive50, the all-electric luxury sedan will be slotted under the BMW i7 xDrive60 and M70 xDrive, and will be available from \nJuly 2023\n onwards.\nThe BMW i7 eDrive50 comes with the latest BMW eDrive technology in the form of a highly integrated electric drive unit. Thanks to a single-motor setup, the BMW i7 eDrive50 is capable of churning out a total of \n455 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque. With power fed to the rear wheels only, this entry-level i7 model can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.5 seconds\n.\nBMW has not revealed any details regarding the entry-level i7\u2019s battery capacity or its charging figures. However, the German luxury carmaker did claim the third variant of the BMW i7 to feature a highly efficient electric motor and a high-voltage battery that has outstanding energy density.\nAs a result, the BMW i7 eDrive50 is able to have you chauffeured as far as a minimum of \n575 km\n and \n611 km\n maximum. Claimed to be capable of offering customers an alternate way to enjoy supreme long-distance comfort, the third variant in the BMW i7 line-up is also said to combine trailblazing innovations and emission-free driving pleasure.\nRELATED: \nAll-new BMW 5 Series & i5 to debut at 8pm today"
"The \nall-new Audi A8\n will arrive UK shores in early 2018 and here is how the UK-bound luxury sedans will look like \u2013 three 3.0-litre V6, a 4.0-litre V8 and a 6.0-litre W12. As promised at launch, all four engine choices will have some form of electrification system strapped on for improved fuel economy.\nIn the UK, the all-new A8 will be available in standard A8 or long wheelbase A8 L version. As standard, all variants will come with an extensive list of equipment such 10.1-inch touchscreen display, Audi Virtual Cockpit, coloured heads-up display, Audi Connect with MMI Navigation Plus, wireless charging tray among others.   Occupants will find supple Valcona comfort seats with adjustable climate function while the A8 L gets the option for relaxation seat which features four different adjustment options and a footrest for the rear passengers. Rear passengers can also control an array of functions through the smartphone-sized remote control.\nThe list of onboard driver aids also includes adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go, front and rear parking sensors supplemented by a rear camera, lane departure warning with emergency assist, Audi Pre-sense collision avoidance and mitigation system, Audi AI traffic jam pilot, Audi AI garage pilot and Audi AI parking pilot.\nAt launch, the UK-specification A8 will be available with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel TDI with \n282 hp\n and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 TFSI with \n335 hp\n. The 4.0-litre V8 turbodiesel TDI with \n429 hp\n and 6.0-litre W12 with \n577 hp\n will be available at a later date. As reported earlier,\u00a0\nall variants of the A8 will feature some form of electrification\n\u00a0and Audi has held onto their word.\nFor the environmentally friendly \ntaukes\n, a plug-in hybrid e-Tron option will be announced at an even later date. The e-Tron PHEV features a 3.0-litre TFSI married to an electric motor to give a combined output of \n443 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of twisting force. The battery pack is capable of giving the A8 L \n50 km\n of electric driving range.\nPrices for the Audi A8 starts from \u00a369,100 (RM387k) before options. Audi Malaysia had the previous generation A8 and A8 Lon sale hence it is only a matter of time before this beauty hits our shores.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Brabus has revealed a revised version of their EQ fortwo cabrio called the Ultimate E Facelift where the electric-powered \u201ccity supercar\u201d as Brabus calls it has been given more power and some aero tweaks.\nThe electric motor in the Ultimate E now puts out 92 hp and 180 Nm of torque. The little electric Brabus comes with four different drive modes \u2013 Standard, Eco, Sport and Sport +. In its most extreme drive mode, aided with more responsive throttle, the two seater will get from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds, with top speed limited to 130 km/h.\nUnlike the likes of the Nissan Leaf or the fuel cell-powered Toyota Mirai where both used primarily as urban workhorses, the Brabus is more of a stylish means of popping by the shops for a bag of chips. You see this in the aggressive styling, coupled with the 18-inch wheels but more so when you look at the spec sheet that reads \u201c125 km of electric driving range, depending on driving style\u201d.\nThe little two-seater is also fitted with Brabus\u2019 custom suspension that\u2019s been tuned to comply with the weight of the vehicle, and to work with the wider, low profile tyres.\nSpeaking of which, Toyota recently revealed that a German ride-pooling company called Green Tomato Cars with a fleet of the Toyota Mirai \nclocked up enough mileage to travel to the Moon and back six times\n, and all they emitted was with water vapour. Find out why!\nGALLERY"
"Bentley\n has just unveiled a new limited series two-door grand touring coupe, called the \nBentley Mulliner Batur\n. Shown off during the Monterey Car Week, the Batur showcases a new design DNA that will guide the design of the brand\u2019s future range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), \nwith the first due in 2025\n.\nLimited to only 18 units, all examples have already been reserved, and each one will be designed collaboratively with each customer, guided by Mulliner\u2019s in-house design team. The Batur is named after Lake Batur, a 16km\n2\n crater lake in Bali, Indonesia.\nAlthough the Batur previews the design of future battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by Bentley, the Batur is powered by a 6.0-litre W12 engine with \u201c\n740+ hp\u201d\n and \n1,000 Nm\n, paired to an eight-speed DCT. Exhaust fumes escape the engine via a titanium sports exhaust system.\nBuilt on Bentley\u2019s most advanced chassis ever, the Batur is equipped with Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering, and torque vectoring. Also featured are adaptive air springs with adjustable effective stiffness.\nRELATED: \nBentley will launch five EVs in five years starting from 2025\nBentley\u2019s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark said, \u201cThe Batur is a significant car for Bentley. Far more than the heir to the highly successful Bacalar, the Batur showcases the design direction that we\u2019re taking in the future as we develop our range of BEVs. Andi Mindt and his team have reimagined the classic Bentley design cues into a stronger, bolder design that remains both elegant and graceful.\n\u201cBeneath the beautiful exterior lies the most powerful engine we\u2019ve ever developed. Our W12 engine is easily the most successful twelve-cylinder automotive engine in history, and as it approaches its retirement to make way for future hybrids and BEVs, we want to mark its accomplishments.\nRELATED: \n\u201cDriver-focused\u201d Bentley Flying Spur S looks sinister, but gets no extra power\nResponsible for the design of the Batur is Bentley\u2019s Director of Design, Andreas Mindt, and his team including Head of Exterior Design, Tobias Suehlmann, and Head of Interior Design, Andrew Hart-Barron.\nAndreas Mindt said, \u201cAt the very front of the car, we\u2019ve modernised the famous Bentley grille and made it lower and more upright, to give a stronger face and a more dominant stance. This upright elegance brings self-confidence with a luxury stance. The grille is flanked by a new headlight shape and design, an evolution of the design used on Bacalar and maintaining the single large headlight either side. These are matched with all-new tail-lamps at the rear, that sit either side of a deployable spoiler.\n\u201cOverall, the form is cleaner and simplified, and we rely more on curvaceous surfaces bisected in the right places to reflect light and dark and bring more muscle to the design.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBentley mixes opulence with sportiness on the new Flying Spur Mulliner Blackline\nInside, the Batur offers a two-seat interior space that is designed for ultimate personalisation and long-distance grand touring. Clients can choose from a variety of sustainable materials that include low carbon leather sourced from Scotland, sustainable tannage leather from Italy, and Dinamica (an alternative suede-like sustainable material).\nAside from previewing the future Bentley EVs, the Batur will also act as a tribute to Bentley\u2019s famous W12 engine as the brand moves towards electrification \u2013 and what a way to do it; the 6.0-litre W12 engine in the Batur is in its most powerful and most developed iteration. Deliveries of the Batur will begin in mid-2023.\nGALLERY"
"For its entire existence, Smart is pretty much known only for its weird yet charming \nForTwo microcar\n. But \nthat\n Smart is no more, because the brand has undergone a complete reboot with the launch of the all-new Smart #1. And yes,\n that\u2019s really its name\n.\nThe #1 is Smart\u2019s first brand-new product in eight years, and the first since Geely signed a joint venture agreement with Mercedes-Benz to take over 50% of the company. It\u2019ll be built on the former\u2019s modular \nSustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) \n\u2013 more specifically, the SEA2 designed for smaller vehicles.\nIn terms of dimensions, the Smart #1 measures in at 4,270\u00a0mm long, 1,822\u00a0mm wide, and 1,636 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, placing it around the ballpark of other B-segment SUVs, and quite a bit larger than the Smart models of yore \u2013 including the ForFour.\nAt launch, the #1 will be offered with only a single motor set-up on the rear axle, providing \n272 hp (200 kW)\n and \n343 Nm\n of torque. Electric power is provided by a 66 kWh battery pack underneath the floor, which gives the compact SUV a driving range of 420-440 km based on the WLTP scale.\nFor charging, the Smart #1 supports regular AC power of up to 22 kW, which can fill the battery from 10% to 80% in under three hours. DC fast charging is also supported at speeds of up to 150 kW, taking less than 30 minutes for the same amount of charge.\nSmart did not provide any performance figures for the #1, although it\u2019s claimed to have a top speed of 180 km/h. An all-wheel drive model will also be offered at some point in the future, although no further specifications were disclosed.\nIn terms of appearance, the production-ready Smart #1 looks virtually unchanged from its original concept that was \nfirst unveiled last year\n, characterised by its smooth and round pebble-like exterior silhouette. Other exterior highlights include the full-width head- and taillights, with its new twin Y-shaped light signature, floating \u201chalo\u201d roof, as well as aerodynamic-focused 19-inch alloys.\nDon\u2019t let its adorable appearance fool you, however, because the smooth curves are actually there for a purpose. Combined with the shut-off grille and concealed door handles, the Smart #1 actually manages a drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd, improving its aerodynamic efficiency to ultimately provide increased driving range.\nInside, the Smart #1 again retains much of the concept\u2019s interior design, although with a more conventional five-seater set-up instead of four individual chairs. Smart\u2019s press release highlights on its \u201chuman-centric\u201d technology within the #1\u2019s cabin, where even the 12.8-inch floating infotainment display can be fully customised according to the driver\u2019s wishes.\nThere\u2019s even a fox avatar (with more characters to come in the future) that functions as the system\u2019s voice assistant \u201cintelligent companion\u201d, and the entire system is also linked to a smartphone app to provide drivers with more functionality and real-time data when away from the car.\nThe fox \u201cintelligent companion\u201d avatar.\nAccording to \nAutocar UK\n, the infotainment system is not based on Mercedes-Benz\u2019 MBUX system, nor completely lifted from Geely\u2019s other models, but rather built specifically for Smart to accommodate the specific needs and tendencies of European buyers.\nOther interior highlights include a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch head-up display, a panoramic glass roof, 13-speaker Beats sound system, and over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities that can supposedly update more than 75% of all ECUs within the car.\nAt launch, the Smart #1 will be offered in a 1,000-units only Launch Edition (pictured here in white), with a unique chequered-design wheels, unique white leather upholstery, as well as the gold exterior and interior trims from the original Concept #1.\nIntrigued? Well for those of us in Malaysia, the good news is that the Smart #1 will also be imported and sold here in our country, thanks to a recent \nMemorandum of Agreement \nsigned between Smart and by our national carmaker\u2019s distribution arm, Proton Edar \u2013 so ready your chequebooks!\nGALLERY"
"Bentley Motors has just revealed the Bentagya Speed; the most powerful and performance-oriented Bentayga to date.\nIt\u2019s also dubbed the world\u2019s fastest production SUV with \n635 hp\n from its 6.0-litre W12 engine.\nThe \nW12 Bentayga we tested last year\n.\nNot sure what they\u2019re on about because its still slower from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds compared to the\n Lamborghini Urus\n which accomplishes the same in just 3.6 seconds.\nIn terms of top speed, it\u2019s only 1 km/h quicker than the Urus (on paper) at 306 km/h.\nCompared to the one we tested last year\n, the Bentayga Speed gets a \n27 hp \nincrease, with similar torque figures at \n900 Nm\n. As a result, it is 0.2 seconds faster than the outgoing W12 model.\nSpecific to the Speed model, the Sport Mode has been recalibrated for even better response from the W12 engine and 8-speed automatic gearbox.\nThis complements the more throaty exhaust notes and firmer suspension tune.\nOn the outside, the Bentayga is vilified with dark-tint headlights, body-coloured front and rear splitters, body-coloured side skirts and a rear spoiler. \nAdding even more aggression to the Bentayga\u2019s extravagant design are dark-tint radiator and bumper grilles, unique thousand-spoke 22-inch wheels and Speed signature badging.\nThe Bentayga Speed\u2019s ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful fitted to a Bentley; capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,000 \u00b0C with immense braking force. They are also lighter by 20 kg over iron brakes.\nCompared to the standard Bentayga, the cabin of the Speed edition gets contrast stitching on the diamond quilting, Speed embroidery on the backrests, Speed treadplate and Alcantara materials \u2013 the latter finding its way into a Bentayga for the first time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lotus has added yet another variant to their popular \nElise\n\u00a0line by revealing the Elise Cup 250. This variant pushes Colin Chapman\u2019s \n\u201cadding lightness\u201d\n\u00a0to another level, and it also comes with a slight power hike.\nThe Cup 250 retains the same supercharged \n1.8-litre four-cylinder engine\n sourced from Toyota tha produces\u00a0\n246 hp\n at 7,200 rpm and \n250 Nm of torque\n\u00a0that peaks between 3,500 rpm and 5,500 rpm.   The Elise 250 slots above the existing Elise 220 and makes over two dozen ponies more than the latter. As the numbers suggest, the Elise 250 gains an \nadditional 26 hp \nbut\u00a0\nsheds 26kg\n\u00a0off the Elise 220 at the same time! This results in a quicker century sprint, completed in just 3.9 seconds \u2013 about 0.3 seconds quicker than the 220. The new Cup 250 also laps the Hethel test track in\u00a01 minute 34 seconds, a whopping\u00a0\nfour seconds\n \nfaster\n over its predecessor.\nSome other improvements include a new aerodynamically optimised bodykit, uprated suspension, better brakes and the\u00a0new\n Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM)\n system which adds a Sports mode that basically turns the Elise Cup 250 into a track monster. DPM improves\u00a0 throttle response, lowers traction slip and removes understeer whenever possible.\nSpeaking about the aero kit, the Cup 250 gets a\u00a0front splitter, a rear wing and an oversized rear diffuser.\nWeight saving remains Lotus\u2019 ethos, thus the Cup 250 receives a lighter battery pack,\u00a0carbon fibre seats and ultra-lightweight rims.\u00a0Lotus is also offering an\u00a0optional Carbon Aero pack which reduces the weight of the aero kits to a further 10kg. The carbon fibre seats on the other hand, gets clad in Alcantara, but leather too can be specified.\nOnly \n200 units\n of these fine roadsters will ever be made in Hethel, and it will be available in April with a starting price of\n \u00a345,600 \n(\napprox RM272,00.00\n+). We have a feeling a handful of them will be making their way here, but pricing will not be cheap for sure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The system is called \u201cAdvanced Connectivity\u201d and can be accessed via a dedicated Bentley app. It\u2019s not only quick, it\u2019s supposedly reliable and highly secure as well.\nPartnering with global communications company, Viasat, who\u2019s responsible in managing 14 million WiFi hotspots, the Bentley Advanced Connectivity is a multi-channel virtual private network (VPN) which can hold up to three mobile network operators on a single signal.\nThe system is placed discreetly inside the Bentley\u2019s boot lid, with the router connected to the on-board DC power supply.\nThe WiFi router links to a broadband connected hub located at a static site. This hub then links the Bentley system to the broadband connection at the host site, for unparalleled connectivity, reliability and security.\nWhen using the Bentley Advanced Connectivity WiFi system while traveling at speeds of 110 km/h, a passenger is able to access a number of simultaneous entertainment and business applications \u2013 including high-definition video streaming across multiple devices \u2013 with uninterrupted service quality.\nThis new super-fast WiFi service is available in all Bentley models in 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that it will resume operations at selected authorised Mitsubishi service centres in the country starting today.\nThe announcement comes after several of its authorised service centres have received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to operate during phase four of the \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n.\nThe service centres will be operating on an \nappointment-only basis\n. Customers in need of vehicle maintenance and service are urged to contact their nearest Mitsubishi service centre to book an appointment.\nIn order ensure the health and safety of its customers and staff, all Mitsubishi service centres will be observing strict health and safety measures in accordance to the social distancing guidelines.\nMMM will be practicing contactless car acceptance for all service appointments, and customers will not be allowed to wait at the premises \u2013 only pick-up and drop-off will be allowed. Temperature checks will be mandated for all customers and staff, along with the use of masks.\nAdditionally, hand sanitisers will be placed at the entrance of the service centres to be used for all customers. All vehicles will also be sanitised before handing over back to the customers.\nMMM reassures that it will continue to honour all warranty matters affected by the MCO. All free service maintenance will be offered a 90-day grace period from the expiry date, or within 2,500 km from the mileage due.\nFor emergency assistance or urgent enquiries, customers can contact the Mitsubishi Assist 24Hours call centre at \n1800-88-2166\n or \n03-2161-0246\n. Alternatively, customers can email MMM at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n."
"BMW Group Malaysia has just expanded their G30 BMW 5 Series portfolio in Malaysia with the new BMW 520i Luxury and BMW 530e M Sport variants, adding a new entry-level variant and sportier trim for the electrified business athlete.\nThe new 520i Luxury is priced exactly the same as the \n530e Sport\n at RM328,800 (OTR without insurance) while the 530e M Sport carries an RM10k premium at RM338,800 also on-the-road without insurance. The 520i Luxury is particularly attractive for buyers who are not ready for a high-voltage plug-in hybrid yet unwilling to stretch to the \n530i M Sport\n\u2019s RM372,800 price tag.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 520i Luxury\nBMW 530e Sport\nBMW 530e M Sport\nBMW 530i M Sport\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder turbo\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder turbo eDrive plug-in hybrid\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500\n\u00a0rpm\n252 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n290 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,250 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\nCombined Output\nN/A\n252 hp & 420 Nm\nN/A\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n7.8 seconds; 235 km/h\n6.2 seconds; 235 km/h\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM328,800\nRM328,800\nRM338,800\nRM372,800\nOn the outside, the \n520i\n wears the Luxury exterior package complemented with the adaptive LED headlamps with LED foglamps, style 684 18-inch V-spoke alloy wheels, LED taillamps and dual chrome exhaust outlets.\nInside, the new entry-level 5 Series is furnished with Black Dakota leather upholstery, Pearl Chrome interior trim, Sports leather steering wheel (without paddle shifters), 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, 10.25-inch BMW Navigation System Professional touchscreen infotainment system, 12-speakers, powered front Sport seats with memory function for driver, powered adjustable steering column, 11-colour ambient lighting and powered rear sun blinds.\nAs for the \n530e M Sport\n, it gets the full M Sport aerodynamic body kit, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line, adaptive LED headlamps, style 664 M 19-inch alloys in black and Blue painted M Sport brake callipers. The cabin is further highlighted with BMW Individual anthracite headliner, illuminated M door sills, M leather steering wheel and M-specific pedals.\nUnder the hood, the \n520i Luxury\n features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pushing \n184 hp\n and\n 290 Nm\n of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.8 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n235 km/h\n.\nThe 530e M Sport gets the same eDrive plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with \n184 hp\n/\n290 Nm \npaired to an electric motor with \n83 kW\n (113 hp)/\n250 Nm\n giving a \ncombined output\n of \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of grunt. With the 8-speed automatic, the 530e M Sport makes the century sprint in \n6.2 seconds\n with a top speed of \n235 km/h\n. Both models also come with the \nAdaptive suspension\n as standard.\nOn the safety front, only the 530e M Sport comes with \nDriving Assistant \nwith Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and front collision warning with brake intervention, crossing traffic warning rear and rear collision prevention like the 530i M Sport. The 520i Luxury makes do with seven airbags, Parking Assistant, rear-view camera and the usual electronics present on a BMW.\nThe 520i Luxury is available\nBlack Sapphire, Glacier Silver, Imperial Blue or Alpine White, paired exclusively\nto Black Leather Dakota interior while the 530e M Sport can be had in Black\nSapphire or Sophisto Grey, paired with either the Black or Night Blue Leather Dakota\ninterior; or in Bluestone or Alpine White paired with Black Leather Dakota interior.\nEvery purchase of a new BMW 5 Series comes with 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, 2-Year/24-Month Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and BMW White Card membership.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nBMW\u00a0530e\u00a0M Sport\nBMW 520i\u00a0Luxury"
"The F30 BMW 3 Series is nearing its lifecycle but that does not stop BMW Japan to spice up the premium compact sedan with the M Sport Edition Shadow. The newly added trim line is available on all variants and body styles of the 3 Series on sale in Japan.\nBuilding upon the regular M Sport, which gets lowered suspension, M Sport body kit and 18-inch alloys, the M Sport Edition Shadow further add\n\u00a0blacked out kidney grilles and window trims\n, smoked headlamps and taillamps as well as \n19-inch five twin-spoke M lightweight alloy wheels\n finished in Orbit Grey. Sunset Orange has also been added to the colour palette.\nInside, the M Sport Edition Shadow can be differentiated from a regular M Sport through its \nnew coloured multi-info display instrument cluster\n, black Dakota leather seats with contrast blue stitching and stainless-steel sports pedal.\nPrices for the F30 BMW 3 Series M Sport Edition Shadow starts at \u00a55,330,000 (RM191k) for the 318i to \u00a56,800,000 (RM245k) for the 330e. Fancy having BMW Malaysia to offer something similar to our local market?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche is once again \nembracing driving purity\n with the introduction of the Porsche 718 T, essentially a back to basic Boxster and Cayman that throws out all the \nnon-essentials \nfor the purest Porsche driving experience.\nTraditionally, \u201cT\u201d stands for \u201cTouring\u201d which follows the same recipe of the original 1968 911 T \u2013 lightweight, manual gearbox and raw driving engagement. The 718 T follows the same philosophy by removing the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system (can be ordered as a no-cost option), installed lightweight sport seats and reduced insulation to save precious kilograms.\nHowever, the cabin of both the Boxster and Cayman are still luxuriously finished with fabric and leather combination seats, 360-millimetre GT sports steering wheel with Mode switch (no multifunctional controls), door entry strips, \u201cBoxster T\u201d or \u201cCayman T\u201d embroidery and gloss black interior trims.\nOn the exterior front, the 718 T can be identified through its Agate Grey side mirror caps, \u201c718 Boxster T\u201d or \u201c718 Cayman T\u201d side decal, \u201cT\u201d model designation at the rear as well as 20-inch Titanium Grey alloy wheels. Buyers can choose from Black, Indian Red, Racing Yellow, White, Carrara White, Deep Black and GT Silver metallic colours as well as Lava Orange and Miami Blue as special colours. Adjusted for specification and equipment, Porsche says the 718 T is five to 10 per cent cheaper than a similarly equipped Boxster or Cayman.\nThe 718 T is based on the basic 718 which comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four engine pushing out \n300 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of twist. Drive is channelled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission as standard while a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK box can be ordered as an option.\nAs standard, the 718 T is equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sports chassis that drop the ride height by 20 mm, Sport Chrono Package and Sports Exhaust as standard. All these combined allows the manual-equipped 718 T to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.1 seconds\n while the PDK with Launch Control and Sport Response button cut the time to \n4.7 seconds\n. Regardless of transmission and body style choice, the 718 T models will still hit a top speed of\n 275 km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche 718 T"
"For those who\u2019ve been eyeing to get themselves a \nD-Max\n after April 1st, you\u2019d be pleased to know that most of the variants are cheaper now, ranging from \nRM1.74\n (yes that much) to \nRM1,987.56\n. Only two variants in the entire range cost more, but you\u2019re only looking to fork out an additional RM25.36 tops.\nModel\nVariant\nPrice before GST\nPrice after GST\nDifference\nD-Max 2.5L\nSingle Cab 4\u00d72 MT\nRM 60,411.00\nRM 60,360.10\nRM 50.90\nSingle Cab 4\u00d74 MT\nRM 72,331.20\nRM 72,156.20\nRM 175.00\n2.5L 4\u00d72 MT\nRM 69,799.60\nRM 69,794.56\nRM 5.04\n2.5L 4\u00d72 MT Hi-Ride\nRM 79,899.60\nRM 77,912.04\nRM 1,987.56\n2.5L 4\u00d74 MT-L\nRM 85,499.60\nRM 85,524.96\nRM\n \n-25.36\n2.5L 4\u00d74 MT\nRM 94,619.60\nRM 94,624.00\nRM 4.40\n2.5L 4\u00d74 AT\nRM 100,689.60\nRM 100,672.36\nRM 17.24\nDIABLO 2.5L 4\u00d74 AT\nRM 110,189.60\nRM 110,142.40\nRM 47.20\nD-Max 3.0L\nV-Cross 3.0L MT\nRM 101,343.90\nRM 101,333.76\nRM 10.14\nV-Cross 3.0L AT\nRM 107,459.90\nRM 107,435.12\nRM 24.78\nV-Cross SAFARI 3.0L AT\nRM 118,485.90\nRM 118,497.28\nRM\n \n-11.38\nDIABLO 3.0L 4\u00d74 AT\nRM 116,959.90\nRM 116,958.16\nRM 1.74\nAs per the table above, the biggest dip in price reduction goes to the \n2.5L 4\u00d72 MT Hi-Ride\n variant, now made \nRM1,987.56\n cheaper, whereas the most recently introduced variant \u2013 the Diablo \u2013 gets \nRM47.20\n off for the \n2.5L\n and \nRM1.74\n for the \n3.0L\n. Looks like the cheer for cheaper cars continues, eh?"
"If you\u2019re a frequent patron of Honda social media groups and forums, you may have noticed a recurring topic from \nHonda CR-V\n owners facing issues with their gear push knob button. Now, Honda Malaysia has issued a product update campaign (recall) to replace the potentially faulty part.\nThe product update campaign\nwill involve 7,050 units of the CR-V manufactured in 2018 and all replacement\ncost will be borne by Honda Malaysia. The replacement stock will be available\nin stages and owners will be notified via notification letters.\nThis product update campaign is a precautionary measure to address the possibility of customers facing difficulty with the MY2018 CR-V transmission lever when shifting from P (park) to other gear positions. Owners can find out whether their vehicles are involved in a product update campaign by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or via Honda Malaysia\u2019s dedicated \nwebsite\n."
"It\u2019s about time the eleventh-generation \nToyota Corolla Altis\n\u00a0receive a fresh new face, seeing how rapidly its rivals \u2013 the \nHonda Civic\n and \nFord Focus\n \u2013 are progressing. These leaked images gives us a preview of what to expect from the brand\u2019s Keen Look and Under Priority design philosophy.\nRight off the bat, we can tell that the current\u00a0\nworld\u2019s best-selling compact car\n will receive a redesigned front bumper. The front grille is also updated, keeping in line with other Toyota models. The front headlights look a tad slimmer in shape but really, it\u2019s the design (with integrated LED DRLs) that gives off the illusion. Meanwhile at the back, the changes are minimal at best.\nNo technical details have been unveiled at this point of time, but expect Toyota to retain the\u00a0\n1.8-litre and 2.0-litre\n\u00a0\nDual-VVT-i\u00a0\nengines\n\u00a0\nthat are powering the Corolla Altis models since the facelifted tenth-generation model. There is also a slight possibility of the Corolla benefiting from the Camry\u2019s 6AR-FSE 2.0-litre VVT-iW engine that is used in the \noutgoing Camry\n. This should at least reduce some\u00a0damage once the new Civic arrives.\nThe current Corolla Altis begins from \nRM120,900 \nfor the 1.8E variant to \nRM146,900\n for the 2.0V variant with additional safety package. Do watch our review video to see how competent the Corolla Altis is."
"Similar to the fate of the \nHonda / Acura NSX\n, the Ford GT will be entering its final year of production next year. Ford is paying homage to its swansong model, as well as its Le Mans-winning heritage, with the 2022 Ford GT Heritage Edition that\u2019s inspired by the 1964 Ford GT Prototype.\n\u201cThis is the first Ford GT Heritage Edition that goes beyond celebrating race wins; this one goes deep, and honours the earliest of Ford supercar heritage,\u201d said Ford GT program manager, Mike Severson.\nHe added that the new model is a modern interpretation of the original and easily identifies to which car it\u2019s paying tribute to.\nCalled the \n2022 Ford GT \u201964 Prototype Heritage Edition\n, the 6th limited-edition supercar is painted with Wimbledon White and highlighted by Antimatter Blue graphics and finished with an over-the-roof triple racing stripe. Exposed carbon fibre components are prominent, together with carbon fibre front splitter, side sills, mirror stalks, engine louvres and rear diffuser finished in gloss.\nThe Brembo brake calipers are finished in silver with black graphics, hidden beneath Ford GT\u2019s unique 20-inch blue-painted carbon fibre wheels and black lug nuts further modernise the aesthetics.\nInside, the 2022 Ford GT \u201964 Prototype Heritage Edition sees wrapped surfaces such as the passenger section of the dashboard and two seats in Lightspeed Blue Alcantara. With the construction of the vehicle in carbon fibre, certain sections are left unpainted and just lacquered with a matte finish. \u00a0\nCheck out the unique displays on the Ford GT 10-inch instrument cluster. Information is certainly done right!\nThere is no mention of the powertrain, thus it is assumed to continue with the same 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine with outputs of \n647 hp\n and \n746 Nm\n of torque. All that power goes to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h is done in \n3.0 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n348 km/h\n.\nSince the Ford GT project started in 2016, Ford has made tribute Ford GT models such as the 1966 Daytona-winning \nNo. 98\n race car driven by Ken Milles introduced last year as well as two painted in Gulf liveries honouring the Le Mans wins of 1968 and 1969. \u00a0\nThis is probably the surprise of 2021! Find out more about THE retro tribute from Radford with this lovely Lotus Type 62/2\n.\nIn its short FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) motorsports campaign from 2016 to 2019, the Ford GT LM GTE finished first in the GTE class in the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. The racing car then picked up another 18 victories before it was retired from the global endurance series in 2019.\nIn its home market of North America, the 2022 Ford GT \u201964 Prototype Heritage Edition does not have an announced price available, but news portals are quick to point out that these bespoke hand-built machines made by Multimatic Niche Vehicles in Canada cost a whopping \nUS$500,000\n (over RM2.1 million) with production only beginning next year.\nEven with such a price tag, Ford has no issue selling them, where 175 units were reportedly sold in the US alone last year. Demand has been more than overwhelming, which made Ford and Multimatic agree to \nextend the production\n of the Ford GT for another two years to 2022 to meet customers requests.\nGALLERY"
"Just weeks after the official global debut of the \nall-new Honda Civic\n, Kah Motors, the marque\u2019s local distributor in Singapore has now started accepting \nregistrations of interest\n for the new model, signalling at an imminent launch.\nBanner on Kah Motor\u2019s website\nAside from the single image on the company\u2019s website though, no other information about the all-new Civic was made available just yet. We do know that the current \n10th-generation Honda Civic\n in Singapore is being imported from Thailand, and we do not expect that to change for the all-new model.\nThe all-new Honda Civic sports a divisive new look, significantly toning down the boy racer styling for a more mature, Accord-like silhouette. We called it the \u201cmost European-looking Civic\u201d ever when the \ndesign was first unveiled\n, and we still stand by our remark!\nCompared to the outgoing model, the 11th-generation Civic is now 33 mm longer than before, stretching out the sloping roofline to give it a more fastback-esque look. Its width and height remain the same as before, but visually looks a little wider thanks to the low and flat bonnet, and a new horizontal tail light design.\nJust like the exterior, the cabin of the all-new Honda Civic also gets a complete makeover with a more mature design called \n\u201cSimplicity and Something\u201d\n. A\u00a0metal honeycomb mesh\u00a0accent stretches across the entire dashboard from door to door, accentuating the width of the car, while at the same time concealing the air vents to give the entire dashboard a cleaner look.\nOn top of the low and wide dashboard sits a free-standing touchscreen infotainment display, while further down on the centre stack is a set of physical climate control dials \u2013 a welcome change replacing the touchscreen-operated ones on the current Civic.\nWhile Singapore may be the first to receive the all-new Honda Civic, our country should not be far behind too. Last month in an interview for the company\u2019s WithDreams online magazine, Honda Malaysia president and COO Sarly Adle Sarkum hinted at the arrival of the model this year, saying \u201cYou didn\u2019t see the Civic 2022 world premiere on the internet? Where have you been all this time? Hints for 2021.\u00a0\ntunggu\n.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"As the Malaysian government highway operators work towards \nimplementing a multi-lane free flow (MLFF)\n toll collection mechanism by 2025, lawmakers are now mulling a new penal code that includes harsher penalties for toll fee dodgers.\nWorks minister Fadillah Yusof has confirmed that his ministry is currently proposing a new criminal law against toll evaders as part of the measures for the implementation of MLFF within the next 24 months, reports \nFMT\n.\n\u201cThis is to avoid leakages as we are looking into the provision of the law that includes a penal code and whether toll evasion can be considered a criminal offence since there is no lane barrier under MLFF,\u201d he told the publication.\nThe new proposed penal code will include amendments to relevant laws, including the Road Transport Act 1987. However, the minister did not disclose if a jail sentence would be included.\n\u201cTo have an effective vehicle tracking and driver\u2019s record system, you have to connect with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) database. The relevant law needs to be looked at. There may be a need for a (new) special law, or maybe, the current law needs to be amended,\u201d said Fadillah Yusof.\n\u201cThis is the biggest challenge. We need to resolve this, including getting the highway concessionaires and other stakeholders to agree in terms of the [new] law.\u201d\nRELATED: New drunk driving law with harsher penalties passed in Dewan Negara\nIt is understood that the call for new criminal laws against toll evaders was largely due to highway concessionaires\u2019 heightened concern on the probability of higher unpaid tolls under the MLFF toll collection mechanism.\nAt the moment, even with a barrier toll both mechanism, toll concessionaires are still racking up on unpaid toll fees. Just last year, a company was found to have evaded toll fees worth RM518,369 by its drivers involving 19 vehicles over several years.\nConcessionaires can currently only resort to civil suit action against repeat offenders. Toll evaders are charged under Section 8 of the Federal Roads (Private Management) Act 1984, with a fine of between RM2,000 and RM5,000 upon conviction.\nThe MLFF system will introduce a barrier-free system without toll booths for toll collection, thus harsher laws and more advanced technologies will be needed to dissuade road users from evading tolls, and penalise those who do.\nAccording to Fadillah, the gantry structures will be equipped with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) at specific locations to better identify vehicles and enhance law enforcement.\nALSO READ: Users should be given payment options at toll booths, says PM\nProper enforcement of standardised number plates will be needed to facilitate the functionality of ANPR systems.\nHigh definition cameras will also be installed for the purpose of capturing the faces of the drivers at the gantry. \u201cWhat if users don\u2019t pay when passing through the MLFF lanes?\u201d he asked. \u201cSo, there must be good sensors at the gantry locations and the camera image quality has to be very fine to capture the details of vehicles and also the driver.\u201d\n\u201cThis will also depend a lot on the ANPR and the link to the JPJ system\u201d, he added, referring to the accuracy of vehicle owner registrations stored in the RFID stickers database, and the system integration among the franchise holders."
"Speak of the \nN\u00fcrburgring\n, and you\u2019d usually think of some superfast performance car that can lap the \u2018Ring in about seven and a half minutes. Point is, a boring ol\u2019 sedan like the Corolla will probably never cross your mind, but believe it or not \u2013 Toyota Thailand has just unveiled a special N\u00fcrburgring package for the \nCorolla Altis\n in the Land of Smiles.\nConfused? We should explain. You see, since 2017, Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand has entered the 24 Hours of N\u00fcrburgring in the SP3 class with a souped up Corolla race car. And for the last two years, they\u2019ve actually found massive success with back to back class victories, including a 1-2 finish last year!\nSo as a celebration of their wins, the marque\u2019s local Thailand arm decided to sport up the Corolla with a new set of accessories called the N\u00fcrburgring Package that consists of a body kit plus some \u201cperformance upgrades\u201d.\nThe body kit, as expected, is inspired by the team\u2019s actual 24H N\u00fcrburgring race car. The resemblance is most noticeable at the front, especially with the twin nostrils beside the Toyota logo, and the split lower intake.\nThe all-new Toyota Corolla is now available in Malaysia, offered in two variants. Check it out here!\nAlso included in the body kit are the more aggressive-looking side skirts, plus a new bumper at the back featuring a diffuser-like element at the bottom, bookended by two faux air vents. More importantly, though, are the exclusive N\u00fcrburgring badges that sit proudly behind the front fenders, which is sure to shave a couple of seconds off your lap time just by itself.\nYou see how we put \u201cperformance upgrades\u201d in quotation marks? Well, that\u2019s because there isn\u2019t any \u201creal\u201d boost in performance, at least in terms of powertrain. The package is offered on both the 1.8 Sport and 1.8 Hybrid variants, and for either of them, you\u2019ll still get the same powertrain found in their base cars.\nThat means for the 1.8 Sport, you get a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FBE petrol engine making \n140 hp\n and \n177 Nm\n that\u2019s paired to a CVT gearbox, and for the 1.8 Hybrid variants, an Atkinson Cycle 1.8-litre engine that\u2019s mated to an electric motor for a combined output of \n122 hp\n.\nNot a fan of the over-the-top body kit? There\u2019s also a more laid-back GR Sport edition for the Toyota Corolla, but also with no performance upgrades.\nWhat you \ndo\n get, however, is a set of lowering springs, alongside a new throttle control box that promises better throttle response. So even though there\u2019s no boost in power output, the Toyota Corolla with N\u00fcrburgring Package should still feel a little snappier to drive \u2013 no matter how miniscule the difference actually is.\nThe whole N\u00fcrburgring Package for the Toyota Corolla is supposedly worth somewhere around THB42,000 (approx. RM5.1k), but Toyota Thailand will be offering it for free to buyers of the few variants listed above, alongside a \u201cfirst-class\u201d motor insurance worth THB31,000 (approx. RM3.8k).\nGALLERY"
"According to a news report by \nThe Edge\n\u2018s business weekly, Porsche is in the process of setting up a local assembly plant for its vehicles here in Malaysia. If the report turns out to be true, the new plant will be the \nfirst in the world outside of Germany\n to assemble Porsche vehicles.\nPer the unnamed source, the local facility will be located in Kulim, Kedah, where it will be partnering with Inokom, a subsidiary of Sime Darby. Sime Darby, under the \nSime Darby Auto Performance\n brand, has been Porsche\u2019s sole distributor in Malaysia since 2010.\nSDAP\u2019s new flagship Porsche outlet at the Sime Darby Motors City, Ara Damansara\n\u201cThere have been quite a number of big investments coming into Malaysia in the automotive sector, but the government has yet to declare them. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the movement control order (MCO), many of the principals could not come to Malaysia,\u201d the source told the business publication.\n\u201cThe announcement has to be made jointly. They are big names; the government cannot just hold a press conference and announce the investments,\u201d the source added.\nAnother source familiar with the matter said that the new Kulim assembly plant, which will be constructed specifically to assemble Porsche vehicles, will serve as the ASEAN hub for the marque. The Inokom facility in Kedah currently also produces CKD vehicles for BMW, MINI, and Mazda, among other brands.\nThe source added that the incentives for the investment has already been approved by the Ministry of Finance.\nWhen asked to comment on the matter, Porsche\u2019s deputy director of corporate communications and spokesperson for production and logistics, Christian Weiss told \nThe Edge\n, \u201cASEAN is a promising region with great potential, and we continuously examine options for further growth in this market.\u201d\nA Sime Darby representative meanwhile, said that the company regularly engages existing and potential partners to explore opportunities to expand their business, and welcomes any partnership that will add value to its strategic business plans.\nThe \nfully-electric Porsche Taycan\n is the brand\u2019s latest addition to its Malaysian model line-up.\nIf the rumours turn out to be true, the investment would be a much-needed boost to the automotive production sector in Malaysia, at a time when major carmakers are opting for Thailand and Indonesia to set up shop, thanks to their more lucrative and transparent incentive packages.\nThe introduction of locally-assembled Porsches could also mean a reduction in price, due to the 20% lower import duties on locally-assembled cars. Of course, \u201ccheaper\u201d doesn\u2019t exactly mean cheap, as Porsche is still a premium marque after all.\nStill, Malaysian car enthusiasts already can\u2019t stop salivating over the prospect of more affordable Porsches, and we don\u2019t blame them. A man can dream, right?"
"Renault Sport has just introduced a range of genuine R.S. Performance accessories for their little hot hatch, the \nRenault Clio R.S\n. The new range of accessories aims to elevate the on-track experience of passionate Renault owners.\nFor starters, the R.S. Performance bodywork kit inspired by the \nClio R.S. 16 concept car\n will be available in just 250 sets. The kit adds a carbon hood, restyled lower intakes, carbon wing as well as Turini alloy wheels. Each part is individually stamped, allowing enthusiasts to create their very own R.S. car.   Performance enhancing items on the list include a carbon fibre bucket seat with harness, exhaust system, high-performance brakes and suspension, anti-strut bar and much more to enhance the on-track performance of the Clio R.S.\nBesides the bolt on accessories, Renault Sport also offers a full range of workshop products for customers which comes with R.S. branded tool trolley, toolset, limited-edition spray gun, garage jack, tilting lift, and a torque wrench.\nR.S. Performance Project Manager at Renault Sport Cars, Guillaume Calvar said: \u201cR.S. Performance is a product offering that bridges the gap between sports and racing cars. It is our way of giving track enthusiasts everything they need to customise their Renault Sport vehicle and make it a beautiful, high-performance Track Day car.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nR.S. Performance Accessories on Renault Clio R.S."
"After meticulously scrutinising every vehicle available in Malaysia, the vehicles nominated for the \nCars of Malaysia award\n were recognised and celebrated last Friday for their merits, in the presence of other motoring media and representatives from their respective brands.\nThe biggest winner of the night was none other than Mercedes-Benz; walking home with no less than 15 awards with their vast inventory scattered across various vehicle categories. The rest of the esteemed award winners \ncan be viewed here\n.\nThe Kia Picanto launched earlier this year was the surprised winner in its \u201cCity Cars of Malaysia\u201d category \u2013 beating the likes of Proton Saga and even the Perodua Bezza to the top of the podium.\nThe Cars of Malaysia awards is a collaborative effort between Evo Malaysia, Roda Pusing and yours truly, AutoBuzz.my \u2013 where each of us have adopted a common scoring mechanism and aggregated our scores \u2013 to rank the top three cars from each of the 35 categories, used to segmentise all the cars on sale in Malaysia.\nFrom left: Bobby Ang of Evo Malaysia, Hisham Jahudi of Roda Pusing and GC Mah of AutoBuzz.my\nThe main objective of the Cars of Malaysia awards is to provide an all-inclusive buying guide through an equally comprehensive scoring system that covers four keys factors \u2013 \npricing, performance, quality and safety\n \u2013 consumers would consider before they purchase a new vehicle.\nNarrowing down the spectrum, various attributes are also considered under each of the key factors mentioned above. For example, under the Performance factor, we judged on the power delivery, ride comfort and also handling of a particular vehicle.\nTo ensure the credibility of the judging and scoring process, the \nscores from each individual publication is available online\n and is open to public viewing and analysis, in the hopes of offering different perspectives for buyers to better evaluate their options.\nLast and most exciting of all, to top off the Cars of Malaysia initiative,\n all three publications will be touring the entire Peninsula Malaysia\n with stops in every major city along with the convoy of nominated vehicles.\nNot only would this \u201cgrand tour\u201d present the opportunity to all of our followers and audiences to get up close with the acclaimed vehicles but also with the opportunity to engage, interact and exchange opinions with us and the team from Evo Malaysia and Roda Pusing, to further aid the new car buying process.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Top 3 recipients of the City Cars of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Compact Hatchback of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Superminis of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Compact Sedans of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Mid Sized Hatchbacks of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Mid Sized Sedans of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Family Exec Sedans of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Sports Exec Sedans of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Sportswagons of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Compact MPVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Mid Sized MPVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Large MPVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the People Carriers of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium MPVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Crossovers of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Mid Sized SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Family SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Offroad SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Pickup Trucks of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Coupes of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Compact Cars of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Family Cars of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Executive Cars of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Executive Coupes of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Luxury Flagship Cars of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Compact SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Mid Sized SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Sports SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Large SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Luxury Sports SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Family SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Luxury SUVs of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Premium Coupes of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Driver\u2019s Cars of Malaysia award\n \n Top 3 recipients of the Dream Cars of Malaysia award"
"Volkswagen Malaysia and\u00a0Persatuan\u00a0Pengasuh Berdaftar Malaysia (PPBM) took the first step in organising and carrying out a child passenger safety campaign for VW\u2019s staff and media in a bid to roll out the training module throughout the nation. It will take place across 280 childcare centres nationwide with the foremost goal of helping to reduce child related road fatalities.\nNow, we have all been inundated with public service announcements and directives to make sure that occupants at the \nback\n are\u00a0\nbuckled up\n. This affect truly does go out to the younger audiences that are not even old enough to drive and worse, \nbadly injured or killed\n in the over \n400,000\n recorded accidents back in \n2012\n alone.\nHowever, it is estimated in \n2011\n that\u00a0children make up the first and the second leading\u00a0groups of casualties recorded with those aged from\n 1\u20134 years\n old at \n43.8 percent\n\u00a0and \n5\u20139 years\n old\u00a0at \n30.2 percent\n\u00a0respectively \u2013 the total statistic as gathered by \nMIROS\n. VW has launched this campaign in the effort of educating, training and inspiring the various communities as an agent of change.\nThrough this exerted effort, the personnel from PPBM\u2019s network will be conducting training in the hopes of reaching as many as\u00a0\n28,000\n\u00a0parents.\u00a0Aside from that, VW Malaysia\u00a0will also be donating \n200 Volkswagen child safety seats\n and \n10,000 copies\n of\u00a0the A to Z of \nroad safety flash cards\n to PPBM in the cause of helping educate parents.\nWith that in mind, always wear your seatbelts, guys."
"Mercedes-Benz says it\u2019s the S-Class of all SUVs and is the pinnacle of serenity \u2013 we have no reason to doubt it cause it even comes with a Discreet drive mode. Other drive modes include Modern Classic, Sport, Supersport, Trail and Sand.\nThese modes regulate how the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine behind the largest front grille in any AMG model behaves. It\u2019s got over \n612 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n which can be sent fully to the rear, or distributed equally (50:50) between the front and rear wheels.\nWith an additional 22 hp from the EQ Boost starter-alternator, the GLS can take on most sportscars with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of just \n4.2 seconds\n.\nTop speed may be unlocked from 250 km/h to 280 km/h through the optional AMG Driver\u2019s Package. All that fury is tamed by 6-pot caliper brakes in the front, clamping on to massive 400 mm discs.\nThe 7-seater GLS has a significantly longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which as a result benefits the second row passengers in particular with an additional 87 mm of legroom.\nThe usual fixtures in an AMG cabin are all present with lettering on the floor mats, door sills, instrument cluster and such. Driver and front passenger seats gets climate control while heated second row seats are standard.\nBut that\u2019s not what makes it the \u201cS-Class\u201d of SUVs. Instead, it\u2019s all in the suspension. It\u2019s standard fitted with an air suspension system with an Adaptive Damping System so you can still read your papers or reply emails while your driver is going through a roundabout completely sideways.\nNeither ends of the GLS would dip either regardless of vehicle load with its self-levelling system. Ride height can be lowered by 10 mm either manually or automatically according to speeds.\nFor better the unsavoury driving surfaces, a push of a button will get you additional 55 mm of ground clearance \u2013 not that the GLS would ever be driven beyond the tarmac.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In the pursuit of safety, car manufacturers have been building bigger and thicker pillars onto their cars. Other than providing increased rigidity during a collision or rollover, the pillars also house safety equipment such as airbags for better protection during a car crash.\nHowever, in keeping occupants safe during an accident, the chunky pillars might have inadvertently made avoiding crashes itself harder due to the additional blind spots.\nChunky A-pillars in the latest car blocks out a significant portion of the driver\u2019s sight.\nFrom seeing her mother\u2019s struggle with these pesky blind spots in the family Jeep Grand Cherokee, 14-year-old Alaina Gassler was inspired to create her own solution that can help drivers \u201csee through\u201d the A-pillar.\nUsing a webcam, roof-mounted projector, projector screen materials, and some clever programming on a tiny Raspberry Pi computer, Gassler\u2019s system captures the blocked view from the exterior of the vehicle, then projects the realigned visual in real time onto the A-pillar. Here\u2019s a video showing it in action:\n \nIn order to project at such a close range, Gassler had to 3D print a custom part to properly focus the image onto the A-pillar. Pretty snazzy for a 14-year-old!\nGassler\u2019s effort deservedly won \nThe Samueli Foundation Prize\n in the Broadcom MASTERS science and engineering competition, earning her a cool US$25,000.\n \nThe 14-year-old inventor said that her first projector-based prototype resulted in bright images that are sometimes hard to see, and would like to work on a LCD based display in the future.\nGassler\u2019s solution is a simple yet effective solution to a genuine problem. With car manufacturers already toying with the idea of using cameras as wing mirrors, we can definitely see this technology being implemented into vehicles in the future!"
"The Volkswagen brand is upping its SUV offensive, recently venturing into the \ncompact SUV segment\n and even expecting to launch a \nconvertible SUV\n in 2020. Not surprising given one in every five cars sold by the brand is an SUV.\nMember of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Sales, J\u00fcrgen Stackmann said: \u201cSUVs are becoming increasingly popular with our customers throughout the world. This is why we are consistently pursuing our current SUV offensive. It will be a key contribution to strengthening our core business so that we can invest the necessary billions of euros in mobility and autonomous driving.\u201d   Volkswagen expects that by 2025, every second Volkswagen passenger cars sold throughout the world will probably be an SUV with strong demand in China, North and South America. By 2025, the company will be offering more than 30 SUV models in its portfolio ranging from the most compact segment to the \nlarge premium segment\n.\nThe SUV offensive announced by Volkswagen in 2015 has resulted in positive returns as the \nTiguan\n is now among the top 10 best-selling cars in the world with more than five million units sold. The newly introduced T-Roc also received an overwhelming response with almost 130,000 cars sold since its market debut in 2017."
"After several leaked images of what is purportedly the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift found its way onto the internet, Toyota Motor Philippines have now officially confirmed that the updated B-segment sedan will be making its international debut this Saturday, the 25th of July at 6 pm via a live stream on its \nFacebook page\n.\nIn terms of updates, we can expect a few nip and tuck to the exterior styling of the \nVios\n, with most of the efforts seemingly focused on the front end. From what we can see based on the teasers, the front fascia of the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift now sports a redesigned lower grille that is now narrower, with its overall shape flipped vertically to look more in line with the other Toyota models.\nThe lower grille now also joins directly to the upper grille, forming a single blacked-out design element. Flanking the lower grille are the new angular air \u201cinlets\u201d cum fog lights enclosure, one on each side, that looks like it\u2019s plucked straight from the \nToyota Corolla\n.\nThe facelift will also see the introduction of LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, presumably reserved for the \nrange-topping variant\n, replacing the halogen projectors on the current model. As usual on a facelift, expect a reworked rear bumper too, and possibly a redesigned alloy wheel.\nToyota Motor Philippines did not share any details on the interior of the 2020 Vios update, but rumours suggest minor changes to the fabric upholstery, along with a new infotainment display that now supports \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n.\nAs for powertrain, expect to see the same units from the current model carried over, which means the Malaysian-market model will still be getting the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre four-cylinder DVVT-i engine, with output rated at \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n. The engine is paired to a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels."
"At the second media preview of the \nProton X70\n held today at Sheraton Hotel PJ, the national carmaker has just revealed more information about their first ever SUV. This time delving into the infotainment system with voice command function and like all the \npreviews they have hosted so far\n, there are no official pricing details on the X70.\nBack to the topic of discussion today, the X70 will feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard across all four variants. The Android-based head unit features Voice Command that is activated with the prompt \u201cHi Proton\u201d, Remote Control, Smartphone MirrorLink Connectivity, Online infotainment Apps and Over-the-Air connectivity (OTA). The infotainment is also connected to a nine-speaker setup but the company did not confirm whether it is exclusive for the range-topping\u00a0Premium 2WD variant.\nThe infotainment system will operate on Geely Smart Ecosystem user interface or GKUI for short, comes with AI engine, Cloud-based storage, Online Apps and ID recognition functionality. It allows the user to login using their personal ID and access to multiple functions such as Baidu Maps, Music and online Radio.\nFor a seamless user experience, Proton is looking to partner with local telecommunications provider, specifically Celcom, to offer all X70 owners monthly mobile data access embedded to the vehicle\u2019s e-SIM card which enables owners to access all online applications. Proton stressed that the monthly mobile data will come at no extra cost to owners, but the company will also reveal additional subscription plans in the future for those who require more quota.\nThe Voice Command function is activated by simply saying the prompt \u201cHi Proton\u201d followed by the desired command. Functionalities that can be controlled by Voice Command include Dialling Phone, Radio, Music, Navigation, Windows, Sunroof and Air-Conditioning.\nThe system also has been calibrated to recognise \u201cindirect voice commands\u201d. For example, by saying \u201cHi Proton, I\u2019m hungry\u201d, the system will then pull up a list of nearby restaurants on the navigation or saying, \u201cHi Proton, it\u2019s too cold\u201d and the system will automatically increase the temperature of the climate control.\nHowever, the (only) flipside of the GKUI infotainment system is the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The only way to link your Apple device to the infotainment screen is through Bluetooth while Android phones have the added luxury for MirrorLink."
"Audi brought out the precursor to the A6 exactly 47 years ago in 1968. Since then, seven generations of the model has been made since the\u00a0original Audi 100. The sheets came flying off as Audi Malaysia launched the facelifted A6 here in two different trims; the 1.8-litre TFSI and 3.0-litre V6 TFSI.\nManaging Director of Audi Malaysia, Immo Buschman remarked that the A6 represents one of the company\u2019s most successful range and the lynchpin of their product range. The A6 is also \nDeutchland\u2019s best-selling\n business model and fight stiff competition from rivals \nBMW\n and \nMercedes-Benz\n.   QUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi A6 1.8 TFSI\nAudi A6 3.0 TFSI\nEngine\n1798cc inline four turbo\n2995cc V6 supercharged\nTransmission\n7 speed S Tronic\nMax Power\n190hp @ 4200 rpm\n333hp @ 5300 rpm\nMax Torque\n320Nm @ 1400 rpm\n440 Nm @ 2900 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n7.9 seconds\n5.1 seconds\nTop Speed\n233 km/h\n250 km/h\nPrice\nRM324,900\nRM500,000 (est)\nEXTERIOR\nOn the surface of it, not much has been changed in this C7 facelift. The look has been streamlined to suit and reflect the design direction of the company. It gets a new pair of headlights with\n\u00a0new DRLs\n, while the Matrix LED unit remains a cost option on both trims. Audi\u2019s signature\u00a0\nSingleframe\n grille now appears to have \nwidened\n, lending its hand to the new refreshed look.   Elsewhere Audi says that the\n bumpers\n,\n side sills\n and\n air inlets\n have been redesigned and fettled with. Around the back, the tail lamps are new, featuring pulsating LED signal indicators. Its\u00a0\nexhaust pipes\n have been also been restyled for a sportier look. The changes on the A6 goes more than just skin deep, we say that because the A6 utilises building technology such as blending various metals like \naluminium \nand\n steel\n in a bid to keep weight at bay. That said, the A6 tips the scale at\n 1,535kg\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior has yet to receive a drastic change. However, both variants get\n Milano leather\n upholstery as standard, with the driver\u2019s seat on both variants being\u00a0\nelectrically operated\n. The base model receives a \nfour-spoke\n steering wheel while the 3.0-litre variant gets a rather funky\n three-spoke\n design with\n paddle shifters\n. Audi Drive Select (operated via a knob) on the other hand, is standard on both models. The drive system allows for driving optimisation with modes such as\n\u00a0Auto\n,\n Comfort\n,\n Dynamic\n,\n Individual\n and\n Efficiency\n.   The A6 1.8-litre TFSI model comes kitted with a retractable \n6.5-inch\n screen for the\n infotainment\n system. Note also that the base model now gets \nMMI Radio Plus\n. Aside from that, it comes with an \nAudi six-channel amplifier \nwith\n 10-speakers\n. That being said, the stereo system that comes together with the 3.0-litre model has the \nMMI Navigation Plus\n\u00a0displayed out of an\n eight-inch\u00a0screen\n that\u2019s powered by an all-new graphics processor courtesy of \nNVIDIA\n.\u00a0Charged with getting the beat down is a \n12-channel amp\n\u00a0hooked up to\n 14-speakers \nmanufactured by\n Bose\n.\nAdditionally, the updated system on the flagship A6 gets not only a powerful processor but also a \ntouch pad\n which controls the \nmedia\n,\n GPS navigation\n, and\n telephone\n. The new \nAudi Connect\u00a0\nsystem allows support for \nGoogle Earth\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0Wi-Fi hotspots\n\u00a0for the occupants, which wouldn\u2019t be possible unless an \nLTE\n-enabled \nSIM\n card is used in tandem.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe new A6 comes with a choice of either a frugal \n1.8-litre TFSI\n\u00a0mill that delivers \n190 hp\n and\n 320 Nm\n of torque from as low as\n 1,400 rpm\n. Despite its size, it manages the century sprint in just\n\u00a07.9 seconds\n and tops out at\n 233\u00a0km/h\n. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km. Even this entry-level model now gets Audi\u2019s own \nseven-speed S Tronic\n gearbox.\nShould you find yourself wanting a variant with more power, look no further than the \nsupercharged 3.0-litre\n\u00a0\nTFSI\n\u00a0model that comes kitted out with Audi\u2019s time tested and proven,\u00a0\nQuattro all-wheel-drive\n system to keep all \n333 hp \ngrounded to the tarmac.\n\u00a0\nThe engine makes\n 440 Nm\n of twist that is available at\u00a0\n2,900 rpm\n onwards. This flagship takes only \n5.1 seconds\n to get up from standstill to 100 km/h and will roar onto its electronically-limited top speed of\n 250 km/h\n. Notwithstanding its blistering performance figures, it sips fuel at a rate of just\n 7.4 litres per 100km\n. It is once again paired up with the \nseven-speed S Tronic\n transmission to lay all that power down on the black top.\nSAFETY\nLike all current Audi models, the new A6 also comes equipped with a smorgasboard of electronic safety aids and features including the\u00a0\nStart/Stop\n system with\n\u00a0energy recuperation system\n\u00a0for better fuel economy. Stability control (\nESC\n), traction control (\nASR\n), ABS with brake force distribution (\nEBD\n) and even an electronic differential lock (\nEDL\n)\n\u00a0\ncomes as standard throughout the range.\nParking Aid Plus\n with selective display and a grand total of\n eight airbags\n for the flagship variety (\nsix\n airbags for the 1.8 model) ensures that the driver and his/her occupants are always kept safe and sound.\nWHAT ELSE ?\nPotential customers are spoilt for choice with a range of \nthirteen\n different shades of \ncolours \nranging from Ibis White, Brilliant Black, Glacier White, Oolong Grey, Mythos Black, Dakota Grey, Floret Silver, Diamond Beige, Aviator Blue, Tornado Grey, Havan Black and Garnet Red. The A6 is available for bookings at \nall authorised Audi dealerships\n with the entry-level model retailing for \nRM324,900\n while the flagship model\u2019s price has yet to be announced. It\u2019s price however, is estimated to hover around the \nhalf-million mark\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Across the continent, Nissan has a compact crossover model that\u2019s relatively successful. It\u2019s called the Nissan Qashqai, and it has finally been facelifted.\nNamed after the mountainous tribe from Iran, the Qashqai one of the best-selling compact crossovers in both Europe and the UK. Currently in its second generation guise (first introduced in 2013), this update brings a fresh new look to the SUV.   As seen with the facelifted \nX-Trail\n, the Qashqai gets the new V-motion front grille. Other visual updates include \u2018boomerang\u2019 LED tail lights, new front bumper, shark fin antenna and alloy rim designs. The adaptive front headlights are offered for the higher variants.\nInside, updates from the X-trail such as the steering and\u00a0\nNissanConnect\n Infotainment system are offered for the Qashqai. Boot space is rated at \n430 litres\n, but expands to 1,585 litres when the rear seats are down.\u00a0Nissan\u2019s \nFlexible Luggage Board\n System is available, providing modular storage at up to\u00a018 configurations.\nPowertrains are all carried over from its before. UK-bound Qashqais can be had with a choice of\n two petrols\n and\n two diesel\n engines, beginning with the 112 hp 1.2-litre petrol, followed by a 163 hp 1.6-litre petrol mill. The diesels include a 108 hp 1.5-litre and a 128 hp 1.6-litre diesel. Customers get to choose between a\u00a0\nsix-speed manual\n or a \nseven-speed CVT\n, but all-wheel drive is strictly for the most powerful diesel while the rest settle for front-wheel drive.\nThe facelifted Qashqai is the latest Nissan model to be equipped with Nissan\u2019s \nPropilot\n active safety package. It\u2019ll compliment the existing \nIntelligent Emergency Braking\n feature which is standard since launch. Nissan claims the refreshed Qashqai is quieter\u00a0as well.\nDeliveries will begin by July 2017. So, would you pick the Nissan Qashqai over the spacious\u00a0\nHonda HR-V\n,\u00a0sporty \nMazda CX-3\n, or the upcoming\u00a0\nHyundai Kona\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford\u2019s range of EcoBoost engines can be traced as far back as 2009 when it was first introduced to the world, but little is known and heard about the turbocharged motor in this region up until the \nFiesta EcoBoost\u2019s arrival\n. Six years and more than four million EcoBoost engines later, Ford Motor Company has announced that their Cleveland Engine Plant in Ohio will start producing the \n2.0L\n and \n2.3L twin scroll turbo engines\n to support global operations.\nThe Focus RS shares the same 2.3L EcoBoost engine as the Mustang\nMore than 1,300 people have been employed at the Ohio facility to produce the EcoBoost engines that will power the all-new Ford Edge (world premiere due this coming months), the Explorer, \nFocus RS\n and \nMustang\n. The plant also builds Ford\u2019s 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine and 3.7-litre V6 rear-wheel drive system. Just last year alone, Ford has, globally, produced over \n2.3 million units\n of EcoBoost engines. That\u2019s slightly over \n190,000 engines\n a month!\nThe engines produced at the Ohio plant will be used to support the brand\u2019s operations in several key regions \u2013 North America, Europe, Mexico and Asia Pacific. It\u2019s unclear if the facility will be producing the \nGT\u2019s\n\u00a0\n600 hp 3.5-litre twin turbo engine\n, but let\u2019s assume otherwise for now.\nBack here, Sime Darby Auto Connexion will be putting the 5.0L Mustang V8 on \npublic display at Publika\n, Solaris Dutamas for the first time from today till Sunday (11 to 15 March). It\u2019s scheduled to hit selected Ford showrooms in December this year in two trims \u2013 fastback and convertible, both with either the \n2.3-litre EcoBoost\n or \n5.0-litre Coyote V8\n engine."
"Mercedes-Benz has just made history by selling a grand total of 1,144,274 cars throughout the first six months of 2017. That\u2019s a 13.7 percent jump compared to the same period last year, with the biggest contributors coming from China (+34.5 percent) and South Korea (+47.3 percent).\nIn June alone, the Tristar was the strongest performing premium brand in no less than 14 countries \u2013 Germany, Italy,\u00a0France, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, the USA, Canada, Brazil and of course \nin Malaysia as well\n.\nThe most popular model in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio is still the \nW205 C-Class\n, with over 210,000 units sold globally. Of that, the biggest market for the C-Class is China with an outrageous demand for the long wheelbase version. Sales of the\u00a0\nW213 E-Class\n on the other hand surged to 181,940 units, up 68.4 percent from last year.\nAlso well sought after are the SUVs: the company sold 385,044 units from January to March, with the \nGLC\n and \nGLA\n being the two best sellers."
"After the overseer was ousted from the alliance (aka Carlos Ghosn, though he remains a director), Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi have now come together to form a decision-making committee in place of the power that was held and wielded by Ghosn only.\n Ghosn used to call the shots, now there\u2019s a committee of four, will it be better? \n(From left: Bollore, Senard, Saikawa and Masuko)\nThe new board comprises Jean-Dominique Senard (as chairman and Senard is also the chairman of Renault), Thierry Bollore (CEO of Renault), Hiroto Saikawa (CEO of Nissan), Osamu Masuko (CEO of Mitsubishi Motors) and will oversee \u2018the operations and governance of the alliance\u2019. It is supposed to signify a new start, with decisions made by the board to be \u2018consensus-based\u2019, in furtherance of a \u2018win-win\u2019 approach.\nWhile the formation of the board may give rise to a more equitable decision-making process for the alliance partners (at least on paper), the shareholding structure remains unchanged \u2013 Renault owns 43.4% of Nissan, Nissan owns 15% of Renault and 34% of Mitsubishi, with Nissan being the biggest contributor to Renault\u2019s profits. Many at Nissan\u2019s headquarters in Yokohama will want to address that imbalance.\nSaikawa (left) and Ghosn in happier days; seen here unveiling a sculpture in 2017 which has since become a symbol of the latter\u2019s power at Nissan HQ.\nMore crucially for shareholders and customers of Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi is whether this new board will bring about the synergies that large auto alliances leverage on. Compared to the slick cross-sharing of resources and platforms shown by the Volkswagen group, Nissan and Renault has done precious little together in the last 20 years. How about a Nissan and Mitsubishi equivalent of the Megane RS (in different body-styles of course), or a range of EVs based on shared hardware and a common charging standard? Let\u2019s hope the decision-making on product matters won\u2019t be bogged down by committees."
"As combustion of fuel and air exits the engine\u2019s exhaust system, the quality of the gas is immediately analyzed and relayed to the engine control unit (ECU) via a Lambda sensor, commonly known as the \nO2 sensor\n.\nThe signal from the O2 sensor is key to ensure that the engine is consuming the right amount of oxygen to burn fuel efficiently, drive smoother and prevent high fuel consumption.\nA \nfaulty O2 sensor\n can lead to a drop in performance, along with higher fuel consumption and increased emissions.\nBosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch AA) shared that since O2 sensors are an unseen part of the car, most drivers are not aware of its existence. Hence, there is a lack of awareness of its importance in engine wear, maintenance and the harm it can cause towards the environment.\nPotential signs of a faulty O2 sensor include reduced engine responsiveness, high fuel consumption,\n and lack of power to sustain a constant speed. Furthermore, the check-engine lamp (CEL) will illuminate when a fault code has been detected in the ECU.\nA lit \u2018Check Engine Lamp\u2019 in yellow means an error code is detected\nIt is best to bring the vehicle to an experienced service centre to troubleshoot the fault code, as it could be more than just the issue with the O2 sensors. As a rule of thumb, Bosch highly recommends \na check on the O2 sensor done every 30,000 km\n. It is best to have a mechanic perform the maintenance check on the O2 sensor as it may need replacing.\nO2 sensor, Toyota Vios CVT\nO2 sensor, Honda Civic 1.8\nIf left unsolved, unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic converter costing more funds for repair works.\nFor more information about Bosch\u2019s range of O2 sensor, drivers can approach its friendly Bosch Car Service or Bosch Preferred Workshops \nhere\n.\nWhile the engine breath well, you and your occupants can also breathe better quality air through the \nBosch Aeristo Premium cabin filter\n. Check out Bosch AA\u2019s own official Shopee (\nhere\n) or Lazada (\nhere\n) stores to have them delivered right to your doorsteps, while we all continue to stay home and stay safe."
"It\u2019s no secret that we like the \nall-new 11th-gen Honda Civic\n. Some of us liked it so much that they even dubbed it \u201cthe best C-segment sedan you can buy right now\u201d (\nspoiler: that person is me\n). A mature but still handsome design, roomy interior, and an actually fun driving experience \u2013 clearly, the all-new Civic already ticks many of the boxes car buyers are looking for, judging by the sheer number of them roaming the streets today. So what happens when you put a more powerful engine in it?\nOkay, labelling it just \u201ca more powerful engine\u201d is perhaps underselling it a little, because underneath the bonnet is one of the most complex hybrid systems currently on the market, which Honda calls \u201ce:HEV\u201d. On this particular instance, it\u2019s made up of a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill, two electric motors, and a tiny 1.05 kWh battery.\nThere\u2019s no need to understand the intricacies behind Honda\u2019s e:HEV system. In fact, the car doesn\u2019t even want you to know, as it does without any charging ports, nor hybrid drive mode selectors. All you need to do is step into the car, press the glowing start button, shift it into drive, and off you go. In a world where cars are increasingly turning into computers-on-wheels, there\u2019s actually a certain kind of comfort in simplicity \u2013 at least on the surface.\nBut more than just simplicity, the hybrid powertrain also gives the all-new 11th-generation Honda Civic an appreciable performance boost, offering some 2 hp and 75 Nm more than the regular 1.5-litre turbo. That might not sound like much on paper, but the extra torque is immediately noticeable, especially with a near-instant power delivery thanks to the e:HEV\u2019s unique drivetrain set-up.\nThe numbers back this up, with the hybrid variant accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, compared to the turbo RS\u2019s 8.5 seconds. But more importantly, just like driving an EV, the responsive throttle response makes it so much more exhilarating to shoot out of corners, with none of the usual CVT pitfalls.\u00a0\nAt full pelt, the electric drive system even simulates gear shifts, even though the power that drives the wheels doesn\u2019t actually go through a gearbox. Paired to the adjustable regenerative braking selector via the paddles behind the steering wheel, the e:HEV hybrid actually feels more engaging to drive when compared to its turbo counterpart \u2013 if you can get past the fake engine sound that\u2019s piped in through the speakers in sports mode, that is.\u00a0\nThanks to the additional electric components, and a larger engine no less, the Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid does weigh in a little more than the non-electrified variants. But the little extra weight (83 kg on paper) isn\u2019t a bad thing, as it actually gives the sedan some tasteful body roll in the corners, making it feel more natural and playful \u2013 especially in transitioning corners.\u00a0\nAll that, without ever feeling unwieldy, as the reworked dampers and spring rates essentially negate most of the extra fat. Turn in the nicely weighted steering, and the car tracks as well \u2013 if not even better \u2013 than the non-electrified brethren.\nThe 10 mm lower centre of gravity and factory-fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres probably helped in no small part here, but the natural (albeit a little long) brake feel is all down to software smarts \u2013 initial decelerating is done via regenerative braking no matter what driving mode you\u2019re in, and the switchover from regenerative to actual braking is pretty much imperceptible.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Honda Civic 1.5 RS review \u2013 Felt good driving it like an Ah Beng\nThe Civic\u2019s sporting credentials doesn\u2019t detract from its comfort, too, with a somewhat continental quality to its damping character. Its relatively firm set-up does mean that the pockmarked roads are a little more apparent inside the cabin (especially with the 18-inch wheels and low-profile tyres), but larger undulations are all pleasantly soaked up as the dampers masterfully resisting rebounds, resulting in a supremely comfortable \u2013 yet engaging \u2013 ride.\nWith a minimalist yet premium-feeling interior appointment, and the supportive microfibre-upholstered seats (which I understand is divisive), the Honda Civic e:HEV RS proves itself to be a competent highway tourer, too. except for the fact that the tyre noise does become quite intrusive especially at higher speeds. Granted, it\u2019s already quite a bit better than its predecessor, but when everything else has improved leaps and bounds, the NVH performance \u2013 despite being improved \u2013 does unfortunately feel as though it\u2019s been left behind.\nAt the end of the day, though, what\u2019s probably most important to a hybrid buyer is its fuel consumption \u2013 and the Honda Civic e:HEV RS continues to impress here. Over a weekend of mostly enthusiastic driving (\nwith how nice the car feels like to drive, we really just had to.\n), we managed to clock in a fuel consumption figure of 5.9 l/100 km \u2013 nearly twice as fuel efficient as its petrol counterpart in our tests.\nThanks to how the e:HEV system works, though, driving around city streets is actually where the hybrid Civic is most efficient. Considering what a Honda Civic will be doing most of the time, i.e. crawling in traffic jams day-in day-out, Honda\u2019s own claimed 4 l/100 km fuel consumption figure really doesn\u2019t seem too far-fetched.\nObviously, your mileage will vary based on your driving style. But if you\u2019re looking for a C-segment sedan that sips as little fuel as possible, there really isn\u2019t anything else that does it as well as the Honda Civic e:HEV RS.\nEvidently, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS is not \njust\n a Civic with a more powerful engine. Sure, it is notably faster than its turbo counterpart, but much more than just performance, it\u2019s also taken what\u2019s already great on the \u201cregular\u201d Civic, and made it even better with best-in-class fuel efficiency, more equipment, and an enhanced driving experience.\nWhile we wouldn\u2019t go as far as comparing it to the \nBMW 3 Series\n, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS does at least present itself as a decent alternative for those shopping for a sports sedan, all at a much cheaper price. There\u2019s a reason why it was awarded \nBest Performance Car in the 2022/2023 Japan COTY\n, after all.\n2023 Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid\n, as reviewed:\nEngine\n1,993 cc; naturally-aspirated inline four, e:HEV hybrid system\nTransmission\ne-CVT\nMax horsepower\n184 hp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm\nMax torque\n315 Nm @ 0-2,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top speed\n7.9 seconds; 180 km/h\nPrice\nRM 166,500\nGALLERY"
"BMW is set to bring back their magic number 8 to the table as the company\u2019s flagship that will go against the very popular Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.\nLast year, the W222 S-Class outsold the \n7 Series\n by a ratio of almost one to four, becoming the default choice for \u201c\ntaukehs\n\u201d with over 125,000 units sold worldwide as compared to the 36,364 units shifted by BMW. Seeing this, the Bavarian company needs to do something, and they\u2019re going to give everything they\u2019ve got with the next-generation 8 Series.z\nAs expected of a flagship model, BMW says the new 8 series will be equipped with state-of-the-art driveline components, multi-material architecture, electrical system and connectivity solutions derived from the newly launched G11 7 Series. A four-door or two-door coupe layout are among the options planned for the new 8 Series.\nThink of the 8 Series as a coupe version of the G11 7 Series\nThe four-door coupe will be more or less the same, conceptually, with the\n 6 Series Gran Coupe\n, while the coupe may be available in cabriolet form too. For sure, the 8 Series will be based on an existing G11 7 Series and will not compete against the Rolls Royce Ghost.\nHowever, we might need to see the 8 Series concept earliest by 2018 before a possible production by 2020. The original \n8 Series\n was launched in 1989 as a Gran Tourer and went on sale for a decade."
"Following a tough 2020, where almost all semblances of physical interactions have been wiped off the face of the earth, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n is committed to strengthen its online presence, starting with a brand new virtual showroom.\nThe new virtual showroom is available for both new and \ncertified pre-owned vehicles\n. Customers can search for stock availability based on the distance to their location, calculate financing options and directly request a quote from their preferred dealer.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, \u201c2020 placed great demands on us as a society. Despite the challenges, the situation also presented us with an opportunity to be more resilient and agile in this new technology-led environment.\n\u201cWhile the safety and of our customers is our top priority, we explore innovative ways to optimize our offerings. The virtual showroom is an example of our pursuit in continuous digitalisation effort to bring the best experiences for our customers.\u201d\nVice President of Sales and Marketing, Michael Jopp added, \u201cWe want to assure our new and existing customers that we are with them throughout their ownership. We have accelerated most of our efforts to combine physical and digital touchpoints for a seamless customer journey.\n\u201cFrom dealerships with luxurious brand presence to digital launches and virtual showroom \u2013 it is all now easily accessible from anywhere. This new and improved presence is meant to simplify processes and enhance our brand experience by leveraging data and technology in this era.\u201d\nThe \nall-new Mercedes-Benz GLA \nis the latest addition to the company\u2019s model line-up in Malaysia.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia dealership Cycle & Carriage last year also introduced their \nown virtual showroom\n, which brought the new \nMercedes-Benz brand presence online\n through a 360-degree virtual reality imaging of their \nflagship showroom at Mutiara Damansara\n. However, its availability is obviously limited to where Cycle & Carriage has a physical presence.\nCustomers interested in checking out the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia virtual showroom can do so by visiting the website \nhere\n.\n\u201cWe are cautiously optimistic about the auto industry\u2019s recovery in 2021. Geared with our comprehensive customer-centric strategy, we are confident it will be an interesting journey as we innovate new ways we communicate and conduct businesses in the future together with our partners,\u201d commented Dr Weidner."
"Volkswagen\n \nhas released official images teasing the next-gen \nVolkswagen Passat\n. Wrapped in a \u201cQR\u201d camouflage just like other upcoming Volkswagen models, what we can confirm is that the next-generation Volkswagen Passat will be available as a wagon only.\nIts underpinnings are all-new as the next-generation Volkswagen Passat is built on the MQB Evo platform. The platform allows for several powertrain options for the upcoming Passat which include pure diesel, pure petrol, mild hybrid (MHEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains \u2013 the TDI, TSI, eTSI, and eHybrid as the brand refers to them.\nThe outgoing Volkswagen Passat already features a PHEV powertrain, but the upcoming one boosts the PHEV\u2019s pure electric range up to 100 km, depending on the specs. More good news for the PHEV Passar includes faster AC charging, and the new ability to do DC charging.\nOther information on the next-gen Volkswagen Passat that has been officially revealed includes:\nA new interior architecture redesigned based on a new concept\nA new display and operating concept\nMore space in the rear\nNew Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) pro and integration of Vehicle Dynamics manager\nA new generation of IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights\nRELATED: \n2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace now with IQ.Drive, from RM175k with VAP\nWith the interior not sporting any form of camouflage, we can already see the cabin design direction for future Volkswagen models. The digital instrument cluster is well integrated into the dashboard but it isn\u2019t paired with a twin screen like most new cars these days. Instead, it is paired with a large horizontal tablet head unit which measures 12.9 inches as standard, but customers will also have the option of a 15-inch screen.\nThe steering retains the capacitive controls although the company has announced that it will be \nshifting back to physical buttons in the future\n. Below the large head unit are backlit touch sliders to adjust things like volume and climate control. It seems like the shift to physical buttons isn\u2019t happening just yet.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan teased in camouflage \u2013 PHEV to get over 100 km of electric range\nVolkswagen Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, Kai Gr\u00fcnitz said, With the all-new Passat, we have placed great importance on high ride and travel comfort that customers will feel immediately. Among other things, this is ensured by the longer wheelbase and the new adaptive chassis control with two-valve shock absorbers. At the same time, our new display and operating concept is very intuitive. Climate-controlled massage seats illustrate our premium standard in the interior.\u201d\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen Golf to axe manual gearbox due to emissions rules"
"In reaffirming its commitment to electrification, BMW Malaysia today unveiled the newly-installed DC Fast Chargers at Auto Bavaria Ara Damansara, the first of many that will be installed at BMW i dealers across the country.\nThe new DC Fast Chargers, alongside other BMW Rapid-Charging DC Chargers at selected dealerships nationwide, will be open for use to the public.\nThe DC Fast Chargers\u2019 outputs are rated at 180 kW and features twin Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, which means two cars can be charged at the same time from a single charger.\nThe 180 kW output is higher than the 150 kW supported by both the \nBMW iX \nand \niX3\n that have been launched in Malaysia, which means they\u2019ll both be able to charge at full speed, taking approximately 30 minutes to reach an 80% SOC on both cars.\nALSO READ: ABB introduces the world\u2019s fastest EV charger with 360 kW power\nYes, your \nHyundai Kona Electric\n will be allowed to use the new chargers too.\nCommenting on the launch, BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director Hans de Visser said, \u201cWe have been driving the change towards electrification not only with our growing portfolio of electrified vehicles, but also by expanding the local charging infrastructure network across the country.\n\u201cWe partnered with GreenTech Malaysia from the get-go to ensure a functioning ecosystem for electromobility to thrive in, and are continuing to deliver on that commitment alongside our network of dedicated dealers \u2013 not just for BMW and MINI owners, but for [all] electric vehicle owners in Malaysia,\u201d he added.\n\u201cWe are confident that this move will be mutually beneficial in ensuring charging infrastructures are more accessible across the country, and help alleviate the concerns of potential EV owners in Malaysia such as range anxiety.\u201d\nRELATED: Petronas to deploy EV fast chargers in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and JomCharge\nAuto Bavaria Managing Director, Vi Thim Juan added, \u201cMuch like the BMW Group, we have long shared the belief that the future is electric, and we are honoured to be amongst the first dealerships to bring this vision into reality by installing the DC Fast Chargers on our premises for public use.\u201d\n\u201cOur loyal customers will now also be able to visit our dealerships and receive the full Electric Ownership Experience, as we work in tandem with BMW Group Malaysia to accelerate the shift to electromobility in Malaysia.\u201d"
"It\u2019s rare for a production car to end up looking better than its concept, but in the case of the \nNissan GT-R50 by Italdesign\n \u2013 a collaboration between Nissan and Giorgetto Giugiaro\u2019s Italdesign \u2013 it would appear that the transition to final production has made it easier for the GT-R Nismo-based supercar to justify its \nmillion-dollar price tag\n, more precisely \n\u20ac990,000\n.\nWhile still recognisably a GT-R, particularly in profile and silhouette, key visual details such as its sword-like rear wing, distinctive oval tail lamps set against a recessed surface and low-slung, tapered front end now stand out more prominently. Nissan\u2019s design chief \nAlfonso Albaisa\n calls it \u2018the best of Japan and Italy combined\u2019, and truth be told, the GT-R50 does exude Italian supercar vibes from certain angles.\nOriginally unveiled in \nJune 2018\n to commemorate the \n50-year existence\n of the GT-R and \nItaldesign\n, Nissan says that the demand for the GT-R50 has been strong, with only a \u2018limited number of reservations\u2019 left. Since only \n50 \nwill be produced, it goes without saying that there are limited slots left, bottom line is that you can still book one if you fancy the ultimate GT-R.\nEven if you lay down the deposit for the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6-powered GT-R50 today, the \n720 hp\n and \n780 Nm \nsupercar would only begin deliveries starting late 2020, extending into 2021. By which time, the GT-R would have already turned 14!\nNissan GT-R50 by Italdesign image gallery"
"Audi has just unveiled the estate version of their all-new Audi A6, offering a more practical alternative to its customers. The new Audi A6 Avant retains the striking design of its \nsedan twin\n as well as an array of tech and driver assistance systems.\nCompared to its predecessor the new A6 Avant is now larger, standing at 4.94 meters long, 1.89 meters wide and 1.47 meters tall. It boasts the best in class front and rear elbow room as well as rear knee room. The styling cues are largely carried over from the A6 sedan save for the tapering roofline that flows into the D-pillars.   Boot space, although only 30 litres more than the sedan at \n565 litres\n (1,680 litres with rear seats folded), the Avant\u2019s loading width of 1,050 mm makes for a more graceful affair. The luggage compartment comes with a rail system as standard to allow drivers to conveniently secure objects from sliding about.\nLED headlamps are standard fitment, but customers can opt for the HD Matrix LED headlights with high-resolution high beam. The Matrix LED is a prerequisite to have the five strip LED daytime running lights. Three exterior equipment lines are available for the A6 Avant \u2013 Sport, Design and S-Line to go with the 12 exterior paint colours.\nInside, the A6 Avant also gets the \ntriple screen cockpit\n that combines a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, 10.1-inch upper MMI display and 8.6-inch lower display to create a minimalistic cabin. Four equipment lines are available \u2013 Sport, Design, Design Selection and the S Line that furnishes the cabin with different upholstery materials, colours and seats.\nOther feel-good options include customized contour front seats with massage and ventilation function, air quality package that sprays the cabin with two different fragrances, 19-speakers Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System panoramic sunroof and contour ambient lighting that sets off the cabin with 30 different colours.\nAudi did not disclose the exact engine options available, but all engine options will be fitted with a \n48-volt primary mild hybrid system\n that improves fuel economy by up to 0.7 litres per 100 km. Transmission choices include a seven-speed S Tronic or an eight-speed Tiptronic while drive is deployed on all corners courtesy of the Quattro all-wheel drive.\nSuspension options on the A6 Avant include standard steel-spring suspension, sport suspension, suspension with shock absorber control and adaptive air suspension.\n Audi\u2019s Dynamic All-Wheel Steering\n that reduces the cars turning circle and improve agility and stability at high speeds is available as an option.\nWhile Audi\u2019s extensive range of driver assistance systems such as emergency braking assist, Audi pre sense front, adaptive cruise assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning and lane change warning and more are available as standard or as an option, there is no mention that the estate will get the Audi AI system that allows the A6 sedan to park itself into designated carpark without a driver.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A6 Avant S-Line in Sepang Blue   Audi A6 Sedan"
"BMW has revealed the new BMW i4 M50 which will serve as the safety car in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, which happens this 15th of August at the Red Bull Ring. The i4 M50 replaces the BMW i8 used previously.\nThe new safety car will be launched in November 2021. Armed with an electric motor each to drive the front and rear wheels, there\u2019s over 500 hp of electric power to stay ahead of the electric motorcycles.\nTo avoid things getting too sterile while the i4 M5 is on the move, BMW said its driving experience is heightened by a drive sound developed specifically for electric BMW M cars.\n\u201cWith the BMW i4 M50, we are entering a new era and presenting our first M with a fully-electric drive train,\u201d says BMW M CEO, Markus Flasch.\n\u201cWith the first M BEV, we are showing that everything people have come to know about the M brand is also possible in a fully-electric vehicle. While the production version of the four-door Gran Coup\u00e9 will arrive later, here\u2019s an early preview.\u201d\nThe FIM Enel MotoE\u2122 World Cup has been part of the MotoGP World Championship since 2019.\nGALLERY"
"Aside from their binge drinking and kebab-loving culture, the UK is also notoriously well known for their political correctness and that has caused this video advertisement of the new Volkswagen Polo to be banned.\nThe Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) in the UK has banned it for \u201cencouraging irresponsible driving\u201d. Complaints were also made to the regulatory board over the \u201cexaggerated benefits of the new Polo\u2019s safety systems\u201d.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMRnVqQVDwo\nI on the other hand feel that this whole fiasco in itself has been exaggerated\u00a0 \u2013 bringing back the issue of UK\u2019s political correctness that can sometimes blow things out of proportion. Why?\nThe ASA claims that the loud indie rock sountrack leaves an impression that the driver was being irresponsible, according to a report by Autocar UK.\nVolkswagen has since claimed that the car was not driven dangerously and that they do not condone the same. The video was simply meant to illustrate an inexperienced driver which led to his father\u2019s nervous reaction.\nCredit:\n Autocar UK"
"Ford has just unveiled the toughest, highest performing version of Europe\u2019s best-selling pick up, the \nFord Ranger Raptor\n, for the European market. The ultimate Ranger pick up truck will go on sale in Europe in mid-2019.\nPowered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel, the Ranger Raptor packs 213 hp and 500 Nm of twist sending power to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger Raptor also comes with a new Terrain Management System (TMS) that offers six driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja \u2013 the latter named after the famous Baja Dessert Rally gives the driver maximum high-speed off-road performance.\nCompared to a standard Ranger, the Ranger Raptor is wider by 320 mm and has an approach angle of 32.5 degrees, ramp over angle of 24 degrees and departure angle of 24 degrees to give it maximum off-road drivability.\nThe cabin of the ranger Raptor gets a sportier touch with magnesium paddle shifters, aggressive instrument cluster, red centre market and body-hugging seats. No much was revealed about European-bound Ranger Raptor, but the pick up truck made its global debut with Ford\u2019s latest advanced Driver Assist Technologies (DATs), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).\nFord Performance Director, Europe, Leo Roeks said: \u201cForget everything you think you know about pick-ups. Our new Ranger Raptor is a different breed \u2013 a thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader that can toil with the best of them in the harshest of working conditions.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u2018Men vs MINI in Putrajaya\u2019, is the official video for the new \nMINI\n Cooper F56 in Malaysia, which has been launched concurrently with its microsite \u2018\nnewminipower.my\n\u2018 today. The all-new MINI Cooper is now bigger, faster and cleverer than before.\nGo behind the scenes with the all-new MINI Cooper S F56\nFilmed around iconic landmarks of administrative capital Putrajaya, 4 stuntmen and 1 MINI \u2018terrorize\u2019 the city, provoking and imitating each other\u2019s moves. The stuntmen consist of BMX Freestyler, Fizzy; Extreme Pro Flyboarder, Shuk; Paramotor Pilot, Rizlan; and Base Jumper, Nasa.\nThe new MINI Cooper S going against the stuntmen was driven by stunt driver and Malaysian Gymkhana Champion, Ivan Khong.\u00a0Not forgetting, the chase car driver was, AutoBuzz.my chief editor, GC Mah. That\u2019s me!\nWhile you are watching the video below, pay attention to how many times the \u2018Cooper S\u2019 badge appears throughout the video and join \nMINI\u2019s contest\n to win a weekend Power Trip!\nGo behind the scenes with the all-new MINI Cooper S F56\nThe third generation MINI Cooper codenamed F56 is now available in all MINI showrooms in Malaysia. Available in 4 options, the original Cooper, Cooper Chilli, Cooper S and the Cooper S Wired. Prices from RM 178,888 to RM 248,888."
"Honda has delivered 10 Odyssey MPVs to the City of Detroit, Michigan, USA which have been modified to transport healthcare workers, those infected by the Covid-19 virus and also to protect the drivers of these vehicles.\nFollowing the initiatives started out by Honda in Japan who\u2019ve similarly built specially-equipped vehicles based on the Odyssey for the same purpose, the state officials in Michigan requested for the same \u2013 prompting Honda\u2019s engineers and fabricators to conceive their own version.\nAs a result, the Odysseys have been retrofitted with a \nsealed, clear polycarbonate plastic barrier\n isolating the driver from the occupants at the back. Modifications have also been made to the Odyssey\u2019s ventilation system to maintain different air pressure between the front and rear sections.\nTo achieve this, Honda engineers \ndesigned a software to control the ventilation system\n \u2013 ensuring that air pressure difference is in compliance with the guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for negative pressure rooms.\nThe software sets the blower motors in the front to run faster than those at the rear seating area. The difference in air pressure creates a \nmore negative pressure chamber at the back\n. The air in the rear section then exits through the vents by the tailgate. From the design stages to fabrication and assembly, it took Honda\u2019s engineers from Ohio, USA just two weeks to complete the build.\nThe modified Odysseys in Japan are smaller in size compared to the 8-seater version in the US market that was designed, developed and engineered in the US and is made exclusively at a Honda plant in Lincoln, Alabama.\nLocally, \nHonda Malaysia recently announced\n that \nafter sales services at selected service centres will resume operations \nin stages however its sales office, dealer showrooms and manufacturing facilities will remain closed.\nServices carried out during this period will be on appointment basis only; walk-ins will not be allowed. Operating service outlets will also be implementing \u201ccontactless car-drop service\u201d to maintain social distancing practises."
"Since the debut of the Hyundai Grand Starex back in 2007, the MPV has not seen any major updates or changes in its decade-long run but that is set to change as Hyundai Motor Group has just released the official facelifted Hyundai Grand Starex \u2013 and no they did not just \nadd some LED daytime running lights and call it a day\n.\nAvailable exclusively in a nine-seater configuration (for now), the Grand Starex gets a redesigned front end, improved NVH and a refreshed interior design in this facelift exercise. The hood is now taller than before to \nreduce the impact\n in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Coupled that with new headlamps, 17-inch alloys and grille design, the Grand Starex now radiates a more upmarket vibe.\nInside, the cabin now resembles the Kia Grand Carnival with new brown leather upholstery, 8.0-inch floating infotainment display, infotainment display and interior trimmings. The nine-seater Grand Starex gets a 2-2-2-3 seating layout.\nBesides that, Hyundai has also added new sound insulation material as well as tweaked suspension for \nlower NVH\n and greater overall comfort. Hill Start Assist and Locking Differential have also been thrown into the mix. From 2018 onwards, the Grand Starex will be equipped with \nEuro 6 compliant engines\n to reduce carbon emissions although Hyundai did not specify the powertrain options available.\nLocally, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has the \nHyundai Grand Starex Royale Deluxe\n which comes with a new face and subtle tweaks on sale for RM168,888. We can expect the facelifted a Hyundai Grand Starex which goes on sale in Korea next month to make its way to Malaysia in the near future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Four years after Porsche first showed off the \nMission E\n concept\n \u2014 an all-electric 4-door coupe at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, CEO Oliver Blume has finally unveiled the production-ready Taycan to the world in an elaborate world premiere spanning three continents.\nTwo variants of the Taycan were announced (with more to come later); namely the \nTurbo \nand \nTurbo S.\n Both are powered by two permanent synchronous motors (PSM) pushing \n625 hp and up to 1050 Nm\n to all four wheels. The Taycan Turbo S does the century run in \njust 2.8 seconds\n (3.2s for the Turbo), with 0-200 km/h in a searing 9.8 seconds.\nWhat\u2019s more impressive is the launch control system which provides an \noverboost peak output of 761 hp\n, which can be called up repeatedly at no loss in power. The measured top speed on track is \n260 km/h\n.\nThe Taycan also has a \ntwo-speed transmission on its rear axle\n to maximise launches, and has the ability to switch between \nfront-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive\n, subject to the drive mode selected.\nThe \n93 kWh lithium-ion battery pack\n can power the Taycan over a distance of \n450 km\n (measured on the WLTP testing cycle). As the batteries are mounted on the floor, the Taycan possesses a centre of gravity that\u2019s actually \nlower than the 911\n\u2018s.\n \nThe Taycan can rapid charged at up to \n270 kW\n, which means a range of \n100 km in just 5 minutes\n, this is made possible as it utilises a\n 800V system voltage\n \u2014 a first among production EVs which typically run on 400V, otherwise a 11 kW wallbox will take around 8 hours to top up.\nLike any model that wears the Porsche emblem, the Taycan bears motorsport DNA, taking innovations from both the \n919 Hybrid, a 3-time World Endurance Championship (WEC) Champion, as well as the road-going Porsche 918\n. The jaw-dropping design of the Taycan is unmistakably Porsche and slices through the air with a \ndrag coefficient of just 0.22\n.\nThe Taycan is already listed on \nPorsche USA\u2019s website\n starting at \nUS$150,900 for the Turbo\n and US\n$185,000 for the Turbo S\n, which are slightly below that of the \nPanamera Turbo S E-Hybrid at US$191,700\n. Meanwhile in Malaysia, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo starts life at \nRM1.13 million\n, so you can roughly work out the math.\nPorsche also revealed they had already received more than \n30,000 bookings\n for the Taycan and that production will start before the end of the year. Porsche Malaysia has confirmed that the Taycan will be coming, when and how much, only time will tell.\nPorsche Taycan Image Gallery"
"You\u2019ve seen what Hyundai can offer with the \ni30N\n, the \nVeloster N\n and more recently the \ni30N Fastback\n; now catch a glimpse of what the \u201cN Option\u201d package, due to be launched soon, could offer.\nThe \u201cN option\u201d package comes with \n25 different high-quality exterior and interior\n individualisation options. Exterior bits include a carbon rear wing, a carbon hood with integrated air vents, quad muffler tips along with an N grille surrounded by red accents.\nFinishing touches to the aggressive new look include 20-inch lightweight wheels with Pirelli Trofeo R semi-slick tyres and a unique matte paint, specifically created for the \u201cN Option\u201d package.\nInside, taking centre stage is a pair of lightweight bucket seats upholstered in Alcantara, with carbon accents spread across the dashboard as well as the air vents, door handles and on the bottom end of the steering wheel which has been covered with Alcantara.\nHyundai says\u00a0the company aims to provide a large amount of customisation features for driving enthusiasts who want to make their car more unique. We say start offering it locally for the \nHyundai Elantra Sport\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia is offering the BMW M Performance Parts for the \nnew 5 Series\n available from launch.\nTwo packages are available, as well as individual items. For now, the items are strictly cosmetic and focused on the exterior. The first package is priced from \nRM15,711.60\n after a \n10% discount\n, valid until the end of the year, and it consists of:\nKidney grille in High Gloss Black\nPair of side mirror covers in carbon fibre\nPair of M Performance accentuation strip (stickers)\nPair of M Performance side sill wrapping\nM Performance rear bumper trim in gloss black plus matte black diffuser\nRear boot spoiler in Matte Black\nIndividually, the side mirror covers in carbon fibre are one of the most expensive items, costing RM4,551.82 before discount. If you just like the body stickers, they retail at RM916.15 after the 10% discount. \u00a0\nThe second package is the popular \nShadow Line package\n where all exterior trim pieces in bright chrome will be changed to high gloss black. For this package, the kidney grille, window surround and air duct trim at the fender will be changed at a special retail price of \nRM5,000\n for the new 530i variant.\nAll prices exclude labour and installation charges, and applicable at all BMW authorised dealerships in Malaysia.\nThe locally-assembled new BMW 5 Series starts at \nRM317,534\n for the 530e M Sport, with the new 530i M Sport priced from \nRM368,122\n. Both are on-the-road prices, without insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions, and the standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.\nFrom July 1st 2021 onwards, the prices will be bumped up to \nRM340,800\n and \nRM395,800\n for the BMW 530e M Sport and 530i M Sport respectively here in Malaysia, inclusive of an extended warranty and service package.\nGALLERY\nBMW 530e M Sport\n \nwith M Performance package\nAvailable BMW M Performance Parts"
"Toyota has announced that it will reproduce spare parts for its classic models, as part of the GR Heritage Parts project. The project will initially produce period-correct parts for the third-generation A70 Toyota Supra (1986-1993) and its successor, the A80 Supra (1993-2002).\nThe components will be sold in both Japan and overseas locations including North America and Europe, and can be ordered through the \nToyota Gazoo Racing website\n. Additionally, the company also said that the reproduced parts can also be acquired through Toyota dealers, as with any genuine Toyota parts.\nThe parts are scheduled to begin production from 2020. The initial components to be reproduced for the third-generation Toyota Supra include propeller shaft, door handles, fuel sender gauge, weatherstrips, and front emblems; A80 Supra gets original headlamps, door handles, and brake booster.\nAccording to the new website, you will also be able to request for parts to be reproduced. All requests will be tallied, which will be used to influence the company\u2019s decision on parts to be reproduced.\nThe GR Heritage Parts will be on display at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon starting today, until the 12th January 2020."
"With this news, Toyota\u2019s chances of recapturing its \nbest selling non-national manufacturer\n\u00a0title seems significantly more possible. In Malaysia, one of the biggest blows Toyota received was not having a product to compete against the ever-popular \nHonda HR-V\n, but all that should change now with the new Toyota C-HR.\nBased on\u00a0\nToyota\u2019s\n \nNew Global Architecture (TNGA)\n, the C-HR shares similar underpinnings as the Prius. In the aesthetic department, the C-HR remains consistent with Toyota\u2019s recent design language, with sharp edges and strong lines that run the side of its body. If you cant find the rear door latch, that\u2019s because it\u2019s integrated within the C-pillar; a coupe-esque design cue that reminds us a whole lot of the HR-V.\n \n \nPowertrain choices for the C-HR include a\n 1.2-litre turbo engine\n\u00a0(currently powering the European Auris models), a \n2.0-litre petrol unit\n and a \n1.8-litre hybrid\n engine from the\u00a0fourth-generation Prius. It can be had with a six-speed manual or a CVT, whereas drive is either to the front wheels or all wheels.\nThe C-HR is claimed\u00a0to match the driving dynamics of a modern C-segment hatchback, made possible thanks to the refined TNGA platform and its low centre of gravity. Toyota vouches for the C-HR\u2019s fun-to-drive element, a notion its CEO Akio Toyoda expressively envisioned when he assumed the role in Toyota Motor Corporation.\nSo, the bigger question is, will the Toyota C-HR be offered here in Malaysia? That\u2019s a given, really. Specs wise, we can expect to get the front-wheel drive variant, although the likelihood of it being powered by the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is as good as none. That leaves us with either the 1.8-litre hybrid or the 2.0-litre lump \u2013 the latter seems most promising at this juncture, due to high costs involved in offering the hybrid.\nAlthough details of the 2.0-litre variant remain sketchy at this point of time, we can refer to the two current 2.0-litre engines powering the \nCorolla Altis\n (3ZR-FE, 143 horsepower) and \nCamry\n (6AR-FSE, 165 horsepower).\u00a0It would be lovely if we could have the modern 6AR lump, but if the gearbox is going to be a CVT, then our best chance would be the Altis\u2019 2.0-litre 3ZR engine.\nToyota\u2019s modern 2.0-litre 6AR-FSE engine powering the new Camry\nThe real secret behind the success of the HR-V is not only its great looks, but Honda Malaysia did an incredible job at its pricing and the equipment it offers. Should UMW Toyota play their cards right by providing a decent kit with an equally competitive price to match, expect not only a really close battle between the HR-V and the C-HR, but also a major sales boost that could rocket UMW Toyota right up to its top spot once again.\nAfter all, wouldn\u2019t you love a high-riding car that looks like this?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 in MAEPS, Serdang taking place from 9th to 12th November 2017, Honda Malaysia has officially launched the all-new Honda Civic Type R \u2013 the most powerful Honda ever introduced in Malaysia.\nThe all-new FK8 Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine with an output of \n305 hp\n\u00a0and \n400 Nm\n of torque, mated to a 6-speed close ratio transmission with Rev Match System. 0 to 100 km/h is done in \n5.8 seconds\n, with non-stop exhilaration all the way to a \n272 km/h\n top speed.   Stopping power is provided by Brembo ventilated discs in the front with a solid pair at the back \u2013 tucked beneath a set of 20-inch alloy wheels with Continental tyres. Underneath is an Adaptive Damper system that compliments a dual-axis strut system in the front and a multilink setup at the rear. The all-new Civic Type R weighs just under 1.4 tonnes at 1,391 kg.\n\u00a0\nOn the outside, you get auto LED headlights, LED foglights, LED daytime running lights, a Type R rear wing, and a Type R-specific exhaust system with triple tips.   Inside the Civic, you\u2019re greeted with a full-colour LCD meter, along with Drive Switch Mode (Comfort, Sport, +R), a push start button, an alloy shift know, Type R leather sports steering wheel and a pair of unmistakable Type R seats with integrated headrests in Red Suede fabric.\nCreature comforts include a 7-inch touchscreen display, with MP3 and iPod compatibility, linked to 8 speakers. Safety is provided by dual front airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags. Also provided as standard are the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist.\nThe CBU Civic Type R is imported from the UK, at the price of\n RM 320k\n without insurance. Honda Malaysia has also revealed that there have been 60 bookings for the Civic Type R so far, with deliveries to take place by early next year and targets to sell 100 units per year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"So, the first ever BMW 6-series Gran Turismo, the one that GC Mah drove in Portugal last year, is now in Malaysia as the 630i GT . As with Mercedes-Benz, I have now lost count on how many models BMW Malaysia have in their stable.\nUnder the hood is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit delivers a maximum output of 258 hp with 400 Nm. The TwinPower Turbo engine is teamed up with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Top speed arrives at 250 km/h, after 0 to 100 km/h is done in 6.3 seconds.\nName\nBMW 630i GT\nEngine\n2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic\nMax Power\n258 hp\nMax Torque\n400 Nm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n6.3 seconds ; 250km/h\nPrice (Estimated)\nRM450,000\nKeep all that heft firmly on the ground is an Adaptive air suspension with Dynamic Damper Control. The electronically-controlled dampers increase ride comfort and enhance the vehicle\u2019s handling, along with wheel-specific control that counterbalances uneven loads.   Ground clearance can be increased by 20 millimetres at the touch of a button to negotiate dirt tracks or steep ramps. The vehicle can also be lowered by 10 millimetres \u2013 either manually or automatically when SPORT mode is engaged via the Driving Experience Control switch, or when the car exceeds 120 km/h, in order to reduce drag.\nThe design of the body (which will no doubt be an endless subject of debate) is such that it allows a wipe opening of the boot, along with maximum view through the rear window.\nThe single-section tailgate of the BMW 6 Series GT is opened and closed electrically, with a Comfort Access function that even enables hands-free operation through foot movement.\nLuggage compartment has increased by 100 litres to 610 litres compared to its predecessor, which can be expanded to 1,800 litres by folding down the seats.\nAt the front, the 630i GT gets Adaptive LED headlights extending all the way to the large BMW kidney grille, much like how the 530i and 530e looks; with frameless windows, an elongated window outline that stretches deep into the rear end before ending with the trademark Hofmeister kink.\nBeneath the arches of the 630i\u2019s broad shoulders are 20-inch M light-alloy double-spoke 648 M wheels in Bicolour \u2013 even colours are not discriminated these days. At the back is an automatically extending rear spoiler (deployed when the vehicle reaches 110 km/h) to reduce drag.\nInside, the 630i GT shows generosity with space and excellent visibility, partly from raised seating positions. At the back, headroom has been increased in spite of a lower roof line \u2013 achieved by optimising the seat system.\nIn the driver seat, \u201coperational tools\u201d like the Touch Controller on the centre console for the Drive system, the 10.2-inch infotainment display and M Sport Steering wheel have all been ergonomically-positioned for a driver-focused cockpit.   The ensemble is furnished with a leather dash, gloss chrome and fine wood trims. The actual \u201cwow factors\u201d though, is the panoramic roof spanning over one metre long, to flood the interior with light and a sweet\u00a0Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.\nAmong the driver assistance systems in the 630i GT are \nActive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function,\u00a0\nLane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Crossing Traffic Warning, and Speed Limit Info.\nThe all-new BMW 6-series GT comes in Alpine White, Bluestone, Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey matched with the interior colour offering of Leather Dakota Black.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Presenting the Lamborghini Huracan EVO, the updated super sportscar from Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese that spots the same drivetrain and technologies as the \nHuracan Performante\n.\nAs a result, the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine is now pushing \n640 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque, paired to a recalibrated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a dry weight of 1,422 kg, the Huracan EVO can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n2.9 seconds\n and 0 to 200 km/h in \n9.0 seconds\n. It also boasts a top speed in excess of \n325 km/h\n.\nThat\u2019s not all, new software and hardware components have been added to improve the mid-engine sports car\u2019s responsiveness, agility and easiness to drive. For starters, the Huracan EVO now features rear-wheel steering and new torque vectoring system that works together with the \nLamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata\n (LDVI) that anticipates the driver\u2019s next move and sets up the car\u2019s dynamic systems for maximum stability in high-speed cornering and under braking in the most severe conditions.\nThe magneto rheological suspension is now version 2.0 that can adjust the damping quicker and more accurately for better road holding capabilities around the bends. All these innovations under the LDVI creates a super-agile and responsive car with superior levels of control.\nLamborghini did not spend too much time on the design side of things (why would they, the Huracan already looks uber cool), new bits include a restyled front bumper with enlarged air intakes, new side air intakes and new rear bumper to house the twin outlet sports exhaust system. There is also a raised ducktail rear spoiler that works together with the new body trims for better aerodynamics.\nInside, the biggest change you\u2019ll find is a new 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system positioned just above the start button. The new multimedia system now incorporates all the cars main functions including seats, climate and the status of the LDVI system in real-time. There is also now Apple Carplay connectivity and an optional dual-camera track telemetry system to record and analyse on-track performance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLamborghini Huracan EVO Debuts"
"If we had to pick a non-national car from last year that sprung the biggest surprise, it had to be the \nNissan Almera Turbo\n. The model it replaces may have been practical, spacious and economical, but it had an unfortunate image. It\u2019s less than attractive exterior did not help matters either.\nAll that has changed. For starters, all three variants are now powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder with \n100 hp\n and \n152 Nm\n, paired to a CVT transmission. That\u2019s not all, to complement the new powertrain, the suspension and handling of the Almera have been significantly improved for better agility in urban areas and stability on the highway.\nAside from completely altering the way the Almera drives, Nissan also refined the cabin experience with thicker front windows together with additional cabin insulation. Notable on-board equipment now includes a semi-digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, supportive bucket seats, and cruise control.\n \nBy far the biggest selling point of the Almera is what it offers on the safety front. Even the \nbase model comes with forward collision warning and autonomous braking\n. In this highest specification VLT variant, safety is further enhanced with six airbags, a surround-view monitor, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.\nAll that however, has come at a price. The new Almera Turbo now starts from \nRM79,906\n\u00a0for the VL variant, \nRM85,715\n for the VLP and \nRM91,310\n for the range-topping VLT variant. The car comes with a\u00a05-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty,\u00a0free five times alternating maintenance service within 5 years, with parts and labour included.\nCan the all new Almera Turbo justify its asking price? Watch and find out!"
"The \nBMW 1 Series\n\u00a0is currently the only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class, but the next-generation model\u00a0will be a front wheel drive, just like MINI. Before that day comes, BMW has gone on to unveil the updated F20 1 Series LCI.\nThree new exterior trims now join the lineup \u2013 Edition Sport Line Shadow, Edition M Sport Shadow and BMW\u00a0M140i Edition Shadow. Each \u201cShadow\u201d edition includes a\u00a0black kidney grille, black inserts in the LED headlights and darkened LED rear lights. Two new exterior colours \u2013 Sunset Orange and Seaside Blue \u2013 are also offered, but both are optional.   Inside, all 1 Series models gain\u00a0an updated instrument binnacle to complement the updated dashboard with new trimming inserts. It receives BMW\u2019s latest iDrive system which has touchpad integrated into the controller and an updated user interface. The 8.8-inch touchscreen that supports navigation with voice control is available with an added cost.\nNothing under the bonnet has been changed, so you get the same choice of engines depending on which part of the world you live in. The top of the line M140i gets a 3.0-litre straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology to produce\u00a0\n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. A six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic can be had.\nYou can have this 1 Series in either three- or five-door configuration by July 2017. Back at home, BMW Malaysia is only selling the \n118i petrol\n (1.5-litre turbo) and it\u2019s available in two different trims: \n118i M Sport (RM188,800.00)\n and \n118i Sport (RM176,800.00)\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor has just announced a flury of new updates to its model line-up here in Malaysia, including the \nMazda 3\n. For 2022, the C-segment \nhatchback\n (or \nsedan\n) in Malaysia now gains a new flagship variant called the Mazda 3 Ignite Edition, priced at \nRM164,679\n.\nThe new Ignite Edition is based on the previous range-topping 2.0L Hatchback High Plus variant (now RM155,679), which makes it RM9,000 pricier than the model it\u2019s based on. Just as before, it\u2019s also only available as a fully-imported (CBU) model.\nSo what do you get for that extra dough? For the most part, changes are mostly aesthetic. The Ignite Edition Mazda 3 gains exclusive blacked-out wing mirror caps and 18-inch black metallic alloy wheels, while the seats inside the cabin gets a new luscious Burgundy-coloured leather upholstery.\nThere are, however, a couple of new goodies on the range-topping model \u2013 particularly in its safety equipment. The new 2022 Mazda 3 Ignite Edition in Malaysia now comes with an additional 360-degree surround view monitor (other variants only get reverse camera), alongside an updated ADAS suite with Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS), as well as Driver Attention Alert (DAA) as new additions.\nRELATED: 2021 Mazda CX-9 \u201cIgnite Edition\u201d, from RM319,847\nThe infotainment display now supports Android Auto connectivity, in addition to just Apple CarPlay previously. The upgrade is also applied to the rest of the variant line-up, as does the updated colour palette: Platinum Quartz now replaces Sonic Silver, alongside six other exterior hues including Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Grey, and Deep Crystal Blue (Hatchback only).\nAside from those, the rest of the spec sheet remains unchanged across the board for 2022; the Mazda 3 Ignite Edition here is powered by the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine making \n162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n, with drive sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe entry-level variant for both the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback models meanwhile retain their 1.5-litre NA inline-four engine, making\n 120 hp\n and \n153 Nm \nof torque, paired to the same six-speed auto transmission.\nPricing has gone up across the board for the 2022 Mazda 3 here in Malaysia, however they\u2019re still backed by the same five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty, and a five-year/100,000 km free scheduled service programme.\n1.5L Sedan and Hatchback \u2013 RM138,660\n2.0L High Sedan \u2013 RM146,119\n2.0L High Plus Sedan and Hatchback \u2013 RM155,679\n2.0L Ignite Edition \u2013 RM164,679\nAll prices listed above are inclusive of the 50% SST exemption for CBU models, valid until 30 June 2022.\nGALLERY"
"The Volkswagen Jetta first landed on our shores in 2011 and back then it was literally miles ahead of its competitors thanks to its TSI and DSG combination. Sales were going up so much so that Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) decided to assemble their C-segment sedan at their Pekan plant. However, five years down the road, the Jetta is in a dire need of a refresh.\nAfter weeks of teasing of the facelifted Jetta, VPCMhas finally broke the covers here at Volkswagen Glenmarie. This time, in similar fashion as the Vento, VPCM has offered the Jetta in three different trims \u2013 Comfortline, Trendline and Highline.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Trendline\nVolkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Comfortline\nVolkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Highline\nEngine\n1,395cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n8.6 seconds; 220 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM108,990\nRM117,990\nRM128,990\nAlthough VPCM terms this Jetta as a facelift model, the sedan has gone through considerable amount of changes not only aesthetically but also mechanically. However, the dimensions of this Jetta dittos the pre-facelift model.\nEXTERIOR\nLike its younger sibling the Vento, the Jetta now sports a more matured design, similar to the D-segment Passat. The front now gets a three bar grille, reshaped front bumper that houses new halogen fog lamps and new design headlamps. At the rear, a pair of LED combination tail lights with new graphics can be found. Other subtler revisions include a new \n280TSI badge\n located at the lower corner of the boot where the old TSI badge used to sit.\nStandard across all variants are front and rear fog lamps, LED rear license plate lamps, twin exhaust tailpipes and power folding, heated side mirrors as well as heat insulated windows.   Only two ways to tell the three variants apart starting from the wheels and headlamps. The Trendline and Comfortline rides on 16-inch alloys (Sedona and Navarra design respectively) wrapped in 205/55 section rubbers. These two variants also get a simpler manual levelling halogen reflector headlamps with daytime running lights (halogen not LED). Only the Comfortline comes with automatic headlamps with \u201cLeaving Home\u201d function.\nThe more expensive Highline on the other hand gets a Passat-derived automatic Bi-Xenon headlamps with \u201cU\u201d-shaped LED daytime running lights. A 17-inch \u201cQueensland\u201d design alloys with low profile 225/45 section tyres are fitted on this variant instead.\nINTERIOR\nVPCM has done some minor updates to the interior to keep the Jetta relevant in today\u2019s market. Starting from the Trendline, you get leather wrapped steering wheel, RCD 220 head unit with six speakers, rear air vents and fabric seats. Unfortunately, much of the pre-facelift Jetta\u2019s equipment are not present in the Trendline. Among those omissions are steering wheel multifunction controls, cruise control and automatic climate control. However, remember that the Trendline costs almost \nRM22k cheaper\n than the outgoing model.   Stepping up onto Comfortline, the equipment levels are on par with the previous Jetta. On top of what the Trendline is equipped with, this middle spec Jetta adds on multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, cooled glovebox and an updated 5-inch RCD330G touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and MirrorLink.\nLastly in the highest trim, the Highline comes with a variety of additional features that puts it on par with its main rivals. First thing that stands out in this top spec model is the leather upholstery that comes with a 12-way powered adjustment for the driver seat. It also comes equipped with keyless entry and start. In typical Volkswagen fashion, the start button is located by the gear leaver. In addition to that, auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control and paddle shifters are added into the mix.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood, the Jetta is updated with a new 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine similar to the \nGolf\n. Despite dropping the twincharge set up of the pre-facelift model, this turbocharged mill is capable of\n 148 hp\n\u00a0and \n250 Nm\n. In a straight line, this Jetta will hit the 100km/h mark in \n8.6 seconds\n all the way to a top speed of 220 km/h.\nThese figures make the Jetta on par with the ninth-generation \nAudi A4 1.4 TFSI\n! It has the highest amount of torque in its class. Thanks to its BlueMotion technology, regenerative braking and auto start/stop function, all three Jetta will return \n5.0 litres\n of fuel per 100 km. As such, this locally assembled Jetta is qualified for EEV incentives from the government.\nSAFETY\nWhile the Trendline and Comfortline see the omission of a good amount of equipment, VPCM certainly did not skim on safety features. As standard, all three variants will get six airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESC, hill-hold control, brake pad wear monitor, ISOFIX mounting points and Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS).\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe asking prices of the Jetta you see here is already inclusive of EEV-incentives. Regardless of variant, buyers will have four exterior colours to choose from \u2013 Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black.\nBuyers will also have a peace of mind in their Jetta with a 5-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty and five-years roadside assistance in the event of an unfortunate breakdown. The service interval for the Jetta is also optimised to every 15,000 km.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.4TSI HIGHLINE"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has announced that the second-generation Range Rover Evoque will be making its way onto Malaysian soil early next month, approximately 18 months after the\n international launch\n.\nIt\u2019s hard to believe that the design of the original Range Rover Evoque was unveiled more than 10 years ago. The all-new second-generation Evoque features an evolution of the original design, featuring new elements from other models in the Land Rover line-up.\nOn the outside, familiar cues from the \nRange Rover Velar\n is evident throughout, including the slim LED headlights and LED daytime running light graphics, taillights, as well as the bumper designs. The all-new Evoque even adopts the retracting door handle, creating a smooth and aerodynamic surface while on the move.\nDespite the many similarities with the bigger brother, the overall body style is still unmistakably Evoque \u2013 fastback like roofline, paired to a rising beltline to emphasise the short rear overhang and compact rear end.\nOn the inside, the all-new Evoque features a clean and classy cabin design. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is Land Rover\u2019s Rover InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system that combines two 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens to control most of the vehicle\u2019s functions, alongside the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.\nThe all-new Range Rover Evoque is also jam-packed with technology inside. The second-generation luxury compact SUV is the first model from the brand to feature Smart Settings, which uses artificial intelligence to automatically pre-set driver-specific comfort, media and accessibility settings.\nOther technology offerings include the \u2018ClearSight Rear View Mirror\u2019 which feeds a high-definition video feed from the top rear-side of the car into the mirror, allowing drivers to see even if their usual view is blocked by bulky items at the back.\nJLR Malaysia also revealed that our local-spec Evoque will also feature advanced driver assistance features such as Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor. The \u2018ClearSight Ground View\u2019 is also standard equipment on the Malaysian Evoque, giving drivers a clear 180-degree view out the front of the car to help navigate tight urban areas.\nThe all-new Evoque will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine, paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. JLR Malaysia did not reveal the specific tune we will be getting; the 2.0-litre engine is available in three different state of tune in international markets \u2013 200 hp and 340 Nm; 249 hp and 365 Nm; as well as 300 hp and 400 Nm.\nMore details on pricing and variants offered will be unveiled during the launch. As standard, the Range Rover Evoque comes with a five-year/150,000 km warranty, five-year/65,000 km complimentary scheduled service package, as well as three-year of Roadside Assistance."
"He may be one of the most patient souls in the office but we still can\u2019t believe GC Mah actually sat through, not just the entire 488 GTE LEGO TECHNIC\n \nbuild in one go, but also the video production of it!\nThat\u2019s because the entire \nFerrari 488 GTE \u201cAF Corse #51\u201d replica \nwas made up of an eye-popping \n1,677 pieces\n! Shockingly, his initial plan was to jumble up all the pieces and build it completely unguided, for fun apparently. We have since been questioning his sanity.\n \nAs the build progresses, the logic behind the mountainous LEGO pieces becomes clear as the intricate details emerge.\nFeatures include functioning front and rear suspension, doors that open, a V8 engine with pistons that move along with the car, and a functional steering wheel. Even the stickers and decals replicate the exact race car!\nAfter nearly 12 hours of not doing any work at all that day, and over 300 pages of diagrams and puzzles later, here it is \u2013 the LEGO TECHNIC Ferrari 488 GTE!\nThere\u2019s more to know about the LEGO TECHNIC Ferrari 488 GTE \nhere\n! And if the extended MCO has freed up even more stay-at-home time, the LEGO TECHNICS Ferrari 488 GTE is priced at \nRM799.90 \nand can be bought through \nLazada\n, \nShopee\n and at all LEGO certified stores!\nGALLERY"
"The Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart Edition was \nfirst revealed in November 2021\n and will soon be showcased at the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show, happening between the 22nd of March till the 3rd of April.\nThe Triton Ralliart will be a lower riding variant compared to the rest of the lineup. The exterior features a solid white body and a black roof with side decals, mud flaps, and bed liner with Ralliart logos. The front grille, alloy wheels, side mirrors, door handles, and rear gate handles are painted in Jet Black Mica to compliment the black roof.\nThe interior features Ralliart floormats and red accents. The new Triton Ralliart comes with front, rear, and side air dams to emphasise the low profile of the vehicle.\nComing back to Malaysia, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia offers the Triton Athlete in three colour options; Sun Flare Orange Pearl, Jet Black Mica, and White Diamond. The Athlete version also features blacked-out 18-inch wheels, door handles, side mirror covers, side steps, aero door visors, and rear bumper.\nThe Triton Athlete features a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox (with Sport Mode) that pushes out \n181 hp \nand\n 430 Nm\n of torque. Its industry-leading Super Select II 4WD system makes switching between 2WD and 4WD drivetrains as easy as turning a knob. Check out our off-road experience with the Triton Athlete\n \nhere\n.\nAdvance safety features in the Triton Athlete include forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beam, and pedal misoperation mitigation, along with 7 airbags.\nThe Triton Athlete was previously priced at \nRM 141,500\n and has been updated to\n RM 142,800\n which includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty coverage. Check out the full rundown of the facts and figures of the Triton Athlete \nhere\n."
"Perodua has recently contributed three units of the \nPerodua Bezza\n to the Selangor Police Contingent (IPK Selangor) to be deployed as patrol cars.\nThese Bezza\u2019s have\nbeen outfitted with police equipment needed for the personnel to carry out their\nduties such as radios and beacon lamps. The vehicles will be stationed at IPK\nSelangor, the Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department\n(JPJKK Bukit Aman) and Hulu Selangor District Police (IPD Hulu Selangor).\nPerodua President and\nChief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said: \u201c\u201cFor the 26 years\nPerodua has made Selangor our home, we have been able to operate effectively\nand without distress due to the commendable efforts by the Royal Malaysian Police,\nparticularly IPK Selangor, to maintain public safety, peace and harmony.\u201d\n\u201cWe hope our humble\ncontribution can be accepted by the police as a token of gratitude for their\nresolute steadfastness, fairness, dedication and courage. We salute you,\u201d\nDato\u2019 Zainal added.\nBefore you scoff at the Bezza\u2019s \n95 hp\n/\n121 Nm\n 1.3-litre powerplant, remember their main function is to serve as patrol cars. Durability, efficiency and manoeuvrability \u2013 which the Bezza excels in \u2013 becomes valuable qualities to carry out the job.\nBesides, PDRM has a \nmore fitting car\n in their arsenal for high-speed pursuits."
"Starting today, you can place your bookings for the new hybrid variant of the \nCivic\n, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS. The latest addition to the Honda Civic line-up introduces a new 2.0-litre e:HEV powertrain for the first time in Malaysia, making \n184 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n.\nCompared to the \nHonda Civic RS\n, the e:HEV RS packs an additional 2hp and 75 Nm. Paired with the hybrid powertrain is Honda\u2019s Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT). The electric drive unit in the hybrid system is referred to by Honda as the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). It is powered by a light and compact lithium-ion battery.\nTell-tale signs of the Civic e:HEV RS\u2019s hybrid powertrain on the outside are blue elements on the Honda emblem, a chrome trim on the front grille, an e:HEV badge on the boot lid, and e:HEV RS-specific 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. All else, the e:HEV RS is similar to the existing RS variant.\nConvenience-wise, the new Honda Civic e:HEV RS gets a Key Card which according to Honda, is a segment-first. The key cars introduces a compact and convenient keyless entry and start function. Other notable features in the e:HEV RS are the 9-inch Advanced Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and the Remote Engine Start feature.\nRELATED: \nHonda reveals 2022 Civic Type R performance figures, \u2018small\u2019 boost from FK8R\nHonda Key Card\nStandard on the Civic e:HEV RS is the full suite of Honda Sensing. The full suite of enhanced and newly improved Honda Sensing safety features includes the following:\nLead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nLow-Speed Follow (LSF)\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nLane Keep Assist System (LKAS)\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nAuto High Beam (AHB)\nALSO WATCH: \nAll-new 2022 Honda Civic is the most European Japanese car ever \u2013 AutoVlogs\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, \u201cThe 11th Generation Civic which was launched early this year has been very well received by Malaysians, having sold more than 6,000 units from January to September 2022. To further strengthen Civic\u2019s presence in the market, we are excited to introduce this new variant and for the first time being offered in a 2.0L e:HEV powertrain.\u201d\n\u201cIn line with the Civic DNA, this e:HEV RS promises an exhilarating drive with elegant styling. We also believe that with the introduction of this exciting variant; it will further elevate the C-Segment and excite our customers.\u201d\nRELATED: \nOnly 400 Honda Civic Type R produced monthly, up to 6 months waiting period"
"Whether you\u2019ve been keeping an eye on them or not, it\u2019s getting harder to keep track of what\u2019s what with Volkswagen\u2019s new wave of electric cars, and yet there\u2019s a new one \u2013 the ID.5 GTX \u2013 to supplement the existing ID.2, the \nID.3\n, the \nID.4 GTX\n.\nThen of course, who\u2019d forget the lightning quick ID.R that\n smashed the Nurburgring record\n, the \nGoodwood Hillclimb record\n and \nset a new record around the Chinese version of Pikes Peak\n.\nThe ID.5 GTX is Volkswagen\u2019s first-ever all-electric SUV Coupe and is set to make its international exhibition early next month at the IAA Munich Motor Show.\n\u201cR version\u201d of the new Volkswagen ID.3 will be faster than Golf GTI. Read about it here!\nID.3\nID.3\nWith the ride height of an SUV and the silloutte of a coupe, the ID.5 GTX is Volkswagen\u2019s electric answer to the likes of BMW\u2019s X4, and Mercedes-Benz\u2019 GLC. So far, Volkswagen\u2019s German counterparts only have electric SUVs like the EQB, EQC and the iX3 from BMW.\nThis Volkswagen ID.X is basically an electric Golf R hot hatch! Find out why!\nThe GTX name represents Volkswagen\u2019s new athleticism, with plenty of performance. The ID.5 GTX will get an electric motor each to drive the front and rear wheels, with up to \n497 km\n of electric driving range.\nWhen the ID.5 GTX arrives at showrooms next year, it will be the second model from the sporty GTX following the \nID.4 GTX\n. The ID.5 GTX is the first SUV coup\u00e9 based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) and will be able to receive over-the-air software updates.\nVolkswagen joins the \u201cCoupe SUV\u201d party with the new petrol-powered Taigo! Find out more in our story!\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after the global premiere of the \nInfiniti QX80 facelift\n, Infiniti has set to reveal yet another product in the coming week. The \u201can-all-new model\u201d as Infiniti calls it, will make an appearance at the 2017 LA Motor Show.\nThe internet speculates the model to be the next-generation QX50 based on the similarities of the teaser image to the \nQX50 concept\n that made its debut early this year. The prominent shoulder line is also a tell-tale sign that the new car will be a crossover/SUV body style. Again, points towards the QX50.\nAccording to Senior Vice President, Global Design, Alfonso Albaisa, the new model will appear to be seamless and sculptural at a glance with an ingenious blend of proportion and space. Infiniti also claims that the new car will debut with world-first technologies, stand-out design and class-leading interior space."
"Over the last decade, BMW never raced their famed straight-six engines in the FIA GT3 series, the de facto racing series for production sportscars.\nWhen the automaker began homologating the BMW Z4 M Coupe for the GT3 racing series, it ditched the S54 straight-six engine and instead use a naturally aspirated 4.4-litre V8 engine that was already being used in the BMW M3 GTR. \u00a0\nAs the BMW M6 is no longer in production and the all-new \nG82 BMW M4\n just released, the company will be using the latter as its new representative in the GT3 racing series. \u00a0\nDevelopment of the road and racing car were done concurrently, with the prototype rolling out of Dingolfing in July 2020, and since then, testing has been performed at various European circuits including the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Close to a year of testing has accumulated over \n14,000 kilometres\n\u2013 the equivalent of more than 70 hours of track time. The new BMW M4 GT3 will make its race debut in two weeks at the fourth round of the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS).\nCustomer will have to wait until \n2022\n to race their new BMW M4 GT3 though, as BMW will continue with their testing programme after the race debut.\nNow for the technical bits. The P58 twin-turbocharged \n3.0-litre straight-six\n engine develops up to \n590 hp\n, \n700 Nm\n and weights 40 kg lighter than the V8 engine in \nthe M6 GT3\n. Unlike the road car\u2019s S58 engine with a single throttle valve, the P58 engine has a motorsport-developed charged cooling system that allows the usage of \ntwo throttle valves\n. The connecting rods with pistons and housing were transferred from the road car to the racing car in an \nunmodified\n form. \u00a0\nWe are all well aware of the high budgets involved in motorsports and BMW has developed and engineered the BMW M4 GT3 with cost efficiency and operations in mind. For lower lifecycle cost than the BMW M6 GT3, the new racing machine will have \nlonger maintenance intervals\n for the straight-six engine and six-speed sequential transmission.\nAt the driver\u2019s seat, \nBMW M Track Cockpit\n allows many basic configurations to be performed without connecting to a laptop or special software. The steering wheel, made with sim hardware producer \nFanatec\n, is a first of its kind, where it can be used in the race car as well as its simulators.\nNew BMW M3 shows power is not everything in a drag race!\nBMW says moving to an electro-hydraulic clutch setup without a physical pedal also lowers wear, all in the name of cost-efficiency.\nThe G82 \nBMW M4 Competition\n Coupe in Malaysia is priced from \nRM684,800\nFinally, the price. The new BMW M4 GT3 starts from \nEUR415,000\n (RM2.02 million), a EUR4,000 reduction compared to its predecessor and within a similar price range to other FIA GT3 racing cars.\nVideo: BMW M2 Competition vs Toyota GR Supra drag race\nOn the topic of straight-six engines, the \nToyota GR Supra\n also uses the base B58 3.0-litre engine, thus perhaps Toyota GR can finally develop and build the \nGR Supra GT3\n?\nBear in mind, those Toyota GR Supra GT 300 machines (and older Toyota 86 MC) in Japan\u2019s Super GT aren\u2019t developed from the road car, but from Japan Automobile Federation\u2019s (JAF) \n\u2018Mother Chassis\u2019\n project, where the basic rolling chassis has a Toyota V8 engine, double-wishbone suspension setup, brakes and a carbon-fibre central monocoque. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has low-key introduced the new S680 \u201cGuard\u201d that offers so much protection, it might even be able to protect you from this mess of a pandemic.\nUnlike previous armoured vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz before, which were standard production cars clad with armoured material, this S680 based on the long-wheelbase S-class, is the first to be built as an armoured car from scratch.\nThe S680 Guard comes with VPAM VR10 levels of protection, the highest certification for vehicle ballistic protection and you can see why. A vehicle with VR10 certification can withstand gun fires up to AK47 at 90-degrees, without allowing the bullets to pierce its body or glass.\nThis is the safest Volvo XC90 in the world! Find out more about the Swedish armoured vehicle here!\nThe glass on the side windows are nearly four inches thick. The window motors are hydraulic units to allow them to operate in the case of emergency when the electronics fail.\nThis Range Rover Sentinel can jump, swim and even survive gunshots. Read about it here!\nIt even comes with an emergency fresh air system that provides oxygen when if the cabin is gassed. The tyres of the S680 feature Michelin\u2019s PAX run-flat technology that allows the car to be driven up to around 90 km/h to a maximum distance of 200 km, in the event of a puncture.\nAll this protection comes at a price, literally and figuratively speaking. As a result, the S680 Guard weighs over 4-tonnes and by comparison, the S400h is only under 2-tonnes.\nThat shouldn\u2019t deter the S680 Guard from sprinting off with its detuned V12 engine from the Maybach. The 6.0-litre twin-turbo engine makes \n604 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n to drive all four wheels.\nEven the door hinges have been reinforced.\nEach unit of the S680 Guard takes \n51 days to build\n and reportedly costs around 550,000 Euros (approx. RM2.7 million).\nIn the future, Mercedes-Benz will only use the S-Class for its armoured vehicles, doing away from the Maybach models used before.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo now officially revealed the replacement to their 12-year-old workhorse, the XC90. Well not the entire car actually, but only the interior of the new XC90. Volvo is going to reveal the rest of the XC90 bit by bit starting with these interior shots, towards the full reveal which is said to be in August. Riding on Volvo\u2019s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), the XC90 is set to provide the latest safety features along with increased interior space.\nFrom these shots you can no longer find the infamous \u2018floating\u2019 center stack that has been around for quite some time (which can also be seen in the\u00a0\nV40 that we drove\n\u00a0earlier this year). Taking center stage in the new interior is the huge tablet-like touch screen contol console which frees up the dashboard from the clutter of multiple knobs and buttons. With this, Volvo promises \u201can entirely new way for drivers to control their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services\u201d.   The rest of the interior still retains the Scandinavian coolness with the combination fine materials such as soft leather and different finishes of wood. Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Cars, Peter Martens says \u201cOur new interior architecture is pure and uncluttered, while still radiating the sophisticated confidence and formality that luxury SUV customers expect\u201d. Even though the dashboard is now cleaner, they still managed to include some fine detailing to the interior such as the diamond-cut start/stop button and the volume control knob. Not only that, the famous Swedish glass maker Orrefors even provide a special crystal glass gear lever for the XC90.   Retaining the seven-seat configuration from the current XC90, the new XC90 will provide more space with the innovative and ergonomically designed seats with minimal padding but just as comfortable with the seat core shaped to resemble the human spine. All seven seats are equipped with three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners. The fully-powered Comfort seat will allow its occupant to adjust the side bolster, seat cushion extension, multi-directional lumbar support and headrests with optional massage and ventilation functions. Those who want more side support can choose the optional Contour seat too.\nThree individual second row seats slide and recline, with the center seat have the option of an integrated child booster cushion. The two seats in the third row is said to offer class-leading comfort for passengers with a height up to 170 cm. They are positioned closer together, slightly overlapping the second row seats so that the third row passengers can also enjoy a clear view forward. The flexible interior includes a plethora of storage options for each occupants, with both second and third row seats can also be folded individually.\nWith all the interior space, Volvo Cars\u2019 CleanZone air purification system will keep the interior fresh and clean from those small, harmful particles and pollen in the incoming air. Four-zone climate control can be specified with the new XC90 and the separate air-conditioning unit for the third row is standard or optional depending on the market. More details of the new XC90 will be revealed afterwards, so stay tuned with Autobuzz.my!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Dinamikjaya Motors, the new official distributor for Kia vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that the \nall-new fourth-generation Kia Sorento\n will be making its way onto our shores in 2023. The seven-seater SUV made its first appearance in a brief media preview event recently, and is now open for booking at an \nestimated price of RM220,000 \u2013 RM255,000\n, with an official launch in Malaysia slated for some time this year.\nThe company did not reveal much in terms of the car\u2019s specifications, but did note that it\u2019ll be offered in three variants here in Malaysia, all of them locally assembled at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nThe entry-level seven-seater variant (2-3-2 seating configuration) will be paired to a 2.5-litre Smartstream inline-four naturally-aspirated mill, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox to send \n180 hp\n and \n232 Nm\n to the front wheels.\nThe higher-end variants only get six seats (2-2-2 seating configuration), and will be offered with two powertrain options \u2013 the same 2.5L Smartstream MPI engine as above, or a 2.2-litre Turbodiesel mill making \n202 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n \u2013 the latter paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The six-seater variants are all-wheel drive-only.\nIn terms of appearance, the all-new fourth-generation Kia Sorento is really quite unlike its predecessors thanks to its sharper, more sculpted lines. The design concept of \n\u201crefined boldness\u201d\n is most noticeable up front, with a big bold \u2018tiger nose\u2019 grille up front paired to the slim headlights and daytime-running lights that are integrated into the frame of the grille itself for a more focused and imposing look on the front fascia.\nThe proportions of the all-new Kia Sorento has also been tweaked, with shorter front and rear overhangs, and a longer wheelbase to make it \u201cappear longer\u201d. The fourth-generation Sorento measures in at 4,810 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,695 mm tall (1,700 mm for the range-topping 2.2D variant), with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm, which puts it roughly comparable to the upcoming \nProton X90/Geely Haoyue\n.\nInside, the all-new fourth-generation Kia Sorento also represents a \u201cstep-change\u201d in quality and design when compared to its predecessors, thanks to its striking design and \u201cpremium-quality materials\u201d including metallic trims, leather upholstery, and embossed wood-effect surfaces.\nThe dashboard features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard across all variants, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity built in. The infotainment display is paired to a set of analogue dials and a multi-info display for the instrument cluster on the lower-end variants, while the range-topping model gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display.\nThe range-topper also gets a Bose surround-sound system, although the wireless charging pad at the base of the centre console will be standard across all variants.\nALSO WATCH: \nHyundai Santa Fe vs Mazda CX-8, 7-seater AWD turbo diesel SUV review\nAs for safety, all variants will come with six airbags as standard, alongside the usual passive systems such as ABS with electronic brake distribution, stability and traction control, as well as a multi-collision brake control.\nThe all-new fourth-generation Kia Sorento will also come equipped with advanced driver assistance features as standard across all variants here in Malaysia, with features including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.\nGALLERY"
"I say \u201ccould\u201d because the pictures you see here are leaked images and without any solid indication from the brand itself, we\u2019ll try not to rattle the cage too much.\nBut it is a heck of an exciting prospect to ponder over. For me at least, the excitement comes from the notion of putting back the \u201cType R factor\u201d into a compact package.\n \nTracing back into history, although Honda first slapped the Type R on the NSX, giving it unprecedented levels of performance and drivability, I strongly believe it was the Civic Type R that made Honda\u2019s high-performance arm and its offerings more mainstream.\nAs the years went, the Civic Type R got more powerful, extremely competent but also fatter. It went from being no bigger than a \nPerodua Myvi\n to what is now essentially a C-segment vehicle. Some may have opposed it but fortunately most embraced its evolution.\nThis then makes the Jazz Type R allegation a really promising one. In the pictures, you\u2019d noticed that aside from the familiar design cues the Jazz Type R shares with the \ncurrent FK8 Civic Type R\n (especially the front bumper), it also reveals its performance figures of \n220 hp\n and \n245 Nm\n.\nThat should be plenty enough for a whole lot of fun in the Jazz as currently, even with a mere \n120 hp \nand \n145 Nm \npower plant, the standard Jazz has proven to offer just enough poke to go with its practicality.\nThe \u201cstandard\u201d Honda e.\nThat\u2019s not all. If you look to the right of the second leaked image, you\u2019d also notice a familiar sight but with an unexpected (Type R) signage on it \u2013 \na fully-electric Honda e\n wearing the signature Type R colour scheme, tagged with the iconic red Honda badge.\nIs Honda for real? This can\u2019t be true, can it? Just yesterday, we posted an article announcing the \nfully-electric Honda e\u2019s output\n of \n150 hp\n and\n 300 Nm\n which has been kept under wraps ever since Honda revealed the fully-electric, rear-wheel driven hatchback.\nSpeaking of the Jazz, have you checked it out, along with the City, in its \nnew Red Pearl paint job\n?\nSurely they can\u2019t be serious; but if they were and know its followers better, the Honda e Type R could bring back the old, glory days in a package that\u2019s destined for the future. It could also offer a smoother transition for the new generation of enthusiasts into the next generation of high performance vehicles.\nAnd hey, it\u2019ll also be the next best thing to come out of electric mobility, aside from \nElon Musk\u2019s comical antics on social media\n."
"Built at the height of the Cold War, the British were looking for a way to strategically deliver nuclear warheads to their target under the radar. Spurred by the Manhattan Project and the subsequent bombing of the two Japanese cities in 1945, the Vulcan was designed to carry a tactical payload of circa 4,500 kg with a cruising speed of 500 knots or 930 km/h. Sophisticated it was not, but an icon it sure was.\nAston Martin\n on the other hand has decided to christen its latest track munching monster after this iconic British delta-winged bomber. Now for the keener readers of Autobuzz, you\u2019d be asking why we\u2019re writing about the \nVulcan\n\u00a0once again after it made its debut at Goodwood a few months back. The\u00a0answer is \u00a0simple, as you will soon find out. And no, the Royal Air Force didn\u2019t bring the Vulcan out of retirement for a day out in the fields.\nCodenamed \nVulcan XH558\n \u2013 currently being operated by the charitable trust \nVulcan To The Sky\n \u2013 is due to retire from \u2018active service\u2019 in October. Ahead of that final flight, the famous Cold War-era long range bomber was paired with the Aston Martin Vulcan \u2013 via a\n special fly-past\n at Elvington Airfield in \nYorkshire\n.\nUniquely for Aston Martin\u2019s the new supercar track weapon \u2013it\u2019s limited to just \n24\n examples worldwide and for good reason. This \nMcLaren P1 GTR\n and \nFerrari FXX-K\n rival costs an unbelievable \u00a31.5 million or \nRM9.96 million\n (at time of press). However, should you belong to the ultra-exclusive billionaire racing clubs and want an\u00a0800-plus bhp, all-carbon fibre Aston Martin, then look no further. But for the rest of us blue-collared chaps, simply check out the gallery and video.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"No one is (or rather should be) above the law \u2013 not wealthy individuals, not the influential and most certainly not politicians who claim to not be \u201cpublic officers\u201d.\nWhile some law enforcers are more lenient in honouring and enforcing the law, this particular Japanese police officer, \non a bicycle no less\n, is certainly not one of them.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRx_OxUEm44\nA video surfaced recently on YouTube showed the commitment of a Japanese law enforcer in chasing down a Lamborghini Huracan after an alleged traffic violation.\nWhile it\u2019s unclear what lengths (or rather distance) he had to go to pull over the driver of the Italian supercar, what\u2019s certain is that the law isn\u2019t something to be disrespected for this devoted policeman.\nSource: \nYouTube"
"Building on the success of last year\u2019s Porsche Asia Pacific Forza Cup and E-Sports Supercup, Porsche Asia Pacific together with Porsche Japan, Porsche Korea and Porsche Taiwan is organising the 2021 Porsche Gran Turismo Cup Asia Pacific.\nThe Porsche Gran Turismo Cup Asia Pacific, which began last Sunday, will be played in Sony\u2019s Playstation Gran Turismo Sport and use a variety of Porsche models within the video game. For us here in the ASEAN region, only five finalists will be shortlisted to the Final Qualifying round (semifinal), joining another fifteen finalists from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.\nPassionate e-sports racers would have known and have participated in the first of five qualifying races that have already started last Sunday- a race with the Porsche 911 RSR around Japan\u2019s Fuji Speedway.\nWe managed to enjoy one of the greatest manual transmission driving experiences with the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 2020 in Sepang. Watch it here!\nThere are still another four qualifying races to go to collect as many points as possible, and players will race both extremes of Porsche\u2019s finest racing vehicles \u2013 the Porsche 356 A at Goodwood Motor Circuit and the Porsche 962 C at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.\nThe next race that is set on September 19th will see players battle it out at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (Circuit de la Sarthe) with none other than the Porsche 919 Hybrid that won the 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions of the endurance race.\nPoints will be allocated for the finishing order in all five qualifying races, which then promotes the highest five to the semifinals consisting of 20 players over the Asia Pacific region. The top 10 competitors in the semifinal round will then progress to the finals in December. The grand prize consists of an all-expense-paid trip to Japan and many more moments at the Porsche Experience Centre Tokyo.\nMore information about the Porsche Gran Turismo Cup Asia Pacific can be found \nhere.\nAll the best to the fellow Malaysians who have been incredibly fast in various Gran Turismo competitions such as Toyota\u2019s \nVelocity\n and MSF\u2019s Cyberturismo. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Early this year, we\u2019ve reported that \nMINI is working on a third-generation MINI John Cooper Works GP (JCW GP)\n, the most hardcore limited-edition MINI ever made. MINI is not ready to launch the car in full just yet but instead, has given us an early glimpse of what is to come with the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept.\nScheduled for its dynamic debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the JCW GP Concept will replace the previous JCW GP or more commonly referred to as GP2. Like the GP2 \u2013 of which only 2,000 units were ever made \u2013 the new model will also be offered in extremely limited units.\n\u201cThe MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept is all about the unfettered feeling of driving and levels of performance found in motor sport competition,\u201d says Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Peter Schwarzenbauer. \u201cThis is driving fun in its purest form.\u201d he added.\nThe JCW GP Concept is an all-out high-performance MINI with uncompromising performance on track, which explains the over-the-top exterior design. The concept car is significantly wider than your standard MINI thanks to a \nwider body kit\n which promises superior handling at high speeds. Up front, its extended front bumper helps scoop air into the radiators as well as slice through air more efficiently. The number 0059 pays homage to the year 1959 when the original classic MINI was born.   Round the back, you\u2019ll find a more aggressive bumper with central mounted twin-exhaust outlet that were designed specifically to channel air and reduce drag. The \nhalf-Union Jack taillamps\n are a nod to the concept car\u2019s British origins. Quite a nice touch don\u2019t you think?\u00a0 Further up the large roof spoiler not only screams attention, it is necessary to keep the car planted to the tarmac.\nLike the GP, the interior of the concept car is\n completely stripped out\n in the name of weight reduction. The rear bench is removed in favour of a roll cage where the five-point seat belts are mounted to. All elements of the interior like the Heads-Up display, infotainment screen and instrument cluster were redesigned to be even more driver focused. Curiously, gear operations are through the steering mounted paddle shifters. Here\u2019s hoping that MINI will offer a good ol\u2019 fashioned manual option for the enthusiast.\nAs mesmerising as the MINI JCW GP Concept may be, it remains to be seen how much of these radical design elements will make it to the production line. No other information on the powertrain nor launch date were indicated but golly, the next-generation JCW GP will surely be one mad machine.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just days ago, \nsketches of the all-new Kia Rio surfaced online\n, giving us an early glimpse of how the fourth generation hatchback would look. The pictures you see here are the official images released by Kia\u00a0Motors, and succeeds the \nwell-serving third-gen model\n\u00a0which was released in 2011.\nDesign of the new Rio is led by Kia\u2019s design teams from Germany, California and Korea. The new profile gives it an edgier, more sporty appearance when compared to the curvier nature of the outgoing model. Up front, the new Rio gets a slim \u2018Tiger Nose\u2019 grille and are complemented by a pair of bi-function headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. The rear is dressed with a brand new pair of tail lamps, featuring arrow-shaped LED graphics.\u00a0\nDimensions wise, the Rio grows albeit by a slight margin. It is now 15mm longer than its predecessor at 4,065mm, 5mm wider at 1,725mm but sits 5mm lower (1,450mm) to the ground. Wheelbase also grew by 10mm (now at 2,580mm), giving way to a roomier cabin.\nInside the cabin is also entirely new. Kia claims they have improved on ergonomics, and one way of achieving that is by angling the dashboard ever so slightly towards the driver. Smacked right in the centre of the dashboard is a new \u2018floating\u2019 touchscreen display (size unknown for now) for audio controls, connectivity and navigational systems. This touchscreen head unit tidies up the clutter of buttons from before.\nKia hasn\u2019t revealed much details on the mechanics, but claims that ride and handling characteristics have been improved upon. Once it makes to production, the Rio will offer class-leading practicality and safety technology, as well as the latest suite of connectivity systems such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nThe fourth-generation Kia Rio will make its global debut on 29 September at the Paris Motor Show. Stay tuned for more details of the Rio!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As a token of appreciation for customer loyalty, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is enhancing the value of the Volkswagen Care Plus programme by an additional 10% on maintenance service.\nThe additional 10% brings the total discounts to up to 30%, a benefit exclusively crafted for the Volkswagen Care Plus loyalty programme. Only genuine parts are used, and that repairs are carried out by experienced technicians in accordance with global standards and approved tools.\nThe latest model by VW Malaysia is the new 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion. Find out more about the sexy fastback here!\nNote that the additional 10% discount on maintenance service is only valid until December 31st 2021.\nLaunched in late 2018, the \nVolkswagen Care Plus\n loyalty programme specifically targets owners of vehicles aged five years or older, providing additional aftersales benefits such as two-year free roadside assistance and 24 hours on-site battery support. Eligible owners can easily sign up for the programme at no cost at any authorised dealership. \u00a0\nThinking of upgrading to a more affordable Volkswagen? Das WeltAuto has the answer!\n\u201cWe have about 30,000 owners with us to date, and more than 50% of this figure are Volkswagen Care Plus members, those with cars that are five years and older,\u201d said VPCM, Managing Director, Erik Winter when launching the latest Volkswagen Cares app in August 2021.\nThis promotion is however only available through the \nnew Volkswagen Cares app\n, which now allows customers to arrange for service appointments, manage their vehicle information, as well as receive reminders from the Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP). The new app is now a one-stop centre housing various sales and aftersales support.\nVolkswagen to expand SUV line-up in Malaysia. Find out more about which likely model here!"
"Yesterday, \nProton \nmarked the 35th anniversary of the Saga with the launched of the \nlimited run Saga Anniversary Edition\n. Only 1,100 units will be available, priced from RM39,300.\nThat\u2019s not all, Proton also announced that all its cars \u2013 the Saga, Iriz, Persona and Exora \u2013 will be equipped with an N95 Cabin Filter as standard at\n no additional cost\n. This follows after the company\u2019s announcement in May that the cabin filter will be \nfitted as standard\n in the\n CKD X70\n.\nFor current Proton owners who want to retrofit the N95 Cabin Filter, it\u2019ll cost RM59 excluding labour cost. From now till the 9th of October, Proton is offering a 15% discount for the filter, priced at\n RM50.15\n. As for the X70, the N95 Cabin Filter costs RM79 but from now till 18th of August, there\u2019s a 15% discount for it, at\n RM67.15\n excluding labour.\nThe N95 Cabin Filter can remove 95% of particles larger than 0.3 microns and can remove 98% of PM2.5 dust particles. It serves a barrier against smoke particulates, dust, bacteria and other pollutants for both fresh and recirculated air in the cabin.\nFor the \nlatest price list of Proton vehicles\n following the Sales Tax Announcement, click here."
"The Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) has initiated various forms of assistance and relief to vehicle owners that have been affected by the last week\u2019s flooding disaster.\nVehicle owners who have their documents lost or destroyed by the floods can get them replaced for free. The JPJ has listed three important documents which qualify for this initiative: Vehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC), driving licence and the road tax slip or Lesen Kenderaan Motor (LKM).\nSource: Twitter/\nJPJMalaysia\nDocument owners will need to personally be at any JPJ offices to replace damaged items. Meanwhile, for documents that are destroyed or missing, owners will need to provide a copy of the Police Report or Disaster Victim Registration Form by the District Office or Department of Social Welfare Malaysia as evidence.\nMeanwhile, vehicle owners who are aiding victims in various humanitarian efforts will be given greater liberty in terms of enforcement from the JPJ. Private vehicles such pick-up trucks have been seen providing various aid measures and as well as the story of \u2018\nAbang Viva\n\u2019 who travelled from Malacca to Shah Alam and then Pahang to help victims, whilst having a raft tied up on the roof of his Perodua Viva. \u00a0\nRELATED: Only five days left to pay off your JPJ summonses at up to 80% off\nThe department also mentioned ongoing assistance by its officers, such as the \nJPJ Selangor\n team handing out cooked meals to victims in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, coordinating the movement at the relief centres as well as cleaning works at affected districts around the state. \u00a0\n\u201cJPJ and all our staff also pray that the flood victims are given strength and facilitated in their affairs,\u201d the statement ended."
"Here it is, at long last! After months of speculations and spy shots, Perodua has now announced that the highly-anticipated \u2018D55L\u2019 SUV is now open for booking in Malaysia.\nMost details are still under wraps, and that includes the name; the SUV is still now referred to by its \u2018D55L\u2019 codename. But what we do know is that the \nDaihatsu Rocky-based\n B-segment SUV will be offered in three variants \u2013 X, H, AV \u2013 with prices estimated to range between \nRM62,500 to RM73,400\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of \nsales tax exemptions\n.\nThe Toyota Raize in Japan.\nThe D55L will be Perodua\u2019s first turbocharged vehicle. Although no further details have been provided (aside from the fuel consumption figure of 18.9 km/l), it\u2019s not hard to infer that this is in reference to the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-potter found on the Daihatsu Rocky and \nToyota Raize\n.\nThe 1KR-VET 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine makes \n98 hp\n and \n140 Nm \nof torque, and will be paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) \u2013 also a first for Perodua, who has been opting for the tried-and-tested four-speed torque-converter auto on all of its recent models.\nDaihatsu Rocky, first shown off at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.\nAlso mentioned in the press release is the inclusion of Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) suite, which has been updated with higher operating speeds, and is also now capable of detecting motorbikes and cyclists.\nLane Departure Warning and Prevention will be standard across all variants, while the Perodua D55L\u2019s range-topping AX variant will be fitted with Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control \u2013 which means the D55L will also be the cheapest car on sale here in Malaysia to feature \nLevel 2 Autonomous Driving\n!\nHopefully we\u2019ll also see the inclusion of \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n connectivity!\nThere are plenty of toys for Perodua\u2019s new flagship offerring too, including LED headlamps, which will be standard across, while the two higher variants \u2013 H and AV \u2013 will also get Adaptive Driving Beam, a seven-inch TFT multi-info display in the instrument cluster, as well as a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice recognition.\nAs for colours, the X and H variants will be offered with Glittering Silver, Granite Grey and Cobalt Blue, with the mid-spec H also available in Pearl Diamond White and Pearl Delima Red. The range-topping AV meanwhile, will have the choice of Glittering Silver, Granite Grey, Pearl Diamond White and Pearl Delima Red, plus a two-tone (black) roof option for the latter two pearl colours.\nAs standard, the Perodual \u2018D55L\u2019 SUV will be offered with a five-year/150,000 km warranty.\nThat\u2019s about all the information that have been provided \u2013 everything else will have to wait for the official launch, which is rumoured to happen sometime next month. We\u2019ll of course be bringing you the latest coverage when more information is made available, but what do you think of Perodua\u2019s upcoming flagship model so far?"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has just unveiled a new special edition model to the Ford Ranger Raptor, called the \nRanger Raptor X\n. But if you\u2019re just reading the spec sheet, you\u2019d think that there were basically no changes on this special edition model, aside from the very red paint job.\nAnd you aren\u2019t wrong \u2013 the new features added onto the Raptor X are not headline makers, but they are certainly welcome additions on a vehicle in this day and age, and especially on a humongous pick-up truck, priced north of RM200,000.\nBut let\u2019s back up for a moment and talk about the paint job. It\u2019s called \nTrue Red\n, and from our time with it, looks to be quite a flat red hue, instead of a metallic colour. The new Ford Ranger Raptor X is only offered exclusively with this paint job, but we aren\u2019t complaining \u2013 we think that it actually suits the aggressive appearance of the race-ready pick-up truck pretty well. But just between you and me, I\u2019d still pick the Ford Performance Blue.\nTo go along with the new shiny red suit, the Ranger Raptor X also gets \nvariant-exclusive decals \naround the rear.\nOtherwise, the exterior is pretty much unchanged from the regular Ranger Raptor, which was \njust updated here last April\n. Exterior highlights include the new automatic LED headlights with square-shaped projector units, chunky bumpers with proper steel bash plates, as well as the 17-inch wheels wrapped with massive 33-inch tyres to fill in the flared fenders.\nThe rest of the new additions on this special edition model are all found on the inside, which are the \nKenwood dual-channel (front and rear) QHD dashcam\n with built-in polarising filter and 32 GB microSD card, alongside a \n360-degree surround view monitor\n \u2013 the latter particularly useful on a huge chunk of metal like the Ranger Raptor.\nTying up the Ranger Raptor X looks are the variant-exclusive carpet floor mats. But aside from that, the rest of the cabin is pretty much bog-standard from the regular Ranger Raptor, down to the blue-coloured accent stitching on the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel. Wouldn\u2019t it be way cooler to have these in red, to go along with the new exterior paint job?\nAlso unchanged are all of the mechanical bits underneath the bonnet \u2013 the new Ford Ranger Raptor X is also powered by the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel mill, making 213 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via the 10-speed automatic gearbox.\nBut more importantly on the Ranger Raptor are the Fox Racing Shox dampers, coil springs on the rear axles, as well as the terrain management system with the sand-dune-racing-ready Baja mode \u2013 all of which are also still present here.\nSafety kit also remains identical, which since the update on April 2020, now includes advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, as well as lane-keeping assist.\nThe new Ford Ranger Raptor X is priced at \nRM216,888\n on the road, without insurance, making it RM6,000 higher than the regular Ranger Raptor. Included in the price is a five-year/160,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty, whichever comes first.\nLiking what you\u2019re seeing?\nGALLERY"
"Whether it was your parents, your relatives, your friend\u2019s parents or even your neighbour, it\u2019s almost impossible to not know someone who owned the Mercedes-Benz W202 C-class in the 1990s.\nIntroduced as the replacement for the Mercedes-Benz 190E, the first generation of the W202 C-Class debuted in 1993 with smoother lines and rounder edges. It was so successful that Mercedes-Benz went on to sell more than a million units from the year 1993 up until production ended in 2000.\nThe W202 C-Class also marked the beginning of a new naming system where Mercedes-Benz started using letters before numbers i.e. C 200 unlike the 190 E it replaced but we\u2019re not looking at just any W202 C-Class model but instead, the mighty C 36 AMG.\nBuilt to challenge the BMW E36 M3, it was the first project between Mercedes-Benz and AMG and the first mass production model in the\u00a0 history of their collaboration.\nThe C 36 AMG was based on the C 280, with extensive engine and chassis upgrades. Opting out from the C 280\u2019s 2.8-litre straight-six, a 3.2-litre straight-six engine from the W124 E 320 was adopted instead. Engine capacity was then increased from 3.2-litre to 3.6-litre with increased bore and stroke.\nOther significant upgrades included forged pistons from Mercedes\u2019 DTM race cars, ported cylinder head, reprogrammed valve timing, larger air intakes and exhaust. Mercedes-Benz and AMG were not mucking about with this car.\nAs a result, the engine made around\u00a0\n280 hp\n with\n 385 Nm\n of torque \u2013 nearly 40 hp more than the E36 M3 \u2013 deployed through a 4-speed automatic transmission. AMG later on claimed that engine output varied between 280 hp to 290 hp as they were hand-built.\nWith a significant power advantage over its M3 counterpart, 0 to 100 km/h was done in 5.9 seconds, while the equivalent E36 M3 sedan with an automatic transmission could only manage around 6.6 seconds, according to MotorTrend magazine\u2019s review.\nTop speed was electronically-limited to just 250 km/h but when de-restricted, word is that the C 36 AMG could hit the 280 km/h mark.\nAfter a little digging through the Internet\u2019s archives on how the C 36 AMG felt behind the wheel,\u00a0 Road & Track magazine claimed that the C 36 AMG had \u201creasonable punch in a straight line and good ride and stable feel through the corners\u201d.\nIn optimising the C 36 AMG, Mercedes-Benz did not shy from cherry-picking the best components from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The front brakes for example, were taken over from the R129 SL 600 while those at the back were from the W124 E 420.\nIt even had the same AMG Monoblock wheel design from the SL 500 and while the suspension setup remained unchanged, the springs and dampers were stiffened along with the use of custom anti-roll bars.\nAs a result, the car sat more than 20mm lower than the standard model and handled with the poise of a sportscar without compromising the comfort of a refined saloon.\nInside, it was probably unlike anything anyone had ever seen in the early 1990s. The C 36 AMG had a dual-tone AMG steering wheel, an AMG instrument cluster, powered seats, a moonroof, cruise control and a Bose sound system.\nIn the European models, it came with trims that mimic the carbon fibre weave, while over in the US, the C 36 AMG wore walnut trims. Either way, both would struggle to live up to the standards of today\u2019s elderly.\nBy early 1997, more than 5,000 units of the C 36 AMG were delivered to customers and by the end of the same year, the C 36 AMG was superseded by the C 43 AMG, the first C-class to be fitted with a (4.3-litre) V8 engine, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Only 5,200 units of the C 36 AMG were ever built.\nIn 1996, the C 36 AMG even started a legacy that has continued up to this very day when it began playing the official safety car role in Formula 1.\nYou may know Mercedes-AMGs to be the cream of Daimler AG\u2019s crop now but it wasn\u2019t until 1999 that the Stuttgart group acquired a majority stake in AMG and since 2005, Mercedes-AMG has been wholly-owned by Daimler."
"It is just over 48 hours before Perodua fully unveils the 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift and the company is still very keen on keeping the new hatchback in our minds.\nIn what seems to be the fourth and final teaser clip of the new Myvi, the \nLane Keep Control (LKC)\n system under the topic of Intelligent Safety is being showcased. The new Myvi in Cranberry Red (an exclusive colour for the facelifted AV variant) is seen to be veering to the broken lines, only to be tugged back into the centre of the lane in the latest short clip.\n \nAs mentioned in the \nearlier teaser\n image featuring the new steering wheel, the facelifted Perodua Myvi will also feature Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that works in conjunction with the Lane Keep Control to offer \nLevel 2 semi-autonomous driving\n capability (adjusting distance and even curve around bends at 60 km/h and above), all under the umbrella of Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA).\nAs such, the new model sees a jump in retail pricing, now ranging from \nRM45,700 to RM58,800\n. Currently, all Perodua Myvi models bar the 1.3 G variants offers \nAdvanced Safety Assist 2.0\n comprising of Pre-collision Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.\nApart from these advanced assistance systems, the PSDA suite and A.S.A 3.0 in the larger \nPerodua Ativa\n also offer automatic high beam function. The new facelifted Myvi looks set to have this feature as the new instrument panel has the icon illuminated, as well as a new headlamp design that houses segmented LED units. LED DRLs are meanwhile fitted vertically in a slim casing below the new headlamps.\nInside, the dashboard is treated with red surrounds on the air-conditioning vents as well as \ntwo-tone leather seats\n. The touchscreen infotainment system also looks like a larger set compared to the outgoing unit.\nThe new Perodua Myvi is set to be fully unveiled on \nNovember 18th at 9:00 P.M\n. and will be broadcast live on Perodua\u2019s \nFacebook\n and \nYoutube\n pages. Check out the promotional \nwebsite\n to watch all four teaser clips of the new Perodua Myvi. \u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"The \u201cMother Trucker\u201d is back in Malaysia \u2013 or so says Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM), with the introduction of the new Nissan Navara PRO-4X that was previewed to the media today. The new range-topping pick-up truck will officially launch on the \n16th of April \nalongside all other variants, where pricing will be announced.\nBearing a \nradical new design\n, and especially so on the PRO-4X variant, you probably wouldn\u2019t know that this is actually a facelift model if we didn\u2019t tell you so. Up front, the PRO-4X gets a new distinctive fascia, characterised by the new quad-LED projector headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights, as well as the new humongous \u2018Interlock\u2019 grille.\nA chunky black surrounds the grille, where it also features the \u2018NAVARA\u2019 script across the top, while the Nissan logo is blacked-out on this PRO-4X variant, contrasted by orange accents that are littered throughout the entire exterior.\nOther exterior features include new LED fog lamps, now housed in a squared-off cut-out on the bumper; 17-inch wheels in gloss black; blacked-out fender flares, door handles, door mirrors, roof rails, and side steps; as well as the new LED combination tail lamps at the back with C-shaped light signature.\nMoving inside, while the overall dashboard architecture remains the same from before, the new Navara facelift does get some significant upgrades to its kit, including a new analogue instrument cluster with a full-colour seven-inch multi-info display, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nNissan says that they have significantly improved the quietness and comfort in the cabin, thanks to new noise-isolation acoustic laminated glass on the windshield and front windows, as well as new rear seats with improved thigh support and curved backrest (alongside new centre armrest).\nThe new Nissan Navara PRO-4X is also equipped with a new multi-link rear suspension with a dual-rate coil spring \u2013 the latter reduces \u201cbody toss\u201d by up to 33%, while improving vehicle stability, ride comfort, and road handling to be \u201con par with SUVs\u201d.\nIn terms of safety, the new Navara PRO-4X is equipped with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced driver assistance suite, which includes features such as forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Driver Alertness, as well as High Beam Assist.\nWhen the drivetrain is put into the four-wheel low mode, the Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) automatically switches on into an off-road mode, to help the driver navigate tough terrains easily.\nUnderneath the sheet metal, the new Navara PRO-4X is powered by the same YD25 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill, making \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. The powertrain is paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.\nAlthough the powertrain is unchanged, the new Navara does come equipped with a new electronic locking rear differential to help push the pick-up truck out of tricky conditions, as well as a new Trailer Sway Assist system to help maintain vehicle driving direction through the electronically-controlled braking.\nFor more serious pick-up truck workloads, the new Navara PRO-4X\u2019s truck bed comes with a new Utili-Track Channel system with two channels and four heavy-duty forged aluminium cleats that lock anywhere along the channel, giving you more versatility in tying down your heavy cargos. On that note, the payload of the new Nissan Navara has also been improved to \n1.1 tonnes\n.\nThe Nissan Navara PRO-4X will be available in four exterior colours: Stealth Grey, Burning Red, Pearl White, and Black Star; the first three are brand-new colours for the pick-up truck.\nOfficial launch is currently scheduled for the 16th of April, where a six-variant line-up will be introduced here in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"Remember the Nissan Note e-Power NISMO launched back in 2016? Nissan has just dropped a new \u201cNISMO S\u201d variant \u2013 not just adding more syllables to name but more power and sportiness to one of Japan\u2019s best-selling car.\nWith over\n 130 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque, it\u2019s got\n 25% more power and torque\n than the Note e-POWER NISMO courtesy of custom tuning of the electronic control unit along with increased electrical output among the significant upgrades.\nThe outside is furnished with custom NISMO S badges, 16-inch wheel aluminium wheels, custom tail pipes and LED headlights. With all that power, a lot of attention has been given to the underpinnings of the car.\nIt sits on a set of custom suspension, strengthened front stabilisers, front and rear cross bars for structural enhancements.\nInside, you wouldn\u2019t miss the outstanding custom suede sport seats with a NISMO logo and red stitching, a custom e-POWER meter, custom footrest and\u00a0aluminum pedals.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen customers can now book their service appointments from the comforts of their homes with the new \nOnline Service Booking\n. It\u2019s available on both desktop and mobile, where customers get to select their preferred dealership, date, and time. They will only be required to key in their vehicle details and once done, an aftersales advisor will be in touch to confirm the service appointment booking.\nAnother new digital service is the \nService Cam\n, allowing owners the freedom to not be at the service centre when their cars are being attended to. A sales advisor will share a detailed walkthrough video of the vehicle while also recommending the necessary parts replacements.\nThe\n \nService Cam merely serves to \nhighlight areas of the car not covered in the scheduled service maintenance\n. Upon reviewing it, customers can decide whether to proceed with the parts replacement.\nService Cam further complements Volkswagen\u2019s \n#safehands\n contactless initiatives as the customer only needs to drop off their key, confirm vehicle acceptance, and undergo\n 5-Star Service Check\n digitally. \nAny additional repair work needed is sent via video to the customer\n, together with an e-quotation so that the customer can make an informed decision.\nOnce the vehicle is ready, any explanation of the invoice followed by the vehicle handover will also be done via Service Cam. The customer will be able to make an electronic payment and collect the vehicle.\nOther on-going promotions at Volkswagen includes a \nRepair Package\n for vehicles older than five years. The package offers owners up to RM1,394 savings on shock absorbers and up to RM992 savings on brakes. Available packages are for front absorbers, rear absorbers, front and rear brakes.\nNot only are the main parts changed, but other relevant component parts such as nuts and bolts, are replaced to ensure better performance and safety as per the manufacturer repair process. These genuine parts are accompanied by a 2-year warranty for customer\u2019s peace of mind."
"The first-generation Kia Carnival or Naza Ria as most of us are familiar with, was one of the first premium MPVs available in the Malaysian market in early 2000\u2019s. The full-sized MPV made its way to many homes as the mum mobile and a very well-rounded weekend family mover.\nWhether its ferrying the kids to football practise or picking up the in-laws in one go, the Carnival was the \nperfect family car\n. Unfortunately, its popularity was short lived due to its poor reliability and terribly low resale value. It also didn\u2019t help that consumers were turning to parallel importers that had plenty more to offer.\nUnsurprisingly, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) skipped the second-generation Kia Grand Carnival altogether in favour of other higher volume sellers. Fast forward to 2017, the Grand is back with the \nrecently launched third-generation Kia Grand Carnival\n. We joined NKM for a relaxing afternoon in Janda Baik to celebrate the return of the Grand Carnival to the Malaysian market and here is what we learnt from our short stint in it.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi KX\nKia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi EX\nEngine\n2,199cc; Common Rail Direct Injection VGT turbodiesel\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n190 hp @ 3,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n440 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM165,888\nRM185,888\nTHE MID-SPEC KX IS MORE THAN ENOUGH\nOur drive began in the \nmid-spec KX\n, seemingly bummed out that we won\u2019t get to start our day in the most expensive and luxurious EX trim. However, after getting comfortable in the back seat of the mid-spec Grand Carnival, I had no qualms about this particular variant. Despite being \nRM20k cheaper\n than the EX trim, I find myself fiddling with features that even most competitors don\u2019t have such as rear sunshades, USB charging ports and powered sliding doors on both sides.   The range topping variant does come with extra bells and whistles to play with but I can\u2019t justify the \n10 percent jump in price\n for nice to have items such as tri-zone climate control, powered driver seats and the powered tailgate (the manual tailgate is on the lighter end of the scale anyway). Really, the KX has all you need and more but of course, if you\u2019re able to splurge, the EX is certainly a better deal; just remind yourself that you\u2019ll be driving around in that horrendous beige interior.\nTURBODIESEL PACKS A HEFTY PUNCH\nPropulsion on the Grand Carnival comes from a 2.2-litre Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) VGT turbodiesel, the same unit found in the \nSorento CRDi\n. In this application, the motor dishes out \n190 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, sending drive to the front-wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\nFor your everyday commute, the Grand Carnival will pull to highway speeds in a brisk and linear fashion. In town, the gearshifts are smooth and precise while the diesel rattling at idle is negligible and is by \nno means unrefined or intrusive\n. However, should you exit a toll booth and cheekily hit the pedal to the floor, all \n440 Nm\n of twisting force spins the front wheels from 1,750 rpm, causing the tyres to squeal for grip. Did I mention its frugal too?\nIT HANDLES WELL FOR AN MPV\nTo give credit where its due, the engineers at Kia has done an exceptional job in the\n ride dynamics department\n for the Grand Carnival, achieving optimal balance between handling prowess and ride comfort. Snaking along the twisty Karak Highway, the large MPV was able to hold its ground fantastically with\n minimal body roll\n. Driving through the jarring roads of Klang Valley, the Grand Carnival absorbs all the undulations without complaints. Bear in mind that its running on 18-inch alloys.\nInterestingly, Kia has opted for a \nhydraulic steering set up\n as opposed to an electronic module. Now if you think that a hydraulic steering is going to send superior road feedback to your palms, you\u2019d be disappointed. Kia has deliberately tuned the steering towards the numb end of the spectrum for better comfort on longer journeys without having to hang onto a heavy and overly sensitive steering wheel.\nITS SPACIOUS BEYOND COMPREHENSION\nMeasuring at 5,115 mm in length, 1,740 mm in height and 1,985 mm in width the Grand Carnival\u2019s dimensions dwarfs the likes of \nToyota Alphard\n and \nVellfire\n. The designers at Kia have maximised every inch of its 3,060 mm wheelbase to create\u00a0\nlounge-like comfort\n for every passenger. Even with three adults side by side in third row, there was no rubbing of shoulders or fighting for space in the footwell.\nWhat is more impressive is the available legroom and kneeroom for second and third row occupants. Despite sliding the second-row bench all the way back, an average height adult can still be accommodated in the third row comfortably without his knees rubbing the seats. All that with \n960 litres\n of boot space to spare.\nSOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?\nIt is in fact a great value deal if you\u2019re shopping for an upmarket MPV, the only thing that you need to really consider is whether you have parking space that fits a five-meter long MPV and the unflattering beige interior. All things considered, the Grand Carnival is a closer competitor to the Alphard/Vellfire duo than it is to the similarly priced \nHyundai Grand Starex\n.\nOverall, the Grand Carnival is a proper luxury MPV that punches well above its weight. Couple that with a full suite of safety features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ESC, hill-start assist, front parking sensors and ISOFIX mounting points, it\u2019s easy to understand why it\u2019s moving out of dealerships by the dozens.\nIf you\u2019re considering a reconditioned MPV from the grey market for below RM200k, perhaps you should pay a visit to your nearest Kia showroom and see for yourself what this fully-imported Kia Grand Carnival has to offer. Besides, no used car dealer is going to offer you a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty package, smart financing package and Kia Value 5 Plus that guarantees the resale value of the vehicle.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKIA GRAND CARNIVAL MEDIA DRIVE   Kia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi EX   Kia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi KX"
"Volkswagen Group currently has five different vehicle architectures in its stable, but the automotive giant is looking to slim their offerings down to using only two, and eventually just one electric platform moving forward. The announcement was made yesterday as part of Volkswagen\u2019s New Auto product plan for the next 10 years, as the carmaker shifts towards electrification.\n \n\u201cWe set ourselves a strategic target to become global market leader in electric vehicles \u2013 and we are well on track. Now we are setting new parameters,\u201d said Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess during the presentation. \u201cBased on software, the next much more radical change is the transition towards much safer, smarter and finally autonomous cars. That means for us: Technology, speed and scale will matter more than today.\u201d\nOver the next decade, Volkswagen Group will slowly phase out internal combustion engine platforms like the MQB (\nVW Golf\n, \nAudi A3\n), MLB (\nAudi A5\n, \nLamborghini Urus\n), and MSB (\nPorsche Taycan\n), moving all of its vehicles to the \nMEB\n and \nPPE \narchitectures designed for electric cars.\nCheck out how the Porsche Taycan drives \u2013 both on track and on road!\nFollowing that, the company will eventually consolidate everything to just one single platform called the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which will rmake its debut in 2026 on a new fully-electric model, reported to be the successor to the Audi A8.\nAudi CEO Markus Duesmann said: \u201cIntroducing the SSP means leveraging our strengths in platform management and building on our capabilities to maximize synergies across segments and brands. In the long run, our SSP will significantly reduce complexity in mechatronics.\u201d\nTo run the new EV platforms, Volkswagen has also established a new software division called CARIAD, who will oversee the development of the software stack for all group cars.\nCurrently, the entity is working on three software platforms: E\u00b3 1.1 will allow for over-the-air upgrades for the MEB product portfolio; E\u00b3 1.2 (in 2023) will include a new unified infotainment system for Audi and Porsche vehicles; and in 2025, E\u00b3 2.0 will include a unified operating system for all vehicles within the Volkswagen Group, alongside level 4 autonomous driving readiness.\nVW\u2019s streamlining efforts also include a unified battery cell design for all of its future cars, which is said to reduce costs by 50% over current levels. The batteries will be produced in\n six gigafactories across Europe\n, with a production capacity of 240 GWh by 2030.\nThe company will also be implementing a \u201cclosed loop\u201d approach for its batteries, giving them a second life by reusing these spent batteries in other application, and/or recycling them to recuperate raw materials for use in production.\nLearn more about Volkswagen\u2019s battery supply plan here.\nThe group is also setting up charging locations across the board with partnerships from companies such as CAMS in China, Electrify America in the U.S., as well as BP, Iberdrola, and Enel in Europe, to ensure that drivers have access to quick convenient charging.\nThe last facet of its transitional product plan are new mobility solutions such as the \nMOIA robo-taxi service\n, scheduled to be launched in Europe by 2025.\nVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles CTO, Christian Senger said, \u201cTogether with ARGO AI, we are developing an industry leading self-driving system which will enable us to offer completely new mobility services and autonomous transport services. Volkswagen Group is aiming for a significant market share and additional revenue streams in this important future business.\u201d"
"To coin the term \u201cimitation is the sincerest form of flattery\u201d is clearly evident in some Chinese automotive brands. Take for instance Gotye and its new SR8 SUV. It is a carbon copy of the\u00a0\nPorsche Macan\n. What\u2019s worse is the Macan lookalike will make its debut at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show!\nJudging from the leaked images from Car News China, it\u2019s certain that Zotye made little effort on originality as seen with the SR8\u2019s shape, fascia, bumpers, headlights, roof rails and even the interior. However, instead of the Macan\u2019s quad rounded exhaust, the SR8 gets a quad square exhaust design.\nImage Souce: Car News China   The good news is, under the bonnet isn\u2019t a powertrain from Stuttgart. Instead, it\u2019s got a\u00a0\nMitsubishi-sourced 2.0-litre turbo engine\n that churns\n\u00a0190 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n of torque mated with either\n\u00a0\na \nfive-speed manual\n or \nsix-speed dual clutch auto\n. For the record, a standard petrol variant Macan is powered by\u00a0either 249 hp 2.0-litre turbocharged unit or a 400 hp 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo lump.\nBeing a clone with a much less powerful engine has its benefits, as the \n130,000 yuan\n (\nRM77,000\n based on today\u2019s rates) Zotye SR8 undercuts the cheapest Macan sold in Malaysia by \nRM343,000! \nComparatively, one\u00a0base Macan can get you the equivalent of five SR8s (all in different colours), but since copyright laws are strict everywhere beyond China, don\u2019t expect to see the SR8 reaching our shores. We don\u2019t, either.\nIn 2014,\u00a0 Changan Auto and Jiangling Motors Corporation unveiled the Landwind X7, which was a blatant copy of the Range Rover Evoque. That didn\u2019t take long for\u00a0Jaguar Land Rover to launch a lawsuit against these companies, but Chinese authorities did\u00a0nothing to stop that. That probably will hint Porsche to not wasting time with a\u00a0lawsuit.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n Image Souce: Car News China\n \n Image Souce: Car News China\n \n Image Souce: Car News China"
"Shortly after Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) \nopened the order books\n for the locally assembled S90 T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the premium executive sedan from Sweden is now available for purchase. As reported earlier, the S90 T8 is decked out in the Inscription line \u2013 the highest specification available on a Volvo.\nVCM has two variants of the S90 T8 on offer \u2013 Inscription and Inscription Plus, priced at RM368,888 and RM388,888, respectively. If you\u2019re unimpressed by the pricing, remember that the entry level \nS90 T5 (CBU)\n goes for RM388,888 while its German equivalent, the \nMercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG\n and \nBMW G30 530i M Sport\n does not pack \n640 Nm\n of twisting force and Volvo\u2019s impressive suite of driver assistance system.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo S90 T8 Inscription\nVolvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus\nEngine\n1,969cc; four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 2,200 -5,400 rpm\nElectric Motor\n87 hp & 240 Nm\nCombine Output\n407 hp & 640 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM368,888\nRM388,888\nEXTERIOR\nDecked out in the Inscription trim, the S90 T8 wears Inscription-specific grille, dual exhaust outlets, Inscription badges, additional chrome touches by the side sills, 19-inch ten-spoke diamond cut alloys wrapped in 255/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.   Other standard items include full LED adaptive headlamps with Thor\u2019s Hammer LED daytime running lights and puddle lights. The other way to tell the T8 apart from the T5 & T6 variants is the extra charging outlet cut out on the passenger side front fenders.\nINTERIOR\nInside, both the Inscription and Inscription Plus dittos the one on the XC90 T8 Inscription \u2013 Nappa leather upholstery, Orrefors Crystal Gearshift Knob, 9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive Display instrument cluster, 10-speakers High Performance Audio System, 360-degree surround view camera, powered tailgate, dual-zone CleanZone automatic climate control, Heads-Up Display and many more.   The Inscription Plus adds on a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins\u00ae Premium Sound Audio System. Curiously both the T8 variants does not come with a powered sunroof as per the fully imported \nT6 R-Design\n variant. Boot space is uncompromised at 500 litres.\nPERFORMANCE\nLike the \nXC90 T8\n, the S90 T8 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine paired to an electric motor to give\n 407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of thrust, significantly more than the recently launched \nMercedes-Benz E 350 e\n\u2019s \n286 hp\n/\n550 Nm\n output.\nThe PHEV drivetrain is mated to an \neight-speed automatic transmission\n, with the petrol engine sending drive to the front axle while the electric motor drives the rear wheels, effectively making the S90 T8 an \nall-wheel drive\n model. In a century sprint, the Volvo will leave its German rivals to eat its dust taking only \n4.8 seconds\n to get to the 100 km/h compared to their sluggish time of 6.2 seconds. On full whack the Volvo is electronically limited to 250 km/h.\nGetting the battery to full charge from empty takes \n3.5 hours\n from a domestic power socket and that is enough to give you a pure electric range of 50 km. Fuel consumption is rated at \n2.0 L/100 km\n.\nOn the standard S90 T8 Inscription, it sits on a single-setup Dynamic Chassis while the Inscription Plus gets the more potent \nActive Chassis with Air suspension on the rear axle \n(just like the XC90)\u00a0which automatically keeps the rear at the correct level for better comfort.\nSAFETY\nSafety is where the S90 T8 blows its rivals out of the water. As standard it gets the IntelliSafe which bundles Collision Avoidance with intersection support, Pedestrian, Cyclist &Large Animal Detection, Rear Collision Warning & Mitigations Support, Run-off Road Mitigation, Pilot Assist with steering assistance (up to 130 km/h), Driver Alert Control with Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Volvo S90 T8 PHEV is assembled at VCM\u2019s assembly plant in Shah Alam. Every purchase of the S90 T8 comes with a 5-Year or 120,000 km warranty package as well as five years Volvo on-call service. Early adopters will enjoy a special introductory price of RM348,888 and RM368,888 for the Inscription and Inscription Plus respectively.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the upcoming Raya fesetivities, MINI Malaysia is kicking off the Minimise campaign with a range of attractive offers, including cash rebates and instalment support and zero interest rates on selected MINI models.\nHeadlining the Minimise campaign is the \nMINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid\n, which will be offered with \ninterest rates starting from 0%\n, as well as a \ncash rebate of RM16,000,\n and \ninstalment support of RM5,000\n.\nNew MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid owners will also receive a \ncomplimentary MINI Public Charging Cable\n, along with a ChargeNow card to enjoy \none-year complimentary charging\n at any of the 309 ChargeNow facilities nationwide.\nAside from the the Mini Countryman PHEV, the Minimise campaign also offers other attractive deals, including \ninstalment support of RM3,000 to RM5,000\n, as well as further c\nash rebates from RM8,000 to RM22,000\n for a wide range of MINI models.\nAll offers from the Minimise campaign is now available on the MINI eShop, which was also launched today alongside the \nBMW Shop Online\n. The new eShop will showcase the entire range of the MINI model line-up, where customers can book and purchase right from the comfort of their homes.\nThe Minimise campaign offers are available now until the \n30th of July 2020\n, while stocks last. The MINI eShop is available at \nwww.mini.my/MINIeShop\n."
"Afflaterbach\u2019s latest entry model, the \nMercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC\n garnered tremendous fanfare when it first presented itself in September 2018. Now, Mercedes-Benz UK has just announced that the A 35 4MATIC will retail from 35,580 Sterling Pounds.\nWith that, you\u2019ll get a base A 35 4MATIC with 18-inch five-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, high-performance braking system with AMG lettering, AMG exhaust system, MBUX multimedia system with \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d voice command, 7.0-inch instrument cluster and touchscreen media display, Nappa leather AMG Performance steering wheel, automatic dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Speed Limit Assist.   For that proper hot hatch look, the AMG Style package can be added for \u00a32,595 which includes AMG Aerodynamics package with extended front splitters, additional front flics, diffuser blade, gloss back rear wing and 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels all painted in gloss black. It also comes with the AMG Night package and heat-insulating dark-tinted glass.\nOther feel-good items such as the Multibeam LED headlamps, Widescreen cockpit, 64-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry, Burmester surround sound system, panoramic sunroof, illuminated door sills and Advanced Driver Assist systems can be specified for a price.\nWith all the bells and whistles checked, you are looking at a grand total of \u00a348,850 (RM260k), yikes. While this does not tell us how much the A 35 4MATIC will cost in Malaysia, but it serves as a good indicator of the price positioning of the baby AMG which is upwards of RM300k.\nTo recap, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC is powered by an uprated M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine found in the \nA 250\n. Output figures are now \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n paired to a seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic to drive all four wheels.\nCentury sprint is done in \n4.7 seconds\n with Race Start (launch control) engaged and flat out it will do a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. To put things into perspective, the baby AMG is almost half a second quicker than the \nVolkswagen Golf R\n and a full second quicker than the \nHonda Civic Type R\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Allianz Malaysia has revamped its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) with two new units of \nNissan Leaf\n. The new EVs are a continuation of the company\u2019s green agenda to reduce carbon footprint in terms of business logistics, which first began with its first EV fleet in 2015.\nBoth units of the Nissan Leaf are leased directly from Edaran Tan Chong Motor for a period of three years, and is available for employee-use.\nWelcoming the two new Allianz-branded Nissan Leaf EVs, Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Zakri Khir said, \u201cWe were shopping around for a new fleet of EV cars and the Nissan LEAF was a great fit for many reasons [.] This all bodes well for our green agenda and at the same time, we are looking forward to our employees enjoying a smooth and safe ride on us.\u201d\nThe second-generation Nissan Leaf was launched here in Malaysia in July 2019. Boasting a \n40 kWh battery pack\n, the Nissan Leaf is capable of a range of up to \n270 km based on the WLTP combined cycle\n.\nUsing the provided 6.6 kW 30-ampere AC home charging cable, the Nissan Leaf charges from empty to 100% in approximately seven hours. A 50 kW quick DC charger meanwhile is capable of topping off a depleted battery in just 50 minutes.\n \nThe electric motor at the front axle is rated for an output of \n150 hp and 320 Nm\n, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of\u00a0\n7.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\u00a0\n155km/h\n.\nOther standard features on the Nissan Leaf include safety features such as Intelligent Forward Collision and Emergency Braking, Around View Monitor (360-degree view) with Motion Object Detection and Driver Alert warning, as well as the \n\u2018e-Pedal\u2019\n, allowing you to drive the EV using only just the accelerator pedal; regenerative braking will be automatically applied once the driver lifts off to charge the battery.\nGlobally, Nissan has already \ndelivered more than 500,000 units\n of the Leaf since the model\u2019s inception 10 years ago. Nissan estimates that the Leaf has collectively driven more than 14.8 billion kilometres, and helped prevent more than 2.4 billion kilograms of CO\n2\n\u00a0emissions.\nFollowing the announcement of the sales tax exemptions until the 31st of December, the Nissan Leaf is priced at RM181,263 on the road, without insurance. For the full updated price list of Nissan models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"The all-new Isuzu D-Max is proving to be quite the crowd favourite here in Malaysia, with orders for the pick-up truck growing by more than 100% compared to its predecessor, mirroring the model\u2019s success in other regions such as Australia, New Zealand, and \nThailand\n.\nSince the third-generation D-Max was launched here in Malaysia back in April this year, Isuzu recorded an average booking of over 1,200 units every month. For context, the average monthly bookings for the previous-generation model hovers around the 500 units range.\nFind out how the Isuzu D-Max compares against the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton!\nIsuzu Malaysia attributes the growth in sales to the truck\u2019s new good looks, new and improved features, and the brand\u2019s reputation for reliability. \u201cThis all-new D-Max phenomenon that has swept the various markets has been somewhat overwhelming,\u201d said Isuzu Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, Masayuki Suzuki.\n \nThe 1.9-litre Premium (Auto) is the most popular variant among new Isuzu D-Max owners, with 36% percent of buyers in Malaysia opting for this variant. Surprisingly, the variant is also particularly popular in Peninsula Malaysia, which chalked up 61% of sales, reversing the traditional 60/40 split where East Malaysia usually absorbs a bigger share of pick-up truck sales.\nCheck out how the all-new Isuzu D-Max performs in the real world!\nIsuzu says that the reason for the variant\u2019s popularity in urban areas boils down to the smaller 1.9-litre engine, which results in a lower road tax.\nMeanwhile, the range-topping X-Terrain variant soaked up 17% of the orders. Despite its premium on the road tax front, more than half of all X-Terrain sales have come from the Peninsular, as urban buyers appreciate the addition of the advanced driver assistance systems, and the upmarket and refined cabin of the range-topper.\nHere are five things that make the all-new Isuzu D-Max feel more like an SUV than a pick-up!\nIn fact, the company says that 81% of its new owners have stated that they would utilise their new pick-up trucks for both work and leisure \u2013 workhorse truck no more!\n\u201cThe response to this new model has been extremely positive, considering the limited opportunities prospects have had to fully experience the new model due to the strict movement controls and safety protocols.\n\u201cOur current aim is to ensure the smooth, safe and timely delivery of vehicles to our customers despite the various administrative and logistical concerns faced domestically and globally,\u201d added Suzuki."
"It\u2019s been a long and difficult wait (no thanks to all the \nrumours and teasers\n), but the highly-anticipated Toyota GR Corolla is now finally here, with its sights aimed straight for the \nHonda Civic Type R\n and \nVolkswagen Gol\nf\n R\n.\nJust as we reported previously, the all-new Toyota GR Corolla will be powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that is also found in the \nGR Yaris\n, but with power bumped up significantly to\n 304 hp\n, and a slight nudge in torque to\n 370 Nm\n.\nAccording to Toyota, the power hike comes primarily from the new triple exit exhaust system, which reduces back pressure and improves exhaust flow, and gives the engine a \u201cmore-pleasant extension of RPMs\u201d.\nSimilar to the GR Yaris, the engine is also paired to a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) here on the all-new Toyota GR Corolla, with power sent to all four wheels via a reworked GR-Four all-wheel drive system. No performance figures have been provided just yet, but we\u2019re expecting the century sprint to take somewhere around the neighbourhood of five seconds.\nToyota will also be offering a Circuit Edition model for the GR Corolla, which adds a pair of Torsen limited-slip differentials to help increase grip during and out of corners.\nRELATED: \u2018Drift King\u2019 test drives Toyota GR Yaris on hill climb, uncovers weaknesses\nWhile the GR Yaris took on a more radical look compared to the base Yaris it\u2019s based on, the GR Corolla here does stick more to the script of the regular Corolla Hatchback in terms of looks, with only a slight increase in track width both front and rear (60 mm and 85 mm respectively).\nDespite that though, Toyota says that the car\u2019s body has been \u201cspecially constructed\u201d for the GR Corolla, with new braces, structural adhesives, and welds to significantly increase the car\u2019s body rigidity, all while without compromising on the strength and safety of the car.\nThe bonnet and front body panels are also made out of aluminium to save weight, and if you opt for the Circuit Edition, the Toyota GR Corolla even comes with a forged carbon fibre roof for even more weight savings.\nAs for looks, the all-new Toyota GR Corolla retains the same aggressive recipe as seen on the GR Yaris, with a massive gaping front grille, vertical side air intakes, widened fenders, a massive wing at the rear, 18-inch alloy wheels that hide the red aluminium calipers and slotted discs, plus a unique rear bumper that houses the triple-exit exhaust system \u2013 two circular tips on the sides, and one pill-shaped exit in the middle.\nALSO READ: Toyota GR Supra gets decked out with carbon fibre on new A91-CF Limited Edition\nThe interior of the Toyota GR Corolla is also matched with several motorsports-inspired tweaks, including the leather-trimmed GR steering wheel and seats, as well as aluminium pedals. Uniquely, the GR model also ditches the electronic parking brakes from the base Corolla in favour of a mechanical parking brake, which disconnects the rear axle when activated to allow for more angular slides while drifting.\nThe GR Corolla will be built in the same Motomachi plant in Japan as the GR Yaris, and will be the first Toyota GR model to be sold in the United States \u2013 although, word on the grapevine is that it\u2019ll also be offered in other global markets at a later date. No pricing has been announced yet, but sales in Japan will start in the second half of the year.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen dealerships across the country will be hosting a special sales event for the Passat Elegance this weekend on the 10th and 11th October 2020, from\u00a011 am to 5 pm. In addition to just the brick and mortar stores, the sales event will also be happening virtually on the respective dealerships\u2019 own social media channels.\nThe dealerships will be hosting their own Facebook Live stream, where sales consultants will provide detailed introduction and walkthroughs of the various models on sale. Customers can send in their questions and interact directly with the sales consultants, from the comfort and safety of their own homes.\nDuring the event, an additional RM2,000 rebate will be offered on the entire Passat range \u2013 including the\n \nElegance\n, \nUnited\n, and the upcoming \nR-Line\n \u2013 and will be applicable on top of any existing ongoing rebates. In the case of the Passat Elegance, this adds up to a total of RM4,000 in rebates.\nAs for the other Volkswagen models, a RM1,000 rebate (on top of other ongoing rebates) will also be offered for the \nVento\n, \nGolf R-Line\n, \nTiguan \nas well as the recently launched \nTiguan Allspace R-Line\n and Highline, and the \nArteon R-Line\n.\nThe \nVolkswagen Passat Elegance\n was launched locally early this year, sporting a refreshed exterior design and a new 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine, good for\n 190 hp \nand \n320 Nm \nof torque, paired to seven-speed wet-clutch dual clutch transmission.\nThe \nUnited limited edition\n meanwhile adds on RM12k worth of Volkswagen Original Accesories to the Passat, including 19-inch Verona wheels with a self-centering hub caps, LED projection door lights, and aluminium scuff plates.\nThe soon-to-be-launched \nPassat R-Line\n gains additional sporty exterior trims including the R-Line bumpers, as well as several mechanical upgrades such as the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) for a sportier driving experience, though powertrain remains the same as the Elegance."
"There\u2019s nothing within the three-pointed star\u2019s stable that\u2019s more showy to drive around than the \nRM1.15 million Mercedes-AMG GT S\n. That is until your wife decides that you\u2019re getting a little too much attention for both your sakes. If you value the relationship more than the car but still want something that will satiate your need for speed, then that\u2019s where the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet comes to mind.\nWe\u2019re sorry if you thought this car will be less showy, because this \ntwin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 cabriolet\n is just proof that you have an entire bank vault to your name. Revealed here in all its glory before debuting at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2016 is a heavier S 65 variant (\n2,180 kg\n as opposed to the 2,035 kg hardtop variant), thanks to the added bracing built within its platform. Despite being heavier, Mercedes-AMG claims that the S 65 Cabriolet sprints from 0 to 100 km/h as quickly as the S 65 Coupe at\n 4.1 seconds\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2016 Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet\nEngine\n5,980cc; twin-turbo V12, 3-valves per cylinder\nTransmission\nAMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic\nMax Power\n630 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n1,000 Nm @ 2,300 \u2013 4,300 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.1 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nThe AMG engine (every unit is hand-built, mind you) is the same\u00a0roaring 12-cylinder block shared with the ridiculous powerful\u00a0\nMercedes-AMG SL\n, down to the exact tune of \n630 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s mated to AMG\u2019s 7G-Tronic automatic transmission sending all the power to the rear wheels. Top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n, although customers can specify to have it \nincreased to 300 km/h\n with the optional Driver\u2019s Package which comes with larger-profiled tyres.\nThe engine doesn\u2019t come with cylinder deactivation, but features \nauto start-stop technology\n to conserve fuel whenever possible. Fuel consumption is rated at \n12.0 litres per 100km\n.\nWhat distinguishes this unassuming sleeper from the regular S-Class Cabriolet is\u00a0the more extensive use of chrome around the car, particularly at the front air ducts. Other clear giveaways are the \nV12 BITURBO badges\n around the car and\u00a0a set of \nmultispoke 20-inch wheels\n. The front wheels are wrapped with 255/40 R20 series tyres while the rear settles for a fatter set of 285/35 R20 rubbers.\nIts soft top is made of a multilayered acoustic fabric that\u2019s \nelectro-hydraulically operated\n and can be opened or closed (both done in 17 seconds) on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h. Stowing the top away will take up a bit of a boot space \u2013 a typical rag-top trait, and it can be\u00a0had in \nfour different colours\n; Black, Dark Blue, Beige (seen in these pictures) and Dark Red. Mercedes says the AIRCAP wind protection deflector and AIRSCARF neck warming system will ensure that passengers can cruise in comfort even with the top down and wouldn\u2019t need to adjust the climate controls because they are fully automated.\n \n \nInside the S 65 Cabriolet is typical high-end Mercedes stuff, but this variant gets a\n luxurious Nappa leather sports seats\n (perforated) with integrated screens on both the back of the front head restraints. The front seats and armrest also feature heating function. It\u2019s also loaded with Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Intelligent Drive safety features which, if used with caution, will allow the S 65 Cabriolet to drive on its own via use of the active cruise control and lane departure warning system.\nThe 2016 Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet is scheduled to make its global debut next month in Detroit, and customers can expect to order the vehicle during the second quarter of 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the introduction of the \nVolkswagen Polo ALLSTAR\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has given the \nVento \nthe ALLSTAR treatment. The turbocharged Vento was also given a sportier image with a new GT-trim.\nTaking the standard \nVento Highline\n as base, the Vento GT adds a satin black roof and mirror caps, five-piece GT aerokit, black door stripes and trunk garnish. Inside, it gets new leather seats, aluminium sports pedals, \u2018GT\u2019 scuff plates, \u2018GT\u2019 emblems and \u2018GT\u2019 floor mats.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Vento 1.6 MPI ALLSTAR\nVolkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI GT\nEngine\n1,598 cc; 4-cylinder, DOHC\n1,197 cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder, SOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n7-speed dual clutch DSG\nMax Power\n104 hp @ 5,250 rpm\n104 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n153 Nm @ 3,800 rpm\n175 Nm @ 1,550 \u2013 4,100 rpm\nPrice (Retail)\nRM78,888\nRM89,888\nMoving over to the Vento ALLSTAR, it gets the same enhancements as the Polo ALLSTAR including the black door strips, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, \u2018ALLSTAR\u2019 badge on the B-pillar, leather seats, aluminium sport pedals, \u2018ALLSTAR\u2019 scuff plates and \u2018ALLSTAR\u2019 floor mats. Other standard equipment dittos the regular Vento Comfortline. Additionally, the Vento ALLSTAR is equipped with the new MY VW Drive App that tracks fuel consumption, driving style and vehicle condition for the driver. Users are also able to obtain immediate help directly from the app in case of an emergency.   Mechanically, the Vento GT is powered by a 1.2-litre TSI four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic DSG producing\n 104 hp\n and\n 175 Nm\n while the Vento ALLSTAR retains the same 1.6-litre MPI four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox to develop \n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque. Official fuel consumption figures are rated at 5.5L/100 km for the blown motor and 6.3 litres per 100 km for the naturally aspirated mill.\nOn the safety front, both the ALLSTAR and GT gets four airbags, ABS with brake assist, anti-pinch for all four windows, ISOFIX mounting points and Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS). \nElectronic Stability Control\n however remains exclusive for the turbocharged GT.\nCustomers can have their Volkswagen Vento ALLSTAR and GT in two different exterior shades \u2013 Candy White and Reflex Silver. All purchases come with a 5-Years manufacturer\u2019s warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance package. To celebrate the Raya Holidays, VPCM are throwing in a 5-Years Free Maintenance package and RM11,000 worth of duit raya for customers who purchase a Vento from today till 31 July 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Vento 1.6 MPI ALLSTAR   Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI GT"
"This year, Mercedes-AMG are celebrating their\u00a0\n50th anniversary\n\u00a0and there\u2019s probably no better time to introduce the highly exclusive AMG GT3 Edition 50.\nUnveiled during last weekend\u2019s Nurburgring 24-hour race, the\u00a0AMG GT3 Edition 50 is based on the \nAMG GT\n\u00a0that\u2019s built to the GT3 race car specification. The bespoke matte grey paint with contrasting black stripe aside, the \u201c\n50 YEARS AMG\n\u201d and \u201c\n50 YEARS OF DRIVING PERFORMANCE\n\u201d deco are found around\u00a0the car.\nIt gets a rather glaring carbon fibre GT aero kit comprised of a huge\u00a0front diffuser, GT wing, side skirts and air intakes. Being a true-bred race car, it sits just one person and the seat itself is made of carbon fibre. There\u2019s also a roll cage and digital instruments fitted as standard.\nJust like the GT3 cars, the\u00a0AMG-made\n\u00a06.3-litre V8\n is tasked to generate power to the rear wheels. A\u00a0six-speed sequential racing transmission is tasked to do so.\nFinally, each of the five buyers of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 50 is entitled to receive the \u201c\n50th Anniversary of Mercedes\u2011AMG\n\u201d commissioned\u00a0by IWC. Each watch is finished according to the style of the car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s here, it\u2019s finally here! After \nmonths of teasing\n and looking at the Koleos and dreaming of the same look being on a Megane, \nthe wait is finally over\n! Man is it a stunning piece of machinery \u2013 if this isn\u2019t in the top five most good looking cars of 2017, we\u2019d be shocked!\nRenault Sport has pulled the wraps of the new Renault Megane R.S which has been \ndeveloped with the input of Nico Hulkenberg\n and the numbers are simply spectacular. It\u2019s all-new \n1.8-litre\n direct injection, turbocharged engine makes a \n280 hp\n with \n390 Nm\n of torque from as low as 2,400 rpm. The meager engine\u2019s staggering output is owed to developments on the redesigned cylinder head, higher capacity dual-intake air filter, twin-scroll turbocharger and exhaust. Its combined fuel consumption is rated at \n6.9L/100km\n.\nThere will be two different transmissions available in the Megane R.S. \u2013 a \nsix-speed manual\n and a \nsix-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC)\n automatic transmission. It\u2019s trademark agility is now enhanced with \n4CONTROL\n technology with four-wheel steering, a first in its segment. The feature which will come as standard in both Cup and Sport variants allows the steering to be more\u00a0incisive while the turning circle is even tighter when manoeuvring.\nRenault Sport has had a hand in the gearshift calibrations while the EDC\u2019s gear shift times have been optimised for greater performance. It\u2019s supplemented by the \nMulti-change down\n technology which allows fast sequential downshifts together with launch control in either Sport or Race mode.\nWith such performance pedigree, its got the expressive and sporty form to go with its substance too. A \nFormula 1-style blade\n is finished in gun metal satin stands out from the body\u2019s high gloss paint work while \nwider air intakes\n will provide more air for the intercoolers and engine. Extractor vents are also provided, positioned behind the front wheels for better cooling.\nOverall width of the Megane R.S. has been increased together with new \n18 and 19-inch wheels\n. 355mm rotors with Brembo calipers occupy the front with\u00a0\nbi-material cast iron and aluminium\n\u00a0brake discs as optional upgrades.\nUnder its skin, the new Megane R.S.\u2019s Cup and Sport chassis has also been enhanced with \nfront and rear hydraulic compression stops\n, to provide additional damping and\u00a0\nPerfoHub independent steering axis front suspension\u00a0\nwhich will provide more stiffness than before. A Torsen limited slip differential is only available in the Cup variant.\nInside the Megane gets an upgraded R.S. Monitor in the form of a \n8.7-inch TFT\n display with R-Link 2 which displays driver\u2019s performance in real time, camera connectivity to film a drive while the R.S. Replay allows owners within to Renault Sport community to engage with one another. Its \nMULTI-SENSE\n system offers five different driving modes including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and Perso for a more individualised driving setup. The R.S Drive mode on the other hand offers quick access to Sport and Race modes.\nThe Megane R.S will comes with a suite of \nAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)\n which can be activated or deactivated though R-Link. They include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Safe Distance Warning (SDW), Traffic Sign Recognition with Over Speed Prevention (TSR with OSP), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), reveerse cameras and parking sensors.\nThe Megane R.S will feature a new colour, called the \nVolcanic Orange\n which projects a certain special effect as light reflects off its body, on top of its iconic Liquid Yellow. Next year, Renault is even expected to introduce a \nTrophy version\n of Megane R.S. with a 300 hp/400Nm power plant.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In winning this year\u2019s Sepang 1000 KM endurance race that took place last weekend and successfully defending last year\u2019s overall title, Proton R3 has set a new record as the most successful team in the endurance race\u2019s history.\nIt is also the fifth time a Proton had crossed the finish line in first place, as the Iriz became the fourth Proton to win the race following previous victories by the Proton Suprima S (2017 and 2016), Proton Preve (2014) and Proton Satria Neo (2012).\nDriven by Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali, the Proton Iriz rose to the top step of the podium after a 181-lap race. A third victory for Syafiq Ali also made him the most successful driver in the 1000 KM endurance race.\nLast year\u2019s winning pair with Team Proton R3, Admi Shahrul and James Veerapan, were not so lucky with the\n team\u2019s newcomer, the Proton Saga\n, as it pulled out of the race after 178 laps, shortly after setting its fastest time on lap 171.\n\u201cThe 2018 S1K was a tough and exciting race run in hot weather conditions at a very fast pace. There were many lead changes with multiple safety car periods adding to the complexity of our race strategy. We managed to get a good lead over the rest of the field with 40 laps to go and thankfully we were able to then stretch our advantage to over 2 minutes at the end of the race,\u201d said Gary Lee, Team Principal of Proton R3.\nCEO of Proton Edar, Abdul Rashid Musa added, \u201cAt PROTON, we truly believe motorsports improves our products. It\u2019s not easy to succeed in a race like the S1K as cars have to run flat out for nearly 9 hours, but our wins prove Proton cars have exceptional handling and are engineered to perform even when driven in such extreme conditions. To be both fast and reliable is very difficult so when we manage to achieve it we make sure what we learn on the racetrack is transferred to our cars on the road.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems like car subscription programmes are all the rage nowadays, with car manufacturers like \nRenault\n, Nissan, and \nthird party providers\n coming up with their own subscription services. With all the talk about depreciation when it comes to car ownership, we start to wonder if a car subscription is the way forward.\nWhile alternative car ownership methods such as car leasing has been a common practice in many Western countries, these concepts are still relatively rare in Malaysia, where hire-purchase dominates the market.\u00a0\nWhile subscribing to a car might sound weird, it isn\u2019t too much of a stretch when we look at the bigger picture; by signing up to these services, you are essentially paying the provider a monthly fee for the usage of the car, not unlike online services like Netflix or Spotify.\u00a0\nSubscription service providers like \nFlux\n promises peace of mind \u201cownership\u201d by taking care of the laborious tasks like renewing your insurance and road tax, roadside assistance and carrying out car maintenance, giving you access to cars without the need of paying a down payment.\nThe Kia Picanto \u2013 the logical choice for fresh graduates.\nSounds too good to be true? Well, let\u2019s get into the details. Say you are a fresh graduate looking for a simple car to get to and fro from work and the occasional \nmamak\n session with your friends, a small car such as the Kia Picanto will be the logical choice. The Kia Picanto is the lowest priced car available on Flux at RM814 per month (on a 3-year tenure period). Ignoring the refundable 1-month security deposit, the total cost of subscription after three years works out to be \nRM29,304\n.\u00a0\nOn the other hand, purchasing the same car through a regular hire-purchase \u2013 a seven-year loan period based on a 2.80% interest rate and 10% down payment \u2013 works out to be roughly RM639.30 per month in loan repayment. Seems like a steal, but we still have to tack on the annual road tax, insurance premium and general servicing costs. More importantly though, you will be paying that amount for the full seven years, as well as forking out almost RM5,000 for the down payment itself.\u00a0\nThe Honda City is a capable B-sedan, but is it something a fresh grad should be looking at?\nFor the sake of an additional data point, let\u2019s have a look at the best-selling non-national B-segment sedan. A Honda City S that we found on the Flux website costs a monthly fee of RM1,314; the car typically retails for RM73,836 (without insurance). With the same hire purchase terms as the previous example (7 years on 2.80% interest), we worked out the monthly loan repayment to be about RM946.20 per month. Over three years, subscribing to the car costs about RM47,304, while costing about RM41,446 for a regular hire-purchase.\u00a0\nIf we are looking plainly at the numbers, the cost of \u201cownership\u201d through a subscription plan does look pretty enticing, considering the added savings from your annual insurance premium, as well as maintenance fees. Moreover, you are also entitled to more flexibility and convenience with a subscription service.\u00a0\nFor those with a more exotic taste, Nissan offers their fully-electric Leaf through a subscription programme.\nHowever do bear in mind that acquiring your vehicle through the traditional methods of hire purchase or even cash purchase, you are likely to receive discounts and \u2018free\u2019 maintenance packages from dealers and manufacturers.\nAt the end of your loan repayment, you also get to legally own the car, whereas customers of a subscription service will have to return their cars after the contract ends. Having a car to sell or trade-in can also help with financing your next car purchase, or better yet pass it on to a family member or friend in need!\nCar subscription programmes like these certainly pose as an interesting option into car ownership, and we even had quite some discussion of our own at AutoBuzz.my! Just like property, we Malaysians still can\u2019t seem to come to an agreement between purchasing and renting, as both of these options do possess their own benefits and disadvantages.\u00a0\nProton recently announced that they are offering up to \n100% financing for fresh graduates\n, with free maintenance too!\nWith this brief overlook, we think that car subscription services might be suitable for fresh graduates who do not have much in savings, or are not yet ready for long-term commitment of a car purchase. There are of course the option of pre-owned cars as well!"
"Obviously that\u2019s not going to be a feasible investment prospect for most of us but it\u2019s interesting to see how such cars hike up in value in such a bizarre way, isn\u2019t it? This is as most of us stand to lose at least 20% of our new car\u2019s value the moment it\u2019s driven out of the showroom.\nSportscars only tend to appreciate in value when it\u2019s of a certain age and even then it applies to only a select few brands and an even more select few models. Take the Porsche 911 for example \u2013 a unit in the shoddiest of conditions will still cost you an arm a leg and it took almost 20 years for the 911\u2019s of the 1990\u2019s and older to see any appreciation in value.\nA lucky owner in the UK is set make a cool 1 million pounds (\nRM 5.6 million\n) in profit when he sells his \u201cstill-new\u201d \nBugatti Chiron\n, supposedly the first \u201cused\u201d model in the UK. The black Chiron has only done 1,000 miles (\n1,609 km\n) and is one of the very first examples delivered in the UK.\nApparently the supercar\u2019s value has soared to 3.6 million pounds (\nRM 20 million\n), up by 1.1 million pounds (\nRM 6.1 million\n) from its asking price of 2.5 million pounds (\nRM 14 million\n). What made the deal even sweeter, albeit only for the owner, is that the leather and carbon combination interior option was ticked, then costing 53,000 pounds (\nRM 297k\n) and carbon fibre seats, a 16,000 pounds (\nRM 89k\n) option.\nThe dealer in charge of selling the Chiron stated, \u201cAlthough the Chiron is not yet sold out, if you place an order today you will be waiting at least three or four years before the car could be built and delivered, so we are offering the chance to \u2018jump the queue\u2019 but of course there is a hefty premium to pay for this privilege.\nProduction of the Chiron will take place over the next eight years with around \n60 units per year\n and its rarity speaks for itself. As the successor to the Veyron, it has made headlines ever since it was introduced; churning out\u00a0\n1,500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n of torque from its 8.0-litre W16 quad-turbo engine. 0 to 100 km/h in that bad boy takes just under\n 2.5 seconds\n while 0 to 200 km/h is done in under \n6.5 seconds\n.\nIt\u2019s also a good drinker too \u2013 the Chiron is capable of emptying its 100-litre fuel tank in just 9 minutes at its top speed of 420 km/h\u00a0with a fuel consumption rating of \n21.4L/100 km\n. It also recently made headlines with a \n0 to 400 km/h to 0 run in just 42 seconds\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lotus Kars\n Sdn. Bhd. recently showed us the \nnew Lotus Emira \nand boy does it look as good as it does in the pictures; if not better! It\u2019s priced from\u00a0\nRM1,131,800\n\u00a0on-the-road, while prices in Langkawi start from\u00a0\nRM456,900\n.\nThe Emira will be available in Malaysia firstly with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, with 405 hp and 420 Nm. The Toyota-sourced engine is paired to a 6-speed manual as standard, with a 6-speed automatic gearbox available as an option. With the manual gearbox, the Emira is only 0.1 seconds slower from 0 to 100 km/h at 4.3 seconds compared to the automatic gearbox.\n \nOn the outside, the Emira runs on 20-inch forged alloy wheels, with 4-pot brake calipers all-round. With the\n\u00a0Lower Black Pack\n, the Emira\u2019s front air blades, front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser are all finished in gloss black.\nRELATED: \nLotus welcomes the new Eletre\n \n\u2013 its first-ever, fully-electric \u2018Hyper SUV\u2019\nThe Emira can be specified with the \nDesign Pack\u00a0\nthat adds privacy glass, sports pedals, Alcantara headlining and brake calipers either in black, red, yellow, or silver. The Design pack also comes with Lotus-branded footwell mats.\nThe new Emira offers up to 208-litre of storage behind the two seats and 151-litres in the boot; enough for one cabin-sized luggage or a set of golf clubs.\nThere are a variety of option packs for the Emira including the \nConvenience Pack\n that comes with front parking sensors, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and a net for rear luggage. The \nDriver\u2019s Pack\n\u00a0offers a choice of Sport or Touring suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres."
"Toyota has refreshed its supermini lineup with the launch of two\u00a0interesting variants of the Yaris, which is more commonly known as the Vitz in Japan. Also, \na hotter, performance-oriented Yaris\n is in the pipeline and will debut as soon as March 2017!\nFirst, the Yaris receives some substantial visual update. The front and rear bumpers\u00a0now get a much sportier design, whereas both headlights and tail lamps receive LED treatment. The new car\u2019s length is 3,945 mm and sits 1,500 mm tall \u2013 about 20 mm longer and 10 mm shorter than its predecessor. Wheelbase remains the same at 2,510 mm.   Previously, the Yaris was only available with the 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre engines. Now, a new\n\u00a01.5-litre\u00a01NZ-FXE\n\u00a0joins the JDM range. This Atkinson cycle engine is Toyota\u2019s tried and tested mill that is currently powering the Prius C and earlier generations of the Prius. It\u2019s aided by an electric motor that brings the combined output to 98 hp. Power is delivered to the front wheels via the same old eCVT.\nThe Toyota Yaris Hybrid will be equipped with\u00a0\nToyota Safety Sense\n, and can be had with 17 exterior colours. Pricing begins from\u00a0\n1,819,800 yen\n (approximately \nRM71,843\n) for the cheapest trim to\u00a0\n2,237,760 yen\u00a0\n(approximately \nRM88,343\n) for the sportier trim.\nOn a separate note, the performance version of the Yaris will apparently have about 210 hp, aiming to go toe to toe with established rivals such as the \nFord Fiesta ST\n\u00a0and\u00a0Peugeot 208 GTI. Back at home, the Toyota Yaris is no longer offered here after the second-generation hatch made its brief appearance.\nWhat do you think, guys? Should UMW Toyota Motor reintroduce the Yaris, or would you prefer the 210 hp Yaris with a stick shift?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nTOYOTA YARIS 1.5L HYBRID   TOYOTA YARIS PERFORMANCE VERSION"
"ACO Tech, the home-grown automotive software company, has unveiled its brand-new ATLAS automotive operating system, which it hopes to form an ecosystem that not only provides in-car infotainment systems, but also a suite of connected features including payments and other lifestyle convenience bonuses.\nIn that vein, the company has signed a strategic partnership with UOB Malaysia, Fasspay Payment Solutions, and \nFive Petroleum Malaysia \nto kickstart its plans.\nTogether with its newly-minted partners, ACO Tech will implement a car-based digital wallet system and an integrated in-car payment system, dubbed ATLAS Pay, which will be made available by the fourth quarter of this year.\nThe company will further collaborate with Five to offer automotive-related support through an extensive network of approved service providers, automotive merchants, and \u201cseamless refuelling experience\u201d at Five petrol stations, presumably with payment handled via ATLAS Pay.\n\u201cAs auto manufacturers strive to deliver a connected and personalised driving experience to consumers, it is imperative for ATLAS to be agile, scalable and ever-evolving,\u201d says ACO Tech CEO, Li Pu. \u201cWhile ensuring our technology capabilities are optimised to rapidly adapt to demanding needs, building relationships with industry partners continue to be a priority for ACO Tech to provide innovative in-car experiences that make perfect sense to drivers.\u201d\nALSO READ: Your next car\u2019s cabin could be powered entirely by Apple CarPlay\nAside from the ATLAS OS infotainment system, which is built on the open-source Android 10 platform to deliver a \u201cpersonal experience\u201d that \u201c[meets] the diverse demands and preferences of the Malaysian lifestyle\u201d, the ATLAS ecosystem also includes the dedicated ATLAS Auto app that allows the user to access vehicle telematics from their mobile phones, alongside an automotive-focused social networking platform.\nACO Tech is also working on a wearable watch-like device that will allow users to control their vehicles remotely, with real-time info synchronised directly to the device.\nIn addition to the aforementioned partners, ACO Tech also signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the launch event to expand its partnership with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) to continuously develop cloud-based automotive solutions based on Huawei Cloud for regional markets.\nThe new extended collaboration will see both companies accelerate innovations in software applications for big data and artificial intelligence to further \u201cpromote the adoption of smart mobility lifestyle\u201d.\nACO Tech says that there are now more than 10,000 cars on the road equipped with the ATLAS operating system, which will soon be extended to the X50 soon via an over-the-air (OTA) software update in the near future. The company also teased a \u201cglobal partnership\u201d on audio streaming that will be announced later this month, which could be foreshadowing the addition of Spotify onto the platform."
"Geely Auto Group has officially\nlaunched its first pure electric brand Geometry and its first electric vehicle\n(EV), the Geometry A in Singapore. The premium electric sedan and Geometry\nbrand marks Geely\u2019s entry into the growing alternative energy vehicle space.\nThe Geometry A is an all-new vehicle from the Geely Auto Group, using a second-generation electric vehicle architecture. It measures 4,736 mm in length, 1,804 mm in width, 1,503 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm \u2013 think \nHonda Civic\n size. It tips the scale at 1,650 kg which is comparable to the \nTesla Model 3\n.\n \nPresident of Zhejiang\u00a0Geely\u00a0Holding Group, President & CEO of\u00a0Geely\u00a0Auto Group, Mr An Cong Hui presenting the Geometry A\nIts design may not be\neveryone\u2019s cup of tea, but this is the final look that 5 Geely Global Design\nstudios have put together. Unlike Lynk & Co vehicles which spots a quirky\ndesign language, the Geometry A takes function over form to the extreme.\nEvery element of the car from the creases, body lines and sealed edges are there to make the Geometry A as aerodynamic as possible, resulting in a best-in-class drag coefficient of \n0.237 Cd\n. Take the pop-out door handles for example, on the move, the flush position smoothens the airflow around the body giving the Geometry A additional 10 km of driving range.\nThere are little cues linking\nthe Geometry brand back to Geely such as the silver logo (Geely logo spots a\nblack and blue finish), GEELY lettering across the rear tailgate and the \u201c\u5409\u5229\u51e0\u4f55\u201d (Geely \nJi\nHe\n) badging.\nThe doors open up to a\nminimalistic cabin furnished with all the latest technologies available from\nthe Geely Auto Group. How minimalistic? For starters you get a tiny 4.2-inch display\nas the instrument cluster which displays only the essential info \u2013 range, battery\ncharge while everything else is projected onto the 8.0-inch full coloured W-HUD.\nThere are only three physical switches on the centre console for the power button, electronic parking brake and self-parking system. Climate control, multimedia and drive systems are all controlled by \ntouch-sensitive surfaces\n to create a seamless and uncluttered cabin.\nAll the cars main functions\nare linked to the 12.3-inch touchscreen system with AI voice command interaction,\n4G connectivity, online navigation and more. Other features you can find in the\nGeometry A include EU-certified baby skin-safe recycled fabric upholstery, panoramic\nsunroof, 7-colour ambient lighting, powered glove box with password-safe security\nand ION Air-Purlify System.\nTouch sensitive \u201cbuttons\u201d for HVAC controls under the air vents\nThere are two range versions of the Geometry A available \u2013 \nStandard \nand \nLong Range\n. The former features a 51.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack giving \n410 km\n of driving range (European NEDC cycle). The Long Range version gets a larger 61.9-kWh battery pack with \n500 km\n of zero local emission driving range.\nBoth versions are DC\nfast charging compatible, able to recharge from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes when\nplugged into a 60kW fast charging station. A normal charging pile takes 8 and\n11 hours to fully charge the Standard & Long Range batteries, respectively.\nThe battery also has an\nIntelligent Temperature Control System (ITCS) which conditions the battery pack\nto its optimum operating temperature in extreme conditions, prolonging the\nbattery life and maintain its performance.\nRegardless of battery capacity choice, the electric motor packs \n120 kW\n (163 hp) and \n250 Nm\n of torque allowing the Geometry A to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n8.8 seconds\n with a limited top speed of \n150 km/h\n. Not quite up to the Model 3s performance, but Geely says this offers the best balance between driving dynamics, range and vehicle longevity.\nSafety is core to the Geometry\nbrand as well as Geely Auto Group hence the Geometry A is complete with Level 2\nsemi-autonomous driving capability. Using 3 Millimetre Wave Radars, 6 Cameras\nand 12 Ultrasonic Radars, the electric sedan is able to follow the vehicle in front\nand keep itself in lane at its maximum velocity of 150 km/h.\nAutonomous Emergency\nBraking with Pedestrian Recognition, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection,\nLane Change Assist, full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go are not\nluxury features here, but rather the \nexpected \nstandardequipment for all\nGeometry vehicles.\nOn top of that, it\neven comes with first in class Rear Collision Warning where the radars detect an\nimminent collision from the rear and flashes the hazard lights to prompt the\ndriver behind to slow down.\nThere will be three trim levels of the Geometry A available for both the Standard and Long Range versions. The Standard Range is priced from RMB150k to RMB170k (RM92k to RM104k) while the Long Range is priced from RMB170k to RMB190k (RM104k to RM116k) after Government subsidies in China.\nAs a reference, the Tesla Model 3 is priced between RMB407k to RMB516k (RM250k to RM316k). Yikes.\nThe Geometry will be a global brand to be sold outside of China and have identified key overseas markets that are ready to distribute their vehicles. To date, Geometry has received over 27,000 orders for their first electric sedan, 18,000 of which are from overseas customers from Singapore, Norway, France and Argentina while the remaining orders are from their home market.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nGeometry\u00a0A\u00a0Launched\u00a0in Singapore"
"Bentley has just announced the availability of full carbon fibre rims for their \nBentayga\n premium SUV. The rim, measuring 22 inches, took five years of engineering with Bucci Composites and is said to be \nthe largest carbon fibre rim\n in production in the world.\nLightweight and strong, carbon fibre material has been used mainly on body panels or as a structural tub as the material is incredibly rigid and inflexible (as well as static placement), something that is the polar opposite for vehicle rim application.\nHowever, with advancements in material science and manufacturing technologies, single-piece rims made from carbon fibre has slowly been selected as the ultimate factory upgrade for the most focused high-performance variant.\nFirst used in the \nFord Mustang Shelby GT350R\n, the Bentley Bentayga is probably the fourth production model to feature carbon fibre rims after the Ferrari 488 Pista and \nFerrari SF90 Stradale\n. \u00a0\nApart from \nweighing 6 kg lighter\n than aluminium items, the new carbon rim has undergone rigorous TUV (Technical Inspection Association, Germany) testing and is the first carbon rim ever to pass all tests. One of the most severe tests is the impact test, where the carbon material has been engineered with the layering of fibre weaves to slowly deflate air in case of a failure.\nThere is only 1 of 1 Bentley Bentayga Design Series you can buy in Malaysia. Find out its exclusivity here!\nThis gentle deflation of air allows the driver to still have full control of the Bentayga whilst moving to the roadside. Aluminium wheels are said to crack that result in instant deflation which could lead to loss of control of the vehicle.\nApart from being safer even when it fails, the carbon fibre rim also promotes better tyre wear thanks to its rigidity and the all-important improvement in agility and steering response. Quick laps around the Nurburgring Nordschleife also confirmed the new carbon fibre rim\u2019s performance advantage and physical strength.\nThis driving school allows you to take driving lessons with exotics including the Bentley Bentayga. Find out how much here!\nBucci Composites has patented various innovative production techniques combining with the use of high-pressure RTM (resin transfer moulding) in producing the carbon fibre rim. The process includes cutting of carbon fibre cloth into prescribed shapes and draped into a mould and repeated in a larger mould until the desired specification and size are achieved.\nCustomers can look forward to upgrading their \u201cboring\u201d aluminium rims to carbon fibre units through the \nMulliner\n customisation portal in late 2021."
"Polestar\n has debuted the new \nPolestar 3\n, which is the brand\u2019s first SUV. Production of the Polestar 3 will take place at Volvo\u2019s facility in Chengdu, China, and later also in South Carolina. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q4 2023 and the price of the Polestar 3 is \u20ac89,900 (approx. RM 409,076) in Germany.\nTaking inspiration from the \nPolestar Precept\n, the Polestar 3 features a dual-blade headlight design in front. There are also many aerodynamic features on the exterior including a front aero wing integrated into the bonnet, an aero wing integrated into the rear spoiler, and rear aero blades.\nStandard exterior features on the Polestar 3 are LED lights, retractable door handles, and 21-inch alloy wheels. At the front end of the Polestar 3 is a \u201cSmart Zone\u201d below the front aero wing that houses several front sensors, a heated radar module, and a camera.\nPowering the Polestar 3 is a dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD) system that makes 360 kW (\n489 hp\n) and \n840 Nm\n on the standard car. With a \u201cPerformance Pack\u201d, the numbers can be bumped up to 380 kW (\n517 hp\n) and \n910 Nm\n. 0-100 km/h acceleration is done in \n5.0 seconds\n in the standard version and \n4.7 seconds\n with the Performance Pack. The AWD system has a rear wheel bias, but you can decouple the rear axle in certain circumstances (and only use the front axle) to save energy.\nSupplying electricity to the dual motor system is a \n111-kWh\n battery pack. On the standard version, the battery can provide up to \n610 km\n of range (WLTP). Charging times have not been revealed but the Polestar 3 can handle \n11-kW\n AC charging and \n250-kW\n DC Fast charging. The car also is also capable of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-grid connectivity (V2X).\nIn the handling department, the Polestar 3 comes with electric torque vectoring and a dual-clutch function on the rear axle. Standard on the Polestar 3 is a dual-chamber air suspension system that can be adjusted for either comfort or dynamic driving.\nRELATED: \nTopless all-electric Polestar 6 to debut in 2026 \u2013 884 hp, 900 Nm\nInside, the Polestar 3 features animal welfare-certified leather with fully traceable wool upholstery and a panoramic glass roof as standard. Smack in the centre of the dashboard is a 14.5-inch touchscreen display that runs on Android Automotive that has been co-developed with Google. It also supports Over The Air (OTA) updates.\nSafety-wise, one of the highlights of the Polestar 3 is the interior radar sensor system that can detect sub-millimetre movement in the cabin, preventing users from accidentally leaving their children or pets in the car. The interior radars are also linked to the vehicle\u2019s climate control system to avoid heat stroke or hypothermia.\nThe latest Advanced Driver Assistance Sytems (ADAS) in the Polestar 3 has been developed in collaboration with Zenseact, Luminar, and SmartEye. There are five radar modules, five external cameras, and 12 external ultrasonic sensors on the Polestar 3.\nRELATED: \nElectric Volvo XC90 patent images leaked \u2013 borrows styling from Polestar 2\nFor the first model year, the Polestar 3 will be fitted with the Plus Pack and Pilot Pack as standard. This includes a 25-speaker audio system from Bowers & Wilkins with 3D surround sound, Dolby Atmos capability, soft closing doors, Head-up Display (HUD), and pilot assist.\nThe Pilot Pack that includes LiDAR from Luminar will add an additional control unit from NVIDIA, three cameras, four ultrasonic sensors, and cleaning for the front- and rear-view cameras, providing accurate real-time data about the car\u2019s surroundings, especially in the long-range field. This enables enhanced 3D scanning of the car\u2019s surroundings in greater detail and helps prepare the car for autonomous driving.\nPolestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath said, \u201cPolestar 3 is a powerful electric SUV that appeals to the senses with a distinct, Scandinavian design and excellent driving dynamics. It takes our manufacturing footprint to the next level, bringing Polestar production to the United States. We are proud and excited to expand our portfolio as we continue our rapid growth.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW, Polestar designers say big screens might be on their way out\nGALLERY"
"After a simple \ninitial\n \nannouncement with just key portions of the EV strategically darkened, the Subaru Solterra has made its world premiere this morning.\nBack in June 2019, Subaru and Toyota announced their \npartnership\n to develop a global C-segment sized electric vehicle in the form of an SUV. Proven to be a mutually beneficial partnership as seen in the \nToyota 86 and Subaru BRZ\n that spawned the second-generation models, both companies will market the new EV SUV with very slight tweaks to the styling and perhaps dynamism.\nIn front, the hexagonal grille (now just a coloured panel) has been maintained from earlier Subaru models, but other design details are a good break away from the rather uninspiring styling such as on the Forester.\nBoth the Subaru Solterra and recently-detailed Toyota bZ4X will ride on the jointly developed battery electric vehicle (BEV)-dedicated platform which is simply called e-Subaru Global Platform.\nMeasuring the same 4.69 m long and 1.86 m wide dimensions as the Toyota, the Subaru Solterra has nearly similar dimensions with the \nForester\n, \nKia EV6\n and \nBMW iX3\n while slightly shorter than the Subaru Legacy Outback.\nToyota last month detailed their bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra will also share the same powertrain- a front-mounted motor drive unit with \n204 hp\n or a dual-motor setup for electric all-wheel drive (AWD) with \n218 hp\n output.\nMuch of the powertrain technology and finetuning in the dual-motor setup will be handled by Subaru, thanks to their expertise in AWD technology. Like all other Subaru SUV models, the Solterra will also be featured with the \nX-MODE AWD\n control system and added with a new Grip Control function that enhanced stability in all road conditions. Users of Subaru SUVs also expect the vehicle to perform well over unpaved terrains, so the Solterra comes with a proper ground clearance of 210 mm.\nThe electric powertrain from the Toyota bZ4X is also replicated on the Subaru Solterra\nSubaru vehicles with AWD technology just surpassed 20 million units in June of this year! Find out some trivia about the technology here!\nThe topic of driving range and EV is inseparable, and as such, Subaru quotes approximately \n530 km\n of range for the front-wheel drive variant, while the AWD with 218 hp goes to circa 460 km on a single charge from the 71.4 kWh battery pack.\nInside the interior, the Subaru and Toyota share the same low-height dashboard and top-mounted driver\u2019s instrument panel. Currently, only one steering wheel design with regular electric power steering is available for the Solterra. With a wheelbase of 2.85 metres, the Subaru Solterra ensures rear legroom similar to a D-segment sedan, a common focal point with the current generation Subaru models. \u00a0\nToyota is heading towards a different direction in \nsteering technology\n in the bZ4X, offering a fully electronic steer-by-wire system that sees the oblong-shaped steering wheel rotating just 150 degrees from lock to lock.\n \nThe Subaru Solterra will only be available in North America, Europe, China and Japan from the middle of next year."
"Launched in Malaysia last month, the 2022 \nFord Ranger\n is one of the better-looking trucks on offer right now. However, \nFord\n\u2019s proudest feature is neither the distinctive face with the \u201cC-clamp\u201d headlights, nor is it the massive 12-inch infotainment screen. Instead, it is the simple box step that sits right behind the rear wheels.\nIn fact, Ford even believes that the addition of the box step feature will soon be followed by rival trucks since it is so practical. And Ford has good reason to believe so, since the decision to add the box step was not just an afterthought. It was the result of hundreds of hours of work, engaging with customers to get their feedback on the Ranger, led by the chief designer of the Ford Ranger, Max Tran.\nHe said, \u201cSeeing owners use their trucks, whether for work, family, or play, inspired some fantastic ideas that drove our design and development decisions. One great example of that is the integrated box side-step. During our clinic sessions, we noticed that many customers had trouble reaching over the side of the truck into the bed; others were standing on the rear tire or the bumper to gain access.\u201d\n\u201cSo, we came up with the idea of a box step, behind the rear wheel,\u201d he added. \u201cWe mocked one up, tested it with owners, and the response was overwhelming. People told us that step would be reason enough to buy the Ford Ranger.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \nAll-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia, from RM109K\nAs tested by our very own Woon!\nWho would have thought that such a simple thing could be a segment-first feature? Unfortunately, though, the box step feature is only available on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.\nLed by Max Tran, the Ranger team spent hundreds of hours with customers around the world to see how they use their pickups daily. Ford conducted over 5,000 interviews and made over 1,800 pages of field notes for reference, which helped develop and guide both engineers and designers to build a pickup with the features and capabilities customers wanted.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM109k\nThe result is the new Ford Ranger which is built on the third-generation T6 platform. Powering the Ranger is either a 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine (\n170 hp\n/\n405 Nm\n) or a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine (\n210 hp\n/\n500 Nm\n). The single turbo engine is paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto while the bi-turbo engine is paired to a 10-speed auto gearbox.\nSime Darby Auto ConneXion\n \n(SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, will be previewing the next-generation Ranger in Kuching on 7-11 September at Vivacity Megamall, and at Suria Sabah Shopping Centre, Kota Kinabalu on 5-9 October.\nFor the full breakdown of the 2022 Ford Ranger, you can check it out here."
"No matter how large the explosions, no matter how bizarre the challenges, deep down we all know that Top Gear would never be the same after the departure of the infamous trio.\nEven Clarkson, the brainchild of the series watched by so many around the world, felt less than sympathetic when told that ratings and viewership of the motoring franchise had dipped significantly since their departure.\n\u201cJust another day at the office.\u201d Your first look at brand new \n#TopGear\n with Freddie Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris \n@flintoff11\n \n@PaddyMcGuinness\n \n@harrismonkey\n \npic.twitter.com/ViqPhll5YT\n\u2014 Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) \nMay 26, 2019\n \nWe, however, perpetually believe in second chances and from the montage at least, one thing is for sure \u2013 their production quality is still top notch. Whether or not the two new hosts, Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff, will be as charismatic as Chris Harris, we\u2019ll just have to wait and see!\nImage credit: \nTop Gear"
"At the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin launched their new race-inspired performance division Aston Martin Racing (AMR) with one philosophy in mind \u2013 to bring road-going Aston Martin to new and exciting extremes.\nToday, the newly established brand has presented their first ever AMR model to enter production, the Aston Martin Vantage AMR. Only 300 of these bad boys will be produced \u2013 100 V12s and 200 V8s.\nBe that as it may, the Vantage AMR sits at AMR\u2019s entry level range. Like on the standard models, the 4.7-litre V8 produces \n430 hp\n while the larger 5.9-litre V12 lump gets massaged to dish out \n595 hp\n (up from 565 hp). As standard, both engines come with a seven-speed automated sequential manual transmissions with paddle shifters. For the purist, a six-speed manual can be had with the V8 while the V12 gets a \nseven-speed manual setup\n.\nWith the Vantage AMR, much of the design cues were inspired from Aston Martin\u2019s race cars. \nFour exterior themes\n are available for the Vantage AMR: Stratus White with an Orange graphic, Ultramarine Black with Blue graphic, Zaffre Blue with Red graphic and Scintilla Silver with Grey graphic. Opt for the optional \n\u2018Halo Pack\u2019\n and the car gets Stirling Green with vivid Lime Green accents to reflect the brand\u2019s 2016 World Endurance Championship-winning #95 Vantage GTE.   Other exterior options include carbon fibre finish for the lightweight front grille, side strakes, lamp infills and mirror caps on the outside, instrument surround, door tops and door grabs on the inside. The V8 Vantage AMR gets a five-spoke alloy wheel design while the V12 Vantage AMR rides on lightweight 10-spoke alloy wheels. Both are available in three different finishes.\nFor the more hardcore of enthusiasts, the Vantage AMR can be specified with the\n AMR Aero Kit\n, developed in partnership with Aston Martin Race Team which adds carbon fibre front splitters, dive planes, side sills, fixed rear spoiler and forged aluminium alloy wheels. On the V12 variant, customers can opt for the \nAMR titanium exhaust\n which not only shed\u00a0\n14 kg\n over the stock exhaust but also heightens the aural sensation and sharpens engine response.\nThe Aston Martin Vantage AMR can be had in both Coupe and Roadster guises, with prices starting from \u00a397,995 (RM532k) in UK and \u20ac126,995 (RM607k) in Europe. Good news is that the Vantage AMR is available for Asia Pacific markets.\nWith \nAston Martin now officially represented in Malaysia\n, could we expect this limited-edition model to find its way here?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nFord Mustang\n, currently in its sixth life cycle, was the first ever \u2018Stang to be introduced to right-hand drive markets. Apparently, all it took was just one move to springboard it to become the best selling sports car in the world.\nLast year alone, the Blue Oval shipped over 150,000 units of the Mustang, 45,000 of which are sold outside of the United States \u2013 Malaysia included. According to IHS Markit, international growth for the Mustang is at a whopping \n101 percent\n, with the bulk of exports\u00a0going to\u00a0\nChina\u00a0\nand rather surprisingly, Germany!\nSince 2015, more than \n395,000\n\u00a0units of the Mustang have been assembled at the company\u2019s Flat Rock Assembly plant.\u00a0The numbers however, will continue to grow, following the launch of the \nMustang facelift\n\u00a0and its \ntopless variant\n\u00a0early this year.\nAs a refresher, the facelift gets a new 10-speed automatic (yes, ten speed!) and will not come with the V6 engine. Only the 2.3-litre EcoBoost and 5.0-litre V8 will make it through the production line. The handling has also been improved thanks to revised suspension and new\u00a0\nMagneRide adaptive dampers.\nBack home, pricing for the \nMustang\n\u00a0starts at\n\u00a0RM489k\n\u00a0for the 2.3-litre, while the big bore V8 costs\u00a0\nRM599k\n."
"By now you would\u2019ve seen the record breaking 0-400-0 km/h run of the\u00a0\nall-new Bugatti Chiron\n all over the internet. Accelerating from standstill to 400 km/h and immediately come to a complete stop in just 41.96 seconds is without a doubt an impressive feat.\nHowever, what surprised netizens was not the fact that the Chrion managed the stunning feat. We wouldn\u2019t expect less, it\u2019s a \n1,500 hp\n Chiron after all. The internet was more curious what Bugatti used as their tracking car \u2013 the camera car that filmed the record breaking attempt. Internet trolls showed their creative side, sharing \nmemes \nof their best guess. Among them were the\u00a0\nAudi RS6\n, Stage 3 Golf R and even a twin-turbo Toyota Supra! Of course, none of them are true.\nDo you really think a Supra can keep up with this monster?\nA week later, Bugatti is here to clear the air, unveiling their tracking car that recorded the money shot on Facebook. If you haven\u2019t watched the speed record, we highly recommend you do so first:\nNow the car that filmed the Chiron\u2019s \n0-400-0 km/h\n run is none other than a.\nYes, ladies and gentlemen, it\u2019s another Bugatti Chiron \u2013 it has to be! A panda-coloured Bugatti Chiron, powered by the same 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 that spits out \n1,500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n of torque. All that monstrosity is sent to all four-wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its century sprint takes under \n2.5 seconds\n,\n 0 to 200 km/h\n in less than \n6.5 seconds\n and \n0 to 298 km/h\n in under \n13.6 seconds\n. Top speed is an unbelievable\n 418 km/h\n and as you can see in the video, gunning for V-Max is effortless, to say the least.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mention Subaru to any average Joe you see, they\u2019ll either be clueless, or the legendary Impreza comes to mind. But Subaru does have more than one card up their sleeves, from the C segment Impreza, to the D segment Legacy, the XV as well as the Forester.\u00a0\nI\u2019ll be having a look at the rather new Subaru Forester 2.0XT. How well does it fare? Read on to find out more.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n Subaru Forester 2.0 XT (SJ)\nSegment\n Compact Crossover SUV\nEngine\n 1998cc Boxer engine with DIT, turbocharged (240hp)\nPrice\n RM206,500\n Powering the latest generation Forester is the same engine used in the RWD Subaru BRZ, but turbocharged. A 2.0L Boxer engine with Direct Injection Turbo (DIT) producing 240 horsepower. This new Subaru Forester 2.0XT, codenamed \u2018SJ\u2019 is even more powerful than the previous turbocharged Forester 2.5XT.\u00a0Also new to this engine is that the timing belt has been replaced by a timing chain system, so plus points to reliability there.\n EXTERIOR\n On the outside, you may not spot much difference from the past generation (SH), but looking closer, sharp eyes will notice that the latest generation (SJ) is sharper than before, and loses the signature hood scoop in the process. The air take for the intercooler is now integrated with the radiator air intake at the grille.   Other than that, the wheels are also inspired by the Subaru XV\u2019s design, with the same polished black looks with the silver outlines. To some, it can be viewed as unique, but others may not fancy those rims at all. Unlike the JDM units (the Forester is CBU from Japan, but as a European model), DRL LEDs not fitted at the slits along the edge of the bumper. Local models can get the option for the DRLs if the buyer opts for it. The headlights are self-leveling xenon lights with automatic on off.\nINTERIOR\n To be honest, Subarus were never known for their interior. I may even go as far as saying that it looks relatively bland at first glance. However, after driving it for awhile, it does seem like Subaru has done their homework well. There is a Multi-Function Display unit at the center of the dashboard, which shows vital stats, clock, fuel consumption, oil temperatures, boost pressure and radio information.   As for the audio system, Harmon Kardon supplies the 8 speaker sound system, but the unit I tested, unfortunately did not come with the Harmon Kardon head unit. It is a pity, really, as the all-in-one head unit that was being evaluated in my unit was rather buggy when used. I won\u2019t delve much into the details of the head unit, as it\u2019s still a prototype unit. The sound quality is still good nonetheless. No complaints there at all. Also worth mentioning is that Subaru has included leather seats in this Forester instead of the original fabric seats. I can see the rationing behind this, as it may not be acceptable by the buyers who are paying upwards RM200,000 for a car without leather seats.\nThe Forester has an integrated reverse camera, to assist you in parking in tight spaces, but what it doesn\u2019t include, is a reverse sensor. Nope, this RM206k Subaru will have to make do with just a reverse camera, without the beeps and that\u2019s not very good. Overall visibility for the Forester from the driver seat is excellent, as blind spots are kept to a bare minimum. The rear split-folding seat can be conveniently folded with a one touch button, or rather a latch. With that, you get an instant boot space for your IKEA goods.\nThere are four 12V power port strategically placed in the car. One of it is in the arm rest compartment together with a USB port and a AUX port. This is really good when you want to tuck away all cables and gadgets while you are charging them. There are exit holes for your cables as well. Very well thought of. Oh, we love the wide opening sunroof. Your kids will love it too.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nThanks to the 2.0L Boxer engine with Direct Injection Turbo, you\u2019ll be pleased to know that the Forester does the century sprint in a mere 7.5 seconds, which is fast for a SUV. Floor the throttle, let the revs build up, and watch the speedometer climb.\u00a0Besides the new DIT engine, the SJ series Forester also has a new Lineartronic CVT gearbox which has 3 modes. Intelligent (I) for regular driving, Sport (S) for that extra edge, and Sport Sharp (S#) for when the boyracer mode kicks in.   Each modes has it own perks, and for most drivers, leaving it in Intelligent will reward you silky smooth cruising. Switching to Sport, throttle response will be sharpened, while Sport Sharp will simulate a conventional automatic gearbox, down to the shift shock. In my opinion, Subaru\u2019s take on their Lineartronic CVT is almost perfect, as it has the modes to cater for almost all users, without sacrificing usability.\nHandling isn\u2019t bad at all, since the underpinnings of the Forester can be traced back to the legendary Impreza. Body roll is kept to a bare minimum, and with Subaru\u2019s \u00a0Symmetrical AWD system at work, you can be assured that the car will stay on its course when the weather gets challenging. Suspension feel a little hard but it absorbs bumps and potholes really well.\nPurists might complain that the Forester has lost its charm considering that the SJ has Electric Power Steering (EPS) instead of the normal hydraulic power steering. It does feel a little light but Subaru has tuned their EPS to be one of the best I\u2019ve driven. Some EPS equipped cars (I\u2019m looking at you, Grand Livina), are awfully dull, and lack of any feedback, but Subaru\u2019s implementation has balanced everything out nicely. The front 12.4\u2033 disc brakes and rear 10\u2033 disc brakes will ensure you can stop right on time, while the ABS and EBD will make sure you won\u2019t be skidding when it gets wet.\nTHE DRIVE\n \nOn the actual drive itself, it is bigger, taller and wider than most B and C segments that floods our local roads. Think of it as being almost as the king on the road, in terms of size and power. Getting smaller cars out of the way (although not recommended nor encouraged) is a very easy task of just creeping up behind one. Almost all smaller cars will move out of your way. Despite all that, ride comfort is a bit harsh for the passengers, as the Forester can be said as a sports-biased SUV, instead of being family and comfort biased. But that also means that \u00a0handling is much better than the competitors, like the Honda CRV and Mazda CX5. The other thing I noticed, is the faces of other people give when I step out of a RM206k SUV. Pretty much all of them will give a rather surprised look, as they would be wondering how can such a young guy be driving such an expensive car. I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll all assume it\u2019s my father\u2019s car.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nSo, is the Subaru Forester 2.0XT for you? Well, if you want a very comfortable SUV, then please look away. But if you\u2019re looking for a powerful yet nimble handling SUV, then the Forester may just be right for you. Besides, unlike the Honda CRV or the Mazda CX5, the Forester can be said as pretty rare, as I haven\u2019t seen much of this car on our local roads. That could probably be a plus point.\nCOMPARISONS\n To be really honest, the Subaru Forester, at least locally, has a bad disadvantage in terms of pricing. At slightly above RM200k, it is pricier than its other Japanese competitions. There are a few SUVs in Malaysia to compare it with, but I\u2019ll be comparing it with the nearest competitor in terms of pricing. \u00a0The cheaper but very much less powerful non-turbocharged Mazda CX5 as well as a pricier alternative, the Volkwagen Tiguan 2.0TSI.\nMazda CX5\nSubaru Forester 2.0 XT\nVolkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI\nENGINE\nType\n\u00a0SKYACTIV-G 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT\nDOHC 16-Valve, Horizontally-Opposed,\n 4-Cylinder, 4-Stroke, Turbocharged, Petrol Engine\n2.0L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged / intercooled, TSI\nDisplacement\ncc\n\u00a01998\n1998\n1998\nBore x Stroke\nmm\n\u00a083.5 x 91.2\n\u00a086 x 86\n\u00a082.55 x 92.71\nCompression Ratio\n13.0\n10.6\n9.6\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n\u00a0155 / 6000\n\u00a0240 / 5600\n210 / 5300-6200\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n\u00a0203 / 4000\n350/2400-3600\n\u00a0280 / 1700-5200\nCarburetion System\n\u00a0Advanced Direct Injection\n\u00a0Gasoline direct injection\n\u00a0Gasoline direct injection\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n\u00a058\n\u00a060\n64\nSTEERING\nType\n\u00a0Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS)\n\u00a0Pinion-assist type electric power steering system\n\u00a0Electronic Power Assist\nDRIVETRAIN\nType\nAWD\nAWD\nAWD\nTransmission\n\u00a0SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed Sport with manual-shift mode\n\u00a0Lineartronic CVT\n7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG\nGear Ratio\n\u00a01-3.552 2-2.022 3-1.452 4-1 5-0.708 6-0.599 FGR-4.624 R-3.893\nD \u2013 3.505 \u2013 0.544 Reverse \u2013\u00a02.345\nNA\nSUSPENSION\nType\n\u00a0\nFront\n \u2013\u00a0MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar\nRear\n \u2013\u00a0Multilink with stabilizer bar\n\u00a0\nFront\u00a0\n\u2013 \u00a0MacPherson strut type\nRear \u2013\u00a0\nDouble wishbone type\nFront\n \u2013\u00a0Strut-type with lower control arms\nRear\n\u2013\u00a0Multilink, coil springs\nBRAKES\nFront\n\u00a0Ventilated disc brakes\n\u00a0Ventilated disc brakes\nVentilated disc brakes\nRear\n\u00a0\u00a0Solid disc brake\n\u00a0\u00a0Ventilated disc brakes\n\u00a0Solid disc brake\nDiameter \u2013 Front\ninches\n\u00a011.7\n12.4\n12.3\nDiameter \u2013 Rear\ninches\n\u00a011.9\n\u00a010\n11.1\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n\u00a0225/65 R17\n\u00a0225/55 R18\n\u00a0235/55 R17\nWheels\n\u00a0Alloy\n\u00a0Alloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n\u00a04,555\n\u00a04,595\n4,426\nOverall Width\nmm\n\u00a01,840\n\u00a01,795\n\u00a01,809\nOverall Height\nmm\n\u00a01670\n1,735\n1,703\nWheelbase\nmm\n\u00a02700\n\u00a02,640\n\u00a02,604\nGround Clearance\nmm\n\u00a0210\n\u00a0220\n175\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n\u00a01522\n\u00a01,613\n\u00a01689\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n\u00a0561\n\u00a01,592\n673, Seats Folded \u2013\u00a01588\nFUEL\nGrade\nmin. 95 RON\nmin. 95 RON\nmin. 95 RON\nConsumption\n\u00a06.9 L/100 km\n8.51 L/100 km\n9.9 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n186\n221\n213\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n8.9\n\u00a07.5\n7.3\nPRICE\nRM\n\u00a0154,400\n206,500\n240,000\n\u00a0\n WILL I BUY IT?\n \nWhen placed beside the Tiguan, it does seem like a bargain considering it packs more horses, a little faster, more torque, more space and cheaper. If I have the budget, I would go for it.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY   [divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY"
"Chery\n is back in Indonesia, with the official return marked by a launch event at the 2022 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) last week. The re-entry into the republic is part of the Chinese marque\u2019s wider push into the ASEAN market.\nIn addition to the brand launch at IIMS, Chery is also displaying a variety of vehicles at its stand, including the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n, Tiggo 7 Pro, the EQ1 mini EV city car, as well as the \nOmoda 5\n, which is making its first-ever appearance in the region. The latter has also been\n earmarked for Malaysia \nwhen the brand makes its return onto our shores, widely expected to be sometime later this year.\nChery International President, Zhang Guibing said that Indonesia is one of the world\u2019s most promising auto markets and an important strategic market for Chery in Southeast Asia. He added that Chery will take the Indonesian market as the bridgehead as it expands its reach to the neighbouring countries within the region.\nIndonesia will become the base for export to other ASEAN countries and regions, the company said in a press release. It was previously reported that in addition to a manufacturing plant in the Archipelago, Chery will also be setting up a new research and development arm in the country.\nRELATED: Watch out, Proton X50 \u2013 Chery Omoda 5 confirmed for Malaysia launch\nThe company aims to expand its network of dealerships in Indonesia to over 100 outlets within the next two years, covering major cities and regions such as Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Bali, with parts hubs in the four core islands to pensure fast parts supply and after-sales service.\nAs for Malaysia, it seems that we will not have to wait too much longer now. The company has been shifting its marketing efforts up a notch recently with the launch of its own official Omoda 5 fan page, hinting at an imminent launch soon. Keep your eyes peeled!"
"No, we\u2019re not being (or at least trying to be) funny \u2013 Mazda\u2019s has just unveiled a new trim level for its \nCX-3\n in Japan, and it\u2019s literally called \u201cSuper Edgy\u201d.\nThe new trim level is unveiled as part of the model\u2019s 2021 refresh in its native country, and \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 features some unique aesthetic design elements to make it look striking, or \u201cedgy\u201d as the Gen Zs would say.\nThe main highlight of the exterior is its two-tone paint job on the outside, with the upper half of the bodywork (from the glasshouse) being painted in gloss black. There\u2019s also an extended colour palette for the \u201cSuper Edgy\u201d model, including Platinum Quartz Metallic that\u2019s seen here.\nOn the inside, the \u201cSuper Edgy\u201d Mazda CX-3 gets a new multi-texture, multi-tone upholstery with Grande Luxe suede-like artificial leather for the seat back and centre paddings, and regular smooth artificial leather for side support \u2013 like many modern sports car seats these days.\nThe Mazda CX-3 has been recently updated in Malaysia with additional tech. Learn more here.\nMore interestingly, however, is the new red copper accent that can be found on the centre of the seat back, seating surface, and as an accent ring around the air conditioner louvre \u2013 Mazda says it\u2019s to create a more elegant ambience in the cabin, and to increase \u201csex appeal\u201d \u2013 we\u2019ll chalk it up to shoddy Google Translate from Japanese.\nOther additions in the model update include an upsized infotainment display from seven to eight inches, new wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as an optional wireless Qi charging pad for your mobile phones.\nThe Mazda CX-3 \u201cSuper Edgy\u201d is priced from JPY2,491,500 (approx. RM91k) in Japan (depending on variant), which is nearly JPY600k (approx. RM21k) more than the model\u2019s base variant. It\u2019s now available for pre-orders, and is scheduled to be released in \u201clate May\u201d."
"By now we\u2019re sure you have heard and seen all there is to know about the fully imported \nMazda3 sedan\n.\u00a0But beginning today, Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has announced the arrival of the \nMazda3 CKD\n. Unlike the sole CBU unit, the popular \nJapanese C-segment sedan\n now comes in three variants and two body types.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda3 2.0L Sedan (GL)\nMazda3 2.0L Sedan (High spec)\nMazda3 2.0L Hatchback\u00a0\nSegment\nC-Segment Sedan/Hatchback\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 cyl, DOHC, direct injection\n1,998cc; inline-4 cyl, DOHC, direct injection\n1,998cc; inline-4 cyl, DOHC, direct injection\nTransmission\n6-spd SkyActiv-Drive auto\n6-spdSkyActiv-Drive auto\n6-spdSkyActiv-Drive auto\nMax Power\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0\nwithout\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM105,705.30 \nwith GST\nRM120,705.30 \nwith GST\nRM120,705.30\n with GST\n\u00a0\nThis announcement confirms the equipment levels and their estimated price tags in our \nearlier report\n. As a recap, the trio will share the same naturally aspirated \n2.0-litre SkyActiv-G\n engine paired also to the same \nsix-speed SkyActiv-Drive\n automatic transmission. The petrol engine makes \n162 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n210 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm, and all that power is sent to the \nfront wheels\n.\nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv-G hatchback CKD is coming to Malaysia! Wanna know how much? #Mazda3 #autobuzzmy\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 9, 2015 at 4:36am PDT\n\u00a0\nIf you haven\u2019t yet noticed, Mazda is employing the same strategy as the \nMazda2\n with the pricing of their high spec sedan and hatchback variants \u2013 at \nRM120,705.30\n (additional RM400 for metallic paint) without insurance. As opposed to its smaller sibling, the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback\u2019s features don\u2019t mirror each other.\nExternally, the range topping duo both sit on \n18-inch wheels\n with 215/45 profile tyres, share the same auto-levelling \nbi-xenon headlights\n with \nLED daytime running lights\n, LED tail lamps and \nsmart keyless entry\n. The base GL variant will make do with \n16-inchers\n (205/60 series tyres), halogen headlamps, halogen-type DRLs and bulb type tail lamps.\nAll CKD variants of the Mazda3 \nwill not\n have a sunroof\nStandard features on the inside include a \n7-inch LCD\n touchscreen head unit with MZD Connect System, reverse camera,\u00a0\nsix speakers\n, leather wrapped steering wheel with switches, push-start ignition, i-Stop function and a total of \nsix airbags\n. Now, the high spec hatchback will get fabric seats with manual adjusters, paddle shifters, GPS navigation and Adaptive Front-Lighting System.\nDespite sharing the same price tag, the \nsedan is best equipped\n here with all the niceties its hatchback half offers, but with extra features such as leather upholstered seats and power adjustable driver seat. It doesn\u2019t end there, though. For the same price, you also get cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, Head-Up Display, High Beam Control System, Smart City Brake System, Rear Vehicle Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning System.\nThere are \nfour colours\n to choose from:\u00a0Artic White, Meteor Grey Mica, Aluminium Metallic, and Blue Reflex Mica. In reference to the pricing in the table above, all variants will incur an additional cost of \nRM400\n if your colour option isn\u2019t white. As with all their models, the Mazda3 CKD also comes with a \nthree-year or 60,000km\n free maintenance package.\nIf this piques your interest, read our \nfull review\n of the CBU Mazda3 or watch our \ncomprehensive video review\n above.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda3 2.0L SkyActiv-G Sedan CBU   Mazda3 2.0L SkyActiv-G Hatchback\u00a0(Thailand spec)"
"Car buying decisions are rarely made just based on figures and numbers; emotional response is also often a huge deciding factor, and that\u2019s why we \nreview cars\n \u2013 not just to tell you about what you can already read from a spec sheet, but how the car makes us feel while driving it.\nIn an attempt to quantify the \u201cemotional attachment\u201d we speak about that owners have towards their new cars, J.D. Power has published their Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study for 2020 \u2013 and according to their findings, Porsche is the most appealing brand in the US last year (both luxury segment and overall winner), while Dodge takes the top spot among the mass-market brands.\nNow in its 25th year, the J.D. Power APEAL Study has been redesigned for 2020 by measuring owner\u2019s emotional response and level of excitement with their new vehicles across 37 attributes, ranging from the sense of comfort and luxury, to the feeling they get when they step on the accelerator. The scores are then aggregated to compute an overall APEAL score on a 1,000-point scale.\nIn case you missed it: Porsche will locally assemble its vehicles in Malaysia starting 2022. Read more here.\nBased on the responses of 110,821 owners of 2021 model year vehicles, who were surveyed after their first 90 days of ownership, the study found that \nPorsche\n ranks highest in the luxury segment and overall with a score of 881, followed by \nLincoln\n (876), \nCadillac\n (874), \nBMW\n (869), and \nLand Rover\n (866) in the fifth place.\nMeanwhile on the mass market segment, \nDodge\n ranks highest with a score of 872.\n Ram \n(871) came in second, followed by \nGMC\n (857), \nFor\nd\n \n(853), and \nMini\n (846).\nA Dodge in its natural habitat \u2013 engulfed in tyre smoke.\nNotice how the difference between Porsche and Dodge is just a mere 9 points? It\u2019s a similar trend across the two segments, with the gap between the average scores coming in at just 23 points \u2013 the narrowest ever.\nOn the surface, this might seem a little weird at first. Porsche makes some of the world\u2019s best sports cars, and Dodge, well, sells budget muscle cars. But in recent years, mass-market cars have all become so good that it\u2019s genuinely hard to even pick a \u201cbad\u201d car any more. New tech and features are coming in thick and fast, and even driving feel has been significantly improved across the board.\nThe work of a true fan. Check out the Perodua Ativa transformation here!\nAnd that\u2019s before you take into account the kind of cult-like following these budget-friendly cars are able to generate. Just take a look at the size of the \nMyvi\n fan clubs here in Malaysia and you\u2019ll understand.\nOn the topic of cult following, if you ever spend any time on Twitter, you\u2019ll definitely notice and wonder why \nTesla\n isn\u2019t mentioned here at all. Well, that\u2019s just Tesla doing Tesla things and not letting J.D. Power survey their owners in 15 states.\nTesla is now the quickest production EV around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Watch the on-board video here!\nThey definitely should have, though, as Tesla would\u2019ve been far and away the highest-scoring brand in the 2020 APEAL Study, with 893 points out of 1,000 based on the owners that J.D. Power \ndid\n manage to survey.\nCheck out the charts below to see the full ranking \u2013 and let us know in the comments below if you agree (or disagree)!\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has partnered with \nE-waste Recycling Through Heroes\n to provide an \nE-waste Green Box\n for Malaysians to dispose and recycle their used electronics at all Volvo Car dealerships nationwide. Click here to \nlocate your nearest Volvo dealer\n.\nThe same can be done at the Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia plant, where a Green Box is placed at the security guard post.\nVolvo dealerships nationwide will now have a dedicated E-waste Green Box located in a visible area for everyone, whether a Volvo customer or not, to drop their unwanted devices or electronics.\nAnything from \nbatteries, laptops, mobile phones, monitors, tablets, printer, keyboards \ncan be dropped off for recycling. For larger items, there\u2019s also free pick-up services available at \nwww.erth.app\n.\nERTH is a registered organisation with the Malaysian Department of Environment (Jabatan Alam Sekitar) that collects, purchases and transports electronic waste to be recycled at local government-licensed recycling facilities.\nERTH ensures that the recycling process is in line with the guidelines from the Basel Convention, an international agreement treaty designed to reduce the movement, transport and/or shipment of hazardous waste between nations.\u00a0\nAside from that, Volvo Car Malaysia, along with other Volvo Cars facilities around the world, has also \ngone paperless with their brochures and price lists, while abstaining from single-use plastics\n.\nFounder of ERTH, Mohamed Tarek El-Fatatry, said, \u201cIn Malaysia, only about 25% of our e-waste is recycled according to the latest government statistics, while the remainder is often incinerated or dumped in landfills. We hope that through this collaboration and Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s network of dealerships across the nation, more people can be encouraged to adopt proper recycling habits for the sake of our planet.\u201d"
"Yes, it\u2019s confirmed! Following rumours that have been swirling around the internet recently, \nHonda Malaysia\n has now announced that the \nall-new Honda WR-V \nwill indeed be making its debut here on our shores later this year, in the third quarter of 2023.\nThe Honda WR-V will become the entry-level SUV offering in the marque\u2019s line-up here in Malaysia, replacing the \nBR-V \nthat has \nnow been discontinued\n.\nHonda Malaysia says that the introduction of the WR-V will make it the \u201cfirst Japanese mass market manufacturer to enter the Small SUV segment\u201d in our market. For context, the Honda WR-V measures 4,060 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,485 mm; 1,780 mm wide, and 1,608 mm tall, putting it right about the wheelhouse of a \nPerodua Ativa\n.\nLooks wise, the Honda WR-V sports a fairly aggressive design motif that was first previewed by the \nRS SUV concept\n back in 2021. Highlights include the chequered flag-inspired front grille, LED headlights, skid plate-like elements on the bumpers, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a two-tone black roof on certain variants.\nIntroduced in Indonesia last November, the second-generation Honda WR-V is offered solely with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and CVT gearbox powertrain combo, the same as that of the \nHonda City\n, sending \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels.\nGiven Honda Malaysia\u2019s strong market push for its hybrid powertrains, we could also possibly see the global debut of an e:HEV hybrid-powered Honda WR-V RS variant here on our shores, just as the\n City RS e:HEV did back in 2020\n. Although, that will ultimately come down to pricing, as the small SUV segment consists of predominantly price-sensitive customers.\nOver in Thailand\n, the Honda WR-V is fairly well-equipped with standard features including a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control, synthetic leather and fabric combi seats, as well as automatic climate control.\nThe Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite also comes as standard across both variants over in the Land of Smiles, with features including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation system, lead car departure notification system, as well as auto high beam.\nThe range-topping RS variant adds on the Honda LaneWatch blind spot camera system, and raises the airbag count from four to six with the addition of side curtain airbags.\nGALLERY"
"McLaren F1 is one of the few supercars in the world that will make every petrolhead bow with respect. With 64 cars made between 1993 and 1998, it\u2019s a unicorn on the road. Now, McLaren is offering what could be the final F1 car in the world, the\u00a0chassis #069, for sale.\nThe F1 is the brainchild of former F1 car designer, Gordon Murray, whose credentials include the legendary MP4/4 F1 car that won all but one race in the 1988 Formula One season. The F1 car seats three, and the driver is positioned in the middle just like a race car. Powered by a \nBMW-sourced 6.1-litre naturally aspirated V12 \nthat liberates \n618 hp\n and \n651 Nm\n of torque (numbers that don\u2019t seem like much today given the displacement), and comes with a gold foil to improve thermal insulation.\nWeighing in at \n1,138kg\n, the F1 can perform the century sprint in \n3.2 seconds\u00a0\nwith a\u00a0top speed of\u00a0\n384km/h\n. Mind you, this is achievable in 1993 and until this day, it\u2019s still the fastest production\u00a0naturally aspirated car in the world. Even making this car more special is, this is only available with a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n.\nThis example of the F1 is the 60th unit built by the folks of Woking in 1998 and has been maintained by McLaren\u2019s Special Operations Heritage division. It\u2019s painted in\u00a0Carbon Black and rides on matte black 17-inch magnesium wheels with centre locks. Inside, the driver receives black and contrasting red leather racing seats upholstered in Alcantara. The car isn\u2019t brand new, though, but it clocked just 4,480km on the odometer over the past 18 years.\nMcLaren has yet to reveal a price for the #69 F1, but it\u2019s estimated that this legendary car in pristine condition will cost somewhere around the\u00a0\n\u00a310 million\n (over RM56 million) mark. That money will not only buy\u00a0you a rare unicorn with rocket jetpacks\u00a0but also gets you a set of lightweight French toolkit, a limited-edition book from McLaren and a McLaren F1-themed watch.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak\n has tabled the \nfinal budget\n \u2013 Budget 2015 \u2013 of the \n10 Malaysia Plan\n (10MP), with the Government currently formulating the 11\nth\n Malaysia Plan that is to be announced next May.\nDuring Najib\u2019s speech he mentioned that several goods amounting to \nRM3.8 billion\n will be exempted from the soon-to-be-implemented \nGoods and Services Tax (GST)\n, which will see the abolishment of the current \nSales and Services Tax (SST)\n.\nAmong the exempted goods are \nRON95\n, \ndiesel\n and \nliquefied petroleum gas (LPG)\n. Just last week, the Government announced a \nRM0.20 increase in RON95 and diesel\n.\u00a0\u00a0There was no mention of the exemption of \nunregulated RON97 fuel\n, which \u2013 if slapped with the six percent GST \u2013 will see its price raised from \nRM2.75\n to \nRM2.92\n per litre. As with the fuel subsidy rationalising plan, Najib said it will be done progressively, beginning as early as January next year.\nAlso tabled in Budget 2015 were the following highway projects:\nPan Borneo Highway \u2013 \nRM27 billion\n construction project covering 1,663 km connecting Sabah and Sarawak\nSg Besi \u2013 Ulu Klang Expressway (SUKE) \u2013 \nRM5.3 billion\n highway spanning 59 km\nDamansara \u2013 Shah Alam Expressway (DASH) \u2013 \nRM4.2 billion\n highway, 47 km\nLebuhraya Pantai Barat (West Coast Expressway) \u2013 \nRM5 billion\n, 276 km\nLingkaran Luar KL \u2013 Hubungan Timur \u2013 \nRM1.6 billion\n, 36 km\nPublic transport projects:\nMRT Phase 2 construction \u2013 \nRM23 billion\n, 56 km, connecting Selayang to Putrajaya\nLRT3 project \u2013 \nRM9 billion\n, connecting Bandar Utama, Shah Alam and Klang\nElectric Train Service connecting Ipoh to Butterworth, construction beginning April next year\nIn his speech, Najib added \u201cWith the SST abolished, we will forgo a revenue of RM13.8 billion. After deducting RM13.8 billion and RM3.8 billion from a revenue of RM23.2 billion, the Government will have a remaining balance of RM5.6 billion.\nOf this amount, RM4.9 billion will be channelled back to the rakyat through assistance programmes, such as the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) aid increment. All told, the GST will net us a revenue collection of only \nRM690 million\n.\nSuch is Najib and the Government\u2019s plan for the country\u2019s transportation system. All we can do for now is to expect the Government to come up with an \nelaborate\n and \ntransparent plan\n when it comes to executing the above projects in the coming few months."
"The insatiable appetite for Porsche SUVs continues unabated with both the \nCayenne and Macan models constituting over 60% of total sales\n in the Asia Pacific region in 2019. Porsche delivered \n3,025 units\n which contributed to a \n41% increase over 2018\n, making Asia Pacific one of the fastest growing regions in the world.\nWill the Cayenne Coupe prove to be a hit in 2020?\nThe \nCayenne \nmodel led the Porsche sales charts with an increase of \n154% at 1,070 units\n, with the Cayenne plug-in hybrid making up for more than half of total deliveries, while the \nMacan grew by 84% with 1,090 units\n delivered. The Porsche 911 also contributed 352 units over the calendar year, recording a 16% increase, while the Panamera and 718 series managed 312 and 201 vehicles respectively.\nLeading regional markets include Thailand (922 units), Singapore (591 units), New Zealand (415 units), Malaysia (367 units) and Vietnam (326 units).\n \n\u201c2019 was a momentous year for Porsche Asia Pacific. The strong performance across markets was a result of the attractive product portfolio, which stirred customer excitement for the Porsche brand and sports cars. Our success was also possible because of the strengthened market and business development strategy built together with our business partners in the region,\u201d said Arthur Willmann, Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific.\nWillmann also reminded Porsche fans that 2020 promises to be a \npivotal year\n as Porsche enters the era of electromobility with \nnew Taycan\n, the first all-electric Porsche. Porsche will also compete in \nFormula E\n for the first time in the region, namely in Jakarta, Indonesia, while Porsche Carrera Cup Asia events are scheduled to happen in Vietnam (Hanoi Street Circuit), Singapore (Marina Bay Street Circuit), Malaysia (Sepang International Circuit) and Thailand (Bangsaen Street Circuit and Chang International Circuit)."
"Nasim Sdn. Bhd., the official distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, is offering exclusive deals on the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUV Plus for the year-end holiday season!\nFrom now until 31st of December 2019, customers can trade in their existing vehicles and receive \nup to RM10,000\n on top of their vehicle\u2019s appraised value.\u00a0\nAdditionally, customers who purchase the Peugeot 3008 or 5008 SUV Plus in the same time frame will be entitled to a \nthree-year free maintenance\n service package, which includes parts and labour charges.\u00a0\nThe French marque is also partnering with Affin Bank to offer special ownership financing plans for the SUVs, with monthly payments from as low as RM1,300.\u00a0\nBoth of the SUVs are powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll Turbo High Pressure engine, producing \n167 hp\n and\n 240 Nm\n of torque. The engine is mated with a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n with pedal shifters on both models.\u00a0\nPeugeot\u2019s i-Cockpit infotainment system is also present on both the 3008 and 5008 SUV Plus, which features advanced safety features such as Active Lane Departure Warning and Correction, Driver Attention Alert, and Blind-spot Monitoring Information.\nAll Peugeot models come with a \nfive-year/120,000 km warranty\n, along with 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service for peace-of-mind ownership. Peugeot owners also receive complementary access to the Peugeot Lounge at the Subang Airport, as well as Peugeot Privilege Membership."
"Every year, J.D. Power ranks car makers based on their Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study and the market researcher has just released their 2018 (SSI) study for Malaysia. Based on a comprehensive analysis of new-vehicle purchase and delivery experience, Nissan was ranked highest in sales satisfaction.\nRanked on a 1,000-point scale, Nissan scored 812 and took number 1 spot among all mass market vehicle brands followed by Isuzu in second place with a score of 797. Malaysia\u2019s number 1 non-national brand, Honda, scored 795 points placing the Japanese brand at third place.\nThe study is based on responses from 2,477 new-vehicle owners who have purchased their vehicle between September 2017 and May 2018. The score was tabulated using six factors \u2013 in order of importance \u2013 dealer sales consultant, dealership facility, delivery process, working out the deal, paperwork completion and dealership website.\nJ.D. Power also found that 59 per cent of buyers primarily researches online for key information before buying a car such as its price, features and specifications. At the mass market level, financial considerations are cited as the most influential reasons for purchasing a vehicle, affecting the purchase decision of buyers who are 29 years and younger more than those who are 45 years and older.\nCountry Head of Malaysia at J.D. Power, Muhammad Asyraf Bin Mustafar said: \u201cCar buyers in Malaysia, especially younger buyers, are increasingly concerned about the cost of owning a vehicle and are turning to online channels to aid in their research on the best available deals.\u201d\n\u201cBrands that can offer a competitive pricing model through flexible financing options, better fuel economy, customized maintenance packages and higher residual values are likely to attract more customers. Similarly, it is important that brands can match their product offerings with their customers\u2019 purchase reasons,\u201d he added."
"Another day, another car manufacturer committing to electrification. Speaking with German newspaper \nAugsburger Allgemeine\n, BMW chief executive Oliver Zipse told the daily that the carmaker is aiming for roughly 20 percent of all cars sold\u00a0to be fully-electric vehicles (EV)\u00a0by 2023, compared to roughly 8 percent this year.\n\u201cWe are significantly increasing the number of electric vehicles. Between 2021 and 2023, we will build a quarter of a million more electric cars than originally planned\u201d, Zipse said.\nThat\u2019s one in every five cars. And in order to achieve that, Zipse admitted that BMW will need to step up in its efforts for expanding electric car charging infrastructure. \u201c15,000 private and about 1,300 public charging points would have to be put into operation every week as of today. Unfortunately, we are a long way from that.\u201d\nBMW\u2019s most significant EV to date, the \nBMW iX\n, is slated to be launched next year. Featuring the carmaker\u2019s \nfifth-generation eDrive powertrain\n (which was unveiled alongside the\n iX3\n), the dual-motor set-up promises to make \nat least 500 hp\n, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of under five seconds.\nThe German carmaker also says that the BMW iX will feature a battery pack with a capacity of\u00a0\nover 100 kWh\n\u00a0(at least on the range-topping variant), which should translate to a range of\u00a0\nover 600 km based on the WLTP cycle\n, or a power consumption figure of 21 kWh per 100 km.\nCharging the battery from 10 to 80% capacity will take only 40 minutes \u2013 or 120 km range in about 10 minutes \u2013 using a 200 kW DC fast charging. A complete charge using a standard 11 kW AC wallbox takes 11 hours.\nIn terms of dimensions, BMW says that the iX is \u201csimilar in size to the\u00a0\nX5\n, with the height of an\u00a0\nX6\n, and a wheelhouse size of an\u00a0\nX7\n\u201c, thanks to its new skateboard-style EV drivetrain layout clearing out space for the passenger cell.\nAlso in BMW\u2019s plan is the\n BMW Concept i4\n, a four-door gran-coupe-styled EV which will go head-to-head against the Tesla Model 3 and other models in the same segment next year. In top spec, the Concept i4 will have\u00a0\n530 hp\n, translating to a 0-100 km/h time of four seconds, and a top speed of over 200 km/h. Additionally, the BMW Concept i4 will also feature \n\u201cdriving sounds\u201d developed by the legendary Hans Zimmer\n!"
"The year 2015 is clearly a year to be remembered for the Petronas Mercedes-AMG Formula One team, as both team drivers as well as manufacturer clinched the distinguished title for the second consecutive year. To celebrate this feat, Mercedes-AMG released a limited-edition A45 hot hatch in the form of \n2015 World Champion Edition.\nThis limited edition sports an aero kit built\u00a0into the A45, with the new front splitter and rear roof spoiler inspired from the W06 Formula One race car. Three colours are available: Mountain Grey Metallic, Designo\u00a0Mountain Grey Magno and Polar Silver Metallic \u2013 all of which are colours of the Petronas Mercedes-AMG F1 team. A set of 19-inch rims is included as well, together with standard goodies such as the \nNight package, AMG Exclusive package plus\n and \nAMG Dynamic Plus\n.\nOn the inside, there\u2019s a pair of\u00a0AMG Performance seats and steering wheel in leather and Dynamica microfibre. Also seen are fine petrol green topstitching on the armrest and dashboard; petrol green rings in the air vents plus the seat belts also finished in\u00a0petrol green highlight strips. The team\u2019s emblem that signifies its achievement in the 2015 F1 season is included\u00a0on top of the gear lever.\nThe performance remains the same as\u00a0the \nfacelifted A45\n, packing\u00a0an uprated\u00a0\n2.0-litre turbocharged engine\n\u00a0that makes a whopping\u00a0\n381bhp\n mated with \nSpeedshift DCT seven-speed\n sports transmission. Together with\u00a0\nAMG Performance all-wheel drive\n and the \nfront axle differential lock\n\u00a0(which comes as standard), this hatch can hit the\u00a0100km/h mark from standstill in\n 4.2secs\n.\nThe car was revealed during the final race of the 2015 Formula One season at Abu Dhabi. Orders can be placed from January 2016 to May 2016. For\u00a0\n65,402.40 \nEuros (or RM296k following press time\u2019s forex), you can get the keys of a decent hot hatch inspired by a\u00a0team that secured a phenomenal 16 out of 19 victories in this year\u2019s F1 season. If dominance is what you\u2019re seeking, look no further than this\u00a0Mercedes-AMG A45 Petronas 2015 World Champion Edition.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The South Australia state government is considering a new road safety law, which could see the state introduce a special licence for supercar drivers.\nIn a press release, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas announced that his government is drafting a new legislation that will include \u201ca new licencing scheme for motorists who want to drive elite high-powered super sports cars\u201d. In order to obtain the licence, drivers will need to \u201ccomply with specific training and other requirements, similar to motorcycle and truck licences\u201d.\nFurthermore, the government is also mulling to ban the disabling of traction control on these high-powered cars. Drivers who are accused of killing a person will also not be allowed to hold a driving licence until their case have been resolved, as part of the new proposed legislation changes.\nThe new proposed legislations come in the wake of the death of 15-year-old Sophia Naismith, who was killed after being struck by a Lamborghini outside a Chinese restaurant in 2019. The driver of the car, Alexander Campbell, pleaded guilty to driving without due care, but was recently acquitted of death by dangerous driving.\nA \u201cmid-tier\u201d type of driving offence, slotting in between driving without due care and death by dangerous driving, is also being considered in the wake of the event, \nABC News\n \nreports.\nAccording to \nDrive\n, while there are currently no restrictions on the type of passenger vehicles for full licence holders, new drivers on a \u2018P1\u2019 provisional licence from the state are already banned from driving \u201chigh-performance vehicles\u201d, including cars built before 2010 with eight or more cylinders, or turbochargers.\nFor cars built after 2010, they will be limited to a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 174 hp (130 kW) per tonne.\nRELATED: \nYou see a reckless driver and an innocent victim, we see a larger problem \u2013 What\u2019s the Buzz\nMalinauskas says that they intend to introduce the new draft to the parliament by the end of this year. And while he expects resistance from existing drivers within the state, he believes that \u201cit\u2019s the right thing to do\u201d. \nABC News\n also reported that there appears to be bipartisan support for the reform, so change could indeed be coming to the South Australia state.\nWith the number of reckless drivers on the roads these days, we think that having an extra barrier-of-entry to driving a high-powered vehicle, in addition to just being filthy rich, could definitely help with making the public roads a little safer for everyone else. At the very least, advanced driver training courses should be mandatory for every supercar purchase, so the drivers can more easily understand the limits of the cars and their own abilities.\nBanning people from disabling the traction control, however, could see a bigger backlash from owners \u2013 especially if you\u2019re in the camp of \u201cI paid for the car, I should be allowed to do anything I want with it\u201d. What are your thoughts? Drop them in the comments section below."
"We\u2019ve all seen the usual \nMercedes-Benz\n, \nLexus\n, \nBMWs\n, or even \nRolls-Royces \nserving as the official state cars, either for the royalty or head of state. All sensible choices, we must say, but perhaps just a little \u201cuninspired\u201d, since pretty much every other head of states (or royalty) have the same car too.\nThat\u2019s probably how the Sultan of Johor felt, too, because instead of a standard Maybach or some other ultra-luxury model, he\u2019s chosen a Genesis G90 as his official state car! Now,\n that\u2019s\n how you stand out in a crowd.\nOf course, since it\u2019s an official state car, it won\u2019t be just like any other G90s out there. Firstly, HRH Sultan Ibrahim Ismail\u2019s Genesis G90 is a stretched limousine variant, which gives it an additional 290 mm in length, and 10 mm in height.\nWe\u2019re also pretty certain that the royalty-spec Genesis G90 is fully armoured, with bullet-proof glass, hardened body panels and the full nine yards to keep the passengers inside (i.e. the king of Johor) safe and sound at all times.\nTake a look at what other nation leaders around the world ride in \u2013 and how much they cost!\nSince the car is likely made to order, there\u2019s no way to know exactly what it\u2019s packing. There are also no other photos of the car as of now, but based on what the standard Genesis G90L comes with in Korea, we can expect two first class-grade reclining seats at the back, with ample of space for other things such as an entertainment centre and fold-out style tables.\nUnderneath the bonnet, the South Korean-only Genesis G90L comes exclusively with a 5.0-litre V8 that produces \n425 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via Hyundai\u2019s HTRAC all wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nThe Mercedes-Maybach S-Class meanwhile can pack up to 630 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. Check it out here!\nIt\u2019s also interesting to note that since the Genesis G90L is designated as a South Korea-exclusive, the seating layout actually places the driver on the left, as you can see from the photo above. That\u2019s not really an issue, though, since there\u2019ll always be a motorcade ahead of the car to clear off the roads, and the driver will be specifically trained to drive the car safely, too.\nIs this the most interesting official royalty chariot you\u2019ve ever seen? Well, it\u2019s certainly the most unique one here in Malaysia, at least. What other car would you like to see being converted into \u201croyalty-spec\u201d? Let us know in the comments below!\n[Photos: \nHRH Crown Prince of Johor/Twitter\n]\nGALLERY\nGenesis G90 Limousine"
"One of the main hurdles to electric vehicle (EV) adoption is the price of the cars themselves. That hurdle, however, won\u2019t be going away anytime soon as EVs are just more expensive to produce than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. And \nStellantis\n CEO Carlos Tavares has put a precise figure on this, stating that EVs \ncost 40% more to produce\n than ICE cars.\nAutocar reports that during the CES tech event held in Las Vegas last week, the Stellantis CEO said, \u201cAnywhere you introduce technology that is 40% more expensive than the previous one you need to work hard in improving your business model through fixed and variable costs.\u201d\nThe company says that they have only managed to increase EV prices over the past 18 months due to the semiconductor shortage which has created overdemand for EVs. However, as automotive manufacturing picks up its pace again, Tavares says, \u201cYou lose pricing power because you rebalance supply and demand. Then you need to work faster on reducing costs to protect margins.\u201d\nCar companies will have to absorb most of the additional manufacturing costs of EVs since, as Tavares says, \u201cIf the average transaction price increases because of the EV sales mix increase, then you have risk that the total market shrinks.\u201d\nRELATED: \nStellantis reaffirms climate change commitment, new solar panels installed at Gurun plant\nAlthough partially absorbed by car manufacturers, it will still be tough to make EVs that cost less than ICE cars. \nEVs are generally more expensive simply for the fact they utilise lithium-ion batteries\n.\nIn a previous report, a Honda executive stated that \u201cWe [Honda] don\u2019t really believe that the current lithium-ion technology is the long-term solution.\u201d He says that solid-state batteries will be \u201cthe game changer for us [Honda]\u201d as it will allow for lower-priced EVs that are \u201cin the neighborhood of what a nice [petrol-powered] vehicle costs.\u201d\nDuring the chip shortage, many car companies recorded bumper profits as they cut back on discounting and other marketing expenses, reports Autocar. Stellantis made a net profit of \u20ac8 billion (approx. RM37.3 billion) in the first half of 2022, up 34% on the same period the year before, for a profit margin of 14%.\nRELATED: \nHonda exec says EVs will always cost more than petrol cars, unless."
"At the grand opening of \nProton\u2019s first 4S centre in Malaysia\n, the national carmaker\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong disclosed to the media that the new SUV will be launching sometime in September or October this year!\nAccording to Dr Li, the initial fleet of the yet-to-be-named Proton SUV will be fully imported from China as per the Government\u2019s requirement before they begin local assembly in early 2019. This is common practice even for premium brands like \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n and \nVolvo Car Malaysia\n where initial batches of vehicles are offered in CBU form.\nProton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong\nVice President of Group Engineering at Geely, Yang Jun, also ensured that Proton and Geely\u2019s aim is to offer all the high-tech features on the right-hand drive (RHD) Proton SUV to meet market expectations. He even said that \nlocalised features\n that are not available anywhere else are also among the cards.\nYang also stressed that this is not a mere rebadging exercise as a joint development between over 100 Geely and Proton engineers have been ongoing for the past 18 months \u2013 since the debut of the Geely Boyue in China.\nThe new SUV is also said to feature design tweaks as compared to the Boyue but the CBU units will feature minor changes while the CKD units will feature more substantial design input for both exterior and interior from Proton\u2019s head of design, Azlan Othman.\nDr Li promised that the first new Proton SUV will be presented to the public earliest in July while marketing campaigns will commence right after in August.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGeely Boyue 1.8 TGDi\u00a0Preview in Malaysia"
"Volvo Cars has unveiled the concept of its future compact cars: the XC40 crossover and V40 hatchback. The event took place at the company\u2019s design studios in Gothenberg. Both cars, callsign Concept 40.1 and Concept 40.2, will ride on the company\u2019s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform.\nThe Concept 40.1 previews the next generation XC40 model that will go head to head with the BMW X1. Just like the 90 series Volvos, the XC40 gets\u00a0\nThor\u2019s Hammer LED DRLs\n, a lengthy grille and a contrasting black roof. The 40.1 is said to be \nfront-wheel driven\n and will be utilising\u00a0a \nhybrid powertrain\n\u00a0consisting of a three-cylinder petrol turbo engine working with an electric motor. A \nseven-speed twin clutch gearbox\n used in this XC40 will have an\u00a0electric motor acting on one of the twin-clutch shafts.\n \n \nThe Concept 40.2 will be the new V40/S40 with\u00a0\nelectrical power\n. The aesthetics on this concept is a huge departure from the outgoing V40, and shares the same front fascia as the crossover concept. However, this gets a\u00a0more exquisite sunroof and the rear end is inspired by the\u00a0\nS90\n saloon.\u00a0The concept is aimed at saloon loving markets in America and Asia, which means the presently discontinued S40 has finally found its rightful successor.\nThis concept also reveals\u00a0Volvo\u2019s small electric car aspirations; power is delivered to the front courtesy of an electric powertrain and a battery pack lying underneath the car. This EV can cover up to\u00a0\n347 km\n under a single charge.\nBoth the audacious XC40 and radical V40 concepts are fruits of the Volvo and parent company, Geely. Since the large premium car segment is spearheaded by the efforts of the new and brilliant\u00a0\nXC90\n, \nS90\n and \nV90\n, expect these two compacts to rock the small premium car segment.\u00a0The XC40 is planned for production in 2017, followed by the new V40 a year later.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nXC40   Volvo V40"
"We\u2019re a little late to the party seeing as this car was introduced in Japan in mid-August but when it comes to timeless pieces of art such as the Kyoto Edition that\u2019s based on the\n M850i xDrive\n Gran Coupe, it\u2019s better late than never, isn\u2019t it?\nThe Kyoto Edition was created in collaboration with world-renowned lacquer artist Shiho Okada from Kyoto, Japan. One of the goals of this unique project was to create something that no one has ever seen \u2013 derived from the intersection of two different cultures (Japanese and German).\nIf you think this is yet another marketing stunt most carmakers have been guilty of featuring some random stickers and fancy trims, you\u2019re wrong; this one\u2019s far from it. For starters, you have the Azurite Black paint job by BMW Individual that has a blue sparkle akin to the Azurite gemstone to create a sense of elegance and tranquility.\nOnce inside, the eye would immediately be drawn to the lacquered centre console of the M850i Gran Coupe with designs inspired by traditional Japanese crafts from the Edo period that spanned between the 1600s to the 1800s. The designs which feature a bundle of elongated strips is seen as an auspicious pattern in Japan and is a symbol of longevity.\nIf you think it\u2019s just another painted panel that a street artist could\u2019ve accomplished, you\u2019re wrong again. Instead, painstaking hours of delicate craftsmanship has gone into completing the exquisite piece.\nThe surface actually consists of tiny pieces of shells that have been cut into shapes and pasted on for a 3D effect. As for the gold details, they\u2019re not merely pressed on with foil but instead, sewn in with gold powder. Unfortunately, it\u2019s not a process we can explain in further detail despite an elaborate explanation given on the Japanese BMW site \u2013 Google Translate could only do so much.\nEven the lacquer used in this piece of art is special as it is sourced from a lacquer shop that was founded in 1902. The lacquer is resistant to deterioration and is said to be used in some of the oldest cultural buildings in Japan such as the Himeji Castle.\nTo top this all of, the purchase of a Kyoto Edition M850i xDrive Gran Coupe will be accompanied by a special key box made by Shiho Okada himself, along with cushions specially-made from materials sourced entirely from Kyoto.\nGALLERY"
"The\u00a0\nAudi R8 e-tron\n\u00a0has for the second time, axed from Ingolstadt\u2019s halo model lineup. After shifting just 100 units, the all-electric 456 hp Audi R8 will no longer be on sale.\nBased on the\u00a0second-generation \nR8 supercar\n, the updated R8 e-Tron was launched last year in Geneva. The fully electric R8 produces a mind bending\u00a0\n920 Nm\n of torque, which helps it propel from standstill to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds before topping out at an electrically governed 250km/h. It packs a\u00a0\n49 kWh lithium-ion battery \nand boasts a travel range of\u00a0450km. Power is delivered to the rear wheels, making this the only R8 that\u2019s not a\u00a0quattro.\nStrangely, there\u2019s no given reason from Audi on the R8 e-tron\u2019s untimely demise. The first-generation R8 also had an e-Tron variant which debuted in 2009\u00a0but never made into production.\nEver since the \ndieselgate saga\n that started a witch-hunt for oil burners, manufacturers are jumping on the electric vehicle bandwagon. Audi\u2019s exploits in the all-electric\u00a0\nFormula E\n\u00a0race series (ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport team) have proven that the Germans are indeed serious in the future of electric cars.\nBut one thing is for sure. These 100 R8 e-Trons\u00a0will be an exclusive collector\u2019s item in the years to come."
"After seeing the success of their 4-door coupes on the upper-echelon with the \n4 Series\n, \n6 Series\n and the recently launched \n8 Series\n, BMW has once again brought its \u201cGran Coupe\u201d treatment to the other models. \nAlready teased\n back in March, BMW has now finally unveiled the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe!\nDespite being called the 2 Series Gran Coupe, the four door coupe actually shares mechanical underpinnings with the recently launched 1 Series. Built on the FAAR architecture, the 2 Series Gran Coupe will be\n front-wheel drive\n, while the 2-door coupe will remain rear-wheel driven for now.\nThe 2 Series Gran Coupe will be available with three engine choices at launch. The entry-level 218i with a \n140 hp\n 1.5-litre three cylinder petrol engine, and a 2.0-litre diesel producing \n190 hp\n on the 220d.\u00a0\nThe range-topping M235i xDrive will be powered by a \n2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged engine\n producing \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque to go with its \nfour-wheel-drive\n capability.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe 218i will be available with a\n six-speed manual\n or \n7-speed dual-clutch automatic\n transmission, while all other variants are only available with an \n8-speed automatic\n.\u00a0Specific to the M235i xDrive is also a \nTorsen limited-slip differential\n, BMW\u2019s \nARB traction control system\n, M sport brakes, and extra bracing for additional stiffness to provide a sportier driving experience.\u00a0\nLike its bigger four-door siblings \u2013 the 4 Series, 6 Series, and 8 Series Gran Coupes \u2013 BMW has given great focus to the design of the car, featuring the signature stretched low-slung flowing roofline.\u00a0\nThe 2 Series Gran Coupe gains its own version of a widened kidney grille featuring contoured vertical slats on the lower-end models while the M235i gets a race-car inspired 3D mesh design. The M235i also gets enlarged air inlet surrounds along with a rectangular \u201cfree-form\u201d exhaust at the rear.\nFlanking the kidney grilles are the angled \nfull-LED headlights\n, which comes as standard on all variants with an optional adaptive version.\u00a0\nOver at the rear, the signature \u201cL\u201d shaped taillights are now even more slender in appearance, and draws from the side of the car inwards to accentuate the width of the car along with the use of horizontal lines and a lower license plate placement. The M235i also gets a bespoke BMW M rear apron and ducktail spoiler.\nThe new 2 Series Gran Coupes will ride on light-alloy wheels, ranging from 16 inches on the entry-level models to \n18-inch polished wheels\n on the M Sport models and the M235i. A 19-inch wheel is available as an option.\u00a0\nDespite its sporty appearance, BMW did not sacrifice the Gran Coupe\u2019s practicality, with a \n430-litre\n rear boot space thanks to its 2670 mm wheelbase. The rear load compartment can be further expanded by folding down the 40/20/40 split rear seats.\nMoving inside, the first thing you will notice is the frameless side doors all-round! The rear passengers also gain an \nextra 33-millimeters\n of leg room, along with extra head room, while sitting 12 mm higher than the coupe.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nUp front, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is equipped with BMW\u2019s digital driver\u2019s display, a standard \n8.8-inch touchscreen\n infotainment display with BMW Operating System 7.0, with the option for a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 9.2-inch heads-up display.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nIn customary BMW fashion, the centre dashboard is tilted slightly towards the driver to emphasise the driver-focused cockpit, with different materials used on the dashboard to \u201csplit\u201d the driver and passenger areas.\u00a0\nThe 2 Series Gran Coupe has also been blessed with technologies filtering down from the higher model classes, including the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, BMW Digital Key (with your smartphone), \u201cHey BMW\u201d voice assistant, as well as safety features such as collision and pedestrian warning with City Brake function, Lane Departure Warning system with active lane return.\u00a0\nOptional safety features such as Active Cruise Control with stop-go functionality, and BMW\u2019s Driving Assistant active driver\u2019s assistance suite can also be specified.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nthird-generation Kia Picanto\n recently made its \nfirst public appearance in Malaysia\n at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow and now Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has quietly opened the \nregistration of interest\n for the new compact car.\nNKM has revealed the confirmed specification for the Picanto on its \ndedicated website\n and like the outgoing model, this little hatchback is armed to the teeth. On the outside, it comes with projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front air curtain, front fog lamps, LED combination taillamps and chrome door handles.\nInside, the new Picanto will come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with\n Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n (even the larger \nKia Rio\n does not come with touchscreen\u00a0infotainment let alone Apple CarPlay), keyless entry and reverse camera with dynamic guidelines. On the\n safety\n front it comes with the usual \nsix airbags\n, ABS, Electronic Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist. However, since the debut of the \nall-new Perodua Myvi\n with \nAdvanced Safety Assist\n, the safety kit on the Picanto is\n par for the course\n, to say the least.\nIt remains to be seen whether customers will have the option for the \nGT-Line\n which comes with a unique body kit, rear diffuser, dual exhaust outlets and larger 16-inch dual-tone alloys. Like all Kia models, the Picanto will come with a 5-Year warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the \nworld premiere of the facelifted Porsche Macan\n in July? Well, there\u2019s now a Macan S with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 making 354 hp and 480 Nm but that\u2019s not all.\nWhen equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the new Macan S can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds, 0.1 second quicker than the previous model, with a top speed of 254 km/h.\nUsing a central turbo layout, where the turbocharger is positioned in the \u201cinner V\u201d of the V6 engine, this ensures shorter exhaust gas paths between the combustion chambers and the turbocharger, for better throttle response.\nThe Macan S\u2019 features staggered tyres (wider rear tyres compared to front), supplemented by the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) four-wheel drive system.\nOn the front axle, spring forks made from aluminium replaces the previous steel components. The new light alloy design is more rigid yet reduces unsprung mass, for more precise steering and improved ride comfort.\u00a0Even its sway bars were fettered with for more neutral handling.\nThe options list in that aspect includes height-adjustable air suspension, Porsche\u2019s Active Stability Management (PASM) active damper control system and the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus).\nAs for the brakes, the pedals supposedly weigh 300 g less than before and along with a shortened lever arm, offers more immediate braking response.\nThe front is now fitted with larger diameter and thicker brake discs, paired with copper-free brake pads. If that\u2019s not enough, there\u2019s always the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).\nAesthetically, the three-dimensional rear LED light bar is by far the biggest change in the Macan\u2019s exterior. Inside, the Macan S gets the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), which now features a 10.9-inch full-HD touchscreen.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For the past 36 months, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP)\u00a0launched the highly popular \nMacan \nSUV, the hypercar \n918 Spyder\n\u00a0and the utterly mad\u00a0\n911 GT3 RS\n. During\u00a0the launch of the \nCayman GT4 Clubsport\n, CEO of SDAP, Arnt Bayer revealed the inevitable \u2013 the Malaysian introduction of the\u00a0\nsecond-generation Panamera\n and the \n718 Boxster\n\u2019s twin, the \n718 Cayman\n.\nThe Panamera can be had with a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo with \n326 hp\n, 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo with \n434 hp\n as well as a 4.0-litre V8 twin turbo with \n542 hp\n. The diesel variant packs a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 turbodiesel \u00a0up front, making\u00a0\n416 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque.\nFor the environmentally conscious, the Panamera is also available with an \nE-Hybrid\n variant that comes with a 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo and an electric motor to generate a total output of \n462 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n. Bayer did not specify which variant\u00a0we will be receiving, but it\u2019s safe to say that the three petrol variants will make their\u00a0way here. The question now is, will SDAP bring in the E-Hybrid, the diesel-powered Panamera, and the stretched \nPanamera Executive\n? Regardless, we sure are looking forward to witness the futuristic rear wing in action!   Meanwhile, like the 718 Boxster, the \n718 Cayman\n will most likely be introduced in two variants \u2013 Cayman and Cayman S. The regular Cayman packs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit pushing out \n300 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n while the hotter Cayman S packs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo producing \n350 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. If the \nCayman GT4\n is too far of a stretch and you\u2019re not the type who likes wind in your hair, the 718 Cayman couldn\u2019t come sooner.   SDAP also hinted at \u201cother models in the pipeline\u201d without revealing further details. Perhaps the \nPerformance Pack\n for the Macan?"
"The Ford GT will be available in a new limited-edition Heritage theme featuring unique interior and exterior colour themes along with an exclusive wheel finish, in honour of the race winning GT40 Mark IV race car piloted by Dan Gurney and A.J Foyt at Le Mans in 1967.\n\u201cThe first Heritage edition car was a huge success, honouring our history with a modern interpretation of the Le Mans winner,\u201d said Garen Nicoghosian, exterior design manager for the car. \u201cContinuing with a Ford GT based on the winning GT40 Mark IV race car was simply something we needed to do.\u201d\nThe Ford GT \u201967 Heritage edition features a gloss-finished Race Red exterior with white stripes and exposed carbon fibre. It also sports a Frozen White No.1 hood and door graphics and 20-inch one-piece forged aluminium wheels in silver satin clearcoat.\nThe interior features new leather trimming for the carbon fibre seats, with red accent stitching, similarly applied to the steering. Satin dark stainless appliqu\u00e9s are used on the instrument panel, door register bezels and x-brace while the seat belt webbing is now red and the paddle shifters in anodised grey.\nEach \u201967 Heritage edition come with a unique serialised identification plate with exposed matte carbon fibre door sills, air register pods and centre console. Limited quantities of the Ford GT \u201967 Heritage edition will be available next year and can be viewed at\u00a0\nFordGT.com\n\u00a0using the configuration tool.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the shift from combustion engine platform to fully-electric, Volvo is also taking advantage to rethink and restyle their models for the future. The Volvo Concept Recharge was previewed yesterday at the company\u2019s technology event called Volvo Cars Tech Moment.\n\u201cOur Concept Recharge represents a manifesto for the all-electric future of Volvo Cars, as well as a new type of vehicle,\u201d said Robin Page, head of design. \u201cIt displays new and modern proportions that go hand-in-hand with increased versatility and shows what technology can enable in terms of design.\u201d\nVolvo says the Concept Recharge has the Scandinavian design and mantra of \n\u2018less but better\u2019\n at its core. Up front, the traditional radiator cooling grille has been replaced with a shield-like structure, supported by a new interpretation of the company\u2019s Thor\u2019s Hammer headlight design.\nIn this concept car, the headlights feature advanced technology that enables pure graphics to reveal the main lamp units when switched on in the dark. A front trunk or \u2018frunk\u2019 is also expected to be built under the hood.\nAt the top and centre of the windscreen is the LiDAR sensor, a device that uses pulses of laser lights to accurately provide depth and position information, creating a temporary real-time 3D map without requiring data connection.\nThe \nLiDAR sensor\n will unlock better, more precise mapping and navigation which will, in turn, allow even more advanced unaided driving capabilities, all in the pursuit of fully autonomous driving.\nVolvo has started rolling out its 180 km/h speed limit. Find out why here!\nAt the rear, the vertical taillamps continue to highlight the brand\u2019s signature but now integrated with a set of wings that extend at higher cruising speeds to further improve overall aerodynamics.\nInside, the dashboard continues to follow the \u2018less but better\u2019 concept with just simple but rich information screens. The central display measures 15 inches and in portrait orientation while the driver\u2019s display is aided by another head-up display.\nNext-generation Volvo vehicles will also see the overall vehicle operating system developed by Google and powered by NVIDIA, called \nVolvoCars.OS\n. More integration of various control systems and in-house development means the new-generation models can be updated with high-quality new software and features more frequently.\nThanks to a flat floor with the battery pack placed below it, the interior is a vast expanse of space, with designers happily recreating a truly Scandinavian living room feeling.\nMoving to the technical aspects of the Concept Recharge that will form the basis of the next-generation Volvo EVs, the company is focusing on advancing battery technology for \na longer range and faster charging times\n.\nRecycle your old electronics at all Volvo Malaysia dealerships nationwide. More here!\nVolvo is partnering with \nNorthvolt\n to develop and produce sustainable batteries that will reduce the carbon impact, responsible sourcing of raw materials and even remanufacture or reuse batteries.\nBi-directional charging\n will also be made available, allowing customers to offload excess electricity from their car battery to the power grid. \u00a0\nAs for the upcoming new Volvo XC90, the model will go fully-electric and is slated for production next year. One of the main production bases will be \nSouth Carolina in the USA\n, where the facility will also produce the \nupcoming Polestar 3\n high-performance SUV.\nVolvo is embarking on a mission to have its entire line-up to be fully electric by 2030, phasing out even their plug-in hybrid models that are \ncurrently on sale in Malaysia\n. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Following the global launch of the fifth-generation \nLS 500h\n\u00a0earlier this year, Lexus has gone on to release in full the details of their flagship limousine. The juiciest bit is the powertrain, and it comes with paddle shifters. Makes no sense to have that in a limo, but sure, why not?\nThe LS 500h gets\n Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System\n, which constitutes of a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 with Dual VVT-i petrol engine and two electric motors delivering a combined output of \n354 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Transmission of choice is a sophisticated \nMulti Stage Hybrid transmission\n\u00a0that marries a four-speed automatic and an e-CVT, sending power either to the rear wheels or all-four wheels.\nWe\u2019ve detailed this system when it first debuted on the \nLC 500h\n.\u00a0In short, the Multi Stage Hybrid transmission provides the best of both worlds \u2013 the efficiency of a CVT and the actual mechanical gearshifts of a cogged transmission. This innovative transmission mimics the shift pattern of a \n10-speed gearbox\n and Lexus claims the direct yet linear acceleration from the e-CVT is free from the typical \u201crubber band\u201d effect.\nIn \u201cM\u201d mode, drivers can bang up the gears just like a normal gearbox, but with a twist. Mounted behind the steering wheel are paddle shifters, which is a first for any Lexus hybrid cars. And it\u2019s no slouch as well: the LS 500h would sprint from 0 to 96 km/h (that\u2019s 0 to 60 mph) in 5.4 seconds. That\u2019s just 0.9 seconds slower than the equivalent 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6! Oh, the Mercedes-Benz W222 S-Class manages the century sprint a heck slower too, at 6.8 seconds.   A lightweight lithium-ion battery pack gives the electric motor the juice needed to drive this full-sized sedan. The new battery pack is \n20 percent\n smaller than the nickel-metal hydride unit found on the previous generation LS 600h.\nUnique equipment on this LS 500h include a new stitching treatment and vibrant \nKiriko\n glasswork (a type of Japanese cut glass) on the inner door panels. Other than that, the never-ending list of options found on the LS 500 is carried over to this hybrid model. Will it come to Malaysia? The LS most definitely will, but this hybrid variant may or may not.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Our bubbly girl\u00a0racer has done it again. This time, \nLeona Chin\n scored double second place finishes in Round 4 of Renault Clio Cup China Series at the Shanghai International Circuit!\nAfter\u00a0the disappointing Round 3\u00a0in Thailand where Leona finished fourth in both races, the \nMalaysian female racer\n\u00a0upped her game in Shanghai, qualifying second in the first race. She got the best start and\u00a0boldly overtook championship leader Kenneth Lim for the lead. Both had a close battle before Leona lost the\u00a0lead to Kenneth. She finished second in the first race.\nIn the following race, Leona who started\u00a0second on grid battled intense competitions from other rivals. She went off-track at one point, but managed to retain composure and\u00a0crossed the finish line behind race winner\u00a0Kenneth once again.\nLeona commented \u201cKenneth is a senior competitor who is top of his game and I respect him very much. I am happy with my performances today but for sure I can still improve, and am looking forward to the next race.\u201d   The\u00a0solid result means our favourite girl drifter and race car driver\u00a0is now second overall with 201 points, with her closest\u00a0competitor trailing by 64 points. Kenneth is pretty unstoppable in the \nRenault Clio Cup China Series\n as he scored the maximum 272 points in the championship by winning all races so far. There are two rounds to go in Chengdu and Zhejiang, so let\u2019s wish the very best to Leona in the remaining races!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the Volvo V70 XC? Now it\u2019s back. Well, sort of. Since Volvo doesn\u2019t produce the V70 anymore, the latest V90 has been given the Cross Country treatment instead. It\u2019s the fourth model spun out of the SPA architecture after the \nXC90\n, \nS90\n\u00a0and the \nV90\n, and we wonder if there will be an S90 Cross Country soon.\nYes the \nV90 Cross Country\n is essentially a jacked-up V90, but Volvo also wants you to know it\u2019s more than that. Apart from the \n65mm higher\n ground clearance (over the V90), the Cross Country variant is also a tiny bit \nwider\n due to those chunky arch extensions. The black plastic cladding also covers the lower part of the car, with tougher-looking bumpers and a set of rugged alloys.\nThat\u2019s not all. Underneath the go-anywhere styling, Volvo has widened both the \nfront and rear tracks\n by \n20 mm\n and \n40 mm\n respectively to make it more stable, and a set of \nhigher-profiled tyres\n should complement the steeper departure angles when the going gets rough.\nInside, the V90 Cross Country looks entirely similar to the V90, but its \nDrive Mode\n follows the XC90\u2019s with \nOff Road\n mode added to the existing Eco, Comfort, and Dynamic modes.\nPowering the V90 Cross Country is a choice of petrol or diesel \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n forced induction Drive-E engines, and at launch there will be two flavours of each: T5 and T6 for petrol, and D4 and D5 for diesel.\nThey\u2019re the same engines already powering other SPA Volvos, so to recap, the turbocharged \nT5\n delivers \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n;\n\u00a0\nthe \nT6\n adds a supercharger to produce \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, while the twin-turbo diesel generates \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n in the \nD4\n and \n235 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n in the \nD5\n.\u00a0An \neight-speed automatic\n sends the power to the \nall-wheel drive\n system, but the D4 can also be specified with a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission.\nIn Malaysia, we are still waiting for the S90\u2019s arrival, set to debut sometime next year. It\u2019s presently unclear whether the V90 will even be introduced here\u00a0because\u00a0we all know that Malaysians favour sedans and SUVs more than the wagon.\u00a0It\u2019s a shame, isn\u2019t it?\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2015 Kia Carnival has finally revealed itself at the recent 2014 New York Auto Show after a few teases. This new MY15 model replaces the outgoing MY06 model.\nThe new MY15 model now features Kia\u2019s signature front face, as well as having a deep sweeping windscreen. Like a crossover, the new Carnival (Kia Sedona in North America) has its cab pushed forwards for maximum passenger space. The length of the Sedona is 5156mm, with a width of 1983mm and the height is 1739mm.\nIn terms of safety aspects, the Kia Sedona has you protected with\u00a0\u00a0active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).\nPower wise, the MY15 Sedona will be powered by the new Lambda GSI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, with a cubic capacity of 3.3-litre. It\u2019s also a V6 unit like the old model. This new Lambda engine provides 276 hp @ 6,000rpm of shoving power and 336NM of torque @ 5,200rpm. The only transmission choice is a 6-speed automatic gearbox. No performance data was provided.\nOn the handling front, the Sedona has front\u00a0MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar, Amplitude Selected Damper, and the backs are multi-link with struts, coil springs, a surprise that a large MPV like this doesn\u2019t use the traditional torsion beam.\nNo words on local availability as yet, but it would be a pleasant surprise to see Naza importing this to challenge the likes of Toyota\u2019s latest offerings.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the \nannouncement of the category winners\n, the \nWomen\u2019s World Car of the Year awards\n has named the all-new \nLand Rover Defender\n as their World Car of the Year.\n \nFollowing are the category winners as announced last week:\nBest Urban Car\n\u00a0\u2013 Peugeot 208\nBest Family Car\n\u00a0\u2013 Skoda Octavia\nBest Luxury Car\n\u00a0\u2013 Lexus LC500 Convertible\nBest Sports Car\n\u00a0\u2013 Ferrari F8 Spider\nBest Urban SUV\n\u00a0\u2013 Peugeot 2008\nBest Medium SUV\n\u00a0\u2013 Land Rover Defender\nBest Large SUV\n\u00a0\u2013 Kia Sorento\nBest 4\u00d74 & Pick-up\n\u00a0\u2013 Ford F-150\nBest EV\u00a0\n\u2013 Honda e\nWatch the \nDefender in action\n in the latest Bond film!\nA total of 50 female motoring journalists from 38 countries participated in the voting process. These vehicles were evaluated based on aspects of performance, comfort, safety, value for money, and technology. The vehicles selected were launched between January to December 2020.\n\u201cThe Women\u2019s World Car of the Year gives enormous value because its decisions represent the liking and preferences of millions of women drivers around the globe,\u201d said Women\u2019s World Car of the Year, Executive President, Marta Garcia.\nGALLERY"
"For those of you eager to be part of the GAZOO Racing movement, here\u2019s your chance. UMW Toyota Motor has revealed a lineup of GAZOO Racing (GR) accessories for the GR Yaris, \nVios GR-S\n, and even the standard Yaris!\nThese accessories are available only at \nfive GR Garages \nlocated nationwide; in Wing Hin Balakong, PCM Klang, Focus Tetap Setia Alam, Telagamas Kulim, and Mutiara Johor Bahru.\nGR fanboys can also purchase these add-ons in 39 different GR outlets around the country \u2013 Toyota dealerships competing in the Vios Challenge.\nExclusively for the GR Yaris include items like an interior panel set with a carbon fibre look, front and rear spoiler, sports muffler, and side skirts.\nAs for the Vios GR-S, \nVios\n and \nYaris\n, they can be aesthetically enhanced with illuminated door sills, floor and boot mats, front and rear anti-roll bars, valve caps, windscreen stickers, and more!\nGet your Vios or Yaris to drive even better with the front and rear anti-roll bar!\n\u201cGAZOO Racing is a name that has gained tremendous traction in the domestic market since we first introduced the brand here in 2017. The brand represents Toyota\u2019s motorsport activities worldwide, and this has translated into a great number of initiatives locally including the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival, the Vios Challenge one-make race, the GAZOO Racing Velocity Esports Championship, the launch of exclusive GR vehicles, the roll-out of the Vios GR-S in Malaysia and establishing the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program for young racing drivers,\u201d said GAZOO Racing Malaysia\u2019s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama.\nAll GR accessories come with a 1-year warranty and to ensure quality fitment, customers can have the products installed at the respective GR Garages and GR outlets.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Group has just increased more Euros into their push to continue its leadership in Europe via a massive investment to the tune of \nEUR89 billion\n (approx. RM428 billion). The investment sees EUR60 billion allocated for e-mobility that includes hybrid technology as well as digitalisation.\nThe massive amount is spread over five years and it is not just about making next-generation vehicles, but also safeguarding around 130,000 jobs. Around EUR21 billion is set aside for \u2018electrifying\u2019 its European plants, particularly in the Lower Saxony region such as Wolfsburg, Hanover, Braunschweig and Osnabruck.\nSaid to be the Volkswagen brand\u2019s flagship and technological showcase, \nProject Trinity\n will be manufactured in the heavily remodelled Wolfsburg plant that also houses the new Campus Sandkamp- a research and development centre.\nRELATED: Volkswagen announces colossal battery supply plan at maiden Power Day\nThe team of over 4,800 engineers will also harness all their talents and know-how to create the \nScalable Systems Platform (SSP)\n, a new, singular platform that will underpin all of the Group\u2019s products with the first model to be available in showrooms from 2026. Faultless and regulatory-approved Level 4 fully autonomous drive and connectivity will be the key challenges in making the Project Trinity a reality.\nElsewhere, the Leipzig plant will add another electric model alongside the \nall-new Porsche Macan\n that will be fully electric, both made using the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, while Audi Brussels, the pioneer in electromobility and sustainability for the brand with four rings, will commence the production of Audi Q8 e-tron in 2026.\nNewly presented Audi models will be electric-only from 2026! More about the path to end engines here.\nOverall, the largescale investment is required to boost production and support the brand\u2019s share of battery EVs in Europe to 25% by 2026 from 6% currently.\nCloser to home, the Pekan plant in Pahang has been set up to assemble the latest Volkswagen Golf Mk.8 from 2022! More about the hatchback here!\nAt the other end of the region, Volkswagen Group has set aside plans to build compact EVs and SUVs at its Spanish multi-brand facility in Martorell and Pamplona.\nVolkswagen will also further boost its source of revenue, seeing a huge potential from software-based services. The remaining circa EUR30 billion has been earmarked for the digitalisation of products such as autonomous driving."
"After more than a decade of service, the \nsecond-generation Toyota Avanza\n has finally bowed out for an all-new model that has just been unveiled today at the 2021 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), alongside its sportier counterpart, Veloz, that\u2019s now its own unique model.\nAside from the usual complete makeover (which we will get into a little later), the all-new Toyota Avanza is also now built atop the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), the same platform that also underpins the \nPerodua Ativa\n.\nThe new platform means that the all-new third-generation Toyota Avanza now gets a new unibody, front-wheel-drive layout, ditching the previous generation\u2019s body-on-frame rear-wheel drive set-up.\nFind out what makes the DNGA special in our Perodua Ativa review here.\nSizing wise, the all-new Toyota Avanza and Veloz duo has grown quite significantly in footprint compared to its predecessor, measuring 4,395 mm long (+205 mm), 1,730 mm wide (+70 mm), and depending on variant, either 1,665 mm (entry level variant, -30 mm) or 1,700 mm (+5 mm) tall. Both of the cars also has a 2,750 mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 205 mm.\nPowertrain remains unchanged from before \u2013 there\u2019s an option for a 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill with \n98 hp\n and \n121 Nm\n that\u2019s only available on the entry-level variant, paired exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission, or a 1.5-litre mill making \n106 hp\n and \n137 Nm\n that can be mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT gearbox (\ngoodbye, 4AT!\n).\nAs we mentioned above, the all-new Toyota Avanza was given a complete makeover, making it look significantly more upscale and modern when compared to its predecessor. The front fascia is largely dominated by a trapezoidal-shaped grille, and is complemented by slim LED headlights, and a moulded bumper with angular fog lamp surrounds.\nMoving to the back, the all-new Avanza also gets a pair of slim horizontal tail lights, as opposed to the vertical items from before, and the entire tail lamp element protrudes outwards, connected by a body-coloured line that runs through the Toyota emblem.\nCompleting the looks department are the chunky wheel arches and floating roof design to give the all-new Toyota Avanza a more SUV-like design that\u2019s so popular right now. Depending on variants, you\u2019ll also get either a 15- or 16-inch set of alloys on all four corners.\nThe Veloz, meanwhile, is the more upmarket and (in our opinion) more attractive option of the two, headlined by its completely different front fascia design with a hexagonal-shaped mesh grille, sharper headlights, chrome trims, and a reworked bumper that gives it a more SUV-like look.\nOther differences on the Veloz include a full-width tail lights at the rear, complemented by skid plate elements on the bumpers and 17-inch wheels to further drive home the SUV effect.\nSimilar to the exterior, the cabin of the all-new Toyota Avanza also gets a complete overhaul, with a more modern dashboard design with a touchscreen infotainment display (seven- or nine-inch) positioned atop the centre air vents. Other new additions on the inside include digital air-conditioning controls, wireless charging pad, and a new steering wheel design which finally gets tilt and telescopic adjustments.\nAs before, there are three rows of seats in the all-new Avanza that can accomodate up to seven people. As standard, the seats now come with a \u201cLong Sofa Mode\u201d which allows the first-row seats to fold back, and the second-row seats that fold forward, creating a sofa-like footrest for the third-row seats.\nAs usual, the Veloz takes the interior up a notch with standard fabric and leather combination seats, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster (similar to that of the Ativa), automatic climate control, ambient lighting, soft-touch armrests, a more elaborate centre console with an electric parking brake, plus a rear-seat entertainment screen.\nFor the first time ever on the Avanza, the range-topping new MPV is now offered with the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance suite, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert.\nRear parking sensors, reverse cameras (or 360-degree surround view monitor), and six airbags are also offered on higher-end variants.\nThe all-new Toyota Avanza is offered in four variants in Indonesia, starting with the base 1.3E variant that is priced at IDR206.2 million (approx. RM60k). Meanwhile, the Veloz will be offered in three variants, starting with the MT variant which goes for IDR251.2 million (approx. RM73k).\nRumour has it that the all-new Toyota Avanza will serve as the base to the \nupcoming Perodua Alza (D27A)\n \u2013 and if true, there\u2019s certainly a lot to look forward to!\nGALLERY\nToyota Avanza\nToyota Veloz"
"Remember the \nfull electric SUV Jaguar I-Pace Concept\n that was unveiled late last year? Well, Jaguar\u2019s first full-electric car is now a reality, and the I-Pace has already been put through its paces on the streets of London.\nTo add to that, the company has also opened the order books for the I-Pace in the UK. It will make its official global debut later this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin as soon as Q2 2018.\nJaguar\u2019s Director of Design, Ian Callum said, \u201cThe feedback on the I-PACE Concept has been fantastic. With the I-PACE Concept, we\u2019ve torn up the rule book to create a vehicle with supercar inspired aesthetics, sports car performance and SUV space, in one electric package. It has surprised people and the enthusiasm for our first electric vehicle has been beyond all my expectations.\u201d\nThe I-Pace is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle. They produce a combined output of\u00a0\n395 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. The all-wheel drive SUV is able to accelerate to 100 km/h in around \n4 seconds\n. Thanks to the sleek and aerodynamic design, the I-Pace boasts a drag coefficient of only \n0.29 cd\n.\nPacked with a liquid-cooled 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the I-Pace is expected to offer over \n500 km of driving range\n (based on NEDC cycle). A full charge can be achieved in just over two hours while 80 percent charge capacity is achieved in just \n90 minutes\n when plugged to a 50 kW DC charging port.\nFull details of the Jaguar I-Pace including pricing and specifications will be revealed at the end of the year. If the Jaguar SUV range piques your interest, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has the next best thing that\u2019s actually on sale right now, the \nJaguar F-Pace\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nJaguar I-Pace"
"Lexus Malaysia has just taken the wraps off their most popular model to date, the\u00a0\nES\n\u00a0facelift\n.\u00a0On the subject of best selling, Malaysia represents Lexus\u2019 most successful markets next to Taiwan and South Korea.\nDomestically, Lexus has collectively sold over\n 4,700\n\u00a0vehicles, but a chunky\u00a0\n24 percent\n\u00a0of that figure is that of the \nES\n. As before, the ES is offered here in three flavours, the \nES250 Premium, ES250 Luxury\n and the range topping\u00a0\nES300h\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus ES250 Premium\nLexus ES250 Luxury\nLexus ES300h\nEngine\n2.5 litre inline-four\n2.5 litre Atkinson cycle inline-four\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic gearbox\nCVT\nMax Power\n181 hp\n202 hp\nMax Torque\n235 Nm of torque\n213 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n9.8 seconds\n8.5 seconds\nTop Speed\n207 km/h\nN/A\nPrice\nRM259,200\nRM278,600\nRM355,100\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nIt\u2019s no surprise to see Lexus\u2019 streamlined look shared with its stablemates. The refreshed look gives the ES more youth and vigour in its quest of segment domination. First thing that\u2019s apparent from gazing at the front end is the \nsignature spindle design grille\n that graces the Lexus range.   The headlights are sharper and more aggressive in nature as compared to the previous version. Even the bumper has been given a new lease of life with a generous amount of \nchrome\n around the edges for good measure. The fog lamps too have been reworked with its own supply of\n chrome\n trinketry.\nLexus\u2019\u00a0\nsignature DRL\n look is thrown in to extenuate the new bolder look of the ES. The headlights are \nLED\n lit thru a projector module for better illumination compared to the outgoing bi-xenon, and it \u00a0is self-levelling.\u00a0The rear end has been tidied up for a crisper look with a pair of \u2018\ndiamond-shaped\u2019\n tailpipes (except for the ES300h). The \ntail lamps\n gain the standard\n L-shape\n graphics which makes it ever more identifiable as a Lexus.\nINTERIOR\nA stronghold point for Lexus cars is the interior where lashings of\n wood, veneer and leather\n come together in harmony, style and taste. Not only that but the generous amount of room in the cabin makes the ES a very desirable marque in this segment. The interior can be had in \nBlack, Topaz Brown or Ivory\n.   Aside from the brilliant upholstery, tech and toys take centre stage in here. Lexus has thrown in the \nRemote Touch Interface\n (RTI) as part of the multimedia interface. The layout of the cockpit has the driver\u2019s needs in mind, with all button, knobs and switches at \neasy reach\n. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has more driver-centric feel with the gear shifter even tilted toward the driver.\nA \n4.2-inch\n Multi Information Display (MID) is nestled between the gauges in the instrument cluster. The ES250 Luxury and ES300h models get a small \ncommand centre\n right on the \narm-rest\n that folds down to reveal it. It controls the A/C, rear blind and the stereo.   Audiophiles take note. The ES250 Premium comes with an\n eight-speaker Lexus Display Audio\n system while the ES250 Luxury model comes with a\n Lexus Premium Audio eight-speaker\n system. The range topper on the other is bestowed with a\n Mark Levinson 15-speaker\n stereo system.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe more astute reader in the audience would have noticed a rather alarming similarity of the hybrid model to that of the specs found on the\n Toyota Camry Hybrid\n. And you wouldn\u2019t be wrong to assume such. The \nES300h\n spots the same powerplant in the Camry Hybrid. The Atkinson-cycle engine makes \n202hp\n at 4,500 rpm with \n213 Nm\n of torque.\nThe ES250 pair in this department are identical to each other, both sporting a \n2.5-litre inline four\n engine with \n181hp\n and\n 235 Nm\n of twist propelling them from standstill to \n100km/h\n\u00a0\n9.8 seconds\n\u00a0before maxing out at just over\n\u00a0200 km/h\n.\u00a0While the range topper is paired to an \ne-CVT\n gearbox, the ES250 duo are mated to a \nsix-speed Super ECT\n box.\nSAFETY\nLexus has placed an enormous attention to detail in this aspect. Aside from the norms we\u2019ve come to expect from cars of this caliber (\nABS, Brake Assist, EBD\n and\n TCS\n), the ES range comes loaded to the brim with safety tech such as \nTyre Pressure Warning System, Hill Start Assist, Blind Spot Monitor\n and\n Rear Cross Traffic Alert\n (except for ES250 Premium). The trio receives an astounding \n10 airbags\n (with knee airbag) for added safety. Parking is now a doddle with \nParking Clearance Sonar Guide\n to help drivers in this endevour.\nWHAT ELSE ?\nThe trio comes in a choice of six body colours, namely\n Red Mica, Sonic Quartz, Graphite Black, Platinum Silver, Sonic Titanium, \nand\n Amber Crystal Shine\n. The car will also come with Lexus\u2019 own brand of security and solar tint films.\nPrices of the new Lexus ES with GST, without insurance ranges from\n RM259,200\n for the ES250 Premium, \nRM278,600\n for the Luxury spec and a whopping \nRM355,100\n for the range topping ES300h model. All models sold by Lexus Malaysia comes bundled with a \n3-year or 100,000 km\n\u00a0warranty programme, whichever comes first.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Not only is it versatile, rather charming, reasonably-equipped and adequately powered \u2013 as it stands, its convincingly safe too.\nThe all-new 2017 MINI Countryman has just been presented with the \nTOP SAFETY PICK\n\u00a0(results in link)\u00a0award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as announced by MINI USA. (Ironic name isn\u2019t it? Cause America\u2019s huge.no, just me?) Oh, and it also took the same prize back in \n2012 in the Small Car category\n.\nThe award, presented by the independent, non-profit scientific and educational organisation to the Countryman as it earned an advanced rating with its optional front crash prevention system. A feature that works somewhat like the\u00a0\nHyundai IONIQ\u2019s\n\u00a0Autonomous Emergency Braking feature \u2013 sadly not made available for any of the Countryman\u2019s in this country.\nResults pointed that the system mitigated a collision, with a reduced impact speed of 7 mph in both 12 mph (19 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h) tests conducted by IIHS.\nWhat you\u2019d want to know is that the 2017 Countryman also earned this designation from its good crashworthiness ratings across the board. \nSmall overlap front\n, \nmoderate overlap front\n, sides, roof strength and head restraint tests were among those conducted.\n\u201cThe new MINI Countryman is not only the best equipped MINI we\u2019ve ever sold, but it\u2019s also the most technologically advanced and most versatile model we\u2019ve ever offered,\u201d said MINI of the Americas, Vice President, Thomas Felbermair.\nThe 2017 MINI Countryman is available in \nCooper, Cooper S ALL4\n, and the recently\n launched \nand\n tested in Sepang\n\u00a0MINI JCW Countryman."
"Showcasing a fresh dimension to its identity, the \nIsuzu D-Max X-Terrain\n will be joining the 2022 KL Fashion Week (KLFW) as the event\u2019s official \u201cUltimate Lifestyle Vehicle\u201d sponsor, with three units of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain to be showcased in the heart of the city.\nThis year\u2019s KL Fashion Week is themed \u2018The Bigger, The Better\u2019, which is arguably an apt fit for the third-generation \nIsuzu\n D-Max, especially as the company looks to push the \u201cactive lifestyle\u201d image of the D-Max, beyond what a pick-up is traditionally known for.\nIsuzu Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo\nIsuzu Malaysia\u2019s Chief Operating Officer Kenkichi Sogo said, \u201cWith its cutting-edge design, superlative features, and extraordinary go-anywhere, do-anything capabilities, the Isuzu D-Max is all about challenging the norm and allowing you to forge your fondest memories. Together with the KLFW, we aim to bring forward novel, imaginative and inspiring designs to share with the Malaysian audience.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNew 2022 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 3.0 updated with new features, from RM146k\nKL Fashion Week Founder & CEO, Andrew Tan (Left) and Isuzu Malaysia CEO, Kenkichi Sogo (Right)\nBoasting a host of cutting-edge features including a 360-degree Around View Monitor, wireless charging for phones, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Isuzu says that its D-Max X-Terrain revolutionizes the way pick-up trucks are viewed as a lifestyle vehicle in an urban setting.\nA Valencia Orange, an Onyx Black, and a Silky Pearle White Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain will be attending the 2022 KL Fashion Week, depicting the many styles of the truck. This year\u2019s Fashion Week opens from August 15 till August 21 at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.\nALSO WATCH: \nIsuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain 4\u00d74 pick-up \u201cInterior Test\u201d!"
"The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (\nMIROS\n) is proposing a 30 km/h speed limit on roads in urban, residential, city and village areas.\nThis follows after a global ministerial conference last year in which Malaysia was a part of, where 18 new resolutions on road safety were mandated.\nAt the conference, 80 ministers from their respective countries pledged\n to halve road fatalities by 2030\n. The 30 km/h speed limit will allow all motorists to share the road safely, according to MIROS.\nVolvo\u2019s Care Key allows owners to set speed limits to their cars.\nThe proposed speed limit will need to be finalised with authorities such as JPJ and Ministry of Works before being brought up to the Ministry of Transport.\nWhether this will work or not, we\u2019ll just have to see. Do people even observe speed limits these days? How many times have we all driven past an 80 km/h sign, at much higher speeds?\nHow will they even enforce this in villages? Where motorcycle users are still riding without helmets?"
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia celebrated the launch of the limited edition Beetle Club here at their showroom in Glenmarie. The launch was dubbed \u201cWelcome to the Club\u201d \u2013 pun intended obviously. Prior to this evening, the Beetle Club masqueraded a sneak peek at the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week.\nNow, what sets this Bug apart from its \u2018ordinary\u2019 siblings are down to key few differences such as the\n 17\u2033 Ravenna alloy\n wheels which in this case were wrapped in a set of Continental\u00a0\nContiPremiumContact2\n rubbers and\u00a0\ndecals\n that run the length of the car\u2019s lower half with the \n\u201cClub\u201d\n lettering.   On the inside however, Beetle die-hard fans would be delighted at the sight of the Club\u2019s \ntwo-tone orange and black\n \u2018Vienna\u2019 leather upholstery coupled with\n orange-coloured stitching\n with the addition also of the \n\u2018Club\u2019\n lettering on the\n steering wheel\n.\nThe Club is adorned in a shade of\u00a0\nHabenero Orange \npaint\u00a0which oddly enough gives one a stern indication of where the Beetle is built \u2013 \nMexico\n. Having said that, the Beetle Club is limited to only \n50 units locally\n.\nMr. Armin Keller\n, Managing Director of VGM said, \u201cSince its arrival on Malaysian shores 60 years ago, the Volkswagen Beetle has preserved its reputation of being an iconic car. We seek to constantly excite our fans by bringing these limited editions to them.\u201d\nThe Beetle Club is available from \nRM152,888\n and can be had at \nselected\n authorised dealerships and is available while stocks last.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What day is this? Does it even matter to you anymore what time is it? Does it feel like time is now only used to differentiate breakfast, lunch and dinner?\nYou\u2019ve probably counted how many units there are in the condominium opposite the road and rearranged the cables that have for so long cluttered the back of your TV so here\u2019s something to get you out of the rut.\nNetflix has, very timely, released a biopic of arguably the best Formula 1 driver there ever was \u2013 called \nA Life of Speed: The Juan Manuel Fangio Story\n.\nWithout giving away too much, the film tells the story of the late Fangio, an Argentinian race car driver who had won five Formula 1 Driver\u2019s Championships in the 1950s, unanimously dubbed the greatest of all time.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1vm_qMDn-I\nThe comprehensive biopic not only covers the early life of Fangio but also offers a brief insight to the challenges faced by team and drivers in the early days of motor racing. In overcoming the hardships of World War 2, Fangio proved that he wasn\u2019t just an extraordinary driver, but also an incredibly savvy businessman.\nThe story of the humble Fangio is also told by various Formula 1 greats from the past and present, showering the Argentinian with only the highest praises. There are also multiple segments where the man himself \u2013 shares various experiences and words of wisdom.\nYou\u2019d also most definitely appreciate all the never before seen footages from the days of black and white production.\nSo if you\u2019re looking for something to watch during your \u201clunch break\u201d on the couch, in your boxers or even birthday suit, this is the one. You can thank us later."
"The Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT) has just announced the tender results for the special \u201cMalaysia\u201d number plate series that was announced in \nJune 2018\n. Malaysian\u2019s obsession with single digit plates, particularly the number \u201c1\u201d, has once again broken the record for the most expensive bid ever made in the country.\nTransport Minister, Anthony Loke announced at a press conference that \u201cMalaysia 1\u201d was awarded to Aldi International Sdn Bhd with a winning bid of RM1,111,111. This broke the previous bid of RM989,000 for the number plate \u201cV1\u201d.\n\u00a0\nThe Johor-based firm also secured the bids for \u201cMalaysia 2\u201d for RM422,000 and \u201cMalaysia 4\u201d for RM162,000 as reported by \nThe Star\n. \u201cMalaysia 8\u201d had the second highest winning bid at RM618,000 while the third most expensive plate \u201cMalaysia 99\u201d went to 99 Speed Mart Sdn Bhd for RM501,500.\n\u201cMalaysia 8055\u201d which can also be read as \u201cMalaysia BOSS\u201d, drew in the most number of bids at 49 but eventually went to the winning bid of RM81,888. Loke revealed that he personally placed a bid for \u201cMalaysia 509\u201d with RM1,509 but was unsuccessful, trailing 11\nth\n behind the winning bid of RM20,000.\nIn total, the Malaysia plate series which runs from \u201cMalaysia 1\u201d to \u201cMalaysia 2020\u201d has raked in RM13.1 million in revenue for the government from a total successful bid of 3,353. Loke revealed that there are 6,645 numbers in the series which are still available, and the public can place their bid for one at Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) branches."
"See how there\u2019s the \nMacan\n to the \nCayenne\n, and similarly there\u2019s the \n718 Cayman\n to the \n911\n? Well, it seems like Porsche is looking to utilise the same strategy with its electric cars by introducing a smaller and cheaper sibling to the \nTaycan\n electric sedan, aiming its gun barrel directly towards the BMW i4.\nThe rumour comes from \nAutocar UK\n, who learned that the new model \u2013 seventh in Porsche\u2019s line-up \u2013 is currently under the German carmaker\u2019s consideration. According to insiders, it has not been approved for production just yet, so technical details remain scarce for now.\nHowever, if the model does get the proverbial green light, it\u2019s understood that it will be built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that is jointly developed between Porsche and its sister company Audi to underpin a range of EVs.\nThe \nnext-generation Porsche Macan EV\n will also use the same PPE architecture, and it is understood that the new baby Taycan will share most of its drivetrain and battery components with the compact SUV.\nAutocar\n believes that the new model will be offered with a\u00a0single-motor on the rear axle as standard, though all-wheel drive will come as an extra cost option or made standard on upmarket variants \u2013 similar to how Porsche markets the Taycan.\nThe entry-level, rear-wheel drive-only \nPorsche Taycan\n.\nJust like the Taycan, the new model will also have a sleek, fastback-like silhouette. However, the British publication says that new Porsche model will still be a four door electric sedan, around the same size as the \nAudi A4\n. If the rumours are true, that means that the new baby Taycan will be a competing in a completely new segment for Porsche.\nPricing for the new compact electric sedan will allegedly start in the vicinity of GBP50,000 (~RM293k), putting it just above the Porsche 718 Cayman in the United Kingdom. Here in Malaysia though, the \nTaycan\n already starts just slightly above the Cayman due to our unique excise duty structure for electric cars. Could we see an even cheaper entry point to the famed German brand? Only time will tell.\nObviously, Porsche did not comment on the report, but \nAutocar\n says that it won\u2019t arrive until 2022 at the earliest \u2013 that is, if the model gets the nod of approval from Porsche\u2019s board \u2013 as that\u2019s when the other PPE-based cars are scheduled to enter production.\nIn addition to the upcoming Macan EV, the PPE platform will also underpin the \nnext-generation Audi A6 \nthat\u2019s due in 2024, as well as a new crossover called Q6 e-Tron that will be unveiled in 2022.\nAll that\u2019s left, then, is the name \u2013 there are suggestions that the new model take on the \u201cCajun\u201d name first trademarked by Porsche in 2011. What do you think?"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has opened the order books for the Mitsubishi Xpander which will be introduced here in Malaysia sometime next month right away \nas the facelift model\n. It will be sold in a single variant and will be \nlocally assembled in Pekan, Pahang\n.\nIf you thought it looked impressive through the pictures, you should see it in person. That Dynamic Shield front end which has been revised in certain areas is like nothing offered in this segment that consists of the Honda BR-V, Toyota Rush and Perodua Aruz.\n \nIt\u2019s powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine with\n 105 hp\n and\n 141 Nm\n, paired to a 4-speed auto gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nAs it is the facelift model, \nseveral areas have been tweaked\n and they include a revised a front grille design \u2013 featuring two slates instead of three in the pre-facelift model \u2013 along with a more pronounced Mitsubishi emblem, newly designed crystal block LED auto headlamps, and redesigned 16-inch wheels. Completing the front is the \ntwo-bulb halogen fog lamp that doubles up as daytime running lights\n as well.\nTowards the side, you\u2019d notice the keyless entry feature along with a shark fin antenna that replaces the bee-sting antenna in the pre-facelift model. At the rear end, the Xpander features L-shaped rear LED combination tail lamps with a fog lamp positioned in the centre of the bumper. The Xpander will be available in four colours \u2013 Red, Quartz White, Platinum Gray and Diamond Black.\nMoving inside, right away you\u2019d notice a few things on the Xpander\u2019s steering wheel; it comes with a \nvoice command feature and even cruise control\n! Up ahead is a 4.2-inch multi-information display that shows the vehicle\u2019s parameters such as the water temperature, warning displays for the cruise control, and \neven when the key fob is low on battery\n.\nEven more impressive is a large 9-inch touchscreen display with six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also projects various views from the Xpander\u2019s surround-view monitor with \n360-degree bird\u2019s eye view\n. The surround-view monitor is offered along with a front dashcam.\nFor the gadgets and other gizmos, there are two USB ports, and two 12V sockets but what you\u2019d realise upon settling in is the \nabundance of storage spaces\n in the Xpander\u2019s cabin. For starters, you have the centre console storage and glovebox (pretty standard stuff), with additional storage above the glovebox, by the door panels, compartments behind the front seat, front passenger under-seat storage, storage for 3rd-row passengers, and under the boot floor.\nRefinement should be another strong suit of the Xpander as the \nfront and rear windows are said to be thicker than industry standards\n while the cabin has been padded with \nthicker headlining and floor carpets\n. All this is supposed to reduce vibration and improve cabin insulation. The Xpander also features roof-mounted air-con vents in the second row.\nAs for the seating arrangements and space, the Xpander offers best-in-class headroom and cabin space with four different seating layout to offer more versatility. It is also the only vehicle in its class to offer a completely flat floor once the 2nd and 3rd-row seats are folded.\nIn terms of boot space, there\u2019s \n495-litres\n of space with the 3rd-row\n seats folded, 836-litres with the 2nd-row\n seats folded. If you\u2019re mad enough to stack your cargo up to the roof, Mitsubishi says the Xpander will swallow more than 1,600 litres of cargo! Safety wise, the Xpander is equipped with ABS with EBD, brake assist, active stability control, hill-start assist, a brake override system and ISOFIX child seat anchors.\nFor those of you who\u2019d like a closer look at the Xpander, it will be on display at these locations:\nDate\nVenue\nTime\u00a0\u00a0\n23-25 October\nToppen Mall, Johor Bahru, Johor\n10.00am-10.00pm\n29 October-1 November\nIpoh Parade, Perak\n10.00am-10.00pm\n \nGALLERY"
"After a simple \nteaser\n yesterday, Isuzu Malaysia has released detailed information on their latest model- the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4\u00d72 AT. Priced from \nRM100,999.20\n, the model is the only 2WD pick-up variant in the new third-generation\n \nD-Max range\n. As such, it is also the lowest priced Japanese pick-up truck equipped with an automatic transmission in Malaysia. \u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nIn Thailand, 2WD or 4\u00d72 drivetrains are usually paired with the low-riding chassis, as seen on the Mitsubishi Triton \nQuest 4\u00d72 MT\n and the older Ford Ranger 2WD. Isuzu Malaysia has ensured that even with a 4\u00d72 drivetrain, the latest model continues to be high-riding, with a \nground clearance of 240 mm \nand a \nwater wading depth of 800 mm\n. Standard features on the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4\u00d72, which mirrors the Standard 4\u00d74 variant include:\nBi-LED projector headlamps with \u201cfollow-me-home\u201d function and LED DRLs\nBody-coloured side mirror covers, door handles and rear bumper\nBulb-type taillamps\n17-inch wheels with 255/65R17 tyres\nSide steps\nExterior colour choices are Splash White Solid, Mercury Silver Metallic, Onyx Black Mica, Sapphire Blue Mica and the striking Valencia Orange Metallic.\nINTERIOR\nIt is however the interior that sees a large upgrade in the D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus compared to the Standard variant. While it maintains the same black dashboard without the soft-touch material, the infotainment system now has been updated to a 7-inch touchscreen system with full features and six speakers.\nApart from the usual USB and Bluetooth input, the advanced infotainment system also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, and Miracast smartphone connectivity. This system was only available from the Premium 4\u00d74 variant. Other interior features in the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4\u00d72 include:\n4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel\nFabric seats\n4.2-inch TFT multi-info display with e-LUMAX illumination\nManual air-conditioning system with rear vents\nFront and rear USB charging ports\n60-40 split-folding rear seats with under-seat storage compartments\nPERFORMANCE\nAs with the model\u2019s name, powering the new Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4\u00d72 is the \nfrugal\n yet powerful 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill. Outputs are unchanged at \n150 hp\n at 3,600 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque at 1,800 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode transfers power to the rear wheels in this latest Isuzu D-Max variant.\nEngine: RZ4E-TC 1,898 cc; inline-four turbodiesel\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic transmission\nDrivertrain: Rear-wheel drive\nMax Power: 150 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,600 rpm\nIsuzu Malaysia revealed that \nonly 28%\n of Malaysian pick-up truck users frequently engage their vehicle\u2019s 4\u00d74 system. As such, the 4\u00d72 variant is an ideal variant that offers lower rolling resistance from its less complex drivetrain, fewer items that require maintenance, and a lower kerb weight making this model a boon for urban users and high-mileage drivers.\nThe 4\u00d72 drivetrain sees a reduction of 85 kg off the kerb weight, with the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus tipping the scales at 1,830 kg.\nSAFETY\nAt the safety front, the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4\u00d72 mirrors the Standard variant which sees features such as dual front airbags, EBD, ESC, TCS, HSA, Hill Descent Control, Brake Override System and seat belt reminders for all seats.\nASEAN NCAP has also rated the new Isuzu D-Max with a full 5-star rating.\nThanks to the inclusion of the 7-inch infotainment screen, the live feed from the rearview parking camera can also be displayed.\nPRICE\nPriced at \nRM100,999.20\n (the 20 sen is derived from the road tax of RM399.20) in Peninsula Malaysia, the new Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4\u00d72 comes with a standard five-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).\nWhile competitors such as Mitsubishi do offer a 2WD drivetrain, the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4\u00d72 AT is the only high-riding 2WD pick-up truck with automatic transmission, as such, undercutting the Ford Ranger XL 4\u00d74 AT by over RM4,000.\nIsuzu Malaysia CEO, Kenkichi Sogo.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Quest MT meanwhile at under RM80,000 is a low-riding pick-up truck with much more basic features and reflective engine performance of 110 hp/200 Nm and manual transmission.\n\u201cIn these challenging times, the new Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus 4\u00d72 1.9L brings a new level of relief by offering affordability and capability in a well-appointed and stylish package. This new D-Max variant that we are introducing today will be the sole 4\u00d72 offering in its class that comes with an automatic transmission,\u201d said Isuzu Malaysia, Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo.\nUMW Toyota does not offer any variants with 4\u00d72 drivetrain on the current generation Hilux."
"In light of the still-ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) has now announced an extension to the exemption period for road tax renewals until the 31st May 2021, \nBernama\n \nreports.\nTransport Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong said at a gotong-royong event at Parit Raja yesterday: \u201cI have discussed about the exemption extension with the Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general for them to make necessary preparations as there are still states that recorded a high number of Covid-19 cases such as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.\n\u201cAt the same time, the ministry is thinking of an effective way to settle unpaid road tax cases in phases to avoid congestion (at RTD counters) once the exemption is lifted,\u201d he added.\nWhile drivers can still move around in their vehicles during the exemption period, even if their road tax has expired, he said that the vehicles \nmust have a valid motor vehicle insurance coverage\n. It is advisable to always keep a copy of the vehicle\u2019s insurance certificate \u2013 either physical or soft copy \u2013 handy as proof, just in case it is requested by the enforcement officer for verification.\nThe road tax renewal exemption was first announced on 29 January, original scheduled until March 31 to prevent crowding in public places during the\n second Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0)\n."
"Introduced earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show is the \nall-new Hyundai Tucson\n, and it didn\u2019t take long for it to arrive on our shores. Just days after the C-Segment SUV made its global debut, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors introduced the locally assembled \nTucson facelift\n\u00a0\u2013 a model that\u2019s effectively replaced by the new one in record time.\nThe Tucson will be offered in two trims (Elegance and Executive), but they\u2019re mostly add-on features and accessories. As such, it retains the older \nNu 2.0-litre MPI engine\n making \n153 hp\n and\n 192 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s quite likely the only thing left unchanged, because the entire car is built from the ground up, and with that it gets a roomier cabin.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Executive\nEngine\n1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC\n1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n153 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with\u00a0insurace)\nRM129,888.99\nRM143,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nAt first glance, we have to admit that this third generation\u00a0Hyundai Tucson is much easier on the eyes when compared to the \nnew Kia Sportage\n. The design, penned by Peter Schreyer, is based on Hyundai\u2019s evolved design language dubbed \nFluidic Sculpture 2.0\n. Now, both variants are not of the highest specifications, so we won\u2019t be getting the 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, all-wheel drive and some other driver assistive technologies.   Instead, our\u00a0Tucson gets auto levelling halogen projector headlights, \n17-inch alloy wheels\n (tyres are profiled at 225/60), keyless entry and rear view camera as standard. If you opt for the Elegance variant, you\u2019ll miss out Hyundai\u2019s chrome-coated signature hexagonal grille, chrome door handles, puddle lamps, LED DRLs and LED positioning lights; all of which are reserved for the more expensive Executive variant. It\u2019s a pretty basic car, but if there\u2019s one thing we can really appreciate the Tucson for is its build quality.\nINTERIOR\nMuch of the old Tucson\u2019s style can hardly be traced on the outside, and the same can be said when stepping in the cabin. The dashboard is now straightforward and clean while keeping ergonomics close to mind. Both variants will get black leather seats as standard with the Executive trim benefiting from powered 8-way driver seats including 2-way lumbar support. For the first time in the C-Segment SUV category, Hyundai is offering \ntwo leather seats upgrade options\n \u2013 either Red Leather or White Nappa Leather.   The Executive trim will get Hyundai\u2019s Super Vision instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT screen built between the odometer and tachometer, whereas the Elegance trim will make do with a conventional cluster with a 3.5-inch Mono TFT LCD screen. The cheaper variant will also have to skimp on Electronic Parking Brake, electronic chromic rear view mirror with compass, rear air-conditioning vents, Audio Visual Navigation head unit (Android based), push-start ignition and cruise control.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned earlier, the Tucson will only be offered with one powertrain that is the Nu 2.o-litre MPI engine. It\u2019s transversely mounted and makes \n153 hp\n at 6,200 rpm and \n192 Nm\n of torque peaking at 4,000 rpm. Drive is sent to the \nfront wheels\n via a \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox which Hyundai claims to deliver better acceleration and reduced fuel consumption.\u00a0\nThe front axle sits on a pair of McPherson Struts while the rear sits atop the conventional multi-link suspension. If you opt for the Executive package, there will be a \nDrive Mode Control System\n which lets you choose between \nthree driving modes\n \u2013 Eco, Normal and Sports, but these are simply throttle and gearbox remaps.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety side of things, both the Elegance and Executive Tucsons will get ABS, ESC, Hill Start Assist, Downhill Brake Control, Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Management as standard. The Executive however, gets six airbags (Elegance only two airbags) with a Safe Drive Recorder.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Hyundai Tucson is now on sale and available for viewing and test drives at Hyundai showrooms near you. There will be a total of seven exterior colours to choose from, on top of the three leather seat options. Pricing for the Tucson Elegance is RM129,888 and the Executive at RM143,888. Both prices stated include GST and insurance. All new Tucsons come with Hyundai\u2019s 5-year or 300,000km warranty programme, whichever comes first. That equals to 164 km a day, everyday, for five years!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from \ntest\n \ndriving the new\n \nHyundai Kona\n which will be launched by this year, shortly after the drive, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors surprised us with a sneak preview of the new, extremely striking, Hyundai Sonata.\nJaws dropped and none of us were prepared for what we saw. I don\u2019t think any of us from the media, who were there to test drive the Kona that day, had ever reacted this way to the sight of a Hyundai; let alone a Sonata but there it was; there is nothing quite like it.\nThe unconventional design, full of swoops, curves and sharp edges, is the result of Hyundai\u2019s new Sensuous Sportiness design language. Crazy as it may sound, the front end even has hints of \nAston Martin\u2019s DB11\n if you observe closely but that\u2019s not all.\nThere is some genius in the way the daytime running lights were incorporated. When not illuminated, what you see is a single strip of chrome that runs from the edge of the headlamps all the way to the C-pillar before making a loop back to the front and merging with the A-pillar. When the daytime running lights come on, a small section of the chrome strip actually lights up through the perforations.\nIt\u2019s all about the details with this Sonata. Take the 18-inch wheels for example; have you ever seen knurling on hub caps before? On a watch maybe, but on a set of wheels? Never; and certainly didn\u2019t expect it in a Hyundai.\nThen there\u2019s the switch for the boot, which is completely hidden behind the Hyundai emblem on the tailgate. Nothing will ever indicate to you that there is a switch there, but just press the top section of the \u201cH\u201d emblem, and see what happens. As for the exhaust, it\u2019s tucked underneath the rear bumper and don\u2019t those taillights remind you of the Honda Civic?\nOnce inside, you get the sense that they\u2019ve really taken things to the next level. Not only is the tan upholstery pleasing to the touch, but Hyundai has also completely taken the steering and gear selector design rule book and dumped it into the sea. Instead of a gear lever, there is now an individual console housing the \u201cP, N, and R\u201d buttons instead.\nThat\u2019s not all, the Sonata gets a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster which displays a live feed of the Blind Spot Monitoring system every time the indicator is used. If you\u2019re indicating right for example, a display will pop up on the right-hand side of the digital instrument cluster, projecting a right-hand side view of the vehicle\u2019s blind spot and vice versa on the left.\nIf that\u2019s not enough to amuse you, there\u2019s also a head-up, wireless charging, power-adjustable driver seat with memory function, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, along with a 360-degree camera. Under the hood, the new Sonata gets a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with 180 hp and 232 Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic to drive the front wheels.\nSo far, Hyundai has not revealed the exact price of the Sonata but did indicate that it will start from RM20X,XXX. Still, if you\u2019ve seen enough and have your heart set on it, you can \nbook one for RM888\n. Following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Petrol heads, you might want to look away for a minute. Last year, BMW Group Malaysia put 7,500 units of new plug-in hybrids on the road which accounted for 57% of all new passenger cars sold by the Group. And from what was communicated at a recent business briefing, its electrification initiative is \u2018charging ahead\u2019 in 2019 and beyond.\nWhile the motivation to acquire premium hybrid vehicles in Malaysia is largely driven by competitive retail prices (which are incentivised by the government if the vehicle is locally assembled) and not necessarily environmental concerns, BMW Malaysia has made its electrification strategy pay off with \nimproving annual sales volumes\n alongside increased local investments in the past few years.\nNot how you should park a BMW plug-in, or any other car for that matter.\nThe achievement isn\u2019t to be scoffed at as few car companies in\nthe world can claim to have such a sizable electrified portfolio so early in\nthe game, something which BMW Group Malaysia has clearly done. If anything, it is\ndoubling down on efforts to beef up its BMW i charging facilities with the launch\nof the latest one at Bangsar Shopping Complex, Kuala Lumpur \u2013 taking over the same\nspot where Mercedes-Benz EQ-branded charging stations used to be, but now there\nare six instead of three chargers. Cheeky."
"The world has almost grounded to a halt in recent weeks due to the ongoing \nCoronavirus pandemic\n. Most countries have implemented some form of movement restriction, which means most people are working from home while front-liners work tirelessly to combat the virus.\nWorking from home does come with its limitations, however that does not mean that we\u2019ll have to wait for things to go back to normal to get our creative juices flowing. While most car companies are scouring through old video clips to piece together stock footages, Honda UAE recruited ad agency Memac Ogilvy to make something completely different \u2013 film an entire car advertisement at home.\n \nThe ad starts off just like any other car advertisements, littered with close-up glamour shots and tracking shots of the car zooming past buildings. Everything seems normal so far, but the on-screen text gives it away quickly: \u201cThis might be the first car commercial to be written, directed, edited and watched entirely from home.\u201d\nSpeaking to \nAd Week\n, the agency revealed that the clip was done completely by two of their employees \u2013 executive Amin Soltani who acted as producer-director, and director of photography Umran Sheikh \u2013 who happens to live in the same building.\nThe video was filmed mostly using natural light, and the \u201cbuildings\u201d are made out of books paired with clever use of a table lamp. To simulate the car exiting a tunnel, they pulled the car underneath the couch using a hook and fishing line. The two-man team were also limited to just one in-house camera.\nAnd the \nHonda Civic\n featured in the advertisement? That\u2019s a miniature model belonging to a Honda exec\u2019s kid that was delivered to them for the purpose of this ad.\nMemac Ogilvy chief creative officer Juggi Ramakrishnan said, \u201cOur idea was to create a homemade ad and demonstrate to our audiences that life can still carry on in quarantine.\u201d\nThe video ends with a hopeful message: \u201cUntil we drive again. #StayHome.\u201d"
"After\n previewing it earlier this year\n, the third-generation Porsche Cayenne is now officially on sale in Malaysia \u2013 with two variants to choose from \u2013 the base Cayenne and the more powerful Cayenne S.\nThe base model serves up \n340 hp\n, 40 hp more than its predecessor with \n450 Nm\n of torque from its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine. The Cayenne S on the other hand, takes things up a notch with\n 440 hp\n and\n 550 Nm\n from its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission with active all-wheel drive.\nFor the heavy footers off the line, the base model Cayenne will sprint to 100 km/h in just a whisker over six seconds (top speed 245 km/h) while the more muscular Cayenne S will do the same run in just over five seconds (top speed 265 km/h). Opt for the Sport Chrono Package and you\u2019d see a dip of 0.3 seconds on both times.\nDriving aids include the Porsche 4D Chassis Control, PASM air suspension (standard on the Cayenne S), rear-wheel steering, Porsche Traction Management and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC). With the redeveloped Sport Chrono Package, it also includes a separate PSM Sport Mode.\nThe Cayenne is available with the optional Porsche Surface Coated brake (PSCB) \u2013 a world first \u2013 consisting of a cast iron disc with tungsten-carbide coating, complemented by 10-pot callipers in the front. The finish increases friction with significantly reduced brake wear and dust.\nLED headlights are standard, with an optional upgrade for the Porsche Dynamic Light System while the back features redesigned rear lights with three-dimensional light design. Wheels sizes start from 19-inches up to 21-inches (optional).   Inside, the Cayenne gets the Porsche Advanced Cockpit treatment, a new 12.3-inch full HD touchscreen with the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) introduced in the 2017 Panamera. The tachometer, on the other hand, is flanked by two 7-inch full HD displays.\nPrices for the Cayenne starts from \nRM 745,000\n while the Cayenne S starts from \nRM 890,000\n. Prices are zero-rated GST and includes a 4-year warranty and free maintenance package which includes complimentary service, parts and labour.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche Cayenne S   Porsche Cayenne"
"Porsche has added another model to its Cayenne line-up \u2013 the Cayenne E-Hybrid \u2013 with a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine combined with an electric motor and here\u2019s five interesting facts of the latest electrified product from Stuttgart, Germany.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3bclPioykE\n1. The Cayenne E-Hybrid makes a combined \n462 hp\n with \n700 Nm\n of torque. From standstill, it will hit the 100 km/h mark in just five seconds with its new 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission, before topping out at 253 km/h.\n2. Its \u201cboost strategy\u201d derived from the 918 Spyder is a new addition; ensuring that the\n electric motor can be used with all driving modes\n for an additional performance boost with maximum torque.\n3. Its batteries, stored beneath the loading floor, now has \n30% higher capacity\n. They can be fully charged in under eight hours with a 230V connection. With the optional 7.2 kilowatt on-board charger, the time is shortened to just over two hours.\n4. On \npure electricity\n, it can drive up to a distance of 44 km, at speeds of up to 135 km/h while fuel consumption is rated to be as low as 3.2L/100 km. In Sport and Sport Plus modes, all of the battery\u2019s energy can be used for a boost. In Sport mode, the battery is charged just as much as is required for a new boost. In Sport Plus mode, the battery is recharged as quickly as possible.\n5. The new Cayenne E-Hybrid features \na head-up display\n, the Porsche InnoDrive system with adaptive cruise control, 22-inch light metal wheels along with driving aids such as the standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilisation system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The job of a photographer is never an easy one. To attain the perfect picture, various factors come into play; requiring time, skill, abundance of patience and the meticulousness of a surgeon.\nFelix Hernandez, a Mexican photographer, was hired by Audi to shoot the new crossover and being a professional in miniature photography, he opted for a very unconventional method.\n \nInstead of shooting the actual car in the real world, he opted for a 1:43 scale model of the \nAudi Q2 launched here recently\n and replicated both urban and outdoors surroundings, all from the confinements of his studio.\nThe behind the scenes video shows the immense lengths he had to go to, especially in replicating the surroundings of a desert.\n \nLocally, the new \nAudi Q2 is only available in a single variant \n\u2013 the 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder TFSI model \u2013 with \n150 hp \nand \n250 Nm\n of torque to power the front wheels via a 7-speed S Tronic dual clutch transmission.\n0 to 100 km/h takes just 8.5 seconds, with top speed rated at 212 km/h. Despite being a fully-imported unit from Germany, the Q2 has been competitively priced at RM219,900.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When an existing model doesn\u2019t get a replacement, you can bet your bottom Ringgit that it had failed in a monumental way, be it in sales volume or the perception it brought to the brand.\nLauded back in 2009 as a \u2018remarkable car\u2019 by no less than \nSteve Cropley of Autocar UK\n, the Tata Nano was supposed to be the default choice for customers in India who upgraded from two- or three-wheelers, but it proved otherwise as sales lagged for the US$2,000 (or RM8,000) car almost from the get go.\nHindsight is 20/20 of course, but it\u2019s clear that Tata had misread what car buyers in India could and would tolerate. In a market dominated by Maruti Suzuki with 50% share, much like how Perodua is in Malaysia, consumers were already well exposed to quality vehicles with Japanese origins and accustomed to creature comforts that new cars were expected to offer.\nThe Nano didn\u2019t have a rear hatch or tailgate till 2015!\nThe bare-bones Tata Nano was launched without a tail-gate (you access the boot through the side doors!) and was only available with a four-speed manual, powered by a 624cc two-cylinder engine that churned out around 37hp and 50Nm. The Nano took 30 seconds to reach 100km/h, which is just under its rated top speed of 105km/h. Newer versions were given an automatic transmission, power steering and a fifth door (known as the Genx Nano), but the Nano\u2019s fortunes never changed. According to a report by Bloomberg, Tata Motors only produced one unit in June 2018. Looks like it\u2019s curtains for the world\u2019s cheapest car."
"Passionate about cars and own hands-on maintenance of the beloved machine? Bosch Automotive Aftermarket will be treating us, auto enthusiasts, with the Bosch Car Talk Show, happening virtually on their \nFacebook\n page as well as their \nShopee\n official store on December 11th.\nThe car talk show will be split into a few segments on car maintenance and topics include reasons to change your car wipers regularly by Bosch Product Specialist Mohd Rydzyuan, signs that your wipers need changing (to \nBosch Aerotwin Retrofit\n units, of course), how to keep your wiper blades in good condition followed by separate segments on Bosch\u2019s batteries and engine oils.\nAdditionally, there will also be an exclusive segment to discuss on car maintenance and workshop basics by Adrian Mak, Bosch Car Service and Executive Director of NSS Group focusing on the common mistakes that can put cars and drivers at risk, reasons car maintenance is essential to avoid car breakdowns plus maintaining your car in tip-top condition with exclusive car service tips.\nAutobuzz.my also has a selection of D-I-Y videos such as how to change battery, engine oil and even horns. Click here for more!\nThat\u2019s not all, during intervals of the Bosch\u2019s Car Talk Show, viewers will be able to take part in the event by answering related questions. Participants of Bosch\u2019s Car Talk Show will stand a chance to win the lucky draw grand prize of an Apple iPad Mini, Bosch Engine Oil, Bosch C7 Battery Charger plus 25 winners for the RM50 Shopee voucher.\nThat\u2019s not all, Bosch has ensured that each and every viewer will receive RM20 Bosch vouchers from Shopee just for taking part! Free shipping of products is also included.\nMark your calendars for a virtual dinner date with automotive experts at the Bosch Car Talk Show that will be taking place on \nDecember 11th 2021 from 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M\n. on Bosch Autoparts \nFacebook\n and Bosch Autoparts official store in \nShopee\n. \u00a0Bosch hopes to clear any doubts one has and be on your way to keeping your car in optimum condition."
"Yesterday, the Internet lit up not only from the pictures of the new Civic, now on sale in the USA starting from USD$21,700 (approx. RM90k), but also by the \nleaked images of the\n \nHonda Civic hatchback\n.\nThe Civic hatchback is \nexpected to be unveiled next Thursday (24th of June)\n but from what we\u2019ve seen so far, we can quite confidently bet on it being a handsome fella; as handsome as the model it replaces.\nThe old Civic sedan.\n.and the new.\nUnlike the new Civic sedan, which has moved away from the C-shaped taillights to an L-shaped one, the Civic hatchbacks (both old and new) still bears the C-shaped graphics on the taillights. Somewhat.\nWhile the differences are clear between the rear section of the sedan and the hatchback, the latter actually looks like the Kia Stinger. Well, maybe a \nfacelift version of it\n.\nEven the arch above the number plate section looks nearly identical; if only our editing skills were better.\nUnlike the new Civic sedan, the new hatchback appears to have chrome surrounds for the exhaust tips although it could be different depending on variants. We shall see.\nFor now, what we can gather from the pictures at least, is that the rear passenger section also looks more or less the same in terms of space.\nWatch our review of the FK8 Honda Civic Type R here!\nHowever, they\u2019ve redesigned the door handles for better ergonomics and better access to the cupholders \u2013 that\u2019s always a plus. The door handles look classier too!\nReports have claimed that the Civic hatchback will get a 6-speed manual gearbox to go with the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, just like the one in the Civic sedan.\nThe turbocharged 4-cylinder has been tuned for an extra 6 hp and 20 Nm, now at 180 hp and 240 Nm.\nFind out more about the all-new Honda Civic sedan here!\nSource: \nAuto123"
"Volvo will debut the fully electric successor of the \nXC90\n flagship SUV next year. However, the company will not continue with XC90 but instead, give it a name.\nIn an interview with \nAutocar UK\n, Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Car, said the Scandinavian marque will diverge from its long-running XC nomenclature for SUVs by giving the new car \u201ca name, like a child.\u201d\n\u201cIf you look at cars today, all of them are very \u2018engineeredly\u2019 named: XC, T8, All-Wheel-Drive, double-overhead cams \u2013 it\u2019s all specifications on the rear of many cars,\u201d said Samuelsson.\nVolvo unveiled the \nConcept Recharge\n earlier this month, a new EV that encompasses many new technologies to make EVs operate better, simpler, and built more cost-efficiently.\n\u201cWe are talking about a totally new architecture, a new generation of born-electric, all-electric cars with central computing. It\u2019s good and clear to mark that this is a new beginning, and that\u2019s why we\u2019re not going to have numbers and letters, an engineering type of name,\u201d elaborated Samuelsson.\nVolvo confirms next-gen XC60 to be EV, expected to launch around 2026. Read about it here!\nThe all-new flagship SUV is due next year, with the \nVolvo plant in the USA\n listed as one of its production sites.\nSamuelsson has certainly not divulged the actual model name of the upcoming EV model, but hinted that the name would be interesting and more emotional.\nWith a few exceptions, Volvo has used a simple alphanumeric model nomenclature since 1995. The alphabet determines the body type while the numeral represents the model hierarchy or positioning. This combination has been followed by many brands, such as Infiniti as well as \nProton when launching the new SUV models\n with the help of Geely.\nGeely and Volvo consolidate new powertrain company called Aurobay, Volvo to focus on premium EV tech.\nAt the other end of the spectrum, Volvo is also reported to be offering an EV smaller than the currently available \nC40 Recharge\n. Thanks to its strong and mutual partnership with Geely, Volvo\u2019s entry EV will be built in China and be based on Geely\u2019s SEA platform, which also underpins Smart\u2019s upcoming EV model.\nGeely\u2019s SEA platform is highly scalable, able to be configured to over 10 models of different bodytypes and sizes. Get to know \nmore about the SEA platform here\n."
"Perodua has joined the fight against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic by contributing RM2 million to the \nNational Disaster Management Agency\u2019s (NADMA) COVID-19 fund\n.\nIn addition to the timely cash donation, the national carmaker has also donated 150 mattresses, 200 pillows, 105 boxes of mineral water, 15 industrial fans and 300 pairs of rubber boots to the Sungai Buloh Hospital \u2013 where majority of the COVID-19 patients are being treated.\nThe donation was presented to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Prime Minister\u2019s Office earlier today, by Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\u201cThis war against COVID-19 is our shared responsibility. The funds and items contributed by Perodua are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure Malaysia will recover as fast as it can,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Zainal.\nThe NADMA COVID-19 fund was set-up by the Prime Minister as an effort to aid Malaysians most vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic, in addition to purchasing equipment and supplies for the front liners in the fight against the virus outbreak.\n\u201cWe thank the government for these measures. Perodua, in solidarity with all Malaysians, hopes this pandemic will be resolved in the shortest time and with minimal infections and fatalities. To those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, we extend our sincere condolences,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said.\n\u201cAs for Perodua, we have also directed all our staff, the greater automotive supply chain and our authorised dealers to pay keen attention to their staff\u2019s needs and welfare during this MCO,\u201d he added.\nDato\u2019 Zainal assures that they are monitoring the situation closely, and that the livelihoods such as wage, benefits and especially employment of all parties at Perodua will not be affected in this difficult time."
"As a gesture of appreciation for the front-liners who are working tirelessly in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)\n is now extending its \n\u2018Welcome Back\u2019 Campaign\n to include additional benefits exclusive to the frontline workers, who are also Volkswagen car owners.\nThe additional benefits include \npriority booking\n, a complimentary \ncar sanitisation\n, as well as a \n10% discount off the total bill\n. These benefits are rolled into the existing Welcome Back campaign, which means other existing benefits will still apply based on eligibility.\nTo receive the benefits, Volkswagen owners who are frontline workers will have to indicate their respective occupational areas when registering through the \nonline form\n. Upon submission, a VPCM representative will be in contact for verification purposes.\nThe professions included in the campaign are government hospitals doctors, nurses and administrators, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officers, Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia), RELA (People\u2019s Volunteer Corps) and Malaysia Civil Defense (Angkatan Pertahanan Awam).\nOnce approved, the additional benefits will be added to their Volkswagen Cares App wallet, ready to be redeemed at their pre-booked service appointment. The appointment must be made \nwithin 30 days after the Movement Control Order is lifted\n.\nOther Volkswagen owners are also entitled to a free gift when they register during the campaign period. For owners not redeeming the free maintenance voucher, and are not Volkswagen Care Plus members, they will also receive a RM50 engine oil voucher."
"That\u2019s right, according to a report by\u00a0\ndsf.my\n,\u00a0\nUMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has finally let loose crucial details pertaining to the most hotly anticipated Toyota model since the Vios \u2013 the \nToyota C-HR\n.\nFor starters, the cost for a fully imported unit will set you back a hefty RM170k. For a car that\u2019s priced just below the RM100k mark in its homeland Japan, surely there\u2019s a way to bring prices down for prospective buyers, right? As it turns out, UMW Toyota Motor plans to invest in local assembly, possibly bringing the final figure down to about RM120k. It will also be certified as an EEV.   Now, which engine will we be getting? Apparently, many still find it difficult to make do with a 1.2-litre engine, despite it being turbocharged. Instead, the company is shifting most of their focus into the 1.8-litre hybrid variant, which shares the Prius\u2019 Hybrid Synergy Drive setup. It\u2019s rated to be nearly twice as fuel efficient as \u00a0the 1.2-litre turbocharged unit, going up to \n30.2 km\n on a single litre of fuel versus the turbo\u2019s 15.4 km/L.\nThe C-HR can be had with an all-wheel drive, but the hybrid is only offered as a front-wheel drive. All C-HRs will be equipped with\u00a0\nToyota Safety Sense P\n, electronic parking brake, and Smart Entry & Smart Start system as standard. The C-HR G trim \u2013 which is usually the premium trim \u2013 will receive 18-inch wheels, premium seats, \nBlind Spot Monitor,\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nFront & Rear Parking Assist Sonar.\nWith that out of the way, perhaps it\u2019s time you think twice about getting that \nHonda HR-V\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nall-new 2022 Perodua Alza\n has truly won the hearts of Malaysians with its incredible value, with \nover 51,000 bookings collected\n in just two months. Although, with only roughly 8,000 units of those delivered so far, a majority of its customers have still yet to get a hands-on experience with the car \u2013 at least not for long.\nMany of a car\u2019s quirks (and annoyances) will only show up after an extended period, when the car is used according to your lifestyle habits. And since Perodua was kind enough to loan us the all-new Alza for a whole week, we figured we\u2019d share a few things we noticed during our time with it, to hopefully help you make a more informed buying decision!\nLike \u2013 Confident ride and handling \nNow built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, the all-new Perodua Alza actually drives surprisingly well, and is pretty much unlike any other Perodua models of yore. It shares a similar ride characteristic as the \nAtiva\n, which means it can feel slightly firmer, especially for those who have previously owned a Perodua model.\nHowever, the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza improves upon the Ativa with better body control, particularly when going through speed humps where the car \u201csits down\u201d in a mature and elegant manner, almost like a luxury European car three times its price. The fact that it\u2019s also relatively quiet even at highway speeds is just the cherry on top.\nLike \u2013 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity\nScreens are the new \u201cin\u201d thing these days, and it seems like carmakers are trying to one-up each other by offering larger and larger infotainment displays than their competition \u2013 but big screens are practically useless if you still have to use your phone for Google Maps or Waze. Yes, we\u2019re looking at you, Proton.\nIn a first for Perodua, the all-new 2022 Alza now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity straight from the factory, the former available as a software update to be installed at your next service appointment for existing owners. It\u2019s still a wired connection, mind you, but the mere addition of the feature makes the Alza significantly easier to live with day-to-day. And for music fans, you\u2019d be pleased to know that the speakers are surprisingly decent-sounding too.\nRELATED: \nApple CarPlay now available on 2022 Perodua Alza \u2013 Updates provided at Perodua SC\nLike \u2013 Centre armrest for second-row seats\nThe 2022 Perodua Alza \ncan\n carry seven passengers, but for those with a smaller family, the smaller centre seats in the second row can actually be folded down to act as an armrest, making it a lot more comfortable to sit in, especially for longer journeys.\nAnd as an added bonus, because it\u2019s using the entire seat back as an armrest rather than just a small cutout, the extra aperture in the middle also make the third-row seats feel quite a bit more airy.\nDislike \u2013 Lack of cubby spaces on the centre console\nWe\u2019re not sure if it\u2019s to maintain the \u201cclean\u201d modern appearance of the interior or an oversight during the design process, but the centre console does feel like a step backwards in terms of functionality as there are zero cubby spaces to be found.\nGranted, you can keep some smaller items in the storage \u201cpot\u201d beside the steering wheel and the small pockets below the centre console. But in daily use, we found them to be barely sufficient, and there\u2019s also no space to keep your mobile phones, especially when they\u2019re connected by wire to the infotainment display.\nTo make matters worse, the entire surface of the centre console is also finished in a gloss-black material, which means they\u2019ll be caked with fingerprints and scratches over time.\nTouch buttons on the side, compared to on-screen shortcut buttons.\nDislike \u2013 Small touch buttons on infotainment display\nWhile we do really like the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity feature on the new nine-inch infotainment display, the control buttons are unfortunately touch sensitive, and are made incredibly small with barely any spacing between.\nThat means it\u2019s nearly impossible to tap on the buttons without taking your eyes off the road while driving. And with the frankly embarrassing road surface conditions here in Malaysia, good luck trying to not mis-click when you\u2019re adjusting the volume on the move.\nRELATED: \nTouchscreen/touch-sensitive controls for air-con: Looks modern but how effective are they?\nDislike \u2013 Overly-eager throttle response\nThe throttle response on the all-new Perodua Alza 2022 is tuned to almost \u201cleap\u201d off the line at any throttle input, which could make the car feel a lot more powerful than it actually is. However, on the flip side, it also makes it incredibly difficult to drive the Alza smoothly in stop-go traffic.\nTo be fair, this issue isn\u2019t specific to the Alza, or even to Perodua models; several Toyota models we\u2019ve tested throughout the years also exhibit the same behaviour. But still, it does get annoying quickly with the frequent traffic jams we encounter on a daily basis, and it becomes especially apparent when it\u2019s on a family-focused MPV like the Alza.\nThese are just some of the things that stood out to us during our week with the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza. For a more detailed walkthrough, do check out \nGC Mah\u2019s full review here.\nDo you agree with our points, or are we just being nitpicky? Let us know in the comments section below!"
"BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the first-ever BMW X2, the latest edition to the brand\u2019s Sports Activity Coupes inventory, that\u00a0promises uncompromised driving pleasure with a balance between sporty driving dynamics and efficiency.\nMr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, \u201cThe BMW X models have long made its mark in Malaysia. Last year alone, we delivered over 4,200 BMW X Series vehicles, equating to 39.6% of BMW\u2019s deliveries of 10,618 vehicles. Today, we\u2019re proud to expand our BMW X portfolio here in Malaysia with the first-ever BMW X2.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport\nEngine\n2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder \nTransmission\n7-speed Steptronic Sport dual-clutch transmission\nMax Power\n192 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n280 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,600 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h ; Top Speed\n7.7 seconds, 227 km/h\nPrice\nRM 320,800 (OTR without Insurance)\nThe all-new BMW X2, available only in the X2 sDrive20i M Sport variant, is powered by a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine enforced with a twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, Double VANOS and High Precision Injection. With output rated at\u00a0\n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque, the X2 goes from 0 to 100km/h in just \n7.7 seconds\n, onwards to \n227 km/h\n. This X2 is fitted with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport double-clutch transmission, with power sent to the front wheels.\nA Driving Experience Control Switch features \nthree driving modes\n \u2013 Comfort, ECO PRO and Sport. The Performance Control system is capable of dictating engine speed and brake interventions during cornering.\nNoticeably, the X2\u2019s body features short overhangs and is the first modern BMW to feature a new grille design and will pave the way for future models. Instead of widening from the top to bottom, the old design is now turned upside down. LED headlights and fog lights are standard with daytime running lights in a 3D icon design.   The aggressive front end is testament to the M Aerodynamics package that also includes wheel arch trims and claddings on the doors. The BMW emblem on the C-pillar maybe be new to most, but it actually serves as a tribute to BMW\u2019s heritage vehicles such as the ultra-desirable 3200CS and 3.0 CSL.\nThe body\u2019s aesthetics is further groomed with a M rear spoiler, roof rails in\u00a0Aluminium Satinated,\u00a019-inch M light alloy wheels on run-flat tyres and twin tailpipes finished in high gloss chrome. The X2 sDrive20i sits lower by 10mm with a M Sport Suspension.\nOn the inside, the X2 offers best-in-class cabin space. Dakota leather upholstery takes centre stage while the roof is glazed with BMW Individual\u2019s anthracite headlining. Elsewhere, the spacious cabin is occupied with a M leather steering wheel, electric-powered sports seats for the driver and front passenger, a full colour head-up display, an 8.8-inch touchscreen with split view, 4 speakers and 2 woofers.\nThe back seat offers 40:20:40 split folding functionality which will extend boot space from 470-litres to 1,355-litres \u2013 accessible through an automatic tailgate. There will be six different colours for the LED ambient lighting \u2013 Orange, Lilac, Mint, Bronze, Blue and White \u2013 to tailor the interior\u2019s mood to your liking.   Safety wise, the X2 sDrive20i M Sport comes with seven airbags, ISOFIX, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Parking maneuvers will be safeguarded by a rear view camera,\u00a0Park Assistant and Park Distance Control (PDC).\nThe first-ever BMW X2 comes in Galvanic Gold Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic and Sunset Orange Metallic with contrasting Black and Grey seams. With the Black Sapphire Metallic model, the X2 can be had with a Magma Red interior with contrasting Grey seams.\nThe first ever X2 will come with BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty. The X2 can be acquired through the BMW Full Circle Programme with a monthly installment from RM 4,498 with a 20% downpayment on a four-year tenure and with 20,000 km mileage cap per year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation\n (TMC) has unveiled the new \nAlphard\n and \nVellfire\n in Japan, with new tech that goes underneath the boxy silhouette. Being their flagship minivans (\u201cmini\u201d is an understatement), they offer the ultimate luxury on wheels that would put a few European limos to shame.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Alphard / Vellfire 2.5\nToyota Alphard / Vellfire 3.5\nToyota Alphard / Vellfire 2.5 Hybrid\nEngine\n2,493 cc 4-cylinder\n3,456 cc V6\n2,493 cc 4-cylinder + electric motors\nTransmission\n7-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic and Super CVT-i\n6 -speed Sequential Shiftmatic with 6 Super ECT\n6-speed Sequential Shiftmatic\nMax Power\n180 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n276 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n150 hp @ 5,700 rpm (194 hp combined)\nMax Torque\n235 Nm @ 4,100 rpm\n344 Nm @ 4,700 rpm\n205 Nm @ 4,400 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nLooking like a mean pair of robot twins out of a \nManga\n, both the Alphard and Vellfire share the same boxy body but with their own individual faces. Toyota says that the Alphard exterior emphasizes luxury, while the Vellfire exterior emphasizes boldness. Either one, both should have no problems scaring little kids with their over-sized chrome grille.   Even in their basic guise, both of them wear a more prominent nose than before. On the Alphard the grille stretches all the way down to the bumper, while the Vellfire dons a unique horizontal multi-bar grille with split headlamps up front.   Some surfacing work has been done on the side to add a bit of depth to the otherwise flat side profile, and there\u2019s a floating B-pillar as seen on the \nCitroen DS3\n.\nA strip of chrome runs on top of the side windows from the B-pillar rearwards to the integrated rear spoiler. In the typical Japanese style, the styling customisation with the optional styling packages are endless, you can add more chrome and LEDs to your heart\u2019s content and the TRD styling package offers up to six chrome-tipped rectangular tailpipes. Yes, six.\nINTERIOR\nThe \nSmart Entry & Push Start System\n with the new \nWelcome Power Slide Door & Reservation Lock\n function is really smart, it can detect the a person and automatically open the sliding door without any physical contact at all. That certainly beats waving your foot at the back bumper to open the boot!\nAlphard   The interior can be specified with either seven or eight seats, depending on which variant. Opt for the seven-seat variant and you\u2019ll get two individual thrones on the second row as opposed to the normal bench if you choose the eight-seat variant. The third row seats can be folded up against the side for more cargo area, and the front passenger seat called the \u201c\nsuper-long-slide passenger seat\n\u201d (seriously) can even slide all the way back to the second row to create a legroom fit for Shaquille O\u2019Neal.\nVellfire   Toyota claimed that the 1,400 mm interior height is maintained from the predecessor so head room shouldn\u2019t be an issue here. Below the third row seat sliding mechanism is a lidded 148 liter cargo space, which is said to be the world\u2019s first under floor storage with such capacity.\nCreature comforts aplenty inside, buyers can specify with \nleather upholstery\n,\n JBL premium sound system\n, pop-down \n12.1-inch screen\n for the rear passengers, and ambient LED roof lighting with up to 16 colour variations so you can create your own party inside the vehicle.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Alphard and Vellfire can be had in three engine options: a \n2.5-litre\n, a \n3.5-litre V6\n, or a \n2.5-litre Hybrid\n. The \n2.5-litre\n engine develops \n180 hp\n and \n235 Nm\n of torque, while the \n3.5-litre V6\n produces\n 276 hp\n and \n344 Nm\n of torque. In the \nHybrid\n, the \n2.5-litre\n internal combustion engine delivers \n150 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque, but there\u2019s the additional \n105 kW\n electric motor at the front and another \n50 kW\n electric motor at the back. Combined together they deliver a \ntotal of 194 hp\n.\nThe \n2.5-litre\n is mated to a \nseven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic and Super CVT-i\n with optional Stop/Start System, the \n2.5-litre Hybrid\n is paired with a \nsix-speed Sequential Shiftmatic and E-Four\n (electric four-wheel drive system), and the \n3.5-litre V6\n uses a\n six-speed Sequential Shiftmatic with 6 Super ECT\n.\nSAFETY\nPiloting a huge vehicle can be quite challenging, but the Alphard and Vellfire feature a \nPanoramic View Monitor\n, allowing the driver to see what\u2019s going on around the vehicle. \nIntelligent Parking Assist\n will take care of the parking tasks, and it can even reverse-park into a parking bay.\nThe Alphard and Vellfire can be fitted with the\n Intelligent Clearance Sonar\n. It utilises eight sensors and helps to avoid low-speed collision against walls or objects. There\u2019s also the \nPre-collision System\n that uses millimeter wave radar to detect vehicles and obstacles ahead that works with the automatic pre-collision brake assist and pre-collision brakes to prevent an imminent crash.\nWHAT ELSE\nBoth the Alphard and Vellfire are now sale in Japan with prices starting from \n\u00a5 3,197,782\n for the\n 2.5-litre X\n variant, all the way up to \n\u00a5 7,036,691\n for the \n2.5-litre Hybrid Executive Lounge\n variant. TMC is targeting a monthly sales of 3,000 units for the Alphard, and 4,000 units for the Vellfire.\nHere in Malaysia, we have the \nAlphard\n officially brought in from Japan by UMW Toyota Motor and it retails from RM 338,000. While there\u2019s no doubting that we\u2019ll be seeing the new Alphard and Vellfire pretty soon on Malaysian roads brought in by the grey importers, will UMW Toyota Motor bring them officially as well? Only time will tell.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\nAlphard\nVellfire\n [divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAlphard   Vellfire"
"The cult classic 80s Sci-Fi movie \nBack to the Future\n made the DeLorean DMC-12 looked cool, thanks to its time-travelling capabilities and angry-sounding V8 engine. But what many people \u2013 or at least the general movie-going crowd \u2013 don\u2019t know is that the V8 sound is actually just movie magic; the actual DeLorean only had a V6, and a very anaemic one at that.\nSo in an attempt to make things right in the world, a man named Alexandre Claudin decided to fit an actual Chevrolet LS V8 under the bonnet of his own DeLorean. And when we say bonnet, we actually mean the \nfront\n bonnet.\n \nIf the name sounds familiar to you, that\u2019s because you\u2019ve probably seen him featured in the Netflix car stunt show,\n Hyperdrive\n. As a professional drifter, the mid-engine layout of the DeLorean is never going to fly for him, which is why he decided to fit the engine into the front of the car for a more traditional FR layout.\nCheck out the student-built electric DeLorean that can drift on its own!\nAs you\u2019d imagine, moving the powertrain to the front obviously necessitated extensive fabrication works. The entire chassis of the sideways-loving V8 DeLorean is basically custom-made from scratch, featuring a tube frame underneath the standard body, plus custom suspension components.\nThe interior of the V8 DriftLorean is also completely custom and kept as close to the movie as possible (aside from the roll cage), so yes, there\u2019s a \u201cflux capacitor\u201d nestled behind the seats. And of course, the iconic gullwing doors are retained here, because it can\u2019t legally be called a DeLorean without them \u2013 we didn\u2019t make the rules.\nItalDesign recently published a teaser of a reimagined DeLorean \u2013 Is it making a comeback soon?\nYou can check out the entire build log from start to finish in Claudin\u2019s Instagram profile, linked\n here\n. Be forewarned though, the page contains lots of gratuitous carporn-worthy photographs \u2013 so depending on who you are as a person, you might want to only view it in private.\nWhile Mr. Fusion won\u2019t be breaking through the space-time continuum in this thing, Claudin\u2019s creation might actually be the first DeLorean to actually reach 88 mph, so at least it\u2019s still a somewhat accurate recreation, I guess."
"Shell Lubricants Malaysia has just kicked off their Shell Helix Ultra \u2018Drive On\u2019 campaign as part of a global brand campaign to celebrate and inspire the passion for driving. The ultimate aim of the \u2018Drive On\u2019 campaign is to inspire drivers to overcome daily challenges and keep their passion for driving alive.\nShell Lubricants Executive Director \u2013 Southeast Asia & Oceania, Mr Troy Chapman said, \u201cWith the Shell Helix Ultra \u2018Drive On\u2019 campaign, we are showing drivers in Malaysia just how our fully synthetic motor oil enables their passion for driving. Whether they drive for the roar of the engine, or for the freedom of the open road, Shell Helix Ultra is designed to protect car engines from the barriers that can hinder performance so that drivers can have the most enjoyable journey possible,\u201d\nMr. Troy Chapman, Shell Lubricants Executive Director \u2013 SEA & Oceania\n\u201cWith Shell Helix Ultra, which is made from natural gas, drivers have the assurance that every oil change comes with cutting-edge technology that delivers unmatched protection for the ultimate engine performance,\u201d he added.\nIn conjunction with the launch of the \u2018Drive On\u2019 campaign, Shell also introduced its \nShell Advantage and Rewards (SHARE)\n\u00a0loyalty programme. Malaysia is also the first country in the world to introduce SHARE programme.\nMotorist who purchase either a \nShell Helix Ultra\n with PurePlus Technology\n, \nHigh Mileage\n, HX7 or HX5, can hop onto Shell Malaysia\u2019s website to register for the SHARE programme. Upon registration, users will receive a storewide Lazada voucher, \nbuy 3-free-1 offer for Shell Helix Ultra engine oil\n, oil change reminders as well as seasonal promotions.\nTo qualify for the \nbuy 3-free-1 offer\n on Shell Helix Ultra engine oil, end-users will have to register their unique code found on every new bottle of Shell Helix Ultra engine oil (purchased from participating workshops and \nShell Lazada online store\n) onto SHARE and by the third bottle, Shell Lubricants Malaysia will reward you will a free bottle of Shell Helix Ultra engine oil (valid for six months).\nBesides attractive rewards, users can also keep track of their \n12-Years Shell Helix Engine Warranty (SHEW)\n\u00a0as well as receive SMS/email reminders of their next oil change on SHARE. For more information of the SHARE programme, do log on to the \nSHARE official webpage\n."
"The \nall-new 2022 Honda CR-V\n has just been unveiled in the United States, with the C-segment SUV scheduled to go on sale in the coming months to rival the \nToyota RAV4\n.\nStyling wise, the all-new Honda CR-V has been completely redesigned from the ground up, ditching the previous bulbous appearance for a sharper and \u2013 according to the carmaker \u2013 more rugged look.\nHonda says the all-new 2022 CR-V\u2019s design takes inspiration from the Honda Ridgeline and Passport Trailsport, and even though it\u2019s heavily related to the\n US-market HR-V\n, it actually shares more visual similarities with the \nglobal HR-V model\n, with highlights being the tall and flat front fascia, as well as the wide hexagonal front grille flanked by slim LED headlight fixtures.\nThe all-new Honda CR-V has grown in size, particularly in length (+69 mm) and width (+10 mm) for a more \u201cpremium\u201d proportion and broader stance on the road. The increase in size is most noticeable when viewed from the sides, where you\u2019ll notice the longer bonnet thanks to the repositioned A-pillars, as well as the prominent beltline that accentuates its length.\nThe wheelbase has also been stretched by over 40 mm to now measuring 2,700 mm, with the extra room between the wheels contributing to the extra space inside the cabin.\nInside is where its relationship with the \nCivic\n is most apparent, with the entire dashboard essentially taken wholesale from the sedan, including the three-spoke steering wheel, full-width honeycomb mesh air vents, as well as the freestanding touchscreen infotainment display measuring seven- or nine-inches depending on variant.\nThe all-new Honda CR-V does however get a unique and larger centre console, afforded by its larger overall size. It\u2019s not as vertical as the outgoing model, but the wider footprint allows for the drive-mode selector and electronic parking brake to be moved up alongside the gear lever, clearing up more space for the storage cubbies and cup holders.\nStandard kit on the all-new 2022 Honda CR-V include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (wireless on range-topping variants), a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, 10 airbags, as well as an improved Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite with new functions such as Traffic Jam Assist and Low-Speed Braking Control.\nRELATED: The all-new 2022 Honda Civic Type R is finally coming on July 21\nIn the US, the all-new CR-V makes its debut with a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged inline-four engine that makes \n193 hp\n and\n 243 Nm\n of torque. While output figures are unchanged from before, Honda says that the engine is upgraded to now offer better refinement and improved emissions. As before, it\u2019s paired to a CVT gearbox, which also gets tweaks to reduce noise and vibration.\nThe e:HEV hybrid powertrain will join the line-up at a later date, consisting of a 2.0 litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and e-CVT gearbox offers up to\n 207 hp\n and \n335 Nm\n. Horsepower figures have indeed dropped when compared to its outgoing model (215 hp), but the torquier electric motor (+20 Nm) now gives the CR-V a tow rating of up to 454 kg.\nThe Real Time AWD system can be optioned on all variants, with the system now able to send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels for better traction in slippery conditions. For better driveability, Honda also says that the CR-V\u2019s chassis has been stiffened by up to 15%, while the steering rack has also been tweaked to offer improved feel and accuracy."
"Having unveiled just last month, the \nToyota Yaris Cross\n is now officially launched in the Indonesian market. Just in case you don\u2019t know, this is the Yaris Cross for the ASEAN market and is a completely different model than the \nTNGA-based Yaris Cross\n in markets like Japan and Europe.\nA total of three variants are offered for the Toyota Yaris Cross in Indonesia \u2013 two petrol variants and one hybrid variant. This consists of the G Type variant, which prices start from \nIDR351 million\n (approx \nRM108,760\n), the S Type variant, which is priced at \nIDR407.7 million\n (approx \nRM126,329\n), and the top-spec S HV hybrid variant, which retails at \nIDR440.6 million\n (approx \nRM136,564\n).\nG variant\nS variant with GR Parts Aero Package\nOn the outside, the Indonesian-spec Yaris Cross comes standard with LED headlamps and front fog lamps. The S variant adds an electric power boot with a kick sensor. Wheels-wise, the G variant is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, while both the S and S HV variants get larger 18-inch alloy wheels.\nToyota\n\u2019s\n distributor in Indonesia \u2013 PT Toyota-Astra Motor is also offering a GR Parts Aero Package for both the S and S HV hybrid variants. This package includes a front grille garnish, a rear bumper garnish, as well as a rear ducktail spoiler.\nThe G variant on the other hand gets a dahscam as an extra with this package. Additional optional accessories such as a cargo net and an air purifier are also available for the S and S HV variants.\nRELATED: \nLeaked: Next-gen Toyota Alphard & Vellfire \u2013 The new VIP-mobile?\nDimensions-wise, the Toyota Yaris Cross in Indonesia measures \n4,310 mm\n long, \n1,770 mm\n wide, and \n1,615 mm\n tall, and is underpinned by a \n2,620 mm\n long wheelbase. This makes the B-segment SUV just slightly smaller than the \nProton X50\n and \nHonda HR-V\n, and larger than the A-segment \nToyota Raize\n/\nPerodua Ativa\n. Suspension-wise the Indonesian Toyota Yaris Cross is fitted with MacPherson Struts at the front, and Torsion Beam at the back.\nPowering both the G and S variants is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a CVT. The G variant is the only trim that comes with a 5-speed manual option. With power sent to the front wheels only, this setup churns out \n105 hp\n and \n138 Nm\n.\nDigital instrument cluster of the S HV hybrid variant\nThe S HV variant, which is the sole hybrid option, is powered by a 1.5-litre NA 4-cylinder engine, paired with a CVT under the hood, producing \n105 hp\n and \n138 Nm\n. With power also sent to the front wheels only, the engine is mated with a lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor which produces \n79 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n.\nOne interesting difference between the petrol-powered and hybrid variants is the fuel tank capacity. The petrol-powered G and S variants come with a 42-litre fuel tank, while the S HV hybrid variant is fitted with a smaller 36-litre fuel tank to accommodate the hybrid battery.\nRELATED: \nToyota Raize sales suspended, another Daihatsu safety scandal appears\nMoving inside, the Indonesian-spec Yaris Cross, standard features you get with the entry-level G variant include fabric upholstery, a seven-inch digital instrumental cluster, and a nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Moving up to the mid-range S variant, you get upgrades such as leather upholstery, a powered driver\u2019s seat, paddle shifters, and automatic air-conditioning.\nA 10.1-inch infotainment display, three selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Power), and a built-in dashcam are also among the kits that come with the S variant as standard. The S HV variant tops the line with premium features such as a panoramic sunroof with a powered sunshade, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, as well as hybrid-specific features like the hybrid energy flow displays for the infotainment system. All variants also come with electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function and telescopic steering wheel adjustments as standard.\nIn the safety department, standard safety equipment that comes with all variants of the Indonesian-spec Toyota Yaris Cross includes front and rear parking sensors, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Moving up to the S variant, you get a panoramic view monitor, as well as the Toyota Safety Sense package, which consists of Lane Keeping Control (LKC), Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW & LDP), Front Departure Alert (FDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Pre-Collision Warning (PCW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Automatic High Beam.\nThe launch of the Toyota Yaris Cross in Indonesia is a significant one, to say the least. This is because it has been rumoured as the model that the upcoming Perodua B-segment SUV (codenamed the D66B) will be based on. If the upcoming B-segment Perodua SUV becomes a reality, it will sit above the A-segment Ativa and will compete with the likes of the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and the \nChery Omoda 5\n which will be coming to Malaysia.\nWhat do you think of the Toyota Yaris Cross? Are you looking forward to the upcoming Perodua D66B SUV? Let us know in the comments below!\nRELATED:\n \nDaihatsu safety scandal: Toyota Raize passes in-house re-test of UN-R135, authorities to confirm\nGALLERY\nS HV variant with GR Parts Aero Package\nS variant with GR Parts Aero Package\nG variant"
"Ford has introduced the all-new Edge ST, the brand\u2019s first SUV to be tuned by Ford Performance \u2013 building on its best ever SUV sales year in the US.\nThe Edge ST will feature the most powerful V6 engine in its class- a specially-tuned 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine pushing out \n335 hp\n and \n515 Nm\n of torque \u2013 mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, delivering power to all four wheels.\nThe Edge ST features a new front and rear end, with a wide mesh grille ahead for optimal cooling, deep side skirts and dual exhaust outlets. Full LED headlamps and LED fog lamps are standard along with a redesigned hood imparts a wider, more planted stance. Elevating its exterior\u2019s presence even more are a set of 21-inch wheels beneath the arches.\nOn the inside, features a 12-speaker B&O PLAY audio system by HARMAN specially for the Edge. Standard equipment also includes the FordPass Connect, with a Wi-Fi hotspot that gives internet access to up to 10 devices. Using the FordPass app, owners can also use their smartphone to start, lock and unlock and to locate their vehicle.\nOther creature comforts include voice command, Enhanced Active Park Assist, 180-degree front/rear cameras and ultrasonic sensors.\nBeing performance-oriented, the Edge ST does not seem to lack on the safety front either with features such as Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Post-Collision Braking, Evasive Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping Alert, Lane-Keeping Assist, Auto High Beams and Hill-Start Assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, the F\nerrari F8 Tributo\n is the Prancing Horse\u2019s replacement for the aging 488 GTB.\nSitting in the middle is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque, 50 hp and 10 Nm more than the car it replaces.\n \n0 to 100 km/h is decimated in just 2.9 seconds, as quick as the \n911 GT2 RS\n \u2013\nthe most powerful 911 to date\n \u2013 while 0 to 200 km/h happens within 7.8 seconds before it reaches its top speed of 340 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"One of the most common \u201cproblems\u201d people like to mention against \nelectric vehicles\n is their (lack of) driving range \u2013 also commonly known as \u201crange anxiety\u201d. It\u2019s a fair criticism, but still usually an unfounded concern, as most EVs these days have more than enough juice to last you an entire day of driving.\nThat still won\u2019t stop people from saying \u201cI won\u2019t buy an EV until I can drive one for more than X km on a single charge\u201d, But BMW doesn\u2019t think that it\u2019s their problem to solve. In fact, when speaking to Australian publication \nWhichCar\n, BMW i4 product boss David Ferrufino said that they won\u2019t be developing EVs with 1,000 kilometres of range.\n\u201cOne thousand kilometres of range is not a target we have with our fully-electric cars,\u201d Ferrufino told the publication a media conference this week. \u201cWe are aiming for 600 kilometres [of range] for our fully-electric cars, and 100 kilometres with our plug-in hybrids in everyday driving.\u201d\nFerrufino added that the driving range on their EVs will also depend on which segment they\u2019re designed for. For instance, he said that the \nBMW i3\n doesn\u2019t need 600 km of range, but the same number would be a \u201cvery customer-friendly solution\u201d for larger cars like the \nBMW iX\n and \ni4\n.\nThe Lucid Air is now the EV range king, with an EPA-rated 837 km electric driving range! Read more here.\nTo BMW, the most effective way to improve an EV\u2019s effective driving range is not by stacking more and more batteries into the car, but by increasing the availability of high-speed charging networks globally.\n\u201cWe not only have the advancements in battery technology, we also have the public charging network \u2013 which is growing rapidly. Going cross-country in Europe from Norway to Italy is already a joyful experience when you do it in an electric car,\u201d Ferrufino said.\nOn top of that, DC quick charging will also get better over time, making it quicker to \u201crefuel\u201d on a road trip. On that note, the BMW i4 offers a 590 km driving range (per WLTP) from a single charge, and can be topped up from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes using a 200kW DC fast charger.\nWhich means, theoretically, you\u2019ll be able to go for an over 1,000 km journey with just a short half an hour break in between driving.\nAudi is proposing an EV charging station that looks like a first-class lounge! Check it out here.\nMercedes-EQS\nIn a way, we do see what Ferrufino is saying; even for ICE-powered cars, how many out there can actually drive for more than 1,000 km on a single tank of fuel? The only difference is that petrol stations are widely available, and fast DC electric chargers are still not \u2013 at least in most parts of the world.\nAs a result, many EV manufacturers \u2013 especially those out of China \u2013 are trying to compensate in part by adding more batteries into the car, which also adds more weight, thus making them less energy efficient overall.\nBut is it too early for BMW to cap their EV range at 600 km? Well, that\u2019s hard to say, but one thing\u2019s for sure \u2013 more electric chargers will be better for everyone."
"The Mercedes-Benz \nW176 A-Class\n has been around for a good part of five years now and Mercedes-Benz has eagerly shown us how the interior of the next-generation compact hatch will look like in this series of official photos.\nThe interior of the next-generation A-Class will be nothing short of revolutionary, combining styling and technology from its larger siblings. Aimed at capturing a younger group of audience, the new car will be as \nyouthful as ever\n before but at the same time offering greater practicality and grown-up than its predecessors.\nStarting with cabin space, the interior now offers better all-round visibility and more space. Here are some key figures compared to the W176 A-Class:\nKey interior dimensions in mm\nW176 A-Class\nNext-gen A-Class\nDifference\nElbow room, front\n1,422\n1,457\n+35\nElbow room, 2nd seat row\n1,410\n1,446\n+36\nShoulder room, 1st seat row\n1,391\n1,400\n+9\nShoulder room, 2nd seat row\n1,350\n1,372\n+22\nMaximum headroom, front\n1,017\n1,024\n+7\nMaximum headroom, rear\n952\n960\n+8\nBoot Space (litres)\n341\n370\n+29\nThe new A-Class will offer more space in every aspect than the outgoing model, suggesting that the car has grown in size as well. Aside from that, storage capacity has improved significantly as well with the centre cup holder now able to accommodate 500 ml bottles, front door pockets can now fit 1.5-litre bottles or A4-sized magazines and the rear door panel can also fit 1-litre bottles.   The interior architecture and display systems of the new A-Class will set a new benchmark in the segment. Like the \nE-Class\n, the new A-Class will get the wide-screen cockpit as standard, available in three configurations: two 7-inch, one 7 and one 10.25-inch or two 10.25-inch displays. The centre console has been decluttered leaving only a single stripe of climate control rocker switches.\nSimilar to the \nE-Class Coupe\n and the \nupcoming CLS\n, the new A-Class will also feature turbine design air vents. Other new items include the multifunctional steering wheel design (taken from the S-Class facelift), ring-shaped door handle and Command system touchpad. Other options for the new A-Class include 64-colour ambient lighting (12-colour as standard).\nA total of three front seat option are available ranging from sporty AMG to a Multicontour Seat package. Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, a range of premium interior finishes like open-pore wood are available.\nWhen the next-gen A-Class makes its global debut, expect the interior find its way to its other compact car range like the \nCLA\n and \nGLA\n. There is also an \nA-Class sedan\n concept that we should look forward to.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With more manufacturers and tech companies joining the fray in building autonomous or self-driving cars, petrol heads are getting increasingly worried that the future will render the cars of today obsolete. However, Google\u2019s latest experiment on autonomous driving technology ended less than favourably.\nThe Internet search engine giant revealed that, during the course of two months and after 679,000km clocked, test drivers (humans) had to retake the wheel of 13 times in autonomous cars to avoid accidents. A total of 272 recorded technical issues were reported as well, although there aren\u2019t any exact figures as to how many pants these drivers had to change during the course of that test.\nOut of the 272 issues, 69 disengagements were due to safety concerns, with 56 of those account for real-life situations. Despite that, Google remains adamant that these numbers aren\u2019t entirely representative of actual safety, saying \u201cthe 56 events would very likely not have resulted in a real-world contact if the test driver had not taken control\u201d.\nNevertheless, the folks at Google still have their heads held high, stating that such setbacks provide vital data in ensuring that all possible real-life scenarios are accounted for. Reliability of its autonomous cars has also improved over the years and the company will clock more mileage for further tests in both real-life and computer simulations. Google\u2019s fleet of autonomous test vehicles consists of the\u00a0\nLexus RX450h\n and \nKoala EV\n car (pictured above).\nIt\u2019ll take a few more years before you and I can sit back and relax in our cars on our daily journey from Point A to Point B.\u00a0However, with Google\u2019s proven expertise in technology, we\u2019ll never know how quickly autonomous driving could be a thing. Should someone start counting the days these crooked driving schools have left before Google starts bagging their piece of the pie?"
"Mention the name Ayrton Senna and a few things would come to mind \u2013 triple Formula 1 World Champion, impeccable overtaking maneuvers in wet racing conditions and that yellow helmet with blue and green stripes.\nIn his earlier karting days, Senna was seen wearing helmets with plain yellow, white or green backgrounds. It wasn\u2019t until the 1980 Karting World Championship, that the enduring helmet design made its debut with the then 20-year old Senna.\nSenna would go on to adopt the colours inspired by the Brazilian flag until his demise in 1994 at the San Marino Grand Prix in Italy.\nDespite the iconic colours, the helmet\u2019s design and colours originated from a more humble figure. It was designed by Sid Mosca, owner of Sid Special Paint, which specialised in designing and painting racing helmets for the last 45 years for the likes of Emerson Fittipaldi and Nelson Piquet \u2013 whom were both Formula 1 Champions themselves.\nToday, the owner of the paint shop is Alan Sidney Mosca, son of Sid Mosca, who had developed a remarkable friendship with the legendary motorsport figure and still paints replica Senna helmets for Senna loyalists.\n\u201cWhen I first met Ayrton, I must have been 16 years old and he was about 14. I\u2019m very proud to continue painting his helmets, mostly for the Ayrton Senna Institute as it\u2019s a way to contribute to Ayrton\u2019s legacy and to keep his memories alive,\u201d he said.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Malaysia\u2019s favourite national compact hatch has made a grand comeback in the shape of the \nthird-generation Perodua Myvi\n. It has a completely new design and exceptional safety features, basically bigger and better than ever before.\nWe\u2019ve detailed the all-new Myvi spec-by-spec in our \nlaunch report here\n. Some of the key highlights include two engine options across \nfive variants\n \u2013 1.3 Standard G (MT), 1.3 Standard G, 1.3 Premium X, 1.5 High and 1.5 Advance. Except for the 1.3 Standard G that comes with a five-speed manual, the rest are equipped with a four-speed automatic (E-AT).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (MT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Premium X (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 High (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 Advance (AT)\nEngine\n1.3-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i\n1.5-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n94 hp\u00a0@ 6,000 rpm\n101 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n121 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n136 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM44,300\nRM46,300\nRM48,300\nRM51,800\nRM55,300\nMotivation comes from a 1.3-litre 1NR-VE Dual VVT-i with \n94 hp\n and \n121 Nm\n and a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i with \n101 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n. In the 1.3 Premium X and above, it gets the Eco Idle system (idle start/stop) to further improve fuel consumption.\nVisually, the Myvi looks nothing like before thanks to a new upper body design penned completely by local designers and engineers at Perodua. As standard, \nall variants\n get LED reflector headlamps, LED combination taillamps, 14-inch alloys and acoustic windshield. The higher end\u00a0\n1.5-litre variants\n get additional skirting, two-tone bumpers, a rear spoiler and 15-inch alloys.\nOn \nall variants\n, you\u2019ll find four-speakers, fabric seats, keyless entry/start, height adjustment for the driver\u2019s seat, an anti-snatch hook, a built-in toll reader (1.5 only) and a USB charging port on driver seat (1.3 Premium X and above). Exclusive to the \nrange-topping 1.5 Advance\n are leather seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with Smart Link (for Android) and reverse camera.   On to safety where the new Myvi leapfrogs its competition \u2013 local and international alike, four-airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Emergency Stop Signal and ISOFIX mounting points are \nstandard on all variants\n. Stepping up to the 1.5 variants, it adds two additional airbags and Hill Start Assist. Only the range-topping 1.5 Advance gets the \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA)\n and solar & security window film.\nThe new Perodua Myvi is impressive in every way, shape and form, with prices starting from just RM44k to RM55k. If you are still undecided whether to add this to your stable, don\u2019t forget to check out our \nfirst impression of the all-new Myvi\n. For now, enjoy the pictorial gallery of the new Perodua Myvi.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 Advance (AT)   Perodua Myvi 1.5 High (AT)   Perodua Myvi 1.3 Premium X (AT)"
"The second-generation \nAudi R8\n has just received a convertible version with the unveiling of the R8 Spyder V10 at the New York Motor Show. This topless variant is basically identical to the coupe, apart from the canvas roof.\nJust like its predecessor, this new R8 Spyder utilises the fabric roof design which weighs 44kg. It folds mechanically in 20 seconds and can operate at speeds of up to 50km/h. The R8 Spyder weighs also weighs 113kg lighter than before \u2013 now at\u00a0\n1,612kg\n, thanks to more liberal use of carbon-fibre within the \u2018spaceframe\u2019 body.\nHowever, it still is heavier than the coupe by a margin; 125kg to be exact. For those who don\u2019t seem to mind much, the convertible experience should well make up for the weight gain. Torsional rigidity on the other hand, has been improved by as much as 50 percent over the old model.\nNothing much has changed on the mechanical side of things, though. It retains the same naturally aspirated\u00a0\n5.2-litre V10 engine\n that pushes \n540 hp\n\u00a0and \u00a0\n540 Nm\n of torque. A more powerful V10 Plus variant is somewhere in the pipeline, and that variant makes 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque. The \nS-Tronic dual clutch gearbo\nx is also retained, so it sprints\u00a0from nought to 100km/h in \n3.6 seconds\n. It\u2019s ever so slightly slower at the top end \u2013 just under 2km/h down from the coupe\u2019s 318km/h top speed.\nInside, Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit is also available in the R8 Spyder. The second-generation Audi R8 will be arriving in Malaysia sometime this year, so stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve unfortunately missed out on Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\u2019s \nChinese New Year promotions\n, don\u2019t fret, because it has now been extended to the \nend of February\n!\nThe same deals from the Chinese New Year Promotions still apply, which includes low interest rates for selected Triton variants, cash rebates, as well as free maintenance vouchers.\nAs a recap, here\u2019s what on offer, starting with the \nTriton pick-up truck\n. From now until the end of February 2020, customers who book and register a new Mitsubishi Triton in the VGT Adventure X, VGT AT Premium, and VGT MT Premium variants can choose to enjoy either a \n0.88% interest rate\n for hire purchase via \nMaybank or Public Bank\n, \nor cash rebates\n from RM6,000 to RM9,000.\nThe other variants, including the\n limited-edition Triton Knight\n, VGT AT, VGT MT and \nTriton Quest\n are also eligible to enjoy cash rebates ranging from \nRM2,000 to RM8,000\n. For a full breakdown, refer to the table below:\nOn top of all on-going promotions, \nexisting Mitsubishi and pick-up owners\n who purchase selected Triton variants will also be entitled to \nRM3,000\n and \nRM2,000 cash rebates\n respectively.\nAll variants of the Mitsubishi Triton comes with a \nfive-year/200,000 km warranty\n, with the sole exception of the Triton Quest which comes with a \nfive-year/100,000 km warranty\n.\nAside from the Triton, the \nMitsubishi Outlander\n 2.0-litre (\nRM137,888\n) also gets \nRM4,000\n in cash rebate, plus a \ntwo-year free maintenance\n voucher; the Outlander 2.4-litre (\nRM152,888\n) gets a\n RM2,000\n cash rebate and\n two-year free maintenance\n voucher.\nLastly, the\n Mitsubishi ASX compact SUV\n 4WD (\nRM133,336\n) and 2WD (\nRM118,866\n) come with cash rebates of \nRM12,000\n and \nRM8,000\n respectively.\nBoth the Outlander and ASX come with a \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty. \nthe \nMitsubishi Triton Knight\nDuring the promotional period, eight lucky customers who service their car at any authorised Mitsubishi service outlets are also entitled to win a g\nold coin worth RM888\n, when they spend a minimum of RM688 during their visit. Other service promotions include:\ninstant e-voucher worth up to RM48 when you spend a minimum of RM488\nfree exclusive cutlery set when you spend a minimum of RM388"
"According to a new eye-tracking research conducted by Peugeot, drivers take their eyes off the road for over 3 kilometres in a one hour journey at 48 km/h through urban traffic.\nPeugeot studied multiple drivers wearing special glasses,\u00a0that specifically maps where the retina is looking every 0.05 seconds, to analyse exactly where their eyes looked whilst driving a selection of compact SUV models.\nPeugeot conducted the study to highlight its innovative\n i-Cockpit system\n which consists of a smaller steering wheel and a raised instrument panel to promote less eye movement during driving.\nIn the\n Peugeot 3008\n, where 278,000 units have been sold since 2016, the \ndriver\u2019s concentration on the road improved from 93% to 95%\n. This is due to the speedometer being positioned in the line of sight of the driver, which also meant that drivers in the 3008 were able to \ncheck their speed three times more often\n than in other SUVs."
"As Malaysians, one of our most favourite features on a car would be the sunroof. Some of us love it so much that we even go the extent of installing \u2018aftermarket\u2019 ones on brand new cars. Taking things a step further, the newly launched \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\n features a fixed panoramic sunroof which can neither be closed, nor does it have an electro-chromatic function. Is it a good idea for a car that will be driven in our hot tropical climate?\nWhile it may sound perfect for driving around in the cool weather of Europe, one might doubt just how practical a fixed panoramic sunroof is in Malaysia. And there\u2019s a legit reason to doubt it since car cabins can get really hot when parked outside on a hot day. Yours truly also had a similar doubt, but after trying the car out for a few weeks, I have to say that it actually isn\u2019t that bad. Allow me to share my experience.\nThe fixed sunroof is perfect for enjoying a cold rainy day. But how would it fair on a hot Malaysian afternoon?\nFirstly, the glass for the fixed panoramic sunroof is a laminated & tinted glass which means it already reduces incoming light, heat, and ultraviolet radiation. You can see in the pictures here that the glass on the roof is darker than the glass for the windows.\nAdmittedly, after being parked outside on a hot Malaysian afternoon, the glass roof does get hot. And although it isn\u2019t scalding hot from the inside, it is hot enough for you to not want to keep your hands on it. However, the cabin actually feels bearable on immediate entry and there\u2019s not much difference in terms of how hot the cabin feels when you compare it to a car without a sunroof.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k\nIt\u2019s also a good thing that the C40 isn\u2019t adorned with many aluminium trims (like some cars) which can be scalding hot when left in the same situation. So, the fixed panoramic sunroof doesn\u2019t actually cause a \u2018hot cabin\u2019 problem, but, it does come with some little things that may annoy you. What could they be?\nWell, the first little annoyance would be glare and this will be an issue if you\u2019re a passenger wishing recline your seat as you get chauffeured around. Yes, the glass is tinted, but a sharp glare could wake you up should you choose to have a some shut eye with the seats reclined.\nALSO WATCH: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, from RM289k \u2013 5 Things\nThe second little thing that annoyed me was that if there were bird (or bat) droppings on the car, they would be difficult to ignore from inside the car. The C40\u2019s glass roof doesn\u2019t have an electrochromatic function and it doesn\u2019t have a shade that you could pull out. It\u2019s a shame as the C40\u2019s premium cabin has a calm and relaxing mood, but it can be ruined by something small like this.\nLittle nuances aside, the C40\u2019s glass roof counters the sloping roofline\u2019s claustrophobic effect very well. It is also refreshing to see a new approach on a car\u2019s interior that simplifies rather than complicates things. And these little annoyances can be reduced by simply adding a dark layer of tint to the glass roof.\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia broke its own sales record again with 3,194 units delivered in 2022"
"Despite many rumours regarding the increment of petrol prices in \nMay\n, an official statement issued by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism ministry revealed that prices for RON 95, RON 97 and diesel will retain the same figures as they did in March and April.\nRON 97 will still be sold at \nRM2.25 per litre\n with GST\nThis means \nRON 95\n and \ndiesel\n will still be sold at \nRM1.95 per litre\n, whereas \nRON 97\n will continue being sold at \nRM2.25\n per litre. Several news portal reported that RON 95 will see an increase of RM0.20, bringing it to RM2.15 per litre. Well, those speculations can be put to rest now.\nWe\u2019ve seen fuel prices fluctuate for the past four months; from RM1.91 (RON 95) in January to RM1.70 in February, then back up to RM1.95 for the months of March, April and May. With our fuel subsidies removed and global crude oil prices steadily on the rise, it\u2019s difficult to say if prices will remain unchanged come June. As of press time, WTI crude oil is priced at \nUSD58.58 per barrel\n."
"In conjunction with the \nRoad Transport Department\u2019s (JPJ)\n 75-year anniversary, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong announced that the JPJ will be offering a 70% discount on compoundable summonses (i.e. not those that have been moved to a court hearing).\n\u201cThe discount offer will be valid for two months starting April 13 till June 13,\u201d he told reporters at JPJ\u2019s 75th anniversary celebrations yesterday, noting that the discount would benefit motorists who have been blacklisted by the department due to unsettled summonses.\n\u201cFor example, with the discount, a motorist will only have to pay RM45 to settle a RM150 summons. This will allow the individual\u2019s name to taken off the JPJ blacklist,\u201d he said. Drivers who have been blacklisted by JPJ will not be able to renew their road tax or driving licences.\nAccording to the department\u2019s \nFacebook post\n, the discount will be valid for summonses issued under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 (Act 334), and Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715), inclusive of those already blacklisted, as mentioned above.\nThe discount is also offered to summonses that are still active and their compound period still valid, provided that the summons is paid within the aforementioned offer period.\nPayment of JPJ summonses can be made at any JPJ offices or branches, as well as at any UTC, JPJ kiosks, or via the JPJ online portal online.\nSimilarly, the Malaysia Royal Police (PDRM) is also currently offering a 50% discount on summonses, paid through its new MyBayar Saman web portal and mobile app. The offer is valid until April 15, this Thursday."
"Following the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST), Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced its revised price list for all CKD and CBU models effective 1 September 2018.\nLocally assembled models (CKD) are now cheaper by 1.5 to 2.6 per cent compared to the previous list price with 6 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied. However, fully imported models see a slight increase of RM3,400 to RM8,400.\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said, \u201cIn line with the Government\u2019s initiative, we are very pleased that the new tax structure has allowed us to be more competitive with our prices. With the new tax structure, the reduction of Volkswagen prices ranges from 1.5% (for the Tiguan Comfortline) to 2.6% (for the Vento Highline) compared against the previous tax structure with GST. We believe that the new prices, as well as our recently-introduced \nPrice Protection Scheme\n makes owning a Volkswagen even more attractive to Malaysians.\u201d\n\u201cAs for aftersales service, the prices are determined by the service tax rate, and customers can download the revised service pricing guide on the Volkswagen website.\u201d he added.\nAll new Volkswagen models purchased through authorised dealers nationwide comes with 3-Years free scheduled maintenance, 5-Years manufacturer\u2019s warranty and 5-Years roadside assistance."
"UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has launched the Gazoo Racing Young Talent\u00a0Development Program aimed at uncovering and nurturing young Malaysian racing talent\u00a0between the ages of 14 and 20 who are transitioning from karting and \nsim-racing\n to\u00a0saloon car racing.\u00a0\nThe programme has scouted and drafted six young racers (based on their karting and sim-racing accomplishments, overall performance and level of commitment) to be coached before being provided with the opportunity to \ncompete in Season 4\n of the Toyota Vios Challenge series.\u00a0\nFrom left: Putera Adam, Amer Harris, Jwan Hii, Naquib Azlan, Mika Hakimi and Troy Eimann.\nThe fortunate six include sim racers Mika Hakimi, 17 years old and Naquib Azlan, 20 years old, go-kart racers Amer\u00a0Harris, 17 years old, Jwan Hii, 18 years old, Putera Adam, 14 years old, and Troy Eimann, 16 years old.\u00a0\n\u201cOne of the principal achievements of the Toyota Vios Challenge has been its ability to not only\u00a0attract young racers but giving them an equal opportunity to excel when competing alongside more experienced racers,\u201d said Gazoo Racing Malaysia\u2019s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama.\n\u201cIn \nthree seasons of the Toyota Vios Challenge\n, we have noticed a stream of young drivers making\u00a0their way into the race series. Affordability and cost of participation have certainly played a significant\u00a0part in this but its one-make race format has also provided young drivers as well as newcomers\u00a0with a fair and level playing field in terms of racing as they compete against more experienced\u00a0drivers. This and the combination of having to drive in a super competitive environment has\u00a0resulted in an accelerated learning curve,\u201d he added.\nThe success of the series in nurturing young talent has been validated after 16-year-old Hayden Haikal was crowned the Sporting Class Champion in Season 3 with\u00a0another teenage driver, 18-year-old Bradley Benedict Anthony clinching 2nd place overall in\u00a0what was only his first year of saloon car racing. Both were go-kart racers before making the transition up to saloon car racing.\nRacers drafted into this programme will undergo intensive training both on and off the track under the close guidance of instructors at the Gazoo Racing School beginning this month. They must meet a number of criterias before being certified competent to race. The racers must also fulfill all conditions to acquire a national competition license (circuit racing) from Malaysia\u2019s motor-racing governing body, the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM).\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"If you are not aware, the flagship \nthree-row SUV Mazda CX-9\n is not available in the company\u2019s home market. To fill in the void, Mazda has introduced a \nCX-8 exclusively for Japan\n and three months since its official debut, the three-row SUV has been a massive hit with Japanese buyers.\nMazda has collected more than \n7,362 orders\n from 14 September to 10 December, exceeding their expected monthly target of 1,200 units. The majority (43 percent) of customers went for the high grade \u201cL Package\u201d which is available exclusively in a \nsix-seater configuration\n (2-2-2). As for colour options, 33 percent opted for Machine Grey Metallic while Soul Red Crystal accounts for 13 percent of the total bookings.\nThe most popular range-topping \u201cL Package\u201d is furnished with premium grade materials such as Nappa leather upholstery with real wood trim, large console box in the second-row seats, Bose sound system and many more.   The CX-8 is available in either six or seven-seater configurations with one turbodiesel powertrain option. The 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel is paired to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic to deliver\u00a0\n187 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Customers can also choose between two- or four-wheel drive layout.\nLocally, Bermaz Motor has just officially introduced the \nMazda CX-9\n for the Malaysian market priced from RM281k for the 2WD variant. Unlike the CX-8, Malaysians will get a 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine and the sole seven-seater option.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars has just announced that they will begin local assembly operations in India sometime this year. The facility is jointly used by Volvo Group that manufacture truck, bus and construction equipment and is located near Bangalore in southern India. All resources will be focussed on producing vehicles based on the SPA architecture.\nThe first Volvo model to be assembled is the XC90, with additional models to follow at a later stage. The Swedish carmaker hopes to capture a portion of the country\u2019s fast-expanding appetite for premium cars, and is in line with the Indian government\u2019s initiative to promote their manufacturing sector.\nPerhaps the V90 will be next in line?\nVolvo currently has a five percent market share in India and plans to double this figure by 2020. In the first four months of 2017, Volvo saw a 35 percent increase in sales compared to the same period last year."
"Honda\n has unveiled an all-new crossover in India, marking the marque\u2019s re-entry into the nation\u2019s SUV market after the discontinuation of the\n CR-V \nand \nHR-V\n. Dubbed the \u2018Elevate\u2019, the new compact crossover will enter the crowded B-segment SUV market in India, competing against the likes of the \nHyundai Creta\n, \nKia Seltos\n, as well as the Suzuki Grand Vitara.\nPricing for the new compact crossover has yet to be announced, but estimates are placing it around the 1.05 million rupees mark (approx. RM59k), placing it right in line with its other rivals in the segment.\nThe all-new Honda Elevate looks like a shrunken down\n sixth-gen CR-V\n with design elements borrowed from the\n WR-V\n, and \u2013 oddly \u2013 a hint of the \nPerodua Ativa\n as well \u2013 particularly on the flat front fascia and triangular fog light housings on the front bumper.\nIt measures in a little larger than the Hyundai Creta and HR-V that we have here, but a significantly longer wheelbase (2,650 mm) means that the Honda Elevate should boast superior interior space over its rivals. The official spec sheet states a boot space of 458 litres, compared to the 416L of the Creta.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Creta vs Kona \u2013 which Korean B-segment SUV should you choose?\nDetailed equipment appointment will only be available at a later date, but they\u2019ll include the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven=inch digital instrument cluster, \nHonda Connect telematics\n, two-tone 17-inch wheels, sunroof, reverse camera, and the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance features.\nUnderneath the bonnet is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine making \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n, similar to what powers the \nHonda City\n and \nCity Hatchback\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via either a CVT gearbox or a six-speed manual.\nA hybrid powertrain will also be offered later, using the same 1.5-litre e:HEV mill as found in the \nCity RS e:HEV\n. Within the next three years, Honda also plans to introduce a fully-electric BEV model for the Elevate in India.\nHonda says that the Elevate is a global model, with India set to serve as an important export hub for the new model to other parts of the world. Would you be interested in yet another compact crossover here in our Malaysian market, perhaps in fully-electric form? Let us know in the comments below!\nREAD MORE: \nHonda BR-V discontinued in Malaysia, to be replaced by all-new WR-V"
"Even though the \nFord Focus RS is now dead\n, at least the big blue oval isn\u2019t side lining fans of its Ford Performance sub-brand. Well, in the UK at least, because the Brits still get to enjoy their\n Focus STs\n (which already has more than enough performance), and for this year\u2019s update, the new Focus ST Edition even gets an upgraded adjustable suspension right from the factory!\nThe two-way adjustable coilovers are supplied by KW Automotive, which were then tuned by Ford Performance on the Nurburging. The suspension features twin-tube stainless steel damper housings, powder-coated in the signature Ford Performance blue colour, and drops the ride height by 10 mm, along with a \u201cmore than 50%\u201d increase in spring rates compared to the standard ST.\nThe ride height can be further dropped by up to 20 mm, and the drivers can also individually adjust the 12 jounce and 16 rebound settings to their own likings.\nIf that all sounds like a foreign language to you, don\u2019t worry \u2013 Ford has also prepared a technical document with recommended settings for different driving conditions (including a special Nurburgring Nordschleife setting) to help you extract every last drop of performance from the hot hatch.\nThe Ford Focus ST is so good, that even the UK Police trusts them for hot pursuits! Read more about it here.\nComplementing the new suspensions is a new set of black-painted multispoke 19-inch wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, which \u2013 aside from looking cool \u2013 helps reduce unsprung weight on each corner by 10%.\nThe Ford Focus ST Edition also comes with an eLSD, which utilises a set of hydraulic clutches to distribute up to 100% of the available torque to the wheel with most traction. Other performance upgrades include a new improvedsteering knuckle design, and performance brakes with discs measuring 330 mm at the front, and 302 mm at the rear.\nLooks wise, the ST Edition stands out from the regular variants with an exclusive coat of the Azura Blue hue, which debuted in last year\u2019s Fiesta ST Edition, paired to a blacked-out grille, bumper inserts, wing mirrors, roof, rear spoiler, and diffuser. The ST badges also get special treatment here, edged with a black surround.\nInside, the ST-branded Recaro leather/suede sports seats get unique blue cross stitching \u2013 an accent that\u2019s also repeated on the leather steering wheel, gear lever gaiter, centre console knee pads, and floor mats. Last but not least, the engine start button is now finished in a red colour with matching ST badges, setting the mood every time the driver starts the car.\nThe new Ford Focus ST is as tech-laden as it is fast. Learn more about it here.\nThere are no changes under the bonnet of the ST Edition; the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine still makes the same \n280 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox \u2013 the ST Edition is not available with the seven-speed DCT.\nPerformance wise, the Ford Focus ST reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in\n 5.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s an exciting week for pick-up truck fans, as Sime Darby Auto Connexion Ford has joined Mitsubishi (with the \nTriton Knight\n) in introducing their own Malaysia exclusive limited-run version, the Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Special Edition.\nThe special edition pick-up is fitted with some additional kit over the \nstandard Ranger XLT 2.2L\n. Exterior wise, the Special Edition gets new \nfender flares, a functional cargo bed cover\n, and\n geometrical decals\n.\u00a0\nOn the inside, SDAC Ford has given the Ranger XLT 2.2L Special Edition an upgraded \nnine-inch infotainment display\n, up from the standard 4.2-inch of the regular Ranger XLT AT.\nFrom the looks of it, the new head unit will be Android based; Ford says that the new system supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay, as well as mobile applications such as Waze and Spotify.\nOtherwise, the Special Edition remains unchanged from the regular Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L AT. Under the hood is Ford\u2019s Duratorq 2.2L turbodiesel that outputs\n 160 hp\n and a peak torque of\n 385 Nm\n. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.\u00a0\nYou still get a plethora of standard equipment and safety features from the XLT 2.2L AT, such as rain-sensing wipers, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Emergency Brake Assist, Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, and Adaptive Load Control.\nThe Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Special Edition retails for \nRM120,888\n (on the road, without insurance), which is RM4,000 on top of the standard XLT 2.2L AT. The new Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Special Edition also comes with a three-year/100,000 km warranty.\nThe Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Special Edition will be available in either \nAbsolute Black\n or \nArctic White\n exterior colours, and will be on display in Ford showrooms starting from the third week of December.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance, the sole distributor for Porsche here in Malaysia, is kicking off 2021 with the launch of a new model \u2013 the \nall-new 992-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S\n, a year after the model\u2019s global launch.\nThe new pocket rocket is priced at \nRM2,235,463\n on the road, without insurance, before options, and inclusive of the SST exemptions.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe new top-of-the-line \n\u201cstandard\u201d Porsche 911\n has seen an immense improvement in the performance department, largely contributed by the new engine underneath the bonnet.\nEngine: 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six boxer engine, petrol\nTransmission: 8-speed PDK gearbox\nDrivetrain: Rear engine, all-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 650 hp @ 6,750 rpm\nTorque: 800 Nm @ 2,500 to 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 2.7 seconds\nTop speed: 330 km/h\nAmong the new kit fitted onto the engine are the new larger VTG turbochargers with electrically adjustable wastegate flaps and piezo injectors, which have supposedly \u201csignificantly improved the vehicle\u2019s characteristics\u201d in terms of responsiveness, power, torque, emissions, and also \u201crevving ability\u201d.\nThere\u2019s also a new intake system to feed more cool air into the engine; even the gearbox also gets a \u201cturbo-specific\u201d tuning, working together with the new engines to shorten the century sprint time by 0.2 seconds compared to its predecessor. Getting all the way to 200 km/h from a standstill is even more impressive, shaving off a full second off from its predecessor at 8.9 seconds.\nOther performance bits include the latest-generation Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with faster-acting adaptive dampers, and an improved Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system that can now send up to 500 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Customers can also opt for the sport chassis option, which lowers the ride height by 20 mm.\nEXTERIOR\nNow in the 992 generation, the all-new 911 Turbo S is now significantly wider than its predecessor \u2013 45 mm at the front, and 20 mm at the rear. This is complemented by its wider track on both axles, at an increase of 42 mm and 10 mm front and rear respectively.\nWhile it still maintains the unmistakeable widebody 911 look, Porsche says that they\u2019ve focused the development on the exterior to further enhance its aerodynamic performances.\nSpecifically, the new Turbo S comes with the new Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) adaptive aerodynamics system, consisting of electronically-controlled air flaps in the front and a large rear wing at the back \u2013 the latter providing up to 15% more downforce.\nThe PAA system comes with three aerodynamic modes \u2013 Eco, which retracts the rear wing over a larger speed range to minimise drag; Wet, which retracts the front spoiler lips to shift the aerodynamic balance towards the rear to help with traction in greasy situations; and a full braking mode, where both the rear wing and front spoiler are moved to the Performance position to act as an airbrake.\nOther standard exterior features on the all-new Porsche 911 Turbo S include:\nMatrix LED headlights\nMixed tyre sizes: 20-inch front (255/35), 21-inch rear (315/30)\nRectangular tailpipes in high-gloss black\nPorsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, with\u00a06-piston front calipers\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Turbo S looks fairly identical to the other 992-generation Porsche 911s. Standard features include:\n10.9-inch central PCM touchscreen infotainment display\nAnalogue/digital instrument cluster with Turbo S-specific features\nGT sports steering wheel\nSport Chrono package with newly-integrated Porsche Track Precision app\n18-way adjustable sports seats\nFull leather interior with Type 930 homage stitching on front seats\nCarbon trim, Light Silver accents\nBose surround sound system\nPRICING\nThe all-new Porsche 911 Turbo S here in Malaysia is priced from \nRM2,235,463\n on the road, without insurance, before options, and inclusive of the SST exemptions which will be valid until the 30th of June 2021.\nGALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor\u2019s MazdaSports Academy will be hosting yet another Advance Driving ownership experience programme following the success of the first edition held in June.\nThis time, the programme at MAEPS, Serdang will be\n opened to Mazda CX-5 owners\n\u00a0on the 13th and 14th of October 2018. A fee of RM 80 will be charge for participation, which comes inclusive of a goodie bag.\nMazda developed the CX-5 to be an SUV that delivers driving pleasure, true to the Jinba-Ittai spirit, and can be enjoyed not just by the driver but everyone else on-board.\nThe ownership programme is limited to thirty Mazda owners per day. Those who wish to join may do so by registering their\n interests via \nMazda Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page."
"We are no strangers to the facelifted Peugeot 208 PureTech, after a public preview in Penang and a \nmedia preview\n in December last year. Now, Peugeot Malaysia has finally\u00a0launched the brand\u2019s B-Segment hatchback contender.\nUnlike the pre-facelift model, the new 208 PureTech only comes in one variant \u2013 a five-door hatch. It gets a number of cosmetic enhancements inside and out, a new powertrain with a new price tag of RM89k.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 208 PureTech\nEngine\n1,199cc; turbocharged 3-cylinder\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n110 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n205 Nm @ 1,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM87,245.17\nEXTERIOR\nVisually, much of the 208\u2019s original looks have been retained with subtle tweaks to spice things up. At the front, it gets a revised bumper and grille with repositioned fog lamps. Headlamps are still halogen projector units with LED daytime running lights. Noticeably, the 208 gets a generous amount of chrome treatment around the front grille, fog lamp housing and side mirror caps.\nAt the back, the car now features LED tail lamps with the brand\u2019s signature lion claw graphics and a discreet PureTech badge. The 208 rides on new\u00a0\n16-inch alloys\n wrapped in 195/55 profile Michelin Energy Saver tyres.   INTERIOR\nInside, the changes are much subtler. Like on the pre-facelift model, it features the\n\u00a0i-Cockpit concept\n.\u00a0As such, you get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system connected to a \nsix-speaker Arkamys 3D audio sound system\n, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel and fabric upholstery.\nThe only differences are the carbon-fibre like weave on the dashboard, new seat design and a new leather material on the steering wheel. Other standard features include automatic headlamps and wipers.   PERFORMANCE\nPeugeot has finally retired the dated 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder VTi and four-speed slush box in favour of a \n1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder PureTech\n engine mated to an Aisin sourced \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n with quickshift technology. Power outputs for this PureTech mill is rated at\n 110 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n with max torque kicking in from a low 1,500 rpm.\nPeugeot claims that with PureTech auto start/stop technology, this 1.2-litre forced induction unit is able return \n4.5 litres per 100 km\n. Theoretically, it\u2019s able to cover\n 1,190 km\n of distance before needing a fuel stop.\nSAFETY\nThe 208 PureTech comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, BA, ESC, Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR), hill-start assist and ISOFIX mounting points as standard. This gives the Peugeot 208 a full 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe 208 can be had in six exterior shades \u2013 Digital White, Virtual Blue, Nera Black, Atomic Orange, Rouge Red and Aluminium. It also comes with a 5-Year or 120,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty programme, together with a 3-Year complimentary 24-hour Peugeot Roadside Assistance, access to Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership. First 100 adopters of the 208 will also receive a 3-Year service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW M has just posted a frontal shot of a large SUV and accompanied with the caption BMW Concept XM on its social media pages.\nThe concept X Series Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV, BMW speak for their SUVs) also seem to have not only its tiny DRLs turned on, but also the kidney grilles illuminated, as well as a pair of lighting units on the leading edge of the roof. Zooming in and increasing some contrast of the image and you can see a \u2018///M\u2019 emblem on the kidney grille, a norm on all BMW M vehicles.\nBMW say the Concept XM (yes, it\u2019s \u2018d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu\u2019 as the \nMitsubishi XM Concept\n \nexisted a few years earlier) is the most expressive statement in almost 50 years of BMW M, wearing a new front design of the brand. It certainly looks like an aggressive manifestation of the current \nBMW iX\n and \nBMW M3 and M4\n look, with the BMW emblem placed in between the voluminous, separated kidney grilles.\nElectrification will also assist with the super high performance of this concept model, something that Mercedes-AMG has introduced with the \nAMG GT 4-door 63 S E Performance\n plug-in hybrid that has a combined output of 843 hp and 1,470 Nm of torque.\n2020 BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition\nBased on earlier reports, BMW is scheduled to introduce the Concept XM on November 29th, ahead of the Art Basel show prestigious art show in Miami Beach, USA. \u00a0\n \nThe BMW Concept XM could be a brand and communication exercise before the official introduction of the sporty BMW X8 M that is based on the \nthree-row BMW X7\n. A rendering of the production vehicle can be found \nhere\n.\nCurrently, all the BMW SAVs from X3 to X7 models plus their respective \nM variants\n are made in BMW Plant Spartanburg, USA, so it is only fitting for BMW M and BMW USA to unveil new performance SUV that is made in their home turf."
"The highly anticipated Jaguar F-Pace is just days away from its big debut at Frankfurt International Motor Show that\u2019s set to take place next week. Upon seeing these pictures, albeit heavily camouflaged, we were psyched to see Jaguar\u2019s next big thing \u2013 possibly a model that will further solidify the brand\u2019s 80 years\u2019 of English excellence.\nThe F-Pace\u00a0will be the\n fourth\n all-new product from Jaguar this year and the \nthird\n to be based on Jaguar\u2019s all-new\n Lightweight Aluminium Architecture\n which includes the likes of the\n XJ\n and \nXE\n models. The F-Pace is slated to contend head-to-head with other offerings from top marques such as BMW\u2019s X4, Porsche Macan S, Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-Benz\u2019s GLA 45 AMG.\nAs we\u2019ve seen \npreviously\n, Jaguar has gone to great lengths to test and ensure the \ncar\n, \nmaterials\n and its \nbuild quality\n\u00a0will all be capable of withstanding some of the \nharshest environments\n mother nature can dish out. The Jag will be built at the brand\u2019s Solihull factory in the West-Midlands of the UK.\nJoining the F-Pace on the Frankfurt stage will be the 2016 \nXJ\n, \nall-new \nXF\n, \nXE\n and \nF-Type\n\u00a0\n\u2013 an event where the SUV will bask under the limelight for the world to see. Initial prices are said to be pegged around the \u00a330,000 to \u00a355,000 mark (that\u2019s approximately\u00a0\nRM178k \nto\n\u00a0RM326k\n) in the UK when it goes on sale next year. Expect to pay a premium when it reaches here, though!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Back in \n2021\n, \nLotus\n previewed its \nfuture lineup\n of EV models that it plans to launch starting from \n2022\n all the way to \n2026\n. Among the models teased was the Type 132, which eventually became the \nEletre\n hyper SUV. And now, the carmaker itself has just shared some juicy details about its potential rival to the upcoming \nPorsche Macan EV\n \u2013 the Type 134, which is expected to be the brand\u2019s volume seller, selling around 75,000 units each year by 2028, which is half of the firm\u2019s annual sales, reported \nAutocar\n.\nThe Type 134 is essentially an electric SUV that will be positioned under the recently launched Lotus Eletre and will serve as an entry point to the British sports carmaker\u2019s revamped line-up. Sized smaller than its bigger brother the Eletre, the Type 134 is set to compete against major rivals like the upcoming Porsche Macan EV.\nLotus Eletre\nLotus described the entry-level model as an SUV \u201cengineered to look, feel, and drive like a Lotus\u201d. The Type 134 is also said to share technology with the Lotus Eletre hyper SUV and the upcoming Type 133.\nLotus Commercial Vice-President, Mike Johnstone said, \u201cA lot of effort has gone into ensuring the future cars that we introduce to the market handle in a way that you would expect a Lotus to handle. Take Eletre: the attributes team have been involved in its development, people who understand what a Lotus should feel like and drive\u201d\nRELATED: \n2023 Lotus Eletre launched in Malaysia, from RM578k \u2013 up to 905hp, 985Nm\nFrom left to right: Lotus Evija, Lotus Type 132/Eletre, Lotus Type 133, Lotus Type 134 and Lotus Type 135\nThe Geely-owned company has yet to share firm details about the car. But according to Johnstone, the Type 134 will be utilising a different platform which is speculated to be a variant of the Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) designed for smaller models.\nJohnstone also said that the Type 134 will be under five metres long and will most likely be sized similarly to the \nPolestar 4\n. This makes it a rival to the upcoming Porsche Macan EV.\nRELATED: \nThe upcoming Porsche Macan Electric will have 1,000 Nm of torque\nPorsche Macan EV prototype\nBecause of the Type 134\u2019s more affordable positioning, as well as its smaller size, it will also as a result feature smaller battery options, compared to the Lotus Eletre. But as with the Eletre, one can expect the compact SUV to have a strong focus on aerodynamics, featuring the brand\u2019s aerodynamic \u2018porosity\u2019 design. As a byproduct, this also improves the car\u2019s performance.\nJohnstone insisted on ensuring the Type 134 will maintain the brand\u2019s core philosophy of performance and driving dynamics throughout the compact SUV\u2019s development. \u201cIt isn\u2019t just an electrified SUV with a Lotus badge on it: it\u2019s been engineered from the beginning to look, feel and drive like a Lotus,\u201d he said. According to the company\u2019s plans, the Type 134 electric SUV is also scheduled to be launched after the brand\u2019s Type 133 all-electric sedan.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Lotus Eletre, 905hp electric Hyper-SUV from RM578k \u2013 5 Things"
"Renault will be presenting\ntheir all-new fifth-generation Renault Clio soon but before the new hatchback gets\npresented in full, the French carmaker has given us a taste of how the cabin of\nthe new Clio will look like.\nThe new Clio will sit\non a new CMF-B platform shared between the Renault- Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.\nIt will be the first Renault model to feature the E-Tech hybrid powertrain developed\nby Renault and the compact city car will come equipped with advanced driver\nassistance systems.\nInside, the new Clio\nfeatures the \u2018Smart Cockpit\u2019 cabin architecture that boasts a compact design that\nfrees up space to integrate more in-car technologies. At the heart of the \u201cSmart\nCockpit\u201d is two large digital screens \u2013 9.3-inch portrait layout touchscreen infotainment\nsystem and a 10-inch (7.0-inch standard fitment) TFT instrument cluster.\nRenault also claims that the cabin of the new Clio is generously furnished with high-quality soft-touch materials that are unique to the segment, quite a bold claim. There will be no less than eight interior design schemes available that combines different colour and upholstery materials to suit the customer\u2019s tastes.\n\u00a0Other notable options you can find in the\ncabin of the new Renault Clio includes Qi wireless charging tray, automatic\nclimate control with digital display, new multifunctional steering wheel,\neight-colour ambient lighting and an electronic parking brake."
"During the media presentation of the\n new Volkswagen logo\n earlier today, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) Managing Director, Erik Winter announced that the Passat R-Line will be launched in the country shortly.\nAside from a single image in the presentation and the announcement itself, not much information was provided for the kitted-up Passat. Winter later revealed that the sportier Passat will inherit the same 2.0-litre engine turbocharged engine from the \nPassat Elegance\n \nwe reviewed recently\n, generating \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Passat R-Line will feature the same 2.0-litre TSI engine as the \nElegance\n.\nThe new seven-speed wet-clutch DSG transmission will also most likely make its way into the R-Line, together with the new engine. It is unclear if the local-spec R-Line will feature the Volkswagen Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), adaptive dampers, or the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, all of which are available in the R-Line variant in other regions, but we wouldn\u2019t keep our hopes up.\nAppearance wise, the VW Passat R-Line styling package will include a more aggressively-styled front bumper and rear bumper. According to the single image, we can also expect the R-Line to sit on larger wheels. The \nPassat Elegance\n sits on 18-inch \u201cLiverpool\u201d wheels, so we can expect the sportier brother to size-up to 19-inch alloys.\nAlthough announced together with the new VW logo, it is unlikely that we will see the modernised logo on the Passat R-Line, as it is based on the same car currently being built locally. The new logo will have to wait for the \nGolf 8\n.\nInside, the 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster, will likely be carried over from the Elegance variant. Other interior amenities should remain pretty similar, including the 12-way power adjustable leather seats and three-zone climate control.\nSafety wise, the Passat Elegance comes equipped with Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring System, though unfortunately misses out on the advanced driver assistance technologies. The R-Line, which should become the new top-of-the-range variant, could possibly feature these systems as an added distinction between the variants.\nThe Volkswagen \nArteon R-Line\n.\nAside from the Passat R-Line, Winter also revealed that the much-awaited \nArteon R-Line\n will also be making its Malaysian launch soon, after \ndebuting at the VW Fest last year\n.\nWhat are the features you hope to see on the upcoming Volkswagen Passat R-Line? Let us know in the comments below!"
"BMW AG has unveiled the new BMW 8-series Convertible and it\u2019s just breathtakingly beautiful \u2013 such a soothing sight for sore eyes.\nAt launch, there are two variants available \u2013 the 850i xDrive and the 840d xDrive. The former gets a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, paired to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox that\u2019s good for \n530 hp\n and whopping \n750 Nm\n of torque.\n0 to 100 km/h is dusted in just 3.9 seconds before it hits the annoying top speed limiter at just 250 km/h.\nIn the 840d xDrive, 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six diesel engine paired similarly to the 8-speed gearbox with 320 hp and 680 Nm of torque. This one\u2019s more than a second slower than the 850i to a 100 km/h at 5.2 seconds, but with a similar top speed.   The 4.8-metre long convertible\u2019s multi-layered roof has been designed for absolute lightness, sound insulation and can be opened or closed within 15 seconds at the touch of a button. The roof, which can be had in silver, can be opened with the car travelling up to 50 km/h.\nThe BMW 8 Series Convertible is fitted as standard with rear wheel steering and Adaptive M suspension including electronically-controlled dampers. Moving outwards, both are equipped with four-piston caliper at the front with single-piston units at the back.\nIn the M850i xDrive gets 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Frozen Cerium Grey, with an 18-inch set for the 840d xDrive. The tyres used have been specially developed for the BMW 8 Series models.\nInside, the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible gets the M leather steering wheel as standard along with multi-function seats featuring extra adjustment options, increased lateral support and even better comfort characteristics.\nA Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 12 speakers is standard, with the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System as an optional upgrade. The seats also come with coolers and neck warmers integrated into the driver and front passenger head restraints.\nAnother feature unique to the BMW 8 series convertible is the\u00a0rollover protection system. This is activated automatically the moment the car senses the risk of a rollover. The system comprises two high-strength aluminium rollover bars fitted out of sight behind the rear head restraints.\nIn the event of a rollover, the pre-tensioned rollover bars are extended by a pyrotechnic charge within seconds to form a survival space for the occupants.\nThe worldwide market launch of the new BMW 8 Series Convertible will begin in March 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n today officially launched Max Certified, its new certified pre-owned cars programme for customers to purchase used Mitsubishi vehicles from its dealers nationwide, as well as trade in their existing Mitsubishi vehicles for a brand-new model.\nFor the used cars on sale through Max Certified, MMM says that every vehicle on sale has gone through a comprehensive 150-point inspection by a professional Mitsubishi specialist, ensuring that only genuine parts are used, and are all free from major accidents and flood damage.\nThe cars under the programme are all aged seven years old and below, with a maximum mileage of 180,000 km at the time of trade-in. They all come with a complete service record from MMM\u2019s authorised service centres, and for even more peace of mind,all cars under the programme also comes with a 12-month warranty that covers the repair and replacement of the engine, transmission, steering, and electrical components due to mechanical breakdowns.\nCustomers who buy a vehicle under Max Certified will also receive a RM500 service e-voucher for periodic maintenance, redeemable at all authorised MMM service centres.\nRELATED: \nMMM unveils newly upgraded Mitsubishi 4S Centre in Johor Bahru\n\u201cIn addition to strengthening the Mitsubishi brand within the used car sector and building the residual values of Mitsubishi vehicles, Max Certified aims to improve customer retention and repurchase another Mitsubishi model,\u201d said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda.\n\u201cThrough the Max Certified programme, we want to deliver a more holistic approach. While MMM continues to work towards introducing new models for Malaysians, we also hope to offer those who are interested in purchasing a used Mitsubishi car a more accessible and trustworthy platform.\u201d\nFor more information on Max Certified, visit MMM\u2019s website, \nlinked here\n.\nREAD MORE: \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold 24,315 cars in FY2022, up 27% from previous year"
"The Mercedes-Benz GLA was voted as the \nPremium Compact SUV of Malaysia\n at the inaugural 2018 Cars of Malaysia (COM) awards and we brought along the most exciting model in the GLA range, the \nMercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC\n\u00a0on the \nCOM nationwide tour\n. However, even if you don\u2019t opt for the full-blown AMG model, the \nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC\n also has plenty to offer.\nThe GLA 250 wears the AMG exterior package as standard which adds a sporty touch to the compact SUV. The Night Package that adds black accents to the front lower apron, side mirror caps, roof rails, side skirt and rear diffuser inserts contrast against the paintwork for an added dose of athleticism.   If you\u2019re wondering why the AMG five-spoke lightweight alloy wheels don\u2019t fill up the wheel arches that\u2019s because the GLA 250 comes with the \nComfort Suspension\n which raises the ride height by \n20 mm\n. The added benefit is it filters undulations much better than the GLA 45 and have the ability to take on some light off-roading.\nWhile the cabin design is from an older era of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, that doesn\u2019t mean it is not a nice place to be in. You still get plenty of bells and whistles such as powered front seats with memory function, 8.0-inch Media Display with Apple CarPay and Android Auto Connectivity, Artico leather with Dinamica microfibre upholstery with red contrast stitching and a powered tailgate.   The AMG interior package adds illuminated \u201cAMG\u201d door sills, AMG floor mats and AMG Sports Seats that adds a sporty flair to the cabin.\nLike the GLA 45, the GLA 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and comes with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system \u2013 of course, that\u2019s where the similarities end.   The GLA 250\u2019s 2.0-litre blown mill\u00a0commands \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, allowing it to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in \n6.6 seconds\n and will register a top speed of\n 230 km/h\n. The 4MATIC system adds a layer of surefootedness during slippery conditions and gives the GLA 250 better dynamics around the bends.\nJudging publications of the 2018 Cars of Malaysia Awards scored the GLA 250 positively in the areas of price proposition, ride comfort and handling. The full breakdown of the scoring mechanism can be found \nhere\n.   The GLA 250 offers style, practicality and performance in a compact package. It handles city driving remarkably well thanks to the Comfort Suspension and the increased ride height gives you a better forward view. But if you feel like taking the car out in a more dynamic fashion, its 211 hp and agile handling characteristic can still put a smile on your face.\nAll in all, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC is still an attractive package for those shopping for a Premium Compact SUV. While some may raise an eyebrow on its RM274,888 (OTR without insurance) price tag, do remember this is a fully imported model from Germany.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC, Premium Compact SUV of Malaysia"
"Conforming to recent industry trends, Rolls-Royce today unveiled its new brand identity, featuring a redesigned logo and a new Spirit of Ecstasy illustration that\u2019ll be more prominently featured throughout the brand\u2019s new identity.\nBut the rebranding doesn\u2019t just stop there \u2013 there\u2019s also a new colour, and \nRolls-Royce\n now even calls itself a \u201cHouse of Luxury\u201d instead of just makers of some of the finest luxury vehicles on the planet. What on earth does that even mean? Well, let\u2019s dive right in.\nRolls-Royce says that the purpose of the new brand identity was to resonate itself with its new younger buyer demographic, a direction that the luxury marque has embarked since the launch of the Black Badge family in 2016. In recent years, the average Rolls-Royce clientele\u2019s age is now down to 43.\nRolls-Royce CEO Torsten M\u00fcller-\u00d6tv\u00f6s explains: \u201cAs the marque\u2019s digital presence increases, there has never been a more important time for the visual language of the company to reflect our standing as the leading luxury brand in the world.\n\u201cWe have embarked on a fascinating journey of modernising our brand identity to echo those changes seen in our portfolio, our client demographic, their lifestyle and the luxury world that surrounds them.\u201d\nStarting with the Spirit of Ecstasy; the iconic \u201cFlying Lady\u201d mascot will remain unchanged on its cars. However, the 3D winged sculpture has also been turned into a two dimensional illustration, pointing towards the right, which supposedly means \u201cboldly facing the future.\u201d\nThe new illustration will be used prominently throughout Rolls-Royce\u2019s new brand identity \u2013 especially online, such as on its Instagram page profile as shown here. There\u2019s even a Spirit of Ecstasy Expression, which transforms the iconic figurine into a super cool wireframe art piece. The expression can be applied to all sorts of surfaces,\u00a0from projection to embroidery, printing to engraving, and will be applied in its physical establishments as well as in digital form.\nYou might have noticed the elaborate use of a deep purple colour on all of these images. Dubbed Purple Spirit, the new colour is chosen to signify wealth and power \u2013 as seen in mythology, art, piety and royalty, according to Rolls-Royce.\nThe dark purple colour is complemented by a rose gold colour, which apparently adds elegance and grace, though it\u2019ll only be used on printed materials.\n As for the logo, the \u201cBadge of Honour\u201d will also remain as it is on its \u201cprecious creations born at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex\u201d (which means their cars, by the way), but a new standalone double-\u2018R\u2019 monogram logo \u2013 without the Rolls-Royce wordings and bounding boxes \u2013 will be used on \neverything else\n.\nThe brand\u2019s word mark have also been tweaked, with the new design based on old typography uncovered from the marque\u2019s old archives from the 1930\u2019s. The \u2018Motor Cars\u2019 words have been reduced in size, reverting the emphasis back to Rolls-Royce and its wider influence outside of just automotive.\nThe luxury car maker even chose a new typeface \u2013 called Riviera Nights \u2013 for all of its written communication to depict \u201cluxury\u201d and its \u201cconnection with the marque\u2019s rich history\u201d, without being overtly decorative.\nAs for the whole \u201cHouse of Luxury\u201d thing, here\u2019s what Marina Willer, lead designer of the rebranding project, has to say: \u201cWhat soon became apparent is that Rolls-Royce has evolved from being regarded as an automotive manufacturer into a leading light in the world of luxury. It was essential for us to ensure that the brand\u2019s new identity reflected this shift. We needed to present Rolls-Royce in a forward-facing, fresh and relevant way \u2013 speaking to new audiences while respecting the company\u2019s loyal clients.\n\u201cI\u00a0do not come from an automotive background. This vantage point provided me with the opportunity to observe Rolls-Royce as a manufacturer of luxury products. My ambition was to celebrate the luxuriousness of the brand while providing it with the means to visually communicate with Rolls-Royce\u2019s younger, increasingly diversified audiences,\u201d she added.\nAside from all the designer speak mumbo jumbo that doesn\u2019t really mean anything to regular people like us, we think that Rolls-Royce has actually done a really good job in its rebranding exercise \u2013 despite its simplicity. Does it really help appease the younger crowd though? You be the judge.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda released an epic promo film campaign on \nYouTube\n ahead of its highly anticipated 2015 launch of the new \nCivic Type R\n. So just type \u2018R\u2019, and the video switches from Honda\u2019s excellence in technology and reliability side to \u2018\nThe Other Side\n\u2019; Honda\u2019s high performance racing alter-ego kind of story.\nThis is just the trailer:\nWatch video \nhere\n.\nMartin Moll, Honda Motor Europe\u2019s Head of Marketing, says, \u201cThis campaign marks a very significant time for our brand. The Civic Type R is one of four new car launches for Honda in 2015 and provides a powerful halo-effect for the marque. Just as our products are renowned for being innovative, our communications style will amplify this. By way of example, we are not aware of anyone else creating interactive user content in the same dramatic way, which should give it a very strong appeal.\u201d\u00a0\u2018Heist\u2019 launches on YouTube on October 30th, kicking off a pan-European campaign set to continue through 2015.\nThe story features the upcoming and most powerful Civic Type R. A father fetching his daughter from school in a white Honda Civic in the day. As you press the \u2018R\u2019 key on your keyboard, the video switches into night. A heist getaway driver in a red Civic Type R, waiting for his accomplices.\nWorry not, no spoilers here. Press the \u2018R\u2019 button to switch in real time between two mirrored story lines, which the audio and visual scenes match seamlessly.\u00a0Watch it for yourself on\u00a0\nwww.hondatheotherside.com\n. Be sure to \u2018Type R\u2019 to switch to \u2018\nThe Other Side\n\u2018.\nPsst! Honda\u2019s WTCC driver Gabriele Tarquini, makes a cameo appearance in the video too. Try to spot him!\nThe \n2015 Honda Civic Type R\n will be powered by a\u00a0\n2.0-litre turbocharge i-VTEC\n\u00a0engine, paired with a\u00a0\nsix-speed manual transmission\n. The engine generates\u00a0\nover 280 horsepower \nat\n\u00a07,000 rpm\n."
"While \nBYD\n might not be a household name here yet, the Warren Buffett-backed Chinese carmaker is actually the world\u2019s biggest new-electric vehicles producer, selling some 641,000 units globally in just the first six months 2022.\nHaving entered the Australian market earlier this year, BYD has now committed to five new car launches within two years, and a target of 9,000 monthly sales within the next 12 months in the nation. Those are big numbers, especially from a company that\u2019s just in its first year of operations, but BYD is seemingly confident to achieve its ambitious target.\nThe BYD Atto 3.\nSpeaking to \nDrive.com.au\n, EVDirect (BYD\u2019s Australian distributor) Managing Director, Luke Todd told the publication that BYD plans to manufacture 3,000 units of each of its three models per month some time next year.\n\u201cWithin 12 months, we\u2019ll have three models on the [Australian] market being delivered with production capability of 3000 vehicles per model per month \u2013 that\u2019s 9000 vehicles per month,\u201d commented Todd. \u201cOur production capability of 9,000 vehicles per month means we are very confident that\u2019ll be leading the charge.\u201d\n\u201cSo far, the sales volume [in Australia] has exceeded what we thought. We believe we\u2019ll see a huge upshot in electric vehicle purchasing in general\u201d he added.\nAssuming the ambitious target is achieved, the monthly sales figure will put BYD ahead of Tesla in the lead of EV sales, and potentially as the second highest-selling carmaker overall in Australia. However, the publication reports that industry analysts remain sceptical about the steep sales growth in such a short period of time.\nEVDirect says it has received over 3,500 orders for the BYD Atto 3 thus far, with first deliveries due to begin later this month. Equipped with a single electric motor on the front axle, the BYD Atto 3 claims an output of \n150 kW (201 hp)\n and \n310 Nm \nof torque, with a maximum range of \n420 km (WLTP cycle)\n on the Extended Range variant thanks to the 60 kWh battery pack.\nAs for Malaysia, word on the grapevine is that BYD could soon make an introduction into the local market, under the helm of Sime Darby Motors, who is also the guardian for the EV brand in Singapore."
"BMW in Germany has introduced an improved version of the M135i xDrive that was \nlaunched in Malaysia last year\n with improved performance and a more engaging driving experience.\nThe improved M135i xDrive now comes with better cornering dynamics from optimised wheel alignment, along with dampers and springs which have been further fine-tuned.\nBMW M135i xDrive \u201cStreet Racer\u201d Edition revealed in Japan, limited to 40 units. Read about it here!\nThe camber on the front wheels have been optimised for better absorption of lateral forces. The M135i xDrive also gets a new hydromount to attach the front wishbones, while the mounts for the trailing and control arms at the rear axle have also been redesigned. The result is reduced body roll and improved steering response.\nWatch our review of the BMW M135i xDrive at the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa here!\nEngine and exhaust noises pumped into the cabin through the audio system have also been retuned. From heavy acceleration to lifting off the throttle, the different distinct engine notes and exhaust burbles allow the driver to feel more engaged with the car.\nAlso new are the Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, Frozen Orange, and Frozen Pure Grey colours for the m135i xDrive, created by BMW Individual.\n \nOutput remains the same at \n306 hp \nand \n450 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h is done in a brisk 4.3 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/h.\nThe local specification M135i xDrive is equipped with M goodies such as M Sport suspension and brakes, M Sport spoiler, steering and even seat belts!\nCheck out this drag race between the BMW M135i xDrive and the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC. Watch it here!\nGALLERY"
"The Blue Oval motor company has yet to whither in its resolve to promote and instil road safety awareness. We saw this in action just recently when Ford put on the \nFuture of Safety campaign\n at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre where child safety and driver assistance awareness was championed to the public.\nIn keeping up with the momentum set at the said\u00a0campaign, Ford decided to swing around to Taylor\u2019s University where they showcased the new \u2018\nDriving Skill For Life\n\u2018 (DSFL) global movement aimed at\n raising driving safety awareness\n amongst the younger\u00a0pool of people.   Ford\u2019s free-of-charge DSFL program encourages young drivers to\n uphold proper driving practices\n and ethics while going behind the wheel. It aims to inculcate\n practical skills\n for \nsafe driving\u00a0\nin a bid to reduce road fatalities. The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (\nMIROS\n) reports that an average of \n18 people\n are killed \neveryday\n\u00a0in traffic accidents. That staggering figure stands to rise to \n29 by 2020\n.\nIn addition to the program\u2019s core message, an emphasis is placed on the real danger of driving while under the \ninfluence of alcohol\n. Participants were given \nspecially designed equipments\n\u00a0that simulate the experience of impaired driving, and this involves\u00a0\nmovement\n, \ncoordination\n and \nalertness levels\n. So, guys, never drink and drive!\nDSFL\n represents the Ford Motor Company\u2019s flagship \nCorporate Social Responsibility\n program that aims to\u00a0give back towards\u00a0society. The program is in its \neighth year\n running, with Malaysia being one of the ASEAN tour destinations next to China, India and Taiwan.\nDavid Westerman\n, MD of Asia Pacific Emerging Markets said \u201cAs a global company with an established presence here in Malaysia, we are committed in our efforts to\n instil\n\u00a0\nroad safety awareness\n among drivers to help reduce the number of road\n fatalities\n, making the roads safer for driver, motorcyclist and pedestrians.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First images\n of the Peugeot 308 facelift appeared online back in early April, and now Groupe PSA has just unveiled the updated C-segment hatchback in full. The refreshed Pug gets sharper exterior styling and more efficient engines.\nChanges on the outside are minimal to say the least. New items include the bonnet with more prominent lines, reshaped front bumper with wider lower grille and supposedly revised lighting graphics.\nInside, it doesn\u2019t get the sleeker second-generation i-Cockpit like the 3008, instead the 9.7-inch infotainment system is upgraded to support MirrorLink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a faster 3D satellite navigation with TomTom real-time traffic monitoring service.\nThe 308 facelift is offered with the company\u2019s\u00a0latest powertrains: a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder PureTech 130 while diesel options include the BlueHDI 130 and Blue HDI 180. The Blue HDI 180 engine now comes with a newly-developed Aisin-sourced eight-speed automatic. Peugeot is also one the first automakers to meet the new Euro 6.c standards where from September 2018 onwards, Real Driving Emissions (RDE) must not exceed 2.1 times the certification figures.\nOn the safety front, the 308 is accredited with 5 Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, no less. With the facelifted model, customers can opt for Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning and adaptive cruise control for even higher levels of safety. The best news is, it will come to Malaysia!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Singer Vehicle Design or Singer in short, is no stranger to classic Porsche enthusiasts. Having built a name for themselves from restoring and modifying classic air-cooled 911s, the company has just announced that they will be partnering with Williams Advanced Engineering (Williams) to build new air-cooled naturally aspirated flat-six engines.\nWith the sole purpose of building lightweight and high-performance vehicles for their customers, Singer has decided that a new engine is needed to power these classic Porsches. The result is a \n4.0-litre\n naturally aspirated air-cooled flat-six with \n500 hp\n that revs beyond \n9,000 rpm\n.\nWilliams have utilised extensive lightweight materials such as titanium, magnesium and carbon fiber to reduce the engine\u2019s mass thus reducing the vehicles overall weight. The first car to benefit from this new engine will be a \n1990 991 Carrera 964\n, commissioned by long time Singer client, Scott Blattner.\nFounder of Singer Vehicle Design, Rob Dickinson said, \u201cHelping our clients realise their unique vision for a reimagined Porsche 911 with the help of automotive royalty is very much a privilege. Singer is delighted\u202fto be working with Williams Advanced Engineering and Hans Mezger to offer our clients a \u201cnext level\u201d of restoration and modification services for their Porsche 911\u2019s.\u00a0 With careful and dedicated development, this iconic air-cooled engine has much to give both its existing devotees and a generation of new enthusiasts.\u201d"
"The constant grey skies and perpetual smogs have probably, finally, gotten to even the most corrupt and ignorant of Chinese rulers and industrialists. Their need to address the nation\u2019s alarming environmental concerns have spawned various renewable energy industries \u2013 spelling doom for archaic \u201ctoxic industries\u201d and it seems like the automotive sector, too, will not be excluded from its day in court.\nAccording to a report by \nReuters\n, China is in line, like the UK and France, to ban the production and sale of cars powered by \u201ctraditional means\u201d. While it is uncertain when it will take place, studies have begun with tough times ahead expected for automakers who will need to adapt.\nLocal manufacturer \nZotye has broke grounds with Ford\n on this initiative while it\u2019s been reported that\u00a0\nVolvo\u2019s first electric car\u00a0\n\u00a0would come from China, not surprisingly.\nMinistry of Industry and Information Technology Vice President, Xin Guobin, mentioned that talks on this ban have begun and China too, will determine a timeline as to the implementation of the ban.\nThe largest automotive market in the world, has at least, decided on another timeline though \u2013 with aims for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, to make up \nat least 1/5 of local auto sales come 2025\n.\nSource: \nReuters"
"Perodua\n has just launched its 2023 Auto Rahmah Package, offering up to 30% discount to all \nAxia\n and \nBezza\n owners for parts and labour costs. The effort by Perodua aims to reduce the impact of rising prices and is only available from \nApril 12\n to \nMay 15\n, \n2023\n.\nThis is in response to the newly launched Auto Rahmah Package by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), under the auspices of the Government\u2019s Payung Rahmah Programme which aims to ease the burden of the people through various cost-of-living aspects.\nTo be entitled to this campaign, Axia and Bezza owners are required to call for an appointment at the nearest Perodua service centre. Again, this campaign is only available from \nApril 12 \nto \nMay 15, 2023\n. (Terms and Conditions apply).\nMITI Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said, \u201cToday, owning a vehicle has become a necessity for most people. As such, vehicle ownership costs such as loans, fuel expenses, tolls and maintenance also make up the main components of many Malaysians\u2019 household expenses.\u201d\n\u201cIn that regard, MITI is very pleased that Perodua has responded to the Government\u2019s 2023 Rahmah Auto Package by offering discounts for vehicle maintenance at its official service centres. It is the government\u2019s priority to find ways in lessening the impact of rising prices in every way that we can and MITI is leveraging on our role to achieve this objective.\u201d added Tengku Zafrul.\nRELATED: \nVideo: 2023 Perodua Axia review \u2013 Still the no-brainer budget car?\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad quoted, \u201cThe Perodua Auto Rahmah 2023 is specifically for our Axia and Bezza customers in meeting their motoring needs while at the same time reducing the cost of living for our customers\u201d\n\u201cThis is even more important with the Aidilfitri celebrations coming soon as most vehicle owners are planning to travel long distances to be with their loved ones. We wish everyone a blessed Ramadan and a wonderful Hari Raya ahead.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPerodua sold 78,564 cars in Q1 2023, up 27.5% from last year"
"The new Emperor of Japan has ascended to the throne but his coronation won\u2019t be due until the 22nd of October and for the grand occasion, the new Emperor will be riding in a one-off \n3rd generation Toyota Century\n with its roof chopped off.\nIn catching a glimpse of the new Emperor, necks will not be strained as the Century\u2019s \nrear seats have also been custom raised by four centimetres \nwhile the license plate has been replaced with a gold imperial seal.\nAccording to \nJapanese Nostalgic Cars\n, this is the royal family\u2019s first new parade car in 30 years, in replacement of a 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III.\nThe new Toyota Century marked only the 3rd major redesign of the car in 50 years of existence with the 2nd generation model introduced as recent as 1997.\nPriced at\u00a019,600,000 yen (approx. RM712 k) and most definitely over a million Ringgit if you factor in our local taxes \u2013 the latest Century is powered by V8 engine that makes \n381 hp \nand \n510 Nm\n aided by two electric motors which themselves make 224 hp and 300 Nm.\nAccording to an outline of requirements for a Royal Vehicle set out by the Japanese Government, the Century was the only suitable candidate.\nWhy the eye-watering price tag? The level of meticulousness applied onto the Century is only rivaled by very few, if any.\nThe Phoenix emblem takes a craftsmen six weeks to engrave while a wet sanding technique is carried out three times to smooth out the slightest unevenness on the body before a seven-layer paint is applied.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has just delivered a fleet of \nBMW 530e Sport plug-in hybrid\n (PHEV) to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) last week ahead of the 2018 Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) that will take place from 17 to 22 September 2018.\nThe fleet of hybrid business saloon will be used as the official cars for the conference in which BMW Malaysia is the official e-Mobility Partner. The cars were handed over by Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl to TNB\u2019s Chief Corporate Officer and AESIEAP 2017/2018 Secretary-General, Datuk Wira Roslan Ab Rahman at TNB Headquarters in Bangsar.\nCommenting on the partnership between BMW Group Malaysia with TNB and CEPSI 2018, Hoelzl said: \u201cThe collaboration signifies BMW Malaysia\u2019s intention in being a key partner in transforming the local Electro Mobility industry and the country\u2019s ambition in Sustainable Development. We look forward in exchanging our industry-leading expertise and insights as well as gain knowledge from the many thought leaders at CEPSI to shape a better Malaysia.\u201d\nDatuk Wira Roslan meanwhile said that the 530e business sedan will be used to shuttle VVIPs and AESIEAP Executive Council Members throughout the five-day conference. \u201cThis e-mobility partnership is the first of its kind for CEPSI since its inception in 1976 in Hong Kong SAR. The partnership is timely as electric vehicles are generating a revolution in transportation across the globe. On this note, TNB through our wholly-owned subsidiary, TNB Energy Services Sdn. Bhd. is collaborating with Malaysian Green Technology Corporation to deliver an integrated service to EV owners in Malaysia,\u201d said Roslan.\nThe BMW 530e Sport is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired to BMW\u2019s eDrive plug-in hybrid drive system to give a combined output of \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. This allows the 530e to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n6.2 seconds\n while capable of hitting a top speed of \n235 km/h\n.\nJuicing the electric motors is a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives the 530e a pure electric range of \n48 km\n at speeds of up to \n140 km/h\n. When plugged into a conventional wall socket, the battery takes under five hours to be fully charged while the BMW i-Wallbox will cut charging time to under three hours.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Besides the\u00a0\nMINI\n\u00a0brand, another iconic small car that blew onto the affordable small-car scene was the Fiat 500. Otherwise known as the \u201c\nCinquecento\n\u201c, the 500 celebrates its\u00a060th anniversary this year, and this special edition Fiat 500-60th is only sold in selected markets.\nIts styling is a direct nod to the original 500, thanks to the vintage Fiat emblem and some retro trimmings. Exclusive to it are Dolcevita two-tone paintwork, grey fabric roof and 16-inch alloys.\nThe old school\u00a0theme continues on the inside, where the dashboard gets covered in red vinyl, a classic Fiat logo on the steering wheel and the retro-inspired\u00a0leather seats. Some modern touches are inevitable, such as the 7.0-inch infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nTwo petrol engines are offered here \u2013 a\n\u00a069 hp 1.2-litre\n mill or the\n\u00a085 hp\n\u00a0or\u00a0\n105 hp 0.9-litre TwinAir\n engines.\u00a0The latter lump can be had with both manual or Dualogic semi-automatic gearbox.\nJust 250 units of this commemorative edition will be allocated for the UK market, with pricing set to begin from\n\u00a0\u00a319,240\n (approximately \nRM106k\n) to\n\u00a0\u00a321,000\n\u00a0(approximately \nRM116k\n). Back at home, Fiat is currently unrepresented, but several units of the 500 and 500 Abarth have been brought in by grey importers.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just unveiled two variants of the facelifted GLC where both assembled locally to keep prices competitive, and accompanying the facelift is a slew of features to keep the mid-sized luxury SUV relevant.\nThe facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC is available now, and on-the-road prices without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia are:\nMercedes-Benz GLC 200 \nRM299,888 \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC\n RM350,000 \n(estimated)\nOne engine will power both variants \u2013 the new 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant (codenamed M264) makes \n197 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque in the GLC 200, and is mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels.\nThe \nGLC 300 4MATIC\n on the other hand makes \n258 hp \nand \n370 Nm\n of torque. Here, the same transmission sends power to all four wheels instead.\nThere will be no GLC 250 variant as this is the direction in\nwhich Mercedes-Benz is going globally.\nOn to exterior updates, and most noticeable is the new grille design. There are two horizontal design elements here in the GLC 200, and on the GLC 300 4MATIC one strip accentuates the concaved grille.\nFlanking it are redesigned headlamps \u2013 LED high performance units on the base variant and MULTIBEAM LED headlamps on the higher. The latter responds can automatically turn the high beam on and off without glaring oncoming traffic.\nOther features to distinguish the variants are the tail light designs, rim designs, and exterior packages. Both get 20-inch lightweight alloys, but with different designs.\n The GLC 200 is equipped with an Optical Off-Road Package that adds chrome inserts like those on the front bumper, while the GLC 300 4MATIC comes with Night Package that adds black trims around the exterior. Despite the add-ons, the GLC 200 strangely looses the keyless entry function.\nInside, there is a pleasing mix of Artico leather and anthracite open-pore oak wood in the GLC 200, while the GLC 300 4MATIC\u2019s wood elements come from black ash and its brushed aluminium is finished in a \u2013 and I quote \u2013 \u2018longitudinal grain\u2019.\nWhat\u2019s more, both variant\u2019s instrument clusters are now 12.3-inch units capable of three display styles: Classic, Progressive and Sporty.\nThe highlight of the day is addition of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that we\u2019ve seen in cars like the \nMercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC\n in the GLC. It succeeds the older Comand system and is designed to be intuitive, much like a smartphone. To do so, there is a larger 10.25-inch, touchscreen infotainment screen, which is also still operable through the centre console touchpad.\nWith MBUX, comes the Mercedes me connect (Mmc) feature. Mmc connects the car with your smartphone via an app where it enables the engine to be started remotely, checking fuel levels and more via the inbuilt LTE module of the car.\nAll Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s cars from here on out will have it, while most older models going back all the way to 2002 are compatible with a Mercedes me Adapter. It goes into the OBD2 port of the car, and most of Mmc\u2019s features will remain available.\nFinally, both variants get new safety goodies like Active Parking Assist (which appeared first in the facelifted C-Class) and Blind Spot Assist, but the higher GLC 300 variant gets a little extra; like a 360-degree view camera and Active Lane Keeping Assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLC 200\nMercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC"
"Looks like we won\u2019t be seeing those large grilles from the BMW 7 Series or the Concept 4 on Jaguars anytime soon.\nJaguar\u2019s new head of design, Julian Thomson, who took over from Ian Callum last year, has attributed this phenomenon to the growing market in China.\nIt\u2019s said that because most consumers in China are first/second generation car buyers, they\u2019ve been quite brand obsessed yet do not know what brand\u2019s is what.\nThe\n BMW Concept 4\n.\nCar makers have responded to this by designer strong, prominent front ends for their cars to be instantly identifiable.\nCallum further added that this has led to certain car makers designing \u201cfaces that only a mother could love\u201d and that Jaguar would not \u201ctorture the metal\u201d this way.\nThe \nnewly updated Jaguar F-Type\n.\nStrong words indeed but if you\u2019ve been observing the direction of certain upscale brands, he has a point \u2013 with front grilles so large they overwhelm the impression of the entire car\u2019s design.\nAs for Jaguar\u2019s approach, Callum said a design language is necessary but there should be some element of civility in it. In the case of the new Jaguar F-Type, while the attention-grabbing front end now features a noticeably larger grille, it\u2019s the biggest it\u2019ll be for now."
"Honda Malaysia has officially resumed all its operations, both at the Melaka manufacturing plant and the operations office in Selangor as well as its dealerships nationwide and following the strict SOPs laid out by the respective government agencies.\n\u201cIn our plans to regain the momentum and set a new \nbenchmark\n in the market, Honda Malaysia has lined up new models that feature Honda\u2019s Next Generation Advanced Technology to be launched in the coming months,\u201d said Honda Malaysia, Managing Director and CEO, Ms Madoka Chujo.\nBased on the timeline of Honda Motor Thailand, only two candidates are on the radar for us Malaysians- \nHonda City Hatchback\n (regular iVTEC and hybrid eHEV) and all-new \nHonda Civic Turbo\n. The all-new Honda \nHR-V/Vezel\n that was launched in Japan earlier this year has yet to be launched in ASEAN or North America, while Honda Malaysia just last week introduced the current generation 2021 \nHonda HR-V Hybrid\n.\nAs of August 2021, the Civic, Accord, HR-V and CR-V models all have continued their respective segment leadership position with 72%, 36%, 71% and 24% of the segment market share respectively.\nApart from the September Special Benefits promotion offering rebates and rewards of up to \nRM6,000\n with a new purchase of selected Honda models, the Special Financing Program continues to be offered until the end of the year. This initiative allows customers to pay lower monthly instalments during the early stage of their new Honda ownership.\nAn online pre-booking platform has also been created to minimised contact and movement. It can be accessed from anywhere- the HondaTouch smartphone app or at Honda Malaysia\u2019s official \nwebsite\n. Scheduling service appointments via the HondaTouch smartphone app is also encouraged for a smoother and more efficient process.\nNext-generation Honda BR-V SUV to start production in Indonesia. Find out how soon here!\nThe company also took the opportunity to thank the government and relevant authorities for the \nreopening\n of the manufacturing sector as well as automotive sales which Honda Malaysia undertook careful planning and stringent actions to ensure everyone\u2019s safety, both internally and externally.\n\u201cWe are pleased that 80% of Honda associates have been fully vaccinated as part of our effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This effort was also accelerated by the Public-Private Partnership COVID-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (PIKAS). Full vaccination is expected to be completed by October,\u201d Ms Chujo continued.\nDuring the mandatory shutdown of its operations, Honda Malaysia undertook several initiatives to help the communities in need, such as \ndistributing necessities\n to six charity homes and contributing food and beverage packs to patients under quarantine."
"Both Mika Hakkinen, two-time Formula 1 champion with the then West McLaren Mercedes and the McLaren F1 GTR, needs no introduction.\nTogether, the combination makes for one of the most pleasing videos to hear (and watch) in awhile. Although I\u2019d suggest you put on your earphones; not many in the office will share your passion for such audio pleasure \u2013 not your boss for sure.\nThe mid-engined, rear-wheel drive McLaren F1 GTR is powered by a 6.0-litre naturally-aspirated BMW V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It makes more than \n600 hp\n, with almost \n500 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is demolished in just three seconds with top speed rated at 240 mph (386 km/h)."
"So the news is out, Mitsubishi is toying with the idea of bringing back the Lancer Evolution from the dead in a bid to revive its performance car legacy.\nAccording to international reports, word is that it might be sharing the same powertrain with the next-generation Renault Megane RS which makes total commercial sense (as is the approach with most car companies in relation to cost) seeing as Mitsubishi, Renault and Nissan are all technically under one roof.\nIt\u2019s definitely great news for the industry observers and enthusiasts but for now, there\u2019s no point speculating on specifications as information has remained scarce.\nThe more pressing question is, \ndoes a car like that still have a place in Malaysia\n? Will we ever experience the same surge in JDM imports and a comeback of the local tuning scene that peaked in the early to mid-2000s?\nTake the FK8 Honda Civic Type R for example; officially brought in by Honda Malaysia with a whopping price tag in excess of RM300k at launch for example, enthusiasts and keyboard warriors may have clogged the Internet with interests and criticisms but in reality, actual sales figures have not come close to the hype it has built.\n2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition\nUnlike that time when Honda Malaysia sold truck loads of the FD2R in the late 2000s, the huge wave has now turned into a mere spit. We get excited looking, reading, and watching videos of it, but how many of us would or rather can afford to shell out that kinda money for a car that looks like a 10-year old\u2019s imagination?\nWhat\u2019s worse, a quick glance on Mudah.my or other online marketplaces shows a huge influx of parallel imports at much lower prices and yet, are all sitting idle in open yards all across Malaysia.\nIn other words, there are cheaper options but even the scum of the auto sales industry are struggling to offload them. The Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ is another such example \u2013 they\u2019re all rotting away mechanically and in value.\nAnd with most of the esteemed workshop and tuners in Sunway either closing shop or spending more time swatting flies than swapping engines, the near redundant tuner scene shows a severe lack of interest for a car such as the Lancer Evolution to make a return \u2013 whether through official channels or via the AP scums.\nWith the younger generation, millennials to be exact, showing more interests in spending thousands on a pair of shoes essentially made of cloth and styrofoam than on a set of sticky tyres just to go through corners faster, the idea of bringing the Evo back, to this country at least, seems futile.\nEven if there are younger groups of enthusiasts, converting a normal Civic to look like a Type R seems to be the bigger priority than chasing performance itself.\nAnd those who\u2019re actually keen on making real power, are too small a minority to justify any significant shake up or revival of the forlone industry that once made everyone dream, including myself.\nUnless there\u2019s a massive turnaround in mindset, import structures, taxes and various other factors, importing these things in small numbers is the only way to go; sell them off on the point of exclusivity and nostalgia and call it a day."
"With \n14,187\n units sold in November, Proton has again breached the 100,000-unit sales barrier for a third year in succession. In the eleven months of 2021, the national car company is proud to announce the sales achievement of \n100,566\n units, just over 9,000 units shy of the full year of \n2020\n.\nWhile it is pretty much the same monthly volumes for all models, the Proton X50 again sees record sales, moving 4,010 units after another strong month in October. Although both models are at the top of Proton\u2019s pricing ladder, the total sales of the \nX50 and X70\n combined in 2021 have just passed the sales of the Proton Saga.\nThanks to its dealers as well as suppliers, Proton delivered 24,466 units of X50 and 14,761 of \nX70\n models, representing \n39%\n of 2021 sales, while the Saga is just slightly behind at 37,972 units or 37.8%. Similar to the Proton X50, the \nProton Saga\n also enjoyed a record month for 2021 in November with sales of 5,666 units, re-taking the crown of the best-selling model in Malaysia as well as the A-segment sedan.\nThe rest of Proton\u2019s model range performed according to expectations. The Proton Exora enjoyed a fourth consecutive month of growth and continued to dominate the C-segment MPV market with 434 units sold. Component supply issues continue to plague the \n2022 Proton Iriz\n and \nPersona\n limiting their production volumes, but both achieved 642 and 1,534 units respectively.\nProton Gallery at COE Shah Alam now open, featuring exhibits using AR and VR tech! More here.\n\u201cNovember was a good sales month for Proton though overall industry numbers continue to be limited by supply and not demand. Crossing over the 100,000-unit threshold with a month to go is a highpoint for us after another year disrupted by Covid-19,\u201d said Proton Edar, CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\nThe company also sees this momentum as a strong base heading into 2022 to consolidate and improve its ranking both locally as well as internationally."
"At the launch of the \nA4 B9\n, Audi Malaysia revealed\u00a0\nplans\n to expand their product lineup to swing more buyers towards the brand. We have just received word from Audi Malaysia that the \nall-new Audi Q2\n is set to arrive on our shores in the first half of 2017, and it\u2019s possibly coming with two engine choices \u2013 the 1.0-litre TFSI and 1.4-litre TFSI.\nAfter clarification with Audi Malaysia, the Q2 is not a direct competitor to the \nMercedes GLA\n, instead it goes up against the\u00a0\nMINI Countryman\n. However, it still bears the classification of a compact SUV.   In the UK, the all-new Q2 is available in showrooms since mid-November 2016. Hence, for Audi Malaysia to introduce this model in the next seven months (in CBU form) is a commendable action. For \nUK-bound models\n, the 1.4-litre four-cylinder TFSI petrol engine that produces \n148 hp\n\u00a0is mated to either a six-speed manual or a \nseven-speed S Tronic\n automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Expect the Malaysian market to receive the same S Tronic and FWD setup.\nOn the other hand, should the 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI be introduced to our market, the mill is capable of churning a respectable\u00a0\n114 hp\n. It will also get the same seven-speed S Tronic and front-wheel drive configuration.   To recap, the UK Q2 comes equipped with progressive Audi smartphone interface and Audi pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition. Optional features include Audi Virtual Cockpit, Audi Phone Box wireless charging, Bang & Olufsen sound system, heads-up display, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function and Traffic Jam Assist, Audi Active Lane Assist, rear cross-traffic assist and emergency assist. Wheel options range from 17- to 19-inches of varying designs.\nOnly time will tell what the Malaysian spec Q2 would carry, but judging from the A4 B9, we can trust Audi Malaysia to at least \nmatch its competitors\n. In this case, the \nRM199k to RM314k\n MINI Countryman.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the launch of the facelifted \nPorsche 911 GT3 \nlast week, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has also introduced the Porsche 360 Financing \u2013 an intelligent alternative to conventional financing with lower monthly repayments and flexible terms for better cash flow.\nThe financing programme is not applicable to the \u201cGT\u201d and special limited edition Porsche models \u2013 sorry to get your hopes up. Customers can choose to have their preferred financing period of three, four or five years. Subsequently, the assured resale value of the vehicle is established according to the model and specifications of the vehicle.\nWithin the \nthird to fifth year\n prior to the end of the financing programme, owners are able to either trade-in their vehicle for a new Porsche, or refinance the loan amount.\nAt the end of the financing term, the owners have three options:\nTrade in their vehicles at any Authorised Porsche Pre-Owned Centre at the reassured resale value. The programme is structured in such a way that the remaining loan amount is generally lower than the reassured resale value. The owner would then receive a balance payment that could go towards the downpayment for a new vehicle, making it a fuss-free transition to a new Porsche.\nSecondly, from the third year onwards, customers can extend the financing programme for the vehicle or to terminate the financing arrangement by settling the outstanding loan amount in full.\nThirdly, owners can decide to return their Porsche without any additional commitments.\nIn order to uphold the assured resale value, Porsche owners are required to service and maintain their vehicle at one of the three Authorised Porsche Service Centres in Kuala Lumpur or Penang.\nFor the first four years, all cars sold by SDAP are equipped with a comprehensive Four-Year Warranty and Four-Year complimentary maintenance package including service, parts and labour. The warranty can be extended up to nine years."
"While\n electric vehicles (EV) \nadoption in Malaysia has seen a significant rise recently, thanks to the government\u2019s favourable EV tax policies and the recent boom in charging stations, it\u2019s hard to ignore the fact that even the cheapest EV here on our shores, the \nOra Good Cat\n, starts at RM139,800 \u2013 far from being \u201caffordable\u201d for the masses.\nRecognising that, the government has now said that it\u2019ll look into ways to bring more affordable EVs priced \u201cless than RM100,000\u201d into the local market, \nBernama\n reports.\nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k\n\u201cCurrently, most EVs entering our market cost RM100,000 or more, but we would also like to bring such vehicles to a wider market, in the price range of RM100,000 and below. We will look into how the government can work with automotive companies to achieve that,\u201d said the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, at the launch of a new EV charging station at the Bangi Golf Resort yesterday.\n\u201c.\nProton\n will bring in \nGeely\n vehicles in the near future. [but] if we can [locally assemble] the vehicles in Malaysia, maybe it will help us to offer EVs [at a] lower cost,\u201d Nik Nazmi added.\nEVs in Malaysia currently enjoy a 100% rebate on road tax, as well as import and excise duties, as part of the\n 2022 national budget\n. The incentive is valid for imported EVs until the 31st of December 2023, while locally-assembled models will further benefit from its tax-free status until the end of 2025.\nThe recently tabled \nBudget 2023 \nsought to extend the former for one more year until the end of 2024, however it has not yet been passed due to the recent change in government.\nAt the\n launch of the BYD Atto 3 recently\n, the company also took the opportunity to show off the \nDolphin \non stage, hinting at a launch in Malaysia some time in the future. The compact EV hatchback starts from CNY93,800 in China, which translates to approximately RM59k. Will this be the first EV in Malaysia under the RM100k mark? only time will tell.\nRELATED: \n2023 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, X70-size EV from RM150k"
"You may have woken up this morning and came across a headline or two on the demise of Lee Iacocca. It\u2019s okay if you haven\u2019t heard of him, but thanks to persons who took the trouble of publishing footages of him on YouTube, you will now have an idea as to why Iacocca was such a key figure in the automotive industry a few decades ago.\n \nWhether it\u2019s supercars or MPVs, Iacocca was convincing when he took to the stage.\nIacocca was widely credited with the revival of Chrysler in the 80s after he was shown the door at Ford while leading the company as president, and profitably too. But too many run-ins with Henry Ford II put an end to his time at Dearborn, a struggling Chrysler quickly snapped him up. Iacocca implemented his vision at Chrysler which Ford resisted and that included a front-wheel drive platform applied to different models (which is now a norm) and launching a host of minivans that American consumers loved.\n \nHere\u2019s how you answer the press with clever insights, Trump should take note.\nIacocca was also a strong lobbyist for American cars and cut a popular figure in Washington. He famously secured a loan from the government that kept Chrysler alive and repaid the amount ahead of its term. But above all else, Iacocca was a sales and marketing genius, he wasn\u2019t merely a CEO pulling the strings behind the scenes, but also its chief spokesperson and appeared in many of the company\u2019s advertisements. He was naturally gifted in public speaking and expressed his views with conviction, backed by facts. No wonder he was mooted to run for the presidency of United States once.\nLeaders, they don\u2019t make them like they used to anymore."
"Fans of the Vorsprung durch Technik brand rejoice as new models have been unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2016 (GFoS).\nNew models such as the new \nQ2\n, Audi\u2019s most compact Q model, and the high-performance \nR8 V10 Spyder\n have been shown to the British public for the first time. The former is a small crossover powered by engines ranging from a \n1.0-litre 3-cylinder\n to a \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder with 190 hp\n, while the latter is the open-top version of the R8 with a howling \n5.2-litre V10\n located just behind its two occupants\u2019 seats.\nThe \nAudi Sport\n family also gets a new addition in the form of the all-new five-cylinder \nTT RS Coup\u00e9\n \u2013 the idea of a newer, upgraded \nTT\n is tantalising to say the least, but sadly no news has yet been made on its availability in Malaysia. Need we remind you that the TT RS gets from \n0 to 100 km/h\n just a tenth of a second slower than the R8 V10 Spyder at \n3.7 seconds\n, thanks to the \n2.5-litre five-cylinder\n powerplant\u00a0that\u2019s mated to\u00a0the\u00a0\nseven-speed S-tronic\n dual-clutch gearbox which sends all \n400 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n of torque to the\u00a0quattro all-wheel drive system.\nAnother highlight of the Audi stand will be the new \nQ7 e-tron quattro\n, its largest, most efficient SUV capable of driving \nup to 56 km\n\u00a0on electric power alone. Under its bonnet is a \n3.0-litre V6 diesel\n coupled with an \nelectric motor\n with a combined output of \n368 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque.\nPaying homage to the \nR8 GT3\n race car that took a total of \n323 overall race wins\n, Audi will also present the brand new limited edition \nR8 V10 Plus Selection 24h\n. Only 24 of these 610\u00a0hp\u00a0monsters will be built, making Audi\u2019s most powerful car also one of its most exclusive. It\u2019s based off the \nR8 V10 Plus\n, but most of the optional items such as the \nadaptive magnetic dampers\n and the \ndynamic steering\n are\u00a0fitted as standard,\u00a0and they\u2019re finished in a special colour scheme.\nAs well as all-new vehicles, Audi\u2019s entry level sedan \u2013 the \nA3\n range has been enhanced and showcased on its stand in sedan, e-tron and Sportback form. The recent update brings a refreshed exterior and more tech inside,\u00a0which includes the glorious \nVirtual Cockpit\n, the 12.3-inch hi-res instrument cluster that first appeared on the TT.\nAudi A3 facelift cabin\nIf only we are given the request form for specific models to be imported into Malaysia.\u00a0The 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed took place from 23 to 26 June 2016. Find out all about it \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A3 Facelift   Audi Q7 e-tron   Audi R8 V10 Plus Selection 24h   Audi TT RS"
"The latest addition to the expanding line-up of Honda crossovers and SUV has just been unveiled at a world premiere event in Indonesia, as part of Honda\u2019s presence at this year\u2019s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).\nCalled the Honda SUV RS Concept, the small SUV which shares many styling elements with the larger \nHonda HR-V\n seems production-ready at Honda\u2019s main stage, albeit with some tweaks to the lighting units for actual on-road performance. \u00a0\nBased on the smaller look of the Honda SUV RS Concept, it looks like Honda putting the pair of Daihatsu Rocky and \nToyota Raize\n in the target crosshair. This small SUV segment also has the Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnet, which are smaller than the \nKia Seltos\n and \nNissan Kicks\n.\nNo interior shots have been shared, but upon closer inspection, the Honda SUV RS Concept seems to differ from the larger Honda HR-V with four visible door handles and a door pillar-mounted side mirror.\nIndonesian drivers still love rowing their own gears, as such, the new Honda City Hatchback RS pairs its 121 hp DOHC iVTEC engine with six-speed MT!\nThe tail lamps replicate the full-width design seen in the Honda HR-V. Not much information has been shared regarding the concept model.\nBeing developed in Thailand, there is a strong chance the production model of the Honda SUV RS Concept made available in Malaysia, challenging the only offering in the segment- the \nPerodua Ativa\n.\nGALLERY"
"What were you doing when you were 16? If you ask us, we were probably just bumming around school waiting for time to pass. For Chloe Chambers though, she can firmly say that she\u2019s now a Guinness World Record holder, which she has done piloting a \nPorsche 718 Spyder\n \u2013 at an age where most people are just learning how to drive!\nThe record is for the \u201cFastest Vehicle Slalom\u201d, which required Chambers to weave through 50 cones at a 50-foot (15.24 metres) interval as fast as possible without hitting any of them. The previous record stood at \n48.11 seconds\n, a time that Chambers matched on her first actual run.\n \nOn Chambers\u2019 final run, the 16-year-old girl managed to beat the time by more than half a second, making her an official Guinness World Record holder with a time of \n47.45 seconds\n. Take a bow!\nChloe Chambers, after the run, commented: \u201cIt looks easy, but it\u2019s really not \u2013 to weave between 50 cones as fast as possible, trying to beat a record time and knowing I couldn\u2019t touch a single one for the run to count \u2013 I definitely felt the pressure.\u201d\nBut boy did she handle the pressure well \u2013 anyone who\u2019s been on an autocross stage would know how difficult it is to keep the car in balance while weaving through cones, and she even managed it on a completely stock manual Porsche 718 Spyder, down to the tyres.\nAt the tender age of 16, Chambers already has nine years of karting experience under her belt \u2013 finishing top three in over 14 different championships and events, and can now add a Guinness World Record into her list of achievements. There\u2019s no doubt that she will grow into a formidable racer in the years to come.\n\u201cWe couldn\u2019t be more proud that Chloe set the record,\u201d said President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Klaus Zellmer. \u201cFrom the whole Porsche family we send our heartfelt congratulations \u2013 we\u2019re pleased to have been able to support Chloe with her ambitious record attempt and share her relief that it was successful.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When the Supra first made its world debut, it was only available with an automatic transmission sourced from ZF. With enthusiasts demanding the good old stick shift, the 6-speed manual \nToyota Supra\n finally made its world debut three years later but not too late in April 2022, and has now been officially launched in Malaysia, fetching a price of \nRM645,000\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nEverything else largely remains the same with the Supra still powered by a 3.0-litre turbo inline 6 engine that makes \n387 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. Besides the transmission, Toyota has also improved the ride and handling and comfort levels of the Supra.\nThere is also a new set of 19-inch wheels introduced to the Supra together with the new transmission. Inspired by the wheels in the GR Yaris and 86, these 19-inch wheels are 1.2 kg lighter each.\nThe AVS system, alongside the electric power steering and Vehicle Stability Control, has also been retuned for \u201cimproved overall steering feel and controllability\u201d at the car\u2019s limits. Meanwhile, the car\u2019s Track mode has also been specifically reworked to allow for \u201ceasy drifting\u201d.\nLike the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the manual transmission in the supra is the 6-speed Toyota Intelligent manual transmission (iMT), which offers automatic rev-matching and throttle blipping.\nThe final drive ratio is also shorter than that of the eight-speed box, at 3.46 vs the automatic\u2019s 3.15. The only thing left missing to make this a perfect car to hoon around is a hand-operated parking brake like that found in the Toyota GR Corolla.\nMalaysian readers, if you\u2019ve always been asking for a manual version of the latest-generation Toyota Supra, here\u2019s your chance to own one. The manual Toyota Supra is officially available in Malaysia at \nRM645,000\n.\nGALLERY"
"Limited edition models don\u2019t come our way often but Naza Italia has secured 10 allocations for the \nMaserati Levante Volcano\n, just in time for the Trident brand\u2019s 10\nth\n anniversary here in Malaysia.\n \nOnly 150 units of the Levante Volcano will be made exclusively for the Europe and Asia markets. It is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and 8-speed automatic transmission pumping out \n430 hp \nand\n 580 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint is dispatched in \n5.2 seconds\n and top speed is registered at \n264 km/h\n.\nCompared to a standard\nLevante S GrandSport, the Levante Volcano gains exclusive trim pieces here making\nit stand out among Levantes. Priced at RM838,800 (OTR without insurance), the\nLevante Volcano comes with a 3-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and 3-Years/100,000\nkm Free Maintenance programme.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMaserati\u00a0Levante\u00a0Vulcano\u00a0Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just announced their latest price list with the Sales and Services Tax (SST) applied. Interestingly, VCM\u2019s full range of locally assembled vehicles (CKD) did not see any revision in price compared to when 6 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied.\nEven the locally assembled T8 Twin Engine variants (PHEV) are priced the same as before when GST was applied. \nOther premium brands\n experienced a downward revision for CKD vehicles while fully imported models CBU) are pricier compared to GST times.\nWhile many might raise an eyebrow against VCM for not bringing down the prices, the good news is you do not have to fork out additional money for a new Volvo."
"We\u2019ve caught the preview of the BR-V last year at the \n2016 Malaysian Autoshow\n and even had the \nchance to get up close\n with Honda\u2019s latest seven-seater crossover. For those who have been eagerly waiting, Honda has officially launched the Honda BR-V here at KLCC.\nThe BR-V shares the same platform as the Brio (compact hatchback) and Mobilio (budget MPV), albeit stretched to 4,455 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall with a 2,660 mm wheelbase. It\u2019s marginally larger in length and height compared to the \nHR-V\n (161 mm wider and 45 mm taller). The BR-V also comes with a 201 mm ground clearance at the undercarriage.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda BR-V 1.5E\nHonda BR-V 1.5V\nEngine\n1,497cc; 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\nTransmission\nContinuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\nPrice\nRM85,800\nRM92,800\nEXTERIOR\nIn case you are wondering, BR-V is an abbreviation for \nBold Runabout Vehicle\n. Therefore, it is only natural that Honda adopted a more active and muscular design for the crossover. From the front, Honda\u2019s signature Wing Face grille gives the crossover a bold impression. As standard, both variants come with halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, powered wing mirrors with integrated turn signals and C-shaped LED combination tail lamps.   Only the range topping V-spec gets front fog lamps, chrome door handles, keyless entry, bumper lower garnish and chrome side protectors. Both variants ride on \n16-inch dual tone alloys\n wrapped in 195/60 profile Bridgestone Ecopia EP 150 tyres.\nINTERIOR\nStep inside you are greeted with a familiar but different layout from the \nJazz \nand \nCity\n. The BR-V is related more closely to the Brio which it is based on. Starting from the entry level E-spec, you get a decent amount of equipment including fabric upholstery, manual air conditioning, \nrear air-cond vents\n, urethane steering wheel and gear knob and a standard audio system with Bluetooth, USB, Hands-Free call function, auxiliary jack as well as four-speakers.\nStep up to the top tier V-spec and you get all the bells and whistles including leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio switch control, push start, automatic climate control, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with HDMI port and reverse camera, leather door lining armrest, rear seat pocket and vanity mirror.   The rear seats feature a one touch fold and tumble (60:40 split for second row; 50:50 split for third row) mechanism for ease of access. Besides that, the second row seats come with sliding function. Thanks to Honda\u2019s clever packaging, the BR-V boasts 11 cup holders and a 223 litre boot space with all the seats up. Fold the third row seats down, the car is capable of swallowing 539 litres of cargo.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering this crossover is the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SOHC with i-VTEC mated to a continuous variable transmission (CVT) gearbox pushing out \n118 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. Drive is exclusively sent to the front wheels. The BR-V also comes with an Eco Indicator.\nSAFETY\nThankfully, safety features on the BR-V is rather decent. Both variants get dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), hill-start assist and ISOFIX mounting points. Thanks to that, both variants are awarded with ASEAN NCAP 5-Star Adult Occupant Protection and 4-Star Child Occupant Protection.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe BR-V can be had in five different exterior shades \u2013 Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Dark Ruby Red Pearl and Golden Brown Metallic. A range of Honda genuine accessories are available for purchase \u2013 Modulo Package (RM3,750), Urban Package (RM2,945), Utility Package (RM1,280), window tints and security package. Every purchase of the BR-V comes with a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty and a six free labour service package\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda BR-V Grade V   Honda BR-V Grade E"
"Earlier this week, Volvo Car Malaysia \ninformally announced\n the pricing of their latest addition to the local line-up- the 2022 Volvo V60. Great news as from today onwards, the new Volvo V60 is available for viewing and booking at all authorised Volvo dealers in Malaysia.\nAs per the originally released price list on Monday, the Volvo V60 for Malaysia is offered in just one variant- the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain and in Inscription grade. It is priced from \nRM286,909.59\n on-the-road without insurance and is inclusive of the ongoing sales tax exemption.\nEXTERIOR\nApart from the usual SUVs and sedans that Volvo offers, the Swedish company is also a purveyor of fine estates or station wagons. This body style, under the \u2018V\u2019 naming, allows ample luggage area without the need for a high-riding floor; basically a large hatchback with a near-vertical tailgate. Volvo Car Malaysia introduced the \nV90\n alongside the flagship S90 sedan in the initial phase in 2017.\nThe V60 takes overs and now seems to be the most complete series for Volvo Car Malaysia with two variants of XC60 SUV (\nB5 and Recharge T8\n) and the \nS60 R Design\n.\nIn the Inscription grade of the V60, the estate gets:\nInscription Grille with chrome frame\nBright finished roof rails\n19-inch rims in black with diamond-cut polishing, 235/40R19 tyres\nFull LED headlamps with active high beam and active bending lights\nDoor Handles with illumination and Ground lighting\nHandsfree power-operated tailgate\nPanoramic moonroof\nThe one-piece tailgate features powered opening and closing and a convenient foot sensor for hands-free activation. Four colours are available which are pearl white, black, silver and Thunder Grey.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription has a choice of Driftwood Decor inlays with black upholstery or Linear Lime Decor inlays with brown upholstery, paired with Orrefors Crystal gear lever and a non-sport steering wheel with Unideco inlay.\nDigital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch display\nHead-up display\nOrrefors Crystal Gear Lever\nDiamond-cut engine start-stop knob, drive mode selector and volume knob\nPowered front seats with cushion extenders and 4-way lumbar support\nDual-zone auto air-conditioning with Clean Zone Interior Air Quality System\nSensus Connect nine-inch integrated colour touchscreen\nHarman Kardon Premium Sound Audio System with 14-speakers (600 Watts)\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nIn its most conservative setting with the rear seats up and tonneau cover in place, the boot area offers some \n529 litres\n of space and is expandable to over 1,400 litres with the seats folded down. The rear seats fold in a less utilitarian 60:40-split.\nPERFORMANCE\nSimilar to the S60 sedan, the Volvo V60 is only offered in the range-topping plug-in hybrid powertrain called the Recharge T8. Outputs are familiar figures, with a total of \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque combining power from the super- and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and a rear electric motor unit. A fully charged battery allows up to 49 km of electric range.\nEngine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, supercharged and turbocharged\nEngine max rated output: 320 hp, 400 Nm\nElectric motor max rated output: 87 hp, 240 Nm\nTotal combined system horsepower: 407 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nTotal combined system torque: 640 Nm @ 1,200-5,400 rpm\nBattery capacity: 11.6 kWh\nDrivetrain: Front engine, rear motor, electric AWD\n0-100 km/h: 4.6 seconds\nTop speed: 180 km/h\nElectric range: 49 km\nFuel consumption: 2.0 l/100km\nSAFETY\nThe new V60 continues to be equipped with the Volvo IntelliSafe advanced driver assistance systems. To recap, key features in the ADAS suite include:\nPilot Assist\nAdaptive Cruise Control\nCity Safety autonomous emergency braking, with Steering Support\nBlind-Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist\nLane Keeping Aid\nCross-Traffic Alert, front and rear with mitigation support\n360-degree Surround View Camera\nOncoming Lane Mitigation\nPRICING\nThe new locally-assembled Volvo V60 Recharge T8 in Malaysia is priced at \nRM286,909.59\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive on the ongoing sales tax exemptions, and increases to RM305,888 once the exemption discontinues.\nIncluded in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) battery warranty coverage of eight years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.\nGALLERY"
"In our previous post about\n Jaguar\n \nLand Rover\n Malaysia, we shared that the company had plans to \nincrease its investment in digital initiatives\n over the next few years to continue improving customer service.\nNow, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has unveiled two Robot Assistants at its recently upgraded showroom at the Sime Darby Motors City, Ara Damansara. The dealership in Ara Damansara is also the largest Jaguar Land Rover 4S facility in the South-East Asia region.\n(From left) Kelvin Chuah, Head of Sales, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia; Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia; Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia; and Dato\u2019 Alby Chong, Group Chairman, Secure Group.\nAccording to the company, the robots will be used for customer-facing autonomous services. The robots are part of a collaboration between JLRM and Secure Robotics, a leading provider of modern technologies in Malaysia.\u00a0\nThe robots are equipped with wireless internet connectivity, laser radar sensors, GPS and voice, facial and image recognition, for a more novel car viewing and buying experience.\nCustomers can configure their vehicles with preferred specifications, and visualise them on a 75-inch screen.\n\u201cAs part of JLRM\u2019s digital transformation, the introduction of these robots serves to elevate the customer experience. The use of robots also allows for customer interaction with reduced risk of transmission,\u201d said Sime Darby Motors Malaysia, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution, Jeffrey Gan.\nRecently, JLRM, a joint venture between Sime Darby Motors and SISMA Auto, has consolidated its retail operations, making it the sole importer and dealer in Malaysia."
"When the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n hit last year, the Malaysian F&B industry basically slowed down to a grinding halt. Many business owners unfortunately had no other choice but to give up on their dreams in search for stability. But, as the saying goes \u2013 when the going gets tough, the tough gets going; for some people, it\u2019s when they\u2019re faced with hardships like these that they truly shine.\nMeet Muhammad Safwan Subry, a food truck operator from Alor Setar, selling a variety of food and drinks out of a (super-cool!) modified school bus. When the Movement Control Order (MCO) came into effect last year, though, the caf\u00e9 that his food truck is stationed at had to be temporarily shut down.\nAt that point, Safwan had two choices \u2013 sit around and wait with the uncertainty of when businesses will be allowed to reopen, or pivot and find new ways to serve his loyal customers.\nHave somewhere to go while we\u2019re still in MCO? Here\u2019s everything you need to know about essential travels! \nThus, pivot he did. And what Safwan managed to come up with was nothing short of ingenious \u2013 if delivery services were still allowed to operate, what\u2019s stopping him from carting fresh nitro cold brew coffee directly to his customers? With that idea in mind, he immediately went to work in search of a mobile coffee delivery vehicle.\nSafwan\u2019s requirements were simple \u2013 spacious boot, and cost-effective to maintain. Being a classic car fanatic himself, his obvious choices were cars such as the W126 and W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But when he saw a used 1985 Volvo 240GL for sale in such a pristine condition, it was just an opportunity too hard to pass up.\nThe classic Volvo cost Safwan RM3,000 to purchase, and he has sunk another RM10,000 into the car, modifying it to fit his needs with items such as a bona fide nitro cold brew pressurised tank and delivery system in the boot. A tap is installed above the boot lid, where Safwan can serve his customers directly.\nSpeaking of coffee, these might just be the most elaborate coffee machines ever \u2013 inspired by automotive engines!\nAside from functional mods, he also gave the Volvo 240GL a coat of matte black vinyl wrap, the same colour theme that\u2019s also used on his school bus food truck. Completing the gangster-esque looks are the louver blinds for the rear windscreen, and a retro cargo rack above the roof, where a decorative oil barrel carries his brand logo.\nIn line with the colour theme of his business, the nitro coffee tap was also painted in a shiny gold colour, making it a pretty unique sight \u2013 especially when you see it driving around town!\nHere\u2019s another feel-good story: Malaysian artist charms the automotive world with ultra-realistic paintings!\n\u201cI love old-school cars; not only because their spare parts are affordable, but I think they\u2019re also the perfect match for coffee\u201d, Safwan told us in an interview. Following the success of the Volvo 240GL, Safwan plans to expand his business nationwide by building a nitro cold brew car for every state in the country, and of course, using a different old-school classic for each build.\nIf you\u2019d like to support Safwan and his Kaffeine Foodmachine, be sure to check him out on his Facebook and Instagram page. For the Alor Setar locals, the school bus food truck is stationed at Kafe Adik Kakak, and is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm.\nKaffeine Foodmachine\nFacebook\n, \nInstagram\nGALLERY"
"We often say that we\u2019re fans of certain carmakers, but not many are qualified to be called \u201cpassionate\u201d about them. When it comes to Ottocar J. and Porsche though, the 80-year-old man is definitely one of them.\nThis year, Ottocar collected a \nPorsche 718 Spyder\n in Miami Blue Porsche\u2019s Zuffenhausen factory, his 80th Porsche ever owned. As a celebration of the momentous occasion, Porsche even allowed him to affix his own Porsche emblem on the car, making him the only few in the world to ever have had the chance.\nOttocar\u2019s fascination with Porsches started almost 50 years ago, where he first saw them on a race track. \u201cThe Porsche cars simply flew past me on all sides,\u201d he recalls, which prompted him to save up for his first Porsche, a 911 E in Speed Yellow, also known as the \u201coil cap model\u201d which he bought in 1972.\nA couple of years later in 1977, he would collect his first Porsche directly from the factory \u2013 a 911 Carrera 3.0. Little did he know that collecting Porsche cars will become a true lifelong passion, reaching Number 80 in just 43 years.\nOttocar was a driver himself, thus it was the race cars that first caught his attention. Throughout his years as a Porsche collector, he also stayed true to his motorsport roots: owning a 917, a 956, a 964 Cup, a 910 with a rare eight-cylinder engine, and not to mention a 904 with its original Fuhrmann engine.\nToday, his collection comprises around 38 cars, or, as Ottocar himself puts it, \u201cI can drive a different one every day for a month \u2013 and two at the weekends.\u201d To fit all of his \u201ctoys\u201d, he even had to build a separate building for them, which he affectionately calls it his \u201cliving room\u201d.\nAside from all of his Porsches, the living room is also filled to the brim with race and car meet memoribilia. He also has a toy shop and an antiques store, and among other things \u2013 a cinema showing Steve McQueen\u2019s Le Mans feature film, too.\nOn regular, he would drive about nine cars on rotation, including a \n911 R\n, a \nType 991 911 Speedster\n and two Boxster Spyders from the last two generations. However, when pressed, Ottocar wouldn\u2019t name a favourite \u2013 though he chooses the 981 Boxster Spyder for most of his outings.\n\u201cThe sound, how it drives, its suspension, everything that it does \u2013 it is the only one of my road-legal Porsche that reminds me of my 910,\u201d says Ottocar \u2013 this man is without a doubt a true driving enthusiast.\nAlthough now 80 years of age, Ottocar has no plans on slowing down \u2013 his next plan is to do a road trip along the Pan-American highway in a \nPorsche Cayenne\n. \u201cWhen you are 80-years-old, you don\u2019t think so much about the past any more but more about the future. You look forward to things that are still to come,\u201d he says.\nGALLERY"
"As part of \nRenault\u2019s\n new strategic plan called the Renaulution which will take place in the next five years, the company has introduced the Renault 5 Prototype. It\u2019s a throwback to the old Renault 5 Turbo with a modern twist, as it will return as an electric car.\n14 models will be launched by 2025 (seven electric and seven C/D segment vehicles) and among them is the Renault 5 Prototype which will surely be welcomed seeing how well the new Honda e has been received. The company is also expecting its higher end models to make up 40% of its sales by the same year.\nRenault is referring to it as a \u201ccute, pin-sized, city car taking one of Renault\u2019s timeless success to the future with a modern, 100% electric twist\u201d.\nOnly several details of the prototype was revealed; it will feature aero flaps on the rear lights, with the fog lamps in the bumper doubling up as daytime running lights \u2013 like the new Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia.\nIn paying tribute to the original car, the number 5 is featured by the doors, tailgate and even front fog lamp housing.\nGALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia has begun taking orders for their halo car, the all-new \nLexus LC\n. It\u2019s currently offered in the sole LC 500 trim and pricing is set at a firm RM940,000.00 for private ownership.\nThe LC 500 is powered by a \n5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8\n engine belting \n470 hp\n and\n 527 Nm\n of torque. All that is channeled to the rear wheels through a\n 10-speed electronically controlled Direct Shift\u00a0transmission\n, helping it sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n.\nAll four corners get independent suspension and 20-inch 10-spoke cast alloy wheels. The fronts get shod with 245/45 section rubbers while the rear gets wider 275/40 for more grip.\nIt is fully imported from the Motomachi factory in Japan, which is exactly the same plant that produced the LFA supercar between 2011 to 2013. All purchases of the LC 500 will come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty as well as a complimentary 5-year scheduled maintenance.\nLexus Malaysia assures that complete after sales support is available at seven authorised Lexus service centres with professional technicians who have been extensively trained by Lexus.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"These days most people would make/have the slightest excuse to get an SUV; whether it\u2019s for space, visibility, or for that once-a-year visit to their relative\u2019s durian orchard but it\u2019s totally understandable.\nIf you really need one, there\u2019s plenty of reasons to have one.The practical factors alone are enough to make you want to forget about the silly things like \u201clow centre of gravity\u201d and \u201cnimbleness\u201d.\nHowever, if you\u2019re one of the minorities, the odd few who are highly resistant to change and believe the days of lower-riding sedans/hatchbacks are not over, then you\u2019re just the one Mercedes-Benz has built this new wagon for.\nIt\u2019s called the \nC-Class\n \nEstate All-Terrain\n and as the name suggests, it\u2019s for those who take their Mercedes-Benz off-road but are not convinced that the GLC would do the job better.\nIt sits higher than your \naverage C-Class\n wagon with \n40 mm more ground clearance\n. It\u2019s also wider and longer than the standard C-Class estate with additional wheel arch linings and dedicated bumpers. The rear bumper is a new design, specially for the All-Terrain.\nAll-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has over 200 tiny stars on its grille.read about it here!\nThe Estate All-Terrain also gets a different grille from the standard C-Class Estate. The standard wheel size is 17-inches although you can up it to 19-inches, which would significantly reduce the \u201cAll-Terrain-ness\u201d of the wagon. Why would Mercedes-Benz even offer that?\nAside from the standard drive modes, the All-Terrain gets an OFFROAD and OFFROAD+ mode. The latter comes with Downhill Speed Regulation that when engaged, can apply the brakes automatically without the driver\u2019s input, while on a downhill descend.\nYour new Mercedes-Benz can warn of potholes and crosswinds.find out how!\nWith the OFFROAD modes, there are also steering, incline and decline angle displays along with a compass and geocoordinates.\nExclusive to the All-Terrain is a \nspecial off-road light\n. When driving on normal roads, it offers wide illumination but when the OFFROAD mode is activated, the off-road light switches on.\nThe function operates up to 50 km/h and automatically switches off when the speed is exceeded.\nCapable of towing up to 1,800 kg, the C-Class Estate All-Terrain\u2019s stability on the road while towing a trailer is safeguarded with the clever ESP Trailer Stabilisation feature.\nWhen there are unusual movements with the trailer at the back, at speeds above 65 km/h, the feature helps apply the brakes individually and automatically. If necessary, the feature can also reduce the vehicle\u2019s speed.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOjXyLMLBg4\nAnother cool feature is the trailer maneuvering assistant that allows the driver to park the wagon (and trailer) by simply tapping on the infotainment display or touchpad.\nGALLERY"
"Waiting period for a locally-assembled Mazda CX-5 currently stands at half a year in Malaysia, and Bermaz Motor has a lot to answer to that. However, this long-wait is set to drastically cut short as Mazda announced the completion of a Mazda-exclusive vehicle assembly facility in Kulim. Managed and assembled by Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd, the Mazda CX-5 CKD has started rolling out from its dedicated trim and final assembly line.\nBermaz Motor was keen to show us all the new facility and invited local auto journalists to have a drive up north. The long journey was sweetened up by the fleet that was taking us there, the new Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv sedan. We have driven and reviewed the \nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv\n, lovin\u2019 it of course. The convoy departed from Glenmarie after a quick bite and briefing.\nWatch our video coverage on the drive to Penang, then the visit to the new assembly facility the next day in Kulim.\nThe collaboration between Mazda and Inokom started back in year 2011, with the production of Mazda3. Speaking of which, we found that the second generation Mazda3 is still in production in Kulim, with about 100 units left to completion. The second CKD model started production in mid 2013, that\u2019s the Mazda CX-5.\nAs local demands on Mazda vehicles grow, supply has to keep up. Econ101 right there. Mazda Malaysia invested a total of \nRM100 million\n to setup the trim and final assembly facility, which has a production capacity of \n20,000 vehicles annually\n.\nOfficiating the plant were Mr. Masatoshi Maruyama, Executive Director and General Manager of Mazda, Hiroshima Plant and En. Rizal Jailan, Managing Director of Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd.\n\u201cAiming to make Malaysia a key production base in the ASEAN region, we established Mazda Malaysia, a joint sales and production company with Bermaz Motor, in September 2012\u201d, said Mr. Maruyama. \u201cSince then, we have been building up our business structure to establish a robust local production base\u201d, he added.\n\u201cTogether with Mazda Motor Company & Mazda Malaysia, we will continue to enhance our plant in Kulim as we believe there is ample growth in today\u2019s automotive landscape\u201d said En. Rizal Jailan. Inokom does contract assembly for many other automakers as well, such as Hyundai, BMW, MINI and Land Rover. Out of\u00a0Inokom\u2019s total output, \n40%\n\u00a0are\u00a0Mazda vehicles.\nHowever, the facility does not only serve local orders. Half of what produced here are sent to \nThailand\u00a0\nas well.\u00a0Mazda Corporation is said to have also been supporting Malaysian market by supplying CBU models meant for other countries here, to meet delivery time.\nAlso present were Mr. Horoshi Inoue, Executive Officer in-charge of New Emerging Market Operation and Dato\u2019 Sri Ben Yeoh, Managing Director of Bermaz Motor.\n\u201cMazda is now very famous for making customers wait\u201d, said Dato\u2019 Sri Ben Yeoh jokingly during the press conference. He is however optimistic that with the new dedicated facility, it is able to achieve what Mazda is gearing towards: to meet local demands. You will be glad to know that, the current waiting period of 6 months can be cut short to about 6 weeks.\nThe next CKD model in line is the new \nMazda3 SkyActiv\n, set\u00a0to roll out from the Kulim plant by end of 2014.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The BMW 1 Series has just received its \nLife Cycle Impulse\n (LCI), after four years in the market. The nose and tail gets a significant redesign, making it look like almost an all-new car. Not only that, the new 1 Series is equipped with the latest version of BMW\u2019s \nEfficientDynamics\n technology to further bring down the emission and the fuel consumption.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 116d\nBMW 118d\nBMW 120d\nEngine\n1,496 cc 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel\n1,995 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel\n1,995 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel\nMax Power\n116 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n150 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n190 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n270 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,250 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,000 rpm\n400 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n10.3 seconds\n8.3 seconds / 8.1 seconds (auto) / 8.4 seconds (xDrive)\n7.1 seconds / 7.0 seconds (auto) / 6.8 seconds (xDrive)\nTop Speed\n200 km/h\n212 km/h / 210 km/h (xDrive)\n228 km/h / 222 km/h (xDrive)\nFuel Consumption\n3.7 \u2013 4.1 l/100 km / 3.6 \u2013 4.1 l/100 km (auto)\n4.0 \u2013 4.3 l/100 km / 3.8 \u2013 4.2 l/100 km (auto) / 4.3 \u2013 4.7 l/100 km (xDrive)\n4.1 \u2013 4.5 l/100 km / 3.9 \u2013 4.3 l/100 km (auto) / 4.3 \u2013 4.7 l/100 km (xDrive)\n\u00a0\nName\nBMW 125d\nBMW 116i\nBMW 118i\nEngine\n1,995 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel\n1,499 cc 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n1,598 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n224 hp @ 4,400 rpm\n109 hp @ 4,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n136 hp @ 4,400 \u2013 6,450 rpm\nMax Torque\n450 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,000 rpm\n180 Nm @ 1,250 rpm\n220 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,300 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n6.3 seconds\n10.9 seconds\n8.5 seconds / 8.7 seconds (auto)\nTop Speed\n240 km/h\n195 km/h\n210 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n4.3 \u2013 4.6 l/100 km\n5.0 \u2013 5.4 l/100 km\n5.4 \u2013 5.7 l/100 km / 5.6 \u2013 5.9 l/100 km (auto)\n\u00a0\nName\nBMW 120i\nBMW 125i\nBMW M135i\nEngine\n1,598 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n1,997 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n2,979 cc 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n177 hp @ 4,400 \u2013 6,450 rpm\n218 hp @ 5,000 rpm\n326 hp @ 5,800 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n310 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n450 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n7.4 seconds / 7.2 seconds (auto)\n6.4 seconds / 6.2 seconds (auto)\n5.1 seconds / 4.9 seconds (auto) / 4.7 seconds (xDrive)\nTop Speed\n225 km/h / 222 km/h (auto)\n245 km/h / 243 km.h (auto)\n250 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n5.7 \u2013 6.0 l/100 km / 5.6 \u2013 5.9 l/100 km (auto)\n6.6 \u2013 6.7 l/100 km / 6.3 \u2013 6.5 l/100 km (auto)\n8.0 l/100km / 7.5 l/100 km (auto) / 7.8 l/100 km (xDrive)\n\u00a0\nAvailable in both three and five door guise, the new 1 Series is offered in a wide range of engines ranging from the new 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol and diesel in the 116i and the 116d, all the way up to the 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo in the M135i.\nEXTERIOR\nThe outgoing 1 Series had a face that only a mother could love, but BMW did the right thing by giving it a face that\u2019s easier to everyone\u2019s eyes. A new pair of kidney grille is complemented by a pair of new headlamps with \nLED Daytime Running Lights\n as standard. This requires for a new bumper to be fitted, with a trio of redesigned apertures.\nThe back now looks more like a BMW with the new \nL-shaped LED tail lamps\n that stretches across the boot. Below that, a pair of reflectors have been added to the reshaped rear bumper.\nINTERIOR   The interior is mostly left untouched, which is fine the way it is. Although standard equipment now includes \nauto air cond and wipers\n, \nBMW Radio Professional\n and \niDrive\n with a \nhigh-res 6.5-inch screen\n, as well as \nTyre Pressure Indicator\n. Seat design, upholstery, and trims varies from the choice of Advantage, Sport Line, Urban Line, and M Sport packages.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n116d\n occupies the bottom of the diesel range with a \n1.5-litre 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n diesel engine generating a measly \n116 hp\n but \n270 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s a frugal diesel mill too, in the \n116d EfficientDynamics Edition\n it averages \n3.4 \u2013 3.8 l/100 km\n.\nAnother diesel engine offered is a \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n in the\n 118d\n, \n120d\n, and \n125d\n. In the 118d it produces \n150 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque, while in the \n120d\n it produces\n 40 hp more\n and \n80 Nm more torque\n than the 118d.\nThe \n125d\n is the most powerful diesel 1 Series, pushing out \n224 hp\n and a heady\n 450 Nm\n of torque. It gets from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n6.3 seconds\n with a \ntop speed\n of \n240 km/h\n.\nThe petrol range kicks off with the \n116i\n with a \n1.5-litre 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n generating just \n109 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n of torque. Next is the \n118i\n and the\n 120i\n with a\n 1.6-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n. Power output is \n136 hp\n and\n 220 Nm\n for the former and \n177 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n for the latter.\nA petrol \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n can be found in the \n125i\n. Here it produces \n218 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n of torque, sending the 125i from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n6.2 seconds\n and all the way to the \ntop speed\n of\n 245 km/h\n.\nTopping the 1 Series range is the hot \nM135i\n, the only 1 series with a \n3.0-litre 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n powerplant. Developing \n326 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, it can sprint from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n4.9 seconds\n while the\n top speed\n is capped at \n250 km/h\n.\nDepending on the variant, a choice of a \n6-speed manual\n or an \n8-speed automatic\n gearbox are offered, and the 8-speed auto has been reprogrammed for better efficiency with transmission management supported by navigation data.\nANYTHING ELSE?\nEvery 1 Series is rear-wheel driven, but the 118d, 120d, and the M135i have the option for the \nxDrive all-wheel drive\n system. Customers can further enhance their 1 Series\u2019 handling with the optional \nVariable Sports Steering\n, adaptive suspension, \nM sport suspension\n, and M Sport braking system.\nAdditionally, the \nBMW ConnectedDrive\n driver assistance system now includes the camera-based \nDriving Assistant\n, rear-view camera and Speed Limit Info system with No Passing Info display, the radar-based \nActive Cruise Control\n system with Stop & Go function, and the latest version of \nParking Assistant\n with automatic transverse parking.\nThe updated 1 Series is expected to make its public debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March, but no date has been set yet for the Malaysian launch. So in the meantime, feast your eyes to the image gallery below.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan together with Italdesign has just created a prototype vehicle, the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign. This one-off prototype is the first-ever collaboration between the Japanese automaker and Italian car design house to celebrate the 50\nth\n anniversary of the GT-R and Italdesign.\nBased on the \n2018 Nissan GT-R Nismo\n, the GT-R50 was created \u201cwithout any restrictions\u201d. The result is a radical muscular machine with a touch of Italian flare. The hood now has a more pronounced bulge and thin LED headlamps that stretches from the wheel arch to the lip above the outer cooling intake. From the side, the visual impact comes from the lowered roofline (-54 mm) and a slightly raised outer portion to give the car a muscular silhouette.   The GT-R\u2019s iconic twin round taillights have been reimagined as a floating item piece \u2013 reminds me of the Ferrari 488 GTB if you asked me. The entire rear section is completely bespoke giving the car lots of flare and muscular stance, not like the standard GT-R Nismo was lacking in this department. The retractable rear spoiler when deployed adds a big dose of drama to the car.\nInside, the GT-R50 by Italdesign took a more minimalistic approach with two different carbon fibre finishes applied generously across the centre console. Gone are the GT-R\u2019s bulky centre display and an array of control buttons, replaced by three main control buttons. Other items include a revised steering wheel, LCD instrument cluster display and lightweight bucket seats.\nThe GT-R50 is not all show and no go. The VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 now develops a whopping \n720 hp\n and \n780 Nm\n of torque thanks to GT3 competition-spec turbochargers, larger intercooler, heavy-duty crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods and bearings, high-flow piston oil jets; revised camshaft profiles, higher-flow fuel injectors, and optimized ignition, intake and exhaust systems. Yep, quite an extensive upgrade.\nThe reinforced six-speed dual-clutch sequential transmission is tasked to drive power to all four wheels. Suspension and brakes have all been beefed up to handle the increased output. Michelin Pilot Super Sport is the rubber of choice to keep the GT-R50 on the ground.\nOn whether this is the next-generation Godzilla, Nissan\u2019s Senior Vice President for Global Design, Alfonso Albaisa said: \u201cAlthough this is not the next-generation GT-R, it is an exciting celebration of two anniversaries in a provocative and creative way \u2013 wrapping one of Nissan\u2019s best engineering platforms and Japanese design with Italian coachbuilding.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Lexus UX has made its world debut after being unveiled as the brand\u2019s first ever compact luxury crossover at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Specifically aimed at those in their 30s, its contemporary design will undoubtedly be relevant to the young urban car buyers.\nIt\u2019s the first Lexus to use the brand\u2019s GA-C (Global Architecture\u2013Compact) platform; consisting of a super-rigid structure with the lowest\u00a0 center of gravity compared to any vehicle in its class.\nThe Lexus UX will be available in two versions: the UX 200 packs \n168 hp\n from a 2.0-litre, four cylinder engine linked to a Direct Shift CVT gearbox while the UX250h delivers a combined \n176 hp\n, pairing the same 2.0-litre engine with a hybrid drive system called the \nPredictive Efficient Drive\n that\u2019s able to learn and adapt to the owner\u2019s driving habits.\nUnlike conventional CVT transmissions, the Lexus Direct Shift CVT uses an additional gearset that reduces the need for the CVT\u2019s pulleys and belt to be used for moving the car from a stop, giving the UX a quicker, more linear acceleration feeling.   As for the UX250h, its batteries and cooling system are located under the rear seats to maximise cabin and cargo space. The E-Four system gives the UX 250h all-wheel drive capabilities by using an additional electric motor on the rear axle. When the rear-wheel loses grip, power sent to the rear is increased to around 80 per cent, at speeds up to 70km/h, for better traction.\nContributing to the exceptional driving agility is the combination of MacPherson front suspension with a double wishbone system at the back. There\u2019s also an Electronic Power Steering System that offers immediate response to the driver\u2019s steering input.\nBeing the smallest Lexus SUV, the appeal of the UX is its size and at a mere \n4.5 metres\n long, it\u2019s sure to offer maneuverability through tight spaces and convenience of parking. The compact exterior is enveloped with Lexus\u2019 signature Spindle Grille, front and rear fender flares, Lexus\u2019 L-shaped lighting signature with daytime running lights.\nThe back houses a new Lexus signature \u2013 full-width taillights that project a distinctive night time display formed by \n120 LEDs\n that taper toward the center, measuring just 3mm thick at its narrowest point. 17 and 18-inch wheel options will be available, with the five-spoke 17-inch design said to increase the airflow to cool the brakes \u2013 having been through computer simulations and wind tunnel tests.\nInside, Lexus drew inspiration from centuries-old Japanese traditions in craftsmanship. Visibility is key in the Lexus UX \u2013 the upper section of the instrument panel appears to extend out beyond the windshield, giving the driver an excellent field of vision and a clear sense of the vehicle\u2019s dimensions.\nThe instrument panel\u2019s low, unobtrusive design and slim A-pillars are also shaped to improve visibility. The UX gives the driver a commanding view of the road as is expected from owning a crossover without compromising its sporty driving position.\nOn the safety front, the UX is offered with the Lexus Safety System+ which includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS). There\u2019s also the Lexus Co DRIVE that features Lane Tracing Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam and Adaptive High-beam System.\nAn F SPORT variant is also available for the both UX 200 and UX250h. The package includes a F SPORT suspension tuning, Adaptive Variable Suspension System (AVS), a different rear bumper design, 18-inch alloy wheels and black trims in the front and rear bumpers.\nInside, the F SPORT comes with front sports seats with extra support, Active Sound Control (ASC) for more dramatic up and downshifts, Sonic Interaction Design (SID) that adjusts the engine sound in Sport S+ mode, a signature F SPORT instrument cluster, F SPORT steering wheel, an eight-inch TFT color display and sports aluminum pedals and footrest.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford of Europe has unveiled the mid-life refresh of the \nseventh-generation Fiesta\n hatchback. It was unfortunately never offered in the ASEAN region due to its high cost and Ford Thailand\u2019s focus on pick-ups, where the predecessor was assembled.\nApart from the usual bumper and rim styling changes, Ford designers have also increased the height of the bonnet to better match the new grille that sports the Blue Oval emblem. The tail lamps have been added with black surrounds for a more sophisticated appearance.\nThe headlamps are standard LED units, while the higher range Matrix LED headlamps includes an advanced automatic high beam (AHB) feature called Glare-Free High Beam. A front-mounted camera detects oncoming vehicles and cancels out just that portion of the high beam to provide the Fiesta driver with uninterrupted lighting as well as not glaring the driver opposite.\nThe Matrix LED headlamps also adjust their lighting beam according to adverse weather.\nFor the SUV-inspired Active variant, the front grille has been made wider and added with vertical gloss black bars and even larger corner vents to better reflect the taller crossover stance. The unpainted lower body claddings are also combined with a higher ground clearance of 150 mm in the new Ford Fiesta Active.\nAs for the high-performance Ford Fiesta ST, the hot-hatch gets aerodynamics optimised front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler and diffuser in body colour, contrasted by new Chrystaline Grey-painted upper and lower grilles. The ST Mean Green colour featured in the official photographs is also new for the facelift model.\nUnder the bonnet of the new Ford Fiesta ST lies a tweaked 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Maximum torque has now been raised from 290 Nm to \n320 Nm \n(similar to the new 2.0TSI\n \nPolo GTI\n) within a band of 1,600 to 4,000 rpm while peak horsepower is maintained at \n200 hp\n.\nThe additional torque output did not decrease the benchmark century sprint time, still at \n6.5 seconds\n. Drivers however can experience a more agile and nimble new Ford Fiesta ST on closed circuits thanks to the new Track mode which liberates the electronic stability control.\nA limited-slip differential (LSD) is still optional, similar to Hyundai\u2019s latest \ni20 N\n \njunior hot-hatch.\nInside of the facelifted Ford Fiesta, the driver\u2019s instrument cluster comes with an option of a massive 12.3-inch fully configurable TFT digital screen. The new Fiesta ST meanwhile gets a pair of new 14-way Performance Seats that are developed to provide even greater support.\nThe half-a-million dollars Ford GT in Malaysia! Read here to know who owns it and the reason for its sudden appearance! \n\u00a0\nThe central infotainment system called SYNC 3 is an 8-inch sized touchscreen with pinch and swipe functionality and buyers can even specify a B&O (Bang & Olufsen) Sound System with 10 speakers with a 575-watt DSP amplifier. \u00a0\nAs for engine choices for the regular Fiesta models, four levels of power outputs are available from a single 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, with two electrified choices. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine has output levels of either \n125 hp\n or \n155 hp\n and continues to be paired to an 11.5 kW belt integrated starter-generator (BISG) module and 48-volt system.\nThanks to engine overboost as well as the BISG module, the maximum combined system torque available is \n240 Nm\n at 2,500 rpm in the high output EcoBoost Hybrid.\nConventional engines meanwhile maintain the \n100 hp\n and \n125 hp\n output and are only mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Drivers who want an automatic new Ford Fiesta need not think much, as Ford is only offering the new Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid 125 hp paired with a 7-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission with the 0 to 100 km/h sprint taking \n9.9 seconds\n or one second slower than the flagship EcoBoost Hybrid 155 hp with manual transmission.\nAll-new Ford Ranger tested in mud, sand, rocks and even snow! Full reveal this year and deliveries to start in 2022. More images here!\nAs for safety features, the new Ford Fiesta adds a Wrong Way Alert to warning drivers should they drive through \u201cNo Entry\u201d signs on highway ramps. The connected module in the new Ford Fiesta also provides Live Traffic updates and local hazard information to further support the driver in safe driving.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai N has made another teaser content for the upcoming Elantra N high-performance sedan.\nThe fifth addition to the growing line-up of N vehicles is scheduled for full unveiling next week, the morning of \nJuly 14th\n. Hyundai N currently is available on the hatchback models (\ni20 \nN\n, \ni30 N\n and \nVeloster N\n) as well as the recently launched Kona N.\n \nThe sound clip sure has the same aural delight from the brand\u2019s high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with \n280 hp\n and \n392 Nm\n of torque. The sound is also highlighted by the exhaust crackling from the variable exhaust valve.\nListen to the new Porsche 911 GT3 warming its clutch at 6,300 rpm and blast off to over 300 km/h!\nThe engine could be paired to either an enthusiast-friendly 6-speed manual transmission or a fast-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels in the other N models. The fastest sprinting model is the \nHyundai Kona N\n which hits 100 km/h in \n5.5 seconds\n from a standstill.\nThe static image of this sound clip teaser is also strewn with two- and three-alphabet acronyms, some of which are Hyundai N technologies such as ELSD, \nNPS, NGS, NTS\n, ECS and NES.\nKey features in full-fledged Hyundai N cars include downshift rev-matching, sports-tuned suspension, tailored-made HN-marked Pirelli P Zero tyres and upgraded braking system. A lot of fine-tuning of the chassis and powertrain is also done at the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife."
"You\u2019ve seen us post countless videos of ASEAN/Euro NCAP crash test videos \u2013 from the recent\n 5-star ASEAN NCAP\n rating given to the \nall-new Perodua Myvi\n to the \n0-star Euro NCAP\n rating given to the refreshed Fiat Punto.\nBut nothing would prepare you for this \u2013 Koenigsegg\u2019s highlight reel from their crash tests \u2013 in celebration of their Instagram account acquiring\n one million followers\n.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Koenigsegg (@koenigsegg)\nThe choice of music, as you\u2019d agree, is highly questionable but there\u2019s no doubt how amusing it is to watch Koenigseggs being smashed into the wall, slammed into pillars, crushed from its roof down and even knocked with hammers.\nWhat\u2019s also interesting to note is that, as the car crashes head-on into the wall in slow-motion, you actually notice the energy transfer from the front bumpers onwards to the A-pillar and subsequently \u201creleased\u201d through the windows."
"Hyundai has revealed an \nautomatic charging robot (ACR)\n for electric vehicles with a video to show off its seamless charging capabilities. The ACR is a one-arm robot capable of plugging a cable into an electric vehicle\u2019s charging port and removing it again once charging is complete.\nAs you can see from the video, the car is parked in the charging bay using the Remote Smart Parking Assist feature. Once parked, the ACR communicates wirelessly with the vehicle to open the cover of the charging port. Once opened, the ACR calculates the exact location and angle of the charging port using a camera.\n \nTo achieve this, Hyundai developed an algorithm that applies \n3D camera-based artificial intelligence technology\n to robots. The next generation of such technology is said to be capable of accurately handling heavier chargers.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 EV teased for launch in Malaysia \u201csoon\u201d!\nThe robot then plugs the charger into the vehicle\u2019s charging port, thus starting the charging process. When charging is complete, the robot removes the charger and remotely closes the cover of the vehicle\u2019s charging port.\nAs more EV chargers are outdoors, Hyundai even built a custom outdoor charging station to evaluate the performance of the ACR in various weather conditions. As such, the ACR has been able to secure water and dustproof certifications (grade IP65) and can stably operate in extreme conditions. To prevent accidents, the ACR is also fitted with laser sensors allowing it to detect stationary and moving objects.\n\u201cThe ACR will help to make EV-charging easier and more convenient, especially in dark environments. It will also improve accessibility, particularly for people with mobility barriers as charging cables become thicker and heavier to enable high-speed charging,\u201d said Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Robotics Lab, Hyundai Motor Group.\u00a0\nRELATED: \nBMW X1, Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq 6 named finalists for 2023 World Car of the Year award"
"Following the launch of the \nLotus Elise Sprint\n, the most hardcore road-legal\u00a0\nElise 250 Cup\n has also gotten an update, shedding more weight with some increase in performance.\nVisually, the exterior changes include a redesigned front clam panel with larger radiator apertures, new front splitters, lightweight rear wing and rear diffuser. All these enhance the car\u2019s aerodynamics, while the rear wing is capable of generating 125 kg of downforce at 225 km/h. The Elise 250 Cup rides on mixed wheel sizes \u2013 16-inch at the front and 17-inch at the rear. A set of super sticky Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tyres come as standard (195/50 profile on the front and 225/45 profile on the rear wheels).\nInside, the cabin gets an exposed open-gate manual gearbox (first seen in the \nExige Sport 350\n), Alcantara upholstery with red or yellow contrast stitching, carbon race seats, redesigned instrument cluster with new graphics and new infotainment system with better\u00a0speakers.\nLotus engineers helped shave 14 kg, with the Elise now tipping the scales at\u00a0\n884 kg\n. That\u2019s even lighter than the \nPerodua Bezza 1.0 Standard\n! This was achieved by using a lighter Lithium-ion battery, carbon race seats, ultra- lightweight motorsport forged alloy wheels and polycarbonate rear screen.\nFor the more discerning enthusiast, below is a list of items that will further trim the weight down to a scant \n860 kg\n:\nTwo-piece brake disc, -4 kg\nFull titanium exhaust system, -7 kg\nCarbon fibre interior pack, -1.2 kg\nCarbon fibre exterior pack, -3.7 kg\nCarbon hard top, -3 kg\nCarbon front access panel, -1.1 kg\nCarbon roll-over hoop cover, -0.7 kg\nCarbon engine cover, -3.3 kg\nUnder the hood, the same 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine remains untouched, generating \n243 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred to the rear-wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The Elise Cup 250 boasts a 0 \u2013 100 km/h sprint time of \n4.3 seconds\n. Besides that, the damper rates have been uprated for better cornering stability.\nLotus Cars is really pushing the boundaries of \u201cadding lightness\n\u201d \nto its absolute limits with every revision. Just imagine what the next-generation of Lotus vehicles will bring to the table under its \nnew owner Zhejiang Geely Holding Group\n!"
"You might remember that a while ago, a small North American company by the name of SSC \nclaimed to have smashed the world speed record\n for a production vehicle with the SSC Tuatara, only to be \ndebunked almost immediately\n by industry experts and eagle-eyed enthusiasts.\nFollowing that, SSC Founder Jerod Shelby published a personal video admitting that the evidences from the Tuatara record attempt raises more questions than they have answers for, and vowed to return \u201cin a way that\u2019s undeniable and irrefutable\u201d. And indeed \u2013 all credits to them \u2013 returned, they have.\n \nThe SSC Tuatara, in its third record-breaking attempt (after pulling out from the second attempt due to engine overheating issues), have now set a new world record for the fastest production car, with a two-way average speed of \n455.3 km/h\n (282.9 mph), and for real this time \u2013 the data collected by the Racelogic VBox measurement equipment on board have been verified by the manufacturer\u2019s technical director, as well as an independent analyst \u2013 both of them also on site to witness the run.\nThe new number is no doubt disappointingly, though not entirely unexpectedly, much lower than the previously-claimed 508.73 km/h. A big reason for that is perhaps the fact that the team only had a much shorter distance of about 5.3 km (including braking zone) to work with at the Kennedy Space Center runway in Florida.\nThe new record was set by Larry Caplin, owner of the first-ever SSC Tuatara (#001), which was used for the attempt itself!\nStill, the northbound run at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds topped out at 450.13 km/h (279.7 mph), and the return leg brought up 460.43 km/h (286.1 mph), which averages out to 455.3 km/h \u2013 still immensely fast, and enough to beat the previous record of 447.2 km/h \nset by the Koenigsegg Agera RS in 2017.\nIt is also still a way off of the \n490.4 km/h VMax set by the Bugatti Chiron last year\n, though that attempt was not admissible in the official records book as it\u2019s only run in one direction, and not on a standard road-going car.\nWill SSC ever beat the Chiron\u2019s top speed? There\u2019s no way to say for sure, but based on how the SSC Tuatara is still accelerating at the braking point, it certainly seems likely. At least we know that SSC will not be the only one attempting, with the \nHennessey Venom F5\n and the \nKoenigsegg Jesko Absolut\n both already planning to take a shot at it themselves.\nGALLERY"
"At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin removed the covers to reveal one of the most beautiful (and not to mention exclusive) super cars of the 21st\u00a0century \u2013 the Aston Martin One-77. With only \n77-units ever\n made, chances of owning the Aston Martin unicorn are close to nil.\nHowever, if you really really want one, you can pop over to the Aston Martin dealership in Munich to buy one. An extremely clean example of a used One-77 can be yours for a whopping, 2.9 million Euros (approximately RM13 mil based on today\u2019s exchange rate). That\u2019s almost \ndouble\n\u00a0the initial list price!   Handcrafted in Great Britain, the One-77 for sale is finished in white metallic and sits on silver wheels. The red brake calipers contrasts nicely with the car\u2019s otherwise subtle colour palette.\nOn the inside, the left-hand-drive model comes with a black and maroon theme. The seats are finished in maroon leather mixed with chequered cloth. This unit is production number 67, and the chassis number is engraved to the body. Interesting to note that this is one of just eight left-hand-drive models, making this example even rarer.   Number 67 has only seen 1,800 km of tarmac. Guess the previous owner did not spend a lot of time hooning the 7.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 that produces \n760 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque. With those figures, the One-77 is capable of a \n3.7 seconds\n century sprint time all the way to a top speed of \n354km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched a series of their compact AMG vehicles which includes the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1 at \nRM459,888\n, the \nAMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Coupe\n at \nRM448,888\n and the \nAMG 35 4MATIC Edition 1 Hatchback\n at\n RM379,888\n on-the-road without insurance.\nWith Agility Financing, the A 45 S will set you back from \nRM5,438 per month\n. As for AMGPro Financing which includes insurance with unlimited mileage breakdown and accident towing, rim and tyre replacement, the A 45 S starts from \nRM5,688 a month\n.\nWithout further ado, let\u2019s get straight into the facts and figures:\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: \nM139 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission: 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT\nDrivetrain: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control\nSuspension: AMG Ride Control adaptive damping system\nHorsepower: 421 hp @ 6,750 rpm\nTorque: 500 Nm @ 5,000 to 5,250 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.9 seconds\nTop Speed: 270 km/h\nThe \nAMG Torque Control \nsystem in the rear differential has two electronically-controlled multi-disc clutches, each connected to a rear drive shaft. As such power can be variably distributed not just between the front and rear wheels but also between the rear left and right wheel.\nThe A 45 S also comes with a \nDrift Mode\n, under the Race drive setting, allowing for powerslides to make less than professional drivers to feel like Ken Block. Drift mode can be summoned via the Race mode using the paddle shifters, with the Electronic Stability Programme deactivated and transmission set to Manual. We\u2019d recommend that you do this in an appropriate environment and not on public roads.\nEXTERIOR\nAMG Aerodynamics Package \u2013 rear spoiler, front splitter, rear diffuser\nAMG Night Package\nMultibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\nQuad tailpipes\n19-inch five twin spoke light alloy wheels\nRed brake calipers\nPanamerica grille\n6-pot caliper brakes (front)\nColour: Sun Yellow, Designo Mountain Grey Magno\nINTERIOR\nAMG Performance Seats\nAMG Performance steering wheel with Dinamica fibre\nAMG illuminated door sills\nEdition 1 dark aluminium trims\nElectric adjustable front seats with Memory Function\nAMG floor mats\nFEATURES & CONVENIENCES \nMBUX with Mercedes me connect\nApple CarPlay & Android Auto\nAMG Track Pace\nBurmester Surround Sound System\nHead up display\nWireless charging\nReverse camera\nWith the\n AMG Track Pace\n that\u2019s standard on the A 45 S models, the system that works hand-in-hand with the MBUX operating system can display 80 vehicle-specific parameters, acceleration and lap times and more using GPS.\nCertain international race circuits such as the N\u00fcrburgring in Germany or Spa Francorchamps in Belgium have been preset into the system. Using the \nMBUX Augmented Reality\n feature, the ideal line of a preset race track can be displayed on the multimedia display or head-up display to help the driver improve on lap times. If drivers so wish, they can even record a new circuit.\nSAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE\nBlind spot assist\nActive Brake Assist\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\nGALLERY"
"The\n updated 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport\n was launched locally on March 13 this year, right about the time when the entire world came to a grinding halt with everyone stuck at home due to the Movement Control Order. Now that the showrooms are slowly opening up, we stopped by the new Land Rover showroom in Ara Damansara to bring you a closer look at the new Disco Sport.\nAlthough being just a mid-cycle update, the 2020 Disco Sport received some significant changes on the exterior, interior, and even underneath. Most of the exterior design changes are on the front, where Land Rover has given the Disco Sport a redesigned grille, flanked by slimmer headlights \u2013 the new \nsignature Land Rover\n look.\nThe headlights are full LED, as are the new twin-U-shaped daytime running lights, which also acts as sequential turn indicators. The light signature is also mirrored at the back on the taillights.\nOur local-spec Disco Sport only comes in the sole R-Dynamic variant, which includes a sportier front and rear bumper, all-round body-coloured cladding, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels. Exterior options include the \u201cBlack Pack\u201d, featuring blacked-out badging, grilles, and other smaller bits and pieces around the car.\nMoving inside, you\u2019ll quickly realise how big of a step-up the new Discovery Sport is compared to its \npredecessor \n\u2013 Not just in features \u2013 which we\u2019ll get to later \u2013 but also the sense of luxury when you sit in the cockpit.\nLand Rover has given the 2020 Discovery Sport a cleaner and elegant dashboard. Sitting tall and centre of the it is the new 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.\nThe air conditioning vents have been moved upwards, integrating it neatly into the horizontal section that runs across the entire width of the dashboard. Further below, the climate controls have been replaced by a new touch panel, featuring two round knobs for various adjustments \u2013 the same knob is also used as the driving mode switch.\nOther changes inside are the new steering wheel and generation two head-up display. The controversial rotary gear knob of old has also been replaced by a more \u201cregular\u201d pistol-style gear stalk. You can also opt for a huge panoramic sunroof, if that\u2019s something you\u2019d like.\nThe 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine, producing 200 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a 9-speed ZF automatic gearbox, with power transferred to both axles via the updated four-wheel drive system.\nThe new Discovery Sport is now available in either a five (\nRM379,800\n) or five-plus-two (\nRM409,800\n) seating configuration. For more information, be sure to check out our \nlaunch write-up\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Most people know the brand RUF for the CTR \u201cYellow Bird\u201d, thanks to the crazy \n\u2018Faszination\u2019 video\n showing off the modified 911 Turbo driving through the Nurburgring Nordschleife at its limits. Well, it\u2019s either that, or through racing games like Gran Turismo.\nHowever, you might not have known that the brand actually has a rich history dating back to the 1940s. As a celebration of their heritage, RUF has released an i\nn-depth documentary\n to look back at their 80 years of passion for the love of great cars.\n \nRUF\u2019s affection towards Porsche started when Alois Ruf Sr., the founder of the family business, purchased a crashed Porsche 356 to restore it back in his shop in Pfaffenhausen. It was when a Porsche enthusiast offered to buy that exact car at a \u201csuper price\u201d that the idea of Porsche restoration and modifications sparked in Ruf\u2019s minds.\nOver the years, RUF has moved from plainly modifying existing Porsche cars, into making their own custom parts and even complete models with completely bespoke underbody, such as the \nCTR Heritage Edition\n. What started out as a small local workshop has now spawned into a full-fledged manufacturer of their own unique models.\nRUF holds a special place in many Porsche enthusiasts\u2019 hearts, due to their devotion towards the community. When Porsche wanted to discontinue the 911 Carrera models back in the late 70s to push sales towards the 928, RUF took on the responsibility to make a 911 that driving enthusiasts would want, and more importantly afford to buy \u2013 as the Turbo models are just too expensive at that time.\nAs \nmodern cars\n become more and more reliant on electronic aids to make it more \u201cliveable\u201d in a day-to-day situation, RUF\u2019s desire to deliver the purest driving experience will continue to garner the respect it deserves from Porsche and driving enthusiasts for ages to come."
"DRB-Hicom \nand \nGeely \ntogether inked a Heads of Agreement (HOA) that sealed their commitment to jointly invest, manage, and develop the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim.\nThe HOA was signed by DRB-Hicom group managing director Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar and Geely\u2019s chief executive officer Daniel Li Donghui, and was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Malaysia-China Business Forum, during his official four-day visit to China.\nThe AHTV, designed as a \u201csmart city\u201d, is set to become the hub for Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV) in the region, and is expected to attract investments worth an estimated RM32 billion over the next 10 years. It will occupy an area of approximately 1,000 acres, but will be expanded accordingly to cater for future needs.\nProton will be one of the main tenants of AHTV, with the national carmaker committed to moving its entire production operation to Tanjung Malim by 2026. Aside from Proton, AHTV will also include a \u201cfully-fledged high technology global research and development centre\u201d, alongside a manufacturing cluster, support services for the automotive ecosystem, and a research-based university to nurture new talents in areas of new and emerging technologies for the industry.\nWith the development of AHTV, \nProton\n has committed to investing more towards new products and technologies, including new energy solutions and intelligent technologies.\n\u201cProton is now in the second half of its ten-year business plan,\u201d said Proton Chief Executive Officer, Li Chunrong. \u201cOver the next five years, we aim to work even more closely with Geely and expand our offerings as the market for NEVs grows. This in turn will help develop the national automotive ecosystem and push Malaysia towards its target of being an NxGV hub.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton aims to become RHD EV manufacturing Hub, to start with MHEVs\n\u201cWe will also expand our focus to include other aspects that support the industry. For example, charging infrastructure development is a priority for NEVs, so we will optimize synergy with Geely group of companies to enhance the NEV infrastructure for Proton and the ecosystem in Malaysia,\u201d he added.\nGeely\u2019s EV sub-brand, Zeekr, has also been\n confirmed for Malaysia \nfollowing the government\u2019s visit to the carmaker\u2019s Ningbo factory.\nREAD MORE: \n2023 Proton X90 unveiled ahead of launch \u2013 4 variants, hybrid powertrain only"
"The McLaren Artura is, for all intents and purposes, a new beginning for the Woking-based supercar manufacturer. It\u2019s a sequel to the hugely successful decade that kicked off with the 12C, except the focus this time is on electrification.\nUnder the guise of its carbon-aluminium shell, the said objective isn\u2019t immediately apparent. The Artura is still distinctly a McLaren, albeit sitting on the brand new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture, and more sophisticatedly produced.\nYou see, its exterior shell comprises just eight ultra-lightweight panels. There are no shutlines for where the A-pillar meets the roof, and the entire aluminium rear deck is hot-formed (a patented tech) to shape.\nThere is no active aero here, but there\u2019s ample evidence of clever engineering with the way cool air is routed through the nose and into the engine bay. The titanium-coated engine cover and rear bumper are perforated to evacuate hot air, though the former features a chimney to expedite the cooling of the engine.\nSpeaking of which, new here is the M630 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 engine. It\u2019s developed in-house and arrives in a smaller, lighter package compared to the V8 lump, but still offers a throaty, bassy sound signature. The turbos sit within the 120-degree V, and together with a lightweight axial flux electric motor generates a total system output of 680 PS and 720 Nm of torque.\nWhen you\u2019re daily driving, the car behaves just like a regular plug-in hybrid, which means you don\u2019t get the full whack when the battery is depleted. But in Track Mode, battery levels will not drop below 97% state-of-charge (the engine actively charges the battery at a rate of up to 360 kW), ensuring sustained performance and peak propulsion. Handy for track days.\nAlso new here is the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, replacing the 7DCT of yore. There\u2019s no reverse gear here (the e-motor that\u2019s built into the transmission bellhousing is solely responsible for this), so the box is 40 mm shorter despite having an extra cog.\nShift patterns lean on the aggressive side for the most part, but the e-motor alleviates shift shock with instant torque infills \u2013 something that\u2019s even more of a prominence on the race track. Launch control is standard, so you\u2019ll rocket to 100 km/h from standstill in just 3.0 seconds, before maxing out at an electronically limited top speed of 330 km/h.\nOther key aspects that make this PHEV supercar a true McLaren are driving position, hydraulic steering wheel and a conventional hydraulic braking system. Regenerative brakes are omitted in favour of pedal feel, so it\u2019s clear the primary role of the electric motor is to boost performance by plugging turbo lag.\nBut as mentioned earlier, it can behave like a regular PHEV. A 7.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides up to 31 km of range on a full charge, and juicing up the battery (via a Type 2 port on the left; 3.6 kW AC charging max) takes just under three hours.\nThe Artura starts off in pure electric mode all the time, and the adaptive dampers afford a decidedly wide rebound rate for supple daily driving, or a firmer setup for backroad bombing. Thankfully, the staggered wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch at the back) are not oversized, but they do come with Pirelli\u2019s new cyber tyres with built-in chips that provide real-time pressure and temperature readouts.\nInterior appointments, while rather minimalistic still, are well-hewn with swathes of luxurious materials. An eight-inch infotainment display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and 10-inch digital instrumentation are standard, the former replete with an integrated SIM card for continual wireless over-the-air updates.\nIn Malaysia, the standard specification for the Artura already includes the Technology Pack, bringing with it the high-fidelity 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, full adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist, as well as advanced driving aids like adaptive cruise control (with full braking function), road sign recognition, 360-degree surround view camera system, and lane departure warning.\nFurther personalisations can be made through McLaren Special Operations, but that also means you\u2019ll have to tack on a few more months to the wait list.\nThe Artura, hybrid it may be, promises uncompromising driver engagement despite being saddled with a laundry list of features, many of which are new to the brand. It may not excite the existing V8 customer base quite as much, but for roughly the price of a 911, perhaps many will find themselves wanting the Artura more. Wouldn\u2019t you want more flash for your cash?"
"Nissan Thailand has revealed the new Almera Sportech with a striking new body kit from Autech, a company known for tuning Nissan vehicles in Japan.\nJust to be clear, the kit is not just an add-on but consists of completely new front and rear bumpers. The Autech body kit also comes with a new front grille design.\nThe all-new Nissan Almera Turbo is a real step up from the previous generation model. Find out why in our review \nhere\n!\nOn the front bumper, the fog light housing is now significantly larger; not only housing the fog light but also comes with what looks like air vents \u2013 possibly to cool the brakes.\nAlmera Autech\nThe front bumper also comes with an additional splitter while the number plate section has been designed differently, with a larger opening.\nHere\u2019s what the Almera Turbo shares with its more powerful sibling, the mighty Nissan GT-R!\n \nWatch the video \nhere\n!\nUnlike the body coloured side mirrors seen on the Malaysian-spec Almera, the Autech gets side mirror caps with a silver finish. At the back, instead of rear diffusers as seen on our local Almera, the Autech rear bumper offers a cleaner look.\nAlmera Autech\nThe new Almera Turbo, as it is known here in Malaysia, is now powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder with a 100 hp and 152 Nm to drive the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nOne of the unique features of the Almera\u2019s 3-cylinder engine is that it shares the same technology as the mighty Nissan GT-R. \nWatch our video \nas we explain what it is, and how it works!\n GALLERY"
"Subaru Tecnica International (STI), a subsidiary of Subaru Corporation has introduced the limited-edition STI S209, the first STI-built model assembled in Japan exclusively for the US market.\nDrawing inspiration from the WRX STI\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring Challenge race car which won the SP3T class at the gruelling 2018 24 Hours of N\u00fcrburgring race, the STI S209 features an expanded wide body kit that\u2019s \n1.7 inches wider than your standard WRX STI\n.\nThe flared arches also serve to accommodate the 265/35 width Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A tyres, developed specially for the S209, paired with a set of lightweight 19-inch forged BBS alloy wheels.\nTucked behind those gorgeous wheels are a set of Brembo brakes \u2013 consisting of cross-drilled steel rotors clamped on by 6-pot calipers at the front and a twin pot pair at the back. Further inside the wheel wells are a set of specially-developed Bilstein dampers with stiffened coil springs and a 20mm rear stabiliser bar.\nIn the engine bay rests an extensively reworked EJ25 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with lighter and stronger forged pistons and connecting rods. The Boxer engine, paired to a 6-speed close ratio manual gearbox, is strapped with an STI turbocharger manufactured by legendary tuning house, HKS.\nOther mechanical enhancements include a high-flow intake system, an intercooler water spray system, a high-flow fuel pump, larger injectors, a less restrictive performance muffler and an STI-tuned ECU. As a result, the STI S209 is capable of pushing out\u00a0\n341 hp\n with 1.24 bar of boost.\nAlso in the engine bay is a flexible front-strut tower bar where unlike a conventional rigid bar, is split and joined with a pillow ball joint in the center to be longitudinally mobile while helping laterally stiffen the body of the car.\nInside the cabin, the S209 pays homage to the Subaru subsidiary with STI badges on the steering wheel, passenger side dash, headrest of its Recaro bucket seats and an S209 serial number badge on the centre console.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The talk of the town now is the new car from \nPerodua\n, the \nPerodua Axia\n. Yet to launch officially, it is now available for booking since last Friday, with entry level model starts from an attractive \nRM24,900\n.\u00a0We have compiled information you need to know, as Perodua releases details on its new A-segment vehicle in phases.\nPERODUA AXIA MODELS\n \nThe new Perodua \nAxia\n line-up consists of four models. Starting of with the entry level \nStandard E\n, followed by \nStandard G\n, \nSE\n and top range \nAdvance\n. All powered by the same 1.0-liter 12-valve DOHC engine that produces \n66 horsepower\n and \n90 Nm\n of torque. The main differences that set them apart are the transmissions: Manual OR Automatic; and exterior design: Aerodynamic bumper design OR Sporty bumper design + side skirtings.\nPerodua Axia\u00a0\nStandard E\n comes with the smallest price tag of \nRM24,900\n and the simplest among all models. Well, simple as in, it comes with 14-inch steel rims and no audio system. Perodua offers the E with 5-speed Manual only, without ABS. For RM7,900 more,\u00a0\nStandard G\n (from \nRM32,800\n) does come with audio system, alloy rims, but no ABS. It comes in both Manual and Automatic variants.\nThe Axia\n SE (Special Edition)\n is available in both transmission variants, starting from\n RM37,900\n. Fitted with semi-bucket fabric seats, audio system with Bluetooth function, ABS with EBD & BA and Solar & Security tint. The top range Perodua Axia\n\u00a0AV (Advance)\n gets the same safety and security features, and on top of that, it is equipped with semi-bucket leather seats and audio system with multimedia system and navigation. All these comes with a cost. A \nRM20,000 premium\n on top of the Standard E, the AV (Advance) is priced at \nRM44,900\n.\nKEY FEATURES\n \nThe new A-segment car from Perodua does come with some exciting key features. Perodua has made it easy for us to understand by group them into four main features. In short, the Axia covers efficiency, spaciousness, drivability and economical factors.\nThe Axia is Malaysia\u2019s first Energy Efficient Vehicle (\nEEV\n) that can travel up to \n21.6km/l\n in all Manual variants, while 4-speed Automatic variants achieves \n20.1km/l\n. Perodua is offering a\n 5-year Warranty\n for all Perodua Axia models, which is a first from Perodua.\nSPECIFICATIONS\n \nRefer summarized specifications below. We will bring you the full specs once we get hold of them!\nPRICE LIST\n \nPrices for all Perodua Axia models are as below. These are however tentative as confirmed prices will only be announced during its official launch.\nVariant\nOTR Price\nBooking Fee\nSolid\nMetallic\nStandard E\nRM24,900\nRM25,300\nRM250\nStandard G\nRM32,800\nRM33,200\nRM300\nRM34,800\nRM35,200\nRM300\nSE (Special Edition)\nRM37,900\nRM38,300\nRM300\nRM40,900\nRM41,300\nRM300\nAV (Advance)\nRM44,900\nRM45,300\nRM300\n\u00a0\nMORE INFO\n \nStick around for more info. Or better still, \nvideo highlights\n of the new Perodua Axia soon!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from the launch of a new regional training centre, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) also announced how it fared in 2019 and revealed a few exciting plans in 2020.\nThe new training centre located in Symphony Square, Seksyen 13 Petaling Jaya will be used to train Volvo staff and dealers from across the Asia Pacific region on technical and non-technical areas.\n\u201cThis training center and other shared services such as Finance Cluster, Technical Hub, and Procurement which operate here are expected to generate export service revenue of over RM100 million in the next 5-7 years,\u201d said Volvo Car Malaysia, Managing Director, Mr. Nalin Jain.\nAlso announced at the launch was Volvo\u2019s sales performance both globally and domestically. Last year, Volvo saw an unprecedented sales performance of \n705,452 units sold globally\n, a first for the Swedish car company.\nBy comparison, Mercedes-Benz sold over 2.3 million vehicles while BMW shifted 2.1 million units of ultimate driving machines. Locally, Volvo Car Malaysia had personal highs to celebrate with \n1,883 units sold\n \u2013 the highest sales figure to date.\nProduction in the Shah Alam assembly plant also \nincreased to around 5,000 units\n so interestingly, VCM actually exports more cars outside of Malaysia \u2013 to countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Philippines \u2013 than it sells locally.\nThe new regional training centre in Petaling Jaya.\n\u201cEven as the Malaysian premium segment is in decline, VCM chalked up the highest ever year-on-year growth in retail delivery at 36.1% in 2019 compared to the previous year,\u201d said Nalin.\n\u201cWe are definitely on the right trajectory and we are excited to show our customers what\u2019s in store for the Volvo brand in 2020,\u201d he added.\nThe S60 T8 launched in Malaysia recently.\nCause there\u2019ll be plenty, even on the home front. Following up with launches and warm reception of the \nXC40 T5,\n the\n S60 T8\n and the\n XC90 facelift \nlast year, VCM will continue its assault on the premium segment by \nintroducing the S60 T8 CKD and the S90 facelift this year\n. The S60 T8 CKD will be priced similarly as the CBU model and will feature similar specifications.\nA new dealership will also be opened in Kota Kinabalu this year for better accessibility of all things Volvo. In 2019, VCM launched a total of five new dealerships to include one in\n Johor\n, another in \nIpoh\n and one each in \nAra Damansara\n, \nMutiara Damansara\n and \nSetia Alam\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad\u2019s Body & Paint facility in Batu Caves has scored a perfect 100% for the second time, in Daimler AG\u2019s stringent \u2018Centre of Competence\u2019 certification.\nCycle & Carriage also achieved 98% and 96% for its Johor Bahru and Bukit Tengah facilities respectively.\ncreated by dji camera\nWith Daimler AG\u2019s stringent evaluation criteria, the excellent performance that our facilities continue to demonstrate is a testament that we are moving in the right direction in support of Mercedes Benz customers in this country,\u201d said Cycle & Carriage CEO, Wilfrid Foo.\nCycle & Carriage Batu Caves is an authorised B&P Repair Facility with the expertise to conduct structural repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles while upholding global safety standards to provide customers peace of mind. Spanning over 45,000 sq ft with 22 body and paint work bays, the facility has the capacity to service up to 130 vehicles every month."
"Let\u2019s not even talk about going overseas; at the rate things are, vaccines taking too long to roll out, there\u2019s no saying when we\u2019ll be able to make interstate travels even.\nWhile car brands have taken the swift leap to go digital with every facet of their business, especially sales, some have taken their online marketing approach to another level.\n \nIf this feels oddly familiar to you, that\u2019s because Mercedes-Benz pulled the same publicity stunt with an FPV drone \nat their museum\n, similarly in Stuttgart. Arguably, their FPV pilots did a better job too.\nOf all the quotes by the narrator in the video, one did catch our attention. It\u2019s goes something like, \u201cThe \nPorsche Museum\n; it\u2019s a place you arrive as a visitor, and leave as a fan\u201d."
"If the all-new \nBMW 2 Series Gran Coupe\n left you slightly disappointed due to its front-wheel drive configuration, this is going to be music to your ears.\u00a0\nAccording to a report by \nAutocar\n, BMW\u2019s 2 Series Product Manager, Gernot Stuhl said that the next-generation BMW 2 Series Coupe will remain as a rear-wheel driven car.\u00a0\nWhile the new 2 Series Gran Coupe has adopted the front-wheel drive FAAR architecture from the F40 1 series, market research shows that the drivetrain configuration remains a selling point for the two-door coupe, according to Stuhl.\nIt seems like BMW is also satisfied with the performance from the current 2 Series Gran Coupe line up. Stuhl said that BMW will not produce a full-blown M Performance model for the four door coupe, as \u201cthere\u2019s not much missing\u201d in terms of driving dynamics.\nThe BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is headed by the M235i xDrive, producing \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine.\n \nHowever, Stuhl says that \u201cthere will still be a hardcore BMW M2 for those that want it\u201d in the upcoming all-new BMW 2 Series Coupe line up.\nAlthough no technical details were revealed, he said, \u201cIf you feel you need a compact car with more than 300 hp, there will be an offering for you in the BMW range.\u201d"
"According to Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (VTREC), a non-profit organisation dedicated to \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 reducing car theft in Malaysia, the average numbers of vehicles reported stolen daily has reduced from 32 in 2019 to 20 last year, representing a 37% drop.\nThe council\u2019s coordinator, Mas Tina Abdul Hamid while speaking at the launch of this year\u2019s PDRM-VTREC Vehicle Theft Public Awareness Campaign yesterday, said that 7,400 cases were reported last year compared to 11,675 cases in 2019. Among those, 3,993 were motorcycles, 2,981 cases were private cars, and 426 commercial vehicles.\nFor cars, the Proton Wira once again topped the lists with 353 units stolen. Despite its low value in the used car market, these cars are being rampantly nicked to be cannibalised and sold for parts, as they are not being made by OEMs any more.\nThe list is followed by the Proton Iswara, which saw 273 units reported as stolen last year, and the \nToyota Hilux \nin third place with 209 units being reported as stolen. As reported by \nThe Star\n, other vehicles in the Top 10 most-stolen list last year include the \nPerodua Myvi\n (131), Perodua Kancil (114),\n Proton Saga\n (110), Proton Waja (104), \nHonda Civic\n (85), \nHonda City\n (75) and\n Toyota Vellfire\n (60).\nAccording to VTREC statistics, Selangor contributed the highest vehicle theft record in 2020 with 2,332 cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur (1,572), Johor (1,006), Kedah (495) and Sarawak (454).\nDespite the drop in vehicle thefts, the police says that more can still be done to raise awareness. Bukit Aman CID (Intelligence/operations) deputy director Deputy Commissioner Datuk Dev Kumar, who was also at the event, said that car theft syndicates frequently change their modus operandi, using increasingly sophisticated gadgets to steal cars.\n\u201cWe also have to evolve to keep up with the trend and not allow them to have an upper hand over the police,\u201d he told reporters after attending the event.\nThe Vehicle Theft Public Awareness Campaign is aimed to educate and create awareness among vehicle owners and road users to protect their vehicle from theft. VTREC believes that the number of vehicle theft can be further reduced if the public stay vigilant and take measures in protecting their own vehicles.\n\u201cHaving additional security measures, such as steering and pedal locks as well as dashboard cameras, can act as a deterrent. While we are constantly taking action against such syndicates, the public must also do their part and not provide easy opportunities that thieves could take advantage of,\u201d Comm Dev Kumar added."
"In light of the devastating floods that hit many parts of the country over the weekend, \nProton\n has now announced a special flood relief assistance programme for its customers whose vehicles have been affected or damaged by the floods.\nThe national carmaker is offering a \n20% reduction on selected parts and labour charges\n for all of its customers who have been affected by the flood. Additionally, towing charges of up to RM200, as well as cleaning charges for the exterior and engine bay of up to RM100 will also be borne by the company.\nTo be eligible, customers will need to lodge an official report regarding the flood damages with the police.\nProton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cThe floods have affected thousands and especially hit hard in Selangor and Shah Alam where Proton is headquartered. Many of our customers have seen their homes and businesses damaged by floodwaters, and this extends to their cars as well.\n\u201cTherefore, Proton would like to offer customers a helping hand to get them back on the road and to show them they are our main priority. Proton will work hard to ensure it can repair cars as quickly as possible and advises all affected customers to visit our authorised service centres to enjoy these benefits.\u201d\nThe national carmaker added that its production lines were spared from the flooding, but more than 1,000 of its staff had been affected. In response, the company has mobilised \nKelab Proton\n, its in-house social and well-being organisation for all staff, to create care packages and offer clean up assistance to affected employees."
"The \nTesla Cybertruck\n caused quite a stir when it was launched in 2019, thanks to its. otherworldly styling cues that was perhaps even more divisive than pineapple on pizza. With the design of the Cybertruck already marinating in our minds for more than a year, esteemed automotive designer Frank Stephenson has finally weighed-in on the debate, and let\u2019s just say \u2013 he\u2019s not a big fan of it.\nFor those of you who aren\u2019t familiar with the name, Frank Stephenson has been widely regarded as one of the most influential car designers of our time, with an impressive resume that includes the first-ever BMW X5, the reborn Mini,\n Ferrari F430\n, Maserati MC12,\u00a0Fiat 500, McLaren P1, and even a flying car.\n \nFirst up, the exterior. Frank Stephenson compared the sharp lines and boxy shapes of the Tesla Cybertruck to the graphics fidelity of a Sony PlayStation 1 \u2013 which we find it hard to disagree with \u2013 and believes that it will look dated very quickly with time.\nStephenson also draws parallels between the styling of the Cybertruck and that of the\n Citro\u00ebn Karin concept\n, and argues that the latter actually feels a lot more futuristic than the electric pick-up truck. But here\u2019s the twist \u2013 the Karin was debuted in 1980.\nThe use of indestructible materials, to Stephenson, also feels like we\u2019re moving towards a future where we\u2019d want to be shielded from the nature, instead of being one with it. It\u2019s not a line of thought that we would embark on ourselves, but it\u2019s not surprising from Stephenson given his own signature \u201cbiomimicry\u201d design philosophy, where styling motifs are taken from nature and landscapes.\nAs for the interior, Stephenson argues that the Cybertruck feels cold, isolated, and \u201canti-environmentalist\u201d \u2013 which for an electric pick-up truck that\u2019s supposed to be the environment-friendly alternative to diesel-burning options, seems extremely counter-intuitive.\nInterest in the Tesla Cybertruck has certainly skyrocketed since launch \u2013 and if not for its controversial design, it will be due to the fanboyism surrounding Tesla\u2019s CEO, Elon Musk himself. The Cybertruck is certainly a step in a different direction in car design, and for us, we still aren\u2019t too sure about the design of the Cybertruck. Frank Stephenson\u2019s video certainly helped articulate a lot of our feelings towards it.\nWill it stand up to the test of time, though? Well, as the saying goes: only time will tell. And hey \u2013 professionals can make mistakes, too, and perhaps Stephenson will be wrong about this one."
"After unveiling the Santa Cruz back in 2015, Hyundai Motors has announced that there are plans to launch a pick-up in the United States with the go-ahead from Hyundai\u2019s top management.\nThe move aims to keep up with the growing trends that has seen a shift from sedans, in one of Hyundai\u2019s biggest markets.\nAt the moment, Hyundai does not offer pick-up trucks in the United States and \nReuters have reported\n that inside sources claim it\u2019s not to be expected until 2020 at least. The \nKona all-wheel drive SUV\n, however, is expected to be launched later this year.\nThe previously unveiled Santa Cruz at the 2015 Detroit Motor show comes with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel powertrain delivering \n190 hp\n and \n407 Nm\n of torque through \nHyundai\u2019s HTRAC all-wheel drive system\n.\nWith great strides being made by Hyundai Malaysia with the recent launch of a \n2.0-litre turbo diesel Tucson\n, that offers a robust family-moving platform, the \nimpressive Elantra\n\u00a0that zips through bends like no other Hyundai has in ages and the frugal feature-infested\n IONIQ\n, wouldn\u2019t you like to know what a \u201cmodern day Hyundai\u201d pick-up would be like?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Any car manufacturer serious enough to take their cars down to the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife is either crazy or, well, dead serious.\nAfter Cyan Racing (the racing division of Polestar) completed the WTCC season last year with the Volvo S60 Polestar, they remained at the Green Hell to further refine the car. The ultimate aim was to bring all their R&D findings and have them transferred onto regular road-going cars. In the process, the S60 Polestar broke the lap record for the fastest production car with four doors with an incredible time of 7 minutes 51.11 seconds.   Of course, the record didn\u2019t last long, because the \nAlfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio\n\u00a0came along and wiped that record clean with a time of 7 minutes 32 seconds \u2013 about 19 seconds quicker than the Volvo. But remember, the S60 has been around since 2010, so it\u2019s no less impressive a feat.\nThe biggest takeaway here isn\u2019t what Volvo and Polestar achieved at the\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring. It\u2019s what people like you and me can look forward to in the near future: hot, tyre ripping, seat-strapping high performance Volvos. And we think the \nC90\n is a terrific place to start.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Fans of the compact Mercedes-Benz are in for a treat as \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has just launched the \n2023 \nMercedes-Benz A-Class\n facelift. Still available in the saloon versions only (for non-AMG models), prices for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class start at \nRM238,888\n. There are also facelifts of the AMG versions of the A-Class launched together with the refreshed non-AMG versions. Prices for the A 200 are official but the A250 4MATIC\u2019s price is now at an estimated RM264,000.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.\nAs for the normal non-AMG versions of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the options on offer are as follows:\nMercedes-Benz A 200 saloon \u2013 \nRM238,888\nMercedes-Benz A 250 4MATIC saloon \u2013 estimated \nRM264,000\nThe changes to the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are minor. The tweaks can be seen in the new headlights, taillights, larger grille, and new bumpers. The new A-Class also introduces the hood power bulges for all variants now. Previously this was only present on the AMG A 45. Naturally, the updated A-Class also introduces new wheel designs with respect to variants.\nStandard exterior equipment on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class includes:\nProgressive line trims\nLED High-Performance Headlamps\nAdaptive Highbeam Assist\n17-inch wheels\nThe A 250 4MATIC adds on:\nAMG Line trims\n18-inch wheels\nA 250 4MATIC\nAs for performance, the A 200 is now electrified with a 48V mild hybrid system, albeit still housing a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine. Full technical details of the A 200 are as such:\nEngine: 1,332 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine\nRated Power:\n 163 hp\n @5,500 rpm\nRated Torque: \n270 Nm\nBoost: 14 hp\nTransmission: 7-Speed DCT\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)\n0-100 km/h: \n8.3 seconds\nTop Speed: \n230 km/h\nUp a variant, the A 250 4MATIC is also electrified with the 48V mild hybrid system. Previously only a front-wheel drive (FWD), power is now sent to all 4 wheels in the A 250 4MATIC, as its name suggests. The full technical details of the A 250 4MATIC are as such:\nEngine: 1,991 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine\nRated Power:\n 224 hp\n @5,500 rpm\nRated Torque: \n350 Nm\nBoost: 14 hp\nTransmission: 8-Speed DCT\nDrivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)\n0-100 km/h:\n 6.4 second\ns\nTop Speed: \n250 km/h\nInside, things have been tweaked slightly with the most drastic change being the removal of the touchpad that used to be on the centre console. That space is now just a shallow storage space. You now get the latest MBUX (NTG7.0) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the CarPlay display now filling up the entire screen.\nYou also get the latest Mercedes-Benz steering wheel in the new A-Class which comes with capacitive controls. The HVAC controls retain the physical button layout and as expected of the brand, the A-Class features the signature 64-colour ambient lighting system. There are also now more USB ports in the refreshed A-Class.\nStandard interior equipment of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class include:\nComfort seats\nElectrically adjustable front seats with memory function\nLeather multifunction sports steering wheel\nThermatic automatic climate control\nAmbient lighting with 64 colours\nAuto-dimming interior mirror\nVelour floor mats\n10.25-inch MBUX multimedia system\n10.25-inch all-digital instrument display\nArtico man-made leather upholstery\nVelour floor mats\nThe A 250 4MATIC adds on:\nSport pedals\nAMG Line steering wheel\nAMG floor mats\nArtico man-made leather/microcut fibre upholstery\nSafety-wise, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is equipped with:\nActive Parking Assist\nLane Tracking Package\nBlind spot assist\nActive lane-keeping assist\nExit warning assist\nActive Brake Assist\nGALLERY\nA 200\nA 250 4MATIC"
"In our \nprevious article\n, we mentioned that the \nChery\n \nOmoda 5\n \nEV\n was previewed at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n. We also confirmed that the EV SUV will be coming to Malaysia soon, either in late \n2023\n or early \n2024\n, and will be a possible rival to the \nBYD Atto 3\n. What is even more interesting now is the Chinese carmaker also revealed the EV SUV\u2019s specs.\nPowering the Chery Omoda 5 EV will be a single motor that pushes out 165 kW (\n221 hp\n). This translates into \n18 hp\n more than the BYD Atto 3. However, the Omoda 5 EV takes \n7.8 seconds\n to do the 0-100 km/h sprint, which is 0.5 seconds longer than the BYD Atto 3.\nRange-wise, the Omoda 5 EV\u2019s \n61 kWh\n battery will be able to carry you as far as \n450 km\n (WLTP) on a single charge. This is basically \n30 km\n more than what the BYD Atto 3 is able to provide. When you do need to juice up your Omoda 5 EV, it will take no more than \n35 minutes\n to go from dead to 80% charge using a DC charger.\nAs for the details of the Omoda 5 EV\u2019s exterior and interior, we have briefly covered them in our previous article as well. But just in case you haven\u2019t read them, here is a recap for you.\nHaving its platform and design heavily based on the regular Omoda 5, the Omoda 5 EV essentially looks similar to its petrol-powered sibling inside and out. However, Chery has done some design changes to differentiate these two models.\nRELATED: \nChery meets with Malaysia Government to discuss local investment plans, brand launch in Q2 2023\nThis includes exterior details like the smoothen-out front bumper, more aerodynamic-looking rims, a lower grille, a body-coloured side mirror, roof rails and a slightly tweaked rear bumper design.\nAs for the interior, Chery has given it a floating twin-screen display, a lighter colour scheme compared to the regular model, a steering column-mounted gear selector, as well as Sony-branded speakers.\nSafety-wise, the Omoda 5 EV, just like its competitors will be coming with a full suite of ADAS systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and more.\nHowever, it must be mentioned that details mentioned above are merely initial specifications. The variant(s) coming to or produced in Malaysia could come with different specifications.\nFor now, we can only hope goodies like the floating twin-screen and Sony-branded speakers will make it in the ones coming to Malaysia. With a good price going alongside, the Chery Omoda 5 EV should be able to give the BYD Atto 3 a good run for its money.\nRELATED: \n\u2018All new\u2019 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro revealed \u2013 to launch in Malaysia June 2023, PHEV variant by year-end"
"In conjunction with the 2018 season of 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ferrari has revealed a unique \u201cPiloti Ferrari\u201d specification for their latest track-focused \nFerrari 488 Pista\n. Keeping the spirit of one of the most challenging endurance race, the \u201cPiloti Ferrari\u201d 488 Pista will only be sold to esteemed clients involved in the \nPrancing Horse\u2019s motorsports programmes\n.\nInspired by the AF Corse\u2019s No. 51 race car which won the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Driver\u2019s and Manufacturer\u2019s titles, the 488 Pista will wear the racing livery of the 488 GTE. On the outside you will find the Italian flag livery, the logo of the WEC and the word \u201cPro\u201d on the hood of the car, indicating the championship and class the car raced in. Each customer\u2019s personal race number will be added to the door panels to indicate their participation in Ferrari\u2019s motorsports programmes.\nOther personalised bits include matte black S-Duct, natural carbon-fibre \u2018dovetail\u2019 spoilers and carbon fibre vent surrounds. The \u2018Piloti Ferrari\u2019 488 Pista will be offered in four exterior shades: Rosso Corsa, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona and Argento N\u00fcrburgring.\nInside, the car is upholstered with black Alcantara while the colours of the Italian Flag can be found along the seat backrest, paddle shifters and floor mats. The client\u2019s race number found on the outside will also be etched at the base of the steering wheel. All exposed carbon fibre trims will feature a matte finish while an exclusive identification plate completes the interior.\nMechanically, the special edition 488 Pista remains powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 kicking out \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of twist. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear via a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. Century sprint takes \n2.85 seconds\n while top speed is registered at over \n340 km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFerrari 488 Pista \u201cPiloti Ferrari\u201d   Ferrari 488 Pista"
"Audi has unveiled a limited edition\n TT RS\n with a unique finish, not only to celebrate four decades of quattro but also the heritage it has built from motorsports.\nIts Alpine white paint is topped off with decals on the hood, shoulders, roof and rear; paying tribute to the Audi Sport quattro S1 driven by Walter Rohrl to victory at the 1987 Pikes Peak race in the United States. The hood with central air vents in gloss carbon adds another visual highlight while also improving on engine compartment ventilation.\nThe Audi TT RS also gets an aero kit that consists of a front splitter, side skirts, a fixed rear wing and diffuser which were developed in a wind tunnel. The ensemble is then finished with 20-inch alloys wheels.\nOn the inside, customers can opt to replace the rear seats with a strut brace made entirely of carbon fibre. It not only improves the TT RS\u2019 torsional rigidity but also sheds 16 kg off its weight.\nOtherwise, there\u2019s plenty to remind you that it\u2019s no ordinary TT RS. \u201c40 years of quattro\u201d inscriptions are seen on the seats, wrapped in a mix of Nappa leather and Alcantara, and on the gear knob. The gear knob in particular even displays the serial number of the car. Only 40 units of the TT RS 40 years of quattro will ever be made.\nUnder the hood is a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder TFSI engine from \nAudi Sport\n that has won the \u201cInternational Engine of the Year Award in nine consecutive years. It makes 400 hp adn 480 Nm to power all four wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 3.7 seconds, with top speed de-restricted to 280 km/h!\nGALLERY\nCockpit\nColor: Alpine white"
"Here\u2019s another car that is hard to miss at the 2017 Gakindo International Auto Show \u2013 the third-generation Toyota Voxy facelift. Positioned above the \nSienta\n, the Voxy is a budget version of the premium \nAlphard\n and \nVellfire\n. Our neighbours in Indonesia gets only one variant of the Voxy and is priced at IDR446 million (RM143k).\nDimension wise, the Voxy is marginally smaller than Alphard/Vellfire duo measuring at 4,710 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, 1,835 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. Motivation is courtesy of a 3ZR-FAE 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) developing \n150 hp\n and \n193 Nm\n of torque, driving the front wheels.\nUp front, the Voxy is a carbon copy of the sportier Vellfire thanks to the standard Aero package. At the rear, it\u2019s a different story from its premium sibling. The Voxy gets a much larger rear windscreen design with vertical taillamps, giving it a much more utilitarian vibe. Other equipment in horizontal grilles, slim headlamps, fog lamps and 16-inch alloys wrapped in 205/60 profile tyres.\nInside, the cabin architecture reminisces the Vellfire and Alphard, in a very good way. Standard items include Optitron speedometer, Multi-Information Display, keyless start, all four auto powered windows, triple-zone automatic climate control, manual rear sunshades, touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, \ndual powered sliding door\n, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and double moonroof. With options like those, the Voxy is basically an Alphard, sans the premium touch.   It\u2019s also properly equipped on the safety front. As standard the Voxy gets seven airbags (driver knee), Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Brake Signal among others. All these for RM143k? Why aren\u2019t we getting this?!\nIMAGE GALERY"
"Volkswagen has dropped the Jetta from its UK line-up due to its low demand in the UK according to \nAutoCar Uk\n. From January to October 2017, the company only shifted 379 units of the C-segment sedan in comparison to 5,398 units of the \nPassat sedan\n. The Passat sedan is now the only Volkswagen sedan on sale in the UK.\nVolkswagen UK commented that the growing demand for SUV vehicles and the rising popularity of its \nGolf\n and \nPolo\n models have impacted the sales of the Jetta. Furthermore, the company\u2019s representative expressed that the Jetta was reaching the end of its lifecycle thus the discontinuation of the model.\n \n \nVolkswagen seems to be shifting their focus to\u00a0people movers as seen in their recent concept cars like the \nI.D. Crozz\n, \nKombi\n and the recently unveiled \nT-Roc\n. Who can blame them when the market is prioritising space, versatility and tall ride height over a conventional sedan. Besides, the more stylish fastbacks such as the \nArteon\n proved to receive better market sentiments over sedans at the moment.\u00a0\nIn the UK, the Jetta now joins the history books with the \nScirocco which saw its production halted recently\n. Closer to home, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has three variants of the \nfacelifted Jetta on sale\n. A car that we find is the \nbest value for your money\n if you are in the market for a C-segment sedan."
"Nissan has just revealed that they will be introducing the all-new Nissan Terra SUV, the first vehicle to be conceived from Nissan\u2019s frame and LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) division under the company\u2019s midterm plan \nNissan M.O.V.E to 2022\n.\nOne in every six Nissan vehicles sold globally is a frame-based vehicle or an LCV, hence the company is looking to maximise the division\u2019s potential and targets to increase sales by 40 percent and becoming a global leader in pickups and frame-based SUVs. The Terra, a ladder frame SUV with rugged 4\u00d74 capabilities will spearhead Nissan\u2019s ambitions when it goes on sale.\nThe Terra will make its global debut in China and will be made available to selected markets across Asia at a later date. Considering the growing appetite for vehicles like \nToyota Fortuner\n and \nIsuzu MU-X\n here in Malaysia, will our market be one of the recipients? More details of the new SUV will be available in April.\nsenior vice president for Nissan\u2019s frame and LCV business. \u201cI\u2019m very pleased to announce that the all-new Nissan Terra will soon arrive in China. This rugged SUV is practical, authentic, and designed to go anywhere.\u201d\n\u201cNissan\u2019s frame and LCV business is seeing steady growth, and with our ambitious midterm plan and growing product lineup, we\u2019re confident that this growth will continue. It is an exciting time for Nissan. We have the Nissan Terra arriving soon, the award-winning Nissan Navara is now in 133 markets worldwide, and more drivers are purchasing our LCVs around the world.\u201d he added\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Christmas came early for the folks at \nHyundai\n, because two of their cars \u2013 the \nSonata\n and \nGenesis\n \u2013 have earned the\u00a0\nGOOD DESIGN Awards\n from\u00a0The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.   GOOD DESIGN is the world\u2019s \noldest\n \nand most prestigious\n architecture and design awards organised throughout the globe and emphasises highly on contemporary design. Held annually, it honours the year\u2019s best industrial and graphic designers as well as world manufacturers for their extraordinary design excellence.\n\u201cBy earning the GOOD DESIGN awards for the all-new Genesis and Sonata from the most longstanding and respected organisation in the architecture and design industry is proof of Hyundai\u2019s commitment to developing products that embody anything but ordinary design,\u201d\u00a0said Chris Chapman, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center.\nThe event was held at Chicago and judged by an international jury of design professionals, architects, experts and cultural leaders. The winners are selected based on its overall design quality, function and aesthetics.\nThe new Hyundai Genesis is set to \nlaunch\n in Malaysia early 2015. How early? Stay tuned to find out!\u00a0Read all about the \nseventh-generation Sonata here\n and the \nSonata Hybrid here\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Genesis   Hyundai Sonata"
"BMW has pledged its long-term involvement in China with the first-ever BMW X5 produced exclusively for the China market. Built at the BMW Brilliance Automotive plant in Shenyang, two variants will be available \u2013 the X5 xDrive30Li and the X5 xDrive40Li.\nPreviously, the sole manufacturing plant for the X5 was in South Carolina, USA, the largest facility in BMW Group\u2019s production network. BMW said the move will also allow the plant in the US to meet the high demand for X models in the US and around the world.\nThe wheelbase of the two BMW X5 variants has been extended by 130 mm, to 3105 mm, to free up more legroom for second-row passengers. Not only that, but rear passengers will also be able to get in and out a lot easier due to the longer rear doors. The overall length of the X5 has also increased by 138 mm to 5060 mm.\nMore about the Malaysian-spec BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV M Sport here!\nLiving up to its \u201cMade in China, for China\u201d moto, the BMW X5\u2019s standard specification has been tailored specifically for Chinese customers. They come with specially-designed comfort seats, extra four degrees of rear seat recline, a panoramic glass sunroof, along with a bespoke M Aerodynamics exterior package.\nRELATED: B\nMW Malaysia reveals 2nd batch of limited-edition BMW X5 with M Performance parts\nStandard equipment includes the BMW Laser headlamps, electronically-controlled suspension, and a Harman Kardon sound system. A newly-designed smartphone tray on the centre console also offers wireless charging.\nThe xDrive30Li is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine while the xDrive40Li gets a more powerful 3.0-litre straight-six turbo engine. Both are paired to 8-speed automatic transmissions to drive all four wheels.\nGALLERY\n\u2018\n\u2018"
"The \ncurrent-generation Lexus IS\n, while decent looking, always felt a little odd to us \u2013 remember those droopy tail lights? Although the compact sport sedan received a \nfacelift in 2016\n, aesthetic changes were quite reserved to say the least. Now though, with the 2020 refresh, all of the weirdness on the Lexus IS have vanished, leaving us with a truly stunning sports sedan \u2013 I mean, just look at it!\nUp front, the enlarged spindle grille now takes on a more angular and three-dimensional shape, flanked by more angular air inlets at the side. Gone are the split headlights with standalone daytime-running lights, replaced by slimmer headlights that looks like it has been carved right into the body work. Sharp.\nOver at the rear, the 2020 Lexus IS features a new taillights assembly, with the familiar \u201cL\u201d motif running across the entire width of the rear end to join the two taillights together. In true Lexus\u2019s attention-to-detail fashion, the seam between the rear bumper and the body panel still lines up perfectly with a kink on the taillights, without the whole droopiness of course.\nIn terms of dimensions, the 2020 Lexus IS has grown in almost every aspect other than the wheelbase, paired with more pronounced rear fenders to give it a more muscular, aggressive stance. As standard, the IS is fitted with 19-inch wheels, bolted onto the axes using hub bolts to improve handling and braking feedback due to increased fastening strength and reduced mass.\nUnder the sheet metal though, not much has really changed. The new IS still rides on the same platform as before, though Lexus says that the driving experience has been honed at Toyota\u2019s own Nurburgring-esque test track at the new Toyota Technical Center in Shimoyama, Japan.\n \nUpdates done to the chassis include hardened bodyshell, reinforced radiator side supports, additional front-side-member weld points, and optimised reinforcement structures from the C-pillars to the sides of the roof.\nAside from improvements in driving performance such as steering response, Lexus also says that these changes has helped eliminated unwanted noise and vibrations, while improving ride comfort.\nOn the suspension set-up, the new IS utilises swing-valve shock absorbers with ultralow-velocity valves in their piston that Lexus says can respond to even the tiniest road irregularities, resulting in \u201cexcellent responsiveness on all varieties of road surfaces\u201d, and a \u201cride quality that is consistently even\u201d.\nAs a result, Lexus says that the new IS delivers a \u201clinear operation that is faithful to driver\u2019s intentions\u201d in all driving situations. The brand now calls this the \u201cLexus Driving Signature\u201d, and intends to apply it on all future Lexus models.\nUnder the hood, the rear-wheel drive IS300 retains the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated to produce \n241 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. As for the all-wheel drive IS300, the similarly named car utilises a very different 3.5-litre V6 that delivers \n260 hp \nand \n320 Nm\n of torque to drive all four wheels.\nOn the top-end of the model line-up is the IS350, powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, uprated to produce \n311 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque \u2013 unchanged from its predecessor.\nThe IS350 is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The higher performance engine results in a naught-to-100-ish km/h (60mph) time of \n5.6 seconds\n on the RWD variant, and\n 5.7 seconds \non the AWD. All rear-wheel drive variants get an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while all-wheel drive models are paired to a six-speed auto \u2018box.\nA hybrid variant is also available in certain markets. Lexus did not reveal much info on the powertrain, though it\u2019s safe to assume it\u2019ll still be using the same Lexus Hybrid Drive unit from before \u2013 a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol pushing out\u00a0\n178 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n221 Nm\n,\u00a0paired to an electric motor generating\u00a0\n105kW (140 hp)\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n300 Nm\n\u00a0of torque.\nAlso (pretty much) unchanged is the cabin, which on first glance looks like it was lifted directly from the predecessor. Aside from the new circular-shaped air vents, the Lexus IS gets a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system is paired to the marque\u2019s touchpad control system on the centre console.\nThe 2020 Lexus IS refresh does get a pretty significant boost on the safety front, though. Now equipped on the\n BMW 3 Series\n and \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n rival is the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) 2.5, which uses a single camera and millimetre-wave radar to enhance the Pre-Collision System, consisting of Frontal Collision Warning , Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, Emergency Steering Assist, and Low Speed Acceleration Control.\nThe LSS+ 2.5 system on the new IS also features an enhanced Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, and Driver Emergency Stop Assist.\nThe range-topper IS350 can also be specified with the F Sport package, which nets you variant-specific front and rear bumpers, \u201cF mesh\u201d pattern on the spindle grille, rear bootlid spoiler, rocker panels, and rear diffuser. The sportier variant also gets a set of staggered 19-inch F Sport wheels, along with an additional cool air intake at the front lower grille, and F Sport exhausts.\nOn top of that, F Sport models can also be brought one level higher with the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), including adaptive variable suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential, and an additional Sport S+ drive mode with everything turned up to 11. The DHP-equipped F Sport variants also get 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels finished in matte black, weighing approximately 2kg lighter each compared to the regular F Sport units.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford has just unveiled a fully-electric version of their best-selling product, the F-150 pick-up truck, aptly called the Lightning. The introduction of the F-150 Lightning will expand and complement the line-up, which also includes the off-road targeted \nF-150 Raptor\n. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nFord has developed a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform for the F-150 Lightning, made from a mix of aluminium and steel. A dual-motor setup delivers the standard all-wheel drive paired with a new model\u2019s-first independent semi-trailing arm rear suspension.\nThe Ford F-150 Lightning will come with either a standard output battery or an extended-range and output battery. The driving range from the standard battery is \n370 kilometres\n with a combined system output of \n432 h\np and \n1,051 Nm\n of torque from the dual-motor setup powers the 3-ton (6,500 pounds) truck.\nThe larger extended-range battery, increasing the driving range to \n483 km\n, will only be tied to the range-topping Platinum variant. It will have outputs of \n571 hp\n and a similar 1,051 Nm of torque. That is even more output than the \nFord Mustang Mach-E\n GT Performance Edition with \u201cjust\u201d 487 hp and 855 Nm.\n0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time for the Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to be in the \nmid four seconds\n, just a second more than the fastest Mustang Mach-E.\nFord did not mention the size of the battery pack, but with the best possible charging solution available today, a 10-minute usage at a 150 kW DC high-performance charger can increase the driving to 66 km and 87 km for the standard and extended-range batteries respectively.\nAt home, the highest specification 80-Amp Ford Charge Station Pro requires \neight hours\n to fully charge the extended-range battery, with an additional two hours needed for the standard battery.   Ford is offering a specific 8-year/160,000 km warranty coverage for the EV components together with a promised capacity of 70% of its original charge over that period.\nBeing designed as a workhorse, for recreational activities as well as the main daily-driver, the new F-150 Lightning has been designed to provide plenty of power on the go, akin to a mobile power bank. Apart from having up to \n11 power sockets\n, the 80-Amp \nIntelligent Backup Power\n module in the Charge Station Pro can off-load up to 9.6 kW of power that can roughly \nsupply electricity to a home\n for three days.\nFord also plans to extend the capabilities of this car-to-home system where owners can use their F-150 Lightning to power their home during high-cost, peak-energy hours while recharge the batteries during the opposite. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe Ford F-150 Lighting shares the basic design of the latest F-150 bodypanels, but with revised front and rear lighting. Key elements include thick signature LED lightbars that run across the front and rear, plus three new grille designs that bring a bold new look to a familiar face while maintaining Built Ford Tough authenticity.\nAn awesomely named storage space called the \n\u201cMega Power Frunk\u201d\n now takes over the void where it previously housed the V6 or V8 engines. The front boot has storage of up to \n400 litres\n and a payload of 180 kg. Four of the 11 power sockets (2.4 kW power) are placed at the Mega Power Frunk, where the \u201cfrunk-lid\u201d is also aerodynamically sculptured. \u00a0\u00a0\nKey interior features include a Sync 4A portrait-oriented infotainment system measuring 15.5 inches, B&O Sound System with 18 speakers, ventilated multi-contour 10-way power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat and Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 Bluecruise hands-free highway advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) suite. \u00a0\nThe basic work truck starts from under \nUSD40,000\n (just USD3,000 more than the base petrol variant), while the XLT is expected to be priced at \nUSD55,000\n. The range-topping Platinum variant sees an eye-watering price tag of \nUSD90,000\n with the Lariat variant slotting in between the XLT and Platinum models.\nThe new Ford F-150 Lightning will roll off the line from \nMay 2022\n at a new high-tech factory using sustainable manufacturing practices at Ford\u2019s storied Rouge complex in Dearborn just outside Detroit, Michigan, USA, unlike the Mustang Mach-E which is made in Cuautitlan, Mexico and soon in \nChina\n.\nGALLERY"
"Last week, we demonstrated how you can help yourself and save some labour charges by \nchanging your own spark plugs\n. In this new edition of AutoDIY, things get a little simpler \u2013 so simple even your 10-year old might be able to do it.\nIf you\u2019re vehicle has needed more than a few cranks to start up, perhaps you might want to look into your car\u2019s battery for a start, how long it\u2019s been in use and check out this video to find out how you can perform a simple battery swap.\nGenerally, it\u2019s recommended that you change your car\u2019s battery \nevery one to two years (MAX!)\n. If you actually took this initiative, first give yourself a pat on the back and then find out how you can dispose off the old battery in a way that would not upset mother nature.\nA new episode of\n AutoDIY\n will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia announced a flood relief program for Mitsubishi owners in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Pahang who have been affected by the recent floods caused by the persistent rain.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe company is offering \n30% discount\n on Mitsubishi genuine spare parts and a \n50% discount\n on labour costs from today until the \n20th of January 2022\n for vehicles damaged by flood.\u00a0\nIn addition, Mitsubishi Motors will also support owners by offering\n free towing service\n. Simply contact Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs customer careline (MA24) at 1-800-88-2166.\nMitsubishi owners who arrange for their vehicle towing, without the assistance of MA24 and insurance coverage, are also entitled to rebates worth up to RM300. All customers need to do is lodge a police report and then tow the affected vehicle to the nearest Mitsubishi Motors service centre.\n\u201cOur thoughts are with Malaysians impacted by the aftermath of the flash floods tragedy. All of our service staff and authorized dealers are ready to assist our Mitsubishi owners with their affected vehicles. We hope that this flood relief program will help ease the burden of our customers going through this difficult time,\u201d said MMM CEO, Shinya Ikeda.\nThe Mitsubishi flood relief program is offered for vehicles purchased from Mitsubishi Motors authorised dealers. For further information, kindly be in touch with our Customer Careline at 1-800-18-8161."
"McLaren Automotive has teamed up with Step2, an established American toy manufacturer, to create a unique model tailored to appeal to a small and young but very important (and demanding) demographic.\nThe result? A McLaren 570S Step2 Push Sports Car. It comes with a storage area at the \u201cundercarriage\u201d and also provided are \u201ccupholders\u201d for the baby bottles and your very own morning coffee.\nStep2 shares many values with McLaren Automotive; while McLaren has been recognised as a pioneer in carbon fibre technology, something it has applied to its cars since 1981, Step2 has gained the recognition of pioneering the push car.\nThe idea behind the 570S Push Sports Car was to create a fun and visually-appealing item to captivate and exude a sense of fun for the parents, children and even pedestrians alike.\nDesigners from both ends of the collaboration have worked closely to replicate the essence of the real \nMcLaren 570S\n to give the car a \u201csmooth ride\u201d, a \nflat-based steering wheel which offers excellent feedback\n and electronically-replicated sounds to provide an exhilarating experience for the \u201cmini-racers\u201d. It\u2019s easy to forget that we\u2019re not talking about an actual car here.\nThe McLaren 570S Push Sports Car will be launched initially in Ventura Orange, \nsimilar to the actual 570S\n and will be exclusively available through Amazon.com US in September before rolling out later this year through leading global retailers and \nStep2.com\n. Recommended retail price is \nUSD 79.99 (RM 344)\n."
"In a memo issued to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) and Malaysian Association of Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders (PEKEMA), the Finance Ministry has today announced that the sales tax (SST) exemptions period that is set to expire after the 31st of December 2020, will be \nextended to the 30th of June 2021\n.\nAs such, all locally-assembled (CKD) passenger cars, including SUV and MPVs (but not commercial vehicles such as pick-up trucks), will continue to be completely exempted from the 10% sales tax, while imported passenger cars will still enjoy a 50% cut in SST (at 5%).\nThe news comes as a surprising turn of events, as just recently the MAA\u2019s request for an extension to the sales tax exemption period has been denied by the government.\nThe sales tax exemption period is part of the government\u2019s short-term economic recovery plan (PENJANA), designed to spur the demand in the automotive market, which have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 health pandemic.\nFollowing the announcement, automotive companies in Malaysia will have to release the updated price lists for their 2021 models, including the \nBMW M3 and M4 Competition\n, \nBMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition\n, \nLexus LM 350\n, and the \nToyota GR Yaris\n \u2013 all of which only slated for delivery beginning next year.\nAll the new price lists will be updated accordingly here as soon as they are announced, but for now, the SST-exempted price lists of for car brands in Malaysia can be found \nhere\n."
"For those of you who can\u2019t wait any longer for UMW Toyota (UMWT) to officially introduce the Toyota C-HR, here is an alternative if you want this funky compact crossover to \nbalik kampung\n with during the Chinese New Year season.\nMyMotor.my\n, the online car marketplace backed by MyEG, has brought in \n32 units of the JDM-spec C-HR\n, ready to be delivered before Chinese New Year. The parallel imported C-HRs comes in two variants: S-T and G-T, both are powered by a 1.2-litre turbo and four-wheel drive.\nUnder the hood, you\u2019ll find an 8NF-FTS 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) with seven-stepped ratios to produce \n113 hp\n and \n185 Nm\n of torque. Drive is deployed to all four wheels. The \nofficial units from UMWT\n will be a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engine paired to a CVT and will only be front-wheel driven.\nEquipment wise, the \nentry level S-T\n gets halogen headlamps, 17-inch alloys, 8-inch touchscreen and more. The more expensive \nG-T\n adds LED headlamps, upsized 18-inch alloys, front and rear park assist Sonar and fabric-leather combination seat covers. MyMotor also kitted some of the units with body kit options and a variety of bright colours such as this Yellow.   Being a full JDM-model, these parallel imported C-HR comes with \nToyota Safety Sense P as standard\n which comes with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. In Malaysia, the \nonly car that comes with Toyota Safety Sense P as standard\n is the recently launched Harrier.\nNow for pricing, if you remember UMWT hinting a price tag of RM145k for their \nlocal-spec C-HR,\n\u00a0a C-HR from MyMotor starts from RM176,000 to RM185,000 depending on the variant and specifications. Yes, you read that right, RM30k more expensive than what UMWT is quoting.\nOfficial Toyota C-HR by UMWT\nWhile UMWT offers a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty on all their models, MyMotor customers can opt for the MyOPal extended warranty package of 1-Years or 20,000 km for RM1,000 which is upgradable to a maximum of 3-Years/60,000 km. Like a regular warranty package, owners will have to send their car for routine servicing at authorised MyOPal service centres.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new Subaru Impreza will finally be getting an STI badge \u2013 but it\u2019s not what you\u2019d expect. While previous WRX STIs have always been \nballs-to-the-wall extreme performance models\n, the one that Subaru will be unveiling at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 (TAS 2023) will seemingly just be an aesthetic makeover. Boo.\nThe Impreza \u2018STI\u2019 will be the headlining car at the stand, and will remain covered until the event begins.\nAccording to the press release announcing their TAS 2023 line-up, Subaru said that the Japanese-market \u201cstandard model\u201d Impreza will be unveiled at the show, \u201cwith STI parts equipped\u201d \u2013 which suggests that it will only be a regular ol\u2019 non-turbocharged Impreza, with STI-styled parts for some go-fast looks.\nThis is in line with what the company \nsaid earlier this year\n, that there will not be a WRX STI based on the latest-generation model, due to the tightening and constantly-evolving emissions regulations around the world.\nRELATED: \nNew Subaru WRX gets launched in Japan, STI Sport R has new chassis tech\nAll hope is not lost, however, because it does seem like there\u2019s at least a semi-hot STI Sport # (\nhashtag?\n) version of the \nLevorg\n that will be making its debut at TAS 2023. And if we\u2019re being honest, the Levorg is the better-looking car, anyway.\nInformation on the new model is scarce right now, as the only thing revealed by Subaru \u2013 aside from its looks \u2013 is that the new Levorg STI Sport # prototype will be a \u201cSTI complete car\u201d based on the sporty Levorg STI R EX trim, with \u201cenhanced stable handling and premium drive feel\u201d.\nThe model will also be sold in \u201climited amounts\u201d, presumably only in Japan.\nOther cars slated to be shown off at Subaru\u2019s TAS 2023 booth include the Rex Boost Gear Concept, a pretty sweet off-road-ready cousin to the \nPerodua Ativa\n, as well as the \nCrosstrek (previously known as the XV)\n Boost Gear Concept, and three race cars.\nThe Tokyo Auto Salon will be the first major international motor show for 2023. Aside from Subaru who has already confirmed its line-up for the show, Nissan has also announced that it will be unveiling the Fairlady X \u2013 a mash-up between the Nissan Murano SUV and the Nissan Z.\nIt will be an interesting week for automotive news starting 12 January 2023, so keep your eyes peeled!\nALSO READ: \nSubaru unveils all-new 2023 Crosstrek \u2013 drops \u2018XV\u2019 name globally"
"The next-generation\n Honda BR-V\n will be launched in Indonesia by the year-end, with production to begin in December this year at the Indonesian plant, according to a report by Indonesian automotive publication \nOtoDriver\n.\n\u201cIndonesia will be the home base for the successor to the BR-V\u201d, the anonymous source told \nOtoDriver\n. The Honda BR-Vs built at the Indonesian factory will be exported to Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, and South Africa.\nThere will be additional assembly plants for the Honda BR-V in India and Malaysia, added the source. The former will begin at a later date, where it will also offer a diesel option for the seven-seater SUV, while Malaysia will be bringing in CKD vehicle packs from Indonesia for local assembly.\nFrom that statement alone, it seems like the Malaysian launch for the next-gen Honda BR-V will also be imminent!\nCheck out the next-gen Honda BR-V in more detail in the image gallery here\nWhile not confirmed, it\u2019s now pretty much an open secret that the next-gen Honda BR-V will take the shape of the N7X concept that was unveiled earlier this year, thanks to a \nnew patent filed by Honda in Indonesia\n.\nAccording to the patent filing, it\u2019s likely that we\u2019ll continue to see the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder on the next-gen BR-V. The four-banger is good for \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque, and sends power to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nHow does the Honda BR-V compare to its rivals? Check out our three-way comparison here\nThe patent filing also revealed that the upcoming Honda BR-V could come equipped the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, which would be a huge upgrade over the current-gen budget people-mover.\nThe current Honda BR-V here in Malaysia has been on sale since 2016, and even though it received a facelift last year, the design itself still looks quite dated compared to newer competitors, such as the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n.\nPricing for the \ncurrent model\n runs from RM86,726 to RM93,420.27 (both excluding sales tax), and we expect the new model to not stray too far from this bracket."
"If you think that luxury will seize to exist, in a post-apocalyptic world, Mercedes-Benz is proving that wrong with the Concept GLB, unveiled at the \n2019 Shanghai Motor Show\n.\nFor starters, it actually isn\u2019t as big as it looks. Comparing the dimensions and you\u2019d realise that the GLB is only as big as the Mercedes-Benz GLC.\nIt\u2019s probably the immense ride height and the bulgier proportions that makes this look more G63 than GLC, but we absolutely love it. Couple that with 17-inch wheels wrapped in chunky off-road tyres and you have an SUV that\u2019s ready for I Am Legend Pt. 2 \u2013 if only they can figure out how to revive Will Smith.\nWhile it may look rough and tough on the outside, the cabin is a testament that luxury can be had wherever you are, whenever. Chestnut brown seats, aluminium trims and wood inlays are just Mercedes-Benz\u2019 way of saying that you\u2019d still get the best or nothing, even when zombies roam the earth.\nAnd you won\u2019t have to face them alone. In fact, you can carry six other passengers (or rather post-apocalypse survivors) as the GLB will come as a seven-seater.\nIt won\u2019t have a problem running away from zombies with a full load too; with\n 224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n (about the same output as the GLC) from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The BMW X1 has been around for the last six years and and as such, this compact crossover SAV has garnered sales of up 730,000 units worldwide. The new X1 has indeed grown up from its humble looks.\nOffered in either an all-wheel-drive or 2 wheel-drive \u2013 front-wheel-drive this time which provides better power delivery and a better fuel economy. The X1 comes with a variety of petrol and diesel powered options that are up to \n17 percent more efficient\n\u00a0than the previous reiteration.\nName\nX1 sDrive20i\nX1 xDrive20i\nX1 xDrive25i\nX1 sDrive18d\nX1 xDrive20d\nX1 xDrive25d\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo\n1,995cc; inline-4 with Variable Geometry Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic auto\n6-spd manual or 8-spd auto\n8-speed Steptronic auto\nMax Power\n192 hp\n192 hp\n231 hp\n150 hp\n190 hp\n231 hp\nMax Torque\n280 Nm\n280 Nm\n350 Nm\n330 Nm\n400 Nm\n450 Nm\nTop Speed\n225 km/h\n225 km/h\n235 km/h\n205 km/h\n219 km/h\n235 km/h\nEXTERIOR\nNotably, one of the biggest changes of the car is the exterior. It is much more imposing now, with the front end looking a bit like the \nX5\n in terms of styling. Even the signature pair of kidney grilles are much \nbigger\n as compared to the previous model. Couple that to the high mounted fog lamps make it more alike to its bigger siblings, namely the \nX6\n.   Down along the side, it is evident that there is a much substantial line running down the side of the car. It is immediately apparent that this car has indeed grown a fair bit, \n53 millimeters\n \u00a0from the previous to \n4,439 millimetres\n long to be precise.\nDimensions wise, the BMW X1 stands at \n1,598 millimetres\n tall and\u00a0\n1,821 millimetres\n wide sitting on\u00a018-inch lightweight alloy wheels. Standard though are door sill plates and LED lighting for the door handles.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior has been redesigned to be more driver focused and oriented. Looking at it does remind the more avid BMW enthusiast to the cockpit found in the E36 BMW 3-Series. Rear mounted steering wheel paddle-shifters and the instrument cluster has been designed to reflect just such. The\n iDrive\n system is displayed via either a \n6.5-inch\n or a\n 8.8-inch\n display.   The seating position has been raised and provides a roomier legroom for the occupants inside. The rear knee room has been increased to 66mm, which is an increase of\n 37mm\n from the previous model. The luggage compartment receives an \n85 litre\n increase to \n505 litres\n.\nThe X1 also comes with a six-speaker sound system with USB and AUX compatibility as standard. However, a\u00a0\nHarman Kardon\n HiFi \n12-speaker\n system with a \n360-Watt\n output \ndigital amplifier\n can be specified as an option.\nPERFORMANCE\nNow the interesting bit. The BMW X1, may only come with a range of \nturbocharged four bangers\n deploying its power to the road via an \nall-wheel-drive\n or front-wheel-drive options, driven either by an \neight-speed automatic \nor\n\u00a0six-speed manual \ntransmissions. The X1 also features the brand\u2019s latest TwinPower Turbo tech, whereby the \nturbocharger\n is \nintergrated\n into the \nexhaust manifold\n\u00a0design. It also employs the newest \nValveTronic\n and \nhigh-pressure\n commonrail \ndirect-injectors\n for the oil burning variety.\n \n \nThe X1 can be had with a few varying power outputs. The petrol powered sDrive20i and xDrive20i puts out\u00a0\n192 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and \n280 Nm\n of torque from as low as \n1,250 rpm\n, whereas the range topper (xDrive25i) has an output of \n231 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of twist at \n1,250 rpm\n with a century sprint time of \n6.5 seconds\n.\nThe most frugal of the diesel powered X1 is the sDrive18d with an output of \n150 hp \nat 4,000 rpm, providing \n330 Nm\n of twist from 1,750\u00a0rpm and manages a fuel consumption figure of \n5.1 litres per 100km\n. The xDrive20d and xDrive25d chucks out\u00a0\n190 hp and 231 hp\n respectively.\nSAFETY\nThe X1 comes as no surprise with these German marques kitted out to the brim with a host of electronic safety systems such\u00a0\nDynamic Traction Control\n (DTC), \nCornering Brake Control\n(CBC), \nDynamic Brake Control\n (DBC), \nBrake Assist system\n, \nBrake Fade\u00a0Compensation\n, \nActive Differential Brake\n (ADB)\u00a0and\u00a0\nElectronic Differential Lock Control\n (EDLC) for the xDrive models.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe BMW X1 is designed to be as efficient as possible for its class. It employs \nBMW\u2019s\u00a0EfficientDynamics\n technology that allows it to be more \nfuel economical\n. For example, the kidney grille and slats in the bumper can be \nactively shut\n to decrease drag. The X1 is built from a lightweight construction of\u00a0\nultra-high tensile steel\n\u00a0which enables a reduction in materials usage whilst\u00a0\nimproving\n\u00a0torsional rigidity and strength of the chassis.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X1 xDrive20d   BMW X1 xDrive20d"
"Another Mission Impossible film, another BMW. The multi-billion dollar movie franchise starring the evergreen Tom Cruise, who\u2019ll still play Ethan Hunt in our grandchildren\u2019s time somehow, will once again feature another BMW, this time the new BMW F90 M5.\nIn the \nsixth installment\n (yes, the world will always need saving and only Tom Cruise can help us) of the movie series which began in 1996, the \u201cfour-wheeled star\u201d this time around is none other than the all-new F90 BMW M5, \nlaunched recently in Malaysia\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g8CgwU70KY\nAnd it won\u2019t be the first time BMW has associated themselves with the highest grossing spy film series of all time. There was the F30 M3 in the Rouge Nation sequel and the BMW i8 and 6-series Cabriolet in Ghost Protocol. Even their bikes were not neglected; when a S1000RR was involved in a chase scene in Rogue Nation.\nIn the video itself, there\u2019s a particular scene that might catch the attention your attention. A scene that\u2019s reminiscent of James Bond\u2019s \u201cTomorrow Never Dies\u201d when Benji, Tom Cruise\u2019s tech guy in the film drives the BMW M5 with what seems like a remote (0:15), just like Pierce Brosnan did in his E38 BMW 7 Series.\nCheck out \nour brief introduction of the F90 BMW M5\n here!\nThe new 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 F90 M5 makes \n600 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n750 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.4 seconds\n while 0 to 200 km/h is done in just \n11 seconds\n. Top speed is limited to just 250 km/h, although we don\u2019t have to tell you that the car is capable of going much faster."
"Europe\u2019s best-selling electric vehicle (EV), the Renault Zoe, has just gotten a power upgrade for 2018. The battery-powered hatchback gets a more potent electric motor, Android Auto and new purple metallic body colour for MY2018.\nThe new motor, codenamed R110 is an evolution of the R90 used previously on the Zoe. Despite being the same size, the R110 motor now packs \n80 kW\n (107 hp), 12 kW (16 hp) more than the \noutgoing model\n. Max torque of \n225 Nm\n kicks in from 0 rpm, making the Zoe as nimble as ever.\nWhile peak torque is the same as before, drivers will notice the R110 motor\u2019s stronger acceleration performance at higher speeds. Renault claims the new car shaves almost two seconds off when accelerating from 80 to 120 km/h; a significant improvement that provides greater peace of mind when commuting high speeds.\nAssistant Programme Director, Renault Zoe, Elisabeth Delval said: \u201cThanks to this power boost, ZOE is even more responsive and versatile when used for journeys out of town. In addition to being able to enjoy the pleasure of driving a ZOE, drivers will also benefit from the longest range available for a mass-market electric car.\u201d\nBesides the new electric motor, MY2018 Zoe\u2019s will benefit from an Android Auto-enabled R-LINK Evolution infotainment system that allows drivers to connect compatible Android apps from their smartphones such as Waze, Spotify, Skype, Messenger and many more.\nAconite, a dark metallic purple shade was also added to the exterior colour palette that can be paired to the new Purple Interior Pack which adds a violet satin finish on the dashboard trim, air vents, gear lever, speaker surrounds, topstitching along with black and violet fabric upholstery.\nBack at home, Renault Malaysia who is pushing for electric mobility in the country has the \nRenault Zoe on sale for RM145,888\n. On full charge, the R90 equipped Zoe has a theoretical range of 220 km.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the update the\n Tiguan Allspace R-Line\n received earlier this year, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has also now given the base Tiguan Allspace Highline variant a similar model-year refresh.\nThe price tag for the \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace Highline\n remains unchanged at\u00a0\nRM165,031\n\u00a0on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions. A five-year unlimited-mileage warranty is also included in the price, alongside a three-year/45,000 km free maintenance package.\nOn the outside, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Highline gets a new \u2018Nizza\u2019 alloy wheels design, although still sized 18-inches in diameter. Over at the back, the LED tail lights also now get the 3D light signature, the same ones found on the range-topping R-Line variant.\nInside, the Highline mirrors the changes of the 2021 Tiguan Allspace R-Line with new USB-C charging ports, replacing all existing USB-A items. The eight-inch touchscreen Composition Media infotainment display has also been updated with a new voice command function.\nFunctionality wise, the Composition Media head unit offers the standard App-Connect feature, with support for wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity; the higher-end R-Line meanwhile gets wireless connectivity for both.\nAside from these changes, the rest of the Highline\u2019s spec sheet remains identical from before. Standard equipment include LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights, an 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster, tri-zone automatic climate control, Vienna leather upholstery with 12-way powered driver\u2019s seats, among others.\nThe powertrain is also unchanged from before. For the Tiguan Allspace Highline, a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine sends \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission.\nAs part of VPCM\u2019s Raya-Raya promotions, the Tiguan Allspace Highline is currently being offered with a RM1,000\u00a0\nduit raya\n cash\u00a0rebate, along with an additional RM3,500 in eShowroom savings. The Raya-Raya promotion runs from now until the 13th of June."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), in anticipation of the upcoming Raya festivity, has announced their exclusive Raya Deals offering cash rebates of up to RM6,000 and a five-year free maintenance program for selected Mitsubishi models.\nEffective immediately until 31 July 2015, customers purchasing the \n2015 ASX CKD\n will enjoy a \n5-year free maintenance and warranty\n programme.\u00a0The 2WD ASX is currently priced at\n RM114,043.50\n, while the 4WD is priced at \nRM128,179.50\n.\nNext, buyers of the Mirage \u2013 Mitsubishi\u2019s most fuel efficient model on offer \u2013 can enjoy \ncash rebates\n of up to RM6,000 and is priced at \nRM63,740.65\n OTR without insurance. Do note that the prices listed here are their retail prices and the cash rebates have not been accounted for.\nAlso part of the Raya Deal is the Pajero Sport VGT with up to RM5,000 in cash rebates upon registration, whereas the \nLancer GTE\n gets RM3,000 cash rebate. The Pajero is priced at \nRM172,211.60\n and the Lancer at\u00a0\nRM115,581.63\n.\nThe mentioned 5-year free maintenance package offers complimentary maintenance on parts, lubricants and labour costs. Some of the \nfree maintenance parts\n include\u00a0engine oil, fuel filters, air cleaner, brake fluid, coolant, differential oil and transmission oil. Do bear in mind that this offer is strictly\u00a0subjected to the \nrecommended scheduled service\n.\nAlso, MMM will be hosting exclusive open houses at all their showrooms nationwide on the weekends of 6, 7, 13 and 14 June. Booking and test drive gifts will be handed out, and refreshments will also be served. Lastly, Mitsubishi will also be offering up to \n70 percent discount\n on the brand\u2019s \ngenuine accessories\n range, and prices start from as low as RM45.00 after discount. They can be purchased at all authorised Mitsubishi 3S Centres nationwide."
"During the announcement of its 100,000 units electrified vehicles delivered to customers, BMW Group has also revealed that they have patented names from BMW i1 to i9 and BMW iX1 to iX9 in anticipation of the \n25 new electric vehicles to come by 2025\n.\nEarlier on, the company announced that the \nnext fully-electric model will be based on the X3 SU\nV which is safe to assume will be known as BMW iX3. The all-electric iX3 is touted to debut as soon as 2020 while the next model to join the iPerformance line up will be the \ni8 Roadster\n set to debut in 2018.\nBMW Group\u2019s electrification timeline looks are as follow: i8 Roadster in 2018, \nMINI Electric in 2019\n, \nBMW iX3 in 2020\n and the BMW iNEXT in 2021. Although not much has been revealed about the iNEXT, it will serve as a technology study in bringing electric mobility together with autonomous driving in production models.\nBeyond 2021, BMW will have readied it\u2019s next-generation electric drive powertrain and battery technology and scalable platforms, in line with the company\u2019s plans to offer electrified variants for all MINI and BMW cars. Electric mobility is a core element of BMW Group\u2019s NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy to further strengthen its global position as a leader in premium mobility as electrified vehicles are expected to make up 15 to 25 percent of its global sales."
"Lexus Malaysia has just introduced the updated \nLexus NX range\n along with a new Special Edition variant, bringing the total number of variants to six \u2013 NX 200t, NX 200t Premium, NX 200t Luxury, \nNX 200t F Sport\n and NX 300h.\nDespite the weakening Ringgit, Lexus Malaysia has managed to maintain the pricing of the NX range while providing significant value added features to the base NX 200t model. Prices start from RM310k for the base variant and goes all the way up to RM398k for the range topping NX 300h.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNX 200t\nNX 200t Special Edition\nNX 200t Premium\nNX 200t Luxury\nNX 200t F Sport\nNX 300h\nEngine\n1,988cc; 4-cylinder twin scroll turbo\n2,494cc; 4-cylinder hybrid\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n197 hp\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.1 seconds; 200 km/h\n9.2 seconds; 180 km/h\nPrice (OTW without insurance)\nRM309,900\nRM311,900\nRM340,800\nRM361,900\nRM387,900\nRM397,800\nWhile mechanically\u00a0unchanged, Lexus said the updated NX comes with progressional upgrades, a process they call\u00a0\nkaizen\n (constant improvement).\nLike before, the NX is available with two powertrains \u2013 a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin scroll turbo with VVT-iW producing \n235 hp/350 Nm\n and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with \n197 hp\n. The hybrid motor is mated to a CVT while the blown motors are fitted with a six-speed automatic developed in-house.   The base \nNX 200t\n benefits from the most number of upgrades, including full LED headlamps and fog lamps (previously LED and halogen combination and no fog lamps), automatic wipers, Lexus Smart Card key and 18-inch five-spoke alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. On the other hand, powered tailgate and panoramic sunroof are\u00a0also fitted as standard across all variants.\nThe \nNX 200t Special Edition\n\u00a0commands a \nRM2,000 premium\n over the base NX 200t adds an exclusive black theme to the exterior, including blacked out front grille, black wing mirror caps, dark film interior trim and blacked out 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.   A total of \nfive exterior colours\n are available to choose from \u2013 Sonic Quartz, Platinum Silver, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, and Red Mica Crystal Shine. On the other hand, Lava Orange Chrystal Shine and Heat Blue are exclusively reserved for the NX 200t F Sport. All new NX purchased will come with a \n5-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n while the NX 300h gets an additional\u00a0\n8-Year battery assurance programme\n for the hybrid battery.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has, rather interestingly confirmed that their pickup truck, \nthe X-Class\n, will indeed make it to the production phase. According to Mercedes-Benz UK, early demands for the X-Class are so overwhelming that they\u2019ve resorted to launching a reservation service for the seriously interested.\nFor a small refundable sum of\u00a0\n\u00a31,000 (est RM5.5k), \ncustomers can begin placing their orders on a dedicated website\n. The X-Class is the result of a joint venture between Daimler AG and Nissan-Renault, which means the luxury pickup truck will share the same underpinnings as the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaska.\nWhat\u2019s concrete for now is that the X-Class will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel driving all four wheels. Apparently, Mercedes-Benz have also shortlisted a few four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for the entry level variants. The V6 boasts a payload of over 1,100kg and a towing capacity of 3,500kg!\nThe Mercedes-Benz X-Class will be produced at the company\u2019s plant in Barcelona late this year, while deliveries begin as early as 2018. If this comes to Malaysia (which we think it will), you can bet it\u2019s going to fly off the shelves.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a two-year hiatus, the Volkswagen Fest will finally be returning for 2022, happening on \nOctober 15 and 16\n at the Sentul Depot. And as a special treat for its fans, \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n has also confirmed that it\u2019ll be previewing the\n ID.4 \nEV at the upcoming event.\nThe VW Fest 2022 promises to be \u201ceven bigger than before\u201d, with a range of activities being offered for fans and visitors, including a classic Volkswagen display, live performances, as well as a Volkswagen Driving Academy programme for juniors to earn their \u201cvery first driver\u2019s license\u201d.\nAttendees will also be able to test drive Volkswagen\u2019s range of units, from the \nall-new Golf\n and \nArteon\n, to its entire SUV line-up here in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen Malaysia kicks off \u2018We Drive Football\u2019 promo \u2013 up to 20% off on wear-and-tear parts\nAside from the teasers for the event, all specifications and details on the Volkswagen ID.4 still remain under wraps. The fully-electric SUV was recently sighted here in Malaysia, however, and spy shots suggest that we\u2019ll at least be seeing (or getting) the \u2018Pro\u2019 variant.\nIn this specification, the Volkswagen ID.4 gets a single electric motor on the rear axle to put out \n204 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n of torque, translating to a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds.\nALSO READ: \nThe ID.4 is Volkswagen\u2019s first global electric car\nThe motor is fed by a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving it a range of\n 520 km\n based on the WLTP test cycle. As for charging, the ID.4 accepts up to 11 kW of AC power, or up to 125 kW via a DC fast charger.\nMore information should be available once the car goes on display next weekend, so keep your eyes peeled!"
"Following the launch of the \nContinental ComfortContact 6 (CC6) and UltraContact 6 (UC6)\n, Continental Tyres Malaysia (CTM) has just introduced the MaxContact 6 (MC6), completing the full range of Generation 6 tyres. MC6 is the brands ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres that succeeds the MC5 that most of us are familiar with.\nProduced at CTM\u2019s plant in Alor Star, the MC6 Continentals ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres that succeeds the MC5 most of us are familiar with. Compared to the MC5, Continental has poured their R&D focus towards improving wet braking, dry handling and mileage while maintaining the same high levels of comfort and rolling noise.\nDeveloped for rim sizes ranging from 16- to 20-inch in diameter, the MC6 features the brands latest innovation in tyre technology for superb acceleration, braking and cornering. The inner tyre walls features a \nChevron Grip Element\n designed to provide even pressure distribution on the inside tyre walls for enhanced grip at the limit.\nTo further improve the tyres performance under demanding situations, the inner tyre grove has what Continental calls them \nStabiliser Bars\n that stiffens the tyre\u2019s overall structure during hard cornering. The MC6 also features new \nAdaptive Grip Control\n and \nXtreme-Force\n Construction where special adhesive polymers have been applied to the tyre compound resulting in higher levels of predictability and higher grip threshold.\nDespite the improved performance, the MC6 is equally as quiet and comfortable compared to its predecessor thanks to Noise Breaker 2.0 technology which breaks down the sound waves that flows through the grooves.\nPrices of the tyres have yet to be announced but CTM ensured that their new MC6 will carry a \nhighly competitive\n price tag. Production will go into full swing by the end of 2017 so it\u2019s not too soon to head over to your nearest Continental dealership for a fresh set of UHP MC6. For full list of sizes, head on over to \nCTMs website\n.\nAVAILABLE SIZES\u00a0\nMC6\nSection\nRim Size (inch)\nLoad Index\nSpeed Rating\n205/45\n16\n87\nW\n205/40\n17\n84\nW\n245/40\n17\n95\nW\n205/45\n17\n88\nW\n215/45\n17\n91\nW\n225/45\n17\n94\nW\n235/45\n17\n97\nW\n245/45\n17\n99\nW\n215/50\n17\n95\nW\n225/50\n17\n98\nW\n215/55\n17\n94\nW\n225/55\n17\n101\nW\n255/35\n18\n94\nY\n265/35\n18\n97\nY\n225/40\n18\n92\nY\n235/40\n18\n95\nY\n215/45\n18\n93\nY\n225/45\n18\n95\nY\n235/45\n18\n98\nY\n245/45\n18\n100\nY\n225/50\n18\n95\nW\n235/50\n18\n101\nW\n235/55\n18\n104\nY\n265/30\n19\n93\nY\n275/30\n19\n96\nY\n285/30\n19\n98\nY\n245/40\n19\n98\nY\n275/40\n19\n105\nY\n245/45\n19\n102\nY\n295/30\n20\n101\nY\n245/35\n20\n95\nY\n255/35\n20\n97\nY\n275/35\n20\n102\nY\n285/35\n20\n104\nY\n295/35\n20\n105\nY\n245/40\n20\n99\nY\n265/40\n20\n104\nY\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"AIA General Berhad has just launched the Family Drive comprehensive car insurance, promising to provide all-round on-the-road protection, convenience, as well as savings for Malaysian drivers and their families.\u00a0\nA first in the Malaysian car insurance market, Family Drive offers a \n5% family discount\n if two or more cars in the family are insured under the same household. The family discounts are also perpetual, as long as you renew your coverage annually with AIA General.\u00a0\n \nIn order to take advantage of the discount, just provide the same address during the purchase, and the discount will automatically be applied. The discount can be enjoyed by \nup to four cars\n in one household.\u00a0\nThe Family Drive car insurance also includes \nPersonal Accident Protection for all occupants\n in a vehicle \u2013 up to RM25,000 per person, with double indemnity on national public holidays. The Personal Accident Protection is capped at \nRM250,000\n per policy.\u00a0\nIn the event of an accident which involves loss of use of your vehicle, policy holders of the new Family Drive will receive an \nInconvenience Allowance of RM600 per accident\n in cash.\u00a0\nWhat\u2019s more, the Family Drive plan also includes Transportation Assistance in the form of e-hailing vouchers, in addition to the 24/7 roadside assistance in the event of an accident, to safely help customers and their family get home safely after the accident.\nOther add-on benefits of the Family Drive insurance include the ability to insure to an agreed value \u2013 as opposed to market value, betterment cost waiver, as well as natural disaster coverage, which protects the cars against loss and damage caused by flood, storm, landslide and other acts of nature.\u00a0\nAIA General Berhad, Chief Executive Officer, Eric Chang said at the launch of Family Drive today, \u201cOur market research identified various customer concerns where we saw the growing trend of expanding families who were worried about their family\u2019s safety and inconveniences caused by car accidents. With these insights, we developed Family Drive as a way to meet the protection needs of our customers on the road.\u201d\n\u201cFamily Drive is the first of many innovative insurance plans and policies that will be rolled out by AIA General Berhad,\u201d added Eric Chang.\u00a0\nThe Family Drive car insurance can now be purchased through AIA General\u2019s nationwide network of agents and branches, as well as through the \nAIA General website\n.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Whether it\u2019s on a rally course or simply on the tarmac of our roads, the Subaru Impreza is a stature instantly recognisable with its signature rumble and iconic blue paint/gold rims combination. It\u2019s sad that due to regulations and lack of demand, these things aren\u2019t as prominent on our roads as they used to be back in the 1990\u2019s all the way up to the mid-2000\u2019s.\nTo commemorate the end of its modern incarnation, the WRX STI, Subaru UK has just launched the WRX STI Final Edition \u2013 to mark the end of an era of glorious Boxer melody.\nOn the outside, wheel size has been increased to 19-inches to house the new, larger Brembo brakes with yellow calipers. The front bumper features larger openings for improved cooling. The Subaru wing design which flows through to the C-shaped headlights has been incorporated, hinting at the Boxer engine under the bonnet.\nThe front end is also fitted with bi-functional projector LED lights with a single bulb enabling High Beam Assist, which operates via a single lens camera installed in the front windscreen \u2013 allowing high and low beams to be switched automatically.\nInside, the Final Edition comes with an electronic-controlled Multi-Mode Driver\u2019s Control Centre Differential (DCC), an upgrade from the old mechanical unit. High gloss black inserts have been fitted to the instrument panel, gear stick surround, door panels and steering wheel.\nStrictly limited to just 150 units, the WRX STI retails at\u00a0\u00a333,995 (\nRM 224k\n). Goodbye scooby, you will be sorely missed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Of course \ncan lah\n. This time, we can add another share to our well-received \nProton X70\n GKUI video and it\u2019s from none other than the \nmajor stakeholder of Proton itself\n, Geely Auto.\nSeen on the official Weibo account of Geely, \nthe post \ncheekily reminded the Chinese audience of their university English test while also urging them to check out our unique Malaysian English.\nWatch it on Weibo \nhere\n!\nThe video featured local motorsport darling \nLeona Chin\n, comedian \nVikarworld\n, and singer/host/comedian \nLuqman Podolski\n\u00a0who\u00a0were\u00a0invited\u00a0to\u00a0test\u00a0out\u00a0the\n Proton X70\u2019s GKUI system\n, which served as commanded, like a butler.\n \nAt the time of writing, the video has accumulated close to 10,000 views on Geely\u2019s Weibo account and unsurprisingly, there were a few \u201cgems\u201d in the comment section:\n\u201cIt understands Malaysian English, but not necessarily my Chinese English\u201d\n\u201cThe logo of the car is obviously better looking than the one it\u2019s based on.\u201d\n\u201cAre you bullying the AI system because it is well-tempered?\u201d\nAlso, we are actually serious about the headline, as you\u2019re reading this, there\u2019s actually \na convoy of Proton X70s making their way to China!"
"Back in October 2017, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n announced that it would transfer all of its retail operation branches to its dealers. Following that announcement, the company has, as of today, transferred three of its own outlets in the Klang Valley, Sabah, and Sarawak.\nIn the Klang Valley region, PCM Subang Motor will take over the Subang Jaya branch while new dealers in East Malaysia, Borneo Mobility Sabah and Borneo Mobility Sarawak, will take over the respective outlets in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.\nSave up to RM469 on servicing your Vios with the \nToyota Service Savers\n!\n\u201cIt is essential for us to continue achieving high customer satisfaction standards. This allows us to increase intensity on high value-added upstream activities such as product development, marketing and dealer network support, while dealers continue to dedicate themselves towards delivering customers satisfaction,\u201d said UMW Toyota, President, Mr. Ravindran K.\n\u201cWe are now working ever more closely with our dealers now to realise a shared vision for UMWT which is to deliver the concept of \u201cBest In Town\u201d, meaning more focused on one-to-one customer engagement,\u201d he added.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"If you\u2019ve read our \nreviews\n for any\n recent Lexus models\n, you probably would have seen us complaining about its horrid touchpad control system for its outdated infotainment software. Well, it\u2019s high time Lexus realises that it was a mistake, because the Japanese carmaker is finally going with a touchscreen display for its new Lexus ES facelift \u2013 but we\u2019ll talk more about that in a bit.\nFirstly, the exterior. The new Lexus ES facelift has been given a mild aesthetic touch-up with most changes reserved for the front fascia. The grille still retains its iconic spindle shape, but receives a new L-shaped mesh pattern, along with a more exaggerated forward extrusion which supposedly \u201cheightens the sense of quality\u201d of the car.\nFlanking the grille are the newly redesigned headlights, which now also features the BladeScan adaptive high beam system (as seen on the\n RX\n and \nLS\n), using millions of spinning blade mirrors to accurately reflect the LED light source onto the road ahead.\nWrapping up the exterior changes are the new 17- to 19-inch alloys, which have all been redesigned, alongside two new coats of paint: Sonic Iridium, which \u201ctakes advantage of strong shadows to further accentuate the shape of the vehicle\u201d, and Sonic Chrome, which meshes metallic paint qualities into a high-gloss finish.\nMoving onto the interior, the one big change is of course the aforementioned new touchscreen infotainment display, which comes in a standard 8-inch unit, upgradeable to a 12.3-inch display depending on variant \u2013 both touchscreen enabled.\nIn order for the driver to reach every corner of the screen naturally without stretching, the screen has been moved closer to the driver by more than 100 mm, and tilted approximately five degrees towards the driver.\nOther interior changes are just materials and colours, with the trim pieces getting either a walnut material or a laser-etched \u201chairline ornament\u201d, while the upholstery is slathered in either Hazel or a new \u201cbrown grayish-tone\u201d called Mauve.\nThe trackpad is still here, but at least you don\u2019t have to use it any more.\nDespite this being a facelift model, Lexus says that it has done significant below-the-surface changes to the new ES to make the driving sensation \u201cmore linear and faithful to the driver\u2019s intentions\u201d.\nA key part of that grandiose claim is the use of a new \u201cproprietary Lexus method\u201d to increase the rigidity of the suspension-member braces at the rear, which enhances steering stability in tricky situations such as high-speed lane changes.\nThe F Sport model of the new ES also gets a new adaptive variable suspension (AVS) system, featuring a new actuator that is supposedly more responsive to low damping forces, helping it to achieve both good ride comfort while improving steering response and stability.\nOther performance improvement is in the braking department, where Lexus says the brake controllability on all powertrain options of the ES facelift have been improved. On the pure ICE side, the idle stroke of the brake pedal is reduced, while the brake control software on the hybrid models is retuned so that the switch from regenerative braking to actual, physical braking is more easily controlled.\nThe shape of the brake pedal pad itself has also been expanded, giving drivers a larger contact area to improve the sense of stability under heavy braking, while the mounting method for the brake pedal itself has also been revised to give a better sense of lateral rigidity.\nSpeaking of powertrains, all options have been carried over from before, though the ES is now available in a new ES 300h F Sport variant in the United States, which is said to have a combined output of 218 hp from the PHEV powertrain.\nOn the safety front, the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 advanced driver assistance suite sees improvements across the board, thanks to the improved single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar modules.\nThe Pre-Collision System can now detect oncoming vehicles from the opposite lane at the junction, while the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system gets a new \u201csmooth overtaking\u201d function allongside a Curve Speed Reduction function \u2013 the latter automatically reduces the speed of the car based on the curvature of the road ahead.\nLane Tracing Assist on the new Lexus ES facelift has also been improved with a new AI-powered software, while the digital side-view and rear-view mirrors (available in selected regions) gets a new noise-reduction process for clearer image especially in low-light or mixed-light situations.\nGALLERY"
"Would you believe us if we told you that the UK\u2019s best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is the \nMitsubishi Outlander PHEV Juro\n? Well, believe it, because it\u2019s about to get better. For a slight price hike of \u00a3750 (RM4,104), the Outlander PHEV Juro gets improved convenience, comfort and safety.\nOn top of the standard equipment previously available, the 7-seater SUV now gets electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, EV Priority mode, DAB Smartphone Link Display Audio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and reverse camera. A new Cool Silver has been added to the colour palette.\nThe new EV Priority mode allows drivers to operate the vehicle in full-electric mode without the petrol engine kicking, provided the car has sufficient charge. This function should be particularly useful for those who want to make full use of the Outlander PHEV Juro\u2019s \n51 km pure electric driving range\n.\nBesides that, regenerative braking has also been refined in the 2017 model. Charging time from flat to 80 percent battery only takes a mere \n25 minutes\n. That\u2019s even quicker than our average lunch breaks!\nNo changes were made to the Outlander PHEV\u2019s powertrain. It is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine that produces \n119 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque coupled with two electric motors fitted onto each axle that generates \n80 hp\n and \n137 Nm\n at the front and \n80 hp\n and \n195 Nm\n at the rear. Combined output is rated at \n200 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. Transmission of choice is a single-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four-wheels.\nWith the enhanced equipment and faster charging time, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Juro may\u00a0very well soldier on as UK\u2019s best-selling PHEV for years to come. Meanwhile, our Mitsubishi Outlander remains powered by a \n2.4-litre naturally aspirated\n four-cylinder engine, and it\u2019s quite unlikely that the Outlander Juro will find its way here.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new Renault Megane R.S is finally here in Malaysia and will be available for booking at RM279,888 for the manual transmission model and an estimated RM299,888 for the EDC Automatic model.\nUnlike before, the Megane R.S is now fitted with a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine paired to either a 6-speed auto or manual transmission; making \n280 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.8 seconds, onward to a 250 km/h top speed.\nThe Megane R.S. raises the bar in the hot hatchback game with its new 4CONTROL technology with 4-wheel steering that\u2019s a world first in its segment. The result of which offers quicker steering response, allowing the car to be more nimble and agile in the lower speeds.\nAt higher speeds the system ensures higher stability, better traction and higher cornering speeds.\nOffered with the Cup chassis, the Megane R.S.\u2019 dampers are 10% stiffer with cornering performance aided by a new Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential.\nBraking performance is taken care of by enlarged brake discs which are 15mm larger than before at 355mm. Made of a mix of aluminium and cast iron, its weight has been reduced by 1.8 kg per wheel.\nOn the outside, the Megane R.S. is fitted with 19-inch wheels, with a lowered ride height by 5mm from before. Another highlight of the car\u2019s exterior is the new R.S. Vision lighting system that\u2019s integrated into the front bumper, first found in the Clio R.S.\nEquipped with nine LEDs per block, the system is capable of offering various functions where it serves as side lights, cornering lights, fog lights and long range high beam lights.\nWith a range of 460 metres (17% more than the old Megane R.S.), the high beam feature perfectly complements the full-LED headlamps.\nThe Megane R.S. is available in four colours \u2013 Diamond Black, Pearl White, Liquid Yellow and their new signature colour, Orange Tonic.\nFor those of you who\u2019d like a closer look at the Renault Megane R.S. should head on over to Mid Valley Shopping Centre where the car will be displayed from 24-28th of April 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve seen the \nrecent Bond instalment Spectre\n, there\u2019s no way you\u2019ll miss the car chase scene involving two ultra-rare supercars, one of it being the Jaguar C-X75. The Brit-built hybrid supercar recently made its first ever public debut in London at the 800th Lord Mayor\u2019s Show.\nThe bespoke concept car was conceived by Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s Special Vehicle Operations division in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, and the lucky person who got behind the wheel for this 3 kilometre parade is none other than Spectre\u2019s stunt driver Martin Ivanov. He later highlighted that driving it during filming in Rome was truly memorable, and he was beyond excited to see the public\u2019s reactions.\nAccompanying the Jaguar C-X75 were the \nnew XE\n, \nF-Type\n and two bespoke Range Rovers.\u00a0The appearance marks the start of Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s partnership with HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy\u2019s future aircraft carrier and flagship.\nCaptain Simon Petitt, Senior Naval Officer of the Royal Navy\u2019s future flagship, which is being built at Rosyth in Scotland, said: \u201cI am delighted that Jaguar Land Rover is supporting HMS Queen Elizabeth and I look forward to a long and fruitful association.\u201d\nHMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carriers will be the biggest and most powerful warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy. They will be utilised by all three sectors of the UK Armed Forces and will provide eight acres of sovereign territory which can be deployed around the world. Both ships will be versatile enough to be used for operations ranging from supporting war efforts to providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The crossover or SUV market is just going to be expanded to every segment. If we thought the Perodua Ativa/Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize is pretty much as small as it can be, Hyundai has further gone down in product sizing.\nThe new Hyundai Casper is even smaller than the \nBayon\n, Venue and the \nStonic \nfrom its affiliate Kia. In terms of numerical dimensions, the Hyundai Casper is 3.6 m in length over a 2.4 m wheelbase and a width of 1.6 m. For perspective, a Japanese \u2018kei\u2019 car such as the \nNissan Dayz\n occupies a slightly smaller footprint of 3.4 m by 1.48 m, length and width respectively.\nCrossovers or SUVs from 3.6 m to just 4.1 m in length.\nAlthough smaller than a \nPerodua Ativa\n (4 m x 1.7 m) and\n \nVolkswagen T-Cross\n, the new Hyundai Casper will be offered with options of turbocharged and non-turbocharged engines, both displacing 1.0 litre. No mention of the performance of the engine units.\nThe designers have done a good job to mask the compactness of the Casper, with a futuristic parametric pattern grille and two-tier lighting arrangement. For models with the turbocharged engine under the Active variant, the front grille will have four circles thanks to the intercooler with a circular intake grille.\nAt the other end of the scale, Hyundai has launched the Santa Cruz pick-up for those who are erm, anti-truck? More about the true SUV here.\nThe DRLs are located within the large circular lower lamp, providing a happy looking \u2018face\u2019 for the youthful and active look. The rear tailgate not only has a repeat of the parametric pattern and circular lighting units but also a wide opening for added convenience.\nOverfenders have also been cleverly stamped onto the rear doors, which also hides away the door handles like the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nToyota C-HR\n. Hyundai designers managed to add some identity on the tiny rear door handles too by including the \u2018Casper\u2019 logo which resembles a smiling person.\nThe name Casper is however not inspired by the cartoon, but instead from a major skateboard flipping trick invented by Bobby \u201cCasper\u201d Boyden. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThere are no images of the interior, but it looks like there will be a free-standing central infotainment display based on the overhead images of the dashboard. Hyundai is only planning to deliver the new Casper to customers closer to the end of the year.\nHyundai has built a robot that will tell you to wear a mask! Totally need more of these here! Find out more about the robot called Dale here!\nGALLERY"
"The pecking order at the top of the global premium segment for 2019 remained the same as 2018, with the two German powerhouses \u2013 \nMercedes-Benz and BMW \n\u2013 announcing best-ever annual sales achievements amidst \nmodest year-to-year growth\n, with BMW narrowing the gap slightly to Mercedes-Benz.\nOne in three Mercedes-Benz sold is an SUV.\nNo stopping the Germans\nMercedes-Benz delivered 2,339,562 cars\n last year \u2013 a \n1.3% increase\n over 2018 to confirm its number one position held since 2016; \nBMW delivered a total of 2,168,516 cars\n to customer, a \n2.0% increase\n over 2018, while Audi managed \n1,845,550\n, \nup 1.8%\n from 2018.\nBMW forecasts modest growth in 2020 as part of its new model offensive.\nAll three German brands experienced an uptake in China despite the Chinese auto market experiencing a slowdown, with \nSUVs driving sales\n for all three German brands. For example, one in every three Mercedes-Benz sold in 2019 was an SUV, while 44% of all BMWs sold were an X model.\nVolvo global sales volume rises past 700,000-unit mark, a new record, again.\nVolvo marches on\nWhile Volvo\u2019s \n705,452 sales total in 2019\n doesn\u2019t constitute even half of what any of the top three Germans\u2019 total, \nbreaching the 700,000-unit\n mark is a watershed for Volvo \u2013 an increase of \n9.8% compared to 2018\n and may have exceeded Lexus\u2019s total (yet to be announced). Again, the key models which drove sales were its SUVs, across multiple markets.\nTesla delivered 367,600 cars in 2019, poised to surpass that in 2020.\nTesla ends year on a high\nA strong final quarter of the year saw Tesla end 2019 on a high with approximately \n367,500 cars\n delivered \u2013 which is \nover 50% more than 2018\u2019s total of 245,240\n, powered by the new \nModel 3 sedan\n. With its Shanghai plant ready to churn out new cars at 3,000 units per week, expect Tesla\u2019s volume in China to pick up considerably in 2020."
"Alfa Romeo is celebrating its 110 year anniversary this year. As an anniversary gift to itself and also humanity in general, Alfa Romeo is bringing back the legendary namesake, \u2018\nGran Turismo Alleggerita\n\u2018, with the introduction of the new Giulia GTA and GTAm.\nSticking true to its name (\u2018\nAlleggerita\n\u2018 is the italian term for \u2018lightened\u2019), Alfa Romeo said that the GTA shed about \n100 kg\n compared to the regular Giulia. This is done by using lightweight materials such as aluminium and carbon fibre down to the drive shaft.\nThe GTAm takes it even further with the use of a polycarbonate resin for the side and rear window frames, along with the removal of the back seats, dropping the weight down to just \n1,520 kg\n. Funnily enough, the GTAm still gets four doors.\nPair that to an updated 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo engine that now pumps out\n 540 hp\n, the Giulia GTAm has a power-to-weight ratio of \n2.82 kg/hp\n, which translates to just \n3.6 seconds\n for the century sprint.\nThe GTAm also comes with some over-the-top aero parts, such as an almost comically-large carbon-fibre rear spoiler, along with a new larger front splitter. The GTA goes for a more \u201csleeper\u201d look, but the aerodynamics have also been tuned specifically by Formula 1 outfit Sauber Engineering to increase downforce.\nHandling has been refined with a new set of springs, shock absorbers, and bushings, while the front and rear wheel track has also been widened by 50 mm to help in high-speed stability.\nNew 20-inch centre-locking wheels, along with a new titanium Akrapovic central exhaust system, neatly integrated into the carbon fibre diffuser, complete the audio-visual package.\nOn the inside of the new GTA twins, Alcantara is used generously on the dashboard, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars, and the central trim on the seats.\nThe \u201cextreme version\u201d Giulia GTAm features a roll-bar inside and no door panels, and the door opening handles have been replaced by a belt \u2013 probably in the name of weight saving. The rear bench seats have also been removed, now replaced with an Alcantara-upholstered basin, moulded specifically to hold helmets and a fire extinguisher.\nOnly \n500 units\n in total will be built for the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm, all numbered and certified \u2013 which also means that resale and second-hand value has just shot off the roof.\nNo pricing information was announced, but if you\u2019re one of the lucky 500 owners, you\u2019ll also be getting a \u201cpersonalised experience package\u201d, which includes a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, a full racing outfit set from Alpinestars, along with a personalised Goodwool car cover for protecting their prized possession.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche has unveiled a special edition of their \nmost trouble-free model\n at the Shanghai motor show to celebrate 20 years of the brand\u2019s presence in China and you\u2019ve guessed it right, it\u2019s literally called the \n20 Years Porsche China Edition\n.\nThe commemorative model is based on the \n911 Turbo S\n, with a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat six serving up \n650 hp\n and\n 800 Nm\n via an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox.\nWith plenty of traction from its all-wheel drive system, the fastest 911 to date will obliterate the 0 to 100 km/h run in just 2.7 seconds, before hitting its 330 km/h top speed.\nThe special edition stands out with Porsche and the number \u201c20\u201d liveries on the side, complete with a unique \u201c20 Years Porsche China Edition\u201d badge on the rear glass.\nThe special edition model, made by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, also gets racing stripes that run along the centre of the car and a slightly different rear spoiler; with kinks on the edges.\nThe 20 Years Porsche China Edition 911 Turbo S is expected to go for around 3.1 million yuan (approx. RM1.9 million).\n GALLERY"
"Despite a relatively \nquiet launch\n, the Honda HR-V facelift is still garnering positive market response in Malaysia. Honda Malaysia has announced that the HR-V facelift has sold more than \n14,800 units\n between January and November 2019.\nBased on internal data collected, Honda claims that the HR-V maintains its first position in the Compact Sport Utility Vehicle segment, capturing \n79%\n of the market share as of October 2019.\n \nHonda Malaysia also claims to have remained at the top of the compact SUV market for four consecutive years since its launch in 2015. Over the years, the crossover achieved an average market share of 76%, and total sales of the model has exceeded \n87,000 units\n.\nThe positive sales performance also made the HR-V the second best-seller in Honda Malaysia, contributing \n19%\n to the total sales for the company.\nInternal findings revealed Klang Valley contributed the highest sales at 49%, while the Southern and Northern region each make up 18% and 17% of total sales respectively.\nLaunched in January this year, the facelift Honda HR-V was introduced with two new variants \u2013 RS and Hybrid.\nThe RS, as with the other petrol variants, is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine, generating \n142 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n172 Nm\n\u00a0to drive the front wheels.\nThe Hybrid on the other hand, pairs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine ( 132 hp/156 Nm) to a single electric motor (29.5 hp/160 Nm), pushing out a combined output of \n152 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n190 Nm\n of torque. The hybrid variant uses a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, while all other variants uses a CVT gearbox.\nThe newly introduced Passion Red Pearl colour option, which is exclusive to the range-topping RS variant, also appears to be the favourite colour choice among buyers, being selected in \n29%\n of all HR-V sales.\n Pricing for the Honda HR-V ranges from \nRM108,800 to RM124,800\n on-the-road without insurance. As part of Honda\u2019s Year-End Power Extras promotion, the petrol-powered HR-V can be had with rebates up to \nRM4,000\n, while the Hybrid variant is discounted up to \nRM10,000\n."
"Firstly, did you know that the BMW M4\u2019s M DCT with Drivelogic does not come with a \u201cPark\u201d function? Apparently it\u2019s because BMW wanted to replicate the regular manual transmission as closely as possible.\nWhen in standstill, simply leave the car in gear and switch off the engine, and the gear would automatically shift to Park; as indicated in the instrument cluster.\nThere\u2019s more to it but I supposed you\u2019re better off watching the video than read my explanation on it. Only problem is, aside from the obvious lacking of a BMW M4 to put this new lesson to use, the video is in German. Sorry about that.\nIn recent times, the M dual-clutch transmission had found its way to M models such as the\n F80 M3\n, \nF82 M4\n and the \nF87 M2\n. However, the\u00a0\nnewly-launched F90 BMW M5\n in Malaysia still utilises an 8-speed Steptronic transmission."
"BMW Group\n has achieved a new production milestone at its Regensburg plant- having built its 1,000,000th \nBMW X1\n. The milestone vehicle is specifically the carmaker\u2019s smallest fully-electric SUV \u2013 the \nBMW iX1\n in Alpine White. The BMW iX1 has also become the company\u2019s first fully-electric model to have been produced at the brand\u2019s Regensburg plant.\nBMW Group\u2019s Regensburg Plant Director, Carsten Regent said, \u201cThe BMW iX1 is proof that we can build highly attractive electric vehicles for the premium compact class at our plant in Regensburg. This a very popular car with customers around the world.\u201d\n\u201cTo meet different market requirements worldwide, we rely as a company on technological diversity. Specifically, here in Regensburg, we have the flexibility to produce different types of drive trains for the BMW X1 on a single production line \u2013 models with a combustion engine and plug-in hybrid systems, as well as with a pure electric drive train,\u201d Regent added.\nStarting from the end of this year, The German luxury carmaker\u2019s Regensburg plant will be producing another fully-electric SUV \u2013 the BMW iX2 as well. \u201cElectromobility is a growth driver for our plant. We are currently operating at full capacity and hope this trend will continue,\u201d said Regent.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 launched in Malaysia, RM286k \u2013 440km range\nBMW iX1 xDrive30\nBMW produces a total of up to 1,000 units of the \nBMW 1 Series\n, BMW X1, and \nBMW X2\n models at its Regensburg plant every single workday. The plant also produces various types of drivetrains on a single production line, which includes vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), as well as fully-electric (BEV) models.\nBMW Group announced in March that it will be investing more than 350 million Euros in its Regensburg plant\u2019s vehicle production by the end of this year. This will help create permanent jobs for around 500 new employees.\nBMW iX1 xDrive30\n\u201cWe are still recruiting production staff for our plant. In November, we will add an additional night shift and transition to three-shift operation. We are already working extra shifts on certain Saturdays,\u201d said BMW Group Plant Regensburg\u2019s Head of Human Resources, Davide Vitolo.\nIn Malaysia, the 2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 was \njust launched in May this year\n. Offered in a single variant only, the iX1 is currently sold at a price tag of \nRM285,800\n (OTR, without insurance).\nRELATED: \nBMW X1 M35i xDrive debuts \u2013 First M-labelled X1, up to 317 hp, 400 Nm, 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds"
"Just as promised, Renault has released more info on the fourth generation Megane at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. We\u2019ve already seen how the \nnew Megane\n inherited the \nTalisman\n\u2018s charm, but now we got the full details about the Golf challenger from France.\nThe overall \nheight\n has been cut by 25mm to \n1,447mm\n, but the new Megane has been stretched horizontally, increasing the total \nlength\n to \n4,359mm\n. The \nwheelbase\n have grown by 28mm to \n2,669mm\n, and the front and rear tracks have been pushed outwards by\u00a047mm and 39mm respectively to 1,591mm and 1,586mm.\nAlong with the more planted stance, the Megane has been styled with more flair. The front is characterised by the signature \nC-shaped headlamps\n with extended section for the LED DRL. Full-LED lights at the front is optional, but the rear LED lamps are standard. The strong shoulder lines follow the Clio, exaggerating its dynamic proportions.\nThe interior is a huge departure from the outgoing third-generation Megane, not only in terms of design, but on material quality as well. Soft touch plastic is used for the dash, and top spec variants get the steering wheel wrapped in \nNappa leather\n as well as seats covered in plush velour developed with \nAlcantara\n. The cabin is further enhanced with the glowing\n LED lighting strip\n at the edge of the center console and on the doors.   The dashboard is angled towards the driver, and there\u2019s a retractable \nfull-colour Head-Up Display\n in the driver\u2019s line of sight. Some interior bits are lifted from the Talisman such as the \nTFT instrument cluster\n and the tall center panel. The center panel houses a 7-inch display by default, but an upgrade to a \nportrait-style 8.7-inch tablet-like screen\n is available and it brings the \nR-Link 2\n infotainment system with voice recognition.\nNot only the R-Link 2 enables the owners to choose from five interior ambiance lighting colours, they can also change the \nAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems\n (ADAS) settings from here. This includes the \nadaptive cruise control\n and the \nautomated emergency braking system\n. The new Megane will also be equipped with \nMulti-Sense technology\n, allowing drivers to choose from \nfive driving modes\n;\u00a0Sport, Normal, Comfort, Perso and Eco.\nThere\u2019s more space for everyone inside, rear passengers in particular gain extra knee room than before, and the \n434 litres boot capacity\n is among the biggest in its class. Meanwhile, providing the soundtrack for the occupants is a nine-speaker \nBose audio system\n specifically tailored for the Megane\u2019s interior.\nThree \npetrol TCe\n engines with \n100 hp\n, \n130 hp\n, or \n205 hp\n and three \ndiesel ENERGY dCi\n engines with \n90 hp\n, \n110 hp\n, or \n130 hp\n will be available at launch. A \nsix-speed manual transmission\n is standard, but there\u2019s an option for a \nsix-speed EDC\n dual clutch transmission on the dCi 110, or a \nseven-speed EDC\n on the TCe 130. However, the seven speeder is standard on the TCe 205.   Additional diesel mill will be added to the range next year, which is the \ndCi 165\n paired with the six-speed EDC; while another \ndiesel with \u2018Hybrid Assist\u2019\n will join sometime in 2017 with a targeted fuel consumption of \n3.0 litres per 100 km\n!\nThe \nRenaultsport-inspired GT\n variant you see here is using the \nTCe 205\n powerplant. It gets uprated dampers, springs and brakes as a part of the \nchassis tweak\n, and it will also be the first car in its segment to feature \n4Control four-wheel steering\n. Tuned by the engineers from Renaultsport, the 4Control steering promises to deliver a precise and dynamic handling at higher speeds together with boosted maneuverability at lower speeds.\n \n \nOther Renaultsport touches on the Megane GT include \nLaunch Control\n, \nMulti Change Down\n, which enables rapid downshifting, and an \nR.S. Drive mode\n replacing the Eco drive mode on the Multi-Sense technology settings.\nWhat about the RS you ask? Renault has confirmed that the current \nMegane RS\n will soldier on for at least another year, but they won\u2019t announce exactly when the new RS will come out. Word on the grapevine is that the next Megane RS will follow \nClio\n\u2018s footpath, which means a 5-door body style and dual-clutch transmission. Yes, we also hope that\u2019s not true, but in case you\u2019re worried, you may want to consider getting the current \nMegane RS\n.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRenault Megane   Renault Megane GT"
"Following the acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company by \nGoodyear Tire & Rubber Company\n last year, tires by Cooper Tires are now available at selected Goodyear Autocare stores in Malaysia. The brand\u2019s tires are mainly for 4x4s and pickup trucks.\nTires that are currently in the Cooper Tires line-up for Malaysia include the Discover AT3 4S/LT, Evolution CT, Discoverer UTS, Discoverer ATT, and Zeon RS3-G1. All tires come with a 5-year Manufacturing Warranty from the date of purchase for consumers\u2019 peace of mind on the road.\nIn celebration of Cooper Tires joining the Goodyear family, Goodyear Malaysia is having a \u2018Cooper Tires Promotion\u2019 for consumers that will run from now until \nMay 31, 2023\n. Customers will receive a free Petronas Gift Card worth \nRM40 \nwhen they purchase 4 pieces of Cooper Tires, while stocks last.\nCooper Tires is an American company that was founded in 1914. The company has now been acquired by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and full integration began early this year.\nGoodyear Malaysia Managing Director, Alex Ng said, \u201cNow with Cooper Tires on board with Goodyear, we are able to merge our specialty as the top-tier replacement tires alongside theirs so it\u2019s a valuable outcome for us as well as our consumers. We foresee the synergy of both our brands will bring about an increase and wider spectrum of product offerings to consumers \u2013 at the same time expanding further in the local tire industry market.\u201d\nRELATED: \nGoodyear Assurance ComfortTred premium touring tyres launched in Malaysia \u2013 16-19 inch sizes\n\u201cWhen it comes to off-road and on-road driving, we are confident that the durability and quality of Cooper Tires will deliver commendably, that\u2019s why we\u2019re proud to continue the Cooper Tires\u2019 legacy by encouraging Malaysian drivers who value their 4x4s/pick-up trucks to choose our tires for their next adventure. With Cooper Tires now available at selected Goodyear Autocare stores, everyone can now experience the satisfaction and reliability that Cooper Tires is known for,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: \nGoodyear Malaysia launches official online stores on Lazada and Shopee"
"BMW has confirmed two major news in relation to the \nConcept 8 Series\n \u2013 that the M8 model is currently being developed and it will compete in the GTE class for next year\u2019s 24-hour Le Mans endurance race.\nWe\u2019ve had our first glimpses at the 8 Series, but all we\u2019re allowed to see here are pictures of a fully camouflaged M8 prototype. According to the President BMW M Division, Frank van Meel, the M8 is concurrently developed with the 8 Series. Expected big fat brakes, sports exhaust with quad tailpipes and massive air intakes.\u00a0\nAt Le Mans, the M8 will go up against formidable rivals like the\u00a0\nFerrari 488 GTB\n, \nPorsche 911\n, \nAston Martin Vantage\n\u00a0and the \nFord GT\n. The M8 will get its first taste of motorsport as early as January 2018!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Welcome to 2021, where \u2013 aside from a pretty-much unprecedented health pandemic that\u2019s still ravaging the entire globe \u2013 SUVs have 265 hp and real, genuine carbon fibre parts. This is the Lynk & Co 05+, and I guess this is the world we live in now.\nAs the name suggests, the 05+ is a souped-up version of the Lynk & Co 05 SUV that was unveiled in China back in 2019. Aside from the green paint job, which genuinely looks incredible, the 05+ also gets a set of larger blacked-out wheels, accentuated by the large brake callipers behind in neon green.\nBut of course, the highlight here is the completely bespoke body kit on the outside, which includes a redesigned front bumper with unique front splitter, new side skirts with an aero flic near the rear fender, new rear bumper with an aggressive diffuser element, plus a new fixed rear wing.\nAccording to \nCar News China\n, all of these parts have been made from real, actual carbon fibre! On an SUV! Sorry, we\u2019re still in a state of disbelief.\nSuper sporty looks seem to be the new motif across all Geely\u2019s brands. Check out the recently-updated Geely Bin Yue here!\nLynk & Co has yet to release images of the car\u2019s interior, but it\u2019s pretty safe to assume that it\u2019ll be fitted with a few custom variant-exclusive touches, possibly even made of carbon fibre since it seems to be the theme here on the 05+.\nPowering the Lynk & Co 05+ is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as with the standard 05. However, with this being the \u201cPlus\u201d variant, it\u2019s been given a slight power bump to now output \n265 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n, up from the usual 251 hp and 349 Nm.\nThe Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in just 7:20.143! Check out the video here.\nThe engine is coupled to an Aisin-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels. No performance figures have been published yet, but the Lynk & Co 05+ is supposedly capable of reaching a top speed of 230 km/h, and is slated to go on sale in China sometime next month at \n270,000 yuan (~RM176k)\n, according to the same publication.\nGALLERY"
"TC Euro Cars, the official\ndistributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia has just introduced the first-ever car\nsubscription plan directly from a manufacturer in the country. Called Renault Subscription,\nthe subscription plan(s) offers customers an alternative mobility solution\nwithout having to commit to long-term loan tenures, rigid lock-ins and depreciation\ncosts.\nPresently, the Renault Captur and Koleos are available under Renault Subscription and customers have a choice of two plans \u2013 Fixed and Switch. The former is a straightforward subscription plan where customers place a security deposit, determine the subscription tenure (1- or 2-years) and pay the monthly fee.\nUnder the Fixed Plan, the Captur can be had from as low as RM1,299 monthly and the Koleos from RM2,299 monthly. The subscription fee is inclusive of Insurance, Road Tax, Maintenance and a mileage cap of 20,000 km per annum.\nTC Euro Cars also\noffers customers the flexibility to switch between its compact (Captur) and flagship\n(Koleos) SUV under the Switch Plan. With a security deposit of RM3,500 and a monthly\nsubscription of RM1,999, customers can subscribe to the Captur for 1-Year with\nthe option to switch to a Koleos for 2 months. Like the Fixed Plan, the fee covers\nInsurance, Road Tax and Maintenance with the addition of unlimited mileage wear\nand tear coverage.\nRenault Subscription\nis not the first of its kind in the country. Earlier, GoCar introduced a\nmonthly subscription plan for its fleet of vehicles. However, the biggest\ndifference between the two here is the support from the manufacturer (distributor)\nitself with the Renault Subscription which guarantees the customers a worry-free\nand zero additional costs (Switch Plan) ownership experience with matters\nrelated to aftersales service throughout the subscription."
"Sharing a bed with your other half can be a love/hate affair. On one hand, you\u2019d want to be close \u2013 to snuggle up to them \u2013 on the other hand, there\u2019s the issue of \u201cspace invasion\u201d.\nMost times it may be nothing more than an inconvenience, but if it occurs too often, your precious hours of rest could be affected.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfSYjbODGUc&feature=youtu.be\nStudies have shown that one in four of those in relationships sleep better alone while sleep loss have shown to increase the likelihood of an accident.\nBehold Ford\u2019s \u201cLane-Keeping Bed\u201d; which ensures that even the most invasive of partners stay on their side of the bed.\nInspired by the Lane Keeping Aid feature found in most Ford vehicles, the Lane Keeping Bed uses pressure sensors to identify when your partner has invaded your space and returns them to their side with the use of an integrated conveyor belt.\nIndependent sleep expert, Dr. Neil Stanley said, \u201cWhen sleeping together, many couples each have less space than a small child has in a single bed.such instances have been known to ruin relationships.\u201d\nThe Lane-Keeping Bed prototype is part of a series of Ford Interventions that apply automotive expertise to tackle every day issues."
"For those of you who are unaware, the land borders between Johor and Singapore are set to reopen on the \n1st of April 2022, and fully \nvaccinated individuals can now travel between Malaysia and Singapore without going through quarantine or Covid tests before or after their journey.\nWith that, the government has also announced that there\u2019ll be a one-week toll exemption for Malaysians, in all types of vehicles, entering or returning from Singapore, at the Sultan Abu Bakar and the Sultan Iskandar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) checkpoints.\nThe one week toll exemption was to ensure smooth traffic.\nThe decision for this was to ensure smooth traffic at both the toll plazas after the reopening of the land borders. According to a report by Malay Mail, Plus Malaysia estimates that at least 42,000 vehicles will enter/exit Malaysia daily at the borders once the land borders reopen.\nSingaporean-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via both the entry points at the Sultan Abu Bakar and Sultan Iskandar checkpoints will also be exempted from the road charge.\nThe government also urged cross-border public transportion services between both countries to start preparing for services to resume, including renewing all relevant permits and licenses, with the relevant authorities."
"Ever since the \nacquisition of the Uber\n operations in South East Asia back in March 2018, Grab has been ubiquitous in the ride-sharing scene in Malaysia and many other South East Asian countries.\nSince then, Grab has expanded their service to other areas of business, including the introduction of GrabPay, Grab Food and even their own logistics service, GrabExpress.\nHowever, with the lack of competition, Grab also leaves consumers with little choice when they silently restructured their rewards system and increased ride fares. With the incoming requirement of \nPSV license for e-hailing drivers\n, users have been warned to expect \nincreased fares and longer waiting times\n due to reduced drivers on the road.\nWorried that your daily commute will be affected? Here are four other alternatives to Grab that you should try now.\nMyCar\nMyCar is probably the biggest e-hailing service available in Malaysia after Grab. Although having just celebrated their first anniversary this year, MyCar already boasts a monthly ridership of more than 1.2 million, 70,000 drivers, and claims to own 15% of the local e-hailing services market share.\nSimilar to Grab, MyCar offers a variety of vehicle types, including larger vehicles capable of ferrying up to six passengers depending on your needs. Upon my own comparison, I\u2019ve found that MyCar offers their rides at a lower price than Grab on most routes (KL to KLIA airport at only RM59!), particularly at peak hours. MyCar is available in most major cities in Malaysia.\nMULA\nMULA was initially launched in 2016 as a driver-hire service; offering their own fleet of vehicles to ferry users. They have since expanded their service to a more typical e-hailing service, offering Instant Rides as well as Chartered Vehicles by the hour. To position themselves uniquely in the market, MULA offers large MPVs capable of carrying up to 10 passengers.\nBesides, MULA also offers a female-only MULA Pink service to make their journeys feel a little safer. However, upon using the service, I find it confusing to differentiate between their fleet vehicles and the e-hailing services powered by MULA Mate. Perhaps MULA can benefit from making it clearer for customers to book their preferred ride. MULA accepts cash and Touch n\u2019 Go eWallet payments, and is available in Penang, Klang Valley, Johor, Perak, Seremban and Melaka.\nDacsee\nArguably the most unique entry in this list, Dacsee is a ride hailing service fully based on the blockchain technology. Dacsee allows riders and drivers alike to build their own community or \u201ccircle of friends\u201d as Dacsee calls it, allowing you to earn loyalty rewards through referrals. Riders can directly re-book from drivers saved in your friends list, or conversely block any unsatisfactory drivers from previous trips from being re-booked again.\nAs Dacsee is built upon their own blockchain network, all transactions will be recorded on their public ledger, resulting in a fair and transparent way to resolve issues. Dacsee allows payment through their own \u201ccryptocurrency token\u201d in addition to cash and credit card options, and is now available in Klang Valley, Ipoh, Penang, Johor Bahru, Sabah and Sarawak.\nEzCab\nEzCab stands out from the crowd by integrating the regular metered taxi in addition to their own fixed fare e-hailing fleet. Taxi drivers have the option to accept a fixed fare trip as well, providing a win-win situation for both the consumers and drivers. EzCab offers a wide range of vehicles ranging all the way up to a 9-seater EzVan.\nAs an added bonus, EzCab supports most of the e-payment facilities in Malaysia, including Maybank\u2019s QRPay, even on metered taxi rides. No surprises though, EzCab does not support GrabPay as a valid payment method. Generally, the application is a fairly standard e-hailing service with reasonable prices and regular functionalities, however the biggest complaint online is the lack of drivers available on the service.\nWith the number of cars on the roads today, the ride-hailing industry can be a very lucrative business in Malaysia, hence the rise in competitors vying for a slice of the e-hailing pie. Fortunately for us consumers, this means that we will likely not be stranded while looking for transport to your next destination anymore."
"Unveiled alongside the \nSubaru XV 2.0L with EyeSight\n at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show is the facelifted Subaru Outback. The facelifted SUV gets refreshed looks, better tech and most importantly the award-winning Subaru EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist Technology.\nExternally, the facelift introduced a reshaped front bumper, hexagonal grille with \nActive Grille Shutters\n and light-weight, aerodynamic-friendly turbine-shaped rims. Elsewhere it soldiers on with full LED headlamps, roof rails, bumper guard, keyless entry and roof rails with integrated crossbars.\nInside the car now benefits from a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as front and side view monitors in addition to the rear-view camera. Other standard items include a multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, power adjustable driver\u2019s seat with memory function, Harman Kardon speakers, keyless entry and start, powered tailgate and more.\nMotivation remains unchanged, coming from a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces \n172 hp\n and \n235 Nm\n of torque. However, the engine benefits from a new and lighter alternator that returns three percent better fuel economy.   The Lineartronic CVT has been revised from a CVT chain to a short pitch chain to reduce vibration and noise. The transmission also gets a new mapping, now with seven virtual ratios for a sportier acceleration feel.\nLike the XV, Singapore-bound Outbacks comes equipped with the \nEyeSight system\n as standard, bundling Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.\nMotor Image said that the Subaru Outback facelift will make its debut in Malaysia sometime in \nQ2 of 2018\n, and will be fully imported from Japan like before.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The letter \u201cR\u201d in motorsports\nsends a strong message to others that the car has every intention to be in front\nof the pack. Utter the words Type R or GT-R and you know what I mean.\nWithin Proton, the\nletter \u201cR\u201d also holds much significance as their motorsports division (albeit in\ncold storage) is called R3 \u2013 Race, Rally, Research.\nIn the \nfacelifted Proton Iriz\n, the national carmaker has introduced not only styling enhancements and new features, but they\u2019ve also redesigned the Iriz logo with a bold red font for the letter \u201cR\u201d, in capital letter no less.\nChief Designer for Proton,\nAzlan Othman answering to a question on the new logo in a media Q&A session\nsaid that the new logo \u201cis a teaser to what\u2019s to come in the future\u201d, without\nelaborating further. Possibly Proton has plans for a performance-oriented Iriz?\nConsidering that Proton\nrecently took home the championship title at the 2018 Sepang 1,000 km endurance\nrace with the Iriz, the arrival of a performance, road legal Iriz is pretty\ntimely as the story ties in well with their recent win.\nHere\u2019s hoping that a Proton\nIriz hot hatch turns into a reality and please Proton, if you\u2019re reading this,\nmake it a manual."
"The Russians have shown their love for Kia vehicles as the company scooped up awards in six categories out of 23 in the Russian Car of the Year Awards.\nOver 1.5 million Russian citizens cast their votes online on all vehicles currently sold in Russia from 1st of February to 1st of June 2021. It is the largest research project in the country\u2019s automotive industry.\n \nFor the first time, the Korean car manufacturer also picked up the \u201cFavourite Brand in Mass Segment\u201d award. The other awards conferred to Kia are as follows:\nKia Carnival \u2013 Winner of Minivans category\nKia K5 \u2013 Winner of Mid-size SUV and Business Class SUV\nKia Seltos \u2013 Winner of Compact SUV category\nKia Picanto \u2013 Winner of Urban car category\n\u201cThe requirements for a car among Russians are much higher than in other markets due to difficult road and climate conditions. As such, Russians have higher expectations for a car as a reliable assistant for all occasions,\u201d said the company\u2019s spokesperson.\nFind out more about the all-new Kia Sportage here!\nAll this isn\u2019t a fluke. The Picanto for example has been scooping up the \u201cUrban Car\u201d award for the 6th year in a row now. The Seltos on the other hand, launched in Malaysia not long ago, beat its rivals to the award for the second consecutive year.\nKia remains Russia\u2019s best-selling foreign brand for seven consecutive years, with over 200,000 units sold annually for three years in a row. Recently the company achieved a milestone of two million vehicles cars sold in Russia since 2009 (the year when the local distributor office was founded)."
"B-Segment cars are arguably the most densely competed segment in the whole automotive industry. Be it an upgrade from a budget hatchback or a first car for a young family, B-segment sedans are typically the go-to choice for most.\nHowever, in recent years, manufacturers are struggling to meet the demands and expectations of consumers. Besides having a mandatory big boot, buyers are taking into account the styling, driving performance, features, safety kit and most importantly fuel efficiency. The \nHonda City\n took the market by storm by offering exceptional value and has been instrumental in\u00a0dethroning UMW Toyota as Malaysia\u2019s number one non-national car manufacturer last year.\nMore than a year later, with the Toyota Vios Facelift, UMW Toyota has finally caught up with the competition. Or have they? We joined UMW Toyota for a drive down to Malacca to experience first-hand what the updated Vios brings to the table.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Vios 1.5 GX\nEngine\n1,496cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\nCVT with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic\nMax Power\n106 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM92,800\nThe 15-car convoy down to Malacca was made up of a mix of Toyota\u2019s two top Vios trims, the 1.5 GX and 1.5 TRD Sportivo. Carried over from the outgoing model lineup, the TRD Sportivo remains as the range topper\u00a0while the GX is a new offering sitting just between the TRD Sportivo and the G variant. With the keys to a 500-odd km mileage Crimson Spark Red Metallic Toyota Vios 1.5 GX in hand, we began our journey to the south.\nEXTERIOR\nIt was hard to tell the TRD and GX apart, even when parked next to each other. Both variants are equipped with a five-piece aero kit (albeit differing in design), beginning with the front bumper, side skirts, trunk spoiler and rear bumper. Upon closer inspection, the TRD packs a little more aggression with the blacked out grille and front lower lip while the GX is much more tastefully designed, at least to me.   According to UMW Toyota, the TRD kit is designed entirely by Toyota Racing Development Japan for a little taste of genuine JDM flavour. On the other hand, the GX\u2019s aero kit is designed and engineered locally. Possibly the more reserved styling of the two, but again, this suits my palette better.\nAnother beef I have with the TRD kit is the 15-inch flowing design wheels which suggests that it\u2019s smaller than it actually looks. The GX\u2019s 15-inch multi-spoke wheels on the other hand looks a tad more like the ones on the \nCamry Hybrid\n, and looks classy without overdoing it.\nWhen finished with the Crimson Spark Red Metallic paint, the Vios is quite the looker. It even turned some heads while we were in Malacca. However, I personally find the\u00a0Soul Red finish on the Mazda2 more appealing, especially when it comes with the LED headlights.   There is really nothing to complain about the facelifted Vios, especially when it comes fitted with smoked projector headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, chrome door handles, LED daytime running lights, power folding wing mirrors with integrated turn signals and keyless entry.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is carried forward from the pre-facelift model and here too, I reserve no complaints. Well made, well laid out and well put together, just as expected of a Toyota. Hard plastics and fake stitching are expected of cars in this price bracket, but the build quality is more satisfying than some of its competitors.\nNew to the facelift model is the saddle and tan coloured perforated leather combination seats. The seats get the job done in providing ample support and comfort for long drives but they aren\u2019t as comfortable as the Honda City nor as body hugging as the\u00a0\nMazda2\n.   Seating position in the Vios is decent but not ideal, as the steering lacks telescopic function (adjusting for reach). It\u2019s not so much of a deal breaker because most of us can do without, but if you\u2019re very particular about your driving posture, it\u2019s something worth noting.\nInterior space is more than sufficient to ferry five adults comfortably especially with centre armrest for the front and back. With the driver\u2019s seat fixed to my driving position (I\u2019m 174cm tall), I have more than enough legroom and headroom at the back for a decent stretch. The rear bench in the Vios is much more comfortable than the ones on the Mazda2 Sedan but the City takes the cake.\nIt\u2019s not all bad news for the Vios as there are a number of cool features to fiddle with. For one, the upgraded (but optional 7-inch touchscreen) unit is linked to six speakers and makes for a rather pleasant aural experience. The Android-based infotainment system is way more polished than the ones you get on the City, though. It\u2019s responsive and intuitive to use. However, Mazda\u2019s MZD command system with a centre control knob is still uncontested in the segment.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe most exciting update to the Vios happens under the hood. The old 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE VVT-i engine and four-speed automatic combo has finally been swapped out for an all-new aluminium 1.5-litre 2NR-FE Dual VVT-i unit and a brand new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This combination is identical to what you find in the seven-seater\u00a0\nToyota Sienta\n.\nUMW Toyota claims that the new powertrain will return \n18 percent\n better fuel economy, give more refined NVH levels and superior overall performance compared to the old mill despite being slightly less powerful. The engine produces\u00a0\n106 hp\n and\n 140 Nm\n.\nWhile enthusiast may whine over the application of CVT, but believe me, after experiencing the powertrain myself, the benefits of incorporating a CVT are tangible. Due to the mechanical nature of a CVT, the gearbox is always in the \u201cright gear\u201d at any rpm. Therefore, it does not suffer from torque dips, which saves you the hassle of downshifting to get the car moving again.\nTo demonstrate the CVT\u2019s superiority, we pitch the pre-facelift against the facelifted model to an acceleration test from \n70km/h\n. Pedal to the floor, the CVT equipped Vios (despite being\n 1 hp\n and \n1 Nm\n short) pulls one car\u2019s length ahead of the four-speed Vios as we hit the three digit mark. Where the four-speed upshifts and suffers from a dip in torque, the CVT remains at the ideal ratio for acceleration and continues to pull ahead with ease.\nAs for fuel economy, Toyota has arranged a one-litre fuel challenge to test just how much distance we can cover around the Melaka International Motorsports Circuit. It was an actual contest, so some of the participants went as far as to switch off the air conditioning, even slip streaming to conserve precious fuel. However, most of us kept an average speed of 30-40 km/h around the circuit. To our surprise, the average distance travelled was a stunning 20km per litre. The best result recorded was an unbelievable 24.5 km per litre. That is almost 4.1L/100km!\nSo the new Vios has proved itself to be faster and more fuel efficient, but what is it like to drive?\nTHE DRIVE\nFirst thing that caught my attention in the Vios is\u00a0the brakes. The brakes were very natural to modulate as they are quick to respond with strong biting force. Never once I had to second guess myself when slowing down in town or on the highway.\nGetting up to the national speed limit on the highway was pleasantly\u00a0smooth as well. The CVT works best with a gentle and progressive right foot. When the accelerator is gradually probed, the car accelerates in a very composed manner. However, as mentioned above, if a hard acceleration is needed, the engine maintains revs between 4,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm. The aural note is less than pleasant but for that few seconds of overtaking manoeuvre, it\u2019s bearable.\nAt 110km/h, the tachometer needle hovered around 1,900 rpm, and engine noise is almost inaudible. In the pre-facelift Vios, the rpm was close to 3,000, again showcasing the refinement the facelift has brought to the table. At that speed, the acoustic windshield fitted to the G, GX and TRD variants help cut wind noise from seeping into the cabin. The only noise you hear are tyre roar. I suspect with a good set of tyres, the Vios is easily the most refined cabin in its class by a huge margin.\nThe Vios was never known for its handling capabilities despite what the over-the-top \ndrift videos\n\u00a0suggest, but it is one of the better ones in the segment. The steering is well weighted but lacks road feel. When thrown into a bend, the chassis and suspension keeps body roll at a minimum with decent driving dynamics. However, it trails behind what the \nMazda2\n and \nVolkswagen Vento\n are capable of.\nAround town, it drives very similarly to the pre-facelift model and it is not a bad thing by a long stretch. The 5.1m turning radius makes it easy to get around tight spaces, even more so with the reverse camera equipped. Road undulations and bumps are well sorted out on the Vios despite the somewhat stiff suspension setting. I suppose it\u2019s a good compromise to achieve a healthy balance of comfort and handling.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nFor the loyal supporters of the Vios since day one, first car buyers and those who are thinking of an upgrade to a B-segment sedan, the third-generation Toyota Vios facelift is finally a choice that your friends and family won\u2019t mock you for.\nWith prices being lower than before, the addition of a new powertrain, extensive standard equipment and safety features across all variants, the Vios holds its ground a tad stronger now than before, regardless of the variant of choice.\nBesides, what more can you ask from a car when it\u2019s known as the \u201cGodcar\u201d? UMW Toyota knows what \u2013 five-years warranty with unlimited mileage. Did I mention that there is also a five-speed manual variant available?\nWILL I BUY IT?\nYes, only if it\u2019s in Crimson Spark Red Metallic. Besides offering exceptional value and decent driving dynamics, UMW Toyota has responded well to the market\u2019s demand. I can pick any of the six variants and still get a decently specced car. The question is, with this facelift, will the dethroned king of B-Segment be able to reclaim its title?\nMatthew\u2019s take: Like Nokia, the Vios (and many Toyota cars for that matter) learned that to survive, you\u2019ve got to stay relevant. Over the course of its existence \u2013 in Malaysia at the very least, the Vios was sold with the same mechanical formula for the better part of a decade. Nobody made noise until the competition caught up, and unlike Nokia, Toyota had enough time to prevent the worst. Honestly, the updated engine and CVT are both things that could have come fitted on the Vios when it was first launched in 2013. But at the going rate, Toyota has a lot of catching up to do, and apparently the design team is working on a brand new look for the Vios. For the time being, my B-Segment choice is still the \nVolkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI\n, to which the Vios trails considerably behind in nearly all aspects.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new \nVolkswagen T-Cross compact SUV\n is set to be fully uncovered soon following a series of teaser under the theme \u201cI am more\u201d. Under the fourth teaser \u201cI am safe\u201d, the company boasts that the T-Cross will be launched as one of the safest vehicles in its class thanks to its full suite of advanced driver assist systems.\nThe T-Cross will feature Lane Assist lane-keeping system and Front Assist area monitoring system with\n City Emergency Braking System\n and Pedestrian Monitoring as standard across all variants. Stepping up the range, it can be further equipped with Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, proactive occupant protection system that closes windows and sunroof, tightens seat belts and increases brake pressure in the event of an accident as well as\n Adaptive Cruise Control\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMEa2PlGBqU   Other key information that has been \nrevealed prior\n are the T-Cross will adopt the group\u2019s MQB platform, strictly front-wheel driven, has one of the most spacious interiors in its class and will come in no less than 12 exterior options.\nOnce the Volkswagen T-Cross makes its global debut, it will be measured up against the likes of the \nHonda HR-V and Mazda CX-3\n, both models which are highly popular in the Malaysian market. If Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) offers the T-Cross here, will its funky looks and extensive features sway you away from the popular Japanese brands?"
"Liberty Walk is no foreign name among the automotive tuning scene. Known for their wide and radical body kits fitted onto exotic cars, the brand has gained a strong following in the western hemisphere, thousands of miles away from its home country, Japan.\nFans of the Japanese tuning company will be delighted to know that Liberty Walk will be showcasing their latest show cars at the 2017 London Motor Show happening from 4 to 7 May. One in particular,\u00a0will be the Liberty Walk McLaren 650S that premiered at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.   Taking what is already a mean looking machine, the Liberty Walk designers have given this McLaren 650S the full LB treatment, from the front bumper, flared wheel arches, fixed rear wing and slammed ride height, making the British supercar scream for even more attention. Coupled with the LB livery, it\u2019s no mistaking the wide body design for anything else. Like most of Liberty Walk\u2019s works, the interior remains untouched.\nWhat do you think, dear readers, any of you a fan of the Liberty Walk McLaren 650S? It surely is an acquired taste though.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Pictures of the next-generation Suzuki Swift has just been leaked online, and it looks to replace the existing model as soon as next year. The biggest change here however, is the powertrain \u2013 now downsized and turbocharged.\nBut first, let\u2019s go over the design. Judging from these images, the variant in question is most likely the hotter Swift Sport. It gets a redesigned grille\u00a0and larger air vents around the fog lights within the front bumper. Things get a little bit more interesting as we move towards the back. Thanks to the small blacked-out portion of the C-pillars, the roof appears to be floating, possibly housing the rear door handles, just like the \nHonda HR-V\n. The front and rear headlights received LED treatment as well.\nBoth the Swift and Swift Sport will benefit from turbocharging this time around. The regular Swift will be powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo that makes 110 hp and 170 Nm of torque, but numbers for the Swift Sport\u2019s 1.4-litre turbo hasn\u2019t been revealed thus far.\nThe Suzuki Swift is no strange car in Malaysia, and was once a big hit thanks to their CKD operations here with DRB-Hicom. However, that chapter ended after three generations of the Swift, following the \ndemise of Suzuki\n in Malaysia recently. This likely means that we won\u2019t be getting the fourth-generation Swift, so if you\u2019re in the market for a peppy little hatch, it\u2019s best to start looking elsewhere.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This is it. Say goodbye to the Freelander and say hello to the new \nDiscovery Sport\n. Land Rover is bringing the Freelander replacement into the new \nDiscovery family\n and even the lettering on the trademark clamshell bonnet and tailgate are now replaced with \u201cDiscovery\u201d instead of \u201cLand Rover\u201d. This is the first new generation Land Rover that\u2019s not under the Range Rover line and it has been a long time coming.\nEven though the exterior might look like a bloated Evoque, it\u2019s definitely sleeker and less utilitarian than the upright Freelander. It marks a new design direction for Land Rover\u2019s leisure-oriented Discovery line with the new slim double-bar grille in the streamlined nose, fender vents, and a rising beltline that gives the Discovery Sport a sporty appearance, no pun intended. The sleek design results the drag co-efficiency of \n0.36 Cd\n.   Halogen headlamps with \nLED Daytime Running Lights\n (DRL) and LED foglamps comes as standard but \nXenon and LED\n is available with the \nSignature\n headlamps while \nSignature Plus\n will add Adaptive cornering technology. There\u2019s also a \nBlack Pack\n that comprise of black grille, door mirror caps, front fender vents, bonnet and tailgate lettering, and a contrasting roof in either Santorini Black or Corris Grey. A choice of 19 or 20-inch wheels are available for the Black Pack too.   The Discovery Sport sits 16 mm lower than the Freelander at \n1,724 mm\n, \n2,173 mm wide\n, and measures just slightly longer than the outgoing Freelander at \n4,590 mm long\n but the \nwheelbase\n has been stretched by 81 mm to \n2,741 mm\n. The growth in length allows the new Discovery Sport to offer seating for up to seven occupants with stadium-style seating. The middle seats recline and slide by 160 mm to ease entrance to the optional third row seats. Luggage capacity is available from 829 to 981 litres with the third row seats folded down and depending on the second row seat\u2019s position.\nInside the practical interior there are up to four 12v power outlets and six USB charging ports with storage areas everywhere from the center console that\u2019s big enough for a two-litre bottle, front and rear door pockets, convenience hooks in the passenger footwell, and a storage shelf for third row passengers. Depending on the specification, the Discovery Sport comes with \ndual-zone climate control\n with vents on the B \u00a0and C-pillars for the rear passengers. Another option is a full \npanoramic sunroo\nf with a dark tint and a special surface treatment that comes with an electrically retracting blind with a solar reflective coating.\nThe driver is seated in a raised \nSports Command Driving Position\n in the Discovery Sport. The multi function steering comes standard with shift paddles on all auto models and the instrument panel consists of twin dials with a \n5-inch colour TFT\n screen in between. There\u2019s also a \nHead Up Display\n on the windscreen as well. The dashboard features a new \n8-inch touchscreen infotainment system\n with \nLand Rover InControl\u2122 Technologies\n that allows access to the owner\u2019s smartphone once connected to the vehicle\u2019s USB port.   Not only does the Discovery Sport is equipped with driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, and side curtain and thorax airbags inside the cabin, it also comes with a \npedestrian airbag\n located outside at the base of the windscreen. Additionally, the Discovery Sport is decked with driver assistance system such as the \nAutonomous Emergency Braking System\n, Blind-Spot Monitor & Closing Vehicle Sensing, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Park Assist, Tow Assist and Tow Hitch Assist, Auto wipers and lamps, and Automatic High-Beam Assist.\nUnderneath the Discovery Sport is a lightweight monocoque with all-new multi-link rear axle that promises to offer \u201cexceptional dynamics, refinement and space efficiency\u201d. Powering the Discovery Sport will be a \n2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel\n with two different states of tune, and a \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol\n engine.\nIn the \nTD4\n, the \n2,179 cc\n turbodiesel produces \n148 hp\u00a0\nat 3,500 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque at 1,750 rpm while in the\n SD4\n it produces \n187 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Meanwhile the \n1,999 cc\n turbocharged \npetrol\n engine in the \nSi4\n produces \n237 hp\n at 5,800 rpm and \n340 Nm\n of torque at 1,750 rpm. The \n9-speed auto\n is standard in the Si4, but the TD4 and SD4 can also be had with a \n6-speed manual\n gearbox. Acceleration time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n with the auto gearbox is \n8.2 seconds\n in the \nSi4\n, \n10.3 seconds\n for the \nTD4\n, and \n8.9 seconds\n for the \nSD4\n and the top speed is \n200 km/h\n, \n180 km/h\n, and \n189 km/h\n respectively.\nFuel consumption range from \n8.0 \u2013 8.3 l/100 km\n in the\n Si4\n, \n5.69 \u2013 6.2 l/100 km\n in the \nTD4\n, and \n6.1 \u2013 6.3 l/100 km\n in the \nSD4\n. Another more efficient \nfront-wheel-drive diesel\n variant will be offered shortly after launch, called the \nED4\n.\nBeing a Land Rover, you can be assured that the Discovery Sport is capable to venture off road with its \n212 mm ground clearance\n, 21\u00b0 breakover angle and the ability to climb 45\u00b0 gradients as well as wade through water to a depth of \n600 mm\n. Apart from the front wheel drive ED4, the Discovery Sport is offered in two different four wheel drive systems; the full-time four-wheel-drive \nEfficient Driveline\n, or \nActive Driveline\n that is able to switch between two and four-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive sytem is supported by a host of off-road technologies including the \nTerrain Response\u00ae\n, \nWade Sensing\u2122\n, \nHill Descent Control\u00ae\n (HDC), \nGradient Release Control\u00ae\n (GRC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), and Engine Drag torque Control (EDC).\nLand Rover also claims that the new Discovery Sport will provide an \u201cagile and rewarding handling on the road\u201d with the combination of the \nelectric power-assisted steering system\n (EPAS) that has been \u201ctuned for excellent driver feedback\u201d, multi-link rear axle, optional \nAdaptive Dynamics with MagneRide\u2122 dampers\n, and \nTorque Vectoring by Braking\n (TVB) that brakes the outside front wheel in the event of understeer is detected. The Discovery Sport is expected to go on sale in\n early 2015\n and it will be built at Land Rover\u2019s manufacturing plant in Halewood, Liverpool.\nIn conjunction with the Discovery Sport reveal, Land Rover also launches an out-of-this-world competition. Literally speaking, Land Rover\u2019s Galactic Discovery competition will give the opportunity for anyone (plus three friends) to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to space and experience zero gravity.\nAll they have to do is to produce a 30-second video, or a still image, that demonstrates their spirit of adventure, choose three friends to join them on their space adventure and submit it via Land Rover\u2019s website (\nhttp://www.landrover.com/gotospace\n). What\u2019s more, British adventurer and Land Rover ambassador, Bear Grylls, will play a hands-on role in helping the winning group prepare for their voyage beyond the final frontier. The winners will be announced in December 2014, but unfortunately the competition is not available for us Malaysian citizens.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After releasing an \nextremely ambiguous photo\n of its upcoming concept car, Infiniti has released a new image of the car flaunting its rear end. The name is finalised too \u2013 Q Inspiration Concept which will make its debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.\nAt first glance, the Q Inspiration is easily mistaken for a coupe, but Infiniti insists that it is a four-door saloon. The concept car, with its clear and concise lines, is the carmaker\u2019s attempt to \n\u201cavoid classical saloon forms\u201d\n, giving it a sleeker and athletic silhouette. Infiniti\u2019s new generation of design language will also make its debut here.\nWith the Q Inspiration, Infiniti presents a vision that will steer the design language for its saloon cars. We expect the new design to be poured over to Infiniti\u2019s line up of coupes.\nInfiniti Executive Design Director, Karim Habib said, \u201cWe aim to take traditional saloon architecture to its next stage of evolution. Experimenting with new proportions in an established segment with the arrival of smarter, compact powertrains, the Q Inspiration features a shorter hood and elongated body, with all the benefits to interior wellbeing, comfort and space that this layout entails.\u201d"
"Assembly Services Sdn. Bhd. (ASSB), the UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) subsidiary involved in the manufacturing of Toyota vehicles, announced that its vehicle assembly operations have resumed operations starting today.\nThe announcement follows the company\u2019s approval from the Selangor State Government in relation to the \nConditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)\n, currently in effect until the 9th of June 2020. ASSB\u2019s Bukit Raja Plant will commence operations starting today, while the Shah Alam plant will resume its operations on the 9th of June 2020.\nASSB will be strictly enforcing a new standard operating procedure (SOP) to protect the health and safety of its approximately 2,000 personnel working at its facilities. These include social distancing practices of at least 1 metre in distance, regular temperature checks, and the provision and use of hand sanitisers and face masks.\nThe various work areas throughout the plant will also be sanitised three times daily, and where necessary, working hours and work flows have been adjusted to minimise contact between staff.\nPresident of UMWT, Ravindran K. said, \u201cWe are grateful to the Selangor State Government for its decision to implement the CMCO with customised details and understand that it is in the best interest of the state and people.\n\u201cWith the resumption of operations, we hope to help in boosting the economy and add momentum to the automotive industry and business moving forward,\u201d he added."
"Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB)\n has opened its first EV charging hub at its Bandar Baru Ayer Hitam station along the North-South Expressway (NSE). The charging hub is in collaboration with \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM)\n and \nEV Connection (EVC)\n.\nThe charging hub consists of three DC fast chargers (DCFC) and two AC chargers. Two DC chargers are rated at \n180 kW\n, and one is rated at \n50 kW\n. As for the AC chargers, both are rated at \n11 kW\n. All chargers can be activated and paid via the \nSetel\n or \nJomCharge\n app, although the former offers extra incentives.\nThe charging hub comprises 1x 50kW DCFC, 2x 180kW DCFC, and 2x 11-kW AC chargers\nIn line with Setel\u2019s long-term plan to innovate for inclusive mobility and support global decarbonisation efforts, Setel has added a feature in its app that enables users to locate the nearest EV charging station, activate the charger through their Setel wallet and immediately earn \nMesra points\n with every transaction.\nThe first 50 customers to recharge at this hub can redeem the \u2018Petronas Green Reversible Bag 2.0\u2019 by simply showing their EV charging receipt via the Setel app. Besides EV charging incentives, Petronas is also giving away the \u2018Petronas Grow Your Stationery\u2019 sets to the first 1,000 customers who make any fuel or retail purchase at the Ayer Hitam station.\nRELATED: \nWin a Mercedes-Benz EQA with Petronas \u2018Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz\u2019 Campaign!\nAt the opening of the charging hub, PDB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani said, \u201cPDB is committed to doing our part in the greater adoption of EVs in support of Malaysia\u2019s aspiration to be a low-carbon nation by 2040. By establishing an extensive, accessible, convenient, and reliable EV charging network at Petronas stations, we are confident that this will help facilitate the transition to take place at scale, via collaborations and strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations.\u201d\n\u201cWith the support of our partners, we will continue to expand the number of EV charging points at our stations in tandem with growing market demand for EV charging facilities. Alongside this, we have also integrated the EV charging facilities with the Setel app to ensure a seamless and frictionless customer experience,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: \nProton\u2019s PRO-NET and Petronas\u2019 Gentari to build 20 DC fast chargers in 2023\nPDB recently entered into two tripartite Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to roll out battery swap stations for electric two-wheelers and charging infrastructure for electric buses at its stations. PDB will also increase the installation of solar panels as well as enhance its suite of non-fuel offerings including the expansion of Caf\u00e9 Mesra, to futureproof its business and deliver better value to its stakeholders.\nRELATED: \nNeed a battery replacement or vehicle towing? Setel now does them too"
"In a time when new sportscars are sprouting faster than we can digest, it seems the old guards, Porsche, are still the go-to guys when performance is concerned.\nThe Top 3 finalists for five different categories of the \nWorld Car Awards\n have been finalised and Porsche seems to have their hand in almost every one of them.\n \nThese finalists have been nominated via a secret ballot based on their evaluation of each vehicle by a jury of 86 international automotive journalists.\nThe five categories are as follow:\nWorld Car of the Year \n1. Kia Telluride\n2. Mazda CX-30\n3. Mazda 3\nWorld Urban Car\n1. Kia Soul EV\n2. MINI Electric\n3. Volkswagen T-Cross\nWorld Luxury Car\n1. Porsche 911\n2. Porsche Taycan\n3. Mercedes-Benz EQC\nWorld Performance Car\n1. Porsche 911\n2. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4/Spider\n3. Porsche Taycan\nWorld Car Design of the Year\n1. Porsche Taycan\n2. Mazda 3\n3. Peugeot 208\nWinners from each of the five categories above will be announced on the 8th of April 2020 in conjunction with the New York Auto Show. Now into its 15th year, the World Car Awards (WCA) is initiated, organised and conducted by automotive journalists from all over the world.\nThe organisation is administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee made up of distinguished automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America."
"In an interview with Porsche AG Vice President of the Executive Board, Lutz Meschke released by Porsche, Meschke revealed a juicy feature that may find its way to future Porsche sports cars \u2013 the Mark-Webber-Function.\nNamed after racing driver and Porsche Brand ambassador, the \nMark-Webber-Function\n \u2013 what Porsche calls it internally \u2013 is an autonomous driving feature that enables Porsche cars to \nautonomously lap around racetracks\n such as the N\u00fcrburgring just like how Webber would. The software will first load up the exact course driven by Webber and autonomously replicate the \u201cghost\u201d, from racing lines down to the breaking point.\nAs good as having Mark Webber in the driver seat?\nDrivers can then experience the ideal driving lines first-hand thus learning new things and improve over time with Mark Webber as their \u201ccoach\u201d. Porsche envisions the system to also come with a \nvirtual coach function\n which guides the driver to follow Webber\u2019s driving style at their own pace. With the car (and Webber) showing the driver the ideal course, the driver can then improve their skills as a driver via direct feedback from the car.\nPorsche explained that autonomous driving and technology has tremendous potential to further enhance the Porsche driving experience like the Mark-Webber-Function. Meschke expressed that many of its customers are track enthusiast and a function like these will cost an additional four-digit amount which makes it a feasible business case. To have an FIA World Endurance Champion drive you around a track and have him as a virtual coach, the four-digit premium sounds like a bargain already!"
"Honda Malaysia has just announced that the premium White Orchid Pearl Colour is now available for all Honda models, sans the \nCivic Type R (FK8R)\n that comes exclusively in Championship White.\nThe new colour will replace the existing Taffeta White colour for the \nJazz\n and \nCity\n, \nBR-V\n and \nHR-V\n. Honda Malaysia first introduced the premium colour on the \nCivic FC\n followed by the \nAccord facelift\n in 2016. Despite costing a small premium over regular shades, the White Orchid Pearl contributed 38 percent for the Civic and 33 percent for the Accord in total sales.   Honda Malaysia subsequently made the premium colour available on the \nall-new CR-V\n and has accounted for \n26 percent\n of CR-V\u2019s sales to date. Based on an internal survey by the company, Honda Malaysia has decided to offer the White Orchid Pearl for all Honda models sold in Malaysia.\nCustomers who wish to have their Jazz and City petrol in this exact shade will have to fork out an \nadditional RM120\n while the tall riding BR-V and HR-V will have \na surcharge of RM300\n. Waiting period for these four models is expected to be between one to two months. The White Orchid Pearl of the Jazz and City petrol variants are now available for order while the new colour option will only be available for the BR-V and HR-V starting from the third week of February 2018."
"BMW recently introduced the \ni4\n and \nix\n and thanks to the boys at \nBMW BLOG\n along with a BMW representative, a Project Manager for the BMW i line-up, we get to find out what the \nlatest iDrive 8 infotainment system\n is really like!\nLarger and cleaner displays\n are perhaps the most notable changes in the new system but that\u2019s not all.\n \nThe number of physical buttons and switches have been\n reduced by almost half\n according to BMW.\n \nThis is most evident on the \ncentre console of the iX\n where all the physical buttons have been replaced by icons with haptic feedback, except the main rotary dial and the volume controls.thank goodness. Gesture control is still available.\nBMW i4 Gran Coupe with 530 hp \u2013 0-100 km/h in just 4 seconds. Check it out here!\nThe new iDrive 8 also features a new main menu with a \nsmartphone-like display\n. It\u2019s something users would be familiar with given the current smartphone norm according to the BMW representative.\nGone is the widget-like interface of the previous iDrive 7 like in the \n330i we reviewed\n, which wasn\u2019t the cleanest-looking in our opinion. The user interface now features larger tiles for different functions \u2013 it looks so much simpler.\nFind out more about the latest BMW iDrive 8 system here!\nThe large, curved display panel ahead \nconsists of two separate displays\n; a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch display for the infotainment and climate control systems. The displays sit behind a one-piece glass, while the rear panel is made of magnesium.\nThe curved displa that wraps around the driver, in typical BMW fashion, is also a first in a BMW.\nNo more physical buttons for the climate controls; not sure if that\u2019s a good thing!\nThe new iDrive 8 system will also allow drivers to continue enjoying their preferred settings (seating and climate control for example) via the BMW ID. The BMW ID is linked to the user\u2019s Connected Drive account.\nWith this, you can jump from the iX and into the i4 for example, and all your preferred settings will be transferred seamlessly.\n\u201cThis will allow your settings to travel with you,\u201d said the BMW representative.\nLastly, the iDrive 8 also comes with an \nIconicSound feature\n that provides an immersive and pleasant cabin atmosphere under the Comfort driving mode, while Eco Pro mode goes into full silent mode.\nBMW collaborates with Hans Zimmer from \u2018The Dark Knight\u2019 and \u2018Inception\u2019, to compose sounds for future electric BMW M cars!\nCredit: \nBMW BLOG\n GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia continues to be committed to the electro-mobility here in the country with the unveiling of new BMW i Charging Facility at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka hotel. The two new charging stations join the premium automakers expanding network of charging facilities nationwide.\nCurrently, BMW i Charging Facility is available in Melaka, Kuching, \nIpoh and Penang\n. Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia, Sashi Ambi said: \u201cAs the leading provider of premium electro-mobility in the country, we are committed to elevating the Sheer Driving Pleasure of our customers by ensuring state-of-the-art facilities are accessible at key strategic locations.\u201d\n\u201cWe are excited to see how much our network of charging facilities has expanded, as we continue to drive e-mobility forward through innovation, awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry, as well as changing the infrastructure for premium electric vehicles in the country,\u201d he added.\nBMW Group Malaysia continues to be the leading brand for electro-mobility in the country with electrified vehicles accounting for over 57 per cent of the total BMW and MINI vehicle deliveries from January to November 2018. Sales of electrified vehicles have also increased by more than 34 per cent year-on-year from over 5,100 to over 6,900 units.\nBMW Group Malaysia\u2019s range of electrified vehicles   Dealer Principal of Seong Hoe Premium Motors, Mr. Loy Suan Chiow, meanwhile said: \u201cWe are seeing a rising adoption of BMW electrified vehicles in the state (of Melaka) and an increasing demand for the best-in-class charging facilities to power this shift to Electro-Mobility. Following the BMW i Charging Facilities introduced at Holiday Inn Melaka and Hotel Equatorial Melaka last year, the New Facilities at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka once again attests to our fruitful partnership with BMW Malaysia in making Visionary Mobility more accessible in the state of Melaka.\u201d\nBMW ChargeNow service which is offered as part of the BMW 360\u00b0 ELECTRIC programme for all BMW iPerformance vehicles also grants owners 24/7 support and access to all charging locations of ChargEV\u2019s growing network nationwide."
"Nissan\n\u2019s\n official distributor in Malaysia \u2013 \nEdaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)\n has announced the opening of its newly upgraded Nissan showrooms in Puchong, Kulai, and Sibu. The freshly upgraded Nissan showrooms all incorporate the new Nissan logo as well as Nissan\u2019s latest retail concept, NRC-NEXT.\nSet to serve costumes in the Puchong and Seri Kembangan areas, the Puchong showroom is explicitly located at No 2G, Jalan Bandar Tiga, Pusat Bandar Baru, 47100 Puchong, Selangor. Covering a total built-up area of 7,502 sq ft, the showroom can feature up to 6 Nissan display models, together with a fleet of test drive vehicles.\nAt the showroom, customers can view all Nissan models, which include the newly launched \nNissan Serena Hybrid J-Impul\n. To make it even more convenient for its customers, ETCM has also allowed customers to arrange test drives at their homes and offices.\nIn addition, the Puchong showroom also features a dedicated new vehicle delivery area and a cosy customer lounge with WiFi connectivity. A fun kids\u2019 corner is also available to give customers peace of mind while shopping for their new car.\nRELATED: \nNissan Serena J Impul now in Malaysia, RM170k for kitted up MPV\nThe newly upgraded Puchong Nissan showroom is open Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. As for Sundays and public holidays, the showroom\u2019s operation hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.\nAftersales support is available too, and is just 5 minutes away from the Puchong showroom, at Tan Chong Express Auto Serice (TCEAS) Puchong Jaya. Besides its Puchong showroom, ETCM has also announced the NRC-NEXT showroom upgrades of its dealer partners \u2013 Kulai Public Motor Sdn Bhd in Kulau, Johor, as well as Ngu Brothers Motor Service Sdn Bhd in Sibu, Sarawak.\nRELATED: \nNissan\u2019s next-gen ADAS system can help you avoid dangerous Grab riders at traffic lights\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after BMW introduced the immensely value-for-money \n330e iPerformance\n, there\u2019s no way Mercedes-Benz wouldn\u2019t respond. With that comes this, the introduction of the first ever electrified C-Class to be sold in Malaysia \u2013 the C 350 e.\nPreviewed a little over a month ago at the company\u2019s assembly plant in Pekan\n, the \nlocally assembled C 350 e\n is available in three trims: Avantgarde (RM290k), Avantgarde with AMG Line (RM295k) Interior and AMG Line (RM300k). The C 350 e now sits at the top of the C-Class range, replacing the C 300.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nC 350 e Avantgarde\nC 350 e Avantgarde with AMG Line Interior\nC 350 e AMG Line\nEngine\n1,991cc; DOHC, turbocharged + 340 Nm electric motor\nTransmission\n7-speed automatic\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\nPrice (before insurance)\nRM289,888\nRM294,888\nRM299,888\nTo visually tell apart the plug-in hybrid C-Class from the rest of the range (apart from the badge) is through the blue-accented projector head lamps, blue brake callipers and a plug-in hybrid emblem on each side of the front wheel arch. There is also an extra cutout to the right of the rear bumper, which lets you charge the 6.38kWh lithium-ion battery.\nEvery purchase of the C 350 e comes with a standard three-point wall plug, but a RM7,500 wallbox can be optioned for. The former takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery (230V socket), whereas the latter cuts charging time down to 1 hours and 45 minutes. The electric motor alone makes \n80 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n of torque, while the \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n engine is turbocharged to make \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque (identical to the C 250). Together, they produce \n279 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque, much higher than the Bavarian equivalent.   It still remains a rear-wheel drive, but the \nseven-speed automatic\n has had its torque converter replaced by a clutch which decouples the transmission from the engine in pure electric mode. The C 350 e sprints from 0 \u2013 100km/h in \n5.9 seconds\n before topping out at a governed\n 250km/h\n, and consumes just \n2.1 litres of petrol per 100km\n (NEDC combined cycle). In all-electric mode, expect to squeeze as much as 31km range on a full charge (top speed 130km/h).\nStandard across the C 350 e range is the Airmatic adjustable air suspension whose behaviour can be altered through five driving modes: Individual, Sport, Sport+, Comfort and Economy. Its hybrid mode can also alternate between four phases \u2013 Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge. Included are also tri-zone climate control (programmable to activate at any time of your choice) and a 590-watt 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system.\nWith an asking price of RM290k, the C 350 e comes with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty. Deliveries of the Avantgarde will commence sometime this month, however the AMG Line will only be available next year. Would you pay the premium to get this plug-in hybrid over the 330e iPerformance? Let us know!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group has delivered more than 100,000 electrified vehicles to customers worldwide in 2017 as promised earlier in the year. To celebrate its success, the company has light up its headquarters in Munich to resemble a battery with their tagline \u2013 \u201cThe future is electric.\u201d\nSince the introduction of the \nBMW i3\n in 2013, the group has shifted over\n 200,000 electrified vehicles\n, half of which were delivered in 2017 alone. In Europe, BMW Group is the leading carmaker in pure-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with a market share of \n21 percent\n. Worldwide, the company has a 10 percent market share in the global electrified vehicle market.\nAmong its line up of electrified cars, the \nBMW 330e\n proved to be the most popular with every tenth F30 3 Series sold is an electrified variant. The \n2 Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid\n accounts for 13 percent of the models sold in 2017. Since its debut in June 2017, the \nMINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4\n already accounts for one in 10 Countryman sold worldwide.\nCurrently, BMW Group has nine electrified models in total and the number is set to expand to 25 by 2025. The company also projects that electrified vehicles will account for 15 to 25 percent of its total sales by the end of the decade. BMW Group will also be offering \nelectrified versions of every single BMW and MINI vehicles\n from 2020 onwards."
"Ahead of its imminent launch in Malaysia, Mazda has started displaying the \nCX-30\n in their showrooms. In case you\u2019re wondering how Mazda\u2019s latest crossover (which sits between the CX-3 and CX-5) looks like in metal, here is a detailed gallery for your viewing pleasure.\nBuilt on the same platform as the Mazda 3, the CX-30 inherits many of the design cues from its smaller brother, in line with the latest iteration of the Kodo design language.\nThe similarities are most prominent up front, notably the gaping grille, flanked by the slim headlights. The Mazda CX-30 also utilises the light play technique on its side panels, although the character line running from the front bonnet is more prominent here.\nBlack plastic cladding runs around the entire bottom of the crossover, which gives the CX-30 a more rugged look. Pictured here is the Mazda CX-30 2.0G High variant, which rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. The entry-level variant will be equipped with 16-inch items.\nMoving inside, the similarities are even more apparent, with the dashboard seemingly lifted directly from the Mazda 3. The CX-30 is well-equipped on the inside, with all variants receiving an 8.8-inch infotainment display with reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, Voice command and eight speakers.\nThe High and Diesel variants do get a few more creature comforts, including key-less entry, powered tailgate, power adjustable seats with memory function (driver only), leather upholstery, dual zone air conditioning with rear air con vents, paddle shifters, and eight parking sensors.\nUnder the hood, the Mazda CX-30 will be available with two powerplant options. Firstly, a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that generates \n163 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n of torque is utilised for both entry-level and High variants.\nAs for the Diesel variant, a 1.8-litre turbodiesel SkyActiv-D makes\u00a0\n114 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n270 Nm\n. Power is sent to the front wheels on all variants, and both engines will be paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox.\nAs standard, all variants will be equipped with Mazda\u2019s G-Vectoring Control Plus system, as well as the i-Stop Idling Technology for enhanced fuel efficiency.\nSafety wise, all variants come with \nseven airbags\n as standard. As before, only the High and Diesel variants get to enjoy the additional safety features, including:\n \u2013 Adaptive Front Lighting System\n\u2013 High Beam Control\n\u2013 Blind Spot Monitoring System\n\u2013 Rear Cross Traffic Alert\n\u2013 Smart Brake Support\n\u2013 Mazda Radar Cruise Control\nThe new CX-30 will be imported as a\u00a0\nCBU from Japan\n, with prices starting from:\nMazda CX-30 2.0L 2WD \u2013\u00a0\nRM143,119.20\nMazda CX-30 2.0L High 2WD \u2013\u00a0\nRM164,119.20\nMazda CX-30 1.8 Diesel High 2WD \u2013\u00a0\nRM173,027.70\nEight colour options are available for the new Mazda CX-30, including Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Titanium Flash, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Snowflake White Pearl and Polymetal Gray Metallic.\nWe must say that the Mazda-exclusive Soul Red Crystal does make the CX-30 look quite imposing, especially when paired with the large grille up front, finished in black. Moreover, you won\u2019t be paying a price premium for the special paint job on the CX-30!\nAs with all new Mazda vehicles registered after 1st January 2019, the CX-30 will receive a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and free maintenance package, according to manufacturer\u2019s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely has officially launched their first ever\nMPV, the Geely Jia Ji in their home country. At launch, the Jia Ji is offered\nwith a conventional petrol engine, mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, making it the\nfirst ever hybrid powered MPV to be offered in China.\nAs \ndetailed before\n, the Jia Ji can be had with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo TGDi with \n183 hp\n/\n300 Nm\n, 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid (MHEV) with \n190 hp\n/\n300 Nm\n or a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid with \n258 hp\n/\n385 Nm\n. There is also an entry-level 1.5-litre turbo petrol that is available exclusively with a manual transmission.\nBoth the 1.5-litre MHEV and 1.5-litre PHEV\ngets a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (different set up to match the respective\npowertrains) while the 1.8-litre TGDi unit gets a conventional 6-speed automatic\ninstead.\nThe 1.5-litre PHEV has a claimed pure electric range of \n56 km\n on a full charge and when hooked onto a fast charger, it takes just 90 minutes for the battery to be fully recharged. Geely claims the Jia Ji PHEV can return a fuel consumption of \n1.6L/100 km\n while the MHEV is rated at 5.9L/100 km.\nThe biggest selling point of the Jia Ji is the\navailability of Geely\u2019s \u201c360-degree security identification zone\u201d advanced driving\nassistance technologies that gives the Jia Ji Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.\nThe system bundles Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),\nLane Keep Assistant (LKA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency\nBraking (AEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW),\nBlind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assistant (LCA) and Speed Limit\nIdentification (SLIF).\nWhen condition permits, the Jia Ji can\nfollow the vehicles in front up to speeds of 150 km/h and even perform lane\nchange autonomously. Other driving assistant features include a 360-degree\ncamera and Automated Park Assist (APA).\nThe Jia Ji is available in either a six- or seven-seater configuration with three seating options: 2+2+2, 2+2+3 or 2+3+2. Onboard features include full LCD instrument cluster, 12.3-inch floating widescreen infotainment panel, electronic gear selector, AQS air cleaner & ioniser, active noise cancellation, roof mounted controls with motion activated ceiling light, ambient lighting, intelligent cup-holder with cooling and heating function, panoramic sunroof and a touch panel control for the rear climate control.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nGeely\u00a0Jia\u00a0Ji\u00a0MPV"
"The teasing will end eventually, but until 4\nth\n September comes around (when it is launched), Porsche will do what they can to raise the anticipation and excitement surrounding the all-electric Porsche Taycan \u2013 arguably the most important model launch in decades.\nThis time around, the test team ran a pre-production Taycan for 24 hours straight, covering a distance of 3,425 km on the 12.6 km Nardo high-speed circuit in Italy, at an average speed of between 195 km/h to 215 km/h. Not sure if the Taycan will ever to subjected to such punishing speeds in the real world but it\u2019s good to know that it can.\n \nThe test was more trying as it was held at the height of an unusually hot summer in Europe, with ambient temperatures hitting a peak of 42 degrees Celsius while the track registering up to 54 degrees Celsius. According to Porsche, the prototype ran continuously and without any problems, only stopping to top up its batteries via 800-volt quick-charging stations installed specifically for the test."
"Not to be confused with a\u00a0sewing machine brand,\u00a0\nSinger Vehicle Design\n is no stranger in restoring classic 911 into alluring masterpieces. \u00a0The California-based restoration company has signed a partnership agreement with\u00a0Historic Motoring Ventures,\u00a0allowing classic 911 owners from Malaysia and Singapore to enjoy the expertise from Singer.\nThe company was founded in 2009 by \nRob Dickinson\n, cousin to Iron Maiden\u2019s Bruce Dickinson, and\u00a0now known as one of the world\u2019s foremost distiller of the classic 911 essence.\n\u201cOur company\u2019s heritage is based on utilizing the ultimate in automotive design, engineering and industry standards to meet and exceed the vision of our fine clientele,\u201d said Rob Dickinson, creator and founder of Singer.\n\u201cOur partnering with \nHistoric Motoring Ventures\n will extend our passion to \nMalaysia\n and \nSingapore\n so that we can share our love for the 911 with collectors in the region\u00a0while taking our unique celebration of Porsche to a whole new level.\u201d he added.\nThe new local partner sources for a donor classic 911 before it\u2019s shipped to\u00a0Singer\u2019s fine experts in California. The company will\u00a0perform restoration using the latest techniques to enhance the cars\u2019 performance, aesthetics, and modern day use-abilities. The end result after \n4,000 man-hours\n and a painstaking eight to ten months of restoration work, is a well restored 911 that makes petrolheads like you and me drool."
"First shown-off with the codename FX11\n, Geely has now officially unveiled its latest C-segment SUV, dubbed the Boyue L. The all-new Boyue L is the fourth model (second SUV) in Geely\u2019s line-up with the \u2018L\u2019 suffix, and will slot in in-between the \nBoyue \n(\nProton X70\n) and the \nXingyue L\n.\nThe Geely Boyue L is now built on the marque\u2019s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which also underpins the \nVolvo XC40\n as well as several \nLynk & Co \nmodels. As the letter L in the name suggests, the all-new Boyue L is much larger than the existing Boyue/X70 model, measuring 4,670 mm long (+151 mm), 1,705 mm tall (+11 mm), and 1,900 mm wide (+69 mm), according to\n \nCar News China\n.\nPerhaps more importantly, the Geely Boyue L also shows off the marque\u2019s latest design language, previewing how future Geely models will look. The futuristic design is characterised by the unique lighting elements both front and back; the daytime-running light up front gets a full-width treatment, with LED lighting elements mimicking the grille design below, while the rear taillamps assembly also get slim vertical stacks on both corners, complementing the headlights design in front.\nRELATED: \nGeely has sold over 1 million Boyue SUVs globally \u2013 including the Proton X70!\nMoving onto the inside, the dashboard is now headlined by a massive 13.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster, now running on the marque\u2019s new Galaxy OS Air operating system.\nThe company says the screens on the inside are powered by a Qualcomm 8155 processor, which provides a smooth human-machine interface operation, and is capable of over-the-air updates and also features an AI-powered voice assistant.\nPerformance wise, \nCar News China\n reports that the Boyue L will be offered with two petrol engine options, alongside two hybrids. The ICE options include a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four unit with \n218 hp\n and \n325 Nm\n, as well as a 1.5-litre turbo mill with \n181 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n. Both engines are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.\nAs for the hybrids, they\u2019ll consist of a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, both powered in-part by a 1.5-litre mill, and are paired to a unique three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) that also integrates two electric motors and a controller into the same housing.\nThe Geely Boyue L is due to go on sale in China in the fourth quarter of 2022. Pricing hasn\u2019t been confirmed yet, but the publication estimates the Boyue L to be priced from approximately CNY120,000 (approx. RM80k) in the nation.\n[Photos: Geely via Autohome.com.cn]\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n announced that the \n12.12 Special Sales \nwith rebates worth RM2,000 for the City has been extended to 31st of December 2020. This is to allow customers more time to visit their nearest Honda authorised dealerships.\nOn the extension, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cFirst of all, I would like to thank our customers for the overwhelming support towards the Honda brand. Since its official launch, we have delivered close to 5,800 units of the all-new City. To-date we have received over 11,100 bookings for it, with the 12.12 Special Sales receiving positive response.\u201d\n \n\u201cWith the travel ban lifted, we have decided to \nextend the 12.12 Special Sales\n to allow more customers to enjoy the rebate, make inquiries, test drive, and place a booking for the City,\u201d he added.\nThe rebate is \napplicable to the S and E variants\n of the all-new City where customers can enjoy once they book and register their new City by 31\nst\n of December 2020.\nMr. Ishiyama added, \u201cThe well-being and safety of our customers and Honda associates are our priority. We would like to emphasise that all Honda dealerships adhere to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) according to the guidelines set by the Government.\u201d"
"It\u2019s nearly a decade old, and after the \nfacelifted\n\u00a0model\u00a0was unveiled, what\u2019s next for the Nissan GT-R? According to Nismo (Nissan\u2019s trusty tuning division), they\u2019re not done with Godzilla, which led to the introduction of this monster \u2013 the Nissan GT-R Nismo Edition.\nWhile the facelifted GT-R gets some minor exterior tweaks, Nismo did more than just adding aero parts; new 20-inch rims, and a larger rear wing. Being the performance experts of Nissan cars, Nismo stiffened the GT-R\u2019s body structure with carbon fibre and used canards at the front to generate additional downforce. The Nissan\u2019s V-Motion grille has been enlarged to improve air cooling.\nThe GT-R\u2019s handling capabilities have also been enhanced thanks to stiffened coil springs, adaptive dampers and stronger anti-roll bars. Nismo claims this car is faster than the 2014\u2019s version by 2 percent when tested in a slalom and handling course. This means the Nismo Edition should be slightly quicker than the 2014 GT-R Nismo\u2019s Nurburgring lap time of \u00a07 minutes 08.68 seconds.\nUnder the hood the same\u00a0\n3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 \nthat\u2019s mated to\u00a0the same\n\u00a0six-speed dual clutch gearbox \nfrom the standard GT-R. However, thanks to larger turbochargers (courtesy of the GT3 race car), performance has been boosted to\n 592 hp\n and \n650Nm\n of torque. As for its performance, the Nismo sprints from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering\u00a0\n2.6 seconds\n\u00a0before maxing out at a whopping \n314km/h\n.\nInside, the use of Alcantara is extended from the seats to the centre armrest and also the steering wheel. The dashboard is made of carbon fibre, just like the facelifted model. However, the paddle shifters are now built into the back of the steering wheel instead of being affixed to the steering column.\nThe 2016 GT-R Nismo Edition is on sale now and should cost a little more than its predecessor, with a pricing of\n\u00a0\u00a3125,000\n (approximately\u00a0\nRM750,000\n). Right now, all it needs is to set a new Nurburgring record that will keep Porsche engineers wide awake at night, just like they did 10 years ago.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Dubbed the \u201cProject Gold\u201d, it was built as a tribute and celebration of 70 years of Porsche Sports cars. Porsche\u2019s Classic division took a completely unused 993-type bodyshell and built a brand new 911 Turbo that mimics the theme of the \n2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series\n.\nHow cool is that?!\nIt took them one and the half years to build the car where the bodyshell was first\u00a0put through a corrosion protection and painting process applied to today\u2019s series-production vehicles. The collector\u2019s item was then assembled and tuned by Porsche Classic specialists at the Porsche restoration workshop in Stuttgart.\nSitting at the back is a brand new 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine developing \n450 hp\n, for the same performance the original vehicle had in the 1990s.\nThe manual transmission and all-wheel drive system were also sourced from Porsche Classic\u2019s range of genuine parts. The hand-stamped chassis number follows the last series-production model of the 993 Turbo which rolled off the production line in 1998.\nThe brand new 911 Turbo\u2019s interior and exterior details, colour gradients and even badge positions were coordinated to mimic the 911 Turbo S Exclusive series that \nwears RM76k shoes\n!\nThe black wheels are highlighted by Golden Yellow design accents while the seats and interior trims are finished in black with Golden Yellow details. The bodyshell features similar air intakes of the 993 Turbo S that were also available as an option for the regular 911 Turbo in 1998.\nThe collector\u2019s item which is limited to private track use, will then be auctioned off in October. Proceeds will be donated to the Ferry Porsche Foundation, a non-profit organisation established this year to mark the 70 years of Porsche sports cars celebrations.\nThe original 993 was the first 911 to feature a reworked aluminium chassis, with the Turbo version being the first to have a twin-turbo engine, making it the lowest-emission powertrain in the world in 1995.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The United Kingdom announced last month that it will be bringing forward its \nban of internal combustion engines\n from 2040 to 2030, but Aston Martin believes that its internal combustion engined (ICE) cars will not completely disappear even after 2030, despite the ban in its home country, \nAutoblog\n reports.\nSpeaking at the \nFinancial Times\n Future of the Car summit, Aston Martin CEO Lawrence Stroll said, \u201cBy 2030, 5% of business will still always be ICE. I never see it going down to zero.\u201d He added that there is \u201calways going to be enthusiasts\u201d who are looking for ICE-powered cars, and will have the means to pay for it.\nAs a result, the company says that it will be continuing its investments in petrol engines in the coming years. Stroll announced that some of the company\u2019s future models will continue using engines built by Mercedes-AMG, but they\u2019ll be tuned in-house.\n\u201cOur current\u00a0AMG\u00a0engines are just that: AMG engines in an Aston. With this new deal, we will have bespoke AMG engines for Aston with different outputs, torque characteristics, etc. They\u2019ll still be AMG components, but they\u2019ll be bespoke-manufactured in Germany,\u201d said Stroll.\nCurrently, most of the brand\u2019s models are powered by the AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, though the company also has a 5.2-litre V12 unit \u2013 found in the \nDBS Superleggera\n \u2013 that it partly designed in-house, and a \nbrand-new 3.0-litre V6\n that is currently in development.\nThe news comes after Aston Martin\u2019s\n renewed partnership with Daimler\n, which saw Mercedes-Benz\u2019s parent company increase its stake in the British boutique sports carmaker up to 20%. However, as we reported earlier this year, the new \u201cstrategic partnership\u201d was catered more towards electrification efforts, with Aston Martin being allowed access to Mercedes-Benz\u2019s next-generation hybrid and electric powertrains.\nAs it stands, the United Kingdom will be enforcing a blanket ban on all ICE-powered vehicles sold in the country from 2030 onwards. However, it is presumed that owners will still be able to drive it on private properties, such as racetracks.\nAside from the United Kingdom, several other countries including\n France\n, \nIreland\n, and India, have also announced their plans to ban these cars at around the same timeframe."
"The time has yet to come for an actual budget electric vehicle (EV) to be available in Malaysia, let alone the world. It is an interesting case as premium EVs tend to cost less than their petrol-powered counterparts, but the inverse is true for entry-level EVs. A \nHonda\n executive believes that the underlying reason is the use of lithium-ion batteries.\nIn the Malaysian market, an entry-level EV like the \nHyundai Kona Electric\n costs more than its petrol version. The Kona Electric is priced between RM 156,538 to RM 208,348, while the petrol version is priced from RM 124,188 to RM 161,388. Meanwhile, in the \u201cpremium\u201d segment, the all-electric 3-door \nMINI Cooper SE\n \ncosts RM 185,934, which is less than the petrol-powered 3-door MINI Cooper S which costs RM 264,228.\nHonda\u2019s Vice President of Business and Sales for America, Dave Gardner told \nThe Drive\n, \u201cWe [Honda] don\u2019t really believe that the current lithium-ion technology is the long-term solution.\u201d He says that solid-state batteries will be \u201cthe game changer for us [Honda]\u201d as it will allow for lower-priced EVs that are \u201cin the neighborhood of what a nice [petrol-powered] vehicle costs.\u201d\nSolid-state batteries are still being developed at Honda and have been used in a few prototype vehicles. The tech isn\u2019t exactly around the corner for Honda and the company has increased its R&D efforts in them. Last month, Honda announced that it is investing USD 310,000,000 into an experimental production line project to test the mass production of solid-state batteries.\nRELATED: \nThis video of the Honda e will make you wish it was sold here!\nThe Honda e:Ny1 Prototype is an all-electric version of the all-new \nHonda HR-V\n, due for Europe in 2023\nOther companies are also looking into the use of solid-state batteries. Daimler Trucks, for example, has delivered several buses with solid-state batteries to the city of Bremen in Germany. Meanwhile, Toyota is also actively testing its prototype vehicle with solid-state batteries. Some manufacturers believe that price parity between EVs and petrol cars won\u2019t be reached until batteries reach a price of USD50/kWh (approx. RM227/kWh). Currently, lithium-ion batteries cost around USD132/kWh (approx. RM 600/kWh).\nDave Gardner believes that solid-state batteries will \u201cbe the turning point in terms of crossing that affordability threshold\u201d. As for when they will be available on Honda cars, Gardner says \u201cwhen that\u2019s exactly going to happen. I can\u2019t tell you that.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2022 Honda HR-V and BR-V score 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP, high Safety Assist points"
"\u201cSay bye bye to Volvo. Now German brands have the upper hand.\u201d This was an actual comment from our post on Volvo\u2019s decision to implement a \n180 km/h \nsafety net on all of its new cars from 2020 onwards. This was not an isolated comment either, with most of the discussions online trending towards ridicule and criticisms.\nLittle did we know, the overarching response to the introduction of the three-point seatbelt in 1959 were of similar nature too. The New York Times even called the invention \u201ca violation of humans rights\u201d, with many others echoing the comment.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r__E_xT9ijM\nInvented by a Volvo Engineer Nils Bohlin, the Swedish carmaker immediately made the patent of the three-point safety belt available to all car manufacturers. Despite various experiments and data supporting its efficacy, Bohlin\u2019s invention was still largely rejected by the industry and public, and only in 1979 did we see it being adopted in Malaysia through the seatbelt legislation of 1979.\nBut look where the seatbelt is today, included in virtually every road-going car, and estimated to have saved more than a million lives. Committed to do more, Volvo has launched the \u201cA Million More\u201d campaign, with the aim to save a million more lives through various automotive safety devices \u2013 starting with the \n180 km/h speed limit\n \u2013 despite public outcry.\nThe campaign kicks off with an emotional video of car crash survivors reading aloud the derogatory comments made about the three-point seatbelts, then recounting their own experiences in the accidents \u2013 and how they probably would\u2019ve lost their lives it it weren\u2019t for the \u201cterrible idea\u201d.\nSince the announcement of the speed limit back in March this year, the company has already opened up conversations \u2013 even within the industry \u2013 about whether car makers have the right or even an obligation to install these technologies. Despite controversies, Volvo believes that it only takes one to make a stance to change how we all think about vehicle safety.\nFollowing the speed limit, Volvo will also be introducing an\n \nin-car camera system\n to help prevent accidents caused by intoxicated or distracted driving. Here\u2019s to safer roads to in the future."
"The third-generation Acura RDX premium SUV, representing the most extensive Acura redesign in more than 10 years, is set to make its global debut in January next year.\nThe new RDX will be the first model in a new generation of Acuras inspired by the \u201cPrecision Crafted Performance\u201d concept \u2013 signalling a new era of design for the luxury automaker.\nDesigned and developed for the first time in the USA, the RDX will be built on a new, Acura-only platform and incorporates key design elements of two recent concepts \u2013 the \nAcura Precision Concept\n and Acura Precision Cockpit.\nThe \nPrecision Concept\n styling will see the SUV adopting a low, wide and sleek presence while the \nPrecision Cockpit\n\u00a0will deliver an all-new interior design, user interface and operating system designed from the ground up."
"Nissan will be debuting a new line of Nismo off-road parts for the all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier (Navara, for you and I) which includes a bunch of accessories such as lighting and even a rooftop tent.\nThe Nismo rooftop tent is large enough to accommodate two people with a thick wall-to-wall mattress. For better ventilation, the tent even comes with three \u2018windows\u2019. Included with the tent is a 6.9-foot ladder and a tent cover.\nThe rooftop tent can be easily attached and detached from the Nismo overland cargo bed rack that\u2019s made of powder-coated steel.\nTo enhance visibility while off-roading in the dark, there\u2019s also a Nismo 4-inch lighting for even more powerful illumination, get it?\nIt has an output of over 3,000 lumens and is made using a waterproof aluminium housing with pressure equalising vents. It only draws two amps of electricity without affecting the car\u2019s electrical system.\nThe 2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo gets the company\u2019s latest logo and the gorgeous Stealth Grey colour. Check it out here!\nLastly, there\u2019s also a Nismo catback exhaust system made of stainless steel because whether it\u2019s off-road or on-road, there\u2019s never a bad time for some raunchy exhaust noises. The muffler delivers a deep exhaust tone without excessive droning noise within the cabin.\nThe Nismo muffler comes with a polished tip, with Nismo letterings laser etched on it.\nExisting items are still available, such as the Nismo wheels with Nismo valve caps, Nismo offroad front bumper, and Nismo off-road suspension.\nNISMO brings back the legendary RB26 Skyline engine into production. Read about it here!\n \nGALLERY"
"Although still not quite affordable, EV choices in Malaysia are now more abundant with over 10 EVs launched in Malaysia just last year. One upcoming EV that we\u2019re all looking forward to welcoming to Malaysia is the \nSmart #1\n, which will be distributed by \nPRO-NET\n, which is Proton\u2019s EV subsidiary. With the EV set to launch this year, here\u2019s a quick recap of what we know so far about the Smart #1.\nYou may remember Smart as the brand with famous small cars like the Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour. The Smart #1 is an all-electric small SUV, that\u2019s a bit larger than the Smart ForFour and is the result of a venture between \nMercedes-Benz\n and \nGeely\n.\nThe Smart #1 made its world debut in April 2022 and is about the size of a standard B-segment SUV. China, Europe, and UK were some of the earlier regions to welcome the Smart #1 during the second half of 2022.\nUpon its global debut, the Smart #1 was introduced with a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) powertrain that makes \n272 hp\n (metric) and \n343 Nm\n and provides a \n6.7-second\n century sprint time. The Smart #1 houses a \n66-kWh\n battery pack that provides an all-electric driving range of \n420-440 km\n on the WLTP test cycle.\nRELATED: \nSmart\u2019s adorable-looking #1 SUV shows that it\u2019s serious about EVs\nSmart #1 Pro+\nSmart #1 Premium\nSmart #1 Launch Edition\nSmart #1 Brabus\nCurrently, the Smart #1 is available in four versions (listed here with their prices in Germany and approximate Ringgit conversion):\nSmart #1 Pro+ \u2013 \u20ac41,490 (approx. RM193,104)\nSmart #1 Premium \u2013 \u20ac44,990 (approx. RM209,393)\nSmart #1 Launch Edition \u2013 \u20ac46,290 (approx. RM215,444)\nSmart #1 BRABUS \u2013 \u20ac48,990 (approx. RM228,010)\nThe Smart #1 Pro + is the base variant, and is priced at approximately \u20ac10,000 (approx. RM46,506) cheaper than a base-spec \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n. The base-spec EQA starts at \u20ac50,777 (approx. RM) in Germany. As for Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is only available as the fully-imported (CBU) EQA 250+ which now costs RM296,888 with SST back in place.\nRELATED: \nFully electric Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 launched in Malaysia, from RM278k\nSmart #1 Launch Edition\nJudging by the price difference in Europe, the base-spec Smart #1 could be priced in the lower RM200k + region. As for specifications, \nProton has sent a team of staff to China\n to decide on the final specifications of the Smart #1 for Malaysia. The delegation will also undergo New Energy Vehicle (NEV) training at the Geely Research Institute in Ningbo.\nWhile all \u2018normal\u2019 versions of the Smart #1 get a single-motor setup, Brabus introduced a souped-up version of the brand\u2019s first EV SUV in August 2022, adding another electric motor to the front axle. The result is a combined output of \n428 hp\n and \n543 Nm\n that launches the little EV SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering \n3.9 seconds\n. The Brabus treatment can also be seen on the exterior and interior of the car.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 EV gets Brabus treatment \u2013 hot compact SUV EV to have over 400 hp\nIn the same month the Brabus Smart #1 was introduced, Proton inked a distributorship deal with Smart for the Smart #1. The deal is primarily a retail operation with aftersales service. Later in September, \nProton established its EV subsidiary, PRO-NET\n which will spearhead the sales and distributorship for Smart vehicles in Malaysia. PRO-NET is also collaborating with Petronas\u2019s Gentari \nto build 20 DC fast chargers in Malaysia in 2023\n.\nSet to launch in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Smart #1 scored a perfect 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test in November 2022. The Euro NCAP results for the Smart #1 were released together with 14 other cars including the Malaysia-bound \nHyundai Ioniq 6 \nand \nToyota bZ4x\n.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 safer than EV6, Ioniq 5"
"For the elite automotive clientele who craves for a performance-oriented luxury saloon with more imposing aesthetics, Bentley Motors presents the new Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Black.\nWith 520 hp and with 680 Nm of torque extracted from the 4.0-litre V8 engine, the Bentley will spur (pun intended) to 100 km/h from standstill in just 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 306 km/h. Sure to provide \nJaguar\u2019s XJR 575\n with stiff competition, power is transferred to an all-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear-biased torque for sure-footedness in various driving conditions.\nBlack gloss brightware, dark tint lights, gloss black window surrounds and door mirrors together with new wheels will provide the dramatic appeal to match the might of the V8 S engine. The headlamp and taillights have received a distinctive dark tint and black bezels while a striking black gloss finish has been applied to the radiator and window surrounds, headlight washer caps and door-handle inserts.\nWheels come in the form of a bespoke 21-inch seven-spoke in striking gloss black finish, one that\u2019s unique to the Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition. Beneath the spokes, a choice of red or black painted calipers will be provided.\nInside, a unique colour split with striking new accents complements the three-spoke Sport Plus steering wheel and its Piano Black veneer. A single tone with bold, contrasting stripes of stitched leather encloses the four seat\u2019s centre panels, running up and round the headrests. Similar colour accents are match by the contrasting headliner bow that runs through the centre of the roof.\nTrue to Bentley\u2019s free-flowing customisable nature, customers can specify the interior with a full range of interior colours and colour splits.\nWhen commissioned with the \nMulliner Driving Specification\n, the Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition comes with diamond-quilted hides on the seat and door panels, with contrast stitching for more contemporary visual appeal.\nExternally, Mulliner Driving Specification also comes with the additional choice of two 21-inch five-spoke Directional Sports wheel finishes of either gloss black or dark tint.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche\u2019s\n first wagon ever\n, the Panamera Sport Turismo which had been confirm \nto land on Malaysian shores\n will now also be available as a plug-in hybrid its flagship model as Porsche looks to expand its hybrid range.\nIt\u2019s called the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. Combining a 4-litre V8 engine with an electric motor, it whizzes out a staggering \n680 hp\n with an eye-watering \n850 Nm\n of torque, allowing it to reach the 100 km/h mark from standstill in a mere \n3.4 seconds\n, 200 km/h in \n8.5 seconds\n before topping out at a hairy \n310 km/h\n.   Drive is sent through an 8-speed PDK gearbox to an adaptive all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management system. The way in which it delivers its mighty power has been influenced by the Porsche 918 Spyder in that, even at 1,400 rpm the Panamera delivers its maximum torque through the V8 and electric motor combo.\nThe most powerful Sport Turismo can offer a driving range of up to \n49 kilometres\n with a top speed of \n140 km/h\n when solely relying on its electric power. Its\n 14.1 kWh\n lithium-ion battery can be full charged within 2.4 to 6 hours depending on the charger and power output. With such levels of efficiency and frugality, the Sport Turismo is claimed to be capable of a\n 3L/100km\n fuel consumption rating.   Like the second generation Panamera, the E-Hybrid Sport Turismo comes with \nPorsche Advanced Cockpit\n, \nPorsche Innodrive\n and the innovative roof spoiler. The active roof spoiler, dictated by the \nPorsche Active Aerodynamics\n system is capable of adjusting itself to three different angles depending on the vehicle\u2019s speed, generating up to \n50 kg of downforce\n on the rear axle. Optional features include a rear axle steering and electrically-adjustable individual rear seats.\nDespite having a performance spec list that can confuse it for a fire-breathing, track monster, the E-Hybrid is also knee-deep in family-friendly features. Its raised roofline allows for easy entry and exit, also ensuring impeccable head clearance. Its large electrically-operated tailgate and low loading height ensures that it is just as capable on a grocery run, as it would be on a track day.\nOther extensive standard equipment includes the \nPorsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC Sport)\n, \nPorsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)\n, ceramic brakes, Sport Chrono pack and adaptive three-chamber air suspension in tandem with the \nPorsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)\n system.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We are days away from the full reveal of the Lamborghini Huracan Performante that is set to take place at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, but Lamborghini has already announced the Huracan Performante\u2019s N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife lap time \u2013 an unbelievable 6 minutes 52.01 seconds.\nIn June 2015 we witnessed how the \nAventador SV lapped The Green Hell\n\u00a0in just under seven minutes at the\u00a0hands of\u00a0\nMarco Mapelli\n, and once again he has been entrusted the keys to the Huracan Performante\u2019s. As a result, the Huracan Performante smashed the big bull\u2019s record by \nmore than seven seconds\n!\nThe lap time was actually recorded on 5 October 2016, and Lamborghini claims that the Huracan Performante was actually a production version that\u2019s simply camouflaged.\nFull technical specifications and performance figures will be revealed during its official unveiling, but\u00a0Lamborghini has hinted that the car will use a \nfour-wheel drive system\n, yet still \nweighs less\u00a0than\u00a0the standard Huracan\n.\nThe production vehicle will be equipped with the same \nPirelli Trofeo R\n rubbers that was used to set the lap record, and there\u2019s some trick aero thingamajig\u00a0called the ALA (\nAerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva\n). In the meantime, grab a nice pair of headphones and join Marco in the video below as he takes you for a lap round the Nordschleife. Just promise us that you won\u2019t shout \u201c\nmamma mia!\n\u201d out loud.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While we\u2019re just months away from the launch of the \nnew Audi A4\n, our friends in Germany can now start placing orders for this \u2013 the new Audi A4 allroad quattro.\nTypical of an allroad variant, this A4 has an additional\n 34mm ground clearance\n compared to the A4 Avant, and it gets \nquattro all-wheel drive\n as standard. It shares the same body as the A4 Avant, but the allroad badge comes with its own unique look; flared wheel wells, more rugged underbody protection and a silver coloured rear diffuser. Wheel sizes vary, but the smallest you get is a set of all-aluminium \n17-inchers\n.   There are three\u00a0engines on offer \u2013 a \n2.0-litre TFSI petrol\n, a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI diesel\n and a \n3.0-litre TDI V6\n. The petrol engine makes 252 hp and 370 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm, numbers that are good for a 6.1-second century sprint time. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.\nThe 2.0-litre diesel engine can be had in two different states of tune \u2013\n 163 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n or the more powerful \n190 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n. Audi will again offer a less powerful but more frugal and environmentally friendly 2.0-litre TDI option further down the road, one that makes 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque.\nFor the power hungry, a \n3.0-litre diesel V6\n is also up for grabs, and this too has two outputs; \n218 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n or \n272 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque! The latter is the quickest of the lot, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just \n5.5 seconds\n while consuming \n5.3 litres of fuel per 100km\n.\nPrices for the new Audi A4 allroad quattro (2.0-litre TDI, 163 hp) with the automatic gearbox starts from 44,750 euros in Germany, about RM205k based on current foreign exchange rates. Our sources from within Audi Malaysia wouldn\u2019t confirm if the allroad variant will make it to our shores, but it\u2019s safer to assume it won\u2019t, although we\u2019d love to have the option.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has introduced a used car programme called \nSELEKT\n consisting of pre-owned Volvo vehicles under 5-years old with less than 100,000 km mileage.\nEach SELEKT vehicle has undergone \na 125-point inspection with their software updated\n. The inspection is performed only by authorised Volvo Car dealers in Malaysia. These vehicles are strictly maintained with genuine Volvo parts by trained Volvo technicians.\n \nEach Volvo vehicle sold through the SELEKT used car programme \ncomes with a minimum 12-months warranty and a complimentary 1-year maintenance package\n. Volvo SELEKT cars are also given a certificate of verification of the vehicle\u2019s condition and 12 months Roadside Assistance.\n\u201cWe hope that through Volvo SELEKT, more Malaysians can experience our vehicle\u2019s safety features and innovation that makes them some of the safest cars in the market,\u201d Volvo Car Malaysia, Managing Director, Nalin Jain.\n \n\u201cVolvo SELEKT guarantees that customers will receive the same level of quality and service of a new Volvo car but at a package that suits their financing needs,\u201d he added.\nThe Volvo SELEKT programme is currently only available at Sisma Auto Glenmarie SELEKT Centre, with more authorised dealers to participate later on. For the latest price list on Volvo vehicles following the \nSales Tax Exemption on CKD and CBU vehicles\n, click \nhere\n."
"Over the weekend, UMW Toyota has taken to its Facebook page to tease the arrival of the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift, with the image suggesting that a possible joint launch of the 2020 Yaris and Vios facelift models could be coming to Malaysia soon.\nJust like the \nYaris\n, the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift will also feature a refreshed front fascia, featuring a flipped grille design with horizontal slats (as opposed to the mesh-like design on the Yaris), and reworked triple-bezel LED reflector headlights and daytime-running lights that should be standard items across the new model range.\nThe fog light enclosures have also been reworked, now with a more vertical design embedded within a squared-off bumper cut-out similar to that of the Toyota Corolla. Further down, we can also expect to see the same gloss-black bumper lip as seen on the Yaris.\nNo other details have been revealed just yet, but we expect the 2020 Toyota Vios to mirror all of the new improvements found on the Yaris. These include a new seven-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, electrochromic rear view mirror, as well as the Toyota Telematics System on the E and G variants.\nThe updated Toyota Vios in Thailand, known as the Yaris Ativ.\nThe \nToyota Safety Sense\n\u00a0advanced driver assistance system should also make its way onto the 2020 Vios facelift. The system includes autonomous emergency braking which is enabled from 15 km/h using an integrated camera and radar system, as well as lane departure warning which uses a visual alert in the multi-info display, as well as a beeping sound to warn the driver of unintended lane changes from 50 km/h and above.\nMechanically, the 2020 Toyota Vios should remain unchanged from the \noutgoing model\n here in Malaysia. That means that it should still be powered by the 1.5-litre\u00a0Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine which makes\u00a0\n107 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n140 Nm\n\u00a0of torque, paired to a 7-speed CVT transmission to drive the front wheels.\nPricing for the updated B-segment sedan has also yet to be revealed, but if the estimated price list for the Yaris is anything to go by, we expect to see a slight increase in price across the board for the 2020 Toyota Vios. The 2020 Toyota Yaris is \nnow open for booking\n in Malaysia, but if you\u2019re more interested in the sedan bodystyle of the Vios, you can register your interest on UMW Toyota\u2019s website \nhere\n.\nGALLERY\n2020 Toyota Vios (Yaris Ativ) in Thailand"
"There is life after all for the good \u2019ol four-door saloon, they morph to become sporty-looking fastbacks. In the case of the new generation Kia K5, it\u2019s all looking rather promising, if you haven\u2019t set your mind on getting an SUV, that is.\nWhile the attention is obviously on the oh-so-sexy rump of the car, the front of the K5 showcases Kia\u2019s new \u2018\nTiger Nose Evolution\n\u2019 look which \u2018integrates the grille and headlamps more organically than previous iterations of the K5\u2019, according to Kia. We can only nod in agreement \u2013 it looks fantastic.\nKia says the grille is modeled after the \ntexture of shark skin \nand is made of a matrix of interlocking elements for a \u2018dynamic\u2019 look, joining the headlamps which features a \u2018\nheartbeat\u2019 daytime running lights\n. No details were revealed as to why they are referred to as such, we can only guess that the illumination probably \u2018pulse\u2019 at some point.\nElsewhere, the sheet metal now is now more chiselled and has greater surface tension, narrowing at the midpoint between the wheel arches. Of course, nobody can miss the chrome strip which runs from the A pillars all the way to the trunk lid, finished off by a full-width rear light cluster.\nIf the K5 bears some resemblance to the equally bold-looking \nHyundai Sonata\n, it\u2019s no coincidence as they are both built on the same D-segment platform. The new \nK5 will go on sale in Korea in December\n, so expect more details to emerge, particularly its interior design and active safety technologies."
"Alpine announced back in January last year that it\u2019s\n going fully electric by the end of the decade\n, and as a preview of its electric future, the French marque has now unveiled a new fully-electric prototype, dubbed the A110 E-ternit\u00e9.\nAs the name suggests, the new prototype is based on the existing\n A110 coupe\n, but with a whole electric powertrain stuffed inside. It\u2019s not just a straightforward \u201cengine\u201d swap, however, as the chassis wasn\u2019t designed for electrification in mind.\nAlpine says that its engineers had to create bespoke battery casings for the A110 E-ternit\u00e9, with four battery cells in placed in front, and another eight at the back to optimise weight distribution. And as if magic, the engineers still managed to retain a 42/58 weight distribution on the car, which is just a touch off from the original A110\u2019s 43/57 split.\nWith the 12 cells added up, the A110 E-ternit\u00e9 boasts a fairly sizeable \n60 kWh\n battery capacity, translating to a driving range of about 420 km (WLTP cycle). The Alpine A110 E-ternit\u00e9 does weigh 258 kg more than the regular A110, but it\u2019s still quite an impressive engineering feat, considering that the batteries weigh a whopping 392 kg.\nRELATED: Alpine to be fully-electric with performance-oriented crossover and hot hatch\nThe powertrain components are borrowed from the \nMegane E-Tech\n, making a maximum \n178 kW (239 hp)\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque here. On top of the weight penalty, the EV A110 also gets lower output figures, so it\u2019s not surprising that it\u2019s a bit slower, but not by much \u2013 the 0-100 km/h sprint takes\n 4.5 seconds\n, with the ICE completing it just 0.1 seconds quicker at 4.4 seconds.\nAside from a new electric powertrain, the Alpine A110 E-ternit\u00e9 prototype also features several unique innovations such as an open-roof design, made with recycled carbon which the company designed and built in-house. Alpine says that despite the removable roof, the car\u2019s rigidity is not impacted.\nSeveral components on the outside are also made from flax fibre, which Alpine calls \u201ca material of the future\u201d that is \u201cas strong as carbon fibre\u201d, but with better acoustics. whatever that means. The in-car infotainment display has also been swapped out for a removable touch-screen tablet, while the sound system has also been upgraded to an eight-speaker set-up, along with a subwoofer. Otherwise, though, the Alpine A110 E-ternit\u00e9 looks no different compared to its ICE counterpart.\nThe electric A110 is meant to serve as a preview to Alpine\u2019s future, but the upcoming A110 replacement model should look quite a bit different to this, as the car will allegedly be built on a Lotus-developed modular platform, as a result of their \npartnership announced last year.\nGALLERY"
"Petrol prices, name for RON95 and RON97, will go up by 10 sen and 20 sen respectively, according to Deputy President of\u00a0Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia, Datuk Zulkifli Mokti.\nThe hike is effective by midnight, however prices for diesel (Euro2 and Euro5) remain unchanged at \nRM2.05 per litre\n (add 10 sen more for Euro5 diesel; now at \nRM2.15 per litre\n). As such, the yellow pumps will cost \nRM2.15 per litre\n while RON97\u00a0retails at \nRM2.55 per litre\n (with 6 percent GST).\nMinister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) Datuk Sri Hasan bin Malek (pictured above) revealed that the public will not be informed of the price hike from this point onward, but will only be released to the retailers."
"You\u2019d imagine that, with an\n Android Automotive-based operating system\n, having \nAndroid Auto\n (the smartphone connectivity feature, it\u2019s confusing we know) is pretty much a given. Weirdly, though, that\u2019s not the case with Volvo\u2019s Android-based OS \u2013 and with the latest update, it feels as though Android users are being left further behind.\nThat\u2019s because Volvo\u2019s latest over-the-air (OTA) update for its cars has brought along an improved\n Apple CarPlay\n experience for its cars, where supported navigation apps can now display separate navigation information in the instrument cluster. So-called the \u201cdriver display\u201d, other small snippets of data, including call and media information, can also now be displayed right behind the steering wheel.\nOther improvements in the version 2.9 update also includes a new option for automatic wing mirror folding upon locking the car, new steering wheel button functionalities, plus minor engine calibration optimisations and bug fixes.\nThe OTA software update will be arriving to Volvo cars globally, provided that your car has the Android Automotive OS. First introduced on the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, the Google-sourced infotaiment system is now available across all models in Volvo\u2019s stable \nstarting from the 2023 model year\n.\nVolvo says that it has now delivered over one million over-the-air updates to its customers globally. This latest update alone will be sent out to a record high number of over 650,000 Volvo cars.\nRELATED:\n Volvo C40 Recharge \u2013 Google\u2019s Android Automotive OS will make you forget about everything else\n\u201cWhen our customers get in their Volvo car, we want it to be a better experience than the day before \u2013 our over-the-air updates are a cornerstone in this ambition,\u201d says Volvo head of software engineering, Alwin Bakkenes.\n\u201cThe latest update on CarPlay features is an excellent example of how we continuously improve and add features and functions together with our technology partners, making our customers\u2019 experience richer over time.\u201d That is, unless you\u2019re an Android user, which in that case, too bad.\nALSO READ: \nVolvo now supports Waze navigation, no phone connection required"
"Kia Motors has just broke the covers for the \nall-new Picanto\n ahead of its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The brand\u2019s global best-selling compact hatch now features a more aggressive styling, a new engine and an array of safety features including autonomous braking.\nGetting its styling cues from the larger sibling\u00a0\nRio\n, the third-generation Picanto, codename JA, is the product of a joint effort from Kia\u2019s design centres in Korea and Germany. Bearing the name of Kia Morning in its home country, this A-segment hatch has grown 15 mm in wheelbase to 2,400 mm and sit 5 mm lower at 1,485 mm while the length and width equals the predecessor at 3,595 mm and 1,595 mm respectively. Despite that, Kia claims the Picanto now offers better headroom, shoulder room and legroom. Boot space has also grown marginally to 255 litres (previously 200 litres).\nLike its other siblings in the Kia line-up, the Picanto wears a much more aggressive tiger nose grille that connects the headlamps. Noticeably, the headlamps are of a new design with U-shaped LED daytime running lights. The front bumper is also significantly revised to give the small car better presence. The rear profile is familiar to the previous generation Picanto with more curves. Although it is to note that the Picanto depicted here wears the\n GT Line\n trim which adds cosmetic bits for a more aggressive appearance such as the red accents, rear diffuser and twin exhaust outlets.\nAs expected of Kia, the interior puts many cars above its class and segment to shame. At a glance, the steering wheels are now of a \nthree-spoke design\n while the infotainment system floats on the centre dash. Other premium touches to the interior include a centre armrest, brushed aluminium trims as well as a leather gear leaver housing. The new Picanto\u2019s infotainment is available with Apple CarPlay, reverse camera with guide lines and Kia T map service which optimises your smartphone\u2019s navigation app to the infotainment screen via MirrorLink.\nBack in Korea, the Kia Picanto is offered with an all-new\u00a0\n1.0-litre Kappa Eco-prime three-cylinder petrol engine\n which produces \n75 hp\n and \n95 Nm\n of torque. Transmission options have yet to be revealed to the public but the 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill is claimed to be able to return \n15.4 km per litre\n or 6.5 litre per 100 km. However, it remains to be seen if the current 1.25-litre four-cylinder with \n87 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n will resume duties.\nBased on Kia\u2019s next-gen small vehicle platform, it uses \n44 percent of advanced high tensile steel\n, twice the amount of the previous Picanto. This dramatically increases structural rigidity. Getting into an accident is the least of your problems, because it comes with Vehicle Stability Management with \nTorque Vectoring Brake Based (TVBB)\n which applies braking force to the inner wheel and more power to the outer wheels to keep the car under control.\u00a0\nThere\u2019s also\u00a0\nStraight Line Stability (SLS)\n\u00a0that helps the car brake in a straight line under heavy braking. Other than that it also comes with \nForward Collision Warning System (FCWS)\n which warns the driver of a collision risk and \nEmergency Brake Assist System (AEB)\n. Up to seven airbags can be had with the Picanto, including hill-start assist, seat belt pretensioner as well as tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).\nFor such a puny little car, the amount of kit it boasts is more than what you could ask for in a typical, modern city car. Locally, the \nsecond-generation Picanto\n is on sale for below RM60k. We can\u2019t wait to see what it will be priced and specced like when the new Picanto arrives on our shores."
"Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled their first ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Range Rover Sport P400e. The new model not only provides sustainable and clean performance through hybridisation, but also further enhances the Range Rover\u2019s off-road capabilities, comfort and refinement.\nUnderneath the body is a combination of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and an electric motor that gives a combined output of \n398 hp\n and\n 640 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all-four corners permanently to give the luxury SUV a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just \n6.7 seconds\n before running out of breath at \n220 km/h\n. The P400e also offers a pure electric range of up to \n51 km\n.\nThe electric motor is powered by a \n13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery\n mounted beneath the rear bench. JLR has cleverly packaged the battery pack in order to provide maximum interior space and ideal weight distribution. Charging the battery takes 7 hours and 30 minutes when plugged to a domestic 10 amp home socket but a dedicated wall box can fully charge the battery from empty in just \n2 hours and 45 minutes\n.   Drivers can select between Parallel Hybrid Mode that gives the most optimum performance of petrol and electric drive or the EV Mode which enables for zero emission journeys. Land Rover\u2019s \nTerrain Response 2\n technology has been calibrated to suit the PHEV, intelligently distributing all \n640 Nm\n from zero rpm to all for corners. This gives the P400e outstanding capabilities for low-speed off-road manoeuvres.\nIn Land Rover\u2019s line up, the Range Rover P400e sits just above the entry level 2.0-litre and is priced from \u00a370,800 (RM397k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia yesterday announced that it has achieved another year of record-breaking business performance with 14,338 vehicles delivered \u2013 a segment-leading growth of 13%.\nOf the 14,338 vehicles sold under the group,\n 12,008\n were BMW vehicles, with the remainder being MINI vehicles (1,200) and BMW Motorrad motorcycles (1,130).\nThe best selling BMW was none other than the BMW 3-Series, with over 3,300 units delivered while over 2,700 units of the BMW 5-Series were sold.\nOf the total, 57% of the cars delivered were electrified vehicles with the \nBMW X5 xDrive40e\n registering the highest figures with over 2,900 units sold.\nThis is followed by the \nBMW 330e \nwith over 2,100 units, \nBMW 530e \nwith over 1,700 units, and over 540 units of the \nBMW 740Le xDrive\n.\nAs for MINI, they sold over 560 units of the \nMINI Cooper Countryman\n, 90 of which were of the\n Cooper S E ALL4 variant\n.\nAt the event, BMW Malaysia also unveiled\n six new BMW i Charging facilities at the Bangsar Shopping Centre\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Volkswagen Jetta has been on offer in Malaysia since 2011, with the most recent update being the launch of the\u00a0\nCKD variant\n in 2014. It is about time for Volkswagen Group Malaysia to introduce the Jetta facelift.\nThe facelifted Jetta made its global debut at the New York International Auto Show in 2014. The facelift is more of an aesthetic exercise than a major product update. This brings the C-segment closer to the looks of the Passat and to some extent, the \nVento\n.\nUS-spec, may vary from actual specs\nIn front, the new Jetta features a more matured design. The front grille now comes with three horizontal chrome bars as opposed to the pre-facelift\u2019s twin bar design. From the teaser image, the new Jetta will also feature new wheels. The biggest change to the exterior would be the new bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. The tail lamps also come with new graphics.\nOn the inside, the refreshed Jetta now comes with an updated multifunction steering wheel and redesigned climate controls. New materials and design will be used in the cabin as well.\nUS-spec, actual specs may vary\nThere\u2019s currently no news about the powertrain, though we can expect the same 1.4-litre TSI motor to soldier on as the sole engine offering. The four-cylinder engine is twincharged to produce 158 hp and 240 Nm, and whether or not the current \nGolf TSI\u2019s\n\u00a0148 hp, 250 Nm motor will be deployed still remains up in the air. Expect the same seven-speed DSG to be specified.\nInterested in the Volkswagen Jetta facelift? Head on over to \nVGM\u2019s website\n to register your interest. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more updates.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The cute and lovable\n Honda e EV\n has been named as the overall winner of the German Car of the Year Award 2021, making it the first Japanese car to ever win the accolade. Although, calling it a Japanese car might be a little disingenuous we think, since the car was developed mainly for the European market, and is only sold in the region alongside Japan. Anyway, we digress.\nThe German Car of the Year (GCOTY) 2021 Award is the latest in a series of prestigious titles awarded to the Honda e since its launch this year, including the \u201cBest of the Best\u201d honours in the Red Dot Design Awards, as well as \u2018City/Small Car of the Year\u2019 in the News International Motor Awards 2020, among many others.\nThe GCOTY is decided by a jury of leading German car journalists, who tests and reviews the latest cars, ranking them according to their usability, driving characteristics, market relevance and level of innovation.\u00a0The winners of the five categories \u2013 Compact, Premium, Luxury, New Energy and Performance \u2013 then go head-to-head to decide an overall winner.\nThe Honda e was named winner in the New Energy category, and went up against the\n Volkswagen Golf \nand \nID.3\n, \nPolestar 2\n, as well as the BMW Alpina B3 for the overall win. Interestingly, three out of the five nominees are EVs!\nHonda Motor Europe president, Katsuhida Okuda said, \u201cFor Honda e to be the first Japanese car to be awarded German COTY is a great honour and one we are incredibly proud to receive. Customer and media response to the Honda e since it was first unveiled has been overwhelmingly positive.\n\u201cThe Honda e is a perfect example of a product with a unique design, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners connected with their everyday life. We are very thankful for this award.\u201d\nHonda e chief engineer Tomofumi Ichinose added, \u201cHonda e was developed to be the best urban commuter in response to environmental issues, especially in city areas. Development of Honda e was a big challenge, however at the same time, it was fun to envision a beautiful and brighter future in which Honda e plays its part. Team members and I are delighted to receive this award, a recognition that the vision this car represents has value.\u201d\nThe Honda e was unveiled earlier this year, representing a key step in the brand\u2019s commitment to electrify 100% of its European mainstream models by 2022. Unlike most new EVs that constantly try to push the envelope of pure-electric range, the Honda e is fitted with a small 35.5 kWh battery pack, offering up only 220 km of range.\nAccording to Honda, this was done deliberately as their research shows that most of the additional battery capacity goes unused during city driving \u2013 which represents a large majority of everyday car users. A smaller battery means that the car itself can be smaller, making it easier to navigate around the tight city streets, while lowering the weight to add a dash of excitement in the drive.\nThe Honda e is available in two power output configurations \u2013 100 kW (136 hp) and 113 kW (154 hp), both with 315 Nm of twist. With more torque than the \nHonda CR-V\n, the former completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 9.0 seconds, while the latter in 8.3 seconds."
"Remember Smart, the unique German brand that made cutesy tiny cars that could fit into a parallel parking spot, horizontally? Well, the Smart that we know might not exist any more in the very near future, as the Mercedes-Benz and Geely is reportedly planning to unveil a new Smart electric SUV this year.\nAccording to a report by \nAutocar\n, the model \u2013 codenamed HX11 \u2013 will be a five-door electric SUV model jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and Geely (who now owns half of Smart), and could be unveiled in concept form as soon as at the Munich motor show in September this year.\nSmart already makes \nfully-electric models\n.\nWhile details are obviously scarce right now, Smart\u2019s vice president of global sales Daniel Lescow, has not been shy to talk about the latest developments within his company. Lescow wrote on his \nLinkedIn page\n: \u201cIt may come as a surprise to some: Smart will enter the market with a fully electric SUV \u2013 spacious yet compact. This will be the first vehicle of the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, due out in 2022, built in China.\u201d\nLescow also says in his post that the upcoming Smart eSUV will be built on Geely\u2019s new \nSEA electric car architecture\n, which stands for Sustainable Experience Architecture.\nGeely\u2019s SEA platform.\nDespite being built in Geely\u2019s Xi\u2019an plant, the model will not be a China-exclusive model, with export plans to Europe already confirmed. No word on other Asian markets as of now, but Lescow \u2013 speaking to German publication \nAutomobilwoche\n \u2013 did say that the new model will not be available in the United States.\n\u201cThe potential is vast, not only in Europe but also in China. SUVs are becoming the most popular of all passenger vehicles in China. But don\u2019t worry, our new SUV won\u2019t just be for China \u2013 we\u2019ll be bringing it to European markets,\u201d Lescow writes in his post.\nThis, but bigger?\nAccording to the LinkedIn post, Mercedes-Benz will be responsible for the design of the new Smart electric SUV model, while Geely will be the main contributor in terms of development and production of the vehicle.\nReports from China suggest that the still-unnamed Smart SUV model will be equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor, generating a maximum power of 272 hp, alongside a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of less than 70 kWh and a range of more than 500 km, based on the Chinese NEDC test cycle.\nAutocar\n further reports that it will be comparable in size to the \nMini Countryman\n, which means it will be Smart\u2019s largest model to date, at around four metres in length."
"McLaren has just welcomed its latest \u201cLongtail\u201d McLaren to the stable, the McLaren 600LT. Based on the \n570S\n, the 600LT is the most track-focused variant of the brand\u2019s Sports Series.\nTo deliver the performance expectations for an LT, the M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 has been tweaked to deliver \n600 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque thanks to an uprated cooling system and reduced back pressure in the exhaust system. McLaren claims the 600LT\u2019s exhaust system is even shorter and more extreme than the Senna, bold claims this is. Unfortunately, the company did not reveal key performance figures of their latest LT.\nTo go with the uprated output, McLaren has given the 600LT quicker steering, sharper throttle response, better brake pedal feel as well as firmer engine mounts. It also rides on bespoke Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R sticky tyres.\nWhile the 600LT does not command the same visual impact as the \n675LT\n when it first came out, rest assured that the car has undergone some extensive upgrades over the 570S. The 600LT is \n74 mm\n longer than the car it was based on thanks to extended front splitter and diffuser as well as the fixed rear wing that was inspired from the 675LT. In total, the 600LT features 23 per cent different parts over the standard 570S.   The 600LT was also put through a diet programme, shaving 96 kg in the process, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre bodywork and lightened exhaust system. Customers who are looking for further weight savings can give McLaren Special Operations (MSO) a call and they will gladly change the roof, cantrails and front fenders to carbon fibre items. With every lightweight option fitted, the 600LT tips the scale at 1,247 kg.\nInside, the cabin spots unique endplates, more exposed carbon fibre trims and Alcantara upholstery. Customers can choose two seat options for the 600LT \u2013 Carbon Fibre Racing seats or Super Lightweight Carbon Fibre Seats for the ultimate track car experience.\nProduction Volume of the McLaren 600LT will be strictly limited and production will commence in October 2018. Prices for the 600LT starts from \u00a3185,500 (RM982K) before options and includes a Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day experience.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 600LT in Chicane Grey"
"The Ferrari Museum in Maranello will throw a very different birthday party in the form of a special exhibition for its most successful Formula 1 driver, Michael Schumacher, for his 50th birthday come 3rd of January 2019.\nA 7-time Formula 1 Champion with Ferrari, five of which were won in a row from 2000 to 2004, it\u2019s no surprise that Schumacher is Maranello\u2019s favourite son. Of the seven years, he also helped Ferrari win six Constructor\u2019s Title \u2013 in part the result of an impenetrable relationship with Formula 1 team boss, Jean Todt.\nThe rooms in the Museum will be decorated with all the precious moments from Ferrari\u2019s unbeatable years in Formula 1.\nSchumacher (centre) with then teammate Eddie Irvine and arguably his toughest competitor, Mika Hakkinen.\nThe exhibition will also display Schumacher\u2019s contribution in the development of GT cars after his racing days, as a driver, and later on as a consultant.\nTragedy struck five years ago in December 2013 when the Formula 1 legend injured his head in a ski accident while on holiday with his family.\nAfter a lengthy coma following a few life-saving surgeries, recent reports from the UK media have claimed that Schumacher is no longer bed-ridden but is still undergoing intensive therapy and rehabilitation.\nAs far-fetched as it sounds, we sure hope Schumacher could attend his own \u201celaborate birthday party\u201d in Maranello come January; he deserves to.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nThe Evolution of Schumacher\u2019s Formula 1 race cars"
"These days, anyone can whip their phone out and take a decent picture anytime, anywhere. Smartphones have come so far that its cameras can make a teenager\u2019s holiday selfie look like it was professionally taken. This award-winning photographer though, just took photography to a whole new level.\nFor the first time ever, a car was used as a camera by a photographer. Barbara Davidson, a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and artist teamed up with Volvo Cars to create a special collection of photographs taken with the on-board safety cameras of the new Volvo XC60.\nAs the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words. The collection of around 30 photographs which were taken in the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark through the lenses of the XC60\u2019s on-board safety camera, were simply spectacular.\nFirstly it is a snapshot of European city life in all its glory; secondly it also highlights the complex environments that we live in. It is thanks to the cameras and other on-board sensors that cars like the Volvo XC60 make modern city life safer for pedestrians and other road users,\u201d said Davidson.\nNow it may have seemed like just another challenge for a decorated photographer to embark on but Barbara Davidson\u2019s history with Volvo runs deeper than that. As a young girl, she was involved in a severe car accident; it had flipped over and Barbara was told that the only reason why she survived was because she was in a Volvo. Exaggerated? Unlikely.\nIn 2008 the Swedish brand launched the first standard autonomous emergency braking system, City Safety, in the first XC60. It\u2019s been proven to have reduced collisions by up to 45% in Sweden alone.\nDubbed the Vision 2020, it is high on Volvo\u2019s priority that no one should be killed or even seriously injured in a new Volvo vehicle by the year 2020. Judging from their track record and how things have developed, its a more realistic feat than our own local \u201cWawasan (Vision) 2020\u201d will ever be.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"These days, shopping for new items can be done with just a few clicks \u2013 making us swap the old for the new way before the former starts to expire. With new tech rolling out faster than we can remember, keeping old faithful belongings alive may get you a few eyeballs and uninvited remarks.\nThat\u2019s unless the item in question is a completely standard Nissan 200SX, which has been in the family for 30 years since it was purchased brand new 30 years ago in 1991!\nTucked away in the small town of Knysna at the very edge of South Africa, the unmolested 200SX belongs to 87-year old June Bouwer. Having spent most of their lives in the city of Johannesburg, the time came to escape the city bustle for the rural life.\nIn enticing her to leave the city, June\u2019s husband offered to buy any car of her choice and of all the fancy cars she could\u2019ve gone for, June went for the 200SX.\nApparently, it wasn\u2019t easily available either. It had to be specially ordered from a local Nissan dealer in Dunkeld, in the suburbs of Johannesburg.\nAccording to \nPrestige Multimedia\n, the original source of this story, there isn\u2019t a speck of rust in sight! At 30 years old, it has clearly aged better than all of us (including the writer who is 32), as proper servicing and maintenance has always been June\u2019s top priority.\nThe car has spent its entire life in the garage and the condition of the cabin, the trims and the red paint is a clear reflection of it. With a little scrub, the 200SX could even easily fool most as a brand new car.\nAsked if she ever gave the car a good run, June said that she once got it up to 160 km/h, and it was enough. Not bad when you consider that June was already a retiree when she bought the car!\nImage credit/source: \nPrestige Multimedia Facebook\nGALLERY"
"The 5 Series GT has been upgraded. From now on, BMW is calling it the 6 Series GT, after the recent demise of the F13/F12/F06 6 Series range.\nBMW claims that the new G32 6 Series GT is very much improved in many aspects over its predecessor, mainly contributed by BMW\u2019s intelligent lightweight engineering. Compared to the old 5 Series GT, the new 6 Series GT is lighter by 150 kg and is said to handle better, sprint quicker, and sip less fuel than before.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCfSMBC3p8s\nThe looks may still divide opinions but compared to the predecessor, we reckon the new one is a little easier on the eyes. It\u2019s lower and longer (by 21 mm and 87 mm respectively), and overall it looks like a paused screencap of a G30 5 Series morphing into an F16 X6.\nInside, it\u2019s eerily similar to the G30 5 Series albeit with a slightly raised seating position. Like its predecessor, rear space is generous but this time BMW improved the soundproofing for an even quieter cabin. Options available for the rear seats include active seat ventilation, massage function and powered adjustment.\nBehind the rear seats, the 610 litres boot carries 110 litres more than the outgoing 5 Series GT and BMW has lowered the load sill by at least 50 mm for better usability. Fold down the\u00a0 40/20/40 split rear seat backrest and you\u2019ll get a total of 1,800 litres of real estate. Powered tailgate is available as standard on all models too.\nAs standard, every 6 Series GT will be equipped with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, whereas Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function can be specified as an option. The latter works at speeds up to 210 km/h, and there\u2019s also Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning systems, as well as the Remote Control Parking feature.   Engine options should mirror the G30 5 Series range. Currently there are three variants available at launch: 630i, 640i, and 630d. The 630i is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder producing 258 hp and 400 Nm, meanwhile the 640i and 630d are powered by six cylinder engines.\nThe 3.0-litre petrol in the 640i develops 340 hp and 450 Nm, and the 3.0-litre diesel in the 630d churns out 265 hp and 620 Nm. All three engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic to drive the rear wheels, but xDrive all-wheel drive is only available on the six-cylinder models. Expect to see a plug-in hybrid 630e in the near future, but don\u2019t count on BMW to launch the M6 GT.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo\u2019s upturn of fortunes in Malaysia is further bolstered today when the Swedish carmaker introduced the all-new Volvo S60. Priced at \nRM295,888\n (OTR without insurance), the fully-imported S60 sedan is only offered in the delightfully sporty T8 R Design trim.\nLabeled by Volvo as a \u2018true driver\u2019s car\u2019, the S60 certainly has large shoes to fill. Motivation is provided by the T8 Twin Engine hybrid powertrain, managing a combined output of \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n. Drive is transferred to all four wheels via an \n8-speed automatic transmission\n with Geartronic manual shift option.\nThe Volvo S60 T8 does the century sprint in a rapid\n 4.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Other than the wholly respectable power output, Volvo claims that the S60 is efficient too \u2013 with a fuel consumption of just \n2 l/100km\n, despite weighing just over 2 tonnes.\u00a0\nWearing the R Design badge, the Volvo S60 sports an imposing appearance with several variant-specific trim. On the front, the R Design grille features a black horizontal mesh design and\u00a0Silk Metal-finished frame, flanked by Volvo\u2019s signature \u201cThor\u2019s Hammer\u201d LED combination headlights.\u00a0\nThe lower front apron features an aggressive bumper design with large cutouts and a unique black outer grille for added road presence.\nOn the sides, the 19-inch satin-finished alloy wheels highlight the short overhang on both ends. As part of the R Design package, the wing mirrors also get a gloss-black housing.\u00a0\nMoving to the rear, the iconic twin C-shaped taillights give the S60 a more muscular profile. The integrated lip spoiler also provides improved overall aerodynamics and visual appeal for the sport sedan.\nRight under the spoiler, the new-style Volvo lettering runs across the top of the tailgate. As part of the R Design line, the S60 also gets a sportier rear bumper with black trim accents and twin exhaust housings.\u00a0\nStepping inside, the interior of the S60 is both inviting and subtly sporty. The R Design contour seats are upholstered in Charcoal Fine Nappa Leather, while the dashboard and door panel trims are finished in an Open Grid Textile pattern.\u00a0\nThe 9-inch, tablet-style touchscreen display of the Volvo Sensus Connect infotainment system dominates the centre of the dashboard, controlling most of the vehicle\u2019s functionalities such as climate control and navigation. The infotainment system is also compatible with \nAndroid Auto and Apple CarPlay\n as standard.\nTucked behind the R Design three-spoke leather steering wheel is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, heads-up display is also standard. Other interior highlights include sports pedal and an electronic gear selector finished in double-stitched leather. Nothing too shouty, but all executed in typical Nordic understated fashion.\nBesides sharing the \nScalable Product Architecture (SPA) \nplatform which underpins the top-of-the-line 90 series, the Volvo S60 also inherits the safety equipment from its elder siblings, which means it comes with a class-leading list of safety features.\nFeaturing the \nIntelliSafe advanced safety suite\n, the Volvo S60 comes equipped with the City Safety with Autobrake function to avoid and mitigate potential collisions with pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.\nThe S60 can also apply auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions, which Volvo says is a world\u2019s first in the mid-size sedan segment. The \nPilot Assist radar cruise control system\n has also been upgraded with \nimproved cornering performance at speeds up to 130 km/h\n.\u00a0\nAs part of the IntelliSafe suite, the S60 also gets Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, and Park Assist.\u00a0\nThe Volvo S60 will be available in Fusion Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Pebble Grey Metallic, Onyx Black Metallic and Birch Light Metallic."
"One of two units of the \nLotus 3-Eleven\n in Malaysia has unfortunately crashed earlier today, making it the first reported crash of the limited edition 3-Eleven. According to sources, the accident occurred in Penang and the driver who was piloting the open-cockpit Lotus alone is safe.\nBased on the images we received, the incident appears to have taken place on wet conditions with the front and rear of the car damaged. We know that this unit bears the chassis number 001, one of 311 limited run units. Looking at it, the chassis seems to be intact and salvageable.\nThe \nLotus\n 3-Eleven comes in two variants, one road legal and the other is a track-only weapon. The road legal 3-Eleven is powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 that produces \n410 hp\n and \n410 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint is clocked in \n3.4 seconds\n. Prices for the road going 3-Eleven starts from RM640k while the track-only variant starts from RM868k.\nTo pilot the 3-Eleven, the driver will have to wear a helmet and strap on to the carbon fibre seats with a 4-point harness. The roll-cage and twin side bars definitely contributed to keeping the driver safe. It\u2019s unfortunate that such a beauty was involved in an accident but we wish the driver (and the 3-Eleven) a speedy recovery and be back on the road in no time!\nIMAGE GALLERY\u00a0\nLotus 3-Eleven Launch in Malaysia"
"When it comes to luxury on wheels, nothing exudes that image more outstandingly than a Rolls-Royce. A \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n or a \nBMW 7-series\n may have their say as the height of commuting luxury, but the opulence of a Rolls-Royce makes them seem like playground footballers against Premier League superstars.\nBut of course, when you factor in its price tag of \nRM 2.2 million\n for the Standard Wheelbase and \nRM 2.5 million\n for the Extended Wheelbase, both excluding taxes, you reserve every right to not only have your expectations met, but raised.   Lavishness aside, performance figures are never neglected with Rolls-Royce\u2019s and the Phantom is no different. Considering it weighs a hefty 2.6-tonnes, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase takes a mere\n 5.2 seconds\n to a 100 km/h with the Standard Wheelbase being faster by just 0.1 seconds.\nThis generous delivery of power is the brainchild of its 6.75-liter V12 engine herded by an 8-speed Satellite-aided transmission, delivering a wealth of might with 563 hp and a supercar-rivaling 900 Nm of torque.\nVery impressive considering the amount of clinically-exclusive additions to a car most households would not even have. Among them are the Starlight headliner which spellbinds the interior with a sea of \u201cstars\u201d, two different compartments to hold glasses for different types of presumably expensive beverages and folded tables for its elite customers to conduct their business or indulge in their gourmet meals.   Before taking flight in the Phantom, you are received with the grandeur opening of it\u2019s \u201csuicide doors\u201d which by the way can be automatically opened and closed with touch-sensitive door handles. Whether you\u2019re piloting the Rolls-Royce (although unlikely) or being pampered in the rear seats, the plushness of the cabin will take an extended time to digest.\nWhat other car in the world offers individual controls by each door panel? What other car in the world provides a vanity mirror more aesthetically-pleasing than the ones you\u2019d fine in a 5-star hotel? Don\u2019t even get us started on how soft yet supportive the seats were.\nAs you descend your bottom and eventually your back on those sumptuous seats, the seats \u201creceive you\u201d with the grace of a butler before gently allowing you to lay on its swanky surface. The majestic blend of wood, leather and billeted metal alone, which of course can be customised according to the flexibility of your bank account, is a sight to be bewildered by.   Its new spaceframe, which will underpin future Rolls-Royce models, is lighter yet 30% more rigid than its predecessors but you don\u2019t want to know that. What you\u2019d want to know is that it\u2019s got 130 kg\u2019s worth of sound insulation, double-laminated glass and dual skin alloys across the bulkhead to ensure that when all of the Phantom\u2019s doors are shut, it is as silent as an air-tight studio.\nBelieve or not, when engineers were carrying out road and vibrations tests, noise levels were so low that they had to check if their equipments were faulty.\nThe new Phantom comes equipped with the \u201cFlagbearer\u201d \u2013 a stereo camera system integrated in the windscreen that sees the road ahead and adjusts the suspension proactively. Elsewhere its headlights are equipped with the latest laser light technology, with a 600-metre range of light in the dark.\nThere simply aren\u2019t enough fancy adjectives to be shared and distributed across the exclusive touches that come with the new Phantom, for everything else, we have pictures for you.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Nissan Almera once took the B-Segment crown two years back before the new \nCity\n, Vios, \nAttrage \nand \nPolo CKDs\n entered the foray. Now after almost two and a half years since its introduction in October 2012, it\u2019s high time now for a refreshed variant. Here\u2019s what we have from the latest brochure.\nOur neighbouring country \u2013 Thailand to be specific, has received the Almera facelift as early as January last year, but runs on a smaller 1.2-litre three cylinder engine to benefit from the country\u2019s eco car incentives. The Almera that we will be getting soldiers on with the exact same \n1.5-litre HR15DE\n naturally aspirated engine.\nSo what\u2019s changed? Well, the headlights for one, is reshaped to fit the company\u2019s current design shared with the Sylphy and the flagship \nTeana\n sedans. It also gets a \nrevised front grille\n, chrome accents to the fog lights and \nnew side mirrors\n with integrated \nsignal indicators\n. Also new is the wheel design, measuring at \n15-inches\n\u00a0and wrapped with 185/65R15 series rubbers, same as before.\u00a0Its rear lights however, remain the same.\nInside, it gets a \nnew steering wheel design\n and black touches to the centre console, mainly the air conditioning dials (previously matte silver). We expect many of the current creature comforts such as keyless entry and push-start to be carried over in the \nVL trim\n.\nUnderneath the hood, again, is the same \n1.5-litre engine\n pushing \n102 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n139 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both the \nfive-speed manual\n and \nfour-speed automatic\n transmission are offered here as well. As with the previous Almera, there\u2019s a good list of packages to choose from on top of your new Almera \u2013 from the \nRM750 Elegance Package\n all the way to the \nRM14,000 Nismo Performance Package\n. According to the leaked brochure, we are the first market to get the RM14k Nismo package.\nFive colours come with the Almera: Bronze Gold, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Brilliant White and Graphite Blue. All Almeras come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty programme, and priced the same from the \ncurrent RM67k to RM80k\n\u00a0range.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Car names can come in all shapes and forms, but not often do they tell you exactly what it is. The all-new third-generation\n Range Rover Sport\n, however, is refreshingly blunt; it\u2019s exactly what the name says it is \u2013 a sportier version of the Range Rover.\nJust like the\n fifth-gen Range Rover\n, the design of the all-new Sport is more evolution than revolution. But as they say \u2013 if it\u2019s not broken, don\u2019t fix it, right? The designers at JLR has definitely done a bang-up job in bringing the tried-and-true design up to modern standards, yet still maintaining the signature look and stature one would expect from a Range Rover Sport.\nFrom the front, the all-new car is instantly recognisable as a Range Rover thanks to its tall and flat face. However, to mark it out as the \u201csportier\u201d model, the Range Rover Sport here gets a slimmer headlight and grille combo, very much in the style of the \nVelar\n and \nEvoque\n, alongside a more aggressive lower bumper and air intakes design.\nBut more importantly here \u2013 at least to the car\u2019s chief exterior designer Dominic Najafi \u2013 is its coupe-like roofline that \u201caccelerates\u201d down to the rear, which couples to the wraparound belt line and the floor that kicks up towards the rear, to give the car a sportier and more streamlined stance.\nThe twin shark fin antennas on top is a weird choice, though, given their focus on minimalism.\nOver at the rear, the numberplate has been moved down to the bumper to give the fascia a much cleaner surface than before. The new slim taillights design also tie in to the minimalist ethos, with a single \nheckblende\n black plastic trim joining the two slim LED taillights together.\nThe rear styling is specifically designed to not have anything stand out in particular. According to Najafi, this is a \u201cvery modern approach\u201d, and it certainly gives the Range Rover Sport a unique layered look, especially in this two-tone red-and-black exterior colour pairing. No fake vents or exhaust tips here either, and the wheels can also be optioned up to 23 inches in diameter.\nRELATED: Range Rover waves goodbye to the Sport SVR with a swanky new \u201cUltimate\u201d edition\nThe third-generation Sport\u2019s interior is clearly derived from the full-fat Range Rover model, but the company says that it\u2019s been revised for a more driver-focused design. The seats have been lowered by 20 mm to give it the trademark \u201cRange Rover Command Driving Position\u201d, while the centre stack, including the 13.1-inch Privi Pro touchscreen infotainment display, has also been given a steeper angle for better usability and a sleeker look.\nSpeaking of usability, the all-new Range Rover Sport here is blessed with \nactual physical dials\n for the climate control panel, which means there\u2019s no need to fumble through the infotainment system just to change the temperature settings. There are still touch-sensitive buttons for the other ancillary controls, but we\u2019ll take what we can get here.\nOther interior appointments on the third-generation Range Rover Sport include a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster, standard Amazon Alexa integration for voice commands, 22-way adjustable seats with massage function, an optional 29-speaker 1,450W Meridian Signature Sound System with active noise-cancelling system in the headrests, and soft-closing doors.\nAs usual in any other Range Rover models, you can also expect the highest quality materials for the upholstery inside, with options including three different types of leather, and Ultrafabrics\u2122 premium textiles \u2013 the latter also available on the dashboard and door detailing.\nALSO READ: All-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque now available in Malaysia\nThe new Range Rover Sport is available with a wide range of powertrains, ranging from the usual petrol and diesel to plug-in hybrid engines. JLR says that a fully-electric model is also on the cards, however it\u2019ll only make its debut in 2024.\nAt the very top of the pyramid (for now) is the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine with \n530 hp\n on tap, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n4.5 seconds\n, which is then followed by two plug-in hybrid models available in either the\n 510 hp\n (and \n750 Nm\n) P510e or \n440 hp\n P440e configuration.\nBoth plug-in hybrids are powered by the same 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine paired to a 38.2 kWh battery pack. They complete the century sprint in \n5.4 \nand \n5.8 seconds\n respectively, and can both deliver an EV range of 113 km.\nCompleting the powertrain line-up for now is a range of 48V mild-hybrid options, which uses either a \n400 hp \nP400 inline-six petrol engine, or the D300 and D350 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel powerplants, making \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 \n300 hp\n and \n350 hp\n respectively.\nNo matter which variant you choose, the Range rover Sport will come with all-wheel drive as standard, alongside an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nJLR has also confirmed that an even sportier \nRange Rover Sport SVR \nis in the works, but no other information has been divulged just yet.\nTo complement all that grunt, the Range Rover Sport also comes as standard with the 48V Dynamic Response Pro electronic active roll control system, capable of delivering up to 1,400 Nm of torque across each axle to offer \u201cnew levels of body control and cornering composure\u201d.\nThe active roll control system works hand-in-hand with the latest-generation Dynamic Air Suspension, which introduces switchable-volume air springs for the first time. The suspension works by varying the pressure within the chambers to deliver the \u201ctraditional Range Rover comfort\u201d, while still providing the dynamic handling capabilities that is expected from the Sport.\nTo make spirited driving even more engaging, the car also monitors the road ahead using navigation data to prepare for upcoming bends, with the Active Twin Valve Dampers continuously adjusted at up to 500 times a second based on other external factors to deliver \u201cthe most precise and composed driving dynamics of any Range Rover Sport\u201d, or so says the company.\nThe new MLA-Flex mixed-metal chassis, which is also used by the Range Rover, also contributes to the dynamism of the Sport, thanks to a 35% increase in torsional stiffness over the outgoing model. And to top it all off, the Range Rover Sport is also now offered with the optional all-wheel steering (up to 7.3 degrees out of phase with the front wheels), brake torque vectoring, and electronic active differential.\nFor those who fancy going off-road in the Range Rover Sport for some reason, the new model now comes with JLR\u2019s latest Terrain Response 2 system, which introduces the brand\u2019s new adaptive off-road cruise control system. Drivers can select one of four settings, and the system will then adjust the speed accordingly so they can focus on steering the vehicle.\nOver in the UK, the all-new third-generation Range Rover Sport starts from GBP79,125 (approx. RM428k) for the 300 hp diesel model, climbing to roughly GBP115,000 (approx. RM620k) for the range-topping V8 model.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai has just unveiled the new 2022 Palisade facelift at this year\u2019s New York International Auto Show, bringing along a refreshed exterior and reworked kit list, just four months after the pre-facelift model was \nintroduced here in Malaysia\n.\nMost of the styling changes of the new 2022 \nHyundai Palisade\n are on its front fascia, featuring a new and wider \u201cCascading grille\u201d design that takes up almost the entire width of the front, just below the bonnet shut line.\nThe \u201cparametric shield\u201d chrome outline of the grille creates an illusion at the top that gives it a \nMitsubishi Triton-esque look\n, but unlike the Tucson, the grille here doesn\u2019t actually have any lighting elements at all; the daytime-running lights on the new Hyundai Palisade are actually vertically-aligned, running from just beside the grille elements at the top, down to the main headlight housings lower on the bumper.\nThere\u2019s also the usual tweaks to the bumpers, both front and rear, with the latter featuring a new narrow strip across that houses the reflectors and reverse lights, alongside new square tailpipe exits. Otherwise, the rest of the exterior remains unchanged from before, save for the new wheel designs, with sizes of up to 20 inches in diameter.\nFacts & Figures: Hyundai Palisade 7/8 seater launched in Malaysia, from RM328,888\nThe 2022 Hyundai Palisade facelift also received a pretty significant makeover on the inside, headlined by a tweaked dashboard layout, and a new steering wheel design similar to that of the \nElantra\n.\nWhile the overall looks remain similar, Hyundai has given the new three-row SUV a slim air vent strip design that spans nearly the entire width of the dashboard to \u201cadd a sense of spaciousness\u201d. Also new on the Palisade are the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the larger 12-inch infotainment display sitting atop the dashboard, featuring the marque\u2019s latest BlueLink telematics system.\nThe more minor changes include a new coat of black paint on the button bank right underneath the centre air vents, new ambient lighting, upgraded USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad (up to 15W), and the company\u2019s Digital Key 2 Touch system that\u2019s compatible with both iPhone and Android.\nThe seats have also been upgraded across all three rows \u2013 the driver now gets an Ergo Motion set-up that Hyundai says provides better comfort and reduce fatigue during long drives; second-row passengers now get a wing-out headrests and seat ventilation, while those in the third row can also now enjoy the seat heating function, which is apparently a first for Hyundai.\nALSO READ: Hyundai IONIQ 5 wins big at the 2022 World Car Awards!\nOn the safety front, rear side-impact airbags are now included as standard equipment on the new Palisade, while advanced driver assist features such as the navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, highway driving assist, reverse collision assist, and remote parking are also available as option.\nIn an effort to keep up with competition from other brands particularly in the US, Hyundai is also now offering the 2022 Palisade in an XRT variant that comes with darkened trims and off-road-style trims, including blacked-out wheels, grille, and roof rails, alongside \u201cskid plate design elements\u201d on the bumpers.\nDespite the fiercer looks, however, the powertrain underneath the bonnet remains unchanged from before, and is the same 3.8-litre petrol V6 engine across the entire range. Power output is rated at\n 291 hp\n and \n355 Nm\n, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a choice of two- or HTRAC all-wheel drive.\nGALLERY"
"Following the launch of the \nIS 500 F SPORT Performance \nlast month, Lexus has unveiled the limited edition \nIS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition\n \nwhere only 500 units will be available, exclusively to the US market.\nPerformance figures remain unchanged with\n 472 hp \nand \n535 Nm \nfrom a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8. The exclusivity, however, lies with numerous interior and exterior trims which will only be available in the Launch Edition.\nOn the outside, the Launch Edition comes with 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels which are \noptional items\n from the IS F Sport Dynamic Handling Package. They\u2019re also around 2 kg lighter than the standard 19-inch wheels in the IS F Sport. As for the paintwork, the Incognito colour is an all-new colour for the Lexus line up.\nInside, the Performance Edition comes with Ultrasuede upholstery, along with silver ash wood finishing on the steering wheel. Just to make the Launch Edition a little more special, each of the 500 units come with a \nserialised badge\n.\nEven the instrument cluster comes with a \u201cLaunch Edition start up animation\u201d that\u2019s different from the standard IS 500!\nGALLERY\n2022 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT"
"Audi finally taken the sheets off the second generation \nR8\n, revealing a more angular styling than the outgoing car. This all new Audi R8 will have its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.\nAt first sight it might look like a facelift, but you can tell it\u2019s the new R8 by the prominent honeycomb Singleframe grille and those piercing \nLED headlamps\n. \nLaser lights\n are optional, and if you choose that you\u2019ll get the \u201c\ndynamic turn signals\n\u201d for the front head lamps as well.\nThe\n side blades\n are now split into two levels, giving the new R8 a longer appearance than before. But same as before you can have the side blades in contrasting colour or you can even have it in glossy carbon.\nThe back is flatter, featuring \nLED taillights\n on top of the side vents, an \naggressive diffuser\n under the bumper, and not forgetting those \ntrapezoidal tailpipes\n that plays the \ntune of the engine\n.\nIn case if you\u2019re wondering what kind of tune they\u2019re going to play, under that transparent engine cover lies a \nnaturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10\n with two different output figures. On the \u201cbase\u201d \nR8 V10\n it churns out \n540 hp\n and\n 540 Nm\n of torque. On the \nR8 V10 plus\n, it develops \n610 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n of torque.\nMated to a\n 7-speed S tronic\n (sorry, no manual this time) and \nquattro all-wheel drive system\n, acceleration time from\n 0 to 100 km/h\n is \n3.5 seconds\n for the \nR8 V10\n and \n3.2 seconds\n for the\n R8 V10 plus\n, while the\n top speed\n is\n 323 km/h\n for the former and \n330 km/h\n for the latter.\nThe V10 features\n Cylinder On Demand\n (COD) to shut off one of the two cylinder banks when necessary, helping to achieve the average \nfuel consumption\n of \n11.8 l/100 km\n for the R8 V10 and \n12.4 l/100 km\n for the R8 V10 plus.\nThe interior showcases the new \nmultifunction plus steering wheel\n with groups of controls, and the \nAudi virtual cockpit\n behind it. The virtual cockpit utilises a wide\n 12.3-inch screen\n that displays all sorts of information you could possibly imagine; from the vehicle speed and all the way to the detailed 3D map for navigation.\nSince all the information is now shown in the virtual cockpit, the center console is now free from any screen. Filling the void is a trio of controls for the air conditioning.\nIn Europe, the new R8 is set to go on sale this summer, carrying a price tag of \n\u20ac\n 165,000\n for the R8 V10, and \n\u20ac \n187,400\n for the R8 V10 plus. But before that, it will debut at the\n Geneva Motor Show\n next week together with the \nPrologue Avant\n concept.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re of a certain high net worth and luxury SUVs are your thing, then you\u2019re about to get even more spoilt for choice. Mercedes-Maybach has just made your selection even more difficult with the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept.\nUnveiled at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show and aimed largely at China\u2019s elite, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury combines the DNA of a SUV and a saloon car.\nThe Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is conceived as an electric car with four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors thus making it\u00a0\nall-wheel drive. \nOutput is rated at \n750 hp \nwhile\u00a0top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.\nAnd you do notice it \u2013 it looks like a limousine on stilts. Onto the finer details, the front radiator grille has been designed with fine vertical bars\n to mimic a pinstripe suit\n; as seen in the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 revealed recently.\nThe concept model rides on \n24-inch \u201cturbine look\u201d wheels\n and is fitted with\u00a0\nelectrically-extending door handles\n. What stands out the most are its\n split folding rear windscreen\n \u2013 reminiscent of the classic Volkswagen Beetle.\nInside, the\u00a0Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury is draped in crystal white nappa leather, finished in rose gold diamond stitching. The mix of Western and Eastern influence can be seen with the use of\u00a0\nebony \u201cMagic Wood\u201d\n \u2013 a traditional material for Chinese furniture.\nYou see the purpose of this car now?\nIMAGE GALLE"
"When it comes to supercars, there aren\u2019t many which are as iconic as the Nissan GT-R and in commemorating its motoring and commercial success, along with a cult-like following, Nissan has introduced a 50th Anniversary Edition.\nThe 50th Anniversary Edition with \n565 hp/633 Nm\n will not be easily mistaken for the more conventional models as it dons the Wangan Blue and Pearl White liveries from the Japan GP series that the original GT-R was built to dominate in.\nIn the engine bay are new turbochargers, new exhaust manifold with optimised flange attachment points and new titanium mufflers. The GT-R\u2019s 6-speed dual clutch gearbox have also been refined for both road and track use with more aggressive downshifts.\nThe GT-R is also expected to have more linear steering response with increased precision while further tuning of the electronically-controlled suspension offers better cornering stability and a smoother ride.\nWith all the power upgrades, the Nissan GT-R offers even more security on the braking front with a new brake booster to increase initial braking response.\nInside the 50th Anniversary Edition is a special gray interior colour scheme, a special edition steering wheel, shift knob, seat embossing and Alcantra upholstery on the headlining and sunvisor to name a few.\nAlso, check out the \nnew Nissan GT-R Nismo\n!\nAlongside the 50th Anniversary Edition, Nissan also introduced a Track Edition GT-R with \n600 hp\n, thanks to turbochargers adopted from the GT-R GT3 race car, along with options for a carbon fibre roof and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems that Perodua have their hands tied trying to keep up with deliveries of their new baby, the \nfourth-generation Perodua Myvi\n. Since its official debut in November 2017, the company has collected 60,000 orders for the new hatchback and has since fulfilled 28,000 of those orders.\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari Husin said: \u201cWe thank our customers and the Malaysian public for their strong support of the Myvi, and we will continue to improve the delivery time for our valued customers,\u201d\nDespite the colossal number, Perodua maintains that customers who place their bookings for the new Myvi today will most likely receive their cars in time for the Raya holidays in June.\nWith 28,000 new Myvis on the streets and plenty more to come, Perodua also sees a healthy demand for its other models, delivering 5,000 \nAxias\n, 3,700 \nBezzas\n and 1,900 \nAlza\n in the month of February. Perodua delivered 6,500 Myvis in the same month, making up a total of 17,100 units.\nYear-on-year, Perodua\u2019s sales have grown by\n 13.1 percent\n from 30,800 to 34,800. The national carmaker targets to sell 209,000 cars in 2018 \u2013 2 percent increase from 2017."
"Following the debut of the new GranTurismo, \nMaserati\n has now released images of the Maserati GranCabrio, albeit underneath some camouflage. The Italian marque is now taking the prototype cabriolet to the streets of Modena for the initial stages of development testing.\nMaserati says the GranCabrio and the \nGranTurismo\n \nare its first cars to adopt a 100% electric solution. Unveiled earlier this month, the hard-top GranTurismo is offered with three powertrain options \u2013 two choices of V6 engines and one all-electric choice dubbed the \u2018Folgore\u2019 with three electric motors. The same options will be available for the GranCabrio.\nWith the aim of becoming a fully-electric brand by 2030, Maserati has already introduced the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore and the \nMaserati Grecale\n Folgore\n. The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore will be the third member of the brand\u2019s electric lineup.\nThe electric GranCabrio Folgore will have a tri-motor setup with two electric motors in the rear and one for the front axle. Each motor is capable of 300 kW (408 hp), and when combined, provides a system output of 560 kW (\n761 hp\n) and \n1,350 Nm\n. The GranTursimo is capable of a 2.7-second 0-100 km/h acceleration time, and the GranCabrio\u2019s figures shouldn\u2019t deviate too far.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Maserati GranTurismo: same-same, but also completely different\nPower is drawn from a \n92.5-kW\nh battery pack that provides an electric driving range of over \n402 km\n. Mirroring the GranTurismo Folgore, the GranCabrio Folgore should support \n270-kW\n DC fast charging which can regain 100 km of range in just 5 minutes. Underpinning the Folgore\u2019s electric system is an 800-V architecture.\nPetrol powertrain choices comprise two different 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engines. Like the GranTurismo engine options, one makes \n486 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n and the other makes \n557 hp\n and \n650 N\nm. Both V6 engines are paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.\nThe GranCabrio is expected to launch in 2023, the prototype models are undergoing intensive testing (on the road, on the track, and in various usage conditions), aimed at gathering essential data for optimal final tuning.\nRELATED: \nMaserati now offers a 10-year powertrain warranty to prove their cars are reliable\nGALLERY"
"Great news! If you\u2019ve had something you want to spend on \u2013 whether it\u2019s for your car or your better half \u2013 now\u2019s the time to loosen that purse strings!\nThat\u2019s cause the Ministry of Transport has just announced that all AES summons prior to this announcement are now \nCANCELLED\n!\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=25&amp;v=Zq2lxPnEfOU\nMore than 3.1 million AES summons have been issued and with each summon costing \nRM150 eac\nh, the Government is forgoing a total of RM435 million with this move.\nMinister of Transport Anthony Loke said that it\u2019s a \none-off gesture\n by the government but warned that in the future, there will be no such cancellations nor discounts for summons accrued under the ruling of the current government.\nFrom \n1st of September 2018 \nonwards, all AES summons will have to be paid. For now, you can now go get those new rims and bodykit you\u2019ve been holding back on.\nCredit: \nKiniTV"
"They\u2019re really not mucking about with their performance cars. Since Albert Biermann, former head of BMW\u2019s M division, came into power at Hyundai\u2019s N division, they\u2019ve produced purposed-built sportscars with the i30N hatchback and the Veloster N.\nHeck, even their Elantra Sport, a model we have locally, was brilliant to drive!\nNow they\u2019ve developed a new fibre of muscle to flex with the extremely alluring all-new i30 Fastback N. Who would\u2019ve thought the words \u201cextremely\u201d and \u201calluring\u201d would be said consecutively in the same sentence, about a Hyundai?\nBefore, if you wanted or even mildly thought about performance with regards to Hyundai, your only option would\u2019ve been the Coupe, the Veloster or if you\u2019re in the States, the over-300 hp Genesis Coupe.\nPerformance without compromise \u2013 the Fastback comes with a 450-litre boot, expandable to 1,351-litres.\nDespite the horsepower deficit, the all-new i30 Fastback N should still run rings around latter. With the i30N hatchback, Hyundai experienced a completely unexpected success story \u2013 3,000 units sold in first half of 2018 while 100 units of its First Edition was sold out in Germany within 48 hours!\nThis one should help spike their sales charts like the heartbeat of an expecting father. Under the hood rests a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual delivering \n250 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n\u00a0to the front wheels while a Performance Package bumps horsepower figures to \n275 hp\n with torque\u00a0 output remaining the same.   An overboost function however, activated when reaching maximum torque, squeezes out a little more torque with a total of \n378 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.4 seconds (250 hp), and just 6.1 seconds in the 275 hp version. Top speed is claimed to be 250 km/h.\nWould you have ever thought that a Hyundai would ever posses Golf GTI-beating performance? They\u2019ve even developed a sense of wittiness too \u2013 calling their drive selector the \u201cN Grin Control\u201d system with five different drive modes \u2013 Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom.   Inside,you get to select between two different types of infotainment system; operated through an 8-inch touchscreen display. Both offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.\nThe specific N mode screen menu also offers customisable settings for the engine, Rev matching, exhaust sound and Performance Package settings.\nThe all-new i30 Fastback N features Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance technologies that includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In what might be the world\u2019s worst kept secret, Ferrari has now confirmed the existence of the \nPurosangue\n with the release of the controversial model\u2019s first teaser photo, giving us our first (official) look at the Prancing Horse\u2019s first-ever SUV.\nIf you\u2019re wondering, \u2018Purosangue\u2019 means \u2018thoroughbred\u2019 in Italian. The accompanying announcement alongside the teaser photos also tries to further home in the point by saying: \u201cA car whose bloodline can be traced back through our 75-year history of innovation, evolution and uncompromising performance. Stand by for a genuine game changer.\u201d\nThe photo doesn\u2019t give away much, at least we now know that the \nprevious leak\n was pretty much bang on. There\u2019s the SF90-inspired headlights, and the massive gaping lower air intake does bear a passing resemblance to the \nGTC4Lusso\n.\nAside from the two Ferrari logos, that\u2019s about all we can see from the sole teaser photo. But based on the leaks, we do know that the lower air intake area will look quite busy, with additional black trims to match the claddings on the wheel arches.\nRELATED: Here\u2019s your first look at the Ferrari Purosangue SUV\nThe Purosangue will ride on a modified version of \nFerrari Roma\n\u2018s modular front-engine platform, and since it\u2019s a proper SUV, it\u2019ll also feature more ground clearance than you\u2019ll ever see on any Ferrari, plus all-wheel drive and potentially a height-adjustable suspension set-up.\nAs for powertrain, most rumours are pointing towards an electrified V6, as seen on the \nFerrari 296 GTB\n, that makes up to 830 hp and 740 Nm of torque. There were also rumours of a non-electrified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from the \nSF90 Stradale\n, and even a V12 engine from the \n812 GTS\n, although the latter two will probably depend on the ever-tightening emissions regulations worldwide.\nNo further details have been provided, but we do know that we won\u2019t have to wait too much longer, as Ferrari will be officially unveiling the car sometime later this year. Sit tight!"
"Shell Malaysia has just reintroduced the limited edition Ferrari die cast collection last week and with the first pair already sold out, Shell will be introducing two more new models every two weeks until mid August.\n \nSo far, Shell has already revealed four models \u2013 the 488 Spider, the 365 GTB4 and as of yesterday, the 250 Testa Rossa and the 430 Scuderia. Just to spice things up a little in anticipation of the rest and what you\u2019ve missed out, here are some interesting facts on each model that you may not know.\nFerrari 488 Spider\nThe 488 Spider is only the 8th V8 Spider Ferrari has ever built with the first being the 308 GTS from 1977. It\u2019s the first Spider to be introduced and initially offered in Blue with more traditional colours offered later on.\nIts top can be retracted in just 14 seconds, faster than any V8 Ferrari from before.\nFerrari 365 GTB4\nThe 365 GTB4 was unofficially called the Daytona by the media as a tribute to Ferrari\u2019s 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours with the 330P4 race car.\nThe Daytona was the last 12-cylinder Ferrari model announced before Fiat took over.\nFerrari 250 Testa Rossa\nThe name Testa Rossa means \u201cred head\u201d in Italian, a nickname given to the car due to its bright red rocker covers. Just over 30 units were ever built with the most recent one sold for USD39.8 million in according to reports.\nFerrari 430 Scuderia\nThe great Michael Schumacher was famously known for having a big part to play in the development of the 430 Scuderia and was at hand to unveil the car at its premier.\nThe 430 Scuderia was equipped with the new F1-Superfast2 software management system which meant gear changes could be as quick as 60 milliseconds. On average, it takes 300-400 milliseconds to blink an eye.\nFerrari 250 GTO\nPossibly the most expensive Ferrari ever, a \npristine Series 1 model was sold for an insane RM277 million\n at an auction last year.\nIt\u2019s said that because the 250 GTOs were all handbuilt, no two panels such as the doors are the same.\nFerrari 288 GTO\nWhen it was first introduced back in the early 1980s, it was fitted with the most powerful production engine Ferrari ever made.\nInitial plan was to build 200 units for homologation to allow Ferrari to race in the Group B circuit series but the championship never took and Maranello ended up making 272 units to meet customer demands.\nFerrari F50\nWith only 349 units ever built, the F50 was unveiled as a tribute model for Ferrari\u2019s 50th anniversary and was literally a Formula 1 car for the road. The F50\u2019s 4.7-litre V12 engine was derived from the one used in the 1989 F1-89 Formula One race car.\nWith 520 hp and 471 Nm from a naturally-aspirated engine, the car did not come with ABS, power assisted brakes and even power steering.\nFerrari SF71H\nThe SP71H was the 64th single-seater race car Ferrari ever made to compete in Formula 1 and by regulation, was among the fitsfeatured the highly-debated \u201cHalo\u201d for the first time, meant to offer better protection for the drivers.\nFerrari fans and collectors can acquire these limited edition models at \nRM15.90\n with every purchase of RM30 of Shell fuels in a single receipt.\nThose interested in the trailer that can accommodate all eight models can either purchase it at \nRM99.90\n or a 4L bottle of Shell Helix Ultra and get it for free!"
"In conjunction with the \n50th-anniversary\n celebration of Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM), Honda Malaysia, in collaboration with SOCAR Mobility, have presented Invest Melaka Berhad (IMB) with the all-new \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n.\nThe Honda City RS e:HEV is locally assembled at the Pegoh plant in Alor Gajah, Melaka. The plant with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units also assembles the \nJazz\n, \nCivic\n, \nBR-V\n, HR-V, CR-V and \nAccord\n models, as well as \nover 10,000 units\n of hybrid vehicles.\nThe ceremony was graced by Chief Minister of Melaka YAB Datuk Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Sulaiman bin Md Ali together with the Melaka Secretary of State and Melaka State Executive Council Members.\nThe Honda City RS e:HEV was presented by Mr Sarly Adle Sarkum, President and Chief Operating Officer of Honda Malaysia to Tuan Haji Ramli Bin Mohd Ali, CEO of Invest Melaka Berhad at a ceremony held in Menara MITC, Melaka.\nCommenting on the handover, Mr Sarly said, \u201cOn behalf of Honda Malaysia, we are delighted to be a part of the celebration by Invest Melaka Berhad and to be able to contribute to the development of our local automotive industry. Honda began operations at Pegoh Plant in Melaka over\n 17 years ago\n and currently has two production lines with a production capacity of up to 100,000 units of vehicles per year.\nAll seven models here are made in Pegoh, Melaka\n\u201cWe are committed to the Malaysian market and the growth of the automotive industry here. We would like to thank the Malaysian Government, the State Government of Melaka, Invest Melaka Berhad and all our valued customers for their continuous trust which enables Honda to be the company that society wants to exist,\u201d said Mr Sarly.\nHonda Malaysia also recently celebrated their remarkable milestone of \none-millionth sales\n unit and the company will continue to be committed to \ngiving back\n to \nall Malaysians\n through various initiatives such as the Dealer Donation Drive and the \n\u201cBe Kind with BR-V\u201d\n donation campaign.\n \nPowering the City RS e:HEV is a completely different powertrain from the 1.5 S, E and V variants. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that generates 98 hp and 127 Nm, paired with an electric motor that primarily drives the car. The engine will be used as a generator or supplementing extra power when needed, such as overtaking. The electric motor makes \n109 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n, hence the catchy \npre-launch videos\n shown last year.\nClaimed performance figures are \n0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds\n whilst delivering an ultra-low fuel consumption of just \n3.6 l/100 km\n.\nSpecific aesthetic items that make the RS stand out from the rest of the City variants include exclusive lower front grille, rear bumper with diffuser plus gloss black treatment on the front grille, side mirrors, boot spoiler and 16-inch wheels. The interior gets Ultrasuede-covered seats with red stitching all-round.\nThe City RS e:HEV, being the flagship variant in the line-up, also feature the \nHonda Sensing\n suite of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Outstanding features include the \nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\n, \nLane Keep Assist System (LKAS)\n and Automatic Brake Hold via the electric parking brake.\nThe Honda City RS e:HEV is the first model amongst Honda\u2019s line-up to be furnished with the \nHonda Connect\n technology which utilises telematics technology, providing an advanced and integrated 24-hour communications system.\nIt also functions to ensure safety, security and convenience to Honda car owners. Key functions in Honda Connect include vehicle diagnostics, remote applications, security applications, vehicle tracking and support services \u2013 all of which are aimed at easing the owner\u2019s accessibility to their vehicle and its information whenever and wherever.\nThe Honda City RS e:HEV is priced from \nRM105,950.45\n with is inclusive of a \n5-year/unlimited\n mileage warranty plus an \n8-year/unlimited mileage\n hybrid battery warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur has launched the \nnew Aventador Ultimae LP 780-4\n \u2013 the last of its kind \u2013 at their new showroom in Glenmarie.\nThere are only 600 units of the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae available worldwide \u2013 350 coupes and 250 roadsters \u2013 and they\u2019re all sold out. In Malaysia, the Coupe starts from RM1.88 million while the Roadster starts from RM1.98 million. Both prices are excluding options and duties.\nAs the final version of the Aventador, the Ultimae comes with all the right stuff to position it as the ultimate version. Obviously, it comes with more power; 780 hp and 720 Nm to be exact. That more than 40 hp extra compared to the Aventador S and even without a rear wing, the Aventador Ultimae is as aerodynamic as the track-focussed Aventador SVJ.\nThe Ultimae in the pictures come with a grey-on-grey exterior colour theme, just like the global launch unit. Its front splitter and \u2018teeth\u2019 as Lamborghini calls it, are finished in Matte Red. The wheels are 20-inch in size, paired with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Beneath them are ceramic brakes, capable of stopping the car from 100 km/h to 0 in just 30 metres. Being the ultimate also means, the Ultimae is lighter than the Aventadors before it; more specifically 25 kg lighter than the Aventador S.\nThe coolest bit has to be the A-pillar section where a plaque displays the serial number 001 of 350/250 \u2013 in reference to the units available for the Coupe and Roadster body styles.\nFor more images of the Aventador Ultimate in Malaysia, click \nhere\n!"
"After a high-flying year in 2016, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is continuing\u00a0the momentum into the first quarter of 2017. In Q1 alone, MBM shifted 2,945 vehicles, charting a double-digit growth of 11 percent compared to the same period last year.\nMBM remains the leading premium marque in Malaysia with a 2.3 percent market share in the premium passenger cars segment. Let\u2019s take a look at the breakdown:\nW205 C-Class CKD\n \u2013 1,083 units\nW212 E-Class CBU\n \u2013 610 units\nW222 S-Class CKD\n \u2013 127 units\nX205 GLC\n \u2013 491 units\nGLE & GLE Coupe\n \u2013 103 units\nS-Coupe, \nC-Coupe\n, \nCLS\n, E-Coupe & \nAMG GT S\n \u2013 93 units\nA-Class\n, B-Class, \nGLA\n & \nCLA\n \u2013 434 units\nV-Class\n \u2013 4 units\nL to R: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) Vice President, After Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mr Heinrich Schromm; President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner; and Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mr Mark Raine\nThe GLC marked a \n306 percent growth\n compared to Q1 2016 while the Dream Cars range saw a \n365 percent growth\n compared to the same period last year. Commenting on the remarkable Q1 2017 results, MBM explained that this is led by its diverse product portfolio, premium after-sales support and peace of mind financing solutions from Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM).\n\u201cWe are in the business of cars and people. Being the pioneer and foremost innovator in the automotive business, our success is driven by our cutting-edge technology and commitment of placing customers at the centre of our activities. Our best practices have enabled us to immerse customers in a 360\u00b0 Mercedes-Benz experience that encompasses both the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience,\u201d said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.\nMoving forward, MBM has plans to launch two new models, one facelift, 14 new variants and four special edition models in 2017, starting with the \nA-Class Urban Hunting Edition\n, \nE-Class CKD\n and \nE 350 e plug-in hybrid\n."
"Almost exactly one year ago to the day, Volkswagen introduced a \nmobile charging robot concept\n designed to take away any human interaction in public electric car charging. Today, the concept is now a reality, and the best part is that it\u2019s super adorable.\nDesigned specifically for restricted parking areas where shoehorning in a charging facility is cumbersome and sometimes impossible, the fully autonomous mobile charging robot will be an efficient way to create a charging network in places like underground car parks where the entire charging process is completed without any human intervention, without the need for a specialised parking spot.\n \nThe Volkswagen mobile charging robot can be summoned via a mobile application, or through the car\u2019s own Car-to-X communication. Once activated, the robot will then drag along a mobile energy storage unit (i.e. a large battery), or \u201cbattery wagon\u201d to the car. The entire charging process \u2013 from opening the charging flap to plugging in the charging cable \u2013 happens autonomously, with the robot communicating directly with the car itself to facilitate the process.\nOnce connected, the battery wagon is then left beside the car, while the robot moves away to repeat the process again with another vehicle requiring charging services. Once charging is complete, the robot then drops by to collect the depleted battery wagon, bringing it back to its home base to charge up for future usage.\nThe robots are equipped with an array of cameras, laser scanners, and ultrasonic sensors to help it autonomously navigate safely to the vehicle requiring charging. That\u2019s impressive and all, but did we mention how cute the robot is? Not only does it have completely unnecessary digital eyes, the mobile charging robot even makes sci-fi robot noises \u2013 just for the fun of it!\nNo information was provided on the robot\u2019s charging capacity this time round, but Volkswagen said previously that each battery wagon contains 25kWh of charge, and is capable of fast charging up to 50kW.\n\u201cA ubiquitous charging infrastructure is and remains a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,\u201d said Volkswagen Group Components CEO Thomas Schmall.\nThe lack of widespread charging facilities is undoubtedly the biggest shortfall of electric vehicles currently. With innovative solutions such as the mobile charging robot, Volkswagen hopes that it will be able to spur the uptake in EVs in the coming years.\n\u201cSetting up an efficient charging infrastructure for the future is a central task that challenges the entire sector. We are developing solutions to help avoid costly stand-alone measures. The mobile charging robot and our flexible quick-charging station are just two of these solutions,\u201d Schmall adds."
"Since \nGreat Wall Motor (GWM)\n launched the \nOra Good Cat\n in Malaysia in November 2022, it has gained quite an amount of attention across the country. Just when you think the car has received enough attention, the Chinese carmaker has just dressed its feline car in a new colour \u2013 Pistachio Green. Only available with the 500 Ultra variant, its price tag remains the same at \nRM169,800\n.\nThe Ora Good Cat in its new Pistachio Green \u2018dress\u2019 was being showcased at GWM\u2019s roadshow at the Sunway Velocity Mall, on \nMay 19\n, \n2023\n. Besides its new colour on the outside, what\u2019s different about the Pistachio Green Ora Good Cat from its regular counterparts?\nTo start, its interior is finished with a sea of Pistachio Green colours. This includes the steering wheel, dashboard, seats, door panels, and armrests. The door panel and the upper part of the front seats are finished in checkered green patterns as well. The aircon vents are painted orange as well. Just in case the Ora Good Cat\u2019s feline identity isn\u2019t obvious enough, GWM\u2019s designers have added a cat paw element on the armrest as well, a design element available with the Pistachio Green Ora Good Cat.\nJust in case you didn\u2019t know, the Ora Good Cat is GWM\u2019s fully electric hatchback. Sitting on a \n2,560 mm\n wheelbase, the Good Cat is about as big as the \nProton X50\n. Don\u2019t let its size fool you, it is bigger than it looks in pictures.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-bound Ora Lightning Cat at Auto Shanghai 2023, up to 705km range\nBoth the 400 Pro and 500 Ultra variants of the Ora Good Cat are powered by a front-mounted electric motor, giving them \n143 hp\n (metric) and \n210 Nm\n of torque. Thanks to a \n47.8 kWh\n and \n63.1 kWh\n battery pack, the Ora Good Cat 400 Pro and 500 Ultra variants are capable of travelling, just as their names suggest, as far as \n400 km\n (NEDC) and \n500 km\n (NEDC) respectfully. Therefore do expect WLTP range figures to be lower.\nCharging the Ora Good Cat 400 Pro using a \n6.6 kW AC\n charger takes \n8 hours\n to go from empty to full, while the 500 Ultra takes \n10 hours\n. Using a \n60 kW DC \ncharging on the other hand will take the 400 Pro from 0 to 80% in \n46 minutes\n, while the 500 Ultra will require \n60 minutes\n to go from 0 to 80% as well.\nIn regards to safety, the Ora Good Cat is packed standard with a series of safety systems. This includes SAE Level 2 autonomous driving system, front collision warning (FCW), lane keeping assist (LKA) and lane centring assist, \u201cwisdom dodge\u201d system, tyre monitoring system (TMS), and more.\nChoosing the 500 Ultra variant will get you extra safety features such as a \u2018full-auto\u2019 intelligent parking system, auto-reversing assistance, emergency lane keeping (ELK), door-opening warning rear collision warning, and more.\nRELATED: \nHaval Jolion previewed in Malaysia \u2013 Hybrid B-segment SUV to launch in 2023\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) has just\u00a0officiated the launch of their new headquarters \u2013 Wisma Mercedes-Benz- in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, Selangor. The industrial facility\u00a0is six storeys high and has a collective area of 118,000 sq\u00a0ft,\u00a0but wait till you see, in pictures, what it really looks like behind the impressive all-glass\u00a0fa\u00e7ade.\nMBM has invested over RM70 million to the facility (leased from Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd) by consolidating their Training Academy \u2013 a vital division to the company that was previously separate. In fact, the Training Academy occupies more area than the operations offices (65,000 sq ft versus 53,000 sq ft). This goes to show the company\u2019s priority in \ngrooming the country\u2019s next best automotive talent\n.   Every apprentice is groomed according to Daimler AG\u2019s Global Training standards, which upon completion will be granted a promising career up the Mercedes-Benz corporate ladder. The building was also accredited as the first green industrial building in Subang Jaya and was awarded a Gold Certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). All lighting sources within the building are LEDs, with ample green floras draping along each facet of the building.\nBut why? To those puzzled, this move is evidence that Malaysia is an important market for the Mercedes-Benz brand. As the country\u2019s leading premium automaker, MBM\u2019s President and CEO, Dr. Claus Weidner said, \u201cOur current position indicates the trust customers have in our vehicles and service quality. This purpose built facility will enable us to consistently provide high levels of service, expertise and reliability to satisfy our customers who expect the highest standards of excellence.\u201d\nHere\u2019s a little fun fact to close: of the total volume of cars Mercedes-Benz have sold to date, 35 percent accounts for their hybrid cars. That\u2019s significantly higher than most, if not all markets in Europe, according to Dr. Weidner.\nIf you or your adolescent child are interested in being part of the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Modern Apprenticeship,\u00a0simply \nvisit this gateway\n\u00a0to a brighter future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley Motorsport has unveiled its latest-generation Continental GT3 racecar for its upcoming 2018 motorsport season. Based on the \nthird-generation Continental GT road car\n that made its global debut recently, the new GT3 racecar aims to take home the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup titles.\nTipping the scale at just under \n1,300 kg\n, the second-generation racecar sheds almost one tonne of weight from the road car (third-gen Bentley Continental GT: 2,244 kg). Thanks to its aluminium body structure, Bentley Motorsport has done away with every feature possible that adds unnecessary mass to the car\u2019s overall weight. A new exterior design with carbon fibre front splitter, rear wing and body panels gives the racecar improved downforce for maximum attack on track.   Bentley Motorsport left no stone unturned with the new car as every component and systems have been reworked for improved performance. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 lump now gets a redesigned dry sump as well as new intake and exhaust system for improved durability and performance on track. Power is now rated at \n557 hp\n,\u00a0sent to the rear axles via a \nsix-speed sequential gearbox\n. It also gets new suspension and braking systems for the new racing season.\nThe Bentley Continental GT3 racecar has started its six-month test programme in UK, France and Portugal before making its official debut in the next racing calendar. Upcoming tests include full 24-hour endurance race simulations.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For 15 years, the 1 Series hatchback had stayed true to BMW\u2019s penchant for producing cars on a rear-wheel drive platform. However, according to the head of the 1 Series project, most of its owners can\u2019t tell whether their car is front- or rear-wheel drive.\nNow in its third generation, the arrival of the \nF40 1 Series hatchback\n has irked self-proclaimed purists because it sits on a \nfront-wheel drive platform\n and to make things worse, the new 1 Series doesn\u2019t have a 6-cylinder option \u2013 oh dear.\nNevertheless BMW is adamant that the switch to front-wheel drive would make the 1 Series hatchback a more competitive car among its rivals, especially when it comes to all-round packaging. It makes for a stronger business case too, as the FAAR platform will spawn a few \nsmall BMW\ns and MINIs as well.\nThe old \nF20 1 Series\n may have a longer wheelbase than the new F40 1 Series, but thanks to the front-wheel drive layout, the new car liberates \nmore interior space\n particularly behind the front seats.\nOverall the F40 is slightly shorter than its predecessor but it\u2019s wider and taller \u2013 offering a more practical and ultimately usable cabin than before.\nRear passengers benefit the most out of the bigger cabin, and even the rear door apertures are larger than before for easy ingress and egress. \nBoot space\n is up by 20 litres at \n380 litres\n, which is bigger than the \nW177 A-Class hatchback\n and matches the \nMk7.5 Golf\n.\nThis time around the range-topping 1 Series is the \nM135i xDrive\n, and it\u2019s powered by a \n2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo\n generating \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque.\nPower is sent to the front wheels most of the time via an \n8-speed automatic\n \ntransmission\n but the \nxDrive system\n can distribute the power to the rear axle by \nup to 50 percent\n.\nTo ensure optimum agility the M135i is equipped with a torque sensing \nlimited slip differential\n, BMW Performance Control (yaw moment distribution), and ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation). All these tech is said to manage wheel slip and improve traction in various conditions.\nWith the aforementioned promise, we were very keen to find out how this little Bimmer would cope on twisty tarmac but such roads were hard to come by in Johannesburg.\nFor what we experienced at least, the steering was sharp and free from any excessive artificial assistance, and leaving it in Sport mode won\u2019t make it any more cumbersome than it is in Comfort.\nThe straight roads and smooth highways of \nJoburg\n didn\u2019t bother the chassis much; it had a predictably firm ride and was surprisingly relaxed at high-speed cruising.\nThe punchy turbocharged four banger was effortless and revs sweetly to the redline, although the 8-speed auto\u2019s reaction is not as quick if compared to its counterparts twin clutch offerings.\nSome testers did note that torque steer is still evident despite all the mechanical and electronic wizardry, but there\u2019s no doubting its straight line performance. Official century sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h was \n4.8 seconds\n, while its top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nApart from the soundtrack provided by the \nActive Sound Design (ASD) \nsystem which amplifies and channels the engine growl into the cabin, it did not disrupt the M135i xDrive\u2019s \u201cinner peace\u201d. The same can\u2019t be said from the outside as it never hesitates to belch out a few burps to make its presence felt.\nAnd then there\u2019s that kidney grille. Well, upon seeing the new 1 Series in the metal for the first time, the sight of the kidney grille was rather unsettling to say the least. Thankfully the rest of the car looked pleasant and attractive but the side profile is a big departure from its sleeker predecessors.\nWe\u2019ll get used to it.eventually\nApart from the grille, the M135i xDrive had just the right amount of aggressiveness with its sharp headlights and a racy rear end. The \nM Sport\n kit looked tasteful, and flashes of matte grey trims as well as the \u201craindrops\u201d grille inserts are unique to this variant only. Although the optional \n19-inch wheels\n are not really necessary, it\u2019s a nice complement to the whole M Sport vibe.\nAs far as first impressions go, the new 1 Series is no longer a unique proposition but at the same time it\u2019s a \nbetter all-rounder\n than the car it replaces.\nWhile the previous M140i never officially made it to Malaysia, the new M135i xDrive should appeal to a wider audience with its more road tax-friendly 2.0-litre engine and practical interior.\nThose who are in the market for a \nVolkswagen Golf R\n or the Mercedes-AMG A 35 may want to consider this Bavarian option, should BMW Malaysia see fit to introduce it.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Official importer of Porsche Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP)\u00a0has just recently opened its doors in Sungai Besi to aspiring owners of the brand. This 34,703 square feet showroom and service centre recently commemorated the launch of the \n911 Targa 4S\n\u00a0and\u00a0Cayenne GTS models.\nEveryone was also given a sneak peek at the ultra rare future-of-the-supercar \n918 Spyder.\n Porsche is touting this as the first centre in Malaysia that is up to par with\u00a0their\u00a0international corporate structure design philosophy.   This \nRM16 million\n\u00a0facility located along Jalan Sungai Besi is home to 10 different brilliantly polished examples that customers maybe get acquainted with. It also features nine service bays,\u00a0\nPorsche Approved Pre-Owned\n Car Centre on the first-floor and\u00a0a never-before-seen in Malaysia\u00a0\nCarrera Lounge\n for customers to relax while their cars are getting worked on by \nPorsche-certified technicians\n.\nThe German marque has also incorporated a 2-car\n handover room\n for customers to take delivery of their cars,\u00a0a dedicated \u201cshop-in-shop\u201d \nretail outlet\n for\u00a0Porsche\u2019s merchandise in which a wide selection of items ranging from \nclothing to accessories\n are available. A couple of spacious, comfy \ndialogue rooms\n take care of the hassle free \nafter-sale service\n for its new and existing clients.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota, in collaboration with Maybank Islamic, has unveiled a new special term financing designed specifically for graduates. The new financing package is applicable on purchases of a new \nToyota Vios\n, \nYaris\n, or \nAvanza\n, limited to Peninsular Malaysia.\nDubbed the \nMurabahah Vehicle Term Financing-i (MVTF-i)\n, the new special term financing package is designed in accordance to the Murabahah principle, and acts as an additional option to the Al Ijarah Thumma Al-Bai (AITAB) Islamic Hire-Purchase.\nThe combined amount financed with the new MVTF-i package can be \nup to 100%\n with takaful contribution of Takaful bundling, and includes other costs such as legal fees and stamp duty.\nThe offer is available for graduates (degree-holders) aged between \n21- and 30-years old\n, and are \ncurrently employed for more than six months\n (or parents as guarantors). Applicants must have a \nmonthly income of more than RM3,000\n, although those earning above RM2,000 can still apply provided their parents (as guarantors) have a household income of RM5,000 or more.\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cAt UMW Toyota Motor, we are always looking for the best ways to work with our business partners for our customers to own a brand new Toyota vehicle.\n\u201cWith this new financing package, graduates will be able to acquire a Toyota Vios, Yaris or Avanza as the financing package helps to make the down payment more affordable. The support we offer will also make the ownership experience enjoyable for many years to come.\u201d\n \nAll three eligible models come as standard with a five-year unlimited mileage Manufacturer\u2019s Warranty. Additionally, customers can also benefit from free 24SEVEN Road Assist breakdown and emergency service assistance if insurance coverage is also purchased from UMW Toyota\u2019s authorised dealers."
"Alongside the launch of the \nFerrari SF90 Stradale\n last Friday, Naza Italia, the sole importer and distributor for Ferrari in Malaysia, has also taken the opportunity to unveil its new showroom in Petaling Jaya. Refurbished with a total investment of around RM3.5 million, the Petaling Jaya showroom is among the first outlet in the South East Asia region to carry the brand\u2019s new corporate identity (CI).\nNaza Automotive Group CEO, Dato\u2019 Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan said, \u201cThe newly renovated showroom makes each visit a truly immersive experience, enabling the public to have a taste of \u2018la dolce vita\u2019, as known by Ferrari owners across the globe. Every detail in this beautifully designed space is an ode to this iconic brand\u2019s automotive elegance and the exclusive lifestyle that complements it.\u201d\nBuilt to a size of 11,900 sq. ft., the new Ferrari Petaling Jaya showroom can display seven cars at any given time across its two floors. The latest Ferrari models are displayed in the ground floor in the main display area, alongside a dedicated customer lounge equipped with a coffee bar, designed to give customers the impression of a \u201cexclusive club\u201d and not just the average car dealership.\nOn the other side of the ground floor area is the configuration room, which Naza Italia says mirrors the customisation experience offered at the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy. It is decked out with a broad selection of materials and options including samples of fabric, paint, leather and livery, while the \u2018atelier\u2019 doors can be rotated to allow for the room to be closed off for customers who prefer more privacy.\nOther amenities on the ground floor include a brand experience video wall, a private consultation room, as well as a delivery area that has\nbeen thoughtfully designed for new Ferrari owners and their loved ones to celebrate the occasion of being handed the keys to their new Prancing Horse.\nMeanwhile, the first floor of the new Petaling Jaya showroom is partially dedicated to Ferrari Approved, the brand\u2019s pre-owned certification programme. Each of these certified pre-owned vehicles on display have been subjected to a meticulous 190-step check and prepared to ensure that they are in \u201cworld-class\u201d condition.\nDato\u2019 Nik Hamdam added: \u201cThroughout the years, we have actively invested in our commitment to developing and nurturing relationships with our customers. This elegantly renovated showroom enables us to build upon those customer connections whilst also offering them a\nsense of community in a space where they may gather with others who share their passion for the Prancing Horse.\u201d\nThe Ferrari Petaling Jaya showroom is situated at 3, Jalan 51A/221, Seksyen 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, adjacent to the nation\u2019s only authorised service centre for Ferrari. This location has been the main hub for Ferrari in Malaysia since 2009.\nThe showroom is open from 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays to Fridays, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, while Sundays and public holidays will be on appointment basis only.\nGALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia has \nsubtly teased that their flagship coupe\n, \nthe LC\n, will be landing on our shores this year. The company also went as far as to say that it will arrive here in the second quarter this year!\nPositioned as the brand\u2019s halo model (bar the discontinued LFA supercar), the Super GT will feature engineering and design innovations that will steer the Lexus brand onto a whole new level. It\u2019s the first Lexus model to sit on the brand new \u201cGlobal Architecture \u2013 Luxury\u201d platform, gets a 10-speed automatic gearbox, Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) with steel and aluminium mixture, new multi-link suspension design and Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System.   Based on the postings on the website, both the LC 500 and LC 500h may make their grand appearance here. The LC 500 packs a massive\n 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8\n that revs all the way up to 7,300 rpm. When mated to the Aisin sourced 10-speed automatic transmission, the V8 produces \n471 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque driving the rear wheels. Century sprit is done and dusted in \n4.5 seconds\n.\nFor the environmentally conscious, the LC 500h, with its \nLexus Multi Stage Hybrid System\n, would be your pick. Marrying a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 to an electric motor, the hybrid system churns out \n354 hp\n. Here comes the interesting part: the transmission is a pair of electronically controlled CVT and a four-speed automatic where the latter is mounted to the electric motor. \nWe wrote in detail the mechanical wonder of this transmission\n, so be sure to read that. The hybrid LC is no slouch either, boasting a \nsub five seconds century sprint time\n.\nThe LC is set to go up against the likes of the \nPorsche 911\n and \nMercedes-AMG GT\n. Having said that, pricing may very well be in those leagues as well. Nonetheless, we are very much looking forward to the launch of this stunning car!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus LC 500   Lexus LC 500h"
"Renault\n has been in the process of restrategizing its model line-up, particularly its C-segment SUVs. But while it was doing that, the French carmaker has decided to make its next move, by unveiling a completely new SUV \u2013 the Renault Rafale.\nNamed after a racing plane developed back in 1934, the Rafale features the company\u2019s new design language, which is reflected in the Rafale\u2019s front grille design. The Rafale also features the brand\u2019s new matrix LED light signature, which can be found on the recently facelifted 2024 Renault Clio.\nRenault brand\u2019s VP Design. Gilles Vidal said, \u201cThe All-new Rafale is a powerful illustration of the Renault brand\u2019s new design language. It is in keeping with its DNA through generous curves, treated with great precision, combined with lines of tension and technical details that bring character and sophistication to the whole. With its unprecedented style, quality craftsmanship and proportions, the All-new Renault Rafale asserts its power and personality on the road.\u201d\nRenault says that the Rafale is born and bred for driving pleasure, and has fitted the new SUV with its E-Tech hybrid setup, totalling an output of \n200 hp\n. A newly developed plug-in hybrid setup is also said to be coming to the Rafale at a later date. This setup will give out a higher output of \n300 hp\n and will feature Renault\u2019s all-wheel drive system, updated rear-wheel steering, as well as model-specific chassis tuning.\nRELATED: \n2023 Renault Zoe launched in Malaysia, from RM165k \u2013 395km range, 22kW AC charging\nRenault brand CEO, Fabrice Cambolive said, \u201cThe All-new Renault Rafale is central in the Renaulution, symbolises our move upmarket and shows that we belong in every customer segment. With its captivating coupe-SUV design crafted for intense experiences, it provides unprecedented driving pleasure with its hybrid powertrains and a standard-setting chassis brimming with passion and know-how from Renault engineers.\u201d\nInside, the Renault Rafale comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, together with a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The infotainment system runs on Android Automotive 12 and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nRELATED: \nRenault and Geely form new engine company \u2013 to supply Proton, Nissan, Mitsubishi"
"It\u2019s not hard to see why the Range Rover Velar won the World Car Design Award in 2018 \u2013 it\u2019s not easy to fault how it looks from every angle.\nThe one thing we missed most about the Velar, is the way it rides and how it makes you feel within the opulent confinements of the cabin.\n \nThere\u2019s just an air of superiority that its cheaper rivals, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3, just aren\u2019t capable of offering. That alone we think, justifies the Velar\u2019s price tag that\u2019s almost twice as much as its BMW and Mercedes-Benz counterparts.\nAnd then there\u2019s the way it drives. Despite only having a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with \n247 hp\n and \n365 Nm\n to haul its heft \u2013 not once did the Velar feel inadequate or inferior when the roads opened up or when tackling pesky tailgaters on our roads.\nAs for the rest, we\u2019ll leave it to you to find out in this video. Have we mentioned how good the Velar looks?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nRenault Captur\n\u00a0was first introduced to the Malaysian market back in 2015 for RM123k, which later\u00a0\nbecame cheaper at RM117k\n in early 2016.\nNow, TC Euro Cars (TCEC), distributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia has just launched the locally assembled Renault Captur and thanks to local assembly and EEV incentives, the Captur is now cheaper at RM109k and gets the same kit as the CBU examples.\nAs before, the Captur is available in one flavour. It packs a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces \n118 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission. The Captur is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.9 seconds\n before maxing out at \n192 km/h\n. Renault claims the Captur is able to return \n5.4 litres per 100 km\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Captur TCe 120 EDC\nEngine\n1,197cc; 4-cylinder Turbo Sequential MPI\nTransmission\n6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch automatic\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 4,900 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n10.9 seconds; 192 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM109,000\nPerhaps the most unique part of the Captur is its unique dual-tone paint scheme.\u00a0The same four exterior shades are available, including\u00a0a new Flame Red, Arizona Orange and Ivory (white), whereas the Ivory roof is exclusive to the Pacific Blue colour. Other exterior features include automatic halogen projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, keyless entry and 17-inch black diamond-cut alloys wrapped in 205/55 profile tyres.   Inside, you get fabric upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel, 7-inch MediaNav infotainment system with \nreverse camera\n and navigation, keyless start, automatic climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, sliding rear bench and \nremovable seat covers\n. Maximum boot space for the Captur is rated at \n445 litres\n with the rear seats in the most forward position. Even so, this crossover is still able to take 377 litres of cargo.\nStandard safety features include four airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). The Captur qualifies for a full 5 Stars Euro NCAP crash safety rating.   All purchases of the Captur will come with\u00a0\n5-Years unlimited mileage warranty\n. Customers can also purchase \noptional maintenance package\n \u2013 3-Years Maintenance package (worth RM4,212) for RM3,400, 5-Years Maintenance package (worth RM6,552) for RM5,200. Other optional accessories including leather seats (RM3,800), trunk tray (RM200) and window tinting (from RM1,049 to RM4,436) can be had separately.\nEarly adopters of the Captur CKD will also receive a \nRM11k rebate\n. We\u2019ve sampled the Renault Captur and found it to be the \nunderdog of the segment\n. With prices undercutting most of its Japanese and European rivals, is it enough to \u2018Captur\u2019 your heart?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With over 20 million active mobile users and 71 percent internet penetration rate in Malaysia, it\u2019s only natural that we do the bulk of our shopping online. Even for car tyres.\nWell, what if we told you there\u2019s a new smartphone app that allows you to change your car tyres without leaving the comfort of your own home? Enter Carpit, the first of its kind user-friendly app that offers end-to-end service for all things related to tyre servicing.   Carpit Malaysia founders (and brothers) Tai Qisheng and Tai Qiyao said the app is designed to suit the busy lifestyle of modern commuters both new and old. With just a few simple taps, anyone can get their car tyres serviced or replaced, sometimes without even needing to leave home or work! Carpit features an ever-expanding database of car model profiles with their respective tyre sizes.\nIn terms of accountability, the Tai brothers is proud that Carpit provides full warranty coverage against any damage for all customers\u2019 vehicles, which includes scams or unexpected charges. Prices that you see on the app are transparent and would require a one-time transaction, which means customers will not be subjected to \u201chidden\u201d costs.\nMuch like other e-commerce platforms, dealer legitimacy is earned through your reviews and ratings. As of now, over 237 trusted dealers throughout the country are available on Carpit. There\u2019s also an in-built feature that keeps track of all your tyre service records and even provide reminders for your next tyre service. You will also be notified when a dealer runs a promotional campaign!\nThe Carpit app is officially available on both Android and iOS platforms, but remains as an open beta phase for the time being. In conjunction with the launch, Carpit announced their partnership with Leona Chin as brand ambassador with hopes of encouraging more Malaysians to pick up the habit of reducing road accidents directly associated with poor tyre maintenance.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Screenshot of Carpit App"
"The news of Lexus\u2019 first ever fully electric model should be hogging automotive headlines. After all, Toyota and Lexus are the \noriginal proponents of electrification\n with their mass-produced hybrid models but the transition to BEVs been slow relative to other automotive brands.\nNonetheless, Lexus has finally taken the leap in the shape of the \nUX 300e compact crossover\n, and here are the key stats you\u2019ll need to know. The UX 300e sits on the \nTNGA-C platform\n which also underpins models such as the \nToyota Prius\n, \nC-HR\n and \nCorolla\n. Externally, one would need to squint to tell the difference between the all-electric UX 300e and other \nUX variants\n powered by internal combustion engines or hybrid systems, emblems and badges aside.\nOn paper, the UX 300e has a \ntaller roof \n(by 5 mm)\n \nand \nsits 20 mm closer to ground\n compared to a UX 250h, this is due to having to accommodate the high voltage lithium-ion battery pack on the floor of the vehicle, a typical occurrence for EVs. Speaking of which, the battery capacity of the UX 300e is \n54.3 kWh\n, good for a \n400 km \ntravelling range based on the \nNEDC \ncycle, which is more than respectable. Expect WLTP figures to be 15% to 20% lower.\nThe battery pack powers an electric motor house over the front axle (driving the front wheels) rated at \n204 hp and 300 Nm\n, let\u2019s just say the UX 300e won\u2019t trouble any Tesla in straight line performance, maybe not even the Nissan Leaf, but it\u2019ll definitely outpoint them in build quality, refinement and premium appointments.\nThe UX 300e also comes with \nsteering-mounted shift paddles\n which allows the driver to \nmodulate the level of battery regeneration\n on the fly. Replenishing its depleted battery pack via \n6.6 kW normal charging \nrequires \n7 hours\n, or \nonly 50 minutes\n if you can get your hands \non a 50kW quick charger\n. The Lexus UX 300e will go on sale in China and Europe in 2020, and home market Japan in 2021.\nLexus UX 300e gallery"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) Managing Director Nalin Jain was delighted to announce that sales in 2020 was \n1,950\n \nunits\n, surpassing last year by 67 units. This figure is \na new record\n since the establishment of the company.\nIn a simple \nonline broadcast\n earlier today, he also briefly mentioned that Volvo car sales in December 2020 was 30% better than the same month in the previous year.\nGlobally, Volvo Cars sold 661,713 cars (pending confirmation) in 2020, a decline of 6.2 per cent compared to 2019. Growth however was still seen in China and the USA.\nWith regards to what is in the pipeline for 2021, Mr. Jain said the company will further \ninvest in digital transformation, \nwith the aim to continuously improve the customer experience at all touchpoints. As for the introduction of \nnew products\n, \nhe declined to elaborate\n.\n\u201cWe will continue to push for digital transformation to build a strong digital system to support our customer\u2019s journey seamlessly \u2013 from the beginning of the buying process to owning a Volvo and the after-sales care that they need, while upholding our promise of professional service, leading safety technology and a caring mindset in everything we do,\u201d he emphasized.\nRecapping on key milestones in 2020, VCM kept themselves busy throughout the disruptive 2020. In terms of dealership network, the company added two new sales and service centres: \nthe Sime Darby Swedish Auto\n in Ara Damansara and the \nSebangga Mitsinbo Volvo\n in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The addition of these two 3S centres brings the total Volvo dealerships in Malaysia to 14.\nInternally, the company also officiated the opening of a \nnew regional training centre\n in Petaling Jaya at the beginning of 2020.\n \nVCM also introduced the \nlocally-assembled Volvo S60 T8 R-Design\n in May, immediately after the end of the MCO.\nThe \n\u2018SELEKT\u2019 certified used car program\n which includes a 1-year maintenance package together with 12-month warranty coverage was introduced a month later.\nRecently, existing owners were also treated to terrific news, as hybrid battery \nwarranty coverage on all PHEV models\n sold since 3 December 2015 has been \nextended to eight-years or 160,000 kilometres\n, whichever comes first.\nFor the latest revised price list of Volvo cars in Malaysia in reflection of the sales tax exemptions extended to the 30th of June 2021, \nclick here\n."
"Three winners have arose amongst the thousands of entries from Shell Malaysia\u2019s \n#cleanmyengine contest\n, the one-month long \nonline contest\n that begun from 29 December to 29 January 2015.\nEach of the three won an exclusive car detailing package at \nRegal Valet\n\u00a0in Bangsar worth \nRM1,500\n, a\u00a03-hour-15-minutes\u00a0\nSultana Hammam\n\u00a0spa package worth \nRM550\n at Hammam Bangsar Village and\u00a0a 4-litre pack of Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 with PurePlus Technology worth \nRM235\n.\nBesides the three grand prize winners, Shell Helix also gave away \n10 consolation prizes\n comprising the same 4-litre pack of Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40, along with an exclusive PurePlus Technology cube containing authentic base oil harvested from natural gas.\nGrand prize winner Faudzina Khamis, a\u00a042-year old product planner, was doing some online research because her 12-year old MINI Cooper\u2019s engine felt rough, and this research led her to the contest and ultimately won the grand prize.\u00a0\u201cI have always left the decision on motor oil to my regular workshop.\u00a0 I then decided to learn more about the subject and now understand how a good oil makes a whole lot of difference, especially one that can clean as well as the Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology.\u00a0 The experience has been so rewarding as both my car and I now feel spanking new!\u201d she said.\nDoctor K\u2019ng from Penang, who was represented by his wife Ms Lee Woei Lin, was also one of the three grand prize winners who said, \u201cMy husband chanced on the contest online and participated as our family are Shell users.\u00a0 I am glad he won as both our family Peugeot SUV and I were rewarded with a thoroughly pampering spa experience.\u201d\nNoel Kuppan, the self-employed\u00a037-year old submitted a creative slogan based on his understanding of the Gas-to-Liquid processing technology and earned himself and his trusty Proton Saga Aeroback a complete detailing session.\nShell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is tried and trusted by some of the world\u2019s leading engine makers and has such received \nOEM approvals\n from Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, VW, Ford, Honda, GM, Chrysler, Hyundai and the new partnership with BMW.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re looking for something a little different in the small SUV segment, you might want to take a gander at the \nPeugeot 2008\n, which is available in the single \u201cAllure\u201d variant in Malaysia. Locally assembled in Malaysia at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, the car costs \nRM134,103\n, on the road (OTR) without insurance.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nAll it takes is one look to see what an adorable yet aggressive-looking car the Peugeot 2008 is. Despite its compact size, the Peugeot 2008 features interesting angular surfaces that create a taut appearance on the car. The headlights are large and adorable, yet complemented with the \u201cLion fang\u201d daytime running lights (DRLs) that stretch vertically on the front bumper. For practicality\u2019s sake, the Peugeot 2008 comes with plastic claddings all around and even roof rails for those with an active lifestyle.\nCome to the rear and you will see the interesting taillight design of the 2008. They have a \u201cclaw\u201d like design and are connected to each other via a gloss black trim piece. Not made obvious, the 2008 does have a set of dual exhaust tips, hinting at its rather playful nature.\nAs for wheels, the Peugeot 2008 Allure comes with a set of 17-inch dual tone alloy wheels with a five-double spoke design. The wheels are wrapped in a set of GoodYear Assurance TripleMax 2 tyres. Colour options for the Peugeot 2008 include Fusion Orange, Amazonite Grey, Nera Black, and Pearl White. This particular unit that you see in these pictures is finished in Nera Black.\nUnder the hood of the Peugeot 2008 is a 1.2-3-cylinder turbocharged engine. The engine makes \n130 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n230 Nm\n at 1,750 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, power is sent to the front wheels only.\nThe 2008 gets ventilated disc brakes in front and solid disc brakes in the rear. As for suspension, the car gets a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam setup in the back.\nLike other Peugeots, getting into the Peugeot 2008 is quite an interesting experience. Firstly, you\u2019ll be greeted by the small steering wheel followed by the spaceship-like controls on the dashboard. The small steering wheel requires you to look over it to see the instrument cluster. Despite being an interesting place to be in, the cockpit is rather well built and feels good to touch. Most of the things are solid inside the 2008.\nScreen-wise, you do get a 7-inch central head unit that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a wired connection. There\u2019s also a 10-inch 3D digital instrument cluster that features a hologram-like appearance that serves to increase your response rate to warnings and information on the instrument cluster. The seats are wrapped in a leatherette upholstery and all windows are powered and get a \u2018One Touch\u201d function.\nIn the safety department, advanced standard safety features on the 2008 include high beam assist, blind spot monitoring, active lane keeping assist, active safety brake, and driver attention warning. Other safety features include hill start assist and an engine immobilizer.\nIncluded in the price of the Peugeot 2008 is a \n5-year/100,000 km\n manufacturer warranty and a \n5-year/100,000 km\n free scheduled maintenance.\nGALLERY"
"You knew it was going to be electric, you also \nknew \nwhat it would be called, but with four electric motors and 2,000 hp and 1,700 Nm (the Bugatti Chiron has 1,500 hp and 1,600 Nm), the Lotus Evija will be the world\u2019s most powerful production hypercar come 2020.\nOh those orifices.Lotus says they generate \u2018exceptional\u2019 downforce.\nLotus purists would no doubt be taken aback, despite being carbon fibre bodied, the Evija tips the scales at 1680 kg, making it the heaviest Lotus to date. But in its defence, it weighs no more than a Porsche 918 hybrid with less than half the power. What happened to \u2018simplify, then add lightness\u2019?\nHow fast? 0-300 km/h in less than 9 seconds!\nLotus did not reveal specific performance numbers but you can imagine how ridiculously fast it will be with four electric motors (each generating 500 hp) and all four wheels clawing on the road. It wouldn\u2019t be unreasonable to expect a 0-100 km/h figure in the low 2.0-second region and a top speed in excess of 350 km/h. Lotus claims the Evija takes less than 9 seconds from idle to 300 km/h!\nRear mounted charging port supports 800kW charging, takes 9 minutes to top up.\nWe aren\u2019t sure how long the two-seater Evija will be able to sustain high velocities, to that end there\u2019s a mid-mounted 70 kWh lithium ion battery pack that\u2019s supposed to offer 400 km of range per full charge, based on the stricter WLTP testing cycle, and you can top it up to 100% in 18 minutes on existing rapid chargers, or 9 minutes on 800kW chargers when they become available.\nCould be mistaken for a McLaren.\nThen there\u2019s the price, starting from \u00a31.7 million (that\u2019s pound sterling) or around RM 9 million, before tax \u2013 easily the most expensive Lotus ever, but with only 130 units to be produced, all of which are left-hand drive, the billionaires of the world will no doubt snap it up faster than you can mutter \u2018Ee-vee-yaaa\u2019. In case you are wondering, the deposit to secure a slot is \u00a3250,000.\nThis would make for a cool submersible in a Bond flick, like the Esprit did.\nFinally, there\u2019s the small matter of how the Evija looks, which Lotus says is based on \u2018the concept of porosity\u2019, which purportedly hails from the word \u2018porous\u2019, or a lot of holes where air or liquid can flow through. From the back, the massive venturi tunnels look like they can accommodate a passenger each (lying down), and with the rear wing extended, the Evija looks like a deep sea exploration vehicle. Will it sink or swim? Tell us."
"Initially scheduled for sometime \u201cby the end of 2021\u201d, \nMaserati\n has now confirmed that the \nGrecale SUV\n will officially make its debut on the November 16, with the launch taking place in Milan, Italy.\nThe \u201cspyshots\u201d provided by Maserati themselves.\nThe Grecale is no secret at this point \u2013 earlier this year, Maserati themselves even released \u201cspy shots\u201d of the car to generate hype, although still heavily camouflaged of course.\nCheck out the Maserati Grecale \u201cspy shots\u201d for yourselves here. \nIt\u2019s designed to slot underneath the Levante, in Maserati\u2019s line-up, and the spyshots show a low, sleek, and sporty crossover silhouette, featuring many of the Italian sports car maker\u2019s iconic design touches such as the slim head and tail lights, signature front grille with the Trident emblem, and massive rear haunches.\nThe full, non-blurry prototype of the Grecale was shown off earlier this year when Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and CEO Carlos Tavares visited the Maserati plant in Modena, Italy.\nMaserati did not reveal any technical details for the Grecale thus far, although we do know that it\u2019ll definitely feature a hybrid powertrain at some point of its life, thanks to the brand\u2019s \nelectrification roadmap\n that was announced back in 2019.\nThe base model will likely feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged powertrain of some sort, perhaps even with mild-hybrid technologies. As the Grecale will share the same platform as the \nAlfa Romeo Stelvio\n, we also won\u2019t be surprised to see the 520 hp 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine make its appearance here on the performance model.\nMaserati recently launched the Levante Ermenegildo Zegna Edition here in Malaysia, limited to five units only. Check it out here!\nRecent rumours even suggest that the \nMaserati MC20\n\u2018s Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with 630 hp and 730 Nm of torque could be used for the high-performance Trofeo model (which has already been confirmed), but we\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\nThere\u2019s just about one and a half months to go until the debut, and we\u2019ll most definitely hear more about the Maserati Grecale in the coming weeks. Stay tuned! Oh, and if you\u2019re wondering about the name, \u201cGrecale\u201d is named after yet another \u201cfamous wind\u201d, just like most of the brand\u2019s modern line-up."
"Audi has finally unveiled the e-tron GT in an online world-premiere event. It is positioned as the flagship and spearhead of electrification technology for Audi and Audi Sport.\nThe Audi e-Tron GT is the third dedicated electric vehicle (EV) from the automaker. Audi first launched the \ne-tron SUV\n in 2018, followed by a \nSportback\n (sloping roof) version a year later. \u00a0\nAlmost everything in the design of the \n2018 e-tron GT concept\n has been maintained into this production vehicle. The illuminated \u2018e-tron\u2019 wording seen within the Singleframe grille of the concept car did not, however.\nThe Audi e-Tron GT will be offered in two power output levels; the more powerful \nRS e-tron GT\n has a base output of\u00a0\n598 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n830 Nm\n\u00a0of torque, which can be temporarily boosted up to\u00a0\n646 hp\n. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just\u00a0\n3.3 seconds\n with launch control activated and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.\nThe regular quattro model conversely features a system output of\n\u00a0476 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n630 Nm\n and can be \nboosted to 530 hp \nand\n \n10 Nm more. The century sprint is done in\u00a0\n4.1 seconds \nand proceeds to a limited top speed of 245 km/h. The front motor in both variants has an output of 238 hp, with the RS model having a more powerful 456 hp (+21 hp) rear motor.\nSimilar to the \nPorsche Taycan\n models, the rear motor is equipped with a two-speed transmission to provide strong acceleration and high-speed cruising comfort. An optional rear-wheel steering is also available, turning the rear wheels up to 2.8 degrees in either direction for better manoeuvrability and stability.\nSpeaking of the Porsche Taycan, the Audi RS e-tron GT and quattro models have similar performance to the Porsche Taycan 4S and Turbo models, while the 761-horsepower Turbo S is still the king of the road.\nBoth Audi e-tron GT models share the same 85 kWh (net energy) lithium-ion battery pack and a voltage level of 800 volts. The driving range, according to WLTP procedure, for the RS e-tron GT and quattro is 472 and \n487\n \nkilometres\n respectively.\nThanks to a charging capacity of 270 kW and DC terminal, 100 kilometres of range can be obtained from just five minutes of charging.\nAs mentioned earlier, almost all of the design of e-tron GT has been kept from the concept car to the production car. Even the full-width high-tech looking LED taillamp has been precisely replicated.\nA multi-stage extendable rear spoiler is hidden in the trunk lid and a full-width rear diffuser occupies space where the exhaust muffler is usually placed.\nThe Audi e-tron GT still use conventional side mirrors, unlike the \nvirtual\n ones found on the larger e-tron crossover. Being a grand tourer or GT, the four doors have frameless windows.\nSuspension and brake setups are different in the RS and quattro variants. The RS is fitted with adaptive air suspension and tungsten carbide coated disc brakes, while the quattro has standard steel springs and brake discs.\nCarbon ceramic braking system with 10-piston front calipers are available as an option. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches, and larger sizes come with aerodynamic-efficient aeroblades.\nMoving to the interior, the low dashboard and continuous flow to the door panels give a wraparound feeling for the front occupants. The driver is met with the Audi virtual cockpit plus measuring 12.3 inches and a central MMI touch display that measures 10.1 inches.\nThe brains and brawn behind the control screens is the third-generation modular infotainment platform 3 (MIB 3).\nBeing an electric vehicle that is naturally quiet, Audi has offered the \u2018\ne-tron sport sound\n\u2019 in the RS model. Carefully mixed and engineered sound is channelled into the cabin through the vehicle\u2019s on-board speakers which provide the driver with a better impression of the drive system.\n \nThe sport sound system can be controlled via the Audi drive select, where the \u2018dynamic\u2019 profile makes a sporty and voluminous sound and completely turned off in the \u2018efficiency\u2019 profile. \u00a0\nApart from the usual connections for navigation and traffic, there is also a Car-to-X service that output warnings regarding hazards and find vacant parking spots or even communicate with traffic lights to create a green wave.\nAudi says the interior is \nleather-free\n, with upholstery made with a high percentage of recycled materials.\nThe Audi e-tron GT is being assembled at the Audi Sport facility in Boellinger Hoefe, Germany, the same production facility that manufactures the Audi R8 supercar.\n\u201cIntegration of the fully electric, four-door coupe transformed our small-series production facility at Audi Boellinger Hoefe into a highly flexible, high-tech production facility that nevertheless retains its craft-scale character,\u201d says Production Head Wolfgang Schanz.\nAudi is also proud to announce that the entire production process at the Boellinger Hoefe site is net carbon-neutral, with 100% eco-electricity. Emissions that cannot yet be avoided are compensated with carbon credits from certified climate protection projects.\nIn the US, Audi is pricing the e-tron GT from \nUSD99,900\n and the RS model from \nUSD139,900\n.\nGALLERY"
"As they always say, money is the solution to all life\u2019s problems (not really). Your favourite carmaker doesn\u2019t make a car you like? If you have enough money, you can always ask them to make one specifically for you. That is basically the story of how the Pagani Huayra Codalunga came about, which was created at the behest of two collectors, costing EUR7 million (approx. RM32 million) each.\nThe name Codalunga means \u2018longtail\u2019 in Italian, and it\u2019s said to be inspired by the Le Mans race cars from the 1960s. The two collectors approached Pagani to make a longtail version of the \nHuayra\n sometime back in 2018, and they worked with the company\u2019s Grandi Complicazioni special projects division for over two years just to get the design right.\nThe differences are obvious even at first glance, with an extended rear deck that\u2019s 360 mm longer than the standard car. There\u2019s also a reworked front bumper with a widened grille intake and a revised splitter, while the taillights at the back are rearranged into single file, rather than the usual L-shaped design.\nYou\u2019ll also realise there are no grille covers at the rear, because it gives you the perfect view to the signature quad-exit ceramic-coated titanium exhaust system. The entire exhaust system weighs just 4.4 kg, and the car as a whole \u2013 despite its extra body panels \u2013 weighs even less than the standard Huayra itself, coming in at just 1280 kg.\nWhile the exterior gets a large makeover, the interior of the Codalunga remains mostly unchanged from the standard Huayra, except for a unique choice of woven leather and nubuck upholstery to match the design trends of that era. Exterior colours, too, are limited to either matte or semi-matte to bring out the car\u2019s minimalist design lines.\nUnder the bonnet of the Pagani Huayra Codalunga is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12, taken directly from the Huayra Imola. It makes a whopping \n840 hp\n and \n1,100 Nm\n in total, with power sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed sequential gearbox.\nALSO READ: Pagani\u2019s new Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta turns the already-extreme supercar up to 11\n\u201cAll Pagani projects are born from visions and dreams, and some of the most iconic and exclusive Pagani cars stem from the vision and dreams of clients. In 2009, this led to one of the most iconic Zonda models, the Zonda Cinque,\u201d said Pagani Commercial Director, Hannes Zanon.\n\u201cPagani Automobili is capable of developing these bespoke projects for single clients, much like the Coachbuilders in the \u201860s, but in compliance with today\u2019s international homologation requirements.\u201d Only five units of the Huayra Codalunga will ever be built, with all of them already spoken for.\n \nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s not easy to recreate an icon. Especially one that bears the Porsche emblem for seven-generations. So, when Porsche Designer, Peter Varga was tasked to draw the exterior design of the 992-generation Porsche 911, his approach was to avoid overdrawing the models and retain the uncomplicated quality of the first 911.\nAs a result, the exterior of the eight-generation Porsche 911 (model code 992) is not a big departure from its predecessor but a little here and there gives the new car unmistakable presence on the road. Emphasis has been placed on introducing new intelligent technologies, uprated performance and modernly advanced driver assistance systems.\nFor starters, the front of the car is now 45 mm wider than before to clear the large wheels that measure up to 20-inches in diameter. The rear width is now the same across all models to highlight the slimline centre section of the car.\nAt the front, the new 911 dons a restyled bumper with a horizontal profile on the intakes, new LED headlamps and a new bonnet with pronounced body lines that reminiscence the first 911. The door handles are now electronically pop-out units that hide away when not in use to create a tapered and smooth side profile.   But the most prominent change is over to the rear with a stripe of lightbar connecting the taillamps that sits below the adaptive rear spoiler \u2013 a design cue already on the new Panamera and Cayenne models. Other elements such as the license plate, tailpipe trim and auxiliary lights have been moved down to give the new car a lower stance.\nPorsche is most proud of the new 911\u2019s interior characterised by a clutter free and highly connected cabin. Dominating the dashboard is a new 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen infotainment system as well as the five-dial design instrument cluster with an analogue central rev counter. Porsche says the new digital architecture is more legible and less distracting to use than before.   The 992 also gets the new-generation multifunctional steering wheel with a drive mode selector swivel wheel located on the steering wheel (for cars with Sports Chrono Package equipped). Sitting below the PCM screen are five buttons that give direct access to main vehicle functions and the climate control display is now located on the centre console. Although Porsche needs to explain themselves for the tiny electronic gear selector.\nAt launch the new 911 is available in two flavours, the Carrera S and Carerra 4S, both spotting the same 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six engine that now pushes 450 hp \u2013 30 hp more than the outgoing model. A new eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is tasked with the power transfer.\nThe rear-wheel-drive Carrera S will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.7 seconds\n while the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S will get there in \n3.6 seconds\n (3.4 seconds with the optional Sports Chrono Package installed). Top speed on the former is \n308 km/h\n while the Carrera 4S has a slightly lower \n306 km/h\n top speed.\nAvailable driver assistance systems on the new 911 include Warning and Brake Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera and a Porsche Wet mode that preconditions the car and warns the driver of a slippery surface coming up ahead.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n992 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 & 4S"
"In Mercedes-Benz\u2019s sedan-to-coupe line-up, we have seen the \nC-Class\n and \nS-Class\n\u00a0receive the coup\u00e9 treatment. Surely, Mercedes-Benz was not going to forget to remove two doors from their E-Class. Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coup\u00e9.\nThe previous generation C207 E-Class Coup\u00e9 had the same underpinnings of the W204 C-Class. As the two share the same platform and wheelbase, the C207 E-Class Coup\u00e9 was not quite a proper E-Class. Onto the new C238 E-Class Coup\u00e9, it is based on the latest generation W213 E-Class sedan which means it has grown in every dimension: 4,826mm in length, 1,860mm in width, 1,430mm in height and 2,873mm in wheelbase. Compared to the previous generation, the new E-Class Coup\u00e9 has grown a whopping 123mm, 74mm, 32mm and 113mm respectively.   Visually, the Coup\u00e9 wears the same design as the sedan model, save for the omission of rear doors, \nframeless side windows\n and a \nslopping roofline\n. At the rear, no one would blame you for mistaking it for the C-Class Coup\u00e9 or\u00a0S-Class Coup\u00e9. The E-Class Coup\u00e9 features a shorter rear overhang and a pair of slim LED taillights, similar to the design of the other two Coup\u00e9s.\nInside, it\u00a0continues the sedan\u2019s tagline of the world\u2019s most intelligent executive saloon as the Coup\u00e9 is packed with high tech equipment. As standard, the Coup\u00e9 is fitted with analogue dials and 7-inch colour instrument cluster. However, the optional \n12.3-inch high-resolution instrument cluster \nenables a variety of function and display options. Other high-tech features include Touch Control buttons on the multifunctional steering wheel, Mercedes me connect Concierge Service, full smartphone integration, Linguatronic voice control system, 64-colour LED ambient lighting, among others.   The optional AMG-Line gives you signature chrome plated diamond radiator grille, larger AMG wheels, perforated front brakes as well as black Artico/Dinamica leather seats with grey contrast stitching and AMG leather sports steering wheel. Night package adds on high-gloss black trims and tinted windows.\nThe E-Class Coup\u00e9 can be had with four engine options: a \n194 hp\n \n2.0-litre turbodiesel\n, \n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n in two different states of tune \u2013\u00a0\n184 hp\n and \n245 hp\n\u00a0\u2013 and a \n333 hp\n \n3.0-litre turbocharged V6\n. Regardless of engine choice, the Coup\u00e9 comes with a sole nine-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission. Only the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 comes with Mercedes-Benz\u2019s \n4MATIC\n all-wheel drive system.\nAs standard, the E-Class Coup\u00e9 comes with \nDirect Control suspension\n that sits the Coup\u00e9 15 mm closer to the ground compared to the sedan model. As an option, customers can opt for the \nDynamic Body Control\n \nsuspension\n that offers variable damping settings. For even greater handling dynamics and comfort, there is an \nAir Body Control air suspension\n that adapts the damping settings to current road conditions.\nLiving up to the standards of the current E-Class family, the Coup\u00e9 is equipped with an arsenal of safety features such as \nActive Brake Assist\n\u00a0(which autonomously applies the brake when an imminent collision is detected), \nDrive Pilot \n(Mercedes-Benz\u2019s next step to autonomous driving) and \nDistance Pilot Distronic\n\u00a0(adaptive cruise control, up to \n210 km/h\n). Lastly, Remote Parking Pilot is also a new feature which allows the vehicle to move in and out of parking spaces \nvia a smartphone app\n.\nAs expected from a Coup\u00e9 derived from the World\u2019s Most Intelligent Executive Saloon, the E-Class Coup\u00e9 packs an array of sophisticated features. For those looking to get a stylish and high-tech Coup\u00e9, perhaps the E-Class Coup\u00e9 is what you\u2019ve all been waiting for. For now, we can be certain that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) will be looking to add this into their Dream Cars Collection in the very near future so stay tuned for more updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nPolestar 2\n \nhas only been in the market for about three years, but Polestar is already giving the fastback model a facelift update. And it\u2019s not just any other facelift, because the Swedish carmaker has given the Polestar 2 so many updates for the 2024 model year, it\u2019s almost a brand-new car already.\nThe most significant change is actually found underneath the sheet metal, as the standard single motor variant now gets a brand new rear-wheel drive layout, instead of front-wheel drive on the pre-facelift model.\nThe new motor on the rear axle also gets more power than before, outputting up to \n220 kW (299 hp)\n and 4\n90 Nm\n of torque on the Long Range model \u2013 a significant increase over its predecessor\u2019s 231 hp and 330 Nm. As a result, the century sprint times for the model has been dropped by as much as 1.2 seconds, down to \n6.2 seconds\n on the Long Range model.\nREAD MORE: \nPolestar 2 EV reaches 100,000-unit milestone\nOn the all-wheel drive dual motor variants meanwhile, the drivetrain has now been revised for a more rear-biased set-up that promises \u201cincreased driving pleasure and performance\u201d. With new motors both front and back, the Dual Motor variant now boasts a total output of \n310 kW (421 hp)\n and \n740 Nm\n of torque, up from 300 kW and 660 Nm from before.\nAs a result, the dual motor-equipped Polestar 2 now sprints from 0-100 km/h in just \n4.5 seconds\n. And if you opt for the Performance Pack upgrade (350 kW/476 hp), which can be done over an over-the-air software update if you wish to on a later date, that figure drops even more to \n4.2 seconds\n.\nIn addition to the improved performance, Polestar says that the new powertrain set-up also helps deliver \u201cvastly improved traction\u201d and greater overall efficiency \u2013 the latter is partly thanks to the front motors that can be disengaged completely when not needed, only re-engaging \u201cinstantly and seamlessly\u201d when the driver wants more power.\nThe efficiency push is further aided by the upgraded lithium-ion batteries, featuring a redesigned battery disconnect unit, upgraded busbars, and improved cell chemistry, which enables an even faster charging rates of up to 205 kW (DC) on the long-range batteries, and 135 kW for the standard range models.\nALSO READ: \nPolestar 2 debuts in ASEAN with Singapore launch, cheaper than XC40\nOn the long-range versions, the battery pack is now upsized to 82 kWh in capacity, while the standard-range models retain a capacity of 69 kWh. However, thanks to the other optimisations in efficiency and power delivery, all variants of the new Polestar 2 see an improvement to their driving range \u2013 the long range dual motor variant is now rated at 592 km WLTP (up 105 km); the long range single motor variant gets 635 km (up 84 km), while the single motor standard range version is now capable of up to 518 km (up 40 km) from a single charge.\nThe new cell chemistry also helps the Polestar 2 reduce its overall carbon footprint, with carbon emissions for the 82 kWh battery-equipped models dropping by 1.1 tonnes to 5.8 tonnes per car.\nOn the appearance front, the Polestar 2 has been updated with a blocked-out front grille panel up front to bring it more visually similar to the newer \nPolestar 3\n model. For buyers of the Performance Pack package, the new 20-inch forged alloy wheels are also now borrowed from its aforementioned sibling.\nThese updates are not merely for aesthetic purposes only, too. The new front grille panel, dubbed the SmartZone, also houses many of the car\u2019s \u201cmost important\u201d safety sensors, including the front-facing camera and mid-range radar, to support the model\u2019s now standard Driver Awareness active driver assistance features including blind-spot monitor, cross traffic alert with autonomous emergency braking, and a rear collision mitigation system.\nOther new standard features on the Polestar 2 include a 360-degree surround view camera, as well as automatic diming exterior mirrors. Inside, the wireless phone charging pad is also now standard across all variants.\nThe model year 2024 Polestar 2 is now available to order in European markets, with pricing starting from EUR50,190 (approx. RM231k). Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2023."
"Did you know that the Toyota Harrier was never meant to be sold officially outside of its home country Japan? However, the Harrier nameplate is no stranger to this part of the world, thanks to parallel importers.\nMalaysians have long since grown accustomed to the sight of fresh and mint Harriers in the grey market. Since its global debut in December 2013, this third-generation Harrier was offered with two engine choices: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid, both mated to a seven-speed stepped ratio CVT gearbox. Just recently, Toyota added a new 2.0-litre turbocharged variant to the Harrier lineup along with some enhancements to the Harrier range.\nBearing the engine code 8AR-FTS, the 2.0-litre direct injection engine comes with a twin scroll turbocharger and dual VVT-i, allowing a healthy output of \n228 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. Drive is sent to either the front wheels or all-four wheels via a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n with sequential shift. It\u2019s pretty frugal too, with a rated fuel consumption of \n7.7L/100km\n (FWD model).\nBesides that, Toyota has fitted performance dampers for the turbo, reducing body roll and improving straight line and cornering stability. A \nsports mode\n button that sharpens throttle and steering response is also a unique addition to the turbocharged Harrier.\nPerformance Dampers   The Harrier turbo get unique styling cues such as smoked LED headlamps, exclusive front grille, carbon fibre inlays around the gear selector, Suede and leather combination upholstery and a new leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel.\nOther updates include\u00a0\nToyota Safety Sense P\n\u00a0on all models, electric parking brake with auto hold function, sequential turn signals, larger 9.2-inch infotainment system, puddle lamp with \u2018Hawk\u201d emblem and automatic sliding of driver seat when the engine is switched off.   The updated Harrier is available in \nsix exterior shades\n \u2013 White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Red Mica Metallic and Dark Blue Mica Metallic. The last two are new additions to the colour palette. Prices for the updated Harrier start from \u00a52.95 million (RM111k) to \u00a54.95 million (RM186k) while the Harrier Turbo retails from \u00a53.38 million (RM127k).\nYou can bet that the parallel importers are scrambling to ship these enhanced Harrier to our shores, even the turbocharged ones too.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Harrier 2.0L Turbo   Performance Dampers\n \nUpdated Toyota Harrier"
"McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has released several pictures of a one-off 570S Coupe that\u2019s destined to make its debut at the luxurious Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance later this month.\nSay. does this not remind you of \n#BruiseWayne\n?\nMSO, McLaren\u2019s bespoke division will return to Pebble Beach where they were officially launched back in 2011, only this time to showcase more individualisation options on the forthcoming \n570S Coupe\n \u2013 the company\u2019s first ever model in the McLaren Sports Series range.\n \n \nTwo fine examples of uniquely customised 570S Coupes will be showcased at the event, one of which is what you\u2019re seeing here, painted in a specially formulated \nMauvine Blue\n shade. This colour trails into the bespoke interior that\u2019s complemented with \nCarbon Black leather\n. McLaren hasn\u2019t taken the wraps off the second 570S, but that will also get a unique paint job \u2013 Ventura Orange, and will be presented on the Concept Lawn.\nWhile they both enjoy a good makeover, the oily bits remain unchanged, charging the same \u00a0\n3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine\n making\u00a0\n562 hp\n\u00a0at 7,400 rpm and\u00a0\n600 Nm\u00a0\nof torque from 5,000 rpm to 6,500 rpm. It weighs\u00a01,313kg\u00a0thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre, and boasts a class\u2019 best power-to-weight ratio of\u00a0\n428 hp per tonne\n. Transmission of choice is the seven-speed Sequential Shift gearbox.\u00a0\nOther McLaren models will also be featured at the\u00a0Concours d\u2019Elegance, beginning with a pair of limited edition \n675LT\n. Completing the lineup is the limited run 650S Le Mans (only 50 units built, all sold) and a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR.\nIn addition to the models on display, McLaren will also put two their most exclusive models on auction \u2013 a \nMcLaren P1\u2122\n and the penultimate \nMcLaren F1\n. The Volcano Red example of the limited edition P1 is one of just 375 models, and represents the McLaren Ultimate Series at the pinnacle of the three tier model range. The 1998 McLaren F1 (chassis #073) on the other hand, is in a highly sought-after specification with a number of \u2018LM\u2019 upgrades.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Boredom is off the charts and tensions at home after perpetual face time with the family could be high, for some. And Audi knows; so they\u2019ve gone back to basics in hopes of brightening up the mood in your household \u2013 by colouring.\nThe \u201ccolouring book\u201d which \ncan be downloaded here\n, features Audi vehicles from the past and present including the Audi Quattro, the R8 and even a pre-World War 1 example.\nIn other news, Audi announced that all its dealerships in Malaysia will be closed until the end of the month in line with the Movement Control Order.\nCustomers in need of assistance in the event of an emergency can contact 1-800-22-2834 as their emergency assistance team are still operational 24/7."
"Naza Automotive Group is offering exclusive deals and savings as part of their Naza Automall Mid Year Mega Deal campaign. The campaign will run from now until the \n15th of July 2020\n.\nIn addition to the discounted prices, Naza Automall is also offering further markdowns with an additional 5% discount (in addition to \ngovernment-announced sales tax exemption\n, where applicable), as well as low interest rates starting from 1.88% and free one-year warranty on selected models as part of its Mid Year Mega Deal campaign.\nAs an added convenience during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period, customers can now also browse the models on offer in the Naza Automall Mid Year Mega Deal campaign through online marketplaces such as \nMudah\n and \nCarlist\n. Additionally, customers can also arrange video call sessions with Naza\u2019s sales personnel for more information on the vehicles.\nThose interested in test driving the vehicles on sale are required to set up an appointment with the sales advisors. As is usual these days, the vehicle will be sanitised before and after each test drive session. Only two people will be allowed in a vehicle at one time to practice social distancing measures.\nSource: \nNaza Automall/Facebook\nNaza Automotive Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan said, \u201cPrioritising the needs of our customers, we are taking this opportunity to further markdown our vehicle prices so that our customers can enjoy even more savings during this tax exemption period.\n\u201cWe also understand that some customers may have fully adapted to online shopping and are more comfortable with the online marketplace. Thus, we\u2019ve also started exploring several digital platforms to extend our reach. We believe that digitising our business is pivotal to the future of the automotive industry.\u201d\nRecently, several brands under the Naza Automotive Group including \nKia\n, \nPeugeot\n, \nCitroen, and DS\n, have all announced their revised price list in line with the implementation of the sales tax exemption period as part of the short-term economy stimulus plan, which will be effect until the year end.\nFor the revised price list of all the other brands in Malaysia, check out our round-up, \nhere\n."
"Toyota, in collaboration with JBL, has just introduced the limited C-HR \u201cNeon Lime\u201d edition on the French Alps where only 2,000 units will be available.\nThe \u201cNeon Lime\u201d edition C-HR comes with a 360-degrees JBL Music Experience Pack which contains a set of JBL speakers and headphones along with 6 months Deezer subsciption.\nOn the outside, the Neon Lime paint job is complemented with a black roof, contrasted by 18-inch matte black alloy wheels while on the inside, sports seats upholstered with Alcantara have been introduced specifically for this version.\nLocally, UMW Toyota announced that the \nToyota C-HR\u2019s\n infotainment system has been\n upgraded in size and now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n \u2013 making it the first Toyota in Malaysia to feature it.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo is going full steam ahead with its plan to become a \nfully-electric carmaker by 2030\n, which means that all of its core models will sooner or later adopt a fully-electric powertrain. After the \nXC40 Recharge\n became Volvo\u2019s first fully-electric model, the Swedish carmaker has now confirmed that the next-generation \nVolvo XC6\n0\n will be fully-electric.\nThe announcement was made in a press release for a joint venture between Volvo and Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt to develop and produce \u201cmore sustainable batteries\u201d for the next generation of pure electric Volvo and Polestar cars.\nThe new XC40 Recharge is Volvo\u2019s first step to an electric revolution \u2013 read more about it here.\nThe partnership between the two companies will see the construction of a research and development centre in Sweden, which will begin operations in 2022.\nA new Gigafactory will also be built in Europe, with a potential capacity of up to 50 GWh per year. The site will be powered by 100% clean energy and is expected to employ around 3,000 people, with production scheduled to start in 2026.\nVolvo says that by producing batteries near its own manufacturing facilities in Europe, they can reduce the environmental footprint attributable to battery sourcing and production for its future cars.\nAs for the fully-electric SUV XC60, Volvo did not divulge on any further information, aside from the fact that it\u2019ll be the first model to feature battery cells developed through the joint venture. With battery production earmarked to start in 2026, we expect the model to be announced around the same time too, fitting squarely within Volvo\u2019s 10-year model refresh cycle.\nThe new all-electric C40 Recharge, aside from being Volvo\u2019s second EV, is also one of the brand\u2019s most powerful SUVs!\nThe statement did not however confirm if the next-generation Volvo XC60 will be a purely electric model, or it\u2019ll adopt a similar strategy to the XC40 by also offering a petrol-powered option. The company previously targeted to sell \n50% pure electric cars by 2025.\nThe current Volvo XC60 is already available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.\nVolvo is set to reveal more details on its future technology roadmap at the \u201cTech Moment\u201d event on June 30th, but the company revealed that they will be sourcing 15 GWh of battery cells annually from Northvolt\u2019s existing battery plant, starting 2024.\nVolvo Cars CTO, Henrik Green said, \u201cDeveloping the next generation of battery cell technology in-house, together with Northvolt, will allow us to design batteries specifically for Volvo and Polestar drivers. With cells developed in-house for our electric cars, we can focus on giving Volvo and Polestar customers what they want, such as range and short charging times.\u201d"
"Two owners in the UK have taken delivery of the limited-production \nLamborghini Si\u00e1n\n, which was first unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.\nLamborghini used the name Si\u00e1n as it means \nflash or lightning\n in Bolognese dialect, referencing the first electric application in a Lamborghini production car.\nEach Lamborghini Si\u00e1n is priced at \nover two million Euro\n plus taxes, and each owner specified their unique Si\u00e1n in conjunction with Lamborghini\u2019s Ad Personam team.\nLamborghini London said the Si\u00e1n with Grigio Nimbus exterior has exposed carbon weave roof and Rosso Mars accents, complemented by a Nero Ade interior with Rosso Alala contrasts.\nMeanwhile, the second Si\u00e1n has a dark Nero Helene bodywork set off by exposed carbon fibre on the bonnet, front lamp inserts, fenders and engine cover. Additional highlights are finished in Oro Electrum, which is also used within the alloy wheels.\nThe Si\u00e1n is the most powerful and fastest-accelerating Lamborghini ever produced. The hybrid system features a world-first hybrid \nsupercapacitor\n powertrain, combining the company\u2019s most powerful naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine (\n785 hp\n) with a 48-volt e-motor (34 hp) delivering a total output of \n819 hp\n.\nAll that power sends the Si\u00e1n from standstill to 100 km/h in just \n2.8 seconds\n and achieving a top speed of over 350 km/h.\nThe electrified system with the supercapacitor and e-motor weighs only 34 kg. This 600-Amp supercapacitor is three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter than a battery storing the same power.\u00a0 \u00a0\nThanks to the symmetric behaviour of the supercapacitor, which contrary to normal lithium-ion batteries can be charged and discharged with the same power. This means that the Si\u00e1n\u2019s energy storage system is \nfully charged\n every time the vehicle decelerates and \nbrakes\n.\nThe energy stored is an instantly-available power boost, allowing the driver to draw immediately on increased torque when accelerating away, up to 130 km/h.\nA total of only \n63 units\n are being made, the figure referencing the founding year of Automobili Lamborghini, and all were already spoken for even before the official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show.\nEarlier this month, Lamborghini announced the appointment of \nSunAgata Supercars Sdn. Bhd\n. as the sole distributor of Lamborghini vehicles in Malaysia.\nIf you would like to have a collectable Si\u00e1n in your home, Lamborghini commissioned \nLEGO\n to make a highly detailed Technic kit of the Si\u00e1n. This model kit is rather limited too, so do check out their official stores in either \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n.\nGALLERY"
"BMW has just brought out the newest addition to its flagship battle cruiser range \u2013 the 7 Series. Known internally as the G11/G12, this new 7 Series represents the pride of the Munich based automaker that comes with new updated powertrains and lighter construction. It is also the first BMW to carry the \u201cG\u201d body code designation.\nThis sixth generation luxury limousine has come a long way indeed. This newest model comes with either a short or long wheelbase model with an \nall-wheel-drive\n option for the first time. With new construction methods employed here, the G11 is\u00a0\n130 kilograms\n\u00a0lighter as compared to its \npredecessor\n.\nName\nBMW 730d/Ld\nBMW 740e/Le\nBMW 740i/Li\nBMW 750i/Li xDrive\nEngine\n2,993cc; inline-6 commonrail turbo\n1,997cc; inline-4 twinscroll turbo\n2,998cc; inline-6 twinscroll turbo\n4,395cc; V8 twinscroll turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic auto\nMax Power\n265 hp\n326 hp\n326 hp\n450 hp\nMax Torque\n620 Nm\n400 Nm\n450 Nm\n650 Nm\nTop Speed\n250 km/h\n240 km/h\n250 km/h\n250 km/h\nEXTERIOR\nThe front end has been styled to look more like the \nfacelifted F30 BMW 3 Series\n, but\u00a0on steroids, giving it a more aggressive demeanor. The front fascia is completed with a\n\u00a0\npair of\n full LED headlights\n\u00a0fitted as standard with an anti-dazzle \nBMW Laserlight\n\u00a0(optional)\u00a0first seen\u00a0in the \nBMW i8\n and larger kidney grille which can be actively shut.   The back end does have its resemblance to the previous model, but features\u00a0more angular lines such as the chrome strip running the length of the boot lid, a redesigned boot and chrome exhaust tips integrated into the lower bumper.\nINTERIOR\nAs is the norm with the 7 Series, the interior is truly a luxurious place to be in. BMW has introduced the\n Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof\n and upon opening the door, a \nlight\n\u00a0\nbeam\n\u00a0(dubbed the Welcome Light Carpet) is projected onto the ground. The upholstery is available from\u00a0five colour shades of the standard \nDakota leather\n\u00a0while the optional \nNappa\n \nleather\n is available in a\u00a0selection of six colours that comes with all the garnishing of wood and metal trimmings you could ask for.   Bowers & Wilkins\n have lent their hand in the acoustics department with a Diamond series, \n1400 Watt 10-channel\n amplifier powering\n 16 partially illuminated speakers\n that is able to produce sounds that could mimic the theater or even a concert for that matter. Or at least that\u2019s what they say.\nAs much as the emphasis has been placed on the rear occupants, the driver isn\u2019t left alone. The \niDrive\n system with \nGesture Control\n is now a\n touch-screen based interface\n\u00a0system that can be used to control most of the gadgetry this uber limo comes with.\nPERFORMANCE\nWith an innovative blend of lightweight material and renewed construction techniques, this new model is now a 130 kg lighter thanks to the use of materials such as \nCFRP, aluminium\n and redesigned components such as the suspension, wheels and brakes. Did we mention the 7 Series comes in all-wheel-drive too (except for the 740i/Li)?\nFor the first time in this range, the 7 Series comes with a \nfour-cylinder engine\n that powers the new\u00a0BMW \n740e,\u00a0740Le\n and the\n BMW 740Le xDrive\n which, as the name suggests, are \nhybrids\n. But not just any hybrid, it\u2019s a \nplug-in hybrid\n, which allows you to hook the car up to a power socket in order to charge up the batteries should you so choose to. The combination of the electric motors and a \n2.0-litre turbocharged\n engine makes a combined output of\n 326 hp\n.\nThe \n740i/Li\n variant comes with a \nthree-liter twin scroll turbocharged\n mill that puts out \n326 horses\n at 6,500 rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque from as low as \n1,380 rpm\n fired out the back wheels and is able to do the century sprint in \n5.5 seconds\n and onto a top speed of \n250 km/h.\u00a0\nThe oil-burning \n730d/Ld\n and the xDrive variety is propelled by a \nturbocharged direct-injection high pressure commonrail\n block that makes \n265 hp\n and a whooping \n620 Nm\n of force thanks to \nvariable inlet geometry turbines\n and \n2,500-bar\n piezo injectors. The sprint times are broadly similar with the 730d doing it in \n6.1 seconds\n with the LWB version\n 0.1 secs\n behind. The AWD versions of the \n730d/Ld xDrive\n does it in \n5.8\n and \n5.9 seconds\n respectively.\n \n \nThe range topper however in typical 7 Series fashion, is the new \nAWD 750i/Li xDrive\n which is fitted with a \n4.4 liter twin turbocharged V8\n lump that produces \n450 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of twist. It does the time in \n4.4 seconds\n (with the LWB version \n0.1 secs\n behind) and also tops out at\u00a0\n250 km/h\n.\nAll versions of the new 7 Series come with an \neight-speed StepTronic\n automatic transmission which has had its \nratios widened\n and the whole gearbox has been put on a \ndiet\n to shed weight. The eight-speeder is also linked up to the\u00a0\nsatellite\u00a0navigation\u00a0\nsystem so it can access the traffic situation up ahead and \npredict\n the necessary gear to be in.\nSAFETY\nAs opposed to previous construction methods, the new 7er has its passenger cell built from a \nhybrid\n of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (\nCFRP\n) and aluminium ensuring not only a lightweight outcome but also a \nmore rigid structure\n, hence increasing passenger safety.\nAirbags aren\u2019t in short supply on the \nG11\n with a combination of\u00a0\nfront and side airbags\n,\u00a0\nhead and curtain\n airbags for the \nfront and rear seats\n, couple those with \nactive head restraints\n, \nseat\u00a0belt force limiters\n and\n belt tensioners\n in the\u00a0front seats, as well as \nISOFIX\n child seat mountings for the rear seats, just to name a few.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs is the way of personal preference, BMW has left that to the prerogative of the customer. Amongst the toys that can be specified are the likes of a \nrear view camera\n, \nHeads-Up Display\n, \n360 Surround View\n,\u00a0\nPanoramic glass roof\n, \npowered rear sun blinds\n and \nAmbient lighting\n in the rear. Other options include\u00a0\nComfort seats\n and \nActive seat ventilation\n in the front, Comfort seats in the\u00a0rear and \nquad zone control\n automatic climate control.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW G11 7-Series   Autodesk VRED Professional 2015 SR1-SP5\n \n Autodesk VRED Professional 2015 SR1-SP5   Autodesk VRED Professional 2015 SR1-SP5\n \n Autodesk VRED Professional 2015 SR1-SP5\n \n Autodesk VRED Professional 2015 SR1-SP5   BMW G11 7-Series Design Phase"
"When Peter Schreyer joined Hyundai-Kia Motors back in 2006 as the Chief Design Officer, he revolutionised Kia\u2019s design language with the signature Tiger Nose grille. The Tiger Nose propelled the Korean carmaker to unprecedented heights in terms of design, and the trend continues to this day.\nThe third-generation Hyundai Tucson is the first Hyundai car that Schreyer worked his magic on. It certainly shows because the Tucson proceeded to win several prestigious awards such as the \niF Product Design Award\n and \nGood Design Award\n.\nThe new Tucson is a vast improvement over the previous generation in terms of refinement and features, allowing it to hold its ground well in the C-segment SUV class. Its title of \nfastest selling Hyundai model in Europe\n speaks volume of its competitiveness.\nHowever, the biggest gripe we have is that Hyundai Sime Darby (HSD) decided to carry over the second-generation\u2019s powertrain. With the keys to the fully decked out \nHyundai Tucson Nu 2.0L Executive\n in hand, it\u2019s time to find out whether the all-new Tucson is able to hold its ground in the ever-demanding Malaysian market.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Tucson Nu 2.0L Elegance\nHyundai Tucson Nu 2.0L Executive\nEngine\n1,999cc; 4-cylinder Multi Point Injection\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM129,990.87\nRM142,632.60\nEXTERIOR\nCentral to the design language of the Tucson is the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 also found in the \nVeloster Turbo\n and the \nseventh-generation Sonata\n. The prominent lines across the body panels gives the Tucson a modern and sophisticated appearance. At the front, Hyundai\u2019s hexagon chrome grille, tiger eyes projector headlamps, fog lamps and day time running lights gives the Tucson a bold and rugged look.   At the side, the Tucson gets power folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamps; a feature normally found in premium brands. Although the design is somewhat tame and docile, it does not compromise the car\u2019s overall athletic character. In short, the new Tucson is very much a smaller-sized Santa Fe and is indeed quite a looker.\nINTERIOR\nHop inside, the well laid out cabin is draped in high quality materials. If it wasn\u2019t for the Hyundai badge on the steering wheel, I definitely would\u2019ve mistaken it for a premium European make. The instrument cluster is straightforward and information are clearly laid out on the coloured 4.2-inch TFT LCD display that can be operated via the multifunctional steering wheel. Drivers will also appreciate how convenient the cruise control, infotainment system and Bluetooth controls are placed on the steering wheel.   At the centre of the dashboard sits an \n8-inch Android based touchscreen infotainment system\n. For experienced Android phone or tablet users will get used to the system in no time. The infotainment system can also be connected to a mobile hotspot for internet connectivity to fully utilise its capabilities such as live-traffic. Parking is made easy in the Tucson with front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera with guide lines.\nFurther down at the centre console houses the electronic parking brake, auto hold, drive mode selector, parking sensors as well as hill decent control switches.\nI must say, the eight-way powered leather seats with lumbar support offers plenty of support and comfort, making long distance drives less of a chore. Rear passengers are also in for a treat as the rear bench are reclined slightly and are exceptionally comfortable. Furthermore, the interior can be had in either red, black or stunning white Nappa leather. The \n488-litres boot space\n on the Tucson is nowhere near class-leading but it\u2019s more than enough to handle \nbalik kampung\n trips.\nPERFORMANCE\nMotivating the Tucson is the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated MPI four-cylinder engine producing \n153 hp\n and \n192 Nm\n. It\u2019s the same engine\u00a0found in the previous generation Tucson. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a conventional \nsix-speed automatic\n. Unfortunately, the 1.6-litre turbocharged and seven-speed dual clutch transmission combo available in other markets did not make its way to our shores.\nSAFETY\nAs far as safety goes, the Tucson is on par with cars in its segment. As standard, this top spec model comes with six airbags, ABS with BA, ESC, VSM, Hill Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control and Safe Drive Recorder. The entry-level variant drops the airbag count to two and omits the Safe Drive Recorder.\nTHE DRIVE\nOn the move, it is clear that the Tucson is a thoroughly comfort-oriented mid-size SUV. From the suspension setup to the powertrain mapping, it gels extremely well to provide a smooth and plush commuting experience in town and on the highway. However, take things up a notch and immediately the Tucson\u2019s flaws become apparent.   Accelerating out from a corner or even overtaking at an incline demands more than what the four banger could provide, so more power is definitely needed for such manoeuvres. This may very well be a deal breaker for many driving enthusiasts.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf comfort is your utmost priority, the Hyundai Tucson should definitely be in your radar. However, if you\u2019re not ready to throw away the little boy racer in you, the Tucson\u2019s dynamics will surely disappoint.\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThe Tucson appeals to me very much inside and out. Even more so with the exceptional comfort levels. But, the less than ideal driving engagement and inadequate grunt are the deal breakers for me. If only it came with a turbocharged petrol or turbodiesel engine with all-wheel drive.\nAdrian\u2019s take: P\nreviously, my favourite SUV was the \nCX-5\n simply because of its superb driving dynamics. I mean, finally we have an SUV that handles well! However, after spending some long distance drives in the Tucson, it made me re-evaluate how I view SUVs. The whole purpose of a family SUV is to comfortably and happily ferry passengers around, and not necessarily to put a huge smile on the driver\u2019s face around twisty roads. Because trust me, you\u2019ll be the only one smiling. This makes the Tucson\u2019s plush ride, refined cabin and impossibly low NVH levels the most sensible SUV at this price point. Well, maybe the gorgeous white Nappa leather is the only thing that makes no sense on the car, but to each their own.\nWords by: \nAndrew Choo\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche Malaysia (Sime Darby Auto Performance), together with the launch of their \nRM16 million flagship showroom\n and the \n911 Targa 4S\n, has unveiled the facelifted Cayenne. This luxury mid-size SUV from Stuttgart is available in five trim levels here; the base Cayenne, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Diesel, Cayenne S E-Hybrid and Cayenne GTS.\nPorsche is taking orders for all variants of the Cayenne nationwide, but no prices have been announced to date. Now, the Cayenne\u2019s dimensions are about the same as before, but the overall length has grown from 4,846mm to 4,855mm and is wider by 1mm at 1,939mm. The wheelbase however, remains the same at 2,895mm.\nName\nCayenne\nCayenne Diesel\nCayenne S\nCayenne S Diesel\nCayenne S E-Hybrid\nCayenne GTS\nEngine\n3.6L V6\n3.0L V6 turbo\n3.6L bi-turbo V6\n4.2L V8 turbo\n\u00a03.0L V6\n3.6L V6\nTransmission\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\nMax Power\n300 hp @ 6,300 rpm\n245 hp @ 3,800 \u2013 4,400 rpm\n420 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n385 hp @ 3,750 rpm\n416 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n440 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 3,000 rpm\n550 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n550 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n850 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n590 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n600 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n7.7 seconds\n7.3 seconds\n5.5 seconds\n5.4 seconds\n5.9 seconds\n5.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n230 km/h\n221 km/h\n259 km/h\n252 km/h\n243 km/h\n262 km/h\nPrice (with GST only)\nRM640,000\nRM640,000\nRM760,000\nRM780,000\nRM770,000\nRM900,000\nVery little has changed on the outside here, but tweaks on cars like these must speak for themselves, hence the updated front and rear fascia. The most obvious change is the headlights that now come with the brand\u2019s familiar \nfour-pointed LED DRLs\n. The bonnet is also marginally sculpted to complement the more aggressive front bumper.   Look closer and you\u2019ll realise that the grille has been moved up ever so slightly and the signal indicators by the side of the fenders have found new home within the headlights. On that front, illumination source is bi-xenon and is standard across all variants, except the Turbo and Turbo S which get LED lights with Porsche Dynamic Light System.\u00a0Round the back, the tail lights have been completely restyled and is slimmer than the outgoing version\u2019s. The bumper is also new, as are the exhaust and reflector strips.\nStep inside the facelifted Cayenne and the only notable difference that will meet the eye is the steering wheel. It\u2019s entirely new and is made to look more 918-esque. The paddle shifters are mounted to the back of the steering wheel instead of the thumb-operated kind.   Depending on the variant of choice, you get trim-special rev counters and a 4.8-inch colour display. The front seats come with an 8-way electric\u00a0adjuster and the rear seats have a 60:40 split configuration. As with all Porsche models, there are optional kits to match every taste bud, such as Porsche\u2019s Rear Seat Entertainment package and the high-end 16-speaker Burmester sound system.\nIn the performance department, starting with the Cayenne, you get a \n3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6\n engine that makes \n300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s good for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of \n7.7 seconds\n before reaching a top speed of \n230 km/h\n. Moving one up is the Cayenne Diesel with a \n3.0-litre V6 oil burner\n that makes \n245 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque, allowing the 2,185 kg SUV to sprint to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 221 km/h.\nThe picture above is a \n3.0-litre petrol V6 unit\n nestled under the Cayenne S E-Hybrid\u2019s bonnet that, together with an electric motor make for a combined output of \n416 hp\n and \n590 Nm\n of torque. This plug-in hybrid SUV shares the same powertrain as the Panamera S E-Hybrid, and works its way from standstill to 100 km/h in \n5.9 seconds\n. Top speed is \n243 km/h\n.\nNext up is the \nCayenne S and GTS\n, both of which share the same \n3.6-litre V6\n engine. In the S, the turbocharged mill makes \n420 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque, whereas the GTS gets tuned to make 440 hp and 600 Nm of torque \u2013 an increase of 20 hp and 50 Nm. That translates to a 0 to 100 km/h sprint of 5.5 seconds for the S and 5.2 seconds for the GTS, and both max out at 259 km/h and 262 km/h respectively.\nIf the earlier diesel engine doesn\u2019t give you quite the excitement you\u2019d expect from Porsche, then look to the S Diesel\u2019s way because this \n4.2-litre turbodiesel V8\n makes \n385 hp\n at 3,750 rpm and a whopping \n850 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 to 2,750 rpm. It\u2019s also the second fastest Cayenne of the current lot, managing the century sprint in \n5.4 seconds\n before hitting a top speed of \n252 km/h\n.\nAs mentioned earlier, the order books are open now for customers nationwide. While you\u2019re at it, be sure to drop by their newest showroom in Sungai Besi where the \nRM7 milion\n\u00a0\n918 Spyder\n is on display.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche Cayenne 3.6L V6   Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid   Porsche Cayenne S Diesel   Porsche Cayenne GTS"
"Our friends in Europe have long waited for the Honda Jazz facelift, but it seems it\u2019s all worth the wait because like the \nUS-bound Jazz\n, they get the Jazz with active safety systems and a more powerful, Euro 6 compliant 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine.\nAt a glance, the standard Europe Jazz looks no different from what we have here. The model you see here is of the new \nDynamic grade\n, which comes with a more dynamic front bumper with red accent like the \nThai-spec Jazz RS\n, three-strake rear diffuser, LED reflector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, black wing mirror caps, side sill skirts, tailgate spoiler and gloss-black 16-inch alloy wheels. This Metallic Skyride Blue you see here is a new colour option to the Jazz line up.   Inside, the Jazz facelift in its highest trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, keyless entry, manual air conditioning, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel and fabric seats with contrasting stitching. In comparison, our local-spec Jazz can be had with leather upholstery, touch panel air conditioning and other goodies.\nIt\u2019s powered by two petrol engines \u2013 a 1.3-litre i-VTEC with \n102 hp\n and a 1.5-litre i-VTEC with \n128 hp\n. Both engines come with a \nsix-speed manual\n as standard while a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is available as an option. The CVT has been revised to deliver a more linear and refined response under acceleration.\nOnto the safety system, while our local-spec Jazz is decently equipped, it pales in comparison to what our European friends get. All variants of the Jazz are equipped with\n City-Brake Active safety system\n as standard while higher grades come with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition. However, Honda Europe did not disclose whether the full suite of Honda Sensing will be offered.\nThe new-look Honda Jazz will be available to order from November across Europe, with deliveries starting in early 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mio, a leading manufacturer of vehicle dashboard cameras (dash-cam) with more than 60% market share in Taiwan, has just launched their new Mio MiVue 7 line of dash-cams in Malaysia, their first foray into the Malaysian market.\nThe new MiVue 792 is the headline product from Mio. Equipped with Sony\u2019s \nStarvis CMOS sensor\n, the MiVue 792 is capable of capturing images up to \n4 times brighter\n than a regular camera sensor in low-light situations. The 140-degrees wide-angle lens and \nF/1.8 aperture\n records your front view in \n1080p\n full-HD resolution at \n60 frames per second\n.\u00a0\nFeaturing built in WiFi, users can quickly access the videos directly on their smartphone with real-time video backup capability through the MiVue application. In addition, the MiVue 792\u2019s built in GPS also automatically records your driving information including speed, altitude, location and heading.\nLaunching alongside the MiVue 792 are the \nMiVue 785\n featuring a 2.7-inch touch screen, \nMiVue 733 \nand the budget-friendly \nMiVue C360\n.\u00a0\nThe MiVue 792, 785 and C360 supports\n rear-view recording\n with the additional MiVue A30 sold separately. All cameras announced today also support \nparking mode\n, with the additional Smartbox accessory for external power source.\u00a0\nMio also announced today that all dash-cam products will receive\n three-year warranty\n for the device itself, as well as \nfree installation\n service at their authorised partner workshops.\nAll products are now available with prices starting at \nRM799\n for the MiVue 792, \nRM599\n for the MiVue 785, \nRM499\n for the MiVue 733, \nRM399\n for the MiVue C360 and \nRM499 \nfor the MiVue A30 rear-view camera.\nMore information of the Mio MiVue dash-cams can be found at their \nwebsite\n."
"No less than six new models will be introduced to Malaysia in the coming months, beginning with the Skyactiv-D models scheduled for launch on 20 July 2016. According to Mazda Malaysia, the diesel powered CX-5 and Mazda6 models will be the first two to arrive, followed by the possible introduction of \nMazda2\n and CX-3 diesel.\nThe CX-5 Skyactiv-D will be locally assembled (\nread our report on the CKD CX-5 petrol\n), whereas the Mazda6 will remain as a fully imported unit from Japan. The SUV should cost around RM159k, making it just RM8,000 more than the 2.5-litre 2WD variant (now priced at RM151k). Powering the CX-5 diesel is the one and only 2.2-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv-D engine making \n173 horsepower\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque, and it\u2019s paired to a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission driving the front wheels.\nIt\u2019s the same formula for the Mazda6; a 2.2-litre, six-speed front-wheel drive setup \u2013 an option that will cost RM197k (the same as the 2.5-litre petrol), before insurance. Joining the Mazda6 diesel is the Mazda6 Touring variant, but no pricing has been mentioned. If trend is anything to go by, Mazda Malaysia typically sells the Touring at a RM10,000 premium over the same-spec sedan. Again, the Mazda6 is fully imported from Japan, just in case you can\u2019t digest its asking price.\nAs for the compact models, the Mazda2 and Mazda CX-3 diesel (powered by the sole 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D engine) will make their debut on 20 July, but their actual launch date and prices have yet to be confirmed.\u00a0\nTwo other models are a little more niche, and they are none other than the \nMazda MX-5 RF\n and all-new \nMazda CX-9\n. The hard-top roadster will finally come with a manual transmission, one that\u2019s paired to the \nsame 2.0-litre petrol powering the soft-top\n. If you don\u2019t fancy the stick, the MX-5 RF will also be available with an automatic.\nThose who have been lamenting on the lack of Soul Red Metallic option for the current CKD cars, fret not, because their assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah will be renovated and come with a brand new paint shop.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you think you\u2019re seeing double, rest assured you\u2019re not. Red Bull Racing\u2019s new challenger for the 2020 Formula 1 season, the \nRB16\n, looks a lot like last year\u2019s for good reason, with updates only die-hards can spot.\nAs far as we can tell, the \ntip of the nose is now slotted\n and there are now a couple of appendages higher up on the nose cone, while the bodywork around the power unit is packaged even more tightly, no doubt to squeeze more downforce out of the customarily \nraked profile\n of a Red Bull F1 race car.\n \nTeams are allowed a brief shakedown for filming purposes, but can\u2019t drive it in anger.\nAlready one of the most aerodynamically sorted car on last year\u2019s grid, it comes as no surprise that Red Bull chose an evolutionary route with RB16, so all eyes will be on \nHonda \nagain, on whether they can delivery the horsepower to match (or surpass) Ferrari and Mercedes power units after notching th\nree victories over the 2019 season\n. This may well be the season for Max Verstappen to sustain a championship challenge.\nVerstappen (left) and Albon to lead Red Bull\u2019s challenge.\nThe \nexpected postponement\n of the \nChinese Grand Prix \ndue to the Covid-19 virus outbreak is now looking like an opportunity for teams to regroup after the initial flyaway races of \nAustralia, Bahrain and Vietnam\n. The decision by the Chinese promoters to defer the race to a yet determined date will give teams valuable time to work on early season gremlins.\nHowever, the overriding concern for health and safety for all involved in Formula 1 may yet see other races affected in the \n22-race 2020 calendar\n. Let\u2019s hope it won\u2019t come to that."
"In celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first win at Bathurst in 1968, Holden has revealed their Time Attack Concept, envisioned as a single-lap blaster.\nWith a kerb weight of merely 900 kg, it can obliterate even Formula 1 cars with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 1.25 seconds.\nThe source of this power?\nA Reconfigurable Graphene Hybrid Power Pack and four electric motors \u2013 one on each corner with Torque Vectoring \u2013 making \n1,340 hp\n and\n 3240 Nm\n of torque.\n18-inch wheels made entirely of carbon fibre had been imagined for the Time Attack Concept racer.\nWhen you\u2019re done going through all three gears available, you\u2019d be nudging close to the 500 km/h mark in this. Courage aside, you\u2019d also have to be as fit as Formula 1 drivers to physically withstand the cornering forces of up to 6.5G, similar to what those in the pinnacle of motorsports experience.\nHolden did not indicate when an actual model will be presented\u00a0so its existence will most probably not extend beyond the virtual world; essentially it\u2019s just a bunch of engineers hanging their wieners out for a measuring contest."
"Despite McLaren\u2019s longstanding involvement in motorsports, the company only started producing road-going vehicles in 2011. Yes, as unbelievable as it may sound, McLaren Automotive was only established in 2010 and subsequently produced their first road going supercar the MP4-12C in 2011.\nIn the short span of five years, the British carmaker has unveiled to the world one hypercar, three supercars and three sports cars \u2013 the \nP1\n, \n675LT\n, \n650S\n, \nMP4-12C\n, \n570S\n, \n570GT\n and 540C. That is a staggering six new models excluding the spider versions! Yesterday, the company celebrated a significant milestone of their \n10,000th\u00a0car\n,\u00a0a Ceramic Grey 570S leaving the floors of McLaren Production Centre (MPC).\nJust how did McLaren Automotive achieve this unprecedented feat? Earlier this year, the company was already in their third year of profitability thanks to growing demand for the brand as sales figures went up two folds. They sold over 3,000 units this year, up from 1,654 units in 2015. As such, a second production shift was introduced at the MPC, doubling production capacity to 20 cars a day.\nAccording to Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive, the brand took \n42 months\n to build its first 5,000 cars and took only \n22 months\n to build the next 5,000, therefore\u00a0the company will be displaying the 10,000th car at their Heritage Collection to commemorate this momentous occasion.\nComing from the brand that produced the \ngreatest supercar in history\n, it\u2019s no surprise that they are delivering staggering results!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lynk & Co is set to have a faster and more effective global footprint by leveraging Volvo Cars\u2019 existing distribution and service network.\nIn a statement regarding the increased collaboration between Volvo Cars and Geely Auto, the two companies will work together on the global expansion of the jointly owned Lynk & Co brand.\nThe quirky lifestyle-driven brand abandoned the traditional automotive business model of offering multiple variants, options and entry points. Offering one single trim level (fully loaded, no less) of their models but focusing on subscription or sharing of their Lynk & Co vehicles.\nUsage was encouraging during the first year of business in \nChina\n in 2018. Expansion of dedicated event spaces/showrooms dubbed Club were meant to happen in Europe in 2020, but the global pandemic put a halt to that.\nAs things became more settled down, Lynk & Co opened their \nfirst Club\n in Europe in \nAmsterdam\n last October and started the \nGothenburg Club\n in January 2021. Lynk & Co will offer the updated \n01 compact SUV\n for subscription or outright purchase at these Clubs.\nWith the announcement of Lynk & Co to be distributed by Volvo Cars, we might just see the brand in Malaysia in the near future. There are currently 14 Volvo dealerships in \nMalaysia\n.\nVolvo Cars and Geely Auto have also confirmed the combination of their existing powertrain operations into a \nnew standalone company\n. The company, expected to be in operation this year, will provide engines, transmissions, and next-generation dual-motor hybrid systems for use by both companies as well as other automobile manufacturers.\nBoth companies currently use the modular three- and four-cylinder engines in their respective products, such as the \naward-winning\n 1.5-litre engine in the \nProton X50\n/Geely Binyue and the \nVolvo XC40\n.\nHakan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, said: \u201cHaving evaluated different options to realise value, we concluded jointly that a collaboration model between two standalone companies is the best way to secure continued growth and at the same time achieve technological synergies in many areas. We welcome the opportunity of further and deeper collaboration with Geely Auto.\u201d\nVolvo Cars\u2019 EV platform\nThe two companies, which are planning to share the new Volvo Cars\u2019 next-generation \nSPA2\n and Geely\u2019s \nSEA\n electric architectures among their brands, have launched combined efforts to drive speed and efficiencies in the development of hardware and software for the next-generation world-leading modular EV architectures. This will also include the joint development of an autonomous driving solution under the lead of Volvo Cars\u2019 Zenseact software development company.\nGeely Auto\u2019s SEA EV platform\n\u201cGeely Auto looks forward to partnering more closely with Volvo Cars, achieving significant synergies for our respective businesses. This will enable Geely Auto to accelerate its global expansion, to capitalise on our strengths in China and develop a new generation of world-class new-energy vehicles and associated mobility services,\u201d said President and CEO of Geely Auto, An Conghui.\nIntended sharing of platforms and architectures between the companies will drive additional synergies and allow for an expansion of product portfolios across the Volvo Cars, Geely, Lynk & Co and Polestar brands, and external partners."
"Honda Malaysia has launched the HR-V SE which will be available in limited numbers. The new model is \nbased on the E variant\n of the \nfacelift HR-V\n, with additional accessories and driver assistance features.\nAs for driver assistance features, the HR-V SE is now fitted with a door opening warning indicator by the A-pillar to warn occupants of oncoming traffic. The popular crossover also gets the lane change assist, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.\nNot a bad deal when you consider that limited-run HR-V SE is priced at \nRM 105,364\n, an extra RM1,364 over the standard E variant.\nThis is added to the six airbags, hills-start assist, auto brake hold, and multi-angle rearview camera features already available in the base E variant.\nAdditional accessories include a trunk tray and trunk organiser, and a dashcam. On the outside, the HR-V gets an SE badge for additional distinction."
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia has just confirmed that the \nall-new Peugeot 508\n will be making its way to Malaysia as a locally assembled variant by Q2 of 2019!\nMalaysia bound units will be equipped with the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder PureTech engine paired to an Aisin sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. Expect Nasim to offer two variants of the 1.6-litre PureTech, one with \n180 hp\n/\n250 Nm\n and the other with a \n225 hp\n/\n300 Nm\n tune.\nThe 180 hp 508 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds before hitting V-Max of 230 km/h while the more potent mill will propel the fastback to the 100 km/h mark in 7.3 seconds. Top speed is also raised to 250 km/h.\nThe new 508 will be produced at \nNaza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant\n in Gurun, Kedah which Groupe PSA has acquired a controlling stake in February 2018 as the first manufacturing hub in ASEAN for Groupe PSA. The plant will also be producing the \n3008 SUV\n and \nCitroen C5 Aircross\n.   To refresh your memory of the new 508, the new D-segment rival gets a complete design makeover as part of Peugeot\u2019s move to spice up the slow-moving segment. It comes equipped with slim LED headlamps, mesh front grille, 508 front hood badge, Lion Claw LED taillamp and frameless doors. Despite being smaller in dimensions, the 508 still command a reasonably sized boot of 487 litres.\nInside, the 508 spots the marques latest-generation i-Cockpit design so the small steering wheel design, 12.3-inch heads-up digital instrument cluster, electronic gear selector, 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system are all standard issue.   While the second quarter of 2019 may sound like some time away, we are aware that the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) is making a comeback this year after a five-year long hiatus. Car makers would most likely take this opportunity to display their latest and greatest at one of the biggest motoring exhibitions in the country. So, fingers crossed, we might spot the all new Peugeot 508 at KLIMS 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPeugeot 508 Sedan   Peugeot 508 SW"
"It\u2019s been a while now since British sports cars manufacturer TVR made any waves. The last car they made was the bonkers Sagaris and that was almost more than 10 years ago now. The company has announced that they would be unveiling its new car at the Goodwood Revival in Sept, the first time any car manufacturer has done so.\nBefore that, they\u2019ve returned with the latest teaser and while it doesn\u2019t reveal much, it sure does make you drool as your imaginations run wild. While the previous teaser indicated that the new TVR would come with side exhaust outlets, this time it showed that a manual transmission would be available.\nThe transmission is expected to be mated with a naturally-aspirated, Cosworth-developed Ford V8 engine. Output figures have been estimated to be around \n400 hp\n, with the new TVR weighing around 1,200 kg. If that is true, its power-to-weight ratio of over 400 hp per tonne would the highest in its class \u2013 beating the likes of Porsche\u2019s 911 Turbo S and Jaguar\u2019s F-Type SVR coupe.\n0 to 100 km/h should be brisk, expected to be \nunder four seconds\n with a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). \u00a0Could you imagine the brute force that comes with that kind of performance? Imagine rowing through the gears with that slick gear knob to a screaming Cosworth-engineered V8, we\u2019ll just that sink in.\nIf you look closely, what\u2019s also revealed are the knurled knobs positioned in almost similar fashion to\u00a0Ferrari\u2019s 488 GTB,\n one of Autobuzz\u2019s 2016 Car of the Year\n\u00a0and even the lastest Ferrari 812 Superfast that we got to \npersonally try out at Ferrari\u2019s test track recently\n.\n\u201cOver the past year, TVR has been conducting extensive performance and durability tests of its Cosworth-developed, Ford Mustang-derived 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, most of them in a previous-generation TVR Cerbera lightened to simulate the weight of the new car. Performance has been described as \nelectrifying\n,\u201d \nas reported by Autocar UK\n. Autocar UK also provided in its report a \nshort clip of the engine being test in a dyno room\n.\nCover Photo credit: \nAutocar UK\n\u00a0/ Teaser image credit: \nCar Throttle"
"The all-new second-generation Mazda CX-9 is no stranger to the Malaysian market for Bermaz Motors previously sold limited numbers \nCX-9 in Australian specification\n. Now, Bermaz has finally introduced the official Malaysian specification of the CX-9.\nAside from the newly added \nLED daytime running lights\n (thankfully), it wears the exact exterior kit as the Australian model which means \u2013 full LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED taillamps, chrome grille, keyless entry, dual exhaust tips, chrome trims all round and 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels.\n\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda CX-9 2.5L Skyactiv Turbo (2WD)\nMazda CX-9 2.5L Skyactiv Turbo (4WD)\nEngine\n2,488cc; inline 4-cylinder, direct injection with Dynamic Pressure Turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed SkyActiv-Drive Automatic\nMax Power\n227 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM281,449.70\nRM297,349.70\nInside, our local CX-9 receives the \nsame equipment\n as our friends in the Land Down Under with the spec sheet reading \u2013 dual-tone leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel, 8.0-inch MZD Connect Infotainment, powered sunroof, triple-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, Active Info Driving Display, powered tailgate and a 12-speaker BOSE Surround premium sound system. If you are wondering whether the third-row seats are liveable for adults, we have detailed our experience in our \nreview of the CX-9 (Australian-spec)\n.   Under the bonnet, you\u2019ll find \nMazda\u2019s first turbocharged SkyActiv engine\n, the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine paired to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission with Sports mode \u2013 activated via a rocker switch by the gear lever. This combo is good for \n227 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque \u2013 comparable to the diesel-powered \nSkyActiv-D mill\n.\nBuyers can have their CX-9 in \ntwo or four-wheel drive\n layout. Like the rest of its siblings, our CX-9 will now come with\u00a0\nG-Vectoring Control\u00a0(GVC)\n as standard. GVC works by adjusting power delivery and shifting vehicle weight according to the driver\u2019s steering input resulting in improved handling and ride comfort around the corners and in a straight line.\nCuriously, Bermaz has omitted the i-Stop idle start/stop function and i-ELOOP energy recovery system \u2013 both systems help to improve overall fuel economy. Bermaz quotes a fuel consumption of\n 8.98 litres for every 100 km\n travelled for the AWD variant \u2013 0.18 litres more than the Australian-spec that came with the said systems.\nSafety wise, the CX-9 now comes with \nLane Keep Assist (LAS)\n, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Driver Attention Alert on top of the usual six-airbags, ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Speed Sensing Auto Lock, Hill Start Assist, Smart City Brake Support and ISOFIX mounting points.\nThe CX-9 is available in \nfive exterior shades\n \u2013 Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver and Jet Black. All purchases of the Mazda CX-9 will come with the new 5-Years or 100,000 km warranty along with 3-Years/60,000 km free service package. We had the opportunity to sample the Australian-spec CX-9 and we are truly impressed by its buttery smooth powertrain. Read our full review \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda CX-9 2.5L 2WD (Local-spec)   Mazda CX-9 2.5L 2WD (Australian-spec)"
"Geely Group, as you may already know, is one of the largest automotive entity in the world thanks to its huge portfolio of marques \u2013 both owned and partly-owned \u2013 including \nVolvo\n, \nPolestar\n, \nLynk & Co\n, \nLotus\n, \nSmart\n, \nMercedes-Benz\n, and of course,\n \nProton\n. According to a report by \nAutocar UK\n, Geely is now looking to introduce a cross-brand subscription service, making use of its large array of vehicle choices under its belt.\nSpeaking at the Financial Times\u2019 Future of the Car event, Lotus executive director of corporate strategy and product management, Uday Senapati stressed that the idea is still very much in the discussion phase, although he added that \u201cwhen you\u2019re part of a big group, it\u2019s natural you will look at what could be done together.\u00a0It\u2019s an obvious thing to look at.\u201d\nThe comment came as a reaction to data showing that the average car is parked 96% of the time. \u201cFor Lotus, that number is probably higher.\u00a0It\u2019s really a Sunday summer car for a niche of enthusiasts\u00a0who adore it for that,\u201d Senapati added. \u201cWe can change that in the future, both by making our cars more useful and moving into different segments, but there are opportunities in sharing too.\u201d\nHowever, he also argues that subscription services will not necessarily replace car ownership completely: \u201cCar ownership is here to stay, I believe. Cars aren\u2019t just a commodity for many people;\u00a0they mean more, and that will always be the case.\u201d\nCar subscription services have seen a spectacular rise in adoption in recent years. A recent report by Global Market\u00a0Insights projects that 20% of car journeys by 2026 will be made in cars operating under subscription services, \nAutocar\n wrote. The trend is largely mirrored back home in Malaysia, with \nmultiple companies\n \u2013 and some from \ncarmakers themselves\n \u2013 offering said service. However, it remains to be seen if these services are gaining traction in our country."
"Based on the name and the way the \u201cNightfall\u201d looks, I can only conclude that no one but Van Helsing should drive this new addition to the C-Class range; and that includes the wagon.\nWith a starting price of \u00a332,565 (RM 174k) for the Nightfall Edition C 200 Saloon, the package includes sports suspension, 18-inch (19-inch optional) powder coated matt black wheels with matching black wing mirrors.\nThere\u2019s also carbon rear spoiler exclusively for the Coup\u00e9 and Cabriolet and a choice of Iridium Silver; Selenite Grey; or Obsidian Black metallic paint.\nAll \u201cNightfallers\u201d will also be dressed with a diamond grille with chrome pins(only on the Coup\u00e9 and Cabriolet) and AMG body styling outside. Inside, it\u2019s furnished with black ash wood and an AMG steering wheel with flat bottom.\nFor a cool \u00a31,695 (RM 9,000) extra, the Saloon, Estate and Coup\u00e9 can be had with ambient lighting and panoramic glass sunroof. If you\u2019re feeling generous, an additional \u00a32,995 (RM 16k) will get you the Burmester surround sound system and COMAND Online."
"Freshly minted US Open champion and grand slam winner Naomi Osaka has signed with Nissan to be the Japanese carmaker\u2019s newest brand ambassador.\nOsaka, born incidentally in Osaka to a Japanese mother and a Haitian-American father is currently based in Florida after her family moved to America when she was 3, competes for Japan. Osaka became the first Japanese player ever to win a tennis grand slam tournament after beating Serena Williams in a tumultuous women\u2019s final match. Osaka, 20, who turned professional in 2013 and holds a world ranking of seventh, also won the WTA Indian Wells tournament earlier in the year, another first for a Japanese.\nWhich Nissan do you think suits Naomi, Leaf or GT-R?\n\u201cThis week has been a dream come to life, and I\u2019m so honoured to represent Japan and Nissan on the world stage,\u201d Osaka said. \u201cI was drawn to partner with Nissan because of its strong Japanese DNA and global competitive spirit. The brand is always challenging expectations, and I look forward to bringing its vision for driving excitement to new audiences around the world.\u201d\nAs part of the partnership, Osaka will appear in global promotions and advertising for Nissan, and Nissan will support her activities as a tennis player, including providing Nissan vehicles at her tour destinations. Let\u2019s just say we have no arguments with that."
"Taking inspiration from the Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team, Red Arrows, Q by Aston Martin has produced ten unique examples of the \nAston Martin Vanquish S\n Red Arrows edition. Commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge, this unique development not only celebrates the RAF but also demonstrates the unique relationship between Q by Aston Martin and its global partnership network.\nFinished in \nEclat Red\n, the bright paintjob mirrors the Red Arrow\u2019s livery and referencing the word \u201cEclat\u201d to the Red Arrow\u2019s motto. Some unique exterior touches include the blue and white pin stripes around that mimics the \u2018smoke trail\u2019 of fighter jets, exposed carbon fibre roof panel with inlaid \u2018charge\u2019 pattern visually similar to the canopy design of a fast jet, Union Jack enamel wing badges, and a titanium exhaust system.\nRAF-inspired details continue to find its way to the interior of the two-seater configuration Vanquish S. The \nPinewood Green\n upholstery gives a nod to the design of the classic flight suit, while all ten cars get Red Arrows emblem embroidery at the seat backs along with unique sill and engine inscription plaques. The\u00a0plaques will be signed by the equivalent Red Arrow pilot number in the squadron too.\nBesides that, each Vanquish S Red Arrows owner will receive\u00a0\na set of bespoke\n \naccessories\n inclusive of racing helmets, racing suits, bespoke embroidered bomber jackets and a Vanquish S bespoke luggage set, together with a highly-detailed die-cast 1:18 model of their car and the Hawk aircraft, a specially designed car cover and Build Book.\nNo changes were made to the 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 that outputs\n 592 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque. Transmission of choice is a \u201cTouchtronic III\u201d eight-speed automatic. Century sprint time is clocked in \n3.5 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of\n 323 km/h\n.\nExamples one through nine will be sold exclusively at Aston Martin Cambridge while the tenth car will be gifted to RAF Benevolent Fund, the charity established to provide support to former servicemen and women and their families.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order, car showrooms and service centres have effectively closed their doors for business until the end of the month.\n[UPDATE \u2013 6:20pm]\n \nTC Euro Cars, distributor of Renault vehicles\n in Malaysia has announced that its showrooms and services will be closed till the end of the month.\nBut the show will go on through the Renault E-Store launched last month where customers can purchase of subscribe for a Renault vehicle online. From application to payments, customers can complete the entire process online at any time, without ever having to leave their homes.\nTCEC is also offering the option of door-to-door delivery of each customer\u2019s new or subscribed vehicle, which \nwill be sanitised\n prior to the handover. However, deliveries will only take place after 1 April 2020.\nCustomers who require on-the-spot breakdown assistance will still be supported. Every TCEC employee still on essential duty will undergo daily health screening to ensure their safety and consequently enhanced peace-of-mind for customers.\nFor any assistance, customers can still contact 1800-18-8663 or connect with TCEC via chat, which will be supported by a team working from home Monday \u2013 Sunday, 8:00 am \u2013 8:00 pm.\n[UPDATE \u2013 6:00pm]\n \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia \nhas just announced that all authorised dealers nationwide will be closed from the period of 18th March 2020 to 31st March 2020. All routine service and maintenance and/or repairs will not be carried out at dealerships. Customers with bookings will be contacted to reschedule.\nThe production plant in Pekan, Pahang will also seize operations. However, rest assured that the Service24h Roadside Assistance will remain operational for emergency breakdown and technical issues. Should there be any emergencies or urgent query relating to the vehicle during this period, kindly call 1-800-88-1133 for assistance.\nHonda\n, \nToyota\n, \nNissan\n made their respective announcements with \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n taking to \nFacebook\n yesterday to announce that its showrooms and service outlets will be closed till 31st of March.\nWhile its customer careline services will also be suspended, enquiries can still be sent to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n. For emergency assistance, contact Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs at 1-800-88-2166 or 03-21610246. The company said \nupdates will be posted on its social media page\n.\nPerodua\n also announced suspension of all its operations which include those at their head office, manufacturing facilities, sales and service centres as well as Body and Paint outlets nationwide.\nAs such, new vehicle deliveries, servicing and Body and Paint services will only commence after the Movement Control Order is lifted. Those experiencing issues with their vehicles can contact Perodua Auto Assist toll-free at 1-800-88-5555.\nMazda\n also announced the temporary closure of its Kulim production plant, on top of the closure of its dealerships and service centres. For emergency service, contact their Zoom-Zoom line at 1-800-22-8080 or 1-800-18-8011 for their 24-hour roadside assistance service.\nAs for \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n, the company reassured that if a customer\u2019s service appointment happens to fall within the Movement Control Period, it will continue to honour the car\u2019s warranty. This follows after the temporary closure announcement of dealerships and service centres across the country.\nFor customer care services, they can be contacted at 1-800-18-8947 or 1-800-88-2389 for roadside assistance. Further updates will be posted on the company\u2019s official website, social media channels and the \nVolkswagen Cares app\n."
"Late last year, the \nVolvo XC60\n was given its 2023 model update in Malaysia. The luxury SUV was offered in two variants, and we are lucky enough to have been able to borrow the top-spec Recharge T8 Ultimate. Retailing at \nRM355,888\n (OTR, without insurance), the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate essentially replaces the Recharge T8 Inscription Plus variant and costs RM2,000 more too.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, plus cashback at the end of your coverage. Head on over to MotorTakaful.com to find out more.\nOutside, the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate gets the brand\u2019s sportier R-Design exterior package, instead of the Inscription look. This package includes design elements such as the front bumper\u2019s \u201cX-Wing\u201d look, as well as a square-mush grille insert.\nOther standard equipment that comes with the XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate is the full LED headlights which include both Active High Beam and active bending lights functions. The SUV is also fitted with a set of 19-inch five-double spoke black diamond-cit wheels.\nCustomers are also given four colour choices for the exterior of their XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate. This includes Crystal White, Onyx Black, Fusion Red, and Bright Dusk.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate, with free 5-year service VSA5+\nPowering the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup consisting of a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as a rear electric motor. The engine itself makes \n317 hp\n (metric) and \n400 Nm\n, while the electric motor can produce up to \n145 hp\n and \n309 Nm\n. Powering the rear electric motor is an \n18.8 kWh\n battery, giving the SUV an electric-only range of \n81 km\n.\nWith power sent to all four wheels via the e-AWD system, the XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate\u2019s total output is rated at \n462 hp\n (metric) and \n709 Nm\n. The century sprint can be done in under \n4.8 seconds\n, while its top speed is rated at \n180 km/h\n, which is \nintentionally capped by Volvo to reduce the number of fatalities involving its vehicles\n.\nMoving inside, you get an infotainment system that is powered by the Android Automotive OS via a nine-inch touchscreen. The Android Automotive OS also \nsupports Waze navigation without needing a phone\n.\nThe 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate is fitted with a 1,100 watts Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker sound system, and also a head-up display. Dual-zone climate control, powered front seats with memory function, as well as the iconic Orrefors crystal gear selector, are also included with the XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate.\nRELATED: \nVolvo EX30 to launch in Malaysia before EX90, but not so soon\nIn the safety department, the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate is equipped with Volvo\u2019s Intellisafe ADAS suite. This includes features such as Pilot Assist Level 2 Semiautonomous driving, lane keep assist (LKA), blind spot monitoring (BSM) with steering assist, run-off road mitigation, as well as a 360-degree camera system. Collision avoidance with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection with steering support and braking, front and rear collision warning and mitigation support, and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) with braking are also included with the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate.\nThe 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Ultimate comes with a standard five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. An eight-year, 160,000 km warranty for the PHEV battery is also included with the retail price.\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge PHEV Ultimate \u2013 the all-in-one SUV just got better!\nGALLERY"
"Early this year, Porsche presented an all-electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV) concept car called the \nPorsche Mission E Cross Turismo concept\n. Now the German carmaker has given the green light for the Mission E Cross Turismo to hit the production floors.\nThe Mission E Cross Turismo will be the second all-electric Porsche following the \nTaycan sportscar\n which is due for market debut in 2019.\u00a0The \nMission E Sedan\n which is scheduled for production floors in 2019, expect the production-ready Mission E Cross Turismo to debut some time before that.   Porsche claims that the production-ready Mission E Cross Turismo will feature an 800-volt architecture, packing a system output of \n600 hp\n and a range of \n500 km\n. Century sprint is claimed to be under \n3.5 seconds\n with a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. The 800-volt architecture enables the four-door electric Porsche to feature rapid charging, giving it 400 km of range in just 15 minutes.\nThe introduction of the Taycan is generating 1,200 new jobs in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart and the Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo will add 300 additional new jobs on top of that.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the \n25\nth \nanniversary of the Audi A4\n, the four rings have given their best-selling model a second facelift (the \nfirst one was hardly a facelift anyway\n). Unlike the update from before, this time Audi went all out to give the A4 a proper mid-cycle refresher with new design language, updated powertrains and new connectivity systems.\nAll A4 models now\ncomes with updated LED headlamp clusters as standard while Martix LED are\navailable as an option for higher end variants. The new headlamp clusters flank\na boarder and flatter Singleframe grille along with restyled bumpers to give\nthe car a wider look.\nOver to the rear it\nnow gets redesigned LED taillamps to go along with the more pronounced rear\nbumpers that gives the car a wider stance on the move. On the A4 Avant, Audi\nhas placed a four-ring logo on the front fender badge \u2013 wonder what\u2019s up with\nthat.\nHopping inside, the cabin\nis said to be airier thanks to a sleeker, third generation MIB infotainment system.\nSitting at the centre of the dash is a 10.1-inch MMI touch display that is tilted\nslightly towards the driver. It comes with natural voice control along with numerous\nweb-based features such as Google Earth mapping and street view, weather report,\nfuel pricing information and etc.\nThe system is also ready\nto support Audi Connect Package that takes advantage of cloud sourcing data to\nmap out real-time traffic information. By networking with urban infrastructures\nand other Audi cars, the driver can receive information on the traffic light and\nthe car can prompt the driver to match their speed and beat the next green\nlight. The Audi Connect Package is being rolled out in stages in selected European\ncities.\nAt launch, the A4 is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI turbo petrol with \n150 hp\n and further down the line, a 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel with outputs of \n136 hp\n or \n163 hp\n. All engine options on the refreshed A4 will feature a 12V mild-hybrid system (MHEV) that reduces fuel consumption by up to \n0.3 litres per 100 km\n as well as promotes a smoother driving experience.\nWould be nice to have the A4 Avant here\nCloser to home, Audi Malaysia has big plans for the local market with two new model launches (\nQ2\n & \nQ8\n) earlier in the year. They might skip the first facelift model altogether and jump straight to this sexier and more competitive A4.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A4 Sedan Facelift in Terra Grey\nAudi A4 Avant Facelift in Terra Grey\nAudi A4 Allroad Quattro Facelift"
"Lexus has been a hot topic in the rumour mill recently, with an earlier story about having their own label and flavour of a \nLexus sports coupe\n based on the new Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86 twins.\nThe latest rumour regarding the Japanese luxury label is the introduction of an ultra-compact luxury SUV. We label it as ultra-compact as the base vehicle will be the \nToyota Yaris Cross\n.\nThe Toyota Yaris Cross measures just \n4.18 m long\n and \nunder 1.78 m in width\n, putting it in a footprint that is smaller than the \nMazda CX-3\n and \nRenault Captur\n.\nIn the luxury segment, however, only the \nAudi Q2\n and \nMINI Countryman\n have such compact dimensions. For reference, the current smallest Lexus SUV, the UX, measures 4.5 m by 1.84 m, in line with the competitors such as \nBMW X1\n, \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n, Audi Q3 and \nVolvo XC40\n. \u00a0\nFind out why the Lexus UX is gaining popularity! Read our review of the Lexus UX 200 here!\nThe source from Japan\u2019s Mag-X printed magazine which was then picked up by \nCreative311.com\n also says that the availability of the new compact SUV will only be \nlimited to markets where compactness is appreciated\n, such as Europe and Japan. A quick look at Lexus\u2019 first six months of European sales also reflects this preference, where the UX and \nNX\n models contributed close to 60% of sales this year.\nPowertrain-wise, the ultra-compact Lexus SUV will certainly be using the 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid powertrain found in the Toyota Yaris Cross. Key performance figures include an output of \n116 hp\n, century sprint in approximately 10 seconds and CO2 emission of under 120 g/km.\nWhen was the last time you see this? A little crossover all dressed up for rallying! Check out the Yaris Cross with GR parts here!\nLexus has big product plans for this decade, starting with their \nsecond EV\n this year after the Lexus UX300e.\nBy 2025, Lexus plans to introduce 20 new or improved models, including over 10 electrified models such as BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and HEVs which could also include sports models.\nGALLERY"
"Three-time Formula 1 World Champion, Andreas Nikolaus Lauda, or Niki Lauda as he\u2019s more famously known has succumbed to his battle with long-term health problems, passing away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 70.\nLauda, Formula 1 World Champion in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari and in 1984 with McLaren, is perhaps best known for his exploits in the 1976 season with James Hunt in which he battled the Brit until the final race of the season in Suzuka.\nThe Brit went on to clinched the title in a hugely controversial wet race, by just a single point. But it wasn\u2019t the race in Suzuka that defined Niki Lauda\u2019s career \u2013 it was his sheer persistence and will power.\nSeveral races before the 1976 season finale in Suzuka, Niki Lauda met with an accident at the German Grand Prix which could\u2019ve easily ended his life as his Ferrari was engulfed in flames following a high speed crash.\nAs the 2012 biopic movie, Rush, depicted, Lauda was trapped in his burning race car for more than a minute before he was set free and was left with severe burn marks on his face and damaged lungs.\nBut with determination to go with his persistence, Niki shocked the world when he returned just six weeks after his life-threatening crash to compete again at the Italian Grand Prix with four races to go in the 1976 season -eventually settling for 2nd place behind James Hunt in the Championship.\nThe legendary figure, commonly seen at Formula 1 races with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, sporting a red cap, may have passed on but his stories, legacy and lesson will not be forgotten.\nRIP Super Rat."
"With this, Koenigsegg could probably replace both Lamborghini and Pagani for the wackiest\u00a0hypercar manufacturer title in the world. The latest act of Swedish lunacy is the debut of the\u00a0Koenigsegg Agera XS hypercar \u2013 the \nAgera\n\u00a0RS based hypercar with additional creature comforts catered specifically for the North American market.\nThe Agera XS\u2019 exterior receives the bright and attractive \u201c\nKarosserie Orange\n\u201d hue with a diamond-dust metallic effect. In line with the American\u2019s taste for\u00a0everything big, the Agera XS receives\u00a0Koenigsegg\u2019s largest\u00a0carbon fibre rear wing which looks similar to the one strapped to the rear of the One:1.\nThe bright orange\u00a0theme continues on the inside to contrast with the black Alcantara upholstery. Among new interior goodies are\u00a0smart airbags, climate control, Apple CarPlay, electric seats, and\u00a0a hydraulic lifting system.\nMechanically, the Agera XS retains the same powertrain with the RS. Meaning, the \n5.0-liter twin-turbo V8\n\u00a0stays, producing a mad 1,160 hp, all delivered to the rear wheels through a\u00a0\nseven-speed paddle shift gearbox\n. The Agera XS is also equipped with\u00a0carbon ceramic brakes, active aerodynamics and adaptive dampers.\nThis road-legal Agera XS marks Koenigsegg\u2019s pivotal return to the North American market and will make its debut together with the maniacal \nRegera RS\n at Monterey Car Week in the United States.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To help handle the flood disasters, \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n, has donated three \nMitsubishi Triton\n pickup trucks to the Malaysia Red Crescent Society (MRCS), a Malaysian non-profit organisation (NGO). The three pickup trucks will be used to provide logistical support to those in need during the floods.\nThe recent days have seen heavy rain in Malaysia, and MRCS anticipates this to continue until March 2023 due to the upcoming Northeast monsoon. And with the unexpected flood that hit Selangor and KL late last year, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) also alerted MRCS that cities with rapid urbanisation could face flash floods, in addition to the annually identified risk areas.\nNow ready to serve the MRCS are three Mitsubishi Triton pickup trucks of the pre-facelift version. Two of the trucks are fitted with snorkels and canopies, with one of the two being fully decked out with strobe lights on the roof and the lower grille. All three cars are adorned with the red and white MRCS livery, making them easily identifiable in flood emergency situations. The trucks were presented at the MRCS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.\nMRCS has been involved in disaster response for more than six decades. Its role is based on the guidelines under the National Security Council as the lead agency for disaster management and national security in Malaysia. Services offered by the MRCS include early assistance in Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Relief during and after a tragedy, as well as Disaster Recovery.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors donates Triton to National Cancer Society Malaysia\nCommenting on the handover of the trucks, MMM Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shinya Ikeda said, \u201cIn line with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation\u2019s (MMC) social contribution activities, the company is making every effort to provide a wide range of support in response to disasters or emergency situations.\u201d\n\u201cLocally, we are humbled to partner with MRCS, an NGO which devotes its time to humanitarian services. We are confident that the Triton will assist MRCS to tackle the harshest of road conditions caused by heavy downpours such as extremely slippery roads, uneven terrains, and inundated roads all of which the Triton is capable of.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \nRalliart is back! Checking out the Mitsubishi Triton rally truck in Thailand"
"The \nPorsche 911 R\n is one of Stuttgart\u2019s finest creations and is also one of the quickest model to\u00a0\nappreciate in value\n\u00a0for a car. A used unit can cost up to seven times more than its original asking price and unfortunately, many have resorted to flipping.\nAccording to Andreas Preuninger, Porsche\u2019s head of GT road car development, he likes his products being driven and not to collect dust.\u00a0\u201cI don\u2019t like this business of people buying our cars to make money on them. That was never our intention. The purpose of limiting a car is not for it to gain value. We don\u2019t want to be laying money on each car\u2019s roof when they run out of the factory,\u201d said\u00a0Preuninger.\nHe also commented on the negative reaction from 911 R buyers when the new 911 GT3 is offered with a manual transmission.\n\u201cWhen I said we\u2019re not a hedge fund, I\u2019m talking to those people who are yelling at us for offering the manual transmission similar to the R. But if there are people wanting to buy cars like that, then as a company we should try to fulfil that, to meet that demand,\u201d he added.\nWith that, Preuninger announced they are keeping a close eye on their customers. For those who sold their cars for profits, they\u2019re \nunlikely to be entitled to buy one of Porsche\u2019s limited-production \nGT\u00a0specials in the future. It\u2019ll be a strategy for Porsche to ensure they supply to cars to those who treasure them.\u00a0\nSo, the next time if you happen to own any of these cars, just drive it. If you want to flip it for obscene profits, sorry but you\u2019ve got to start looking elsewhere.\nSource: \nCar and Driver\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Touch \u2018n Go has introduced a new Premium tier to its Touch \u2018n Go eWallet smartphone application, increasing the virtual wallet size to \nRM20,000\n or four times larger than the current limit.\nThe eWallet provider starts off first-time users at Lite tier, where the eWallet size is RM200. Users will be upgraded from Lite to Pro once they have verified their account with Touch \u2018n Go. \u00a0\nShell and Touch \u2018n Go have started the purchase of fuel via the RFID tag. More about the pilot programme here.\nA key benefit of \naccount verification\n is the money-back guarantee feature for additional protection from unauthorised transactions. For those who are on the Pro tier, the eWallet size is increased to RM5,000, with the annual transaction limit at RM60,000. Thanks to the verification of identity, the transfer of money is also available in the Pro Tier.\nTo update to the Premium tier, the user would need to make a transaction with either of the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet\u2019s \u201cpremium\u201d products- Go+ investment feature or CarInsure. Once you are upgraded to the Premium tier, you will be given the option to increase your eWallet limit to RM20,000 or keep it at RM5,000. The monthly transaction limit will also increase to \nRM25,000\n, or RM300,000 a year.\nAn eWallet size containing a RM20,000 balance would certainly be beneficial to the \nGo+ investment feature\n, as it is marketed to return up to 1.47% p.a., returned daily (RM0.80 a day). Meanwhile, CarInsure is a product that provides quotation and purchase of motor insurance premiums conveniently from the smartphone application.\nFind out more about the new Touch \u2018n Go eWallet tier system \nhere\n.\nA huge reason why the usage of Touch \u2018n Go at carparks is low- the service charges. The company has plans to remove the surcharges. More about it here!"
"After much\n fanfare\n and a series of leaks \nas recent as yesterday\n, Mazda has finally unveiled the all-new CX-60 SUV in Europe. The CX-60 is the second model in its new SUV onslaught after the \nCX-50\n, and will be the marque\u2019s first model to ride on its latest platform as part of the Large Product group of models, giving us a preview and some context for what\u2019s to come from the Japanese carmaker.\nLooks wise, the all-new CX-60 retains many of the hallmark Mazda design features, including the overall silhouette of the car. It does however have a longer bonnet up front compared to the other existing Mazda models, to fit the CX-60\u2019s new longitudinal engine layout thanks to the platform\u2019s new front-engine, rear- and all-wheel drive set-up.\nRELATED: Mazda to introduce a wave of SUVs with new naming scheme, six cylinders, and wider bodies\nExterior highlights on the all-new Mazda CX-60 include a bolder front-end design with a flatter nose and a unique headlight design, with the daytime running light signature extending past the main lighting fixture, bolder side fenders, a generous dashing of chrome trims, plus a taillight design that closely resembles that of the \nfacelift CX-5\n.\nAlthough, if we\u2019re being honest, it does look a little awkward in proportions from certain angles. We\u2019re hoping that seeing it in person would change our minds! (\nand yes, it\u2019s been rumoured to arrive here in Malaysia\n.)\nAs for the interior, it\u2019s pretty much what we\u2019ve come to expect from a Mazda SUV, with plush material choices throughout the entire cabin including maple wood, Nappa leather, Japanese textiles, and chrome details. The dashboard is headlined by a new, massive 12.3-inch infotainment display in the centre, and is joined by \u2013 for the first time on a Mazda \u2013 a fully-digital instrument cluster display.\nThere are plenty of standard equipment on the inside, too, ranging from the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, to a new Driver Personalisation System that uses an on-board camera for facial recognition to automatically adjust the myriad of settings to the driver\u2019s preference.\nThe Mazda CX-60 is launched in Europe with the marque\u2019s first-ever plug-in hybrid powertrain, dubbed e-Skyactiv PHEV, that combines a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill with an electric motor for a combined system output of \n327 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. Drive is sent to all four wheels via an i-Activ all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nBeing Mazda\u2019s most powerful car ever produced, the CX-60 sprints from idle to 100 km/h in just\n 5.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n200 km/h\n. The 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery allows for a fully-electric driving range of around 63 km at speeds of up to 100 km/h, and according to Mazda, takes roughly four hours to fully charge with a normal AC charger.\nMoving forward, Mazda will be expanding the CX-60\u2019s engine offering to include two six-cylinder options, including a Skyactiv-D 3.3-litre turbodiesel and a e-SkyActiv X 3.0-litre petrol mill, both equipped with 48V mild-hybrid technology.\nThe Mazda CX-60 will go on sale in Europe this year, and will be followed by the larger, three-row CX-80 SUV in 2023.\nGALLERY"
"Just eight days after its official launch in Malaysia, Perodua has delivered 1,000 units of the all-new Perodua Myvi with over 80 per cent of the deliveries being the 1.5L variants. As of Friday 24 November 2017, bookings for the Myvi have breached the 13,000 mark.\nThe new Myvi\u2019s high flying success kickstarted since its first public appearance at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow where over \n5,000 prospective buyers placed their bookings\n for one before even seeing the car in full. Those who are keen on having one can expect a swift delivery as Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dato\u2019 Dr. Zahari Husin said that there is sufficient stock to meet the demand.\n1.5 Advance (AT) in Granite Grey\nDato\u2019 Dr. Zahari added, \u201cWe are now focusing our efforts on delivery of the all-new Myvi to our customers as we understand their urgent need for transportation,\u201d Perodua targets to sell an average of 6,000 units of the new Myvi monthly, driving sales figures to achieve their annual \nsales target of 202,000 cars for 2017\n.\nYou can check out our full report of the launch of the third-generation Perodua Myvi \nhere\n, while a pictorial gallery of the Myvi 1.3 Premium X, 1.5 High and 1.5 Advance can be found \nhere\n. The Myvi is also the cheapest car in Malaysia to come with AEB and all variants of the Myvi received a \n5-Star ASEAN NCAP Crash Safety Rating\n. We\u2019ve penned our first impressions of the new Myvi in our First Drive report \nhere\n, which by the way, are extremely positive."
"Here it is, guys. The highly-awaited \nall-new 2022 Honda HR-V\n has now finally made its official debut here in Malaysia, with four variants of the compact crossover available on offer, starting from \nRM114,800 \non-the-road, and without insurance.\nEXTERIOR\nAside from the entry-level S, all other variants of the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V will be equipped with the RS body kit, which includes the \u201cchequered flag\u201d front grille, sportier bumpers, and a unique \u201cheartbeat\u201d graphic Easter egg on the front bumper, finished in red on the range-topping RS variant, and silver on the others.\nExterior feature highlights include:\nAutomatic LED reflector headlights\nLED fog lights (E and above)\nLED combination taillight\nFront sequential LED turn indicators (V and RS)\nAutomatic wipers (RS)\n17- (S, E) and 18-inch (V, RS) alloy wheels\nSmoked tail lamp enclosures (RS)\nExterior colour choices: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic (new), Ignite Red Metallic (new)\nPERFORMANCE\nThe all-new 2022 Honda HR-V will be available in three different powertrain options here in Malaysia, all powered by a 1.5-litre inline-four engine, but with different methods of augmentation.\nStarting on the base-model S variant is the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine sourced from the \nHonda City\n, with \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n on offer. Moving up to the E and V variants will net you a significantly more powerful turbocharged 1.5-litre mill, offering up to \n181 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth of these internal combustion engines are paired to a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels. In terms of performance figures, the entry-level S variant takes \n12.1 seconds\n to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, onward to a top speed of \n187 km/h\n. Meanwhile, the E and V variants\u2019 0-100 km/h sprint takes \n8.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n200 km/h\n.\nAs for the RS, the range-topping variant will come equipped with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain underneath the bonnet, consisting of a 107 hp 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and two electric motors (one Traction motor) to make a max rated output of \n131 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels as well, but through an electrification-optimised e-CVT gearbox. 0-100 km/h for the 2022 Honda HR-V RS is rated at \n10.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n170 km/h.\nJust like the City, the e:HEV powertrain here works a little different to most series hybrid set-ups available on most other models in the segment. The wheels are driven mostly by the electric traction motor, with the lock-up clutch only engaging during highway cruising conditions to connect the engine directly to the wheels.\nINTERIOR\nThe all-new 2022 Honda HR-V has been redesigned from the ground up on the inside, with a horizontal dashboard layout to improve visibility and usability within the cabin.\nFeature wise, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V is also one of the best equipped in the compact crossover segment, with highlights including:\n8-inch Display Audio head-unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster (E and above)\nRear air-con vents\nAir diffusion system for front air vents\nHands-free access tailgate with walk-away auto close (RS only)\nULTRA rear seats, 60:40 split folding\nLeather upholstery (V and RS)\nGear-shift paddles (E and above)\nRear-seat armrest (E and above)\nDrive mode selector (E and above)\nVariable gear ratio steering (V and RS)\nDual-zone climate control (RS only)\nSAFETY\nAll variants of the 2022 Honda HR-V in Malaysia will come equipped with the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, with the following features as standard:\nAutonomous emergency braking\nAdaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality\nLane keeping assist\nLane centring assist\nAutomatic high beam\nLead vehicle departure warning\nLaneWatch blind-spot camera (V and RS variants only)\nUnfortunately, as with all other Honda models here in our region, the all-new HR-V still does not come with blind-spot monitors.\nPRICING\nThe all-new 2022 Honda HR-V is priced as follows in Malaysia:\n1.5L S \u2013 RM114,800\n1.5L E \u2013 RM129,800\n1.5L V \u2013 RM134,800\n1.5L e:HEV RS \u2013 RM140,800\nAll pricing listed above are on-the-road, without insurance. A five-year unlimited mileage warranty is included as standard, alongside an eight-year unlimited mileage lithium-ion battery warranty for the RS, and five times free labour scheduled service, applicable to the first 100,000 km of the car\u2019s lifecycle.\nGALLERY"
"After racing star Alex Yoong bagged centre stage at the \nAudi LMS Cup\n, another local star is making her way up in the international motorsports scene. Asia\u2019s top female racer Leona Chin has just bagged two runner up positions in Round 9 and 10 of the Renault Clio Cup China Series.\nThe Renault Clio Cup China Series is a one-make series that is held over 12 rounds in five international circuits in China, including one in Korea. The recent rounds took place at the Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) where it served as support races to the Asian Le Mans.\nAs the only female racer among 13 cars competing, Leona fought her way through to the podium second with a personal best of 1:55:957 and 1:55:833 around the 4.3km circuit.\nDespite missing the number one spot, Leona remained positive and focused. \u201cStay focus and never give up! Tough times don\u2019t last, tough people do. I finished P2 again, it was a tough fight but I\u2019ve tried my very best. Not very happy but this is what competition is about: you win some and you lose some,\u201d said the 30-year-old lass.\nLeona has one final chance to land a winner\u2019s trophy at the last leg of the series that will be held at the Guandong International Circuit coming 11 \u2013 13 November. We are rooting for you, Leona!"
"Meet Lexus\u2019 new limited-edition models \u2013 the RC F coupe and GS F sedan \u2013 introduced to mark\u00a0 the 10th anniversary of the luxury brand\u2019s iconic F Line.\nThe two V8 performance cars stand out with a matte grey paint finish, a \u201cCompetition Blue\u201d interior with carbon-fibre highlights, 19-inch black polished alloy 20-spoke wheels with visible blue callipers beneath and front performance dampers.\nLexus chief executive Scott Thompson said the 10th anniversary limited-edition models captured the sporting spirit of the F performance marque \u2013 cars honed on the track but designed for accessible road-going performance.\n\u201cThe letter F symbolises a series of Lexus cars that are designed and engineered to deliver a higher level of sporting style and driving reward,\u201d Mr Thompson said.\nThe powerful lines and sculpted surfaces of the limited-edition models are accentuated by a matte paint finish known as\n Fuji Graphite\n that is also applied to the door handles, mirror housings, side skirts and shark fin antenna.\nExclusive to the anniversary models, the new paint treatment provides a striking contrast with the polished black finish of the 19-inch alloy wheels.\nInside, the highly supportive front sports seats are finished in vivid blue semi-aniline leather with white accents and a \u201cF symbol\u201d embossed in the integrated head restraints.\nMatching blue leather can be found on the steering wheel, gear-shift knob, instrument panel, centre console and seatbelts.\nEach model is fitted with a discreet metal plaque recording the car\u2019s Limited status.\nThe surrounds for the window controls on the door armrests incorporate carbon-fibre weave finish in blue, black and silver. The rear seats are wrapped in black leather, also embossed with the F symbol to add to the sense of sportiness and focus.\nThe 10th anniversary RC F is based on the RC F Carbon Pack, equipping the car with a carbon fibre roof and active rear wing. It is priced from $151,929 (approx. RM450k).\nThe GS F limited-edition sedan, which features carbon-fibre lower grille surround and rear lip spoiler, is priced from $155,940 (approx RM462k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI has revealed yet another 2021 facelift variant of the John Cooper Works (JCW) 3-door. This follows after the recent launch of the\n facelift 3-door MINI Cooper S in Malaysia\n. The last JCW MINI 3 Door facelift was in 2018.\nWith the 2-year warranty, the MINI JCW 3 door is priced at \nRM303,289\n on-the-road without insurance. With the (now optional) unlimited mileage warranty and service package, the price increases to \nRM311,259\n. The new MINI JCW 3 door is also available for online booking via the\n MINI Online Shop\n.\nFind out more about the fully-electric MINI Cooper SE in Malaysia, from RM218k!\nBefore\nAfter\nThe facelift MINI JCW features extensive exterior changes with a completely new grille design, with a single-piece trim surrounding the entire grille. If anything, it looks larger and more imposing now but in a good way. Unlike how BMW has done it. The side vents by the front bumper have been redesigned too.\nBefore\nAfter\nAt the back, the upgrades appear to aim at more substance over style. The centre of the rear bumper is now occupied by a massive rear diffuser; a more effective design compared to the fake honey combe vents in the pre-facelift model. Adaptive headlamps lie ahead while the taillights continue to feature Union Jack graphics.\nCompared to before, the new wheel design looks way more elaborate without straying too far from the original look. Tucked behind is an adaptive suspension system and Brembo brakes; 4-pot calipers in the front.\nThe New MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door comes in Rebel Green, Midnight Black and White Silver, along with a red roof.\nFunnily enough, despite the drastic change in aesthetics, its performance figures remain exactly the same as before. You get \n230 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbo engine paired to an 8-speed automatic. Similarly, it\u2019s also expected to do 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 246 km/h, just like the pre-facelift model.\nInside, perhaps the most drastic change is the new 5-inch fully digital instrument cluster \u2013 a long-overdue upgrade for the MINI range as a whole. The digital display is also standard in the \nfacelift MINI Countryman launched in Malaysia\n recently.\nTake a closer look and you\u2019d notice plenty of little, subtle changes everywhere. The illuminated ring around the 8.8-inch infotainment display for example, now features more intricate details. The physical buttons before have been replaced with symbols, with haptic feedback, for a more flush look.\nAlso new is the air-con vents design and the surface ahead of the front passenger, finished with the MINI Yours Aluminium Interior Surface. A new Nappa leather steering wheel welcomes modern touches, especially with the controls and switches.\nOn request, the Colour Worlds feature displays synchronised colours in tandem with different driving modes \u2013 a standard feature on MINI John Cooper Works models. This allows for colour changes to occur in accordance with the accelerator pedal, steering characteristics, damper movements and gearshift characteristics.\nOther standard items include the head-up display, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof and Apple CarPlay. Driver aids consists of lane departure warning, high beam assist and autonomous braking.\nGALLERY\nAfter"
"On April Fools\u2019, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) released a rather solemn\u00a0\nstatement\n to Malaysia\u2019s struggling car manufacturer, Proton, and told them that their business model is unsustainable.\nMITI\u2019s Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed went as far as to say that Proton, during their best years, used to do so well that seven out of 10 cars sold were Protons. Currently, the company\u2019s market share dwindled to a mere 15 percent, and only 35 percent of their production plant (both plants combined) are utilised. To add salt to injury, the government admitted that\u00a0\nPerodua\n is in fact doing a better job.\nMITI is also seriously deliberating whether to pull the plug on Proton, seeing how dependent the company is on government funds. It\u2019s not that the government can\u2019t provide assistance; they can, with conditions of course. Let us share with you our opinions on the conditions Proton has to meet.\ni. Proton needs to immediately identify a strategic foreign partner\nWhile Perodua\u2019s plant has been sustainable and profitable thanks to Daihatsu and Toyota, it proves that unless you consolidate with larger manufacturers like Toyota, Volkswagen and GM, there chance of survival rests solely on quality of product (like Mazda and Subaru). Right now, the only brand under Proton\u2019s fairly small umbrella is Group Lotus, and even those niche products can\u2019t help much in making the grass greener.\nThis could be a future Proton model\nProton isn\u2019t spared from such opportunities in forming a strategic partnership. Volkswagen for example, approached them, and was rejected. Twice. Proton\u2019s most recent partnership is with\u00a0\nSuzuki\n, and there could be a rebadged \nSuzuki MPV\n somewhere in the pipeline. Hence, this vague condition does raise\u00a0a question: is the government not convinced of this partnership with Suzuki? Do they want a more secure, larger foreign brand like Volkswagen instead?\nii. The company must be professionally managed\nProton has been under the stewardship of\u00a0DRB-Hicom since 2012, but input came mostly from the conglomerate\u2019s auto division. Apart from being professionally managed, Proton needs a true leader to inspire. For that, I personally can\u2019t think of anyone better than\u00a0\nDatuk\n \nSyed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, \nProton\u2019s CEO from 2006 to 2012.\nThe former Perodua head transformed Proton by producing profit-making models such as the Persona, Exora and Saga. Datuk Syed Zainal was well respected and loved by his staff, so that\u2019s one reason why we think the company was at its best during his six-year tenure.\niii. There must not be any interferences in its business\nThere\u2019s no doubt that former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad played a pivotal role in building Proton. Tun Mahathir\u2019s\u00a0\nshocking resignation\n as Chairman of Proton means that the company will no longer be at the mercy of his political involvement, but just so you know, he has also relinquished his political position, as well as the Chairmanship of Group Lotus.\nTun Dr Mahathir was never open to the idea of selling Proton to a foreign brand, but with him officially out of Proton, they might just allocate some shares for bigger car manufacturers to step in.\niv. Some tough but necessary measures must be put in place for the long-term sustainability of Proton\nWhen a company faces challenging economic times, drastic and unpopular measures must be exercised in order to ensure survival. Take for instance Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAS). After decades of financial struggle and two catastrophic tragedies occurring in 2014, the company had to sack\u00a06,000 employees, and all existing agreements had to be reviewed by its new foreign CEO.\nBut personally, I feel that it\u2019s time for Proton to let go of the struggling Group Lotus. This is assuming that\u00a0Proton\u2019s engineers may have already benefited in full from Lotus\u2019 expertise in handling dynamics. Whether they realise this or not, what Group Lotus needs is exactly what Proton needs \u2013 a strong foreign owner. Surely, Proton will able to reduce its expenditure by not having Group Lotus under its belt.\nProton turns 31 this year, and they\u2019re caught right in the middle of a crossroad. Just how will Proton rebound from this? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.\nDisclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are that of the author\u2019s. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of AutoBuzz.my and its members."
"For the month of September 2022, \nUMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd\n sold \n9,233 cars\n with 9,098 units being Toyota cars and 135 units being Lexus cars. Compared to 8,033 units in September 2021, UMW Toyota saw a \n15% increase\n this year.\nAs for the year-to-date figures, the company sold \n70,872 cars\n from January to September 2022, a \n54% increase\n from 46,118 units from January to September 2021.\nToyota Harrier 2.0L Special Edition\nFor October 2022, UMW Toyota is offering fans of the \nToyota Harrier\n an improved look and feel to the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Luxury that was introduced in February 2021. UMW Toyota has also added a new variant to the Harrier lineup \u2013 the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Special Edition. It comes in a special Red Metallic colour with a new brown interior.\nThe 2022 Toyota Harrier\u2019s key improvements include a Panoramic View Monitor and updated Toyota Safety Sense features such as Pre-Collision Brake detection, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Colour options include Slate Grey Metallic, Precious Black, Steel Blonde Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl.\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K, said, \u201cAt UMW Toyota Motor, we are humbled by the positive support received from our customers and are even more committed to going the \u2018Extra Mile\u2019 to intensify production and ensure timely delivery to new car owners.\u201d\n\u201cWe are also delighted to showcase the new improvements made to the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Luxury 2022 Improvement (IMP) and hope this update gives drivers an exceptional experience every time they get behind the wheel because we understand that it\u2019s all about the drive.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \nHow does the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid save you fuel?"
"The global introduction of the 2018 Nissan Leaf is fast approaching, with the all-electric hatchback now confirmed to be fitted with Nissan\u2019s semi-autonomous \nProPilot\n system.\nThe new video from Nissan demonstrates the functionalities of the ProPilot system which allows self-driving on single-lane highways. The system manages acceleration, braking and steering of the car, ensuring that the vehicle constantly stays in its lane. ProPilot can be activated via a push of a button on the steering wheel. This remains as the first phase of the technology, with future updates include intersectional navigation.\nAlso previewed here is the interior image of the new Leaf. It gains an all-new full-coloured digital instrument cluster, and on display are features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.\nAs\u00a0\npreviously reported\n, the second-generation Nissan Leaf will be powered by an upgraded powertrain and drivetrain, allowing a travelling distance of 400km per charge. The new Leaf will be unveiled later this year. Sales of the car will commence sometime next year."
"Fans of the plucky British motoring show have been met with mixed reviews as the BBC has signed on BBC Radio 2 breakfast host and car fanatic Chris Evans (no, not Captain America) in place of the seat that\u2019s been made vacant since Jeremy Clarkson was booted off the immensely popular show following\u00a0a fracas with one of the producers of Top Gear.\nIt was reported that Chris has signed a \nthree-year contract\n to host the most watched motoring show on the planet, and even hinted at the possibility of a\u00a0\nfemale\u00a0co-presenter\n. Richard Hammond and James May have just recently confirmed that they will \nNOT\n be returning to the show \nwithout Clarkson.\n\u00a0BBC has\n not renewed\n the contracts of the trio since the show was called off.\nPicture courtesy of \nautoevolution.com\nSpeculations are stirring on who the other two hosts will be, as is the time frame of when production resumes. Apparently, we could be looking at a new format of Top Gear. Word has it that the show may happen as close as Christmas time this year. BBC has since reported that the \nfinal episodes of Season 22\n will air in \na few weeks\u2019 time,\n but would require some special editing as there \nisn\u2019t enough footage\n to make a three-hour special due to the fact that Top Gear crew \nweren\u2019t allowed to film\n portions of the show such as the live audience bit after the fracas.\nAmongst the rumours that are going around, it has been said that \nClarkson, May and Hammond would do a break-away motoring show\n that would mirror the current Top Gear format."
"Ford GT\n is back after close to a decade since the predecessor left the production line. Using the \nmost powerful EcoBoost engine\n to date, the new Ford GT is also brimming with cutting-edge technology inside a lightweight carbonfibre construction.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord GT\nEngine\n3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6\nTransmission\n7-speed dual-clutch\nMax Power\n600+ hp\n\u00a0\nUnveiled at the \n2015 North American International Auto Show\n (NAIAS) in Detroit, the new Ford GT stays true to the \nmid-engine\n, \nrear-wheel drive\n layout even though it looks different from the previous GT launched in 2005.\nEXTERIOR\nThe styling is unique on the new GT, featuring a tear-drop shaped canopy and prominent floating C-pillar aerobridge. There\u2019s a lot of surfacing work done to achieve optimum aerodynamic, starting from the nose with multiple cooling vents and the sharp front splitter, to the rising character line on the side that connects to the mentioned aerobridge. The wheels measure \n20 inches\n and they are wrapped in \nMichelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2\n tyres.\nThe back is pretty compact and the teardrop canopy tapers off towards the end with a couple of \ncircular tailpipes\n, topped off by an\n active pop-up rear spoiler\n. The round taillights jut out of the bodywork on each side instead of sitting flush like on the previous GT, and there\u2019s a mean diffuser lower down the bumper.\nINTERIOR\nIn a true supercar style, the doors open upwards to reveal a snug cabin tailored for two. Each seats are mounted directly to the carbonfibre passenger cell, so the pedals and steering column are adjustable to suit the driver\u2019s preferred position.\nThe compact steering with flat sections on top and bottom incorporates all the controls not only for the \nSYNC\u00ae 3 system\n but also the controls usually located on the stalks like wiper and indicators, freeing up the steering column just for a pair of shift paddles.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe new GT utilises lightweight materials such as \ncarbonfibre for the passenger cell\n, and \naluminium\n for the front and rear subframes. It uses an active racing-style torsion bar and \npushrod suspension\n with \nadjustable ride height\n while the brakes are taken care by all-round \ncarbon-ceramic discs\n.\nUnder that see-through canopy you won\u2019t find a V8 engine. Instead, there\u2019s a smaller \n3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6\n that\u2019s derived from Ford\u2019s IMSA Daytona Prototype racer. Unlike the racecar with 6-speed sequential transmission, the engine is mated to a \n7-speed dual-clutch gearbox\n in the new GT. There are no official power figures yet, but it\u2019s expected to produce \nmore than 600 hp\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe new Ford GT is set to go into production in 2016 to celebrate the\n 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans\n. Mark Fields,\u00a0Ford president and chief executive officer was quoted, \u201cAs we at Ford drive innovation into every part of our business, it\u2019s worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the racetrack,\u201d.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche has just globally unveiled the new 911 Targa and if you look back at past models, which is exactly what we\u2019ll do in this story, you\u2019d realise that Porsche\u2019s Targa lineage is peaking as it has evolved into its most beautiful form in this \n992-generation 911\n.\nFirst of all, \nwhat is a Targa\n? A Targa is a semi-convertible with a detachable roof and roll bar (or roll hoop as some call it) just behind the seats. The term was first trademarked by Porsche when they introduced the 911 Targa in the 1960s.\nThe earliest example of a 911 Targa.\nThe 1965 911 Targa 2.0 was the beginning of new type of car that was marketed as a \u201csafer cabriolet with an anti-roll bar\u201d. Given birth to satisfy regulations and eliminate concerns of the hazards of a convertible in the event of a rollover, the Porsche 911 Targa has undergone substantial changes over the years.\nFirst, the roof mechanism. The first edition featured a manually-detachable roof which Porsche stuck with until the 964 generation but then came the 993 generation 911s which brings us to the second point. The new approach completely revised the Targa look and is still (somewhat) the catalyst of today\u2019s design. It allowed Porsche to continue designing the Targa without hindering the smooth lines that\u2019s been signature to a 911\u2019s side profile.\nThe 964 generation Targa.\nIn the 993, Porsche introduced something completely different \u2013 a retractable glass roof \u2013 and it drew the attention of many. The design was similarly adopted in the 996, 997 and in the 991 generation, Porsche reinvented the Targa roof once again.\nThe mechanised roof can now be stowed away automatically under the wraparound rear window, which itself is lifted to allow the roof to slide underneath it \u2013 there hardly another roof folding mechanism as satisfying to watch as that.\nThe 991 generation Targa.\nBest part of all, Porsche injected some nostalgia into it by bringing back the pronounced roll bar or rather Targa bar as it is called and this, as you\u2019d see in the pictures of the new 992 generation Targa, is something Porsche decided not to change, thankfully.\nAs for the new model, the 911 Targa\u2019s roof will open and close within \n19 seconds\n. It\u2019s a little slow by today\u2019s standard when you consider that the \nF8 Spider which was recently launched in Malaysia\n could do it in just 14 seconds. The \nMcLaren 720S launched last year\n will do the same in just 11 seconds.\nThe latest 992 generation Targa.\nThe Targa is only available in Targa 4 and Targa 4S variants. Both are all-wheel drive and powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six engine, with both 7-speed manual and 8-speed PDK transmissions available. The Targa 4 makes \n385 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n while the Targa 4S makes \n450 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n.\nWith the Sport Chrono Package, the Targa 4 will get from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.2 seconds\n while the Targa 4S will do the same in \n3.6 seconds\n, similar to the \n911 Carrera 4S we drove in New Zealand\n. Top speed for the Targa 4 is rated at 289 km/h, 304 km/h in the Targa 4S.\nGALLERY\n992 generation 911 Targa\nPast generations of the 911 Targa"
"Following the launch of the\n facelift BMW 3 Series in Malaysia\n, BMW Malaysia has launched the new M340i xDrive with two variants available \u2013 the standard variant starts from \nRM391,800 \nwhile the M340i xDrive M Sport Pro starts from \nRM396,800\n.\u00a0\nThe prefacelift M340i xDrive started from RM363,680 (inclusive of SST) so that\u2019s \nRM28,120 more than before\n, while the M Sport Pro variant is new. The new M340i xDrive M Sport Pro variant will be available exclusively online with a pre-booking fee of RM3,000. Deliveries are expected to take place in August 2023.\u00a0\nM340i xDrive M Sport Pro\nUnder the hood is a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with 392 hp (288 kW) and 500 Nm of torque to drive all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The M340i xDrive also comes with adaptive M suspension and M Sport differential. Its 0-100 km/h is 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.\nOn the outside, the M340i comes with the same front bumper as the facelift 3 Series recently launched in Malaysia albeit with minor differences. The air inlet surrounds at the centre of the front bumper, although the same design, gets an additional dash of silver paint while the more obvious difference in the front is the grille. While both the standard 320i and 330i come with vertical slats on the grille, the M340i comes with horizontal chrome pins.\nThe headlamps are adaptive LED units with high beam assistant while the side mirror comes with M mirror caps and as for the rest of the exterior, the M340i xDrive gets 19-inch style 791 M Light alloy wheels in M Bicolour, M Sport brakes with blue calipers and an M exhaust tips.\u00a0\nAs standard, the M340i xDrive comes with an M Aerodynamics package and M High-gloss Shadowline for gloss black finishing. With the M Sport Pro variant, the M340i gets style 19-inch style 792M Light Alloy wheels in M Bicolour, M lights Shadowline, M Sport brake with red calipers, and an M rear spoiler.\nExterior colour options for the M340i xDrive include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, M Portimao Blue, M Brooklyn Grey and Skyscraper Grey while interior leather upholstery is available in either Black or Mocha.\u00a0\nAs for the M Sport Pro, the exterior colour options are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey and M Portimao Blue while interior leather upholstery comes in either Black or Tacora Red.\u00a0\nInside, the M340i xDrive gets sports seats with memory function for the driver, M leather steering with Walknappa leather, M headliner, aluminium trims, 12.3 digital instrument cluster, 14.9-inch curved touchscreen display with BMW Operating System 8 and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system. The M Sport Pro gets additional M-coloured seat belts.\nDriver aids include the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant while the Driving Assistant package includes lane departure warning with steering assist, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear cross-traffic alert with brake intervention and adaptive cruise control.\nGALLERY\nM340i xDrive\nM340i xDrive M Sport Pro"
"It\u2019s not often a designer gets to refine and revamp a car after it has already been launched, but that is exactly the case with famed British automotive designer Ian Callum and the Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 \u2013 reworked nearly two decades after the original V12 Vanquish made its debut.\nThe reimagined Vanquish is a joint project by Ian Callum and R-Reforged, the same bunch that is building the \n38-unit limited-edition V12 Vantage Zagato\n and the \nValhalla\n, conjured up after the designer left Jaguar last June. The changes aren\u2019t just aesthetical either; showing off the final production-specification car, the firm says that more than 350 engineering, material and design changes have been made to the luxury grand tourer.\nFor starters, there\u2019s the new Bilstein dampers that drops ride height by 10 mm, along with upgraded bushings, stiffer anti roll bars, \u201cspecific\u201d Michelin Pilot Sport tyre, and a 60 mm wider track, all of which should result in \u201cnoticeably more agility and control\u201d.\nThe 6.0-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine has been tuned to produce\n 588 hp\n, partly thanks to a new bespoke carbon intake system tuned equal length stainless steel primary collectors. Buyers can opt between a six-speed manual, semi-automatic, or even a normal torque converter if you prefer.\nR-Reforged says that the Callum Vanquish 25 is tested on over 20,000 miles of UK roads, as well as multiple sessions at Michelin\u2019s Ladoux proving ground. As a result, the company argues that the reborn Vanquish can be capable of both a comfortable 300-mile road trip or a \u201c20-minute run to meet friends at an informal cars and coffee meet\u201d.\nOn the styling changes, the Callum Vanquish 25 introduces a revised front bumper featuring a bigger lower grille and new side air inlets, while the rear bumper gets a mild tweak for a wider stance. The lights \u2013 both front and rear \u2013 also get LED illumination for a more modern overall appearance.\nHandbuilt in Warwick, customers of the new Callum Vanquish 25 will get a choice between three bespoke 20-inch wheels, along with an \u201cinfinite\u201d number of exterior body colour and eight exterior trim colours.\nInside, R-Reforged fitted the revamped Vanquish with a slimmer steering wheel to improve steering feel, while the lower seating position is meant to provide a more engaging driving experience. The posh \u201cAbstract Tartan\u201d leather upholstery is now sourced from one Bridge of Weir Leather Company, while the metallic trim pieces have been replaced with brushed or polished dark chrome details.\nAs a further option, customers can opt for a walnut veneer option for the main interior surface material, aside from the standard carbon-fibre look. A bespoke removable pocket watch from Bremont sits proud and centre on the dashboard, and there\u2019s even a specifically-designed Mulberry luggage set that will fit snugly in the cargo space at the rear.\nOnly 25 units\n (naturally) of the Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged will ever be made. Of course, something so special will never be cheap \u2013 with some suggesting that the it\u2019ll cost USD655,000 just for the base car. But then again, how often will you get the chance to own a car that\u2019s been perfected by the original designer, two decades after penning the first design draft?\nThe Callum Vanquish 25 will go into production in September, fully endorsed by \nAston Martin\n, with the first batch of vehicles destined for Europe and Latin America.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Geely Holding Group\n has announced that it has increased its stakes in Aston Martin Lagonda Holdings (\nAston Martin\n) to 17%. That increase in holding makes the Chinese company the third-largest shareholder of the ultra-luxury British performance car brand.\nThe increased shareholding in Aston Martin will form part of Geely Holding\u2019s strategic investment portfolio, which includes long-term equity stakes in global automotive brands. As part of the equity increase, Geely Holding will also be given the opportunity to appoint a Non-Executive Director to the Aston Martin Board of Directors as a shareholder representative, as well as to appoint a second person as an observer.\nBack in September 2022, the Chinese company acquired 7.6% of Aston Martin Lagonda. Now its stakes have more than doubled to 17%, which also makes it the number 3 shareholder of the ultra-luxury brand.\nGeely Holding Group Chairman, Eric Li said, \u201cOur decision to increase our shareholding in Aston Martin reflects our confidence in the company\u2019s growth prospects, its technologies and its management team. Since first acquiring our minority holding last September, we have worked collaboratively with executive chairman Lawrence Stroll and his colleagues and now look forward to exploring joint technology synergies and new growth opportunities to help this iconic automotive brand to achieve its full potential.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Aston Martin DB grand tourer to debut on May 24 \u2013 \u201cGrand is not enough\u201d\nAston Martin Executive Chairman of the Board, Lawrence Stroll said, \u201cThis announcement is a further significant step towards delivering our ambition for Aston Martin. Geely Holding, who initially became a shareholder last year, sees tremendous potential for Aston Martin\u2019s long-term growth and success.\u201d\n\u201cGeely can offer us a deep understanding of the key strategic growth market of China as well as the opportunity to access their range of technologies. Geely share our vision for Aston Martin and want to be a more significant shareholder. This transaction enables the creation of a long-term partnership with Geely \u2013 a relationship that I believe will bring very significant value for all of our shareholders over time.\u201d\nRELATED: \nAston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts \u2013 F1 medical car replica"
"BMW has introduced the all-new fourth generation BMW X5 and it may be hard for you to refrain from commenting on it, specifically on its bee-stung \u201cnostrils\u201d.\nIt will be available with \na new V8 engine and three in-line 6-cylinder engines\n along with an M Performance model from launch. They will all be paired with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.\nThe new V8 engine exclusively in the BMW X5 xDrive50i, which will not be available in Europe, delivers an output of \n462 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n while the X5 xDrive40i is powered by a 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine making\n 340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque.\nThe X5 M50d is possibly the most interesting model with a 3.0-litre in-line six diesel engine that has \nfour turbochargers strapped to it\n, producing \n400 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n. As for the X5 xDrive30d, it\u2019s also got a 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder turbocharged diesel engine making \n265 hp\n and\n 620 Nm\n.\nThe latest generation of BMW xDrive is now able to split the torque between the front and rear wheels even more efficiently. When the situation requires, it can even \noffer a rear-biased set-up\n.   Everything about the new X5 is larger than its predecessor, it\u2019s got a longer wheelbase (+42mm), wider (+66mm), taller (+19mm) and longer (+36mm).\nThe most \u201cin-negligible\u201d feature has to be the large BMW kidney grille with a single-piece surround \u2013 that looks like it got bee-stung. Standard are LED head and taillights (with a three-dimensional design), while the BMW LaserLight with Adaptive LED Headlights are optional. The X5 is the first BMW to be offered with 22-inch light-alloy wheels as an option.\nThe X5 xDrive50i is littered with new tech, among them includes a two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering, an Off-Road Package, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant.\nThe optional two-axle air suspension allows the rear to be \nlowered by up to 80mm\n at the touch of a button or by using the BMW Display Key, for easy loading and the boot cover can now be lowered electronically into the load compartment floor.\nThe Dynamic Damper Control comes as standard, while Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering (in the X models) enable extremely agile and dynamic driving characteristics.\nThe Off-Road Package offers four driving modes that adjusts the car\u2019s ride height, xDrive system, throttle and transmission response for terrains like sand, rock, gravel and snow.   Inside, passengers will notice the raised seating position, along with a new design for the instrument cluster and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system (fitted as standard).\nThe BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the new BMW Operating System 7.0 makes its debut in the new X5. With its clear presentation and structuring, plus customisable and personalised displays, it looks to provide drivers with the right information at the right time. An upgraded BMW Head-Up Display offers a larger display\u00a0as well as new display content and optimised graphics.\nOther new features include multifunction seats, cooled/heated cupholders, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Dynamic Interior Light, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and 10.2-inch touchscreen displays in the second row.\nThe new X5 comes with a \ntwo-section tailgate\n where if the Comfort Access package is opted, both sections can be opened and closed hands-free. Bootspace can be increased from 645 litres to 1,860 litres with the second row folded. Third row seats for two additional passengers can be specified as an option.\nThe Driver assistance system is enhanced with a Parking Assistant system that now takes over acceleration and braking duties on top of steering the car. Another new addition is the Emergency Stop Assistant, which brings the car safely to a standstill if a medical emergency occurs.\nThe new BMW X5 is the brand\u2019s first model that can be unlocked by the BMW Digital Key via a smartphone.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation has announced that they will start selling the C+pod ultra-compact battery electric vehicle to corporate customers and to the general public as well. Previously, it was sold exclusively to selected corporate customers only.\nThe Toyota C+pod electric vehicle measures just 2.4 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and 1.5 metres tall. It only sits two passengers with batteries mounted just below to drive the rear wheels, with an electric range of 150 km.\nThe C\n+\npod can be plugged directly into standard power outlets for charging.\u00a0It even comes with an external power supply system of up to 1,500 watts as standard for use during power outages and natural disasters.\nRelated: Toyota & Lexus to launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030!\nDespite looking bare, you still get LED lighting at the front and back. To save weight, the exterior panels are made of recycled plastic. More impressively, it comes with a Pre-collision Safety System that warns the driver when it detects vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians during the day and night. It even comes with autonomous braking but only for low-speed operations.\nRelated: Toyota receives awards for most cars with 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating\n\u201cIt has been well received by customers who have used it, especially for its ease of handling, environmental friendliness, and full range of safety and security features despite its ultra-compact body. We are now ready to deliver the C+pod to a wider range of customers, so we have decided to expand the sales target to all customers nationwide,\u201d Toyota said in a press release.\nThe C+pod will be available through leasing with prices starting from 1.6 million to 1.7 million Yen (approx. RM58k to RM62k).\nRelated: Toyota\u2019s driver assistance system is now called T-Mate\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai has staged quite a show at Geneva this year, bringing forth some of the brand\u2019s youngest products in its lineup, of which includes the new ix20 compact MPV, i20 Coupe, i30 and i40 models. The limelight however, goes to the all-new Tucson.\nBilled as a highly important vehicle in the European SUV segment, the Tucson makes up for over 22 percent of the company\u2019s sales last year in Europe alone. Europe\u2019s strict emissions parameters have also led Hyundai to introduce a \n48V Hybrid Tucson\n and a \nPlug-in Hybrid\n version.\nAt the launch, Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer for Hyundai Motor Group said the new Tucson is a big step for the brand globally. It dons a bold and athletic design achieved through refined, flowing surfaces, sharp lines and Hyundai\u2019s signature hexagonal grille. Simply put, it looks nothing like the outgoing Tucson, and that\u2019s a good thing.\nThe headlamps here are distinctively connected to the grille, a design cue also seen on some recent Kia models like the \nCerato\n, new \nCarnival\n and the \nSportspace Concept\n. Look slightly towards the lower side of the front bumper you\u2019ll find a horizontal wing-shaped bar that\u2019s accentuated with the LED daytime running lights.\nOver to the back, the prominently-cut \u2018Z\u2019 character line above the rear wheel arches create a visually sculpted profile. It sits on \n19-inch wheels\n wrapped with 245/45 series Continental ContiSportContact tyres, something we don\u2019t expect Hyundai Sime Darby Motors to offer should it arrive here.\nNow, the Tucson\u2019s rear end isn\u2019t as angular as its side profile, although we really like the slender tail lights and squared dual exhaust tips. This C-Segment SUV is new from the ground up, and as such it sits on a brand new platform that seeks to optimise cabin space for passengers. It boasts a cavernous \n513 litres\n of boot space, while the interior gets a generous amount of soft-touch and high quality materials. Ergonomics have also improved, apparently, allowing its driver and passengers to \u2018fully enjoy the refined cabin ambience\u2019.\nSome of the convenient features to come with the Tucson includes a power tailgate (debuted on the \nSonata\n), keyless entry with push-start ignition, electric parking brake and Smart Parking Assist with parallel and bay parking functions.\nHyundai says that the Tucson will be available with one of the widest engine offerings in its class. This offering is comprised of \ntwo gasoline engines\n and \nthree diesel engines\n. First off, the Tucson is offered with a\u00a0\nturbocharged 1.6-litre\n T-GDI (172 hp and 265 Nm) paired to either a \nsix-speed manual\n or \nseven-speed dual clutch\n transmission. Also available is the \n1.6-litre GDI\n (130 hp) motor and three other diesels \u2013 \n1.7-litre\n (113 hp and 280 Nm), \n2.0-litre\n (134 hp and 373 Nm) and another \nhigher tuned\n \n2.0-litre\n oil burner making \n183 horsepower\n and a staggering \n402 Nm\n of torque.\nAs for the Hybrid variants, the \n48V Hybrid Concept\n is slated to benefit from the 134 hp 2.0-litre engine paired to a \n48 volt lithium-ion battery\n that weighs 20 kg. Combined output for this hybrid variant is \n148 hp\n and \n413 Nm\n of torque, an increase of 14 hp and 40 Nm from the diesel engine it\u2019s based on. Next, the \nPlug-in Hybrid Concept\n comes with an even smaller 1.7-litre diesel engine paired to a \n10.7 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery\n. It\u2019s capable of covering a good 50 km in pure electric mode, and power is bumped to \n180 hp\n and \n474 Nm\n of torque.\nSafety wise, the Tucson features a raft of active electronic driving aids like Autonomous Emergency Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Rear Traffic Cross Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Speed Limit Information Function and Active Hood System.\nThe Tucson will be available in 11 different colours when it hits European showrooms \u2013 one solid colour, three pearl colours and seven metallic colours. So, what do you think of the new Hyundai Tucson? Will its completely new look entice buyers to lean more towards the Korean wave of good looking cars? Do share your opinions with us in the comments section below!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY   VIDEO GALLERY"
"Although Covid-19 might have put a damper on travelling overseas, the raging passion for bright red \nFerrari\n supercars never stops. In light of that, Naza Italia has brought the \nMaranello experience\n down to the Ferrari Malaysia showroom in PJ over the weekend for its clients and prospective customers, thanks to the use of innovative VR and AR technology.\nThe \u201clittle Maranello\u201d tour is split into six different zones as the guests were led along on a journey by a member of the Ferrari Malaysia team to explore every aspect of the Ferrari brand, starting from the marque\u2019s racing DNA represented by a close-up view of the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo race car.\nGuests were also given the chance to check out the Ferrari personalisation services at the Atelier, where they get to have a taste of what it feels like to customise their own Ferrari by browsing through the myriad of options available to see and feel.\nHowever, the most interesting part of the tour is definitely the 360 Factory Experience, where guests were treated to an exclusive in-depth view of the inner workings at Ferrari\u2019s Maranello factory, using dedicated VR headsets.\nFollowing that, customers then head upstairs to explore the Ferrari pre-owned programme, called Ferrari Approved. The certification programme ensures all models for sale have completed a comprehensive 190-point check by the technician.\nAnd with the waiting time of brand-new Ferraris stretching upwards of two years, we\u2019ve been told that some customers even choose to get themselves a pre-owned model while they wait for their new steed to arrive!\nLast but not least, is an in depth look at Ferrari\u2019s after sales services and maintenance programmes offered to all Ferrari models. Even classic models, such as the F355 Berlinetta on display at the showroom, are also eligible for several maintenance programmes \u2013 provided that they pass Ferrari\u2019s inspections.\nThe three-day private event is now unfortunately over, but we\u2019re sure that it left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to be invited \u2013 we know it did for us! Well, until we are invited to Maranello for an Universo Ferrari tour again, hopefully soon.\nGALLERY"
"Before a new BMW model ever reaches the hands of consumers, it has to be subjected to punishment and aging worth many lifetimes as part of a vehicle\u2019s pre-production development, but over a very condensed period as the seventh generation 3-Series nears production.\nApparently it takes a full day to mask a pre-production test unit at Munich.\nTo ensure that the design and details remain \u2018cloaked\u2019 from the prying lens of career spy photographers.and just about anyone with a smartphone, manufacturers spare no expense in camouflaging and disguising their test mules whether it\u2019s in the icy regions of Sweden or the west of the USA.\nAccording to Google translation, you are looking at some camo cladding for the bumpers.\nIn the basement of BMW\u2019s Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich, pre-production vehicles are kitted out with a made-to-measure and confusingly patterned cloak of camouflage. Applying the black-and-white wrap requires an expert hand and takes a whole working day to complete. Then comes the plastic cladding which distorts the lines and surfaces of the car. The light units, sections of the window surfaces and the brand emblems also get a layer of sticky camouflage.\nLikewise, the interior needs to be hidden from plain sight as well. To this end, the cockpit is curtained off with black matting, which the test engineers partially remove at the start of testing and then painstakingly replace at every pause in proceedings, so that no prying eyes can spot or even get a photograph of the displays and controls.\nJust a few more weeks before the G20-generation 3-Series breaks cover.\nThe G20-generation 3-Series is expected to lose its camouflage this coming Paris Motor Show starting 4th October. Let\u2019s hope all the effort to keep BMW\u2019s most important model from public eyes have been worth the while."
"Mercedes-Benz\u2019s\n ever-expanding EQ electric vehicles (EV) line-up\n has just received yet another addition, this time a large seven-seater SUV, called \u2013 quite uninspiringly \u2013 the EQS SUV. Just like the \n\u201cregular\u201d EQS\n, the new SUV model is also built on the marque\u2019s new dedicated EV platform EVA (for Electric Vehicle Architecture), and is set to go on sale in the second half of this year.\nSince the two models share the same platform, they also have the same elongated wheelbase of 3,210 mm. With that being said, though, the SUV measures a tad shorter (-91 mm) than the EQS sedan in overall length, due to the lack of a boot compartment at the back.\nIn terms of looks, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV appears to have taken the general design of the sedan model, and stretched it upwards into an SUV silhouette. The unique \u201cOne-Bow\u201d shape is still present here as seen from the A-pillars, but it appears less obvious (\nand less odd\n) thanks to its taller stature.\nOther design elements are fairly coherent with the rest of the EQ line-up, including the covered-up gloss black front grille flanked by sleek LED headlights (optionally the Digital Light matrix system), the smooth pebble-like side profile with retracting door handles, as well as the 3D helix taillights as seen on the EQS sedan.\nThe standard EQS comes with a set of more civilian-looking bumpers, with faux skid plate elements finished in chrome, and a simpler front fog light enclosure design. Step up to the AMG Line however, and you\u2019ll get the signature bone-shaped wide air intakes up front, larger two-tone aerodynamic wheels, more gloss black elements, and faux exhaust tips at the back for some reason.\nRELATED: We\u2019ll be getting AMG-tuned Mercedes EQ electric models after all\nOn the inside, the dashboard of the EQS SUV is essentially a carry-over from the sedan, which means it\u2019s also a complete tech-fest in the cabin, highlighted by the massive MBUX Hyperscreen consisting of three individual displays housed inside a single pane of glass that spans 141 cm across the entire dashboard from door to door.\nThe Hyperscreen set-up is standard on the range-topping variant (and optional on others), but lower variants are not short-changed either, with a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented central display doing most of the heavy lifting, while a separate 12.3-inch display serves as the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.\nThe screens are all powered by the second-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which now comes with a wider range of connected service, including a digital voice assistant that uses artificial intelligence to provide context-aware suggestions relative to the occupants\u2019 behaviours and patterns.\nFor even more screens, buyers can also opt for the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment Plus package, which adds two 11.6-inch touchscreens for the second-row passengers, plus a dedicated removable tablet in the centre armrest to control almost every little function within the cabin, all without getting out of their seats.\nSpeaking of seats, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV can be specified in either a five- (2-3 layout) or seven-seater (2-3-2 layout) configuration. The second-row seats are electrically-adjustable by up to 130 mm fore-and-aft, and up to 18 degrees incline.\nGoing with the five-seater layout, with the second row seats moved to the most forward position, Mercedes-Benz says that the boot space is large enough to fit four golf bags \u2013 they certainly know their market well. In terms of numbers, that\u2019s 880 litres of space, and 2,100 litres with the second-row brought down as well.\nFor those who want to carry more passengers sometimes, you\u2019ll get 195 litres of boot space with the third-row seats up, or 800 litres when they\u2019re folded flat into the load floor.\nALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to locally assemble fully-electric EQ models\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV will be offered in three powertrain options at launch, all of which sound very familiar if you\u2019ve peered through the EQS sedan\u2019s spec sheet before \u2013 although, power output is higher across the board on the SUV.\nKicking off the variant line-up is the EQS 450+, which gets a single electric motor on the rear axle that make \n360 hp (265 kW) \nand \n568 Nm\n of torque. An all-wheel drive EQS 450 4Matic option is also available, which adds another electric drivetrain (eATS in Mercedes-speak) on the front axle, bringing the torque figure up to \n800 Nm\n (horsepower unchanged).\nAt the top of the gradewalk is the EQS 580 4Matic, which similarly gets a dual-motor set-up, but with a much higher power output of \n544 hp (400 kW)\n and \n858 Nm\n.\nAll three variants are powered by the same floor-mounted \n107.8 kWh\n lithium-ion battery pack, which offers up to\n 660 km\n of range (WLTP cyce) on the EQS 450+, and \n613 km\n on the other two all-wheel drive models. The battery takes approximately 10 hours to charge with the on-board 11 kW AC charger, but an optional 22 kW charger halves the charging time to five hours.\nOn the go, all three variants of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV also support DC fast charging of up to 200 kW, which translates to a 10-80% SoC charge in approximately 31 minutes.\nUnique to the all-wheel drive models is a new Torque Shift function, which according to Mercedes, \u201censures intelligent, continuously variable distribution of drive torque between the rear and front electric motors and thus the use of the most efficient eATS in each case.\u201d\nAs standard, the EQS SUV comes with a four-link axle at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. Airmatic air suspension with adaptive ADS+ dampers are standard, too, which enables the ride height to be adjusted from -15 mm to +25 mm to reduce drag or increase ground clearance, depending on drive modes and surrounding conditions.\nAs usual, you can also expect the most up-to-date list of advanced driver assist features on the EQS SUV, with functions including adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Keeping and Steering Assist, autonomous emergency braking with cross-traffic function, and Intelligent Park Pilot, depending on the boxes you tick at check-out.\nNo official pricing information has been provided just yet, but the EQS SUV is scheduled to go on sale later this year to rival the likes of the BMW IX and Tesla Model X. The EQS SUV will also be joined by a Maybach version in the future, which was already previewed by the \nConcept Mercedes-Maybach EQS last year. \nGALLERY"
"Toyota has unveiled the latest GT86 for the \u201cUS of A\u201d market with a sharper, more optimised and balanced limited-production 86 TRD Special Edition.\nNew equipment includes SACHS dampers, four-pot Brembo calipers in the front, twin-pot Brembo calipers at the back and it\u2019s finished exclusively in Raven black, classic TRD tricolor graphics and a TRD body kit.\nThe TRD body kit consists of a redesigned front bumper, side sills, rear bumper, diffuser and spoiler. Complementing the new look is a set of 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/40 R18 Michelin\u00a0 Pilot Sport 4 tyres.\nNot sure if those four-pot brakes are necessary though \u2013 the 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine only makes\u00a0\n205 hp\n with \n212 Nm\n of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The boxer engine exhales through a TRD exhaust with brushed stainless steel tips.\nThe 6-speed manual gearbox is paired with a short-throw shifter while the 6-speed automatic gearbox is equipped with a \nDynamic Rev Management System\n that \u201cblips\u201d the throttle on downshifts. A Torsen limited-slip differential is fitted as standard.\nFor track driving, the TRD Special Edition\u2019s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) can be set in Track mode or shut off completely.\nInside is a new red and black-trimmed, smaller diameter steering wheel with red contrast stitching,\u201cTRD\u201d logo embroidered on the passenger side instrument panel and a Granlux suede-like upholstery above the instrument cluster with an \u201c86\u201d logo.\nFor the performance purists, the TRD Special Editions gets a 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display that projects a G-Force meter, stopwatch, horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures. An \u201c86\u201d logo also appears on the MID upon start-up.\nProduction of the 86 TRD Special Edition will be\n limited to only 1,418 units\n and is priced at approx. RM 131k."
"One of automotive history\u2019s most popular icon, the DeLorean DMC-12, could be making a comeback. The designer of the stainless-steel bodied coupe recently posted a \ntweet\n to celebrate the icon\u2019s 40th anniversary.\nItaldesign, the studio that designed the DeLorean DMC-12, celebrated the first photo of production DMC-12 with an insertion of their \nown design\n idea.\nThe shadow of the vehicle showed both doors opened upwards in the signature \ngull-wing\n position. The DeLorean \u201cDMC\u201d emblem is also boldly displayed at the centre of the silhouette, signifying that the project could be a collaboration between the design studio and Texas-based DeLorean Motor Company.\nOne of the weakest elements in the original DMC-12 was the powertrain. It is only fitting that the revival DeLorean going \u201cback to the future\u201d will feature a fully electric propulsion system.\nImage: Instagram/\nGotgraham\nPetrol-to-electric conversions on the DeLorean is nothing new, with examples of the electric drive systems taken from Nissan Leaf as well as Tesla vehicles. Stanford University even went two steps forward by modifying a DMC-12 into a \npowerful drifting coupe\n that can perform the high-speed slides on its own.\nWith more visibility being shown on the \u201c\nLow Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturing\n\u201d category of automobile manufacturing in the US, both Italdesign and DeLorean Motor Company can redesign the DMC-12 comeback with a 21st century flavour on the icon.\nItaldesign\u2019s most recent automotive creation is the \nNissan GT-R50\n. Nissan joint forces with Italdesign to create the model, based on the latest Nissan GT-R NISMO, in commemoration of the 50th anniversaries of the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign in 2018.\nOnly 50 units of the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign will be built with prices starting from \u20ac990,000."
"The Malaysian Department of Insolvency has revealed that car loans are the second largest contributor to bankruptcy rates in 2022.\u00a0\nThe report revealed that 14.24% of bankruptcy cases were caused by car loans while personal loans are the highest contributor of bankruptcy cases 42.24%.\nBetween 2018 to 2022, the department recorded a total of 7,072 bankruptcy cases caused by car loans where in 2022 alone, there were 441 cases.\nSource: \nMalaysian Department of Insolvency\nThat said, even though car loans have been the second biggest cause of bankruptcy since 2018, the number of cases have decreased steadily from 3,392 cases in 2018 to 441 cases in 2022.\nOn the same matter, the \nMalay Mail\n also reported that 73% of 1,077 Malaysians aged between 18 and 40 are in debt where 30% of loans taken were for vehicles, according to a survey conducted by local university USCI."
"Following a string of new car launches by \nHyundai Sime Darby Motors\n (HSDM) here in Malaysia last year, the company announced today that it will be continuing the momentum in 2021 with the launch of the Palisade SUV.\nFirst unveiled in 2018\n, the Palisade is Hyundai\u2019s flagship seven-seater SUV model. Measuring over 200 mm longer and 80 mm wider than the\n Santa Fe\n, the Palisade is also the Korean carmaker\u2019s largest vehicle in its stable.\nHyundai even calls the Palisade the \u201cultimate family vehicle\u201d, boasting its class-leading interior room for second- and third-row passengers and cargo space (510 litres), but we\u2019ll be the judge of that when it reaches Malaysia!\nUnderneath the bonnet of the seven-seater SUV is a naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, good for an \u201cestimated\u201d\n 291 hp\n and \n355 Nm\n of torque \u2013 plenty to move the massive SUV around. HSDM did not provide any further information, but the Palisade is offered in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations in other markets, the latter featuring the HTRAC four-wheel drive system.\nIn terms of features, HSDM only mentioned two: a full-colour head-up display, as well as an \u201cindustry-first\u201d roof vent diffuser system for the air conditioning system that can provide focused, partially-diffused, or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers. More information will have to wait until when we\u2019re closer to the launch.\nGlobally, the Hyundai Palisade gets a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster and an eight-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity \u2013 the latter upgradeable to 10.25-inch in certain markets. Other interior features include an electronic gear selector, quilted leather seats, and a 630-watt 12-speakers surround sound system.\nThe Hyundai SafetySense advanced driver assistance system is also standard on the global Palisade, with features including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.\nIt remains to be seen if any or all of these features will make their way into the Malaysia-market Hyundai Palisade. Either way, it\u2019ll be an exciting year ahead for Hyundai in Malaysia, and we can\u2019t wait to bring you the latest coverage as we get them \u2013 so keep your eyes peeled!\nGALLERY\nHyundai Palisade"
"Contrary to what most of us believe, power is not everything. You may have 1,000 hp but if your car has the aerodynamic attributes of a bus, the millennia of horsepower will never be utilised efficiently.\nThat brings us to the \nMcLaren 720s\n \u2013 a car so influenced by aerodynamics in its design that\u2019s even more \u201cairflow-friendly \u201d than a Pagoda singlet.\nIt\u2019s all very geeky, but honestly if you can spare seven minutes of your limited attention, you\u2019d be amazed at the lengths McLaren has gone with the construction of the 720S and the effects of all the aerodynamic features on the car."
"We know that everyone wants an SUV. But with everyone and their aunts releasing a performance-oriented SUV, it seems like the demand for fast SUVs are equally as high. The latest company to join the bandwagon is Hyundai with the all-new Kona N, and it makes zero sense no matter how you look at it \u2013 which is a good thing, probably.\nPowering Hyundai\u2019s \u201cfirst true hot SUV\u201d (their words, not ours) is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, plucked out of the \nVeloster N\n, that sends\n 280 hp\n and \n392 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels, translating to a 0-100km/h time of \n5.5 seconds \n(with launch control) and a top speed of \n240 km/h\n.\nWhile yes, the massive numbers are definitely the main headlines here, the Kona N is so much more than just brute force. For example, the eight-speed DCT gearbox itself \u2013 no manual option here unfortunately \u2013 which was tested around the Nordschleife for as much as 1,350 laps, already comes with three separate higher performance modes.\nThese include the \u201cN Grin Shift\u201d, which instantly shifts down to the \u201cmost appropriate gear\u201d alongside a 20-second 6 hp boost; \u201cN Power Shift\u201d which automatically engages when the accelerator pedal is pushed over 90%, mitigating torque loss during gearshifts and more importantly makes the customary loud bang sounds; and a \u201cN Track Sense Shift\u201d which optimises the transmission for \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 track driving.\nAnd it\u2019s not just the gearbox that was honed in on the \u2018Ring \u2013 the Hyundai Kona N also comes with a reinforced chassis and a model-specific suspension set-up that was tuned on the Green Hell.\nOther performance goodies include the 19-inch lightweight forged alloys wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tyres, beefier brakes, the N Corner Carving electronic limited-slip differential, and an active exhaust system.\nThat\u2019s all sounds mightily impressive \u2013 and even more so on a tall-riding crossover (which Hyundai insists that it feels like a hot hatch underneath). But what\u2019s the point of going fast if it doesn\u2019t look at least just as fast, right?\nFor that, the new \u201chot SUV\u201d builds on top of the \nN Line\n (\nthat we\u2019re getting here soon!\n) in terms of looks with a unique grille mesh pattern, and new front lip and side skirts \u2013 the latter two with striking red accents.\nBigger changes are at the back, as the Kona N adds on a racecar-inspired triangular third brake light, a functional double-decker roof-mounted spoiler, enormous dual exhaust outlets, and the customary N badging.\nThe new hot \nhatch\n SUV debuts with a new N-exclusive \u201cSonic Blue\u201d exterior colour, which Hyundai says is a new spin on the iconic Performance Blue colour. While it\u2019s the only model with the new hue right now, Hyundai says that it \u201cpreviews a possible SUV line-up expansion\u201d, hinting at a new N performance SUV in the future \u2013 Tucson N, maybe?\nInside, the Hyundai Kona N gets an N-specific sport steering wheel with steering-mounted N buttons to go with its new sporty credentials, alongside alloy pedals, and N-branded microfibre suede sports seats. As is standard on all N performance models, designers also added a liberal splash of Performance Blue accents throughout.\nBut more importantly (according to Hyundai, anyway) is the new dual 10-inch infotainment + digital cluster system and an exclusive \u201cracing head-up display\u201d, which comes with an \u2018N mode design\u2019 displaying lap times and your on-track location on the pre-installed track maps to deliver a \u201cgame-like\u201d driving experience.\nWhile it\u2019s clearly designed for the track, Hyundai wants you to believe that the Kona N can still handle day-to-day driving sufficiently. The SafetySense ADAS suite is retained on the performance SUV, with features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Smart Cruise Control coming as standard.\nAll of the conveniences you get from a crossover \u2013 including the taller (-ish) right height and extra boot space \u2013 are all also still present here. But really, with a N\u00fcrburgring-tuned suspension, you\u2019re really going to be better off just keeping it on the racetracks.\nGALLERY"
"Marking a strong start to the year which celebrates the company\u2019s 60th year anniversary, \nAutomobili Lamborghini\n has recorded its best quarterly performance in Q1 2023. In the first quarter alone, the company sold a total of \n2,623 cars\n, up 84 units from 2022. Its best-selling model is undoubtedly the \nLamborghini Urus\n which makes up for 61% of its Q1 sales figures with \n1,599\n \nunits\n sold.\nAfter the Lamborghini Urus, the next best-selling Lamborghini would be the \nHuracan\n, which has been sold out till the end of production. Following behind the Huracan is the \nLamborghini Aventador\n which has ceased production in 2022. The company has also recorded positive response for the \nRevuelto\n, which is its first plug-in hybrid car.\nAutomobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann said, \u201c2023 will go down in Lamborghini as a landmark period in our history, and starting off our anniversary year with these figures can only make us proud. These results will allow us to tackle the upcoming challenges with increased enthusiasm. These include the start of the second stage of the \u201cDirezione Cor Tauri\u201d program, the most important investment plan in the company\u2019s history, which will help Lamborghini to grow and develop even further.\u201d\nThe first quarter of 2023 closed with the best performance ever in terms of revenue and profitability. Turnover reached \u20ac728 million, up 22.8% compared with the same period of 2022. Operating income also showed a record result, going from \u20ac178 to 260 million in the first three months of the year and a corresponding profitability of 35.7%. Very strong numbers that add up to an order bank that, almost entirely, covers the production of 2024.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini\u2019s first EV, due in 2030, won\u2019t be an SUV\nAutomobili Lamborghini Managing Director and CFO, Paolo Poma said, \u201cThe first quarter of 2023 closed with record results. The figures are a confirmation of the path taken in recent years, which has led Lamborghini to become a benchmark in the luxury market. The strength of our order portfolio, together with excellent market feedback following the presentation of the Revuelto, provide a solid foundation on which we continue to build our growth.\u201d\nRELATED: \nLamborghini Revuelto unveiled \u2013 Hybrid V12 Aventador successor, 0-100km/h in 2.5 secs"
"Malaysia\u2019s most popular and most affordable seven-seater MPV was just given a refresher for MY2018. The latest Perodua Alza facelift now gets a revised look, new equipment and better air-condition flow to the third-row seats.\nPlenty of value-added items in the form of front fog lamps, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, solar and security window film and 15-inch alloys wrapped in 185/55 profile tyres (silver finish on S variant, titanium on SE and AV) that are standard across all variants make the Alza an even more compelling package.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Alza Standard (MT)\nPerodua Alza Standard (AT)\nPerodua Alza SE (AT)\nPerodua Alza Advance (AT)\nEngine\n1,495cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinderwith DVVT\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n104 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n136 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM51,490\nRM54,290\nRM56,890\nRM62,690\nVisually, the base S variant (S for standard) wears the same look as before but the more expensive SE and Advance variants, they get a new front bumper with larger lower intake, twin-bar front grille, new side skirts, reshaped rear bumper and additional tailgate garnish.   Inside is where the changes become more apparent. As standard, all variants now benefit from redesigned instrument panel graphics as well as a new centre console layout. Also new is a two-motion remote control key that unlocks the driver\u2019s door with one press and double press to unlock all doors for added security.\nThe S and SE variants get a new audio system that first debut on the \nthird-generation Myvi\n that comes with USB and Bluetooth functionality. The range-topping AV variant, on the other hand, gets an Android-based touch-screen infotainment system with Smart Link, navigation and reverse camera functions as well a roof-mounted monitor for rear passengers.   If you prefer to have leather seats and front parking sensors equipped on your Alza, you will have to opt for the SE and AV variants as the Alza S is the only variant that comes with fabric seats. Perodua has revised the air-conditioning flow to the third-row by introducing new fixed fins between the centre air vents, improved evaporator and enhanced heat-exchange piping.\nPerodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato\u2019 Dr Zahari Husin said: \u201cRecognising customers\u2019 fondness for personalising their vehicles, Perodua is introducing a range of unique GearUp accessories for the Alza, for the first time. These include exterior cosmetic add-ons; quilted seat covers and sunshades.\u201d\nLike before, the refreshed Alza is powered by the same 3SZ-VE 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder DVVT engine that pumps out \n104 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n of torque. Drive is transferred to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.\nSafety kit reads dual front airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and ISOFIX child seat points in the middle row standard across the Alza range, netting all variants a 4-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.\nOrder books of the refreshed Perodua Alza are now open and the public can view the car in the metal from 6 September 2018 onwards. All Alzas comes with a 5-Years or 150,000 km warranty and is available in five exterior shades \u2013 Granite Grey (only for SE and AV), Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Mystical Purple and Electric Blue.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua Alza AV Facelift   Perodua Alza SE Facelift   Perodua Alza S Facelift\n \n \nPerodua Alza GearUp"
"Shortly after releasing the interior gallery of the \nnext-generation G-Class\n, Mercedes-Benz will unveil the car in full on 15 January 2018 at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.\nIn a teaser video titled \u201cStronger Than Time | The Amber Cube\u201d, it featured the first-generation G-Class fossilised in an amber cube hinting at the model\u2019s timelessness. Earlier, Mercedes-Benz said the G-Class has \u201cchanged very little\u201d but the DNA of the legendary off-road vehicle lives on.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtkhrTeh1Sg\nThe company has \nunveiled the interior of the G-Class in full\n. Notable highlights include a new-generation dashboard layout, Widescreen Cockpit, new steering wheel with touchpads, turbine-styled air vents, front passenger grab handles and many more.\nThe new-gen G-Class also gets a significantly roomier interior with key measurements as below:\nDescription\nDifference\nLegroom \u2013 front\n+ 38 mm\nLegroom \u2013 rear\n+ 150 mm\nShoulder width \u2013 front\n+ 38 mm\nShoulder width \u2013 rear\n+ 27 mm\nElbow room \u2013 front\n+ 68 mm\nElbow room \u2013 rear\n+ 56 mm\nIt won\u2019t be long now till the new-gen \u201cGodfather of SUVs\u201d is presented to the world in full. Locally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has the full-blown \nG 63 AMG on sale for a cool RM1.18 million\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNew Mercedes-Benz G-Class Interior"
"The \nHonda Civic\n is one of the most popular models in the younger car-buying crowd here in Malaysia. We guess it\u2019s pretty similar across the globe too, so much so that Honda has decided to debut the next-generation Civic on Twitch, the game streaming platform, in between rounds of Fortnite \u2013 we\u2019re not kidding.\nThe all-new Honda Civic will make its appearance on \nNovember 17\n (Nov. 18 morning for us folks at this side the world) on Honda\u2019s own \nHead2Head\n Twitch Channel \u2013 the first and only automotive-branded Twitch gaming channel, apparently.\n \nThough, come November 17, we still won\u2019t be seeing the car in full production form, but only a prototype. Still, we figure it won\u2019t stray too far from the actual car rolling off the assembly line, given our past experiences with Honda\u2019s \u201cprototypes\u201d.\nTo go along with the announcement, Honda has treated us with a short 15-second teaser video, giving us a brief look at some of the new design elements of the all-new Civic. From what we can see, the radical new design will include a new Honda Solid Wing face, with less angular headlights more akin to the \nall-new Honda City\n.\nThe rear of the next-generation Honda Civic also looks to be a little sleeker, and might we add \u2013 a little more \u201cEuropean\u201d in its design. Gone are the C shaped taillights assembly (also affectionally known as prawns or \nketam\n taillights), replaced with a wider, horizontal design with a light signature that mimics the daytime-running lights up front. Also, is it just us or does it look a little like that of the \nAudi A4\n?\nOther details that we can see from the teaser video include a quite exaggerated integrated ducktail spoiler, twin oval exhaust exits on the rear bumper, new five twin-spoke alloy wheels, as well as a slight kink on the C-pillar area, like the one we see on the all-new \nHonda Accord\n.\nRecent rumours suggest that the next-generation Honda Civic will come in two bodystyles like before, a sedan \u2013 which is the one we\u2019re seeing here \u2013 as well as a hatchback, though we\u2019ll only know for sure on November 17 or even later. Based on what has been revealed so far, what do you think of the upcoming all-new Honda Civic?\nGALLERY"
"Daihatsu in Japan has begun the marketing campaign for the upcoming \nRocky hybrid\n variant, called \nE-Smart Hybrid\n. While hybrids are common and dominated by Toyota in Japan, the technology being rolled out by Daihatsu seems to be something similar to Honda Malaysia and their \u201c\ntorque matters\n\u201d campaign.\nBased on the key points highlighted by Daihatsu Japan, the E-Smart Hybrid technology in the upcoming Rocky uses an electric motor as the main driving force of the vehicle. The accompanying press release even mentioned, \u201ca series hybrid that runs with \n100%\n electric motor power\u201d.\nAs such, plenty of torque from the electric motor propels the little Rocky, which should prove to be quite fun to drive and see much fewer vibrations transmitted into the cabin.\nWe have reviewed the turbocharged Perodua Ativa Turbo. Find out GC\u2019s main concerns about the little SUV here.\nFor the combustion engine portion, an optimized 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine (WA-VEX) that is also offered in the \nIndonesian market\n Daihatsu Rocky, is tasked to charge the battery pack which is located under the rear seats. In Malaysia, the \nPerodua Ativa\n, which is based on the Daihatsu Rocky, is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with outputs of \n98 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque.\nThis petrol-electric hybrid technology, called series-hybrid, is the staple in Nissan\u2019s \nE-Power\n hybrid setup. In the \nNissan Note E-Power\n, the fuel efficiency can be as high as 32.6 km/L. For comparison, the turbocharged Perodua Ativa is rated at 18.9 km/L\n.\nDaihatsu is only officially launching the new Rocky E-Smart Hybrid in \nNovember\n. Under the recently announced \n12th Malaysia Plan\n, incentives for manufacturing and sales of low emission vehicles such as hybrids are being reviewed and as such, the Perodua Ativa might just be offered with this fun-to-drive hybrid system too!"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just launched the facelifted Hyundai Elantra that packs a fresh exterior design and a refined cabin to give other C-Segment competitors a run for their money.\nOffered in a sole \n2.0L Executive variant\n, the refreshed Elantra is competitively priced at RM109,888, on-the-road without insurance.\nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n Hyundai Elantra 2.0L Executive\n Engine\n 1,999cc; 4-cylinder\nMPI\n Transmission\n 6-speed automatic\n Max Power\n 152 hp @ 6,200\nrpm\n Max Torque\n 192 Nm @ 4,000\nrpm\n Price (OTR\nwithout insurance)\n RM109,888\nOn the outside, the Elantra gains a new bold design but rest assured, it\u2019s a facelift exercise. Overall length has grown by 70 mm thanks to restyled bumpers, triangular headlamps design with halogen projector units, LED daytime running lights and LED combination tail lamps.\nThe front grille also spots a new design that is decidedly more commanding compared to the previous version.\nOver to the rear, the number plate holder has been repositioned to the lower rear bumper section and the empty space is now occupied by the ELANTRA badge positioned across the tailgate. It now rides on a new set of 17-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.\nCompared to the pre-facelift version, the cabin of the new Elantra is a big step up furnished with new chequered design instrument cluster with 3.5-inch TFT mono LCD, black leather upholstery, newly-designed multifunctional steering wheel, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear air vents as well as rear-view camera with dynamic parking lines.\nThe centre console features a slightly reworked layout, but our local-spec car does not come with automatic climate control which is available in the premium variants in foreign markets but instead we get a manual system.\nUnder the hood lies the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder MPI engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission packing \n152 hp\n and \n192 Nm \nto drive the front wheels. There is a Drive mode selector which alters the powertrain between Eco, Normal, Sport and Smart.\nSafety wise the facelift Elantra gets six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System is not available here.\nThere are five exterior shades to choose from \u2013 Phantom Black, Fiery Red, Teal Blue, Fluid Metal and Polar White. In addition to that, Stargazing Blue and Sparkling Metal are offered as \nlimited-edition colour choices\n in conjunction with the model launch.\nEvery purchase of the Hyundai Elantra facelift comes with a 5-Years or 300,000 km warranty and 24-hour road assist service.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\u00a0\nHyundai\u00a0Elantra\u00a02.0L\u00a0Executive\u00a0Facelift"
"They\u2019ve teased us with a \nconcept in 2015\n, whet our appetites with a \nconcept in 2018 \nand riled us up with a \nvideo of it slippin\u2019 and slidin\u2019 on ice \nearlier this year but it\u2019s getting closer.\nWith the opening of Aston Martin Lagonda\u2019s new (second) manufacturing plant in the UK, the brand has also released new pre-production pictures of the new DBX SUV.\nAston Martin\u2019s first ever SUV is said to have undergone testing in various extremes \u2013 from the gut-wrenching Nurburgring to the freezing Artic Circle \u2013 and is on schedule for its unveiling at the \nend of the year\n.\nWord is that the DBX will \nfeature a turbocharged engine\n, for want of low-end torque and although specific details have been sparse, it won\u2019t be far-fetched to expect Daimler-made engines fitted in, like in the \nV8 Vantage\n and \nV12 DB11\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of the commencement of production for the Chiron Pur Sport, Bugatti has taken the 60-unit-only limited-edition supercar to the Nardo Ring test track in Italy to carry out some final fine-tuning. Piloting the Chiron Pur Sport was none other than Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace, who was also behind the wheel of the \nrecord-breaking 300 mph (482 km/h) Bugatti Chiron\n.\nWallace put the the pre-production unit through its pace, providing feedback to enhance the tuning of the engine control system, running gear, brakes and gearbox. But most importantly, he also gave us this ridiculously awesome wallpaper-quality image of the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport being airborne over a crest on the track. Goodness gracious me does it look incredible.\n \n\u201cEven though I have already been doing this job for a few years, I am actually in Nardo for the first time. I like the proving ground very much, above all the handling track with its many varied corners,\u201d Wallace explained after his development outing.\n\u201cThe fast right-left-right combinations on the demanding 6.2-kilometre long track are great fun in the Chiron Pur Sport. The shorter-ratio gearbox results in even more brutal acceleration out of the bends. The lateral acceleration potential is incredible. The Chiron Pur Sport gives the driver super direct feedback, which makes driving easier,\u201d he added.\nAside from being an awesome track machine \u2013 which \ndominated the Nurburgring Nordschleife with ease\n \u2013 the Chiron Pur Sport is also still a luxurious sports car fit for the road, thus the engineering team will have to tune the car to suit the streets.\nOn that note, Wallace commented: \u201cThe Chiron Pur Sport is extremely agile for driving on public roads, but it still offers enough comfort. The engineers have set up the running gear perfectly. Firm and direct, but not too hard.\u201d\nEach of these\u00a08.0-litre W16 powered monsters will run you three million Euros, at least. With only 60 units to be made, chances are you and I will never ever touch one of these in our lifetimes. At least we get to enjoy these beautiful photos.\nFull-resolution images are available for download on the Bugatti media site, \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB)\n has just launched the \u201cMesra Bonanza Lagi Onz\u201d campaign, offering prizes worth more than RM 500,000 to 1,200 lucky winners from \nNovember 1, 2022\n to \nJanuary 31, 2023\n. The Petronas campaign is in partnership with the global payments technology company, Visa.\nThe grand prize of the Petronas Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz campaign is an all-electric \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n. Two second-prize winners will each win holiday vouchers worth RM 15,000. These will be rewarded at the end of the 3-month long campaign.\nBesides that, Petronas will also be rewarding monthly prizes in the Mesra Bonanza campaign. Close to 400 monthly winners stand a chance of winning a Honda ADV 150 motorcycle, 6 iPhone 14 smartphones, 12 Garmin Venu SQ 2 watches, fuel, Setel and shopping vouchers, as well as Mesra points.\nTo be in the running for the monthly prizes, customers need to spend a minimum of \nRM 40\n on fuel at any Petronas station, or a minimum of \nRM 10 \nretail transaction at Kedai Mesra in a single receipt.\nRELATED: \nNeed a battery replacement or vehicle towing? Setel now does them too\nMercedes-Benz EQA 250\nTo stand a chance at winning the Petronas Mesra Bonanza grand prize, customers need to spend a cumulative of \nRM 700\n throughout the campaign period (November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023). Those who use their Setel app can gain 2X entries whilst those who transact with Visa debit/credit cards via \nCardTerus\n on the Setel app are entitled to 4X entries.\nSpeaking at the campaign, PDB General Manager of Retail Fuel, Norazlan Subaha said, \u201cPDB is focused on enhancing our customer experience and simplifying journeys across all touchpoints. We are constantly in search of the best ways to delight our loyal customers. Today we are excited to unveil Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz, a no-frills, inclusive loyalty rewards campaign which we are certain will excite our customers.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton\u2019s PRO-NET and Petronas\u2019 Gentari to build 20 DC fast chargers in 2023\nVisa Country Manager for Malaysia, Ng Kong Boon said, \u201cWe are pleased to partner with Petronas once again on the Mesra Bonanza Visa Campaign. Our valued cardholders have the opportunity to walk away with a variety of prizes worth more than RM 500,000 whenever they pay for their fuel and other purchases at Petronas using their Visa cards. We continue to work with our valued partners to create rewarding campaigns and benefits for our cardholders and drive increased digital payments usage in Malaysia.\u201d\nFor more information on the Petronas Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz campaign, click \nhere\n."
"Ladies and gents, feast your eyes upon the all-new BMW M5 CS, the newest and baddest 5 Series in (M)town. But it isn\u2019t just another \nM5\n variant, oh no. Because the M5 CS is now the most powerful and fastest-accelerating production BMW vehicle ever made.\nJoining the \nBMW M2 CS\n in the ranks of models carrying the coveted \u201cClubsport\u201d title, the all-new M5 CS super-sedan turns its performance dial all the way up to 11, probably obliterating any sense of comfort and day-to-day liveability at the same time. We\u2019re not complaining, though.\nSo how does BMW make the already-incredible \nBMW M5 Competition \neven faster? Well, the answer, as always, is more power and less weight, plus a little dusting of motorsports-inspired styling elements for good measure.\nOn the \u201cmore power\u201d front, the BMW M5 CS gets treated to a reworked 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, now generating \n635\u00a0hp\n (+10 hp) and \n750 Nm\n of torque, the latter unchanged from before.\nPair that to the eight-speed Steptronic M automatic gearbox and a reprogrammed M xDrive all-wheel drive system, and the M5 CS completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just \n3.0 seconds\n. Continue to keep your right foot pinned to the floor, and you\u2019ll arrive at 200 km/h in \n10.3 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n305 km/h\n.\nAlongside increased performance, the BMW M5 CS also gets a redesigned oil pan with an additional sump and indirect charge air cooling, as well as more rigid engine mounts, which helps achieve a smoother transmission of power to each wheel, according to BMW\u2019s performance division.\nThe suspension has also been fitted with firmer dampers and 10% stiffer springs which reduces the ride height by 7 mm, working in conjunction with the stiffer tow-link ball-joint mounts, stiffer rear sway bar, standard 20-inch wheels and a no-cost option Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, as well as standard M carbon ceramic brakes to further slice away lap times. There\u2019s no need to explain why the M5 CS has the \nNordschleife\n etched onto the seats.\nThanks to an intense weight-loss programme, the BMW M5 CS weighs \n70 kg\n less than the Competition variant. BMW says that this was done by reducing the amount of sound-deadening material, alongside an ostentatious amount of carbon fibre parts all round. And we mean that quite literally \u2013 there\u2019s carbon fibre almost everywhere.\nThe roof, bonnet, splitter, spoiler, diffuser, and mirror caps have all been replaced with carbon fibre parts, and even the M Sports seats have been jettisoned in favour of the lighter\u00a0M carbon fibre bucket seats. Heck, even the gearshift paddles are made of carbon fibre. Other lightweighting measures include the deletion of the rear middle seats (replaced with two individual seats), and a reworked centre arm rest without a stowage compartment.\nTo distinguish the all-new BMW M5 CS from its \u201cregular\u201d counterparts, the super-sedan gets a special \u201cGold Bronze\u201d finish on its kidney grilles, badging, gills surrounds, as well as the 20-inch staggered M forged wheels. The massive brake callipers can also be optioned with the same bronze finish, but comes as standard with a coat of red paint.\nThe carbon fibre bonnet gets two additional hood scoops dressed with exposed carbon fibre and a power bulge, while the light signature within the BMW Laserlight headlights gets a yellow tint as a nod to BMW\u2019s GT race cars.\nIn addition to the normal selection of M5 colours, the CS will also be offered in three unique BMW Individual colours: Brands Hatch Grey metallic, Frozen Brands Hatch Grey metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic, the latter of which is can be seen in these photos.\nThe BMW M5 CS will go on sale in spring of 2021 for EUR180,400 (RM886k) in Germany and other large markets, with production slated to begin around March, limited to one year only.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) today launched the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ on our shores in a digital premiere of the brand\u2019s compact performance models, alongside the \nA 45 S\n and A 35 hatchback. Priced at\n RM448,888\n (on the road without insurance), the CLA 45 S also marks the entry of the all-new CLA coupe in the country.\nWith MBM\u2019s Agility Financing, the new CLA 45 S can be yours starting from \nRM5,355\n a month. If you prefer more protection, the AMGPro Financing which includes insurance, unlimited mileage breakdown and accident towing, as well as tyre/rims replacement, starts at \nRM5,588\n per month.\nSimilar to its hatchback cousin, powering the compact coupe is the \u201cone man, one engine\u201d M139 \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine\n, paired to an \neight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission\n. In terms of performance, you can expect:\nHorsepower: 421 hp @ 6,750 rpm\nTorque: 500 Nm @ 5,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 4.0 seconds\nTop Speed: 270 km/h\nAs expected from an AMG model, the CLA 45 S comes with all the performance wizardry to ensure optimum performance both on track and on the roads. These include:\nfully-variable all-wheel drive system with AMG Torque Control, featuring Drift mode\nAMG Dynamic Select\nAMG Dynamics\nAMG Ride Control Suspension\nThe CLA 45 S is styled fittingly to its performance \u2013 air inlets and vents, power domes, diffusers and widened wheel arches are all present on the four-door performance coupe. Unlike the A 45, the CLA 45 S does not come with the Edition 1 package, which means the omission of the AMG Aerodynamic pack. Although, the following AMG-specific exterior kit are still standard equipment:\nAMG-specific Panamericana grille\nMultibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\n19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels\nRed painted brake callipers\nTwo twin-tailpipes\nThe aggressive appearance continues on the inside. AMG-specific goodies include:\nAMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre\nAMG steering wheel buttons\nAMG Performance seats\ndesigno seat belts in red\nAMG door sill panels with illuminated AMG lettering\nAMG floor mats\nOtherwise, the interior takes on a similar look to the latest-generation of the \nA-Class\n, featuring the twin 10.25-inch displays as the instrument cluster and infotainment display. Other standard interior features are:\nMBUX infotainment system with \nMercedes me connect\nAMG Track Pace virtual \u201crace engineer\u201d\nApple CarPlay & Android Auto\nBurmester Surround Sound System\n360 degrees camera\nWireless charging pad\nAs for safety, the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ comes equipped with the marque\u2019s Driving Assistant Package, which includes the following features:\nBlind spot assist\nActive Brake Assist\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new eight generation \nVolkswagen Passat\n\u00a0as we now know, is new from the ground up and sits on the brand\u2019s modular MQB platform. Also sitting on the platform are the \nPassat Alltrack and Variant\n, the \nMk7 Golf\n, new \nAudi A3\n, \nAudi TT\n and the new \nVW Touran\n.\nDuring our visit to Volkswagen\u2019s Production Plant in Pekan, we were told that the facility can be upgraded to roll out MQB-based cars, and that it\u2019s likelier for us to get the locally assembled Passat B8 instead of the Golf range.\nVolkswagen is offering a total of \nten transversely mounted engines\n to go with the new Passat, all of which features fuel saving tech like \nengine start-stop system\n and \nregenerative braking\n. There\u2019s also the \n1.4L TSI\n plug-in hybrid variant that sips 1.5 litres of fuel per 100 km.\nWhen VW had a \nprivate viewing\n of the Passat B8 late\u00a0last year, the model donned a diesel engine which the carmaker claims to be their \nmost powerful four-cylinder diesel\n engine to date. It makes \n236 horsepower\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, delivering its brute to all four wheels via the \n4MOTION AWD\n system. A seven-speed DSG gearbox is standard here, and the Passat consumes a healthy 5.3 litres of fuel per 100 km.   In moving on, Volkswagen Group Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director, Mr Armin Keller also pointed out that they are looking into locally assembling the \nTiguan\n model, which is\u00a0currently on sale for \nRM178,888\n for the 1.4L TSI and \nRM239,888\n for the 2.0L.\nThoughts, guys?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"An American company by the name of ONE \u2013 or Our Next Energy \u2013 has just unveiled a new prototype battery for electric vehicles that promises to \u201c[double] the available energy on board in the same package space\u201d.\nFor its proof-of-concept, ONE retrofitted an experimental 203.7 kWh battery pack into a \nTesla Model S\n and sent it on a road trip test back in December last year. The modified Model S achieved a mileage of \n1,210 km on a single charge \nin the real-world test, with an average speed of around 88.5 km/h.\n \nThe car was also validated by a third party using a dynamometer (dyno) running at the same speed of 88.5 km/h, and managed to achieve an even more impressive 1,419 km of range thanks to the more \u201cideal\u201d conditions of a dyno run \u2013 no inclines, and no need for stopping.\nFor context, the standard Tesla Model S Long Range model comes with a 103.9 kWh battery from the factory, and promises a fully-electric range of approximately 650 km based on the EPA test cycle.\nRELATED: kW, kWh, AC/DC? Common EV terms and jargons explained\nScreenshot: \nOur Next Energy (ONE)/YouTube\nONE claims that the battery \u2013 called \u2018Gemini\u2019 \u2013 is the \u201cword\u2019s first range-extended dual-chemistry battery\u201d. It boasts a high energy density of 416 Wh/L, and uses artificial intelligence to help maximize range.\nThe company believes that its Gemini battery will provide the surplus energy required to overcome many real-world factors such as high-speed driving, weather, and mountainous roads, which can lead to a loss of more than 35% of rated range.\n Screenshot: \nOur Next Energy (ONE)/YouTube\n\u201cWe want to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by eliminating range anxiety, which holds back most consumers today,\u201d said ONE\u00a0founder and CEO\u00a0Mujeeb Ijaz.\n\u201cWe\u2019re now focused on evolving this proof-of-concept battery into a new product called Gemini, which will enable long distance trips on a single charge while improving cost and safety using sustainable materials.\u201d\u00a0\nThe company also says that its high-range batteries can help reduce pressure on EV infrastructure, as it reduces the need for queueing at charging stations (due to the reduced charging needs).\n Screenshot: \nOur Next Energy (ONE)/YouTube\nONE was founded in 2020, and according to its\n official website\n, the company received backing from several well-established companies including BMW i Ventures, Volta, and Bill Gate\u2019s Breakthrough Energy.\nThe company aims to produce its first product \u2013 called the Aries, a 79 kW battery \u2013 later this year, followed by a demonstration of the Gemini battery\u2019s production prototype in 2023."
"Following \nHonda\n and \nToyota\u2019s\n plea to the government recently, Naza Automotive Group, the automotive arm of the Naza Corporation Holdings is now also appealing for the government to allow the automotive sector to resume operations.\nThis is as the entire supply chain in the automotive sector has been seriously affected, especially due to the complete and prolonged shutdown of operations in vital areas like Selangor and the Federal Territories.\n\u201cMany of the key automotive companies for both vehicle and parts production are located within these two states. Prolonged business and supply chain disruption will have dire consequences on the industry, especially due to the fact that the local automotive industry is highly dependent on the domestic market,\u201d said Naza Automotive Group, CEO, Dato\u2019 Nik Hamdan.\nNaza Automotive Group\u2019s CEO went on to emphasise that the continuous shutdown which affects all facets of the automotive sector would lead to eventual business closures, especially with the smaller players in the industry. It would then lead to layoffs and a deep and long-lasting impact on the job market.\nThe current situation could also pose safety risks to vehicle owners due to the continuous use of under-serviced vehicles and the inability to replace damaged parts when necessary."
"The \n2022 Honda HR-V\n has just been launched in Indonesia, which also saw the global debut of the marque\u2019s VTEC Turbo engine in the compact crossover.\nIn stark contrast to the \nHonda HR-V in Thailand\n, which only comes in the e:HEV hybrid flavour, the compact crossover in Indonesia will be offered with two petrol-only powertrains.\nThe lower three variants (S, E, and SE) gets a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated VTEC engine making \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque, while the range-topping RS variant will feature a 1.5-litre inline-four VTEC Turbo engine making\n 177 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired exclusively to a CVT gearbox on all variants.\nIf the VTEC Turbo powertrain sounds familiar, that\u2019s because it\u2019s also shared with the recently-unveiled \n11th-generation Civic\n \u2013 although we in Malaysia get a slightly higher tune at 182 hp and 240 Nm.\nIn terms of standard equipment, all variants of the all-new HR-V in Indonesia will come equipped with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite as standard. The system includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control (with low speed follow), automatic high-beam, as well as the Lead Car Departure Notification.\nOther standard equipment include the LED headlights and tail lights, 17-inch wheels, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display. As usual, moving up the trim levels will net you even more goodies and creature comforts including larger wheels, rear aircon vents, gearshift pedals, leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and a larger infotainment display.\nRELATED: New tech, looks, and more space: Can the new Honda HR-V keep its crown?\nBut of course, the cream-of-the-crop items are all reserved for the range-topping RS Turbo, which comes with a variant-exclusive body kit, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a driving mode selector that includes a Sports mode, a handsfree powered tailgate, as well as fancier interior trimmings.\nPricing wise, the all-new Honda HR-V in Indonesia starts at 355.9 million rupiah (approx. RM105k) for the entry-level S variant, and tops out at 499.9 million rupiah (approx. RM148k), representing a slight price hike (3-61 million rupiah on the top end) across the board \u2013 which is to be expected due to the increase in standard equipment, not to mention a brand-new powertrain option on the RS.\nThe all-new Honda HR-V is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime this year, and based on \nits statement earlier this year\n, we can also expect the VTEC Turbo and e-HEV hybrid powertrains to be featured in the HR-V here on our shores, alongside the Honda Sensing driver assistance suite.\nGALLERY"
"Last year was a record-setting year for Honda Malaysia after they sold 91,830 units of cars, securing yet again the top spot as the most popular non-national carmaker, ahead of long-time favourites Toyota. This year, the company has bigger plans in store, with aims to shift 100,000 cars by the end of the year. How? By launching no less than four new cars!\n2017 Honda CR-V Interior\nAmong the four new models are the \nBR-V\n, \nfacelifted City\n and the \nall-new CR-V\n. Seeing as how highly favoured the VTEC turbo is here, it\u2019s safe to think that the Malaysian-bound CR-V will be turbocharged and locally assembled as well. Interestingly, one of the four cars will come with a hybrid powertrain, suggesting the possible introduction of the Honda Jazz Hybrid (1.5-litre with seven-speed dual clutch auto).\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director and CEO, Katsuto Hayashi, \u201cDespite most analysts predicting a cautious view, we believe 2017 will have a positive outlook for the automotive industry and market sentiment will gradually improve in this region. With this, we are forecasting the TIV for 2017 to be 600,000 units.\u201d\n \n \nHonda\u2019s next and closest model launch will be none other than the facelifted City. The range topping V-Spec will get full LED headlamps and LED fog lamps, the latter a first for its class. It\u2019s predicted to be a hard hitter, and we don\u2019t for a second doubt that. \nMeanwhile, check out our full preview of the City here\n!"
"The second-generation \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n has enjoyed a pretty successful life cycle, particularly last year where it sold a total of \n910,926 units\n, making it the best-selling model in the VW line-up. First launched in 2015, the compact SUV is due for an update, and Volkswagen has given us an official first look via a design sketch.\nThere\u2019s not much we can tell from a single sketch drenched in neon colours, but from the front, it seems like the new VW Tiguan will come with a new grille design and slimmer headlights, putting it in line with the brand\u2019s latest offerings.\nSpeaking to \nAutocar\n, chief of marketing for the Tiguan Hendrick Muth said that the facelifted Tiguan will offer \u201ca big change in terms of design, with a totally new front\u201d that will give it a \u201cmore dynamic\u201d appearance. The Tiguan will also feature LED headlights and taillights as standard, with the brand\u2019s IQ.Light matrix LED headlight available as option.\nMoving inside, Muth also confirmed that the new Tiguan will feature the latest \u201cdigital and connected technology\u201d. We expect the dashboard to look and feel similar to the all-new eight-generation Golf, which we thought was \nalmost like a smartphone on wheels\n. That means reduced physical knobs and buttons, and increased usage of touch pads, screens, and voice assistants.\nThe new Volkswagen Tiguan should also come equipped with the latest advanced driver assistance features as introduced on the Golf, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist at speeds of up to 210 km/h.\nAs for powertrain options, Volkswagen has announced together with the sketch that the new Tiguan will be offered with a \nPlug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain\n. The new powertrain option isn\u2019t all too surprising, especially considering the more stringent European emissions standards set to kick-in next year. Volkswagen has also introduced a \nTiguan GTE\n model, on sale in China since 2019.\nThe recently-launched \nVW Touareg R\n.\nThere were also rumours of a \u201chot SUV\u201d Tiguan R variant, since it was spotted testing at the Nurburgring recently. Although Muth would not comment directly on that prospect, he said that there will be \u201csome highlights on the performance side.\u201d\n\u201cIt will come very soon after launch and early in the life cycle. Be prepared, and be excited,\u201d Muth added.\nVolkswagen recently launched the performance-oriented \nTouareg R\n,\n equipped with a PHEV powertrain generating 476 hp and 700 Nm of torque. If the Tiguan were to receive a performance model, it\u2019s not unwise to expect a similar treatment.\nThe Volkswagen Tiguan facelift is expected to launch later this year."
"Coveted as a collector\u2019s item and savvy investments, Bugatti has brought all three of its modern supercars from the last three decades to produce one of the rarest and most \u201cpowerful\u201d desktop wallpapers.\nThe \u201cHoly Trinity\u201d as Bugatti calls it, is made up of the Bugatti EB110, Veyron and Chiron, each an icon of its own right from the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s.\nThe \nBugatti EB110 Super Sport\n was the first series production car to be made of carbon fibre. EB are the initials of Ettore Bugatti, founder of the company and 110 represents his 110th birthday was presented in Paris in 1991 on Ettore\u2019s 110th birthday. Everything about its construction was cutting edge \u2013 even the bolts for the wheels are made of titanium.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in just \n3.6 seconds\n with top speed of 351 km/h, making it the fastest series production car of its time. Bugatti set four world records with the EB110, among other things for the fastest acceleration, fastest series production sports car and fastest series production car on ice.\nLike the EB110, all-wheel drive, four turbocharges and a carbon monocoque was the recipe of choice again for the \nBugatti Veyron 16.4\n. The hypercar made \n1,000 hp\n, \n1,500 Nm\n of torque and was capable of top speeds of 407 km/h. Bugatti subsequently topped that feat with the introduction of the Super Sport with extra 200 hp and a top speed of 415 km/h. The Super Sport subsequently went on to clock 431 km/h, making it the fastest series production super sports car in the world.\nAll hell broke loose when the \nChiron\n showed up. It had \n1,500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n \u2013 allowing it get to 100 km/h from standstill in \n2.4 seconds\n, to 200 km/h in just 6.1 seconds \u2013 the same time a Golf GTI takes to get from 0 to 100 km/h \u2013 and 300 km/h in just 13.1 seconds. Last year, Bugatti became the \nfirst car manufacturer to exceed 300 mph (483 km/h)\n with the Chiron \u2013 setting a new speed record of 490 km/h.\nThat\u2019s \nuntil Koenigsegg came into the picture\n of course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite being firm proponents of the internal combustion engine, Mazda never concealed its plans to gradually electrify its range. In the last Asian Tech Forum held in 2018, Mazda had \nalready revealed that a BEV\n (Battery Electric Vehicle) would debut in 2019, and it may even have a range extender variant like the BMW i3.\nSo the confirmation that it will unveil a full EV, built on a new, dedicated platform, in next month\u2019s Tokyo Motor Show comes as no surprise. Mazda had also showed off to the media an all-electric prototype wearing the shell of the \nCX-30 crossover\n a few months ago, dubbed e-TPV for Electric Technology Prove-Out Vehicle.\nThis is the e-TPV test mule, actual car may not be a crossover.\nBased on the specifications of the e-TPV, this new EV model is expected to get a 35.5 kWh capacity battery (for comparison, the Nissan Leaf has 40 kWh), good for 200 km per charge and it\u2019ll purportedly be powered by a 143 hp and 265 Nm electric motor driving the front wheels \u2013 nothing to get too excited about. More intriguing is whether it\u2019ll be offered with an on-board rotary generator?\n \nWhether the yet-to-be-named EV model turns out being a\ncrossover or in another body-style will be one of the more anticipated events\nof the show. After all, Mazda vehicles of late have been a beacon for Japanese\ncar design, so whether it\u2019s internal combustion or battery powered, a new model\nfrom Mazda is always welcomed. Now, can it out-charm the Honda e? We\u2019ll just\nhave to wait."
"BMW Malaysia\n has updated its \nBMW iX\n line-up here in Malaysia with the addition of the new xDrive50 Sport variant, offering additional performance and range on the fully-electric SUV, but be prepared to pay a pretty penny.\nComing in at \nRM546,800\n with Service and Repair Inclusive, the price tag makes the new variant some RM99k more expensive than the previously range-topping \nxDrive40 Sport\n, and RM143k over the base xDrive40 variant.\nFor that extra dough, you\u2019ll be getting two much-more powerful motors, capable of generating a total of \n385 kW (523 hp)\n and\n 765 Nm\n, or 197 hp and 135 Nm more than the xDrive40. That extra firepower from the xDrive50\u2019s motors drops the iX\u2019s 0-100 km/h sprint time by 1.5 seconds down to just \n4.6 seconds\n, although top speed is still electronically limited to 200 km/h.\nThe more powerful motors are also paired to a much larger 111.5 kWh battery pack, translating to a fully-electric range of \n630 km\n (WLTP test cycle). As before, charging is handled by an on-board 11 kW AC charger, taking 10 hours and 45 minutes for a full charge from 0%. DC fast charging is also supported at up to 195 kW (150 kW on the xDrive40), which means you\u2019ll still be able to top up from 0-80% in roughly 35 minutes.\nWATCH: \nBMW iX xDrive40 fully-electric SUV review\nAside from the upgraded powertrain, however, it seems that the rest of the car\u2019s equipment list is pretty much identical to that of the xDrive40 Sport.\nOn the outside, the new BMW iX xDrive50 comes equipped with the Sport Line exterior bodykit, which consists of the BMW Laserlight headlamps, 22-inch aerodynamic multi-colour wheels, and 17-inch brake calipers in blue.\nInside, the xDrive50 Sport also comes with a the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8.0 as standard, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and 14.9-inch central touchscreen display under a single pane of glass.\nOther interior highlights include the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, the real crystal glass switches and open-pore wood veneer on the centre console as part of the Clear & Bold interior trim package, as well as the Comfort Access powered tailgate.\nThe BMW Iconic Sounds Electric sound effect designed by Hans Zimmer is also standard on the iX xDrive50 Sport.\nALSO READ: \nBMW Malaysia partners with JomCharge \u2013 10% off on charging sessions, extra free credits for owners\nAs for safety, the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport comes as standard with the BMW Driving Assistant Professional package, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, lane keep assist, evasion assistant, and automatic speed limit assist, in addition to the usual autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic warning and rear collision prevention, as well as lane departure warning.\nBMW Parking Assistant is also standard here, with reversing assist, active park distance control, as well as a rear-view camera.\nThe BMW iX xDrive50 Sport will be available in seven exterior colours, including two new cost option: Individual Storm Bay Metallic, and Adventurine Red Metallic. Inside, buyers can opt between Mocha and Black upholstery, or the fancier Interior Design Suite in Amido or Castanea for an additional RM17,300.\nREAD MORE: \nBMW cars in Malaysia now (finally) comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for free\nGALLERY"
"China\u2019s \nGeely Group\n, alongside Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn, best known for assembling Apple products, announced a new joint venture on Wednesday to provide contract manufacturing to other global carmakers.\nGeely and Foxconn will each hold a 50% stake in the new venture, which will also provide consulting services relating to whole vehicles, parts, and electric vehicles (EV) technologies, the companies said in a statement.\nFor Geely, the new venture will allow it to share its \nSustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)\n EV-focused platform with other brands, according to people familiar with the automotive giant\u2019s plans.\nA source who wishes to remain anonymous also said that the move was a bid for Geely to further utilise the full production capabilities for its factories in China, according to a report by \nReuters\n. This is Geely\u2019s second major deal this week alone, following the partnership with Baidu for EV production.\nGeely Automobile\n, the group\u2019s main listed company, sold approximately 1.32 million vehicles in 2020, but its production plants have the capacity to build more than 2 million vehicles a year.\nAs for Foxconn, this joint venture further solidifies its commitment to become a major EV player, targetting a 10% share of the global EV market as soon as 2025. Recently, the company unveiled its first \u201copen source\u201d EV chassis, where partners can customise it to fit their individual needs.\nLast year, Foxconn also signed a partnership with FCA to manufacture EVs for China. The company also currently supplies parts to Tesla. The announcement for this partnership with Geely comes amid rumours of Apple planning to launch its own electric car by 2024, and is \ncurrently in talks with multiple carmakers\n such as Hyundai for contract manufacturing.\nThe \nLynk&Co Zero\n is the group\u2019s first model to utilise the \u201copen-source\u201d SEA platform.\nAside from contract manufacturing, the companies also said that the joint venture will help accelerate the entire automotive industry\u2019s adoption of EV technologies. The partnership will see the introduction of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division, focused on improving the efficiency of the manufacturing process, as well as other business models based on Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electrified (CASE) technologies."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) together with authorised dealer Auto Pacifica Sdn Bhd has just officiated the opening of a new 3S (Sales, Services & Parts) centre in Bintulu, Sarawak.\nThe opening marks the first showroom in Sarawak with Mitsubishi\u2019s new corporate brand \u201cDrive Your Ambition\u201d and is the second 3S showroom in the area.\n \nThe 3S centre is located at Lot No.31 & 32, Bintulu City Mall Commercial Centre, Jalan Johari Sunam, Bintulu.\nThe new 3S centre is home to 3,000 sq ft of space, designed to house a customer lounge and a fully-equipped workshop with advance diagnostic and Special Set Tools, capable of servicing up to three Mitsubishi cars at a time.\n CEO of MMM, Mr Shinnishi and Director of Auto Pacifica (AP), Mr. Yaw at the launch.\n\u201cI would like to thank Auto Pacifica, a member of Samling Strategic Corporation Sdn Bhd, for its continuous support in making the Triton the top two pick-up in Sarawak with a 20.9% market share,\u201d said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\nWith the latest 3S centre, there are now 54 Mitsubishi Motors showrooms (48 of which are 3S centres), and 55 service outlets throughout Malaysia. In East Malaysia, the brand is represented by 15 showrooms (7 in Sarawak and 8 in Sabah)."
"Great news! For those looking for something fresh in the C-segment, aside from the new Mazda 3 and the updated Honda Civic, UMW Toyota Motor has announced that the all-new Toyota Corolla is now open for booking!\nThe all-new Corolla will be available in two variants; 1.8E at RM128,888 and 1.8G RM136,888. Both are estimated on-the-road prices for now until further notice.\n \nFind out how the TNGA platform has transformed the way the Camry drives.\nThe new car will come equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense system and is also built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) like in the Camry and C-HR; a platform which has completely changed the way a Toyota rides and handles \u2013 with improved stability and chassis rigidity.\nFor those who want to been seen first in the latest rendition of the most iconic nameplate in automotive can place their orders at any authorised Toyota showroom starting today, 12th of September 2019."
"The \nBMW M2\n is here! The meanest 2-Series of the lot has made its way to Malaysian shores just a few months after its debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.\nThis M2 coupe is currently the closest thing to keeping the spirit of the E30 M3 alive, but it\u2019s much more powerful than its ancestor. The 3.0-litre straight-six turbo is good for \n370 hp\n and up to \n500 Nm\n of torque, and drive is sent to the rear wheels via a \nsix-speed manual\n or a\n seven-speed dual-clutch\n transmission; the former optional. For the Malaysian market though, the M2 will come with the self-shifting gearbox, but BMW Group Malaysia will be happy to assist you if you require your M2 with three foot pedals.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW M2\nEngine\n2,979 cc Inline-6 TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n7-speed M DCT\nMax Power\n370 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n465 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 5,560 rpm / 500 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,750 rpm (overboost)\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.3 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM498,800\nEXTERIOR\nThe 2-Series has bulked up quite a lot in becoming the M2. The blistered arches are \n55 mm wider\n at the front and \n80 mm wider\n at the rear, giving the M2 a far more aggressive stance that any \nF22 220i Coupe\n owners can only dream of. They\u2019re not just for show, because they house a set of \n19-inch wheels\n mounted on M4-derived \nforged aluminium suspension components\n, hence the wider track.   Those aluminium 19-inch wheels are fitted with special \nMichelin Pilot Super Sports\n measuring \n245/35 ZR19\n at the front and \n265/35 ZR19\n at the rear. Behind, the twin spokes are cast iron \nM compound brakes\n, also lifted from the M4 parts bin, with \n4-piston calipers\n grabbing the \n380 mm\n front rotors while the rear\n 370 mm\n rotors are paired with\n 2-piston calipers\n.\nOnly the bonnet, roof, and doors are left untouched; everything else were given a \nM-akeover\n. Apart from the M badges on the twin-slatted kidney grille, side garnish and rear boot lid, BMW has reworked on the airflow over the entire car to \nreduce drag by five percent\n. The front bumper\u2019s intakes are bigger and incorporate the drag-cutting \ntrapezoidal blades\n and \nair curtains\n, while the back bumper comes with an \nintegrated diffuser\n. In total they \nreduce lift by up to 35 percent\n. Oh and you might also notice those purposeful\n quad round tailpipes\n jutting out underneath the diffuser, which complete the total M look.\nINTERIOR\nAs opposed to the exterior, the cabin receives just a subtle update. Nothing too showy on the inside, the \nsports seats\n with adjustable bolsters now have the M mark stamped on the leather, and there\u2019s the \nM sports steering wheel\n as well as an \nM gear lever\n. Porous \ncarbon fibre trim\n pieces adorn the sombre interior along with \nAlcantara\n on the door cards, and \nblue stitching\n features on the upholstery.   The instrument cluster features M specific graphics, likewise the iDrive system with bonus M-related apps\u00a0 such as the \nGoPro app\n and the \nM Laptimer app\n that records the car\u2019s details including the speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine revs and which gear engaged, the steering angle, and the accelerator position.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned, the M2 generates \n370 hp\n and \n465 Nm\n of torque from its \n3.0-litre inline-six\n that\u2019s fitted with \nM TwinPower Turbo\n technology. Additionally, a total of \n500 Nm\n of torque can be summoned for a short period of time provided by the \noverboost function\n. The \nseven-speed M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic\n enables the M2 to rocket from \n0 to 100km/h\n in just \n4.3 seconds \nand\u00a0all the way to the electronically-limited \ntop speed\n of \n250 km/h\n.\nThe gearbox also features \nStability Clutch Control\n which disengages the clutch to stabilise the car in hairy moments by reducing oversteer, and the cheeky \nSmokey Burnout\n function which lets the rear wheels spin while traveling at low speeds. The \nM exhaust system\n also ensures the M2 to produce a matching soundtrack with the electronic flap control.\nHere\u2019s a little treat:\n \n#BMW #M2 says Guten Morgen! #M #Mpower #turbo #horsepower #power #german #carporn #cars #luxury #exhaust #rev #sound #awesome #autobuzzmy\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 2, 2016 at 5:01pm PST\nWHAT ELSE?\nOnly one colour is available for the M2, which is the Long Beach Blue Metallic, and for a princely sum of \nRM498,888.00\n\u00a0(sans insurance), the M2 is covered with BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s \n5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty\n that also includes the \nFree Scheduled Service Program\n as well as \nBMW Tyre Warranty Programme\n.\nThere\u2019s a strong demand for this little beast worldwide, therefore \nvery limited units\n are allocated for Malaysian market. BMW mentioned there\u2019s only \u201ca couple of units\u201d now and there\u2019s a high chance that they\u2019re taken up for. To the new BMW M2 owners in Malaysia, we envy you.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the \n10th-generation\u00a0Honda Civic\n\u00a0in full swing, it\u2019s time for the preceding chapter to come to a close. This brings us to the UK-only Honda Civic Type R Black Edition, which marks the end of the line for the ninth-generation Civic before handing the baton over to the new \nmodel\n.\nWhat\u2019s unique to the 100-unit special are mainly cosmetic enhancements. The cabin gets an all-black theme with red accents, reflecting the same exterior palette. Outside, the end plates for the rear wing are contrasted in red.\nNo performance upgrades have been\u00a0made for the Black Edition Civic Type R. That means the same\u00a0\ndirect-injected turbocharged 2.0 litre VTEC\n engine producing\u00a0\n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque will carry on its duties. A \nsix-speed manual transmission\n delivers power to the \nfront wheels\n.\nThe outgoing Honda Civic Type-R has made an impact as being the first Type R vehicle to\u00a0embrace turbocharging. It broke the \nFWD lap record\n\u00a0at the\u00a0Nurburgring\u00a0before the \nGolf GTI Clubsport S\n\u00a0came into the picture. The Civic Type R is also rather successful in various touring car championships around the world.\nThe\u00a0Black Edition Civics will be sold at\u00a0\n \u00a332,300\n (approximately RM175,608.00 at press time) and it\u2019s expected to sell out fast. Look out for its successor later this year!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While the holy trinity \u2013 Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and \nPorsche 918\n hypercars battle it out at the track, Bugatti chose to remain quiet, that is until now. The Veyron, once the fastest production car on planet earth, will be succeeded by the new Chiron that will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.\nTo beat established hypercars hailing from the UK and Germany, Bugatti\u2019s engineers up the ante by unleashing the Chiron\u2019s performance capabilities. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Chiron will get around\u00a0\n1,500 hp \nand\n 1,500 Nm\n\u00a0of torque\u00a0produced by Volkswagen\u2019s 8.0-litre W16 engine. The numbers are achieved via electrification as well, just like the hypercars mentioned above.\u00a0Such ridiculous power will allow the Chiron to have a top speed of \n467 km/h\n with a century sprint time o just \n2.2 seconds\n.\nThe Chiron, named after Bugatti\u2019s famed driver, \nLouis Chiron\n, will not come cheap as it will start at \n2 million euros\n. Bugatti will build 100 units of Chiron per year, but apparently over 130 units have already been built. The Chiron\u2019s design is also rumoured to be inspired from Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo (pictured above) unveiled last September.\nSo, will the new Chiron make the P1, 918 and LaFerrari run for cover? Maybe, maybe not. Guess there\u2019s something else to look forward to at Geneva this time, eh?"
"The all-new 2023 \nToyota Vios\n is set to launch tonight at 8 pm and most of us are excited about this all-new version of the famous B-segment saloon. However, with some information about the Vios already out there, the internet community has been quick to comment on its lack of rear folding seats and its lack of a spare wheel.\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nHaving been given the opportunity to talk with the development team and Mr. Hideyuki Kamino (Chief Engineer of the Toyota Vios) himself ahead of its launch, we managed to ask them about these matters. Here\u2019s what they have to say.\nThe rear seats don\u2019t fold down in the all-new Toyota Vios\nLet\u2019s first address the lack of rear folding seats. Asking the development team directly, their response was that market research indicated that most users did not make full use of the folding seats in their saloon cars.\nAs such, the development team decided to forego the folding seats feature. An added benefit of the lack of the omission of the folding seat function is that it makes the car \n10 kg\n lighter. Speaking of weight, the all-new Toyota Vios is about \n110 kg\n lighter than the older version. For reference, the previous G variant weighed \n1,145 kg\n while the all-new G variant weighs \n1,035 kg\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios launching tomorrow, est. RM90k \u2013 RFID tag, no spare wheel\nThe brace behind the rear seat backrests can be viewed from the boot area\nBoth the brace and the return of the second-row \u2018hump\u2019 have reduced the car\u2019s overall weight and increased its rigidity.\nUpon closer look at the rear seats, we also noticed that there is now a cross-like brace that runs behind the second-row backrests, adding rigidity to the overall structure of the car. The benefits of its addition can be felt during high-speed maneuvering.\nOnto the lack of a spare wheel in the Vios, the development team\u2019s answer was that the spare wheel was omitted to provide more storage space for Vios users. If you lift the boot floor, you will notice a Styrofoam compartment tray, similar to what you would find in a \nMitsubishi Xpander\n. The development team also unveiled that the omission of the Vios\u2019 spare wheel has reduced the car\u2019s overall weight (part of the total 110-kg weight loss of the car). The typical spare wheel has been replaced with a tyre repair kit instead.\nNo spare wheel in the all-new Vios as it makes way for a hidden storage compartment underneath the boot floor.\nWhile those reasonings do make sense, it could also be assumed that the typical space for the spare wheel will soon make way for a hybrid battery. According to \nHeadlightmag\n, a hybrid version of the \nYaris Ativ\n (Thailand\u2019s Vios) is set to make its debut in Thailand in the third quarter of the year. But let\u2019s not get too carried away with that.\nGenerally, the omission of both the folding rear seats and the spare wheel has significantly reduced the weight of the car. Other weight-reducing efforts include the return of the second row \u2018hump\u2019 and underpinning materials of the car, and we\u2019ll dive into these matters in the full review of the 2023 Toyota Vios. For now, let\u2019s wait for its launch which is set to happen at 8 pm tonight."
"Remember the \nMustang Cobra Jet 1400\n? The special one-off factory-built dragster was designed in parallel to the \nMach-E 1400\n to showcase Ford\u2019s electric power capabilities with 1,400 hp at the wheels (as the name suggests) in a bid to market the new \nMustang Mach-E\n road car. There\u2019s only one problem: it doesn\u2019t make 1,400 hp.\nIn a recent development test at the drag strip, the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 prototype blazed through the\n quarter-mile in just 8.27 seconds\n, reaching a top speed of \n270.4 km/h\n (168 mph) at the finish line. For metric folks like us, that\u2019s about 402 metres, and just know that this is \nvery, very quick\n \u2013 and it does it eerily quietly.\n \nThe development team also found that the Cobra Jet 1400 prototype actually reached a peak horsepower output of \n1,502 hp\n at the wheels, far exceeding the original target of 1,400. The torque figure should also exceed the original planned figure of 1,491 Nm, though Ford did not disclose the figure. Just look at the thing leap off the starting line!\nFord Performance Motorsports global director Mark Rushbrook said, \u201cSince revealing the car, we\u2019ve continued to fine-tune it and now know we\u2019re just scratching the surface of what we may be able to achieve with this much electric horsepower in a drag racing setting.\u201d\nTo achieve the bonkers output figures, Ford Performance collaborated with Cascadia Motion to develop its specialised electric powertrain, which uses four electric motors that can spin up to 10,000 revolutions per minute. These motor-inverter packages run on 800 volt power and at over 700 amps, and are capable of making nearly 470 hp per motor.\nFord Performance also employed the help of AEM-EV to develop the control algorithm in putting the power onto the ground, alongside MLe Racecars and Watson Engineering for the chassis development.\n\u201cIt\u2019s been a great but challenging project for all of us at Ford Performance,\u201d added Rushbrook.\u00a0\u201cThe opportunities to learn with the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400, as well as the Mustang Mach-E 1400 we recently introduced, gives us great insight into what may be possible in high-performance all-electric vehicles for Ford going forward.\u201d\nThe Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 (time to rename it, eh?) will make its first public appearance at the US NHRA Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis this weekend. Ford NHRA Funny Car Driver Bob Tasca III will pilot the prototype in showcase runs, going up against the fossil-fuel-powered Mustang Cobra Jets driven by two-time Funny Car champion and FOX broadcaster Tony Pedregon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen has just welcomed a fourth member to its SUV family called the T-Roc, a compact SUV that sits below the \nTiguan\n. The new SUV is Volkswagen\u2019s attempt to woo the younger audience with its fresh design and extensive personalisation options. The new T-Roc also has plenty of modern technologies to follow its stylish looks.\nLike the rest of Volkswagen\u2019s new model range, the T-Roc is based on the group\u2019s modular MQB platform. The T-Roc wears the similar face as the rest of its SUV siblings thanks to the large front grille and muscular design. Its imposing silhouette is further highlighted by the chrome trim that extends from the A pillars all the way to the taillamps. The black trims around the lower section of the car strikes the T-Roc as a suitable companion for the great outdoors. The T-Roc is also the first Volkswagen SUV that is available with a \ncontrasting roof\n.   Its eye-catching design philosophy stretches into the otherwise familiar cabin. In the T-Roc \u2018Style\u2019 line, customers can have the interior panels painted from a choice of four vibrant colours while the \u2018Sport\u2019 line comes with sport comfort seats. However, there\u2019s still no word on a sporty R-Line though. Boot space is rated at a cavernous \n445 litres\n.\nThe most striking trait of the T-Roc is its class-leading safety features. As\n standard\n, the T-Roc is equipped with Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and \nCity Emergency Braking\n. Further options include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), reverse camera, Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, Park Assist, Traffic jam Assist and Emergency Assist. The T-Roc may be compact in size, but generous in safety.\nLike the Tiguan, the T-Roc is available with three turbo petrol engines (TSI) and three turbodiesels (TDI) variants, all paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. As standard, all T-Rocs are front-wheel driven with the option for the 4Motion all-wheel drive upgrade.\nWhen the T-Roc hits the market in November later this year, it will rival the \nMazda CX-3\n, \nKia Stonic\n and \nHyundai Kona\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia is taking a proactive measure to ensure customer safety with a precautionary recall of 28,399 units of vehicles to replace the TAKATA front passenger\u00a0airbag inflator.\nThe vehicles involved are the \n2013 Honda City\n, \n2013 Honda Jazz\n and \n2013 Jazz Hybrid\n and the \n2013 Honda Insight\n. Honda Malaysia confirms that all its current selling models are not affected and will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls to ensure customer safety.\nHonda Malaysia will be informing all affected customers \nvia notification letters\n which will include details of the product recall. Customers who receive these letters are encouraged to send their vehicles to the nearest Honda authorised dealer for inspection and replacement for free. \nHonda Malaysia has ensured of 100% stock availability for front driver and passenger airbag inflators (excluding front passenger airbag inflator parts availability for this recall) and increased service capacity via Mobile Hubs, Hubs at selected Petronas stations, Hubs at Honda roadshows and prioritising replacement activities at dealerships.\nThe replacement works will be carried out once the parts are ready and the cost of parts and labour will be borne by Honda Malaysia. Vehicle owners can also check their vehicle\u2019s recall status either by logging on\u00a0\nwww.productrecall.honda.com.my\n or by calling the Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020.\nHonda Malaysia will continue to proactively recall vehicles on the Takata front airbag inflator issue while alerting and informing customers of the importance of replacing the affected vehicle\u2019s airbag inflators, \nvia social media and SMS\n.\nOwners of Honda vehicles affected by the airbag inflator product recall are advised to \nimmediately get their vehicles checked\n and parts replaced at any Honda Authorised Service dealers or Mobile Hubs as soon as possible."
"Subaru of America has just released the first teaser shot of the all-new Subaru WRX performance sedan, based on perhaps the upcoming Impreza C-segment car.\nIt is certainly an all-new sedan, as the doors and rear pillar have a more rounded shape now, perhaps from the \nViziv concept\n. The new performance sedan also retains its iconic bonnet scoop for direct ambient air cooling of the intercooler.\nIn the USA, the current Subaru WRX consist of the regular variant with a\n 2.0-litre\n turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine with outputs of \n268 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to all four corners via a six-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic CVT.\nMeanwhile, long-time rival Mitsubishi has no intention for an Evo revival. Find out why here.\nThe \nSubaru WRX STI\n meanwhile uses a much larger \n2.5-litre\n turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine churning out \n310 hp\n and \n393 Nm\n of torque. The centre differential also comes with more tricks, such as multi-mode \nDriver Control Centre Differential (DCCD)\n plus limited slipping control and a front-to-rear torque split of 41-to-59.\nThe front and rear axles also feature their own limited-slip differential (LSD), making the WRX STI one of the very few vehicles with three LSDs. It is all about high performance so the WRX STI also comes with Brembo six-piston front calipers gripping 340 mm disc behind 19-inch wheels wrapped with 245/35R19 tyres.\nBenchmark sprint time of 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) is \n5.7 seconds\n for the WRX STI and the regular WRX takes 0.3 seconds longer. \u00a0It would be interesting to see if \nelectrification\n will find its way into the Subaru WRX, as rumoured back in 2017 via the Viziv concept.\nNew Subaru BRZ comes with a new engine with more power! Does it have a turbo?\nA limited-edition \nSubaru WRX STI S209\n with higher horsepower and handling threshold was released in 2019, with many other \nspecial editions\n to keep interest and presence high in the USA market.\nThe all-new Subaru WRX will debut later this year, according to the company\u2019s press release. It could be another \nUSA-exclusive\n model as sedans as still very popular in North America."
"At a press conference during the launch of the \nall-new Mazda 3\n, Bermaz Motor has hinted that an \u201cupgraded\u201d Mazda CX-5 is on the way. The company is referring to the \nupdated CX-5\n which was introduced in 2018 that comes with enhanced features and the adoption of the 2.5-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-G petrol engine.\nIn Japan, the updated\nCX-5 comes with the improved G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), added night\npedestrian detection function on the Advanced Smart City Brake Support, Apple\nCarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, grey metallic finish for the 17-inch\nalloys (same design), redesigned climate control panel for better tactility and\noperability and fabric finish on the A-pillar trim surface instead of resin.\nOn higher grade\nvariants, it comes with Nappa leather upholstery, \u201cHome Rattan\u201d wood interior\ntrim, frameless rear-view mirror, dark finish 19-inch alloys, white LED cabin illumination\nand a new instrument cluster with a central 7.0-inch TFT coloured multi-info\ndisplay.\nBut the highlight of this product update is the introduction of the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine that develops \n230 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, the latter peaks at a mere \n2,000 rpm\n. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard while 2WD or 4WD are available as options.\nIt remains to be seen\nwhether Bermaz Motor will offer the Malaysian market with the 2.5T engine option\nbut customers can expect enhanced connectivity and material finish. The updated\nCX-5 will continue to be offered as a CKD model hence expect prices to maintain\nor get even more competitive.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nUpdated Mazda CX-5 2.5T in Japan"
"Kia has now become the latest manufacturer to join the subcompact crossover bandwagon with the introduction of the new Kia Niro. The crossover is the company\u2019s first dedicated hybrid vehicle, and comes as no surprise following the introduction of sister company\u2019s \nHyundai Ioniq\n.\nLabeled by Kia as a \u2018\nHybrid Utility Vehicle\n\u2019, the crossover sits between the Kia Soul and Kia Sportage and will be part of the company\u2019s\u00a0\nEcoDynamics\n line.\n \n \nPowering the Niro is a \n102 hp 1.6-litre\u00a0four-cylinder petrol engine\n mated to an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed dual clutch transmission. That combination produces a total output of\u00a0\n146 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n264Nm\n of torque. Fuel consumption figures have yet to be confirmed, although Kia is looking at a combined cycle of 4.7 litres per 100km with a CO2 output of 89g/km for the Niro.\nInterestingly, Kia plans to make the Niro a fun-driving car, something that\u2019s quite atypical in the world of regular hybrid city cars. If that were to be true, then the Niro has a lot of expectations to live up to. But to give credit where it\u2019s due, the design of the car certainly veers towards the sportier side, but whether or not it delivers fun driving, functional utility and hybrid efficiency remains to be seen.\nLocally though, the Niro should make perfect sense for Naza Kia, but the likelihood is as good as none. Last year, the brand suffered a \nsharp drop in sales\n\u00a0in Malaysia and Kia desperately needs to mitigate this by introducing several, more exciting products. The Niro, perhaps?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This year we celebrate our country\u2019s 61\nst\n National Day and to commemorate this special day, our friends from Aurizn EVOLTN organised a morning drive and charity slalom for their Aurizn Merdeka Meet & Greet session and here is what went down that day:\nThere are worse ways to start a long weekend but waking up at 6 am for a morning drive with fellow car enthusiast is considered as one of the better mornings in recent weeks. Ending the day with a reverse slalom certainly put a big smile on all those present.\nBe sure to subscribe to Aurizn Malaysia and AutoBuzz.my for more events like these and hopefully we will catch you in the next one."
"Apparently the trend these days is to morph an MPV or a crossover into a full blown SUV. Just like the all-new\u00a0\nPeugeot 3008\n, another manufacturer from the PSA group is pulling the same stunt by introducing the Citroen C-Aircross Concept.\nScheduled for debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March, the compact SUV poses as a promising alternative to the popular Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR. The concept could also be the successor to the C3 Picasso, effectively putting an end to its current MPV status.   The front fascia is broadly similar to the third-generation \nC3 supermini\n, as seen with the the double chevron grille and LED\u00a0daytime\u00a0running lights. Also, the signature \u201cAirbumps\u201d on each side of the car are positioned down low, giving it a more rugged appeal. The higher ground clearance adds to its adventurous nature, as are the funky wheels (the French have their ways with wheel design) and roof bars.\nInside, a huge 12-inch screen is mounted in the centre, whereas the heads-up display employs a dedicated glass panel as opposed to having essential driving info projected to the windscreen. The C-Aircross is also a recipient of Citroen\u2019s Advance Comfort programme, meaning passengers will benefit from the highest levels of comfort and spaciousness.\nAs for the juicy bits, unfortunately Citroen hasn\u2019t revealed much, but expect the same turbocharged three-cylinder engines (PureTech) and BlueHDi turbodiesels from the C3 to be featured here. Drive will most likely be sent to the front wheels, although Citroen said the extra Grip Control feature will assist the front wheels when traversing challenging terrains.\nIs this coming to Malaysia? Well, for now, our guess is as good as yours. The Citroen brand is still relatively niche, but their new range of products have barely tested Malaysian waters. Meanwhile, watch this space for future updates on the C-Aircross. The production version will be revealed sometime in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You know the saying, \u201cIf it\u2019s too good to be true, it probably is\u201d? Well, it also applies accurately in the world of car replacement parts cause if it\u2019s way cheaper than what most others are quoting you, safety should be your concern \u2013 not savings.\nMercedes-Benz has issued a statement on the increase of fake replacement parts sold online, sparked mainly by pandemic.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia welcomes Sagree Sardien as new President and CEO. More details here!\nThe left is a fake, the authentic brake pad is on the right.\n\u201cOver 1.7 million counterfeit Daimler products were confiscated in 2020. We initiated and supported over 550 raids by the authorities. This is a slight increase compared to the previous year,\u201d said a representative from Daimler.\nAccording to a report by trade association Unifab, these counterfeiters often achieve\n higher margins than drugs\n. In many cases, these were produced under inhumane conditions without any consideration for environmental standards, workplace safety, or human rights.\nThis Mercedes-Benz S680 \u201cGuard\u201d is probably the safest place to be in 2021. Find out why!\nThe car with the fake brake pads (above in the picture) has a significantly longer braking distance.\n\u201cAll in all, we were able to remove 138,000 fake Daimler products from online platforms. This is around three times more during the same period before the pandemic,\u201d Daimler said.\nThe brand protection experts within the company often inspect suspicious products on online platforms or at trade fairs around the world to track down counterfeiters. \nTypical signs of fake products\n are unusually lower prices, anomalies in product description and quality, or goods being sold by unknown sellers.\nThe new facelift Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line has arrived in Malaysia.\nThe same is true in the local market as well. With new sellers emerging on almost every imaginable e-commerce platform, it\u2019s hard to tell who\u2019s real and who\u2019s not.\nOne simple way is to give these sellers a background check on Facebook, through owner\u2019s club or enthusiasts group pages. It\u2019s the most foolproof way to purchase items from reputable sellers as most of them in there, know their stuff.\nFacts & Figures: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM375k..more details here!"
"Audi has unveiled the A6 e-tron concept at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show. With the unveiling of the Audi A6 e-tron concept, the company also provided information on its medium-term product line-up plans.\nMajor models such as the next-generation A4, Q5, and A8 models will have a fully-electric variant and be built on a modular platform called\n Premium Platform Electric\n \nor PPE\n.\nSimilar to other automakers EV platform, the PPE, which is jointly developed with \nPorsche\n, allow various configurations of motor quantities and battery sizes paired with different body types for efficient vehicle construction. \u00a0\nAudi says the Audi A6 e-tron concept exterior model making its debut in Shanghai is far more than just a simple design exercise. Its body is a \nforetaste of Audi\u2019s future production models\n and provides clear indications of just how dynamic and elegant the premium electric-powered models from the brand with the four rings will look.\nOnly key technical information is available on the A6 e-tron concept. Underneath the 4.96-meter long sportback body style is a \n100-kWh\n battery that will ensure a \nrange of more than\n \n700 kilometres\n (WLTP standard). A major contributor could be the low aerodynamic drag value, where Audi claims to have achieved a value of \n0.22\n, the lowest in the segment (electrified).\nA dual-motor setup on the PPE platform provides the quattro all-wheel drive traction synonymous with the Audi brand. In total, \n476 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque are transmitted to all four wheels. Benchmark century sprint is targeted to be completed in \nunder four seconds\n, with lesser variants with a single motor promising a time of under seven seconds.\nThe 800-volt technology onboard enables extremely fast charging; it takes \nno more than 10 minutes to recharge enough energy for 300 km\n. The car will be produced in both Europe and China.\nA very interesting and fun aspect of this new A6 e-tron concept is the headlamps. The latest lighting technology in the \nDigital Matrix LED\n allow the headlamps to \nproject video games\n on to the wall, so that occupants can keep themselves entertained while they charge the car.\nAudi will start producing the A6 e-tron from the \nsecond half of next year\n with the smaller but volume-seller A4 slated later and a limousine the size of the \nA8\n next in line. As mentioned earlier, all-new fully electric Audi models, both sedans as well as SUVs body types, will be built on the scalable PPE platform.\nThe current portfolio of fully electric Audi vehicles consists of the \nAudi e-tron\n, \ne-tron Sportback\n, the flagship \ne-ton GT\n,\n and the very recently unveiled Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback. The Q4 e-tron shares more in common with Volkswagen Group\u2019s MEB platform that also forms the basis of the \nVolkswagen ID.4\n model.\nGALLERY"
"Today marks the first day of the 38th Thailand International Motor Expo and a few new models have already been launched, such as the all-new \nPeugeot 2008\n that is imported from Gurun, Kedah! \u00a0\nAfter a quiet few months, Lexus in ASEAN is back with the launch of the all-new, second-generation Lexus NX that was \nglobally unveiled\n in June. Two models (both hybrid powertrains) across five variants will be offered to Thai consumers, the Lexus NX 350h and the Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV).\nFully-imported from Japan, the new Lexus NX 350h will have two variants, priced at \nTHB3.24 million\n (approx. RM404k) and THB3.39 million, while the NX 450h+ PHEV starts from \nTHB3.59 million\n (approx. RM448k) to \nTHB4.32 million\n (approx. RM539k) for the NX 450h+ F Sport.\nThe NX 350h continues to be in the excise tax bracket of 16%, but the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with ultra-low fuel consumption enjoys a tax rate of just \n8%\n. That explains why even with so many features, technology and performance, the new Lexus NX 450h+ is priced just above the larger Lexus RX 300.\nThe NX 450h+ is the range-topping variant in the new generation mid-sized Lexus SUV, equipped with a highly efficient 2.5-litre naturally aspirated hybrid engine, a pair of electric motors and a large battery pack to deliver a combined system output of \n309 hp.\nPerformance is also a substantial increase over the \nfirst-generation\n model, completing the century dash in just \n6.3 seconds\n! Apart from fast acceleration, the large battery pack with an energy content of \n18.1 kWh \nwill provide an estimated 87 km of electric driving range (NEDC cycle), at up to speeds of 135 km/h.\nAs for charging the massive PHEV battery pack, Lexus in Thailand say it can be fully charged within 2.5 hours via a Type 2 AC 6.6 kW charger at 32A per hour. A rear motor provides additional energy recuperation as well as electric AWD traction.\nLexus says, thanks to the usage of the highly efficient hybrid engine, the NX 450h+ is expected to be as much as 20% better in fuel consumption than competitors when the energy in the lithium-ion battery pack has depleted.\u00a0\nThe local Lexus distributor is offering a four-year unlimited mileage warranty for the car and a 10-year unlimited mileage for the hybrid lithium-ion battery.\nAs for the Lexus NX 350h, it is powered by the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force hybrid engine, with a total system output of \n243 hp\n. Fuel consumption is certified at 5 litres per 100 km or 20 km/L.\nBuilt on the new GA-K platform that also underpins the Lexus ES 250, the new NX is about an inch larger in all dimensions except height which is increased by just 5 mm. Lexus seems to have paid particular attention to the rear axle though, as the rear track is now 59 mm wider than before, promising better handling and stability.\nKey interior features that are available include a central infotainment touchscreen display measuring 14 inches, head-up display, digital rearview mirror and an ambient lighting system with a colour palette of up to 50 colours.\nThe new NX is also the first Lexus vehicle to use the E-Latch electric door handle mechanism, where occupants inside the car open the doors via touching a switch on the armrest. The ease of use with one smooth and simple motion is inspired by the traditional fusuma sliding paper screen room dividers in Japanese homes.\nThe new NX also adopts the latest preventive safety technologies with the next-generation Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) that delivers cutting-edge safety functions for drivers. A self-parking feature called Lexus Teammate Advance Park automatically scans available spots and manoeuvres itself into it.\nGALLERY\n2021 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport\n2021 Lexus NX \n2021 Lexus NX \u2013 Technical"
"While the majority of the automakers in Europe battled hard with their C-segment hatchbacks, Nissan offered the Qashqai compact crossover almost 15 years ago. Thanks to its great success by offering more, Nissan has just introduced the third-generation Qashqai. \u00a0\nNamed after the mountainous tribe from Iran, the Qashqai one of the best-selling compact crossovers in both Europe and the UK. Nissan says there are over 3 million units of Qashqai sold since its introduction in 2007.\nSimilar to its two predecessors, the Qashqai continues to be a European-centric product with the latest being designed in London catering to the European taste and preference.\nThe exterior design of the new Qashqai continues to have key themes of modern Nissans with design elements such as the large V-Motion grille, floating roof and \u201cboomerang\u201d lamp signature. The new Qashqai still maintains its compact footprint, with just a 20-millimetre increase to its wheelbase.\nThe headlamps now feature full-LED matrix with intelligent selective illumination. A trim piece in body colour (marked with Qashqai naming) creates a separation between the DRL-boomerang signature and the main lighting cluster that consist of 12 individual elements. \u00a0\nNissan said they have increased the wheel sizing to \n20 inches\n to fill the arches and further contribute to the robustness of the Qashqai on the road. Variants with 20-inch wheels also get the more advanced multi-link rear suspension.\nAluminium panels are used on the doors, fenders and the bonnet which contribute to a reduction of 21 kg in weight. The tailgate meanwhile is made from composite material which shaves 2.6 kg.\nThanks to construction with the CMF-C platform that utilises advanced stamping and welding techniques, the overall \u201cbody in white\u201d is \nlighter by 60 kg\n and 41% stiffer than the outgoing model.\nUnder the bonnet lies a revised 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with a 12-volt \nmild-hybrid\n system and a lithium-ion battery. Drivers who like to row their own gears (6-speed) will get to choose outputs of either \n140 hp\n or \n158 hp\n.\nThe Xtronic CVT is only paired with the engine that has outputs of 158 hp and 270 Nm of torque, and comes with either 2WD and AWD drivetrain. \u00a0\nThe new Qashqai will also be the first Nissan in Europe to feature the \ne-Power\n series hybrid system. A new \nvariable compression\n 1.5-litre engine will function as a battery generator/charger, with drive to the front wheels via a \n190 hp / 330 Nm\n electric motor.\nThis setup is the latest and more powerful the e-Power system available in Thailand-made\n Nissan Kicks\n.\nInside, the driver is met with a high-definition 12.3-inch TFT multi-information screen with customisable content and layouts. The driver is further aided by a head-up display (HUD) with a viewing size of 10.8 inches.\nA free-standing touchscreen infotainment display measuring 9 inches opens the controls for the massage feature in the front seats.\nHome-to-Car skills are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices. The system supports a wide range of commands, including the ability for drivers to send destinations to the car\u2019s navigation by talking to their smart device, minimising the time required to input the destination.\nNissan says the increase in wheelbase contributed to better knee room for the rear passengers. Front and rear headroom has also increased thanks to small increase in exterior dimensions.\nSimilar to the new \nNissan Rogue/X-Trail\n in North America, the new Qashqai is equipped with Nissan latest ProPILOT Assist system.\nThe updated system is now able to adapt the car\u2019s speed according to additional external circumstances- the system can read road signs and take into account navigation system speed limit data to slow the Qashqai to the appropriate speed, meaning the driver doesn\u2019t need to adjust the cruise control speed manually.\nThe system can also use data from the navigation system to adjust the speed for approaching curves or exit ramps that have a tighter radius.\nFurthermore, ProPILOT with Navi-link can now communicate with the Qashqai\u2019s blind-spot radars to help intervene with a steering input correction to help prevent a lane-change manoeuvre if there is a vehicle in the blind-spot zone.\nSimilar to many new vehicles being launched recently, the new Qashqai is also equipped with a central airbag for the front occupants. Deployed from the inboard of the driver\u2019s seat, the large airbag inflates to prevent the driver and front passenger from making side-to-side contact. \u00a0\nThe new Qashqai will be built at Nissan\u2019s Sunderland plant in the UK with sales to commence in summer of 2021.\nGALLERY"
"This one\u2019s a little different. Not only are we featuring two-wheelers instead of the usual four because we don\u2019t discriminate, but we\u2019re also featuring a host who\u2019s better on bikes than we collectively are in cars. Enter, \nYulina\n and Ducati.\nIn this video, we check out the Ducati Malaysia showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor; a big boy\u2019s playground that\u2019s home to some of the most ferocious Italian bikes known to man such as the Monster, the Streetfighter, and some very special Panigales.\n \nNone however, is more special than the 1299 Panigale Superleggera that\u2019s been doused with carbon fibre. There\u2019s only 1 of 1 in Malaysia, with an asking price of RM1 million. In the video, we also showcase Ducati\u2019s service centre that\u2019s capable of attending to 450 bikes a month.\nThe Ducati showroom in PJ is located at Lot 3, Jalan 51A/221, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Operation hours are from 9 am to 6 pm daily except Saturdays and Sundays where it closes at 5 pm."
"Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), most retail outlets in the country have been temporarily shut down in an effort to \u201cflatten the curve\u201d of the COVID-19 virus \u2013 including\n car dealerships across the nation\n. The directive is a necessary move to overcome the global pandemic, and we as citizens should abide by the order and refrain from social contact as much as possible.\nHowever, that also means that most of our plans will be put on hold. If you\u2019ve been thinking of purchasing a Volkswagen recently, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today introduced the Volkswagen eShowroom as an alternative method of car purchase during the MCO period.\nIn addition to the added convenience, the eShowroom will also offer exclusive savings and deals for the month of April to sweeten the deal \u2013 Check out the list below for the full list of models on offer.\nTo take advantage of the savings, visit the \nVolkswagen eShowroom\n and follow our simple steps:\n Step 1: Browse deals and select your preferred model.\n Step 2: Fill in the online reservation form.\n Step 3: Select your preferred Volkswagen dealership and submit the form.\n Step 4: Wait for a verification call from the Volkswagen Customer Care personnel.\nThe online-exclusive deals will also be available on the VPCM\u2019s \nofficial Lazada store\n. However, a \n1% booking fee \nis required if you decide to make a purchase on the e-commerce platform.\nOnce the verification process is complete, the dealership chosen during the order process will be in contact to finalise the booking. Registration and delivery of the vehicle will be scheduled\n after the MCO period\n.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cThe safety of our customers and employees are our top priority and it is crucial that we each play our part in overcoming this global pandemic.\nThe Volkswagen eShowroom was created to offer our customers an alternative solution for those still interested in purchasing a Volkswagen during this Movement Control Order, with attractive deals which we believe will ease the purchasing process for our customers.\u201d"
"In a constant mission to project its passion for racing and extreme machines, Bell & Ross unveiled yet another speed-inspired collection \u2013 the vintage BR V1-92 and BR V2-94 Bellytanker.\nMaking up the new Bellytanker collection, these two timepieces are designed by Bruno Belamich to depict the legendary era of record-breaking races in the North America during the 1950\u2019s. It was a time when participants sped across the salt lakes in their super-fast homemade hot rods.   The Bellytanker, in essense, is a collection that is perfect for contemporary and enthusiastic drivers, with a love for vintage timepieces.\nBR V1-92 Bellytanker \nThis three-hand model is a simple, everyday piece with a restraint 38.5mm brushed steel case and a metallic copper dial that\u2019s inspired by the copper rims on their Bellytanker. Essential functions \u2013 hours, minutes, seconds and date \u2013 adorns the face of this purist timepiece.\nOn the surface is a smooth and fixed bezel while the inside features automatic movement \u2013 the calibre BR-CAL.302. The BR V1-92 Bellytanker is priced at\u00a0RM11,000 and limited to only \n500 pieces\n.\nBR V2-94 Bellytanker \nFor the V2-94 chronograph, we see the same colour dial but in a 41mm case. Visibly, this timepiece appears sportier yet more sophisticated, with chronograph functions and is powered by the calibre BR-CAL.301.\nThis model is available in two versions \u2013 either with a brown leather strap or metallic bracelet. There is a \u201cPanda\u201d dial with contrasting black counters, a tachymeter scale as well as automatic movement. The BR V2-94 Bellytanker is also limited to \n500 pieces\n, with a price tag of RM19,200 for the strap reference and RM20,700 for the bracelet reference.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 TSI is a hot hatch with good amount of torque, fun as a daily run-about and a rather good fuel efficient car but then again, not all cars are perfect. For example, you won\u2019t be able to place your full 12-clubs golf set in the boot without folding down the 60:40 split rear seats or without removing your favorite driver. So golfers be warned. By the way, this seventh generation Volkswagen Golf has recently been crowned \nCar of the Year\n for 2013.\nThe first ever Volkswagen Golf to roll out from Volkswagen\u2019s production line in Wolfsburg, Germany \u00a0was in 1974, from the legendary Mk1, MkII to the current Mk7. There has been a \u00a0total of\u00a0staggering\u00a0\n29 million\n Golfs built by 2012. The Golf has won the World Car of The Year\u00a0\u00a0in 2009 with the Golf MK6, in 2013 with the Golf Mk7 and many other awards throughout its lifetime. Here in Malaysia, there has been a boom in demand, ever since the Golf Mk5 GTI was first introduced. The Golf Mk7 debut launch was at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. Five month after its launch, it reached our shores in March 2013 and finally it\u2019s in our hands.\nVolkswagen\u2019s entry level Golf MK7 is the seventh generation of the world\u2019s best selling hatch, but you might be mistaken it with the previous Mk6 model as the exterior changes are rather subtle, but for VAG fans (Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaf\n)\n or Golf fans, you definitely can tell the subtle changes.\u00a0The Golf Mk7 uses the same\u00a0light-weight MQB platform\u00a0as the third-generation Audi A3, SEAT Leon\u00a0and Skoda Octavia, part of Volkswagen Group company\u2019s strategy for shared modular construction for a majority of it\u2019s front wheel drive automobiles.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Golf TSI\nSegment\nC-SEGMENT\nEngine\n1390 CC \u00a0140ps\nPrice\nRM 159,888.00\n EXTERIOR\n \nThe Golf MK7 is nearly \n100kg lighter\n than the old Mk6, but its dimensions are actually wider and longer, which means more room in the boot and backseat. It also has a lower stance than its predecessor, it looks and feels that little bit sportier too. Design wise, the entire shape of the car is almost the same as the older MK6 just some sharper curves on the headlights and rear lamps and a\u00a0stronger horizontal lines along and across.   According to Volkswagen,\u00a0much of the Golf\u2019s success \u201clies in its continuity\u201d. People liked what they saw in the past, and they like this Golf now as well. So if you were to \u2018de-badge\u2019 the MK7 Golf TSI, your busybody neighbor would know it\u2019s the new Golf you\u2019re driving.\nThe Golf Mk7 TSI rim has been changed to a 5-spoke design called \u201cDover\u201d 16-inch wheels. It would be a lot nicer if they had chosen the Detroit design rims from the previous MK6 Golf Gti.\nINTERIOR\n \nThere are a few things to like and dislike about the minimalist Golf Mk7 TSI interior.\u00a0Let\u2019s talk about the positive things first.\u00a0Driving position is rather good, a good view of the front and surroundings. The A pillar now has a small little window to see through, which makes visibility much better.   Steering design is very tidy and neat, all within the reach of your fingers. The paddle shift feel and position, is just right. The paddle shift feels solid, and not some plastic click paddle shift. In cabin storage space for driver and front passenger seat are located underneath the seats, to store personal items. Middle storage area, underneath the arm rest \u2013 a decent average size.\nThe parking display now shows\u00a0on the entertainment center display, this gives you extra help by showing exactly how close any obstacles are. It also shows the position of your steering angle. Good for newbie drivers and drivers with the lack of parking abilities.   The entertainment system has a 5.8 inch display which\u00a0includes ala iPhone-style swipe feature and a system that senses your fingers\u2019 proximity and allows it to move seamlessly between the multi function pages. The entertainment system\u00a0now comes with Bluetooth connectivity as standard and A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) to play music off your phone. There are a lot more functions in the entertainment system such as music playback from MP3, WMA, AAC files with title display from SD and AUX IN,\u00a04\u00d720 watt output (front and rear speakers),\u00a0you can also connect, charge and control your iPod, phone and other devices while you\u2019re on the move and vehicle status information is also shown on the display.\nThe rear legroom has grown by 15mm and the front seats have been moved 20mm back to help accommodate taller drivers. The rear seat has the 60:40 split arrangement. You can\u2019t go wrong with this arrangement.\nNow to the not so happening side of things.\nThe driver and front passenger seats is not that comfortable for long journey rides. It lacks the back lumber support. The \u201cZoom/Merlin\u201d fabric material on the seats is rather harsh too.\nThe Entertainment system CD insert is located in the front passenger glove box, few of us were looking for it, which was hilarious. So, please do not try to change your that favorite MP3 disc while driving. The radio reception can be rather irritating, the signal comes and goes, or probably the test car we had, had some radio reception issues. The radio also sounded like a mono speaker system instead of an 4 speaker system but after I connected my phone to the Bluetooth, everything sounded ok.\nThe entire interior of the Golf Mk7 TSI, is somehow less sportier compared to the Golf Mk6 TSI. The meter cluster design lost its sportiness due to the straighten horizontal feature at the bottom. Adding the flat bottom steering to the Golf Mk7 TSI does help to bring up the sportiness of the entire interior.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nThe 1.4 turbocharged engine offers punch, but the throttle response can be jerky in traffic. So a light right foot is needed. The MK7 Golf TSI has an all-new engine codename, \u00a0\u2018EA 211\u2019 which has an output of\u00a0140\u00a0PS (138\u00a0hp) slightly less then the previous model engine EA 111 which was 160 PS, but that has the twin charger. However, maximum torque has increased by 10Nm to 250Nm.\u00a0There\u2019s also a clever cylinder deactivation, which is quiet and refined, although there was a slight hesitation when pulling away. It\u2019s possible this was the cylinder deactivation.\u00a0You don\u2019t even notice when the more powerful 1.4 shuts off half its cylinders to save fuel.\nThere\u2019s an Engine Start/Stop system with regenerative braking.\u00a0The\u00a0auto stop/start contributes to the excellent fuel figures: 5.4 litres/100km. Petrol Heads would find this function rather unpleasing actually but then again, majority of the automakers will be heading towards this direction of saving energy. So live with it! The Golf Mk7 TSI, is rather quick to detect a halt at the traffic lights or in the jam. A rather fast 2 seconds, when I came to a halt, the engine shuts off. The trick to cheat it is to step on the brakes as lightly as possible.\nThe brakes can also be quite aggressive, which is a good thing. Good brakes, responsive engine, a fast gearbox and a rather impressive suspension, sounds like a fun day in Sepang International Circuit.\nTHE DRIVE\n \nThe Golf Mk7 TSI, feels grown up, more mature compared to the Mk6 TSI and not forgetting 100 kg lighter. The Mk7 does feels lighter and punchier on the open roads. At as low as 1,500 \u2013 2,000 rpm, all 250 Nm of torque is at your disposal. \u00a0The steering is well weighted, while the suspension manages to provide a comfortable ride with good body control, just don\u2019t try to take a corner to fast, the Golf MK7 TSI will still understeer.\nWhile driving on paddle shift mode, the ECO TIP keeps popping up on the MFD (Multi Function Display) \u201cEngage Gearshift to D mode\u201d Reminding me to be a fuel efficient driver. I was trying to get that famous DSG \u201cfart\u201d sound from the exhaust but I couldn\u2019t really hear it in the cabin.. It\u2019s either the sound deadening of the Golf is way better or Volkswagen decided to have a much silent exhaust for the Golf Mk7 TSI. There is some road and wind noise on highway speeds but not unbearable.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nThe Golf MK7 TSI is quite possibly a great daily car. It won\u2019t help you stand out, but it is stylish, efficient and practical. It is not cheap, but it holds its value well enough.\u00a0On material quality, usability and functional simplicity, the Golf is above its competitors. So, if you\u2019re looking for zippy, on the go, hot hatch, 5 star rated Euro NCAP, a fun day out in Sepang International Circuit or some nice country road drive but yet still being a very orientated \u00a0family hatchback; this is for you.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nThe Volkswagen Golf MK7 TSI continues to raise the family hatchback bar, with rivals such as the all-new Citroen DS4 and Ford Focus Sport trying to match with it. In terms of drive feel, the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 TSI wins having a royal straight flush but don\u2019t under estimate the Ford Focus, it quite a power pack too. When it comes to the design of the exterior,the Citroen DS4\u00a0was elected\u00a0\nMost Beautiful Car of the Year\n\u00a0at the International Automobile Festiva, which basically outbeats the Golf and the Ford Focus.\nThe best looking interior award for these 3 cars would have to go to the Citroen DS 4. Among these 3 cars, the Golf Mk7 TSI feels the least cramped. So if you\u2019re looking for a driver\u2019s car with a minimalist practical functional and spaciousness interior and a fun zippy hatchback, the Golf Mk7 TSI is your answer.   Volkswagen Golf TSI\nFord Focus 2.0 Sport\nCitroen DS4\nENGINE\nType\nTSI turbocharged direct injection 4-cylinder petrol engine\n2.0L Petrol Direct Injection I-4 DOHC 16V,\n Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing\n (Ti-VCT)\nInline 4 Cylinder DOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1390CC\n1999CC\n\u00a01598CC\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n138\n170 / 6,500rpm\n120/6,000rpm\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n250\n202 / 4450 rpm\n240/1,400rpm\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n50\n55\n\u00a060\nSTEERING\nType\n\u00a0Electromechanical power steering\nElectric Motor Driven Power Steering (EPAS)\nElectronic hydraulic power steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG\nPowershift\u00ae 6 Speed Dual Clutch Automatic\n6 speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType\n\u00a0MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link\nMacPherson strut /\u00a0Control Blade\u2122 Independent Rear\n\u00a0MacPherson type / Drawn arms\nBRAKES\nFront\n\u00a0Ventilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated discs\nRear\n\u00a0Disc\nDisc\n\u00a0Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n205/55 R16\n215/50 R17\nWheels\n16 x 6.5J\n17 Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4255\n4358\n4275\nOverall Width\nmm\n1799\n1824\n1810\nOverall Height\nmm\n1452\n1466\n\u00a01533\nWheelbase\nmm\n2637\n2612\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1720\n1360\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n\u00a0380\n350\n\u00a0359 / 385\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n212\n212\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n\u00a08.4\n9.3\nPRICE\nRM\n\u00a0159,888.00\n116,938.00\n\u00a0149,888.00\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\n \nThe Volkswagen Golf Mk7 TSI is a rewarding drivers car, which lives up to the legendary Golf badge. It has recently been crowned \nCar of the Year\n for 2013. I would purchase the Volkswagen Golf TSI for sure but if I had slightly deeper pockets, the older faster brother with the GTI badge would be my choice.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Kia Malaysia has introduced a more affordable variant of the Kia Cerato, called the Kia Cerato Kx. Affordable, is the keyword here as it is priced at a mere \nRM 89,888, \nmaking it one of the most affordable \nC-segment\n in the market. That is \nRM10,000\n cheaper than the Kia Cerato K3. Interestingly, much of the best features that comes from the K3 is actually retained, save for a few safety\n\u00a0\nfeature.\nMuch of the mechanical feature of K3 is retained. The Kx is powered by the Kia\u2019s\u00a0\nGamma 1.6 MPI D-CVVT\n that produces a respectable \n130PS @ 6,000\u00a0\nrpm\n\u00a0and torque figure of\u00a0\n157Nm @ 4,850 rpm\n. It also shares the same \n6-speed automatic\n transmission which is developed in-house.\nKia\u2019s \nFlex Steer \nwhere it allows the driver to set 3 different steering setups, namely Comfort, Normal and Sport. There is also \ncruise control\n, \nsteering mounted\n \naudio controls\n, \npush start button\n with \nkeyless entry\n, \nLED\n \ndaytime running lights\n and \nprojector headlamps\n. The Kx gets a little upgrade on the entertainment front, a \n8-inch touch\n screen with \nnavigation\n capability.\nWhat you set to loose, is minimal, according to Naza Kia. Gone aesthetically are the LED rear combination lights, replaced with a more conventional \nbulb lights\n.\nMoving on to the interior, you will get \nfabric seats\n all round. That aside, the driver\u2019s seat only comes with \nlever adjustable\n height. Power window with auto up-down is reserved only for the driver. Last but not the least, air conditioning is manually adjusted via knob selectors.\nSafety wise, airbag count has been reduced from 6 to \n2 frontal airbags\n. While anti-lock brake system (\nABS)\n, brake assist (\nBA\n), electronic brakeforce distribution (\nEBD\n),\u00a0\nISOFIX, \nand\n parking sensors\n is kept intact, safety\u00a0aficionados would be surprised to know that \nelectronic stability control\n is omitted from the safety aspect.\nThe Kia Cerato Kx still comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. And to top that off, customers who book and register the new Cerato Kx is set to get \nRM1,000\n worth of petrol card."
"It may not look like much at first glance, but there\u2019s more than meets the eye with the\n 2019 Porsche Macan facelift\n.\nFirstly, there\u2019s changes in the aesthetics \u2013 culminating to a much sharper, more aggressive look to the previously docile exterior \u2013 with the most drastic difference being at the rear end of the car.\n \nInside, the most noticeable change includes a much larger touchscreen display, featuring the Porsche Communication Management System found in the likes of the \nCayenne \nand \nPanamera\n, along with the addition of a host of driving aids.\nThere are two options for the baby Porsche \u2013 the Macan and Macan S \u2013 with pricess starting from RM455k, inclusive of a 4-year warranty and free maintenance package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As some of you would have known, the upcoming Toyota Fortuner is bound for its global debut sometime soon after leaked pictures were found circulating the net. It\u2019s also about time for Toyota to reveal the \nHilux-based SUV\n, for the pickup truck is officially on sale in Thailand at present time.\nWe previously looked into the Hilux\u2019s advanced new \n2.4-litre and 2.8-litre turbodiesel engines\n\u00a0(2GD-FTV and 1GD-FTV respectively), and we are certain that the Fortuner will also benefit from them. This handsome SUV accommodates seven individuals with three rows of seats, putting it squarely against the \nIsuzu MU-X\n and \nFord\u2019s new Everest\n.\nEngine Name\n1GD-FTV\n2GD-FTV\nDisplacement (cc)\n2,754 (2.8-litre)\n2,393 (2.4-litre)\nBore x Stroke (mm)\n92.0 x 103.6\n92.0 x 90.0\nCompression Ratio\n15.6:1\nMax Power (bhp @ rpm)\n174 hp @ 3,400 rpm\n148 hp @ 3,400 rpm\nMax Torque (Nm @ rpm)\n450 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,400 rpm\n330 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,000 rpm\nLow-Speed Torque (Nm @ rpm)\n370 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\n330 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\nUnlike the outgoing Fortuner, the new one carries almost no visual similarities to the Hilux, and like the MU-X, the rear suspension gets a five-link coil spring setup instead of the pickup\u2019s leaf spring configuration. The Fortuner boasts having 225 mm of ground clearance, exactly like the new Everest \u2013 both best in its class. As for its water wading capability, the number remains unknown, but it will surely be close to the Everest\u2019s 800 mm benchmark.\nIf you weren\u2019t attracted to the Fortuner before, this wildly styled SUV-ute will be a tad hard to resist. Australian customers will get the bigger \n2.8-litre engine\n paired to a\n six-speed automatic transmission\u00a0\nwhich sends power to the part-time four-wheel drive system. The engine produces \n174 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and\n 450 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 2,400 rpm.\nDespite having a \n2,800 kg towing capacity\n (3,000 kg for the manual gearbox), the rugged SUV offers quite an impressive list of amenities to begin with. There\u2019s \nseven airbags\n as standard, touchscreen head unit, all-round disc brakes and\n electronic stability control\n. The range topper will get \nLED headlamps\n with LED DRLs, 18-inch wheels, powered tailgate, smart entry with push-start button and hill descent control.\nWe can\u2019t say for sure if Malaysian-bound Fortuners will mirror the Australian\u2019s specs, but if UMW Toyota Motor aims to give Ford a real challenge, we expect no less than what the folks at the land Down Under are getting.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last weekend saw the most unbelievable crash we\u2019ve ever seen in awhile at the Macau Grand Prix as it held the FIA GT World Cup featuring GT3-spec cars.\nThe pile-up happened during the first lap, yes during the first of the 12-lap qualification race on Saturday. Of the 20 cars in the race, only four cars escaped the carnage to carry on with the 18-lap race the following day.\nAs you can see in the highlight footage, it all started when a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in fourth place slammed into the wall of the \u201cPoliceman bend\u201d of the 6.2 km Guia circuit. A similar Mercedes behind it just managed to escaped the stalled racecar with a slight brush on its side but the rest of the line up weren\u2019t so lucky.\nSparked by a Porsche 911 GT3 R driven by the reigning FIA GT World Cup champion, it rear-ended the stalled Mercedes-AMG GT3, the multi-million dollar pile up took place at one of the tightest bends of the circuit, leaving no room for the rest of the pack to maneuver through but to slam into the back of each other. Only two cars at the back of the grid managed to escape without any damage \u2013 and fortunately not one soul sustained injuries.\nImage credit: \nYouTube"
"Five years after its \nglobal debut\n and many, many teasers by \nJaguar Land Rover Malaysia\n later, the 2023 Jaguar I-PACE has finally been launched here on our shores. The fully-electric SUV will be offered in two variants here in Malaysia, starting at RM460,800 for the Black LE, jumping up to RM498,800 for the range-topping HSE.\nOn a related note, if you\u2019re looking to renew your motor insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\n2023 Jaguar I-PACE Exterior Design\nLooks wise, the Jaguar I-PACE sports a fairly unique silhouette, thanks to its fastback-like roofline, stacked atop the chunky, SUV-like lower bodywork. Despite now being five-years old, the I-PACE still wears many of Jaguar\u2019s latest design touches with charisma, including the slim-line matrix LED headlights with the twin J-blade daytime-running lights graphic, and the signature Jaguar grille.\nAs this is an EV, the grille here is mostly closed off due to minimal cooling requirements. There is, however, a unique scalloped section towards the top that functions as an aerodynamic device, channelling the air from the front up through the bonnet scoop, over the curved roofline for maximum efficiency.\nOther exterior highlights include the LED tail lights with sequential turn indicators, the sleek recessed door handles, heated and powered wing mirrors with auto-dimming on the driver\u2019s side, acoustic laminated windscreen, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels (contrast diamond turned finish on the HSE).\n2023 Jaguar I-PACE Interior\nThe interior also looks fairly reminiscent of recent Jaguars, especially thanks to the 10-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment display, with a separate five-inch touch panel and twin rotary dials below for your climate control and various other settings, alongside the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.\nThanks to its fully-electric architecture, the Jaguar I-PACE boasts an \u201cinterior space comparable to large SUVs\u201d, despite it being a mid-sized model in terms of dimensions.\nTo make EV ownership as convenient as possible, the infotainment display on the Jaguar I-PACE also comes with EV-specific displays and a special EV-focused navigation system that can provide accurate range information using topological data. The I-PACE is also the first Jaguar model to provide over-the-air software updates.\nOther standard interior amenities include a two-zone climate control system, panoramic glass roof with electrochromic shade, leather-wrapped sport seats with 12-way electric adjustability, and a unique underseat stowage area under the second-row rear seats.\nThe range-topping HSE variant levels up the interior with the addition of a Windsor leather upholstery, 14-way powered \u2018Performance\u2019 front seats with heating and cooling features, upgrade cabin ambient lighting, and a Meridian 3D surround sound system.\n2023 Jaguar I-PACE Performance\nThe Jaguar I-PACE is powered by a twin-motor set-up, one on each axle, for a combined output of \n400 hp (294 kW)\n and \n696 Nm\n of torque. The dual motor design gives it an all-wheel drive drivetrain set-up, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n4.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n200 km/h\n.\nElectric juice is supplied by a 90 kWh lithium ion battery pack, giving the I-PACE an electric driving range of \n470 km\n (WLTP cycle). To charge, an 11 kW on-board AC charger tops it up from 0-80% in roughly 8.6 hours. Using a 100 kW DC fast charger, the same state-of-charge is achieved in under 40 minutes.\nThanks to the battery pack being positioned underneath the floor, the Jaguar I-PACE boasts an exceptionally low centre of gravity, alongside a 50:50 weight distribution to give it a \u201csportscar-like\u201d vehicle dynamics. This is further aided by the standard double wishbone front and integral link rear coil spring suspensions on the Black LE variant, and taken to the next level with air suspensions on the HSE.\nJaguar also says that the I-PACE boasts the highest torsional rigidity of any Jaguar models, thanks to its use of advanced riveting and bonding technology on the aluminium EV architecture, and \u2013 of course \u2013 the massive battery pack underneath the floor.\n2023 Jaguar I-PACE pricing in Malaysia\nThe 2023 Jaguar I-PACE is now available in Malaysia, priced from \nRM460,800\n for the entry-level Black LE variant, moving up to \nRM498,800\n for the range-topping HSE. Also included in the price is a five-year/150,000 km warranty, a five-year/102,000 km free service package, as well as an eight-year/160,000 km warranty specifically for the battery.\nJaguar Land Rover Malaysia is also giving away a free RM1,000 credit on the DC Go-To-U app, usable on public chargers around Malaysia, for orders collected during the launch period until 28th May 2023.\nGALLERY"
"Bentley\u2019s fastest car, the Continental GT Speed has just been given a slight update with more power, making it even faster than before. What\u2019s more, there will also be a new Black Edition trim based on the GT Speed.\nThis time around, performance from its\n 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12\n engine gets a marginal bumper \u00a08 hp and 20 Nm of torque, bringing the total output to\n 633 hp\n and \n840 Nm\n of torque. To make full use of the additional power, torque now peaks in from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. This results in an improved century sprint figure of\u00a0\n3.9 seconds\n, about 0.3 seconds quicker over its predecessor. Top speed is rated at \n330km/h, \nwhich is impressive for a car that weighs over 2,500kg.\nUnlike Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Black Edition models, Bentley\u2019s interpretation of the Black Edition\u00a0is mainly cosmetic enhancements, making the already swanky car even more striking. For those who love making an entrance, this should help you stand out among the crowd. It\u2019s available in both coupe and convertible styles, and gets dark contrast finishing on the inside and out. A set of 21-inch alloy wheels and red or black brake callipers can be had as well.\nNo pricing has been revealed\u00a0at this point, but expect it to cost more than the standard asking price of\n \u00a3168,300\n (approx RM937,000 based on today\u2019s conversion rates).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since its launch in 2016, the F-series range of MINI has not seen a major update. The lights were upgraded in 2018 and MINI has now facelifted the hatchback range (3-door, 5-door and \nconvertible\n) with substantial styling changes.\nThe highlight of the facelifted MINI is the availability of the \nMultitone Roof\n, a world innovation. The new Multitone Roof features a colour gradient from San Marino Blue through Pearly Aqua to Jet Black, created with a new painting technique and by extending from the windscreen frame to the rear.\nEven though a fully automated process, MINI says a slight deviation in the colour pattern will occur due to changing environmental conditions, making every Multitone Roof unique. \u00a0\nAt the front end, the facelifted MINI feature the integration of air curtains on the front bumper and removal of the fog lights to further enhance the clarity of the front and provide improved aerodynamics. The standard-fitted round LED headlamps can be equipped with a new \u201cbad weather light\u201d to aid visibility where the fog lamps are usually used. They now also receive a black treatment for the inner housing.\nThe facelifted MINI now also looks flatter up front thanks to the fitment of the single hexagonal grille with the central pane being body-coloured. Moving to the side profile, the fender-mounted side scuttles are redesigned and now incorporate LED turn signal lights. Rim designs are updated too and the seven-spoke 18-inch example in the MINI Cooper S 3 door is named Pulse Spoke two-tone.\nA reprofiled new rear bumper completes the scope of styling changes on the facelifted MINI. The hexagonal graphic is also repeated at the bumper while the centrally-mounted rear fog lamp is now replaced with an LED unit that\u2019s nearly-invisible courtesy of its slim profile.\nNo changes are made to the \nUnion Jack LED taillights\n that first appeared in 2018. For those seeking \nmore dark highlights\n, the Piano Black exterior package applies high-gloss black finishing to the door handles, fuel lid, exhaust tips and the emblems. \u00a0\nNew exterior colours have been added to the colour palette: Rooftop Grey, Island Blue and Zesty Yellow.\nInside, the dashboard is now fitted with a central 8.8-inch touchscreen display, as well a driver\u2019s display instrument cluster that measures 5 inches. Both displays are surrounded by high gloss piano-black with the large central display having \ntouch-sensitive buttons\n.\nThe user interface and graphics in the central display have been significantly updated. MINI has further developed the selection and control functions. The desired menu items are displayed as \n\u201cLive Widgets\u201d\n and can be called up by swiping the touchscreen.\nThe driver is also greeted with a \nnew steering wheel\n, with the switches now appear like a touch panel rather than individual buttons. A personalization trim can also be specified on the central spoke.\nAn ambient lighting system with a selection of 12 colours and additional lighting on the doors complete the updates in the facelifted MINI.\nThere are no changes to the powertrain options which consists of the 1.5-litre (\n136 hp\n) and 2.0-litre (\n178 hp\n) Euro 6d-rated petrol engines plus the \nCooper SE\n with a fully-electric drivetrain (\n184 hp\n). Revisions, however, has been made to the suspension.\nFor the first time in a MINI model, \nadaptive suspension\n with continuous frequency-selective damping is being offered. \u00a0Depending on the driving situation and road conditions, the damping forces can be \nreduced by up to 50\n per cent within 50 to 100 milliseconds.\nThis significantly increases ride comfort and the signature go-kart handling of the facelifted MINI when compensating for slight bumps in the road, while maintaining the sporty characteristics of the damping when turning in to a corner, for example.\nBeing a MINI, plenty of customizations are available. Exterior and interior colours and features can be packaged differently to allow for the most personalized MINI. The facelifted MINI will begin global sales in March 2021.\nMINI Malaysia recently introduced a new pricing structure for their vehicles and more information can be found \nhere\n.\nGALLERY\n2021 MINI Cooper SE Facelift\n2021 MINI Cooper S Facelift\n2021 MINI Cooper S Convertible\n \nFacelift\n2021 MINI Cooper Facelift\nA comparison of the current and facelifted front design\nA comparison of the current and facelifted rear design"
"The best-selling vehicle in Maserati\u2019s history, the Ghibli, is now available in Malaysia. The 2018 model is now available through Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati.\nThe 2018 Maserati Ghibli will be available in two trims \u2013 the \nGranLusso\n and \nGranSport\n.\u00a0The baseline Ghibli and the new Ghibli GranLusso share similar design features while the GranSport boasts a sportier character. \nThe front bumper houses a larger grille with a \u2018sharknose\u2019 design inspired by the Alfieri Concept with air intakes redesigned to be wider.\u00a0The GranLusso and GranSport also comes equipped with the all-new Adaptive full LED headlights developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, while the base model makes do with the Bi-Xenon system.\nExternally, the GranLusso can be distinguished by the chrome inserts on the front bumper, GranLusso badge at the base of the front wing, body-coloured side skirts, silver brake calipers and 20\u201d Urano Diamond alloy wheels.   The GranSport on the other hand, can be instantly recognisable by the Black Piano inserts on the front bumper, the GranSport badge on the front wing, body-coloured side skirts, blue inserts on all Tridente and Saetta logos, red brake calipers and its 21-inch Titano Anthracite alloy wheels.\nThe Ghibli and Ghibli GranSport can be further customised with an Exterior Carbon Package for an even more emphatic message about Ghibli\u2019s racing heritage. It covers the external door mirrors, B- and C-pillar covers and door handles on the base trim, as well as the front splitter and rear spoiler on the GranSport.   The aerodynamic efficiency of the restyled Ghibli has improved by 7% so it\u2019s sure to be more slippery in the wind with added stability and reduced noise within the cabin, a trait that was apparent in the Maserati Levante.\nSpeaking of the interior, the Ghibli GranLusso\u2019s Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interior features patented mulberry silk inserts on the seats, doors panels, roof lining and ceiling light fixture. It\u2019s complemented with an Ebano wood trim and Ebony wood-finished leather steering wheel.   Other signature pieces of the GranLusso theme includes Comfort seats with extensive 12-way power adjustment as standard, as well as power-adjustable steering wheel and foot pedals, parking sensors and new Soft Close Doors. The GranSport differs with a Sport steering wheel and Inox sport foot pedals.\nThe new Ghibli which made its debut in the 2017 Frankfurt Motorshow shares its core architecture \u2013 chassis, suspension layout, V6 engines and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission \u2013 with the Maserati Quattroporte but is shorter in length and 50 kg lighter.\nIts 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 engine is manufactured by Ferrari and is paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with a Limited Slip Differential for razor sharp handling.\nThe top-range Ghibli S version now delivers \n430 hp\n and \n580 Nm\n of torque, 20 hp and 30 Nm more than the 2017 car. The increased power output gives the Ghibli a top speed of 286 km/h with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds. The standard Ghibli retains the same power output as before with \n350 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\nThe Ghibli, along with the Quattroporte are the first Maserati models to adopt the Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system which helps to prevent vehicle instability. The introduction of Electric Power Steering (EPS) is another first for Maserati. It improves the car\u2019s handling and comfort, better supports the driving modes and enables the newly-introduced active functions of the Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS).\nThe ADAS package is optionally available in the restyled Ghibli with an extension of features including like Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.\nThe Ghibli comes with a starting price of \nRM\n \n618,800.00\n (inclusive of local taxes and duties) while the GranLusso is priced at \nRM 668,800.00\n and the GranSport at \nRM\n \n668,800.00\n. The Ghibli S costs \nRM 718,800.00\n (inclusive of local taxes and duties) for the standard model while the GranLusso is priced at \nRM 768,800.00\n and the GranSport at \nRM 768,800.00\n.\nAll three models include 5-years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Free maintenance program of 5 years/100,000 km whichever comes first (Inclusive of *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years/60,000KM).\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMaserati Ghibli GranSport   Maserati Ghibli GranLusso"
"The Ministry of Finance Malaysia has announced that the \u201cKeluarga Malaysia Automotive Discount Voucher\u201d with a value of up to \nRM1,000\n can be redeemed at service centres or authorised dealers without the need for any formal application.\nClose to 20 automotive companies (14 under passenger cars and five for motorcycles, with the list at the end of the article) with a network of over 1,000 registered service centres across Malaysia have agreed to participate in this initiative. \u00a0The \u201cKeluarga Malaysia Automotive Discount Voucher\u201d is only available to companies who are offering at least 25% discounts for repair works plus free towing services.\nOnly private vehicles such as passenger cars, pick-up trucks, window vans and motorcycles are eligible for the repair voucher.\n\u201cOwners of vehicles damaged by floods can redeem the vouchers at service centres or authorised dealers for the automotive companies involved.\u201d\n\u201cThe reduction in repair costs will be enjoyed by direct deduction from the total cost of repairs or the cost of replacing new vehicles through invoices that will be issued by service centres and authorised distributors,\u201d said the statement from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.\nPhoto:\u00a0\nSelangorJournal\n/Facebook\nThe government also welcomes the initiative by Perodua and \nProton\n to offer a 50% discount on standard parts. Perodua has also waived the labour fees for all part replacements and repairs.\nTengku Zafrul, the Finance Minister, said the deadline for claiming the \u201cKeluarga Malaysia Automotive Discount Vouchers\u201d is \n31st March 2022\n and users are advised to immediately claim it from the service centre or authorised distributor to avoid any inconvenience. He also hopes other automotive companies provide further initiatives to affected customers.\nOther initiatives affected vehicles owners can seek assistance from is the PIAM\u2019s vehicle \nclean-up subsidy\n of up to RM500 per vehicle, however, limited to a fund size of RM2.4 million. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) meanwhile will \nreplace related documents\n that have been damaged for free."
"Toyota has just unveiled the all-new third-generation \nInnova \nMPV in Indonesia, now bearing a new suffix to its name \u2013 Innova Zenix. Aside from the usual new looks and new features, the all-new Innova Zenix will also be featured with a brand-new hybrid powertrain, bringing electrification to the MPV for the first time in its history.\nBut first, let\u2019s start with its looks. Much like the other Toyota models in the MPV space, the all-new Innova also features a more SUV-like stance, courtesy of its muscular haunches, alongside a smattering of skid plate-like design elements on the bumpers.\nUp front, a pair of angular LED headlights flank the large hexagonal front grille, while the lower bumper is visually separated with a full-width element joining the fog light housings on both ends of the fascia.\nMoving to the back, the Toyota Innova Zenix also gains a set of LED combination tail lamps that somewhat reminds us of the \nNissan X-Trail\n. Either way, it\u2019s still miles better than the \nCorolla Cross\n\u2018 rear end.\nRELATED: \n2022 Toyota Veloz launched in Malaysia \u2013 Alza\u2019s premium twin brother, RM95k\nInside, the seven-seater MPV gets a new dashboard with a two-tier design, emphasised by a two-tone upholstery on higher-end models. The new floating centre stack design takes all the limelight on the dashboard, with the new infotainment head-unit, measuring nine- or 10-inches depending on variant, sitting proudly on top.\nOn the rear passenger quarters, the captain seats on the second row now gain a built-in Ottoman, and can even be configured with two 10-inch rear seat entertainment displays, and a full-length panoramic sunroof too depending on variant, giving the all-new Innova Zenix a touch of luxury.\nThe all-new seven-seater MPV is now built on Toyota\u2019s new TNGA-C platform, in place of the outgoing second-generation model\u2019s ladder frame chassis. That means the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix now gets front-wheel drive thanks to the new transverse engine layout, and it\u2019ll also come with a hybrid powertrain.\nA 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine is utilised on every variant, with the hybrids tacking on an electric motor for a total maximum system output of \n186 hp\n, with drive transferred to the wheels via an e-CVT gearbox. For the pure ICE variant, the 2.0-litre four-banger pushes out \n174 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n, and is also similarly paired to a CVT gearbox.\nALSO READ: \nUMW Toyota announces RM270 million investment into locally-assembled hybrid vehicles\nThe all-new Toyota Innova Zenix will be offered in five variants in Indonesia, with prices ranging from IDR 419 million (approx. RM122k) to IDR601 million (approx. RM175k). Only the range-topping variant, dubbed the Q Hybrid, will be offered with the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance features.\nGALLERY"
"84 years since the inception of the Nissan name and \n150 million vehicles later\n, one of the largest automotive brands in the world is set to make available its fully autonomous ProPILOT technology for real-world use.\nSeems like Nissan is really eager to lead the autonomous vehicle charge as previous reports indicated that it will only be as soon as 2022, as part of the \nnew Alliance consisting of Mitsubishi and Renault\n.\nThe ProPILOT technology will enable vehicles to operate autonomously on urban roads and freeways, from the moment the driver selects the destination to the arrival of it. Using a combination of 12 cameras, 9 radar sensors and 6 laser scanners and 12 sonar sensors, it is able to provide the car with 360-degree sensing capabilities \u2013 aided by artificial intelligence to analyse more complicated scenarios in real time.\nNissan recently tested their fully autonomous driving technology on public roads during the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in \na modified Infiniti Q50 Hybrid\n. The ProPILOT was also demonstrated in the 2018 Nissan Leaf which can be viewed\n here\n."
"Would you like to own what was supposed to be the legitimately fastest Proton in the world? Are you craving for a rocketing Proton that is capable of annihilating\u00a0the\u00a0Civic Type Rs into oblivion on the Sepang track? Then this comes as good news to you as \nWelch Motorsport\n\u00a0is putting not one, but two units of these bespoke Protons up for sale!\nThe UK-based team\u00a0had been participating in the highly competitive \nBritish\u00a0Touring Car Championship \n(BTCC) with a single-entry \nProton Gen-2\n (Persona in Malaysia) for five years. The car was part of the\u00a0\nNext Generation Touring Car\u00a0\n(NGTC)\u00a0classification that runs similar spec \n2.0-litre turbocharged\n engine and spec-based drivetrain, suspension, electronics and gearbox. Proton on the other hand, had no direct involvement in this project, apart from the chassis itself.\nThe family-ran team\u00a0scored its best result by finishing fourth in 2012, with driver Daniel Welch piloting the Gen-2. Over the years, the team struggled with reliability and lacked competitiveness and scoring points immediately felt like a podium finish for this small team.\nIn 2014, the team added a second Gen-2 entry\u00a0and commissioned a\u00a0self-developed engine, which is like the equivalent of having F1 minors like Manor to develop its own engine. Sadly, the results were mediocre at best. This year, Daniel scored only a single point and retired (DNF) in most races rather than finishing it. The second car, piloted by Andy Wilmot, fared no better with the driver quitting just after five rounds.\nThe team had enough of these Protons, which is why Welch Motorsport Team Principal, John Welch said (as quoted in Tourcars.net) \u201c\nIt has been character-building and a complete and utter waste of time\n.\u201d The team is set to unveil a new car for the 2016 season.\nImage source: \nthechekeredflag.co.uk\nWhile this piece may sound like a terrible sales pitch, think about it. Not only is this track-bred race car a beauty to look at, it\u2019s well engineered in most departments, making it a\u00a0\nbrilliant car for time attacks\n!\u00a0If the 408bhp engine spells problematic to you, an engine transplant from a proven performance car may sort this out. Just like John mentioned \u2013 it\u2019s an effective way for character-building rather than forking a fortune to attend motivational talks!\nNo price has been listed but it won\u2019t hurt to contact them \nhere\n to own what is quite possibly the fastest Proton on this planet, although we firmly believe there are more Protons pushing in excess of 500bhp somewhere in Malaysia.\nNews Source: \nTouringCars.net\n,\u00a0Image Source: Wikipedia"
"The sportier variant of the \nhot selling BMW 330e iPerformance\n has finally been introduced, expanding the model variant to two \u2013 Sport Line and M Sport. The M Sport costs just RM10k more, yet gives you more value than the premium suggests.\nExclusive to the M Sport variant are a sportier set of 18-inch lightweight M alloys, M-specific front and rear bumpers, chromed kidney grille with gloss black slats, BMW Individual Shadow Line, M badges on each of the car\u2019s side panel and M Sport Suspension package. All the creature comforts from the Sport Line such as reverse camera and powered sunroof are retained.   Inside, you get a new three-spoke leather steering wheel, dark headliner and a blue stripe running across the dashboard. With the BMW Connected App, owners can remotely activate the car\u2019s air conditioning system as well as monitor the battery\u2019s charging status.\nThere\u2019s no changes to performance, though. The same B48 engine resumes propulsion duties, mated to an electric motor to produce a combined output of \n248 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through the trusty \neight-speed ZF automatic\n. In our own testing, the 330e is able to cover up to 25km in pure EV mode, at speeds of up to 120 km/h.\nThe sticker price for the 330e M Sport is\n RM258,800\n (without insurance), and comes with 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service and the 24-month BMW Tyre Warranty programme. Available colours are Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Alpine White and my personal favourite, Estoril Blue.\nThose interested can visit the nearest BMW showroom to participate in BMW\u2019s Test-Drive Lucky Draw programme and stand a chance to win up to RM88,888 to purchase a brand new BMW vehicle. The programme ends on 12 February 2017 (Sunday).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz\u2019s first ever pick-up truck, the \nX-Class\n has just gone on sale in UK and unfortunately, they will not be getting the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. Instead their X-Class will come in two guise \u2013 220d and 250d along with a range of trim levels and options.\nAt launch, UK customers can choose from three model lines \u2013 Pure, Progressive and Power. The entry level \nPure \nvariant\u00a0wears halogen reflector headlamps, a matt black grille, integrated side step and 17-inch alloys as standard. Stepping up to the \nProgressive\n-line and it adds painted bumpers, aluminium door sills, chrome door handles, an iridium-silver radiator grille and 17-inch six-twin spoke alloys in Vanadium silver.   The range topping \nPower\n further adds LED high-performance headlamps, LED taillamps, chrome underguard, fog lamps, power folding mirrors and Keyless Go system. It rides on 18-inch six-twin-spoke alloys finished in Himalaya Grey as standard. On top of the standard trim lines, customers can further specify their X-Class with the Style Package that upsizes the alloy wheels to 19-inch items, roof rails, running boards and privacy glass.\nInside, all UK-bound X-Class will feature a 7-inch Audi 20 CD infotainment system, black fabric upholstery, automatic air-conditioning and high-gloss air vents surrounds. The Power-line gets eight-way powered front seats, multifunctional steering wheel, Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre upholstery as well as high-gloss interior trim.\nBoth the 220d and 250d variants are equipped with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engines outputting \n163 hp\n and \n190 hp\n respectively. The X 220d comes with a six-speed manual transmission while the 250d is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All variants of the X-Class get the\u00a0\n4MATIC all-wheel drive\n as standard.\nAs standard, the X-Class is equipped with seven airbags, ESP, Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Hill Start Assist. Features such as Trailer Stability Assist and rear differential lock can be added as options.\nPrices for the X-Class 220d ranges from \u00a327,310 (RM153k) to \u00a328,510 (RM159k) while the higher output 250d is priced at \u00a330,510 (RM170k) to \u00a334,100 (RM190k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A more powerful MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will also join the ranks in the future. For now, there will be two petrol engines and a diesel powerplant available \u2013 a 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engine.\nTransmission options include a 7-speed Steptronic dual clutch transmission or a 7-speed Steptronic sports transmission.\nThe base model MINI Clubman\nUnsurprisingly, the fastest among the three variants, the MINI Cooper S Clubman with 192 hp and a 230 km/h top speed, does 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, followed by the diesel Clubman and standard Clubman.\nThe updated MINI Clubman gets a newly-designed grille \u2013 both for the standard and Cooper S models \u2013 where the former gets a clearner, chrome look while the latter wears a more cynical appearance with a blacked out grille.\nAvailable as optional extras are the adaptive LED headlamps with Matrix technology that prevents light from dazzling on-coming traffic, the system works by utilising the front cameras and can operate at speeds beyond 70 km/h.\nDepending on the variant, there\u2019s a choice of 16-inch to 19-inch wheels although the 18-inch and 19-inch options are new designs.\nThe Clubman also gets a new sports suspension which lowers the car by 10mm, alongside an optional adaptive suspension.\nAs for on-board equipment, there\u2019s a 6.5-inch display, only Apple CarPlay connectivity, MINI Connected Services, and MINI Connected App with the Remote Services feature that allows owners to check their vehicle\u2019s location, fuel level, flash the headlights, activate the horn, ventilation and door lock/unlock functions, all through the smartphone.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nM\nINI Clubman\nMINI Cooper S Clubman"
"It is Hari Raya Aidilfitri again, and this time around I was provided with a \nMercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC\n to \nbalik kampung\n with. Admittedly, it was a rather interesting situation to be in. Firstly, this was the first Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle (EV) that is \nlocally assembled (CKD)\n. Secondly, I could experience what it is like to \u2018own\u2019 an EV and do a little road trip with it.\nYou\u2019ve read the title right, and yes, I didn\u2019t need to use a DC fast charger at all for my entire \u2018EV Hari Raya\u2019 trip which was a \n1,142-km\n trip in the span of 4 days (Day 1 kind of doesn\u2019t count and you\u2019ll find out why soon). How did I manage to do it? Well, let me take you through my one-week \u2018ownership\u2019 experience with the EQS 500 4MATIC.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nBefore we go on, I should give you some context. I do live super close to my office (less than a 2-minute drive) which has a wall box, so it is pretty much like having a wallbox of my own whenever we have an EV for a review. Lucky me. And as for the car, the EQS 500 4MATIC has an electric range of up to \n696 km\n on the WLTP test cycle thanks to a \n108-kWh\n battery pack.\nOnly 20km on the odometer upon collection\nDay 1 \u2013 Only 12 km driven\nSo, I collected the car on Thursday (April 20) from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, and lucky for me, I was the first person to drive the car. It only had 20 km on the odometer and was essentially factory fresh. It still had the plastics on the dashboard unpeeled, so I also had the chance to \u2018unbox\u2019 the car which comes with some interesting \u2018free gifts\u2019. You can check out that \nunboxing video here\n.\nWhile I may have been lucky in that sense, I wasn\u2019t lucky enough to get to go road-tripping immediately as there was still a lot of work that needed to be done before the holidays. I only drove for about 12 km on the first day. However, at the end of the day, I still plugged the car in with our wallbox at the office anyway so I could have 100% state of charge (SOC) for the next day.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC launched in Malaysia \u2013 Locally-assembled EV, RM649k\nSomewhere at Genting Highlands\nIf you haven\u2019t, you should visit the Selangor River Dam\nDay 2 \u2013 Genting Highlands and the Selangor River Dam\nWith the day being announced as a public holiday (Thank you, PMX), I decided to head up Genting Highlands from Petaling Jaya first thing in the morning. It would be a shame to not make full use of the dual-motor setup (\n449 hp\n, \n828 Nm\n) of the EQS 500 4MATIC so I drove it like I stole it. After getting back to Petaling Jaya, I still had over 400 km of range to play with. I spontaneously decided to head to the Selangor River Dam after Friday prayers just for the heck of it. And to sum the day up, I did not experience any range anxiety whatsoever at all.\nAt the end of the day, I just plugged the car in with the office wallbox again so that it would be at 100% SOC (again) for the next day. The car now had \n378 km\n on the odometer after the shenanigans.\nYou may have already noticed by now, that having a wallbox at home partly reduces the need for a DC fast charger. Am I \u2018cheating\u2019 with this \u2018ownership\u2019 experience since I have \u2018my own\u2019 wallbox at home? Well, yes and no. Heck no for those of you living on landed property, but yes if you are living in a residency that does not allow you to install a wallbox.\nRELATED: \nPetronas opens first EV charging hub in Malaysia \u2013 up to 180kW DC fast charging\nSurprise! There is another EV at the kampung which belongs to a family member \u2013 the \nHyundai Kona Electric\nDay 3 (Hari Raya) \u2013 \nBalik Kampung\n to Bera, Pahang\nAfter celebrating Hari Raya in Petaling Jaya, I headed to Bera to continue celebrating. The journey started with 378 km on the odometer and 100% SOC. The journey ended with \n546 km\n on the odometer and 69% SOC. It was only a 168-km journey which took 3 hours due to the traffic conditions.\nEdit: Like the day before, I drove like a madman and accelerated the hell out of the car at every chance I had on the highway.\n \nThus losing 31% of charge on the 168-km journey\nNow, there are no public chargers in Bera, so how did I charge? Well, you might call this cheating again, but I actually have \u2018another\u2019 wallbox at my \nkampung\n. How convenient, right?\nRELATED: \nGallery \u2013 Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC, RM649k \u2013 Proudly assembled in Malaysia\nOur office wallbox is wired to a CEE plug, making it portable.\nCEE Plug\nWell not literally another wallbox, but with the help of a family member, we have managed to set up our office wallbox (provided by \nChargeSingh\n*) to be a \u2018portable charger\u2019. How so? By wiring it to a CEE plug. At both my office (or \u2018home\u2019) and \nkampung\n, we have done the necessary wiring from the distribution board to a CEE socket at the porch, complete with an isolator of its own.\n*By the way, if you\u2019re buying a charger from \nChargeSingh\n, remember to use our Promo Code \u2013 AB5OFF\nThe CEE socket setup at the porch. A similar setup is done at our office. Yes, that is a red three phase socket, but the house runs a single phase supply.\nA new dedicated circuit was pulled from the distribution board for the CEE socket.\nSo, all I had to do was disconnect the wallbox from the office, bring it to the \nkampung\n, and plug it into the CEE socket there. Simple as that. The only difference? The office has a 3-phase power supply while the \nkampung\n house only has a single-phase power supply.\nIt takes almost 8 hours for the EQS to charge from 53% to 100% with single-phase 7-kW AC charging with a wallbox. Imagine how long it would take if the battery was flat. (Picture is from Day 4 after the Kuantan trip)\nWe didn\u2019t need to reposition the cars, but they had to take turns to be the \u2018Porch Queen\u2019 anyway\nSo, I could charge at a rate of 11 kW at the office but only 7 kW at the \nkampung\n. It is slower with a 7-kW rate and would take almost 16 hours (or more) to charge the massive 108-kWh battery of the EQS from 0 to 100%. But it was good enough, and the CEE connector was even shared with another EV during this trip \u2013 \nthe family\u2019s Hyundai Kona Electric\n.\nAnyway, I was able to ensure that I would have 100% SOC again for the next day \u2013 No DC fast charger needed.\nRELATED: \nTNB Electron charging station rates announced, from RM2.05 per minute for 80kW\nThe EQS 500 4MATIC in Kuantan\nDay 4 \u2013 To Kuantan and back\nOn the second Hari Raya, I headed to Kuantan from Bera and back with the family spontaneously, also just for the heck of it. It was nice visiting Teluk Cempedak and we noticed some EV charging bays being set up over there as well. Since we were in Kuantan, we checked out some EV chargers by ChargeSini and EVGuru at the Mega View Hotel.\nWe then headed back to Bera and stopped at the Gambang R&R to check out the fast charger by \nGentari\n, which was made free from April 21 to 24. Yes, I did charge the car at the Gambang R&R just because I had to use the restroom and buy some refreshments, and since charging was free and the bay was unoccupied, why not? I didn\u2019t actually \nneed\n to. I could have made it to Bera with the remaining 57% SOC anyway. I charged for 22 minutes and 48 seconds and obtained \n18.475 kWh\n of electricity. The SOC went from 57% to 75%.\nLong queue for fuel at Gambang R&R West Bound\nNo queue for DC charging\nRM0 charging cost thanks to Gentari\nAn interesting observation here was that petrol-powered cars were lining up to refuel at the Gambang R&R while the Gentari DC charger was unoccupied. Did I feel privileged? Yes, I did. I was driving a luxury EV, I didn\u2019t have to line up, and just to rub it in, the charging was. free of charge. It is no surprise that the ICE camp isn\u2019t too fond of EVs.\nAnyway, I returned to Bera at the end of the day, and like usual, I plugged the car in to make sure I had 100% SOC again for the next day.\nDay 5 \u2013 Journey back to KL.. but with a detour\nIt was my last day in Bera, and all that was left to do was to head to Klang Valley. The EQS 500 4MATIC showed about 620km of range on the meter cluster when fully charged. It was only going to be a 168-km journey again, so no sweat with the EQS. In fact, I could actually reach home even with only 40% SOC (or a bit less) left from Bera.\nHalfway back though, since the traffic wasn\u2019t as bad as I thought it would be, I took a totally unnecessary detour to Fraser\u2019s Hill from Bentong. And boy am I glad that I charged to full regardless the night before. By the time I reached home, I had 42% SOC and 286 km of range left. Still enough for a few more activities, but at this point, it was my body that needed to recharge, not the car. Again, with \u2018my own\u2019 wallbox, I just needed to plug the car in, get some rest myself, and the car would be fully charged again the next day.\n1,162 km on the odometer at the end of it all from the initial 20 km\nSummary\n.That\u2019s all just boring now, isn\u2019t it? Nothing sensational here. It would have been so much more interesting if I ran out of charge and had to call a tow truck. But that\u2019s just not the reality of EV ownership, especially if you have your own wallbox (or boxes) which give(s) you the convenience of destination charging. Of course, I should acknowledge that the EQS has a large 108-kWh battery and a long 696-km (WLTP) electric range, and that helped me a lot. Obviously, you couldn\u2019t do the same trip that I did with a \nMazda MX-30\n or a MINI Cooper SE. I also hope that future affordable EVs will also be able to provide ranges close to that of the EQS (above 600 km).\nI am a believer that cars should give you the freedom to travel spontaneously. If it requires too much discipline just to keep it running, what is the point of paying all that money? Before I had access to a home/office wallbox, I really did find EVs to be limiting in terms of freedom. I always found myself waiting at DC chargers (when we had EVs for reviews) and didn\u2019t enjoy spending my time that way. Now, my perception has changed slightly.\nRELATED: \nSay hello to Mercedes-AMG\u2019s first fully-electric model \u2013 the 761 hp EQS 53\nYes, that is a different wallbox in the picture. It is the one we typically use for the Hyundai Kona Electric\nWith a decent amount of EV range and a wallbox/portable charger, that typical freedom that a petrol car would provide is still available in the right EV. It is not like you\u2019ll be able to drive yourself for 24 hours straight anyway (FYI, you need sleep). If you\u2019re a spontaneous driver like myself, just plug the car in whenever you get the chance. This way, even AC charging alone is sufficient to keep you going and it isn\u2019t necessary to always charge to 100% SOC. Some charge is always better than no charge.\nSince our EV infrastructure isn\u2019t fully mature yet, setting up your own wallbox wherever you can (if you have the resources) is a great way to improve your EV ownership experience. Charging at home will, at maximum, cost \nRM0.571 per kWh\n for now (\nRM61.68 \nto charge the EQS from 0 to 100%). It costs much less than charging at a DC fast charger which can cost up to \nRM1.70 per kWh\n (\nRM183.60 \nto charge the EQS from 0 to 100%)"
"Although the \nall-new GLC Class\n has already been unveiled globally, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n is not quite done with the C253-generation model just yet, and has introduced the \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe\n in the second half of last year.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe is the sole GLC Coupe offering currently available here in Malaysia, and is also the only other plug-in hybrid offering, aside from the \nS-Class\n. With that many titles to its name, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe comes in at a price of \nRM403,888\n on-the-road, without insurance.\nWhile we may not be the biggest fans of the whole SUV-Coupe trend, it\u2019s hard to argue against the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe\u2019s charisma. Aside from the sloping roofline, it\u2019s also equipped with the AMG Line body kit, massive 20-inch wheels, as well as the signature diamond pin front grille to make it stand out from the crowd.\nOn our test unit, the standard-fit AMG Night package \u2013 which blacks out most of the chrome trim pieces on the exterior \u2013 also works well visually as an accent against the blank white canvas. Although, if there\u2019s one thing to complain about, it\u2019s the weird placement of the charging port \u2013 the extra flap on the rear bumper just ruins the balance of the car\u2019s sleek design, making it seem like just an afterthought.\nREAD MORE: \nMercedes-Benz confirms CKD EVs for Malaysia, \u201cexciting announcement\u201d in Q1 2023\nInside, the brown Nappa leather upholstery is a welcome addition, as it significantly elevates the premium ambience of the cabin. The open pore wood trim also adds a touch of youthfulness to the cabin, without looking too shouty.\nWith that being said, the dashboard design \u2013 with the floating tablet-style infotainment display and sculpted instrument cluster binnacle \u2013 is unfortunately starting to feel a little old-school now, especially with the large displays now offered on its other siblings.\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe is powered by a M274 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, paired to a single electric motor to make a combined \n320 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n5.7 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n230 km/h \n(140 km/h in EV mode).\nFor the electrified bits, power is sourced from a 13.5 kWh battery pack, taking 1.5 hours to recharge with the 7.4 kW on-board AC charger. Fully charged, the battery is capable of providing up to 43 km of pure electric range, via the 90 kW (122 hp) electric motor.\nRELATED: \n3 luxury features on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 300 that were unnecessary, but yet so charming\nGALLERY"
"Ferrari trickles down many technologies learnt from their life in Formula 1 as well as GT endurance racing. Electrification, traction control, lightweight material technology and of course, high engine output and melodic engine noise are the usual new technologies and engineering solutions introduced in each Ferrari vehicle.\nA posting in a Ferrari owner\u2019s and enthusiasts forum has unearthed a new patent filing by the brand synonymous with supercars and motor racing. Surprisingly, it does not involve the oily bits or have anything to do with going fast.\nInstead, the patent by Ferrari shows an advanced climate control or air-conditioning system that is highly networked with various sensors.\nQuiet, convertible and a Ferrari V8. Here are the details of the latest Ferrari SF90 Spider.\nBased on the drawings and brief description, the air-conditioning system will gather data not just from temperature and humidity sensors, but also the thermal radiation from the windows, multiple occupants and the heat profile of their faces and bodies!\nBy having a much more networked controlled system with a vast amount of data, the system can then adjust temperature and airflow suited to the particular occupant, such as one travelling south where the setting sun is more intense on the right of the vehicle.\nAir-con panel from the four-seater \nFerrari GTC4 Lusso.\nSuch an advanced multi-reading air-conditioning system is not entirely new, as the current generation \nLexus LS 500\n employs occupant and solar radiation sensors. Called Lexus Climate Concierge, the system uses 16 infrared matrix sensors to monitor the body temperature of all of the occupants in the LS and adjust the automatic four-zone climate-control system to suit their individual preferences.\nBased on the Ferrari patent diagrams, it looks as if the specific facial and body scanning technology is more advanced than that from Lexus / Toyota Motor.\nFacial recognition technology is the key to the next set of driver assistance systems. Find out how Honda utilises the technology here.\n \nSuch a detailed approach to passenger comfort is relatively unheard of in a Ferrari, but with the brand planning to introduce a 4-door large crossover as soon as next year, they certainly need all the pampering features to compete with established super SUVs such as \nBentley Bentayga\n, \nLamborghini Urus\n, \nRolls-Royce Cullinan\n and \nAston Martin DBX\n.\nSources: \nCarscoops.com\n and \nFerrari296forum"
"Revealed as the \nUrus Concept\n at the \nBeijing Motor Show\n back in \n2012\n, Lamborghini has officially announced that their sharp SUV is \nslated to go on sale in 2018\n. While that may seem a long time to wait, it is necessary for Lamborghini to prepare their plant in \nSant\u2019Agata\n for a major expansion to support the upcoming addition to its range of performance vehicles that currently consist of the \nHuracan\n and the \nAventador\n.\n\u201cThis is a proud moment for everybody in Lamborghini. The introduction of a third model line endorses the stable and sustainable growth of the company and signifies for us the beginning of a new era.\u201d, said Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO \nStephan Winkelmann\n.\nWhile the final product might look different from the Beijing concept, the Urus gave us a hint of what a Lamborghini SUV could possibly look like. Lamborghini has envisioned a sleek \nfour-seater\n, \nfour-door\n SUV with the promise of \nsharp handling\n and \ndynamic drive\n, while under the skin is said to be a powertrain derived from the close cousins under the \nVW Group\n empire.\nStephan Winkelmann added, \u201cThe new SUV \nwill be made in Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese\n, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding the values of \u2018Made in Italy\u2019 worldwide.\u201d\nLooks like the \nhigh-end SUV\n segment will be hotly contested, as other brands such as \nMaserati\n, \nBentley\n, and \nJaguar\n are also tipped to introduce their SUVs in the near future.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last weekend at Sepang saw Round 2 of the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS) take place, and we at \nAutoBuzz.my\n simply couldn\u2019t afford to miss the adrenaline filled action. Also running in conjunction with the homegrown series was the \nFerrari Challenge\n.\nAmong the few teams participating in the MCS, we caught up with\u00a0\nTeam Dream Chaser Malaysia\n\u00a0to get a glimpse of their progress of this four-part race.\u00a0The opening round did not go so well for Dream Chaser due to \nmechanical issues which retired one of their cars from the race\n.\nThis time, Dream Chaser was three cars strong, and they are car #12 Proton Satria Neo, piloted by female racer \nGeraldine Read\n, car #21 Honda FD2, piloted by seasoned racers \nBoy Wong\n and \nAlvaro Mourato\n and car #101 Proton Satria Neo, piloted by 17-year-old \nZharfan Rahmidi\n. At the end of the race, Dream Chaser secured third place both the Touring Production (TP, for cars above 1,900cc) and Malaysian Touring Car (MTC, for cars below 1,600).\nIt was clearly an uphill struggle for Dream Chaser, but their hard work and evidently paid off. After the race, we sat down with the team to understand their journey and struggles leading to MCS round 2.\nTeam Leader CY Ong\nAccording to team leader CY Ong, the team recently\u00a0secured a new partnership with \nST Wangan\n as their designated workshop to prep the cars. They also partnered with \nR-Engineering\n to specifically build the engines. These partnerships came as a big step forward for Dream Chaser because car #12 had major mechanical issues during Round 1, rendering it unable to complete the race.\nThe partners worked their magic to fine tune each individual cars to suit the drivers and true enough, they delivered rewarding results. Car #21 came in third for TP class, car #101 came in third for MTC and car #12 came in fourth for the individual cup.\nDespite all the preparations, there were challenges that the team had to address before hitting the track. Firstly, the organisers made it compulsory for MTC class vehicles to come equipped street legal tyres instead of semi-slicks during the first round. The team spent an entire week tweaking the suspension to achieve optimum performance. Secondly, car #101 showed worrying signs of engine issues (power loss) during the practice sessions.\nTo mitigate this, the engineers lowered the engine\u2019s rev limit to 6,600 rpm instead of the usual 7,700 rpm. This is to ensure that the engine would last throughout the one-hour endurance race. CY was very grateful that there were no major incidents during the race and all drivers completed the race safely. What better way to end the race with two podium finishes?\nGeraldine Read\nDespite a disappointing start to round 2, the ever-optimistic Geraldine Read kept her composure and remained focused throughout the weekend. Her car received a massive upgrade and modifications to better suit her driving style. Her Proton Satria Neo\u2019s engine and gearbox were evidently smoother and reliable than the first round, and this time the race bucket seats were specifically customised to fit her 5\u2019 2\u2019 frame.\nWith some mentoring from CY, she shaved off a massive 7 seconds off her personal best during the practice session! That goes to show that Dream Chaser and herself are only scraping the very surface of her potential. However, things weren\u2019t all a bed of roses for the lass. During her qualifying practice, she was sandwiched in between two cars that collided into each other.\nFortunately, no one was injured but the same can\u2019t be said for her Neo. Although the car didn\u2019t sustain heavy damage, the alignment gave way after\u00a0the\u00a0minor accident. Her practice was cut short but CY commended her on the ability to accurately provide feedback to the technicians, which allowed them to work more effectively. Despite cutting her practice short, she was able to deliver promising results, finishing fourth in the independent cup and seventh overall in the MTC cup.\nWhen we spoke to Geraldine after the race, she was grateful that the race went smoothly and safely. Although this time she did not make it up to the podium, she expressed her gratitude for the steep learning curve over the weekend. Believe it or not, Geraldine was already thinking of her next race barely an hour after the race ended! For those who would like to catch her in action, Geraldine will be at the Sepang 1,000km endurance race that is happening from 1 to 4 September 2016.\n17-year-old talent Zharfan Rahmidi\nNew to the team is 17-year-old \nZharfan Rahmidi\n\u00a0who hails from Indonesia. Before joining Dream Chaser, he was actively involved in the motorsports scene since he was 13. Despite his age, \nZharfan\n has quite a number of trophies under his belt \u2013 second runner up in the European Touring Car (ETC) Championship and first runner up in the Master Class of ETC Championship. A rookie he certainly is not.\nZharfan has never raced in Sepang before, so between CY and Geraldine, the Indonesian had the toughest hurdle to overcome. He has no car of his own, so he had to\u00a0drive CY\u2019s Satria Neo\u00a0(previously #100 now #101). However, the challenges did not scare \nZharfan \naway. If anything, the adrenaline made him want to tackle the challenges all the more. With his experience in motorsports, he quickly found his rhythm to the technical 5.5km track and set an astonishing time of 2 minutes 47 seconds on the second day of practice.\nHowever, things did not go so well during qualifying. His car\u2019s engine suffered a loss of power and had to continue the race with his revs-limited. \nZharfan \ntold \nAutoBuzz.my\n that he prayed, hoping that the engine would last throughout the race. True enough, his prayers were answered and the engine held on throughout the race. What\u2019s more surprising is that Zharfan even made it to the podium! For a 17-year old to jump into a car not customised to his style of driving, that alone deserves praise.\nWhat\u2019s next for Dream Chaser?\nAfter an eventful week at Sepang, CY was very pleased with the results but more so at the attitude of the drivers. While winning races are important, CY believes that the goal of Dream Chaser is to provide talented and deserving drivers the platform and support required to venture into motorsports. CY finds attitude a much more valuable virtue than pure driving skills.\nDream Chaser is launching an extension to their drivers programme called Dream Chaser X, which is a mentorship and subsidiary programme to allow grassroots drivers an opportunity to race at a professional level. The programme will allow independent drivers to be mentored by seasoned drivers as well as subsidising the cost to participate in a professional race.\nDream Chaser, as the name suggests, gives drivers a strong platform to chase their motorsports dreams. With their most recent success, it seems that dreams really do come true with Dream Chaser.\nFinal Results of 2016 MCS Round 2:\nMalaysian Touring Car Independent Cup\u00a0(Best lap time)\nNick Mah (#36) \u2013\u00a02:45.343\nGoh Lee Heng (#93) \u2013 2:49.754\nZharfan Rahmadi (#101) \u2013 2:50.606\nMalaysian Touring Car Open Cup (Best lap time)\nKenny Lee (#38) \u2013\u00a02:44.272\nMark Darwin (#19) \u2013\u00a02:44.645\nDavid Mcintyre (#59) \u2013 2:49.153\nTouring Production (Best lap time)\u00a0\nFitra Eri (#16) \u2013 2:28.432\nAbdul Kaathir/Lai Wee Seng (#23) \u2013 2:28.496\nBoy Wong/Alvaro Mourato (#21) \u2013 2:28.864\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In paying tribute to the track where the Lexus F was conceived, Lexus presents the \nRC F Fuji Speedway Edition\n. Only 50 units of the limited edition coupe will available.\nNamed after the \u2018Temple of Speed\u2019 situated at the foothills of Mount Fuji, Lexus said the limited edition model embodies decades of development on the iconic Japanese track.\nNew Lexus ES with TRD F Sport parts is all kinds of cool! Check it out here!\nFor starters, the RC F will only be available in the Electric Surge blue \u2013 a first for Lexus \u2013 with a semi-matte finish. The exhausts have been upgraded to titanium units while carbon exterior panels not only improve aerodynamics but also reduce weight. In the quest to shed even more weight, Lexus also used hollowed driveshafts and a lighter air-conditioning compressor.\nThe Lexus RC F Track Edition still uses a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8.find out more here!\nBehind those 19-inch wheels \u2013 wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres \u2013 are Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes; 6-pot in the front, 4-pot at the rear.\nWith all that excess fat taken away, coupled with 472 hp and 536 Nm of torque from a 5.0-litre V8, the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition gallops to 100 km/h from standstill in just 3.9 seconds. That\u2019s 0.3 seconds faster than the standard RC F. It also boasts the best power-to-weight ratio in its class and is the most powerful V8-powered Lexus to date. The V8 is mated to an 8-speed automatic, with rev-matching and launch control.\nThe blue theme continues inside with black and blue Alcantara seats along with blue carbon fibre trims. The steering wheel and gear knob are also wrapped in Alcantara. For aural pleasure, the RCF comes with an 18-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.\nThe RC F can be optionally specified with the RC C Carbon Package that consists of a carbon fibre roof, front and rear splitters, and a retractable rear wing.\nGALLERY"
"Just less than one month after the \nlocal debut of the Proton X70\n, we have what appears to the be the first documented crash involving the new SUV courtesy of a Facebook user who \nuploaded to the social media site\n.\nBased on the unverified information shared on the various Facebook groups, the X70 in question was driving along Jalan Kereta Api Lama, Kamar heading to Kampung Tok Muda Kapar, Selangor when the SUV drove into the ditch damaging the driver\u2019s side of the car. The impact was severe enough for the side airbags to be deployed as told from the pictures.\n \n \nHowever, despite landing into a ditch with significant damage across its right flank, the X70 appears to have maintained its structural integrity.\nThe X70 is rated \n5-Star by ASEAN NCAP\n. As standard, all variants of the X70 comes with Hot Press Forming (HPF) technology body structure, six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, pre-tensioner seat belts and load limiters.\nThe car involved in this accident was the top of the range Premium 2WD variant which comes with Advanced Driver\u2019s Assistance System that bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).\nNo word on the condition of the passengers involved in the crash but we hope that they are well and wish the occupants and the Proton X70 a speedy recovery."
"Subaru of America has announced the prices for the \nall-new 2022 BRZ\n, starting from USD 27,995 (approx.RM118,306). There will be two variants available \u2013 Premium and Limited \u2013 with the latter asking for USD 30,495 (approx.RM128,871).\nBoth prices are for the manual variants. The automatic versions of the Premium and Limited costs an extra USD 2,000.\nStandard equipment includes LED headlights, a new 7-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Active Sound Control feature, 17-inch wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, hill-start assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.\nThere\u2019s now even a G-force meter. When Track Mode is selected, the speedometer changes its display \u2013 from round dials to a linear graph with color display.\nIn the more expensive \u201cLimited\u201d variant, upgrades or add-ons include 18-inch wheels, suede upholstery, cornering headlamps, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a blind-spot monitor. Safety is now also enhanced with a driver\u2019s knee airbag.\nGoCar Subs adds a new \u201cSports category\u201d; Subaru BRZ and WRX available for rent from RM2,699/month!\nOptional safety features include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking (front and back), lane departure warning and high beam assist. These features are bundled under the Subaru EyeSight driver assistance system.\nFirst touted to be turbocharged, the Subaru BRZ was instead introduced with a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 228 hp, 249 Nm and a 7,000 rpm redline. Output is 28 hp and 44 Nm higher than the previous 2.0-litre models.\nThe engine is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential as standard, while a 6-speed auto with Sports mode is optional.\nThe all-new Subaru BRZ may not be coming to Malaysia after all, here\u2019s why! \nGALLERY"
"During today\u2019s business briefing press conference, \nPerodua\u2019s\n President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad announced that the company will begin upgrading its dealership outlets nationwide from 1S and 2S outlets to 3S status, starting this year.\n\u201cWe have allocated [.] RM247.1 million to further modernise our operations, which also include upgrading existing 1S and 2S centres into 3S centres,\u201d he said during the event. The local carmaker is aiming for 70% of its outlets to be upgraded to 3S centres by 2024.\nIn terms of outlet status, 1S refers to a standalone sales showroom, 2S refers to a service and spare parts centre, while a 3S is the combination of the two. \u201cIt is Perodua\u2019s intention to grow with our partners, and we want to do this [expansion] in a way that would be mutually beneficial and sustainable,\u201d Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal added.\nAs part of the upgrading works, the outlets will be adhering to a \u2018New Outlets Standard\u2019 (NOS), featuring Perodua\u2019s latest brand image with a \u201cfresh concept\u201d, while promoting sustainable green operations. The new outlets will also emphasise on \u2018mono operation\u2019, integrating the sales and services divisions into one seamless operation to enhance customers\u2019 experience at the outlets.\nThe expansion should also include plans for Perodua\u2019s Pre-Owned Vehicle (POV) and subscription businesses, as the company is\n committed to a \u201ctotal rollout\u201d for the latter this year\n.\nAs for after sales service, the company is targetting an increase of vehicle intakes from 2.6 million recorded in 2022, to 2.8 million units this year. \u201cThe growth would be a combination of improved service time as well as increasing our service bays throughout the country,\u201d he said.\nREAD MORE: \nPerodua launches Ativa Hybrid leasing programme \u2013 RM500/month for 5 years"
"Plug-in hybrids when sufficiently charged run on zero local emissions thanks to the large battery pack and powerful electric motor, making the surrounding air a little cleaner and the environment a little quieter. BMW Malaysia together with their PHEV customers went a step further for the environment by planting more trees!\nBMW Malaysia, via the company\u2019s financial services arm, today announced the completion of their reforestation commitment in Borneo with the Animal Projects and Environmental Education (\nAPE Malaysia\n). Under the Restore Our Amazing Rainforest (ROAR) programme, both BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia and the generosity of new PHEV customers helped to plant \n735 new trees\n.\nBMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, CEO, Matthias Schlesiger said, \u201cIn the last year, we have made several commitments to give back to local communities in any way we can. We started with the \nBMW Safety 360\u00b0 campaign\n where we were able to raise donations to fund complimentary child car seats for families in need. We extended the same effort to biodiversity conservation as well and partnered with APE Malaysia to support their reforestation efforts in the forests of Borneo. The protection of natural resources ultimately falls onto the very people that benefit from it, and we are grateful that our customers share this conviction with us.\u201d\nFor every RM100 raised, five new trees were successfully planted at the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary under the ROAR programme. The programme serves to restore habitat for endangered animals which includes the Orangutan and Borneo pygmy elephant, as well as to counteract carbon footprint.\nThe initiative, which took place on the 1st of May to the 31st of July this year, saw contributions made on behalf of BMW and MINI with the sale of the \nBMW 330e\n, \nBMW 530e M Sport\n, \nBMW 740Le xDrive\n, \nBMW X5 xDrive45e\n, as well as the \nMINI Cooper SE Countryman PHEV\n plus the fully electric \nMINI Cooper SE\n.\nThe fundraising efforts by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia will continue under the \nBMW Engage\n platform, as customers can still own their dream PHEVs while contributing to another good cause. From now until the 31st of December, RM100 from every funded contract of the same list of BMW and MINI PHEV models will be channelled to two local non-governmental organisations: Refuge for the Refugees and Empire Project \u2013 both of which are actively providing essential aid to vulnerable communities in Malaysia.\nMore about the great initiative can be found \nhere\n."
"There\u2019s no denying that we like the \nA90 Toyota Supra\n a lot \u2013 we even featured it in our \n#ABC2019 AutoBuzz.my Best (Driver\u2019s) Cars of 2019\n line-up. We didn\u2019t mind the eight-speed automatic gearbox in the Supra too much, but with that being said, there\u2019s still always been this niggling voice at the back of our minds wondering just what the Supra would be like with a manual transmission.\nWell, it seems like we might not have to wonder for too much longer. According to Japanese automotive magazine \nMag X\n, the reincarnated Toyota Supra will soon be getting an honest-to-god manual gearbox, as part of its annual upgrade cycle to keep buyers interested in the model \u2013 see this year\u2019s \npower upgrades\n.\nAccording to the source, Toyota has been deliberating on the three-pedalled Supra ever since its \ndebut last year\n, but it\u2019s the incessant requests from fans that finally made the development team at Toyota change their minds. If it turns out to be true, the #SavetheManuals movement definitely made a difference here!\nUnfortunately, there are no details as of yet on when the manual Supra might arrive. Though, seeing that the Supra was just \nrecently updated\n with the uprated inline-six engine, we might have to wait upwards of a year for its introduction. As they say, good things come to those who wait, right?\nIf Toyota managed to convince BMW to let them use the Competition-spec tune, the Supra could see an engine output of up to 510 hp!\nAlongside the row-your-own-gear Supra, \nMag X\n claims that Toyota is also plotting for a more hardcore high-performance variant of the A90 Supra, dubbed the \nSupra GRMN\n, with the latest rumours suggesting that it might even get the twin-turbocharged inline-six engine from the upcoming \nBMW M3\n and \nM4\n.\nThe new powertrain will most likely be paired to a dual-clutch transmission to make full use of the extra performance, but given that the upcoming M cars will feature a \nmanual transmission right out of the gate\n (on the standard variant), we can\u2019t help but wonder if the Supra might inherit this powertrain combination too.\nEither way, it seems like an interesting couple of years ahead for the Toyota Supra. And if the rumours turn out to be accurate, we can\u2019t wait to put the manual-transmission Supra to its paces to satisfy the little voices in our heads!\nFor the latest revised price list of Toyota models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n!"
"Overshadowed by its younger siblings with more advanced technologies, the Mercedes-Benz EQC was the first electric vehicle (EV) in the EQ series. Sold only as the \nMercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC\n in Malaysia, the EQC fetches a price of \nRM388,888\n and was \nlaunched in Malaysia in September 2022\n.\nBased on the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC is a compact executive EV SUV. Unlike other EQ models, it still has a grille instead of a large black panel. It does, however, sport the EQ family look with the continuous lights at the front and rear, blue \u2018EQC\u2019 letterings on the front fenders, blue accents in the headlights, and a recognisable EQ front end.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 and EQC 400 prices confirmed \u2013 RM 329k and RM389k\nBeing the first of the EQ series, the EQC probably has the best-looking front end, striking a balance between fluidity and a robust look. The wheels are 20 inches in size and the Malaysian-spec EQC gets a set of Pirelli Scorpion Verde tyres.\nAs standard, the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 AMG Line is equipped with Multibeam LED Headlights, 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, and an AMG line exterior package on the outside. It also gets aluminium-look running boards with studs on the side.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 AMG Line previewed in Malaysia, 5 Things\nPowering the EQC 400 4MATIC is a dual motor setup that, as the name suggests, provides an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The dual-motor drivetrain is front-biased and produces a system output of \n408 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n, which is plenty for this large (by Malaysian standards) SUV. The EQC does the 0-100 km/h acceleration in \n5.1 seconds\n and has a regulated top speed of 180 km/h.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz confirms CKD EVs for Malaysia, \u201cexciting announcement\u201d in Q1 2023\nBuilt on an internal combustion engine (ICE) platform, the EQC houses an 80-kWh battery pack that sits underneath the car floor. Being the first of the EQ models and based on the GLC from a few years back, the EQC provides an all-electric range of up to \n437 km\n (WLTP), which is still competitive among EVs today.\nThe 80-kWh battery can be charged at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and \n110 kW\n with DC fast charging. An 11-kW AC charger would recharge the EQC from 0 to 100% in \n7.5 hours \nwhile 110-kW DC fast charging will charge the EQC from 10% to 80% in \n40 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan launched in Malaysia, fully-electric E-Class from RM420k\nInside, the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC gets a twin 10.25-inch display with one dedicated as the digital instrument cluster and the other dedicated as the head unit. The EQC supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, albeit only via wired connection. Built on an older ICE platform, the EQC doesn\u2019t get the latest MBUX as you would find in the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Mercedes-Benz EQS. Sound is emitted via a Burmester sound system and the EQC comes with thermotronic automatic climate control.\nALSO WATCH: \nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC, from RM329k \u2013 5 Things\nGALLERY"
"Hot off the press from the launch last month, Toyota has now teased a performance version of the new \nToyota Yaris\n, to be unveiled next week!\u00a0\nIn the announcement tweet, Toyota Gazoo Racing has revealed that the Yaris GR-4 prototype will be unveiled at Rally Australia on 17th of November. Considering the curious location, could this be the \u201chomologation special\u201d edition of the next Yaris-based World Rally Championship (WRC) car?\u00a0\nGR Yaris Prototype. Live at Wedding Bells, Rally Australia. 2019.11.17\n#GR4\n \n#GRYaris\n \n#TOYOTAGAZOORacing\n \n#WRC\n \n#TGRWRT\n \npic.twitter.com/m5SFrDbgOf\n\u2014 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (@TOYOTA_GR) \nNovember 6, 2019\n \nFrom the single teaser image, we can clearly see the widened track at the rear, a slightly more aggressive rear spoiler, as well as a lower roofline compared to the standard Toyota Yaris. The GR-4 moniker on the hot hatch also hints that the car will be offered in a four-wheel-drive configuration.\u00a0\nToyota engineers probably did not have to work too hard to integrate the new drivetrain into the compact hatchback, as the standard Toyota Yaris already offers four-wheel-drive variants thanks to the \nTNGA-B platform\n with multi-link rear suspension.\u00a0\nWe think the new Toyota Yaris looks pretty good even without the flared wheel arches.\nAccording to \nEvo UK\n, the current WRC regulations require manufacturers to build 25,000 units of road-going cars that are similar in certain mechanical and design aspects for homologation purposes.\nIf the Yaris prototype is indeed a homologation special, this means that we can potentially see 25,000 (or more) units of the Toyota Yaris GR-4, instead of the mere 1,000 that were produced for the \nYaris GRMN\n!\u00a0\nOther information such as the powertrain and performance figures are frustratingly left out, but fortunately we don\u2019t have to wait too long to find out."
"In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya festive season, Shell Lubricants Malaysia and Waze have collaborated to launch Asia\u2019s first accident-prone spots alerts.\nThis initiative is aimed to help drivers be safer on the roads during this peak travel period, especially at the beginning of Ramadan, during and after Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Waze, through its crowdsourced data contributed by \u201cWazers\u201d or Waze users, have identified \n50 accident-prone spots\n across Peninsular Malaysia. From 16 May till 15 July 2017, a special Shell Helix icon will pop up to remind Wazers to be extra vigilant when approaching these accident hot spots.\nAccording to Alex Lim, Marketing Manager of Shell Lubricants Malaysia and Singapore, the company is taking its road safety practices further through the collaboration with Waze so that drivers could take to the roads with less worry.\nShell Lubricants will also be running a special oil change promotion to encourage owners to service their cars before embarking on their \nbalik kampung \njourneys. Catch the Shell Helix Aidilfitri video on YouTube and Facebook for a promo code and get up to \nRM30 off\n\u00a0for the next oil change service at participating Shell Helix branded workshops and Shell retail stations\u2019 Lubebay service outlets. The promo code will also appear on the Waze app.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"International motor shows like the ongoing Detroit Motor Show is where we can best take a glimpse of how cars of the future will look like. This time, we take a look of how Honda\u2019s premium brand, Acura, will look like in the coming years with the debut of this Precision Concept.\nThe Acura Precision Concept flaunts\u00a0a great number of long and edgy lines, followed by a low and wide stance and sloping roofline. Its sharp proportions are almost everywhere, ranging from the black front grille, headlights and tail lights, bumper, exhaust pipes and just basically anywhere that meets the eye. As with any concept cars, this Acura sits on ridiculously large rims, giving it that aggressive side profile.   Inside, there\u2019s a sense of minimalism detected, with a large screen built right into the centre of the dashboard. The screen could be used for infotainment purposes or a possible platform for future human-machine interface.\nAcura\u2019s Creative Director, Dave Marek said, \u201cThe Acura Precision Concept is a design study model that literally will shape the direction of all future Acura products.\u00a0t\u2019s the leading edge of a renewed commitment to creating a powerful and very exciting direction for the next generation of Acura models\u201d.\nAlthough the Acura brand is rarely offered in markets outside of the US, it would be interesting to see whether global Honda models will be taking its design cues from this Precision Concept. After all, you wouldn\u2019t say no to\u00a0a next generation Accord with lines inspired from the Precision Concept now, would you?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Three weeks ago, \nVolkswagen\n unveiled to the world the \nID.7\n all-electric (BEV) sedan, which is the flagship model of the Volkswagen ID. family. But the company doesn\u2019t seem to want to wait any longer and has just teased the hot version of the ID.7, the ID.7 GTX. There aren\u2019t many details released by Volkswagen regarding the ID.7 GTX just yet, as the company has only decided to tease a few highlights of the car.\nTo differentiate the ID.7 GTX from its \u2018regular\u2019 sibling, Volkswagen has given sporty touches to the car. This includes some black gloss elements, a black roof, and darkened windows.\nStandard Volkswagen ID.7\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.7 unveiled \u2013 up to 700km range, 200kW DC charging\nPowering the ID.7 GTX will be a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, which according to the carmaker is aimed to achieve an optimum combination of efficiency, dynamic and driving stability. The EV sports sedan also comes with a vehicle dynamic manager.\nThe vehicle dynamic manager enables the driver to control the vehicle\u2019s powertrain, braking, steering, as well as the chassis control system, depending on the driving profile selected. Being built on the Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform, just like the regular ID.7, the running gear and steering are fundamentally enhanced.\nStandard Volkswagen ID.7\nAs a result, this allows the ID.7 GTX to offer a large bandwidth between comfort and sportiness, according to Volkswagen. However, the carmaker has not shared information regarding the car\u2019s performance figures, driving range, or charging rate as of now.\nWe will have to wait till Volkswagen releases more details in the future. Inside, GTX treatments given to the ID.7 GTX include red GTX contrast stitchings on the seats, dashboard panel, and doors.\nStandard Volkswagen ID.7\nThe GTX brand houses Volkswagen\u2019s all-electric performance models, which include the \nID.4 GTX\n, \nID.5 GTX\n and now the ID.7 GTX which will be coming soon. The brand has been part of Volkswagen\u2019s portfolio for two years and is described by the company as a brand that produces dynamic vehicles which combine electric mobility, sustainability, and intelligent sportiness.\nThe ID.7 GTX is planned to be launched at the IAA Mobility (International Motor Show Germany) in Munich. The motor show will be held from \nSeptember 5 \nto\n 10\n, \n2023\n. Again, this is just a teaser of the ID.7 GTX, therefore actual details of the car when launched might be subject to change.\nRELATED: \n2023 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION in Malaysia now with IQ.Drive, from RM299k"
"The Infiniti Q50 is finally launched in Malaysia after almost a year since its first appearance at the\u00a0\nKLIMS 2013\n, featuring the\u00a0world\u2019s first steer-by-wire system or Direct Adaptive Steering (\nDAS\n).\u00a0Available in three variants, including a hybrid, this new premium sports sedan is priced from \nRM248,800\n. It has just started a fierce competition in the local premium market.\nThe new Infiniti Q50 is\u00a0available in three variants, starting from the Q50 2.0T GT, Q50 2.0T GT Premium and the Q50S 3.5 Hybrid.\u00a0This new premium sedan wears Infiniti\u2019s new face and design that will be inherited by future models to come, and one of its most standout features are the \u2018double arch\u2019 grille, the dynamic wave shoulder-line and crescent-cut C-pillar.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nInfiniti Q50 2.0T GT/ Premium\nInfiniti Q50S 3.5 Hybrid\nSegment\nC-Segment\nC-Segment\nEngine\n1,991cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged\n\u00a03,498cc V6 with 67hp electric motor\nTransmission\n7-speed automatic with ASC\n7-speed automatic with ASC\nMax Power\n211hp @ 5,500 rpm\n\u00a0364hp (Hybrid System Net Power)\nMax Torque\n350Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n\u00a0350Nm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nRM 248,800 / RM 278,800 \n\u00a0\nRM 398,800\n\u201cWe are all the more confident that the new Infiniti Q50 will strengthen our presence in Malaysia and nurture our brand. The New Q50 will deliver inspired performance to premium customers through its distinctive new design language, passionate craftsmanship and innovative technologies.\u201d said Dane Fisher, Director, Asia and Oceania, Infiniti Motor Company Limited.\nEXTERIOR\n \nInfiniti\u2019s new look is mainly dominated by its fascia \u2018double arch\u2019 grille paired with LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights in all three variants. Except\u00a0that the Q50S gets an extra Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and highbeam assist. LED rearlights and LED foglights are however similar in all.   The easiest way to differentiate the variants are the allow wheels. The entry level 2.0T GT are fitted with \n17-inch\n split 5-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels, Premiun gets \n18-inch\n split 5-spoke\u00a0aluminium-allow wheels, while the top range 3.5 Hydrid are fitted with \n19-inch\n triple 5-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels. All wrapped in run flat performance tyres.   INTERIOR\n \nInfiniti claims that the interior of the Q50 offers a powerful blend of three-dimensional textures, highest craftsmanship and premium quality, combining modern luxury and user-focused advanced technology. The engineers even researched on how to develop the leather on the seats to feel like the softness of a baby\u2019s skin.   Welcoming you into the cabin is a dual-screen command centre, a combination of an 8-inch and 7-inch LCD screens. This is where the Infiniti InTouch and Infiniti InTuition reside, enabling access to apps such as Performance Meter and Maintenance Note, while the latter allows customization to digital environment for audio, climate control, and settings for Infiniti Intelligent Key.\nThe Q50 recognizes up to four Infiniti Intelligent Keys, which the car provides a personalised experience for each key holder. It prepares sitting position, favourite apps, air-cond settings, favourite radio station, side mirror adjustment and many more, all ready for you once in the car. Preset of course.\nStandard in all variants are the dual-screen system, leather seats, leather 3-spoke steering wheel and\u00a0Kacchu aluminium accents, which is based on Japanese Samurai\u2019s armour texture design.\u00a0The Premium variant is equipped with a set of 14-speaker Bose Studio on Wheels, else it\u2019s a 6-speaker audio system.\nPERFORMANCE\n The Q50 2.0T GT is powered by a turbocharged \n2.0-liter\n, 4-cylinder Direct Injection with Piezo injectors. Mated with a \n7-speed\n automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Producing 211 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. It gets from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.2 seconds\n, with a top speed of \n245km/h\n.\nThe Q50S Hybrid on the other hand is fitted with a \n3.5-liter V6\n engine with Infiniti Direct Respinse Hybrid utilizing a lithium-ion battery and a \n67hp electric motor\n, together with the same \n7-speed\n gearbox as the GT. It generates a total of \n364 horsepower\n when both V6 and electric powertrain combined, with a maximum torque of\n 350Nm\n. Acceleration figure from 0 to 100 in just \n5.1 seconds\n! Top speed is capped at\u00a0\n250km/h\n.\nIn addition to that, the Q50S \u00a0also comes with sports package such as sport-tuned suspension, moon roof and solid magnesium paddle shifters. The world\u2019s first electric control steering wheel or steer-by-wire is only available in Premium and Hybrid variants. After 10 years of research, Infiniti has finally introduced its Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), offering driving comfort, safety and steering precision. Watch our \nlaunch highlights\n to learn more about the DAS.\nSAFETY\n \nWhen it comes to safety, the Q50 is well prepared. First of, the car is constructed using ultra high-strength steel, with twice the tensile strength of conventional steel. \u00a0Standard in all variants are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).\u00a0Cabin is fitted 6-airbags; dual front, two sides, and two curtain airbags.\nPremium and Hybrid variants are equipped with some clever safety features. They have the world\u2019s first Active Lane Control (ALC) system which uses camera-based technology to enhance lane-keeping safety; Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Sport Intervention systems; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems; Forward Emergency Braking (FEB); Predictive Forward Collision Warming (PFCW) and Intelligent Cruise Control.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nInfiniti is optimistic that this newcomer is able to propel the brand further in the Malaysian market. With its attractive introductory price for a Completely Built-Up (CBU) premium sedan, it\u2019s set to a tough contender among the usuals; BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS and Audi A4.\nAvailable in three variants, the entry level \nInfiniti Q50 2.0T GT\n is priced at \nRM248,800\n (OTR without insurance), at RM30,000 more there\u2019s the \nQ50 2.0T GT Premium \nis\u00a0at\n RM278,800\n. To get the best out of the new Infiniti, \nQ50S 3.5 Hydrid\n is available at \nRM398,800\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just announced that the company will honour the zero-rated GST price tags on Hyundai Ioniq hybrid and selected Tucson models for all bookings made before 31 August 2018.\nCustomers will not be burdened with the price hike when the Sales and Services Tax (SST) is reimplemented even if their vehicle is delivered after 1 September 2018. The model variants that qualify for this Price Guarantee scheme are as below:\nModel Variant\nPrice with 0% GST\nIoniq Hybrid HEV\nRM94,788\nIoniq Hybrid HEV Plus\nRM109,988\nTucson Elegance\nRM119,188\nTucson Turbo\nRM137,488\nManaging Director of Sime Darby Motors, Dennis Ho said: \u201cWith our stock for the Ioniq Hybrid and Tucson* fast depleting, we will need time to replenish the stock in order to fulfil customers\u2019 demands. It is only fair that HSDM absorbs the SST for orders placed by 31 August 2018, even for vehicles delivered after the SST takes effect\u201d\nAll vehicles sold by HSDM comes with a 5-Years or 300,000 km warranty as standard. Additionally, the Ioniq is entitled to 3-Years/60,000 km free service while the Tucson is entitled to a 3-Years/50,000 km free service programme."
"The G20 BMW 3-Series has had many split opinions. The overall handling and body control are as expected- class-leading and still the benchmark for many to follow, but the riding comfort does not satisfy. It has returned to the unnecessarily stiff and a feeling of insufficient damping from the shock absorbers which was a stereotypical trait of BMW of the late 2000s.\u00a0\u00a0\nBoth the 320i Sport and \n330i M Sport we reviewed\n made a lasting impression in which it could be rather unpleasant at majority of the commuting journey due to the relatively harsher ride. One major difference in features that the recently introduced \nBMW 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid\n included is the fitment of the adaptive M suspension.\nAs mentioned in earlier articles, there are literally no differences on the exterior and interior of the PHEV 330e and petrol-powered 330i, both in M Sport treatment.\u00a0 The \u2018eDrive\u2019 emblems that were on the previous generation 330e have been removed, making the identification of the PHEV 330e only through the charging port on the left front fender and the model emblem on the bootlid.\nHowever, the driving experience is much more enjoyable in the plug-in hybrid BMW 330e M Sport. Immediately, the adaptive M suspension does an incredible job in sorting out all the uneven road surfaces. It is softer but body control is still present, with the 330e goes over speed humps with an assuring \u2018thud\u2019.\u00a0\nAdditional soundproofing also isolates the cabin to a higher level, making it far calmer especially compared to competitors.\nThe driving modes are exclusive to the 330e, starting with Adaptive, Electric, Hybrid and finally Sport. All are self-explanatory, to be honest, and the much talked about XtraBoost is available in Sport mode.\nXtraBoost delivers the maximum \n292 hp\n to propel the BMW 330e to triple-digit speeds a lot sooner than you expect, accompanied by a nice feeling of being pinned to the seat. On paper, the century sprint is just 0.1 seconds slower than the 330i, but subjectively felt faster thanks to the abundance of torque from the electric motor from lower engine rpm.\nNothing intangible from the driver\u2019s seat makes one notice the increase in kerb weight of \n270 kg\n. Yes, 270 kg of extra electric motor, wiring and mass from the plug-in hybrid system and it still goes as you expect from a BMW.\nOnly on the most aggressive series of bends, one would feel the added weight being waved about, but in day-to-day drives, it\u2019s negligible.\nStrong regenerative braking (20 kW) is enabled in Adaptive and Electric driving modes, thus one does not even use much of the M Sport brakes to slow the car down, especially while driving in urban areas. This low-pedal usage keeps the rims much cleaner too with little to no discharge of brake dust.\nOut on the open road, there is more than enough system output to clear slower traffic in all driving modes. The transition from full electric to hybrid deserves mention too, one could hardly feel the combustion engine igniting and vibrating away.\nIn the interior, the hybrid-exclusive information displayed on the driver\u2019s screen is the tally of combustion-free kilometres, an energy meter and electric-only range. I find myself using the speed limit function a lot more in the BMW 330e, as I wanted to drive as much as possible with just the electric motor and keeping under 40% of energy usage.\nWith an increase in\n public wallbox charging facilities\n, improving the electric range was convenient too. However, a battery with 100% charge is nowhere near as optimistic as the publicised 56 km range. My highest range available was 36 km, all in air-conditioning comfort which the regulated European fuel consumption standard (NEDC, WLTP) does not activate.\nThe BMW 330e M Sport is actually the most expensive four-cylinder 3 Series in the Malaysian line-up. But thanks to enormous incentives from the government, it sits between the \nentry 320i\n and the 330i. The very pleasurable \nBMW M340i xDrive\n with a delightful straight-six engine meanwhile cost over RM100k dearer but it is money well spent.\nWith the same outlook and straight-line performance, choosing between the BMW 330i and BMW 330e boils down to infrastructure-related questions and driving preference. It only makes plenty of sense and \u2018sens\u2019 if a wallbox or at least a charging socket can be fitted at your place of residence.\nLeft to charge on its own, the 330e doesn\u2019t seem to have significantly better fuel consumption. The quietness and vibration-free movement in fully electric mode of the BMW 330e still hold plenty of novelty given the lack of EVs in Malaysia.\nBMW 330e M Sport specifications:\nEngine\n1,998cc, four-cylinder turbo, plug-in hybrid\nElectric Motor; battery energy content\n113 hp, 265 Nm; 12 kWh, EV range: 56 km\nCombined system output, horsepower\n292 hp, with XtraBoost\nCombined system output, torque\n420 Nm\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic\n0-100 km/h, top speed\n5.9 seconds, 230 km/h\nPrice, OTR (w/o ins, with SST exemptions)\nRM264,613.13\nGALLERY"
"A single image of what appears to be the\u00a0\nMcLaren 650S\n\u2018s successor\u00a0has just surfaced onto the internet, ahead of its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The long awaited replacement for the brand\u2019s Super Series model is known internally as the P14 and apparently will bear the 720S moniker.\nThis state-of-the-art McLaren will feature the company\u2019s next-generation carbon fibre monocoque. No technical details are available at press time, but we can safely expect the car to produce around 720 PS, as its name suggests. What else can we expect? The company\u2019s signature dihedral doors, of course. Several clear giveaways are the dual exhaust tips, but the rest remain distinctly McLaren.\n \n \nWhile the 650S may be the brand\u2019s second supercar in the Super Series, it was often passed off as a \nMP4-12C\n \nfacelift\n. Therefore, we can\u2019t wait to see what the P14 has to offer and secondly, you can count on McLaren to deliver the more hardcore Long Tail version of this somewhere down the road."
"It won\u2019t be long till the first production version of the \nAston Martin DBX\n is delivered to customers. The folks at Gaydon promised that the British marque\u2019s first SUV will go into full production in 2020.\nBut before the DBX is\nready to hit the production floor, the car was brought to Pirelli\u2019s R&D\nSottozero Centre in Sweden to continue its intensive development programme. The\nice track allows the engineers to tweak how the car handles on snowy roads to\nice handling courses.\n \nAston Martin Chief\nEngineer, Matt Becker said: \u201cThe Aston Martin DBX needs to be ready for a wide\nrange of multi-terrain surfaces, so in addition to testing the car in normal\nday-to-day situations, we need to test it in extreme conditions such as these.\nTesting these prototypes in cold climate conditions helps us to assess the\ncar\u2019s early dynamics and crucially ensure confidence inspiring sure-footedness\non low grip surfaces.\u201d\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAston\u00a0Martin\u00a0DBX\u00a0Winter\u00a0Testing"
"First previewed in April together with the\n BMW X3 sDrive20i\n, BMW Malaysia has confirmed the pricing of the locally-assembled BMW 330Li M Sport.\nThe first-ever BMW 330Li M Sport is now priced from \nRM277,164.22\n, just RM6,000 more than that short wheelbase variant.\nAs such, the BMW 3 Series line-up in Malaysia, with standard warranty pricing, consist of:\nBMW 320i Sport 2021 with BMW Live Cockpit Professional- RM230,763.65\nBMW 330e M Sport PHEV- RM249,848.95\nBMW 330i M Sport- RM271,212.02\nBMW 330Li M Sport Long wheelbase- RM277,164.22\nBMW M340i xDrive- RM389,234.13\nEXTERIOR\nThe first-ever BMW 3 Series long wheelbase in Malaysia will be offered with the popular M Sport package. This means the inclusion of the M Sport aerodynamics kit, M badges, and black window surrounds similar to the standard wheelbase variants.\nHowever, the design of the rims is different, together with a rear bumper that surrounds the exhaust outlets in a trapezoidal design. Visible behind the 18-inch wheels are the unpainted standard brake calipers.\n18\u2033 M light-alloy wheels in Double Spoke Style 848 M Bicolour, staggered sizing\nM Aerodynamics Package\nStandard brake calipers\nAdaptive LED headlamps\nWelcome light \u201ccarpet\u201d\nPanoramic 2-piece glass roof\u00a0\n \nThe wheelbase has been stretched by \n110 mm\n, measuring 2,961 mm, which is just 14 mm shorter than the BMW 5 Series. Compared to the Lexus ES which visually looks exceptionally spacious like a long-wheelbase car, the ruler only registers a reading of 2,870 mm, or 91 mm shorter than the 330 Li.\nBMW says there is a 6 mm increase in overall height on the 330Li M Sport compared to the \n330i M Sport\n. Boot space is rated at 480 litres.\nINTERIOR\nIn terms of the additional features for the more spacious back seat, there aren\u2019t any extra toys. However, a massive two-piece \npanoramic glass roof\n provides more light into the enlarged cabin. Dimensionally, the legroom for the rear passengers has \nincreased by 42 mm\n, while headroom is a marginal 4 mm more compared to the 330i M Sport.\nDashboard in Sensatec\nAluminium Tetragon trim with pearl chrome highlights\nM Sport steering wheel and foot pedals\nComfort front seats\n12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster\n10.25-inch touch screen central display\nThree-zone automatic air-conditioning\n10-speaker HiFi sound system\nEnhanced ambient lighting (lighting strip at back of front seats)\nUpfront, the occupants are treated to a higher quality interior compared to the standard wheelbase variants. The dashboard is now covered in Sensatec with contrast stitching while the switches at doors are in a satin finishing called \u201cGalvanic Embellishers\u201d.\nThe Malaysian launch of the first-ever BMW 330Li M Sport will also debut the new \n\u2018My BMW App\u2018\n that provides easy access to a wide range of remote services, on-the-go navigation, and e-mobility features. The application will replace the BMW Connected App \nthis month\n and is now available for download on both Android and iOS-enabled smartphones.\nThe first-ever locally-assembled BMW 330Li M Sport can be had in Mineral White or Carbon Black and paired with Vernasca leather upholstery in Mocha with black stitching.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic, rear-wheel drive\nMax Power: 258 hp @ 5,000 rpm to 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,550 rpm to 4,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h: 6.2 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h (limited)\nFuel consumption: 6.4 l/100 km\nThe powertrain of the new BMW 330Li M Sport mirrors the 330i M Sport, which means access to the potent \n258 hp\n output and \n400 Nm\n of torque from the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Due to the increase in overall mass, the 0 to 100 km/h time for the long-wheelbase variant takes a little longer, now registering \n6.2 seconds\n\u2013 a 0.4-second delay.\u00a0\nBeing focussed as a limousine, the suspension has the standard lift-related dampers setting (non M Sport, non adaptive) as well as standard steering mechanism, unlike the 330Li M Sport with variable sport steering paired with M Sport suspension. Watch our review on the BMW 330i M Sport \nhere\n.\nSAFETY\nSimilar to the standard wheelbase variant, the new BMW 330Li M Sport is also equipped with the Driving Assistant Package which includes:\nFront Collision Warning with brake intervention\nLane Departure Warning\nLane Change Warning\nRear Cross-Traffic Warning and Collision Prevention\nReverse camera\nIntelligent Emergency Call\nPRICING\nThe first-ever BMW 330Li M Sport is priced from \nRM277,164.22\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions. However, the aforementioned price only comes with a standard two-year warranty.\nFor the full five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme and, the price increases to \nRM290,284.22\n \u2013 a RM13,120 premium.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the first-ever BMW 330Li M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM3,078 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).\nGALLERY"
"The Ford F-150 \u201cAT44\u201d is built by Arctic Trucks and if that company sounds familiar to you, that\u2019s because they\u2019re the same people that built the two Toyota Hilux used by Jeremy Clarkson and James May and their Top Gear crew in their Arctic expedition special.\nSafe to say, these guys are well established when it comes to building the biggest and baddest trucks to explore the roughest, coldest, ice-laden landscapes on this planet. Look them up and you\u2019d realise that the Toyota Hilux isn\u2019t their only \u201cArctic explorer of choice\u201d.\n \nAmong the 4x4s they modify and prep to face the white death that is the Arctic include the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Isuzu D-Max, the Nissan Navara and Patrol, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and even the Lexus 570.\n Check them out here\n!\nWhile the company has meddled with Ford\u2019s pick-up, it has only been limited to the F-350 but this Ford F-150 \u201cAT44\u201d, named after its 44-inch tyre conversion according to \nMotor1.com\n, should mark a new beginning although not much else is known about the so far as the company has only so far teased its existence on their \nFacebook page\n.\nSource: \nArctic Trucks\nGALLERY"
"Tesla Motors has unveiled the Model 3, Tesla\u2019s third model after the Model S saloon and Model X SUV. This time, the Model 3 is positioned as the company\u2019s bread and butter, long-range\u00a0electric vehicle\u00a0to attract the masses. Think of it this way; the Model S is the iPhone 6s, and the Model 3 is like the iPhone SE. It\u2019s for everyone.\nThe Model 3 is a subcompact car that uses\n\u00a0lithium-ion batteries,\n\u00a0capable of travelling \n344km\n in a single charge. Performance remains strong with the base car. It dashes to the century mark in 6.0 seconds (Tesla\u2019s CEO Elon Musk once said \u201cWe don\u2019t make slow cars\u201d), so expect future variants of the Model 3 to go faster, way faster than the current 6.0-second benchmark.\nPracticality is a strong suit with the Model 3 as it\n sits five comfortably,\n made possible with a redesigned cabin. Just like other Tesla cars, boot space is available at the front and back. All Model 3 variants will receive Tesla\u2019s Autopilot autonomous driving technology as standard and a five-star safety rating is expected once it\u2019s put through the crash safety test.\nThe Model 3, built at Tesla\u2019s Fremont plant,\u00a0begins at\u00a0\n\u00a324,000\n (approx RM137,000 at current rates) which is pretty accessible for a Tesla (the base Model S at \u00a354,995 in the UK), matching the price of most compact premium saloons in the UK. However, hold that excitement first because production will only be commencing late 2017. But that hasn\u2019t stopped over 130,000 people from placing their orders!\nPrior to this, the idea of having the Tesla brand present in our region seems a little far out of reach. But with the Model 3, it\u2019s turning out to be more of a reality than just a dream. Who knows in the future, with the right charging infrastructure and appointed distributor, we might just be able to buy ourselves an official Tesla car. Until then, let\u2019s just wait. Patiently.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia revealed today in a video conference its new brand design and logo to lead the company\u2019s fresh new vision and attitude.\nJust like what BMW has done to theirs recently\n, Volkswagen has also opted for a rebranding exercise of sorts, not just to align the company\u2019s brand image on a global scale but also to be more relevant in the digital scene. Volkswagen says the new logo is also aimed at appealing to the younger and upcoming generation of car buyers. Looking at it, their intentions couldn\u2019t be any clearer.\n \n\u201cAll visuals are bolder and more colourful, incorporating a vibrancy that is translated to the way the brand is communicated.\u00a0This also applies to the new brand symbols such as pictograms, typography, colours or layout guidelines,\u201d said Volkswagen.\u00a0\nThe new logo now projects a more modern and simpler appearance that\u2019s flat, two-dimensional and more digitally adaptable. Along with the latest evolution of the iconic logo, Volkswagen now has \na sound logo by a female voice\n \u2013 one that\u2019s definitely more approachable and inviting\n compared to the coarse, manly voice used currently\n.\n \nVPCM, Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cThis introduction represents a new era for the brand. \u201cWe have always been digital first here in Malaysia, having pioneered numerous ground-breaking initiatives, from selling our cars on ecommerce sites to launching our digital showroom.\u201d\n\u201cIn such challenging times, we recognise the need to be even more customer-centric, and to be able to move to the new brand design completes this transformation for us. The principles of \u2018people first, \u2018new attitude\u2019 and \u2018digital first\u2019 will shape our future direction in better reaching out and creating a new Volkswagen experience for our customers.\u201d\nAs mentioned earlier, this new initiative is also a realignment of the Volkswagen brand design \u2013 one of the world\u2019s largest rebranding campaigns \u2013 involving over \n171 markets and 10,000 dealerships\n. In Malaysia, a total of 21 dealerships will be revamped externally and internally in stages, over the next months and is expect to be completed by the end of 2020.\nVPCM said that the first Volkswagen in Malaysia to bear the new logo would be the\n Mk 8 Golf \nbut also highlighted that they\u2019re not expecting it to arrive by this year.\nIn the same video conference, VPCM said the \nnew Passat R-Line will be launched \u201cvery soon\u201d\n without specifying a date although it\u2019s safe to assume that the new car, based on the \nPassat Elegance\n launched at the end of last year, would still be bear the old logo.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has launched the new facelift BMW M340i xDrive with two variants available. The facelift starts from RM391,800 for the standard variant while the new M Sport Pro variant starts from RM396,800. For that, the M340i xDrive will also come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service.\nNote that the standard M340i xDrive is now RM28,120 more expensive than before, while the new M340i xDrive M Sport Pro variant is available exclusively online with a pre-booking fee of RM3,000.\u00a0\nBy the way, if you need to renew your car insurance, get 10% cash rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with\u00a0\nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa!\nSo what do you get for that higher asking price? For starters, a better-looking car (somewhat). The front end looks no different to the facelift BMW 3 Series launched earlier this year, while the rear end looks far more aggressive than before, especially with the new rear bumper design.\nMaking up the exterior are items like adaptive LED headlamps, a new front grille design that sports horizontal instead of vertical chrome pins from before, 19-inch style 791 M light alloy wheels, M Sport brakes and M adaptive suspension. With the M High-gloss Shadowline package, items like the side mirror and window surrounds are finished in high-gloss black.\nThere are a bunch of interesting colours too; such as the Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire and Alpine white which were available for the pre-facelift model. For the facelift, BMW has reintroduced the Melbourne Red in favour of the Sunset Orange along with new options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey. Doesn\u2019t it just pop in that Melbourne Red colour?\nMoving inside, the first thing you\u2019d notice is the large BMW Curved Display featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. You also get a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, Harman Kardon surround sound system and three-zone air conditioning. Upholstery options include Vernasca leather in Black or Mocha.\u00a0\nAs for the new M Sport Pro variant, it stands out with M Lights Shadowline, 19-inch style 792 M light alloy wheels, M seat belts, red brake callipers, and a Tacora Red upholstery.\nUnder the hood is a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with 392 hp (288 kW) and 500 Nm of torque to drive all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Its 0-100 km/h is 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.\nGALLERY"
"So as you\u2019re all aware by now, the \nnew Mitsubishi Triton\n has finally made its way to Malaysia after its \nglobal unveiling in Bangkok, Thailand\n and its \npreview at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow\n.\nAfter a \nquick taste of the car in Bangkok\n, we got to spent some time off-roading with the new pick-up in Sabah. Substantial time was also spent on the tarmac, en route to Kudat, Tambunan, Keningau, and Tuaran.\nIn the 850 km I clocked in three days, with just under a tank of fuel (surprisingly), one thing really stood out to me \u2013 the \nknee pads on the side of the centre console\n.\nIt made all the difference on the those patchy roads, especially when the driver (me) is made of skin and bones \u2013 it\u2019s not fun knocking the side of your knees on hard plastic.\nA quick check showed that no other pick-ups on sale in Malaysia at the moment are furnished with the said knee pads \u2013 save for the Nissan Navara that comes with a little storage compartment \u2013 perhaps something for other manufacturers to look into.\nOn the side note, it was announced that the Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has seen a hike in sales for the previous Triton, from 4,556 units (2017) to\n 5,658 units\n (2018).\nIn 2019, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia \nexpects to sell over 7,000 units\n of the new model which had already received \n800 bookings\n.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia will also be adding \nseven new showrooms \nto its network this year, to a new total of 59.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019s no other way to say this; if you own a Nissan vehicle in Malaysia, please refer to the tables below and take action immediately if your vehicle is affected by Takata airbag inflators that could pose a threat to you or your passenger when they are triggered.\nExpanded recall for Nissan models for August 2019.\nA total of \n11,917 units\n are being recalled this round and it involves three models; the \nD40 Navara pick-up\n (this covers the last gen model), \nGrand Livina MPV\n and \nX-Gear crossover\n. The current-generation NP300 Navara is not included in this recall.\nOwners of Nissan vehicles affected by the airbag recall will be notified by letter and are urged to set up an appointment with the nearest Nissan authorised service outlet. \nSelected Nissan outlets\n also have extended operational hours and are open every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays to cope with the recall campaign.\nExisting models previously announced which require airbag replacements.\nThe fastest and simpler way to check if your vehicle is affected is via online at \nhttp://servicecampaign.nissan.com.my/\n or you can pick up the phone and call \n1-800-88-3838\n to enquire. As of June 2019, Tan Chong have replaced defective airbag inflators belonging to 99,670 vehicles, or 56% of those affected."
"The Minister of Finance, Tengku Dato\u2019 Sri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has announced through a media statement that there will be\n no additional charges\n to the instalment payments \u2013 compound and additional accrued interests \u2013 for all hire purchase car loans or fixed-rate Shariah financing, in relation to the \nsix-month moratorium as announced in March\n at the start of the \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n.\nEssentially, if you have opted in \u2013 which should have been automatic \u2013 for the six-month moratorium to defer your loan payments from the 1st of April, your repayments will \nreturn to your original monthly amount from October 2020\n onwards until the end of your loan tenure \u2013 which will be \nextended by six months\n to reflect the moratorium period.\nThe latest announcement by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has effectively nullified the changes made by Bank Negara Malaysia on the 30th of April to \nallow for banks to charge accrued interest\n during the moratorium period.\nTengku Zafrul said in the statement that the decision was made after discussions with the banking industry. \u201cThe government hopes that this decision can help ease the burden of the people in these trying times.\u201d"
"This mid-life facelift of Nissan\u2019s best-selling SUV has been a long time coming. While the X-Trail remains one of the most popular SUVs in its class, it has been outshone by competitors in features and technology since its launch in January 2015.\n Facelifted X-Trail sports new rear bumpers and \u2018smoked\u2019 tail-lamps with LED light bar.\nWell, it\u2019s no longer the case with the introduction of the \nfacelifted X-Trail\n, now equipped with a slew of active safety tech as part of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility initiative. Just to recap, the refreshed range now encompasses four variants with different three powertrains:\n2.0-litre 2WD (Standard grade); estimated price of under RM139,900\n2.0-litre 2WD (Mid grade); estimated price of under RM149,900\n2.5-litre 4WD; estimated price of under RM159,900\n2.0-litre Hybrid; estimated price of under RM169,900\nStandard safety specs have been raised across the board and all variants get six airbags except the 2.0L base variant with four, along with electronic stability control and around view monitor as before, but now with the addition of moving object detection (adds a layer of preventive safety if you have toddlers at home).\n John Mayer \u2018approves\u2019 of the Android Auto-ready head-unit on the updated X-Trail.\nGone is the foot-operated manual parking brake, now replaced by an electronic park brake with Auto Hold function on all variants. Additionally, there\u2019s a new Nissan 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (made by Bosch) that comes with \nAndroid Auto\n and \nApple CarPlay\n, for all four variants as well.\nThe 2.0-litre 2WD mid-grade onwards adds lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic and powered tailgate with foot detection, while both the 2.5-litre 4WD and Hybrid variants top up the list of active safety functions with active cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.\n Nissan\u2019s Intelligent Cruise Control in action; works seamlessly above 32 km/h, easy to use too.\nThe most interesting variant is of course the 2.0-litre 2WD hybrid. This new drivetrain isn\u2019t to be confused with the mild hybrid system found on the Serena S-Hybrid as it\u2019s a full hybrid with 0.9 kWh worth of lithium-ion batteries powering a \n41 hp\n and \n160 Nm electric motor\n.\nThe X-Trail Hybrid is capable of electric drive (when state of charge allows, automatically regulated by the hybrid system) with regenerative braking. The dual-power source is channelled through to the CVT via a dual-clutch control system. So as not to catch pedestrians unawares, the X-Trail Hybrid emits a simulated rolling \u2018noise\u2019 when under pure electric power.\n New hybrid powerplant churns out a total system output of 179 hp, not bad.\nThe \ncombined output\n of the hybrid system is \n179 hp\n, with torque unspecified, though the electric motor is capable of a very handy \n160 Nm\n on its own, supporting the \n144 hp\n and\n 200 Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder MR20DD\n direct injection engine.\nWe had a brief go at the X-Trail Hybrid at its media preview and the low-end response is noticeably perkier than the non-hybrid pre-facelifted 2.0-litre 2WD, with much improved NVH (as part of the facelift updates), ride comfort and perceived interior quality. Do note that the Hybrid is a 5-seater while the rest remain as 7-seaters owing to the placement of the battery pack behind the second row.\n The interior of the X-Trail gets a new steering wheel and various soft-touch trim.\nWe also managed to trial the active cruise control and forward collision warning system and it works well right off the bat in traffic, but more importantly, the suite of active safety tech is simple to activate via the rather sporty three-spoke steering wheel. Is Nissan back in the reckoning in this ultra-competitive segment? We\u2019ll find out soon enough after its official launch next month.\nImage gallery"
"Naza Italia, the official distributor of Ferrari vehicles in Malaysia has officially added the \nFerrari Portofino\n to their line up of cars. Let Eu Jin tell you Things You Need 2 Know about the latest 2+2 convertible Ferrari.\nAs a successor to the California T, the Portofino gets a turbocharged V8 engine measuring 3.9-litres of displacement. The new powerplant brings output to \n592 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n paired to a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. Couple that to a lighter body (-80 kg), the Portofino will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.5 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n320 km/h\n.\nLike any other Ferrari, the Ferrari Tailor-Made programme offers customers to spec their Portofino to their heart\u2019s content. That is if they aren\u2019t bothered by the base price of RM948,000 excluding duties and options."
"The cheapest electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia right now, the \nNeta V\n has garnered 100 bookings during the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 alone. Making its Malaysian debut at the Autoshow, the Neta V is priced at \nRM99,800\n, but was offered with a RM10,000 cash rebate for those who placed their bookings during the Autoshow.\nThe Neta V is a fully electric car by Hozon New Energy Automobile, a Chinese EV company backed by Chinese battery giant CATL. In Malaysia, the Neta brand is officially distributed by Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of GoAuto Group.\nAs a budget EV, the Neta doesn\u2019t boast high performance figures. It is a powered by a single front-mounted electric motor that makes 70 kW (\n95 hp\n) and \n150 Nm\n. No 0-100km/h times are listed, but the Neta does \n0 to 50 km/h \nin\n 3.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n120 km/h\n.\nAs for battery and range, the Neta V houses a small \n38.5-kWh\n battery pack which provides \n380 km\n of range (NEDC). Charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n6.6 kW\n with AC charging and \n100 kW \nwith DC charging. 6.6-kW AC charging fully charges the car in roughly \n8 hours\n while 100-kW DC charging charges the car from 30% to 80% in approximately \n30 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \nNeta V makes Malaysia debut \u2013 budget-oriented compact EV SUV from RM99,800\nGoAuto Group Chief Strategy Officer, Mohd Norazli Mohd Salleh said, \u201cWe are pleased to have reached our milestone of 100 bookings during the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. We are grateful to Puan Muhaya Salleh, for being our hundredth customer, and we look forward to delivering her NETA V soon.\u201d\nTo celebrate this exciting moment, NETA presented Muhaya Salleh, who is the 100th customer, with a NETA V Diecast model to symbolize the hundredth booking.\nMuhaya Salleh said, \u201cI have been on the lookout for an electric vehicle that is both eco-friendly and stylish, as a special gift to my daughter. I fell in love with the vehicle\u2019s sleek, modern look, as well as its warranty offers. We are excited to be part of this milestone.\u201d\nRELATED: \nHozon to produce EVs in Thailand, to cater for ASEAN region"
"These days, you can get almost anything done through the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet. Whether it\u2019s getting Visa card, getting CTOS reports, investments and parking payments, it can all be done in one app. Now, you can also get Trapo car mats through the app!\u00a0\nEarlier today, both parties put pen to paper on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which will see Trapo\u2019s eco-friendly car mats being sold on the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet app. Special deals will also be available exclusively for those who purchase the car mats through the app.\nTo commemorate the partnership, Trapo is offering a 13% discount to Touch \u2018n Go eWallet users on all their items storewide from \nApril 3 to 30\n.\n\u201cTouch \u2018n Go eWallet is always on the lookout for partners such as Trapo to bring added value to our users by providing access to quality products and services with the convenience of making payments through the eWallet app.\u00a0Through this partnership, Touch \u2018n Go eWallet is able to expand our mobility offerings beyond transit, toll and parking payments, vehicle trade-ins, health and motor insurances to premium automotive products to our users,\u201d TNG Digital, Chief Commercial Officer, Danny Chua.\nChua added, \u201cWe are always supportive of initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, and Trapo\u2019s mission in repurposing industrial waste into high quality usable and desirable automotive products is highly commendable.\u201d\n\u201cTouch \u2018n Go is widely used by Malaysians and as such we share a common audience. We believe that this partnership is a great opportunity to advocate our local sustainable products with a focus on promoting better safety and comfort on the road,\u201d said Trapo Asia, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Tzong Lee.\nRecently, Trapo also partnered with DK Schweizer, a local OEM upholstery supplier, to introduce a range of \nSnapFit car seat covers\n. There are three types available \u2013 PVC from \nRM1,299\n, synthetic leather from \nRM1,699\n and semi-Nappa leather from \nRM2,099\n.\u00a0\nGet \n15% off\n the car seat covers and \n20% off\n when purchasing both the Trapo car mats and SnapFit car seat covers. The seat covers are available at Trapo Hubs nationwide."
"Unless you live under a giant rock, you would\u2019ve probably heard about the upset during the second day of the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stages, where Saudi Arabia unexpectedly defeated two-time champions Argentina. And just to put the results into context, Argentina is ranked third in the official FIFA rankings, while Saudi Arabia is all the way down at 51.\nTo say that the results were unexpected would perhaps be underselling it, and the Saudi Arabia royalties are understandably ecstatic by it \u2013 so much so that on top of the public holiday announced by King Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, has also decided to gift \neach\n of the players a \nRolls-Royce Phantom\n. Well, according to Twitter, anyway.\nBREAKING: MBS has announced a Rolls Royce Phantom to each team member having defeated ARG \n#FIFAWorldCup\n \n#SAvsARG\n \n#SaudiArabia\n \ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udde6 serves up the first major upset of the \n#FIFAWorldCup\n\u2014 Awab Alvi (@DrAwab) \nNovember 22, 2022\n \nWhile there hasn\u2019t been any official confirmations from the Kingdom just yet, such a gift wouldn\u2019t be completely out of character from the Saudi royalty. Back in the 1994 World Cup, the king also gifted a Rolls-Royce to striker Saeed Al-Owairan for scoring against Belgium, which brought the nation into the knockout stage despite being the lowest-ranked team of the tournament.\nALSO READ: \nThe Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus has no clock, because time is an illusion, apparently\nIf they are indeed getting a Rolls-Royce Phantom each, then MBS will have to be prepared to pay a hefty sum for it. Even when you\u2019re just considering the 11 starting players and four substitutes, that\u2019s still at least RM50 million (before tax). and that\u2019s before any options tacked on. Although, it\u2019s not like they can\u2019t afford it.\nThanks to the win, Saudi Arabia is currently top of their group with three points. They will be facing off against Poland next, scheduled for tomorrow at 9 pm.\nRELATED: \nThese Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII images will make you wish your parents made more money"
"If you\u2019re buying a BMW 3 Series, fuel consumption will most likely be the least of your worries. Ask any 3 Series owner about their average fuel consumption and chances are you\u2019re going to get a blank stare in return. Instead, they will babble about the sporty drive and the quintessential 50:50 weight distribution.\nWell, most probably. But this particular 3 Series, the 330e, is somewhat unusual. It might even attract a new fanbase, especially those who do keep tabs on their monthly fuel bills, because the 330e is claimed to sip just 2.1 litres of petrol over 100km.\nFor comparison, the just-as-powerful but not-as-torquey \n330i\n drinks a full four litres more to cover the same distance, so how did the 330e attained such figure? By the help of an \nelectric motor\n, of course. Yes, the 330e is no ordinary 3 Series, in fact it\u2019s the first of its kind in a long history of 3 Series that stretches back to more than four decades. While it\u2019s not the first hybrid 3 Series (that title belongs to the ActiveHybrid3 launched in 2013), the 330e is the first 3 Series that you can charge at home like any of your battery-powered mobile devices.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 330e iPerformance\nEngine\n1,998cc; twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic with Steptronic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n290 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,250 rpm\nHybrid Motor Output\n88 hp & 250 Nm\nCombined Max Power / Torque\n248 hp / 420 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.1 seconds; 225 km/h\nFuel Consumption\n2.1 litres per 100km\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM248,800\nDebuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 330e was \nlaunched here in Malaysia\n almost a year later, and eventually superseded the 330i as the top dog for the Malaysian F30 range. Prior to the arrival of the 330e, you need to fork out RM298k for the 330i. Even the 320d below it costs RM269k. The 330e is brawnier than both of them, but because it\u2019s a locally-assembled and EEV-certified car, you can get one from \nRM249k\n. Sounds like quite a bargain, but does that make the 330e the best 3 Series on sale? Let\u2019s find out.\nEXTERIOR\nNot long ago, the entire F30 3 Series range has been given a Life Cycle Impulse (or LCI, which is BMW-speak for facelift). If tr\nuth be told, they don\u2019t look that much different from the preceding version, apart from the redesigned full-LED lights front and back. The 330e is much of a muchness.   While some carmakers differentiate the hybrid variant by adding either green or blue highlights around the car, the 330e looks just like any other F30 3 Series. Even so, keen eyes will be able spot the \neDrive badges\n on the C pillar and the \ncharging port\n on the front left fender.\nThere are \ntwo trims\n\u00a0offered for the 330e \u2013\u00a0\nSport\n and \nM Sport\n. Our car is the former, which is pretty much identical the 320i Sport. It wears the Sport front bumper and kidney grille with gloss black inserts, gloss black side window surrounds, and gloss black trim on the rear bumper with twin tailpipes.However, unlike the 320i Sport, the 330e is fitted with a set of staggered \n18-inch wheels\n.\nThe fronts are wrapped in \n225/45 ZR18\n rubbers and the rear ones use a much wider \n255/40 ZR18\n Pirellis. If that\u2019s not enough to set your pulse racing, then the M Sport should be right up your alley. In exchange for another \nRM10k\n you\u2019ll get the fabulous \nM Sport kit\n and a set of ravishing \nM Sport wheels\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin should be a very familiar sight if you\u2019ve sat in an F30 before, because the only hints that it\u2019s the electrified version of the 3 Series are the eDrive-marked door sills and the eDrive mode button at the base of the gear lever. This lets you select from three different eDrive modes to complement the four existing Driving Experience modes.\nIt\u2019s a fine and solid cabin but it\u2019s starting to get long in the tooth, and the \nW205 C-Class\n and the \nA4 B9\n have moved the goalpost to another field when it comes to flair and panache. Nevertheless, the driving position is just spot-on, and the sports seat hugs you tightly even though it lacks additional lumbar support.   Taking over the 330i as the range-topping 3 Series in Malaysia, the 330e inherits all toys from the 330i, which includes the keyless entry, head-up display (HUD), the 8.8-inch screen for the iDrive with Navigation System Professional, the iDrive controller with touch surface, and the BMW ConnectedDrive with Concierge Service. On top of that, a glass sunroof, a reverse camera, and auto park assist have been thrown into the mix too.\n \nOpt for the M Sport and you\u2019ll receive a different trim pattern with blue inlays, black headliner, and a chunky M Sport steering wheel.Space is not really the F30\u2019s strongest suite, and in the 330e you get even less room to stash your belongings. For some reason the drop-down compartment below the light switch have been sealed completely to accommodate a tiny fuel flap release button, forcing you to find another place to hide your SmartTag. I find it rather odd since the charging flap doesn\u2019t require any button pressing and can be opened directly from the outside.\nMeanwhile at the back, a battery pack occupies the entire boot floor, which means you lose out the hidden under-floor cavity. The boot floor is also slightly raised, reducing the total boot volume from 480 litres to \n370 litres\n. A standard 3-point charging cable is provided in a handy bag that slots neatly in a recess on the left hand side of the boot.\nSplit folding rear seats are absent like the rest of the Malaysian F30 range, therefore the 330e is not an ideal car to take to your favourite Swedish furniture store unless you only go there to satisfy your cravings for some meatballs.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \nB48 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n sings the same tune as the one in the 320i. The petrol engine belts out \n184 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n of torque to drive the rear wheels via the excellent \neight-speed auto transmission\n, except that in the 330e the it\u2019s accompanied by an \nelectric motor\n. Located between the petrol engine and the gearbox, the electric motor\u2019s solo performance yields \n65kW\n (88hp) and\n 250 Nm\n but when both power sources join forces, they match the 330i\u2019s power output of \n248\u00a0hp\n, whereas the torque figure swells to \n420 Nm\n, beating the 330i by \n70 Nm\n.\nPowering the electric motor is a\u00a0\n5.7kWh lithium-ion battery\n pack underneath the boot floor, which not only robs the boot space but also shrinks the fuel tank from 60 litres down to 41 litres. According to official claims, charging the battery takes about three hours using the i wallbox charger or around five hours via a normal 3-pin wall outlet. But even if you don\u2019t plug it in, there\u2019s \nregenerative brakes\n to recoup the waste energy from braking and coasting back into the battery.\nThe hybridisation of the powertrain have added a substantial load over the non-hybrid siblings. At \n1,735kg\n, the 330e weighs 230kg more than the 320i and 190kg heavier than the 330i. And yet, it sprints from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n6.1 seconds\n, which is just 0.3 seconds slower than the 330i but more than a second quicker than the 320i. At full whack it loses out to both the 320i and the 330i, \nmaxing out at 225 km/h\n compared to the 320i\u2019s 235 km/h and the 330i\u2019s electronically-governed 250 km/h top speed.\nOn the other hand, the 330e is the new king when it comes to the average fuel consumption. Rated at\n 2.1L/100 km\n, it\u2019s by far the most frugal 3 Series to date, beating the previous record holder, the 320d EfficientDynamics, at 4.1L/100 km.\nTHE DRIVE\nDon\u2019t feel embarrassed if you\u2019re caught thumbing the starter button repeatedly thinking that the engine hasn\u2019t been turned on yet. Other than the BMW\u2019s default warning chime and the rev counter needle that points to \u201cReady\u201d, there\u2019s nothing much to indicate that the car is primed to go. It\u2019s very peaceful inside until you start moving, by then the tyre hum will be the default soundtrack, and eventually wind noise will start to join in once the HUD displays three digits figures. Although to be fair, standard F30s were never regarded as one of the quietest cars around, and the lack of engine noise just amplifies this flaw even further.\nIn the default \nAuto eDrive\n mode, the 2.0-litre mill takes a secondary role, letting the electric motor do most the job of ferrying you around. The petrol engine will only fire up when the system thinks it\u2019s necessary or when your right foot is constantly pinned to the throttle. The transition is not the smoothest though, resulting in some very slight shuddering moments during a bumper-to-bumper traffic crawl. While you can\u2019t disable the stop/start function, you can stop the four-banger from interfering by choosing the \nMax eDrive\n full-electric mode.\nWith a fully charged battery, a 20km trip from Kelana Jaya to KLCC on a hot afternoon with the aircond on uses about 60 percent of the battery\u2019s reserves, and according to the on-board computer the remaining 40 percent is good for a good\u00a010km, which is not that far off the official claim of \n37 km all-electric range\n. Sufficient punch provided by the electric motor ensures swift progress in town, and if you bury the throttle pedal into the carpet you\u2019ll reach the \n120 km/h max eDrive top speed\n sooner than you expected, but you\u2019ll drain the battery much quicker\u00a0too.\nThat\u2019s when you take another jab at the eDrive button for the third eDrive mode, which is the \nSave mode\n. In this mode the petrol engine will be called upon not only to power the car but also to act as a generator to top up the battery, working together with the regenerative brakes. Don\u2019t forget that the four main \nDriving Experience\n modes are still available, therefore you can pair any of the three eDrive modes with Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, or Sport+.\nEco Pro\n should satisfy the most prudent drivers out there, but \nComfort\n is saintly enough for the daily grind. Take it up a notch to \nSport\n or \nSport+\n for a more spirited driving on your favourite B-roads and the 330e will show you that it\u2019s still a proper BMW. You barely\u00a0feel the extra heft of the hybrid components in the midst of quick directional changes, while\u00a0the nimbleness in its handling remains intact. You can also easily kick the tail out despite the added bulk!\nThere\u2019s barely any lag from the powertrain mainly due to the instant torque from the electric motor, and the ZF eight-speeder is still the best in the business, rendering those paddle shifters to almost useless. The steering is sharp, although it feels rather lifeless just off-centre, while the ride is calm enough to tackle any patchy tarmac. The regenerative brakes bite progressively natural too, there\u2019s none of that \u201cdead pedal feel\u201d like we\u2019ve come across on some hybrid cars. The downside perhaps is the engine noise. We reckon the BMW engineers could learn a thing or two from other German makes when it comes to delivering a fruity four-cylinder note.\nMy stint in the 330e over a weekend saw \n7.2L/100 km\n on the display, which I find pretty good on account of the car was in Sport mode most of the time. In all likelihood you should be able to do much less than that if you drive it in the default Auto eDrive and Comfort mode. But where\u2019s the fun in that?\nSO, IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting so long to get an F30, the 330e presents itself as a very enticing prospect mainly due to its solid power-to-price ratio compared to the previous F30 models. On the contrary, current F30 owners may want to skip this one out. Yes it drives just as good as any non-hybrid 3 Series with extra punch and a better fuel consumption, it\u2019s essentially the same car unless you\u2019re planning to upgrade from a 316i. And don\u2019t forget that it\u2019s only a couple of more years before the next-gen G20 3 Series arrives. Until then, you\u2019re better off with your existing F30.\nCOMPARISONS\nHot on the heels of the 330e is none other than the \nMercedes-Benz C 350 e\n. Both cars use a similar layout \u2013 a \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n mated to an \nautomatic gearbox\n with an \nelectric motor\n sandwiched in between, and both match the fuel consumption claim of \n2.1L/100 km\n. On paper, that\u2019s where the similarities end because the Benz appears to have a clear advantage over the Bimmer when it comes to power.\nDespite that, the 330e is just as quick as the C 350 e to get to 100 km/h. We took both cars for a brief spin back to back and our initial impression is that the 330e feels more energetic of the two, with a much better agility when the roads get twisty. The C 350 e has the upper hand in ride comfort and cabin refinement, owing to the fact that it\u2019s equipped with air suspension. We saw contrasting personalities between the two, but we\u2019re going to spend more time in the C 350 e to get to know it better. Watch this space for a full review of the C 350 e coming soon.\nBMW 330e Sport\nMercedes-Benz C 350 e Avantgarde\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, DOHC, turbocharged with electric motor\ninline-4, DOHC, turbocharged with electric motor\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,998cc\n1,991cc\nMax Power\nhp\n248\n279\nMax Torque\nNm\n420\n600\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\n7-speed automatic\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMulti-link\nRear\nMulti-link\nMulti-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated & Perforated Disc\nRear\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n225/45 R18 (front), 255/40 R18 (rear)\n225/40 R19 (front), 245/35 R19 (rear)\nWheels\n18-inch Alloy\n19-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,633mm\n4,686mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,811mm\n1,810mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,429mm\n1,442mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,810mm\n2,840mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,735 kg\n1,780 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n370 litres\n335 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n41\u00a0litres\n50 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n2.1 litres\n3.3 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n225\n250\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n6.1\n5.9\nPrice\nRM\nRM248,800.00\nRM289,888.00\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nAmong the selection of compact executive sedans, the 3 Series has always been the one to go with if you\u2019re looking for an engaging drive, and the fact that BMW introduced a plug-in hybrid variant in the name of better efficiency didn\u2019t mean the 330e is any less entertaining to drive. Remember when Toblerone slimmed down their iconic chocolate triangles while retaining the price?\nThe 330e is the opposite of that. They\u2019ve bulked up the 3 Series with more kit, torque, (and unfortunately, weight) and at the same time drinks less fuel. Malaysians are even luckier because in some countries the 330e commands quite a premium over the non-hybrid 330i. Suffice to say that I would consider one if I\u2019m in the market for a premium compact exec.\nMatthew\u2019s take: Among the many things I like about the 330e, one particular trait I love best about this Bavarian is the execution of its hybrid system as a whole. Transitions between both power sources are smooth and seamless, whereas braking feel has never felt more natural in any other electrified cars. I can, with near surety say that the 330e is the car to get for many aspiring owners. Because how often does a\u00a0bargain such as this come along, let alone drive so damn well?\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Come the next decade, most automakers will begin adopting fully electric powertrains. Toyota however disagrees with this rapid adoption of just electric-powered vehicle.\n\u201cIt\u2019s is too early to concentrate on one option,\u201d said Shigeki Terashi, a director and one of the key personnel in advanced technologies in Toyota. Mr. Terashi was responding to an investor\u2019s question on \nHonda\u2019s 2040 plan\n at the annual shareholder meeting yesterday.\nIn an article by \nBloomberg\n, Terashi added that between now and 2050, the company wants to offer multiple powertrain options such as hybrid and fuel-cell technologies to compete against each other so that the company can evaluate the best options.\nFull hybrid, 4th gen\nPlug-in hybrid\nHydrogen fuel cell EV\nToyota Mirai sets new world record \u2013 1,000 km on a tank of hydrogen\nToyota\u2019s careful approach to offering just EVs is also \ncontributed by the whole lifecycle of manufacturing the vehicle\n. Some studies have found that \nmore emissions are generated\n during the production and material sourcing phase than the vehicle itself.\nMazda\u2019s approach to reducing total CO2 emission from the point of fuel extraction, rather than just at the vehicle\nMazda has been a firm believer in this life cycle assessment, called \n\u201cwell-to-wheel\u201d\n. The company said that to \nachieve sustainable reductions\n in CO2 emissions, it is essential to consider emissions associated with energy extraction, refinement, and transportation; not just those that occur after the tank has been filled or battery charged and travelling on the road.\nToyota said it will work to streamline its production process to lower the production costs of EVs and other vehicles in tandem. It is set to introduce its \nfirst portfolio of mass-production EVs\n totalling up to 15 models by 2025, working together with \nSubaru\n. \u00a0\nToyota GR Yaris Hybrid WRC undergoing testing in preparation of 2022 racing campaign\nThe company also had plans to only offer electrified combustion engines beginning from 2025, with various levels of hybrid technology to meet the different customer requirements."
"If you have yet to know, the Genesis brand is a sub-brand of Hyundai that aims to produce premium vehicles to contend against some of Germany\u2019s most formidable car manufacturers. At the ongoing New York Motor Show, Genesis unveiled the \u2018New York Concept\u2019 (make of that what you will), a premium compact saloon that will take on the \nAudi A4\n, \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n and \nBMW 3-Series\n.\nThe New York Concept (we\u2019re still cringing at the name) is a hybrid sports saloon concept with a front engine/rear drive mechanical layout, where underneath the bonnet lies a\u00a0\n242 hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol\n engine mated to an \neight-speed automatic gearbox\n.\n \n \nAdhering to Genesis\u2019 design theme of \u201c\nathletic elegance\n\u201c, the front fascia sports a wide mesh grille connected to its front long bonnet. The sharp looking air slats below each headlight promotes aerodynamic performance by continuously channeling air as the car moves.\n\u00a0\nInside, apart from the standard leather interiors found in premium cars, there\u2019s a distinctive\u00a0curved\n 21-inch floating screen\n that\u00a0acts as the driver\u2019s instrument panel and infotainment\u00a0system. The screen is set to incorporate the latest\u00a0Human Machine Interface (HMI) concept as well, which includes finger swipes and advanced\u00a03D gesture-control features.\nSure, the concept may wow us all, but it\u2019s far from taking its final form. However, expect Genesis to unveil a near-production-ready model later this year. The Korean giant is certainly optimistic and ambitious in their plans to penetrate this market. But the bigger question remains \u2013 will it work? Will, say, a premium RWD Korean saloon be able to pull as big a crowd of customers as they do draw attention? Only time will tell.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the official opening of Volvo Batu Pahat 3S Centre, we learnt from Branch Manager of AJ Premium Motor Volvo Batu Pahat, Patrick Teo that the team has collected over 30 bookings for new Volvo models and all are made up of SUV models.\nTeo also revealed that the showroom has received a deposit for a \nVolvo XC40 compact SUV\n. A spokesperson for Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has confirmed that the XC40 is indeed slated for our market but did not commit to a specific timeline.\nWe got up close and personal with the \nXC40 R-Design in Singapore\nLooking at the \nroaring success of the compact SUV worldwide\n and the strong demand for Volvo SUVs in Malaysia, the XC40 makes for a strong business case for VCM to introduce the model here. The company remains tight-lipped on the variants and powertrain options of Malaysian-bound XC40.\nLike all recent Volvo models, initial batches of the XC40 will be fully imported from Belgium and will be available in \u201c\nvery limited units\u201d\n. It remains to be seen whether VCM will begin local assembly of the XC40 as the company would have to make some technical adjustments to enable their Shah Alam manufacturing plant to produce models riding on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform.\nGlobally, the XC40 is available with five petrol engines \u2013 1.5-litre T3, 2.0-litre T4 and 2.0-litre T5 with three states of tune. Electrified variants of the XC40 is expected to debut sometime in 2019 and even the \n1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged T3 petrol engine will get a Twin Engine plug-in hybrid set up\n. Expect our local XC40 to feature the high output T5 engine(s) but the road-tax friendly 1.5-litre T3 is also quite an enticing package.\nDon\u2019t expect the Volvo XC40 (CBU) to come cheap because its competitor, the Audi Q3\u2019s price tag breaches the RM200k mark and lest not to forget the \nBMW X2\n is asking for RM320k of your hard earn money.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo XC40 R-Design in Singapore   Volvo XC40 Inscription T5 AWD"
"With Bugatti being the \nfirst manufacturer to break the 300mph (482km/h) mark in the 1,500 hp Chiron\n, Porsche too flexed its electric muscles with a little feat of its own.\nIn the hands of professional racer Shea Holbrook, the Taycan \naccelerated from 0 to 145 km/h to 0 in just 10.7 seconds\n; on the USS Hornet aircraft carrier!\n \nDespite the uneven deck surface, the Taycan accelerated to 145 km/h in just 128 metres with its launch control systems before braking hard and coming to a stop with \nonly 30 metres left\n of the flight deck.\nThe Taycan, which premiers later on today, has been making headlines recently with a \nnew Nurburgring record as the fastest all-electric four-door vehicle\n.\nOn a separate occasion, it also covered\n a total of 3,425 km at speeds between 195 km/h to 215 km/h continuously \nin ambient temperatures of 42 degress Celcius on the Nardo high-speed test track in Italy.\nThe Taycan, which is an \nabsolute screen fest on the inside\n, has been confirmed for the Malaysian market and is said to arrive next year. So far, Porsche has already accumulated over 30,000 orders globally for the Taycan.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Parked alongside the \nHonda CR-V and Jazz Mugen Concepts\n is the facelifted Honda HR-V RS \u2013 also finished in the same Passion Red Pearl hue \u2013 that have been \npreviewed\n and \ntested\n before the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). However, this is the first time the HR-V RS\u2019 interior is revealed to the public and surprise, surprise, it will have Ivory White leather upholstery.\nHonda Malaysia has yet to officially launch the facelifted HR-V range despite showing to the Malaysian public in \nJuly 2019\n. The RS which is stands for Road Sailing; will be the range-topping variant of the popular crossover model, wearing all the bells and whistles like LED treatment for the headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lamps and taillamps, Sport Design body kit as well as larger 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.   Lower variants of the HR-V facelift\n (not displayed at KLIMS18) gets new projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights, platinum design Honda Wing grille, 17-inch dual-tone alloys wrapped in 215/55 profile tyres and halogen bulb taillamps.\nThe cabin of the HR-V RS probably came as a surprise for many, donning an Ivory White leather upholstery that covers the seats, dashboard surface and door cards. Might not be for everyone, but it certainly makes the cabin feels a touch more premium.   Other noticeable equipment on the RS includes eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel with paddle shifters, electronic parking brake with auto hold and sports pedals.\nThe HR-V facelift range soldiers on with the same 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine and CVT combo pushing out \n142 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of twist to the front wheels. Exclusive on the HR-V RS is the \nVariable Gear Ratio (VGR)\n steering rack that gives the crossover a more composed ride and handling as we\u2019ve tested \nhere\n.\nSafety wise, the HR-V comes equipped with the usual six-airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal. On the RS variant, you\u2019ll get an additional Honda Lane Watch Camera that transmits a live feed to the infotainment screen via a camera mounted on the passenger side mirrors.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda HR-V RS at KLIMS   Honda HR-V RS First Drive"
"It has been awhile since the Jaguar \nX-type\n left the production line but now Jaguar\u2019s compact executive saloon is back with an all-new platform, styling, and even a new name, the \nXE\n.\nDeveloped from Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s new \nmodular vehicle architecture\n, the XE is set face the usual German suspects (3 Series, C-Class, A4) with its (mostly) aluminium construction and a host of new technologies under the skin.\nWeighing from \n1,474 kg\n, the XE is Jaguar\u2019s lightest and stiffest saloon to date. It measures \n1,415 mm tall\n, \n1,850 mm wide\n, and \n4,672 mm long\n with \n2,835 mm wheelbase\n. From these official images, it bears the right proportions as a rear wheel drive saloon with a sculpted bonnet, coupe-like roofline and a rising waistline. Jaguar is also proud to announce that the design achieves a \ndrag coefficiency of 0.26\n.\nThe huge upright grille fills up most of the frontal area with a trio of lower intakes just below it, while the headlights feature the signature\n J-Blade daytime running LEDs\n as seen on the F-Type. There\u2019s a chromed vent just behind the front wheel arches and at the back there\u2019s a pair of tailpipes poking out of the diffuser and topped off by a pair of LED taillights.   Inside, the XE will feature an all-new \nInControl infotainment system\n that\u2019s operated via an \n8-inch touchscreen\n, similar to the one announced recently in the \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n. Owners can install an app in their smartphones to control a range of vehicle functions such as seven-day timed pre-setting of the XE\u2019s climate control system, locking or unlocking the doors, or even starting the engine.\nThe XE will be powered by a range of 4-cylinders and 6-cylinders petrol and diesel engines. Sitting at the top currently in the \nXE S\n is the \n3.0-litre supercharged V6\n taken from the F-Type that dishes out \n335 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque at 4,500 rpm. The XE S will accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds\n with a limited \ntop speed of 250 km/h\n. The transmission used in the XE S is an \n8-speed auto\n from ZF. Later the XE will be joined by the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol and diesel \nIngenium engine family\n that should deliver better fuel economy in the long run.   In the safety department, the XE is claimed to be the first car in the world to be equipped with \nAll Surface Progress Control\n (ASPC) that delivers optimum traction by controlling both brake system and powertrain. ASPC works between 3.6 km/h and 30 km/h and the driver does not even have to use the pedals.\nA \nstereo camera\n is used as well in the XE to scan the roads for traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, and the autonomous emergency braking system. Other driving assistance include the semi-automated parking assistance, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, and reverse traffic detection.\nThe XE is slated to go on sale next year with price starting from \u00a327,000. More details will be revealed at Paris motorshow in October.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor, together with affiliate Kia Motors have come out to clarify about rumours of themselves and Apple Inc. forming a partnership to \ndevelop and build a car\n.\nBoth companies, through regulatory filings translation seen by \nCNBC\n, have said that they are not in talks with Apple on autonomous vehicle development.\n\u201cHyundai Motor is getting requests from multiple companies for cooperation in joint development of autonomous, electric vehicles but nothing has been decided since it\u2019s in early stage,\u201d said Hyundai Motor in the statement.\nThe news has sent share prices of both companies tumbling in South Korea, a total opposite when news of the proposed joint venture first surfaced.\nAll new Hyundai electric vehicles will be build on the dedicated \nE-GMP platform\nAbout a month ago, news of Hyundai Motor and Apple having talks about building an Apple-branded car had emerged. Although Hyundai officially stated nothing specific, a local news broadcaster said Apple suggested the tie-up and Hyundai was reviewing the terms.\nAs recent as last week, another news report said \nKia\n could be \nmanufacturing\n the new proposed self-driving vehicle in its Georgia facility in the US. Apple Inc. is rumoured to be investing as much as USD 3.6 billion into Kia Motors on the electric car project that is scheduled to be on sale by 2024.\nApple Inc. themselves also have never acknowledged any talks with any carmaker on the possibility of a producing a car. \u00a0\nSource : \nCNBC"
"Hyundai has an i30 for just about everyone. A decent, comfortable car to go to work? The \nnormal hatchback\n is there for you. Need more space? The \nTourer\n will do the trick. If you want a fast-going stick shifter version, there\u2019s the \ni30N\n! But what about style? Look no further than the new Hyundai i30 Fastback.\nLiken it to\u00a0\nBMW GTs\n, except more appropriate and less offensive looking. It\u2019s only available in a five-door fastback style, with the roofline trimmed 25mm lower than the i30 hatch. The newly designed taillights and ducktail spoiler complete the back.   Both front and rear bumpers are new and the grille is a tad smaller, making the car look larger. Suspension has also been tweaked \u2013 15 percent stiffer with 5mm lower springs.\nMeanwhile, the cabin is identical to other i30 variants. There\u2019s also an\n\u00a08.0-inch infotainment screen\n that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while active safety features such as\u00a0\nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist System are standard in this i30 Fastback.\nThere are two petrol engines offered for the i30 hatchback. One is a four-cylinder 1.4-litre direct injection turbocharged with \n138 hp\n and\u00a0an the other is a\n\u00a0\n1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo with \n116 hp\n.\u00a0The engines can be mated with either a six-speed manual or a seven speed dual-clutch automatic.\nThe Hyundai i30 Fastback will be available in showrooms later in the year. The bigger question now is, will the i30 Fastback be sold in Malaysia? We have a funny feeling it won\u2019t.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nF45 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer\n is now officially on sale, after being \nspotted at West Port\n, Port Klang nearly two weeks ago. It joins the 220i Coupe in the 2-Series lineup, but they both cannot be any more different. We\u2019ll get to that in a minute. \nTwo trim levels\n are offered here, and their on-the-road price \nwithout insurance\n is \nRM218,800\n for the \nStandard\n trim, while the \nLuxury Line\n costs RM30,000 more at \nRM248,800\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nF45 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer (Standard)\nF45 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer (Luxury Line)\nEngine\n1,499cc; inline 3-cyl with BMW TwinPower Turbo\n1,499cc; inline 3-cyl with BMW TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed Steptronic auto\n6-speed Steptronic auto\nMax Power\n136 hp @ 4,400 rpm\n136 hp @ 4,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n220 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,300 rpm\n220 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,300 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n9.2 seconds; 205km/h\n9.2 seconds; 205km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM218,800.00 \n(with GST)\nRM248,800.00 \n(with GST)\n\u00a0\nUnlike the 220i Coupe, this Active Tourer shares its underpinnings (UKL1 platform) as the new MINI, including its \n1.5-litre three-cylinder engine\n. As such, the five-seater luxury MPV gets a front wheel drive configuration \u2013 a BMW first. Ever. It measures at 4,342mm in length, has a wheelbase of 2,670mm, 1,800mm wide and is 1,555mm tall.\nEXTERIOR\nStandard equipment that make the list are \nLED headlights\n with LED daytime running lights and cornering lights, fog lights, LED tail lamps, folding side mirrors with integrated signal indicators and rain sensor.   In base trim that is the Standard, you get \n16-inch\n light alloy wheels shod with 205/60 R16 series tyres, single exhaust pipe, kidney grille with chrome surround and Park Distance Control (PDC; rear only). For RM30k more, you get a nicer set of \n18-inch Y-spoke wheels\n with 225/45 R18 profile rubbers, more chrome touches round the car, Comfort Access, automatic tailgate, Park Assistant with front and rear parking sensors.\nINTERIOR\nInside, you\u2019ve got automatic air-conditioning system as standard, as are electronic parking brake, sports leather steering wheel, front centre armrest, electric seat adjustments with memory function (driver only), push-start button with Auto Start/Stop function (off button included, as usual), rear view camera, BMW TeleServices and BMW Apps.   A \n6.5-inch monitor\n operated via BMW\u2019s iDrive Controller built right next to the gearknob is also standard issue, which supports USB devices, Bluetooth connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming. Music fills the cabin through a six-speaker stereo system.\nNow, the Standard trim gets Sensatec leather upholstered seats and interior trims are finished with high-gloss black panels highlighted with pearl chrome. As for the Luxury Line, you get \nDakota leather\n perforated seats, fine-wood trim with chrome highlights, door sills with \u201cBMW Luxury\u201d wordings, contrast stitching on the dashboard, \nHiFi loudspeaker system\n with 7-speakers and \nGPS navigation system\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nBefore you shun upon this seemingly puny engine, just keep in mind that the \ni8\n is using the \nexact unit\n. In the F45\u2019s state of tune however, the three-cylinder motor makes \n136 hp\n at 4,400 rpm and \n220 Nm\n from 1,250 to 4,300 rpm thanks to BMW\u2019s \ntwin scroll turbocharging\n technology. The silky smooth eight-speed automatic transmission by ZF is also omitted here in favour of the \n6-speeder\n, just like the MINI.\nWe\u2019ve \nreviewed the engine\n\u2018s performance in the new MINI, so its \n9.2-second\n century sprint time doesn\u2019t seem too far fetched here. Claimed top speed is \n205 km/h\n, while fuel consumption is rated at \n5.2 litres per 100km\n.\nSAFETY\nGeneral safety kit starts off with front, side and head airbags, child ISOFIX mounts, Dynamic Stability Control, ABS, ASC, DBC, run-flat tyres and flat tyre indicator.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs with all BMWs, the 2-Series Active Tourer will come with a \ntwo-year unlimited mileage\n warranty programme and a three-year or 60,000km BS+RI package. Again, pricing for the Standard trim is \nRM218,800\n without insurance, while the \nLuxury Line\n is priced at \nRM248,800\n, also without insurance.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You may have heard that Bentley claimed a new production car record in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb with the \nContinental GT coupe\n last week. Now you can relive that feat through Rhys Millen helmet cam.\n \nBentley\u2019s achievement is fitting in that the original coachbuilder from Crewe celebrates its 100\nth\n year in existence on 10\nth\n July 2019, and the team did it in fashion by smashing the existing production car record (set in 2015 in a Porsche 911 Turbo S) by 8.4 seconds when Millen stopped the clock at an auspicious-sounding 10:18.488.\nNew production car record at Pikes Peak for Bentley arrives in 10:18.488.\nIcy and wet conditions put driver and the mainly stock 635 hp/900 Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12-powered AWD Continental GT coupe to the test, with only one run allowed for each participant on competition day. The pressure was clearly on for the Millen, but after taking the \nBentley Bentayga W12\n to the fastest SUV record in 2018, he delivered once again.\n \nThe challenge of scaling Pikes Pike is unique each year with changeable weather and the fact that the start line is located at an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres, rising to 4,300 metres at the finish line. And then there\u2019s the course itself \u2013 a 20km uphill run with 156 corners, blind crests and sheer cliff drops, with no safety barriers."
"As is always the case, we\u2019ll never really know how an F1 car fares until its wheels are turned in anger, but given Mercedes\u2019 unprecedented run of \nsix consecutive titles\n, no one with a sane mind will bet against them making it seven.\nIn a season that which brings the curtains down on the existing set of regulations (the sport gets a hard reset in 2021), you could say that all the teams are maximising the returns from the advancements made in the last years, and it\u2019s no different at the \nMercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team\n.\n \nWhen asked on the areas that the team focused on improving, \ntechnical director James Allison\n had this to say, \u201cOn top of the conventional fare of winter development we made three investments: One at the front, one in the middle and one at the back of the car.\nHigher side-pods on the W11, following a \u2018pitlane trend\u2019.\n\u201cAt the front we have accepted \nmore structural complexity\n around the uprights and wheel rims in order to provide a higher performance assembly overall. In the middle of the car we have followed the\n pitlane trend\n by moving our upper side impact tube to the lower position and banking the aerodynamic gain that comes with this layout.\n\u201cAt the rear of the car we have gone for an \nadventurous suspension layout\n in order to free up aerodynamic development opportunity. All three investments were improvements in their own right, but their real effect is to mobilise a raft of \nsecondary aerodynamic gains\n both during the winter and, we hope, across the season to come.\u201d\nLast year\u2019s W10 was consistently fast across different tracks, it also used its tyres well relative to other teams and was just a bit short on straight line pace on power circuits (compared to the Ferraris) and \nborderline on cooling\n over hot races, but Allison is confident that they have raised the aerodynamic efficiency on the W11 and addressed the temperature issue with larger face area on the radiators.\nWhat\u2019s \nunchanged\n is the driver pairing of \nreigning champion Lewis Hamilton \nand \nValtteri Bottas\n (who finished second last season) as well as the management and members of the team, so expect the Mercedes-AMG W11 to be the car to beat once again."
"Crazy isn\u2019t it? That\u2019s even before you find out that with the optional\u00a0M Driver\u2019s Package, its electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h will be de-restricted to over 305 km/h.\nThe source of this madness comes from a 6.6-litre twin turbocharged V12 with \n585 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n, to power all four wheels through the xDrive system.\nWith this introduction, the new 7-series will also be available in 750i xDrive form, powered by a twin turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine making over\n 500 hp\n, more than 80 hp from before, with an insane \n750 Nm\n (100 Nm increase) on demand. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just four seconds with the long wheelbase model being just 0.1 second slower.\nThe BMW 7 Series will be offered with a long wheelbase variant that\u2019s \n14 cm longer than the standard car\n but by far the biggest and most noticeable change in the exterior is the new kidney grille that\u2019s \n40% larger\n, framed by a single piece surround.\nThe new grille comes with active air flaps with adjustable vanes which open only when cooling is needed. At the back, the three-dimensional rear lights of the new 7 Series is now \nmore than 3 cm slimmer\n, complemented by a slim light strip measuring just 6 mm, that creates a discreet illumination when the daytime running lights are switched on.\nThe new 7 Series can be had with either 17 or 18-inch light alloy wheels and in addition, new 20-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke and star-spoke design, and 21-inch light-alloy wheels in W-spoke design have been introduced to the line up.   The cabin of the new 7 Series has also been significantly refined with optimised shielding of the rear wheel arches to reduce tyre noise even more.\u00a0Further noise reduction in the interior had been achieved through \nincreased sound insulation in the B-pillar,\u00a0\u00a0seatbelt outlet covers and the rear seat backrest\n.\nLaminated glass with an \nincreased thickness of 5.1 mm\n is now used not only for the windscreen but also for the side windows and rear window too. This new construction for the side and rear windows is standard only for the BMW 750i xDrive, BMW 750Li xDrive and BMW M760Li xDrive models but will be available for the other models as part of the Rear Comfort Glass option.\nThe electric power windows now come with new drive motors and control units which ensure precise power management, smooth movement and a consistent sound when the windows are lowered and raised. Also part of the new system is the improved\u00a0fluency of the transition stages at the beginning and end of window opening and closing.\nSo while we await the new BMW 7 Series\u2019 arrival in Malaysia, here are some pictures for you to digest that new grille.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota has just launched the new two-seater convertible Copen GR Sport \u2013 an OEM vehicle manufactured by Daihatsu, developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing.\nToyota says that the new car is an entry-level model of the GR series that expands the possibilities of the Copen and with the magical Gazoo Racing touch, enables drivers to \u201cenjoy a hard ride-like sports car and easily enjoy sports driving\u201d.\nWeighing \nas little as 850 kg\n, not much is needed to power the Copen which makes just\n 64 hp \nand \n92 Nm\n of torque from a 660 cc, 3-cylinder turbocharged twin-cam DVVT engine.\nFor a car such as this, the 5-speed manual with Limited Slip Differential is the one to go for but alternatively there\u2019s a 7-speed CVT gearbox with paddle shifters \u2013 but why would you want that?\nFocus has been given to the car\u2019s rigidity with an added front brace and redesigned centre brace on the undercarriage. The Copen is also fitted with underfloor covers for better air flow under the car, contributing to better stability.\nThe Copen GR Sport rides on 16-inch forged aluminium BBS wheels with dedicated shock absorbers and optimised spring rates for a fine balance between comfort and sporty handling. The Copen also gets a specially-tuned electric power steering for better steering response.\nThe eletronically-operated roof or \u201cActive Top\u201d as Toyota calls it can be \nfully retracted within 20 seconds\n and tucks neatly behind the occupants. With the roof open, Toyota says there\u2019s enough space for a small duffel bag but when closed, you can easily fit a golf bag in the boot.\nIt doesn\u2019t take a genius then to figure out that when you\u2019re on a long driving trip \u2013 something you\u2019d want to use the Copen GR Sport for \u2013 unless you can fit clothes for two in a small bag, you\u2019re never going to be able to open the roof. Not very Toyota, I must say.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve noticed a rather interesting trend amongst concept cars that have debuted at Frankfurt this year, and their theme has been geared more toward lifestyle mobility and the case is apparent here with Volkswagen\u2019s 21st century iteration of the iconic people carrier \u2013 the Kombi van.\nThe \nKombi\n was more than just a \nutilitarian\n means of getting around but rather it was an embodiment of the \nlifestyle\n people enjoyed back in the day. It could do just about \nanything\n.\u00a0The concept of the new \nlimited-edition\n Multivan PanAmericana not only unites both the spirit of \nglobetrotting\n and \noff-roading\n, but with this concept these worlds can be conquered too.\nThe project was spearheaded by\u00a0specialists from\u00a0\nVolkswagen\u2019s Commercial Vehicles\n division. The creators envisioned the\u00a0ability to conveniently and safely transport\u00a0the owner\u2019s valuable \nmotorcycle\n with an \nelectrically assisted\n loading and unloading \ntailgate\n.\u00a0The PanAmericana concept unites the comfort of the \nMultivan\n with the off-road capabilities of an \nSUV\n. Above all, it does what it does best: serving as a magnificent transport vehicle for \ncargo loads\n of nearly any type or size.\nIn order to achieve this, the\u00a0PanAmericana concept comes loaded with the brand\u2019s\u00a0\n4MOTION all-wheel drive\u00a0\nsystem. Powering the concept is the (now controversial) \n2.0-litre TDI mill\n producing \n201 hp\n and\u00a0\n450 Nm\n of torque at \n1,400 to 2,000 rpm\n from the run-of-the-mill Multivan. The clean-burning power is channeled out via the marque\u2019s signature \nseven-speed DSG\n transmission.\nAside from decked in\u00a0\nOryx White\n, the PanAmericana concept can be identified from a host of \nbadges\n pinned to the\u00a0radiator grille, the tail gate and B-pillars.\u00a0The styling line above the side sill in \nFlash Red\n and black give it away as well. Wheel arch \nmouldings\n and \nflared\n side sills underscore the concept\u2019s sporty image, while also visible from the front is the \nsturdy\n lightweight metal underbelly guard. Could this really be the 21st century Kombi van? We\u2019d love for it to come true!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"All behold the world\u2019s hottest Clio, the Renault Clio Renaultsport R.S.16. Unveiled at Monaco and named aptly after Renault\u2019s F1 car, the\u00a0\nR.S.16\n,\u00a0the Clio is made in time to celebrate RenaultSport\u2019s 40th anniversary and its return to F1.\nThe recipe for the Clio R.S.16 is quite simple, really. Over the course of five months, the talents from Renaultsport took bits and parts from Renault cars, including powertrain, brakes, wheels and dampers from the\u00a0\nMegane R.S 275 Trophy-R\n.\u00a0Hence, it gets the similar \n2.0-litre\u00a0turbocharged\n engine that makes\u00a0\n270 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n360 Nm\n of torque from that same car that once broke the\u00a0Nurburgring lap record for front-wheel drive cars.\nWhile purists loathed the fact that the Clio RS came with the sole dual clutch gearbox, this hot Clio has finally received a\n\u00a0six-speed manual transmission\n. Power is still delivered to the front wheels.\nExterior wise, the Clio R.S.16 is beefed up with extensive aero upgrades such as a rear spoiler, extended wheel arches, and a bodykit. It rides on a set of 19-inch rims with Michelin Pilot Sport SP2 rubbers.\nThere are no plans for production, and for now, only two cars have been\u00a0built. One of them is on display in Monaco while another is a prototype for Renault. That said, seeing the effort poured into the development of this car, a limited production of this hot hatch sounds plausible. Besides, you wouldn\u2019t say no to this pocket rocket in its brilliant shade of yellow, right?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just unveiled the 2022 Tiguan Allspace facelift here on our shores over the weekend. As before, the 5+2 SUV will be offered in two variants, although the \noutgoing Highline\n has now been replaced by the 1.4TSI Elegance, while the 2.0-litre R-Line 4Motion remains.\nBoth variants will be locally-assembled here in VPCM\u2019s assembly plant in Pekan, Pahang, and is priced from RM174,746 for the 1.4TSI Elegance.\nEXTERIOR\nFirst unveiled\n globally back in May last year\n, the 2022 Tiguan Allspace facelift introduces a few nip and tuck to its appearance, particularly on the front fascia, to bring it closer to its other siblings in the Volkswagen model line-up.\nThe fully LED headlights get a new slimmer and design with a twin \u2018U\u2019-shaped light signature, somewhat reminiscent of the ones on the all-new Volkswagen Golf. The grille has also been enlarged, now with a light-bar running across its entire width to join the two headlights together.\nAround the rear, the taillights also get a new light signature similar to that of the Passat, while the plastic claddings around the wheel arches have also been slimmed down.\nBoth variants also get new bumper styling with a wide bone-shaped design up front, but the R-Line kit on the range-topping variant looks significantly sportier with wider air intakes and additional black and chrome accents, plus faux exhaust exits round the back.\nAs for wheel sizes, the 1.4 TSI Elegance comes equipped with a set of silver 18-inch \u2018Frankfurt\u2019 alloys, while the R-Line 4Motion variant gets a larger 19-inch set of grey \u2018Valencia\u2019 rollers.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe powertrain underneath the hood for both variants remain unchanged from before.\nVW Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI Elegance\nEngine: 1.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder, petrol\nTransmission: six-speed DSG wet dual-clutch\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 150 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 250 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\nVW Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TSI R-Line 4Motion\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, petrol\nTransmission: Seven-speed DSG dual-clutch\nDriveline: Front-engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 220 hp @ 4,500 \u2013 6,200 rpm\nMax torque: 350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,400 rpm\nNew to the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI Elegance is a drive mode selector, with four modes \u2013 Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual \u2013 for the driver to personalise based on their preferences.\nINTERIOR\nThe facelift exercise continues to the Tiguan Allspace\u2019s interior, although a lot milder in comparison. Both variants are fairly similarly equipped, with standard equipment including:\nNew three-spoke steering wheel with haptic touch buttons\nThree-zone automatic climate control with new touch-sensitive control panel, Air Care purification system\n9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\n11.7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster\n12-way power adjustable front seats with memory function, seat heating and ventilation\nBlack Vienna leather upholstery\nPowered tailgate\nReverse camera\nThe R-Line 4Motion variant differentiates itself with the addition of a 10-speaker 480W Harman Kardon sound system, alongside the usual R-line trims including a sportier flat-bottom steering wheel.\nSAFETY\nAs with the rest of VPCM\u2019s model range here in Malaysia, the Tiguan Allspace does not come with autonomous emergency braking. However, both variants are equipped with lane keeping assist as standard, alongside the usual ABS and ESC, plus six airbags.\nPRICING\nThe new 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace facelift in Malaysia starts at \nRM174,746\n for the 1.4TSI Elegance variant, while the range-topping 2.0TSI R-Line 4Motion variant is priced at \nRM219,444\n, representing a price increase of roughly RM10,000 and RM11,000 respectively. As they\u2019re both locally-assembled here in Malaysia, they are also currently exempted from SST, until the 30th of June 2022.\nAlso included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, alongside three years of free scheduled service.\nGALLERY\n2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0TSI R-Line 4Motion\n2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4TSI Elegance"
"Following a roller coaster ride in 2015, Volkswagen plans to kick the new year off to a strong start by introducing several\u00a0functional updates to the Mk7 Golf and Passat B8 models, both of which are bound for the UK.\nTwo brand new variants will join the Golf lineup \u2013 the \nGolf GT Edition\n and \nGolf R-Line Edition\n. The former receives over RM10,000 worth of upgrades of which include a new set of 18-inch Durban alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof. Despite the new kit, the Golf GT Edition will only be priced at about\u00a0\u00a3300 more (or just under RM2,000) than the Golf GT it replaces. Similarly,\u00a0the Golf R-Line Edition also benefits from the same new equipments but features a different set of wheels (18-inch Serron alloy wheels).\nWhile we eagerly wait for the \nnew MQB-based Volkswagen Passat\u2019s\n arrival, customers in the UK can now purchase the Passat SE Business variant (also available for the \nPassat Estate\n) which comes with the company\u2019s new Discover Navigation system, front fog lights, electric folding side mirrors and tinted rear windows \u2013 all for just RM600 more!\nJust to recap, Volkswagen Group Malaysia \nheld a special media preview\n back in December 2014 of the new Passat, Golf GTE (plug-in hybrid) and all-electric small car, the e-Up. The company also \nrevealed that the Passat B8 will most likely be the first MQB-based car to be locally assembled at their Pekan plant\n, although exactly when the plan will materialise remains to be seen."
"The \nfourth-generation Suzuki Swift\n was just subjected to the ASEAN NCAP Crash Safety Assessment and the hatchback was awarded a 4-Star crash safety rating. The results may come as a surprise to many considering that as a global product, the Swift did not equal or better the \nPerodua Myvi\u2019s 5-Star rating\n.\nThe Suzuki Swift in question is the 1.2-litre GL variant manufactured in Thailand and Japan for the Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines and Singapore market. Standard safety items across the variant line up are dual airbags, ABS, front passenger seat belt reminders and ISOFIX mounting points. The Advanced Forward Detection System driver assist system available for the Europe market is not available for models sold in the ASEAN region.\nThe Swift scored 27.69 (out of 36) for Adult Occupant Protection and in the Child Occupant Protection category it scored 39.11 (out of 49). Due to the lack of advanced driver assist systems, the Swift only managed a 9.10 (out of 18) for the Safety Assist category. All these give the Swift an overall weighted score of 71.05 points and a 4-Star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating.\nCommenting on its overall rating ASEAN NCAP writes: \u201cThe Swift is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System as a standard fitment across all variants. However, Electronic Stability Control is only available for variants in Singapore and Thailand market. Seatbelt Reminder System for both frontal occupants is fitted as standard in all available countries with Singapore having the system extended to its rear occupants.\u201d"
"BMW Group and Daimler AG have signed an agreement for a long term strategic cooperation for the joint development of next generation technologies for driver assistance systems, automated driving on highways, automated parking and higher levels of automation in urban areas.\nThe goal of the cooperation is to \naccelerate the launch of automated driving\n, which is expected to feature in passenger cars by 2024.\nThe \nBMW VISION iNEXT\nAs for BMW Group, they\u2019ve been working on highly automated driving since 2006 and at the moment there are more than 70 test vehicles with the next generation automated driving technology on trial.\nIt is expected that Level 3 automation will be available by as early as 2021 in the BMW iNEXT. As for Daimler AG, Level 4 and Level 5 fully automated vehicles will be introduced into the market early next decade.\nMercedes-Benz answer to electric mobility \u2013 the \nEQC\n.\nLevel 3 automation allows a car to manage most aspects of driving while monitoring its surrounding area. When the system detects a situation it can\u2019t manage, the driver will be prompted to resume control of the car. Level 5 merely requires a destination to be keyed in.\nNext year, Daimler AG will be launching its first pilot programme, in collaboration with Bosch on self-driving vehicles in urban environments."
"Tom Cruise recreates Top Gun aerial battle on track with Mark Webber and David Coulthard, in the \nall-new Porsche 911 GT3\n \u2013 if only we could use that as the title cause who would\u2019ve thought we\u2019d see these three guys in the same ring!\nThen again, who would\u2019ve thought Covid-19 could happen, or a Top Gun remake even; with the same actor from 30 years ago looking like he has not aged, but that\u2019s exactly what\u2019s happening and that\u2019s what this farce is all about.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpR_pRgKZ9k\nIf you have seen last weekend\u2019s Silverstone Formula 1 GP in the UK, you would\u2019ve noticed Tom Cruise at the paddock cozying up to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team. While he was there, he also shot this video with the former Formula 1 drivers, as a promo of the new \u201cTop Gun: Maverick\u201d movie released earlier this month.\nPorsche did more than just remove the rear wing in the new 911 GT3 Touring! Find out what else!\nThere may not be a lot of action in the video, in fact, it could even make some of you cringe but there are some witty punchlines in it. In one of the scenes, \nCruise even took a swipe at Webber\n; saying that he wasn\u2019t bad for a second driver \u2013 in reference to the Australian driver\u2019s time with Red Bull Racing, playing second fiddle to Sebastian Vettel.\nFind out more about the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 here!\nThe new, special edition 911 GT3 celebrates the first Porsche to arrive in Australia. \nRead bout it here!\nThe video also very obviously revolves around the \nall-new Porsche 911 GT3\n, with its unmistakable 9,000 rpm engine revving noise. The new generation GT3 now comes with \n510 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n, up 10 hp and 10 Nm, from a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine.\nNaturally, it\u2019s quicker from 0 to 100 km/h as well, in just \n3.4 seconds\n\u00a0with the PDK dual-clutch gearbox, or 3.9-seconds with the six-speed manual transmission.\nPorsche\u2019s Exclusive Manufaktur 911 GT3 Touring. Read about it \nhere\n.\nThe video is also full of quotes from the movie; with some scenes even mimicking the aerial dogfights. It\u2019s just sad it had to end the way it did. Watch and find out why!\nPorsche did 300 km/h non-stop in the new 911 GT3 for 5,000 km, only stopping for fuel. Find out more!"
"The \nSwedes has announced that they every car in their stable will feature some form of electrifications\n to lower emissions and now the Brits are following suit. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has just announced that from 2020 onwards, all Jaguar and Land Rover models will be electrified.\nThis bold announcement was made during the inaugural JLR Tech Fest where the company discuss the next step in future mobility. Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer, said: \u201cWe will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles. Our first fully electric performance SUV, the Jaguar I-PACE, goes on sale next year.\u201d\nLeading the electrification offensive will be the \nall electric SUV Jaguar I-PACE\n which will be available for purchase next year. Also, up their sleeves is the E-Type Zero concept that reimagined the iconic Jaguar E-Type with an electrified powertrain.\nBesides that, Jaguar has also unveiled the \nFuture-Type\n, a visionary concept car that envisions automobiles of 2040 and beyond. The Future-Type explores the realms of fully autonomous vehicles that are shared, not owned. Sayer, the intelligent steering wheel is also part of this futuristic concept.\nNo other details were announced just yet but we sure are looking forward to what\u2019s to come in the JLR stable!"
"Together with the many cars on display at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n is the \nHaval H6\n HEV\n by Great Wall Motors. It falls under the same group of companies that has given us the Ora Good Cat and the Haval H6 is a mild hybrid (MHEV) SUV. The car is only previewed for now as no official prices have been announced.\nThe Haval H6 HEV measures 4,683 mm long, 1,886 mm wide, and 1,724 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,738 mm long. Generally, the Haval H6 HEV is slightly larger than the \nProton X70\n in most of the dimensions.\nOn the outside, the Haval H6 HEV is equipped with a chrome grille, Smart LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED front fog lights, an LED light strip taillight system, LED rear fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, and an electric tailgate. Completing the exterior of the Haval H6 HEV is a set of 19-inch alloy wheels.\nAs for colour options, the Thai-spec Haval H6 HEV can be had in Ayers Gray, Swarovski Blue, Sun Black, Hamilton White, and Burgundy Red. The unit shown at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 is in Swarovski Blue.\nRELATED: \nPeugeot e-2008 previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 \u2013 up to 320km range, 100kW DC charging\nPowering the car is a mild hybrid system which consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged and a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Combined, the system makes a total output of \n243 hp\n (metric) and \n530 Nm\n. Power is sent to the front wheels only.\nIf you\u2019re wondering, the engine itself makes 150 hp (metric) and 230 Nm. The DHT itself makes 177 hp (metric) and 300 Nm. According to Haval, DHT \u201cis a highly integrated, high-efficiency, multi-mode petrol-electric hybrid system with dual-motor hybrid technology to achieve an all-speed and all-scenario perfect balance between high efficiency and high performance.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMINI Electric Resolute Edition now available with new exterior colours, from RM205k\nInside, the Haval H6 HEV comes with either a black interior for the \u201cPro\u201d variant and a light interior for the \u201cUltra\u201d variant. Both with a 2-tone design, Featured on the inside of the Haval H6 HEV is a 12.3-inch central touchscreen head unit and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. It also comes with a wireless mobile phone charger.\nStandard features on the Haaval H6 HEV include ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an electric parking brake, an electronic shifter, a multi-function leather steering wheel, a 6-wat power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, and a 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Other standard equipment include 4 USB charging ports and 1 USB connection port. For convenience, the rear seats can be folded with a 60:40 split.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X50 R3 Concept previews production model \u2013 200 units only, booking only at MAS2023\nAs for safety, the Thai-spec Haval H6 HEV is equipped with Intelligent Parking Assist, Variable Cruise Control with intelligent cornering assist, Cruise control at low speeds, Front and rear distance sensors, 360\u00b0 surround view, Low-speed emergency braking assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front collision warning, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot warning. If anything, the Haval H6 is well-equipped in terms of safety.\nThe Haval H6 HEV will be on display at Malaysia Autoshow 2023 happening from May 4 to 7, 2023. The auto show will take place at MAEPS Serdang.\nGALLERY"
"Angka-Tan Motor\n, a subsidiary of Warisan Tan Chong Holding, has launched the \nJMC Vigus Pro\n pick-up truck. Only one variant is available, starting from RM98,888.\nThe JMC Vigus Pro is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. The Ford engine pushes out 141 hp and 340 Nm; the latter from as low as 1,500 rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.8L/100km.\n \nConsidering its price, the equipment list is quite comprehensive with LED daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors with LED indicators, a sports bar, and parking sensors in the front and back. You also get front and rear fog lamps however, like the headlamps, they\u2019re all halogen units.\nAs for the \u201cpick-upy\u201d aspects of the Vigus Pro, ground clearance is rated at 225 mm, with up to 850 kg of cargo payload.\nInside, the seats were surprisingly comfortable with decent amounts of legroom in the backseat. Three things would stand out in there; the twin-spoke steering, the Peugeot-like gear lever, and the cruise control feature that works up to 150 km/h.\nAs for the rest of the pick-up, check out the video to find out more!\n GALLERY"
"Here we have another head turning concept car from \nNissan\n at the 2014 Paris Motor Show \u2013 the Nissan \nPulsar Nismo Concept\n. Essentially an aggressively kitted up version derived from the \nNissan Pulsar\n \u2013 an \nEuropean C-Segment\n hatch, the Pulsar Nismo is keen to take the fight against the well established VW Golf GTI, Renault Megane, Ford Focus ST and what have you.   It\u2019s unclear what engine Nismo \u2013 Nissan\u2019s performance and motorsports-oriented arm \u2013 will put into the car, but sources say that a heavily tuned \n1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n unit nestles underneath the Satin Grey bonnet, one that makes between \n250 hp\n to \n275 hp\n. That\u2019s a lot of power coming from a 1.6-litre mill, and an even more impressive fact is how close the numbers are to that of the turbocharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine found in the \nCivic Type R Concept\n!\nThe Concept\u2019s bodywork features Nismo\u2019s trademark red-accented Layered Double-Wing which is designed to \nimprove aerodynamic performance\n.\u00a0\nThe front bumper gets an \nenlarged\n, \noptimised air intakes\n and brake-cooling inlets. Side skirts are more pronouncedly cut, ride height lowered, while the rear bumper features a diffuser-style design, complemented with a pair of centralised twin exhaust pipes.\nOther elements include a \nbespoke carbon fibre rear spoiler\n, side skirts and flared wheel arches. The hatch\u00a0sits on 19-inch five-arm alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R19 series tyres.\nInside, the Pulsar Nismo Concept gets race-inspired theme with a red coloured tachometer, deeper and more sculpted sports seats wrapped with Alcantara as well as a sportier three-spoke steering wheel.\nSo what do you think of Nismo\u2019s latest concept? Does the whole package seem a tad too far-fetched, or do you think Nismo has gotten most of it right to earn the Pulsar a spot under the Nurburgring limelight?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-AMG\u2019s lineup is as diverse as that poster from United Colours of Benetton. From the drift-happy \nE 63\n and its \nestate\n\u00a0counterpart\u00a0to the beautiful \nAMG GT\n, now two \nGLC\n models have joined the fray. Both the SUV and coupe variants of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ are the latest recipients to receive\u00a0Affalterbach\u2019s magical touch.\nDifferentiating between the GLC 63 and\u00a0the normal GLC is the \nPanamericana grille\n similar to the one found on the \nAMG GT R\n. It gets clothed with an aggressive bodykit, with a set of 19-inch wheels filling the arches of the \u201cstandard\u201d GLC 63. Meanwhile the more potent GLC 63 S receives titanium grey 20-inch rims with a high-sheen finish.   Just like most Mercedes-AMG models, the GLC 63 uses a\u00a0\n4.0-litre twin turbo V8\n, but here the\u00a0power is transferred to all four wheels, similar to\u00a0the E 63. The V8 belts out\u00a0\n476 hp \nand \n650 Nm\n of torque, while the S variant\u00a0is even more powerful, generating\u00a0\n510 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n. Those figures easily eclipse\u00a0its rival from Stuttgart, the\u00a0\nPorsche Macan Turbo\n.\nRegardless of which variant you choose, the \nAMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic\n is the sole transmission option here. Getting from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.0 seconds for the GLC 63, but the GLC 63 S does it in 3.8 seconds, which is just as quick as the AMG GT S. Top speed for both models are still capped at 250 km/h.   With the \n4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system\n, the GLC 63 remains rear wheel bias for most of the time, but\u00a0torque can be\u00a0split to both the front and rear axle to ensure optimal traction on any road\u00a0surfaces. The\u00a0\nAMG Dynamic Select\n drive program is available here, with \u201cComfort\u201d, \u201cSport\u201d, \u201cSport Plus\u201d, and \u201cIndividual\u201d that will alter\u00a0the response of the engine, suspension, steering, and the all-wheel drive system.\nAs always, the \nEdition 1\n is offered for both the SUV and coupe, where it receives the \nNight package\n exterior enhancements and\u00a0\nAMG Performance Studio\n interior. There was no mention about the\u00a0pricing, but in Europe, the order books for these cars will open in June. Presently in Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offers the \nGLC 250 4MATIC\n\u00a0and the\u00a0\nGLC 250 4MATIC Coupe\n at RM329K and RM424k respectively.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+   Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ Coupe"
"Speed is everything in motorsports and the onus isn\u2019t just on the race car drivers but also the pit crew, to be quick. Whether it\u2019s shaving hundreds of a second from lap times or merely performing a quick refuel, every second can influence a team\u2019s fortunes.\nIn Formula 1, teams scrutinise and optimise every aspect of their game, no matter how trivial, just to gain an advantage over their rivals and that constant push for perfection simply beggars the question \u2013 how much faster can they get?\nAs the Red Bull Racing team has shown this season, very. Off the track, at least.\n \nThe 2019 Formula 1 season may have been less than stellar for the team after chalking just three race victories but it was their pit crew\u2019s heroics that stole the show.\nThe pit crew recorded three new pit stop records, one each at the Austrian GP, German GP and Brazilian GP, contributing to a win for Max Verstappen in the latter two races.\n \nThe team even took to the skies after their remarkable feat \u2013 performing a pit stop at an altitude of 33,000 feet on board a cosmonaut training plane. Talk about taking a bull by its horns!"
"The highly anticipated \nsecond-generation Volvo XC60\n has finally arrived in Malaysia. In typical Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) fashion, the premium mid-sized SUV will first come as a limited run fully imported models while local assembly operations to commence at a later date.\nVCM has decided to equip the imported XC60 from Sweden, the most powerful \nT8 Twin Engine\n decked out in the fully-loaded \nInscription Plus\n package. After all applicable duties and taxes, the XC60 T8 Inscription Plus CBU is priced at RM373,888 (OTR without insurance). Rest assured that the CKD variants will knock down the price by a significant margin.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus\nEngine\n1,969cc; four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,400 rpm\nElectric Motor\n87 hp & 240 Nm\nCombined Output\n407 hp & 640 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.3 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM373,888\nEXTERIOR\nLike the 90-series models (\nS90\n, \nV90\n & \nXC90\n), the all-new XC60 sits on the company\u2019s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. Volvo has taken the essence of the XC90\u2019s design and given it a more expressive design.\nThe Inscription trim adds Inscription-specific chrome grille, exterior details in chrome, integrated roof rails, dual integrated tailpipes and rides on 19-inch 10-spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.   Other standard equipment includes full LED active headlamps with Thor\u2019s hammer LED daytime running lights, Adaptive Brake Lights, windscreen wipers with integrated washers and puddle lighting.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Inscription Plus comes equipped with Charcoal leather upholstery \u2013 no Nappa leather here, powered adjustable comfort seats with memory function for driver\u2019s seat, three-spoke multifunctional Sport steering wheel, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive instrument cluster display and heads-up display, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Zone Interior Air Quality system.   Feel good features available on the T8 variant includes a 9.0-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, \n1,100W 15-speakers Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System\n, \nOrrefors Crystal Gear Lever\n, diamond-cut engine start/stop knob, 360-degree camera, and Panoramic Sunroof.\nThe Inscription-trims gets Inscription-specific items such as Driftwood D\u00e9cor Inlay, front and rear tread plates and textile carpets.\nPERFORMANCE\nDriving the XC60 T8 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine paired to an electric motor that belts\u00a0\n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of twisting force. The petrol engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor deploys power exclusively to the rear axles, making the XC60 effectively an all-wheel-drive layout.\nAn eight-speed automatic transmission is tasked with power transfer duties. Sprinting to 100 km/h from standstill takes a blistering \n5.3 seconds\n, onwards to a limited top speed of \n230 km/h\n. The plug-in hybrid SUV is claimed to sip 2.1 litres per 100 km.\nCharging the 10.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack from empty takes 4 hours and will give the XC60 a pure electric driving range of \n45 km\n. The battery pack is also cleverly integrated into the centre tunnel of the car meaning the PHEV powertrain does not compromise on boot space, unlike a certain Bavarian.\nThe XC60 T8 rides on the more potent \nActive Chassis with Air suspension\n on all four corners (just like the XC90) which adjusts its damping to keep the rear axle level for better comfort.\nSAFETY\nThe new XC60 comes with the usual safety of active, preventive and protective safety such as City Safety autonomous emergency braking, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Run off-road Mitigation, Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, Steer Assist and Oncoming Lane Mitigation just to name a few.\nPilot Assist\n which allows semi-autonomous driving on well-marked roads up to 130 km/h, will also be available in the new XC60. Recently, the XC60 was awarded as the \nsafest car in EURO NCAP Testing 2017\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus will be fully imported from Sweden and customers can choose from five exterior colours \u2013 Ice White, Bright Silver, Osmium Grey, Onyx Black and Maple Brown. All purchase of the XC60 will come with a 5-Years Warranty.\nThe \nlocal-assembled XC60\n variants will be available in the coming months but interested customers can now place their bookings for their car at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Charge it up"
"Who says you need loads of power and cash to drift? These guys in Japan are proving everyone completely wrong by simply using stock standard, FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE Daihatsu Miras; better known as the \nPerodua Kelisa\n for us in Malaysia.\nUsually, the first ingredient to drifting is a car with rear-wheel drive but these guys seem to have restricted themselves to just \u201ckei cars\u201d costing less than USD 300 (approx. RM 1.1k). The secret to it? \nTyres wrapped in PVC pipes.\nAs you can see from the video, it\u2019s not your usual drift scene. There\u2019s no tyre-squealing and certainly no loud engines screaming. Yet, they seem to be having a ball of fun on an immensely low budget.\nNot only that, low speeds are all you need to drift these things as the footage shows that the driver was \ninitiating a drift at only 40 km/h\n! This is as the back has zero grip, so all you need to focus on is to have as much fun as possible while maintaining the drift and make sure the car doesn\u2019t spun out.\nNow why haven\u2019t anyone of us done that here?"
"Volkswagen is developing an all-electric race car for one of the world\u2019s most famous race, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA. It won\u2019t be their first dabble into electric vehicles as developments have already gotten underway with the introduction of the all-electric \nVW Microbus (KOMBI)\n\u00a0along with an all-wheel drive, \nfully-electric I.D. Crozz\n packing 302 hp that promises \nGolf GTi-like handlin\ng.\nThe all-wheel drive prototype will aim to set a new record for electric cars when it reaches the finishing line at a dizzying 14,000 feet above sea level. The project is part of the VW\u2019s transition into a leading producers of electric cars where it will offer 23 all-electric vehicles come 2025.\nThe \nVW Microbus \nThere are already indications to that impending future with the \nGen.E, a Golf lookalike\n, said to be capable of a 398 km driving range. There is also the \nVW e-Golf\n, essentially a VW Golf Mk 7 without a combustion engine \u2013 capable of producing 134 hp with\u00a0290 Nm\u00a0of torque with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h.\n\u201cThe Pikes Peak hill climb is one of the world\u2019s most renowned car races. It poses an enormous challenge and is therefore perfectlly suited to proving the capabilities of upcoming technologies,\u201d explains Member of the Board responsible for Development, Dr Frank Welsch.\nThe all-electric 302 hp \nVW I.D. Crozz\nHe added, \u201cOur electric race car will be equipped with innovative battery and drive technology. The extreme stress test posed by Pikes Peak will give us important feedback that will benefit future development, and it will showcase our products and their technologies.\u201d\nThe last time VW competed at Pikes Peak was in 1987; with a monstrous 652 hp Golf with two 1.8-litre engines \u2013 one up front and another at the rear."
"Mercedes-Benz \nhas announced that its electrified vehicles in North America will be adopting Tesla\u2019s NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port starting 2025, making it the first German carmaker to do so.\nThe switch will offer Mercedes-Benz EV owners access to over 12,000 charging stations in the region.\nMercedes-Benz says the transition will be carried out in phases. Starting in 2024, the carmaker will initially be offering its customers an adapter that will enable existing EVs fitted with the CCS (Combined Charging System) charging ports to utilise the NACS charging network.\nIn addition to the switch to the NACS charging ports, Mercedes-Benz will also be establishing its own High-Power Charging Network at over 400 locations by the end of the decade. The first location is scheduled to open by the end of this year, and will be equipped with both CCS1 and NACS plugs.\nThe CCS charging port on a \nMercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic\nMercedes-Benz is the latest in a growing list of carmakers to transition to the NACS charging port. Most notably, \nVolvo\n, \nPolestar\n, \nRivian\n, and Ford have already announced their plans to adopt the NACS charging port, while \nVolkswagen\n is also reportedly in talks with Tesla.\nCharging network operators, including the Volkswagen-owned Electrify America, have also committed to adopting the NACS connector by 2025. In a bid to help NACS become a proper technical standard, SAE International (previously Society of Automotive Engineers) have also announced that it will be developing manufacturing, performance, and reliability standards for the connector."
"The organisers of the 2020 French Grand Prix have announced that the race, due to take place at the Paul Ricard circuit at the end of June, will not go ahead this year. The French GP becomes the \n10th Formula 1 race to be cancelled or postponed\n due to the ongoing\n \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n.\nThe race was cancelled in part due to the decision from the French government to ban all major events until at least middle of July. Coupled with the worldwide travel restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the virus, meant it would be impossible for the Grand Prix to go ahead as planned.\nFollowing the announcement from the organisers of the French GP, Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey said in a statement that the franchise is now targeting to begin racing in July, and is \u201cincreasingly confident\u201d with the progress of their plans to start the season in summer.\n\u201cWe\u2019re targeting a start to racing in Europe through July, August and beginning of September, with the first race taking place in Austria on 3-5 July weekend. September, October and November, would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the Gulf in December with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15-18 races.\u201d\nHowever, the early races will most likely to be held behind closed doors. F1 remains hopeful to have fans to be part of the races at the later stages. \u201cThe health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority one and we will only go forward if we are confident we have reliable procedures to address both risks and possible issues,\u201d Carey adds.\nThe sentiment is shared by the organisers of the British Grand Prix. Silverstone chief, Stuart Pringle has also confirmed that any British Grand Prix, should it happen this year, will be held behind closed doors. \u201cI am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year\u2019s British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone.\n\u201cWe have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible,\u201d added Pringle.\nWith the 2020 season put on hold, F1 organisers and drivers turn to \nvirtual racing\n to keep fans engaged.\nEarlier this month, Formula 1 Chief of Motorsports Ross Brawn said that the \u201cdrop dead point\u201d to begin the season will be in October, in order to achieve the minimum eight-race requirement set by the FIA to maintain the validity of the world championship.\nHowever, he added that it would be possible to hold a 18- or 19-race season, if it begins in July. \u201c[It would be] tough \u2013 three races on, one weekend off, three races on, one weekend off. We have looked at all the logistics, and we think we can hold an 18-19 race season if we can get started at the beginning of July. The choice is between those two numbers.\u201d"
"In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations and Proton\u2019s 30th birthday, the national carmaker is offering a free 30-point safety inspection at all of their authorised service centre nationwide.\nThe programme \nstarts today\n \u2013 coinciding with the launch of Proton\u2019s first ever Saga back in 1985 \u2013 and will be\n ongoing till 31 October 2015\n. This inspection will see certified technicians checking fluid levels, battery, wiper blades, radiator cap, pedal operation, suspension system, steering linkage, ball joint systems; just some of the 30 parts (see complete list below).   Besides the free inspection, customers will be given \nfree consultation\n on \nproper engine and car maintenance\n as well as how to differentiate between genuine and imitation parts. As part of their 30th birthday, Proton is offering \ndiscounts on parts\n such as absorber, brake, clutch and timing belts.\nTo ensure the safety of their passengers during the \nBalik Kampung\n journey, Proton will station five teams at selected Petronas and R&R stops for those who are already on their way back home. These stations are as below:\n1. Klang Valley (Petronas NKVE at km 15.3, Damansara Bound) \u2013 9th, 10th and 11th July\n2. North-South/PLUS Highway (Petronas Juru, Penang) \u2013 13th, 14th and 15th July\n3. East-Coast (Petronas Tok Giring, Terrenganu) \u2013 13th, 14th and 15th July\n4. East-Coast Highway (R&R Gambang, Pahang) \u2013 13th, 14th and 15th July\n5. Southern Area (Petronas Seremban, Negri Sembilan) \u2013 13th, 14th and 15th July\nThat\u2019s not all. The 30-year old brand is now offering \nspecial deals\n\u00a0on all new Proton cars including an \nRM3,000 rebate\n for aspiring Proton owners turning 30-years old this year. There\u2019s also their \n\u2018Even More Value\u2019 campaign\n\u00a0offering\n 100% financing scheme for government officials\n and\n 1.99% interest rate per annum\n; all while enjoying a\n 7-year extended warranty programme\n from the automaker.\nFor those interested, pay your nearest Proton dealership a visit, either to get yourself a brand new car or simply send it in for the free 30-point inspection before making your \nBalik Kampung\n trip. As promised, here\u2019s the \nlist of 30 parts\n that will be inspected:\n\u00a0ABS Module\nAlternator\n\u00a0Transmission\nPower Steering\nFuel Pipes / Pressure Hoses\n\u00a0Fusible Link\nAccessories\nHead Lamps & Fog Lamps\nStarter Motor\nRadiator Fan Motor Connector\n\u00a0Fluid Levels\nBattery\nWiper Blades\nRadiator Cap\nPedal Operation\n\u00a0Parking Brake Stroke\nCabin Switches\nHorn\nSafety Belts\nSuspension System\n\u00a0Steering Linkage & Ball Joints\nCooling System\nFuel System\nEngine & Transmission Components\nBraking System\nFeed Belts\nAll Brake Pads\nAll Brake Linings\nTyre Tread Depth\nTyre Pressure (incl. Spare Tyre)\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Every Malaysian\u2019s perception on car safety have come a long way. These days, a car with merely dual airbags, \nABS\n and \nBrake Assist\n just won\u2019t cut it anymore as consumers now place more and more emphasis on the full suite of active safety features and most importantly, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) but what is ESC? Should it be a determining factor when you\u2019re choosing your next ride? By the end of the article, we sure hope it does.\nManufacturers over the years have come up with many fancy names for a simple safety system: Honda coins it as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), BMW calls it Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Toyota calls it Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). But in its essence these fancy terms all refer to the \nElectronic Stability Control\n.\nESC is a software that prevents your car from losing control by monitoring the car\u2019s lateral movement and steering control amongst other things. If the system detects that the car is starting to lose steering control, ESC intervenes by\n applying brakes on individual wheels and sometimes suppresses engine output\n to help the driver regain control of the car \u2013 and that is the most important bit, \nhelping the driver to regain control of the car\n.\nIn the unfortunate event where you need to make sudden directional changes to avoid an obstacle, chances are, the regular joe would have spun uncontrollably in a car without ESC equipped. On the other hand, in a car with ESC, the driver would stand a much better chance to escape the ordeal \nwithout a scratch\n. Then again, ESC is not a 100 percent guaranteed safety net should the driver run out of skill.\nAccording to a report by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2006, as much as one-third of fatal accidents could have been prevented if the vehicles were equipped with ESC. More recently, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in 2014 alone, vehicles with ESC saved 1,580 lives. Still think ESC is just another marketing gimmick?\nFortunately, the Malaysian automotive industry players have paid a great deal of attention towards the safety of car buyers. The recently launched \nPerodua Myvi\n has ESC equipped on all variants, the \nKia Picanto\n is the only A-Segment vehicle with ESC and Toyota Malaysia has recently updated the \nentire Vios range with ESC as standard\n.\nHowever, as we enter 2018, there are still a handful of popular models on sale that do not come with ESC as standard like the \nHonda Jazz 1.5 S\n (Only E-spec and above gets ESC) and \nNissan Almera\n. Even the C-segment \nKia Cerato 1.6 KX\n does not come with any form of Electronic Stability Control. If you think that you\u2019re doing your bank account a favour by opting for the lower variant to save on a couple of grand, perhaps you should re-evaluate decision and think about your loved ones before you put your signature down on a new car."
"People often say that the forbidden fruit is always the sweetest, and that\u2019s definitely the case here. Despite the \nCity Hatchback \nbeing earmarked to replace the Jazz here in the ASEAN region, Honda Singapore bucked the regional trend and introduced the \nall-new Jazz\n in the island nation last week instead, and we can only watch with envy.\n \nThe fifth-generation Honda Jazz is offered in three variants in Singapore, all of which are imported directly from Japan: the 1.5 Base (SGD98,999/~RM300k), 1.5 Home (SGD101,999/~RM310k), and 1.5 e:HEV Luxe (SGD103,999/~RM315k).\nThe Base and Home variants are powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine as seen on our \u201cregular\u201d \nHonda City\n here in Malaysia, which sends\n 121 hp\n and \n145 Nm \nof torque to the front wheels via an Earth Dreams CVT gearbox.\nAs for the 1.5 e:HEV Luxe, the range-topping variant features Honda\u2019s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain. Similar to the one on the Honda City RS e:HEV, a \n108 hp\n and\n 253 Nm\n \u201ctraction\u201d motor will power the front wheels, while a separate 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine mostly works as a generator to juice-up the batteries.\nDuring high-speed cruising, the motor powers the wheel directly via a single-speed transmission and a lock-up clutch, as internal-combustion engines are more efficient at higher-speeds compared to an electric motor.\nThe Japanese-market Honda Fit e:HEV\nIn terms of trims, the Base and Home variants are pretty much identical on the exterior, with LED lightings all round and 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels as standard. The Luxe variant gains additional chrome finishing on the wing mirror housings, alongside a different wheel design, though still 16-inches in size.\nOn the inside, the Singapore-specification Honda Jazz comes with leather upholstery across the board, but the Home and Luxe variants adds leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel to match, alongside an automatic climate control system. Also standard across the variants is the nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nAs for safety, only the Luxe variant is equipped with the Honda Sensing advance driver assistance suite, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane centring assist, lane keeping assist, as well as adaptive cruise control with stop-go function. That being said, six airbags and electronic stability control come as standard on the Jazz in Singapore.\nGALLERY\nHonda Fit (Japan)"
"Audi Malaysia has teased us with the second-generation, \nall-new Audi Q7\n on their website, hinting at an arrival sometime in November, although no date has been confirmed as yet. This new SUV has a smaller footprint than its predecessor, and weighs as much as 325kg less, thanks to extensive use of high tensile steel.\nThe Q7 is offered with three engine choices globally, but it\u2019s unsure at press time which of the three we will be getting. A \n3.0-litre TFSI V6\n is largely possible considering that the previous Q7 sold here had that engine, though we reckon the new \n2.0-litre TFSI inline-four engine\n may also be introduced to the Malaysian market. Both engines however, will share the same quattro four-wheel drive system.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi Q7 3.0 V6 TFSI\nAudi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI\nAudi Q7 2.0 TFSI\nDrive Type\nQuattro permanent all-wheel drive\nEngine\n3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6\n3.0-litre turbodiesel V6\n2.0-litre inline-4 cylinder, turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic with Tiptronic\n8-speed automatic with Tiptronic\n8-speed automatic with Tiptronic\nMax Power\n333 hp\n272 hp\n252 hp\nMax Torque\n440 Nm\n600 Nm\n370 Nm\nIn terms of design, the new Q7 feels like a hit and miss. Despite sharing a similar side profile with the previous model, this new model is sharp all-around, ditching the soft and curvy touch of the older Q7 which was easy on the eyes and quite frankly withstood the test of time fairly well. At the front, it gets Audi\u2019s signature Singleframe grille, and the headlights are xenon-powered as standard. They can be upgraded to either LED or Matrix LED, though.\nStandard wheel size measure at \n18-inch wheels\n wrapped with\n 235/65 R18\n profile tyres, with additional wheel sizes that go \nup to 21 inches\n.\u00a0In base trim, the lower side of the bumpers are plastic and finished in anthracite, while having it painted in body colour is an additional cost. If you go with the S-Line trim, you get bolder bumpers, spoiler, diffuser, air inlets, side sills and of course, the S-Line badge.\nThe interior however, is where you\u2019ll feel the bulk of your money\u2019s worth. For starters, there\u2019s a \n7-inch centrally mounted display\n, though that can be\n upgraded to an 8.3-inch\n unit with MMI navigation plus. Upholstery ranges from materials such as Alcantara, fabric, Cricket leather or \nfine Valcona leather\n with built-in \n18-way adjuster\n and optional massage function. A third row passenger seat is optional, but if without, luggage space is expanded to 890 litres that shoots up to \n2,075 litres\n with the second row seats folded down!\nAlso new to the Q7 is its \nambient lighting feature\n that changes colour via the MMI controller. Rear occupants can benefit from \none or two 10.1-inch\n screens fitted behind the head restraints of both front seats. There\u2019s \nWiFi hotspot\n for multi-device connectivity, and sound is put out through 10-speakers as standard. If that\u2019s not enough, there\u2019s a \n23-speaker Bang and Olufsen\n Advanced Sound System with 3D Sound package.\n \n \nThere are as many as\u00a0\nseven driving modes\n\u00a0here via Audi\u2019s Drive Select: Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, Allroad and Lift/Offroad. It\u2019s not short on safety features either, for it comes with\u00a0rear parking aid, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, rest recommendation and Audi pre-sense city safety system with braking intervention\u00a0as standard. As with many other features on the car, there\u2019s also the optional Safety pack: Parking, City and Tour.\nThe Parking package gives you an all-around view of the car with automated parking.\u00a0For the City pack, you get cross-traffic assist and carpark exit warning system. The Tour pack comes with adaptive cruise control including stop and go traffic assist. Now, with that out of the way, enjoy the picture gallery we\u2019ve put together for you.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The time is 8 pm and if you\u2019re reading this, it\u2019s probably cause the day has been pretty rough and as much as you\u2019re \u201cmentally off work\u201d, chances are, you\u2019re not off the hook just yet.\nSo let me prescribe this, a video on all things BMW \u2013 being cleaned, scraped, sprayed and so meticulous parked and fitted with boxes, it would please even the most OCD of people \u2013 it\u2019s that therapeutic.\nRevolving predominantly around the BMW 5 Series, I\u2019m particularly fond of (being quite OCD myself) the raindrops, jet cleaner and hydrographics scene \u2013 they\u2019re just too calming to not sooth the mind.\nSpeaking of the BMW 5 Series, check out \nAdrian\u2019s\n recent \nreview of the racy G30 530i M Sport\n\u00a0with over \nRM 72k worth of accessories\n that is sure to put you at the edge of your seat.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s all smiles at Volvo as they snag the Estate Car of the Year 2017 at the Scottish COTY (Car of the Year) 2017 with the \nV90 Cross Country\n. A back-to-back win for the Swedish carmaker as they bagged the same title last year with the \nV90\n.\nEssentially a jacked up V90 Estate, the V90 Cross Country gets all the technologies and safety features of the standard car with the added benefit a rugged appearance and additional ground clearance \u2013 turning it into the perfect all-road, all-season estate.\nPresident of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, Stephen Park, commented: \u201cThere\u2019s no doubting the usefulness of an estate car, especially when today\u2019s breed deliver practicality without any sacrifice in refinement. But in terms of breadth of ability, one car stands apart. Perfectly suited to Scottish terrain, our winner is a new version of a previous favourite.\u201d\nBesides the increased ground clearance and tough looks, the V90 Cross Country gets unique suspension settings and tyres for greater off-road capabilities without sacrificing comfort its 90-series siblings are known for. The standard fitment of Volvo\u2019s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology also makes it one of the safest estate on the road.\nManaging Director of Volvo Car UK, Jon Wakefield said: \u201cThis repeat success at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards is a testament to the wide-ranging appeal and ability of the V90. The Cross Country version is already proving a hit with our customers, and this award only goes to show how well received it has been by the motoring media, too.\u201d\nLocally, you can purchase a \nVolvo V90 T5 and T6 R-Design\n from Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM), however, VCM only has very limited units available.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s got the hardest name in automotive to pronounce, behind the unspellable \u201cKoenigsegg\u201d, but there is nothing mistakable about the menace of Bugatti\u2019s new creation \u2013 the new La Voiture Noire.\nAt 11 million Euros, it is the \nmost expensive new car of all time\n and surprise, surprise, it\u2019s already sold \u2013 and it had to be to a Bugatti enthusiast.\n \n.for three full minutes of feels.\nFrom which pool of the elites will you find a person to part with that kind of money \u2013 from the Ultra Boost community?\nNo, this is a person that walks on clouds and feasts on dragon meat for breakfast.\nJust looking at it will get you aroused \u2013 the la Voiture Noire should come with parental advisory for being shown off in public, for fear of over stimulating a young mind\u2019s imagination.\n\u201cThe true form of luxury is individuality. The \u2018La Voiture Noire\u2019 is a sculptural beauty with unique technology, the ideal grand tourisme,\u201d says Bugatti President, Stephan Winkelmann.\nEvery single component on the carbon fibre body has been handcrafted and assembled to create a \u201cone piece surface, with nothing to obstruct the optical flow. As Stephan Winkelmann said it, \u201cIt\u2019s a feast of aesthetics\u201d.\nNot only is it a tribute to Bugatti\u2019s unrivalled art of coach building, it also pays homage to the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic designed by Jean Bugatti, son of Bugatti founder, Ettore.\nApparently only four were ever made and while three of which still live on to this day, one unfortunate example went missing while being shipped from Bugatti\u2019s factory in Molsheim to Bordeaux, France and has never been found \u2013 one of the great mysteries in automotive history.\nAlmost nothing was revealed about the car, except for the fact that it makes \n1500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n of torque from Bugatti\u2019s famed 8-litre W16 quad turbo engine \u2013 the same as the\n 40 units of Bugatti Divo\n and the \nChiron Sport we got to be up close with\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Well, what do we have here, shortly after the global premiere of the \nBMW X2\n, BMW Malaysia is now accepting registrations of interest for the all-new Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) on its \nofficial website\n.\nOn the microsite, BMW Malaysia hints at a sole sDrive20i guise. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol delivers \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque, sending drive to the front-wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at \n5.9 L/100 km\n. Internationally, the X2 can be had with diesel options and all-wheel drive.   The website also suggests that the Malaysian market will receive the Misano Blue and Galcanic Gold exterior colour option as well as Dakota leather in Magma Red. It appears that the X2 will be available with the \nM Sport Package\n, adding M Aerodynamics exterior pack, 19-inch M light-weight alloy wheels, lowered M Suspension (-10 mm) and M Sport interior.\nElsewhere, the X2 is marginally leaner than the \nX1\n \u2013 the car it\u2019s based on, measuring 4,360 mm in length, 1,824 mm in width, 1,526 mm in height with an identical wheelbase of 2,670 mm. Despite the sleeker profile, BMW claims that the X2 offers great comfort for all passengers. Boot space is rated at 470 litres, 35 litres smaller than the X1.\nMarket launch is scheduled for March 2018 with Europe-markets getting first dibs. But for BMW Malaysia to collect registration of interest this early in the timeline suggests that we might see it as soon as our European counterparts. To register your interest for the BMW X2, log onto the official website \nhere\n. Now, where is that \nAudi Q2\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport"
"Users of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) were finally able to use their RFID tags for toll payments at the start of this week. However, many new tags could not be read or detected, causing unprecedented traffic congestion at the toll booths. \u00a0\u00a0\nFrustrated road users thus vent their negativity at PLUS which had seemed to remove the SmartTAG lane and replaced it with the RFID lane. While the majority of the toll booths operated by PLUS in greater Klang Valley are large and able to cater to the three payment methods of Touch \u2018n Go card, SmartTag/\ne-tag\n and RFID, smaller toll booths will only offer card and RFID lanes.\nAs such, road users are further infuriated that PLUS is viewed as \u201cforcing\u201d consumers to fit the unreliable RFID tag that is priced at RM35 apiece. \u00a0With the uproar by road users, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said consumers must not be forced to switch to RFID payment with the reduction in the number of lanes for other options.\nRELATED: You can now refuel at Shell stations with an RFID tag! More on this here!\n\u201cWe (the government) don\u2019t want to pressure the road users. While RFID is good, road users should be given the freedom to choose to use RFID, Touch \u2018n Go card or SmartTAG,\u201d said the PM in a report by \nBernama\n. \nDatuk Seri Ismail Sabri further added that highway concession holders must reserve a few lanes for drivers who continue to use the physical card and e-tag payment options.\n \nA day after the congestion at selected toll booths, PLUS deployed personnel at troubled RFID lanes. Owners of defective tags were given coupons for diagnostic tests at fitment centres and replaced for free if found faulty.\nPLUS said that it recorded a migration rate of 10% RFID transactions after its implementation on 15 January across the entire North-South Expressway over the weekend. With RFID technology, road users can glide through the toll booths at up to speeds of 30 km/h. Toll collection through e-tag and Touch \u2018n Go card are still being accepted but the Works Ministry intends to gradually phase out the methods once more RFID lanes are implemented on the highways.\nImage: TWitter/\nPLUSMalaysiaBerhad\nThe roll-out of the faster Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology by 2026 meanwhile will see drivers make payments without the need to slow down at toll booths, as scanners mounted on gantries will perform the transaction."
"Hyundai has managed to make hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) more viable and accessible than many major automakers, even Toyota. Its Hyundai Nexo has cumulated over 14,000 units of sales and leases mainly in South Korea since introduced in early 2018.\nIn a series of short clips to the build-up of a new communication strategy on hydrogen technology, Hyundai has teased what appears to be a sports sedan with plenty of power driving aggressively at a closed circuit.\nThe only close-up shot highlights a large multi-piston brake caliper behind the large wheel.\nWe will have to wait until September 7th for more information, in conjunction with IAA Munich Mobility 2021. Hyundai recently launched the HTWO sub-brand for all matters related to hydrogen fuel cell systems, which made its first public appearance in motorsports.\n \nDid you know, there is a little hydrogen car testing pilot programme in Kuching? Learn more about it here and the vehicle used!\nFrom the first race in June, the first-ever Pure ETCR (electric touring car championship) sees Hyundai HTWO as the sole energy provider, charging up the battery packs of Hyundai, Alfa Romeo as well as Seat vehicles.\nThe HTWO portable charger is constructed from the Hyundai Nexo\u2019s fuel cell stack, where hydrogen gas is combined with oxygen in the ambient air to generate large quantities of electric energy via the electrolysis process. Thanks to 160 kW energy output, the batteries of two racing cars can be fully charged simultaneously in less than an hour.\nIn the \nHyundai Nexo\n, the total output is 120 hp and has a range of up to 664 km under the WLTP cycle. Refuelling of the hydrogen gas just takes 5 minutes via a 700-bar dispenser.\nAs for the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR racing machine, it features a championship-issued powertrain consisting of the rear-mounted motors, battery pack and electronics, with each team required to create their own exterior and chassis.\nAll ETCR cars have a minimum of \n410 hp\n and boosted to \n680 hp\n once the overtake-mode is enabled. Races are a series of heats rather than a sprint or a 100-km distance. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMazda is combining the free-revving greatness of the rotary engine with hydrogen! More about the project here!\nGALLERY"
"After Mercedes-Benz revamped its \nnaming convention\n across the line-up, we see the introduction\u00a0of the \nGLE-Class\n Coupe to the world. The full range \nGLE Coupe\n now debuts in Asia, Thailand to be exact \u2013 at the \n36th Bangkok International Motor Show\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLE 350 d 4MATIC\nMercedes-Benz GLE 400 4MATIC\nMercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC\nDrive Type\nPermanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC)\nEngine\n2,987 cc V6 diesel turbo\n2,996 cc V6 twin-turbo\n2,996 cc V6 twin-turbo\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC 9-speed Automatic\n9G-TRONIC 9-speed Automatic\n9G-TRONIC 9-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n258 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n333 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n367 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n620 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,400 rpm\n480 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n520 Nm @ 1,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n\u00a0\nName\nMercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coup\u00e9 4MATIC\nMercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coup\u00e9 4MATIC\nDrive Type\nPermanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC)\nEngine\n5,461 cc V8 twin-turbo\nTransmission\nAMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC\nMax Power\n557 hp\n @ 5,750 rpm\n585 hp\n @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n700 Nm\n @ 1,750 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n760 Nm\n @ 1,750 \u2013 5,250 rpm\n\u00a0\nThe \nGLE-Class\n replaces the \nM-Class\n as the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).\u00a0This however is the GLE Coupe, making it the direct competitor to the \nBMW X6\n. Displayed at the Motor Show is the \nMercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC\n, with a 7,990,000 Thai Baht\u00a0(approx.\u00a0\nRM900,000\n) price tag.   Sitting right below the AMG GLE 63, the GLE 450 AMG is fitted with\u00a0a \n3.0-liter Biturbo V6\n, capable of generating \n367hp\n and \n520Nm\n of torque.\u00a0All GLE models are paired with the \n9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission\n, permanently\n\u00a0\ndriving all four wheels via its\u00a0\n4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system\n. Look closely in the images, it\u2019s fitted with massive 22-inch rims.   The GLE Coupe looks rather big in real life, beautiful nonetheless. If you are used to the BMW X6\u2019s slopping roofline and high shoulder line, you will learn to appreciate the new GLE. Check out the image gallery prepared for you below.\nWhen is it coming to Malaysia? Well, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia remains tight-lipped on this topic. So you\u2019ll just have to stay tuned to AutoBuzz.my!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Chery\n has unveiled a brand-new sub-brand at the \nShanghai motor show\n, dubbed Jaecoo, with a focus on making fashionable SUVs for the younger generation.\nTogether with Omoda, which has previously already been spun off as a sub-brand for sale in certain countries, the two new brands \u2013 called \u201cO&J brands\u201d collectively \u2013 will be targetting the \u201cFashion Elite\u201d and \u201cLifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS)\u201d market segments, which the company expects to grow to 21% of the global total industry volume by 2030.\nWith an estimated 66 million new cars sold globally (excluding China) in 2030, Chery\u2019s 10% market share projection would mean that the O&J brands alone could sell over 1.4 million units per year.\nA key point in the company\u2019s plans to achieve that figure lies within the two brands\u2019 distinct brand story and design languages. Omoda will feature a sleeker, more futuristic styling, while Jaecoo will be built around a more rugged and slightly Range-Rover-esque design ethos.\nThe Jaecoo 7 in particular, which was on display at the brand launch, was said to be inspired by rocks that have been smoothened and sculpted by flowing water in rivers.\nAnd just in case you were wondering, the name Jaecoo is a portmanteau between the German word for hunter (\nJaeger\n), and \u2018cool\u2019. According to Jaecoo Europe Head of Design, Chris Rhoades, it\u2019s representative of its target customer base, consisting of the higher income individuals who will \u201cstop at nothing\u201d \u2013 like hunters \u2013 to chase after the latest fashion trends.\nThe two new sub-brands will also feature several new energy products, including hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV), and range extender electric vehicles (REEV). Emphasising on that point, the company took the opportunity at the event to also show off the Omoda 5 EV, its first fully-electric model.\nThe two brands will be sharing their ICE, electrified, and dedicated BEV platforms, including the one found in the Omoda 5 EV. More details on that can be found in a \nseparate post here\n.\nThe only question now is how confident Chery is at achieving that aforementioned 1.4 million figure. In just its first year in the market, and currently only in left-hand drive countries, the\n Omoda 5\n has already sold over 150,000 units globally. With the impending market launch of the Omoda 5 EV, plus the introduction of the brand into right-hand drive markets, the figure is expected to go up to 300,000 units this year.\nTogether with Jaecoo, the Chinese carmaker is targetting to sell over 400,000 units of the O&J vehicles per year, globally, by 2024. And with at least seven models planned over the next three years, it seems Chery is charging ahead full steam in achieving its lofty goals.\nREAD MORE:\n \u2018All new\u2019 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro revealed \u2013 to launch in Malaysia June 2023, PHEV variant by year-end"
"Audi may not have invented the station wagon, but the manufacturer from Ingolstadt made the utilitarian workhorse an icon of the brand. In the shape of the gorgeous all-new, \nfourth generation RS6 Avant\n, it is the ultimate expression of what a modern day, high performance Audi is all about.\nHaving debuted at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, the new RS6 Avant will return to showrooms across Europe before the end of the year with more power, more tech and looking even more wicked than ever.\nIt\u2019ll still be powered by a \ntwin-turbo V8 displacing 4.0 litres\n, but this time supported by a \n48V mild hybrid system\n with a total output of \n591 hp and 800 Nm of torque\n, transferred to all four corners via an \n8-speed auto\n, apportioned by the famed \nQuattro \nall-wheel drive system, of course.\nHow fast? \nIdle to 100 km/h takes a scant 3.6 seconds\n, onward to \n200 km/h in 12 seconds\n. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h but that can be extended up to \n305 km/h \nwith the optional dynamic plus package. M5 and E63 S, you\u2019ll have to watch your back from here on.\nThe powertrain also comes with \nCylinder On Demand\n feature which shuts off four of the eight cylinders on occasions when maximum performance is surplus. While \nadaptive air suspension\n is standard, the RS6 Avant can be optioned with \nDynamic Ride Control\n (which keeps body movements on an even keel), all-wheel steering and a ceramic braking system.\nOne of the less mentioned hallmarks of an RS model is that they always come with an interior that would make other premium makes blush. The new RS6 continues where its predecessor left off with a luxuriously appointed interior but this time with the new near-buttonless touch interface introduced in the new generation A6, but mixes it with a beguiling mix of quilted leather, Alcantara and RS-specific trim.\nAnd yes, it can still comfortably accommodate five adults, skies, mountain bikes, canines with its \n565-litre cargo space\n which can also be expanded to \n1,680 litres\n with rear seats folded.\nEnough of information, feast your eyes on the all-new Audi RS6 Avant.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that they are realigning their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in line with Toyota\u2019s global corporate initiative called \u201cStart Your Impossible\u201d.\u00a0\nAs part of the initiative, UMWT has appointed paralympic gold medalist Abdul Latif Romly as its ambassador of the campaign to inspire employees, partners and customers to \u201cachieve greater heights by attempting missions that they themselves deem impossible.\u201d\nUMWT will be hosting the \u201cToyota OutRun\u201d fun run under the campaign banner to raise funds for the Paralympic Council of Malaysia\u2019s \u2018Fitness and Exercise with Person with Disabilities\u2019 programme, which will be happening on 17 November 2019 at Bandar Rimbayu, Kota Kemuning.\u00a0\nOn the appointment, UMWT Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama said, \u201cLatif was up against impossible odds at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. The world saw him broke the T20 long jump world record three times on the same day. It was Impossible. Then it wasn\u2019t. At Toyota, mobility is about overcoming challenges and making dreams a reality. That\u2019s why we\u2019re teaming up with Latif to support differently-abled children so they too can start their impossible.\u201d\n \nRegistration for the run will cost RM50 per participant, and you can register through Toyota\u2019s \nwebsite\n starting from 10 September 2019.\nBesides the run, UMWT Toyota in partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation will also be hosting a Toyota Classics concert performed by London Chamber Orchestra on the 29th of October 2019.\nPart of the proceeds from the Toyota Classics concert ticket sales will be used to rehabilitate and restore degraded mangrove areas in Sulaman, Tuaran in collaboration with Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, and involve about 13,000 students from neighbouring schools, university as well as the community.\u00a0\nUMW Toyota\u2019s Ambassador for the Starting Your Impossible campaign, Abdul Latif Romly.\nThe University of Pahang is also set to benefit from this programme, as UMWT aims to equip the youth and community in Lanchang, Pahang with sufficient information on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics through the university students.\nIn addition, students from the Faculty of Music of UiTM will also be given the opportunity to participate in a workshop with members of the London Chamber Orchestra, providing the former with international orchestra performances exposure.\nThe Toyota Classics tickets can be purchased at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas Box Office or online starting 10 September 2019, priced from RM100 to RM250."
"If you find yourself unable to keep up with the weekly revisions of fuel prices and are fed up with the rumours flying about WhatsApp, then consider this a gift to you, from us.\u00a0You can now get the latest fuel prices simply just by logging onto \nAutoBuzz.my\n!\nEver since the floating system was implemented, many of us have been duped by rumours of price revisions. Now that the \nrevisions will happen on a weekly basis\n, surely typing in \u201clatest fuel prices Malaysia\u201d on Google (or Bing if you\u2019re hipster like that) will be a chore.\nNow, you can simply log on to \nAutoBuzz.my\n and look out for the custom-made widget to the right of the website. If you\u2019re on mobile, then just scroll downwards.\u00a0Prices are updated every Wednesday at 8pm, and it\u2019s that easy!\nBe sure to give our\u00a0\nFacebook page\n\u00a0a like and bookmark\u00a0\nAutoBuzz.my\n\u00a0to be the first among your peers to be updated. Who knows, you might even find your dream car being reviewed right here!"
"Interesting times loom over the field of hot hatchery, because Honda has just released very promising new details about its upcoming hatch, the \nCivic Type R\n, just a few days before the 2014 Paris Motor Show kicks off. Honda claims that the hot hatch will be their \nmost extreme Type R\n to date, one that is in many ways \nmore superior\n than its Type R stablemates, the Integra, Accord and the iconic NSX.\nIt is no surprise to know that Honda is jumping onto the forced induction bandwagon, following stricter emissions-based taxation and a whole lot of other industrial reasons. As put by Suehiro Hasshi, Honda\u2019s Large Project Leader in the R&D department said, \u201cThe new turbocharged engine benefits by \nboosting low-end power delivery\n, while retaining its signature \nVTEC characteristic\n which is synonymous to Honda.\u201d\nPowering the Civic Type R is the \n2.0-litre turbocharge i-VTEC\n engine that will be paired to a \nsix-speed manual transmission\n. In its current state of tune, the engine makes \nover 280 PS\n and \nredlines at 7,000 rpm\n; numbers that were first seen in the 3.0-litre V6 of the NSX. With the turbocharger, we can expect Honda to squeeze more juice out of the four-pot mill.\nNew to the Civic Type R is the \n+R\n button located to the side of the steering wheel. It\u2019s basically a \nSports mode\n that, when activated, will \nimprove engine response\n by \nre-tuning torque delivery\n and improves the steering wheel\u2019s responsiveness.\u00a0In default driving mode, the Civic Type R is essentially an everyday sports car with fluid power delivery. The +R button however, brings out a \nmore dynamic character\n and is ideal for track use.\u00a0The hatch gets a new four-point \nAdaptive Damper System\n that will automatically adjust damping forces depending on driving conditions.\nThe new Civic Type R was developed to cater to European driving tastes, and will be build at Honda\u2019s plant in Swindon, UK. The hot hatch will hit European showrooms next year, though it remains unclear whether or not it will be introduced to Malaysian shores."
"The \nMazda3 Skyactiv\n, much to the delight of the enthused, proved to be the car they\u2019ve been waiting for. Blessed with the Kodo Soul of Motion touch, never in the history of the model has it been endeared\u00a0with such hullabaloo.\nYou\u2019ll understand why after seeing \nour old\u00a0versus new comparison\n. To its credit, the Mazda3 brought to the table a perfect mix of good looks and driving dynamics. While the former did most of the job in pushing sales volume, the latter aspect is heredity, polished through decades of the Hiroshima carmaker\u2019s relentless pursuit of the joy of driving.\nTo this day, more than two years after being in Malaysian showrooms, the Mazda3 is still one of the best driving C-Segment sedans money can buy. \nThanks to local assembly\n, the entry-level variant is priced at RM106k and goes up to just RM121k for the full-spec variant. They are all powered by the same \n2.0-litre\n naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G engine, producing \n162 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n210 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is sent to the \nfront wheels\n through a \nsix-speed conventional automatic\n.\nNow, for the price, most would immediately draw comparisons to the \n11th-generation Honda Civic 1.5TC-Premium\n. The Civic is arguably more fuel efficient, definitely better looking and is more bang for buck in almost every way. It\u2019s also the first car in the segment to come with the remote engine and air-con start function.\nThe Civic, for all intents and purposes, is built with frugality in mind and not particularly on driver involvement. Make no mistake, the Civic handles beautifully, charges forward without hesitation and does all of the above \u2013 and more \u2013 in high fashion and comfort.\nHonestly, it\u2019s hard for any cars in the segment to compete with the Civic. Popular and established models like the \nCorolla Altis\n and Mazda3 could still put up a decent fight, but the rest struggle to even make it to the shopping list. It\u2019s worth noting then, that the facelifted Mazda3 is slated for arrival sometime next year. It will be locally assembled as well, so expect similar pricing but with slight upgrades in features."
"Besides showing off the stunning \nLexus LC Convertible Concept\n at the 2019 Detroit International Motor Show, the Japanese luxury carmaker also debuted their most hardcore sports coupe yet, the Lexus RC F Track Edition.\nThe RC F Track Edition gets development inputs from Lexus race teams in the Super GT and IMSA series to deliver exceptional performance for the enthusiast to unleash on track. It gets extensive carbon fibre parts for weight savings, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and aerodynamic improvements.\nCompared to a standard RC F, you\u2019ll find a new front splitter, bonnet, roof and rear diffuser all made from carbon fibre to reduce weight and increase front downforce. At the rear, Lexus has installed a carbon fibre fixed rear wing that is lighter than a standard active rear spoiler to promote smoother airflow and add 26 kgs of downforce.\nThe wheels fitted on the RC F Track Edition are 19-inch BBS forged alloys with a design derived from the RC F GT3 race car to hide the Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors. The two components add up to 25 kg reduction in unsprung weight on the front axles which will benefit handling and steering feel.\nFurther weight saving measures include a titanium muffler and tailpipes, carbon fibre partition behind the rear seats and a carbon bumper reinforcement. All in all, the RC F Track Edition is some\n 72 to 82 kgs lighter\n than a standard RC F.\nHowever, Lexus has made sure that luxury is not compromised which is why all the sound deadening materials are left intact and the interior features red leather with Alcantara seat inserts and exposed red carbon trim.\nThe naturally aspirated 5.0-litre has been revised with new intake routing and lower rpm trigger point for the secondary intake opening to squeeze additional 5 hp and 8 Nm to \n472 hp\n and \n535 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to the rear wheels via a tweaked eight-speed automatic transmission with a higher final drive ratio (3.13 vs. 2.93) for better off-the-line response.\nWith the lighter body and a new Launch Control function, the RC F Track Edition is capable of sprinting from 0 to 96 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in \n3.96 seconds\n, on par with the bi-turbo V8 powered \nMercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-ddIWa5ub8\nIn addition, the standard RC F Coupe has also been revised for the new model year with weight reduction measures. It now features hollow half shafts at the rear, pared down intake manifold, smaller air condition compressor as well as aluminium toe control brackets and upper suspension support brackets.\nThe rear suspension arms and steering mounts also feature stiffer bushings and more rigid engine mount was used to house the updated 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine of the RC F Track Edition. Launch Control is also a new feature in the updated RC F Coupe.   Styling wise, the headlights have been updated to a new stacked LED layout and integrated daytime running lights, lower lip opening that stretches across the bottom to create a visually shorter front fascia and a pair of new taillights that integrates to the reshaped rear bumpers.\nBoth the updated Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition will start production in the second quarter of 2019 with pricing to be announced closer to market launch. Only two exterior colours will be available on the RC F Track Edition \u2013 Ultra White and Nebula Matte Gray, the latter an exclusive colour only available on the Track Edition.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus RC F Track Edition   Updated Lexus RC F"
"TC Euro Cars (TCEC), sole distributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia launched the updated Captur today, Europe\u2019s best-selling crossover, and will be on showcase from today to 20 May 2018 at the East Atrium, in Mid Valley Megamall.\nThe Captur is one of Renault\u2019s most in-demand models with 940,000 units sold globally to date. It has also been the top-selling model in its segment in Europe, a testament of Renault\u2019s 120 years of know how in design, production, engineering and technical expertise.\nIt\u2019s now available in three new body colours \u2013 \nAtacama Orange, Ocean Blue and Pearl White\n body colours \u2013 all paired with a Diamond Black roof.\nPowered by Renault\u2019s turbocharged TCe 120 engine and mated to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission, the Captur offers \n120 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n from as low as 2,000 rpm with a factory fuel efficiency rating of up to \n5.4L/100km\n.\nThe outside of the Captur has been rejuvenated with the brand\u2019s signature C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) while the grille has been redesigned to resemble that Renault\u2019s bigger crossover, the Kadjar. Elsewhere, it\u2019s got new 17-inch alloy \u201cshoes\u201d and LED side mirror indicators.\nThe refinements extend inside too; with use of high-quality plastics and a foam-backed dashboard to go with the redesigned gear lever and door panels. Boot space still stands at 377 litres, but can be expanded to\n 1,235 litres\n with the 60:40 seats folded down.\nStandard equipment includes a \n7-inch touchscreen\n with USB and Bluetooth compatibility, keyless entry with walkaway door lock function, auto headlights and rain sensors and reverse camera.\nThe Renault Captur offers safety nets such as \nfour airbags\n, Hill Start Assist, ABS with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).\nBuying a Captur not only gets you contemporary mode of transportation but added peace of mind with \n5-years or up to 100,000 km (whichever comes first) free service and maintenance (parts and labour)\n, \n5-years manufacturer\u2019s warranty with unlimited mileage\n, complimentary 24 hours roadside assistance, and pick-up and delivery during scheduled maintenance at Renault service centres.\nIn the event that replacement parts are not available for over 48 hours at authorised service centres, a replacement car will be provided, subject to availability.\nPricing for the new Renault Captur remains at RM 109,000 (OTR without insurance) without insurance with an additional RM 900 (excluding GST) for the Flame Red and Pearl White colour options."
"If you thought it was a limited-edition Ferrari, or some exotic hypercar with a hard-to-pronounce name, you\u2019re wrong.\nIt\u2019s a 2011 Nissan Teana; and it costs \nRM 488,004,780\n.\nThere\u2019s not much to describe why it costs so much. Its design is as subdued as a school uniform and it doesn\u2019t exactly scream high performance. Aside from the wear on the key fob, there\u2019s really not much that indicates \u201ca rare classic\u201d.\nMaybe it\u2019s an error of judgement or someone actually put a price to sentimental value; \nmaybe it could even just be a typo\n, but who knows?\nNothing in this world is perfect. Source: \nMudah.my\nI suppose there\u2019s not much to expect from car salesmen who can boldly claim a car \u2013 not to mention a 7-year old Nissan Teana \u2013 to be in perfect condition. Although, to be absolutely fair, the car does look to be in pretty good condition, especially on the inside.\nNo car can ever be in perfect condition and as history has evidently pointed out, not even brand new German-made vehicles.\nSource: \nMudah.my\nThe advertisement also claimed it wouldn\u2019t waste our time but come on, how would it \u201cno waste your time\u201d if you were asked to consider paying RM 488,004,780 for a Nissan Teana?!\nIf time is in abundant, maybe you might be interested to know how much the monthly repayment would be. Considering the dealer can \u201cloan adjustable\u201d up to 8 years, with a 3.5% interest rate and a 10% downpayment (RM 4,880,047.80), you\u2019re looking to pay \nRM 6,441,663.a month!\nLastly, to top it all off, one of the salesman is called \u201cBS Chong\u201d. Go figure.\nSource: \nMudah.my\n*This article was not written with the intention to shame or to offend. Absolutely not. If anything the intention was to find out what the most expensive car on Mudah was, out of curiosity, but happened to stumble upon this. For those left with a bad taste in the mouth (especially the fearless men of CNN Motor), perhaps this humour isn\u2019t for you. Sorry, I guess?"
"NISMO, the official tuning arm of Nissan has just introduced its NISMO Heritage programme, allowing owners to purchase new and official replacement parts for their prized heritage Nissan vehicle, keeping them on the road for many more years to come.\nThe first model to be offered with the NISMO Heritage programme is the Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R which was produced from August 1989 to January 1995. NISMO understands that sourcing replacement parts for a 28-year-old car can be a nightmare hence the company will be re-manufacturing and resupplying discontinued parts through its Heritage programme.   In the initial stages, NISMO will sell about \n80 parts\n including harnesses, hoses, emblems and other exterior components and hopes to expand the product range further. Plans are in the pipeline to include the \nR33\n and \nR34 GT-R\n models in the Heritage programme.\nWhile certain parts are not offered under the Heritage programme, NISMO gives owners the alternative to use substitute, rebuilt or overhauled products as well as NISMO-tuned parts."
"Porsche\n has breathed life into the Sally Carrera character from Pixar\u2019s \u2018Cars\u2019, and we unironically love it. Dubbed the \u2018911 Sally Special\u2019, the one-off model sees a \n911 Carrera GTS\n adorned with unique touches from the movie star.\nIn order to bring Sally Carrera to life, Porsche worked directly with the members of the original Cars team \u2013 including Bob Pauley, the Production Designer who first drew Sally Carrera \u2013 to reimagine the character on a modern 911.\nThe result, after nine months of work, is a unique one-off finished in a custom Sallybluemetallic colour, complete with the cheeky tattoo hidden underneath the rear spoiler. Porsche says the paint job had to be done completely by hand, as it covers virtually all exterior surfaces \u2013 even those parts that are usually black on a standard factory-spec 911.\nALSO READ: \nPorsche Taycan reclaims N\u00fcrburgring EV lap record from Tesla Model S Plaid\nSince Sally Carrera was based on the 996-generation 911, Porsche has added a few unique touches to make it at least a little bit period-correct, including silver surrounds around the headlights, as well as rear badging, and unique five-spoke wheels that mimic those of Sally Carrera\u2019s (and the 911s of her era).\nLike its exterior, the Sally Special\u2019s cabin also gets a range of bespoke touches, including the trim pieces finished in the same Sallybluemetallic colour, plus the pretty Chalk leather seats with Speed Blue and Chalk cross stitching and Pepita houndstooth inserts \u2013 the latter featuring a black, Chalk, and Speed Blue colour combination.\nYou\u2019ll notice the same colour combination used on pretty much everything else on the inside, including the dashboard itself, alongside the steering wheel\u2019s centre marker, and the manual transmission gear knob.\nThe Sport Response drive-mode selector on the steering wheel also get an adorable \u201cKachow Mode\u201d marking, while the \u201cSally Special\u201d wordmarks on the dashboard and illuminated door sills remind you of the car\u2019s special nature.\nRELATED: \nThe retro-styled Porsche 911 Sport Classic is the most powerful manual 911 you can buy\nThe Porsche 911 Sally Special one-off will be auctioned on RM Sotheby this Saturday as part of the Monterey Car Week, with proceeds going to two charities \u2013 Girls Inc, which supports young women, and UNHCR, an organisation that supports refugees from Ukraine currently affected by the war.\nIn addition to the car, the successful bidder will also receive a unique chronograph watch co-created with Pixar, featuring the Sallybluemetallic hue on the coloured ring, alongside a bespoke a book on the development and production of the one-off model, plus original drawings by designers Shuichi Yamashita and Bob Pauley.\nGALLERY"
"Just when you think you\u2019ve seen the last ultra-bling SUV of the week, here\u2019s one more to jar your senses. EPL footie stars and rap artists who covet exclusivity and opulence on oversized SUVs now have another option in the shape of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS \u2013 the first ever SUV in the exclusive sub-brand of Mercedes.\nBefore you wave it off as just a tarted up Mercedes-Benz GLS, you might want to consider some of its unique selling points. Take for instance the option to have it as a \nfour-seater\n with two \nindividual lounge chairs\n at the back with massaging functions, along with complementing silver champagne flutes and fridge, all of which are adorned with high polished chrome, aged wood and specially selected Nappa leather.\nThe generous serving of chrome on the Maybach GLS\u2019 exterior, particular on its grille, lower intake and those \n23-inch alloys\n transforms the regular item into something with a lot more opulence, it\u2019s not out to please everyone\u2019s palate, but a Maybach has always been an acquired taste. And yes, the \ntwo-tone paintwork\n is offered in eight different colour combinations.\nBut the feature which takes the cake has to be its \npowered running boards\n (or side steps); they are made of \nanodised aluminium\n, illuminates at night and \nfully retractable\n. Talk about making an entrance during the Grammys, or never having to risk straining your ligaments when travelling to receive FIFA\u2019s Ballon d\u2019Or.\nThe drivetrain providing thrust to Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is derived from the \n4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48V mild hybrid system\n which powers the \nGLS 63\n, but tuned to waft, befitting a Maybach. Even so, the 2.7-tonne behemoth is capable of covering ground rapidly courtesy of \n558 hp, 730 Nm\n and all-wheel drive traction; \nidle to 100 km/h takes only 4.9 seconds\n.\n \nTo ensure that its occupants never spill the champagne, the \nE-Active Body Control air suspension\n is able to react in milliseconds to cancel out body roll and is calibrated to soak up road bumps as if they weren\u2019t there. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 will enter markets by the second half of 2020, expect it to be as pricey as a Bentley Bentayga.\n \nMercedes-Maybach GLS 600 gallery"
"Hyundai is adding a new compact crossover and the new Bayon is the smallest member of the company\u2019s expanding SUV family in Europe.\nThe name Bayon was inspired by a vacation hotspot: Bayonne, the capital of the French Basque Country and one of the most beautiful destinations in the south-west of France.\nMeasuring just 4.18 metres long, 1.775 metres wide and a wheelbase of 2.58 metres, the new Bayon is similar in size to the \nHyundai Kona\n and Toyota \nYaris Cross\n. These compact crossovers are popular in Europe where Nissan started the \nJuke\n, Renault captured the market with the \nCaptur\n, Kia has the \nStonic\n, Peugeot with the \n2008\n and Volkswagen\u2019s \nT-Cross\n joined the segment in 2019.\nThe ground clearance for this compact crossover is 183 millimetres, which Hyundai says is higher than most other vehicles in the B-segment.\nThe new Hyundai Bayon is the company\u2019s latest interpretation of Sensuous Sportiness design language that combines emotional values and innovative solutions. The arrow-shaped headlamps and wide grille create a solid stance while the topmost portion is defined by a pair of thin DRLs strips and intake band.\n \nOn the side, plenty of lines and indents create a dynamic shoulder line ending with a rather thick D-pillar and pronounced wedged-look at the rear. Hyundai designers also created an arrow-theme for the LED taillamps, connected by a faux light strip on a large black panel to emphasise width.\nCompared to the larger \nHyundai Tucson\n, the Bayon is leaning on the safe and proven design.\nOpening the tailgate reveals a much larger luggage area, 411 litres which is 50 litres more than the Kona. Hyundai has made storing the large solid tonneau cover much simpler by simply sliding it to rest against the seat back.\nThe interior continues to follow the simple and effective ergonomics found in larger models such as the \nnew Elantra\n. A 10.25-inch driver\u2019s digital cluster can be specified, with a similarly sized display for the touchscreen infotainment.\nA basic 8-inch display audio is standard with \nwireless\n connection to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone connectivity. A premium Bose sound system can also be selected.\nUsers can further communicate with their new Bayon via the Hyundai Bluelink smartphone app. Among the useful features are a cloud-based navigation that offers more precise routes for daily driving and on-street parking availability and fee.   Only one regular petrol engine with two states of tune is offered in the new Hyundai Bayon at launch. A turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine equipped with a 48-volt \nmild-hybrid\n system has outputs of \n100 hp\n and \n120 hp\n with both delivering maximum torque of \n172 Nm\n.\nThe valvetrain in the latest line of Kappa engines also features Hyundai\u2019s unique Continuously Variable Valve Duration (\nCVVD\n) technology, which regulates the duration of the valve opening and closing according to driving requirements.\nBoth outputs can be had with either a six-speed intelligent manual transmission with downshift rev-matching or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.\nNew vehicles these days offer the full range of Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) suite and the new Hyundai Bayon continues this trend with its \nSmartSense\n package. The autonomous emergency braking system in the Bayon even works while coming out of a junction. The Junction Turning function can apply the brakes to prevent a collision with an oncoming car when turning left at an intersection.\nAnother value-adding safety feature in the Bayon is the Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) that notifies the driver before leaving the vehicle if sensors detect movement in the back seat, making it even safer for children and even pets.\n\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"The soon-to-be-launched-in-Malaysia\n Volvo XC60\n has just been named as the car with the best overall performance at the 2017 Euro NCAP Best in Class safety awards.\nIt scored a near-perfect\n 98% in the Adult Occupant\n category and in its \u201cLarge Off-Road class\u201d, led by a massive margin in \nSafety Assist with a score of 95%\n \u2013 20 percentage higher than the nearest Large Off-Road competitor.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/10190038/205091_The_new_Volvo_XC60_Frontal_crash_test.mp4\n\u201cThe new XC60 is one of the safest Volvo cars ever made,\u201d said Volvo Cars Safety Centre, Vice President, Malin Ekholm. \u201cIt is fully loaded with new technology designed to assist drivers, to help protect vehicle occupants and other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, plus mitigate collision risks.\nThe XC60 follows after the \nXC90\n which was named the best performing large off-roader and the car with the best overall performance in 2015.\n\u201cOur vision is that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously\u00a0injured in a new Volvo car,\u201d said Malin Ekholm.\nThe XC60 also joins the S90 and V90 in making history for Volvo Cars as the \nfirst manufacturer to hold all top three car rankings in Euro NCAP\u2019s Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) tests\n \u2013 AEB City, AEB Inter-Urban and AEB Pedestrian. The three Volvos are \nthe only cars to have achieved perfect scores\n in all three AEB categories.\nThe \nS90 and V90\n also bagged the Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class awards, achieving 95% in the Adult Occupant category and 93% in the Safety Assist category.\nAside from the prestigious Euro NCAP award, the XC60 had also been named as Japan\u2019s 2017/18 Car of the Year."
"In 2017, Kia Motors presented their \nKia Proceed Concept\n at Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) that previews the styling of their next-generation hatchback. Fast forward to today, the Korean carmaker is ready to officially unveil the production version of their concept car on 13 September 2018.\nOfficially called the Kia ProCeed, the new car is designed, developed and engineered exclusively for the Europe market \u2013 just like its predecessors. Kia calls the new ProCeed a \u201cfive-door shooting brake\u201d, staying close to the design sketches of the concept car.\n \n \nIn the single teaser image, we see the LED taillamps are connected by a light bar that spans the length of the tailgate. A design very similar to the Sportage and Stinger. If the designers are sticking with the concept car\u2019s design closely, we may see a front end that is essentially a watered-down Stinger, sharp and aggressive are the best adjectives to describe it.\nLooking at Kia\u2019s recent models, the Korean carmaker is moving into cars that are not only sharp but also highly desirable. The only downside is that only our European friends will be able to own one of these while the rest of the world can only drool from afar."
"The \nAudi Ideas Program\n encourages all levels of employees at the company to provide feedback on improving processes at their workplace. Even with shortened working hours during the pandemic, employees at Audi manage to achieve savings of over\n 94.5 million Euro\n last year through the program.\nThe limited physical presence at the workplace meanwhile further encouraged employees to submit their suggestions online including improvements from Audi such as \u201cCan processes and consultation be simplified or expedited because employees have closer digital links through working at home?\u201d\nA total of \n15,628 ideas\n were submitted to the administrators in 2020, and exactly \n9,265\n were implemented.\nA highlight from the innovative employee\u2019s submission last year was the use of a sensor at the body shop of the \nAudi Neckarsulm\n facility. By attaching a magnetic sensor on the robotic arm, the process ensures only one sheet of metal is taken from the drawer.\nThe magnetic sensor can detect that if multiple sheets were taken, a jet of air is blasted to ensure only one sheet metal is picked up for welding. Taking more than one sheet will lead to production delays and wastage of materials.\nThe idea has now been implemented not only in Neckarsulm, but also in \nIngolstadt\n.\nOther innovative ideas from previous years include colour-coded torque wrenches (reduce the chance of mix-up), to setting up a timer system for the ventilation fans (reduce expenditure), usage of a different camera to read existing data-matrix bar code (reduce printing multiple bar codes), to attaching an air-jet nozzle to the soldering head for a clean finish.\nThe Audi Group has also established ideas programs at its international sites. The employees in \nBrussels\n, Gy\u0151r, and \nSan Jos\u00e9 Chiapa\n submitted a total of roughly 9,600\u00a0ideas in 2020, saving more than around\u00a027.5 million Euro for the company."
"The Concours d\u2019Elegance at Pebble Beach, arguably the most prestigious concours event in the world where the ultra-rich show off their ultra-expensive cars, will officially get underway starting next week. And as a teaser of the events planned during the 2021 Monterey Car Week, \nAston Martin\n has now announced that it will be launching an all-new car, and. yeah that\u2019s pretty much it.\nHere\u2019s exactly what they said, from the press release: \u201ca global reveal of an exciting new product which extends the brand\u2019s performance credentials a step further.\u201d No other information was revealed, though they\u2019ve attached a photo alongside the press release, with a darkened car that looks a lot like an \nAston Martin Valkyrie\n \u2013 just one without a roof. Is this the Valkyrie Roadster?\nHow do we know, you ask? Well, looking at the photo closely-er, you\u2019ll see that the headrests (or the rollover protection seat backs) just slightly protrude past the windscreen frame of the car. But there\u2019s an even bigger tell, and that\u2019s the doors.\nThe original Aston Martin Valkyrie that was unveiled back in 2017 came with the awesome-looking gullwing doors, but the one in the photo has scissor-style doors. There\u2019s no way to mount the gullwing doors if there\u2019s no roof!\nRiding shotgun in an Aston Martin Valkyrie looks terrifyingly awesome. Check out the video here!\nNot much else was said about the new car, though we don\u2019t expect it to differ wildly to the original, roofed Aston Martin Valkyrie. Powering the F1-inspired Valkyrie is a Cosworth-sourced 6.5-litre V12 hybrid, with \n1,014 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n on tap.\nAston Martin says the Valkyrie does 0-100 km/h in about\n 2.5 seconds\n \u2013 we can only imagine how visceral that must feel with no roof, especially with the engine screaming all the way up to 11,000 rpm!\nRead about the Valkyrie\u2019s F1-inspired engine in more detail here!\nAside from the yet-unnamed roof-less Valkyrie, Aston Martin will also be debuting its younger brother, the \nValhalla\n, for the American continent. All things considered, Pebble Beach probably isn\u2019t a bad place to unveil these multi-million dollar cars, especially when you have a custom-built 11,300 sq. ft. luxury Club House specifically for that purpose."
"Remember that sexy red Lexus LC500 that GC Mah was trotting around with, in the \nAutoBuzz Best Cars of the Year video back in 2018\n? Well, it\u2019s back and this time, with its roof chopped off!\nThe new \nLC500 Convertible\n that\u2019s now in Malaysia, from \nRM1.35 million\n, is the first soft-top Lexus has ever made. It may seem as simple as a coupe with its roof chopped off but with Lexus, things are never that simple. The rear trunk section has been lifted slightly while the integrated rear spoiler has been broadened to give the convertible a wider stance.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 5.0-litre naturaly aspirated V8\nTransmission: 10-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Rear-wheel Drive (RWD)\nHorspower: 470 hp @ 7,100 rpm\nTorque: 570 Nm @ 4,800 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 4.9 seconds\nTop speed: 270 km/h\nWhat was previously a carbon fibre roof has now been replaced with a four-layer fabric roof which tucks under a cleverly integrated tonneau cover once it\u2019s retracted. The roof of the LC500 Convertible takes just \n15 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close\n and is capable of operating at speeds of up to 50 km/h.\nWhile it\u2019s common for most convertibles to come with lesser cargo space, in order to make room for the folded roof, the LC500 convertible is an exception.\nIt offers just \nas much luggage room as its coupe brother\n at 172 litres. It\u2019s a result of folding the fabric roof and tucking it between the rear suspension towers. Meanwhile, the hydraulic motors that operate the roof have been fitted in the empty space behind the rear seats.\nEXTERIOR\n6-pot caliper front brakes, 4-pot caliper rear\n21-inch forged wheels\nRear performance dampers\nAdaptive Variable Suspension\nAccording to Lexus, most folding roofs are expected to last around 10 years before it needs maintenance work. For the same reason, their engineers have tested the soft-top to its breaking point, \nlasting around 18,000 open and close cycles\n before a minor problem occurred. They did not elaborate further though.\nBehind the rear seats now is a transparent wind deflector that keeps the cabin quiet enough for conversations at speeds of up to 60 km/h. It may be a small feature but Lexus says it can \nreduce airflow around the occupants\u2019 face by about 20%\n.\nINTERIOR\nHead-up display\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n13-speaker 918 watt Mark Levinson sound system\nCarbon fibre scuff plates\nHeated and ventilated seats\n10.3-inch touchscreen display\n8-inch colour TFT multi-information display\nAt higher speeds, there\u2019s a mesh windscreen also behind the rear seat which can be lifted up. This further reduces airflow around the head by about 67% at around 100 km/h. According to Lexus, they\u2019ve tested various mesh patterns before deciding to go with this one. Lexus being Lexus, they\u2019ve also made sure the mesh windscreen matches the luxurious interior.\nAcoustic simulations were created to find out where and how the outside noises were entering the cabin. This is so that the amount and location of soundproofing and sound-absorbing material could be calculated.\nThe storage area for the folding roof behind the rear seats presented a particular challenge, as it was a route for tyre and exhaust noise to enter the cabin.\nThere was not enough room for soundproofing material to be added, so Lexus looked instead at adapting the trim material itself. By allowing air to pass through the structure and using sound-absorbing material on the reverse, the entire surface of the storage space soaks up noise. Impressive huh?\nSAFETY\nSix airbags\nFront Pre-Collision System\nDynamic Radar Cruise Control\nLane Keeping Assist\nAutomatic High Beam\nBlind Spot Monitor\nRear Cross Traffic Alert\nGALLERY"
"Audi is ushering the\nnew year with the updated Audi TT RS, packing dynamic styling upgrades but no power\nbump on the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine.\nAt the front, the\nupdated TT RS welcomes wider lateral air intakes with longer front spoiler to\ngive the car a wide appearance. The Gloss Black Singleframe grille remains a\ncentre piece at the front that hides away additional radiators for better cooling.\nOver to the rear you\u2019ll\nfind a new fixed rear wing with larger endplates that aids aerodynamics while\nthe RS-specific rear diffuser is restyled to house the large oval exhaust tailpipe\nfinish. LED lights are standard fitment but the taillamps can be optioned with\nmatrix OLED technology with an extensive 3D design.\nChanges are less\napparent on the inside, where the 12\u2019 o clock red marker being the only\ndifference in the facelifted TT RS. There is an optional RS design package\nwhich adds red or blue highlights to the air vent surrounds, seat belts, floor\nmats and seats.\nThe 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI and 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch transmission continue to provide \n400 hp\n and \n480 Nm \nof grunt as before, allowing the all-wheel-drive TT RS to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.7 seconds \nonwards to a limited top speed of \n250 km/h \nor optionally \n280 km/h\n.\nThe facelifted Audi TT\nRS is available in eight different colours with Kyalami Green, Pulse Orange and\nTurbo Blue being new additions to the colour palette. Buyers can also order\ntheir TT RS as a Coupe or Roadster.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAudi\u00a0TT\u00a0RS\u00a0Coupe\u00a0Facelift\u00a0in\u00a0Turbo\u00a0Blue\nAudi\u00a0TT RS Roadster Roadster\u00a0in\u00a0Nardo\u00a0Grey"
"It is finally here! \nNaza Eastern Motors (NEM)\n is the new official distributor for new-generation of Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia and the first model to represent the refreshed brand in Malaysia is the much-loved Suzuki Swift Sport.\nOnly the six-speed automatic transmission variant is offered here, with the pricing of \nRM139,900\n, on-the-road, without insurance and benefiting the sales tax exemption.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder Boosterjet Turbo\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 140 hp @ 5,500 RPM\nMax torque: 230 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 3,500 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 8.0 seconds\nTop speed: 205 km/h\nFuel consumption: 6.1 l/100km\nLightweight is the key recipe to the third-generation Suzuki Swift Sport. Based on the \nnew \u2018Heartect\u2019 platform\n, the new Swift Sport automatic registers an incredibly low kerb weight of just \n990 kg\n (20 kg lighter for the manual), a whopping 80 kg less than its predecessor. For reference, a Perodua Myvi 1.3 is 985 kg while a similar-output Proton X50 is 1,325 kg.\nThe engine of the Suzuki Swift Sport is now turbocharged, losing its high-revving nature that many fans and enthusiasts loved. Displacing 1.4 litres, the four-cylinder engine develops \n140 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n of torque, which occurs at a rather low engine rpm of 2,500 and only lasts a thousand revolutions before dipping downwards.   Local distributor NEM will be focusing on just the \nsix-speed automatic\n variant in Malaysia. Compared to the six-speed manual transmission, the ratios in the automatic are well spaced too, in fact, the first three ratios end in similar top speeds (circa 50 km/h, 80 km/h and 120 km/h). Manual selection of the gear ratios can only be done via the steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.\nOn paper, the six-speed automatic sure looks to deliver the same objective performance as the three-pedal manual with the same 0 to 100 km/h of \n8 seconds\n. \u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nThe new-generation Suzuki Swift Sport rides on a 20 mm longer wheelbase. The tread is 40 mm wider both front and rear, helping increase straight-line stability. In keeping with the design focus on performance and emotional connection, the body has been lowered 15mm and widened 40 mm, creating a more grounded, athletic stance.\nThe Suzuki Swift Sport destined for our market receives a notable difference compared to the ones seen in Europe, Japan and Australia. The tyre and rim combination for Malaysia has been downsized to 16 inches in diameter, similar to the Swift Sport sold in South Africa.\nKey exterior features in the Suzuki Swift Sport include:\nLED projector headlamps, DRLs and LED taillamps\nSwift Sport-specific front and rear bumpers\nWeave-effect on front bumper spoiler, side skirts and rear bumper diffuser\nRear spoiler with white lens third brake light\nDual exhaust outlets\u00a0\n16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, 195/50R16 Yokohama Advan tyres\nApart from the signature Champion Yellow, other colours available are Burning Red Metallic, Speedy Blue Metallic and Pearl Pure White.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior of the third-generation Swift Sport now conveys better attributes of sportiness and quality. A stylish black-to-red insert dominates the dashboard and door panels. In front of the driver lies a red-faced tachometer with a 4.2-inch multi-info information display. Standard interior features include:\u00a0 \u00a0\nSports semi-bucket front seats, fabric\nAluminium sports foot pedals\n4.2-inch multi-info display with turbo boost and oil temperature gauge\nAutomatic air-conditioning\n7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity\nCruise control\n60:40 split-folding rear seat\nThe boot continues to be relatively small, measuring just 265 litres. A nice touch to the compact interior is the steering column that has both tilt and telescopic adjustments.\nSAFETY\nThe new Suzuki Swift Sport only have safety equipment of six airbags, ESC and hill-hold assist, which are now considered basic, especially for a fully-imported car. Other safety features include a reverse camera, seatbelt reminders for the front passenger, height-adjustable seatbelt anchorage, ISOFIX tethers and a decoupling mechanism for the brake pedal during impact.\nPRICING\nTo recap, the Suzuki Swift Sport that is fully-imported from Japan is currently priced at \nRM139,900\n in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance and inclusive of a three-year/100,000 km warranty as standard. Prices are expected to be adjusted in line with the expiry of the sales tax exemption on June 30th 2021.\nThe new Suzuki Swift Sport is now available for viewing at the flagship Suzuki 3S showroom at Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya, Selangor and is operated by Naza Eastern Motors.\nGALLERY"
"While the actual unveiling is in a week\u2019s time at the Geneva\nmotor show, Honda has revealed more on what is arguably its most important product\nof the decade, maybe even this century. Enter the fully electric Honda e\nPrototype.\nBefore we dive into the details, it\u2019s worth recapping that the e Prototype was originally \nthe Urban EV Concept\n that got everyone excited with its cute retro take on the original Civic at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show. And we\u2019ve been craving for more information since.\nDespite the name, the e Prototype is \u201895% production ready\u2019, so you\u2019re looking at pretty much the production car.\nWell, we know more now. The e Prototype is slightly shorter than a Jazz, it will deliver an electric range of \u2018over 200km\u2019 (can be rapid charged up to 80% in 30 minutes like most EVs) but lo and behold, it is also rear-wheel drive, with torque vectoring for good measure!\nThe e Prototype is has largely kept to the original concept\u2019s minimalist styling and is supposed to be \u201895%\u2019 of the production version. The bodystyle is a five-door hatch that seats four occupants (the rear door handles are flushed and \u2018hidden\u2019 on the C-pillar), packing lithium-ion batteries the floor. Instead of wing mirrors, it has side-mounted cameras and cool pop-up front door handles. The side view is projected on LCD displays on each end of dashboard which flank the central touchscreens. Oh, the \u2018wood\u2019 on the dash is actually a printed adhesive film while the seat covers are made of recycled polyester.\nWe count at least five digital displays on the dash; the e Protoype will also come with semi-autonomous driving functions.\nThe 200 km electric range is admittedly a bit underwhelming, but Honda says the e Prototype is a car that \u2018meets the needs of the modern urban environment\u2018, so it is unlikely to the electric equivalent of the S660 sports car, but does it matter when the \u2018want\u2019 is this strong?"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced the commencement of their \nField Fix Campaign\n \u2013 basically a nationwide recall \u2013 for the Lancer, Lancer Sportback, Lancer Evolution and ASX manufactured \nbetween 2007 \nand\n 2010\n.\nThe Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, one of the CBU models to be recalled\nBefore you start panicking, let\u2019s be clear about one thing \u2013 only the \nimported\n (CBU) units of the said models are affected by the recall. For the locally \nassembled ASX\n owners, you\u2019re spared.\nThe purpose of this campaign is to inspect the \nV-ribbed belt\n\u00a0or serpentine belt (not to be confused with timing belt) and \nbrake booster\n (the latter applies only to the CBU ASX), and if the parts are found to be faulty, it will be replaced \nwithout charge\n.\nSample of a \nV-Ribbed Belt\n \u2013 the one connected to all the pulleys and the alternator outside of the engine\nLabour costs incurred will also be borne by the company should replacement be deemed necessary. Affected Mitsubishi owners who have received a \nnotification letter\n are encouraged to send their cars in for inspection. Are you one of them?"
"In an effort to embrace the new normal, Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) has launched a new \u2018Test Drive to You\u2019 campaign, enabling customers to test drive a Hyundai vehicle without stepping foot into a Hyundai showroom.\nHyundai Sime Darby Motors Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung explains: \u201cThe \u2018Test Drive to You\u2019 campaign is an exclusive personalised service by Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) to reach out to our customers wherever they are. We have a total of six SDAH sales outlets in Peninsular Malaysia which are offering this service.\n\u201cInterested parties just need to register their interest and SDAH will arrange for a personalised test drive session from the customer\u2019s home,\u201d he added.\nAs is common protocol these days, SDAH will be enforcing a strict health and safety standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety of its customers and personnel. These include \nsanitisation of test drive vehicles\n before and after every test drive session, and \nmandatory use of face masks and hand sanitiser\n in the car.\nThe sales consultant will be conducting a \nthermal screening\n prior to the test drive; customers with body temperature exceeding 37.5 degree celcius will not be allowed to proceed with the test drive. Additionally, the sales consultant will also be seated in the rear seat throughout the test drive to maintain \nsocial distancing\n.\nCustomers interested to take advantage of the new test drive campaign can make an arrangement via Hyundai\u2019s website \nhere\n. Currently, the campaign is offered in areas surrounding the \nsix Hyundai outlets\n included in the campaign \u2013 Ara Damansara; Bangsar; Old Klang Road; Ipoh; Prai, Penang ; Skudai, Johor.\nIn related news, Hyundai has recently updated its \nSanta Fe SUV\n with third-row air conditioning. Customers can also take advantage of the brand\u2019s ongoing promotions, which includes cash rebates of up to RM13,000, with the new \u2018Test Drive to You\u2019 campaign."
"Automobili Lamborghini is not only having record levels of \nsales volumes\n but also plenty of coverage in the media, many of which feature the multi-talented \nLamborghini Urus\n.\nWith more international travelling and borders opening up, Lamborghini India took the opportunity to highlight the immense power, traction and capability of this super SUV by driving up to the highest motorable pass in the world.\nLocated at the Indian Himalayas in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, the \nUmling La Pass\n is a staggering \n19,300 ft\n above sea level (5,883 m). For comparison, Genting Highlands is only at 6,000 ft, while Kundasang, the town at the base of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is slightly higher at 6,200 ft. Even the summit and finishing line of one of the most treacherous hill-climb competitions, the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, is lower at 14,115 ft.\nBeing fully paved, top Pikes Peaks competitors complete the 20 km drive in 8 minutes. Watch this road-legal Bentley Continental GT and the fantastic scenery during the record run.\nAs such, the Umling La Pass is one of the most challenging roads to conquer. Ambient temperatures range from -20 degrees to -10 degrees C, while extremely thin air means breathing can be tremendously difficult. Drivers planning to travel here are even advised to gain more information about Acute Mountain Sickness.\nMr. Sharad Agarwal, Head of Lamborghini India said, \u201cThis is a proud moment for Lamborghini as the Urus unlocks the pinnacle of high-altitude driving across the Umling La Pass. I would like to congratulate the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and its team on their remarkable achievement. When we reached Umling La Pass, even standing for 30 minutes was extremely difficult, and how the team completed the road in such extreme weather conditions is unimaginable,\u201d\nFive records by Lamborghini that many never even heard about or mentioned. Here it is!\nThe climb to the Umling La Pass took over 87 km, starting from Hanle. Certain stretches of the journey are unpaved and required the use of Terra (off-road) driving mode which the Lamborghini Urus managed with ease.\nPerformance all the way up to the 19,300-ft pass was largely unrestricted thanks to its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine dishing out \n650 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque at sea level. The Urus traverse the majestic road with its amazing bends, corners and scenery not once but twice on October 8th and 9th 2021. \u00a0\u00a0\nSo, what is next for the multi-talented Lamborghini Urus super SUV? Perhaps being fastest on an unpaved road? Oh wait, the Urus is already a \nrecord holder\n for that! As for a singular vehicle model with the most records, it has to be the Porsche Taycan. This \nday trip\n alone racked up more records than what was thought possible!\nGALLERY"
"Dinamikjaya Motors\n, the official distributor for Kia in Malaysia today launched the 2023 Kia Niro EV, the second fully-electric vehicle (EV) in its lineup after the Kia EV6. Launched in a single variant only, the Kia Niro EV is fully imported (CBU) from South Korea and fetches a price of \nRM256,668\n (OTR without insurance).\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.\n \nSize-wise, the Kia Niro EV is about the size of a Toyota Corolla Cross. The Kia Niro EV measures 4,420 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,720 mm long which is a bit longer than the usual C-segment SUV.\nUnmistakably a Kia with its \u2018tiger nose\u2019 front end, the Kia Niro sports Dual LED projector headlights up front. What stands out about the Kia Niro EV\u2019s exterior styling would be the unique cladding design which not quite covers the entire car and is matched with the rear quarter panel.\nRELATED: \nKia Picanto facelift unveiled with EV9-like front end, retains 5-speed manual\nStandard exterior features on the single-variant Kia Niro EV for Malaysia include:\nDual LED Projector Headlamps\nLED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)\nFront fog lights\nRear fog lights\nHeated side view mirrors\nFront Sunroof\nSmart-Powered Tailgate\nRoof rails\nVentilated disc brakes (front)\nSolid disc brakes (rear)\n17-inch alloy wheels\nFront & rear parking sensors\nRELATED: \nKia EV9 specs revealed \u2013 over 541km range, V2L, L3 autonomous driving\nAs for propulsion, the Kia Niro EV gets a single-motor setup that drives the front wheels only. The permanent magnet synchronous motor outputs a maximum of \n201 hp \nand \n255 Nm\n. The full technical details of the Kia Niro EV are as such:\nDrive: Single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD)\nTransmission: 1-speed e-shift\nMaximum power output: \n201 hp\nMaximum torque: \n255 Nm\n0-100 km/h: \n7.8 seconds\nTop speed: \n167 km/h\nV2L function of the Kia Niro EV\nAs for the battery and charging capabilities of the Kia Niro EV, it isn\u2019t quite as advanced as the Kia EV6. Its range is a decent 460 km (WLTP), thanks to a 64.8-kWh battery pack. An interesting thing about the Kia Niro EV is its vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature that supplies up to 3.6kW of power.\nBattery capacity: \n64.8 kWh\nRange (WLTP): \n460 km\nMax. AC charging rate: \n11 kW\nAC charging time (11 kW, 10-100%): \n6 hr 20 min\nMax. DC charging rate: \n80 kW\nDC charging time (80 kW, 10-80%): \n49 min\nV2L max. rate: \n3.6 kW\nRELATED: \nKia Concept EV5 unveiled: Swivelling seats, Polestar-inspired taillights?\nInside, the Kia Niro EV feels quite similar to the Kia EV6 despite not being built on the same platform. The HVAC controls, steering wheel, and gear selector are all quite similar. A twin 10.25-inch display takes centre stage in the cabin, with one functioning as the main head unit and the other as the instrument cluster. Standard interior features of the Kia Niro EV include:\n10.25-inch head unit\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\n8 speakers\n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\nMulti-function steering wheel\nTilt & Telescopic steering adjustment\nSeat heating and ventilation\nDual-zone automatic climate control\nRear air-conditioning vents\nWireless mobile phone charger\n3 USB-C ports\nMetal foot pedals\nPower-adjustable 1st-row seats with lumbar adjustment\nLeatherette upholstery\nFor safety, the Kia Niro EV6 is well-equipped with advanced safety technologies. This includes:\nHigh Beam Assist (HBA)\nBlind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)\nRear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)\nLane Keeping Assist (LKA)\nDriver Attention Warning (DAW)\nForward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)\nLane Following Assist (LFA)\nSmart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go\nIncluded in the price of the Kia Niro EV is a 5-year/150,00 km manufacturer warranty, and an 8-year/160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 Kia Sorento launched in Malaysia \u2013 6/7-seater SUV from RM211k\nGALLERY"
"There seems to be no stopping the Lamborghini Special Edition locomotive. A month ago, there was the \nAventador Ultimae\n to celebrate the brand\u2019s V12 engine. Late last week was the reveal of the \nAventador Roadster Korean Special Series\n and many more models featuring the Aventador.\nJust early this week, the brand announced the return of the \nCountach\n that can only be purchased by 112 customers. Joining the smaller Lamborghini \nHuracan STO\n in a limited-edition series are four Huracan EVO Special Edition called Edicion Vita, Edicion Morte, Edicion Sogno and Edicion Tempo.\nIn celebration of Lamborghini\u2019s 10-year anniversary in Mexico, the brand has revealed four special edition Huracan EVO models. The commemorative models represent four key themes in Mexican culture, with Vita meaning life, Morte for death, Sogno for dream, and Tempo signifying time. \u00a0\n\u201cMexico has become an influential force for a growing automotive community in Latin America and we\u2019re proud to celebrate this partnership with Grand Chelem (the distributor),\u201d said Automobili Lamborghini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, Federico Foschini.\nHe added that the four special edition models were designed with the brand\u2019s Ad Personam program, presenting the endless possibilities available to clients when configuring their own Lamborghini car.\nApart from distinctive exterior colours, bright paintwork on the 20-inch forged Narvi rims and coordinated interior scheme, all models are fitted with a hexagonal emblem portraying their respective cultural symbols.\nThe special edition series flagship model is the Edicion Vita, painted with a special shade of Verde Ermes (green) and highlighted by Oro Elios (gold) accents representing life and nature. An emblem of an eagle is used to celebrate freedom and successes in life and perpetuated in a motif that exalts the national values of Mexico and Italy.\nThai national brings new meaning to cashless payment \u2013 bought a Lambo with crypto! Find out how much cryptocurrency he needed here\n.\nFor the Death Edition or Edicion Morte, black (or white) is surprisingly not used. Instead, a Blu Astraeus (blue) colour is paired with Bronzo Serse accents. A similar configuration is extended inside the car.\nThe emblem of a skull is used for the Edicion Morte, where Mexican culture celebrates experiences that prepare them for the journey between life and death.\nThe most distinctive of the four special edition Huracan EVO models is the Edicion Sogno or Dream Edition. A bright light blue paint called Blu Symi resemble the mythical-like creatures seen in Mexican folk art. A white interior is contrasted with black tones and gold stitching on the seats.\nThe Lamborghini Huracan Edicion Sogno is commemorated with a plaque of a two-headed dragon, celebrating dreams with a mixture of fantasy and reality that give colour and meaning to life.\nFinally, it\u2019s the Huracan EVO in simple matte black (Nero Nemesis) with bronze highlights. The Huracan EVO Time Edition represents the decade-long partnership between Lamborghini and Mexico.\nLamborghini creatively used a snake as a symbol for Time, as it represents the reinvention of oneself by the shedding of skin. \u00a0\nThe four special edition Huracan EVO models will be put on display throughout the city\u2019s most admired landmarks to further celebrate Lamborghini Mexico\u2019s 10th anniversary.\nFamous US celebrity beautifies her Lamborghini with white fur. Lamb-dashkimi? More here!\nTo recap, the Lamborghini Huracan EVO is powered by a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine with outputs of \n640\n \nhp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. The super sportscar feature Lamborghini\u2019s new rear-wheel steering, torque vectoring, 7-speed DCT and all-wheel drive systems \u2013 which are all integral to the new\u00a0Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI).\nIt accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n2.9 seconds\n while 0-200 km/h stops the stopwatch at 9 seconds flat. The top speed is listed as over 325 km/h.\nGALLERY\n2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Edicion Vita\n \n2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Edicion Morte\n \n2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Edicion Sogno\n \n2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Edicion Tempo"
"Revealed ahead of the Ferrari World Finals is the sixth and latest model of the private racing series, the Ferrari 488 Challenge. It\u2019s also the first turbocharged and most powerful model ever to participate in the race, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.\nPowering the 488 Challenge is the same \n3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8\n engine that\u2019s found in the standard road-going version. It\u2019s capable of producing \n661 hp\n and\n 760 Nm\n of torque, although the Challenge version features unique engine mapping and shorter gear ratios for optimum racing performance. Torque management is also tweaked for more ideal upshifts during hard accelerations.\nManaging all that powertrain hoo-ha is a revised lightning quick F1 dual clutch transmission, now featuring a new set of racing shift strategy. This allows the 488 to accelerate from standstill to maximum engine revolutions in fourth gear, all before hitting the 6.0 second mark. Take some time to digest that \u2013 we\u2019re still trying. In all, the engine and transmission are both lighter than the stock version.\nFerrari\u2019s patented Side Slip Control makes its debut here, and works with a multitude of softwares and hardwares to improve turn-in, cornering and acceleration out of corners while ensuring top levels of traction. Three additional\u00a0\nmanettino \ndials (built to each side of the steering wheel) independently govern braking, traction and the electronic differential.\nIn its optimum setup, the 488 Challenge accelerates 11.6 percent better out of a corner of a reference band in Monza. Aerodynamics also play an important role here. Co-developed with Ferrari Styling Centre, the 488 Challenge gets a reworked front radiator that improves air flow and reduces drag. The new styling also results in additional vents at the bottom of the bumper, fore of the wheel. Together with a new bonnet, huge rear wing and integrated flaps, total aerodynamic efficiency is up by 9 percent over the preceding 458 Challenge EVO.\nAs a refresher, the \nstandard Ferrari 488 GTB is currently on sale in Malaysia for a base price of RM1.07 million\n (before duties and options).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"National carmaker \nProton\n today echoed the Government\u2019s initiative to help reduce the cost of living for lower-income groups with the launch of the 2023 Proton Rahmah Service Campaign. The campaign encourages Proton owners to send their vehicles to authorised service centres for a free 40-point safety check and a service package priced at \nRM150\n.\nPresent at the launch of the campaign, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Yang Berhormat Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said, \u201cVehicle ownership is essential to the daily lives of many Malaysians and the expenses related to it, such as loan repayment, fuel, tolls, and maintenance are major components of a household\u2019s expenses.\u201d\n\u201cWith the launch of the Rahmah Campaign, Proton owners will be able to get their cars inspected for free and purchase an affordable service package, which will ease their burden and free up funds for the approaching Hari Raya celebration,\u201d added Tengku Zafrul.\nThe package is essentially an oil change. Part of the service package includes a 25% discount on semi-synthetic oil, a 10% discount on oil filter and gasket, RM20 off for labour, as well as a free 40-point safety inspection. Following the implementation of the Menu Rahmah initiative launched in January 2023, the government is looking to expand it to other sectors that can make a real difference in lowering living costs. Starting today until \nMay 31, 2023\n, customers can enjoy a free 40-point safety check and enjoy a service package priced at just \nRM150\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 first drive \u2013 decent ride, but hard to hide that 3-cylinder sound\n\u201cAn inclusive campaign, costs are shared evenly between \nProton Edar\n and our dealers as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and we hope with it in place, owners are compelled to service their cars at our authorised service centres before starting the journey back during the festive period,\u201d said Proton\u2019s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah.\nThe Proton Rahmah Campaign 2023 starts on \nApril 12\n and runs till \nMay 31, 2023\n. It is targeted to owners of the \nProton Persona\n, \nProton Iriz\n, \nProton Exora\n, \nProton Saga\n, as well as previous models including the Proton Inspira, Proton Waja and \nProton Wira\n.\nRELATED: \nProton X90 now open for bookings at 3S & 4S outlets only, specs revealed"
"Car prices hardly appreciate like property, unless if the car is \u201cspecial\u201d or as rare as the\u00a0\nLamborghini Miura\n. Not so for Porsche, as the recent\u00a0\nPorsche 911 R\n now commands an asking price close to\u00a0\u00a31 million (approximately RM5.4 million) for a used example!\nThe reason behind this astronomical appreciation, according to high-end car financing company Magnitude Finance, is because all 911 units of the manual GT3 RS have been sold out even before it was launched!\nYep, only 911 units will ever be made, but already there are people willing to pay up to seven times its original pricing. Initially priced at \u00a3136,901 (RM740k), a used example can now command a minimum price of \u00a3550,000 (RM3 million), while others are \u2018desperate\u2019 enough to part as much as\u00a0\u00a31 million (RM5.4 million) for it!\nThe 911 R isn\u2019t the only car that\u2019s highly sought after, because the \nCayman GT4\n\u00a0and \nMacan SUV\n have also had their secondhand values appreciate considerably.\u00a0The Macan\u2019s value is driven by high demand with a waiting list of over eight months, while the limited edition, manual-only Cayman GT4 (original price\u00a0\u00a364,451) now costs over RM500k for a used example. \u00a0\nThe moral of the story here is, if you want to invest in a car, you know where to look.\n[Source: \nAutoCar UK\n]"
"There\u2019s a new C-Class in town and it comes with the option of unlimited headroom at a flick of a switch. With the arrival of the A205 C-Class Cabriolet,\u00a0Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) now has a new addition to their C-Class range to complement the existing W205 C-Class Sedan and the C205 C-Class Coupe.\nThe C-Class Cabriolet made its \nworld debut\n six months ago with a range of diesel and petrol engines, but for the Malaysian market the C-Class Cabriolet follows the Coupe range with \nthree variants\n: the \nC 200\n, the \nC 250\n, and the \nC 300\n. Retailing from \nRM359k\n, the C-Class Cabriolet is currently the only mid-size cabriolet on sale here, since BMW stopped selling the \nF33 428i Convertible\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz C 200 Cabriolet\nMercedes-Benz C 250 Cabriolet\nMercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet\nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder, DOHC\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic Plus\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n8.2\u00a0seconds; 235 km/h\n6.9 seconds; 244 km/h\n6.4 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM358,888.00\nRM388,888.00\nRM443,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nIf you love the Coupe, most likely you will fall all over the Cabriolet as well because both of them look identical apart from the roof. The Coupe\u2019s tin top has been lopped off and replaced by a black\n fabric top\n. You can also have the roof in dark red, dark brown, or dark blue, but you need tick the option for the\u00a0\nmulti-layer acoustic soft top\n which offers better cabin insulation when the roof is up.   Standard on the C-Class Cabriolet are\n 15mm lower suspension\n than the sedan, \n18-inch wheels\n, and \nLED headlamps\n, but if you upgrade your Cabriolet from C 200 to C 250 you\u2019ll get the \nAMG Line exterior\n and \nLED Intelligent Light System\n with \nAdaptive High Beam Assist Plus\n. Meanwhile the \nC 300\n gets a bigger set of \n19-inch alloys\n along with the items fitted on the C 250.\nINTERIOR\nWe\u2019ve seen the beautiful interior in the \nW205 Sedan\n, the \nX205 GLC\n, and the \nC205 Coupe\n, but this time you can extend the headroom on demand. Opening or closing the \nfully automatic roof\n takes \n20 seconds\n, and this can also be done on the move at\n speeds up to 50 km/h\n. Once the roof is down, the \nboot space\n also goes down from \n360 litres\n to 285 litres.   Different variant gets different upholstery and trim finish. Black piano-lacquer look with longitudinal grain aluminium trim and Artico leather upholstery are featured in the C 200, while and the C 250 gets the same trim but with leather upholstery. The C 300 also gets leather upholstery but it gets the open-pore black ash wood trim instead.\nThe Audio 20 infotainment system with Garmin Map Pilot as well as the touchpad controller are standard on the C 200 and the C 250, but the C 300 gets DVD player, Comand Online, \nBurmester surround sound system\n, Air Balance active perfuming system, and an analogue clock.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe engine range follows exactly what the tin-topped siblings offer, but the familiar M274 \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n is mated to the \n9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic\n instead of the seven-speed transmission. Power outputs are \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n on the \nC 200\n, \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n on the \nC 250\n, and \n245 hp\n and\n 370 Nm\n on the \nC 300\n.\nThe C 200 takes \n8.2 seconds\n to get from \n0 to 100 km/h\n; the C 250 takes \n6.9 seconds\n\u00a0and the C 300 does it in \n6.4 seconds\n. Fuel consumption range from 7.1 l/100 km in the C 300 to \n6.0 l/100km\n in the C 200.\nWHAT ELSE?\nPricing\u00a0starts from\u00a0\nRM358,888\n for the \nC 200\n Cabriolet, \nRM388,888\n for the\n C 250\n Cabriolet, and \nRM443,888\n for the \nC 300\n Cabriolet, so there\u2019s about RM50k premium over the \nC-Class Coupe\n. So which one would you rather have, the Sedan, the Coupe, or the Cabriolet?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C 250 Cabriolet   Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet"
"Say goodbye to the \nFerrari 458 Italia\n, and say hello to the new \nFerrari 488 GTB\n. Ferrari\u2019s mid-engined supercar gets rejuvenated with sharper looks and a new heart, a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged heart, no less. The 488 GTB is the second of the recent Ferraris to receive a \nturbocharged powerplant\n after the front-engined California T.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFerrari 488 GTB\nEngine\n3,902 cc V8 twin-turbo\nMax Power\n660 hp @ 8,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n760 Nm @ 3,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n3.0 seconds\n0-200 km/h\n8.3 seconds\nTop Speed\n> 330 km/h\nThe unveiling of the 488 GTB also celebrates the 40 years anniversary since the launch of Ferrari\u2019s first mid-engine car, which was the Dino. Not only that, the new smaller turbocharged engine somewhat bridges the gap closer to the current Formula 1 that promotes engine downsizing and turbocharging technology.\nEXTERIOR\nAt first sight it looks familiar to the 458 Italia it replaces but upon closer inspection, almost all body panels are new on the 488 GTB. The front bumper intake openings are larger, with two \u201cfangs\u201d in the middle hiding a center deflector to channel air towards the flat underbody.\nThe door feature a deep scallop inspired by the 308 GTB and cuts upward to the flanks punctured by a huge air intake. The back receives more aero work with a new rear bumper with diffuser that incorporates active flaps, and what \nFerrari\n refers to a \u201cblown\u201d spoiler. All this resulted a \n50 percent increase\n in downforce compared to its predecessor.\nApart from that, the LED taillights have been updated, accompanied by a central F1-esque rear foglamps, while the tailpipe count now reduced from three to two.   INTERIOR\nMost of the cabin design remains intact, which revolves around the driver. All the controls are angled towards the driver, ensuring everything is within reach. For the 488 GTB, the infotainment screen have been redesigned, and it now features a completely keyless start.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe new engine is around \n500 cc less\n than the one in the 458 Italia. Still a V8, it now displaces \n3,902 cc\n, but it gains \na pair of turbochargers\n. It generates \n660 hp\n at 8,000 rpm and \n760 Nm\n at 3,000 rpm.\nThat\u2019s 98 hp more than what the 458 Italia offers, and 63 hp more than the 458 Speciale. Sprint time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is \n3.0 seconds\n, which is similar to the 458 Speciale, and the \ntop speed\n is claimed to be \nmore than 330 km/h\n.\nTo ensure a smooth torque delivery, the gearbox features \nVariable Torque Management\n. The side slip angle control system have evolved to \nSide Slip Control 2\n (SSC2), which is said to be more precise and less intrusive than before.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe 488 GTB is set to debut at the upcoming \nGeneva Motor Show\n in March 2015, which is interestingly, where \nMcLaren\n is tipped to unveil their \n675LT\n. Over here in Malaysia, with the launch of the \n458 Speciale\n and the \nCalifornia T\n last year, it\u2019s only a matter of time when the 488 GTB is coming to our shores.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just announced that Mazda has the most fuel-efficient model line up on U.S. roads for the fifth consecutive year. According to the annual Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends report published last week, the average fuel economy of MY2016 Mazda models sold in the U.S has improved compared to the previous year, once again securing their number one position.\nThe entire MY2016 Mazda line up consumed an average (manufacturer adjusted) of \n7.9 litres per 100 km\n, 0.64 litres lower than MY2015 models. The Japanese carmaker also recorded the lowest average CO2 emissions of any carmaker at\n 187g/km\n. To put things into perspective, the overall U.S. market average stands at 9.5L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 223g/km.\nMazda highlights that its strong position as the most efficient line up in the U.S. market was due to the brand\u2019s \nSkyActiv\n technologies compromising of lightweight engines, transmissions, chassis and car bodies. These technologies were made available to customers are beneficial in the real world as reflected by the EPA\u2019s report."
"First introduced to the world in 2010, the Jaguar XJ represented the Coventry-based company\u2019s premier limo that\u2019s geared toward taking on German industry heavyweights such as Merc\u2019s S-Class, Bimmer\u2019s 7-Series and Audi\u2019s A8; just to name a few. These solid performers have all received new leases of life today, and five years later, Jaguar has opted to kit the XJ out with a refreshed look and some toys to go with \u2013 particular the LED headlamps. However, here\u2019s one oddity.\nCaranddriver.com reported that sales performance of the XJ in the North American region recorded some 4,300 units in 2014, which pales in comparison to BMW and Lexus who both sold over twice the amount. That\u2019s nothing, though, because Mercedes-Benz sold six times more S-Classes than the XJ! Now,\u00a0what does the S-Class have that the XJ doesn\u2019t? Well if the prevailing reason for that sales slump was all about its looks, then it seems that \nJag has come to the rescue\n. Not only that, but they brought the facelifted XJR out to play with a Le Mans champion and his car.\nEnough about sales figures and performance indexes. This new Jaguar XJR is the company\u2019s flagship battle cruiser with all the bells and whistles chucked in it, including a slightly tweaked\n 5.0-litre supercharged V8\n that is producing over\n 540\n rampaging British stallions and a pair of trick new \nLED headlights\n. In keeping with the theme, Jag invited Andy Wallace out to Silverstone for a day out with his old\n Silk Cut Jaguar\n LM racer and to sample the XJR.\nAt 542 hp, Andy Wallace should not break a sweat driving this uber-luxurious limousine around Silverstone when you consider that his old LM racer was a\n 7.0-litre V12\n fire breather that churned out the better part of \n750 hp\n while the engine wailed at\n 7,200 rpm\n with over\n 800 Nm\n of twist to boot. Not only that, but the XJR-9LM tipped the scales at just over \n881 kg\n which would give it a\n power-to-weight ratio\n of \n851 hp per tonne\n ! No one knew for an absolute certainty how fast these cars really were, but Wallace mentioned that it would do speeds of up to 240mph (\n387 km/h\n)! Food for thought?\nSpeaking of the immense speeds of racing, Wallace commented while driving the XJR at night around Silverstone, \u201cit was so \nhard to see at night\n.\u00a0We were travelling at around 240mph and it was\n too fast\n to see the road ahead. We used the lights more to \ncatch glimpses\n of landmarks as they whizzed past, so we knew where we were.\n\u00a0\nThese days, modern road cars have \nincredible\n lights. LED technology allows you to see \nthree times\n the distance we could back then, while \nactive steer\n and \nbend\n also help \ntarget\n the lights to the \nplaces\n you want to see.\u201d\nAt this juncture, Wallace wishes that the XJR-9LM that he piloted in 1988, had these LED headlights. For the want of proper headlights, he might have \nclenched\n the title.\u00a0As part of the facelift, Jaguar now kits the XJ with its\n LED-headlight technology\n that\u2019s coupled with the unique\n double J-Blade DRL\u2019s\n.\u00a0The LED headlights provide a \ncolour temperature\n closer to that of \ndaylight\n than the Bi-Xenon lamps they replace, improving \nvisibility\n and driver comfort while also delivering a significant improvement in \nenergy efficiency\n. Be sure to check out the video.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia has just introduced the F16 X6 at their newly renovated headquarters in Cyberjaya. The X6 in question here is the M-Sport flavoured xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) that will be locally assembled at BMW\u2019s Assembly Facilities plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nThe completely knocked down (\nCKD\n) \nF16 X6\n represents the marques \nninth\n model to join the portfolio of the company\u2019s \nlocally assembled vehicles\n. BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s CEO, Mr Alan Harris said, \u201cThis is a testament indeed to the longstanding commitment that the German brand has here in Malaysia.\u201d\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X6 xDrive35 M Sport\nEngine\n2,979cc inline-6 twin-turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed StepTronic Sport automatic\nMax Power\n306hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n6.4 seconds\nTop Speed\n240 km/h\nPrice\nRM 666,888 OTR w/out Insurance\nEXTERIOR\nThe F16 holds true to its predecessor\u2019s \naggressive\n and \nbold\n \nlook-at-me\u00a0\npresence that should get everyone\u2019s attention as you drive on by. On the front, the SAC means business with its huge imposing signature \nkidney grille\n. Illuminating the path ahead is a job tasked to the \nAdaptive LED\n headlights coupled with a pair of oddly positioned\u00a0\nLED fog lamps\n. Both lighting sources are standard here.\n \n \nHaving mentioned that, the F16 is kitted out with\u00a0\nM Sport Pack\u00a0\nwhich\u00a0features a pair of\u00a0\ngills\n on each side of the front fender \u2013 an aesthetic enhancement courtesy of the \nM Aerodynamics\n pack. Because you get the M Sport Pack, the X6 comes with Adaptive M Suspension as standard while riding on 20-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels.\nAt the back, you\u2019ll notice subtle hints of the \nX6\u2019s muse\n in the \nLED tail lamps\n, and not forgetting to mention the \nsleek\n, \nsloping lines\n of the vehicle. The exhausts pipes are capped with a pair of \nchromed-out tips\n on either side.\nINTERIOR\nThe inside of the X6 is really the business end of things. The cockpit benefits from Bimmer\u2019s hallmark\n driver centric\n \norientation\n with features such as\u00a0\nmulti-function instrument display\n panel which, in essence, replaces traditional \ngauges\n. As part of keeping the driver\u2019s focus etched \non the road\n and not on the toys, the steering wheel incorporates controls for the \nvoice command\n system, \ncruise control\n,\n mode selector\n and \ncall pick up\n and \ndrop\n. Not forgetting also the\n paddle shifters\n for when the roads get tricky, or interesting.   On the centre console, one will notice an array of \nbuttons\n and \nswitches\n that host a multitude of commands at your fingertips. Looking around and you will find a tastefully done interior finishing with the better part of it wrapped in fine \nDakota leather\n upholstery. The hides on offer can be suited to all tastes and colours, so feel free, guys.\nKeeping all occupants cool and comfy from the blistering heat is a \nquad-zone air-conditioning\n system. \nAmbient lighting\n really does set the mood as you enter the car. It lends to an organic feel with the positioning of the lights at roughly shoulder height.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe beating heart of the sports activity coupe is a\n\u00a0straight-six\n, \n3.0-litre twin-turbo\n mill that benefits from BMW\u2019s\u00a0\nEfficientDynamics\n technology. This tech delivers better performance and considerably improves fuel consumption. The M Sport F16 here pumps out \n306 hp\n from between \n5,800\n and\n 6,400 rpm\n, and thanks to the beauty of forced induction, optimal torque figures need not be attained at such high revs but rather the brunt of the \n400 Nm\n is readily available from as low as \n1,200 rpm\n.\nThe xDrive Bimmer puts its power onto the road via an \neight-speed Steptronic\n sport automatic transmission. With those figures in mind, the F16 X6 will hit the 100 km/h mark from standstill in just \n6.4 seconds\n before maxing out at\n\u00a0240 km/h\n. Quite an impressive performance, considering that the X6 tips the scales at slightly over\u00a0\ntwo tonnes\n.\nBesides that, the SAC comes with something you\u2019d normally find in high-end sports cars and hyper cars \u2013 \nLaunch Control\n. Should you feel the need to catapult yourself from traffic lights, but at the same time want the space and presence of an \u2018SUV\u2019, then look no further. Having said that, the X6 does feature an\n ECO-PRO\n mode that enables the coasting function, which BMW claims will help yield a fuel economy figure of \n8.6 litres per 100km\n.\nSAFETY\nCourtesy of the \nBMW ConnectedDrive\n pack, the X6 features a high-definition \nHUD\n (heads-up-display) which means you don\u2019t have to avert your gaze away from the road. Another unique drive assistance system in the locally assembled X6 is \nSurround View 360\n; a feature granting\u00a0\nall-round visibility\n when parking or manoeuvring in and around tight spaces.\nTwo active safety features\u00a0here are\n Lane Departure Warning\n\u00a0(with \nApproach\n) and \nPedestrian Warning\n with\u00a0\nauto braking\n. Both systems work independently or in tandem that automatically applies braking force when necessary.\u00a0With BMW Apps that\u2019s readily available, one can get Facebook and Twitter updates on the fly as well. You can even hook up Spotify and enjoy your favourite playlists via the Harmon Kardon stereo system.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe new, locally-assembled BMW X6 xDrive35i M Sport comes in \nAlpine White\n, \nFlamenco Red\n, \nCarbon Black\n and \nSpace Grey\n colours. The F16 retails for \nRM666,888\n on-the-road without insurance. It comes bundled together with a \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty\n and\n \nFree Scheduled Service\n Program.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Tesla Model S is undeniably the benchmark for premium electric powered cars. Its overwhelming public response gives visionary Elon Musk the advantage of monopolising this niche and growing segment, but that will soon change.\nBig German and Swedish brands are planning to dethrone the king himself; BMW has its iPerformance division, Mercedes-Benz has a yet-to-be-named electric division and now Audi leading the pack with their e-tron fleet.\nAccording to\n AutoCar UK\n, it seems that Audi is ready to take the Model S head on. Audi\u2019s Chairman Rupert Stadler has confirmed that they will be building a four-wheel-drive full electric sedan to directly compete against the Model S.\nIt is hinted that the new Model S rival will be named Audi A9 e-tron. The A9 e-tron will be a luxury sedan that will sit on par or above the flagship A8. If it makes to production, the A9 e-tron will be able to travel up to\u00a0\n500km\n in a single charge and will come with level four autonomous driving. Level four by definition, means that the car is able to steer and avoid obstacles without requiring\u00a0driver intervention.\nThe four door sedan will be equipped with a 95kWh battery pack to drive all four wheels via the e-tron Quattro system. No performance figures have been revealed at this point, but current e-tron models like the R8 e-tron is capable of producing a whopping 920 Nm of twisting force. We can trust the engineers at Audi to\u00a0deliver something just as crazy if they plan to go head on against the 967 Nm Model S.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda has just etched their name into the Guinness World Records book for officially achieving the \u2018Lowest Fuel Consumption\u2019 with the 1.6-litre i-DTEC Honda Civic Tourer, averaging an incredible 2.8 litres per 100km after driving nearly 13,500 km across Europe.\nThe diesel powered Civic Tourer were manned by\u00a0Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren, both from Honda\u2019s European R&D team. It took them 25 daunting days to drive across 24 European countries, similar to driving from the UK to Australia.\nThe duo started this record-breaking road trip from Aalst, Belgium on 1 June and went around Europe in a clockwise direction before returning to the exact spot on 25 June. Under Guinness\u2019 rules, both drivers must be in the car throughout the drive, which saw them taking turns behind the wheel, covering close to 612 km (or 380 miles) a day in the span of 7.5 hours. \nEvery day, for 25 days\n.\nBoth McGrath and Warren managed to cover approximately\n 1,500 km on a full tank of fuel\n, and needed to \nrefuel just nine times\n at a total cost of\u00a0\u00a3459 (est \nRM2,719\n at press time). They even shattered the Civic Tourer\u2019s quoted fuel efficiency of 3.8 litres per 100km \u2013 a full litre down, or 25 percent better!\n \n \nThe drive was based on strict and rigorous guidelines, with Guinness stipulating the \nneed to enter each of the 24 countries specified\n, collecting a range of evidence including a fuel/mileage logbook, GPS readings, video and photographs and independent witness signatures as collection of proofs. To ensure accurate monitoring of the route, journey time and distance driven, the record car was fitted with a tracking device that was provided by fleet telematics and stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER.\nUnder the rules, the car must be in every way, a standard model in all aspects, with no modifications to create an advantage. So, fancy yourself a diesel-powered Civic, folks?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve heard of Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS), and recently, the\u00a0\nMalaysia Autoshow\n\u00a0by Malaysia Automotive Insitute (MAI)\u00a0has taken over as the country\u2019s premier motor show.\nThis year\u2019s edition will apparently be taken to the next level with a bigger\u00a0venue at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) in Serdang. Set to be the country\u2019s biggest annual motor\u00a0show, the event will be held from \n9 to 12 November 2017\n.\n\u00a0\nThe venue is no stranger to motoring events, having seen shows like Art of Speed and multiple motoring events held from time to time. The convention halls will house new car launches and displays, while the vast parking spaces are ideal for hosting test drive\u00a0sessions.\nAlso to note, this year\u2019s winner of the \nMalaysia Car of the Year (COTY)\n will be announced by the end of the first day (9 Nov) of the show. In addition, this year\u2019s\u00a0Malaysia COTY is no longer restricted to new cars sold during the year, instead any available cars sold in the country are eligible to be nominated for the award. Both changes will facilitate car buyers to make pragmatic choices when\u00a0shopping for a car.\nThis year\u2019s theme is\u00a0\u201c\nEnergy Efficient Vehicles to the Future\n\u201d, which focuses primarily on the latest line of energy efficient cars, with autonomous cars also brought into the fray. During the four days, side activities such as safety talks, automotive education expo, food trucks and many more await visitors.\nAmong the highlights from last year\u2019s show include the exclusive preview of the \nKia Grand Carnival\n, \nHonda BR-V\n, \nHyundai Ioniq\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nBAIC \ncars. At the going rate, we\u2019re pretty sure there will be a few major new car launch or previews that will take place this year. Any guesses which?"
"Rolls-Royce has unveiled a truly mesmerising collection of limited Rolls-Royce Wraiths where only 55 indulgent elitists will get to sample \u2013 it\u2019s called the Wraith Luminary.\nChief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten M\u00fcller-\u00d6tv\u00f6s said, \u201cWraith Luminary is a stunning Collection Car. It speaks directly of our contemporary Rolls-Royce brand \u2013 progressive and trailblazing; the pinnacle in handcrafted luxury. This is a car that celebrates visionaries who achieve eminence in their respective fields. Indeed, this collection is for the world\u2019s luminaries.\u201d\nThe colour of choice for these \n55 units\n is a newly-developed Sunburst Grey that\u2019s complemented by a hand-painted Sunburst Motif coachline, hand-painted Wake Channel Lines on the bonnet and pinstripes applied to the wheel centres, each in Saddlery Tan \u2013 only Google can enlightened you of that flowery language.\nThe interior is glazed with Tudor Oak wood, sourced from Czech Republic\u2019s forests but here\u2019s the best part \u2013 it illuminates. Yes, the wood panels light up!\n 176 LEDs\n are embedded into the Tudor Oak\u2019s surface for an effect that mimics the trailing light of a shooting star, at the touch of a button.\nIt\u2019s a massive step up from the mere glow of the \n1340 fibre optic lights that create Rolls-Royce\u2019s famous \u201cstarlight headliner\u201d\n.\u00a0Taking nearly 20 hours to configure, eight shooting stars fire at random, predominantly over the front seats \u2013 a sight that would definitely drop jaws if not undergarments.\nAs a final touch, each car bears a \u2018WRAITH LUMINARY COLLECTION \u2013 ONE OF FIFTY-FIVE\u2019 engraved on hand-polished stainless steel. In Rolls-Royce\u2019s press release, they even ended it the quote, \u201cRolls-Royce is Bespoke\u201d \u2013 says it all really.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A week after making its \nASEAN debut in Thailand\n, the all-new 11th-generation Honda Civic is made available in Singapore. Kah Motor, the official Honda distributor in the island nation, is offering just one variant- the 1.5 VTEC Turbo with Honda Sensing on the sedan body.\nBeing the regular, non-RS variant, the exterior has body-coloured plastics as well as bright chrome trims. The wheel size is smaller too, measuring just 16 inches wrapped with 215/55R16 tyres. The headlamps are halogen projector units with a simpler DRL \u201cbrow\u201d.\nAs for the interior, it features the 7-inch driver\u2019s instrument panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Surprisingly, while the exterior of the \nHonda Civic looks basic\n, the interior is anything but.\nUnlike the Thai model which has Sport drive mode and shift paddles exclusively for the RS variant, the Singapore unit comes standard with these sporty items. Although fitted with just a single zone automatic air-conditioning system, rear passengers have better ventilation thanks to a rear ventilation outlet.\nLeather and synthetic materials are used to upholster the seats, where the front seats feature a new body stabilising frame and cushion. The rear seats also have a 60-40 split-folding backrest with three headrests, a feature not available on the Thai model due to the fitment of a structural bar.\nSingapore to phase out combustion engines by 2040, incentives for EVs for early adopters beginning this year. More here!\nMoving to the engine output, the Honda Civic in Singapore continues to have an exclusive tuning to its power output. The 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC engine delivers just \n129 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n of torque. The incredibly low values compared to the rest of the world (\nalmost 50 hp lower\n) is done as such to have the model placed in Category A of the Certificate of Entitlement or COE.\nAt current bidding prices, a Category A COE is priced at SG$45,000 (approx RM140k), while a Category B COE for engines over 130 hp or 1.6 litres is priced at SG$56,000 (around RM175k). Apart from numerous duties and taxes, the COE is the single biggest contributor to the high prices of private vehicles in Singapore.\nWhile it has low engine outputs, the fuel consumption is not fantastic too, consuming \n6.4 litres per 100 km\n. The figure quoted by officials in Thailand rated the new Honda Civic EL model to deliver a much lower 5.8 litres per 100 km.\nAs for safety features, the new Honda Civic gets the full suite of the new and improved Honda Sensing system. The additional feature includes the Lead Car Departure Notification system and better processing of objects in front via a wide-angle camera unit. Honda LaneWatch single camera-based blind spot detection system and a multi-angle rearview camera are standard items in the all-new Honda Civic in Singapore.\nThe all-new Honda Civic is priced at \nSG$122,999\n (approx RM383.7k) and is much higher than its Japanese equivalents- the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 Elegance at SG$114,888 while the Mazda 3 1.5 MHEV Elegance SG$116,888.\nWhile cars are expensive in Singapore, the Perodua Aruz is just SG$6,000 cheaper than a Honda Jazz. More about the Perodua Aruz in Singapore here.\nEven though the \nVolkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI MHEV\n has higher engine output and shifted into the pricier Category B COE, the low fuel consumption from the hybrid system allows for price rebates and lands to a retail price of SG$125,900.\nGALLERY"
"Proton\n has just launched the \n2023 \nProton X9\n0\n, its third SUV, third X-series model, and its first hybrid vehicle. Yes, the Proton X90 is available as a hybrid only and runs a 48V mild hybrid system. Prices for the 2023 Proton X90 start at \nRM123,800\n and there are four variants available\nProton X90 Standard \u2013 \nRM123,800\nProton X90 Executive \u2013 \nRM130,800\nProton X90 Premium \u2013 \nRM144,800\nProton X90 Flagship \u2013\n RM152,800\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nYou already know that the Proton X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue/Okavango, but the X90 sports the signature Proton look. You get an evolved version of the infinite weave which resembles a \u2018songket\u2019 pattern on the grille, the new Proton logo at the front and back, and a Proton lettering on the tailgate. If anything, the X90 sports a serious and elegant look all around. If you\u2019re wondering, the X90 is about the size of a Mazda CX-8, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Kia Sorento.\nStandard exterior equipment on the X90 are:\n18-inch alloy wheels\nFull LED headlamps\nManual tailgate\nThe \u2018Executive;\u2019 variant adds the following features to the exterior:\nPower tailgate\nAuto headlamps with Follow-me-Home function\nAuto Rain sensing front wipers\nPower Tailgate\nThe \u2018Premium\u2019 variant adds:\n19-inch alloy wheels\nPower tailgate with nearby auto open\nWhile the Flagship variant adds on:\nPanoramic sunroof\nAs for colour options, there are 6 choices for the Proton X90:\nSnow White\nArmour Silver\nJet Grey\nCinnamon Brown (Executive, Premium, and Flagship only)\nRuby Red (Executive, Premium, and Flagship only)\nMarine Blue (Premium and Flagship Only)\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X50 R3 Concept previews production model \u2013 200 units only, booking only at MAS2023\nPowering the Proton X90 is a sole 48V mild hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system consists of a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder TGDI engine and a Bel Starter Generator (BSG). All power is sent to the front wheels only and the X90 utilises a 7-speed DCT. Details of the X90\u2019s hybrid powertrain are as such:\nPowertrain: 48V mild hybrid system, 1.5L 3-cylinder TGDI engine with BSG\nSystem maximum output: \n190 hp\n (metric)\nSystem maximum torque: \n300 Nm\nEngine maximum output: 177 hp (metric)\nEngine maximum torque: 255 Nm\nBSG maximum output: 13 hp (metric)\nBSG maximum torque: 45 Nm\nTransmission: 7-Speed DCT\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)\nRELATED: \n2023 Proton X90 first drive \u2013 decent ride, but hard to hide that 3-cylinder sound\nInside, the Proton X90 comes in both 7-seater and 6-seater configurations. All variants except for the Flagship come with a 7-seater configuration. It\u2019s a generally spacious interior with decent premium touches for a family car.\nAs standard, the X90 is equipped with the following interior features:\n7-seater configuration\nFabric seats\n12.3-inch touchscreen head unit\nStandard meter cluster\nReverse Camera\nManually-adjustable driver seat\nManually-adjustable front passenger seat\nIntelligent entry with push start button\nWalk Away Auto Lock\nRemote Engine Start\nFront welcome lamps\nAll power windows with anti-trap\nDual-zone automatic climate control\n6 speakers\nThe \u2018Executive\u2019 variant adds the following interior features:\nLeatherette seats\n6- way Power-adjustable driver seat\nVentilated front seats\n360\u00b0 view camera with 3D display\nFull LCD meter cluster\nUp a tier, the \u2018Premium\u2019 variant adds:\nNappa leather seats\nNappa leather steering wheel\nWireless mobile phone charger\n6-way Power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar 2-way\n4-way Power-adjustable front passenger seat\nAuto-dimming rearview mirror\nSecurity tint\nAmbient lighting\nIn its range-topping form, the X90 Flagship gets the above-mentioned features in the \u2018Premium\u2019 variant but also adds:\n6-seater configiration\n2nd-row captain seats\nPanoramic sunroof\nPower adjustable front passenger seat with \u2018Boss Switch\u2019\nIn the safety department, it is only the \u2018Premium\u2019 and \u2018Flagship\u2019 variants that are equipped with the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This includes:\nAutonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection\nForward Collision Warning\nLane Departure Prevention\nLane Centering Control\nLane Departure Warning\nEmergency Lane Keep Assist\nIntelligent Cruise Control\nAdaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go\nLane Change Assist\nIntelligent High Beam Control\nDoor Opening Warning\nRear Collision Warning (First for Proton cars)\nRear Cross Traffic Alert (First for Proton cars)\nTraffic Sign Information (First for Proton cars)\nThe Proton X90 is the latest addition to the Proton family that nicely coincides with the 40th-anniversary celebration of the company. Included in the price of the 2023 Proton X90 is a \n5-year/unlimited mileage\n manufacturer warranty. It also comes with:\n6 times free labour for servicing\n5-year data package worth 1GB a month\nLoan interest rates from 2.1% per annum\nProton Insurance Programme\nEarly birds enjoy the following special offers:\n5-year data package extra 4GB/month\nProton X-watch worth RM1,499\nAccessories Package worth RM779\nUpgraded Proton Insurance Programme\n \nGALLERY"
"Today\u2019s car commercials are explosive, exciting and mostly on YouTube instead of the television. The products they\u2019re advertising now have also seen a significant revolution, to an extent not imaginable by anyone just under a decade ago.\nThis brings us to a classic Proton advertisement from the late 1980s that\u2019s so adorable, it can\u2019t not be revisited for old times\u2019 sake. The subject in question was our national brand\u2019s first step into the foray of \u201cautomotive production\u201d, the \nProton\n\u00a0\nSaga\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVIfxmEZ-N4\nIt\u2019s hilarious watching how Proton tried to prove a point by using a group of mere mortals to test the rigidity and build quality of the Saga.\nThe \u201ctests\u201d included kicking on the wheels and tyres, knocking on the doors and bumpers with merely a fist along with placing a large man in the boot \u2013 presumably to test the Saga\u2019s trunk space and suspension.\nFamously known to be based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore, Proton flagged off their first offspring with a 1.3-litre, eight valve engine, which was later on followed by more powerful 12 valve, 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines.\nThe \ncurrent Saga\n is testament to how far Proton has come with its vehicle developments.\nThink of it how you will but along with a 3-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission, the original Proton Saga was a cheap and practical means of transportation for those on a budget.\nAs critical as some were, it really wasn\u2019t that bad an idea to base our first ever national car on an established and reliable Japanese platform as we just weren\u2019t technologically-equipped then to develop one on our own.\nSure enough, it went on to sell by the truckloads and it\u2019s hard to imagine anyone not having a prior experience behind the wheel or at least been driven in Malaysia\u2019s monument of vehicle production.\nCredit: \nYouTube"
"After making its debut in the neighbouring Singapore and \nThailand\n, it seems like we will soon be able to taste the updated BMW 5 Series facelift too, based on a new \nteaser post\n on BMW Malaysia\u2019s social media pages.\nAttached to the post is a link to the registration-of-interest page (\nhere\n) on the local arm\u2019s website, where two variants are listed \u2013 the 530e M Sport plug-in hybrid and the ICE-only 530i M Sport. We\u2019re not sure if BMW Malaysia will be dropping the 520i Luxury variant \u2013 but we\u2019ll certainly miss it if they do \u2013 it was honestly \none of the best cars we\u2019ve driven in 2019\n!\nRevealed globally in May last year\n, the updated BMW 5 Series sports a new front fascia with sharper-looking headlights and a more squared-off kidney grille. Over at the rear, the tail lights now gets a three-dimensional lens with smoked surrounds for a sportier appearance.\n530e M Sport plug-in hybrid\n530i M Sport\nBased on the listing on BMW Malaysia\u2019s website, the 530i M Sport looks to be the range-topping variant, with additional exterior features including the fancier BMW Laser Light headlights (with blue DRL surrounds), alongside what looks like a sunroof up top. To be clear though, these images are more likely than not just placeholders, so we\u2019ll have to wait until the actual launch to confirm the specifications.\nBeing a mid-cycle update model, the interior is expectedly quite similar from the outgoing model. The most apparent change will be the now-larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the dashboard, up from the 10.25-inch units on the current model.\nMechanically wise, both variants should remain fairly similar to their respective outgoing model. The 530i features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine underneath the bonnet, with power output figures unchanged at \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels.\nJust as before, the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is down-tuned on the 530e, but paired to an electric motor for a combined system output of \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. However, the powertrain now gets a new XtraBoost function, which adds on an extra 40 hp for a maximum duration of 10 seconds whenever necessary.\nNo information have been provided on the pricing of these new models, but do expect them to be around the ballpark of the outgoing models \u2013 RM334k for the 530e plug-in hybrid, and RM364k for the 530i M Sport, both inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n."
"Porsche is welcoming the new year with style by unveiling a new special edition model for the Cayenne SUV, called the \u201cPlatinum Edition\u201d. The new special edition will be offered for the standard \nCayenne\n, \nCayenne E-Hybrid\n, and \nCayenne S \nvariants, as well as their corresponding \nCoup\u00e9\n counterparts.\nSharp-eyed readers will notice that this isn\u2019t the first time Porsche is offering up the Platinum Edition treatment \u2013 the same special edition was also\n unveiled for the Panamera\n in November last year. While the name didn\u2019t make much sense on the Panamera, it\u2019s at least somewhat logical for the Cayenne, as Porsche shipped its one millionth unit of the SUV back in 2020.\nBut \u201cgoing platinum\u201d here doesn\u2019t have anything to do with sales figures; just like the Panamera, the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition is merely a cosmetic exercise, characterised by several model-specific details finished in a satin Platinum paintjob.\nRELATED: CKD Porsche Cayenne now open for pre-orders \u2013 RM550k, deliveries start March 2022\nThese touches include the inlays of the air intakes up front, the \u2018Porsche\u2019 lettering within the LED rear light strip, the model designation emblem at the rear, as well as the Platinum Edition-exclusive 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels.\nFor contrast, the sport tailpipes and side window trims are painted in black to \u201cfurther emphasise the sporty, elegant look\u201d of the special edition model.\nAs standard, the Platinum Edition model will be offered in Mahogany and Moonlight Blue exterior shades, alongside a variety of monochrome options including \u201cCrayon\u201d \u2013 a Porsche-specific hue of light grey. But with enough money, we\u2019re sure Porsche will paint your Cayenne Platinum Edition in any colour you so wish.\nThe special \u201cplatinum\u201d touches extend to the Cayenne\u2019s interior, featuring a new brushed aluminium door sill plate with the \u2018Platinum Edition\u2019 logo, textured aluminium interior package, silver-coloured trims (\nodd\n), light grey \u2013 or \u201cCrayon\u201d in Porsche speak \u2013 coloured seat belts, and standard-issue Porsche Crest on the headrests.\nAside from just aesthetic touches, the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition also comes with a several additional standard features, including the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, a Bose surround-sound system, ambient lighting, eight-way powered sports seats, as well as an analogue clock on the dashboard.\nAs usual, the car can be further personalised with a variety of options for both its interior and exterior via the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur programme.\nEverything on the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition mechanical side is unchanged from their respective standard cars. Which means the base Cayenne model still comes with a \n340 hp\n 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, while the Cayenne S packs a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with \n440 hp\n on offer.\nThe Cayenne E-Hybrid meanwhile pairs the 3.0-litre V6 with an electric motor and a 17.9 kWh battery for a combined output of\n 462 hp\n.\nOver in the UK, the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition starts at \u00a369,230 (approx. RM396k), while the Cayenne Coup\u00e9 Platinum Edition kicks off at \u00a370,350 (approx. RM402k). It\u2019s now available for order, with deliveries in Germany beginning May 2022.\nGALLERY"
"Isuzu Malaysia\n has unveiled a new 3S centre in Kuala Lumpur today, showcasing a new retail outlet design. With a bolder and more vibrant fa\u00e7ade and a distinctive logo tower, the new outlet design is more recognizable to customers.\nSitting on 1,400 square metres of land, the 3S facility at Jalan Jinjang Permai in the northern part of Kuala Lumpur offers a full range of Isuzu products and services. The products range from the Isuzu D-Max pickup trucks to light-, medium-, heavy-duty lorries and prime movers.\nIsuzu Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sunsuke Okazoe said, \u201cThis new outlet features a strong brand image to reflect the changing outlook of Isuzu\u2019s retail business. The modern design elements and improved facilities are designed to ensure customers not only purchase the best products, but also receive a corresponding sales and after-sales experience under one roof.\u201d\nThe showroom section of the Isuzu 3S facility features an air-conditioned interior where pick-up trucks are displayed and a sheltered foyer where lorries can be viewed in comfort. The outlet also boasts a spacious service centre that can accommodate up to four light-duty vehicles and two medium-duty trucks simultaneously.\nRELATED: \nGetting down and dirty \u2013 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain named official media car in upcoming Borneo Safari\nCustomers bringing their vehicles in for after-sales attention can enjoy refreshments in the lounge as trained technicians care for their Isuzu vehicles.\nDistinguishing new Isuzu outlets from the rest is a prominently featured Isuzu logo and a logo tower at the entrance. 3S centres that offer truck after-sales care will feature a large forecourt for ease of parking and manoeuvring of trucks.\nRELATED: \nLucky shopper wins Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain after spending just RM300\nThe new design also revamps the interior of the Isuzu outlets. Among the main highlights are:\nWelcoming fa\u00e7ade & friendly reception area\nCozy lighting and inviting ambience\nMerchandise corner for Isuzu enthusiasts\nEnvironmentally friendly digital information panels\nDedicated delivery bay for pick-up trucks\nSpacious & modern display areas including hero car viewing space\nRELATED: \nIsuzu D-Max X-Terrain styles up for 2022 KL Fashion Week\nThe new Isuzu 3S facility in Kuala Lumpur will be the first outlet to feature the new outlook with others around the country following suit. The entire transformation exercise will take approximately 2 years to complete with the entire network expected to showcase the new identity by December 2024.\nRELATED: \nIsuzu D-Max achieves new sales record in H1 of 2022"
"You\u2019ll probably never hear \u201cRolls-Royce\u201d and \u201ceco-friendly\u201d in the same sentence, but yet an electric \nRolls-Royce\n just makes perfect sense \u2013 so much so that its co-founder, Charles Rolls, prophesised it some 122 years ago. This is the \nSpectre\n, and it\u2019s about to rewrite Rolls-Royce\u2019s history.\nThe reason for an electric RR, as you\u2019d expect, isn\u2019t exactly for eco-friendliness. Instead, it\u2019s to emphasise and amplify all of the things that make a Rolls-Royce, a Rolls-Royce \u2013 \u201cinstant torque, silent running, and the sense of one imperceptible gear\u201d.\n\u201cThe electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged,\u201d Charles Rolls apparently said in 1900, four years before he eventually started the Rolls-Royce company with Henry Royce. And it\u2019s surprising how much he got right \u2013 including the part about charging infrastructure.\nWhile final specifications of the electric powertrain are still being refined, preliminary data suggests that the Rolls-Royce Spectre will offer up to \n430 kW (576 hp)\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque, and a range of \n520 km\n on the WLTP test cycle. The powertrain will take the Spectre from 0-100 km/h in just \n4.5 seconds\n, all while being vibration-free and virtually quiet inside.\nAll of it rides on what Rolls-Royce calls the \u201cArchitecture of Luxury\u201d, a purpose-built aluminium platform that is said to be 30% stiffer than any Rolls-Royce before it. The battery sits underneath the floor, which also doubles as a 700 kg-heavy sound deadening device.\nFor the marque\u2019s signature Magic Carpet Ride, the Spectre also gets a unique \u201cPlanar\u201d suspension system that can decouple the anti-roll bars on straight roads, allowing each wheel to act independently.\nThe anti-roll bars automatically recouples when the Flagbearer system detects an imminent corner via GPS and cameras, with the suspension dampers stiffened to ensure effortless entry and exit, working in conjunction with the four-wheel steering.\nRELATED: \nRolls-Royce says its upcoming Spectre EV will be built to last 400 years\n As for the rest of the car, well, it\u2019s typical Rolls-Royce. Apparently inspired by yachts, the Rolls-Royce Spectre takes the form of an \u201cUltra-Luxury Electric Super Coupe\u201d, with a swoopy silhouette sculpted by 830 hours of wind-tunnel aero testing.\nThe Spectre boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd, making it the most aerodynamic car RR has ever made. That was in part achieved with the \nredesigned Spirit of Ecstasy\n, now with a more \u201cdynamic stance\u201d.\nDespite this being a fully-electric vehicle, the Spectre still gets an illuminated grille up front. In fact, it\u2019s the widest grille RR has ever fitted onto a car, and it\u2019s flanked by a set of \nBMW 7 Series-esque\n split headlights. Basically, if no one told you that it was electric, you probably wouldn\u2019t know.\nThanks to its monstrous proportions (it\u2019s longer than the Wraith and wider than even the Phantom), Rolls-Royce says that the Spectre \u201crequired\u201d the 23-inch wheels in order to fill up its wheel wells, and it\u2019s the first production two-door coupe to be equipped with wheels that big in almost a hundred years.\nOpen the rear-hinged doors, and you\u2019ll be greeted by a very familiar Rolls-Royce atmosphere \u2013 just with a lot more light. The signature Starlight headliner is now complemented by the Spectre\u2019s new Starlight Doors, which adds another 4,796 \u201cstars\u201d to envelop the passengers in the night sky.\nALSO READ: \nRolls-Royce has the youngest buyers among all BMW Group brands\nThere\u2019s also a new Illuminated Fascia on the Spectre\u2019s dashboard, which incorporates the Spectre nameplate surrounded by a cluster of over 5,500 stars.\nThe Spectre will mark the beginning of Rolls-Royce\u2019s electrification plan, where the company aims to have its entire line-up be fully-electric by 2030. Deliveries for the Spectre will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, although official pricing has yet to be announced just yet.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Japan is known for their exquisite special editions, featuring unique Japanese craftsmanship that puts even the Maybachs to shame. Following last year\u2019s \nM850i \u201cKyoto Edition\u201d\n that showed off the art of traditional Japanese lacquering, the carmaker\u2019s local arm has once again introduced a new special edition model, this time based on the \nBMW X7\n.\nCalled the \u201cNishijin Edition\u201d, the special BMW X7 is only available in one single exterior colour, a special BMW Individual exclusive called Ametrine Metallic. The name is a portmanteau of Amethyst and Citrine, and thanks to the use of multiple pigments such as aluminum flakes and mica in a multi-layer coating, the paint job can appear as different shades of red, purple, or brown, depending on the angle and surrounding lighting conditions.\nBMW Japan\u2019s new 8 Series Frozen Black Edition is. unnecessarily dark. Check it out for yourself here.\nBut the main highlight of the BMW X7 Nishijin Edition is actually on the interior, which showcases the unique \u201c\nNishijin-ori\n\u201d dyeing and weaving technique from Kyoto, Japan.\nSaid to be originated from the Kofun period, the gorgeous artisanal fabric art is woven together using a variety of coloured threads and foils, and has been used on everything from costumes to furnishing, and was also particularly fancied by the Japanese imperial family.\nThe \nNishijin-ori\n technique involves more than 20 different processes, including twisting, warping, and weaving, and that\u2019s why it\u2019s only hand-made by a very niche group of skilled craftsmen in Japan.\nThe BMW X7 xDrive40i is now available as a locally-assembled model here in Malaysia! Learn more here.\nFor the X7 Nishijin Edition, BMW Japan specifically chose the design of \u201c\nKeiun\n\u201d (roughly translates to \u201cfestive wind\u201d), a name given to the Japanese era that spanned from the year 704 through 708 that is supposedly used in a congratulatory manner.\nThe craftsmen use a variety of silk threads meshed with Japanese gold foil-pressed papers in what\u2019s called a \u201cpulling foil\u201d technique to create an artisanal fabric with a three-dimensional feel and look, which is then applied onto the centre armrest and headlining.\nThere\u2019s also a matching trim piece on the centre console and dashboard, featuring a traditional Japanese technique called \u201cfive-colour gold layering\u201d that uses a blend of gold and silver foil and pigment applied in five different layers to give it a different shimmering effect depending on the surrounding lighting conditions \u2013 just like its exterior!\nBMW Singapore meanwhile introduced the iX3 \u2018Legend Edition\u2019 to celebrate the new Marvel film, Shang-Chi! Check it out here.\nThe BMW X7 Nishijin Edition is based on the xDrive40d Pure Excellence trim, and just like the M850i, only three units will be made available. It\u2019s priced at JPY16,800,000 (approx. RM631k), which is roughly 30% more than the standard car. Though, with the amount of artisanal craftsmanship put into every car, we\u2019d say it\u2019s worth it.\nGALLERY"
"Yes, we\u2019re guilty of showing how cool the \n488 GTE LEGO TECHNIC\n set was in our previous unboxing video last week \u2013 possibly leading to higher credit card debts for some \u2013 but it would be a sin not to share this one, the new Porsche 911 Turbo LEGO set!\n911 Targa?\nOr 911 Turbo?\nThe coolest part about this 2-in-1 LEGO set is that the pieces can either form a fixed roof 911 Turbo, or if you feel like it, an open-roofed 911 Targa! It\u2019s even cooler and more feasible as a collector\u2019s item than the \nlife-sized 911 LEGO \nthey built a couple of years ago!\nOn both the fixed and open-top 911s, the seats and dashboard are finished in dark orange and nougat, a colour based on upholstery options from the actuall Porsche 911. Other more intricate details include a handbrake, gear lever and functional steering. True to the 911\u2019s versatile nature, the front seats can be tilted forward to get to the rear seats!\nWhat\u2019s even more realistic is that the 911 Targa\u2019s roof (if you decide to build it over the fixed roof Turbo) can be stored underneath the hood of the car! Once remove, the iconic Targa bar (in Black) becomes more prominent.\n\u201cAs we were designing the car, the hardest decision to make was whether we would make the Turbo or Targa variant of the car. It was such a tough call that we engineered the ability to build the LEGO Porsche 911 Turbo and Targa from a single set,\u201d a representative of LEGO said.\nEarly birds of the 911 LEGO set will also receive a \u201ccertificate of ownership\u201d, an official LEGO Porsche card wallet and a set of unique art prints based on Porsche 911 advertisements, in a smart collector\u2019s wallet. It\u2019s available in limited numbers for orders placed through the LEGO VIP loyalty program.\nThe Porsche 911 Turbo and Targa LEGO set is available from the 16th of February onwards, from USD149.99 (approx. RM606).\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai has unveiled the Ioniq 5, its first fully-electric model under the new \nIoniq sub-brand\n, and if retro-inspired styling excites you, you\u2019ll have to check out the gallery below.\nWhile it may look small in photos, the all-new Ioniq 5 is actually marketed as a \u201cmidsize CUV\u201d (or crossover), and it\u2019s dimensions don\u2019t lie. Built on Hyundai\u2019s new \nElectric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)\n, the Ioniq 5 measures in at 4,635 mm long, 1,605 mm tall, and 1,890 mm wide \u2013 just a hair smaller than a \nBMW X3\n in almost every dimension.\nWhat gives the Ioniq 5 its small-car illusion is perhaps its elongated wheelbase, which stands at a whopping 3,000 mm long \u2013 that\u2019s almost as long as that of the \nBMW 7 Series\n! As with most BEV-specific platforms, the skateboard layout of the E-GMP platform allows for a completely flat cabin floor inside the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which means interior space should be aplenty.\nStyling wise, the all-new Ioniq 5 looks nearly identical stroke-for-stroke to the Hyundai 45 Concept, a markedly different design language to past Hyundai models. Taking in inspiration from the Hyundai Pony, the company\u2019s first production vehicle released some 45 years ago, the all-new Ioniq 5 utilises clean and direct lines to \u201creflect the silence of EVs\u201d, according to Hyundai Group chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.\nUp front, the clamshell bonnet (a first for Hyundai) helps minimise panel gaps for enhanced aerodynamics, while lower down, the bumper takes on a unique V-shape design, framing the headlights into a single blacked-out rectangle area, just like the Hyundai Pony.\nHyundai\u2019s \u2018Parametric Dynamics\u2019 design language is also present here, as seen in the distinctive pixel-like cluster daytime-running lights and rear combination tail lamp light signature. Even the controversial Z-shaped character lines first seen on the all-new Elantra is also mirrored here on the side new Ioniq 5 \u2013 which, if we\u2019re being honest, looks a lot more homogenous with the cleaner lines of the EV.\nLike many other EVs, the door handles also automatically retract when not in use to provide a clean surface, working together with the 20-inch aero-optimised wheels to enhance the overall aerodynamic efficiency. According to Hyundai, the 20-inch wheels are the largest \u201cever fitted to a Hyundai EV\u201d.\nInside, Hyundai says that the Ioniq 5 embraces a \u2018Living Space\u2019 theme, most notably embodied by the \u2018Universal Island\u2019 \u2013 a moveable centre console that can slide back as much as 140 mm, allowing for a more flexible space inside the vehicle.\nOther interior highlights include a pair of 12-inch screens\u00a0serving as the instrument cluster and infotainment screens, electrically-adjustable seats that can recline almost completely flat, augmented-reality head-up display, as well as the use of eco-friendly, recycled materials such as PET bottles and plant-based yarns on most of the interior touchpoints.\nThe Ioniq 5 will be made available with two battery configurations (58 kWh or 72.6 kWh) and two electric motor layouts, RWD (single motor) or AWD (two motors). The top of the range configuration with two motors is capable of a power output of \n225 kWh (302 hp)\n and \n605 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a century sprint time of around \n5.2 seconds\n.\nWith the 2WD configuration paired to the 72.6 kWh battery, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasts a maximum driving range of around \n470-480 km\n, based on the WLTP cycle.\nFeaturing a 800V electrical architecture, the Ioniq 5 is also capable of charging at a maximum rate of 350 kW, refilling the Ioniq 5 from 10-80% in just 18 minutes, or taking just five minutes for a 100 km fully-electric driving range.\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 also comes onboard with vehicle-to-grid charging, which is pretty rare in the current crop of electric cars. In addition to just charging laptops or other appliances via the plug socket underneath the seat (V2L), the Ioniq 5 can also essentially act as a mini generator when it is plugged in, providing electricity directly back to the local grid (depending on individual grid support).\nIn certain countries where electricity charges are based on the time of the day, this could lead to significant savings for the customers. Certainly a nicety to have!\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s a funky fresh new kid on the block in Malaysia\u2019s hottest segment and unlike \nProton\u2019s latest golden egg\n, the \nnew Hyundai Kona\n comes with two different engine options to choose from. There are \n3 variants\n available \u2013 the 2.0, the 2.0 Active, and 1.6 Turbo.\nThe 2.0-litre models come with \n149 hp \nand\n 180 Nm\n and are fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the more powerful 1.6 Turbo model will offer \n177 hp\n and\n 165 Nm\n at your disposal. With a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, rest assured acceleration will be smooth with brisk gear changes.\nAs for equipment, the higher spec models will come with LED headlamps, while the base model makes do with halogen projector headlamps. Depending on which variant you get, the Kona will come with either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. As for the dual tone exterior with a blacked out roof and roof rack, that\u2019s exclusive to the 1.6 Turbo model.\n \nThe Kona gets even funkier on the inside. Depending on the colour of your exterior, the Kona\u2019s interior trims will come with a contrasting colour. The base model will get full fabric upholstery while the top spec 1.6 Turbo model comes with full leather.\nOpt for the top two variants and you\u2019d get a larger digital display on the instrument cluster, 8-way powered driver seat, and a head-0up display. Standard across the board include the 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 speakers, automatic headlamp feature, a tyre pressure monitoring system, two USB ports, reverse camera, and cruise control.\nAll variants are equipped with 6 airbags, however only the 1.6 Turbo model gets adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking.\nPrices for the Kona start from \nRM123,888\n\u00a0for the 2.0,\u00a0\nRM 138,888\u00a0\nfor the 2.0 Active, and finally\u00a0\nRM151,888\n\u00a0for the 1.6 Turbo. To sweeten the deal, HSDM is offering a\u00a0\n\u201cspecial introductory price\u201d \nof RM115,888 for the 2.0, RM130,888 for the 2.0 Active,\u00a0and RM143,888 for the 1.6 Turbo. You and I both know why."
"BMW Malaysia and Tian Siang Premium Auto, the authorised dealer of BMW vehicles, has just unveiled three new BMW i Charging Stations at the level four carpark of WEIL Hotel, Ipoh. The first of its kind in Ipoh and the state of Perak.\nThe new charging stations at WEIL Hotel, Ipoh arrives following the introduction of BMW i Charging Stations at Holiday Inn Melaka and The Equatorial Melaka by Seong Hoe Premium Motors as well as CityONE Megamall Kuching by Regas Premium Auto Sarawak.\nManaging Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr Harald Hoelzl said: \u201cThe introduction of these new BMW i Charging Stations for the first time here in Perak further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to drive Future Mobility in the country.\u201d\nMr Tan Ka Kin, Dealer Principal of Tian Siang Premium Auto, meanwhile, added that 2017 was also a successful year for the premium dealership. He said, \u201cWe delivered over 400 BMW vehicles in the State of Perak last year. More than 45% of these vehicles comprised of BMW iPerformance vehicles and this number will continue to grow steadily. It is only natural that we take a step forward to further develop the charging infrastructure together with our premium partners here in the State.\u201d\nLike the charging stations offered by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), anyone and everyone are welcome to charge their electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, regardless of the make and model, at the BMW i Charging Stations.\nAlso present at the launch was Executive Director of WEIL Hotel Ipoh, Mr Liew Yu-Wei who commented: \u201cAt WEIL, we are dedicated to satisfying our customers through authentic best-in-class hospitality, a belief similar to that of Tian Siang Premium Auto. With our strategic location as a transit hub for many local and international tourists, business travellers and families, we believe that the addition of BMW i Charging Stations will further provide our guests with a truly connected lifestyle.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Because in that colour, it doesn\u2019t show off the prominence of the car\u2019s actual design, swoops and curves; it\u2019s just not flattering.\nSo in conjunction with the launch of the new G20 BMW 330i M Sport, BMW Group Malaysia also cheekily previewed the new G29 BMW Z4 \u2013 specifically a left-hand drive M40i model.\nHowever, we won\u2019t be getting one of those. The model we\u2019ll be getting instead is the\n sDrive30i \nwhere it is expected to cost under RM500,000.\nThe sDrive30i will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making\n 258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, just like the 330i M Sport launched today. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 5.4 seconds, quicker than the 330i\u2019s 5.8 seconds.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), together with Sing Swung Jidosha Sdn Bhd, an authorised dealer for Mitsubishi, has just officially opened the doors to their 55\nth\n Mitsubishi dealership. Strategically located in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, the 30,000 square feet facility is prepared to serve the growing demands for Mitsubishi owners in Kuala Lumpur.\nLocated at Jalan Chan Sow Lin, this showroom is a full fledge 3S centre with a body & paint facility situated nearby. This is MMM\u2019s second 3S centre in Kuala Lumpur, adding to the existing 46 3S centres operating throughout Malaysia.\nThe 3S Centre is equipped with \nseven service bays\n and among them, three bays are dedicated for major repair works such as engine overhaul or transmission repair. The other four bays are dedicated for general service work. MMM has also equipped the service centre to be compliant with Alam Flora to recycle their waste.\nCustomers who send in their Mitsubishis here will be entitled to a \ncomplimentary\n car wash upon completion of the service. According to MMM, the Chan Sow Lin 3S centre has the capacity to service up to 24 cars a day. A Mitsubishi Body & Paint facility is located just around the corner of the 3S centre which operates under the same management.\nTo further celebrate this auspicious event, Sing Kwung Jidosha will be organising a Count and Win contest from 21 to 25 September 2016. Guests are invited to guess the number of balloons in the \nTriton Adventure X\n Fullbox and stand a chance to win travel vouchers worth up to RM1,500 to Bali, Indonesia.\nIn addition to that, Mitsubishi customers will be offered a free vehicle inspection on their vehicle\u2019s brakes and tyre rotations. Customers can also enjoy 15 percent discount on selected vehicle parts and a 20 percent discount on labour fee for any Body & Paint repair."
"Lego\n has just introduced its latest range of vehicle sets, dubbed BuildTheThrills here in Malaysia. And even though the most technically challenging set is rated for kids aged nine and up, we young-at-heart adults too can have a world of fun with them, just as we did over the weekend building all of these.\nThe BuildTheThrills collection ranges from City, Speed Champions, and Creator 3-in-1 series, to the more complex Technic builds, so there\u2019s bound to be a dream car for every child (or adult) to \u201clive out their racing fantasy\u201d.\nSitting at the top of the range are the two Lego Technic models: \nFord Mustang Shelby GT500 \n(RM249.90), and Formula E Porsche 99X Electric (RM219.90). Uniquely, both models feature pull-back motors, which means that these models can actually propel itself without a human pushing them!\nVideo: Unboxing (and assembling) the LEGO TECHNIC Ferrari 488 GTE!\nLego has also introduced a new augmented reality (AR) app together with these new models, which means you\u2019ll even be able to drag race against your friends, while adding several special AR experiences including creating your very own drag strip, replete with unique landscapes.\nNext up are the new Speed Champions models, headlined by the Lotus Evija (RM89.90) and 1970 Ferrari 512M (RM89.90). As usual, they\u2019re recreated in Lego form in stunning details despite their smaller size, and even features a Lego driver for the full race car experience.\nFor fans of American muscle, Lego is also offering the Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Race Car and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette together as a duo pack (RM199.90), with 512 individual pieces of fun.\nOther highlights of the range include the Creator 3-in-1 Street Racer (RM89.90), which lets you rebuild the set in three different configurations ranging from an SUV-like souped-up \u201cstreet racer\u201d model with side pipes (!) and a massive rear spoiler, to a out-and-out race car reminiscent of the 2008 Formula 1 cars.\nThere\u2019s also the City line-up, which includes a 46-piece Race Car model (RM39.90), a City Police Car (RM39.90), a Mobile Crane (RM179.90), and even multiple combo packs to let your kids live out their dream city lives.\nThe new Lego vehicle sets are available now across the Lego Certified Stores nationwide, Lego Official Stores on Lazada and Shopee, Legoland, as well as major retailers and department stores in Malaysia.\nAs a celebration of the new BuildTheThrills range, Lego has even built a life-sized 3D version of the Speed Champions 1970 Ferrari 512M build, taking 480 hours to build with 78,496 bricks, weighing 280 kg in total. The model will be on display at the Lego Certified Store at 1 Utama from 11-20 March, before making another pitstop at the Sunway Pyramid store from 25 March to 3 April 2022.\nALSO READ: This full-scale LEGO Toyota Supra can be driven up to 28 km/h!\nCustomers who share a picture with the life-sized build, along with the hashtags #LEGOMY and #BUILDTHETHRILLS will also receive an exclusive Lego vehicle gift at the Lego Certified Stores.\nAs for those living in the Northern states, you can also catch the Lego ATV display at the Queensbay Mall Certified Store in Penang, from 21-31 March 2022.\nGALLERY\nLego Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500\nLego Technic Formula E Porsche 99X Electric\nLego Creator 3-in-1 Street Racer\nLego Speed Champions Ferrari 512M\nLego Speed Champions Lotus Evija\nLego City Race Car\nLego City Police Car"
"Japan\u2019s top automotive tuner and aftermarket accessories show called the Tokyo Auto Salon is back this weekend. Many automakers also take the opportunity to display their performance models with Honda simply setting up a booth for their yet-to-be-launched Honda Civic Type R.\nThe Honda Civic Type R Prototype, based on the 11th generation \nCivic hatchback\n is making a brief display at the Tokyo Auto Salon, after undergoing development work at the famed \nSuzuka Circuit\n last month.\n \nDraped with the catchy camouflage artwork made up of silhouettes of all the previous generation Honda Civic Type R models, the definitive hot hatchback had its first round of technical evaluation done at \nNurburgring circuit\n in Germany.\nRELATED: All-new Honda Civic sedan launched in Malaysia, priced at RM125k \n\u00a0\nHonda says it\u2019s the best performing Civic Type R ever and will be officially unveiled later this year. No figures on the model has been shared and it\u2019s expected to continue with the proven 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine. Outputs are expected to remain the same, in the region of 320 hp and 400 Nm and paired with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY\nHonda Civic Type R Prototype, Suzuka Circuit\nHonda Civic Type R Prototype"
"If you find the \nnew F48 BMW X1\n (RM280k, CBU) a tad too expensive for a vehicle in its class, consider this. Audi Malaysia has confirmed that the \nfacelifted Q3\n will now be on sale with two variants on offer. Just like before, both 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre TFSI variants will be sold, each priced from RM217,900 and RM252,900 respectively.\nIn terms of dimensions, this new model is no different from the previous as the changes done are strictly aesthetic (on the outside at least) with\u00a0design improvements starting from the sculpted \nSingleframe grille\n that underlines the Q3\u2019s Audi\u00a0lineage. In addition to that, the \nredesigned\n front \nheadlamps\n comes packed up with the new \nxenon-plus\n technology and LED\u00a0\nDRLs\n that are both \nfamiliar\n yet strikingly\u00a0new at the same time.   Up to the job of propelling the new Q3 is a modest choice of\n two engine options\n. The base model is kitted out with a\n 1.4-litre TFSI\n mill that chucks out \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of twist which is paired up to a \nsix-speed S-Tronic\n gearbox.\u00a0This in turn makes the Q3 capable of\u00a0accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk \n8.9 seconds\n whilst having a combined fuel consumption\u00a0rating of just \n6.0 litres per 100km\n.\nOn the other hand, the range topper is armed with a\n 2.0-litre TFSI\n lump which will churn out \n180 hp\n and an impressive\n 320 Nm\n of torque that\u2019s readily available from\u00a0between\n 1,400\n and\n 3,900 rpm\n. Now, instead of a six-cogger like the 1.4-litre, this one is paired to a\n seven-speed\u00a0S-tronic\n transmission and Audi\u2019s legendary \nQuattro permanent all-wheel drive\n system for an unmistakably sure-footed driving experience. In turn, it\u2019ll do the century sprint in a brisk\u00a0\n7.6 seconds\n (0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor), whilst still racking up an impressive fuel figure of\u00a0only \n6.7 litres per 100km\n. \nVorsprung durch technik\u00a0\nindeed.\nIt\u2019s business as per usual on the inside of this premium compact crossover SUV. \nLeather\n\u00a0is generously used throughout the cabin, and the upholstery and trimmings are all enveloped in soft plush leather with brushed \naluminium\n inlays and door sill trims. Not forgetting too the four-spoke hide wrapped \nmulti-function steering wheel\n that\u2019s a brilliant mash up of sporty elegance and functionality, typical of the brand that is.\nElsewhere, in terms of infotainment, the refreshed Audi Q3 comes with the standard \nMMI Radio\n system which features\u00a0a\n 6.5-inch TFT\n display and the \n6-channel\n amplifier with \n10 speakers\n \na-la\n Audi sound system.\nThe driver isn\u2019t left perched up in the hot seat without gadgets either, considering that Q3 comes with a butt-load of toys such as\u00a0\nstart/stop\n system (now on the 1.4-litre model as well),\u00a0\nParking aid plus\n\u00a0(with an\u00a0upgrade to Parking assist with \n360\u00b0\n display on the 2.0-litre variant), \nHill-start assist\n, automatic luggage\u00a0compartment lid,\n Electronic Stabilisation Control\n (ESC) which includes \nTraction Control\n (ASR),\u00a0\nElectronic Brake Force Distribution\n (EBD), \nElectronic Differential Lock\n (EDL) and of course Anti-lock Braking\u00a0System (\nABS\n) and a total of \nsix\n airbags.\nThe new Audi Q3 is available in \nfive\n colour choices: \nGlacier White\n, \nFloret Silver\n,\n Utopia Blue\n, \nTundra\u00a0Brown\n and \nBrilliant Black\n. Now open for bookings at all authorised Audi dealerships from October 12,\u00a0the refreshed Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI retails at \nRM 217,900\n whilst the new Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Quattro is\u00a0priced at \nRM 252,900\n.\n \n \nWe\u2019ll bring you a full picture gallery of both Audi Q3s real soon, so stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia has launched the updated 2023 MINI Electric, alongside the new facelift BMW 3 Series which includes the \n320i\n, \n330i\n and \n330e\n.\u00a0The \nfacelift version\n of the MINI Electric was launched in June 2021.\nPrices for the MINI Electric starts from RM193,834 on-the-road, inclusive of a two-year warranty. With the four-year extended warranty and service package, prices start from RM199,164. Each purchase is also accompanied with MINI Public Charging Cables with one-year ChargeNow subscription.\nAs it is merely an update, new features in the MINI Electric includes a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats along with the new Nanuq White colour. The new colour adds to the existing Midnight Black and White Silver.\nThe MINI Electric is driven by a single, front-mounted electric motor that produces 184 hp and 270 Nm of torque. The electric motor draws power from a 28.9 kWh battery that offers up to 232 km of electric range based on the WLTP cycle.\u00a0\nThe MINI\u2019s 0-100 km/h time is rated at 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 150 km/h. Charging the MINI Electric with a 11kW AC charger takes just 3.5 hours for a full charge and 36 minutes to get from 10-80% state of charge (SoC) using a 50 kW CCS2 DC fast charger.\nStandard kit for the exterior includes 17-inch Power Spoke wheels with run-flat tyres, adaptive LED headlamps, Exterior Mirror and Light Package. Inside, the MINI Electric features a head-up display, five-inch digital instrument cluster, 8-8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and dual-zone air-conditioning.\nAs for driver aids, the MINI comes with the Park Assist and the Driving Assistant package which includes features such as lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, Approach Control Warning, Light City Braking. The MINI Electric is fitted with six airbags.\nGALLERY"
"The\n new official Audi distributor in Malaysia\n, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), has announced the reopening of Audi Centre Setia Alam, which was previously closed for upgrading works. The outlet is now operated by dealer-partner Goh Brothers Motor, and will continue to serve as a 4S centre that comprises sales, service, spare parts, and body and paint offerings under one roof.\nOccupying 60,000 square feet of space and standing four storeys high, the 4S centre is based on the Audi terminal architectural concept. The showroom area can accommodate up to 12 cars, while the double storey service centre houses 17 service bays.\nPhoto: Audi Centre Setia Alam/Facebook\nPHSAM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cCustomer satisfaction is at the forefront of everything we do, and this makes delivering an unforgettable ownership experience a priority for us.\n\u201cFor this, it is important to work together with our dealer partners to ensure constant improvements in retail and aftersales for Audi owners. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Goh Brothers Motor on this expansion, and I wish them the very best.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPHS Automotive named new distributor for Audi in Malaysia, sister company to VPCM\nPhoto: Audi Centre Setia Alam/Facebook\nGoh Brothers Motor Managing Director, Goh Kian Sin, added that the Group is delighted to seal its Audi presence in Klang Valley with the Setia Alam facility.\n\u201cGoh Brothers Motor is synonymous with the Audi brand in the northern region with Audi Centre Juru,\u201d said Goh. \u201cWith Audi Centre Setia Alam, we would like to reiterate our commitment to our business, and Audi owners can rest assured that we will continue to strengthen the customer experience for them.\u201d\nRELATED: \nKen Block\u2019s Christmas and birthday is the Audi S1 Hoonitron!\nPhoto: Audi Centre Setia Alam/Facebook\nLocated in Setia Alam, the 4S Centre will serve the community within the township and surrounding areas, including Shah Alam and Klang. For the convenience of customers, the Audi Centre is equipped with facilities such as a customer lounge with Wi-Fi connection and a refreshed sales delivery area. Those servicing their Audi vehicles are also welcome to enjoy the pick-up and delivery service made available.\nTo celebrate the occasion, Audi Centre Setia Alam invites owners who have not visited the service centre in the past six months to a complimentary 20-point safety diagnostic and health check worth RM300. The offer is valid till August 31, 2022.\nAudi cars purchased through official channels here in Malaysia now are supported with three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty and five years roadside assistance.\nAudi Centre Setia Alam is located at 22A, Persiaran Setia Dagang, Setia Alam in Selangor. Sales operations are from Monday to Sunday, (8:30am \u2013 5:30pm), while aftersales services are open from Monday to Saturday (8:30am \u2013 5:30pm). The Audi Centre is closed on public holidays."
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced a new Special Service Campaign involving 2,400 Toyota vehicles manufactured between 2001 to 2003 that have had their Takata airbag inflators replaced between 2013 to 2014.\nAccording to UMWT, although these vehicles were subjected to an airbag recall between 2013 to 2014, these vehicles were replaced with a defective airbag inflator produced by Takata. This recall will again rectify and replace all these \nkiller airbags\n with new and improved components. Affected models are listed as below:\nModel\nYear Made\nToyota Vios\nMay \u2013 June 2003\nToyota Corolla Altis\nJuly 2001 \u2013 June 2003\nToyota Camry\nJune 2002 \u2013 March 2003\n \n \nUMWT will notify all its affected vehicle owners officially and perform the relevant replacement and repairs at zero cost to the owner. Owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-88-69682. Alternatively, all Toyota Owners can look up whether their vehicles are involved in any recall campaign by keying in their VIN/Chassis number \nhere\n."
"Even though the \nPassat B8\n has yet to go on sale \nhere in Malaysia\n, Volkswagen has announced the Passat Alltrack based on the Passat Variant.\nThe Passat Alltrack is \n27.5 mm higher\n, and wears an all-round black plastic cladding for that rugged look. Unique set of 17-inch wheels, anodised silver roof rails, and \u201cAlltrack\u201d badges complete the exterior distinction from the regular Passat.\nTo match its butch looks, the Passat Alltrack is fitted with \nEDS\n (electronic differential lock), \nXDS+\n and \n4MOTION\n permanent all-wheel drive system. There\u2019s also a special \nOffroad driving mode\n that alters the characteristics of the assistance systems.\nFive engines are offered, a petrol \n1.4 TSI\n with \n150 hp\n, a petrol \n2.0 TSI\n with \n220 hp\n, and a diesel \n2.0 TDI\n with \n150 hp\n, \n190 hp\n, and \n240 hp\n. All engines feature a \nStop/Start system\n and they comply with the Euro-6 emissions standard.\nInside is still essentially a Passat, with a neat dashboard and featuring a seamless passenger-side aircond vent.\u00a0The Passat Alltrack is going to make its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show soon. What do you guys think, should Volkswagen Group Malaysia bring the Passat Alltrack here?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that highways nationwide will be toll-free from \n20-21 January 2023\n.\n\u201cAfter that, please pay your toll [fees]\u201d, he jokingly said during a press conference today, after the cabinet meeting in Putrajaya.\nThe toll-free initiative will involve all highway concessionaires, and will cost the government a total of RM40 million over the two days. The toll exception will apply to all vehicle classifications.\nPLUS Malaysia\n is estimating an increase of daily traffic volume from 1.8 million up to two million during the festive periods. In view of the increased traffic, the Malaysian works ministry has announced a temporary \ndecrease in speed limit by 10 km/h\n on all roads from 18-27 January, while goods-carrying vehicles are also banned on 20-21 and 24-25 January.\nThe highway concessionaire has also released a travel time advisory for Klang Valley-based road users travelling on the North-South Expressway (NSE) during the festive period.\nFor those heading to Perlis, Kedah, Penang, North Perak, and Johor from the Klang Valley between January 19-22 January, the company strongly advises entering the highway before 9 am. Those travelling to nearer destinations meanwhile are advised to enter the NSE between noon and 4 pm to avoid converging with long-distance road users.\nWe at \nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to wish those travelling a safe journey back home, and a very happy Chinese New Year to everyone celebrating. \nGong Xi Fa Cai\n!"
"Those who grew up in the 80s would have undoubtedly heard of the legendary Yellow Bird. Today, Alois Ruf built a brand new RUF CTR with nearly twice the power than his 1987 Bird, albeit on a completely bespoke chassis.\nYes, the chassis is not lifted off any old Porsche 911, and neither is the design. Everything was done in-house, though the overall outlook bears an unmistakable resemblance to the 964. Its underpinning is constructed entirely out of carbon fibre, making it the world\u2019s first rear-wheel drive car with a bespoke CF monocoque chassis. It\u2019s weight? A featherweight 1,200kg, even lighter than a \nProton Persona Premium CVT\n.   The rear-engine beast is powered by a \n3.6-litre\u00a0twin turbo flat-six\n that is also custom built by RUF. Its build was inspired by the classic Porsche \u2018Mezger\u2019 flat-six engine from the original Yellowbird, tuned to deploy\n\u00a0700 hp\n and \n880 Nm\n of mind numbing torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a\u00a0\nsix-speed manual transmission\n. Imagine driving this!\nThe car launches from nought to 100 km/h in\n 3.5 seconds\n\u00a0and has a top speed of \n360 km/h\n! In comparison, the original CTR from 1987 with\n 469 hp\n\u00a0topped out at 342 km/h at the Nardo Ring.\u00a0\nJust thirty units of the RUF CTR will be built, and it costs\u00a0\n\u20ac750,000\n (approximately\u00a0RM3.57 mil+) before taxes. That\u2019s a lot of money for a bespoke machine, but don\u2019t forget the original CTR also outperformed the fastest Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini during its heyday.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"One of the most anticipated Toyota models has finally arrived in Malaysia- the Toyota Corolla Cross. First \ndebuted in Thailand\n close to 10 months ago, with ASEAN neighbours introducing within the year 2020, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is offering the fully imported (\nCBU\n) Corolla Cross with just the conventional 1.8-litre petrol engine, with the 1.8G priced from \nRM124,000\n, with sales tax exemption until June 30th and the 1.8V priced from \nRM134,000\n, without sales tax exemption.\nThe introduction of the Toyota Corolla Cross also means the discontinuation of the \npolarising Toyota C-HR\n that also shares the same powertrain but priced much higher with a lower amount of valued features.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere were hopes that UMWT will be offering the hybrid variant into the Malaysian market, as Toyota in Indonesia, Vietnam and of course Thailand all offered the 122 hp 1.8-litre hybrid variant as the range-topper. The current market landscape in Malaysia perhaps suggests that only the 1.8-litre petrol variant is a viable investment for all parties involved.\nEngine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol, Dual VVT-i\nTransmission: CVT with 7-ratio Shiftmatic\nDrivetrain: Front wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 139 hp @ 6,400 rpm\nMax torque: 172 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nTop speed: 185 km/h\nThe 2ZR-FE 1.8-litre engine and CVT-type transmission are taken directly from \nthe Corolla sedan\n. The chassis and the fundamental engineering of the Corolla Cross is based on the TNGA platform GA-C but with a change to the rear suspension system.\nThe independent double-wishbone multi-link rear axle has been replaced with a newly developed \ntorsion beam axle\n that promises great body control and stability while cornering yet high comfort levels while cruising. We really like how the new Toyota Corolla Cross drives and you can read \na very brief review here\n!\nEXTERIOR\nThe form of the Toyota Corolla takes some design cues from the \nlarger RAV4\n sibling, such as the satin-finished piece of trim with the model name on the rear pillar. Lighting technology is used to separate the two variants. In the V-variant, LED lighting is used for the headlamp, DRLs as well as the taillamp with a \u2018curtain\u2019 pattern.\nThe G-variant gets halogen front lighting with a simpler LED taillamp design with both variants featuring LED front and rear fog lamps.\nThe 1.8V\nThe 1.8G with bulb-type DRLs\nLarger 18-inch rims with wider 225-section tyres are also fitted on the V-variant, while the G-variant identifies itself easily with single-tone silver rims in 17-inch diameter. Both sizes nonetheless come with a tyre pressure warning system (TPWS).\nBeing designed as an SUV, the ground clearance of the Toyota Corolla Cross is 161 mm, with a generous approach angle of 18 degrees.\nStandard items across both variants include a \npowered tailgate \nwith hands-free foot-activated sensor, smart entry system, auto-folding side mirrors with reverse-link and blind-spot monitor plus rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) feature. UMWT is also fitting the premium security and solar window film as standard on both variants, together with a front-facing driving video recorder (DVR).\nThe new Toyota Corolla Cross will be available in five exterior colours- Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Metalstream Metallic, Graphite Metallic and Nebula Blue Metallic. The latter three are exclusive colours designed for the Toyota Corolla Cross.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin is where everything returns to familiarity. The dashboard is lifted directly from the Toyota Corolla sedan and standard equipment plus fittings in both variants include:\nBlack leather upholstery\nPower-adjustable driver\u2019s seat\nStandard instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display\nAutomatic single-zone air-conditioning with rear duct\n9-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-ready connectivity\n60:40 split-folding rear seats, armrest and a 6-degree recline angle\nRear USB charging ports\nAllow the powered tailgate to open itself, through a hands-free foot sensor, and a large \n440-litre\n luggage area is revealed. Two road bicycles can be accommodated with the rear seats folded down, the luggage floor flat and level.\nThe 1.8V just adds ambient lighting to the front doors, front cupholders and centre tray together with an acoustic-glass front windshield.\nOddly, the electronic parking brake has been replaced to something not seen in a new Toyota for some time- a \nfoot-operated parking brake\n that engages the rear disc brakes. Another omission, when compared to the Toyota Corolla sedan, is the powertrain\u2019s Sport mode which is not in the Corolla Cross.\nSAFETY\nSimilar to the Corolla sedan, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety suite, consisting of the five main systems, is only available in the 1.8V:\nPre-Collision System (PCS)\nLane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering assist\nLane Tracing Assist (LTA) at high-speed only\nDynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) at high-speed only\nAutomatic High Beam (AHB)\nThe Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is only able to operate from 30 km/h due to the parking brake that is mechanical rather than electronic, where it is unable to engage when the vehicle is stationary.\nBoth variants will be equipped with seven airbags (inclusive of driver\u2019s knee airbag), 3D Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), front and rear parking sensors, and the aforementioned blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.\nAdditionally, a standard-fitted Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) can track the vehicle\u2019s position using GSM/GPS signals. The owner can also monitor the vehicle\u2019s status and if the unfortunate event of the Toyota Corolla Cross is stolen, a Command Centre will locate and inform relevant authorities to recover the vehicle.\nIn the event of an impact being detected, the centre will inform emergency services to provide assistance at the vehicle\u2019s location. Owners of Toyota Corolla Cross will enjoy a free subscription to the VTS service for three years.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the new Toyota Corolla Cross is priced at \nRM124,000\n for the G variant (sales tax exempted) and \nRM134,000\n for the V variant (sales tax fully paid) in Malaysia. All prices are on the road, without insurance and inclusive of a \nfive-year unlimited mileage\n vehicle warranty.\nUMWT also said that the Corolla Cross 1.8G is available for viewing, test drives and purchase, while the \n1.8V will only be available at a later date\n, but bookings are now accepted at all physical as well as \nvirtual\n showrooms.\nWith such attractive pricing, the Toyota Corolla Cross could just steal quite a significant amount of market share from Honda before the arrival of the all-new HR-V.\nGALLERY"
"MyTukar, the Malaysian used car trading platform, has partnered with financing services firm CapBay to offer a new financing programme for its authorised dealerships, with a total financing amount of up to RM300 million.\nThe new financing scheme, called the MyTukar Dynamic Dealership Programme, is designed to support MyTukar\u2019s 1,900 authorised dealers in reducing financial impact and business risks during these challenging times due to the \nCOVID-19\n pandemic.\nAccording to the company, the new programme is a comprehensive financial services facility that provides an effective and convenient \u201cone-stop-solution\u201d to operate and grow their dealership business.\nMyTukar CEO, Fong Hon Sum.\nThe programme features a wide range of financial facilities offered by CapBay, including a RM100,000 pre-approved revolving credit line to purchase cars from the MyTukar platform, up to RM500,000 revolving facilities for inventory management, trade financing, as well as working capital.\nThe revolving facilities enable MyTukar\u2019s authorised dealers to procure vehicles and list it\u00a0on MyTukar\u2019s online car bidding platform to fetch a higher price for their inventories, essentially providing MyTukar dealers access to short-term financing without cash outlay for\u00a0purchases, freeing up cash flow for other investments or business opportunities.\u00a0\nMyTukar CEO, Fong Hon Sum said, \u201cOur priority at this point of time is to support our authorised dealers in reducing financial impact and business risks . [The new financing programme] enables MyTukar\u2019s authorised dealerships to better manage their cash flow by giving a higher margin of finance for all\u00a0drawdowns.\u201d\nThe companies say that financing can be acquired \u201cwithin seconds\u201d. Applications for the new financing programme is now open on the CapBay website, \nhere\n. More information on MyTukar\u2019s dealership programme is available on the company\u2019s website, \nhere\n."
"When the Mercedes-Benz SLK first appeared back in 1996, it was premiered with the \u201cyellowstone\u201d colour, an unconventional choice for Mercedez-Benz then but more than 20 years later, the brand is reminiscing the event with the introduction of the \u201csun yellow\u201d, on the Final Edition of the SLC.\nThe Final Edition will be available in four different variants \u2013 SLC 180, SLC 200, SLC 300, SLC 43 AMG. Engine options range from 1.6-litre for the SLC 180, 2.0-litre for the SLC 200 and SLC 300 and V6 for the SLC 43 AMG.\nThe Final Edition\u2019s attire is essentially based on the AMG Line with AMG-styled front and rear bumpers, lowered suspension (10mm) and larger brakes tucked behind 18-inch 5-spoke AMG light alloy wheels.\nThis is complemented by the Final Edition\u2019s very own special touches that include SLC Final Edition badges on the front fenders and Final Edition embroidery on the floor mats.\nAs for the \nMercedes-AMG SLC 43\n, it stands out with matte black 5-spoke AMG light alloy wheels and an \u201cAMG Edition\u201d badge on the steering wheel that features a grey 12 o\u2019clock marker.\nThe SLC Final Edition will be available next month for a starting price of 41,536.95 Euros (approx RM191k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If there\u2019s something that we\u2019ve learned about Lexus in recent years, it\u2019s their penchant for making a statement. Despite entering a completely new market, the Japanese carmaker did not settle for a \u201ccrowd pleaser\u201d in order to reach its sales targets. Instead, they gave us the Lexus UX, complete with a wild design that is sure to stand out from the sea of mostly bland cars on the roads today. But does it have what it takes to go up against the beloved \nVolvo XC40\n, \nBMW X2\n, and the \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n?\nAccording to Lexus, the UX name stands for \u2018Urban Crossover\u2019, but we\u2019d argue that it looks and feels more like a hatchback than anything else, standing just about 100 mm taller than the \nMercedes-Benz A-Class\n hatchback. What\u2019s not up for discussion, though, is just how special the UX looks.\nNo matter which angle you glance it from, the Lexus UX stands out with its \u201cbrave\u201d use of sharp lines and creases \u2013 Lexus said it themselves, and we have to agree. And they aren\u2019t just for style, too \u2013 The Japanese carmaker says that the bold lines on the exterior do serve an aerodynamic purpose, a point highlighted by the Aero Stabilising Blades that are integrated into the tail lights, blending form and function.\nFrom the triple LED projector headlights and check mark daytime running lights, to the full-width LED combination tail lights at the back, the Lexus UX does truly feel like a piece of art with careful consideration in every stroke of the brush. Unconventional? Sure. But in our eyes, Lexus truly achieved a masterpiece with the UX.\nIn true Lexus fashion, the cabin of the UX is also nothing short of amazing. The attention to detail is unmistakable, from the use of the Japanese \u201cwashi\u201d paper texture on the dashboard, to the careful perforations on the two-tone seat upholstery. Lexus even included a wirelessly-powered infinity mirror illumination on the air-con vent knobs, just for the sake of it.\nBut like a double-edged sword, the impressive furnishing also makes the compact crossover\u2019s shortcomings even more apparent. With the extravagant curves and details on the dashboard, the blandness of the door cards just stick out like a sore thumb.\nAnd while we\u2019re at it, Lexus\u2019 infotainment system and trackpad combination is still as awful as ever to use, no matter how sharp the 10.3-inch display looks. The media control panel below the armrest does help, though, but only after you put in the effort to get acquainted to the odd shape and button placements.\nIn the crusade for style, Lexus seems to have also forgotten about space. Knee room and headroom in the rear quarters are just sufficient to fit a full-sized adult, and Lexus has also chosen to omit any stowage spaces at the rear of the UX 200, save for two cup holders in the centre armrest.\nEven worse still, the boot space of 271 litres is borderline laughable, and it also sits ridiculously high, which makes loading the boot with your cargo an unnecessarily labour-intensive task. At least, you still get an electrically-powered boot with hands-free kick-open function, a flat load floor, and folding rear seats.\nFor all its drawbacks in its practicality, the Lexus UX does make up significant grounds in the driving department. The compact crossover is built on Lexus\u2019 Global Architecture platform, which traces its roots to Toyota\u2019s TNGA-C. Throughout our time spent in the Lexus UX 200 Luxury for this review, we can\u2019t help but come back to the term \u201cun-Lexus-like\u201d when we\u2019re describing its ride quality.\nA large part of that boils down to its tighter-sprung suspension set-up (even without the F Sport performance dampers), which makes road imperfections a little more discernible from the driver\u2019s seat. But don\u2019t get me wrong \u2013 it doesn\u2019t make the Lexus UX feel any less refined, rather more connected to the road.\nWhen it comes to larger undulations, the UX soaks them up so gracefully that we can only compare it to how a ballerina lands from a hop. On top of that, there\u2019s also the Lexus Safety System+ advanced driver assistance features, which makes the driving experience \u2013 especially on highways \u2013 completely effortless.\nAlthough Lexus clearly intended for the UX to be mainly driven on the city streets (hence, the name), the little crossover doesn\u2019t lose its charm on the backroads either, with minimal body roll when thrown into corners and instant direction changes \u2013 all hallmark features of the TNGA platform. Despite its supposedly taller ride height, you also sit fairly low inside the cabin, which makes driving the UX feel that much more engaging.\nThe Lexus UX is only offered with a single 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder powertrain option across the board here in Malaysia. While the chassis is perfectly capable of handling more than \n169 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque, we didn\u2019t once feel that it was underpowered during our time with it.\nThe UX\u2019s secret sauce comes from its 10-speed Direct Shift CVT gearbox, which features a mechanical \u201claunch gear\u201d for acceleration from a standstill. But even at speed, the gearbox reacts almost instantaneously to any form of throttle input, working seamlessly with the engine to send more power to the front wheels.\nPeople often say \u201conce you\u2019ve tried turbocharging, you\u2019ll never go back\u201d, but if the naturally-aspirated engines are all as good as this, I wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. Only downside? It does make quite a racket at full tilt, which \u2013 like we\u2019ve alluded to before \u2013 isn\u2019t too Lexus-like either.\nWhile the UX might be the cheapest Lexus you can buy, with a price list that starts at RM235,472 (with \nsales tax exemptions\n), it does not feel like any lesser of a car, and is more than worthy of the Lexus name that it wears.\nPut simply, if I were Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, or BMW, I\u2019d be pretty worried by now, because the Lexus UX might be one of the most well-rounded product in the compact crossover space we\u2019ve come across thus far \u2013 that is, if space isn\u2019t much of a concern to you, of course.\nLexus UX 200 Luxury Specifications:\nEngine\n1,987 cc; naturally-aspirated inline-four\nTransmission\n10-speed Direct Shift CVT\nMax horsepower\n169 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax torque\n205 Nm @ 4,800 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top speed\n9.2 seconds; 190 km/h\nPrice (OTR, w/o insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions)\nRM274,027\nGALLERY"
"A botch reverse maneuver nearly sent the driver and her Toyota C-HR into a possibly fatal plunge recently before bystanders rushed to her aid.\nIn what seemed like just another attempt at reverse parking, the driver is seen in the surveillance video reversing rapidly through the barrier behind her.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy4br_9Jiqk\nThankfully the C-HR came to a stop but it still left the rear wheels dangling in the air, with the driver trapped in the car before she was pulled to safety through the passenger side door.\nIt was reported that the lady had just bought the crossover and was confused with how the gears worked. When it started reversing, she panicked and pressed on the accelerator \u2013 what a thing to do. Wouldn\u2019t it make more sense to hit the brakes?"
"Petronas has unveiled its latest fuel, the Primax 97 with Pro-Race, through a Facebook live-stream event yesterday. Dubbed as its \u201cbest fuel ever\u201d, the new Euro 4M RON 97 formulation is now available at Petronas petrol stations nationwide, at RM2.08 per litre based on the current weekly-updated fuel-prices.\nThe new RON 97 fuel is said to be formulated to meet the demands of newer engine technologies. Key to the new fuel\u2019s enhancement is the new additive package, which includes what Petronas says is the world\u2019s first \nAdvanced Dual Friction Modifier\n. The company says the new additive is 25% more efficient in reducing friction, while lowering carbon emissions through an enhanced fuel and oil interaction.\nPetronas says that the new fuel also helps remove up to 99.9%\u00a0of engine deposits in \u201ckey areas\u201d. As a result, the company says the new Primax 97 with Pro-Race is able to provide users with a more powerful, responsive, and efficient driving experience.\nPetronas Dagangan Berhad Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Azrul Osman Rani said, \u201cThe new Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race is our best fuel, as the new formulation was designed to cater to advanced engine technologies and meet the high-performance driving needs of our customers today.\n\u201cHaving translated our fluid technology from track to road, we are very excited to finally let our customers experience an effortless drive, achievable through the three-in-one benefit comprising power, responsiveness and efficiency.\u201d\nThe new fuel leverages on Petronas\u2019 experience in the development of fluid technology that helped the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team win its \nseventh consecutive World Constructors Championship\n this year.\nSeven-time world champion\n and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 driver Lewis Hamilton added, \u201cThe competitiveness on the racetrack, is intense. I need a fuel that gives me the power to move beyond \u2013 when I accelerate, when I take corners and when I need to get ahead of the pack. Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race is the fuel that gives your car the power as and when it needs most. I know what power means. You should too.\u201d\nBased on Petronas\u2019 own blind tests carried out by 100 real-world users, 69% of users reported a noticeable increase in power, while\u00a066% agreed that their vehicles felt more responsive with the new Primax 97 with Pro-Race fuel. As for efficiency, 73% of participating users noted that their vehicles recorded better mileage with the new Petronas fuel, as compared to their usual RON 97 fuel.\nAzrul added: \u201cThe results of the blind tests and feedback from the drivers are truly encouraging. As a leading energy and solutions partner, we continuously seek out avenues to refine and improve our offerings to remain as customers brand of choice. \u201cWe are confident that the new PETRONAS Primax 97 with Pro-Race will surpass customers\u2019 expectations and delight their driving experience.\u201d\nIn conjunction with the launch of the new fuel, Petronas is also offering a RM2 e-voucher for a minimum purchase of RM50 of the new Primax 97 with Pro-Race fuel, and a RM5 cashback voucher for new \nSetel\n users. More information can be found \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Polestar, Volvo\u2019s performance electric car brand, has just teased the production version of their Polestar Precept concept that was first shown in 2020. Being a grand tourer (GT), the Precept will compete against the king of the segment- the \nPorsche Taycan\n and joined by the new \nAudi e-tron GT\n, \nMercedes-AMG EQS 53\n and \nTesla Model S\n.\nThe image was taken at Polestar\u2019s latest research and development hub in the UK that has doubled its workforce amid a challenging industry landscape. Located in MIRA Technology Park, the heart of the UK\u2019s Motorsport Valley, the facility allows easy access to a top-class automotive engineering talent pool that has diverse expertise rarely seen within traditional automakers.\nApart from a large multi-layout proving ground, the MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) Technology Park houses a multitude of engineering services and testing laboratories to cover all aspects of automotive design and engineering.\nThe Polestar Precept concept with the front and rear design\nThe UK R&D team will focus on the latest Polestar Precept grand tourer that is said to be production-ready before the middle of the decade.\n\u201cPrecept is a statement of intent for the brand in terms of design, technology and sustainability,\u201d says Head of Polestar UK R&D, Pete Allen. \u201cThe production car will take an important step on the journey towards climate neutrality, and ours will be the team that delivers that.\u201d\nPolestar R&D team has just created their Beast! Find out what this Beast in white is!\nConventional door handles as well as structural piece (B-pillar) on the pre-production Precept\nWhen compared to the concept car, the pre-production Precept in black seems to have a regular central pillar (or B-pillar) with its rear doors hinged here rather than a suicide-style. The roof is also covered, perhaps to conceal the \nLiDAR scanning module\n that is styled to be integrated with the overall design of the vehicle. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe Polestar Precept GT is the fourth model in the line-up, after the \nPolestar 1\n low-volume electric performance hybrid coupe with \n609 hp/1,000 Nm\n and an electric-only range of 124 km \u2013 the longest of any hybrid car in the world.\nThe \nPolestar 2\n fastback that targets a more mass appeal is offered in three variants with a combination of standard- and long-range batteries up to 540 km range, and dual- and single motor powertrains with as much as \n408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n.\nPolestar is scheduled to launch the \nPolestar 3\n performance electric SUV that will be built in the USA next year. Apart from expanding its product line-up, Polestar is also opening more dedicated retail centres in \nAsia Pacific\n.\n\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Among all the things you can \u201cDIY\u201d with your car, changing into a spare tyre is possibly the easiest; requiring no technical knowledge but only a degree of tactfulness and lots of elbow grease.\nSeeing as there hasn\u2019t been an effective avenue for most young drivers in Malaysia to learn this, leaving most stranded at odd locations (and sometimes at even odder times) and at the mercy of \u201cparental support\u201d or roadside assistance that is usually some time and distance away, here\u2019s a quick and brief guide in the first of many Auto DIY episodes which will be aired \nevery Wednesday\n on \nour YouTube channel\n for the following weeks to come.\nWatch as Jasmine (inset) demonstrates while Johnson explains, step-by-step, on how to change your car\u2019s tyre, with every possible precaution taken into account. Before all else, this video will also highlight the \nbasic tools you\u2019ll need to have in the boot at all times\n, in the event of a flat tyre.\nBe sure to also watch till the end of the video for useful tips on how to reuse your old tyres \u2013 should you decide to keep them \u2013 and not to mention, for the usual AutoBuzz.my bloopers."
"Touch \u2018n Go RFID users can now refuel at \n88\n Shell stations nationwide thanks to the joint effort between \nTouch \u2018n Go Group\n and \nShell Malaysia\n. Launched today, Touch \u2018n Go Group and Shell Malaysia expect to expand the number of RFID-enabled Shell stations up to 200 by the end of 2022.\nShell Malaysia and Singapore Mobility General Manager, Seow Lee Ming (Left)\n and Touch \u2018n Go Group CEO, Effendy Shahul Hamid (Right)\nTouch \u2018n Go Group CEO, Effendy Shahul Hamid said, \u201cWe\u2019re extremely pleased to have quickly been able to expand the RFID use case beyond road tolling. Customers can now make payments at Shell stations without requiring any interaction with an app on their mobile phones or engaging with a point-of-sale system as payment is made via Touch \u2018n Go eWallet linked to the user\u2019s Touch \u2018n Go RFID.\u201d\nHe also adds, \u201cWe are fortunate to have found a like-minded partner in Shell, who aligns with our ambition to provide customers with cashless, contactless driving experience, and is helping us pave the way towards delivering more innovative offerings for both sets of our customers.\n\u201cThe combination of an RFID and eWallet infrastructure allows us to expand its use case beyond tolling. As we\u2019ve shown today, fuelling is an additional use case, and we will be expanding the RFID use case into more areas as we go on.\u201d\nRELATED: \nShell installs solar panels at 216 petrol stations\nRFID reader mounted on the ceiling of the Shell petrol station\nPreviously only enabled at 35 shell stations in Malaysia, the RFID payment system at shell stations does not require users to whip out their phones to fill up. In order to utilise the new payment system, customers will need a Touch \u2018n Go RFID tag that is linked to their Touch \u2018n go eWallet account, and complete the one-time registration and activation process through the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet mobile app.\nUpon successful activation, customers simply need to park their vehicles at the RFID-designated fueling bays. Vehicles are detected within seconds, and payment will be auto-debited from the customer\u2019s Touch \u2018n Go eWallet. In case you\u2019re wondering how to fill up a full tank of petrol, any unutilised amount will be immediately refunded to the customer\u2019s Touch \u2018n Go eWallet accounts.\nShell Malaysia and Singapore Mobility General Manager, Seow Lee Ming says, \u201cIn line with our commitment to making customers\u2019 daily journeys more seamless through innovative offerings, we embarked on this partnership with Touch \u2018n Go to develop a new payment method that provides cashless convenience, using RFID technology, without the hassle of a mobile app. We also went the extra mile to integrate Touch \u2018n Go RFID with our loyalty partner BonusLink, allowing customers to earn loyalty points easily with each fuel purchase.\n\u201cOver the last year, we have received positive response\n from over 10,000 pilot users\n, and have been working closely with Touch \u2018n Go to continuously optimise the technology to ensure a truly hassle-free payment experience. We are confident that this collaboration with Touch \u2018n Go will further enhance our customer experience at Shell.\u201d\nRELATED: \nShell and Porsche launches first 180 kW EV charger in Johor\nShell Malaysia and Touch \u2018n Go will be rewarding the first 25,000 customers who utilise the RFID refuelling function with a RM10 cashback from August 10 to September 16, 2022. All customers need to do is to top-up a minimum of RM50 using the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet app. Do note that only first-time customers are eligible for this cashback reward from Touch \u2018n Go and Shell Malaysia."
"Cycle & Carriage\u2019s \nremodelled Mutiara Damansara Autohaus\n is the first Mercedes-Benz dealership in the country to carry the German Marque\u2019s latest brand presence, centred around the customers\u2019 needs through a new spatial design philosophy and increase usage of digital media.\nSo how exactly does the new Mercedes-Benz dealership identity change the car buying experience? We recently had the opportunity to try out the new Compact AMG trio at the Mutiara Damansara Autohaus (more on that coming soon), and while we were there, decided to experience it for ourselves.\nUpon stepping into the dealership, you\u2019ll be immediately greeted by a \nStar Assistant\n to tend to your queries \u2013 be it sales or aftersales. The Star Assistant will then contact the relevant consultant or product experts depending on your needs.\nWhile you sit and wait for the relevant personnel at the lounge area, you\u2019ll get a clear view of the main display area, where all the models on sale are lined up neatly. The layout of the vehicles is specifically designed along an arc along the main route, with the intent to increase visibility of each model on display.\nTo ensure that customers see the cars in its true colours \u2013 just as how you\u2019ll see it out on the roads \u2013 the showroom uses daylight lamps to illuminate the showroom floor. You\u2019ll also find ambient lights around the entire premise, shaped similar to those that you\u2019ll see in a Mercedes-Benz car.\nWhen speaking to a consultant, customers can choose between public, semi-public, or \u201cvery discreet\u201d locations. Alternatively, you can also utilise the \ndigital surfaces\n including digital info stands and \u201cmedia walls\u201d littered throughout the premise, The latter integrated behind a layer of black glass to maintain a cohesive appearance along the walls.\nThese digital media surfaces are used for a myriad of purposes, including presentation of product information, atmospheric setting purposes, or personalisation of your model of choice in the sample studio \u2013 you\u2019ll get to see how your customisations look like immediately.\nBeside every model on display is also a digital price stand, where customers can interactively explore the special features and packages available for that particular model.\nWhen it is time to collect your new car, you will be led into a special delivery room for the handover process. Designed as a \u201cblack box\u201d, the space is crafted specifically to emphasise the car and the customer in the handover process \u2013 a reflection of the new Mercedes-Benz brand presence.\nProduct specialists will utilise the media displays within the room to facilitate their explanation of the different functionalities of the car to the customer.\nAnd of course, how can we forget about the coffee? The new Mutiara Damansara Autohaus features a self-service lounge, where customers can feel right at home with an assortment of beverages, light snacks, and desserts. We won\u2019t lie \u2013 we definitely spent the most time here.\nIf you would like to check it out for yourself, the new\n A 45 S\n, \nA 35\n, and \nCLA 45 S\n will all be at the Mutiara Damansara Autohaus on the \n29th to 30th of June\n. As they say in English, kill two birds with one stone, right? So be sure to mark your calendars!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Like death and taxes, Volvo\u2019s synonymity to safe mobility is one the same, known and revered the world over. But the paradox is that it\u2019s both Volvo\u2019s greatest success and crippling Achilles\u2019 heel, because no one talks about Volvo cars and their performance unless they care enough to research.\nCirca the turn of the century, the prideful Swedish brand launched the 850 R, one that came with a 2.3-litre turbocharged straight-five that\u2019s good for 250 hp and 350 Nm of torque. As its cult status grew, Volvo saw the need for making unassumingly fast cars (otherwise known as sleeper cars or sleepers), yet uncompromising in all safety aspects. This went on for at least 15 more years and, through the magical touch of Li Shufu and his bounteous resources, \ngave way to the ravishing duo we have here today\n.\nQUICK FACTS\n \nName\nVolvo S90 T6 R-Design (AWD)\nVolvo V90 T6 R-Design (AWD)\nEngine\n1,969cc; twincharged (turbo and supercharged) inline-4, DOHC\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.9 seconds; 250 km/h\n6.1 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM453,888\nRM458,888\nVolvo, now backed by billions of Chinese dollars, went back to the drawing board to strategise, and first on the agenda is the pursuit of a substantially more dominant corporate face. The resulting endeavour brought forth first the XC90 with an astonishing new fascia, which quickly permeated its way throughout the 90-Series range \nand beyond\n.\n \nThe T6 R-Design pair here currently sit at the top of their respective range, and they\u2019re fully imported though in very small quantities. According to Volvo Car Malaysia, it\u2019s business as usual until the CKD versions come around. Fans and soon-to-be-fans of the Volvo brand now have a whole lot of reasons to be excited about. \nAnother big change besides the new face is engine choice. Volvo\u2019s pledge to being environmentally friendly means they won\u2019t revisit the idea of big bore engines, settling instead with the new VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) or Drive-E family of enforced four-cylinder engines. They\u2019ve got big dreams too, with plans of \nelectrifying all models by 2019 and the launch of five all-electric vehicles by 2021\n.\nMuch like its German rivals, the T5, T6 and T8 badges denote power, yet all three share the exact same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Goodbye glorious inline-five and sixers. moving on. The twin-charged T6 nestled under the duo is supercharged for low to mid-end pull and turbocharged for mid to high-end runs. Charged air is almost readily fed into the engine at any given time, providing a fat dollop of propulsion at the disposal of your right foot.\nWith 320 hp and 400 Nm on tap, the transverse engine zings free of hesitance, running short on steam only at the very end of the rev range. This is characteristic of forced induction, even the \nnew Civic Type R\n suffers the same. Nevertheless, the engine is specifically tuned for the purposes of day-to-day commute, with peak torque fizzing from 2,200 rpm through all four wheels. \nDespite weighing dangerously close to the two-tonne mark, both the S90 and V90 feel unusually light on their feet. I mean that in a good way, because it\u2019s easy to make a heavy car go fast (like all Bentleys), but to actually make them feel fast and nimble at the same time is a different feat altogether. Comparatively, the V90 is almost a full 300kg heavier than the \nHonda CR-V 1.5 Turbo AWD\n and just 60kg shy of the \nMercedes-Benz S400h L\n.\nDrive it hard and you\u2019ll realise you can\u2019t outrun physics. Body roll becomes apparent, but never enough to unsettle balance. There\u2019s ample grip from the 255/40 R19 Continental ContiSportContact 5 tyres for some extra peace of mind, though the real difference between the two is in the way they\u2019re sprung.   If your first guess is that the sedan drives better, then you\u2019re right. It\u2019s more firm footed in the bends and is much less busy from having to manage weight transfer. The V90 is just 43kg heavier, but it\u2019s considerably taller at 1,475mm (+32mm). As compensation, Volvo revised the rear suspension geometry in favour of a more comfort oriented setup. The flip side is it rolls a fair bit more, but if I were to choose between the two, I\u2019d choose the pliancy of the V90 any day. Plus it looks better, I think.\nFew car designs have wowed as much as the new crops from Volvo. Three years on and the XC90 still feels like it hasn\u2019t aged one bit, and the same can be said about the S90 and V90, no doubt. The Bursting Blue paint colour here is exclusive to the T6 R-Design and is accented with satin aluminium side mirror caps, 19-inch lightweight R-Design alloys, dual exhausts and a suitably\n\u00a0\nsporty grille. Nothing overly elaborate, just pure, tasteful elegance. Just pray you get used to the gawking eyes.\nThe cabin, when compared to all other cars in its segment and price point, is hugely minimalistic and devoid of clutter. Where some get enamoured by the audaciously\u00a0blinged-out \ndash of the W213 E-Class\n, there\u2019s an unobtrusive charm to the way modern Volvo cabins are designed. All controls are built into a singular instrument \u2013 the 9-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen display.   Everything from air-con, interior and exterior lighting, multimedia, GPS navigation, 360-degree camera and even the complete owner\u2019s manual can be accessed through the screen. The instrument binnacle is also fully digitised with three preset themes that change the look of the metres. The part perforated leather-wrapped wheel is nicely contoured to fit the hands and gets embellished with an R-Design badge at the bottom. Only the buttons on the wheel feel tacky and cheap \u2013 elsewhere it\u2019s all top-tier stuff.\nThose carbon fibre trims are actual carbon fibre \u2013 all of it, not fake textured plastic as most would expect. The R-Design sports seats are different from the standard ones altogether, from construction to purposeful padding for the thighs and mid to lower back. It\u2019s wrapped in perforated fine Nappa and Nubuck (which is Alcantara-like hide) as opposed to the regular leather from the T5. As far as sports seats go, this is one of the more comfortable and supportive types out there.\n \nAmong the two, the V90 is the only one that gets integrated child booster seats and is much more practical with 913 litres of boot space versus the sedan\u2019s 500 litre volume. It also gets a full-sized powered panoramic sunroof, dwarfing the S90\u2019s regular sized sunroof. All those niceties for just RM5,000 over the sedan? Now how \u2018bout that?\nAs for safety, Volvo made their own Vision 2020 promise that nobody, no driver nor passenger will perish in a Volvo car. That\u2019s ambitiously bold coming from the inventors of the seat belt, but it sets a mighty precedence for others to follow. As expected, the S and V90 T6 are generously equipped with safety features, such as having sensors and cameras to detect animals, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. When detected, the car will automatically slow down or come to a complete stop. \nMy favourite feature has to be Pilot Assist, now operable up to 130 km/h. It\u2019s basically a self-driving system for intercity and intracity commutes, which navigates through corners so long as road markings remain legible. It still requires driver intervention, though it helps to know that six airbags come as standard across the board. Don\u2019t complain, I\u2019m sure six is enough, especially in a Volvo.\nAs it stands, Volvo seems to have gotten all things right this time around, dealing aces in areas they\u2019ve been so sorely handicapped in years past. It has looks that rivet the eyes with enough pace and performance to stir anyone but the most avid driving enthusiast. I can\u2019t think of a car more beseeching in its attempt to seduce, yet unwavering in upholding the Iron Mark ethos.\nWelcome to the new age of Volvo Cars. Tell me, when was the last time you so aspired to own one?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S90 T6 R-Design   Volvo V90 T6 R-Design"
"The Ministry of Finance has just announced the pricing for petrol for the next seven days. Shockingly, the price of RON 97 petrol sees a large jump of 10 sen per litre after tiny increments since late March 2021. \u00a0\nFor the next seven days starting tomorrow (October 14th to 20th), \nRON 97\n petrol will retail at a whopping \nRM2.87\n per litre. \nRON 95\n petrol and \nDiesel\n continue to maintain at their respective price levels of RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre, a figure that has been capped since late February this year.\nThe last time RON 97 was priced at the RM2.80 per litre range was between late April and early May 2019. Meanwhile, the largest jump for RON 97 petrol was 19 sen, moving from RM2.47 to RM2.66 in the middle of June 2018.\nIn the weekly press statement by the Ministry, the government said it will continue to monitor the price of crude oil globally, capping the price of RON 95 and diesel plus taking steps to maintain the welfare and well-being of the people.\nSource: Twitter/\nMOFMalaysia"
"Most of you would not have heard of them, but DAMD \u2013 a Japanese body kit manufacturer \u2013 has been around since the 1980s with their most prominent work featured on the gold Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution driven by Paul Walker in 2 Fast 2 Furious.\nWhile they\u2019ve even got body kits to convert a GT 86/BRZ to look like the Lexus LFA, this is by far their most audacious work \u2013 mimicking the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Land Rover Defender, through \nthe new Suzuki Jimny\n.\nWith the \u201cDefender\u201d, noticeable changes include a new headlamp design, new front grille, new front and rear bumpers and even a \u201cbulkier\u201d front bonnet.\nAs for the \u201cG-Wagen\u201d, it\u2019s almost impossible to tell the car apart from the real deal but upon closer look you\u2019d see why \u2013 the attention to detail is second to none. Like the \u201cDefender\u201d it also gets a new headlamps housing, grille design similar to the \nGLA 45\n, \nE63 S\n and the newly updated\n C43 AMG 4MATIC\n.\nThere isn\u2019t any priced indication on the body kit yet but it\u2019s said to be available from 2019 onwards.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Unveiled in June 2022, the \nBMW iX1\n has now commenced production in Regensburg in a single flexible production line that also makes internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). With the beginning of the iX1\u2019s production, all \nBMW \nGerman plants can now produce electric cars.\nAnnouncing the company\u2019s next milestone, BMW AG member of the Board of Management, Milan Nedeljkovi\u0107 said, \u201cWe are delivering the goods. By 2024, at least one in three BMWs coming out of our Bavarian plants will be an electric car.\u201d\nGoing against other small EVs like the \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n and \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n, the BMW iX1 is only available as the iX1 xDrive30. Powered by two electric motors, the iX1 has a maximum system output of \n313 hp\n (metric) and \n494 Nm\n. Power is sent to all wheels and the iX1 does the century sprint in \n5.6 seconds\n.\nHousing a 64.7-kWh battery pack, the BMW iX1 has a \n440 km\n range (WLTP). This is more than the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\u2019s 418 km range (WLTP) from its 78-kWh battery and the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250\u2019s 429 km range (WLTP) from its 66.5-kWh battery.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 BMW X1 unveiled with wildly good looks, 272 hp fully-electric iX1 variant\nAs for charging, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 can handle \n11-kW\n AC charging which charges the car from 0 to 100% in \n6.5 hours\n. It is also capable of \n130-kW\n DC Fast Charging (DCFC) that charges the car from 10% to 80% in \n29 minutes\n.\nThe Regensburg plant\u2019s flexible production line (producing EV, PHEV, and ICE cars) is not its only highlight. It is also the pilot for BMW\u2019s \u201ciFactory\u201d, meaning the factory has been digitally mapped and has a digital twin to enable efficient planning of future plant structures and production facilities. The plant also employs artificial intelligence in the paint shop and for quality inspection.\nALSO WATCH:\n Fully-electric BMW iX3 SUV from RM298k, 5 Things\nTo minimise its carbon footprint, BMW has also ensured short distances between component and vehicle production. By the end of 2022, the BMW Group will have invested a total of more than 1.6 billion euros in electric component production at its German locations in Dingolfing, Leipzig and Regensburg. More than 3,300 employees currently work in BMW Group electric component production at those sites.\nCurrently in BMW\u2019s all-electric lineup in Malaysia is the \nBMW iX3\n, the \nBMW i4\n, and the\n \nBMW iX\n. With the start of production of the BMW iX1, you can expect it to soon join the brand\u2019s Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) lineup."
"At long last, the much-awaited \n2023 Toyota GR86 \nhas now officially made its debut in Malaysia. The rear-wheel drive, back to basics sports car will be offered in one variant but with two different transmission options, priced from \nRM295,000\n on-the-road, without insurance.\nOn the mention of insurance, if you are looking to renew your motor insurance, be sure to check out \nwww.motortakaful.com\n \nby Etiqa. By renewing online, you will be able to enjoy a 10% rebate on your insurance premium.\nThe Toyota GR86 is the sister car to the\n Subaru BRZ\n that is \nalso now available in Malaysia\n. However, there are several differences to set the models apart, including a unique front bumper and radiator grille design, a slightly different daytime-running light signature, and even some mechanical changes underneath the sheet metal, which affects the way the car drives \u2013 more on this later.\nFor equipment, the 2023 Toyota GR86 comes equipped with LED exterior lighting as standard, alongside 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, and dual exhaust tailpipes at the rear.\nALSO READ: \n2022 Subaru BRZ price up by RM20k in Malaysia for both manual and automatic variants\nUnderneath the 2023 Toyota GR86\u2019s long bonnet is a 2.4-litre FA24 naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, up from 2.0-litre from before, now making \n237 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels only, and here in Malaysia, you\u2019ll get to choose between either a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter, or a six-speed automatic gearbox with gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel.\nThe performance figures translate to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n6.3 seconds\n, or roughly one second faster than its predecessor. And to maximise handling capability, the GR86 also comes with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.\nAs for the aforementioned mechanical differences, Toyota has given the GR86 some special touches (over the BRZ) on its suspension, sway bar, chassis strengthening, and steering set-ups to give the two-door coupe sharper agility. This was reportedly the cause of its delay globally, as Toyota President Akio Toyoda thought it \nfelt too much like the Subaru counterpart\n.\nAccording to reports, this has helped the Toyota GR86\n feel more playful than the BRZ\n \u2013 but we\u2019ll have to try it for ourselves.\nREAD MORE:\n Toyota, Subaru celebrate 10 years of Hachiroku with limited-edition GR86 and BRZ models\nInside, the driver cockpit of the 2023 Toyota GR86 sticks true to its signature modus operandi, with a minimalist and driver-focused cabin design.\nHighlights here include a meaty leather-wrapped steering wheel with GR branding, a seven-inch multi-info display with unique boxer-inspired animations, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate control, as well as leather and suede combination upholstery with red accents all around the cabin.\nFor weight saving, however, the seats only feature manual adjustments \u2013 six-way adjustability for the driver.\nIf your car doesn\u2019t come with this weird knob, you bought the wrong car.\nThe 2023 Toyota GR86, specifically on the automatic variant, will come with the full range of advanced safety assistance systems as standard here in Malaysia, with features including autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, alongside seven airbags.\nPricing for the all-new 2023 Toyota GR86 in Malaysia starts from \nRM295,000\n for the six-speed manual option, rising up to\n RM305,000\n for the automatic car. Included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty as standard. Buyers can choose from four exterior colour options: Ignition Red, Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, and Magnetic Gray Metallic.\nGALLERY"
"Audi Singapore has recently launched the all-new Audi A3 models in the island republic, making it the first market to offer in ASEAN. It\u2019s the first time that both Sedan and Sportback bodystyles are simultaneously offered.\nStyling of the compact A3 range follows suit from the new models such as \nAudi A7\n and the \nAudi Q3\n. Up front, the all-new A3 gains a wider Singleframe grille along with large sporty air inlets on both sides. Flanking the grille is the standard LED headlights, with the option of a Matrix technology consisting of a pixel array made up of 15 individual LED to create special light signatures for the Audi A3.\nBehind the large Singleframe grille lies the active shutter which controls the cooling system\u2019s airflow requirement, ultimately benefitting in overall fuel consumption with a reduction in aerodynamic drag. A Cd value of 0.25 and 0.29, sedan and Sportback respectively, are achieved thanks to many other measures including the smooth side mirrors and an integrated boot lip spoiler.\nBoth the new \nA3 sedan\n and Sportback feature a large shoulder line from the headlights to the rear lights, while the surface right below it is curved inward, a signature of Audi\u2019s latest design element to put a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches. The wheel size is 8.0J x 17 inches and wrapped with tyres measuring 225/45R17.\nBeing 15 cm longer, the Audi A3 sedan offers boot space of 425 litres, while the \nA3 Sportback\n begins at 380 litres and up to 1,200 litres with the seats folded down. The Sportback also comes equipped with a clever luggage floor that alters the depth for different storage requirements.\nThe cabin of the A3 is entirely focused on the driver. This begins with the interior design and ends with the display and control elements, all intuitive to operate. It uses familiar elements from the brand\u2019s full-size models and is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated into the centre of the instrument panel, and also inclined slightly towards the driver.\nThe styling in here is certainly more modern compared to the larger \nAudi A5 Sportback\n, which originates from the A4 sedan launched in 2016.\nAs standard, it includes handwriting detection as well as natural language control that draws on the capabilities of the cloud. The new Audi A3 is connected to the smartphone via the myAudi app as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Audi Connect telematics services.\nThe \nAudi virtual cockpit plus\n instrument cluster measures \n12.3 inches\n and offers three different views, including sporty graphics with inclined digits and a particularly dynamic layout. Power adjustable seats are standard and are upholstered with a leather/leatherette combination.\nHowever, for customers who are inclined to use more sustainable materials, Audi is offering the option of seat coverings made from \nrecycled plastic bottles\n. All in all, up to \n45\n polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in 1.5-litre size are used per seating system. On top of this, an additional 62 bottles are recycled for the carpet in the new Audi A3. \u00a0\nUnder the hood of both bodystyles is Audi\u2019s latest petrol engine with mild-hybrid electrification. First up is the engine, a new \n1.5-litre\n turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering outputs of \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque from a low engine revolution of 1,500 to 3,500 rpm.\nNext is the electrification portion. The powertrain uses a \n48-volt mild-hybrid \nsystem with a belt-alternator-starter (BAS) system and compact lithium-ion battery. It recovers energy during deceleration, supports the engine with up to \n12hp\n and \n50 Nm\n of torque when driving off and accelerating from low engine speeds, similar to having a short burst of electric boost from the BAS module.\nBoth Audi A3 bodystyles completes the benchmark century sprint in \n8.4 seconds\n when paired with the \n7-speed S tronic\n dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels. \u00a0\u00a0\nThis setup also allows the A3 to coast with the engine switched off (\nfree-wheeling\n) in many feet-off-accelerator situations such as approaching a toll booth or just as the traffic lights change from yellow to red. In everyday driving, it reduces consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres.\nWith the Audi drive select, driver\u2019s can alter the characteristics of the throttle response, S tronic transmission and the steering response. Audi pre sense, the company\u2019s ADAS suite, is meanwhile an optional package, but lane departure warning and reversing camera are included as standard in the retail pricing. \u00a0\nThe all-new Audi A3 Sedan is priced at \nSGD166,140\n while the A3 Sportback carries a SGD1,750 premium over the Sedan model.\nAt this performance level, Audi is offering better value than the Mercedes-Benz A200 (163 hp) priced at SGD197k, the BMW 116i (109 hp) at SGD159k and the MINI Cooper 5-door (136 hp) at SGD165k.\nManufactured at Audi Ingolstadt, the all-new Audi A3 has made quite an impact in Germany, winning the \u201cAutonis\u201d design competition by Auto, Motor und Sport magazine and the Auto Trophy 2020 voting held by Auto Zeitung.\nAdding to the trophy collection is the more prestigious \u201cGolden Steering Wheel\u201d award last year in the compact car category, its \nfourth\n after winning the category in 1996, 2012 and 2013.\n \nGALLERY \nAudi A3 Sedan\nAudi A3 Sportback"
"The United States (US) \nSubaru BRZ\n lineup has just welcomed a new variant. Known as the Subaru BRZ tS, it is the new top-of-the-line model of the BRZ family in the US.\nFreshly debuted at Subiefest California, the Subaru BRZ tS features tS badges in its front grille, as well as its rear decklid. Its side view mirrors and roof-mounted shark fin antenna are also finished in the Crystal Black Silica colour. Fitted onto the BRZ tS are a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.\nUnderpinning the sports car is a new suspension setup tuned by STI, alongside STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers. The Subaru BRZ tS is equipped with a Brembo braking system, which features gold-painted 4-piston callipers at the front and 2-piston rear callipers at the back, together with larger pads and rotors.\nPowering the Subaru BRZ tS is the same 2.4-litre Boxer engine as other second-generation BRZs, and is paired with a good-old 6-speed manual transmission. With power sent to the rear wheels only, together with Torsen limited-slip differential, its total output is rated at \n228 hp\n and \n184 lb-ft\n (\n249 Nm\n).\nRELATED: \nSubaru is bringing STI back to the Impreza \u2013 but with a catch\nInside, the Subaru BRZ gets black upholstery, alongside exclusive tS contrasting blue stitchings. The blue stitchings can be found on the front seat bolsters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter boot, and parking brake boot.\nThe front seats are also fitted with height-adjustable head restraints that feature a blue leather accent down the middle. Just in case the stitchings aren\u2019t sporty enough, both the red starter button and the 7-inch digital instrument cluster feature the STI logo too.\nSafety-wise, the Subaru BRZ tS is the first \nSubaru\n model with a manual transmission to be equipped with the brand\u2019s EyeSight ADAS suite. This includes features such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking system, lane departure and sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert. Subaru of America has also mentioned that all 2024 Subaru BRZ models equipped with a manual transmission will also include EyeSight as standard.\nThe Subaru BRZ tS will be available across US Subaru retailers starting in the first quarter of 2024. Prices will also be announced at a later date.\nCloser to home, the Subaru BRZ is available from \nRM229,245\n (on-the-road, without insurance) onwards for the manual variant. The automatic variant, on the other hand, is available from \nRM239,245\n onwards. However, only the automatic variant gets the EyeSight ADAS suite.\nRELATED: \n2023 Subaru Forester facelift launched in Malaysia, 4 variants, same 2.0L Boxer \u2013 from RM174k\nGALLERY"
"Maserati and Hiroshi Fujiawara, known as the Godfather of Japanese street culture, has come together to create a pair of special edition Maserati Ghibli called the \nOperanera and Operabianca\n. Only 175 units will be made.\nThe partnership is the result of Maserati Fuoriserie\u2019s comprehensive customisation program, which allows customers to create a Maserati that\u2019s tailored to their unique individual tastes.\nPioneer of the streetwear culture of Tokyo in the 1980s, Fujiwara was one of the first DJs to import hip hop into the Land of the Rising Sun, and as a producer and musician, he has worked with international recording stars. Fujiwara is also the owner of the streetwear brand, Fragment, as seen on the badges of the special edition cars.\nCheck out Maserati\u2019s recent collaboration with a Chinese celebrity, with a funny name!\nHiroshi Fujiawara.\nDubbed as a song on wheels, the Operanera and Operabianca is based on the Ghibli (Granlusso variant) and are available in two distinctive looks \u2013 one in gloss/opaque black and another in gloss white and opaque black.\n\u201cThe cars are more than just objects; they\u2019re tailor-made garments, to be proudly worn on the road and along the streets of the world as an extension of oneself, and a symbol of contemporary luxury,\u201d Maserati said.\nBlack is applied generously throughout the car has part of the theme of the project, while the interior gets a dose of colour through the blue seat belts. The upholstery consists of leather and Alcantara, with Maserati\u2019s Trident logo on the head rests.\nFind out more about the Maserati Ghibli range here!\nFragment\u2019s badges can be seen on the grille and on the C-pillar while the wheel arches are occupied 20-inch items painted in Urano matte black.\nLastly, the code M157110519FRG is plastered under the air vents, by the front fenders. The first four characters in the alphanumeric combination represent the ID code of the Ghibli while the last six numbers represent the date of the first meeting (5th November 2019) between Fujiwara and Maserati. The final three letters are the acronyms of Fragment.\nGALLERY"
"When Honda gave us the first teasers of the all-new 11th-generation Accord, everyone online \u2013 \nincluding us\n \u2013 gushed about its appearance. But much like how a face mask might make someone look better, the shadowy photos too, perhaps slightly disingenuously, helped hide the car\u2019s boring looks. We\u2019re sorry.\nThat\u2019s because the teasers already showed off the most interesting bits about the car\u2019s design. The front fascia, with the \nCR-V-inspired\n slim inset headlights flanking the hexagonal grille, is perhaps the most attractive design element on the entire exterior styling. And at the back, the full-width LED tail lights\u2019 multi-layered design is. well, at least something that\u2019ll catch your attention.\nEverything else on the 11th-gen Accord is almost completely devoid of any defining character. The bumpers are as generic as they come, and the rest of the body panels don\u2019t fare any better. To us, it\u2019s probably not too far from what an AI would\u2019ve come up with if it was asked to draw a \u201ccar\u201d, but we\u2019ll let you be the judge.\nIt\u2019s fortunately a lot more palatable on the inside, with an overall dashboard design similar to what we\u2019ve seen on the\n all-new Civic\n. A mesh panel dominates the entire width, hiding the air vents for the climate control system, while sitting atop the dashboard is a brand-new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Google apps and services built in. The screen is the biggest ever fitted onto a Honda vehicle, by the way.\nLooking closer, however, and you\u2019d pick up on some of the similarities to the outgoing model: the climate control panel, window switches, and centre console seems to be inherited from the \n10th-gen model\n, save for some mild cosmetic changes.\nThat\u2019s because despite it being called an \u201call-new\u201d model, the 2022 11th-generation Honda Accord is actually built upon the same underpinnings as the 10th-generation model. Looks wise, they even share roughly the same silhouette and dimensions on the outside, save for its slightly longer overall length (width, height and wheelbase are unchanged).\nStill, Honda says that they\u2019ve added extra braces and supports to help improve its ride, handling, and overall refinement, while the suspension has also been retuned to make the Accord more \u201cfun to drive\u201d.\nALSO READ: \nHonda Accord vs Volkswagen Passat \u2013 Is it time to go continental?\nIn terms of powertrain, the all-new Honda Accord in the US will be offered with either a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four and CVT combo with \n192 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n, or an e:HEV hybrid 2.0-litre inline-four (Atkinson Cycle) that makes \n204 hp\n and \n335 Nm\n. Both powertrains send drive to the front wheels.\nWhile the all-new model is due to go on sale in North America soon, don\u2019t expect it to make its way over to the rest of the world anytime soon, or at all. Previous reports suggest that the all-new model will remain a US exclusive for now, and even if it does make it to Asia, they\u2019re usually staggered by about 12 to 18 months, as the 10th-gen model demonstrated.\nIf the 11th-generation model does indeed follow the same timeline, expect to see the all-new Honda Accord to be in our showrooms sometime in 2024."
"In October, Peugeot unveiled not one but two SUVs at the Paris Motor Show, the \n3008\n and the seven-seater 5008. Succumbing to the demand of SUVs worldwide, both the 3008 and 5008 have transformed into a pair of much rugged looking vehicles, thus officially making their \u201cdouble-zero\u201d products an all-SUV range from now on. For the European market, the 5008 will not go on sale until spring 2017 but the 3008 goes on sale this month, and we flew to Bologna, Italy just to sample the all-new C-segment SUV.\nFour turbocharged engine options are available at launch; two \nfour-cylinder BlueHDi diesel\n mills displacing \n1.6-litre\n and \n2.0-litre\n, a \nthree-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech petrol\n, and a \n1.6-litre four-cylinder THP petrol\n. Official distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, \nNasim Sdn Bhd\n, has confirmed that the variant \ndebuting in Malaysia in Q2 2017\n will be the \n1.6-litre THP\n. So what does the new 3008 have to offer to those who are eyeing for a mid-size\u00a0SUV?\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 3008 1.6 THP 165\nEngine\n1,598cc; turbocharged inline-4\nTransmission\n6-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n165 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nTBA\nEXTERIOR\nWell, for one, it\u2019s a looker. You\u2019re not looking at a concept car here, this is how the production model looks like in all its glory. These photos taken in Bologna is exactly what the actual car will look like, and believe us it looks even better in the flesh. The new 3008 has traded its soft curves for a more angular silhouette, and it looks more like a proper SUV this time, even though Peugeot doesn\u2019t offer any all-wheel drive option on the new 3008 (at least not yet).   When measured against the outgoing model, the new 3008 is \n82mm longer\n at 4,447 mm and the \nwheelbase\n has been stretched to 2,675 mm, which is \n62mm more\n than before. But it\u2019s slightly narrower at 2,098 mm, and sits\n\u00a0lower by 15mm\n at 1,624 mm. Wheel size varies depending on variant, though the standard wheels measure 17 inches. Our test car however, wore a set of \n18-inch alloys\n wrapped in \n225/55 R18\n rubbers.\nDistinct trademark features are evident at both ends of the new 3008 such as the sharp \nLED headlamps\n with shark\u2019s fin cut-out and the \nlion claw LED tail lights\n, and they\u2019ve added some interesting design touches on the side as well. The horizontal cuts above each wheel arch and the chrome arches above the side windows are new, but we\u2019ve seen the floating D-pillars before on a Japanese B-segment crossover. Nevertheless,\u00a0it\u2019s a bold design that easily stands out in the crowd of other SUVs.\nINTERIOR\nBesides the avant-garde exterior, the interior is another highlight for the new 3008, not only in terms of design but the build quality as well. Materials used wouldn\u2019t look out of place in a premium German brand; it\u2019s a tasteful mix of \nfabric and leather upholstery\n adorned with \nopen-pored wood inlay\n and \nsatin metal trim\n.   The latest iteration of Peugeot\u2019s \ni-Cockpit\n concept works well in the 3008, where the steering wheel no longer obstructs the view of the instrument cluster. And you wouldn\u2019t want to miss the view because it\u2019s a high-res \n12.3-inch digital display\n with sharp graphics and slick animation. It\u2019s configurable too so you can choose whether you want to see the normal dials or you could bring up the navigation map in it as well.\nThe main infotainment has also been revamped, now comprised of a free-standing \n8-inch touchscreen\n with individual shortcut buttons accessed via a row of metallic\u00a0\npiano keys\n lined up in the centre of the dash. The system accepts both Android and Apple \nsmartphone connectivity\n, and if your phone has\u00a0\nwireless charging technology\n you can just place it in the charging bay located below the piano keys.   Several storage compartments are scattered around the interior, but the cubby hole underneath the centre arm rests has to be one of the deepest we came across in any car. Ample space available for the front two occupants while the back bench could accommodate three adults, although the middle seat is best for kids. The rear passengers still get plenty of head and knee room, except that there\u2019s not much space to shuffle their feet in the otherwise flat-footed well.   The boot now swallows \n520 litres\n of cargo; not the biggest in its class but it\u2019s bigger than its predecessor. While the new 3008 doesn\u2019t come with a split tailgate anymore, it does gain a \npowered tailgate\n that opens via a sweep under the derri\u00e8re.\nPERFORMANCE\nFor all that fresh new looks, the \n1.6 THP 165\n engine is a carryover unit from the outgoing 3008. Producing \n165 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque, the \nturbocharged 1,598cc four-cylinder\n is mated to a \nsix-speed automatic\n to drive the front wheels.\nBeing more than \n100kg lighter\n than the model it replaces, naturally, the new 3008 is quicker. Sprint from \n0 to 100 km/h\n takes \n8.9 seconds\n, and the \ntop speed\n is slightly higher than before at \n206 km/h\n. It\u2019s also much \nmore frugal\n, sipping an average of \n4.7 litres of petrol over 100km\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe first thing we notice upon leaving the Bologna airport is how good the cabin refinement is. On the highway (or Autostrada, if you\u2019re being very particular), the new 3008 stays planted despite the increased ground clearance, and it cruises with very little road and wind noise. Although Peugeot has kindly fitted on our test car the optional \nbespoke\n \n10-speaker sound system\n developed by \nFocal\n in case we nod off behind the wheel.\nApart from the thumping audio system, the 3008 is fitted with \nAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems\n (ADAS) to keep the driver to stay alert while driving, which includes \nAssisted Lane Departure Warning System\n, Distance Alert and \nActive Safety Brake\n, as well as \nDynamic Cruise Control\n \nwith Stop function\n.\n \nOn the backroads heading south to \nVilla le Maschere\n near Florence for a coffee break, the 3008 continues to impress. On some section the surface resembles our beloved Klang Valley tarmac, but the 3008 was able to maintain its poise with supple damping throughout. Throw it in the corners and it resists roll quite well, and I have to admit it\u2019s quite fun working the bijou steering wheel through a series of corners.\nHaving said that, the \n1.6 turbo\n mill is\u00a0\ncomme ci, comme \u00e7a\n. It needs the revs to get the most out of it, but thankfully the six ratios can be swapped manually via the \ncolumn mounted paddles\n behind the steering wheel as we resume our journey to our next pit stop in the small city of\u00a0Castel San Pietro Terme. Left on its own, the powertrain is sufficient for city driving and more importantly, it\u2019s smooth and hushed at the same time.\n \nThe 3008 (or any type of SUV, for that matter) is most definitely going to be driven strictly on paved tarmac, but Peugeot provides \nAdvanced\u00a0Grip Control\n option to those who think that they might take their 3008 off road but never will. A test on a makeshift off-road path of wet grassy slope in the compounds of Palazzo di Varignana proved the system to be quite effective, and the \nHill Assist Descend Control\n (HADC) expertly distributes brake force to any individual wheel without any driver input to ensure the 3008 rolls down the hill in a controllable and safe pace.\nWe also sampled the \n1.2-litre PureTech\n\u00a0three-cylinder with stick shift and the \n2.0 BlueHDi 180\n automatic during our overnight stay in Bologna. The former is a lively little engine that\u2019s surprisingly punchy for its size, but we can\u2019t shake off the fact that the 2.0 BlueHDi 180 suits the new 3008 better. With \n180 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n it\u2019s punchy everywhere yet it\u2019s more economical and just as quiet. The three-pot 1.2 might be deemed insufficient\u00a0by most Malaysians and the 2.0-litre diesel will definitely push the price up, therefore the 1.6 THP seems like the best compromise for our Malaysian market.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you require your\u00a0mid-size SUV with the most\u00a0space for both the occupants and their luggage, the 3008 might not suit your needs. But if\u00a0you\u2019re looking for a\u00a0mid-size SUV with panache, the 3008 should be on top of your list. Those who enjoy a bit of a spirited driving might want to consider the new 3008 too. Although you have to wait\u00a0until Q2 2017.\nPerhaps the bigger question is the price. MINI is asking RM243k for the mechanically-similar \nCooper S Countryman\n, whereas fellow French rival \nRenault Koleos\n can be had for RM172k. And then there\u2019s the Japanese and Korean rivals such as the \nMazda CX-5\n, \nHonda CR-V\n, \nKia Sportage\n, and \nHyundai Tucson\n, all of which fall within the RM126k to RM168k bracket.\nThe new 3008 is likely to cost more than the outgoing 3008 that\u2019s currently selling at RM149k, but Nasim is looking to equip it with most of the kit featured on the cars we tested in Bologna.\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nThe most recent Peugeot I\u2019ve driven\u00a0prior to the new 3008 was the \n408 e-THP\n, and that\u2019s not saying much in terms of character and driving enjoyment.\u00a0Yes, the new 3008 is in a different category but it\u2019s much more than that.\u00a0It\u2019s a huge improvement in terms of technology, safety, quality, and handling capability, which hopefully will carry on to future Peugeot models. The new 3008 is definitely a Peugeot to look out for, and\u00a0it\u2019s not even a GTi.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is not only the three-pointed star\u2019s best-selling model but also Mercedes-AMG\u2019s most successful model series. Available with four body variants (sedan, coupe, cabriolet & wagon), three output levels (\nC 43\n, \nC 63 & C 63 S\n) and two drive types (rear-wheel drive & 4MATIC), the C-Class has attracted a wide range of customers.\nThe C 43 model designation that was introduced back in 2015 added to this success story. The mid-cycle facelift now makes the C 43 even more attractive with its sharper appearance, enhanced performance and efficiency as well as a more pleasant cabin.\nAt the heart of the C 43 rests an uprated M276 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 engine that pushes out \n390 hp\n (+23 hp) and \n520 Nm\n of torque, the latter remains unchanged from before, kicking in from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. Despite the extra ponies, the C 43 range will still clock the century sprint at\n 4.7 seconds\n for the sedan and coupe while the estate and cabriolet gets there in \n4.8 seconds\n. Top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nTransmission of choice is the familiar\n 9G AMG Speedshift TCT transmission\n with nine-forward ratios, transferring drive to the rear bias (31:69 front to rear split) AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The AMG Dynamic Select drive mode selector retains the usual Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual \u2013 still no Race mode like its 45- and 63-series siblings. But it does get a new Slippery drive mode as identified by the snowflake symbol for best traction in slippery or snow-covered road conditions.   For the track frequenter, you now purchase the \nAMG Track Pace system\n with the Command Online infotainment system that adds vehicle-specific data like track lap times, sector times, 0 to 100 km/h times, \u00bc mile, 100 to 0 km/h and more.\nOn to the looks, the C 43 facelift spots the new headlamp and taillamp design found on the \nnew C-Class\n, twin louvre front grilles like the pre-facelift C 63, sporty side skirts, new lightweight alloy wheel design, quad exhaust outlet trim and a new diffuser at the rear. The optional AMG styling package adds a more expressive front splitter, broader side skirt and gloss black flics in the rear bumper.\nOther aesthetic enhancing bits include the \nCarbon Fibre package II\n where the side mirror housings and boot spoiler lip are finished in carbon-fibre. The Night package which Malaysians are no stranger to adds a black finish on the front splitter, front louvres, black chromed exhaust tailpipes and dark-tinted thermal insulation rear glass.\nInside, the refreshed model is a huge step from before, spotting the marque\u2019s latest generation tech and design. Drivers will immediately be greeted by the new-generation AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather as standard with built-in Touch Control buttons first seen on the S-Class facelift.   Working in conjunction with the built-in Touch Control buttons are the optional fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch high-resolution media display. The instrument cluster has three AMG-specific display styles of \u201cClassic\u201d, \u201cSport\u201d and \u201cSupersport\u201d.\nOther updated features include 64-colour ambient lighting, Energizing comfort control that adjusts the air condition, massage seats and musical moods to create a specific wellness set up tailored to the occupant\u2019s need.\nMalaysia is in a very fortunate position as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) locally assembles the \nMercedes-AMG C 43 sedan\n and GLC 43, that has made the 43-series to be even more accessible than before. Whether the facelift will follow the footsteps of its predecessor, the market would have to prove that the C 43 is a strong business case for the brand here in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC+ Sedan Facelift   Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC+ Coupe Facelift"
"Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has announced that all newly registered Mazda vehicles from 1 January 2019 onwards will enjoy a 5-Years/100,000 km Free Scheduled Maintenance, an improvement over the previous 3-Years/60,000 km offering.\nThe Free Maintenance package is inclusive of parts, labour and lubricants that are required according to the manufactures service schedule of every 6 months or 10,000 km. Every new Mazda vehicle is also covered with a 5-Years/100,000 km warranty.   The 5-Years/100,000 km Free Scheduled Service is applicable for all new Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50 pick-up truck) that are sold through authorised distributors. In addition, new and existing Mazda owners have access to value-added aftersales services such as the 24-Hour Mazda Roadside Assistance, \nMazda Mobile Service\n and the \nMazda Privilege Card\n."
"After more than ten years since its introduction, the all-new 2023 \nMitsubishi ASX\n \nis finally here. Made specifically for the European market, it is obvious that the all-new ASX is just a rebadged \nRenault Captur\n. Built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B platform, it will be assembled in Renault\u2019s Valladolid plant in Spain.\nTo at least look like a \nMitsubishi\n, the grille element has been redesigned with elements of Mitsubishi Motor\u2019s Dynamic Shield. The headlights, taillights, and all body panels are shared with the 2022 Renault Captur.\nAs for powertrain options, the all-new Mitsubishi ASX offers four choices of engines, with several transmission combinations:\n1.6-litre Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) with automatic multi-mode transmission\n1.6-litre full hybrid (HEV) with automatic multi-mode transmission\n1.3-litre mild-hybrid (MHEV) with 7-speed DCT/6-speed manual transmission\n1.0-litre turbo engine with 6-speed manual transmission.\nThe 1.6-litre PHEV version is equipped with two electric motors, an alternator-starter and a main motor. It also gets a 10.5-kWh battery and an automatic multi-mode gearbox. Specifics on the gearbox have not been revealed.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi\u2019s challenger in the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally is a \u201cnearly-stock\u201d Triton!\nThere is also a full-hybrid (HEV) system also with the 1.6-litre engine, albeit with a much smaller 1.3-kWh battery. Like the PHEV, it is also only available with an automatic multi-mode transmission.\nThe third electrified option is the MHEV with a 1.3-litre engine paired with either a seven-speed DCT or a six-speed manual transmission. The only purely petrol-powered system is the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.\nAside from the three diamonds on the steering wheel, the cabin of the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX shares everything with the 2022 Renault Captur. A Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) is located at the centre of the instrument panel, and the Multi-Sense system controlled via the SDA allows the driver to select the drive mode that best suits their preference.\nIn terms of safety, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems such as MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology for highways, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Assist (LCA), are available to support safe driving.\nAssembled in Spain, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX will be available in selected European markets starting March 2023.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross facelift unveiled in Indonesia with new rugged looks"
"Not forgetting the high-performance \nPeugeot 308 GTi\n, Groupe PSA has also introduced a series of updates to the 308 GTi. Changes are minimal at best but they all keep the 308 GTi stylishly up to date.\nVisually, it gets the same updates as the rest of the 308 facelift range including redesigned headlamps and tail lamps (full LED for both), new front bumper with larger intakes for better cooling, new fog lamps housing and a subtle rear diffuser. A set of 19-inch \u2018Carbone\u2019 alloys is the same as before but now gets wrapped in super sticky \nMichelin Pilot Super Sports tyres\n. A new \u201cCoupe Franche\u201d two-tone paint option can be specified with the Magnetic Blue and Perla Nera combination.\nInside, it gets an updated 9.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports MirrorLink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a faster 3D satellite navigation with TomTom real-time traffic monitoring service.\nMotivation comes from the same 1.6-litre THP turbocharged four-cylinder that churns out \n270 hp\n. A six-speed manual transmission is retained to send drive to the front wheels. Century sprint is reached in\n 6.0 seconds \nflat and sips 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 km.\nStopping power comes from a set of 380 mm disc brake with red-painted Peugeot Sport callipers on the front axle and 268 mm\u00a0discs at the back. A Torsen limited-slip differential is standard fitment on the 308 GTi. Unfortunately, Peugeot Malaysia is only selling the \n208 GTi\n\u00a0(fully imported) for RM144k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin\n has announced that it will reveal two brand-new models at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance, happening later this month, as part of its \u201cstrongest-ever presence\u201d at the event. While Aston Martin is still keeping the new models under wraps as usual, they did give us a handful of light teasers to keep us excited until their debuts.\nThe first model of the duo is said to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Q by Aston Martin, the firm\u2019s bespoke division, so expect something a little more extravagant and pricey. It\u2019ll be a \u201cvery special, ultra-exclusive model\u201d that\u2019s said to encapsulate \u201cthe brand\u2019s winning track bloodline with a nod to success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans\u201d.\nAs for the other, Aston Martin says it\u2019ll be a \u201cperformance focused model\u201d offering \u201chigh-octane emotion and intense driving pleasure\u201d, highly rumoured to be the roadster version of the recent\n V12 Vantage\n. It\u2019ll be exclusively revealed at a private VIP event on August 19, before being shown over the weekend at the Aston Martin stand \u2013 although it\u2019s still by special invitation only, mind you.\nThe new cars will all be revealed in the custom-built Aston Martin Club 1913 pavilion, which will serve as an \u201cinvitation-only luxury clubhouse\u201d that will give guests a commanding view of the world\u2019s most prestigious car event, while also overlooking the 18th fairway of the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Links.\nALSO READ:\n Aston Martin KL reveals customised Vantage \u201cBohemian Edition\u201d\nThe Club 1913 will also feature the recently-unveiled \nDBX707 flagship SUV\n, and more importantly, the \nValhalla supercar\n, where Aston Martin will be revealing \u201cexciting development updates\u201d for it. According to the press release, that includes a \u201crevised concept of its driver-focused interior; offering an interactive space for prospective owners to test the vehicle\u2019s unique seating position and F1-inspired overall ergonomics.\u201d\nThe Valhalla is limited to a 999-units production run, and is based around a bespoke twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain with two electric motors, making a total output of 950 hp. Five units have been allocated for Malaysia, and as of August last year, \ntwo have already been sold\n. We won\u2019t be surprised if they\u2019re all spoken for now."
"The government has extended the Movement Control Order (MCO) until the 14th of April in an effort to curb the spread of the \nCOVID-19\n virus in our country. For many of us, cabin fever is starting to kick in as we approach the two-week mark since the start of the MCO.\nWhile we\u2019re busy finding new ways to keep ourselves entertained, many forget that our cars are also affected by the MCO. If you haven\u2019t been out and about (which you shouldn\u2019t unless unnecessary), your cars might be left stationary for up to 28 days.\nIn order to make sure that our cars remain in working condition until after the MCO period, Proton has shared a couple of tips for basic vehicle maintenance during the movement control order period.\nAs our cars are not running, the alternator will not be able to keep the batteries charged up. Proton recommends to \nstart the car up at least once a week\n, and keep it running for 10 minutes without turning on the air conditioning or radio \u2013 as they draw current from the battery, reducing the efficiency of the charging process.\nWhile you are charging up the car, it may also be a good idea to \nensure the tyres are still filled to their optimum pressure\n (usually written on the B pillar or under the fuel flap), using a temperature gauge \u2013 or if you\u2019re driving the \nProton X70\n, the built-in tyre pressure monitoring system.\nAdditionally, leaving your car parked at the same spot for an extended period of time may result in flat spots on the tyres, eventually causing vibrations during driving. Make sure to \nmove the car\n forward and backwards while you\u2019re charging up the battery too.\nWhile you\u2019re at it, \nwipe down contact points in the cabin\n, such as the steering wheel, door handles, window switches, gear lever, and infotainment display with disinfectant wipes, especially if you\u2019ve driven out to get daily essentials during the MCO period.\nIf your car is parked out in the sun, it\u2019s also a good idea to\n lift up your wipers\n. The heat build up on the glass during prolonged sun exposure can cause your wiper blades to harden, making them less effective. And a tip of our own \u2013 cover up your windows with sun shades too to prevent early degradation of materials."
"The Ford Mustang has done it again. Ever since the 6th generation model debuted in 2015, Ford has sold over 630,000 units in 146 countries around the world.\nLast year alone, the Blue Oval shifted over 102,990 units according to the most recent new vehicle registration data from IHS Markit \u2013 making the Mustang the best-selling sports car in the world for the fifth straight time after earning the same titles in\n \n2016\n,\n \n2017\n and \n2018\n.\nIn the last 12 months, the Mustang saw an exponential increase in sales in countries like Germany where new vehicle registrations rose by 33% while in Poland and France, sales nearly doubled. In total, Ford sold 9,900 units of the Mustang in Europe alone, with over 1,300 units sold in the UK in 2019.\n \nOver the years, the Mustang has seen updates and different iterations for a wider appeal. Ford introduced the \u201c\nGood Neighbour Mode\n\u201d in the Mustang for it to be quieter, less brash and hated by the neighbours, but also unleashed the \nShelby GT500\n, the most powerful street legal Ford Mustang ever, with the\n most powerful V8 engine in the world\n.\nIHS Markit global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources and capture 95% of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries."
"They may be actively launching new innovative products for \ncommercial\n and\n personal use\n but it seems that sustaining them, both after-sales and in production, is a much taller order for the electric car company.\nA Tesla Model randomly caught fire last weekend in Santa Monica Blvd, California while it sat in traffic. The owner\u2019s family members mentioned on social media that it \nwas not caused by an accident and happened out of the blue\n.\n@Tesla\n This is what happened to my husband and his car today. No accident,out of the blue, in traffic on Santa Monica Blvd. Thank you to the kind couple who flagged him down and told him to pull over. And thank god my three little girls weren\u2019t in the car with him \npic.twitter.com/O4tPs5ftVo\n\u2014 Mary McCormack (@marycmccormack) \nJune 16, 2018\nThe driver, who reports claimed to be oblivious to the fire, had to be flagged by on-lookers to get out of the car. In the video, flames were seen spitting from underneath the car as if it were a flame launcher, parked by the side of the road.\nWhen contacted, Tesla said it was an \nunusually extraordinary occurrence\n and will launch an investigation into the matter. Local authorities however, have alleged that initial findings indicate a \nfaulty battery\n as the cause.\nTesla has been under increased scrutiny recently with reports recently concluding that the Model X involved in a fatal accident during Autopilot tests, was accelerating as it hit a barrier on a California highway, killing the driver. With mounting debts and production line delays, Tesla recently had to trim its 46000-strong workforce by 9% to balance the books in a move Elon Musk said was difficult but necessary."
"Lexus Malaysia has just teased the \n2017 Lexus IS facelift\n on their website with the header \n\u201cCOMING SOON\u201d\n. To tie in with the imminent launch of the flagship LC Coupe (reportedly in the \nsecond quarter of this year\n), the IS may come sooner than most of us expected.\nThis facelift exercise introduced minor tweaks to the compact sedan\u2019s aesthetics, such as a more aggressive front bumper with larger side intakes, horizontal bar grille as well as redesigned LED headlamps and tail lamps. New 17- or 18-inch alloys complete the IS\u2019s exterior packaging.\nAs standard, the IS facelift is fitted with a 10-speaker 283-watts Lexus Premium Sound System and a 7-inch touch MMI screen with Remote Touch Interface controller with \u201cEnter Button\u201d. Alternatively, a 15-speaker 835-watts Mark Levinson\u00ae sound system and a 10.3-inch MMI screen with navigation are available as \noptions\n.\nThere are \nthree interior colour themes\n\u00a0to choose from \u2013 Chateau and Nuance Black while the Black/Flaxen trim is carried over from the pre-facelift. It remains to be seen how Lexus Malaysia will spec our local IS, but we bet it\u2019s going to have most, if not all of the optional extras checked.   Three powertrain choices \u2013 unchanged from before \u2013 are available on the Japan-spec IS: IS 200t, IS 300h and IS 350. The base \nIS 200t\n is powered by a 2.0-litre longitudinally mounted four-cylinder turbo mated to an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift (SDS) automatic, pushing out \n241 hp\n and \n350 Nm.\nOn the other hand, the \nIS 300h\n is powered by the Lexus Hybrid Drive System, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol pushing out \n178 hp\n and\n 221 Nm\n with an electric motor generating \n105kW\n (\n140 hp\n) and \n300 Nm\n of torque. Transmission of choice for the hybrid is an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT).\nLastly, sitting at\u00a0the top of the IS range (in Japan) is the \nIS 350\n which is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 mated to the same eight-speed SDS automatic. Output figures are rated at \n314 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n. It\u2019s safe to assume that Lexus Malaysia will\u00a0offer both\u00a0the IS 200t and IS 300h from before and won\u2019t introduce the IS 350.\n \n \nAs standard, all IS models get\n\u00a0Lexus Safety System+\n as standard, which adds a range of active safety systems such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and Hi-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control.\nExpect Lexus Malaysia to throw in an \nF Sport package\n\u00a0to the range. This will give it a meshed front grille with black accents on the front bumper, twin projector LED headlamps, 18-inch gunmetal grey F-Sport design, rear bumper mesh inserts, F-Sport badges, F-Sport interior trim pieces and a LFA-styled Optitron instrument display.   Currently, the \npre-facelift IS\n range retails from\u00a0\nRM298k\n for the IS 200t Premium, and stretches all the way to \nRM452k\n for the range topping IS 300h. With the weakening of our Ringgit, how the new IS will be priced is anyone\u2019s guess for now.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Lexus IS F Sport"
"It was 1910 when Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (ALFA) produced its first car and eight years later, the company became Alfa Romeo following an acquisition by the Campanian engineer and entrepreneur Nicola Romeo.\nThe Italian automaker from Milan is celebrating its 111th anniversary this weekend together with its owners and fans at The Museo Alfa Romeo. Stellantis, the newly formed auto company after the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, has earmarked Alfa Romeo is its representative in the premium segment.\nThe highlight of the anniversary celebration is the group delivery of the first \nGiulia GTA and GTAm\n. Alfa Romeo has planned to further engage with its most passionate customers through networking with key executives and a parade at the museum\u2019s indoor track.\nA total of only \n500 units\n have been allocated for the Giulia GTA and GTAm. The moniker Gran Turismo Allegerita, or grand touring lightened, was first used by Alfa Romeo in 1965 on the Giulia GTA which saw plenty of success in various competitions.\nTwo other GTA models were built in this modern era- the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA and the 147 GTA with the most recent MiTo GTA being a concept of transforming the compact into a VW GTI-eclipsing hot-hatch. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe latest GTA model is based on the \nGiulia Quadrifoglio\n and is fitted with a more powerful version of the 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, now developing \n540 hp\n. Staying true to its GTA label, extensive use of lightweight materials (carbon fibre body panels, aluminium suspension arms) have \nshaved off 100 kg of mass\n, giving it a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of \n2.82 kg/hp\n in the circuit-ready two-seater GTAm.\nAlfa Romeo Racing F1 drivers also helped developed the Giulia GTA\n \n\u00a0\nThanks to the synergy with Sauber Engineering, significant amounts of downforce pushes the GTA to the track via a wide front splitter and a large rear spoiler. With launch control activated, the Giulia GTAm accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.6 seconds\n.\nAs part of the anniversary celebrations, car parades for owners as well as activities for the family are planned throughout this weekend. Fans and visitors are also required to wear red and exclusive catalogues of\u00a0 trophies, engines and other artifacts usually kept hidden will be brought out for special viewing.\nIn Malaysia, the brand has been unrepresented since 2014, when Sime Darby Auto Italia gave up its distribution rights the company held since 2005. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"The \n2022 BMW X4 LCI\n (Life Cycle Impulse, as BMW refers to its facelifts) was first launched in Malaysia in February last year. Locally assembled, the G02 BMW X4 LCI is offered in a single variant \u2013 the xDrive30i M Sport, with a price tag of \nRM398,000\n (OTR, without insurance).\nLooking to renew your vehicle insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa. Renewing online will not only get you a 10% instant rebate, but also cash back at the end of your coverage. Log on to\u00a0\nwww.motortakaful.com\n\u00a0to find out more.\nFor a facelift, the design changes BMW has done to the G02 BMW X4 LCI are rather subtle. Looking at its exterior, the 2022 BMW X4 LCI features a grille that is slightly larger than before, together with slightly slimmer adaptive LED headlights. Its light signature has also been reworked.\nThe rest of the exterior design changes are all thanks to the M sport exterior trims, which consist of the front and rear bumpers. The rear bumpers also feature a larger lower air intake with two vertical air intakes at the corners.\nThe 2022 BMW X4 LCI also comes with LED tail lights, a set of 20-inch M light alloy wheels, and free-form exhaust tips. The BMW X4 LCI is also offered in four exterior colour options, which include Alpine White, Piemont Red, Phytonic Blue, and Carbon Black.\nPowering the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport LCI is essentially the same engine that was found in the pre-facelift model \u2013 the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels via BMW\u2019s xDrive all-wheel drive system, and the luxury SUV produces a total of \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in under \n6.6 seconds\n with the 2022 BMW X4 LCI and the top speed is rated at \n235 km/h\n.\nThe bigger changes done to the BMW X4 LCI are on the inside. There is a new dashboard and centre console whose designs are borrowed from the G20 BMW 3 Series.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5\nAs for standard features found in the 2022 BMW X4, it includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with BMW Operating System 7.0 and over-the-air software updates, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (BMW Live Cockpit Professional), and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Sports seats with Vernasca leather upholstery are offered in Black or Tacora Red colour options, and zinc-plated air vents design elements are also fitted as standard to the 2022 BMW X4 LCI.\nIn the safety department, the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport LCI is packed with the full suite of BMW\u2019s Driving Assistant package. This package consists of safety features such as lane change warning (LCW), lane departure warning (LDW), front collision warning (FCW) with brake intervention (autonomous emergency braking), parking assistant, and reversing assistant.\nThe 2022 BMW X4 LCI comes standard with a manufacturer\u2019s five-year unlimited mileage warranty, together with free scheduled maintenance programme, which can be opted out for a lower price. New owners also get access to the BMW Roadside Assitance and Accident Hotline, alongside the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and privileges card, as well as BMW Service Online.\nRELATED: \nBMW M dropping dual-clutch, manual gearboxes in favour of automatics\nGALLERY"
"Last week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia welcomed not one but two new additions to their AMG lineup. The new arrivals from the AMG 35 series in Malaysia were the \nupdated AMG A35 4MATIC sedan\n which was introduced in 2019 and the new \nAMG GLA35 4MATIC\n.\nBoth produced 306 hp and 400 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and although both had all-wheel drive, the GLA35 is fitted with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission while the A35 sedan has a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 0 to 100 km/h in the GLA35 takes 5.2 seconds, with the A35 sedan doing it 0.4 seconds quicker.\nThat\u2019s not all; at the launch of the new AMG 35s, there was also a special appearance by the \nMercedes-AMG GT Black Series\n. It\u2019s one of 13 units allocated for the Malaysian market, with the rest all sold out. The AMG GT Black Series was once the \nfastest road-legal car\n to lap the Nurburgring in 2020.\nMaking it three for three was a gathering by members of the AMG Owner\u2019s Club of Malaysia. As you\u2019d expect, in typical AMG extravagance, this was no casual gathering as more than 180 Mercedes-AMG vehicles showed up to the event \u2013 making it the largest gathering of AMG cars in Malaysia. Members were also treated to track sessions and test drives of the new AMG arrivals, of course.\n\u201cWe are beyond excited to have the AMG Track Day return in 2022. It was a privilege to have our customers and prospective customers out here with us, immersing ourselves in the Ultimate Driving Performance. We are grateful to our partner the AMG Owners Club of Malaysia (AOCM) for supporting this event,\u201d said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Michael Jopp.\nGALLERY"
"Following the global unveiling of the \nMercedes-Benz W213 E-Class Cabriolet\n, the sexy convertible is now on sale in the UK. A total of four engine choices are available at launch \u2013 two diesels and two petrols with prices starting from\u00a0\u00a344,675 (RM243k).\nLike the C-Class Cabriolet, the E-Class gets a multi-layered acoustic fabric roof that can be opened and closed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The Dark Red roof option was given a miss, therefore customers can only choose between Black, Dark Blue and Dark Brown roofs.\nStandard equipment dittos the \nCoupe variant\n such as LED high performance headlamps, Magic Vision Control wiper system, reversing camera, heated front seats and 64 colour ambient lighting. The topless Merc gets additional Airscarf neck-level heating system and Aircap draught-stop system that redirects air flow over the cabin for improved comfort.\nFor a small price, customers can equip their E-Class Cabriolet with Multibeam LED Intelligent Light System, Air Body Control air suspension, 12.3-inch COMAND Online, Memory seats, Burmester Surround Sound system as well as keyless entry and start.   The E-Class Cabriolet range is made up of the entry level E 220 d that features a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with \n194 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint takes \n7.7 seconds\n. Further up the diesel line up is the E 350 d 4MATIC with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel making\u00a0\n258 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque. Sprinting to 100 km/h from standstill takes \n6.1 seconds\n.\nStepping up, the petrol range consists of the E 300 and E 400 4MATIC. The former is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque while the latter gets a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 lump that pushes out \n333 hp\n and \n480 Nm\n of torque. The E300 sprints to 100 km/h mark in \n6.6 seconds\n while the E 400 with all-wheel drive takes only \n5.5 seconds\n.\nA range of active safety systems are available when customers opt for the \u00a31,695 (RM9k) \nDriver Assistance Plus Package\n which combines Distance Pilot Distronic, Speed Limit Pilot, Active Lane-Change Assistant, Active Brake Assist cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist and Pre-Safe Impulse Side.\nFancy a topless Masterpiece of Intelligence? There\u2019s a chance that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) will include this sleek cabriolet as part of their \n21-model launch in 2017\n, so stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Besides the Kia Rio GT-Line, Kia Motors has also unveiled the Kia Optima (also known as K5 in Korea) facelift for their home country. The refreshed D-segment sedan gets refreshed styling and improved tech inside and out.\nThe facelift exercise brings about a new front fascia with a new tiger nose front grille (now with vertical slats), more angular bumper design with new LED fog lamp housings and restyled projector headlamps (LED headlamps are carried over units). The rear features new LED taillamp graphics and new bumpers with integrated diffusers and dual exhaust outlets.   As for wheel options, the Optima facelift gets two new 18-inch alloy wheel designs either in multi-spoke gunmetal grey or aggressive dual-tone finish. Kia has also introduced a new \nBlack Package\n option for the Optima that throws in a K5 emblem puddle lamp, black rear spoiler, black wing mirror caps, high-flow air filter and 18-inch five twin-spoke OZ alloy wheels.\nThe cabin benefits from the new \n8.0-inch Smart Navigation UVO 3.0\n with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system also features an AI server-based speech recognition system powered by Kakao i for the driver\u2019s added convenience. Other new items include the 6-colour mood lighting, brown quilted leather upholstery (black as standard), surround view camera and an 11-speaker Krell premium sound system.   A total of four engine options are available for the refreshed Optima \u2013 three petrol and one diesel. The petrol range consists of the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder LPI (\n148\n \nhp\n/\n194 Nm\n), 2.0-litre four-cylinder CVVL (\n160 hp\n/\n196 Nm\n) and the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI (\n177 hp\n/\n264 Nm\n). The sole 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel makes \n139 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n of torque.\nThe facelifted Optima range will come equipped with \nHighway Driving Assist (HDA)\n technology that bundles Advance Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Lane Keeping Assist (LCC), Lane Departure Assist (LKA), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).\nCloser to home, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has a single variant of the \nKia Optima GT on sale;\n\u00a0powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI (242 hp & 350 Nm) priced at RM180k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The long-awaited all-new Volvo S60 has finally been unveiled in its full glory and like every new Volvo of recent times, the premium compact sedan is one handsome looking car.\nLike its estate twin, the \nV60\n, the S60 sits on the firm\u2019s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, promising unrivalled safety and dynamic handling characteristics. Onto looks, despite having that Russian Doll design language, one can instinctively tell that the S60 has a decidedly sportier appearance as compared to the \nS90\n thanks to a leaner profile.   At launch, the S60 is offered in four trims \u2013 Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and Polestar Engineered, the latter is a new range-topper from Volvo and Polestar and will be \nrolled out to other 60-series models\n down the line.\nStepping inside, you\u2019ll find familiar items such as LCD instrument cluster, 9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as leather upholstery. Depending on the variant and options selected, you\u2019ll find different materials used for the inlays, upholstery colour and gear knob design \u2013 only the T8 plug-in hybrid variant gets the Orrefors crystal gear knob.   As for powertrain options, Volvo has said earlier that they will not offer the S60 with a diesel engine hence only petrol and plug-in hybrids are available. For the conventional bunch, you can have the S60 with a T5 (250 hp) or T6 (310 hp) petrol engines, but the \nTwin Engine plug-in hybrid duo\n is the one to go for. In the \nT6 Twin Engine\n, the system generates a combined output of \n340 hp\n while the T8 Twin Engine makes a staggering\n 400 hp\n.\nFor the enthusiast, it would be a no-brainer to step up to the \nS60 T8 Twin Engine Polestar Engineered\n variant that bumps the power to \n415 hp\n along with a sportier transmission mapping. Other race-inspired components include new wheels, gold-painted Brembo brake calipers, adjustable \u00d6hlins shock absorbers and strut bars, black chrome exhaust tips, gold seatbelts and the obligatory Polestar badges.   Volvo\u2019s safety suite reads City Safety with Autobrake technology that autonomously applies the brakes when it detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals as well as to mitigate oncoming collisions. Other optional safety avoidance system includes Pilot Assist system that allows semi-autonomous driving on well-marked roads up to speeds of 130 km/h, Run-off-Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert and more.\nThe all-new Volvo S60 is the first Volvo car ever to be assembled in the USA at their newly opened US manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. It\u2019s only a matter of time for the S60 to go on sale in Malaysia to rival the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Our question to you dear readers, would you stick with the safe German options or the swanky S60?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo S60 T8 Twin Engine Polestar Engineered   Volvo S60 R-Design   Volvo S60 Inscription   Volvo S60 Momentum"
"After the \nsigning of the Heads of Agreement (HOA)\n between \nDRB-Hicom\n and \nGeely\n on \nApril 1\n, \n2023\n, to develop the \nAutomotive High Tech Valley (AHTV)\n, a project aimed to become a high-tech automotive city and a regional automotive hub, \nProton\n has organised the Global Investors & Vendors Convention 2023 in Kuala Lumpur. The convention was held today and has attracted over 200 participants.\nAmong the participants were government agency officials, management representatives from DRB-Hicom, Geely, and Proton, as well as local and overseas vendors. The latter was represented by 42 automotive suppliers from China. The convention\u2019s guest of honour, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Bin Tengku Abdul Aziz was also present at the event.\nThe 2023 Global Investors & Vendors Convention provided a platform for potential overseas investors to meet relevant government agencies and potential partners from the local vendor community. Not only that, it also showcased the progress made at the project site itself, the availability of government incentives and prospects for companies setting up new businesses at the AHTV.\nWhen fully developed, the AHTV is envisioned to be a centre for globally recognised tropical-based research and development of high-technology automotive components. The AHTV will also include a research university that will be aimed at expanding the capabilities of Malaysian automotive workers, and simultaneously help Malaysia become a regional leader in education for automotive engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, and software development.\nRELATED: \nThailand\u2019s largest auto parts company Aapico invests RM140 million in Proton\u2019s Avee Global\nThe presence of high-technology suppliers at the AHTV in the future is also expected to benefit the national carmaker \u2013 Proton. Proton itself is also planning to relocate its manufacturing, research and design facilities to the AHTV by 2026.\nProton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cAHTV will be a regional hub, but Proton shall continue to have a large presence there as the owners of the project, DRB-Hicom and Geely, are also Proton\u2019s shareholders. Therefore, the company will remain heavily involved in efforts to attract overseas investors to the project, performing R&D activities at AHTV as we further develop our offerings, and creating jobs as we work towards achieving our long-term goals. We also view this as part of Proton\u2019s commitment to being a custodian of the automotive industry in Malaysia as we seek to help nurture, develop, and grow the national ecosystem.\u201d\nDRB-Hicom Group Managing Director & Proton Chairman, Syed Faisal Albar said, \u201cThe Global Investors & Vendors Convention 2023 is one of DRB-Hicom and Geely\u2019s efforts to attract overseas investment in to AHTV and the country and together, we target to attract some RM32 billion worth of investments towards the project, including what has already been earmarked by Proton. As the shift to New Energy Vehicles gathers pace AHTV will embrace the changing automotive landscape by offering an integrated ecosystem that will help Malaysia\u2019s automotive sector in line with the direction of the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020, thus ensuring the country continues as vibrant as its neighbours.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cConcurrently, our combined efforts as well as the strong interest shown by vendors from China will help attract support for the project from the Chinese government, which can lead to even more investments propelled into AHTV and Malaysia. Geely\u2019s collaboration with Proton and their support for the project has already resulted in several investors and component suppliers operating in Tanjung Malim, and their existing high technology ecosystem is sure to play a major role in bringing the project forwards.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton DX Centre officially launched \u2013 Malaysia\u2019s first automotive digital experience centre"
"Nissan USA has finally launched the all-new Frontier mid-size pick-up truck. This third-generation model arrives \n17 years later\n after the debut of the outgoing model in 2004.\nIn the US, Nissan offers two sizes of pick-up trucks. The smaller Frontier (or the Navara here in Asean), competes with models like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, while the much larger Titan belongs in the group of \nFord F-150\n, Toyota Tundra and Dodge Ram 1500 models.\nInspired by the off-road racer called Nissan Hardbody, the all-new rugged exterior design features a powerful front end with a massive grille and chiselled hood, framed by new precision interlocking headlights.\nAt the side, vertical fenders are said to create a higher visual point. Wheel sizes are modest though, just 16- or 17-inch rims wrapped with 265-section tyres. Overall, the length of the all-new Frontier is approximately three inches longer than the current Navara (D23), with the wheelbase measuring 3.2 metres that is 50 millimetres longer.\nNissan USA is also offering a \nLong Wheelbase variant\n, extending to 3.55 metres, a measurement similar to the larger Titan pick-up truck.\nLike the recently launched \nfacelifted Nissan Navara\n in Thailand, the \nPro-4X\n treatment adds skid plates, fender flares, all-terrain tyres with dual-tone wheels and red highlights on the towing hooks. All Nissan emblems are gloss black with the wordings in a red hue called Lava Red.\nFor the powertrain, just a petrol engine with automatic transmission is available. The direct-injected 3.8-litre V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic is carried over from the outgoing model, which saw its introduction into the market just a year ago.\nPerformance figures are \n310 hp\n and \n380 Nm \nof torque, which Nissan USA says it\u2019s the best-in-class. Four-wheel drive (4WD) models feature an \nelectronic shift-on-the-fly\n transfer case with additional traction supported by an electronically controlled four-wheel limited slip system.\nThe all-new Nissan Frontier is suspended by double-wishbone setup in front and multi-leaf springs at the rear with stabiliser bars. The Pro-4X variants are fitted with off-road specification Bilstein shock absorbers and an uprated Dana rear axle with electronic locking differential.\nInside, the new dashboard houses a meter cluster with the largest-in-class seven-inch coloured multi-info display and two choices of the touchscreen infotainment systems measuring eight or nine inches. A premium audio system with nine speakers by Fender is available as an option.\nPro-4X variants get a more distinctive interior, with Lava Red highlights on the seats, dashboard and door panels.\nCustomer feedback has also made Nissan increase the storage capacities on the dashboard, centre console and door pockets. \u00a0\nFront occupants now get \nZero Gravity seats\n as standard with the interior is promised to be quieter thanks to additional insulation and fitment acoustic glass on the front doors.\nNissan has focused to provide more technology in the interior too. There are Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM), NissanConnect with WiFi hotspot and a wireless smartphone charger. Physical charging outlets are also available for the front and rear passengers, in both USB Type-A and Type-C sockets. LED lighting and a 120-volt/400-Watt power socket can also be found at the cargo deck.\nThe Pro-4X variant also has extended feature in the IAVM called an Off-Road mode. The cameras provide better visibility to negotiate tight trails without the need for an external spotter.\nNissan Safety Shield 360 is available on every variant of the all-new Frontier. When fully-equipped, the all-new Frontier will have the usual Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.\nA Trailer Sway Control system is fitted as standard for a more confident towing experience.\nNissan USA says the Rear Automatic Braking (AEB but in reverse), traffic sign recognition and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) features in the all-new Frontier are segment-first.\nThe all-new Nissan Frontier will go on sale from summer of this year under a 2022 model year designation.\nGALLERY"
"As you\u2019re aware by now, Lexus Malaysia has introduced the all-new NX SUV in Malaysia in two variants. We\u2019ve previously shared a gallery of pictures of the more powerful, more expensive NX350 F Sport, so here\u2019s the more subtle and subdued NX250 Luxury.\nFor starters, the NX250 Luxury is priced at \nRM370,888\n on the road without insurance and excludes Sales Tax Exemption that\u2019s set to end by the end of June.\nUnlike the more powerful NX350 F Sport, you don\u2019t get a turbocharged engine. Instead, the NX250 Luxury is fitted with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with\n 204 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n. Like the NX350 F Sport, it also gets an 8-speed automatic transmission, a 200 km/h top speed, and all-wheel drive. The NX250 Luxury is slower from 0 to 100 km/h, taking 9.1 seconds compared to seven seconds in the NX350 F Sport.\nThe NX350 F Sport gets a more sophisticated all-wheel drive system that can distribute power between the front and rear wheels up to 75:25 for efficiency or 50:50 for better traction. The NX250 Luxury also doesn\u2019t come with adaptive suspension, a feature reserved only for the NX350.\nNX250 Luxury\nNX350 F Sport\nThe finishing touches on the exterior of the NX250 and NX350 are also vastly different. The NX250 Luxury projects a more subtle look with less sporty front and rear bumpers, chrome trims instead of blacked-out ones in the F Sport, and a more subdued Spindle grille design. Both come with 20-inch wheels, albeit different designs. Both are fitted with a hands-free powered tailgate.\nInside, the NX250 comes with standard seats unlike the sport seats in the NX350 F Sport. The NX250 Luxury also gets open-pore ash wood door trims instead of aluminium trims in the F Sport. The NX250 Luxury stands out from the F Sport variant with power-folding rear seats, whereas the latter only comes with manual folding. The NX250 also comes with lesser front seat adjustments.\nAs for the rest of the cabin, both variants share identical features. They include a 14-inch widescreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, shift paddles, digital meter, 64-colour ambient lighting, 10-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system with subwoofer, wireless charging, a head-up display, and four USB ports. Like the NX350 F Sport, the NX250 Luxury is also equipped with the full suite of Lexus Safety System+ features.\nGALLERY"
"Over 130 years ago, Gottlieb Daimler, the man who would one day found one of the biggest car companies in the world once said \u201cThe best or nothing at all\u201d. Good thing he didn\u2019t choose the latter or our world would look very differently than it already is. With Karl Benz on board the program, the duo patented their creation on 29 January, 1886. Many moons have come and gone since that time and look at just how far two men with an idea has come.\nFast forward \n130 years\n and we arrive at the homage that the marque has built in honour of those visionaries, and what a thing it is. The plinth in question here is based on the uber-luxurious S-Class cabriolet. But not any coupe, it\u2019s the\n S63 AMG 4Matic drop top\n, dubbed the \u201c\nEdition 130\n\u201d and thankfully unlike the original, it has more than just two horsepower.   From the outside, one could not differentiate this Edition 130 from its regular road going stablemate. These cars come with an endless list of options that tickles the whim and fancy of its most esteemed clientele. This limited edition model has all the trappings of an AMG-Merc such as the sports \naero-kit\n for starters. One can\u2019t talk about\u00a0an AMG\u2019s exterior without first mentioning those huge imposing \nalloy wheels\n that houses the \nover-sized brake rotors\n. This example comes with painted callipers too.\nOn the inside though, it\u2019s everything you\u2019d expect from a luxury barge such as this. \nNappa leather\n upholstery in Bengal red/black or the optionally available crystal grey/black themes as well as the trim elements in AMG\u2019s arsenal that feature a carbon/piano lacquer black theme. This specially-crafted cabin will only be limited to 130 examples, just as the name suggests.\u00a0A badge in the middle console and an engraving plate on the steering wheel bezel highlights this fact.   Powering this lap of luxury around town is up to the job of the\n\u00a05.5-litre V8\n that\u2019s boosted on either side by a couple of \nturbochargers\n. The result of such a matrimony made in petrolhead nirvana is an output just shy of \n590 horsepower\n. As if that wasn\u2019t already a bonkers figure for a rag-top, it packs \n900 Nm\n of twist under the hood that\u2019s on tap from between \n2,250 \nto\n 3,750 rpm\n. Because it\u2019s an AMG-Merc, there will always be a voice inside your head that tells you to floor it. Should you do just so, you\u2019ll see the needle go past 100 km/h from standstill in just \n3.9 seconds\n. Keep your foot planted and you\u2019ll see it cap off at \n250 km/h\n. However, these cars will rocket past the 320km/h barrier if unleashed.\nThe cost of all this power and hand-stitched luxury will set you back a whopping \n226,457 Euros\n or around\n RM1.07 million\n (without taxes and duties, mind you). As we mentioned previously, only 130 of these prime examples will ever be built. But here\u2019s a top tip, just get yourself a run-of-the-mill S-Class Coupe for a whole lot less.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia has unveiled a new limited edition version of the \nMINI Cooper SE\n launched last month. Dubbed the MINI Electric First Edition, the \n15-unit-only\n limited edition model is priced at \nRM238,380.78\n, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n effective until the end of 2020.\nPriced RM20,000 above the regular MINI Cooper SE, the First Edition gets an all-new MINI Yours Enigmatic Black exterior colour (in addition to White Silver), panoramic glass sun roof, First Edition door sill and side scuttles bearing \u201c\none in fifteen\n\u201d script, as well as anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors.\nOn the inside, the MINI Electric First Edition gets MINI Yours Walknappa Leather Lounge upholstery on the seats with the Union Jack motif on the headrests, along with a Walknappa Leather Lounge steering wheel.\nOtherwise, the First Edition is identical to the Cooper SE, including its powertrain which is a single front-mounted electric motor paired to a single-speed transmission, sending \n184 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels. 0 to 100 km/h takes \n7.3 seconds\n, onward to a electronically-limited top speed of \n150 km/h\n.\nElectric juice is provided by the same 28.9 kWh battery, offering an electric driving range of 234 km on a full charge, based on the WLTP cycle. To top up the battery, the 11 kW standard three-pin cable provided with the car charges from 0-80% in 12 hours, while the MINI Wallbox Plus three-phase 22 kW charger tops it up in 3.5 hours (2.5 hours to 80%).\nInterior equipment list is also identical, including the8.8-inch touchscreen MINI Visual Boost with MINI Connected and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 12-colour LED ambient lighting, 5.5-inch digital instrument display, and dual-zone climate control.\nIn terms of safety, the MINI Electric First Edition is also equipped similarly to the Mini Cooper SE, which includes the MINI Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant as standard. These include functions such as the autonomous emergency braking for city driving, Cruise Control with Braking Function, Park Distance Control (Front and Rear), Park Assistant, and Approach Control Warning.\nGALLERY"
"Last weekend, police in Johor raided an illegal drag race just 50 metres off the Skudai Toll Plaza (Southbound) in Johor, after a month of monitoring.\nIllegal drag races on the North-South Expressway stretch have been rampant on weekends and public holidays, taking place between 1 am to 4 am.\nJust like the fictional drag racers these people are trying to emulate, cash prizes are given to the race winners but at the raid, it seems money was not the only reward.\n \nAccording to police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat, prizes for race winners also included women. The police chief also believes there could be a syndicate involved in organising such events.\nThe drag races run between 700 to 900 metres, with the illegal organisers even blocking off the highway with a \u201cBus Kilang\u201d to conduct their race.\nA total of 126 individuals were detained, 19 of whom were female. Among them, only six drivers aged between 22 to 25 years old were identified as the \u201cracers\u201d while the rest were mere spectators in a report by \nAstro Awani\n. Among the six racers, three tested positive for drugs. According to \nTV3\n, 66 cars were confiscated in the raid.\nRELATED: \nCivic owners club issues apology for Temiang controversy with another gathering video"
"It\u2019s been awhile since most of us have seen anything other than our homes and office.\nSo when Audi gave us the Q3 Sportback quattro for a weekend, we felt compelled to break away from the usual routine, and set out for something we\u2019ve not had in a long time \u2013 fresh seafood and a refreshing drink by the beach \u2013 while we review the car, of course.\n \nThe day started out at Cyberjaya for a quick shoot, before we took off to Teluk Gong in Port Klang for some freshly-caught, salt water delights via some highways before turning on to the smaller roads.\n\u201cMore than enough\u201d is how we\u2019d describe its performance on the open road. Despite having just \n180 hp \nand \n320 Nm\n to feed all four wheels, there was not a situation in the Q3 Sportback where overtaking or picking up speed felt challenging.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in \n7.8 seconds\n before it tops out at a respectable 220 km/h. Fuel consumption according to Audi, is rated at 8.1 L/100km. The numbers did not differ much in reality, with us clocking an \naverage of 10 to 11 L/100km from two separate\n full tanks.\nDespite being fitted with the higher-end 19-inch Audi Sport wheels, the ride along the highways did not feel jumpy. Where composure and stability are needed, especially round the bends and at high speeds, the Q3 Sportback excels with its quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. It delivers all the traction and more importantly assurance you\u2019ll ever need!\nWe even brought the A5 Sportback quattro out to play! Watch the video \nhere\n!\nInside, there\u2019s plenty to keep you entertained and amused; including Apple CarPlay, a large fully digital instrument panel, a wraparound dashboard and a banging sound system.\nCheck out our gallery of Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Sportback quattro \nhere\n!\nThere are some 30 different colours to choose from, for the cabin ambient lighting system. At night, the quattro emblem by the dashboard illuminates and changes colour along with the ambient lighting selected!\nFrankly, the only thing that would even come close to bothering you is the tiny rear windshield that compromises slightly on rear visibility, as a result of the Q3 Sportback\u2019s sloping roofline. Guess there\u2019s no beauty without a little compromise! The only criticism rear passengers might have is the limited headroom, but that\u2019s if they\u2019re 6 ft or more than 180 cm tall.\nAs for the rest of the car, we\u2019ll leave you to find out in our video!\n\n\ninnity_ord = \"ord=[timestamp]\";\n\n\nvar innity_nativeAnalytic = innity_nativeAnalytic || {};\ninnity_nativeAnalytic.q = innity_nativeAnalytic.q || [];\ninnity_nativeAnalytic.q.push(function() {\ninnity_nativeAnalytic.track({campaignID: 33306, adID: 299942, readID: 299943, minAttention:10});\n});"
"Malaysia\u2019s favourite large MPV is back with the unveiling of the third generation 2016\u00a0\nToyota Vellfire\n\u00a0which took place at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre.\nNo, this family mover wasn\u2019t officially launched by UMW Toyota, but instead brought in by parallel importer, CHY Autoworld during a public launch over the course of last weekend. As Malaysians prefer to obtain their supply of large Japanese MPVs from grey importers rather than through official channels, there\u2019s little surprise to see a grey importer playing host to the model\u2019s \u2018official arrival\u2019 here in Malaysia.\n \n \nThe Vellfire as we know is\u00a0the Alphard with sporty credentials. This example of the new Vellfire in Executive Lounge trim has \nModellista body kit\n equipped to compliment the car\u2019s bold design. While the 17-inch rims may look physically unappealing, perhaps it\u2019s for good measure considering our road conditions. Other goodies that await passengers include\n\u00a0two electronic leather captain seats, JBL Premium sound system, passenger entertainment system, ambient lighting system, sunroof\n and so on.\nAlso, this Vellfire is propelled by a \n276 hp 3.5-litre V6 engine\n mated with a \nsix-speed Super ECT automatic\n. The Alphard/Vellfire has two options for the 2.5-litre variant; the normal petrol \n2AR-FE \nengine that produces\n 182 hp\n\u00a0and the hybrid \n2AR-FXE\n engine that produces \n208 hp\u00a0\ngiven with two electric motors. The normal 2.5-litre variant uses the \nseven-speed CVT transmission\n while the hybrid utilises the \neCVT\n transmission. CHY Autoworld brought two variants of the 3.5 (\nExecutive Lounge and VL\n) and a sole\u00a0petrol variant of the 2.5 (\nZG\n).\nThe Vellfire 3.5 Executive Lounge is all yours for a cool\u00a0\nRM568,000,\n followed by the 3.5-litre VL variant at \nRM468,000\n and 2.5 ZG variant at \nRM438,000.\n\u00a0If you\u2019re wishing to drive this home for next year\u2019s Chinese New Year, then bad news as deliveries for all variants are expected earliest by \nMarch 2016.\n\u00a0However, there\u2019s good news for eager customers. There\u2019s a limited time promo offering RM70,000 discount for all variants should they place their bookings now.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If there was ever a car manufacturer who\u2019s capable of designing cars that look the way the C3 Aircross does, it had to be Citroen.\nPreviewed here at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, the Citroen C3 Aircross is expected to be launched \nsometime early next year\n, priced in the ballpark of RM 120-130k (estimated).\nThe old, the young, the cool or the fashion-ignorant \u2013 you can\u2019t believe the crowd and the kind of attention the C3 Aircross drew and looking at the pictures, would you actually be surprised?\nAt the front, you get a split headlamp design that\u2019s reminiscent of the \nnew Triton\n while along the side, those wheels (named \u201c4ever\u201d) are possibly the most unique in the business. That\u2019s even before you reach the back, where the 3D-effect tail lights take centre stage.   Inside, the most standout features have to be those seats, those air-con vents and the \u201cdrive display\u201d \u2013 with the P, N, R and D displayed by the cupholders in front of the gear lever. No one designs cars like Citroen, no one.\nMeant to go head to head with the Renault Captur and the \nPeugeot 2008 that GC Mah reviewed\n, the Citroen C3 Aircross is motivated by \n110 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n from a 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, like the one you\u2019d fine in the Peugeot 208 and 2008, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.\n0 to 100 km/h takes 10.4 seconds, if that ever matters to you in a car like this. What would matter though, are the six airbags it\u2019s equipped with, along with Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, ABS and EBD, stability control, and brake assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve all heard about how the \nRanger Raptor\n is \u201cinspired\u201d by the demanding Baja rally races, but saying it is one thing, actually doing it is another. In an effort to demonstrate its tenacity, Ford has announced that it\u2019ll \nactually\n be taking the all-new Ranger Raptor to tackle the SCORE International Baja 1000 rally, or what it calls \u201cone of the toughest off-road races in the world\u201d.\n \nThe Baja-prepped Ranger Raptor is the work of Ford Performance, who partnered with Australia\u2019s Kelly Racing and US-based Lovell Racing \u2013 the former built the car, while the latter, led by multi-time off-road champion and Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Brad Lovell, will develop and run the racing programme at Baja itself.\nThe car has been built and tested in Australia before being brought over to the US for final development and testing, ahead of the demanding endurance race which begins on November 18.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled with 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6\n\u201cBy entering this event, we\u2019re building on the hundreds of thousands of kilometres of development testing and pushing the Ranger Raptor to new extremes,\u201d said Ford Performance Off-Road Motorsports Supervisor, Brian Novak. \u201cThe Baja 1000 is a demanding event and a well-known proving ground for off-road vehicles. We are excited to compete in this extreme event with Ranger Raptor.\u201d\nThe race-prepped Ranger Raptor is built to the rules of the Baja rally\u2019s stock class, which are meant to demonstrate the capabilities of the stock street trucks, instead of using a purpose-built space frame chassis. Additionally, the Ranger Raptor will also be racing on a low-carbon biofuel blend formulated by Shell, which consists of more than 30% sustainably sourced bio components, demonstrating the potential of these fuels in the most demanding environments.\nALSO READ: \nMitsubishi\u2019s challenger in the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally is a \u201cnearly-stock\u201d Triton!\nThe all-new Ranger Raptor will be taking on the mantle in continuing Ford\u2019s rich history in the demanding Baja rally races, including an overall win with the Bronco all the way back in 1969, and more recently in 2017 with the stock F-150 Raptor, where it finished on the podium before driving an additional 644 km home.\nAside from the stock cars, Ford has also participated in the Baja 1000 with several purpose-built Trophy Trucks, where it recorded a long list of overall victories.\nThe all-new Ford Ranger Raptor was recently launched here in Malaysia, where it\u2019s priced at RM259,888 on the road, without insurance. It\u2019s now powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine instead of a turbodiesel mill, sending \n397 hp\n and \n583 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels.\nWATCH: \n2022 Ford Ranger Raptor now in Malaysia, 397 hp 3.0L V6 twin-turbo!\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor has finally unveiled the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis today after much anticipation. The ever popular Toyota Corolla is now in Malaysia. \u201cA New Generation of Style and Excitement\u201d, as how Toyota describes the new Altis, with its new upgrades and enhancements. Comes in three models, 1.8E, 2.0G and 2.0V.\nQuick Facts\nThe 11th-Generation Toyota Corolla\nAvailable in three models: 1.8E, 2.0G, 2.0V\nPrice from RM114,000 to RM136,000 (Pen. Malaysia)\nThe first Toyota Corolla was introduced in 1966, since then 40 million units of Toyota Corolla have been sold worldwide, making it \u2018the world\u2019s favourite car\u2019. Now at its 11th generation, the Japanese automaker has carefully designed and developed the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis to ensure they maintain its popularity.\nIt does seem like Toyota is slowly moving away from its conventional appearance for a \u2018keen look\u2019 design concept. Many would would agree this new Altis is very good looking.\n \nToyota Corolla Altis 2.0V (RM136,000)\n \nToyota Corolla Altis 2.0G (RM123,000)\nToyota Corolla Altis 1.8E (RM114,000)\nAs reported earlier\n, the are three models to choose from, 1.8E, 2.0G and 2.0V. The 2.0V being the hi-spec version comes with more features. So much more, it makes the 1.8E and 2.0G look really, ill-equipped? We will point out some differences along the way.\nExterior\n \nMany of you may have already decided to place an order for this C-segment Toyota, so we\u2019ll start off with colour choices. There are five to choose from; White Pearl Crystal Shine, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic and Dar Brown Mica Metallic. This new Altis is longer (length: 4,620mm) and wider (width: 1,776mm) as compared to the previous model; by 80mm and 16mm respectively. However, the designers still managed to make more room in the car by increasing the wheelbase by 100mm.\nOn the outside, the 2.0V gets a handsome LED projector headlight with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) while both 1.8E and 2.0G got halogen bulbs. The exterior has been designed to improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise. Aero-stabilizing fins design is applied on parts of the car; wing mirror, rear lamps and bumper corners.\u00a0Bigger and sportier 17-inch rims for the luxury model and 16-inch rims for the other two.\nInterior\n \nThe dashboard has a fresh new look that comes in two different audio systems depending on models. A 7-inch touch screen DVD -AVX audio system for both 2.0V and 2.0G. It includes \u00a0USB slot, Aux-in, SD slot, Bluetooth connectivity and also a reverse camera. The 1.8E however gets a standard 2-DIN head unit, without reverse camera of course.\nOn the meter panel, Optitron meter panel with advanced MID for 2.0V and 2.5G while the 1.8E comes with a standard meter panel with MID features, such as overall average fuel\u00a0consumption with eco driving indicator zone display, possible cruising distance, and meter illumination control.\u00a0The Optitron panel meanwhile feeds the driver with information such as overall average fuel consumption and current fuel consumption, possible cruising distance, average vehicle speed, elapsed time after engine startup, and overall average fuel\u00a0consumption with eco driving indicator zone display.\nThe hi-spec 2.0V gets the Smart Entry & Start system and Auto Electro Chromic Mirror. None of these in the 2.0G and 1.8E.\nToyota describes the new seats in the Altis\u00a0\u2018prevents the pelvis from wobbling\u2019 via its extra bulges to fit driver and passengers better. Seats in 2.0V comes in leather with driver side 8-way power seat, whereas the 1.8E and 2.0G in fabric with manual driver seat. The rear seats are fordable with its 60:40 split for extra luggage space. There\u2019s also a 5-step reclining function for rear passengers, which is good for long distance drive.\nWith the increase wheelbase length, rear seat knee clearance has been increase by 92mm. The car windscreen has acoustic glass, which is an extra layer of laminate in the windscreen glass to reduce wind noise. Insulating materials are also placed around the car structure to reduce \u00a0noise level in the cabin.\nEngine\n \nThe all-new Toyota Corolla Altis is powered by Toyota\u2019s Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engines. The 2.0 models are powered by the 3ZR-FE 2.0-liter engine (Power: 143hp, Torque: 187Nm) \u00a0and the 1.8 has the 2ZR-FE 1.8-liter engine (Power: 137hp, Torque: 173Nm). These engines are mated with CVT transmission gear box with 7-speed Sports Sequential Shift that has been optimized for more responsive and sporty feel. The 2.0V has the paddle shifters.\nSafety & Security\n \nToyota is only offering dual airbags in these Corolla Altis, driver and front passenger side only, which is a little disappointing. However, should you need more airbags, Toyota is offering an additional safety package, 7 SRS airbags in total. This package also includes passenger seat seatbelt \u00a0warning indicators. For your information, based on Toyota\u2019s internal test, the new Corolla Altis safety rating is equivalent to 5-star ASEAN NCAP, with the safety package installed. As for security, all Altis models come with Toyota Premium Security & Solar Film tint.\nYou may have noticed the slight price adjustment as compared to the prices in the earlier teaser page. The confirmed price for Peninsular Malaysia: \u00a01.8E (RM114,000), 2.0G(RM123,000) and 2.0V (RM136,000). Would you go for the 1.8E for a basic Corolla Altis or the fully equipped 2.0V? Do share your opinions in our comment section below.\nVisit the \nofficial webpage\n or Toyota showroom to get up close and personal with the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis, or visit its nationwide roadshow which will begin on this Friday, 24th January. For now, enjoy the images taken from the media launch below.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nall-new Kia Sorento\n, unveiled in March earlier this year, is unquestionably one handsome-looking SUV \u2013 at least on the tarmac where most buyers will spend the majority of their time in it. However, Kia is adamant that the Sorento will also look good off the beaten path, and have unveiled two off-road concepts at the virtual SEMA show this year to prove its point.\nThe first of the duo is the Sorento Yosemite concept, which Kia says is designed for \u201chigh elevation adventuring and mountain living\u201d. For that purpose, the SUV has been fitted with large satin chrome skid plates, an exaggerated roof rack, roof-mounted auxiliary LED lighting, as well as custom fender flares surrounding the 20-inch wheels wrapped in knobby 32-inch all-terrain tires.\nThe Sorento Yosemite concept is painted in a matte Pine Green exterior, finished with accents in both gloss and matte black, as well as a large Sorento decal emblazoned across the bottom of the doors.\nMeanwhile, the Sorento Zion concept is billed as a \u201cdesert escape vehicle made for stomping dunes\u201d, and thus is finished in a Desert Sand paint job with gloss black accents. The roof rack is replaced by a covered roof cargo box to prevent sand build-up, while the off-road body kit is slightly less pronounced than the mountaineering counterpart.\nSimilar to the Yosemite concept, the Zion also sits on 20-inch wheels with 32-inch off-road tyres, but it does get an exclusive dual-tone alloy wheel design to go along with its Desert Sand paint job.\nBoth of the off-road customised concepts are based on the\u00a0production X-Line model, which is the Kia Sorento\u2019s more off-road focused variant, featuring an increased ride height, improved approach and departure angles, larger 20-inch wheels, as well as a more advanced AWD system with snow-mode.\n The Kia Sorento is available in a wide array of powertrain options depending on region. Over in Europe, the SUV is available with either a \n202 hp\n/\n440 Nm\n\u00a02.2-litre turbo diesel engine, or a hybrid variant featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a small battery pack to make a combined \n230 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n350 Nm\n.\nGALLERY"
"Not long after the debut of the \nKia EV9\n, the Korean company has now unveiled the Kia Concept EV5, previewing a smaller electric SUV with a strong resemblance to its larger sibling. Only a concept for now, the production version of the EV5 will make its debut in China later this year.\nThe front of the Concept EV5 end features the brand\u2019s new form of the \u201cDigital Tiger Face\u201d. A thin horizontal \u2018grille\u2019 spans across the front end\u2019s width and so do the headlights. The entire horizontal piece is illuminated and is well integrated with the headlight cluster. The Concept EV5 gets claddings all around and sits on a set of 21-inch wheels.\nDespite the futuristic look, the Concept EV5 still uses side mirrors instead of side cameras. The side profile looks similar to the EV9 with interesting but not too complex surfaces. Like the EV9, the Concept EV5 employs a \u2018floating roof\u2019 styling. From the rear end, it seems that the Concept EV5 has taken inspiration from \nPolestar\n or even \nRenault\n.\nHead of Kia Global Design Center, Karim Habib said, \u201cThe Kia Concept EV5 takes influence from the contrast and complementarity of natural landscapes and man-made architecture. It is designed to inspire our customers on every journey, while providing sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions. Created for those who seek inventive new ideas, the SUV brings together emotional form language with innovative, user-focused interior architecture.\u201d\nRELATED: \nThe all-new Kia EV9 is \u201cfuturistic design\u201d done right\nInside the Kia Concept EV5 features a completely flat floor, something almost expected from a dedicated electric car. Kia says the generous cabin of the Concept EV5 creates a \u2018space of coexistence\u2019 where \u201cnature, people, and technology can come together\u201d. The interior design employs themes of \u201cHealing, Caring, and Re-charging\u201d. The Kia Concept EV5 is apparently equipped with swivelling seats that \u201cbreaks down barriers between outdoor and indoor spaces to afford uninterrupted views of nature\u201d.\nOnly a concept for now, no technical details have been revealed. With the debut of the Kia EV9, the Concept EV5 doesn\u2019t look so extreme in comparison. The production model of the EV5 will be released first in the Chinese market later this year. Details regarding any future plans for the other global markets will be made in due course.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 Kia Sorento launched in Malaysia \u2013 6/7-seater SUV from RM211k\nGALLERY"
"According to the MAA, new car prices are expected to increase due to the rising cost of raw materials, the weakening Ringgit, and the prolonged chip shortage.\nThe increased cost (of everything) bourne by car manufacturers would likely lead to an increase in new car prices. However, it was highlighted that car manufacturers have yet to increase new car prices and are continuing to bear the costs.\nWhat would worsen the situation is if the SST exemption for vehicle sales which ends this June is not extended, causing new car prices to rise even further.\nIn the same report by \nBerita Harian\n, it was also highlighted that analysis by AmInvestment Bank has pointed out that some car manufacturers have already updated their new car prices with up to a 7% increase. This could cause other car manufacturers to follow suit and increase their prices, with the rising cost of production.\nEarlier this year MAA said it would take a while for local supply and production to return to normal, as local car manufacturers have been and still are severely affected by the shortage of parts and semiconductor chips."
"Following the leak images of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has released the first teaser image of its SUV.\nThe all-new Outlander will make its debut in the U.S. and Canada in \nFebruary 2021\n before being released in other international markets later on.\nIt\u2019s been developed based on the Japanese philosophy of \u201cI-Fu-Do-Do\u201d, which means \nauthentic and majestic\n. Like all the current Mitsubishi models, the new Outlander will sport the company\u2019s Dynamic Shield design on the front end.\nCredit:\n Allcarnews\nThe Outlander\u2019s position light even shares the same design traits as the Eclipse Cross and the 7-seater Mitsubishi Xpander which was just launched in Malaysia recently.\n\u201cThe Outlander is an iconic SUV for the company, so when we developed the next-generation model, we took inspirations from our rich SUV heritage to realize a bold and confident styling with a solid stance that excites our customers,\u201d said MMC, Head of Design, Seiji Watanabe.\n\u201cThe all-new OUTLANDER is the first model epitomizing the new generation of Mitsubishi design and the frontrunner of our design strategy,\u201d he added.\n \nMMM has slated the all-new Outlander to be launched virtually in February 2021; and is set to release more information closer to date.\nCurrently, the \ncurrent generation Outlander\n is available in Malaysia in two variants. The 2.0-litre model with 145 hp and 196 Nm is priced at RM133,491 while the 2.4-litre model with 167 hp and 222 Nm is priced at RM147,762."
"In celebration of the A-Class\u2019 success in Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) introduced a special commemorative edition for the car \u2013 Mercedes-Benz A 200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition. Only 30 units of the special edition A 200 are made available. For the same price tag of a \nregular A 200\n, you get enhanced features inside and out.\nUrban Hunting is a movement inspired by Mercedes-Benz\u2019s compact car range that revolutionised the premium compact car segment in Malaysia. This A 200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition celebrates the diverse art and music culture that defines the vibrant city life in Malaysia.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz A 200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition\nEngine\n1,595cc; turbocharged inline-4\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission\nMax Power\n156 hp @ 5,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.8 seconds; 224 km/h\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM 205,888\nThe A 200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition wears the chic and less aggressive \nUrban-line exterior pack\n like the A 180 (regular A 200 wears the AMG-line). A \nnight package\n has also been fitted that blacks out the front grille, wing mirror caps and rear diffuser. It rides on 18-inch 10-spoke light alloy wheels painted in black and high-sheen finish. The biggest giveaway that this is no regular A 200 are the Activity Edition badges on the front fenders.\nInside, the cabin dittos the one on the regular A 200. Only here, it gets a two-tone interior theme, Activity Edition insignia on the floor mats and an #Urban Hunting Activity Edition One of Thirty plaque on the centre console.   Mechanically, it retains the same 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four as\u00a0the A 200. Power outputs are rated at \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n, paired to\u00a0a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Drive is sent to the front wheels only. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n7.8 seconds\n before arriving at a top speed of\n 224 km/h\n.\nCustomers can choose from five different exterior colours \u2013 Cirrus White, Jupiter Red, Polar Silver, Elbaite Green and Cavansite Blue. For the same price of a regular A 200, this A 200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition certainly is a stylish alternative for those who seek a little more exclusivity. Not to mention that the car can also be had with Mercedes-Benz Agility Financing.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The wait may be over, but was it worth it?\nAt long last, the much-awaited 10th generation Honda Accord is now available in our markets for a price that has left many of you scratching your heads.\nPerhaps the biggest tangible change lies in the exterior, where the Accord now sports a dramatic sloping roof line, leaving most of you to draw comparisons with Honda Malaysia\u2019s best-selling C-segment, the Civic.\n \nBut there is more, and they\u2019re beyond skin deep. It seems to us at least, based on the product presentation at the launch yesterday, the same amount of emphasis (if not more) was also placed on refining and elevating the ride quality of the car.\nWhile its asking price may be steep, in fact, cementing that the D-segment could be a lost cause for more reasons that one, it\u2019s still (arguably) justified in terms of value for money.\nThe rise of SUVs may have dampened the interest for such cars, including the once highly demanded Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat, but aside from not being able to offer a larger presence and taller (more superior) seating position, the Honda Accord does not lose out in the other departments.\nBut we\u2019ll leave that to another day, for now, here\u2019s what you should know about Honda Malaysia\u2019s new flagship sedan.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nPorsche Taycan\n \u2013 although priced pretty well \nhere in Malaysia\n due to the tax structure for EVs \u2013 is still by all means a premium product that only a very slim portion of car buyers will ever be able to afford. That being said though, it seems like Porsche has no problem selling them quickly.\nSpeaking to Reuters at the \n2021 IAA Motor Show\n, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told the publication, \u201cOur original production capacity for the Taycan was 20,000 units this year \u2013 we\u2019ve sold that many in the first half of the year.\u201d\nThe\n Taycan Cross Turismo\n.\nHe added that incoming orders aren\u2019t slowing down either, and \u201cthey are good in China, too.\u201d The huge demand has caused the wait times for a brand-new Taycan to stretch from the normal four months, to about half a year now.\nMaking matters even worse is the ongoing battle against chip shortage, which has similarly affected carmakers worldwide.\nAt RM584k, the new Taycan RWD is the cheapest 4-door Porsche you can buy! Check it out here.\nStill, the huge demand for Porsche\u2019s first fully-electric model can only mean good things, and should help the German sports car maker\u2019s instil some confidence as they continue to gear up for the \nupcoming Macan-based EV SUV\n.\nWord on the grapevine is that Porsche is also considering a \nnew compact sedan model\n to rival the likes of the \nTesla Model 3\n and \nBMW i4 M50\n, and it\u2019s understood that it\u2019ll use the PPE platform that\u2019s co-developed with Audi, sharing many components from the Macan EV.\nExciting times ahead, indeed.\nIn case you missed it, Porsche will be locally assembling its models in Malaysia starting next year. More info here!"
"Currently there are four models in Audi\u2019s SUV portfolio: the \nQ2\n, \nQ3\n, \nQ5\n and \nQ7\n; trailing behind BMW\u2019s five models and Mercedes-Benz\u2019s seven. However, that is set to change as Audi has confirmed production for two of their coupe-esque SUV \u2013 the Q4 and \nQ8\n with production beginning in 2018.\nThe Q8 will sit above the Q7 and \u201c\nopen up a new segment for its top-end models\u201d \nclaims Audi. Based on the initial sketches and renderings, the Q8 will feature a \ncoupe-like styling\n that combines practicality and emotive design. Naturally as their flagship, the Q8 will come with the marque\u2019s latest assistance technologies and infotainment systems. Initial production will start in 2018 at their plant in Bratislava, Slovakia.\nPositioned between the Q3 and Q5, the Q4 will also feature a \ncoupe-style silhouette\n and with this model, it will mark the brand\u2019s entrance to the Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment. Perhaps with the Q4, Audi will be the first among the German trio to offer a coupe-like compact SUV. Production of the Q4 is set to begin in 2019 at Audi\u2019s plant in Gy\u0151r, Hungary.\nCloser to home, Audi Malaysia currently has the Q3, Q5, and Q7 on offer but plans are underway to introduce the \nQ2\n and \nsecond-generation Q5\n\u00a0as early as late 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi Q8 Sport Concept"
"The new Vehicle to Load (V2L) function on electric cars has got a lot of people excited. Various electrical appliances have been plugged into EVs and one car that has sparked this new trend is the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n. Taking things further, there is now an off-grid \u2018Hyundai Hotel\u2019 (or chalet) in the United Kingdom that can be entirely powered by the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5\u2019s V2L function.\nBefore we get too excited, do note that the \u2018Hyundai Hotel\u2019 can only handle two guests at one time. Located in Essex, it is just an hour\u2019s drive from central London, but is not connected to the power grid. Hence, the V2L function of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 makes sense here. The Hyundai Hotel was curated by broadcaster and critic Grace Dent, and consists of a guest suite, a restaurant (and bar), and a cinema.\nThe guest suite is a high-end luxury cabin by Colemans Farm and offers everything you can expect from a luxury boutique hotel. As for the restaurant (and bar), it sources its ingredients locally and guests can choose between indoor and outdoor dining. To complete the \u2018staycation\u2019 package, the cinema even has its own popcorn machine. All amenities at Hyundai Hotel are powered by the Hyundai Ioniq 5\u2019s V2L technology.\nSpawning the idea of the \u2018Hyundai Hotel\u2019 is research commissioned by Hyundai that found that nearly half (46%) of UK citizens say that sustainability and the environment are more important to them now compared to five years ago when choosing holiday accommodation. A further quarter (25%) are choosing staycations over traveling abroad to reduce their carbon footprint by flying less.\nRELATED: \nFive cool features in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 you might not know about\nTwo fifths (40%) say they are also looking for cheaper travel options this year and over half (55%) admit this decision is due to the current cost of living crisis. As a result, over half (53%) say they would like to invest their holiday spending in local UK economies rather than abroad.\nHyundai Motor UK Managing Director, Ashley Andrew said, \u201cOur award-winning IONIQ 5 is able to power Hotel Hyundai using its V2L feature, where an adapter from the car provides a socket which domestic appliances can be plugged into. The whole experience demonstrates the practicality of this pioneering technology, and we hope the concept inspires more people to go off-grid.\u201d\nALSO WATCH: \nHyundai IONIQ 5 launched in Malaysia from RM199k, 5 Things"
"Honda Malaysia (HMSB) has just confirmed that the fastest front-wheel drive production vehicle to go around the N\u00fcrburgring will be making its way to Malaysia! The all-new \nHonda Civic Type R (FK8R)\n will make a public appearance at the final Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix happening from 29 September to 1 October 2017.\nHMSB will be taking orders of the FK8R from 1 October 2017 onwards at 21 Honda Sport Dealers nationwide which are listed below:\nAutoworld Asia Sdn Bhd\nPeringgit Sri Motor Sdn Bhd\nFormula Venture Sdn Bhd\nBotanic Auto Mall Sdn Bhd\nTenaga Setia Resources Sdn Bhd\nKah Motor Co Sdn Bhd \u2013 Sg Pinang\nGlobal Amity Sdn Bhd (Bangi)\nThe Millenium Auto Carriage\nLee Motor SP (Car Div) Sdn Bhd\nKah Motor Co Sdn Bhd \u2013 Selayang\nChuan Thye Motor Sdn Bhd\nYooi Cars Sdn Bhd\nSri Utama Auto Sdn Bhd\nSyarikat Tan Eng Ann Sd Bhd\nBan Lee Heng Motor Sdn Bhd (Seremban)\nUSJ Car Express Sdn Bhd\nSyarikat Labuan Automobile Sdn Bhd\nSyarikat Motor GS Tay Sdn Bhd\nMH Prestige Auto Sdn Bhd\nBan Hoe Seng (Auto) Sdn Bhd\nYong Ming Motor Sdn Bhd   The all-new FK8R is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC Turbo that churns out \n305 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with Rev-Matching function. These performance figures give the FK8R enough grunt to \nlap the Green Hell in \n7 minutes 43.80 seconds\n, the fastest for a front-wheel drive production vehicle.\nFully imported from the UK, the FK8R will come equipped with \n3-Way Driving Modes\n (Comfort, Sport and +R), 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels and high-performance Brembo brake callipers, basically everything you see is what you get. As for the price, HMSB remains mummed about the final dollar figure.\nInterested parties can head over to \u201cHonda Innovation. Evolution.\u201d booth, at the 2017 Formula One Petronas Grand Prix in Sepang International Circuit Mall Area to check out the car in the metal together with the \nJazz Hybrid Mugen\n, \nCivic 1.5 TC-P\n and recently launched \nCR-V\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A bespoke automotive manufacturer called R-Reforged is set to turn an already desirable sports car, the Aston Martin Vantage V12, into something that will someday be worthy of a spot in a museum. They\u2019re also the same bunch who helped Aston Martin build the Valkyrie.\nThey\u2019re called the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS and they\u2019ll be sold strictly in pairs \u2013 a speedster that\u2019s unlike the one Aston recently introduced and a coupe \u2013 at a cool 1.75 million pounds (approx. RM9.3 million). The Swiss-based company is limiting production to just 19 pairs (38 units) and said most have already been sold.\nThe exquisite pair are redefined versions of the 2011 Vantage V12 Zagato \u2013 sporting the signature Aston Martin grille, a sloping roofline and a round tail light on each side \u2013 that pays tribute to the long partnership between Italian design house Zagato and Aston Martin spanning over 60 years and Zagato\u2019s 100th year anniversary.\nEach of these Heritage TWINS have more than 80 hp more than the car it\u2019s based on, courtesy of an engine re-tune and a new titanium exhaust system. Complementing the double bubble roof, a design that\u2019s been synonymous with the Zagato name, and the carbon fibre body with active spoiler are bespoke centre-locking 19-inch wheels.\nEven the experience of specifying the TWINS is a special one. Once the order is placed, the customer receives a bespoke gift box. These owners will then communicate the specifications with the company\u2019s designers based in Switzerland. Subsequently, they\u2019ll be invited to R-Reforged\u2019s new 30,000 sq ft factory in Warwick, UK to witness the production of their cars.\nMarella Rivolta Zagato, who co-runs Zagato said, \u201cWhen I was selecting the body colours, I looked for something that would simultaneously represent our 100-year heritage and our future. The \nmost symbolic colours are gold and platinum\n, which are precious metals. Gold, an emblem of purity and distinction, is in my mind a tribute to our first century. Platinum is resistant to corrosion and has great catalytic capabilities, which is what I wish for our next 100 years!\u201d\nInteresting; but that\u2019s not all. She even went on to share the names of these TWINS and explained the meanings behind them.\n\u201cPlants, sources of life that have continually renewed themselves since ancient times, are also woven into this idea,\u201d adds Zagato. \u201cTake for instance the colour for the Speedster, which I have named \nOro Angelica\n. Angelica is an edible plant thought to guarantee long life. It also symbolises inspiration, the driving force of the first 100 years of Zagato\u2019s history.\u201d\n\u201cFor the Coup\u00e9, I chose \nPlatino Acanto\n. The leaves of the acanthus inspired the ancient Greeks to create the Corinthian capital. This plant represents purity and immortality, embodying Zagato\u2019s vision for the future.\u201d\nGALLERY\nAutodesk VRED Design 2020"
"In celebrating the A8 model\u2019s 21st birthday, Audi has introduced the A8 Edition 21 exclusively to the UK market, and only 121 units will be made to order.\u00a0The special-run A8 is built based on the recently revised A8 range, but is specced largely on the personalised Audi exclusive design selection.\nFor a start, customers can choose to have the A8 in standard or Long Wheelbase formats. Unlike regular A8s, the Edition 21 comes with various interior and exterior styling enhancements, most of which are optional or exclusive to the S8 variant. Unique to this A8 is the \nSport styling package\n that comes with sportier front and rear bumpers, more pronounced side sills, Adaptive Audi Matrix LED headlights and \n20-inch double spoke alloy wheels\n finished in titanium plucked straight off the S8.   Windows rearward of the B-pillars are of the privacy kind, and as such are tinted black. Inside, customers can choose to have their seats upholstered in either Cognac Brown with black stitching or black leather with red stitching. Both front seats have 22-way power adjustability with integrated pneumatic lumbar and side bolster support. The door sills feature illuminated \u2018Edition 21\u2019 emblems, whereas the three-spoke steering wheel and black-cloth headlining complete the interior kit.\nAll 121 of the Edition 21 A8s get Audi Connect and Bose surround sound system. With regards to the oily bits, only one engine will be offered, that is the \n3.0-litre TDI V6\n oil burner making \n258 hp\n and \n580 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 revolutions. Tasked with channeling drive to the \nQuattro\n permanent AWD system is the\n eight-speed Tiptronic\n transmission, propelling the limousine from standstill to 100 km/h in\n 5.9 seconds\n (6.1 seconds in the LWB variant).\nThe first-generation Audi A8 launched exactly 21 years ago\nSince its introduction in 1994, the Audi A8 became the world\u2019s first series production car with a unitary aluminium body (Audi Space Frame or ASF), weighing at 231 kg. If the body were to be made entirely out of steel, it would have weighed around 40 percent heavier. Then, in 2001, the A8 was the world\u2019s most powerful production saloon courtesy of a \n6.0-litre W12\n engine linked to their famed Quattro system. It was also the first ever saloon to feature a 12-cylinder engine.\nLater, a new\n 6.3-litre\n engine built off the same W12 block featured Cylinder-on-Demand technology, allowing cylinder deactivation to either provide maximum fuel efficiency or performance. The engine produced nearly 500 horsepower.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the Chinese Electric Vehicle company, NIO, that set the record for the record for the \nfastest road-legal car around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife\n in their \nall-electric hypercar NIO EP9\n? Apparently, NIO also makes family-friendly electric SUVs too.\nMeet the NIO ES6, a high-performance mid-sized premium SUV with a claimed 510 km of electric range based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). As a reference, the ES6 is around the size of a \nBMW X3\n, measuring at 4,850 mm in length, 1,965 mm in width, 1,768 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,900 m.\nHowever, the ES6 hides its bulk way better than other SUVs its size thanks to the sleek window line and tapering roofline. The body is also free of striking lines creating a smooth surface for better aerodynamics and makes for an interesting visual impact. Even the door handles are flushed with the car\u2019s body and only pop up when in use.\nThe front end is dominated by the \nNIO family design language\n of body painted X-bar bumper trim, slim headlamps and heartbeat taillights. Every design element has been tweaked to contribute to the ES6\u2019s low drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd.   Inside, the cabin of the ES6 oozes its sporty credentials with sport seats, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel and microfibre headliner. It is properly high-tech and modern too with an 11.3-inch portrait style touchscreen infotainment system, LCD instrument cluster, minimalistic centre console layout, panoramic sunroof and others.\nBut the highlight of the ES6\u2019s cabin is the \nNOMI in-car AI system\n integrated with a speech-based interactive system can display expressions on the centre console. NOMI can control all major in-car functions, connect with your smartphone app and even take selfies for you and your friends in the car.   Now we come to the most exciting bit, performance. The ES6 is available with a dual motor set up with two output options \u2013 \nStandard\n and \nPerformance\n. The former is juiced by two 160 kW motors while the Performance version gets a full phat \n400 kW\n (544 hp) and peak torque of \n725 Nm\n. The most potent ES6 variant can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n (5.6 seconds on Standard Version), faster than most hot hatches but the \nTesla Model X\n\u2019s 3.1 seconds century sprint time still takes cake. Top speed on the ES6 is rated at \n200 km/h\n.\nNIO has also fitted the ES6 with four-piston \nBrembo brakes\n all round as well as \nPirelli P-Zero\n high-performance rubbers for confident stopping power, delivering a 100 km/h to 0 km/h braking distance of 33.9 meters. As standard, the ES6 comes equipped with an adaptive mechanical suspension but air suspension is available on Performance Versions of the SUV.\nCuriously, the company did not release details of the ES6\u2019s recharge time for its 70 kWh and 84 kWh liquid cooled lithium-ion battery pack. NEDC range varies from 410 km for the 70 kWh Standard Version and climbing up to 510 km in the 84 kWh Performance Version.\nThe ES6 comes as standard with the full range of \nNIO Pilot advanced driver assistance system\n that bundles Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Pilot semi-autonomous driving, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert, Traffic Jam Pilot, Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist and 12 point Ultra sound sensors.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btOQ_nWsJLc\nWhat\u2019s impressive with the NIO Pilot system is that the functions can be upgraded over time via firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) update when new functions are added. New features that are expected to be available via the FOTA update include Nearby Summoning (autonomously drives itself out of a parking space), Bicyclist Detection and more.\nIn China, the NIO ES6 is priced from RMB358,000 (RM217k) to RMB448,000 (RM271k) for the full-spec variant. The quoted price is not inclusive of EV subsidy granted by the Chinese Government. Deliveries are expected to commence in June 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNIO ES6 SUV"
"Sharing design DNAs might make sense to the accounts department, but the outcome is hardly a sure-fire one. The new \nBentley Bentayga\n SUV is one such example.\nWe thought its \npredecessor looked great when \nwe reviewed it \nalmost two years ago and Bentley\u2019s sales figures were proof. Since the car was launched five years ago, Bentley has sold over 20,000 of the handcrafted SUV.\nBut the response may not be so unanimous with the new Bentley SUV, as it now shares the same design DNA as the \nFlying Spur\n and \nContinental GT\n. It just looks like a little odd if we may say so, especially when viewed from the rear.\nAs for its equipment the Bentayga is fitted with new LED matrix headlamps \u2013 consisting of 82 LEDs \u2013 inspired by cut crystal glassware. It also gets a new grille design which is positioned more upright. Heated, wet-arm windscreen wipers are introduced for the first time in the new Bentley SUV, with 22 jet washersin each arm.\nThe odd rear end is also 20 mm wider, for a more imposing stance along with a new 22-inch wheel design, specifically for the Bentayga. A new, longer roof spoiler gives new Bentayga a visually longer profile but it\u2019s hardly a distraction from how the rear end looks. It\u2019s as if the Bentayga got rear-ended by a Flying Spur and looked simply unhappy about it.\nBut once inside, all is forgotten. The new Bentley SUV not only offers more legroom (up to 100 mm more) but also comes with a new steering wheel, new door trims and new seats \u2013 now with rear seat ventilation.\nThe Bentley \u201cwing\u201d dashboard design is home to a Breitling clock and a 3D head-up display. It\u2019s also fitted with a 10.9-inch display offering wireless Apple CarPlay as standard for the first time. There is also Android Auto, depending on which country you live in.\nThree versatile seating configurations are available in new Bentayga. Apart from the standard five-seat configuration, customers can specify a four-seat layout with two individual rear seats separated by a centre console. There is also an option for a three-row, seven-seat layout for the Bentley SUV.\nThe five-seater Bentley SUV benefits from an all-new seat frame, which doubles the travel of the rear-seat recline angle. The five-seat Bentayga benefits from an all-new seat frame, which doubles the travel of the rear-seat recline angle.\nRear seat occupants will be treated to a new, larger touchscreen remote control tablet, similar to the one in the all-new Flying Spur. The unit can control a range of functions \u2013 rear seat heating and massage, media system, navigation, mood lighting and window blinds.\nThe new model will be launched initially as a V8 with a plug-in hybrid and W12-powered Speed version to follow later on. The 4.0-litre V8 in the Bentayga makes \n550 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 4.4 seconds while top speed is rated at 290 km/h.\nGALLERY"
"When the \nMichelin XM2+\n was announced, we pondered upon why the tyre maker decided to maintain the name \u201cXM2\u201d and not an entirely new model designation like XM3 for example.\nThe fact that the new tyre uses the same thread pattern as the near-decade-old XM2 also raises some questions as to how the new tyre stacks up compared to the model it replaces and the competition. Are there any improvements? If so, by how much? We sat down with Michelin\u2019s Regional B2C Product Marketing Manager, Muller Kajornpop to find out the development and improvements of Michelin\u2019s biggest volume contributor.\nFirstly, we have to understand the target market of the XM2+, a comfort-oriented tyre for the entry-level and mass-market models (14 to 16-inches). Consumers of this segment prioritise comfort (low rolling noise/tyre roar), wet braking performance as well as tyre lifespan over outright performance that the Pilot Sport range is made for.\nMichelin then looked at the competition prior to developing the XM2+ and found that the \nold \nXM2, despite its age, is still competitive in today\u2019s market in the areas of tyre comfort, fuel consumption and dry performance. These findings led to the decision of improving on the XM2 instead of carrying out a full model change which will incur substantial R&D resources.\nAs a result, the XM2+ now\nuses a brand-new full-silica rubber compound that is adapted from higher-end Michelin\nproducts like the Primacy and Pilot Sport range. The new compound contributes\nto the improved wet braking performance as well as up to 25% more mileage\ncompared to other premium competitors.\nIn addition to that, Michelin also promises consistent wet braking performance throughout the tyre\u2019s lifetime, even down to the tread wear indicator (~1.6 mm). The same technology that promises their \nPrimacy 4\n to be Safe When New and Safe When Worn.\nOne major complaint from XM2 customers is the outgoing tyre\u2019s sidewall is susceptible to premature cracking (the cracking on tyres). Michelin recognises this flaw and found the root cause to be oxidisation of the rubber material. The XM2+ addresses this issue with revised antioxidant components that are suited for our hot weather climate.\nBut to tell once and\nfor all how the new tyres stack up against its competitors and see how much of\nthese are marketing fluff, Michelin Malaysia has kindly set up a test course inclusive\nof a dry braking, wet braking and gymkhana activities.\nBesides fitting the test vehicles on brand new tyres, to live up to the tagline of \u201cPerformance Made to Last\u201d, we also got complete the exercise on tyres that are worn to the tread wear indicator. Although, we strongly suggest that you should change your tyres way before the marking.\nThe wet braking exercise required us to accelerate to 80 km/h and perform a full emergency stop at the marker. In the dry, the XM2+ performed up to par against the competition but on the wet braking test, the results are staggering and worrying, to say the least.\nWet Braking Distance (80 km/h to 0 km/h)\n Tyres/Condition\n New\n Worn\n Michelin XM2+\n 29.2 meters\n 30.2 meters\n Bridgestone Ecopia\nEP330\n 33.1 meters\n 35.8 meters\n Continental CC6\n 34.9 meters\n 38.7 meters\nThe XM2+ when new, took a much shorter distance to come to a complete stop in the wet against its competitor but what\u2019s even more impressive is that even when the tyres are worn down to the tread wear indicators, it still offers very similar braking performance. The same can\u2019t be said for the competition whose wet braking performance deteriorated \nsubstantially \nwhen they are worn.\nThis is a testament that\nthe XM2+ is indeed a capable, new and improved tyre that has multiple competitive\nadvantage over its rivals in the segment. The tagline of \u201cPerformance Made to\nLast\u201d is indeed a fitting line for the XM2+ as it delivers consistent performance\nespecially in the wet throughout the tyre\u2019s lifespan.\nWith this data at hand, drivers can have the confidence that the XM2+ is safe to use right until the tread wear indicators. To put it another way, you won\u2019t have to swap tyres as frequently like some tyres whose performance deteriorates significantly pass a certain mileage.\nManaging Director of Michelin\n(Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei), Pascal Nouvellon when responding\nat a media Q&A session on how will Michelin tackle competition with lower\nprices, said: \u201cYes there are cheaper alternatives on the market but if you look\nat the pricing of the XM2+ which starts from RM200 for a Myvi size (14-inch), I\nthink it is worth investing that extra a bit more for the lasting performance\nof the XM2+.\u201d"
"Following the \nannouncement of a collaboration between Mazda and Isuzu\n\u00a0in\u00a0producing a new generation of pickups,\u00a0Isuzu and General Motors (GM) have agreed to end its pickup tie-up for the Asian market.\nA statement made by GM says both companies have different ideas and requirements for their\u00a0next-generation midsize pickup truck, so it\u2019s no longer feasible to work together.\u00a0GM also doesn\u2019t want to compete with the same category of pickups with its Japanese rivals in the\u00a0Southeast Asia region, thus revamping its approach by offering a new line of premium pickups.\nThis means GM, via Chevrolet, could introduce the next-generation \nColorado\n\u00a0pickups with its own design and approach. At the same time, Isuzu is adamant on retaining its D-Max pickups as a\u00a0workhorse rather than becoming a pickup with the blings. That effectively ends the duo\u2019s collaborative ties that has been in existence the mid 2000s.\nOn that note, the current Isuzu D-Max (with the latest\u00a0\nBeast\n\u00a0variant)\u00a0will be the final model with American input. We are looking forward to future D-Max models which could inherit Mazda\u2019s Clean Diesel SkyActiv-D powertrains (nothing concrete as of yet, though), providing better workhorses with efficient mileage. At the same time, will the next generation, more premium Colorado work in this part of the world?"
"Proton has finally brought back the beloved motorsports-inspired R3 nameplate with the new Iriz R3, launched today alongside three other new black-painted special models, including the \nSaga R3\n.\nThe new limited-edition model brings upon several exclusive R3-themed visual touches to the \nIriz 1.6 Premium variant\n. Limited to 500 units only, the Proton Iriz R3 is priced at RM52,900 a pop.\nEXTERIOR\nMuch like the\n Saga Anniversary Edition\n launched last year, the Proton Iriz R3 gets a coat of Quartz Black paint on the exterior, contrasted with bright yellow accents throughout. Other exterior highlights include:\nR3 body kit \u2013 front lip, side skirts\nYellow accents on the front grille garnish, body kit, rear bumper, side mirror caps\nR3 side decal with \u201983\u2019 numbering\nR3 decal on front and rear windscreen, rear wing\nR3 badging and stickers\n16-inch wheels, dark grey finish\nKeen-eyed readers will notice that the 16-inch wheels here, which is one inch larger than the 15s usually offered on the Iriz Premium, is also the same one once adorned by the cult-favourite Proton Satria Neo CPS more than 10 years ago!\nINTERIOR\nThe black and yellow theme continues onto the interior, with the following variant-exclusive touches:\nYellow accents on air vent surrounds, instrument cluster, climate control panel knobs, leather-wrapped steering wheel\nLeatherette seats with yellow accent stitching and embroidered \u201cR3 Limited Edition\u201d badging\nR3 floor mats with yellow accents\nR3 Limited Edition badging on dashboard\nOtherwise, the interior of the Iriz R3 is identical to that of the 1.6 Premium variant, including the\u00a0seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice control and various connected services.\nPERFORMANCE\nAll the mechanical bits of the Iriz R3 is also unchanged from the 1.6 Premium variant, which features a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated inline-four engine as the sole power plant option. Despite the racing-inspired nameplate, the Proton Iriz R3 unfortunately does not come with a manual transmission.\nEngine: 1.6 litre VVT DOHC\nTransmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nDrivetrain: Front-engined, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 109 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax torque: 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nSAFETY\nThe safety kit from the Premium variant also remains on the Iriz R3, which means there aren\u2019t any additional advanced driver assistance features this time round. Standard safety kit include:\nSix airbags\nRearview camera\nABS with EBD, brake assist\nElectronic Stability Control\nTraction control\nHill Hold Assist\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the Proton Iriz R3 Limited Edition is priced at RM52,900, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions valid until the 30th of June 2021.\nOnly 500 units of the Iriz R3 Limited Edition are available, so if you\u2019re interested, better act quick. The motorsports-inspired Proton Iriz is available for booking online via the microsite linked \nhere\n, at RM9.99 each.\nGALLERY"
"Another month, another \nMercedes\n car launch! Mercedes-Benz Malaysia pulled a hat trick of launches with their third model in three months, the \nGLA-Class\n, at \nZouk Club Kuala Lumpur\n.\nThe premium compact SUV \nGLA\n is available in \n3 variants\n. The \nGLA 200\n retails for \nRM 238,888\n, \nGLA 250 4MATIC\n for \nRM 268,888\n and the top of the line \nGLA 45 AMG\n for \nRM 378,888\n. All prices offered without insurance.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLA 200 \u201cUrban Line\u201d\nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC \u201cAMG Line\u201d with \u201cNight\u201d package\nMercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG \u201cEdition 1\u201d\nSegment\nD-Segment SUV\nEngine\n1,595cc 4 in-line, turbocharged\n1,991cc 4 in-line, turbocharged\n1,991cc 4 in-line, turbocharged\nTransmission\n7G-DCT Dual Clutch Automatic\n7G-DCT Dual Clutch Automatic\nAMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports\nMax Power\n156hp @ 5,300 rpm\n211hp @ 5,500 rpm\n360hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n450Nm @ 2,250 \u2013 5,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM 238,888\nRM 268,888\nRM 378,888\nEXTERIOR\nFor our local market, the \nGLA 200\n comes with something that is called the \nUrban line\n, whilst the \nGLA 250 4Matic\n comes with the \nAMG Line\n with \n Night package\n. Confused?\nWhat it does mean (without getting too technical) is that, cosmetically, the GLA 200 gets 18\u201d alloy wheels. The lower grille is chromed and aluminium roof rails. Off-road comfort suspension is fitted as standard on the GLA 200, which raises the car higher by 30mm.   The GLA 250 4Matic on the other hand, comes with 19\u201d alloy wheels. A whole lot more aggressive front and rear bumpers, side panels, high-gloss black roof rails and a firmer sports suspension that lowers the body by 15mm at the front axle and 10mm lower at the rear.   \u201cEdition 1\u201d package will be available as standard for the GLA 45 \nAMG\n model. We get a 10-spoke 20\u201d light-alloy wheels. A large front splitter with vanes at the sides, a roof spoiler, rear diffuser with titanium grey trim and rectangular, chrome-plated twin tailpipes. New for all future AMG models is the distinctive AMG badge at the side of the radiator grille.   INTERIOR\nThe GLA shares much of its interior design with the A Class and the CLA-Class. Available are a wide choice of seat upholsteries in material (e.g. leather, fabric, fabric/leather) and colour combinations allows plenty of scope for individualisation. Unique to GLA are chromed bezels around the circular air-vents. GLA 200 has silver chrome trim bits and a steering wheel wrapped in leather with shift paddles, while the GLA 250 receives red outline stitching.   With the Load Compartment package, the backrest of the rear seats unit can be moved to a steeper position and free up more space for bulky items while still allowing the rear seats to be used.\nRed contrasting topstitching adorns the AMG Performance seats in \nARTICO\n man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre, as well as the armrests, the upper section of the instrument panel And the nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre AMG Performance steering wheel. Other visual highlights are the E-SELECT lever with embossed AMG emblem and the \u201c\nEdition 1\n\u201d badge.\n\u00a0\nPERFORMANCE\nSo, the numbers.The \nGLA 200\n produces \n156 hp\n @ 5300rpm and \n250 Nm\n of torque @ 1250-4000rpm and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n8.9 seconds\n, with a top speed of \n215 km/h\n. Combined fuel consumption is \n5.9 litres per 100km\n.\nThe \nGLA 250\n produces \n211 hp\n @ 5500rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque @ 1200-4000rpm. Power is laid down from its \n4Matic all-wheel drive\n system and does 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.1 seconds\n. It tops out at \n230 km/h\n and does a combined \n6.5 litres/100 km\n for fuel efficiency.\nThe \nGLA 45 AMG\n outputs a whopping \n360 hp\n @ 6000rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque @ 2250-5000rpm. Does an insane 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.8 seconds\n and will go all the way to an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. All that, with a respectable combined fuel consumption of just \n7.5 litres/100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nStandard on all variants are \n6 airbags\n, ABS, ESP. There is also the Collision Prevention Assist Plus with adaptive Brake Assist, which kicks in from speeds as low as 7km/h. Also carried over from the new \nC-Class\n is the Active Parking Assist and Attention Assist.\n4 MATIC\n models are equipped with \nDSR\n (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode. DSR assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits\nOff-road transmission mode on the other hand, modifies the shift points and accelerator characteristics for light off-road terrain and loose surfaces.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAlso available from launch, Mercedes-Benz \nAgility Financing\n. A \n3-year loan\n tenure for the GLA 200 & GLA 250. It offers risk-free financing with flexible end-of-term options. Installments of \nRM 92\n and \nRM 103 per day\n respectively.\nWhat this means: upon expiry of the contract, customers have the option of either:\n A.) return the vehicle and opt for a new model, or\n B.) pay off or refinance the remaining sum and keep the vehicle.\nTempting eh?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What do you get when you blow the top off of a MINI? The MINI Convertible, of course. Thankfully, BMW saves you the effort from doing that yourself, so put down that metal jigsaw and walk away from your MINI before somebody gets hurt.\nWhile it essentially sounds like a simple task of removing the roof, there is\u00a0actually more work to be done under the skin to ensure that the MINI retains its trademark sweet handling and agility. Extra bracing elements such as the \nstiffening plate\n underneath the engine and \nunderbody torsion struts\n help to keep the body\u2019s stiffness after the loss of the standard roof structure.   BMW also ensures that the safety elements are not compromised for the MINI Convertible. \nFront and side airbags\n are fitted as standard, and in any case of rollover, the\n reinforced A-pillars\n are coupled with the \nrear rollover protection bars\n that will pop out within \n150 milliseconds\n to protect the occupants.\nThe end product is a convertible model that mirrors the \n3 door hatchback\n in most aspects. From the outside it looks like nothing else but\u00a0a MINI, and it gets the similar face with that huge mouth and googly eyes, and at the other end is a pair of comical tail lights and a shiny tailpipe or two depending on which variant you choose.\nThe main difference is the roof of course, it is now made out of\n fabric\n. The \nfully automatic\n roof takes\n 18 seconds to open and\u00a0close\n, and it can be done while on the move at \nspeeds up to 30 km/h\n. Another difference is the rear hatch, which opens downwards like on the previous two generations of MINI Convertible. Compared to the previous MINI Convertible, the \ncargo space\n has increased by 25 percent to \n215 litres\n behind that flip-down hatch, but the fabric roof will rob 55 litres out of that space when retracted.\n \n \nInside is similar to the regular MINI 3 door hatch which means it only takes four on board including the driver, but you get an option to have unlimited headroom at a flick of a switch. Everything is carried over from the hatch; the funky dash and all, but the Convertible has an optional \nAlways Open Timer\n. Previously called the Openometer, the timer will count how long the MINI was driven with the top down. We\u2019re not sure what\u2019s the purpose of that, but it\u2019s definitely part of the MINI\u2019s fun and quirky side.\nMINI Connected\n keeps its occupants connected to the internet via a smartphone and it is also linked to the navigation system on board. It features \nMINI Streetwise\n which helps to find the most efficient route to get to the destination, as well as a \nrain warning function\n that will send out a message to the owner\u2019s smartphone to suggest the top to be closed. No more excuses for getting the interior drenched due to your own negligence.\nThe powertrain options underneath are already seen on the 3 door hatchback. At launch, there\u2019s a choice of a sprightly \n1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol\n with \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n in the\n \nCooper\n, a potent \n1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel\n with\n 116 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n in the \nCooper D\n, and a powerful \n2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol\n with \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n in the \nCooper S\n. The Cooper D and the Cooper S both have an \noverboost function\n that raises the maximum torque to a tyre-shredding \n300 Nm\n, but only for a short duration.\nThe standard gearbox fitted is a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission, but there\u2019s also an option of a\n\u00a0six-speed Steptronic\n automatic, again, like on the 3 door hatchback. The \nCooper S\n gets a slightly different variant of the six-speed auto called the \nSteptronic sport\n, which offers quicker shifts and \nLaunch Control\n, but both automatic transmission variants can be hooked up to the navigation system to determine which is the best gear suited to the road condition.\nMINI claims the driving experience is the same as the hatch. \nDynamic Stability Control\n (DSC) including \nDynamic Traction Control\n (DTC) and \nElectronic Differential Lock Control\n (EDLC) are fitted as standard; opt for the Cooper S and you\u2019ll get the option to fit it with the \nDynamic Damper Control\n and \nsports suspension\n for an even sweeter handling.\nLike the rest of the MINI range, customisation options are plenty. You get to choose a \ncontrasting door mirror caps\n and \nbonnet stripes\n, or you can get the driver\u2019s side mirror to shoot a MINI logo onto the ground when the car is opened. There\u2019s also \nChrome line\n exterior pack, and a \nMINI Yours\n soft top which incorporates a Union Jack pattern into the fabric for the convertible roof.\nA comprehensive \nDriving Assistant\n is available too, it includes the \ncamera-based active cruise control\n, road sign detection, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, and high beam assistant.\nThose who want an even sportier MINI, the \nJohn Cooper Works\n\u00a0pack will satisfy their cravings. It will dress up the MINI Convertible with a bespoke bodykit and special sports steering wheel, as well as a pair of sports seats.\nUsually the MINI Convertible will command a premium over the regular 3 door hatchback, but it remains to be seen if it will ever make its way here. Bear in mind, the \nMINI Clubman\n is still not launched yet here, so there\u2019s a chance the\u00a0\nMINI XL\u00a0\nwill arrive\u00a0first before the MINI Convertible gets introduced here.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Peugeot bosses have finally given the green light for a hot plug-in hybrid version of the handsome \nPeugeot 3008 SUV\n. It won\u2019t bear the GTI badge nor come with a six-speed close ratio manual transmission, but what it will get is 300 horsepower.\nPower comes from a combination of the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol (the same lump we will be getting) and an electric motor mounted to the rear axle. This means the 3008 will be all-wheel drive. It would sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds and would max out at 240 km/h. However, it\u2019s still unclear if there will be one or two electric motors.\nIn fact, the good news doesn\u2019t stop with the 3008. Peugeot has plans to electrify most, if not all their models in the future. Their hybrid tech is currently under development and would be ready for mass production by 2019. Also in the pipeline is an all-electric \nPeugeot 208\n to rival the \nRenault Zoe\n.\nDepending on the intricacy of the hybrid powerplant, perhaps we too will be able to purchase a plug-in hybrid Peugeot two years from now."
"McLaren Kuala Lumpur has brought the latest addition to the Longtail family, the 765LT, onto Malaysian shores. With only 765 units produced globally, McLaren has allocated a \u201cguaranteed\u201d \n10 units of the 765LT for Malaysia\n, which has apparently all been spoken for.\nHowever, order books are still open, and you\u2019ll be able to place an order for the brand\u2019s latest ultimate track machine starting at RM1,488,000 before taxes, duties, and options \u2013 which there are a wide variety of personalisation possibilities available to choose from at the McLaren Kuala Lumpur showroom.\n \nEXTERIOR\nBased on the \nMcLaren 720S\n, the 765LT does share the majority of its looks from the younger cousin. However being an LT model, there are of course performance-oriented parts added onto the exterior in the name of improved aerodynamics, additional weight savings, and meaner looks. these include:\nLarge \u2018Longtail\u2019 active carbon fibre wing with three positions\nLT aerodynamic package in carbon fibre, including front splitter, front bumper, front floor, side skirts, rear bumper, rear diffuser\nAluminium bonnet with exposed carbon fibre air inlets\nThinner glass and motorsport-style polycarbonate glazing\nQuad-exit full-titanium exhaust system\n10-spoke ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, titanium bolts, and bespoke P Zero Trofeo R tyres\nOptional double-glazed engine showcase panel\nPERFORMANCE\nThe McLaren 765LT is born and bred for the track, which the British supercar maker claims to be the \u201cmost dynamically advanced and engaging LT model ever\u201d. Although still packing the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, significant improvements have been made to bump the power output up to 765 hp, hence the name.\nEngine: M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8\nTransmission: 7-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox, dual-clutch\nDrivetrain: Longitudinal mid engine, rear-wheel drive\nSuspension: Independent adaptive dampers, dual aluminium wishbones, with Proactive Chassis Control II\nMax horsepower: 765 hp @ 7,500 rpm\nMax torque: 800 Nm @ 5,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 2.8 seconds\n0-200 km/h: 7.2 seconds\nTop speed: 330 km/h\nNo stones were left unturned on the performance front, with a significant focus on light-weighting both inside and out. As a result, the McLaren 765LT weighs \n80 kg less than the 720S\n, and more than 50 kg below its closest competitor, according to the company. At its lightest dry weight of 1,229 kg, the 765LT boasts a weight-to-power ratio of \n622 hp-per-tonne\n.\nThe Super Series chassis on the 765LT has been enhanced with bespoke LT springs and dampers, increased front track width (6 mm), lower front ride-height (5 mm, rear unchanged) and a unique tune for the hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control II suspension software. Transmission has also been tuned for a faster gearing for optimised throttle response, resulting in a 15% quicker in-gear acceleration when compared to the 720S.\nStopping power is provided by carbon-ceramic discs measuring 390 mm and 380 mm front and rear, and six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers taken from the \nMcLaren Senna\n, with Formula 1-inspired cooling ducts for additional thermal management. The Clubsport package further adds LT-specific brake pads for extra stopping performance.\nINTERIOR\nBeing a track-focused machine, the McLaren 765LT comes as standard with its climate control and audio systems deleted to minimise weight, though can be added back in with no extra cost.\nOther weight-saving measures on the inside include carbon fibre racing seats, carbon fibre centre tunnel, exposed carbon fibre floor, and lightweight alcantara upholstery throughout \u2013 including the steering wheel with carbon fibre inserts.\nWith the Clubsport package selected, the McLaren 765LT even comes with the Super-Lighweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats taken straight from the McLaren Senna for even more weight savings, the McLaren Track Telemetry with a lap time function and three cameras, along with MSO Defined satin finish visual carbon fibre air vents.\nThe telemetry will be displayed on a central eight-inch infotainment screen, working in conjunction with the Folding Driver Display that can be set in full or minimised modes for different driving situations. For those who want to take the 765LT on daily drives, there\u2019s also a Bowers & Wilkins upgraded audio system as options.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the McLaren 765LT is now available in Malaysia starting at \nRM1,488,000 before tax and duties\n, which should be around the ballpark of RM3 million on the road, without insurance. Of course, the price is excluding any of the options you might want to add on to your exclusive one-of-765 unit.\nMcLaren Kuala Lumpur says that priority is given to privileged Malaysian buyers who are already owners of McLarens, and can expect to receive their new LTs in 2021, with first unit expected to be delivered in the first quarter of next year.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n is participating in Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TASKL) 2023, showcasing modified versions of the \nMitsubishi Triton\n \nand the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n. TASKL 2023 is taking place at MITEC Kuala Lumpur from \nJune 9 \nto \n11, 2023\n.\nYou\u2019ve probably seen images of this car before, but now you will have a chance to see the \nmodified Mitsubishi Xpander by Speedline Industries\n up close at the auto show. It pays tribute to the Mitsubishi Xpander AP4 rally car and is mainly a cosmetic upgrade.\nAlso showcased at the Mitsubishi booth at TASKL 2023 is a replica of the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) version of the Mitsubishi Triton. Clearly distinguishable as a replica by its lack of a roll cage and with its Malaysian registered plates, it still gives a decent visual impact that is worth checking out.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia is also showcasing two customer cars that have been modified. Naturally, with the brand\u2019s offerings in Malaysia, the customer cars are a modified Mitsubishi Triton and a modified Mitsubishi Xpander. Together with the replica rally cars, the customer cars are on display at Hall 3, lot C301 at Level 1.\nRELATED: \nThis rally-inspired Mitsubishi Xpander is sure to turn heads!\nTo add to the excitement of the event Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is giving away Mitsubishi merchandise to visitors who test drive either the Triton or the Xpander. Those who test drive the cars also stand a chance to win a Touch N Go reload pin worth \nRM300\n from a lucky draw.\nWith only the Triton and the Xpander being offered, Mitsubishi\u2019s entire lineup is present at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023. The event will take place in MITEC Kuala Lumpur and will be open to visitors from June 9 to 11, 2023.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi\u2019s challenger in the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally is a \u201cnearly-stock\u201d Triton!\nGALLERY"
"Wearnes Automotive in Singapore has opened a new Bugatti showroom to add to its already impressive portfolio of high-end makes.\nThe new \nBugatti Singapore\n showroom is the first in South East Asia and is only the third one in Asia, after first opening in Japan and Hong Kong. It\u2019s one of only 34 Bugatti showrooms and dealerships around the world and is now home to a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport on display.\nThe arrival of Bugatti adds to Wearnes\u2019 already comprehensive portfolio which also includes, Bentley, Aston Martin, Lotus, Alpine, Jaguar and soon, even Polestar.\nThis Bugatti pool table costs a cool RM1 million each! Read about it here!\n\u201cTo have a Bugatti showroom here is a significant moment for the Singapore automotive market and reflects on Singapore\u2019s status as a luxury hub,\u201d said a representative of Wearnes.\n\u201cWe want to establish ourselves as a destination for people buying high-end cars,\u201d said Wearnes in a separate interview.\nBugatti may have just officially landed in Singapore but operating under Wearnes, the pair alone has sold 18 units of the Chiron. Wearnes Automotive has been the official dealer of Bugatti in this region since 2006.\nThese Royale speakers are the Bugatti of audio entertainment.find out more here!"
"The nightmare for Volkswagen Group isn\u2019t over, it seems. Just shortly after \nannouncing their plans to go down the zero emissions route\n, Audi is yet again \naccused of installing a software cheat\n for the Audi A7 and A8 models.\nApproximately 24,000 cars produced and sold between 2009 and 2013 are involved in this episode, with close to 14,000 of them sold in Germany alone. The software allegedly halves the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions until the steering wheel is turned by 15 degrees, according to the German Transport Ministry.\nAudi went on to release the following statement: \u201cThe latest analyses of A7 and A8 automobiles of model years 2010 through 2013 with V6 and V8 engines certified according to the EU5 emission standard have revealed that in certain situations, NOx emissions are between 20 percent and 100 percent above the limit.\u201d\nA recall exercise for all the implicated cars has already been put in motion, and the software fix will only take 30 minutes. However, a group of disgruntled Volkswagen owners seem to face \nsevere performance drop and worsening fuel consumption after the rectification process\n, while some others even had mechanical problems.\nOn the brighter side of things, \nevery single variant of the\u00a0next generation Audi A8 D5 will be electrified\n. Let\u2019s hope they nip this in the bud soon.\nPictures by MotorTrend"
"A total of 48 female motoring journalist from 38 different countries have chosen the finalists for the Women\u2019s \nWorld Car of the Year\n.\nFor this year, a new voting system was introduced where the judges were required to select their Top 3 cars in each category. Among the criteria the cars were judged on include road competence, space and comfort, connectivity, safety, fuel economy, value for money plus style and design.\nAspects such as quality, ease of driving, benefits, and environmental footprint were also taken into account when casting the votes.\nThe cars judged were those launched between January to December 2020. The winner of each category will be announced at the end of February. The \n\u201cSupreme Winner\u201d\n will be the car that collects the most votes. Results will be released on International Women\u2019s Day.\nWomen\u2019s World Car of the Year was initiated by New Zealand motoring journalist, Sandy Myhre, in 2009 and is the only car awards group in the world comprised exclusively by female motoring journalists.\nThe objective of the awards is to choose the best cars of the year. The voting criteria are based on the same principles that guide any driver when choosing a car. The selections are not \u2018woman\u2019s car\u2019 because such categories do not exist."
"There\u2019s a new addition to the \nLEGO\n Technic Line up \u2013 a 1:8 scale \nBugatti Chiron\n \u2013 that\u2019s been\n\u00a0available online\n from 1st of June onwards or at all LEGO stores. This also means there\u2019s a new addition to the long list of grieves you\u2019ve already caused your girlfriend.\nWith over \n3,599 pieces\n to assemble, not only will you lose quality time with the better half (if you have one since you\u2019d rather spend time building LEGOs), you\u2019ll also need substantial space on that cabinet to display the 14cm (H) x 56cm (L) and 25cm (W) replica.\nIf however you happen to not have a girlfriend, fret not, as you\u2019d have plenty of time to admire the intricate details on the replica model to distract you from that loneliness.\nThey include an aerodynamic bodywork with an active rear wing, spoked rims with low-profile tires, \na detailed cockpit with movable paddle gearshift\n,\u00a0\ndetailed W16 engine with moving pistons \nand more crucially, \na speed key\n which enables you to switch the active rear wing to its \u201ctop speed position\u201d.\nEach individual model comes with its own unique serial number under the hood to unlock special content on the \nLEGO.com/technic\n website. Also under the hood is an additional authentic Bugatti Chiron detail \u2013 a stylish Bugatti overnight bag.\nTo top it all off, the set which \ncosts approx. RM 1,755\n comes enclosed in an exclusive box which includes a \u2019coffee table\u2019 style collectors booklet with comprehensive building instructions.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with GE Healthcare, announced that it will begin producing a third-party ventilator with the goal to produce 50,000 of ventilators within the next 100 days and up to 30,000 a month thereafter as needed.\nWhile Ford is bringing manufacturing capabilities to scale up production, GE Healthcare will provide its clinical expertise and will license the current ventilator design from Airon Corp.\nThe \nGE/Airon\n \nModel A-E ventilator\n is designed to \nutilise air pressure without the need for electricity\n, addressing the needs of most COVID-19 patients. It\u2019s quick and easy to setup, making it easy for healthcare workers to use and can be deployed in an emergency room setting, during special procedures or in an intensive care unit, wherever the patient may be located.\nModel A-E Ventilator Production Plan\n\u201cThe Ford and GE Healthcare teams have found a way to produce this vitally-needed ventilator quickly and in meaningful numbers,\u201d said Ford President and CEO, Jim Hackett.\nHe added, \u201cJust as Ford in the last century moved its manufacturing from auto to tank production during World War II, the Ford team is working with GE Healthcare to use its engineering and manufacturing know-how to help address this pressing global issue.\u201d\nFord expects to produce \n1,500 by the end of April, 12,000 by the end of May and 50,000 by July 4\n. Its Rawsonville plant will produce the ventilators nearly around the clock, with 500 paid volunteer employees working on three shifts. Airon currently produces three ventilators per day in Melbourne, Florida. At full production, Ford plans to make 7,200 Airon-licensed Model A-E ventilators per week.\nThe Airon-licensed Model A-E ventilator is the second Ford-GE Healthcare ventilator collaboration. Last week, \nFord and GE Healthcare announced a separate effort to produce a simplified ventilator design\n from GE Healthcare.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nModel A-E Ventilator Production Plan\nVentilator Production for COVID-19"
"There\u2019s no substitute to proper coffee. The amount of work that goes into growing the plant, harvesting the seeds from the fruit and subsequently roasting and grounding them, are all reflected in the first sip of that liquid energy. \nFor the better stuff, farmers even go to the extent of gathering Civet excrement, when they\u2019ve \u201cdiscarded\u201d the seeds from the fruit they\u2019ve eaten, to be made into really expensive \u201cKopi Luwak\u201d- there\u2019s just no cutting corners and two ways about it.\nThere\u2019s no resisting a closer look at the 812 Superfast.\nThe people who tirelessly immerse themselves into the process of farming to roasting to brewing are all, in a way, artists who ensure that the combination of their meticulous craft translates into a distinguished end product.\nThe same can be said about the artisans at Maranello, the headquarters of Ferrari, where perfection is never really enough when it comes to innovation and engineering. Every turn of the torque wrench, every fit of every component, especially in the engine room, is done with diligence in the mind and passion at heart.   Because at the core of this \nFerrari 812 Superfast\n is a 6.5-litre engine, the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever built for a production car, with \n800 hp\n, \n718 Nm\n of torque and a life-changing 8,500 rpm redline that just makes me, sad.\nNot because it\u2019s bad, no. But because I know many will get never get to experience the visceral euphoria of reaching and experiencing the very limits of Ferrari\u2019s engineering, stemmed from the royalties of motorsports, Formula 1.\nAlthough based on the preceding Ferrari F12, nearly \n75% of the V12 engine is new\n along with the adopted \u201ccontinuously variable inlet ducts\u201d straight out of Ferrari\u2019s Formula 1 engine.\nAs a result, 0 to 100 km/h is accomplished in just \n2.9 seconds\n and is sure to make you proud of yourself \u2013 simply by getting to the other side safely. I know I was, even took one hand off the super quick-reacting steering to give myself a pat on the back.\nIn case the sensations aren\u2019t overwhelming enough, Ferrari\u2019s got other ways to scare your passengers.\nI\u2019ve never felt such a slow creeping, yet intense head rush before on my way to 200 km/h, which was over in just \n7.9 seconds\n. If you thought I was smitten, imagine how frightening it was to be the Ferrari chaperon, looking at the digital display ahead for the front passenger as I pleasured myself with my right foot.\nThat clearly did not sound right.\nNo matter, because nothing about this car seems right, logical or sensible, in a good way. I mean, how is this all possible? It\u2019s hard to fathom how the average consumer (albeit the top 1% we\u2019re talking about) is allowed to possess a piece of weapon such as this, for road use no less.\nLike firearms, those looking to purchase this car should be put through a series of training sessions and tests before acquiring the license to roam free in it.   The speeds you can reach, given the minimal amount of time and space, is just staggering. And when you\u2019re looking for a not-so-instant rush where you can get the car ready and in gear, take a deep breath before being rocketing ahead, the 812 Superfast has a couple of cool tricks up its 7-speed F1 DCT\u2019s sleeves.\nWhile on the move, simply hold on to the downshift lever for a few seconds longer and the 7-speed F1 DCT just kicks down to the lowest possible gear for the car to be on standby, for when you\u2019re ready to experience being on a catapult.\nThat, or as GC Mah shared from his experience in testing the 812 Superfast on the Fiorano test track in Ferrari\u2019s backyard, simply tap on the throttle and the transmission will automatically drop two gears (at least) down and you\u2019re off.\nJust remember to keep two both hands on the steering. As forgiving and docile as the car is, you really need full concentration in this \u2013 it reacts faster than a human brain can think.   If you excel in that, your reaction times will still be slower than the steering\u2019s response. It\u2019s so beyond telepathic, it\u2019s almost scary.\nUnlike all the cars we get to test, things are quite different with the Ferrari. With the 812 Superfast, the car judges you instead of the other way round. The car questions your ability to drive it, drive it well and leaves you no room to question its ability in return.\nIt leaves you no room for distraction either. As much as it\u2019s positioned as a Grand Tourer, there are no fancy gizmos or colourful displays to fiddle with, like in the GTC4 Lusso. \nInstead, all you get is a steering that\u2019s furnished with all the necessary controls you\u2019ll ever need to operate the vehicle and some controls below that\u2019s perpendicular to each other \u2013 all neatly positioned for a convenient reach.\n \nThere are still \u201cgrand touring traits\u2019 to it, in more ways than one. For all the hell it can raise, the 812 Superfast balances it out with the comfort levels of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class in Sports Mode.\nAt no point did I feel like I needed a break from it, whether from fatigue or dizziness. It\u2019s also very well insulated from the inside this thing.\nWe only got to spend a brief few hours in it en route to Kuala Kubu Bharu \u2013 the motoring industry\u2019s most overused photo shoot location \u2013 but the 812 Superfast needed far less than that to leave an impression.\nAfter closely examining its aerodynamically-accomplished body upon arrival, I realised that it\u2019s beyond us to question not just its ability, but its looks as well.\nYou can\u2019t look at the Mona Lisa and say that she should\u2019ve been painted with a wider smile, nor can you say Tyra Banks should be white instead \u2013 some things you just don\u2019t question but accept them for all they\u2019re intended to be.\nIt may be high praise for the Prancing Horse but it\u2019s a regard the Italians fully deserve; if only you were as fortunate as I was to realise it.\nThe last time Ferrari anointed the Superfast name on one of its horses, it was in the form of a very rare 410 Superfast Pinin Farina Speciale where only 35 or so units were ever built, with around 350 hp to its name.\nIt was also twice as expensive as its closest rival, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL \u201cGullwing\u201d, which offered 100 hp less.\nWhat a time to return that tradition-steeped name, on such a car. What a car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Smart #1\n\u5373\u5c06\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u4e0a\u5e02\u5df2\u7ecf\u4e0d\u662f\u4ec0\u4e48\u79d8\u5bc6\u4e86\u3002\u5728\u5373\u5c06\u8fdb\u884c\u7684\u516c\u5f00\u9996\u79c0\u4e4b\u524d\uff0cSmart Malaysia\u900f\u9732\uff0cSmart #1\u5df2\u7ecf\u8fdb\u884c\u4e86\u4e00\u4e9b\u4e25\u683c\u7684\u6d4b\u8bd5\uff08\u5305\u62ec20000\u516c\u91cc\u7684\u8def\u8bd5\uff09\u4ee5\u786e\u4fdd\u5176\u9002\u5408\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\u3002\u5728\u5373\u5c06\u8fdb\u884c\u7684\u9996\u6b21\u516c\u5f00\u9732\u9762\u4e4b\u540e\uff0cSmart #1\u9884\u8ba1\u5c06\u57282023\u5e74\u7b2c\u56db\u5b63\u5ea6\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u6b63\u5f0f\u53d1\u5e03\u3002\n\u540c\u6837\u5728\u9996\u6b21\u516c\u5f00\u4eae\u76f8\u4e4b\u524d\uff0cSmart #1\u5df2\u7ecf\u79c1\u4e0b\u5411\u5a92\u4f53\u548c\u6f5c\u5728\u5ba2\u6237\u5c55\u793a\u3002\u79c1\u4eba\u9884\u89c8\u8ba9\u53c2\u4e0e\u8005\u6709\u673a\u4f1a\u4f53\u9a8cSmart #1\uff0c\u5305\u62ec\u5728\u5c01\u95ed\u8d5b\u9053\u4e0a\u8fdb\u884c\u8bd5\u9a7e\u3002\u53c2\u4e0e\u8005\u4e0d\u4ec5\u4e86\u89e3\u4e86Smart #1\u7684\u5168\u90e8\u7ec6\u8282\uff0c\u800c\u4e14\u8fd8\u5206\u4eab\u4e86\u4ed6\u4eec\u5bf9\u8fd9\u6b3e\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u7684\u53cd\u9988\u3002\nSmart Malaysia\u9996\u5e2d\u6267\u884c\u5b98\u5f20\u5f3a\u8868\u793a\uff1a\u201c\u901a\u8fc7\u805a\u96c6\u4eba\u4eec\uff0c\u7279\u522b\u662f\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u7231\u597d\u8005\uff0c\u5e76\u5171\u4eab\u77e5\u8bc6\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u5e0c\u671b\u80fd\u63d0\u9ad8\u516c\u4f17\u7684\u8ba4\u77e5\uff0c\u5e76\u8ba9\u53c2\u4e0e\u8005\u6709\u673a\u4f1a\u4eb2\u8eab\u4f53\u9a8cSmart #1\u3002\u201d\nSmart Malaysia\u8fd8\u6ca1\u6709\u786e\u8ba4\u5c06\u4e3a\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\u63d0\u4f9b\u54ea\u4e9b\u7248\u672c\u3002\u5728\u5168\u7403\u8303\u56f4\u5185\uff0cSmart #1\u63d0\u4f9bPro+\u3001Premium\u3001Pulse\u548cBrabus\u56db\u4e2a\u7248\u672c\u3002\u524d\u4e24\u8005\u4e3a\u540e\u9a71\uff08RWD\uff09\u6a21\u578b\uff0c\u540e\u4e24\u8005\u4e3a\u5168\u9a71\uff08AWD\uff09\u6a21\u578b\u3002\nSmart Malaysia\u8fd8\u900f\u9732\uff0cSmart #1\u5728\u516c\u5f00\u4eae\u76f8\u548c\u53d1\u5e03\u4e4b\u524d\u6b63\u5728\u8fdb\u884c\u5927\u91cf\u6d4b\u8bd5\u3002\u8fd9\u5305\u62ec\u4e00\u4e2a20000\u516c\u91cc\u7684\u81ea\u9002\u5e94\u6d4b\u8bd5\uff0c\u4ee5\u8bc4\u4f30\u8f66\u8f86\u5728\u5b9e\u9645\u6761\u4ef6\u4e0b\u7684\u6027\u80fd\u3001\u53ef\u9760\u6027\u548c\u5b89\u5168\u6027\uff0c\u7279\u522b\u662f\u9488\u5bf9\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684\u5929\u6c14\u548c\u8def\u51b5\u8fdb\u884c\u9002\u5e94\u3002\u5373\u4f7f\u662fSmart #1\u7684\u4e3b\u673a\u5355\u5143\u4e5f\u6b63\u5728\u63a5\u53d7\u591a\u4e2a\u6d4b\u8bd5\u7528\u4f8b\u7684\u4e25\u683c\u6d4b\u8bd5\u3002\n\u5f20\u5f3a\u8865\u5145\u8bf4\uff1a\u201c\u53e6\u5916\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u8fdb\u884c\u4e86\u672c\u5730\u96c6\u6210\u548c\u663e\u793a\u5934\u529f\u80fd\u6d4b\u8bd5\uff0c\u5305\u62ec12000\u4e2a\u6d4b\u8bd5\u7528\u4f8b\u548c\u6761\u4ef6\u3002\u5728\u670d\u52a1\u65b9\u9762\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u5df2\u6210\u529f\u5f00\u53d1\u4e86\u6211\u4eec\u7684\u552e\u540e\u7f51\u7edc\u548c\u5728\u7ebf\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\u5728\u8fc7\u53bb\u76846\u4e2a\u6708\u91cc\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u5bf9\u670d\u52a1\u529f\u80fd\u8fdb\u884c\u4e86\u5e7f\u6cdb\u6d4b\u8bd5\uff0c\u4ee5\u786e\u4fdd\u7ec8\u7aef\u7528\u6237\u7684\u4f7f\u7528\u4f53\u9a8c\u987a\u7545\u3002\u201d\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011"
"The ongoing Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show is the first global automotive showcase event since the disruption caused by the global pandemic. Toyota as such is riding on this event to announce their first big step towards fully electric vehicles (EV) with the Toyota bZ4X.\nIt is however more than just another vehicle from the Japanese giant, as the bZ or \u201c\nbeyond zero\n\u201d communicates much more. In its development of battery EVs, Toyota has taken distinct approaches based on the idea of utilising the advantages of battery EVs, considering CO2 reductions from life cycle analysis or LCA.\nThe new Toyota bZ series of BEVs takes on a \u201chuman-centred\u201d approach aimed at widespread use in regions such as China, the US, and Europe and incorporates the desire to provide customers with value that exceeds mere \u201czero emissions.\u201d\nAs reported earlier, Toyota will be \npartnering with Subaru\n on the new battery EV SUV project and the result is the e-TNGA battery EV dedicated platform. Subaru will also contribute its expertise in the development of the new electric \nall-wheel drive\n control system.\nChief Technical Officer, Masahiko Maeda, said, \u201cTo provide and meet customers\u2019 needs of multiple sizes and styles, it is difficult for us to do by ourselves. It was jointly developed with our expert partners sharing our beliefs about manufacturing in their fields. By utilising all of our strengths, a battery EV with new values can be created,\u201d\nAs such, the announcement of \nBYD\n of China, \nDaihatsu\n and \nSuzuki\n as part of the development partners of the bZ project. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nA key highlight of the Toyota bZ4X and perhaps the bZ series is the \nsteer-by-wire\n technology. Toyota further emphasises the technology with the \nuniquely shaped\n steering wheel. The company says it is the first vehicle in the world to have the steering wheel completely disconnected from the steering system.\nA steer-by-wire system allows for better calibration of the steering response, reduced vibrations and also better packaging of the interior.\nNissan Motor\u2019s Infiniti Q50 and Q60 models also featured a steer-by-wire system, however, there is conventional steering hardware with a coupling clutch acting as a back-up should the system encounter any interruption or malfunction.\nToyota plans to produce the Toyota bZ4X in Japan and China; it hopes to begin worldwide sales of the model by the middle of 2022 with\n seven \nother bZ models planned for introduction by 2025. \u00a0\nAt that same timeline, Toyota in total will have \n15 EVs\n joining the fleet of electrified vehicles (hybrid, fuel-cell and battery EVs) that will increase from 55 at the end of last year to \n70 models\n. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"It is certainly refreshing to see the launch of a sporty turbocharged hatchback. With the return of Suzuki to Malaysia, the event felt like two celebrations in one!\nSuzuki, through \nNaza Eastern Motors\n, has just started the distribution of new-generation Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia. Their first product is the enthusiasts\u2019 favourite- the Suzuki Swift Sport. It is priced at \nRM139,900\n on the road, without insurance and inclusive of a three-year/100,000 km warranty.\n \nThe Suzuki Swift Sport needs no introduction, as Suzuki basically turns the basic and eco-car Swift into a more potent, more fun-to-drive hatchback. The Suzuki Swift Sport gets exclusive bumpers, an all-around bodykit with weave-pattern, dual exhaust outlets, 16-inch wheels and retuned suspension and braking system.\nInside, two semi-bucket sport seats hug the front occupants. Plenty of red and black are used in the interior, including a large red-faced tachometer.\nUnder the compact bonnet lies a new 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Outputs of \n140 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n of torque might not sound much, but with just a kerb weight of 990 kg, the powertrain catapults the Swift Sport from standstill to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds.\nFor more details on the Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Turbo in Malaysia, click \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia recently launched its \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d campaign, where the company is celebrating its one-million-units milestone by \ngiving away seven special edition models\n. Now to complement the big giveaway, Honda Malaysia has also partnered up with local streetwear brand Pestle & Motar Clothing (PMC) to launch a new line of special edition merchandise, dubbed \u201cOne Million Dreams Collection\u201d.\nOfficial merchandises are usually only sold to car nerds like us, because \u2013 let\u2019s be honest \u2013 these things are never fashionable enough to be worn by the general public. These though, thanks to PMC\u2019s expertise, we can genuinely see them being adorned by some 20-plus-year-old Instagrammer at a fancy \u201chipster\u201d caf\u00e9 \u2013 they\u2019re that cool. Anyway, we digress.\nThe Honda x PMC One Million Dreams Collection consists of six unisex items \u2013 reversible bucket hat, neck pouch, polo shirt, short and long sleeve shirts, as well as a racing jacket.\nFancy them? The \u201cOne Million Dreams Collection\u201d will be available in limited numbers on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s official Shopee store\n, linked \nhere\n on the \n1st of April 2021\n. But from now until the 28th of March Honda Malaysia is also giving out pre-launch vouchers, to be used on the day itself.\nTo collect your vouchers worth RM20 (2,000 Shopee coins), simply register your interest through Honda Malaysia\u2019s post on Facebook, linked \nhere\n, but be quick \u2013 only 100 vouchers will be given out, on a first-come, first-serve basis.\nIn addition to the new merchandise line, Honda Malaysia will also be offering a bundle package at a \u201cspecial price\u201d for customers who purchase other Honda Special Edition merchandise, and selected\n \u2018TEI\u2019 Series merchandise \nfrom its official Shopee store."
"Unveiled \nearlier this year\n, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has just been made available for the UK buyers\u00a0with a base price of\u00a0\u00a330,675.\nExternally the JCW Countryman is dressed with the JCW kit that comprises of front and rear bumpers and a roof spoiler, as well as 18-inch JCW light alloy wheels. A set of bigger 19-inch wheels is optional, but regardless of wheel size, all JCW Countryman comes with Brembo brakes with red-painted calipers. Meanwhile the cabin receives JCW sports seats, JCW sports steering wheel, and JCW gear lever.   Under the bonnet, the \nTwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n is the same unit found in the \nJCW hatchback\n and the \nJCW Clubman\n, delivering \n231 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. As standard, the JCW Countryman is fitted with \nAll4 all-wheel drive system\n and a \n6-speed manual\n transmission, with an \n8-speed automatic\n transmission available as an option. Surprisingly both the manual and auto variant get from nought to 100 km/h in \n6.5 seconds\n.\nAs mentioned,\u00a0in UK the JCW Countryman is\u00a0priced from \u00a330,675 (approximately RM170,500). Closer to home we saw the Countryman made its \nASEAN premiere\n at the recent 2017 Bangkok International Motor Show, with prices that start from \u0e3f2,339,000 (approximately RM301,540) for the Cooper variant. The Countryman is expected to be launched here in Malaysia very soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In demonstrating the prowess of its new grand tourer, Kia pitted the \nStinger GT\n against the\n Porsche Panamera 3.0-litre V6\n and the \nBMW 640i Gran Coupe\n and the results would blow you away.\nThe Stinger GT, officially \nthe quickest Kia in the world\n, went head-to-head with both the German powerhouses twice its asking price in \nfour different tests\n; 0 \u2013 100 km/h, a cornering test, a slalom test and a close-course lap.\nAt the end, the Kia Stinger GT outperformed the BMW 640i Gran Coupe by a comfortable margin and was on par with the competent Porsche Panamera V6\u2019s all-round performance.\nLocally, we got to \npreview the Stinger GT\n in the flesh a few months back at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow with no indication just yet on its arrival."
"Hyundai unveiled the latest addition to its high performance range the Veloster N \u2013 born in Hyundai\u2019s global R&D centre in Namyang, South Korea but groomed and nurtured at the Nurburging.\nThe Veloster N\u2019s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine boasts\n 275 hp\n and \n352 Nm\n of torque. The turbo system intercooler is isolated from the condenser and radiator for even more efficient cooling of the intake charge.\nSupporting the engine is a close-ratio, short-shift 6-speed manual transmission with downshift rev-matching capabilities. The powertrain also includes a multi-mode, high flow active sport exhaust system with a variable exhaust actuator. In N mode, the Veloster riles the sensations with over-run exhaust crackles during spirited driving upshifts and rev-matched downshifts.\nOn the outside, the Veloster\u2019s front end features N-specific items including a grille with dedicated front air ducts for enhanced brake cooling. At the back is a larger N-design spoiler, an integrated diffuser and a high-flow dual exhaust.   19-inch alloy wheels with a machined-finished dual-spoke star design sits below the Veloster\u2019s arches, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres. Underneath the lightweight wheels are upsized brake discs at both front and rear for better heat-dissipating brake performance.\nInside the Veloster, you get N-design front cloth sport seats, N-design steering wheel, shift knob and instrument cluster. The N-design cluster even comes with a sequential shift indicator.\nDrive is supplemented by the N Power Sense Axle design for more precise, quicker and more progressive steering response. It\u2019s cornering performance is further enhanced with with an electronically-controlled N Corner-Carving Limited-slip Differential.\nSettings of the car can be adjusted via the N Grin Control drive mode selection system \u2013 with Normal, Sport, N, Eco and N custom modes. The different modes can influence throttle response, engine speed rev-matching, exhaust notes, suspension damping and steering feel.\nThe Veloster N is available in four colour choices \u2013 Ultra Black, Chalk White, Racing Red and the N-exclusive Performance Blue, inspired by Hyundai Motorsport."
"Isuzu Malaysia has officially introduced the special edition (not to be confused with limited edition) of their popular D-Max workhorse, the \nIsuzu D-Max Diablo\n. It\u2019s available here in two engine offerings \u2013 a \n2.5-litre\n and \n3.0-litre\n \nVGS turbodiesel\n, the former priced at \nRM110k\n and the latter at \nRM117k\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nIsuzu D-Max Diablo 2.5L 4\u00d74\nIsuzu D-Max Diablo 3.0L 4\u00d74\nSegment\nPick-up truck\nPick-up truck\nEngine\n2,499cc; inline-4 turbo intercooler diesel\n2,999; inline-4 turbo intercooler diesel\nTransmission\n5-speed auto with Sequential Shift\n5-speed auto with Sequential Shift\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n174 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @ 1,800 to 2,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 1,800 to 2,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n insurance)\nRM110,189.60\nRM116,959.90\n\u00a0\nThe last D-Max came in the guise of the Artic 3.0L which was launched last September as a 500-unit limited edition run. However, the D-Max Diablo will not be subjected to such exclusivity, meaning there\u2019s no cap on the number of units it will be produced.\nEXTERIOR\nWe\u2019ll keep it short, because most of the changes here are cosmetics. The Diablo will only be offered in one colour \u2013 Cosmic Black Mica, fitting that of its name. Both the 2.5L and 3.0L will look identical on the outside and the inside, but we\u2019ll get to the latter in a bit.\nOn the outside, you get the front bumper guards accented in matte aluminium-like colour, Diablo body decals, LED daytime running lights, roof rails, door visors, side steps, variant exclusive 17-inch Lenso alloy rims wrapped in 255/65 R17 rubbers and the RM5,500 D-LOC cargo cover with aero spoiler. Do note that all the accessories offered here amount to \nRM10,150\n, and they all come as standard with the Diablo. The chrome bits on the outside have also been given a dark grey finish to match the body colour.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Diablo gets a rather contrasting appeal. In Isuzu\u2019s own words, the Diablo is \u2018draped in Bloody Red Premium Italian Leather\u2019. Yep, they\u2019re going full on Diabolic here. Other parts of the cabin remain largely the same, though the Diablo benefits from LED illuminated scuff plates and Blaupunkt multimedia DVD player system worth RM2,500.\nThe only difference between the 2.5L and 3.0L Diablo variant is its air conditioning unit. The 2.5L settles for manual climate control whereas the 3.0L gets auto air conditioning controls. Both variants will also get Diablo embroidered carpets and reverse camera\nPERFORMANCE\nNo changes have been made under the hood here. The 2.5-litre unit still makes \n134 hp\n at 3,600 rpm and \n320 Nm\n of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm, wheras the 3.0-litre unit plucked from the V-Cross variant makes the identical \n174 hp\n at 3,600 rpm and \n380 Nm\n of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm. Drivetrain is also the same \u2013 a \nfive-speed automatic\n with Sequential Shift, channeling drive to all four wheels.\nWHAT ELSE?\nSafety wise, the Diablo comes with \ntwo SRS airbags\n, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ESC and Traction Control System, child ISOFIX mount and reverse sensors. Again, the Diablo will only come in Cosmic Black Mica, and is priced at RM110k for the 2.5L and RM117k for the 3.0L. Both variants come with Isuzu\u2019s three-year or 100,000 km warranty programme, whichever comes first.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced a new Special Service Campaign (SSC) recall for the Toyota Avanza, due to a faulty fuel pump which may stop operating. According to UMWT, this SSC is an expansion of an \nearlier campaign\n.\nBased on information received from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), the recall campaign will affect \n3,923 units\n of Toyota Avanza, manufactured from \nOctober 2017 to June 2019\n and distributed by UMWT.\nSimilar to the previous recall campaigns, the faulty fuel pumps in the affected Toyota Avanza may stop operating while in motion, and may cause engine power hesitation. Warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel. If this were to occur, the vehicle might stall, and will be unable to restart.\nThe replacement of the fuel pumps will be made at no charge. Customers involved in the recall campaign will be officially notified by UMWT directly.\nFor further information, customers may contact any authorised Toyota service centre, or call the Toyota Freephone at \n1800-8-869682\n. Alternatively, you can also enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the SSC webpage, linked \nhere\n, to check if your vehicle is involved in any recall campaigns.\nIt is understood that these faulty fuel pumps are manufactured by Denso, which has initiated a global recall exercise involving more than 5.84 million vehicles from various manufacturers worldwide. In Malaysia, Toyota, Lexus,\u00a0\nHonda\n, and\u00a0\nMazda\n\u00a0have issued recalls as a result of these faulty fuel pumps.\nUMWT would like to reiterate that the safety of their customers are of utmost importance, and regrets any inconveniences caused by this recall campaign."
"Your car is at risk of damage not only when you\u2019re driving it. Sometimes, damage can happen while your car is stationary \u2013 flood damage, damage due to a landslide, or even damage due to a volcano eruption (in places where that is a reality). But did you know that the typical comprehensive car coverage does not cover these types of damages to your car?\nThe types of damages mentioned earlier are essentially convulsions of nature (or natural disasters). And to get your car protected from these types of damages, you will need Special Perils coverage. It is a type of additional coverage that you will have to add on top of the usual comprehensive car coverage.\nIf it can be proven that the tree fell due to convulsions of nature (i.e. a hurricane), you can claim the damages through special perils coverage\nIf you\u2019re already familiar with third-party-only and comprehensive coverage, you would already know that comprehensive car coverage is the more complete protection package. However, it is important to note that even with comprehensive car coverage, certain types of damages are still not covered. And unfortunately, \u201cdamage caused by convulsions of nature\u201d is one of them.\nJust for your information, the items listed below are not covered by the typical comprehensive car coverage:\nConsequential loss\nLoss of use\nDepreciation\nBreakdown or malfunction of parts\nDamage to tyre(s)\nConvulsions of Nature\nExcess\nYes, most of them are pretty obvious to the experienced motorist, but some of us are still unaware of what is and what is not covered by our respective car coverages \u2013 Natural disasters being one of them. When the type of damage is not covered by your car coverage, you will have to fork out your own money to fix the damages. And not all of us are privileged enough to be able to afford that.\nRELATED: \nIs it worth getting windscreen coverage for your car?\nDamaging your car by purposely driving into a body of water makes it uneligible for coverage claims, whether or not you have special perils as an add on.\nWith the addition of special perils coverage, your car will be covered for loss, damage, or liability caused by:\nFlood\nTyphoon\nHurricane\nStorm\nTempest\nVolcanic eruption\nEarthquake\nLandslide\nLandslip\nSubsidence or sinking of the soil/earth\n.and or other convulsions of nature.\nWhile we Malaysians are blessed to be living in a country with minimal natural disasters, we are still at risk of events like floods and landslides. And thus, it would make sense to add special perils coverage to our normal car coverage. It usually doesn\u2019t even cost that much.\nIt is important to note that special perils coverage is different from a flood damage allowance that some coverage providers offer. With a flood damage allowance, you will be given a fixed allowance (in the event of flood damage) and it only serves to lessen the cost burden of dealing with the flood damage. With special perils coverage, your car is insured on its current market value, should it be damaged due to natural disasters.\nRELATED: \nThird-party Only vs Comprehensive car coverage \u2013 What\u2019s the difference?\nSo, let\u2019s say you already have special perils coverage for your car. How do you claim your special perils coverage? Well, here are a few simple steps for you to follow\nTake pictures of your damaged car and its surroundings\nLodge a police report\nContact your car coverage provider\nThe first thing you\u2019ll have to do is to take pictures of your damaged car and its surroundings as proof. Although no crimes were involved, you will have to lodge a police report in order for you to proceed with making your claims. And when that is done, you\u2019ll have to contact your coverage provider to proceed with the claims.\nSince the most likely natural disaster for Malaysian motorists is flood, remember to not start your car after it has been flood damaged, as that would only make things worse and could void your claims.\nHaven\u2019t added special perils coverage to your car just yet? Why not do so with \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa?\nRELATED: \nGet 10% rebate and cashback with your car coverage \u2013 Introducing MotorTakaful by Etiqa"
"Gaydon-based luxury sportscar maker has just unveiled their track-focused variant of the \nAston Martin Vantage\n complete with the addition of a third pedal and manual transmission.\nThe Aston Martin Vantage AMR is not set out for record-breaking lap times around a track but rather delivering the most exhilarating involvement and driving experience to the driver. Hence, the AMG-sourced 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 is now paired to a dog-leg 7-speed manual transmission \u2013 just like its predecessor.\nMax power from the V8 is rated at \n510 hp \nbut torque has been revised to \n625 Nm\n, 60 Nm down from the standard V8 Vantage as a result from the manual box. Century sprint is 0.4 seconds slower, in \n4.0 seconds \nflat while maximum velocity remains the same at \n314 km/h\n.\nBy swapping out the automatic for this manual transmission developed by Graziano and including carbon ceramic brakes as standard, Aston Martin has shaved \n95 kgs \nof weight from the Vantage which improves the cars overall handling and precision. The manual transmission also features the AMSHIFT system which gives the driver the capability of automatic rev-matching at downshifts and full-throttle upshifts \u2013 of course, purist has the option to have all the systems turned off should they prefer.\nOnly 200 units of the Vantage AMR will be built in five designer specifications \u2013 Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey or White Stone. In celebration of the 60th anniversary since Aston Martin\u2019s triumphant 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with DBR1, the final 59 units (of the 200) named \u201cVantage 59\u201d will be crafted exclusively in Stirling Green and Lime exterior paint scheme and Dark Knight leather and Alcantara interior, finished with a signature AMR lime stripe and stitch.\nThe Vantage AMR is on sale now with a recommended retail price from \u00a3149,995 in the UK and moving forward, the standard Vantage V8 will be available with a manual gearbox option from Q1 2020 onwards. Deliveries of the first Vantage AMR are scheduled to begin during the final quarter of 2019.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAston\u00a0Martin\u00a0Vantage\u00a059 AMR"
"The service interval for a conventional family saloon is usually at 6 months or 10,000 km which is just about the average distance travelled for a private own vehicle. However, Farrah Haines was required to service her 2013 Hyundai Elantra every fortnightly because she clocked an astonishing 1 million miles (1.6 million km) in five years.\nFarrah is a delivery driver and she uses her trusty fifth-generation Elantra to carry out her delivery duties. Being on the move seven days a week, she clocks 200,000 miles a year (322,000 km) amounting to the 1 million reading on the odometer in just five years.\nWhen Farrah was approaching the 1-million-mile mark, the digital odometer is unable to register 1,000,000, she contacted Hyundai about the milestone and the Korean carmaker responded by installed a handcrafted million-mile emblem onto her dashboard as well as a 1 Million Mile Club license plate holder.\nThe million-mile Elantra appears to be in great shape and is ready to take on many more miles with its owner, a testament to a strict service schedule and diligent owner. Despite that, Hyundai USA has surprised Farrah with a brand new 2019 Hyundai Elantra in a heart-warming delivery just in time for Christmas.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMillion Mile Hyundai Elantra"
"When Volkswagen \nunveiled the ID.3 back in 2019\n, the German carmaker lauded it as the \u201cthird big chapter\u201d in its history, after the \nBeetle \nand \nGolf\n. But with a starting price north of EUR40,000, on top of a generally bland design plus an \ninfuriating infotainment system\n, the ID.3 was unfortunately not the people\u2019s EV it hoped to be.\nNow though, with new boss Thomas Schafer at the helm of the brand, Volkswagen wants to start again with the ID.2all. It\u2019s currently still in concept form, but with a scheduled launch sometime in 2025, the ID.2all is probably already not too far away from final production form.\nThe Volkswagen ID.2all looks to be everything the ID.3 wanted to be all along \u2013 small, cute, but with one key difference: a starting price of under EUR25,000. That much more wallet-friendly price essentially places the ID.2all in between the Volkswagen Polo and Golf.\nDitto its size, measuring 4,050 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm; 1,812 mm in width, and 1,530 mm in height. Thanks to the use of the MEB platform (or rather a new variant called the MEB Entry. more on that later), it\u2019ll also boast an internal space similar to that of the Golf, with up to 490 litres of rear cargo room.\nVolkswagen says that despite its low entry price, the ID.2all will still come with all the latest tech features, including the IQ.Light matrix LED headlights, Travel Assist advanced driver assist features, as well as fully digital interfaces on the interior.\nOn the latter, it seems Volkswagen has also learned their lessons and included a myriad of physical buttons on both the steering wheel and dashboard, plus even a rotary dial on the centre console for good measure.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.7 debuts in camouflage, EV luxury sedan with 700km range\nBased on initial specifications, it seems that Volkswagen isn\u2019t cheapening out on performance, too. A front-mounted electric motor (a first in the ID line-up, enabled by the new MEB Entry platform) dispenses up to 226 hp of output, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of under 7 seconds.\nNo battery size has been mentioned thus far, but Volkswagen says that the ID.2all will boast a WLTP driving range of around 450 km, and can be charged via DC power in approximately 20 minutes (10-80%).\nHow Volkswagen intends to achieve all that while still being profitable at such a low entry price is truly anyone\u2019s guess, but we\u2019re genuinely excited to see the German carmaker returning to its roots \u2013 especially since they\u2019re also planning for ten more new EVs by 2026, including one priced under EUR20,000.\nIt\u2019s the \npeople\u2019s car\n, after all.\nREAD MORE: \nUpcoming Volkswagen ID.2 EV could be renamed as Golf, to spawn electric GTI\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s called the \nLexus IS\n \u201cWax Edition\u201d and it comes with a\n fully-functional turntable built into the dashboard\n. It\u2019s capable of playing vinyl records while the car is in motion, even when it gets bumpy. You can see the purpose of this build, don\u2019t you?\nIn doing so, Lexus has also collaborated with producer and DJ MC Madlib and SCPS, a custom fabrication studio in Los Angeles, to create a record player \nmade from a 3D printer\n, finished with carbon fibre and machined aluminium.\nThe player fits snuggly into the Lexus IS\u2019 glovebox and is large enough to play \na full-sized 12-inch record\n. Once the needle hits the grooves on the vinyl, a rotating motor helps stabilise the turntable to avoid skipping while the vehicle is in motion.\nTo top it off, the Lexus IS also comes with a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system with a whopping total of\n 17 speakers\n and an amplifier capable of pumping out 1,800 watts of audio power for a 7.1 surround sound experience.\nThis is as you\u2019d expect, is a stunt to promote the Lexus IS\u2019 enhanced suspension for the signature Lexus ride comfort. Don\u2019t get your hopes up though, as the custom concept\n will not be for sale \nbut will instead be used as a display at Lexus events.\nRecently, Lexus introduced the \nIS 500 F Sport \nwith 472 hp and 535 Nm from a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 paired to an 8-speed automatic. The powerful lump is capable of taking the Lexus to 100 km/h from standstill in just 4.5 seconds!\nGALLERY"
"Meet the Hyundai i30 Tourer, the wagon sibling of the \ni30 hatch\n that was unveiled recently. The Tourer will offer much more boot space than the hatch and will go up against the likes of the Golf Estate and Civic Tourer estate. The i30 Tourer will take\u00a0centre stage at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.\nWhile the overall width and wheelbase measures the same as the five-door hatch, the overall length and height is wider and taller at 4,585 mm (5-door: 4,340 mm) and 1,465 mm (1,475 mm with roof rack) respectively.\nHyundai has always been an expert at adapting various body styles to a wagon; just take for example the\u00a0\ni40 Tourer\n. As for this i30, the front profile mirrors the one on the hatchback, beginning with the the trapezoidal grille, full LED headlamps and vertical LED DRLs. From the side, the rear overhangs are noticeably longer and the addition of roof rails further accentuates the wagon styling.\nThanks to the extended overall length, the i30 Tourer now gets \n602 litres\n of boot space and with the rear seats folded down, that number jumps to 1,650 litres. This gives the i30 Tourer one of the largest boots in its segment. The interior remains as sleek and well equipped as its hatchback sibling with a free floating 8-inch touchscreen infotainment supporting\u00a0Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and LIVE Services. There\u2019s also a Qi wireless charging tray.\nThree engine options are available at launch \u2013 a 1.6-litre turbodiesel making\u00a0\n108 hp\n, 1.4-litre four-pot T-GDI with \n138 hp\n and 1.0-litre three-pot T-GDI producing\u00a0\n118 hp\n. Like the hatchback, a standard six-speed manual transmission and Hyundai\u2019s seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) options are available.\nThis family wagon comes with an array of state-of the art safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist System. Other standard features include Advanced Smart Cruise Control that automatically accelerates and brakes in traffic, operable at up to 180 km/h. There\u2019s also Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and Speed Limit Information Function \u2013 all these as standard!\nThe previous generation i30 hatchback was \nonce on sale here in Malaysia\n\u00a0before it was discontinued along with the i40 Tourer. Guess we won\u2019t be expecting this beauty on our roads anytime soon. That\u2019s a shame.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just a week before its official launch next Thursday, we\u2019ve managed to catch a glimpse of the \nall-new Mazda2\n, courtesy of reader Eng Yoong. This Mazda2 hatch was seen being transported around \nGlenmarie\n earlier this afternoon, presumably to the showroom where it will be launched.\nBoth the Mazda2 seen here in the picture above is of the hatchback variant, and we now know the road-going price from \nour previous story\n \u2013 \nRM85,470\n without insurance.\nUpdate\n: As far as we know, both the Mazda2 sedan and hatchback that we\u2019ll be receiving will be \nimported from Thailand\n, and if brochures are to be believed, then we could be looking at two trims being offered here \u2013 a Thai spec (with no LED DRLs) and a higher spec with DRLs.\nSeveral key features of the high spec hatchback are \nprojector headlights\n with integrated LED daytime running lights, 16-inch wheels, head up display (HUD), leather seats, \nkeyless entry\n with \npush-start system\n, 7-inch LCD display with Commander Control \u2013 just to name a few.\nLike we\u2019ve said before, the Mazda2 will be making its local debut here next Thursday, so stay tuned as we bring you the full coverage (with video of course, no less) of the launch.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda 2 Hatch (Japan high-spec)   Mazda 2 Sedan (Thai spec)"
"After introducing the \nAudi skysphere\n convertible GT concept last month, Audi has continued the range of \u201csphere\u201d concept cars with the Audi grandsphere flagship limousine. This concept study is also rumoured to have plenty of design and technological elements that will be funnelled into the new generation Audi A8.\nUnlike a two-in-one convertible sportscar GT concept of the Audi skysphere, the Audi grandsphere is the polar opposite offering seating for four in the most spacious and comfortable environment. Audi has specifically mentioned exterior design and handling are no longer at the top priorities, switching to interior and then moving outwards.\nAs such, all the details and highlights are focused on the interior of the Audi grandsphere concept. Occupants are welcomed to the magnificent living space through the widest door opening thanks to the absence of the central B-pillar. Traditionally, the boss\u2019 seat is at the rear, such as in the \nAudi A8\n, but with the technological advantage of fully autonomous technology, the steering column and foot pedals are no longer fixed structures and only deployed when needed.\nIn the imagined Level 4 fully autonomous mode, the two controllers are hidden away, allowing for unrestricted movement and plenty of space for the seat originally assigned for the driver. The dashboard has been designed in a horizontal theme that wraps around the two front occupants.\nAudi ends Formula e and begins Dakar Rally campaign with this hybrid monster! Find out more here!\nUsing the latest projection technology, Audi has managed to remove cumbersome and rigid two-dimensional display screens for a neat dashboard that looks more like a hand-crafted working desk. Wool and wood, synthetic textile fabrics and metal are visible and pleasant to touch covering the cabin and seats. Leather is no longer used in the interiors of both concept and \nproduction cars\n.\nAll driving and infotainment content are now projected to the wooden surface of the crafted dashboard. \u00a0With the fitment of private jet-styled fully reclining seats of up to 60-degree angle and private audio speakers, new interaction mediums in the MMI have been created, such as eye-tracking and gesture control.\nSensors in the door-mounted MMI touchless control can track the movement of the occupant\u2019s eyes and combining with gesture control to allow for the operation of the in-car multimedia system.\nThe occupants upfront can further enjoy their fully autonomous ride to their destination with refreshments being chilled in storage space between the front seats.\nThe Audi grandsphere is a large car, measuring even longer than today\u2019s large limousines at 5.35 m in length. The rear design has been shaped as such for better aerodynamics, as well as associating itself with the Audi Sportback tradition.\nThe Audi Q3 is the most accessible Sportback model here in Malaysia. Watch our review of the looker here!\nPowering the Audi grandsphere concept is a dual-motor configuration for Quattro all-wheel drive traction and stability. Two electric motors and a battery pack with an energy content of 120 kWh deliver a system output of \n721 hp\n and \n960 Nm\n of torque. The driving range is in excess of 750 km, matching the \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n, with charging time as low as 25 minutes to reach 80% battery capacity.\nAfter revealing sporty coupe and this flagship limousine, no prizes for guessing the third and final car under the \u2018sphere\u2019 range of concept cars will be a crossover or SUV. Audi has even given it the \u2018urbansphere\u2019 naming, perhaps a more compact dimensions to suit the tight confines of a metropolis. The new range of \nonly electric vehicles\n will commence as soon as 2026.\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s a new truck in town, and it\u2019s none other than the long-awaited \n2015 Mitsubishi Triton\n. This model was launched in Thailand last November and will replace the outgoing \nTriton facelift\n introduced in March last year. You can also catch the pickup truck encased in a box for display in Mid Valley Megamall from today till Sunday.\nThis fifth generation pickup\u2019s\u00a0local debut will take place sometime in May, and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has opened the order books in all dealers nationwide. All new Tritons are fully imported from Thailand, and there will be a total of \nfive variants\n to choose from. Prices range from RM71k to RM114k, including insurance and GST. The variants that we\u2019ll be getting are as per the table below:\nNo\nVariant\nEstimated Pricing\nColours \n1\nAll-New Triton VGT Adventure\nRM114,000\nEarth Green, Pearl White, Shadow Black, Red Solid\n2\nAll-New Triton VGT Automatic\nRM103,000\nSterling Silver, Pearl White, Shadow Black\n3\nAll-New Triton VGT Manual\nRM97,000\n4\nAll-New Triton Manual\nRM87,000\nSterling Silver,White Solid\n5\nAll-New Triton Quest\nRM71,000\n\u00a0\nUnderneath the hood is a familiar motor \u2013 the same 2.5-litre Variable Geometry Turbo diesel, but it has been tuned for better performance. It now makes \n176 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm, a \n50 Nm bump\n from the same engine before. The Triton also boasts several first-in-class features such as push-start ignition, keyless entry, HID headlights with LED DRLs, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and get this \u2013 paddle shifters. If that wasn\u2019t enough, the Triton also boasts a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.42.\nFor those interested to see the truck in person, it will go on a nationwide tour (East Malaysia included) at the locations below:\nNo\nVenue\nState\nLocation\nFrom\nTo\n1\nMid Valley Megamall\nKlang Valley\nWest Lobby\n01-Apr\n05-Apr\n2\nTesco Mergong\nAlor Setar\nMain Concourse\n06-Apr\n12-Apr\n3\nSutera Mall\nJohor Bahru\nSub Court\n09-Apr\n12-Apr\n4\nQueensbay Mall\nPenang\nNorth Court\n15-Apr\n19-Apr\n5\nAeon Kinta City\nIpoh\nSub Court\n20-Apr\n26-Apr\n6\nSuria Sabah\nKota Kinabalu\nCourt G4 (A)\n20-Apr\n3-May\n7\nThe Spring\nKuching\nCentre Court C\n20-Apr\n10-May\n8\nEast Coast Mall\nKuantan\nMain Entrance\n23-Apr\n26-Apr\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re reading this, you probably have more interest in cars than most of the general public \u2013\u00a0 and if you such keen interest in cars, you probably grew up playing through the extensive Gran Turismo series on your PlayStation.\nHave you ever thought that someday, someone somewhere would actually be controlling a Nissan GT-R, one of the most fearsome, fastest-accelerating supercars in the world, with PlayStation\u2019s DualShock 4 controller? Well, start rubbing your eyes cause you won\u2019t be believing what you\u2019re reading.\nTo celebrate the release of the Gran Turismo Sport and to mark 20 years of Nissan\u2019s involvement in the Gran Turismo series, Nissan Great Britain built what they called the \u201c\nNissan GT-R/C\n\u201d \u2013 a one-off project car which was extensively modified to be driven entirely by a DualShock 4 PlayStation controller!\n\u201cDriven\u201d by NISMO racing driver Jann Mardenborough from a helicopter around Silverstone\u2019s famous National Circuit, the GT-R is capable of a top speed of 196 mph without restrictions with no one behind the wheel.   The GT-R/C was modified by JLB Design in the UK, using a standard 2011-spec \n542 hp\n V6 R35. It was fitted with\u00a0four robots that operate the steering, transmission, brakes and throttle.\nIt\u2019s all very nerdy and scientific \u2013 six\u00a0computers were mounted in the boot to update the controls at up to \n100 times a second\n.\u00a0The unmodified controller was connected to a micro-computer which interpreted the joystick and button\u2019s signal and subsequently transmitted to the GT-R /C\u2019s on-board systems. The wireless operation has a primary control range of\n one kilometre\n.\nA Racelogic VBOX Motorsport sensor was installed to relay speed data to a LCD display in the helicopter cockpit to help the \u201cdriver\u201d in gauging the vehicle\u2019s speed. In the event of an emergency, the GT-R can independently apply full ABS braking and cut the engine off too!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Automobili Lamborghini has revealed an all-electric, in-wheel motor powered, the Terzo Millennio concept. The Terzo Millennio which stands for \u201cthird millennium\u201d will be constructed with cutting-edge materials and will represent Lamborghini\u2019s future design language.\nThe new concept will be developed to recover kinetic energy and plans are to develop an innovative supercapacitor able to match conventional batteries in terms of energy density to deliver ultra high performance as today\u2019s batteries are deemed \u201cnot powerful enough\u201d.\nLamborghini will also be looking to improve the nanomaterial technology which uses the structural components of the car to double up as the car\u2019s battery pack. Most of the Terzo Millennio will be made of carbon fibre, where it would be able to continuously self-monitor its entire body to detect for cracks and damages after an accident.\nLamborghini has had their hands tied lately but the introduction of this new concept clearly indicates the powertrain direction most supercar manufacturers will eventually have to opt for. With the \nUrus SUV\n due for launch, Lamborghini had also expressed intentions to build a \n4-door sedan\n and in recent news, it has also been confirmed that by 2022, the \nHuracan\u2019s replacement will be a plug-in hybrid\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"More than a year after its launch, Porsche has finally released the first special edition for the \n992-generation Porsche 911\n \u2013 the Belgian Legend Edition.\u00a0\nThe Belgian legend refers to Jacques Bernard Ickx, or Jacky Ickx for short. Often regarded as one of the most successful drivers ever to race, Ickx has found success in multiple racing disciplines including Formula 1, Le Mans, and even Dakar Rally.\u00a0\nHonouring Jacky Ickx\u2019s illustrious career and his contribution to Porsche\u2019s sporting success, Porsche has gifted Ickx (who just turned 75 at the turn of the decade) a heck of a birthday present \u2013 his own limited-edition \nPorsche 911 Carrera 4S\n.\nThe idea for this special edition came from Belgian Porsche Importer \u201cD\u2019ieteren\u201d after the launch of the 992-generation Porsche 911 in 2018. D\u2019ieteren also played a role in designing the special edition, working in conjunction with Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.\nThe Belgian Legend Edition is inspired by Ickx\u2019s trademark blue and white helmet, and thus carry the bespoke \u201c\nX Blue\n\u201d exterior colour scheme \u2013 making it the first 992 to receive the Porsche Paint to Sample paint job.\u00a0\nThe special colour scheme also makes its way to the Carrera Classic wheels, in 20/21-inch front/rear sizes. The blue wheels are offset by white laser-engraved details, in reference to the white outline around the visor on Ickx\u2019s helmet.\nOther exterior features include a badge on the driver-side B-pillar showing the Belgian flag, alongside Jacky Ickx\u2019s signature.\nThe cabin of the Belgian Legend edition is trimmed in black leather, paired with Pebble Grey hand-stitched cross stitching across the dashboard, door panel, and rear trim.\u00a0\nThe seats also feature the Pebble Grey piping, with \u201c911\u201d lettering on the headrests \u2013 something that is not available in the regular Carrera 4S \u2013 along with leather-finished seat backs.\u00a0\nRounding up the interior features is Jacky Ickx\u2019s autograph, debossed in the leather central armrest, as well as a \u201cBelgian Legend Edition\u201d carbon door sill guards.\u00a0\nThe Belgian Legend Edition even comes with its own colour-matched key fob, featuring Ickx\u2019s signature as well. Unfortunately if you\u2019re not in Belgium, chances are you won\u2019t get your hands on one \u2013 especially when there\u2019s only going to be only 75 units ever to be made.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You would have known by now that the \nHyundai\n Veloster Turbo will be launched in Malaysia in mid-April 2015 and it is \nnow available\u00a0for booking\n. We get to preview the Veloster Turbo\u00a0at the \n36th Bangkok International Motor Show\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo\nEngine\n1,591cc; Gamma T-GDi petrol\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n265 Nm @ 1,500 to 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\nUnder 8 seconds; 220 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\nfrom RM150,000\n (including GST)\n\u00a0\nThe Veloster Turbo is powered by a\u00a0\nturbocharged 1.6-litre T-GDi\n (petrol, direct injected) engine that produces \n184 hp\n\u00a0and \n265 Nm\n of torque, delivered to\u00a0\nfront wheels\n via a new in-house developed \nseven-speed dual clutch transmission\n.   Hyundai Sime Darby Motors is offering the Veloster Turbo in a limited edition Matte Grey colour, and like other Hyundai models, it will come with a \nfive-year or 300,000km warranty\n programme. Stay tuned for the latest updates on AutoBuzz.my!   For now, check out the car in our image gallery taken from Bangkok, Thailand!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Earlier this year, we saw the BMW X3 and 2 Series Gran Coupe in the Black Widow movie and soon, we\u2019lll see the all-electric iX3 in the new Marvel movie \u2018Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings\u2019.\nFind out more about the all-electric iX3 here!\nTo commerate this, BMW Singapore will introduce the iX3 \u2018Legend Edition\u2019, available from Q4 of 2021.\n\u201cJust as Marvel fans had been greatly anticipating the latest chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we expect BMW fans will be just as excited for the high-calibre BMW iX3 Legend Edition,\u201d said BMW Asia, Director of Marketing, Mr. Daren Ching.\n\u201cThe first-ever BMW iX3 has been very well received in Singapore, with a majority of the stock snapped up within weeks of its launch in August 2021,\u201d he added.\nCheck out the BMW iX3 M Sport here!\nOnly eight units will be available with a SGD 500 deposit. Customers will also receive limited edition Marvel merchandise.\nThe iX3 \u201cLegend Edition\u201d will be available in Mineral White or Carbon Black. It will be dressed in M Performance body parts including carbon fibre side mirror caps, M Performance decals and door sills in carbon fibre.\nAs the final touch, the BMW iX3 Legend Edition features fixed hub caps \u2013 these create a special focal point on the wheels even when its rotating.\nGALLERY"
"Imagine having a \u201cF1-inspired\u201d 6.5-litre V12 engine behind your back, yet your only way of enjoying it is cocooned inside a carbon fibre tub. Ever seen a F1 car with a covered driver compartment? Neither have we, so why would you still limit yourself to the normal coupe-style \nValkyrie\n, when Aston Martin now offers the same car in a Spider body style?\nUnveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance last week, the new Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider promises to offer an \u201cunbeatable sensory stimulus\u201d, as having the roof off now gives you unhindered access to the full range of the high-revving V12 engine\u2019s sensuous voice.\nDespite removing the roof, the Aston Martin says that the Spider still offers a similar driving experience to the regular Valkyrie. The 6.5-litre V12 hybrid powertrain remains unchanged with an output of \n1,155 hp\n, and it\u2019s also barely gained any weight compared to the Coupe.\nWith the roof down, the Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider can still reach a top speed of over \n330 km/h\n. Reattaching it back on will give you another 20 km/h on top of that.\nThe Valkyrie recently made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and as you can imagine, riding on board a 1,155 hp rocket is as crazy as you\u2019d think. Check out the video here!\nFor the topless Spider to work, Aston Martin had to tweak the design of its carbon fibre structure in order to shift the structural load usually borne by the roof into the tub of the car. The active aerodynamic and active chassis also had to be specifically recalibrated for the Spider.\nJust like the regular coupe version, most of the car\u2019s aerodynamic is handled by the full-length Venturi tunnels that run on either side of the cockpit floor. The body surface of the Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider is devoid of any unsightly appendages, but the car still generates an incredible 1,400 kg of downforce at 240 km/h.\nLearn more about the Valkyrie\u2019s F1-inspired 6.5-litre V12 engine here.\nOf course, removing the roof will have its own set of drawbacks. The dramatic gull-wing doors of the coupe variant had to be replaced by a more \u201cregular\u201d front-hinged dihedral items. But to retain some of the hypercar flair, Aston Martin specifically redesigned it to tilt forwards instead of out. We figure most buyers probably will take the trade-off, though.\nAt least, there\u2019s no faffing about when it comes to removing the roof, as it can be simply lifted off and stowed away on opening the doors. Most of the roof is made up of carbon fibre to save weight, while the two windows at the side (to mimic the look and feel of the regular coupe\u2019s doors and windows) are made of lightweight polycarbonate.\nThe track-focused Valkyrie AMR Pro is actually co-developed with Aston Martin\u2019s F1 drivers! Check it out here.\nAt the launch, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers said, \u201cThe Aston Martin Valkyrie is the product of incredible innovation and technology, but above all it has always been about emotion. With the Valkyrie Spider, we are taking that passion and emotion to the next level.\n\u201cThe driving experience promises to be truly sensational. The sound of that 6.5-litre V12 engine revving to over 11,000rpm with the roof removed is something I cannot wait to hear.\u201d\nIts buyers too, we think, as Aston Martin says that the 85-unit-only Valkyrie Spider is already over-subscribed \u2013 even before the official unveiling. Allocations will begin shortly, with first deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2022."
"The government is planning to install more \nAutomated Awareness Safety System (AWAS)\n cameras across Malaysia, according to reporting by Bernama.\nPreviously known as the Automated Enforcement System (AES), the speeding and traffic light cameras have been successful in enforcing the speed limits and other road signages at their respective locations, reaching up to a 99% compliance level by road users according to a \nMalaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS)\n study.\nThis was revealed in the parliament yesterday by Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, while responding to a question from fellow member of the parliament, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, on the current status of AWAS cameras and its effectiveness.\n\u201cThis has succeeded in increasing the perception of being caught for violating traffic rules, and in turn, reduced the risk of road accidents at the locations,\u201d he said in the \nDewan Rakyat\n yesterday, stressing that the cameras are not intended to trap road users, but to enforce traffic rules for the safety of all road users, especially at black spots or accident-prone areas.\nIn addition to traffic enforcement, Hasbi added that the usage of these cameras can also enable enforcement around the clock, thus further reducing dependence on manpower.\nPreviously under the guardianship of a private concessionaire, the government now operates 45 AWAS cameras across the nation, with only one undergoing repair and maintenance.\nALSO READ: \nDBKL and MIROS to implement 30 km/h, 50 km/h speed limits in Kuala Lumpur\n[Header image: Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia/Facebook]"
"Over 64 years ago in 1954, a determined Japanese man called Michio Suzuki designed and developed his first automobile with the assistance of a young engineering team \u2013 most of whom were in their 20\u2019s.\nHaving produced only motorcycles previously, backed by a strong \u201cYaramaika\u201d (Let\u2019s do it in Japanese) spirit, a value deeply rooted in the region where Suzuki was from, he began researching on vehicles produced overseas in the build up to his first ever car, known as the \nSuzulight\n.\nHe used several European models as a benchmark, including an \nAustin 7 from the UK\n which was really popular at that time as it was available at a reasonable price.\nThe result was a lightweight, compact vehicle weighing just over 500 kilograms and was powered by a 360 c.c., two cylinder engine producing a measly \n15 hp\n. It was also way ahead of its time as it was equipped with independent coil spring suspension and rack and pinion steering.\nThe Suzulight prototype breezed through the \u201cKei car\u201d legislations and requirements and immediately prompted Michio Suzuki to begin road testing. The road tests was conducted across the mountainous region of Hakone which proved to be a real challenge as the 300 km stretch of road was not paved at the time.\nThe car was later on presented to the then President of \u2018Yanase Auto\u2019, Japan\u2019s leading authority on automobiles, who stayed on late into the night to personally greet Suzuki and his team. Being thoroughly impressed with the Suzulight, the President gave Suzuki and his team the green light to put the car into production.\nIn 1955, Suzuki made the first two deliveries of the new production model to doctors, who used them on their daily rounds. From an initial productions of three to four cars per month, the \nmonthly volume saw a spike to 30 units\n by early 1956.\nThe new\n turbocharged Suzuki Swift Sport\n weighs just 970 kg.\nWord is that there are \nonly two original Suzulights\n\u00a0left in existent, both in the Suzuki Plaza Museum in Hamamatsu City, Japan.\nMore than six decades later, Suzuki remains globally renowned as the \u2018small car experts\u2019 and Michio Suzuki\u2019s original strategy for design and production of lightweight vehicles still lives on with the new Swift Sport."
"The guys at Affalterbach are at it again. After the \nSLC 43\n, the \nC 43\n, and the \nE 43\n, this time it\u2019s the GLC\u2019s turn to get the \u201c43\u201d treatment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC is built upon the same format as the other AMG 43 models, which packs a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 under its bonnet.\nSo far only the E 43 gets the most amount of power from the same V6 mill (396 hp), while the rest of the AMG 43 range including this GLC 43 have to make do with just \n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. Still, it\u2019s far from shabby;\u00a0\ncentury sprint\n takes just \n4.9 seconds\n, and the GLC 43 will charge on until it reaches the electronically-limited \ntop speed\n of \n250 km/h\n.   Power is sent to the \nrear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive system\n (31 percent front, 69 percent rear) via the \n9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic\n gearbox with five Dynamic Select transmission modes, while \nAir Body Control\n air suspension with \nADS Plus\n Adaptive Damping System is said to provide the GLC 43 with a more agile and neutral handling when the roads start to tangle.\nIt doesn\u2019t look like much and we honestly think it could easily pass as a dolled-up \nGLC 250\n. The styling enhancements are mostly out of the AMG accessories catalogue, but the kit does look good nonetheless. As expected, the bumpers are more aggressive, and there\u2019s that flashy\n diamond grille\n with chrome pins at the front.\nStaggered \n19-inch wheels\n wear rubbers measuring 235/55 R19 at the front and 255/50 R19 at the rear, and they hide a set of \nuprated brakes\n with 360 mm rotors at the front and 320 mm rotors at the rear.\nInside, it\u2019s almost identical to the C 43 because they practically share the same interior. It gets a\u00a0\nflat-bottom steering wheel\n, special \nAMG instrument cluster\n, and the seats are upholstered in black ARTICO man-made leather and DINAMICA microfibre combination with red highlights.\nThe GLC 43 4MATIC debuts at the \n2016\u00a0New York International Auto Show\n, and order books will open in April for European markets.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Launched here in August 2020\n, Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia has just announced that the 2021 Tiguan Allspace R-Line has been given a few new updates.\nIt\u2019s now fitted with \nUSB-C charging ports \nand a new radio update which now comes with \nwireless Apple CarPlay\n, a much-welcomed feature for the new decade.\nThe dimensions of the new radio are similar at 8-inches but displays a different user interface with subtle graphic changes. As for the Android Auto feature, it continues to require cable connection. Note that this update is exclusive to the R-Line variant.\n \nThe new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace features an extended wheelbase from the\u00a0\nregular Tiguan\n, extending the overall length of the SUV by\u00a0\n215 mm\n.\nThanks to the elongated wheelbase and increased overall length, the Tiguan Allspace can now carry up to\u00a0\n1,775 litres\n of cargo with all the rear seats folded down;\u00a0\n700 litres\n\u00a0with the 3rd row down, and\u00a0\n230 litres\n\u00a0with all seats in their upright position.\nThe Allspace comes with two different powertrains. The \nAllspace Highline\n comes with a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. It produces 150 hp and 250 Nm to drive the front wheels.\nAs for the \nAllspace R-Line\n makes 220 hp and 250 Nm with a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to drive all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.\n \nThe Allspace Highline is priced at \nRM165,030\n while the Allspace R-Line will set you back \nRM209,637\n. Both models come with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty and 3-years free maintenance.\nFrom now till 13\nth\n\u00a0June, Volkswagen owners are entitled to 20% off Volkswagen genuine engine oil at Volkswagen service centres. Customers who spend a minimum of RM1,200 will receive a complimentary car care kit that consists of wax polish, wax shampoo, glass polish, plastic care, and leather care solutions in 50ml bottles."
"Aside from the launch of the \nGLB\n on Tuesday, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also surprised everyone with the official unveiling of the G 350 d, making it the second G-Class variant available in our country \u2013 in addition to \nthe G 63\n \u2013 and the new entry-point to the current-generation \nGelandewagen\n.\nThe Mercedes-Benz G 350 d is powered by the OM656 3.0 litre inline-six cylinder turbodiesel mill, which makes \n286 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and a 40:60 torque split transfer case, for a 0-100 km/h time of \n7.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n199 km/h\n.\nMercedes-Benz says that the transmission is specifically tuned with a wide gear ratio to make driving more comfortable and quieter, while reducing fuel consumption. But most importantly, being a G-Wagen, it is also equipped with a low-range off-road reduction gear to make negotiating rough terrains easier with increased torque output at the wheels.\nTo help with comfort even more, the G 350 d also features active engine mounts \u2013 a first on a diesel engine in Mercedes-Benz\u2019s line-up \u2013 to significantly reduce engine noise and vibrations inside the cabin. The two mounts are set to soft at speeds below five km/h, but automatically stiffened up at higher speeds to improve driving dynamics.\nAs for looks, our local-specification G 350 d is equipped with the AMG Line exterior trim and AMG Night Package as standard, the latter include the 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, exterior protective strip with black trim inserts, darkened indicators, reversing lamps, and headlamps, while the radiator grille louvres, spare wheel ring, and bumper elements are painted in obsidian black.\nThe Stainless Steel Package is also standard on the Mercedes-Benz G 350 d, which includes running boards, spare wheel cover, door sills, and load sills guard, all made from stainless steel. Other exterior trim highlights include the Multibeam LED headlights, sliding sunroof, heated windscreen, brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering, as well as a silver underguard.\nOn the inside, the G 350 d in Malaysia is fitted with the Exclusive Interior package, with the roof lining in black Dinamica microfibre, metal weave trim, red seat belts, red contrast stitching on black leather upholstery, as well as a Nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel.\nThe widescreen infotainment display here runs the older Comand Online system instead of MBUX, though the Mercedes me connected services and telematics system is still present here. Sound is pumped through a Burmester surround sound audio system as standard.\nOn the safety and driver assistant front, the Mercedes-Benz G 350 d is fitted as standard with a 360-degree around view camera, Parking Assist with Parktronic, blind spot assist, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as an anti-theft protection package.\nThe Mercedes-Benz G 350 d is now available in Malaysia, fully-imported, with prices starting at \nRM999,888\n (on the road, without insurance), making it almost RM500k cheaper than the \nMercedes-AMG G 63 launched here back in 2018\n.\nFor the latest price list on Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia, following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"If this is the first time you\u2019ve laid eyes on the Toyota Sienta, you\u2019d be glad to have not seen the first generation model. The Sienta you see here is the second-generation model and is the first time it has ever been sold in Malaysia through an official channel.\nThis mini MPV has three rows of seats and accommodates seven occupants, including the driver. Two variants are on offer \u2013 the entry-level 1.5G and range topper 1.5V. They\u2019re both mechanically identical and are powered by the new 2NR-FE engine that\u2019s currently shared with the \nnew Avanza\n. The engine in question is a \n1.5-litre four-cylinder unit\n with \ndual VVT-i\n technology, one that will come with the Vios when it gets updated soon.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Sienta 1.5G \nToyota Sienta 1.5V\nEngine\n1,496cc; inline-4 with Dual VVT-i, DOHC\nTransmission\nCVT with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic\nMax Power\n106 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice\nRM92,900.00\nRM99,900.00\nEXTERIOR\nSize wise, the Sienta measures 4,235mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,750mm. It\u2019s built based on the Toyota Vios\u00a0platform, but the wheelbase has been stretched by as much as 200mm to make space for the third row seats.   The two variants are only separated by equipment list, but here you\u2019ll find that the 1.5V, despite costing RM7,000 more, comes with quite a list of creature comforts to more than justify the premium. As standard, the 1.5G comes with halogen projector headlights (manual adjustable), LED daytime running lights, rear fog lamps, powered side mirrors with integrated signal indicators and power sliding doors (left side only).\nAs for the 1.5V, the exterior comes with \nfull bi-LED headlights\n with LED DRLs, front and rear fog lamps, rear LED lamps, power sliding doors for both left and right sides, keyless entry as well as an acoustic front windshield. This variant also sits on a larger set of 16-inch wheels (wrapped with 195/50 tyres), as opposed to the smaller 15-inch (185/60 profile tyres) wheels of the 1.5G.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the cheaper 1.5G variant gets a three-spoke urethane steering wheel (tilt adjustable only), black fabric upholstery, standard back-lit instrument clusters with a single-tone multi-info display and manual air conditioning controls.   Moving one step up, the Sienta comes with brown fabric seats, two-tone multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, swanky Optitron instrument clusters with coloured TFT multi-info display. Both variants come with a non-upgradable six-speaker configuration, but the 1.5V gets a 2-DIN head unit DVD Player with a \n6.8-inch touchscreen\n that supports Bluetooth, USB, Auxiliary input, voice recognition functions and \nreverse camera\n. The cheaper 1.5G settles for a regular 2-DIN CD Player with no touchscreen, but also supports MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity.\nPERFORMANCE\nResting beneath the hood of this 1,350kg MPV is the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing \n106 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n140 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm. It\u2019s paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), with seven virtual ratios to get the front wheels going. This exact power- and drivetrain setup will be coming with the soon-to-be-updated Vios.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety side of things, both Sienta variants come with ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control. Isofix anchor points\u00a0are only available in the second row seats, whereas driver and occupants are only protected by three airbags \u2013 dual frontal airbags and a driver knee airbag. Only the 1.5V comes fitted with the Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film, but 1.5G buyers can opt for the same at a cost.\nWHAT ELSE?\nFor those who seek to upgrade any of the head units, Toyota is offering the top-of-the-line 2-DIN head unit DVD Player with 7-inch touchscreen that supports smartphone connectivity, WiFi, internet browsing, HDMI and GPS Navigation. This goes for around RM1,900.\nAgain, pricing for the second-generation Toyota Sienta 1.5G is at RM92,900.00, whereas the 1.5V costs just a nick under the six-figure mark, at RM99,900.00. All purchases of the Sienta comes with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In case you\u2019re wondering JMC stands for Jiangling Motors Corporation. While you may not have heard of them, JMC has been supplying the local commercial scene for a while now. The Vigus Pro is their first foray into the pick-up truck segment.\n \nThe Vigus Pro will be sold under Angka \u2013 Tan Motor, a subsidiary of Warisan Tan Chong Holding Berhad. The first batch of Vigus Pro are fully imported from China with the subsequent ones locally assembled in Rawang. In an interview with Angka-Tan Motors during the virtual launch, the company said deliveries are expected within 10 days of purchase.\nUnderneath the hood is a Ford engine paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox with manual mode. A BorgWarner electronically-controlled 4WD system helps distribute power to all four wheels.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 2.0-litre VGT turbo diesel\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic\nMax Power: 141 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque: 340 Nm @ 1,500 rpm to 2,600 rpm\nFuel Economy: 7.8L/100km\nThe Vigus Pro comes with a ground clearance of 225 mm. With a dependable ladder frame chassis and leaf spring setup at the rear, cargo payload is rated at 850 kg.\nThe windows can be lowered or closed through the car\u2019s remote. The remote can also be used to fold the side mirrors. There are four colours available \u2013 Black, White, Silver and Brown.\nEXTERIOR\nFront and rear sensors\nLED daytime running light\nHalogen head and taillights with automatic function\nPower folding side mirrors\nSports bar with mounted brake light\nReverse camera\n16-inch wheels\nHaving seen the car in person before the launch at a private viewing, the Vigus Pro felt modern on the inside with an all-black interior and silver surrounds around the air-con vents and centre console. Rear leg room is also surprisingly spacious.\nINTERIOR\n8-inch infotainment with Bluetooth\n1x USB\n4 speakers\n3.5-inch TFT display\nPaddle shifters\nIn terms of driver assistance features, the Vigus Pro even comes with cruise control up to speeds of 150 km/h.\nSAFETY\nDual airbags\nTraction control\nHill descend control\nHill start assist\nElectronic brake force distribution\nElectronic stability programme\nGALLERY"
"With the \nConditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)\n now in effect, TC Subaru has announced that selected Subaru showrooms and service centres across the country has now resumed operation.\nThe selected showrooms will resume to normal operating hours starting today, while service centres will have shortened operating hours, \nas introduced during Phase 3 of the MCO\n. The full list of showrooms and service centres resuming operations can be found \nhere\n.\nTC Subaru says that strict health and hygiene measures are in place at all Subaru showrooms and service centres, in line with requirements introduced by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and Ministry of Health. These include regular sanitisation of work areas, mandatory use of face masks, sanitisation and disinfectant sprays, as well as temperature screening.\nWhat are the benefits of Boxer engines? Eu Jin explains in \nthis video\n.\nAll individuals entering the premise will be checked for temperature, and details recorded to facilitate in contact tracing. Those with body temperature above 37.5 degrees celcius will not be allowed entry.\nAs part of the requirements from MITI, customers are not allowed to wait at the service centres for their cars. Customers are also advised to not bring their children. TC Subaru says that all vehicles will be thoroughly sanitised before and after each job.\nPlaying its part to encourage social distancing, TC Subaru is also introducing a \n\u2018test drive at home\u2019\n initiative. Upon request, a sales consultant will bring the car to your doorstep for a test drive. All sales consultants will be equipped with sanitisers and face masks, and the cars will be thoroughly sanitised before and after each test drive."
"It\u2019s called the Audi RSQ e-tron and it\u2019s a fictional fully-electric concept designed for super-spy Lance Sterling voiced by Will Smith in the upcoming animated film, Spies in Disguise.\nThe concept features a hologram speedometer and special gadgets for secret agents along with fully automated driving features and other Audi assistance systems \u2013 basically Audi\u2019s way of reaching out to the masses, through animation, on its mobility solutions for the future.\n\u201cAn international spy story with future technologies that can save the world is the perfect match for the Audi brand. Like our cars, fun, innovation and performance are key elements of the storyline,\u201d said Vice President of Marketing Communication at AUDI AG. Giovanni Perosin.\nIt\u2019s not the first time Audi\u2019s been involved with film-making and it\u2019s certainly not the brand\u2019s first encounter with Will Smith. If you remember, they were both featured together in I, Robot, a sci-fi thriller released in 2004.\nThe concept then was also named the RSQ and was the source of inspiration for the highly-successful Audi R8 two years later \u2013 both trademarked with Audi\u2019s single frame grille.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Marketing information firm has just published their 2019 Initial Quality Study (IQS) research for Malaysia, which measures the \nnumber of problems experienced per 100 vehicles\n (PP100) during the \nfirst two to six months\n of ownership.\nThe J.D. Power study is based on responses from \n1,904 new vehicle owners\n who purchased their vehicles between July 2018 and August 2019.\nNow in its 17th year, the IQS market research includes specific diagnostic questions around eight problem categories \u2013 exteriors; driving experience; features/controls/displays; audio/communication/entertainment/navigation; seats; heating/ventilation/air conditioning; interiors; and engine/transmission.\nThese problem categories are further examined in two distinct groups \u2013 design-related problems, and defects/malfunctions.\nWe pitted the Honda Jazz against segment rival Toyota Yaris. check it out \nhere\n!\nFrom the \n50 different passenger cars\n (12 brands) included in this study, three Honda models took home top spot in their categories \u2013 the \nJazz\n,\n City\n, and \nCR-V\n ranked highest in the city compact, entry midsize, and large SUV segments respectively. The \nPerodua Aruz\n was awarded top position in the compact SUV segment. Full breakdown can be found in the image below:\nClick to enlarge\nJ.D. Power noted that \u201cThere must be at least three models in any given award segment, and at least one with an IQS score better than segment average for an award to be presented.\u201d Due to the criteria not being met in the midsize, premium midsize, MPV/van, and pick-up segments, no awards have been issued for said segments.\u00a0\nThe study also shows that overall, the industry average has decreased to \n85 PP100\n, from 89 PP100 in 2018. J.D. Power claims that the drop in the number of problems encountered is largely attributed to a reduction in manufacturing-related issues, which has been on a decline for the past three years to 51% in 2019 from 74% in 2016.\nMajority of the reduction from last year are noise-related issues, such as wind noise, abnormal suspension noise, seat noise, abnormal transmission noise, and other interior storage compartment noises. With that being said, these issues still account for 36% of all manufacturing issues identified by owners this year.\nExcessive wind noise and road noise continue to be the top-cited issues encountered by car buyers, while Bluetooth connectivity issues moved up to third from fifth last year.\nThe Study also now includes the Net Promoter Score (NPS), which measures customers\u2019 likelihood to recommend their vehicle model and brand. Among new vehicles owners who did not indicate any problems, 49% said they \u201cdefinitely will\u201d recommend their brand and model to peers, while only 37% of those experiencing issues said the same."
"Jaguar Classic has confirmed it will offer all-electric E-types for sale, called the \u201cE-type Zero\u201d.\u00a0Combining its restoration expertise with technology from the Jaguar I-PACE, Jaguar Classic will offer tailor-made E-types restored and converted to run on electric power.\nEV conversion services for existing E-type owners will also be offered and in the name of preserving the base and authenticity of the car, the EV conversions will be \nfully reversible\n.\nWith Jaguar Classic already registering interests from potential clients, deliveries of the first batch of electric E-types are \nexpected to start from mid-2020\n.\nThe Jaguar E-type Zero concept not only drives and looks like an E-type, it also offers outstanding performance, with quicker acceleration than the original Series 1 E-type (duh).\nEV range is expected to be in excess of \n170 miles\n (approx 273 km), helped by the car\u2019s low kerb weight and sleek aerodynamics. The concept is powered by a 40kWh battery which can be recharged in\n 6-7 hours\n, depending on the power source.\nModern touches include a digital instrument cluster, an optional touchscreen infotainment display, along with LED headlights to complement the iconic Series 1 design.\nThe model you see here, finished in a Bespoke Bronze paint finish, was debuted on the same weekend and venue where \nthe new, more aerodynamic Bugatti Divo\n was unveiled.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Honda \nteased \nthe facelifted Honda City, its gorgeous LED headlamps was the talk of the town. If you feel that the\u00a0\nofficial unveiling\n\u00a0didn\u2019t reveal much, then maybe\u00a0our gallery of the car \u2013 shot live from the Land of Smiles \u2013 could give you a better impression of the car.\nThis Thai-spec Honda City is in its highest trim, therefore it gets all the bells and whistles Honda has to offer. The front end receives\u00a0a revised front grille that is similar to the previous generation \nCivic FB\n. Honda\u2019s Solid Wing grille now extends to the headlamp housings just like the \nCivic FC\n. Headlamps are now full LED (reflector type) with LED daytime running lights, as are the fog lamps. However, the LEDs are probably exclusive just to the high spec variant, whereas the rest will soldier on with halogen bulbs.   At the back, the City gets a slightly restyled bumper and sits on a set of\n\u00a016-inch alloys\n\u00a0wrapped in 185/55 profile tyres. Lower range models get 15-inch items wrapped in 175/65 profile tyres.\nInside, the interior dittos the pre-facelift model, save for the addition of paddle shifters and darker gunmetal trims. Mechanically, it retains the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder i-VTEC engine and Honda Earth Dreams Technology Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox. The engine produces\u00a0\n119 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n. Century sprint, if you must know, is completed in 10.6 seconds.\nIt won\u2019t be long before Honda Malaysia introduce the City facelift to our shores. What do you think, folks? Is this enough to square off against the \nheavily revised Toyota Vios\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from the unmistakable notion of supreme comfort as the passenger of the \nMercedes-Benz S 450 L\n, how it feels from being the wheel \u2013 piloting a near 2-tonne vehicle that\u2019s as long as a mini bus \u2013 is anyone\u2019s guess.\nIn the back seat, expectations weren\u2019t just met but superseded. Any more comfortable than this and you\u2019d have to look at the Bentleys and the Rolls-Royces.\nWithout even the slightest concern of exaggeration, it was by far the most comfortable car we\u2019ve got to ride in, in recent times. Below the RM1 million mark, there is no doubt that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the benchmark of sumptuousness on wheels.\nWhen you\u2019re in full recline on the rear left seat, with the sun shade up, it\u2019s hard to distinguish the S-Class from a Business Class seat of a middle eastern airline and that\u2019s all down to the ride.\nThe S-Class, with its AIRMATIC air suspension does not know the meaning of road undulations. It masks the incompetence of Malaysia road builders \u2013 whom are most likely S-Class owners themselves, ironically \u2013 with a ride quality that\u2019s almost fairy tale-like where all things unpleasant simply doesn\u2019t exist.\nBut in the lengthy time that we had it, the bigger surprise came from behind the wheel. If I were to likened the S-Class to canines, I\u2019d say it was like a St.Bernard with the agility of a Jack Russell and the growl of a Pit bull.\nBecause you\u2019re paying around RM100k more (due to lack of government incentives) than you would for the previous S 400 h, what you now get is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n\u00a0without the nonsensical hybrid systems. Not only is power spread out just as smooth as cream cheese on toast, the S-Class now also purrs with all the right notes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since taking over the role of Chief Product Specialist (CPS) for the \nNissan GT-R\n a few years ago, Hiroshi Tamura has been gradually pushing the performance envelope of the vehicle and Nissan\u2019s brand image. The performance engineer was then given the task of reintroducing the Nissan Z for the new decade.\nThe \nnew 2023 Nissan Z\n was officially unveiled just last week featuring a new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine pushing out \n405 hp \nand \n475 Nm\n and paired to a classic six-speed manual transmission. As such, Tamura, who is a keen driver and long-time Negroni user, approached the Japanese premium shoemaker in a collaboration to create a line of Nissan Z driving shoes.\nAs such, Negroni has launched three designs of their Idea Corsa driving shoes with colours which are from the new sportscar\u2019s palette.\nBoth the Idea Corsa Seiran Blue and Ikazuchi Yellow models have premium soft leather for the upper half of the shoe, while White uses perforated leather. \u00a0A chequered silver centreline, which is resistant to scratches and dirt, creates a nice contrasting look. \u00a0\nIn keeping with Japanese tradition for fine craftsmanship, Negroni said the Z emblem took several months of development with a long-established emblem store that has been in business for over a century. It is completed through delicate work of pouring colour into ultra-fine lines.\nA bucket-type insole has been used in these collaboration models to promote a strong fit that holds the entire foot, increasing usability and comfort for driving with three pedals such as in the new Nissan Z. \u00a0\u00a0\nDuring the unveiling event of the \nNissan Z Proto\n in 2020, Tamura said, \u201cZ is a balance of power and agility. It is a vehicle that creates a connection with the driver not just on the physical level, but emotionally, and responds to the driver\u2019s impulses.\u201d\nThe Negroni Idea Nissan Z White driving shoes is priced at \nJPY37,400\n (approx \u00a0RM1,427) while the soft leather variants of the Idea Corsa Nissan Z Seiran Blue is priced at \nJPY42,600\n (approx RM1,762). Top of the range is the Idea Corsa model in Ikazuchi Yellow, priced at \nJPY48,400\n (approx RM1,846).\nFans can purchase the Nissan Z driving shoes \nnow\n, unlike the new Nissan Z sportscar which is only scheduled for deliveries from Spring 2022. \u00a0\nMazda is a big proponent of driver-machine connection and the \u2018Jibba Ittai\u2019 concept. Check out these Mizunos which are the final pieces to the connection! \n\u00a0\nGALLERY\n2023 Nissan Z\n \nProto Spec (USA)"
"Ford Malaysia, as part of a limited-time promotion, is offering a rear-view camera and extended manufacturer\u2019s warranty to the Ford Ranger, particularly the 2.2 XLT and 3.2 XLT variants.\nBoth Rangers now come with a 5-Year or 200,000km warranty programme instead of the standard 3-Year or 100,000km package. The rear view camera will be displayed through the Ranger\u2019s 4.2-inch SYNC head unit. This of course, works together with the rear parking sensors. Both additions will not incur extra costs.\nThis promotion runs effective immediately until 30 June 2016, and is limited only to the 2.2 XLT and 3.2 XLT."
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has launched the new facelift Jaguar F-Pace with changes to the exterior design along with additional features on the inside. Prices start from \nRM598,800 \ninclusive of SST, before insurance. The 2.0-litre R-Dynamic will be the only variant available for the F-Pace in Malaysia currently. JLRM also launched the\n facelift Jaguar XF \nin Malaysia recently, priced from RM498k.\nPerformance comes from a 2.0-litre Ingenium engine paired to an ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox to drive all four wheels. The engine puts out \n250 hp\n and \n365 Nm\n, allowing the F-Pace to get from 0 to 100 km/h in a not-too-shabby time of 7.3 seconds. The F-Pace comes with several drives modes such as Comfort, Eco, Rain-Ice-Snow and Dynamic for different driving conditions.\nWorking hand-in-hand with the Configurable Dynamics system, the engine response, gearshifts, and steering feel of the F-Pace can be set according to the driver\u2019s preference.\nAs for exterior design, the F-Pace has been refreshed with a new mesh grille design, along with slimmer headlamps with quad LED projectors and \u2018Double J\u2019 daytime running light graphics, just like the new facelift Jaguar XF.\nAt the rear, the F-Pace has been fitted with a new tailgate to allow the SUV to look wider, complemented with slimmer tail lamps and a redesigned rear bumper. The slimmer tail lamps are finished with sculpted lenses inspired by the fully-electric I-PACE, and when illuminated, reveal Jaguar\u2019s \u2018chicane\u2019 graphics.\nThe changes are more dramatic in the cabin, with occupants immediately greeted by a new dashboard and centre console design that focuses on the driver according to JLRM. Also prominent is a new gear selector lever, that replaces the previous \u2018pop-up rotary dial\u2019.\nOther standard features include wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a huge 11.4-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro operating system. Beneath the curved touchscreen display is a new dual-zone air-con control panel.\nSyed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia\n (left) with Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia.\nA proud Jaguar innovation, the F-Pace also comes with an in-built Active Road Noise Cancellation feature that monitors vibrations from the road surface and calculates the opposite sound wave needed to cancel out the noise heard by occupants. Also monitored is the number of occupants to allow the system to produce the most optimised results in sound cancellation."
"After 30 years and more than 1 million units sold, Mazda is celebrating the success of their popular roadster with the Mazda MX-5 30\nth\n Anniversary Edition. Only 3,000 units of this special edition model will be available globally and the car will make an appearance at the 2019 Chicago Motor Show.\nThe 30\nth\n Anniversary Edition is exclusively offered in Racing Orange body paint and can\nbe ordered as either a soft-top convertible or the hard-top RF. Unique touches found\non the striking orange MX-5 include black forged aluminium Rays wheels, Brembo\nfront brakes with Orange calipers, anniversary number plaque and black two-tone\nroof on the RF version.\nThe Orange theme continues\nto the cabin with orange accents on the seats, door trim, dashboard, air vents\nand Recaro Seats. The 30\nth\n Anniversary Edition also features Apple\nCarplay and Android Auto as standard.\nUnder the hood, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine makes \n184 hp\n and is paired exclusively with the six-speed manual transmission. Other performance-enhancing bits include Bilstein dampers strut-brace and limited slip differential are standard on the 30th Anniversary Edition.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMazda\u00a0MX-5\u00a030th\u00a0Anniversary\u00a0Edition"
"Maserati has just unveiled the Levante Hybrid, its second electrified model after the \nGhibli Hybrid\n, at the 2021 Shanghai motor show. And just like the Ghibli, this one here also features a unique mild hybrid powertrain rather than the more commonly-seen plug-in hybrid system.\nDesigned to replace the existing diesel variant, Maserati says that the new Levante Hybrid is faster, yet still greener and more sustainable than the oil-burner.\nUnderneath the bonnet of the new electrified super-SUV is a 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged petrol engine, paired to Maserati\u2019s own e-Booster 48 volt mild-hybrid that recovers energy during braking and deceleration \u2013 the exact same powertrain found on the aforementioned Ghibli Hybrid.\nTotal system output is rated for \n330 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the latter delivered from just 2,250 rpm thanks to the electric torque. Paired to the all-wheel drive system, the Levante Hybrid completes the 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint in \nsix seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n240 km/h\n.\nEven though the hybrid powertrain comes with all of the fancy electronics, the new Maserati Levante Hybrid surprisingly weighs less than the six-cylinder engine equivalent \u2013 both diesel and petrol \u2013 and on top of that, boasts even better weight distribution since the battery is placed at the rear, \u201coptimally balancing the masses of the vehicle\u201d, making it \u201cmore agile and fun to drive\u201d, per Maserati.\nTo mark the Hybrid out from the regular ICE variants, the Levante Hybrid gets new cobalt blue-coloured details \u2013 which supposedly means electrified, according to Maserati \u2013 on both the interior and exterior.\nOn the former, these include the three side air ducts, brake calipers, and the C-pillar logo; for the latter, they can be found on the embroidered seams on the seats.\nThe trident logos all carry the new look, first introduced on the \nMaserati MC20\n, alongside the new oval logo on the bonnet which ditches the red colour, replaced wholly by white and what\u2019s called a \u201cMaserati Blue\u201d colour.\nThe new Levante Hybrid model is launched with a new GT trim, furnished with GranLusso external styling features such as chrome elements on the front bumper and grille. The launch version featured in the photos here is also finished in a new metallic tri-coat colour called \u201cAzzurro Astro\u201d, and will be available as part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme.\nGALLERY"
"A prototype of sorts, completely draped in a black cloth, hidden inside a box with only two peep holes on each end revealed little, but what was shown was enough to impress.\nAnd they were the headlamps and tail lights on what is possibly an early iteration of the \u201cnew/third national car\u201d.\nIt\u2019s probably too early to dive into the details and specs of the light fixtures but objectively speaking, the headlamps freakishly resembled those from the hottest national SUV at the moment \u2013 only with a slimmer housing. It\u2019s quite hard to unsee it after.\nIt gets more exciting at the back. What was the first car you thought of looking at those tail lights? An older Audi A5? With the graphics of a newer generation Audi? It\u2019s probably too early to assume that DreamEdge\u2019s design would be comparable to that of Audi\u2019s but it looks highly promising.\nWhile it may not be visible, we can also tell that the grille would be a rather large one. Hopefully it wouldn\u2019t be disproportionate to the entire front end, like certain cars.\nSize wise, word is that it would be a B-segment vehicle, but slightly larger. If the Honda\u2019s best-selling City is anything to go buy in terms of rear leg room and boot space, we\u2019ll be expecting it to top the Myvi\u2019s long-running, table-topping feat as the best value for money car to be made locally.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In the era of electrified supercars, massive infotainment screens, and quick-shifting automatic transmissions, \nPagani\n \nis rebelling with the debut of the \nPagani Utopia\n. Looking rather unassuming on the outside with minimal aero bits, this latest Pagani houses an AMG-sourced V12 engine in the middle with a seven-speed manual gearbox.\nBefore we go on with the hard numbers of the Pagani Utopia, let\u2019s first appreciate the simplicity of the exterior. To the average person, it just looks like any other Pagani with a \u2018Touring Package\u2019. At the front, the headlamps resemble that of a Vespa Scooter or something \nMitsuoka\n would have come up with.\nThe Pagani Utopia sports a flowing and curvy design without a multitude of spoilers. Pagani says the Utopia has incorporated the functions of the usual \u2018wild\u2019 aero bits into the Utopia\u2019s overall shape, achieving greater downforce and reduced drag solely by means of its design. The chassis in use is a carbon monocoque chassis with composite materials like Carbo-Titanium and Carbo-Triax\nStanding out on the exterior of the Pagani Utopia are the forged wheels with turbine-shaped carbon fibre extractors. The extractors draw hot air away from the brakes and reduce underbody turbulence. Wrapping the forged 21- and 22-inch wheels are a set of Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Also notable on the exterior is the brand\u2019s signature titanium quad exhaust. Coated in ceramic to dissipate heat more efficiently, the exhaust system weighs just a tad above six kilograms.\nRELATED: \nThe RM32 mil Pagani Huayra Codalunga is a tailor-made tribute to 1960s Le Mans racers\nIn the cockpit, the Pagani Utopia\u2019s rebellion against current trends continues. The only digital display sits behind the steering wheel, and everything else is analogue. When combined with the Burgundy colour scheme, the cabin gives off steampunk vibes. There are no huge infotainment screens in the Utopia as the company aims for a more timeless look.\nPagani has taken the opportunity to be creative with every component of the car. They have even re-invented the wheel (quite literally) by fashioning the steering wheel from a solid aluminium block (from the spokes and hollow rim to the steering column boss, which contains the airbag). Also made from a single block of metal are the pedals. The manual seven-speed shifter is exposed, being the main highlight of this V12 supercar.\nPowering the Pagani Utopia is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0-litre V12 engine that makes \n864 hp\n @ 6,000 rpm and \n1,100 Nm\n @ 5,900 rpm. The highlight of the powertrain is the seven-speed manual gearbox, which Pagani admits was not an easy task to design.\nThus, Pagani sought assistance from Xtrac, a high-performance transmission manufacturer, to create a seven-speed manual gearbox with synchronizer rings that could handle 1,100 Nm of torque. Customers can also opt for an automated version of the seven-speed manual box in case they\u2019re not fond of shifting their own gears.\nRELATED: \nPagani\u2019s new Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta turns the already-extreme supercar up to 11\nAs for suspension, the Pagani Utopia sports forged aluminium alloy independent double wishbone suspension all around with helical springs and electronically controlled shock absorbers. The brakes are by Brembo, being ventilated carbon ceramic disc brakes with six pistons each at the front and four pistons each at the back.\nDebuting with a symphony composed by Vincenzo Parisi and performed by the Symphonic Orchestra of the Milan Conservatory, the Pagani Utopia challenges the current trend of supercars and hypercars. Only 99 units of the Pagani Utopia will be made and have already been assigned to privileged enthusiasts.\nGALLERY"
"The second-generation Honda NSX (or marketed as Acura NSX in the US) will see its final year of updates and upgrades from this year, as Honda and Acura plan to phase out the model. To celebrate its final model year (MY22), a term commonly used in the US, Honda is giving the NSX a grand farewell via the offering of the NSX Type-S model.\nThe Type-S treatment from Honda can be seen as a bridging variant between the hottest Type R and the range-topping variants like Premium or Si. For the planned 2022 Honda NSX Type-S, the total system output of the hybrid powertrain will be bumped up from the current \n573 hp / 645 Nm\n to a higher figure.\nHonda is also keen to apply their know-how and learnings from their racing campaigns in the NSX GT3 into the upcoming NSX Type-S. Based on the teaser shots, the bumpers seem to have been sculptured for improved aerodynamics, with the rear bumper looking to have been fitted with deeper underbody diffusers.\nHonda open to partnerships and alliances for cheaper EVs. More about the idea here. \u00a0\nThe new NSX Type-S is also promised to deliver sharper handling and a more emotional driving experience. With the current 573 hp of maximum system output and electric all-wheel drive, the Honda NSX rockets from standstill to 96 km/h (60 mph) in \n2.9 seconds\n.\nWhile the NSX is celebrating its final year of production, Acura and Honda will continue to pursue sports cars in the electrified era. \u201cAcura is a performance brand, a company of enthusiasts, and we will continue moving forward, actively investigating what the next generation of sports cars should be in an electrified era,\u201d said Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer.\nCan you guess the name of Honda\u2019s first EV SUV from the partnership with GM? Find it out here.\nThe second-generation Honda NSX hasn\u2019t been meeting expectations in terms of sales numbers. Since its launch in 2016, Honda only sold over 2,500 units globally, an incredibly low volume for a series production car.\nThe 2022 Honda NSX Type-S, which is manufactured in Honda\u2019s Performance Manufacturing Centre (PMC) located in Marysville, USA, will only be limited to \n350 units\n over its final year of production. Only 50 units from that limited run of production will be offered to the rest of the world.\nThe official unveiling of the new Honda NSX Type-S will be held on August 12 that the Monterey Car Week.\nGALLERY\n2021 Acura Honda NSX Type-S teaser\n2020 Acura NSX"
"I was just doing my usual, perhaps with an even higher frequency during this MCO period \u2013 diving into the depths of YouTube, watching anything and everything there is on four wheels and stumbled upon this.\nIt was a video from five years ago, presumably during a track day session among Singaporean enthusiasts, as their number plates indicate, and straight away, it\u2019s full swing into action. Now I\u2019ve seen countless track day videos from Sepang and this is definitely right up there with the best. It also deserves more attention than the 9,500 views it has gathered so far so here\u2019s my attempt to publicise it.\nYou\u2019re riding in what appears to be a DC5 Honda Integra Type R that has no doubt been heavily modified \u2013 evidently from the highly visible roll cage and the cut-off switch of some sort. Hot on the heels of what seems like a 997.2 generation 911 GT3 RS (judging from the decals and tail lights, I could be wrong), you just can\u2019t help but be in awe of the Integra and its driver\u2019s capability; and it didn\u2019t seem like the Porsche was having it easy either.\n \nIt may hold the advantage on the long straights and high speed sections but everywhere else, both drivers continuously swapped punches with the on-board camera soaked with the glorious wail of a VTEC engine.\nThere are a couple of things to take away from this video; for starters, you don\u2019t need to sell your house and family to have fun on the track. Instead, a well-tuned Honda (along with a healthy dose of driving talent) will get you around a track just as quickly.\nIt once again also proves that it\u2019s always about the driver, not the car. I\u2019m nobody to judge but I\u2019d definitely give more credit to the driver in the Honda for keeping up with a car of the GT3 RS\u2019 calibre.\nEnjoy.\nSource: \nYouTube"
"In conjunction with Mercedes-AMG\u2019s 50\nth\n anniversary, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is celebrating this milestone with the introduction of their AMG 43 series models.\nJoining the Dream Cars line up are the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe 4MATIC.The C 43 sedan is yours for RM499,888 while the more stylish C 43 Coupe commands an additional RM49k.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC\nMercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe 4MATIC\nEngine\n2,996cc; twin-turbo V6\nTransmission\n9-speed G-TRONIC automatic\nMax Power\n362 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n520 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.7 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM499,888\nRM548,888\nDon\u2019t be turned off by the \u201c43\u201d moniker because it\u2019s still a full fledge AMG-model. Well, sort of. Underneath the hood is a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 that churns out \n362 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque mated to a nine-speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox. As the 4MATIC badge denotes, both variants are equipped with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel system. Century sprint time is done and dusted in \n4.7 seconds\n before hitting a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.   Standard on C 43 models is the AMG Ride Control sports suspension which allows the drivers to select from three different damping settings \u2013 Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering adjusts its power assistance according to the Dynamic Select driving programmes (Comfort and Sport). The\u00a0AMG sports exhaust system\u00a0is fitted as standard.\nVisually, both cars wear the signature AMG diamond radiator grille, dual exhaust outlets, AMG lip spoiler as well as \u201cBITURBO 4MATIC\u201d on the front fenders. A set of 19-inch AMG five-spoke lightweight alloy wheels are fitted as standard on both models.   Step inside and you will be greeted with ARTICO leather upholstery, sports seats, multifunctional flat bottomed steering wheel, red contrast stitching and AMG instrument cluster with AMG menu.\nMBM, together with Mercedes-Benz Financial is offering attractive financing packages for both variants of the the C 43. With Agility Financing, monthly repayment starts from RM4,998 while monthly instalment with Hire Purchase Classic starts from RM6,576. Like all vehicles sold through MBM, the C 43 comes with a 4-Year unlimited warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Sedan   Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupe"
"Porsche has been building the 911 for nearly 60 years now and while its core design has remained largely unchanged, there\u2019s been a wide range of variations to the iconic model over the years that most aren\u2019t aware of.\nIn this video, you\u2019ll find out how the Carrera name came about, which models come equipped with all-wheel drive, how the 911 Carrera S differs from your standard 911 and so on.\nThe \u201c911 for Dummies\u201d video also explains how the 911 GT2 RS, \nthe most powerful 911 ever built\n, is different from the \n911 GT3 RS\n where its updated model was\n recently unveiled in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur\n."
"The \nMcLaren Senna\n is already an engineering marvel own its but the guys at McLaren Special Operations (MSO) know just how to take it to another level. Set to take centre stage at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) is a bespoke McLaren Senna Carbon Theme by MSO, featuring exposed carbon fibre body panels and a unique livery that nods to legendary Formula 1 racer, Ayrton Senna\u2019s.\nThe Carbon Theme is one of the five pre-set themes from MSO. All 67 carbon fibre body panels of the Senna are \ncompletely exposed\n, giving it a Visual Carbon Fibre exterior. The carbon fibre exterior is contrasted with Solar Yellow accents on the sill exteriors, rear wing and front active Aero blades as well as Laurel Green brake calipers \u2013 a colour scheme identical to the helmet colours of Ayrton Senna.   Standard on this unique Senna is a \n7-spoke MSO Hybrid Carbon Fibre wheels\n (19-inch front; 20-inch rear) that weighs just 7.5 kg (front wheel without tyre), 10 percent lighter than the standard-fit wheels. The centre-locking wheels made from forged aluminium/carbon fibre reduces unsprung weight and offer 10 to 15 percent reduction in rotating inertia, giving the car improved acceleration, braking and steering responses.\nThe MSO Hybrid Carbon Fibre wheels will be available as an \u00c0 la carte order from the dealer either in Diamond Cut or Stealth finish. The centre lock wheel nuts are finished in Memphis Red and Vega Blue on the left and right wheels, respectively.\nHow much for this bespoke McLaren Senna Carbon Theme by MSO you ask? \u00a3300,000 (RM1.6 million). And that does not the car\u2019s base price of \u00a3750,000 (RM4 million) , yikes! Limited to 500 examples worldwide and all units of the Senna have already been spoken for.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren Senna Carbon Theme by MSO   McLaren Senna"
"Proton has just launched the much-awaited locally-assembled 2020 Proton X70. Other than localising production in the new \nRM1.2 billion plant extension\n, Proton has also given the locally-assembled X70 a new dual-clutch transmission, some added kit, along with improved refinement.\nIn the 2020 model line-up, the \nProton X70\n will be available in four variants \u2013 Standard 2WD (\nRM94,800\n), Executive 2WD (\nRM106,800\n), Premium 2WD (\nRM119,800\n) and Premium X 2WD (\nRM122,800\n). The previously-available Executive 4WD variant, has been dropped in the new model line-up due to market preferences.\n \nPOWERTRAIN\nThe locally-assembled Proton X70 is powered by Geely\u2019s third-generation 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out \n181 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, 15 Nm more than its predecessor.\nHowever, the star of the show in the 2020 Proton X70 is the new \nseven-speed dual-clutch transmission\n (DCT), replacing the existing six-speed torque converter automatic.\nWith the new drivetrain combination, the locally-assembled Proton X70 has shaved off one second in its century sprint time, taking just \n9.5 seconds\n to reach 100 km/h from standstill.\nProton engineers said that the new gearbox is tuned for smoothness and efficiency, with a quoted fuel consumption figure of \n7.6 l/100km\n \u2013 a 13% improvement from the imported unit.\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, no significant changes has been done on the styling of the Proton X70. The only modifications done to the exterior are the front emblem, as well as the bossed logo on the wheel hub.\nThe entry-level Standard 2WD variant comes with halogen headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Moving up to the Executive 2WD trim lands you LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as a powered tailgate.\nPremium and Premium X 2WD variants gain 19-inch wheels, along with a foot sensor for the powered tailgate.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the 2020 Proton X70 also remains largely the same, aside from the new emblem on the steering wheel, along with a new shift-by-wire gear lever, to go along with the new seven-speed DCT gearbox.\nAt the back, the \nrear seats can now be reclined\n into two positions, 27 and 32 degrees. Panoramic sunroof is now reserved to the new Premium X variant.\nThe Standard 2WD variant gets fabric seats, while the seats in the Executive 2WD variant are finished in black leatherette. If you\u2019re feeling a little fancy, moving up to the Premium and Premium X variants nets you brown Nappa leather upholstery.\nThe Executive 2WD and above variants also get new \nventilated front seats\n, which is accessible through the infotainment display.\nIn terms of infotainment, all variants will come with an eight-inch connected infotainment display with built-in navigation and voice command.\nThe infotainment system is paired to six speakers on the Standard 2WD variant, eight on the Executive, and nine speakers with power amplifier and subwoofer on the Premium and Premium X 2WD variants.\nSAFETY\nThe Premium and Premium X variants come equipped with Proton\u2019s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), unchanged from the imported model.\nThe ADAS suite includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC).\nAlso included in the Premium variants is the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), along with four front parking sensors (Executive variant gets two, while the Standard variant does not come equipped with the front parking sensors.\nThe 2020 Proton X70 will be available in six exterior shades, with a new \nSpace Grey\n exterior colour, exclusive to the Premium variants, joining the existing arsenal of Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and Cinnamon Brown.\nAs standard, all 2020 Proton X70 will come with\n five-year unlimited mileage warranty\n with \nfive times free labour on scheduled services\n, five-year 1GB data package for the infotainment system, as well as low interest rates from 2.32% pa.\nProton is also offering some early bird goodies for the first 3,000 customers, including a five-year additional 4GB data package worth RM1,740, as well as an accessories package (dash cam, floor mats, magnetic sunshade, door visors, boot tray and trunk organiser) worth RM2,000.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Aston Martin \nunveiled the Valkyrie in full\n, the company confirmed that they will only build 150 road cars and 25 track cars throughout the span of its production. Much has been detailed about the road legal versions but not much has been said about the track-only Valkyrie, until now.\nThe track-only Valkyrie gets blessed with the Aston Martin Racing (AMR) nameplate with the official title: \nAston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro\n. Penned by Adrian Newey \u2013 the most successful Formula One designer of all-time with technical collaborations between Aston Martin, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and AF Racing, the Valkyrie AMR Pro has its crosshair set on Formula One cars.\nThe already stunning exterior design of the \nregular\n Valkyrie has been reworked with larger front and rear wing elements to significantly increase the overall downforce. The active aerodynamic controls have been tailored specifically for on-track performance. The Valkyrie AMR Pro also runs on smaller \n18-inch alloys\n on all four corners to facilitate the fitment of \nMichelin racing tyres used on LMP1 cars\n. You can tell for a fact now that Aston Martin has ditched all show for go.\nBesides that, the already lightweight road car went through a weight saving exercise \u2013 removal of creature comfort items such as infotainment screens, polycarbonate windscreen, side windows complements lighter carbon fibre bodywork, new suspension components, carbon fibre wishbones and moulded race seats. It also gets a lighter exhaust system because silencing requirements are not applicable to the track car.   The lighter bodywork is coupled with a retuned \n6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 with hybrid technology\n that develops even more power and torque (official figures to be released in due course), the Valkyrie AMR Pro is said to achieve speeds of \n402 km/h\n. The track weapon is capable of sustaining cornering forces in excess of 3.3g and deceleration of 3.5g. Based on Red Bull Technology\u2019s internal simulations, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is capable of achieving lap times of a modern F1 or LMP1 car.\nAston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: \u201cThe road car will set new benchmarks for performance, engineering and technology \u2013 a hypercar in the truest sense \u2013 and with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro, those limits will be pushed further still. It\u2019s a remarkable project. One that\u2019s propelling Aston Martin and 25 of our most passionate customers into a new and extraordinary realm\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro   Aston Martin Valkyrie road car"
"Famed British supercar manufacturer \nMcLaren\n is going one down here by revealing their \u2018baby\u2019, the \n570S Coupe\n in an attempt to take on the likes of the \nAudi R8\n, \nPorsche 911\n and \nMercedes-AMG GT\n. The base McLaren, if you can even call it that, is made to be more accessible and a practical everyday sports car and is the brand\u2019s first venture into the upper end of the sports car market.\nThis move sees McLaren giving the lower-priced but higher-volume sports car category a run for its money, but the 570S is apparently not alone in this assault because the company confirmed that a \u2018lesser\u2019 540C model is in the pipeline. The 570S, priced at USD184,900 (est. RM670k) a pop, it\u2019s typically compared to the similarly priced Porsche 911 Turbo S which is only USD2,200 cheaper than the Mac.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMcLaren 570S Coupe\nEngine\n3,799cc; twin turbocharged V8\nTransmission\n7-speed sequential shift gearbox\nMax Power\n570PS (562 hp) @ 7,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n600 Nm @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n3.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n328 km/\nSo where does the 570S sit when you\u2019ve got the 650S and P1 to choose from? The answer \u2013 McLaren\u2019s \nSport Series\n, one of the brand\u2019s \nthree-tier model strategy\n with the other two being the \nSuper Series\n and \nUltimate Series\n. Simply put, the Sport Series will feature models like the 540C and 570S, whereas the 650S and \n675 LT\n\u00a0fit snugly in the\u00a0Super Series while the \nP1\n is, well, the ultimate thing that needs no introduction.   Details are fairly similar here, as the 570S gets the same \n3.8-litre twin turbo V8\n engine that\u2019s made with over 30 percent new components. As the name suggest, it makes 570PS or \n562 hp\n at 7,400 rpm and \n600 Nm\n of torque from 5,000 rpm to 6,500 rpm. It weighs \n1,313kg\n thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre, and boasts a class\u2019 best power-to-weight ratio of \n428 hp per tonne\n.\nTransmission choice is the same \nseven-speed\u00a0Sequential Shift Gearbox\n, sending all that power to the \nrear wheels\n. The 570S is capable of sprinting from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 9.5 seconds while managing a top speed of \n328 km/h\n. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard in this model, fitted behind 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the back. The front is wrapped with 225/35R19 series tyres while the rear gets 285/35R20 profile \nP Zero Corsa tyres\n.\nDubbed as the most usable McLaren to date, this car could prove to be your ideal daily driver as much attention has been given to make this car comfortable. As such, the sport seats are upholstered in premium grade leather as standard, as with the dashboard and flat-bottomed steering wheel. Oh, the seats are six-way power adjustable as well, while the passenger gets a four-way power adjuster.   Also new to this Mac is a TFT digital instrument cluster that changes its configuration depending on driving mode. At the centre, you get a \nvertically mounted\n \n7-inch touchscreen\n head unit with climate control functionality and Bluetooth connectivity. To keep the weight down, only four speakers will come as standard, although customers can still opt for McLaren\u2019s Audio Plus 8-Speaker Upgrade System or the Bowers and Wilkins 12-Speaker Premium Audio System with 1,280W surround sound upgrade.\nDeveloped in conjunction with technical Partner,\u00a0\nAkzoNobel\n, the 570S Coup\u00e9 is available in a total of\u00a0\n17 colours\n: three Standard, six Special and eight Elite shades. Among these are\u00a0\nfour\n\u00a0newly formulated colours \u2013 Ventura Orange, Vermillion Red, Bourbon and Blade Silver.\u00a0The Sports Series completes the McLaren three tier model range, with the\u00a0\n540C Coup\u00e9\n\u00a0priced from \u00a3126,000 (\nRM825,625\n) and\u00a0\n570S Coup\u00e9\n\u00a0from \u00a3143,250 (\nRM938,657\n). Prices mentioned are void of duty and taxes.\nCEO of McLaren Automotive, Mike Flewitt said, \u201cThe new Sports Series is aimed at a new audience for McLaren.\u00a0It\u2019s the first time we\u2019ve competed in the sports car market as opposed to the supercar market. As with all McLaren models, we have prioritised performance, driving engagement and exhilaration. It is a totally driver-focused car, with excellent ergonomics and visibility, and a class-leading driving position. This is also the most day-to-day usable, practical and attainable McLaren we\u2019ve ever made. It is a dramatic and beautiful sports car.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Revealed in September last year, the Maserati MC20 is currently undergoing a series of reliablity tests both on and off track, and also intensive cold weather trials. The location? Italy\u2019s most renowned snow and ice circuit, Ghiacciodromo Livigno.\nThe series of tests aims to evaluate engine cold starting, low temperature performance of elastic components, and the car\u2019s handling on low temperature, low grip asphalt surfaces. The car\u2019s climate control system, battery, suspension and brakes were also tested in the process.\n \nThe MC20 stands for Maserati Corse and the year 2020 it was revealed in but that\u2019s not all as Maserati has even named its engine \u2013 called the \nNettuno\n \u2013 after the Roman god which inspired the brand\u2019s Trident logo.\nThe MC20 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine making 630 hp and 730 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes less than 2.9 seconds, onward to a top speed of 325 km/h.\nInside, the MC20 comes with two 10-inch screens \u2013 one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment display while its carbon fibre steering wheel is finished with Alcantara.\nOther variants of the MC20 will also be available in the future, with Maserati confirming that a convertible and full electric version is in the pipeline.\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019re looking for a charitable cause that you can contribute without having to work a muscle, Shell Malaysia invites you to empower underprivileged children simply by refuelling at any Shell station nationwide on 19 May, 26 May, 2 June and 9 until 14 June 2018.\nOn these selected dates, Shell Malaysia will be donating \n1 Sen\n (RM0.01) to selected charitable organisation for every litre of fuel pumped at any Shell station nationwide as part of their\u00a0\nShell Raya Charity Campaign 2018\n. In addition to that, customers who pay using their \nMastercard\n,\u00a0the payment solutions provider will make an additional donation of \n1 Sen\n (RM0.01) per litre.\nManaging Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Shairan Huzani Husain said: \u201cShell\u2019s mission is to make life\u2019s journeys better for all Malaysians, by offering high-quality fuels and making a positive impact in the communities where we operate. Children are the future of our nation, and we believe in supporting those in need to help them achieve their full potential. Through the generous support of Malaysians over the past 3 years, we have \nmade a difference\n in the lives of \nover 5,200 underprivileged children\n.\u201d\nMastercard Country Manager, Malaysia and Brunei, Perry Ong added: \u201cMastercard is honoured to collaborate with Shell on a campaign that gives back to the community during one of Malaysia\u2019s key festive seasons. This initiative underscores Mastercard\u2019s commitment to support important causes such as children\u2019s development as part of its global Priceless Causes effort which brings together partners and cardholders to do good. Donations will play a part in supporting the provision of school meals as an essential form of nourishment for children\u2019s wellbeing. Additionally, cardholders can also make charitable contributions via the Mastercard Donations Platform, a digital platform which lets people donate conveniently and safely.\u201d\nThe funds collected will be donated to \nseven charitable organisations across the country\n: Kalsom Movement (Nationwide), Yayasan Chow Kit (Klang Valley), Majlis Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Malaysia (East Coast, North, South), Project T.R.Y (Transforming Rural Youth, Sabah), Pertubuhan Ibu Bapa Kanak-Kanak Keperluan Istimewa Sarawak, Montfort Youth Training Centre (Sabah), and HAUS (Sarawak); all aimed at empowerment of underprivileged children and youth.\nBe sure to mark down the remaining dates \u2013 26 May, 2 June and 9 until 14 June 2018 and fuel up with Shell. Not only you\u2019re fuelling up for a charitable cause, first-time users can also experience the new \nShell Fuels with DYNAFLEX technology\n, designed to reduce carbon build-up, restore power and improve fuel efficiency."
"Sometimes I wonder; are we getting too comfortable with the ride-sharing services available to us? Are we getting a little complacent with our own well-being when getting into someone else\u2019s car and being driven by a person we barely know, that all we care about are cheap fares?\nThese thoughts always arise a few minutes into the trip after booking a ride from either one of the most prominent ride-sharing services available in our country. A few days ago, those questions resurfaced.\nEven if it were a\n\u00a0McLaren,\u00a0\nmechanical faults could ruin the whole Uber experience, right?\nI requested for a ride a few days back with the company that usually offers the cheaper rate for a trip to the airport and a few things caught my attention, only just a few kilometres into the journey. While the driver\u2019s approach behind the wheel and the car\u2019s cleanliness was unquestionable, the state of his vehicle was.\nCruising at the legal speed limit, I can\u2019t help but notice \na few indistinguishable noises\n and what sounded like wheel bearing issues. While I may not be a mechanic nor an engineer of sorts, having spent nearly a decade maintaining old car(s), the latter\u2019s noise is rather unmistakable.\nOn the way back, yet again, the same company was opted and what do you know, although it was a different car and driver, the same \u201cwheel bearing-like noise\u201d could be heard. This time the vehicle\u2019s \u201cinterior deco\u201d was a little \u201ctoo private\u201d for someone (myself) with a compulsive need for good visibility outside the car.\nA quick snap in the dark of the sunshades and pillows placed behind the rear seats. Trust me, visibility was almost non-existent.\nMost of the vehicle\u2019s windows, especially the rear windscreen were \ncovered with removable sunshades\n that\u2019s dark enough to turn day into night and this ride was taken late into the day so you can imagine how limited and unclear the driver\u2019s rear-view was.\nAs if that weren\u2019t bad enough for any form of clarity, rear visibility was further limited with two unnecessary pillows\n placed by the rear windscreen\n. I do not expect to be driven by a professional driver but these things make me really insecure, especially when being driven by someone whose calibre behind the wheel is totally unknown to me.\nThis isn\u2019t the first time and probably won\u2019t be the last. That said, I wouldn\u2019t go so far as to assume that all vehicles tied to ride-sharing services are of questionable condition. While it\u2019s commendable that \nride-sharing services have background checks\n in place along with no-nonsense approaches to their driver\u2019s lack of discipline on the road, I think I speak for everyone in saying that more stringent \u201chealth checks\u201d should be in place\u00a0for owner\u2019s cars, due to their higher than normal rate of usage, for everyone\u2019s safety on the road \u2013 not just the passengers."
"UMW Toyota Motor has issued an official statement to the media addressing the incident where \none of its authorised dealers\n had flown the Malaysian flag upside down. Here is the statement in full:\nUMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) today expressed their deep regret for the incident occurring at its Authorised Dealer, whereby Malaysian Flags were hung up-side down.\nThe company acknowledged that the matter was brought to its attention by concerned Netizens who took to Social Media to duly inform the organisation.\nThe company also stressed that such matters are treated very seriously and it had no intention to disrespect the country; as it was a genuine and unfortunate mistake. The Dealership has also since taken immediate corrective action by removing the flags and stern action has been taken to ensure such matters do not recur in the future. \n\u201cWe really appreciate our fellow Malaysians and\u00a0netizens who\u00a0spotted this mistake and for notifying us. We have since corrected it and taken measures to ensure that such incidences\u00a0are not repeated in the future.\u00a0We deeply regret and apologise for what had happened. As Malaysians we have great respect and love for our country,\u201d said Mr. Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor.\n(Photo credit: Toyota PDC Auto Kuantan\u2019s Facebook page)"
"Aside from the \nCity RS e:HEV\n, \nHonda Malaysia\n has added another variant to the City lineup with Honda Sensing, the new \nCity V-\nSENSING, priced at \nRM90,212.36\n. In total there are now five Honda City variants offered locally.\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, it is targeted that young families or young working adults who seek ample performance alongside advance safety features for their daily commute.\n\u201cSince we launched the 5\nth\n Generation City in October 2020, we have recorded total sales of more than 23,300 units. To date, the City has contributed 34% to Honda Malaysia\u2019s total sales between January and October 2021, making it the best-selling model in Honda Malaysia, said Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Ms. Chujo added.\u00a0\nAs the name suggests, the main highlight of the new City variant is the host of Honda SENSING features it\u2019s equipped with including:\nAdaptive Cruise Control\nForward Collision Warning\nLane Departure Warning\nLane Keep Assist\nCollision Mitigation Braking System\nRoad Departure Mitigation\nAuto High Beam\nOther driver aids include a reverse camera, hill start assist Honda LaneWatch with six airbags to depend on.\n \nThe new City variant also gets a 7-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster, a feature previously exclusive for the City RS model. In terms of powertrain, the new variant is powered by the latest 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine found in the S, E, and V variants, with 121 hp and 145 Nm. The engine is paired to a CVT gearbox.\nLike the V and RS variants for the City, the new V-SENSING variant also gets LED headlights and 16-inch wheels.\nInside, the V-SENSING is furnished with leather seats finished with Ivory highlights. It also gets paddle shifters, rear air-con vents, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Remote Engine Start feature is also available."
"The 2020 Geneva Motor Show was \nabruptly cancelled\n at the last minute due to the worsening COVID-19 situation. However, Volkswagen was not going to let that dampen its spirits.\nAfter moving the launch of the \neight-generation Golf GTI\n online, Volkswagen has now painstakingly recreated its Geneva Motor Show stand in every detail, but made even better because now everyone can visit it \u2013 \nthrough your web browser. \n\u201cVisitors\u201d can either stroll around the virtual motor show freely, or follow a guided tour that brings you around the key displays. The guided tour also includes some more interactive aspects \u2013 such as an \u201cX-ray\u201d vision for the ID.3 electric propulsion technology, or swapping out wheels and paint job.\nAll of Volkswagen\u2019s latest offerings are on display, including the recently launched Golf GTI (and the \nrest of the Golf line-up\n), plug-in hybrid \nTouareg R\n, as well as the\n ID.3 \nand the ID Space Vizzion concept.\nVolkswagen Chief Marketing Officer, Jochen Sengpiehl said, \u201cOur first digital booth is only the opening chapter in our new sustainable concept for future innovative online experiences.\n\u201cExploiting the opportunities offered by virtual reality is part of our digitalization strategy. It will become an integral component of our experience marketing, the entire external presentation of the brand and interaction with customers and fans,\u201d he added.\nThe virtual show will be available free of charge on the \nwebsite\n until the 17th of April 2020."
"Remember Karwai Chan, the local artist we first heard about after seeing her \nultra-realistic paintings\n in McLaren Kuala Lumpur\u2019s showroom? She\u2019s teamed up with McLaren again, except this time instead of her artwork being hung up on the wall, it\u2019s actually parked right on the showroom floor.\nThat\u2019s right \u2013 her latest artwork in collaboration with McLaren Kuala Lumpur is actually a car. Called \u201cRide Every Wave\u201d, Karwai\u2019s latest art piece is meticulously hand-painted onto the bodywork of a white \nMcLaren GT\n, taking over\n 200 hours\n of detailed work to complete!\nThe artwork is an amalgamation of Chinese and Japanese art styles, inspired by traditional Chinese porcelain and \u201cThe Great Wave of Kanagawa\u201d, one of the most recognisable artwork from Japan.\nAccording to Karwai, the wave motif was chosen as it perfectly encapsulates how \u201climitless, fearless, and unstoppable a McLaren GT is\u201d. Plus, it\u2019s also right around the corner to Chinese New Year, so the porcelain art style is also the perfect way to celebrate Chinese traditions.\nPretty, isn\u2019t it? Unfortunately, you probably won\u2019t be seeing it on the roads anytime soon, despite the \n620 hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n engine lurking underneath the rear boot deck.\nKarwai says that they\u2019ll be applying a layer of varnish on top of the oil painting, plus another layer of paint protection film (PPF) to further protect it from the elements. But it\u2019s still a work of art, which means it\u2019ll need to be preserved like one \u2013 displayed under bright lights and watched-on attentively by security guards.\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of \nFord \nvehicles in Malaysia, has announced a new \u2018Service Reward\u2019 promotion campaign for selected Ford models. The campaign will run for \ntwo days only\n starting today (1st and 2nd September), with only 1,000 Service Reward vouchers available for sale.\nThe vouchers cost RM5 each, and is\n eligible for three service appointments over an 18-month period \nfrom the date of purchase of the voucher. Each service voucher will entitle the customer to 10% savings on the engine oil during their first vehicle service appointment; 20% on their second, and 30% on the third and final service appointment.\nDuring all three service appointments, customers with the Service Reward voucher can also enjoy a 10% discount on the oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, battery, wiper blades, as well as labour costs. Additionally, customers with the Service Reward voucher can also take advantage of the free 27-point vehicle inspection to ensure their vehicles are in great running condition.\nRedemption of the voucher is valid at all Ford Authorised Service Centres nationwide, and the voucher must be presented at each vehicle service to take advantage of the savings. The Service Reward voucher will be available for purchase at all Ford service centres, while stocks last.\nSDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said, \u201cWe are always looking for ways to support our customers and reward them for their loyalty. In these uncertain times, as people resume their day-to-day activities, we hope these savings will help lighten their load while keeping them safe on the roads.\u201d\nCustomers can make a vehicle service appointment online via SDAC-Ford\u2019s website \nhere\n. The new \nreal-time e-Service Appointment booking system\n, which allows customers to check the available time slots and confirm the booking in real-time, is available at seven Ford Service Centres in Malaysia \u2013 Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford Tawau.\nIn addition to booking a service appointment online, customers can also schedule a service appointment by calling their preferred authorised Ford Service Centres directly."
"Personalising a \nMcLaren 570S\n can be described as a love-hate affair. The sheer variety of colour themes for the Sports Series would put anyone on the fence. Should the brake calipers be finished in red to match the Vermilion Red paintjob or should they be in silver to contrast with the stealthy wheels? See what I mean?\nWell, McLaren is going to make the personalisation process easier with their new Design Edition\u00a0models\u00a0\nexclusively\n for 570S. From McLaren\u2019s very own designers, the team has put together \nfive different design combination\n based on the designers\u2019 choice on exterior paint, wheel style and finish, exhaust style, and brake caliper colour, taking the popular \u201cBy McLaren\u201d personalisation themes a stage further.\nDesign Edition 1\n combines a Vermillion Red paintjob with five-spoke diamond cut wheels, stealth exhaust and red calipers. The interior features Carbon Black Alcantara, Apex Red Nappa leather seats, Jet Black Nappa leather upper fascia, Apex Red Nappa leather lower fascia, Slate Grey contrast stitching, a dual colour co-ordinated steering wheel, and a McLaren branded leather sill finisher.\nA quick check on McLaren\u2019s \nconfigurator\n for the 570S\u00a0reveals\u00a0an Onyx Black paintjob with McLaren Orange calipers and a McLaren Orange themed interior for\u00a0the \nDesigner Edition 2\n. \nDesigner Edition 3\n features a Storm Grey paintjob with red calipers and an Apex Red interior theme, while\u00a0\nDesigner Edition 4 \nreceives a Ventura Orange paintjob, McLaren Orange calipers, and McLaren Orange themed interior. Lastly, \nDesigner Edition 5\n comes with a Silica White paintjob and McLaren Orange brake calipers as well as\u00a0interior theme.\nOn top of the \n\u00a38,500\n (RM47k) Designer Edition pack, customers are still able to specify\u00a0other optional extras and MSO parts to their hearts\u2019 desire. Previously, the Designer Edition\u2019s parts can be had \u00e0 la carte for their individual prices, however the all-in option price offers \nsignificant savings\n than the single option pricing.\nMcLaren are currently taking orders for the Designer Edition 570S with first deliveries expected to commence\u00a0in 2017. Now there\u2019s no need to scratch your head for design ideas!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you want to be among the first in the country to check out the \nnewly launched G20 BMW 3 Series\n, BMW Group Malaysia is hosting a BMWMY3Series roadshow happening this weekend (29 \u2013 31 March) at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Level 3.\nNot only will the G20 BMW 330i M Sport be available for customer test drives, there will also be one Alpine White unit decked out in the \nM Performance kit\n. To see this exact specification in the metal quite a treat because otherwise, you\u2019ll only have brochures and pictures to stitch the image in your mind.\nThe G20 3 Series is a\nthrough bred sports sedan and the M Performance bits dials the car\u2019s sporty\nintentions up a few notches with gloss black kidney grille, 20-inch M\nPerformance forged cross-spoke 794 M style alloys, side skirts, M Performance\ndecals and a ducktail rear spoiler.\nAlso on display are the previous six-generations of the 3 Series from the E21, E30, E36, E46, E90 and F30. Classic car enthusiast will appreciate a mint 2002 that BMW Group Malaysia has on display at the exhibition hall.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nG20 BMW\u00a0330i\u00a0with\u00a0M Performance\u00a0Kit\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Set to enter the Malaysian market in Q4 2023 via \nPRO-NET\n (Proton\u2019s subsidiary), the all-electric \nSmart #1\n has scored a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. \nEuro NCAP\n has recently released the crash test results of 14 other cars as well including the \nHyundai Ioniq 6\n and the Toyota bZ4x.\nClassified as a \u201csmall off-road\u201d vehicle by Euro NCAP, the Smart #1 managed to obtain a score of 96% for \u201cAdult Occupant Protection\u201d, 89% for \u201cChild Occupant Protection\u201d, 71% for \u201cVulnerable Road Users Protection\u201d, and 88% for \u201cSafety Assist\u201d. Smart says 74% usage of high-strength steel and 19% press-hardened steel in the Smart #1 has helped to create a strong safety environment for the user.\nBesides the high Euro NCAP safety rating, Smart highlighted its overall battery safety protection system. The company has adopted multiple technical safeguard measures, including high thermal stability battery core materials, heat insulation of battery modules, and structural protection of the battery packs.\nAs for intelligent driving systems, the Smart #1 is equipped with the Smart Pilot Assist Package bundle. This includes Front Collision Mitigation (FCM) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). FCM detects when the vehicle is in imminent danger of a frontal collision and makes necessary countermeasures. LKA helps guide the driver back into the centre of the lane in case the vehicle is moving out of its lane without indicating by applying light counter-steering.\nOther safety features of the Smart #1 include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle, Pedestrian and Cyclists Detection, and Emergency Manoeuvre Assist (EMA). It also features a Door Open Warning System (DOW).\nRELATED: \nProton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022\n \nBack in August this year, \nProton and Smart inked a distributorship deal for the Smart #1\n electric vehicle (EV). Proton\u2019s clean energy subsidiary, PRO-NET will be in charge of sales of the Smart #1. Besides that, PRO-NET will also deploy charging solutions for customers which include home-based chargers and a public charging network.\nAs standard, the Smart #1 gets a single electric motor on the rear axle that makes \n272 hp\n (metric) and \n343 Nm\n. Energy is stored in a \n66-kWh\n battery pack that provides up to \n440 km\n of range (WLTP). A Brabus version of the Smart #1 adds another electric motor to the front axle, producing a system output of more than 400 hp.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 EV gets Brabus treatment \u2013 hot compact SUV EV to have over 400 hp"
"The new all-electric \nVolkswagen ID.7\n just made its world debut in Berlin. This is \nVolkswagen\u2019s\n first EV sedan and it sits at the top of the \nVolkswagen\n \nID.\n family lineup for now.\nBeing the second model to be built on the German automotive giant\u2019s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform after the \nID.4\n, the ID.7\u2019s body measures almost \n5,000 mm\n long, with a wheelbase measuring \n2,970 mm\n.\nFor context, this compact executive EV is basically longer than the \nToyota Camry\n, \nHonda Accord\n, \nBMW 5 Series \nand the \nMercedes-Benz E Class\n.\nOn the outside, the ID.7 features a fastback design with a roof that slopes at the rear, a popular trend in the current automotive scene. In order to provide a longer range, Volkswagen has spent effort in designing the ID.7 to be aerodynamic. This results in a drag coefficient of about 0.23.\nRELATED: \nThe Volkswagen ID.2all concept is what the ID.3 wanted to be all along\nPowering the car is a Volkswagen Group in-house developed A-PP550 electric motor that produces \n281 hp\n. This is by far the most powerful found in a Volkswagen ID model.\nThanks to Volkswagen\u2019s engineering and design efforts, the ID.7\u2019s aerodynamic design and efficient drivetrain is able to churn out up to a targetted 700 km range (WLTP). In addition to that, the ID.7 also features efficient thermal management that allows the car to have good range.\nDespite the healthy targetted \n700 km\n range, charging is of course still required to keep the ID.7 running. In this regard, charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n200 kW\n with DC charging, enabling the car to be juiced up from 10% to 80% in just \n20 minutes\n.\nMoving inside, you will find a spacious interior, thanks to the long wheelbase. What\u2019s more, the ID.7\u2019s interior doesn\u2019t only look and sound roomy but is also modern, simple yet stylish. It is claimed that the interior of the ID.7 is free from animal leather.\nVolkswagen also claimed that the ID.7 provides exceptional travel comfort through premium features usually found in more premium cars. These features include interior ambient lights and a panoramic sunroof with switchable smart glass. This enables the panoramic sunroof to, as the name suggests, switch between opaque and transparent settings via touch control or voice command with the IDA voice assistant.\nThe ID.7\u2019s seats are also available with the brand\u2019s Adaptive Seat Climatronic function as an option. This seat option provides cooling, heating and drying functions, as well as a German-Campaign-of-healthier-backs-approved massage function. Developed and improved based on customers\u2019 feedback, Volkswagen designed the ID.7\u2019s centre console with a 15-inch infotainment display and an Augmented Reality (AR) head-up display (HUD).\nThe German automobile manufacturer even reimagined the airconditioning system for the ID.7, positioned at the upper half section of the infotainment system. Volkswagen enables the climate control to be controlled either via voice command, the backlit touch slider located below the infotainment display, or the infotainment display itself. What\u2019s even more interesting is the air vents swing up and down automatically according to the climate.\nA 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system is also fitted to the ID.7. This consists of 14 loudspeakers, including a front centre speaker as well as a subwoofer in the rear boot.\nVolkswagen innovated the ID.7\u2019s safety features by integrating its own developed Travel Assist with swarm data. This system is essentially a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist but collects data such as localisation landmarks, lane markings as well as path driven, to the cloud digital map.\nThe map then supplements the onboard camera to keep the car driving on the right side of the road even when the centre line on the road is missing. The Travel Assist\u2019s functionality will also improve as more ID. drivers\u2019 data are collected, provided owners permit it of course. Furthermore, lane changing is also supported on multi-lane highways when above \n90 km/h\n. The all-electric Volkswagen also features automatic parking as well as memory function over a distance of up to 50 metres.\nMartin Meiners\nThe ID.7 EV sedan is scheduled to be launched in Europe and China in\n \nAutumn\n \n2023, while the North American market will see its launch in 2024.\nAs for Malaysia, Volkswagen Malaysia has already previewed the Volkswagen ID.4 at the Volkswagen fest in 2022. The ID.4 that was previewed in Malaysia was in the Pro Performance guise. Buyers looking out for EVs with a similar footprint can opt for the \nKia EV6\n or the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 \u2013 520km range EV SUV\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen has followed up the launch of the \nGolf GTI Mk8\n swiftly with the introduction of a more powerful and track-oriented Clubsport model, reviving a nameplate last used in 2015.\nUnlike the hardcore \nClubsport S\n \u2013 which was the last model to carry that name, the new Mk8 Clubsport doesn\u2019t seem to be a limited-production model. Despite that though, it still carries a lot of the Clubsport DNA \u2013 most importantly its connection to the \nNurburgring Nordschleife\n.\nSo what does a made-for-Nurburgring Golf GTI entail? Firstly, it has more power. The EA888 Evo4 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the GTI has been uprated to now produce \n300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a 55 hp and 30 Nm increase over the regular GTI, all of which sent to the front wheels only via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox with Clubsport-specific gear ratios.\nThe added performance translates to a 0-100 km/h time of \u201cunder six seconds\u201d compared to 6.2 seconds on the GTI, though still shares the same electronically-limited 250 km/h top speed.\nBut of course, you can\u2019t call it a Clubsport with just a boost in output. The new flagship Golf GTI also gets a reworked chassis, equipped with an upgraded vehicle dynamics control system that now also integrates the electromechanical front-axle locking differential, in addition to the electronic differential locks (XDS) and adaptive shock absorbers that was already controlled by the system on the regular GTI.\nThe new GTI Clubsport also sits 10 mm lower than the regular Mk8 GTI, along with reworked suspension geometries, a more aggressive camber, and tweaked power steering to improve the corner-negotiating capabilities of the flagship hot hatch. VW works driver Benjamin Leuchter \u2013 who is also part of the Nurburgring development team for the car \u2013 even goes so far to say that the steering feels better than the Clubsport S.\nThe standout detail on the all-new Golf GTI Clubsport though, at least in respect to the Nurburgring, is the new Special driving mode which was tuned specifically for the Green Hell. In essence, it has everything maxed out at its most aggressive setting, but the suspensions softened to handle the bumpy surfaces of the historic race track.\nWith all of the performance improvements, along with larger and lighter brakes, the all-new Golf GTI Clubsport laps the Nordschleife a whopping 13 seconds faster than its \u201cnormal\u201d sibling \u2013 7:54 vs 8:07.\nAs for looks, the GTI Clubsport gets a more aggressive front bumper design with a larger honeycomb mesh air-intake surface that seemingly extends to the bottom to the car, along with a Clubsport signature two-tiered roof spoiler that\u2019s said to \u201csignificantly increase the downforce\u201d on the hot hatch.\nThe side skirts have also been widened, while at the rear you get a revised diffuser, bookended by two oval-shaped tailpipes, replacing the round ones on the regular GTI. As standard, the new Clubsport rides on 18-inch wheels, though 19-inch items are available as options."
"The all-new next-generation 2022 BMW X1, alongside the fully-electric iX1 are only due to make their debut later today, but images and specifications of the compact crossovers have already been leaked online, courtesy of serial leaker \nWilcoblok\n on Instagram.\nOn the outside, the all-new 2022 \nBMW X1\n appears to have received a significant styling update, borrowing many of the design elements from other new BMW models. The headlights are now slimmer and sleeker, similar to the \nnew 2022 BMW 3 Series\n, while the taillights also get a new three-dimensional L-shaped design that gives the rear fascia a significantly more modern appearance.\nSince it\u2019s only a leak, images of the all-new BMW X1 are still very limited, but the rear bumper seems to have also received a hefty update featuring black chunky plastic trim inserts that give the crossover a more angular appearance. On the side, the all-new X1 also now gets a smoother door panelling with minimal character lines, paired with a discreet door handle for better aerodynamic performance.\nThe fully-electric BMW iX1 meanwhile can be distinguished by its unique bumpers, bright blue trim pieces all around, and the i badging on the front grille.\nInside, the all-new X1 now gets a completely redesigned dashboard architecture, headlined by the new twin floating displays running BMW\u2019s latest \niDrive 8.0 operating system\n. Although, the screens do not appear to be curved in these photos, and the display panels themselves also seem to be smaller in size compared to the other models like the\n iX\n.\nThe rest of the dashboard is dominated by air vents for the climate control system, and similar to the iX, the all-new 2022 BMW X1 also gets a floating centre console that extends from the armrest, although it seems that the iDrive rotary dial has been removed completely.\nWhile information on the mechanicals are not available just yet, the images did reveal one of the electric iX1\u2019s powertrain options, which we presume will likely be badged the xDrive30. It gets a dual motor set-up making a total output of \n200 kW (268 hp)\n in normal driving conditions, with a further 30 kW (40 hp) of \u2018boost\u2019 available during harder acceleration.\n Power will be supplied by a 64.7 kWh battery pack mounted in the floor to provide up to 438 km of estimated range, based on the WLTP test cycle. A 130 kW DC fast charger translates to roughly 29 minutes for a 10-80% charge, while the built-in AC charger is rated at 11 kW as standard, with a 22 kW kit available as option.\nWe expect the rest of the powertrain options to not differ too much from the current offering, with the standard variants including the \nsDrive18i\n and \nsDrive20i\n that are currently on offer here in Malaysia. However, a plug-in hybrid xDrive30e variant is also rumoured, offering up to 321 hp in its sportiest drive mode.\nThere are still a lot of holes to fill in, but we won\u2019t have to wait too much longer as the all-new BMW X1 will be revealed completely later today \u2013 so keep your eyes peeled!"
"Back when DVDs were popular, many of us enthusiasts got our education of JDM machines via Best Motoring videos. Tuned-up cars from popular tuners like Spoon, HKS, Amuse and local specialists were meanwhile featured in the Best Motoring-Hot Version edition.\nIt was awesome to hear the engines scream and watch the drivers execute rev-matching and other clever footwork to maneuver the vehicles around Tsukuba and Gunsai-Gunma circuits.\n \nThanks to the high tuning potential of the Toyota GR Yaris, many Japanese tuning companies have started to push the performance envelope of the hot-hatch.\nWatch Eu Jin chasing a Toyota GR Supra with the GR Yaris at Sepang!\nIn this video from Best Motoring, Japan\u2019s \u2018Drift King\u2019 Keichi Tsuchiya has been roped in by Auto Craft Evolution (ACE) to set some benchmark time during a hill climb event on the Tajima Alpine Road in Kyoto, Japan. \u00a0\nImage from \nACE\u2019s Facebook \nMr. Shirahige, the owner of ACE, explains that not much has been done to the Toyota GR Yaris since he just collected the car about a month ago. He was however able to replace the stock suspension with HKS Hypermax items and paired with wide Rays ZE040 9.5Jx18 wheels.\nYou can watch the full video \nhere.\n Be sure to turn on the captions for English subtitles.\n \nThe engine meanwhile features the plug-and-play HKS Power Editor boost controller unit which brings up the total output from the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine to \n292 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n. The interior meanwhile features lightweight Bride racing seats and \nACE\u2019s own advanced steering wheel\n with data readout and upshift lights. \u00a0\nThe \u2018Drift King\u2019 set some fast times as well as praised the suspension setup by Mr. Shirahige. \u201cThe car turns in so good especially at entry, so controllable. It is not bumpy and absorbs so well,\u201d said Tsuchiya after his fastest run.\nBack at his workshop in Kyoto, Mr Shirahige then points out the strengths and weaknesses of the Toyota GR Yaris. He has plenty of ideas planned to further improve the performance of the hot hatchback and perhaps become the \u2018king of the hill\u2019.\nSource: \nBest Motoring YouTube\nGALLERY"
"Volvo has just recorded its strongest ever sales for the first half of a year\n, rebounding strongly from the 2020 coronavirus slump to sell \n380,757\n cars globally. The previous record was set in 2019, where Volvo sold 340,826 units.\nThe Swedish carmaker\u2019s sales between January and June increased 41% compared to the same period last year, when sales and production were majorly affected by national lockdowns globally. In the month of June itself, 68,224 cars globally, which is 11% more than it did the same month last year.\nThis is how the next-gen XC90 could look like, courtesy of Volvo Concept Recharge\nAccording to Volvo, the overall increase in sales was driven by strong demand in China, US, and Europe, all of which reported a double-digit growth compared to the same period last year. The carmaker also reported a fivefold increase in cars sold online in the same period.\nThe all-electric Volvo C40 Recharge\nOf the 380,757 cars sold, Volvo\u2019s line-up of the \u2018Recharge\u2019 electrified models accounted for 24.6% of the total figure \u2013 a nearly 150% increase from the previous year.\nThe next-gen Volvo XC60, rumoured for launch around 2026, will also be a fully-electric model\nSUVs remain a popular choice by Volvo buyers, with the XC40 retaining the crown as the brand\u2019s best-seller with 118,121 units sold, followed by the XC60 (113,500), and XC90 (54,177).\nThe \nVolvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV\n was only recently launched here in Malaysia.\nWith a continued uptrend following its second-half sales record set in June-December 2020, Volvo is on course to break its overall annual sales record of 705,452 \u2013 a figure that was set in 2019."
"AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA) has partnered with Setel \u2013 Malaysia\u2019s first mobile application for fuel payment at Petronas stations \u2013 to offer a fast, secure and simple way to purchase insurance online.\nWith that Setel users can now purchase AXA\u2019s motor insurance plan \u2013 SmartDrive Enhanced \u2013 through the app itself. Users can receive instant quotations, purchase motor insurance, receive e-policy, and more through the app. Users will also earn Mesra points with every policy purchased. The policies are customisable for better flexibility.\nRELATED: \nOne Setel e-wallet can now be shared with two others at Petronas stations\nThe \nAXA SmartDrive Enhanced\n \nmotor insurance plan offers comprehensive protection on the road that includes free towing up to 30km, 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, repair warranty and fast claims approval. Customers may also add other forms of coverage including windscreen, flood and natural disasters, waiver of betterment and more.\u00a0\nEarly birds who purchase their insurance via the Setel app will receive a 10% discount on top of their No Claims Discount (NCD) from 28the of February to the 27th of May 2022. Additionally, the first 500 users with successful insurance purchases via Setel will get a complimentary RM20 KFC Delivery e-Voucher for a limited time period only (from 28th of February to 2th of March 2022).\nFor more Setel-related promotions, click \nhere\n!"
"Electric Vehicles\n (EVs) are a technological marvel \u2013 there, we said it. Massive power, instant torque, all while being whisper quiet and burning zero fuel; If you hate EVs, you either probably haven\u2019t tried one yet, or you just hate change itself.\nThat being said, though, EVs scare us a little bit. Not because the cars are unsafe (crash tests have proven the opposite), but because they make insane power incredibly accessible for your regular Joe. And in the age of TikTok and internet fame, that can be dangerous.\n \nIf you\u2019ve been around the internet over the weekend, you\u2019ll have probably come across a viral video of a Tesla Model S catching massive air over a crest on a street in Los Angeles, before crash landing into the ground and damaging parked cars and other properties.\nAccording to the video above published by YouTuber Alex Choi, the stunt happened after a Tesla convoy drive, and was performed in front of a sizeable crowd, without any safety precautions in place. And the best part? The \u201cstunt\u201d driver didn\u2019t even own the car \u2013 it was a rented 2018 \nTesla Model S\n.\nScreenshot: Alex Choi/YouTube\nAs expected, the Los Angeles Police Department caught wind of the stunt, and on Sunday night, have already narrowed down their search to a person of interest, identified as @dominykas on TikTok.\nThe account published a video early Sunday with a footage of the crash, overlaid with the words \u201cI just crashed my new Tesla\u201d. The video has since been deleted, but a subsequent video from the same account shows a man reacting to the news with the words \u201cLAPD didn\u2019t like my stunt\u201d overlaid on top.\nRELATED: New Tesla Model S is even faster than a Bugatti Chiron! \u2013 0-100 km/h in under 1.99 seconds!\nThe \nTesla Model S Plaid\n has over 1,100 hp for no apparent reason, other than \u201cjust because we can\u201d.\nNow, to be fair, the same stunt could be performed by any other car, as long as it has enough horsepower to bring it up to speed up the steep incline. However, these cars are usually also significantly more expensive to own (or rent) compared to a Tesla Model S with comparable performance.\nThe saying \u201cwith great power comes great responsibility\u201d cannot be more relevant here. If carmakers can\u2019t guarantee responsibility, then perhaps they also shouldn\u2019t stuff 1,000 horsepower in a passenger car that can be bought by almost anyone. Ever heard of the mandated driver training programmes some sports car makers implement for their car owners? Now you know why.\nScreenshot: Alex Choi/YouTube\nYes, we get it, it\u2019s a free world, and you\u2019re free to do whatever (legal, of course) you want. But we implore you to show us a reason why anyone would ever need 1,000 hp in their daily commuter. Because to us, those numbers will always just be spec sheet paddings to help the EV makers sell more cars, and serves no purpose in the real world.\nLAPD Detective Calvin DeHesa told \nRoad & Track\n that no one has been injured from the stunt, and the agency is working with Enterprise, the car rental company who owns the car, to track down the driver.\nALSO READ: 400 horsepower is all you need, as seen on the Volvo XC40 Recharge.\n. and a yoke steering, for some reason.\nJordan Hook, a musician who owns one of the parked cars along the street struck by the Tesla, \npublished a video on YouTube \ndetailing the damage to his Subaru Forester.\n\u201cThey came down here and hit my car pretty bad,\u201d Hook said in the video. \u201cThey jacked up my front tires, my steering column\u2019s all messed up, my suspension\u2019s all blown, so the car\u2019s done.\u201d\nSpeaking to the publication, Hook said, \u201cIt\u2019s this trend thing. Everybody\u2019s like \u2018Oh, I could be seen by Elon if I do a stunt or a trick on this street!\u2019 It\u2019s just gotten kind of stupid.\u201d And he\u2019s right."
"Honda Malaysia has\njust issued a recall for 9,998 units of the Honda Accord 2.0L manufactured\nbetween 2003 to 2007 for a second replacement of the Takata driver front airbag\ninflators. This second recall is issued as a preventive measure to replace the defective\nairbag inflators.\nThe company apologises\nfor the inconvenience caused to customers once again and urges owners to send\ntheir vehicles to any of the 95 Honda authorised dealers for inspection and\nreplacement. Like before, the second replacement is free of charge and will\ntake approximately 45 minutes to complete.\nTo date, there are no crashes or injuries related to the Takata driver front airbag inflator in the MY2003 \u2013 2007 Accord 2.0L reported in Malaysia. Affected customers will be contacted via mail, alternatively, owners of any Honda vehicles (imported and distributed through authorised Honda Malaysia channels) can verify whether their vehicles are involved in any recall exercise \nhere\n.\nAs of 21 April 2019, Honda Malaysia has completed more than 243,720 units of Takata driver front airbag inflator replacements, which translates to 92% completion ratio. The total number of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements completed is at more than 527,480 units or 89% completion ratio.\nThe company also\nissued an official statement as below:\n\u201cHonda Malaysia also appeals to affected Honda\ncustomers who have yet to have their affected Takata front airbag inflators\nreplaced to do so urgently as it may deploy with excessive internal pressure\nwhen activated. The defective airbag inflator casing might rupture which may\nresult in injury or fatality of the driver and passenger.\u201d"
"The special edition Mazda MX-5 Icon is set to make its debut at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed which kicks off next week in the UK.\nThe production number will be capped at just 600 units, making it the most exclusive MX-5 Icon compared to previous iterations of the Icons back in 2000, 2005 and 2007. The all-new ND Mazda MX-5 Icon uses the 131hp 1.5 litre engine (which is not available here in Malaysia) and does the century sprint in 8.3 seconds.\nOnly two colours are available to choose from; Meteor Grey Mica or Crystal White Pearlescent. Both have contrasting Soul Red Metallic finishing on the side mirrors, rear spoiler, body decals and front skirt. Its new 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels further enhances the overall looks. Standard equipment is also upped, of which include leather seats, parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers.\nRevealed earlier this year at the 2016 New York Motor Show, the \nfolding hard-top Mazda MX-5 RF\n\u00a0(short for Retractable Fastback) made its European debut and will be joining a host of MX-5 highlights at Goodwood. Also joining them and making their first appearance outside of North America are the \nMX-5 Speedster and Spyder concept cars\n. The one millionth production MX-5 will be on display as well to celebrate the success of the world popular sports car.\nHeld in West Sussex, England, the Goodwood Festival of Speed starts this weekend from\u00a024\u00a0to 26\u00a0June 2016, while the Moving Motor Show takes place on 23\u00a0June.\nThe Icon is expected to go on sale in August whereas the RF goes on sale sometime next year in the UK. While the Icon is unlikely to reach our shores, it\u2019s unclear as yet whether the RF will make its appearance here. But watch this space for more updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The term \u201crage quit\u201d, used mainly in a gaming context, means letting your emotions take over and prematurely stopping whatever it is that you\u2019re doing, usually due to anger from something that transpired in the game.\nWe\u2019ve all been there, because sometimes it\u2019s easier to just give up than sitting around with no chance of redemption. Normally, rage-quitting wouldn\u2019t have mattered much \u2013 you\u2019ll probably take a small hit on your online gaming rank, or racing license points in sim racing, and that\u2019s pretty much it.\nHowever, for Nascar driver Bubba Wallace, the situation wasn\u2019t so \u201cnormal\u201d \u2013 Wallace was racing in Nascar\u2019s official Pro Invitational Series event, held in place of actual races which were cancelled or postponed due to the \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSKVMZUwlac\nInvolved in several early incidents, Wallace was left with a damaged car with no fast-repairs to use. Instead of running around hopelessly at the back, Bubba Wallace decided to retire from the race.\nWith the event broadcasted live on television, fans who saw it live flocked to Wallace\u2019s Twitter account to show their displeasure. As it turns out, one of Wallace\u2019s sponsors, Blue Emu, weren\u2019t too happy with the retirement too.\nAfter Wallace \ntweeted a message\n mocking his fans for getting angry at him quitting in a video game, Blue Emu publicly announced on Twitter that they\u2019re dropping him from sponsorship.\n https://twitter.com/BlueEmu1/status/1246878793790296067\nPerhaps Blue Emu have reacted a little strongly here, as racers sometimes retire from actual races too if their cars are too damaged to continue \u2013 though to be fair those drivers are in more danger than Wallace here.\nHowever, it just goes to show how serious simulator racing, or virtual racing has become over the past few years, and especially now when racing series including Formula 1 are \nturning to virtual racing series\n to keep their fans engaged during the COVID-19 period, which put many countries in restricted-movement mode.\n[H/T: \nWTF1\n]"
"Sime Darby Motors will be hosting its Dreamride roadshow at the \n1 Utama Shopping Centre\n Highstreet and Oval concourse areas starting tomorrow, from \n22nd to 26th July\n, featuring brands represented by the company, including BMW, Mini, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Ford and Hyundai.\nAs an added incentive, customers purchasing a car at the roadshow will also stand a chance to win a BMW Motorrad G 310 R touring motorcycle, worth RM27,500.\nThe\n all-new Range Rover Evoque\n will be on display at the Dreamride roadshow.\nThe cars that will be on display at the Dreamride roadshow include the \nrecently-launched Range Rover Evoque\n, the locally-assembled \nBMW 330i\n, the \nFord Ranger Raptor\n, \nVolvo XC40\n, and many more.\nVisitors can also have a taste of the latest BMW vehicles, with test drives for the following BMW and MINI cars available at the roadshow: BMW 530e M Sport, BMW X3, and BMW 320i; MINI Countryman Sports, MINI Countryman Pure, and MINI Clubman S.\nThe BMW 320i Sport\nSime Darby Motors Retail & Distribution arm Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan said, \u201cThis is the first automobile roadshow by Sime Darby Motors featuring multiple brands. We hope to create a unique shopping experience by bringing all our brands together as well as incorporating lifestyle elements to the shopping experience.\u201d\nThe company is also collaborating with leather bags and accessories maker Braun Buffel at the roadshow; customers who register at the Sime Darby Motors booth during the Dreamride roadshow will be entitled to a Braun Buffel mystery gift and a complimentary membership for the brand.\nFurthermore, every purchase of any Braun Buffel product at its retail store in 1 Utama will also receive a \nRM500 cash vouchers\n that can be used to purchase any vehicles at the Dreamride roadshow.\nVolvo XC40.\nSime Darby Motors says that the roadshow will feature exclusive deals and promotions for both corporate (fleet) and individual customers, including special trade-in deals for the latter. This is in addition to the government\u2019s \nsales tax exemption initiative\n, which sees a complete exemption of the 10% SST in locally-assembled models, while imported units get a 50% reduction in applicable sales tax.\n For the latest revised car prices for the various car brands in Malaysia, do check out our price list round-up \nhere\n!"
"Following the unveiling of the all-new i20 earlier \nthis year\n, Hyundai Motor has now unveiled its more aggressive sibling, the all-new Hyundai i20 N Line.\n \u201cWith the all-new i20 N Line, we are bringing our stylish and sporty trim option to the i20 for the first time,\u201d said Hyundai Motor Europe, Vice President Marketing and Product, Andreas-Christoph Hofmann.\n\u201cWith this new model, we are ensuring that we can meet the needs of an even wider customer base by offering exclusive performance-styling inspired by our N brand to emphasise the motorsport roots of our brand\u201d, he added.\nThe i20 N Line\u2019s exterior is based on Hyundai\u2019s \u2018Sensuous Sportiness\u2019 design language with some refined performance-oriented design cues sprinkled in. The i20 N Line\u2019s front bumper is accented with a grey character line and features a stylish black cascading chequered flag-style grille equipped with the N Line badge.\nThe car\u2019s motorsport-influenced styling continues at the rear, as it features sporty grey accents and a sleek rear bumper. The triangle-shaped fog lamp and chrome twin-muffler exhaust system add further emphasis on the all-new i20 N Line\u2019s dynamic look which sets it apart from the regular i20.\nCompleting the overall design of the car, the all-new i20 N Line comes with dedicated \n17\u2011inch alloy wheels with a two-tone finish\n.\nInside the all-new i20 N Line, you\u2019d find the N logo spread out quite liberally; from the sport seats with red stitching to the steering wheel. Other N Line enhancements include metal pedals and a leather N gear shift knob with red inserts.\nPowering the all-new i20 N Line is the same 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine with \n84 hp\n and 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with either \n100 hp\n or \n120 hp\n found in the regular i20. However, the 1.0\u2011litre turbocharged version has been given some refinement in terms of its suspension, engine response and exhaust sound.\nJust like the i20, the all-new i20 N Line 1.0-litre turbocharged engine can be specified to work with a \n48-volt mild-hybrid\n; a feature that is standard on the 120 hp model. This combination can be paired with the new \nIntelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)\n.\nLike the regular model, the all-new i20 N Line offers the latest version of Hyundai\u2019s Bluelink technology including a wide range of Connected Car services such as Hyundai Live Services, as well as remote features via the Bluelink smartphone app.\nThe all-new i20 is also equipped with Hyundai SmartSense safety and convenience features such as Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Assist with rear collision avoidance and cross-traffic alert, Driver Attention Warning, and High-Beam Assist.\nThe All-new i20 N Line comes in four exterior colours: Phantom Black, Aurora Grey, Polar White and Brass; with an optional two-tone Phantom Black roof if customers go with the Polar White i20 N Line.\nGALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor has officially announced the price list of the facelifted Mazda6 range and just like the good news with the \nMazda CX-3\n, there is no price increase from the pre-facelift Mazda6 range.\nAvailable with two body styles and three engine choices, the entry-level Mazda6 2.0 sedan is priced at RM156k on-the-road without insurance, GST & SST. Like before, the range-topping model remains the diesel-powered 2.2D variant coming in just under the RM200k mark at RM197k, also OTR without insurance, GST & SST.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda6 2.0L\nMazda6 2.5L Sedan\nMazda6 2.5L Touring\nMazda6 2.2D\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G\n2,488cc; 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G\n2,191cc; 4-cylinder SkyActiv-D\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n192 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n188 hp @ 4,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n213 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n258 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM 156,190.60\nRM 189,698.47\nRM 193,472.06\nRM197,401.47\n\u00a0\nThe Mazda6 facelift wears Mazda\u2019s latest evolution of the Kodo Design face that reminiscence of the new CX-5. Other improvements include a new cabin design and improved NVH refinement. Kit list remains the same as before with the more expensive varaints getting leather upholstery, Active Driving Display (colour windshield projection), 8.0-inch MZD touchscreen infotainment system, 11-speaker BOSE sound system, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters as well as 10-way powered driver seat.   The entry level Mazda6 2.0L loses out on paddle shifters, Active Driving Display and gets a standard six-speaker set up instead. This is also the only variant to not come with the full suite of i-ActivSense advanced safety technology which includes Smart City Brake Support (front and rear), Driver Attention Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nA total of seven colour choices will be available for the Mazda6 facelift \u2013 Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray and Titanium Flash. All variants of the Mazda6 are fully imported from Japan.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda 2.5L SkyActiv-G Sedan Facelift"
"Volkswagen is already taking orders for the first model from its purpose-built, fully electric ID range in 29 EU member states, with initial deliveries expected to happen in the middle of 2020. Oh, the car will be called the ID.3.\nAccording to J\u00fcrgen Stackmann, member of the VW board of management for sales, \u201cID. will be the name of all members of our ID. family. ID. stands for intelligent design, identity and visionary technologies. ID. is not an abbreviation for a specific term, but stands symbolically for the characteristics that these vehicles combine: emission-free, automated driving, intuitive operation and personalized connectivity.\u201d\nVW is looking for 30,000 early ID.3 adopters across Europe.\n\u201cThe 3 in the ID.3 stands for compact class, this number identifies this segment in the internal project nomenclature of all Volkswagen Group brands. You can also see on the 3: We start from the middle. The number indicates expandability, there is still plenty of room to move upwards, but also downwards. Because we still have a lot in the pipeline. In addition, after K\u00e4fer (Beetle) and Golf, the ID.3 is now the third big chapter for Volkswagen.\u201d\nThe use of numerals is a major shift from VW\u2019s naming convention, rightly so given the significance of the all-electric ID range. Despite sporting some seriously psychedelic camouflage in the press conference, the ID.3 looks to be a Golf equivalent in terms of size, and why not, this is where Volkswagen is traditionally strong at.\nThe first 30,000 adopters of the ID.3 will need to stump up \u20ac1,000 as registration deposit, in return they\u2019ll be getting the ID.3 1\nst\n special edition which comes with a range of 420 km (based on WLTP); other range options being 330 km and 550 km.\nLooks familiar, but show us more, VW.\nAmong the perks of first adopters include premium specs fitted as standard on the ID.3 1\nst\n (e.g. large alloys, heads up display, panoramic roof, voice command, etc.) and free charging for the first year, up to a maximum of 2000 kWh at public charging stations associated with the We Charge app and Ionity rapid charging network.\nIn Germany, the base ID.3 is estimated to retail starting from \u20ac30,000, while the ID.3 1\nst\n at under \u20ac40,000."
"The never-ending project is finally coming to end, for now, but not without a bang.literally.\nNow that the E36 325i is wearing a fresh new coat of paint, it looks completely transformed and 10 years younger. With the \u201cM3 look\u201d matching the used 17-inch BBS RK wheels which were bought from Japan, one could even say it looks sporty now.\n \nBut the new, replica M3 kit, which includes front and rear bumpers along with side skirts from \nEX Concept in Puchong\n has given us a couple of other things to look into.\nThe ride height for example, while it is signature BMW, it isn\u2019t what you call good-looking. The front half sits a little higher than the rear, while the original exhaust tips are far too small for the cut-outs originally intended for the larger muffler of the E36 M3.\nAnd while the E36 may drive with some sense of composure and European-ness, compared to the Honda Civic of today, it is floppier than a deflated balloon. Something had to be done..\nWatch:\nEpisode 1 \u2013 \nNew BBS RK wheels for Eu Jin\u2019s 94\u2032 BMW E36 325i!\nEpisode 2 \u2013 \u00a0\nTime to look like an E36 BMW \u201cM3\u201d!"
"The 2019 Toyota Vios that was first \npreviewed at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n is now officially on sale in Malaysia and for the first time, we will be getting the Yaris ATIV sedan look just like Singapore and Thailand, giving the B-Segment sedan the sporty edge over its rivals.\nThere are three variants of the facelifted Vios available starting from the 1.5 J, 1.5 E and 1.5 G. There will \nno longer be a manual variant available\n leaving the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with seven virtual ratios the only option for the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine carried over from before. Output is the same at \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n to drive the front wheels with a new Drive Mode Selector \u2013 Eco, Normal and Sport.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Vios 1.5 J\nToyota Vios 1.5 E\nToyota Vios 1.5 G\nEngine\n1,496cc; 4-cylinder DVVT-i\nTransmission\nCVT\nMax Power\n107 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM77,200\nRM81,200\nRM87,300\nThe new styling gives the Vios a newfound sportiness with its sharp front end and curvaceous rear profile. Lower grade variants get reflector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights, aero kit with red pinstriping, door visors, halogen combination taillamps, rear drum brakes and 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 185/60 profile tyres.   Stepping up to the E grade Vios and it adds a bit more flare with LED combination taillamps, rear spoiler, powered folding door mirrors, chrome plated door handle and front fog lamps. Only on the top-spec G grade, you\u2019ll find projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running light, chrome plating on the front grille, rear disc brakes and 16-inch dual tone alloys wrapped in 195/50 profile rubbers.\nThe cabin is decidedly more contemporary with leather seats, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Optitron instrument cluster with TFT Multi-Info Display (MID), 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, digital panel automatic climate control, Premium Security and Solar Film as well as illuminated footwell (blue).   The mid-spec Vios 1.5 E settles for black fabric upholstery, analogue instrument cluster, urethane steering wheel with audio controls (no paddle shifters), four speakers and Premium Security and Solar Film becomes an optional item. The entry-level Vios 1.5 J, on the other hand, settles for a standard urethane steering wheel, 2-Din head unit with Bluetooth and fixed rear seats (the rest gets 60:40 split folding).\nSafety is where the facelifted Vios gains a massive, massive upgrade. As standard, all variants of the Vios gets seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist Control and ISOFIX mounting points. The higher-grade E and G spec further add Front Digital Video Recorder (DVR) (rear DVR available as an option), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert as well as front and rear parking sensors (G spec only).\nThe facelifted Toyota Vios is available in five exterior colours \u2013 Dark Blue Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic and Super White II. Every purchase of the Vios comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2019 Toyota Vios 1.5 G Launched in Malaysia"
"At long last, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has now officially launched the highly-anticipated Nissan Almera Turbo here in Malaysia. The three variant line-up starts at \nRM79,906\n for the VL, followed by the mid-spec VLP at \nRM85,715\n, topping out at \nRM91,310\n for the range-topping VLT variant.\nPERFORMANCE\nWith \u2018Turbo\u2019 included right into the name for the Malaysian market, the key highlight on the all-new Nissan Almera is of course it\u2019s powertrain. Only one engine option is offered across all three variants, and it is the HR10DET 1.0-litre turbocharged mill, featuring technology\n taken straight from the GT-R\n.\nEngine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol\nTransmission: Xtronic CVT gearbox with D-Step logic\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front wheel driven\nMax horsepower: 100 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax torque: 152 Nm @ 2,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nFuel consumption: 5.4 l/100 km\nAside from the new powertrain, our \nbrief test drive session\n also highlighted just \nhow well the all-new Nissan Almera drives\n, especially when compared to its predecessor thanks to its improved body rigidity, steering system, and chassis \u2013 not to mention the improvement in the \ncabin refinement department\n!\nEXTERIOR\nAside from the powertrain, the biggest change to the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo is probably in its styling department, marking a stark departure to the bulbous look of its predecessor. Standard styling elements across all three variants include automatic headlights (halogen on the two lower variants, LED for the range-topping VLT), LED combination taillights with LED fog lights, and a rather attractive rear bumper with carbon fibre-like inlays and a body-coloured diffuser.\nTwo wheel sizes are on offer \u2013 15-inch units on the base VL specification, while the VLP and VLT variants are both equipped with 16-inch machined two-tone alloy wheels. Stepping up to the range-topping variant will also net you an additional trunk lid spoiler in gloss black, while the headlights are now completely LED illuminated \u2013 including the daytime-running lights.\nThe all-new Nissan Almera Turbo will be available in six exterior colours \u2013 Radiant Red, Monarch Orange, Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant White, Diamond Black, and Tungsten Silver. The first three in the list are all-new hues, with the Monarch Orange taken from the Nissan GT-R options list!\nINTERIOR\nSimilar to the exterior, the cabin of the fourth-generation Nissan Almera has also been completely revamped for a more modern and premium appearance. Notably, the dashboard now has a dual-tone design surrounded by soft touch material (on VLP and VLT variants), carbon fibre pattern textures, as well as chrome and piano black trims.\nStandard equipment across the board also include:\n\u201cZero Gravity-inspired\u201d seats\nFlat-bottomed steering wheel\nkeyless entry and push-start ignition\nTilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment\nCentre console with arm rest\nThree USB ports\n60:40 Split fold-down rear seats with armrest and cup holders\nThe base VL variant is fitted with a bluetooth-enabled headunit, paired to a analogue Fine Vision instrument cluster with multi-info display, Manual Air-conditioning system, along with fabric seats and urethane-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.\nStepping up to the two higher variants nets you several additional creature comforts, including an upgraded eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity, seven-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, as well as full leather upholstery, with grey accents on the \u201csemi-bucket seats\u201d.\nSAFETY\nThe all-new Nissan Almera for the Malaysia market is equipped with autonomous emergency braking as standard across all three variants, but the more feature-complete advanced driver assistance systems is only available on the range-topping VLT variant. The system includes the following functionalities:\n360-degree around view monitor with moving object detection\nblind spot warning\nrear cross traffic alert\ncruise control\nThe base-variant Nissan Almera only comes with two airbags, increasing to six on the two upper variants. The VLP variant is equipped with a reverse camera (in place of the 360-degree around view monitor of the range-topping variant), while Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, brake assist, and hill-start assist are standard across all variants.\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo is priced at \nRM79,906\n for the VL, followed by the mid-spec VLP at \nRM85,715\n, topping out at \nRM91,310\n for the range-topping VLT variant in Malaysia. All prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales-tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020.\nIncluded in the price is a \nfive-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty\n, along with \nfree five times alternating maintenance service within 5 years\n, with parts and labour included.\nETCM is also offering a special hire purchase \nFlexi Financing Promotion\n, with monthly repayments starting at RM688, RM738, and RM788 respectively for the three variants, based on a 90% loan on a nine-year loan tenure. The promotion is valid until 31 December 2020.\nIf you\u2019re looking to spice up your new ride even further, ETCM is also offering \nadditional accessories\n that are all covered with a 3-year/100,000km warranty, and can be financed with the vehicle purchase.\nFollowing the announcement of the Sales Tax Exemption in place until the end of December 2020, for the latest price list of\u00a0\nNissan vehicles\n\u00a0in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, has launched two new after-sales loyalty programmes for enhanced customer and ownership experience \u2013 \nthe Loyalty Card\n that offers discounts and freebies and the \ni-Care Plus Programme\n for owners of older Hyundai vehicles.\nThe Loyalty Card comes \nautomatically\n with the ownership of any Hyundai \nmodel\n. Membership privileges include exclusive monthly promotions, such as a 20% discount on Klima Fresh and BlueChem car care products for the month of April.\nCustomers can expect more privileges in the future such as birthday month discounts on after-sales service, discounts on Hyundai merchandise and a higher trade-in value when purchasing another \nnew Hyundai\n vehicle. Existing customers can register for their complimentary Loyalty Card at any authorised Hyundai service centre nationwide and check for promotional updates via Hyundai\u2019s official \nwebsite\n.\nThe i-Care Plus programme, on the other hand, focuses on owners with \nfour-year-old or older\n Hyundai vehicles. For only \nRM20\n, customers will get six discount vouchers which offer a 10% discount on selected parts, and a 5% discount on labour charges, in addition to two free bottles of engine oil and an oil filter. Available for a limited time from 1st April, the i-Care Plus programme is valid for 35 months from the date of purchase and can be purchased at any authorised Hyundai service centre nationwide.\nMr Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM, said the new customer loyalty programmes are testimony to the company\u2019s promise in offering distinctive value to Hyundai car owners here, in the spirit of its tagline \u2018Geared for Distinction.\u2019\n\u201cWe hope to bring more value and benefits to our customers through such specially designed programmes, as we focus on enhancing the customer experience with Hyundai,\u201d added Mr Low."
"Honda Malaysia has announced that the All-New CR-V has\u00a0achieved a 5-star rating with the overall score of 88.80 points\u00a0in the new rating system of ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN NCAP).\nThis new rating system\u00a0is a single rating system which consists of the three main domains \u2013 Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP) and Safety Assist Technologies (SATs); and the fifth Generation All-New CR-V scored 47.25 points for AOP, 22.84 points for COP and 18.71 points for SATs.\nApplied to all variants of the all-new CR-V, it also became the first model in the ASEAN region to obtain the result from the new ASEAN NCAP assessment. It is also the\u00a0second consecutive generation of CR-V that has won 5-Star rating since ASEAN NCAP was introduced in 2011.\nIn 2014, the 4th Generation CR-V achieved a 5-star rating in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 86% in the Child Occupant Protection (COP). These top scores placed the All-New CR-V as the safest model in the SUV segment, as it is equipped with Next Generation Advanced Technology and comprehensive safety features.\nThe \nnewly launched All-New CR-V\n offers unrivaled safety features such Honda SENSING* and Honda LaneWatch* where the latter has been made available since 2015; first in its segment.\u00a0\nHonda Lane Watch enhances the driver\u2019s view of passenger-side traffic (blind spot), and allows for a better view when compared with using the side mirror alone.\u00a0\nHonda SENSING*, the Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology is the newest safety feature from Honda to assist drivers in potentially dangerous driving conditions. The system includes seven features -the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) that will provide Driver\u2019s Cruising Aid, Frontal Collision Deterrence and Side Collision Deterrence.\nIn addition to Honda SENSING, the all-new CR-V also comes with a comprehensive package of active and passive safety features such as the six airbags, front seatbelt with 3-point ELR, rear seatbelts with 3-point ELR x3, rear seat ISOFIX, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Walk Away Auto Lock and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, alongside the standard body structure with ACE and G-Force Control (G-CON) technology. \nIt\u2019s no wonder then why the all-new CR-V has risen to be the most sought after SUV in Malaysia, recording more than 2,900 booking units as of 12th August 2017 \u2013 \u00a0a figure which translates to an equivalent of its four month target achieved in just one month; of which 80% of the bookings were for the turbo variants. Even so, waiting period is maintained at the standard 1-2 months.\n*Honda Sensing and Honda LaneWatch features are only applicable to the \n1.5-litre TC-P 2WD\n variant only.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At long last, the \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+\n has landed on Malaysian shores. Coming in at \nRM459,888\n, does it pack enough to have eager Malaysians shelling out their hard-earned money?\nTo see what\u2019s new and upgraded in the shiny (and bright!) new car, we pit the latest German pocket rocket against its popular predecessor in a direct comparison, from head to toe.\nPOWERTRAIN\nUnder the hood of the all-new A 45 S is the new \nM139 two-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine\n, pushing out \n421 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque \u2013 an increase of 40 hp and 25 Nm from its predecessor. It\u2019s also now paired to an eight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission, compared to the seven-speeder in the previous generation.\nAs a result, the new model benefits from a pretty significant performance improvement over its predecessor, shaving off 0.3 seconds in the century sprint times, while also gaining an additional 20 km/h at full whack. With the new six-pot brakes in front (as opposed to four from the outgoing model), the new A 45 S should stop quite a bit better too.\nHowever, the biggest change in the powertrain department would be the new 4MATIC+ fully-variable all-wheel drive system on the new A 45 S. Using two electronically controlled multidisc clutches \u2013 one between the two axles, and another between the two rear wheels \u2013 the new A 45 S can not only control the amount of torque split between front and rear wheels, but also between the rear-left and rear-right wheels, giving you optimum traction to slingshot you out of the corner.\nWith the new all-wheel drive system and the AMG Dynamic Plus package which comes as standard on the S model, the marque\u2019s latest hot hatch also gets a shiny-new Drift mode, allowing experienced drivers to carry out controlled powerslides with ease. Any true AMG car must be able to go sideways, right?\nEXTERIOR\nAt launch, our local-specification AMG A 45 S comes exclusively in the Edition 1 trim, just like when its predecessor was first introduced here \u2013 later updates removed the nameplate (and decal stickers), though the trim kits still remain.\nAs before, the Edition 1 comes standard with the Aerodynamic Package (additional aerodynamic fins and splitter on the front apron, rear spoiler, and enhanced rear diffuser) as well as the Night Package (blacked-out exterior accents such as window linings and wing mirror housings).\nThe twin-louvre front grille has been replaced with a new AMG-specific Panamericana grille, making it look more coherent with its bigger cousins such as the \nMercedes-AMG C63 S we recently reviewed\n.\nThe new AMG A 45 S is shod in 19-inch alloys just like the outgoing model, though gone is the multi-spoke design, replaced by five twin-spokes. The new design barely obscures the large six-pot brake callipers up front, finished in a coat of red paint.\nOver at the rear, the controversial rhombus-shaped fake tailpipes trims have been replaced by larger twin-oval-shaped ones \u2013 though they\u2019re still just tailpipe finishers when inspected closely.\nAs for colour, the new A 45 S Edition 1 is offered in either Sun Yellow (as pictured here) or Designo Mountain Grey Magno. Depending on the colour chosen, the other will act as a secondary hue on the contrasting decal graphics plastered on the doors.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior of the latest-generation A 45 S is a huge step-up from its predecessor, not just in features, but also in build quality and material choices \u2013 though this isn\u2019t too surprising given that the interior is \npretty standard A-Class affair\n.\nThe old COMAND Online system on the outgoing model is replaced by the marque\u2019s new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system on the twin 10.25-inch displays, with a few additional AMG-specific touches such as the three selectable AMG displays on the instrument cluster screen.\nThe new A 45 S also packs the Track Pace feature, reserved only for the true full-blown AMG models \u2013 sorry AMG Line owners. The feature uses GPS data, along with various in-car parameters to help you improve your performance on track.\nSeveral famous international circuits have already been pre-programmed into the car, where you will be able to use the MBUX Augmented Reality feature to overlay optimum driving line onto the circuit. Sadly, the Sepang International Circuit is not included by default, though you can always record it yourself into the system.\nThe new AMG Performance steering wheel on the 2020 AMG A 45 S is now finished in Dinamica fibre, and even comes with the steering wheel controls that\u2019s plucked straight from Affalterbach\u2019s bests. Additionally, the new model also gets a new configurable head-up display to keep your vision on the road during spirited driving.\nThe large panoramic sunroof is also a new addition on the latest-generation hot hatch, along with the LTE connectivity module to enable the \nMercedes me service\n for remote access via a smartphone application.\nSAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE\nOn the safety front, the all-new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is now equipped with several advance driver assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist \u2013 the latter two are new to the performance hot hatch.\nPRICING\nOnce again, the all-new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is priced at \nRM459,888\n on the road, without insurance \u2013 which is a significant increase over its predecessor (RM348,888). Although, do keep in mind that this pricing is for the limited Edition 1 version, so do expect a price drop when the \u201cstandard\u201d A 45 S is rolled out here.\nWith MBM\u2019s Agility Financing, the new A 45 S hatchback can be yours starting from \nRM5,438 per month\n. If you prefer more protection for your new prized possession, the AMGPro Financing Package for the A 45 S starts at \nRM5,688 a month\n, and includes insurance coverage with unlimited mileage breakdown and accident towing, as well as rim and tyre replacement.\nFor a full facts and figures breakdown of the all-new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1 hatchback, do check out our launch article, \nhere\n!"
"Remember Radford, the historic British coachbuilding firm that was recently revived by F1 World Champion Jenson Button? In case you missed their \nearlier announcement\n, Radford has partnered with \nLotus\n\u00a0for their first project to build a modern-day 1969 Lotus Type 62/2 prototype race car \u2013 and the result, shown-off over the weekend, has got us all hot and bothered. Hoo-boy.\nJust by looking at the photos, you can already see the parallels between the Radford and the original Lotus Type 62/2 race car, from its silhouette down to classic F1-inspired liveries.\nBut what you can\u2019t see, are all the modern-day mechanical components underneath it, including the same bonded aluminium chassis as the other Lotus cars, carbon fibre composite construction of the body, and the same supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 that\u2019s been in Lotus cars for more than a decade.\nThe Lotus Exige and Elise have been discontinued \u2013 now replaced by the all-new Emira. Check it out here!\nImage: Jenson Button/Twitter\nThe Radford Type 62/2 will be offered in three variants, cheekily called the \u201cClassic\u201d, \u201cGold Leaf\u201d, and \u201cJPS\u201d (for John Player Special), inspired by the most successful Lotus race cars \u2013 and their liveries \u2013 of days past.\nStarting with the Classic, the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 mill behind the driver already makes \n430 hp\n out of the gate \u2013 pretty much the top-end of the \nLotus Exige\n and\n Elise\n range. The Gold Leaf takes it up a notch to \n500 hp\n thanks to upgraded pistons and camshafts, while the JPS, with a new supercharger and upgraded software tuning, takes the total up to \n600 hp\n.\nIf you want to fully commit to the old-school experience, though, the Classic will be your only option, as it\u2019s the only one that comes with a manual transmission. Other variants are equipped exclusively with a seven-speed DCT gearbox, alongside an an electronic limited-slip differential.\nThe Classic and Gold Leaf Radford Type 62/2s also get four-piston AP Racing brakes, while the JPS gets upgraded carbon-ceramic stoppers for better stopping performance to go alongside its significantly uprated engine.\nIf you\u2019re still looking for an Elise or Exige, here\u2019s your last chance \u2013 the Final Edition models are now available in Malaysia. More info here!\nOther mechanical upgrades are in its chassis, which Radford\u2019s own bespoke subframe is said to help improve stiffness and agility, while keeping the weight down. All-in, the Radford Type 62/2 measures in at just 1,000 kg, which means it\u2019ll have a power-to-weight ratio comparable to other modern day supercars.\nAll three Type 62s will use four-way adjustable coilovers with an optional nose lift as well, which the company notes that Jenson Button personally calibrated the car to achieve \u201cexceptional steering feel and driver feedback.\u201d\nThat\u2019s all mightily impressive, but let\u2019s be honest, people buying this car are really only doing it for the looks; those looking for a pure Lotus driving experience can just buy an actual Lotus, for (presumably) a lot less money.\nStylistically, the Classic is the most subtle of the bunch, without the unique rear wing and the historic liveries, and only wearing 17-inch wheels up front and 18-inchers on the rear.\nThe Gold Leaf and JPS meanwhile, as their name suggests, wears the respective classic Lotus race car liveries, and adds on a unique \u201cdouble ducktail\u201d spoiler at the rear to improve downforce specifically for track driving. Wheel sizes are up by one inch on both front and rear axles.\nIn similar fashion, the Kimera EVO37 is a bespoke creation made to honour the great Lancia 037 rally car. Check it out here!\nNo images have been shared for the inside, but Radford says that the modern-day Type 62/2 is designed to be a \u201ctrue driver\u2019s car with the luxury appointments of a bespoke coachbuilder\u201d. Just like a modern car, there\u2019ll be a six-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, and an infotainment display with most modern connectivity features built in.\nTaking the \u201cmodern touches\u201d one step further, are the \u201cwing mirror\u201d cameras on both sides of the car in place of actual mirrors, with the image being displayed on the A pillars. Even the rear-view mirror is a camera as well \u2013 but this one is pretty much out of necessity, as the rear panel is a solid piece covering the engine underneath it.\nRadford hasn\u2019t shared how much this slice of perfection will cost, but seeing that it\u2019s limited to just 62 units worldwide, plus all the bespoke work that\u2019s gone into it (not to mention the celebrity status of its founders.), it\u2019ll probably be pricier than you think.\nProduction of the Radford Type 62/2 will start at the company\u2019s facility in California beginning later this year, with first units expected to be delivered early 2022."
"The number of new cars offered with a manual transmission has been on a downtrend for a number of years now, and despite the constant moaning from enthusiasts, the fact is nobody really buys the manuals any more, and thus carmakers have zero incentive to continue making them.\nThe demise of the manuals is further compounded by the tectonic shift towards \nEVs\n in the industry, which, as many of you know, do not necessarily require a traditional \u201cgearbox\u201d at all. But as bleak as it may seem, stick shifts might not actually be dead just yet \u2013 if this recently-unearthed \nToyota\n patent application is anything to go by.\nThe \nToyota GR Yaris \nand its manual shifter \u2013 one of the last of its kind.\nYup, you read the title right. According to a couple of new filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Toyota is apparently working on a new manual \u201ctransmission\u201d to be used in electric vehicles.\nObviously it won\u2019t be an actual transmission, but the system is supposed to simulate the feel of driving and operating a six-speed manual gearbox \u2013 or \u201ctechnique for producing a pseudo shift change in a vehicle that transmits torque to wheels from a drive motor\u201d, according to the document.\nRELATED: Volkswagen to ditch manual gearboxes, all auto from 2023\nIn essence, the \u201cgearbox\u201d consists of a \u201cpseudo-clutch\u201d and \u201cpseudo-shifter\u201d, the latter being a series of switches in the H-pattern shifter that sends input to the car\u2019s on-board controller, which then varies the torque output of the electric motors according to the simulated engine RPM (that is displayed on a tachometer).\nSince the pedals and shifters are not actually connected mechanically to the drivetrain (hence the \u2018pseudo\u2019 in their names), Toyota\u2019s patent also includes a \u201cpedal reaction force generator\u201d and \u201creaction force actuator\u201d for the third pedal and shifter respectively to emulate the physical feel of an actual manual gearbox, such as the vibration when you drag the clutch on the flywheel while partially disengaged.\nApparently, the system will even simulate the car stalling if you drop the simulated RPM too low!\nALSO READ: Here\u2019s how Kia\u2019s Intelligent Manual Transmission clutch-by-wire system works\nToyota says that the system is to \u201cprovide an electric vehicle capable of enjoying a driving feeling like a manual transmission vehicle, without experiencing the difficulties peculiar to [one]\u201d.\nIt\u2019s odd, sure, but with the entire automotive industry moving towards electric, this might be the best we\u2019ll get in the future \u2013 although, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that a patent doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that it\u2019ll make it into production at all.\nEVs with a manual gearbox isn\u2019t exactly new, too. Ford previously also experimented with a manual gearbox in an electric vehicle when they built the\n Mustang Lithium\n for the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas."
"Strategically located at Jalan Limau Manis, the facility has been redesigned to Ford\u2019s Global \n[email\u00a0protected]\n standards with six additional service bays accompanied by vehicle hoists, to a new total of 13 bays.\nThe facility also features a dedicated customer service lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi, where customers can enjoy hot beverages and snacks while waiting for their service to complete.\nStaffed by certified technicians, the revamped showroom will also be equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment, special tools and a full supply of genuine spare parts.\n\u201cThe quality of the ownership experience we provide is just as important as the quality of our world-class Ford vehicles. The newly upgraded Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu) demonstrates our joint commitment to offer Ford customers an even better experience\u201d, said Managing Director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company, Truong Kim Phong.\nThe Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu) is located at Jalan Limau Manis, Off Jalan Lintas, 88450 Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The showroom is open from 8:30 am \u2013 5.30 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8:30 am \u2013 12:30 pm on Saturday while the Service Centre operating hours are 8:00 am \u2013 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am \u2013 12:30 pm on Saturday."
"Picture this: there\u2019s a\u00a0terrible traffic jam ahead of you and you need to reach your destination fast. You stop your car, take out the rear tyre and build a unicycle. You proceed to ride it, and soon enough you\u2019re passing each and every other cars caught in the same horrendous jam. Sounds too good to be true, doesn\u2019t it? Well apparently,\u00a0this could someday be real, thanks to Ford!\nIt was reported that Ford is in the closing stages of patenting an idea of having a car\u2019s rear tyre that can be converted into a unicycle.\u00a0It\u2019s also described as a \u201cself-propelled unicycle\u201d that can be \u201cselectively disengaged with the vehicle for independent use\u201d. An electric motor attached to the unicycle\u2019s single hub will be used to propel\u00a0the unicycle.\nSo, imagine taking out the rear wheel of a Ford Fiesta and putting it onto a unicycle. It is not only the solution to beat traffic, because for all you know know, you could be having more fun on the road!\nHowever, as this is still in the early stages, it would take some years for Ford to come out with a working concept before it goes into production. But as cities get increasing congested (KL included), this could well be the ideal solution to our traffic woes and environmental concerns as well. However, one question remains \u2013 will it pass the NCAP crash tests?"
"Aston Martin\u2019s fortunes seem to be turning towards the bright side. Hot off the press from a much needed cash injection from billionaire and F1 team owner Lawrence Stroll, which saw him \nacquiring a 16.7% stake in the company\n, Mercedes-Benz and the Aston Martin also announced a renewed \u201cstrategic technology\u201d partnership, which will see the German carmaker increase its stake from 2.6% to \nup to 20%\n.\nIn exchange, \nMercedes-Benz\n will be providing \nAston Martin\n \nwith access to its next-generation hybrid and electric powertrains, as well as other vehicle components and systems.\nThe agreement will see shares being issued in several tranches over the next three years, up to a total value of GBP286 million (approx. RM1.55 billion). The first tranche is valued at a GBP140 million (approx. RM760 million), which will increase the German carmaker\u2019s equity in the company to 11.8%.\nThe partnership between the two companies begun in 2013, where Mercedes-Benz received a 5% equity in exchange of the supply of the AMG V8 powerplants and electrical components \u2013 which later became 2.6% following Aston Martin\u2019s Initial Public Offering (IPO) and subsequent funding rounds. Mercedes-Benz said in the press release that it has no intention to increase its shares in the British sportscar maker beyond 20%.\nWhile not officially part of the partnership, former Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers also recently replaced Andy Palmer as the CEO of Aston Martin, following the investment from Lawrence Stroll.\nThe Aston Martin DBX, perhaps one of the most important Aston Martin models in recent years, was\n recently launched in Malaysia\n.\nMercedes-Benz Head of Product Strategy, Wolf-Dieter Kurz said, \u201cWe already have a successful technology partnership in place with Aston Martin that has benefited both companies. With this new expanded partnership we will be able to provide Aston Martin with access to new cutting-edge technologies and components, including next generation hybrid and electric drive systems.\n\u201cThe supply arrangements for these new technologies will be on agreed commercial terms. We look forward to continuing to work together with Aston Martin and we wish the company every success in its next stage of growth.\u201d"
"We are halfway through October and while everyone is preparing to end the year on a quiet note, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) seems to be hinting that the upcoming months will be a loud and rumbly one.\nOn Deepavali, the kind folks at MBM uploaded a greeting card for all those celebrating the Festival of Lights. Nice gesture, but blink and you will miss a cheekily embedded silhouette of their flagship super sportscar, the \nAMG GT\n.\nAs we all know, the AMG GT S has been around for some time (launched in 2015) but what piqued our interest in this particular teaser is the additional fixed rear wing. There are only two ways to have a fixed rear wing on an AMG GT (from factory at least), one is to specify the \nEdition One package\n and the other is the track-bred AMG GT R. Our best guess? The \nAMG GT R\n, no less.\nThe AMG GT R is essentially the road legal version of the GT3 race car that dominated the N\u00fcrburgring 24-hour race. It draws aesthetic and aerodynamic enhancements from the GT3 race car such as the Panamericana grille, carbon fibre rear wing, bumper elements, active aerodynamics and more.\nMotivation comes from an uprated 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 mated with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic to drive the rear wheels. Power is bumped from \n510 hp\n to \n585 hp\n while torque figures jumped \n50 Nm\n to \n700 Nm\n. It\u2019s quicker to the century mark too, at \n3.6 seconds\n (3.8 seconds on the GT S) and top speed is raised to \n318 km/h\n.   This bonkers of a road weapon gets the marque\u2019s first ever \nFour-wheel steering technology\n that turns the rear wheels by up to 1.5 degrees for better handling at the limit. It also rolls on sticky \nMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2\n tyres fitted onto the light-weight 10-spoke forged alloys (19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear).\nAnother party trick of this Green Hell Beast is its \nnine-stage traction control system\n which gives the car nine-levels of slip at the rear axle. Need to be a responsible and civilised driver on the public highway, stage one shall be your default setting \u2013 allowing almost no slip to the rear wheels . But if you have an empty race track all to yourself, dial it all the way to \u201cESP off\u201d and it will happily dance to your tunes.\nAs of press time, we have no information on when the Mercedes-AMG GT R will be officially available, but stay tuned for more updates.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With much bated breath, the \nAcura NSX\n (\nHonda NSX\n for the rest of the world) made its production debut today at the Detroit Motor Show, in a little less than a month after releasing \nseveral teaser pictures\n of what\u2019s to expect of the Japanese icon.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAcura NSX\nEngine\nTwin-turbocharged V6 , DOHC; with 3 electric motors\nTransmission\n9-speed dual clutch automatic transmission\nMax Power\nover 550 hp\nPrice\nest. above USD 150,000\n\u00a0\nThe NSX, when first conceptualised, was an object of marvel. It was such a competent car, to the extent that it could take on its Italian rivals when nobody thought a car of such talent could spring out of the Land of the Rising Sun. Like it or not, this mid-engine Japanese legend is back with looks to kill \u2013 in every sense of that word.\nLong story short, the NSX challenged every conventional beliefs about supercars, ticked every single checkbox there is to tick and achieved a god-like status among enthusiasts. Heck, even the late great Aryton Senna had a hand in refining its dynamics.\u00a0So, big shoes to fill. Very big shoes. No pressure.   EXTERIOR\nCome next month will be the \n25th anniversary\n of the NSX. Over the past three years, we have seen several concept cars that came and went. Not forgetting the \nNSX SuperGT concept\n that ran on the \n2014 Japanese Super GT Series\n. That, as well as the specially homologated \nHSV-010 GT\n that ran the years before it. This final production version was lengthened by 76mm and widened by 25mm, and is slightly more cab-forward packed, compared to the NSX Concept shown in 2012.\nUtilising advanced joining technologies, the NSX features an innovative new multi-material space frame design composed of aluminium, ultra-high strength steel, carbon fiber floor and other advanced materials to add torsional rigidity. The body panels are a combination of \nSheet Molding Composite (SMC)\n and aluminium.\nPERFORMANCE\nNot much was announced in terms of the specifications, but we did learn that there will be a \ntwin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6\n engine paired to a \nnine-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT)\n, producing upwards of \n550 bhp\n. Also, get this: a \nthree-electric motor Sport Hybrid system\n, just like the La Ferrari, Porsche 918 and McLaren P1 hybrid supercars. One for each of the front wheels to help provide more forward traction, as well as vector torque to improve handling; and one electric motor for the rear to aid accelerating, braking, and transmission shift quality.\nThe car was developed under the concept of \n\u201chuman-centered supercar\u201d\n, a car that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design, employing state-of-the-art hybrid body and chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.\nIt will also feature the carmaker\u2019s sophisticated drive system, known as the\u00a0\nSport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD)\n, as well as \nAgile Handling Assist (AHA)\n which uses the subtle application of brake torque. This applies the brake on the inside front wheels to enhance yaw response and dynamic stability. Sort of like torque vectoring, if you will.\nINTERIOR\nFour driving modes are to come as standard: \nQuiet, Sport, Sport+ \nand\n Track\n\u00a0are prominently featured on the dial-operated \nIntegrated Dynamic System\n found right in the middle of the centre console that adjusts the engine, motor, transmission, chassis response and engine sound level. Quiet mode for electric-only driving at lower speeds, Sport and Sport+ mode for that extra performance and Track mode that, well. is pretty self explanatory.\nCouple all that with a \nlaunch\n\u00a0function and all that translates into \u2013 as Acura puts it \u2013\u00a0an \ninstantaneous\n,\u00a0\nzero delay\u00a0\nlaunch performance and handling response that anticipates the driver\u2019s style.\nWHAT ELSE?\nProduction will start in summer this year at Ohio, USA; a departure from its longstanding home in Tochigi, Japan. It took Acura three years to turn the NSX concept into this production-ready version you see here in these pictures. In comparison, it took Bugatti almost double the time to produce the Veyron from when its concept was first shown. That\u2019s mighty quick for the guys at Acura. Let\u2019s see if it\u2019s as quick to shred its tyres.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Renault has finally revived a famous but long forgotten brand, \nAlpine\n, back into making cars by the revealing of the Vision Concept. This, after 20 years, is the first ever Alpine model to be produced since the A610 was put out of production.\nThe Vision Concept is the follow up to the\u00a0Alpine Celebration Concept at Le Mans last year. Despite its name, the car\u2019s design suggests that it\u2019s pretty much already a work in progress, with Renault claiming that it\u2019s about 80 percent of the real car. Production is set for 2017, so that\u2019s more good news.\n \n \nTo start, the Vision Concept follows what made its predecessor, the A110, a legend in the 1970s \u2013 a lightweight, mid-engined, rear wheel driven sports car that seats two. The Vision Concept is clearly an updated, modern interpretation of the A110, as you can tell from its headlights.\nWe\u2019re still in the blue with regards to its powertrain, but it will likely sport\u00a0a mid-mounted turbocharged\u00a0\nfour-cylinder\n, mated to Renault\u2019s Efficient Dual Clutch gearbox or a six-speed manual. Alpine expects the car to manage the century sprint in\n\u00a04.2 seconds\n, something achievable thanks to its featherweight body. The two-seater sports car\u00a0is rumoured to weigh less than 1,100kg!   Inside, the cabin gets an injection of modern taste, ranging from a digital dashboard and the use of \u00a0leather, aluminium and carbon fibre.\nThe Vision, as described by Alpine, is a \u201chigh-performance, elegant, lightweight car dedicated to driving pleasure in its very purest form\u201d. When produced, it will go against models like the Alfa Romeo 4C, \nPorsche Cayman\n and \nLotus Elise\n; putting France back into the battle of lightweight sports cars occupied by entries from Italy, German and the current all-time favourite, the UK.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In support of our nation\u2019s roadmap to become an energy efficient vehicle (EEV) hub, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has engaged the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) personnel to conduct a High Voltage Vehicle Introduction Training.\nIt\u2019s the first of its kind training programme to provide authorities with the know-hows on dealing with emergencies involving cars with high-voltage features, primarily Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).\nA total of 40 Bomba personnel were involved in a full day\u2019s training that covers theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience to safely deal with HEVs and PHEVs. They\u00a0were hosted at \nMBM\u2019s Training Academy at Wisma MBM Puchong, Selangor\n. Among the cars used for the training were the\u00a0\nS 400 h\n,\u00a0\nE 350 e\n and \nC 350 e\n.\nDuring an emergency/collision, all Mercedes-Benz HEVs and PHEVs will \nautomatically cut off all electrical supply from the high-voltage battery pack\n. The training initiative is to impart knowledge of the unique structure and features of HEVS and PHEVs to ensure that the emergency responders are aware of the high-voltage battery and take extra precaution when carrying out rescue duties such as drilling and removal of parts.\nIn addition to the launch of the High Voltage Vehicle Introduction Training, MBM also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) to strengthen working ties in the area of talent development. Graduates of MAI\u2019s Career Enhancement Programme will have accelerated application into MBM\u2019s Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme (AMA) which will receive MAI accreditation in accordance to the MoU."
"But it\u2019s hardly surprising, isn\u2019t it? They\u2019re Lamborghini; it\u2019s expected of them to be different.\nAutomobili Lamborghini has converted some areas of its production plant in Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese in order to produce \nsurgical masks and protective plexiglass shields\n, which will be donated to a local hospital.\nThe esteemed seamstress of the factory whose tasks usually involves piecing together decadent pieces of leather, are now relied upon to produce \nover 1,000 masks a day\n and as you can vaguely tell through the images, they\u2019re probably the most stylish a medical personnel can put on. It\u2019s even tagged with a Lamborghini label!\n As a sign of unity and support for the people of Italy, every evening Lamborghini lights up the historic headquarter buildings in Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese, with the colors of the Italian flag.\nAs for the plexiglass shields, \n200 units are expected to be made per day\n, using 3D printers within the carbon fiber production plant and the Research and Development department.\nOnce completed, these equipment would be tested and validated by the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, prior to their delivery to hospital.\nAutomobili Lamborghini, Chairman and CEO, Stefano Domenicali said, \u201cDuring this emergency, we feel the need to make a concrete contribution. The S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital is an institution with which we have had a collaborative relationship for years, through both professional consultancy in promoting programs to protect our workers\u2019 health, and in research projects. We will win this battle together by working in union, supporting those who are at the forefront of fighting this pandemic every day.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here it is, at long last \u2013 Ford has just officially unveiled the second-generation Ranger Raptor, and compared to its\n predecessor\n, the Blue Oval has given the new the King of the Jungle performance pick-up truck a massive list of upgrades across the board.\nFirst of all is, of course, the new beating heart of the Ranger Raptor. \nJust as we\u2019ve guessed\n, the all-new Raptor is now powered by a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine, with \n288 hp\n and\n 491 Nm\n of torque on tap \u2013 although several outlets reported that the US version will actually come with \n397 hp\n and \n583 Nm\n. Either way, it\u2019s still a healthy increase over the outgoing turbodiesel mill\u2019s 213 hp.\nFord will still offer the all-new Ranger Raptor with the existing 2.0-litre turbodiesel in certain markets, but did not mention if there\u2019ll be any updates to its performance. Fingers crossed that we actually get the V6 Raptor here in Malaysia!\nPower is sent to all four wheels via a new full-time AWD system and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. And just as before, there\u2019s also the variant-exclusive Baja drive mode, which now even comes with an active exhaust system selector \u2013 Baja, of course, being the loudest and naughtiest (Ford says it\u2019s almost like a straight pipe set-up) of them all.\nNew to the Baja drive mode is also an anti-lag system for the turbochargers, which keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver lifts off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners when the driver steps back on the accelerator.\nAdditionally, the engine is also programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the transmissions\u2019 10 gears, which further optimises performance across the entire speed range.\nTo handle the extra firepower and stress load while you jump through the sand dunes, Ford says it has also significantly toughened up the chassis with several structural reinforcements, including beefier shock towers and rear shock brackets.\nThe suspension on the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor has also been completely redesigned with lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms. Fox adaptive shocks are again standard here, and features the brand\u2019s latest 2.5-inch Live Valve dampers filled with Teflon-infused oil.\nFord says that the suspension set-up here is the most sophisticated ever to be fitted onto a Ranger, with all of its characteristics specifically fine-tuned to provide the \u201cperfect balance\u201d between on-road and off-road performance.\nAnd with that much performance, the truck of course has to look its part. To that end, Ford has given the Ranger Raptor here extra flared wheel arches, unique bumpers both front and back, cast aluminium side steps, and the signature F-O-R-D lettering on the grille to give it some more visual muscle.\nAs for standard features, the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor comes equipped from the factory with 17-inch alloys wrapped in \u201cRaptor-exclusive performance all-terrain tyres\u201d, actual functional aero vents, and matrix LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights.\nInside, upgrades specific to the Ranger Raptor include a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with Raptor-specific displays, cast-magnesium gearshift paddles, unique jet fighter-inspired sports seats, Code Orange accents (to match the new \u2018hero\u2019 external colour), the Raptor-specific drive mode selector, as well as a 10-speaker B&O sound system.\nNo pricing details have been announced just yet, but we\u2019ll say it here first \u2013 it\u2019s all going to be worth it. Give us one right now.\nGALLERY"
"What you\u2019re looking at here is the all-new third-generation 2022 \nBMW X1\n, the Bavarian carmaker\u2019s latest entry point to its SUV (\nor Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW-speak\n) line-up. And while it\u2019s still supposed to be a compact model, the all-new X1 has grown in every dimension to now look almost like a shrunk down \nX5\n.\nIn terms of appearance, we think that the all-new U11 2022 BMW X1 actually looks a lot more proportionate compared to the outgoing model. There\u2019s a taller front face accented by a new square-ish kidney grille, while the bootlid is also more raked than before, with its roofline extended by a prominent spoiler hanging on top of the narrow rear window.\nSpeaking of the kidney grille, it is definitely quite a bit larger than before. But weirdly, it still looks proportionate here \u2013 maybe the \nXM\n has skewed our perception somewhat. Flanking it are the new trapezoidal headlights with a twin inverted-L-shaped daytime-running light signature, while the taillights at the back get a three-dimensional soft lighting effect.\nThe rest of the car\u2019s surfaces have been cleaned up with less brazen character lines, but the bumpers are almost the polar opposite, with sharp angular elements that look like they\u2019ve been chiselled out with an X-Acto knife. To help with the stance, the rear haunches are also more prominent before, while the lower edges of the car \u2013 which taper upwards towards the rear \u2013 are clad in gloss black plastic.\nAlongside the regular X1, the U11-generation model will also spawn a new fully-electric model dubbed the iX1, replacing the\n iX3\n as the new entry point to BMW\u2019s electrified line-up. To distinguish between the two, the iX1 gets additional blue highlights all along its exterior, alongside a closed-off front grille to further help bring its drag coefficient down to just 0.26 Cd.\nInside, the dashboard of the all-new 2022 BMW X1 looks to be taken directly from the \n2 Series Active Tourer\n, with a minimal layout characterised by the litter of air vents all across the dashboard. The BMW Curved Display panel takes centrestage on the dashboard, with two screens measuring 10.25-inches for the instrument cluster and 10.7-inch for the infotainment display.\nThe Curved Display runs on BMW\u2019s latest iDrive 8.0 system, which also means physical control buttons are a luxury in the all-new X1. The buttons are mostly located on the floating centre console ahead of the armrest, where you\u2019ll find the toggle-style gear lever, and a large rotary wheel for volume control \u2013 no rotary iDrive controller here, sadly.\nRELATED: BMW\u2019s all-new iDrive system wants you to forget about physical controls\nWith the increased dimension, BMW says that the all-new X1 is now more accommodating for passengers, particulary in terms of shoulder and elbow room for both the front and back seat occupants. Boot space is rated at 540 litres (expandable to 1,600L with the seats folded down), although the iX1 does get a 50 litre reduction in cargo room, despite its batteries being located in the floor of the cabin.\nComfort is also said to be improved here, with noise reduction being a top priority in the all-new BMW X1 thanks to its improved door and tailgate sealing, alongside a new wing mirror design and quieter tyres. The fully-electric iX1 also gets specific mounting for its drivetrain for reduced noise, as well as a soundproofed and double-decoupled air-conditioning compressor.\nAt launch, the all-new 2022 BMW X1 will be offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, starting with the sDrive18i which packs a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine for\n 136 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n of torque, while xDrive23i bookends the top-end of the petrol offerings with a 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged engine with 48V mild-hybrid system, making \n204 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n.\nThe oil burners options meanwhile include the sDrive18d with \n150 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n, as well as a xDrive23d with a 48V mild-hybrid-augmented 2.0-litre turbodiesel inline-four with \n211 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n.\nAll of these engines are paired to a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission as standard, with drive sent to the front wheels on the sDrive models, and all four wheels on the xDrive.\nShortly after the launch, BMW will also be introducing a pair of plug-in hybrid models to the X1\u2019s line-up, both utilising the same three-cylinder mill from the sDrive18i. With the addition of an electric drive motor, the xDrive25e gets a total system output of \n245 hp\n and \n477 Nm\n, while the xDrive 30e boasts an output of\n 326 hp \nand \n477 Nm\n of torque.\nAs for the fully-electric iX1, it will currently only be offered in the sole xDrive30 configuration, with two eDrive motors making a combined output of \n200 kW (272 hp)\n and \n494 Nm\n of torque on normal driving conditions, which can be boosted up to 230 kW (313 hp) temporarily under hard acceleration.\nPerformance wise, the all-new BMW iX1 sprints from 0-100 km/h in \n5.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n180 km/h\n. The electrons are fed from a 64.7 kWh battery pack located underneath the floor for a range of up to \n438 km\n based on the WLTP test cycle.\nUsing the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger, filling up the battery takes roughly 6.5 hours. Although, an optional 22 kW charger drops the number down to just three hours and 45 minutes. Alternatively, the car also accepts DC fast charging at up to 130 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 29 minutes.\nGALLERY"
"We have all seen the new \ntenth generation Honda Civic sedan\n\u00a0that was\u00a0released for the North American market. But what about hatch-loving Europeans? Honda has just announced that the five-door hatchback is now ready, but decided not to reveal in full the way it looks until March at the Geneva Motor Show.\nKnown as the \u201c\nCivic Hatchback Prototype\n\u201c, the rear section as seen in the picture above shows\u00a0more than just having a shorter boot. It suggests a sportier outlook compared to the already handsome sedan. A dual exhaust setup sitting underneath the car is sported, unlike the split configuration seen in the sedan. At the same time, the hatchback shares similar rear lights with the sedan.\nThe hatchback\u2019s distinctive\u00a0feature is that it gets an additional engine offered next to the\u00a0\nturbocharged 1.5-litre \n(173 hp) unit, that is the smaller \n1.0-litre\u00a0turbocharged VTEC engine\n. The ultra low emissions engine is capable of producing\n 127 hp with 200 Nm of torque, \nreplacing the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated mill that is powering outgoing Civics. The new engine is also good for the environment as it emits just 99 grams of carbon dioxide per km!\nJust like the predecessor, the rear torsion beam is retained, while the sedan gets an\u00a0independent rear suspension setup. Honda reported that the new Civic platform is 25 percent stiffer than the outgoing one.\nThe new European Civic will be assembled at Honda\u2019s UK plant in Swindon, hoping to give established European hatches such as Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Peugeot 308 some competition.\nJust like the sedan, the outgoing ninth-generation hatch did not perform as expected, falling behind\u00a0competitors. That similar scenario is echoed\u00a0over here in Malaysia, as the Civic FB lost its lustre compared to the successful eighth-generation Civic. Although it\u2019s unlikely for Honda Malaysia to introduce the hatchback variant (seeing how Malaysians favour the model with a boot), but give it a few years and you\u2019ll surely spot a unit or two at your trusty parallel importers.\n\u4e2d\u6587\u7248\uff1a\nAutoRepublic.my"
"GC Mah couldn\u2019t have said it better; your car seats are like mattresses. You spend more hours in a lifetime than you can imagine on it so it being comfortable, supportive and of course, pleasing to the eye is utmost important.\nSo after nine years of owning his Lexus RX 350 F Sport, it was time for a makeover and just because it was his beloved Lexus \u2013 a car that he spends a lot of time in \u2013 it had to be done right.\nEnter \nDK SCHWEIZER\n, an OEM upholstery manufacturer and \ncustom leather seat provider\n who has now expanded its business to cater directly to walk-in customers (B2C).\n \nFrom the get-go, the process was quite exciting, even just to film! Not only can you work closely with DK SCHWEIZER\u2019s designer to design your seats, but you can also specify different types of custom work including embroidery for the seats.\nAs for the types of materials available, the options are bound by the depth of your wallet. In GC Mah\u2019s case, he opted for a mix of Nappa leather and Alcantara. The latter was also used for the entire headlining.\nIn this video, we also shared how a single piece of cowhide is utilised to the max using precision equipment, how the leather is tested to the limits to ensure its durability and lastly, how the leather is prepped and applied before the big reveal.\nThis is one video you do not want to miss!"
"The new airbag design which has been designed to offer better protection in a wide range of frontal collision scenarios will be implemented into new Honda vehicles in the United States by 2020.\nUnlike most conventional airbags that rely on a single inflatable compartment, the new system inflates in three separate areas which when deployed operates like something of a baseball catcher\u2019s mitt \u2013 in the words of Honda.\n \nThe centre \u201csail panel\u201d is responsible of catching, cushioning and decelerating the occupant\u2019s head by allowing them to \u201csink in\u201d; cradling and protecting the head from potential injury.\nIn collisions that causes the occupants head to rotate severely or slide of the airbag, the new airbag design looks to reduce the chances of serious injury."
"The new 2017 Honda CR-V has been fully uncovered by Honda Thailand at\u00a0the Bangkok Motor Show and became the\u00a0third country to receive the\u00a0\nfifth-generation CR-V\n, after the\u00a0United States and Canada.\nIt\u2019s offered there in four trims, and is confirmed to be a seven seater (watch out,\u00a0\nNissan X-Trail\n!). Features such as hands-free powered tailgate and Honda LaneWatch are also thrown into the mix.\nHeadlining the Thai-spec CRV is the \ni-DTEC turbodiesel\n variant. Offered for the first time for the South East Asian market, the\n 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder turbodiesel\n engine makes\n 160 hp\n at 4,000 rpm\u00a0and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 rpm. A \nnine-speed automatic transmission\n is tasked to drive the wheels.\nThe petrol variant is represented by the\u00a0\n2.4-litre i-VTEC\n petrol engine, which is essentially a carryover unit from its predecessor. The engine produces \n173 hp\n\u00a0at 6,200 rpm and \n224 Nm\n at 4,000 rpm. The\n Earth Dreams CVT\n is the sole option for the petrol variant. Both the diesel and petrol variants are available as front wheel drive or all-wheel drive.\nA total of five colours are offered for the Thai market \u2013 \u00a0White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and the brand new Dark Olive Metallic. The new CR-V begins at\u00a0\n1,399,000\u00a0baht\n (approximately \nRM180k\n) for the 2.4 E petrol and \n1,549,000\n (approximately \nRM199k\n) for the\u00a04WD variant. That same amount for a 2.4 E 4WD also buys the front-wheel drive variant of the diesel CR-V. The dearest of all, the diesel 4WD, has a sticker price of\u00a0\n1,399,000\u00a0baht\n (approximately\n RM218k\n).\nEarlier this year, Honda Malaysia hinted that they will launch\u00a0\ntwo more models\n\u00a0this year. It\u2019s been confirmed that the CR-V will be one of the duo, but it\u2019s unclear as yet whether it will be a seven-seater or five. The turbo petrol seems to be most promising, though.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group made history at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition with the unveiling of the brand\u2019s first ever all-electric vehicle. As expected, the electric vehicle (EV) is indeed the BMW Concept iX3 which the company have \nhinted previously\n.\nThe all-electric SUV or Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) as BMW calls them, sits on a new flexible architecture platform that will underpin all future BMW models. The new platform can accommodate all types of drivetrain layout \u2013 front, rear and even all-wheel drive \u2013 and all forms of powertrains from pure combustion engine to all-electric and everything in between.\nThe premiere of the Concept iX3 marks the debut of BMW\u2019s \nfifth-generation eDrive system\n that boasts lower weight, larger scalability and more compact in size. This innovation allows the company to apply electrification to more models in the future.\nOn the iX3\u2019s application, the fifth-gen eDrive electric motor is capable of generating a maximum output of over 200 kW (\n270 hp\n), although the company did not specify which axle(s) power will be deployed onto. Thanks to a 70 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery pack, the iX3 has a claimed pure electric range of more than \n400 km\n.   Another innovation the fifth-gen eDrive boasts is rapid charging technology that allows the battery pack to be fully charged in \njust 30 minutes\n when hooked up to a fast-charging station (150 kW).\nVisually, the iX3 spots the BMW i brand\u2019s new kidney grille and brand emblem. The closed kidney grille with blue accents reduces wind resistance and give the car better aerodynamics. Elsewhere, the iX3 is similar to the G01 X3 from the headlamps, taillamps and overall profile. The only other tell-tale sign that this is an electrified SAV is the charging port cut out on the front fender.\nThe future production version of BMW Concept iX3 will be built in Shenyang, China managed by BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture although the company did not commit to a timeline.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With 1 in 3 Audis sold globally being a \u201cQ\u201d model, naturally, Audi Malaysia\u2019s new flagship has got to be an SUV. Enter the all-new \nAudi Q8 3.0 TFSI Quattro\n, a BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe rival.\n \nPowered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, the Q8 packs \n340 hp \nand \n500 Nm \nat its disposal. An 8-speed automatic transmission channels that grunt to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Century sprint is done in \n5.9 seconds \nand top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nIt also gets significantly\nmore kit than the Q7 with items such as Progressive Steering, All-Wheel-Steering\nand Audi Pre-Sense Front, that promises a safer and more dynamic driving experience.\nThe new Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Quattro is priced at RM727,900 (OTR without insurance)\nand comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAudi\u00a0Q8\u00a03.0\u00a0V6\u00a0TFSI Quattro\u00a0Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Introducing the Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) \u2013 your key to modern infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a classic Porsche \u2013 if for some reason, you prefer to listen to music over the raspy tunes of your air/water-cooled flat-sixes.\nThe infotainment systems are available in two dimensions \u2013 single and double DIN \u2013 and fits exactly to replace the existing original built-in units.\nIn the \nsingle DIN \nunits meant for older 911s, it comes with a 3.5-inch touch-sensitive display with Bluetooth compatibility, SD card, USB, and AUX slots. More importantly, it also comes with \nApple Car Play\n! There are also navigation functions in 2D or 3D view with simple arrow representations.\nCompatible with the iPhone 5 and newer, the system fits perfectly into the dashboard of classic 911s with signature black finishing and the shape of the dual knobs. Upon start up, it projects a Porsche logo and is suitable for 911 models from as early as the 1960s up until the last air-cooled 911, the 993.\nFor newer water-cooled 911s, from the 996 generation onwards, there is a\n double DIN\n unit called the Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus). With this, you get a larger 7-inch touchscreen display with both \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n. Like the single DIN unit, it also features 2D or 3D road map views with Bluetooth compatibility, SD card, AUX and USB slots.\n \nThe single DIN PCCM system costs 1,439.89 Euros (\napprox RM6,800\n) while the double DIN PCCM Plus will set you back 1,606.51 Euros (\napprox RM7,586\n).\nFor a Porsche owner, that\u2019s a rather small price to pay to give your classic Porsche a \u201cfactory-fitted\u201d infotainment system with modern features, isn\u2019t it?\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia today introduced the BMW Elite M Card specifically for owners of BMW M and M Performance models. The benefits under the Elite M Card complements existing BMW Privileges Elite Card with M-specific privileges.\nFor starters, BMW Elite M cardholders will get to participate in local and regional M Track events at more attractive prices. Cardholders can also enjoy additional discounts for BMW Driver Training events and BMW lifestyle merchandise.\nAdditionally, cardholders receive priority service appointments and reception at the Car (RATC) at all BMW service outlets and BMW M dealerships, loyalty discounts for repeat customers, as well as a dedicated page within the \nBMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App\n.\nManaging Director of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cM is the most powerful letter in the world. Combining our passion for high performance and our priority to our customers, it is only apt to provide BMW M owners with M-specific ownership privileges as exceptional as their cars.\u201d\n \nBMW Malaysia\u2019s latest track weapon is the M2 Competition.\nAs mentioned above, the BMW Elite M Card works in tandem with the existing BMW Privileges Elite Card, thus BMW M owners will still have complete access to the benefits from their existing programme. To recap, BMW Privileges Card includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service, 24-month tyre warranty program for run flat tyres, BMW Roadside Assistance and accident hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, and BMW Service Online."
"The award-winning Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck is now more attractively priced than ever, for a limited time till 31\nst\n August. If you decide to take the plunge within this period, there are savings of up to RM15,100 for the top-of-the-range Triton VGT Athlete and the Triton VGT Adventure X; both of which are powered by the 181hp and 430Nm 2.5-litre MIVEC four-cylinder turbo diesel engine.\nThe savings of RM15,100 are made up of a RM8,000 Merdeka bonus and RM7,100 from the zero-rated GST retail price, which means the on-the-road prices of the Triton VGT Athlete and VGT Adventure X are reduced by RM8,000 from RM119,866 to RM111,866, not inclusive of insurance. In fact, all Triton 4\u00d74 variants receive the RM8,000 Merdeka bonus while the Triton Quest 4\u00d72 gets a reduction of RM4,000. Other Mitsubishi models which fall under\u00a0the \nMerdeka promotion\n\u00a0includes the Outlander and ASX as well.\nAdditionally, Mitsubishi owners who are servicing their vehicles from 18\nth\n August to 22\nnd\n September at authorised service centres will also receive an exclusive Thermos merchandise with a minimum spend of RM400 over the period."
"It\u2019s not uncommon to see trends form within the automotive industry; see: SUVs, Coupe crossovers, and performance pick-up trucks \u2013 if someone wants one, a carmaker will build one. In recent years, speedsters seem to have latched on \u2013 McLaren made the\n Elva\n, and Aston Martin the \nV12 Speedster\n, among many others. But for some reason Mercedes-Benz, or rather Mercedes-AMG never seemed at all interested in making one.\nSo say you\u2019re a multi-billionaire Mercedes-AMG collector, and really want a made-in-Affalterbach topless Speedster-style roadster, what can you do? You build one yourself, of course \u2013 and that\u2019s exactly what Ronald Bussink did. Say hello to the Bussink GT Speedlegend.\nDon\u2019t think for a moment that its another backyard hack job, either, because the GT Speedlegend is actually built by the guys at HWA, who ran currently runs Mercedes\u2019 DTM team, and Formula E team two years ago. Besides, HWA boss Hans-Werner Aufrecht was also the founder of AMG, so this is pretty much as authentic as you can get without actually being AMG.\nInspired by the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss and Mercedes F1 cars, the Bussink GT Speedlegend took a standard Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster donor car, and replaced its convertible roof mechanism with what\u2019s called a Speedbow, a F1 halo-inspired pillar that runs from just in front of the tiny windscreen, all the way across to the roll hoops just behind the seats.\nThe carbon fibre beam helps increases rigidity, while also stripping off nearly 100 kg in weight, lowering the centre of gravity which aids handling and stability. Other bespoke items on the Bussink GT Speedlegend also include the carbon fibre louvre on the front wheel arches for enhanced aerodynamics.\nUnderneath the bonnet, the speedster comes as standard with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which in standard form on the \nAMG GT R Roadster\n, churns out \n585 hp\n and \n700 Nm \nof torque. On the Bussink GT Speedlegend however, power output has been tuned up to 850 hp, which we presume will make it significantly faster than the 3.6 seconds century sprint time of the GT R.\nOnly five units of the Bussink GT Speedlegend will ever be built, but if you think that you\u2019ll have a chance to own one, tough luck \u2013 all five units have already been spoken for, presumably by Bussink\u2019s own millionaire friends. Although, Bussink did say that there\u2019ll be more projects coming in the future between him and HWA, so perhaps you can look out for that.\nGALLERY"
"Malaysians love accessorising/modifying their cars; and while this may not be new, we\u2019re constantly reminded by it and this modified Honda City hatchback is one such example. It hasn\u2019t even been a full quarter (four months) since \nHonda Malaysia launched the City hatchback\n but a certain Honda fanboy, as seen in this video by \nGaleri Kereta\n, completely transformed it.\nIn fact, the owner of the car and workshop responsible for the transformation (\nStreet Garage\n), Shah Affendi, did not even wait a week! As he openly claimed, the car\u2019s original condition only last an hour before the tinkering began.\n \nFor starters, the front hood has been replaced with a carbon fibre unit made in Street Garage, while the chrome front grille has been replaced with the one from the City RS hatchback. Even the front bumper mimics the one on the RS model; with the front bumper inserts imported from Thailand. The carbon fibre lip is also from Thailand but sold at Street Garage.\nTowards the side, the side mirror caps have been swapped to carbon fibre units, along with the addition of carbon fibre side diffusers. Filling up the wheel arches are 15-inch wheels ala \u201cDesmond Regamaster Evo\u201d, with Yokohama AD08R tyres and Endless brake calipers. According to Shah, modifications had to be made to accommodate the significantly larger brake calipers \u2013 or else it wouldn\u2019t fit into the wheels.\nHighlighting the lack of disc brakes at the rear, disc brakes taken from the Honda Civic FD have been modified to fit.\nThe rear spoiler (which looks really good on the City hatchback), is also from Thailand but will soon be available locally via Street Garage. Shah also noted that the specific spoiler was opted to project a more proportionate rear end. As a fan of AMG vehicles, carbon trims were added to both corners of the spoiler. As for the rear diffuser, (with a titanium muffler sticking out of it), it should be the item of envy for the younger City hatchback owners.\nThe carbon fibre theme continues on the inside, with a carbon fibre steering wheel, replica bucket seats, and additional meters on the dashboard to monitor the car\u2019s water temperature and voltage etc.\nThe items added may all be plug-and-play add-ons but there are some creative modifications too; like the illuminated door handles, for example, modified from the Honda Jazz. Footwell lighting has also been added.\nAccording to Shah, the total cost of modifications are in the ballpark of RM50,000, and moving forward, the City hatchback will be used as a physical catalogue for all of Street Garage\u2019s newest items. Street Garage is located in Shah Alam, Selangor and in Ipoh, Perak. Services included vehicle detailing, wraps and more.\nCredit: \nGaleri Kereta YouTube\nGALLERY"
"Remember that stylish \nRenault Talisman Sedan\n revealed last month? Well, wagon fans this is your time to rejoice, as Renault has officially announced that the Talisman will also be available in an Estate body.\nHowever, while we might have a chance to see the \nTalisman Sedan\n on sale in Malaysia, don\u2019t count your hopes too high on the \nTalisman Estate\n to make its way here. Unlike in Europe, Malaysians still prefer the three-box shape over a wagon.\nMirroring the Sedan in almost every way bar the more alluring wagon silhouette and the increased boot space, the Talisman Estate is scheduled to go on sale in Europe within the first half of 2016. So you\u2019ll get a wagon measuring 4,860 mm long, 1,879 mm wide, and 1,460 mm high, sharing all those pretty trinkets from the Sedan.\nThe front is decorated with \nC-shaped LED DRLs\n flanking the bold front grille. The roof gains a pair of \nroof rails\n, while the side features the same \nstrong shoulder line\n as the Sedan that rises towards the back. In this case, the back now gets a \npowered tailgate\n, which can be opened by waving your foot under the bumper.\nThe tailgate opens to reveal \n572 litres\n worth of cargo space, or \n1,700 litre\ns if you fold down the rear seats. Up front, the front seats are developed with \nCover Carving Technology\n rear shells. They\u2019re strong yet lightweight, and they are claimed to free up to 30 mm knee room for the rear passengers. The front seats are \nventilated\n and \npower-operated\n in the higher-specced models, and there\u2019s even a \nmassage function\n too.\nLike the Sedan, the interior gets the \nR-Link 2\n connected multimedia tablet in the middle of the dashboard, \nfull-colour Head-Up display\n, and \nBOSE surround sound system\n.\nThe powerplants are also shared with the Sedan, featuring \ntwo petrol\n and \nthree diesel\n engine options. You can have either the \nEnergy TCe150\n or the \nEnergy TCe 200\n for the petrol variant, but both are paired with a \nseven-speed dual-clutch EDC\n transmission. For the diesel, there\u2019s the \nEnergy dCi 110\n, \nEnergy dCi 130\n, and the twin-turbo \nEnergy dCi 160\n. They can be had with a \nsix-speed dual-clutch EDC\n \u2018box, but the dCi 110 and the dCi 130 can also be specified with a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission.\nBefore entering the European market next year, the Talisman Estate will make its debut at the upcoming \n2015 Frankfurt Motor Show\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019ve seen all \nthe studio shots\n, even watched the video, but nothing is more revealing than the actual images of a car captured under natural conditions. Well, the 2,000 hp Lotus Evija made its first public appearance at the Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach over the weekend, do these images alter your initial impression?\nThe Evija hosted a string of celebrities and rich people who love cars, including former late-night talk show king-cum-car collector Jay Leno, who will probably add the Lotus hypercar to his collection when the Evija enters production next year, of which Lotus will only make 130 units of the fully-electric hypercar.\nWith a target output of 2,000 hp and 1,700 Nm, the Evija is the world\u2019s most powerful series production road car. It has been designed and engineered in the UK, and will be handmade at Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966. Geely acquired a majority stake in Lotus in 2017 and has since embarked on a US$1.9 billion revival plan to put Lotus right again.\nExclusive walk-round by Supercar Blondie."
"It\u2019s been a long but fruitful day for a lot of us, but it seems that everyone can\u2019t get enough of Proton\u2019s future model, the Boyue SUV. So, without further ado.\nThe unit on display here is of the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (TGDI badge) producing \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque paired to a\n six-speed dual clutch automatic\n transmission. However, it is in no way an accurate representation of what we will be getting.\nThis particular unit is fully decked out in the highest trim. There\u2019s features like keyless entry and push-start button, full LCD instrument cluster, brown leather wrapped seats, adaptive cruise control, 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Eco and Sport drive modes, hill descent control, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronic handbrake and even panoramic sunroof.\nIn China alone, Geely sold a grand total of 109,000 units of the Boyue in the whole of 2016, but the numbers have surged to 103,000 units this year alone, between January and May. Of course, when the Boyue is launched on our shores, the steering wheel will be on the \nright \nside. For now, do enjoy the pictorial gallery of the Geely Boyue.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re like us, you\u2019d have probably looked through the classifieds at least once in search of a used R32 Nissan GT-R, after watching Initial-D for the thousandth time. Which means you\u2019ll also know how difficult it is to even find one \u2013 more so for a mint condition, unmodified example. And let\u2019s not talk about the prices that these things fetch \u2013 hoo, boy.\nSo if you are really set on getting yourself one of these legendary Godzilla in proper, original condition, what\u2019s your best bet? Well, Nissan\u2019s Nismo division has started a new Nismo Restoration Car programme back in Japan, and they\u2019ll be able to source and fully restore one for you \u2013 but be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it.\n \nHow much exactly, you ask? According to the Nismo Restoration Car website, it varies depending on model, grade, model year, condition, and replacement parts needed, but the reference price for a \u201cstandard\u201d restoration will cost about 45 million yen (~RM1.7 million).\nSounds crazy, especially when you consider that a \nbrand new GT-R R35\n goes just for about 12 million yen (~RM450k) in Japan. But once you\u2019ve seen the amount of care and attention to detail that the Nismo team puts to restoring the car, you\u2019ll understand why you\u2019re spending top dollar for the car \u2013 it\u2019s almost as if they\u2019re building a new car all-together.\nThe Nismo Restoration Car process has no less than 13 individual sections, and starts off with a complete disassembly of the car. Body panels and all chassis parts are then inspected and repaired, followed by fresh new layer of protection coating and paint.\nThe torsional rigidity of the chassis is also tested in Nismo\u2019s workshop using specialised equipment, to ensure that the finished car will be well balanced, and safe \u2013 all according to Nismo\u2019s high standards.\nAfter the main chassis is finished, the team then turns to the engine, transmission, and the entire driveline, overhauling them with a complete disassembly/reassembly process if needed, bringing them back to their former glory. If requested, the team can even help tune it up to your requirements.\nTesting is done at every stage at the process. For the engine, the Nismo engineers will put the straight-six mill through a series of stress test and dyno runs. And when the restoration is fully completed, Nismo even takes the car out on track for some shakedown runs, driven by their own professional test drivers.\nWith all of the work that Nismo puts in to restore these cars, the maddening 45 million yen sum does somewhat start to seem a little reasonable. So if you have two million Ringgit just lying around, and truly want to live like Takeshi, you know where to look.\nMore images of the complete restoration process can be found \nhere\n."
"Doesn\u2019t it make you secretly wish the actual 296 GT3 race car would turn out as per the drawings? Wouldn\u2019t that be something?\nThe new 296 GT3 takes over from the 488 GT3 that racked up over 100 titles throughout its race career, with 429 wins out of 770 race starts. These extraordinary figures make it the most successful car in Prancing Horse history.\nThe design of the 296 GT3, was inspired by past race cars such as the 1963 250 LM. The 250 LM achieved major success at the 24 hours of Le Man, winning the 1965 edition. It also contributed to Ferrari\u2019s last overall victory in the 24-hour race.\nUnlike the road-going version, the 296 GT3 will not feature a hybrid system, in compliance with race regulations. The \nroad-going 296 GTB\n is home to a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, paired to an electric motor on the rear axle, producing a total of 830 hp and 740 Nm.\nWith that amount of power (110 hp more than the F8 Tributo\u2019s 3.9-litre V8), the 296 GTB rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in\u00a0\n2.9 seconds\n; 0 to 200 km/h in 7.3 seconds, onward to a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (135 km/h in pure electric mode).\nDevelopment work on the new 296 GT3 will begin on track in the coming months leading to its race debut, scheduled for 2023. Locally, the 296 GTB will be launched in Malaysia on the 28th of March 2022."
"After making headlines for looking so attractive, the all-new Mazda BT-50 has been officially launched in Thailand, where almost 50% of the new vehicle sales are pick-up trucks.\nAs such, is it a tremendously important product for Mazda Thailand. For this new generation, Mazda has \nabandoned Ford\n as its OEM provider, instead turning to Isuzu and its all-new D-Max.\nThe designers at Mazda have impeccably embodied the Kodo design language to the all-new BT-50, given its limitations originally being an Isuzu as well as a pick-up truck. With the overall styling and form that looks \nmore SUV\n than pick-up, the all-new Mazda BT-50 will stand out from the crowded pick-up segment.\nCustomers will have two choices of engines. However, only two variants (out of 14) are offered with the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine (\n195 hp/450 Nm\n). The rest are fitted with the 1.9-litre turbodiesel (\n150 hp/350 Nm\n). Both engines from Isuzu are also B20 biodiesel compliant.\nThe engines are paired to either a manual or automatic transmission, both with six forward ratios. The four-wheel drive with electronic shift-on-the-fly, however, is only made available to the 3.0-litre turbodiesel variant.\nFor the interior, Mazda revised the interior as much as possible to match the brand\u2019s identity. Similar to the exterior design, the all-new Mazda BT-50 conveys a more premium and more SUV-feel. There is even soft-touch material lined with double-stitching on the top edge of the dashboard.\nThe electrical systems are common with the Isuzu pick-up thus the Mazda BT-50 uses a similar 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Sound is channelled to 8 speakers including a pair mounted on the headlining.\nFeatures that are available in the all-new Mazda BT-50 include 18-inch wheels, LED headlamps, 8-way power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, USB charging port for the rear occupants and electronic-locking rear differential.\nAdvanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) looks to be \nlimited\n to just blind-spot monitoring (BSM) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) systems. A reverse camera and 4-cell parking sensors fitted at the front and rear bumpers support parking manoeuvrers. There are a total of six airbags in the all-new Mazda BT-50 unlike the 8 airbags found in the \nIsuzu D-Max for the European market\n.\nPrices begin from 553,000 Baht for the most basic single-cab workhorse variant. The all-new Mazda BT-50 that is most representative to the taste of consumers in Malaysia is the 1.9 Hi-Racer 6AT, priced from \n936,000 Baht\n, and the top grade 3.0 SP 4\u00d74 6AT priced at \n1,153,000 Baht\n."
"It is not uncommon to for a vehicle model to undergo multiple updates to keep it fresh and \u2018competitive\u2019, as the industry would like to term it. But as the Mitsubishi ASX enters its tenth year of service, one would imagine that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation\u2019s attention would\u2019ve been focused on the similarly sized Eclipse Cross instead of something of this vintage.\nGraphics on the tail-lamps seem to be inspired by Thor\u2019s Hammer.\nWell, MMC went on and did it anyway and gave the ASX the full \u2018dynamic shield\u2019 treatment with a front end that looks dramatically different, not unlike what transpired with the newly updated Mitsubishi Triton, and more so to the eye since the locally assembled version sold in Malaysia never adopted the second facelift styling.\nASX gets some \u2018dynamic shield\u2019 loving and looking all fresh for 2019.\nThe rear three-quarter is however more recognisable, even then the new bumper and tail-lamps (with Thor hammer-like illumination bars) do a convincing job aesthetically speaking. Mitsubishi is seemingly on a good streak with this new styling language, as CVP of Design Tsunehiro Kunimoto expounds on the \u2018Impact and Impulse\u2019 design concept of the revised ASX in the behind-the-scene interview below.\n \nAnd while some may lament the age of the underpinnings and mechanicals of the ASX \u2013 the MIVEC 2.0-litre 4-cylinder-cum-CVT powertrain will likely remain unchanged, this restyling job does look sharp and eye-catching. Sadly, the makeover on the inside isn\u2019t as extensive as the outside; the more noticeable items being the infotainment system which now has a tablet-style 8-inch touchscreen and new trim on some touch points.\nInterior is largely unchanged but gets a huge 8-inch infotainment display.\nSo, what do you think? Should Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia introduce this? Would you have this over a Honda HR-V and Subaru XV?"
"Uh-oh, looks like there\u2019s going to be a clash of titans at the\n Geneva Motor Show\n. Ferrari announced earlier about their latest \n488 GTB\n with 660 hp, and now McLaren responded with their \n675LT\n with 666 hp.\nThe\n 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8\n has been thoroughly revamped that it gains a new engine code \u2013 \nM838TL\n. More than 50 percent of the engine is new, and it includes a \nredesigned cylinder heads\n and exhaust manifolds, \nnew camshaft\n and lightweight connecting rods, and a couple of new, \nmore efficient turbos\n.   With \n666 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque, the 675LT rockets from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in\n 2.9 seconds\n, and another 5 seconds to reach 200 km/h, with a\n top speed\n of \n330 km/h\n. For comparison, the 488 GTB cracks 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and 200 km/h in 8.3 seconds, but the top speed is quoted at \u201cmore than 330 km/h\u201d.\nBeing the \nmost track-focused road-legal\n machine McLaren has ever produced, the 675LT has been given a strict diet that enables it to shed more than 100 kg over its siblings. Carbon fiber is used almost everywhere, the body panels, the front splitter, the side sills, the rear wings, et cetera you name it.\nIt may look similar to the 650S from the front, but most significant changes are done to the tail. While it\u2019s not exactly a \u201cLongtail\u201d as per \nMcLaren F1 GTR\n with extended rear overhang, the \u201cLongtail\u201d 675LT refers to the \nactive Airbrake\n that\u2019s now 50 percent larger than before.\nThe interior has been stripped out and features a pair of \nultra lightweight carbon fibre-shelled bucket seats\n from the P1. The 675LT is \nonly available as a Coupe\n, and it will be offered in five\n \u2018By McLaren\u2019 hero specifications\n in McLaren Orange, Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey.\nThe battle between Woking and Maranello is getting more and more intense. Which side are you on?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Our nation\u2019s largest car manufacturer, Perodua, set themselves a \nsales target of 202,000 cars for 2017\n and the company has just released their sales figures for the first nine months of 2017 with 151,600 units sold \u2013 a marginal increase of 0.5 percent increase from the same period last year. Yet, Perodua quotes that it\u2019s \u201c\ncautiously optimistic\n\u201d for the final quarter of the year and maintains its 202k unit sales target.\nThe marginal growth sees Perodua models maintaining its best-seller position in their respective category. Year-to-date, the most popular model remains the Axia with 48,700 units sold followed closely by the Myvi. Let\u2019s take a look at the breakdown:\nPerodua Axia\n \u2013 48,700 units\nPerodua Myvi\n \u2013 42,000 units\nPerodua Bezza\n \u2013 39,800 units\nPerodua Alza\n \u2013 21,400 units\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Perodua, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said, \u201cThe fourth quarter is expected to be challenging but we believe that we can sustain our sales momentum and are cautiously optimistic in meeting our earlier set target of 202,000 vehicles by the end of 2017\u201d\nDatuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh, President and CEO of Perodua\nHe added that the main challenges include stricter approvals for hire-purchase loans and intense competition from other auto brands.\nPerodua has serviced 1.58 million for the first 9 months, an increase of 4.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Production volume saw a reduction of 3.8 percent to 147,900 vehicles, attributed to the increased planned production in Q4 of 2016 in response to the expected higher exchange rate in Q1 of 2017."
"There may be a couple of months left before we put an end to this miserable year but it\u2019s probably safe to say none would top Porsche\u2019s latest publicity stunt \u2013 a takeover of the Burj Khalifa \u2013 in conjunction with the regional launch of the all-electric Taycan which was \nintroduced here last month\n.\nUsing 1 million LED lights to create the largest single display surface in the world, the display covered a total area of 33,000 square metres on the 828 metre tall building. It projected Porsche\u2019s greatest milestones dating back to the early 1900s, all the way to the introduction of the Taycan.\nPorsche Middle East\n, CEO, Dr. Manfred Braeunl said, \u201cElectricity has been running through Porsche\u2019s veins from day one and the brand is a pioneer in shaping the mobility of tomorrow with innovative products setting the benchmark for the industry. The all-new Taycan is a culmination of over 70 years of experience building sports cars, merged with incredible new driving technologies. But first and foremost, it is a true Porsche offering pure emotion and extraordinary driving pleasure.\u201d\n \nLike the Taycan models launched here, Porsche Middle East will also be receiving the Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and the Taycan Turbo S in the coming weeks. \nLocally, prices for the Taycan\n starts from\n RM725k\n for the\u00a0Taycan 4S, \nRM 999k\n for the\u00a0Taycan Turbo\u00a0and \nRM1.195 million\n for the Taycan Turbo S.\nThe \nNurburgring record holder\n is powered by two electric motors, essentially making it all-wheel drive, with up to 625 hp (761 hp with Overboost) with 1050 Nm in the Turbo S model. 0 to 100 km/h can be done as quickly as 2.8 seconds, and where electric driving range is concerned, the Taycan can return up to 463km."
"After rounds of speculation and rumours, we\u2019ve now finally got confirmation that \nTesla\n will be making an official entry into Malaysia. The news comes from the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, through his \nsocial media postings \nearlier today.\nAccording to Tengku Zafrul, Tesla will be establishing an office here in Malaysia, alongside its Tesla Experience (showrooms) and service centres, as well as a Supercharger DC fast charging network. Tesla is the first applicant under the ministry\u2019s new BEV Global Leaders initiative, which was aimed at increasing BEV demand in the local market, he added.\nThe press release states that Tesla will be importing its vehicles into Malaysia. While there are no further details on MITI\u2019s BEV Global Leaders initiative, we believe it includes a different regulatory process for these companies to obtain vehicle import approval permits (AP) \u2013 particularly as Tesla Sdn Bhd is wholly internationally owned by Tesla International BV.\nLast month, SSM data revealed that the company has recently \nchanged its official business name\n from Tesla Services Sdn Bhd to Tesla Sdn Bhd, with a revised nature of business that includes retail of new vehicles, as well as vehicle maintenance and repairs.\nRELATED: \nTesla Model Y launched in Thailand \u2013 from RM246k, up to 542 km range"
"Daigo Saito has a problem, and that is his addiction with fitting the 2JZ engine into anything he can. The D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift champion previously transplanted the legendary turbocharged inline-six engine into a Toyota GR Supra, somewhat vindicating the vocal purists that have lamented the Supra\u2019s BMW roots. This time, the drifter turned his attention to the Supra\u2019s younger brother, the GR Yaris.\nAs one can probably imagine, fitting an engine with double the cylinder count is not a straightforward swap. Saito\u2019s team had to cut the firewall well into the passenger cell in order to fit the engine longitudinally in order to send power to the rear wheels.\nBut was all the work worth it? Hell yes. Saito said that the 2JZ engine in the little hatchback has been tuned to make \n1,000 hp\n \u2013 that is more than triple the stock output figure of the GR Yaris, which already made an impressive \n272 hp and 370 Nm\n from its 1.6-litre turbocharged three-pot mill.\nWhile no further technical figures have been provided, we can\u2019t imagine that the stripped-out drift machine weighs anything more than the stock GR Yaris, which comes in just under 1,300 kg. That\u2019s almost like fitting a rocket into a Myvi \u2013 we imagine it\u2019d probably be easier to drift this than driving it in a straight line.\nIs this the perfect two-car garage?\nTo make way for the extra steering lock, the exterior has also been chopped up and fitted with a Rocket Bunny Pandem widebody kit. Same goes to the rear boot lid, which has two giant holes cut out to let more air pass through the giant intercoolers. There\u2019s also a giant wing on the back of the hatchback, supported by two struts to withstand the extra forces.\nWe just hope that the 2JZ-swapped Toyota GR Yaris doesn\u2019t \nsuffer the same fate\n as the similarly-powered Supra. But even if it does blow up, we know that Daigo Saito will come back with another equally mind-blowing project soon.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after the roll out ceremony of the second-generation Mazda CX-5 at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah, Bermaz Motor has officiated the launch of the all-new CX-5 right here in Malaysia. With five variants to choose from and pricing starting from a competitive RM135k (OTR, without insurance), the mid-sized SUV from Hiroshima has its crosshair set on the Honda CR-V.\nAs before, the \nlocally-assembled CX-5\n will be exported to neighbouring countries, only this time the Inokom assembly plant is able to produce Mazda\u2019s signature Soul Red Crystal that has 20 percent more saturation and 50 percent more depth than the previous-gen Soul Red Metallic. Petrol and diesel variants are available however all-wheel drive is now reserved exclusively for the top-spec diesel variants.   QUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda CX-5 2.0G GL 2WD\nMazda CX-5 2.0G GLS 2WD\nMazda CX-5 2.5G GLS 2WD\nMazda CX-5 2.2D GLS 2WD\nMazda CX-5 2.2D GLS AWD\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G\n2,488cc; 4-cyl SkyActiv-G\n2,191cc; 4-cyl SkyActiv-D\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with Sport Mode\nMax Power\n161 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n192 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n173 hp @ 4,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n257 Nm @ 3,250 rpm\n420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM134,605.50\nRM148,605.50\nRM160,996.70\nRM164,579.10\nRM175,179.10\nEXTERIOR\nVisually the all-new CX-5\u2019s design is largely similar to the flagship CX-9 (and Japan\u2019s CX-8). Standard equipment across the board reads LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillamps, LED fog lamps, dual-exhaust outlets, shark fin antenna, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors as well as piano black door pillar garnish. The entry level 2.0 GL however, gets a few items omitted in favour of bulb type daytime running lights, bulb-combination taillamps, manual key, rear parking sensors only and standard black door pillar garnish.\nThe 2.0 GL and GLS rides on 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/65 profile tyres while the rest of the line up gets upsized to 19-inch items (225/55 profile).\nINTERIOR\nInside, the base 2.0 GL gets furnished in fabric upholstery, multi-functional steering wheel, 7.0-inch Mazda MZD connect infotainment system, manual front seats, reverse camera, gun metallic interior trim, 4.6-inch LCD Standard instrument cluster display, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, four USB charging ports and all-four auto powered windows.   Stepping up to the more expensive variants and you\u2019ll get leather upholstery, GPS navigation system, 10-way powered front seats for the driver, 4.6-inch coloured LCD Multi Info Display as well as metal and wood interior trim.\u00a0Boot space is rated at \n442 litres\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood you\u2019ll find a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol, 2.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol or a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D diesel. On the petrol mills, Mazda has revised the compression ratio from 13:1 to 14:1 for reduced emissions and improved performance. The result is a slight power bump with the 2.0-litre now putting out\u00a0\n161 hp\n & \n210 Nm\n (+7 hp & 10 Nm) while the larger 2.5-litre now produces \n192 hp\n & \n257 Nm\n (+7 hp & 7 Nm) of torque. The diesel mill retains its \n173 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n\u00a0figures.\nAll engine choices are mated to a six-speed SkyActiv Drive automatic transmission driving the front wheels. If you prefer all-wheel drive traction, your only choice is the range topping 2.2-litre diesels.\nFuel economy is rated at \n6.8L/100km\n for the 2.0-litre petrol while the larger 2.5-litre mill consumes \n7.1L/100km\n. The most efficient mill on offer is no doubt the 2.2-litre diesel which consumes \n5.9 litres\n of diesel per 100 km.\nSAFETY\nAll models come with Mazda\u2019s i-Stop Idling Technology and \nG-Vectoring Control Technology\n. They will also be equipped with\u00a0\nsix airbags\n alongside a host of safety systems which include ABS with EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Auto Hold, Hill-Start, Speed Sensing Lock, Emergency Brake Assist and ISOFIX. The all-new CX-5 has been given a \n5-star EURO and Japan NCAP rating\n.\nSupporting the industry standard safety systems are Adaptive Front Lighting System, Adaptive LED headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Smart City Brake Support (front and back). However, these features are primarily available for the 2WD and AWD Diesel variants. As for the other three petrol variants, they will only be equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring System and front Smart City Brake Support.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since its market debut in November 2017, the \nVolkswagen T-Roc\n have found its way to more than 200,000 homes, a \nroaring success\n for Volkswagen\u2019s maiden entry to the compact crossover segment.\nVolkswagen now plans to expand the car\u2019s appeal with a performance-oriented variant for the T-Roc which will make its debut at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.\nT-Roc R-Line\n, a glimpse of what\u2019s in store with the T-Roc R?\nThe Volkswagen T-Roc R will be developed and tested by the brand\u2019s R division featuring R-specific design bits as well as performance to match its sporty appearance, presumably the EA888 2.0-litre TSI unit from the \nGolf R\n that packs \n290 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n paired to a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive.\nThe development of the vehicle took place at N\u00fcrburgring and was supported by WRX World Champion Petter Solberg and Volkswagen works driver Benjamin Leuchter. Something tells us that the T-Roc R might have the firepower to take on the likes of the \nMercedes-AMG GLA 45\n and \nAudi SQ2\n."
"Close but no cigar; if I had to pick a tagline for this article, that would be it. Testing is still on-going for the new BMW Z4 but BMW has revealed some details about it as it undergoes fine-tuning on drive and suspension systems at the Autodrome de Miramas, BMW\u2019s test centre in France.\nNot sure why they still have to keep the Z4 camouflaged since they\u2019ve already revealed the car last year but it\u2019s said that the flagship model of the new roadster will be embodied by the \nZ4 M40i.   BMW claims that it will be packed with a new, \u201cextremely powerful\u201d in-line 6-cylinder engine (most likely a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo unit), lowered sports suspension with electronically-controlled dampers, a newly developed front axle, M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres, an M sports brake system and an electronically-controlled rear differential.\nThe Head of Application Suspension, Jos van As, said, \u201cThe high level of body stiffness and the very rigid suspension attachment provide the perfect basis for a set-up that guarantees the performance qualities of a genuine sports car in terms of steering precision as well as longitudinal and transverse acceleration.\u201d\nThe Miramas test centre has been at the centre of BMW\u2019s development and testing of new models for more than 30 years. The test facility comprises a long asphalt oval and a motorway ring road for high-speed tests as well as slalom, serpentine and circular tracks and a number of handling courses and circuits featuring highly diverse types of surface.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hayden Haikal is no stranger in the competitive karting scene, holding two-time Malaysian Rotax Max Challenge karting championship title under his belt. The 14-year-old recently moved up to racing saloon cars and secured his first ever victory at the grand finale of the Toyota Vios Challenge Season 2.\nBattling out in the\nSporting Class of the Toyota Vios Challenge on the North Track at the Sepang International\nCircuit (SIC), Haikal of led the pack from start to finish after making a brilliant\nstart passing Panglima City Racing Team\u2019s Kenneth Koh into the first corner.\nFrom there on, he maintained\nhis lead with a more than seven second gap ahead of his nearest competitor on\ntrack at the end of the 20-lap race. Haikal who pilots car number 11 managed a\nfastest lap of 1:27.789 around the 2.61 km track. Kenneth Koh held the fastest\nlap of the day at 1:27.737.\nHaikal who turns 15\nthis July said: \u201cI got a good start, but honestly I was very nervous as the\nrace unfolded. I was very worried about making a mistake but in the end\neverything worked out well. It\u2019s an amazing feeling to win my first ever saloon\ncar race.\u201d\nAsked if he preferred\nracing on a street circuit instead of a permanent circuit like Sepang, Haikal added:\n\u201cI definitely feel more at home racing on a permanent track because it is a lot\nwider and you can carry more speed into the corners.\u201d"
"The Mazda \nCX-5\n is due for a\u00a0replacement, and it\u2019s coming sooner than you think. The all-new 2017 Mazda CX-5 is set to make its world premier at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show this coming November.\nThe teaser provides a glimpse of the side profile of the new CX-5. It will be an evolution of the KODO design language, bringing the \u201c\nSoul of Motion\n\u201d touch\u00a0to the next level.\u00a0It took cues from the \nCX-3\n and the \nCX-9\n with some subtle touches from the already brilliant looking CX-5. The front\u00a0looks longer and sharper, while the roof curves downwards.\nNo technical information was released but it\u2019s likely the current Mazda\u2019s \nSkyActiv\n petrol and diesel engines and the six-speed automatic gearbox will soldier on, albeit more refined. There\u2019s a good possibility Mazda\u2019s\n \nG-Vectoring Control\n will be introduced in this new CX-5. As always, a choice of a\u00a0front-wheel or all-wheel drive will be available.\nThe Mazda CX-5 kickstarted Hiroshima\u2019s strong footing in the SUV market, so this new CX-5 has big shoes to fill. Stay tuned for more updates\u00a0of the all-new CX-5!"
"I write this with unshakable presumption that most car buyers looking to one-up their car game will gloss over the\u00a0\nall-new Audi A4 B9\n. I say that because eight out of 10 conversations I\u2019ve had end up with people saying they wouldn\u2019t spend that kind of money on a car that \u201cdidn\u2019t look too different from the model before\u201d.\nOkay. It\u2019s not the bedazzling makeover every superficial shopper\u00a0wished it to be. In fact, I couldn\u2019t help but feel disappointed when I first saw pictures of the A4 B9 nearly two years ago. I expected much more, and quite honestly the \nsecond-generation A5\n that came after was an even bigger setback if I were to judge solely by its looks.\nBut my self-assigned role today is not to force the bulk of you to buy the Audi A4 over the exceedingly tantalising\u00a0bargain of the \nBMW 330e\n or \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n. Instead,\u00a0I want to intimately acquaint you with the nuances of the A4 and why I feel like it\u2019s a high contender on your wish list.\u00a0If anything, consider this piece a bearer\u00a0of enlightenment.\nQUICK FACTS\nVariant\nAudi A4 1.4 TFSI\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro\nEngine\n1,395cc; inline-4 turbo with Audi valvelift system\n1,984cc; inline-4 turbo with Audi valvelift system\nTransmission\n7-speed S tronic (dual clutch automatic)\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n190 hp @ 4,200 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n252 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.5 seconds; 210 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 240 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM218,900\nRM248,900\nRM314,900\nIt looks largely the same, but it\u2019s actually 90 percent new   Every panel, part and component is reengineered with\u00a0greater meticulousness\u00a0and the results really speak for themselves. The gap between each piece of exposed metal is aligned with such surgical precision that it makes the current Audi A8 \u2013 a yardstick of impeccability \u2013 feel haphazardly put together.\u00a0Fortunately for all, this frenzied sense of OCD trickles further into the cabin, which we\u2019ll get to in a minute.\nThe fascia cuts an imposing sense of presence and the chiselled\u00a0rump helps draw a fair bit of attention (thanks in part to dynamic indicators) \u2013 even more so than the front, I feel. However, the chromed horizontal slats in the Singleframe grille remains as the only jarring design element of the A4, becoming acceptably palatable only if it\u2019s \nfinished in black\n\u00a0(pictured below). If you hadn\u2019t notice, the overall design of the grille hasn\u2019t really changed much since the days of the A4 B7.\u00a0\nNone of the standard wheels \u2013 from the 17-inch on the 1.4 TFSI to the 18-inch on the quattro \u2013 do the A4 any justice, because quite frankly it domesticates what would otherwise be a go-to sight for sore eyes. These are upgradable through Audi Genuine Accessories, albeit in very limited designs.\nNobody is better at interior design than Audi   It is, bar none, the most impressive cabin in its class. The C-Class is runner-up in my books, and even that pales in comparison to the A4\u2019s obscene levels of regality\u00a0and tactility. The entire cabin is brand new, injecting a welcoming dose of desirability\u00a0to the rapidly ageing A4 B8. Just as the competitors caught up, Audi pulled a fast one to extend their lead.\nThe touchy feely bits will satisfy\u00a0even the most astute of nitpickers thanks to generous use of high quality materials, more so for\u00a0the 2.0 TFSI quattro. All A4s get a sporty three-spoke leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, but the quattro is the sole recipient of perforated hide. This extends to the gear shifter which altogether provide a more pleasant\u00a0sensory experience.\nYou can fit all four doors with a 1.5-litre water bottle, with some space to spare for loose items\nOn the topic of gear shifters, Audi has done away with the traditional gated-type box and implemented an electronic rocker much like BMW\u2019s. They\u2019re both incredibly intuitive to operate, far more reasonable in practice than the C-Class\u2019 stalk-type novelty or the rotary dial of the \nJaguar XE\n.\nRear occupants now benefit from improved legroom and headroom than before, with a tad more knee room compared to the F30 3 Series. Approximately 10 speakers with 6-channel amplifier (180 watts output) are fitted across the range, and the same goes for the 3-zone electronic climate control.\nThe 2.0-litre engines are jam-packed with technology\u00a0\nI get it. Hybrid propulsion\u00a0is all the craze today. However, for the hesitant adopters of such technological complexity, Audi has a non-compromising solution and it is highly sophisticated. The 2.0-litre four-banger EA888 unit cranks out two outputs: a lean \n190 hp\n & \n320 Nm\n of torque for the 2.0 TFSI and a hotter \n252 hp\n & \n370 Nm\n of torque for the 2.0 TFSI quattro.\nHere\u2019s what makes it special:\u00a0the engine combines multipoint injection (MPI) and direct injection (FSI) technologies for optimum performance and fuel efficiency.\u00a0\nMore commonly known as \u201cMiller cycle\u201d, Audi\u2019s Valvelift technology enables the valves to close early under load,\u00a0effectively giving it a displacement of 1,400cc, yielding a best-in-class non-hybrid fuel consumption of \n5.0 litres per 100km\n. That\u2019s slightly better than the 1.4 TFSI\u2019s combined 5.2L/100km figure.\nOur brief drive to Janda Baik didn\u2019t leave much room to corroborate the figures, but on a mildly spirited drive the 2.0-litre quattro returned a respectable 6.8 litres per 100 km. Both 2.0-litre variants come with a \u201ccoasting\u201d feature which only works in ECO mode. Basically, the transmission will \u201cdetach\u201d itself from the engine when your foot is off the gas. This significantly reduces drag on the engine (it drops to idling rev), improves fuel efficiency and is incredibly seamless in execution.\nThings get turned up a good few notches in Dynamic mode: throttle response sharpens, the dampers stiffen and the engine revs with wild abandon. Peak torque (all 370 Nm of it) is instantly available from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm, slightly later and lengthier than the non-quattro\u2019s 2.0-litre unit (1,450 rpm to 4,200 rpm).\u00a0In fact, I\u2019d go as far as to say the EA888 in this tune sounds a fair bit better than the N20/B48 four bangers in the F30, but most won\u2019t care to bother.\u00a0\nSo how is it like to drive?\nRight off the bat, one thing stood out almost immediately \u2013 steering feel and response. The A4 turns with greater urgency and remains hardly perturbed up at speed. While ride height remains identical as the A4 B8 quattro, the newfound composure is largely attributed to the car\u2019s added width (+16mm). Tyres are the same as before \u2013 245/40 R18. Let\u2019s not forget that it also weighs 60kg less than the B8 quattro!\nThe Daytona Grey Pearl is unique only to the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro\nSteering is now electronically assisted instead of hydraulics like before, and although still lacking in feedback, there\u2019s a better sense of feel and, in turn, is more engaging to drive spiritedly. As with any quattro models, traction is pervasive. At any given point, quattro predominantly sends power to the front axle, but the ratio split is infinitely variable depending on velocity, g-metering and road conditions. In the real world, it\u2019s hard to tell when quattro is at work because it\u2019s electronically actuated and is constant. But rest assured, it truly works.\nHonestly, the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro strikes a remarkable balance between sporty driving and daily usability. There\u2019s a new five-link system for both the front and rear suspension (up from the four-links previously), with adaptive dampers fitted as standard on the quattro variant. This makes damping almost as good as pack leader F30 3 Series, except the Audi is much snappier in gearshifts and won\u2019t slide out wide in the wet when driven hard.\nIs this car for you?\nThe A4 is for the most part, the ideal car to have if comfort and the feel-good factor (relative to spending more time in the cabin) are of high importance to you. I found no faults with the type of materials used and adore the breadth of luxury permeating throughout the cabin. Even the rear air-con vents have their own charcoal filter to eliminate odour.\nFor all the superfluity this brand new A4 has going for itself, the struggle for firm footing in the Malaysian car-buying scene is contradictory and ironic. Because in one corner you have this clear standout performer that\u2019s as good, if not better than its closest competitors. But in the other lies this\u00a0inward reluctance among us to take the road less travelled.\nMaybe it\u2019s the lack of dealer representation, the absence of competitive financing plans or even an all-out preference for badges that are better likened to \u201cprosperity\u201d. Heck, maybe all of the above! But for those who are willing to take a chance and personally give the A4 a go, it will do all but disappoint. I\u2019m sure of it.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Euro Motors, the distributor of DS Automobiles in Malaysia has just officially launched the flagship DS 5. Previously known as the Citroen DS 5, the DS range is now a standalone brand, DS Automobile. Essentially a facelifted Citroen DS 5, it gets unique exterior styling and more upmarket equipment.\nPowering the DS 5 is a 1.6-litre direct injection four-cylinder turbo that makes \n163 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at \n5.9 litre per 100 km\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nDS 5\nEngine\n1,598cc; direct injection 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n163 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm\nPrice (OTR with Insurance)\nRM198,888\nVisually the DS 5 wears the brand\u2019s new identity with new hexagonal chrome grille with a large DS badge in the centre, further accentuating the \u201cDS Wings\u201d design language. Elsewhere it gets bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, dynamic turn indicators, LED combination tail lamps, twin tailpipes, tailgate spoiler, keyless entry and 18-inch \u2018Adelaide\u2019 Onyx black alloy wheels.\nInside, the DS 5 comes equipped with leather upholstery (Basalt Black or Sand Beige), dual-zone automatic climate control, multifunctional steering wheel, powered front seats with memory function, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink, satellite navigation, six-speaker Denon HiFi sound system with boot-mounted subwoofer, electronic parking brake and colour Heads Up Display.\nSafety kit reads six airbags, ABS, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).\nNaza Euro Motors have five exterior colours on offer \u2013 Artense Grey, Noir Perla Nera, Bleu Encre, Pearl White and Whisper Purple. All purchases of the DS 5 come with 5-Years or 120,000 km warranty, 24-hour Roadside Assistance and exclusive access to Sky Lounge by NAZA at Subang Airport.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Digital used car marketplace \nMyTukar\n has launched a new fundraiser campaign called #MyTukarCares, where it aims to raise over RM1 million to provide support and assistance to over 10,000 families across the country facing economic hardships during the current movement control orders (MCO).\nMyTukar is partnering with MyGroser, The Food Purveyor (TFP), along with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the fundraiser, which will run from \nJuly through to the end of August\n.\nThe NGOs involved are Free Makan, Making Orang Asli Mother\u2019s Independent (MOAMI), Seri Jayanti Welfare Organisation, Pejabat Adun Kampung Tunku, The Hope Branch, Care & Share Circle (volunteer group), and the Dignity for Children Foundation.\nThe #MyTukarCare campaign will raise funds via three channels \u2013 donations from MyTukar and its employees, transactions made via the MyTukar platform, and through contributions from existing business partners and customers.\nAlmost the entire of Selangor, plus several localities in KL have been placed under EMCO until the 16th of July. Full list of locations, plus SOPs during the EMCO period is available here. \nMyTukar CEO, Jeffrey Ong said, \u201cWe started this campaign to support Malaysians that are in dire need of food and essentials. In support of this cause,\n almost all the revenue generated via myTukar transactions will be donated\n to the NGOs that we are working with.\n\u201cWe also \npledge RM50 for every car sold and RM100 for every car bought\n through our bidding platform. Internally, we have already managed to raise over RM100,000,\u201d he added.\nOnline grocery store MyGroser meanwhile will be providing support by \ncontributing proceeds from purchases of its \u2018Malaysia, Together\u2019 vouchers\n. On top of that, MyTukar will additionally \ntop-up an additional 20% for every RM1 spent\n. Once the funds have been raised, myTukar will be working with the NGOs to identify families in need.\nOn the other hand, The Food Purveyor (TFP), who currently operates three supermarket brands: Village Grocer, Ben\u2019s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.), and Pasaraya OTK, will be acting as a food supplier for the campaign, ensuring that essentials are delivered to the families.\nMyTukar launches Retail Centres for used cars in shopping malls. Check it out here.\n\u201cOur purpose has always been to serve the needs of our communities and customers. Today, more so than ever, we need to come together as a nation,\u201d said MyGroser CEO Stephen Francis. \u201cWith myTukar and like-minded partners, we will be able to provide and help as many communities as we can.\u201d\nTFP CEO Geoff King added, \u201cWith COVID-19 upending numerous lives globally, and with the government and frontliners fighting to combat the spread of the virus, it is up to businesses to step up to the plate, to lend a helping hand to the community and people at large.\u201d"
"Bentley Motors is demonstrating its bespoke prowess with a new, very special, and limited edition Mulsanne \u2013 the W.O. Edition by Mulliner \u2013 paying tribute to the company\u2019s founder ,Walter Owen Bentley.\nInside each of the \n100 limited edition Mulsannes\n,\n a slice of the original crankshaft\n taken from W.O. Bentley\u2019s personal 8-litre car \u2013 a genuine piece of Bentley history \u2013 will be displayed.\nThe Mulsanne W.O. Edition can be specified on any three models from the Mulsanne range. Key features include elegant Beluga black wheels and a stunning cocktail cabinet or a bottle cooler featuring a slice of crankshaft from W.O.\u2019s own 8-litre engine\n\u00a0set into the armrest\n.\nThe interior also houses four different wood types and aluminium finishing that gives contrast and depth to the \u201cartifact\u201d displayed. Elsewhere, the cabin has also been furnished with lambswool rugs, glass tumblers, privacy curtains to the rear doors, and a rear seat entertainment system.\nLaunched in 1930, the original 8-litre car was described as W.O. Bentley\u2019s finest grand tourer.\nThe original 8-litre straight-six was the largest and most luxurious Bentley of its time; with the most powerful engine in Britain.\nWalter Owens said, \u201cI have always wanted to produce a dead silent 100-mph car, and now I think we have done it.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota is still convinced that Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) will be a viable alternative of clean and renewable energy powered cars. More and more brands (\nMercedes-Benz included\n) are buying into the whole FCV idea.\nRecently, Toyota Motor\nCorporation has just introduced a SimpleFuel hydrogen station that can produce,\nstore and refill hydrogen to FCVs. By making use of electricity generated from\nsolar power, the generator carries out electrolysis of water to produce low-carbon\nhydrogen which is then compressed and pressurised.\nThe SimpleFuel station\nis installed at the car makers Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture\nwhere fuel-cell powered forklifts are used for day-to-day operations. Each\nstation is able to produce up to 8.8 kg of hydrogen per day which is enough to fuel\nseven or eight forklifts.\nToyota has another hydrogen\nstation at the premise but the SimpleFuels compact design means that it can be\ninstalled in small spaces, making it more flexible to be deployed.\nSince launch of the\nToyota Environmental Challenge 2050 in 2015, Toyota has been developing and\nimplementing technologies by harnessing hydrogen energy, which is aimed at\nutilizing hydrogen at its plants to realize its Plant Zero CO2 Emissions\nChallenge."
"During the announcement of the \nGeely Bin Rui sedan\n and \nSX11 SUV\n, Geely Auto also unveiled its new B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform. But what exactly is the BMA platform?\nAfter co-developing the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with Volvo Cars, Geely has applied its learnings to develop the BMA platform. Like the CMA, the BMA platform maintains the high flexibility and scalability to allow Geely Auto Group to apply this platform to different body styles from Sedans to MPVs with a wheelbase ranging from 2,550 mm to 2,700 mm.\nThe BMA platform is compatible with a variety of powertrain options from turbocharged engines, plug-in hybrid, hybrid or mild hybrid. The soon to be launched SX11 will be equipped with the brand\u2019s latest 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that is also found in the \nVolvo XC40 T3\n.\nTaking their learnings from the development of CMA platform, Geely developed the BMA with passenger and pedestrian safety as its highest priority. It was designed to exceed Euro NCAP 5-Star safety standard with active safety features as well as the capability to immediately handle Level 2 autonomous drive and Level 3 autonomous drive in the future.\nUsing this new platform, the new vehicle development time has been shortened from over 36 months on average to \nless than\u00a024 months\n, which allows Geely to respond quickly to market demands. Another benefit of adopting the BMA platform is strong economies of scale as all BMA based vehicles will have up to 70 per cent shared components, again reducing the time needed for component testing.\nThese also translates to significant savings when it comes to sourcing for vehicle parts as well as R&D costs which can be passed on to consumers. The common parts sharing also encourages suppliers to improve the performance and quality of their parts.\nThere is a high chance that Proton, which is also a member of Geely Auto Group, will be utilising the BMA platform in their future vehicles \u2013 namely the Preve, Exora and potentially B-segment models like the Persona and Iriz. If cost efficiency is what Geely is looking to achieve, it would be sensible to allow Proton to utilize the BMA platform in their future models."
"Currently undergoing testing on Australian roads to put its suspension and vehicle dynamics through the paces, Toyota is whetting our appetites with a short teaser video of the all-new Toyota Supra\u2019s soundtrack.\nSharing it\u2019s underpinnings such as the engine and transmission with the \nnew BMW Z4\n, the Toyota Supra will be tested on sweeping country roads, twisty mountain climbs and the Great Ocean Road, widely considered as on of the world\u2019s great drives.\nChief engineer of the Supra, Tetsuya Tada, who sees Australia has the ideal proving ground for the new Supra was also on-site to oversee the development of the car.\nThey\u2019re supported by Toyota Australia\u2019s Vehicle Engineering and Development (VED) team, widely regarded to be among the best in the world for suspension tuning and dynamic evaluation.\n\u201cAustralia offers surfaces that replicated 80% of the world\u2019s roads, including some of the toughest that would be experienced by customers anywhere.\u00a0I wanted to involve Australia right towards the end of our development program,\u201d he said.\n\u201cWorking on the aspects of handling and other details here in Australia allows us to make refinements that will result in a better car right up until production starts in the first part of next year,\u201d he added.\nThe Supra will be tested in the aspects of driveability, ride, handling, stability, brakes, seat comfort and insulation from noise, vibration and harshness both on tarmac and gravel.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Built as a one-off by a team of 12 BMW Group vocational trainees, the BMW X7 pick-up is a reflection of unhindered imagination \u2013 whether it would actually be a reality, like \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s X-Class, \nremains a hopeful thought.\nWith the 3rd row chopped off and an extended body that adds 10 cm to the standard X7\u2019s length, BMW has managed to reduce the pick-up\u2019s weight by 200 kg instead with the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) for core areas like the rear doors and the roof.\nAs it is an X7, ply wood will not cut it. To complement the stature of the premium SUV, the trainees opted for teak wood to line the cargo bed. The pick-up also gets a stroke of BMW Individual\u2019s genius as it\u2019s finished with a distinctive Tanzanite Blue metallic paint job.\nYou\u2019d be impressed to know that the trainees accomplished this road-legal concept without any assistance from BMW\u2019s trained experts who are usually at hand in the construction of concept cars.\n \nFind out what GC Mah thought of the new BMW X7 in the walkaround video.\nThe pick-up is based on the \nX7 xDrive40i\n that\u2019s powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with \n340 hp \nand \n420 Nm\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s common knowledge that \nAC Schnitzer\n, for as long as its existence, has served BMW as an aftermarket supplier for both visual and mechanical enhancements.\nIt\u2019s also no secret that the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra are thriving on the same components. So when it was announced that AC Schnitzer had produced accessories, both aesthetic and mechanical, not just for the BMW Z4 but also for the very first time, a Toyota, we\u2019ve all stood up and took notice.\nIt\u2019s safe to say that the Supra\u2019s rear end, possibly the most charming section of the car, should be left as it is \u2013 a GT wing doesn\u2019t quite cut it.\nThe two-piece rear spoiler on the Z4 however has had a more positive effect \u2013 adding even more menace to an already seductive rear end.\nBoth get the same wheel design and are dressed with front splitters, side skirts, height adjustable suspension, and mufflers with either sport black or sport carbon tail pipes.\nInside, the aluminium paddle shifters are perhaps the most audacious accessory for the Z4 and Supra \u2013 looking as if they were plucked out of a race car and passed off as an OEM item.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW Z4\nToyota Supra"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced that the order books for the exclusive Volkswagen Golf R 3-door is now open. Only 10 units of the 3-door hot hatch will be officially offered by VPCM and they are priced at RM268,888, RM10k lesser than the standard \n5-door hatch\n.\nThe new Golf R variant comes decently equipped, unlike the MK7 Golf R 3-door that had a \u201cpoverty spec\u201d trim level. Offered exclusively in Lapiz Blue, standard equipment includes LED headlamps and taillamps with dynamic indicators, 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3-inch Active Info Display, 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system and R \u201cVienna\u201d leather upholstery.   Only three items KESSY keyless entry, exterior mirror memory function and power-adjustable driver seat were omitted from the equipment list. Otherwise, you still get the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine and seven-speed wet clutch DSG combo with \n290 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque. Drive is transferred to all four wheels via the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said: \u201cThis truly is an opportunity for enthusiasts to be part of something special, as the 3-door Golf R is a rare beast here in Malaysia. With such a cult following, we are confident that all 10 units will be sold very quickly.\u201d"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has just published its sales performance figures for the month of August 2022, in which it recorded a total sales of 8,961 units for Toyota and 130 units for Lexus, putting its overall sales for the month at \n9,091 units\n.\nThe August sales figure is the highest the company has recorded this year, and also represents a substantial 37% jump over its sales performance in\n July 2022 (6,637 units combined)\n. With the August data accounted for, total sales volume for the company now stands at 61,639 units (Toyota and Lexus) as of August 2022 \u2013 a 62% increase compared to the same period last year.\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K said, \u201cThe team at UMW Toyota Motor is extremely grateful for the strong support and we are working around the clock to intensify production to ensure delivery to new car owners.\n\u201cThe introduction of the \nToyota Veloz\n will be a significant moment for us, and we are confident it will be popular among Malaysians with its value for money premium offerings, advanced features and of course, the renowned Toyota quality and reliability\u201d, he added.\nThe seven-seater MPV is set to be unveiled in Malaysia \u201cvery soon\u201d.\nALSO READ: \nUMW Toyota opens new 3S centre in Cyberjaya with body and paint facilities\nIn conjunction with the 2022 Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, UMW Toyota is currently offering value-added package to its customers with great deals worth up to RM4,000 on selected variants of the \nToyota Vios \nand \nYaris\n. Customers can take advantage of this promo from now until the end of September by visiting any Toyota dealerships nationwide."
"Polestar has announced at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition a crucial information for anyone interested in purchasing the brand\u2019s first ever car, the list price of a \nPolestar 1\n.\nPolestar\u2019s high-performance hybrid doesn\u2019t come cheap \u2013 with a price tag of RMB 1.45 million (RM898k) in China, \u20ac155,000 (RM735k) in Europe and US$155 000 (RM608k) in the United States \u2013 that puts the Polestar 1 in the same (pricing) league as an \nAudi R8\n or a \nPorsche 911 Turbo\n! Interestingly, the Polestar 1 is the most expensive in China (after conversion) despite being \nbuilt in Chengdu\n.\nAt launch, the Polestar 1 will be \navailable in 18 countries\n\u00a0including China, United States, Sweden, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Canada.\nAs of March 2018, the company has collected \nover\n \n7,000 deposits\n for the coup\u00e9 across all markets where the car will be made available. CEO of Polestar, Thomas Ingenlath commented, \u201cWe have seen a strong initial response from our first customers. This gives us confidence that our brand has a bright future.\u201d\n\u201cIn 2019, we will launch our next car, the \nPolestar 2\n \u2013 a mid-sized fully-electric car which is well developed in its engineering phase. We will follow that up with the Polestar 3, a stunning electric SUV with a beautiful aerodynamic silhouette that is already in an advance design phase\u201d, Ingenlath added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With GST now effectively in place of SST, Toyota Malaysia has announced the news that many have been wanting to know for some time now \u2013 how will cars be priced from 1 April 2015? Well, as explained\u00a0by UMW Toyota Malaysia\u2019s President, Dato\u2019 Ismet Suki, there will be a price reduction by up to \nRM4,000\n or \n2 percent\n for \nboth Toyota\n and \nLexus\n models.\nSuki also went on to say that they will \npass 100 percent\n \nof the cost savings to customers\n upon any purchase of Toyota and Lexus models during the implementation of the new tax structure. They have also released an infographic of how GST works, as seen in the image below. Under this new GST regime \u2013 which applies to all car manufacturers and distributors alike \u2013 there are different implications to businesses in many areas including\u00a0tax computation, collection, refunds, reconciliation to costing, as compared to the previous SST system.\nAs of now, we have yet to receive the post-GST price list from Toyota, but do bear in mind that the selling price as per the infographic above is not inclusive of insurance, which is also subjected to the 6 percent GST. Watch this space for the latest developments on GST and car prices."
"For us simple creatures, nothing puts us at the edge of our seats more than a thrilling drive and when it comes to delivering such immense sensations, there\u2019s aren\u2019t many that can top the experience of driving an old 911.\n911s of old, especially the Turbo models, have been notorious for being a handful to control at the limit with multiple reports claiming that most enjoyed a very short lifespan because they ended up being wrapped around trees and lamp posts.\n \nTurbo lag was hugely apparent; and when it spooled up, it opened a floodgate of power you might not be prepared to deal with. The non Turbo models may have been more tame but with an engine sitting behind the rear axle, the vehicle\u2019s dynamics were beyond what most civilians could handle.\nEnter the RUF CTR \u201cYellow Bird\u201d. It had \n469 hp\n and \n553 Nm\n from a 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged engine that most, till today, believed was placed in the wrong end of a car. Power was fed only to the rear wheels, in something that weighed no more than your standard Myvi. Imagine that.\n \nThey sure don\u2019t make them like they used to but understandably so. These days, it\u2019s all about appealing to a much wider audience; making a sportscar that everyone, from your aunty to your 17-year old, can simply get in and drive without the imminent threat of..well, a crash.\nThose who still enjoying manhandling a car are now minorities and car companies simply can\u2019t survive on them. Without looking too far, the \nnew 992-generation Porsche 911\n is one such example.\nThe new \nPorsche 911 now in Malaysia\n, from RM1.1 million.\nSure, the engine may still be at the back but the wildly behaviour that was staple in the air-cooled 911s have been so significantly dialed down, without sacrificing the culture of a proper 911, that it\u2019ll take a complete fool to mess up a drive.\nThey may be easier to go faster in, safer and more well-equipped but here\u2019s a reminder, at least, of what the good old days were about."
"The new king of hot hatches has arrived and this one hails from Audi. Scheduled to make its debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show is the new 395 hp Audi RS3 Sportback.\nBased on the facelifted\n A3\n, the revised RS3 sports a redesigned hexagonal \u201csingleframe\u201d grille with black honeycomb, new bumpers, LED headlights and a sportier roof spoiler. Other sporty allures come from the rear diffuser, quad exhaust, lower ride height and 19-inch RS alloys. Options include the Audi Virtual Cockpit.   Underneath the hood is a the same inline-five,\u00a0\n2.5-litre turbocharged\u00a0\nengine that weighs less and produces more output. It\u2019s makes about 33 hp and 15 Nm more than its predecessor, bringing the final output up to\n\u00a0395\n \nhp\n and \n480 Nm\n. That makes it 14 hp more powerful than the dominant\u00a0\nMercedes-AMG A45 4Matic\n. What\u2019s more, the 0-100 km/h sprint is accomplished in 4.1 seconds \u2013 0.1 seconds quicker than the A45. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, but with customer\u2019s request (with an added fee, of course), it can reach up to\n 280 km/h.\nAs always with Audi sport models, quattro is standard, which sends drive to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic (dual clutch) transmission.\u00a0The quattro uses an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch to distribute the required amount of torque to each axle. Ride is improved as well, thanks to RS Sport suspension with adaptive damper control, but this is a cost option.\nWell, now that the cat is out of the bag, it\u2019s only a matter of time before Mercedes-AMG and BMW M responds. The question becomes, do we really need that much power in a car that\u2019s relatively. small?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Speaking to the Managing Director of Tan Chong International, Glenn Tan, shortly after the regional launch of the all-new Subaru Forester, we were told that it will only be introduced in Q2 of 2019.\nThree variants will be available, with EyeSight only available a few months after the initial introduction of the all-new AWD SUV. We\u2019re also told that the Malaysian models will not be too different from the Taiwanese-spec Foresters in the video below \u2013 so the powered sunroof could be a possibility!\nWhen EyeSight is available for the local Foresters, it will only be limited to the top variants. Subaru recently launched the fully-imported Subaru Outback, the first to feature EyeSight in Malaysia and with the Forester now following suit.\nAs for the Subaru XV, you\u2019ll just need to be a little more patient as the EyeSight driver assistance system is expected to be available for the crossover, only in 2020.\nThe all-new Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.0-litre Boxer engine making\n 156 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque, paired with a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT and Subaru\u2019s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The facelifted \n2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+\n has just made its \nMalaysian launch\n at the Sepang International Circuit last month. Fully imported (CBU) from Germany, and offered solely in a hatchback form, the hot hatch is priced from \nRM509,888\n.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, plus cashback at the end of your coverage. Head on over to \nMotorTakaful.com\n to find out more.\nChanges made towards the exterior design of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ are rather subtle, and mirror the ones seen on the standard facelifted \nA-Class\n. This includes the reprofiled front grille, fitted with the Panamericana mesh to differentiate itself from its regular counterparts.\nThe round badge above the grille bears the AMG emblem on this facelift model, rather than the usual Mercedes-Benz star. The rear also features tail lights that carry new graphics, as well as the unique quad exhaust tips to show the A 45 S\u2019 aggressive hot hatch identity.\nThe biggest change Mercedes-AMG has done to the facelifted 2023 A 45 S hot hatch is actually the headlights. Using the brand\u2019s MultiBeam LED technology, and coming as standard with the Adaptive HighBeam Assist Plus, the headlights now feature single brow-type daytime-running lights (DRLs) and an oval-shaped projector unit.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift, from RM239k \u2013 5 Things\nMercedes-AMG has fitted the A 45 S with bumpers that feature designs similar to the ones found on the AMG line kit for the A 250 sedan. The Aerodynamic Package is fitted onto the luxury hot hatch as standard, and this package includes bits like the flics, bumper inserts, a more intricate diffuser at the back, and a front splitter.\nA set of 19-inch AMG five-twin spoke lights alloys come with the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S straight out from the factory, and features additional matte black aerodynamic panels. The German hot hatch is also fitted with red-painted brake callipers, as well as the AMG Night Package, which removes most of the chrome elements on the exterior.\nMercedes-AMG is also offering the A 45 S with a limited Street Style Edition. Opting for this package will give you an exclusive Manufaktur mountain grey magno paint job for the exterior, edition-specific fluorescent orange accents, an AMG fuel filler cap, edition decals and gloss black model badging, as well as unique 19-inch cross-spoke forged wheels.\nPowering the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is essentially the same powertrain as before, featuring the same AMG-specific M139 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This results in a total of \n421 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\nWith power sent to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, the century sprint can be completed in under \n3.9 seconds\n with the German hot hatch, and its top speed is rated at \n270 km/h\n. The AMG A 45 S is the only variant in the A-Class line-up in Malaysia that doesn\u2019t come equipped with the 48-Volt mild hybrid assistance.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Benz CLE to replace C-Class and E-Class Coupes \u2013 official launch July 5\nHopping into the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, you get the new AMG Performance steering with a touch-control panel, the Multicountour AMG Performance Advanced seats, as well as AMG-specific trim pieces on the dashboard. And all of this equipment comes as standard with the hot hatch.\nThe seats are also wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre as standard, while the MBUX system for the dual 10.25-inch screens both get the unique AMG displays, as well as a built-in drag race timer. The touchpad on the centre console has also been removed, just like the regular A-Class facelift.\nOther unique features the AMG A 45 S gets include red seat belts, 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated AMG door sill plates, the Burmester surround sound system, as well as a panoramic sunroof. Opting for the Street Style Edition will get you pure microfibre upholstery on the seats, and additional orange accents throughout the cabin. The AMG aluminium trim elements also come with the same pattern that mirrors the exterior decals.\nSafety-wise, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S in Malaysia comes with the active parking package that includes the 360-degree surround view monitor, the driving assistance package with lane keeping assist (LKA) and adaptive cruise control (ACC), and blind spot monitoring (BSM). Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and exit warning assist are also included with the A 45 S out of the factory.\nThe standard Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is offered at \nRM509,888\n, while the Street Style Edition will cost a little bit more, at \nRM539,888\n. These prices are on-the-road (OTR) and without insurance, and are also inclusive of the standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nRELATED:\n \nMercedes-AMG SL 43 previewed in Malaysia \u2013 Estimated RM1 million, 2.0-litre turbo, 381hp, 275km/h top speed\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia\n has officially unveiled the\n all-new seventh-generation 7 Series\n here on our shores, with the launch of the BMW 750e xDrive today. The plug-in hybrid luxury sedan arrives in local assembly (CKD) form, and is offered in two trim levels \u2013 Pure Excellence and M Sport, with prices starting at RM649,800 on the road, without insurance for the former.\nIf the luxury-oriented (and cheaper) Pure Excellence is more your style, though, you\u2019ll have to hurry up, as there are only 48 units available throughout Malaysia.\nBMW 750e xDrive M Sport\nBoth variants share the same powertrain underneath the bonnet \u2013 a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine mated to an electric motor, making a combined \n489 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the roads via the xDrive all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, delivering a century sprint time of\n 4.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\n 250 km/h\n.\nThe electric motor is supplied by a 22.1 kWh battery pack, which is good for a full electric range of up to 87 km, at speeds of up to 140 km/h. For charging, an on-board 7.4 kW AC charger enables a full charge in under three hours.\nBMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence\nAs for kit, both variants of the new BMW 750e xDrive share the same Iconic Glow crystal headlights with embedded Swarovski crystals, paired to the Iconic Glow grille frame that further highlights the large kidney grille, especially at night.\nThe Pure Excellence variant comes with 19-inch Style 903 double spoke alloy wheels, while the more expensive 750e xDrive M Sport variant gets a sportier 20-inch Style 907 bicolour M aerodynamic wheels to match its more aggressive blacked-out Shadowline exterior.\nRELATED: \nBMW i7 eDrive50 unveiled \u2013 New entry-level variant, up to 611km of range\nInside, both variants are equipped with the BMW Curved Display consisting of a 12.3-inch instrumentation display and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The main highlight on the inside, however, is the BMW Interaction Bar, which nests most of the centre stack buttons into a touch-sensitive bar across the dashboard, while also doubling as the cabin\u2019s ambient lighting system.\nOther interior equipment include the automatic doors, Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, Crafted Clarity crystal glass trims on the centre console and seat adjustment rockers on the doors, a four-zone climate control system, head-up display, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.\nBMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence\nThe Pure Excellence variant accents its Merino leather upholstery with the use of oak mirror finish fine-wood trim on the dashboard, alongside grey metallic highlights. The M Sport variant, meanwhile, gets a fineline black high-gloss fine-wood trim, paired to metal effect highlights.\nThe more expensive BMW 750e xDrive M Sport variant here in Malaysia also stands out further with more goodies inside, including the Executive Lounge Seating on the rear with, as well as the 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre Screen.\nBMW 750e xDrive M Sport\nAs for safety, the BMW 750e xDrive M Sport is offered with the Driving Assistant Plus package, while the Pure Excellence gets the more advanced Driving Assistant Professional package that adds semi-autonomous driving capabilities during traffic jams. Parking Assistant Plus, however, is standard across both variants.\nThe BMW 750e xDrive is priced as follows:\nBMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence \u2013 RM649,800\nBMW 750e xDrive M Sport \u2013 RM700,000\nBoth prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the extended five-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service programme.\nFollowing the launch of the petrol-powered 7 Series, BMW Malaysia will also soon be introducing \nthe fully-electric i7 \nhere on our shores.\nGALLERY\nBMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence\nBMW 750e xDrive M Sport"
"The humble \nProton Saga\n is turning 35 this Thursday, the 9th of July 2020. To celebrate the occasion, the national carmaker will be introducing an Anniversary Edition for the Proton Saga, and we\u2019re all invited to join in the fun by voting for the car\u2019s slogan.\nThe slogan competition, which began yesterday and will run until \n11.59pm of 8th July\n, invites participants to vote on their favourite among three slogans \u2013 \u2018Saga, Driving Malaysians\u2019, \u2018\nSaga, Ilhamku, Kebangaanku\n\u2018 (Saga, my inspiration, my happiness), and \u2018\nRaikan, Saga\n\u2018 (Celebrate the Saga).\nAside from just selecting their favourite, participants are also required to provide a creative rationale for their chosen slogan within 350 words. Eight prizes are up for grabs, with winners selected based on the most popular slogan, and the creativity of their rationale.\nThe grand prize winner will take home RM3,350 worth of Shopee vouchers; second place and third place gets RM2,350 and 1,350 in Shopee vouchers respectively. The remaining five winners will each receive a Parker ball pen.\nTo participate, follow the link to the Proton Saga Anniversary Edition Slogan contest page \nhere\n, and complete the form. Make sure that your contact details are accurate, as the winners will be contacted, and their vouchers delivered via the email address provided.\nRead our review of the \nProton Saga 1.3 Premium \nAs for the Proton Saga Anniversary Edition, no details of the car have been provided just yet, but we expect to see an exclusive exterior paint job, along with possibly a few special trim touches to mark the occasion. The Saga Anniversary Edition will also most definitely be a limited-edition model.\nBe sure to keep your eyes peeled on our page as we bring you the latest coverage on the 9th of July. Meanwhile, here are \nseven things that you may not\n know about the oldest nameplate in Proton\u2019s model line-up!"
"A common complaint we hear about EV ownership is the fact that you\u2019ll have to wait for your car to charge up, even with a DC fast charger. Now, 20 minutes is not too long of a wait by all means, but that still means you\u2019ll have to\n do some homework\n to plan for your trip, before actually reaching for your car keys. Fortunately, it seems that reality will soon be over.\nGeely, through its subsidiary Viridi E-mobility Technology (VREMT), has unveiled its latest 600 kW supercharging technology, which it says can add\n 300 km of EV driving range in just five minutes\n. The company adds that the \u201csupercharger\u201d is now in mass production, and will be deployed exclusively in China for now.\nThe charger is able to achieve its eye-watering 600 kW output thanks to an improved liquid-cooling system, thus allowing for increased voltage and current. However, the only models that can take advantage of the fast charging speeds are the \nZeekr 001\n and the upcoming 009, thanks to their use of CATL\u2019s Qilin long-range batteries.\nZeekr\u2019s existing chargers already offer up to 360 kW DC charging, which is enough to give the 001 a range of 120 km in 5 minutes. Rivalling Chinese EV maker Xpeng recently announced plans for its own fast charging network rated at 480 kW, while NIO also detailed an upcoming 500 kW technology for its own vehicles.\nRELATED: \nPlanning to own an EV in Malaysia? Make sure to install these apps first\nMeanwhile, here in Malaysia, the fastest DC charging station available right now are the 180 kW units offered by the \nShell Recharge network\n, but we\u2019re sure that the number is set to rise \u2013 both in quantity and charging speeds \u2013 over the next few years.\nWith the number of EVs on the roads constantly increasing, having faster DC chargers can not only increase the overall utilisation rates of the charging infrastructure as drivers are spending less time at the charging stations, but also ease range anxiety especially during heavy travel periods, which will eventually lead to a higher EV uptake in the market.\nALSO READ: \n3 things living with an EV in Malaysia has taught us"
"For most of us, designing a livery means quickly whipping something up on Gran Turismo Sport, with the end result usually looking horrible (for us, at least), and the only time it\u2019ll be seen by others is when we join and eventually crash in an online lobby. The story is a little different for 27-year-old Malaysian Chan Wen Bin though, as his design made him the grand prize winner in a \nBMW\n contest, and will see it being used as the livery on an actual race car!\nThe design submitted by the graphic designer from Semenyih managed to not only win over the jury \u2013 comprised of BMW Art Car designer Cao Fei, BMW Designworks Global Automotive Director Michael Scully, as well as BMW works driver Bruno Spengler \u2013 but also the fans through BMW\u2019s social media channels.\nAs a reward for his winning entry, Chan will be bringing home a grand prize of \nUSD3,000 \n(~RM12.5K) cash, and his design will be used on the actual \nBMW M4 GT4 race car during the DTM Trophy season finale\n on the 7th-8th November. Additionally, the livery will also be \nmade available on the iRacing sim racing platform \nsoon, where fans can download and use the design when they race virtually.\n\u201cI\u2019ve been a fan of BMW since my childhood and always dreamed of achieving something with BMW one day,\u201d said Wen Bin. \u201cThis livery contest was a fantastic opportunity for me to show my passion for BMW and have my design used by BMW Motorsport.\n\u201cI\u2019m over the moon and am delighted to have won this competition. I can\u2019t wait to see the result in the real world,\u201d Chan added. \u201cIt\u2019s one of my biggest successes in my career as a designer. Thank you so much BMW.\u201d\nAs part of the contest, the design had to showcase the contest motto: \u201cthe fusion of real world and sim racing\u201d, in addition to just pure aesthetics. According to BMW, this means \u201ccreating a design whose elegance and beauty comes into full effect not only in the virtual world but also in the real world\u201d.\nCommenting on Wen Bin\u2019s design, Cao Fei said: \u201cThe black overall colour is always classic and elegant for a high-performance BMW coupe. The subtle blue and red parts scattered around the car is not only lively and chic, accentuating\u00a0its sporty and exclusive aesthetics, but the colour combination also reflects the very essence\u00a0of BMW M series, paying tribute to its history and legacy. This livery is truly timeless.\u201d\n2nd Place: Juan Diego S\u00e1nchez (ESP)\n3rd Place: Monholo Oumar (FRA)\nWith his design, Wen Bin prevailed over numerous competitors, including second place Spaniard Juan Diego S\u00e1nchez and third place Monholo Oumar from France, who will each take home USD2,000 and USD1,000 respectively for their efforts.\nCongratulations Wen Bin for a job well done! We can\u2019t imagine how it must feel to see your own design being brought to life and immortalised on an actual race car. We\u2019ll definitely be cheering with pride when we see your design on the DTM Trophy BMW M4 GT4 race car!"
"Shocking isn\u2019t it? After years of persisting that they would stick to their signature monstrous engines, the Italian supercar maker has said that it would provide a hybrid powertrain option featuring lightweight batteries to save weight and the ability to run on electric alone.\nIf you\u2019ve been following Lamborghini\u2019s developments though, this will come as no surprise as they\u2019ve already confirmed plans to build the\n Urus,\u00a0\nwhich will be equipped with a hybrid powertrain. The luxury SUV, which is due to be launched by the end of the year will pack the might of a supercar; churning out 650 hp from its twin-turbo V8 engine.   In recent news, Lamborghini has also been reportedly considering the \ndevelopment of a sedan\n \u2013 one that will be based on the Estoque concept car revealed at the Paris Motor Show more than a decade ago.\nAs for their flagship Aventadors, Lamborghini is insistent that its V12 engines still have loads of potential, according to \nAutocar\n. As such, the Aventador, due before the release of the second-generation Huracan, will retain its naturally-aspirated powertrain for the model to remain unique to the brand and its customers \u2013\u00a0 who has in the past approached Lamborghini for their raw power and performance.\nSource:\n Autocar"
"Mazda Europe has unveiled their latest member of electrified models- the Mazda 2 Hybrid. This compact hatchback looks incredibly familiar because Mazda has actually rebadged the \nTNGA Toyota Yaris Hybrid\n (MXPH10) rather than developing an all-new model. \u00a0\nThe new Mazda 2 Hybrid goes on sale throughout Europe from spring 2022 and brings self-charging full hybrid powertrain technology to the Mazda model range for the first time. Similar to the \naward-winning\n Toyota Yaris Hybrid and also the new \nToyota Aqua\n, the Mazda 2 Hybrid features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine paired with Toyota\u2019s unique motor-generator transaxle to deliver a combined system output of \n116 hp\n.\nThe Mazda 2 can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \n9.7seconds\n while returning a WLTC-rated fuel consumption of up to 3.8 litres per 100 km. \u00a0\nThe new Mazda 2 Hybrid is the latest outcome of a long-standing collaboration between Mazda Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. It will be an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model supplied by Toyota Motor Europe and will be added to the Mazda 2 European line-up as Mazda\u2019s own brand vehicle.\nThe project was first mentioned in November 2020 when Mazda presented its revised Medium-Term Management Plan. China is the next market targeted to feature Toyota Hybrid System in Mazda vehicles.\nToyota and Mazda will also be campaigning in endurance races to save the combustion engine. More on their \u2018big idea\u2019 here!\nKey projects under \u2018Enhance Alliance\u2019 of Mazda\u2019s Medium-Term Management Plan-Revision\nIn the UK, the Mazda 2 Hybrid will be sold alongside the recently launched \n2022 Mazda 2\n, giving customers in the \u2018supermini\u2019 segment the choice of two distinct models, depending on their needs.\nThe Mazda 2 Hybrid will join the fully electric MX-30 and other existing electrified models offering a substantial reduction in local CO2 emissions. Between 2022 and 2025, Mazda will offer the electrified rear-wheel drive platform for large SUVs such as the recently spotted \nMazda CX-60\n.\nThe Mazda2 Hybrid won\u2019t make it to Malaysia, but the fully electric MX-30 will! Find out more here!\nMazda will also equip the Toyota Hybrid System into new US-made SUV models, perhaps in the recently introduced \nMazda CX-50\n that is manufactured in a plant that\u2019s joint-ventured with Toyota.\nGALLERY"
"The lives of the criminals within the United Kingdom are about to get a lot harder (as it should), with the new upgrades coming to the UK Police force vehicle fleet.\nFord has announced that the UK Police force is currently evaluating the \nFord Ranger Raptor \nand the\n Focus ST Estate\n across the country, where South Wales Police are among the firsts to receive the Ranger Raptor performance pick-up.\nBoth of the new blue-light vehicles used here are unchanged mechanically underneath the bright Police livery. For the Ford Ranger Raptor, a 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo mill generates \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, paired to a \n10-speed automatic transmission\n. Power is sent to all four wheels.\u00a0\u00a0\nBut perhaps the reason the Ranger Raptor was chosen for the task is due to the standard-equipment\n FOX shock absorbers\n, as well as the \nBaja desert race mode\n, which should come in handy during off-road high-speed pursuits.\nThe Ford Focus ST Estate on the other hand is powered by a \n2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine\n, capable of producing \n276 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\nThe output figure translates to a century sprint time of \n5.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\n 220 km/h \n\u2013 enough to outrun most cars on the road, by a professionally trained driver of course.\u00a0\nBoth of the new Ford cop cars under trial are produced by Ford\u2019s Special Vehicle Preparation team in Essex, which has added the all-round emergency lights and sirens, aside from the livery.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) today officially launched the Triton Athlete, replacing the \nTriton Adventure X\n as the flagship variant of the Triton line-up in Malaysia.\nMMM is pricing the new fully-imported Mitsubishi Triton Athlete at \nRM141,500\n. Compared to the Adventure X it replaces, the Triton Athlete is RM3,600 dearer.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Triton Athlete makes a bold statement upfront, with black dominating the \u201cdynamic shield\u201d design maintaining the Bi-LED headlamps with LED DRLs. Further exterior highlights exclusive for the Triton Athlete include:\nGloss black radiator grille and surround\nGloss black front under garnish\nGloss black rear bumper\nBlack door and tailgate handles\nDoor visors\nBlack side steps\nBlack 18-inch wheels, 265/60R18 tyres\n\u2018ATHLETE\u2019 graphics\nThe Triton Athlete is only available in three colours- the recently introduced \nSun Flare Orange Pearl\n, White Diamond and Jet Black Mica. A \u2018flying design\u2019 sports bar is also fitted as standard.\nPERFORMANCE\nNo changes are made to the mechanical aspects of the Triton Athlete. Similar to the Triton Adventure X it replaces, the powertrain consists of the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine.\nEngine: 2.4-litre, VGT turbodiesel, MIVEC\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: Electronic shift-on-the-fly Super Select 4WD II, Off-road mode\nMax horsepower: 181 hp @ 3,500 RPM\nMax torque: 430 Nm @ 2,500 RPM\nPrecise power delivery, especially on challenging terrain, is controlled via the first-in-class \nSuper Select 4WD II\n system with four off-road modes. Find out why this 4WD system coupled with the best-in-class \n5.9-metre\n turning radius is excellent in our video \nhere\n. \u00a0\nINTERIOR\nInside the cabin of the Triton Athlete, key touchpoints have been revised for more personality. The multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel now comes with \norange stitching\n and this is also repeated on the shift lever knob. Other notable features include:\nIlluminated door scuff plates\nAutomatic rain-sensing wipers\nSteering wheel-mounted shift paddles\nPower-adjustable driver\u2019s seat\nLeatherette upholstery\nLeatherette knee pads for front occupants\n7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity\nAutomatic air-conditioning\nCeiling-mounted rear air-blower\nUSB charger for rear occupants\nSAFETY\nBeing the flagship variant, the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete comes loaded with plenty of advanced safety features. Notable items include:\n7 airbags\nForward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Warning & Autonomous Function\nBlind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) & Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)\nUltrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), forward and reverse\nHill Descent Control (HDC)\nAll Round Monitor (ARM)\nDriving Video Recorder (DVR)\nThe Triton is gaining its \npopularity\n as Malaysia\u2019s favourite pick-up truck, recorded a sales performance of \n7,598\n units in the most recent MMM\u2019s financial year (April \u201920 to March \u201921), representing a \n32%\n increase in sales compare to the previous year.\nMMM also just recorded their \nbest quarterly sales\n ever, with 4,156 units delivered between January to March 2021.\nPrices (on-the-road, private registration and without insurance) for the fully-imported Mitsubishi Triton pick-up range start from RM79,890 for the 2WD \nTriton Quest\n, with the Triton 4WD MT is just a trickle over the RM100k mark at RM100,200. The automatic transmission variant is priced RM5,790 more at RM105,990.\nMoving up the ladder are the Triton Premium variants, again available in both manual and automatic transmissions. Prices are RM113,300 and RM121,000 respectively. Apart from the 2WD Quest, all Triton 4WD models are backed by an impressive \nfive-year/200,000 km warranty coverage\n, whichever comes first."
"Peugeot\n has announced that the next-generation all-new Peugeot \n3008\n and \n5008\n will be making their official debut in the second half of 2023. In line with its electrification push, Peugeot will also be offering fully-electric variants of both models, dubbed E-3008 and E-5008, as part of the models\u2019 variant line-up.\nThe E-3008 will be coming first, followed by the E-5008 \u201cshortly after\u201d. Details are scarce at the moment, but Peugeot says that it\u2019ll be offered in three different electric powertrain options, including dual motor options, with an impressive electric range of up to 700 km.\nThe E-3008 will also be the first car to be built on the \u201cstate-of-the-art\u201d STLA Medium platform, which features a wide range of connectivity and artificial intelligence technologies, the latter in support of a \u201cfuture of autonomous driving\u201d.\nA steer-by-wire system will be equipped as standard on the new platform, which will enable \u201cnew ways to control the vehicle\u201d in the future, including a Hypersquare feature and the next-generation of Peugeot\u2019s i-Cockpit dashboard design, both to be launched from 2026 onwards.\nIt\u2019ll also feature a completely new design language, with \u201cmore flexibility and freedom to reimagine the overall proportions\u201d thanks to the BEV-focused platform.\nFurther details on the Peugeot E-5008 were not disclosed, but it should closely mirror that of the E-3008.\nWATCH: \nPeugeot 5008 review \u2013 You pay for what you get, nothing more, nothing less!\nAs part of Peugeot\u2019s \u201cE-Lion Project\u201d electrification roadmap, the French carmaker is committed to a 100% fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV) line-up by 2025, in line with its goal to become completely carbon-neutral by 2038. In achieving that, the marque will be electrifying every model in its line-up this year, while by 2030, all Peugeots sold in Europe will also be fully electric.\nFor its electrification efforts this year, Peugeot will be introducing a new line-up of 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrains, to be rolled out onto the 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008, and 408 models. To be paired to the 100 hp and 136 hp PureTech engines, the MHEV system utilises a 21 kW electric motor integrated in the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox to provide additional low-end torque while driving, while also reducing fuel consumption by up to 15%.\nUniquely, Peugeot\u2019s MHEV system can also operate in a fully-electric mode for short distances, at up to 50% of the time in urban settings.\nWithin the next two years, Peugeot will also be unveiling a total of five new EVs \u2013 the aforementioned E-3008 and E-5008, alongside the new E-308, E-308 SW, and E-408. For the E-308, it\u2019ll be powered by a brand-new electric powertrain making 115 kW (156 hp), with an electric range of over 400 km.\nBack here in Malaysia, the \nPeugeot 3008\n and\n 5008\n are currently available in a single Allure variant, powered by a turbocharged inline-four engine with 165 hp and 240 Nm. The Peugeot 3008 and 5008 in Malaysia are priced at \nRM 167,288\n and \nRM 182,388\n respectively."
"It\u2019s likely that you\u2019ve \nread\u00a0our Peugeot 3008 review\n\u00a0and \neven watched our video\n\u00a0so if its shortcomings have put you off a little, then maybe this RM 173,888 Peugeot 5008 SUV might just do the trick.\nOffered in just one variant \u2013 the Allure THP \u2013 Nasim Sdn. Bhd. has officially launched the fully-imported (CBU) 5008 SUV with a 5-years / 120,000 km warranty as well as 3-years free 24-hour Peugeot Assistance.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 5008 1.6 THP Allure\nEngine \n1.6-litre 4-cylinder THP\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n165 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm\n0-100 km/h ; Top Speed\n9.2 seconds ; 206 km/h\nPrice (OTR w/out Insurance)\nRM 173,888\nWhat do you get then for almost \nRM 20k extra from the 3008\u2019s asking price\n?\nFor starters you get two extra seats in the 3rd row which can be folded flat or even completely removed and 2nd row seats that can be 40:20:40 split-folded and slid forwards and backwards.\nFold those 3rd row seats and you\u2019ll get about 700 litres of bootspace \u2013 almost 200 litres more than the 3008.\nAs for on-board equipment, the 5008 doesn\u2019t stray too far from the 3008\u2019s offerings. They include Peugeot\u2019s signature i-Cockpit layout, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nSeats are leather upholstered, as expected, with 8-way adjustability for the driver\u2019s seat while other notable features include a cooled armrest storage and auto lights and wipers.   On the outside, aside from the rear roofline that appears \u201cmore vertical\u201d and boxier around the C-pillars, not much as separates the 5008 from its smaller sibling. LED headlights and the \u201clion claw\u201d tail lights are standard, along with sequential indicators and 18-inch Los Angeles alloy wheels similarly found in the 3008.\nSafety wise, the 5008 is issued with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC) and hill start assist.   The 1.6-litre THP 4-cylinder engine gets \n165 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n from as low as 1,400 rpm, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, thank heavens. As it is front-wheel driven and not all-wheel, expect the 5008 to be a little more eager off the line.\nNot sure if this is relevant because you\u2019d be silly to drive an SUV this fast, but top speed is capped at 206 km/h. If you ever fancy taking it off-road, there\u2019ll be five different driving modes to choose from \u2013 Standard, ESP Off, Sand, Mud and most unlikely in Malaysia, Snow.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen announced the updated specifications of the \n2015 Sharan\n. Most updates are under the skin, while the exterior receives a pair of new \nLED taillamps\n.\nAll engines offered in the Sharan have been redesigned and they are all Euro-6 compliant and up to \n15 percent more fuel efficient\n. The diesel range comprises of a \n1.6 TDI\n with \n115 hp\n, and a \n2.0 TDI\n with either \n150 hp\n or \n184 hp\n while petrol range consists of a \n1.4 TSI\n with \n150 hp\n and a \n2.0 TSI\n with \n220 hp\n.\u00a0\nSix-speed manual\n box is standard but there\u2019s the optional \nsix-speed DSG\n with coasting function available for all Sharans except the 1.6 TDI.\nThe infotainment system in the Sharan has been updated too, with a choice of a 5-inch Composition Color, 6.5-inch Composition Media, or the\n 6.5-inch Discovery Media with navigation\n. \nMirrorLink function\n is available and it supports Android Auto and Car Play.\nAutomatic Post-Collision Braking System\n is a standard fitment, but \nFront Assist with integrated City Emergency Braking\n traffic monitoring system, \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n (ACC), and \nPark Assist\n are some of the optional driving assistance systems on offer.\nSlated for a first public appearance at the \nGeneva Motor Show\n, the updated Sharan will go on sale in Europe in April.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here it is finally, one of Volvo\u2019s most highly praised and sought after vehicles since its Chinese acquisition back in 2010. You may argue that the Swedish carmaker took a little longer than necessary to produce a successor to the wildly successful XC90 crossover, but if it\u2019s any consolation, the second-generation, \nall-new Volvo XC90\n is definitely worth the 13-year long wait.\nFirst and foremost, underpinning this handsome luxury mid-size SUV is Volvo\u2019s new Scalable Product Architecture \u2013 part of some 11 billion US dollar investment to make sure the new XC90 hits all right buttons. Unlike the older model, there successor will only be powered by a \n2.0-litre four cylinder engine\n, albeit in differing states of tunes. However, the XC90 launched today in Malaysia comes with Volvo\u2019s \nmost advanced 2.0-litre Drive-E engine\n, the T8, which packs \nover 400 hp\n!\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Volvo XC90 T8 \nEngine\n1,969cc; twin-charged 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n407 hp\nMax Torque\n640 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.6 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice\nRM453,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nThe new XC90 is undoubtedly one of the best looking SUVs on offer right now (even more attractively priced), bandying a sleek new face flanked by a pair of \nLED headlights\n with T-shaped (like Thor\u2019s hammer) LED daytime running lights. The front grille features vertical slats, accentuating the car\u2019s overall cleaner and sleeker profile.   Round the side, the XC90 sits on \n20-inch\n 10-spoke wheels as standard, shod with 275/45 series tyres. Other standard fitment include front and rear skid plates, roof rails, tyre sealant kit, tyre pressure monitoring system and capless refuelling system.\nIn typical Volvo fashion, there are accessory packages on the sides should you feel like one-upping its looks. The list is extensive, beginning with the \nRM21,800 Thor Package\n which grants you all-round bodykit and an LED-lit running board. If the cost of tyres doesn\u2019t matter to you, then the \nOden Package\n will sort you out with a set of\n 22-inch wheels\n for a cool\n RM19,644\n. This package doesn\u2019t include the tyres, mind you, but the Swedes do recommend the low profile 275/35 Pirelli Scorpion Verde rubbers.\nINTERIOR\nInside, \nthe XC90 continues to impress\n. The luxurious cabin is a far departure from any Volvos of old, and gone is the iconic floating centre console. Perhaps one of its standout features is the 9-inch touchscreen head unit which grants access to all of its in-car features. It also supports GPS navigation (with voice control), Bluetooth handsfree, USB, auxiliary and iPod connectivity. Complementing the head unit is a \n10-speaker Sensus Connect High Performance\n audio system with 330W amplifier.   The entire cabin of this seven-seater SUV is upholstered in soft Nappa leather, with the second row featuring a 40/20/40 split configuration. It also slides fore and aft should passengers in the third row demand more legroom. The multifunction steering wheel is clad in leather and finished with silk metal inlays, while the rest of the cabin benefits from inscribed walnut inlays. Because you\u2019re getting the T8 variant, the gear knob that comes with it is made of \nhandcrafted crystal by Orrefors\n and is LED lit.\nFinishing off the cabin are features like powered cushion seats for both front seats, automated dimming ambient lighting, \nInterior Air Quality System\n with active filters and sensor, Clean Zone Interior Package, quad-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof with sun curtain, luxurious floor mats, Digital Owner\u2019s Manual, head\u2019s up display and a \n12.3-inch Digital Adaptive Instrument Cluster\n.\nBut of course, the interior can further be customised with their new range of accessories. There\u2019s the RM1,625 protective grille assembled to the boot compartment to prevent goods from being thrown forwards into the cabin, a Volvo-made child seat that costs RM2,284 and a specially programmed iPad for RM3,335.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned earlier, the \nT8 Drive-E engine\n is Volvo\u2019s top-of-the-range powertrain which combines a\n supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine\n to an electric motor. This combination makes \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm \nof torque; the engine alone makes 320 hp and 400 Nm, whereas the electric motor supplies 87 hp and 240 Nm of torque.\nIt is mated to an \neight-speed automatic transmission\n and propels the XC90 from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n5.6 seconds\n, while sipping \n2.1 litres of fuel per 100km\n, given the right driving conditions. Yes, let that sink in for a bit. Its top speed is \n230 km/h\n, and in full electric driving mode the XC90\u2019s 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery is capable of covering just over 40 km of tarmac. Just 3.5 hours will be needed to charge the battery from empty to full.\nThe new XC90 rides on double wishbone suspension at the front and a solid integral axle at the rear. It\u2019s air sprung, so this gives you variable damping through the car\u2019s many driving modes.\nSAFETY\nVolvo cars have always had understated grunt under the hood, but their developments in the safety department is unrivalled. And it\u2019s no different with this XC90. It\u2019s equipped with energy-absorbing seats which helps prevent spine injuries in the event of an accident. Also fitted are Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist and Distance Alert, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Braking, Automated Parking Assist, Road Sign Information, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid.\nThere\u2019s more \u2013 Roll Stability Control, City Safety with Front Collision Warning and Full Auto Braking, Driver Alert Control, Active Bending LED Headlights and Blind Spot Detection System. The list goes on, but if you\u2019re familiar with Volvo cars, the XC90 comes with all of its standard offerings.\nWHAT ELSE?\nNow, the 2015 Volvo XC90 T8 is at this point in time, the most attractively priced luxury mid-size SUV in the market. It\u2019s priced at \nRM453,888\n and will be locally assembled at their existing Shah Alam production plant beginning next year. Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the XC90\u2019s regular service interval is a class-leading 20,000km, and packaged along with it is a 5-year warranty which covers the 9.2kWh battery as well.\nAll purchases of the new XC90 T8 will come with a complimentary wall charger which will be certified upon installation at home. Additional installations will incur costs, for example if you want your office to come with a Volvo-certified plug point to charge your car, you\u2019ll have to fork out a small sum to get that done.\nThe 2015 Volvo XC90 is available for viewing at your nearest Volvo showroom from today onwards. There\u2019s a total of \n11 exterior colours\n, including five interior colour combinations and three types of inlays.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi has announced a global recall of 1.27 million cars related to a potential fire hazard. Affected models include the A4 B8, A5 B8, A5 Cabriolet and first-gen Audi Q5 built between April 2011 to May 2015.\nAccording to \nAutoCar UK\n, the plug connectors of the electrical connections in the \nauxiliary heater\n may potentially burn and subsequently cause a fire due to the incorrect coatings on the contacts and friction corrosion. The friction is caused by movement of the components which in turn can cause a fire.   Audi will be fitting new auxiliary heating elements with improved electrical contacts. The company claims that the cars can still be driven despite the potential fire risk but should a burning smell is detected, owners should immediately stop the car and have the car inspected by an authorised Audi dealer.\nThe breakdown of cars affected is as follows: 875,000 in Europe, 250,000 in North America and 47,000 in Asia. Audi discovered the fault during a periodical product monitoring check."
"During the local introduction of the 2022 Nissan \nGT-R T-spec\n and \nGT-R Nismo SV\n models, Nissan Australia had indirectly mentioned the existence of the next-generation halo model.\nIn a report by \nDrive.com.au\n, Nissan Australia\u2019s chief said, \u201cThis isn\u2019t the end of the GT-R story in Australia, but it will mark the closure of this chapter for this generation vehicle,\u201d\nNissan Australia can only sell the \u2018Godzilla\u2019 models until October 31st 2021, as a new side-impact crash test regulation (known as ADR 85, aligned with European ECE R135 Pole Side Impact) comes into force in Australia on November 1st 2021.\nAs the current-generation R35 Nissan GT-R has its roots tracing back to 2008, the structural design of the bodyshell obviously does not consider an impact test that was only enacted in 2015. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nA Nissan Leaf undergoing a Pole Side Impact assessment by Euro NCAP\nThese writings and expressions from the distributors always paint a more positive tone to the end of a cherished model, especially when the name \u2018GT-R\u2019 carries so much weight for the Nissan brand.\nNonetheless, rumour has it that the next-generation Nissan GT-R, supposedly to also progress from R35 to R36 sales code, will launch in Japan as soon as late 2022. \u00a0\u00a0\nNissan Concept 2020 Vision\nNissan Skyline GT-R models are incredibly treasured by owners and Nissan that they have developed a full restoration programme. Find out how much here!\nAmong the whispers that surround the R36 GT-R is the addition of electric power to further boost the engine output of \n600 hp\n and \n652 Nm\n of torque, an approach recently launched by Mercedes-AMG and their \nE Performance\n branding. Such an idea was actually \npresented\n even before the \n2016 Nissan GT-R\n was introduced that eventually continued with just raw petrol power until today.\nA fully electric GT-R is however not seeing light until the end of this decade, as the appeal of a zero-emission GT-R is still next to nil.\nNISMO presents their recipe to push the engine used in the Italdesign GT-R50 to 720 hp. More about the breakdown of the power kit here!\nHowever, a more cost-effective and resource-friendly approach would be to build an entirely new bodyshell over the existing chassis and powertrain, as seen on the recently launched \n2022 Nissan Z\n. In this latest iteration of the two-door sports car, much of the interior, platform and its hardpoints plus switches are \u201chand-me-down\u201d items from the Z34 Nissan 370Z.\nContinuous development of the current generation R35 Nissan GT-R, with product chief Hiroshi Tamura\nStructural enhancements (to meet the impact regulation) can be performed to improve the bodyshell and chassis through perhaps the usage of more lightweight composite and \ncarbon fibre\n materials."
"BMW\n has just added yet another model to its BMW X1 family, but it\u2019s no ordinary X1 this time around. Introducing the \nBMW X1 M35i xDrive\n, the first M-labelled and flagship model of the BMW X1 series.\nIn order to wear the M badge, it\u2019s got to at least look the part. To that end, the BMW X1 M35i xDrive has been given an M-specific exterior makeover, including a front apron with large intakes to help cool its engine, transmission, and brakes, even when under hard driving.\nThe SAV is also decorated with side skirt extensions, a roof spoiler, and a rear apron with diffuser inlay. Just so you know that it\u2019s a proper \u2018M\u2019 model, the X1 M35i also gets a pair of black M side-view mirrors with the signature twin stalk design.\nRounding off the exterior redesign are a set of 19-inch M double-spoke bi-colour wheels. The BMW X1 M35i is also the first M performance model to be fitted with two pairs of twin tailpipes.\nRELATED: \nThe next-gen BMW M5 will get a Touring variant, and we love it already\nPowering the BMW X1 M35i xDrive is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine. Claimed to be the most powerful four-cylinder engine in BMW\u2019s modular engine portfolio, it produces either \n300 hp\n or \n317 hp\n (depending on the market), and \n400 Nm\n of torque.\nIf you need more performance though, the BMW X1 M35i xDrive is also equipped with the M Sport Boost function which can provide rapid bursts when needed. The mode can be activated just by pulling and holding the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second.\nThe engine is paired with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission. With power sent to all four wheels via BMW\u2019s xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, sprinting from 0-100 km/h takes \n5.4 seconds\n, and the SAV\u2019s top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nTo provide greater agility and handling dynamics when taking corners, even when on loose terrains or in adverse weather conditions, the new performance SUV is also fitted with a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) on the front axle.\nA set of Adaptive M suspensions ensures that the BMW X1 M35i handles as well as it looks, while stopping power is provided by a brake-by-wire integrated brake system, which are upgradeable to the M Compound brakes with four-piston calipers up front.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 in Malaysia \u2013 313 hp, 494 Nm, RM285k\nInside the BMW X1 M35i xDrive, you will find an Alcantara-trimmed instrument panel, M door sill trim, M pedals, as well as M-specific graphics on the BMW Curved Display. The interior also features the brand\u2019s Sports steering, Aluminium Hexacube Dark interior trim elements, and an anthracite-coloured headliner as standard. Customers can also opt for the BMW Head-Up Display and M leather steering wheel with shift paddles as an option.\nOther standard interior equipment also include the dual-zone automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and the BMW Curved Display panels atop the dashboard. On the latter, The X1 M35i is the first BMW model to come equipped with with the new BWM iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9.0.\nFor some additional flair, the sports seats are wrapped in black Sensatec and Alcantara, matched with blue contrast stitching. Optionally, the leather-like Veganca upholstery and M Sport seats with illuminated M logos are also available.\nThe BMW X M35i xDrive is planned to be launched in the US in October 2023 with a starting price tag of \nUSD49,900 \n(approx. \nRM233k\n). Deliveries in Europe, on the other hand, will commence in November 2023.\nRELATED: \nBMW X1 xDrive30e PHEV launched in Thailand, coming to Malaysia soon?\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the sole distributor of Porsche here in Malaysia has just announced the availability of the first heritage design model in Malaysia, the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition.\nPricing for the new retro-inspired and \nunique \u201ctarga\u201d roof system\n sportscar starts from \nRM1,677,409\n with SST exemption.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Heritage Design Edition is based on the new 911 Targa that continues to feature the unique retractable roof panel that open and close within 19 seconds while offering a stylish look of a metallic B-pillar and larger, three-dimensional rear windscreen. \u00a0\nThe Cherry Metallic exterior colour exclusive to the 911 series takes up the style of the 50s in a modern interpretation. Alternatively, two solid colours (Black and Guards Red), a metallic colour (GT Silver Metallic) and a special colour (Crayon) are also available for the special model together with other selected individual colours.\nOne striking design feature is the \u201cSpears\u201d motorsport graphic on the front fenders or wings. The white \u201cSpears\u201d recall the early days of Porsche\u2019s participation in motorsport, where the \u201cspears\u201d were used to cover \u201cbattle scars\u201d in races.\n\u201cWe\u2019re bringing back our iconic looks from different eras and proving that Porsche stays true to its roots, even in the age of electrification. The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition evokes the memories of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s and translates these elements into a modern day sports car that excites Porsche customers through the lifestyle dimensions,\u201d said Sime Darby Auto Performance CEO, Christopher Hunter.\nPorsche 911 takes the top spot for most trouble-free ownership! Find out more and why here!\nKey exterior treatment for the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition includes:\nCarrera Exclusive Design wheels in mixed 20- and 21-inch sizing\nHistoric crest on the centre wheel hub\nWhite \u201cspears\u201d graphics on front fenders \u00a0\nHistorical motorsport graphics with the option for race numbers\nGold lettering for the rear emblems as well as on the Targa bar\nPorsche Heritage badge on the rear lid grille\nSilver sports exhaust tailpipes\nSDAP also took the opportunity to announce the first soon-to-be-open Classic Partner Centre in Malaysia located at Porsche Centre Johor Bahru. The facility is scheduled for launch at the end of this year.\nINTERIOR\nThe historic theme continues with the interior with plenty of attention to detail. The Bordeaux Red two-tone leather upholstery and Atacama Beige OLEA club leather were designed exclusively for this edition. Customers can also choose two-tone leather upholstery in Black and Atacama Beige.\nCorduroy, a fabric already used in the Porsche 356, makes a comeback and brings the fashion style of the 50s back to life. This soft ribbed fabric is used on the centre panels of the seats and in the door panels. The overall look of the interior is rounded off with perforated Alcantara in Atacama Beige on the headlining and the A and B pillars.\nOther key highlights in the interior of the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition include:\nHeritage Design exclusive instrument cluster with a classic pointer in the rev counter and green scales and markings derived from the Porsche 356\nHeritage Design exclusive Sport Chrono clock with green digits\nHistorical Porsche crest on the steering wheel and embossed on the headrests\nCar key colour-coded to vehicle\u2019s exterior colour with matching leather key-pouch\nDoor sills in aluminium with embossed 911 logos\nLimited-edition metal badge on dashboard trim panel\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition is powered by the new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine with the \u2018S\u2019 designation\u2019s state of engine tune. That means \n450 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n of torque.\nEngine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six boxer engine, petrol\nTransmission: 8-speed PDK gearbox\nDrivetrain: Rear engine, all-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 450 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nTorque: 530 Nm @ 2,300 to 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 3.6 seconds\nTop speed: 304 km/h\nHandling duties are taken care by Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with the power sent to all four wheels via the map-controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Rear-wheel traction is further enhanced by Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) that electronically controls the fully variable torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.\nWhich model of the classic Porsche 911 from Lego would you like. Decisions, decisions.\n \u00a0\nPRICING\nPricing for the new first Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition in Malaysia begins from \nRM1,677,409\n with SST exemption. All Porsche vehicles sold via SDAP come with a four-year warranty and free maintenance package, which includes complimentary service, labour and parts.\nOther variants from the Porsche 911 range include the \n911 Carrera S and 4S\n models, as well the ballistic \n911 Turbo\n \nS\n.\nGALLERY"
"The finalists for the 2021 \nWorld Car of the Year award\n (WCOTY) awards has just been announced, with the final selection narrowed down from 24 cars initially, to now only 10 in contention for the overall award. Additionally, five cars have also been selected for each sub-category \u2013 of which there are four this year, including the World Car Design of the Year.\nThe 2020 World Car of the Year, Kia Telluride\nJudged by a panel of 93 international automotive journalists, the WCOTY finalists were selected via a secret ballot, based on their individual evaluation of each eligible vehicle conducted throughout the year as part of their own professional work.\nAs for the 2021 World Car Design of the Year, all cars competing in any of the other categories will be eligible for this award. The five finalists were selected as \u201cshort-list recommendations\u201d by a panel of seven respected design experts, which will then be voted by the 93 jurors.\nAfter the final tabulation of votes, which will be conducted by accountancy firm KPMG, the\u00a0top three contenders in all categories will be then announced on the 30th of March, followed by the announcement of the 2021 WCOTY winners on \nApril 30\n \u2013 where the winner of the overall WCOTY award will succeed the \nKia Telluride\n.\nSo without further ado, here are the finalists of the 2021 WCOTY awards, including the sub categories and their five finalists \u2013 all in alphabetical order. Do you agree with the WCOTY finalists? Let us know in the comments below!\n2021 \nWorld Car of the Year\n finalists\nAudi A3\nBMW 2-Series Gran Coupe\nBMW 4-Series\nHonda-e\nKia K5 / Optima\nKia Sorento\nMazda MX-30\nMercedes-Benz GLA\nToyota Yaris\nVolkswagen ID.4\n2021 WCOTY \nWorld Urban Car\n finalists\nHonda Jazz / Fit\nHonda-e\nHyundai i10 / Grand i10\nHyundai i20\nToyota Yaris\n2021 WCOTY\u00a0\nWorld Luxury Car\n\u00a0finalists\nAston Martin DBX\nBMW X6\nLand Rover Defender\nMercedes-Benz S-Class\nPolestar 2\n2021\u00a0WCOTY \nWorld Performance Car\n\u00a0finalists\nAudi RS Q8\nBMW M2 CS\nBMW X5 M / X6 M\nPorsche 911 Turbo\nToyota GR Yaris\n2021 WCOTY \nWorld Car Design of the Year\n finalists\nHonda-e\nLand Rover Defender\nMazda MX-30\nPolestar 2\nPorsche 911 turbo"
"Volkswagen has finally unwrap the covers to the latest, fourth generation Polo GTI. It gets a number of changes, most notably the adoption of the \n1.8-litre TSI engine\n. Gone is the 1.4-litre twincharged motor, so let\u2019s get down to the bone and see how good this popular hatch looks on paper.\nPurists rejoice, because the Mk4 Polo GTI can now be had with \ntwo gearboxes\u00a0\n\u2013 a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission. There\u2019s also the optional Sports Select Suspension kit which electronically alters the damping behaviour.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPolo GTI Mk4\nSegment\nB-Segment, Compact\nEngine\n1,798cc, inline-4 direct injected, turbocharged\nTransmission\n6-speed manual/ 7-speed DSG\nMax Power\n192 hp @ 5,400 to 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @\u00a01,250 to 5,300 (DSG); 320 Nm @ 1,450 to 4,200 rpm (6-spd manual)\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n6.7 seconds; 236 km/h (both MT and DSG)\nEXTERIOR\nIts exterior design is still very distinctly a GTI, accentuated by a \nred strip\n that runs across the grille and into the headlights. It also gets the optional \nLED powered headlights\n, the first to ever be offered with the Polo. Front and rear bumpers are more aggressively sculpted, and it sits on the much better looking \n17-inch GTI wheels\n.   At the rear, the Polo GTI gets the variant\u2019s exclusively designed GTI roof spoiler, \u2018Dark Red\u2019 tail light clusters and black grained diffuser complemented with dual tailpipes finished in chrome.\nINTERIOR\nOn the inside, the Polo GTI features the leather steering wheel taken from the Mk7 Golf GTI that comes with red stitching. Seats are wrapped in the GTI\u2019s trademark high-quality checkered fabric, while the pedals are given an aluminium finish. Standard features include Driver Alert System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Park Pilot. Housed in the centre console is the head unit with proximity sensor, similar to that found in the Mk7 Golf range.   PERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned earlier, the Mk4 Polo GTI is powered by a \n1.8-litre direct injected turbocharged\n engine that replaces the previous \n1.4-litre twincharged\n motor. Despite losing the supercharger, the new engine produces 12 horsepower more, now making \n190 hp\n at 5,400 to 6,200 revolutions. Torque wise, the DSG configurated Polo GTI gets \n250 Nm\n of torque at 1,250 to 5,300 rpm while the manual variant takes up to \n320 Nm\n at 1,450 to 4,200 rpm.\nThe DSG unit is the same \nseven-speed dry-type dual clutch transmission\n, whereas the \nmanual stickshift\n gets \nsix gearing\n. Both the DSG and manual Polo are \nfront-wheel driven\n and manages the century sprint in \n6.7 seconds\n, while reaching a top speed of \n236 km/h\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nEarly sales of the Polo GTI have already begun in Germany, but the rest of Europe will have to wait till February 2015 for its arrival. It\u2019s no question that the Polo GTI will be brought here, but this time around, will it be offered with a third pedal?\u00a0The hot hatch field could use another stick shifting entrant to take on the likes of the \nFiesta ST\n and Peugeot 208 GTI. We can\u2019t wait.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Anyone recall the Nissan IDx? A retro small coupe introduced back in 2013 at the Tokyo Motor Show which would eventually be Nissan\u2019s answer to the \nToyota 86\n and \nMazda MX-5\n. Some even went on to call it the true successor of tail-happy Silvia S16.\u00a0Sadly though, Nissan chose to call it off.\nAccording to\u00a0\nAutoExpress\n, the main reason behind the decision is cost. Nissan said, in order to develop an entirely new platform for the IDx, the company will have to allocate\u00a0an unjustifiable size of fund to make it happen. It\u2019s not that they\u2019re short on RWD platforms, no, because the 370Z and GT-R are all front-engined but rear-wheel driven. However, the devil is in the details. Both the cars run on heavy, huge V6 engines, which is completely the opposite of what the IDx is supposed to be.\nEven if they did manage to pull it off, Nissan would be banking on a huge risk \u2013 the sales volume of the IDx will undoubtedly be small, and a sports car of its kin won\u2019t be able to justify the investment. So the game they\u2019re playing now is to soldier on with the \nGT-R\n and Z-series sports cars, although it\u2019s unclear at this point if this includes the development of an entirely new model.\nWe know it\u2019s disappointing, so let\u2019s put things into perspective. Creating a small affordable coupe is a risky affair, seeing how Toyota and Subaru are \nstruggling\n\u00a0with the declining of sales for the 86 and BRZ models. Mazda meanwhile, banked on their iconic MX-5 to produce healthy sales figures, and went on to introduce the\u00a0\nMX-5 RF\n hardtop that should deepen\u00a0its pool of customers.\nPresently in Malaysia, the only sporty Nissan model from its principal, Edaran Tan Chong Motor, is the\u00a0\nAlmera\n with the RM13,000\u00a0\nNismo Performance Package\n.\n[Source: \nAuto Express\n]"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just celebrated a new milestone at its \nlocal production plant in Pekan\n, but this time the model in question has more than just four wheels, and it\u2019s not a vehicle for the masses.\nThe highlight of the event was to commemorate the company\u2019s\u00a025,000th locally assembled commercial vehicle, the Actros 2644LS \u2013 their largest commercial vehicle. It costs about \nRM360k\u00a0per unit\n and takes about \nsix working days\n to assemble from frame to finish.\u00a0\nSix days is a long time to build just one big truck, isn\u2019t it? Well, for starters, assembling a vehicle of this size takes up a lot of space and time. The commercial vehicle (CV) production line differs greatly from that of a regular passenger vehicle line. Instead of having a line or two, the production of CVs is split into\n five key stations\n; Frame Assembly, Cab Painting, Assembly Line, Testing Line and Buy-off Line.\nFrame Assembly\n \u2013 As self explanatory as this is, this station sees over \n200 rivets fitted\n to the industry-proof solid steel frame.\nCab Painting\n \u2013 This paint shop is a separate unit from the passenger vehicle line simply due to the cab\u2019s sheer size. However, the painting process varies minimally and covers a wide range of hues to meet various customer demands.\nAssembly Line\n \u2013 Over 1,850 individual parts are put together, forming the interior, chassis and all of its safety features.\nTesting Line\n \u2013 There are seven quality gates to test the brand new prime mover; brake test, side slip, turning angle, shower test and meticulous visual inspections through a light tunnel.\nBuy-off Line\n \u2013 This section of the plant is where customers are usually handed the keys to their brand new trucks. The entire process from frame assembly to this checkpoint takes six days.   This production plant in Pekan (manned by 1,300 local employees) is one of Daimler CKD\u2019s nine commercial vehicle production facilities in the world \u2013 one which saw MBM invest an amount totalling to\n RM28 million\n\u00a0(only for CV line) since operations began in 2004. Their commercial vehicle portfolio is suited for use in various industries. MBM has even supplied some to MNCs (multinational corporations) and other organisations such as fire stations, hospitals and rescue services.\nAt the event, MBM\u2019s Vice President of Commercial Vehicles, Albert Yee said, \u201cMarking the 25,000th Commercial Vehicle is certainly a landmark moment for us at Pekan. To us, it demonstrates how Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and our production facilities have continue to be a hallmark of premium quality. As a first-class product, Mercedes-Benz trucks represent reliability and cost-efficiency that comes with a service quality of comprehensive expertise. Ultimately, Mercedes-Benz delivers \ntrucks you can trust\n.\u201d\nFrom left: MBM\u2019s VP of Commercial Vehicles, Albert Yee and VP of Pekan Production Plant, Ingbert Grombach   Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s commercial vehicle market share is about \n16.4 percent\n to date. Interested parties can get their hands on these vehicles via key partners, namely Swift Haulage Sdn Bhd, Interway Transport Sdn Bhd and Landbridge Haulage Sdn Bhd. Every purchase of a commercial vehicle comes with a \n2-year factory warranty\n programme. The first year covers unlimited mileage, whereas warranty for the subsequent year will cover the powertrain up till 200,000km. There are 14 commercial vehicle service centres nationwide as of press time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The next time you drive around your neighbourhood, take a good look at the cars parked in your neighbours\u2019 driveways. Notice the number of SUVs around? Nope, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. The rise in popularity in these tall-riding vehicles is nothing short of meteoric \u2013 in fact, 20% of car buyers in 2019 \npreferred SUVs over other body styles\n, a figure that was just 6% in 2015.\nWhile there are definitely good reasons for someone to choose an SUV, are we actually forgetting about the humble sedan all too easily? Can the sedan still match up to the superstar SUV body style in these modern times where our needs are ever changing?\nBefore we pit the two in a head-to-head comparison though, some housekeeping is in order. What \nexactly\n is a sedan or an SUV?\nA sedan is a passenger vehicle composed of three major compartments or \u201cboxes\u201d \u2013 engine, passenger, and cargo \u2013 all separate from each other. This is also sometimes referred to as the \u201cthree-box configuration\u201d, for obvious reasons. The passenger compartment typically has two rows of seats, with a standard seating capacity of five passengers, including the driver.\nAs for SUVs, things get a little bit complicated. A traditional SUV, or Sports Utility Vehicle, is designed with off-road purposes in mind \u2013 so all-wheel drive, ladder frame chassis, and large ground clearances are almost always found on a vehicle of the sports utility variety.\nIn recent times though, the term SUV has also been commonly used to cover what are essentially called crossovers. These cars are mostly based on existing models and platforms, but jacked up to portray a tough SUV-like image. Off-road capabilities are optional, so they are generally more \u201ccar-like\u201d, with a plusher ride and comfortable interior.\nFor the sake of simplicity, when we say SUV hereon in, we\u2019re referring to both traditional SUVs and crossovers. So with all of that out of the way, let\u2019s take a closer look at how these two types of vehicles compare against each other, shall we?\n1. Cargo Space\nThanks to the its unique layout, an SUV can typically carry more cargo at the rear, especially with the rear seats folded down. The taller space also means that you\u2019ll more easily fit taller or bulkier items into the rear cargo area \u2013 just remove the tonneau cover and you\u2019re set. Sliding larger items in and out of the boot is also a whole lot easier, thanks to the usually-flat load floor.\nHowever, that doesn\u2019t mean sedans are inherently bad a hauling items. Well designed three-box sedans can still offer a decently sized cargo area in the boot, enough to rival even the SUVs \u2013 just take a look at the current \nHonda City\n, offering an enormous 536 litres of boot space in its relatively compact body size.\nMany sedans also now offer 60:40 split folding rear seats, which means you\u2019ll be able to slide longer items up front, though taller items might still be a little bit of a struggle due to the smaller boot opening. On the flip side, the lower ride height of sedans also mean that you won\u2019t have to lift your groceries as high up to put it into the boot.\n2. Seating Position\nOccupants in an SUV sit quite a lot higher than its sedan counterparts, which means outward visibility is generally better. You\u2019ll be able to see further down the road, giving you more time to react to what\u2019s happening ahead of you; the saying that \u201ctaller cars are safer\u201d might actually ring true here, though not in the way most people think.\nThe taller seating position also means you\u2019ll be able to find an empty parking space easier, as you can easily look over a parked car, preventing the pesky Kancil situation that we all know and dread. Looking out of your windows, it\u2019s also hard not to feel superior seeing all the other drivers seated in their lowly sedans. we kid.\nThat\u2019s not to say that sedans have bad visibility, though. Many new vehicle architectures are actually designed specifically with visibility in mind, featuring a lower cowl (the part where the bonnet meets the windscreen) and belt line to help you see out of the car easier.\nFurthermore, some people might prefer the lower ride height to aid with ingress and egress, without the need to hop into the seats of taller SUVs \u2013 but really, it\u2019s just a matter of personal preference. And of course, if you want to feel like a race car driver by sitting closer to the floor, sedans are your only choice here \u2013 which brings us directly to the next point.\n3. Drive\nWith a lower ride height and generally lower overall weight, the centre of gravity of a sedan is situated lower compared to the SUVs. This means that sedans tend to have better handling capabilities and are more agile around bends, giving you a more sporty driving experience \u2013 sorry, you just can\u2019t fight physics.\nThe sleeker three-box design also means that sedans generally have a lower aerodynamic coefficient, making it glide easier through the air and improving overall fuel consumption. The extra weight on SUVs don\u2019t help, too, despite the significant improvement these cars have experienced in recent years.\nHowever, having a taller ground clearance does mean that SUVs can traverse rougher terrains or obstacles a little easier \u2013 with or without all-wheel drive. With our pothole-filled Malaysian roads that frequently turn into temporary swimming pools especially during the monsoon seasons, SUV drivers can feel more at ease knowing that their taller cars can probably wade through it unscathed.\nBefore you proudly drive your SUVs into the nearest puddle though, always remember to always\n think about your safety first\n \u2013 never drive through a body of water without knowing the depth of the water. If you\u2019re unsure, always err on the side of caution and take a different route if possible.\n4. Price\nBeing Malaysians, there\u2019s no point in a comparison if we don\u2019t mention the price, right? According to J.D. Power, the average transaction price of SUVs in 2019 is 2.6 times higher than small cars, meaning you\u2019ll be paying more to get an SUV over a comparable sedan.\nJust for comparison purposes, take a look at the \nHonda Civic\n against it\u2019s corresponding C-segment SUV counterpart, the \nCR-V\n. Pitting both entry-level variants against each other, you\u2019ll notice that the CR-V, starting at RM144,629.66, is priced more than 32% higher than the Civic, which starts at RM 109,326.51 now, with the \nsales-tax exemptions\n that are in place until the end of the year.\nOne might argue that the CR-V has a slightly more powerful engine, and that is certainly true. Though for someone who\u2019s looking to justify their purchase based on value instead of desire, the couple of extra horsepower still isn\u2019t going to help with its appeal.\nIf you think that was not a fair comparison, then consider this: the \nToyota RAV4\n (RM215,665) is priced more than 14% higher than the \nToyota Camry\n (RM188,763) \u2013 a car that is technically one segment higher, with a passenger cell that is 28-litre bigger in volume. I guess that\u2019s the price we have to pay for some extra flexibility.\nAt the end of the day, the choice still falls back into the hands of the buyer, as both body styles have their own set of advantages against the other. Hopefully, the breakdown above has helped in your purchasing decisions, and if we\u2019ve missed out something, do let us know in the comments section below!"
"Kia Motors UK wanted to see how far they can push the performance boundaries of the brand\u2019s halo model, the \nKia Stinger\n. With the help from Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, the Kia Stinger GT420 is born.\nThe track-only car uses the same 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine and 8-speed automatic transmission as the road car but significantly beefed up to deliver \n428 hp\n and \n560 N\nm of torque. This was achieved with a new HKS M45il spark plugs, K&N sports air filter, Milltek Sports de-cat exhaust system, transmission cooler and a recalibrated transmission software.\nA set of OZ Racing\nLeggera alloy wheels measuring 19-inch in diameter (5 kgs lighter than standard\nwheels each), Pirelli Trofeo R tyres, Brembo six-pot front calipers and Endless\nbrake pads are fitted to keep the speedy Stinger in check.\nTo further enhance the Stinger\u2019s on-track performance, the cabin is stripped out. With the removal of interior trim, sound system, parking sensors, sunroof, sound insulation materials and others, the result is a total weight reduction of 150 kg. Although it\u2019s cute how they have retained the standard multifunctional steering wheel.\nLastly, a custom roll cage,\nSparco race seats and fire extinguisher are bolted into the cabin to ensure the\nKia Stinger GT420 is ready to hit the tracks.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Stinger GT420"
"Kia has just revealed the first images of the Kia Rio GT-Line ahead of its global premiere at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). The \nfourth-generation Rio\n will be dressed in the most aggressive GT-Line specification like the \nPicanto\n, \nOptima\n, \nSportage\n and \nSorento\n.\nThe company\u2019s global best-selling B-Segment hatchback was well received by customers around the globe thanks to its versatility, handling and safety features. The new GT-Line spices up the Rio line up further to enhance the car\u2019s desirability to drive sales in 2018 and beyond.\nOn the outside, the GT-Line gets a unique gloss-black and chrome contrast tiger nose grille, quad ice-cube LED fog lamps, twin exhaust tips at the rear, chrome window trim and a gloss black roof spoiler. It now rides on 17-inch GT-Line multi-spoke alloys.\nInside you\u2019ll find new items such as black synthetic leather and cloth upholstery with contrasting grey stitching, a flat-bottomed multifunctional steering wheel as well as new metallic and carbon fibre-effect interior trims. Other than that, the car gets the standard aluminium pedals, 7.0-inch floating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (something our \nlocal spec Rio is missing\n), rear view camera and heated seats.\nUnder the hood you\u2019ll find a new \n1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDI\n engine similar to the one found in the \nPicanto X-Line\n. Except on the larger sibling, the three-potter churns out \n119 hp\n and\n 171 Nm\n of torque, \n20 hp\n higher but \n1 Nm\n lower than the Picanto. Drive is channeled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.\nInterestingly, Kia has announced that from Q3 2018 onwards, the Rio GT-Line will be available with naturally aspirated options: 1.25- and 1.4-litre four-cylinder MPI petrol engines that will be paired to a new \nseven-speed double clutch transmission\n. The 1.4-litre MPI offered to the Malaysian market comes with a four-speed slushbox which \nwe found to be a little dated\n.\n \n \nOn the safety front, the Rio GT-Line gets the full suite of safety features including Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system on top of the usual six-airbags and three letter acronyms.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While car nerds like us do pay attention to the technical details while choosing the right engine oils for our cars, the majority of car users tend to just leave the choice to the workshop or service centres as the complex jargons can be quite daunting to the day-to-day commuting drivers.\nWith the launch of the new \nShell Helix\n Power and Helix Protect engine oils, Shell Malaysia is looking to bring the important choice back to the car owners by focusing more on benefits rather than technical specifications, making it easier to choose the right engine oil based on one\u2019s driving style and needs.\nAs their names suggest, the Power variant, which is in fact a fully-synthetic 0W-40 viscosity engine oil with several performance-focused additives, is designed for customers who spend most of their times on highways and hilly terrains that demand more power and acceleration on tap.\nOn the other hand, the Protect variant, formulated as a fully-synthetic 0W-30 viscosity engine oil with additional lubricative and cleaning additives, is designed for those that drive through start-stop traffic in cities every day, putting the engines under tremendous stress.\nShell Malaysia says that both the engine oils will be \ncompatible with most modern vehicles\n on Malaysian roads today that usually require low viscosity lubricants with 0W, 5W or 10W ratings. Both engine oils feature Shell\u2019s latest PurePlus Technology, which is an \u201cultra-pure\u201d base oil made from natural gas.\nDesigned as low viscosity fully-synthetic lubricants, the new Shell Helix Power and Protect engine oil can flow faster even at low temperatures to coat and protect key moving engine components during start-up.\nAs a result, the engine will experience less wear-and-tear effects from cold starts, better fuel economy, lower carbon emissions, as well as lower maintenance costs thanks to the longer oil drain intervals.\nThe Shell Helix Power retails at \nRM280\n for a four-litre pack, while the Shell Helix Protect retails at\n RM240\n for a four-litre pack. In conjunction with the launch, Shell Malaysia will also be giving away a free replica Scuderia Ferrari race car with the purchase of a four-litre pack of any variant at any participating workshops. The campaign will run from now till while stocks last.\nAt the launch of the new products, the company also distributed complimentary packs of the new engine oils, as well as Shell Helix Care Kits to Grab driver-partners, as part of its #BecauseWeCare initiative."
"Porsche\n, together with its international partners and the Chilean operating company Highly Innovative Fuels (HIF), have officially begun industrial production of synthetic fuels at a new pilot plant in Punta Arenas, Chile.\nDubbed \u2018Haru Oni\u2019, the pilot plant will be producing synthetic fuel using water, carbon dioxide, as well wind energy, which enables the \u201cnearly CO2-neutral operation of petrol engines\u201d.\nPorsche Executive Board members Barbara Frenkel and Michael Steiner performed the ceremonial fuelling of a Porsche 911 with the first synthetic fuel produced at the site.\nIn the pilot phase, the Haru Oni plant is targetting a production of around 130,000 litres of eFuel (Porsche\u2019s name for synthetic fuel) per year. For now, the fuel will be used in other Porsche lighthouse projects such as the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and at Porsche centres.\nAfter the pilot phase, however, the production capacity is scheduled to scale up to 55 million litres per year by 2025, and then a 10-times jump to 550 million litres just two years later.\nRELATED: \nPorsche says its synthetic fuel could make combustion engines as clean as EVs\nThe south of Chile was selected for the pilot project specifically for its weather conditions, with wind blowing for around 270 days a year which enables the wind turbines to operate at full capacity for the majority of the time. Punta Arenas is also located close to the Strait of Magellan, which allows for easy exporting of the eFuel using existing infrastructure at the port of Cabo Negro.\n\u201cPorsche is committed to a double-e path: e-mobility and eFuels as a complementary technology,\u201d says Porsche AG executive board member for Procurement, Barbara Frenkel. \u201cUsing eFuels reduces CO2 emissions. Looking at the entire traffic sector, the industrial production of synthetic fuels should keep being pushed forward worldwide. With the eFuels pilot plant, Porsche is playing a leading role in this development.\u201d\nPorsche AG executive board member for Development and Research, Michael Steiner added, \u201cThe potential of eFuels is huge. There are currently more than 1.3 billion vehicles with combustion engines worldwide. Many of these will be on the roads for decades to come, and eFuels offer the owners of existing cars a nearly carbon-neutral alternative.\u201d\nPorsche has committed to being carbon-neutral across its entire value chain by 2030, including a CO2-neutral usage phase for future fully-electric models. The company has already invested over USD100 million in the development and production of eFuels, and has plans to expand the production of such synthetic fuels to the USA and Australia.\nALSO READ: \nToyota to invest $5.6b in EV batteries, but says EVs are not the \u2018only solution\u2019\nPorsche is not the only major carmaker committed to developing carbon-neutral alternative fuel systems, in addition to the industry-wide EV push. Most recently, Toyota\u2019s \nhydrogen combustion concept race car\n, the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept, participated in the Thailand 25H Endurance Race as part of its development process.\nFormula 1, widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsports, have also\n committed to the development and use of renewable fuels\n. The series already uses an E10 fuel blend (10% ethanol content) as of 2022, and is looking to implement 100% renewable fuels in its cars as soon as 2025 to coincide with the new engine regulations. The move has already attract new carmakers, such as Audi and potentially Porsche, to invest in the motorsports series."
"They know their customer base incredibly well, so, Porsche has just released the more gentlemanly-looking \n992-generation 911 GT3\n without the swan-neck rear wing, called the Touring package. The company said the understated look was popular in the previous generations which started from the \n911 R\n.\nThe Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring package is essentially just a GT3 without a rear wing and a little more.\nFor starters, the reprofiled smooth-flowing engine cover now includes a large mesh grille with a panel to house a horizontal third-brake light and \u2018GT3 Touring\u2019 emblem to ensure visual difference over a \nsimpler 911 variant\n. Porsche says some lost downforce is clawed back through an \nautomatic-extending rear spoiler\n.\nThe Porsche 911 takes top spot for the most troublefree ownership\nFrom the side, the window surround is now bright chrome as opposed to gloss black. The bumpers (now in full body colour), vented carbon-fibre hood, lightweight glass and centre-locking forged 20\u201d and 21\u201d wheels are carryovers from the motorsport-derived model as well.\nJust like its exterior sans swan-neck rear wing, the technical aspects of the 911 GT3 is left untouched. The very high-revving 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six generates \n510 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque and exhales exhaust gases through a lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system ending with two central tailpipes, now finished in bright chrome work.\nPorsche drove the new GT3 at 300 km/h non-stop for 5,000 km during testing\nThe latest Porsche 911 GT3 features a new double-wishbone front suspension, rear-axle steering with sports set-up, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus fully variable limited-slip differential and large brake discs measuring 408mm and 380 mm, front and rear respectively.\nCustomers are now given the liberty to have the self-shifting PDK dual-clutch transmission with seven forward ratios or the standard six-speed GT sports manual transmission. The PDK transmission accelerates the 911 GT3 from standstill to 100 km/h and 200 km/h in just \n3.4 seconds\n and 10.8 seconds respectively. Manual transmission workout while not hurried, registers super quick times of 3.9 seconds and 11.9 seconds to reach the aforementioned speeds.\nTouchpoints in the GT3 with Touring package are differentiated via leather coverings on the steering wheel, shift lever, centre console and door panels. The regular 911 GT3 uses an Alcantara-like material called Race-Tex.\nSubtle changes have also been made to the seat covering in the 911 GT3 with Touring package, with the Porsche Crest replacing the \u2018GT3\u2019 motif on the headrest and seat centre panels are covered in black fabric.\nThe front of the dashboard and upper portions of the door panels have a special surface embossing exclusively developed for the GT3 with Touring package.\nOwners of the Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring package also have access to a very special chronograph watch from Porsche Design, featuring a movement with flyback function. The winding rotor evokes the vehicle\u2019s wheel design and is available in six different versions corresponding to the vehicle configuration.\nThe Porsche 911 GT3 starts from \nEUR170,969\n (RM794,000) and the Touring package can be had as an option at \nno extra charge\n.\nLocally, the Porsche 911 is available in the form of the Carrera S and Carrera,\u00a0\npriced at RM1.1 million and RM1.2 million\n\u00a0respectively.\nGALLERY\n2021\n \nPorsche 911 GT3 with Touring package\n2021 Porsche 911 GT3"
"When McLaren Automotive unveiled the \nMcLaren Senna\n in December 2017, the internet was divided into two camps \u2013 for and against \u2013 on its somewhat controversial styling. Now that the company has revealed full technical details of its latest Ultimate Series hypercar, we are confident that those naysayers will have a change of heart.\nLet\u2019s start with engine specs; mounted at the rear of the chassis is a M840TR 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that pushes out \n789 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque, the former kicking in at 7,250 rpm. The engine produces \n700 Nm\n of twisting force from 3,000 rpm while peak torque is only delivered from 5,500 \u2013 6,700 rpm. \u00a0Drive is deployed at the rear axle via a seven-speed double clutch transmission.\nThe Senna will complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just \n2.8 seconds\n, not much quicker than the \n720S\n\u2019 2.9 seconds sprint time. But in a race to 200 km/h from standstill, the Senna will humiliate the 720S by a full second, taking just \n6.8 seconds\n. Top speed is registered at \n340 km/h\n.\nThese mind-boggling performance figures is credit to the ultra-lightweight \ncarbon Monocage III\n chassis and generous application of carbon fibre materials to make up the body panels. This road car will tip the scale at just \n1,198 kg\n (dry), the lightest car McLaren has ever made. To put into perspective of the extent of the engineer\u2019s pursuit of lightweight, all the carbon fibre body panels of the Senna only weighs \nless than 60 kg combined\n.\nDue to its extreme performance, the McLaren has teamed up with Pirelli to developed\n bespoke tyres for the Senna\n. The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres (245/35 ZR19 at the front and 315/30 ZR20 at the rear) are designed to withstand the Senna\u2019s immense downforce and reaction speed around the corners.\nInterestingly, the triple-exit exhaust system is not standard across the globe. There is a twin-exit design in specific markets to meet regulations however McLaren did not specify which markets. Regardless of design, the exhaust systems are built to create a loud and sharp note all the way to the rev limit with the volume \nincreasing 10 dB for every 2,000 rpm\n.   Following the philosophy of form following function, every design element, every opening and every curve are there for one purpose only \u2013 aerodynamic efficiency. The headlamp openings, body lines and massive double-element rear wing all work in tandem to give the Senna \n800 kgs of downforce at 250 km/h\n.\nWe know that McLaren has thoroughly stripped out the interior, creating a race car-like cockpit environment for the driver to go all out on track. Let us go through what have they done to the cabin of the Senna in detail. For starters, the gearbox selector is fixed to the driver\u2019s seat and moves with it when the driver adjusts his or her seating position. The door release mechanism, engine start/stop button, Race mode and window switches have been moved to a roof mounted panel to free up more space in the cabin.   There are only two display screens in the Senna \u2013 an 8.0-inch infotainment display and an 8.0-inch TFT foldable instrument cluster display. The foldable instrument cluster operates similarly like the one on the 720S whereby it can engage Slim mode to show only crucial information such as speed, engine rpm and selected gear while giving the driver better forward vision.\nHowever, you still get a lot of creature comforts despite its racetrack-focussed nature such as ultra-lightweight Bowers & Wilkins 7-speaker sound system (weighs only 7.32 kg) and air conditioning. Parking sensors and rear-view camera can be had at no additional cost. Of course, customers can hand their car over to McLaren Special Operations (MSO) for further personalisation.\nOnly \n500 units\n of the McLaren Senna will ever be made, and each unit is priced at \u00a3750,000 (RM4.08 mil) before options. Just like the limited-run McLarens that came before it, all 500 units have been snapped up, long before its first official public debut at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show in March.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren Senna   McLaren Senna Launch"
"Audi Malaysia\n has revealed the 2022 World Performance Car of the Year in Malaysia, the \ne-tron GT\n \nwill be priced between an estimated \nRM559,000\n to \nRM643,000\n while the Audi RS e-tron GT starts from an estimated \nRM749,000\n to \nRM769,000\n.\nBoth variants are powered by two motors for all-wheel drive capabilities. The Audi e-tron GT makes \n476 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n, while with launch control, output is increased for 2.5 seconds to \n530 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n. The 0-100 km/h run for the e-tron GT takes \n4.1 seconds\n, with a top speed of \n245 km/h\n.\nAs for the more powerful RS e-tron GT, it produces \n598 hp\n and \n830 Nm\n of torque. In boost mode, output can be momentarily increased to \n646 hp\n. The 0-100 km/h for the RS is \n3.3 seconds\n, with a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\u00a0\nLike the Taycan, the e-tron GT sends power to the wheels via a two-speed transmission. Aside from all-wheel drive, the e-tron also gets all-wheel steering and three-chamber adaptive air suspension. The air suspension can lower the car by up to 10mm at 90 km/h and by another 12 millimeters at 180 km/h. When driving below 30 km/h, the driver can set a lift mode that raises the body by 20mm.\nRELATED:\n Updated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron \u2013 tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm\nThe Audi e-tron GT quattro comes as standard with 360 mm steel discs, with six-piston calipers at the front. The RS model is also fitted with six-piston calipers, which are available in red or orange as an option, clamping on to 410 mm cast-iron discs with a tungsten carbide coating. There are also optional carbon-fibre ceramic discs with 10-piston calipers.\nPowering the electric motors is an \n85 kWh\n battery with up to \n487 km\n range. With an 800-volt system, the Audi e-tron supports up to \n270 kW\n DC fast-charging where getting it from 5% to 80% SoC (state of charge) takes just \n22.5 minutes\n. As standard, the e-tron comes with a \n22 kW\n onboard AC charger. The e-tron comes with charging ports on both sides; the left is for AC charging, while the right side is for DC.\nRELATED: \nAudi begins using AI to design wheels \u2013 Will robots replace designers?\nMatrix LED headlights with Audi Laser Light are standard on both models. The Audi Laser Lights doubles the range of the high beam. At the front, the Singleframe grille is almost completely covered except for two slats on each corner of the front bumper that opens and closes for cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.\u00a0\nThe rear spoiler also helps the e-tron slide through the air as it can electronically extend to two positions. At speeds of 90 km/h, it extends to the first position (Eco), and at 170 km/h (105.6 mph), it moves to the second position (Performance). The flat slant of the front windshield ensures that rainwater flows off via the roof instead of off a special strip at the side as usual.\nThe roof is made of glass as standard however a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof that\u2019s 12 kg lighter can be optionally specified. Wheel sizes range from 19- to 21-inches while boot space is rated at 405 litres. The frunk space is rated at 81 litres.\nRELATED: \nAudi RS 6 and RS 7 gets even more power with new Performance models\nInside, the e-tron comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Classic, Sport, and e-tron displays, a 10.1-inch MMM infotainment touchscreen, head-up display and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Upholstery options consists of artificial leather, Nappa leather, Dinamica microfibre and Kaskade material.\u00a0\nThe Dinamica and Kaskade material is made of polyester fibers produced from recycled PET bottles, textiles and residual fibres. The floor carpet and mats are made of Econyl, a material that consists of 100% recycled nylon fibers. These fibers are gained from production waste, fabric and carpet remnants, or old fishing nets.\nFor a limited time period, the e-tron GT will be displayed at Audi\u2019s showroom in Glenmarie, Juru and Setia Alam. It will also be displayed at the Audi Showcase in 1 Utama Shopping Centre from February 22 to 26.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Audi A3 Sedan launched in Malaysia from RM332k, RS 3 now open for booking"
"Soichiro Honda began making cars with the\u00a0T360 mini truck in 1963 in Japan. A little over five decades later, a total of 100 million Hondas have been made in all their production plants combined. Suffice to say, Soichiro Honda would be proud of that amazing feat.\nIn the same year the T360 first rolled out of the\u00a0factory, Honda also produced the\u00a0S500 small sports car. Four years later, Honda\u00a0began production of the N360, its first mini-vehicle model. According to Honda, the NS360 that surfaced in 1969 was actually produced in Malaysia! However, the honour of foreign production goes to Taiwan, when a company first started producing parts for the Japanese carmaker.\nSubsequently, with the success of the Civic and Accord models (particularly in the west), production rates have shot through the roof over the years. Remember, Honda achieved the 50 millionth mark back in 2003 and took just 13 incredibly short years to double that!\nThe Honda plant in Alor Gajah, Melaka, has also contributed to the numbers. The plant, which opened its doors in 2003, is responsible for the local assembly of the \nCity\n, \nJazz\n, \nCivic\n, \nAccord\n, \nCR-V\n, and the \nHR-V\n models to the Malaysian market. As for now, Honda is currently the country\u2019s top selling non-national brand.\nHonda Motor Co. milestones\u00a0\n1948 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. established\n1963 Production of the T360 mini-truck started at Saitama Factory\n1969 Production of N600 and TN360 by component parts sets started in Taiwan/p\nroduction of N360 started in Malaysia\n1975 Production of Civic and other models started in Indonesia\n1978 Cumulative worldwide production of automobiles reached 5 million units\n1982 Production of Accord started in the US\n1983 Cumulative worldwide production of automobiles reached 10 million units\n1984 Production of Accord started in Thailand\n1986 Production of Accord started in Canada\n1990 Cumulative worldwide production of automobiles reached 20 million units\n1992 Production of Accord started in the UK\n1994 Production of Civic started in Pakistan\n1995 Cumulative worldwide production of automobiles reached 30 million units/p\nroduction of Accord started in Mexico\n1997 Production of Civic started in Brazil and Turkey/p\nroduction of City started in India\n1999 Cumulative worldwide production of automobiles reached 40 million units/p\nroduction of Accord started in China\n2003 Cumulative worldwide production of automobiles reached 50 million units\n2015 Production of Accord started in Nigeria\n2016 Cumulative worldwide production of automobiles reached 100 million units\nCongratulations, Honda. You\u2019ve come a long way."
"Visitors at the BMW Welt this festive season are in for a treat with the display of the one-off BMW X7 pick-up \u2013 a showpiece of what\u2019s possible if automotive manufacturing isn\u2019t bound by economics.\nThe X7 pick-up was built by 12 BMW trainees and despite being 100 mm longer than the production model, it is 200 kg lighter with generous use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) on the rear doors and roof.\nThe cargo bed that resembles the deck of a luxury yacht is the result of tastefully-lined teak wood \u2013 impressive considering the entire project did not receive any supervision from more experienced BMW engineers \u2013 a common practise when building concept cars.\nThe fantasy of a BMW pick-up, let alone one that\u2019s based on the enormous X7, may sound like an interesting, limited-production run prospect but seeing as the Mercedes-Benz X-class has received less than favourable response, it\u2019s unlikely that BMW would follow suit.\nThe X7 pick-up was based on the xDrive40i with a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with \n340 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. It is also \nthe only variant currently on sale in Malaysia\n, priced at RM888,800.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi\n\u00a0Motors Malaysia has just added a new flavour to their crossover lineup with\u00a0the introduction\u00a0of the Mitsubishi \nASX\n Orange Edition. The special 180-unit run is based on the ASX 4WD variant\u00a0and is the second special edition after the \nDesigner Edition\n\u00a0catwalked into the market two years ago.\nIt\u00a0is not a full blown crossover with orange aesthetics. Instead, bits like the side mirrors, rear lip and spoiler receive some tangerine treatment that contrasts its white exterior. Other exterior goodies included are door visors, \n17-inch\n alloy black rims and\u00a0\u2018Spirit of Competition\u2019 body stickers.\nReflecting the colour it represents, the interior receives\u00a0orange-accented leather seats and orange stitching carpet mat. The audio panel and door trim gets some\u00a0\ncarbon fibre\n finishing as well.\nThere are no mechanical changes for this Mitsubishi\u00a0\nASX\n\u00a0Orange Edition, hence the standard \n2.0-litre MIVEC engine\n\u00a0that churns\u00a0\n147 hp\n and \n197 Nm\n of torque soldiers on. The ASX is only available the\n\u00a0INVECS-III CVT\n (Continuous Variable Transmission) with seven virtual ratios.\nThe ASX Orange Edition is priced at\u00a0\nRM132,900.19\n (without insurance, GST inclusive for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia) and comes with \n5-Year warranty\n package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve always wanted to own a hot hatch, yet don\u2019t want to be tied down by a long-term hire purchase or bear the costs of maintaining it, there\u2019s now a new option for you.\nTC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, has added the \nRenault Megane R.S. 280 Cup\n to the Renault Subscription line-up.\u00a0\nCustomers can choose between two different plans \u2013 the Fixed Plan or the Switch Plan, where both the six-speed manual transmission and the six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic variants will be available.\u00a0\nThe Fixed Plan is a more structured plan, and is offered in periods of \none, two and three years\n. The monthly fee for the manual variant starts at \nRM3,999 per month\n on a three-year tenure, while the automatic variant is priced at \nRM4,299 per month\n for the same plan.\u00a0\nThe monthly fees are inclusive of road tax, insurance and scheduled regular maintenance, but does carry an \nannual mileage cap of 20,000 km\n. Customers who frequently travel long-distance might want to opt for the 10,000 km extra annual mileage add-on at RM400 per month.\u00a0\nAs for the Switch Plan, customers will be offered a \nRenault Captur\n as their daily driver, but gain access to the \nRenault Koleos\n or Megane R.S. 280 Cup for a period of two months with the Base Switch Plan, or four months with a Prime Switch Plan, within the period of their subscription.\u00a0\nThe Switch Plans are only available in \none-year tenures\n, but customers have the flexibility to cancel their subscription at any time with \nno cancellation penalties\n.\nPriced at \nRM1,999 per month\n for the Base and \nRM2,199\n for the Prime Switch Plan, the fees are inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular maintenance, and wear and tear coverage for the Captur. The Switch Plans do not come with any annual mileage caps either.\n \nThe Megane R.S. 280 Cup is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that pushes out \n280 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n of torque. Renault claims that the Megane R.S. 280 Cup can do the century sprint in \n5.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nOffered with the Cup chassis as standard, the Megane R.S.\u2019 dampers are 10% stiffer than the standard variant. A \nTorsen mechanical limited-slip differential\n also comes as standard on the Cup chassis, which should aid cornering performance."
"Meet Nissan\u2019s new electric vehicle ambassador \u2013 Margot Robbie. Famously known for her role in the Wolf of Wall Street and portraying Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, the Australian actress solemnised her role by racing the \nNissan BladeGlider\n\u00a0around Monaco Grand Prix Circuit at midnight.\nThe BladeGlider is an all-electric prototype capable of producing about \n270 hp\n and \n708 Nm\n of twisting force. It will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in under five seconds and boasts an incredible top speed of \n190km/h\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFA0qbBIHJ8\nNissan remains optimistic about the future of electric cars, partially fuelled by the high\u00a0global demand for the \nNissan Leaf\n. The Japanese carmaker also said the adoption rate of electric cars globally are increasing year by year, as more motorists are making a conscious effort to reduce carbon footprint and be part of the \u201csustainability\u201d movement.\nWhy Margot Robbie, then? Nissan says her ambassadorial role will support the brand in spreading news of the personal and societal benefits of electric cars to more people than ever before. Well, it sure seems that Nissan is dead serious about their EVs now. Just don\u2019t forget to give us the new GT-R R36, okay?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class has done it again, bagging two more prestigious awards\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u2018Best Executive Car\u2019 and \u2018New Company Car of the Year\u2019 titles\u00a0\nafter being named as UK Car of the Year 2017\n.\nJudges\u00a0praised the E-Class for its low running costs, stylish design and impressive refinement. It\u2019s also indisputably one of the most advanced, if not the most advanced car in its class thanks to a lengthy list of driving assistance systems.\u00a0\nBack at home, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is offering the E-Class in four trims:\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde\nMercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde\nMercedes-Benz E 250 Exclusive\nMercedes-Benz E 300 AMG\nEngine\n1,991cc; in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top speed\n7.7 seconds; 240 km/h\n6.9 seconds; 250 km/h\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM395,888\nRM420,888\nRM425,888\nRM458,888\nThe company also plans to introduce no less than 17 new models to the market this year, presumably with the \nE 63 S\n among the mix. Will we continue to be deprived of the Mercedes-Benz Estates, or will we finally get the \nE-Class Estate\n to rival the upcoming \nVolvo V90\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u201cBetter late than never\u201d should be what the team at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) had in mind when they unveiled the Mercedes-Benz E 350 e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Edition 60. Launched alongside the regular \nE 350 e Exclusive and AMG Line\n, the Edition 60 was introduced in conjunction with our nations\u2019 60\nth\n Independence Day.\nBuild upon the regular E 350 e Exclusive, the Edition 60 gets unique interior trims as well as small additional details on the exterior. Priced at RM408,888, the Edition 60 carries a premium of RM13k over the E 350 e AMG Line and is limited to \n60 units nationwide\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E 350 e Exclusive Line\nMercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG Line\nMercedes-Benz E 350 e Edition 60\nEngine\n1,991cc; four-cylinder turbo petrol\nTransmission\n9-speed G-Tronic\nMax Power\n211 hp\nMax Torque\n350 Nm\nElectric Motor\n87 hp & 440 Nm\nCombined Output\n286 hp & 550 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM392,888\nRM395,888\nRM408,888\nFor that \nsmall\n sum of money, you get ultra-luxurious items such as 19-inch 6-spoke alloy wheels painted in black with high-sheen finish, two-tone (macchiato beige and saddle brown) Designo Nappa leather upholstery, Designo Piano lacquer trim, light brown ash wood trims on the centre console, Designo floor mats and high-gloss white painted vehicle key.   Mechanically it retains the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and electric motor combo. All \n286 hp\n and\n 550 Nm\n of twisting force gets sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed G-Tronic automatic. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n6.2 seconds\n and on full whack it will do\n 250 km/h\n. Fuel economy is rated at \n2.1 L/100 km\n.\nLike the rest of the E 350 e family, the Edition 60 is also locally assembled right here in Pekan, Pahang. Demonstrating the company\u2019s capabilities to locally produce high-quality and desirable limited-edition products for the Malaysian market.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton\n has launched the new Saga Anniversary Edition, based on the \nrange-topping Premium AT variant\n, to celebrate 35 years of the Proton Saga which was first introduced in 1985.\nThe Anniversary Edition is limited to 1,100 units and doesn\u2019t come with mechanical upgrades and is limited to aesthetics. It still utilises the same 1.3-litre engine with \n95 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n, paired to a 4-speed automatic.\nAvailable only in black, which are not offered in the standard models, the Anniversary Edition is available with yellow side mirrors and a yellow strip on the front grille, front lip, side skirts, and on the rear bumper.\nDon\u2019t get to excited just yet. Interestingly, the front lip and side skirts are OPTIONAL items. It\u2019s surprising that they didn\u2019t try to sell special addition emblems for the Anniversary addition. If you want the complete buffet package, which includes the front lip, side skirts, door visors, a front bonnet insulator, trunk lid cover and boot tray, it\u2019ll cost you \nRM2,035\n.\nIf you choose to purchase these items separately, which is compatible with the 2019 facelift Saga, it\u2019ll cost you RM315 extra for a total of RM2,350. The \u201cstandard\u201d Anniversary Edition is priced at RM39,300, similar to the Proton Saga Premium AT variant. The \nprice of the Premium AT variant was reduced by RM500\n after the \nSales Tax Exemption\n announcement.\nOn the inside, is there it gets a little comical. We\u2019d like to think Proton was exercising some form of humour here with the yellow trims on the centre air con vents and centre console storage. Doesn\u2019t it look like a smiley face to you? How can you not giggle every time you look at it?\n \nThe Saga Anniversary Edition will also come with Proton\u2019s N95 Cabin Filter, previously only available on the X70. As for the other models in the Proton range, here\u2019s the \nlatest price list\n after the Sales Tax Exemption.\nGALLERY"
"At the recent launch of the \nnew S560e\n, Mercedes Benz Malaysia also took to stage the \nnew Mercedes-Benz EQC\n as the first fully-electric production vehicle by the three-pointed star made its first appearance in South East Asia.\nExpected to arrive in the \nsecond quarter of 2020\n, the EQC offers perhaps the first glimpse into the world of electric mobility and from first impressions at least, we might not miss fossil fuel-powered vehicles as much as we think we would.\nThe front-wheel biased SUV based loosely on the GLC, is powered by two electric motors; one to move the front wheels and the other the rear. The pair dishes out a total of \n402 hp\n and \n756 Nm\n.\nDespite the vast output of silent performance, 0 to 100 km/h takes an uninspiring 5.1 seconds \u2013 mainly due to the electric SUVs 2,495kg weight \u2013 with top speed limited to just 180 km/h.\nThe EQC\u2019s driving range however does seem promising; rated at \nover 400 km/h \nalthough it remains to be seen how the electric SUV would fare in real world conditions under the \u201cextreme abuse\u201d by the right foot of Malaysia\u2019s elite.\nAnd you\u2019d have to be one to even think of seeing one parked in your porch cause this heap of metal is expected to cost upwards of RM600k!\nDespite being Mercedes-Benz\u2019s first fully-electric production vehicle, it still does the same things and offer a few features familiar to Mercedes-Benz such as the MBUX voice command system, pre-entry climate control, dual touch screen displays and the exquisite Burmester sound system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Land Rover\n \nhas just introduced its most powerful \nRange Rover\n ever \u2013 the Range Rover Sport SV. This new performance SUV will continue the legacy of the brand\u2019s \nRange Rover Sport SVR\n which was first introduced in 2014.\nFeaturing an airflow-enhanced exterior, according to Land Rover, the Range Rover Sport SV front-end is reprofiled and is equipped with a carbon fibre bonnet with vents, as well as side vents. The performance SUV is also decorated with front bumper blades and carbon fibre-tipped quad tailpipes, showcasing its sporty identity.\nAs standard, the Range Rover SV is specified with mixed-metal dual-cast brakes. However, customers are also given a choice to upgrade to the Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with eight-piston SV callipers as an option. This upgrade not only provides improved braking performance, but is also more resistant to high temperatures, and has a longer lifespan. Compared to the dual-cast iron brake discs found on the Range Rover SVR, the Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with eight-piston SV callipers also contribute to a total of 34 kg of unsprung weight reduction.\nOut of the factory, the SV comes with Michelin Sport All Season 4 tyres. And for the first time on a Range Rover, the rear of the SV is fitted with 305-section tyres, 20mm wider than the 285-section front tyres. This is done to enable a rear-biased dynamic setup to enhance grip, stability and traction, Land Rover says.\nRELATED: \n2023 Range Rover L460 launched in Malaysia, from RM1.268m before tax\nThe Range Rover SV is the world\u2019s first production car to be fitted with 23-inch carbon fibre wheels, as claimed by the British carmaker. By choosing to use carbon fibre wheels on the performance SUV, Land Rover has helped save a total of 35.6 kg, as compared to using conventional 23-inch cast-alloy wheels, according to the company.\nBesides the carbon fibre wheels, the hydraulic interlinked 6D Dynamics air suspension with pitch and roll control found on the British performance SUV is also a world\u2019s-first. Benefits of this suspension setup include the capability to maintain a near-level stance during extreme acceleration, braking, and cornering.\nThe new British performance SUV comes with specially developed chassis components. This includes a new rear subframe and new suspension links with revised geometry and compliance.\nPowering the world\u2019s most powerful Range Rover is a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre Twin-Turbo V8 petrol engine, and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system. The performance SUV\u2019s powertrain outputs a total of \n635 hp\n (metric) and \n750 Nm\n of torque, 60 hp (metric) and 50 Nm more than the previous generation SVR\u2019s supercharged 5.0-litre V8.\nVia the car\u2019s new dynamic-optimised SV mode, it takes \n3.6 seconds\n to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h). Capable of reaching a top speed of \n289 km/h\n, the brand claims that the SV produces 15% lower CO2 emissions than the SVR\u2019s 575 hp V8 engine.\nThe SV mode can be activated via a button on the steering wheel. Activating it optimises the steering, transmission, throttle response, exhaust note, as well the 6D Dynamics suspension system. The SV mode can also lower the Range Rover SV\u2019s ride height by an additional 15 mm and allows the track-oriented TracDSC stability control programme to be activated.\nThe SV mode also tweaks the performance SUV\u2019s All-Wheel Drive (AWD), All-Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring by Braking, Configurable Dynamics, and Active Locking Rear Differential. This is done to deliver a more sporty driving experience.\nRELATED: \n2023 Range Rover updated with all-hybrid powertrains \u2013 SV gets 615 hp V8 MHEV!\nInside of the Range Rover SV features yet another world\u2019s first, which is a translucent edge-lit gear shift paddle, behind the steering wheel. The gear selector lever is also made of black ceramic to enhance the car\u2019s luxurious feel.\nThere are also satin carbon fibre-backed SV Performance seats that feature integrated headrests, sculpted bolsters, as well as illuminated SV logos on the backrests. The SV also features an in-car sensory audio technology, known by the brand as Body and Soul Seat (BASS). BASS provides a multi-dimensional audio experience, and the SV is the first production vehicle to incorporate a tactile audio system.\nProvided by SUBPAC, BASS has transducers aligned to the front seat occupants\u2019 backs to generate high-fidelity audio to create an immersive in-car audio experience. This system works together with the 29-speaker Meridian Signature Sound System.\nThe Range Rover SV during its first year of production is only available in the limited edition SV EDITION ONE specification. And not everyone who wants it will be able to buy it straight away, as the performance SUV will only be available for select clients to order via an invitation programme.\nRELATED: \nRange Rover Velar facelift debuts, P400e gets boosted 64km EV range"
"This is probably the coolest thing you\u2019ll see today. The Nissan Skyline for the longest time has been identified by two things \u2013 the monstrous power it\u2019s capable of making for giant-killing activities and its signature tail lights.\nBut the guys at Skeptic Innovations and Infinity Illuminations\u2019 had different ideas. They\u2019ve taken the iconic look and injected a dose of hypnotism with what seems like an endless dive into a black hole with this ensemble that completely replaces the original halogen housings.\n \nWhat\u2019s even cooler is that, aside from projecting various colours and movements without sacrificing the basic functions of a tail light, they can also be controlled with a modified Nintendo controller \u2013 seemingly from the same era as the R32 Skyline \u2013 talk about bridging the old and new.\nIn a time and age where JDM legends such as the R32 Skyline are almost unattainable by most mere mortals, forget the car; this tail light assembly will do. What a centre piece it would make in our living rooms."
"Previously restricted to cars in the US and Canada, \nMercedes-Benz\n has now announced that the \u2018Automatic Lane Change\u2019 (ALC) function will now be also be made available for its customers in Europe, bringing the previously SAE-Level 2 driving assistance features in its cars up to \u201cLevel 2+\u201d.\nThe company is currently working on adapting the function to European traffic situations, with the system officially scheduled to roll out alongside the first deliveries of the \nall-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n.\nMercedes-Benz says that the ALC function is \u201can integral part\u201d of its adaptive cruise control and active steering assist systems. While driving with both systems activated between speeds of 80-140 km/h, the vehicle can automatically initiate a lane change, and overtake completely all by itself, if it detects a slower vehicle ahead.\nWith an active route guidance, the system can also assist in navigating exits or changing highways.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214 debuts \u2013 Brand\u2019s wagon lives on for the fans\nOf course, there are still certain limitations and prerequisites for the automatic lane change system. Mercedes-Benz says that the ALC system is only supported on \u201cmotorway-like roads\u201d with lane markings and \u201cstructurally separated directional lanes\u201d, and the vehicles must also be equipped with the MBUX Navigation package in order to access the function.\nAdditionally, since it is still classified as a SAE-Level 2 system, the (human) driver is still responsible for the car\u2019s action. As such, Mercedes-Benz requires that the driver\u2019s hands are placed on the steering wheel at all times \u2013 even though the car is carrying out the lane change action without driver input.\nMercedes-Benz has been on the forefront of advanced driver assistance features in recent years. Aside from the ALC system, Mercedes-Benz is also notably the world\u2019s first and only marque that has received international approval for its SAE-Level 3 Drive Pilot system.\nAlready \navailable in Germany\n and \nUS\n (California and Nevada), the system allows the driver to hand over driving tasks to the system in certain conditions, particularly in heavy traffic or congestion situations in certain sections of the highways, at speeds of up to 60 km/h.\nThe company has also received certification for SAE-Level 4 driverless parking, which is \nalready available for commercial use\n in the Stuttgart airport."
"Social media is pretty much all of the social interactions we get these days, especially now that a large chunk of the Klang Valley will be \nplaced under EMCO starting tomorrow\n. And if there\u2019s a carmaker that\u2019s on top of its social media game here in Malaysia, it definitely has to be Hyundai.\nAfter teasing the arrival of \nmany of its new models via its Facebook page\n, it\u2019s now the\n Palisade\n SUV\u2019s turn to make an appearance on Hyundai Sime Darby Motor\u2019s Facebook page, in a post masquerading as a friendly check-in during the MCO stay-at-home period \u2013 but we all know that it\u2019s just to tease their upcoming new car. probably (we\u2019re kidding).\nThe Palisade appearing on Hyundai Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page is nothing to be surprised about. The company already\n confirmed earlier this year\n that the \u201cmid-size\u201d SUV will be making its way over to our country. But aside from that, this is actually the first time the Palisade has been featured in any of their communications. Could this mean that a launch is imminent?\nHSDM has already confirmed earlier that the Malaysia-specification Hyundai Palisade will be powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, which makes an \u201cestimated\u201d\n 291 hp\n and \n355 Nm\n of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nExcited? Read more about the Hyundai Palisade here!\nThat big of an engine should prove useful for such a massive SUV \u2013 the biggest in Hyundai\u2019s stable, measuring over 200 mm longer and 80 mm wider than the\n Santa Fe\n!\nBut aside from the engine, there\u2019s really not much information out there just yet on the Malaysian-specification Hyundai Palisade. Will we be getting front-wheel drive only, or all-wheel drive courtesy of Hyundai\u2019s HTRAC AWD system? Only time will tell \u2013 but the good thing is we probably don\u2019t have to wait for too long more.\nIn terms of features, HSDM also only mentioned two in their original announcement: a full-colour head-up display, as well as an \u201cindustry-first\u201d roof vent diffuser for the air conditioning system that can provide either a focused, partially-diffused, or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers.\nHowever, we expect to see a fairly standard equipment list on the Malaysian Hyundai Palisade, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver, alongside an eight-inch infotainment display on the floating panel above the dashboard \u2013 the latter upgradeable to a 10.25-inch unit in global markets.\n510 litres of cargo space, even with the third-row seats up.\nThe Hyundai SafetySense advanced driver assistance system is also standard on the global Palisade, so it\u2019s hopeful to see it included on the Malaysian-spec model too.\nHSDM\u2019s new Click to Buy website lets you book a new Hyundai for only RM300! Check it out here.\nThe suite includes features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.\nWith about six months left to go for the year, plus the teaser on its Facebook page, an official launch shouldn\u2019t be too far away from now \u2013 so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest news as soon as we get them!"
"The radical-looking Toyota C-HR crossover has more tricks up its bulging fenders for 2019 with cosmetics tweaks and the incorporation of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for in its infotainment system, while maintaining its retail price of RM150,000.\nUMW Toyota Motor has revealed that over 4000 units of the C-HR were sold in 2018 and that for 2019, the C-HR gets a new dual-tone alloy wheel design, new garnish strips on the front and rear bumpers as well as the addition of body moulding along the sides.\nFor 2019, the C-HR gets a new colour dubbed the Radiant Green Metallic.\nIf that doesn\u2019t rock your boat sufficiently, you can tack on the optional TRD Aerokit (RM3,990) developed by Toyota\u2019s high-performance division. The aero-kit adds extensions with metallic finishes to the front and rear bumpers and overfenders on the wheel arches, not that the C-HR needed beefing up in the looks department, but you can if you want to.\n \n \nPerhaps more significantly, the C-HR\u2019s infotainment system is upgraded with a new 6.75-inch touchscreen and comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity \u2013 a first for a Toyota model in Malaysia! Yes, you are now able to speak to your car via Siri or Google Assistant.\nThe 2019 C-HR is the first Toyota model ever to offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in Malaysia.\nOtherwise, the mechanical package of the C-HR remains unchanged with the a 140hp and 171Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder providing drive via a 7-speed CVT. Deliveries of the 2019 C-HR is expected to start in February."
"From 3rd to 7th of April, Sime Darby Auto Connexion will be displaying the \nFord Ranger Raptor\n at Mid Valley Megamall in two new colours \u2013 Arctic White and Absolute Black.\nLike the \nLighting Blue unit we had for a review\n and as a \ntracking car for last year\u2019s (Driver\u2019s) Car of the Year video\n, these new colours will be sold alongside the existing Conquer Grey.\nThe Ranger Raptor is proced at RM199,888 (OTR without insurance). If RM200k sounds like a crazy amount to pay for a glorified pick-up, there\u2019s \neight different variations of the normal Ford Rangers\n to choose from; from as low as RM90k."
"Sometimes, recalls aren\u2019t as bad as they seem. Honda Malaysia announced that some 93,929 cars manufactured and sold between 2003 and 2016 may potentially be fitted with a faulty 12V battery, but the company stressed that no related injuries, crashes or casualties have been reported thus far.\nAs usual, customers involved in exercises like this will be issued a notification via snail mail which will include all details of the product update. If you\u2019ve gotten yours, be sure to head down to your nearest authorised Honda service centre. If a battery replacement is required, all parts and labour charges \nwill be borne by Honda Malaysia\n; the battery alone costs anywhere between RM200 to RM400.\nNo Honda HR-Vs are involved in this recall exercise\nThose who have yet to receive the notification letter may refer to the table below as a heads up:\nCar Model\nYear Model\nCity\n2003 to 2014, 2016\nCivic\n2010, 2012 and 2013\nCR-Z\n2012 and 2013\nCR-V\n2013\nFreed\n2010 to 2012\nInsight\n2011 to 2013\nJazz\n2009, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016\nAlternatively, you can call Honda Malaysia\u2019s toll-free number at 1-800-88-2020 to check for your vehicle\u2019s status."
"At the ongoing LA Auto Show 2021, Kia is previewing the EV9 Concept after successfully launching the \nEV6\n fully electric crossover. The EV9 will be the second model in the brand\u2019s dedicated EV line-up.\nThe Kia EV9 Concept is definitely a \u2018big boy\u2019, measuring close to 5 m long and over 2 m wide, key numbers that are also shared with the \nKia Telluride\n, \nHyundai Palisade\n, \nMazda CX-9\n as well as other US-only models such as Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer.\nStyled under the pillar of \u2018Bold for Nature\u2019 of the \u2018\nOpposite united\n\u2018 design language, the large, rugged and upright stance Kia EV9 Concept doesn\u2019t deviate from the two-box silhouette for maximum space in the three-row fully electric SUV.\nThe Kia EV6 could be coming to Malaysia, thanks to new distributor Bermaz Auto as well as government incentives. More here!\nUp in front, the Kia\u2019s iconic Tiger Face facade has been reinterpreted for the electric era featuring an intricate star cloud pattern that only appears when the vehicle is in use. The intricate pattern also influenced the signature lightings on the front and rear of the Kia EV9 Concept.\nThe hood meanwhile has motorsport-looking deep vents, but, Kia designers felt with such a huge real estate, they can use the space to house solar charging panels! Why not on the massive roof then? Well, the interior of the Kia EV9 Concept is imagined to be quite the living space for six, emphasising immersion with natural lighting.\nThe innovative D-pillar design also creates a unique Daylight Opening (DLO) operating in tandem with the panoramic sky roof to add to a sense of lightness, positive impact on wellness and mood and being in contact with the environment.\nWhen parked, the Pause Mode modifies the interior space into a first-class lounge. The second-row seats fold flat and become a table, with the first row rotating 180 degrees and facing the third row. Vegan leather is also featured on the upholstery of the Kia EV9 Concept.\nThe Enjoy Mode in the Kia EV9 Concept meanwhile swivels the third-row seats to face the outside environment with the tailgate fully open. Occupants can just sit back and soak up the scenery in the comfort of the interior, all-electric without emissions.\nSimilar to the Kia EV6, the large Kia EV9 Concept will feature the \nE-GMP\n fully electric modular platform. The target driving range is modest at 480 kilometres, but charging times are expected to be shorter than the competitors\u2019 thanks to a next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350 kW power, requiring just 30 minutes to replenish the battery level to 80%.\nThe production model of the Kia EV9 Concept will be one of seven EVs the company plan to introduce by 2026. \u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Mazda has finally unveiled the all-new third-generation Mazda BT-50 today, through a livestream on its social media pages. Completely redesigned for the first time in nine years, Mazda has now ditched Ford as its OEM provider for the BT-50, instead basing it off the \nIsuzu D-Max\n.\n \nAs expected, the all-new BT-50 features Mazda\u2019s latest Kodo design language, which looks significantly sleeker, and a lot more modern when compared to the outgoing model. The front of the new Mazda pick-up bears a striking resemblance to the brand\u2019s SUV models, such as the\n CX-9\n.\nAt the rear, the BT-50 also gets its own redesigned rear end, which takes off a bit of the \u201cedginess\u201d from the \nangry-looking D-Max\n. Though to be frank, there aren\u2019t many things at the back of a pick-up truck for the designers to work with to make it stand out from the others.\nDon\u2019t let the pretty face fool you, though, because the BT-50 should be pretty robust off the beaten path as well \u2013 it\u2019s based on the D-Max after all.\nUnderneath the hood of the Australian-spec double-cab BT-50 (which made the global debut), you\u2019ll find a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, rated for an output of \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, paired to an automatic gearbox to power the wheels in either 4\u00d72 or 4\u00d74 configurations.\nIn this specification, the BT-50 is capable of\n towing up to 3,500 kg\n, or carry a\n maximum load of 1,065 kg\n. Information is scarce at launch, but we expect the new \n1.9-litre turbodiesel\n mill to also make it into the BT-50 in other variants and regions.\nAside from the mechanical underpinnings, the new Mazda BT-50 also inherits the overall dashboard architecture, as well as the infotainment display \u2013 which is nine-inch in size, by the way \u2013 from the Isuzu D-Max.\nHowever, the rest of the interior decor is all done-up by Mazda themselves, so expect the same\n \nplushy upholstery that we\u2019re now accustomed to seeing in all Mazda models. As they so eloquently put it in the press release themselves, \u201cMazda developed the BT-50 with the intention of making travel and the time spent inside the vehicle exceptionally pleasant.\u201d\nNo pricing information has been provided for the all-new Mazda BT-50 just yet, but it will be built in Thailand by Isuzu alongside the D-Max, and is scheduled to go on sale in Australia in \u201cthe latter half of 2020\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve all experienced this on the road \u2013 a bright white speck with the intensity of a flashbang that blinds your vision for a good few seconds. That\u2019s what happens when irresponsible motorist retrofit HID headlamps that do not meet the specifications and regulations of the vehicle\u2019s type approval.\nTransport Minister Anthony Loke has said in parliament that any HID headlamps that are retrofitted as an accessory with brightness intensity that is over the permissible level can affect the vision of other road users, jeopardising their safety.\n\u00a0\nUnder United Nation regulations 48 (UNR48), the brightness intensity of headlamps should not exceed 4,300K. However, there are aftermarket suppliers offering brightness intensities that are over 16,000K. If found guilty, the offender will be charged with an RM2,000 fine or a maximum jail term of not more than six months.\nSo, unless your aftermarket headlamps are approved by the relevant authorities \u2013 i.e. SIRIM certified or received JPJ type approval, you have been warned by the main man himself to get them to revert back to the legal units."
"Not only did the \nOra Good Cat\n score a maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP, it was also named \u201cbest-in-class\u201d in the Small Family Car Category of the European safety assessment last year, beating out the likes of the \nBMW 2 Series Active Tourer \nand \nHonda Civic\n.\nMarketed as the \nFunky Cat in the UK\n, the Ora EV hatchback scored 92% in adult occupant protection, 83% in child occupant protection, 74% on pedestrian protection, and 93% on safety assist system tests \u2013 the latter the highest amongst its competitors in the segment.\nAs standard, the UK-specification Ora Good Cat comes equipped with adaptive cruise control with lane centring functionality, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert with autonomous braking, lane change assist, blind spot detection, and traffic sign recognition.\nBack home here in Malaysia, the Ora Good Cat\n made its debut in November \nlast year with two variants on offer: 400 Pro and 500 Ultra. The numbers are indicative of their fully electric driving range based on the more forgiving NEDC test cycle.\nIn terms of powertrain, however, both are essentially identical \u2013 driving the front wheels is a single electric motor making \n105 kW (143 hp)\n and\n 210 Nm \nof torque, for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of\n 7.9 seconds\n.\nALSO READ: \nGWM Malaysia collects over 100 bookings for Ora Good Cat EV in just three days\nSafety wise, both variants of the Ora Good Cat comes equipped with six airbags as standard, alongside a set of advanced driver assistance features consisting of adaptive cruise control with intelligent turning and traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking with intersection support, lane keeping and lane centring assist, and a \u201cwisdom dodge\u201d system.\nThe range-topping 500 Ultra takes it up a notch with extra creature comfort safety and convenience features, including additional front parking sensors, a \u201cfull-auto\u201d integrated parking system, auto-reversing assistant, lane-change assist, emergency lane keeping, blind-spot detection, and rear-cross traffic alert and braking.\nThe Ora Good Cat was not the only Chinese model that made it to the top of the list in last year\u2019s Euro NCAP ratings. The Wey Coffee 01, also from Great Wall Motors, was also named best-in-class in the Large Off-Roader category in 2022.\nOther models in the best-in-class list include the \nHyundai Ioniq 6\n in the Large Family Car category, \nTesla Model S\n for the Executive Car category, and\n Model Y\n for the Small Off-Roader respectively.\nRELATED: \nGWM Malaysia begins deliveries of Ora Good Cat in style"
"Toyota Motor Thailand has just launched the GR Sport variants of the \nToyota Hilux\n pick-up truck. As the company promotes motorsports even with the Hilux, there are two variants of Hilux GR Sport \u2013 the regular 4WD variant and the awesome-looking \u201clow-rider\u201d 2WD variant.\nThe Toyota Hilux GR Sport variants are locally engineered by Toyota Motor Thailand, with credits mentioned to Regional Chief Engineers Dr. Jurachart Jongusuk and Ms. Anyarat Sutthibenjakul. It is the fourth GR product in Thailand after the global GR Sport models of GR Yaris and GR Supra as well as locally-developed Corolla GR Sport.\u00a0\nThe most obvious changes to the Toyota Hilux GR Sport are the GR-specific aero kit package, black wheels, side mirrors, and of course, Toyota Gazoo Racing black and red stickers. In the 4WD variant, the black rims are 18-inch items wrapped with regular highway-terrain tyres in 265/60R18 size.\nThe aero kit on the 4WD variant is also more extensive; with a tasteful black-and-body-coloured grille that has \u2018TOYOTA\u2019 spelt out like the \nLand Cruiser GR Sport\n, side steps, a sports bar in the cargo bed as well as body-coloured wheel arches.\nThe sportier-looking Hilux GR Sport Lo-Floor 2WD has simpler front and corner aero kits, side skirts and comes with much smaller but relatively sportier 215/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza T005A tyres that are also fitted on the Toyota Innova.\nSimilar to the \nToyota Vios GR Sport\n in Malaysia, the suspension on both the Hilux GR Sport variants has been upgraded for better dynamism as well as sensation to the driver. In the Toyota Hilux GR Sport 4WD, the shock absorbers have been upgraded to GR-tuned monotube units.\nThe modification is certainly not as focused as the Ford Ranger Raptor, which has a wider and revised rear axle featuring coil springs and rear disc brakes as well as \u2018Baja\u2019 drive mode. Both Toyota Hilux GR Sport variants do get red-painted front brake calipers with GR logo though.\nAs for the Hilux GR Sport Lo-Floor 2WD, the engineers have been given the liberty to dramatically lowered the ride height in combination with the new spring and shock absorber units. The pick-up truck now rides \n23 mm lower\n than the regular 2WD variant! Ground clearance is at a \u201cproud\u201d 164 mm.\nIn Thailand, Toyota Gazoo Racing Motorsport holds not only the Vios and Corolla Altis one-make race but also have the Hilux one-make race that also sees quite a large participation by the locals and Toyota dealers. Thus, the Hilux GR Sport Lo-Floor 2WD encapsulates the competition spirit of the motorsport Hilux machines.\nBoth Toyota Hilux GR Sport variants get the most powerful Toyota Hilux engine to date- the 1GD-FTV (High) 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine with outputs of \n204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is the sole transmission available, unlike the \nFord Ranger\n \nXL Street S\npecial Edition\n.\nDiscrete is the theme for this converted Toyota Hilux V8, and there is no plan for the second unit. Find out more about its German heart here!\nAs mentioned earlier, the Hilux GR Sport Lo-Floor gets 500 Nm of traction to the rear wheels (2WD), while the regular Hilux features part-time 4WD with shift-on-the-fly, as well as brake assisted traction controllers such as Active Limited Slip Differential and \nActive TRC (A-TRC) for use in challenging terrain\n.\nInside, both variants get the full GR Sport treatment of the GR-specific instrument cluster (logo and red needles), multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with red centre-marking, and perforated suede and leather seat upholstery with red stitching. The only missing item in the Lo-floor is the GR-specific ignition start-stop button that is standard in the 4WD variant.\nSmoke silver and metallic black are applied to the trim inserts as well as air vents and are well coordinated with metallic brake and accelerator pedals.\nOn the safety front, the 4WD variant is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite that includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Pre-collision System.\nMeanwhile, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport Lo-Floor 2WD variant could be the only modern vehicle with the most torque that excludes Brake Assist (BA)!\nAccording to the specification sheet, the Lo-Floor 2WD \ndoes not come\n with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and other secondary brake-control systems.\nOnly three airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) are fitted in the 2WD variant; a basic and low-budget product originally conceived for commercial usages, such as the \nMitsubishi Triton Quest 2WD\n.\nIn the US, they seem to test their trucks rather differently. Watch how this old little Toyota Hilux gets tortured here!\nWe can imagine controlling the 500 Nm of torque sent to the narrow 215/55R17 Turanza tyres. All that fun does not come cheap though, as the Toyota Hilux GR Sport Lo-Floor 2WD is priced at \nTHB889,000\n (approx RM114k) while the Hilux GR Sport 4WD variant has a price tag of \nTHB1,299,000\n (approx RM 167k).\nWith the Toyota Hilux a major contributor to UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s revenue and market share, it is only a matter of time before the company introduces a Hilux GR Sport with Malaysian flavour and taste. \u00a0\nGALLERY\n2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport 4WD\n2021 Toyota Hilux GR Sport Lo-Floor 2WD"
"McLaren Automotive celebrated the production of its 15,000\nth\n\u00a0car at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Surrey, England \u2013 just seven years after production first began.\nThe \n15,000\nth\n\u00a0 unit is a 570S Spider from the Sports Series in Curacao Blue\n, comes less than 18 months after the 10,000\nth\n\u00a0car was completed in December 2016.\nCheck out these \nunpublished images of the McLaren 570S Spider\n here!\nProduction has doubled from around \n10 cars a day to 20\n, since the introduction of a second production shift in 2016, with 90% of the factory\u2019s produce exported to more than 30 markets around the world.\nMcLaren achieved record sales last year, selling a total of \n3,340 cars\n \u2013 a figure the British sportscar maker attributes to the launch of two new models \u2013 the \n570S Spider\n and the \n720S\n from the Super Series."
"If you\u2019ve always wanted a Mazda MX-5 but can\u2019t live with a rag top (especially in this region), then check out the new Mazda MX-5 RF. The RF stands for Retractable Fastback and it just made its debut at the ongoing New York International Motor Show.\nThe MX-5 RF\u00a0comes in handy, seeing that the bulk of all MX-5s sold came from the hardtop variant. This time, Mazda engineered a new mechanism that connects the roof panel to the boot deck. Once the switch is activated, the magic happens \u2013 all in just\n 12 seconds\n. This however, can only work at speeds no more than 8 km/h.\nTraditionally, all retractable convertibles will sacrifice boot space to accommodate all the moving components, but not with this MX-5. Boot space remains identical to the soft top variant \u2013 at 130 litres!\nBut there\u2019s another problem. Surely, having such mechanics in place will add weight to the rear end, but Mazda has retuned the suspension and power steering to compensate the weight penalty, ensuring that the MX-5 brilliant balance is retained. The 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre Skyactiv engines remain unchanged.\nNew to this MX-5 RF is an all-new \u2018premium\u2019 \nMachine Grey\n paint colour, where three coats (one colour, one reflective and one clear) are used to create \u201ca sheen when illuminated and a genuine metallic look\u201d. In other words, this new paint brings the element of rawness compared to Mazda\u2019s iconic Soul Red.\nThe new Mazda MX-5 RF will be available in the United States during summer, and worldwide deliveries are expected to begin by 2017. Back at home, the soft top 2.0-litre MX-5, six-speed automatic variant is being sold by Bermaz Motor at\u00a0RM226,376.32, though it\u2019s still unclear if the six-speed manual will make it here later this year.\nWe do think that the hardtop variant makes a lot of sense for a tropical country like Malaysia, but if it does find its way to Malaysia, it should cost a little bit more than the soft top convertible.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nfacelifted Perodua Axia\n has made its Sri Lankan debut at the Seylan Colombo Motor Show, less than two months after it was introduced locally in Malaysia.\u00a0\nThe crossover-inspired \nAxia Style\n will be the sole variant available in Sri Lanka at the time being, priced at 3.895 million rupees (RM89,000).\u00a0\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cAs Sri Lanka is the Perodua brand\u2019s biggest overseas market and one that has always been accepting of the Axia, with some 3,000 units sold since 2015, it is fitting as the new Perodua Axia Style\u2019s first export destination.\u201d\nThe Style features a few visual flourishes over the standard Axia range, including unique front and rear bumpers featuring skid plate elements, all-round body cladding, roof mouldings, rear spoiler, and 15-inch alloy wheels.\nBookings for the Axia Style are being collected at the show by Sri Lankan distributor Unimo Enterprises, with deliveries expected to begin early next year.\nUnimo Enterprises Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Mahesh Gunathilake said, \u201cSUVs and crossovers are enjoying a big rise globally and we foresee the same trend taking hold in Sri Lanka.\n\u201cThe new Perodua Axia Style offers the active and trendy looks of a crossover in a compact, fuel-efficient, dependable and value-for-money package that we believe will strike a chord with Sri Lankans,\u201d he added.\nUnimo Enterprises has sold nearly 16,000 Perodua cars since 1997, approximately 20% of all Perodua exports to date. The national carmaker says that it aims to export 3,270 cars this year \u2013 50% more than last year\u2019s 2,184 units."
"Volkswagen is planning to start the new decade with a bang, with 34 new models in the pipeline to be launched globally in 2020.\u00a0\nThe line-up will include a total of eight electrified vehicles. Volkswagen\u2019s first electric vehicle \u2013 the \nID.3\n will go on sale in Summer (June to August), \u201csoon followed\u201d by the \nID.Next\n, the brand\u2019s first electric SUV.\nThe six other electric or hybrid vehicles will also include the Golf GTE, the performanced-oriented hybrid variant of the \nGolf 8\n, which packs a combined output of \n245 hp\n.\nVolkswagen has not specified all other models in the 34-model offensive for the next year, though the company did say that 12 of the planned launches will be SUVs \u2013 a key market segment contributing to the success of the German marque in recent years.\nVolkswagen COO, Ralf Brandst\u00e4tter noted that \u201cIn a shrinking overall market the Volkswagen brand has won market shares worldwide and significantly improved its operating result.\u201d\nThe success can be attributed to the restructuring of its core business, which will also contribute to the 2.6 billion Euros in savings by the end of 2019.\nVolkswagen will be investing a total of 19 billion Euros through 2024, of which 11 billion alone will be allocated for the further development of \u201ce-mobility\u201d.\nAlongside electrification efforts, the brand is also carrying out its digital transformation roadmap, laying the groundwork to expanding software expertise of the brand and the Volkswagen Group.\u00a0\nThe spaceship-like cockpit of the VW Golf 8\nA newly established Car.Software organisation will begin operation as an independent business unit from January 2020, as the brand expects the in-house car software development services to rise from under 10% today to at least 60% in 2025."
"Perodua has just contributed RM1.1 million to Tabung Harapan Malaysia, a fund set up by the Pakatan Harapan Government to help to reduce the country\u2019s RM1 trillion national debt.\nThe Perodua community consisting the brand\u2019s group of companies and staff are in support of the Government\u2019s efforts to reduce the country\u2019s debts. Perodua Chairman, YBhg Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin said: \u201cThe contribution demonstrates that Perodua and our staff want a better Malaysia and that we are more than happy to show our support for that cause.\u201d\nTan Sri Asmat presented the contribution to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng at the Ministry of Finance today. Also present are Perodua President and CEO Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh, Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd Vice-President Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad and Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd President Mr Masanori Takahashi.\n\u201cWe understand that the effort to reduce the country\u2019s debt levels will take some time, and we will support the government of the day in improving the country\u2019s economy through the Malaysian automotive eco-system.\u201d Tan Sri Asmat said.\nAs of 25 September 2018, 3 pm, Tabung Harapan has amassed over RM191 million through donations from organisations, groups and individuals."
"The recently unveiled \nthird-generation Volkswagen Touareg\n has just gone on sale in the UK with only one powertrain option available, the 3.0-litre V6 TDI turbodiesel.\nPositioned as the brand\u2019s flagship SUV, the Touareg is available with two exterior trims \u2013 standard and R-Line, the latter gives the five-seater SUV a sportier flair. Sitting on Volkswagen Group\u2019s modular longitudinal matrix (MLB), the Touareg measures 4,878 mm long (+77 mm); 2,193 mm wide (+44 mm) and 1,702 mm high (-7 mm). Boot space is rated at 800 litres or 1,800 litres with the rear seats folded down.\nCustomers in the UK can opt for the Innovision Cockpit that marries a 12.0-inch Active Info Display and a 15.0-inch TFT Discover Premium infotainment to create an immersive and interactive cabin for the occupants. Other creature comfort options include pneumatic massage front seats, panoramic sliding sunroof (the largest ever on a Volkswagen), 30-colour LED ambient lighting and more.\nAt launch, the Touareg is offered with a sole 3.0-litre V6 TDI turbodiesel engine that kicks out\n 286 hp\n and a peak torque of \n600 Nm\n paired to a conventional eight-speed automatic. Drive is transferred to all four corners via the \n4MOTION\n all-wheel-drive system that can transfer 70 per cent of available power to the front axles or up to 80 per cent to the rear axles when required.\nCentury sprint on the V6 TDI equipped Touareg is rated at\n 6.1 seconds\n while top speed is registered at \n235 km/h\n. A detuned\n 231 hp\n 3.0-litre V6 TDI and a \n340 hp\n 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine will be available for the UK market towards the end of the year. The \n367 hp plug-in hybrid\n powertrain that is planned for China will also be available in Europe, but the company did not commit to a timeline.\nThe Touareg is also equipped with all the latest driver assistance system such as Night Vision, Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist (semi-autonomous driving in traffic up to 60 km/h), Front Cross Traffic Assist, active all-wheel steering and a new roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars.\nPricing for the all-new Volkswagen Touareg in the UK starts from \u00a351,595 (RM274k) with deliveries to commence in the second half of 2018. The Touareg model was officially on sale in Malaysia for a brief period in 2007 but has since dropped from the local line up.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Introduced in conjunction with the grand opening of the Porsche Centre Penang are the \nall-new Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S\n. Priced from RM530k and RM700k respectively, both come with a 4-Year warranty with free service.\nAs with the 718 Boxster, the biggest news lies behind the driver, albeit concealed within a neatly packaged \u201cboot space\u201d. In place of the old flat-six engines are the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre flat-fours, both turbocharged to generate more power and torque from before. The smaller engine equipped in the 718 Cayman makes \n300 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque, up by 25 hp and a whopping 90 Nm from the older model.   The Cayman S\u2019 2.5-litre lump produces \n350 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n of torque \u2013 also an increase of 25 hp and 50 Nm of torque compared to the old mill. This engine also gets\n Variable Turbine Geometry\n (VTG). Both variants get the quick-shifting seven-speed PDK transmission. Together with the Sport Chrono Pack, the Cayman will do the century sprint in 4.7 seconds, whereas the Cayman S does that in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is 275 km/h and 285 km/h respectively.\nFeatures such as bi-xenon headlights, four-point LED DRLs, active wind deflectors, four-pot brakes and 18-inch wheels are standard on the Cayman (19-inch on the Cayman S). Optional equipment include Porsche Active Suspension Management that reduces ride height by 10mm, cruise control, Adaptive Cruise Control with coasting feature and lane change assist.   Both Caymans come with the latest generation Porsche Communication Management with a 7-inch touchscreen positioned in the centre dash. This supports Apple CarPlay with voice control and GPS navigation, among others.\nAs with all Porsche cars, customers can spec their dream car however the wish with Porsche Malaysia (or Sime Darby Auto Performance, SDAP).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has added another full-fledged 3S centre to its dealership and services network. The new outlet, located in Puchong, will be operated by dealer-partner Lesydear Automobile (Lesydear Auto).\nThe new\n RM2.5 million\n facility, houses a showroom capable of \ndisplaying five cars\n, along with a service centre with \nsix bays\n and \nfour service hoists\n. Other amenities include a \ncoffee bar\n,\n laptop charging ports\n, and \nfree Wi-Fi\n for the customers\u2019 convenience.\nThe new outlet, which is easily accessible via the LDP, joins a \nnetwork of 120-strong Proton 3S and 4S centres\n. With this 3S outlet, customers in Puchong and the surrounding area can have access to sales, service and spare parts availability all under one roof.\nProton Deputy CEO, Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed said, \u201cAside from good product offerings, the strength of a company lies in its network. It is this reason that Proton has placed a lot of focus on network development and upgrading of its outlets.\n\u201cIt is important because it serves as the main contact point between customers and us. Today, we are proud to say that, as a result of this, customers are looking more favourably to the Proton brand as a purchase choice,\u201d he added.\nMinister of Communications and Multimedia, YB Gobind Singh who was there to officiate the new outlet, said, \u201cIt is crucial that we adapt quickly in order to reap and capitalise on the benefits of the digital age, as well as for our country to remain competitive and relevant in this sector.\u201d\nYB Gobind Singh further added that the \nProton X70\n epitomises modern automotive technology, especially with the embedded eSIM for always-on connectivity to the 4G network. \u201cWe are all proud of Proton and its achievements. After all it\u2019s my official car,\u201d he quipped.\nThe new Proton 3S outlet is located at\n No.2, Jalan BP4, Bandar Bukit Puchong, 47120 Puchong, Selangor\n."
"Subaru Corporation and Subaru Tecnica International (STI) has introduced the WRX STI TYPE RA-R, a special limited-edition model with just 500 units available for the Japanese market alone, at approx. RM 182k.\nThe TYPE RA-R, based on the WRX STI, was built to commemorate STI\u2019s 30th anniversary since its establishment in 1988. Developed under the concepts of lightweight, speed and enjoyment\u201d, the TYPE RA-R was built to pursue the \u201cRunning, Turning and Stopping\u201d fundamentals of a performance car.\u00a0\nWith the application of lightweight parts, the TYPE RA-R\n saves 30kg of weight\n compared to the previous complete models \u201cS208\u201d and \u201cS207\u201d, and is also \n10kg lighter\n than the base model WRX STI.\nCombined with lighter body is EJ20 Boxer engine from the S208, strapped with a twin-scroll turbocharger to produce \n329 hp\n and \n432 Nm\n of torque, delivering the highest output among all the STI complete models.   With the power-to-weight ratio exceeding that of the S208, the Type RA-R brings \u201cspeed\u201d and \u201denjoyment\u201d at the highest level seen on any STI model.\nAn STI performance exhaust system with lowered back pressure also contributes to higher engine output and more direct acceleration response. The dampers and coil springs on the Type RA-R were exclusively-designed for the car, that\u2019s sitting on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.\nBrembo brakes with high performance brake pads sit behind a set of lovely 18-inch BBS wheels. These enhancements give extra margins for the TYPE RA-R and better controllability for the driver\u2019s peace of mind.\nSource: \nSubaru Japan\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin\u2019s ex-CEO Andy Palmer once said that the \nDBX\n could be the brand\u2019s most important car ever, with the survival of the company essentially weighing entirely on the shoulders of the SUV\u2019s success. The DBX went into production last summer, and in just about a year, now accounts for more than half of Aston Martin\u2019s global sales \u2013 so by all means, the DBX has been a marked win for the brand, but they\u2019re just getting started.\nFollowing new executive director \nLawrence Stroll\u2019s comments\n in the company\u2019s first-quarter financial report last year, Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers has now confirmed in a recent interview with \nMotorTrend\n that further derivatives of the DBX will be coming, starting with a mild hybrid variant by the year-end.\nThe mild hybrid DBX is expected to utilise an electrified supercharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine that\u2019s derived from Mercedes-AMG 53 models. Following that, a high-performance model will be unveiled in 2022 to compete directly against the \nLamborghini Urus\n.\nWatch our full review of the Aston Martin DBX here!\n\u201cThere is room for improvement in regards to performance because other competitors have a higher level of engine performance,\u201d Moers said in the interview, and noted that it won\u2019t be called an AMR model, because \u201cthere is no need for a sub-brand \u2013 Aston Martin is a performance brand.\u201d\nThe DBX plug-in hybrid will then follow in 2023, using a modified version of \nMercedes-AMG\u2019s new V8 plug-in hybrid technology\n. But model expansion will be more than just powertrain options.\nAston Martin is also planning for more body styles, based on the DBX\u2019s platform. \u201cWe are going to use the platform of the DBX and create an even sportier approach for that car,\u201d Moers says. \u201cWe need different body styles, more bang-on performance, a more aggressive body style, things like that.\u201d\n\u201cThe DBX gives us a lot of leverage as a platform,\u201d he added. \u201cYou can think about being more luxurious, spacious, and you can think about being more sporty, even more-performance oriented body style.\u201d This all suggests that the \nhighly-rumoured seven-seater DBX\n is indeed coming, along with a coupe variant, sometime between 2023 and 2024.\nThe Aston Martin DBX is also now serving as F1\u2019s new medical car! Check it out here.\nBy 2024, Moers said that there should be about five or six DBX versions to choose from. Judging by the demand they have for the SUV currently, it seems more than likely that the DBX and its derivatives will continue paving the way in terms of sales for Aston Martin for many years to come."
"Unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show is a rather spirited gran turismo from Volkswagen, this time bearing a look far more distinctive than the old Passat \u2013 CC duo. The \nVolkswagen Arteon\n is effectively the successor to the CC.\nLike most other models in the VW stable (including the Passat B8), the Arteon sits on the modular MQB platform. It\u2019s shorter overall compared to the Passat, but is marginally wider and sits lower to the ground. The grand tourer is uncompromisingly a five seater with an impressive cargo space of 563 litres (Passat B8 gets 586 litres). This goes up to 1,557 litres with the rear seats folded down.\nThe front end showcases an entirely new visual approach, with full LED headlamps that \u2018flow\u2019 into the stacked grille. Wheel sizes vary from 17 to 20 inches, and currently just two trims are available \u2013 Elegance and R-Line. LED tail lamps are standard, but the R-Line gets extra dynamic signal indicators. And if you\u2019re wondering, the R-Line variant here is finished in a new coat of paint called Curcuma Yellow. There\u2019s also Atlantic Blue and Chili Red.\nInside is where things start to feel familiar. The bulk of the cabin is carried over from the Passat, but with one big difference \u2013 the infotainment system. Housed in a glass surface, the 9.2-inch Discover Pro system is the top-of-the-line offering, featuring gesture controls and comes without a single button. Lesser variants make do with screen sizes upwards of 6.5-inches.\nAs for performance, there\u2019s up to six turbocharged engines available right off the bat, comprised of three petrol (TSI) and three diesel (TDI) engines. If the Arteon comes to Malaysia, expect no less than the 2.0-litre TSI producing 187 horsepower. This one is front wheel drive only, though. The hotter 276 hp variant will get 4MOTION all wheel drive, but both share the same seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG).\nOther notable features include Adaptive Cruise Control (camera based), Emergency Assist, front and rear Pre-Crash sensors, predictive cornering lights and the usual suite of active and passive safety technologies.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Once known simply as the \nAudi e-tron\n, the SUV that pioneered \nAudi\n\u2019s\n line of electric vehicles (EV) has been updated and renamed the Audi Q8 e-tron late last year. To all those who are fans of this EV SUV and have been waiting, good news! The 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron has finally been officially launched in Malaysia. With two body styles and four variants available in total, prices for the new flagship EV SUV from Audi start from \nRM397,790\n, OTR with the Audi Assurance Package (AAP).\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.\nAudi Q8 e-tron S Line 55\nAs mentioned, there are a total of four variants of the 2023 Q8 e-tron offered in Malaysia, this includes:\nAudi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 Quattro \u2013 \nRM397,790 \n(OTR with AAP)\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50 Quattro \u2013 \nRM403,790 \n(OTR with AAP)\nAudi Q8 e-tron S Line 55 Quattro \u2013 from \nRM488,790 \n(OTR with AAP)\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 Quattro \u2013 \nRM498,790 \n(OTR with AAP)\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50\nOn the outside, the new Audi Q8 e-tron range features Audi\u2019s new electric design language. The Q8 e-tron series is also the first to wear the brand\u2019s new two-dimensional four-rings logo.\nIn order to make its new logo even more striking, Audi has used the Singleframe light spoiler to highlight its updated four rings. However, this feature is only available with the Audi Q8 e-tron S Line 55 and Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 variants. The Q8 e-tron series is also the first to be fitted with the new Audi and model name lettering designs on the B-pillar.\nAudi also boasts about the Q8 e-tron\u2019s improved aerodynamics \u2013 0.26 to 0.24 for the Q8 Sportback e-tron, and 0.28 to 0.27 for the \u2018regular\u2019 Q8 e-tron. This is made possible thanks to the Singleframe grille\u2019s controllable cool-air intake and camera-based virtual side-view mirrors found in the S Line 55 models, as well as the SUV\u2019s air curtains and wheel spoiler.\nRELATED: \n2023 Audi RS3 Sedan launched in Malaysia from RM646k \u2013 400 hp, 500 Nm, faster than M3 and A45S\nAudi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50\nExterior features that are fitted as standard with the Malaysian-spec 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 include:\nLED headlamps with high beam assist\nLED rear combination lamps\n20-inch Graphite Grey five-arm dynamic style alloy wheels\nThe Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50 adds on:\nDigital LED headlamps\nBlack styling package\n20-inch Graphite Grey five-arm \u201cAero\u201d ring-style alloy wheels\nRed callipers\nThe Q8 e-tron S Line 55, adds on:\nSharper bumper garnishes\nS Line tread plates\nDigital Matrix LED headlamps with active adjustment and masking\nSingleframe projector lighting\nVirtual side-view mirrors\nPanoramic glass sunroof\nDoor entrance LED projector lights\n21-inch five-arm black turbine-style alloy wheels\nThe Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 tops the line with:\nAudi Sport 21-inch Black Metallic five-arm \u201cAero\u201d structure style alloy wheels.\nAudi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50\nDimensions-wise, the Audi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 and Q8 e-tron S Line 55 measure \n4,915 mm\n long, \n1,937 mm\n wide, \n1,633 mm\n tall, and are underpinned by a \n2,928 mm\n long wheelbase. The Sportback variants measure the same length, width, and wheelbase-wise, however, they are slightly lower in height than the \u2018regular\u2019 non-Sportback variants, measuring just \n1,619 mm\n tall.\nPerformance-wise, the Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 and Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50 are powered by a dual-motor setup, paired with a single-speed 2-stage ratio planetary gearbox. Battery capacity is rated at \n95 kWh\n, giving \n410 km\n of WLTP range for the e-tron Advanced 50, and \n415 km\n (WLTP) for the Sportback e-tron Advanced 50. Power is sent to all four wheels via Audi\u2019s Quattro AWD system, producing \n340 hp\n and \n664 Nm\n in boost mode.\nSprinting from a standstill to 100 km/h takes \n6.0 seconds\n, and the top speed is set at \n200 km/h\n. Suspension-wise, the Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 range features Audi\u2019s adaptive air suspension.\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50\nCharging the Advanced 50 variants can be done via \n11 kW\n (AC), which will take \n9.15 hours\n to fully charge. For even quicker charging speeds, the Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 series can support up to a maximum of \n150 kW\n DC charging. Going from 10% to 80% of charge takes around \n31 minutes\n, and a 10-minute quick charge can provide \n123 km\n of WLTP range. Full technical details of the Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 variants are as such:\nDrivetrain: Dual-motor AWD\nCombined output: \n340 hp\n (in boost mode)\nTotal torque: \n664 Nm\n (in boost mode)\n0-100 km/h: \n6.0 seconds\nTop speed: \n200 km/h\nBattery: \n95 kWh\nRange (Q8 e-tron Advanced 50): \n410 km\n (WLTP)\nRange (Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50): \n415 km\n (WLTP)\nSuspension: Adaptive air suspension\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Audi Q3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro with 180 hp and 320 Nm, RM351k\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50\nPowering the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron S Line 55 and Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 are a set of dual-motor setups, paired with a single-speed 2-stage ratio planetary gearbox as well. Battery capacity is rated at \n114 kWh\n, giving \n481 km\n of WLTP range for the e-tron S Line 55, and \n487 km\n (WLTP) for the Sportback e-tron S Line 55.\nPower is also sent to all four wheels via the Quattro AWD system, giving the SUVs a total of \n408 hp\n and \n664 Nm\n in boost mode. The century sprint can be done in under \n5.6 seconds\n, while top speed is also capped at \n200 km/h\n. In terms of suspensions, the \u2018regular\u2019 e-tron S Line 55 utilises the same adaptive air suspension as the Advanced 50 variants, while the Sportback e-tron S Line 55 uses Audi\u2019s sport adaptive air suspension.\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50\nLike the Advanced 50 variants, the S Line 55 variants take \n11 kW \nAC charging as well. A full charge takes \n11.30 hours\n with the \n11 kW\n charger. \n22 kW \nAC charging is also available for the S Line 55 range and can charge to full in \nsix hours\n.\nThe 2023 Q8 e-tron S Line 55 and Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 also take DC charging up to \n170 kW\n. Like the Advanced 50 variants, charging the cars from 10% to 80% takes approximately \n31 minutes\n, and a 10-minute quick charge can give up to \n123 km\n of WLTP range. Full technical details of the Q8 e-tron S Line 55 variants are as such:\nDrivetrain: Dual-motor AWD\nCombined output: \n408 hp \n(in boost mode)\nTotal torque: \n664 Nm\n (in boost mode)\n0-100 km/h: \n5.6 seconds\nTop speed: \n200 km/h\nBattery: \n114 kWh\nRange (Q8 e-tron S Line 55): \n481 km\n (WLTP)\nRange (Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55): \n487 km\n (WLTP)\nSuspension (Q8 e-tron S Line 55): Adaptive air suspension\nSuspension (Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55): Sport adaptive air suspension\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50\nThe 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron series in Malaysia come with the complimentary e-tron Compact Chargers, and RM1,000 worth of JomCharge Credits are given to all e-tron owners, with a validity period of one year.\nTo further enhance the ownership experience, all models also come with the mobile e-tron Charging System Compact, in order to provide charging convenience, no matter the location.\nThe system essentially consists of an intelligent compact charger and power cables \u2013 one that plugs into the vehicle and the other to the standard household power socket with an output of 1.8kW to 2.3 kW, or via a three-phase power supply with an output of 11 kW. Charging can be set to 100 and 50 percent charging power on the charging unit to avoid potentially overloading the home\u2019s electrical system.\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50\nMoving inside, the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 in Malaysia is equipped with Audi\u2019s Multi-Media Interface (MMI) touch response operating system. This is made up of a two-display setup \u2013 an upper 10.1-inch display, and a lower 8.6-inch diagonal display. Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit Plus with full HD display also comes with the 2023 Q8 e-tron as standard.\nList of equipment you get as standard with the Audi e-tron Advanced 50 includes:\n\u201cMono.Pur 550\u201d leather and leatherette combination seat\nElectrically adjustable front seats\nMemory function for the driver seat\n4-way lumbar support for the front seats\nLeather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles\nAudi Virtual Cockpit Plus\nMMI touch response operating system\n10.1-inch + 8.6-inch diagonal display\nVoice control\nHead-up display (HUD)\nAudi Phone Box Light\nBang & Olufsen Premium Sound System\nFour-zone climate control system\nThe Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50 adds on:\nValcona leather seats\nDecorative inserts in dark matte brushed aluminium\nThe Q8 e-tron S Line 55 and Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 adds on:\nS Line interior with red stitchings and stainless steel pedals\nValcona leather seats with embossed \u201cS\u201d\nS Line seat inlays\nIlluminated scuff plates with aluminium inserts\nSports contour flat-bottomed leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles\nPower-assisted door closing\nIn the safety department, all variants of the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron in Malaysia are equipped with these features as standard:\n8 airbags\nAudi Pre Sense for both front and rear\nAdaptive Cruise control (ACC) with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist, and turn assist\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nFront and Rear Cross Traffic Assist (FCTA & RCTA)\nThe 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron series come with a 5-year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty, an 8-year battery warranty, and 3 years of maintenance via AAP. Customers can also opt for the standard 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nTo recap, the Audi Q8 e-tron series has just been launched in Malaysia. With prices starting from \nRM\n3\n97,790\n, the Q8 e-tron range is available in four variants \u2013 Q8 e-tron Advanced 50, Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50, Q8 e-tron S Line 55, and the Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55.\nRELATED: \nAudi begins using AI to design wheels \u2013 Will robots replace designers?\nGALLERY\nQ8 e-tron Advanced 50\n \nQuattro\nQ8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50 Quattro \nQ8 e-tron S Line 55\n \nQuattro\nQ8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55\n \nQuattro\n."
"The countdown to the inaugural KL City Grand Prix is marked at just a mere 10 days away, and much has happened with respect to that.\u00a0GT Global Race CEO, Mr M Arrasu commented recently that the proposed Porsche Carrera Cup and Audi R8 LMS Cup races will not be scheduled at the upcoming KL City GP.\nMr Arrasu mentioned that the reason the two race cups series are \nbeing dropped\n from the roster is due to the \nlack of time\n. Not just any time, but\u00a0\ntrack time\n rather,\n\u00a0\nbecause\u00a0the city centre cannot be closed a moment longer than required.\nHaving covered that, it was also reported by an English daily that the organisers of the race had \nnot\n formally applied for an \nevent license\n. The Sports Commissioners Office has yet to issue an \nEvent License\n to\u00a0\nGT Global Race (M) Sdn Bhd\n who are hosting the KL GP. Failing that\u00a0may result in them breaching the Sports Development Act 1997 and facing a fine of up to \nRM5,000 or a jail term\n or both.\nWith just\u00a0\n10 days\n on the clock, it would be a shame to see this inaugural city race be cancelled for the want of an Event License. Aside from that, business owners, hoteliers and residents along the five affected streets have lamented on the lack of preparation on the side of the organiser, as reported by the same daily.   Let\u2019s not get bogged down by setbacks as such, but rather look forward to the impressive line-up of cars that will be running that weekend. The first ever main feature race of KL GP will see the newest additions to the world of GT racing.\u00a0The one-make \nLamborghini Super Trofeo\n race series will see a grid full of Lamborghini Hurac\u00e1n LP 620-2 Super Trofeo cars roar around the \n3.2km circuit\n.\nThe Formula Masters are slated to make an appearance with its state-of-the-art, \nsub 600kg\n cars that are powered by \n180hp and 200 Nm\n of torque powerplant. Out of the five teams competing, two of them are home grown. Finally, the thunder from Down Under will be making its debut here with their\u00a0\ntop five\n teams putting on an exhibition race. Malaysia is poised to become part of the \nAustralian V8 Supercar\n race series schedule starting \n2016\n.\nThe race is thought to attract as much as \n100,000 spectators\n over the weekend.\u00a0For ticket info, please visit \ngtcitygrandprix.com/tickets"
"The all-new Land Cruiser was just launched earlier this month, and as expected there\u2019s already a video demonstrating its acceleration on social media; \nposted by Kurdistan Automotive Blog\n.\nBesides being built on Toyota\u2019s highly capable TNGA chassis for better handling and refinement, it is also the first Land Cruiser to be designed with a body-on-frame application.\nFind out everything you need to know about Toyota\u2019s new TNGA platform here!\nIt\u2019s also really powerful too. It\u2019s got a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 415 hp and 600 Nm but that\u2019s all on paper, until this Facebook post.\nThe video only shows the instrument cluster of the Land Cruiser and the way the needles move, would surprise you. It appears smooth, relentless and boy, does it sound good too!\n0 to 100 km/h is done in a brisk and if you noticed, the V6 engine appeared really eager to rev to the redline too \u2013 very suprising performance for such a big lump indeed.\nOne of the reasons for this could be down to the big SUVs dramatic weight loss. Compared to the previous model, the all-new model is around \n200 kg lighter\n but just as stiff, due to the TNGA-F platform it is built on.\nThe Land Cruiser also comes with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine, with 309 hp and 700 Nm.\nFind out more about the all-new Land Cruiser in detail here!"
"Team Proton R3, Proton\u2019s motorsport arm has announced a search and mentorship programme for female drivers aspiring to unearth their hidden talents in the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF), the largest grassroots motorsports event in the country.\nThe new MSF-R3 Lady Search initiative is aimed at providing Malaysian aspiring female race car drivers to shine in both local and international events as currently almost all of them are male-dominated.\nFrom the initial pool of nine female contestants, three of which will eventually be offered an opportunity to develop as racing drivers and subsequently \nparticipate in the 2019 Sepang 1000km (S1K) race with a Proton R3 race-prepared car\n.\nSelections will be based on the contestant\u2019s performance in a series of on and off-track activities, where they will be judged based on discipline, team work and commitment aside from their skill behind the wheel.\u00a0\nBeing the only manufacturer-supported race team in Malaysia, Proton R3\u2019s experience spans 15 years with a resume that includes wins in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and even victories at World Rally Championship (WRC) level.\nLocally, the team has two overall Merdeka Millenium Endurance (MME) wins along with four Sepang 1000km (S1K) victories under its belt \u2013 a feat yest to be matched by any other automotive brand."
"Do you have a \nRM2.1\u00a0million Lamborghini Huracan \nin your garage but feel like it needs that extra visual enhancement? Then look no further than Lamborghini\u2019s official styling packs that\u2019s going to give you just the right kit you need.\nThere are three different styling packs that consist of stripes, bodykit, spoilers and new wheels, all without voiding the manufacturer\u2019s warranty. The first kit, probably the most affordable among the trio, is the \u201caesthetic\u201d package. As the name implies, it adds racing livery that can be had in either\u00a0matte black, glossy black or red colours.   If owners aren\u2019t contented with just a sticker upgrade, they can opt for the \u201caerodynamic kit\u201d. This kit adds a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and a large rear wing. According to Lamborghini, the kit, made using composite material and finished in matte black, is mainly\u00a0an aesthetic addition and will not affect any corner slicing capabilities of the standard Huracan.\nFinally, there\u2019s a race-grade kit for the Huracan in a form of the centre-lock wheel nuts and special black wheels. Paying tribute to the company\u2019s SuperTrofeo one-make race cars, this kit comes in handy for quick tyre changes just like the pitstops in Grand Prix racing. All three kits are available in all Lamborghini dealerships worldwide.\nHowever, no pricing was unveiled at press time but the least we can do is to provide the details of Malaysia\u2019s Lamborghini dealer as per this \nlink\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford has just released a new video on its YouTube page showing a glimpse of its new Focus and I must say, it looks quite alluring. If I observed correctly, I think there\u2019s a hint of Volvo\u2019s \u201cThor\u2019s hammer\u201d daytime running lights on the new car as well; half a hammer at least.\nI\u2019m quite fond of the new headlamp design that resembles quite closely to the \u201cthree LED projector layout\u201d found in the \nnew 2.0-litre turbocharged Toyota Harrier\n that just went on sale in Malaysia recently. They\u2019ve also exposed a new wheel design and if my eyes haven\u2019t failed me, it\u2019s 18-inch in size.\nHaving released a \nheavily-camouflaged image of the new Focus\n at the end of last year, Ford revealed that besides a new, sharper rear end, as vaguely shown in video, the new Focus will also house a new cabin with a floating infotainment display \nas seen in the new Fiesta\n.\nOn the side note, Ford also announced that it would be introducing the new EcoSport, a Transit Custom and the Fiesta Active Crossover \u2013 all in the first half of 2018."
"It is without a doubt that Mazda is one of the most successful brands in Malaysia. Just the sheer number of Mazda vehicles on our road is already a testament to that. However, if that is not convincing enough, Mazda has proven itself at the ASEAN Car of the Year Awards 2016 (ACOTY) by bagging six\u00a0wins out of 24 categories. To top it off,\u00a0the Mazda CX-5 even emerged as the overall winner and crowed as ACOTY 2016, bringing the tally to seven awards!\nThe \nMazda CX-5\n\u00a0proved to be the crowd favourite, as voted by motoring journalist and consumers. It beat local favourite\u00a0\nHonda Civic\n by an incredibly small margin of 1.77 points. Thanks to its wide range of engine choices from the frugal 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol to the punchy \n2.2-litre SkyActiv-D\n diesel along with an impressive amount of kit and superb driving dynamics, the CX-5 is certainly deserving of its \nASEAN Car of the Year\n title!\n(From R to L) Mr. Hamish Stone, CEO of iCar Asia presenting the winner of the Overall Car of the Year Award to Mr. Ian Khong, Senior Manager, Brand Equity, Bermaz Motor.\nIn the \nCompact Hatch and Sedan of the Year \ncategory, the \nMazda2 Hatchback\n and \nSedan \nemerged on top, edging the \nHonda Jazz\n, Ford Fiesta, \nHonda City\n and \nVolkswagen Vento\n in its respective categories. Despite numerous complaints towards the cramped cabin, the driving dynamics and premium interior was enough to overcome its shortcomings.   In the \nFamily Hatch and Executive Car category\n, the \nMazda3 Hatchback\n and \nMazda6\n edges the competition to claim the title. The Mazda3 Hatchback beat\u00a0even the likes of \nVolkswagen Golf\n and \nFord Focus\n, whereas the Mazda6 was up against the \nHonda Accord\n and \nToyota Camry\n.\n \n \nLastly, Mazda\u2019s \nCX-3\n and CX-5 was crowned \nCrossover and Mid-Size SUV of the Year\n in a stiff competition against Subaru (\nXV\n and \nForester\n) and Honda (\nHR-V\n and \nCR-V\n).\nAmong the Mazda fleet that bears the \nKodo: Soul of Motion design language\n, the \nMX-5\n was the only finalist (Coupe/Cabrio of the Year) that did not receive a title. However, the Roadster was crowned as\u00a0\nJapan\u2019s Car of the Year 2015\n and \nWorld Car of the Year 2016\n under its belt.\nWe applaud Bermaz Motors for their aggressive strategy of offering a variety of \nhighly-specced vehicle\n in their line-up at \naffordable price points\n as well as a \ncomprehensive 3-Year warranty and free service package\n for added peace of ownership. These factors altogether convinced motoring journalists and consumers to rate highly of Mazda vehicles. Once again, we at \nAutoBuzz.my \nwould like to congratulate Bermaz Motors for taking home seven well-deserved titles."
"Hyundai Motor has released the first images of the all-new 2021 Elantra and for some reason we can\u2019t help but see the rear quarter of a Honda Civic FC in there.\nThe all-new 7th generation model\u2019s design revolves around parametric shapes and texture \u2013 a reflection of Hyundai\u2019s new design identity \u2013 something that was already noticeable in the facelift Elantra launched locally last year.\nIt also sports are larger, thicker C-pillar, drawing some resemblance to the fastback-ish look of the current generation Honda Civic FC and perhaps even the Gran Coupe models of BMW.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0F2kjJ1w3o\nHyundai says the Elantra will create a driver-focused cockpit via the \u201cImmersive Cocoon\u201d interior theme. There\u2019s a hint of the \nnew Mk 8 Volkswagen Golf in there too\n; with the instrument cluster and infotainment display merged as one.\nLocally, \nthe facelift Elantra is only available in a single variant\n \u2013 the 2.0-litre Executive \u2013 priced at RM109,888.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While SUVs and high-riding body styles have been the choice of manufacturers and designers to \nbetter integrate the EV\n powertrain packaging, Nissan has sketched their driver\u2019s car in the form of a 2-seat convertible.\nThe Nissan Max-Out Concept is briefly described as a convertible that surpasses the conventions of driving excitement. Built on an all-new platform and powertrain that features a new thin battery pack, the Max-Out Concept is aimed to deliver the joys of sports cars- steering precision, response and \noneness with the car\n.\nUnder the \u2018Nissan Ambition 2030\u2019 business plan focussing on electrification for this decade, the company will be engineering and developing a new electric car platform that will underpin as many as 15 new models by 2030 including \nInfiniti\n, with its proprietary all-solid-state battery (ASSB) as the technological highlight.\nNissan will continue to evolve its lithium-ion battery technologies and introduce cobalt-free technology to bring down the cost to USD75 (approx. RM318) per kWh or a 65% reduction by the year 2028. From there, the introduction of ASSBs will further reduce the price to a competitive level of USD65 (approx. RM275) per kWh, a key parameter to achieve \ncost parity\n between EV and combustion engine vehicles in the future.\nCharging time is also said to be slashed to just one-third with the ASSB technology.\nOf the four concept vehicles shown, the white SUV called \u2018Chill-Out\u2019 looks the most familiar, as the vehicle was first unveiled as the new EV that will be \nbuilt in Nissan\u2019s UK plant\n in Sunderland. Apart from a new product, the facility will also undergo a GBP500 million investment that includes its own solar farms to form a \u2018microgrid\u2019 and a battery plant.\nToyota, Mazda and Subaru form partnerships to accelerate the development of hydrogen technology as well as other greener fueling options for current engines. More here!\nThe \u2018Chill-Out\u2019 is said to replace \nthe Nissan Leaf\n as the brand\u2019s core EV model, and with pick-up trucks a key segment in the US, Nissan has also sketched the idea of an EV model. The Nissan Surf-Out Concept aims to provide consumers with even better experiences in the outdoors thanks to the vehicle\u2019s variety of power sources and large, flat cargo bay with great performance over multiple terrains.\nNissan Ambition 2030 will also push the company to introduce as many as 23 new electrified models including E-Power technology by the end of this decade and hopes to see the four key markets (Europe, \nChina\n, Japan and the US) have a high sales mix, with Europe targeted to be the highest at 75%.\nGALLERY\nNissan Max-Out Concept\nNissan Surf-Out Concept\nNissan Hang-Out Concept\nNissan Chill-Out Concept"
"Whether you\u2019ve been misled by someone you\u2019ve blind-dated with cleverly edited pictures or received an exclusive item acquired online only to have your hopes crushed by a fake replica, there\u2019s nothing more disappointing than being let down by false expectation.\nWe want the best for our cars, so there\u2019s nothing more frustrating than spending a fortune on products to pamper your beloved vehicle only to find out you\u2019ve been cheated with fake goods.\nSocial media and forums have been set alight recently with news and discontent voiced by persons who may have been cheated by fake \u201cpremium\u201d engine oil sold through supposedly \u201cauthorised channels\u201d. Word is that these conniving syndicates have even gone to the extent of mixing oil of unknown origins with used engine oil acquired from workshops, just to make them look authentic.\nThere were even reports of unethical workshops in Malaysia knowingly selling these repackaged products \u2013 a disturbing discovery after they were raided by local authorities.\nApart from encouraging its customers to only purchase Helix engine oils from Shell authorised workshops, Shell retail station, Official Shell Online Stores on the Lazada, Shopee and 11street platforms, Shell has also shared useful tips on how to look out for the real deal when purchasing Helix engine oils:\nQR Code\nAuthentic Shell products come with a QR code on the packaging which functions as a proof of authenticity. Note that they cannot be imitated or replicated by counterfeiters.\nRange of products\nFor the Malaysian market, Shell only sells the following range of engine oil:\nShell Helix Ultra 5W 40 (4L)\nShell Helix HX7 10W 40 (4L)\nShell Helix HX7 5W 30 (4L)\nShell Helix HX5 10W 30 (3L)\nShell Helix HX5 15W 40 (4L)\nNote that these products will also have \u201cMade for Malaysia / Untuk Pasaran Malaysia\u201d stated on its packaging.\n \nProduct Code\nThere is a product code printed on the new \u201cMade for Malaysia\u201d Shell Helix product packaging. The product code enables tracking and enhances product authentication. \nTo ensure consumer confidence in the range of Helix engine oil sold in Malaysia, and to curtail the use of fake engine oil that could possibly result in damage to vehicles, it is imperative that customers acquire Shell Helix engine oils from authorised and official channels. Having genuine Helix engine oil in your car doesn\u2019t just safeguard the health of vehicle, it also offers a valuable peace of mind each time you start the engine.\nTo authenticate the Shell Helix product, simply peel the top right corner of the label to reveal the QR code and scan it with your smartphone\u00a0to submit details regarding the product. Consumers will then receive an authentication on whether they\u2019re official authorised products from Shell Malaysia.\nDoing so will also allow consumers to register for the \nShell Advantage Rewards (SHARE)\n programme that offers goodies such as a sign-up bonus, Shell Helix Engine Warranty (SHEW) and free Shell Helix products. Click \nhere\n to find out more!"
"This is one of the cars that I\u2019ve personally been waiting for, the \nCitroen DS3\n. Previewed for the first time at the KL International Motor Show in November 2013 by its new distributor, the price was speculated to be around RM125,000. Today, Naza Euro Motors launched the Citroen DS3 at Bangsar Shopping Center, with the confirmed price tag of \nRM117,888\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nCitroen DS3\nSegment\n\u00a0Premium B-Segment\nEngine\n1.6-litre VTi, Inline four\nMax Power\n120hp @ 6000rpm\nMax Torque\n160Nm @ 4250rpm\nPrice\n\u00a0RM117,888 (OTR)\n\u00a0\nPerformance\n This premium B-segment car is powered by \u00a0a \n1.6-litre\n\u00a0VTi \u00a0that produces \n120 horsepower\n and 160 Nm of torque,\u00a0the same as the Mini One. It gets from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.9 seconds\n.\u00a0It can go all the way to its maximum top speed of 190 km/h. However, I do believe, anyone who is interested in the DS3 will not really mind on what\u2019s under the hood. The looks is what matters.\nExterior\n The first thing you would notice when you see one of these DS\u2019s is the 2 tone roof and body color. There are seven colour combinations to choose from, enough to colour your life. The palette available for the body of the cars consists of red, black, white, blue and yellow. The roof however is only limited to black and white. There is a special \u2018Blue Infinity\u2019 roof colour, which only goes with a white body. You must be asking now if you can cuztomize the colour combination. I asked the same thing too, but no. Only preset colours are available.   The significant look of the DS3 that sets it apart from other B-segment competitors is the \u2018shark-fin\u2019 B-pillar, that creates an illusion of a floating roof. For me, at least, the design of the entire car is simply brilliant; its headlights, the very prominent side slits on the front bumper, the \u2018shark fin\u2019, the \u2018floating\u2019 roof and not forgetting, the \u20183-D\u2019 rear lights, which are mesmerizing.\nInterior\n \nOnce you open the door, you can feel the weight of the door that gives the solid and premium feel. Its \u2018Mistral Claudia\u2019 leather seats are very comfortable. The dash as reported earlier has the piano black finishing, which I like, a lot! Even though there were like hundreds of finger prints on it just now, it\u2019s still classy.   Meter display panel is out of the ordinary. Citroen somehow managed to make it modern and yet retro at the same time. It also has gear change indicator to remind you on ideal gear change timing for better fuel efficiency.\u00a0The DS3 has among the largest boot space in its class at 385-litre. If that\u2019s not enough for you, the rear seats can be folded to a 60:40 configuration.\nAlso, there\u2019s a typical French touch to the interior of the car; there is a slot insert for perfume! The \u2018cartridge\u2019 will have to be purchased from Citroen though. If it\u2019s able to make the car smell like a French lavender farm in spring all year long, then why not?\nSafety\n \nThe Citroen DS3 was awarded a maximum five-star rating from the \nEuro NCAP\n crash safety test, an impressive achievement there for sure. It is fitted with six airbags, yes SIX airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and of course Electronic Stability Program (ESP).\nSummary\n \nChief Operating Officer of Naza Euro Motors, Dato\u2019 Samson Anand George\u00a0is confident that which the completion of the Citroen DS line-up in Malaysia, they are able to achieve a sales figure of 600 units in 2014, with the Citroen DS3 alone contributing 30% to 35% to the sales figure. Dato\u2019 Samson also \u00a0added that in another three years time, they should be able to achieve 1,000 units annually.\nThis French B-segment hatchback is a popular car mainly among the Europeans and it is considered as an\u00a0alternative\u00a0to the Mini. However, acceptability of French marques among Malaysians has yet to mature as compared to products of Japanese automakers. For the price of \nRM117,888\n for the premium supermini Citroen DS3, it is probably time for more Malaysians to explore European creations.\nFor me, it was love at first sight. However, I must not be blinded by only its good looks. I will get hold of the media test unit and have a thorough test and review to see if it drives as good as it looks.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Singapore\n, managed by Borneo Motors, has launched the new 4th generation Toyota Harrier where it will be sold in three different variants with prices starting from SGD160,888 all the way to SGD175,888. The all-new Harrier was \nlaunched in Japan in April last year\n.\nThe variants available are Elegance (non hybrid), Premium and Luxury; the latter two comes with a hybrid powertrain. The Elegance variant comes with a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine with 170 hp and 203 Nm, paired to a Direct Shift CVT gearbox.\nThe Premium and Luxury get a more powerful 2.4-litre engine with 176 hp and 221 Nm engine, aided with an electric motor that produces 118 hp and 202 Nm. Unlike the Direct Shift gearbox in the Elegance, the Premium and Luxury variants come with an eCVT gearbox. Fuel consumption is rated as low as 4.7L/100km in the hybrid variants.\n18-inch wheels are standard, along with full LED lighting including the fog lights at the front and back. Other notable features offered across the board includes the adaptive high beam system, hands-free powered tailgate, and even a Harrier foot lamp logo. Interestingly, the Elegance variant of the 4th generation Toyota Harrier still comes with a cable operated fuel lid release, in 2021!\nInside, the 4th generation Toyota Harrier is equipped with a 10.5-inch head-up display, 7-inch multi-information display and 8-inch infotainment display with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.\nThere are also six speakers and four USB ports. The more distinct features, ventilated front seats, memory seats for the driver are only available in the top two variants. As for the auto dimming panoramic glass roof, it\u2019s exclusively available only in the Luxury variant.\nAs for safety, there are seven airbags to count on, including side, curtain and driver knee airbags to count on along with pre-collision braking, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Lane Departure Alert.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just unveiled an all-black and limited edition\u00a0Triton Phantom Edition. Based on the Triton VGT Adventure variant, this 200-unit edition pickup dons additional bodykits and some visual enhancing touches to give it that macho edge.\nImprovements are mainly on the aesthetic side for this Thailand assembled pickup. To start off, there\u2019s a \nmatte black grille \nand\n front bumper\u00a0extender\n\u00a0at the front, complemented with the sinister word \u201c\nPhantom\n\u201d embedded\u00a0onto the bonnet \u2013 something that could make drivers at the front sweating their palms. Over at the back, the Phantom gets a\u00a0\nsports bar with full box\n and \nmatte black rear bumper\n.\nIt also receives a set of\u00a0\n17-inch matte black alloy rims\n,\n\u00a0\nXenon HID Headlamps \nwith\n\u00a0LED daytime running lights\n\u00a0and exclusive \nPhantom black leather seats\n.\nNo mechanical changes were made to this Triton, hence it retains the tried and proven\u00a0\n2.5-litre four-cylinder engine\n with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT), producing\n 176 hp\n and\n 400 Nm of torque\n.\n\u00a0\nThe gearbox too is unchanged \u2013 a\n\u00a0five-speed automatic gearbox \nand\n\u00a0Easy Select 4WD \nsystem as well.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Edition is all yours at\u00a0\nRM115,680.76 \nand comes with a 3-year factory warranty. Putting the icing on the cake is MMM\u2019s 2-year Free Maintenance with RM2,000 cash rebates or free labour with RM4,000 cash rebates.\nIf you haven\u2019t yet seen the Phantom in the flesh, you\u2019d like how it looks just from the video below where Leona Chin, Malaysia\u2019s darling girl drifter pranks unsuspecting customers by drifting the pickup under the pretext of a test drive. Be sure to watch the video and check out the Triton Phantom Edition for yourself!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation has released a 2-minute video featuring the new \n4th generation Toyota Harrier\n following its launch in Japan just a month ago. While we may not comprehend Japanese, we can appreciate the SUV\u2019s beauty on the move.\nIt may have retained somewhat the same form and silhouette as the \nprevious generation model we reviewed\n, but the new Harrier seems to have undergone a strict workout regime and a dramatic cosmetic surgery.\nThe front end features slimmer headlights with sharper edges than before, while the grille panel has been significantly reduced in size \u2013 lending a sleeker, more edgy look \u2013 while still instantly recognisable as a Harrier.\n \nOn the side, the Harrier\u2019s doors are more sculptured, with a profound character line that runs across the front and rear door handles \u2013 leading the eye to the new slimmer tail lights where the most significant changes, in our opinion, are at.\nIn fact, it\u2019ll probably be the main selling point of the new Harrier \u2013 the only sales pitch every Toyota salesmen needs \u2013 as the new Harrier now comes with tail lights that stretches end-to-end across the tailgate. Now we usually refrain from the futile exercise of describing how a car looks but these little nip and tucks have effectively made the Harrier look less lethargic and more athletic.\n \nA little blast from the past with the previous generation Toyota Harrier. \nUnfortunately, we\u2019re afraid that it ends there. When it comes to actual athleticism, in terms of performance, we\u2019re not quite convinced how the new Harrier would pull its weight (convincingly) with the omission of the powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine featured in the previous generation model we tested \u2013 the \nfirst of the Harriers officially imported into the country by UMW Toyot\na Moto\nr\n.\nOn that note, if the response received by UMW Toyota Motor is anything to go by, after the company decided to officially introduce the Harrier in Malaysia along with a comprehensive warranty to stave off competition from local grey importers, \nstretching waiting periods to 18 months at one point\n, this one should cause the same stir \u2013 judging solely on its looks \u2013 in a good way, if not a bigger one."
"You\u2019ve already seen the specifications of the newly launched \nG30 BMW 530e Sport PHEV\n\u00a0so\u00a0now let GC Mah tell you what the fifth BMW iPerformance model in Malaysia is like to drive while on his way to Salzburg, Austria.\nLaunched with a RM 343,800 price tag, the BMW 530e Sport PHEV comes with a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine with a combined output of \n248 hp\n and\n 420 Nm\n of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.2 seconds, onward to a top speed of 235 km/h.\nFor more info on the Malaysian-spec BMW 530e Sport PHEV, watch the brief introductory video hosted by Adrian \nhere\n."
"The new Toyota Prius PHV (Plug-in Hybrid) is now officially on sale in Europe. This is the second-gen Prius PHV offered in the continent and boasts an improved EV range of 50km \u2013 that\u2019s twice as much as its successor!\nBased largely on the \nPrius Prime\n, the PHV actually looks a little less exciting than the standard\u00a0\nfourth-generation Prius\n. Apart from subtle design tweaks to the fascia, the grille now receives an automatic shutter which closes to reduce drag when cooling air isn\u2019t required.   At the back, it has a longer rear overhang and a new rear spoiler adds the final touch to differentiate itself with the standard Prius. Drag coefficient is rated at 0.25, which is slightly higher than the regular Prius and the \nHyundai Ioniq\n. The Prius PHV pictured here is finished in the Spirited Aqua colour, and is exclusive to the model.\nJust like the other Prius, the \n2ZR-FXE 1.8-litre\n Atkinson-cycle petrol engine is paired with a electric motors, delivering a total output of \n120 hp\n. Power is delivered via the usual e-CVT.\nA new and improved \n8.8kWh battery\n\u00a0is double the capacity from before, juicing the new Dual Motor Drive. Toyota says EV power is significantly better (83 percent higher boost) over its predecessor. A full charge from zero takes about three hours using a domestic socket.\nIt sprints from 0 to 100km/h in\n 11.1 seconds\n and top speed is\u00a0\n162 km/h\n.\u00a0What truly stands out is the fuel consumption figure \u2013 an unbelievable\u00a0\n1.0 litres per 100 km\n! This means the Prius PHV is currently the cleanest PHEV to have ever existed!\nThe Prius PHV sits atop the\u00a0\nToyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)\n, therefore sharing salient traits such as strong and rigid chassis, lower centre of gravity and sharper handling. As for now, the fourth-gen Prius has yet to be offered to our market.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Barely after a week introducing the facelifted \nX3 F25 LCI\n, \nBMW Group Malaysia\n launches the \nF26 X4 Sports Activity Coupe\n (SAC). Following the success of the X6 SAC, the X4 is set to mirror the steps of the X6, but in a more compact package.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X4 xDrive28i\nSegment\nCompact SAC\nEngine\n1,997cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol\nMax Power\n245 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,800 rpm\nPrice\nRM 438,800.00 (M Sport RM 468,800.00)\n \n\u00a0\nWhile the X6 is related to the X5, it\u2019s logical for the X4 to be related with the X3. Although the X3 is available here in both petrol and diesel flavours, the X4 is only available with a petrol engine which is called the X4 xDrive28i.\nEXTERIOR\n \nDimension-wise, the X4 roughly shares almost the same footprint as the X3. The front looks similar to the X3 LCI that was recently introduced, but the X4 gains a shapelier bumper. The trademark kidney grille and bonnet remains the same as in the X3 but after the A pillar, everything went sloping down all the way to the tailgate.   Side profile is the vehicle\u2019s main design characteristic of being an SAC. Obviously the X4 is lower (51mm lower) than the X3, but the dropping roofline might rob a bit of the headroom for the rear passengers. There\u2019s still \n500 litres\n of luggage space under that tailgate, and extendable for up to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded down.\nThere\u2019s also the optional \nM Sport package\n that features \nM Aerodynamics package\n for the exterior, and a different set of wheels but measuring the same \n19-inch\n diameter as the standard variant.\nINTERIOR\n \nThe dashboard is shared with the X3, and the X4 also finished in \nxLine trim\n which includes the xLine door sills and a \n205W\n, \nnine-speaker\n audio system as standard. Upgrade to \nM Sport\n and you will get the door sills replaced with a set of \u201cM\u201d items, a \n600W Harman Kardon\n sound system with \n16 speakers\n, and a pair of front\n sports seats\n.   Head-Up Display\n is exclusive to the M Sport variant, but both variants will be fitted with dual zone auto climate control, auto lights, auto wipers, 40-20-40 split folding rear seats, navigation system, a rear tailgate that opens and closes by sensing a leg movement under the rear bumper, and a rear view camera.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nThe\n 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged\n engine in the X4 xDrive28i produces\n 245 hp\n at 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque at 1,250 \u2013 4,800 rpm. This should enable the X4 to sprint from \n0-100 km/h\n in just \n6.4 seconds\n. \nTop speed\n is \n232 km/h\n.\nPower is sent to the \nxDrive all wheel drive system\n with variable torque distribution via the same \n8-speed automatic\n with \nECO PRO\n mode with \ncoasting function\n that helps to achieve a fuel consumption of \n7.3 l/100 km\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nBMW Group Malaysia also organized a xDrive Experience for local media using the X1, the new\u00a0\nX3 F25 LCI\n, the recently \nfacelifted X5 F15\n and of course, the BMW X4. We went on road and off road to rest out the xDrive capabilities, impressive nonetheless.\nBuyers will be able to choose from five colours, Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Sparkling Brown, and Melbourne Red but the last colour is offered exclusively to the X4 with M Sport Package. The X4 xDrive28i retails at \nRM 438,800.00\n and comes with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI), but you have to top up another \nRM 30,000.00\n for the\n M Sport Package\n.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n [divider]\nPHOTO GALLERY"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has just announced that the company is increasing the production capacity of the all-new \nNissan Serena S-Hybrid\n to cope with the heightened demand. To date, ETCM has collected 5,500 bookings and of that, 4,000 units have been delivered as of 30 October 2018.\nSales and Marketing Director of ETCM, Christopher Tan said: \u201cOur assembly plant (TCMA) has been focusing on increasing its production whilst ensuring the highest level of product quality, and continuously speeding the deliveries. We are extremely thankful to our valued customers for their continuous support, understanding and patience.\u201d\n \n \nAccording to ETCM personnel, with the increased production, the company is expected to fulfil the remaining backlog orders up to October 2018 by the end of November.\nEquipped with an improved 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid system and CVT, the front-wheel-drive Serena S-Hybrid commands \n150 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. Other innovative features such as Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, seven USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) and Smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto makes the Serena S-Hybrid the number one MPV in Japan."
"Only about a month after the launch of the 2022 Ford Ranger, \nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)\n has now teased the all-new 2022 \nFord Everest\n for Malaysia. Only one mystery image has been shared by the Malaysian Ford distributor, telling us to \u201csave the date\u201d for September 23, 2022, for the launch of the new Everest.\nLike how the Fortuner and Pajero are related to the Hilux and Triton, the Everest is built on the same platform as the Ranger. And like the \nall-new Ranger\n, the 2022 Ford Everest sports the same C-Clamp headlight design as seen in the teaser image shared by SDAC.\nUnveiled globally in March this year, the Ford Everest has already made its debut in Thailand in several variants, including a 2.0L Turbo Sport 4X2 6AT and a 2.0L Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4X4 10AT. In Thailand, the Ford Everest fetches a price of 1.464 million baht (approx. \nRM183,230\n) for the Sport variant and 1.854 million baht (approx. \nRM232,000\n) for the Titanium variant.\nBoth the single-turbo and bi-turbo diesel engines offered in the Thai-spec Everest are already available in the Malaysian version of the 2022 Ford Ranger, so we are expecting to see the same powertrains to be used on the Malaysian-spec Everest as well. The single turbo engine produces \n170 hp\n and \n405 Nm\n, while the bi-turbo engine produces \n210 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\nRELATED: \nFord\u2019s proudest feature on the 2022 Ranger is not what you think it is\nInside the cabin, the Thai-spec Ford Everest is equipped with either a 12-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit depending on the variant. Advanced safety features in the Thai-spec Everest include daptive cruise control (ACC) with stop and go, lane-keeping assist (LKA) and lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot detection (BSD), forward collision warning (FCW) with brake support, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) and evasive steer assist.\nThe 2022 Ford Everest for Malaysia is likely to be equipped just as well.\nALSO WATCH: \nAll-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia, from RM109K"
"BMW Malaysia today introduced the \nall-new BMW X6\n on our shores. Available in a single variant at launch, the BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport will retail at \nRM729,800.\nBased on the \nG05 X5\n, the two share a very similar, imposing front end. The X6 gets a more angular pentagonal kidney grille, and it even comes with the \u2018Iconic Glow\u2019 illumination for the extra wow-factor.\nFlanking the large kidney grille are the BMW Laserlights headlights with high-beam assistant. The slim-line headlights design, along with the horizontal LED fog lights emphasises the vehicles width (15 mm wider than before), giving it a more prominent stance.\nThe BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport is equipped with the BMW Individual Exterieur Line package in \u201cAluminium satinated\u201d, which covers the kidney grille, window surrounds, and roof railings in satin aluminium.\nThe rear is characterised by the full-LED three-dimensional taillights, reimagining the familiar BMW L-shape. The large air vents at the sides, which BMW calls \u201cAir Breathers\u201d, further accentuate the overt styling of the coupe SAV.\nDecked out in M Sport gear, the X6 comes equipped with 21-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 741 M Bicolour design, Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport brake, as well as M Sport exhaust system.\nInside, the familiar BMW driver-centric dashboard in the X6 features twin 12.3-inch display panels \u2013 one each for the BMW Live Cockpit Professional instrument cluster and the infotainment system, running on BMW Operating System 7.0.\nRear passengers don\u2019t miss out on the fun too, as the X6 is equipped with two 10-inch touchscreen displays at the back, as part of the Rear-seat Entertainment Professional package.\nOther standard interior items include four-zone climate control, Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround sound system, head-up display, two-part panoramic glass roof that is now 83% larger, as well as the \u2018CraftedClarity\u2019 glass shifter knob for the extra touch of exclusivity.\nThanks to the M Sport package, the all-new X6 also comes with M leather steering wheel, as well as sport seats for the front occupants \u2013 upholstered in Vernasca leather as standard. As standard, the local-spec BMW X6 also comes with a BMW Display Key, which can be charged wirelessly inside the car \u2013 along with your mobile phone.\nUnder the hood of the BMW X6 xDrive40i is a \nthree-litre in-line six engine\n, generating \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. The powerplant is paired to an\n eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission\n, sending power to all four wheels via the BMW xDrive system.\nBMW quotes a century sprint time of\n 5.5 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of\n 250 km/h\n. While driving more sensibly, BMW says that the X6 xDrive40i can achieve a fuel consumption figure of \n9.0 l/100km\n.\nThe all-new BMW X6 is sprung with double-wishbone up front, and a five-link rear suspension at the rear. Unsurprisingly in a car of this calibre, the X6 comes with all the software wizardries such as Dynamic Damper Control, and Driving Experience Control, allowing you to tune the car to suit your mood and driving style.\nSafety wise, the local-spec X6 comes equipped with BMW\u2019s Driving Assistant Professional suite, which includes rear Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Change Warning, Active Cruise Control with \u2018stop and go\u2019 functions, as well as Steering and Lane Control Assistant with narrow passage support.\nParking Assistant Plus is also available as standard, which includes the standard Parking Assistant, as well as the Reversing Assistant which remembers the last 50 metres of the drive, allowing you to back-out of a tight spot semi-automatically along the same route.\nThe all-new BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport is offered in six exterior shades \u2013 Manhattan, Artic Grey, Riverside Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Flamenco Red. As for the interior, the Vernasca leather is available in either Black (available for all exterior colours) or Tacora Red (not available for Manhattan and Riverside Blue pairings).\nThe BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport is now available for booking at BMW\u2019s new digital showroom at \nwww.shop.bmw.com.my\n, with a booking fee of RM5,000.\nAlongside the X6, BMW Malaysia has also launched the \n840i Gran Coupe\n.\nAs with all modern BMW vehicles, the X6 comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service programme, 24-month tyre warranty programme for the run-flat tyres, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Service Online, as well as access to the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App with the included BMW White Card.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the all-new BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport can also be owned with \nmonthly instalment plans starting from RM8,328\n (based on estimates of a 80% loan, on a five-year tenure)."
"Aston Martin has just announced that the \u201cDBS\u201d nameplate will make a comeback in their next-generation flagship Super GT. The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, as it is officially called, will complete the British Marque\u2019s Second Century Plan to replace each of its existing two-door sportscar models.\nThe upcoming DBS Superleggera will be the replacement for the Vanquish, promising \u201chighest levels of performance, craftsmanship and design\u201d. Looking at the new cars coming out from Gaydon, you can bet your hopes on that statement.\n \n \nChief Creative Officer of Aston Martin, Marek Reichman said, \u201cWhen you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is. It\u2019s the definitive Aston Martin Super GT. It\u2019s an icon, a statement and this one will be no different. We\u2019ve pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure it\u2019s worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries\u201d.\nExpect the new Super GT to be powered by a derivative of the DB11\u2019s \nV12\n and \nV8\n twin-turbo powertrains \u2013 pushing out well over\n 600 hp\n on the V12 and over \n500 hp\n if it\u2019s a V8. If the company were to follow the Vanquish product strategy, we may also see a hotter \u201cS\u201d (\nVanquish S\n) variant to join the line up in the future. The new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera will be revealed in the second quarter of 2018."
"Just like how Mercedes-Benz and Audi are expanding their SUV lineup, BMW is also following suit. As of now, the Bavarian giant has plans to introduce the X7 flagship, but before that let\u2019s draw our attention to the BMW Concept X2.\nDebuted just recently at the Paris Motor Show, the Concept X2 is basically a sportier version of the \nX1\n. The X1 is a conventional four-door SUV, but here the Concept X2 is breaking away from the norm, and fuses coupe-like design, giving it a sportier and more muscular stance.   At the back, the\u00a0scalpel-like headlights and the dual exhaust pipes complete the look, making the Concept X2 a tad more distinctive compared to the \nX4\n and \nX6\n.\nThe signature kidney grille here is glaringly oversized, but the devil\u2019s in the details. BMW cheekily flipped it upside down in order to bring character to this concept.\u00a0Keen loyalists will be pleased that there\u2019s a BMW logo right next to the Hofmeister kink in this X2.\nJudging from the X1 it\u2019s based upon, the X2 could be sharing the X1\u2019s 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo mill\u00a0and the sDrive front-wheel drive configuration. Do expect a production-ready X2 sometime next year or in 2018, probably with a less over-the-top bodywork and\u00a0smaller\u00a0tyres.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota has developed a new airless painting method that uses static electricity instead of air, to replace the conventional ways used in the vehicle body painting process.\nThe newly developed airless painter, the \nfirst of its kind in the world\n, achieves over \n95% coating efficiency\n (the amount of paint sprayed versus the amount that actually sticks onto the vehicle body), the \nhighest in the world\n, from conventional efficiency of approximately 60 to 70%.\nBy doing so, the company is also expected to reduce its CO2 emissions by about 7%.\nToyota is advancing its efforts to achieve its \u201cPlant Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge\u201d, one of the targets included in the \nToyota Environmental Challenge 2050\n announced back in 2015.\nUsing conventional painting methods, paint particles are scattered by the air ricocheting off the vehicle body. By comparison, the new airless painting method uses electricity to spray the paint (electrostatic atomiser) and the statically charged particles coat in such a way that they gravitate toward the vehicle body (electrostatic painting) thereby \nachieving higher coating efficiency\n.\nElectrostatic atomisation technology is \nused in beauty treatment devices\n and other instruments that spray fine amounts of liquid but as with typical Japanese resourcefulness to fine tune and optimise, with Toyota, it\u2019s applied to vehicle body painting.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nPorsche Macan Turbo\n is the top of the line variant in the Macan SUV line-up. With a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6, the Turbo packs a fearsome amount of power under its hood. Even so, the guys at Porsche felt the need to give the engine a little rub.\nPorsche has just introduced a Performance Package to extract an additional \n40 hp\n and \n50 Nm\n from the engine, bringing the total output to \n440 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. This brings the century sprint time down 0.4 seconds to a blistering \n4.4 seconds\n. Porsche also said with the Sport Plus mode engaged, the acceleration time from 80 km/h to 120 km/h has reduced by 0.2 seconds to \n2.9 seconds\n. With the upgrade, the Macan Turbo can achieve speeds of up to 272 km/h compared to the standard 266 km/h.\nTo compliment the significant power upgrade, Porsche has also made some tweaks to the brakes, suspension and chassis. Firstly, the front brakes are now 30mm larger than standard and features a six-piston brake callipers painted in red. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has been tuned to be 15mm lower. An active air suspension that lowers the ride height by 10mm can also be specified, for a price.\nAdditionally, to differentiate the Performance Package Macan Turbo, customers can tailor their Macan with a range of exterior options. This includes 21-inch 911 Turbo design wheels and gloss black accents around the main headlamps. The interior can be specified with black leather with Alcantara combination, coloured or carbon trims in numerous area.\nNo news if this package will be made available in Malaysia yet, but we feel that it\u2019s only a matter of time before Porsche Malaysia introduces this.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford, through Sime Darby Auto Connexion, has introduced a limited edition variant of its popular compact SUV, the \nKuga Special Edition\n. It\u2019s priced at RM168,888 inclusive of road tax and insurance; that\u2019s nearly \nRM8,000 more\n than the standard Kuga.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Kuga Special Edition\nEngine\n1,596cc; GTDI EcoBoost with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TI-VCT)\nTransmission\n6-Speed SelectShift Automatic\nMax Power\n178 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 2,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM168,888 (OTR \nWITH\n insurance)\n\u00a0\nFor that chunk a dough, you get retractable panoramic sunroof, new 19-inch alloy wheels (17-inch on the standard), \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n, electronically adjustable leather seats, automatic parking system, active park assist and collision mitigation by braking. The SE\u2019s cabin will also benefit from multi-coloured LED ambient lighting system. Honestly, that\u2019s an absolute steal of a package added on top of an already impressive and popular SUV.\nPowering the Kuga SE is the same 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine punching \n178 horsepower\n at 5,700 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque at 2,500 rpm.\u00a0There\u2019s also a \nspecial colour\n to go with the variant \u2013 Ginger Ale. For those who don\u2019t know, the Kuga was given a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating with an overall score of 88 percent, the highest in the compact SUV segment. To add to that, the Kuga also retains its \nseven airbags\n count.\nPackaged in the Kuga SE is Ford\u2019s Extended Service Plan (ESP), which is a \nthree-year or 60,000km\n maintenance programme covering parts and labour for free. The ESP also covers free replacements for selected wear and tear parts, such as spark plugs, shock absorbers, engine belts, brake pads and even wiper blades.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Petronas Dagangan Berhad announced that their Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 is now available at 20 Petronas Station spanning across five states in the Peninsular. It\u2019s a part of their move to offer the better quality diesel in at least 50 stations by end of 2016, as reported earlier. Below is the list of the stations currently offering Euro 5 diesel:\nJohor:\nLebuhraya Pasir Gudang\nLinkedua Arah Selatan\nJalan Mawai, Kota Tinggi (Tun Sri Lanang)\nSelangor:\nNKVE Damansara\nNKVE Klang Bound\nTechnology Park Malaysia 1\nFederal Highway FAS\nFederal Highway Temasya\nKM 0.7 Besraya Arah Utara (Solaris Serdang)\nKM 305 Plus Arah Selatan (Solaris Putra)\nKM 12.3 Federal Highway Arah Klang\nSilk Highway\nUSJ 20\nWilayah Persekutuan:\nMutiara Damansara\nSprint Highway\nTaman Melati\nLingkaran Tengah 2\nMRR2 Arah Kepong\nPahang:\nBentong R&R\nNegeri Sembilan:\nMambau\nAt the recent \nPetronas Dynamic Xperience\n drive from KL to JB, a few concerns were also addressed during the feedback session with the participants, particularly with the implementation of \nB10 biodiesel\n. Petronas Fuel Engineer, \nMr Mohamad Hafiz Abd Aziz\n ensures that when the time comes, the B10 biodiesel will only be implemented on their \nEuro 2M diesel\n while their \nEuro 5 will remain with B7 blend\n.\nHe also added that upgrading works is underway on their Pengerang plant to be able to \nproduce Euro 5 diesel locally by 2019\n, but meanwhile the fuel will continue to be sourced from Singapore.\nOn the latest Dynamic Xperience, they\u2019ve invited a few members from various luxury car clubs to experience the \nDynamic Diesel Euro 5\n on their own rides. Previous Dynamic Xperience events have involved off-road excursions in Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, and Pahang using their Euro 2M Dynamic Diesel.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In a biannual report by Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) today, the sales figures for all cars for the first half of the year were shared. The total industry volume for the first six months of the year was \n366,037 units\n which is a 1.29% growth from the same period last year. Topping the charts is \nPerodua\n with \n144,690\n units sold.\nFor the first half of the year, Perodua saw \n144,690 units\n sold which results in a 39.5% market share. \nProton\n follows closely behind with \n76,012 units\n sold and a 20.8% market share. This is followed by \nToyota\n with \n48,145 units\n (13.2% market share), \nHonda\n with \n33,727 units \n(9.2% market share), and\n \nMitsubishi\n with \n11,811 units \n(3.2% market share).\nCompared to the same period last year, Perodua saw a 14% growth from 127,343 units. As for Proton, the company saw a 32% growth (the largest in the top 5) from 57,402 units. Toyota, on the other hand, saw a 6% growth. While the top three companies report growth for the first six months of 2023, Honda and Mitsubishi sales reportedly shrunk by 15% and 6% respectively.\nAs for the total industry volume for the first six months of the year, the Malaysian automotive industry saw a peak in March with 78,894 units sold. It was the year\u2019s highest monthly number. As for the trend, the TIV saw growth up to March due to the PENJANA incentives but later saw an immediate drop in April with 47,765 units sold. Sales later picked up again in May and June with 63,103 units and 62,569 units respectively.\nGALLERY"
"Want to hear something even more mind-blowing? The grand prize winner, Ashwin Radha Nathan from Sabah, did not even buy the toothbrush himself to participate in the Menang Menang Menang campaign \u2013 his sister did!\nWhen asked if and how he\u2019d split the car with his sister, Ashwin gracefully replied, \u201cI\u2019ll give it to her\u201d. While we wouldn\u2019t hold him to it, you must be wondering how lady luck shares her fortune; we\u2019re left scratching our heads too.\nTwo 1st prize winners \neach walked away with RM38,000 cash while a further\n 10 2nd prize winners\n pocketed RM8,000 each. \n10 3rd prize winners \nwalked away with a 3D2N holiday package with RM2,000 pocket money.\nThat\u2019s not all,\n 100 special prize winners\n were not left empty handed with product hampers. Overall, the campaign garnered close to 50,000 entries.\n \nCoinciding with the 62\nnd\n anniversary of Merdeka Day on 31 August as well as Malaysia Day after that, the Menang Menang Menang aimed to encourage Malaysians to support local products whilst cultivating a patriotic spirit.\u00a0\nIn keeping with the patriotic theme of the campaign, the \nProton X70 Premium\n was selected to headline the campaign as the Grand Prize.\u00a0\n\u201cThe Proton X70 is one of the most sophisticated vehicles currently on sale in the market. It not only proudly carries Malaysian branding, but also offers consumers fantastic value for their money. These qualities are also embodied by Yee Lee\u2019s products, and it is the reason why we chose it as grand prize of the\n \ncampaign,\u201d said Bobby Ang, Managing Editor of Aurizn.\nThe collaboration between Yee Lee Corporation Bhd and Aurizn is the first collaboration of its kind between a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company and an automotive media.\n\u201cYee Lee has been in business for more than 50 years, having been established in 1968, when Malaysia was just formed. We lived through the ups and downs of this country, we have grown and prospered together with it, and we are proudly Malaysian,\u201d said Mr Lim Ee Young, Group Managing Director of Yee Lee Corporation.\n\u201cWe currently carry a wide range of home-grown fast-moving consumer goods that benefit all Malaysians with competitive pricing and superior quality. From cooking oil, to detergent, oral care products, and even instant noodles, our products are there to serve Malaysians for their daily needs,\u201d he added."
"Mazda UK has just officially launched the updated Mazda MX-5 (convertible and RF) for their local market. The new open-top sportscar gets the uprated 2.0-litre SKyActiv-G engine, upgraded i-ActivSense safety tech and a more refined cabin.\nAt the forefront of this update is the reworked 2.0-litre naturally four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with lighter pistons and con-rod, revised camshaft, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake. The result 24 hp and 5 Nm gain in power to \n184 hp\n and\n 205 Nm\n of torque as well as a higher redline of \n7,500 rpm\n (previously 6,800 rpm).\nAs for the smaller 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, it benefits from improved combustion and reduced internal friction that nets it a power increase of \n132 hp\n and \n152 Nm\n of torque.\nThe more powerful 2.0-litre MX-5 convertible now completes the century sprint in\n 6.5 seconds\n, 0.8 seconds quicker than before while the RF version accelerates 0.6 seconds quicker with the six-speed manual box and 0.5 seconds quicker for the six-speed automatic variant. Mazda has also retuned the exhaust silencer to allow the exhaust note to sing a cleaner and more powerful tune.\nThe enhanced performance did not sacrifice efficiency as well, with the new engines being compliant to the stringent Euro 6d Temp emission regulations thanks to more efficient combustion, i-ELOOP and i-stop kinetic recovery and stop-start technology.\nOn the safety front, UK-bound MX-5 will come equipped with Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert amongst others."
"How do you pay homage to a super sportscar with a rich history and cult-like following? For Honda, and specifically the \nNSX\n team, it\u2019s about creating an engine that is truly worthy of its name.\nIn a video released by Honda\u2019s luxury vehicle division, Acura, NSX global development chief Ted Klaus shares his idealogy behind the beating heart of the mid-ship sports car.\n \nHand built in Honda\u2019s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, USA, the bespoke hybrid twin-turbocharged V6 engine is not something that you\u2019d naturally expect from an NSX, given its heritage \u2013 the original NSX used a 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine that was derived from an existing product from the Honda line-up.\nHowever, Klaus said that \u201cThe development leaders of the original NSX told us not to copy what they did. NSX is all about pushing into the future and going beyond.\u201d\nThe engine was developed and built with racing in mind with the get go, from the engine placement, to the angle between the pistons \u2013 exactly 75 degrees. Sure enough, the same engine powered the NSX GT3 race car to multiple victories in \u201calmost bone-stock\u201d form.\nThe video also goes more in depth into the engine\u2019s place of origin \u2013 a 4,000 square foot room in the Anna Engine Plant, where each engine is hand-built from start to finish by a single craftsman.\nWe car enthusiasts are a weird bunch who can argue about almost everything \u2013 but if there\u2019s one thing that can pique everyone\u2019s interest, it\u2019ll be watching an engine being built in an almost tranquilising manner; a master demonstrating his craft."
"Land Rovers are possibly best known for their talents in adapting to the most extreme of terrains and almost limitless ability to scale the roads least traveled.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=9DsK0SH0h9s\nTheir most recent feat, is on a whole new level \u2013 possibly of the highest order. We\u2019ve a Range Rover hauling a Boeing airplane many years ago, this time the Discovery Td6 displayed its impressive towing capabilities by pulling a \n100-meter road train\n, a common sight in the vast Outback regions of Australia, to celebrate the arrival of the 2018 Discovery.\nThe Td6 may have a \nmaximum certified towing capacity of 3,500kg\n on public\u00a0roads but it towed a \n110-tonne road train\n, using a factory-fitted tow bar attachment, for a distance of 16 km without a single hint of struggle. This was only possible with Discovery\u2019s 3.0-litre diesel engine producing over \n254 hp\n and\n 600 Nm\n of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through an 8-speed transmission.\nThe single turbo engine features low-pressure exhaust re-circulation and a two-stage oil pump for improved response, refinement and efficiency which as a result can return a healthy fuel economy rating of \n7.2L/100km\n (claimed).\nIt\u2019s the latest stunt in a series of successful towing demonstrations by the Discovery range. In 1989, during the launch of the original Discovery I, it was used to pulled a train and last year, the Discovery Sport premium compact SUV towed a trio of rail carriages over the Rhine River.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During Toyota Motor Thailand\u2019s 60th anniversary celebration yesterday, the marque\u2019s President and CEO, Akio Toyoda, unveiled not one, but two new pick-up truck concepts as part of its (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) IMV pick-up truck portfolio, designed to cover \u201ctwo different ends of the automotive spectrum for different needs and different customers\u201d.\nToyota IMV 0 Concept\nThe first, dubbed internally IMV 0, is a \u201ctruly affordable\u201d and versatile pick-up designed to \u201csupport economic growth and mobility for all\u201d. It gets a pretty rugged-looking exterior design with a unique flatbed-like truck bed at the rear, although it\u2019s meant to act as a \u201cblank canvas\u201d for owners to customise according to their use cases, ranging from food trucks to delivery vehicles.\nNo other specifications on the IMV 0 have been revealed just yet, including its powertrain, but Toyoda confirmed that the model will eventually make it into production, despite still being \u201cover a year away\u201d.\nToyota Hilux Revo BEV Concept\nFor us, however, it\u2019s the second concept that really piqued our interest. It\u2019s called the \u201cHilux Revo BEV Concept\u201d, and as the name suggests, it\u2019s a fully-electric, battery powered\n Hilux\n pick-up truck.\nIt\u2019s based on the single-cab, workhorse variant of the \ncurrent Toyota Hilux\n, with the only visible difference being the new closed-off grille up front, new headlamps, as well as an additional charging port on the front left fender of the pick-up truck.\nThe ladder frame chassis had to be modified to accommodate the electric powertrain, but aside from mentioning that the Thai engineers had a hand in designing the concept, the company did not reveal any specifics regarding its technical details, nor when \u2013 or even if \u2013 the concept will eventually become a production vehicle.\nDespite the company previously committing to a carbon neutrality target, Toyoda was quick to point out that they still do not think that there\u2019s a \u201cone-size-fits-all approach\u201d to vehicles and powertrains. \u201cI believe we need to be realistic about when society will be able to fully adopt Battery Electric Vehicles and when our infrastructure can support them at scale,\u201d he said during the presentation.\nRELATED: \nToyota Hilux swaps diesel for hydrogen, development of FCEV pickup begins\n\u201cBecause just like the fully autonomous cars that we were all supposed to be driving by now, I think BEVs are just going to take longer to become mainstream than the media would like us to believe. And Frankly, BEVs are not the only way to achieve the world\u2019s carbon neutrality goals.\n\u201cPersonally, I would rather pursue every option, not just one \u2013 options such as emission-free synthetic fuels and hydrogen. I still believe Hydrogen is as promising a technology for our future as BEV.\u201d\nSo what does that mean for the fully-electric Toyota Hilux? Your guess is as good as anyone\u2019s at this point in time. But with most major pick-up makers in the world, including Ford and Ram, all already committing to electric versions in the near future, it seems like it will soon become inevitable for Toyota too.\nThis also isn\u2019t the first time Toyota has shown off a fully-electric pick-up concept. When the company \nannounced its BEV plans for the decade\n last year, they\u2019ve also shown off a pick-up EV concept, although that particular model resembles the larger American-market Tundra more than the Hilux.\nALSO READ: \nToyota & Lexus to launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030"
"In 2017, Mazda sold around 1.6 million cars across the globe \u2013 its highest ever total. You\u2019d think that tidy number would slot them comfortably in the top 10, didn\u2019t you?\nIn an age where multi-brand groups or alliances rule (VW, Toyota and Renault-Nissan groups all topped 10 million each), 1.6 million would only place Mazda at a modest 15\nth\n place, behind the likes of Honda (7\nth\n at over five million units), Suzuki (10\nth\n at over three million units) and even Geely (13\nth\n at close to two million units).\nKudo espouses Mazda\u2019s vision to always produce cars that fulfill lives, yet be gentle on the environment.\n\u201cMazda is still small, our resources are limited, besides we have no intention to become a big manufacturer like Nissan or Toyota,\u201d said Hidetoshi Kudo over small talk on the eve of the \nMazda Asian Tech Forum 2018\n. Kudo carries a lengthy job designation and a weighty responsibility to match, it reads as \u2018Executive Officer in charge of R&D Administration and Product Strategy\u2019.\nFive consecutive years of growth, but is it enough?\nIt\u2019s almost alien these days to hear an automotive executive not talk about growing sales numbers or paint a rosy picture of how a brand is going places. After all, Mazda is on the back of five consecutive years of sales growth (globally), but to profit in this cutthroat business, surely it has to sell more cars. Maybe Kudo-san is just being humble.\nBut as the Mazda Asian Tech Forum 2018 (held at the Mine Proving Grounds in Nagao, Japan) unfurled the next morning (on a Sunday no less), it soon became clear this is a car company that is charting its own course.\nA test mule fitted with the next-generation Skyactiv-X powertrain and technology.\nInstead of painting a future of electrified vehicles driven by computers, like so many others are doing, Mazda is convinced that the good old internal combustion engine (ICE) has much more to offer in the next generation lean-burn compression ignition Skyactiv-X engines (which we will cover in the next installment), but more importantly, pleasing the driver and passengers is central to that vision. Don\u2019t fret, Zoom-Zoom is alive and well.\nA more holistic solution to a problem\nIt\u2019s not that Mazda doesn\u2019t love polar bears or thinks global warming is a hoax, it\u2019s just that it adopts a more holistic view in how greenhouse gases are tabulated while still meeting regulatory compliance.\nMazda takes into account emissions from well-to-wheel (not just tail-pipe) and from the production and disposal life-cycle of a vehicle. It aims to reduce\u00a0corporate average well-to-wheel emission\u00a0to 50% of 2010\u2019s level by 2030.\nThis study by IEA says that ICE will still factor in 84% of all new vehicles in 2035.\nAccording to International Energy Agency\u2019s 2015 Energy Technology Perspective (which Mazda quoted), \ninternal combustion engines would still be present in 84% of all vehicles sold in the world in 2035\n, with the majority being hybrids (plug-ins or otherwise) while the remaining being pure EVs.\nThere are other studies which are more bullish on electrified vehicles but Mazda is working on the premise that the transition to pure electric will be gradual, and that improving and refining internal combustion technologies along with a shift to renewable power sources and best environmental practices remains the most realistic way to combat CO\n2\n in the foreseeable future.\nNot quite left field, but still plucky\nOf course, the best laid plans can easily be scuppered by policy changes by governments, e.g. the ban on ICE-powered cars could be brought forward in Europe. To this end, Mazda targets to launch mild hybrid models and even a fully electric one (rumoured to incorporate a rotary engine for on-board charging) as soon as next year.\nBetter late than never: Mazda to launch mild hybrid models and even one EV by 2019.\nInterestingly, a plug-in hybrid won\u2019t be ready till 2021, which only serves to highlight just how complex it is to develop a vehicle with a dual-power source as opposed to a straight EV. Kudo also alluded to the \ngrowing collaboration with Toyota\n on future EV models sharing the same platform. Though few details were revealed, this may well be the safety net for Mazda to fall back on.\nThe reality is, that has become increasingly difficult, if not impossible for independent carmakers to stand toe-to-toe against multi-brand conglomerates with economies of scale.\nMazda is an exception to the general rule, perhaps no longer as left field as when it championed rotary engines (which didn\u2019t quite work out) but still plucky enough to be producing the MX-5 Miata roadster as well as a range of mainstream cars that are genuinely good to drive while returning class-leading fuel efficiency.\nThat Mazda is betting on ICE is a gutsy move on its own, it won\u2019t be an easy ride in this period of transition, but nothing good is ever easy to do."
"In an effort to strengthen its commitment towards carbon neutrality, \nStellantis\n has announced a new partnership with Leader Energy Group to expand solar power energy generation at its plant in Gurun, Kedah.\nThe partnership covers the installation, operation, maintenance, and financing of new solar photovoltaic systems, which were installed on the rooftop of the Gurun plant in October after four months of on-site construction.\nAdopting solar power is another step in meeting Stellantis\u2019 2038 global carbon net-zero emissions target, as part of its \nDare Forward 2030\n strategy. The solar power system at the Gurun plant will be able to generate up to 2,189.81 Kilowatt peak (kWp) of electricity, and over the course of 21 years, the system is expected to generate 54.811 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy, accounting for an estimated 34% of the plant\u2019s annual energy consumption requirements.\nThe new renewable energy source will also offset approximately 1,963.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to 50,340 trees planted in a year.\nALSO READ: \nStellantis takes over Naza\u2019s Gurun plant as regional manufacturing hub\n\u201cStellantis is focused on building sustainable and profitable business models in the markets where we operate. We are excited to work with partners like Leader Energy that help us contribute to the fight against climate change,\u201d said Stellantis Head of ASEAN and General Distributors, Cirstophe Musy.\n\u201cThis partnership is a positive step for the ASEAN region and will assist Stellantis in achieving its industry-leading target of carbon net zero by 2038, mapped out in the \nDare Forward 2030\n strategy,\u201d he added.\nALSO READ: \nNew Peugeot cars now come with free 5-year warranty and maintenance\nThe collaboration with Leader Energy Group, a Malaysian-based power company with over 20 years of operation in the power sector across Asia Pacific, is part of Stellantis\u2019 continuous efforts to improve the energy efficiency of its operations around the world.\nEarlier this year, the company has also ramped up its solar projects in Michigan, U.S., as well as the implementation of solar power systems at its Mangualde plant in Portugal.\nStellantis \ntook over full ownership\n of the Gurun plant back in November 2021, which now serves as a regional hub that produces and supplies key Peugeot models including the \n2008\n, \n3008\n, and \n5008 \nto markets in ASEAN including Malaysia, Philippines, \nThailand\n, and Cambodia."
"Koenigsegg, the Swedish carmaker that makes \nultra-fast\n and ultra-limited \u201cmegacars\u201d such as the \nRegera\n and \nJesko\n, has just made a four-seater family car. It\u2019s called the Gemera, and of course being Koenigsegg, it\u2019s not just any regular family car.\nKoenigsegg founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg says, \u201cThe Gemera is a completely new category of car where extreme megacar meets spacious interior and ultimate environmental consciousness. We call it a Mega-GT.\u201d\nAnd just how \u201cMega\u201d is it? Well, just let the numbers do the talking \u2013\n 1700 hp\n,\n 3500 Nm\n of torque, 0 to 100 km/h in \n1.9 seconds\n, onward to a Vmax of \n400 km/h\n. \u2018Bonkers\u2019 or \u2018insane\u2019 might be better words here.\nPower comes from a electrified drivetrain \u2013 \n600 hp\n and\n 600 Nm\n from a two-litre three-cylinder twin-turbo Freevalve engine, named \u201cThe Friendly Giant\u201d, mounted behind the passengers midship, with power sent to the front wheels.\nThe rest of the power output comes from three electric motors \u2013 one for each rear wheel and one on the crankshaft of the engine, providing \n1,100 hp simultaneously\n, or 1,400 hp when counted individually.\nThe three motors can drive the Gemera silently all the way \nup to 300 km/h\n, and the 800V battery gives the \u201cMega-GT\u201d a pure-electric range of up to \n50 km\n.\nTo help you with all that grunt, the Koenigsegg Gemera comes with \nall-wheel steering\n and \nall-wheel torque vectoring\n to help with low-speed maneuvering, cornering, as well as high-speed stability.\nDespite having a long wheelbase of 3,000 mm, the all-wheel steering gives the Gemera \u201ccorners with agility and can achieve a turning radius only seen in smaller cars\u201d, according to Koenigsegg at least.\nWhile the performance is frankly mind-boggling, Koenigsegg doesn\u2019t want you to just focus on that either. Above all else, the Swedish carmaker says that the Mega-GT experience is meant to be \u201cshared with family and friends\u201d, fitting four adults and their carry-on luggage for \u201cfamily trips, in comfort, style and safety\u201d.\nTo do that, the Gemera comes with a surprisingly functional and plush interior, with no discount on equipment. All your regular family needs are here, including four individually heated memory foam seats, front and rear seat central 13-inch infotainment displays with front and rear wireless chargers, eight cup holders (four cooled and four heated), Apple CarPlay, 11-speaker sound system, tri-zone climate control, ISOFIX mounts on both rear seats, and even on board internet and Wi-Fi.\nSure, there are only two doors, but the \u201cKoenigsegg Automated Twisted Synchrohelix Actuation Doors\u201d or KATSAD is specifically made extra long, along with the absence of the B-Pillar, to make ingress and egress effortless for both front and rear passengers.\nAs for safety, the carbon fiber monocoque is fitted with six airbags, side- and rear-view cameras, stability control, TC, ABS, as well as an \u201cADAS 2.5\u201d advance driver assistance system.\nOf course, the very competent and very fast family car will definitely not come cheap \u2013 Koenigsegg didn\u2019t even bother mentioning the price in the press document for us mere mortals.\nHowever, with \nonly 300 units\n to be produced, those who can afford should definitely snap one up, quick.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s all about minimising time spent outdoors these days; whether it\u2019s going out to get food or groceries, limiting our movement and activity outside from home has been the only proven method in battling Covid-19.\nAs such, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is looking to address this matter with a new sales initiative that will give Volkswagen owners the option to have their cars delivered right to their doorstep.\nThe service is available at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide and if you\u2019re wondering what charges are like, delivery is free for owners\n located within a 20 km radius\n from their selected dealership.\nThese vehicles will be delivered on a flatbed carrier truck and will be fully covered in canvas to protect the exterior during delivery so the image shown is merely for illustration purposes. Adhering to strict safety guidelines, the carrier trucks are cleaned and disinfected before and after each delivery, with drivers regularly checked and practising Covid-19 safety measures.\n \nOwners will also receive an SMS notification once their new car has been collected from the dealership and is being delivered. As an added safety measure, the owner\u2019s Welcome Kit and documents will be safely placed in the locked car while the keys will be sealed in an envelope.\nFor owners seeking additional peace of mind, the \nVolkswagen Deep Sanitisation service\n package is now available \nwith prices starting from RM80 to RM150 depending on vehicle size\n. The treatment eradicates more than 99% of germs and bacteria inside the car and its air conditioning system."
"The \u2018Boss\u2019 is back to rule the roads, it is the all-new \nBMW X5\n. Officially launched today by BMW Group Malaysia, this third generation X5 is set to raise the benchmark of premium SUV market. Available in two variants, the petrol engine BMW X5 \nxDrive35i\n and the diesel engine BMW X5 \nxDrive30d\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X5\n \nSegment\nJ-Segment \u2013\u00a0Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) @ Sport Activity Vechicle (SAV)\nEngine\nPetrol \u2013 2,979cc 6-Cylinder In-line (305hp, 400Nm)\nDiesel \u2013 2,993cc 6-Cylinder In-line (258hp, 560Nm)\nPrice\nxDrive35i \u00a0 \u00a0RM 598,800\nxDrive30d\n\u00a0 \u00a0RM 558,800\n\u00a0\nWith the acquisition of Land Rover in 1994 by BMW, design and development began using Range Rover\u2019s parts and technology to build the first SUV by BMW. \u00a0From there, the first generation X5 codenamed \u2018E53\u2019 was introduced in 1999, which became an instant hit and somewhat changed the SUV scene drastically.\nSeven years later, its DNA was inherited by the second generation X5 (E70) except it had curvier lines and was\u00a0equipped with newer technologies. The third and latest generation was then unveiled in September 2013 at Frankfurt International Motor Show.\n\u201cSince its original introduction in 1999, the BMW X5 has remained the uncontested market leader in the premium SAV segment to this day. It is a matter of fact that the BMW X5 is known as \u2018\nThe Boss!\n\u2019 and we now welcome a new Boss in Malaysia,\u201d said\u00a0Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia.\nSpecifications\n \n \nExterior\n \nThe appearance of the new X5 carries the signature X model characteristics that shouts out power, strong presence and sportiness. It now has a more prominent face with larger kidney grille, with the headlights extended all the way to it.\nLighting the way is a pair of \nAdaptive LED Headlight\n that comprises an accent light, low-beam and high-beam function, anti-dazzle high-beam headlights, LED fog lights, cornering light, turn indicators, daytime driving lights and Adaptive Headlight with variable light control.   Carved within the body of the F15 X5 are distinctive aerodymaic features to reduce drag, such as Air Curtains for the front apron, Air Breathers on the side walls and Aeroblades at the rear of the car. Then there\u2019s the Air Blade on the D-pillar that makes the car look broader, and at the same time improves airflow.\u00a0Both petrol and diesel models are fitted with \n19-inch\n rims with different designs; Star-spoke and V-spoke respectively.\nInterior\n \nThe cabin design creates a large space luxurious atmosphere with superior functionality. The\n Leather Dakota Terra\n upholstery, which is made exclusively for the all-new X5, provides the premium level of comfort and I have to say, the smell is addictive. On top of that, the interior lighting features LED technology that runs along the door panels and through the dashboard creating a lounge-like environment.\nInterior trim does vary between the two models as the xDrive35i gets the Fine-wood American Oak trim while the xDrive30d has a sportier Oxide Silver Dark Matte trim.\u00a0Continuing on with the differences, the petrol version gets the paddle shifters and third row seats, which the diesel variant doesn\u2019t. Hence the xDrive35i can be a seven-seater with the additional seats on the third row.   The all-new X5 now comes with full-colour \nBMW Head-Up Display\n that is only available in the petrol variant xDrive35i. It\u00a0projects relevant driving information directly into driver\u2019s line of sight, allowing driver to fully concentrate on driving. Hi-res and full colour icons with traffic symbols are displayed on the windscreen, which may not be fully visible if the driver wears polarized sunglasses.\nThe car now comes with the\n iDrive Touch Controller\n that accepts handwriting input for the iDrive system via the integrated touchpad in the controller. Information and navigation system is displayed on the beautiful looking hign-resolution 10.2-inch screen.\nAlso displayed here is the view from the \nSurround View Camera system\n. Digital pinhole-like cameras are fitted around the car creating an accurate\u00a0bird\u2019s-eye perspective (360\u00b0 Top View). This enables easier parking and\u00a0maneuvering in tight situations by monitoring the view on the control display. With the system, driver can\u00a0choose between the three options Rear View Camera, Surround View and Side View.\nPerformance\n \nThe all-new BMW X5 is powered by it TwinPower Turbo engine together with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Available in two variants, the petrol variant BMW X5 xDrive35i is fitted with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine, producing \n306hp\n and \n400Nm\n of torque. The diesel variant BMW X5 xDrive30d is fitted with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine, producing \n258hp\n and\n 560Nm\n of torque.\nFor an over 2-tonne machine, acceleration figures are impressive. The xDrive35i completes a 0-100km/h sprint in\n 6.5 seconds\n while the xDrive30d achieves that in \n6.9 seconds\n. Fuel consumption figures are equally impressive, 8.5 litres per 100km and 6.2 litres per 100km respectively.\nOne of the signature features is of course the BMW xDrive which now adapts to road and travelling conditions with even greater sensitivity. The system carries out precise adjustments of torque split providing better traction and car control on all terrains and conditions.\nAdaptive Comfort Suspension Package\n makes it debut for the first time and exclusively available for the BMW X5 xDrive35i. It features Dynamic Damper Control function and self-leveling pneumatic rear suspension for the utmost comfortable ride.\nWhat else.\n \n\u201cWe are confident that the All-New BMW X5 will continue expanding its lead as the top-selling leader in the SAV segment. With further enhancements to performance, handling, comfort, versatility and premium ambience, the All-New BMW X5 is set to deliver BMW\u2019s hallmark notion of driving pleasure and will be a key contributor to BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s ongoing success,\u201d said Dr. Pils.\nThe all-new BMW X5 (F15) will be available in all BMW showrooms this weekend. The petrol version X5 xDrive35i is priced at \nRM598,800\n (OTR without insurance) while the diesel version X5 xDrive30d is priced slightly lower at \nRM558,800\u00a0\n(OTR without insurance). Both are available in Alpine White, Space Grey and Black Sapphire. Sparkling Brown and Sophisto Grey are colour made exclusively for xDrive35i model while the xDrive30d get an exclusive Glasier Silver.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently launched the new \nfacelift E 200 Avantgarde\n and with the invitation of Cycle and Carriage Mutiara Damansara, we got to take a closer look at it in their showroom.\nThe first thing you\u2019d notice are the drastic changes to the headlamp and taillight designs which are now sleeker and more futuristic. You obviously get LED lighting system, with adaptive high beam assist but the more sophisticated Multibeam LED headlamps are only reserved for the E 300.\nUnlike the sporty exterior of the E 300 AMG Line, the E 200 Avantgarde has a simpler, more elegant look with a more subdued body kit. We\u2019d even argue that the 18-inch wheels look better than the 19-inch set on the E 300.\nTo really differentiate between the E 200 and E 300, Mercedes-Benz has even gone to the extent of designing different grille shapes; hexagon for the E 200 and trapezoid for the E 300.\nThe distinctions between the E 200 and E 300 are even more apparent in the cabin. The former gets a simpler steering wheel design, polished aluminium door trims instead oak wood like in the E 300.\nUnderneath the hood is the M264 2.0-litre engine soldiering on with a 9G Tronic 9-speed automatic gearbox. The combo helps deliver \n197 hp\n and\n 320 Nm\n to the rear wheels. The E 200 will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h.\n \nGALLERY"
"The \nBMW iX \nis a car of many firsts; it\u2019s the first to feature the BMW Curved Display and the first to feature a hexagonal steering wheel. It\u2019s also the first fully-electric SUV we\u2019ve driven.\nIt\u2019s everything you\u2019d expect of a BMW SUV; it\u2019s spacious, it\u2019s comfortable, it drives well and it\u2019s very well equipped. The only slight inconvenience we experienced in the few days we had was charging time.\n \nIf you\u2019re merely using a conventional household 3-pin wall socket to charge the car, as we have tried, it\u2019s going to be tough to start every day with a \u201cfull tank\u201d as it takes nearly 24 hrs to get the car charged to 100% in return for 425 km of electric driving range.\nIt\u2019s not exactly a deal-breaker with fast-charging options available but with the rest of the iX being so compelling \u2013 in the way it drives and rides \u2013 it might prompt an unexpected dive into the electric car movement.\nWatch and find out what else the BMW iX offers!"
"We\u2019ve seen a myriad of records set at the Nurburgring this year as more and more manufacturers are opting for the Nurburgring as the proving ground of their latest high performance offerings.\nThere was the highly-anticipated\n FK8 Civic Type R\n as the \nfastest FWD vehicle\n around the famous track, the \nPorsche GT2 RS\n as the \nfastest RWD \nand\u00a0the \nAlfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio\n as the \nfastest production SUV\n.\nIt doesn\u2019t stop there; recently, the \nMercedes-AMG E63S Estate\n was crowned the \nfastest wagon\n around the ring while the \nJaguar XE SV Project 8\n was crowned the \nfastest saloon\n around the 20.8 km track. Even the Chinese had a piece of the action with the \nworld\u2019s fastest EV\n in the \nNIO EP9\n.\nAnd then we have this, the\n Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo\n. It recently set a record for the fastest time around the Nurburgring while \ntowing a trailer containing a classic Porsche Junior 108 tractor\n!\nConducted by trailer company Moetefindt, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo displayed its (towing) prowess with a 12 minutes 6 seconds time around the track, hitting speeds of up to \n180 km/h\n."
"Formula 1 (F1) has just announced a new destination for their race calendar, at the busy streets of Hanoi, Vietnam. The inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix is set to commence in April 2020.\nThe Vietnamese GP will be F1\u2019s fourth street circuit, joining Monaco, Singapore and Azerbaijan. It is also the fourth race in Asia following Malaysia\u2019s departure from the sport. The \n22-turn, 5.565 km\n is located in the vicinity of the My Dinh National Stadium and will feature a unique hybrid layout, combining street circuit with a permanent section within the city\u2019s topography.   Taking inspiration from other famous circuits around the world, the final design will be the culmination of F1\u2019s Motorsports team, circuit design company Tilke, City of Hanoi authorities, FIA and VinGroup \u2013 the official race promoter for the Vietnamese GP.\nThe circuit will feature a combination of slow-speed hairpins, high-speed S corners and a 1.5 km straight where F1 cars are expected to hit \n335 km/h\n through the speed trap. FIA representatives are in the midst of obtaining a homologation licence for the circuit once the governing body is satisfied with the track\u2019s safety and meets their Grade 1 requirements.\nVinGroup, the country\u2019s largest conglomerate focusing on real estate development has signed a multi-year deal to host the Vietnamese GP. The group is also responsible for \nVietnam\u2019s first national car brand, VinFast\n which is expected to hit showroom floors in 2019."
"The B-segment hatchback market was set ablaze when Honda unveiled the \nall-new City Hatchback\n in Malaysia. With a modern design, plus all the modern creature comforts that one would expect in a car these days, the Honda City Hatchback does sound like the obvious choice for the segment today. but we can\u2019t just brush away the good ol\u2019 dependable \nToyota Yaris\n too.\nAlthough it\u2019s now a few years old, the Toyota Yaris has been given several iterative updates over the years to bring it up to speed with the other younger competitors out there. So how does it stand up against the Honda Civic Hatchback? We\u2019ll be going into a deeper dive over the next couple of weeks, but for now, here are some photos to help with your first impressions!\nIn the interest of price and performance parity, we opted for the Honda City Hatchback V, one step under the range-topping RS variant, to go up against the Toyota Yaris G. That means it unfortunately loses some of its extra flairs, like the sportier rear bumper, two-tone 16-inch wheels, and extra black accents on the front fascia.\nStill, when compared to the Yaris, the City Hatchback does look significantly more modern, thanks to the slimmer LED taillights and cleaner lines. Credit where it\u2019s due, though, we have to say that the Toyota Yaris\u2019 new front fascia design from its\n latest facelift update\n does help even things out quite a bit, especially when contrasted to what the model launched with \nback in 2019\n.\nALSO READ: \nAll-new Honda City hatchback vs Honda Jazz \u2013 What are you getting more (or less)?\nThe same story continues inside, where the two cannot be further apart in terms of appearance. While they are mostly equal in terms of functionalities and amenities, the Toyota Yaris\u2019 dashboard design, especially with the faux stitching (\nmoulded on hard plastic!\n), just makes it look 10 years older than the City Hatchback.\nThe Honda City Hatchback, in this V specification, also feels a lot more premium thanks to its leather-wrapped seats; the Toyota Yaris will have to settle for fabric seats across its entire variant line-up.\nBoth the Toyota Yaris and Honda City Hatchback V feature a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine and CVT gearbox powertrain combo underneath their bonnets. However, in terms of outputs, the City Hatchback trumps the Toyota with \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n, compared to the Yaris\u2019 \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n.\nHow much does the 14 hp and 5 Nm extra translate to actual driving? Well, that\u2019s a story for another day (\nkeep your eyes peeled, we have a lot more content on these two cars coming right up!\n). But for now, enjoy the detailed photo gallery below, and let us know which of these two is the better-looking car in the comments section below!\nREAD MORE: \nHonda City hatchback has raised the bar for B-segment cars\nGALLERY\nToyota Yaris G\nHonda City Hatchback V"
"Perodua has just announced that their soon-to-be-launched SUV will be called the\u00a0\nPerodua Aruz\n. Loaded with the latest tech and an attractive indicative starting price of RM72,200, it would appear to be popular among shoppers who are in need of a spacious seven-seater. Question here is, what\u2019s wrong with calling it the \u201call-new Kembara\u201d?\nKembara in Bahasa Malaysia loosely translates to travelling in search of adventure which clearly reflects the ethos of the Kembara \u2013 a go anywhere machine for the adventurer. While the humble K3-VE 1.3-litre four-cylinder DVVT engine might be uninspiring for many, the Kembara came with four-wheel drive and proper all-terrain tyres which allow owners to take on the beaten track any time of the day. In the late 1990s, this was a big deal.\nSource: Wikipedia\nHowever, Perodua sees the new Aruz taking on a very different approach, an SUV for the urban setting packed with creature comforts to suit the urban lifestyle. The name \u201cAruz\u201d was inspired by the BM word \u201c\narus\u201d \nwhich translates \u201ccurrent\u201d or \u201cto flow\u201d in English. It symbolically represents a continuous flow that signifies progress and in Perodua\u2019s own words \u201cThis progress, in turn, represents the Aruz\u2019s ability to elevate your life,\u201d. With that in mind, it can\u2019t be called the \u201cnew Kembara\u201d now, can it?   Order books for the Perodua Aruz are now open with two variants available, the \n1.5 X at RM72,200 and 1.5 AV at RM77,200\n. Both quoted figures are estimated on-the-road without insurance. There are five exterior shades to choose from and every purchase comes with a 5-Years/150,000 km warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua Aruz Open for Booking"
"The ongoing \nCovid-19\n health pandemic has forced us all to do things a little differently. For us, face masks have become an integral part of our daily lives; and for carmakers, big lavish launch events just don\u2019t make sense any more. To celebrate the arrival of the new Bentayga in the region, Bentley Motors Asia Pacific has launched a new interactive virtual experience so that all of us \u2013 not just the media \u2013 can explore the new luxury SUV in detail while still being mostly holed up at home.\nBentley\u2019s interactive virtual tour harks back to the good old days of \u201cchoose your own adventure\u201d children books.\n\u201cAs these unprecedented times have given rise to changing media consumption habits, we are inspiring our customers and Bentley enthusiasts to embark on a virtual adventure for the Bentayga,\u201d said Bentley Motors Asia Pacific Head of Marketing, Calista Tambajong.\n\u201cEach individual maybe drawn to different aspects of the new Bentayga; through the interactive virtual experience, we are imparting freedom to our audience to choose the way they explore the new Bentayga,\u201d she added.\nUnveiled globally in June this year, the new Bentayga facelift is the first model to be announced under the company\u2019s \nBeyond100 plans\n. The updated Luxury SUV was \nlaunched in Malaysia\n in October this year, and since the model first debuted globally five years ago, Bentley has already hand-built more than 20,000 units at its Crewe facility.\nThe Bentley Bentayga facelift is characterised by its heavily-revised styling, with exterior elements heavily borrowed from the rest of the Bentley model line-up. The similarities can be best seen at the rear, where it now carries an oval-shaped tail light motif in place of the B-shaped items from the outgoing model.\nOther exterior highlights on the new Bentley Bentayga include the new LED matrix headlamps \u2013 consisting of 82 individual LEDs \u2013 inspired by cut crystal glassware. The grille has also been enlarged, and now placed more upright than the pre-facelift model to give it a more imposing stance.\nInside, the redesigned cabin gains a new steering wheel, a new digital instrument cluster, along with a redesigned dashboard with cues taken from the \nFlying Spur\n. For instance, the circular air vents atop the centre stack have been replaced by a sculpted \u201cwing\u201d vent with a Breitling clock sitting proudly in the middle. Right below the new signature air vent is the new 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nThe new Bentley Bentayga can be optioned in either a four- or five-seater configuration; the former benefiting from a 30 mm increase in knee room in the upright seated position and almost 100 mm in the reclined position, while the latter can now be had with rear seat ventilation \u2013 previously only reserved for the four-seater variant.\nThe new Bentley Bentayga is powered by the same 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine as before, capable of making\u00a0\n550 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0770 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, The new Bentley Bentayga V8 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just\u00a0\n4.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\u00a0\n290 km/h\n.\nCustomers in Malaysia will get to choose between the regular Bentayga or a \u201cFirst Edition\u201d model, which is equipped with Bentley Dynamic Ride adaptive suspension system, Touring Specification, as well as the Mulliner Driving Specification options \u2013 the latter includes 22-inch black-painted Diamond Turned wheels, along with sport pedals.\nThe new Bentley Bentayga is priced starting from \nRM743,900\n, while the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d carries a higher price tag of \nRM935,000\n; both prices stated without duty, tax, insurance, and other associated costs factored in.\nThe interactive virtual experience for the Bentley Bentayga is available \nhere\n, and will be available until the 4th of January 2021.\nGALLERY"
"Goodyear Malaysia\n has unveiled the latest addition to its \nEagle F1 range\n today. Dubbed the Eagle F1 Sport, the new rubber is classified as an Ultra High Performance (UHP) model, which is said to be suitable for the \u201caspiring racing enthusiast\u201d, thanks to its more affordable price point.\nThe new Eagle F1 Sport is designed with specific elements to improve handling and braking performance, most notably the signature Eagle Claw shoulder tread design. Goodyear says that the additional stiffness helps improve cornering stability and steering precision, while the ActiveControl Technology helps maximise contact patch of the shoulder when negotiating bends and corners.\nThe high-silica tread compound with upgraded polymer matrix help enhance the Eagle F1 Sport\u2019s braking capabilities on both wet and dry surfaces. Additionally, the improved cavity shape also provides a wider footprint for better contact and pressure distribution.\nThe unique tread design also comes equipped with noise barrier strips between the ply and liner, which reduces tyre noise and provides a smoother ride. The road noise and vibrations are further minimised by the narrower lateral grooves on the tread.\nAs an additional feature, the tyres are designed with a wide rim flange protectors, which helps protect your shiny wheels and tyres from accidental curb damages while manoueuvring and parking.\nPositioned under the Eagle F1 Assymmetric 5, Goodyear says that the new F1 Sport is ideal for owners of sportier passenger cars who want to make their daily drive more exciting with improved handling and braking performance. The company also says that this tyre is particularly suitable for customers looking to upsize their existing wheels, thanks to its more aggressive appearance.\nThe new Goodyear Eagle F1 Sport is now available at all Goodyear AutoCare centres across Malaysia, with tyre sizes ranging from \n16 to 18-inches\n, priced between\n RM294 to RM678\n per tyre. The full list of available tyre sizes is available on Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s website, \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"With the likes of Volkswagen, Nissan, and BMW altering their logo/emblems to reflect a new era of automotive manufacturing, Volvo too has followed suit with something of their own. They all seem to look almost the same now, don\u2019t they?\nJust like the Volkswagen and BMW\u2019s new logo, Volvo has taken a 2D approach for its new logo. Perhaps it exudes a futuristic look? One thing is for sure, future emblems could have little to no colour, as we have seen with the new minimalist Volkswagen and Nissan logo.\nThe logo has actually been previewed (somewhat), through the \nVolvo Concept Recharge\n revealed two months ago. International reports claimed that the new logo will be debuted from 2023 onwards although Volvo has yet to release an official statement about it.\nIn other news, Volvo also announced recently that their new \nEV models will feature names\n, instead of alphanumeric names. Unlike the alphanumeric approach, Volvo said the names for the new EVs will be \u2018more interesting and emotional\u2019.\nThe company also recently announced that future Volvo interiors will be \nleather-free\n. Instead, they will be replaced with trims made of recycled plastic bottles and corks from wine bottles. By 2025, 25% of materials in new Volvo vehicles will be made of recycled and bio-based material."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) together with authorised dealer, Hap Seng Star Sdn. Bhd. has just opened a new 3S Autohaus in Puchong South. The RM6 million showroom is Hap Seng Star\u2019s 10th Autohaus and 34th overall for MBM.\nCovering a space of 21,577 sq. ft, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus is furnished with the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) Autohaus concept; a signature of the three-pointed star\u2019s latest corporate identity.\nHap Seng Star Chief Executive, Mr Harald Behrend and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner\nThe 27-member team at the new Autohaus offers a one-stop solution in sales, financial and after sales services. Equipped with 12 work bays, the Autohaus is capable of servicing up to 500 vehicles a month, catering to customers residing in and around Puchong, USJ and Putrajaya.\nHap Seng Consolidated Berhad, Group Chief Operating Officer and Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd, Chief Executive Officer Harald Behrend said, \u201cWith the launch of this Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus, we are proud to announce our 10th authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership in Malaysia. While this is a significant milestone in our history as a passionate dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to deliver the highest standards of customer service to those who are part of the Hap Seng Star customer family.\u201d\nHap Seng Star Chief Executive, Mr Harald Behrend and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, \u201cWe are constantly looking to expand our dealer network, both in terms of coverage and to ensure that we are in the most advantageous locations to better serve our customers. It gives us great pleasure to congratulate Hap Seng Star on the launch of Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus and wish the team all the success in both sales and after sales.\u201d\n\u201cWe will continue enhancing our customer touchpoints nationwide while investing in developing key areas including talent, technology, production and services, as we remain focused on providing our customers with the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience.\u201d Dr Claus added."
"Honda has launched a \u201c1 Million Dreams Campaign\u201d in celebration of its 1 million sales unit milestone where they\u2019d be giving out seven special edition models including the Jazz, City, BR-V, HR-V, Civic, CR-V and Accord.\nThe special edition models feature a dual-tone exterior, red strips on the front, side mirrors and wheels. These cars will also be finished with a \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d emblem on both sides of the front fenders.\nOn the inside, the special edition models come with \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d embossed on the front seat headrests, along with red stitching on the leather steering wheel. Each \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d model will also be accompanied by a special edition leather key pouch.\nIn \nshowing their appreciation to\n \nfrontliners\n in Malaysia for their tireless battle against COVID-19, Honda Malaysia has allocated one of the seven special edition models specially for them to win through this campaign.\nTo participate, participants can take part in any of the six (6) activities prepared by Honda Malaysia to earn as many entries as possible, to be submitted at Honda authorised dealers or via Honda Malaysia\u2019s website.\nParticipants can collect the entries by:\nDownloading and signing up for the HondaTouch app\nPlaying the 1 Million Dreams Quiz Game at \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s official website\nTest driving a Honda vehicle\nBooking a new Honda vehicle\nServicing or repairing a Honda vehicle\nRegistering a new Honda car within the \u201c\n1 Million Dreams Campaign\n\u201d period\nAs Honda Malaysia is collaborating with several brands in this campaign, those who purchase a Beyond Standard or A-Series mattress from Cuckoo can also stand a chance to win the special edition Honda.\nShopee will be giving away a special edition Honda HR-V via the Shopee Lucky Prize contest on its app. Shopee will also be giving out 1 Million Shopee coins to 150 lucky winners weekly, and other prizes worth 5 Million Shopee coints.\nThat\u2019s not all, Watson members can participate in the contest by spending more than RM50 in a single receipt at any Watson store or online.\nThe campaign runs \nfrom 25th of February to the 24th of March 2021\n. Winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled in March 2021."
"Volvo and Geely\u2019s performance EV brand, Polestar, has just announced the commencement of production for the \nPolestar 2\n at Luqiao, China, despite the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.\nThe Luqiao plant is owned by parent company Geely and operated by Volvo Cars. Polestar says that the plant is an example of how the newly-formed brand can leverage the expertise of its parent companies.\nPolestar Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Ingenlath commented, \u201cBeing able to produce in Luqiao means we are able to bring Polestar 2 to market with high build and quality standards right from the beginning.\u201d\nIngenlath also commented on the difficulty of starting production under the current circumstances. \u201cThis is a great achievement and the result of huge efforts from the staff in the factory and the team securing the supply chain. I have a huge amount of respect for the entire team \u2013 thanks to them!\u201d\nDespite the commencement of production, Ingenlath clarifies that the health and safety of the staff will still be prioritised.\nThe Polestar 2 will also be the first electric vehicle to be produced at the Luqiao plant. First introduced in February 2019, the fastback EV is powered by two electric motors, generating a combined output of \n408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n of torque.\nPacked with a \n78 kWh\n battery, the Polestar 2 is rated for a range of \n470 km\n on the WLTP test suite. Polestar 2 is also the first car to feature an Android-powered in-car infotainment system.\nDeliveries of the Polestar 2 is scheduled to begin in the summer this year, starting from Europe, followed by China and North America."
"Smart\n has officially debuted its first-ever sports utility coup\u00e9, the \nSmart #3\n at the Auto Shanghai on \nApril 17, 2023\n. With this new model, Smart continues its original vision of finding the best solutions for future urban mobility.\nThe exterior design of the Smart #3 is essentially a sportier rendition of \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s\n global design team\u2019s design philosophy, with state-of-the-art connectivity remaining as the guiding foundation. It features seamless, smooth lines and athletic curves that are depicted to enhance the car\u2019s aerodynamic performance.\nSlimmed-down CyberSparks LED headlights, a \u201cshark nose\u201d and an A-shape grill make up the front fascia of the Smart #3. At the side, the fastback profile, two-tone roof, curvature lines on the doors, as well as door-mounted side mirrors create a sporty and elegant silhouette. Additionally, the taillights with pixelated elements further support the premium feel.\nAlthough the range of the Smart #3 has not been officially revealed, based on Smart\u2019s video teaser video which claimed the car to have \u2018extended range\u2019 and \u2018exceptional aerodynamic efficiency\u2019, you can expect the Smart #3 to deliver more than the car it is based on, the \nSmart #1\n.\nSmart Europe CEO, Dirk Adelmann quoted, \u201cWe are proud to finally present our first ever sports utility coup\u00e9, the all-new Smart #3 to the world. As an all-electric pioneer smart is committed to the uncompromising quality of experience and interactions.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cOur goal has always been to address the multifaceted and changing needs for mobility. Therefore, Smart will keep on expanding its product family to offer a variety of cars that optimally suit different customer groups and lifestyles.\u201d\nRELATED: \nSmart #1: Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here\u2019s what we know so far\nMoving inside, the sporty energy continues with circular-shaped air-cond vents that resemble turbine intakes. The dashboard flows upwards into a console that houses the central cockpit, with a 12.8-inch elevated central screen on top.\nThe interior provides an airy atmosphere thanks to the halo glass roof as well as the multi-coloured ambient lights. Smart also invested in making the Smart #3 a comfortable car to drive and ride in by giving the car a longer wheelbase and integrating sporty headrests into the seats. Entertainment-wise, Smart has equipped the #3\u2019s infotainment system with a 13-speaker Beats\u00ae Soundsystem, which complements the Smart #3\u2019s avant-garde cabin experience.\nWhat\u2019s more, customers are able to choose their Smart #3\u2019s interior colours as well. Options available include the Photon Orange Metallic, Electric Blue Matte exterior as well as Vibrant Brown.\nCloser to home, Smart #1 will be arriving in Malaysia in Q4 2023, and will be distributed by \nPRO-NET,\n which is Proton\u2019s EV subsidiary.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023\nGALLERY"
"Before going into its fourth generation, the third-generation \nPorsche Cayenne\n has been given a facelift with rather comprehensive updates. Making its world debut at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n, the Porsche Cayenne facelift introduces more luxury and more performance.\nOn the outside, the Porsche Cayenne facelift has evolved ever so slightly, with sleeker looking headlights and subtle changes all around. Now standard on the Cayenne is a set of high-definition Matrix LED headlights with more than 32,000 pixels per headlamp. Its brightness can be regulated in more than 1,000 steps depending on the driving situation.\nFacelifted 3rd-generation Porsche Cayenne\nAt the front, the grille and vents are now bridged by a black trim, making the Cayenne appear visually wider. As for the wheels, \nPorsche\n says there is now an extensive range of 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels for customers to choose from.\nAt the back, the Porsche Cayenne sports 3D taillights which have become part of the brand\u2019s new look. The rear plate number has been moved down to the rear bumper, creating a cleaner lower apron on the tailgate. Besides that, the Cayenne facelift also gets 3 new colour options.\nRELATED: \nComing to Malaysia, here is the GWM Tank 500 at Auto Shanghai 2023\nAs for powertrain options, there are 4 powertrain options with Europe only receiving 3 of them. The powertrain options include:\n3.0L V6 turbo engine (Cayenne)\nHybrid 3.0L V6 turbo (Cayenne E-Hybrid)\n4.0L V8 biturbo (Cayenne S)\n4.0L V8 biturbo (Cayenne Turbo GT, outside Europe)\nIn its entry-level form, the Cayenne is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that outputs \n353 hp\n (metric) and \n500 Nm\n. This engine is also the base for the hybrid powertrain of the Cayenne E-Hybrid which outputs \n470 hp\n (metric). The hybrid Cayenne gets a \n25.9-kWh\n battery that provides \n90 km\n of pure electric driving range.\nThe 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in the Cayenne S replaces the previous V6 engine. Making \n474 hp\n (metric) and \n600 Nm\n, the Cayenne S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n273 km/h\n.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-bound Ora Lightning Cat at Auto Shanghai 2023, up to 705km range\nPorsche Cayenne Turbo GT at Auto Shanghai 2023\nPorsche Cayenne Turbo GT at Auto Shanghai 2023\nPorsche Cayenne Turbo GT at Auto Shanghai 2023\nOutside of Europe, the Cayenne Turbo GT is still the range-topping model in the Cayenne range. Powered by a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, it produces a total output of \n659 hp\n (metric). The Cayenne Turbo GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in \n3.3 seconds\n, with a top speed of \n305 km/h\n.\nBefore its world debut, Porsche had already revealed the interior of the Porsche Cayenne facelift, shown sporting the new Porsche Driver Experience. For the first time ever, the Cayenne features an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. On top of that optional screen, there is also a 12.3-inch screen as the main head unit and a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster.\nRELATED: \n2nd-gen Lexus LM debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023, previews next-gen Alphard\nAnother interior highlight of the Porsche Cayenne facelift is the relocated gear selector. No longer on the centre console, the gear selector is now located on the dashboard, beside the steering wheel. The \u2018hood\u2019 for the instrument cluster has also been taken out. With the gear selector relocated, the HVAC controls are now located on the centre console.\nRELATED: \nPorsche Cayenne facelift interior unveiled: Taycan-inspired, April 18 world debut\nGALLERY\nFrom Auto Shanghai 2023\nCayenne\nCayenne E-Hybrid\nCayenne S (Coupe version)\nCayenne Turbo GT"
"The Coronavirus pandemic is still causing an upheaval across the globe. As a result, most if not all motorsport events have already been cancelled or postponed to a later date.\nIn an effort to keep the fans busy, Formula 1 announced its \nofficial Virtual Grand Prix Series\n last week to \u2018replace\u2019 its cancelled races, featuring several actual F1 drivers such as Lando Norris, along with simulator racers and football stars.\n \nRacing action starts at around the 2:03 mark.\nHowever, Formula 1 is not the only series to introduce its own virtual racing league. VLN, the organisers of the Nurburgring Endurance Series, also kicked off their 2020 season at the Green Hell with a virtual race last weekend.\nThe race featured a \ntotal of 56 cars\n across four classes, driven by teams and drivers from the actual Nordschleife Championship, as well as several seasoned simracing professionals.\nOrganised on the iRacing platform, the race ran for the \nactual length of the real-world race\n \u2013 four hours. The virtual race was also \noverseen by race director Frank Taller,\n who holds the same position in the races held at the Nordschleife \u2013 how cool is that?\nAside from the Nurburgring Endurance Series, Australia\u2019s V8 Supercars Championships has also announced the All Star Eseries to fill the void left by the postponed races.\nThe Eseries will feature the \nfull cast of Supercars racers\n, all racing from their respective homes. Ten races have been planned so far, with the first round starting on \nApril 8th\n. It\u2019s not all just for fun either, as a \nChampionship winner\n will be announced at the end of the Eseries, earning you extra bragging rights.\nThe All Star Eseries will be broadcasted on traditional TV channels such as Fox Sports, as well as V8 Supercars\u2019 website and social channels and the Twitch game streaming site."
"Audi has just unveiled their next generation best-selling SUV \u2013 the all new Audi Q5 at the Paris Motor Show. The next generation Q5 has been redesigned from the ground up to be lightest, most powerful and efficient Q5 ever.\nThe Audi Q5 is a well-known nameplate around the world with its intelligent drivetrain and beautiful sculpture. Therefore, it was a challenge for the designers and engineers at Audi to reimagine and better their best-selling SUV model.\nDimension wise, the Q5 has grown slightly in every aspect and it now measures at 4.66 meters in length, 1.89 meters wide and 1.66 meters tall with the wheelbase spanning 2.82 metres long. The new Q5 is now 0.3 meters longer, 0.05 metres taller and 0.02 metres longer wheelbase than before. Thanks to a new mix of steel and aluminium, the Q5 is lighter by up to \n90kg\n, depending on engine choice.\nThe Q5 also holds the title for the slipperiest SUV in its class with a drag coefficient of just \n0.30\n. This is achieved partly with the new aerodynamic roof. This helps keep wind noise at a minimum, resulting in a class-best interior acoustics.\nVisually, the Q5 is instantly recognisable as it retains its iconic silhouette. At the front, the Q5 now wears the company\u2019s signature hexagonal \u201cSingleframe\u201d chrome grille. The LED headlamps now feature new graphics and a more angular design. At the rear, a pair of new LED combination headlamps makes it easily distinguishable from the outgoing Q5. Other subtler revisions include a bold line that runs across the tailgate and a new bumper with integrated tailpipes.   Elsewhere, the Q5 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard while customers have the option for sizes up to 21-inch.\nAudi has completely repackaged the interior for more headroom, rear kneeroom as well as boot capacity. The rear boot accessed via a standard powered tailgate can accommodate 550 litres \u2013 up by just 10 litres from the previous generation. With the back seats folded down, the SUV is able to swallow up to 1,550 litres of goods.\nInside, the cabin is a breath of fresh air as the Q5 gets a complete interior overhaul. It now features familiar gadgetries found in most of their newer models. Besides the redesigned multifunctional steering wheel, buyers have a range of options to choose from, such as a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, 8.3-inch Audi MMI navigation plus display, Qi wireless charging tray, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, Audi tablet for rear passengers and heads-up display that projects driving information onto the windshield.   Audi\u2019s standard navigation comes with a self-learning \u201cpersonal route assist\u201d function that learns the driver\u2019s most frequent routes and recurring parking locations. This system will learn the driving patterns of the driver and uses the information collected to optimise subsequent trips. This can be exceptionally useful for the daily drive to the office.\nPerformance wise, the Audi Q5 comes in either a new 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI or a 3.0 TDI engine. The new 2.0-litre turbodiesel is capable of producing \n187 hp\n with improved fuel economy. According to Audi, the 2.0 TFSI has been further developed, which now produces in \n249 hp\n and has a fuel economy rating of \n5.7L/100km\n. Lastly, the 3.0 TDI has been extensively revised to produce \n282 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque.\nAll powertrains can be had with either a \nsix-speed manual\n or a\n seven-speed S Tronic\n gearbox. In addition to that, the Quattro system now comes with \nUltra Technology\n as standard for the 2.0 litre gasoline and diesel engine. Ultra-badged Audis are generally cleaner and more environmentally friendly, thus the Q5 Ultra benefits from a rear-axle disengagement feature when AWD is not needed. However, when necessary, the system will automatically reengage the rear-axles for better traction.\nAudi has fitted the Q5 with an all \nnew five-link suspension\n and electromechanical power steering system. A Dynamic steering that varies its ratio according to driving speed and steering angle can be had at a cost. Audi also offers adaptive air suspensions that alter ride height over five stages. In the standard Audi drive select, two new modes have been added \u2013 \nlift/offroad\n and \nall road\n to further enhance the off-road capabilities of the new Q5.\nOn the safety front, the Q5 is fitted with Audi pre-sense city that comes with autonomous braking at low speeds. Other optional extras are bundled in three driver assistance package \u2013 Tour, Parking and Parking Advanced. Among the driver assistance Audi has on offer includes adaptive cruise control (ACC) with traffic jam assist, Audi active lane assist, cross traffic assist rear, exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist.\nThe new Q5 is manufactured at Audi\u2019s new plant in Mexico and will be arriving to UK\u2019s shores early 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has taken the wraps off the all-new Outlander in the US and its world premiere on Amazon Live makes it the first automobile to be launched on the platform.\nThe all-new Outlander is the first global product that shares significant resources with the Nissan-Renault Alliance, which \nMMC joined\n at the end of 2016.\nThe styling of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander takes many of the design cues from the 2019 Engelberg Tourer concept, further evolving the Dynamic Shield front design. The two-tier lighting continues with more attention paid to the grille design.\nOn the side, like the concept, two pronounced horizontal lines are pressed along the doors and a small black trim on the top of the C-pillar is used to create a floating roof effect. Variants in the higher positioning are equipped with 20-inch wheels.\nDeveloped on a new platform, the new Outlander has been enlarged in all dimensions, especially on the width (+52 mm) and wheelbase (+36 mm). The 2,706-millimetre wheelbase is also seen on the \nall-new Nissan X-Trail/Rogue\n.\nThis is the first time MMC has used an \nultra-high tensile strength\n steel sheet with hot stamping around the cabin to create a high-strength cabin structure with little deformation while also achieving weight reduction.\nThe new Outlander continues to offer seating for seven. A major overhaul has been done to the interior, which the designers focused on the quality and touch-and-feel of the materials and colours. MMC also say legroom has been increased for the front and second-row occupants.\n \nThe dashboard is covered with soft-padding wrapped in leather with key switches finished in aluminium-look. A piece of genuine \naluminium\n is used on the lower console panel, which also features a compact shift lever that is also seen in the new Nissan X-Trail/Rogue.\nThe new Mitsubishi Outlander feature many first for MMC, such as the 12.3-inch full digital driver display and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The infotainment display measures nine inches and has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.\nOther interior features include wireless smartphone charger, USB charging ports for the second row, Bose premium sound system, three-zone automatic air-conditioning and rear-door sunshades.\nPowering the new Outlander is a newly developed 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. No outputs have been announced yet, but it is believed to be like the unit from its sister Nissan X-Trail/Rogue with performance numbers of \n181 hp\n and \n245 Nm\n. The engine is paired to a CVT-type transmission with eight virtual speeds.\nThe new Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a \ndrive mode dial\n that has five settings, and an extra \u2018Mud\u2019 setting for models equipped with the 4WD system. Mitsubishi has also fine-tuned the 4WD system with an improved \nSuper-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)\n integrated vehicle dynamics control system.\nThe S-AWC system integrates 4WD torque distribution and individual braking (ASC) to deliver precise steering and stability. Models with 2WD also have Brake Active Yaw Control system to have optimised individual braking forces in each corner to maintain driving stability on a variety of road surfaces.\nAs for safety, the standard suite of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is found under the MI-Pilot Assist naming. There are 11 airbags in total in the new Outlander. Rear passengers on the second row are protected by seat-mounted side airbags, while the front occupants have a centre airbag in between.\n\u201cBased on the product concept \u2018I-Fu-Do-Do\u2019, which means authentic and majestic in Japanese, the all-new Outlander has been crafted into a reliable SUV with significantly upgraded styling, road performance and a high-quality feel to satisfy the need of customers who want to expand their horizons and take on challenges of every kind,\u201d said CEO of MMC, Takao Kato.\nBuilt in Japan, the new Mitsubishi Outlander will commence sales in North America in April and other markets to follow.\nGALLERY"
"Since the beginning of the 2016 season World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the \nVolvo V60 Polestar was appointed as the official safety car\n for the series. When the updated model year \n2018 S60 and V60 Polestar\n was introduced, it is only natural that the safety car gets refreshed too.\nIts Polestar-tuned 2.0-liter four-cylinder Drive-E engine and eight-speed automatic combo now pushes out \n362 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque \u2013 same figures as the road going versions. Drive is sent to all four-wheels. On the street car, the V60 Polestar sprints from zero to 100 km/h in \n4.8 seconds\n with an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.   Like the street car, the V60 Polestar safety car boasts \n30 percent more downforce\n compared to the outgoing version thanks to aerodynamic enhancements from new carbon fibre parts. The safety car is also equipped with a \nfull roll cage\n, rescue and communication equipment to meet the rigorous technical and safety requirements set by the FIA.\nThed Bj\u00f6rk, 2017 WTCC driver for Polestar Cyan Racing said, \u201cWith its high safety levels and easily accessible performance designed for all-year drivability, the Volvo V60 Polestar makes for the perfect Safety Car. The new aerodynamic enhancements make the car even more predictable and rewarding to drive in inspired or critical situations, both on the roads and on the racing circuits.\u201d\nThe new 2018 V60 Polestar WTCC safety car will make its first appearance in the WTCC Japan race happening on 28th to 29th October 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As we become ever more reliant on mobile phones in our everyday lives, connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become almost a necessity in our cars. Not only is it safer than fumbling with our phones while driving, it also looks and feels better than a lot of the stock infotainment systems in cars these days.\nAlthough these systems have been on the market for nearly seven years now, and while carmakers have been slowly adding these features into their newer models, the number of cars on sale in Malaysia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is still frankly quite embarrassing; BMW Malaysia still charges a subscription fee to enable the feature (although it\u2019s now \noffered free-of-charge globally\n), while some lower-end models just straight up do not offer these features, presumably due to the added cost and complexity.\nSo for the benefit of the young\u2019uns who just can\u2019t seem take their eyes off their phones and are also (usually) more limited in their car-buying budget, we\u2019ve compiled a list of brand-new cars in Malaysia under RM100k that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity right out of the gate.\nBefore we get started though, do note that all prices quoted below are inclusive of the sales tax exemptions which will be eligible until the end of 2020. For the updated price lists for all brands in Malaysia, do check out our round-up \nhere\n.\n1. \nKia Picanto EX\n \u2013 RM47,950.36\nThe cheapest entry on our list is the small and cheerful \nKia Picanto EX\n, coming in at just under the RM50k mark. Launched more than two years ago, the Picanto is still the cheapest car in Malaysia to come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nThe Picanto has always been one of the top recommendations in the \u201cmy first car\u201d categories, thanks to its incredible value for money proposition. While the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine \u2013 with \n84 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n121 Nm\n at its disposal \u2013 and a four-speed automatic gearbox doesn\u2019t sound at all appetising, the Kia Picanto actually feels quite nippy on the move, and its decent handling is just the cherry on top.\nAside from the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on its seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display, the tiny Kia Picanto also packs quite a lot of standard equipment for its price, such as the automatic headlights and six airbags. If you\u2019re feeling fancy, step up to the \nGT Line variant\n (RM57,531.80) and you\u2019ll get larger 16-inch wheels, autonomous emergency braking, and even a panoramic sunroof!\n2. \nHonda City 1.5L E\n \u2013 RM81,664.82\nThe \nall-new fifth-generation Honda City\n, just recently launched in Malaysia, will finally come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The best part of it though, is that you don\u2019t have to shell out for the range-topping variant if you want these features, as it will be made available starting from the 1.5L E variant \u2013 the second lowest in the four variant line-up.\nPriced slightly above RM80k, the Honda City 1.5L E comes with a fairly comprehensive list of creature comforts for everyday driving. These include the eight-inch infotainment display with reverse camera, remote engine start, automatic climate control, paddle shifters, and cruise control. Unfortunately though, the E variant only has 4 airbags as standard.\nUnderneath the hood of the Honda City 1.5L E is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated DOHC four-cylinder mill, capable of generating \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. The powerplant is paired to a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels. Want something a little different? The top-of-the-range Honda City RS e:HEV comes with an Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain which drives predominantly with electric power!\n3. \nVolkswagen Vento Comfortline\n \u2013 RM 84,690\nAlthough the Volkswagen Vento has been around for a while now, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has been constantly giving the compact sedan small quality of life upgrades to keep it somewhat up to date. In the latest iteration, the base Volkswagen Vento Comfortline is now equipped with the RCD340g 6.5-inch infotainment system, which includes as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nOther than that though, the Vento is clearly starting to show its age, especially with the introduction of newer cars in its segment, such as the Honda City and Nissan Almera Turbo. The Comfortline variant even lacks a rear view camera, and two airbags on a car this price is borderline unacceptable in this day and age.\nIf you do insist on the German experience though, the 1.2TSI Highline (RM89,077) should be a better choice in our opinion. Not only does it come with two more airbags and a rear view camera, the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with \n105 hp\n and \n175 Nm\n of torque, paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, should also give you a better driving experience.\n4. \nNissan Almera Turbo VLP\n \u2013 ~RM8X,XXX\nWe can\u2019t mention the Honda City without naming its latest competitor in the country, the \nNissan Almera Turbo\n. While it is not on sale just yet, Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia has stated that the all-new Almera will be priced between from \u201cRM8X,XXX to RM9X,XXX\u201d. With the VLP variant being in the middle of a three variant line-up, we\u2019re assuming that it\u2019ll be priced in the RM85k-RM90k ball park.\nSo for that price, what do you get aside from Apple CarPlay? Well, quite a lot actually. Just like the Honda City E, the Nissan Almera VLP also gets automatic climate control, and reverse camera as standard, but the (presumed) price premium nets you additional leather seats, a soft-padded dual-tone dashboard, semi-digital seven-inch instrument cluster, and two additional airbags.\nCrucially, the all-new Almera Turbo also gets autonomous emergency braking across all variants \u2013 a feature only available on the top-of-the-range City RS. Also standard across the range is the new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which makes \n100 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n152 Nm\n\u00a0of torque, and is paired to an Xtronic CVT gearbox with D-Step logic.\nMoving back to our main topic though, Android Auto connectivity is oddly omitted on the Almera Turbo currently \u2013 it\u2019s unclear if the feature will be added in the future.\n5. \nToyota Avanza 1.5S+\n \u2013 RM84,849\nThe Toyota Avanza almost feels like an unicorn now in this part of the world. When was the last time you actually saw one running around on the road? So when the second facelift of the compact MPV rolled around last year, most people probably missed the fact that it actually comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!\nThe feature is only reserved exclusively for the top of the range 1.5S+ variant, which swaps out the basic head unit with a 6.75-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system \u2013 the same unit as seen on the \nall-new Corolla\n and \nHilux\n \u2013 along with a reverse rear-view camera.\nOf course, there\u2019s a reason these cars are sidelined by the buying crowd. Firstly, aside from the new infotainment system and the Alphard-esque headlights, the rest of the car just feels like a last-generation product \u2013 the second generation Avanza, despite its two facelift exercises, is now nearly 10 years old, afterall.\nBut more importantly, its half-ladder frame chassis is just not conducive for long-distance journeys. Unless you really need a seven seater human transporter, there\u2019s a lot more value to be found on other products at this price point \u2013 and that\u2019s why many of its prospective buyers have moved on to more attractive SUV models.\n6. \nMitsubishi Xpander\n \u2013 below RM100,000\nLast but definitely not the least, is the Mitsubishi Xpander, which has just\n opened its order books today\n. The Mitsubishi Xpander is only available in one variant at launch, and while it\u2019s still not on sale yet, word around the block is that it will be priced below the RM100k mark, which just about squeezes itself into this list.\nApart from its attractive exterior design, the highlight of the Mitsubishi Xpander is definitely its interior packaging. Not only does it come with an abundance of storage space, which should prove useful in a family vehicle like this, our Malaysia-spec Mitsubishi Xpander even comes with black leather upholstery, which definitely moves the Xpander one rung up in interior quality.\nThe nine-inch infotainment display \u2013 which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto \u2013 is also one of the largest we\u2019ve seen in its price segment, and it also comes with a surround-view camera to help manoeuvre it around tight spaces. A front-view dashcam is also offered as standard.\nSo that\u2019s it \u2013 Six cars in Malaysia under the RM100k mark that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, perfect for the technology-savvy young crowd looking for their first cars. Did we miss out anything? Do let us know in the comments section below!"
"Late last year, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) announced that the company will be \nintroducing a turbocharged Tucson\n to the line-up. Six months down the road, the third-generation Tucson T-GDI is finally available for purchase.\nMotivation comes from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Gamma Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine that pushes out \n175 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front-wheel via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that is developed in-house.\nIf this setup sounds familiar, that\u2019s because the \nVeloster turbo\n and \nElantra Turbo Sport\n adopts the same formula. Drivers can further spice up the driving experience via the Drive Mode selector, cycling between Eco, Normal and Sport.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Premium\nHyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI\nEngine\n1,999cc; 4-cylinder Nu MPI\n1,591cc; 4-cylinder turbocharged direct injection\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n7-speed dual-clutch\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n175 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n265 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM129,990.87\nRM142,632.60\nRM145,588\nVisually, the Tucson T-GDI gets all the kit available on the Tucson Premium. Standard features include LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps and power folding door mirrors with integrated turn signals. Only way to tell the turbo variant apart are the turbo badge at the rear and newly designed 17-inch alloys. HSDM is offering \noptional body kit\n and \n19-inch alloys\n for those who want a sportier look for their Tucson.\nInside, it gets the same equipment as the Premium variant \u2013 leather upholstery, powered driver\u2019s seat, multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, 8.0-inch Android based touchscreen infotainment system and 4.2-inch TFT LCD display. The T-GDI gets additional front camera and \nsmart powered tailgate\n. Like the rest of the range, customers can spice up their interior with red or white theme.\nSafety equipment reads six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Down-hill brake control (DBC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HSAC).\nAll purchase of the Hyundai Tucson come with a \n5-Years or 300,000 km\n warranty package and a \n3-Years or 50,000 km free service\n. A 24-hour road assist service is also available now for new and existing Hyundai vehicles. The Tucson Premium (previously known as Executive) was our \nSUV top pick\n and with the introduction of the T-GDI engine, it perhaps solve its only shortcoming. Now,\u00a0has anyone seen the turbodiesel?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Executive"
"The internet spoke, and Toyota listened. The \nToyota Supra \nis now \nfinally being offered with a manual transmission\n after years of crying and begging by the enthusiast community, but it seems that not many of the so-called \u201centhusiasts\u201d are willing to put their money where their mouth is. For shame.\nDespite the clamour during the manual A90 Supra\u2019s launch, Toyota USA still thinks that only one in four buyers will opt for the red-badged, manual transmission-equipped coupe, as revealed in an email to \nThe Drive\n from Toyota North America spokesperson, Paul Hogard.\nIt\u2019s certainly a sad sight, especially considering the number of purported #SaveTheManuals \u201centhusiasts\u201d pleading for its existence online. But at the end of the day, we really should not be too surprised; the entire industry has already been moving towards the eradication of the MT, with many major carmakers including\n Mercedes-Benz\n and \nVolkswagen \nalready committed to phasing out the stick shift.\nThe fact that Toyota isn\u2019t charging any extra for the manual (in the US) just makes it all that much painful. There\u2019s literally no downside or penalties to opt for the MT, yet you people \u2013 who are always banging on your keyboards whenever a new sports car is launched without a manual option \u2013 still aren\u2019t buying it.\nRELATED: \nFour-cylinder Toyota GR Supra may have the sweeter handling\nGranted, the manual transmission will not be offered on the \nentry-level four-cylinder Supra\n, but I\u2019m sure the \u201centhusiasts\u201d are already going to be looking at the 3.0-litre six-cylinder model, right?\nToyota didn\u2019t pull these numbers out of thin air, either. In Hogard\u2019s email, he also mentioned that the \nGR86\n only has a manual transmission take-up rate of about 35% \u2013 far lower than what we would\u2019ve imagined, given that almost everyone and their aunts online have been raving about it as one of the best manual sports cars you can buy right now.\nWe don\u2019t have either of those cars (with a Manual transmission) here in Malaysia currently, so the blame\u2019s not on us. yet. The \nGR86 is heavily rumoured to be making its way here soon\n, however, so for those who\u2019ve been bemoaning online \u2013 here\u2019s your chance to prove Toyota wrong."
"BMW Malaysia has just\nlaunched their latest flagship limousine to the Malaysian market and will be\noffered as a locally assembled BMW 740Le xDrive plug-in hybrid model from the\nonset.\nThanks to Government Approved CKD EEV Incentive and Excise Duty Reduction, the refreshed 7 Series is priced at RM594,800, significantly more competitive than its \nthree-pointed star rival\n. Without the incentives and exemptions, the 7er would be RM907,144.87, yikes.\nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nBMW 740Le xDrive \n Engine\n 2,998cc; turbocharged in-line 6\n Transmission\n 8-speed automatic\n Max Power\n 286 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n Max Torque\n 450 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n Electric Motor\n 113 hp & 265 Nm\n Combined System Output\n 394 hp & 600 Nm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 5.1 seconds; 250 km/h\n Price (OTR without insurance)\n RM594,800\nThe 7 Series LCI or\nfacelift in BMW speak, wears a significantly more prominent face courtesy of\nthe larger kidney grille with active shutters and slimmer headlamps. As a\nresult, the entire hood now sits 50 mm higher than the outgoing model. BMW says\nthis new face is a result from customers feedback wanting more road presence\nfrom their limousine.\nAt the rear, the new LED taillamps measure 35 mm slimmer and are joined by a light strip to further give the 7 Series a distinct look. With the LCI model, BMW has removed the front foglamps replaced by new air curtains for better aerodynamics. The exterior changes combined, increased the overall length by 23 mm while the wheelbase is unchanged at 3,210 mm.\nOur local spec 740Le\nxDrive is dressed in the Design Pure Excellence exterior line identified by its\nhigh-gloss chrome elements and sleek body kit. BMW Laserlight headlamps and\n19-inch double-spoke style 630 Bicolour alloy wheels wrapped in mixed tyre\nsizes of 245/45 front and 275/40 rear.\nThe interior is also\nequipped with the Design Pure Excellence Line, furnished with Nappa Leather\nupholstery with fine-wood Poplar Grain Grey fine-wood trim. Other luxurious\ntouches on the 740Le xDrive include Sport leather steering wheel, Panoramic glass\nroof with Sky Lounge, Heads-up Display, powered tailgate, 460W 16-speaker\nHarman Kardon surround sound system, soft-close doors and powered roller\nsunblind.\nThe updated 7 Series\nnow comes with the latest-generation BMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch\ninstrument cluster with BMW Operating System 7.0 and BMW Navigation System\nProfessional 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that now supports BMW\nIntelligent Personal Assistant voice command system.\nRear passengers will\nbe entertained by the rear-seat entertainment with two 10.0-inch touch screen\nmonitors and massaging seats, all operated by the 7.0-inch Touch Command\ntablet.\nBMW purist will be happy to know that the refreshed 740Le xDrive is now equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the 2.0-litre four-cylinder of the \noutgoing model\n. The in-line six combustion engine developing 286 hp and 450 Nm of twist is supported by an eDrive electric motor with 113 hp and 265 Nm.\nThe combustion engine and electric motor give the car a combined output of \n394 hp\n and\n 600 Nm\n of torque driving all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.\nTo achieve the claimed century sprint time of \n5.1 seconds\n, drivers will have to engage Sport mode where the system\u2019s \nelectric boost function\n is primed for maximum acceleration performance. Top speed on the luxury limousine is \n250 km/h\n.\nUnder the rear seats is an improved lithium-ion battery pack that allows the 740Le xDrive to cover up to \n46 km\n on pure electric power with an electric top speed of \n140 km/h\n.\nThe 740Le xDrive also comes with the \nBMW Driving Assistant Professional\n that bundles Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keeping Assistant, Front Collision Braking as well as steering and lane control assistant.\nBMW Malaysia offers\nfour colour options \u2013 Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Bernina Grey and Imperial\nBlue along with two interior themes \u2013 Black or Cognac. Every purchase of the\nBMW 740Le xDrive comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free\nScheduled Service, 2-Years Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and\nBMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW 7 Series LCI Design Pure Excellence"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today introduced the new \u2018United\u2019 series of limited-edition variants for the Volkswagen Passat and Tiguan. No, it has nothing to do with the prominent football club from Manchester; the \u2018United\u2019 series \u201ccelebrates the strength of unity, a trait deeply embedded in the Volkswagen brand\u201d, according to VW.\nThe limited-edition model equips the existing models with \nadditional exclusive accessories\n worth \nRM12,000 on the Passat\n, and \nRM4,000 on the Tiguan\n.\nOn the Passat, these include:\nNew 19-inch Verona alloy wheels\nAluminium sports pedals\nAluminium scuff plates\nLED projection door lights (Volkswagen Logo)\nVW Tint\n\u2018UNITED\u2019 emblem\nMeanwhile, the Tiguan gains the following additional kit:\nFront sports bumper\nRear spoiler\nChrome trunk garnish\nLoad lip protector\nChrome exhaust tip\nVW tint\n\u2018UNITED\u2019 emblem\nAdditionally, both models in the \u2018United\u2019 series also get \ndynamic wheel hub caps\n with a self-levelling logo \u2013 \u00e0 la Rolls Royce style \u2013 that stays upright while the car is on the move.\nThe Passat United is priced at \nRM193,856\n, while the Tiguan United is priced at \nRM166,108\n. The prices listed are \nsales tax exempted\n, which will be effective until the 31st of December 2020.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cWhile there is a connection between our United range and Volkswagen\u2019s involvement in football, the significance of the name and what it represents could not be more relevant today, with the challenges we are facing. Additionally, a core principle of the Volkswagen brand is #wenotme, which emphasises on unity and togetherness.\u201d\nCustomers interested in the new limited-edition United series can take advantage of the upcoming Volkswagen Virtual Raya Open House, taking place this weekend on the 13th and 14th June 2020. Dealerships nationwide will be hosting the event on their respective social media channels, with an \nadditional RM1,000 rebate\n up for grabs on any Volkswagen models booked over the two days.\nBoth the Passat and Tiguan United are also eligible in Volkswagen\u2019s ongoing promotions \u2013 \nsix months free instalment\n for all purchases of the Tiguan before 30th June, as well as one-year free insurance for the Passat. Customers located within 20 km of their preferred VW dealership can also benefit from \nfree delivery of their new cars\n, right to their doorstep."
"All \nVolvo plug-in hybrid models\n purchased from \n1\nst\n January 2020\n onwards in Malaysia will now come with an \n8-year PHEV battery warranty\n; this constitutes an extension of three years from what was previously only five.\nPeace of mind, as far as high voltage battery is concerned, for up to 8 years.\nVolvo Car Malaysia\u2019s 8-year high voltage battery warranty on its \nT8 Twin Engine variants\n found on the S60, XC60, S90 and XC90 models trumps the 6-year warranties offered by premium rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia.\nHow the S60 T8 looks without its body.\nVolvo Car Malaysia is silent as to whether \nexisting PHEV owners\n who purchased their vehicles prior to 1\nst\n January 2020 are able to extend their battery warranties to 8 years, though we understand that this is be\ning looked into\n at the moment.\n \nMeanwhile, in conjunction with Chinese New Year, Volvo is offering special deals for selected models, e.g. complimentary 5-year maintenance service package on the XC40 T5 R-Design, \u2018Ang Pow\u2019 rebates worth RM23,888 and VSA 5+ package for the XC90 T5 Momentum and S90 T5 Momentum while certain PHEV models will come with complimentary Recharge Package worth RM10,000 as well as the VSA 5+ package; all the offers are valid until 29 February 2020."
"With the launch of the \n10th-generation Honda Civic\n\u00a0out of the way, what\u2019s left is of course the most brutal variant \u2013 the Type R. It didn\u2019t take long for Honda to fire some early shots with the unveiling of the\u00a0Honda Civic Type R Prototype at the Paris Motor Show.\nBased on the newly launched \nCivic hatchback\n, this Type R will become Honda\u2019s global model. This means this hot hatch with the iconic red Honda badge will be sold in the many countries, including North America for the first time. The car is a joint effort between Honda\u00a0 R&D teams in Europe and Japan and will be built in Swindon, UK.   The Civic Type R prototype sports Herculean muscle styling, with sharp body lines to aid aerodynamic performance.\u00a0Apart from the unique\u00a0aluminium-effect finishing, the exterior receives an aggressive bodykit, smoked LED front headlights, winged carbon fibre splitter, oversized wheel arches with 20-inch wheels underneath and an oversized fixed rear wing.\nThere\u2019s no mention of its powertrain as yet, but it could be slapped with a revised version of the \n300hp 2.0-litre turbocharged unit \nthat currently powers the\u00a0\nType R\n. It\u2019ll also retain\u00a0its front-wheel drive configuration\u00a0and will likely be equipped with the good\u2019 old \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n.\nThe new Honda hot hatch will be launched by mid-2017, and a visit to N\u00fcrburgring is certainly one of its top priorities, we reckon. At launch, this hot Japanese hatch will go directly against the next Renault M\u00e9gane RS and the current \u201ccreme de la creme\u201d of hot hatches, the Ford Focus RS.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The GMA T.50 supercar might not have been ready for July\u2019s \nGoodwood Festival of Speed\n, but its world premiere yesterday at the 2021 Goodwood Members\u2019 Meeting meant all attention was focused exclusively on it. Back in 2019, Gordon Murray Automotive targeted the summer of 2020 as its launch date.\nThe organisers and circuit owners have made full use of the dynamic launch by presenting the GMA T.50 driving in full tilt (nearly, as the conditions weren\u2019t ideal), amassing just three laps at the Goodwood Motor Circuit. \u00a0\n \nEngineered by the famed automotive designer, Professor Gordon Murray CBE, to be the \u201cpurest, lightest, and most driver-centric supercar ever\u201d, GMA says that the T.50 improves on the McLaren F1 \u2013 which he also designed \u2013 in \u201cevery conceivable way\u201d.\nMurray said earlier before the event took place, \u201cThere\u2019s no better place to show and demonstrate the T.50 than the Goodwood Members Meeting. It\u2019s been frustrating not to be able to show our supercar before, but for everyone intending to visit Goodwood, it will certainly be worth the wait. I\u2019m looking forward to it \u2013 it\u2019s going to sound superb.\u201d\nIt surely does sound melodic, especially when being driven by professional driver Dario Franchitti, who looks like a giant in the compact central seating cabin for three. The reason for the glorious soundtrack at each full load of the engine is having 12 cylinders breathing and expelling air uninterrupted to the atmosphere at speeds only seen on racing machines.\nThe naturally aspirated V12 engine displaces just 4.0 litres, but just like a motorsport engine, the bespoke engine from Cosworth has a maximum engine rpm of 12,100 rpm, with peak power registering \n650 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. \u00a0\nAnother unique feature on the GMA T.50 is the usage of a large 400 mm ground effect fan as part of a complex aero management system, where it sucks the air under the rear axle to boost downforce as well as engine cooling. The aerodynamics were fine-tuned together with Aston Martin F1 Team\u2019s aerodynamicists and wind tunnel facility (then called Racing Point F1 Team).   Ride onboard another British marque\u2019s interpretation of the V12 engine with active aero and four tyres!\nMore details about the GMA T.50 have been covered \nhere\n. The T.50 debuted yesterday was the road version, and GMA has also released a track version called \nGMA T.50s Niki Lauda\n, paying homage to the great racing legend.\nThe GMA T.50 is limited to just 100 units with a starting price of GBP2.36 million (approx. RM13.5 million).\nGALLERY"
"With the first half of the year completed, local carmaker \nPerodua\n has successfully sold \n144,690\n \ncars\n in total. Showing a 13.6% growth from last year, Perodua says that it is on track to meet its target of \n314,000 cars\n sold by the end of 2023.\nIn terms of model distribution, the best-selling Perodua for the first half of the year was the Perodua Bezza with 40,555 units sold. The Bezza is followed by the Myvi with 32,319 units and the Axia with 28,199 units. As for the \u201cnew\u201d \n2023 Axia E manual\n, Perodua reports that 2,500 units of the base model car were sold in just 48 hours.\nTogether with the growth in sales, production is also up for this year. In the last six months, Perodua produced 153,813 cars which is a 17% growth from the previous year. The production target for this year is 330,000 units.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThe higher production and sales performances for the first half of 2023 were due to better supply of parts as well as improved production efficiency at our manufacturing plant.\u201d\n\u201cAmong the notable improvements we have made include the faster tact time (the time it takes to produce a vehicle) from 1.35 minutes to 1.25 minutes at our Perodua Global Manufacturing plant (PGMSB).\u201d\nRELATED: \nPerodua Axia E manual updated for 2023 with RM2K reduction, still no ABS, EBD, ESC \u2013 RM22,000\nDato\u2019 Sri Zainal said the bulk of the production performance of this year so far was achieved in the first quarter of 2023 as Perodua went all out to meet its PENJANA obligations.\nDato\u2019 Sri Zainal said, \u201cLooking ahead, we expect both production and sales to continue their uptrend as demand for our vehicles remain healthy. For example, our recently launched Axia E was well received and our ready stock of 2,500 vehicles were completely distributed within 48 hours.\u201d\nThe Perodua President said that while existing bookings were encouraging, there are potential challenges ahead, ranging from potential higher financing costs and intermittent supply shortages.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia, from RM38,600"
"Following the launch of the highly successful Jaguar \nF-Type Project 7\n, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) has announced their next high-performance project car \u2013 \u00a0the Jaguar XE SV Project 8. Limited to just 300 units worldwide, the Project 8 will offer supercar performance and dynamics in a family sedan.\nDesigned, engineered and assembled by SVO at their Technical Centre in Coventry, England, the XE SV Project 8 will get a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, and in this application, producing\u00a0\n591 hp\n. Jaguar paced the car around the gruelling\u00a0N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife, no less, wrapped in a unique camouflage created by SVO Design.\nFrom the photos and video snippets, we can tell that the Project 8 features a subtle hood scoop, revised front bumper, flared wheel arches, aggressive side skirts and rear bumper, quad exhaust outlets and a not-so-subtle rear wing.\n\u201cOur clients worldwide were thrilled by the F-TYPE Project 7. The new XE SV Project 8 takes aerodynamics and performance engineering to another level \u2013 it is conceived for enthusiasts and the most discerning collectors. The price for such an extreme performance sports car available in strictly limited numbers will reflect that,\u201d Said John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.\nThe Jaguar XE SV Project 8 will debut at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed happening which is taking place on\u00a030 June. Closer to home, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) has three variants of the \nJaguar XE on offer\n\u00a0and, knowing that they\u2019ve previously managed to \nsecure allocations of the F-Type Project 7\n, perhaps the idea of it coming here isn\u2019t too far fetched at all.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Before the new \nfacelift Honda HR-V\n hits\u00a0our local shores, Honda Malaysia has decided to give the ageing \nHR-V\n a final hurrah in the form of the limited-edition Honda HR-V Mugen. Only 1,020 units of these sporty HR-V will be made.\nSitting above the range-topping V-spec HR-V, the HR-V Mugen comes with the full Mugen body kit consisting of a front bumper, front grille, rear bumper, rear spoiler, Mugen exterior emblem and Mugen decal. Inside, the changes are less apparent, you\u2019ll only find a Mugen emblem at the gear lever, red stitching carpet mats and aluminium sport pedals.   The HR-V Mugen was based on customers\u2019 feedback requesting for a sportier and stylish exterior to complement the crossover\u2019s practicality. As part of Honda\u2019s continuous effort to achieve No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction, the company is committed to continue offer products based on their requirements.\nMechanically, the HR-V Mugen retains a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC paired to a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) to drive the front wheels. Output is rated at \n140 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque.\nOnly two colours are available for the Honda HR-V Mugen \u2013 Dark Ruby Red Pearl and White Orchid Pearl (RM300 option). The limited-run HR-V Mugen is priced at RM118,800 on-the-road without insurance. Honda Malaysia are now accepting bookings for the car but deliveries will only commence from 5 March 2018 onwards.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For commuters going to work via Jalan Ampang or Jalan Dang Wangi, DBKL has announced some changes in traffic flow in the area.\nCommuters going to work via Jalan Ampang or Jalan Dang Wangi can look forward to the change in traffic flow starting tomorrow \n17th of March\n. The one-way street between Menara AIA and Bukit Nanas Waterfall on Jalan Ampang will be converted to a two-way street instead.\nWith this change, traffic from Jalan Ampang can head directly to Jalan Sultan Ismail without going through Jalan Dang Wangi. Traffic from Jalan Sultan Ismail can also head directly to Jalan Dang Wangi instead of going through Jalan Munshi Abdulah.\nAccording to DBKL\u2019s research, this change has been made to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the risk of accidents."
"The\n\u00a0AM-RB 001\n hypercar jointly developed by Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing has finally received a new name called the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Has a nice ring too, doesn\u2019t it?\nAccording to \nNorse mythology\n, a valkyrie is a female spirit who is also the \u201cchooser of the fallen\u201d. It also starts with the letter V, which you should know by now is typical of Aston Martin \u2013 the Vantage, Vanquish, Virage, Volante, Vulcan. catching my drift yet? \nAston Martin\u2019s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said, \u201cAston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve.\nThe connotations of power and honour, of being chosen by the Gods are so evocative\u00a0and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience,\u201d he added.\nJust a few weeks ago, Aston Martin confirmed that the Valkyrie will get a\u00a0\n6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12\n\u00a0specially commissioned by Cosworth. It will be paired to a devastatingly quick seven-speed paddle shift transmission and will get state-of-the-art hybrid technology derived straight from Formula One. It will be out by 2019, so be prepared, Holy Trinity. This British brute is gonna slay."
"The McLaren brand is now represented by a new distributor in Malaysia, Mc Farren Supercars Sdn. Bhd. and the franchise holder is kicking off the year with the premiere of the \nMcLaren 600LT Coupe\n here in Kuala Lumpur.\nOnly a handful of the 600LT will be made available to local buyers and initial deliveries are expected to commence end-2019. The LT designation denotes that this is a lightened, track-oriented version of McLaren\u2019s \n570S\n but the 600LT is more than the sum of its parts.\nFor starters, the M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 features an uprated cooling system, a lighter exhaust system with top mounted exhaust outlet and some tuning to boost output to\n 600 hp\n and\n 620 Nm\n. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is tasked to send all that grunt to the rear wheels allowing the 600LT to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n2.9 seconds\n \u2013 as quick as the \n675LT\n and 0 to 200 km/h in \n8.2 seconds\n. Top speed is capped at \n328 km/h\n.\nIn terms of visual bits, the 600LT features a longer front splitter, extended side skirts, aggressive rear diffuser and a fixed rear wing to extend the car\u2019s overall length by\n 74 mm\n and sits \n8 mm\n closer to the ground. At 250 km/h, the new bodywork generates \n100 kg\n worth of downforce to keep the car planted to the tarmac.   Lightweight exercise comes in the form of adopting lighter and stiffer suspension components from the \n720S\n (-10.2 kg), lightweight aluminium calipers and stiffer carbon ceramic discs (-4 kg), removal of interior carpet (-5.7 kg) and optional carbon fibre racing seats (-21 kg).\nIf your wallet permits, you can always hand your car over to McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to add a ridiculous amount of carbon fibre bits, roof scoop and even carbon louvres just like this \n600LT \u201cStealth\u201d\n. Custom exterior paintwork, wheels, liveries done to your imagination are also available with MSO.   A basic McLaren 600LT is priced at RM998,000 \nbefore\n applicable duties and options and if you want one, it might already be too late. Or maybe you can try your luck with a \n600LT Spider\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 600LT Coupe in Malaysia"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced the new EQ brand for the local market \u2013 a designation which will be catered to models like the \nC350e\n and \nE350e\n \u2013 known as EQ Power products.\nEQ Power will pave the way for EQ, \na title reserved solely for the pure electric vehicle range\n which had been previewed extensively by the \nGeneration EQ concept car\n introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2016.\nThe name EQ is derived from the Mercedes-Benz brand of values of emotion and intelligence. The all-new brand under the Mercedes-Benz portfolio will also includes the likes of Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach.\n\u201cBy launching the EQ brand led by our technology leaders and range-topping EQ Power C350e and E350e plug-in hybrid automobiles, we are able to create something highly emotional. The thrill of immediate acceleration with the sustainability of efficient energy consumption\u201d, said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Sales & Marketing, Vice President, Mark Raine.\nHe added, \u201cTo us, electric mobility is more than an alternative drivetrain. The EQ brand is our technology calling card for customer-focused electric mobility. It extends beyond the vehicle itself to an ecosystem designed to deliver the best value, convenience and luxury to our customers and fans.\u201d\u00a0\nFollowing the launch of the first Mercedes-Benz charging station in Bangsar Shopping Centre, MBM had introduced new charging stations in Sunway Pyramid, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Desa Park City. Similar to the renaming strategy for the C350e and E350e plug-in hybrids, all current and future charging stations will be \nrebranded as EQ facilities\n.\nMercedes-Benz Services Malaysia introduces the EQ Agility Care package to enhance the ownership experience of the EQ Power C350e or EQ Power E350e. For an ownership tenure of over three to five years, customers will enjoy scheduled vehicle maintenance and servicing along with an EQ Power charging wallbox packaged with their new EQ Power C 350 e and EQ Power E 350 e over the same period."
"The lack of charging stations is the biggest shortcoming in the electric vehicle game at the moment and Volkswagen seems to have a solution for that.\nThe company has developed an autonomous mobile charging robot that\u2019s operated via app where upon activation, the entire charging process will not require any human intervention.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMC1H__xL3Y&feature=youtu.be\n\u201cThe mobile charging robot will spark a revolution when it comes to charging in different parking facilities, such as multistorey car parks, parking spaces and underground car parks because we bring the charging infrastructure to the car and not the other way around,\u201d said Volkswagen Group Components, Head of Development, Mark Moller.\nThe robots are equipped with an array of cameras, laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors to support its autonomous function. When initiated, the robot will connect a mobile energy storage device called the \u201cbattery wagon\u201d to the vehicle and automatically connects them.\nThe mobile energy storage device stays with the car during the charging process. The robot uses this time to charge other electric vehicles.\nThe battery wagon stays with the vehicle during the charging process while the robot attends to the other vehicles that require charging. Each battery wagon contains 25kWh of charge, and is capable of fast charging up to 50kW.\n\u201cThis approach has an enormous economic potential. The constructional work as well as the costs for the assembly of the charging infrastructure can be reduced considerably through the use of the robots,\u201d said M\u00f6ller.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Hyundai Tucson has just received another facelift, quite possibly the final\u00a0update before Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) introduces the \nall-new Tucson\n. This model made its global debut two years ago, and is now locally assembled at Inokom\u2019s plant in Kulim, Kedah. Prices have also gone down by as much as 10 percent compared to the CBU variants sold prior to this, which carried a base price tag of RM131,888 for the 2.0L Elegance.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Sport\nEngine\n1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC\n1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n158 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n158 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0\nwithout\u00a0\ninsurace\n)\nRM115,888.00\nRM132,888.00\n\u00a0\nChanges to the SUV are minimal, as they (both CKD Tucsons) only benefit from \nLED positioning lights\n (not DRL) and \nleather seats\n. Both still sit on 17-inch wheels shod with 225/60 R17 series tyres, while the Sport variant comes with panoramic sunroof, all-round body kit, chrome door handles, push-start button, front and rear parking sensors as well as front and rear view cameras.\nTwo airbags will be fitted to the Elegance variant, whereas the Sport will get \nsix\n including side and curtain airbags. Other safety features exclusive to the Sport variant are Electronic Stability Program, Downhill Brake Control, Hill-start Assist and Vehicle Stability Management.\nThe Elegance and Sport variants are priced at \nRM115,888\n and \nRM132,888\n respectively, and offered along with it is the five-year or 300,000 km extended warranty programme (whichever occurs first) and Hyundai\u2019s 24-hour roadside assist service. You can have the Tucson in four colours \u2013\u00a0Pure White, Titanium Grey, Hyper Metallic, Pepper Grey, while the Sport gets four additional exclusive colours \u2013\u00a0Remington Red, Phantom Black Sleek Silver and Platinum Silver.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nCKD Hyundai Tucson 2.0L facelift   All-new Hyundai Tucson at Geneva"
"With \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n finally ready to locally assemble electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia, it is a good time to look back at the brand\u2019s pilot EV \u2013 the \nMercedes-Benz EQC\n. Available in Malaysia only in the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 guise that was launched in September 2022, this electric SUV costs \nRM388,888\n. Lucky enough to take this car for a spin, we took it up Genting Highlands, for some sightseeing and a quick photoshoot.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nBeing an electric car, let\u2019s get down to the nitty-gritty EV details first. The Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 provides \n437 km\n of range (WLTP) from an \n80-kWh \nbattery. The battery can be charged at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and \n110 kW\n with DC fast charging. With 11-kW AC charging, the EQC 400 takes \n7.5 hours\n to charge from 0 to 100%. With 110-kW DC charging, charging from 10% to 80% takes \n40 minutes\n. Driving down Genting Highlands, we did manage to regain 4% of charge for the EQC through regenerative braking.\nAs for performance, this large (by Malaysian standards) electric SUV is capable of a \n5.1-second\n 0-100 km/h acceleration time and a regulated top speed of 180 km/h. This is thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) 4MATIC powertrain that makes \n408 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n. The AWD system is front-biased.\nThe EQC 400 4MATIC in Malaysia gets the AMG Line package which includes AMG Line exterior kits and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. At the front of the EQC 400 are multibeam LED headlights. Unlike newer EQ models though, the EQC still has a \u2018grille\u2019 that feeds to air the area under the hood. The EQC possibly strikes the best balance between an upright imposing stance and the curvy flowing lines of the EQ series.\nThe EQ gene is evident in the EQC as it sports continuous lights at the front and rear, blue \u2018EQC\u2019 letterings on the front fenders, blue accents in the headlights, and a recognisable EQ front end.\nOn the inside, the EQC 400 4MATIC gets a twin 10.25-inch display with one dedicated as the digital instrument cluster and the other dedicated as the head unit. The EQC\u2019s head unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, albeit only via a wired connection.\nBuilt on an older ICE platform, the EQC doesn\u2019t get the latest MBUX as you would find in the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Mercedes-Benz EQS. Sound is emitted via a Burmester sound system and the EQC comes with thermotronic automatic climate control.\nGALLERY"
"BMW\u2019s smallest member of the family has gotten a bit of a facelift. The hatchback was launched here sporting a newer, more refreshed look. Alot like the \nBMW X1\n that was recently launched, this facelifted 120i M-Sport has indeed matured itself with the family range.\nKnown internally as the F20, this \nsecond generation\n has been around for a couple of years now and as is the way with BMW and their quick model-rollout progression, the \nBMW 120i\n is now the only \nCKD variant\n (for the time being) on sale right now.\nName\nBMW 120i M-Sport\nEngine\n1,598cc twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4\nTransmission\n8-speed StepTronic Automatic\nMax Power\n177 hp @ 6,450 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 rpm\nTop Speed\n222 km/h\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM219,800 with GST\nEXTERIOR\nThe front fascia has been given a sleeker makeover with revised front\n headlights \nwith\n LED\u2019s\n as \nstandard\n equipment. The signature kidney grille\u2019s are chrome ornamented, the lower intakes are sleeker as well for the sake of \naerodynamics\n and \nfuel efficiency\n all of which housed in a newly molded M-sport styled bumper.\nAround the side you would find the 120i sitting pretty on \n225/40 R18\n on the front and \n245/35 R18\n at the rear with \nPotenza\n rubber on all fours with the \ntwin-spoke M-Sport alloys\n.\n \n \nThe back end has gotten the most distinctive of the changes that\u2019s been done on the car, with the makeover starting with the new \nL-shaped tail lamps\n being designed to be more angular. Accompany that to the\n chromed\n up \nexhaust tips\n and the M-sport 120i BMW finished in Estoril Blue makes its a pretty good looker indeed.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior has been given a rather spritely upgrade in terms of the toys. The 120i comes with \ndual-zone\n climate controlled A/C with rear centre vents. As far as entertainment is concerned, theres a \n205-watt, seven-speaker\n HiFi surround system with the\n\u00a0sat-nav\n\u00a0and infotainment displayed out of an\n 8.8-inch LCD display\n which as is the trademark of Bimmers, is angled more toward a driver-centric feel.   The electric sports seats have been given the BMW Individual \nAnthracite fabric\n and \nAlcantra\n hybrid transformation that does lend its hand to the sport luxury feel that this 1 Series vibes. The door sills have been given the M-Sport treatment with an \naluminium finish\n. More of that treatment is found in the interior, such as the M-Sport \nleather steering wheel\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering this pocket rocket is a \n1.6-litre\n, \nfour-cylinder twin scroll turbocharged\n engine that makes \n177 hp\n from 4,800 to 6,450 rpm and produces \n250 Nm\n\u00a0of torque from as low as \n1,500 rpm\n. Putting the power down on the road is up to the job of an \neight-speeder StepTronic\n transmission box.\nThis powertrain combination does the century sprint in \n7.2 seconds\n and onto a \ntop speed of 222 km/h\n. Having performance as such doesn\u2019t necessarily mean your fuel bills are going to be a mile long as the 120i M-Sport does an average fuel consumption figure of\n 5.9 litre per 100km.\u00a0\nThe 120i also employs the \nValveTronic\n and \nDouble Vanos\n technology in this effort. The hydraulic steering system has been chucked out in favour of an \nelectric steering system.\nSAFETY\nAs for this entry level Bimmer, safety has not taken a back seat with the implementation of features such as \ndual-front airbags, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)\n and a host of other safety features.\u00a0PDC or \nPark Distance Control\n does the job of assisting the driver with parking. Whilst on the move however, the 120i is equipped with a \ndynamic cruise control\n that senses the traffic infront of you and \napplies the brakes\n if necessary.\nThe \nBMW ConnectedDrive App\ns interface enables the drivers (and passengers) to access apps such as \nSpotify\n which helps the driver keep their\n focus on the road\n rather than their smartphones, a handy safety feature indeed.\nWHAT ELSE?\nColours available for the all-new locally assembled BMW 120i M-Sport include \nAlpine White, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver, Mineral Grey and Estoril Blue\n. BMW retails for \nRM219,800.00\n (on the road, without insurance) which is inclusive of BMW Malaysia\u2019s latest \nfive-years unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service program\n.\nBesides that, the BMW 120i M-Sport also comes with a plethora of \nadditional extras\n that maybe specified to the tastes of potential customers.\n \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Malaysian Finance Ministry has confirmed during the tabling of Budget 2023 that the current EV tax exemption (import and excise duty) for fully imported (CBU) electric vehicles (EVs) will be extended until \nDecember 31, 2024\n. Previously set to expire on December 31, 2023, the exemption has been extended by one year.\nThe import and excise duty exemption for CBU EVs was proposed in \nBudget 2022\n and only applies to fully-electric vehicles and excludes hybrid vehicles. Locally assembled (CKD) EVs like the \nVolvo XC40 Reharge P8\n enjoy even more tax incentives. However, even with the tax exemptions granted by the government, EVs still remain relatively expensive with the cheapest option currently available being the \nelectric Hyundai Kona\n e-Lite\n that retails at RM 156,538, inclusive of SST.\nBMW iX\nAlong with the extension of the tax exemption the government has also announced that the Approved Permit (AP) fee for EVs will be waived until December 31, 2023. This will only affect grey importers (Open APs) who must pay a RM 10,000 AP fee, and does not affect authorized distributors who use a different Franchise AP. Several grey import EVs that can already be seen in Malaysia include the \nPolestar 2\n, \nTesla Model 3\n, \nTesla Model Y\n, \nHonda E\n, and Mercedes-Benz EQV.\nTo further encourage EV adoption, the government is also waiving the tax on statutory earnings for EV charging equipment manufacturers by 100% from 2023 to 2032. There is also an investment tax allowance of 100%.\nRELATED: \nPlanning to own an EV in Malaysia? Make sure to install these apps first\nOra Good Cat\nAs for road tax, EVs are currently enjoying a road tax waiver that will supposedly end in December 31, 2025. Had the waiver not been proposed, the road tax for EVs is calculated based on the maximum power output of the powertrain. For example, the \nMINI Cooper SE\n \nhas a supposed road tax of RM 724 due to its 135 kW (183 hp) power output.\nBesides the extended EV tax exemption and the other intitaives mentioned abovem the Malaysian government has also announced a RM 3 billion fund for green technology (including EVs) and RM 330 million to develop EV infrastructure.\nRELATED: \nThis New York-style cab is Malaysia\u2019s first EV taxi"
"Four years after the \nthird-generation Perodua Myvi \nwas first unveiled, our very own Malaysian \u201csupercar\u201d has now received its first major facelift for 2021, featuring a brand new front fascia and even more tech.\n \nThe 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift will be offered in four variants \u2013 G, X, H, and AV \u2013 with prices ranging \nfrom RM45,700 up to RM58,800\n for the range-topper.\nEXTERIOR\nThe main highlight of the 2021 Perodua Myvi\u2019s facelift can be found on its front end, featuring a completely redesigned face from top to bottom. The grille is now enlarged, with a slim chrome strip running across connecting the two headlights, which has also been redesigned for a slimmer and more angular styling.\nFurther below, the new Myvi facelift also gets a new front bumper characterised by its multi-faceted angular look, while the new vertical daytime-running lights (H and AV) bookends the bumper. On higher-end variants (H and AV), there\u2019s also an aggressive splitter at the bottom featuring a chrome strip to complement the lower grille opening.\nMoving over to the rear, the new bumpers mirror the front-end\u2019s design with the use of angular slats around the number plate cut-out. A vertical trim lines the edges of the bumper to mimic the new DRLs up front, although the trims here are purely for aesthetic purposes only.\nThere\u2019s also a new wing mirror cover, now in gloss black, but everything else on the outside is unchanged from the pre-facelift model, including the wheels \u2013 14-inch items on the 1.3 G variant, and 15-inch wheels for the rest.\nPERFORMANCE\nWhile the engine underneath the bonnet \u2013 both the 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre units \u2013 are unchanged from before, the big upgrade here is the new D-CVT (Dual-mode Constantly Variable Transmission) that replaces the ageing four-speed automatic box from the pre-facelift model.\nThe new gearbox promises a 20% faster 0-100 km/h sprint time, and a 5% reduction in fuel consumption on both models.\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 G\nEngine: 1,329 cc, 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i, Petrol\nTransmission: D-CVT\nDriveline: Front engine, front wheel-drive\nMax horsepower: 94 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 121 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 11.5 seconds\nFuel consumption: 22.2 km/l (4.5 l/100km)\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 X, 1.5 H, 1.5 AV\nEngine: 1,496 cc, 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i, Petrol\nTransmission: D-CVT\nDriveline: Front engine, front wheel-drive\nMax horsepower: 101 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 136 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 10.2 seconds\nFuel Consumption: 21.1 km/h (4.7 l/100km)\nINTERIOR\nWhile the dashboard architecture of the new 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift remains unchanged from before, it does get quite a significant update in terms of equipment, with of course, the range-topping AV getting all of the goodies.\nMost noticeably, the steering wheel has been switched out with a new unit that\u2019s taken from the Perodua Ativa. The instrument cluster on the AV variant also gets a new TFT coloured multi-info display in the centre replacing the older LCD monotone unit.\nSpecific to the two higher-end variants (H and AV) is also the larger 6.9-inch centre infotainment display sourced from the Ativa; the G and X variants retain the same digital head-unit from the pre-facelift model.\nOther additions to the range-topping AV variant on the new 2021 Perodua Ativa include the leather-wrapped seats with red accents \u2013 the same red touches can also be found on the dashboard surrounding the air-con vents.\nSAFETY\nThe hero feature of the new 2021 Perodua Myvi is undoubtedly its new set of advanced driver assistance features. Available across the board (optional on 1.3 G) is the updated Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 3.0 system, which includes:\nPre-collision Warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection\nPre-collision Braking (unlimited times)\nPedal Misoperation Control\nFront Departure Alert\nLane Departure Warning\nLane Departure Prevention\nAuto High Beam\nThe range-topping AV variant takes it up a notch further with the addition of level 2 autonomous driving features and more, such as:\nAdaptive Cruise Control\nLane Keep Control (lane centring)\nBlind Spot Monitor\nRear Cross Traffic Alert\nReverse Camera\nOther safety features include four (G, X) and six (H, AV) airbags, solar and security window film (H, AV), front-facing dashcam (AV), auto door locking and unlocking, rear parking sensor, and front parking sensors (H, AV).\nRELATED: Learn more about Perodua\u2019s Smart Drive Assist system here!\nPRICING\nThe new 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift is priced as follows, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions, as well as a five-year/150,000 km warranty:\nMyvi 1.3 G (without PSDA) \u2013 RM45,700\nMyvi 1.3 G (with PSDA) \u2013 RM47,700\nMyvi 1.5 X \u2013 RM49,900\nMyvi 1.5 H \u2013 RM53,900\nMyvi 1.5 AV \u2013 RM58,800\nSince Perodua opened its order books for the 2021 Myvi facelift last week, the company has already received 4,303 bookings in just nine days. The company says that first deliveries will begin immediately after the launch.\nGALLERY\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 G\n Perodua Myvi 1.5 X\n Perodua Myvi 1.5 H\n Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV"
"Lotus is throwing a few decadent slices of crisply-fried bacon into a lean salad meal. Care for a bite?\nThe company founded on the basis of building lightweight, compact, no-nonsense driving machines is now trying to attract a new type of customer \u2013 presumably those who\u2019re too big for a go-kart and too fragile for a roller coaster ride.\nAnd they\u2019re trying to achieve this with the GT410 \u2013 a more comfortable version of the \nGT410 Sport\n \u2013 with items on the options list including air-conditioning and a reverse camera offered as standard; in case the new glass tailgate doesn\u2019t reveal enough of the outside.\n (Left) The GT410 Sport \nfrom our AutoBuzz.my Best Car\u2019s of 2017 video\n!\nFor those who\u2019ve spent even the briefest of moments in any Lotus would know how useful reverse cameras are as these pure driving machines do not seem to focus much on what\u2019s happening at the back (visibility wise).\nIf you can tolerate the less than convenient ingress and slightly unglamorous egress, Lotus says the Evora GT410\u2019s dampers have been revised and together with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, it\u2019s more usable in the real world.\nThey\u2019ve even thrown in an arm rest, Apple CarPlay and just so you could enjoy some tunes, they\u2019ve even sacrilegiously added more weight by increasing cabin insulation for reduced road noise.\nIn the eyes of Lotus, the GT410 is a \u201cmore for less proposition\u201d with a price tag of approximately RM448k before taxes (RM16k less than GT410 Sport) as it also shares the same 3.5-litre supercharged V6 as its more performance-oriented sibling with\n 410 hp\n and \n410 Nm\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that global sales in 2019 reached a historic high in the company\u2019s 116-year history. A total of \n5,152\n cars were delivered to customers in over 50 countries, an increase of \n25%\n on the previous high set in 2018.\u00a0\nThe luxury carmaker reported significant sales growth across all of its key global markets during the year. North America, representing a third of all Rolls-Royce sales, retained top status, followed by China and Europe.\nIndividual countries that achieved record sales figure includes Russia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Qatar, and Korea.\u00a0\nDriving the brand\u2019s historic performance is the new \nCullinan\n, which became the fastest-selling new Rolls-Royce model in history. Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten M\u00fcller-\u00d6tv\u00f6s said, \u201cWorldwide demand last year for\n our Cullinan SUV has driven this success and is expected to stabilise in 2020.\u201d\nBesides the Cullinan, all other Rolls-Royce models \u2013 \nPhantom\n, Wraith, \nDawn\n and Ghost (in its final year of production) \u2013 too experienced strong demand throughout the year in their respective segments.\u00a0\nThe \nBlack Badge variants\n in particular have found affinity with the younger clients, while the demand for Rolls-Royce Bespoke commissions have also reached new peaks in 2019. Highlights for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collection include the \nWraith Eagle VIII\n, as well as accessories such as the \nRolls-Royce Champagne Chest\n.\u00a0\nIn order to cope with the increased demand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has invested heavily in its manufacturing plant at the Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood, with a new two-storey development due for completion in the first quarter of 2020.\nThe luxury carmaker is also creating \n50 new jobs\n for 2020 in order to meet the expanding global demand. This is in addition to Rolls-Royce\u2019s Apprenticeship Programme, which saw the largest intake of \n26 new entrants in 2019\n.\nSince the launch of the programme in 2006, almost 200 participants have completed their hands-on and vocational training \u2013 some of whom have gone on to hold important technical and supervisory roles within the company."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has unveiled a limited edition ASX Adventure to spice up the ageing compact crossover. Only 60 units of the ASX Adventure will be made and comes in a single 2.0-litre two-wheel drive variant. For a RM5,000 premium over the \nstandard ASX 2WD\n, the ASX Adventure gets aesthetic enhancements inside and out.\nFinished in Sporty Blue, the ASX Adventure gets a new front grille design as well as additional mouldings around the wheel arches and side sills. It rides on upsized 18-inch multi-spoke alloys wrapped in \n225/65 profile tyres\n. Other parts of the exterior remain unchanged.   Inside, new items include blue upholstery stitching with ASX embroidery, blue trim accents on the door panels, silver air-con housings and aluminium sports pedals. Standard equipment dittos the standard 2WD variant \u2013 keyless entry, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera and Multi-Information Display (MID).\nUnder the bonnet, you will find the same 2.0-litre MIVEC four-cylinder petrol engine producing\n 148 hp\n and \n198 Nm\n of torque, paired to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) driving the front wheels. Safety wise, it retains the three airbags, ABS with BA, EBD and front parking sensors combination. Traction Control and Active Stability Control remains missing from the equipment list.\nThe ASX Adventure is priced at RM123,998 on-the-road without insurance and can be ordered from MMM dealerships nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n First facelift"
"Shortly after the European debut of the \nHonda CR-V Hybrid\n, the Japanese carmaker has announced the official fuel economy and CO2 emissions for the hybrid-powered SUV.\nBased on the revised NEDC test, the 2.0-litre i-MMD powerplant will return a combined fuel economy of \n5.3 L/100 km\n on front-wheel drive equipped models while the all-wheel-drive model will consume \n5.5 L/100 km\n. To put things into perspective, the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo CR-V will return 7.0 L/100 km.\nHonda\u2019s i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) technology combines a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and a direct drive transmission to give the CR-V Hybrid a combined output of \n184 hp\n and \n315 Nm\n of twist.\nThe i-MMD system features three driving modes \u2013 EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive which allow the drivers to drive the car on pure electric power, combustion engine or both.\nThe Honda CR-V Hybrid will make its first-ever European public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show joined by other petrol variants of the car including a seven-seater option. Malaysian consumers, on the other hand, have the option for either a \n1.5-litre i-VTEC Turbo\n or a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol option for their five-seater SUV."
"Malaysia is one of, if not the most car-dependent nation within the ASEAN region, and our car ownership figures back that up, despite a relatively low total industry volume (TIV) within the Malaysian automotive sector.\nIn fact, a recent survey by BMW Group in Southeast Asia, which polled 4,000 drivers from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, revealed that 85% of Malaysian respondents said that they drive every one to three days, either to and from the office (74%), to run daily errands (65%), or to travel on the weekends (36%).\nBeing such an important market, it stands to reason why carmakers are somewhat concerned about the acceptance of \nelectric vehicles\n (EVs) in Malaysia, now that the entire industry is quickly shifting towards electrification. Encouragingly, BMW\u2019s survey shows that eight out of 10 Malaysian drivers are open to seeing more EVs on the road.\nThe respondents quoted several reasons, including to reduce carbon emissions (72%), cost savings from using electricity instead of burning petrol (49%), as well as to experience a more premium driving experience (40%).\nDespite that, nearly 60% of Malaysian drivers still say that they would likely choose a petrol-powered vehicle for their next purchase, mostly citing concerns such as range anxiety, maintenance costs, and difficulties in keeping their EVs charged.\nBMW, however, says that these are \u201cthe concerns of yesterday\u201d, as the technology surrounding EV and its ecosystems, including the charging networks, have already made significant progress over the past few years that it\u2019s reached a point of maturity where those concerns do not hold much weight any more.\nGALLERY: BMW i4 Gran Coupe EV previewed in Malaysia!\nClick to enlarge.\nExpanding on range anxiety concerns, the company says that its latest fleet of BMW i vehicles already possesses \u201cexcellent electric range\u201d of up to 425 km, as seen on the\n iX xDrive40\n. Based on the premise that most Malaysians only travel up to 20 km daily, BMW says that recharging is only necessary roughly once every two to three weeks.\nOn top of reduced charging frequency, which will reduce disruptions to their daily car usage, the BMW i Wallbox is also capable of providing a full charge overnight. For the frequent long-distance travellers, BMW Group Malaysia has also begun deploying DC fast chargers across its dealership network, public spaces, and along the highways.\nRELATED: Facts & Figures: BMW iX xDrive40 electric SUV launched in Malaysia, from RM361k!\nAs for the higher maintenance costs for EVs, which BMW says 41% of respondents believed, the company assures that an EV actually costs less to maintain, due to having fewer components in the vehicles that require servicing \u2013 the common wear-and-tear parts such as engine oil, spark plugs, and air filters are absent in EVs.\nThe company further adds that its electric vehicles are equipped with modular battery packs, so the cost of battery replacement is greatly reduced, as owners will only need to replace the faulty module instead of the entire battery.\nALSO READ: BMW adds new DC fast chargers in Penang and Ipoh \u2013 120 kW, open for public use\nTo further enhance the peace of mind of their owners, BMW also offers a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, as well as a separate eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty for its EVs. The survey revealed that battery warranty (39%) and good aftersales support (35%) are some of the main motivators for drivers to adopt EVs.\nThe government\u2019s support for EV adoption, particularly with the recent \nEV tax cut as outlined in Budget 2022\n, is also a key motivating factor for buyers here in Malaysia, with 45% of respondents citing cost as a concern.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Viser said, \u201cIt is encouraging to see the level of awareness and excitement around sustainable mobility, and that Malaysian drivers see EVs as the gateway to a more premium driving experience.\n\u201cBeing the pioneer of electrified mobility in Malaysia and having been in the field since 2015, we have observed how Malaysian drivers are receptive and even enthusiastic about transitioning to EVs but remain concerned about key issues surrounding it \u2013 all of which we have been actively working to alleviate.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cIn addition to introducing the best that we have to offer with the latest fleet of vehicles from BMW i, we have also been proactively developing our infrastructure for charging the vehicles.\n\u201cWith these initiatives, there is also an opportunity to change the perception of prospective EV owners in Malaysia on the significant advancements made and that an electric future for the passenger vehicle market in Malaysia is closer than they think.\u201d"
"Proton has just released\nthe first official photos of the facelifted Proton Iriz ahead of its launch scheduled\nfor later in the year. The Iriz is the first model in the brand\u2019s current range\nto be given a facelift since they have Geely as their strategic partner on board.\nAt the front, the refreshed Iriz gains a new face with a chrome grille garnish that extends the full length into the new slim headlamps. Within the new grille, you\u2019ll find the \u201cEthereal Bow\u201d cue that made its debut on the \nX70\n. The front bumpers feature a cleaner look with the LED daytime running lights integrated on either side.\nThe facelifted Iriz now sits on new 10-spoke design alloy wheels and spots a black roof and spoiler. Round the back, the little hatchback now wears Proton\u2019s new corporate identity feature where PROTON is being spelt out on the tailgate, replacing the logo that was there before.\nThe rear profile gains a newfound stance and sportiness with the blacked out upper tailgate and new bumpers. The Iriz badge also gets a new typeface with a capital R in red.\nProton did not give\naway the mechanical specification and interior details but from the official image,\nthe Iriz benefits from a new GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with Voice Command\nfeature, frameless rear-view mirror, a cleaner and upmarket instrument cluster\nwith coloured LCD display as well as a new gear lever design similar to the one\npresent on the X70.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nProton\u00a0Iriz\u00a0Facelift\u00a0First\u00a0Image"
"Inspired by the success of the Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9 LM in 1988, Jaguar has unveiled the new F-Pace SVR Edition 1988. Only\n 394 units\n will be available to commemorate the number of laps completed by the Le Mans-winning race car.\nThe main highlight of the \nF-Pace SVR \nlies in its exterior colo; featuring a specially-formulated Midnight Amethyst Gloss and Sunset Gold paint job, complemented with 22-inch Champagne Gold forged alloy wheels.\nBlack Pack goodies are standard in the F-Pace SVR, where the side mirror covers, brake calipers, and wheel center caps are all finished in Gloss Black.\nThe cabin is festooned with open-pore carbon fibre trims, paired with semi-aniline Ebony leather upholstery. The Sunset Gold theme continues inside the cabin, as seen on the steering wheel spokes, gear shift paddles, and sports seats. Completing the interior package are SV Bespoke and Edition 1988 branding on the illuminated door sills and dashboard.\nThe F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 produces the same performance as the F-Pace SVR with 550 hp and 700 Nm from a 5.0-litre supercharged V8. 0 to 100 km/h takes four seconds before the Jaguar runs out of breath at 286 km/h! Prices start from \u00a3101,550 pounds (approx. RM560,795).\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently upped the ante in the compact premium executive segment with the \nfacelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class\n from the highly efficient \n1.5-litre EQ Boost C 200\n to the 3.0-litre twin-turbo powered \nC 43\n.\nWith revised specifications (64-colour ambient lighting, digital screens, blind spot monitor, air suspension) and styling, the refreshed C-Class gains a competitive edge over the ageing \nF30 BMW 3 Series\n and \nsecond-gen Volvo S60\n. We did not forget about the \nAudi A4\n but unfortunately, it loses out on price compared to its locally assembled rivals.\nBut the C-Class reign is set to take a back seat with the imminent arrival of the \nG20 3 Series\n and \nall-new S60\n. We\u2019ve seen both of these cars at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show and they both look stunning in the metal (at least, according to our editor, Eu Jin). Should you then, go with the C-Class or wait for the new competitors to hit local showrooms? Here\u2019s the breakdown:\nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nMercedes-Benz C 200 \n \nG20 BMW 320i\n \nVolvo S60 T5\n Engine\n 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo with\nEQ Boost\n 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo\n 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo\n Transmission\n 9-speed automatic\n 8-speed automatic\n 8-speed automatic\n Max Power\n 184 hp + 13 hp (EQ Boost)\n 184 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n Max Torque\n 280 Nm + 160 Nm (w/ EQ Boost)\n 300 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n 350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 7.7 seconds; 239 km/h\n 7.2 seconds; 238 km/h\n 6.5 seconds; 240 km/h\n Kerb Weight\n 1,505 kg\n 1,525 kg\n 1,677 kg\n Boot Space\n 435 litres\n 480 litres\n 442 litres\n Fuel Economy Rating\n 6.3L/100 km\n 6.0L/100 km\n 7.1L/100 km\nCompared here are the base petrol variants from all 3 makes\nOn paper, the S60 T5 blows the competition out of the water with its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E powerplant packing \n250 hp \nand \n350 Nm\n of twist. It is the quickest among the trio despite weighing over 1.6 tonnes, completing the century sprint in \n6.5 seconds\n. The weight comes with a small price to pay with a rated fuel economy of 7.1L/100 km.\nBut if you swear by \u201crear wheel drive is the right wheel drive\u201d, the 320i and C 200 would be your prime choice. The 320i gets a more conventional setup with a 2.0-litre turbo and 8-speed automatic packing \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n while the C 200 has a more sophisticated 1.5-litre turbo with EQ Boost Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The latter also comes with an extra gear.\nTechnology only tells\nhalf the story because the 320i is half a second quicker than the C 200 \u2013 7.2\nseconds vs 7.7 seconds \u2013 and it has a slightly lower rated fuel consumption of\n6.0L/100 km. However, the C 200 emits the least C02 among the lot if that\u2019s\nyour concern.\nStyling is subjective and\nthe W205 C-Class has been around since 2014 so it\u2019s not quite a fair comparison\nagainst the brand spanking new BMW and Volvo. However, the facelift exercise brought\nabout a bit more sophistication to the headlamps and taillamps that helps the\nC-Class stay fresh. The three-pointed star is also arguably the most elegant\nlooking one here.\nBoth the 3 Series and\nS60 spots a sportier design language hoping to draw in the young and young at\nheart. Some may find the styling G20 3 Series to be too busy around the front and\nreminds them of a certain Japanese brand around the rear, but as Eu Jin said, you\nhave to see it in person to appreciate the design.\nThe Volvo on the other\nhand while athletic in proportions, gives off a corporate image (even in the\nR-Design trim) which some may appreciate when rolling up to business meetings.\nA sportier S90 if you will.\nBoth the cabin of the G30\n3 Series and S60 is not a novelty because the architecture and design are taken\nstraight from the respective brand\u2019s larger models. The Volvo plays on its\nminimalistic design while the BMW\u2019s more driver focused layout should appeal to\nthe enthusiast. But if you\u2019re a fan of party pieces, nothing comes close to the\nMerc\u2019s 64-colour ambient lighting.\nWhile specification of\nMalaysia-bound G20 320i and S60 are yet to be confirmed, we can trust that\nVolvo Car Malaysia will feature the full suite of IntelliSafe Advanced Driver\nAssistance System and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving feature when the car\nis launched here. The C 200 which is currently on sale, only comes with one\nactive safety system \u2013 Blind Spot Assist. Your move, BMW.\nIn summary, all three\ncars have their unique selling point but in this highly competitive and\ndemanding segment, manufacturers have to capture the heart of the masses not\nonly with brand sentiment but also pricing and product positioning.\nThe C-Class is a good\nexample with a well-packaged entry-level C 200 for no frills premium motoring\nexperience and a feature packed C 300 for the discerning buyers. Backed with the\nsupport of a strong after sales network, it will be quite a challenge for BMW\nand Volvo to beat the Merc at its game."
"In an effort to increase their after sales service, Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has established a Parts Hub in Shah Alam, one that spans 10,000 sq ft and will store market-specific inventory to reduce vehicular downtime and waiting period.\nIt\u2019s relatively common these days for Volkswagen owners to be subjected to long waiting periods when sending their cars in for major repair works. The Parts Hub will seek to dramatically reduce this inconvenience by processing order submissions \ntwice a day\n.\nIn speeding up this process, VGM will also \ndispatch orders twice a day\n to dealerships nationwide, either from the new Parts Hub in Shah Alam or their Parts Centre in Singapore \u2013 one that began its operations since July 2014. The facility will receive parts from both the Singapore Centre and Volkswagen\u2019s Kassel plant in Germany."
"The \nMalaysian Automotive Association (MAA)\n today published its latest forecasted total industry volume (TIV) figures for 2023, which has now risen to 652,500 passenger cars and 72,500 commercial vehicles, for a total of \n725,000 \nunits this year.\nThe new figure represents a significant increase of 11.5% over its original forecast of 650,000 total vehicles, which it published in January this year, and also represents a slight jump of 4,342 units over last year\u2019s actual TIV.\nIn a press conference today, MAA said that the revised forecast was made on the basis of a stabilised economic outlook for the nation, improved automotive supply chain, as well as healthy sales figures for many new models \u2013 particularly \u201cvery affordable models\u201d by national makes, among other factors.\nThe latter has already resulted in a 10.3% year-on-year increase in TIV for the first half of 2023, which saw a total of 366,037 units sold (326,661 passenger vehicles, up 11.2%; 39,376 commercial vehicles, up 3.6%). Among those, the national carmakers\u2019 sales totalled 220,702 units, representing a 19% year-on-year increase in sales, while non-national makes dropped 3% to 105,959 units.\nAs a result, the national brands now constitute approximately 68% of the total passenger vehicles market share in the first half of 2023.\nRELATED: \nMAA: Perodua sold the most cars (145k units) in H1 2023, followed by Proton, Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi\nMAA added that sales of new vehicles has not only returned to, but also surpassed the pre-pandemic levels. For the first half of 2023, this was primarily driven by the fulfilment of bookings received during the PENJANA sales tax exemption period last year, where \u201ca majority\u201d of which were registered before 31 March 2023.\nThis is evidenced in the monthly sales figures, which saw a peak in March. At 78,894 units delivered, the March 2023 sales figures also marked a new all-time high record for monthly TIV in the history of the local automotive industry.\nIn tandem with the increased sales, the Total Industry Production (TIP) of new locally assembled vehicles in 1H2023 has also increased by 44,602 units (14%) to 362,535 units, compared to 317,933 units in the same period last year.\nThe strong sales in the first half of 2023 rides off the back of the nation\u2019s all-time-high record for annual TIV 2022, which saw a monumental 41.6% increase in sales to 720,658 units sold throughout the nation last year.\nMoving forward, however, MAA is expecting a slight shrinkage in TIV for 2024 at 700,000 units, before rising gradually to 736,300 in 2027."
"When the Camry XV50 was first introduced here back in 2012, it barely missed on the tsunami of a hype that its older XV40 sibling had so effortlessly generated. Criticisms were hurled towards Toyota for producing a successor no more interesting than the Kardashian\u2019s comical family drama, and over time, the Camry\u2019s charm rapidly wilted and subsequently lost its coveted D-Segment top spot.\nCompetition grew stiffer in the following years with arrivals of the new Honda Accord, \nMazda 6\n and \nNissan Teana\n. At one point, the Accord was outselling the Camry at a 4:1 rate\u00a0\u2013 that\u2019s \none Camry for every four Accords sold\n! But if there\u2019s anyone you can count on to come back stronger and harder after taking a serious beating, it\u2019s Toyota. This time, with the \nrefreshed Camry\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Camry 2.0E\nToyota Camry 2.0G\nToyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid\nEngine\n1,998cc; DOHC with VVT-iW\n1,998cc; DOHC with VVT-iW\n2,494cc; DOHC with VVT-i & ACIS\nTransmission\n6-speed auto Super ECT\n6-speed auto Super ECT\nE-CVT\nMax Power\n165 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n165 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n158 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n199 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\n199 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\n213 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\nHybrid Motor Output; Battery type\n\u2013\n\u2013\n141 hp & 270 Nm; NiMH\nCombined Max Power / Torque\n\u2013\n\u2013\n205 hp / 213 Nm\nFuel Consumption\n7.3 litres per 100km\n7.3 litres per 100km\n5.2 litres per 100km\nPrice (OTR with insurance & GST)\nRM149,900\nRM159,900\nRM174,900\nEXTERIOR\nLet its new looks not fool you into thinking that this is an entirely new model, no. Despite UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s best efforts in marketing it as such (new engine, new transmission etc), truth is, it really is just a heavy rework of what\u2019s essentially a popular, yet lagging D-Segment competitor.\nThough the new Camry retains its familiar profile and silhouette, the new front face gets cut deepest under the knife, veering\u00a0its styling in the course of sportiness. Or as\u00a0Toyota puts it, \u201cThe Camry is inspired by our \nKeen Look Identity and Under Priority\n design philosophy.\u201d We\u2019re sure they could have picked a better way of saying it (read: Fluidic Sculpture 2.0), but \u2018Keen Look\u2019 fits the bill just nice.\nToyota\u2019s three pronged offensive is comprised of the 2.0E, 2.0G and range topper 2.5 Hybrid. Differentiating\u00a0the Hybrid from the rest is fairly simple; it gets \ntwin projector LED headlights\n, a mesh-type grille, a larger set of two-toned 17-inch wheels (poor design choice though) and a blue-tinted pair of tail lamps.\n \n \nThe non-hybrid variants make do with HID bi-xenon headlights as standard, a lateral fin-type grille and sits on 16-inch wheels. Where the Hybrid gets a single exhaust pipe, the 2.0-litre ones get dual pipes. It\u2019s not all for show, though, as \nbits of aero stabilising fins\n have been incorporated to the side mirrors and tail lamps, creating air vortices which\u00a0\nimproves driving stability\n.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the changes are minute, but largely noticeable. Gone are the two-toned beige on black interior scheme of old, duly replaced by an all-black upholstery married to two kinds of wood \u2013 Zebra Wood on the Hybrid and Crotch Wood (yes Crotch, it\u2019s not a typo) for the 2.0-litre variants. The \u2018Optitron\u2019 instrument cluster is also new here, having serve its informing duties in the brand\u2019s more up-class Lexus models.   Smacked in the middle of the Camry Hybrid\u2019s dashboard is a factory-fitted \n7-inch touchscreen\n with reverse camera and GPS navigation. The Android-based hardware supports smartphone mirroring and is paired to a\u00a0\n10-speaker JBL Green Edge with 5.1 surround sound system\u00a0\ncapable of producing rich levels of audio quality. In furthering cabin comfort, the Camry comes equipped with \nacoustic-reducing windshield glass\n, achieved by inserting a polyvinyl layer between two sheets of glass that is tuned to \nabsorb chassis vibrations\n and \nspecific sound waves\n for \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 a quieter cabin.\nSimilarly, the rear and side windows have \nhigh-frequency wind noise reduction\n properties, courtesy of Toyota\u2019s High Solar Energy-Absorbing glass. If the boss in you isn\u2019t impressed yet, the Camry Hybrid gets an exclusive\n Qi wireless phone charging dock\n, nanoe air ioniser (said to moisturise your hair and skin, no joke) and electrochromic rear view mirror.\nIf you\u2019re in the back seat being chauffeured to board meetings, the familiar \nfour-way electric front passenger seat adjuster\n is kept in check, conveniently positioned towards the upper right side of the seat to increase rear legroom. The head restraint on the same seat can be folded down, granting you full view of the way forward, from the back seat of course.\nPERFORMANCE\nAlthough this review is centred around\u00a0the Hybrid, we feel that the new \n2.0-litre 6AR-FSE engine\n\u00a0very much deserves to share this newfound limelight. This brand new four-banger VVT-iW engine is nearly identical to the unit powering the \nLexus NX200t\n, except in the Camry\u2019s case it forgoes the in-house developed twin-scroll turbocharger.\n \n \nVVT-iW, short for \nVariable Valve Timing \u2013 intelligent Wide\n, refers to the engine\u2019s advanced valve train and dual injection system (direct and port injection), enabling it to operate between Otto and Atkinson cycles. Generally, most internal combustion engines adopt Otto\u2019s, but Toyota\u2019s new engine is capable of switching between the two, depending on engine speed (rpm). It makes \n165 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n199 Nm\n at 4,600 rpm thanks to the\n 12.7:1 compression\n \nratio\n. Together with the new \nsix-speed automatic\n torque converter, it yields a quoted fuel efficiency of \n7.3 litres per 100km\n.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nOn the flip side, the Hybrid draws propulsion from Toyota\u2019s patented \nHybrid Synergy Drive\n system first developed for the Prius nearly 20 years ago. This \nseries-parallel hybrid system\n means that the Camry can be driven in pure electric mode and via the Atkinson cycle engine, or both when required.\nUnlike the new 6AR-FSE engine, this older \n2.5-litre\n (2AR-FXE) four-cylinder port injection engine sees the VVT-i\u2019s duties resumed, and on its own makes \n158 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s paired to a high-torque electric motor producing \n141 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque, and together they make for some formidable numbers \u2013 \n202 hp\n (combined torque figure unavailable, sadly), an output bettered only by the \nPeugeot 508 GT\n and \nFord Mondeo EcoBoost\n. Both \nturbocharged\n and \nexceed the RM200,000 mark\n, by the way, making the Camry \u2013 priced at\n RM174,900\n \u2013 a much more enticing proposition.\nTasked with supplying power to the electric motor is a \n1.6 kWh nickel-metal hydride\n\u00a0battery pack, and the reason for skipping out on a lithium-ion pack is that Ni-MH batteries are better suited for hybrid cars demanding quick recharge and discharge rates. It\u2019s also \nmore efficient in storing energy\n when receiving sporadic surges of electricity produced via regenerative braking.\nThe downside of using the Ni-MH pack is having to deal with its incommodious bulk, and the only way around it is to store the battery in the boot, reducing storage space to just \n421 litres\n. In a practical sense, this compromise translates to a nicely packaged D-Segment sedan with a boot space smaller than that of a Vios!\nBut what you do get out of that trade is a quoted fuel consumption of \n5.2 litres per 100km\n, and because it carries the Hybrid Synergy Drive badge, power delivery is managed by Toyota\u2019s \nElectronic Continuously Variable Transmission\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe Camry, after nearly two decades of pitting itself against the more dynamically superior Accord, has always been the go-to car for those preferring comfort and long term reliability. The duo\u2019s rivalry can be traced back to the mid 90s (in the 80s was the Accord vs the Corona), yet the Honda has proved time and again that it has the slight edge round the bends. Today, that deeply imbedded notion is about to take a dramatic turn.\n \n \nIn our brief stint with the 2.0G, we found the new engine\u2019s performance to be remarkably smooth, and it\u2019s hard to tell when the cycles \nalternate between Otto and Atkinson\n. Preliminary impressions had us believing that the latter kicks in at engine speeds no more than 3,500 rpm, and going above that mark means transitioning into the more performance-oriented Otto cycle. Otherwise, the transition is nearly indistinguishable.\nThe new six-speed gearbox must also be commended for its competence in extracting the engine\u2019s full grunt. Power delivery is\n hardly erring\n, with all 165 hp and 199 Nm evenly spread across the rev band. It\u2019s right up there in the top three best 2.0-litre engines, and we loved it even more in the NX200t. In the handling department, the Camry\u2019s chassis retuning proves to be a delightful leap forwards, granting new levels of agility that far exceeds our expectations. And when we say far, we mean \nreally\n far.\nThe Camry 2.0G is noticeably smoother, more refined and more poised on the highways compared to the preceding model. It\u2019s sprung harder on the front axles, giving way to increased confidence while tackling the corners up Genting Highlands, thanks in part to a \nnew preload differential\n fitted on the front axle. A differential is basically a housing comprised of meshing gears that distributes power to both the driving wheels (in this case the front wheels, because the Camry is FWD), allowing them to \nindividually rotate at different speeds\n for better traction as you go around the corners.\nJumping into the Hybrid thereafter tells a slightly different tale. The air of luxury feels pleasantly\u00a0denser, although that deduction may have originated from a completely subjective standpoint. Nevertheless, the key characteristic separating the Hybrid from the 2.0-litre variants lies in the way it drives, and we could instantly tell that it rides suppler. The marginally softer suspension setup will surely please loyal Camry followers, but as far as comfort goes, the \nNissan Teana\n is still king.\nThat said, the Camry strikes a profound balance in the way it\u2019s suspended; it\u2019s equally up for a leg-stretching sporty drive as much as it is your personal, day-to-day limousine. Acceleration isn\u2019t all that thrilling partly due to\u00a0its weight, but when flooring the throttle from rest, both propulsion sources kick in and soon the Camry Hybrid began chasing horizons \u2013 that or the Honda Accord. Don\u2019t we just love rivalry?\nIt has pace, don\u2019t get us wrong, but it doesn\u2019t reward you with the kind of kick you get in a turbocharged car. In casting our nitpicking nets aside, the dual propulsion technology deserves a warm welcome in any household.\u00a0In fact, we dare say that it\u2019s \n100 percent\n \nthe most exciting Camry\n to be introduced in Malaysia to date.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nTo call this Camry a refreshed model can be quite an understatement, because if you factor in its \nvalue proposition\n and \nexceptional mid-life enhancement\n on top of a list of amenities that\u2019s far more generous than before, the Camry Hybrid in particular, is charging a whole different ballgame altogether. It\u2019s sedately good looking and is comparatively easier on the wallet in the long run (refer to comparison table below) as well. For your peace of mind, Toyota is offering an \n8-year warranty coverage\n on the battery pack alone.\nSo, again. Is the Camry Hybrid for you? If you\u2019re creeping up the D-Segment market for the first time, much won\u2019t go wrong with the Camry Hybrid. It may fall somewhat short in terms of driver\u2019s involvement compared to, say, the \nMazda 6\n and Honda Accord; but if you\u2019re new to the segment, chances are you\u2019ve already outgrown your petrolhead alter ego. Trust us, if you look to Toyota\u2019s way, you will be hard pressed to not look elsewhere.\nBut like our editor GC said in his video review, if you\u2019re not a fan of hybrid and CVT gearboxes, then it\u2019s better to call a pass on this one. Oh, did we tell you that, without the EEV incentive, the Camry Hybrid will cost around RM250k? Don\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you!\nCOMPARISONS\nLet\u2019s put it this way. The D-Segment market today is nothing like it\u2019s been in a while. We\u2019ve narrowed down three of the Camry\u2019s closest rivals \u2013 the \nHonda Accord 2.4 VTi-L\n,\n Mazda 6 2.5L\n and \nNissan Teana 2.5 XV\n. There are of course more, like the Ford Mondeo EcoBoost, Hyundai Sonata, Peugeot 508 GT and Volkswagen Passat CKD, but we feel the greater need to pit the Camry Hybrid against its Japanese rivals to see how far they\u2019ve come\u00a0over the years.\nToyota Camry 2.5L Hybrid\nHonda Accord 2.4 VTi-L\nMazda 6 2.5L Skyactiv-G\nNissan Teana 2.5 XV\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder petrol hybrid\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n2,494\n2,356\n2,488\n2,488\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n205/5,700\n173/6,200\n185/5,700\n171/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n213/4,500\n225/4,000\n250/3,250\n234/4,000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power-Steering\nElectric Power-Steering\nElectric Power-Steering\nElectro-Hydraulic Power-Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\nE-CVT\n5-spd auto\n6-spd auto\nCVT\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson Strut / Multi-Link\nMacPherson Strut / Multi-Link\nMacPherson Strut / Multi-Link\nMacPherson Strut / Multi-Link\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n215/55 R17\n235/45 R18\n225/45 R19\n215/55 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,850\n4,870\n4,865\n4,885\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,825\n1,850\n1,840\n1,830\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,470\n1,465\n1,450\n1,485\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,775\n2,775\n2,830\n2,774\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,600\n1,585\n1,444\n1,517\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n421\n461\n489\n516\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n65\n65\n62\n65\nConsumption\n5.2 l/100 km\n\u00a0N/A\n6.4l/100 km\n7.4l/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\nN/A\nN/A\n221\nN/A\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\nN/A\nN/A\n8.1 seconds\nN/A\nPRICE\n (with insurance and GST)\nRM\n174,900.00\n173,386.00\n194,647.00 (without insurance)\n169,900.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nWe\u2019re not going to waste your time here. All things considered, \nI just might\n. Why? Because UMW Toyota Motor is only projecting to produce about 7,000 units by end-2015, and if the Camry Hybrid loses its EEV incentive by the time the revised National Automotive Policy is announced for 2016, it could get slapped with a new RM250k asking price. The clock is ticking, and we\u2019re pretty sure the Camry Hybrid is flying off the shelves as we speak. With the gap now closer than ever, who will make the next big move?\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid   2015 Toyota Camry 2.0G"
"Most carmakers these days are either moving towards electrification, downsizing their engines, or a combination of both. That includes Mazda, too, targetting for a \ncompletely-electrified line-up by 2030\n, with 25% of those being full EVs. Yet, the Japanese carmaker still can\u2019t stop flirting with the good ol\u2019 big boy inline-sixes; the next-generation \nMazda CX-5 \nSUV has now been confirmed to feature a six-cylinder engine, up from four in the current model.\nOr at least, that\u2019s what Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi said during a presentation to journalists in the Land Down Under.\n\u201cMazda continues to invest in high-efficiency combustion engines, with SkyActiv-X, and the new generation straight-six engine family that will power our new-generation large-platform products, which is CX-5 and above,\u201d Bhindi told journalists, as reported by \ncarsales\n.\nIf that is indeed true, the next-generation Mazda CX-5 will actually be \nup\n-sizing its engine line-up from four to six-cylinders, instead of downsizing like everyone else!\nMazda\u2019s latest SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture\nBhindi\u2019s statement is in line with Mazda\u2019s recent announcement of its \nrear-wheel drive platform for large vehicles\n project, where a six-cylinder petrol or diesel engine will be paired to a \n48-volt mild-hybrid setup\n, with drive sent to the rear wheels.\nMazda\u2019s new platform is also RWD-focused! Check it out in more detail here.\nThe statement also pretty much confirms that the next-gen CX-5 will be built on Mazda\u2019s new SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, which will be shared with other larger Mazda models including the \nMazda6\n, \nCX-8\n, and \nCX-9\n.\nWith the bigger engine plus electrical assistance, the upcoming Mazda CX-5 will most likely see a significant increase in power output, while producing lesser emissions and drinking less fuel thanks to more modern engine technologies.\nEarlier leaks suggest that the next-gen Mazda CX-5 range will be available with a \n281 hp/340 Nm\n 3.0-litre petrol mill, as well as a \n281 hp/600 Nm\n 3.3-litre turbodiesel, both with the aforementioned 48V mild-hybrid tech.\nThe six-cylinder powertrains is expected to be reserved for the pricier variants, however; lower-end models should still come with a four-banger under its bonnet \u2013 the same engine that Mazda is looking to use for its plug-in hybrid variants, as announced by the company in June.\nThe current Mazda CX-5 range-topper gets a 2.5-litre turbo inline-four engine with 226 hp. Check out our full review here!\nBut of course, none of these speculations have been confirmed just yet, so we\u2019ll just have to wait and see. It does make sense though that Mazda is focusing on the CX-5, seeing that it is the carmaker\u2019s best-seller by far, moving 361,051 units in 2020 despite the pandemic-riddled year. The only question then is, when?"
"China is now the largest market for electric vehicles and automakers are updating their product line-up as quickly as they can, even as far as fitting an EV powertrain into an existing engine-only model such as the \nMazda CX-30 EV\n.\nBMW in China is using all the resources it can to compete with the \nlocally-made Tesla Model 3\n. However, the BMW i4 isn\u2019t coming any sooner, so the Munich-based company has \u201cre-created\u201d the BMW i3, based on the current G20 BMW 3 Series sedan.\nWhile many of us are familiar with the \nBMW i3\n compact hatchback being the company\u2019s first mass-produced EV, consumers in China do not have that issue as the model is not offered there. Thus, the BMW i3 sedan based on the current \nG20 3 Series\n is born.\nIn the posting by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, People\u2019s Republic of China, the BMW i3 sedan will have up to \n340 hp\n (250 kW) and be designated with the \u201835L\u2019 variant badging, with the L denoting long wheelbase, as seen on the \nBMW 330 Li\n that was introduced in Malaysia in April this year. \u00a0\nThe first BMW i3\nThis eDrive powertrain looks to be the same as the one found on the upcoming \nBMW i4 eDrive40\n, with the rear-mounted motor delivering 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque. An 80.7 kWh (nett) battery pack allows a driving range of up to 590 km.\nThe Ministry also listed the BMW i3 35L to be marginally lighter than the i4 at 2,029 kg, which could translate to a slightly better range and 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of \n5.7 seconds\n. Top speed is also listed at 180 km/h for the upcoming BMW i3 35L made exclusively for China.\nAs for the exterior differences, the front and rear bumpers of the BMW i3 35L seen in this example follows the design from the i4 while keeping its regular-sized kidney grilles. A possibility of only two variants is on offer, as the grille, rim design and blue highlights are used as identifiers.\nGlobally, BMW Group (includes MINI and Rolls-Royce) plans to release a total of about ten million fully electric vehicles onto the roads over the next ten years or so, with at least one in two vehicles sold to be fully electric. Next year, the EV versions of the \nBMW 7 Series\n and BMW X1 will be made available, while the high-volume BMW 5 Series will be added to the electric portfolio in 2023.\nIn Malaysia, the new EV offense has begun via the soft-introduction of the \nBMW iX\n and the \nBMW iX3\n EV models. The brand is also a leader of PHEV models in Malaysia, offering plug-in hybrid models for the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X5 SAV plus the fully electric i3s.\nSource: \nMinistry of Industry and Information Technology, People\u2019s Republic of China"
"The absence of traditional engine noise from electric vehicles creates a problem for vulnerable pedestrians, such as the blind or visually impaired \u2013 Jaguar\u2019s first all-electric vehicle, the I-PACE is one of them.\nAs such Jaguar\u2019s engineers developed a sound, through an \nAudible Vehicle Alert System (AVAS)\n,\u00a0that can be heard at speeds p to 20km/h and exceeds the 56dB, a requirement of the upcoming new European legislation for all new electric vehicles from July 2019.\nThe system which Jaguar has spend four years developing cannot be switched off. It\u2019s clear but discreet and wouldn\u2019t interfere with the peace within the cabin.\nInitial attempts to create a noise inspired by the sound of sci-fi spacecraft had to be shelved after pedestrians reacted by looking up to the sky, rather than at the road as the vehicle approached.\nThe alert is emitted from a speaker located behind the front grille and can be heard in every direction. Volume increases in accordance with\u00a0the speed of the vehicle and, when in reverse, is accompanied by an additional tone that indicates the change in direction.\nAVAS is not required at higher speeds as there is sufficient wind and tyre noise for pedestrians to hear the zero-emissions vehicle approaching.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Compact crossovers are now a huge fad among car manufacturers. The latest to join the fray is Nissan, with Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn announcing that their new concept, the Kicks, will be made into production. The Kicks was unveiled in Sao Paolo\u00a0Motor Show back in 2014, showcasing Nissan\u2019s answer to its sister company, the \nRenault Captur\n.\nThe Kicks was\u00a0made possible thanks to the collaboration between its studios in Rio de Janeiro, San Diego, and Japan. The Kicks will be targeted to the South American market, and might roll over to other markets judging from its success. As for now, Nissan\u2019s compact crossover comes in a form of the unorthodox\u00a0Juke.\n \n \nNo word on its technical specs as yet, but should it arrive in ASEAN markets, we would think the 1.2-litre turbocharged unit from the Captur would be an ideal option. The Nissan Kicks concept should be an ideal replacement to the archaic and forgotten X-Gear crossover, although the Kicks moniker will most probably not be used for this region.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Minister of Transport \u2013 YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook attended and officiated the \nopening ceremony of GWM\u2019s new Seremban 4S centre\n held this morning (\nJuly 1\n, \n2023\n). While giving his speech during the opening ceremony, the transport minister mentioned that the \nMinistry of Transport\n (MOT) is proposing for EV (electric vehicle) tax structure to be cheaper than the current structure for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles after the current EV tax exemption policy expires in 2025.\nEarlier this year, YB Anthony Loke mentioned that the MOT is \nreviewing road tax structures\n for both ICE and \nEVs\n in Malaysia. The new EV road tax structure has also been said to be a work in progress and is scheduled to be unveiled by the end of this year 2023.\nA new special number plate series intended for EVs in Malaysia is also in the process of being proposed by the MOT, according to the transport minister. The special number plate will start with the letters \u201cEV\u201d, followed by the number \u201c1\u201d to \u201c9999\u201d, and is only applicable for fully EVs only, and is available throughout the nation. Once the \u201cEV\u201d plate series is fully utilised, it will be succeeded by letter combinations like \u201cEVA\u201d, \u201cEVB\u201d, \u201cEVC\u201d etc, in alphabetical order.\nAside from being special, the \u201cEV\u201d number plate can also help rescue teams like the fire department (Bomba) to better recognise and help EV owners when involved in traffic accidents. This is because methods of handling EVs involved in accidents are rather different compared to traditional ICE vehicles, said YB Anthony Loke.\nRELATED: \nMOT revising EV road tax for Malaysia, current rates too expensive\nThe Minister of Transport also encourages EV carmakers like \nGWM\n to invest in the local automotive industry by setting up assembly plants and even producing EV batteries in Malaysia. This can not only benefit the country\u2019s automotive industry but also the economy. Currently, many EV vehicles, including GWM\u2019s \nOra Good Cat\n is fully imported (CBU).\nRELATED: \nMalaysia driving license now renewable up to 10 years, 10% discount"
"A number of news portals have reported that the foreign parties interested in forming a strategic partnership with Proton Holdings Berhad have shrunk to just one. Apparently, DRB-HICOM denies this.\nGroup Managing Director of DRB-HICOM, Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Faisal Albar said, \u201cOur intent is to turn around the fortunes of Proton. There are strengths and capabilities of the carmaker that, given a new proven partner that can offer technology, capabilities and new markets, will push PROTON as a brand to be reckoned with. This is why our evaluation of the bidders needs to be a detailed one. PROTON and the incoming Foreign Strategic Partner (FSP)\u00a0must be able to create synergies that will ensure the success of this venture.\u201d\nDato\u2019 Sri Syed also said all bidders are still in the running to be selected as Proton\u2019s FSP, and that the Group is progressing into the tail-end of this process. DRB-HICOM expects to complete the selection by the first half of 2017."
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official importer and distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia have again teased their new SUV, the \nEverest\n. It\u2019s scheduled to arrive here within the fourth quarter\u00a0this year, and will be offered with two engine choices \u2013 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre Duratorq diesel engines.\nBoth engines are sourced from the facelifted \nRanger pickup\n, with the smaller 2.2-litre producing\u00a0\n158 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque. The 3.2-litre engine on the other hand, makes \n197 hp\n and\n 470 Nm\n of torque. Both powertrains are mated to a \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox, sending drive to the part-time four wheel drive system (variant dependent).\nHaving seen just how good looking Toyota\u2019s \nnew Fortuner\n is just earlier today, it\u2019s hard to fall back on the Everest\u2019s more rounded, Ranger-esque appeal. But if there\u2019s any good takeaway for the observed shift in purchasing habits lately, it is what\u2019s underneath the surface that counts.\nWe\u2019ve come to terms that the Everest is simply no match for the new Fortuner on the outside, but Everest owners\u00a0will be subjected to quite a treat sitting inside this seven-seat SUV. For starters, it boasts having over \n30 cleverly positioned stowage spaces\n and comes with \nActive Noise Cancellation\n. It works by using three separate microphones to detect and measure noise. Once that\u2019s done, the computer will generate opposing sound waves to subdue the noise through the speakers.   From our pictures, we could tell that the range topping Everest will come with \ntri-zone auto air conditioning\n system, \nActive Adaptive Cruise Control\n with autonomous braking, on-the-fly electronic differential switch, touchscreen head unit with GPS navigation, heated seats (possibly cooling function too), front and rear parking sensors as well as\u00a0reverse camera.\nNow, for the price. SDAC remains tight lipped on the Everest\u2019s pricing, but we can expect the 2.2-litre variant to be priced around the \nRM150k to RM160k\n mark, while the 3.2-litre SUV will cost somewhere around the\n RM200k figure\n. We\u2019ll be flying up to Thailand to review them both in the next two weeks, so be sure to stay tuned for our full review!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-AMG has just teased their upcoming hypercar with Formula One (F1) technology, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, ahead of its world premiere at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA).\nThe company has pledged to bring the full fledge F1 hybrid technology to the road therefore has fitted the Project ONE with a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid, generating over \n1000 hp\n. Mercedes-AMG claims that the hypercar has a top speed in excess of \n350 km/h\n.\nWith a hybrid system and over 1000 hp, the engineers claim that the car \u201ccombines outstanding racetrack performance with day-to-day suitable Formula 1 hybrid technology and exemplary efficiency\u201d. Although we simply can\u2019t wrap our heads around \u201cexemplary efficiency\u201d."
"BMW Malaysia will be celebrating the end of 2021 on a M-erry note with a display of M cars at the newly opened Pavilion Bukit Jalil shopping centre on Saturday, 18th of December 2021.\nBMW M3, M4, and 430i get SST-exempted pricing in Malaysia \u2013 up to RM25k off! Find out more here!\n \nCelebrating last year\u2019s Independence Day with BMW Malaysia at Pavilion Bukit Bintang!\nIn collaboration with the BMW M Owners Club, a fleet of BMW M vehicles will come from all over the country and assemble at the new shopping centre to usher in the festive season. The event is a build-up to the 50\nth\n anniversary of BMW M division that was established in May 1972.\nNot just the BMW M3: PDRM\u2019s coolest police cars in history..check them out here!\nChildren under the care of Rumah Charis, a non-profit welfare organisation, will be invited for a gift ceremony hosted by members of the BMW M Owners Club.\nBMW M vehicles will be open for display to the public, with participation for the drive open to all BMW M owners who are keen to join the fun. Details of the event are as follow:\nDate : 18\nth\n December 2021, Saturday\u00a0\nTime : 10:00AM to 3:00PM\nVenue : Piazza of Pavilion Bukit Jalil,\n Pusat Bandar, 2, Persiaran Jalil Utama,\u00a0\n Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur\nFor more information on the drive, check out the BMW M Owner\u2019s Club\u2019s\n official Instagram account\n!"
"Seems that Subarus has no plans on stopping at their EyeSight semi-autonomous driving technology as they celebrate the grand opening of newly built test tracks for advanced driver assist technologies at their Bifuka Proving Ground in Hokkaido, Japan. The new test tracks will push forward the development of future advanced driver assist technologies.\nEstablished back in 1995, the Japanese carmaker has upgraded and added a\n 4.2 km high-speed circuit\n that simulates intercity expressways and an\u00a0\nurban road course\n to simulate a two-way traffic road. Subaru has paid great detail in ensuring that the test course(s) simulates real-world driving situations as much as possible, going as far as creating intersections, unclear road markings and so on.   With the aim of becoming the \nNumber One brand in overall safety\n, Subaru envisions that the new facility will be focused on further developments of its EyeSight technology. Recently, the more advanced \nEyeSight with Touring Assist\n was added to the new Levorg and WRX S4 models.\nBy 2020, Subaru plans to offer an \nautomated lane-changing function\n with the help of additional equipment such as digital maps, GPS, and radar to the EyeSight stereo camera. The company also aims to expand their EyeSight technology to prevent collisions with vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians at intersections.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In light of the recent devastating floods that have impacted many localities around the entire country, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced a set of four initiatives to help ease the burden of the people, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) that have been affected by the floods.\nAccording to the Prime Minister\u2019s statement, those affected by the floods nationwide will be offered repayment assistance (moratorium) for housing or property loans, car loans, credit cards, and personal loans. \u201cThe facility includes deferment or reduction of instalment payments for up to six months,\u201d he said.\nIn addition, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) has also allocated a sum of RM100 million for the purpose of interest-free personal loans up to RM5,000, intended to help flood victims purchase replacements for household equipment and furniture that have been destroyed in the floods. The loan is also eligible for a moratorium on repayment for the first six months.\nAs for MSMEs, Ismail Sabri said Tekun Nasional had set aside a fund worth RM30 million for a Flood Recovery Financing scheme, which offers interest-free loans of up to RM10,000, plus a 12-month moratorium for those eligible.\nBank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has also readied an allocation of RM200 million as part of the Disaster Relief Facility (DRF) 2022 for MSMEs, but is still working on increasing it to RM500 million based on current needs.\nThe new initiatives are introduced in addition to the other government aids announced earlier, including the RM1,000 cash aid for each household affected by the floods, as part of the \nKeluarga Malaysia\n programme.\nRecently, many car brands in Malaysia have also introduced their own flood relief assistance programmes to help ease the burden of their customers who have been affected by the floods. You can find them in the list below:\nPerodua\nProton\nBMW Group Malaysia\nMercedes-Benz\nVolkswagen\nSubaru\nHonda\nToyota\nMitsubishi\n[Source: Ismail Sabri/Twitter]"
"It\u2019s been four years since the first-generation BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) made its debut and BMW was quick to introduce a full-model change to bring the X4 model timeline closer to the X3 that it is based on. Having shifted 200,000 units of the X4 since 2014, the new-generation model continues its predecessor\u2019s standout exterior design and superior driving dynamics.\nRiding on the group\u2019s new Cluster Architecture or CLAR platform like the \nX3\n, the X4 has grown in dimensions while shaving off some excess weight. The SAC now stands 4,752 mm in length (+81 mm), 1,918 mm in width (+37 mm) and 1,621 mm in height (-3 mm) with a wheelbase of 2,864 mm that is 54 mm longer than the model it replaces.   Using BMW EfficientLightweight measures, the engineers have managed to save some \n50 kg\n in weight while maintaining a perfectly balanced \n50:50 weight distribution\n. The all-new X4 also boasts 10 percent improvement in aerodynamic drag thanks to a streamlined design, active air flaps, air curtains on the front bumper and additional underbody cladding. Setting a new benchmark in its segment with a drag coefficient of \n0.30 Cd\n.\nFor exterior trims, the X4 is available in \nthree distinct lines\n \u2013 xLine, M Sport and M Sport X. The entry-level xLine sees matt aluminium finish on the kidney grille, side window graphic and underbody protection while wheel sizes range from 19- to 20-inches. The M Sport and M Sport X variants can be told apart from its M Aerodynamic body kit, M Sport Brakes, M Sport Suspension, high-gloss black window graphic and M lightweight alloys measuring 19- to 20-inch in size.\nThe M Sport X gets additional trims to set itself apart with more rugged looks. Building upon the M Sport, new items found on this variant include Frozen Grey finish on its kidney grille, bumper trims and side cladding strips. Customers can also dress their SUVs up with the optional \nM Performance Parts\n.\nInside, the X4 gets BMW\u2019s latest cabin architecture found in the G12 7-Series and G30 5-Series. You can have the interior equipped with 12.0-inch LCD instrument cluster, Full-colour Heads-up Display, 10.25-inch iDrive touch display with gesture control, tri-zone climate control with Ambient Air package, Ambient lighting with light carpet, BMW Display Key panoramic sunroof and many more.   As usual, the M Sport variants get M Sport specific items for the multifunctional steering wheel, sport seats, sport pedals, interior badges and floor carpets. Thanks to the stretched wheelbase, BMW has freed up 27 mm of legroom for the rear passengers and increased boot space of 525 litres (+25 litres). The rear seats have a 40:20:40 folding configuration to expand the boot space to 1,430 litres.\nAt launch, the X4 is available with six engine choices \u2013 three turbo petrol and three turbodiesel mills. There are also the full-blown M Performance models in the guise of M40i and M40d. Here is the breakdown:\nPetrol Engines\nName\nBMW X4 xDrive20i\nBMW X4 xDrive30i\nBMW X4 M40i\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n2,998cc; in-line 6 TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n181 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n248 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n355 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n290 Nm @ 1,3500 \u2013 4,250 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n500 @ 1,520 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.3 seconds; 215 km/h\n6.3 seconds; 240 km/h\n4.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nDiesel Engines\nName\nBMW X4 xDrive20d\nBMW X4 xDrive25d\nBMW X4 xDrive30d\nBMW X4 M40d\nEngine\n1,995cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel\n2,993cc; in-line 6 turbodiesel\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n187 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n228 hp @ 4,400 rpm\n261 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n321 hp @ 4,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n500 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n620 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n680 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.0 seconds; 213 km/h\n6.8 seconds; 230 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 240 km/h\n4.9 seconds; 250 km/h\nThe M40i and M40d models gets uprated mechanics to complement the potent in-line six engines. You\u2019ll find M sports exhaust with electronically controlled flaps, Launch Control, rear-biased all-wheel drive with Performance Control function, M Sport differential, variable sport steering and the option for Adaptive M suspension.\nNew safety features also find its way to the X4 in the form of, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Speed Limit Info traffic sign recognition system including No Passing Info display, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning.\nOther optional package includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant (operational between 0 and 210 km/h), Crossing traffic warning and Crossroads warning, Parking Assistant Plus and Remote 3D View function.\nAfter the all-new \nX2\n and \nX3\n arrive to our shores, BMW Malaysia may be looking into the introduction of the all-new BMW X4 because it appears that Malaysians have \nan appetite for this funky looking SAC\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen AG recently pulled the wraps of the all-new Touareg at its world premiere held for the first time in China, its largest market. The Touareg\u2019s European launch date is yet to be determined. Volkswagen\u2019s premium SUV had raked up worldwide sales of nearly one million units for the previous two generations.\nFor the European market, Volkswagen will initially offer two V6 diesel engines for the new 2018 Touareg with outputs of\n 228 hp\n and \n282 hp\n. Elsewhere, there\u2019ll be a V6 petrol engine with \n335 hp\n and a more powerful V8 turbodiesel engine with \n415 hp\n. Specifically for China, there\u2019ll be a new plug-in hybrid model with \n362 hp\n.\nThe third-generation Touareg is wider and longer than before. The added exterior length has allowed for a significant increase in luggage capacity, from 697 to 810 litres, with the rear bench seat up. Cargo in the boot can be sheltered with an optional electrically-extending and retracting luggage compartment cover.\nDespite increased length and width, the car is 106 kg lighter because of its mixed material construction of aluminium (48 per cent) and high-tech steels (52 per cent).   Inside, the Touareg premiers the new\u00a0 fully-digitalised Innovision Cockpit for the first time. The 12-inch Digital Cockpit and the 15-inch Discover Premium infotainment system merges for access to various functions without the need for any conventional buttons or switches.\nThe Touareg comes with driver assistance systems like Night Vision assistance system that\u2019s capable of detecting people and animals in darkness via a thermal imaging camera, Roadwork Lane Assist that offers semi-automated steering and lane keeping, accelerating and braking up to 60 km/h, Front Cross Traffic Assist, active all-wheel steering, a new roll stabilisation with electromechanically-controlled anti-roll bars, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights and a head-up display.\nVolkswagen has been aggressively expanding its SUV range \u2013 they now include\u00a0the new T-Roc, the Tiguan, the new Tiguan Allspace (Europe) and Tiguan L (China), the new Atlas (USA) and the Teramont (China), plus the now completely-redesigned Touareg as Volkswagen\u2019s top SUV model. Volkswagen will also be further extending the lower end of its SUV range with the compact T-Cross. The first all-electric SUV from Volkswagen is also a sure thing \u2013 the I.D. CROZZ \u2013 arriving in the market in 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Energizer Malaysia today officially launched Armor All here on our shores, an American brand of car care products that promises easy \u201cprofessional results\u201d for your car washes at home.\nArmor All\u2019s offerings include products that cater to all automotive care needs, ranging from exterior care, wheel and tyres, windscreen and glass, to dashboard and leather cleaning products.\nFor the exterior, Armor All\u2019s Waterless Wash & Wax Spray promises a \u201cshowroom ready\u201d look for your car with just a quick spray and a gentle wipe. The Wheel & Tire Cleaner and Tire Foam spray meanwhile dissolve grease, road grime, and brake dust that have been stuck on to your wheels, leaving them shiny and protected \u201cwithin minutes\u201d.\nAs for your car\u2019s interior, Armor All\u2019s Protectant series help protect the surfaces against UV rays and oxidations, preventing cracks, discolouration, and premature ageing. The Leather Flow Wipes also come with added beeswax for extra protection and a matte finish on your leather seats.\nNot driving your cars much these days? Here are some helpful tips to keep them in tip-top condition while staying at home!\n\u201cAt Energizer, we understand our customers\u2019 needs, including the changing needs of car owners during this pandemic, thus turning this change into an opportunity to enter the auto care segment in Malaysia,\u201d said Energizer Holdings Malaysia and Singapore Business Director, Diane Lee.\n\u201cThe quality of all Armor All formulations enables us to offer effective car care products that make cars look the best they can \u2013 at a value for money price. We are confident that we are offering an impactful difference to car owners looking for a product range that is easy to use yet works wonderfully.\u201d\n \nArmor All products can now be found at all Tesco and Lotus\u2019s stores in Malaysia, with over 40 hyper/supermarket outlets nationwide, plus other selected supermarket chains.\nMore information can be found on Armor All\u2019s mobile web app \nhere\n, or at their Facebook page, linked \nhere\n. Also, be sure to keep a lookout on their pages, because you might come across a very familiar face! \ud83d\ude09"
"After a rough start to the year as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Volkswagen Golf managed to pick up its pace and moved back to the top of the leaderboard as Europe\u2019s best-selling car.\nThe \nall-new eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf\n managed to sell approximately 312,000 units in Europe last year, with approximately 134,000 of which going to Germany alone. In fact, the top three best-selling cars in Germany were all VW models, with the Tiguan and Passat taking second and third place respectively.\n\u201cWith the Golf 8 we are seamlessly continuing the success story of its previous generations. The car is continuing to set technical standards in many dimensions. After the outbreak of the coronavirus in spring interrupted the market launch that had just started, the Golf had a lot of catching up to do in the second half of the year,\u201d said Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Ralf Brandst\u00e4tter.\nBrandst\u00e4tter also attributed the strong performance in the second half to the introduction of new \u201cimportant model derivatives\u201d, in particular the \nGolf GTI, GTD, and GTE\n, all three debuting in February last year. The increase in demand for electrified models also helped push the Golf to the top of the rankings; Volkswagen said that approximately one in three VW Golfs sold in Europe in 2020 was a hybrid!\n\u201cI would like to thank all of the customers who have given us their trust,\u201d added Brandst\u00e4tter. \u201cBut my gratitude also goes to our entire team that have done an excellent job during the difficult conditions of the coronavirus crisis.\u201d\nThe Volkswagen Golf Mk.8 was launched in October 2019, with a mostly evolutionary exterior update, but paired to a completely revamped interior with an increased focus on technology and infotainment, and advanced safety systems.\nWord on the grapevine is that the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf is due for a launch here in Malaysia soon, with the model being locally-assembled by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\u2019s assembly plant in Pekan, Pahang!\nDo you think that the Volkswagen Golf will enjoy the same reception on this side of the globe as it did in Europe? Let us know in the comments below!"
"The Toyota Prius Prime now sits at the top of the model range, and it is, according to Toyota Motor Corporation, the \u201cmost technologically advanced, best-equipped Prius in the model\u2019s history.\u201d\nAesthetics wise, the Prius Prime gets a redesigned front face which, to us looks a lot more presentable than the controversial \nstandard Prius\n. Gone are the the overdone front headlights, as they are replaced with a slimmer LED projector lamps as seen on the \nToyota Mirai\n. The rear gets a makeover as well, this time merging the rear spoiler into the tail lamps, creating a much sleeker looking rear end. In fact, it also reduces drag, thus making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient production cars with an impressive drag coefficient of \n0.24\n.\n \n \nThe Prius Prime is powered by an improved\n 1.8-litre petrol engine\n running in Atkinson cycle, and it gets\u00a0a new larger-capacity exhaust gas recirculation system which leads to better thermal efficiency \u2013 this is improved by \nup to 40 percent\n! The CVT gearbox from the standard Prius is retained here as well. Juicing the Prius Prime is a larger\u00a0\n8.8kW/h lithium-ion battery pack\n\u00a0that can be fully recharged in just 140 minutes.\nThanks to the larger battery pack, the Prius Prime is now capable of travelling up to \n35km\n\u00a0in full electric mode. Its top speed, without the aid of the internal combustion engine, is 135 km/h. What\u2019s even more impressive is its fuel consumption of \n1.4 litres per 100km\n! This makes it the most efficient plug-in hybrid on the market to date.\nToyota has gone the extra mile to reduce fuel consumption by incorporating gas injection technology to the air conditioning and battery-powered heating systems. Thanks to all these fuel saving technologies, the Prius Prime is capable of covering up to 1,000km of tarmac with full battery power and 43 litres of fuel. This means you can drive\u00a0from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and return with petrol to spare!\nInside, it\u2019s prime time entertainment for the occupants with the vertically positioned\u00a0\n11.6-inch high-definition central infotainment screen\n. The screen allows controls for air conditioning, audio and entertainment systems to be accessed via the touch of the fingers, and can also display selected information about the car. On the safety side of things, it benefits from Toyota\u2019s new\n\u00a0Safety Sense P suite\u00a0\nwhich comprise\u00a0of pre-collision detection, autonomous braking, lane-keeping, dynamic cruise control and automatic high-beam control.\nSo, will the Prius Prime make it to Malaysia? That\u2019s a tough call, seeing how fully imported hybrid vehicles don\u2019t benefit from the current National Automotive Policy. But who\u2019s to say UMW Toyota won\u2019t?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nfacelifted 2019 Toyota Vios\n was recently launched in Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor brought out the big guns this time. Dressed in a fresh new suit, enhanced features and revised powertrain, this Vios is perhaps the most enticing one yet.\nOn the range topping 1.5\nG, priced at RM87,300 (OTR without insurance), comes with all the bells and\nwhistles with halogen projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, 5-piece aero\nkit with red pinstriping, 16-inch dual tone alloys wrapped in 195/50 profile\nrubbers, acoustic windshield, Optitron instrument cluster with TFT Multi-Info\nDisplay (MID), 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, 360-degree\nPanoramic View Monitor, digital panel automatic climate control, Premium\nSecurity and Solar Film as well as blue illuminated footwell.\n \nAs standard all variants of the Vios is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder DVVT-i engine and CVT with 7 virtual ratios combo, sending \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels. The Drive Mode selector (Sport, Normal, Eco) is also standard across the range but paddle shifters and rear disc brakes are exclusive to the G-spec.\nThe best part of the\nVios is its safety features with seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control,\nHill-Start Assist Control and ISOFIX mounting points standard across all\nvariants. On the G-spec it also gets Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross\nTraffic Alert, front and rear parking sensors as well as Front Digital Video\nRecorder (DVR).\nThe facelifted Vios with\nits enhanced features and vastly improved mechanicals offers consumers who are\nlooking for a spacious and comfortable family sedan a competitive product.\nCoupled that with the brand image of the Toyota brand and 5-Years Unlimited Mileage\nwarranty, this is a Vios that your friends won\u2019t laugh at.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Vios 1.5 G Facelift"
"How does \n100,000 kilometers\n on a single set of tyres sound to you? If you\u2019ve heard of \nGoodyear\u2019s DuraPlus\n tyres \u2013 the very tyre to break the magic lifespan mark of 100,000 km, then we have good news for you. Goodyear Malaysia has introduced the \nAssurance DuraPlus\n tyre that is said to provide better protection against road hazards while still able to cover up to 100,000km of tarmac.\nTo achieve such \nlongevity\n, the DuraPlus tyre compound benefits from \nmore carbon content\n, and in doing so makes the tyres harder. Also, the incorporation of \nTredLife Technology\n creates a larger tread width design. This cavity-shaped tread puts more wearable rubber in contact with road surfaces, boosting lifespan.\u00a0This hard compound tyre is also more durable thanks to use of \nkevlar\n, giving drivers extra protection against a variety of road hazards. Rubber volume is also maximised here, and combine that with the deep tread, you get \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 more kilometers to the rubber.\nTo put things into perspective, you can drive from KL to Bangkok over \n66 times\n before needing to replace these tyres. If that wasn\u2019t enough, Goodyear Malaysia is also giving customers an extra peace of mind when purchasing any tyres under the Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s \nWorry Free Assurance Programme\n. Any tyres under the Assurance range, if damaged and deemed irreparable, will be replaced for free should the tread depth remain over 6.7mm.\nIf the tyres are damaged with a tread depth of 5.5mm to 6.5mm, Goodyear will \ncredit against\n the purchase of a new tyre of the same size and model. You may refer to the table below for the current tyre sizes and its pricing:\nTyre Profile\nPrice (including GST)\n165/55 R14\nRM225.99\n185/60 R14\nRM227.37\n185/65 R14\nRM254.93\n185/70 R14\nRM279.73\n195/70 R14\nRM312.81\n195/60 R15\nRM307.29\n195/65 R15\nRM325.21\n\u00a0\nPrices start from \nRM226 to RM325 including GST\n. As of now, only \nseven sizes\n of the Assurance DuraPlus will be offered nationwide, while the remaining 36 sizes will be introduced periodically throughout the next 12 months.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re not aware, the year is 2017 \u2013 everything is online and online is everything. I was going to say that save for a car and other specific items, you can acquire almost anything online these days; whether they\u2019re items, information or even soulmates.\nEven then, you \ncan actually buy a car online now\n \u2013 as you may have read from our previous article. Today it was Shell\u2019s turn to step into the digital foray, with Lazada \u2013 the e-commerce giants of this land.\nWith this initiative, you can now buy officially-sourced Shell\u2019s Helix motor oils from the first official online store via the Lazada platform. All prices stated on the site are inclusive of delivery across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The Shell Malaysia Official online store also offers attractive engine oil service packages at selected authorised workshops in the Klang Valley and Johor.\nThese packages, from as low as RM 103 includes your preferred Shell helix motor oil, oil filter, labour charges and a complimentary 15-point vehicle check. Between 3rd till 10th of August 2017, shoppers at the official online store will get an e-voucher from Lazada Malaysia worth up to RM 30 for every purchase of Shell motor oil or service packages.\nUpon purchase of the engine oil service package, customers will be contacted by the official Shell distributor to arrange their preferred service venue, date and time slot followed by a confirmation via SMS.\nFor more info, visit the Shell Malaysia Official Online Store \nhere\n!"
"Hand Alpina a BMW and you know you\u2019ll be in for a treat. What they\u2019ve done this time around is take a regular, road-going BMW 440i and gave the 3.0-litre straight six engine a good, solid massage.\nThe stock output isn\u2019t shabby by any measure, putting out \n320 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n447 Nm\n of torque from 1,380 to 5,000 rpm. Alpina\u2019s version of the 440i packs 440 hp and 660 Nm of torque, and you can have it in three variants \u2013 Coupe RWD, Coupe AWD and Convertible RWD.\nPower gains come courtesy of two Alpina-specific turbochargers, allowing the 4 Series to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just\n 4.2 seconds\n. Top speed is \n306 km/h\n and isn\u2019t electronically limited \u2013 thankfully. In comparison, the 440i manages the century sprint in 4.9 seconds and has a e-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Interestingly though, fuel consumption for the Alpina B4 S is significantly lower at 7.9 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, versus the 440i\u2019s 9.4l/100km. The eight-speed automatic transmission has also been reprogrammed to cope with the gains.\nStandard equipment on the Alpina is comprised of adaptive Alpina sports suspension, 20-inch classic Alpina wheels, Akrapovi\u010d stainless steele exhaust system with double-ended tail pipes, Alpina bodykit and high performance 18-inch brake system with blue Alpina callipers. Others like paintwork and interior trims are factory-fitted items, save for the floor mats.\nIf only Alpina is represented in Malaysia. Man, the things people would do to their Bimmers.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When it comes to building powerful and fast Mercedes-Benzes, three letters quickly spring to mind: AMG. Any Mercedes model to bear the 63 moniker means serious business, including this Mercedes-AMG E 63.\nThe E 63, currently the most powerful \n10th-generation E-Class\n model ever, come in two variants \u2013 the standard \nE 63 4MATIC+\n and the\n E 63 S 4MATIC+\n. It gets the most stylistically aggressive bodykit on the W213 E-Class to date, and shares the same V8 powertrain as the\u00a0\nAMG GT\n. Here\u2019s the juicy part: the E 63 S 4MATIC+ is able to go sideways with tons of rubber smoke, thanks to a new \u201cdrift mode\u201d function.   Before we get there, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the E 63\u2019s engine output shames that of the AMG GT\u2019s. Despite sharing the same\u00a0\n4.0-litre Biturbo V8\n mill, the E 63\u2019s tune\u00a0is close to the\u00a0\nAMG GT R\n\u2018s level. The E 63 develops\n 571 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque while the E63 S makes \n612 hp\n and\n 850 Nm\n of torque.\nAll in, the latter completes the century sprint in \n3.4 seconds\n while the other lesser variant is just a 0.1 seconds slower. As a comparison, the fastest AMG GT model, the 585 HP GT-R, sprints to the 100km/h mark in 3.6 seconds. All variants receive the one and only\n\u00a0nine-speed dual clutch automatic\n transmission.\nDespite all that grunt, remember that all German cars are electronically capped to max out at 250km/h. With the optional AMG Driver\u2019s package, the E 63\u2019s top speed is upped to\n\u00a0298 km/h\n.\nNow, back to the juicy bit. To engage \u201cDrift\u201d mode, simply select \u201cRace Mode\u201d, deactivate ESP and take full control of the transmission. This turns the E 63 into a rear wheel bias hooning machine (all E 63 variants come with\u00a0\nAMG Performance 4MATIC+\n all-wheel drive system as standard).\nPrices for the E 63 begins at \n\u00a375,000\n (approximately RM384,000.00 based on today\u2019s rates) while the drift-happy E 63 S is sold at \n\u00a383,000\n (approximately RM425,000.00). Deliveries will begin by January 2017. Next in line to receive the bi-turbo V8 is the E 63 wagon/estate variants, and that will come in due course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"From now till the 18th of September 2020, Hong Leong Bank credit card users can enjoy an e-voucher worth RM4 when they purchase fuel at Shell stations. Customers will receive the RM4 e-voucher via e-mail with a minimum spend of RM50.\nFor the past few years, there has been a drastic shift in payment methods, and as reported by Visa, more than 70% of the local consumers are jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to payment methods \u2013 preferring cards over cash\n.\u00a0\nWith this Hong Leong Bank collaboration, get more value at Shell stations when you use your Hong Leong Bank credit card through these simple steps:\n1. Purchase RM50 and above worth of fuel at any Shell Station\n2. Pay with your Hong Leong Bank credit card\n3. Receive the RM4 Shell e-voucher via e-mail\n4. Visit the nearest Shell Station to redeem the Shell e-voucher"
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has officially brought into Malaysia two of the 210-units-only Aston Martin Rapide AMR, which was \nfirst introduced at the Geneva motor show in 2018\n with several mechanical and aesthetic improvements to mark the brand\u2019s return to the Le Mans 24 hours.\nThe two cars \u2013 one each of the Standard and Signature schemes \u2013 are the last two units of the Rapide AMR in the entire Southeast Asia, with prices starting at \nRM1.1 million\n excluding duties and taxes.\nAt the heart of the souped-up four-door super sedan is a 6.0-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine, upgraded with\u00a0larger inlet manifolds and quad exhaust system to produce \n603 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels via a recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic gearbox.\nThe extra performance results in a 0-100 km/h time of seconds, onward to a top speed of 330 km/h. To help cope with the extra power, the Aston Martin Rapide AMR is fitted (for the first time on the Rapide) with carbon ceramic brake discs measuring 400 mm and 360 mm front and rear, paired to six- and four-piston calipers respectively.\nThe massive brakes are paired to 21-inch alloys \u2013 which is a first in any Aston Martin for those keeping track \u2013 which not only strengthens rigidity but also improve cooling for the brakes, along with an upgraded cooling system featuring modified brake ducts and dust shields adapted from the Rapide S.\nThe Rapide AMR sits 10mm lower than the Rapide S, and while the three stage adaptive dampers are retained, they\u2019ve been thoroughly re-engineered for better agility.\nStanding out from the regular Aston Martin Rapide, the AMR edition gets a mesh finish on its grille, circular daytime-running lights inspired by the Zagato models, along with a long list of lightweight aerodynamic components such as the new ventilated bonnet, splitters, sills, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler \u2013 all made of carbon fibre.\nThe Standard Rapide AMR is finished in an Onyx Black exterior colour scheme, paired with the signature AMR Lime accents on the splitter, sills and rear diffuser. The Signature model meanwhile gets a Stirling Green paint job paired to an AMR Lime stripe which runs from the front emblem all the way to the rear bootlid, as well as the obligatory lime-green accents from the Standard variant.\nThe stripe is mirrored inside on the roof lining, front and rear centre armrests, as well as the Alcantara-wrapped seats. The entire centre console is made from carbon fibre for additional weight savings, and the dashboard is completed by a new steering wheel taken from the \nOne-77\n.\nAs mentioned earlier, only two units of the Aston Martin Rapide AMR will be available in Malaysia, with prices starting at RM1.1 million before duties and taxes. To arrange for a viewing appointment for the super-exclusive super sedan, call Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur at \n+60 3 2163 1196\n or email to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen\n\u2019s R performance sub-brand has confirmed that it will go fully electric by 2030. It is reported that all R models will adopt the Volkswagen Group\u2019s upcoming electric-only Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), albeit with performance-oriented tweaks.\nAccording to \nAutocar\n, Volkswagen said that it is \u201cgradually converting its portfolio, with several electric R models in the planning stages\u201d, adding: \u201cWe\u2019re currently assessing various concepts and possibilities but will only offer R models that meet our requirements. One thing is certain: the future of R is electric.\u201d\nSince the SSP is an electric-only platform, this means that electric variants of the current R range such as the \nVW Golf R\n, \nVW Tiguan R\n, and \nVW T-Roc\n R\n would likely only come if the models get electric replacements in the future (built on SSP). This also implies that current ID models will be the first to get all-electric R versions.\nLike their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) counterparts, the electric R cars will also get trickled-down technology from prototype concepts, such as the Volkswagen ID R which currently holds the Pikes Peak record. Volkswagen also assures that all electric R models will continue to be developed on track.\nRELATED: \nThe Golf R \u201920 Years\u2019 is now the fastest Volkswagen R model around N\u00fcrburgring\nIn another report, Volkswagen confirms that the electrified R sub-brand will also focus on quick and convenient charging for its customers. Currently, the fastest charging rate for a Volkswagen electric vehicle (EV) is 150 kW as shown in the \nVolkswagen ID.5 GTX\n. With a 150-kW rate, the ID.5 GTX charges from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes. Volkswagen R EV owners may also get exclusive chargers or subsidized charging prices.\nVolkswagen R head, Reinhold Ivanz confirmed, \u201cIn order to become a fully electric brand by the end of the decade, we\u2019re already taking the necessary steps today for the forthcoming transformation. The globally successful products from Volkswagen R are part of this exciting change process and will stand in [the] future for sustainable electric mobility.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMake buttons great again \u2013 Volkswagen ditches capacitive steering controls for \u2018real\u2019 buttons"
"You\u2019ve seen how the M Performance Kit can \nimprove the aesthetic appeal of the BMW 5-series\n, now check out this new range of goodies for the \nnew BMW X5\n that offers a more striking, dynamic appearance but also serve a functional purpose.\nAs for the outside of the car, you get the air intake trims made of carbon fibre with a glossy finish on the front bumper and front winglets and the same is applied to the rear diffuser and side mirror covers.\nFor the first time, BMW is offering all-terrain wheels as part of the M Performance package and these include the 20-inch (style 748 M) Star Spoke\u00a0M light alloy wheels. As if that wasn\u2019t already an option, there\u2019s also the 22-inch (style 749 M) Start Spoke light alloy wheels that\u2019s four kilograms lighter than your standard X5 wheels.\nFor those who enjoy the head-banging effect of highly potent brakes, there\u2019s the M Performance 4-pot caliper option in the front, made of aluminium, to go with the perforated M Performance brake discs.\nIn the cabin, there\u2019s the M Performance steering wheel wrapped in either carbon fibre or Alcantara and finished with a red centre marking and silver-grey cross-stitch. This can be complemented with paddle shifters which are finished in \u201ccarbon fabric\u201d.\nIf you\u2019re a geek for all things driving data, there\u2019s also an M Performance Drive Analyser that offers trip recording on a smartphone video camera, driving data logging and route tracking using GPS.\nOther M Performance options include an M Performance key wallet made of Alcantara and \neven M Performance tyre bags\n, like the ones offered for the \nall-new BMW G20 3-series\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Looking for a small and practical hot hatch without the Volkswagen or Ford badge? Then you\u2019re in luck, because MINI Malaysia has released just a special, 20-unit only MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Pro Edition.\nBased on the \nF55 five-door MINI S\n\u00a0model, the Pro Edition is only available in\u00a0\nMidnight Black Metallic\n, and it\u2019s currently the fastest and rawest five-door MINI, just in case the wife disagrees with the\u00a0\nthree-door hatchback\n. As a start, the 2.0-litre turbocharged lump receives a boost, courtesy of\u00a0\nPro Tuning Kit\n, raising the performance from the standard 192 hp and 280 Nm to \n211 hp\n and\n 300 Nm\n of torque.\nThere\u2019s a new\u00a0\nValve Silencer System\n\u00a0which adjusts the exhaust note, and depending whether you\u2019re in Sport or Track, the intensity differs. The tailpipe gets carbon finishing and the flap is operated wirelesslyvia two clicks of the Bluetooth 4.0 controller.\nBesides the increased performance, the exterior gets a little bit more menace. The JCW Pro Edition comes with an aerodynamic bodykit, wing mirror caps, side scuttles, and a red/black chequered roof. A set of\u00a018-inch Cross-Spoke alloy is also unique only to this special variant.\nGiven such exclusivity, the\u00a0MINI JCW Pro Edition comes at a slight premium over the standard MINI 5 Door S. This all-black pocket rocket\u00a0is retailed at\u00a0\nRM255,888.00\n (on the road, excluding insurance), packaged with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service.\nAs a matter of fact, MINI Malaysia offers the JCW Pro Accessories to other MINI owners (refer to list below). All prices exclude installation.\nMINI JCW Pro Aerodynamic Kit \u2013 \nRM 16,283.43\nMINI JCW Pro Tuning Kit with Valve Silencer System \u2013\n RM 10,000.00\nMINI JCW Pro Carbon Tailpipe Trim \u2013 \nRM 3,000.00\nMINI JCW 18-inch Cross-Spoke Light Alloy Wheels in Jet Black \u2013 \nRM14,858.00\nMINI JCW Pro Roof D\u00e9cor \u2013 \nRM 650.00\nMINI JCW Pro Wing Mirror Caps \u2013 \nRM 690.00\nMINI JCW Pro Side Scuttles \u2013 \nRM 690.00\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This second-generation replacement of the model which sold as many as 2.64 million units worldwide is slightly bigger, yet weighs lesser than the outgoing model by some 50 kilos.\nIt\u2019s is the first SUV to be built based on the group\u2019s\u00a0\nMQB platform\n\u00a0underpinning numerous vehicles under the VW empire, such as the \nVW Golf\n and the \nAudi TT\n. The new Tiguan is \nlower by 33 mm\n at 1,632 mm, but the rest of the measurements have been stretched lengthwise. The entire vehicle is \n60 mm longer\n (4,486 mm), the \nwheelbase \nis\u00a0\nstretched by 77 mm\n (2,681 mm), and it\u2019s also \nwider by 30 mm\n (1,839 mm).\nThe design looks chunkier than before but it was actually \ntested in the wind tunnel\n, resulting in a reduction of overall air drag by as much as\n\u00a040 percent\n. The nose was previewed earlier this year by the \nCross Coupe GTE Concept\n, which joins the entire grille and headlamps together with intersecting horizontal lines. \nLED headlamps\n make their first appearance on a VW SUV, but they\u2019re optional items except on the Highline variant.\nIts side profile features bulging wheel arches, while the entire vehicle is marked by the double character lines that emerge just aft the front fenders and all the way to the tail lights. Meanwhile from the shoulders up, the pillars were designed to improve all-round visibility from the inside.\nAt the back, the tailgate cuts wide into the \nstandard LED tail lights\n, and there\u2019s an integrated diffuser in the bumper finished in granite grey.\nThe growth in length translates to \nmore interior space\n. The entire cabin is now \n26 mm longer\n, and rear passengers gain \n29 mm more knee room\n while the \nboot\n is now at \n615 litres\n, which is 145 litres bigger than before. The rear bench backrests split and recline at multiple angles, freeing up to 1,655 litres of cargo space in the back.\nThe dashboard adopts the new driver-oriented design, and the \n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n is now available together with \nhead-up display\n. A new \nModular Infotainment Matrix\n (MIB II) offers \n5-inch monochrome toucshcreen\n Composition Touch radio system as standard, but step up to Tiguan Comfortline or Highline and it will be replaced by a \n5.0-inch colour touchscreen\n Composition Colour radio system. A bigger \n8.0-inch colour touchscreen\n Composition Media radio system is also available as an option, including \nDiscover Media\n and \nDiscover Pro\n radio-navigation systems.\nMIB II enables connectivity to either Apple or Android smartphones, and there\u2019s even an \nInterface box\n to connect the phone to the vehicle\u2019s antenna which also charges the phone wirelessly.\nEight engine choices\n are available; four petrol and four diesel, and on average they\u2019re\n 24 percent more fuel efficient\n than before. The four \nTSI petrol\n engines deliver 123 hp, 148 hp, 178 hp, and 217 hp, while the four \ndiesel TDI\n engines produce 113 hp, 148 hp, 187 hp, and 237 hp.\nDrive is sent to the \nfront wheels\n on the base models, and \n4MOTION all-wheel drive\n system is available as option, using a \nfifth-generation Haldex coupling\n with \nelectronic differential locks\n (EDS) integrated in the electronic stability control (ESC). The \nground clearance\n has been \nincreased by 11 mm\n to 200 mm, and there\u2019s an option for a different front bumper which increases the \napproach angle\n from 18.3 to \n25.6 degrees\n.\nThe all-new Tiguan will be\n available in four trims\n: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and R-Line. The range-topping \nR-Line\n gets \n20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels\n, colour-coded\u00a0 \nbodykit\n, and \ninterior add-ons\n such as the R-line seats, R-Line steering wheel, and stainless steel pedals.\nAs standard, the Tiguan comes with \nseven airbags\n, together with the \nFront Assist monitoring system\n which covers the \nPedestrian Monitoring\n and the \nCity Emergency Braking\n, \nAutomatic Post-Collision Braking System\n, and the \nLane Assist\n lane departure warning system. \nDriver Alert\n system is offered as standard from Comfortline and above, while Highline Tiguan is equipped with \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n as standard.\nAt the same time, VW also announced there will be a Tiguan with a\n stretched wheelbase\n to target the Chinese and the North American markets, and it is slated to go on sale in spring 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia Trading today launched its new low-viscosity fully-synthetic engine oil, \nShell Helix Eco 0W-20\n.\nThe company says that the new engine oil is specifically developed to cater to compact cars with \nengine capacity below 1,200 cc\n, where the engines are also constantly subjected to high-stress situations due to start-stop driving conditions in the city.\nThe new fully-synthetic engine oil promises better fuel economy, along with better protection for engine parts against wear and friction. The new Shell Helix Eco engine oil also features a low evaporation formula that can help keep the engine always lubricated and thus, protected.\nShell Lubricants Marketing General Manager, May Tan said, \u201cCar owners will now be able to enjoy savings from lower maintenance costs as it is a premium fully synthetic engine oil that is able to cleanse your engine as well as provide optimal engine protection until your next oil change.\u201d\nShell Helix Eco 0W-20 will be available in \n3.5-litre packs\n, with a recommended retail price of \nRM143.50\n in Peninsular Malaysia and \nRM144.20\n in Sabah and Sarawak. It is now available at all authorised Shell Helix workshops nationwide.\nIn conjunction with the launch of the new lubricant, every pack of the \n\u2018Untuk Pasaran Malaysia\u2019\n Shell Helix Eco 0W-20 will also come with a free sunshade, while stocks last.\nCustomers who purchase via authorised Shell Helix workshops are also entitled to participate in the\n Shell Advantage and Rewards (SHARE) programme\n.\nSHARE members are entitled to one free pack of Shell Helix engine oil for every four packs purchased through authorised dealers."
"Some of you might have forgotten, some of you might not have even heard of it but BMW Individual, the Bavarian car maker\u2019s customisation arm once built a 7-Series that was dressed and finished in silver.\nDubbed the most expensive 7-Series ever built after it was equipped with \nover 10 kilograms of silver\n, it was named and fittingly so, the BMW 760Li Sterling Edition.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR85JnvEIPs&feature=youtu.be\nNot only was it treated by the delicate hands of BMW Individual, it was also worked on by some of the most tradition-steeped craftsmen of\u00a0German silver manufacturer Robbe & Berking.\nThe price for this jewellery on wheels was never revealed although a quick search on the Robbe & Berking website showed that a simple silver tea spoon retails at nearly RM 1,000 so one can only imagine.\nAll the silver pieces you see in and out of the car \u2013 from the kidney grille, door trims, door handles and dashboard trims \u2013\u00a0 are made of 925 silver and have been painstakingly crafted by hand, a tradition the German brand has taken pride of since 1874 with the believe that only man\u2019s hand can create pieces of art.\n925 silver essentially means 92.5% silver, with 7.5% of other materials like copper used, to increase the hardness and strength of the silver pieces as 99.9% silver is considered relatively soft.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n has now confirmed that the BR-V has now been discontinued here on our shores, and will not be replaced by the \nsecond-generation model\n. Taking its spot as the entry-level SUV offering will be the \nHonda WR\n\u2013\nV\n, which is set for launch in the third quarter of 2023.\nSpeaking during the press conference during a recent media event, Honda Malaysia Executive Coordinator, Yujiro Sugino, explained that the reason for the BR-V\u2019s discontinuation was due to the \u201cbigger [market] potential in the SUV segment, particularly in the space below the \nHR-V\n\u201c.\nALSO WATCH: \nMitsubishi Xpander vs Honda BR-V 7-seater comparison!\nDespite the Honda BR-V occupying a fairly unique position in the company\u2019s model line-up as a seven-seater B-segment crossover, competition in the market has already been increasing steadily, especially with the launch of the Mitsubishi Xpander and all-new Perodua Alza here in Malaysia recently.\nWith the introduction of the WR-V, Honda Malaysia will \u201cbecome the first Japanese mass market manufacturer to enter the Small SUV segment\u201d \u2013 although it\u2019ll still have to compete with the \nPerodua Ativa \nfor market share.\nThe upcoming Honda WR-V will play an important role in Honda Malaysia\u2019s 80,000-unit sales target this year. Aside from the Honda WR-V, the company is also planning for two more all-new model launches this year, alongside a facelift update for its existing models.\nEven though it\u2019ll soon be discontinued, the locally-assembled first-generation Honda BR-V is currently still available for sale \u2013 at least according to Honda Malaysia\u2019s website. The seven-seater B-segment crossover is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, which offers \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nThe model\u2019s last updated in Malaysia is \ndated June 2020\n, bringing along a mild exterior redesign, as well as some added equipment including a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display as part of its facelift exercise.\nREAD MORE: \nAll-new Honda WR-V to launch in Malaysia Q3 2023"
"Cheap and cheerful; even for a car that serves nothing more than to get me from A to B, these are the minimum requirements and I think it\u2019s safe to assume the same for most of you out there.\nGrowing up, I had the \nfirst-generation 2006 Perodua Myvi\n to drive to school and college before my youngest sister took it over against my will. It\u2019s still serving her very well till today, with only minor wear and tear replacements and repairs to groan about.\nPractical and reliable, the now 12 year old Myvi was also a very useful yardstick then, when I got to try and compare the hatchbacks (of different makes) driven by my friends. Among them included a Peugeot 208, a Chevrolet Aveo and my then girlfriend\u2019s first-generation Kia Picanto, coincidentally.\nHaving spent a fair amount of time in the latter, I can honestly say, it\u2019s shit. It was so shit that I remember saying (countless times) that if I were to ever get into a fatal accident in the Picanto, I hoped for my body to be flung so far away from the car that they wouldn\u2019t relate me to the accident and the car.\nLike the new 2nd generation Picanto, our photography has also come a long way.\nThen came the second-generation launched sometime in 2013. Not a piece of news I\u2019d normally jumped straight into but seeing as a handful of motoring writers were so impressed with the car, for more reasons than one, that they actually went on to buy it for their daily use, I had every reason to believe that Kia\u2019s new candidate to give the new Myvi a good run for its money, would be something to shout about.\nAnd it was.\nThe Kia Picanto 1.2 EX at launch. Check out what it offers in detail \nhere\n.\nI remember being at the Picanto\u2019s local launch earlier this year and when the price was announced, it was met with an applause. The positive reception was unprecedented but not unwarranted. And even after SST kicked in, it still bears the same\u00a0\nRM 49,888\n on-the-road without insurance price tag.\nAt that price you wouldn\u2019t really expect much from the Picanto or a car really, especially if you\u2019ve not heard of or taken notice of the car before, but then again, that\u2019s actually the car\u2019s biggest charm \u2013 its power to surprise.\nMention a sub-RM50,000 hatchback and you\u2019d often picture a flimsy, dull-looking car that can\u2019t be excited even with a lethal shot of adrenaline but as the pictures will tell, the Picanto isn\u2019t any of that.\nGranted, it may not be for everyone but I dig how it looks. It\u2019s a little hatchback that isn\u2019t afraid and doesn\u2019t try too hard to look mean, with its U-shaped Daytime Running Lights within the aggressively-styled headlamps.   Paired with Kia\u2019s signature front grille and the gapping design of the front bumper, the new Picanto looks like an angry and fidgety puppy but one you\u2019d still want to try to pat.\nThe same can be said about its rear end too. The lines flow; they don\u2019t end so abruptly that it makes the car look curvaceous in the front but square and boxy at the back.\nCompared to its predecessor, the new Picanto definitely sports a sharper, more aggressive outlook as a whole but what they provided in terms of sportiness and dynamic design, they held back on equipment because those wheels are an utter buzzkill. Almost disappointing especially when its predecessor received a set of more striking wheels.\nOn the inside, it\u2019s the same story as well. The new Picanto doesn\u2019t try too hard to impress. If anything, it exudes this discreet sense of the confidence and competence from the moment you close the door \u2013 to the tune of a very stocky clunk.\nAnd then when you examine the panels, the trims, the fit and finish, it all just feels right \u2013 especially when you consider what the car costs. As a whole, it did not make me react in the same way I would\u2019ve when a date expresses her self-entitlement to free meals. Gross.   That said, it\u2019s by no means a lavish interior, but more importantly to me, it wasn\u2019t pretentious. Everything was where you\u2019d expect it to be; they\u2019re easily comprehensible and pleasantly functional with precise and clear displays.\nI\u2019m not big on the Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay offered in the new 7-inch touchscreen display but it\u2019s definitely something to brag about to Myvi and Iriz owners, especially because you paid less for it.\nWhat\u2019s even more impressive are the six speakers and airbags inside the cabin. Mind you, for such a privilege, the nearest option is more or less RM 20,000 away in the form of a Honda Jazz. For most of us looking at a car in this price bracket, that\u2019s easily another 2-3 years worth of painful monthly repayments.\nGood things may come in small packages but they too, are not perfect. While the Picanto does offer more than it should at RM50k, with noticeably more headroom than before, its rear legroom is constant reminder of those dreadful Air Asia flights.\nBut then looking at the sheer petite dimensions of the Picanto, expecting abundance of space from its little frame is like expecting a three-course meal with champagne on a RM 200 return ticket to Bangkok in an Air Asia flight \u2013 you\u2019re ridiculing no one but yourself.\nSurprisingly, what the Picanto does offer that an Air Asia Airbus A320 flight wouldn\u2019t, is refinement. At launch, Kia said that the new car comes with a number of soundproofing measures for reduced noise, vibration and harshness.\nMost times, hearing such remarks from the marketing peeps, I\u2019d just smirk with skepticism of the highest order but having driven the car, it made me feel so wrong to be so cynical.\nWith our roads paved to the smoothness of the Moon\u2019s surface, the Picanto still offered the refinement of a car twice its price and even at triple digit speeds (when you finally get there), wind noise was blatantly on the lower end of the decibel scale.\nAnd from behind the wheel, the power to surprise was even more.well, surprising! The steering was taut and sharp, with Kia claiming to have given the new Picanto a quicker steering rack. With that, it even allowed the Picanto to be mischievous to some degree, despite the lack of grunt.\nLooking at the spec sheet, you wouldn\u2019t expect much from a little 1.2-litre engine with \n84 hp\n and\n 122 Nm\n of torque to its name and you\u2019d be right. What I did notice (and you will most certainly too), was how rev happy the engine was, although it doesn\u2019t really amount to much forward movement.\nPaired with a four-speed automatic gearbox, it was always very eager to drop a gear and give you every ounce of performance it can muster \u2013 certainly a better match than the \nRio\u2019s dumbfounded engine and gearbox combo\n.\nOn how thirsty the Picanto is, you might find yourself refueling once every five days or so, if you lived in Cheras and work in PJ like I do, because the Picanto only comes with a tiny 30-odd litre fuel tank.\nEven so, with my natural disability of a heavier right foot, the Picanto still managed to repay over 350 precious kilometres from the puny tank so I suspect you wouldn\u2019t find it too challenging to hit 400 km in it.\nSumming up, I couldn\u2019t help but think of the Picanto in the same way I would describe my 5-year pair of worn-in, leather loafers. In many ways, everything about it just feels right, it\u2019s dependable and sturdy in its construction.\nWhile it may have been likened several times to an Air Asia plane, an Air Asia X flight is what the new Picanto really is. Like the long haul flights on-the-cheap with the budget airline, the new Picanto offers so much more for so little. It simply exceeds all expectations.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The SL has always been the flagship roadster for Mercedes-Benz, with the history that stretches back as far as the Le Mans-winning W194 racer from the 1952. Currently in its sixth incarnation, the R231 SL was originally introduced back in 2012, and now it has been given a refresh inside and outside.\nThe most significant change on the outside is the totally new and curvier front end. The outline of the grille has been inverted from the pre-facelift R231 SL, and it\u2019s blinged-up by those \u201c\ndiamond grille\n\u201d studs. The headlights take on a slimmer profile and mimics those on the Mercedes-AMG GT, and it features \nLED Intelligent Light System\n as standard.\nThe bonnet may look the same with the two outlet vents but they\u2019re now complemented by a couple of powerdomes. \nAMG-syle front bumper\n with the trademark A-wing is fitted as standard, while the side skirts, rear bumper and \nall-red LED tail lights\n are new as well. A range of \n19-inch\n wheel designs are on offer, and \ntwo new colours\n are introduced to the existing SL colour palette: Brilliant Blue and Designo Selenite Grey Magno.\nInterior changes are limited to the \nnew steering wheel\n, instrument graphics, and some redesigned buttons on the center panel, but it\u2019s still luxuriously-equipped with a choice of interior trims and several shades of leather. Even the airbag module is wrapped in nappa leather with topstitching. Still, the party piece is the \u201c\nvario-roof\n\u201d folding hard top that offers both the comfort of a coupe and the wind-in-the-hair experience of an open-top roadster. It also operates while on the move at speeds up to 40 km/h.\nPowering the facelifted SL is a couple of updated \ntwin-turbo powerplants\n paired to a new \n9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission\n. Horsepower and torque from the \n2,996 cc V6\n in the \nSL 400\n have increased by 35 hp and 20 Nm respectively to deliver a total of \n367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. The \n4,663 cc V8\n in the \nSL 500\n on the other hand develops 25 hp more at \n455 hp\n, while its torque figures are retained at \n700 Nm\n.   Available for the first time ever in the SL is the \ncurve tilting function\n on the optional \nActive Body Control\n (ABC) suspension. Debuted on the \nS-Class Coupe\n recently, the curve tilting function works in the speed range from 15 to 180 km/h by \ntilting the vehicle by up to 2.65 degrees\n in the direction where the steering wheel is pointed to reduce body roll.\nThe 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL debuted at the\n 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show\n, and it will go on sale in the second quarter of 2016 for European markets.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N EV is due to make its official debut in July this year. But before that, the company has now released a new teaser video showcasing the electric hot-\u201chatch\u201d playing in -30\u00a0\u00b0C snow.\nYou can check out the full video below, which includes copious amounts of gratuitous slow-mo drift shots of the camouflaged Hyundai Ioniq 5 N alongside the i20 N WRC Rally 1 car. Aside from the video, the Korean carmaker has also provided some additional interesting tidbits for the performance-focused EV to get us even more excited ahead of its official reveal.\nThe first of those is the N Drift Optimiser, which, according to Hyundai, can help \u201cdrivers of all skill levels to enjoy drifting. with particular care for drivers who are entering the sport of drifting for the first time\u201d. Well, guess we can probably be the judge of that.\nIn Hyundai\u2019s own words, the N Drift Optimiser \u201cintegrates the front and rear torque distribution, torque rate, suspension stiffness, steering effort, and the e-LSD (electronic limited slip differential) system\u201d to create a dedicated drift mode for the car.\nREAD MORE: \nThe Hyundai N Vision 74 is the DeLorean reboot that we never got\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is also going to be equipped with something called N Torque Distribution, which works with the e-LSD to distribute power to \u201call four wheels in varying ratios\u201d, depending on the drive mode. The N Torque Distribution system and e-LSD are also specifically designed to handle the instantaneous torque delivery of an EV, and will supposedly work well no matter on track, through the twisty backroads, or \u201ceven in extreme low friction conditions\u201d.\nIndeed, the upcoming Ioniq 5 N will be Hyundai N\u2019s first production vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The marque has previously only utilised AWD on its WRC race cars, and that is why the i20 N WRC rally car was also brought to the Ioniq 5\u2019s test sessions at the frozen lakes of Arjeplog, Sweden.\n\u201cJust as our N models are honed at the sharp corners of the N\u00fcrburgring, our N models are also honed at the sharp corners and icy surfaces of our proving ground in Arjeplog, ensuring maximum performance in the most extreme winter conditions,\u201d said Hyundai N Brand Management and Motorsports Vice President, Till Wartenberg\n\u201cWe\u2019re proud to demonstrate the Ioniq 5 N perfectly meets our broad performance criteria, ensuring N Brand success as our first EV production N model.\u201d As we move ever closer to the scheduled launch date of the Ioniq 5 N, expect Hyundai to show off more of the car \u2013 probably without its disguise \u2013 in the coming months.\nREAD MORE: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 EV, Creta SUV teased for launch in Malaysia \u201csoon\u201d!\n \nGALLERY"
"As Roll-Royce puts it, \u201cThe comfort of the handmade leather seat is no longer confined to the interior of a Rolls-Royce vehicle\u201d.\nIt\u2019s called the \nPursuit Seat\n, a modern reimagination of the traditional portable seat designed by the Bespoke Collective division at the Home of Rolls-Royce, in Goodwood, West Sussex. It\u2019s basically a Rolls-Royce stool.\n\u201cWe have applied Sir Henry Royce\u2019s values which is to \ntake the best that exists and make it better\n,\u201d the company said.\nThe Pursuit Seat\u2019s main frame is made of carbon fibre and polished aluminium for optimal strength-to-weight ratio. It even comes with a height adjustment feature while the seat is made of the finest leather and is embossed with the Spirit of Ecstacy.\nIt comes with a case and can be stored at the back of the \nRolls-Royce Cullinan SUV\n.\nHere\u2019s what cracked us up; Rolls-Royce said if owners were at \u201coutdoor music festivals or events\u201d, the Pursuit Seat comes with a discrete pocket on the outer leather seat \nfor safe storage of the event tickets\n.\nThe bottom of the Pursuit Seat was designed to be flared to offer a solid grip on hard surfaces while a retractable spike underneath it helps keep the Rolls-Royce stool in place on grass and softer ground.\nRolls-Royce also very specifically said, \u201cThere\u2019s also a slim aluminium torch finished with the \ncompany\u2019s new emblem\n, stored in the hinge of the seat, to ensure \u201csafe passage back to your car\u201d.\nHere comes the price and you best be seated. It costs \u00a36,581 (approx. RM35k) and can be purchased individually or as a pair.\nGALLERY"
"The \nNissan LEAF\n may have celebrated its \n10 year anniversary last week with over 500,000 units sold\n worldwide to date but it\u2019s the Renault ZOE instead who\u2019s leading the electric vehicle sales chart in Europe this year.\nSo far, the company has sold 95,985 units of its electric vehicles between November 2019 and November 2020. Compared to the year before, this figure represents an 80% increase in new vehicle registrations.\nThe \nRenault ZOE E-Sport \nwith 460 hp and 640 Nm.\nRenault\u2019s electric vehicle range includes the ZOE, the Kangoo Z.E., the Twizzy, and the Master Z.E. van. Among them, the ZOE remains the best-selling electric passenger car in Europe.\nMore than 84,000 ZOEs have been sold since January 2020 \u2013 almost double compared to 2019 \u2013 making the ZOE the leading electric car in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Since its launch in 2012, Renault has shipped 268,000 units of the ZOE in Europe.\nIn the UK, the ZOE is the best-selling electric vehicle in its segment, with sales increasing by a whopping 145% compared to 2019. This ranks Renault in 3rd spot in the UK EV market with over 6,600 units sold year-to-date to end November 2020.\nSoon, Renault will be starting a new chapter for its electric vehicle range with a production version of the M\u00e9gane eVision. Based on the Alliance CMF-EV platform, it will be Renault\u2019s answer for an electric vehicle in C-segment.\nGALLERY\nNew Renault Zo\u00eb"
"Mini\n is quickly moving into its electric future, and it\u2019s got a new design language to go with it. Dubbed \u2018Charismatic Simplicity\u2019, the new design language will debut in the form of a \u201cconcept study\u201d at the end of July this year on a brand-new tall-riding crossover model.\nThe new electric crossover concept will pave the way for Mini models of the future, and will be joined by the electric \nMini three-door hatchback\n and \nMini Countryman SUV\n, both of which should also be released very soon after.\nAs usual, design language announcements like these are usually only filled with marketing blurbs like \u201c[melding] the brand\u2019s traditional values with state-of-the-art technology\u201d, and not much of actual substance. No design elements have been shown off yet, aside from the teaser photo above, but we do know that every model will feature its own \u201cindividual charisma\u201d touches to make them instantly distinguishable.\nAccording to Mini, these can be as simple as a different Union Jack tail-light design, in addition to their different silhouettes, but they\u2019ll all be based around the brand\u2019s core identity, just reinterpreted in their own individual ways.\nRELATED: Mini is making an all-electric John Cooper Works model\nAs the name suggests, the new design language will focus on minimalism, characterised by only the essentials on both its exterior and interior styling. The new cars will also heavily utilise sustainable materials, which means there will be \u201calmost zero\u201d chrome elements, while leather surfaces are eliminated completely.\nDespite the focus on minimalism, Mini says that the new design language doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s sacrificing on usability. For example, the OLED technology for the fully digital display and control unit, as seen on the \nVision Urbanaut concept\n, will allow for more functions to be combined in a single unit.\nAnd even with the new technology present in the \u201carchetypal Mini circular central instrument\u201d, analogue controls and toggle switches will still be retained underneath the touchscreen displays \u2013 \nthank heavens.\nThe new Mini models will be built on a new platform, developed with electric powertrains in mind from the get go. Mini says this has given the engineers the flexibility of a different approach to vehicle design, maximising interior space despite the smaller footprint of their cars.\n\u201cPurely electrically powered models from MINI give us a unique opportunity to rethink our design. At the same time, we retain the attention to detail, sense of tradition and passion for innovation that MINI is renowned for,\u201d said Mini design chief, Oliver Heilmer."
"If there was a name that could strike fear more effectively than AMG, it would be the Black Series. Historically, Black Series Mercedes\u2019 have been known to be raw and highly potent so the new\n AMG GT Black Series\n shouldn\u2019t be any different.\nTake the W204 Mercedes-AMG C63 Black Series for example. It had a sinister appearance, full bucket seats and a whole lot power so expectations will be high for the AMG GT Black but we\u2019ll have to wait a little while more to find out.\n \nFor most of you who aren\u2019t obsessed with automotive content on YouTube, the man in the video is from the \nShmee150 channel\n \u2013 known for its content all on things supercars. Not the most suited character to play the role of a car jacker but hey, who are we to say.\nIt\u2019s obvious how different the Black Series looks on the outside compared to the \nAMG GT R\n. For starters it gets a wing so large it wouldn\u2019t look out of place on a fighter jet, a more aggressive front bumper with a much larger Panamericana grille and rear bumpers with more prominent diffuser.\nUnlike the centre exit exhaust in the GT R, Mercedes-Benz has opted for quad tail pipes for the AMG GT Black Series. On the inside, it appears that the Black Series would come with full bucket seats and a half roll cage, like the AMG GT R.\nWith the later making 585 hp and 700 Nm from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, we\u2019re expecting much more from this \u2013 can\u2019t wait!"
"We all know no G-wagen will ever go anywhere near off the beaten path, but Mercedes-Benz\n just keeps doing this\n. Following up on the wild G 550 4\u00d74\u00b2 from 2018, the German carmaker has now unveiled a new 4\u00d74\u00b2 model with \nMercedes-AMG G 63\n power, and the world\u2019s most pointless portal axle.\nThe 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine from the G 63 gives the latest 4\u00d74\u00b2 a monstrous \n585 hp\n and \n850 nm\n of output, which sends the massive hunk of metal from a standstill to 100 km/h in just \n4.5 seconds\n.\nThat\u2019s obviously very cool, but the G 63 4\u00d74\u00b2\u2019s party trick is its portal axle, which uses gearsets on each end to offset the wheel hub from the axle\u2019s centreline. The exotic set-up helps raise the car\u2019s ground clearance up to 351 mm, and water wading capabilities to a depth of 910 mm \u2013 the latter even higher than some pick-up trucks.\n \nYou won\u2019t be needing it anyway, but you\u2019ll be happy to know that the new Mercedes-AMG G 63 4\u00d74\u00b2 can also tackle steep inclines at up to a 45-degree angle.\nLet\u2019s be honest \u2013 the 4\u00d74\u00b2 is just a show-off piece for Premier League footballers who want to look even more extravagant than their peers. To that end, it gets a whole lot of carbon fibre trims, including fender extensions that still struggle to completely cover the massive 22-inch wheels.\nRELATED: Special edition Mercedes-AMG G63 celebrates 55 years of AMG\nThere\u2019s also the carbon-fibre roof \u201cspoiler\u201d with forward-facing LEDs, alongside the \u201cprofessional\u201d roof rack and ladder at the back, and of course the carbon-fibre full-size spare wheel holder.\nThe carbon fibre trims extend inside the 4\u00d74\u00b2, which G-Class Head of Product Management Toni M\u00e4ntele says is to give the car an \u201cexclusive touch\u201d, because obviously, it\u2019s not there to save weight. For a little extra pizzazz, the G 63 4\u00d74\u00b2 also gets a special start-up animation in the digital instrument cluster to remind you what you\u2019re driving \u2013 even if you practically just climbed into the tall cabin.\nALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG \u2013 The G-Wagen is finally going electric!\nMercedes-Benz isn\u2019t saying how much this will cost, but we aren\u2019t expecting anything close to \u201caffordable\u201d, seeing that it\u2019s even more ridiculous than the already-expensive, regular G 63 \u2013 not to mention that it\u2019ll also be a limited run model.\nWhile we still don\u2019t see the point of this, we still have to give credit to Mercedes-AMG for doing something just because they can \u2013 and that\u2019s how you keep cars fun."
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) (recall in layman speak) for 1,900 units Toyota \nAlphard\n and \nVellfire\n manufactured between April 2016 to February 2018 and officially distributed by UMWT over potential Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) failure.\nDue to improper programming of the ECU for the EPB, a voltage reduction during an engine re-start after an idling stop could be judged as an abnormality if the car battery is not in good condition. This would cause a warning light to appear and the EPB may not operate correctly.\nElectronic Parking Brake on a Toyota Alphard\nUMW will contact all its affected vehicle owners to bring their vehicles in for an ECU update at \nno cost\n to the customers. The ECU programming is estimated to take around one hour. Owners of the affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).\nAdditionally, all Toyota owners can also visit \nToyota\u2019s SSC webpage\n to check whether their Toyota vehicle(s) is involved in any other recall campaign through the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Checker."
"Ever wondered how it\u2019s like being a rally driver, blasting through tight and twisty paths in the jungle at mind-bending speeds? Well. you still won\u2019t be able to do that without proper training, but at least you can now experience how it feels like, with a rally taxi ride at the Mitsubishi Triton Champion Xperience event at Tanamera, Shah Alam, this weekend.\nThe taxi ride is just one of the many activities planned for the event, which is inspired by the Mitsubishi Triton\u2019s recent victory at the \nAsia Cross Country Rally (AXCR)\n. Attendees will also be able to experience the Triton\u2019s handling and toughness through a hands-on off-road test drive.\nIf you really do want to become a rally driver some day, you\u2019ll be able to kickstart your journey at the Triton Xperience event with the \u201cbatak board challenge\u201d to train your agility and reaction speeds.\nA variety of Mitsubishi cars will also be on display at the event, including the latest \nTriton Athlete\n, \nXpander\n, the \nAP4-inspired modified Xpander\n, and even the rare Mitsubishi Pajero Junior, plus a Lancer Evolution VI Tommy Makkinen edition!\nCustomers who book a Triton at the event will enjoy exclusive promotions (valid until 30 June 2023), alongside free gifts including a Stanley lifestyle tumbler.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Champion Xperience event is happening this weekend, 24-25 June, at Tanamera Experience, Shah Alam, from 9 am to 6 pm daily.\nSign up now to participate in the test drives at MMM\u2019s official site (linked \nhere\n) to stand a chance to receive an exclusive Champion Xperience T-Shirt, RM20 Touch \u2018n Go reload pin, and also participate in the lucky draw to stand a chance to win a North Face Explore Bardu II bag.\nREAD MORE: \nTeam Mitsubishi Ralliart wins AXCR with rally-prepped Triton on first attempt\nGALLERY"
"The last time a Honda powered race car won a Formula 1 race was back in 2006, in the hands of Jenson Button who notched his own maiden win in a rain-soaked Hungarian GP. It has been slim pickings since, but Red Bull Racing eventually delivered in fitting fashion 13 years later.\nRed Bull Racing chief Christian Horner celebrating with Toyoharu Tanabe, technical director of Honda F1.\nDespite starting from the front row, Max Verstappen found himself in eighth place after bogging down at the start, but he soon fought back up the order as the RB15 made better use of its tyres compared to rivals on a scorching hot track. Still, a win looked unlikely as Ferrari\u2019s LeClerc seemingly controlled the pace upfront.\nAfter passing Vettel and Bottas to assume second, Verstappen made his overtaking move on LeClerc stick on turn 3 of lap 69 (out of 71), but not before banging wheels with the latter and causing a nervy post-race investigation by the stewards which kept the final results in limbo some three hours after the race concluded. It was eventually deemed a \u2018racing incident\u2019 and Honda\u2019s comeback was cemented.\n \nYour view of the incident may differ depending on your allegiance, but for neutrals and casual observers bored stiff by Mercedes-AMG\u2019s dominance, the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix would have restored your faith in Formula 1 by no small measure."
"Shortly after the global debut of the\nsecond-generation Peugeot 208 hatchback, the French carmaker has also presented\nits latest generation Peugeot 2008 compact SUV.\nLike the 208, the\nsecond-generation 2008 is also available with an all-electric powertrain as\nwell as the conventional 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol and the\n1.5-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel. For the first time, the 2008 SUV is available\nwith the full suite of Advanced Driving Assistant Systems.\nThe e-2008 features a \n100 kW\n (136 hp) electric motor and 50 kWh battery pack giving \n310 km\n of zero-emission driving range based on the WLTP test cycle. The onboard 100 kW rapid charging technology can give 80% of battery juice in 30 minutes while a conventional charging point \u2013 7.4 kW and 11 kW \u2013 takes between 8 to 5 hours.\nAs before, the \n1.2-litre PureTech\n engine is available in three states of tune \u2013 \n100 hp\n, \n130 hp\n and \n155 hp\n. The latter two are available with an 8-speed automatic transmission while the entry-level engine is paired to a 6-speed manual. All variants of the 2008 are front-wheel driven as standard.\nIt now rides on the\nnew Common Modular Platform (CMP) which makes the new car 14 cm longer than its\npredecessor. However, boot space still maintains at 360 litres on all\npowertrain options including the e-2008.\nThe new 2008 is essentially a jacked-up version of the 208 hence it shares the similar design cues such as the prominent claw-style LED front and rear lamps, model designation on the front hood and two-tone paintwork.\nWe have to acknowledge\nthe fact that the 2008 now looks significantly more well proportioned and desirable\nthanks to the new silhouette inspired from the larger 3008 and 5008. Much more appealing\nthan the active tourer body of the previous-gen.\nThe cabin now benefits\nfrom the new Peugeot 3D i-Cockpit design features a harmonious blend of futuristic\nand minimalism. Ahead of the driver is a large Heads Up LCD instrument panel\ncoupled with a small-ish multifunctional steering wheel that\u2019s featured on new-generation\nPeugeot models.\nOther feel-good items include 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-speaker Focal premium surround sound system, mood lighting, dynamic seats and others.\nPeugeot has fitted\ntheir compact SUV will all the latest driver assistance systems including Drive\nAssist semi-autonomous driving system, Autonomous Emergency Brake Assist,\nActive Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitoring and Extended Traffic\nSign Recognition.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAll-new Peugeot 2008 GT\nAll-new Peugeot e-2008"
"With the trend of car makers downsizing their engines in the name of efficiency, it\u2019s not surprising that \nMercedes-AMG\n is announcing their new smaller capacity engine for their future cars. The new engine codenamed \nM178\n is \u2018just\u2019 4.0-litre in capacity but thankfully retaining the eight-cylinder in \u2018V\u2019 configuration.\nThe \n90-degree V8\n have something called a \u2018hot inside V\u2019. What it means is there are two turbochargers mounted inside the V instead of outside of the engine, making the whole package as compact as possible.\nSaid to be related to the M133 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo, the new M178 has identical \nbore and stroke\n ratio of \n83.0 x 92.0 mm\n. With forged aluminium pistons, cylinder heads made of\n zirconium alloy\n and \nNANOSLIDE\u00ae technology\n on the cylinder bore surface, the M178 is built to withstand rigorous use as it is intended. Speaking of which, the M178 will be hand-built like any other AMG engines with the \u201cone man, one engine\u201d principle.\nThe M178 has\n direct petrol injection\n with spray-guided combustion, and an \nexternal engine oil cooler\n with a two-stage controlled oil pump that circulates the engine oil depending on the engine load to offer better fuel consumption. There\u2019s also \nECO start/stop\n function that further helps to save more fuel in the running. The engine will be mounted on \nactive engine mounts\n for comfort and excellent lateral dynamics and the drive line\u2019s torsional vibration is prevented by using \ntwo-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum\n that will ensure a smooth ride.\nThe M178 has a \ndry weight\n of \n209 kg\n, which Mercedes claims the lightest in its segment. The \n3982 cc\n \ntwin-turbo V8\n is able to produce \n503 hp\n at 6,250 rpm and \n650 Nm\n of torque at 1,750 \u2013 4,750 rpm. The engine is Euro 6 compliant, and said to sip fuel less than \n10.0 l/100 km\n. For comparison, the M159 6.2-litre normally-aspirated V8 in the SLS AMG produces\u00a0 571 hp at 6,800 rpm and 650 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm, with fuel consumption of 13.2 l/ 100km.\nWith the reduction in engine size that doesn\u2019t mean the sound of the engine will be reduced as well, because there\u2019s the\n sports exhaust system with variable exhaust flaps\u00a0\nthat will guarantee the proper V8 soundtrack depending on the drive mode and engine load. The M178 will debut in the highly-anticipated \nMercedes-AMG GT\n supercar, which is reportedly to be revealed in September. Meanwhile have a listen to it and catch the glimpse of the Mercedes-AMG GT in the teaser video below!\n [divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It looks way edgier than before, it\u2019s much better equipped than before, the all-new Toyota Rush now available in Malaysia is just better than before in every way possible \u2013 in replacement of the first generation which has been on sale for over 10 years.\nEquipped with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine mated to a 4-speed automatic, it packs \n105 hp\n with\n 136 Nm\n, to power the rear wheels with fuel returns rated at 15.6 km. New to the Rush is an Automatic Stop-Start system and an Electric Power Steering.\nTwo variants will be available for the all-new Rush \u2013 \n1.5 G and 1.5 S\n \u2013 where the unique R-Blade aero kit is standard. On the outside, among the highlights are the LED head and tail lights 17-inch wheels with 215/60 tyres.\nIn the 1.5 S, standard equipment includes leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. On the inside, the 7-seater features a 2-3-2 seating layout with 217 litres of cargo space available with all the seats erected and 514 litres when the rear seats are folded.   Onboard features include a 6.8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth and \u201cmirror functions\u201d to reflect your smartphone\u2019s display, a whopping \n13 cupholders\n, a Multi-Info display in the instrument cluster, a Panoramic View Monitor with four cameras around the car for 360-degree view around the car, a Digital Video Recorder, Smart Entry and the\n Toyota AutoTag\n for toll payments \u2013 the most sought-after feature in local cars these days.\nAside from the abundance of features, refinement has also been the focus of this all-new Rush. Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) has been significantly improved with reduced engine vibrations, reduced noise from the driveshaft and transmission. Highlighting it\u2019s utility, the all-new Rush offers 220 mm of ground clearance and is capable of being submerged in water at depths of up to \n600 mm\n.\nLastly, the most impressive of all is the car\u2019s safety features. On top of the six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Emergency Stop Signal, the Rush also comes equipped with a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nSpecifically for the 1.5 S, a \nPre-Collision System\n is included with four features \u2013 Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control. A forward-facing stereo camera attached to the system can scan the road ahead up to 60 metres for vehicles and 30 metres for pedestrians.   When a risk of forward collision is detected, there\u2019ll be a buzzer to warn the driver, up to speeds of 4 \u2013 100 km/h for vehicles and 4- 50 km/h for pedestrians. The Pre-Collision Braking, on the other hand, operates at speeds of up to 80 km/h. The Front Departure Alert will alert the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved more than three metres in traffic with a buzzer.\nThe all-new Rush comes with a 5-year full warranty with unlimited mileage. Price for the Rush is estimated at \nRM 98,000\n for the 1.5 S and \nRM 93,000\n for the 1.5 G.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda USA has just released two teaser images of the soon-to-be-launched Civic Type R that is based on the 11th generation Honda \nCivic hatchback\n.\nIn an accompanying caption, the next destination for the high-performance hot hatchback is the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany for more testing. Back in 2017, the FK8 Honda Civic Type R lapped the 20.8 km loop in 7 minutes and 43.8 seconds, a record time then for front-wheel drive cars.\nAn official lap time at the undulating North Loop is not expected, as the weather conditions during this time of the year is far from optimum. \u00a0\nBased on the two images of the front and back of the new vehicle, the aggressive and complex \u201cboy-racer\u201d aerokit in the FK8 Civic Type R has been significantly toned down in line with the styling of the 11th generation Civic, but the signatory three-outlet exhaust tips have been maintained. A simple rear wing, although more aggressive than the \nModulo item\n, is also added for both stability and portraying the Type R image.\nMugen\u2019s prototype bodykit for the new Honda Civic hatchback actually looks good without trying too hard! Check it out in detail here! \n\u00a0\nUp front, the unique camouflage pattern (can you make out the silhouettes?) masks the additional styling pattern at the corners of the bumper. While unconfirmed, it looks like Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres will be providing control and grip for the upcoming hot-hatch, replacing Continental.\nHonda is planning to have the all-new Civic Type R available next year, but perhaps there might be more snippets of the vehicle in between today\u2019s first official images and the final launch model. There are rumours that this model will also feature some form of \nelectrification\n in its powertrain.\u00a0\n \nThe outgoing FK8 Honda Civic Type R was initially launched in 2017 at a price tag circa \nRM320,000\n, with outputs of \n310 hp\n / \n400 Nm\n of torque and only available with the best-shifting six-speed manual transmission. A facelift was done in early 2020, upgrading the cooling system, braking system as well as the electronic damping system, but unable to be offered by Honda Malaysia due to the global pandemic. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"There are loads to look forward to at the Tokyo Motor Show; \nMazda\u2019s showcase of their new direction concepts\n, \nMitsubishi\u2019s e-Evolution\n and now this, Toyota\u2019s Concept-i.\nIt revolves around three main features \u2013 the LEARN system that\u00a0estimates emotion and level of alertness by reading the driver\u2019s expressions, actions, and tone of voice in a complex manner. It will even learn the driver\u2019s news and content preference based on studies on the individual\u2019s social media activity.\nBased on this technology, the Concept-i follows up with innovations like the PROTECT, covering the areas of safety and peace of mind and INSPIRE, with a focus on driving pleasure. With PROTECT, the car automatically assumes responsibility of the controls if it deems necessary and switches to automated driving if it\u2019s detected that the driver is overwhelmed with dangerous or high-stress conditions.\nIt also supports the driver by stimulating the five senses, including vision, touch and smell depending on driver\u2019s emotion, degree of fatigue, and level of alertness and helps keep the driver alert and more relaxed when in a drowsy or stressed state of mind.\nAs for the INSPIRE approach which invokes \u201cfun to drive\u201d experiences, the Concept-i engages\u00a0\u00a0in conversation based on the emotions and preferences of the driver. The car is able to suggest topics of interest based on the driver\u2019s mood \u2013 achieving a completely new style of two-way free conversation.\nBy understanding the driver\u2019s emotions and behaviour, the Concept-i can deliver fresh experiences by suggesting new, enjoyable routes as slight detours. Toyota plans to have the Toyota Concept-i rolled out by 2020 and conduct road tests of vehicles equipped with some of the concept car\u2019s functions from this exhibition in Japan."
"In case you didn\u2019t know, Lynk & Co is now a major player in the \nWorld Touring Car Cup (WTCR)\n, with three world championship titles (two constructors and one driver championship wins) already under its belts in the short two years time it\u2019s been involved in the racing series \u2013 and things are already looking great in the 2021 season for the Chinese-Swedish carmaker.\nTo celebrate the achievement, Lynk & Co has unveiled a special Cyan Edition model for its 03+ sports sedan, inspired by the race car that\u2019s brought them their incredible success in the WTCR series.\nImage: \nGeely Group/Twitter\nFrom the looks of it, the 03+ Cyan Edition is basically a production version of the \n03 Cyan Concept\n which Lynk & Co used to smash two Nurburgring Nordschleife lap records with, including the same iconic cyan paint job.\nAlthough the bodywork seems to have been pared down slightly, especially without the flared rear fenders, the 03+ Cyan Edition\u2019s massive adjustable rear wing and carbon fibre bits still makes it look as though it came straight from a racetrack.\nThe Lynk & Co 05+ is a 265 hp SUV with real carbon fibre bits \u2013 check it out here!\nCompleting its \u201cbecause race car\u201d looks are the unique Cyan Racing design wheels and Cyan Racing emblems littered throughout the entire exterior. It\u2019s not just all show and no go either, as the Lynk & Co 03+ Cyan Edition also gets upgraded Akebono brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, plus a set of adjustable Bilstein dampers on all corners.\nIt\u2019s a similar story for the Cyan Edition\u2019s performance, where the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine now makes \n265 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque, matching the \n05+ SUV\n. While not quite the 500+ hp output of the record-breaking Cyan Prototype, it\u2019s still slightly more potent than the \nregular 03+\n, translating to 0.2 seconds quicker 0-100 km/h time of \n5.7 seconds\n.\nLynk & Co\u2019s first car dealership in Belgium looks nothing like a typical car showroom. Check it out here!\nThe 03+ Cyan Edition alongside the 05+. Image: \nGeely Group/Twitter\nUnfortunately, the Lynk & Co 03+ Cyan Edition will be a China-market exclusive for now. No pricing information was announced either, but expect it to be quite a bit more expensive than the regular 03+ \u2013 the latter starts at CNY185,800 (Approx. RM120k) in mainland China.\nGALLERY"
"Geely has just unveiled a refreshed version of its best-selling SUV, now called the Geely Boyue Pro. It is quite an extensive facelift exercise with a revised exterior, new powertrain options as well as more sophisticated tech and cabin.\nOn the outside, the Boyue Pro receives elements from the sporty \nXing Yue SUV Coupe\n, with full LED headlamps cluster (previously only the main beams were LEDs), monochrome emblem, restyled lower front bumpers, new 19-inch wheel design, sportier rear spoiler inspired from the smaller \nBin Yue\n, Geely inscription across the tailgate as seen on the \nProton X70\n and revised LED taillamps with 3D effect.\nStepping inside and you\u2019ll\nbe greeted with a decidedly more upmarket and high-tech cabin. For starters the\n8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system is now replaced with a larger screen\nwith a new operating system which allows the users to link the system functions\nto their smartphone and X Watch smartwatch. Details of the new GKUI operating system\nwill be annoucned in due course.\nThe driver is greeted\nwith an updated LCD instrument cluster that resembles Volvo\u2019s new-generation Digital\nDriver Display, slimmer three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel and a new\nelectronic gear selector.\nOther revisions\ninclude piano tile like layout for the climate control, sleeker centre console\nlayout, new Drive Mode selector rotary dial, ambient lighting and more generous\nuse of aluminium inlays.\nReports have suggested that the Boyue Pro will have revised powertrain options in view of China\u2019s tightening emission regulations with the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDi petrol and a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo mill \u2013 the latter was \nco-developed with Volvo\n and first seen on the Bin Yue. Transmission options are expected to be a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch. It remains to be seen whether the 6-speed automatic will be carried over.\nOn the local front, Proton will be locally assembling right-hand drive versions of the much-loved X70 once the Tanjung Malim factory is ready, although we can\u2019t say for sure whether the X70 CKD will be based on the Boyue Pro considering the cost involved for right-hand drive conversion.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2019 Geely Boyue Pro Unveiled"
"Grab has just announced\nthat they have updated their cancellation policy where customers will be\ncharged a minimal fee when they cancel a ride.\nCustomers will only be\ncharged in the following two situations \u2013 if riders cancel after 5 minutes of\ngetting a driver or if the driver cancels the ride after waiting longer than 5\nminutes for the rider to arrive at the pick-up point (3 minutes for GrabShare).\nThe cancellation fee ranges\nbetween RM3 to RM5 depending on the services selected (GrabCar to GrabCar Luxe).\nGrab has assured that 100% of the cancellation fee will go to the driver as a\ncompensation for their time and effort.\nHowever, the cancellation\nfee will be waived if the rider cancels the booking within 5 minutes or the\ndriver does not arrive within 10 minutes after the first-shown estimated time\nof arrival. For example, if the app displays the driver being 3 minutes away but\nyou\u2019ve waited for more than 13 minutes, you will not be charged a cancellation\nfee.\nIn the event where\nriders think that they have been charged unfairly, they can file a request via Grab\u2019s\nin-app Help Centre. If their investigations show that the riders were charged\nunfairly, Grab will reimburse the cancellation fee within 2 working days. Grab expects\nthat this new cancellation policy will affect less than 1% of its bookings."
"Our national athletes are currently progressing towards the end of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. To show appreciation for their effort and achievements,\u00a0DRB-Hicom and Proton Holdings have announced that they will be rewarding our Olympic medalists with brand new Proton cars when they return from the Games.\nThe company will reward a \nProton Perdana 2.0\n to any gold medalist, \nSuprima S Turbo Premium\n to silver medalist and \nIriz 1.6 Premium\n to bronze medalist. Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director of DRB-Hicom and Chairman of Proton Holdings said, \u201cWe hope that this will provide further encouragement to our athletes to strive harder to make our beloved Malaysia proud, especially at the highest level such as the Olympics.\u201d\n \n \nSo far, our nation has bagged two silver and one bronze medals from Rio. The silver medalists are \nPandelela Rinong\n and Cheong Jun Hoong in the women\u2019s synchronised 10m platform (Diving) as well as Chan Peng Soon and \nGoh Liu Ying\n in the badminton mixed doubles event. \nAzizulhasni Awang\n took home a bronze medal in the men\u2019s keirin cycling event.\nThe \nAutoBuzz.my\n team would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to all our Olympic athletes for your achievements and hope that when they come home, they will enjoy DRB-Hicom and Proton Holdings\u2019 generous rewards.\nWe will also be catching Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong in the badminton men\u2019s doubles finals tonight at 10.50pm, as well as \nDatuk Lee Chong Wei\n\u2019s hugely anticipated match against Lin Dan in the badminton men\u2019s singles semi finals tonight at 7.30pm. Malaysia \nboleh\n!\nImage source: Reuters"
"South Korean tyre manufacturer, Kumho is no stranger to winning international design awards. For the second year running, they\u2019re guaranteed a prize in the automotive and transport category of America\u2019s International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).\nThis time around, the product that drew the judges attention is the \u201cBON tyre\u201d which stands for \u201cBirth On Nature\u201d; interesting name indeed. The quirk with this new design is that instead of relying on air to hold itself much like conventional tyres, the BON\u2019s design was inspired by nature\u2019s bone structure.\nMimicking a kind of \u201cvoronoi architecture\u201d (essentially a mesh-like design) such as the shape of leaf cells or the honeycomb, it achieves the required level of structural stability and efficiency without the need for any form of inflation.\nSenior managing director of Kumho\u2019s R&D headquarters, Jeong Taek-Gyun said: \u201cIt is very rewarding that Kumho\u2019s latest example of futuristic design and technology has been recognised by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), and means Kumho becomes the first passenger tyre manufacturer to win all three of the world\u2019s top design accolades \u2013 Germany\u2019s Red Dot and iF Design and America\u2019s IDEA awards \u2013 two years in a row.\u201d"
"UMW Toyota Motor has officially launched the \nInnova Zenix\n here in Malaysia, with two variants on offer. Pricing for the fully-imported 2023 Innova Zenix starts at \nRM165,000\n for the petrol V variant, rising up to\n RM202,000 \nfor the HEV hybrid variant.\nThe Zenix suffix on the all-new MPV is to distinguish it as the \u201cflagship\u201d model in the Innova line-up here in Malaysia, as the \nexisting model\n (now reffered to as Innova CG) will still remain on sale, with no change in pricing (now only available in 2.0G and 2.0X variants).\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa to enjoy a 10% rebate, cashback, and many more. Learn more at \nMotorTakaful.com\n.\nToyota Innova Zenix exterior\nToyota says that the Innova Zenix is designed for the millenials who have now grown up and started their own families. As such, they\u2019ve put a significant effort on the exterior design of the new MPV, now characterised by its SUV-like proportions, and a more premium and classy appearance as opposed to its predecessor\u2019s utilitarian look.\nThe Innova Zenix now occupies a larger footprint too, now measuring 20 mm longer (with a 100 mm longer wheelbase), and 15 mm wider than before. In terms of exterior equipment, the all-new 2023 Innova Zenix in Malaysia comes as standard with:\nLED headlights with automatic high beam, manual headlamp levelling\nLED daytime-running lights, front fog lights\nCombination tail lights\n18-inch alloy wheels (225/50 R18)\nChrome moulding\nAutomatic folding wing mirrors with welcome lamp\nToyota Innova Zenix performance\nThe most significant change for the all-new Innova Zenix is actually found underneath its sheet metal, as it\u2019s now built on the \nToyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)\n with a monocoque structure, instead of the ladder frame chassis as before. This should translate to better ride quality, comfort, and handling capabilities.\nThanks to the switch to TNGA, the engine is also now mounted transversely, sending drive to the front wheels, rather than rear-wheel drive. Compared to the older Innova CG, the new Innova Zenix is also lighter by up to 170 kg, depending on variant.\nThe 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix is offered in Malaysia with two powertrain variants. Both of them are based on a new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, but the HEV hybrid variant further pairs it with an electric motor to offer improved fuel efficiency and performance.\nToyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V\nToyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV\n2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four engine\nEngine\n2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four engine with electric motor (fifth-gen Hybrid Electric)\n10-Speed Direct Shift CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic\nTransmission\nE-CVT\n174 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nTotal hp\n186 hp\n205 Nm @ 4,500 \u2013 4,900 rpm\nTotal torque\n206 Nm (electric motor), 188 Nm (engine)\nN/A\nBattery\n6.5 Amp-hour, self charging\nToyota Innova Zenix interior\nSitting inside, the Zenix\u2019s premium aspirations are immediately obvious, especially with the new overall dashboard design, and the use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin. Both variants share much of their equipment list, but the range-topping HEV variant swaps the bench seats in the second row for a pair of \u201ccaptain seats\u201d with manual adjustments and a folding centre table.\nOtherwise, their equipment lists include:\n10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display\nAnalogue instrument cluster with seven-inch colour TFT multi-info display\nWireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity\nAutomatic climate control with rear control panel (blower adjustment)\nElectric parking brake\nBlack leatherette upholstery\nTilt and telescopic adjustable leather steering wheel\nPowered driver seat\nPowered tailgate\nUSB-A and USB-C charging ports\nPanoramic sunroof with powered sun shades (2.0 HEV only)\nToyota Innova Zenix safety \u2013 Toyota Safety Sense 3.0\nThe all-new Toyota Innova Zenix is the first model in UMW Toyota Motors\u2019 stable here in Malaysia to come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) advanced driver assistance suite, featuring upgraded sensors and cameras for improved detection.\nFeature wise, the new TSS 3.0 system includes:\nAutonomous emergency braking with intersection support\nEmergency steering assist\nLow-speed acceleration suppression\nAdaptive cruise control, full speed range\nLane tracing assist and lane departure alert\nRoad sign assist\nRear cross-traffic alert\nBlind-spot monitor, 360-degree surround view monitor, as well as tyre pressure monitoring system are also included as standard, alongside Toyota\u2019s vehicle telematics system (annual subscription required, free for first three years), and a front dashcam.\n2023 Toyota Innova Zenix pricing in Malaysia\nThe 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix is now available in Malaysia in two variants, and is priced as such (on-the-road, without insurance):\nToyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V \u2013 RM165,000\nToyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV \u2013 RM202,000\nAlso included in the price is a standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus a separate eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the 2.0 HEV\u2019s battery pack, inverter, and power management control ECU.\nGALLERY\n2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV"
"The Works Ministry has announced that five highways will soon adopt an open payment system for toll collection by September this year. The five highways are as follows:\nNew Pantai Expressway (NPE)\nAmpang \u2013 Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)\nSungai Besi Expressway (Besraya)\nPenang Bridge\nGuthrie Corridor Expressway\nWith the open payment system, road users will be able to pay toll charges with their debit or credit cards. It is also the first step in transitioning to the multi-lane fast flow (MLFF) system which will feature open payment systems.\u00a0\nThe move also aims to promote competition between industry players and provide road users with alternative modes of payment. This comes after Transport Minister, Anthony Loke\u2019s announcement that an open payment for toll payments will be implemented soon.\u00a0\nThe open payment aims to reduce dependency on Touch \u2018n Go (TnG) as a single mode of payment. Use of debit or credit cards will be allowed not just for toll payments but also for bus and rail services under Prasarana."
"Volvo Cars Malaysia has unveiled the all-new XC40, the 2018 European Car of the Year, which will be available in CKD form and in a single variant \u2013 the T5 AWD R-Design.\nDespite being the youngest member of the Volvo SUV family, it\u2019s by no means under-equipped. Under the hood rests a 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E that makes\n 252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. Despite weighing a hefty 1.7-tonnes, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.\nPriced at RM 255,888 (OTR without insurance) the all-new Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design will no doubt give the likes of BMW\u2019s X1 and X2, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLC a good run for its money.\nHeck, if I were you, with RM300k or so to blow on an SUV, I\u2019d be crying from the overwhelming sense of fickle-mindedness.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After new reports that Lotus will be revealing \na new model as early as June this year\n, the company has announced that the Elise, Exige and Evora, are now in their final year of production.\nBy the time the \nElise\n, Exige and Evora leaves the assembly line for the last time this year, the company will have sold a combined 55,000 units (approx).\nThe Lotus Type 131 prototype (right) with three new models.\nThe Elise, Exige and Evora have been around for more than a decade, with the Elise being the oldest after it was first revealed in 1995. It was named after the \ngranddaughter (Elisa Artioli)\n of then Lotus Chairman, Romano Artioli.\nFollowing the announcement, the company also said that \na new series of sportscars have been confirmed\n and production of the new \nLotus Type 131 prototype\n will begin this year. To fuel the fire even more, Lotus also released an image of three covered cars with individually distinct headlamps, next to the \nnew electric Evija\n.\n \nWhen it was first revealed, the Elise not only revolutionised the low volume sports car industry but also introduced the method of extruded and bonded aluminium, high-tech composites and lightweight knowhow.\nThe \nExige\n followed in the year 2000 and together with a supercharger to go with the lightweight sportscar, it was widely seen as a race car for the road. As for the \nEvora\n, it returned Lotus to the masses with more refinement without losing any of the signature Lotus driver-focus.\nLocally, the Lotus brand is also making a comeback (of sorts), through\n Toycarz Garage\n, who will now take on the sales and after-sales roles for the Lotus brand in Malaysia.\nThey\u2019re located at 43, Jalan Astaka U8/84A, Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. For more information, call 012-317 6606."
"ASEAN, for the first time in the region\u2019s 48-year history, will see Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia joining hands to introduce and launch the first ever ASEAN Car of the Year 2015 (ACOTY 2015). The award programme is exclusively put together by our peers from iCar Asia, with no less than 15 automotive journalists\u00a0forming the judging panel.\nOf the 15 judges, 12 of the journalists are not affiliated with the organisers, and the scoring process will include evaluation\u00a0from third party service providers such as\n Opal Auto Mart Sdn Bhd\n (Malaysia\u2019s leading aftermarket warranty service provider), \nLiberty Insurance Berhad\n (formerly known as Uni.Asia General Insurance) and \nShell Helix\n. They will score\u00a0each\u00a0finalist based on their Reliability and Dependability, Depreciation and Running Costs as well as After Sales and Service Satisfaction.\nAs for the motoring journalists, the scoring mechanics will take into account each car\u2019s\u00a0pricing and value, safety, build quality, driving performance and overall exterior and interior design. The move to introduce ASEAN\u2019s very own COTY Awards is rather timely, considering that the said market has collectively \nsold 3.19 million vehicles\n in 2014 (excluding motorcycles) while exporting a good 800,000 more. At its current rate of growth, Hans Cheong \nin his report\n suggested that the ASEAN market is expected to become the fifth largest automotive market by 2019.\nNominations are broken down into 22 different categories, from Budget Car of the Year, Premium MPV of the Year to Flagship of the Year and Driver\u2019s car of the Year (see full list below). All vehicles currently on sale have been considered for nomination, but the finalists have been selected by the panel of judges from various motoring media publications across the three countries.\nAllow us to introduce to you the 12 automotive journalists: Chips Yap of \nMotor Trader Malaysia\n, Kon from \nAutoworld.com.my\n, Yap Kam Foo of \nTop Gear Malaysia\n, Tom Goh of \nZerotohundred\n, Vishal from NST\u2019s Car Bikes and Trucks, Denis Wong from \nCountersteer.my\n, Kenneth Sow from \nKensomuse.com\n, Gan Yong Li from \nPandulaju.com\n, Johan Izham and Qhalis Najmi of \nTraffic Magazine Online\n and yours truly, GC Mah and Matthew H. Tong of \nAutoBuzz.my\n. Judges from the iCar Asia team are Chris Aaron from \nCarlist.my\n, Daniel Wong from Malaysian Evo magazine and Hans Cheong of LiveLifeDrive (soon to be relaunched).\nWithout further ado, here are the 22 categories and its finalists:\nBudget Car of the Year\nPerodua Axia\n \nProton Iriz\n \nKia Picanto\nCompact Car of the Year\nHonda Jazz\n \nMazda 2\n \nFord Fiesta\nFamily Car of the Year\nMazda 3\n \nToyota Corolla Altis\n \nHonda Civic\nExecutive Car of the Year\nMazda 6\n \nToyota Camry\n \nFord Mondeo\n Honda Accord\nFamily MPV of the Year\nMazda Biante\n Proton Exora\n Volkswagen Cross Touran\nPremium MPV of the Year\nHonda Odyssey\n \nVolkswagen Sharan\n Ford S-Max\nCrossover of the Year\nHonda HR-V\n \nPeugeot 2008\n \nFord EcoSport\n \nMitsubishi ASX\n \nSubaru XV\nCompact SUV of the Year\nMazda CX-5\n \nFord Kuga\n \nHonda CR-V\nFamily SUV of the Year\nIsuzu MU-X\n \nHyundai Santa Fe\n \nNissan X-Trail\nPickup Truck of the Year\nFord Ranger\n \nIsuzu D-Max\n \nMitsubishi Triton\nCoupe of the Year\nBMW 2-Series\n Peugeot RCZ\n \nHyundai Veloster\n \nSubaru BRZ\n Toyota 86\n Volkswagen Scirocco\nPremium Compact Car of the Year\u00a0\nAudi A3\n Mercedes-Benz A-Class\n \nVolvo V40\nPremium Family Car of the Year\nBMW 3-Series\n \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n \nLexus IS\n Volvo V60\nPremium Executive Car of the Year\nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n \nAudi A6\n \nBMW 5-Series\nPremium Flagship of the Year\nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n BMW 7-Series\n Audi A8\n Lexus LS\nPremium Compact SUV of the Year\nAudi Q3\n BMW X1\n \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n \nLand Rover Range Rover Evoque\nPremium Mid-Size SUV of the Year\nVolvo XC60\n \nLexus NX\n \nBMW X3\n \nPorsche Macan\nPremium SUV of the Year\nBMW X5\n \nPorsche Cayenne\n \nVolvo XC90\nPremium Coupe of the Year\nBMW 4-Series\n \nLexus RC\n \nAudi TT\n \nJaguar F-Type\nPerformance Car of the Year\nBMW M4\n \nPorsche 911\n \nBMW i8\n \nMercedes-Benz AMG GT\n McLaren 650s\nGrand Tourer of the Year\nBMW 6-Series Gran Coupe\n Porsche Panamera\n Bentley Continental GT\nDriver\u2019s Car of the Year\nVolkswagen Golf R\n Renault Megane RS\n \nFord Fiesta ST"
"Peugeot has announced the arrival of the sportiest 308 to date, the \n308 GT\n. The 308 GT is available in both 5-door \nhatchback\n and \nwagon\n bodystyles and a choice of \npetrol\n or \ndiesel\n engines.\nThe 308 GT is offered with two engine options, a \n1.6-litre THP petrol\n in the GT 205, and a \n2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel\n in the GT 180. The 1,598 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder in the \nGT 205\n generates \n205 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of torque, while the 1,997 cc 4-cylinder turbodiesel in the \nGT 180\n generates \n180 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Fuel consumption for the GT 205 and the GT 180 is rated at \n5.6 l/100 km\n and \n4.0 l/100 km\n respectively. The gearbox used in the GT 205 is a \n6-speed manual\n while a\n 6-speed auto\n is only available with the GT 180.\nThe 308 GT has been mildly tuned to deliver a greater driving experience with a tweaked suspension that\u2019s stiffer by up to 20%. Stopping power is provided by the 330 mm front brakes and at the back the discs are 265 mm in the 308 GT and 290 mm in the 308 GT SW.\nTo set the 308 GT apart from the lesser variants, it gets its own distinctive styling tweaks outside and a smattering of GT badges here and there. At the front, the GT gets its own front bumper with lower side intakes and the lion on the bonnet has migrated into the 3-bar grille.\n LED headlamps\n are standard, and the GT gains a new \ndynamic sequential indicators\n that sit on top of the mentioned lower side intakes on the bumper.   The side mirror housings are finished in lacquered black, and lower down there\u2019s a very subtle side skirt. At the back, the bumper gains a \ndiffuser\n finished in lacquered black and a pair of \nchrome tailpipes\n. The 308 GT sits 7mm lower at the front and 10 mm lower at the back compared to the standard 308, and rides on \n18-inch Diamant wheels\n wrapped in \nMichelin Pilot Sport 3\n rubbers.\nTEP / Alcantara\n upholstery is standard for the 308 GT\u2019s interior, but buyers can choose the optional \nClub Nappa leather\n as well. The roof lining and pillars are finished in \nanthracite\n, while \nred stitching\n can be found everywhere from the dashboard to the floor mats.\n Stainless steel door sills\n and \naluminium pedals\n are included in the 308 GT too.   To add to the 308 GT\u2019s sporting intents, there\u2019s the \nDriver Sport Pack\n that includes a red illuminated instruments, a sportier engine sound, more responsive throttle, steering, and gearbox, and the instrument panel that displays the power and torque, turbo pressure, and longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The main touchscreen display also gets a new red and black theme dubbed \nRedline\n.\nThe 308 GT is also fitted with a host of driving assistance such as the \nBlind Spot Monitoring System\n and \nPark Assist\n, in addition to the \nDriver Assistance Pack\n that includes the Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert System, and Emergency Collision Braking System.\nThe 308 GT might not be setting its sights on the Golf GTi due to its marginally lower power output but it should serve to those who want more from the standard 308. We\u2019re still waiting for the 308 to be launched here in Malaysia so don\u2019t keep your hopes too high for the 308 GT to arrive in our shores anytime soon, but you can expect the 308 GT to debut at the upcoming Paris motorshow in October.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n held the \nMercedes-Benz\n Driving Experience event, the \nMalaysia launch of the A-Class facelift line-up\n, and the \npreview of the Mercedes-AMG SL43 roadster\n all in the same week, you might have expected the company to call it a week right? But instead, the firm collaborated with Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia and together held the Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day 2023 at the Sepang International Circuit over the weekend, and has managed to gather a total of 448 Mercedes-AMG vehicles to take part in it.\nThis year\u2019s record has surpassed the record of 180 cars set by the brand itself during its track day held last year. And like last year\u2019s record, this year\u2019s tally consisted of the combined group in the parade and on the full layout of the Sepang International Circuit itself.\nThis year\u2019s Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day saw almost the full line-up of the brand\u2019s latest models, as well as models released in the past few years. Among the AMG vehicles that were at the event include the popular \nAMG A45\n hot hatch, and the limited edition Black Series models like the SL65, C63 Coupe, and the AMG GT.\nBesides the cars mentioned above, other models from the German performance brand were also at Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day. This includes the \nAMG G63\n performance SUV, as well as the W205 AMG C63 and W213 AMG E63 4MATIC+ sedans.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG SL 43 previewed in Malaysia \u2013 Estimated RM1 million, 2.0-litre turbo, 381hp, 275km/h top speed\nThe Mercedes-AMG Club Malaysia track day 2023 marked the end of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s series of events held last week. This includes, as mentioned above, the Malaysia launch of the A-Class facelift and the preview of the Mercedes-AMG SL43, among other events. It was certainly a fulfilling week for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to say the least!\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift, from RM239k \u2013 5 Things\nGALLERY"
"Valentine\u2019s Day may have passed but real love is perpetual \u2013 just like the one between man and machine, and his son.\nIn realising the lifelong dream of a visually-impaired man, Mercedes-Benz allowed the petrolhead to let it rip in their \nBeast from Green Hell\n \u2013 the \nMercedes-AMG GT R\n.\n \nBart Hickey has been blind from birth but his love for the greasy bits never stopped him from being a mechanic.\nIt was also his dream to get behind the wheel, which in most circumstances would be impossible due to the obvious.\nWith a generous sprinkle of empathy from the three-pointed star, both father and son, Brendan Hickey took to Alvord Lake where the Mercedes-AMG GT R was driven up to 200 km/h \u2013 not only fulfilling a near impossible dream but a lifelong deprivation from the sensation of speed we all have certainly taken for granted."
"How do you create fear from a car? Is a 1,000 hp muscle car sounds scary, or does naming a car after a cult horror movie sends shivers down\u00a0the spine? How about combining both? Here\u2019s one\u00a0example, the 1,000 hp Hennessey Exorcist.\nBased on the \n2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1\n, this super muscle car is tuned by performance specialist,\u00a0\nHennessey Performance\n. The Camaro\u2019s V8 mill has undergone heavy upgrades which includes fitting a larger, higher flowing supercharger and intercooler system, improved induction system, and\u00a0engine management remapping.   This pushes the V8 to crank out\u00a0\n1,000 hp\n and\n 1,310 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a choice of either a\n six-speed manual\n or a\u00a0\nten-speed automatic\n.\nA century sprint is done and dusted in less than\n three seconds\n, and a quarter-mile drag race is completed in under 10 seconds. Top speed is not mentioned, but with such ludicrous performance, this Exorcist can easily hit more than 320 km/h.\nIn the US, the Exorcist can be purchased via Hennessey or directly from Chevrolet dealers. Existing ZL1 owners can convert their cars to become a Hennessey Exorcist for a fee of\u00a0$55,000 (approximate\u00a0RM244k), with the standard ZL1 begins at $61,140 (approximate RM271k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The transformation to sustainable mobility is giving more nimble start ups the opportunity to showcase solutions for the future, and one such outfit is Swiss-based \nMicro Mobility Company\n, who recently debuted the ultra-adorable \nMicrolino 2.0 Concept\n.\nWhile one could say the concept of the Microlino 2.0 isn\u2019t exactly new \u2013 it\u2019s clearly inspired by the \nIso Isetta\n; the original bubble city car \nmade famous by BMW\n, there\u2019s nothing wrong either in adopting a clever idea from the past and making it work in the modern context.\nLike the original Isetta, the Microlino 2.0 seats \ntwo adults\n and has a storage space (220 litres) behind the occupants. But unlike the Isetta, the Microlino has \nfour wheels\n (independent suspension at both ends) instead of three and is powered by a \n15 hp and 100 Nm electric motor\n driving the \nrear wheels\n. Tipping the scales at only \n513 kg\n, the Microlino 2.0 is thus capable of accelerating from \nidle to 50 km/h in 5 seconds\n, with \ntop speed of 90 km/h.\nWhen equipped with the \n14.4 kWh battery option\n (the standard capacity is 8kWh), the Microlino 2.0 can travel up to a \nrange of 200 km\n, after which its lithium-ion battery pack can be topped up within four hours using a house plug. Micro Mobility Company says that they have already accumulated \n17,000 pre-orders\n for the Microlino 2.0 which retails from \n12,000 Euros\n. Production is expected to start in 2021.\nThe Microlino 2.0 was unveiled alongside a 3-wheel electric scooter called the Microletta Concept, but the latter isn\u2019t confirmed for production."
"Possibly the most interesting EV expedition ever, a jacked-up \nNissan Ariya\n has begun its over \n27,000 km\n journey from the North Pole all the way down to the South Pole. The \u201cPole to Pole\u201d Nissan Ariya is driven by Chris and Julie Ramsey, a husband-and-wife team of EV adventurers.\nThe 27,000 km journey has never been attempted by any car even a fully internal combustion engine (ICE) one. The expedition that the Ramseys are embarking on aims to showcase just how capable and exciting electric vehicles (EVs) are, with the hope to accelerate their adoption as a positive action against the climate crisis.\nOne look at the images will suggest that the Nissan Area driven by the husband-and-wife team is not a factory standard version. It has received minor modifications to enable the car to traverse through the tough terrains. Most notably, the suspension has been lifted and wheel arches extended to accommodate huge 39-inch tires that will help the car \u2018float\u2019 on deep snow and sea ice.\nAll else, no modifications were made to the Nissan Ariya\u2019s battery and powertrain, which remain standard. The e-4ORCE system, which is Nissan\u2019s advanced electric all-wheel-control technology, has also not been meddled with.\nIn its all-wheel drive large battery configuration, the Nissan Ariya houses an \n87-kWh\n battery pack that provides just under \n600 km \nof range (WLTP). The dual-motor setup provides \n394 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n. With fast charging, the Nissan Ariya takes 30 minutes to regain 400 km of range.\nRELATED: \nThe Nissan Ariya could change the way you see electric SUVs\nThe Ariya shown towing a trailer carrying an extendable wind turbine and foldable solar panels\nThe \u201cPole to Pole\u201d Nissan Ariya will tow an innovative renewable energy unit, which includes an extendable wind turbine and foldable solar panels. The prototype will take advantage of the expected high winds and long daylight hours, harnessing the natural energy to charge the Ariya\u2019s battery. A coffee machine has also been integrated into this adventure-ready Nissan Ariya to maintain driver focus and awareness.\nChris Ramsey said, \u201cAfter four years of planning and hard work, we\u2019re so excited to officially get Pole to Pole underway. Julie and I have done several EV adventures over the past 10 years but Pole to Pole is definitely our biggest and most exciting challenge.\u201d\nRELATED: \n\u2018EV Godzilla\u2019 \u2013 Nissan begins R32 Skyline GT-R EV conversion project\n\u201cWe\u2019ve had to think differently, be innovative, and collaborate with like-minded partners to make this expedition a reality. Our expedition Ariya is fun to drive and performed well over the 5,000 km journey to get to this starting point. It gives us the confidence we can tackle every driving scenario we\u2019ll face in the coming months.\u201d\nJuley Ramsey adds, \u201cWe\u2019re excited to share our adventure with you and shine a light on the amazing people, communities and projects along the way that is making a positive difference to the climate crisis. We\u2019d love for everyone to be part of Pole to Pole, so please follow and get involved in the adventure on our social channels.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2023 Nissan Leaf launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM169k, RM1.8k per month subscription plan\nGALLERY"
"Premium executive sedan segment buyers are a tough crowd to please. Positioned between a premium compact executive sedan and a full-sized luxury sedan, you need to have all the comfort of a limousine for the rear passengers and reasonable driving pleasure behind the wheel.\nMunich\u2019s latest contender, the G30 BMW 5-Series 530i M Sport, was \nintroduced early March this year in CBU\n form and a locally-assembled version was rolled out later in the year. Priced at RM388,800 (CKD), the 530i competes squarely against the \nMercedes-Benz E250\n and the\u00a0\nAudi A6 2.0 TFSI Quattro\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nG30 BMW 530i M Sport (CKD)\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n252 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM388,800.00\nIn Malaysia, the 530i M Sport can be further spiced up with official \nM Performance parts\n which include carbon fibre bits, larger alloy wheels and beefier brakes. The list is extensive (and pricey) and if you opt for the full range of accessories, you are looking at a RM70k bill. Yikes!\nThe only performance enhancing option you can have on the 530i is the\n BMW M Performance Sports Brake\n which will set you back RM23,557.70. The ventilated and perforated lightweight brake discs have better thermal capacity and greater braking performance under extreme conditions. But then again, you won\u2019t be going at light speeds with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower turbo that puts out \n252 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n of torque, so perhaps you can save that pretty penny.\nIf you wonder what a 530i M Sport looks like after an M Performance makeover, we have a full gallery for your viewing pleasure. Options fitted on our test unit are as listed below:\nItem\nRetail Price\n20-inch Double Spoke 669M Bi Colour alloys with Pirelli P Zero run flats\nRM33,103\nSide Skirt\nRM2,549.80\nSide Skirt Film\nRM1,014.80\nFront Splitter in carbon\nRM7,176\nFront Attachment in carbon\nRM5,066.70\nFront Ornamental Grille in gloss black\nRM1,087.20\nExterior Mirror Covers in carbon\nRM3,952.60\nRear Bumper Trim\nRM3,448.20\nRear Diffuser in carbon\nRM10,147.95\nRear Spoiler in carbon\nRM4,282.80\nStainless Steel Pedals\nRM888.10\nTotal\nRM72,717\nIs the M Performance parts worth 20 percent of the car\u2019s price? For all the good looks alone, hell yes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi has confirmed that the replacement models for the A7 and A8 will be unveiled this year, beginning with the A8 which will break cover at the Audi Summit happening on 11 July in Barcelona. The company has not revealed further details about the A7 Sportback.\nBased on existing information at hand, we know that the A8 will feature the company\u2019s \nnext-generation Audi Space Frame\n chassis that is lighter and 25 percent more rigid than before. It is also said that the new chassis design will offer \n28 mm\n more passenger rear knee room and larger rear door apertures for easier ingress and egress.\nAudi\u2019s next-gen Virtual Cockpit will also make a debut on the A8 D5 featuring three high definition screens for the central dash, lower dash and instrument cluster. In the concept presentation, the screens are illuminated using \nOrganic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)\n, a first interior application, although whether the production model will feature this technology remains to be seen.\nThe \nfirst-generation A7\n, although based on the \nA6 C7\n, actually came before the A6 (A7 launched in 2010, A6 in 2011). If we were to go by the same logic, expect the A7 to be lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient than before. It will also most likely wear the hexagonal \u201cSingleframe\u201d family face like the \nA4\n and \nQ5\n.\nMore recently, it has been reported that all A8 D5 models will get \nsome form of electrification\n. Interesting times ahead for Audi, it seems.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) makes a return to the hallowed Sepang\u00a0F1\u00a0Circuit for Rounds 9 and 10 of the calendar, coinciding with the Asian Festival of Speed\u2019s GT Asia race which saw GT3 class cars from every top marque present. The weather, rather surprisingly, proved to be the wildcard of the race.\nBut before the armada of thundering \n460 hp\n\u00a0\n991 GT3\n cars hit the 5.5km F1 track, the fleet was at the \nChang International Circuit\n in\u00a0\nThailand\n\u00a0in July where teams fought to gain mid-season points. Sepang proved to be a hair-raising, close quarters race that saw \nMartin Ragginger\n chasing \nNico Menzel\u2019s\n tail with a mere \n1.455 seconds\n to spare in Race 1 (Race 9 of the season).   Race 1 podium finishers were happy with the close and competitive outcome, with Nico Menzel and Martin Ragginger placing\n first\n and \nsecond\n respectively while Clearwater Racing\u2019s \nCraig Baird came in third\n. The Kiwi driver started the race in sixth place after qualifying and was pleased to share the podium with Menzel and Ragginger. Our\u00a0very own homegrown driver\u00a0\nAlif Hamdan\n came in at \n11th\u00a0\nplace in \nRace 1\n.\nThe engineers worked tirelessly to fine tune and tweak the cars before the flag dropped for Race 2 (Race 10) later that afternoon. As the lights lined up overhead and went out, the race saw \nMenzel\n, \nRagginger\n and \nBaird\n battle it out for the next 10 laps. As mentioned earlier, the \nweather played havoc\n with the engineers\u2019 setup. The shifting climate saw\n track temperatures\n and \ngrip\n\u00a0perpetually fluctuation with every passing cloud, making the already arduous track a more challenging experience.   At the end of Race 2,\u00a0\nChris Van Der Drift\n, who was fourth in Race 1, came out on top with Ragginger and Menzel clinching second and third place respectively. Van Der Drift pulled a 3.065-second lead ahead of Ragginger, whereas Menzel trailed behind the leader by 4.799 seconds.\nPCCA will make its way to Singapore next to supplement the Formula 1 race at the \nMarina Bay\n street circuit from \n18 to 20\n\u00a0\nSeptember\n. After the stint in Singapore, they will be off to\u00a0\nShanghai\u00a0\nfor the\n\u00a0final round\n of the season in the \nWorld Endurance Championship\n at the end of October.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPicture credits to Travis Chang. Thanks buddy!"
"What you see before your eyes are the official pictures for the open-top Ferrari LaFerrari, or the Spyder variant of Maranello\u2019s hottest road-legal hypercar to date. If you\u2019re eyeing for one, we\u2019re sorry to report that all examples have already been snapped up at a private client preview.\nNo price nor specifications have been revealed at this point, but all will be disclosed when it debuts under the Paris Motor Show spotlight. This limited edition open-top can be had with a removable carbon-fibre hard top and a removable soft top. As with all convertibles, significant\u00a0modifications have been done to the chassis in order to maintain torsional rigidity. Some aerodynamic design tweaks were also needed to achieve the same drag coefficient when driving with the top down.\nAs for its powertrain, the LaFerrari \u201cSpyder\u201d is powered by the same naturally aspirated \n6.3-litre V12\n (high 13.5:1 compression ratio) motor as the LaFerrari, which produces \n789 horsepower\n. The engine is paired to a \n161 hp electric motor\n which together bring the total output to \n950 hp\n and over \n900 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0In terms of performance, this drop-top LaFerrari should be on par, with a century sprint time of less than 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 350km/h.\nMore details on the special edition LaFerrari will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show (sometime in October), so stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Having set the record as the fastest in its segment around the Nurburgring with a time of 7 minutes 51.7 seconds in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo\u2019s first SUV in its history, they\u2019ve gone on to introduce new editions of the Stelvio and Giulia \u201cNRING\u201d.\nThe N\u00fcrburgring Limited Editions were created to celebrate the historic bond between the brand and the circuit, recently given new life by the new Quadrifoglio model\u2019s thrilling performances on the Nurburgring.\u00a0\nAvailable specifically in European, Middle Eastern and African regions, only \n108 units of each model\n will be available and they\u2019re intended for collectors and the most loyal Alfa Romeo customers.\nOn the outside, the \u201cNRING\u201d models are finished in Circuito Grey Livery, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fibre front badge and side skirt inserts. The Giulia in particular, premiers a new bare carbon roof.\nInside, they\u2019re treated with Sparco racing seats, a Mopar gear knob and mats, carbon fibre dashboard inserts, carbon fibre rear view mirror caps and a leather/Alcantara steering with carbon inserts.\nEach model is accompanied by a \n1:18 scale model upon collection\n. When the vehicle is being presented to its new owners, a \nWelcome Kit\n will be given. It includes Sparco racing gloves, a customised soft shell jacket, sports bag in the Alfa Romeo pattern and \u201cQuadrifoglio\u201d cuff-links.\nThere will also be original footwear inspired by race boot designs created by Car Shoe, an Alfa Romeo licensee for the \u201cQuadrifoglio\u201d capsule collection.\nThe \u201cNRING\u201d versions will have specific \u201cAuthenticity Certification\u201d issued by FCA Heritage. They\u2019re normally only issued for historic cars, immediately giving them genuine \u201cInstant Classic\u201d status, placing them amongst the vehicles ranked as collector\u2019s items.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) has initiated various forms of assistance and relief to vehicle owners that have been affected by the current flooding disaster.\nImage: Facebook/\nCommunity Road Johor\nVehicle owners who have their \ndocuments lost or destroyed\n by the flooding can get it \nreplaced for free\n. The JPJ has listed three important documents which qualify for this initiative: \nVehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC)\n, \ndriving licence\n and the \nroad tax slip\n or Lesen Kenderaan Motor (LKM).\nAffected owners must first lodge a police report on the lost or damaged documents, before proceeding to JPJ to receive a replacement and the initiative takes effect \nfrom today until 15 April 2021\n.\nJPJ will also be placing their \u2018JPJ Mobile Unit\u2019 at key temporary relief centres. Suitable vehicles owned by the department will also be mobilized to aid victims.\nImage: Weststar Malaysia\nMeanwhile, vehicle owners who are aiding victims in various humanitarian efforts will be \ngiven greater liberty in terms of enforcement\n.\nImage: Facebook/\nPusat Khidmat Dun Pengkalan Kubor\nMajor news dailies have reported that the flood situation continues to worsen, with close to 50,000 people having been evacuated to temporary relief centres. Locations that are badly hit include the east coast of the peninsular, as well as Perak and various cities in Johor.\nThe section between Lanchang and Temerloh on the East Coast Expressway (LPT1) remain impassable to vehicles due to flood waters."
"Together with the price reveal of the Tesla Model Y for Malaysia, \nTesla\n has also listed the locations of its upcoming chargers for its supercharger network in the country. After all, what is the point of getting a brand-new Tesla if you don\u2019t benefit from its supercharger network.\nStill listed as \u2018coming soon\u2019 for the time being, the locations listed and their time of opening are subject to change and new locations are added with their timings updated quarterly. The locations listed on the official Tesla website for now are:\nPetaling Jaya, Selangor\nDengkil, Selangor\nBukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur\nBukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur\nKuala Lumpur (1st additional location)\nKuala Lumpur (2nd additional location)\nIskandar Puteri, Johor\nIpoh, Perak\nNegeri Sembilan\nPerai, Pulau Pinang\nLike the bulk of the charge point operators in Malaysia, the Tesla supercharger network mostly caters to the west coast with emphasis in Klang Valley. States which are currently listed include Negeri Sembilan, Pulau Pinang, Perak, and Johor.\nOn Tesla\u2019s website, it is stated that \u201cSupercharging payments are automatically processed from the payment method in the Tesla app\u201d. It remain to be seen if any collaboration with local charge point operators will take place. Interestingly, Tesla may implement \u201cidle fees\u201d to prevent hogging by fully charged cars.\nRELATED: \nTesla Model Y open for bookings in Malaysia \u2013 from RM199k, extra RM32k for FSD\nAlso mentioned on Tesla\u2019s website is its home charging solution which Tesla says is the most convenient method of charging for its customers. Tesla recommends installing its Wall Connector at home or any property and these will be available soon in Malaysia.\nTesla has announced the prices of the Tesla Model y for Malaysia, and before options, prices start at RM199,000. Quite a few things are listed as options for the car including paint jobs and full-self driving (FSD). You can book your model Y now for a non-refundable RM1,000 fee.\nRELATED: \nTesla Malaysia official launch confirmed \u2013 July 20"
"Volvo Cars has inaugurated a brand new battery assembly line in its Ghent plant, a first for the Swedish carmaker.\nThe new battery assembly line is in line with Volvo\u2019s commitment for its electrification ambitions and climate action plan, including the target of \n50% of car sales to be electrified vehicles by 2025\n.\nVolvo\u2019s head of global production operations, Geert Bruyneel said, \u201cAs the first of our plants to get a battery assembly line, Ghent plays a pioneering role as we continue to prepare our manufacturing network for electrification.\u201d\nApart from the Ghent plant in Belgium, Volvo has also announced its planned construction of a battery assembly line at its US plant in South Carolina. Construction of the assembly line is expected to start this autumn.\nThe Ghent plant will act as a testbed for the battery production operations, where important learnings in efficiency and process optimisation can be brought over to future manufacturing sites.\nVolvo\u2019s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the \nXC40 Recharge\n, will also be built in the Ghent plant later this year, alongside the battery assembly line.\nVolvo will also build BEVs based on the brand\u2019s CMA platform in the Luqiao manufacturing plant in China, alongside sister brands \nPolestar\n and \nLynk & Co\n.\nLast year, Volvo signed a long-term agreement with CATL of China and LG Chem of South Korea for the supply of batteries over the coming decade. The agreement will cover next generation Volvo and Polestar vehicles, including the XC40 Recharge P8."
"Westar Maxus Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Maxus vehicles in Malaysia has just launched the Maxus G10 Special Edition (SE), joining the existing G10 line-up. Priced at RM157,888, this luxury 10-seater MPV goes up against the likes of Hyundai Grand Starex and Kia Grand Carnival.\nStanding at 5,168 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width and 1,928 mm in height, the G10 is larger than even the 12-seater Grand Starex. It\u2019s 3,198 mm wheelbase is only 2 mm short of the Hyundai\u2019s.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMaxus G10 Special Edition\nEngine\n2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged GDI\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n225 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n345 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n10.2 seconds; 190 km/h\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM157,888\nEXTERIOR\nDon\u2019t be fooled by its unassuming badge because the G10 SE is packed with luxurious features. On the outside, it comes with HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting system, LED daytime running lights, LED taillamps, LED high-mounted Stop Laps, chrome door handles, full body kit with roof spoiler and keyless entry. It rides on 18-inch aluminium alloys wrapped in 225/55 profile tyres.   INTERIOR\nThe cabin of the G10 SE continues to impress as it comes with features that rival even the Toyota Vellfire. Standard features include leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel, anti-glare rear view mirror, 10.1-inch roof mounted rear LCD screen, 6-speakers, multi-functional display instrument cluster, reverse camera and cruise control.\nAmong the class leading features include powered sliding doors with anti-squeeze on both sides, front powered sunroof, twin panoramic rear glass roof, 360-degree surround view camera, 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system and even a 220V three-pin power socket. Yes, now you finally have a plug point for your laptop charger.   PERFORMANCE\nPowering this two tonne MPV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that pushes out \n225 hp\n and \n345 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n10.2 seconds\n while top speed is registered at 190 km/h. Official fuel consumption is rated at \n10.3 litres per 100 km\n.\nSAFETY\nAs standard the G10 SE comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Programme, HBA, RMI, High Strength Frameless Body, High Rigidity Front Door Impact Beam and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. It also gets front and rear parking sensors as standard.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe G10 SE comes in three different exterior shades \u2013 Obsidian Black, Blanc White and Aurora Silver. All purchases of a new G10 SE come with a 3-Years Warranty package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is currently breaking all preceding conventions of the brand, this time taking things up a notch with the all-new\u00a0\nX-Class\n\u00a0pick up truck. It will share the same platform as the outgoing\u00a0\nNissan Navara\n and Renault Alaska.\nThe video below briefly shows the X-Class\u2019 LED headlights and front grille, and it sure looks like a carbon copy of the \nGLC\n. The tail lights now don\u2019t look as outlandish as the ones we saw on the\u00a0\nconcept truck\n. Mercedes-Benz says the truck will strictly be made as a double-cab pickup, for now.   However, the powertrain and drivetrain will be from Mercedes-Benz, whereas the rear suspension may get a five-link setup for greater comfort. Expect a more luxurious cabin with leather-wrapped seats as well.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ww8khzqBT4\nThe Mercedes-Benz X-Class will make its world debut on\u00a0\n18 July 2017\n, and could possibly make its way to Malaysia in the future. And when it does, will you buy one?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re legitimately quick on Gran Turismo, Nissan has a new program that\u2019ll give you the chance to compete in an official FIA championship \u2013 the Gran Turismo Manufacturers Series Championship.\nFor starters, obviously, you\u2019ll need a PlayStation and the Gran Turismo Sport. Enter the FIA Manufacturer Series and \nselect Nissan as your manufacturer of choice\n. Upon that, you\u2019ll automatically be entered into the \nNissan GT Sport Cup\n.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/21012253/NissanGTSportCuptrailervideo-en-US_h264_aac_1280x720.mp4\n\u00a0\nThe fastest Nissan racer from one of the three regions \u2013 Americas, Asia/Ocenia and Europe/Middle East will get to represent Nissan at the GT Sport World Finals.\nWinners from each of the three regions will also be sent on a \ntrip of a lifetime to Japan for the 2018 NISMO Festival\n at the Fuji Speedway and a visit to the Polyphony Digital (creators of Gran Turismo) headquarters in Tokyo.\nCreated by Sony PlayStation in partnership with the Federation Internationale de l\u2019Automobile (FIA), the GT Sport championships are the first online Esports racing championships sanctioned by motorsport\u2019s governing body.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve proved with the Nissan GT Academy that some of the fastest drivers in the world might never have had the opportunity to compete on a race track if it weren\u2019t for gaming,\u201d said Nissan\u2019s global motorsport director, Michael Carcamo. \u201cThese guys have gone from the couch to the cockpit and broken the traditional model of how to become a successful racing driver.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cWe\u2019re now seeing that online racing is not only an alternative to the real thing. To be recognised as an official FIA Manufacturers Series Champion through GT Sport is an incredible opportunity and we\u2019re looking forward to having some of the best gamers in the world represent Nissan.\u201d"
"No matter how much you don\u2019t like to hear it, Porsche is undeniably an SUV brand now. They already have the \nMacan\n \nand \nCayenne\n, which are both bestsellers, but according to a new report by \nAutomotive News\n, they aren\u2019t stopping there quite yet.\nCiting an unnamed Porsche dealer in the US as source, the publication reported that the German carmaker is in the process of developing a new three-row SUV that\u2019s even bigger than the Cayenne. The story adds that it\u2019s currently still in the concept phase, but is expected to reach showrooms some time after 2025.\nThe dealer said that \u201cit\u2019s a new style of vehicle that is part sedan, part crossover,\u201d and will feature a \u201crakish\u201d design, with another dealer supposedly familiar with the car adding: \u201cIt\u2019s very un-Porsche-like. It has a flat rear design; it\u2019s not anything like the Macan and Cayenne.\u201d\nIf the rumours turn out to be true, then it\u2019ll be the first Porsche to (legally) seat more than five occupants.\nALSO READ: Malaysia-assembled Porsche Cayenne now open for bookings \u2013 from RM550k\nObviously, there won\u2019t be any information on the mechanical bits of the rumoured three-row Porsche SUV at this time. However, dealers are expecting it to be a plug-in hybrid at launch, with a battery-powered EV to follow after that.\nThe new SUV could also be related to a flagship electric model that Volkswagen Group is said to be developing for Audi, Porsche, and Bentley, codenamed Landjet.\nWhen asked for comments, a Porsche spokesperson told \nAutomotive News \nthat they won\u2019t comment or speculate on specific future models.\n\u201cWe\u2019re grateful for such creativity within our business, as we\u2019re continually exploring new opportunities and where we might compete in the future,\u201d the spokesperson said. \u201cWhether these go any further than renderings and ideas to make it to the production stage \u2014 let alone how they will be powered or configured \u2014 is undecided.\u201d\nRELATED: Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT gets 640 hp and 850 Nm, SUV lap record in Nurburgring!"
"Shell Malaysia has recently kicked-off the Menang RM5,000 Hari-Hari contest \u2013 one that is aimed at rewarding customers\u2019 loyalty and support for Shell fuels and use of the BonusLink card.\nFrom \n8th October 2017\n to \n7th January 2018\n, the joint promotion between Shell and BonusLink will see one customer receive a cash prize of \nRM 5,000 each day\n for swiping their BonusLink card while refueling at Shell retail stations nationwide.\nShell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd\u00a0Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain, said, \u201cCustomers are at the heart of everything we do, and our mission is to make life journeys better. The Menang RM 5,000 Hari-Hari contest is one way to reward our customers, and help them to end the year on a high note.\u201d\nBonusLink General Manager, Victor Goon said, \u201cThis is another exciting campaign with Shell, aimed squarely at our members to give them a chance to win cash prizes and BonusLink Points. It ties in very well with our slogan \u2018Everyday\u2019s a Bonus\u2019 because there are daily prizes up for grabs throughout the campaign.\u201d\nTo participate, customers only need to swipe their registered BonusLink Card and pump a \nminimum of RM 30 of petrol or diesel\n at Shell retail stations nationwide to be eligible for one entry. BonusLink will select one winner a day to receive the RM 5,000 cash prize. Additionally, winners of the contest will also be awarded an \nextra 50,000\n BonusLink Points if they swipe at another BonusLink Partner within the same calendar month."
"The last of the 375-unit limited run \nMcLaren P1 hypercar\n rolled off the production line back in \n2015\n. Since then, the world has been curious when, or rather, will McLaren make a replacement for the P1. After all, the P1 came 14 years after the \nlegendary F1\n.\nHowever, according to Autocar UK, its replacement may come sooner than you think. Codenamed \u201cP15\u201d, Autocar said that McLaren\u2019s next Ultimate Series is set to make its debut later this year. The P15 is said to feature an uprated\n M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8\n packing \n789 hp\n instead of the newer \nM840T 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n\u00a0powerplant as seen on the \n720S\n.\nUnlike the P1 which came combined with cutting-edge hybrid powertrain, the P15 is rumoured to be \npetrol powered only\n \u2013\u00a0keeping the overall weight down to \nless than 1,300 kg\n. If the statement holds any truth, that would mean the P15 will boast better power-to-weight ratio than the P1 and naturally, performance besting the P1\u2019s\n 2.8 seconds\n century sprint time and \n0 to 200 km/h\n sprint time of \n6.8 seconds\n.\nOn how it looks, McLaren is said to take the phrase \u201cfunction over form\u201d to its absolute limits where its sculpture will only be for outright performance rather than aesthetic appeal. Even going as far as installing a \nhuge diffuser\n. However, rest assured that McLaren will not stray too far from its current design language.\nThe P15 is expected to make its first public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, carrying an estimated price tag of around \u00a3840,000 (approx RM 4.7 million before taxes). Like the \n675LT\n and \n675LT Spider\n, McLaren\u2019s Ultimate Series replacement will be capped at \n500 cars\n worldwide, significantly more than the P1.\nAutocar editor Mark Tisshaw said, \u201cThese are certainly exciting times for the Woking-based firm as the P15 will also joined by a three-seat, F1-inspired hyper-GT \u2013 another story broken exclusively by Autocar. Codenamed \nBP23\n, the car will be revealed next year and arrive in 2019.\u201d"
"The Malaysian drifting scene has been relatively quiet as of late. Apart from the lack of a proper drifting venue and the dwindling\u00a0interest among Malaysians, the country\u2019s best drifting talent, Tengku Djan Ley, took a short sabbatical\u00a0from the sport.\nWidely known as the Prince of Drift, Djan is now back with full force, fully backed by\u00a0\nMaxxOil Malaysia\n. Djan took part in his first competitive drifting event in four years at the\u00a0Drift Competition 2017 at Songkhla Speedway, Thailand. If you\u2019re a drifting buff, you would know the vibrant drifting scene in the Land of Smiles and their breadth of local talents.\nTengku Djan\u2019s weapon of choice is his trusty \nNissan 180SX\n that won him innumerable drift standoffs.\u00a0According to \nMcclubz\n, it\u2019s now known as the \n700SX\n, because well, underneath the hood is a\u00a0\n7.0 LS7 V8 \nengine deploying\u00a0\n600 hp\n to the rear wheels!\nDuring the weekend, Tengku Djan proved his worth by winning the\u00a0\nClass A\n category and did so after defeating Thailand\u2019s top dog, Davide Dorigo. It was certainly hard fought, with both finalists required to go an extra round to determine the winner. A day before, Djan qualified in second place with 94.4 points.\n\u201cI truly appreciate MaxxOil for the support. I am overwhelmed. I want to thank my team and everyone who had a hand in the competition and believing in me,\u201d said Tengku Djan. \nOn a similar note, Malaysia\u2019s drifting scene looks to be revived as we play host to the \n2017 King of Nations Asia ProSeries\n\u00a0that will be held from 8 to 9 July at the\u00a0\nElite Speedway Circuit\n. No prizes for guessing right the Malaysian representative!"
"BMW Group Malaysia has annouced that they\u2019ve delivered \n11,016 vehicles \nacross the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands last year where 87% of which were locally-assembled. This has cumulated to a 52% market share in the premium automotive segment.\nIn 2020, BMW Group Malaysia \nintroduced 25 new models\n across the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands; four of which were electrified.\n530e M Sport\n740LE\nIn that respect, the company \ndelivered over 2,200 units of electrified vehicles\n last year; largely contributed by the\n 530e M Sport\n and \n740Le\n. The BMW 5 Series comes in a close second with over 1,600 units delivered; of which over 900 units comprised of the electrified BMW 530e M Sport.\nOther key contributors include the \nBMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV\n, the locally-assembled\n BMW 330e M Sport\n, as well as the \nall-electric MINI\n.\n \nBMW Group Malaysia also recorded its highest \nNet Promoter Scoring\n index for customer satisfaction. The company achieved over 90% positive response from customers.\nSpecifically for the BMW brand in Malaysia, it recorded \n8,903 new owners in 2020\n \u2013 largely contributed by the sales of the G20 BMW 3 Series where over 2,500 units were delivered. Of the 2,500 units, over 1,400 units consisted of the \n320i Sport we reviewed\n.\n \nThe X vehicle range on the other hand, contributed 39% of BMW\u2019s new car deliveries last year, with over 3,200 units. Most of which were BMW X1 models, where over 1,000 units were sold last year alone. Last year saw the launch of the entry-level \nX1 sDrive18i\n.\nSix new M models were introduced in Malaysia last year, including the \nM8 Gran Coupe\n, \nM8 Coupe\n, \nX4M Competition\n, and\n X3M Competition\n. 80 of them found new homes.\n \nAs for MINI Malaysia, the company recorded 987 deliveries last year, led by the MINI Countryman which contributed over 47% of total deliveries.\n\u201cFor the first time ever, we are humbled to announce that our total deliveries were strongly led by our line-up of locally-assembled vehicles from the BMW and MINI brands in Malaysia \u2013 which accounted for over 87% of our total deliveries. Having surpassed the challenges presented in 2020, these figures inspire us to remain steadfast in our commitment towards furthering investments in the Malaysian automotive industry,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl.\n \nBMW Group Malaysia\u2019s local success reflects the brand\u2019s global performance, with the Group recording over 2,300,000 units delivered worldwide; of which over 190,000 were electrified vehicles (EV) from the BMW and MINI brands. That represents an increase of over 30% in EV deliveries from the year before.\nLast year also saw BMW Group Financial Services financing over 42% of BMW vehicles and 45% of MINI vehicles. With \nBMW Engage\n, one out of three applications were done online.\nWith \nBMW i-Renewal\n, in partnership with Allianz, 5% of owners purchased their vehicle insurance online, surpassing the current industry benchmark of 2%. With the restricted movement last year, BMW was also quick to activate its online initiatives with \nBMW Shop Online\n and the \nMINI eShop\n."
"Honda Malaysia has announced that it has recorded total sales of more than 44,200 registered units for the 1st half of 2019, with may charting the highest sales of more than 10,500 units.\nAs a result, Honda Malaysia maintains its leadership as No.1 in the Non-National segment and No.2 (with 15.3%) in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the first half of 2019.\nThe \nHonda City and Jazz in Passion Red Pearl\n.\n\u201cI want to take this opportunity to thank all Malaysians for their continuous support and trust in the Honda brand. The Civic reached a milestone of 130,000th units sold while the Jazz delivered the 100,000th unit to its owner,\u201d said Honda Malaysia, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama.\n\u201cIt is truly inspiring for us to see how these two models have become a favorite among Malaysians and we are hoping to achieve more milestones this year,\u201d he added.\nThe hot shot for the first half of this year is the Honda City, pulling its weight by contributing 34% to the overall sales. This is followed by the Honda HR-V, achieving 20% of total sales and the CR-V, which made up 14% of total sales. The \nHonda City also topped Honda\u2019s sales chart for the whole of 2018\n.\nHonda also announced that the Passion Red Pearl colour introduced for the HR-V, Jazz, City, CR-V and BR-V has been extremely popular among its customers."
"While the \u201c\nMustang-inspired\n\u201d electric SUV is scheduled to be released next month, Ford surprised everyone at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas with an actual electric Mustang.\u00a0\nThe Ford Mustang Lithium, which is an one-off prototype from the American carmaker, is the fruit of a partnership between the Blue Oval and Webasto.\nFeaturing Webasto\u2019s 800-volt battery technology, the electric pony outputs \u201c\nmore than 900 hp\n\u201d and \n1,335 Nm of torque\n. Ford did not disclose any performance figures, but based on the power output we\u2019re pretty sure the Mustang Lithium will decimate the current EV drag-strip king \u2013 the Tesla Model S P100D.\nDespite what muscle car purists might tell you, the electric drivetrain is not even the most surprising aspect of the Mustang Lithium. What baffled us in this electric-powered Mustang is the inclusion of a six-speed manual transmission from Getrag.\nA transmission\u2019s main purpose is to keep the engine rotation at its most efficient and powerful output band.\u00a0And for those less familiar with EVs, an electric motor does not have an \u201coptimum power band\u201d \u2013 peak torque is always available. So what is a six-speed manual transmission doing here? Honestly, we\u2019re still unsure ourselves.\u00a0\nOther than the new drivetrain, Ford also gave the Mustang Lithium some additional performance parts to go along with the raw power, including a Super 8.8 Torsen differential, Ford Performance Track Handling Pack and strut tower brace, improved brakes from Brembo, and some carbon fibre parts for weight reduction.\u00a0\nTo handle different driving and road conditions, Ford has also included different drive modes \u2013 Valet, Sport, Track, and Beast, where the driver selects through the 10.4-inch touchscreen display. We can only assume the last mode is Ford\u2019s answer to Tesla\u2019s Ludicrous mode.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This is the first time I had such a close encounter with such a dashing car, the Citroen DS4. I must admit I have a hard time pronouncing the name Citroen, as many of you do, so I took the trouble by attending some online tutorials and learnt up the proper pronounciation. And guess what, Citroen is pronounce (\nsit-toh-en\n).\nThe Citroen DS4 is based upon the Citroen C4. Yup, as far as I know, there is no official Citroen C4 being sold in Malaysia, and it\u2019s distributor, Naza Euro Motor, is only keen to bring in DS series into our market as a premium offering at the moment.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n\u00a0Citroen DS4\nSegment\n\u00a0C Segment\nEngine\n\u00a01.6L THP 160 (Turbo High Pressure)\nPrice\n\u00a0RM\u00a0\n149,888.00\nWatch our video review on the Citroen DS4 here\nThe Citroen DS4 is currently assembled by Naza , and the premium DS (\nDifferent Spirit\n) badge will set you \nRM149,888.00\n, should you choose to get one. It comes in 4 colours, namely\u00a0\nBlanc Nacr\u00e9\n, \nBrun Hickory\n, \nRouge Babylone\n and \nNoir Perla Nera\n. I am simply going to call it glittering silver, chocolate brown, delicious red and pepper black instead of those fancy names!\nEXTERIOR\n \nWhen I get the car, I do not know what to make of the Citroen DS4, whether it is a crossover or a hatchback. The raised suspension gives the Citroen DS4 a very macho-ish, crossover profile.\u00a0The front grill houses a double elongated chevron, distinctively Citroen emblem. Then it is complemented by very aggressive looking \nXenon\n headlamps. The L-shaped \nDRL\n (daytime running lights) sits above the small rounded fog lights.\nThe side profile of the Citroen DS4 is gives a very muscular stance, thanks to the crease or character lines above the front and rear fender. If you are standing feets away from the Citroen\u00a0DS4, you would probably mistaken the Citroen DS4 for a 2-door coupe. The rear handle is cleverly tucked away, hidden from clear sight. It is located near the C-pillar window. Nicely done, but it doesn\u2019t goes well with a lot of people.\nI, together with several writers and friends do find the hidden rear door handle poses a bit of problem. It creates a triangular, protruding edge that could hurt anyone who opens the rear door. Perhaps the French designers is more interested in good looks over safety of passengers!\nThe rear profile doesn\u2019t look as exciting \u00a0as the front fascia, but still draw just enough attention and make you stare. A shiny piece of chrome garnish the rear bumper and with a little twisty design, it manage to look like it houses a two-piece tailpipe. And to finish it off, there is also an extraordinary small rear wiper, the length of marker pen. Why bother putting one small wiper is really beyond me as it wouldn\u2019t be able to cover much surface area after all.\nINTERIOR\n \nStep into the front cabin and this is where hell breaks loose. Front seats are wrapped in fine brown leather (\nHabana Club Leather\n) and contoured to provides good lateral support. It does not however stop there. There is a huge array of adjustments that you could fiddle with, seats alone! There is electric lumbar control and \nmassage\n \nfunction\n.\nI wouldn\u2019t have noticed\nit if not for the small buzzing sound emanating from the seats itself and a few circular-moving knuckles caressing your back. Oh yes, the massaging function is only available for front passengers, not the rear. So if you are ferrying more than 2, I dare to put a wager that the other 3 passengers would fight to be seated in the front seats.   There is a huge amount of soft touch materials all over the cockpit too and that is to be expected, coming from the DS range. From armrest, to the centre console and steering wheels. Talk about being pampered! The goodies never stop there. You can even customise the tone of your turn signal to 4 different tones. Even the colour of the instrument gauge is customisable. The steering wheel itself is humongous!\nSpeaking of the instrument gauges, I would like to stress that the MID is a bit of confusing. Rather than having all information displayed at the dashboard gauge, some are displayed at the central MID. For instance you may find trip meter, distance-to-empty information right in front of your dashboard gauge. However if you want to check how heavy footed you are or your average fuel consumption, you will have to stray away from your dash momentarily and set you eyes upon the central MID, located right above the head unit.\nThough this is a 4-door car, it is weird to find that there is only 2 power windows, and your guess is right, it is only available to front passengers. There is no power windows for rear passengers. I do not understand what is the design principles involved here, as there is also no physical lock for the rear passengers to unlock themselves from.\nNo power window, no lock/unlock lever, hmmmm. This would make a perfect choice for parents with hyperactive kids. Or perhaps Jason Statham from the \nTransporter\n movie series would consider the Citroen DS4 as his next go-to-car, perfect for chauffeuring \u201c\npackages\u201d\n.\nIf you are being chauffeured, and seated at the rear, fret not. The rear seats are able to accommodate 3 person, with slight shoulder rubbing in the process. As with any smart and practical European hatchbacks, the rear seats do fold \n60:40\n.\nIn car entertainment is featured-pack though it comes without any fancy LCD display. Choose from a variety of source and methods to play your favourite music, via USB, AUX input, or Bluetooth. The Bluetooth connectivity doubles up as hands free kit.\u00a0Oh, before I forget, there is something I really like about Citroen is the \npanoramic Zenith windscreen\n, in place of a more conventional sunroof. It rewards the front passengers with superb viewing angle of the skyline.   PERFORMANCE\n \nDrive the Citroen DS4 hard enough, and the 4 pot turbo Prince engine is going to reward you pretty heftily. The sound of faint blow off valve is unmistakably\u00a0apparent, and it begs to be driven hard. Power delivery is buttery smooth when paired to Citroen\u2019s \n6-speed electronic gearbox\n.\nWatch our video review on the Citroen DS4 here\nWith peak torque (\n240 Nm\n) that comes as early as\u00a0\n1400 rpm, \nyou will never have to really step hard on the pedals in day to day city drive. Floor it, and the THP engine will bring you up to speed, from \n0-100 km/h\n in around \n9.3 seconds\n. And if that doesn\u2019t amuse you, keep you foot well planted on the accelerator and you will reach \n212 km/h \nin no time.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe Citroen DS4 on 4 low profile\u00a0\nMichelin Pilot Sport 3 225/45\n\u00a0rubbers, wrapped in 18 inch alloy wheels gives very good grip, but I am not satisfied with the ride quality. The ride can be very hard and bumpy on speed breakers (speed bumps) and uneven roads. That is the only dissatisfaction I could find thus far.\nTyres and ride quality aside, the Citroen DS4 is laden with features to help make the drive as safe as possible. There is\u00a0\nElectronic Stability Program\n (\nESP\n) and the much sought after \nblind spot monitoring. \nUnlike Volvo\u2019s blind spot warning, the DS4\u2019s warning lights is located at the side mirrors, blinking at you if there is an object or car within your blind spot. This earns the Citroen DS4 a \n5-star\n rating in \nEuro NCAP\n. Adult and child occupant protection is rated a high \n90%\n and \n80%\n respectively.\nThere is some problem regarding rear visibility of the Citroen DS4, as with many hatchbacks. The problem is made slightly worse where there is no reverse camera for such a luxurious car to help mitigate the rear visibility issue.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nI would very much like to own a Continental hot hatch, and this seems to fit that requirement. However, maintenance and parts availability remains a big concern to many of us. Even the ever popular people\u2019s car, Volkswagen, is not spared from troubles that brewed recently. Many owners of the big\u00a0brand are left disappointed with the quality and attitude of VW\u2019s after sales service in Malaysia. That being said, I believe Naza Euro Motors would not follow in VGM\u2019s footstep and remain committed to bolster their after sales services.\nWatch our video review on the Citroen DS4 here\nCOMPARISONS\n \nCitroen DS4\u00a0\n\u00a0Golf Mk7 1.4 TSI\n\u00a0\nENGINE\nType\nTHP (Turbo High Pressure)\u00a04-cylinder engine\nTSI turbocharged\u00a04-cylinder engine\nDisplacement\ncc\n\u00a01,598\n1,395\nCompression Ratio\n\u00a0\u2013\n\u00a0\u2013\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n161 / 6000\n138 / 4500-6000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n240 / 1400\n250 /1500-3500\nCarburetion System\n\u00a0Direct Injection\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n\u00a060\n50\nSTEERING\nType\nElectro Hydraulic\nElectromechanical Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n\u00a06-speed A/T\n7-speed DSG\nSUSPENSION\nType\n\u00a0McPherson Strut (F) /\u00a0Drawn Arms (R)\nMcPherson Strut (F) /\u00a0Multi-Link\u00a0(R)\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nDisc\nDisc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n225 / 45 R18\n205 / 55 R16\nWheels\n\u00a0Alloy\n\u00a0Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,275\n4,255\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,810\n1,799\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,533\n1,452\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,612\n2,637\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n\u00a01,360\n1,720\nSAFETY\nAirbags\n\u00a06\n6\nOthers\nblind spot monitoring, vehicle stability control, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock brake system, emergency brake assist, parking space gap measurement\nvehicle stability control, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock brake system, traction control (XDS)\nFUEL\nGrade\n95\n95\nPRICE\nRM\n149,888.00\n \n159,888.00\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\n \nI like the Citroen DS4\u2019s styling and with so few of these cars on the road, it does certainly makes me stand out. The practicality of a Continental hatchback is not to be undermined. It carries 5 comfortably, and if you ever need to carry long or large items, you can always fold away the rear seats. The same cannot be said with a sedan, no matter how large it is.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Being the first company to locally assemble electric cars in Malaysia, \nVolvo Car Malaysia\n is now set on expanding its electric vehicle (EV) exports into Vietnam and the Philippines. The company already exports EVs to Thailand and Indonesia and aims to transform Malaysia into an electric vehicle hub in the ASEAN region.\nIn a statement by Volvo Car Malaysia on its electrification and sustainability ambition for 2023, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, \u201cVolvo Car Malaysia\u2019s ambition towards an all-electric Malaysia is steadily becoming a reality. Our assembly plant here in Malaysia plays an important role in our electrification ambition as we bring our electric vehicles to two more ASEAN countries \u2013 \nVietnam\n and the \nPhilippines\n. The exportation of our locally assembled electric vehicles is one of our many steps to propel Malaysia into becoming a hub for electric vehicles in the ASEAN region.\u201d\nThe facelifted Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\nCurrently, both Vietnam and Philippine markets do not have any electric Volvos on sale. Volvo Car Malaysia currently exports its EVs to Thailand and Indonesia. Like Malaysia, cars in both countries are right-hand drive (RHD). Cars in Vietnam and the Philippines are left-hand drive (LHD). Besides Malaysia, Volvo\u2019s electric vehicles are also assembled in China.\nIn Malaysia, Volvo\u2019s EV offerings include the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n and the \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\n. The former was launched in March 2022 receiving 400 orders within the first month of its launch. The C40 was launched in December of the same year. Both cars are assembled in the company\u2019s plant in Shah Alam and are offered in single variants only.\nHaving sold 3,194 cars in 2022 (43% increase from 2021), Volvo Car Malaysia aims to increase the number of its electric vehicles to 75% of its sales by 2025. By 2030, it aims to become a fully electric car company.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k"
"The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have received 425 units of the new \nHonda Civic 1.8S\n as new additions to their fleet. The delivery ceremony took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Putrajaya earlier today. The new vehicles will be used for mobile patrolling and enforcement duties.\nThe Honda Civic was last seen in police colours \nearly last year\n, where it underwent evaluation by the police force alongside its bigger brother, the \nCivic Type R\n. Delivery of the new Honda Civic patrol cars was originally scheduled for March this year, but had to be postponed due to the movement control order (MCO).\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama said in a statement: \u201cWe are delighted that we are now able to resume the plan to deliver these new mobile patrol and enforcement vehicles which are expected to assist in the tasks and responsibilities of the police force in effectively responding to emergencies, maintaining law and order.\u201d\nThe 1.8S variant is the base specification available for the Honda Civic locally. Under the hood is naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four cylinder engine, producing \n141 hp \nand\n 174 Nm\n of torque. The petrol mill is paired to Honda\u2019s Earth Dreams CVT gearbox.\n \nEarlier this year, Go Auto, a fleet management company, also \ndelivered a police-spec all-new Toyota Corolla prototype\n to the Ministry. The company said that it had received a letter of intent from the ministry to supply 425 units of the \nCorolla\n to be used as PDRM patrol vehicles, replacing the aging fleet of Proton Wiras and Wajas.\nAccording to \nBernama\n, the police are set to receive an additional 850 patrol vehicles,\u00a0comprising of 197 Proton X70 and 653 Honda Civic 1.8 models, to replace their existing vehicles from July until September."
"As \npromised\n, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) has officially unveiled the Land Rover Range Rover Velar here in Malaysia. Aimed at the likes of Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace and Maserati Levante, the Velar is offered in three flavours \u2013 the standard P250, P250 R-Dynamic and P380 R-Dynamic.\nSharing the same aluminium platform as the F-Pace, the Velar measures at 4,803 mm in length, 1,665 mm in height, 2,145 mm in width with a wheelbase of 2,874 mm. The British carmaker penned and engineered the Velar with \u201creductionism\u201d philosophy in mind which resulted in a car that was crowned as the winner of the Car Design of the Year at the 2018 World Car Awards.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRange Rover Velar P250\nRange Rover Velar P250 R-Dynamic\nRange Rover Velar P380 R-Dynamic\nEngine\n1,998cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder Ingenium\n2,995cc; supercharged V6\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n247 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n375 hp @6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n365 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\n450 Nm @ 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.7 seconds; 217 km/h\n5.7 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM529,800\nRM588,800\nTBA\nExterior\nMalaysian bound Velars are all highly equipped, items such as Matrix LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, retractable door handles and slim LED taillamps are standard across the range.   The entry-level Velar P250 wears the standard body kit and rides on 20-inch 7-spoke \u201cStyle 7014\u201d alloy wheels wrapped profile rubbers. Stepping up to the R-Dynamic variants and it sports a sportier appearance and gets upsized alloys to 22-inch 10-spoke \u201cStyle 1033\u201d items. JLR offers a range of optional 22-inch alloys if the customers are compelled to do so.\nInterior\nAs impressive the Velar is on the outside, the interior is equally exquisite. Regardless of variant, the Velar comes equipped with the inControl Touch Pro Duo system that combines two 10.0-inch touchscreen display to form the centre console, 825W 17-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System, 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display LCD instrument cluster, Navigation Pro System, 10-way powered front seats with memory function for driver\u2019s seat, ambient lighting, powered gesture tailgate, Morzine headlining and lockable glovebox.   Variant-specific options for the Velar P250 include black gearshift paddles, Acron perforated grained leather upholstery and a standard rear-view camera.\nThe R-Dynamic variants add three interior themes \u2013 Ebony perforated grained leather with suedecloth, Vintage Tan/Ebony perforated Windsor leather, Eclipse/Ebony perforated grained leather with suedecloth and Light Oyster/Ebody perforated grained leather with suedecloth.\nKit wise, the more expensive models add Satin Chrome gear shift pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel with chrome bezel, Heads-Up Display (optional for standard P250), panoramic sunroof and 360-degree surround view camera.\nPerformance\nThe P250 variants are motivated by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic, delivering \n247 hp\n and \n365 Nm\n of torque. The four-cylinder blown mill is capable of propelling the Velar P250 from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.7 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n217 km/h\n.\nThe P380 is powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol that pushes out \n375 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque paired to the same eight-speed auto. Century sprint is clocked in \n5.7 seconds\n while top speed is raised to \n250 km/h\n.\nLand Rover\u2019s famed all-wheel-drive system and \nTerrain Response 2\n off-road system is equipped on all variants of the Velar. Terrain Response 2 sets up the vehicle to match the demands of the driving condition by adapting the engine, transmission, differentials and chassis settings to six Terrain Response \u2013 Comfort, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, Sand, Eco and Dynamic Mode.\nAll P250 Velars comes with a standard passive suspension while the P380 rides on \nElectronic Air Suspension\n that lowers the ride height by 40 mm upon unlocking the vehicle to ease ingress and egress.\nSafety\nAll Velars are equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and ISOFIX mounting points.\nWhat Else?\nA total of eight exterior colours are available \u2013 Fuji White, Yulong White, Corris Grey, Santorini Black, Kaikoura Stone, Firenze Red, Silicon Silver and Carpathian Grey. All vehicles distributed by JLR comes with Land Rover Care Programme which includes a 5-Years Warranty, 5-Years Free Service and 3-Years roadside assistance.\nIn addition to that, all vehicles officially brought in by JLR are compatible with Malaysian climate, driving conditions, fuel quality and emission standards. According to the company, initial deliveries of the all-new Range Rover Velar will commence from July onwards.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLand Rover Range Rover Velar P250 R-Dynamic"
"According to a \nreport\n by \nMalay Mail\n, the National Security Council (NSC) has clarified that vehicle emergency services including car towing will be allowed during the 14-day movement restriction period.\nAlthough the movement restriction order only allows for essential services to be carried out, NSC today released an eight-item list of non-essential services that will and will not be allowed to remain operational during this period.\nThe list specifically notes that car towing will be allowed during this period. Additionally, car repair works can be carried out at a minimal rate.\nHowever, the list also clarifies that any sort of social gathering, including for religious purposes, will be banned during this period. The NSC actively urges all Malaysians to stay home during this two-week period, in order to effectively \u201cflatten the curve\u201d of the COVID-19 virus outbreak.\nThe announcement also states that travel within the country is prohibited, unless for the purpose of acquiring basic needs and medical help. This is in line with the announcement by IGP that all \ninterstate travel will require a \u201ctravel document\n\u201c. However, this requirement has since been rescinded due to overwhelming response."
"The Kia brand in \nThailand\n currently only offers the K2500 light commercial vehicle. From this week onwards, the brand is set for a restart in the Kingdom, via the introduction of the all-new \nKia Carnival\n MPV.\nFully-imported from South Korea, the all-new Kia Carnival being offered by Yontrakit Kia Motor is available in three variants starting from \nTHB2.045 million\n (approx. RM254k) for the Limited all the way to THB2.495 million (approx. RM310k) to the range-topping Carnival SXL.\nOnly one powertrain will be on offer for all three variants- the Smartstream 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power outputs are \n202 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, with the engine compatible with Euro 5 emission standards.\nYontrakit Motor will only offer the mid-range EX and SXL variants on a regular basis. Standard features include four rows of seating to make it a total of \n11 seats\n, powered sliding doors, power-adjustable front seats with driver memory and ventilation feature, a dial-type shift-by-wire system, manual sunshades for the rear side windows, 3-zone automatic air conditioning with ioniser, wireless smartphone charger, six USB charging ports including two for the third-row passengers, surround-view parking camera system and seven airbags.\nKia has just made an ultra-luxurious Kia Carnival that just seats 4! Check out the Hi-Limousine here!\nSetting up or collapsing the fourth row of seats is incredibly convenient, where the entire seatback and bench folds downwards and sinks flat into the floor. However, usage of the fourth row takes up all the available luggage space thus it is only useful for ferrying occupants as a shuttle and not for holiday trips.\n \nThe range-toppings Carnival SXL adds all the gadgets such as a 12.3-inch digital cluster gauge and infotainment display for a dual-screen setup, rain-sensing wipers and the Kia Highway Driving Assist (HDA) advanced driver assistance suite such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, Lane Following Assist and the Safe Exit Assist that warns rear passengers of the presence of vehicles behind.\nAs for the newly introduced Kia Carnival 2.2 Limited variant, it features less powered conveniences, such as the lack of remote opening of the tailgate and sliding doors, fitment of a smaller 8-inch infotainment system and a reverse camera.\nKia vehicles in Malaysia is now distributed by a newly form company called Dinamikjaya Motors. Learn more about the new setup here.\nThe all-new Kia Carnival is set to be a more premium offering in the MPV segment compared to larger affiliate Hyundai, which launched the futuristic-looking \nStaria\n in July. Both models are however still out of sight of \nToyota Alphard\n and Vellfire buyers, as the premium Japanese MPVs only starts their pricing from THB3.889 million (approx. RM483k).\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has announced that their Full Circle Programme is now available on the X1 sDrive20i and the 530i M Sport. The programme from BMW Credit allows you to drive home a brand new BMW X1 sDrive20i for RM 2,258 per month or a BMW 530i M Sport for RM 3,588 a month.\nOffered exclusively to all \nBMW Corporate Programme customers\n including their company directors, spouses of the directors, and employees of the company, the \nBMW Full Circle Programme\n lets customers select their margin of financing between \n70 to 90 per cent\n with a determined mileage of \n20,000 km or 25,000 km per annum\n.\nAt the end of the contract period, owners can return the keys with no further obligations or trade it in for a new BMW via any authorised BMW dealership. Those who would like to keep their cars can also do that, by either making a full settlement or simply by extending their contract. Interested parties can speak to a BMW Credit Relationship Manager at any preferred BMW Authorized Dealership, or by calling 1800-88-3000."
"It\u2019s been some time now since the \nfourth-generation Mazda MX-5\n arrived on our shores, and you\u2019ve probably seen the same RM 8000-registered model \ndriven around by Santa GC last Christmas\n, randomly throwing gifts to just about anyone brave enough to reciprocate his excessively generous gesture.\nToday, we have for you guys our review of the quickest, nimblest and most focused MX-5 to date. \nWe flew to Hiroshima, Japan to sample the 1.5-litre variant last September\n and found that the high-revving lump (revs to 7,500 rpm!) coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox was just about enough \u2013 if not more \u2013 for all the fun you\u2019d need. However, we will only be getting the 2.0-litre automatic variant, that is of course until the manual variant gets introduced to the lineup later this year.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda MX-5 2.0L Skyactiv\nEngine\n1,998cc; DOHC inline-4 cylinder, Skyactiv-G\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic (torque converter)\nMax Power\n158 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\nPrice (OTR with GST and insurance)\nRM226,376.32\nJust as a quick recap, the \n2015 Japan Car of the Year\n\u00a0is \nnearly 100kg lighter\n\u00a0(now at 1,080kg) than the previous NC model, bringing it that much closer to the first generation\u2019s kerb weight of 940kg. Do bear in mind that shedding 100kg isn\u2019t as easy as one would think, but how Mazda did it is all explained in the video.\nIt\u2019s an even more impressive feat considering how well equipped this roadster really is. It gets \nfull LED headlights\n with LED daytime running lights, 17-inch wheels with 205/45 series tyres, a premium interior with \n9-speaker Bose sound system\n, leather seats (manually adjustable), sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and the Mazda MZD Connect System. Also if you\u2019re wondering, the MX-5 doesn\u2019t come with a rear view camera, and understandably so.   It\u2019s priced at\u00a0\nRM226,376.32\n with GST and insurance, packaged together with a \n3-Year warranty\n and 3-Year or 60,000km free maintenance package \u2013 parts and labour (and a complimentary car wash, no less) included. If you\u2019re keen to catch the MX-5 in person, do drop by the Glenmarie showroom to get an up-close and personal look at Mazda\u2019s finest interpretation of their \nJinba Ittai\n philosophy.\nMeanwhile, enjoy the video!\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You know the world has gone mad when a McLaren-commissioned golf bag that fits in the spacious rear load space of the McLaren GT grand tourer costs \u00a35,000. Based on our current forex rates, that\u2019s almost RM26,000, enough to buy a Perodua Axia 1.0 Standard E with a 5-speed manual transmission, with change left to go for a lavish local holiday with the family.\nThe same leather is used for both the luggage and interior.\nYou can read all about the 620 hp and 630 Nm \nMcLaren GT in a story we ran in May\n, but the luggage madness doesn\u2019t end there. The collection also entails a garment case (\u00a31,700), weekend bag (\u00a31,850) and a cabin bag (\u00a32,800), all for a grand total of \u00a311,350, or close to RM59,000 \u2013 more than enough for two Axias!\nThis looks tasty, only \u00a32,800 or around RM15,000.\nOf course, McLaren will tell you that the leather on the luggage are the same semi-aniline cowhide lining the interior of the GT, painstakingly put together and stitched by Italian artisans, and conforms to the standards set by McLaren. And of course, the pieces are made not only to fit the interior of the GT, but to also complement its interior aesthetics.\nThe first units of the McLaren GT are expected to reach customers by the end of 2019 (at \u00a3163,000 each, subject to taxes), however the McLaren GT bespoke luggage collection will be available from McLaren retailers from September onwards."
"Class-leading interior design and comfort\nSedate but competent, matured drive\nUnique design that\u2019ll definitely stand out from the crowd\nAs tested: RM158,888\nDriving is fun, and for some people, it might just be the best dang thing to ever exist in their lives. Car enthusiasts like you and me can spend an entire night blabbing on and on about how a particular car feels through the bends or under acceleration, but the (somewhat saddening) reality is that \u2013 most people just don\u2019t care.\nThe majority of car buyers in Malaysia aren\u2019t looking for \u201cfun\u201d cars, otherwise hot hatches and sports cars will be selling by the truck loads. For most, a car just needs to be safe and comfortable enough to get them from point A to point B without fuss; the \u201cfun\u201d factor is just a nice-to-have \u2013 if they can even feel it.\nAnd that\u2019s where cars like the \nall-new Hyundai Elantra\n come in. Because for everything that matters to regular car buyers, the Elantra just pretty much nails it.\nThe first time we ever saw the Elantra in person, we were stunned. And the same thing happened again and again pretty much every time we looked at it from the outside throughout our weekend with it.\nLuc Donckerwolke\u2019s \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d design language that debuted with the Hyundai Elantra was \u2013 to say the least \u2013 divisive at launch. But we genuinely believe that it\u2019s a design that works better in person, and anecdotal evidences among our peers seem to agree with that.\nSharp edges, geometric shapes, and massive grilles \u2013 these aren\u2019t groundbreaking new design paradigms in the automotive scene. But it\u2019s just the way that they\u2019re all put together on the Elantra that makes it really stand out, without being overtly jarring (like the \nTesla Cybertruck\n, which just looks like a low-poly game object).\nHyundai took a lot of flak for the angular, jewel-like lines on the Elantra\u2019s sides \u2013 at least when photos of the car were first unveiled online. But in person, it\u2019s a rather subtle effect that brings out an intricate light play on the side, further adding to the car\u2019s sophisticated character.\nThe best angle of the car, however, is definitely its rump. The sharp edges motif is once again seen here on the boot lid, but taken to the extreme to form an integrated spoiler. The effect is further accentuated with the full-width \u201cH-tail Lamp\u201d, and the dark chrome elements on the bumper is just the cherry on top.\nIt\u2019s brash, yes, or even a little \u201cotherworldly\u201d. But give it time, and we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll grow to like it, too \u2013 I mean, there\u2019s a reason it \nwon the Good Design award \nearlier this year. At the very least, it\u2019ll definitely stand out from the growing crowd of boring silver SUVs.\nNo matter how you feel about the Hyundai Elantra\u2019s exterior, though, all is forgotten as soon as you open the driver\u2019s door and step inside the cabin. In fact, the Elantra\u2019s cabin might have one of the best interior designs of any C-segment sedans out there, period.\nSliding into the driver\u2019s seat, you\u2019ll immediately notice how you\u2019re separated from your front passenger, with clever use of colours and design elements to make the driver feel just that little bit more special.\nIt\u2019s not just the design, either \u2013 the overall quality feels great, with no rattles or loose panels anywhere to be seen or felt. And the white leather intertwined with grey woven fabric? Well, that\u2019s just proper premium-grade stuff, elevating the classiness of the entire interior to a whole other level. Nice.\nIf there\u2019s one thing here to pick on, though, it\u2019s the massive bezels that surround the displays on the dashboard. The glossy black plastic picks up fingerprints way too easily, and just doesn\u2019t gel well with the rest of the classy white interior. The displays themselves also come with a matte finish, which further accentuates the (small) size of the screens.\nAnd while we\u2019re on the topic of displays, the graphics for the central infotainment display looks like it was designed a decade ago \u2013 a jarring contrast from the otherwise modern interior. At least, you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to hide it for the most part, but it\u2019s still a rough oversight in our books.\nThe Hyundai Elantra in other countries does come with an option for a dual 10.25-inch display unit that\u2019s covered by a single pane of glass (and feature newer software). HSDM should have definitely optioned that onto our local model, as it looks miles better than what we have here. Shame.\nAre we a little harsh on something that\u2019s probably inconsequential to most people? Perhaps, but these tiny pain points just stick out like a sore thumb when the rest of the car is so capable of delivering one of the most zen-like experiences you can get from a car.\nThat includes its drive, too. The SmartStream 1.6-litre inline-four engine\u2019s \n123 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n may not sound at all impressive on paper (or when compared to its nearest rivals), but it\u2019s the way it delivers power in such a smooth and calm demeanour that truly makes it a perfect match for the car.\nIt\u2019s not a car that constantly asks you to drive it hard; rather, the Elantra wants you to gently prod on the accelerator, and it\u2019ll reward you with waves of serenity throughout your journey, even if you\u2019re stuck in the notorious traffic jam of Kuala Lumpur roads. The ventilated seats certainly help with that.\nHighways are where the Hyundai Elantra shines. The engine has no problem keeping up with the national speed limit, or even occasionally exceeding it if you need to overtake. Pair the quiet cabin with a supple suspension set-up, and every long-distance journey will breeze by in an instant \u2013 especially when the smart cruise control system takes over most of the driving.\nSo with all these praise, you should just rush out and buy one, then? Well, that\u2019s if you can look past its asking price of RM158,888. At that figure, there are quite a few other options that buyers can explore, and the Elantra\u2019s spec sheet certainly doesn\u2019t make it any easier (on a first impression, at least) \u2013 not to mention the brand snobbery that\u2019s so prevalent in the Malaysian car buying crowd.\nAfter spending a weekend with the Hyundai Elantra, we have no qualms with forking out that dough for a car that\u2019s so well-rounded for our everyday commuting needs \u2013 but then again, we\u2019re no regular car buyers. The good news, then, is that there\u2019s a \ncheaper Executive variant\n that omits several creature comforts, but still retains the same good looks.\nHyundai Elantra G1.6 Premium specifications:\nEngine\n1,598\u00a0cc; naturally-aspirated inline-four, petrol\nTransmission\nHyundai Smartstream IVT\nMax horsepower\n123 hp @ 6,300 rpm\nMax torque\n154 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top speed\n10.4 seconds; 196 km/h\nPrice (OTR, w/o insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions)\nRM158,888\nGALLERY"
"You\u2019re right, I may have exaggerated it; partly to rope you into this article (my bad) but mostly cause the \nGolf TSI R-Line\n does tend to make you forget you\u2019re in the lesser of the Golf range; especially with the highly impressionable GTI and Golf R placed above it.\nYou\u2019ve probably came across\n our Mk7.5 Volkswagen Golf R review\n\u00a0published a few weeks back and since I\u2019ve got the Golf GTI review pending, I\u2019ll focus my attention on the Golf TSI R-Line which during my brief encounter with it, en route to Johor Bharu with Volkswagen Malaysia recently, constantly made me question if it\u2019s worth all that headache, spending more on a GTI if not the Golf R.\nBefore the highway blast down south, I got to experience how the R-Line would perform through the twisty ends of Bukit Putus along with a convoy of GTIs and Golf Rs and was pleasantly surprised how resilient the Golf TSI was (aided by some extra courage) in keeping up with its more capable brothers especially in the corners without threatening you with the imminent danger of being sent off the road.\nWhat definitely enhanced the experience through the bends was the quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox that just never seems to disappoint with its telepathic-like quick reactions along with the extended XDS differential lock that kept the car firm on its tracks.\nIn the straights, well that\u2019s another story. With a modest \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque from a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, it gets minusculed by the more potent GTI and muscular Golf R but I\u2019d bet my money in saying that if the brief mountain run was against other cars of the same price tag (regardless of segment), they would\u2019ve been hard done by the Golf TSI R-Line.\nIn the hands of a more capable driver of course \u2013 definitely not by me. I can\u2019t even turn the steering wheel without tangling my arms sometimes.\nOn the open road, despite the noticeable lack of grunt, I\u2019d still refuse to consider the TSI\u2019s performance as lacklustre. While it may not pull like a train, a trait both its elder brothers proudly possess, given a clear stretch, the puny 1.4-litre TSI engine will still keep you on the edge of your seat.\nIt will also keep most cars (with larger displacement) at the edge of your rear-view mirror without too much of a struggle and I\u2019m speaking from first-hand experience here. *wink*\nHaving now driven the GTI (again, review to be published soon), the difference in stability especially at (very) high speeds is negligible but what wouldn\u2019t go unnoticed is the wind noise but really, it\u2019s only profound once you\u2019ve pass the threshold of unspeakable speeds.\nWhat you would also notice sitting in the cabin is how \u201cinsignificantly indifferent\u201d the TSI is, to its GTI brother. Aside from the fabric trims, the lack of visually-enticing badges like those in the GTI, the TSI R-Line\u2019s interior is just more sedated, more subdued but isn\u2019t a lacking one.\nYou still get the updated, more interactive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with eight speakers, rear view camera, seven airbags and the new, all-important 12.3-inch Active Info Display digital instrument cluster which by the way is non-existent in the regular TSI Sportline.\nNow, \nVolkswagen Malaysia is even offering R-Line leather upholstery as standard\n, in replacement of the fabric seats.\nThat said, what could\u2019ve come in handy especially when hard braking was needed to avoid rear-ending the fools who switched lanes suddenly without indicating, was a pair of paddle shifters but it wasn\u2019t exactly life-changing having to resort to the good ol\u2019 gear lever for a few quick downshifts.\nDestined as the \u201cefficient one\u201d rather then one for all-out performance, mileage returns were quite impressive too. Having covered over 320km from both urban areas and on the highway, the \nTSI still had just under half a tank of fuel left\n.\nOn the Autocross was where the limits of the TSI R-Line was put to the absolute test and I must say, it wasn\u2019t at all a disappointment. In fact, I\u2019d even go as far as to say that it was lively in its own way, very maneuverable and quite eager to power out between the cones \u2013 all in all, a real fun car considering what the TSI R-Line was built for \u2013 with more focus on efficiency and comfort than outright performance.\nYes, the suspension may have been on the softer side and the steering did not have the dart-like precision of the GTI or even the poise of the AWD Golf R. However, factoring in the sufficiently capable powertrain, aided by all the essence and goodness of a Volkswagen Golf, it was very easy to get on the TSI\u2019s limit without fear of overwhelming the car despite my limited talent behind the (flat-bottom) wheel.\nGiven the limited time with the Golf TSI R-Line, my first ever encounter with any Golf TSI for that matter, I must say that it was simply impressive. It did everything it was built and intended for, and excelled at it. I suppose if you had a go in it, you wouldn\u2019t disagree with me.\nWhat you\u2019d most likely also agree with me is that despite all its abilities, it\u2019s rather steep paying the approx. RM160k asking price when you can get so much more for the money (actually mostly just in size).\nThat\u2019s because if you\u2019re looking for a car in that price bracket, often times you\u2019re in it for the value and as much as I believe that the Golf TSI R-Line offers more value than meets the eye, the sad reality is that most would agree with me but end up buying a Camry or Accord.\nShame.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"How times have changed. Remember when the BMW 3 Series was strictly a two door coupe? Yes it\u2019s hard to believe that the first ever E21 3 Series was equipped with just two doors.\nIt was only on the second generation E30 that BMW offered a four door option along with the two door 3 Series Coupe. Eventually the 3 Series Coupe grew bigger and bigger, and if you walk into a BMW showroom today you can\u2019t even buy a new 3 Series Coupe because it has grown to become the 4 Series.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 220i Sport\n \nSegment\nC-Segment coupe\nEngine\n1,997 cc 4-Cylinder Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n270\u00a0Nm @ 1,250 rpm\nPrice\nRM 279,800.00\nIf you want a proper small BMW Coupe, the F32 4 Series is not what you can call \u201csmall\u201d, and that\u2019s where the 2 Series comes into picture. Now, before you call us insane for suggesting a mini-MPV to satisfy your coupe cravings, the 2 Series we\u2019re talking about is not the \nF45 Active Tourer\n\u00a0(or even the \nF46 Gran Tourer\n) but the \nF22 Coupe\n. Confused yet? BMW reckons you shouldn\u2019t be.\nThe F22 2 Series Coupe has nothing to do with the F45/F46 2 Series Tourers, instead it\u2019s related to the \nF20 1 Series hatchback\n. The F22 2 Series Coupe is actually the successor to the \nE82 1 Series Coupe\n (based off the E88/E87 1 Series hatch), but because of BMW recently just had to \u201crealign\u201d their products names, the 1 Series Coupe is now known as the 2 Series Coupe.\nIn Malaysia, the F22 2 Series Coupe is only available in a single engine choice, the \n220i\n. \nLaunched\n together with the \nF33 4 Series Convertible\n during the BMW Malaysian Open in 2014, it\u2019s available in two trims, the base 220i and the \n220i Sport\n with added, um, sportiness. We\u2019re testing the latter variant, and it looks like a fun little coupe. But is it really? Let\u2019s find out.\nEXTERIOR\nThere\u2019s little for BMW to mess with the 2-Series Coupe\u2019s design. The classic front-engined rear-wheel drive layout already set the blueprint for a \nfaultless coupe proportion\n: long bonnet, cab-rearwards, and a stubby tail. Although from some angle it can look quite dumpy, rather like the \u201cstarter pack\u201d among the sleeker BMW coupes higher up in the range. Still, it has the allure of a coupe written all over it.   Compared to the E82 1 Series Coupe it replaced, the \nBi-Xenon headlamps\n with \nLED\n corona rings \nDRL\n are squintier, making the front look wider and more matured, while the front bumper is aerodynamically shaped with a two-tier bridge in the middle and a couple of \nair curtain slots\n next to the fog lamps.\nThe striking contours on the flanks and the glitzy alloy wheels provide the 220i Coupe some flair, and BMW is also kind enough to give the 2 Series a pair of doors with \nframeless windows\n to enhance the coupe sensation.\nAs we move along round the back, the compressed tail features a couple of compact version of the BMW L-shaped taillights, and a straightforward single tailpipe exit on the left side of the bumper. On the whole, the 220i is not a shouty car, unless if you specify it in Valencia Orange, you can drive past a crowd almost unnoticed.   Aside from the visible badge on the front fenders, the 220i Sport is differentiated from the base 220i via the \n17-inch star-spoke alloys\n and some high-gloss black finish on the grille inserts,\u00a0 mirror caps, and tailpipe. If you\u2019re still not convinced, swing open the door for a further proof that it\u2019s the Sport variant by looking at the sill which clearly writes \u201cBMW Sport\u201d.\nINTERIOR\nF20 1 Series owners will feel at home because it\u2019s essentially the same interior but feels much cosier here. The \npowered sports seats\n feel great, the generous side bolsters can be set to hug you like a long lost relative that haven\u2019t seen you in ages, making sure that you don\u2019t budge during spirited driving. Once you\u2019re buckled up in the driver\u2019s seat, the snug cabin cocoons you in place like it was designed specifically around you.   The dash is angled towards the driver just like it should, and there\u2019s no need to stretch because everything falls within your arm\u2019s reach. Controls are clear and uncomplicated, and even the\n iDrive controller\n fitted in this car is the basic version that only toggles left and right, and the top part of the controller makes do without the fancy touch surface. Permanently lodged on top of the center panel is a \n6.5-inch screen\n that displays the iDrive menu\n.\nThe multifunction \nsports steering\n doesn\u2019t look as good as the M-Sport wheel but it does have a luscious chunky rim and \nshift paddles\n. Peeping through it you will see couple of retro analogue dials, but the small LCD display underneath might get obscured by the steering wheel boss depending on your seating position.   You\u2019re forbidden to take more than two persons at the back, because the middle seat base is occupied by a plastic tray. Space is tight back there but at least the access is not limited to just contortionists, and a couple of aircond vents at the end of the transmission tunnel prevent the cabin from getting stuffy.\nDespite the lack of space, the solid interior is still filled with practical amenities. You will find ISOFIX child seat anchors, a small drop down compartment on the driver\u2019s side of the dashboard, front and rear 12v sockets, some useful netting near the front passenger foot well and behind the front seat backs, and the lined glovebox will accept more than a pair of gloves. Although it might appear that the \ntapau\n hooks are located quite high on each side of the B-pillars, we\u2019re pretty sure they\u2019re not intended for hanging your \nTeh-O ais limau\n.   Meanwhile, you can throw in \n390 litres\n worth of cargo in the boot, and the boot too is furnished with a 12v outlet, as well as hooks and netting to keep smaller items from being thrown about during your\n touge\n session.\nPERFORMANCE\nContinuing to mess with your head, this 220i is not powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder lump like the one in the \nF20 120i\n. Instead, this 220i relies on a bigger \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n, dishing out \n184 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque. On duty to deliver all the power to the rear wheels is the sublime ZF-sourced \neight-speed automatic\n gearbox with \nLaunch Control\n.\nAlthough we found that the Launch Control is somewhat gimmicky. It sends off the 220i with a mini burnout but it doesn\u2019t feel any quicker than a normal standing start acceleration apart from the added drama. Supposedly it should help to transport the 220i from\n 0 to 100 km/h\n in \n7.0 seconds\n, and if you keep your right foot planted on the fun pedal it will max out at \n230 km/h\n.\nDepending on your mood, you can select from Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes through the \nDriving Experience Control\n switch next to the gearvlever and it will alter the car\u2019s behaviour which involves different engine mapping as well as the sensitivity of the stability control system.\nTHE DRIVE\nWe started off in \nEco Pro\n mode therefore you don\u2019t have to, because who in the right mind would buy a 220i and drive it in Eco Pro? Though if you must know, in Eco Pro mode the 220i will play a humdrum everyday car with its gentle throttle response, and it will gladly assist you to achieve the lowest fuel consumption possible as the excellent eight-speed transmission slurs through each gear with nary a jerk.\nHowever, you will feel the occasional jerk when the engine is fired up after being cut off when you stop at the traffic lights. There\u2019s no escaping the \nstart/stop system\n if you\u2019re chasing the best fuel economy, you know. After a while I felt like it\u2019s almost unlawful to strangle a good engine in the name of saving petrol, so I prodded the Driving Experience Control switch to \nComfort\n to free it from the eco-choke.\nThe 220i is well-behaved in general with its pliable ride and the steering is light enough for the daily routine. I even took my parents and my sister out for a dinner and not once the ride felt uncomfortably harsh or jarring.\nBecause of its compact dimensions, pootling around town is easy, and the unobtrusive pillars make it easy to see out of. You can calmly cruise on the highways too. At the highway speed limit, the engine is barely audible, and the rubber seals around the frameless windows work better than expected to block out wind noise from entering the cabin.\nIf you want to de-stress you should select the \nSport\n mode and hit the back roads. Instantly you will notice that the steering gets heavier\u00a0and the throttle becomes livelier while the gear changes are delayed until higher at the rev range. The soundtrack generated is sporty enough even if it doesn\u2019t burp on the upshifts like a Golf GTI, and despite being pushed, the 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo mill is relatively lag-free and revs cleanly to the red line like a normally aspirated engine.\nThe steering is exactly like how you would imagine it to be, sharp and feelsome. With no obvious bodyroll and plenty of poise, it\u2019s a joy chucking the 220i in tight corners and the chassis feels right at home on the winding roads. The brakes also work fine with positive pedal feel and they resist fade relatively well.\nAnother jab at the Driving Experience Control switch will bring the car into\n Sport+\n mode, which grants you more fun under the vigilant eyes of the \nGerman nanny\n. With 270 Nm of torque it\u2019s rather easy to break the traction from the rear wheels, but in Sport+ the German nanny named DSC will give you the liberty for a little slip before she steps in to thwart you from dispatching the diminutive coupe into the ditch.\nHowever if you\u2019re confident that you have the drifting skills of Tengku Djan, you can give the nanny a break by switching off the DSC completely and only then you can indulge in some tomfoolery with the 220i. Like a jubilant puppy wagging its tail, the 220i is happy to swing its rear end when you introduce it to some twisty blacktop.\nNevertheless, to be on the safe side, the Sport+ gives the best compromise and it should be enough to grant most people plenty of amusement behind the wheel. Definitely the tradeoff is you won\u2019t be able to match the claimed\n 6.0 litres per 100 km fuel consumption\n when in Sport+ (yours truly scored 11.9 l/ 100km), but I personally believe that it\u2019s justifiable by the amount of grin-inducing moments you get from it.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nCurrently, the 220i Coupe is the only rear-wheel drive compact continental coupe on sale here, so it\u2019s your only choice if you must have a continental badge on your compact rear-wheel drive coupe. As a weekend plaything the 220i Coupe is certainly worth a look especially if carving up and down the mountain roads is one of your favourite pastimes.\nUndoubtedly, the 220i Coupe works best as a second car but it can also serve as your main and only car as long as you don\u2019t ferry more than one passenger on a daily basis. For that you\u2019re better off with a 320i and that will also save you some cash for a lovely holiday.\nCOMPARISONS\nThere\u2019s not many compact coupe on sale in Malaysia, the Merc CLA doesn\u2019t come in 2-door guise and Toyota has pulled the 86 out of their Malaysian lineup. Thankfully,\u00a0\nAudi\n has the \nMk3 TT\n.\nAlthough the \nTT\n is a front-wheel drive coupe, it\u2019s much more powerful and much more compact. The \n2.0 TFSI\n produces \n46 hp\n and \n100 Nm more\n than the 2.0 turbo in the 220i, enabling the TT to accelerate quicker off the line. The TT also has a higher top speed than the 220i.\nTech geeks will love the TT\u2019s stylish interior that features \nAudi virtual cockpit\n but it won\u2019t be able to provide as much room like in the 220i, particularly at the back and the boot space is also down by 85 litres.\nBMW 220i Sport\n \nAudi TT 2.0 TFSI\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder\u00a0turbocharged petrol\n4-cylinder\u00a0turbocharged petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,997\n1,984\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n184/5,000\n230/4,500\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n270/1,250\n370/1,600\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n8-Speed automatic\n6-Speed dual-clutch automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType (Front / Rear)\nMacPherson struts / Multi link\nMacPherson struts / Multi link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nVentilated disc\nDisc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n225/45 R17\n245/40 R18\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,432\n4,177\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,774\n1,832\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,418\n1,353\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,690\n2,505\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,440\n1,335\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n390\n305\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n52 litres\n50\u00a0litres\nConsumption\n6.0 L/100 km\n6.3 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n230\n250\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n7.0\n5.9\nPRICE\nRM\n279,800.00\n284,900.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nWhen the symbol of a performance BMW is marked by the letter M, the 220i Coupe here is the underdog in the BMW\u2019s product range in Malaysia. For all that I found, the 220i Coupe is one of those \u201cjust right\u201d cars because the size and the amount of power it offers is just about right, yet effortlessly entertaining.\nOn top of that, the 220i Coupe is not too flashy and doesn\u2019t scream for attention. Only the owner knows that it\u2019s actually pretty darn enjoyable to be behind the wheel. I didn\u2019t expect to be so smitten by the 220i and couldn\u2019t for a second ask for more. In fact I\u2019d swing by the showroom right now to place an order if not for the glaring fact that the numbers on my current paycheque won\u2019t allow me to do that.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following \nProton\n\u2019s success in increasing its yearly sales and yearly exports, the local carmaker has now laid out its plans for the electric future that lies ahead. Proton\u2019s key strategies include becoming an electric vehicle (EV) right-hand drive (RHD) hub, and the first step towards reaching this goal would be to introduce Proton mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) first.\nNicely coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Proton this year, the company will soon introduce an MHEV Proton X90. Its mild hybrid system consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine and an electric motor, and the drive system makes a combined output of \n190 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n. You can read more on the upcoming Proton SUV \nhere\n.\nWithout a specific time frame, Proton\u2019s EV roadmap is split into three phases\nNot presented with a specific timeline, Proton has split its new energy vehicle (NEV) plan into three phases. The first phase is \u201cEV Pioneering\u201d, the second phase is \u201cEV growth\u201d, and the third phase is \u201cEV RHD Hub\u201d. For the Proton brand itself, the NEV roadmap starts with MHEVs in phase 1, followed by BEVs and MHEVs in phases 2 and 3.\nWhile phase 1 serves to penetrate the EV market and strengthen market awareness, phase 2 interestingly lists \u201cLocal EV Production\u201d besides \u201cEcosystem development\u201d and \u201cAccelerate EV adoption\u201d. To reach local EV production, Proton will have to first build its talent pool and charging infrastructure. For both purposes, Proton has begun \nsending its staff for NEV training\n \nand \nworking with Gentari\n to build the necessary infrastructure.\nRELATED: \nProton X90 to debut in Q2 2023 with 1.5 TGDi mild-hybrid engine!\nThe figures are not representative of the number of cars. They \u201cmay be more\u201d according to Proton\nIn a different slide, Proton shared a glimpse of its upcoming models, depicting several covered cars for its \u201cmid-term growth plan\u201d and \u201cEV strategic execution\u201d. What can be seen are two cars under the mid-term growth plan.\nOne of them represents the upcoming Proton X90 while the other is possibly hinting at a new sedan. It was however mentioned by the Proton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah, that the images are not representative of the actual number of cars they will be releasing and that there \u201cmay be more\u201d than shown. \u201cHome-Grown NEVs\u201d are also shown in the slide, hinting at a fully electric model with the local emblem.\nAs for its EV program implementation, Proton is currently on-track, having inked a distributorship deal with Smart for the \nSmart #1\n, establishing its new subsidiary PRO-NET, and sending its staff to China for NEV training. Looking forward, Proton aims to spearhead the NEV ecosystem development in Malaysia. The company will help to make the Ministry of Environments\u2019 \u201cLow Carbon Mobility Blueprint\u201d a reality, which includes making EVs contribute to 9% of cars by 2025 and 15% of cars by 2030.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 \u2013 Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here\u2019s what we know so far"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just announced that the Nissan X-Trail facelift is now open for booking to Malaysian buyers. There will be 4 variants available including a new 2.0-litre Hybrid option and the availability of the complete Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced driver assistance system.\nThe X-Trail facelift\nis offered in the following variants \u2013 2.0L 2WD, 2.0L 2WD MID, 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L\nHybrid. Due to the additional battery pack for the hybrid system, the Hybrid variant\nis only available in a 5-seater configuration.\nUnlike the product positioning of the \nProton X70\n and \nHonda CR-V\n, ETCM is offering the full suite of advanced driver assistance system for their range-topping \n2.5L 4WD\n and\n 2.0L Hybrid\n. The system bundles Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Moving Object Detection (I-MOD).\nThe \n2.0L 2WD MID\n spec is still decently equipped with LDW, BSW, RCTA and motion activated powered tailgate. The entry-level \n2.0L 2WD\n only gets the I-AVM with I-MOD 360-degree camera from the list. It is also the only variant to come with four airbags while the rest of the range gets six as standard.\nETCM has not disclosed\nthe full specification of the X-Trail facelift but features we can expect from\nthe new SUV include new signature \u2018V-Motion\u2019 front grille design, revised\nsignature LED Boomerang Daytime Running Lights and Headlights, Smoked LED\nBoomerang Tail Lamps, 7.0-inch Navi Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and\nAndroid Auto ready, 5.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, flat bottom multifunctional\nsteering wheel, powered front seats as well as leatherette dashboard and knee pads.\nThe 2.0L 2WD variants of the X-Trail gets a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers \n144 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n to drive the front wheels. The 2.5L 4WD gets a larger 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine packing \n171 hp\n and \n233 Nm\n.\nThe 2.0L Hybrid features an MR20DD 2.0-litre petrol engine (\n144 hp\n/\n200 Nm\n) supported by an electric motor that generates \n41 hp \nand \n160 Nm\n from 0 rpm.\nETCM has annoucned that\nthere will be five exterior colours available for the facelifted X-Trail \u2013 Brilliant\nWhite, Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Diamond Black and Imperial Umber. Every\npurchase is also covered by a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty (includes Hybrid\nparts and Lithium Ion battery pack).\nAs for price, the\nfacelifted X-Trail is estimated to cost RM139,900 for the 2.0L 2WD, RM149,900\nfor the 2.0L 2WD MID, RM159,900 for the 2.5L 4WD and RM169,900 for the 2.0L Hybrid.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nNissan\u00a0X-Trail\u00a0Facelift\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"A\u00a0woman suffered severe burns recently\u00a0when she refuelled her car while using her cellphone. Fire and Rescue Department points to the phone as the cause of fire. However, is it true that we should not use our mobile phones while refuelling?\nAccording to the\u00a0 \nThe Star\n, the woman was believed to have placed the nozzle into the filler neck before moving into the backseat to take the call (with the door closed).\nMoments later, a worker discovered smoke emerging from that vehicle. When the door was opened, thick smoke was\u00a0spewing\u00a0out of the car with the woman slumped in the backseat. The victim was sent\u00a0to the hospital for treatment.\nAccording to a report by\u00a0\nFederal Communications Commission\n (FCC) in the US, \u201c\nThe wireless industry has done studies on the potential for wireless phones to create sparks that could possibly ignite flammable materials. The studies generally conclude that while it may be\n theoretically possible\n for a spark from a cell phone battery to ignite gas vapour under very precise conditions, there is no documented incident where the use of a wireless phone was found to cause a fire or explosion at a gas station.\u201d\nTo prove the point, let\u2019s watch this Mythbusters video!\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw6-PhvcS3M&feature=youtu.be\nIt turns out mobile phones are not the cause of fiery explosions in petrol stations. In fact, a test from Mythbusters revealed that mobile phones do not ignite fuel vapour at a filling station. The risk actually comes from the \nelectrostatic discharge\n between a driver and the car.\nTherefore, the fire was unlikely to be caused by the victim\u2019s mobile phone but improper electrostatic discharge. A touch on the car\u2019s body by the victim to discharge could have prevented that\u00a0horrible accident from happening.\nFire happens when \nfuel vapour\n, \nair\n, and \nspark \ncome together. The latter happens through\u00a0electrostatic discharge, running car engine, or according to some unconfirmed reports, waves emitted from mobile phones. That said, let\u2019s wait for the full investigation results.\nMeanwhile, Petronas has released\u00a0a public service announcement to remind everyone of the of the safety guidelines in the vicinity of the petrol station. We might have rebuked the point on the usage of mobile phones, but let\u2019s not take the risk.\nAlso, it is \nvery important\u00a0\nto a\nlways \ndischarge your body of electrostatic charge by touching a metal part on your vehicle\n before refuelling. Last, but not least, avoid generating electrostatic charge through movements such as getting in and out\u00a0from your vehicle while refuelling.\nStay safe everyone!"
"In case you\u2019re wondering, an automotive wind tunnel is a high-tech facility that mimics the airflow in the real world when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds and for that reason, Honda has recently opened up a new wind tunnel facility in Ohio that took five years to building, costing over USD124 million.\nThe Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO) marks the fourth full-scale wind tunnel and the first and only one in North America owned by Honda. According to\n MotorTrend\n, the decision was made to reduce the testing time as previously Honda had to ship test vehicles abroad or rent wind tunnels for testing.\nThe HALO was built to developing fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles. The wind tunnel is capable of generating wind speeds of more than 310 km/h to provide testing functions of aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and racing, all in one location. As such it can offer aerodynamic testing for both production and race cars.\nThe HALO facility features a five-belt rolling road system to develop mass production cars while a single wide-belt system is for testing both high performance cars and purpose-built race cars.\nThe facility is also home to an acoustic test system that utilises microphones and cameras to assist Honda with vehicle designs especially for the development of electric cars.\nWith electric cars, noise reduction is an important element in vehicle design as wind noise becomes more obvious in the absence of engine and exhaust sounds. With the acoustic test system, engineers will be able to locate areas where noise is being generated more effectively; both from the outside and within the cabin.\nAdditionally, the wind tunnel\u2019s aerodynamic test capabilities will help contribute to the increase in electric driving range and performance of Honda\u2019s future EV models."
"If you are a person who despise interpersonal communication in any form, remember to always pay your internet bills because the future clearly hinges on internet connectivity.\nClaiming to be \u201ca first for the [local] automotive industry\u201d, TC Euro Car (TCEC) has launched the \nRenault E-Store\n, introducing options to both purchase and subscribe to Renault vehicles on the \nRenault Malaysia website\n.\nTCEC promises to digitalise the entire car buying process from end-to-end. That includes test drive arrangements, as well as taking delivery of the car.\nThe \u2018Buy a Renault\u2019 feature on the Renault Malaysia website allows customers to select the Renault model and colour of choice, make booking fee payment, submit necessary documents and trade-in valuation details, bank loan preferences, as well as viewing the status of their new vehicle.\nIf you have \ndealershiphobia\n, you can even arrange for the delivery of your vehicle at a location of your choice through the website, at an additional fee.\nTo ensure that customers don\u2019t hit a snag during the process, TCEC says that dedicated Renault agents will be on hand to guide the customer through every step.\nAs for Renault Subscription, customers will be able to select the vehicle and subscription plan, upload supporting documents, view application status, submit security deposit and manage their monthly subscription payments.\nUpon confirmation, TCEC says that customers will be able to drive away in their brand-new Renault cars within \n14 days\n from the date of payment, depending on model.\n \nAdditionally, customers who opted for the \nSwitch plan\n will be able to request and manage their Switch vehicles (Megane RS or Koleos) online through the portal.\nIf you would like to try out the cars before putting down an order, you will now be able to request for a test drive at your preferred Renault showroom through the website.\nSpecific to the \nRenault Captur\n, TCEC has also partnered with \nGoCar\n to offer a three-hour pressure-free test drive, without an accompanying salesperson. Just request for a code through the website, and you\u2019ll be able to unlock and drive the Captur at more than 250 locations nationwide.\nTo celebrate the launch of the Renault E-Store, TCEC is offering a \u2018Buy One, Get One Free\u2019 promotion to the first 50 customers who purchase online. Purchasing any Renault cars through the E-Store will land you a \nfree six-month subscription for the Renault Captur\n, and the subscription will be available for transfer within family members."
"Remember the jaw-dropping\nLexus LC Convertible Concept awhile ago? That roofless LC that just oozes desirability?\nIt seems that Lexus is looking to present a production version at the upcoming\nGoodwood Festival of Speed happening in July.\nAccording to \nRoadshow\n, the production version of the LC Convertible was hinted when the concept first debuted at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. The overwhelming interest from the public gave the company the confidence it needed to give the final green light for the project.\nNaturally aspirated V8 soundtrack amplified\nTo date, we have not\nseen the LC Convertible with the roof up. It is yet to be seen whether the production\nversion will be covered with a hard top or a fabric soft top \u2013 although the\nlatter is more likely given the limited space of the LC\u2019s architecture.\nExpect the LC Convertible to be powered by the glorious 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 with\n 470 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque as on the \nLC 500\n. A hybrid option with the \nLexus Multi Stage Hybrid System\n should also be offered. That uses a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 and an electric motor to deliver a combined output of \n354 hp\n.\n \nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus LC Convertible Concept"
"Following the debut of the \nrefreshed BMW X3\n, BMW M has unleashed the top-of-the-line BMW X4 M Competition facelift with higher engine output and faster acceleration.\nBMW has redesigned the front of the new BMW X4 M Competition with an enlarged kidney grille into a single-piece frame, pairing it with slimmer headlights, now available with optional BMW Laserlights. The lower section of the new front bumper is now flatter and wider, with vertically arranged and elongated side air intakes.\nAt the side, the new BMW M 892M Star Spoke forged wheels in jet black burnished saves 2 kg of weight per wheel, while the rear features a new bumper design with gloss black highlights with an upsweep \u2018Anvil\u2019 pattern that mimics the front bumper. No changes to the slim L-shaped taillights on the BMW X4, unlike the new \u201cpincher\u201d items on the BMW X3 facelift.\nMeanwhile, a new mesh pattern in the grille will be featured in the regular new BMW X4, while the X4 M40i can be easily mistaken as the new X4 M Competition due to the very similar-looking front and rear bumpers.\n2021 BMW X4 M Competition\n2021 BMW X4 M40i\nThe new M Sao Paulo yellow paintwork, which first appeared on the \nG82 BMW M4 Competition coupe\n, is one of five new colours available for the facelift BMW X4 M Competition. Other new colours are M Carbon Black, M Brooklyn Grey and M Marina Bay blue that is available in metallic or matt Frozen finish.\nBehind the new front fascia of the facelifted BMW X4 M Competition is the new S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine from the BMW M3 and M4 Competition models that features the forged lightweight crankshaft. Engine output is now increased by 50 Nm to a total of \n650 Nm\n and is available between 2,750 rpm to 5,500 rpm. Peak horsepower of \n510 hp\n is reached at 6,250 rpm and is maintained up to the maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm.\nThe additional 50 Nm of torque decreased the benchmark century dash by 0.3 seconds to register \n3.8 seconds\n on the stopwatch, an amazing achievement considering the X4 M Competition is 285 kg heavier than the M4 Competition that completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint 0.1 second slower!\nSimilar to the \npre-facelift BMW X4 M Competition\n model, power is sent to the M-specific xDrive all-wheel drive system and Active M Differential. The M adaptive suspension is also carried over, with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.\n2021 BMW X4 M Competition\n2021 BMW X4 M40i\nFor the regular BMW X4 variants, mild-hybrid technology featuring a 11-horsepower 48-volt starter-generator system will be fitted to all petrol and diesel engines promising reduced fuel consumption.\nThe interior of the new BMW X4 sees noticeable upgrades. The driver\u2019s instrument cluster that projected traditional circular dials has been replaced with the latest BMW Live Cockpit Professional. In the BMW X4 M Competition, M-Specific graphics that first originated from the BMW M8 Competition are used. \u00a0\u00a0\nWith the inclusion of the updated BMW Operating System 7, the larger 12.3-inch central display presents more information as well as increased smartphone integration, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Remote Software Update.\nThe central array of switches for the air-conditioning and eight-button shortcut keys have also been upgraded to the current switchboards used in the\n G22 BMW 4 Series\n. Rather than just upgrading the gear selector lever to the current BMW M design, BMW has lifted the entire lever plus console panel from the new BMW M3 and M4, which the company calls the control island.\nThis BMW M-specific control island comes with the beautiful leather-wrapped M gear selector with Drivelogic rocker switch, red engine start-stop button and buttons for M Mode and M Setup mode. Specific individually configured M set-up can still be stored and retrieved at any time using the two M buttons on the steering wheel.\nThe BMW 4 Series control island will be used on the new BMW X4 variants. \u00a0\nAs for the advanced driver assistance systems, the new BMW X4 series can now be equipped with Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function with improved functionality. The Reverse Assistant that recalls the steering movement of the last 50-metres forward is also made available.\nBoth the regular BMW X4 and BMW X4 M Competition will continue to be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. This manufacturing facility in the USA is also home to all BMW X models, except the BMW X1 and X2.\nGALLERY\nBMW X4 M Competition\nBMW X4 M40i"
"Honda Malaysia announced today that it has received over 920 bookings for the all-new 2020 Honda Accord since the model\u2019s\n \nlocal launch in February this year\n, retaining its number one position in the D-segment in the first half of 2020 with a market share of 40%. Among the units booked, close to 500 units of the Honda Accord have already been delivered to customers nationwide.\nThe \ntop-of-the-range Honda Accord TC Premium (TC-P)\n variant is the most popular among the two, accounting for 78% of the total bookings to-date. Among the units booked, 33% of new Accord owners opted for the Platinum White Pearl colour, which costs a premium over other standard colours.\n \nThe central region sees the highest demand for the D-segment executive sedan, contributing 42% of the total bookings, followed by the Southern and Northern region with 23% and 19% respectively.\nHonda Malaysia chief Executive Officer Toichi Ishiyama cited the \nsales tax exemptions\n as part of the government\u2019s \nshort term economic recovery plan (PENJANA)\n as a major contributor to the Accord\u2019s success.\n\u201cSince its launch, the bookings and sales performance for this flagship model have gradually increased, where the major contribution was during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) period that helped to continue its momentum. The national recovery economic plan especially the sales tax exemption introduced by the Malaysian Government has also supported the car sales substantially,\u201d said Ishiyama.\nThe 10th-generation \nHonda Accord \nwas introduced in February this year with two variants on offer \u2013 TC and TC-P. Both variants are powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, paired to a CVT gearbox to deliver \n201 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque \u2013 higher than the previous-generation 2.4-litre engine.\nAside from the modernised engine, the Accord also comes with a fresh new exterior design, featuring a sloping roofline in a fastback-like design. Despite its low and wide design, overall length has been shortened by 34 mm, while the wheelbase is elongated by 55 mm, resulting in a more spacious cabin.\nThe popular TC-P variant is also equipped with the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, which now includes features such as adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and auto high beam, in addition to the existing forward collision warning with auto braking assist, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.\nThe range-topping variant also gets a 360-degree camera, rear cross traffic monitor, tyre deflation warning, and the smart parking assist system with steering assist and brake assist for both parallel and reverse parking. Honda Lanewatch camera, eight parking sensors, six airbags, and driver attention monitor is standard across both variants.\nWith the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020, the Honda Accord starts at \nRM178,203.00\n for the TC variant, and \nRM187,390.73\n for the TC-P variant. For the latest revised price list for Honda models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nIf you\u2019re wondering how the all-new Honda Accord stacks up against its European competitors such as the \nVolkswagen Passat Elegance\n, do check out our in-depth review \nhere\n!"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has officially unveiled the \nall-new 2021 Hyundai Staria\n here in Malaysia, which will serve as the replacement to the aging Grand Starex model it was carrying previously.\n \nThe Hyundai Staria will only be offered in one single seven-seater Premium variant at launch, priced from RM358,888 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Hyundai Staria is characterised by its futuristic, spaceship-like design, accented by its \u201cOne Curve silhouette\u201d \u2013 a feature best experienced from the car\u2019s side. Hyundai says that it\u2019s inspired by the halo that illuminates Earth\u2019s horizon during sunrise when viewed from space.\nIn terms of equipment, the Staria gets these as standard:\nLED headlights with integrated LED turn signals\nLED \u201cParamatric Pixels\u201d tail lights\nfull-width LED daytime-running lights with positioning lights strip\n18-inch two-tone alloy wheels with accent colour\nTwo accent colour choices: Dark Grey (standard), Tinted Brass Chrome (Creamy White, Abyss Black Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic)\nSeven exterior colour choices: Creamy White, Graphite Grey Metallic, Moonlight Blue Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Olivine Grey Metallic, Gaia Brown Pearl\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Hyundai Staria will only be offered with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel mill at launch, taken from the \nSanta Fe SUV\n, but detuned for enhanced comfort.\nEngine: 2,199 cc, turbocharged inline-four, diesel\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic\nDriveline: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax hp: 177 hp @ 3,800 rpm\nMax torque: 431 Nm @ 1,500\u20132,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 12.4 seconds\nTop speed: 185 km/h\nWith the driveline now moved to the front, Hyundai has equipped the all-new Staria with an independent multi-link rear suspension to provide additional comfort to the occupants as well as better cornering stability.\nINTERIOR\nThe Hyundai Staria will only be offered in seven-seater form here in Malaysia, chocked full with standard equipment appointments including a set of very plushy second-row seats.\n10.25-inch fully-digital instrument cluster\n8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n12-speaker Bose premium sound system\nTwo-zone air conditioning \u2013 front and back\nQi wireless charging pad\n10-colour mood lighting system\nSmart (contactless) sliding rear doors, powered tailgate\nNappa Leather and suede (door cards) upholstery\nPowered second-row seats with 2-way power recline (up to 30 degrees), 4-way power leg rest, one-touch relaxation mode button (automatically adjust the seats to 120 degrees)\nSeat ventilation and heating for front and second-row passengers\nBench-style third-row seats with 300 mm fore-and-aft adjustability\nDual panoramic sunroof\nFour interior upholstery colour choices: Black, Black + Blue, Grey + Brown (pictured), Grey + Light Grey\nSAFETY\nSafety wise, the all-new Hyundai Staria in Malaysia gets six airbags as standard, alongside a 360-degree surround view monitor and tyre-pressure monitoring system.\nThe full-suite of Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance system is also standard here, which includes the following features:\nForward Collision Avoidance Assist with junction support\nLane Keeping Assist\nLane Following Assist\nSmart Cruise Control\nBlind-spot Collision Avoidance System\nRear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist\nHigh-Beam assist\nDriver Attention Warning\nSafe Exit Warning\nPRICING\nThe all-new 2021 Hyundai Staria Premium is priced from\n RM358,888\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year. However, the price only includes a standard two-year/50,000 km warranty.\nIf you want the extended five-year/300,000 km warranty, alongside a three-year/50,000 km free scheduled maintenance package, the price goes up by RM10,000 to \nRM368,888\n.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after\u00a0\nFerrari introduced the GTC4 Lusso\n, the guys at Maranello have went on to unveil the entry level variant for the four-seater Ferrari, dubbed the \nGTC4 Lusso T\n. It will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show next week.\nFerrari has made a number of significant changes to the mechanics of the GTC4 Lusso T by optimising power and daily drivability. The biggest changes take place in the engine bay and the drivetrain. Fret not because this entry-level Prancing Horse is no less exciting than the standard variant.\nAs the T badge denotes, the GTC4 Lusso T will be turbocharged, powered by Ferrari\u2019s award winning \n3.9-litre twin-turbo V8\n that produces \n602 hp\n and a maximum torque of \n760 Nm\n\u00a0which peaks at 3,000 rpm. These figures are good for a \n3.5 seconds\n 0-100km/h time and will take it all the way to a top speed of over \n320km/h\n. There\u2019s no word on the type of gearbox used, but expect the same \nseven-speed F1 dual clutch \nautomatic to be carried over.\nIn the standard \nGTC4 Lusso\n, the 6.2-litre V12 churns out \n680 hp\n and \n697 Nm\n of torque. Although the output is much larger, the naturally aspirated V12\u2019s max torque only kicks in at a high 5,750 rpm. Therefore, the turbocharged GTC4 Lusso is able to closely match the\n 3.4 seconds \ncentury sprint time of the V12.\nSuppose the biggest merits in downsizing and turbocharging are better fuel consumption and emissions. In the 6.2-litre V12, the Lusso consumes\u00a0\n15 litres of fuel per 100km\n and emits \n350g of C02 per km\n. With the turbocharged mill, the Lusso T is expected to consume\u00a0\n11.6 litres per 100km\n and emits just\u00a0\n265g CO2 per km\n.\nBesides a new engine, the number \u20184\u2019 on the badge no longer signifies four-wheel drive as the new GTC4 Lusso T is now a \nrear-wheel drive\n grand tourer. By omitting the four-wheel drive system, it shaves off \n50kg \ncompared to the four-wheel drive twin (1740 kg vs 1790kg).\u00a0Thanks to the rear-drive configuration, weight distribution is slightly rear biased \u2013 46:54 front to rear, compared to the 47:53 of the AWD V12 variant.\nFerrari\u2019s innovative 4WS or rear-wheel steering and Side Slip Control (SSC3) will also be present in this four-seater turbocharged prancing horse. The systems provide better control of the car around corners as the rear-wheels steers in the same direction as the front-wheels to provide extra grip.\nOver in Malaysia, the GTC4 Lusso T makes for a very interesting proposition, especially benefitting from the road tax structure. However, the biggest trade-off would be the unmistakable naturally aspirated V12 roar. Maybe GC can demonstrate just how good a turbocharged Ferrari can sound in his \nreview of the California T\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just as the \nrefreshed Camry\n was introduced to our shores, Honda went on to reveal the rivalling Accord facelift, said to be the company\u2019s most high-tech D-Segment player to date. The Accord is also set to be among the first high-volume cars to come fitted with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and sales will commence in August, but only for the US market, for now.\nWhat does this facelift entail, you ask? If it isn\u2019t obvious already, the Accord gets a much sportier styling on the outside. The headlights are full LEDs and are reminiscent of Audi\u2019s Matrix LED headlights. Also new are the sculpted aluminium hood, sportier front grille, front bumper which houses the LED fog lamps.\nAlso new to the Accord facelift is the \n19-inch five twin-spoke\n wheels, while the rear end gets a mildly revised bumper with \nLED tail lamps\n and a boot lid. In terms of safety, new Accords can be fitted with \nHonda Sensing\n \u2013 the company\u2019s most comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies.\nThis includes Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control. There\u2019s also a multi-angle rear view camera, Expanded View Driver\u2019s Mirror, auto high-beam headlights, \nremote engine start\n and 7-inch head unit added to the kit.\nThe aforementioned head unit now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both offering multiple new functions and features. With Apple CarPlay, driver and passengers can pair their iPhones (iPhone 5 and later, iOS 8.4 minimum) to the screen and access nearly every supported application, including voice command Siri.\nThe same applies for Android users, however the device has to run Android 5.0 Lollipop or later to get it to work. Upon pairing, one can gain access to Google Maps, Google Now, messaging and call apps \u2013 you name it.   In the US, the Accord is offered in Sedan and Coupe bodies, both powered by either a \n2.4-litre inline-four i-VTEC\n engine or the\n 3.5-litre V6 VTEC\n. The smaller engine gets paired to a CVT gearbox whereas the range topper benefits from a six-speed automatic. Both engines however, can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.\nThe outgoing Honda Accord is currently sold in Malaysia from RM137k to RM173k with two four-cylinder engine options \u2013 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC and 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the unveiling of the \nnew Golf GTI\n, the\n more powerful Golf R\n was revealed in November last year, with 320 hp and 420 Nm. The previous generation \nMk7.5 Golf R we reviewed\n in early 2019 only made 290 hp and 380 Nm.\nHowever, according to a report by \nCarAdvice\n, the publication speculated that there could be a more powerful variant above the Golf R, dubbed the\n Golf R \u201cPlus\u201d\n. The rumour sparked from a section of the Golf\u2019s Owners Manual in the UK.\nThe Technical Data section in the Owner\u2019s Manual pointed out \ntwo different output figures\n for the Golf R \u2013 235 kW (320 hp) and 245 kW (333 hp). The former figure was officially announced during the global unveiling.\nThe idea of a more powerful Golf R \u201cPlus\u201d may sound appealing and also relevant to the times (seeing as car companies are selling thousands of variants of one model just to \u201cplug the gaps\u201d in the market) but we wouldn\u2019t jump the gun so soon.\nOur guess\n is that it could be one of those \u201cToyota Supra situations\u201d \u2013 where one country publishes a certain horsepower figure, but another country discovers a different (likely higher) figure.\nIn case you\u2019ve not watched, even we went to the extent of putting the Supra on the dyno and it did return higher figures than what was published. In case you haven\u2019t learnt, the phenomenon of different performance figures is largely due to emission regulations.\nSome countries stricter regulations, limiting output to just 320 hp for example, but some countries like Malaysia are less strict, allowing for an engine tune that produces more power. Hence the 333 hp but at this extremely early stage, it\u2019s anyone\u2019s guess.\n \nShould the figures be true though, the Golf R would be making more power than the Civic Type R (310 hp / 400 Nm), the Megane R.S. (280 hp / 390 Nm), the i30N (279 hp / 353 Nm) and is inferior only to the \nnew A45 S 4MATIC+\n in Malaysia, with 427 hp and 500 Nm.\nLet\u2019s hope it wouldn\u2019t be priced as high as Mercedes-AMG\u2019s hot hatch! Or even in the same ballpark."
"When you\u2019re a connoisseur raking it in, spending millions of dollars collecting tailor-made yachts and airplanes, you can most certainly tell Rolls-Royce to build a one-off car just for you.\nIt all happened in 2013 when an unnamed man\u00a0(also one of Rolls-Royce\u2019s most valued customer) wanted his dreams of having a one-and-only luxury car realised. He wanted a coachbuilt two-seater coupe with a large panoramic glass roof. Some\u00a0of his biggest inspirations came from many of his favourite Rolls-Royces in the 1920s.\nOver four years, Rolls-Royce handcrafted this truly bespoke model and christened it \u2018Sweptail\u2019.\u00a0Giles Taylor, Director of Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, \u201cSweptail is the automotive equivalent of Haute Couture. It is a Rolls-Royce designed and hand-tailored to fit a specific customer. This customer came to the House of Rolls-Royce with an idea, shared in the creative process where we advised him on his cloth, and then we tailored that cloth to him. You might say we cut the cloth for the suit of clothes that he will be judged by.\u201d\nLike a true bespoke car, some things have got to be ridiculously out of this world. Take for instance the Sweptail\u2019s front grille: it is milled from solid aluminium and painstakingly polished by hand to achieve a mirror finish. The registration number \u201908\u2019 is also milled from solid aluminium ingots and hand polished as well.\n \n \nThe rear end is really not quite to my taste, but who am I to comment on a RM55 million car? Either way, it\u2019s designed akin to the hull of a yacht, with no visible boundaries in sight. The engine? A 6.75-litre V12.\nInside is a majestic\u00a0interplay of modern luxury and old school design. The centre console is home to the owner\u2019s favourite vintage champagne dated to his year of birth and with two crystal champagne flutes as accompaniments. There\u2019s also two concealed panniers (made of carbon fibre, wrapped with leather) for the owner to stow away his laptops.\nInterestingly, as much as Rolls-Royce prides itself with a growing \u2018bespoke\u2019 arm, they admit to being taken aback by the ambitions of this particular customer. But once again, Rolls-Royce delivers.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Officially revealed at the tail end of last year, Mercedes-Benz has released even \nmore images of the all-new GLA\n on top of the official images which all but serves one purpose \u2013 to entice us \u2013 and you know what, it\u2019s working, on us at least.\nPersonally, I\u2019ve not been a fan of how the GLA looked from the very beginning. It was a blessing that the \nGLA 45 we reviewed was \nreal\n quick\n, so no one could see me in it. It looked like it had a body builder\u2019s physique, paired to my scrawny legs so you can understand if I wasn\u2019t too ecstatic when news came that an all-new model had arrived.\nYou know what though, it seems the GLA required a little more time before it starts growing on you. Looking at it four months on, almost every inch of its exterior seems to please the eye. It\u2019s just more proportionate when you compare the old and new side by side.\nThe new GLA is now significantly taller than its predecessor but is shorter and narrower. That said, it\u2019s wheelbase has been extended slightly and couple that with the height increase, Mercedes-Benz says there\u2019s now more head and legroom than before. Boot space however has grown a negligible 14 litres, to 435 litres.\nInside, the new GLA adopts the company\u2019s new design approach with a free standing screen made up of two 7-inch displays \u2013 one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The latter now features the MBUX operating system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nGlobally, there are a few variants available for the new GLA \u2013 the 200, 220d, 250 and \nGLA 35\n with \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. 0 to 100 km/h will only require 5.1 seconds. The all-mighty \nGLA 45 S however\n, makes \n421 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque \u2013 good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds.\nGALLERY"
"According to a Facebook post by Honda Malaysia, the brand has revealed that the 2020 Honda Civic facelift will be launched in Malaysia this Wednesday.\nThe updated Honda Civic has been open for booking since \nSeptember last year\n, and the updated car was also on display for preview \nduring an event\n in the same month.\nIf you\u2019re looking for differences between the facelift and pre-facelift models, the most notable change will be up front \u2013 the Honda Civic now features a\n black \u201cwing\u201d grille\n, along with an \nupdated bumper design\n.\nAt the back, the 2020 Honda Civic receives an \nupdated bumper garnish\n, along with a new \ntrunk spoiler\n, exclusive to the 1.5TC Premium variant. The 16-inch wheels on the entry-level 1.8S variant has been redesigned, while the 1.5TC Premium variant gets new \n18-inch alloy wheels\n.\nUnder the hood, powertrain options are unchanged from before. The 1.8S is powered by a 1.8-litre four cylinder engine, producing \n141 hp\n and \n174 Nm\n, while the 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P variants are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder mill, pushing out \n173 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth engines are paired to Honda\u2019s Earth Dreams technology CVT gearbox. Performance figures are also unchanged, with the 1.8S variant taking 1\n0.4 seconds\n to complete the century sprint; the 1.5TC variants does it in \n8.2 seconds.\nNew to the Honda Civic is the \nHonda LaneWatch\n camera. The camera-based system is said to be an improvement over regular blind-spot monitoring systems, and is available from the 1.5TC variant and higher. All variants of the updated Honda Civic also now get \nfront parking sensors\n as standard.\nThe highlight of the 2020 Honda Civic facelift is definitely the \nHonda Sensing\n advanced driver assistance suite, available on the 1.5TC-P variant.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1WP5mq58k\nThe system includes features such as Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow function, as well as Auto High Beam.\nAs of the time of writing, Honda Malaysia has not provided the pricing information of the 2020 Honda Civic. Do keep your eyes peeled for the the launch on Wednesday!\nIn other news, Honda Malaysia has recently \nupdated pricing\n for the Honda Jazz, City, and CR-V, with increments ranging from 5% to 9%."
"The Covid-19 vaccination for taxi and e-hailing drivers are already underway, according to Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.\nThe announcement was made on \nWee\u2019s Facebook page\n, following a post on Segambut MP\u2019s, \nHannah Yeoh\u2019s Facebook page\n. The post claimed that Yeoh was contacted by a Grab driver on concerns about being constantly exposed and the lack of progress with Covid-19 vaccination.\nYeoh also pointed out that there\u2019s no way for drivers to know the rider\u2019s health condition when until the rider gets on board and scans the QR code. That\u2019s even if the rider\u2019s MySejahtera status is updated.\n\u201cThe potential exposure and chain of infection is simply unimaginable yet can be avoided and must be avoided,\u201d said Yeoh.\nIn response, Wee said the vaccination process for taxi drivers, e-hailing drivers and riders has already begun after the Ministry of Transport received the list of names from the respective operators in mid-June.\nGrab is offering discounted rides to seniors heading for vaccination!\nWee added that the eligible vaccine recipients will be notified by the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) for their vaccination schedules.\nThe first batch would see over 41,488 taxi and e-hailing drivers and 11,527 p-hailing riders get vaccinated while an additional list of around 57,931 p-hailing riders has also been submitted for CITF\u2019s consideration.\nThere are approximately 40,000 taxi driver, 110,000 e-hailing drivers and 154,000 p-hailing riders nationwide. Wee reiterated that 80% of taxi and e-hailing drivers can be vaccinated by National Day (31st of August)."
"Delivery of the all-new \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n has now begun here in Malaysia, with the keys for the first 11 units now handed over to their new owners in a special ceremony held at \nHyundai Sime Darby Motors\u2019 (HSDM)\n showroom in Ara Damansara.\nIn addition to receiving their new vehicles, the first 11 Ioniq 5 owners were also surprised with a complimentary one-year membership to the ChargEV network, courtesy of Yinson GreenTech. The ChargEV network consists of over 400 EV charging stations across Malaysia.\n\u201cThis marks the second all-electric vehicle introduced by HSDM to the Malaysian market,\u201d commented Sime Darby Motors Managing Director for Retail and Distribution, Jeffrey Gan. \u201cAs the mobility landscape continues to see greater adoption of EV vehicles in Malaysia, we are pleased to expand our EV line-up with world-class high-quality affordable offerings, supporting the nation\u2019s transition towards a low carbon mobility future.\u201d\nHSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung added: \u201cRedefining the electric mobility lifestyle, the Ioniq 5 sets a new benchmark with its global acclaim for combining sustainability with a powerful performance. Testament to this, since the launch in Malaysia in March 2022, we have recorded close to 300 bookings. This indeed reflects the highly positive reception for this innovative sustainable vehicle, and we will continue to strive to meet customer demand.\u201d\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5, which was just \nrecently crowned 2022 World Car of the Year\n among its many other awards, was \nlaunched here in Malaysia last month\n. It\u2019s offered three variants, starting with the base Lite which priced from RM199,888, moving up to the mid-spec Plus at RM229,888, and finally the range-topping Max, priced atfrom RM259,888.\nBoth the Lite and Plus variants are powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor making\n 170 hp\n (125 kW) and\n 350 Nm\n of torque, and are juiced from a 58 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for a 0-100 km/h time of\n 8.5 seconds\n, and a maximum driving range of \n384 km\n based on the WLTP test cycle.\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 Max, meanwhile, gets a larger 72.6 kWh battery pack, and an additional motor on the front axle for an all-wheel drive set-up. Power output is raised to \n305 hp \n(225 kW) and \n605 Nm\n, which translates to a century sprint time of \n5.2 seconds\n. The electric driving range meanwhile is raised up to \n430 km\n thanks to its larger battery.\nFor charging, all thre variants support AC charging of up to 11 kW. The Lite and Plus with their smaller battery takes five hours to fully charge at that speed, while the Max with its 72.6 kWh battery takes a little over six hours to top up.\nThe Ioniq 5 can technically handle a DC fast charger of up to 350 kW, which takes just under 20 minutes to charge all three variants from 10-80%. However, the 350 kW charger still doesn\u2019t exist in practice just yet, so based on a 50 kW DC fast charger as guideline, 10-80% takes roughly 56 minutes for the Max, and 47 minutes for the other two variants.\nFor the full facts and figures breakdown of the all-new Hyundai Ioniq 5, check out our launch coverage here."
"Hyundai has extended the\n previously announced\n mid-year service campaign/promo till the \n31st August 2021\n, for those who have missed out on it due to the ongoing lockdown.\n\u201cSome of our customers have missed out on the campaign privileges due to the lockdown as they could not travel beyond 10km from where they live to the service centre. Therefore, we are extending the campaign period so that more can benefit from it,\u201d said Hyundai-Sime Darby, Managing Director, Mr. Low.\nHyundai introduces the Extended Warranty Programme for older models at RM1,280 per year. Find out more!\n \nWith this campaign, customers who send their vehicles to any Hyundai authorised service centre will enjoy discounts of \n15% on selected parts \nand \n10% on labour charges\n.\nHyundai Loyalty Card holders can enjoy even more benefits like bigger discounts of 25% on selected parts and 15% on labour charges. Selected parts entitled for discounts include gaskets, oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, to name a few.\n \nHSDM unveils a new Hyundai Elantra Executive variant that\u2019s RM19k cheaper! More info about it here!\nEvery owner of a new Hyundai vehicle will\n automatically be entitled to the Hyundai Loyalty Card\n with benefits such as access to monthly promotions, higher trade-in value when purchasing a new Hyundai vehicle and birthday month discounts on after-sales service.\nFor more info on the service campaign/promo or the Hyundai Loyalty Card, check out \nHyundai-Sime Darby\u2019s official site\n."
"Just seven months since \noperations begun \nat its new Tanjung Malim engine line in April this year, national carmaker Proton has now announced that the 10,000th unit of the \n1.5-litre TGDi turbocharged three-cylinder engine\n has now rolled off the assembly line.\nSpeaking at the milestone event on 1 December, Proton CEO Li Chunrong said, \u201cProton\u2019s new engine line is testimony to the grit and determination of our workers to overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals.\u201d\n\u201cIt is one of the most advanced engine assembly lines in Malaysia with a high level of automation, a climate-controlled environment and multiple testing gateways to ensure the high quality of its output. In 2023, we are targeting an output of 60,000 engines, which will be used across several Proton models,\u201d he added.\nThe engines built at the Tanjung Malim assembly line are currently only being used in the \n2022 Proton X70 (MC2)\n, although it seems like that might soon change, according to Li\u2019s comments.\nRELATED: \nRenault and Geely form new engine company \u2013 to supply Proton, Nissan, Mitsubishi\nIn the TGDi form, the turbocharged three-pot engine is rated for an output of \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm \nof torque. The same configuration is also used in the \nProton X50 Flagship\n, although the engine for the model is still currently being imported from China.\nLi Chunrong\u2019s comment is a strong sign that the Proton X50 will soon be sourcing its engine from the local assembly line, but there could well be more to his comments than just the compact crossover, given the 60,000-unit production target next year.\nNote that thus far in 2022, Proton has only sold 16,746 units of the X70 and 36,917 units of the X50 including exports, the latter also includes other variants that do not utilise the range-topping direct-injection engine. A surplus of engine is likely based on this year\u2019s sales data, which means we could see it also being utilised on other, unannounced models too \u2013 potentially the highly-rumoured Proton X90 SUV.\nThe rumoured Proton X90 will be based on the \nGeely Haoyue\n, according to spy shots of the vehicle being spotted around Malaysia. Over at the Philippines, the D-segment SUV \u2013 called the Okavango \u2013 is powered by the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder mill, albeit with an additional 48-volt mild hybrid system on top for a total system output of \n190 hp \nand \n300 Nm\n.\nCuriously, the mild hybrid 1.5L engine can already be found on display at the national carmaker\u2019s new \nGallery of Inspiration showroom \nat its flagship COE outlet in Shah Alam.\nProton says the new locally-produced 1.5-litre TGDi engine is a part of the company\u2019s commitment to invest RM1.8 billion to upgrade its facility in Tanjung Malim, and the culmination of a journey that began in 2019 that was taken under challenging conditions.\n\u201cThe operational expansion plan is in line with the first strategic thrust of the DRB-HICOM Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) programme that aims to maximise manufacturing activities in the region,\u201d the company said in a statement.\nREAD MORE: \nProton sold 126,682 cars so far in 2022, 10.4% growth from 2021"
"Remember the \ne-Evolution concept\n Mitsubishi previewed at last year\u2019s Tokyo Motor Show? Well, it could evolve into the new Lancer which will now likely be a crossover and not a sedan, as we\u2019ve been familiar with before.\nSpeaking to\n Auto Express\n, Mitsubishi said that the e-Evolution Concept is an\n ideal platform for a smaller vehicle\n and just because it\u2019s a C-segment vehicle doesn\u2019t mean it has to take the shape of a typical hatchback.\nMitsubishi will be adopting a radical approach in a bid to strive for originality, with \na new form of hatchback vehicles\n. The \u201cnew Lancer\u201d will likely be \nbuilt on the \nAlliance\u2019s\n CMF C/D platform\n; one that has spawned the likes of Nissan\u2019s X-Trail and Renault\u2019s Koleos.\nThe main reason behind this move is, unsurprising, linked to China and its exponential demand for SUVs.\n4WD application is almost certain in the new Lancer, courtesy of the brand\u2019s\u00a0Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system along with hybrid and \nelectric powertrains where the latter will embrace a three-motor system\n \u2013 one at the front and two at the back.\nIt\u2019s safe to expect the \nuse of Artificial Intelligence in the new Lancer\n, as previewed in the e-Evolution Concept, with an array of sensors to instantly read changes in road and traffic conditions as well as the driver\u2019s intent to coordinate the vehicle\u2019s dynamics accordingly.\nThe AI system also comes with a \u201cCoaching Function\u201d, as Mitsubishi calls it, which recognises the driver\u2019s skill level and subsequently \nformulates a training program that provides advice\n through voice commands and the large dashboard display, to help its driver to enjoy the vehicle to an even greater degree.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia has just officially introduced their new \u201cMade for Malaysia\u201d genuine Shell Helix engine oil, blended and packed locally at Shell\u2019s Lubricant Oil Blending Plant in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.\nThe specially packed Shell Helix engine oils come with a new \u201cUntuk Pasaran Malaysia\u201d front label that can be peeled to reveal a unique QR code that allows consumers to cross-check whether the engine oil they purchased is an official genuine product.\n \n \nThe QR code links to a landing page where consumers can submit details regarding the product and receive an authentication result whether the goods are officially authorised products from Shell Malaysia. The new \u201cMade for Malaysia\u201d label will be featured on five products: \nHelix Ultra 5W-40\n (4L), Helix HX7 10W-40 (4L), Helix HX7 5W-30 (4L),\u00a0Helix HX7 10W-30 (3L) and\u00a0Helix HX7 15W-40 (4L)\nAccording to Shell Malaysia Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain, the range of \u201cMade for Malaysia\u201d products is a strategic move by the company to give consumers a peace of mind and clearly identify official genuine products.\n\u201cThe presence of counterfeit and unauthorised products in the market is affecting customer confidence and negatively impacting our trade partners\u2019 businesses. The decision to commence local production of official genuine Shell Helix products meant exclusively for the Malaysian market and clearly identify them with the new \u2018Made for Malaysia\u2019 labels, is a key step to address this issue,\u201d Shairan said.\nOfficial genuine Shell Helix engine oils with \u201cMade for Malaysia\u201d label can be purchased from Shell Helix-banded workshops, authorised Shell distributors and Shell petrol stations or through Shell official online store on \nLazada Malaysia\n, \nShopee\n and \n11street\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford has just introduced a Pony Package for the \nworld\u2019s best selling sports car, the Ford Mustang\n. Available as an option on all EcoBoost-equipped cars, the Pony Package features aesthetic upgrades inspired by Mustangs of the late-1960s.\nThe most noticeable change here is the front grille where the \niconic Pony badge\n is encased in a chrome corral and a horizontal trim running across the grille. This badge design first appeared back in the 60s when the Mustang was still a concept car.\nOther unique design features include 19-inch polished aluminium wheels, bright belt line and window trim, Mustang side stripes and rear tri-bar Pony badge. Pricing for the Pony Package remains unknown for now but Ford has said the 2018 Ford Mustang will hit showroom floors come October this year.\nLocally, Sime Darby Auto Connexion have both the \n2.3-litre EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 Ford Mustang officially on sale\n."
"Honda is sunsetting the second-generation NSX after this year, with the last 350 or so units of the hybrid supercar being the \nrecently-unveiled Type S\n. Although it\u2019s farewell for now, it seems like the \nHonda NSX\n might not be as dead as we thought.\nAs reported by \nThe Drive\n, Acura Vice President and Brand Officer Jon Ikeda said in a recent interview: \u201cIf you notice, we make an NSX when there\u2019s something we want to say. The first-gen was gas. Second-gen was a hybrid. There\u2019s gonna be another one.\u201d\nWhen prodded further if it means that the next NSX will be an EV, though, Ikeda refused to comment further, but apparently replied with a smile.\nThe second-generation NSX was pretty much a financial disaster for Honda. Although highly praised by reviewers for its performance, it just never sold very well throughout its short five-year life, selling only 128 units in the U.S. last year.\nThe accounting book looks even worse when you take into account how much it costs Honda to make one, due to the car\u2019s complex powertrain system consisting of not just two turbochargers, but also three electric motors.\nThe Honda NSX Type S is a 608 hp swansong to the reborn cult icon. Read more about it here!\nHonda, of course, knew all about this. Speaking to \nMotorTrend\n on the same topic, Ikeda said: \u201cWe didn\u2019t go into it to make a lot of money.\u201d Instead, the NSX \u2013 like all flagship halo models \u2013 is also Honda\u2019s marketing tool designed to bring people into showrooms, all while acting as an engineering exercise to help the Japanese carmaker build better electrified cars in the future.\n\u201cWe learned a lot about electrification and fun to drive, which is a staple,\u201d Ikeda added. And of course, aside from these perfectly logical explanation, Honda\u2019s making a new NSX just because they want to make one \u2013 and there\u2019s nothing wrong with that.\n\u201cWe didn\u2019t want to let the NSX die on the vine either. To go quietly into the night is not what it deserves.\u201d\nMugen\u2019s body kit for the all-new Honda Civic Hatchback is what you\u2019d call \u201ctastefully done\u201d. Check it out here!\nSo how long do we have to wait to see the new NSX? It took Honda 10 years to revive the NSX after phasing out the first-generation supercar in 2005, so we\u2019d say don\u2019t hold your breath.\nAlthough, with the rate that the entire automotive industry is accelerating towards EVs, the next Honda NSX might still come sooner than we thought. I mean, nobody expected Honda to make a new Integra, but that\u2019s \nexactly what they\u2019re doing\n."
"A Toyota dealership in Arizona, USA, recently made the \u201cremains\u201d of the new Toyota Camry its prime showpiece after it was squashed between two semi-trailers \u2013 a breed of enormous long haulers which are indigenous to the land.\nFortunately, the occupants, an employee of the dealership and a customer he was chauffeuring, escaped from the wreckage unscathed. It was even stated on the dealership\u2019s \nFacebook page\n that the \u201cCamry\u2019s cabin was still intact and that all four doors still worked properly.\u201d\nThe wreckage has since gained viral attention on social media with the General Manager of the dealership claiming that it\u2019s the first thing they show customers who walk into the showroom.\nThe bizarre move, although speaks volumes of Toyota\u2019s impeccable engineering and safety standards with the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, was apparently red flagged by Toyota Japan\u2019s officials who happened to be visiting that day, according to a report by \nThe Drive\n.\nBut it was thought to be the most sound piece of advertisement hence the orders to remove the wreckage from the showroom floor fell on deaf ears. How cool is that?\nThat being said, it\u2019s wise to note that the Camry, as structurally sound as it is, shouldn\u2019t be seen as completely invincible because the dealership did point out that the accident occurred during morning rush hour which meant that the vehicles involved were probably crawling at low speeds.\nHad the semi-trailer smashed into the Camry at a much higher speed, it\u2019s likely that only Superman could\u2019ve saved the occupants.\nCredit: \nToyota of Suprise"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has just officially unveiled the updated Ford Ranger here at Setia City Convention Centre. Changes to the new pick-up truck run skin deep, with minimal cosmetic enhancements but gains many first-in-class technology and features.\nThere are three trim levels available on the updated Ranger \u2013 XL, XLT and Wildtrak \u2013 which spans across eight variants in total. For the pick-up enthusiast, yes, SDAC will also be bringing in the first ever Ranger Raptor from Ford Performance which is set to debut at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRanger 2.2L XL Single Cab (MT)\nRanger 2.2L XL (MT)\nRanger 2.2L XL (AT)\nRanger 2.2L XLT (MT)\nRanger 2.2L XLT (AT)\nRanger 2.0L XLT+ (AT)\nEngine\n2,198cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel\n1,996cc; 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed manual\n6-speed automatic\n10-speed automatic\nMax Power\n160 hp @ 3,200 rpm\n180 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n385 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,600 rpm\n420 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM90,888\nRM95,888\nRM103,888\nRM109,888\nRM116,888\nRM124,888\n\u00a0\nName\nFord Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4\u00d72 (AT)\nFord Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4\u00d74 (AT)\nEngine\n1,996cc; 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel\n1,996cc; 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel\nTransmission\n10-speed automatic\nMax Power\n180 hp @ 3,500 rpm\n213 hp @ 3,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n420 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n500 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM134,888\nRM144,888\nEXTERIOR\nStarting with the basic XL trim, you\u2019ll find halogen reflector headlamps with daytime running lights (halogen), front and rear fog lamps, black finished front grille, body coloured bumpers, side steps as well as 16-inch alloys wrapped in 255/70 profile tyres.\nStepping up to the XLT and you\u2019ll get automatic function for the headlamps (still halogen reflector units), chrome finished front grille, rain-sensing automatic wipers, turn indicators on the side mirrors and larger 17-inch alloy wheels (265/65 profile tyres).   The XLT+ is where it gets a big jump in equipment levels, featuring automatic HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and start, 18-inch alloys wrapped in 265/60 profile rubbers as well as an Easy Lift Tailgate system that incorporates a torsion bar to make lifting and lowering the tailgate an effortless affair. Trust me, one finger is all you need to close the tailgate with this installed.\nFor those looking for a more rugged pick-up truck, the Wildtrak variant should fit the bill nicely with the additional Wildtrak scheme front grille, front bumper, Wildtrak branding around the truck, dark finish 18-inch alloys as well as a \u201cBi-Turbo\u201d lettering on the side scuttles.   INTERIOR\nThe cabin of the Ranger XL is best described as utilitarian, with items such as urethane multifunctional steering wheel, a standard audio head unit with four speakers (two speakers on Single Cab), central locking, fabric seats and manually adjustable front seats.\nXLT variants add leather wrapped multifunctional\u00a0steering wheel, 4.2-inch SYNC 1 audio head unit with six speakers, auto dimming rear view mirror, rear view camera as well as premium fabric seats. The XLT+ is where you can get very comfortable in with features such as keyless entry and start, 8.0-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, cruise control, dual 4.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display, leather seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.   Lastly, on the Ranger Wildtrak, it builds upon the XLT+ features with GPS navigation, eight-way powered adjustable driver\u2019s seat, cooled centre console storage, 230V three-pin plug for the rear passengers and Active Noise Cancellation \u2013 the last item available exclusively on the Wildtrak 4\u00d74.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the Ranger XL and XLT variants is a 2.2-litre TDCI turbodiesel carried over from the previous Ranger, paired to six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The 2.2-litre oil burner is good for \n160 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque.\nUnder the hood of the XLT+ and Wildtrak 4\u00d72, you\u2019ll find a new 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo (single turbo) diesel unit that pushes out healthy outputs of \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. The new turbodiesel engine is paired to a first-in-class 10-speed automatic transmission for swifter acceleration, superior fuel economy and vastly improved refinement. Fun fact, the same 10-speed auto unit is applied on the F-150 Raptor and Mustang, albeit with different gearing ratios.\nThe top of the line Wildtrak 4\u00d74 shares the same 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel engine with the Ranger Raptor that pumps out best-in-class outputs of \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. The Bi-Turbo diesel mill is also paired to the same 10-speed automatic transmission.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, all variants of the updated Ranger come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Descent Control (HDC) (except Wildtrak 4\u00d72), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Rollover Mitigation (ROM), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Adaptive Load Control (ALC) and ISOFIX mounting points.\nWildtrak variants ups the airbag count to six, while the Wildtrak 4\u00d74 gets \nfirst-in-class advanced driver assist systems\n in the form of Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection (AEB), Lane Departure Warning and Assist as well as Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP).\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe updated Ford Ranger is available in eight colours, subject to each individual variant. SDAC will be offering a 2-Years Free Maintenence (or 40,000 km whichever comes first) to customers who successfully register their new Ranger before 31 January 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Ranger Wildtrak 4\u00d74 2.0L Launched in Malaysia   Ford Ranger XLT+ 2.0L Launched in Malaysia   Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Launched in Malaysia"
"Ever since Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) set up its production base at Pekan, Pahang in 2004, the brand with the three-pointed star has been driven by a growing range of locally assembled models which had cemented its position as the best-selling premium brand in Malaysia. Fifteen years on, MBM is celebrating the production milestone of 100,000 units. \u00a0\nMBM\u2019s Pekan plant employs 1,300 associates, assembling 5 models and 13 different variants.\nBeyond celebrating the landmark, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also took the opportunity to announce the \ncommencement of exports\n (within August) to the \nPhilippines \nin the shape of the \nC-Class C180\n saloon; making MBM the \nfirst right-hand drive country\n in the region to be \nassembling a left-hand drive (LHD) model for a left-hand drive market\n. \u00a0\nThe first units of the C180 earmarked for export.\nOn top of that, MBM has also been busy updating and prepping its production facility not just for the LHD assembly but also to shift to an adjacent building which will now house three lines (previously two and a half), upgraded body shop and paint shop with higher complexity to handle the assembly of the \nC-Class\n (including the 43 AMG variant), \nE-Class\n, \nGLC-Class\n (SUV and coupe) and \nthe flagship S-Class plug-in hybrid\n \u2013 models which contribute more than \n80% of all units sold in Malaysia\n. For the record, \nMBM sold over 13,000 cars in 2018\n.\nPekan assembles a tasty selection; C43 AMG is fittingly the 100,000th unit!\nPresident and CEO of MBM, Dr. Claus Weidner\n was coy as to the number of cars to be exported (to the Philippines) or whether there are additional export models planned, but he did reveal that while MBM isn\u2019t bound by a particular volume (for export), the organisation is \nflexible enough\n to be able to increase production if and when required. Dr. Weidner also points to the \u2018\npositive effects\n\u2019 of exporting in that it creates \nmore jobs with new skill sets involved\n, apart from just additional investments on the hardware."
"Hitachi, through their official battery distributor \nBorneo Technical Co (M) Sdn Bhd\n, have launched two series of maintenance-free automotive batteries \u2013 the \nES\n and \nMFX series\n. They are priced upwards of \nRM250\n and \nRM350 \nrespectively.\nThese \nwet-cell Hitachi batteries\n are\n fully imported from Thailand\n and the technologies that go into making them are \n100 percent Japanese\n. At the launch, Hitachi Chemical Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd\u2019s (HCAP) Managing Director, Mr Shigeru Fujita highlighted that there is a huge potential for the Hitachi batteries to succeed in the Malaysian market. Hitachi is also \none\n \nof the largest OEM battery suppliers\n in Japan, dealing with Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, FUSO, Daihatsu and more.\nThis confidence stems from the products themselves, with HCAP\u2019s General Manager Mr Jackie Chuah explaining some of the batteries\u2019 key advantages, which incorporates \ndouble-sealed lids\n\u00a0to prevent water/electrolyte leakage, \nexpanded grids\n to increase lifespan by disrupting acid corrosion, \ncut corner plates\n that prevent short circuits and the use of \nLead/Calcium alloy\n that\u2019s exclusively designed for hot tropical countries.   Another appealing factor is that these \nwet-cell batteries\n are practically maintenance free and comes with an \nilluminating indicator\n for quick and convenient checkups. Green light indicates that the battery is at a healthy charge, Red requires charging and if it remains unlit, then it\u2019s time for a new one. But fret not, these batteries are designed to last.\nYou will be able to purchase these batteries at any one of their \n8,000 dealers\n nationwide, and every purchase (of the MFX series only) comes with a \n2-year or 40,000km warranty\n period. Borneo Technical is on the offensive and targets to sell about \n30,000 units a month\n and hopes to achieve a \n20 percent market share\n by next year.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a quiet 2020 and their last new model being the \nUX compact SUV\n which debuted in 2018, Lexus will announce details of their brand transformation next week, with at least one new product planned this year.\n\u201cThis Spring, we will unveil our new brand vision, along with a new concept, which illustrates our intentions for the future and marking the beginning of the next generation of Lexus. Furthermore, we will launch the first model under our new vision within this year, and we will continue to introduce new models next year and beyond,\u201d said Lexus International President and Chief Branding Officer, Koji Sato.\nThe automotive landscape definitely expects Lexus to equip the concept vehicle with production-ready electric propulsion hardware, as its key rivals from Germany all already have a product with zero local emissions. The full details of the new Lexus will be announced next week, \nMarch 30th\n.\nThe Concept Car does have a similar silhouette with the \nLF-30 concept\n from 2019, perhaps now with more conventional door hinges. But, what is the fin-like protrusion at the centre of the rear windshield?"
"During our last visit to Mazda\u2019s HQ in Glenmarie, we spotted the \n2.0-litre variant\n of the Mazda6 sedan clad in its popular shade \u2013 Soul Red. This time around, we paid them yet another visit and found the sleeker, facelifted \nMazda6 2.5L Skyactiv-G sedan\n. There is also a \nhatch touring variant\n (RM4,000 more) to complete the D-Segment lineup, but that\u2019s nowhere to be seen as of yet.   Let\u2019s shift our focus to this one, then. On the outside, the most significant change would be its front face, with updates to the chrome grille that\u2019s thicker than the 2.0L\u2019s. The headlights are restyled as well, featuring \nAdaptive LED Headlights\u00a0\nand \nredesigned LED daytime running lights\n \u2013 their current signature look.\u00a0The fog lamps are also LED powered, but lighting comes through two rather small-sized projector lamps.\u00a0The 2.5L Mazda6 still sits on the same set of 19-inch wheels, but they\u2019re finished in a darker, sportier shade of grey.\nInside, this variant gets fully updated as well, just like the 2.0L. They both share Mazda\u2019s latest MZD Connect System, restyled air-conditioning vents (dual-zone), \nelectronic parking brake\n and cup holders in the centre. As you would expect, the following features are exclusive to this trim, and some of the equipment that are omitted in the lower 2.0L variant are as such; GPS navigation, keyless entry, paddle shifters, head-up display, \n11-speaker Bose sound system\n and sunroof.   The only things that are not changed here is its powertrain and drivetrain, as it comes fitted with the carryover \n2.5-litre naturally aspirated\n Skyactiv-G unit. This \nfour-banger petrol\n engine makes the identical \n185 hp\n at 5,700 rpm and \n250 Nm\n of torque at 3,250 rpm. Transmission choice is the same \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive\n automatic, channeling drive to the \nfront wheels\n. Like the Mazda2, this 6 comes with a sports switch as well, built next to the shifter gate.\nNow, onto the golden question, it\u2019s pricing. We\u2019ve previously reported that the confirmed price for the 2.0L variant is \nRM159,158\n \u2013 that\u2019s a good \nRM4,000 more\n than the outgoing model. As for the 2.5L variant, the facelift costs \nRM10,000 more\n than before at \nRM194,647\n for the sedan and \nRM198,647\n\u00a0(also RM10k more) for the hatch touring variant. All prices listed here discounts insurance, so expect to \npay a touch over RM200k\n for the range toppers, all inclusive.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Mazda6 2.5L Skyactiv-G   2015 Mazda6 2.0L Skyactiv-G"
"Wait a second, doesn\u2019t BMW already make a 1 Series hot hatch? No, your mind is not failing you \u2013 the M135i xDrive was even \nrecently launched here in Malaysia\n too. Then what on earth is this BMW 128ti, then? In short, it\u2019s BMW\u2019s first-ever front-wheel driven hot hatch.\nWe know, we know, but try not to roll your eyes just yet, okay? Because the BMW 128ti does pack quite a punch, along with some mechanical improvements that we think should be given a fair chance.\nSlotting in one rung below the M135i, the new 128ti will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-banger, which produces \n265 hp\n and (currently) unknown amount of torque to drive the front wheels through a Torsen limited-slip differential and an eight-speed automatic transmission \u2013 which will be the only option.\nBy comparison, the M135i\u2019s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder makes 306 hp and 450 Nm of torque, while the \nGolf GTI \n\u2013 the new 128ti\u2019s most direct rival \u2013 makes 245 hp and 370 Nm. Performance wise, the 128ti does the century sprint in 6.1 seconds, compared to 4.8 seconds on the M135i, and 5.9 seconds on the DSG-equipped GTI.\nBMW doesn\u2019t want you think that it\u2019s just another fast 1 Series, either. The German carmaker thinks that it has done enough work to justify a new suffix \u2013 ti, which means a very un-German \nTurismo Internazionale\n, making it the third-ever BMW model to feature it.\nOther mechanical upgrades befitting its new name include a reworked M Sport\u00a0suspension and steering, that were specifically tuned to offer \u201cextremely sporty and driver-oriented driving dynamics\u201d, as well as the pre-stressed stabiliser bearing and the stabilisers taken from its more powerful brother.\nThe ride height has been dropped by 10 mm thanks to the M Sport suspension, and without all of the all-wheel drive doodads, BMW says that the new 128ti weighs around 80 kg lighter than the M135i xDrive.\nIn terms of looks though, The 128ti is just like a normal BMW 1 Series equipped with a M Sport exterior package. BMW says that the 128ti will feature \u201cmany differentiating exterior and interior features\u201d, but for now, we can only see some camouflage film plastered near the side of the air inlets and vents, hiding some of the changes which we\u2019ll see when the car is officially launched.\nNow undergoing final calibration test drives on the hilly roads of the Eifel around the N\u00fcrburgring and of course, inside the Green Hell, the BMW 128ti will be launched in November this year, bringing the fight to the aforementioned \nVW Golf GTI\n,\n Renault Megane RS\n, \nHonda Civic Type R\n, as well as the \nHyundai i30N\n to name a few.\nGALLERY"
"Buyers residing in the UK can now order the refreshed Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet ahead of the \nsedan\u2019s\n arrival. The two-door C-Classes gets revised styling, new powertrain options and more high-tech options for the cabin.\nUK-bound C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are available with a choice of three petrol and one diesel engines. Starting from the \nC 200\n, it is now powered by the brand\u2019s new \n1.5-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol\n engine with EQ Boost technology, pushing out \n184 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque while the \nC 300\n packs a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that is good for \n254 hp\n and\n 370 Nm\n of twist.\nThe \nC 43\n, on the other hand, gets a revised 3.0-litre Bi-Turbo V6 petrol engine that now pumps out \n390 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque, 23 hp and 44 Nm more than before. The only diesel variant is the \nC 220 d\n with an output of \n194 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. All engine choices are paired to a 9G-Tronic Plus nine-speed automatic transmission to send drive either to the rear or all four wheels.\nThe three petrol engines are the most relevant to the Malaysian market, especially the 1.5-litre EQ Boost mild-hybrid mill that returns lower annual road tax charges and potentially locally assembled hybrid incentives. However, local distributor, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has not revealed any plans on the C-Class facelift.\nOver in the UK, the C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are finished with the AMG Line that adds a sportier appearance, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, LED high-performance headlamps, sports suspension and 10.25-inch infotainment display. The C 43 4MATIC gets additional AMG performance exhaust system with quad tailpipes, AMG Ride Control sports suspension, AMG spoiler and \u201cBITURBO\u201d letterings around the car.\nOptional items include 12.3-inch cockpit display, ambient lighting, LED Intelligent Light System, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, Burmester surround sound system, Keyless-Go Comfort package, panoramic sunroof (Coupe only) and Airmatic air suspension (not available for C 43).\nDriver assists systems such as Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, BAS Plus with Cross-traffic Assist, Active Distronic Plus with Active Steering Assist and Stop & Go Pilot, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, and Pre-Safe Plus are all optional extras.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe & Cabriolet Facelift   Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift AMG Line Sedan   Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift Exclusive Line Wagon"
"Season 5 of the Toyota GR Festival Vios Challenge\n drew to a close last weekend, in the most dramatic fashion possible \u2013 the overall championship title in all four classes would be decided in the very final 20 laps of their respective races at the Sepang International Circuit.\nWhile tickets to attend the event was limited, a record-high 3.1 million viewers tuned in online over the weekend to witness the crowning of four new overall champions.\nRace 2 of the Super Sporting Class saw Prima Pearl TD Racing\u2019s Mitchell Cheah finishing first, 7.3 seconds ahead of Telagamas Toyota\u2019s Freddie Ang in a very intensely contested 20-lap race. Completing the podium line-up for the race was Laser Motor Racing\u2019s Eddie Lew.\nHowever, thanks to his huge lead in the championship, Axle Sports\u2019 Hayden Haikal still managed to clinch the overall title, despite finishing fourth in the final race. \u201cIt feels just like 2020 when I won the Sporting Class. I couldn\u2019t be happier,\u201d said the 18-year-old newly-crowned champion.\n\u201cGoing into Race 2 I felt that my car was slower than it was in Race 1 due to the weight penalty and I came under tremendous pressure from the field. The last two laps were the happiest of my life when two drivers had some problems with their cars and that allowed me to pass moving me up to fourth position with just enough points to stay ahead in the championship.\u201d\nIt was also a weekend to remember for the Azlan family, as brothers Nabil and Naquib Azlan were both crowned overall champions in the Rookie and Sporting classes respectively, with Nabil finishing third in the final Rookie race, while elder brother Naquib drove to a second straight win that weekend, crossing the line just 0.4 seconds ahead of second-place Mirza Syahmi Mahzan from Carroof Motorsports.\n\u201cFirst of all, here\u2019s a massive shout out and thanks to Toyota and giving all of the rookies this opportunity to transition from simulator racing to saloon car racing. It wasn\u2019t an easy task but thankfully, everything went well for me. I learnt from the mistakes I made and that led to three race victories and four podium finishes in six races. I hope to continue racing next year,\u201d said Rookie champion Nabil.\nALSO READ: \nMuhammad Iqbal Suji crowned 2022 Toyota GR Velocity champion, top 3 to attend regional finals!\n\u201cComing into this race and starting from sixth position, it was never going to be straight forward. Also with the overall championship in mind I really had to manage the risks that I took. I did not want to get into any incidents that could cost us the championship title,\u201d commented Sporting class champion Naquib, who drives for Axle Sports.\n\u201cWith 60kg of ballast, it was difficult to keep up with the faster cars and I had to be more imaginative to make the overtaking maneuvers stick. Towards the final laps of the race, I saw an opening and I just went for it.\u201d\nWinning the overall Rookie Class in Season 4 and clinching this season\u2019s Sporting Class championship, Naquib is now looking forward to return to the Vios Challenge in season 6 with the hope of fighting for the championship in the Super Sporting Class for professionals.\nAs for the Promotional Class, singer Khai Bahar drove a drama-free race to finally clinch his first race win of the season, just ahead\nof actress Ahirine Ahirudin and presenter Nabil Ahmad. That third position, however, was enough to earn Nabil the overall Promotional Class title with a six-point advantage over actor Zizan Razak, who again finished runner-up in his second successive season.\nSeason 5\u2019s finale was held as a special and exclusive event opened to only 2,000 fans over the race weekend. The entire rooftop length of the Sepang International Circuit\u2019s main paddock was \ntransformed into a festival ground\n, with a myriad of activities ranging from celebrity walkabouts and meet & greet sessions, to the display and sale of Gazoo Racing and Toyota merchandises, and even two very special concerts.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve come a long way in five seasons of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and the Vios Challenge race series since it was started in 2017,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\n\u201cAt the time of inception we wanted to change the thinking that Toyota cars are meant for the matured crowd. We wanted to build an ever better car that also makes it attractive for the younger buyers and today there has been a total shift. Of course, we also wanted to make a significant contribution to Malaysian motorsports.\n\u201cThe Vios Challenge provides us with a very strong platform to evaluate and develop our future cars. We also want our young engineers to be able to contribute to the research and development of future models. We want our customers to enjoy a very safe, fun and powerful car to drive, in this case the \nVios\n. The Vios Challenge is the right platform for people to see this and for a lot of young engineers to join us to build better cars for the future.\u201d\nRELATED: \nToyota Vios GR-S Review \u2013 Stimulates the eyes, sedates the soul\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia today announced their sales data for the year 2020, in which they managed to deliver\n 60,469 cars in 2020\n. The figure once again puts them at the top of the non-national car brand leaderboard in terms of sales numbers, for the \nsixth consecutive year\n.\nThe sales figure is largely contributed by the Honda Malaysia\u2019s best-selling products, the City (34%), \nCivic\n (20%), and \nHR-V\n (17%). However, the number also represents a 29.2% drop from 2019\u2019s 85,418\u00a0units sold \u2013 a result of the economic downturn from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, compounded by the newfound competition from the \nProton X70\n and \nX50\n, among others.\n \nThe\n \nall-new Honda City\n has received positive response from the market since its introduction in October last year. To date, 15,200 bookings have already been placed for the B-segment sedan, with \u201cclose to 10,800 units\u201d already delivered by the company. In December alone, Honda Malaysia delivered 5,500 units of the all-new City \u2013 the highest monthly sales figure in the model\u2019s history.\nAmong the three variants of the all-new Honda City currently available on sale (the Honda City RS is scheduled for \u201claunch\u201d this year), the range-topping V variant proves to be the most popular choice, capturing 52% of total sales.\nAs for colour choices, Platinum White Pearl is once again unsurprisingly the favourite among new customers, with 26% of all Honda City sales being white \u2013 sorry, but you lot are \njust a little too unadventurous\n. The Central region contributed to 48% of the total sales received for the all-new Honda City, followed by the Southern (19%) and Northern region (18%).\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama said,\u201d On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to thank all our customers for making this milestone a significant one even during these challenging times.\n\u201cYour continuous trust in the Honda brand has allowed us to keep trying to outdo ourselves in our service to you as we strive to bring forth the 3 Joys of Honda, which are Joy of Buying, Joy of Selling and Joy of Creating.\u201d\nIshiyama also thanked the government\u2019s efforts to extend the sales tax exemptions period to the 30th of June 2021. \u201cAs we move on in 2021, we will continue to support the Government\u2019s efforts to curb the pandemic which is still active nationwide.\u201d"
"Due to be unveiled in the coming months, the\n new BMW i4\n, which will lead the way for future electric BMWs with a balance between dynamics and comfort, is undergoing the final phase of driving dynamics testing.\nCurrently, BMW is testing the integration of all drive and suspension components, to ensure that the spontaneous power delivery is combined with precise handling and ride comfort.\n\u201cFor the first time, we\u2019ve developed a BMW with sporty DNA for purely electric driving entirely from scratch. All electric vehicles are capable of fast straight-line acceleration but that\u2019s not enough for us at BMW,\u201d the company said.\nThe company highlighted that the virtually silent drive combined with the i4\u2019s sophisticated suspension will give the impression of an \neffortlessly floating vehicle \neven at higher speeds; unaffected by road bumps or low traction conditions.\nWith an output of 530 hp, the i4 is capable of doing 0 to 100km/h in just four seconds. It is also expected to return \nup to 600 km\n of electric range.\nHowever, quick acceleration is only one aspect of it. The i4 promises spontaneous reactions to every movement \u2013 not just from the accelerator pedal but also from the steering and brake pedal.\nThe BMW i4 features a model-specific damper technology to reduce dipping movements of the body during set-off. Also, an actuator-related wheel slip limitation (ARB) developed by BMW, as seen in the \n2 Series Gran Coupe\n, with its extremely fast and precise control guarantees optimum traction and perfect straight-line stability at all times.\nThis will allow the BMW i4 to catapult in an exciting yet carefree manner, without being affected by drive slip or course corrections.\nThe steering in the i4 is also a major contributing factor. It responds directly and with a high degree of accuracy, offering the driver precise feedback at all times even during intensive acceleration or deceleration.\n\u201cThe BMW i4 conveys the feeling of being light and agile yet also solid and authoritative. With its superior agility and high level of cornering stability, it seems to literally attach itself to the road,\u201d says project manager, David Alfredo Ferrufino Camacho."
"Microbus, Transporter, Campervan, or Kombi \u2013 whatever you call it, the Volkswagen Type 2 has become one of the \nmost iconic vehicles\n ever in history.\nSeven decades later, Volkswagen has announced an \nall-electric spiritual successor to the Type 2\n, expected to enter production in 2022 \u2013 which means it\u2019s at least two more years before we\u2019ll see one on the road.\nPerhaps as a grandiose send-off gesture, or to indulge those who can\u2019t stop dreaming of an electric Kombi van, Volkswagen has announced the e-Bulli, an electric drivetrain-conversion for the original T1 Transporter that you can buy, right now.\nThe e-Bulli is a result of a collaboration between Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and eClassics, a company specialising in electric conversion of classic VW models.\nThe example shown in the press release is based on a T1 Samba Bus produced in 1966 in Hannover, where it spent most of its lifetime cruising in sunny California.\nThe original four-cylinder engine has been replaced by a single electric motor generating\n 83 hp\n and \n212 Nm \nof torque \u2013 approximately double of the original power output. The motor is paired to a single-speed gearbox, and can reach an electronically-limited top speed of\n 130 km/h\n.\nAs with the original Type 2, all of the drivetrain components are fitted to the rear of the e-Bulli to drive the rear wheels. Power is provided by a \n45 kWh\n lithium-ion battery, housed centrally in the vehicle\u2019s floor.\nVW says that the charging system can accept\n DC fast charging\n at up to \n50 kW\n, topping up 80% of charge in 40 minutes. At full capacity, the e-Bulli is good for \u201c\nmore than 200 km\n\u201c.\nVW and eClassics did not just slap on an electric-motor and call it a day, too \u2013 the chassis of the e-Bulli has also been redesigned, now featuring multi-link suspension with adjustable shock absorbers and coilover struts at both the front and rear axles, a new rack-and-pinion steering system, as well as new internally-ventilated disc brakes.\nThe design has also been slightly \u201cmodernised\u201d to hint at the new drivetrain underneath. On the exterior, the e-Bulli gets a new two-tone paint finish, along with new round LED headlights with daytime running lights, as well as a LED charge indicator at the rear.\nInside, the e-Bulli gets a new centre console between the front seats, which houses the automatic shifter and start-stop button, a retro-styled radio that supports USB, Bluetooth and digital radio, as well as a new speedometer based on the original design, integrating a two-digit digital display in the centre.\nOther driving information such as current range, trip information, and energy consumption and recuperation, can be accessed through the tablet mounted onto the ceiling.\nAll of these changes won\u2019t come cheap, as the conversion of the T1 Type 2 is priced from 64,900 euros (\nRM307,947\n), and that\u2019s excluding the price for the donor T1 kombi van. Volkswagen says that T1 conversions and complete vehicles will be offered, along with conversions for the T2 and T3 models."
"The 2020 models of the facelift Porsche Macan launched last year has been enhanced with a host of convenience features through the Premium Package, on top of suspension upgrades.\n\u201cThe introduction of the new enhanced Premium Package for our best-selling model, the Macan, is a great way to introduce more people to the brand, especially given the rising popularity of compact SUVs over the past few years. With the addition of these new features as standard, the Macan is now even more competitively priced as the sports car in its segment,\u201d said Sime Darby Auto Performance CEO, Christopher Hunter.\nThe \nnew enhanced Premium Package \nfor the Macan now offers features like Comfort Access, Park Assist with Surround View, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for even better road holding. The Premium Package upgrades in the new Macan are valued at over RM 39,000.\nThese add to the existing features such as Apple CarPlay, BOSE Surround Sound System, Power Steering Plus, 14-way power seats including memory function for both driver and front passenger, ambient lighting, and automatic dimming mirrors.\nThe new Macan is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol with \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n. Paired to a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, it\u2019ll go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds before topping out at 225 km/h. If you need more power than is necessary, SDAP also has the 3.0 V6 model on sale in Malaysia.\nPrices for the new Porsche Macan with the enhanced Premium Package starts from RM439,351. Following the Sales Tax Exemption which will go on till the 31st of December 2020, \nclick here\n for the latest price list of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia. Recently, SDAP also introduced two new models from the 718 series, the \n718 Cayman GT4 \nand the\n 718 Spyder\n, with prices starting from RM990k for the former and RM970k respectively.\nSince 2010 SDAP, the sole authorised importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles and parts in Malaysia, have gone from one dealership in Glenmarie to expanding its dealer network in the Central (Porsche Centre Sungai Besi) and Northern Region (Porsche Centre Penang). Aside from the soon-to-be-launched Porsche Centre Ara Damansara which will replace the Glenmarie outlet, SDAP will also be expanding its dealer network to the South with the \nPorsche Centre Johor Bahru\n due to commence operations in 2021.\nGALLERY"
"After nearly one and a half years since its launch, the all-new second-generation (\nthird?\n) \nFiat 500\n has finally received its Green NCAP certification \u2013 and what do you know, the fully-electric model has received a near-perfect score for the test cycle, making it the \u201cmost environmentally friendly electric car on the market\u201d.\nThe compact EV scored five stars in all three tests: Clean Air Index, Energy Efficiency Index, and Greenouse Gases Index, making it the first and only electric vehicle to do so. In fact, it\u2019s also the first car to score a maximum score of 10/10 in the Energy Efficiency Index!\nScreenshot: \nFiat 500 Green NCAP report\nIntroduced in 2019, the Green NCAP assessment is designed to test the environmental friendliness of new cars, using results from both laboratory and real-world driving tests. Ratings are then published online (the results for the Fiat 500 can be found \nhere\n), so consumers can check independently how green a car is before their purchase.\nThe all-new Fiat 500 EV was also launched with three special designer-edition models from world-famous fashion houses! Check them out here.\nThe laboratory tests include cycles in artificial cold and warm ambient, while real-world tests consist of typical on-road driving, on-road driving with heavy load/light load, on-road short trips, and congestion scenarios.\nAll three indexes are rated equally, signifying equal importance to health, which is affected by pollutant emissions; consumer spending, influenced by a vehicle\u2019s energy efficiency; and the Earth\u2019s future, affected by greenhouse gasses.\nScreenshot: \nFiat 500 Green NCAP report\nThe range-topping variant of the Fiat 500 EV is powered by a single electric motor generating\n 87 kW (117 hp)\n with electric juices supplied by a \n42 kWh\n battery. Based on Green NCAP\u2019s tests, the Fiat 500 achieved an average consumption of 20.9 kWh/100 km, giving it a driving range of 230 km in a single charge.\nRead more about the all-new fully-electric Fiat 500 here.\nApart from its eco-friendly purpose (the seats are wrapped in a fabric created from recycled plastic bottles!), the Fiat 500 also comes equipped with a whole slew of advanced safety features, making it one of the few cars in its segment to offer full level 2 autonomous driving capabilities.\nFor comparison\u2019s sake, \nVolkswagen\u2019s ID.3\n EV also scored five stars in the Green NCAP assessment, although it only achieved a score of 9.6/10 in the Energy Efficiency Index. The \nHonda Jazz e:HEV hybrid\n, meanwhile, scored 3.5/5 stars."
"The Nissan Note has been named Japan\u2019s Car of the Year by a panel of 60 judges \u2013 the fifth time Nissan has won since the award was established in 1980.\nPrevious winners included the Nissan Leaf (2011/12), Nissan March (1992/93), Nissan Silvia (1988/89), and Nissan Pulsar (1986/87).\nSay goodbye to charging ports with the innovative Nissan Note e-POWER..read about it here!\n \nOn a side note, the \nMk8 Volkswagen Golf \nwas named the Import Car of the Year 2021/22. Following are the Top 10 selected out of 30 finalists:\n1st \u2013 Nissan Note\n2nd \u2013 Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRX\n3rd \u2013 Honda Vezel (HR-V)\n4th \u2013 Mitsubishi Outlander\n5th \u2013 Volkswagen Golf\n6th \u2013 Toyota Mirai\n7th \u2013 Chevrolet Corvette\n8th \u2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class\n9th \u2013 Toyota Land Cruiser\n10th- BMW 4 Series\nRead about the new Vezesl/HR-V \nhere\n!\nThe new Note e-Power is currently only on sale in Japan but plans to launch the e-Power variant in European and U.S. markets in the near future.\nNew Mk8 Volkswagen Golf to be locally-assembled, to be launched very soon.read about it here!\nAccording to COTY committee, the Note was chosen for its hybrid powertrain, fuel economy, handling, competitive pricing and stylish design.\nThe \nnew Corvette\n.\nAs for the other awards, the BMW 4 Series received the Design of the Year award, while the Outlander PHEV picked up the Technology of the Year award. Honda\u2019s N-One won the K-Car award while Performance Car of the Year went to the Corvette."
"The Audi SQ2 may not have the firepower to outgun its rival the \nMercedes-AMG GLA 45\n, but there is one thing the four rings outshines the three-pointed star \u2013 its interior.\nDebut at the \n2018 Paris Motor Show\n, the SQ2 is the hottest Q2 to date. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI petrol engine pushing out \n300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. A seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch is tasted to send power to all-four-wheels via the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Century sprint takes \n4.8 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n250 km/h\n. It makes the century sprint 0.4 seconds slower than the GLA 45 if you must know.   While its exterior is relatively discreet with the only difference being the lower ride height (-20 mm), Singleframe grille with eight vertical slats, quad exhaust, 19-inch alloys, diffuser inserts and big brake kit measuring 340 mm in diameter front and 310 mm diameter at the rear. No shouty rear wing here, everything is about subtlety and class.\nThe cabin tells a completely different story because everywhere you look reminds you of the SQ2\u2019s sporty intent. The upholstery is available in a combination of leather, fabric and Alcantara. But if you\u2019re feeling fancy, you can have your seats draped in rhombus Nappa leather matched with contrast stitching in red and grey.\n \n \nThere are two options for the decorative inlay a red anodized paint finish or the backlit Format Lighting Graphics that changes according to the 10-ambient lighting colour selected. The air vents can be had with red interior rings as an option.\nOther items available in the luxuriously appointed cabin include a flat-bottomed multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, Heads-up Display, Sport Seats, illuminated door sill with sport S logos, 8.3-inch Audi MMI Navigation Plus and 705 Watt 14-speakers Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System.\nThe SQ2 is also available with the full suite of advanced driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, traffic jam assist (up to 65 km/h), Audi active lane assist, cross traffic assist rear, Audi side assist, park assist and autonomous emergency braking.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi SQ2"
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has just officially launched the limited edition Volkswagen Polo Trophy at the Polo Rally Weekend event. The three-day event, held at the Setia City Convention Centre carpark, aims to give customers a peek into Volkswagen\u2019s WRC division through various activities.\nThe \n100-unit Polo Trophy\n is based on the \nlocally assembled 1.6-litre MPI hatchback\n (no sedan, because WRC), and is of the \nfacelift variant\n. Exclusive to the Polo Trophy are \nWRC decals\n on the front and side of the car, \ngloss black side mirrors\n and a unique, \nblack rear spoiler\n.   When the Polo CKD was launched, the hatchback carried a price tag of RM87,888. But following the implementation of GST, it shot up to \nRM89,888\n \u2013 also the very same price VGM is asking for the Polo Trophy. What else besides the stickers, then? Inside the car, buyers will get a\n new head unit\n that is the \ntouchscreen display\n with GPS navigation. It also comes with \nfree tinting\n on all windows.\nJust to refresh your mind, the \n1.6-litre port injection engine\n makes \n104 horsepower\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque, mated to a\n six-speed automatic\n torque converter that channels drive to the \nfront wheels\n.   The Polo Trophy will continue to be on display at the Polo Rally Weekend, so be sure to visit and see it in the flesh. For those who seek more thrills from the Volkswagen brand, VGM is offering\n up to RM30,000 in savings\n for the Golf GTI, \nGolf R\n and Scirocco R. The promotion ends on 30 September 2015.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after the \nglobal unveiling\n of the facelifted Bentayga back in July, Bentley Kuala Lumpur has now launched the updated luxury SUV in Malaysia. The new Bentayga will be available in two variants \u2013 a standard V8 model and a First Edition variant (pictured here), the latter only available for a limited time.\nFeaturing Bentley\u2019s latest design language \u2013 first introduced on the latest \nContinental GT\n and \nFlying Spur\n \u2013 the significant redesign sports a larger and more upright matrix grille, reposition matrix LED headlights with the signature cut crystal design, a larger roof spoiler, as well as the the new elliptical taillights \u2013 something we aren\u2019t too fond of.\nOn the inside, the new Bentley Bentayga\u2019s wing dashboard is fitted with a new steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, as well as a new 10.9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.\nOf course, the iconic Breitling clock is still here, now surrounded by a sculpted single air vent structure inspired by the Bentley wings logo, replacing the two circular air vents from before.\nRear knee space is now extended by 30 mm when the rear seats are in the upright position, and up to 100 mm more than before in the reclined position. When optioned in the regular five-seater configuration, the rear seats can also now be equipped with in-seat ventilation \u2013 a feature previously reserved for the four-seater option.\nRear seat passenger will also be treated to a new, larger touchscreen remote control tablet \u2013 similar to the one in the all-new Flying Spur \u2013 to control a range of functions including rear seat heating and massage, media system, navigation, mood lighting and window blinds.\nBoth variants are powered by the same 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, capable of making \n550 hp\n and\n 770 Nm\n of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, The new Bentley Bentayga V8 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just \n4.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n290 km/h\n.\nCustomers who opt for the First Edition does get quite a few more niceties, such as the Touring Specification and Mulliner Driving Specification options \u2013 the latter including the 22-inch black-painted Diamond Turned wheels, and sports pedal for the \u201cultimate driving experience\u201d.\nThe First Edition also comes equipped with the Bentley Dynamic Ride adaptive suspension system, as well as the customary First Edition badgings \u2013 both inside and out \u2013 and illuminated door sill plates featuring \u2018Bentley\u2019 lettering.\nInside, First Edition customers will get to choose from a wide selection of combinations for the leather hides and veneers, and also have the choice to have either \u2018First Edition\u2019 or the Bentley wings logo embroidered on the seats. Also standard on the First Edition is the range-topping Naim audio system, which pairs a 1,780 watt amplifier to 20 speakers (with illuminated Naim badgings) within the cabin.\nThe new Bentley Bentayga V8 starts at \nRM743,900 \nand \nRM935,000\n in Malaysia for the standard and First Edition respectively, before factoring in the taxes, duties, insurance, and various fees associated with the purchase. Bentley Kuala Lumpur says that showroom units are arriving soon, with deliveries scheduled to begin in Q4 this year in limited quantities.\nGALLERY"
"The new G01 BMW X3 has just been unveiled at BMW\u2019s Spartanburg plant in the United States. The third-generation X3 will for the first time gain an M Performance model (M40i) and also new semi-autonomous\u00a0driving assistance system called the CoPilot.\nSitting on the\n CLAR platform\n just like the \nG30 5 Series\n, the X3 is now lighter, weighing\u00a0\n55kg less\n than before. BMW has sold over 1.5 million units over the course of the X3\u2019s 14-year life, so perhaps that is to be blamed for the rather conservative styling tweaks this time around. The fascia, though very familiar, is entirely new, as is the rear with the new tail lamps and twin exhaust pipes. The signature double-kidney grille is slightly larger than before, in case you haven\u2019t noticed it yet.   Inside, it\u2019s an almost carbon copy of the G30 5 Series with the digital instruments, floating touchscreen panel and the steering wheel. New offerings include\n\u00a0three-zone climate control\n and\u00a040:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests. The latter expands the X3\u2019s standard 550 litres boot space to 1,600 litres. Available as options are heads-up display and BMW Display Key.\nBMW Personal CoPilot\n\u00a0is also standard for the X3 and comes packaged with the latest version of active cruise control, steering and lane control assistant and lane change assistant.\nAt launch, the new X3 can be had in three different variants: \nxLine\n,\n Luxury Line\n, and\n\u00a0M Sport\n. All three have their own distinctive trimmings inside and outside, beginning with the more rugged xLine. The Luxury line, as the name implies, is the one with all the luxurious touches while the M Sport is for those who seek a sportier and an aggressive outtake of their ride.\nPowertrain options for the G01 BMW X3 include a range of turbocharged petrols and diesel engines, summarised in the table below. All models are all-wheel drive, except for the X3 sDrive 20i (rear-wheel drive) variant that is strictly for markets outside Europe. The flagship X3\u00a0\nM40i\n\u00a0variant will get M Performance bodykit, M Sport exhausts, 20-inch wheels and an eight-speed automatic with launch control.\nName\nX3 xDrive 20i & sDrive 20i\nX3 xDrive 30i\nX3 xDrive 20d \nX3 xDrive 30d \nX3 M40i\nEngine\n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol\n3.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol\n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel\n3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged diesel\n3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinScroll turbocharged petrol\nTransmission\nEight-speed Steptronic automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp\n252 hp\n190 hp\n265 hp\n360 hp\nMax Torque\n290 Nm\n350 Nm\n400 Nm\n620 Nm\n500 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n8.3 seconds\n6.3 seconds\n8.0 seconds\n5.8 seconds\n4.8 seconds\nTop Speed\n215 km/h\n240 km/h\n213 km/h\n240 km/h\n\u00a0250 km/h\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_rDqzjaPY0\nThe third-generation BMW X3 will go on sale in Europe later this year, whereas its Malaysian debut will take place sometime next year. Maybe for the first time, we stand a chance to get the M40i that will rival the\u00a0\nMercedes-AMG GLC43\n. Yes?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ever dreamt of going camping with your MINI? What started of as an April Fool\u2019s joke in 2013 is now a reality. MINI collaborated with Italian roof tent specialists AUTOHOME to come up with a unique AirTop accessory\u00a0exclusively for MINI cars.\nThe example here is a tent for two, installed atop the all-new \nMINI Countryman\n. MINI said the \u2018outdoor setup\u2019 is not just unique to the Countryman, but also to any\u00a0MINI that has roof rails. You don\u2019t even need any tools to install it. \nThe tent is made of fibreglass and weighs 58 kg. Erecting the tent is rather easy as well, thanks to four gas pressure springs. It\u2019s slightly less than a metre tall, but it\u2019s spacious enough for two adults to sleep comfortable, measuring 2.1 metres long and 1.3 metres wide.\nInside, there is a high-density mattress with cotton cover, dual zipper-type entry and windows as well as mosquito nettings on all openings. Other items that come with the tent are LED interior lights, luggage nets and the aluminium ladders.\u00a0\nThe tent, available as an official accessory from MINI, can be had for \u00a0\n\u00a32,400 (approximately RM14k)\n and is only available in shades of black or white. As far as we find it ridiculous, something in our head is telling us to get one of these.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Besides showing off their track-focused \nMINI JCW GP Concept\n, MINI will also be displaying the MINI Electric Concept, an all-electric MINI at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). The new concept car gives the world a taste of what\u2019s to come in the production model that is set to debut sometime in 2019.\nThis fully-electric model is part of \nBMW Group\u2019s NUMBER ONE > NEXT corporate strategy\n: to offer electrified versions of BMW and MINI vehicles from 2020 onwards. The MINI Electric Concept joins the brand\u2019s first ever plug-in hybrid \u2013 \nCooper S E Countryman ALL4\n which was launched early this year.   Whist moving into futuristic \nzero-emission mobility\n, MINI is not prepared to move away from its core value of driving excitement and familiar design just yet. However, the engineers have given some unique but functional touches to the otherwise untouched design. Because there is no need for air to enter the engine bay for cooling, the \nradiator grille is permanently sealed off\n\u00a0for better aerodynamics. The distinct front apron and side sills help channel air more effectively to the rear bumper to reduce overall drag. MINI promises that despite it being an eco-minded vehicle, the production model will be as exciting to drive as any other MINI.\nThe concept car is finished in a bespoke \nReflection Silver\n, matt liquid colour shade with Striking Yellow accents to reflect its pure-electric nature. Like the JCW GP Concept, the all-electric MINI gets a pair of half Union Jack LED tail lamps echoing its British roots.\nIf the road-going version looks anything like the concept car, we\u2019d say bring on the future!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai will soon introduce the Digital Key via an app which allows owners to unlock and start their vehicles. The feature can accommodate up to four users and will be implemented in new Hyundai/Kia vehicles by the end of the year.\nThe feature utilises the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to detect the presence of an \u201cauthorised Digital Key\u201d when in close proximity to the vehicle.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEZnTWhUH1A\nThe NFC receiver is located on the door handles of the driver and front passenger door, with another placed within the wireless charging pad to start the engine.\nTo start the car, users simply have to place their smartphone on the wireless charging pad and process to press the Start/Stop button.\nNot only that, the user\u2019s preferred presets such as the mirror positions, seats and steering wheel as well as audio/video and head-up displays can be adjusted automatically when the Digital Key is recognised.\nWith Bluetooth, users can also activate the alarm and start the engine remotely. Hyundai also claims that once the autonomous parking features come into play, they too can be remotely-controlled."
"Volvo has just announced an update for both the \nXC40\n and \nC40\n, introducing a revised powertrain to the small crossover. This includes a new RWD drivetrain, a bigger battery pack (for the AWD variant), and faster DC fast charging (DCFC).\nMalaysia only gets the all-wheel drive (AWD) variant of the XC40 and C40, so let us first address this. The total power output of \n300 kW (408 hp)\n remains the same, although the dual motor setup is now rear-biased. While the current version consists of two 150 kW (204 hp) motors, the update consists of a rear electric motor that makes 183 kW (249 hp) and a smaller front electric motor that makes 117 kW (159 hp).\nUpdated Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric\nPerformance remains largely the same for both cars as the C40 and XC40 both retain the same 0-100 km/h acceleration times. The C40 retains its \n4.7-second\n time and the XC40 retains its \n4.9-second\n acceleration time.\nBesides the electric motors, the update gives both the AWD versions of the Volvo C40 and XC40 a bigger \n82-kWh\n battery pack from the current 78-kWH battery pack. The bigger battery and the new motor setup boosts the C40\u2019s electric range to \n510 km\n from 451 km and the XC40\u2019s range to \n500 km\n from 438 km (all range are based on the WLTP test cycle).\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 EV powertrain update due \u2013 500km range, 200kW charging, RWD\nUpdated Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\nAs for charging, the update enables the twin motor C40 and XC40 to handle \n200-kW\n DC fast charging, which is a higher rate than the current 150-kW DCFC. Charging time from 10% to 80% is approximately \n28 minutes\n with the bigger battery pack.\nWhile Malaysia has never received it, both the C40 and XC40 are also available in single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) variants in other markets. The new update changes the powertrain drastically as the single-motor versions will now be rear-wheel drive (RWD).\nALSO WATCH: \nVolvo C40 Recharge review \u2013 The best small EV in Malaysia?\nUpdate Volvo Xc40 Recharge Pure Electric\nFor the single motor C40 and XC40, the battery size remains the same at \n69 kWh\n, but enhancements in cooling efficiency boost the electric range (WLTP) to \n476 km\n from 438 km for the C40 and \n460 km\n from 425 km for the XC40. The single motor gets a 3% power increase to \n175 kW (238 hp)\n from 170 kW (231 hp).\nThe current versions of the C40 and XC40 are now dubbed as the outgoing model and according to a previous report from Autocar, \nproduction of the updated version will begin in May 2023\n. The updated version of the C40 and XC40 \nwere already made available to order in December 2022\n for the European market.\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric updated for 2023, now from RM 279k\nIn Malaysia, both the C40 and XC40 are available as single variants only. The C40 is available as the twin-motor Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Ultimate which costs \nRM288,888\n and the XC40 is available as the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Ultimate which costs \nRM278,888\n.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k"
"It has been a big day for SUV launches in Malaysia as Naza Kia Malaysia unveiled two new SUVs into the market, the Sportage and the Sorento.\u00a0We begin our report with the fourth-generation Sportage, followed by the Sorento on a\u00a0separate report.\nIntroduced last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Sportage brings a much fresher look to the table, and has more crossover aspirations than the previous model ever exuded. Only \ntwo front-wheel drive variants\n are being offered by Naza Kia; the\u00a0\nKX\n being the entry level while the \nGT Line\n is available for those want to add a dash of sportiness\u00a0into their ride.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Sportage 2.0 2WD KX\nKia Sportage 2.0 2WD GT\nEngine\n1,999cc; 4-cylinder, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n152 hp @ 5,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM121,888.00\nRM141,888.00\nEXTERIOR\nTo begin, the Sportage incorporates the \u2018tiger-nose\u2019 grille in line with most of the new Kia cars; but with the logo sitting just atop it, unlike its predecessor. On this \u2018\nFiery Red\u2019\n\u00a0GT Line example, the \nBi-Projector HID\n headlamps with LED\u00a0\nDRL\n is sported at the front, while at Optima inspired quad fog lights housed just below. The GT\u00a0Line is also the only variant to sit on\u00a0\n19-inch wheels\n with 245/45 R19 tyres, upping its looks that much more.   The LED lights on the GT aren\u2019t available in the cheaper \nKX\n, where instead it gets the usual halogen bulb headlights and fog lamps. The KX also gets \n17-inch wheels\n with 225/60 R17 tyres which, although may not sound like much, but replacing the tyres on these should prove to be more sensible and affordable in the long run.\nINTERIOR\nIt\u2019s all dark and black on the inside but the materials look premium and classy enough. That is what you can expect from the GT Line variant which includes \nleather seats\n, push start button and \nautomatic dual-zone air conditioning\n. The driver gets leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and \neight-way electric power seats\n. While the KX settles for standard fabric seats with manual adjustment, both variants still receive\u00a0the same infotainment head unit with eight speakers.   PERFORMANCE\nThe Sportage is equipped with the \n2.0-litre Nu MPI four-cylinder\n engine that develops \n152 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n192 Nm\n of torque, which is a carryover from its predecessor. The \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n was brought over to this fourth-generation Sportage as well.\nWhile powertrain remains the same, the new Sportage\u2019s sleeker outlook gives it a more slippery surface, with a drag coefficient\u00a0\n0.33 Cd\u00a0\n\u2013 a 0.02 Cd improvement over its predecessor. This translates to a better drive and fuel economy over the older model.\nSAFETY\nThe hallmark of the Sportage is its \nfive-star rating\n in the \nEuro NCAP\n test. The new Sportage is loaded with safety features across both variants, which include\u00a0\nsix airbags\n, ISOFIX mount points, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Anti-lock brakes, Hill-Start Assist Control and Emergency Stop Signal. The only item missing in the KX is the front parking sensor.\nWHAT ELSE\nThe pricing for\u00a0the new Sportage begins at an attractive\u00a0\nRM121,888.00\n for the KX variant while the edgier GT Line is an additional RM20k at \nRM141,888.00.\n All prices are on-the-road prices with insurance and GST included, making it one of the best value SUVs in the Malaysian market right now. Four colours are available for this locally assembled Sportage: Mercury Blue, Fiery Red, Snow White Pearl and Mineral Silver. There\u2019s also a 5-Year warranty with unlimited milage offered as well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new 2017 \nHonda CR-V\n is on a nationwide tour in Malaysia, with this particular unit finished in White Orchid Pearl now\u00a0on display at the Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur from 7 to 11 June 2017.\nHowever, only the exterior is available for viewing. The cabin is completely sealed pending finalisation of specifications.\u00a0For starters, the display unit is of the\u00a0\n2.0-litre high-spec variant\n and not the 1.5-litre VTEC turbo range-topper.   This petrol mill is likely a carryover from the outgoing mode, and that engine produces\u00a0\n153 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque. The\n seven-speed CVT\n (Continuously Variable Transmission) is expected to replace the five-speed automatic used in the old model.\nUp front, you get the familiar thick chrome grille and the headlamps are full LED. The rear end gets a pair of LED combination lamps. High spec CR-Vs will be equipped with a\u00a0sporty spoiler and dual-tone alloy wheels. Keyless entry and push-start button are confirmed, although the bigger question now is whether it will be of the five- or seven-seater version.   As reported \npreviously\n, the new CR-V is the first Honda model in Malaysia to come with\u00a0\nHonda Sensing\n\u00a0safety suite. Again, the 2017 Honda CR-V is open for booking and will be touring the country according to the schedule below:\n\u00a0Date\nLocation\nTime\n7 \u2013 11 June 2017\nMid Valley, Kuala Lumpur\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\n11 June 2017\nImago Mall, Kota Kinabalu\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\n16 \u2013 18 June 2017\nAEON Tebrau City, Johor Bahru\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\n18 June 2017\nPlaza Merdeka, Kuching\n10:00 am \u2013 10:00 pm\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After the shocking announcement that Audi will officially \nterminate its involvement in Le Mans series\n to channel their resources to Formula E last year, the four rings has finally unveiled its first all-electric race car, the Audi e-tron FE04.\nAudi has partnered up Schaeffler to develop a completely new electric powertrain consisting of the electric motor, transmission, suspension and software. For the 2017/2018 season, Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler will be using a \nhigh-efficiency single-speed transmission\n.\n\u201cTogether with our technology partner Schaeffler, we have developed a completely new powertrain,\u201d says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. \u201cYou can immediately tell this by looking at the new carbon housing of the powertrain. The car also sounds different because we\u2019re pursuing new avenues in technology.\u201d\nThe new Audi e-tron FE04 will make its race debut at the Formula E season opener in Hong Kong on December 2, 2017. Seeing that Audi is \ngoing down the electrification route\n as well as \nAudi Sport models\n, the innovations and technologies obtained from Formula E will most definitely trickle down to regular road-going models. Excited for Audi\u2019s next-generation of hybrids yet?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda has revived its rotary engine, but it\u2019s not in a sporty coupe like the RX7 or RX8. Instead, the Wankel engine has found its way into the newly-revealed \nMazda MX-30 R-EV\n, and only functioning as a generator.\nThe all-electric \nMazda MX-30\n made its global debut in 2020 as Mazda\u2019s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV). It was launched in Malaysia in June 2022 and fetches a price of \nRM198,780\n. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a range extender version of the MX-30 with a plug-in hybrid series drivetrain.\nMazda MX-30 R-EV Edition R\nPropelling the MX-30 REV is a different electric motor than what you would find in the all-electric version. In the R-EV the electric motor makes \n170 hp\n (metric) and \n260 Nm\n as opposed to the all-electric\u2019s 145 hp (metric) and 271 Nm. The R-EV is 0.6 seconds faster than the full-EV version in the century sprint, clocking \n9.1 seconds\n.\nAs for energy storage, the Mazda MX-30 houses a \n17.8-kWh\n lithium-ion battery that provides \n85 km\n of all-electric range. Though that may sound extremely short, do keep in mind that the MX-30 R-EV is a series hybrid with a 50-litre fuel tank.\nRELATED: \nCBU Fully-electric Mazda MX-30 crossover now in Malaysia from RM198k\nIt can also be charged like any other plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). While no kW numbers have been mentioned, Mazda says that the MX-30 Rev can handle both AC (three-phase) and DC charging. AC charging takes around 50 minutes while DC charging takes \n25 minutes\n.\nThe rotary engine that functions as a generator in the MX-30 is Mazda\u2019s 8C single-rotor engine with an 830-cc displacement. The rotary engine generator will activate based on the degree of accelerator opening and supply the battery with more power.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mazda MX-30 updated with faster charging, still has only 200 km of range\nUpon launch, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV is available in a launch edition dubbed the \u2018Edition R\u2019, with the letter \u2018R\u2019 simply meaning \u2018Return\u2019 to celebrate the return of the rotary engine. The Edition R gets an exclusive colour combination of Jet Black with Maroon Rouge side pillars and a black roof, and pays homage to the roof colour of the Mazda R360.\nRELATED: \nBermaz Motor to launch Mazda MX-30 fully-electric crossover by end of 2022"
"The Mk8 \nVolkswagen Golf\n will be the last generation of the Golf to be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) before full electrification of the model. The Mk8 is set for a comprehensive update due in 2024, which could extend the generation\u2019s life until 2040, as reported by \nAutomotive News Europe\n.\nIn its next generation, the Volkswagen Golf will be a fully electric car. Before that, the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf will be given a major update in 2024, which Volkswagen CEO, Thomas Sch\u00e4fer commented, \u201cThat puts it in a great position until the end of the decade. Then we will have to see how the segment develops. If the world develops completely differently than expected by 2026 or 2027, then we can also launch a completely new vehicle again. But I don\u2019t expect that to happen. So far, that\u2019s not planned.\u201d\nPreviously, it was reported that the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2 could be the successor to the \u2018Golf\u2019 moniker. The ID.2 is due in showrooms in 2025, at a targeted base price of EUR22,500 (approx. RM105k) in today\u2019s money.\nWith the ID.2 looking more identical to the \nVolkswagen Polo\n, Volkswagen assures that there will not be an electric Golf until there are really Golf genes in it \u2014 such as a flatter roof compared to the \nID.3\n full-electric compact hatchback. That will not be until 2028 at the earliest.\nVolkswagen is also adamant about retaining its popular model names. Thomas Sch\u00e4fer said, \u201cIt\u2019s clear that we will not be giving up iconic names like Golf, \nTiguan\n, and GTI, but will be transferring them to the electric world. But with the Golf in particular, it has to fit the genes. Just calling any vehicle that doesn\u2019t work. We won\u2019t make that mistake.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI updated in Malaysia with IQ. Drive ADAS system \u2013 from RM246k"
"The annual \nGeneva International Motor Show (GIMS) \nmay not be the largest of its kind, but it has always been one of the most significant given the number of world premieres it usually plays host to. It would\u2019ve been no different this year, \nthe 90\nth\n edition\n, but with the coronavirus outbreak in full force in Europe, the show had to be called off for reasons beyond the organisers\u2019 control.\nIt follows the banning of public events with \nmore than 1,000 participants\n by the Swiss government last Friday (28\nth\n February) and this ban is supposed to last until \n15\nth\n March 2020\n.\n \nGIMS 2019 attracted over \n600,000 visitors last year\n and would have been underway tomorrow for the international media before opening its doors to the public from 5\nth\n to 15\nth\n March. On the same token, the world\u2019s most eminent watch fair, \nBaselworld 2020\n, is also affected and has been postponed until January 2021.\nThe cancellation of GIMS 2020 is particularly painful in that it \nhappened on the eve of the show\n and that pavilions and booths would\u2019ve already been built at the venue, the costs believed to run into hundreds of million (USD), but due to the unforeseen circumstance caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the money spent is unlikely to be recouped.\nWe\u2019ll meet you online, new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI.\nWhile car fans won\u2019t be witnessing the physical debuts of the \nall-new Volkswagen Golf GTI\n, the \nfacelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n and new compact class plug-in models, the 992-generation Porsche 911 Turbo, the yet named Yaris-based compact SUV from Toyota, the \nnew Hyundai i30\n and the \nupdated Honda Civic Type R\n \u2013 all were expected at GIMS 2020, but thanks to the connected world which we live in today, manufacturers will no doubt be busy setting up live stream launches so you can catch them online."
"Volvo Cars have been known to be some of the most considerate carmakers in the world where every move, every approach taken has always been for the foresighted benefit of the driver and passengers alike.\nThis time Volvo Cars seek to address and effectively end the problem faced by most car owners \u2013 a lack of suitable and functional storage space inside their cars. This will be applied in the \nupcoming XC40\n which will complete the company\u2019s SUV line-up which also features the XC60 and XC90.\nVolvo Cars\u2019 Customer Research Team has spent considerable time \ninvestigating how car owners around the world store their belongings\n and how they\u2019d like to see their car\u2019s interior improved. As it turns out, different regions and cities produced remarkably similar results.\n\u201cAs we spoke to people about how and where they store the things they carry with them daily, it was quite clear that most of today\u2019s cars are falling short in this area. Phones slide around in the mid-console, takeaway bags are at constant risk of falling over and people fumble behind the wheel as they try to get service cards out of their wallets. We set out to solve these and many other issues we encountered,\u201d said Volvo Cars Model Brand Manager for the 40 series, Louiza Atcheba.\nThe concept of which the new XC40\u2019s interior will be based on\nTo \nprovide better storage space by the doors \nin the\n new XC40\u2019s interior\n, Volvo designers have opted to move the speakers from the door by developing a \nworld-first, air-ventilated dashboard-mounted subwoofer\n. As a result, Volvo has managed to free up so much space by the door compartment that it would fit a laptop, tablet and a couple bottles of water.\nA small-fold away hook by the glove compartment ensures that small shopping or takeaway bags can be secured while both front seats offer storage space which will be able to accommodate a mini tablet and other such items. The XC40 also offers slots for credit and other service cards by the dashboard for easy access while storage area under the armrest will be spacious enough even for a large tissue box. Even a removable bin is provided for easy disposal of waste.\nThe boot comes with a smart floor system which allows you to compartmentalise your luggage, optimising storage space without removing the floorboard from the car. The boot\u2019s floor even comes with a private locking storage compartment!\n\u201cA lot we have done with the XC40 is based on extensive consumer insight. With the XC40, we declare the end of clutter, making sure that everything is within arm\u2019s reach but also out of sight. It\u2019s about clearing the clutter so you can clear your mind,\u201d concludes Louiza Atcheba."
"Mercedes-Benz has given the CLS Class a mild refresh, mostly to the nose of the car. Both the \nCLS Coupe\n and the \nCLS Shooting Brake\n gets a \nnew front bumper\n incorporating the flashy \ndiamond grille\n and the all-new optional MULTIBEAM LED lights. Only a minor change at the back where the taillamps are now smoked.\nThe new optional \nMULTIBEAM LED\u00a0\nheadlamps which makes it debut on the updated CLS, houses \n24 high-performance LEDs\n on each side. Advantages of using LED technology apart from lasting up to five times longer than a xenon lamp, the light produced by LED is brighter and closer to daylight compared to xenon, and they are more energy efficient.\nWith the improved \nAdaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\n, the best possible light pattern is adjusted automatically to ensure the road ahead is always brightly illuminated but without dazzling other road users. They achieved this by using a camera on the windscreen that reads the oncoming traffic, and mechanically masks them from the light path. Each LED is electronically controlled individually by four control units that calculate at 100 times per second, so the light pattern is dynamic to suit the road traveled.   MULTIBEAM LED headlamps also include a low-beam headlamp module with four LEDs that are able swivel up to 12\u00b0 to illuminate corners. Unlike the current cornering lights on most cars that turn the lamps according to the steering angle, MULTIBEAM LED will turn the lamp even before the steering wheel is turned, if the camera on the windscreen detects an approaching bend.   The navigation system also plays a role to the MULTIBEAM LED. If the car comes to a roundabout, the cornering light modules on both sides are activated to cover a wider light path that covers the side of the road. Additionally, the fibre-optic cable that serves as the daytime running lights and turn indicators will also light up in blue to greet the driver upon unlocking the car.\nInside the cabin, changes are limited to a \nnew steering wheel\n and the infotainment system with a floating \n8-inch screen\n. The optional \nCOMAND online\n infotainment systems allow internet surfing, and incorporates \nMercedes-Benz Apps\n such as Google Search with StreetView and Panoramio.\nA range of optional \ndriving assistance systems\n can be fitted to the new CLS, including DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE\u00ae Brake with pedestrian detection, PRE-SAFE\u00ae PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC including lateral parking manoeuvres and a 360\u00b0 camera.\nIn total there are six engines available, a new four-cylinder turbodiesel in the \nCLS 220 BlueTEC\n with 170 hp and 400 Nm, while another four-cylinder diesel in the \nCLS 250 BlueTEC\n produces 204 hp and 500 Nm. The\n CLS 350 BlueTEC\n is powered by a V6 diesel that produces 258 hp and 620 Nm.\nThe new 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine in the\n CLS 400\n generates 333 hp and 480 Nm, and under the bonnet of the \nCLS 500\n is a 4.6 litre twin turbo V8 dishing out 408 hp and 600 Nm.\nThe \n5.5-litre V8 twin turbo\n powerplant in the \nCLS 63 AMG\n comes in two states of tune of either 557 hp and 720 Nm, or 585 hp and 800 Nm in the \nS-model\n.\nThe new CLS is equipped with the new nine speed \n9G-TRONIC automatic transmission\n, except the CLS 400 and the CLS 63 AMG which soldier on with the seven speed 7G-TRONIC transmission.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the Government\u2019s announcement for the extension of the Sales and Service Tax exemptions period until the 31st of December 2021, UMW Toyota Motor has now disclosed the new SST-exempted pricing information for the range-topping 1.8V variant of the Toyota Corolla Cross, now starting at \nRM129,266\n on the road, without insurance.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross was \nlaunched here in Malaysia\n back in March 2021, with two variants on offer \u2013 1.8G and 1.8V. However, only the entry-level G variant was made available at launch; UMW Toyota said that the 1.8V will only be available at a \u201clater date\u201d, thus did not provide an SST-exempted pricing as the exemption period was due to expire on the June 30, 2021.\n \nWith the new pricing information, the Toyota Corolla Cross is now priced at RM124,000 and RM129,266 for the 1.8G and 1.8V respectively, both inclusive of the 50% SST exemptions for fully-imported models. Do keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, as the company has committed to assembling the compact crossover locally here in Malaysia in the near future.\nBoth variants of the Toyota Corolla Cross are powered by the same 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four mill, which makes \n139 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nThe only differences between the two variants are in their equipment lists \u2013 only the range-topping 1.8V variant is fitted with the fancier LED headlights and tail lights, 18-inch wheels, and the full \nToyota Safety Sense\n advanced driver assistance suite.\nFor the full breakdown of the differences between the two variants, check out our Facts and Figures launch coverage, linked \nhere\n. In case you are curious about how it drives, we\u2019ve also previously published a quick driving impressions review, which you can find \nhere\n."
"It\u2019s barely been a day since Toyota pulled the veils off the\n fifth-generation Prius\n, but Toyota\u2019s two in-house tuners, Modellista and Gazoo Racing, certainly aren\u2019t wasting any time at giving the all-new hybrid model a makeover, as if it really needed one.\nFor customers who like the more outrageous Modellista designs, you\u2019ll have two distinct flavours to choose from: Neo Advance Style or Elegant Ice Style. The Neo Advance is the sillier of the two, with additional blue and white lighting elements embedded into the front bumper, alongside the extravagant bumper extension and side skirts.\nElegant Ice, meanwhile, is the more subdued of the two, thanks to the (relatively) cleaner lines on the bumper extensions and side skirts. It\u2019s still unmistakably Modellista, though, as it rides on the same chrome-laden wheels as the Neo Advance, which some will definitely find its design too busy.\nIn contrast, the Toyota GR Parts kit for the Prius looks like a masterclass in restraint, as the kit only adds a small front bumper lip, a ducktail spoiler, and what looks like bigger wheels with a slightly different design to the stock car. On a car that already looks this distinctive, these simple, tasteful touches already go a long way.\nThe body kit is also probably all that Toyota\u2019s Gazoo Racing division will be offering for the all-new Prius; we\u2019re not expecting a true performance version here as the model is, and has always been, all about efficiency.\nALSO READ: \nToyota says you will \u201cfall in love at first sight\u201d with the 5th-gen Prius \u2013 gets new 2.0L PHEV drive\nThat being said, performance on the fifth-generation Toyota Prius is already not too shabby. Underneath the sleek-looking body panels is a set of new hybrid powertrains, which on the most powerful 2.0-litre PHEV version, makes a total of\n 223 hp\n. On the Prius, that translates to a 0-100 km/h time of only\n 6.7 seconds\n, which certainly isn\u2019t slow.\nRELATED: \nToyota Thailand spices up the Corolla Cross with new limited-edition Modellista kit"
"Last week, the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) proposed for new restrictions when issuing driver\u2019s licenses for senior citizens. The geniuses at Bukit Aman believe that old age-related illnesses are some of the causes for accidents on the road.\nWhile it may be true to some extent, the lack of enforcement on those using their phones while behind the wheel, lack of enforcement towards drunk drivers, and rampant petty corruption in exchange for a get-out-of-jail-free card are even more dire issues leading to road accidents, in our opinion.\nThe Ministry of Transport has since clarified the matter through a report by Bernama and said it had not issued a directive for drivers 70 years old and above to return their licenses.\nThe Ministry said age is not a definitive factor to measure driving competency as accidents are caused by multiple factors; can\u2019t believe this even needs mentioning.\nThe MOT even threw some statistics into the mix; where 80% of road accidents are caused by human errors, 13% due to vehicle failure and those caused by nature were below 10%."
"Volkswagen has just unveiled the new Polo facelift today, four years after the \nsixth-generation model\n was first introduced back in 2017. And for what is only a mid-cycle update, the new Volkswagen Polo has received quite a significant amount of changes especially to its exterior, making it even more painful for us to just watch from the sidelines as the only VW Polo available on our shores \u2013 for now at least \u2013 is the \nolder Mk5 model\n.\nUp front, the new Volkswagen Polo is now equipped with fully-LED headlights across the board. The design itself is also now a lot cleaner, ditching the old crooked daytime-running light for a new double-J light signature which extends all the way across the bottom of the upper grille \u2013 only separated by the new VW logo.\nFor higher-end variants, the Polo is also offered \u2013 for the first time on the model \u2013 with the IQ.Light matrix LED lighting system. Budget no more, it seems.\nHowever, the most significant change to the exterior of the new Volkswagen Polo facelift is actually at the rear, where it now gets a wider, horizontally-oriented tail light assembly, with a design that\u2019s clearly inspired from its elder brother, the \neight-generation Golf\n. Also inspired by the other new VW models is the new \u2018Polo\u2019 script underneath the central Volkswagen badge.\nThe blue car in these photos is also equipped with the R-Line design package, which tacks on additional gloss-black accents and \u2018R\u2019 badges all around, a larger roof-mounted spoiler, a different mesh pattern on the front grille, larger wheels, and a set of fake exhaust tips at the rear \u2013 something we\u2019d rather do without, but there\u2019s probably a reason why almost every carmaker is doing it.\nMoving inside, the new Polo now gets a digital instrument cluster across the board, measuring either 8.0- or 10.25-inches depending on variant. A touchscreen infotainment display is also standard, ranging from 6.5-inches to 9.2 inches in the higher-spec models.\nAlso new is the capacitive touch-panel for the dual-zone automatic climate control, borrowed from higher-end models in the VW stable, while the colour-matched dashboard trims are replaced by a more boring. I mean \u201cgrown-up\u201d (sorry, I drive a Beetle) brushed aluminium-looking item.\nOn the safety front, the new Volkswagen Polo can now be optioned with a Level 2 autonomous driving system, dubbed the IQ.Drive Travel Assist package. Lane keep assist is standard across the board, alongside autonomous emergency braking.\nThe new Volkswagen Polo will be offered with three petrol powertrain options, all featuring a 1.0-litre engine. At the lowest end is a naturally-aspirated variant, offering up a puny 80 hp and 93 Nm, with power sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.\nNext-up is the 1.0 TSI engine, in either a 95 hp or 110 hp tune. A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox is optional for the lower powered variant, and standard for the 110 hp version.\nThere\u2019ll also be a new Polo GTI headlining the supermini line-up in the near future, which will most definitely feature a larger engine. We think \u2013 no further information have been divulged just yet.\nGALLERY"
"Land Rover has officially unveiled the all-new, fifth-generation Range Rover via a\n digital broadcast\n. The large premium SUV continues to be offered in two different wheelbase configurations with a seating capacity of between four to seven.\nThe trademark side and front profile of the Range Rover that began from the fourth generation have been maintained as the falling roofline paired with a strong waistline and rising sill line are trademarks that make it instantly recognisable as a Range Rover. The new slippery body now slices through the air with a low drag coefficient of just Cd 0.30.\nThe flush door handles and specially engineered hidden waist (where the windows and door meet) not only serve as design elements but also works to reduce drag.\nWhile the front design has all the hallmarks of a Range Rover, the rear has been extensively studied and redesigned. The new boat tail rear, which tapers when viewed from the top, is a significant breakaway from all generations.\nThe tail lamps of the latest Range Rover feature a world-first \u2018hidden-until-lit\u2019 technology. The tail lamps appear as Vivid Red LEDs when in operation, only to form a distinctive Gloss Black graphic when not in use.\nMeanwhile, the high-definition Digital LED Headlights with a range of up to 500 metres are the most advanced ever used in a Range Rover. Fitted with up to 1.2 million micromirrors, the high-tech headlights can focus on 16 objects simultaneously and blank out reflections!\nThe new Range Rover will continue to be offered in a standard wheelbase as well as a long-wheelbase variant that is 200 mm longer, bringing the total length to 5,252 mm. Variants continue to be the SE, HSE and Autobiography, with the First Edition (upgrade of the Autobiography) being available only for the first year of production.\nThe new Range Rover SV meanwhile will offer an exquisite interpretation of luxury and personalisation from the experts at Special Vehicle Operations, with \u201cSV Serenity\u201d and \u201cSV Intrepid\u201d design themes plus the four-seater \u201cSV Signature Suite\u201d configuration.\nA wide choice of powertrains are available from launch, with the fully electric Range Rover set to join the line-up in 2024. The new Extended-Range PHEV powertrains are the P440e and the P510e, to be only available from early 2022, offers a long electric driving range of up to 100 km, thanks to a massive 31.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.\nThe model numerals represent the total PHEV system outputs of \n440 hp\n and \n510 hp\n respectively, with the latter completing 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just \n5.6 seconds\n.\nTwo diesel engines are also offered, the D300 and the D350, which serves as the entry point into the new fifth-generation Range Rover. Meanwhile, at launch, the flagship P530 variant with a new twin-turbo V8 engine has \n530 hp \nand does the century sprint in just \n4.6 seconds\n. A P400 mild-hybrid six-cylinder Ingenium engine will serve as the entry for petrol powertrains. \u00a0\u00a0\nFuel efficiency and in-cabin serenity are also significantly improved thanks to the usage of a new Mixed-Metal Modular Architecture (MLA-Flex) that promises up to 24% improvement in quietness. The new structure is also up to 50% stiffer than the outgoing model.\nAs such, the interior of the new Range Rover builds upon the improved calmness and serenity levels. On offer is the world-first \nnoise-canceling headrest speakers\n (in the four main headrests) designed to create individual quiet zones, as part of the 1,600W Meridian Signature Sound System. 27 other high-performance speakers further cancel noise levels or playback the finest musical notes.\nThe new Range Rover also brings new levels of wellbeing via the Cabin Air Purification Pro, combining dual Nanoe X technology for allergen reduction and pathogen removal to significantly reduce odours, viruses and even the SARS-CoV2 virus. As the cabin is so large, two Nanoe X devices are used; the second being in the rear seat air conditioning vent. \u00a0\nUp in front, the dashboard features the latest Pivi Pro digital infotainment technology, consisting of a new semi-floating 13.7-inch interactive driver display and a 13.1-inch curved floating touchscreen with haptic feedback. Range Rover has also integrated Amazon Alexa as the user interface to operate all the functions via natural voice commands.\nPivi Pro also controls the opening and closing of the power-assisted four doors for an elegant entry and exit in any situation.\nThe Range Rover portrays luxury and immensely capable off-road driving, and as such, key highlights of the fifth-generation Range Rover include a new Dynamic Response Pro electronic roll control system, all-wheel steering and fully independent air suspension with Adaptive Dynamics and wading into depths of up to 900 mm.\nTerrain Response 2 will be the central controller to everything relating to the chassis and power delivery, with a choice of six driving modes plus a user-configurable mode to create a bespoke chassis set-up.\nPrices in the UK for the all-new Range Rover starts from \nGBP94,400\n (approx. RM540k) for the D300 SE SWB variant, all the way to over \nGBP137,800\n (approx. RM787k) for the P530 V8 LWB First Edition variant. Range Rover SV variants such as the four-seat Signature Suite are only available later in 2022. \u00a0\nGALLERY\nRange Rover Fifth Generation \u2013 Others"
"Besides announcing the \nimminent arrival of the Toyota Yaris\n, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has also revealed that the \nA90 Toyota GR Supra\n will be coming to our shores in 2019!\nThe company is keeping\nmum about the technical specification and pricing of the new sportscar, but\nglobal markets have the option for a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.0-litre\nturbocharged straight-six.\nThe four-banger offers two states of tunes \u2013 \n197 hp\n/\n320 Nm\n or \n258 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n while the straight-six unit commands \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of twist. Regardless of engine choice, you\u2019ll get an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard so is rear-wheel drive. Of course, enthusiasts are hoping for the 3.0-litre straight six Supra to arrive in Malaysia.\nIn Malaysia, a rear-wheel-drive sports car with a straight-six engine are few and far between with the only alternative being the \nBMW M2\n and \nMercedes-AMG SLC 43\n. If the four-cylinder Supra arrives in Malaysia, it would also be up against the \nPorsche Cayman\n \u2013 mechanical wise.\nPricing is a big\nconcern here as the German rivals all hover above the RM500,000 mark but can\nthe Japanese sportscar command such a price? We\u2019ll have to wait and see.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nA90\u00a0Toyota\u00a0Supra"
"Even though the new Porsche Panamera is set to be revealed by the end of this month, Porsche has jumped the gun by showing us what it can do on the Nurburgring; en route to a new record for the \u201cfastest executive car\u201d around the 20.8 km circuit.\nPorsche test driver, Lars Kern, completed a full lap of the legendary N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife in 7:29.81 minutes \u2013 a time certified as a new record in the \u201cexecutive cars\u201d category. This marginally beats the previous record set by the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door 63 S with a time of 7:30:11 minutes.\n \n\u201cThe Panamera has always been both an exclusive touring saloon and a true sports car at the same time. In the new model, we have enhanced these features even more,\u201d says Thomas Friemuth, Vice President Product Line Panamera. \u201cAlongside the increased engine power, improvements have been made in the areas of cornering stability, body control and steering precision. These enhancements benefit both everyday comfort and performance. The lap record is impressive proof of this.\u201d\nObviously, the Panamera will not come with a full bucket seat and a roll cage as standard like in the video but we\u2019re happy to share that the Panamera will make significantly more power than the current Panamera Turbo at 550 hp and 770 Nm.\nReferring to the screenshot above taken from the video, the Panamera makes as much as 630 hp and 851 Nm. At the moment the \nPanamera Turbo S E-Hybrid\n is the most powerful model in the range with 670 hp and 850 Nm.\nLocally, \nSime Darby Auto Performance\n just lauched the new \n718 Cayman GT4\n and the\n 718 Spyder\n, priced from RM999k and RM970k respectively.\nGALLERY"
"Vietnam\u2019s first national car, VinFast has just released initial photos of their \nupcoming sedan and SUV\n ahead of its global debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Penned by Italian design house, Pininfarina for the Vietnamese people, VinFast aims to place their new models in the premium segment.\nBoth cars wear the same V emblem at the centre of the grille that denotes the brand\u2019s initials and reflects the pride of Vietnam\u2019s first car manufacturer that meets global standards. The grille extends into the ultra slim headlamps flanked by the angular bumpers with large openings. If you look closely on the right side of the grille, there is an additional chrome piece that when combined with the LED daytime running lights create an italicises F-motif, the second syllable of VinFast.   As the brand\u2019s first ever car, it is no surprise that the two cars share a lot of similarities to create some form of familiarity for the VinFast brand with consumers. VinFast has engaged leading European engineers and production technology partners to create a desirable model that is competitive in the international level.\nDeliveries of the first VinFast cars will commence in Vietnam from September 2019 onwards and the world will have a first taste of the sedan and SUV on 2 October 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVinFast Sedan   VinFast SUV"
"You know the horrible feeling of when you roll up to the marina, only to have your yacht not match your favourite car? Yeah, totally relatable. Well, if you\u2019re rich enough to have this problem in the first place, you\u2019re also probably rich enough to solve it, thanks to Bentley\u2019s own Design Services department.\nAs a special project by request of one of its customers, Bentley\u2019s customisation arm worked together with Contest Yachts to create a bespoke 18-metre (59-foot) Contest 59 CS yacht, based on the customer\u2019s very own \nContinental GT\n.\nThe most obvious parallel, at least when seen from the outside, is the yacht\u2019s paint job, which gets a coat of deep blue hue that matches the car\u2019s Light Sapphire colour. But anyone can paint a yacht; the most impressive part of this custom build is actually on the inside.\nBentley has essentially recreated the interior of the owner\u2019s \nContinental GT V8 coupe\n within the yacht itself, including colour choices \u2013 red and linen beige leather \u2013 and even material choices, i.e. wood. So much wood.\nAnd just because this is a Bentley project, the leather in the yacht\u2019s cabin also features the carmaker\u2019s signature diamond-in-diamond stitching, which requires exactly 712 stitches per diamond and a high level of skill to produce, only possible on a special stitching machine exclusive to Bentley.\n\u201cThis project was an opportunity for Bentley Design Services to showcase some of their many skills in a truly unique collaboration. Bentley cars embrace qualities of craftsmanship and styling that are only achieved at the highest level of nautical design,\u201d said Bentley Motors Head of Bentley Design Collaborations, Brett Boydell.\nContest Yachts CEO and Co-Owner Arjen Conijn added: \u201cWe are well-known for our thorough approach to customisation, which allows us to fulfill the expectations and preferences of every customer. This project is the ultimate example of this approach \u2013 working with Bentley to turn a customer\u2019s dream into reality.\u201d\nAs this is a special one-off bespoke project, Bentley did not disclose how much a customisation job like this will cost. But I\u2019m sure with enough money, you can also have Bentley make another bespoke yacht for you, or anything you like for the matter.\nGALLERY"
"Last month, BMW unveiled the all-new\u00a0\nseventh-generation BMW 5-Series\n that is expected to hit showroom floors come 2017. However, BMW is not going to wait till then to announce the BMW M Performance upgrades for the G30 5-Series.\nThe M Performance upgrades encompasses an aerodynamic bodykit, lightweight wheels, power boost, and silencer system. Good news is, these upgrades are available for all variants of the G30 ranging from the 530i to the 530d xDrive. Upgrades for the M550i xDrive will be announced at a later date.\nStarting from the exterior upgrades, the aerodynamic bodykit includes \ncarbon fibre attachment parts\n for the front bumper, side sills, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. Alternatively, the rear spoiler and rear diffuser can be had in polyurethane (PUR). This upgrade not only enhances the visual appeal for the 5-series but also \noptimises driving dynamics\n.\nAdditionally, there are also \npure aesthetic upgrades\n including a Black M Performance grille, carbon fibre wing mirror caps, black M Performance bars for the brake channels, and side sill stickers with M Performance inscription. Completing the M Performance exterior upgrades are the\n 20-inch lightweight, dual-tone, double-spoke design alloy wheels\n wrapped in mixed tyre sizes of 245/35 R20 on the front and 275/30\u00a0R20 at the rear.   Jumping to the inside, the steering wheel can be upgraded to an Alcantara-wrapped BMW \nM Performance sports steering wheel\n with a red central marking and silver-grey stitching. For models fitted with the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, the sports steering wheel will come with \npaddle shifters\n.\nAlong with the fast-looking aesthetic bits, BMW\u2019s \nM Performance Power and Sound Kit\n gives the G30 5-Series a dose of power boost. When fitted onto the 540i and 540i xDrive\u2019s B58 six-cylinder 3.0-litre mill, power output is uprated by \n15 hp\n and \n50 Nm\n to a total of \n355 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. On the 530d and 530d xDrive, the kit adds \n27 hp\n and \n30 Nm\n to the six-cylinder turbodiesel resulting in a final output of \n288 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n. With the added performance, BMW claims that fuel consumption and emission figures remains the same.\nTo complement the higher outputs, BMW will also be offering \nM Performance sports brake system\n for better stopping power. A set of inner vented, perforated lightweight construction brake discs with 4-piston fixed caliper brakes made of aluminium is specified on the front axle while the rear axle is fitted with a single-piston floating caliper brakes. Naturally, these exclusive brake calipers are finished in red.   For petrol variants of the G30 5-Series, there is a\n M Performance Silencer system\n available as an option to promote engine acoustics. The Silencer system connects to either circular or trapezoid tailpipe outlet finished in either chrome or carbon fibre. On the other hand, for diesel variants, BMW has the \nM Performance exhaust system Active Sound\n for the same purpose. Like the M Performance Silencer system, the diesel system is connected to either circular or trapezoid tailpipe outlet finished in either chrome or carbon fibre.\nOriginal M Performance Accessories for the G30 5-Series will be available during the market launch of the vehicle. So folks, what do you think of the M Performance package for the 5-Series? Is the extra grunt worthy of your extra buck? Remember, it does not void the manufacturer\u2019s warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Set to go on sale in August 2019, Lexus has given us a general outlook as to what the 2020 Lexus RX will offer as the brand commits to cement its status as a pioneer of luxury SUVs.\nOne of the biggest changes to the new RX is the new shock absorber and increased body rigidity.\nLaser Screw Welding and spot welding have been extensively applied throughout the vehicle, along with the increased use of high-strength adhesives.\nThe combination of stiffer stabiliser bars (now hollow and 1mm wider) and enhanced hub rigidity now results in a more immediate response to steering inputs.\nThe redesigned RX\u2019s shock absorbers are now equipped with a new Friction Control Device (FCD) which further reduces high-frequency vibrations caused by minute road surface imperfections. The shock absorbers also enables the RX to corner flat and achieve exceptional responsiveness.\nDriving dynamics has also been improved through the Active Cornering Assist (ACA) system that suppresses understeer when stepping on the throttle in mid-corner, as well as improvements in the tuning of the Electric Power Steering, all of which result in a truly linear steering feel.\n \nBeing the first car manufacturer to introduce LED headlamps and Adaptive High Beam systems, Lexus is once again leading the way with the world\u2019s first BladeScan Type AHS2 lighting system.\nLED-sourced light shines onto a blade mirror spinning at high speed, and the light is transferred to a lens to illuminate the road ahead. While the light does not appear to be moving, the BladeScan Type AHS2 precisely controls light distribution by synchronising the rotation of the blade mirror and switching the LED headlamps on and off.\nThe 2020 Lexus RX also comes with the latest version of the Lexus Safety System+ that includes a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2019.05.23\n2019.05.23\n2019.05.23"
"A camouflaged model, dubbed the \u201cSmall SUV RS\u201d, is currently on display at the Honda stand at GIIAS 2022. With the words \u201cJoining the Honda family soon!\u201d adorning the see-through box enclosure, the Small SUV RS Concept could be unveiled in Indonesia very soon to compete in the same segment as the \nPerodua Ativa\n/Toyota Raize.\nThis camouflaged car is actually a further development from the \nHonda SUV RS Concept\n that was unveiled in last year\u2019s iteration of the auto show, as confirmed by Honda. The original concept basically looked like a shrunken \nHonda HR-V\n, especially from the rear end.\nHonda says that it has taken the original SUV RS concept to various districts in Indonesia and obtained market feedback in order to further develop the model. The Honda Small SUV RS will be the first of its model line, trailblazing a new model name for the brand.\nRELATED: \nHonda previews the SUV RS Concept at the Indonesia Auto Show 2021\nSoon to compete in the same segment as the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize in Indonesia, the Honda Small SUV RS also looks like a potential contender for the Perodua Ativa in Malaysia. However, due to the \u201cbudget\u201d nature of the segment, it might also share the same fate as the Honda Brio which never made it to our shores.\nALSO WATCH: \nAll-new 2022 Honda HR-V now launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nWith Honda\u2019s theme of \u2018Reignite Passion and Energy\u2019 for GIIAS 2022, Honda also announced that it will be introducing two new hybrid models for the Indonesian market. During the press conference, PT Honda Prospect Motor President, Kotaro Shimizu said, \u201cThrough GIIAS this time, we wanted to bring a new passion to consumers through various products, innovation, and the latest technology.\n\u201cThe Honda Small SUV RS is a development from the SUV RS Concept that we will launch soon in Indonesia. To realise Honda\u2019s electrification vision in Indonesia, we are showing various hybrid models that will be our technological focus at this time as a transition toward electrification.\u201d\nRELATED: \nHonda Malaysia sold 39,000 cars in H1 2022 \u2013 over 60% contributed by City duo\nGALLERY"
"Our favourite non-national compact hatchback, the Kia Picanto\n, has received some revisions and has gone on sale in South Korea.\nAvailable only in a single variant, the Urban, the biggest changes lies in its exterior. It comes with headlamps that resemble the ones in a \nPorsche Taycan\n while the grille looks like a chip off the \nImagine by Kia Concept\n. As for the fog lamps, they\u2019re now positioned in the middle as opposed to the side of the bumper from before.\nAt the back, major changes can be seen on the bumper with significantly slimmer fog and reverse lights along with fake exhaust outlets \u2013 disappointing. Kia says there\u2019s a new Honeybee Yellow colour to go with the newly-designed 14 and 16-inch wheels.\nAs for the engines, the Morning is offered either with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder or a 1.25-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed automatic. The latter even comes with a turbocharged version.\nChanges on the inside aren\u2019t as significant \u2013 save for a few splashes of colour on the centre console, air con vent surrounds and door panel. As for tech, the intended demographic of the Morning should celebrate knowing that they may now lock the car and control its air conditioning system via an app.\nIts more comprehensive safety system should receive a round of applause as well \u2013 now with a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane centering assist and lane departure warning.\nGALLERY\nRear Cross Traffic Alert\nBlind Spot Monitoring System\nAutonomous Emergency Braking"
"After posting a \ncryptic message\n on a product that contributes to sustainable motoring and relatively better for the environment plus added performance, UMW Toyota Motor has started the clock to the launch of their next-generation hybrid model on its \nwebsite\n.\nThe countdown, which ends at 2:00 p.m. on the \n14th of October\n 2021 (at the time of writing), briefly details the workings of the Toyota Hybrid System (THS), now in its fourth generation. If we were to take the silhouette of the model at \u201cface level\u201d, it looks like UMWT will be launching the \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n.\nA rear quarter and tail lamp that accurately traces the Corolla Cross\nCheck out Toyota\u2019s next step forward in its electrification plans, the bZ4X EV Concept here!\nThe \nToyota Corolla Cross\n Hybrid is powered by a 98 hp / 142 Nm naturally aspirated 1.8-litre paired to a sophisticated dual-motor-generator setup (72 hp / 163 Nm) with a power-split device (PSD) that functions as an electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The combined system output is \n122 hp\n whilst returning a fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 km or \n23.3 km/L\n. The powertrain first appeared in the fourth-generation \nToyota Prius\n.\nThe nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) traction battery is now placed under the rear seats for maximum luggage space. Coupled with the compact torsion beam rear axle, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has a very spacious luggage area of at least 440 litres, which is class-leading.\nIn a short press release, UMW Toyota Motor, Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama said, \u201cFor the immediate future, we are absolutely positive that the HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) is the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in Malaysia. It is a realistic bridge towards vehicle electrification while efforts are still being undertaken to help realize enablers for BEV, such as cost reduction, energy mix improvement and infrastructure development,\u201d\nToyota has already sold 15-million hybrid-electric vehicles globally, since the introduction of the first-gen Prius in 1997.\nToyota\u2019s last hybrid representative in Malaysia was the \nCamry 2.5 Hybrid\n, which retailed for under RM170,000. With plans to \nlocally assemble hybrid vehicles\n \nvia a RM270 million investment, expect the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid to be competitively priced, perhaps under the RM140,000 mark?\nThe closest competitor, the Honda HR-V Hybrid, is meanwhile priced under RM114,000, while the standard Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 are priced at RM124,000 and RM129,266 for the 1.8G and 1.8V respectively.\nGALLERY"
"Nothing screams \u2018premium\u2019 or \u2018exclusive\u2019 like gold these days, and that\u2019s how Nissan plans to celebrate the GT-R\u2019s 45th birthday, by giving it a shade of gold. Fittingly named the 45th Anniversary Gold Edition, the GT-R is based on the market\u2019s Premium variant, one that sits just below the Black Edition GT-R.\nThe \u2018Silica Brass\u2019 paint you see here first appeared in 2001 on the R34 GT-R M-Spec, and fewer than 30 units of this GT-R will be allocated across selected dealers in the US. Minor changes have been made to the car, such as the additional 5 hp gain (total 550 hp) and new 20-inch darkened RAYS aluminium-forged wheels featuring 20 spokes as compared to the previous \n10-spoke design\n.\nIt also comes with a set of nitrogen-filled Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 600 high performance run flat tyres, sized 255/40 at the front and a fatter 285/35 for the rear. The tyres here are shared with the \nNismo GT-R\n.\nThe range topping, 600 bhp Nismo GT-R\nDespite the new paint and wheels, the GT-R Gold Edition is priced a mere 1,000 USD (RM3,700) more than the Premium variant of which it\u2019s based on, so it\u2019s quite a bargain for customers there. The GT-Rs are priced as such:\nGT-R Premium\n$101,770 USD\nest RM377k\nGT-R 45th Anniversary Gold Edition\n$102,770 USD\nest RM381k\nGT-R Black Edition\n$111,510 USD\nest RM413k\nGT-R Nismo\n$149,990 USD\nest RM550k\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just announced a new \nRM17 million\n construction plan to erect a showroom in Kuantan which will be operated by one of their key dealers, NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd.\nThe proposed 3S Centre (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) will span over \n45,000 square feet\n of display space and houses 10 service bays manned by 20 trained personnel. There will be eight Mercedes models on display, and other customer convenience facilities include a coffee bar, designated lounge with TV and Wi-Fi connectivity.\nDuring the announcement, NAZA Group\u2019s Vice President 4-Wheels Division, David Hector Ratnaike said, \u201cToday we celebrate the beginning of another chapter here in Kuantan, Pahang. It\u2019s a very proud moment for us as it is the culmination of an ongoing effort to further develop our premium automotive capabilities. As a business, we are driven by the determination to provide premium quality facilities and together with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we will strive to offer the best services possible.\u201d\nThe Kuantan Autohaus will be NZ Wheel Sdn Bhd\u2019s fifth showroom and it is scheduled for completion in \nSeptember 2015\n. It is located at\u00a0Lot 5173 \u2013 5178, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25250 Kuantan, Pahang.\nMBM also recently celebrated their \nPekan plant\u2019s 10th anniversary \nwhere they locally produce the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class models."
"The Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 CKD that we all \nknow\n and \nlove\n has just gotten a few convenient upgrades in conjunction with Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\u2019s (MMM) Special Raya Promo.\nCustomers who book and register the 2.0-litre seven-seater 4WD SUV during this promotional period will gain additional factory fitted\n 360-degree\n \nall round monitor\n and \npremium leatherette seats\n (fabric seats on standard variants) on top of its existing equipment list. That is not all, MMM will also throw in \nRM4,000 Raya Bonus\n for both the Outlander 2.0 and \n2.4\n variants during this period.\nMMM has also expressed that the additional equipment on the Outlander 2.0 will \nonly be offered\n exclusively during this promotional period. If you\u2019re keen on having a 360-degree camera and leather seats on your Outlander \nwithout voiding your warranty\n, now is your \nonly chance\n.\nFor the pick-up truck shoppers, you will be pleased to know that the \nMitsubishi Triton VGT\n AT Premium comes with \nRM12,000\n Raya Bonus while the Triton MT and Triton Quest are offered with \nRM8,000\n Raya Bonus. The rest of the Triton line up will enjoy \nRM4,000\n Raya Bonus. Like the Outlander, customers will have to book and register a new Triton within this promotional period.\nFinally, customers who choose the Mitsubishi ASX 2WD or ASX 4WD will receive Raya Bonus up worth to RM8,000. Although, not as enticing as the \nRM17,000 cash bonus\n offered earlier in the year."
"A total of \n8.6 million\n outstanding traffic summonses were settled during the \n\u201cdiscount\u201d period\n that was introduced from December 9th in conjunction with the \u201c\n100-Hari Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia\n\u201d (AKM) programme.\nOriginally planned to be only valid for four days, long queues formed at both the venue as well as at every state police headquarters nationwide, leaving the PRDM no choice but to \nextend the deadline\n of the \u201cdiscount\u201d to the end of December.\nIn an interview with \nBernama\n, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah said the offer received a very positive response from the public, considering that \n12.2 million\n summonses were settled throughout 2021.\nEven before the introduction of the Lancer EVO as the Helang Lebuhraya, the PDRM has quite a remarkable fleet of official vehicles. More here!\nTan Sri Acryl Sani responded with a strong \u2018no\u2019 when asked by Bernama if there will be another extension to the \u201cdiscount\u201d deadline. He said payment counters nationwide saw a reduction in crowds in the final days of December, thus indicating the majority of the offenders have paid up. Payments were also allowed through the \nonline portal \nas well as via Maybank ATMs.   JPJ (Road Transport Department)\n also joined in with a similar \u201cpromotion\u201d of up to 80% discount for all outstanding summonses for compoundable offences during the same period. These of course exclude cases that have already been referred to the courts (including those already with arrest warrants, or are currently undergoing trial)."
"As one of Audi\u2019s most popular models,\nthe new Audi Q5 has huge shoes to fill, more so when the preceding model went\non to find over 1.6 million homes across the world.\nIt\u2019s got a good head start though, sharing the mighty impressive MLB Evo platform that currently underpins the \nA4 B9\n and \nQ7\n. That makes it larger and longer than the model it replaces, yet weight is down by as much as 90 kg. There\u2019s no denying that it looks a lot like the older model, but expect that to change in the upcoming facelift exercise.\nBeyond skin deep, the actual overhaul\nis in the mechanics and the cabin. Those acquainted with the new A4 will\ninstantly find the interior design familiar, with the only differences being\nthe air-con vents, steering wheel, dashboard and centre console layout.\nElsewhere, it\u2019s pretty much a carryover, but that\u2019s no bad thing because the\ncabin is solidly built.\nOur test units came fitted with the richly acclaimed \n12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit\n, and despite the proliferating adoption of such technology among other makes, Audi still impresses the most. The digital 1,440 x 540 pixel screen is powered by Nvidia\u2019s Tegra 3 SoC (system on a chip), one with enough computing capacity to deliver zero latency display.\nWhat this means is there\u2019s absolutely\nno flicker and ghosting regardless of its operating temperature, but the best\npart is this chip can be swapped for when the Tegra 4 (and beyond) arrives.\nThis HAS to be the future of dashboard displays. Oh, did I also mention that it\noperates at a butter-smooth 60 frames per second? Audi Connect, which is the\n8.3-inch screen affixed to the centre dash, is also powered by Nvidia.\nUnderneath all this ritzy Audi cabin is a brand new platform, with the axles now pushed 20 mm further apart. This makes the second-row seating evidently more spacious, but Audi played it safe by not giving the seats the length it requires for better thigh support. The touchy-feely bits are as expected of any Audi cars: high quality, generously applied and is surely in the running for class best.\nBoot volume is only up by 10 litres at \n550 litres\n, but the second-row seats can be pushed forwards, granting 60 litres more volume. With the seats folded flat, loading capacity expands to a healthy 1,550 litres. Apparently, all variants of the new Q5 will get powered tailgate as standard.\nOur drive took place in the incredibly\nbarren landscapes of Mexico\u2019s Baja California Sur, on coarsely granulated roads\nmuch like home, only far less pockmarked. Audi readied three variants of the Q5\nfor us to sample \u2013 2.0 TFSI quattro, 2.0 TDI quattro and 3.0 TDI quattro.\nOur focus of the day is the sport 2.0 TFSI quattro (RM339,900) since it is the only one on sale here in Malaysia. Neither diesel variations will make their way here, which is unfortunate, because the 3.0 litre TDI is a beast of a unit.\nWeighing just a nick under 1,800 kg, the petrol Q5 is approximately 60 kg heavier than the comparable \nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC\n and is five kg less than the new \nBMW X3 xDrive30i\n. However, Audi\u2019s four-cylinder turbo packs the hardest punch here with \n252 hp \nand \n370 Nm \nof torque, all sent to each corner through a 7-speed dual clutch auto and quattro all-wheel drive.\nOn paper, the Q5 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in \n6.3 seconds\n, which is a full second quicker than the GLC 250. Out in the real world though, the difference becomes more telling. The 90 kg weight loss means the Q5 is much nimbler in the bends and feels considerably punchier than before.\nThere\u2019s no hint of lethargy from this direct injected motor, which at full whack would top out at \n237 km/h\n \u2013 again, quicker than the GLC (223 km/h), but a tad slower than the X3 (240 km/h). What\u2019s interesting is that the engine, when pushed, produces a mildly sporty note, so that ought to make some smile.\nUnlike the GLC and X3, the Q5 is the only one of the three to get a dual-clutch transmission. However, in typical Audi fashion, the gearshifts are deliberately tuned for smoothness, though this does result in a slightly noticeable lag during gear changes. To clarify, it\u2019s still a quick-shifting unit, just not as rapid-firing as a DSG in a \nGolf R\n.\nA few standout characteristics of the\ndual-clutch transmission is the fact that it doesn\u2019t jerk when creeping slowly\nup a slope, a marked improvement from early iterations of the gearbox. There\u2019s\nno slippage as well, and there\u2019s always enough grunt to get you going at any\nspeed, so long as you remain within the legal limits.\nComfort, on the other hand, is considerably improved thanks to the new chassis and an upgraded five-link suspension setup for the rear (four-link previously). Ride quality is more supple than the GLC, but perhaps falling a tad short of the X3. BMW hardly gets this wrong, so to have the Q5 trail slightly behind is saying a lot for the ageing Audi.\nFor the longest time, Audi has been\nthe benchmark for refinement and noise isolation (the S-Class notwithstanding).\nToday, the competition has kept up, some even caught up, but the Q5 continues\nto prove that Audi is still in the game.\nWhen cruising in the city (circa 80 km/h), tyre roar and road noise are barely audible, while wind noise is completely nonexistent. Besides buzzing \nkapcais \nand angry honkers, there\u2019s little noise to distract the mind. At 110 km/h, wind noise is still generally well sorted, save for the occasional side drafts. Road noise at this point becomes slightly audible.\nThe Q5 has been impressive thus far,\nto say the least. But this is where things take an ugly turn. At RM340k, it\u2019s\nseverely lacking in the safety department. While it may boast a five-star ANCAP\ncrash safety rating, some may find the absence of features such as autonomous\nemergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, collision warning (passive), and blind-spot monitoring a\ndeal-breaker.\nThe consolation prize is that it has six airbags and \nthree Isofix mounting points \n\u2013 one for the front passenger seat, and two for the outer rear seats. Both the GLC and X3 only have two, which as you\u2019ve guessed, are for the outer rear seats.\nTo summarise, if you\u2019re on the market for an SUV that looks distinctive, handles competently, rides comfortably and packs a decent punch, the Q5, although somewhat late to the party, is still a strong contender for your money. It\u2019s just that, at RM340k, the \u201cfully-imported from Mexico\u201d argument holds no advantage over the sheer value you get with, for example, a \nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro in Mexico"
"Limited to just 30 units, the \u201cPanther\u201d Edition will be based on the\n rear-wheel drive Audi R8\n with 540 hp and 540 Nm from a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10. Performance wise, we\u2019re looking at a 3.6 second time from 0 to 100 km/h.\nOn the outside, by far the most standout feature of the R8 Panther is its 20-inch five-double spoke wheels finished in matte black and red trims. The exterior is draped in Audi\u2019s exclusive Panther Black crystal effect paint, complemented with a sport exhaust system that can be adjusted through the steering wheel.\nInside, the R8 Panther comes with bucket seats wrapped in Nappa leather, an Alcantara gear lever, and headlining. In case you\u2019re not a fan of how the V10 engine sounds, there\u2019s a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with 550 watts of audio power.\nThe 2021 R8 Panther edition is priced from USD 183,300 (approximately RM742k).\nThe Audi R8 rear-wheel drive is available in both coupe and Spyder body designs. Without the heavy all-wheel drive system, the R8 rear-wheel drive is 65 kg lighter than before; 55kg less in the Spyder.\nAudi is also offering ceramic brake discs as an option along with the front stabiliser that\u2019s made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum, shedding even more weight.\nGALLERY"
"The MotoGP is set to unveil its new Safety Car, the BMW M5 at the season finale in Valencia, Spain where it will spearhead the Safety Car fleet in the 2018 season.\nIt\u2019s based on the outgoing BMW M5 which features the newly-developed \u201cM xDrive\u201d, an all-wheel drive system used in a M5 for the first time. At the heart of the BMW M5 is a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology with \n600 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n on the taps channeled to an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox with Drivelogic.\nAs a result 0 to 100 km/h takes \n3.4 seconds\n; a staggering result testament to the reduced weight contributed significantly by the lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic roof. So it all sounds pretty similar then, like an M5 slapped with some fancy decals.\nBut its enhancements are beyond skin deep and come in the form of special racing features and safety equipment. The front splitter on the M5 Safety Car is a\n prototype\n developed specifically for the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car.\nThe bonnet latches are taken directly from race cars while the standard M Sport seats are taken from a BMW M4 GTS to ensure maximum support and security of the occupants when going flat out on the track.\nThe flat light bar on the roof utilises LED technology and is controlled via a specially developed cockpit panel. Another important signalling system is provided by the flashing front lights, consisting of blue LED lamps in the front grills and flashing corona rings for the headlamps.\nThe design of the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car is inspired by the BMW M8 GTE race car which will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a design which reflects the close cooperation between the BMW M and BMW Motorsport division.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here it is then, the highly-anticipated 2020 \nSubaru BRZ\n. While yes, we \nmay not be getting it over here in Malaysia\n, there\u2019s no indication as of now that the unannounced Toyota-branded sister-car, rumoured to be named the \nGR86\n, won\u2019t be making its way round here. So think of this as a teaser of some sorts, and keep our hopes and spirits high, shall we?\nFirst things first \u2013 there are no turbochargers here. Unfortunately,\n early rumours\n for a turbocharged engine turns out to be untrue this time round, but the new 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated still gives quite a significant bump in power output, now making \n228 hp\n and \n249 Nm\n of torque \u2013 28 hp and 44 Nm higher than before.\nThe all-new Hachiroku twins still maintain its old formula with a heap of pure driving experience, dash of lightweightness, and topped off with a fairly-affordable price tag. A six-speed manual gearbox plus a limited slip differential is standard, but a six-speed automatic gearbox with Sports mode for faster downshifts is available as option.\nThe engine revs all the way up to 7,000 rpm, and as there\u2019s no forced induction here, the engine response should be quite linear throughout the entire rev range. It\u2019s also been placed lower in the chassis to help lower the all-new BRZ\u2019s centre of gravity, and when paired to a 2,576 mm wheelbase and \u201cnear-perfect weight distribution\u201d, the 2020 Subaru BRZ should be quite a hoot to drive, too \u2013 not that we\u2019ll get to try it in the near future unfortunately.\nSubaru also says that the torsional rigidity in the \u201cbespoke\u201d chassis has increased by 50% while the \u201cfront lateral bending rigidity\u201d has been increased by 60-percent, using design elements learned from the Subaru Global Platform such as a reinforced chassis mounting system, sub-frame architecture and other connection points.\nBy using struts and coil springs on the MacPherson struts front suspension, paired with a double-wishbone rear suspension set-up, Subaru is also able to keep weight low \u2013 1277 kg to be exact, though \u201cestimated\u201d. In fact, Subaru even claims that the new BRZ is the \u201clightest rear-wheel-drive 2+2 production sports car sold in the US\u201d, which is oddly specific, and somewhat side-steps the \nMazda MX-5\n.\nWhile the overall proportions and size is pretty similar to the \noutgoing model\n, the 2020 Subaru BRZ looks completely new, thanks to the slightly rounder shape. Up front, there are the new more upright headlights, paired to a gaping, protruding hexagonal front grille that also sits lower than before.\nThe two side air scoops are also functional, and looks mighty aggressive with its jagged edges. There are also new sculpted bonnet that frames the headlights, while the roof retains the \u201cdouble bubble\u201d treatment as a nod to old-school race cars.\nThe side air vents behind the front fenders are also completely functional \u2013 \nahem\n, unlike those found on the \nToyota Supra\n \u2013 which works to channel air from underneath the car to flow over the side skirts, generating more downforce. The small fins on the rear wheel arches also serve an aerodynamic purpose to help increase lateral grip.\nAs for the rear, the 2020 Subaru BRZ now feels a lot taller visually thanks to the new taillights, which seemingly sits a lot higher-up than before \u2013 although, they reach further outwards towards the side to give it a wider stance, while also being joined together by a thin strip across the entire width of the bood lid.\nThere\u2019s also an integrated ducktail spoiler that houses the third braking light, while lower down, the reverse/fog lights combo has been retained from the outgoing model, flanked by the exhaust tips on each end. Two variants are available in the US \u2013 the Premium sits on 17-inch wheels, while the higher-end Limited is equipped with a set of 18s.\nInside, the driver-focused interior is upgraded with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, which can be customised to display amps, water temperature, or a G-force meter. In Track mode, the tachometer automatically changes to a linear horizontal scale, which supposedly helps the driver to focus on the road.\nElsewhere, there\u2019s also a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display \u2013 which frankly, looks like an afterthought that\u2019s just been tacked on. The infotainment display runs on Subaru\u2019s latest StarLink system, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Models equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission also feature Subaru\u2019s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.\nThe all-new 2020 Subaru BRZ will be produced at the marque\u2019s Gunma assembly plant in Japan. Pricing is unannounced, though it is estimated to start at around $30,000 (RM123k), and will go on sale in the second half of next year \u2013 unfortunately in the US only for the time being \u2013 please prove us wrong, Subaru?\nGALLERY"
"New to the \nPorsche 911\n lineup is the \nPorsche 911 Carrera T\n, with the \u2018T\u2019 being short for Touring. Powered by the entry-level 911 engine, the 911 Carrera T slots between the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S. It is also the lightest Porsche 911 (with the entry-level engine).\nThe Biturbo flat-6 engine makes \n385 hp\n (metric) and \n450 Nm\n. Singing its tune is a Sports Exhaust System that is standard on the Porsche 911 Carrera T. Also standard on the 911 Carrera T is a seven-speed manual gearbox, which is the main reason why the 911 Carrera T is the lightest 911 (The 911 Carrera is not available with a manual box). Customers also have the option to choose an eight-speed PDK gearbox but would then forego the \u2018lightest 911\u2019 title.\nAlso equipped on the Porsche 911 Carrera T is the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear differential lock. Besides that, the Carrera T also gets PASM Sport suspension as standard.\nCutting the weight of the 911 Carrera T is the lack of back seats, reduced insulation, use of lightweight glass, and use of a lightweight battery. The powertrain accelerates all 1,470 kg of the Carrera T from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS unleashed at Silverstone Circuit\nIn the handling department, an optional item for the Carrera T is the rear-axle steering system. The system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels at high speeds, but in the opposite direction at low speeds for maximum manoeuvrability.\nTo identify the 911 Carrera T from the outside, you simply have to look out for the dark grey accentuating details. Contrasting elements such as the top and bottom trim on the exterior mirrors, the new door logos and the rear logos, and the trim strips on the rear lid grille feature Agate Grey. The windscreen also features a grey top tint.\nRELATED: \nPorsche 911 GT3 RS\u2019 new 6:49.328 N\u00fcrburgring lap proves that NA still matters in a turbo world\nCompleting the exterior look of the 911 Carrera T are a set of \u2018T\u2019-specific \u2018Titanium Grey Carrera S\u2019 wheels which are 20 inches in front and 20 inches at the rear. The tyres are 245/35 in front and 305/30 at the rear.\nInside, the 911 Carrera T gets four-way Sports Seats Plus as standard. The interior is mainly decorated in matte black and high-gloss black. Standard in the 911 Carrera T is the Sports Chrono package. An optional Carrera T interior package is available in case customers wish to spruce things up on the inside. And should they decide to, they will receive additional contrasting-coloured seatbelts (Slate Grey or Lizard Green).\nRELATED: \nPorsche\u2019s all-new 911 GT3 RS even comes with an F1-inspired DRS system!\nThe new 911 Carrera T is available in four solid colours \u2013 Black, White, Guards Red and Racing Yellow. Four metallic finishes are also available \u2013 Deep Black, Gentian Blue, Ice Grey and GT Silver.\nAvailable special colours are Chalk, Ruby Star Neo, Carmine Red, Shark Blue and Python Green. Buyers of the 911 Carrera T also have the option of using the Paint to Sample programme, which offers paintwork in over 110 available colour tones. In Germany, prices of the Porsche 911 Carrera T start at \u20ac 123,845 (approx. RM 572,948) including VAT.\nGALLERY"
"Renault has just unveiled its first rolling prototype of its all-electric concept car, the Renault Symbioz. Powered by two electric motors, the Symbioz was designed to be fully autonomous from the ground up, creating a whole new onboard experience that is equally as exciting as being behind the wheel yourself.\nThe new prototype (or Symbioz demo car) features \nLevel 4 autonomous driving\n which allows the drivers to be \u2018mind-off\u2019. Level 4 autonomous is capable of driving the car independently without needing the driver to concentrate on the road ahead. On highways or dual carriageways, the Symbioz demo car can adjust the vehicle speed to the car in front, stay in its lane when cornering, change lanes, overtaking another car and function alone in traffic jams, all without any input from the driver.\nAs the leading European carmaker for electric vehicles, the futuristic Symbioz is naturally powered by batteries. Two electric motors mounted on the rear axles give the rear-wheel-drive autonomous car a maximum power of \n500 kW\n (670 hp) and \n660 Nm\n of peak torque. Output is down to \n360 kW\n (482 hp) and \n550 Nm\n under normal load. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes \n6 seconds flat\n.\nThe Symbioz demo car is also equipped with 4Control all-wheel steering system which was first equipped on the \nfourth-gen\u00a0Megane GT\n. Power supply is courtesy of a \n72 kWh battery pack\n (expandable up to 100 kWh) that can be plugged into a fast charging point, giving it 80 percent juice in less than one hour.   Drivers can select between \nthree driving modes\n \u2013 Classic, Dynamic and AD. Classic is the default driving mode where the drive is in total control of the car and the car\u2019s settings are focused on comfort. Dynamic mode as the name suggests; sets the electric motor, steering and chassis into the most aggressive setting for a dynamic driving style. If you prefer to lay back and let the car do all the \ndirty work\n, AD mode engages fully autonomous driving (AD) and stows away the steering wheel and dashboard by 12 cm for a relaxing commute.\nExecutive Vice President, Product Engineering, Groupe Renault, Gaspar Gascon Abellan on the Renault Symbioz: \u201cYou cannot re-imagine the future of mobility until you\u2019ve been in the SYMBIOZ demo car. Our engineering and design teams have pushed into the next decade with an autonomous car that lets you experience a new kind of mobility. Electric and connected, this working concept car is designed from the outset to challenge old paradigms about getting from place to place.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has just released the confirmed pricing of the newly launched \nG02 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport\n which retails for RM364,800, quite a bit lower than the estimated RM380k price tag announced at the launch.\nIt is also some RM35k cheaper than its direct competitor, the \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe AMG Line\n which is also locally assembled like the BMW. While the X4 has the pricing advantage, it still loses out on the Merc\u2019s suite of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems.\nTo recap, the X4 in the xDrive30i guise gets the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and 8-speed ZF automatic combo to deliver \n252 hp\n and 350 Nm of twist. Century sprint is dispatched in \n6.3 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n240 km/h\n, quicker than the GLC 300 Coupe if that\u2019s your concern.\nDressed in the M Sport trim, our local-spec X4 is furnished with 20-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 699 M, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, adaptive LED headlamps and twin exhaust outlets.\n \nInside you\u2019ll find Vernasca leather upholstery, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, 10.25-inch BMW Navigation Professional infotainment system, 16-speaker Harman Kardon, Heads Up Display, panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate amongst others.\nThere are four exterior\nshades to choose from \u2013 Alpine White, Flamenco Red, Carbon Black and Phytonic\nBlue. Every purchase of the G02 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is covered with a 5-Years\nUnlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service."
"Yup, that\u2019s it. The story is pretty much all in the title. Mini has announced that it is currently working on an all-electric John Cooper Works model, but stopped short of providing any other information, aside from a couple of photos.\nFrom the looks of it, the all-electric Mini JCW \u2013 in prototype form at least \u2013 is based on the limited-run \nMini JCW GP\n model, complete with the crazy fender flares and huge wings. The only visual difference we can see is the new blocked-off grille as per electric car tradition, as well as the deletion of the tailpipes.\nMini\u2019s press release says that it will be built on a new architecture that promises to deliver the \u201cextreme performance and genuine driving enjoyment\u201d as expected in a JCW. Seeing that it\u2019s based on the GP, we\u2019re guessing it will be an all-out performance model as well, and not just a souped-up Mini with a couple of extra ponies under the hood. Which brings us to the biggest question mark in this whole ordeal \u2013 just which electric powertrain was Mini going to use?\nThere aren\u2019t that many in their own EV arsenal; the only all-electric model they currently make is the \nMini Cooper SE\n, which makes \u201conly\u201d 184 hp and 270 Nm of torque \u2013 a long way to go to match the MINI JCW GP, also known as the most powerful Mini ever made. Although credit where it\u2019s due, the \nCooper SE has already been used \u2013 basically stock \u2013 in a rally stage\n.\nThe most obvious answer we can think of right now is \nBMW\u2019s fifth-generation eDrive platform\n, which will be used in the upcoming \nBMW iX3\n and \niX\n. The single-motor powertrain in the iX3 is said to make 286 hp and 400 Nm of torque, which is just a little shy of the Mini JCW GP. The dual-motor iX meanwhile is said to make \u201cat least 500 hp\u201d, but really, it\u2019s anyone guess at this point if either of these will make it into the all-electric JCW.\nWhat we also don\u2019t know is the release date of the new all-electric JCW, as Mini makes no mention of it at all in the press release. However, we\u2019re hoping that it won\u2019t be too long of a wait, seeing that it\u2019s already undergoing testing at the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife based on the photos provided.\nGALLERY"
"In the ruthless era of downsizing, it seems that Lamborghini is the only one capable of swimming against the current. According to a report by \nCar Advice\n, the Italian carmaker will only go as far as embracing hybrid technology, with a plug-in variant already set in stone for their upcoming SUV, the Lamborghini Urus.\nLamborghini remains mum on matters relating to the hybrid tech development, but did admit that there will come a time for them to consider turbocharging and downsizing. Their CEO, Stefano Domenicali said, \u201cW\nhilst the Urus will pioneer the first hybrid for the raging bull, the Aventador and its replacement will remain naturally aspirated for as long as possible.\u201d\nThere\u2019s also a possibility that the V10 engine may be retired within the next decade, though the same cannot be said for their high revving V12 engine. \u201cWe very soon have\u00a0to decide what may be the future of our V10, but we want to keep the naturally aspirated V12 for as long as possible. Because apparently, we will be the only one focused on it in the future,\u201d said Domenicali.\nFerrari, Porsche and McLaren have all gone down the turbocharging route. Only two supercar manufacturers have remained defiant in the face of doom \u2013 Aston Martin and Lamborghini. The former however, may soon cave in."
"Mercedes-Benz will be releasing their flagship SL convertible later this year and the vehicle has been spending quite a fair bit of time at a Swedish proving ground to fine-tune its \nall-wheel drive\n system.\nYup, that is the new direction of the flagship soft-top convertible. For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz will be offering their fully-variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system on the SL (Super-Leicht / Super-Light in English) model.\nThe handling dynamics of this iconic Roadster, set to make its debut later this year, will undergo final refinement on \nthe Nurburgring Nordschleife\n when conditions allow. On the most challenging racing circuit in the world, specialists from Mercedes-AMG will ensure that this latest iteration of the SL draws more than ever on its sporting roots.\nThe eighth-generation\n \nRoadster is also set to be available exclusively under the \nMercedes-AMG\n high-performance line-up.\nBeing a 2+2 roadster with a soft top, we guess it\u2019s also an\n excellent location to test the insulation levels\n provided by the high-tech fabric roof plus other comfort-related features.\nFurthermore, Mercedes-Benz specifically selected the date of \n12th March\n to share this news piece as a recollection of excitement on publicly announcing the similar road-testing information regarding the first-generation SL model 69 years ago.\nA couple of years ago, the flagship soft-top convertible with seating for four was represented by the \nMercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet\n as part of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s \nDream Cars\n portfolio."
"Earlier today, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced \nthree new updates to the E-Class line up\n, spearheaded by the range-topping E350 AMG Line at RM399,888.\nAlso new is the \nE200 SportStyle Avantgarde\n and \nE300 Exclusive Line\n, priced at RM329,888 and RM379,888 respectively \u2013 all of which are locally assembled.\n \nNew features in the range-topper isn\u2019t only limited to the Dynamic Body Control suspension system which varies the car\u2019s behaviour depending on the drive mode selected but also the Driving Assistance Package.\nThe new addition offers driving aids such as Active Blind Spot Assist, Lane Tracking Package, autonomous emergency braking and Distronic Plus (adaptive cruise control with stop & go).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The BMW 740e iPerformance marks the return of the hybrid powertrain in BMW\u2019s flagship limo. Previously carrying the \u201cActiveHybrid\u201d moniker, BMW has streamlined their electrified cars under the iPerformance umbrella, signalling that hybrid cars doesn\u2019t need to be boring. Just look at the \ni8 supercar\n, need we say more?\nReturning back to our main topic, the 740e will make you want to rethink about purchasing the \n740Li\n. Have a look at these figures: the 3.0-litre straight-six in the 740Li develops 326 hp and 450 Nm. The 740e offers the same horse count, and \n50 Nm more\n. Unlike the F01/F02 predecessor, the G11/G12 hybrid 7 Series uses a much smaller petrol engine paired to an electric motor, as seen in the \nX5 xDrive40e\n.\n \n \nUnder the bonnet resides a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol\n mill, producing \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Doesn\u2019t sound like much in a sedan over five metres long, but there\u2019s that \nelectric motor\n integrated into the sublime \n8-speed Steptronic\n, which can generate \n83 kW/113 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. Total output is rated at \n326 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, which allows the rear-wheel drive 740e to get from \nzero to 100 km/h\n in \n5.4 seconds\n. The long-wheelbase variant, the 740Le clocks the sprint time just 0.1 seconds slower than the 740e, but quicker still is the all-wheel drive \n740Le xDrive\n, which does it in \n5.3 seconds\n. Maximum speed is capped at 250 km/h for all variants.\nThe \nhigh-voltage lithium-ion battery\n is located under the rear seat. Charging it will take less than 3 hours using a BMW i Wallbox, and when fully charged it should provide enough juice to transport its occupants \nup to 45 km\n with speeds \nup to 140 km/h\n in the \nMAX eDRIVE pure-electric mode\n. The default setting is the \nAuto eDRIVE hybrid mode\n, where the 740e will waft along silently using its electric motor until it\u2019s joined by the petrol engine once it reaches 80 km/h, based on throttle input from the driver. The clever power management makes the 740e one of the most frugal limos around, sipping as little as \n2.0 litres of petrol over 100 km\n.\nThe rear-wheel drive variant can be had in either the \nG11 740e\n or the \nG12 740Le\n long-wheelbase, while the all-wheel drive is only offered on the long-wheelbase \nG12 740Le xDrive\n. If you\u2019re already a fan of the G11/G12 7 Series then you\u2019ll also be glad that BMW didn\u2019t mess up with the styling. Apart from the discreet \u201ci\u201d and \u201ceDrive\u201d badges as well as the charging flap on the front fender, the 740e iPerformance looks just like any other G11/G12 7 Series currently on sale. So if you\u2019re not in a hurry to get the 740Li, you might want to wait for the 740Le to reach our Malaysian shore. The \nX5 xDrive40e\n made it here, so let\u2019s hope BMW Malaysia will bring in the 740e as well. Actually, it\u2019s just a matter of time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan USA has just released the launch date for the retro-inspired new Nissan Z sportscar- \nAugust 17th\n.\nThe company first unveiled the \nZ Proto\n in September last year, with plenty of styling elements that are \u201cheritage-inspired\u201d such as the taillamps and circular DRL signature reminiscing the Nissan 240ZG. The company is maintaining almost all the prototype styling to the \nproduction car\n, as seen in a posting couple of months back.\nNissan is expected to fit a new \n3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6\n engine beneath the long hood. The unit, currently servicing the Infiniti Q60 and Japan-only Skyline 400R, is expected to deliver \n400 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. No electrification is expected in the new Nissan Z.\nThis 87-year old lady has been driving her Nissan 200SX for 30 years!\nOwners in America are also said to have a high preference for manual transmission over the years of Nissan Z sales, so the new Nissan Z will also continue to offer a classic six-speed manual transmission, as well as a new nine-speed automatic transmission.\nThe \ninterior of the Nissan Z\n equips the driver with a large fully-digital instrument cluster and a three-gauge analogue meter pod (turbo boost, turbine speed and voltage) rather than another free-standing screen like the rest of the industry.\nFor reference, the Toyota GR Supra 3.0 with 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque in the USA is priced up to \nUSD54,795\n( RM223k), while the entry to the GR Supra range begins at USD43,090 (RM175k) thanks to a smaller 258 hp / 400 Nm four-cylinder 2.0-litre variant. Meanwhile in \nMalaysia\n, the 2020 GR Supra 3.0 retails at RM589,987."
"Whether you\u2019re looking to explore the tarmacs of beyond, the new Toyota FT-AC (Future Toyota Adventure Concept) revealed at the LA Autoshow recently will bring you there.\nSeemingly built for extreme terrains, it\u2019s got LED headlights up front with detachable fog lights which can be attached to mountain bikes. Aside from twin hooks cleverly concealed in the front and rear bumper for vehicle recovery, it\u2019s also got skid plates to protect the short front and rear overhangs.   It\u2019s wide fender flares not only project a powerful stance but also provides protection for the body of the FT-AC which sits on 20-inch wheels.\u00a0The concept\u2019s exterior consists of a striking combination of Prospect Green with Fortress Gray accents.\nInstead of having a conventional roof rack, the roof itself has been sculptured to serve as a tray, with LED marker lights at its front corners providing ambient lighting. They also act as a flash for the cameras embedded into the side mirrors. The cameras are also detachable, for GoPro-like applications.\nThe same roof rack\u2019s rear-facing LED lights also aids night time visibility and can be controlled via smartphones. Also at the rear is an integrated bike rack that can be retracted \u2013 allowing it to be hidden within seconds.\nMechanically, the petrol-powered FT-AC has been designed with an advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. It\u2019s also equipped with variable terrain-response settings and 4-wheel lock functions. The FT-AC could also be offered in hybrid powertrains for maximum efficiency without compromising power.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation has announced the arrival of the new Corolla Sport in Japan with an Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) model scheduled for release in August. Prices start from 2.1 million Yen (RM\u00a078k) to 2.6 million Yen (RM 98k).\nTouted as more than just a means of transportation, it is the first-generation connected car, connecting people, communities, and cars, while offering individually-tailored services for safety, security, comfort, and convenience.\nThere are two engine options available \u2013 1.8-litre Hybrid and a 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo \u2013 accompanied by a 10-speed CVT gearbox. The 1.8-litre hybrid engine produces a combined\n 122 hp\n while the turbocharged engine makes \n116 hp\n and\n 185 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Corolla Sport is the first front-engine front-drive Toyota in Japan to use Linear-solenoid-type AVS. Linear-solenoid-type AVS instantly adjusts the damping force for each wheel according to road surface and driving conditions to deliver a comfortable drive on any road surface condition.\nThe new symbolic front emblem (JDM models only) uses the letter \u201cC\u201d for Corolla and three corollas (garlands) as its motif. Inside, the Corolla is occupied with a 7-inch multi-information display along with newly developed bucket seats with enhanced side bolsters.\nThe Toyota Safety Sense comes as standard in all Corolla Sport models. The system includes pre-collision safety system that detects pedestrians (day and night) and bikes (day) to help prevent collisions and mitigate damage, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist to support the radar cruise control, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam.\n \nPart of the Corolla\u2019s new connected mobility offerings allow\u00a0Call Centers (or dealers) to offer guidance to drivers when warning lights are activated based on information transmitted from the vehicle.\nDrivers can use their smartphones to check the engine oil level, smart key battery level/condition or whether warning lights are activated. They can also use the same to check\u00a0whether the doors are open, hazard lights are on, the auto alarm is on and more.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Audi Q2 compact crossover will be discontinued after the current generation reaches it\u2019s end-of-life, according to Audi CEO Markus Duesmann.\nSpeaking to German newspaper \nHandelsblatt\n, Duesmann confirmed that both the Audi Q2 and \nA1\n \u2013 the latter which we\u2019ve known for a while now \u2013 will not be replaced, as the company realigns its focus on larger and more expensive \u201cpremium\u201d models with higher profit margins.\n\u201cWe have decided not to build the A1 any more, and there will be no successor model from the Q2 either. We have also realigned Audi as a premium brand,\u201d Deusmann told the publication.\n\u201cWe will limit our model range at the bottom and expand it at the top. We are prioritizing other segments.\u201d\n \nThe move is further influenced by the poor sales from both models worldwide. According to JATO Dynamics data, Audi sold 57,000 units of the A1 and 53,183 Q2s in Europe through 2021, both significantly overshadowed by the roughly 90,000 Q3s sold in Europe last year.\nWhile the two models won\u2019t live on to see another generation, there should still be some time left for you to buy one if they\u2019re up your alley. The Q2 was unveiled globally in 2016, and only received its mid-cycle facelift last year.\nHere in Malaysia, the Audi Q2 is available in the 1.4 TFSI guise, featuring a 150 hp/250 Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged inline-four mill under its bonnet and paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nPricing for the entry-level Audi Q model starts at RM236,900, on the road, without insurance, but inclusive of the sales tax and excise duties.\nH/T: \nMotor1"
"In May 2023, \nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)\n recorded a total of \n8,004 cars\n sold, which is 18% higher than what the company recorded in April 2023. Of the 8,004 cars sold, \n7,875 units\n were \nToyota\n models, and \n129 units\n were \nLexus\n models.\nAs for the cumulative year-to-date sales (January to May 2023), UMWT has recorded a total of \n39,990 units\n. This is a whole 8% growth compared to the year-to-date sales of 26,972 units, registered as of May 2022.\nThroughout the month of May, UMWT has taken an approach to fulfilling its responsibility to provide low-carbon transport solutions which cater to the diverse needs of Malaysians. The company brought in sample units of the all-electric \nToyota bZ4X\n to conduct market research and technical evaluations on local road conditions.\nThis move aligns with \nToyota\u2019s multi-pathway strategy\n, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by offering a range of options. These options include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).\nRELATED: \nLeaked: Next-gen Toyota Alphard & Vellfire \u2013 The new VIP-mobile?\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, \u201cToyota has a multipathway strategy towards carbon neutrality and this is evident through these green powertrains, each developed to best meet the unique needs of customers in different parts of the world.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cFor Malaysia, we believe HEVs are the most suitable for Malaysians, considering the fuel source of our electricity generation and availability of charging infrastructure outside city centres in the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. We will add more HEV models in 2023.\u201d\nBesides, UMWT also held a \ngrand opening of its first eco-friendly Lexus showroom in Klang\n. This showroom exemplifies the luxury brand\u2019s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and making significant strides towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.\nThe month of May also saw the launch of the fifth-generation \nLexus RX\n. Built on the GA-K version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the latest RX is 90 kg lighter than its predecessor, which enables it to offer improved performance and fuel efficiency. The Lexus RX in the RX350 Luxury variant is offered at RM468,888 (OTR without insurance), together with a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.\nUMWT continues with its commitment to providing exceptional services through Toyota Extra Mile in its June promotion. The company is offering promotions worth up to \nRM8,000\n, with the \nToyota Corolla\n offered at a monthly instalment starting from \nRM1,108\n, while the all-new \nVios\n is offered at a monthly instalment starting from \nRM688\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia \u2013 over 500 bookings received in one week"
"If you drive a Myvi of any generation and still feel like joining one of the many Myvi owners\u2019 clubs out there but still haven\u2019t found one yet, fret not, because Perodua has sent out an \nopen invitation\n \nto every Myvi owner\n out there \u2013 yes, \nall 830,000 of you\n, to take part in the model\u2019s \u201cMyvi 10niversary Celebration\u201d.\nThe event, known as \u201cMyvi Nation, the Biggest Myvi Gathering\u201d, is slated to take place at \nSetia City Mall\n on \n24 May 2015\n, and participants \nmust bring their Myvis\n to the 7am-to-6pm event in order to be eligible for a \ncertificate\n and an \nexclusive gift pack\n worth over RM400. What\u2019s more is you also get to be in the running to win a \nspecial 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Myvi\n \u2013 that\u2019s a real car, not a die-cast model, mind you.\nIt sounds almost like a carnival now, with \nstar-studded concerts\n lined up to perform all day, \nfireworks display\n, \nhot air balloon rides\n\u00a0and even an open-aired movie session at night. There will also be games and fun activities setup, including special deals for all to enjoy.\nTo participate, you must first \nown or drive\n a Myvi, and register yourselves at \nPerodua\u2019s official website\n\u00a0(subject to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010). Registration fee is \nRM50 per car\n, and you won\u2019t have to pay more if you decide to bring friends and family along. Just make sure they get into the Myvi you\u2019re driving.\nBefore registering, please spare a good minute to carefully go through the reminders below:\n1) Participants\u2019 car must be registered in Malaysia, with a \nvalid road tax\n, motor insurance and \ndriving licence\n during the event.\n2) To participate in the contest, it is mandatory for the cars to carry the Perodua and Myvi logos (NO Toyota or Scion or Passo logos guys, seriously) which need to be visible all the time during the event.\n3) The car must be recognisable as per its original model, the Perodua Myvi. Any cars that has been modified beyond its original design will be disqualified.\n4) If the Participant uses other car that is not registered under his/her name, it is his/her responsibility to obtain a written consent from the legal owner. Please click \nhere\n for the consent form.\nRegistration dates are open from \n21 April to 10 May 2015\n, so hurry, click \nhere\n to register and we\u2019ll see you guys there! Remember, it\u2019s a Myvi gathering for run-of-the-mill Myvis, not heavily modified and unrecognisable ones."
"If you thought the new \nFK8 Civic Type R\n with its \n2.0-litre turbocharged engine\n was a match made in heaven, imagine having the same powerplant in a car that weighs as much as a Perodua Kancil.\nInsane right? British car maker Ariel however, thrives on it. Their newest Atom 4 (costing approx. RM212k) is now home to the \n310 hp\n engine from the \nfastest front-wheel drive sportscar around the Nurburgring\n.\nThe Atom 4 is home to the K20C 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the FK8 Honda Civic Type R.\nWith a new exhaust system and\u00a0\n75% increase in power\n over the previous Atom, the statistics are just impossible \u201cto brain\u201d. 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds (similar with the GT2 RS), 0 to 160 km/h in 6.8 seconds and top speed if you dare try, is marked at 260 km/h.\nPower goes to the rear wheels of the 600 kg Atom 4 through a 6-speed gearbox with limited-slip differential. The powertrain rests on an all-new chassis that has achieved a 15% increase in stiffness.\nBilstein monotube dampers with Eibach dual rate springs and adjustable pushrod suspension are standard with twin pot caliper brakes at the front and rear.\nEach car will be built by one technician and per order basis for each individual customer. The fourth-generation Atom is completely new with Ariel claiming that \nonly three parts were carried over\n from the previous Atom.\n\u201cThe Atom 4 is the biggest change to the car since we originally released it in 1999. It\u2019s an all-new car with only the clutch, brake pedals and the fuel cap carried over from the previous Atom\u201d, said Director of Ariel, Simon Saunders."
"Been eyeing for that MINI Cooper for some time, but not ready to commit to a lengthy and burdening loan tenure? Well, MINI Malaysia is now offering a new financing programme \u2013 Full Circle Programme for the MINI 3 Door and 5 Door!\nCourtesy of BMW Credit Malaysia (in case you didn\u2019t know MINI is a member of the BMW Group), the financing programme offers enhanced ownership flexibility and guarantees future value of the MINI 3 Door and 5 Door. The \nFull Circle Programme\n allows for owners to customise their settlement options according to the owner\u2019s budget and ownership plans, which in return offers a\n lower monthly instalments\n and \nshorter loan tenures\n.\n \n \nAspiring owners will only need to select the mileage options and financing tenure to take home a brand new MINI. At the end of the contract, owners can choose to either trade in or sell their MINI back to the dealership and select a brand new MINI, make a full settlement and keep the MINI or extend the contract term and continue to enjoy their MINI.\nThe Full Circle Programme starts from\n RM1,348 a month\n for a Mini Cooper 3 Door while a MINI Cooper 5 Door starts from \nRM1,378\n \na month\n. With this new financing package, perhaps it\u2019s time to really consider that dream MINI of yours, especially since the entire MINI 3 Door and 5 Door range were just \nupdated for 2017\n."
"Geely\n \nand \nRenault\n have now signed a joint venture (JV) agreement for their new powertrain company, following the framework agreement that was \nsigned back in November 2022\n. The new powertrain company\u2019s name has yet to be announced, but it has been revealed that it will be a 50/50 joint venture between the two companies.\nAs mentioned during the signing of the framework agreement, the new powertrain company will supply internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains to Renault Group, Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Proton, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors Company, and PUNCH Torino. Through a press statement, Renault says that the new company could offer solutions for 80% of the global ICE and hybrid market.\nThe new company will include 17 engine plants and 5 R&D centres in 3 continents. It is expected to employ 19,000 people in total. The initial organization will secure the continuity of the business with two operational centers in charge of the respective operations: Madrid for Renault Group and Hangzhou Bay for Geely. An executive team will be based in the headquarters of the new company, which is intended to be established in the UK, to consolidate operations, build on synergies, and define future plans.\nRenault Group CEO, Luca de Meo said, \u201cFacing today\u2019s automotive challenges, no one can claim to have all the solutions, alone. Coming up with breakthrough innovations requires to combine expertise and assets. When it comes about the global race for decarbonizing road transports, there is no time to lose, and it will not be business as usual. Today, we are proud to join forces with a great company like Geely to set up a new player, up to the challenge, able to disrupt the game and open the way for ultra-low emissions ICE technologies. I want to thank Eric Li Shufu for his trust: we are now ready to move forward!\u201d\nRELATED: \nRenault and Geely to form new engine company \u2013 to supply Proton, Nissan, Mitsubishi\nSubject to applicable laws and regulations, Geely Auto and Renault will enter into a long-term procurement agreement from the joint venture for ICE, hybrid and plug-in hybrids powertrains (engine and transmissions) for passenger vehicles. In addition, Renault will procure powertrains from the joint venture for light commercial vehicles as well as the development of hybrid batteries.\nThe new powertrain company is also open to new interested partners. At the moment, Aramco has signed a letter of intent with Renault and Geely on March 2, 2023, and is evaluating a strategic investment in this new powertrain technology company.\nGeely Holding Group Chairman, Eric Li said, \u201cWe are pleased to be embarking on this journey to become a global leader in hybrid technologies, providing low-emission solutions for automakers around the world. We are looking forward to working with Luca de Meo and his Renault team. With this agreement, we reiterate our commitment to leveraging our group-wide technological expertise and brand portfolio to pioneer the journey to greater sustainability and value creation which will lead to better consumer experiences.\u201d\nRELATED: \nFuture Aston Martin cars will use Geely parts, including air-con and seats"
"As our team works on the upcoming video review of the \nElantra 1.6-TGDi Sport\n, the Korean figure which has \nimpressed us leaps and bounds both visually and substantially on a drive to Malacca,\n Hyundai USA has partnered with Blood Type Racing (BTR) to develop the BTR Edition Elantra Sport Concept for the 2017 SEMA show.\nAs the single image shows, it will be sure to look as brutal as it drives much like the \nmost extreme IONIQ \nwe shared just recently. Performance has been boosted Torcon carbon air intake, a Pierce Motorsports exhaust system and a \nDevil\u2019s Own water/methanol injection system\n. The synergy of these upgrades are supervised by BTR\u2019s custom engine management tuning.\nThe Elantra is kept grounded by \nHSD coilover suspension\n supported by Pierce Motorsports sway bars, strut tower brace and chassis brace. A set of \nFella Big Brake kit\n is tucked beneath the simple yet striking 19-inch SSR GTX01 wheel and Toyo tyre combination.\nThe extremely-catchy, boy-racer appeal to the Elantra owes credit to the BASF Glasurit Arancio Borealis paint, \ncommonly seen on Lamborghini\u2019s\n, together with AutoArt\u2019s flared arches and body works to compliment the 9.5 inch wide wheels, APR GTC-200 GT wing and Aerotek custom front, side and rear track-ready lip kit.\n\u201cThe BTR Edition Elantra Sport takes the Elantra beyond its capable OEM-development roots without sacrificing daily drivability,\u201d said Blood Type Racing, product manager, Sam Lee. \u201cBuilding upon the well-developed Elantra Sport platform, powertrain and design fundamentals, we\u2019ve given enthusiasts a new vision of where this affordable sport compact wants to go.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Feeling frustrated on the roads? Just know that you\u2019re not alone. According to a new research published by \nConfused.com\n, an insurance comparison platform based in the UK, Malaysia is apparently ranked the eighth most stressful country to drive a car.\nThe study, which sourced its data from various international avenues including the World Health Organisation and World Economic Forum, ranked a list of 49 countries according to four factors: the quality of the roads, the number of speed cameras, number of fatal accidents per capita, and the number of cars on the road.\nAccording to the study, you\u2019ll find a speed camera approximately every 996 km of roads travelled, roughly 92 cars per kilometre of road, a road quality infrastructure index of 72.4 out of 100, and just under 23 fatal accidents per 100,000 populations.\nBased on the study\u2019s unique weightage between the factors, Malaysia has been given a \u201cstressful driving score\u201d of 72 out of 100, placing us in eighth place in the study. Other countries in the top 10 most stressful places to drive in include:\nTop 10 most stressful countries to drive a car in:\nUnited Arab Emirates (88)\nBulgaria (80)\nTurkey (78)\nItaly (76)\nHong Kong (76)\nCzech Republic (74)\nBelgium (72)\nMalaysia\n (72)\nBrazil (71)\nArgentina (71)\nOn the other end of the spectrum, Denmark topped the list as the least stressful countries to drive in, with a stressful driving score of just 27.\nTop 10 least stressful countries to drive a car in:\nDenmark (27)\nFinland (27)\nJapan (28)\nSpain (28)\nSaudi Arabia (29)\nAustralia (29)\nUSA (30)\nSweden (33)\nHungary (35)\nSlovakia (36)\nALSO READ: Eight out of 10 Malaysian drivers want more EVs on the road, says BMW survey\nThe study says that as road quality and deaths per population are likely to cause more stress to drivers than congestion and speed cameras, they\u2019ve given the two factors a 20% and 30% weightage respectively on the total overall score, which could explain why Malaysia is ranked so high up the list.\nIn terms of individual factors, Malaysia\u2019s scores aren\u2019t too egregious when compared to the other countries on the list. In fact, we have the least amount of speed cameras among the top 10 countries, and actually ranked third best in terms of road quality.\nRELATED: DBKL and MIROS to implement 30 km/h, 50 km/h speed limits in Kuala Lumpur\nHowever, the number of fatal road accidents per capita in our country is slightly on the high side, ranking fourth among the top 10, which could have brought our total average score up a notch.\nIt\u2019s certainly stressful to drive a car here in Malaysia, but based on our experiences driving in other countries, we really don\u2019t have it too bad. Do you agree with the ranking above? Let us know in the comments below \u2013 after you check out the full study, linked \nhere\n.\n[H/T: Malay Mail]"
"Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, better known as SCG, is a prolific racecar builder and constructor competing in endurance races \u2013 such as the 24 hours of Nurburgring and Le Mans. Sure, most SCG cars are made road legal, but the nature of the cars and the ultra-low volume makes it practically out of reach, even for the wealthy.\nIn an attempt to lower the entry price and open the brand to a wider audience, SCG has introduced the brand\u2019s latest entry-level mini dune buggy, the SCG 008. But here\u2019s the catch: you\u2019ll have to build it yourself.\nOn a\n Facebook post\n, SCG founder James Glickenhaus said that the company is \u201cseriously working on\u201d a smaller version of its Boot buggy. SCG says that the new 008 \u201c004/Mini Boot\u201d draws inspiration from the Porsche 959 rally car, and the dune buggy Steve McQueen drove in The Thomas Crown Affair.\nCashing in on the controversial \nSafari builds\n phenomenon, the 008 features a sports car-like body, placed on top of a jacked-up suspension set-up and large off-road wheels. Completing the extreme off-roader look are the external roll hoops, roof rack, front light bars, as well as a winch.\nSCG Boot\nSCG 004\nIn order to comply with New York\u2019s regulations for home-built and custom cars, the SCG Mini Boot will not be sold with an engine. Although, Glickenhaus says that the car is designed around a 2.2-litre four-cylinder Ecotec engine from General Motors, and a Sadev transaxle. For context, the SCG 004 is powered by a supercharged V8 engine making upwards of 650 hp.\nMany details aren\u2019t finalised as of yet, but SCG says that the 008 is likely to have 2WD as standard, with an optional 4WD set-up. SCG aims to make the new mini dune buggy eligible for the Baja 1000 and Dakar rally.\nThe 004 will be available to purchase as a customised kit directly on the SCG webstore. Pricing has not been revealed yet, but do keep in mind that the 004 starts at USD400,000, and that was one of the cheaper models; other road-focused cars such as the SCG 003 was priced upwards of USD2,000,000."
"With the 2023 facelift of the \nBMW 3 Series\n \nlaunched in Malaysia, it also brings in the latest version of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) BMW 330e M Sport. Locally assembled, the plug-in hybrid 330e M Sport fetches a price of \nRM298,800\n. The updated 2023 BMW 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport were also launched alongside the 330e M Sport here in Malaysia, and you can learn more about them \nhere\n and \nhere\n.\n \nWe\u2019re not getting the M340i and 330Li variants at launch just yet, but BMW Malaysia confirmed that \u201ctwo new variants\u201d will be launched very soon within the next few months, so it\u2019s likely that they were referring to those two \u2013 keep your eyes peeled!\nAcross the range of the new 3 Series, the front end gets slimmer headlights with daytime running lights in the shape of an inverted \u2018L\u2019. The grille and bumpers also get a redesign for a more aggressive look overall. Complementing the new look of the 3 Series is a set of 18-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour with a staggered tyre setup.\nPowering the PHEV BMW 330e M Sport is a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (184 hp/300 Nm) and an electric motor (109 hp/265 Nm). Combined, the PHEV drive system makes a system output of \n292 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. The 330e has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of \n5.8 seconds\n and a top speed of \n230 km/h\n.\nPart of the PHEV drive system is a \n12-kWh\n lithium-ion battery which is placed underneath the rear seat. On electric drive only, the car can be driven for up to \n62 km\n (WLTP). The 330e can also reach an electric top speed of 140 km/h. Charging the 12-kWh battery from 0 to 80% with \n3.7-kW\n AC charging takes \n2 hours and 36 minutes\n to complete.\nBesides the electrified drivetrain, the BMW 330e also gets Adaptive M Suspension instead of the M Sport Suspension found in the new 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport.\nInside, the entire 3 Series range gets a new curved display that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen head unit which provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The dashboard has been slightly redesigned, and a larger and wider trim strip now sits in front of the front passenger.\nAnother new thing in the interior would be the omission of the good old electronic gear knob. The new gear selector is now smaller and flusher with the centre console while the rest of the centre console controls remain largely the same.\nWith the M Sport package offered on all three versions of the 3 Series, the interior gets M entry sills with a stainless-steel look, M driver\u2019s footrest and M pedals with a stainless-steel look, sport seats for driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, vehicle key with exclusive M designation, M Anthracite headliner, instrument cluster with M specific display, and M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim. The standard upholstery is Vernasca leather Black, but the BMW 330i M Sport and BMW 330e M Sport are offered an additional Mocha variant.\nAs for safety, the 330e M Sport is equipped with the BMW Driving Assistant. This includes features like Lane Departure Warning with active steering interventions, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Info and manual Speed Limit Assist. The 330e also comes equipped with BMW Parking Assistant features.\nIncluded in the price of the 2023 BMW 330e M Sport is a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme, BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline, the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App with BMW Privileges cars, and BMW service online.\nGALLERY"
"Peter Pan takes you to Neverland, Electronic Dance Music takes you to Tomorrowland and now Ferrari wants to take you to Ferrari Land. Located within the compounds of PortAventura World resort, an hour away from Barcelona, Spain, Ferrari Land is 70,000 square meters of dream come true for Ferrari enthusiasts.\nOfficiated by Piero Ferrari, Vice Chairman of Ferrari and son of Enzo Ferrari, Ferrari Land is the first prancing horse theme park in Europe and the second in the world after Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. A total of 11 attractions suited for family of all ages will be on offer. With the Red Force attraction being the star of the show \u2013 the highest and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe, at 112 metres high and with a top speed of 180 km/h reached in just five seconds. Designed to give thrill seekers a taste of the acceleration of a Formula One car, one visitor got a more realistic F1 experience when he collided into a pigeon during the ride. The man appears to be unhurt but the same can\u2019t be said to the pigeon and his mental state.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5B5eiVGJ84\n\u00a0\nOther attractions include Racing Legends, Flying Dreams \u2013 allowing visitors to literally fly through the history of F1 and GT, Ferrari Gallery, Maranello Gran Race, Thrill Towers and a range of simulations for adults and children alike. Prices for Ferrari Land can be found \nhere\n with Adult one-day pass starts from a cool \u20ac60 (RM282).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just a year after the launch of the Seven Sprint, the fastest selling Caterham to date with all available units sold within a week, Caterham has unveiled a new, limited-edition SuperSprint as a reflection of its 60th anniversary. Similarly, only 60 units will be available but unfortunately only destined for the European and UK markets.   The Super Sprint comes with \n96 hp \nfrom\u00a0turbocharged 600 c.c three-cylinder Suzuki engine tuned by Caterham Works Racing together with a\n 5-speed synchromesh transmission\n and a limited-slip differential. Stopping power is covered by \nBrembo\u2019s twin-pot calipers\n in the front and drums at the back. 0 to 100 km/h takes \n6.9 seconds\n with a top speed of approximately \n160 km/h\n.\nManaging the weight and balance of the retro-inspired body is a live rear axle with an A-frame developed by Caterham Works Racing, a race-inspired\u00a0suspension package with adjustable platforms and Bilstein shock absorbers that tucks behind a set of 14-inch wheels.   On the outside the SuperSprint\u2019s gains its flamboyance from extended front cycle wings, Twin Brookland\u2019s aero screens, Le Mans style mesh grille and side intake topped off with racing livery from the 1960\u2019s. The SuperSprint\u2019s body colour options are inspired by colour schemes that represent legendary race tracks such as the Aintree, Hockenheim, Imola, Watkins Glen, Dijon and Zandvoort.\nInside, the quilted and stitched Scottish Muirhead leather interior comes with 12-inch wooden-rimmed, Moto-Lita steering wheel, a four-point harness, a master cut-off switch, a shift light, SMITHS dials and a unique numbered dash plaque.\nA single-seater option is also available together with a tonneau cover for the more enthusiastic drivers looking to shed more weight of their already super light Caterham. Only difference is that, instead of the twin aero screen the single-seater comes with a single Brooklands aero screen and a single four-point harness.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two years after debuting the Chiron at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Bugatti has returned this year with a faster version called the Chiron Sport. We\u2019re just going to assume that Bugatti is tired of having \nall those records\n beaten \nby Koenigsegg\n immediately after setting them.\nSo as it is a Bugatti, you\u2019re probably assuming that another 1000 hp has been added to the car. In fact, the opposite is true. The Bugatti Chiron Sport still houses the \nsame 8.0-litre W16 quad turbo engine\n producing \n1500 hp\n and \n1600 Nm\n of torque.\nHere\u2019s the catch. Attention instead, has been paid to the handling of the vehicle and its weight. Although, we\u2019re not sure if the Chiron Sport\u2019s new billionaire owners will enjoy the\n 10% stiffer suspension\n. A Dynamic Torque Vectoring function has also been added to\u00a0distribute torque individually to the wheels on each side.\nBugatti had also made this monstrosity of a hypercar lighter, by a full \n18 kilograms\n. It\u2019s a result of using new lightweight wheels, additional carbon fibre components such as the stabiliser, intercooler cover and \nnewly developed windscreen wipers\n.   Yes, Bugatti is \nfirst manufacturer to develop carbon fibre windscreen wipers\n for the Chiron Sport. The result is a whopping 1.4 kg weight reduction from the original units. Ridiculous? Yes, but so is the existence of this car if you think about it.\nThe Chiron also features lighter rear windows and a lighter exhaust deflector. These weight reduction efforts has allowed the Chiron Sport to achieve higher cornering speeds and can lap the Nardo Circuit in Italy, a regular proving ground for Bugatti, \nfive seconds faster than the standard Chiron\n.\u00a0\nIf you\u2019re wondering what the \u201c16\u201d painted on the radiator grille means, it represents the 16-cylinders in the Chiron\u2019s engine \u2013 such is the level of vanity.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Touch N\u2019 Go Sdn Bhd recently announced that they will cease after-sales service for the OBU 330 SmartTag and netizens were furious about the company\u2019s decision to stop accepting repairs for a device that has been in the market for more than 10 years. Yes, more than 10 years.\nNetizens were quick to criticise Touch N\u2019 Go\u2019s move, citing the OBU 330 is far more reliable than the newer, more compact OBU 530 (I have to agree that this statement is not unfounded) and Touch N\u2019 Go should continue to provide aftersales support so long there are users still using said product. But this to me is a stark example of penny wise, pound foolish.\n\u00a0\nSending the OBU 330 for a repair (based on available archives and memory) costs RM50 and takes approximately five weeks before it is returned to you. I just can\u2019t justify wanting to pay 40 per cent of the original retail price on something that costs RM120 brand new and wait\u00a0another five weeks just so I can re-\nLive Life in the Fast Lane\n.\nIf you think you\u2019re saving that RM70 from buying a brand new SmartTag, remember you have to make time to drop your faulty SmartTag at Touch N\u2019 Go\u2019s office (or Pos Laju it), queue up at card reader lanes for the next five weeks and collect it once it\u2019s done. Not so Smart anymore, eh?\n(\nWhat\u2019s the Buzz\n is a collection of personal opinions and experiences from the editorial team of Autobuzz.my)"
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia has announced the arrival of the\u00a0\nVW Beetle Bug Edition\n, and that it\u2019s available for viewing and test drive at your nearest Volkswagen dealership. This \n200-unit limited edition\n variant is on sale for \nRM146,888\n and is based on the \nBeetle 1.2 TSI\n Sport\n variant, a RM140,888 offering.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Beetle Bug Edition 1.2L TSI\nEngine\n1,197cc; 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG\nMax Power\n104 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n175 Nm @ 1,550 \u2013 4,100 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n10.9 seconds; 180 km/h\nPrice\nRM146,888.00\n\u00a0\nFor \nRM6,000\n more, you get genuine Volkswagen Bug side sills and decals, racing body stripes, a Bug logo on the tailgate and\u00a0\nbi-xenon headlights\n with LED DRLs. Standard exterior features such as the halogen fog lamps, 16-inch \u2018Whirl\u2019 alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 series tyres and electronically foldable side mirrors are retained.\nBecause the changes are merely aesthetics, you get the same \ndirect injected\u00a01.2-litre turbocharged\n four-cylinder engine producing \n104 horsepower\n at 5,000 rpm and \n175 Nm\n of torque from 1,550 to 4,100 rpm. Transmission choice is the one and only \nseven-speed DSG\n, allowing the bug to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.9 seconds\n before hitting a top speed of \n180 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n5.9 litres per 100km\n.\nThere are \nfive colours\n to choose from \u2013 Graciosa Brown,\u00a0Deep Black, Saturn Yellow, Tornado Red and Pure White, as seen in the pictures here. Again, the Beetle Bug Edition is priced at \nRM146,888\n\u00a0and comes with a \nfive-year unlimited mileage\n \nwarranty\n programme."
"Think \nNurburgring Nordschleife\n, and you\u2019ll think adrenaline-inducing petrol smell and the loud and brawny engine noises that reverberates throughout the entire vicinity. But with electric vehicles evolving to become more than just city runabouts, it\u2019s just a matter of time before the atmosphere in the air that we all know and love get replaced by quiet nothingness.\nWell, not exactly nothing, but just the soft hum of the electric motor and screeching tyre noise \u2013 just like this video clip of a \nTesla Model 3\n chasing after a \nPorsche Taycan\n around the \u2018Ring. Don\u2019t get us wrong, it\u2019s still fast as hell, but the lack of noise is just a little bit off-putting for us. Here, have a look for yourselves:\n \nThe Tesla model featured here is the Model 3 Performance, fitted with the Track Mode V2 Pack which allows drivers to adjust the stability control and power delivery split between the front and rear wheels, giving the drivers a whole lot of controls to personalise the handling performance on a track like this.\nIn this form, the Model 3 is powered by two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 to send \n450 hp\n and \n637 Nm\n to all four wheels. Naught-to-100 km/h is achieved in a brisk \n3.4 seconds\n.\nUp in front, the Porsche Taycan here is the\n \u201cbaby\u201d 4S version\n equipped with the Performance Plus battery pack, which makes \u00a0\n571 hp\u00a0\nand\u00a0\n650 Nm\n of torque, sent to all four corners. Despite its edge on raw power, century sprint times is slightly slower compared to the Model 3, coming in at \n4.0 seconds\n.\nThe YouTuber noted that both cars started the run at 95% battery charge, and after two laps around the Nordschleife with a few occasional slowdowns the Tesla ended the day with 53% of charge left in the bank. The Taycan meanwhile ends the day with 56% of battery power left \u2013 not a considerable difference.\nHe also noted that the Tesla Model 3 did get a reduction in performance on the second lap, while the Taycan is \u201ca bit stronger\u201d on the second outing. If conditions were optimal, he figures that both cars can achieve a Bridge-to-Gantry (unofficial lap times on the Touristfahrten layout) time of around 7:45, which is pretty damn incredible.\nIn case you haven\u2019t been convinced that electric power is very much the future in automotive propulsion up until now, this video should really be the nail in the coffin. Not only are they efficient, they can handle themselves decently on \u201cThe Green Hell\u201d too, one of the world\u2019s most challenging and dangerous race circuits.\nFor now, it\u2019s really up to us to get use to the eerie silence from the cars of the future."
"Just two days since the company first \nteased the model on its Facebook page\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now officially launched the new E-Class Coupe here on our shores. The Coupe will only be offered in one variant, the \nE 300 AMG Line\n, priced at \nRM495k\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nEXTERIOR\nThe new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe was updated \nlast year\n alongside the sedan and cabriolet variants, featuring many of the same aesthetic changes. Most notably, there\u2019s a new downturned trapezoidal grille up front, flanked by new slimmer LED headlights.\nThe Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe here in Malaysia is dressed in the AMG Line, which comes with a slew of trim-specific items that further emphasises the sporty stance of the coupe. Standard equipment item on the E 300 Coupe include:\nMultibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\nLED taillights with redesigned light signature\nDiamond pin radiator grille\nAMG Line-specific front and rear bumper\n19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels (down from 20-inch)\nExterior colour options: Polar White, Obsidian Black, Rubellite Red, Graphite Grey, Mojave Silver, Brilliant Blue, High-tech Silver, Emerald Green, Selenite Grey, Designo Diamond White Bright (extra cost), and Designo Patagonia Red Metallic (extra cost)\nIf Coupes aren\u2019t quite your style, check out the updated Mercedes-Benz E 300 sedan here!\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine as the sedan E 300 variant, with no EQ Boost mild-hybrid system on board.\nEngine:1,991 cc; M264 inline four-cylinder, petrol\nTransmission: 9G-Tronic automatic transmission\nDriveline: Front engine, rear-wheel drive\nSuspension: Agility Control adaptive dampers\nMax horsepower: 258 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,100 rpm\nMax torque: 370 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 6.4 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nINTERIOR\nSimilar to the updated E-Class sedans, the main upgrade in the new Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe is the dual 12.3-inch displays, running the marque\u2019s MBUX NG6 software stack.\nOther interior features include:\nAMG Line Interior\nNew three twin-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather\nPanoramic sliding sunroof\nOpen-pore black ash wood trim\nElectrical-adjustable front seats with memory function, four-way lumbar support\nTri-zone Thermotronic automatic climate control\nLTE communications module for Mercedes me connect services\nthree-zone 64-colour LED ambient lighting system\nBurmester surround sound system\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nWireless charging pad\nThis might be your last chance ever to buy an E-Class Coupe, as the next-generation is rumoured to be replaced by a new CLE-Class. Read more about it here.\nSAFETY\nIn addition to the standard safety kit, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, 360-degree surround view monitor, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and the likes, the Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe also comes equipped with the marque\u2019s Driver Assistance package, boasting features such as:\nActive Distance Assist (Distronic)\nActive Steering Assist\nActive Brake Assist\nEvasive Steering Assist\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nActive Blind Spot Assist\nPre-Safe Plus\nPRICING\nThe Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe is now available for orders, with prices starting at \nRM495,071.47\n, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n valid until the end of 2021.\nJust like all other Mercedes-Benz models, the E 300 Coupe is also covered by a standard four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Coupe actually sees a price reduction of approximately RM16.6k.\nWith MBM Financial\u2019s Step Up Agility Financing Plan, the new Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe can be yours starting from RM4,288 per month, based on a 5-year tenure and 10% down payment. More details about the financing plan can be found \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Lynk & Co shows that they are serious about building high-performance and exhilarating vehicles with the unveiling of the Lynk & Co 03+ at the 2019 Shenzhen Innovative Auto Show (IAS).\nThe 03+ is the most potent entry-level sedan from the Geely-Volvo sub-brand. It is said to pack Volvo\u2019s Drive-E 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine packing \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the same tune found on \nVolvo\u2019s T5 models\n.\nAn 8-speed automatic transmission and the all-wheel-drive system sends the car sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.9 seconds\n, that\u2019s \nHonda Civic Type R territory\n. The 03+ is also said to feature a new Track Mode for maximum attack around a circuit.\nBesides the unique Gold\npaintwork, the 03+ also features carbon fibre parts for the front splitters,\nside skirt, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. It also wears larger wheels and quad\nexhausts outlets at the back. While the new aero kit adds to the car\u2019s downforce\nat top speed, the drag coefficient of the car remains unchanged at 0.28 Cd.\nInside, the car also\ngets a makeover with generous cladding of Alcantara, Yellow stitching with \u201c+\u201d\nemblems as well as dedicated graphics on the digital screens.\nWhile the new Lynk & Co 03+ looks like a decent attempt from the fastest growing brand in the world, this is only a sneak peek into what they can do. The company is said to be working on an even hotter version of the 03 and that\u2019s not even the \n500 hp concept car that Cyan Racing is involved with\n."
"After teasing their new B-segment SUV at the \n2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n, Naza Euro Motors has officially launched their new \nCitroen C3 Aircross\n. Available in a single sole variant priced at RM115,888 on-the-road without insurance, here are things you need to know about this quirky looking SUV.\n \nPowered by the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech engine shared with the Peugeot 208 and \n2008\n, the C3 Aircross packs \n112 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. Paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the French SUV will go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.4 seconds\n and will continue to accelerate to \n200 km/h\n.\nPerhaps the most unique feature of the C3 Aircross is the reclining and sliding rear seats that depending on your needs, can be adjusted for maximum passenger comfort (it even comes with rear sun blinds!) or cargo space (expandable to 520L).\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nCitroen\u00a0C3\u00a0Aircross\u00a0Launched\u00a0in Malaysia"
"Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has just unveiled a special edition Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) called the \nOutlander PHEV Juro\n for the same price as the specification it is based on. This move gives the buyers even more reasons to purchase \nUK\u2019s best-selling PHEV\n.\nFor the\n same price\n of \u00a332,749 (around RM169k), buyers will benefit from the added value of a touchscreen infotainment with TomTom satellite navigation with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and DAB radio as well as an Outlander bonnet emblem that separates this limited edition model from the rest.\nElsewhere, the Juro\u2019s equipment and features dittos the high spec GX3h+ variant that it is based on. Therefore, the Juro comes equipped as standard with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, multifunctional leather steering wheel, Hi-tech fabric seats, privacy glass and among others.   No changes to the mechanics of the Outlander therefore the same petrol and electric motor hybrid powertrain is carried over. The Outlander PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine that produces \n119 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque coupled with two electric motors fitted onto each axle that generates \n80 hp\n and \n137 Nm\n at the front and \n80 hp\n and \n195 Nm\n at the rear. Power is delivered via a single-speed automatic transmission that drives all four-wheels. With a combined output of \n200 hp\n and over \n500 Nm\n of torque, the PHEV powertrain definitely has\u00a0the\u00a0performance to boot.\nIn addition to that, the\u00a0Outlander PHEV boasts\u00a0a full-electric range of \n52km\n and a combined fuel consumption of \n1.8 litres per 100km\n. Perfect for daily commuting\u00a0and even for those who travel far and wide. As such, Mitsubishi Motors UK has sold more than 25,000 Outlander PHEV since 2014 making it the best-selling plug-in vehicle in the UK.\nCloser to home, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has a \n2.4-litre naturally aspirated Outlander\n on offer for Rm167k. Imagine if MMM decides to locally assemble the Outlander PHEV, we may very well achieve similar results as Great Britain.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Well well well, look at what we have here. After officially launching the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift here in Malaysia last month, the company is now gearing up for yet another launch, with a teaser of the new E-Class Coupe now up on its \nFacebook page\n.\nThe teaser doesn\u2019t explicitly mention the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, and the video barely shows anything substantial. But with a bit of digging, you\u2019ll notice that the short video sequence is from a Mercedes-Benz global video posted last year (\nhere\n, at about the 3-second mark).\nThe second teaser does show off the car a little more, and if you\u2019re a bit of a car nerd like us, the C-pillar and short boot\u2019s silhouette in the image pretty much gives away the car; and the use of the #MyMBDreamCar hashtag on the post just tells us everything we need to know!\nMercedes-Benz could be replacing the C- and E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets with a new CLE-Class. Read more about it here!\nSo now that we\u2019ve identified the car, what can we expect? First of all, the new C238 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe facelift that was unveiled last year receives pretty much all the same exterior updates as the sedan variant, with a new grille up front flanked by new slimmer headlights, alongside updated bumpers and wheel designs.\nThe new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in Avantgarde trim.\nUnlike the sedan, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe\u2019s new grille is identically-shaped across all variants (with a downturned trapezoidal design). The grille mesh does differ according to variants, though, with only the AMG Line variant getting the iconic diamond pin design. The bumpers, as usual, also differ according to trim level.\nSeeing that the \noutgoing Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe\n is only offered here in Malaysia in the AMG Line package across all variants, we\u2019re expecting the new model to mirror that configuration. That means we\u2019ll be getting the sportier bumpers with large air \u201cinlets\u201d on the side, furnished with horizontal fins, plus larger and sportier alloy wheels.\nLearn more about the extensively-updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift here.\nInterior of Thai-spec Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan shown.\nMoving inside, the Coupe variant here also gets an updated dual 12.3-inch display set-up, running the Mercedes-Benz\u2019s MBUX software stack. Other new additions on the AMG Line variant include a new three twin-spoke steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, and a new infotainment controller on the centre console that jettisons the old rotary dial for a full touch-pad experience.\nAside from these, though, everything else should remain identical to the outgoing model.\nAs for powertrain options, we\u2019ll only know more when the car is officially unveiled here on our shores. But if we had to make an educated guess, we\u2019re leaning towards the same M264 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine as used in the sedan variants, with \n197 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n in the E 200 guise, and \n258 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n on the E 300.\nJust like the sedan range introduced here last month, the 48-volt mild-hybrid EQ Boost system is also unlikely to be featured in the Malaysia-spec E-Class Coupe. Both variants should feature a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard.\nThe Mercedes-Benz E-Class has just been launched in Malaysia, with two variants \u2013 E 200 and E 300 \u2013 on offer. Learn more about them here.\nWith Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s new standard launch schedule, we probably won\u2019t have to long more to see the new E-Class Coupe here on our roads. As always, keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest info as soon as we get them!\nGALLERY\nMercedes-AMG E 53 4Matic+\nMercedes-Benz E 400d Avantgarde (Europe)"
"We\u2019ve witnessed the regional launch of the \nsecond-generation Subaru XV in Taiwan\n in the middle of 2017 and subsequently saw the \nintroduction of the all-new crossover in Malaysia\n. Now we join Motor Image in Singapore to grace yet another launch of the all-new XV. But this XV is a special one \u2013 it comes with the brand\u2019s famed EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist Technology.\nThe new XV is now available in the 2.0-iS guise for the Singaporean market, joining the existing 1.6-litre variant which was launched in July 2017. Much like the \ntop-spec XV we have in Malaysia\n, the Singapore-bound XV 2.0i-S comes fully loaded with features such as LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, roof rails, LED combination taillamps and keyless entry.\nInside, it gets all the same kit as our local XV \u2013 touchscreen infotainment system, fabric combination seats with orange stitching and multifunctional steering wheel. Unique to the EyeSight-equipped XV are the adaptive cruise control functions found on the right side of the steering wheel.\nMotivation comes from the updated 2.0-lite horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct injection Boxer engine that delivers \n154 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque mated to an improved \nLineartronic CVT\n to drive all four-wheels via Subaru\u2019s \nSymmetrical All-Wheel Drive System\n. The enhanced powertrain is not only lighter than the outgoing model but also offers \nsix to 10 percent better fuel economy\n. X-Mode and Hill Descent Control are standard issue here.\nSafety is where the Singapore-spec XV blows our XV out of the waters as it comes with the EyeSight system. The Advanced Driver Assist Technology uses stereo cameras to identify the vehicle\u2019s surrounding, scanning for other vehicles, obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. Models equipped with \nEyeSight\n will benefit from these \nsix features\n:\nPre-Collision Braking\n \u2013 Warns the driver with a buzzer and a light on the dash if an imminent collision is detected. If the driver does not take evasive action to avoid the collision, the car will autonomously apply brake force to reduce or, if possible, prevent the collision altogether.\nAdaptive Cruise Control\n \u2013 Aside from the conventional function of maintaining a set speed, the stereo camera will scan the car ahead and keep a set distance between you and the car in front.\nPre-Collision Throttle Management\n \u2013 When EyeSight detects an obstacle in front and you put the vehicle in Drive, the system will suppress engine output and send audible warnings to avoid a frontal collision.\nLane Departure Warning\n \u2013 Warns the driver if the car is starting to depart from the lane without signalling at speeds of 50 km/h and above.\nLane Sway Warning\n \u2013 Sends a Buzzer and flashing indicator to the driver if the car starts to sway uncontrollably at speeds of 60 km/h and above.\nLead Vehicle Start Alert\n \u2013 After coming to a stop, the system prompts the driver to take action when it detects the car in front has started moving again.\nIt is worth noting that the XV does not come with the more advanced \nTouring Assist function\n that allows for semi-autonomous driving for speeds up to 120 km/h. However, all 2017 Subaru models that are equipped with EyeSight received the highest possible rating for front crash prevention by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.\nTan Chong International Limited, Managing Director, Mr Glenn Tan said: \u201cWe are thrilled to finally launch the award-winning Subaru Eye-Sight technology at the Singapore Motor Show 2018. EyeSight completes \nSubaru\u2019s (four) core technology pillars\n (Boxer Engine, Symmetrical AWD, Subaru Global Platform and EyeSight) to present a wholesome and attractive package for customers who are looking for the highest standards of safety, driving performance and comfort in a car.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After signing the GDA with \nSmart\n on August 18, 2022, \nProton\n \nhas now established Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a new subsidiary to spearhead sales and distributorship for Smart vehicles and its own future new energy vehicle offerings.\nSales of the Smart electric vehicle by PRO-NET will commence in Q4 2023 with the \nSmart #1\n leading the way. PRO-NET\u2019s top priority is to deploy charging solutions for customers which includes home-based chargers and a public charging network.\nManagement trio (from left) Sua Chek Hoong, Zhang Qiang and Salawati Mohd Yusoff.\nProton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cOur studies show consumer hesitancy to adopt new energy vehicles is tied to their concern about charging availability. PRO-NET intends to address the issue with a two-pronged approach combining the installation and maintenance of home-based chargers with a comprehensive public network to be built with partners specializing in the development and running of charging stations.\u201d\n\u201cAs a Proton subsidiary, PRO-NET has a responsibility to ensure our products and services are accessible to all Malaysians regardless of where they reside so in addition to fixed chargers, we are also considering mobile solutions to expand our reach.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022\nPRO-NET\u2019s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Zhang Qiang, who has a long history in China\u2019s automotive industry. He has been at Proton for the last five years, focusing on sales and network development. Chief Brand Officer is 25-year industry veteran, Salawati binti Mohd Yusoff. Chief Information Officer is a Proton newcomer with 20 years of experience in communications and IT, Sua Chek Hong.\nThe management team will report to a board of directors headed by Proton CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong. Supporting Dr. Li Chunrong is Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah, Chief Financial Officer, Wang Huaibing, and Vice president of Human Capital & Admin, Amran Mohd Tomin. Operations staff will consist of external hires from various industries.\nRELATED: \nProton to import and distribute Smart EVs in Malaysia and Thailand\nProton CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong adds, \u201cThe new energy vehicle industry is growing exponentially, and PRO-NET wants to be a major part of it both in Malaysia and abroad. As these new offerings will not be weighed down by previous model lines or even traditional service operations, it is an opportunity for Proton to reframe its customer experience and reposition itself as a mobility provider that can attract new and traditional buyers.\u201d\n\u201cWe are at the beginning of our new energy journey but with today\u2019s official announcement regarding PRO-NET, our plans will gain momentum leading to more developments in the months and years ahead.\u201d"
"It is without a doubt that the \nProton X70\n is a monumental product for the national carmaker \u2013 the first model to come into fruition from the new \nProton \u2013 Geely Auto partnership\n and the brand\u2019s maiden entry to the booming SUV segment.\nSince its official launch on 12 December 2018, Proton has collected more than 15,000 bookings and have delivered over 2,000 units to date. Besides the sheer number of orders, the X70 is attracting a new group of more affluent buyers who are buying into an upmarket and tech-laden SUV.\nAccording to internal data, 57 per cent of the buyers chose the range-topping Premium 2WD variant which retails for RM123,800 (OTR without insurance). This is usually the case for new models where the top-spec receives the most hype at initial launch while the lower grade variants gradually gain traction further down the line.\nOf the total bookings collected, approximately 67 per cent of them are in the \n40 and above age group\n which goes to show that the new X70 is appealing to affluent and mature demographics, but Proton is confident that interest from younger crowd is on the rise.\nAs far as the term value for money goes, the Proton X70 is a bargain that is hard to dismiss \u2013 fully loaded high-value C-Segment at a B-Segment price point. Not only that, \nas we\u2019ve learnt\n, the car is properly polished even when compared against segment-leading rivals in terms of refinement, ride quality and features. A true game-changer for Proton."
"Despite the world largely leaning towards the SUVs these days, there\u2019s still evidently a market for the posh mini MPVs over in Europe. In the face of fresh competition in the segment from its arch rival with their \nall-new B Class\n, BMW has now unveiled the all-new 2 Series Active Tourer, with a bold new design and a tech-laden interior, to also fight for a piece of that pie.\nOn the outside, the biggest (hah) change in design is, of course, the larger kidney grille, which takes on a slightly more square-ish proportion similar to that of the\n BMW X7\n, rather than the vertical ones that we see on the \nBMW 4 Series\n and \niX\n.\nAnd you know what \u2013 we think it actually works pretty well here. At least, it\u2019s not as glaring as the vertical ones that many seem to hate, and it\u2019s functional too \u2013 the new grille houses the radar sensor required for new advanced driver assistance functions, and active air flaps behind the chrome slats help improve aerodynamic whenever cooling is not required.\nThe grille is flanked by new LED headlights (optional adaptive matrix items on high-end models), and below that, the air intakes on the front bumper varies in size and design according to trim levels.\nOther exterior design highlights include the new flush door handles and lower side mirrors to aid aero performance, sleek new side creases, large side window openings, 16- to 19-inch wheels, and the new slimmer 3D tail lights at the back that lends the MPV a more modern appearance.\nCompared to its predecessor, the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is slightly larger in every dimension, growing by 32 mm in length (4,386 mm), 24 mm in width (1,824 mm) and 21 mm in height (1,576 mm). The track has also been widened by 25 mm in front and 26 mm at the rear, although the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2,670 mm.\nAs before, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer continues to be built on the front-wheel drive FAAR platform, which is now also shared with the\n 2 Series Gran Coupe\n line-up; the Coupe is the only model in the 2 Series line-up to feature the more \u201ctraditional\u201d rear-wheel set-up.\nHow does a FWD BMW feel like to drive? Check out our first-drive review of the 2 Series Gran Coupe here!\nInside, the 2 Series Active Tourer is the first ICE-powered BMW model to feature the marque\u2019s latest \niDrive 8 infotainment system\n, which combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen into a free-standing curved black panel on the dashboard.\nThe touchscreen interface replaces most of the button controls on the interior, although there\u2019s still a floating centre console between the two front occupants that features buttons for your drive controls and basic multimedia functions.\nCheck out the iDrive 8 infotainment system in action here!\nHighlights on the interior include the augmented reality GPS navigation system, a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless phone charging pad, and over-the-air software updates.\nThe all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is only available as a five-seater model in this generation, but that means there\u2019s more space for the rear passengers and cargo area at the back. No figures were quoted for knee/headroom, although the seats now feature fore/aft movements with up to 130 mm of adjustability.\nAt the back, the all-new 2 Series Active Tourer boasts 470 litres of boot space, increasing to 1455 litres with the rear seats folded flat in the non-hybrid variants.\nAt launch, the 2 Series Active Tourer range will kick off with the entry-level 218i variant with a \n134 hp/130 Nm\n 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, which when paired to the a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 9.0 seconds.\nThe next level up is the 220i, which gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology, paired to the same dual-clutch gearbox. Output is rated at \n168 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n, but the 48V system can boost outputs by 19 hp for short bursts to help with performance.\nFor comparison, check out the previous-generation BMW 2 Series Active Tourer here.\nThere\u2019s also a 223i variant, which increases the output of the same 2.0-litre turbo four-banger powertrain to\n 214 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of seven seconds flat.\nLastly, there\u2019ll also be a 218d diesel variant, which pairs a \n147 hp/360 Nm\n 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.\nBMW will also be introducing two PHEV petrol powertrains for the 2 Series Active Tourer from mid-2022 onwards, both featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, with an electric motor on the car\u2019s rear axle.\nThe 225e xDrive pairs a 134 hp engine and 80kW electric motor for a combined output of \n241 hp (180 kW)\n, while the range-topping 230e xDrive gets a boost in both engine and electric motor outputs, for a total of \n322 hp (240kW)\n combined.\nThe plug-in hybrids will offer up to 80 km of pure electric driving range thanks to the 14.9 kWh battery pack, which will take about 2.5 hours to recharge from empty to full.\nThe all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will begin deliveries in March 2022 over in Europe, with prices starting from \u00a330,265 (approx. RM172k).\nGALLERY"
"The latest and greatest \nFord Focus RS\n has just been revealed, packing serious fireworks under its bonnet and a high-tech all-wheel drive system.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Focus RS\nEngine\n2.3-litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost Turbo\nMax Power\n315 hp (estimated)\n0-100 km/h\nN/A\nTop Speed\nN/A\n\u00a0\nGymkhana star \nKen Block\n was roped in as a consultant on the development of this new Focus RS. As you can see from the video below, it looks like he was having a ball developing the car too.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Focus RS wears the meanest face in the Focus family, with a huge trapezoidal grille and an even bigger lower intake edged by a couple of side intakes that direct air to cool the brakes down.\nThe side is identical to the Focus ST with sculpted side skirts but under the wheel arches sit a set of unique multi-spoke \n19-inches RS alloy wheels\n.\nAt the other end of the car sports a new bumper that contains a diffuser with a fog lamp in the middle and \ndual tailpipes\n jutting out underneath. And you can expect a cracking soundtrack to come out of those pipes too. Topping it off is a huge \nroof spoiler\n with embossed RS logo on each side.\nINTERIOR\nThe driver gets a \nflat-bottom steering wheel\n with subtle RS logo, \nalloy pedals\n, and unique RS instrument graphics within the instrument cluster. A pair of deeply bolstered front \nRecaro sports seats\n are fitted as standard.\nAn \n8-inch touch screen\n with Ford\u2019s SYNC connectivity sits in the middle of the dash, below a row of gauges for the turbo boost pressure, oil temperature, and oil pressure.\nOptional items include rear view camera with park distance control, and a Sony premium sound system with 10-speakers including a subwoofer.\nPERFORMANCE\nSharing the basic structure with the \n2.3-litre 4-cylinder Ecoboost\n from the Mustang, a new \nlow-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger\n with larger compressor and a \nbigger intercooler\n have been fitted to free up at least \n315 hp\n from the engine.\nSuddenly the 280 hp in the Volkswagen Golf R sounds little in comparison, but it\u2019s still around 40 hp less than the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG. Unlike the A 45 which is strictly offered with a 7-speed DCT and the Golf R with 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG option, the Focus RS is \nstrictly a 6-speed manual\n only. However, like the Golf R and the A 45 AMG, the Focus RS is also an all-wheel drive machine.\nThe new \nFord Performance All-Wheel Drive\n with \nDynamic Torque Vectoring\n is said to deliver a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment. Based on the driver input, the control unit in the rear drive unit continuously varies the front/rear and side-to-side torque distribution to suit the current driving situation.\nThe chassis has been updated with \nstiffer sports suspension\n with a more rigid front suspension knuckle design and shorter-link arms. The\n electric power-assisted steering system\n has been tuned as well, to give the driver with a sporty steering feel.\nWHAT ELSE?\nFord has yet to release the official 0 to 100 km/h time and the top speed. Exact performance details also yet to be finalised, for that we need to wait until its official debut at the \nGeneva Motor Show\n in March 2015. Watch this space!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The bespoke styling specialists at BMW Individual have now opened up a new dimension in exclusivity by looking beyond our planet and bringing the night sky into the car.\nIn BMW\u2019s own words, that was how they introduced the one-of-a-kind \nBMW Individual M850i xDrive Coupe Night Sky\n\u00a0that\u2019s furnished with bits and pieces actually made from meteoric material.\nLike the ceiling from inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the M850i\u2019s armrest is littered with stars made of LED but what\u2019s more intriguing are the \u201cgrooves\u201d on the centre console, side mirror and even brake discs that makes the car look as if it was driven straight out from the Guardians of the Galaxy set.\nThe Night Sky was presented in conjunction with a meteor shower that took place between the 3rd to 4th January 2019.   The whole of the centre console\u2019s trim plate, the start stop button, the selector lever and the Touch Controller are all made of meteoric material, making the Night Sky a car that\u2019s literally out of this world.\nDuring the design process of the M850i, BMW also summoned the expertise of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, which is also located in Garching, the headquarters of BMW Individual.\nThe exterior paintwork of the Night Sky combines two colour tones to achieve a high-impact effect. Black non-metallic was used as the base colour for the body while a second coat in San Marino Blue metallic was then painted over it before three layers of clear coat with varying pigment particle sizes were applied to give the paint finish a remarkable sense of depth.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nSmart #3\n has just made its world debut at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n and present at its world premiere were \nProton\n CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong, and Proton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah. In a \nFacebook post by Proton Cars\n, it is stated that the Smart #3 fastback electric vehicle (EV) \u201cmay be added to the model lineup in Malaysia\u201d.\nFor those who don\u2019t know yet, the Smart #3 is essentially a fastback version of the \nSmart #1\n. For Malaysia, Pro-Net, which is Proton\u2019s new energy vehicle subsidiary, will be the official distributor Smart cars. The first Smart Car that will make its debut in Malaysia is the Smart #1 in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023.\nCurrently on display at Auto Shanghai 2023, the Smart #3 has a maximum power output of 315 kW (\n428 hp\n metric) and \n543 Nm\n. The Smart # 3 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.6 seconds\n. At the core of the Smart #3\u2019s drivetrain is a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) system which comes as standard. The car runs a Macpherson strut suspension setup at the front and a five multi-ink setup at the back.\nFull specifications of the Smart # have yet to be revealed. However, if specifications of the Smart #1 are anything to go by, the Smart #3 could house the same 66-kWh battery. It could provide more range than the Smart #1\u2019s \n440-km \n(WLTP) figure, as the Smart #3 is reportedly more aerodynamic than its SUV counterpart.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 \u2013 Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here\u2019s what we know so far\nFor charging, the Smart #1 supports regular AC power of up to 22 kW, which can fill the battery from 10% to 80% in under three hours. DC fast charging is also supported at speeds of up to 150 kW, taking less than 30 minutes for the same amount of charge. Again, if the Smart #1\u2019s specifications are something to go by, the Smart #3 should somewhat be similar.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023\nGALLERY"
"Apart from updating powertrain and handling performance, Honda also intends to upgrade the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which will be called Sensing 360. The upgraded safety technology that can detect 360 degrees was unveiled together with the brand\u2019s new \ne:N electric car sub-brand\n in China. \u00a0\nTo make it omnidirectional, or the ability to scan in every direction, the Honda Sensing 360 adds a total of five millimetre-wave radars in front and at each corner of the vehicle, in addition to the current monocular camera.\nThe 360-degree coverage thus eliminates blind spots as well as enhanced collision mitigating performance upfront. Corner radar units allow the vehicle to scan the environment at cross junctions, warning the driver of pedestrians and oncoming traffic, lessening the risk of collisions.\nMeanwhile, the rear corner radar units not only provide more precise blind spot detection but through faster processing time allows the system can even \u2018pull\u2019 the vehicle back into its lane should the driver miss the warning, avoiding a collision. If the coast is clear, the Honda Sensing 360 system even performs automated lane change with the driver requiring to just activate the turn indicator.\nIn total, more than 20 smart driver assistance features will be available with the Honda Sensing 360. The application of Honda Sensing 360 will begin in 2022 with the Chinese market with plans to go on sale and standard fitted in all major markets by 2030.\nHonda Malaysia is offering a highly demanded upgrade for the HR-V- the 360-degree surround-view camera system\nIn Malaysia, the revolutionary Honda Sensing was first introduced on the all-new \n2017 Honda CR-V\n model, offering a full suite of ADAS that substantial premium European automakers lacked. One of the biggest party piece was the Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow which is incredibly helpful during mundane slow-moving traffic conditions.\nToday, Honda Sensing is available on almost every model by Honda Malaysia except the ageing Honda Jazz and \nHR-V\n models which are due for replacement soon. The \nall-new Honda BR-V\n seven-seater that was just unveiled in Indonesia will also come equipped with the most up-to-date Honda Sensing suite available in the ASEAN region.\nHonda is striving for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda cars and motorcycles globally by 2050. A few days ago, Honda unveiled the usage of the \nHonda Legend Hybrid Sensing Elite\n to test SAE Level 3 and 4 autonomous driving technology in Europe, a large-scale project that also involves 33 other partners from 12 countries.\nGALLERY"
"Covid-19 has sucked the fun out of everything for everyone this year. Holidays have been cancelled, weddings postponed and more so, loss of substantial income for most of us.\nIt hasn\u2019t been an easy one for us too. Earlier this year, we had planned to fly to Indonesia to review the \nnew 1.5-litre Mitsubishi Xpander\n which became\n an instant success there\n but it wasn\u2019t going to be just another video review shoot.\n \nThe initial plan was to host the video side by side with our local friend, \nFitra Eri\n of\n Oto Driver\n, and his \nself-titled channel\n but we all know how things turned out in the end. Flights were grounded, international borders were closed and the world just ceased to function.\nBut we weren\u2019t going to let this idea end up in the bin. Instead, we improvised, made do and this was what we came up with. Fitra Eri, reviewing the next big thing to \nland in Malaysia this year\n \u2013 the all-new Mitsubishi Xpander \u2013 with \n4-star ASEAN NCAP rating\n; in an AutoBuzz tee no less!\nWe\u2019ve decided to leave out all the details of the car and let you find this out by yourself. For those of you who\u2019ve followed our videos all these years, trust us, this is a special one; like nothing we\u2019ve ever done, or you\u2019ve ever seen before. Enjoy!"
"Remember a while back there was this \nfuturistic elevated bus concept aimed to solve traffic congestions\n? During the 19th\u00a0China Beijing International High-Tech Expo (held from 19 to 22 May)\u00a0saw a \nminiature model demo of the concept\n. Less than three months after the model was unveiled, China surprised the world with an actual working prototype. An. Actual. Working. Prototype.\nLaunched in Qinhuangdao, the elevated bus, codename \nTEB-1\n, is 22 meter in length, 7.8 meter in width and 4.8 meter in height. The bus from the future in its testing phase can ferry up to 300 passengers, but engineers claim that once the TEB-1 is ready for service, it will be able to accommodate up\u00a0to \n1,200 passengers\n\u00a0each journey.\nSimilar to the concept of our very own BRT Sunway Line, the tracks are built on existing roads and the tram will travel above ongoing traffic. This will allow the TEB to weave through traffic uninterrupted. Compared to building an entirely new subway or a rapid transit, the TEB is said to cost significantly cheaper.\nNow going through its feasibility studies, this may very well be public transport of the future. And judging from the pace the project is moving, the future is not very far away.\nPicture Credits: \nNew China\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Moving towards electrification, \nLamborghini\n has unveiled the initial details of its first High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV), codenamed LB744. Set to make its debut soon in celebration of the company\u2019s 60th anniversary this year, the powertrain in the upcoming Lamborghini hybrid is said to deliver over \n1,000 hp\n in total.\nThe HPEV powertrain consists of a brand-new naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that works in tandem with 3 electric motors. The new V12 engine, named the L545, is the lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine ever made by Lamborghini. It weighs 218 kg and the engine itself puts out \n825 hp\n (metric) at 9,250 rpm and \n725 Nm\n at 6,750 rpm.\nThe air intake ducts to the cylinders have been re-engineered to increase the supply of air and guarantee optimal airflow in the combustion chamber. The combustion within the actual engine has also been optimized, thanks to the regulation of ionization in the chamber with two control units: a solution already used in the \nAventador\n and now transferred to the new model.\nAs for the three electric motors, one of them is integrated into the brand\u2019s new double-clutch eight-speed gearbox that is positioned in the rear. The other two electric motors are placed in front, one for each wheel. Each of the two front motors makes \n350 Nm\n alone.\nRELATED: \nThe Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is the first, but also the last of its kind \u2013 1,499 units only\nThe two electric motors at the front are oil-cooled axial flux units and offer an exceptional weight-to-power ratio: 18.5 kg from each of the 110 kW units. As well as providing power to the front wheels, they also have a torque vectoring function, optimizing driving dynamics, and recuperating the energy produced under braking. When in electric mode, the LB744 is front-wheel drive only to optimize energy consumption, while electric drive to the rear axle is activated on demand when needed.\nThe gearbox is mounted transversely, and for the first time, is placed behind the engine. With the transmission moved behind the engine,the car\u2019s centre tunnel is now occupied by a lithium battery to power the electric motors. The battery\u2019s capacity is \n3.8 kWh\n. The electric motors boost power delivery at low revs and can also turn the new LB744 into a purely electric car. With 1 engine and 3 electric motors, the new Lamborghini hybrid powertrain sends power to all wheels.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini\u2019s last non-hybrid car is the all-terrain Huracan Sterrato, to debut by year end"
"Strange isn\u2019t it? But it\u2019s true. In this video, Lexus explained how it took thousands of years of natural evolution before this shade of blue existed \u2013 through the mesmerising colour of the Morpho butterfly.\nBut here\u2019s the catch; while Lexus had been able to replicate the same colour, called \nStructural Blue\n, onto their \nLexus LC500\n, it\u00a0does not actually contain any blue material.\n It only looks blue because of the reflection of light\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYu1ruSakRg\nThe process of creating this unique colour begins with the usage of colourless materials. The production process comprises of \n12 different stages\n where the colour pigmentation then goes through \n20 quality inspections\n before they are approved for usage.\nBecause the process is so tedious and meticulous, it \ntakes Lexus eight months to produce enough paint for only 300 Lexus LCs\n. Does it change the way you see blue and more importantly, does it change the way you see Lexus and its price tags?\nCheck out the Lexus LC500 in motion in our epic \nAutobuzz.my Best Cars of 2017 video\n!"
"Launched in \n2021\n, the \nIsuzu D-Max\n has received some \nnew upgrades\n \nfor the 2023 models\n after being updated just \nlast year\n. The D-Max is available either with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, or a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n.\u00a0\nTransmission options include a six-speed automatic with sequential shift or a six-speed manual. The D-Max\u2019s powertrain options and output may remain unchanged but here\u2019s what\u2019s new!\nRELATED:\n \nOld vs New \u2013 A detailed look at the changes in the all-new Isuzu D-Max\nNew front grille & wheel designs\nUp ahead, the 2023 D-Max\u2019s new front grille loses the vertical slats from before and is offered in all variants. There are also new 17-inch (Standard and Auto Plus) and 18-inch (X-Terrain and Premium) wheel designs.\nNew locking differential & revised suspension\nThe 3.0-litre Premium Automatic variant\u2019s suspension has been revised to handle heavier payloads, up from 580 kg to \n775 kg\n. All four-wheel drive variants now also get an electronic locking rear differential as standard to allow the wheels to spin at the same speed for better traction.\nRELATED: \nPerformance Comparison \u2013 Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi Triton\nNew colours & Dark Grey accents for X-Terrain\nThe new D-Max is available in the striking new Islay Gray Mica and Dolomite White Pearl (replaces Silky White Pearl) for the X-Terrain and Premium variants, while a new Biarritz Blue is available for the Premium, Auto Plus, and Standard AT variants, replacing the existing Sapphire Blue option.\u00a0\nA new rear combination lamp housing is fitted onto the X-Terrain and Premium variant while exclusive to the former are roof rails, side mirror, door and tailgate handles, front bumper, side step and over fenders are finished in Dark Grey. Also new in the X-Terrain is a lower bumper garnish in Silver.\nNew seat design and Cafe Brown trims\nIn the X-Terrain and Premium variants, the seats now come with a new design and are wrapped in black leather upholstery. The X-Terrain in particular gets Cafe Brown garnishes and trims on the instrument panel, doors, dashboard, steering wheel and gear lever.\nRELATED: \n(Video) Triple Truck Tussle \u2013 Triton vs Navara vs D-Max\nNew Cabin features\nBuilding upon the wireless charger offered in the 2022 model update, the new wireless charger now comes with a power switch and LED status indicator and is available in the X-Terrain, Premium and Auto Plus variants. The X-Terrain and Premium are now also fitted with a 2.1A USB Type-C fast-charging port. The X-Terrain now gets blue ambient lighting, which comes on for 60 seconds when the doors are opened, along with front and rear digital video recorders (dashcam).\u00a0\nThere are now a total of eight variants with prices starting from RM94k for the 1.9-litre manual single cab, to RM150k for the 3.0-litre automatic X-Terrain variant.\n1.9L MT Single Cab \u2013 RM94,949.20\n3.0L MT Single Cab \u2013 RM101,888.40\n1.9L Auto Plus 4X2 \u2013 RM105,499.20\n1.9L MT Standard \u2013 RM104,099.20\n1.9L AT Standard \u2013 RM111,499.20\n1.9L AT Premium \u2013 RM129,149.20\n3.0L AT Premium \u2013 RM135,638.40\n3.0L AT X-Terrain \u2013 RM150,938.40"
"Setel\n, Malaysia\u2019s first e-payment solution that allows you to \npurchase fuel right off the app \nin your smartphone, has now introduced the new Deliver2Me service and in-store cashless payment with the Setel Wallet.\nDeliver2Me\n \nallows Setel users to purchase selected items from participating Kedai Mesra\n \noutlets and have it promptly delivered directly to their vehicle while refueling. That way, customers will never have to leave the comforts and safety of their vehicles.\nFor those who prefer the full shopping experience, Setel has introduced a cashless system to easily pay for items at 800 participating Kedai Mesra\n \noutlets through the \nSetel Wallet\n. The feature allows customers to pay for items in Kedai Mesra with minimal physical contact. Customers will not only be able to earn Mesra points, but also perform Mesra points redemption directly through the application.\n\u201cToday, we are pleased to offer greater convenience to over 1.5 million users through our cashless payment system in Kedai Mesra. This is just a stepping stone in our journey of expansion as we add more intuitive features tailored to individual customers, in line with PETRONAS\u2019 growing offerings,\u201d said Setel, CEO, Iskandar Ezzahuddin.\nDeliver2Me\n \nis now available at six participating PETRONAS stations in the Klang Valley and will progressively roll out to all Setel-enabled stations nationwide starting Q1 2021. Setel is available at over 900 PETRONAS stations nationwide and can be downloaded for FREE via the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery."
"Let it be known that the Audi TTS is basically a Golf R in a fancier suit. It\u2019s not quite as tail-happy as its closest rivals, nor impressive by the sheer numbers its\u00a02.0-litre engine produces. But we\u2019re here to\u00a0tell you that these all don\u2019t matter. We\u2019re here to set a few things straight and hopefully by the end of this review, you\u2019ll have a couple more reasons to put your money down (or not) on Ingolstadt\u2019s meanest breed of TT on sale here in Malaysia.\nSome of us are familiar with the TTS. The second generation model proved to be popular here, but it didn\u2019t manage to swoon driving enthusiasts over quite as convincingly as say, a straight-six BMW 135i, never mind a Lotus. It couldn\u2019t make the cut, and it\u2019s for that very reason why people who bought them hardly ever bring the TTS to its limits. Its sporty credentials mellowed into a mere symbol of status, but the Audi TTS you see here aims to prove how well it can walk its talk, and how well it can take a beating.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi TTS 2.0 TFSI\nEngine\n1,984cc; direct injection, turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch S tronic\nMax Power\n286 hp @ 5,300 \u2013 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 5,200 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.7 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nPrice\nRM392,900.00\u00a0(OTR without insurance)\nEXTERIOR\nAs with all Audi S models, the TTS comes with satin aluminium side mirrors. The front end is dressed with a more aggressive bumper, chromed hexagonal grille and full LED headlights as standard. You can opt for the Matrix LED headlights for an additional sum if you fancy, but we think this does the job well enough.   The wheels are larger at 19-inches, and the rear is finished off with a sportier bumper with integrated diffuser. Thankfully, both exhausts are not visually faked, unlike a few rivalling brands. In typical TT fashion, the spoiler is automatically raised at 120km/h, but can be manually raised through a switch located just below the central air vents. Overall, the TTS is about 50kg lighter than the previous model, thanks to more liberal use of aluminium.\nINTERIOR\nHere, things aren\u2019t profoundly different from the regular TT. They may look identical, but the TTS comes with Alcantara-leather seats, and both front seats are electronically adjustable. Another difference is the that seats now come with pneumatically adjustable side bolsters that can inflate or deflate to fit drivers of varying sizes.\nThe wholly digital 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit setup is standard offering, and this time we get to sample the MMI Navigation which is by far the best in-car navigational mapping system, period. If it gets too distracting, simply press on the \u2018View\u2019 button on the steering wheel and you\u2019ll have your route guidance shifted (very smoothly too, I might add) to the left of the screen.   There\u2019s a \n12-speaker Bang & Olufsen\n premium sound system which offer exceptional clarity and thumping bass, something many can really appreciate on a casual, slow drive (yeah, slow, right). Other additions include more TTS embellishments on the bottom of the steering wheel and head restraints, as well as a quattro badge to the left of the dashboard.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderpinning this TTS is Volkswagen\u2019s MQB chassis, which means it\u2019s inherently talented and well balanced to begin with. The four-cylinder engine displaces \n1,984cc\n\u00a0and is given a bigger turbocharger to ram more air into the engine. The engine is mounted transversely and produces \n286 horsepower\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels (quattro comes as standard) through a close ratio \nsix-speed wet dual clutch transmission\n.\nUnfortunately for us, we won\u2019t be getting the 310 hp variant offered in other markets, so this version of the TTS is the one and only choice available in Malaysia. Besides losing out one-tenth of a second in the century sprint (the 310 hp dusts that in 4.6 seconds, versus our TTS\u2019 4.7 seconds), everything else is as standard as the TTS gets. Thrown into the package here is a synthesiser that manufactures engine noise and feeds it into the cabin. It\u2019s a tad more muted compared to the same feature found in the Golf R, but welcoming nonetheless.\nTHE DRIVE\nArmed with three-quarters to a full tank of RON 97, I\u00a0thought best to test the boundaries of the TTS\u2019 limits on a trip up the highlands. It was an hour before midnight on a weekday, and with that constraint I unhesitatingly began driving through the zippy roads of Ulu Yam.\nOn just about any road condition, ride quality was terribly harsh, partly due to\u00a0thin tyres, partly because of how the suspension was tuned. It doesn\u2019t matter what driving mode you choose, for the TTS is rigid 24/7. The upside to this is an urgent sense of the foot; the coupe decimates every corner unperturbed, so precise as it is quick on the turn in.\u00a0\nThe dynamic ceiling of the TTS is far higher than the TT we sampled before, and it\u2019s all thanks to an Italian word \u2013 quattro. The Haldex all-wheel drive system doesn\u2019t work full-time, which means the bulk of the power is sent to the front wheels on any given occasion. The only time the rear wheels slip into action is when the car\u2019s computers deem it necessary, and the amount of torque each wheel receives is infinitely variable. In short, you can gun the TTS into a corner, apply a dollop of throttle and still exit the corner without the slightest hint of understeer. It\u2019s got you covered that way, we promise.\nIt may have just 286 hp and 380 Nm on paper, but Audi\u2019s clever gearing trickery makes any overtaking or sprinting attempts seem much quicker than the outputs suggest. It is brutal in acceleration, intoxicating when rocketing down the freeways yet surprisingly pliant and confident, perhaps almost too composed for comfort. The gear ratios are short, fixed and gives you absolutely no reason to drive with sedation. Don\u2019t bother chasing fuel economy figures, because that\u2019s what the A6 Hybrid in the\u00a0garage does better.\nBut how does it fare in a drag race against a close rival, the \nMercedes-AMG A45\n? It\u2019s no contest, really. The Affalterbach-bred A-Klasse is the Hercules of its class, boasting the world\u2019s most powerful 2.0-litre engine (381 hp and 475 Nm) underneath the hood. With AMG sports exhaust fitted, it sounds far better than the TTS too. Not all is lost for the TTS though, because I feel significantly more confident driving the Audi through snaky roads compared to the Merc-AMG. Just don\u2019t ask which is the more comfortable car to drive.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nAudi Malaysia is asking you to part with RM400k for what is essentially a \nGolf R\n made by a different German tailor. Is it worth the RM100k premium over the Golf R? We think not, because with the Golf R, you get adaptive suspension (Dynamic Chassis Control) that works better than the TTS\u2019 magnetic damping, has two extra doors and similar driving dynamics.\nFor the brand conscious, the TTS is a no-brainer. It\u2019s exquisitely ravishing and comes with impeccable build quality inside and out \u2013 things Audi have long and steadfastly established before the turn of the millennium. The novelty is a bonus far more fulfilling than anything else in its class, and the Bauhaus styling guarantees public attention wherever you drive it to.\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nIn retrospect, the TTS is feral and all that, but I can have twice the fun and thrice the adrenaline shot\u00a0in a Lotus Elise for half the price. I\u2019d still turn eyes driving a Lotus, but the drab interior is not a sight for sore eyes, but\u00a0that\u2019s precisely not the reason why anyone would buy a Lotus anyway.\u00a0\nTo this day, it\u2019s still hard for me to think of a solid reason to buy the TTS. I\u2019ve slept on it, dwelled on it and lied to myself about it, but nothing concrete ever came to mind. It may be close to 20 years old, but as it ages, so will its\u00a0\nraison d\u2019etre\n. Can the TT survive another generation being adrift in a sea filled with A45s and the likes of it? Unlikely so, but word has it that Audi is \nworking on an all-new model called the R6\n. Until that day comes, the TT will have to fight relentlessly\u00a0to stay relevant, otherwise its days are as good as numbered.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Although Toyota and Subaru has confirmed that a new 86/BRZ is in the piepline \nfour months ago\n, not much information has surfaced regarding the new Toyobaru twins \u2013 even when it has been rumoured that the official launch will take place some time next year.\nHowever, \nAutocar UK\n claimed to have receive inside knowledge on the next 86/BRZ, and if the sources are correct, changes are aplenty \u2013 starting with the name.\nThe next-generation Toyota 86 will be rebranded as the \nGR86\n (at least on Toyota\u2019s side), to be more aligned with the rest of the Gazoo Racing brand alongside the \nGR Supra\n and recently-announced\n GR Yaris\n.\nOriginally launched in 2012, the \nToyota 86\n was built on a Subaru-developed architecture. However, as Subaru no-longer supports RWD drivetrains, Autocar suggests that the new 86 will utilise an evolution of the TNGA platform.\nCurrently, most TNGA platforms are designed for front- and all-wheel drive cars, so significant work needs to be done if the GR86 were to uphold its front-engine rear-wheel drive legacy.\nAutocar also suggests that Subaru will once again take charge of the powertrain development, and we will most likely see the 2.4-litre boxer-four turbocharged engine seen on the Outback XT.\nThe FA24 engine is capable of generating\n 250 hp\n and \n376 Nm\n of torque, a healthy 50 hp increase from the original Toyobaru. The new change will definitely appease many fans who have been crying for a power bump, though a bigger engine also means a heavier car.\nAdding to the weight will be the new interior of the GR86, as Autocar says that the two brands are working to increase the aesthetic appeal of the car, both inside and out.\nOften criticised for the cheap-looking cabin, we can expect that the next-generation 86/BRZ will be fitted with better material usage, technology, and fit and finish.\nIt will be interesting to see how Toyota and Subaru manage the added weight, and possibly realign it the car to appeal to a wider buyer market. But of course, these are all rumours, and it may all turn out to be untrue \u2013 we\u2019ll just have to wait and see."
"Lexus Malaysia has announced that the company is now accepting orders for the \nfifth-generation Lexus LS\n. The full-sized luxury sedan will be offered in three variants \u2013 one of which is a hybrid and is expected to hit the Malaysian market sometime in Q1 of 2018.\nThe base model is the LS Luxury which retails at RM799,000 while the LS Executive costs RM999,000. The range-topping LS Executive Hybrid, on the other hand, will set you back at a hefty RM1,459,000. Prices quoted are On-the-Road without insurance. However, the company has not revealed the powertrain options for the Malaysian market.\nGlobally, the LS is available with\n three engine choices\n \u2013 LS 350, \nLS 500\n and \nLS 500h\n. The model depicted here is the entry-level \nLS 350\n which is driven by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 paired to a 10-speed automatic churning out \n311 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque. Stepping up to the \nLS 500\n and the same engine gets slapped on with two turbochargers to deliver \n415 hp\n and\n 599 Nm\n of torque. Lastly, the top of the line \nLS 500h\n gets a Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System (3.5L V6 hybrid) to deliver a combined output of \n354 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of twisting force.\nVisually, the LS borrows much of its design cue from the brand\u2019s futuristic \nLC coupe\n \u2013 which happens to be one of \nAutoBuzz.my\n Best Cars of 2017\n. Sitting on the brand\u2019s latest \u201cGlobal Architecture \u2013 Luxury\u201d, the LS has a wheelbase of 3,125 mm which is 33 mm longer than the previous-gen long-wheelbase model! Key dimensions measures at 5,235 mm in length, 1,450 mm in height and 1,900 mm in width.   It comes with a never-ending list of options such as reclining and \nShiatsu\n massaging rear seats, air suspension, 24-inch colour heads-up display (the largest in the world) and 3D surround Mark Levinson audio package with ceiling mounted speakers, Intuitive Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering and many more. If we know Lexus Malaysia, you can bet Malaysia-bound cars will be armed to the teeth.\nAll Lexus LS comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage and complete aftersales support at seven locations around Malaysia. Bookings can be made at all authorised Lexus centres across Malaysia. Now, we wonder how much would it cost to have the \nF-Sport package\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus LS 350 at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show   Lexus LS 500   Lexus LS 500h"
"While Volkswagen celebrated its \nnew record for electric vehicles\n on the legendary Hill Climb with the I.D. R Race car, Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) claimed the supercar record with the Mono on the 1.86 km course.\nWith multiple Goodwood Champion, Anthony Reid, behind the wheel, the BAC Mono conquered the famous Hill Climb run in just\n 49.13 seconds\n \u2013 claiming the podium by more than a second and \nbeating the previous supercar record by 0.14 seconds\n.\nThe previous record was set by a Nissan GTR with a time of 49.27 seconds back in 2014. The BAC Mono even managed to edge ahead of the Porsche GT2 RS (50.38 seconds), Ford GT (51.63 seconds) and the Aston Martin Vulcan (51.66 seconds).\nIt\u2019s the second consecutive year that BAC has topped the Goodwood FOS leaderboards, having led the Race Cars for the Road category in 2017 with a time of 49.54 seconds.\n\u201cI know the Hillclimb very, very well but it\u2019s always different and remains a challenging drive \u2013 there are lots of undulations and always so much to think about \u2013 but Mono is so accessible and agile,\u201d said Anthony Reid.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the success of the \nJaguar F-Pace SUV\n and the \nall-electric I-Pace SUV\n, Jaguar has teased yet another SUV \u2013 the Jaguar E-Pace. Slotting above the F-Pace, the E-Pace is positioned to be a high-performance compact SUV with sports cars derived technology and athletic styling.\nThe E-Pace combines an athletic design and sporty performance with the everyday practicality of an SUV. All-wheel drive and a range of \nIngenium petrol\n and diesel engines will be featured on the new E-Pace as well as the marque\u2019s latest-generation tech and safety features.\nIan Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: \u201cThe combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-PACE stands out. Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-PACE will do just that, albeit with its own individual character.\u201d\nThe E-Pace will make its global debut on 13 July 2017 and carries an indicative of \u00a328,500 (RM154k)."
"It\u2019s that time of the year again, where people start flipping their cheque books to buy new cars in anticipation of the holiday and festive season.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just announced that their year-end sales campaign, the \nMitsubishi Countdown Deals\n, has started and buyers can look forward to receive up to \nRM7,000 in cash rebates\n for bookings made \nbefore 31 December\n \n2014\n.\nFor those who are looking into the \nAttrage\n, you\u2019d be please to know that it comes with a cash rebate of \nRM6,000\n. As a recap, the Attrage is powered by the \n1.2-litre MIVEC\n engine that is paired to a \nCVT\n gearbox that boasts a fuel consumption rating of \n21km per litre\n. The Attrage \nGS\n\u00a0(which we \nreviewed\n) goes for \nRM67,798.50\n whereas the range topping \nSE\n goes for \nRM75,796.50\n.\nFor the ASX, you get \nRM4,000\n cash rebate. Priced at \nRM114,743.50\n for the \n2WD\n variant and \nRM128,879.50\n for the \n4WD\n, both the \nlocally assembled\n ASXs are powered by the \n2.0-litre MIVEC\n engine that is also paired with a \nCVT\n gearbox with \nsix virtual ratios\n for a sportier drive. We recently \nreviewed both these units\n, and MMM just recently introduced the \nASX Designer Edition \nthat is limited to \n180 units\n. It\u2019s unclear if the latter is subjected to the promotional campaign, but we think that it\u2019s quite unlikely.\nIf the ASX isn\u2019t big enough for your liking, then it\u2019s worth noting that this \nseven-seater SUV\n, the \nPajero Sport VGT\n, is given a \nRM5,000\n cash rebate. This top-spec Pajero Sport VGT is priced at \nRM172,211.60\n, while the \nSport GL\n goes for \nRM151,277.60\n. Underneath the hood of this SUV is the \n2.5-litre common-rail diesel\n engine that is capable of \n175 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque.\nLast but not least, the \nTriton VGT\n. This is now offered with a cash rebate of up to\u00a0\nRM7,000\n, and is priced at \nRM107,809.60\n. It shares the same \n2.5-litre common rail diesel\n engine as the \nPajero Sport\n.\nAgain, the campaign runs until the last day of the year, so be sure to drop by at any one of the 57 Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide by then."
"The government will be disbursing a one-off RM500 financial aid for drivers of taxis,\u00a0school buses, sightseeing buses, rental and e-hailing vehicles starting today, \nBernama\n reports\n.\nThe financial assistance, which comes under the Malaysian\u00a0Economic\u00a0and Rakyat\u2019s\u00a0Protection\u00a0Assistance\u00a0Package (PERMAI), will involve about 110,000 people, with a total allocation of RM55 million. The one-time financial aid was \nfirst announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin \non January 18.\n\u201cSome\u00a020,000 taxi and rental car drivers have received the assistance which has been credited into the accounts of the drivers involved, while the remaining 15,000 will receive the assistance in stages by March 15, 2021,\u201d said Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz in a statement last night.\nMeanwhile, the remaining 75,000 recipients including drivers of e-hailing vehicles, school and sightseeing buses will receive their financial aid disbursements in stages from Feb 26.\nThe financial aid will hopefully help tide the target group over the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, while the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) is being implemented, says Tengku Zafrul. \u201cPICK certainly represents the starting point for the recovery of the tourism sector and other sectors that have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.\u201d\nThis is the\u00a0\nsecond of such financial aid distribution\n\u00a0to the specific target group, as their source of income has been severely affected due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, approximately 120,000 drivers received financial aid from a total allotment of RM66 million.\nFor individuals involved, you can check the status of your funds disbursement via the Land Public Transport Agency\u2019s (APAD) website, \nhere\n."
"The Honda CR-V will finally make its \nEuropean debut\n at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Yes, you read that right, despite it going on sale in Malaysia since July 2017, our friends in Europe will only receive their CR-V September 2018 onwards.\nAs \nreported earlier\n, Europe-bound CR-Vs will be available with \ntwo powertrains\n \u2013 a 1.5-litre four-cylinder VTEC Turbo (\nsame unit we are having\n) and a 2.0-litre i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid. The VTEC Turbo mill is paired to either a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a six-speed manual to deliver a total output of\n 190 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n of torque.\nThe \nCR-V i-MMD Hybrid\n, on the other hand, sports a 2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle naturally aspirated mill paired to an electric motor producing a total output of \n212 hp\n. Drive is channelled to the axles via a single fixed-gear ratio transmission for a more direct and smoother torque transfer. This also marks Honda\u2019s first-ever hybrid SUV to go on sale in Europe.\nBoth the petrol and hybrid-powered CR-Vs are available in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive guise. Interestingly, Europe customers will have the option to have their CR-V in either five or \nseven-seats\n as offered in \nThailand\n. Honda promises exceptional legroom for the third-row passengers as well as a 101-degree seat angle for greater comfort during long-distance journeys.\nFirst deliveries of Honda CR-V fitted with the 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine is expected to commence from September 2018 while hybrid models will follow in early 2019. Consider ourselves lucky to get to roll around in the \nfourth-generation CR-V\n so soon!\nIAMGE GALLERY"
"Affordability has always been one of the biggest selling points of \nelectric vehicles (EVs)\n, as it generally costs considerably lesser to upkeep and maintain \u2013 at least for the first eight or so years until the battery warranty runs out. But that could possibly change soon, as a result of the revised electricity tariff that will come into effect for the second half of 2023, starting July 1.\nAccording to the revised electricity tariff based on the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) scheme, domestic consumers who utilise more than 1,500 kWh per month will incur a RM0.10 surcharge per kWh. The surcharge is also \napplicable to your entire electricity bill\n, rather than just usage above the 1,500 kWh limit.\nFor EV users, especially those who frequently travel long distances, the hard \u2018switchover point\u2019 mechanism means that charging your vehicle at home could potentially result in a significant hike in your monthly electricity bill \u2013 and not just increased cost for EV charging \u2013 as the surcharge is still applied to your entire bill, even if you only use 1,500.1 kWh.\nRELATED: \nI drove 1,142km in an EV for Hari Raya and didn\u2019t need a DC fast charger at all\nIn practice, the surcharge also translates to a nett +RM0.12 swing per kWh, as domestic users previously enjoyed a rebate of RM0.02/kWh. Consumers who utilise less than RM1,500 kWh, though, will still continue to receive the rebate.\nThe Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRECC) says that only approximately 83,000 consumers (1% of domestic users) will be affected by this change. Customers in this category will see a minimum increase of 25% (RM187) to their electricity bills (RM708 for 1,500 kWh based on latest tariffs).\nImage Source: NRECC Malaysia/Twitter\nThe Ministry says that the new ICPT-based surcharge is a based on the fuel prices in the preceding six months (January to June 2023), of which global coal prices still far exceeds the projected fuel costs, despite a slight decrease in average fuel price.\nFor the period of July 1 to December 31, 2023, the government will be allocating a total of RM5.2 billion in electricity subsidies; the majority of domestic consumers and non-domestic low voltage consumers will not be affected by the new tariffs.\nALSO READ: \nYinson GreenTech & PLUS to develop Malaysia\u2019s first hyperpower DC fast charging hub with 8X 350kW chargers\n[\nH/T: \nPaultan.org\n]"
"There\u2019s a saying that goes \u201ca tiger never loses its stripes\u201d and even as age catches up, old habits die hard and this is especially true with the need for speed.\nYesterday, an 80-year old man in Alma, South Australia took that need just a little too far, and worse, got caught. The man from Adelaide was caught speeding in his Subaru Impreza WRX, clocking 182 km/h in a 100 km/h zone.\nSource: South Australia Police\nAs a result, the offender was issued a fine of AUD 1,814 (approx. RM5,534) and his license was revoked for six months \u2013 the worst nightmare for anyone who loves driving.\nAustralia has one of the strictest speeding laws in the region. In most parts of the country, the speed limit is set at 110 km/h similar to ours, while the highest legal speed limit is 130 km/h but is limited to the country\u2019s northern region.\nIf a driver is caught exceeding the speed limit by over 40 km/h, a minimum fine of AUD 1,286 will be imposed along with six month\u2019s suspension of their driving license.\nVolvo starts rolling out 180 km/h speed limit on new car.read about it here!"
"Building upon its success in providing digital solutions for auto parts distribution in China, Singapore-based \nSpeedwork Autocare \nhas set up shop in Malaysia to offer digital and offline solutions for all things vehicle maintenance.\nAs there is a huge gap between purchasing a car replacement part online and a place to properly install it, Speedwork Autocare\u2019s aim is to bridge the gap between online purchasing to offline installation, without neglecting customer relationship management.\nAccording to Speedwork Autocare, the platform serves as a one-stop centre for auto parts and vehicle maintenance services while connecting online consumers with workshop operators.\nAside from passenger cars, the sister company of Giti Tires, also provides the same set of services for motorcycles as well.\nOnce a service or product is purchased, Speedwork Autocare personnel will serve the customer through messaging or other means of communication.\n\u201cThis allows for easy enquiry with a more personal touch which has helped in raising the confidence level of the consumer when they shop at our digital platform,\u201d said Speedwork Networks, Director, Chris Bloor.\n\u201cThere\u2019s a lack of end-to-end digital ecosystems that provide a seamless online-to-offline vehicle maintenance experience,\u201d he added.\nTo sweeten the deal, exclusive offers will only be available through Speedwork\u2019s comprehensive network of workshops. Currently, Speedwork\u2019s partners also include BonusLink, Touch \u2018n Go and local bank, CIMB.\nAside from attracting customers, Speedwork Autocare is also looking to expand its ever-growing network of workshops.\n\u201cOur main challenge is to help our partner workshops and brand to see the benefits that they can gain from this platform while growing their businesses. We are providing a way to drive the online shopper to the participating workshops,\u201d Bloor said.\nSpeedwork Autocare first started out in China back in 2017 and has been in Malaysia since the tail end of 2020. Aside from China and Malaysia, Bloor revealed that Speedwork also operates in Indonesia. He added that expansion to other Asian countries is also in the pipeline.\nFor more info on Speedwork Autocare and their list of products and services, click \nhere\n."
"Porsche\n has just unveiled its newest concept hypercar to the world, the Porsche Mission X, which is fully electric. Bearing an exterior design similar to one of the concept cars featured in the Porsche Unseen book \u2013 the Porsche Vision 918, the Mission X is similarly sized to the brand\u2019s Carrera GT and \n918 Spyder\n.\nOne of the most eye-catching parts of the Mission X has to be its headlights. Featuring a vertical design that is inspired by historic racing cars like the Porsche 906 and 908, the headlights come with Porsche\u2019s reinterpreted four-point graphic too. Also, the Mission X bears the \nlatest updated Porsche logo\n.\nThe Le Mans-style doors are certainly not to be missed. Attached to the A-pillar and the roof, the doors open forwards and upwards, amplifying its hypercar identity. This is not the first time Porsche has featured doors with such a design, however, as the doors were once used on the Porsche 917 racing car.\nThe rear lights are just as dramatic as the headlights, extending across the entire width of the vehicle. And just in case this isn\u2019t fancy enough, Porsche has added a Porsche lettering which is transparent and illuminated. While the car is charging, the \u2018E\u2019 of the Porsche lettering also pulsates.\nRELATED: \nPorsche spent three years updating its crest. if you can even spot the differences\nThe Mission X, as mentioned above is Porsche\u2019s concept model. However, the sports car company has aimed to set benchmarks with the concept hypercar. According to Porsche, if the Mission X is to go into series production, it should be the fastest road-legal vehicle around the \nNurburgring Nordschleife\n.\nPorsche also boasts its power-to-weight ratio of one hp (metric) per kilogram, its downforce values that surpass those delivered by the \n911 GT3 RS\n, as well its capability of charging twice as quickly as the \nPorsche Taycan\n Turbo S\n, thanks to its 900-volt system architecture. To achieve a balanced handling performance, the Mission X\u2019s battery pack is positioned similarly to an engine in a mid-engine car. Known as the \u2018e-core layout\u2019, this is done to achieve greater agility.\nFor aerodynamic purposes, the concept car features a staggered setup, 20-inch wheels at the front, and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The rear axle is fitted with translucent aero blades. Designed like turbines, the aero blades are there to cool the brakes.\nInside, the Porsche Mission X feature a driver-focused design, with its two seats that are coloured differently. The passenger seat is finished in Andalusia Brown, while the driver seat features a dual-tone Andalusia Brown and Kalahari Grey combination. The six-point seatbelts and open-top steering wheel further emphasise the hypercar\u2019s motorsport identity.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-assembled CKD Porsche Cayenne reaches 1,000-unit milestone\nAdditionally, the passenger side features a bayonet system embedded in the instrument panel to which a stopwatch module can be attached. Porsche Design has also created a special stopwatch module with an analogue and digital display for both the racetrack and rally use. The clocks can display information such as lap times or the driver\u2019s vital data.\nRELATED: \nPorsche 718 Spyder RS unveiled \u2013 492hp, 0-100km/h in 3.4 secs\nGALLERY"
"Earlier today, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) have issued a recall for the purposes of vehicle inspection as part of their \u201cField Fix Campaign\u201d. Approximately 2,083 Mitsubishi owners have been called in to get their cars checked, with models ranging from the \nAirtrek\n, \nColt\n, \nLancer\n, \nLancer Evolution\n, \nGrandis\n and \nOutlander\n.\nOwners whose cars are made after 14 March 2008 are exempted from the recall. MMM strongly suggests all vehicles made before the said date to undergo a series of checks to the light switches and for it to be replaced if deemed necessary.\nDue to the structure of the circuitry board, cracks could occur which could cause the signal lights and headlamps to malfunction if left undetected over time. MMM said if owners are experiencing \nflickering lights\n, \nblinking lights\n, \nremains lit\n even after switching the headlights off or \ncompletely malfunctions\n, chances are the cracks have already occurred.\nNotification letters have already been issued to affected Mitsubishi owners, and MMM will absorb the full cost of inspection and repair (if required). If any of you Mitsubishi owners are experiencing any of the abnormalities above, it\u2019s recommended that you make an appointment with any of Mitsubishi\u2019s authorised service centres for inspection that will take approximately \none hour\n.\nFor more information and to see the list of Mitsubishi\u2019s service centres, please visit their website \nhere\n\u00a0or contact our Customer Careline at 1-800-18-6611 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00am-5.00pm) for assistance."
"If you\u2019ve always wondered how much it would cost to replace or in this case, to rejuvenate the battery pack of the fully-electric Nissan Leaf, wonder no more.\nStarting this May in Japan, owners of the first-generation Leaf (launched back in December, 2011) can now exchange their old batteries for refabricated ones under a fee-based system.\nThis is made possible with the help of the battery-refabrication facilities of 4R Energy Corp., a company established through a joint venture with Sumitomo Corp. Nissan hopes that via this refurbishment programme, the replacement cost of battery packs can be lowered, thus preserving the residues of fully electric vehicles.\nWhile the price of a battery pack replacement is rarely revealed, the general consensus was that it constituted 50% of the cost of the car when Nissan started retail sales of the Leaf in the early part of this decade. Of course, the cost of lithium-ion battery cells has since gone down significantly with the auto industry now fully committed to an electrified future.\nNismo\u2019s\n interpretation of the \nnew Nissan Leaf, due for Malaysia this year.\nHow much? Nissan will initially offer 24 kWh re-fabricated batteries for 300,000 yen (around RM11,000) apiece, while the exchange costs for brand-new battery packs are 650,000 yen (RM23,700) for 24 kWh; 800,000 yen (RM29,000) for 30 kWh, and 820,000 yen (RM30,000) for 40 kWh.\nDepending on usage patterns and recharging cycles, the first-generation Nissan Leaf battery packs are believed to be able to \nlast anywhere from five to seven years\n (with a gradual depletion in range) before requiring change. Just think of it as getting a new engine."
"After a few great teasers and even a clip of all four generations \nro\nwing\n their shift levers, Acura USA has unveiled the Integra Prototype at a simple digital broadcast event earlier today.\nWhen the company first announced the \nrevival of the nameplate\n, many expected the Integra to bring back fond memories of the DC2 and DC5 Honda Integra Type-R models, the exceptionally good compact coupes with very admirable dynamism.\nHowever, Acura was quick to point out that earlier generations of Acura Integra\u2019s are also available in \nfive-door fastback\n body type, and as such, this fifth-generation (to be called 2023 Acura Integra) continues the lineage.\nVisually, when compared to the \n2021 Honda Civic Hatchback\n, the \u201chardlines\u201d of the Integra Prototype\u2019s body structure are familiar- the windscreen angle, the thickness of the A-pillar, the long bonnet and even the shape of the rear doors all point to the Honda model.\nHowever, Acura has restyled the C-pillar on the Integra Prototype, omitting the sharp upwards kink that is a new Honda design signature. The rear quarters have been heavily reworked with bulging wheel arches to create the fastback visual look. Both the front and rear bumpers also display trademark cues of the sporty model with an embossed Integra name at the right corners when viewed straight ahead. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe Acura Integra Prototype model is painted with a striking Indy Yellow Pearl paint that pays homage to the Phoenix Yellow that was offered on the iconic 2000 Integra Type R. The yellow highlights are also applied to the large brake calipers and exhaust tips.\nThe Honda Integra sedan is being offered, but only in China! More info here!\n2023 Acura Integra, 6 MT\nWhile we earlier speculated that the 2023 Acura Integra could be fitted with a larger displacing turbocharged engine, an existing 1.5-litre unit from the 2022 Honda Civic Si will be used to keep the pricing within USD30,000 (approx. RM125k), signalling the replacement of the ageing Acura ILX that is also based on a Honda Civic sedan.\nAt USD27,300, the \n2022 Honda Civic Si\n (only in a sedan) pairs its 202 hp / 260 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission and helical-type limited-slip differential driving the front wheels.\nThe 2023 Acura Integra will be made in the USA at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio and is targeted to reach dealers by the first half of next year."
"BMW has just released a single image of a topless roadster on its Facebook page with an accompanying caption \u201cTune in on August 17th at Pebble Beach\u201d, teasing the imminent unveiling of a new roadster at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019ELEGANCE. Hope we\u2019re not jumping the gun by calling the Z5 for now.\nBMW\u2019s only roadster in its stable is the two-seater E89 Z4 which ceased production in June 2016 therefore the new roadster may very well be the replacement for the Z4. The next-gen Z4 is jointly developed with the highly anticipated \nToyota Supra\n where both cars will share a new platform and powertrain options.\nThe next-gen Z4\u2019s twin, Toyota FT-1\nBased on the teaser image, the next-gen Z4 appears to share a similar silhouette as the \nFT-1 Concept\n: long bonnet, sloping roof line and sharp rear end. It will most definitely be available with a \nfolding soft and hard top\n like its predecessors but whether or not for BMW to a fixed roof coupe version like the E86 Z4 remains to be seen. More information of the \nMercedes-Benz SLC\n rival to come in due course."
"We\u2019re all too familiar with the concept of road-going, production sports and race cars being \u201creflected\u201d into our games but it\u2019s another thing to have a car whose birth is solely for our virtual leisure and never existing in reality.\nThe Honda Sports Vision Gran Turismo is one such car \u2013 given birth through the Gran Turismo, the Real Driving Simulator. Unlike the usual production cars drawn up from within Honda, the Gran Turismo\u2019s outline is a result of a worldwide design competition ran by Honda.\nThe Sports Vision\u2019s design draws the eye to its streamlined body, with wide fenders and air intakes \u2013 a result from the mix of form, functionality and more importantly, beauty.\nIn the game, the car is confined to weigh under a tonne at 899 kg, primarily with the use of carbon fibre components. The mid-engined sportscar is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine producing just over \n400 hp\n, delivering power through an 8-speed dual clutch transmission.\nAs if it were to be put into production, Honda even ran wind tunnel tests with a full scale model! The end result guarantees airflow and exit of air around the Sports Vision\u2019s body, through the undercarriage as well engine compartment.\nImage Credit: \nGran Turismo\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lotus is known for their back to basics, lightweight and raw sportscars, which means most of their cars have barebones interiors \u2013 no squishy soft touch materials, and no unnecessary infotainment displays.\nIn general, fans and purists seem to appreciate Lotus\u2019 efforts in preserving the purest driving experience. But even then, it\u2019s still nice sometimes to have additional information about the car, especially during spirited driving on track.\nFor that purpose, the boys at Hethel have cooked up a new plug-and-play digital dashboard device \u2013 dubbed Digital Instrument Pack \u2013 to upgrade your track day experience, specially designed to fit perfectly into your \nLotus Elise\n or \nExige\n made from 2008 and onwards.\nThe digital dashboard device, which consists of a six-inch TFT LCD display and a GPS module, measures, displays and records data captured via various onboard sensors, helping drivers improve their lap times on the fly. It is even pre-loaded with \n4,127 individual international race tracks\n, and automatically detects when the car is on one to help track your lap times accurately.\nFor those that like to document their track day experience, the device comes with a camera input, allowing you to overlay the vital information such as vehicle speed directly onto the video itself. The digital dashboard can also be detached from its frame, allowing the driver to download the data onto a computer for further analysis.\nLotus Aftersales Director, Chris Hinks said, \u201cWe know our customers appreciate the motorsport heritage of Lotus cars and love to use their own vehicles on track days. Integrating a Digital Instrument Pack into an Elise or Exige is only going to enhance that experience.\u201d\nThe Lotus digital dashboard is priced at \nGBP1,470 (RM7,875)\n in the UK, though Lotus also says that pricing will vary depending on region. The new plug-and-play device will be available at all markets where the two cars are sold."
"Mazda Motor Corporation have just announced that they will play host to the world premier of their Koeru crossover SUV concept at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in mid September 2015.\nDetails are way to scarce for us to even make sense of what the Koeru will be, but the company says the word in Japanese means to \u201cexceed\u201d or \u201cgo beyond\u201d, adding that they aim to exceed all conventional notions of the segment in which the Koeru will contend. It\u2019s definitely a CX model, and not the hot Mazda3 MPS we all long to see in the flesh.\nRight now, we can only guess that the final form of the Koeru is either that of the CX-4 or the CX-6, complementing the CX-3 and CX-5 models in a fashion similar to how the BMW X4 is to the X3, X5 and so on. When the Koeru takes centre stage on 15 September, it will give us a sneak peek of the company\u2019s latest embodiment of their KODO Soul of Motion design philosophy."
"McLaren Automotive\u2019s bespoke personalisation arm, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has developed a unique paint colour inspired by the family story of its founder, Bruce McLaren. Muriwai White, as it\u2019s called was developed in partnership with Amanda McLaren, Bruce\u2019s only child.\nMuriwai is the name of the New Zealand costal community where Bruce won his first motor race and is also the name he gave to his family house in Surrey, England. Inspired by the whitewashed walls, deep blue doors and shutters of the McLaren homestead, \nMuriwai White paint\n is white with blue flecks, giving it a dreamy bluish hue.\nThe first car to be graced with this unique paintjob is a \n570S Spider\n with the full exterior carbon pack and five-spoke alloys. Roof down and its red and black interior beams out from inside out, creating a mesmerising contrast that ties in with the red painted brake callipers.\nThe Muriwai White will officially be part of MSO colour palette, but MSO will fulfil any colour choices of its clients and will tailor make bespoke colour if needed. Much like the \nFux Fuchsia 720S\n which the owner has exclusive rights to the colour.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) pulled the wraps off the most hardcore Jaguar XE ever, the company intended the \nXE SV Project 8\n to be a four-door supercar killer. And to put money where their mouth is, the Project 8 is officially the world\u2019s fastest saloon car to lap the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife.\nThe Project 8 went one full circle around the Green Hell in\u00a0\n7 minutes and 21.23 seconds\n, humiliating the previous record holder, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio by some \n11 seconds\n! That puts the Project 8 on par with some big names such as the \nFerrari 488 GTB\n and \nDodge Viper ACR\n. Before we go any further, jump on-board the Project 8 on its record-setting lap.\nSo how did an executive saloon achieve such ludicrous performance? For starters, the Project 8 is unlike your run off the mill \nXE \n\u2013\u00a0only the roof and front door skins are carried over from the regular models. Around 75 per cent of its mechanical hardware is all new and unrelated to the standard car.\nThe record-breaking car came equipped with the optional \ntwo-seat track pack\n that slaps on racing bucket seats with four-point harnesses and retention hoops. Other than that, the rest of the vehicle is identical to the production model.\nUnder the hood you\u2019ll find a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 generating\n 592 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque, sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed Quickshift transmission and Jaguar\u2019s All-Wheel Drive system (AWD). Sprinting from 0 to 96 km/h takes only \n3.3 seconds\n, quicker than the highly acclaimed \nF-Type SVR\n! On full whack, the Project 8 will reach speeds of \n322 km/h\n.\nJaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director, John Edwards added: \u201cSVO exists to push the boundaries of performance, luxury and all-terrain capability. The hand-assembled XE SV Project 8 takes that principle to the limit, extracting supercar-beating performance from Jaguar\u2019s most compact four-door sedan.\u201d Only 300 left-hand drive will be made, and registration of interest is now open.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve recently learned about Volvo\u2019s high-output \nfour-cylinder T8 engine\n that will be powering the new XC90, as well as their \n450hp triple-charged 2.0-litre engine\n that was co-developed with Volvo Polestar Racing and Denso.\nNow, Volvo is taking their downsizing trend to the \nthree-cylinder category\n as part of their pursuit and commitment for greener engines. This small \n180hp\n, \nEuro7 compliant\n engine is developed alongside the brand\u2019s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) that will underpin the Swedish brand\u2019s 60 Series cars in the future.\nVolvo\u2019s Senior Vice President of R&D, Dr Peter Mertens said, \u201cThe beauty of the new three-cylinder engine is that it can be built on the same production lines as our four-cylinder engine, offering flexible production potential which can be adapted to suit business needs as we grow. This marks an important step forward for Volvo Cars. In terms of our power and efficiency, Volvo\u2019s engineering excellence will shine through with the Drive-E three-cylinder engine.\u201d\nSo, fancy yourself a Volvo with a \nT3 badge\n?"
"While the \nall-new Hyundai Tucson\n\u00a0remains a considerably fresh newcomer to the C-Segment SUV market in Malaysia, in Europe it\u2019s a completely different story for the Korean giant.\nDespite being introduced to the European continent in September (two months prior to its Malaysian arrival), Hyundai received over 85,000 orders \u2013 10,000 of which are from the UK alone. This means Hyundai Motor\u2019s manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic will continue producing the Tucson at its optimum capacity.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance\nHyundai Tucson 2.0L Executive\nEngine\n1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC\n1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n153 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with\u00a0insurace)\nRM129,888.99\nRM143,888.00\nThe most popular variant proves to be their \n1.7-litre turbodiesel\n (114 hp, 260 Nm) variant, accounting for over 34 percent of the orders. Over here, we only get the older \n2.0-litre Nu MPI engine\n\u00a0that makes \n153 hp\n at 6,200 rpm and \n192 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm.\nJust two flavours\u00a0of the Tucson is sold here \u2013 the Elegance and Executive variants. The former is priced at RM130k, while the Executive costs RM144k including GST and insurance. Each purchase will be packaged with Hyundai\u2019s \n5-year or 300,000km warranty programme\n, whichever comes first. That equals to 164 km a day, everyday, for five years!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Most of us at AutoBuzz.my are warming up to the huge grille on the \nall-new BMW 4 Series\n, but it\u2019s understandable if you\u2019re still repulsed by it. By all quantitative considerations, the new grille is still a huge departure from the usual BMW design, even if we saw it coming \nnine months ago\n.\nIf you fall into the latter category, here\u2019s some good news to ease your worries a little bit \u2013 not all future BMWs will look like the 4 Series. Speaking at a media roundtable discussion, BMW\u2019s design chief Domagoj Dukec confirmed that the grille was specifically created for the 4 Series, and there will probably be probably be\u00a0more \u201cconservatively\u201d styled models\u00a0in the future.\nAs reported by \nAutoblog\n, Dukec explained that the new grille is part of the brand\u2019s broader action plan to give each model unique identities in an effort to differentiate them more from each other. That is why, he adds, that the new 4-er is not just a smaller \n8 S\ne\nries\n, or a larger \n2 Series\n.\nAs for why the 4 Series particularly bold? Dukec says that it\u2019s partly due to the fact that even-numbered BMW models have historically (albeit not exactly extensive) carried more expressive and distinct styling compared to their odd-numbered counterparts \u2013 see: the original 6 Series (\nand the GT\n), as well as the original X6.\nThe design chief further clarifies that the new 4 Series was designed as a global product, and not just to satisfy the Chinese buyers \u2013 despite their \naffinity for these larger grilles\n. Makes sense given that China only represents approximately 10% of the market for the Coupe.\nAs was explained during the reveal of the Concept 4, Dukec reiterates that the design of the new grille is to a certain extent an homage to the brand\u2019s historical models, particularly the early ones with tall radiators. Though, with such a heavy emphasis on its past, we still can\u2019t quite figure out why the Hoffmeister kink was basically removed on the new 4 Series."
"In an attempt to steal a bit of the limelight from the recently-launched \nall-new Perodua Alza\n, it appears that Proton is planning to unveil an updated 2022 version of the \nExora\n this week, according to a\n teaser post\n on its Facebook page.\nThe teaser post is fairly unassuming as usual, with the only nugget of information being the launch date \u2013 August 19, or just two days away from now.\n \nRegistration of interest for the upcoming model is now open, and interested customers can head on over to the attached webpage (linked \nhere\n) to do so.\nProton deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah has previously confirmed that an updated Exora is in the works, although he mentioned that it won\u2019t be to the extent of what the Saga received back in May. Considering that it\u2019s now already a 13-year-old model at the end of its lifecycle (plus with the\n Geely Jiaji-based MPV\n rumoured to be launched next year), we really shouldn\u2019t be too surprised.\nWith that being said, though, the Facebook post does also include the tagline \u201cthe performance to run free\u201d, alongside a marketing blurb highlighting the \u201cperformance of the Proton Exora\u2019s turbocharged engine\u201d in its caption. Could we be seeing a new powertrain in the upcoming 2022 Proton Exora?\nRELATED: \nProton to launch three all-new models in the next two years \u2013 what might they be?\nThe current Proton Exora is already powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making 140 hp and 203 Nm of torque. However, we don\u2019t see why they would specifically highlight that in the teaser post, unless there\u2019s some significant changes made to the existing, frequently-criticised mill.\nIf the new 2022 Exora facelift does indeed come with a new engine, then there are two possibilities from Proton\u2019s current stable. The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit from the X50 is the more obvious choice, with the engine \nrecently fitted onto the larger X70\n, and is also now \nlocally-assembled here in Malaysia\n.\nALSO READ: \nProton opens new engine plant in Tg Malim, first outside of China to assemble 1.5 TGDi mill\nIn the TGDi form, currently the only variant assembled in the new Tanjung Malim engine plant, the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-banger makes 177 hp and 255 Nm, which will be a significant boost over the existing 1.6-litre mill on the Proton Exora. However, the X70\u2019s larger 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine shouldn\u2019t be ruled out either, with \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n on offer.\nOf course, these are all just speculations at this point. Will this be the last hurrah for the current-generation Proton Exora before we welcome its replacement model next year? We\u2019ll have to wait until Friday to find out."
"The \nHonda Accord\n\u2018s decades-old grudge match with the \nToyota Camry\n is traditional automotive rivalry at its finest. Other weigh-ins spring to mind: Mitsubishi Evolution and \nSubaru WRX\n, \nBMW 5 Series\n and \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n, and even the \nHonda Civic\n and \nToyota Corolla\n, now known here as the Altis.\nBut the executive sedan ring is looking less head to head and more Royal Rumble these days, especially in Malaysia. The Koreans present an attractive pair and Honda\u2019s own domestic peers, Nissan and Mazda, are in attendance; not forgetting the Passat which is the freshest kid on the block. Or freshest executive with a pair of progeny, a demographic which might be more accurate with cars such as this.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda Accord 2.0 VTi-L\nHonda Accord 2.4 VTi-L\nEngine\n1,997cc naturally aspirated four cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\n2,356cc naturally aspirated four cylinder DOHC i-VTEC with Honda Earth Dreams Technology\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n173 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM153,800\nRM172,800\nInternal chaos and external threats abound, both from within the segment and from those pesky crossovers that cause headaches in every size. But wait, the fracas is even more convoluted than that. With EEV incentives and the introduction of tantalisingly accessible variants, a small stretch of the budget could net a shopper a set of Teutonic wheels from a higher rung of premium. How, then, can the Accord retain not only its faithful supporters but continue to net new ones in the face of such an onslaught?\nEXTERIOR\nWe are denied Acuras in this part of the world, which is only mildly upsetting. They don\u2019t make sense here, but seeing as the wing treatment of the front fascia seems to have trickled over you\u2019ll hear no complaints from us. In keeping with this seemingly avian theme, the LED headlights of this 2.4 VTi-L \u2014 with its daytime-running strip \u2014 are executed in a manner reminiscent of the purposeful gaze of a falcon.   Around the rear, the light clusters have been updated with a triplet of horizontal LED bars making for pretty viewing especially at night. Safe too, as the Accord is visible from a much further distance. If you\u2019re wondering why we\u2019re prattling on about lights for so long, this minor aesthetic change has made a world of difference from the pre-facelift Accord. It was a good looking car to begin with, but now the perceived luxury factor has increased along with freshness of design.\nAnd when viewed side-on, the two-tone 18-inch star-and-flower petal rims are pretty damn striking \u2014 in a way that you\u2019ll be left puzzled as to why on earth you were staring at the factory wheels of a Japanese family car for so long.\nINTERIOR\nThere is almost a double binnacle swoop over the top of the dash ala BMW E60 5-Series. Combine this with the satin metallic trim surrounding the 7.0-inch infotainment display and the glossy black trim on the center console; the Accord is more luxurious than it has ever been before. One feature sorely missed from the eight-generation that would have made the presentation perfect were the jewel-effect markers on the instrument panel. But we\u2019re nitpicking now.   It may not have the soft leather feel and finesse of the Mazda 6 or the wipe-down simplicity of the Camry, but there\u2019s a dark class to the execution. Front and centre however, is where the tech party is really at \u2014 the aforementioned 7.0-inch interface. Apple CarPlay enabled and Android Auto-ready, the layout and usage is commendably intuitive. Above this is Honda\u2019s Intelligent Multi-Information Display which displays drive and vehicle information independently, thus providing as much utility as possible without interfering with operation.\nTHE DRIVE\nAddressing some of the NVH complaints of yore, not only has the overall damping been improved and the highway-speed wind noise all but eliminated, there are now active noise controlling systems in the Accord. Thankfully, these reduce the volume but do not affect the note coming from the Earth Dreams mill. Nothing in the affordable D-segment sounds this good, period.\nYou have now put up with circa-600 words before arriving at the main event. An Accord has a reputation to uphold in its class \u2014 that it should be a frontrunner, perhaps even the best, when chucked into a corner. Turn-in is precise and predictable through the chunky steering wheel, the Accord rolling through a bend in an entertaining manner while looking precisely as good as you would expect it to.\nThere is slightly less feedback here than in the Accord it replaces, but as the brief is executive first and silly grin second, we can accept this concession. A word on the power delivery for those now spoiled by the early onset of torque from downsized turbo engines, you have to really beat it to get anything out. Peak torque of 225 Nm is only fully deployed at a fairly high 4,000 rpm, so knock the gear lever into S and tickle the paddle shifters to enjoy executive in relative excitement once in a while.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nLet\u2019s start with the practical considerations. Size, reliability and relatively low running costs at the top of your list? Then yes. The Accord has been at the top of its game, or close enough, for countless generations, gradually perfecting the formula. Before you argue, consider that the Accord has been featured in Car and Driver\u2019s 10 Best Cars in America not once, not twice, but 30 times in the 32-year history of the award. That\u2019s probably no coincidence.\nAnd there are classy European touches too. Corner lamps that illuminate when you turn the wheel, the aforementioned satin finishes on the interior trim. This is far from an appliance, not that there is anything wrong with an automobile that steadfastly accompanies your daily grind without complaint, but now there is some panache to go along with the predictability. And why shouldn\u2019t you demand as such, motoring at this class should not just tick all the necessary boxes, it should tick those on the wish list as well.\nWOULD I BUY THIS CAR?\nIn a heartbeat. Yes, my bias is showing but it\u2019s only because the Accord\u2019s various elements speak to me in a way that nothing else in the segment can. Satisfying rev-happy top end pull with the dynamics to match, a premium cabin experience and an attractive exterior are the trifecta. Consider me completely sold. Combine this with the cherry that is the two-tone rims and this Honda fanboy can barely contain himself \u2013 what more with the bodykit package.\nThe chords this Accord strikes are both figurative and literal. \nWhen this gets replaced\n, it\u2019s not likely that the range-topping variant will continue to carry a large-capacity naturally aspirated mill. And this makes sense, after all of what use does an executive have for a car that sounds the business and whose neck you have to wring to get properly going? Bugger sensibility, and long live the Accord.\n[\nWords by V.B\n]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has started teasing us with the arrival of the new Arteon R-Line on their social media pages.\nThe facelifted model is also set to be equipped with the intelligent 4Motion all-wheel drive system, as highlighted here in its website and \nregister-for-interest link\n.\nTo recap, the \nfacelifted Volkswagen Arteon\n unveiled in Europe a year ago include a redesigned front fascia, featuring a new light bar across the front grille, making the daytime running lights forming an almost-continuous light bar from end to end. At the back, the taillights also have a new lighting signature.\nInside, the dashboard has been heavily restyled for a more modern appearance. The air-conditioning vents have been made slimmer accompanied by an updated trim pattern, while the new steering wheel and air-conditioning panel features touch-sensitive switches, similar to the items used in the \nfacelifted Volkswagen Tiguan\n unveiled last month.\nApart from a mid-cycle cosmetic facelift, Volkswagen also launched a Shooting Brake version of the Arteon as well as the Arteon R. The gorgeous Shooting Brake features a visually striking rear fender that arches out to a sculpted tailgate bringing out memories of the Scirocco three-door hatchback.\nVPCM formally introduced the Arteon R-Line last year, featuring the same \n190 hp/320 Nm\n turbocharged 2.0-litre engine from the \nnew Passat sedan\n driving the front wheels.\nReview: The facelifted Volkswagen Passat 2.0 \u2013 True class doesn\u2019t shout\nHowever, being \ntargeted at more keen drivers\n, the Arteon R-Line features Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as standard, offering up to 15 selectable increments in five different driving modes \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual as well as 19-inch wheels.\nWe are hoping VPCM introduce the Arteon Shooting Brake model soon too! Fingers crossed!"
"For the month of November 2022, \nProton\n sold 11,316 cars, 13.1% down from the previous month. Already exceeding last year\u2019s sales in terms of year-to-date numbers, 126,682 cars have been sold by Proton from January to November (domestic and exports), showing a 10.4% growth from 2021.\nIn November, the \nProton Saga\n led the sales chart with \n4,100 cars \nsold. Following the Saga is the \nProton X50\n with \n3,724 units\n, the \nProton Persona\n with \n1,551 units\n, the \nProton X70\n with \n1,210 units\n, the \nProton Iriz\n with \n402 units\n, and the \nProton Exora\n with \n329 units\n.\nWith 3,724 units sold the Proton Exora was the \u201cHighest Volume B-segment SUV\u201d and the \u201cOverall best-selling SUV\u201d in November. Despite topping Proton\u2019s charts, the Proton Saga was the \u201cSecond-Highest Volume A-Segment Sedan\u201d for the month.\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cNovember was an eventful sales month for Proton as we experienced some temporary supply issues that prevented us from achieving our full potential. We are confident of being able to rectify them in December and remain positive about closing out the year strongly.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton exceeds 2021 sales with 2 months to spare \u2013 115,336 cars sold in 2022\nIn terms of year-to-date sales figures, the chart is led once again by the Proton Saga with 49,965 units sold. In second place is the Proton X50 with 36,917 units sold, and in third place is the Proton X70 with 16,746 units sold. The rest of the line-up follows behind with 14,035 units of the Persona, 5,182 units of the Iriz, and 3,837 units of the Exora. Proton says that the company is \u201con-track to have its best sales year since 2013\u201d.\nRoslan Abdullah adds, \u201cProton will end 2022 with a fourth consecutive year of sales growth. Aside from benefitting the company, the increase in sales has also increased the volume of parts purchased from local vendors, increased our number of dealers, and created jobs for the automotive ecosystem. With new model introductions in the pipeline for 2023, we hope to be able to increase our contribution to the Malaysian economy by making more local investments, selling more vehicles, and further growing our export markets.\u201d\nRELATED: \nNew Proton regional parts centre in Kuching to cater to growing demands in East Malaysia"
"Lamborghini makes one of the most drama-filled supercars on the planet. And when the Italian carmaker announced that they will be building a \nsensible\n four-door, practical SUV, surely it has to incorporate some of that Lambo flair that every young boy lusted for.\nThe \nUrus\n rides on the MLBevo platform shared with other SUVs under the Volkswagen Group such as the \nAudi Q8\n, \nBentley Bentayga\n and \nPorsche Cayenne\n. Stare at the Urus straight on and you\u2019ll find familiar styling cues like any other Lamborghini on the headlamps, strong bonnet lines and elaborate intakes. The front splitter and large Y-shaped air intakes were inspired by Lambo\u2019s first SUV, the \nLM002\n.   I remember stepping into the cabin of an \nAventador S\n and that feeling is best described as overwhelming, but the Urus, however, is quite the opposite. Everything is where you expect them to be and the buttons have a familiar VAG click to them. Convenient features include\u00a0a multifunction three-spoke steering wheel with vibration dampers, Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS),\u00a0 fully-digital TFT display,\u00a0heads-up display and more.\nFocusing on the centre console and you\u2019ll find three levers laid out like an aircraft. On the left, you have what Lamborghini calls the Tamburo drive mode selector, gear selector on the centre and the EGO Drive Mode configurator on the right. Lamborghini has also incorporated the fighter jet style cover on the start/stop switch just like an \nAventador and Huracan\n.   You might have noticed that the \nTamburo\n \nswitch\n on the demonstrator only comes with Strada, Sport, Corsa and Neve (snow) modes as Sabbia and Terra off-road modes have to be ordered as an option. Moving onto the large gear selector and its operations are not as straightforward as you may think. To engage reverse, simply pull the lever downwards but to engage drive, you\u2019ll have to manually flick the paddle shifters to enter first gear. Park and full-manual on the paddle shifters can be done by pressing the P and M buttons respectively.\nThe EGO function allows the driver to configure the Urus\u2019 throttle response, steering and suspension damping independently to their preferred liking. Once the car is set up accordingly, simply pull the lever downwards and the car will adapt to your preferred settings.\nPictured here is a five-seater Urus but customers have the option to a four-seater layout where the middle seat is swapped for a centre armrest with cupholders and storage space. One observation is that despite the sloping roofline, the Urus was surprisingly accommodating for 180 cm tall adults with a decent amount of legroom. Note that a Urus optioned with a panoramic sunroof will have tighter headroom. Besides a cabin that can comfortably accommodate four or five, the Urus will also happily swallow \n616 litres\n of cargo behind its boot or up to 1,596 litres with the rear seats folded.\nHowever, nothing impressed us more than the fact that the Urus features\u00a0\nBahasa Melayu\u00a0\noption as one of the default system language, something even our national cars do not even offer! The Malay language integration is properly done too, not some shabby Google translate.   Powering the Urus is a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 pushing out \n650 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque that is transferred to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel drive has a 40:60 front to rear torque split by default but will send 70 per cent of its grunt to the front or 87 per cent to the rear when needed.\nThe result is a 2,200 kg Super SUV that can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.6 seconds\n, 0 to 200 km/h in \n12.8 seconds\n and commands a top speed of \n305 km/h\n. Besides the staggering straight-line performance, Lamborghini has introduced adaptive air suspension, rear wheel steering and Carbon Ceramic Brakes to ensure that the Urus can carry its weight around the tight corners.\nBesides its dynamic performance, Lamborghini did not forget to engineer the \ndrama\n \nfactor\n into the Urus. The exhaust note gets more ferocious as you step up the driving modes, so it\u2019s ever gear change. The pops and bangs during upshift and overruns can be clearly heard from the otherwise muted cabin. Just listen to it:\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy)\nThe next time you catch this raging bull roaming on our streets, don\u2019t need to rub your eyes because customer deliveries of the Lamborghini Urus have already begun in Malaysia just in time for the holiday season with more deliveries scheduled for 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLamborghini Urus 4.0L V8 in Malaysia"
"The J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Initial Quality StudySM announced that the best-selling models for Honda Malaysia, the City and Jazz, topped the city compact segment and entry midsize segment while the CR-V ranked highest again for the second consecutive year.\nThe survey was conducted with respects to the areas of exterior, engine and transmission, audio entertainment connectivity and others.\nRead about our \nHonda CR-V 1.5 TC-P review\n here!\nHonda Malaysia, Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cWe would like to express our gratitude to all Malaysians for their continuous support and trust in the Honda brand. We will continue to serve our customers better to meet their needs and provide excellent customer satisfaction.\u201d\nThe City, Honda Malaysia\u2019s best-selling model, contributed 36% to the company\u2019s total sales last year while the Jazz contributed 13%."
"Shortly after the unveil of the \nHonda Civic police car\n, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) now have another new addition to their fleet, and it\u2019s the Proton X70. As reported earlier, \n197 units\n of the best-selling SUV is slated to join the force, and now these images of the new patrol car have made its way onto the internet, courtesy of Proton salesman \nAmirul Anwar Rosli\n.\nSimilar to the Civic, the \nProton X70\n police car is also based on the base trim model, the Standard 2WD. On the outside, several police-specific modifications have been fitted to the SUV, that includes the dashing new police livery, first seen on the Civic patrol car, with the \u2018Polis\u2019 script in italics and the PDRM emblem branded on the front doors, bonnet, and across the rear bumper, as well as the blue flashing lights.\nThe photos did not provide a closer look at the interior of the new X70 police vehicle, but it should also be fitted with the standard PDRM gears, including the Integrated Light Sound System, Fleet Management System, as well as a Very High Frequency (VHF) radio set.\nUnderneath the hood, the\n \nProton X70\n is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine, capable of pushing out \n181 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n300 Nm\n to the front wheels. The mill is paired to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which was introduced when the locally-assembled models were launched earlier this year.\nThe new Proton X70, along with the \nHonda Civic\n patrol cars, are procured for the purpose of replacing the current aging fleet of Proton Wajas and Wiras. In total, 1,275 new patrol vehicles will be added to the PDRM fleet in stages."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just unleashed the updated \nMercedes-AMG GT R\n and \nGT C\n on our streets and if you do come across one, be sure to stop and stare; not like it wouldn\u2019t have that effect on you.\nOn one side, you have the GT R priced at RM1.7 million with \n585 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n from a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 3.6 seconds onwards to a top speed of 318 km/h.\n \nOn the other side of the ring, there\u2019s the \u201cslower\u201d GT C model that sits between the GT S and GT R, priced at RM1.5 million with \n557 hp \nand \n680 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 317 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GT R\nMercedes-AMG GT C"
"The world just can\u2019t seem to get enough of SUVs these days, so it\u2019s no longer sufficient just to offer one body style for each SUV model. German manufacturers in particular has taken to peddling low-roofed, tall-riding coupes, and the latest one is the new-generation GLE Coupe.\nIn the just unveiled GLE coupe (based on the new generation GLE), Mercedes-Benz now has a total of eight SUV models. Apart from the evergreen G-Wagon, this stylish GLE 53 four-door crossover may be the next most desirable model in Mercedes\u2019 growing portfolio of SUVs, especially if the V8-powered 63 variants prove too rowdy.\nAs its 53 moniker suggests, the GLE 53 is powered by a \ntwin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six\n assisted by a \n48V mild hybrid system\n featuring an \nEQ Boost starter-generator capable of 22 hp and 250 Nm\n (maximum bursts when available); the total system output is pegged at \n435 hp and 520 Nm\n.\n4MATIC all-wheel drive\n is standard and the power is transferred to the wheels via a \n9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic\n. All of this translates into a \n0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds\n along with an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h.\nMercedes-Benz claims sharper handling in the GLE 53 coupe as it rides on a \n60 mm shorter wheelbase\n compared to regular GLE. Being an AMG model, the GLE 53 also sits \n15 mm lower\n with sportier tuning to its air suspension and roll stabilisation programme, not to mention beefier brakes and quicker steering.\nOf course, both the exterior and interior of the GLE 53 are adorned with lots of AMG goodies, you can easily tell from its angry \nPanamericana grille\n upfront and four exhaust ports at the back, if the aggressive AMG body kit doesn\u2019t give the game away in the first place. The press shots of the GLE 53 cabin also shows off a red-accented cabin with a generous helping of carbon fibre panels and a chunking AMG steering wheel. Tasty."
"We first heard of Audi\u2019s new Android-based infotainment system when they presented the concept at a Google I/O developer conference, and the particular unit was seen featured on the \nAudi Q8 sport concept\n.\nThe new Android operating system (OS) will integrate new apps such as Spotify, Google Play Music, Google Maps and Google Assistant. Other Audi specific infotainment apps include Audi navigation, messaging and call functions, all of which are present on the show car.\nWith the seamless integration between the Android OS and Audi MMI system, Audi believes that through the broad Android Open Source Community, new applications can quickly find their way into the cars and offer greater functionality as well as connected services for the drivers. Of course, these applications are required to fulfil Google and Audi\u2019s requirements.\nAndroid is the world\u2019s most popular mobile platform with more than 1.4 billion active users worldwide, which Audi believes can offer a significantly diverse range of services and connectivity to its customers. Volvo has also \nrecently announced a\u00a0partnership with Google\n to develop their next-generation infotainment system which will also be running on an \nAndroid platform\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi Q8 Sport Concept"
"Just 10 days after the \nfacelifted Honda City was officially introduced\n, over 2,000 units of the country\u2019s hottest selling B-segment sedan have been booked. This is one heck of an achievement for a single non-national model, which goes to say a lot about our appetite for cars, really.\nHonda Malaysia initially planned to sell 2,000 units of the City a month, but they achieved just that in one third of the stipulated period. Of all that, \n44 percent goes to the top of the line V variant\n, 38 percent for the E and the remaining 18 percent goes to the entry-level S variant.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda City 1.5 S\nHonda City 1.5 E\nHonda City 1.5 V\nEngine\n1,497cc; 4-cylinder SOHC with i-VTEC\nTransmission\nCVT\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM78,300\nRM84,600\nRM92,000\nDespite the high demand, Honda Malaysia wishes to assure its customers that there won\u2019t be any waiting period. Production of the facelifted Honda City is in full gear, so order away!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda City 1.5L V   Honda City 1.5L E with Modulo Package   Honda City 1.5L S"
"While Nissan\u2019s Ariya Concept didn\u2019t capture as much attention as the all-new \nHonda Fit/Jazz\n or even the \nMazda MX-30\n at the Tokyo Motor Show (which is ongoing till 4\nth\n November), it is arguably the most intriguing exhibit at Tokyo Big Sight, the location of the biennial Japanese car show.\nThe significance of the Ariya is far-reaching as Nissan has termed it as \u2018\na complete reinvention of the brand\u2019s design\n\u2019, in short, this concept will set the design direction of future models. But more than that, the Ariya itself will make it to production \u2018\nin the near future\n\u2019 according to Nissan, which is entirely believable given that the vehicle show car already had working door handles and conventional side mirrors.\nSome media outlets were quick to call the Ariya a \nreplacement for the Murano\n, but this may not be the case as the Ariya sits on a \nnew EV-only platform\n and its dimensions (length of 4600 mm is actually slightly shorter than the X-Trail) are \nmore C-segment\n than large SUV. Besides, the relatively short front-quarter of the Ariya may not necessarily be conducive to housing a combustion engine.\nDespite the modest proportions, Nissan managed to carve out a shape that\u2019s attractive and forward thinking, based on a new ethos dubbed \u2018\nTimeless Japanese Futurism\n\u2019. The V-motion grille is still present, but in an electrified form, its silhouette subtly illuminated, with cameras and sensors housed behind the closed \u2018shield\u2019, since there isn\u2019t an engine to cool.\n https://youtu.be/4352tmA09nA\nSlim clusters of LEDs form the headlamps of the Ariya at the tips of the \u2018V\u2019, which is also where the shoulder line starts, running through the sides and joining a \nfull-width illuminated strip\n which also incorporates tail-lamps at each end. The roof line of the Ariya is almost a perfect arc, with a steeply raked portion over the C-pillar, truncated by a sharp-looking rear end.\nIf the exterior doesn\u2019t impress (unlikely), the interior surely would. Fans will be willing Nissan on to introduce the minimalist and jaw-dropping architecture of the dash layout. If this was found in a BMW or Audi, you\u2019d believe it. Interaction is through \nhaptic touch controls\n, with only a single knob to operate the \n12.3-inch central display\n and climate control. Wow.\nThe Ariya is powered by \ntwo electric motors\n \u2013 one on each axle, so all-wheel drive is a given, but that\u2019s the extent which Nissan revealed at TMS 2019 as far as technical specs are concerned. What we do know is that the Ariya will be armed to the teeth with the latest \u2018hands off\u2019 single lane and highway autonomous drive (under the \nProPilot\n suite), smartphone integration, remote parking and of course, a voice-controlled virtual assistant when the Ariya is launched, in 2020 maybe?"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, officially launched the new Triton Athlete pick-up today that\u2019s available only in Mica Black.\nPower comes from the award-winning 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo technology with an output of \n178 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque, delivered through a 5-speed automatic transmission with Manual Mode.\nThe exterior receives a new front bumper garnish, new Black Grille with Honeycomb mesh, new 17-inch alloy wheels in black, a new Sports Bar and Dark Grey/Orange decal.\nThe front end is equipped with Auto Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, LED daytime running lights and fog lamps while over to the side, features power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn indicators. At the back, the Triton Athlete sports a tailgate spoiler \u2013 the only model in the Triton range to receive it.\nInside, the new Triton houses a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, linked to six speakers. Other notable features in the Triton\u2019s Black Monotone interior includes paddle shifters, a push start button, a Multi-information Display in the meter panel and the 4WD Selector.\nSafety wise, the Triton comes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distributor, Brake Assist, Active Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-start Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, ISOFIX and a total of seven airbags.\n\u00a0The new Triton Athlete is priced at RM 126,990 excluding Insurance. All Tritons except for the Triton Quest comes with a 5-year warranty or 200,000 km. The Triton Quest is safeguarded with a 5-year warranty or 100,000 km.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is urging customers to service their vehicles exclusively at authorised Hyundai service centres to ensure that parts used in their vehicles are genuine.\nThis is in light of recent reports\u00a0on the \nsale of fake Hyundai and Kia parts by unauthorised auto parts dealers\n with some sold at the same price as the original items. The fake items seized were fast moving consumables including oil filters, air filters, brake pads and spark plugs.\nHyundai authorised service centres now offer up to \n20% discount\n on selected genuine parts until \n31 July 2018\n. The service promotion which started on 1st June 2018 also offers \n10% discount on labour costs\n, a mystery gift for customers who spend RM500 and above on service, as well as a \n15% discount\n for a fuel system cleaner.\nAs for owners of the Grand Starex Royale, there are\n discounts of up to 50%\n on genuine parts and two mystery gifts for a spend of RM500 and above on service.\nWith the 0% GST initiative, the\n 1.6 Turbo Elantra\n now\n costs RM124,088 (OTR w/out Insurance)\n.\n\u201cService promotions such as this are meant to encourage vehicle owners to service their vehicles at Hyundai\u2019s authorised service centres. Hyundai service personnel will then be able to examine the condition of their vehicles and authenticate the parts used if the vehicles have been serviced at unauthorised centres\u201d, said Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan), Mr Dennis Ho.\n\u201cCustomers need to be wary of such products and they shouldn\u2019t risk their safety by using parts that may not be genuine\u201d, he added.\nTo learn about Hyundai\u2019s sales and service promotions as well as upcoming events, customers can log on to \nHyundai Malaysia\u2019s website\n or follow \nHyundai Malaysia\u2019s Facebook\n page."
"GoCar Malaysia\u2019s\n electric vehicle (EV) car sharing fleet, \nGoEV\n, has just turned one-year-old. In that time, it has recorded more than 500,000 km in total distance travelled, with more than 1,000 GoCar users taking the opportunity to experience quiet, clean city driving via the GoEV option, since it was launched in the Klang Valley in December 2021.\nAmong those users, more than 90% of them are experiencing EVs for the first time!\nSo to celebrate the milestone, GoCar is offering up to 70% in savings (capped at RM80) on GoEV car sharing bookings with a special promo code \n\u201c1STGOEV\u201d\n. The limited-time promotional offer is valid only for bookings made between 12-15 December, but users have until January 31, 2023 to redeem their bookings.\nAdditionally, the company is also giving away 100,000 GoPocket Points, equivalent to a value of RM1,000, to 10 lucky GoCar and GoEV users.\nREAD MORE: \nGoCar Subs adds new Sports category \u2013 Subaru BRZ, WRX from RM2,699/month!\nThe company has been busy expanding its GoEV Share fleet. In the one year since its launch, the fully-electric car-sharing fleet now has over 50 vehicles for both sharing and subscription options. Among those, more than 30 are the \nNissan Leaf\n, littered across the 20 zones within Klang Valley that GoEV currently operates.\n\u201cThe EV market in Malaysia has been gaining momentum, specifically in the development of charging infrastructure and introduction of more EV models from various car brands. However, accessibility to the masses is still a challenge. The high cost of purchasing an EV is simply not viable for most Malaysians, especially given current challenging economic conditions,\u201d said GoCar Malaysia CEO, Wong Hoe Mun.\n\u201cGoEV addresses this gap, and we are proud to be the first car sharing platform to offer a compelling solution for EVs in Malaysia. The goal is to provide more affordable EV access to the general public so that everyone, not just the privileged few, can experience the EV lifestyle. Through our subscription model, potential EV buyers can also take advantage of GoEV for a longer-term experience before jumping on the bandwagon to buy one,\u201d he added.\nAs for the normal GoEV Share service, it\u2019s currently available only for round trips (pick-up and return at the same zone) and short-term use, with options ranging from hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rentals. Normal rates start from RM24.90 per hour and RM249 for a day, to RM232 per day for a one-month booking.\nTo ease any potential range anxiety, each GoEV vehicle also comes with a \ncomplimentary chargEV card\n, giving users access to almost 300 charging stations nationwide. Charging stations at the GoEV zones are free to use for all GoEV members.\nThrough the recent integration with \nEV Connection\u2019s JomCharge platform\n, users can also easily view charger locations, availability, and charger types within the JomCharge network directly through the GoEV app."
"Jaguar has finally drawn the curtains on the all new E-PACE, the third SUV in the Jaguar family following the award-winning \nF-PACE\n and \nall-electric I-Pace\n. On the surface, the E-PACE looks to have inherited the performance and stature of a Jaguar sports car but the added space and practicality of an SUV.\nThe E-PACE takes plenty of its design cues from the brand\u2019s F-Type sports car, evidently through its gaping front grille and LED headlamps. Like the F-PACE, the E-PACE come with short overhangs, muscular proportions and a sleek rear end. The E-PACE is the first vehicle in its class to offer the 21-inch wheel size, all the way down to 17-inches.   For those who fancy a little more aggression on their SUV, the R-Dynamic package intensifies the bold exterior; adding more angulars to the front and rear bumper, front fog lamps, Gloss Black trims and Satin Chrome details on the front grill for a more aggressive look.\nInside, Jaguar promises a high-quality and modern cabin with a sporty impression. The geometry of the cabin gives great forward visibility and sporty ergonomics, similar to the F-Type. It\u2019s loaded with tech too, featuring items such as the 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system with InControl connectivity, 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display LCD instrument cluster and full colour heads-up display.   Not forgetting that this is a family SUV, the E-PACE comes with plenty of storage compartments to store loose items alongside a grand total of nine charging points (five USB, four 12V sockets) for your devices. Seen as a vital aspect to a SUV, the E-PACE offers a generous 577 litres of boot space\u00a0made possible by the vehicle\u2019s clever Integral Link rear suspension architecture.\nThe E-PACE is available in five different powertrains with three diesels and two petrol engines. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine with three different states of tune: 148 hp/380 Nm, 178 hp/430 Nm and 237 hp/500 Nm while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium turbo petrol outputs 246 hp/365 Nm and 247 hp/400 Nm.\nAll engines are mated to either an intelligent nine-speed ZF automatic or a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The E-PACE models are available in front-wheel drive (the first Jaguar with FWD since the X-Type) or all-wheel drive (AWD) layouts. Its Active Driveline all-wheel drive system, a technological break-through within Jaguar, together with the system\u2019s torque-biasing capability ensures optimal stability and dynamics with a hint of Jaguar\u2019s unmistakable rear-wheel drive characteristic.\nThe E-PACE\u2019s Configurable Dynamics would provide the driver with better controls of the vehicle with individual settings for the throttle, transmission and steering. Its Adaptive Dynamics suspension system, where fitted, goes one up by detecting the driver\u2019s input, body and wheel movements and preemptively adjusts itself for improved agility and reduced body roll.\nThe new E-PACE will come with an array of driver assist technologies. They include the Forward Traffic Monitor system as part of the E-PACE\u2019s 360-degree Surround Camera, Adaptive Driving Beam and Park Assist, a system that utilises ultrasonic sensors to measure and ensure the suitability of the parking spot before steering itself into it.\nIn the event of a collision, the E-PACE\u2019s safety cell is bolstered with a total of six airbags allocated for the driver and passenger, thorax and side curtain airbags. This is also complemented with an innovative pedestrian airbag, making the E-PACE the only vehicle in its class to provide such a feature. On impact with a pedestrian at speeds between 25-50km/h, its Active Bonnet lifts and the pedestrian airbag deploys to cover the base of the windscreen within 50-60 milliseconds from beneath its trailing edge.\nThe airbag system, patented by Jaguar Land Rover, is supported by various other safety features including, Corner Brake Control (CBC), Roll Stability Control, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) together Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and Emergency brake Assist (EBA) to name a few.\nThe E-PACE is a key vehicle integral to the expansion of Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s global manufacturing footprint and together with engineering and manufacturing specialist Magna Steyr in Austria, production would be commencing in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In 2017, Volvo Cars announced that they will be partnering with Google to develop a \nnext-generation Android-based infotainment system\n. Twelve months later, the Swedish premium carmaker has released new details and a teaser video of what the new operating system can provide.\nBuilt upon Volvos Sensus user interface, the new infotainment system gets a similar portrait layout screen \u2013 a key element as the company is working to allow existing Sensus system to be updated with the new software. Customers can expect features such as integrated voice-controlled Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services available in their cars.\nSenior Vice President of research and development at Volvo Cars, Henrik Green said: \u201cBringing Google services into Volvo cars will accelerate innovation in connectivity and boost our development in applications and connected services. Soon, Volvo drivers will have direct access to thousands of in-car apps that make daily life easier and the connected in-car experience more enjoyable.\u201d\nGoogle Assistant\n \u2013 Google\u2019s version of Siri \u2013 allows drivers to control in-car functions such as climate controls, multimedia settings and even send messages, all by saying \u201cHey Google\u201d. Volvo is also working on developing dedicated apps, software and connected services that are compatible with the new system.   The first Android-based Sensus infotainment system is due to be available on Volvo Cars \u201cin a couple of years\u201d, although last year Volvo announced that the system is set to debut within the next two years. Either way, it\u2019s exciting times ahead for Volvo, question is, any chance this tech will trickle down to Proton Cars.?"
"Honda Malaysia today announced that its Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology, Honda SENSING will now be available in the new Accord 2.4 VTi-L.\nThe launch marks the second model in Honda Malaysia\u2019s product line equipped with Honda SENSING, following the introduction of the Honda CR-V. The 2.4 VTi-L Advance with Honda Sensing will carry forward the \nsame premium features\n that are currently available in the outgoing model which \nwe have tried and tested\n including LED front and rear lights, 7-inch Advance Display Audio with i-MID that\u2019s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible along with Honda\u2019s LaneWatch technology.   The Honda SENSING technology in the Accord 2.4 VTi-L, like the \nCR-V\n, includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).\nIn other news, sales of the Accord surpassed more than 5,500 units sold since it was launched in September 2016. The 2.4 VTi-L variant alone contributed to 25% of that figure, with the 2.0 VTi-L accounting for 61% and 14% from the 2.0 VTi variant.   As such, Honda Malaysia will be offering only two variants of the Accord from November 2017 onwards \u2013 the 2.0 VTi-L at RM 149,350 and the 2.4 VTi-L Advance with Honda SENSING at RM 169,800.\nHonda Malaysia has recorded impressive sales performance this year with more than 87,800 units sold from January to October 2017. The Sport Hybrid models, the Jazz and City, have recorded more than 1,860 bookings in just five months.\nAside from anticipating the launch of the all-new Honda Civic Type R, which will take place really soon, Honda Malaysia looks to achieve its 100,000 unit sales target by the end of this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Kia Carnival, also known as the Kia Sedona for the North American market, has recently been teased ahead of the New York International Auto Show.\nFrom the looks of it, it seems like that the Carnival has matured up, and has the new trademark family face, including daytime running lights, the tiger grille, and a much sloping windscreen.\nMore details, like drivetrain options and trim levels are expected to be announced during the New York International Auto Show.\u00a0The New York International Auto Show is happening from 18th April till 27th April. Keep an eye out for this spot."
"Bentley Kuala Lumpur has recently \nlaunched the all-new Continental GT\n\u00a0with a\u00a06.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSi engine. It produces \u00a0\n626 hp\n\u00a0with a highly disturbing\n\u00a0900 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes just\u00a03.7 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 333 km/h.\nIn conjunction with the recent launch, we are giving away a \nBentley ball pen worth RM 269\n and here\u2019s how to win it! Watch our video below and answer this simple question,\u00a0\n\u201cWhat\u2019s special about the Continental GT\u2019s headlamps?\u201d \n(Answer mentioned in the video).\nSend your answer via PM to \nAutoBuzz.my\u2019s Facebook page\n and also tell us, \n\u201cIf you had a Bentley Continental GT for a day, what would you do?\u201d\n. We will pick the most creative answer to be the winner of this exclusive Bentley merchandise. The on-going contest will end by\n\u00a09th March 2018\n and the winner can collect the prize from Bentley Kuala Lumpur.\nBentley Kuala Lumpur is also offering \n28% off\n for Bentley Collection & Accessories; also ending on the \n31st of March 2018\n.\u00a0Bentley\u2019s showroom is located at\u00a0\nEtiqa Twins, 11 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. They\u2019re open from Monday to Friday, 9am till 6pm and Saturday 10am till 3pm.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from introducing the new 2019 facelift Axia with prices starting from RM24k, Perodua also mixed things up a little with the introduction of a \n\u201ccrossover-inspired\u201d STYLE variant \nwith model specific trims and a taller ride height.\nBy far the biggest news for the new Axia is the addition of the \nAdvance Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0\n which has found its way into the \nAruz\n and \nMyvi\n. The ASA includes Pedestrian Detection, Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.\n \nAll variants, including the STYLE model, is fitted with the same 1.0-litre VVT-i engine producing \n68 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n of torque. The entry-level E variant is the only model with a \n5-speed manual\n option while the rest are only available with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.\nWith more than 5,000 bookings made even before its public reveal, the Perodua Axia will be looking to maintain its status as the best-selling A-segment hatchback in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi Malaysia\u2019s new financing plan, the Audi Progressive Financing Plan is here, and prospective owners can look forward to purchasing the entry-level A3 from just RM999 a month, whereas the \nA6 1.8 TFSI\n can be yours for just RM1,700!\nHow does it work? Let\u2019s take the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI (retails at RM186,900 without insurance and road tax) for example, with a loan period of seven years:\n7-Year Tenure\nInterest Rate\n2.08%\n1st Year\nRM999 monthly\n2nd Year\nRM1,600 monthly\n3rd Year\nRM1,600 monthly\n4th Year\nRM2,650 monthly\n5th Year\nRM2,650 monthly\n6th Year\nRM3,410 monthly\n7th Year\nRM3,410 monthly\nFinal Instalment\nRM283.38\nYes, monthly repayment increases over the years, and there\u2019s a reason it\u2019s called the Progressive Financing Plan. However, the interest rate differs depending on the loan tenure; a five-year loan has an interest rate of \n1.18 percent\n, whereas a nine-year loan gets slapped with \n2.38 percent\u00a0\n\u2013 both with their own instalment figures, of course.\nManaging Director of Audi Malaysia, Immo Buschmann said, \u201cOwning an Audi has never been easier with this new financing package, which provides preferred interest rates of as low as 0.98 percent per annum, greater flexibility to manage your cash flow and an accessible entry point to Audi\u2019s entire range of progressive vehicles.\u201d\nThe \nsecond-generation Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI\n can be yours from RM3,100 a month!\nAlmost all models\n offered in Malaysia can be purchased via the new financing plan, but only limited to purchases made between 1 March to 30 April 2016. This financing package is brought to you by Audi Malaysia and Audi Capital Advisory, a division of Volkswagen Capital Advisory. For more info, visit your nearest authorised Audi showroom or simply \nvisit their website\n to find the Audi of your dreams!"
"Four years since the \nXpander\n was first unveiled at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Mitsubishi has now given the seven-seater MPV/crossover its (technically) second facelift \u2013 although calling it just a facelift discounts what Mitsubishi has done on the model!\nAs we\u2019ve already seen from the \nteaser last week\n, the new 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander receives a reworked front fascia, headlined by the new T-shaped headlight enclosures that\u2019s placed low within the bumper, replacing the trapezoidal units in the \npre-facelift model\n.\nThe LED positioning and daytime-running lights above remain unchanged from before, although the grille elements have now been cleaned up with new, cleaner gloss black slats that join the two \u201cbrows\u201d together.\nFurther down, the skid plate elements on the bumper have been reworked with a cleaner yet sophisticated look \u2013 now featuring a single wide intake as opposed to the original four, joining the foglamps together.\nRELATED: The Mitsubishi Xpander is now Indonesia\u2019s best-selling car\nThe same motif is also repeated on the rear bumpers, with a significantly cleaner design, while the main LED tail lamp assemblies receive a new T-shaped light signature, joined by new LED-illuminated third brake lights positioned within the roof spoiler. As for the wheels, the range-topping trim level gets new 17-inch two-toned machine alloys.\nIn addition to just equipment updates and surface redesign, the new 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander also gets slight revisions to its proportions, with an increase of 75 mm on its front overhang and 45 mm at the rear, apparently for a more \u201chigh-class feel\u201d per the Japanese carmaker.\nIts ride height have also been increased by 15 to 20 mm (depending on variant), thus giving it a ground clearance of 220 to 225 mm \u2013 supposedly the highest in its class, giving it better off-road performance.\nMechanically, the biggest update on the new Mitsubishi Xpander is the adoption of a new CVT gearbox for improved fuel consumption, in place of the ancient four-speed box from the pre-facelift model.\nThe 1.5-litre inline-four mill remains unchanged with \n105 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n of torque, although it has been fitted with a new external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to further help with fuel efficiency.\nOther driving-related upgrades include a new front strut mount with improved rigidity, and larger cylinders (with new high-performance damper valves) have been fitted on the rear dampers to help improve ride quality.\nThe Mitsubishi Xpander facelift will also come with a Hybrid variant in the future! Read more here.\nMoving inside, Mitsubishi has given the new 2021 Xpander a reworked dashboard with a more horizontal design motif to add visual width within the cabin, and a touch of class when paired to the beige leather upholstery and trims.\nEquipment wise, the central touchscreen is now upsized to nine inches in diameter (same size as the Malaysian-specification Xpander), while the air-conditioning controls now get a digital unit (although still manual), replacing the pre-facelift model\u2019s rotary controls.\nAlso new here is the electric parking brake, replacing the old-school hand lever on the pre-facelift model \u2013 which, in addition to freeing up space on the centre console, also gives the Mitsubishi Xpander a new automatic brake hold function.\nWith more space on the centre console now, Mitsubishi saw fit to add a larger open tray to fit your smartphones, while higher-end trims also get a new armrest with a storage bin underneath that can house up to four 600 ml bottles.\nOther additions in terms of conveniences include new Type C USB ports at the back of the centre consoles (for models with a centre armrest), and new cupholders in the second-row seat armrest.\nThe new 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander will be manufactured at the Mitsubishi Motors-Krama Yudha plant in Bekasi, West Java in Indonesia, and will first go on sale in Indonesia ahead of being rolled out for other markets in the ASEAN region \u2013 Hopefully not too long of a wait for it to be locally-assembled and launched here in Malaysia!"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has provided the full features and specifications of the upcoming 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 prior to its official launch \nthis Friday\n. So without further ado, let\u2019s dive right into to it!\nThailand model shown.\nExterior wise, the \nlocally-assembled\n Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid will feature the same 18-inch wheels and bumpers as the regular petrol variant of 1.8V. The only differentiating factor are the blue highlights on the LED headlamps and Toyota oval logos, alongside the \u2018HYBRID\u2019 emblems on the front fenders and tailgate.\nStandard equipments on the outside are similar to the 1.8 V variant, with factory-fit items including bi-LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, 18-inch alloys, handsfree powered tailgate, roof rails (rated to hold 70 kg of load), and rain-sensing automatic wipers. The Hybrid variant does however get an exclusive colour, called Celestite Grey Metallic.\nThailand model shown.\nAs for the hybrid system, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a \n98 hp / 142 Nm\n naturally aspirated 1.8-litre (2ZR-FXE) paired to a sophisticated dual-motor-generator setup (72 hp / 163 Nm) with a power-split device (PSD) that functions as an electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT).\nThe combined system output is \n122 hp \nwhilst seen to officially return fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 km or \n23.3 km/L \nunder ECE R101 test cycle. The powertrain first appeared in the fourth-generation Toyota Prius. Find out why the output is lower than the 1.8G and V variant\u2019s 139 hp as well as the difference compared to Honda\u2019s e:HEV system \nhere.\n\u00a0\nInside, the Hybrid gains a new 7-inch digital driver\u2019s instrument cluster, alongside dual-zone air-conditioning system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Paired with the Hybrid powertrain is also a Sport, Eco or Normal drive mode switch plus a dedicated EV (electric vehicle) mode \u2013 Although, being a self-charging hybrid with a small high-voltage battery, the electric range is limited to one to two kilometres.\nOther interior items are shared with the other variants, including black leather upholstery, powered driver\u2019s seat, rear ventilation duct, 60:40-split rear seat with recline function, sliding front armrest, and front driving video recorder (DVR), and the nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hybrid variant only gets slightly different carpets and a blue Smart Start switch.\nThailand model shown.\nIn an \nearlier announcement\n, UMWT has already said that the Hybrid variant will also be equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense advanced safety assistance pack, with standard features including the Pre-collision System (autonomous emergency braking), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beam.\nThe Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist features meanwhile have been enhanced in the CKD variants of the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8V and Hybrid 1.8 to operate at all speed ranges, unlike the earlier version that only activates from 30 km/h.\nPricing for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8 is placed at an \nestimated RM137,000\n \u2013 actual figures will have to wait until the launch this Friday. UMWT is also offering an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty on the hybrid electrical components, which includes the battery, inverter and power management control unit. Customers can even extend it for an additional two years for an estimated RM2,950."
"Hyundai has recently expanded its sales and service network in the northern region, with the opening of a new 3S Centre by CS Euro Auto in Butterworth, Penang.\nThe new 3S Centre will join two other Hyundai 3S Centre in the state of Penang. Located strategically in Butterworth, the new 3S centre aims to service Hyundai customers from the Penang island, as well as neighbouring vicinities such as Bukit Mertajam, Kulim, Prai and Nibong Tebal.\u00a0\nMeasuring \n14,480 square feet\n, CS Euro\u2019s 3S Centre, built upon Hyundai\u2019s Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI), houses a showroom, \nsix servicing bays\n, as well as a spare parts centre once renovation works are completed.\nServices offered by the new 3S Centre in Butterworth include Quick Service, shuttle service for customers, as well as a lounge with free WiFi access for waiting customers.\nCS Euro has eight years of dealership experience in the past with European and American carmakers. Hyundai is committed to expanding their dealership and service network with experienced dealers to ensure quality of service.\u00a0\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung said, \u201cOffering premium service quality is our ultimate aim and we will continue to work on that by establishing partnerships with experienced dealers.\u201d\nThe Hyundai Butterworth 3S centre is located at \n77, Tingkat Bagan Jermal, 12300 Butterworth, Malaysia\n. Showroom is open daily from \n9 am to 6 pm\n, while the service centre operates from \n9 am to 6 pm\n from \nMondays to Saturdays\n.\u00a0\nIn conjunction with the grand opening, all service customers at the new 3S Centre will be offered a \n10% discount\n on labour and parts, as well as a mystery gift. Customers can call \n04-3318 001\n for sales enquiries, or \n04-3317 001\n to book a service."
"While range anxiety is still the most commonly-quoted factor against electric vehicles, the fact that you\u2019ll have to sit at the charging station for an extended time during your journey (not taking into account if charging infrastructure even exists at all) definitely rustled more than a few jimmies too.\nWell, Lucid Motors is claiming to have eased the pain of EV ownership \u2013 or at least a couple of annoyances \u2013 with its new \nLucid Air\n, particularly its new fast-charging capabilities of up to \n482 km (\n300 miles\n) in just 20 minutes\n, at a peak charging rate of over 300 kW or \n32.2 km (\n20 miles\n) per minute\n.\nFor context, that\u2019s approximately the distance between Kuala Lumpur and the Bukit Kayu Hitam Thai border checkpoint in just 20 minutes of charging time. Bonkers stuff.\nThe Lucid Air achieves that thanks to its \u201cultra-high\u201d \n900V+ electrical architecture\n, custom lithium-ion battery cells, custom battery and thermal managements system, as well as the efficiency of the powertrain itself \u2013 a more efficient motor means more mileage from the same amount of electricity.\nAdditionally, the Air\u2019s \u2018Wunderbox\u2019 on-board charging unit also uses the universal Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, opening up the possibility to charge at all public charging infrastructure, including the growing list of 350kW DC fast-charging stations (in the United States, at least) which helped Lucid achieve that incredible figure.\nFor comparison, Tesla\u2019s Superchargers can provide up to 250 kW of energy, which according to \nInside EVs\n, equate to about 24.1 km (15 miles) per minute, five less than Lucid\u2019s claim.\nAs an extra slap in the face to \nTesla\n, Lucid also claims that its Air has a \nrange of 832 km (517 miles) from a single charge\n, making it the longest-range EV right now, and beating out the\n \nModel S\n Long Range Plus\u2019 647 km (402 miles).\nThe Air beats the Teslas even during home charging, thanks to its 19.2kW AC onboard charger that supports charging speeds of up to 128.7 km (80 miles) per hour. Tesla\u2019s Level 2 home chargers output at a maximum of 11.5 kW, translating to 71 km (44 miles) of range per hour of charging on the Tesla Model 3.\nWith the Lucid Connected Home Charging Station, which is one of the first AC charging stations with bi-directional charging, the Lucid Air can even be used as a temporary energy reserve to power their homes in the event of blackouts, or power your off-grid vacation homes.\nBased on numbers alone, the Lucid Air could actually mount a proper challenge against Tesla\u2019s domination in the EV sphere. But frankly, we\u2019ve said the same thing to too many contenders already, yet none have really made any sizeable impact yet. Perhaps, numbers alone can\u2019t do the trick."
"The all-new Lexus NX has been launched over the weekend and while it looks like the current generation, it shares nothing with it.\nBuilt on the new GA-K platform that also underpins the Lexus ES 250, the all-new NX is about an inch larger in all dimensions except height which is increased by just 5 mm. Lexus seems to have paid particular attention to the rear axle though, as the \nrear track is now 59 mm wider\n than before, promising better handling and stability.\nThe F Sport variant will gain different bumpers, spindle grille design and coloured wheel arches. At the rear, the taillamp runs across the width of the car joined by large L-shaped lamps, a design that first appeared in the smaller \nLexus UX\n. \u00a0\nInside, the second-generation Lexus NX has its dashboard layout based on the Tazuna concept that was used in the \nLexus LF-30 Concept\n car of 2019. Unlike the growing number of one-piece \ncurved displays\n, Lexus is employing the traditional meter hood and separated infotainment display, measuring a whopping 14 inches in size.\nLexus has applied an anti-reflective coating to the windshield as well as glare-reducing technology in the display screen plus a processor 3.6 times faster than the outgoing unit for the clearest images in all lighting conditions. Air-conditioning control is also placed in the large display, with rather fancy looking temperature dial-switches.\nThe new infotainment system called Lexus Link now functions more like a smartphone, with voice recognition, over-the-air updates (OTA) as well as cloud navigation via the data communication module. The also means the removal of the Lexus trace-pad controller, uncreatively turned into large cupholders in the lower console of the new Lexus NX.\nAnother new technology in the Lexus NX is the \ne-latch electronic door release system\n, in which the humble interior door handle has been changed to an electronic switch. Lexus has also paired this with the Safe Exit Assist, where the opening of doors is being monitored by the Blind-Spot Monitoring system, to ensure occupants do no open the door into oncoming vehicles including bicycles.\nAt launch, the all-new Lexus NX will be available in four different powertrain options, none of them carried over from the previous generation. The NX 250 will be powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine delivering \n199 hp\n that is also currently serving the \nLexus ES 250\n.\nThe \u20188AR\u2019 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine has been replaced by a new 2.4-litre unit, with outputs of \n279 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque. Both of these non-electrified engines will be paired with a new Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission.\nA new all-wheel drive with different torque split for the two engine outputs will also be available, with the turbocharged engine gaining a \u2018full-time\u2019 AWD system that has a default front-to-rear split of 75:25.\nLexus has also focused more on the electrified variants of the all-new NX due to strong demand. The Lexus NX 350h features the fourth-generation Lexus hybrid system that combines the new 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine and more powerful and efficient electric motors.\nPower is up 22% from the old 2AR unit, escalating to \n242 hp\n and improving 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time to 7.7 seconds. Headlining the all-new NX is \nLexus\u2019 first plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV)\n model, the NX 450h+.\nThe powertrain of the NX 450h+ combines an upgraded version of the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine from the hybrid model with a significant amount of punch from two electric motors and a large lithium-ion battery. With the total system output of \n306 hp\n, it sends the Lexus NX 450h+ from \n0 to 100 km/h in just over six seconds\n.\nThanks to an 18.1 kWh battery pack, the electric driving range is 63 km and able return a fuel economy of under 3 L/100 km under WLTP standards. All these figures sound rather similar as Toyota launched the \nRAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid\n with the same powertrain early last year in the US and Europe.\nLexus says, thanks to the usage of the highly efficient hybrid engine, the NX 450h+ is expected to be as much as 20% better fuel consumption than competitors when the lithium-ion battery pack is depleted. \u00a0\nSimilar to the \nnew Lexus IS\n, the subjective aspect of driving operation has been fined tuned and honed at the new Lexus Shimoyama Proving Ground.\nGone are the days where the new technology is only made available in the flagship LS limousine. For the safety systems, the new Lexus NX will be the first model to feature the third generation of Lexus Safety System+. Pre-Collision System is now capable of detecting solid objects such as trees, walls and utility poles in the car\u2019s path.\nEmergency Steering Assist will intervene if a high risk of collision is detected with oncoming traffic or crossing pedestrians when making a right turn at a junction. Front Cross-Traffic Alert meanwhile assist to notify the driver of approaching vehicles where visibility at the junction is hindered such as narrow back lanes.\nUsers in Japan, the US and China will also be able to use their smartphone as a digital smart key for the new NX, which can be extended to be a remote control to park the car (in tight spaces) while standing outside.\nGALLERY\n2021 LEXUS NX F SPORT\n2021 LEXUS NX\n2021 LEXUS NX \u2013 TECHNICAL"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has just welcomed a host of new offspring in the form of the Golf 1.4 TSI, Golf GTI and Golf R. The 1.4 TSI comes in two forms \u2013 the Sportline and the R-Line.\nPriced at \nRM 239,990\n, the \nVolkswagen\n\u00a0\nGolf GTI\n is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI direct injection engine with an output of\n 227 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. Power is delivered through a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission where 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 6.4 seconds before it maxes out at 248 km/h.\nThe Golf GTI comes with Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with an electronically-controlled damping system with Driving Mode Selection \u2013 ECO, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual.\nStandard exterior equipment includes Dynamic Cornering Light, Dynamic Light Assist, daytime running lights and LED low and high beam. The MK 7.5 GTI brings about new changes like the redesigned front apron with a new honeycomb design for the radiator grille and air intakes, 18-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels and full LED tail lights with Dynamic Indicators. The new MK 7.5 GTI retains the hallmark red strip across the front grille, GTI logo by the fenders, a front splitter and a roof spoiler. \nInside, the GTI is fitted with a 12.3-inch Active Info Display that offer five different views, a new 8-inch touchscreen \u201cDiscover Media\u201d infotainment system linked to 8-speakers alongside navigation features, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, Driving Mode Selection and a Performance Monitor. Also new to the interior is the GTI \u201cVienna\u201d perforated leather upholstery with red linings.\nVolkswagen Golf R\nPriced at \nRM 295,990\n, the Golf R takes performance to another level with \n286 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n from its 2.0-litre engine paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission. Off the line, the Golf R will take just 5.1 seconds to a 100 km/h before it hits an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Unlike the GTI, the Golf R gets power funneled to all corners through the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with Adaptive Chassis Control also as standard.\nThe refreshed Golf R comes with a new bumper, redesigned lower intake grille and new Advanced Adaptive LED headlamps with dynamic light assist. The back end features new LED tail lights, a new rear diffuser and 19-inch Spielberg/Pretoria alloys.\nInside, the R gets \u201cVienna\u201d R leather upholstery, R Sports steering, a 9.2-inch touchscreen Discover Pro infotainment system (with gesture control function), illuminated scuff plates and also a 12.3-inch Active Info Display virtual instrument cluster.\nBoth models come with seven airbags as standard and are covered by VPCM\u2019s a five-year factory warranty with five years of free roadside assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVOLKSWAGEN GOLF R   VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI"
"Every single model currently sold by Honda Malaysia is a segment leader. Every single one, except the CR-V, but all that is about to change.\nHonda Malaysia aims to reclaim its position as market leader in the C-segment SUV category with the long awaited \nfifth-generation Honda CR-V\n. Packed with Honda\u2019s latest technologies, powertrain and an irresistible price tag, the all-new CRV is ready to make a striking comeback.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda CR-V 2.0L 2WD\nHonda CR-V 1.5TC 2WD\nHonda CR-V 1.5TC 4WD\nHonda CR-V 1.5TC-P 2WD\nEngine\n1,997cc; 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\n1,498cc; 4-cylinder DOHC VTEC Turbo\nTransmission\nContinuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n152 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n190 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n189 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n243 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n11.3 seconds; 193 km/h\n8.8 seconds; 200 km/h\n9.2 seconds; 200 km/h\n8.8 seconds; 200 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM142,400\nRM155,700\nRM161,600\nRM167,700\nThe all-new CR-V has grown in every dimension, measuring at 4,584 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, 1,679 mm in height and 2,660 mm in wheelbase. The increased dimensions translate to a more spacious interior.\nEXTERIOR\nAs standard, all variants of the CR-V are equipped with full LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, powered folding side mirrors with turning lights, tailgate spoiler, smart keyless entry with walkaway lock and LED tail lamps. Curiously, automatic wiper is omitted on the 2.0L 2WD. Only the top spec 1.5TC-P gets auto high beam and active cornering lights.   The entry level CR-V rides on 17-inch alloys wrapped in 235/65 profile tyres while the turbo variants ride on 18-inch dual tone alloys wrapped in 235/60 profile tyres. All variants of the CR-V get a full size spare wheel.\nINTERIOR\nHonda\u2019s flagship SUV are all generously equipped. It starts with\u00a0leather upholstery, wood interior garnish (silver on the 2.0L), leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, full colour LCD instrument cluster, keyless start, 8-way powered driver seats, 4-way powered front passenger seats, electric parking brake with auto hold, 7.0-inch Advanced Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight speakers, dual-zone climate control, rear air-vents, powered tailgate and two rear USB charging port.   Thanks to its larger dimensions, Honda knee room is lengthened by a whopping 90mm for the rear passengers. Boot space is rated at \n522 litres\n and with the rear seats folded down (one touch folding function), it will swallow up to 1,084 litres of cargo.\nPERFORMANCE\nHonda Malaysia is offering two engine choices for the CR-V: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC with \n152 hp/189 Nm\n and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC VTEC Turbo with \n190 hp/243 Nm\n. Drive is sent to either the front-wheels or all four-wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is the same transmission as the \nCivic FC Turbo\n albeit with a different tuning.\nCentury sprint, if you intend to take your prized SUV to the drag strip, is done in \n11.3 seconds\n for the naturally aspirated mill while the blown motor takes \n8.8 seconds\n (4WD slower at 9.2 seconds). Top speed is rated at \n193 km/h\n for the 2.0L while the 1.5L turbo maxes out at \n200 km/h\n.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the CR-V is the first Honda model sold in Malaysia to come with\u00a0\nHonda Sensing\n. This next-generation Advanced Safety Technology bundles Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS). Honda Sensing helps the driver to reduce or completely negate the likelihood of a collision as well as semi-autonomous driving in traffic.\nUnfortunately, Honda Sensing is reserved for the most expensive 1.5TC-P variant. However, all of them are equipped with safety features expected from vehicles of this class, which includes six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), ABS, Brake Assist (BA) with EBD, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe CR-V is available in five exterior shades \u2013 Obsidian Blue Pearl, Dark Olive Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and White Orchid Pearl. All purchases of the CR-V come with 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty. A range of Honda genuine accessories \u2013 Aero Kit, Urban Package, Utility Package and Window film are available as an added option.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda CR-V 1.5TC-P 2WD   Honda CR-V 1.5TC 2WD"
"If you\u2019re the type to cringe when someone holds the steering wheel wrongly then letting a complete novice drive you real quickly in a monster of a supercar can be the scariest thing to do.\nSo here\u2019s how former F1 driver Mark Webber reacted being in the passenger seat with tennis darling, Maria Sharapova, behind the wheel of the unforgiving \nPorsche 911 GT2 RS\n.\nWith a 3.8-litre twin turbo flat six, making a dizzying\n 700 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque, almost 100 hp more than its predecessor, the 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful 911 ever made.\nBlistering past the 100 km/h mark from standstill in just 2.7 seconds, the 911 GT2 RS was not only confirmed as the fastest road-legal 911 but the \nfastest\u00a0RWD sportscar to lap the famed Nurburging\n.\nCredit: \nYouTube\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The car customisation culture is a vast and extensive one. While some take pride in the race decals on their A to B workhorses, some take to performance upgrades for their need for speed.\nSome, however, perceive it as a means of portraying wealth and when that happens, even the sky isn\u2019t the limit. These wheels by \nAsanti Wheels\n based in the United States, made over 10 years ago, took car customisation to a level no normal human being can comprehend.\nThe first set consisted of 22-inch custom 3-piece forged wheels where each featured \n12,000 diamonds and 800 sapphires\n, totaling 1,100 carats of precious stones. The stones were said to be meticulously placed by world-renowned jeweller, IceLink.\nEach of these diamond/sapphire-encrusted wheels costs USD250,000 (approximately RM1 million) then, for a cool total of \nRM4 million (approx.) a set! \nFor that money, you\u2019re not only buying a set of wheels, as Asanti also threw in \na new Bentley Continental GT\n and round-clock-security on the rims for a full year!\nThe next set \u2013 one that completely redefines the word \u201cexcess\u201d \u2013 was from the Asanti AFS 103 Series. It had an asking price of \nUSD2 million dollars a set (approx. RM8 million)\n \u2013 making it the world\u2019s most expensive set of wheels at the time.\nThe wheels are only available from a minimum size of 30-inches, all the way to 34-inches where each was inlaid with \n26,000 diamonds and 1,200 sapphires\n.\nIt\u2019s uncertain if Asanti still makes these wheels, but surely, there must be better ways to spend USD2 million, even if money is no object."
"As the Movement Control Order (MCO) enters its second week, authorities have ramped up their enforcement to restrict crowd movement by ordering for the closure of toll booths and limit those passing through, according to a report by \nMalay Mail\n.\nBased on circulars distributed by two highway concessionaires,\u00a0several interstate tolls plazas and those along intercity expressways will be closed effective today, in an effort to curb outgoing traffic from major districts and towns.\nThe closures have been \nordered by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)\n, according to the circular distributed by PLUS Highway. \nMandatory U-Turns\n have been implemented at the closed toll plazas.\nAs for those that will remain open, traffic will be \nconverged to one single lane\n where \npolice checks\n will be conducted. Vehicles will only be allowed through \nbased on police discretion\n. These measures will be in place\n until the end of the MCO period.\nThe affected PLUS toll plazas are as follows:\n\u2013 Plaza Tol Jalan Duta \u2013 Traffic diverted to single lane\n\u2013 Plaza Tol Sungai Besi \u2013 Traffic diverted to single lane\n\u2013 Plaza Tol Skudai \u2013 Closed, mandatory U-Turn\n\u2013 Plaza Tol Ayer Keroh \u2013 Closed, mandatory U-Turn \n\u2013 Plaza Tol Pedas Linggi \u2013 Closed, mandatory U-Turn \n\u2013 Plaza Tol Kuala Kangsar \u2013 Southbound closed\nPLUS also said that the highway along the elevated Tapah turn-off (KM326.8) would be closed off, affecting those looking to travel from Ipoh to Bidor.\nSeperately, Highway Concessionaire LITRAK has also announced closures for the Pantai Toll Plaza A along the Kerinchi Link, for both northbound and southbound traffic.\n\u201cHowever, highway users can still use the Pantai Toll Plaza (B) to get to their destination,\u201d read LITRAK\u2019s statement."
"BMW Group Korea has just opened its doors to the world\u2019s largest BMW Regional Distribution Centre after Munich in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It is strategically located 80 km south of Seoul and will service key markets in the Asia-Pacific region such as China, Japan and Malaysia.\nThe Korean \u20a9130 billion (RM496 million) investment covers a total area of 14 acres, comprised of a total of six\u00a0buildings including the main warehouse, three storage areas, a welcome house and a security building. A total of 600 new jobs is expected to be generated to support the facility.\nIt is capable of storing up to 75,000 units of parts and has a parts loading rate of 75 percent, ensuring that they are swiftly delivered to each dealership. Customers can expect shorter waiting periods for their parts to arrive as BMW prioritises their same-day delivery services.\nBMW Group Korea will also be adopting the Eurasian railway line (connects Asia to Europe) once operations begin in 2019. This is similar to what Volvo is doing, \nusing railway lines as one of their transportation links\n.\nWith the world\u2019s second largest BMW Regional Distribution Centre (in addition to BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s \nRegional Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in Senai\n), BMW customers in the APAC region can expect even shorter lead times for their BMW parts."
"The Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix \u2013 with its 2 km long main straight\nand mind-bogglingly narrow sections \u2013 served up its annual dose of excitement\non Sunday. And while the results were familiar (yes, another Mercedes-AMG one-two),\nthere were no lack of overtaking and on-track skirmishes.\nBut one instance stood out in a most bizarre manner when Daniel Ricciardo of Renault F1, while attempting to get back on the circuit after overrunning the tight Turn 3, reversed into his ex-Red Bull teammate Daniil Kyvat (now driving for Torro Rosso) before checking his mirrors.\n \nCrunch! That\u2019s how on-track souvenirs are made (click to watch on YouTube).\nThe seemingly low speed impact was innocuous-looking enough and generated a few pieces of carbon fibre as souvenirs for the marshals, but it also meant an early bath for Honey Badger, as the gutsy Ricciardo is fondly known and Daniil Kyvat a.k.a. Torpedo, who for once found himself at the receiving end of errant driving usually associated with the Russian.\nAside from yet another DNF for Ricciardo (this makes 3 out of 4 races so far) in what is turning out to be a rough start at Renault, he will be penalised three grid slots in the next grand prix at Barcelona, Spain for the embarrassing manoeuvre. \nWatch his reaction here\n, we think we know how the Aussie feels."
"The all-new \nfifth-generation Nissan Serena\n was unveiled last year and NISMO, Nissan\u2019s official tuning arm has gotten their hands on one of these MPVs and given it their renowned NISMO treatment. Yes, ladies and gents, the Nissan Serena NISMO is real and has just gone on sale in Japan.\nNISMO did not just slap on a body kit and called it a day, much has been done to the chassis to give the car a more exhilarating driving experience without compromising on comfort and convenience. At a glance, the Serena NISMO gets custom front grille, new front bumper with air ducts, new rear bumpers with diffuser inserts and even a custom rear spoiler.   Other than the additional NISMO emblems and red stripes another obvious sign that this is no ordinary Serena are those custom 17-inch five twin-spoke NISMO alloys wrapped in 205/50 profile \nBridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003\n high-performance tyres. It also rides on a set of custom suspension tuned for maximum handling performance and long-distance comfort.\nIf you think the exterior kit is a little over the top for a family MPV, wait till you see the interior. NISMO has fitted the Serena with Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, \nRECARO sports front seats\n, NISMO instrument cluster and red contrast stitching. Fortunately, NISMO has retained all the creature comfort items such as power sliding doors, touchscreen infotainment and air conditioning.   Mechanically, the Serena NISMO retains its 2.0-litre MR20DD four-cylinder twin-CVTC paired to an X-Tronic CVT. Except here, NISMO has retuned the ECU, electric power steering and Vehicle Dynamics Control for punchier acceleration and a more engaging drive. Coupled that with the \nNISMO sports-tuned muffler\n, you have a full fledge NISMO model. The company did not reveal its figures but expect the hotter model to better the factory\u2019s 144 hp and 210 Nm of torque.\nThe Nissan Serena NISMO retains its \nProPilot semi-autonomous driving technology\n and retails for \u00a53.4 million (RM126k) in Japan. Locally, the fifth-gen Nissan Serena has yet to make its debut but when the time comes, we have a feeling that Edaran Tan Chong may just offer the NISMO package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai recently premiered the Hyundai Kite \u2013 a two-seater dune buggy concept vehicle that\u2019s able to convert into a single-seater jet ski that looks like an enlarged version of a Hot Wheels diecast.\nThe Hyundai Kite was created by 15 transportation design master\u2019s course students from Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), a renowned Italian design school, in a second collaboration with Hyundai Design Centre Europe.\u00a0\nTheir previous collaboration in 2014 resulted in the creation of the \nPassoCorto, an ultra-lightweight sports car concept\n.\nThe Hyundai Kite is a doorless, roofless and windowless vehicle that can be used on the road and on water. It consist of a monocoque chassis and is designed to project freedom and a floating impression, connecting to the idea of spending leisure time near the water.\nIt\u2019s got a steering that\u2019s shiftable from left to right, O.Z Racing wheels, SABELT seat belts and plug-in charging features.\nThe Kite is powered purely by electric with four brushless motors placed inside the wheels and a water jet turbine for travelling on water. The Hyundai Kite\u2019s human-car interaction will be controlled by the user\u2019s mobile phone to offer customers intuitive control over all the car\u2019s functions.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A one-off Lamborghini Huracan RWD LP580-2 was donated to Pope Francis to pay homage to Vatican City \u2013 home to the pope and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.\nThe Huracan was conceptualised by Ad Personam \u2013 Lamborghini\u2019s customisation department. To pay tribute to the Vatican City flag, the Huracan is painted in Bianco Monocerus (White) with Giallo Tiberino (Yellow stripes) accents around the silhouette of the car.   Before you get all green-eyed, the Pope \nwill not\n be rolling around in a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 rear-wheel drive supercar, instead the \u201csymbolic\u201d Huracan will be auctioned off on 12th May 2018 and all proceeds will be\n donated to charity\n.\nThe Pope has decided that the proceeds will go to \u2013\u00a0 the reconstruction of Nineveh Plain; Pope John XXIII Community, an NGO dedicated to helping trafficked women and two Italian associations in supporting women and children in need aid initiatives in Africa. For the record, the retail price of a Huracan LP580-2 Coupe in Europe starts from \u20ac150,000 (RM738k) before options.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars has announced a recall globally affecting more than 700,000 cars, due to an issue with the software related to the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) safety system.\nAccording to a\n document\n filed to the United States national automotive safety board NHTSA, the recall involves almost all modern Volvo models (S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, XC90) \nmanufactured between 9th November 2018 and 11th March 2020\n.\nThe issue was first discovered by \nDanish motoring group FDM\n during a large-scale test of automated advanced driver assistance systems, when a XC60 consistently \nfailed to automatically apply the brakes\n during one of their tests.\nAfter investigations by Volvo, it was revealed that the software was incompatible with newer hardware used in units produced after the fourth week of 2019, causing the AEB system to not function as intended in certain situations and in certain temperatures.\nVolvo reassures that the regular braking system is not affected by this defect, and therefore the cars are still safe to operate. Thus far, there are no reports of incidents or accidents related to the issue.\nLocally, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) stated that \n1,802 units of \nXC40\n, \nS60\n, \nXC60\n, \nS90\n and \nXC90\n models are affected by this recall. Owners of cars affected by this recall are now being contacted by VCM to have their cars corrected free of charge, via an \nupdate of a corrected software\n."
"Back in March, Bugatti built an one-off\n Bugatti La Voiture Noire\n (which means \u201cthe black car\u201d in French, by the way) as a tribute to the all-black Type 57 SC from the 1930s. While that one-of-one specimen was sold for 11 million Euros, the demand was so great that Bugatti has brought the design over to the \nChiron\n as a limited edition, with only 20 ever to be made.\u00a0\nTwo versions of the Chiron Noire will be available \u2013 Elegance and Sportive. The Chiron Noire Elegance features an exposed carbon fibre bodywork, while the C-shaped Bugatti signature line, which is milled from solid metal, gets a matte polished aluminium finish. The Bugatti emblem is finished in black enamel, and the radiator grille gets a new mesh design.\u00a0\nThe black theme continues inside the cabin, with only the \u201cInner Signature Line\u201d, finished in silk-matte aluminium, interrupting the darkness within. Customary Noire badging is found throughout the interior, while a carbon fibre \u201cNoire\u201d badge is inlaid in the centre armrest.\u00a0\nIf you think that\u2019s still not sinister enough, the Sportive takes the term all-black to a whole other level. The carbon fibre bodywork is now covered in a matte-black finish, as well as all exterior trim items such as the signature line, wheels, as well as the titanium quad-tailpipes.\u00a0\nThe inside of the Chiron Noire Sportive feels almost as if Bugatti had a paint job accident, as even the rotary switches, push buttons, steering wheel, and door handles are all dipped in matte black paint.\u00a0\nThe Chiron Noire still retains its 8.0-litre 16-cylinder engine, pushing out a mind-boggling \n1,500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n of torque. Zero to 100 km/h takes just \nunder 2.5 seconds\n, and it\u2019ll happily accelerate to over \n400 km/h\n.\nIf you fancy one of these all-black machines, the Bugatti Chiron Noire special editions will set you back \nthree million Euros\n (RM13.9 million), with deliveries starting from the second quarter of 2020. The Noire treatment can also be had on the Chiron Sport, as a 100,000 Euros option."
"Volvo is proud to announce their prototype \nHigh Performance Drive-E Powertrain\n with \n450 hp\n. In a move to proof their \u201ccommitment to delivering driving pleasure through down-sizing\u201d, they have worked with their suppliers AVL, Denso, and Volvo Polestar Racing to develop this High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept.\nDr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at Volvo Car Group\n said \u201cWhen we launched the Drive-E powertrain family, our aim was to deliver the most advanced 4-cylinder engines in the industry based on emissions and fuel consumption relative to performance and drivability. We knew that 320 hp in our petrol configuration was just a starting point. The 450 hp High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept, demonstrates this ambition and the versatility of the Drive-E Powertrains,\u201d.\nThe \n2-litre 4-cylinder petrol\n has been further boosted by a couple of\n parallel turbochargers\n, which are fed by an \nelectrically powered turbo-compressor\n. The compressed air from the turbo-compressor is then used to spool up the two parallel turbochargers while fuel is fed by a dual \nfuel pump working at 250 bar\n pressure, claiming to eliminate the dreaded turbo lag.\nVolvo\n refers this setup as \u201ctriple boosting\u201d, and it\u2019s another step to fully utilize their flexible Drive-E powertrain. \u201cIt may sound odd, but this 450 hp powertrain concept is an important part of the Drive-E development program. Down-sizing must offer customers attractive and usable power for broad scale emissions reduction to work. Compact powertrains free up space and weight in the structure of the car, which can be used for electrification and even further emissions reduction. And that is our ultimate ambition,\u201d added Dr. Mertens.\nIt\u2019ll be interesting to see when (or if) Volvo decides to put this in production, as it has a huge potential to go against the likes of the German rivals that are already using their version of 2.0-litre 4-cylinder powetrain with various state of tuning.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group has announced that it has acquired the Alpina brand from the Bovensiepen family, founders of the brand in 1965. Alpina was involved in BMW tuning and motorsports from the 1960s onwards and began manufacturing passenger cars based on BMW\u2019s vehicle lineup in 1978.\nSince 1983, the company based in Buchloe, Bavaria in Germany, has been registered as an official automotive manufacturer with the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.\nFor now, everything remains status quo as the running agreement which was extended for another five years in late 2020, will expire on the 31st of December 2025.\n\u201cThe automotive industry is in the midst of a far-reaching transformation towards sustainable mobility. For that reason, existing business models need to be re-examined on a regular basis. For over 50 years, Alpina has demon\u00adstrated how to deliver top-quality cars through meticulous attention to detail. Acquiring the trademark rights will allow us to shape the long-term course of this brand steeped in tradition,\u201d said the BMW board of management.\nThe BMW Alpina B5\nThe move is made to ensure and secure the long-term future of the Alpina brand as emission regulations, electrification and other modern/costly requirements in vehicle development put small-series car manufacturers such as Alpina at higher risk.\nRELATED: \nG30 BMW 530i v BMW 530e PHEV shootout at Litar Dato\u2019 Sagor, Perak!\nAlpina, Co-managing Director, Andreas Bovensiepen said, \u201cWe recognised the challenges facing the automotive industry early on and are now setting the right course for Alpina. We decided not to sell Alpina to just any manufacturer because BMW and Alpina have worked together for decades.\u201d\nThe BMW Alpina B8\nThe company owned by the Bovensiepen family will continue to use its engineering expertise in developing, manufacturing, and selling BMW Alpina vehicles within the existing cooperation until the end of 2025. This results in base BMW cars receiving extensive modifi\u00adcation by the Alpina team \u2013 including the engine and transmission, as well as the chassis, aerodynamics, and interior equipment.\nBMW Alpina vehicles will be pre-assembled on BMW production lines before the final assembly in Alpina workshops in Buchloe. This also includes customising interiors to customer specifications.\nRELATED:\n \nBMW introduces first-ever X models made in China \u2013 X5 xDrive30Li & X5 xDrive40Li"
"The\u00a0\nMazda MX-5 or Miata\n, as it\u2019s affectionately known to some markets, will be finding its way here come August this year carrying a price tag that is believed to be well over the RM200k mark, according to sources from Bermaz Motor.\nFans of the popular Japanese droptop coupe can look forward to getting the more powerful\u00a0\n2.0-litre Skyactiv-G\n\u00a0(158 hp and 200 Nm) variant as opposed to the smaller 1.5-litre four-pot (129 hp and 150 Nm) mill. Say what you will, but\u00a0\nno manual transmission\n\u00a0will be offered, so Malaysian customers will have to make do with the\u00a0\nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\n\u00a0gearbox (with \nblipping function\n and Sport Mode) driving the\u00a0\nrear wheels\n. And because we\u2019re getting the 2.0-litre mill, limited-slip differential comes as standard.\n \n \nThe MX-5, now in its fourth life cycle, adopts the company\u2019s Kodo design philosophy and benefits from extensive use of aluminium and high-tensile steel, resulting in an overall kerb weight of between 990 to 1,060 kg! Mazda also claims that the Roadster achieves a \nperfect 50:50 weight distribution\n, achieved partly by positioning the engine behind the front axle.\nTasked with providing feedback to the driver is the new dual pinion electric power steering \u2013 a Mazda first. With or without the soft-top, the driver and its passenger can immerse themselves in the\u00a0\nnine-speaker Bose AudioPilot sound system\n. There\u2019s also a suite of driver\u2019s convenience and safety features, such as Blind Spot Monitoring System, High Beam Control with Adaptive Front-lighting System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, MZD Connect System with 7-inch screen and GPS navigation.\nGranted, some of the features mentioned here may not make it into\u00a0our\u00a0MX-5s, but by the looks of it, the tentative pricing seems almost justified. While we\u2019re at it, let\u2019s also not forget the fun-to-drive element it promises. We\u2019ll be reviewing the MX-5 following its local launch in August, so stay tuned for its latest developments!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The more aerodynamic a car is, the more efficient it can slice through air contributing to lower wind resistance, positively affecting the cars fuel economy and refinement. Which is why Audi has spent over 1,000 hours fine-tuning the aerodynamics of the soon-to-be-launched \nAudi e-Tron Prototype\n.\nThe result is an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.28 cd \u2013 the lowest ever for an Audi SUV, although the slickest SUV belongs to the Tesla Model X at 0.24 cd. According to Audi, 0.01 cd represents a real-world driving of 4.8 km which explains why the four-rings went to that extent to bring those figures down for the all-electric SUV.\nTo achieve those figures the engineers have incorporated innovations such as flat underbody with optimised louvres, electronically controlled flaps on the front grille, side air inlets, adaptive air suspension that lowers itself by 26 mm at speeds above 119 km/h for lower drag and the optional virtual exterior mirrors.\nThe virtual exterior mirrors are cameras that replace the conventional wing mirrors. They reduced the vehicle width by 15 cm contributing to lower drag and cutting wind noise. The images captured are transmitted onto the OLED displays on the A-pillar and drivers can also optimise the cameras to three views \u2013 motorway, turning and parking for greater safety.\nAudi UK is already taking orders\n for the over \n400 hp\n all-electric SUV that comes with a triple motor set up with a 95-kWh battery pack. With the new \u201ce-Quattro\u201d all-wheel-drive system, the e-Tron Quattro can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n. Audi has also recently revealed that the SUV can be \nfully charged in just 30 minutes\n when connected to a high-speed charger.\nIMAGE GALLERY   The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage   The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage\n \n The Audi e-tron prototype in a Faraday cage"
"BMW has this weird addiction of introducing M Performance parts on all of their cars. Not just on the regular street-going cars, but also on the full-blown M models \u2013 and that includes the \nBMW M3\n and \nM4\n too.\nIt\u2019s so common that we usually don\u2019t bat an eye any more, but the new kit caused quite a kerfuffle online when it was \nunveiled back in October 2020\n, because of one particular element \u2013 the M Performance exhaust.\nImage: \nBMW Blog\nIt\u2019s not unusual for carmakers \u2013 especially supercar and hypercar brands \u2013 to toy with the exhaust exits, and if done right, they can look pretty good (see: \nMcLaren 765 LT\n, basically all \nPagani\n cars). But on a car that already looks so divisive, we think that a milder approach to the shiny tips would perhaps be the better choice \u2013 like what the stock M3 and M4 actually comes with.\nIn our opinion, the M Performance exhaust\u2019s weird triangular layout just clashes too much with the M3/M4\u2019s more \u201corthordox\u201d lines (at least at the back), and well \u2013 these live photos courtesy of \nBMW Blog\n certainly backs us up.\nThe BMW M3 Competition was part of our AutoBuzz Best (Driver\u2019s) Cars of 2021! Check it out in more detail here.\nBMW brought along a BMW M3 to the 2022 Chicago Auto Show, fully decked out in M Performance parts including a whole lot of carbon fibre winglets and flics, a new carbon fibre decklid spoiler and front splitter, full M Division livery, and of course the aforementioned M Performance exhaust system.\nMaking things worse, because of its unique layout, opting for the M Performance exhaust also means that you\u2019ll have to fork up for the carbon rear diffuser, which considerably adds up to the cost of the whole ordeal.\nIt\u2019s certainly unique, but we\u2019re still not sure it looks all that good \u2013 we do know for a fact that we won\u2019t be shelling out the extra dough just for that. What do you think? Sound off in the comment section below.\n[Images: BMW Blog]\nGALLERY"
"For the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, \nPerodua\n \nrecorded a total sales of \n78,564 cars\n, which is 27.5% more than the same period in 2022 (61,624 cars). As for the month of March itself, Perodua sold \n32,179 cars\n, showing a 20.2% jump from the 26,759-unit figure from the same month last year. Compared to February 2023, the monthly sales in March was up by 29%.\nAs for production, Perodua managed to produce a total of \n84,800 cars\n in Q1 2023, which is a 33.9% increase from the same period in 2022. In March alone, \n33,666 cars\n were produced. Perodua says that the production was boosted in an effort to fulfil the PENJANA orders before the deadline.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThese achievements can be attributed to several factors, such as our efforts to fulfil the PENJANA orders before its deadline on 31 March 2023, production improvements throughout the supplier ecosystem and better coordination within our sales network.\u201d\n\u201cDespite these achievements, there are still a small number of PENJANA orders that we were unable to fulfil, to these customers, we will honour the sales exempt amount guaranteed under the initiative and we apologise for the long wait,\u201d he adds.\nRELATED: \n2023 Perodua Axia \u2013 20,100 bookings received, 13.6k converted from \u2018old\u2019 Axia bookings\nMoving forward, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal said that Perodua is expected to further build on these achievements as the number of bookings for its models continues to be healthy. He said that the sustained production growth managed to reduce some of the waiting periods in certain models.\nThe Perodua President and CEO said, \u201cIn fact, some of our models, the waiting period has been reduced significantly, only particular models such as the \nBezza\n, \nAxia\n \nand \nAlza\n have a slightly longer waiting period based on their respective variants and colour.\u201d\nIn terms of production, Perodua says that the global price of raw materials has decreased recently, easing cost pressures for suppliers, Perodua, and most automotive players. Perodua is targeting a total sales of \n314,000 cars\n and a total production of \n330,000 cars\n this year. If the Q1 2023 pace is maintained, Perodua is on track to achieving its targets.\nRELATED: \nPerodua aims 314,000 sales in 2023, to expand subscription business"
"Alongside the launch of the \nHonda Accord\n, Honda Malaysia has also officially launched the 2020 Honda Civic facelift. Three variants are available as before \u2013 1.8S (\nRM113,600\n), 1.5TC (\nRM129,600\n), and 1.5TC-P (\nRM139,600\n).\n \nEXTERIOR\n The facelifted Honda Civic receives an updated front bumper, along with a new rear bumper garnish. The entry-level 1.8S variant is still equipped with halogen headlights and fog lights, but both of the 1.5TC variants get LED headlights and fog lights as standard.\nThe 1.5TC variant also gains chrome-finished door handles, while the top-of-the-range 1.5TC-P variant gets a new front grille finished in black, along with a new trunk spoiler with integrated third braking light.\nThe 1.8S variant sits on newly-designed 16-inch wheels, while the 17-inch wheels on the 1.5TC variant remains the same as before. The Premium variant gets an all-new 18-inch alloy wheels.\nINTERIOR\n Honda has included a couple of new creature comfort additions to the 2020 Honda Civic, which Honda says was done in response to customer feedback. These include a new 60:40 rear folding seats, along with new fan speed control buttons on the climate control panel, and automatic front wipers.\nThe leather seats on the 1.5-litre models have been reupholstered with a new \u201cChequered Flag\u201d accent design, while the steering-wheel switches have been refined in both aesthetics and texture.\nOtherwise, the interior packaging of the Honda Civic remains largely the same. The 1.8S variant gets single zone air-condition, while the 1.5TC variants have dual-zone climate control.\nAs standard, all variants come equipped with a seven-inch advanced infotainment display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, HDMI input, and two USB ports. The infotainment is connected to eight speakers.\nSAFETY\n Undoubtedly the hero feature of the car, the 2020 Honda Civic facelift now comes with the full Honda Sensing suite, which utilises a combination of a monocular camera and a millimetre wave radar, available exclusively on the 1.5TC-P variant.\nThe Honda Sensing suite includes safety and convenience features such as Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow function, as well as Auto High Beam.\nAll variants of the new Honda Civic are now equipped with four front parking sensors as standard. The 1.5TC variant also comes equipped with Honda LaneWatch, which utilises a camera to complement the side mirror for a better view around the blind-spot area.\nPOWERTRAIN\n No changes are done to the powertrain on this mid-cycle refresh. The 1.8S variant is powered by a 1.8-litre four cylinder naturally-aspirated engine, producing 141 hp and 174 Nm of torque. As for the 1.5TC variants, a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Earth Dreams engine generates 173 hp and 220 Nm of twist.\nBoth engine options are paired to a CVT gearbox. Performance wise, Honda claims a 0-100 km/h time of 10.4 seconds for the 1.8S variant, whiel the 1.5TC variants does the century sprint in 8.2 seconds.\nThe 2020 Honda Civic facelift will be available in five exterior colours \u2013 Lunar Silver Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, as well as the latest addition to the line-up, Passion Red Pearl.\nHonda Malaysia has also made available some extra kit for the new Honda Civic, such as the Modulo Package which includes all-round skirting and a wing-styled trunk spoiler, Urban Package, Utility Package, and Protection Package.\nAs standard, the 2020 Honda Civic comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, along with five-time free labour service within 100,000 km or five years.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche \nis gearing up for the launch of the next-gen \nMacan\n, which has been confirmed to be \noffered in a fully-electric version\n. Ahead of the launch, the German company has now given members of the media a preview of the pre-production mule, alongside some preliminary information of the Macan Electric \u2013 which is reportedly its official name according to \nJalopnik\n.\nThe main focus here is on the Macan\u2019s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, which Porsche is co-developing together with\n Audi\n. While its set-up is broadly similar to the Taycan\u2019s bespoke J1 Architecture, Porsche says that the PPE has been given a number of improvements to help give more power, better handling, and greater range.\nSimilar to the \nTaycan\n, the Macan\u2019s PPE platform is built on the 800V architecture, featuring a battery pack of roughly 100 kWh in capacity across all variants, consisting of 12 battery modules. It\u2019s slightly bigger than the Taycan\u2019s optional 93.4 kWh battery pack, which should give it even more range than the 484 km offered on the longest-range Taycan, although Porsche says that the new batteries will give it the right balance between range and performance.\nIn terms of charging, Porsche is targetting a 5-80% charge in under 25 minutes, which should equate to over 270 kW (Taycan) on DC power. The Porsche Macan Electric will also support 400V chargers, like your run-off-the-mill home wallbox chargers, by effectively splitting the battery into two halves in order to boost charging speeds.\nRELATED: \nPorsche wants to make as many Macan EVs as petrol model, production starts 2023\nPorsche Macan Electric development mule.\nThe all-new Porsche Macan Electric will be built to support both all- and rear-wheel drive configurations, with the former giving up to a maximum output of \n450 kW (612 hp)\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque. Porsche says the electric motors have been improved with a new \u201cdouble V\u201d magnet arrangement, while the materials used are also specifically selected to increase efficiency.\nThe rear electric motors are placed as far back as possible to form what Porsche calls the \u201cperformance rear axle\u201d, shifting the weight balance to a 48:52 split instead of a perfect 50:50. It\u2019s a conscious design decision, and most of the power actually flows through here under normal conditions, hence the staggered wheel widths to better handle the torque and weight.\nThat said, thanks to the two-motor configuration, torque can still be infinitely variable between the front and rear, and the rear axle also comes with a fully-variable electronically controlled rear differential to further split the power to the rear-left and rear-right wheels. The front axle, meanwhile, gets a simpler brake-enabled torque vectoring system, similar to \nMazda\u2019s G-Vectoring Control\n.\nPaired to the new rear-wheel steering (up to five degrees), as well as the new two-valve dampers for the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, means that the Porsche Macan Electric should be a pretty nimble compact SUV to drive \u2013 much like its current iteration.\nReview: 2022 Porsche Macan \u2013 a realist\u2019s ode to sports cars\nThe all-new Porsche Macan Electric only exists in a camouflaged, pre-production form for now. However, it shouldn\u2019t be too long more of a wait for us to see the car in full. Porsche says deliveries for the new electric compact SUV will begin in early 2024, with a launch scheduled sometime next year \u2013 so keep your eyes peeled!"
"Headlining the Toyota Gazoo Racing booth at the ongoing 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon is the GR GT3 Concept \u2013 a conceptual take on customer racing and a new approach to motorsports.\nUnlike adapting production vehicles for use in motorsports, Toyota Gazoo Racing intends to develop this specific vehicle for customers to participate in global FIA GT3 racing series. The idea by Toyota Motor Corporation as a whole is to make the \nmotorsports industry sustainable\n.\nThe GR GT3 Concept is aimed to promote \u2018driver first\u2019 car development with a desire to provide attractive cars for customers who are participating in GT3. The company further expands that feedback and technologies refined through its participation in various motorsports activities to develop both the GT3 and production cars further promoting ever-better motorsport-bred cars.\nBased on the images provided, the GR GT3 Concept should still be propelled by good old combustion engine technology, as seen by the exhaust outlet at the front fender. The silhouette is unlike any current or even \nfuture Toyota\n model, making it a rather interesting project.\nToyota, via Lexus, currently offers the Lexus RC F GT3 machine for global endurance racing to its customers.\nIn a short interview, Koji Sato, President of Gazoo Racing Company said the vehicle is currently being in the virtual development stage with the participation of racing drivers for the delivery of a prototype soon. However, his boss, Akio Toyoda, was quick to push for only the best, \u201cWe have to develop a car which can win the race! A pilot car is not enough!\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\nSo much similarities to the Mercedes AMG GT sports car, and a little of the Lexus LFA\nTheir latest model, the \nGR Yaris GRMN\n, is the embodiment of this new approach, continuously developed and refined through various participation in events for an even better hot hatchback. It doesn\u2019t come cheap though, as all the manufacturer-made improvement has bumped the car price to over JPY 8million, double the price of a normal GR Yaris!"
"BMW Malaysia has updated the equipment list of both the \nCKD 330i M Sport\n and the\n 320i Sport \nwhere both now feature the long-awaited, highly coveted autonomous emergency braking.\nIn the Driver Assistance section of the brochure for both models, the \nDriving Assistant Package\n is now included \u2013 consisting of Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, front collision warning with brake intervention a.k.a autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and rear collision prevention.\n \nThese have been added to supplement the existing features such as cruise control with braking function, Parking Assistant with Reverse Assist and reverse camera.\nThese additions however will cost you extra RM5k on both models. The CKD 330i M Sport which was introduced six months after the \nCBU model was launched\n and \nreviewed\n, now costs \nRM293,800\n, up from RM288,800 while the 320i Sport now comes with a price tag of \nRM248,800\n, up from RM243,800.\nThe BMW 330i M Sport.\nAs a refresher, the CKD 330i M Sport comes with \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n and does 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds while the CKD 320i Sport has \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds.\nBoth are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, paired to a 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters."
"In 1985, a certain Marty McFly wowed cinema goers not by his usual theatrics or the plutonium-fueled DeLorean but rather, a pink Hoverboard from a couple of kids playing around in front of town hall. With that, he proceeds to out run the baddies and the rest is cinematic history.\nInteresting coincidence though, that the film featured an alternate timeline and the year was \n2015\n. The same year that Lexus chose to unveil its latest invention. But unlike most of the creations that come out of Lexus, this has four wheels short and it\n hovers\n. But we suspect at this point fellow readers, you are least interested in what, who and where as opposed to the burning question \u2013 \nHOW ?\nIn the short film you would have seen\u00a0international pro-skateboarding sensation \nRoss McGouran\n, pulling of tricks and slick moves while on the \nLexus Hoverboard\n around the hover park. First off, the hover park was built bespoke for this in Barcelona. Constructed using circa 200 metres of magnetic track set beneath the surface of an area similar to a conventional skate park. This gave Lexus and McGouran the opportunity to demonstrate tricks that no skateboard could ever perform, including the greatest trick of them all \u2013 travelling across water.\nThe Lexus Hoverboard features\n two cryostats\n or \nreservoirs\n which contain \nsuperconducting materials, \nkept at\n -197\u00b0C\n through immersion in \nliquid nitrogen\n \u2013 of which is the \u2018vapor\u2019 you see in the film. When the board gets close enough to the magnets in the ground,\n it hovers\n. The deck on the other hand is made from bamboo, which replicates its four-wheeled cousins\u2019 interior.   The \nmagnetic field\n from the track is effectively \n\u2018frozen\u2019\n into the \nsuperconductor\n\u00a0in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and track \u2013 essentially keeping the board in a hover. The force is strong enough that the rider can\n stand and even jump\n on the board. That in a nutshell is the secret to the Lexus Hoverboard.\nThe Lexus Hoverboard is a great sign that science, technology and innovation are indeed heading in the right direction. However Lexus has announced that it will not be sold at this point in time. As cool as the hoverboard is, unless you\u2019ve a custom-built a Hover Park in your backyard, it\u2019s back to watching Back to the Future for the rest of us.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nPerodua Axia\n\u2018s cousin, the Daihatsu Ayla has been launched in Indonesia with five variants available starting from 134 million rupiah (RM39k) for the 1.0 MT, 146.9 million rupiah (RM42k) for the 1.0 X MT, 166.9 million rupiah (RM48k) for the 1.0 X CVT and two further 1.2-litre variants for 164 millon rupiah (RM47k) and 184 million rupiah (RM53k).\nFor comparison purposes, we\u2019ll go with highest spec 1.0 X CVT Daihatsu Ayla that\u2019s priced similarly with the highest spec Perodua Axia 1.0 AV starting from RM49,500 to have a look and see how much more we\u2019re getting with our Axia unlike its Indonesian cousin. Of course, the Indonesian prices are direct conversions and with taxes and duties taken into account, it would cost more than RM48k.\nFor starters, both are powered by a 1.0-litre 1KR-VE engine with 67 hp although in terms of torque, the Axia produces 2 Nm more than the Ayla at 91 Nm. That\u2019s not all.\u00a0Looking at the spec sheet and images of the Ayla from the Daihatsu Indonesia website, it seems for more or less the same amount money, our Perodua Axia seems better equipped.\u00a0\nBased on the variant comparison table from the Daihatsu Indonesia website, it seems the 1.0-litre Ayla does not come with LED headlamps along with LED positioning lamps \u2013 a feature available to Axia for the first time. According to the comparison table, it seems only the 1.2-litre Ayla models are fitted with LED headlamps.\u00a0\nFeatures like keyless entry are only available in the higher grade 1.2-litre Ayla. That said, the Ayla is available in a wider range of colours; a total of eight compared to the Axia\u2019s five. The 1.0-litre Ayla ADS also gets textured panel as part of its front grille; something not offered even in the most expensive Axia.\nOn the inside\n, the differences are even more apparent. Even in the highest grade 1.2-litre Ayla, you only get a seven-inch touchscreen, with the 1.0-litre models getting a double-din headunit with a CD player. In the Axia, you get a nine-inch touchscreen in the RM49,500 AV model. The range-topping Perodua Axia AV also gets a digital instrument cluster \u2013 something not offered even in the 1.2-litre model Ayla.\u00a0\nOn the safety front, all variants of the Ayla are not equipped with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, blindspot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert but are available in our local Perodua Axia AV.\u00a0\nThe \nall-new Perodua Axia\n may have grown bigger and picked up a few new tricks which is always something you\u2019d expect from a new generation vehicle. Some quarters of the Internet, however, has had a different opinion; saying that the Axia is no longer a cheap car with all the additional equipment.\u00a0\nWhat are your thoughts on that? Should new features and additional refinement be included without an increase in price? Or would you prefer the Axia to remain plain and simple?\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just announced the winners of the annual Dealer of The Year 2020 awards, which recognises dealers for their operational excellence in delivering the Best Customer Experience.\u00a0\nThe company presented a total of seven awards to the following dealers:\nMost Improved Dealer \u2013 Hap Seng Star, Setia Alam\nBest in Customer Services \u2013 Cycle & Carriage Bintang (Northern) Bukit Tengah\nBest in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) \u2013 Hap Seng Star, Bukit Tinggi\nBest in Sales \u2013 Asbenz Stern, Kuantan\nBest in Financial Services \u2013 Hap Seng Star, Kinrara\nBest in Business Excellence \u2013 Cycle & Carriage Bintang, Mutiara Damansara\nHave you seen the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz EQS? Check it out \nhere\n!\nThe top prize of the night, the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year 2020 award, was presented to \nCycle & Carriage Bintang Glenmarie\n as the dealership excelled across all the touchpoints of the business to achieve the highest overall score.\nCycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, CEO, Wilfrid Foo Tsu-Ji said, \u201cWe are truly honoured to be awarded the prestigious Dealer of The Year award. Throughout 2020 and its unforeseen challenges, Cycle & Carriage Bintang has remained resilient and continued to provide exceptional service to our customers. The credit for this award goes to the entire team that worked tirelessly to make 2020 a successful year for all of us.\u201d\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia has the largest network in the premium vehicle segment with 32 authorised dealerships nationwide."
"Back in 1926, Bugatti founder, Ettore and his son Jean built a scaled down replica of the Type 35 \u2013 the most successful racing car of all time \u2013 for Ettore\u2019s youngest son to mark his 4th birthday.\nWhat was supposed to be a one-off project for the \u201cBugatti Baby\u201d as it was called, ended up in production with 500 units built after overwhelming response from visitors at Bugatti\u2019s HQ in Molsheim.\nIn celebrating Bugatti\u2019s 110th anniversary, they\u2019ve now introduced the \u201cBaby II\u201d with \nonly 500 units available\n, just like the original. Unlike the original, Baby II is three quarters the size of the actual Type 35 and can be driven by adults and children.\nLike the original Baby, the Baby II is rear-wheel driven, propelled by a battery-powered electric powertrain. Get this, it \neven comes with limited-slip differential and regenerative braking\n!\nThe original Baby in black.\nIt also comes with two different drive modes; a\n 1.3 hp Child Mode\n with top speed limited to 20 km/h and a \n5 hp Adult Mode\n with a top speed of 45 km/h.\nFor those crazy enough to want to drive it faster, it comes with an optional \n\u201cSpeed Key\u201d\n like in the Chiron that removes the speed limiter while unleashing the full \n14 hp.\nStopping should not be a problem with modern brakes applied all-round. The cockpit features an aluminium dashboard, leather seats and a replica 4-spoke steering from the Type 35.\nEach car comes with a limited-edition numbered plaque and Bugatti\u2019s famous Macaron badge, made of \n50g solid silver\n.\nThe Baby II.\nPrices for the Baby II starts from an eye-watering \nRM138k \nwith production to begin at the end of 2019."
"All you wagon lovers out there, rejoice! The big Volvo wagon is back! As reported in our earlier post on the \nS90\n, the premium sedan is now joined by a wagon sibling, \nthe V90\n. The new V90 has been revealed in all its glory through these official press photos, before making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.\nAlthough Volvo hasn\u2019t released the detailed specs of their new wagon, the third model in the \n90-series\n Volvo is also based on the same \nSPA\n (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, so you know that the stuff underneath are largely the same.\nExpect the V90\u2019s engine range to mirror those already in the \nXC90\n and the S90, which includes the \nD4 and D5 diesel\n as well as the \nT5 and T6 petrol\n, and Volvo\u2019s Senior VP of R&D has confirmed that the \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm T8 Twin Engine\n petrol plug-in hybrid will also be available on the V90. Any more powerful than that you might have to wait for the \nPolestar\n boys to work their magic on the V90 (and the rest of the 90-series Volvos, of course).\nThe V90 will not skimp on tech too. Similar to the other 90-series Volvos, the V90 will feature the \nCity Safety\n\u00a0system which will scan its surroundings and alert the driver if there\u2019s anything in the way, while the \nPilot Assist\n offers semi-autonomous driving.\nThere\u2019s also the \nSensus-connect\n system, which controls everything inside the car via the portrait-style \n9-inch touchscreen\n in the middle of the dash. From the official press pictures here we can see that the rest of the cabin is lifted straight off the S90, and that\u2019s a good thing since the interior represents Volvo\u2019s latest interpretation of understated Scandinavian coolness.\nThe sleek design continues on the outside. If you love how the XC90 and S90 looks, then you will most definitely like the V90. The front three quarter is essentially the S90, but the back now carries an additional baggage. It\u2019s a good-looking thing really, and we think the tail lights on the V90 work better than those on the S90.\nSo which one is your personal choice? The rugged \nXC90\n, the smart \nS90\n, or the understated V90?\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since DS Automobiles unveiled its first Formula E race car in \n2015\n, the French carmaker has been continuously developing its single-seater all-electric race car. With its latest generation DS E-Tense FE 19, DS continues to be the only French brand to be an FIA-approved Formula E manufacturer for its 2018/2019 season.\nIt would then make sense for DS to trickle its learnings from Formula E into its production vehicles and the brand has just announced that all its new generation of vehicles will be offered either with a\n hybrid or pure electric powertrains\n from 2025 onwards.\nThe first model to be parked under the new electrification strategy is the \nDS 7 Crossback\n E-Tense 4\u00d74 \u2013 a plug-in hybrid SUV packing a \n200 hp\n petrol mill assisted by \ntwo 80 kW\n (108 hp) electric motors (one on each axle) to give a combined output of \n300 hp\n and\n 450 Nm\n of twist. The DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4\u00d74 will make its official debut in 2018 and DS claims the all-wheel-drive SUV will have a pure-electric range of \n48 km\n.\nThat will be followed by DS\u2019 first all-electric vehicle, the DS E-Tense Concept car that will make an appearance at the 2018 Paris International Motor Show. The concept car is said to feature an all-electric powertrain capable of generating \n402 hp\n and \n516 Nm\n of torque.\nCEO of DS Automobiles, Yves Bonnefont, commented: \u201cStarting in 2025, each new DS will be launched exclusively with electrified powertrains. Our ambition is very clear: for DS to be among the global leaders in electrified cars in its segment.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nDS 7 Crossback   DS E-Tense Concept Car"
"UMW Toyota Motor has announced sales figures for February 2023 with 9,233 units of Toyota vehicles sold and 64 units of Lexus. It\u2019s the best month-on-month sales performance for the company for the month of February \u2013 representing a 45% increase compared to February 2022.\nThe company also recorded impressive monthly sales growth. UMW Toyota sold a combined 9,297 units (Toyota and Lexus vehicles); a significant 37% increase from the 6,786 units of Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in January 2023.\nUMW Toyota is continuing its strong start to the year, with year-to-date sales of 16,004 units (Toyota) and 79 units of (Lexus).\u00a0\n\u201cOur February 2023 sales numbers are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team at UMW Toyota Motor. By continuously listening to our customers and adapting to their needs, we have been able to maintain our position as a top-performing player in the automotive industry,\u201d said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.\nRecently, UMW Toyota launched a range of GR and GR Sport vehicles including the new\n GR Corolla\n from RM355,000, the \nGR86\n from RM295,000, and the \nmanual GR Supra\n from RM645,000. The GR Sport range is made up of the Corolla Cross GR Sport from RM142,000 and the GR Hilux from RM159,880.\nWhile the GR86, GR Supra and GR Corolla need no introduction, the \nGR Sport Hilux \nand \nGR Sport Corolla Cross \naren\u2019t just about aesthetic upgrades; in fact, far from it. Mechanical upgrades in the Hilux include gear shift paddles and sports suspension while the GR Sport Corolla Cross features a sports ECU for its electronic power steering, sports suspension and a performance brace for the chassis."
"In a statement during the company\u2019s mid-year report, \nBMW\n Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, mentioned plans for two electric cars that will debut in 2025 \u2013 a \nBMW 3 Series\n-sized EV and a sporty EV SUV. Both cars will spearhead the launch of BMW\u2019s Neue Klasse platform, which will account for more than half of the brand\u2019s sales by 2030.\nThe G20-based BMW i3 sedan is only available in China\nQuoting the BMW AG Chairman of the Board of Management\u2019s statement, \u201cOur Neue Klasse will be coming in 2025 \u2013 at exactly the right time, when the e\u2011mobility ramp-up will be reaching new levels. The Neue Klasse will speed up market penetration of electric vehicles even further.\n\u201cFor the launch of the Neue Klasse, we are planning \na compact sedan in the 3 Series segment\n and \na sporty SUV\n. By the end of the decade, the Neue Klasse should already account for more than half our global sales. We could also imagine a hydrogen drivetrain for this new vehicle generation.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW i3 returns as China-only fully-electric 3 Series, previews upcoming facelift\nThe G20-based BMW i3 sedan is only available in China\nPreviously, it has been reported that the next-generation \nBMW 3 Series will go fully electric\n. However, recent reports suggest that switching to an all-electric BMW 3 Series in the near future would be challenging, since most countries are still not ready to embrace full electrification.\nCiting sources close to the matter, \nBMWBLOG\n reports that the current G20/G21 platform might actually be extended until 2027. As such, with the introduction of the Neue Klasse, it is possible for the ICE BMW 3 Series and its electric counterpart to exist simultaneously on two different platforms.\nThe G20-based BMW i3 sedan is only available in China\nIf you have been following the development of the electric 3-er, you would know that an electric version of the BMW 3 Series already exists exclusively for the Chinese market. The China-only BMW i3 is based on the G20 BMW 3 Series, albeit with an 11-cm longer wheelbase.\nTo date, EV BMWs in the \u201c3 Series segment\u201d, namely the \nBMW i4\n and China-only BMW i3, have been built on ICE platforms \u2013 the G22 and G20 respectively. Sharing the same platform with their ICE counterparts, the development of these non-dedicated EVs will be somewhat limited compared to a car like the \nBMW iX\n, as the body still needs to accommodate a transmission tunnel and the EV battery pack usually reduces the ground clearance.\nWe will have to make do with the BMW i4 for now\nMeanwhile in Malaysia, the closest thing to a compact EV sedan by BMW is the BMW i4, which is available as the i4 eDrive40 M Sport and \ni4 M50\n variants. Also available in Malaysia are the\n BMW iX3\n and \nBMW iX\n.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 BMW i4 in Malaysia, from RM389k \u2013 5 Things"
"If you\u2019ve been following car news at all these past five years, you\u2019ll know that \u201cautonomous driving\u201d is the hottest new buzz word around town \u2013 it almost seems like every other carmaker is doing some form of it. Don\u2019t see it? Even the recently-launched Proton X50 boasts a \u201cLevel 2\u201d autonomous driving capability.\nWhile we might still be quite some time away with complete self driving cars (sorry \nTesla\n, your Full Self Driving autonomous system is misleading), a common theme in these research test mules is that they all look and function pretty much like any other car on the road. Heck, even the Roborace autonomous racing series ditched its \nsuper cool driver cell-less prototype\n for a car that looks like a normal LMP1 race car.\nIn an attempt to rethink what an autonomous car of the future may look like, \nLexus\n teamed up with TED Fellows program, a \u201cglobal multidisciplinary group of thought leaders\u201d, to dream up a couple of possibilities. The two fellows that Lexus paired up with were Greg Gage, a neuroscientist, engineer, and roboticist, as well as Sarah Sandman, who works as an artist and designer. Their brief? Prioritize people over technology.\n \nGage\u2019s idea resembles something that came out from a dystopian sci-fi future, where everything is connected directly to our brains. By using a \u201cbrain-car\u201d interface that detects a range of human signals, from our heartbeats to face microgestures, Gage envisions the car to react and change its ambience, based on our emotions.\nFor example, the car could automatically recline the seats when it detects that the occupant is feeling sleepy, or shut off the radio and turn on the interior lighting when the occupant is feeling stressed out.\n \nSandman\u2019s idea is slightly less left field, but still equally abstract. She envisions the car of the future to be a glasshouse of sorts, filled with swivelling chairs and happy people \u2013 think your favourite coffee shop.\nSandman says that in a world where we are increasingly being sucked into our mobile devices, the natural communication devices such as a simple waving gesture to the pedestrians have already been lost. The design aims to increase interaction with people both inside and outside of the \u201ccar\u201d, the latter by using a\u00a0speaker system and even a chalk-writing system to leave custom art or messages in the street.\nAside from the moving coffee shop, Sandman also proposes\u00a0a cooperative ownership model that not only increases affordability, but also inclusivity while promoting communication.\nWhat do you think of Lexus\u2019 autonomous \u201ccar\u201d of the future? Sure, they might be a bit far-fetched, but out-of-the-box thinkers have always pushed us forward in almost every industry. We can\u2019t wait to see what the future holds, but a small part of us does feel quite disappointed that the pure driving experience is getting pushed away \u2013 hey, we\u2019re driving enthusiasts after all."
"BMW has extended its range of M Performance Parts to the new X model family, the \nBMW X2\n, \nBMW X3\n and BMW X4. The new SUVs gets a sportier attire inside and out, carbon fibre bits and ridiculously large alloy wheels.\nInspired by motorsports, the M Performance Parts were designed to complement sporty driving but mainly to create a visual impact on BMW vehicles. For the X family, options are not as extensive as the \nsedan models\n \u2013 M Performance front radiator grills, carbon fibre M Performance exterior mirror caps and M Performance side stickers in Frozen Black. Customers can also further option the BMW LED door projectors that replace the standard entry light.   Not too shouty there but adding the M Performance wheels and it\u2019s a whole different story. The X2 is available with a 20-inch 717 M Style light-weight multi-spoke alloy wheels finished in matt black while the X3 and X4 have the option for a 19-inch Double Spoke 698 M Style M in Orbit Grey. But if you\u2019re feeling a little over the top, BMW has a \n21-inch Y Spoke 701 M Bicolor\n ready to be fitted onto your family SUV. The largest wheel in the programme saves\n two kilograms\n on each wheel, effectively reducing unsprung weight by eight kilograms.\nInside, all three cars can be fitted with the M Performance Alcantara steering wheel with a red motorsport marking in the 12 o\u2019clock position. The sporty steering wheel can be paired with carbon fibre paddle shifters with the plus and minus symbols in anodised red (X3 and X4 only). A set of M Performance branded floor mats completes the interior package.\nBMW Malaysia has confirmed that the BMW \nX3\n and \nX2\n will be making its way to our local shores in the first half of 2018. Maybe these M Performance Parts will play a role when selecting the specification for your new ride. Here is a \nG30 BMW 530i kitted out with the full range of M Performance Parts\n to give you an idea.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X2 with M Performance Parts   BMW X3 with M Performance Parts   BMW X4 with M Performance Parts"
"Following Proton\u2019s \nannouncement\n of a strategic partnership with Suzuki, the Japanese manufacturer has finally announced its consolidation with Proton. With that, all sales of Suzuki cars have been ceased, with all 29 Suzuki dealerships in Malaysia converted into Proton Edar outlets. The announcement was made during the signing ceremony to appoint former Suzuki dealers as new Proton dealers earlier today.\nThe rationalisation of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) is expected to be completed within a year. Also to note, all existing Suzuki owners are able to service their cars and obtain their warranties with Suzuki genuine parts at these outlets. At the same time, the former Suzuki dealers will be selling Proton cars as well.\nClick at the images below to know who are the 29 dealers:\n \n \nOn the other hand, Proton and Suzuki have confirmed that a jointly-developed new model will be made into production before 2017. Proton\u2019s Chairman Tun Dr.Mahathir revealed that the new Proton car will not be based on any existing Suzuki models sold in Malaysia.\nSince Proton has yet to come up with an A-Segment model, there\u2019s a likelihood the next Proton model, together with Suzuki\u2019s technology and expertise in making small cars, will be a city compact car smaller than the \nIriz\n. The car is also expected to be assembled in Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant, as Suzuki\u2019s assembly plant in Pekan has already been shut down.\nProton\u2019s new city compact car could be smaller than the Iriz\nShould the new Proton-Suzuki model arrives before 2017, it seems 2016 will be a quite a hectic\u00a0year for Proton. With the imminent launch of the new Perdana and replacements for both Saga and Persona models slated for release sometime this year, it seems that the tide could turn for the better for Proton in the coming few years."
"Between the \nF10 BMW 5-Series\n and \nW212 Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n, I\u2019ve always fancied the Bimmer a little more than the three-pointed star. Some called it fat, but I prefer to think of it as big and beautiful. You see, the F10 had the presence the W212 simply lacked; almost like a mini 7-Series if you will, without being over the top with it. It struck the perfect balance between class and presence; just about everything you\u2019d want in a premium executive sedan.\nWhen the long-awaited \nG30 was unveiled\n, I was left. hanging. It\u2019s a little leaner and more athletic than before, with the M Performance kit being the icing on the cake yet I simply can\u2019t help but think that the G30 5-Series looks just like a \nbigger \n3-Series\n.\nSee what I mean?\nIt has lost that sense of elegance and sophistication befitting of someone who has worked hard climbing through the ranks. Just park one next to a smooth-looking \nW213 E-Class\n (or even an \nAudi A6\n) and you\u2019ll catch my drift. But for someone looking for a \nbigger 3-Series\n, does this Business Athlete live up to its name? We took the \nG30 BMW 530i M Sport\n out for a spin to find out.\nBefore we dissect the car in detail, here\u2019s a disclaimer: our test unit is the fully-imported model that came fitted with a range of \nM Performance parts\n including the \n20-inch Double Spoke 669M Bi Colour alloys\n\u00a0wrapped in low profile Pirelli P Zero run flat tyres (245/35 front; 275/30 rear) and a host of other carbon fibre bits. The M Performance parts add up to a total bill of \nRM72,717\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nG30 BMW 530i M Sport (CKD)\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed auto\nMax Power\n252 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM388,800\nThe B48 2.0-litre Engine Hits All the Sweet Spots\nMotivation comes from a modest 2.0-litre four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine that dishes out \n252 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic is tasked to send drive exclusively to the rear wheels so if you swear by an FR with inherently good balance, the 530i will live up to that.\nFrom standstill, the 530i gains momentum in a drama-free fashion partly due to its smooth shifting slushbox. That is not to say the Bimmer is lethargic because its century sprint takes only \n6.2 seconds\n, onwards to a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Pedal to the floor and the 2.0-litre engine is eager to scream all the way to its 6,500 rpm redline and by fourth gear, you\u2019d already be pulling illegal speeds.\nAround the bends, the little four-potter is punchy enough to pull you out from a bend without the slightest struggle. Turbo lag is noticeable if you\u2019re insensitive with your right foot, but nothing to upset your upbeat rhythm up the twisty roads of Genting Highlands. On the other hand, if you\u2019re the type to be chauffeured in, the ZF-sourced automatic shifts through all its eight cogs like a hot knife through butter, providing the smoothest power delivery in its segment.\nIt\u2019s a Proper Ultimate Driving Machine\nBMW had managed to shave \n100 kg\n off the G30 from the F10 while maintaining a \nnear perfect\n \n51.5:48.5\n front to rear weight distribution, translating to a truly dynamic driving machine. The benefits of BMW\u2019s diet plan were evident from its eagerness to switch directions and turn-in precision. Its newfound lightness combined with one of the most communicative steering wheels (but not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing) in the market, make for an extremely positive experience behind the wheel.   Body roll was minimal, way better than the E250 and mechanical grip was abundant; although I suspect the ridiculously-wide and sticky Pirelli rubbers played a big part. If you so dare thread the limits of this\u00a0\nexecutive sedan\n, its traction control kicks in right before you overcook it \u2013 saving your pride and ego from sliding into the ravine.\nThe Blue-painted brake callipers complete the whole package by offering decent stopping performance. The pedal does have longer pedal travel than I would\u2019ve liked but then again this is no M5 so I can settle for this. You can opt for the BMW M Performance Sports Brake that comes with ventilated and perforated lightweight brake discs with better thermal capacity and greater braking performance under extreme conditions. However, that will set you back a pretty penny at \nRM23,557.70\n. Surely that is a little overkill for a car with just \n252 hp\n.\nThey Threw Ride Comfort Out of the Window\nWhat was BMW thinking when they shod the standard 19-inch M lightweight alloys with 245/40 R19 (fronts) and 275/35 R19 (rear) profile run flat tyres? I mean, the \nFerrari GTC4 Lusso V12\n we tested before had taller profile tyres at 245/35 R20 (front) and 295/35 R20 (rear)!\nOver lesser bumps and humps, the suspension does its best to absorb all the undulations but because there is so little rubber on the rims, the car will send a jolt through your spine if you\u2019re not delicate with your way around our roads. Our test unit with its 20-inch alloys just made matters more apparent but you know what they say, \u201c\nJanji Gaya\u201d.\nIt is a shame really, because the M Sport suspension with Dynamic Damper Control displayed superior damping capabilities even in its sportiest setting; almost air suspension like but the oversized wheels and thin rubbers just brought down the overall ride quality. Perhaps thicker rubbers would do the trick.\nNot Quite the Interior You\u2019d Expect\nA glance on the spec sheet will tell you that the 530i M Sport is as well-equipped as it gets \u2013 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch iDrive system, GPS Navigation Professional, four-zone climate control, 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, panoramic sunroof and 11-colour ambient lighting.   However, upon closer inspection, the cabin does not give you that feel good/wow factor as some of its main rivals would. The leather seats for example, are not of the highest quality compared to Mercedes-Benz\u2019s. Don\u2019t get me started on the \nVolvo S90\n that comes with Nappa leather as standard. Its 11-colour ambient lighting pales in comparison to the 64-colour choice on the E-Klasse. That said, if putting on a show is your main concern, just whip out the BMW Display Key and I guarantee it\u2019ll make your friends go green-eyed.\nDon\u2019t go too Crazy with the BMW M Performance Parts\nOur test unit gets a little more aggression thanks to the BMW M Performance Parts that can be optioned ala carte. The front splitter, wing mirror caps, rear spoiler and diffuser are all genuine carbon fibre items which will set you back a pretty hefty sum.\nIf you tick all the options to have your car look as mean as this, prepare to fork out an additional 20 percent of the car\u2019s selling price \u2013 such is the price of beauty. You can read our in-depth breakdown of the M Performance Parts \nhere\n.\nIs This Car for You?\nIf you\u2019re the type who prefers to be behind the wheel than in the back seat, the 530i would put a smile on your face more so than its other German rivals. For those who are stepping up from a 3-Series, you won\u2019t face too much disparity in terms of driving dynamics. It will take twisty B-roads like a champ and will ferry your friends and family in comfort \u2013 provided you go easy on the rough patches.\nFor those who are looking for a comfortable cruiser to ferry you and your passengers in supreme comfort, you should probably look elsewhere. Also, if you can\u2019t justify its RM388,800 asking price when you can have the much more luxurious (and powerful) \nVolvo S90 T8\n, perhaps you should wait for the soon-to-come \n530e plug-in hybrid\n\u00a0which will be supplemented with locally-assembled hybrid tax incentives that should knock down a couple of grand.\nWill I Buy it?\nIf I am at a stage in life to be able to afford a sub-RM400k car, it would be highly dependent on which end of the spectrum I stand \u2013 to impress others or to be happy. If I were to impress everyone and anyone who steps into the car, the Mercedes-Benz E Class with its 64-colour ambient lighting and the widescreen cockpit would be my prime choice.\nBut today, I\u2019m feeling a little selfish. I would have the 530i in Alpine White, the full range of M Performance Parts sans the tacky door stickers and harass E-Classes wherever I go.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After dazzling city dwellers with its urban style at this year\u2019s \nKuala Lumpur Fashion Week\n, the \nIsuzu D-Max X-Terrain\n is now doing a complete 180 as it preps itself to take on this year\u2019s \nBorneo Safari International Off Road Challenge\n as the official media vehicle.\nIsuzu Malaysia has provided three units of the pick-up truck to the Sabah Four-Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) for the purpose.\nThe Borneo Safari is set to return for the first time since the pandemic broke, with the event\u2019s 30th running kicking off in the final weekend of October, and will run across the entire week.\nThis year\u2019s event is expected to traverse some of the most difficult terrains in the lower plateaus of Mount Kinabalu. While magnificent views of the mountain and crystal-clear river flowing waters are on offer, the rocky and rugged terrain poses a significant challenge to both man and machine.\nRELATED: \nNew 2022 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 3.0 updated with new features, from RM146k\n\u201cAn event of this magnitude requires tremendous support both in monetary terms as well as with the use of highly-capable vehicles. We are very grateful to Isuzu Malaysia for providing us with both once again as the event\u2019s Platinum Sponsor and supplier of the official media cars,\u201d said SFWDA President Hj Faez Nordin.\nIsuzu Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo added, \u201cThe X-Terrain was selected as the flag bearer as it is endowed with a significant array of electronic driving aids. Coupled with its highly-engineered mechanical components, we believe the D-Max X-Terrain combines the brains and brawn required to become one of the most capable modern off-road vehicles in the event.\u201d\nThe Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine offering \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox to send power to all four wheels.\nThe all-new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain will now follow in the long tradition of service as the official media cars in the Borneo Safari, with both the first and second generation versions of Isuzu D-Max successfully pressed into service in the past.\nTo keep up with the happenings during the Borneo Safari, follow Isuzu D-Max Malaysia\u2019s official Facebook page or their other social media platforms. There will also be a Watch and Win web series that will follow, with exciting prizes on offer.\nALSO READ: \nIsuzu D-Max X-Terrain styles up for 2022 KL Fashion Week\nGALLERY"
"Aside from \nlaunching the 2020 facelift Honda BR-V\n, Honda Malaysia also kick started two community relief campaigns to provide aid and assistance to those who have been affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO) as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.\nFor starters, there\u2019s the \n\u201cBe Kind with BR-V\u201d\n campaign where beginning from 2nd of June till 31st of August 2020, with every unit of the Honda BR-V sold, the company will donate a portion of the proceeds to Covid-19 relief programmes.\nHonda Malaysia has also gathered its dealers for a joint effort to support affected communities in their surrounding neighbourhood.\nAs part of the \n\u201cHonda Dealer Donation Drive\u201d\n, which runs from 1st of June until 31st of August, Honda customers can visit their nearest Honda dealership to donate basic necessities such as non perishable food items, protective equipment such as face masks and other essential household items. The donations will be compiled and delivered to affected communities by the respective dealers.\nHonda would like to note that monetary donations will not be accepted. For those keen to show their support can \nhead over to Honda Malaysia\u2019s official site for more information\n or call 1800-88-2020."
"What\u2019s that, you have a twin 10.25-inch display on your dashboard? That\u2019s so 2020, my man, because Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled a massive 56-inch display \u2013 dubbed Hyperscreen \u2013 for the \nupcoming EQS\n that is so big, it \nis\n the entire dashboard. Yes, it\u2019s all-screen. The future is now.\nWell, okay technically it\u2019s three individual screens \u2013 a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger \u2013 but Mercedes-Benz has blended the screens almost seamlessly together into a single panel that spans 141 cm wide.\nThe Hyperscreen is the centrepiece of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s second-generation MBUX infotainment, which ditches physical buttons completely for a fully-touchscreen and voice-command interface. We\u2019re not sure who told Mercedes that a pure touchscreen interface in a moving vehicle \nwas ever a good idea\n, but we digress.\nThe second-gen MBUX system relies heavily on artificial intelligence to adapt its display to the user\u2019s needs and habits. A key feature in the system is the \u201czero-layer interface\u201d, which Mercedes-Benz says puts important apps and settings right on the screen within the driver\u2019s field of vision, negating the need to scroll through multiple pages of menus or use voice commands.\nFor example,\u00a0if a driver regularly calls someone at a particular time of day, the MBUX system will automatically prompt them to make a call to that person at that given time.\nThe AI feature is not just for infotainment purposes only, too \u2013 say a driver raises the car using the air suspension every time they pass through a location, the system will automatically learn that behaviour and do it for the driver the next time they pass through the same area.\nThe central and passenger screens feature OLED technology, which blends right into the black curved \u201cscreen band\u201d when not in use \u2013 as if nothing was there in the first place. When no passenger is detected on the front passenger seat, the screen turns into an animated starry decorative screen \u2013 or as the carmaker calls it, the Mercedes-Benz Pattern.\nTo help with navigating the touchscreen interface while driving, the Hyperscreen will include 12 actuators beneath the touch-sensitive surface for haptic feedback. Two coatings of the cover plate are said to reduce reflections and make cleaning easier, and the curved glass itself also consists of particularly scratch-resistant aluminium silicate.\nIt still remains to be seen how well a fully touch-operated interface will work in a moving car, as multiple studies have suggested that these digital infotainment systems may be \ndistracting enough to increase the risk of accidents\n, especially for older drivers. And in the case of the Hyperscreen, we won\u2019t know for sure until the fully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is launched later this year.\n\u201cThe goal was a concept without distraction of the driver or complicated operation\u201d, said Mercedes-Benz\u2019s CTO on the new MBUX generation, Sajjad Khan. \u201cWe didn\u2019t want to build the biggest screen ever in a car. Instead, we have developed special screens with a perfect ratio of size and functionality for maximum user-friendliness.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"After multiple previews and teasers since its \nfirst public debut in July 2018\n, Honda Malaysia has finally launched the facelifted Honda HR-V along with its confirmed specifications and pricing. It is also the first time the HR-V is available with a hybrid powertrain.\nThere will be four variants of the refreshed HR-V available starting with the entry-level 1.8L E at RM108,800, 1.8L V at RM118,800, 1.8L RS at RM124,800 and 1.5L Hybrid at RM120,800. Like the product positioning of the \nJazz and City Hybrid\n, the HR-V Hybrid is more expensive than the mid-spec V-spec but gets equipment levels of the base E-spec.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda HR-V 1.8L E\nHonda HR-V 1.8L V\nHonda HR-V 1.8L RS\nHonda HR-V 1.5L Hybrid\nEngine\n1,799cc; 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\nTransmission\nCVT\nMax Power\n142 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM108,800\nRM118,800\nRM124,800\nRM120,800\nAs previewed before, the \nHR-V E\n comes with a pair of halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, platinum design Honda Wing grille, new fog lamp housings and an additional chrome trim across the tailgate. Items like the 17-inch dual-tone five-spoke alloy wheel design (now wrapped in 215/55 profile Continental UltraContact UC6 rubbers) and dotted LED taillamps are carried over from before.\nOn the outside, the \nHR-V Hybrid\n will look exactly like the HR-V E save for some Hybrid badging to identify the model variant. The sad news is that the more expensive hybrid variant will not feature goodies of the V grade HR-V such as full LED reflector headlamps, LED fog lamps dual bar type LED taillamps and chrome door handles.   The HR-V RS (short for Road Sailing) on the other hand gets a sportier appearance from the Sport Design body kit in gloss black as well upsized 18-inch dual-tone alloys wrapped in 225/50 Continental UC6 tyres. It is also the only variant in Honda Malaysia\u2019s line up to feature the new Passion Red Pearl paint job.\nAs standard, all variants of the facelifted HR-V come with a multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, keyless entry and start, automatic climate control, half leather upholstery, 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with HDMI connectivity, four-speakers, cruise control and reverse camera.\nStepping up to the HR-V V adds black leather upholstery, eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Only in the HR-V RS you\u2019ll find an Ivory White upholstery and sports pedals. Unfortunately, even the top-spec V grade and RS also gets four-speakers, down from the six-speaker set up on the pre-facelift top-grade model.\nPetrol powered-only variants of the HR-V soldiers on with the same 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine and CVT combo pushing out \n142 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n to drive the front wheels. The HR-V RS is the only variant to feature \nVariable Gear Ratio (VGR)\n steering rack for a more accurate handling response.\nThe HR-V Hybrid uses a Sport Hybrid i-DCD system that combines a 1.5-litre naturally four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine (132 hp/156 Nm) and an electric motor (29.5 hp/160 Nm) to give a combined output of \n152 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of twist. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.\nAs standard all variants of the HR-V facelift come with six airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal while the Honda Lane Watch Camera that transmits a live feed to the infotainment screen via a camera mounted on the passenger side mirror is exclusive to the top of the range HR-V RS.\nThe facelifted HR-V is available in five colour options \u2013 Passion Red Pearl (HR-V RS only), Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl (RM300 option). Offered together with the New HR-V are three accessories packages namely Modulo Package at RM5,737, Urban Package at RM1,716 and Utility Package at RM902.\nEvery purchase of the facelifted Honda HR-V comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty while the hybrid battery pack comes with an 8-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda HR-V RS Facelift First Drive   Honda HR-V E Preview   Honda HR-V Hybrid"
"As the illustrious 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance went into full swing last weekend, McLaren was proud to take centre stage with a bespoke McLaren 720S for a US-based customer. The one-off example is not only unlike any other McLaren, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will not be replicating this colour for any other customers no matter the price.\nCommissioned by Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Michael Fux, the \u201c\nFux Fuchsia\n\u201d paint job was originally created by \nRolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited\n and subsequently redeveloped by MSO for Mr Fux. Additionally, Mr Fux retains \nexclusive rights\n to this Fux Fuchsia colour. Talk about bespoke! Other MSO-specified items include carbon fibre exterior pack and stealth wheels with Fux Fuchsia pinstripe.   Inside, Mr Fux\u2019s 720S is furnished in \nwhite leather with white stitching\n\u00a0. Even the Alcantara floor mats are white in colour. The cabin is accented with Fux Fuchsia elements around the steering wheel, rear view mirror housing and door cards.\nMcLaren Automotive Executive Director, Global Sales and Marketing, Jolyon Nash commented, \u201cMSO provides McLaren owners with virtually limitless possibilities to tailor a car exactly to their needs and tastes; unique paint colours and finishes, custom leather and stitching and exotic materials are all available within a bespoke commission, while beyond this there are opportunities all the way up to complete vehicles designed to individual specification.\u201d\nMichael Fux has previously commissioned a \nMcLaren MP4-12C\n in McLaren Orange, a MP4-12C Spider in bespoke purple and a \nMcLaren P1\n in bespoke green.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just approximately one year after construction of the Gigafactory Three began in Shanghai, China, Tesla has delivered the first batch of Chinese-built Tesla Model 3 \u2013 a record for global automakers in China.\nIn a delivery ceremony held at the latest Gigafactory, 15 units of the locally-assembled Tesla Model 3s were delivered to Tesla employees who have placed their orders. One employee even took the opportunity to propose marriage to his girlfriend at the auspicious event.\nAccording to a report by \nGlobal Times\n, the Tesla Gigafactory Three has begun production in October. In the same report, Tesla Gigafactory Three production director Song Gang said that the factory currently produces more than 28 units of the Tesla 3 an hour, achieving\n 1,000 units per week\n.\nHe added that production is expected to ramp up to \nmore than 3,000 units per week\n \u201cin the near future.\u201d Tesla vice president, Tao Lin said, \u201cCompared with traditional car manufacturers, Gigafactory Three\u2019s production capacity will ramp up at a speed that exceeds your imagination.\u201d\nAccording to Lin, the Chinese-built Tesla Model 3 currently utilises 30% China-sourced parts. Tesla expects to increase localisation efforts to 80% by mid-2020, with full localisation of parts expected by the end of next year.\nThe China-made Tesla Model 3 is priced from RMB355,800 (RM209,981) before subsidies, with deliveries to customers planned from late-January. Imported versions of the electric family sedan were previously priced from RMB439,000 (RM259,082).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across eight countries in Asia has unveiled the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester in Taichung, Taiwan where it will be available in four variants:\n2.0 i-S EyeSight\n2.0 i-S\n2.0 i-L EyeSight\n2.0 i-L\nThe 2.0-litre direct injection boxer engines with\n 156 hp\n and\n 196 Nm\n are mated to a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT with Active Torque Vectoring and an X-MODE function for optimised all-wheel drive functions.\nThe all-new Subaru Forester is built on the new Subaru Global Platform with more responsive steering, 40% improved crash absorption, 50% less body roll with a quieter and more stable ride.\nAs for the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the \u201cpackage\u201d includes Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control with Lead Vehicle Start Alert.\nIn the 2.0 i-L EyeSight and 2.0-iS EyeSight models, LED fog lamps and daytime running lights are standard, with headlamp washers, Auto LED headlamps with Auto Leveling Function and High Beam Assist, rear fog lamps and roof rails are standard across the board.\nWhile it may not appear entirely different to the untrained eye, the devil is in the details with this all-new Forester. It\u2019s got redesigned headlamps, a new bumper design with more pronounced fog lamp housings.\nThe new Forester\u2019s front end also features an Active Grille Shutter, for better aerodynamics. A power-sliding glass sunroof is exclusive only to the 2.0 i-S EyeSight model.\nFilling up the wheel arches are either 17- or 18-inch wheels, wrapped in 225 width tyres. Inside the newly-designed interior with an emphasis on improved leg room and a larger boot supplemented by a powered rear tailgate.\nOther conveniences include power adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver, an Auto Vehicle Hold function, Electronic Parking Brake, Paddle Shifters, Rain Sensing Wipers, reclining rear seats, side view monitor and headlamps that swivel according to the steering\u2019s movement.\nOn the safety front, the Forester comes with seven airbags (front, side, curtain and knee), reinforced side door beams, Rear Cross Traffic Alert that\u2019s supported by the Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD). SRVD also supports the Blind Spot Detection functions and Lane Change Assist functions.\nSpecifications may vary when the all-new Subaru Forester finally arrives in Malaysia in CKD form the second quarter of 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight   Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L EyeSight"
"The latest and most powerful Volkswagen Golf R,\u00a0290 horsepower, 380Nm of torque, 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds, 250 km/h\u00a0top speed, on a F1 track. Now, let your imagination take over, go wild.\nVolkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) launched the latest R edition of the Mk7 Golf subtly without any fancy launch gambit. Why? That\u2019s because it\u2019s not a car for the mass and most importantly not many would think \u201cDamn, I wish the new Golf GTI has more power\u201d.\nWell, the third and latest addition to the Mk7\u00a0Golf line up is here in Malaysia for that sole purpose, to deliver more power. We had the chance to experience the R factor on\u00a0the Sepang F1 (half) Circuit.\nA fleet of gorgeous Lapiz Blue 5-door hot hatch cured our Monday blues, with a set of voluptuous 19-inch 5-spoke Cadiz alloy wheels. Underneath the hood is a newly designed 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine, that is itching to unleash all\n 290 horsepower\n and \n380Nm\n of torque.\nSo, we did. Engine start and idling sound has not much to shout about. Same goes to the slow pit lane drive, in fact, it sounded very decent. Very civilized, up until I floored it as I entered the track. It was spine tingling. The famous \u2018DSG farts\u2019 from every gear change reaches a whole new level. Even with the helmet and balaclava on, it was was loud. In a yummy way.\nThe 5-door variant comes with\n Tech Pack\n as standard which includes a long list of things. Here are some that\u2019re worth mentioning; \n19-inch Cadiz\n wheels, Dynamic Chassis Control (\nDCC\n) with driving profile selection, Vienna leather seats with \u2018R\u2019 logo on back rest, and an \nadditional 10 horsepower\n under your right foot.\nPerformance figures are impressive, century sprint in 5 seconds and it goes up to 250km/h. However, with such amount of power packed in to a little hatchback, is it still drivable? Yes, very much drivable even on a track; but VW had a lot to do to avoid ending up in a ditch all the time.\nFirstly, its latest version of \n4MOTION\n system with a fifth-gen \nHaldex\n coupling distributing power to the front or rear wheels when required, makes sure you get the grip you need at all times. Then there\u2019s the improved \nXDS+\n, which minimizes understeer tremendously by slowing down the inside wheels slightly and giving more torque to the outer wheels when taking corners. Together with the \nprogressive steering\n, they make a perfect combination for a precise and agile drive.\nThis new Golf R feels so much \nlighter\n than the Mk6 variant, thanks for the Modular Transverse Matrix (\nMQB\n) platform that sheds \n46kg\n of weight. All 380Nm of torque catapults its light weight body from 0 to 100 in \n5 seconds\n flat. Brakes are good allowing late braking and turning into corners at high speed feels so easy. Every input from the progressive steering translated accurately onto both front wheels, darting into and out of chicanes with ease.\nIts Electronic Differential Lock or \nXDS+\n did its magic. Simply pulling in the car inwards at every fast cornering, resulting minimal understeer. In loose terms, you can throw the car in and out of corners like a moron and can still make out of it alive, in style. It is that good.\nVGM describes it as a \u2018sports car\u2019. Well, yes and no. Sports cars are uncomfortable. The Golf R is surprisingly comfortable. I would call it a sporty car, that you can own, drive to work, take your kids to school, do grocery shopping and go bonkers on track days.\nWe will carry out a full review on the 2014 VW Golf R soon and even better, video review as well! So, stick around for more of the new R. For now, get more info \nhere\n.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford is set to push its electric vehicle (EV) presence in China by building the \nMustang Mach-E\n there. The electrified crossover will be built by Changan Ford and only for domestic consumption.\nThe company fondly known as the Blue Oval is also proud to announce that the GT Performance Edition will be \nmanufactured locally in China\n. This top-of-the-range variant is targeting a century sprint time of 3.5 seconds, all courtesy of a targeted output of \n487 hp\n and \n855 Nm\n of torque through a dual-motor set up.\nRide comfort and cornering abilities will be shouldered by the Magnaride Damping suspension system that uses \nmagnetic forces\n to change the characteristics of the oil in the shock absorbers.\nIn the US, the Mustang Mach-E is offered in configurations mixing single or dual motors with two battery capacities. The line-up of the Mustang Mach-E begins with the Select variant with a 266 hp single motor paired with a 68-kWh battery pack, delivering a driving range of 370 kilometres.\nFor an extended driving range, the Premium variant with an \n88-kWh battery\n offers 483 kilometres of travel under the strict American EPA testing methodology. Ford is expecting to achieve \nover 600 kilometres\n of range under the Chinese driving cycle.\nThe newest generation of Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assist technologies will offer Level 2+ autonomous driving assistance functions, enabling Mach-E drivers to operate their vehicles hands-free on prequalified sections of divided highways.\nIn addition, the software in the vehicle can be updated regularly like our smartphones through the \nfirmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates\n, including for vehicle controls, to freshen the driving experience with improvements and new features.\nFord also say with the Mustang Mach-E, it is the first automaker in China to offer cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology in mass production vehicles and the feature can help drivers in China anticipate potential driving hazards and improve traffic safety and efficiency. \u00a0\u00a0\nAt the very tail-end of 2019, Tesla announced the deliveries of the first \nChinese-built Model 3\n sedan. It is priced at a competitive \n250,000\n \nYuan\n after local subsidies. Volkswagen China meanwhile just announced prices of its new locally-built ID.4 Crozz that undercuts the Tesla Model 3 sedan.\nThe larger, fully-imported \nTesla Model Y\n meanwhile is priced from\n 339,900 Yuan\n and its size and performance are more comparable to the Mustang Mach-E.\nAccording to news reports, sales of electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles in China are forecast to rise to \n20% of new car\n \nsales\n by 2025 from just 5% last year.\nGALLERY"
"Currently showing in selected local cinemas, the latest installment of the Tomb Raider not only features a new, up and coming star (although we\u2019d much prefer to see Angelina Jolie reprise her role) but also showcases the \nnew Volvo XC40\n.\nNewly crowned the\u00a0\n2018 European Car of the Year\n, the XC40 will be Lara Croft\u2019s wheels of choice as she looks to solve the mystery of her father\u2019s disappearance.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s20rM_zSwbk&feature=youtu.be\nAs the first ever premium compact SUV by Volvo Cars, the XC40 is also the first model to be built on the company\u2019s all-new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that\u2019s been jointly developed by Volvo and its new owners, Geely \u2013 promising improved safety and engineering flexibility.\nThere will be \nthree different trims\n available for the XC40 \u2013 Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Petrol and diesel-powered variants are accompanied by front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.   Already proving to be a success in this ever increasing, SUV-crazed market, the XC40 had\u00a0\nreceived bookings of more than 20,000 units globally\n since it was introduced in Europe and America last year.\nIn recent developments, the Volvo XC40 R-Design announced its arrival in Singapore where the T5 AWD variant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating\u00a0247 hp\u00a0and\u00a0350 Nm \u2013 with power sent to all four wheels via an eight speed transmission.\n\u00a0\nFor the first time in Volvo Cars\u2019 91-year history, a new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine was recently introduced where it will first make its way to the XC40 before other models. The turbocharged engine is capable of 154 hp and 265 Nm of torque.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BRABUS, the well known independent automobile performance manufacturer from Germany has opened its doors to their \nnew centres\n in \nGlenmarie, Shah Alam\n. Two centres \u2013 \n1S\n (Showroom) and \n2S\n (Performance Centre) \u2013 costing approximately \nRM8 million \u00a0\nto erect were launched this morning through \nNaza-Brabus Motors Sdn Bhd\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBRABUS CLS Rocket 730\nEngine\n5.5-litre bi-turbo\nMax Power\n730 horsepower\nMax Torque\n1,065 Newton metres\n0-100km/h; Top speed\n3.8 seconds; 350 km/h\nPrice\nEstimated RM1.3mil   It wouldn\u2019t be a complete event without the presence of a comprehensively tuned BRABUS car, hence the introduction of the\u00a0\nBRABUS CLS Rocket 730\u00a0\n\u2013 a car that\u2019s all about the numbers, and more. Based on the \nCLS63 AMG\n, the \nRM1.3 million\n Rocket 730 shares the same \n5.5-litre bi-turbo\n engine but has been extensively tuned to produce \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 a whopping \n730 horsepower\n and \n1,065 Nm\n of torque.   As a result, it does the century sprint in just \n3.8 seconds\n and manages a top speed of \n350 km/h\n. Just so you know, the CLS Rocket 730 was built in the very buildings that were launched today, so that\u2019s the icing to your cake.   The RM6 million BRABUS showroom (opposite of the Lamborghini showroom) spans an area of \n5,000 square feet\n\u00a0and displays several Brabus models such as the\u00a0BRABUS ML WideStar, BRABUS iBusiness S class and BRABUS SLK. Here, customers can perform their \nindividualised customisation\n for cars of their choice.\nLocated some 500 metres away from the showroom is the \n25,000 square feet\n Brabus\u2019 Performance Centre that features \neight service bays\n operated by \nten\u00a0staff\n, of which five of them are \ntrained and certified BRABUS technicians\n. This centre provides BRABUS body conversions, engine tuning,\u00a0performance upgrades, scheduled maintenance, repairs as well as tyre replacement and alignment services all under one roof.\nNaza-Brabus Motors Sdn Bhd has a customer base of over 800 since their establishment in 2001.\u00a0The new Brabus Showroom is open daily from 9am to 6pm. The Performance Centre operates from 8.30am to 5pm on weekdays, and from 8.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBRABUS CLS Rocket 730   BRABUS Showroom and Performance Centre"
"Peugeot will be presenting their fully autonomous electric concept car at the 2018 Paris Motor Show happening in early October, joining a growing list of automakers who are coming out with their own vision for connected mobility of the future.\nDubbed as the Peugeot e-Legend Concept, the compact sedan styled car can operate as a fully autonomous car or with a driver behind the wheel depending on your choice. Each of the operations has two further driving modes:\nSoft \u2013 fully autonomous drive that focuses on maximum comfort by minimising information displayed on the digital screens\nSharp \u2013 fully autonomous drive with maximum onboard connectivity displayed on the screens\nLegend \u2013 manual driving that recreates the brand\u2019s iconic 504 coupe\u2019s cabin\nBoost \u2013 manual driving that draws the full dynamic potential of the car   Head of Peugeot Strategy, Aude Brille said: \u201cWith PEUGEOT e-LEGEND CONCEPT, for us it\u2019s about intensifying and refining the experience of 100% autonomy, electric and connectivity. \u00a0The Responsive i- Cockpit\u00ae is enhanced to offer its guests immersive driving specifically customised for each of the four driving modes available.\u201d\nThe e-Legend concept is powered by a full electric powertrain juiced by 100 kWh battery pack, giving the car \n340 kW\n (462 hp) and \n800 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred to all four-wheels and century sprint is completed in under 4 seconds while top speed is rated at \n220 km/h\n.\nPeugeot claims that the e-Legend will have a real-world driving range of 600 km and thanks to its fast charging capability, the battery pack can give 500 km of driving range within 25 minutes of charging.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Having teased us just a few days ago with\n a silhouette of the new car\n, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has announced that their order books are now open for the \nnew facelifted Tucson\n, expected to be launced by the end of this month.\nCosmetic changes include a redesigned front grille, with the DRLs attached to the fog lamps instead of being separately positioned as before. You can also expect a new 17-inch wheel design with updated rear lamp and bumper design.\nAmong the features we hope to see equipped in the new Tucson are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and rear USB charging ports among many. Seeing as its competition (Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5) has introduced a myriad of driving assistance systems, we hope to see the new Tucson equipped with the\u00a0Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance system with the likes of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) among others.\n\u201cThe Tucson is more appealing than before with the new makeover and it remains one of the popular Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in Malaysia. We expect good response for this version as it fulfills every aspect of customers\u2019 expectations of an SUV,\u201d said Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan), Mr Dennis Ho.\nThere will be two variants available \u2013 the 1.6-litre Turbo and 2.0-litre Elegance \u2013 where the former is\n no different from the current turbocharged unit we have currently\n, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with \n177 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n.\nPrices are expected to begin from RM123,888 on-the-road excluding insurance with a 5-year or 300,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) and 3-year/50,000 km free service.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The heavily-rumoured Toyota Corolla Cross has finally made its global debut today in Thailand. Built on the brand\u2019s TNGA-C platform, the all-new compact crossover will coexist alongside the \nToyota C-HR\n, serving the crowd looking for a more \u201cconventional\u201d design to take on other popular crossovers in the region such as the \nHonda HR-V\n, \nSubaru XV\n, and the \nMazda CX-30\n.\nDespite sharing the \nCorolla\n name, the exterior of the all-new Corolla Cross resembles more of a downsized \nRAV4\n. Many of the familiar design cues, such as the large angular grille, squarish wheel arches, and taillights signature have been borrowed over from its larger sibling.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross does take the edge off a little on the whole \u2018blockiness\u2019 theme of the RAV4, with softer edges and rounded corners on most design elements. The character lines above the front and rear wheel arches even features a boomerang-like curved design.\nOn the inside, the general architecture of the cabin seems to have been lifted directly from the \nToyota Corolla\n, as the entire dashboard, centre console, instrument cluster, and the steering wheel looks pretty much identical to its sedan counterpart.\nFeature wise, the Corolla Cross gets a multi-info digital instrument cluster, dual-zone air conditioning with rear vents, nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, reclining rear seats (up to six degrees) and a powered tailgate with hands-free access.\nAs mentioned above, the Toyota Corolla Cross is built on the TNGA-C platform, which can also be found underneath the C-HR and Corolla. Unlike the two models though, the all-new SUV trades in the double wishbone rear suspension for a simpler and space efficient\n torsion beam \nset-up.\nAs a result, the all-new Corolla Cross boasts a\n class-leading luggage space of 487 litres\n with a tyre repair kit, and 440 litres with a temporary spare tyre. For comparison\u2019s sake, the boot space of the similarly-sized Honda HR-V and Subaru XV are rated at 437 litre and 385 litre respectively.\nThe Toyota Corolla will be offered with two powertrain options: The base variant will be powered by the same 2ZR-FBE 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder engine shared with the Corolla and C-HR, producing \n140 hp\n and \n177 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to Super CVT-i transmission.\nThe rest of the model range will be powered by a hybridised 2ZR-FXE mill as seen on the \nPrius\n and C-HR Hybrid, which pairs the 1.8-litre engine (98 hp, 142 Nm) to an electric motor (72 hp, 163 Nm) for a \ncombined system output of 122 hp\n. The hybrid mill is paired to an e-CVT transmission.\nSafety wise, the all-new Corolla Cross gets seven airbags as standard. Higher-end variants inherit the \nToyota Safety Sense\n advanced driver assistance suite from the Corolla sedan, which includes features such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with steering assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beam.\nOver in Thailand, the all-new Toyota Cross will be priced from THB989,000 to THB1,199,000, which is slightly higher across the range compared to the more exotically-styled C-HR (THB979,000 \u2013 THB1,159,000).\nGiven that the global launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross was held at the neighbouring Thailand, it is pretty safe to say that the all-new crossover will be making its way over to our shores \u2013 only question left to wonder is if UMW Toyota will choose to assemble it locally at its Bukit Raja plant, as the government\u2019s CKD hybrid incentive could allow the all-new Corolla Cross to be priced even lower than the fully-imported C-HR.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When the \n2020 Mazda2\n was launched here in Malaysia, its asking price \u2013 \nRM103,670\n \u2013 was met with lots of flak from our internet population. So what exactly changed, and what are you getting for the money? Here\u2019s a closer look at the new Mazda2 now that the showrooms are reopening up.\nStyling changes on the new Mazda2 are mostly done on the front. There\u2019s now a new mesh front grille with chrome surrounds that\u2019s more akin to other \u201cseventh-generation\u201d Mazda models, flanked by reshaped headlights with a new light signature. As standard, the headlights are LED illuminated.\nThe air inlet on the front bumper has been slimmed down, capped off by chrome inserts on both ends for a classier and more minimalist look. The cleaner design language is also mirrored on the rear bumper, where a plastic mesh-like trim piece takes up almost the entire width of the bumper, flanked by the rear reflectors.\nOn the sedan variant, the rear fog lights and reverse lights are bulb illuminated, instead of LED on the hatchback variant. Other standard exterior equipment include the newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels, shod in 185/60 profile tyres.\nInside, the dashboard looks almost identical to its \npredecessor\n, save for the updated steering wheel. The infotainment display, still seven-inches in size, is now equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nA new Blue-Grey leather and suede upholstery goes onto the dashboard, door card, and seats \u2013 the latter resculptured to provide more resistance to head movements, improving the driver\u2019s sense of balance and overall comfort to go along the softer suspension set-up.\nOtherwise, the interior equipment kit is unchanged from before. Goodies include keyless entry and start, coloured head-up display, paddle shifters, and single-zone climate control system.\nThe drivetrain is also unchanged \u2013 under the hood of the 2020 Mazda2 is the same SkyActiv-G 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine rated at \n114 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n149 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that has been retuned for a smoother acceleration.\nThe updated Mazda2 now comes equipped with the G Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) torque vectoring system, which uses brakes individually on each wheels in response to throttle and steering input (in addition to varying the engine torque output) to enhance handling performance of the car.\nStandard safety equipment on the new Mazda2 include two front airbags, ABS with EBD, dynamic stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, emergency brake assist, and emergency stop signal. The Mazda2 does not come with any advance driver assist features.\nThe 2020 Mazda2 sedan is available in eight exterior hues \u2013 Ceramic Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Soul Red Crystal, and Titanium Flash. The popular Soul Red Crystal colour will cost you an additional RM500, though.\nAs with all other Mazda vehicles, the Mazda2 comes with a\u00a0\nfive-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty\u00a0\nand\u00a0\nfive-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance\n, inclusive of parts, lubricants, and labour.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lotus Cars Malaysia has introduced the limited edition Elise Great Britain and the Exige S automatic, both of which will be displayed at the North Atrium at the Gardens Mall from 5 to 9 August.\nThe Exige S gets the brand\u2019s automatic gearbox \u2013 Intelligent Power Shift (IPS) that\u2019s paired to the existing \n3.5-litre supercharged V6\n engine. Lotus claims that the automatic will do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \n3.8 seconds \n(top speed 261 km/h), which is 0.1 seconds quicker than the manual. Its engine makes \n345 hp\n at 7,000 rpm and\n 400 Nm\n of torque at 4,500 rpm. Weighing in at just \n1,182 kg\n, this sports car has a power to weight ratio of \n293 hp per tonne\n, a number that\u2019s better\u00a0than the Audi R8 V10\u2019s!\n2015 Lotus Exige S Automatic\nOn the other hand, the limited edition \n924 kg Elise Great Britain\n is built atop the recently introduced 20th Anniversary Elise which comes with Sport Pack as standard. The pack gives you Union Jack decals on the side intakes, lightweight forged wheels, lightweight centre console, lightweight black cloth trimmed sports seats and Bilstein Sport Dampers. There\u2019s also a Sport Mode that increases throttle response and alters traction slip thresholds for enhanced driver control.\nAvailable in three colours, the Elise Great Britain can be yours in Metallic White, Metallic Yellow or Metallic Silver, all of which will come with soft top and Black Style Pack, giving you matte black wheels and rear diffuser.\nThe Elise is fitted with a \nsupercharged 1.8-litre \nfour-cylinder engine, belting \n217 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. It sends drive to the \nrear wheels\n via a\n six-speed close ratio manual\n transmission, and propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.6 seconds\n before reaching a top speed of \n234 km/h\n.\nFirst three owners of the Elise Great Britain will enjoy a \ncomplimentary Touring Pack\n on top of the Sport Pack. This replaces the fabric sports seats to Ebony Black leather sports seats. Lotus Cars Malaysia is taking orders for both cars, with the Elise priced at \nRM254,888\n. Both\u00a0cars are joined by two other models; Evora S Sport Racer and Elise 220 Cup.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus\u2019 first-ever dedicated electric vehicle, the\n Lexus RZ\n, has now been launched in Thailand, at the ongoing 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show. Offered in a sole RZ 450e variant with two trim levels, the fully-electric SUV is priced from \nTHB3,870,000\n (approx. RM502k).\nInterestingly, the RZ \u2013 alongside an enquiry form for the model \u2013 can already be found on Lexus Malaysia\u2019s website since May last year. Can we expect it to be launched here in Malaysia this year?\nThe RZ 450e is powered by a dual motor set-up, consisting of a more powerful unit in front (204 hp/150 kW, 265 Nm) and a smaller 109 hp (80 kW) motor on the rear axle for a combined total output of \n312 hp (230 kW)\n and \n435 Nm\n. With the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive set-up, the Lexus RZ accelerates from 0-100 km/h in \n5.3 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n160 km/h\n.\nPower is supplied via a \n71.4 kWh\n lithium-ion battery pack, offering up to a range of \n470 km\n based on the NEDC standard. To charge, an on-board AC charger supports up to a maximum charging rate of 11 kW, taking 6.5 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging at 150 kW tops up the battery from 0-80% in approximately 30 minutes.\nAs for equipment, the Lexus RZ in Thailand comes as standard with LED headlamps with automatic high beam, 18-inch wheels, acoustic windshield glass, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, seven-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, as well as a 10-speaker sound system with Active Sound Control.\nStep up to the range-topping Premium trim, and the Lexus RZ 450e gains additional creature comfort goodies, including acoustic glass for the side windows, a panoramic glass roof with electro-chromic dimming, adaptive high beam system for the headlamps, a larger eight-inch instrument cluster plus a head-up display, ambient lighting, Ultrasuede upholstery, as well as a set of upgraded 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.\nRELATED: \nLexus confirms development of fake manual for EVs that stalls when you mess up\nAdvanced driver assist features are standard across the board, including the all-speed adaptive cruise control system, Lexus Teammate Advanced Park parking assistance, autonomous emergency braking, lane following assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, plus a 360-degree surround-view monitor.\nAs mentioned above, the Lexus RZ in Thailand starts from THB3,870,000 (approx RM502k) for the 450e Luxury variant, jumping up to THB4,190,000 (approx RM543k) for the range-topping Premium variant.\nElectric vehicles are heavily subsidised in the Land of Smiles, although we Malaysians get complete excise duty and import tax exemptions for fully-imported EVs until at least 2023 (with an \nextension proposed until the 2025\n), so we could expect prices to go even lower than that of our neighbours up North if the model makes its debut here.\nREAD MORE: \nHere\u2019s what the letters in each Lexus model mean\n[Images: Lexus Thailand]\nGALLERY"
"In the age of social media and Internet connectivity, it seems like \nnobody\n is save from secrets. With all the hype surrounding the upcoming Golf 8 (not called the Mk. 8 anymore), it\u2019s no surprise that Volkswagen couldn\u2019t run from the savvy netizens either.\nOriginally scheduled to be launched \ntonight\n, it seems that a Spanish online publication by the name \nMotor El Pais\n has gotten their hands on the official press photos a day early (the page has gone down at the time of writing).\u00a0\nSo what\u2019s new? Let\u2019s get straight to it. From the outside, changes made on the VW Golf 8 are pretty mild. That\u2019s not surprising though, as the Golf lineage has always kept a fairly similar appearance since the Mk. 4 era.\u00a0\nAt the front, the Golf 8 gains a new headlight design, with the enclosure sculpted to the \u2018U\u2019-shaped daytime running lights. Above the projectors, there seems to also be an eyebrow-styled DRL strip that doubles as turn indicators.\u00a0\nThe two headlights are joined at the eyebrows by a chrome strip running across the grille. The new grille also features the new Volkswagen emblem. Further down the front apron, the Golf 8 gets a revamped bumper design.\u00a0\nAt the rear, the Volkswagen Golf 8 is equipped with new angular IQ.Light taillights, along with the new Volkswagen emblem and a centrally-positioned Golf badging. The rear bumper has also been redesigned to include integrated exhaust housing.\nIf you think that the exterior of the new Golf is a little too evolutionary, the cabin of the new hatchback might pique your fancy. As shown in the previous \nspy pictures\n, the Golf 8 gets a new dual screen instrument cluster and infotainment display, laid-out in a wraparound enclosure around the steering wheel.\u00a0\nButtons and switches in the cabin are also kept to a minimum. Other than the steering wheel controls, the mechanical bits left in the cabin are the window switches, push-start button, hazard light switch, and the electronic parking brake; all other controls have been made into touch-activated panels or relegated into the infotainment display.\u00a0\nThe air-conditioning vents are tucked neatly into a decorative strip that runs across the entire dashboard. Underneath the central air vents, Volkswagen seems to have included two USB-C ports for charging and connectivity with your mobile phone. Certain variants also seem to include a heads-up display.\nThere is currently no confirmation on the powertrain for the new Golf 8, but by looking through the leaked pictures, there seems to be a high-performance plug-in hybrid version with the GTE moniker.\u00a0\nAccording to a report by \nAutocar\n, Volkswagen\u2019s technical chief, Dr. Frank Welsch said that the GTE high-performance hybrid will offer up to \n245 hp\n, while the other powertrains will also be available with a \n48V mild hybrid system\n.\u00a0\nDespite the leaks, there are still many things to be excited about for the official launch tonight! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest updates."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced that the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 can be had for just RM69,888, with month repayments of RM737! That translates to RM7,000\u00a0in savings compared to the original retail price.\nLocally assembled in Pekan, the Polo 1.6 hatchback was \nlaunched back in 2014\n and have since underwent a \nminor facelift in 2015\n. The Polo 1.6 hatchback is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre MPI four-cylinder mated to a conventional \nsix-speed torque converter automatic\n transmission. The engine makes\u00a0\n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque, all of which are delivered to the front wheels. Official fuel consumption figures are rated at\n 6.3 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe Polo is equipped with halogen headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, electronically adjustable side mirrors, 15-inch \u201cRiverside\u201d alloy wheels, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, auto up and down for all four windows, a RCD 330G head unit with USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, fabric upholstery and speed sensitive electronic powered steering.\nOn the safety front, the Polo 1.6 gets dual front airbags, ABS with brake assist, anti-pinch for all four window, ISOFIX mounting points and Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS).\nFor more information, be sure to visit your nearest Volkswagen showroom or log on to \nVolkswagen Malaysia\u2019s website\n. The promotional price is for a very limited time only, and is inclusive of GST but excludes registration and insurance."
"It\u2019s no secret that I\u2019m not the biggest fan of SUVs. They\u2019re big and cumbersome, and usually don\u2019t offer anything substantially more than what\u2019s already available on the usual body styles. But when \nPorsche \nrings you up to offer you a day with the \nMacan \n(or any of their cars, actually), you never say no.\nStill, I went in thinking that I wasn\u2019t going to like it. It was just another job that needed to be done, and I even thought I\u2019d be returning the car early \u2013 but I couldn\u2019t have been more wrong.\nYou see, the Macan is a car born out of necessity. In a world where everyone is buying SUVs, the\n Cayenne \nitself wasn\u2019t going to cater to the wide range of buyers. The Macan simply had to exist, because there are people that want to buy it \u2013 it\u2019d make no sense for Porsche to miss out on such a lucrative market segment. The fact that the Macan is now one of their top sellers tell you as much.\nBut despite being yet another SUV, the Macan still very much understands what it means to be a Porsche; it\u2019s not a \n911\n, but it still very much has the true Porsche essence. And thanks to its smaller size and lighter weight, it\u2019s even more distilled than the Cayenne.\nRELATED:\n 2022 Porsche Macan facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 3 variants from RM433k\nYou feel it from the moment you step inside the cabin. Everything in the Porsche Macan feels tactile and physical, from the steering feel, analogue rev counter, to even the turn indicator stalks, reminding you that even though it\u2019s gained a few pounds, it\u2019s still a proper driver\u2019s car.\nAnd it really is. Despite its taller ride height, The Macan will still crush the twisty backroads with more poise and confidence than some \u201csports\u201d sedans.\nThe Macan doesn\u2019t have any of the fancy 48V active body roll control systems on newer SUVs, but the ageing chassis along with the PASM suspensions still does wonders to contain its lean while tackling corners.\nThere\u2019s a sense of agility to the steering, with the front end obediently tracking your every input on the steering wheel. Don\u2019t expect coupe levels of sharpness, obviously, but Porsche clearly knows what they\u2019re doing, and it shows.\nBut if you\u2019re actually planning to take the SUV for weekend drives, though, maybe opt for one of the more powerful variants, instead of the base Macan that Porsche loaned us.\nThe \n265 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n outputs from the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four underneath the bonnet is. fine, and the exhaust note sounds raspy enough to give you an extra dose of adrenaline, especially when it crackles and pops on gearshifts.\nBut when it comes to carving the Genting hills on the weekends, the tiny (by their standards) engine does lack the spice and sizzle you\u2019d expect from a Porsche. You\u2019d definitely be better off with the 2.9-litre V6 on the Macan S, or even better yet, the\n GTS\n.\nWith all that being said, though, the four-banger is still more than sufficient when all you\u2019re doing is moving the family around different shopping malls, and the occasional highway road trips on the weekends. And really, if it\u2019s good enough for a \nVolkswagen Golf R\n, it\u2019s probably also good enough for a compact family SUV \u2013 even if its a performance-focused one.\nPaired to the seven-speed PDK gearbox, the powertrain is punchy and nimble enough to make quick overtakes a breeze, while also remaining smooth and strain-free when cruising down the highways at high speeds \u2013 especially when you have everything set to the comfort mode. Just don\u2019t expect the best fuel consumption figures, especially if you have a lead foot.\nALSO READ: \nFirst made-in-Malaysia Porsche Cayenne rolls out of new Kulim CKD assembly plant\nOn the highways is also where you\u2019ll truly have the time to indulge in the Porsche Macan\u2019s luxurious interior, which gets a big upgrade as part of the latest 2022 facelift. The bank of buttons on the centre console has been swapped out with touch-sensitive ones, which helps make the cabin feel and look a lot more modern than before \u2013 that is, until the gloss black surface is caked in fingerprints and scratches.\nI\u2019m usually not the biggest fan of touch sensitive buttons, but Porsche at least had the foresight to keep the physical switchgears for the temperature and entertainment controls, so they\u2019ll get a pass here. The touch-sensitive buttons also require a solid press to activate, so there\u2019s no need to worry about accidentally activating the heated seats on a hot day.\nAnd when it comes to the things you\u2019d expect from an SUV, the Macan also excels, too. There\u2019s enough space in the rear seats for three adults despite the slightly sloping roofline, and the boot space \u2013 while not segment leading \u2013 should also be more than enough for your weekend grocery runs. You can always fold the rear seats down for larger items, anyway.\nIt may be an SUV, and it might only have four cylinders, but the Macan doesn\u2019t feel any less of a Porsche. I guess all that\u2019s left now is for me to finally warm up to the idea of SUVs.\nPorsche Macan, as tested: \nEngine\n1,984 cc; turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission\nSeven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic\nMax horsepower\n265 hp\nMax torque\n400 Nm\n0-100 km/h; Top speed\n6.2 seconds; 232 km/h\nPrice (OTR, w/o insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions)\nfrom RM433,154\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz will soon debut a newly-developed four-cylinder petrol engine in its upcoming premiere of the \nE-Class Coupe \nand Cabriolet with performance comparable to that of a high performance six-cylinder engine yet with reduced fuel consumption \u2013 rated at 6.7L/100 km for the Coupe and 6.8L/100km for the Cabriolet.\nThe models to receive this new engine, codenamed M264, together with a 48-volt on-board electrical system are the E350 Coupe and Cabriolet.\u00a0The engine\u2019s special features include twin-scroll turbochargers, a belt-driven starter-alternator (EQ Boost) and an electric water pump which will be powered by the 48V on-board electrical system.\nPerformance figures stand at \n299 hp\n with \n400 Nm\n of torque; with the additional 48V starter-alternator supplementing a further 15 hp and 100 Nm of torque. Drive will be delivered through an innovative 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. 0 to 100 km/h in the Coupe will take \n5.9 seconds\n while the Cabriolet achieves the same in \n6.1 seconds\n.\nIf there is any doubt as to the performance claim by Mercedes-Benz, that the four cylinder engine will rival that of larger 6-cylinder powerplants, the E400 Coupe with a 3.0-litre V6 pushes out\n 333 hp\n with \n480 Nm\n of torque.\nAside from the E350, both the Coupes and Cabriolets also come in E200 4MATIC with 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque while the E22oD 4MATIC gets 194 hp with 400 Nm of torque.\nNew to the E350 Coupe includes Rubellite Red and Diamond Silver finishes as well as light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim elements. As for the Cabriolet can be given a sporty touch with the Night Package which includes an AMG front apron with high-gloss black trim elements, a diamond radiator grille with integral Mercedes star, exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black and chrome trim elements on the high-gloss black bumper.\nThe \nE-Class Coupe\n premiered in Malaysia just a few months ago.\nBoth models come with the Energizing Comfort Control as an option where it includes climate control, ambient lighting, massage and fragrancing functions according to the programmes selected according to the driver\u2019s mood. The \u201cprogrammes\u201d include Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and Training.\u00a0All programmes run for ten minutes as they\u2019re visualised on the media display with colour graphics, and backed by suitable music.\nWhat\u2019s cool is that aside from triggering the alarm in the event of a break-in into the vehicle, the Anti-Theft Protection package has also been extended to detect contact with another vehicle, i.e. an accident. In such cases, the vehicle will send the owner an SMS to notify of possible damages.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over in Thailand, \n2,217 units\n of the \nHonda City Hatchback\n were sold in January 2023 alone, topping the B-segment hatchback market. In a report by \nHeadlightmag\n, the Honda City Hatchback captured \n52.2%\n market share in Thailand so far this year.\nFollowing behind the Honda City Hatchback is the \nToyota Yaris\n (Yaris Hatchback in Thailand) with 996 cars sold, the \nSuzuki Swift\n with 367 cars sold, the Mitsubishi Mirage with 301 cars sold, the Suzuki Celerio with 247 cars sold, the \nMazda 2\n Hatchback with 117 cars sold, and the MG 3 with 1 car sold. Sales of the Honda City Hatchback were more than double compared to the Toyota Yaris in Thailand.\nIn Thailand, the City Hatchback is available in three internal combustion engine (ICE) variants, namely the S+, SV, and RS. It is also available as the hybrid City e:HEV RS. The purely internal combustion engine (ICE) versions of the car are powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that makes \n122 hp\n (metric) and \n173 Nm\n. As for the hybrid, the 1.5-litre engine makes \n109 hp\n (metric) and \n253 Nm\n while the electric motor makes \n98 hp\n (metric) and \n127 Nm\n.\nThe City Hatchback made its world debut in Thailand back in November 2020, and made its way to Malaysia in \nDecember 2021\n. The hybrid City Hatchback e:HEV RS was launched several months later in \nFebruary 2022\n.\nALSO WATCH: \nTackling the foreign Langkawi roads in a Honda City Hatchback!\nYaris vs City Hatchback\n \u2013 which is your choice?\nIn Malaysia, the Honda City Hatchback in four ICE variants and one hybrid variant. The ICE variants include the \u2018S\u2019, \u2018E\u2019, \u2018V\u2019, and \u2018V Sensing\u2019. The sole hybrid variant is the e:HEV RS. Unlike Thailand, the ICE versions of the City Hatchback in Malaysia are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-4 engine that makes \n121 hp\n (metric) and \n145 Nm\n. The hybrid is identical to the one in Thailand with a 1.5-litre engine that makes \n109 hp\n (metric) and \n253 Nm\n and an electric motor that makes \n98 hp\n (metric) and \n127 Nm\n.\nWith Thailand seeing massive success with the Honda City Hatchback in January 2023, Malaysia saw similar success with the City Hatchback contributing to \n20% of sales for Honda Malaysia in 2022\n.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Honda Civic 1.5 RS review \u2013 Felt good driving it like an Ah Beng"
"Geely has just introduced the seven-seater Hao Yue SUV over in China. The launch marks the brand\u2019s first entry into the large SUV market segment, which according to Geely, is highly competitive in the region, dominated mostly by foreign brands.\nIn terms of styling, the Hao Yue is designed to portray a rugged muscular look, featuring multiple \u201ctensile lines\u201d such as the squared-off wheel arches, probably inspired by the\n \nGeely Icon\n. Although, compared to the Icon which we dubbed as a \u201cdesign study made into reality\u201d, the new Hao Yue trends towards \u201cunprovocative and utilitarian\u201d.\nUp front, the familiar \u201cExpanding Cosmos\u201d grille has been rehashed, flanked by two slim headlights; the entire assembly fits into a large D-shaped \u201ccut-out\u201d that takes up the entire top half of the front fascia. At the back, the slim taillights are joined together by a chrome strip \u2013 the shape of the taillights mirrored lower down on the bumper cut outs.\nInside, a large freestanding 12.3-inch infotainment display steals the thunder away from a very pretty dashboard design, featuring the same infinity motif on the air vents like we saw on the Icon. A 12.1-inch LCD display functions as the instrument cluster, while above you also get a coloured heads-up navigation display.\nThe whole digital system is powered by Geely\u2019s own high-performance E01 microprocessor chip, which enables features such as AI-powered voice assistant, and even control your smart home appliances at home remotely directly from the car.\nThe Geely Hao Yue can be optioned as a five- or seven-seater SUV. With all seats fully folded down, the rear interior can reach up to 2.2 square metres in size \u2013 the same as a king-sized bed. In terms of volume, the Hao Yue can swallow up to \n2,360 litres\n of cargo.\nCrucially, all seats in the Hao Yue are adjustable \u2013 even the third row seats on the seven-seater model has eight-way adjustable backrests. You can even step it up with a \u2018VIP\u2019 seat configuration, which comes with seven independently-adjustable seats!\nOther occupant-friendly interior equipment include the three-zone climate control, as well as an air quality system featuring a CN95 grade high-efficiency air purification system that is also \nnow present on the Proton X70\n.\nUnder the hood of the Geely Hao Yue is the brand\u2019s latest flagship 1.8TD engine paired to the their own seven-speed DCT gearbox \u2013 similar to that found in the \nCKD Proton X70\n. The Chinese carmaker did not reveal any performance numbers on the Hao Yue, though from previous applications on other cars such as the aforementioned X70, the engine is capable of outputting \n181 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque.\nAs for safety technologies, the Geely Hao Yue comes equipped with a Level 2 assisted driving safety suite. Using 24 individual sensors, the suite offers 17 drive assistance features, including an adaptive cruise control which can automatically follow, stop, and even corner at speeds of up to 150 km/h.\nOn the convenience front, the Hao Yue is equipped with a one-button automatic parking function. But if you prefer to do the parking yourself, a 360-degree panoramic camera system is there to help you look around the large SUV.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Subaru Motor Image has announced some additional updates to the 2021 model year Subaru XV 2.0i-P. Check out our review of what it was like \nhere\n!\nOn the inside, the XV\u2019s cabin now looks more mature with leather and suede-like upholstery. The design of the seats is different compared to the ones in the XV GT Edition and replaces the fabric seats in the previous 2.0i-P variant.\nThe new seat design is exclusive to the Malaysian and Thai market. Also new is the 8-inch head unit, with a similar interface as the one in the XV GT edition.\nCheck out our gallery of the Subaru XV 2.0i-P GT Edition \nhere\n!\nIt\u2019s paired to 6 speakers, with wired Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Compared to the previous unit, the new one looks more modern, is easier to use, with sharper and clearer displays.\nWith the updates, the XV 2.0i-P now costs RM131,788, \nRM3,000 more than before\n. The 2.0i base variant is no longer for sale, leaving behind the 2.0i-P and GT Edition as the only XV variants.\nIn the engine department, \nthe underrated XV\n soldiers on with a 2.0-litre boxer engine, with 156 hp and 196 Nm \u2013 channeled to all four wheels for full-time all-wheel drive traction via Subaru\u2019s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system.\n \nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz\n has now unveiled the updated version of the \nMercedes-Benz GLS\n, not long after introducing the updated GLE and GLE Coupe. Set to arrive in European dealerships by the end of October 2023, the GLS is available in 6 versions including an AMG and a Maybach version.\nOn the outside, updates to the Mercedes-Benz GLS include a more striking radiator grille, a more visually prominent bumper with integrated air inlets and rear lights with a new triple horizontal block design. There are also 2 new body colours for the GLS, namely \u2018sodalite blue metallic\u2019 and \u2018MANUFAKTUR alpine grey non-metallic\u2019.\nMercedes-Benz says that \u201cmost drivers of a GLS only travel on paved roads or in easy to moderately difficult off-road terrain\u201d. Hence, the company has recompiled the scope of the Off-Road Engineering Package. Components include an underride guard and 30 millimetres more ground clearance.\nInside, the Mercedes-Benz GLS has been revised with the latest steering wheel generation, louvres galvanized in Silver Shadow, and glossy brown line wood trim which is now standard. Customers of all GLS versions can also opt for the MANUFAKTUR glossy black flowing line piano lacquer trim which was previously only available for the GLS 600 4MATIC.\nAlso new to the cabin of the GLS are two new interior colours for the leather upholstery \u2013 Catalana Beige and Bahia Brown. Naturally with the update, the Mercedes-Benz Gls now comes with the latest version of MBUX. Customers can also opt for the \u2018Optional MBUX Multi-seat entertainment\u2019 which provides all passengers with a fully decked infotainment unit.\nThere are 6 versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, all of them with electrified powertrains, and with a 7-seater configuration:\nGLS 450 4MATIC\nGLS 580 4MATIC\nGLS 350 d 4MATIC\nGLS 450 d 4MATIC\nMercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC\nMercedes-AMG 63 4MATIC +\nBrief details of the GLS variants (except AMG and Maybach versions) are listed below:\nGLS 450 4MATIC\nGLS 580 4MATIC\nGLS 350 d 4MATIC\nGLS 450 d 4MATIC\nDisplacement (cc)\n2,999\n3,982\n2,989\n2,989\nOutput (hp)\n381\n517\n269\n367\nPeak Torque (Nm)\n500\n730\n650\n750\nAdd. boost output (hp)\n20\n22\n20\n20\nAdd. boost torque (Nm)\n200\n250\n200\n200\n0-100 km/h (s)\n6.1\n4.9\n6.7\n6.1\nTop speed (km/h)\n250\n250\n238\n250\nThe AMG GLS can be distinguished by the AMG grille, an AMG emblem replacing the Mercedes-Benz star, red brake callipers, and wheels that go up to 23 inches in size. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-scroll biturbo engine that makes \n612 hp\n (metric) and \n850 Nm\n. The integrated starter alternator (ISG) provides an additional \n16 hp\n (metric) and \n250 Nm\n. The AMG GLS does 0-100km/h in \n4.2 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n280 km/h\n.\nThe Maybach GLS gets vertical chrome bars, Maybach letterings, and a 23-inch Maybach design wheels with bolt covers. The Maybach GLS is also equipped with ambient lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes\u2011Maybach pattern and a new seat cover design that features high-quality diamond-pattern quilting with specific perforations. The Maybach GLS makes \n557 hp\n and \n730 Nm\n from a 3.9-litre engine. It also gets additional boost from the ISG that makes \n16 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. 0-100 km/h in \n4.2 seconds\n onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nIn Malaysia, the pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz GLS is currently available either as the GLS 450 4MATIC or the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, both fully imported (CBU). The GLS 450 costs \nRM899,888\n (with SST) while the Maybach GLS costs \nRM1,789,453\n (without SST)."
"First introduced in November 2011, Mazda\u2019s CX-5 mid-size crossover SUV featured something by the name of KODO or Soul of Motion which is a design philosophy the folks\u00a0at Mazda have employed in the styling department. By the end of April 2015 they had\u00a0sold\u00a0over 1,000,000 units!\nCloser to home though, the \nMazda CX-5 Facelift\n\u00a0is set to launch soon\u00a0in CBU guise\u00a0and carries an estimated price tag of\u00a0\nRM168k\n\u00a0for the two-wheel drive version whilst the all-wheel model checked the book at \nRM178k OTR\u00a0\ninclusive of GST. Out-of-the box it included\u00a0\nAdaptive LED Headlights\n (ALH) alongside a pair of Day-time Running Lights first seen on the \nMazda 2\n.\nThe interior is a very pleasant place to be surrounded by if stuck in KL\u2019s ever rampant and unavoidable traffic congestion. Optional white or black\u00a0leather upholstery wraparound that snugly cradles you in place so you can take advantage of the excellent ride quality.\nThe CX-5 now incorporates an\u00a0\nElectrical Parking Brake\n (EPB) system.\u00a0The dashboard\u2019s\u00a0design remains unchanged from the pre-face lift.As a safety feature the CX-5 comes with\u00a0\nHead Up Display\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nMZD Connect\n car connectivity system displayed on a touch screen display unit.\nOn the subject of performance, the CX-5 isn\u2019t a slouch with the SKYACTIV engine powering it along. Available in three configurations; the\u00a0\n2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G\n petrol with two states of tune (158 hp or 163 hp), \n2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G\n petrol with 189 hp, and a \n2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D\n diesel with 148 hp or 173 hp mated to either a\n six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic\n with \nDrive Selection\n or a \nsix-speed SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual\u00a0\ntransmission.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Electric vehicle startup from Guangzhou, Xiaopeng Motors Technology has reportedly received investments from e-commerce giants Alibaba Group.\nAccording to \nAutomotive News China\n, the company, also known as \nXPENG Motors\n, is on the path of delivering its first 1,000 vehicles. XPENG\u2019s first production model, the Identity X, is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n5.8 seconds\n\u00a0in the AWD model and \n7.9 seconds\n\u00a0in the 2WD model with a range of \n300 km\n.\nIt\u2019s also equipped with autonomous features, adaptive cruise control and voice command. Inside features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster along with a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display.\nThe Identity X\u2019s parking assist system comes with four ultra-wide angle cameras that generates and records a 360-degree panoramic top view of the car. The car\u2019s roof-mounted HD cameras can also be used for photography and videography on the go.\nSource: \nAutomotive News China"
"It\u2019s back! So Shell Malaysia dropped off a massive surprise at our office yesterday and as it turns out the Ferrari die cast collection is back!\nThere will be \neight different models\n available throughout the campaign, with two models revealed every two weeks.\n \nThe entire collection will be displayed at the Orange Concourse Area in Sunway Pyramid throughout the next weekend. You can get your hands on the die cast models there by first purchasing petrol vouchers in order to be eligible.\nOtherwise, like before, you can buy them at Shell petrol stations for RM15.90 each, with a minimum of RM30 spent on petrol in a single receipt."
"The BYD Dolphin, \npreviewed last year\n during the launch of the \nAtto 3\n here in Malaysia, is poised to become the cheapest EV on the market when it makes its debut here on our shores. But just how cheap can it be? Well, its price tag in Thailand might give us a clue.\nUnveiled at the ongoing 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show, the BYD Dolphin will go on sale at an estimated price point of THB799,999 (approx. RM104k). That estimated price point means it\u2019ll be even more affordable than the \nHonda City Hatchback e:HEV RS hybrid \nin Thailand (THB849,000)!\nIn Thailand, the BYD Dolphin will be offered in a single variant, powered by a single electric motor on the front axle, paired to a 44.9 kWh Blade battery pack for a total system output of\n 95 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n, and an electric range of \n410 km \nbased on the NEDC test cycle.\nCharging is done via the 7 kW on-board AC charger, or a DC fast charger at 60 kW that can top up the battery from 30-80% in around 30 minutes.\nRELATED: \nBYD Seal and Dolphin teased in Malaysia \u2013 2 new EVs to launch soon?\nThe BYD Dolphin is the first model to be built on the brand\u2019s e-platform 3.0, and in terms of size, it should also fit within the same segment as the Honda City Hatchback. While it\u2019s significantly shorter (lengthwise) than the City Hatchback on paper, the longer wheelbase thanks to the fully-electric platform does mean that its interior space could still compete with the Honda.\nExpected to be launched here in Malaysia in around the fourth quarter of 2023, could the BYD Dolphin sneak in underneath the RM100k mark in line with the \ngovernment\u2019s plans for cheaper EVs\n? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!"
"While \nEurope gets the Yaris-based Mazda 2 Hybrid\n, Japan and the rest of the world have been gifted with a 2023 facelift of the third-generation \nMazda 2\n that made its world debut in 2014. Sporting a new EV-like front end on some variants, the 2023 Mazda 2 is available with both gasoline and diesel powertrains.\nThe most striking difference on the outside would be the new EV-like grille on the lower \u201915 BD\u2019, \u2018XD BD\u2019 variants. Matching the EV-like appearance are dual-tone wheel caps that match the body colour of the car.\n\u2018BD\u2019 trim of the new Mazda 2\nThe \u201915 Sport\u2019 and \u2018XD Sport+\u2019 feature a sportier grille design with a gloss black mesh, 16-inch exclusive aluminium wheels, a black roof, and black side mirrors. The is also a \u201915 Sunlit Citrus\u2019 variant that utilises the same \u2018EV\u2019 grille as the \u2018BD\u2019 variants but adds on 15-inch aluminium wheels and a dual-tone colour scheme on the outside.\nA recurring visual addition to the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift would be the asymmetrical colour accent on the front grille and the rear bumper. Two new colours available on the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift are Airstream Blue Metallic and Aero Gray Metallic. With various roof and wheel cap colours to match the body colour, Mazda says there are 198 colour coordination options available.\nRELATED: \nUpdated 2022 Mazda 2 available in Thailand, gets powered seat with memory!\n\u2018Sport\u2019 and \u2018Sport+\u2019 trim of the new Mazda 2\nCustomers have the choice of three engine options for the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift which include the old 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G engine that makes \n116 hp\n (metric) and \n149 Nm\n (currently used in Malaysia) and the new 1.5-litre SkyActiv G that makes less power at \n110 hp\n (metric) and \n142 Nm\n but offers better fuel efficiency. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-D engine that makes \n105 hp\n (metric) and \n250 Nm\n (220 Nm for the manual version).\nRELATED: \nThe 2022 Mazda 2 Hybrid for Europe is a rebadged TNGA Toyota Yaris!\n\u2018Sunlit Citrus\u2019 trim of the new Mazda 2\nTransmission choices include the 6EC-AT 6-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual transmission. In Japan, the 2023 Mazda 2 Facelift is available in 15 versions with various drivetrain, engine, transmission, and trim combinations:\nMazda 2 15C FWD (AT)\nMazda 2 15C AWD (AT)\nMazda 2 15 BD FWD (AT)\nMazda 2 15 BD FWD (AT)\nMazda 2 15 Sport FWD (AT)\nMazda 2 15 Sport FWD (MT)\nMazda 2 15 Sport AWD (AT)\nMazda 2 15 MB FWD (MT)\nMazda 2 XD FWD (AT)\nMazda 2 XD AWD (AT)\nMazda 2 XD BD FWD (AT)\nMazda 2 XD BD AWD (AT)\nMazda 2 XD Sport+ FWD (AT)\nMazda 2 XD Sport+ FWD (MT)\nMazda 2 XD Sport+ AWD (AT)\nRELATED: \nMazda MX-30 R-EV \u2013 The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it\nThe cabin remains largely unchanged with exception of a larger infotainment unit that now measures 8 inches in size. Matching the EV-like grille, the interior of the new Mazda 2 sports an instrument panel that is made from plant-derived materials.\nPrices for the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift in Japan range from 1,529,000 Yen (approx. RM49,997) to 2,541,000 Yen (approx. RM83,088).\nRELATED: \nMazda CX-90 teased ahead of 31 January launch \u2013 3.3L turbo I6 engine with 345 hp!"
"Remember Sabine Schmidt\u2019s taxi driving days on the Nurburgring in the BMW M5? Well Jaguar has decided to offer the same action with the \nJaguar\u00a0XE SV Project 8\n, having made its mark as the fastest saloon car to lap the legendary circuit.\nThe Jaguar XE SV Project 8 \u201ctaxis\u201d will be driven by Jaguar\u2019s professional drivers in excess of 250 km/h. Passengers will get to experience G-forces of more than 1.3 G around the circuit that spans across 73 turns.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/24153132/1b641ad9-da80-44a5-9ddc-0e68457696f3.mp4\nThe two-seater Project 8 Race Taxi is also joined by the \nXJR 575 Race Taxi\n \u2013 the fastest and most powerful XJ in the model\u2019s 50-year history.\nJaguar Race Taxi experiences are available until the circuit closes in mid-November and will be offered throughout the open season in 2019, at the price of \u20ac199 (approx RM 946) per lap where \nbookings can be done online\n.\nTo recap, the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is equipped with a\u00a05.0-litre supercharged V8 generating\n\u00a0592 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n700 Nm\n\u00a0of torque, with power channeled to all four wheels through an eight-speed Quickshift transmission. 0 to 100 km/h takes merely\u00a03.3 seconds, with a top speed of 322 km/h."
"Green EV Charge Sdn Bhd (GEV), a joint venture company of green technologies solutions provider Yinson GreenTech (YGT), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Plus Malaysia Berhad (PLUS). The MoU was signed between the two organisations to develop the first hyperpower DC fast charging hub in Malaysia.\nThe fast charging hub is provided by one of YGT\u2019s sub-brands \u2013 \nChargEV\n and is located at PLUS Seremban RSA (Southbound). The charging hub features eight charging bays with each providing up to \n350 kW\n of power output.\nCharging an EV to full will only take around \n20 minutes\n with the fast chargers provided at the charging hub. The fast charging hub will also incorporate mobility retail including food and beverage outlets and other amenities along with multiple fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This is done as an effort by the company to introduce Malaysians to a brand-new concept of EV charging.\nYGT said its collaboration with PLUS will leverage the expertise of both parties and will maximise mutual benefits, expanding and enhancing products and services, as well as the strategic innovation. YGT also said that the said MoU will establish a strong working relationship between the two companies and set up effective mechanisms for effective project implementation together. The combined effort at the same time supports the nation in providing EV infrastructure aligned with the Malaysian government\u2019s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) as well.\nRELATED: \nProton Exora given second life as EV Charge Go\u2019s mobile EV charger\nYinson Holdings Berhad Group Executive Chairman Mr Lim Han Weng said, \u201cThis partnership encapsulates both parties\u2019 joint commitment to work together to expand our complementing solutions. It marks another exciting step towards our shared goal of ultimately accelerating the electrification of the marine, mobility, and infrastructure ecosystem in Malaysia in line with the country\u2019s aim to become a carbon neutral nation by 2050\u201d.\nYinson GreenTech Chief Executive Officer Mr Eirik Barclay said, \u201cAs the leading EV charging infrastructure provider in Malaysia, ChargEV is excited to work alongside PLUS, to introduce innovative products and solutions to support the ever-growing EV needs of PLUS\u2019 customers\u201d.\nHe added, \u201cOur aim is to make EV charging readily available and easily accessible. As we are completely confident that the market share for EVs will continue to accelerate very rapidly in the coming years. We want to ensure that Malaysian EV users will have access to the fastest and most reliable charging experience possible\u201d.\nThe signing between Yinson Holdings Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer, Lim Chern Yuan, and PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar was witnessed by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, and Secretary-General of the Works Ministry (MoW), Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. Representatives from both ministries, including the Deputy Secretary-General of the MITI, Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Dato\u2019 Zahrul Hakim Abdullah, Deputy Secretary General of MoW, Ir Sazali Harun, Director-General of Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), YGT, and PLUS were in attendance.\nMITI minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz said, \u201cOur National Automotive Policy (NAP) is focused on developing the whole ecosystem for Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV), which includes Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) and the necessary nationwide charging network. To that end, YGT and PLUS\u2019s collaboration on Malaysia\u2019s first ChargEV hyperpower DC fast charging hub supports the NAP\u2019s strategy to enhance the EV industry\u2019s value chain\u201d.\nTengku Zafrul added, \u201cApart from helping to fulfil our national target to have 10,000 charging points by 2025, it also supports Malaysia\u2019s goal to be carbon-neutral by 2050. MITI expects this collaboration to also benefit SMEs in the domestic supply chain, as well as Malaysians working in industries such as E&E and automotive\u201d.\nRELATED: \nMOT revising EV road tax for Malaysia, current rates too expensive\nPLUS Managing Director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar said, \u201cPLUS, operates a highway network that spans over 1,130 km. Being the backbone of the Nation\u2019s highway infrastructure, PLUS plays a significant role in shaping and contributing to the sustainable development of the Nation. PLUS collaborated with MoW and MHA to develop an EV charging station roadmap, aimed to achieve 100 DCFC charge points by 2025\u201d.\nShe added, \u201cAs at 2022, twenty chargers have been energised. This year alone, there will be another twenty charge points available along the PLUS highways. This collaborative initiative will promote low carbon mobility practices among Malaysians, accelerate the country\u2019s EV adoption and be a catalyst towards achieving the government\u2019s 2050 carbon neutral aspirations\u201d.\nMoving forward, YGT and PLUS will also collectively work to develop new ideas that will cater to the growth of the EV market. This includes Malaysia\u2019s first fast charging hub with dynamic load balancing technology, or the level 3 DC charging solutions which allow optimal and efficient charging power among charging stations.\nTo date, YGT has upgraded one AC EV charging point to a DC Fast Charger (DCFC) at Ayer Keroh Overhead Bridge Restaurant (Southbound). Through the MoU, YGT will be upgrading 5 more DCFC charging points at the Rest and Service Areas (RSA) at Tapah (Southbound), Dengkil (Southbound), Gunung Semanggol (Northbound), Pagoh (Southbound), and Seremban (Northbound).\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota\u2019s multi-pathway strategy involves BEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs, and HEVs"
"Volkswagen has released a sketch image of its latest product \u2013 the third-generation Volkswagen Touareg. The seven-seater SUV will make its global premiere on 23rd March 2018 in Beijing, the firm\u2019s largest individual market.\nThe new flagship SUV will encompass the brand\u2019s ethos through its expressive design, innovative technologies and dynamic handling capabilities. The new SUV will ride on the group\u2019s MQB Modular platform that is lighter, sturdier and safer than the outgoing model.\nTouareg to share design cues with the \nTiguan Allspace\n?\nNew innovations to be debuted on the new Touareg include an Innovision Cockpit that is said to be one of the largest in class, new powertrain choices, air suspension, roll stabilisation and even rear-wheel steering. Expect superior off-road performance like its predecessors too.\nChina, the world\u2019s strongest growing SUV market is expected to double its sales volume of the Touareg by 2023. Perhaps that is why Volkswagen decided to hold its global debut in Beijing instead of Geneva."
"Many people often cite \nrange anxiety \nas one of the main reasons why they aren\u2019t switching to\n el\ne\nctric vehicles\n (EVs) just yet, and we really can\u2019t fault them. There are already so many things an EV driver has to look out for to maximise range, from the terrain you\u2019re driving on, to ambient temperature and even use of in-cabin tech. But now, Kia says that there\u2019s one more to add to that list: your music taste.\nKia UK recently recruited Dr. Duncan Williams, a lecturer at the University of Salford\u2019s School of Science, Engineering and Environment, and co-founder of WaveTrace, a psychoacoustic consultancy specialising in biometric tracking of human responses to sound and music stimuli, to help conduct an experiment, to find out if music choices actually impact the real-world range of an EV.\nAnd although the trial was only held over two days, Dr. Williams says that the results were significant enough to prove their hypothesis. \u201cWhat we found from only two days of testing was that music really can have a dramatic influence on the real-world driving range of an electric vehicle,\u201d he said.\nThe participants in the trial \u2013 all without prior EV driving experience \u2013 were put behind the wheel of an \nEV6\n in the GT-Line S trim, chosen specifically for its 14-speaker Meridian sound system, the most high-end option among all variants.\nThey are provided with a fixed playlist, curated with music ranging from classical works to recent pop songs, and were told to drive as they normally would on a 29 km route. Their biometric measurements, including skin temperature, sweat, pulse, and heart rate variability were then recorded for the study, alongside the EV6\u2019s battery consumption.\nAfter all results were tabulated, the study found that classical music \u2013 such as Beethoven\u2019s \u2018Symphony No. 9\u2019 that was used in the study \u2013 preserved battery power the best, thus extending the real-world driving range of the EV6 by up to four times when compared to other music in the playlist.\nOn the other end of the spectrum, up-tempo pop songs (The Weeknd\u2019s \u2018Blinding Lights\u2019) performed worst in terms of real-world range \u2013 averaging twice as inefficient as the other songs.\nFrom the study:   On average, drivers lost 25% in range expenditure versus real-world miles   Total test route distance 29 km   Average range expenditure 36.2 km   Classical music (111 BPM, Beethoven, \u2018Symphony No. 9\u2019) duration: 32.5% of playlist   Range expenditure of the 36.2 km attributable to classical music: 7.7%   Up-tempo pop (171 BPM, The Weeknd, \u2018Blinding Lights\u2019) duration: 10.4% of playlist   Range expenditure of the 36.2 km attributable to up-temp pop music: 23.6%   Soul ballad (79 BPM, Adele, \u2018Hello\u2019) duration: 15.3% of playlist   Range expenditure of the 36.2 km attributable to soul ballad music: 13.3%\n\n\u201cDifferent songs resulted in varying electrodermal activity and blood volume increase for each of the participants,\u201d explained Dr. Williams. \u201cThis had a knock-on effect on driving style, and ultimately influenced the real-world driving range of the EV6.\n\u201cIn short: if you want to go further, listen to the likes of Beethoven and other relaxing classical music; if you\u2019re not worried about range dropping a little more quickly, by all means put on some more high tempo tracks,\u201d he added.\nFor those who listen to music while they drive, the results may not surprise you at all. After all, you most likely won\u2019t be playing classical music through the speakers if you\u2019re doing some spirited driving; it might have been your mind subconsciously telling you that it needs more blood pumping through your veins.\nNevertheless, it\u2019s always interesting to see \u201ccommon sense\u201d being proven with numbers and science. So if you\u2019re looking to eke out those last few kilometres on your EV\u2019s range, make sure to avoid anything too upbeat if you insist on having music on."
"The Kenyan Police force has received a delivery of 30 new \nProton X70\n SUVs, to be used as part of their official vehicle fleet. \u201cThe Proton X70 will bring supreme style, superb stability and comfort for the national police service as they execute their mandate,\u201d the carmaker\u2019s Kenyan arm said in a post on its Facebook page.\nBased on the images that were shared in the post, the Kenyan police\u2019s Proton X70 looks to be similar in specifications to the Standard variant \noffered here in Malaysia\n, as seen from the halogen projector headlights and 17-inch alloys.\nOf course, the police X70s are also wrapped in official colours of the Kenyan police force, and will likely be fitted with additional equipment such as VHF radios and police lights before it heads out on official duties.\nRELATED: The Proton X70 is also part of our very own PDRM\u2019s official fleet! Check it out here.\nInterestingly, the Standard variant of the Proton X70 that\u2019s used for the police force is not officially offered for sale over in Kenya. The C-segment SUV in the African nation is only sold in a single Premium 2WD variant, powered by the 1.5 TGDi three-cylinder engine that\u2019s used on the \nProton X50 Flagship\n here in Malaysia.\nIn terms of equipment, the Proton X70 Premium 2WD in Kenya is also quite similarly specified to the Premium X variant here in Malaysia. Standard equipment include the larger 19-inch alloys, LED headlamps, Nappa leather upholstery, and the full suite of advanced driver assist systems.\n[H/T: \nMalay Mail\n]\nGALLERY"
"At the 45th Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus has premiered to the world the \u201cLS+ Concept\u201d with automated capabilities while also unveiling limited editions of the \u201cRC F\u201d and \u201cGS F\u201d.\nThe LS+ Concept will be the basis of future LS flagship sedans and along with its automated driving technologies will be due in 2020. Starting at the front, the signature Spindle Grille gets a bold new look with large grille shutters to improve cooling and enhance aerodynamics.\u00a0The LS+ Concept\u2019s visual appeal is also highlighted by its partly laser-lit headlamps and rear combination units.\nUtilising its \u201cHighway Teammate\u201d automated driving technologies, it will enable automated merging, lane changing and diverging as well as keep a vehicle in its lance while maintaining distances.\nOn the side the LS+ Concept, Lexus has also introduced the limited edition \u201cRC F\u201d and \u201cGS F\u201d which will be available for sale in Japan next year. In conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the birth of the \u201cF\u201d models since the Lexus IS F, the pair will be equipped with performance shock absorbers for improved steering stability.\nWith keen attention to weight reduction, lightweight titanium mufflers and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic exterior components have been extensively used with body panels painted in matte grey. Their interiors will come in a special colour, highlighted by the \u201cF\u201d symbol, coloured in \u201cHeat Blue\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus LS+ Concept   Lexus RC F   Lexus GS F"
"The BMW X7 is perhaps the largest, most imposing vehicle you can buy from the Bavarian car maker and in Malaysia, \nthat privilege will cost you RM888,000\n \u2013 in the form of the \nxDrive 40i\n.\nIt makes \n340 hp \nand\n 450 Nm\n from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission so even though the X7 is nudging 2.5 tonnes, it\u2019ll still do 0 to 100 km/h in just six seconds \u2013 it\u2019s all quite exciting until you look at the exterior colour catalogue available locally.\nThere is absolutely \nnothing from the palate of colours offered as standard by BMW Malaysia\n that\u2019ll raise your hair just by looking at it \u2013 except for \nPhytonic Blue\n, maybe. The rest, from the Terra Brown to Vermont Bronze, deserves to be tucked away into the dark corners of the catalogue\u2019s back pages.\nIf these options revolt you, there\u2019s always BMW Individual; where the sky is the limit with options are limited only by the depths of your wallet. This is where the Ametrin Metallic X7 comes into the picture. There\u2019s no other way to say it \u2013 whether or not you like how the X7 looks \u2013 that colour really makes it pop and it\u2019s one of the many colours from BMW Individuals exclusive catalogue.\nThe X7, \none of many from the inventory of a dealership based in North Carolina, USA\n, is also spec-ed with the USD4,300 (approx. RM18k) M Sport package that not only makes the X7 look angrier, but also sportier with 21-inch double spoke orbit grey wheels. Inside, the X7 gets black wood trims and as part of the Premium Package specified, there\u2019s remote engine start, soft close doors, electric rear window shades, head-up display and a Harman Kardon sound system.\nThe 6-seater has also been fitted with an extensive list of creature comforts like heated and massaging seats alongside comprehensive driver aids but we\u2019ll not bother with that. If you\u2019re interested, you can \nfind out more here\n.\nSource: \nHendrick BMW, North Carolina, USA\nGALLERY"
"Porsche has just released the technical details of their first ever electric vehicle (EV), the \nPorsche Taycan\n. Driven by two electric motors with 600 hp and over 500 km electric driving range, the soon to be launched Taycan seems to have the firepower to take on Tesla\u2019s reign in the EV scene.\nEngineers have gone with a dual motor setup with their first ever electric sportscar, two permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) \u2013 similar to the ones used in the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid \u2013 located on each axle, effectively making the Taycan a four-wheel driven machine.\nCombined, the dual PSM electric motors generate over \n600 hp\n, allowing the Taycan to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under \n3.5 seconds\n and will hit 200 km/h in under \n12 seconds\n. Porsche knows that while this EV was designed for efficiency and zero emission commute, they can\u2019t help to inject some of that Porsche racing DNA during the development process.\nThe 800-volt lithium-ion battery pack was designed to be lighter, more efficient and fast-charging ready. The biggest benefit from this innovation is to achieve high battery capacity for both charging and discharging over the entire temperature range, allowing the car to gain \n400 km of range with just 15 minutes of charging\n.\nPorsche has built three figures worth of the Taycan prototype to undergo real-world testing in the most demanding driving conditions from the western part of South Africa with daily temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. By the time the Porsche Taycan hits the market in late 2019, the company would have done millions of kilometres already.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Launched in April during the Malaysia Autoshow 2018, the \nMk 7.5 Golf TSI \u201cR-Line\u201d\n will now only be sold with the \u201cR-Line\u201d Vienna leather seats \u2013 a feature absent at launch and in the initial units sold.\nAs such, the Golf TSI \u201cR-Line\u201d now cost \nRM RM159,888\n (without GST) and not RM 157,488 (without GST & leather seats).\nThe R-Line styling package includes\u00a0R-Line front and rear bumpers, rear spoiler, R-Line badges on the radiator grille and the front fenders and most notably a set of 17-inch \u201cSingapore\u201d alloy wheels.\nThe 1.4-litre TSI engine in the \u201cR-Line\u201d with\u00a0\n148 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n250 Nm\n\u00a0of torque is mated to a 7-speed dry clutch DSG transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Quite evidently\n, we\u2019ve always had somewhat of a soft spot for the \nSubaru XV\n. Launched here in Malaysia back in \nNovember 2017\n, the second-generation XV is still among the best in terms of driving dynamics within the compact SUV segment, despite its age.\nBut when it came to sales figures, the XV never really caught on amongst buyers, perhaps because it doesn\u2019t look as flashy as the other cars in this segment \u2013 and as we know, especially in a segment that caters mostly towards the younger crowd, looks are pretty much everything.\nNot to be left behind by the other trendsetters, Subaru introduced a \nspecial \u201cGT Edition\u201d for the XV in 2019\n, equipped with all the bells and whistles you can think of. Paired to the \u201cPure White\u201d paint job on our test drive unit here, we think that the results really does speak for itself.\nDesigned in collaboration between Giken Co. Ltd. and Mr. Masahiko \u201cJack\u201d Kobayashi, former Chief Designer at Subaru responsible for penning the WRX STI models of old, the GT Edition body kit gives the XV a touch of sportiness thanks to the lip extensions on the front bumper with integrated canards, side skirts, roof spoiler, and rear bumper extension.\nThe new sportier appearance is also aided by a new set of 17-inch bespoke alloys, which \u2013 like all the other additional kit \u2013 gets a two-tone finish in satin silver and black, contrasting beautifully with the vast white canvas of the body panels.\nEven on the inside, the GT Edition treatment has also given the cabin of the XV a breath of fresh air, with the new two-tone leather upholstery significantly elevating the \u201cpremium-ness\u201d of this compact SUV \u2013 a much-needed touch in our opinion, especially with the arrival of the \nProton X50\n.\nAlso new on the special edition is the updated eight-inch infotainment system. While admittedly not the most elegant user interface, all is forgotten when you plug in your mobile phone, as it now finally comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity \u2013 pretty much a necessity in this day and age.\nThe new infotainment system is also equipped with a new dual side view monitor system, with cameras pointing out of the wing mirrors to hopefully prevent you from curbing those shiny new wheels.\nAside from these new additions, the Subaru XV GT Edition is otherwise unchanged from the range-topping 2.0i-P variant. That includes the powerplant underneath the bonnet, which is still the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-banger producing \n154 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n of torque, paired to the brilliant Lineartronic CVT gearbox to send power to all four wheels.\nUnfortunately, \nbecause\n it is unchanged from the existing model, you also won\u2019t find Subaru\u2019s EyeSight advanced driver assistance on the XV GT Edition. Customers still waiting for that feature will just have to wait a little longer.\nThroughout our weekend with the special edition Subaru XV, now more than three years after the initial launch of the model, its pure capabilities in the handling department still wowed us every single time we were met with a corner. Couple that with the shiny new looks from the GT Edition treatment, it\u2019s not hard to see why it still remains as one of our favourites in the segment.\nNow, over to you \u2013 what do you think of the Subaru XV GT Edition, especially in the looks department? Sound off in the comments section below!\nGALLERY"
"With most modern European makes fitting their cars with 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engines these days, the crown for the most powerful unit in series production goes to Mercedes-AMG.\nIts new \nM 139 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine\n, destined for the AMG 45 models, makes\n 416 hp\n (up 40 hp) and\n 500 Nm\n (up 26 Nm) of torque. Those are the figures for the \u201cS models\u201d, the base model makes 382 hp and 479 Nm instead.\nMaximum boost pressure is set at 2.1 bar (1.9 for the base model), while engine speed is capped at the 7,200 rpm.\nUnlike the old M 133 engines, the new power plant is now rotated by 180 degrees in the engine bay which means the turbocharged and exhaust manifold is positioned at the back of the engine bay, with the intake system sitting behind the front grille.\nThis allows for improved air flow with shorter distances and fewer diversions \u2013 both on the intake and exhaust side. The new engine position also allows engineers to design the flattest and most aerodynamic front end.\nThe new twin scroll turbocharger incorporates roller bearings for the first time for the turbine\u2019s shafts \u2013 reducing mechanical friction \u2013 allowing it to build boost quicker which in turn improves acceleration.\nWith more power comes more heat so fresh air is now also used, in addition to water and oil, to cool the turbocharger with fresh air directed to the turbine through the radiator grille.\nAlong with an electric water pump that works independently regardless of engine speed, there\u2019s also an additional radiator in the wheel arch that supplements the larger unit by the front grille.\nAssembled by hand, the new engine is built on a newly designed production line that\u2019s been improved for better ergonomics and efficiency.\nEach assembly technician is followed by a driverless transport system. Its shopping cart has precisely the components needed to complete the engine being assembled."
"To the well-heeled among you, take note. There is yet another million-ringgit offering from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, but this one bears a face that hasn\u2019t changed much since it first broke cover in 1979.\nWidely known as the G Wagon, the variant before your very eyes is juiced by a \n5.5-litre AMG V8\n\u00a0engine that is\n twin-turbocharged\n to produce a mind bending \n571 horsepower\n (peaks at 5,500 rpm) and \n760 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 to 5,250 rpm. That\u2019s even more powerful than the \nC 63 S\n\u00a0and \nAMG GT S\n! The only G-Class variant more powerful than this is the G 65, which draws moving power (621 hp and 1,000 Nm!) from a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 motor.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG G 63\nEngine\n5,461cc; bi-turbo V8\nTransmission\n7-speed AMG Speedshift Plus\nMax Power\n571 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n760 Nm @ 1,750 -5,250 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n5.4 seconds\nTop Speed\n210 km/h (electronically limited)\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM1,181,888 (with GST)\nStandard on the G 63 are the seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Despite weighing in over \n2,500kg\n, the SUV is considerably brisk, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in\n 5.4 seconds\n before the speedo needle meets the 210km/h mark. It\u2019s also very thirsty, consuming an average of \n13.8 litres of petrol per 100km\n.\nThe G 63 is a ladder-frame SUV with permanent four-wheel drive system, has a low-range gearbox and three differential locks that can be engaged or disengaged on the fly. This variant is equipped with the Edition 463 package, giving it the AMG twin-louvre front grille, matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels, red AMG brake callipers, AMG sports exhausts (side-exit), \u201cV8 BITURBO\u201d lettering on the fenders, as well as Chrome and Stainless Steel exterior package. Headlamps are bi-xenon instead of LED, and below them are horizontally-mounted LED daytime running lights.   Inside, the seats are wrapped in black and brown Nappa leather, while the roof is lined with plush black microfibre. Fitted also are AMG carbon-fibre trim, AMG four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, AMG instrument cluster, AMG selector lever with AMG emblem, ambient lighting, powered sunroof, fire extinguisher and a chromed electronic key with AMG emblem.\nBuilt within the centre dash is an 8-inch media display with COMAND Online and a controller. It\u2019s hooked to a Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the standard Bluetooth, MP3 and auxiliary playback.   Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG G 63 starts from RM1,181,888, but special orders for other G-Class variants (i.e G 550 and G 65) can be arranged. Optional exterior colours range from Solar Beam, Tomato Red, Alien Green, Sunset Beam and Galactic Beam. Any choice of colour will come with matching interior stitching.\nThe G 63 was launched together with two other SUVS \u2013 the GLC 250 Coupe and GLS 400.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Official Photos (by Aaron Lee)"
"Honda Malaysia today introduced a new colour option, named Platinum White Pearl, for the 2020 facelifted Civic and BR-V models. The new exterior hue, first introduced in the country with the\n \n10th Generation Honda Accord\n and \nOdyssey facelift\n, will replace the existing White Orchid Pearl.\nHonda Malaysia managing director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said that the change was made in response to market reaction and customer feedback following the launch of the Accord. \u201cWhite Orchid Pearl is a popular colour among Honda customers, accounting for 38% and 25% of the total sales for the 10th Generation Civic and New BR-V respectively.\n\u201cWhen we introduced the Platinum White Pearl colour in the Accord early this year, we saw good market acceptance with this colour accounting for 33% of the sales of the model. We are extending this colour to the C-segment leader and the refreshed Full 7-Seater Crossover in response to customer feedback.\u201d\nAs with the previous White Orchid Pearl colour, the Platinum White Pearl hue is also a \npremium option, priced at RM272.73\n for both the Honda Civic and BR-V. The new colour is now available on the Civic, while the company expects to start deliveries of the Platinum White Pearl BR-V in November.\nIn response to the \nsales tax exemptions\n announced by the Government which will be in effect until the end of the year, Honda has released the latest updated price list for all of its models available here in Malaysia, which you can find \nhere\n."
"PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) \nhas launched the all-new \nAudi A3 \nSedan S Line\n, retailing at a price of \nRM 331,990.\n With the launch of the all-new A3, bookings are now also open for the \nAudi RS 3\n with an expected price range of \nRM 650,000\n to \nRM 750,000\n.\nAll-new Audi A3 Sedan S Line\nOffered in the S Line guise, the all-new A3 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n. All power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.\nOn the outside, the A3 sports \u201cS Line kit\u201d, LED headlamps, and 17-inch alloy wheels. A large \u201cSingleframe\u201d with honeycomb grille dominates the front end of the all-new A3. Behind the Singleframe are controllable cooling-air inlets with two electrically actuated louvre modules. They regulate the airflow in accordance with the driving situation. At the back of the all-new A3 is a rear diffuser that further reduces the drag coefficient.\nRELATED: \nAudi RS Q8 launched in Malaysia from RM 1.7m \u2013 in case the Urus is too flashy for you\nIn the cabin, the all-new A3 S Line features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior is upholstered in fine Nappa leather with \u2018S\u2019 trim logos, and the driver gets a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles. Driving modes include \u201cefficient\u201d, \u201cdynamic\u201d, \u201ccomfort\u201d, \u201cautomatic\u201d, and \u201cindividual\u201d.\nAudi RS\n \n3 open for booking\nAudi Malaysia has also announced that the hot version of the A3, the Audi RS 3 is now open for bookings. Pricing is expected to range from \nRM 650,000 \nto \nRM 750,000\n.\nBoasting a five-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes \n400 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, power is sent to all wheels via a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h acceleration is done in \n3.8 seconds\n and the RS3 has a reported top speed of 250 km/h. Adding excitement to the RS 3 is a drift mode called \u201cRS Torque Rear\u201d.\nRELATED: \nPHS Automotive named new distributor for Audi in Malaysia, sister company to VPCM\nBoth the all-new Audi A3 Sedan and the Audi RS3 are offered with a three-year free maintenance package and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Also included in the price of the cars is a five-year roadside assistance package.\nRELATED: \nAudi Malaysia launches #ReadyToDrive initiative \u2013 20% off parts & labour"
"Just months after \nGeely\n unveiled its luxury electrified sub-brand \u2013 \nGalaxy\n, patent images of the Galaxy Light concept have been leaked. The patent was reportedly registered at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). For those who don\u2019t know, the Galaxy Light concept is one of the \n7 models\n the company plans to launch by \n2025\n.\nCompared to the concept model Geely showcased to the world earlier this year, the design seen on the patent images looks closely similar. This includes the concept sedan\u2019s headlights, bumper, and air vents designs.\nIts body lines in the patent images look similar to the ones on the original concept model as well. Just like the concept model Geely showcased, the back of the upcoming EV sedan features a slim taillight that extends horizontally across the rear of the car, a trending design in the EV scene.\nThe Galaxy Light in the patent images also looks to be featuring a larger front overhang. Its ride height also seems to be heightened as well. This modification is most probably done to give the upcoming sedan a more practical and spacious interior space, especially at the back.\nRELATED: \nGeely unveils \u2018Galaxy\u2019 sub-brand, 7 PHEV and EV models planned by 2025\nGeely will start to roll out its Galaxy models, starting with the Geely Galaxy L7 SUV in the second quarter of this year. The Galaxy E8, which is speculated to be the production model of the Galaxy Light concept, will be the first EV model to be launched under the Galaxy sub-brand. This launch is scheduled to be happening in the fourth quarter of this year.\nThe E8 is also said to be built on Geely\u2019s own developed electrified modular architecture (E-CMA), which is the same platform that underpins other models co-developed with Geely. These models include the \nPolestar 2\n and \nVolvo C40\n.\nThe Galaxy E8 sedan will also feature Geely\u2019s latest Aegis battery safety system. This gives the EV sedan a promised increased protection against direct impacts to the battery during crash situations.\nIts battery life is also boosted by as much as 20%, thanks to a new battery system that works together with the Galaxy E8\u2019s \nWise Star Cloud Connected Central Computing System\n. This combination allows the car to be capable of accurately predicting and pre-empting thermal runaways and other dangerous situations.\nRELATED: \nGeely\u2019s Zeekr to enter Malaysia? Ministry visits Ningbo plant\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has initiated a Flood Relief programme for its customers whose cars have been affected by the recent flood.\nThe Flood Relief Programme will run till the 31st of January 2022 where affected customers are advised to head to the nearest Honda authorised dealer for vehicle inspection. Affected Honda owners will receive a \n25% discount\n on genuine parts. The offer is only applicable to vehicles bought from authorised dealers.\nHonda Malaysia, Managing Director and CEO, Ms. Madoka Chujo said, \u201cWe are deeply saddened by the floods that have inundated several states in Malaysia, which resulted in people evacuating their homes and significant damages caused to their properties and vehicles. We hope that the Flood Relief Programme can help relieve the burden on our customers. We hope everyone continues to stay safe during these challenging times.\u201d\u00a0\nAdditionally, Honda owners who have subscribed to the Honda Insurance Plus programme can enjoy free inspection for their cars. Under the programme, towing service is provided along with flood allowance of up to RM1,500. Honda Malaysia will also be working with insurance companies to expedite claims by affected customers.\nFor more information on the Flood Relief Programme and Honda Insurance Plus, call 1-800-88-2020 or log on to \nHonda Malaysia\n."
"Honda\u2019s dominating run is set to continue with the launch of one of its most important product \u2013 the 10th generation Honda Accord, and it\u2019s kitted to the brim.\nThe styling approach is similar to the highly successful\u00a0\n10th-generation Civic\n, with the fascia adorned by fat chromed grille and sleek LED headlamps. The C-pillars taper a tad bit for that fastback-esque styling, but it\u2019s nowhere near as deliberate as that of the Civic. Meanwhile, the shorter overhangs give the new Accord a sportier outlook \u2013 an approach similarly undertaken by the \nUS-bound Camry\n.   The new Accord rides on a lighter\u00a0chassis (shaves 50kg to 100kg over the old model) and has a more rigid body structure. Compared to its predecessor, it\u2019s lower, wider, and shorter, but the wheelbase grew by 54mm, making it one of the most spacious vehicles in its class.\nInside is entirely new, flanked with a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. Affixed to the centre dash is an \n8.0-inch infotainment\n screen supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and HondaLink systems. As for the driver, there is a\n\u00a07.0-inch TFT digital display\u00a0\nbuilt into the instrument cluster, whereas the 6.0-inch driver\u2019s Head Up Display is available as an option for selected variants.\nThe biggest change to the Accord is its powertrain. As with the Civic and the \nCR-V\n, the 10th-gen Accord will share one thing in common with the duo \u2013 it\u2019ll be the first ever Accord to be turbocharged. At launch, three four-cylinder powertrains can be had with the Accord, and the predecessor\u2019s 3.5-litre V6 is now retired.\nIt begins with the all familiar \n1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged VTEC\n engine that outputs\n 192 hp\n and\n 260 Nm\n of torque, mated with either a six-speed manual or a CVT. The 2.0-litre turbo is a detuned version of the\u00a0\nCivic Type R\u2019s\n\u00a0and replaces the 3.5L V6. This unit deploys a healthy \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque. There\u2019s a new\u00a0\n10-speed automatic\n\u00a0(\u00a0\nsame as that in the Odyssey\n) that is strictly for the 2.0, but a six-speed stick shifter is also available for keener drivers.\nThere\u2019s also a hybrid option, combining a\u00a0\n2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine\n\u00a0that\u2019s paired with an electric motor. According to Honda, thermal efficiency is up by 40 percent thanks to more liberal use of insulating materials. The battery is located under the rear floor, meaning boot volume is not compromised. However, Honda has yet to reveal the output and fuel efficiency figures for the hybrid.\nThe 10th-generation Honda Accord also comes with\n Honda Sensing\n\u00a0as standard. No price for the US-bound Accord has been announced at press time, but it will go on sale later this year. Which are you expecting, the 1.5L turbo or the 2.0L turbo?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton together with authorised dealer Pantai Bharu Corporation has just officiated its latest 3S centre outlet here in Jalan Kapar, Klang. The new showroom adheres to the brand\u2019s latest corporate image that reflects a fresher, more dynamic and bolder Proton.\nPantai Bharu previously operated a 1S and 2S centre on separate premises but have since invested and consolidated the two into this latest 3S outlet. This is in line with Proton\u2019s upgrading exercise of existing Proton dealers to 3S and \n4S\n status to provide greater service for its customers.   Owner and shareholder of Pantai Bharu, Dato\u2019 Shamshudin Nor said: \u201cIn order to succeed, we need to move with times and stay relevant. The market is fluid, what works today, may not work tomorrow. So, the intention to relocate to a new area to provide better customer experience is inevitable. The new area will provide convenience to customers as a one-stop centre for sales, service and spare parts\u201d.\nThe new 3S centre has 12 service bays, 8 hoists, 3 delivery bays and 70 customer parking bays. The showroom can accommodate up to 35 customer seating with a dedicated play area for children, coffee and phone/laptop charging area, as well as free WIFI.\nDato\u2019 Shamshudin added: \u201cWe are positive that with the new and fresh-looking fa\u00e7ade, better lighting and ambience for interior and exterior, we will be able to attract more customers to our showroom, hence this will definitely push our sales and service level upwards. We foresee a 100% increase in sales and service throughput with the inception of this outlet upgrade.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Vietnam\u2019s first carmaker, \nVinfast\n, has always had global aspirations especially with the larger US and Europe markets. Now a couple of months into its third year since its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, it seems like the day is finally here, led by a trio of new electrified SUVs.\nThe smallest of the trio is the VF31, which Vinfast markets as a C-segment SUV. However, measuring in at 4,300 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,611 mm, the VF31 is more comparable in size to a B-segment SUV such as the \nHonda HR-V\n.\nDetails on the car are scarce so far, though Vinfast did reveal that the VF31 will come with a vertical-oriented central infotainment screen sized between 10-12.8 inches, HEPA cabin filter with activated carbon for the air conditioning system, while a \u201cPremium\u201d variant also gains additional steering wheel heating, alongside seat heating and ventilation.\nThe VF31 will be a fully-electric model, powered by a permanent magnet motor that generates \n85 kW (114 hp)\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque. No performance figures have been announced just yet, but Vinfast says that the VF31 will be capable of a range of\n 300 km\n with a full charge.\nThe Premium variant is rated a full five stars in the EURO NCAP safety standard, while the standard version gets a ASEAN NCAP four-star rating.\nNext up is the VF32, a D-segment SUV measuring\u00a04,750 mm with a wheelbase measuring 2,950 mm, making it just 30 mm longer than the \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace\n, but with a wheelbase more comparable to that of the \nBMW X5\n.\nThe Vinfast VF32 SUV will be offered in two electric and one petrol-powered variants. Both electric variants will be powered by a pair of PSM motors for a full-time all-wheel drive set-up, with the Premium variant getting \n300 kW (402 hp)\n and\n 640 Nm\n of torque, while the standard variant lowers its output to \n150 kW (201 hp)\n and\n 320 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Premium variant will also get a 90 kWh battery pack, which should be good for a fully-electric range of\n 504 km\n. The VF32 is also rated for a full five-star for both the NHTSA and EURO NCAP safety standards.\nOn the ICE side of things, the petrol-powered variant will see a 2.0-litre powertrain underneath the bonnet, good for \n189 hp\n and a maximum torque of \n280 Nm\n.\nIn terms of equipment, the interior of the VF32 is headlined by a massive 15.4-inch central infotainment display, alongside a multi-colour ambient lighting system, HEPA and activated carbon cabin filters, as well as steering wheel heating, and heated and ventilated seats.\nLast in the list is the Vinfast VF33, a humongous E-segment SUV similar in size to the\n BMW X7\n and the \nMercedes-Benz GLS\n, measuring in at\u00a05,120 mm long with a 3,150 mm wheelbase.\nThe VF33 will feature the same powertrain set-up as the VF32. Electric juice comes from a 106 kWh battery pack under the floor, which translates to a range of \n550 km\n based on an unknown standard. A petrol-powered version will also be made available, powered by a 2.0-litre engine that makes \n228 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque.\nJust like the VF32, the larger sibling is also rated for a full five-star on both the NHTSA and EURO NCAP safety standards.\nFeature wise, the flagship Vinfast VF33 SUV will be equipped with Matrix LED headlights up front, the same large 15.4-inch central infotainment display as seen on the VF32, along with a massive 2.63 sqm panoramic ceiling glass with 99% UV protection for the top-of-the-range variant.\nVinfast made big claims on the advance safety features on its new SUVs, with all three models coming with \nlevel 2-3 autonomous capabilities\n. The system will feature 30 smart features divided into seven groups, including smart driving assistant, adaptable lane control, active cruise control, multi-point collision warning, comprehensive collision mitigation system, smart automatic parking, and a driver monitoring system.\nThe premium version of all three models will also supposedly feature \nlevel four self-driving capabilities\n, powered by a suite of Lidar sensors and 14 cameras that feeds info into the Orin-X chip on-board. However, availability of these features will of course depend on each region\u2019s own laws.\nAdditionally, Vinfast also says that these new SUVs will come with an \u201ce-cockpit\u201d smart virtual cockpit system, with features such as AI-powered virtual assistant and facial recognition. The actual functionalities of these systems though, will have to wait until the cars are released.\nVinfast will begin taking orders for the VF31 beginning May in Vietnam, with deliveries slated for November this year. The VF32 and VF33 meanwhile will be available for order starting September, and will be delivered starting in February 2022.\nAs for the US and Europe market, the VF32 and VF33 will be available for order starting\u00a0November this year, with deliveries planned from June 2022 onwards."
"Audi seems to be busy ramping things up recently, announcing that they will be launching at least three all-new, full electric vehicles by 2020.\u00a0This is part of their roadmap to have over\u00a030 percent sales coming from electric or hybrid vehicles by 2025.\nThe four rings will also be revamping five core models in their portfolio, presumably those that have yet to receive an update \u2013 the\u00a0\nA1\n, \nA6\n, \nA7\n, A8 and \nQ3\n. As reported earlier, Audi will first focus on the top end models this year with the launch of the \nnew-generation A8\n\u00a0(11 July) and the second-generation A7 to follow soon after.\nIn April, Audi has agreed to partner Porsche to jointly develop new platforms for electric cars. We know that Porsche has the \nMission E all-electric four-door saloon\n confirmed for production and Audi has the \ne-tron Sportback SUV\n\u00a0also due for mass production. The two parties did not disclose further information regarding the partnership but claims that it will \u201cenhance the competitiveness of electric cars\u201d.\nBy 2020, Audi will have a new range of compact SUV models with the \nQ4 and Q8\n, three e-tron electric vehicles and five new replacement of its core models. Guess Audi picked up a thing or two from our very own Wawasan 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi e-Tron Sportback   Porsche Mission E"
"Shortly after unveiling the \nCayman e-volution\n, claimed to be faster than a 911 GT3 from 0 to 100 km/h, Porsche has added even more \u201c\noomph\n\u201d to its already potent 718 Cayman and Boxster models with the GTS variant.\nThere have been significant upgrades to the new Boxster and Cayman including a newly developed intake plenum and an optimised turbocharger which increases output from the 2.5-litre flat-four engine to \n365 hp\n along with a savoury \n430 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s 15 hp more that the \n718 S models launched earlier this year in Malaysia\n.\nBoth the GTS extensions come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard takes with Porsche\u2019s famed 7-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox as an option. With the optional PDK transmission, 0 to 100 km/h will take just 3.9 seconds to hit \u2013 onward to a top speed of \n180 mph\n.\nOther standard equipment includes the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) including a mechanical rear-differential lock, Sport Chrono Package and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The PASM is set to reduce ride height by 1cm compared to the standard suspension on the 718 Boxster and Cayman.\nThe GTS models wear a Sport Design front end with tinted indicator and taillights together with black tips on its standard Sport Exhaust System. They can also be distinguished with black GTS designations on the doors and matte black 20-inch wheels.\nOn the inside, the GTS comes with a chronometer mounted centrally on the dashboard as part of the standard Sport Chrono Package. The Sport Seats Plus are wrapped in Alcantara with embroidered GTS logos on the headrest.\nAlso wrapped in Alcantara are the steering wheel, centre console and door armrests. When opted for the Navigation Module and Connect Plus Packages, the standard Sport Chrono Package also offers the Porsche Track Precision App (PTPA). The app allows drivers to automatically record, display, and analyse driving data obtained on closed courses on a\u00a0smartphone.\nBoth are expected to arrive in the US early next year with the 718 Cayman GTS retailing at USD $79,800 (approx RM 337k) and the 718 Boxster GTS at USD $81,900 (approx RM 345k).\nIMAGE GALLERY\n718 Cayman GTS   718 Boxster GTS"
"It\u2019s always an exciting phase when a European car of the year makes its local debut. No, it\u2019s not a German made this time, but rather the all-new, second generation \nPeugeot 308\n\u00a0which took home the crown for France last year. It\u2019s officially launched now, carrying a price tag of \nRM132,888 with GST \nand\n insurance\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 308 1.6L THP\nEngine\n1,598cc; Turbo High Pressure, direct injection\nTransmission\n6-speed auto; torque converter\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 5,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,450 rpm\nPrice (OTR \nwith\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM132,888 with GST\n\u00a0\nBefore we move into the usuals, it\u2019s worth noting that the new 308 is very much lighter than the model it replaces. This impressive weight loss is the result of using the carmaker\u2019s new \nEfficient Modular Platform 2\n (EMP2), extensive use of \nlightweight but stiffer steel\n, optimised design and aerodynamics, \nlighter technical components\n and a \nsmaller fuel tank\n. The use of \nlaser welding technology\n reduces another 12kg\u2019s worth of metal. As such, the new 308 weighs a whopping \n140kg lighter than before\n!\nEXTERIOR\nExternally, this 308 is every bit better than the outgoing model. It is 4,253mm long (23mm shorter), 1,804mm wide (11mm slimmer), 1,457mm tall (a ridiculous 41mm lower!) and both axles sit 2,620mm apart, which is 12mm more than before. These improvements should naturally translate to \nbetter on-road performance\n, especially in terms of handling with its improved centre of gravity.   Standard to the 308 are its upsized \n18-inch Sapphire alloy wheels \nwrapped with 225/40 series \nMichelin Pilot Sport 3\n tyres. Illumination source is \nfull LED\n with integrated LED daytime running lights, a first in its class. If we were to be frank, it looks uncannily similar to some Mercedes models (read: the \nW205 C-Class\n).\u00a0Peugeot says the full LED technology consumes 50 percent less energy compared to halogen lights, and that the 308 has a total of \n31 LEDs\n \nper headlamp\n.\nINTERIOR\nIf you\u2019re not a fan of how the exterior looks, there\u2019s no way of denying the outstanding build quality of its cabin. We\u2019ll cut to the chase here. You\u2019ve got a slew of things to marvel at, one of which would be the seats. They\u2019re clad in a mix of \nAlcantara\n \nand leather\n finished with white stitches. If that wasn\u2019t enough, the front seats get \nelectric lumbar support\n with \nmassage function\n as well!   Apart from winning the 2014 European car of the year award, the new 308 also won the \nMost Beautiful Interior Award\n at the 29th Annual Festival Automotive International. The cabin is entirely new, featuring the brand\u2019s latest i-Cockpit design iteration. This means new instrument clusters, simplified dash with a built-in \n9.7-inch high definition touchscreen head unit\n. As you might have noticed, there are \nno air conditioning dials\n because they have all been built into the touchscreen. Yeah, very French, we know.\nThe screen answers pretty much to all your in-car needs, from GPS navigation to vehicle configurations, driving aid, multimedia, and reverse camera. In keeping the cabin clean, the \nparking brake\n is now \nelectronic\n, next to which you\u2019ll find the conveniently placed \npush-start button\n. Sun lovers should particularly be fond of the \npanoramic sunroof\n, a standard feature that was also available in the previous model\u2019s top-end variant.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe familiar \n1.6-litre Turbo High Pressure\n (THP) engine continues its propulsion duties here, but has been tweaked to provide an optimal balance between fuel efficiency and power delivery. As such, the new motor makes \n150 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,450 rpm onwards, compared to the previous tune that made 156 hp at 5,800 rpm.\nFuel consumption is rated at a healthy \n6.5 litres per 100km\n, whereas the older model covers as much ground at the expense of 7.6 litres of gasoline. A \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n with Quickshift Technology drives the \nfront wheels\n. Sadly, the 308 does not come with paddle shifters, but that\u2019s just the petrolhead in me being mopey.\nBefore you grumble about the loss of 6 horsepower, you ought to know that the detuned engine still feels as sprightly, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.4 seconds\n before reaching a top speed of 211 km/h. The succeeding model had a sprint time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 212 km/h.\nSAFETY\nLet\u2019s talk about passive safety first. Having earned a \nfive-star crash safety rating\n award from EuroNCAP, the new 308\u2019s body is now more rigid than ever, allowing for a very controlled and systematic deformation of its structure should a collision occur. Energy dissipation is methodised during the deformation process, and Peugeot claims that this approach increases repairability.\nMore interestingly, the 308 comes with \nDynamic Cruise Control\n as standard, a class\u2019 first. Complementing this convenient feature are the \nEmergency Collision Alert\n and \nEmergency Collision Braking\n which work in tandem to deactivate the cruise control when it detects a reduction of speed in the vehicle ahead. \nSix airbags\n are standard here as well, including \nHill Start Assist\n and Advanced Intelligent Traction Control.\nWHAT ELSE?\nLike all other Peugeot models, this 308 gets a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty\n programme including Peugeot\u2019s 24-hour Assistance aid. New owners and their families can also benefit from using \nPeugeot\u2019s Lounge\n at Subang Skypark Terminal while waiting for flights, which boasts first class facilities.\nThere are \nfive colours\n to choose from \u2013 Nera Black, Rouge Red, Mocha Brown, Artense Grey and Pearl White. Again, the 308 is priced at \nRM132,888\n including GST and insurance.\u00a0We have already sampled the car on your behalf, so keep a lookout for our full review of the new 308 soon!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPeugeot 308 1.6L THP"
"BFM Media Sdn Bhd, the operator of BFM 89.9 has launched an Apple iOS app that\u2019s compatible with Apple CarPlay. When downloaded, the app allows users to live stream all of BFM\u2019s radio shows and access their library of podcasts as well.\nBut why go through the hassle of creating an app? Well, according to BFM, their broadcast frequency (89.9) is limited only to the Klang Valley. They have consistently tried to acquire FM frequencies in other cities in Malaysia, but Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (SKMM) have rejected all of it due of unavailable frequencies.\nThe BFM CarPlay app cuts through all that with a few simple taps on your iPhone. Cars with head units that support Apple CarPlay can immediately begin using the BFM app. Customers of U Mobile and Digi (Digi Prepaid LiVE and Digi Broadband plan) will not incur data charges when accessing the app. BFM is currently working with Maxis to bring the same benefits to all Maxis customers as well.\nThe Honda Civic comes with Apple CarPlay as standard\nManaging Director of BFM, Malek Ali said, \u201cWe look forward, over time, to the increasing proliferation of CarPlay among car makes, models and standalone car entertainment systems in Malaysia. With greater penetration of CarPlay, more and more car drivers and passengers outside of the Klang Valley will have access to BFM\u2019s engaging discussions with thought leaders on the economy, business and nation-building despite BFM not being available on FM radio in their area.\u201d\nAll BMW and Mercedes-Benz models are able to support Apple CarPlay (cost option feature), as well as the new \nHonda Civic\n, \nHonda Accord\n, \nVolkswagen Passat\n, \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n, \nVolvo XC90\n, \nVolvo V90\n and selected Chevrolet models.\nThe BFM CarPlay app was developed for by Snappymob, an iOS and Android app developer based in Malaysia."
"Mazda has been named the most reliable brand in Consumer Reports\u2019 \n2020 USA\u00a0Auto Reliability Survey\n, marking the first time that the Japanese carmaker has ever ranked first in the annual survey. The survey is based on data collected from Consumer Reports members, who have collectively shared over 300,000 car ownership experiences, that have then been processed by the non-profit consumer organization.\nScoring a total of 83 reliability points, \nMazda\n has effectively overtaken fierce rivals and traditional reliability champs \nToyota\n and \nLexus\n, who ranks second (74 points) and third (71) respectively.\nAccording to Consumer Reports, Mazda\u2019s success this year was largely due to its conservative model updates and redesigns, which limited its risks as there are no new powertrains and infotainment systems \u2013 both of which are common pain points in other carmakers\u2019 new car line-ups.\nIn fact, the minor issues experienced by some owners of the \nToyota RAV4\n was one of the key reasons that brought Toyota down the pecking order. However, all of the brand\u2019s models available in the USA still ranked average or better in terms of reliability.\nThe \nToyota Prius\n even scored 93 points in total, earning it the title of the most reliable car. Oddly enough, dig deeper into the per-model results and you\u2019ll see that many other cars \u2013 including the \nMazda MX-5\n \u2013 scored higher than 93 points. There were no reason given as to why the Prius won the title, but if we had to guess, it\u2019s probably related to volume.\nThe same can\u2019t be said for many other brands though;\n Honda \n(63) ranked fifth in this year\u2019s survey \u2013 and while it gained seven spots from the previous year, points were deducted by models such as the Passport SUV and Odyssey MPV, which both had below-average ratings in terms of reliability.\nSomewhat fortunately for Malaysians, the \nHonda HR-V\n, as well as the Insight Hybrid \u2013 which features the same powertrain technology as the upcoming \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n \u2013 is ranked \u201cwell above average\u201d.\nHyundai\n (62) ranks sixth overall in this year\u2019s survey, with the \nKona\n ranking \u201cabove average\u201d. The all-new Sonata, which was also \njust launched locally recently\n, was the South Korean carmaker\u2019s least reliable vehicle, though still scored average. Meanwhile, its sister-brand \nKia\n (45) dropped six places from last year, ranking fifteenth in this year\u2019s survey.\nSubaru\n (57) rounds up the top third of this year\u2019s survey at eighth position, but most of its issues were found on the Ascent, which has \u201csubpar reliability due to multiple problem areas\u201d. For concerned Malaysians, you\u2019ll be happy to hear that the \nSubaru Forester\n ranked above average.\nEuropean brands in general did not do too well in this year\u2019s survey, with the top-scoring European brand, \nPorsche\n (55) ranking ninth \u2013 down five spots from the previous year. \nBMW\n (52) finished 12th, up five spots from last year with mixed per-model results, while \nAudi\n (46) remains unchanged at 14th.\nVolvo\n (41) moved up to 18th this year, while \nMercedes-Benz\n (40) ranked 20th overall, putting it into the lower third of the brand rankings. \nVolkswagen\n (36) ranked 24th in this year\u2019s survey \u2013 just two spots higher than bottom-ranked Lincoln \u2013 with only the \nGolf\n scoring \u201cwell above average\u201d.\nIt has to be said that Consumer Reports\u2019 method of determining reliability perhaps isn\u2019t the most \nreliable\n way of doing things. There are too many variables at play, not to mention the potential bias when it comes to self reporting from its members. The report also caters to those in the United States, so it\u2019s hard to gauge how well these results translate over to us in Malaysia.\nHowever, there should still be some takeaways here, given the sheer amount of data \u2013 so take it however you will. The full list of brands is available below, ranked from best to worst:\nMazda, 83\nToyota, 74\nLexus, 71\nBuick, 70\nHonda, 63\nHyundai, 62\nRam, 58\nSubaru, 57\nPorsche, 55\nDodge, 54\nInfiniti, 54\nBMW, 52\nNissan, 51\nAudi, 46\nKia, 45\nGMC, 43\nChevrolet, 42\nVolvo, 41\nJeep, 41\nMercedes-Benz, 40\nCadillac, 38\nFord, 38\nMini, 37\nVolkswagen, 36\nTesla, 29\nLincoln, 8"
"Last year, Proton\u2019s newly appointed Chief, Dr Li Chunrong announced that the company will be launching a \nnew model every year until 2021\n starting with the \nProton X70\n in 2018. A fresh set of spy shots uploaded onto a popular \nFacebook group\n hints that the national carmaker is working on bringing the \nGeely Bin Yue\n to the local market.\nWhile the car in\nquestion is heavily covered, we can tell from the car\u2019s silhouette, expanding Cosmos\ngrille front bumper sculpture and quad exhaust outlets that it is none other\nthan the Bin Yue B-Segment SUV (to be called Proton X50?).\nIt appears that there\nare two separate units photographed as told by one unit spotting the more aggressive\nsports spoiler and the other a standard trim spoiler. Both cars are still in\ntheir left-hand-drive configuration.\nIn China, the Bin Yue is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine \nco-developed with Volvo\n paired to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission pushing out \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of torque. The front-wheel-drive SUV is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.9 seconds\n and has a rated fuel consumption of \n6.1L per 100km\n.\nDespite competing against the likes of \nHonda HR-V\n and \nMazda CX-3\n, the Bin Yue is armed to the teeth with dual tone leather upholstery, 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster display, 10.25-inch floating touchscreen display, electronic gear selector, panoramic sunroof and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving technology.\nLooking at what Proton was able to offer on the X70, don\u2019t be surprised that the RHD Bin Yue to go on sale in Malaysia with all the options and features ticked.\nIn China, the Bin Yue is priced between RMB78,800 (RM47k) for the base 1.0L (MT) to RMB118,800 (RM71k) for the range-topping model and comes with an 8-Years or 300,000 km mileage warranty.\nFactoring the price positioning of B-Segment SUVs in Malaysia as well as the X70\u2019s pricing, we speculate that the X50 (again, we\u2019re jumping the gun on the name) will be priced in the region of RM70k to high RM80k \u2013 any higher it will be eating into the X70\u2019s market share.\nGeely Bin Yue to be the base for Proton new SUV\nProton X70 in Cinnamon Brown\nHowever, do not expect to see the X50 hit showroom floors by 2020 as the first spy shots have only emerged and it would take the engineers at least 12 to 18 months (around the same time it took to develop the RHD X70) to re-engineer the car for right-hand-drive markets. Factoring in marketing campaigns and lead time, we will most likely see the first RHD X50 sometime in 2020.\n\u00a0Besides, Proton has already filled up this year\u2019s launch promise with the \nfacelifted Proton Iriz\n.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nGeely\u00a0Bin\u00a0Yue\u00a0Spied\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia\nGeely\u00a0Bin\u00a0Yue\u00a0at\u00a0GuangZhou\u00a0Motor\u00a0Show"
"It takes guts, \nlots of guts\n to take a huge leap of faith in attempt to break away from what is essentially an icon to the automotive world. The icon we\u2019re talking about is the \nMINI Cooper\n, and today saw the official introduction of the new \nMINI 5-Door\u00a0\nafter its initial reveal \nearlier this year\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI Cooper S 5 Door\nEngine\n2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology\nMax Power\n192 horsepower @ 4,700 to 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n280 Nm of torque @ 1,250 rpm (300 Nm with overboost)\n0-100km/h; Top speed\n6.8 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice\nRM238,888 (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nAs with its name, the MINI Cooper S 5-Door gets additional doors for the rear occupants and in this process of adding extra doors, the MINI 5-Door \ngains 161mm\n in overall length, thanks in part to the \n72mm increase\n in wheelbase length.\nThis translates to \nmore legroom\n and an \nincrease of 15mm headroom space\n for the rear occupants. Boot space is also increased by \n67 litres\n, totalling up to \n278 litres\n. You\u2019ll find out what we thought about the gains as you read on.\nEXTERIOR\nEverything up front is just like its 3-door sibling, and the new F55 MINI 5-Door is easily spotted with its halved-elliptical LED daytime running lights and honeycomb-styled radiator grille. Exclusive to this 5-Door MINI is the \n17-inch two-toned Roulette Spoke rims\n shod with 205/45 R17 series run-flat tyres. Lighting sources are \nfully powered by LED\n \u2013 this includes the headlamps and the fog lamps.   INTERIOR\nThe cabin of this MINI screams premium build quality, featuring the Carbon Black\u00a0\nleather upholstered sports seats\n\u00a0for both the front driver and passenger. The roof gets a convincing shade of\u00a0\nAnthracite\n, among the other nifty touches such as the\u00a0\nblack-checkered surface\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nchrome-lined interior\n. Further increasing the cabin\u2019s appeal is the MINI John Cooper Works\u2019 multi-function leather steering wheel with\n\u00a0Chilli Red contrast stitching\n, as well as the\u00a0\nJCW logo\n\u00a0embedded into the six o\u2019clock position.   We tried getting in and out of the rather small rear doors, and ultimately rejoiced with the MINI\u2019s new found practicality. Rear legroom is evidently bigger, and there\u2019s more space for your arms to move about more freely than in the 3-door variant. The rear seats have a \n60:40 split configuration\n that, if folded down, gives you a total of \n941 litres\n of cargo space.\nIn the centre rests the \n6.5-inch MINI Visual Boost LCD display\n which is operated via a \nfive-key controller\n\u00a0located next to the parking brake lever. This head unit comes with the \nMINI Excitement package\n as standard, giving you an orchestra of illumination seen on the instrument clusters, operating modules, door trims and centre console area.\nPERFORMANCE\nPop the hood of this 5-Door Cooper S and you\u2019ll be greeted with the familiar \n2.0-litre\n engine with MINI TwinPower turbocharging technology. This particular mill is exactly the one found in the 3-Door Cooper S, and makes \n192 horsepower\n\u00a0@ 4,700 to 6,000 rpm and \n280 Nm\n of torque @ 1,250 rpm (300 Nm in overboost).\nSuch numbers propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.8 seconds\n with a top speed of \n230 km/h\n, all while returning just\n 5.5 litres\n of combined fuel consumption, thanks to the auto on/off engine function. The engine is paired to a \nsix-speed sports automatic transmission\n that drives the \nfront wheels\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nMINI Malaysia has revealed that the \nRM20,000 Wired package\n (originally introduced for the 3-Door Cooper S variant) may be introduced for the MINI 5-Door in the near future, as will the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged Cooper. Till then, this 5-Door Cooper S can be yours for \nRM238,888\n (OTR without insurance) and comes with a\n three-year or 50,000km warranty\n programme.\nThere are \n11 shades of colour\n to choose from, inclusive of the newly added \nElectric Blue\n that is exclusive only to this variant. The roof, side mirrors and stripes can be had in either white or black. The car can be viewed at your nearest MINI dealership beginning this \n15 November\n.\n\u00a0\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Stellantis\u2019 Alfa Romeo will be unveiling a new model every year until 2026, CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said in an Italian dealer event on Wednesday.\nAlfa Romeo\u2019s new model push will kick off with the Tonale, a compact SUV that will be launched in March next year, Imparato said. The model was initially scheduled for debut by December 2021, however the launch date was inexplicably pushed back, supposedly due to Imparato\u2019s own displeasure with the plug-in hybrid\u2019s performance.\nAs for the rest of the new cars, not much is known at this moment. There were rumours of an even smaller SUV called the \u201cBrennero\u201d that\u2019s poised to join the Alfa Romeo model line-up after the launch of the Tonale, although we\u2019ll still probably have to wait a bit longer before we hear anything substantial about that.\nFive cars in five years, that\u2019s already a pretty packed schedule. But they\u2019re not done yet \u2013 Imparato also said in the event that Alfa Romeo will be transitioning into an EV-only carmaker from 2027 onwards, in line with Stellantis\u2019 overarching electrification strategy.\nStellantis has unveiled their new STLA modular platform, which will also be used on future Alfa Romeo EVs. Learn more here.\nFor those afraid that moving towards electric will somehow ruin the famed \u201csports car\u201d feeling of their beloved Alfa Romeos, fret not \u2013 Imparato has repeatedly said that the brand will still focus on handling and performance, not technology.\nHeck, he even said recently that he\u2019s selling an Alfa Romeo, and not an \n\u201ciPad with a car around it\u201d \n\u2013 that should already be enough to instil confidence, we think. It\u2019s going to be a busy couple of years for the Italian carmaker, and we can\u2019t wait to see what they have in store.\nAlfa Romeo has brought back the GTA nameplate with new Giulia GTA and GTAm. Check it out here!\n[Source: Reuters]"
"Hyundai\n has just revealed to the world the brand-new fifth-generation \nSanta Fe\n. This is the first full model change for the Santa Fe since the introduction of the fourth-generation model in 2018, and Hyundai has given it a full redesign, both inside and out.\nHyundai describes the Santa Fe\u2019s exterior as a lifestyle-based design and has designed the Santa Fe to be suitable for both urban and especially outdoor lifestyles. And unlike any Santa Fe in the past, this all-new one sports a boxy exterior design, giving it a futuristic yet retro look, reminding us of cars like the \nLand Rover Defender\n and the latest second-gen \nLexus GX\n.\nBoth the Santa Fe\u2019s front and back feature Hyundai\u2019s latest signature H-lights, with the front also sporting an LED light bar that extends across the grille and connects both of the headlights, giving it the RoboCop kind of look.\nBesides the headlights and rear lights, the H-design motif can also be spotted at the front bumpers. There are boxy and angularly shaped wheel arch claddings shaped too, adding to the Santa Fe\u2019s outdoors theme. The Korean SUV also comes with 21-inch wheels.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 to launch in Malaysia on 21 July \u2013 \u2018Streamliner\u2019 EV with 610 km range\nInside, the H-shaped design cues continue and can be found on the dashboard and air cond vents. The interior also features wood-patterned garnish and Nappa leather seats, together with two wireless phone chargers.\nBut what is most interesting is the fifth-gen Santa Fe\u2019s interior\u2019s strong Range Rover influence. Just look at the boxy and angular design elements on the centre console, as well as the HVAC control unit, the air cond vents, the 12.3-inch panoramic driver and infotainment display, and especially the steering wheel.\nOverall the interior looks neat and premium even, and we can\u2019t wait to see the car for ourselves. Hyundai continues to boast of its fifth-gen Santa Fe\u2019s size, marketing the SUV as a car that is suitable for outdoor lifestyles, thanks to its roomy interior, which features fully foldable second and third-row seats.\nAs of now, Hyundai has yet to share any of the fifth-gen Hyundai Santa Fe\u2019s technical specifications. For that, we will have to wait for the car\u2019s world premiere, which will be taking place in August this year. The premiere will also be live-streamed via Hyundai\u2019s YouTube channel.\nRELATED: \n3 new Hyundai models teased for 2023 \u2013 Ioniq 6, Santa Fe & Tucson, is that you?"
"The Volkswagen Amarok, a pick-up truck which unfortunately is not available in ASEAN, has been teased yet again, but illustrated instead of wrapped in camouflage or photographed in super low-lighting conditions.\nMarketed under Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the illustration now provides a glimpse of how the rear and side design of the new Amarok will look like. A few months ago, Volkswagen officially begun teasing the looks of this new pick-up truck with illustrations. \u00a0\nThe German carmaker has partnered with Ford to jointly develop the next-generation Amarok pick-up truck. Volkswagen\u2019s model is only officially due a year later, after the \nall-new Ranger\u2019s\n official launch and will be built in South Africa too.\nBeing a pick-up truck, the rigid three-box silhouette is standard issue, as per the flat, boxy doors and rear deck design. In the earlier illustration, the new Amarok seem to have a high hood line and bold frontal look similar to the \nAtlas\n large SUV.\nThe side profile meanwhile is dominated by massive wheel over fenders, which are a significant design difference compared to the similarly-sized Ford Ranger.\nTo prove its off-road credentials, Volkswagen took the fully electric ID.4 to a 2,500 km rally with just one upgrade! Find out more here!\nThe interior meanwhile has parallels with the Ford, with a large portrait-oriented infotainment display taking centre stage of the dashboard. Like the Ford, an electronic parking brake and an array of switches, presumably for the 4WD drive and terrain modes are located on the lower console.\nNo mention of powertrain at this stage, but the range-topping unit is said to be a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with up to 260 hp and 580 Nm of torque. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plans to launch the new Amarok this summer."
"After recently \nrevising the prices on their Ranger line-up\n, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia is now offering up to \nRM6,000 cash rebates \non selected Ford Rangers \u2013 the Wildtrak and Raptor.\nThe Ranger Raptor is now priced at \nRM210,888 \nand Ranger Wildtrak at \nRM152,388\n. Both models have seen an RM2,000 increase from before. The cash rebates of up to RM6,000 is only applicable to 2020 model year Ford Rangers only.\n \nThat said, all Ford pick-up trucks registered from 2021 onwards will now come with a \nnew 5-year/160,000km warranty\n. Previously, the warranty was only limited to three years or 100,000 km. Existing Ranger owners on the 3-year warranty can opt for an optional 2-year/60,000 km warranty extension.\nThe 2.0-litre 4\u00d74 Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor are powered by a 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine, paired to a 10-speed automatic, producing \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\nThe Ranger Raptor however get additional items such as gear shift paddles, Fox Racing suspension, a wading depth of 850 mm, a 4WD Terrain Management System with \u201cBaja mode\u201d and of course, sports seats and of course, a much angrier exterior.\nFor enquires, customers are now encouraged to make an appointment with a Ford authorised dealer or contact their \nSales Line\n."
"In the year 1986, Lamborghini made its first ever SUV, the LM002. Unlike the SUVs of modern times whose sole purpose is to ferry people in utmost comfort, the LM002 started life as the Italian carmaker\u2019s pet project to develop a high-performance, military grade off-road SUV in the late 1970\u2019s, codenamed \u2013 Cheetah.\nIt was not until 1981, when Lamborghini engineer Giulio Alfieri reopened the Cheetah casefile and thus, the LM002 was born. The final production model was presented at the 1986 Brussels Auto Show, featuring a front-mounted 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V12 sourced from the legendary Countach Quattrovalvole producing \n450 hp\n. Four-hundred and fifty ponies in an SUV from the 80s, the guys at Lamborghini must be mad, in a good way of course.   Coupled that with an aluminium and fibreglass body structure as well as four-wheel drive, the LM002 was able to reach speeds in excess of \n200 km/h\n. Not forgetting that its original purpose was to serve in the army, the LM002 came equipped with transfer case, three self-locking differentials, specially-developed Pirelli Scorpion tyres and many other high-tech wizardries to give it the capabilities to climb gradients of over \n120 percent\n and extreme durability in extreme conditions.   It became an instant hit during its production lifespan from 1986 to 1992. Lamborghini made a total of 300 units of the LM002. The Italian carmaker is geared up for its global premier of its second SUV, the \nLamborghini Urus\n on 4 December 2017 and like the SUV before it, the Urus will come with exceptional on/off-road dynamics, performance and luxury. The Urus will also feature the brand\u2019s first turbocharged mill, \none that belts 650 hp\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has quietly updated the equipment list for the E 300 AMG Line on its website, with a price list that has been effective since 9 February 2023. However, a quick check with a dealer has reveals that the update has been in effect since at least 1 January this year.\nThe 2023 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line in Malaysia now retails at \nRM399,888\n on-the-road, without insurance, representing a slight RM2,000 hike over its most recent SST-inclusive price tag.\nChief among the updates on the new 2023 model is the new set of 19-inch AMG 10-spoke light alloy wheels, which replaces the five-twin-spoke design from the\n launch model\n. Behind the front wheels are also a pair of larger cross-drilled brake discs for better braking performances.\nOver at the back, the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line also gains a new boot lip spoiler. As for the boot itself, it now also comes with a hands-free access feature (previously only powered) that lets you open the rear cargo area by waving your foot underneath the car.\nREAD MORE: \n3 luxury features on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 300 that were unnecessary, but yet so charming\nAside from these, though, the Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line mostly remains identical to the car that \nmade its debut in Malaysia back in 2021\n. Underneath the bonnet is still the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill, sending\n 258 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox.\nOther standard equipment here include the Multibeam LED matrix headlights, panoramic sunroof, a Burmester sound system, as well as an interior lined with black leather and open pore wood trims.\nThe all-new, next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class model is set for its global debut soon, and will feature the marque\u2019s latest\n \u2018Superscreen\u2019 dashboard\n with the latest MBUX operating system.\nGALLERY"
"The sighting of an Alfa Romeo in Malaysia may be as rare as a delicious home-cooked meal by your other half but it doesn\u2019t mean that they\u2019re resting on their fading laurels. Enter the Nero Edizione Edition \u2013 catered to the Giulia, Stelvio and the Giuletta.\nFor the Giulia and Stelvio, the kit includes a dark glossy V-shaped insert for the front grille, adaptive Bi-Xenon headlamps, gloss back mirror caps and exhaust tips \u2013 basically a bunch of black trims to define Alfa Romeo\u2019s idea of \u201cevil\u201d.\nFilling the Giulia\u2019s arches are 18-inch dual 5-spoke dark finish alloy wheels while the Stelvio gets a 20-inch dark V-spoke alloy set. Inside, both cars are garnished with aluminium kick plates, pedals and footrests.\nAs for the little Giulietta, the fancy trims are carried over from the Giulia and Stelvio with the addition of an \u201coversized exhaust pipe\u201d \u2013 Alfa Romeo did not elaborate further. An 18-inch set of dark gloss alloys complete the exterior.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has officially unveiled its new engine assembly line at Tanjung Malim, at an exclusive event for invited media and guests yesterday. The new facility will produce the\n Geely-Volvo-developed 1.5 TGDi\n (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, marking the first time it has been assembled outside of China.\nThe new assembly line has been operational since April this year, with the engines produced already being used on the \nrecently-unveiled 2022 Proton X70 update\n. The project is part of Proton\u2019s RM1.8 billion plan to upgrade its facilities at the Tanjung Malim plant, and covers an area of over 18,000 square metre within the plant\u2019s Engine and Powertrain facility.\nBuilt according to the Industry 4.0 (IR 4.0) ethos, the new assembly line utilises numerous automatic and semi-automatic stations to boost its automation level up to 47%, thus significantly upping productivity. At full bore on a three-shift schedule, the new assembly line currently has a maximum capacity of 180,000 engines.\nProton says that the assembly line is manned by 202 directly-employed staff, many of which have spent time in China for extensive skill training. With an average of just 24 years, the \u201cnext generation of automotive talents for the nation\u201d is also a step forward in the company\u2019s human capital development goals.\nThe line itself uses equipment similar to Geely\u2019s Baoji engine plant in China, sourced from reputable suppliers such as ABB, COMAU, FEV China, FEV India, WiBeda, and Hangxin. Of the 88 stations on the assembly line, 17 are fully automatic, 15 semi-automatic, and 56 are manually operated.\nThe entire assembly line is housed in a climate-controlled clean environment with an anti-static station to prevent static electricity damage to electric components, and the assembly line also moves on a conveyor system that is said to not only run smoother, but is also cleaner, more durable, and cheaper to operate than a chain-based system.\nFocusing on quality control, Proton has also implemented Internet of Things (IoT) technology such as data capture and analysis tools throughout the assembly process to ensure the quality standards are met and maintained. Additionally, 207 Error Mistake Proofing (EMP) controls and 34 intelligent high-resolution cameras have been installed on the line to detect process and assembly defects in real-time (with 100% hit-rate), reducing overall downtime.\nThe fully-assembled engines are subjected to a range of tests before leaving the assembly line, and a number of engines from completed batches are also pulled out at random and subjected to dyno tests of up to 100 hours to ensure they meet the company\u2019s quality standards.\nSpeaking of the engine, Proton says that the 1.5 TGDi powertrains now feature 30% of local content, with 72 parts currently supplied by 19 Malaysian and four ASEAN vendors. Currently, only the 1.5-litre TGDi engine is assembled at the new Tanjung Malim facility, but Proton says that it will be able to make other variants of the engine, including the\n port-injected variant\n, for other models in the future.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Group today introduced the DAL-e, a customer service robot that can independently communicate with people using facial recognition technology.\nDAL-e stands for \u201cDrive you, Assist you, Link with you-experience\u201d\n and is the company\u2019s first step to automated customer service. It\u2019s equipped with artificial intelligence technology for facial recognition as well as an automatic communication system based on a multiple language platforms. \u00a0\n\u201cThe DAL-e is is expected to become a messenger capable of delivering consistent messages to customers in a more intimate and personal way than conventional robots,\u201d said Hyundai, Head of Robotics Lab, Vice President, Dong Jin Hyun.\n\u201cWith continuous updates and improvements, the DAL-e will provide fresh, pleasant experiences to our valued customers in a contact-free environment. Our objective is to enable the DAL-e to engage in a smooth and entertaining communication with customers and present valuable services to them,\u201d he added.\nThe 80 kg robot has undergone initial pilot testing at a Hyundai showroom in Seoul, South Korea, and will be deployed for various use that requires everyday interactions with customers at showrooms.\nUnlike most working on the showroom floors, the DAL-e has been programmed to be friendly, with \u201cemotive physical features\u201d to better interact with customers. It can also engage in an automated and smooth dialogue with customers while providing information on products and services.\nIf needed, DAL-e can also move freely to escort customers to a particular area. In fact, if a customer is seen not wearing a fask, DAL-e can also detect it and ask the customer to do so!\nWhen it was undergoing its pilot tests, Hyundai said DAL-e was useful for customers who do not prefer to be assisted by Hyundai staff due to Covid-19 circumstances."
"It seems that Kia Motors will be joining the EV (Electic Vehicle) movement as they prepare to unveil an all-electric crossover concept at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on 8 January. The concept car will showcase Kia\u2019s vision of cutting-edge vehicle interfaces, autonomous driving and the world\u2019s first in-car 5G connection.\nBased on the teaser image, it appears the company is hinting at a Niro EV however it is yet to be confirmed whether the final product will be named as such. Although wearing the \nNiro nameplate\n, the concept car looks radically different from the regular Niro. Sporting a crossover body style, the concept features much sleeker lines as well as new lighting graphics.   Kia is also taking the opportunity to debut its new range of advanced driver assistance technologies at the CES at their booth titled \u201cBeyond Autonomous Driving\u201d. The company will also exhibit its upcoming autonomous driving technologies as well as outline their plans for future autonomous mobility.\nKia will also present three futuristic cockpit designs to showcase how the company will integrate new technologies to enhance the connectivity between the car and driver. Kia also promises that the \u201cnever-seen-before human-machine interface (HMI)\u201d, new advanced driver assistance technologies and \nworld\u2019s first in-car 5G connection\n are under heavy consideration for market introduction in the coming years.\nVice Chairman and Head of Hyundai-Kia R&D Center, Dr. Woong-cheol Yang said, \u201cVirtual reality, self-driving cars, and full vehicle connectivity were all once considered technologies of the distant future. As they rapidly become a reality, Kia is exploring how to adapt these new technologies for its customers. At CES we will share our strategy and vision for future mobility, and exhibit a range of advanced technologies that our customers can look forward to.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has launched the new BMW i8 coupe here at the Auto Bavaria showroom along Jalan Tun Razak to further solidify its foray into the realm of electric mobility. The new BMW i8 is not only a showcase of powertrain improvements but also aerodynamic efficiency.\nYou get an electric motor powering the front wheels, while a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine powers the rear wheels. The internal combustion engine\u2019s power is channelled to the rear wheels through a six-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor drives the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe battery pack rests in the car\u2019s underbody for a lower centre of gravity, where its capacity has been increased to offer an electric driving range of up to \n55 km\n (previously 35 km). As for the 1.5-litre engine, BMW has managed to squeeze out \n231 hp\n with \n320 Nm\n of torque.\nThe combined output of both the electric motor and engine has increased from 362 hp to \n374 hp\n but 0 to 100 km/h still takes 4.4 seconds like before, strangely.\nThe BMW i8\u2019s body is made up of air flaps, air curtains, a sealed underbody, \u201cStream Flow\u201d lines along the sides and air ducts between the rear lights to make sure it\u2019s as slippery as possible through the wind.\nElsewhere, the BMW gets new 20-inch BMW i light-alloy wheels in radial-spoke style, that\u2019s just far more suited to the silhouette of the car.\nInside the 2+2 seater cabin, is a cockpit that focuses on the driver \u2013 an aspect that\u2019s been vital to BMW\u2019s interior design. All controls and display elements are within arm\u2019s reach of the driver and is easily readable.\nThe cockpit is fitted out with the BMW Head-up Display, where in Sport Mode, changes to display engine revs, gears and shift lights during gear changes.\nThere\u2019s an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, utilising the iDrive operating system, which can also be controlled by the touch controller on the centre console.\nOpen-pored carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) trims occupy the centre console, door handles and dashboard inlay, the ceramic controls of the iDrive Controller\u00a0\nwith an embossed i8 logo, and the ceramic finish on the gear lever.\nThe new BMW i8 exterior comes in Crystal White with a Frozen Grey highlights or the new BMW Individual special paintwork Donington Grey, with the interior in Black Amido or Accaro respectively.\u00a0\nThe new BMW i8 is priced at \nRM1,310,800\n (OTR without insurance) and comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program, 2-year/24-month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services, BMW Roadside Assistance & Accident Hotline and the BMW White Card.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia together with Sunway Group, Shell Malaysia and ParkEasy have just launched new charging bays for electrified vehicles here in Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre.\nThe new Reserve + Shell Recharge Bays are slightly different from the \nBMW i Charging Facilities\n launched previously as users can reserve their parking spot beforehand through the ParkEasy app. Once reserved, users will be guaranteed that particular parking bay equipped with BMW i Charging Facilities.\nThere are 5 Reserve + Shell Recharge Bays in Sunway Pyramid, located at Level CP2 Preferred Parking and are the closest parking spot to the mall entrance. Reservations made through the ParkEasy app will be held for up to 1 hour and each booking costs 6 credits on weekdays and 8 credits on weekends (1 credit = RM1).\nAn hourly fee of 3.8 credits is charged for the time of the vehicle is occupying the bay while standard parking charges collected by the building (Sunway Pyramid CP2 Preferred Parking, 1st 2 hours RM5.00) still apply. Charging of your EV/PHEV is, however, free of charge.\n From L: \nDatuk Iain Lo, Chairman of Shell Malaysia\n; \nHarald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysi\na; \nTan Sri Dato\u2019 Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah and Warren Chan, CEO of ParkEasy\nThere will be 10 Reserve\n+ Shell Recharge Bays available across three major Sunway Group Properties \u2013 5\nin Sunway Pyramid, 3 in Sunway Pinnacle and 2 in Sunway Velocity Mall. BMW\nGroup Malaysia, Shell and ParkEasy are looking to grow the number of bays in\nthe future.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n Reserve + Shell Recharge Bays at Sunway Pyramid, CP2"
"And this is what we call \u201cPenny wise pound foolish\u201d. While it may be old news as it took place four months ago in Sichuan, China, the amusement is evergreen.\nMore interestingly, this madness took place all because the \nowner wanted to save USD 3 on a car wash\n; a Land Rover owner mind you. There are so many questions to ask, I don\u2019t even know where to begin.\nSafe to assume that wherever he came from, assuming from the city judging from the suit, the drive alone would\u2019ve cost him more in fuel.\nOne viewer did shed light on the situation in the comment section, saying that it was because \u201cHis brain was made in China\u201d, which explains a heck of a lot.\nOnly in China, I guess."
"Previously only destined for the Chinese market, BMW has now designed the long wheelbase variant of the new 3 Series sedan in right-hand drive orientation. After launching in India and Thailand, the new G28 BMW 3 Series long wheelbase is now available in Malaysia in a single variant.\nBMW Malaysia is offering the locally-assembled BMW 330Li M Sport from \nRM 300,800.00\n with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service.\nEXTERIOR\nThe first-ever BMW 3 Series long wheelbase in Malaysia will be offered with the popular M Sport package. This means the inclusion of the M Sport aerodynamics kit, M badges, and black window surrounds similar to the standard wheelbase variants.\nHowever, the design of the rims is different, together with a rear bumper that surrounds the exhaust outlets in a trapezoidal design. Visible behind the 18-inch wheels are the unpainted standard brake calipers.\n18\u2033 M light-alloy wheels in Double Spoke Style 848 M Bicolour with Run Flats\nM Aerodynamics Package\nStandard brake calipers\nAdaptive LED headlamps\nWelcome light \u201ccarpet\u201d\nPanoramic 2-piece glass roof \u00a0\nThe wheelbase has been stretched by \n110 mm\n, measuring 2,961 mm, which is just 14 mm shorter than the BMW 5 Series. Compared to the Lexus ES which visually looks exceptionally spacious like a long wheelbase car, the ruler only registers a reading of 2,870 mm, or 91 mm shorter than the 330 Li.\nBMW says there is a 6 mm increase in overall height on the 330Li M Sport compared to the \n330i M Sport\n. Boot space is rated at 480 litres.\nINTERIOR\nIn terms of the additional features for the more spacious back seat, there aren\u2019t any extra toys. However, a massive two-piece \npanoramic glass roof\n provides more light into the enlarged cabin. Dimensionally, the legroom for the rear passengers has increased by \n42 mm\n, while headroom is a marginal 4 mm more compared to the 330i M Sport.\nDashboard in Sensatec\nAluminium Tetragon trim with pearl chrome highlights\nM Sport steering wheel and foot pedals\n12.3-inch fully digital instrument display\n10.25-inch touch screen\nThree-zone automatic air-conditioning\n10-speaker HiFi sound system\nEnhanced ambient lighting (lighting strip at back of front seats)\nUpfront, the occupants are treated to a higher quality interior compared to the standard wheelbase variants. The dashboard is now covered in Sensatec with contrast stitching while the switches at doors are in a satin finishing called \u201cGalvanic Embellishers\u201d.\nThe Malaysian launch of the new BMW 330Li M Sport will also debut the new \u2018\nMy BMW App\n\u2018 that provides easy access to a wide range of remote services, on-the-go navigation, and e-mobility features. The application will replace the BMW Connected App come\n July 2021\n, and is now available for download on both Android and iOS-enabled smartphones.\nThe first-ever locally-assembled BMW 330Li M Sport can be had in Mineral White or Carbon Black and paired with Vernasca leather upholstery in Mocha with black stitching.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic\nMax Power: 258 hp @ 5,000 rpm to 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,550 rpm to 4,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h: 6.2 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h (limited)\nFuel consumption: 6.4 l/100 km\nThe powertrain of the new BMW 330Li M Sport mirrors the 330i M Sport, which means access to the potent \n258 hp\n output and \n400 Nm\n of torque from the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Due to the increase in overall mass, the 0 to 100 km/h time for the long wheelbase variant takes a little longer, now registering \n6.2 seconds\n\u2013 a 0.4-second delay. \u00a0\nSAFETY\nSimilar to the 330i M Sport standard wheelbase variant, the new BMW 330Li M Sport is also equipped with the Driving Assistant Package which includes:\nFront Collision Warning with brake intervention\nLane Departure Warning\nLane Change Warning\nRear Cross Traffic Warning and Collision Prevention\nReverse camera\nSix airbags\nGALLERY"
"After Honda Malaysia announced a \nprice hike to selected models last week\n, attributed to a \u201creview to the Completely Knock-Down (CKD) customised incentives\u201d, there were naturally fears that other brands would also be \nsimilarly affected\n, but the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has acted swiftly to clarify the issue in a statement via Twitter.\nSiaran media terkini \n@MOFmalaysia\n berkenaan kenaikan harga kereta jenama Honda. \npic.twitter.com/atFV39ejbo\n\u2014 Ministry of Finance\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@MOFmalaysia) \nFebruary 23, 2020\n \nThe MOF statement clarified that there are \nno changes whatsoever\n to the policy that governs \nexcise duty exemptions\n granted under the \nIndustrial Linkage Programme (ILP)\n for locally assembled vehicles made with varying degrees of localised components. Typically, a car comprising of a \nhigher value of local content\n enjoys a \nhigher degree of excise duty exemption\n.\nMOF added that its \nAutomotive Business Development Committee\n (ABDC) is using the same and unchanged assessment method to evaluate incentive proposals from automotive manufacturers but stressed that they must adhere to the existing duty exemption policies and to comply with \naudit reviews\n, as well as to \npractise fairness\n in relation to other car makers which follow the correct criteria.\nWhile the government (now an interim one) has extended the customised incentive route to auto manufacturers for the foreseeable future under \nNAP 2020\n, the \nlack of clarity\n as to how these incentives are awarded persists since every package is \u2018customised\u2019 differently.\nAs the government is targeting more investments from manufacturers and to \nraise vehicle exports\n, policy transparency will go a long way in convincing car makers to make \nMalaysia their production base\n, instead of choosing Thailand or Indonesia."
"Before unveiling the car in full, BMW has just revealed images and details of one of the many variants that will form the \nBMW 8 Series Coupe\n line up, the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe. Powered by a \u201ccompletely redeveloped\u201d V8 engine, the M850i was last seen in Wales, United Kingdom undergoing final stages of real-world test drives before the series production begins.\nThe company has confirmed that the new engine will be based off an existing unit, likely to be the N63 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 that powers other \n50i variants of BMW models\n. In the M850i\u2019s application, the motor will develop \n530 hp\n while max torque of \n750 Nm\n is available from 1,800 rpm.\nHead of Drive System Integration, Christian Billig said: \u201cThe new V8 engine offers exactly the right balance between performance and emotion, which is what also sets the new BMW 8 Series Coupe apart.\u201d\nBMW has also confirmed that the M850i will adopt an extensively redeveloped \neight-speed Steptronic sport transmission\n. Key performance figures like century sprint time and top speed remains a corporate secret for now.\nOne of the highlights of the M850i is its broad spectrum of driving characteristics as the engineers have calibrated the engine, transmission, damping, stability control system and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system precisely to the drive mode selected whether is Comfort, Sport or Sport+ Mode. This allows the drivers to exploit the 8 Series Coupe as the perfect all-rounder for leisure cruises, track driving and everything in between.\nBMW 8 Series Project Manager, Markus Flasch commented: \u201cThe thing that always impresses when test driving the new BMW 8 Series Coupe is its adaptability. Whether a driver expresses his or her wishes with regard to comfort and sportiness using the accelerator pedal or by pressing a button, the vehicle immediately adapts perfectly to each setting.\u201d   Other technical highlights of the M850i include a \nrear-biased xDrive set up\n, active rear axle differential lock, adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering, electronically controlled dampers and mixed tyres with the rear tyres being wider than the fronts.\nMalaysians were treated to a pleasant surprise when BMW Malaysia hosted the maiden debut of the \nBMW Concept 8 Series right here in the heart of Kuala Lumpur\n. Could it be that BMW Malaysia is keen to introduce the 8 Series Coupe to our local market? All we can say is, it would give the \nMercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe\n a good run for its money.\nIMAGE GALLERY\u00a0\nBMW M850i xDrive Coupe"
"Just after launching its new Nissan LEAF, Nissan Motor Co. has announced that it will be displaying a number of concept cars and production vehicles at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. What we really robbed our attention was this pair \u2013 the Nissan LEAF Nismo Concept and the Serena Nismo.\nThe LEAF Nismo Concept features a sportier exterior with designs from Nismo, Nissan\u2019s motorsports and in-house tuning division. Nismo\u2019s know-how will be applied to the car\u2019s body for enhanced aerodynamics and less lift, to complement the LEAF\u2019s outstandingly low drag coefficient.\nFor a stroke of sportiness, the LEAF Nismo Concept will be fitted with sports suspension, high performance tyres and custom-tuned ECU to deliver instant acceleration at all speeds. If that doesn\u2019t excite you, sadly, nothing will!\nAs for the Serena NISMO, possibly the more exciting of the pair as it\u2019s been totally unexpected, it\u2019s sure to be a head-turner with raw styling and driving performance without sacrificing the utilitarian nature of the family-mover. Custom aero parts will add a touch of aggressiveness to the Serena\u2019s appearance while on the inside, Nismo\u2019s influence will be subtle but noticeable with signature red accents.\nUnlike the Nismo\u2019s we\u2019ve gotten here that more aesthetic-focused, the Serena Nismo is not to be taken lightly under its shell. Like the LEAF, it will also be fitted with custom-tuned sports suspension, a new ECU and even an exhaust system would you imagine that to add some oomph to the overall driving experience. Now that\u2019s the kinda hot MPV we\u2019ll all been waiting for! It is set to go on sale in Japan come November.\nLaunched just recently as Nissan\u2019s flagship electric car, the new Nissan leaf, that\u2019s \ndue for Malaysia in 2018\n, comes equipped with \nNissan ProPilot \nautonomus driving technology also features ProPilot Park, the first technology in a Japanese-made vehicle to help drivers park by automatically controlling\u00a0the accelerator, brakes, steering, shift changing and parking brake.\u00a0There is also the e-Pedal, which lets the driver start, accelerate, decelerate, stop and hold the car by using only the accelerator pedal.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Polestar was one of the earlier brands to offer high performance with electrification as seen on the Polestar 1 grand touring hybrid equipped with 1,000 hp. The brand started as a \nperformance arm\n of Volvo Cars, like BMW M Sport, Audi S-Line, and Mercedes\u2019 AMG Line, but has since moved to full-fledged vehicles since the birth of the \nPolestar 1\n.\u00a0\nThe next phase of the brand\u2019s expansion will see the need to further push the performance envelope even further. In an interview with Germany\u2019s \nAuto Motor und Sport\n that was picked up by \nCarscoops\n, the head of the Polestar said his team is focussing on Porsche as its benchmark.\n\u201cWe are competing with Porsche for the best electrically powered premium sports car,\u201d said Polestar, CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.\nPolestar currently only have the Polestar 1 grand touring hybrid and \nPolestar 2 \nfastback. The brand will see the launch of the \nPolestar 3\n SUV as soon as next year, as well as two more models by 2024.\nPorsche\u2019s only EV, the \nTaycan\n, will be heavily benchmarked by the Polestar team now that dynamic evaluation and development work of the \nPrecept\n performance four-door sedan that is due in 2023 has begun.\nPolestar brings out the Beast at this year\u2019s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Yup, it definitely will never sound like one. More about the Beast here.\nIngenlath also said separation from the Volvo brand will be increased with every new model, \nphysical stores\n as well as communications.\n\u201cOur product portfolio will grow over the next few years \u2013 and this will allow the brand to appear in a completely different light,\u201d he said. \u201cWe then step out of the shadow of Volvo even more and are perceived even more independently.\u201d\nThe Polestar 3 performance SUV, targeted squarely at \nBMW iX\n, \nFord Mustang Mach-e\n as well as the upcoming \nnew-generation Porsche Macan\n will be manufactured in the US at the relatively new Volvo Cars production centre in Ridgeville, South Carolina."
"The first ever CKD assembly plant for Proton vehicles in Pakistan has broken ground after being officiated by Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan at an event in Islamabad, Pakistan.\nThe plant, which will be built in Karachi, will be owned and operated by ALHAJ Automotive, the official distributor of Proton vehicles in Pakistan and is expected begin operations by the end of 2020.\nThe move is part of Proton\u2019s aim to grow its presence overseas and to achieve its sales target of \n400,000 units by 2027\n. Export sales and establishment of CKD assembly plants in overseas markets are some of the efforts to achieve that goal.\nIn August last year, an agreement between ALHAJ Automotive and Proton was struck for the former to be the sole distributor of Proton vehicles in Pakistan. A plan to build a brand new assembly plant was also drawn up to take advantage of reduced duties for CKD vehicles in Pakistan.\nALHAJ Automotive will invest some USD30 million into the new CKD assembly plant, which will create 2,000 new job opportunities in its first three years of operation. A further 2,000 indirect jobs will also be created as a result of the construction of the new plant.\nWe will leverage on our current dealerships nationwide to start selling Proton vehicles while we develop 3S and 4S centres. CBU units will be sourced from Malaysia initially, before switching to CKD units once the new plant begin operations,\u201d said Chairman of ALHAJ Automotive, Mr. Al-Haj Shah Jee Gul Afridi."
"With one month left to end the year, Chinese automobile company, \nChery\n has sold \n1,127,289 cars\n globally, showing a 32.6% year-on-year growth from 2021. The company reports that it has increased its export volume by 70.9%, with the past four months exceeding 50,000 units exported per month.\nIn November 2022 alone, Chery sold \n100,531 cars\n globally, being the sixth consecutive month where global monthly sales exceed 100,000 units. Chery attributes its success to the 7-seater \nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\n which is a popular choice for a reception vehicle for state guests in Brazil. Globally, \n171,000 units\n of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro have been sold so far in 2022.\nChery\u2019s Tiggo SUV series\nFollowing behind the Tiggo 8 Pro is the \nTiggo 7 Pro\n with \n146,000 units\n sold so far in 2022. Chery states that the Tiggo 7 Pro ranks first in its segment in Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries.\nTo date, Chery has over 11.13 million users worldwide with 2.35 million of them being outside of China. The company plans to build its brand image in more parts of the world.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-bound Chery Omoda 5 scores full five stars in Euro NCAP safety rating\nIn Malaysia, the Chery car brand has returned and it \npreviewed 5 of its SUVs\n in Malaysia back in October 2022. The five models are the \u2018regular\u2019 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV, Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 4 Pro, and \nOmoda 5\n.\nChery\u2019s first-ever global model is the Omoda 5. For Malaysia, it will be offered in two powertrain configurations \u2013 a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired to a CVT gearbox, making \n154 hp \nand \n230 Nm\n, and a 1.6-litre turbocharged mill paired to a seven-speed DCT gearbox, making \n194 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n.\nRELATED: \nChery to produce 30,000 cars annually in Malaysia CKD plant, model launch next year\nChery Omoda 5 previewed in Malaysia\nThe Tiggo 8 Pro is powered by a 1.6-litre TGDI engine that makes \n197 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is a Chery-developed 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Tiggo 7 Pro is either powered by the same 1.6-litre engine as the Tiggo 8 Pro, or a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that makes \n156 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n.\nChery plans to launch some of its models in Malaysia in 2023, and also has plans to \nlocally assemble its cars in Malaysia with a 30,000-unit yearly capacity\n. Chery already has a plant in Indonesia, and both the Malaysian and Indonesian plants will produce right-hand drive (RHD) cars to be exported to countries like exported to Australia, Singapore, and Brunei.\nALSO WATCH: \nChery is back! Here are the 5 SUVs set for launch in Malaysia"
"Yayasan Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, the CSR foundation of Naza Group, celebrated Ramadhan with a sumptuos iftar yesterdat with over 120 children from the Pusat Jagaan Anak Yatim and Miskin Seri Kundang and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Peribadi Mulia.\nThe yearly initiative by the conglomerate aims to give back to society during the Ramadhan period and make Ramadhan a more cheerful one for the underprivileged community.\nThe orphans also received over RM70,000 worth of new clothes, duit raya and monetary contribution to their homes to celebrate the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.\n\u201cIt has been Yayasan Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin\u2019s tradition to give our support to the underprivileged especially during the month of Ramadhan. The foundation was established in honour of our late father and hence it serves a purpose close to our hearts \u2013 to help those in need and contribute to the common good through charity and volunteerism,\u201d said Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Group Executive Chairman & CEO, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin,\nYayasan Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin volunteers, comprising of senior management and staff of the Naza Group, also participated in the month-long Ramadhan CSR programme where they visited the less fortunate communities.\nThese initiatives include a visit to the Children\u2019s Cancer Ward in Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), the Pusat Jagaan Al-Fikrah, an old folks home in Kajang and a visit to the Masjid Hidayatul Muttaqin in Shah Alam to meet with asnaf families.\nThis Ramadhan, close to RM180,000 was contributed to charity by Naza Group. Yayasan Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin was established in honour of the Group\u2019s late founder Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin with a mission to provide aid to the underserved communities in Malaysia based on three key pillars namely education, community development and healthcare.\nOver the years, Yayasan Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin has distributed zakat to schools, conducted education workshops for school children and donated various items such as school uniforms and bags, food items and vehicles to improve the livelihood of underprivileged communities."
"In an effort to help Malaysians reduce their living expenditures, Shell has announced that it is waiving the top-up fee for Touch \u2018n Go reloads at all of its 27 petrol station along the North-South Expressway (NSE).\nShell Malaysia Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain said \u201cShell understands the challenge Malaysians face against the rising cost of living. This drives us to help Malaysians save more and ultimately, get more out of their journeys.\n\u201cHopefully, forgoing the Touch \u2018n Go top-up charges at all stations along NSE, as a start, will give our customers one less worry when travelling or fueling up at Shell during long journeys,\u201d she added.\nThere are over 11,000 reload points nationwide for Touch \u2018n Go cards, according to the \nofficial website\n. However, other than the approximately 500 selected locations, topping up your Touch \u2018n Go card usually incurs a \nRM0.50 top-up fee\n.\nAside from the Touch \u2018n Go initiative, Shell is also running the \u2018\nNak Ekstra RM20,000?\n\u2018 campaign, with \none grand prize of RM20,000\n, and \n20 consolation prizes of RM1,000\n given away \nweekly\n. To enter, just spend \nRM40 in a single receipt\n at any Shell petrol stations.\nThe campaign kicked off on 1st December 2019, and will run until the \n9th of February 2020\n. Last week, the company organised a \nprize-giving ceremony\n for the winners from the first four weeks of the campaign."
"When Alfa Romeo unveiled their first ever SUV, the \nStelvio\n, the Italian carmaker wasted no time to slap on the legendary \u201cfour-leaf clover\u201d badge. Twelve months since its debut, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is now officially on sale in Europe.\nEquipped with an aluminium 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 and an eight-speed automatic, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio packs \n510 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque under its belt. Q4 all-wheel drive with Alfa Torque Vectoring is standard on UK-bound models. The SUV can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.8 seconds\n onwards to a best-in-class top speed of \n283 km/h\n. No wonder it wears the title of \nfastest SUV around the N\u00fcrburgring\n.\nThe intelligent Q4 AWD system sends 100 percent of its power to the rear wheels on every day driving conditions. But should the need arise, the system can instantaneously transmit \n50 percent\n of available torque to the front axle for better grip.\nAlfa\u2019s most powerful SUV rides on double wishbones on the front axle and a multilink system at the rear. The suspension features electronically-controlled dampers and Active Suspension Control to enable drivers to select performance or comfort-oriented driving characteristics.\nAs standard, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio employs high-performance steel brakes while carbon ceramics are available as an option. The ceramic brakes are not only \n17 kg\n \nlighter\n but offers unparalleled braking performance in demanding situations.\nUK deliveries is slated for Q2 of 2018 with full specification and pricing is to be confirmed at a later date. It is a shame that Alfa Romeo is no longer represented here in Malaysia because we reckon that this Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio can step up to the big boys like \nPorsche Macan\n and \nMercedes-AMG GLC 43\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda in Indonesia has just unveiled a concept model called N7X. Apart from a brief virtual presentation by Takehiro Watanabe, President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) with marketing buzzwords, there isn\u2019t much detailed information on the vehicle.\nWatanabe said that after plenty of studies and research on Indonesian consumers, a car is not just a car, but considered a second home. The Honda N7X is developed to \n\u201cexceed your expectations\u201d\n as well as \u201credefine its category\u201d.\nBased on its size relative to the individuals around it, the Honda N7X Concept that is fully designed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific looks to be within the same dimensions as a Honda Mobilio / BR-V.\nThe front adopts the latest Honda Design styling with a large grille placed high up as seen in the latest \nHonda Vezel/HR-V\n. The taillamps meanwhile follow the latest \nHonda City\n which is said to be a favourite with owners.\nThe compact 7-seater segment in Indonesia has always been a hotly contested segment and the arrival of new models such as \nMitsubishi Xpander\n, Suzuki Ertiga and Wuling Confero have certainly impacted the sales of Honda Mobilio and BR-V.\nWe have compiled a quick guide \ncomparing\n the new \nMitsubishi Xpander\n, \nToyota Rush\n and \nHonda BR-V\n \nhere\n.\nIn Malaysia, the Honda BR-V was introduced in \nJanuary 2017\n and a \nfacelift\n was later introduced in June 2020 to freshen up the interior and addition of shift paddles. The compact 7-seater is powered by a 1.5-litre SOHC iVTEC engine delivering outputs of \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n and paired with a \nCVT\n gearbox.\nTwo variants are available with the 1.5E priced at \nRM86,726\n while the \n1.5V\n is priced at \nRM93,420\n.\nGALLERY"
"Audi is trying out an ergonomic aid that provides employees with support with lifting and carrying heavy materials to reduce the strain on their back muscles \u2013 how considerate! At the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants, employees are currently testing an exoskeleton at selected workstations.\nThe lifting aid is worn on the body and \nweighs around three kgs\n. The exoskeleton supports activities that require bending forward to pick up or put down heavy components. Carrying components is made easier as it transfers load of the heavy materials from the back towards the stronger thigh muscles.\nThe exoskeleton is supposed \nto reduce back strain by 20 \u2013 30%\n while encouraging a healthier posture. Its flexible structure and low weight allows workers to walk, turn and stretch without restrictions to their freedom of movement.\n\u201cErgonomic working practices have high priority in all areas at Audi \u2013 including production and logistics of course. With the exoskeleton, or the \nergoskeleton\n as we also call it at Audi, we promote healthy working conditions, avoid excessive strain and maintain our employee\u2019s performance,\u201d said Logistics Planner and Head of the Ergoskeleton\u00a0project, Vinzent\u00a0Rudtsch.\nPresently, employees at the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants are using the exoskeleton for removal of parts from crates while in production, it\u2019s helping to ease installation of the centre console and carrying of heavy material boxes. The goal after the test phase is to gradually integrate the device into production at all Audi\u00a0plants worldwide."
"For the last 22 years, the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the West Sussex county of the UK has been hosting car lovers and giving automakers an avenue to showcase some of their most amazing creations, concepts and editions on the ever-infamous Goodwood Hill Climb.\nFord has just recently announced that it will be debuting the all-new Mustang powered by Fords \n5.0L V8\n mill and an \nEcoBoost\n-engined \ndroptop\n at the Moving Motor Show taking place on the\n 25 June\n. In addition to that, the eagerly awaited\u00a0\nFord Focus RS\n will be making its premier appearance on British soil at the festival with gymkhana legend \nKen Block\n at the helm.\nIt doesn\u2019t just end there. Because Ford is also bringing out a few editions of its most popular models at Goodwood in commemoration of Ford\u2019s \n50th Anniversary\n of the \nFord Transit\n van. For this occasion, the Blue Oval company has built a \none-off\n\u00a0\nTransit Custom SportVan\n that is fitted with a \n2.2-litre diesel engine \nthat makes a\u00a0\n152 hp\n with \n385 Nm\n of twist whilst managing \n5.6 litres per 100km\n. Part of the \u2018moving\u2019 entourage is the frugal yet gutsy\u00a0\nFocus ST TDCi\n estate model.\nNot to be forgotten is the\u00a0\nFord Fiesta Red Black Edition\n. This fiesta\u2019s lil party piece is the \none-litre EcoBoost\n powerplant that they\u2019ve inserted into this tiny hatchback. However, therein lies the pi\u00e8ce \nde r\u00e9sistance\n. This A4-paper sized engine kicks out an astonishing \n138 hp\n. That doesn\u2019t sound like much but this engine has a better\u00a0\npower-per-litre\n\u00a0output as compared to a \nBugatti Veyron.\nTickets for the Moving Motor Show are priced at\u00a0\u00a330 (RM171) a pop. Click on the links to read all about the soon-to-be-launched \nMustang\n and \nFocus RS\n."
"At the recent LA Auto Show, Mazda presented a \nrefreshed version of the Mazda6\n with additional trims in a revised exterior and interior, new mesh grille and redesigned front LED headlamps to name a few.\nA new powertrain for the sedan was also introduced, in the form of a 2.5-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-G engine producing \n250 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque \u2013 the same unit found in the \nMazda CX9\n.   With all that oomph under the hood, you\u2019re probably thinking that it would be more assuring for Mazda to introduce an AWD system for its revised sedan. As it turns out, Mazda\u2019s North American representative has claimed that their current crop of Mazda 3 and 6 aren\u2019t suited for it \u2013 citing \nlayout issues\n\u00a0possibly because AWD vehicles require the additional driveshaft linked to the rear wheels.\nWhile it may not serve as a confirmation that an AWD system is in the works \u2013 it\u2019s been acknowledge that there is demand for it and that a large proportion of premium sedans in a major part of the US are sold with all-wheel drive systems.\nSource: \nCarAdvice"
"If you still weren\u2019t convinced that the Subaru Forester XT is well and truly dead, here\u2019s the final nail in the coffin. Subaru has unveiled a new turbocharged Forester in Japan \u2013 the first forced-induction \nfifth-generation Forester\n \u2013 and instead of calling it the XT, it\u2019s now called the Subaru Forester Sport.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpHN5-3qMSU\nWhy? Well, from what we can see, that\u2019s because it\u2019s been softened by quite a fair bit. Instead of the FA20F 2.0-litre turbocharged four-banger boxers borrowed from the \nWRX\n, the new Forester Sport is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged flat-four engine taken from the new Levorg, making \n177 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque.\nFor comparison, the previous-generation \nSubaru Forester 2.0XT \nmakes 240 hp and 350 Nm of torque from its powerplant, 63 hp and 50 Nm more than the new Forester Sport. The horsepower output is also lower than the 2.5-litre NA four-banger that\u2019s available on the fifth-generation Forester in other markets, which makes 184 hp and 239 Nm.\nThe new turbocharged powerplant is paired to a Lineartronic CVT gearbox just like most Subaru models on sale these days, with power sent to all four wheels via the marque\u2019s highly-regarded Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.\nNo performance figures were provided, but we expect it to outrun the 2.0-litre NA (156 hp, 196 Nm) \u2013 which we get here in Malaysia \u2013 and the hybrid e-Boxer (158 hp, 253 Nm combined) variants, while being close to, if not a touch faster than the 2.5-litre NA model to 100 km/h.\nIn terms of appearance, the new Subaru Forester Sport gets dressed up slightly with a blacked-out grille, along with grey foglamp housings, side mirror housings, and side skirts. The Forester Sport also rides on blacked-out 18-inch wheels, while the rear fascia gains an additional grey-coloured trim right underneath the tailgate window \u2013 which we think makes it look quite a lot more handsome than the other variants.\nLower down, the new Subaru Forester Sport also gains a sportier rear bumper that fits around the twin exhaust tailpipes \u2013 other variants only get a single tailpipe exit.\nChanges inside are less obvious, with the main difference being the new suede and leather combination upholstery, along with aluminium sports pedals.\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019re playing top trumps of fast cars, you better be owning the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo Cabrio as this ludicrous convertible is officially the planet\u2019s fastest production convertible that seats four people.\nIt is based on the \nMercedes-AMG S 63\n which is already powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine that churns out 577 hp. The donor car dashes from nought to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.\nThe Brabus 850 features a more aggressive looking exterior with carbon-fibre finishes; seen at the front is a wider front grille integrated with a front splitter. At the back houses a rear splitter and a ceramic sports exhaust system. The convertible sits\u00a0on a set of\u00a0Brabus\u2019 21-inch black and red \u2018Platinum Edition\u2019 alloy wheels, and the 22-inch is available as an option.\nAll eyes are obviously pointing at the performance as the engine now liberates\n 838 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a01,150 Nm\n of torque. The base V8 lump now displaces 5,912cc instead of 5,461cc, and is still twin turbocharged \u2013 one on each bank. Brabus says the engine is capable of churning much more torque \u2013 a mind bending 1,450 Nm, but this may require more modifications to the drivetrain, so it\u2019s safer to stick with 1,150 Nm. Power is delivered to all \nfour wheels\n via a\u00a0\nseven-speed automatic transmission\n.\nThe extra 261 hp has certainly paid dividends as 0-100 km/h is now done in \n3.5 seconds\n while top speed is electronically limited to\u00a0\n347 km/h \ndue to tyre limitations.\u00a0If that\u2019s not enough, the car can return a claimed fuel consumption of\u00a0\n10.5\n litres per 100 km\n.\nThis mean convertible with the huge \u201cB\u201d emblem at the front was unveiled for the first time at last weekend\u2019s Le Mans 24 hours race and it\u2019s available for sale now. No official pricing is unveiled at this point of time, but judging from the standard AMG S63\u2019s price tag of\u00a0\n\u00a3134,000\n (close to RM800,000 after conversion), expect to\u00a0part an awful a lot of money for the convertible that may blow\u00a0the hair of four occupants inside this car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"According to a report by automotive research centre, Thatcham Research, the safest car in the United Kingdom is none other than the Volvo XC90.\nSince the first-generation was launched in 2002, over 50,000 units of the XC90 have been sold in the UK and amazingly, no one has been killed in it for the last 16 years.\nResearchers have credited this impressive statistic to the car\u2019s early implementation of hazard detection technologies \u2013 warning drivers of impending collisions.\nThe second-generation XC90 went on to introduce the \nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n, which now helps apply the brakes automatically to prevent a collision from taking place.\nThatcham Research has branded the Autonomous Emergency Braking system to be the most significant addition to a car\u2019s suite of safety systems since the invention of the safety belt; with credit also owed to Volvo Cars when they introduced the three-point safety belt in 1959 with an open patent for other car makers to emulate.\nThatcham predicts that the automatic-braking feature could save more than a hundred thousand lives from road fatalities in the next 10 years."
"What you see here is called the \u201cModulare E-Antriebs-Baukasten (MEB)\u201d which translates to \u201cModular Electric-drive toolkit\u201d and is designed to be the basis of Volkswagen\u2019s future electric vehicles.\nThese vehicles include the I.D. CROZZ SUV, the I.D. BUZZ van and beyond as Volkswagen plans to build 10 million vehicles in different body styles based on the MEB platform \u2013 a move that is seen as the most ambitious electric vehicle roll-out by any automaker.\nMuch like Volkswagen\u2019s MQB platform, the platform that underpins Volkswagen models from the Golf to the Atlas, the MEB can easily adapt to different body styles and battery capacities while using common components to help lower costs.\n\u201cWith the MEB we have developed a platform designed specifically for electric cars,\u201d said Head of the Volkswagen E-Mobility product line, Christian Senger.\n\u201cThe I.D. models will not be combustion engine versions that have been converted, they will be designed to be 100 percent, thoroughbred electric vehicles. And they will be engineered to be online, upgradeable- and update-compatible. We\u2019re making optimal use of the possibilities this technology brings,\u201d he added.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhMTzGhu3bA\nSince electric drive components take up less space than petrol-powered engines and transmissions, the I.D. models can offer interior space that\u2019s a class-size larger than their exterior dimensions.\nTake the I.D. CROZZ for example, it can pack Atlas-type space in a Tiguan-size wrapper. All will be engineered to be either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, via one or two electric motors, for more optimal weight distribution and handling.\nThe battery pack, located in the floor, can be easily redesigned for different sizes and types of batteries, allowing for pure electric driving ranges from about 300 km to over 500 km."
"Kia Motors Corporation announced today its July 2017 global sales figures for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles, recording a total of \n216,118 units sold\n.\nSales in the domestic market dropped by 0.9% compared to last year, resulting 43,611 units sold, which is comparable to July 2016 when Kia benefited from newly launched vehicles such as Cadenza and Niro \u2013 with prominence in the US market. Overseas sales also saw a 6.8% drop with 172,507 units, compared to the previous year \u2013 largely attributed to a decrease in sales in the Chinese market.\nThe \nSportage\n was Kia\u2019s best-selling model in the overseas markets during July 2017 with more than 29,498 units of the compact SUV sold. The Cerato was the second best seller with 23,626 units sold, followed by the \nRio\n with 21,960 units sold.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKIA SPORTAGE   KIA RIO"
"The Mitsubishi Xpander has finally arrived in Malaysia and is available in a single variant. Priced at \nRM91,359\n inclusive of SST exemption, the total bookings \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n has received so far has exceeded the total production capacity until December 2020. In the first two weeks since bookings were opened, MMM received 2,000 orders for the crossover.\nThe 7-seater facelift Xpander is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with\u00a0\n105 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n141 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. The naturally-aspirated powertrain sends power to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe locally-assembled Xpander is one of the better-equipped examples in the region with the addition of a surround-view monitor, and a larger touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets a forward-facing camera that not only serves as a dashcam but works in sync with the surround-view monitor to offer a front view of the vehicle on the infotainment display.\n \nAside from offering best-in-class headroom and cabin space, the facelift Xpander also comes with an abundance of storage spaces; from the compartments behind the front seats, under-seat storage, and even under the boot floor.\nThe Xpander promises a refined ride as well as it has been fitted with front and rear windows which are thicker than industry standards. The cabin has also been padded with\u00a0thicker headlining and floor carpets. The Xpander also features roof-mounted air-con vents in the second row.\nFor more information on the other aspects of the new facelift Mitsubishi Xpander, click \nhere\n."
"The \nMinistry of International Trade and Industry\n (MITI) announced last week that the \nNational Automotive Policy\n (NAP) that was supposed to be unveiled last year, will finally be revealed on this Friday, \n21\nst\n February\n, by the Prime Minister. You can read the full \nmedia release here\n.\nAs the NAP is a framework that sets out broad directions, don\u2019t get your panties in bunch if it doesn\u2019t spell out any specifics on lowering the price of the car you\u2019ve been dreaming to own. What the industry is looking out for are its \nobjectives \nand \ngoals \nover the \nmid to long term\n, but more importantly, the \nspirit \nwhich these policies are based on.\nBearing in mind who\u2019s helming the government these days, could Malaysia revert to \nprotectionist policies\n to facilitate the \ndefunct notion of a \u2018national car\u2019\n, like how it was in the 80s and 90s? We know how that venture turned out \u2013 non-national brands slumped under the weight of duties, manufacturers went to \nThailand \nto set up their regional bases and \nAP holders\n became millionaires peddling imported used cars to Malaysian consumers starved of choices.\nOr are we going to meander along with the hotchpotch policies of the status quo; wanting to become the \u2018hub\u2019 of different things but without a cohesive plan on how to do so? It\u2019s all well and good to flaunt trendy buzzwords such as \u2018electrification\u2019, \u2018autonomous drive\u2019, \u2018charging network\u2019, but do we have the will to carry them out without politics getting in the way?\nOr maybe, just maybe, the government fully grasps what the automotive industry is currently undergoing \u2013 \na once-in-a-century transformation\n that\u2019s sapping huge resources but also presents opportunities for governments to attract investments of new technologies from manufacturers seeking a conducive environment. Yes, that means offering incentives in return of investment, expertise and jobs.\nFor all that we\u2019ve squandered in the past, there remain a sizable number of assembly plants (along with parts vendors) producing cars for local consumption, some even export in small quantities. But if we are to make the leap and become a \nvolume exporter\n of \nlow- and zero-emission vehicles\n (assuming that\u2019s where we want to be), the policies of NAP 2020 would have to \ncreate a level playing field\n for all brands, one that\u2019s inclusive, progressive and supportive of new technologies.\nBut are we being too hopeful?"
"Shortly after releasing \ninitial photos of the facelifted Maserati Ghibli GranLusso and GranSport\n, the Italian carmaker\u2019s best-selling vehicle has made its grand debut at the 2017 Chengdu Motor Show. The updated sports sedan gets a host of new tech, slight power bump and new Advanced Driving Assistance Systems.\nThe updated Ghibli now gets minor revisions to its front and rear bumpers to substantially improve its aerodynamic efficiency. Separating the sporty themed \nGranSport\n from the elegant-oriented \nGranLusso\n are the more aggressive bumper design, blacked out wing mirrors and unique interior trims. All variants of the Ghibli now feature \nadaptive full LED headlamps\n.   Mechanically, the Ferrari built 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 in the hotter Ghibli S variant gets a slight power increase of\n 20 hp\n and \n30 Nm\n, bringing the total output to \n430 hp\n and\n 580 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the rear-wheels or all-four wheels with the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system equipped. Transmission remains an eight-speed ZF automatic.\nThe Ghibli S Q4 will sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n, down 0.1 seconds from before. Top speed for the two-wheel- and all-wheel drive Ghibli S is raised to \n286 km/h\n. Maserati has also replaced the hydraulic steering with an\n Electric Powered\n unit which allows for the integration of the Advanced Driving Assistance Systems. A new \nIntegrated Vehicle Control (IVC)\n which allows the driver to alter the vehicles Electronic Stability Programme also made its debut with the updated Ghibli.\nA host of \nAdvanced Driving Assistance Systems\n including Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition also made its way to the updated Ghibli range.\nLocally, Naza Italia has the \npre-facelift Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S on sale\n for RM619k and RM709k respectively. If you fancy a swanky new LED headlamps and extra grunt, hold on to your cheque books for now because you can bet that the facelift Ghiblis will make its way to our shores soon enough.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The production version of the Nissan Ariya electric SUV has been revealed following its \nconcept debut at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show\n and if this is what the future of electric SUVs hold, sign us up!\nWe can all unanimously agree that it\u2019s quite a looker with Nissan\u2019s signature V-motion design at the front and a dramatically sloping roofline at the back. Some of you might oppose but I\u2019d prefer those 19-inch wheels (which can be spec-ed to 20-inches) to look less \u201celectric car-like\u201d, if you know what I mean.\nTo power the Ariya electric SUV, you get to choose between a single motor, rear-wheel drive or a twin electric motor, all-wheel drive model. With both models, Nissan is offering \ntwo battery capacity options; either a 63kWh or an 87 kWh battery\n.\nIn the single motor variants, the \n63 kWh battery\n will net you 217 hp and 300 Nm with a pure electric range of 450 km. 0 to 100 km/h? 7.5 seconds. As for the larger \n87 kWh battery\n, that bumps power up to 242 hp but 0 to 100 km/h is a tad slower at 7.6 seconds. You do gain a whole lot of electric range though; up to 600 km. Top speed is capped at 160 km/h in both the models.\nAs for the twin motor, all-wheel drive models, the smaller \n63 kWh battery\n will happily pump out 339 hp and 560 Nm for a time of 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h while returning 430 km of driving range. With the bigger \n87 kWh battery\n, you\u2019re looking at 394 hp and 600 Nm and for that you get a \nGolf GTI-rivalling\n 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds. Driving range is just under 600 km; not too shabby.\nWith a fast charger, Nissan says the Ariya electric SUV can return almost 400 km of driving range with just 30 mins of charging. If you thought that was impressive, you\u2019ve seen nothing. It\u2019s also clear how the cabin has benefited from the lack of moving parts under the fully electric Ariya.\nYou get a floating dashboard, \nbased on Nissan\u2019s Engawa design concept\n, that\u2019s completely void of panels underneath, freeing up more space than you\u2019ll ever need at the front. As the Ariya is fully electric, there isn\u2019t a drive shaft connecting the front and rear wheels, so you don\u2019t get an annoying hump in the middle of the rear seats.\nWhat\u2019s particularly impressive is the surface of the panels and the touch sensitive controls that illuminate to the touch. When not activated, the symbols just disappear into the grey surface, leaving a clean and minimalist appearance. How cool! Now who says all electric cars are boring?\nFor the latest price list of\n Nissan\n vehicles in Malaysia following the Sales Tax Exemption, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Mazda\u2019s\nground-breaking 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X petrol engine is the first of its kind to adopt\nSpark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) technology which promises high\noutput with best-in-class fuel economy.\nThe 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X powerplant commands a maximum output of \n180 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n224 Nm\n from a lowly 3,000 rpm in the \nall-new Mazda 3\n. It is also equipped with the \nMazda M Hybrid\n, a 24V mild-hybrid system to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The engine is paired to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.\nUnder the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle, the Mazda 3 SkyActiv-X was found to return in an impressive \n52.3 mpg (5.4L/100 km)\n and 96 grams of CO2 emissions per km. Impressive numbers for a naturally aspirated petrol engine but this is only applicable for cars running on \n16-inch alloys\n.\nFor a more realistic figure, on Mazda 3s with \n18-inch alloys\n, the WLTP rated fuel consumption is \n50.4 mpg (5.6L/100 km)\n with 102g/km of CO2 emissions. Still pretty remarkable considering that WLTP mimics real-world driving conditions as closely as possible.\nMazda 3 HB test mule powered by SkyActiv-X engine\nThe SkyActiv-X is the result of Mazda\u2019s dedication to keeping naturally aspirated petrol engines alive and relevant in today\u2019s world of tightening emission regulations. With our \nfirst impressions\n of the (then work-in-progress) SkyActiv-X being fairly positive and now the good news of impressive WLTP fuel economy rating, the last thing to look out for is whether the SkyActiv-X engine can stand the test of time and then we\u2019ll be sold."
"Following the implementation of the\n Goods and Service Tax\n (GST) on 1st of April 2015, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has released the new prices for all the vehicles currently on sale here.\nMark Raine\n, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, \u201cWe are happy to announce that \nprices for our cars\n have been \nlowered\n following the implementation of the GST. This is fully compliant with the Government\u2019s recommendation and the Anti-Profiteering Act, 2011.\u201d.\nReferring to the table below, all models received a \nprice reduction\n, most notably the new \nE 300 BlueTEC HYBRID\n which sees the price slashed by RM 10,000.\nModel\nOld Price\nNew Price with GST\nPrice difference\nA 200\nRM 198,888\nRM 196,888\n-RM 2,000\nA 250 Sport\nRM 238,888\nRM 236,888\n-RM 2,000\nA 45 AMG\nRM 346,888\nRM 343,888\n-RM 3,000\nCLA 200\nRM 235,888\nRM 233,888\n-RM 2,000\nCLA 45 AMG\nRM 399,888\nRM 396,888\n-RM 3,000\nGLA 200\nRM 238,888\nRM 236,888\n-RM 2,000\nGLA 250 4MATIC\nRM 268,888\nRM 266,888\n-RM 2,000\nGLA 45 AMG\nRM 378,888\nRM 375,888\n-RM 3,000\nB 200\nRM 220,888\nRM 218,888\n-RM 2,000\nC 200 Avantgarde\nN/A\nRM 269,888\nN/A\nC 250 Exclusive\nN/A\nRM 299,888\nN/A\nC 250 Coupe\nRM 388,888\nRM 384,888\n-RM 4,000\nE 300 BlueTEC HYBRID\nRM 348,888\nRM 338,888\n-RM 10,000\nE 200 Avantgarde\nRM 366,888\nRM 364,888\n-RM 2,000\nE 250 Avantgarde\nRM 405,888\nRM 403,888\n-RM 2,000\nE 400 Avantgarde\nRM 493,888\nRM 490,888\n-RM 3,000\nE 250 Coupe\nRM 490,888\nRM 485,888\n-RM 5,000\nCLS 400\nN/A\nRM 598,888\nN/A\nS 400 L HYBRID\nRM 587,888\nRM 583,888\n-RM 4,000\nML 350\nRM 570,888\nRM 564,888\n-RM 6,000\n\u00a0\nAll the vehicles listed above are CBU units, with the exception of the E-Class sedan range, the S 400 L HYBRID, and the new C-Class sedan which are assembled here in Pekan Pahang."
"They say a picture speaks a thousands words and in the case of this land speed record-chasing Bloodhound, there\u2019s no better way to illustrate just how quick it is than with visuals of how it completely destroys the \nBugatti Chiron\n and Formula 1 race car.\nThe Bloodhound project has been around since 2008, with the goal of breaking the 1,000 mph (1,609 km/h) mark en route to a new land speed record. The previous land speed record was set in 1997 by the Thrust SSC with a speed of 763 mph (1,227 km/h).\nAttempts to eclipse the previous land speed record have been plagued with problems and the project was even temporarily shut down due to the lack of funding until a new investor arrived in 2018 to revive the project.\n \nNo details were released as to what the \u201cstandard car\u201d was or which Formula 1 race car was used but the Chiron needs no further introduction. Last year, it became the \nfirst hypercar to exceed the 300 mph (482 km/h)\n mark, after \nclocking 400 km/h the year before\n.\nRight off the bat, the Chiron does a pretty good job hanging on to the Formula 1 car and both were side by side until the 200 mph (322 km/h) mark. As the Formula 1 race car hits its top speed, there\u2019s plenty more juice left in the tank for the Chiron.\nAt this point, the Bloodhound has already picked up steam and from 200 mph (322 km/h) onwards, it just slingshots into the future \u2013 reaching speeds of 628 mph (1,010 km/h) before the video ends."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has flexed yet another fibre of its high-performance SUV muscle with the introduction of the new GLC 63 S 4MATIC alongside the GLC 63 S Coupe 4MATIC and the G63 wagon at the Sepang International Circuit.\nUnder its bulging hood rests a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine paired to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission, with output rated at 510 hp and 700 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is destroyed in just 3.8 seconds while top speed is capped at 270 km/h, if you have the guts.\nMercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC\nEngine\n4.0-litre Bi-turbo V8\nTranmission\n9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT \nMax Power\n510 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Power\n700 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.8 seconds; 270 km/h\nPrice\nRM 915,888 (OTR without Insurance)\nWearing the AMG Night Package attire, the GLC 63 S is dressed in 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels, the signature Panamericana grille, AMG performance calipers, AMG spoiler lip, the raunchy AMG Performance exhaust system and the highly effective and desirable Multibeam LED headlamps.\nInside the AMG-themed interior includes a panoramic sliding sunroof, AMG steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, AMG sports seats, AMG carbon fibre and polished aluminium trims and AMG front door sill panels.\nEntertainment is provided by a Burmester sound system while a head-up display projects all the necessary drive information onto the front windscreen.\nDriver assistance systems include a surround view camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist and Adaptive Brake Lights.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the emergence of a possible Proton and Suzuki \njoint model\n by the end of the year, speculations abound on the mysterious Suzuki model that may be carrying the black tiger emblem sometime in the future. Here are some the things we gathered:\nIt won\u2019t be a model that Suzuki sold previously. Hence, that eliminates the Alto, \nSwift\n, Jimny and \nS-Cross\n models\nAn excerpt from Proton\u2019s press statement reads, \u201cSuzuki\u00a0will then provide specific technical assistance for the products while it leverages on Proton\u2019s\u00a0vast local distribution and service network for its rebranded cars.\u201d This suggests that the likelihood of a rebadged Suzuki model being sold in Malaysia is \nas good as zero\n.\nIt will be based on\n Suzuki\u2019s A or B segment car.\nIt\u2019s in a segment that \nProton has not produced\n\u00a0or contended before.\nOn that note, there can be only one model we can think off. Enter the \nSuzuki Ertiga\n.\nFor the uninitiated, the Ertiga is a \ncompact MPV\n model based on an extended Swift platform. Introduced in 2012, the seven-seater MPV was jointly developed by Suzuki and its Indian subsidiary, Maruti Autos. Based on a B-segment platform, the car is considered as a crossover between a hatchback and an MPV.\nThe Ertiga is powered by two engine options: a\n 1.4-litre petrol\n that produces \n93 hp\n with\n 130 Nm\n of torque, and a Fiat-sourced\n 1.3-litre diesel\n that churns \n88 hp\n with \n200 Nm\n of torque. Gearbox options include the tried and tested \nfive-speed manual\n or \nfour-speed automatic.\nAlthough the engine\u2019s numbers seem like they were taken from a car catalogue a decade ago, practicality and low running costs are the two key reasons why the Ertiga is a big hit in populous countries such as the Indonesia and India. After all, the Ertiga is aimed at\u00a0developing nations rather than in Japan.   This brings us to our next point. We think the next Proton-Suzuki model will be based on what Maruti Suzuki cheekily claims as an\u00a0\nLUV\n (\nLife Utility Vehicle\n). Here\u2019s why:\nIn order for Suzuki to test its partnership with Proton, it would be wise for the Japanese to pick a \u201c\nproven\n\u201d model that needs little development. The Ertiga sold well in developing nations, hence lies the potential of this model in Malaysia.\nThe \ntime frame\n. Since the signing of their MoU in\u00a0June 2015, a joint model was to be released by the end of the year, and it will make better sense for them to work on swapping the badge from an existing model given the time constraints. The 18-month period will provide ample time for that, as developing a model from scratch\u00a0might take up to 2-3 years to bear fruit.\nThe new Ertiga will allow Proton to \ncompete in a segment it\u2019s not in.\n Despite having a larger Exora MPV model in its stable, the Exora has aged and it\u2019s battling a price disadvantage when compared to Perodua Alza. The Alza scores well among Malaysians due to its affordability, proven reliability and better perceived value. The Ertiga rebadge model however, seems promising enough to\n\u00a0give the Alza a real run for its money\n.\nApart from the Ertiga, the Celerio (pictured below) would be another ideal candidate to become the next Proton car. Proton has yet to have an A-Segment hatchback and the Celerio would fill that gap. Despite that, the likelihood for that to happen is low as reports show\u00a0the new Saga model, part of the four new models to be launched by Proton this year, will be demoted to an A-segment car. That said, it\u2019s\n unwise to have two cars competing in the same segment\n.\nAlthough the Ertiga makes perfect sense for this joint model, fingers crossed Proton will not retain its original four-speed automatic gearbox because you know, it\u2019s 2016. In any case, Proton has already ditched the antiquated four-speed automatics to make way for a similarly underwhelming CVT gearbox for its Saga and Iriz models.\nLooking at things now, there\u2019s a high chance that the Ertiga model that could be bearing Proton\u2019s emblem will be based on the revised Ertiga Dreza model. Unveiled for the Indonesia market just last week, it\u2019s essentially the Ertiga with all the bells and whistles.\nSo what do you think of our prediction? Head up the comments page and tell us if you agree or disagree on this.\n[Image Source: Suzuki]"
"Toyota is set to debut an all-new compact SUV \u2013 heavily rumoured to be the Toyota Corolla Cross \u2013 this Thursday (9th July), as confirmed by a \nbrief announcement video \nposted on the Toyota Thailand YouTube channel.\nAside from a catchy slogan, virtually nothing else was revealed by Toyota. Hence, we\u2019ve scoured the internet gathering some additional information to give you a brief idea of what to expect this Thursday. However, as is usual, pre-launch unverified information should always be taken with a pinch of salt.\n \nMost internet sources suggests that the upcoming compact crossover will be built on the brand\u2019s highly-praised \nTNGA platform\n \u2013 more specifically the TNGA-C, which is also used in the \nall-new Toyota Corolla\n. In terms of size, the rumoured Corolla Cross will likely line up against the \nHonda HR-V\n, \nSubaru XV\n, and \nMazda CX-30\n \u2013 a space previously occupied by the \nToyota C-HR\n.\nWhile some sources claim that the upcoming compact crossover will essentially replace the Toyota C-HR, we think that it is more likely that the Corolla Cross will be marketed as a more \u201ctraditional\u201d alternative to the coupe-like styling of the C-HR \u2013 much like what BMW does with the\n X1\n and \nX2\n.\nSpy shots seem to suggest a heavy influence from the \nToyota RAV4\n, featuring more striking and angular shapes across the exterior, including the snazzy almost-square-like wheel arches.\nKeen readers will also notice that the launch schedule coincides with the \u201call-new crossover\u201d entry on the \nleaked Toyota timeline\n that we previously published for the upcoming GT86 (or GR86, which it will be apparently called).\nAccording to the leaked timeline, the Corolla Cross will be \u201call hybrid\u201d, though Thai automotive news site \nHeadlightmag\n claims that the entry-level model will be powered by the 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE engine lifted straight from the \nToyota Corolla\n, good for \n139 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque.\nAside from the single variant though, the source says that the upcoming Toyota Corolla Cross will feature the 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine as seen on the \nPrius\n and pre-facelift C-HR Hybrid, which pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine to an electric motor for a combined output of roughly \n120 hp\n.\nThe TNGA-C platform used on the \nToyota C-HR\n.\nCurrently, there are no news if we will be getting the new Toyota compact crossover here in Malaysia, but would you be interested to see a new HR-V rival from Toyota on our roads? Let us know in the comments section below!"
"Kia\n \nhas released several images of a camouflaged Kia EV9 currently undergoing its final verification tests, ahead of the moidel\u2019s world debut in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1 2023). The Korean carmaker says the EV9 will become the brand\u2019s flagship model, and will \u201crevolutionise the large electric SUV segment, while accelerating Kia\u2019s brand transformation and affirming its leadership in sustainable electric mobility.\u201d\nBack in November 2021, Kia unveiled the \nKia EV9 Concept\n at the AutoMobility LA motor show in Los Angeles. Measuring about the same size as a Hyundai Palisade or \nMazda CX-9\n, the Kia EV9 concept was claimed to have an electric range of \n482 km\n and featured a \n350 kW\n charger that allowed a charging time of 20-30 minutes from 10% to 80%.\nThe Kia EV9 has now undergone 44 months of development. In its final testing phase, the EV9 is relentlessly subjected to a demanding verification program that entails a 4WD climbing hill, a rough terrain track, and a deep-water wading test. Testing is also done on Kia\u2019s high-speed, handling, and low-friction tracks.\nOn top of the test program at Namyang R&D centre, the Kia EV9 is also subjected to verification tests in locations all over the globe. The cobble roads in Belgium, for example, enable Kia\u2019s engineers to test the EV9\u2019s ride comfort and build quality.\nRELATED:\n Kia EV9 Concept previews a large three-row EV SUV with multi-mode interior\nLike the \nEV6\n, the Kia EV9 is built on the Hyundai Group\u2019s \nElectric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)\n. With rather revealing camouflage, distinct design features of the EV9 can be seen clearly, and we think it\u2019s looking good. Most design elements from the concept appear to have been retained here, giving the EV9 a tough, rugged look.\nKia reported strong EV sales in the second quarter of 2022, including 8,171 units of the EV6 globally in July alone. Across the time period, retail sales of Kia\u2019s BEV models accounted for 44,000 units, representing a 98% increase year-on-year.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Motor Group now third-largest global carmaker \u2013 3.3 million vehicles sold in H1 2022\nRELATED: \nFive cool features in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 you might not know about\nGALLERY"
"Bentley has just unveiled\na new V8 version of its third-generation Bentley Continental GT and GT Convertible.\nThe new eight-cylinder option promises a more agile character from the luxury\nGrand Tourer.\nBoth V8 models are powered by a new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 pushing out \n550 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. An active all-wheel drive is fitted as standard where the system will be predominantly rear-wheel driven for optional efficiency and dynamic performance.\nCentury sprint takes \n4.0 seconds\n on the coupe while the convertible gets to the 100 km/h mark in \n4.1 seconds\n. Top speed is capped at \n318 km/h\n on both variants. As a reference, the \nW12 powered Continental GT coupe\n takes 3.7 seconds to make the century sprint and has a claimed top speed of 333 km/h.\nThe Continental GT V8\ncan be distinguished by its quad exhaust, 20-inch, 10-spoke painted alloy\nwheels and V8 badging on the front fenders. Otherwise equipment levels are identical\nto the W12 from the cut-crystal Matrix LED headlamps, 48-volt Dynamic Ride\nSystem, 10-speaker Bentley Audio\nsystem, 12.3-inch touchscreen Bentley Rotating Display and\nmore.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nBentley\u00a0Continental\u00a0GT\u00a0V8\u00a0Coupe\nBentley\u00a0Continental\u00a0GT\u00a0V8\u00a0Convertible"
"As a sign of appreciation to the frontliners who have worked tirelessly this past year in our battle against the \nCovid-19\n pandemic, Honda Malaysia is giving away a special-edition \nHonda Jazz\n 1 Million Edition to these frontline workers, as part of the \n1 Million Dreams campaign\n.\nHonda Malaysia is celebrating its one-millionth car sold with the 1 Million Dreams campaign, where the company is giving away seven unique special edition models \u2013 one each of every model in its current line-up \u2013 to lucky contest winners. However, the Honda Jazz 1 Million Edition is specifically reserved for \ngovernment servants and frontliners in the health, defence, public service, and education sectors\n.\nJust like all other models in this special edition series, the Honda Jazz 1 Million Edition also gets a unique exterior characterised by the dual-tone, blacked out roof, body trim, and wheels, contrasted by red accents on the front fascia, wheels, and side mirrors. Unique to the Jazz is also a red strip on its rear bumper; no other 1 Million Edition model gets this extra sporty flair!\nTying up the exterior styling are the \u201c1 Million Dreams Special Edition\u201d badges on the front fenders. The same logo is also found on an epoxy sticker on the dashboard inside, and also debossed onto the headrests on the front seats. The Honda Jazz 1 Million Edition also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red cross stitching and centre marking, as well as a special leather pouch for your keys.\nOtherwise, the car is unchanged from the standard Honda Jazz, and that includes the powertrain underneath the bonnet. The Honda Jazz 1 Million Edition is powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, which makes \n118 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nSo how do you win it? If you fall within the criteria listed above, all you have to do is to submit the entry form through the webpage, linked \nhere\n. Be sure to select the \u201cFrontliners\u201d category, and after you answer a couple of questions, you\u2019ll be in the running to win the Honda Jazz 1 Million Edition!\nFor the rest of us who aren\u2019t frontline workers, there are still six other cars to be won. Check out\n our gallery \nfor a closer look at all of them, along with the contest details!\nGALLERY"
"BMW\n Individual has created a special edition 8 Series line up called the Golden Thunder. It\u2019s available for all the variants of the new \nBMW 8 Series Coupe\n, \n8 Series Convertible\n and the\n 8 Series Gran Coup\u00e9\n. This includes the 840i, 840d xDrive and the \nM850i xDrive\n.\nThe special edition BMW 8 Series comes in either Sapphire Black metallic or Frozen Black Metallic paint jobs and are complemented with black brake calipers. As for what makes it the Golden Thunder, you get a gold strip across the side of the car, gold mirror caps, 20-inch rims finished in gold. In the 8 Series Gran Coupe, the Golden Thunder comes with an M rear spoiler.\nInside the Golden Thunder isn\u2019t as striking with the front head rests embroidered with the words \u201cEdition Golden Thunder\u201d, Alcantara roof liner and a gold centre console with a mesh effect. The special edition models are also finished with an emblem and feature CraftedClarity glass applications for selected controls and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.\nThe 840i Gran Coupe M Sport launched in Malaysia recently.\nOn that note, BMW Malaysia recently introduced the \nBMW 840i Gran Coupe M Sport\n priced at RM968,800. BMW Malaysia later on revised the price to \nRM937,411\n due to the\n Sales Tax Exemption\n implemented recently on 15th of June till 31st December 2020.\nA 3.0-litre straight six engine making\u00a0\n340 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n500 Nm\n powers the 840i Gran Coupe, good enough to get it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds.\nGALLERY"
"BMW is introducing its fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology in the \nBMW iX3\n, the brand\u2019s first all-electric SUV, due in 2020. The same electric powertrain technology will also be used in the\n i4\n, as well as the\n iNEXT \ntechnology flagship.\u00a0\nThe new electric powertrain is developed completely in-house by BMW, and the motor and high-voltage batteries produced in corporately owned manufacturing plants. Both components are flexibly scalable in terms of power and energy content, and thus able to be used in various different vehicle concepts and segments.\u00a0\nThe fifth-generation BMW eDrive powertrain incorporates the electric motor, system electronics and transmission into a central housing. This has considerably lowered the installation space and weight of the drive technology; BMW says that ratio between motor output and weight of the drive system has improved by around \n30%\n compared to the previous generation.\nThe electric motor in the BMW iX3 generates a maximum power output of \n210 kW\n (286 hp), with a maximum torque at \n400 Nm\n. As with any electric motors, maximum torque is available instantly from standstill, but BMW claims that their exclusive design measures enables the motor to keep up even at the upper motor speeds.\u00a0\nBMW\u2019s new construction methods for the electric motor has eliminated the need of rare earth materials. With the motors driving the iX3\u2019s rear wheels, the efficiency of the motors can be increased, while also conveying the traditional BMW rear-wheel drive experience in a new domain.\nAs for the battery, the high-voltage unit in the fifth generation eDrive system is based on the latest evolution in NMC-811 technology. BMW\u2019s development on the battery has allowed for an increased energy density, while also improving all battery cell characteristics, in particular the durability and safety of the high-voltage cells.\nThe\u00a0battery pack in the iX3 is installed in an \u201cextremely flat position\u201d in the vehicle floor, thanks to the scalability of the cell design to optimise the compact packaging of the pack.\u00a0\nAs a result, the electrically powered iX3 does not compromise in terms of space in the passenger cell and luggage compartment, compared to the petrol or diesel powered versions of the BMW X3.\nThe BMW iX3 utilises a \n74 kWh\n battery pack, achieving a range of more than \n440 km\n in the WLTP cycle \u2013 translated to a power efficiency of less than \n20 kWh/100km\n.\u00a0\nOnce the battery pack completes its first life in the car, it can be repurposed as a stationary battery pack, further improving the overall CO2 balance of the BMW iX3.\u00a0\nThe 500,000th electrified BMW vehicle, delivered to its owner in BMW Welt.\nIn related news, BMW has delivered half a million electrified vehicles to customers worldwide, with the delivery of a BMW 330e at the BMW Welt in Munich yesterday.\u00a0\nBMW aims to double that number by the end of 2021 with the introduction of new electric models such as the iX3, and i4 in 2021.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"What was previously known as the Proven Exclusivity brand, has now been rebranded to \u201cMercedes-Benz Certified\u201d in line with the brand\u2019s global transition.\nSo what\u2019s Mercedes-Benz Certified anyways?\nIt\u2019s essentially a programme that allows you to cherry pick from a collection certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz models at the\n Certified Pre-Owned Centre launched today\n, made attractive by two main factors; immaculate condition and appealing prices.\nVehicles under this programme are \nsourced from authorised Mercedes-Benz Malaysia dealers\n, \naged six years or less\n and had \nclocked less than 125,000 km\n, without any core structural damages.\nThese vehicles are fully serviced and maintained only by authorised Mercedes-Benz service centres with original parts.\nWith that, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has offered \nnine reasons or rather \u201cpromises\u201d\n that comprehensively covers all your concerns when thinking about buying a used Mercedes-Benz.\n215 multi-point inspection\nEach vehicle had undergone rigourous inspections by certified technicians before receiving the Mercedes-Benz Certified stamp of approval. Inspection is done on the body of the car, engine components, chassis, electric systems with extensive road tests.\nTest drives\nCustomers will be offered the option to test drive any of the Mercedes-Benz Certified vehicles to decide on whether the car fits their needs and preferences.\nTrade-in\nCustomers are given the option to trade-in their existing vehicles when purchasing a Mercedes-Benz Certified vehicle.\nGenuine service and maintenance records\nAll the Mercedes-Benz Certified vehicles have been checked and verified with genuine service and maintenance records from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers.\nGenuine Mileage\nThe same Certified vehicles would\u2019ve also been checked and verified of their genuine mileage which is guaranteed by Mercedes-Benz.\n12-month warranty extension\nOn top of the remaining existing warranty, these Certified vehicles will also be covered by a 12-month warranty extension with unlimited mileage.\nFinance and Insurance services\nVehicles under this programme will be offered with finance and insurance services, to cater to customer\u2019s preferences \u2013 making it more irresistible and attractive to own a Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz.\nService Contracts\nUnder the Certified programme, customers are also offered with flexible and affordable service contracts for the service and maintenance package of their pre-owned Mercedes-Benz.\nRoad Assistance\nMercedes-Benz Certified vehicle owners will also be assured and accompanied by a 24-hour road assistance service in the event of a breakdown.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia\n has recently rebranded its FuelSave 95 fuel through the \u201cShell FuelSave 95 Extra Kilometer, Ternyata Berbeza\u201d campaign.\nThe Shell FuelSave 95 with \nDYNAFLEX technology\n focuses on three things:\nExtra Savings, Instantly (Ekstra Penjimatan) \u2013 reduces friction by up to 90% in critical engine parts to maximize fuel economy\nExtra Clean (Ekstra Bersih) \u2013 prevents 95% of deposit formation for a cleaner engine\nExtra Protection (Ekstra Perlindungan) \u2013 protects engines from wear, corrosion, and deposit build-up with its \u2018Triple Action\u2019 formula\n \nAccording to a consumer study, these key benefits are in tandem with the demands of Malaysian motorists for better mileage and cost savings when considering their fuel of choice.\nCustomers can expect up to \n1.85% increase in mileage \nalong with \nextra protection for key components\n in a car\u2019s fueling system such as the intake valves and fuel injectors against deposit build-ups. Friction-reducing molecules also help protect the engine\u2019s piston rings\n\u201cWe place customers at the heart of everything we do; all our fuels are developed with their needs in mind. With the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting many Malaysian households financially, we resonate strongly with our customers and understand that a little extra goes a long way,\u201d said Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur, Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain.\n\u201cShell FuelSave 95 aspires to deliver instant fuel economy from the very first drop and is the smart choice for customers,\u201d he added.\nTo make this journey extra rewarding, Shell Malaysia has partnered with BonusLink to give customers up to 4X Points whenever they spend a minimum of RM50 on fuel at Shell petrol stations."
"Honda Malaysia has introduced the HondaTouch mobile application, its latest digitalised service, with a multitude of features to enhance engagement and provide convenience to Honda owners and non-owners alike.\nThe platform includes a complete dealer and service centre listing, where Honda owners can \nmake service appointments\n with their preferred dealers directly through the application. Closer to the appointment, a pop-up notification will appear on customers\u2019 smartphones as a reminder.\nThe application also allows customers to keep tabs on all information about their vehicle, including their \nvehicle service history\n, while also providing \nreal-time service status tracking\n, allowing customers to monitor the progress without having to set-up camp at the service centre \u2013 perfect for the post-Covid-19 world!\nIn the event of a breakdown or accident, owners can also \ncontact the roadside assistance service\n directly through the application for immediate assistance. Customers using the \nHonda Insurance Plus (HIP)\n will also receive\n insurance renewal reminder\n through the application itself.\nHonda Malaysia CEO, Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cThe HondaTouch application is designed to provide convenience and ease of communication between Honda Authorised Dealers and customers, allowing easy access to obtain vehicle service information; vehicle assistance, and updates from Honda Malaysia.\n\u201cUltimately, it is our vision to create value for mobility and to improve the daily lives of our customers through regular engagement; and the intuitive HondaTouch application does exactly that.\u201d\nYou\u2019ll be able to book the \nall-new Honda City RS e:HEV \nthrough the application when it comes out!\nThe HondaTouch application can also be registered by non-Honda customers, with several features designed specifically for this crowd. These include access to the latest Honda Malaysia promotions, events, and updates. From December onwards, you can even \npre-book a vehicle\n directly through the application without stepping foot into a dealership!\nThe application is now available for download for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information on the HondaTouch application, customers can call Honda Malaysia\u2019s toll-free number at \n1800 88 2020\n or log onto the \nHonda Malaysia website\n."
"The third-generation \nToyota Vios recently received a major makeover\n for the Malaysian market, and we had the opportunity to sample the car first hand before its official debut taking it from Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Johor and back, covering almost 1,000 km in the process.\n \nDespite wearing a new shell of the Yaris Ativ and extensively enhanced features (7 airbags, drive mode selector and blind spot monitor!), this remains to be the third-generation Vios adopting the same 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with 7 virtual ratios. Output remains to be at \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n driving the front wheels.\nWith prices starting from RM77,200 to RM87,300, the striking design with aero kit (standard across all variants), 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control and improved NVH levels, the Vios has finally caught up with segment leader, Honda City.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\n2019 Toyota\u00a0Vios\u00a01.5 G Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"If you thought our previous story on \ntwo 19-year olds speeding in daddy\u2019s car\n was the mark of stupidity, this is on another level.\nYou\u2019ve probably thought of doing it, some of us might have done it and probably even got away scot-free. In Germany however, showing the middle finger to speed cameras may land you in hot soup; much hotter than you\u2019d expect.\nRecently, the driver of a BMW X5 found that out the hard way. While travelling on the B289 highway just outside of Nuremberg, Germany, not only did the 26-year old \nexceed the speed limit by 11 km/h\n, \nhe also\n \nflashed a middle finger\n at the speed camera. The speed limit in the area was 70 km/h.\nWhat followed was probably beyond the driver\u2019s wildest dreams. Instead of receiving a slap on the wrist with a fine of just 20 euros (approx. RM99) for breaching the speed limit, he received a fine of 1,500 euros (approx RM7,542) instead.\nThat\u2019s 75 times more than the usual rate for taking a piss at the German authorities who clearly wanted to make an example out of him. That\u2019s not all. The District Court of Kulmbach also banned him from driving for a month.\nGuess there is a moral to this story; never mess with the authorities when you\u2019re at fault and always keep a cool head on the road no matter the situation. It could just save you a lot of trouble and of course, money.\nSource: \nFacebook"
"As part of transformation and \nGeely\u2019s\n aggressive push for the brand\u2019s expansion, Lotus has released a teaser image of the upcoming Type 132, the first of three premium electric models that will be launched over the next four years.\nThe teaser image by Lotus is a twist to the usual silhouettes and digital renderings of the vehicle, in which the company shows details of the Type 132 model\u2019s lower grille and the operation of the active grille shutter.\nClose\nOpen\nThe accompanying video shows the active grille shutter that is fitted at the lower portion of the front bumper shows the opening and closing operation and aptly titled \u2018Breathe\u2019. Active grille shutters are used to control the airflow into the cooling radiators, with the closed position benefiting smoother airflow and ultimately better overall efficiency.\nExample of active grille shutter on the Audi e-tron\nThe introduction of the Type 132 SUV will be joined by a four-door coupe under the code of Type 133. Both of these are segmented in the European E-segment, with competitors for the Type 132 SUV featuring models such as Tesla Model X, \nBMW iX\n, the upcoming \nMercedes-EQE SUV\n, \nnew-generation Volvo XC90\n, Audi e-Tron and other EV versions of Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Velar and \nLexus\n.\n \nA third model called the Type 134 will be a segment smaller to compete with the \nBMW iX3\n, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes EQC, the upcoming Porsche Macan EV and the \nupcoming Polestar 3\n.\nThese three two-row, mass production, new-era premium Lotus vehicles will have much of their design, engineering and production in \nWuhan, China.\nLotus Type 132 sketch\nLotus will then build the \nEV spiritual successor\n to the Elise and \nEmira\n at its ever-expanding Hethel facility in the UK, currently using the code name Type 135. The sports car is also a joint development with Renault\u2019s \nAlpine\n brand to replace its A110 model and both will only make their debut in 2026.\nWe expect Lotus to perhaps continue with at least another three more teases, as video briefly looped the other words which are Stretch (interior space?), See (multiple sensors?) and Awaken (performance?)."
"We finally got a first look at Lamborghini\u2019s latest \ntrack-only lap time slayer\n \u2013 the \nSCV12 \n\u2013 just a couple days back, but the Italian hypercar maker has now already given us an \nonboard video\n where we can see and hear the V12 beast at full tilt.\nThe video is an unedited onboard lap around the Imola circuit, with five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro at the wheel. Pirro, who\u2019s had a hand in the development of the track-only hypercar, will also be the coach in the advanced driving programmes for the new owners of the SCV12 at \u201csome of the world\u2019s most prestigious circuits\u201d.\n \nThe onboard video gives us a first look at the interior of the SCV12, where we can see the pared-down dashboard and centre console with a new Y-shaped interior structural piece, race car steering wheel with an integrated screen, along with a secondary roof-mounted display for the other vehicle information.\nBut most importantly, the onboard video also features the glorious full roar of the SCV12\u2019s V12 engine, which Lamborghini says is the most powerful naturally V12 engine they\u2019ve ever built \u2013 capable of delivering \nmore than 830 hp\n. Be sure to turn your volume way up for this one.\nLamborghini also says that the SCV12 will have \nmore downforce than a GT3 car\n. Judging by how relatively drama-free the car looks during cornering, we have no doubts about the hypercar\u2019s aerodynamic prowess.\nThe Lamborghini SCV12 will be unveiled through an \nonline world premiere event on the 30th of June \n(tomorrow!). We can\u2019t wait to see more!"
"As part of this year\u2019s Star Wars celebration and the brand\u2019s new series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Volkswagen has presented the\n ID. Buzz\n Light Side Edition and Dark Side Edition. Both units were also presented at the premiere of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series.\nUsing special adhesive films, the designers at Lucasfilm and Volkswagen created skins that convey the two sides, drawing specific inspiration from Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader, two iconic characters in the series.\nIn the \nLight Side Edition\n, the beige lower section is a tribute to Obi-Wan Kenobi\u2019s tunic outfit while the chrome bits refer to the design of the spaceships and droids in the Star Wars universe.\nThe blue line that stretches from the headlights to the side of the ID. Buzz symbolises Obi-Wan\u2019s blue lightsaber. The glass surfaces of the ID. Buzz are designed in transparent blue, complementing the underbody lighting. Logos of the Rebel Alliance can be found on the side windows as well as on the center caps of custom 21-inch wheels.\nThe ID.Buzz lettering at the rear of the vehicle is designed in the classic Star Wars \u2018Aurebesh\u2019 font, similar to the letterings by the side fenders.\nThe Dark Side Edition projects a more sinister impression with ominous shades of black and red. The body is finished in two shades of black while the sidelines, headlights, and window surfaces are in red, inspired by the Darth Vader\u2019s lightsaber. Unlike the Light Side Edition, the Dark Side Edition bears the logo of the Empire \u2013 just the kind of details that would get Star Wars fans aroused.\nThe\n ID. Buzz \nis powered by an electric motor paired to a 77 kWh battery that drives the rear wheels with 204 hp and 310 Nm. It is estimated to offer up to 520 km of electric driving range. It accommodates five passengers although Volkswagen will offer a six-seater option soon."
"In the past year or so, the automotive world has seen some things. Some are out of this world like the \nAston Martin AM-RB 001\n,\u00a0some downright crazy like \nEdna from Atieva\n. Today, Jeremy Clarkson, who is now filming for a new TV series, \nThe Grand Tour\n (TGT, get it?) has revealed his top 10 picks of cars introduced in 2015 and 2016.\nTo make it into the list, the former Top Gear host explains that the car must be more than just a mode of transport. It has to tingle your senses, speaks to your heart and excites your soul. Out of the 10 on his list, six are available or was available for sale in Malaysia. Without further ado, here\u2019s his list.\nMazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro\nIt seems that Clarkson is also drawn to the \nJinba-ittai\n philosophy of Mazda. The ND roadster is not only fun to drive, he claims it\u2019s akin to being\u00a0\n\u201cup there alongside a game of naked Twister with Scarlett Johansson and Cameron Diaz\u201d\n. The variant of his choice comes with a manual tranny (of course), unlike what \nBermaz has on offer\n. However, our editor, Matthew, \ntest drove the stick shift in Japan\n. He too describes the experience with the MX-5 \u201c\ncasually dating Scarlett Johansson\u201d.\nAlfa Romeo 4C Coup\u00e9\nThis 1.75-litre turbocharged Italian doesn\u2019t come with power steering but it does come with poor visibility and poor cabin refinement. Yet, the joys that the Alfa brings feels very human. Unfortunately, the 4C is not sold here, but you\u2019d be lucky to spot a few mint units at some parallel importers.\nMercedes-AMG GT S\nA 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 in an SLS AMG chassis that weighs less than 1,600kg is surely a big yes in Clarkson\u2019s book. Its long and wide stature led to Clarkson\u2019s claim of it looking like a modern-day muscle car. The Mercedes-AMG GT S is the more potent of the lot, with 503 hp and 650 Nm of torque while the more tamed AMG GT settles with 456 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Fortunately for us, one of Clarkson\u2019s top picks\u00a0\nis available for sale in Malaysia\n.\nFord Focus RS\nThe \nBlue Oval mega hatch\n has been receiving praises from motoring enthusiast all over the world. Clarkson too, no less. For five or six times less the price, the Focus RS is able to keep up and even overtake supercars in that price bracket. Thanks to its 2.3-litre ecoboost churning out 350 hp, as well as having\u00a0one\u00a0of the most advanced four-wheel-drive systems fitted into a car, Clarkson compares this to the Nissan GT-R. There\u2019s no news of it going on sale in Malaysia, and it probably never will.\nFord Mustang Fastback 5.0 V8 GT\nThis American muscle costs less than a Golf GTI in Great Britain, packs a huge V8 up front and slips the back end around every corner. What\u2019s not to like? Although the \nJaguar F-Type R\n packs the same formula, it is not a muscle car. This heavy body Mustang as Clarkson describes, is a little boy\u2019s dreams come true. Good news, \nbecause the Stang is on sale here\n.\nVolvo XC90 D5 AWD\nThe Swedish tank is an easy one to like. Proper space to fit seven adults comfortably, premium interior and an extremely luxurious ride. Simple Swedish recipe. Clarkson\u2019s choice comes with a diesel engine, however, Volvo Car Malaysia has the next best thing, the \nXC90 T8\n.\nVauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTi Tech Line\nA British representative made it to his list, the Vauxhall Zafira. The brand is not available locally. However, Clarkson claims it to be the most comfortable car in the world, even \nRolls-Royce\n. Makes us want to have a go in it.\nBMW M2\nMunich\u2019s baby M car is Clarkson\u2019s favourite M car. It\u2019s fast in a straight line and even through corners, all while putting a huge grin on your face. Clarkson remembers the time where he left more expensive GT cars in the dust. Malaysians can rejoice \nas the M2 is available\n\u00a0for purchase through official channels, albeit with a slight wait on the purchase list.\nFerrari 488 GTB\nFinally, a supercar to make it to the list, the turbocharged Prancing Horse from Maranello. The \n488 GTB\n is described as devilishly good by Clarkson, so good in fact he calls it the perfect driving machine. It\u2019s quite a feat for Ferrari, who somehow managed to turn a car\u00a0with such brute force into such a liveable, tamed machine. Want one? It costs around RM1.07 million before taxes!\nLamborghini Aventador\nNot the best in a straight line, nor is it any good around a track but its stunning road presence justifies everything else. That monstrous V12 and large dimensions is all you ever need in a supercar, claims Clarkson. Here\u2019s a \nlink\n to Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur should you want to purchase one of Clarkson\u2019s top 10.\nSo folks, what you think of Clarkson\u2019s top 10 picks? Have you any to share? What are your personal picks?"
"Back in 1984, Honda drew up plans for the company\u2019s first ever sports car and subsequently commissioned legendary Italian designer Pininfarina to sketch out the designs of the internally-codenamed HPX (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) project. The aim of the project was to beat the Ferrari of its day \u2013 the 328 GTB \u2013 yet make the car forgivingly fun and easy to drive. Honda initially reckoned that it could do the job with a tuned 2.0-litre VTEC mill but later abandoned it for a bespoke built 3.0-litre V6 VTEC engine, but then they\u2019ve set a new target to beat \u2013 the Ferrari 348 TB.\nAfter years of research and development, the project was christened NS-X or \nN\new \nS\nportscar e\nX\nperimental and was the first production car to feature an \nall-aluminium\n semi-monocoque\u00a0body \u2013 utterly revolutionary and \nyears\n ahead of its time, all thanks to the \ntrickled-down\n technology learnt from the company\u2019s foray into the pinnacle of motorsports, \nFormula One\n. The NSX finally debuted in \n1989\n with performance figures to stun and looks that could kill. Patience truly is a virtue.\nMany moons have come and gone since that momentous mark in history and the reign of the Honda NSX came to an end exactly a \ndecade\n ago. Everyone wondered if there would ever be another NSX model to \nsucceed\n Japan\u2019s first-ever sports car, and we wondered for years. After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, fans and the world were stunned some seven years later in\u00a0\n2012\n when Honda unveiled a concept of what could possibly be the next-gen NSX. Earlier this year, Honda confirmed that the \nNSX will commence production\n at their plant in \nOhio\n \u2013 weirdly, where approximately \n100\n highly-skilled \nlow-volume\n production specialists will conduct full body construction, paint, and final assembly.\nBut that\u2019s not why we brought you here, so let\u2019s get down the facts and figures of this second-gen icon. Rumours abounded that the concept car was going to house a great big \nV10\n lump that was slated to make out over 500 horses, but with the advent of vastly-improved hybrid drive systems, the engine need not be of such calibre. The mill that will be making its way to the production floor is a more manageable \ndry sump 3.5-litre V6\n that churns out \n500 bhp\n thanks to the beauty of twin-turbocharging. The byproduct of such marriage makes a tad of over \n550 Nm\n of torque.   Now, because the Honda NSX is a \nmid-engine\n\u00a0\nhybrid\n, the\u00a0\nTwin Motor Unit\n (TMU) are tasked with driving the \nfront\n wheels and this effectively makes it an \nall-wheel-drive\n runner, or Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The TMU up front is responsible for an additional \n75 hp\n which makes a grand total of \n575\n raging horses. But why would Honda electrify the NSX? Better mileage? That reasoning seems to elude sense for the bare fact that if all you wanted is economy and speed, buy a Prius \u2013 we\u2019re kidding about\u00a0the speed, obviously.\nIn an interview with \nTop Gear Magazine\n, chief engineer of the NSX, Ted Klaus tells us the purpose of the electric gubbins isn\u2019t economy but \ninstant response\n. The electric motors mask \nturbo lag\n; the vectoring helps \nagility\n. There are no official quoted economy figure anyway, but Klaus says the NSX will drink \nlike\n \na\n \nPorsche 911 Turbo\n, the most economical \nnon-hybrid\n supercar with quoted economy around \n9.4 litres per 100km\n. Only time will tell, we supposed. But that being said, it\u2019s almost perversely heart warming to see that manufacturers are using hybrid technology for the sole purpose of speed.\nAll that power has to be channeled out via a cog-box of some sort and Honda has elected to run with \u2013 get this \u2013 a\u00a0\nnine speed wet-dual-clutch gearbox\n that\u00a0works in concert with the engine and Direct Drive Motor to make full use of the broad power band, thus producing \nlightning\n quick gear changes that support the NSX\u2019s\n almost-zero-delay\n response. The gearbox has been ratioed brilliantly to accommodate various driving situations. With the \n1st\n gear ratioed toward \nacceleration\n while 2nd thru to 8th are \u2018\npower extractors\n\u2018 but oddly the final drive has been geared towards\u00a0\neconomy\n and \ncruising\n.\nHonda has also paid a keen eye on driver visibility in this new model just as they did with the previous. Back in the day, Chief Engineer \nShigeru Uehara\n even studied the design of an \nF-16\n fighter jet\u2019s cockpit in terms of visibility so that the NSX wouldn\u2019t be as hard to see out of as compared to other sports cars such as the \nLamborghini Countach\n or Ferraris of the time. Similarly, the engineers of this revival model worked tirelessly to ensure\u00a0exceptional \nforward visibility\n, not to mention\u00a0outstanding comfort and \nease of access\n for the driver and passenger.\nSpeaking of design, the advent of \ncarbon-fibre composite\n technology has not only enabled engineers to build \nlighter \nand more \nrigid\n body and cockpit cells, but also primarily make them \nsafer\n beyond all else. For that matter, McLaren says that the design of their \nP1 GTR\n\u00a0monocoque design is so strong that it effectively \neliminates\n the need for roll cages to the point that it is FIA \ncompliant\n.\nThe NSX\u2019s body utilises a space-frame design \u2013 an internal frame constructed of \naluminium\n, ultra-high strength steel and other advanced materials. Anchored by a \ncarbon fibre floor\n, torsional and bending forces are taken up entirely by this ultra-rigid structure which also utilises advanced \njoining\n technologies.\u00a0The NSX features a world-first casting technology that combines the design and manufacturing flexibility of a \ncasting\n process with the strength and elongation properties of a \nforged\n material, enabling significant weight \nreduction\n.\nNow we all know what\u2019s the best part of a lightweight sports car \u2013 handling.\u00a0The NSX utilises a\n fully independent\n, all-aluminium front and rear suspension setup and its immense power hits the tarmac via a set of sticky\u00a0\nContiSportContact\n rubbers that measure an astounding \n245/35Z R19\n at the front and \n295/30Z R20\n at the rear. Braking is dealt with\u00a0by a \nsix-piston\n front and \nfour-piston\n rear callipers squeezing on an ultra-high performance set of \ncarbon-ceramic\n brake discs.\nWith all that said and done, the word excited seems to be understating our \nunbounded\n anticipation of this icon\u2019s revival. Just like how the Nissan GT-R firmly and quite equivocally put the fear of God back into the giants that once held the high ground on big-boy toy playground, the NSX is billed to give German, Italian and British sports cars a \nproper\n run for their money. Much like other specifics, prices have yet to be announced, although Top Gear Magazine estimates it to be north of\u00a0\n\u00a3150,000\n (RM982k). If the car\u2019s price is far out of reach, fret not, there\u2019s always driving it in the upcoming \nGran Turismo Sport\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari just bagged the prestigious Red Dot: Best of the Best award for the third year running with the limited-edition \nFerrari J50\n.\nLimited to 10 examples worldwide, the special commemorative model of Ferrari\u2019s 50\nth\n anniversary in Japan was voted by judges to be the \u201cmaximum expression of design quality and ground-breaking design\u201d. The J50 was penned by Flavio Manzoni and features a completely new bodywork inspired by Ferrari\u2019s very own open competition barchettas (Italian 2-seater race cars). Coupled with the designer\u2019s ambitions to highlight Ferrari\u2019s ethos of nimbleness and agility, the futuristic J50 was born.   Besides the J50, the\u00a0\nLaFerrari Aperta\n, \n458 MM Speciale\n\u00a0and \nGTC4Lusso\n\u00a0were also awarded with Red Dot distinctions by an international jury of design experts for its high design quality.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFerrari J50   LaFerrari Aperta   Ferrari 458 MM Speciale   Ferrari GTC4Lusso"
"You may or may not know that the beastly\u00a0Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG had an electric twin, the SLS AMG Electric Drive. It was a short-lived affair because not too long after its inception, pure electric cars bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo just quietly disappeared.\nThen suddenly, Mercedes plans to have a full fleet of electric cars.\u00a0According to \nBloomberg\n, Mercedes are able to justify the business proposition of offering electric cars to the mass market. Plans are in progress to add two electric SUVs and two electric sedans. The new electric line-up is set to be marketed under a sub-brand, similar to how the i-Division is to BMW.\nWith the technology for electric vehicles becoming more readily available (on top of tightening emissions regulations), the time is right to introduce electric vehicles that are \nprofitable\n. Daimler\u2019s trucks chief, Wolfgang Bernhard also mentioned that there are plans in the pipeline to introduce fully electric trucks in the next 10 years. We will know more information about these plans come September at the Paris Motor Show."
"Product placement in Hollywood blockbusters gets you eyeballs, and the latest carmaker to leverage on this is Lexus in the forthcoming instalment of \nMen in Black\n, but something caught our eye in the global press release.\nThis photo was released by Lexus globally, the RC F sure looks like it\u2019s in a basement parking in Malaysia.\nIt may well be a coincidence (probably is, maybe), but the registration plate on the right-hand drive \nV8-powered RC F coupe\n used by MIB agents looks a lot like a Malaysian issued plate; could it be that Chris Hemworth, Tessa Thompson and Liam Neeson \u2013 the main protagonists in Men in Black; International \u2013 were in fact in Malaysia for the shoot?\n \nWe tried reaching out to Lexus Malaysia for confirmation but to no avail, whichever the case, when MIB: International lands, expect lots of Lexus-es featured including RX Hybrid and LX SUVs, and of course the gorgeous RC F coupe sporting some alien technology aiding the agent in saving the universe and humankind.\nWere Chris Hemworth and Tessa Thompson ever in Malaysia for the MIB shoot?"
"Mercedes-Benz for the first time in the history of BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study has topped BMW for the No. 2 most valuable automotive brand. Toyota remains as the world\u2019s most valuable car brand for the sixth consecutive year.\nThe three-pointed star had also topped its Bavarian rival in global vehicle sales in 2016 and 2017. Its brand value increased by 9% to US$25.7 billion while BMW grew 4% to US$25.6 billion. Mercedes-Benz attributed its growth to strong performance in China, Brazil and Russia.\nThe new \nA-Class sedan\n exclusively for the Chinese market\nGlobal BrandZ director at Kantar Millward Brown, Peter Walshe, told \nAutomotive News Europe\n that BMW\u2019s slow growth was due to its small decline in U.S. sales but remains an \u201cextremely well-performing brand\u201d.\nToyota\u2019s brand value grew by 5% to US$29.9 billion thanks to the strong demand for its SUVs in Europe and the United States. The Japanese carmaker\u2019s famed consistency and reliability also contributed to the brand\u2019s positive growth.\nOther notable mentions include Volkswagen which has re-entered the rankings at No. 10 with a brand value of almost US$6 billion, up from US$5.1 billion in 2017. The German carmaker dropped out of the ranking in 2016 and 2017 amidst of the Dieselgate scandal which cost VW billions in fines.\n\u201cVW maintained its strength in terms of its brand recommendation and brand trust. Those haven\u2019t been dented. Although customers hear about these negative things, it doesn\u2019t stop them from buying and VW\u2019s sales have shown this,\u201d Walshe said."
"A second economic stimulus package is due to be announced tomorrow and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has reportedly assured that it would be a more comprehensive and \u201crakyat-caring\u201d package. Fingers and toes crossed.\nAdding to this, Transport Minister, Wee Ka Siong, took to \nFacebook \nlast night to assure e-hailing drivers that they will not be neglected from this package and has since raised the issue to the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, YB Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.\nHe acknowledged how the Movement Control Order, now extended to 14th of April, has adversely affected the income of e-hailing drivers, with e-hailing businesses down by 80% to 90%.\n\u201cWe will not neglect e-hailing drivers which now make up 90% of the public transport services. Efforts to ease the burden of e-hailing and taxi drivers have been included in the Government\u2019s plan which will be tabled tomorrow,\u201d said Wee.\nSource: \nFacebook"
"MINI and renowned designer Paul Smith has come together to create a one-off fully electric MINI Cooper SE that mother nature would approve.\nBased on the idea of \u201cSimplicity, Transparency, Sustainability\u201d, they\u2019ve basically stripped down a 3-door Cooper SE, \navailable in Malaysia\n \nat RM218k, and replaced most of the trims and panels with sustainable, recycled material.\nFor starters, the body has been left unpainted, exposing the galvanised steel panels with grinding marks from the factory. Only a thin layer of transparent paint was painted on to protect against corrosion. MINI said it was to show off the car as a functional and robust daily companion.\nThe front and rear splitters, wheel arch panels and side skirts are all 3D printed from recycled plastic. The screws (yellow spots) for the panels were intentionally exposed; to show how simple they can be removed and recycled at the end of the vehicle\u2019s life.\nRecycled Perspex was used to make the front (covered) grille and the large panoramic roof. It\u2019s not only light but exposes the bare structure of the body. By the way, the electric plug engraving on the charging flap was done by Paul Smith himself.\nSuffice to say, the interior was also stripped down to its bare metal and replaced with recycled material. It\u2019s been coloured blue at the request of Paul Smith, to produce an eye-catching effect. According to Smith, it is bare yet feels \u201cdressed\u201d at the same time.\nInstead of the standard dashboard, MINI has replaced it with a one-piece semi-transparent mould and rather than fitting the standard MINI infotainment system, the centre dial has been designed to fit the driver\u2019s smartphone. How cool is that!\nAll the switches in the cabin can be found just below, for start/stop and power window functions. The seats were reupholstered with knitted fabric while the floor mats are made from recycled rubber.\nTheir Terrazzo-like pattern is actually a (cool) side effect of the recycling and manufacturing process. Recycled cork is used to make the dashboard surface and door trim, and along with the knitted fabric, provides noise insulation for the cabin.\nThe plain aluminium steering wheel is wrapped with the same tape used on bicycle handlebars while a simple mesh covers the airbag. Mesh is also used as \u201cdoor panels\u201d as the transparency of the knitted mesh changes according to different angles \u2013 adding a cool effect. The pull handles are recycled from climbing rope.\nWith the near-naked interior, even the window airbags can be seen. This has the same effect as the visible cables that are normally concealed.\nGALLERY"
"The New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (\nASEAN NCAP\n) recently put the all-new eleventh generation Honda Civic through its latest crash test and performed as you would expect from a global C-segment sedan. The new Honda Civic was awarded the full 5-Star crash safety rating with an overall score of 83.47 points (out of 100).\nThe variant tested was an EL+, made in \nThailand\n for the regional market including Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Standard equipment for all markets includes front and side airbags, Honda Sensing ADAS suite, seatbelt reminders and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.\nThe new Honda Civic received 36.59 points for the Adult Occupant Protection, 18.32 points for Child Occupant Protection, 18.16 points for Safety Assist Technologies and 10.39 points for the Motorcyclist Safety assessments (courtesy of the Honda LaneWatch, Automatic High Beam and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Pedestrian detection).\n \nASEAN NCAP was also very impressed with the latest Honda Sensing suite that sees the CMBS added with Motorcycle detection, which is the first of such technology in the ASEAN Region, thus awarding the new Honda Civic an additional two bonus points in the Motorcyclist Safety category.\nHonda Sensing to feature full 360-degree scanning in its next generation! More about the technology here!\nThis is the second vehicle and Honda\u2019s first to be tested under the new ASEAN NCAP 2021-2025 protocol that includes an assessment for Motorcyclist Safety (MS) which carries a weightage of 20% to the final score. The \nPerodua Ativa\n has the honour of being the first vehicle to be tested under the new scoring system. \u00a0\nThe new Honda Civic is available in Thailand and just launched yesterday in Indonesia, is only fitted with the \n178 hp / 240 Nm\n 1.5L Turbo VTEC engine and paired to a CVT-type transmission. Special mention for the Singapore-market Honda Civic Turbo that only has \n129 hp\n (95 kW), a move to enjoy a lower pricing level (Certificate of Entitlement, COE Category A).\nGALLERY\n11th Gen Honda Civic, Thailand"
"In line with the industry-wide shift towards electrification, many carmakers have recently taken the opportunity to unveil their updated logos. While most of them were merely rehashes of their existing logos with a more modern and minimalist appearance, \nKia \nhas instead opted to introduce a brand-new design, which has now been revealed to cause some confusion amongst car buyers. and well, we can see why.\nAccording to Twitter user\n Ashwinn\n, search engine data have shown that over 30,000 users have been searching for \u2018KN car\u2019 every month, ever since it was unveiled in much fanfare with a\n record-breaking pyrotechnics display\n back in January 2021, with interest for the \u2018KN\u2019 search term significantly increasing when the logo began appearing on cars like the \nKia Carnival\n and\n EV6\n.\nScreenshot: \nAshwinn/Twitter\nOn the surface, this certainly looks like bad news. However, Google Trends data shows that the search interest for \u2018Kia\u2019 hasn\u2019t tapered down one bit since the new logo was introduced, which means you could argue that the models with Kia\u2019s new logo have brought \nmore\n eyeballs and interest to the brand.\n\u2018KN\u2019 searches have also been trending downwards in recent months. And on top of that, \nTire Meets Road\n also noted that \u2018Kia\u2019 gets approximately 1.83 million searches on average every month. In this context, 30,000 \u2018KN Car\u2019 searches \u2013 while not ideal \u2013 is just a miniscule figure that Kia probably won\u2019t mind too much.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 CKD Kia Carnival now in Malaysia, from RM231k\nNow, for a personal take: A logo is really just a representation of a brand, and does not necessarily need to spell out the brand itself \u2013 just look at \nMercedes-Benz\n, \nBMW\n, \nMazda\n, and even \nToyota\n. I\u2019m willing to place a wager that two years down the road, this wouldn\u2019t even be an issue when ever Kia model has this logo on their bonnet.\nIn other words, we\u2019ll just have to get used to it.\n[\nH/T: Carscoops\n]"
"PROTON Holdings Berhad, DRB-HICOM Berhad and Suzuki Motor Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and License Agreement in a bid to develop a long-term strategic collaboration between the three companies.\nSigning on behalf of \nProton\n was the CEO himself,\u00a0\nDato\u2019 Abdul Harith Abdullah\n; on behalf of Suzuki is Chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation,\u00a0\nMr Osamu Suzuki\n and CEO of Automotive Distribution and Manufacturing DRB-HICOM,\u00a0\nDato\u2019 Radzaif Mohd\n. Also present at the signing ceremony was former Prime Minister and Chairman of Proton, \nTun Dr Mahathir Mohd\n, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, \nHis Excellency Makio Miyagawa\n and Minister of International Trade and Industry, \nDato\u2019 Sri Mustapha Mohd\n.\nThis collaboration will facilitate four strategic areas that are products, technology, people and market. It will also allow Proton to have access to Suzuki\u2019s models, platforms, powertrain and the Japanese brand\u2019s automotive technology. Suzuki, famous for producing reliable compact cars, have agreed to provide the necessary technical assistance for the products and scope selected by Proton.\nTun Dr Mahathir, when asked if the partnership will come to fruition come 2016, said he will \nmake sure\n this collaboration materialises, citing previous MoU signing with Volkswagen, Nissan, Honda etc. However, all cards are being kept close to the chest with no specific details made mention, although\u00a0the idea of Proton utilising their\u00a0\nTanjung Malim plant\n is on the table.\n \n \nProton, inline with the current National Automotive Policy (NAP), expressed their interest on venturing into the sub-litre displacement category, hinting at Suzuki\u2019s \n360 to 1,000cc engines\n\u00a0as possible means of powering future compact cars. This effectively means that Proton will develop an A-Segment contender with Suzuki to battle against the giant that is Perodua. It\u2019s unclear if this collaboration will result in a model rebadge or a newly developed one, but Tun Dr Mahathir did not deny both possibilities.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sure, electric cars may have won the power race in recent years with their insane horsepower figures and instant torque delivery, but nothing beats the outright fury of a big displacement engine. And when you speak about large displacement engine, there\u2019s no way you don\u2019t mention Bugatti\u2019s massive 8.0-litre W16 monsters.\nWhich is why it surprised us that no one actually took a \nBugatti Chiron\n onto the Dyno. or at least, none outside Bugatti\u2019s own walled garden. Well, that is, until now \u2013 courtesy of a certain \nCannonball Garage\n in Illinois.\n \nAnd, uh, yeah now we understand why there hasn\u2019t been a dyno\u2019d Bugatti Chiron out there (or one that has been published, at least). First, there\u2019s the whole thing about getting your hands on an ultra-limited hypercar. But even if you do have one, it\u2019s not as simple as just strapping it on and mashing the go pedal.\nSpeaking to \nThe Drive\n, Cannonball record holder and Cannonball Garage owner Arne Toman explained: \u201cWe had to line it up so perfectly because the rollers on the dyno are 81 inches wide \u2013 the [Chiron] is 80 inches wide. It was a careful operation to make sure we could dyno this thing safely. Everything was taken very slowly and cautiously, more than usual.\u201d\nRELATED: Can a Bugatti Chiron beat at 2011 F1 car in a drag race?\nOn top of that, Toman also said that the Chiron also has perhaps one of the world\u2019s largest underbody cover (spanning over two-thirds of the car\u2019s length), which they had to meticulously remove to be able to strap the car down properly.\nBut with all that being said and done, what figures did the Chiron manage on the dyno? According to Cannonball Garage\u2019s runs, the 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine in the Bugatti Chiron managed to lay down a whopping \n1,369 hp\n and \n1,577 Nm\n of torque, with peak figures coming in at 6,620 rpm and 5,060 rpm respectively.\nDynos are weird, and some over-correct for drivetrain losses. But even with a rough 15% estimate, we\u2019d say that Bugatti\u2019s own official figures (1,200 hp, 1,500 Nm) are actually pretty accurate, or even a little underrated!\nTake that, electricity. You might have crazier numbers, but you\u2019ll never beat the sound and fury of actual exploding fuel particles. And heck, this isn\u2019t even the most powerful Chiron yet, and it\u2019s already right about what the best EV hypercars out there are making now.\nLong live the ICE."
"With the end of Covid-19 nowhere in sight, this is probably the closest we\u2019ll get to experiencing Japan\u2019s famous Shibuya crossing as DBKL has announced plans on their Facebook page to execute the same, in Bukit Bintang.\nA location all Malaysians have seen, been to, or know of.\nFrom this Saturday onwards\n, DBKL will implement a Scramble Pedestrian at the Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail intersection.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, it\u2019s the cross junction where the most recognisable McDonald\u2019s outlet in Malaysia is located. Surrounding landmarks include Sg. Wang, WOLO Hotel and Lot 10.\nThe new Scramble Pedestrian.\nThe Scramble Pedestrian crossing will \nallow pedestrians from all directions to cross, at the same time\n.\nAccording to DBKL, it will allow pedestrians to cross the intersection a lot quicker and more effortlessly. It\u2019ll also make it a lot safer for these pedestrians.\nWhen this comes into effect, it should resemble the world-famous Shibuya crossing in Tokyo that dates back over 100 years ago. According to what we found online, there\u2019s an average of 2,500 pedestrians per crossing \u2013 resulting in one of the most unique tourist attractions in Japan.\nIn fact, it\u2019s so iconic in Japan that the crossing was also featured in The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift.\nNetizens have praised the move on \nDBKL\u2019s\n Facebook page\n \nwith some relieved that it\u2019s finally happening. Most are already drawing comparisons with Tokyo\u2019s busiest crossing too!\nThe Scramble Pedestrian will come into effect at \n12 am midnight, on the 19th of June 2021\n."
"There are many reasons why a pick-up truck isn\u2019t the most logical choice for a vehicle if you\u2019re a city dweller \u2013 they\u2019re large, noisy, but most importantly, there\u2019s basically zero privacy or safety for the items that you\u2019re keeping in your truck bed.\nOf course, you can always buy purpose-made accessories to keep your cargo safe from prying eyes, but here\u2019s the problem: one, they\u2019re not exactly cheap, and two, fitting after market parts is still a hassle.\n \nLuckily for those living in the Philippines, Ford\u2019s local arm in the country is now offering a new Power Roller Shutter accessory for the \nRanger Wildtrak 4X4\n that comes as standard from the factory!\nAs the name suggests, the roller shutter is fully motorised, and can be opened or closed either via the key fob, a switch in the truck bed, or from the cabin itself via a button on the dashboard. As it\u2019s an OEM part fully integrated into the truck itself, you can only open the shutter if the doors are unlocked.\nThe Power Roller Shutter comes with an anti-pinch function, which automatically stops and moves in the opposite direction when it detects any resistance when closing. It also comes with recessed channels along the side rails, so you can make further customisation with after market parts. if you really want to.\nThe best part of it all is that it\u2019s basically free. The Power Roller Shutter is now offered as standard equipment on the new 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4 in the Philippines at zero additional cost. Carmakers in Malaysia, can we see more of these things, rather than just new decorative trims and decals?\n[source: autoindustriya.com]"
"Goodyear Malaysia has partnered with the Road Safety Department of Malaysia (JKJR) to organise a road safety workshop for a safer driving environment for Malaysian drivers as their numbers have continued to increase by the year.\nThe workshop aims to educate road users on the many potential risks that may occur while driving and to stay composed should one encounter unsavoury road hazards and conditions.\u00a0\n\u201cThis joint initiative together with JKJR is part of our continuous efforts to create a platform in increasing awareness on road safety. It is our commitment to offer quality products and services to ensure drivers are more prepared and equipped when they are on the road to face various road and weather conditions. A program such as the Worry Free Assurance that we\u2019ve introduce together with this workshop is designed for drivers to have a better, safer, and quality driving experience,\u201d said\u00a0\nGoodyear Malaysia,\u00a0Managing Director,\u00a0Ben Hoge.\nThe workshop included tips on how to tackle unforeseen road hazards, maintenance of vehicle and tyres and pointers on choosing the right tyres for purposes of safety, efficiency and durability.\u00a0\nAccording to the Road Safety Plan of Malaysia (2014 \u2013 2020)\n, road defects and tyre defects were some of the major contributing factors of accidents in 2013. \n\u00a0\nIn line with promoting a peace-of-mind driving experience, Goodyear also introduced the \nWorry Free Assurance\n programme which covers irreparable damages caused by road hazards. This program is available across a wide range of products and customers can enjoy the benefit of road hazard assurance for \n6 months\n with eligible claims of \none-to-one tyre replacements \nat\u00a0any authorised Goodyear Autocare or Servitekar. Customers are also given a worry-free payment option, which is a 0% interest installment plan for tyres that are under the Worry Free Assurance Program."
"Upon launch of the all-new \nToyota Vios\n, UMW Toyota Motor announced that it has received over 5,000 orders for the all-new Toyota Vios since \nbookings were made open on February 24, 2023\n. Available in two variants, the all-new Vios\u2019 prices start at \nRM89,600\n.\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nTo recap, all versions of the all-new Toyota Vios is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that makes \n106 hp\n and \n138 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is a new CVT from Toyota which drives the wheels via gears at high speeds and a belt at low speeds. It provides 7 virtual gears that drivers can select from with the paddle shifters (G variant only).\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, \u201cThe response for the All-New Toyota Vios has been phenomenal, with more than 5,000 orders to date made since we announced our order-taking on 24 February 2023. This is a testament to the popularity of the All-New Toyota Vios in the Malaysian market\u201d.\n\u201cWe are excited to kick off the year with the launch of the All-New Toyota Vios, which represents our commitment to providing our customers with the best quality vehicles and services. We look forward to a promising year ahead, full of opportunities to drive Malaysia\u2019s economic growth and development.\u201d he added.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios \u2013 No folding rear seats, no spare wheel \u2013 Here\u2019s why\nThe all-new Toyota Vios now fetches a higher starting price but has also introduced new features and improvements to the car. For one, the car is now more fuel efficient, recording \n5.2 l/100km\n of fuel consumption. It also introduces telescopic steering adjustment, a more sophisticated exterior design, a more sophisticated interior design, and a lighter overall weight for the Vios.\nTo commemorate the all-new Toyota Vios, UMW Toyota Motor will be organizing the \u2018Showroom Weekender\u2019 event from March 24 to March 26, 2023. The event will allow you to test drive the Toyota Vios and experience \u201cthe joy and freedom of seamless\u201d car ownership. UMW Toyota Motor will be offering exclusive test drive gifts at all showrooms nationwide from 24 till 26 March 2023. With over 5,000 orders so far, reception of the all-new Toyota Vios has been good."
"Cycle & Carriage PJ Autohaus has just officiated their new Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre here in Petaling Jaya, offering customers a holistic and premium end-to-end experience when shopping for a pre-owned three-pointed star.\nComplementing the newly launched \nMercedes-Benz Certified Programme\n for pre-owned cars, customers of the CPO centre can expect to enjoy the same brand experience and service as buying a brand-new Mercedes-Benz. Customers can also view a variety of models, ranging from the A- to S-Class, at attractive prices.\n \n \nAll vehicles sold through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Programme comes with a Mercedes-Benz Certified stamp of approval, ensuring every vehicle meets the \nnine promises by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM)\n. This includes a 215-point inspection, guaranteed mileage of less than 125,000 km, 12-month extended warranty, regular servicing and maintenance packages, 24-hour roadside assistance and more.\nCycle & Carriage PJ Autohaus offers world-class 3S (sales, service and spare parts) capabilities, equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, 40 work bay capacity as well as added value services such as Premier Express Service, Door-to-Door Service and 24-Hour Motor Vehicle Breakdown Service to ensure both new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz owners will have high levels of customer satisfaction throughout their time with the brand."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced three EQ models to the local market today with the launch of the \nEQS450+\n, \nEQC400 4MATIC \nand last but not least, this, the \nEQB350 4MATIC\n, starting from an estimated \nRM330,000\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Power: 292 hp\nMax Torque: 520 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 6.2 seconds\nTop speed: 160 km/h\nConsumption: 18.1 \u2013 19.7 kWh/100 km\nAfter the EQA, the EQB350 4MATIC is the second all-electric compact car from the Mercedes-EQ range. It supports up to 11kW AC charging and up to 100kW DC charging. With 11kW AC charging, it takes up to 6.5 hours to fully charge the EQB, but with the faster 100kW DC charger, it takes just 32 minutes to get the EQB charged up to 80%.\nWith a 66.5 kWh battery pack, the EQB350 4MATIC can return up to 423 km of electric driving range.\nEXTERIOR\n19-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels\nLED High Performance headlamps\nComfort suspension\nINTERIOR\nAfter the EQA, the EQB 350 4MATIC is already the second all-electric compact car from Mercedes-EQ. At the same time, it will be introduced with the Alternating current charging system (AC charging) up to 11 kW and a Direct current charging system (DC charging) up to 100 kW. The EQB 350 4MATIC will also include a charging cable for wallbox and public charging station at 5 m, and will also have Acoustic ambient protection. The vehicle is further complemented with Comfort suspension and DYNAMIC SELECT.\nNappa leather multifunction sports steering with shift paddles\nHead-up display\nWireless charging\nMBUX Interior Assistant\nSAFETY\nDriving Assistance Package\nActive Blindspot Assist\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nActive Steering Assist\nParking Package with 360-degree camera\nExit Warning function\nGALLERY"
"Back in February this year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the \nMercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC\n, the first locally assembled (CKD) fully-electric Mercedes-Benz. It replaces the previous fully imported (CBU) EQS 450+, and fetches a price of \nRM648,888\n. The CKD EQS is RM50,00 cheaper than the CBU version (RM698,888).\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nWhile it may look very similar to the \n450+\n, the EQS 500 4MATIC is not equipped with an AMG Line exterior kit. You can see that the 500 has a less sporty front and rear bumper design and a less sporty set of wheels. However, it does actually pack more power than the AMG Line-kitted 450+ and we\u2019ll get into that in a little bit.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC launched in Malaysia \u2013 Locally-assembled EV, RM649k\nAs standard, the EQS 500 4MATIC is equipped with an Electric Art exterior, a radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern, and a panoramic sliding sunroof. Besides the continuous reflector light strip at the front, the EQS 500 4MATIC also boasts a set of Mercedes-Benz Digital Light system with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. Completing the look of the EQS 500 4MATIC is a set of 20-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels.\nAs for colour options, you can choose between four colours \u2013 Obsidian Black, High-tech Silver, Nautic Blue, and Graphite Grey. The EQS pictured in this gallery is finished in High-Tech Silver. All 4 colour options do not add any extra costs.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC launched in Malaysia, RM430k \u2013 single variant, MHEV\nAs mentioned earlier, the EQS 500 4MATIC packs much more power than the 450+ for the simple reason that it has a dual-motor setup. While the single-motor CBU 450 + churned out 333 hp and 565 Nm, the dual-motor EQS 500 4MATIC outputs \n449 hp\n and \n828 Nm\n. With the dual-motor setup, the EQS 500 MATIC does the 0-100 km/h acceleration in \n4.8 seconds\n onward to a limited top speed of \n210 km/h\n.\nNothing to see here\nThe motors are paired to the same battery pack as the 450+, but software tweaks have raised its usable energy content from 107.9 kWh up to now \n108.4 kWh\n. However, with a dual-motor setup, range is a little less now \u2013 \n696 km\n (WLTP), which is still plenty compared to the average EV.\nCharging can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging (3 phase) and this brings the state of charge (SOC) from 0 to 100% in roughly \n10 hours\n. As for DC charging, the EQS 500 4MATIC can handle a maximum rate of \n200 kW\n. This charges the EQS from 20% to 80% in approximately \n31 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz credit card launched in Malaysia, in partnership with Maybank\nInside, the EQS 500 4MATIC is equipped with the brand\u2019s signature Hyperscreen with the latest MBUX. In total, the EQS has 6 screens with 3 in first row and another 3 in the second row. The front Comfort Seats are equipped with a massage function (with a variety of massage programs), seat heating, seat ventilation, and power adjustment with 3 memory settings. The steering wheel also gets electric tilt & telescopic steering adjustment.\nAt the back, the seats do not get a massage function but still come with heat seating, seat ventilation, and power adjustments. The screens at the back can be connected wirelessly to Mercedes-Benz headphones that come with the car.\nCreating a luxury ambience in the EQS 500 4MATIC is the car\u2019s active ambient lighting system, panoramic sliding sunroof, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. The interior materials include Nappa Leather upholstery, Anthracite linestructure lime wood and Anthracite open-pored linestructure lime wood.\nAs for safety, the EQS 500 4MATIC is equipped with the Driving Assistance Plus Package coming as standard. The suite of advanced driver assistance features includes adaptive cruise control with automatic stop-go functionality, active lane keeping assist, active steering assist, lane departure prevention, autonomous emergency braking, and evasive manouevre support.\nRELATED: \nTaking the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC up Genting Highlands\nGALLERY"
"The \nFord GT\n is a RM1.74 million supercar (price excludes taxes, mind you), and as Ford recently disclosed, the first batch of 500 units have already received a staggering 6,500 orders!\nWhat\u2019s more mind boggling is that the 6,500 bookings are actually filtered figures from the initial 10,000 applicants worldwide. Hundreds of these applicants went as far as\u00a0creating videos\u00a0featuring children, lighting effects, racing footage, revving engines, garage tours and life stories to show why they should own the all-new American supercar.\nIn the end, the determining factors will include questionnaires prepared by the Blue Oval, as well as as preferring customers who will actually drive the car more than having collectors displaying it in their garages. Applicants will be notified in the coming months and the first delivery of a brand new Ford GT will commence in late 2016.\nThe Ford GT blew minds when it debuted at the 2015 Detriot Motor Show. Inspired by the classic GT40 car, this supercar is powered by a\n 600 hp\u00a03.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6\n mated to a \nseven-speed dual clutch gearbox\n. Exclusivity is the main theme of this new GT, because Ford plans to build less than 4,000 units of it (about 4,000 units of the GT40 was made).\nThat said, the 500 lucky buyers could be the happiest people on this planet, and for the 6,000 heartbroken prospects, there\u2019s always supercar solutions from Italy, UK and Germany, if you get our drift.\nAlso, if you spot a Ford GT here on Malaysian roads, consider yourself a very lucky person."
"The Sandracer 500GT offers a duality in its purpose whereby offering the luxury of a supercar while possessing the off-road capabilities of a hardened dune racer.\nDesigned by Zarooq Motors, whose name is inspired by the Arabic name for the fastest snake in the desert, it claims to also be the first car manufacturer from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its founder, Mohammed Al Qadi, has been said to be involved with motor racing for over a decade.\nThe Sandracer 500GT\u2019s specifications also seem to reflect the definition of which Zarooq Motors\u2019 name was founded on. 0 to 100 km/h arrives in just \nunder four seconds\n with a top speed of \n220 km/h\n courtesy of its 6.2-litre V8 engine producing\n 532 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n of torque. It also comes with a 5-speed Weddle sequential gearbox and a 6-piston caliper brake system.   Part of what makes this possible is that the 500GT is super light despite the monstrosity it appears to be; weighing in at only \n1,300 kg\n (kerb weight) thanks to its carbon fibre body mated to a handmade racing tubular chassis.\nIt also comes with a built-in roll cage, a 450 mm travel Intrax Racing Suspension and a hefty \n130-litre fuel tank\n \u2013 necessary ingredients for a vehicle that could possibly be on its roof very often or lost for hours it tackles the treacherous desert dunes.\nThe Sandracer 500GT is Zarooq Motors\u2019 first production car with a run of 35 vehicles so far. It\u2019s manufactured in collaboration with Mansory, a German car tuning specialist, who\u2019s in charge with the carbon fibre body and leather interior alongside Spanish Grand Prix engineers Campos Racing. It even comes with air-conditioning and an infotainment system too!\nIn an \ninterview with CNN\n, Zarooq Motors co-founder, Iannis Mardell said, \u201cIn my street, I think there are three Ferraris so you can\u2019t really stand out with one of those. You need something a little more eccentric, yet also positive.\u201d\nIn the same CNN report, Mardel was quoted saying that Zarooq Motors\u2019 clientele consists mostly of royalty from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. They also had interest shown from European counterparts along with presumably ultra-wealthy individuals from Russia, Japan and even Kenya.\nThe asking price for the Sandracer 500GT starts from \nUSD 450,000 (approx RM 1,929,825)\n. To put things in perspective, for that kind of money, you can get two top of the line, limited edition Range Rovers and still have money left to spare.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Subaru has just added a hybrid variant to its popular Subaru XV crossover. The electrified XV variant comes equipped with the e-Boxer hybrid powertrain that pairs the original 2.0-litre direct injection boxer engine to an electric motor to give it a smoother power delivery and improved fuel efficiency.\nThe e-Boxer powertrain features a reworked 2.0-litre boxer engine with a higher compression ratio of 13.5:1 as opposed to 13:1 on the standard XV. Curiously this has resulted in a lower engine output of\u00a0\n145 hp\n and \n188 Nm\u00a0\n(154 hp/196 Nm on standard\u00a0XV). However the power deficit is made up by the electric motor gives the XV e-Boxer additional \n13.6 hp\n and \n65 Nm\n of boost, allowing the crossover to return \n19.2 km/L\n on the Japanese JC08 test cycle, 3.2 km more than an equivalent petrol only 2.0-litre XV.\nSubaru has maintained the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for the XV e-Boxer, however, the additional components from the hybrid system add 110 kg to the car\u2019s weight which now sits at 1,825 kg. The fuel tank has also shrunk from 63 litres to 48 litres to accommodate the hybrid system.\nThere are some unique touches specific to the hybrid-powered XV such as the Lagoon Blue Pearl paint job, blue interior theme (with blue stitching), hybrid multi-info displays as well as full leather seats. Other than that, you will find the same exact kit as you would on a high-specification petrol-powered XV.\nThe main selling point for the Subaru XV e-Boxer is to offer drivers a more comfortable driving experience through its linear acceleration, improved performance and refinement on everyday driving.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ever since \nnews of car manufacturers cheating emissions tests broke out\n\u00a0(dieselgate scandal) last year, many governing bodies and transport ministries around the world are prompted to carry out their own emissions tests. Japan is one of the latest.\nJapan\u2019s transport ministry MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) sampled six domestic car brands, specifically their diesel powered models, on highways and on regular roads. They found that the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota HiAce, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Delica D5 emitted \ntwo to five times more\n\u00a0nitrogen oxide than the standard level. However, emissions rose by as much as 10 times in some of the driving test!\nHowever, neither of these vehicles are fitted with defeat devices or illegal softwares. The only cars to pass this test are the \nMazda CX-5\n and \nMazda Demio\n (better known as Mazda2). This speaks volume of Mazda\u2019s pursuit in perfecting the internal combustion engine, and one of the key factors in being able to meet such stringent emission standard is by lowering compression ratio; the Mazda2\u2019s 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D engine operates at a relatively low ratio of \n14.8:1\n, though some diesel engines go as high as 22.0:1. Find out what we think about the \nMazda2 diesel\n, and why Bermaz Motor should have it introduced here.\nThe current laws only require in-lab tests, of which the standards are set on that basis alone. However, the Japanese government is considering new regulations which will take into account the cars\u2019 real-world on-road performance, and hopes that car manufacturers will respond accordingly.\nEmissions of nitrogen oxide are reportedly dependent on weather and style of driving. The tests however, have been extensively conducted, and all discrepancies between laboratory and road tests have been noted repeatedly.\n[Source: \nNikkei\n]"
"In conjunction with the nation\u2019s 63rd Independence Day celebrations, MINI Malaysia today introduced the \u201cAdd Independence\u201d promotional campaign, featuring attractive offers for the entire MINI model line-up.\nDesigned to help \u201cMINIacs\u201d get back on the road and seek out new adventures with their cars in the new normal, the MINI Add Independence campaign offers interest rates from 0%, with monthly instalments starting from RM2,315 (based on a five-year tenure period of 80% financing with MINI Balloon Financing).\nAdditionally, MINI Malaysia is also offering instalment support of up to RM5,000, as well as cash rebates of up to RM22,000 on selected models.\nThe \nMINI Countryman Plug In Hybrid\n.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cMINI Malaysia is excited to welcome MINIacs back on the road with the \u2018Add Independence\u2019 campaign as we enter a new normal and celebrate our newfound Independence in conjunction with the month of Merdeka.\n\u201cThe exciting programmes available are also specially curated for our MINIacs who are looking to seek out new adventures and what better car to do so than our most adventurous MINI Countryman. Regardless of where the adventure leads us, there are different MINI Countryman variants to suit every need.\u201d\nThe \nMINI Countryman Sports\n comes kitted-out with JCW parts as standard.\nThe Add Independence campaign offers are available from now until the 30th September 2020, while stock lasts. For more information about the campaign and to register your interest, visit MINI Malaysia\u2019s website \nhere\n.\nFor the latest revised price list for MINI models in Malaysia in reflection of the \nsales tax exemptions\n until the end of the year, check out our coverage \nhere\n."
"Subaru Corporation has announced a worldwide recall for their vehicles over possible valve springs and multi-information display defects.\nThose with possible valve springs issues involve vehicles manufactured from 16 January 2012 \u2013 14 May 2013. These vehicles include\n 2013 model year BRZ, 2013-2014 Legacy and Outback, 2012-2014 Forester and 2012-2014 Impreza and XV\n, which are equipped with FA20 or FB20 engines.\nThe move is merely a precautionary one against the possibility of the valve springs fracturing under stress. This could result in an unusual noise coming from the engine, the engine stalling and not being able to restart.\nAs for the \naffected multi-information displays\n, Subaru is reaching out to customers of the \n2018 Legacy and Outback\n, manufactured before 1st of August 2018.\nA programming issue may lead to inaccuracies between what is shown on the multi-information display, in relation to the amount of fuel left, and the actual drivable distance.\nSubaru is taking a precautionary measure to ensure that information on the fuel gauge and the amount of drivable distance left is accurate.\nCustomers across the region \u2013 Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam \u2013 will be notified about this recall. Replacement of the valve springs and related parts are free of charge."
"Volvo Cars, the Swedish premium car maker has just opened its doors to its first manufacturing plant in the USA. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the new plant was established in line with the car maker\u2019s global manufacturing strategy of \u201cBuild where you sell\u201d.\nThe Charleston facility spans 1,600 acres of land while the building space covers 2.3 million square feet. At maximum capacity, the plant is able to produce 150,000 cars per annum. Volvo Cars is investing around US$1.1 billion for this plant and are expected to create around 4,000 new jobs in the coming years. The plant estimates to employ 1,500 staff by the end of 2018.\nPresident and CEO of Volvo Car USA, Anders Gustafsson said: \u201cThe opening of our first American factory is a very big deal, Our US business is developing well, our cars have won prestigious awards, and the new South Carolina facility will be a big asset to both Volvo Cars and the community.\u201d\nThe plant will start production of the \nnew Volvo S60\n destined for the domestic US market and international export. The factory will also build the \nnext-generation Volvo XC90 SUV\n when the new SUV is due in 2021.\nIn a separate note, Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s assembly\u00a0plant in Shah Alam rolled out its first car, the Volvo 144\u00a0 back in 1966. Currently, the Shah Alam plant is capable of assembling Volvo\u2019s latest Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid models for domestic consumption as well as \nexport markets\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo Cars Manufacturing Plant in South Carolina, USA   Volvo S60 R-Desgin"
"UMW Toyota is starting off the new year with a bang by teasing the updated 2021 Fortuner on its social media platforms and website, pointing at an imminent launch here in Malaysia. Interested customers can now register their interest on \nUMW Toyota\u2019s website\n.\nThe Toyota Fortuner facelift was first introduced in Thailand back in June last year alongside the Hilux, which was also \nrecently launched here in Malaysia\n. The updated 2021 model will feature several aesthetic changes, including a reworked front bumper and grille, the latter flanked by reshaped LED headlights. Around the back, the LED tail lights also gain a new light signature.\nTeaser image provided by UMW Toyota.\nBased on the teaser image shared by UMW Toyota on their website, it seems that we will also be getting the 2021 Toyota Fortuner in the range-topping \u2018Legender\u2019 variant (as it is known in Thailand), which sports a sportier front-end resembling that of the \nall-new Toyota Harrier\n.\nVariant-exclusive touches for the range-topping model include a split grille design with a large gaping lower intake, sharper fog lamp housings, sharper headlights with a segmented daytime-running light signature, as well as larger wheels.\nThe Standard Fortuner\nToyota Fortuner \u2018Legender\u2019\nJust like the updated Hilux, the changes on the 2021 Toyota Fortuner is also mostly reserved for the exterior, aside from a few equipment updates on the inside. On the Thailand model, these include an updated Optitron analogue instrument cluster with 4.2-inch multi-info display, alongside an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nThe Legender variant also gains the \nToyota Safety Sense\n suite advanced driver assistance systems, which includes functions such as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert. When the 2021 Toyota Fortuner is launched in Malaysia, do expect the system to also be equipped on our local model.\nThe updated Toyota Fortuner in Thailand is available with two turbodiesel engines \u2013 the smaller 2.4 litre unit making \n150 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, while the larger 2.8 litre unit pushing out \n204 hp\n and\n 500 Nm.\nAs you might have expected, these are the same powertrains used in the updated Toyota Hilux, which included several improvements for better power output (on the 2.8-litre engine), improved NVH performance, fuel efficiency, as well as a new longer service interval.\nBoth powertrains are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox over in Thailand, and depending on variant, with two- or four-wheel drive. Here in Malaysia, the \ncurrent Toyota Fortuner\n is offered in with a 2.4-litre turbodiesel unit, alongside a 2.7-litre naturally-aspirated petrol version which makes 164 hp and 245 Nm of torque, with only four-wheel drive available on both variants.\nGALLERY"
"In a bid to prove just how rewarding it is for Grab drivers to use Proton cars as their revenue-generating \u2018partners\u2019, Proton Edar organised the Proton Wealth on Wheels Challenge 2018 where participants were tasked to get the most out of one tank of fuel over a day to win lucrative prizes.\nA total of 2,181 drivers were recruited for the challenge in July, with the first 1,000 receiving a service voucher worth RM30 from Proton. The qualification contest was then carried out from 1\nst\n to 5\nth\n August in the Klang Valley with the best performers selected from each model category (Iriz, Persona and Saga) to compete in the final. These finalists were rewarded with RM500 sales vouchers redeemable for new car purchases.\nOn the challenge day, the finalists had their fuel tank topped up and sealed before setting off at 9am with a mission to earn as much as possible using the least amount of fuel before returning at 5pm to tally up the fuel consumption achievements.\nAuspicious-sounding prize plus zero-GST equals a lot of savings for a new Proton.\n\u201cThe PROTON 1 Tank Adventure reminded car buyers that Proton cars can take them on some wonderful journeys around Malaysia using just one tank of fuel. With Grab, we wanted to show their driver-partners that a Proton car helps them get around quickly, safely and economically, leaving more money in their pockets at the end of the day,\u201d said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.\nWhen the results were tabulated, Lim Poh Aik emerged victorious in the Saga category with RM168 earned using 16 litres of petrol; Tun Kamalul Zaman bin Abdul Jamal took top honours in the Persona category with an impressive RM353 over 25 litres while Long Mun Fai won the Iriz category by garnering RM158 with 16 litres of fuel used. For their efforts, each took home a grand prize worth RM6,888 comprising Proton sales vouchers and special incentives from Grab Malaysia."
"Two years after the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport made its debut with the \n\u201crecord-breaking\u201d high-speed run\n, the \u201cfastest Bugatti ever made\u201d has now finally entered production, with the first eight units having just rolled off the factory floor in Molsheim, France.\nThe superfast \u201clongtail\u201d model is limited to just 30 units, each reportedly priced upwards of RM16 million \u2013 not that it matters much, though, as you\u2019ll have to already be on Bugatti\u2019s speed dial to even be considered for purchase anyway.\nWhat makes the Super Sport stands out from the other Bugatti Chiron model is its single-minded focus on top speed. Don\u2019t just take it from us; here\u2019s what Bugatti themselves said: \u201cFrom the front splitter to the rear diffuser, every centimetre of its skin is designed for top speed.\u201d\nThe Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is the first hypercar to breach the 300 mph mark \u2013 but it\u2019s not an officially-recognised record. Learn more here.\nFirst of all, the iconic Bugatti W16 engine has been tweaked to squeeze out more oomph, with the 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged mill now making \n1,600 hp \nand \n1,600 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a 100 hp bump over the \nregular Chiron\n.\nPower is translated into the tarmac via all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and with the extra grunt, the Chiron Super Sport reaches 200 km/h from a standstill in just\n 5.8 seconds\n.\nOf course, as we\u2019ve alluded to before, acceleration isn\u2019t the main attraction here. For the Super Sport, Bugatti only cares about its top speed, and the magic number they\u2019ve managed to achieve is a massive\n 440 km/h\n.\nSeveral design modifications had to be made in order to hit the VMax speed, including a new rear section that stretches (lengthwise) an additional 250 mm over the regular Chiron, supposedly helping to reduce drag by up to 40%.\nCan the Bugatti Chiron beat a 2011 F1 car? Watch the full drag race here!\nThere are even holes at the top of the front fenders to release the air pressure generated from the spinning wheels, thereby generating streamlined downforce at the front, and at the rear there\u2019s also now a bigger diffuser for improved aerodynamics.\nHeck, even the wheels and bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are specially designed and x-rayed to ensure they\u2019ll stay as a single piece when it\u2019s spinning at those super speeds \u2013 The company says that they\u2019re the first wheel combo rated to safely and consistency drive up to 500 km/h.\nOn the other side of the spectrum, the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is designed to go faster around the bends, but slower in a straight line. Learn more here!\nThe first eight cars to roll out of the Molsheim factory floor are all dressed in a black exterior paint job, contrasted by bright orange stripes running along the entire length of the car from the bonnet to the wings \u2013 taking on the looks of the original record-breaking Super Sport."
"\u4f34\u968f\u7740Tesla Model Y\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684\u4ef7\u683c\u516c\u5e03\uff0cTesla\u8fd8\u5217\u51fa\u4e86\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5373\u5c06\u5f00\u8bbe\u7684\u8d85\u7ea7\u5145\u7535\u7f51\u7edc\u5145\u7535\u7ad9\u7684\u4f4d\u7f6e\u3002\u6bd5\u7adf\uff0c\u5982\u679c\u4f60\u4e0d\u80fd\u4ece\u5176\u8d85\u7ea7\u5145\u7535\u7f51\u7edc\u4e2d\u83b7\u76ca\uff0c\u8d2d\u4e70\u5168\u65b0\u7684Tesla\u53c8\u6709\u4ec0\u4e48\u610f\u4e49\u5462\u3002\n\u76ee\u524d\u8fd9\u4e9b\u4f4d\u7f6e\u4ecd\u6807\u4e3a\u201c\u5373\u5c06\u5f00\u653e\u201d\uff0c\u5217\u51fa\u7684\u4f4d\u7f6e\u53ca\u5176\u5f00\u653e\u65f6\u95f4\u53ef\u80fd\u4f1a\u53d8\u5316\uff0c\u65b0\u7684\u4f4d\u7f6e\u5c06\u6bcf\u5b63\u5ea6\u66f4\u65b0\u3002\u76ee\u524d\u5728\u5b98\u65b9Tesla\u7f51\u7ad9\u4e0a\u5217\u51fa\u7684\u4f4d\u7f6e\u6709\uff1a\nPetaling Jaya, Selangor\nDengkil, Selangor\nBukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur\nBukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur\nKuala Lumpur (\u7b2c1\u4e2a\u989d\u5916\u5730\u70b9)\nKuala Lumpur (\u7b2c2\u4e2a\u989d\u5916\u5730\u70b9)\nIskandar Puteri, Johor\nIpoh, Perak\nNegeri Sembilan\nPerai, Pulau Pinang\n\u4e0e\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684\u5927\u90e8\u5206\u5145\u7535\u70b9\u8fd0\u8425\u5546\u4e00\u6837\uff0cTesla\u7684\u8d85\u7ea7\u5145\u7535\u7f51\u7edc\u4e3b\u8981\u670d\u52a1\u4e8e\u897f\u6d77\u5cb8\uff0c\u91cd\u70b9\u5728\u5df4\u751f\u8c37\u3002\u76ee\u524d\u5217\u51fa\u7684\u5dde\u5305\u62ec\u68ee\u7f8e\u5170\u5dde\uff0c\u69df\u57ce\uff0c\u9739\u96f3\u548c\u67d4\u4f5b\u3002\n\u5728Tesla\u7684\u7f51\u7ad9\u4e0a\uff0c\u58f0\u660e\u201c\u8d85\u7ea7\u5145\u7535\u7684\u4ed8\u6b3e\u5c06\u81ea\u52a8\u4eceTesla\u5e94\u7528\u4e2d\u7684\u4ed8\u6b3e\u65b9\u5f0f\u5904\u7406\u201d\u3002\u5c1a\u5f85\u89c2\u5bdf\u662f\u5426\u4f1a\u4e0e\u672c\u5730\u5145\u7535\u70b9\u8fd0\u8425\u5546\u8fdb\u884c\u4efb\u4f55\u5408\u4f5c\u3002\u6709\u8da3\u7684\u662f\uff0cTesla\u53ef\u80fd\u5b9e\u65bd\u201c\u95f2\u7f6e\u8d39\u7528\u201d\u4ee5\u9632\u6b62\u5145\u6ee1\u7535\u7684\u6c7d\u8f66\u5360\u7528\u3002\nTesla\u7684\u7f51\u7ad9\u8fd8\u63d0\u5230\u4e86\u5176\u5bb6\u5ead\u5145\u7535\u89e3\u51b3\u65b9\u6848\uff0cTesla\u8868\u793a\u8fd9\u662f\u5176\u5ba2\u6237\u6700\u65b9\u4fbf\u7684\u5145\u7535\u65b9\u6cd5\u3002Tesla\u5efa\u8bae\u5728\u5bb6\u4e2d\u6216\u4efb\u4f55\u7269\u4e1a\u5b89\u88c5\u5176\u5145\u7535\u88c5\u7f6e\uff0c\u8fd9\u4e9b\u5c06\u5f88\u5feb\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u63a8\u51fa\u3002\nTesla\u5df2\u7ecf\u516c\u5e03\u4e86\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684Tesla Model Y\u7684\u4ef7\u683c\uff0c\u9009\u88c5\u4e4b\u524d\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u8d77\u4ef7\u4e3aRM199,000\u3002\u8f66\u8f86\u7684\u51e0\u9879\u9009\u9879\u5305\u62ec\u6d82\u88c5\u548c\u5168\u81ea\u52a8\u9a7e\u9a76\uff08FSD\uff09\u3002\u60a8\u73b0\u5728\u53ef\u4ee5\u9884\u5b9aModel Y\uff0c\u9884\u5b9a\u8d39\u4e3aRM1,000\uff0c\u4e0d\u53ef\u9000\u6b3e\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"Set to make its world premiere at the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring on May 20 is the \nMINI John Cooper Works\n 1to6 Edition\n. It is a special edition of the MINI JCW, which, starting from September, will be available in Europe, America, Canada, and Mexico.\nThe MINI JCW 1to6 celebrates the entry of the MINI John Cooper Works GP into the 24-hour race at Nurburgring with Bulldog Racing. As a special edition of the MINI JCW, the 1to6 Edition can be distinguished by some of its exterior features.\nPerhaps the most obvious exterior feature of the 1to6 edition is its Edition-specific centre-running bonnet stripe. That stripe is matches with a Midnight Black body colour, and the car is adorned with its edition logo in red, white and silver. The 1to6 also gets badges on its C pillars, and side cuttles and a waistline finisher in Piano Black. Completing the exterior look of the JCW 1to6 Edition is a set of 18-inch Circuit Spoke rims in jet black.\nPowering the Mini John Copper Works 1to6 is still the same 2.0-littre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that outputs \n231 hp\n (metric) and \n320 Nm\n. As for transmission choices, the JCW 1to6 can only be specced with a 6-speed manual transmission only. The 6-speed manual transmission is also the reason behind the \u201c1to6\u201d moniker of the special edition, which MINI says provides an \u201cunfiltered and authentic driving experience\u201d.\nRELATED: \nMINI teases new steering wheel, OLED screen for upcoming models\nDistinguishing features of the 1to6 also continue into the cabin of the car as it gets door sills with an edition-specific 1to6 logo, a 3D-embossed decorative surface on the passenger side, and a \u201cone of 999\u201d black lettering on the left side of the steering wheel. It also gets a gear shifter with red stitching and the lower steering wheel spoke and floormats are adorned with a MINI John Copper Works 1to6 Edition emblem.\nMINI Head, Stefanie Wurst said, \u201cThe MINI John Cooper Works models have their roots in motorsport. With the MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition, we are celebrating MINI\u2019s legendary motorsport history and maximizing the brand-typical driving experience.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMINI Electric Resolute Edition now available with new exterior colours, from RM205k\nGALLERY"
"Welcome, everybody, to Ferrari\u2019s future, filled with electrified powertrains and downsized engines \u2013 and if \u201cdownsizing\u201d can still look (and sound) this amazing, we\u2019re all in. This is the Ferrari 296 GTB, and it\u2019s a two-door, two-seater addition to the \n458\n, \n488\n, and \nF8\n line-up that started what seems like aeons ago now. But aside from that, the 296 GTB is truly unlike any other car Ferrari has ever put on the roads.\nAnd the reason for that is none other than the powertrain behind the 296 GTB\u2019s passenger compartment \u2013 Ferrari\u2019s first-ever V6 engine in a production model. well, technically. No, we\u2019re not forgetting the Dino, but the historic model was never actually branded as a Ferrari, so this statement \nis\n technically correct, even though it sounds more like a marketing statement than anything else.\nThat\u2019s also ignoring the many V6 Ferrari engines that has won a myriad of races in the company\u2019s motorsports history. But aside from the cylinder count and layout, it\u2019s actually a very different beast from what\u2019s come before.\nThe 2,992 cc displacement and six cylinders gives the car its name (which should technically be called 306 if we\u2019re being pedantic, but we don\u2019t have to explain why it isn\u2019t named that). But crucially, the engine is set-up in a 120-degree hot vee layout, making enough space to fit both its turbochargers in between the cylinders, while allowing it to be placed lower in the body and thus, lowering the centre of gravity.\nThe twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine by itself makes 663 hp, which Ferrari claims is a new record for \u201cspecific power output\u201d, at 221 hp/l. But that\u2019s not all you\u2019re getting on the Ferrari 296 GTB, because there\u2019s also an electric motor on the rear axle, sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which raises the total system output to\n 830 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n.\nWith that amount of power (110 hp more than the F8 Tributo\u2019s 3.9-litre V8), the 296 GTB rockets to 100 km/h in \n2.9 seconds\n, and 200 km/h in 7.3 seconds, onward to a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (135 km/h on pure electric mode).\nThe performance is complemented by an all-new chassis that\u2019s 50 mm shorter in wheelbase compared to the F8 Tributo, lowering the inertia of the car which promises better handling. In the live online launch event, Ferrari\u2019s Chief Technical Officer Michael Hugo Leiters even said the new GTB provides a \u201cfun to drive, go-kart feeling\u201d.\nThat\u2019s especially impressive considering that it weighs approximately 140 kg more than the F8, thanks to its electric components and battery pack (though the V6 engine is 30 kg lighter than the V8). To keep the weight as low as possible, the battery pack at a capacity of only 7.45 kWh is minute by today\u2019s PHEV standards, and only provides a 25 km range on pure electricity.\nSound\u2019s good, doesn\u2019t it? But performance is not what keeps these cars on bedroom walls. For a sports car to be good, it must first look good \u2013 and boy oh boy is this a stunner.\nCompared to most modern Ferraris that seem to carry an \u201cin your face\u201d design language, the 296 GTB is relatively pared down, with sleek and measured curves, not unlike the new\n Roma\n (which I think is beautiful, and there\u2019s nothing you can do to change my mind).\nBut don\u2019t mistake the purity of its design for simplicity, because in addition to its elegant looks, the curves also function as aerodynamic devices to either channel air into the cooling vents, or generate downforce.\nEven without any aero appendages aside from the deployable rear wing (like the \nSF90 Stradale\n), the new 296 GTB makes upwards of 360 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. The see-through flat engine cover and vertical rear screens between the flying buttresses are just icing on the cake.\nThe clean and matured styling effort also continue onto the interior, where you\u2019ll find exclusive Italian leather trim on the dashboard and seats, alongside the wraparound digital instrument cluster, steering wheel, and gear selector panel borrowed from the SF90 Stradale.\nCustomers who want a racier-looking car can opt for the Assetto Fiorano package, which in addition to the subtly more aggressive exterior design and unique livery, also slashes the car\u2019s weight by more than 12 kg thanks to the use of carbon fibre components, and comes with a sportier-tuned suspension.\nThe new Ferrari 296 GTB is priced from EUR269,000 (~RM1.3 million) with the Italian tax and duties included; the Assetto Fiorano package raises the price up to EUR302,000 (~RM1.5 million). Deliveries will start at left-hand drive European countries first in Q1 2022, with other nations to follow shortly.\nGALLERY"
"Nissan recently introduced the Note Aura in Japan, a compact series-hybrid based on the third-generation Note that first made its debut last November. So far, so good \u2013 but for some reason unbeknownst to us, Nissan decided that the Note Aura \u2013 a city car, let us remind you \u2013 needed a \nNismo\n treatment.\nDubbed a \u201cswift electrified city racer\u201d by Nissan, the Note Aura Nismo gains several new sporty design elements, inspired by the marque\u2019s \nFormula E\n race car. These touches include new bumpers with bright red splitters, wide-rim 17-inch aluminium wheels, and a new roof spoiler that supposedly offers \u201coptimised aerodynamic downforce\u201d honed through motor racing, improving stability at high speeds.\nTying it all up on the exterior are the red-painted wing mirror covers, alongside a black racing stripe on the bonnet. Buyers can choose from a selection of five different exterior colour variations, four of them two-tone combinations.\nNismo once built an actual electric race car, based on the Nissan Leaf! Check it out here.\nInside, the Nissan Note Aura Nismo gets a mixture of dark colours and red accents that supposedly \u201cevoke focus and excitement for driving\u201d. The sportier city hybrid also gets a set of sport seats for the front passengers, with a fabric/synthetic leather combination upholstery, embroidered with the Nismo logo on the seat backs.\nNismo managed to squeeze another 120 hp out of the Nissan GT-R\u2019s engine. Here\u2019s how they did it!\nAs for mechanical upgrades, Nissan says that the Note Aura Nismo gets an upgraded \u201cspecialised suspension\u201d and \u201coptimised body rigidity distribution\u201d, but stopped short on what those words actually mean on the technical front.\nAnd as we\u2019ve alluded to in the title, the Nismo city car doesn\u2019t actually gain any improvements in terms of the power. Underneath the bonnet is still Nissan\u2019s e-Power series hybrid powertrain, featuring a small 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine to charge the batteries, while an electric motor pushes \n100 kW (134 hp)\n and \n300 Nm\n to the front wheels.\nThe all-new Nissan Kicks also features an e-Power series hybrid powertrain! Check out the Thailand-spec car here.\nThe Nissan Note Aura Nismo does however get a new Nismo drive mode, which promises a more powerful response and increased acceleration, which Nissan says will \u201clive up to the expectations of Nismo fans and genuine lovers of driving\u201d.\nAs you might have gathered, the Nissan Note Aura Nismo will only be available for the Japanese market. Priced at JPY2,869,900 (~RM111k), the spruced-up Note Aura is set to go on sale in the Autumn, though the regular variants (including an all-wheel drive model) is available now.\nGALLERY"
"BMW \nannounced back in November \nlast year that the all-new M2 will be unveiled sometime in 2022, but ever since then, it\u2019s almost complete radio silence from the German carmaker. Well, that is, until now, as BMW has just published the first official teaser to the upcoming compact high-performance coupe, giving us a first taste of what to expect.\n \nThe short 35-second video, titled \u201cThe M2 is on its way, get ready for playtime\u201d, features plenty of bright lights and action movie-esque shaky-cam driving shots, but not so much of the actual M2 itself.\nThe only few scenes with cars are dark and heavily obscured, too, but it seems that BMW didn\u2019t even bother including the new car in the teaser at all. Squinting our eyes and looking closely, it seems that the car at around the 0:05 mark is the\n current, outgoing BMW M2\n, while for some reason BMW seems to also have included a \nTesla Model S\n at 0:20 and 0:25. What?\nPretty sure that\u2019s a Tesla Model S\u2019 headlights.\nAt least, we won\u2019t have to work \ntoo\n hard to guess how it\u2019ll look, since it\u2019ll be based heavily on the \nG42 BMW 2 Series Coupe\n that was unveiled last year. Expect widened and more muscular fenders here, and more aero surfaces, larger wheels and brakes, quad exhaust tips, and perhaps, even the massive nostril kidney grille as seen on the \nM3\n and \nM4\n.\nAs for performance, we\u2019re also expecting a similar recipe to that of the current M2/M2 Competition, which means a detuned version of the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine, making around 450 hp with power sent to the rear wheels (probably).\nThe upcoming all-new 2022 M2 is also rumoured to be one of the last-ever \u201ctraditional\u201d BMW with an inline-six, non-electrified engine, and a manual transmission. So the so-called \u201centhusiasts\u201d, you know what to do.\nThat\u2019s about all we know for now on the upcoming 2022 BMW M2, except that it\u2019ll be built exclusively at the San Luis Potos\u00ed Plant in Mexico. What else is on your BMW M2 wishlist? Drop a comment below to let us know.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia has officially launched the plug-in hybrid variant of the world\u2019s most successful business sedan, the G30 BMW 530e Sport. It is the fifth model BMW iPerformance model to be introduced in the country following the F30 330e.\nThanks to the Government\u2019s Approve Hybrid Incentive, the locally assembled 530e Sport is priced at RM343,800, netting RM45k savings over the BMW 530i M Sport. Curiously the 530e is also priced considerably lower than its German rival, the \nMercedes-Benz E 350 e\n which retails from RM393k. The Bavarian sedan also undercuts the \nVolvo S90 T8\n by some RM26k.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nG30 BMW 530e Sport\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Torque\n181 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Power\n290 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,250 rpm\nElectric Motor\n111 hp & 250 Nm\nCombined Output\n248 hp & 420 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.2 seconds; 235 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM343,800\nLike the \n330e\n range, BMW Malaysia first rolled out the 530e dressed in the Sport line trim. The Sport line bags a more elegant body kit, dual exhaust outlets in black chrome, front ornamental grille with Active Air Stream. It rides on 19-inch 635 V-spoke style alloys wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 sticky rubbers \u2013 245/40 profile front and 275/35 profile at the rear. BMW Malaysia has omitted the adaptive LED headlamps in favour of simpler high-performance LED units.   BMW Malaysia has expressed that the 530i M Sport will be positioned as the flagship model in the G30 line up and therefore will not offer the 530e in the M Sport trim for the time being. However, customers can still spice up their PHEV with the M Performance kit.\nInside, the 530e gets the same kit as the petrol only variant \u2013 Dakota leather upholstery, Sport leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, powered front seats with memory function, 10.25-inch touchscreen iDrive system, 11-colour ambient lighting, powered boot, quad-zone climate control and powered rear sun blinds.   Unique to the 530e are the iPerformance-specific 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster, 205W 12-speaker HiFi system and eDrive designation trims. Items such as Harman Kardon sound surround sound system, gesture control, BMW Display Key and powered sunroof have been \nomitted\n.\nMotivation comes from BMW\u2019s famed eDrive system that marries a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with \n181 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n of torque paired to an electric motor that serves up \n113 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. All the combined output of \n248 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of twisting force gets sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Adaptive dampers are also thrown into the mix.\nThe 530e boats a century sprint time of 6.2 seconds onwards to a top speed of 235 km/h. BMW claims that the car will only sip 2 litres of fuel for every 100 km travelled. Under the rear bench, you\u2019ll find a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that takes just under 5 hours from a standard domestic power socket or under three hours when plugged into a BMW i Wallbox. The 530e can travel 46 km on pure electric at a maximum speed of 140 km/h.\nSafety kit reads six airbags, ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), ISOFIX mounting points and flat tyre indicator. Other Driving Assistants include Lane Departure Warning, lane Change Warning, Cross Traffic Warning and Parking Assistant for parallel and perpendicular parking.\nThe BMW 530e comes in four exterior shades \u2013 Bluestone Metallic, Mediterranean Blue, Alpine White and Black Sapphire. Like all models sold through BMW Malaysia, the 530e comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with free-scheduled service and BMW tyre warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Stuck on the roads, but desperately need a cup of good Joe? Good news \u2013 you now have at least one more option to choose from, as Petronas has just unveiled the new Caf\u00e9 Mesra coffee shop, with outlets to be strategically located at selected \nPetronas\n stations for greater convenience.\nThe caf\u00e9 will offer a range of foods and beverages, including \u201cbarista-quality\u201d handcrafted coffee featuring its signature Mesra Latte, alongside two \u201cnew food concepts\u201d dubbed Fusian and SayHeart. The former, as the name suggests, offers a selection of blended cuisine such as Nasi Goreng Mesra and Nasi Goreng Salsa.\nSayHeart, meanwhile, features \u201chealthy yet tasty food for the health-conscious\u201d, including a plant-based Ayam Masak Merah with cauliflower rice, gluten-free plant-based burger, and an all-natural decadent Kuih Bar. The company adds that the SayHeart food items are also locally sourced, in support of Malaysia\u2019s local farmers and vendors.\nSpeaking at the launch, Mesra Retail & Caf\u00e9 CEO, Ian Malcolm Cruddas said that the company expect to open and operate 50 Caf\u00e9 Mesra outlets throughout the country by the end of the year, including standalone caf\u00e9s and kiosks. It\u2019s now available at 11 Petronas stations around Klang Valley, including a maiden drive-through Caf\u00e9 Mesra at Petronas USJ20, plus one more at Bandar Baru Nilai.\nPetronas Dagangan Berhad Vice President and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani said, \u201cCaf\u00e9 Mesra is part of PDB\u2019s continuous pursuit to make our customers\u2019 everyday lives simpler and better. This is yet another initiative where we leverage our existing network and infrastructure to widen our reach, improve our retail offering, and future-proof our business.\u201d\nMore information on Caf\u00e9 Mesra can be found on the company\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n."
"One of the poster child of compact SUVs is the Mazda CX-3 and Bermaz Motor has just released information on the updated model.\nNo cosmetic changes in this round of updates, so we can jump straight into the interior where tangible upgrades are added which the driver can appreciate. The seven-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system now comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.\nThe improved infotainment is also fitted with the new 360-degree View Monitor that provides a birds-eye view of the vehicle\u2019s surrounding at parking speeds. Parking assistance is further improved by the placement of four parking sensor cells on the front bumper.\nOccupants also sit on new leatherette-fabric seat upholstery, as opposed to full leather material in the \nfacelift model\n.\nThe price increase also sees the return of the tilt-and-slide moonroof (priced at RM2,000), an item that was curiously omitted in the facelift model. In terms of driver assistance systems, the updated Mazda CX-3 receives the Smart City Braking Support (or autonomous emergency braking) that can also function while in reverse.\nOther additional features in the i-Activesense suite are the High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning System and Driver Attention Alert.\nFive exterior colours are available, with the addition of the Polymetal Grey that debuted in the all-new \nMazda 3\n hatchback.\nThe Mazda CX-3 continues to be offered in only one variant and a single powertrain installation. A 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine packing \n154 hp\n and \n204 Nm\n of torque drive the front wheels via a six-speed SkyActiv Drive automatic transmission.\nThe SkyActiv powertrain works in tandem with the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) that helps reduce body roll and improve ride comfort by altering the engine torque and subtle braking inputs when necessary.\nPricing for the updated Mazda CX-3 2.0 starts from \nRM130,729\n (with 50% sales tax exemption) and the price is inclusive of five-year / 100,000 km free maintenance package and manufacturer warranty coverage plus Mazda\u2019s Skytint window security and tint fitment.\nThe Mazda CX-3 remains to be fully imported from Japan and customers can only expect their vehicles to be delivered from \nJuly 2021\n.\nGALLERY"
"Two months after its \nSingaporean launch\n, UMW Toyota has launched the \nall-new 4th generation Toyota Harrier\n in Malaysia. It will only be \navailable in a single variant\n, the 2.0-litre Luxury, priced at RM249,706.50 on-the-road without insurance. The new Harrier comes fully imported from Japan.\nUnder the hood is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine with \n173 hp\n and\n 203 Nm\n, paired to Toyota\u2019s Direct Shift CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels.\n \nOn the outside, the Harrier comes with LED everything and this extends to the daytime running lights, front fog lamps, projector headlamps, and rear lighting fixtures. Under the wheel arches are 18-inch wheels and topping the exterior off is the hands-free tailgate feature.\nInside, the Harrier comes with a myriad of new additions. For starters, it comes with a head up display, ventilated seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic moon roof with manual dimming functions and a wireless charger.\nAs for safety, the Harrier is safeguarded by seven airbags, and the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense which includes:\nPre Collision Braking\nLane Departure Alert\nLane Tracing Assist\nLane Keeping Assist\nDynamic Radar Cruise Control (all speeds)\nAdaptive High Beam\nGALLERY"
"Following the overwhelming success of their online sales with the \nspecial edition Beetle\n and \nJOIN models\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced yet another special edition model to be sold exclusively on \nLazada.com.my\n in conjunction with Lazada\u2019s annual 11.11 Shopping Festival celebration.\nThe Volkswagen Polo Black & While is limited to \n11 units only\n and will be available for purchase from 11 November 2018 onwards. Based on the standard Polo 1.6 MPI, the Polo B&W gains RM7,500 worth of accessories. It\u2019s finished in Candy While and comes fitted with VW tint, rear spoiler, body side mouldings, side mirror covers, 15-inch alloy wheels all finished in black.   The black theme continues inside with its black leather seats, RCD 340G head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and multifunctional steering wheel. It soldiers on with the same 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MPI petrol and six-speed automatic combo delivering \n105 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n to the front wheels.\nIn the spirit of the 11.11 Shopping Festival celebration, the Polo Black & White carries a special price tag of \nRM68,488\n (on-the-road without insurance), RM6,502 cheaper than what you would \nnormally pay\n at the showroom floors. As part of the deal, their official bank partner Hong Leong Bank will also be offering a special low-interest rate of 1.11 per cent per annum for a 5-Year Loan.\nTo place a booking, customers will only have to place a booking fee of RM799 on Lazada and can be paid via Lazada Wallet, credit card or online banking. After which customers will be contacted by a Volkswagen representative to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle.\nThe Volkswagen Polo Black & White comes with a 5-Years Warranty, 3-Years Free Maintenance and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Polo Black & White Edition"
"Malaysia\u2019s Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is proving to be quite the leaker of Proton models, and this time it\u2019s purportedly the facelifted Iriz hatchback.\nIn this video posted by KiniTV, the Prime Minister and former Proton chairman is seen driving himself in a Proton Iriz to attend an official function at Putrajaya. The near two-minute long video also shows both the front and back of the Iriz, and we do see quite a fair bit of work done on the external styling.\nIt would appear that the facelifted Iriz is getting a new face.\nFor starters the front end looks to be entirely new; the bonnet is now a clamshell design (a la Persona) and the headlamp slimmer and reconstituted with stronger visual cues. Of course, no one can miss the prominent chrome trim that runs from the outer edges of the headlamps and meets just under the Proton emblem that sits on a larger, redesigned front grille. The front bumper is new too, looks cleaner and sports a pair of new day-time running lights.\nIriz rear end gets a makeover that significantly alters its aesthetics.\nNot much is changed on the sides and doors though it\u2019s obvious the multi-spoke alloy wheels are new, but like the front, the rear styling of the Iriz also receives a significant makeover; the most obvious being the large trim valance under the rear windscreen which has the \u2018PROTON\u2019 alphabets laid out on it, similar to modern Volvos. The rear spoiler appears unchanged, as are the LED taillamps but the bumper is all new with an angular cut-out, along with a lower trim featuring a chrome accent.\nWe expect to see the forthcoming facelifted Iriz to also incorporate a raft of interior updates, including a version of the GKUI that\u2019s proven to be such a\u00a0\nhit in the X70\n. Like what you see?\n(Images in this story are screen grabs from the \nvideo posted by KiniTV\n)"
"Trapo\n, the home-grown customisable car mat brand, today unveiled its newest line-up of car mats featuring various new improvements to their existing products, in response to customer demand and latest technologies.\nFirst of three new products is the Trapo Classic Mark III, an upgrade from the best-selling Trapo Classic Mark II with two times the durability of its predecessor. New on the Mark III is a new deodorising mechanism, which helps neutralise any odours in the mat and your car for a scentless experience from day one.\nThe Trapo Classic Mark III also comes in two new colour options \u2013 brown and grey \u2013 in addition to black to suit more vehicles\u2019 interiors better. The Classic Mark III starts at \nRM199.90\n.\nThe same brown colour option and new deodorising technology is also available for the range-topping Trapo Hex II mats, but the Hex II stands out with its increased strength of up to 10 times the durability of its predecessor.\nThere\u2019s also a reengineered padding tracking design which helps optimise grip between the mat and the vehicle\u2019s flooring, while the metal plate at the bottom has now been replaced with a more sustainable rice husk plate, in line with the company\u2019s eco-friendly values.\nBoth the Trapo Hex II and Trapo Classic Mark III features the brand\u2019s patented technology that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. The Trapo Hex II starts at \nRM339.90\n.\nLast but not least is the Trapo Eco Duo, featuring a new dual-layer design to help trap more dust in the mat, and allows for easier cleaning. The Eco Duo features an eco-friendly design utilising up to 68% of recycled materials, and also allows for more customisation options, including an exclusive army green lining. The Eco Duo starts at \nRM169.90\n.\nAll three new mats also features a new Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) lining material, using up to 12 recycled 500 ml bottles per mat!\nMore information on the new Trapo mats can be found on its website, linked \nhere\n."
"James Bond,\u00a0the famous fictional British Secret Service agent\u00a0more fondly known by his code number 007, is set to drive the all-new Aston Martin DB10 that was \nspecifically developed\n for the film franchise\u2019s next series \u2013\u00a0\nSpectre.\nThe DB10 is the result of a collaboration between Aston Martin\u2019s designing team and the Bond film\u2019s director, Sam Mendes, with the objective to create the ultimate sports car for the spy. It was exclusively unveiled at the 007 stage at Pinewood Studios.\nDuring the unveiling, the British luxury sports carmaker revealed that the DB10 is an indication of the brand\u2019s \nfuture design direction\n for their next generation Astons. As of yet, there\u2019s no word on what will reside under the hood of this DB10.\nProduction for the film-specific DB10 will be strictly limited to \n10 units\n.\u00a0\nSpectre\u00a0\nis set to hit the big screen on 6 November 2015."
"The \nall-new Hyundai Elantra\n makes its world debut today through a live broadcast at its special event in West Hollywood. Hyundai says that the latest generation of its popular compact sedan is designed for \u201cthe next generation\u201d who are \u201csensible yet disruptive and always questioning traditions\u201d.\n \nThis non-conformist mindset is clearly seen on the styling of the all-new Elantra, where the designers adopted a \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d design identity for the sedan using parametric and geometric shapes and sharp lines.\nThe Elantra now takes on a four-door coupe look, fit with a wider stance, lower roofline, and a more rearward cowl (the part between the windscreen and front bonnet), thanks to the new platform it is built on. The platform results in a growth in almost all dimensions of the vehicle including a longer wheel base, except for height \u2013 the all-new Elantra is 20 mm shorter \nthan before\n.\nThe front fascia of the all-new Elantra is dominated by a parametric-jewel pattern grille. The turn signals are integrated into the grille, along with the headlights to form a singular wing-shaped architecture.\nOn the side, Hyundai designers took \u201cunconventional lines\u201d to another level, featuring geometric-like creases to form the character lines, almost like cut gem. The all-new Elantra is available on wheel sizes ranging from 15- to 17-inches.\nMoving to the rear, a horizontal line extends across the entire boot, emphasising the width of the compact sedan. The illuminated line joins the two taillights to form the \u201cH-Tail Lamp\u201d, creating a Hyundai flying H logo-like graphic.\nDespite the dramatic changes done to the proportions to the car, Hyundai says that the cabin space were barely impacted, with most key interior dimensions actually increased.\nThe cabin layout adopts a \u201cimmersive cocoon\u201d design, with all key touchpoints enveloping the driver, like an airplane cockpit. To emphasize the width of the car, Hyundai utilised a low, wide structure that runs from door to door, with the air-conditioning vents integrated neatly into a single line.\nOn the higher-spec models, a large interface sits atop the sloping dashboard, consisting of two 10.25-inch displays \u2013 one each for the instrument cluster and infotainment display \u2013 joined by one single piece of glass. The touchscreen is also angled towards the driver to make usage slightly easier.\nWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes as standard on all variants, even on the smaller eight-inch infotainment display. The all-new Elantra also comes packed with enhanced natural-language voice recognition for feature controls all around the car.\nThe all-new Elantra can also be fitted with an optional Digital Key, allowing the car to be unlocked and driven just by using your smartphone, or the back-up NFC card \u2013 perfect for the younger generation who can\u2019t seem to be seperated from their phones.\nThe latest-generation Hyundai Elantra comes as standard with a 2.0-litre MPI engine, generating \n147 hp\n and \n179 Nm\n. Hyundai says that the engine is projected to achieve best-in-class fuel economy rating, partly thanks to the \nIntelligent Variable Transmission\n (IVT), which utilises a chain-design belt in places of the more common push belt.\nHowever, if fuel economy is something you care deeply about, the all-new Hyundai Elantra will also be available for the first time ever with a hybrid powertrain. The \nHyundai Elantra Hybrid\n is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, paired to a permanent-magnet electric motor which sips power from a 1.32 kWh battery.\nThe hybrid powertrain generates a combined system output of \n139 hp\n and \n264 Nm\n of torque, with power transferred to the wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai says that the combined fuel economy is estimated to\n exceed 4.7 l/100km\n.\nHyundai is heavily marketing the all-new Elantra as a sports sedan, with a focus on driving dynamics. The Korean carmaker says that the majority of the effects come from the all-new platform, which results in a lower centre of gravity, improved steering response due to the new gearbox position, as well as a lower seating position.\nSuspension mounting structures have also been revised for a more responsive handling, along with the suspensions tuning itself which Hyundai says is \u201ctaut yet comfortable\u201d, minimising unwanted body roll while maximising wheel impact absorption.\nAs standard, the all-new Hyundai Elantra will be equipped with several SmartSense advance safety and convenience technologies, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian detection), Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.\nThe SmartSense can be further upgraded with Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Radar Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.\nThe Hyundai Elantra is expected to begin production in Autumn 2020, at the Ulsan, Korea factory. Right before the end of the broadcast, Hyundai executives revealed that there will be a \nN-line version\n of the Elantra, but they remained tight-lipped on any information.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin has officially announced that their first ever SUV will be named as the Aston Martin DBX, taking over the name of the concept car it is based on. With the announcement, the British marque released a short teaser of their prototype model.\nThe first prototype drive in Wales signifies the start of the brand\u2019s \u201creal-world\u201d testing which the company have scheduled to put the DBX through some of the world\u2019s harshest environments from the frozen Arctic and scorching deserts of the Middle East to high Alpine passes and the high-speed demands of the German autobahn and N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife.\nDespite being covered up in the bright yellow camouflage, it is obvious that the DBX follows the design concept quite closely from the slim headlamps, gaping front grille and coupe-like silhouette. The rounded taillamp design on the prototype, however, is a far departure from the concept\u2019s single strip blade that reminiscence other Aston Martin models.\nIn our recent interview with Aston Martin Creative Director of Exterior, Miles Nurnberger, the DBX was built with the philosophy of \u201c\nsportscar first, SUV second\n\u201d. The new SUV will maintain the verve and poise of an Aston Martin sports car with the added benefit of multi-terrain drivability as well as towing capabilities.   Nurnberger has also said that the DBX will feature a turbocharged powerplant due to the high low-end torque characteristics of turbo engines. Currently, Aston Martin employs an AMG sourced M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 and a 5.3-litre bi-turbo V12 in its other models.\nThe Aston Martin DBX is scheduled to be unveiled in the last quarter of 2019 with customer deliveries commencing shortly after.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Even as an entry model into the Caterham experience, demand for more power has led the company to push the performance envelope of the \nSeven 160\n, especially when the vehicle is all about driving purity.\nCaterham has just introduced the Seven 170 with an increase in engine output and more kit for track day junkies in the R pack. The turbocharged 660 cc three-cylinder powertrain from Suzuki that also serves the \nJimny\n at its home market of Japan has now been massaged to deliver \n86 hp / 116 Nm\n, up from the 80 hp / 107 Nm in the 160.\nThe ultra-lightweight Caterham Seven continues to weigh approximately 500 kg thanks to body panels made of composite over a tubular steel frame chassis, pushing the power-to-weight ratio per tonne to \n170 hp/tonne\n, thus the name \u2018170\u2019. Built with specific optional equipment and components from Caterham, the Seven 170 can weigh as little as 440 kg, equating to a power-to-weight ratio of over 190 hp/tonne.\nThe benchmark sprint time from standstill to 100 km/h continues to be \n6.9 seconds\n, but expect better in-gear acceleration thanks to the higher torque. Standard equipment in the regular Seven 170 S include 14-inch wheels with specific Avon ZT7 tyres, comfort-oriented suspension, LED tail lamps and indicators, bright chrome finishing, leather seats and a Momo steering wheel plus an open rear differential.\nKarrus Automotive officially imports Caterham Sevens into Malaysia. Find out more about them here!\nThe track-engineered R Pack that cost just GBP1,000 (approx. RM5.7k) extra meanwhile ditches the glass windscreen and replaces it with two carbon fibre wind deflectors, black highlights, composite race seats with 4-point harnesses, sports suspension pack with a limited-slip rear differential and a lightweight flywheel. \u00a0\nThe Caterham Seven 170 starts from \nGBP22,990\n (approx. RM132k) as a kit car, with the vehicle unassembled, for perhaps a winter project based in your own garage. A fully built-up Seven 170 adds GBP2,395 to the price and includes all the necessary documentation.\nGALLERY"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has introduced two new trim packages \u2013 the X-Tremer and Aero Edition for the new Nissan X-Trail line up. The new visual packages will be available on \nall variants\n of the seven-seater SUV.\u00a0\nThe X-Tremer is the more extravagant of the two, offered in three two-tone exterior colour options \u2013 Imperial Red, Brilliant White or Tungsten Silver, all paired to a black roof, roof racks, and rear spoiler.\u00a0\nThe all-black colour scheme extends to the V-motion grille cladding, TOMEI front and rear bumpers, side skirts, wing mirrors and the 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.\u00a0\nThe Aero Edition also gets the TOMEI aerokit, but finished in a silver paint job for a \u201csporty and elegant\u201d appearance. The gloss-black 17-inch alloy wheels from the X-Tremer is also available on the Aero Edition.\u00a0\nThe Aero Edition Nissan X-Trail will be available in Diamond Black, Imperial Umber, and Titanium Olive \u2013 all in single-tone only.\u00a0\nOn the inside, both packages will come with brown Nappa leather seats, along with leatherette dashboard, knee pads, and arm rests.\u00a0\nThe Nissan X-Trail is currently available in four variants; The 2.0L 2WD and 2.0L 2WD MID is powered by a two-litre four-cylinder engine generating \n144 hp\n and\n 200 Nm\n of torque. A higher-powered 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is available with the 2.5L 4WD variant, producing \n171 hp\n and \n233 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels.\u00a0\nA hybrid variant of the X-Trail is also available, powered by the same two-litre engine and paired to an electronic motor. Combined output of the hybrid powertrain is rated at \n185 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n of torque. All variants feature a \nX-Tronic CVT gearbox\n with 7-Speed Manual Mode.\nThe Nissan X-Trail comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty that includes the HEV components and HEV lithium-ion battery. The new factory-fitted package accessories come with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty.\nAs for pricing, the X-Tremer package costs an additional \nRM7,000\n, while the Nissan X-Trail with the Aero Edition package comes in at \nRM5,000\n on top of the retail price. The full pricing details can be found in the table below: \u00a0\nInterested customers can check out the new Nissan X-Trail X-Tremer and Aero Edition at Nissan showrooms starting from 2nd November 2019.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There is a reason why we put up this story at this hour; because if posted it after lunch, offices or living rooms (if you\u2019re working from home) would likely be redecorated with whatever you had for lunch. The Guinness World Records archive is made up of the strangest things. Just look at their \nlist of records\n and you\u2019d understand how interesting human beings are.\nIt\u2019ll also make you realise that it doesn\u2019t take a superhero to break or set a new Guinness World Record \u2013 it just requires some creativity and tenacity. Creativity to find a niche record and the tenacity to see it through \u2013 that\u2019s all there is.\n \nThis Guinness World Record set by British stunt driver, Terry Grant, was one of them. Come on, who would\u2019ve thought of setting a new record for the \nfastest wheel change on a spinning car\n??\nInformation has been scarce but we do know that it was set 10 years ago in Rome, Italy on an Italian TV show. The time required? A mere 3 minutes and 10 seconds.\nFrankly, it sounds impossible to perform a tyre change in such a short time even if the car wasn\u2019t moving!"
"A large portion of the 3,800 fuel stations nationwide may have to temporarily seize operations after a drop in fuel prices for three consecutive weeks couple with the Movement Control Order.\nThis was the concern raised by the Petrol Dealers Association Malaysia, President, Khairul Annuar Abdual Aziz as reported by \nFree Malaysia Today\n.\nIt\u2019s said that a petrol station needs between RM150,000 to RM200,000 a month to purchase fuel and up to RM70,000 depending on the size of the facility, to run their daily operations, pay wages and utilities.\nQuite an interesting time for this \nnew petrol station to open in Selangor\n eh?\nWith fuel prices have been dropping every week, petrol station owners are selling their fuel at a lower price than they bought it for and are essentially subsidising fuel for customers at the peril of their business.\nIn the same report, Khairul also suggested for the government to limit a petrol station\u2019s operating hours \u2013 from 7 am to 7 pm during the Movement Control Order period. This would help petrol station owners reduce their operating cost as electricity bills alone can run up to RM15,000 a month.\nHe also stressed that pump attendants should not be made to work and that the government should make it a rule to protect them."
"First unveiled at a media preview a little over a month ago, Bermaz Motor, Mazda\u2019s sole distributor in Malaysia, has now released the full pricing information for the \nMazda CX-8\n, hinting at an imminent launch.\u00a0\nThe Mazda CX-8 line-up will consist of four variants \u2013 2.5G 2WD MID (\nRM180k\n), 2.5G 2WD MID PLUS (\nRM186k\n), 2.5G 2WD HIGH (\nRM201k\n) and 2.2D 4WD HIGH (\nRM218k\n). All variants of the CX-8 will be \nassembled locally \nat the Inokom Assembly Plant in Kulim, Kedah.\u00a0\nAs a recap, The six/seven-seater SUV will be available with two engine choices. The 2.5L models are powered by the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine producing \n192 hp\n and \n258 Nm\n of torque.\nThe range-topping 2.2D variant sports a 2.2-litre four-pot turbodiesel engine, producing \n188 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Four-wheel drive will only be available with the oil-burner engine. A six-speed automatic SkyActiv-Drive transmission is standard across the model range.\n \nAll models are equipped with LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry, and powered tailgate. Other than the 2.5L 2WD MID variant, which comes with bulb-type daytime-running lights (DRL), all models are equipped with LED DRLs.\u00a0\nInside, all variants feature a \n7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system\n with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose sound system, three-zone climate control system, reverse camera and 10-way power adjustable driver\u2019s seat.\nOnly the base 2.5L 2WD MID model comes with seven seats\n with bench-type seats on the second row; the 2.5L 2WD MID PLUS variant comes with individual captain seats on the second row, while the 2.5L HIGH and 2.2D AWD gets a centre console between the second-row seats.\u00a0\nThe 2.5L 2WD MID and MID PLUS variants come with fabric seats, while the 2.5L HIGH and 2.2D AWD gets Nappa leather upholstery.\u00a0Customers can upgrade from the fabric seats to leather at \nRM4,500\n. Skytint safety tint film and illuminated sill plates are included for all variants.\nMazda\u2019s i-Stop Idling Technology and G Vectoring Control Plus are also present on all models. In terms of safety, all models are equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill Launch Assist.\u00a0\nThe i-ActivSense advanced safety systems are available too \u2013 Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard starting from the 2.5L MID PLUS variant, but only the top two variants get Adaptive LED headlights, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, and Smart City Brake Support.\u00a0\nThe all-new CX-8 comes in\u00a0\nsix colour options\n\u00a0\u2013 Deep Blue Crystal, Sonic Silver and Jet Black, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl. The latter three exterior colours are \ncost options at RM3,000\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Research Institute USA is developing a road condition monitoring system to evaluate road condition in an effort to detect possible hazards ahead.\nWith the system, Honda hopes to help road operators monitor lane markings and road surface conditions more frequently, in a cost-effective and efficient way.\n \nStill in its testing phase, the system uses GPS coordinates and sensors such as cameras to collect real-time road condition information that can be shared with road operators.\nAs such, Honda is working with local transportation departments and plans to start providing road condition data in early 2022, to help improve road conditions and maintenance in the area.\nThe lane lines are classified using four colour codes: green, yellow, grey, and red. Green and yellow indicates good lane marking conditions while grey means there are no lane lines. Red indicates the lane markings need repair.\nThe data, including the coordinates and visuals recorded by Honda\u2019s system will then be uploaded onto a secure platform where road operators can access for analysis."
"Lexus is no stranger to flamboyance and flair; and most times their \u201cproduce\u201d, whether as a whole or a distinct item, are the most desirable items in the industry.\nAs subjective as the topic of art can be, I honestly think the LFA would\u2019ve been art on its own without some random lines smearing its exquisite body.\nThey recently unveiled a uniquely-painted LFA to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lexus \u201cF\u201d performance brand and the debut of its RC F GT3 race car in the Total 24 Hours of Spa endurance race.\nThe custom livery of this one-off vehicle was designed by Portuguese artist Pedro Henriques who transformed the supercar\u2019s exterior with a striking black-and-white theme.\nThe design of the LFA \u201cArt Car\u201d\u00a0unites the lines of the iconic Lexus LFA V10 supercar with a flowing, organic pattern that embodies the feeling of movement and constant evolution.\nHenriques said his inspiration \u201cwas the idea of fluidity present in the contemporary life, where things are in constant movement and it\u2019s hard to freeze anything."
"BMW has introduced two special edition models for the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe called the Edition ColourVision which essentially comes with metallic paint finishing and a dual-tone leather interior. These special edition models are based on the M Sport variants and will be available from the second half of 2022 onwards.\nThe front end features front bumper trims, front grille and rear diffuser in high gloss black as part of the M Shadowline package while the 18-inch M light-alloy Y-spoke wheels are finished in Black and Silver.\nAs part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of BMW M, \u201950 Jahre\u2019 emblems can be ordered for the bonnet, boot lid and wheel hubs at no additional cost.\nAs for exterior colours, the Edition ColourVision models can be had in 50 different colours including iconic colours from the past which have been revived such as Dakar Yellow, Daytona Violet, and Macao Blue. Colours from the BMW Individual paint catalogue can also be specified such as the Frozen Pure Grey Metallic.\nInside, the seats are wrapped in dual-tone Dakota leather as standard and can be specified in the Black/Magma Red or Black/White combinations. As the Edition ColourVision models are based on the M Sport variant, the cabin also features M pedals, an M footrest, and an M steering wheel. M floor mats with custom piping and door sills with a mesh look are also part of the Edition Colour Vision package.\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially launched the facelifted eight-generation Volkswagen Passat in our market. At launch, only one variant is available \u2013 the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance, priced at RM189,012 on-the-road without insurance.\nThe Passat Elegance comes just four months after its market launch in September 2019 \u2013 a testament of VPCM\u2019s localisation efforts. The mid-life update features a redesign on both its exterior and interior, a new drivetrain combo, as well as improved connectivity.\u00a0\nFirst, the juicy bits \u2013 The facelifted Passat 2.0TSI Elegance is powered by a \nnew 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine\n, providing an output of \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of twist \u2013 slightly reduced from the \npre-facelift 2.0TSI Highline\n.\nThe engine is paired to a new\n seven-speed wet clutch DSG transmission\n \u2013 VPCM says that the updated Passat is the first front-wheel drive Volkswagen model in Malaysia to receive this gearbox.\u00a0\nNo performance figures were provided by VPCM, although the company says that fuel consumption for the Passat Elegance is rated at \n6.5 l/100km \naccording to the WLTP test cycle.\nStyling wise, the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance receives redesigned bumpers on both ends for a sharper appearance. However, the most notable change on the exterior is the new lighting system.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAt the front, the fully-LED headlights have been redesigned, and now features a \nsequential turn signal indicator\n. Unfortunately, we do not get the IQ.Light matrix LED headlights, which is a premium option in other markets.\nRear combination light clusters have also been restyled with a new internal graphic, featuring the \u201cthree-wing\u201d design, as well as sequential turn signal indicators.\nOther distinguishing exterior features include the Passat lettering at the rear, as well as the new\n 18-inch\n \u201cLiverpool\u201d alloy wheels, wrapped in 235/45 rubbers.\nInside, the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance gets a new \n9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display\n with voice control, gesture control and a customizable three-view split screen.\nThe new infotainment system also adds support for Wireless AppConnect with Apple CarPlay \u2013 a first for Volkswagen. Other connectivity features include three illuminated USB-C ports (no more USB-A), and Bluetooth connectivity.\nThe redesigned interior also include newly-designed door trims, \n30-colour ambient lighting\n, \n11.7-inch Digital Cockpit\n instrument cluster, as well as a new leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.\u00a0\nComfort amenities are aplenty in the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance, including 12-way power adjustable leather seats, three-zone climate control, and a power-operated roll up rear sunshade.\u00a0\nIn terms of safety, the Volkswagen Passat 2.0TSI Elegance now comes equipped with Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (180-degree detection range of up to 50 metres), Blind Spot Monitoring System (70-metre detection range), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.\nOther safety features include EBS with ABS, Brake Assist (automatically increases brake pressure by up to 40%), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), hill-hold control, Automatic Post-collision Braking System, and Proactive Passenger Protection System.\nThe facelifted Passat Elegance is available in six colours and two finishes \u2013 Metallic colours include Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey, Reflex Silver and Tamarind Brown, while pearl-effect shades are Deep Black and a new Ornyx White.\u00a0\nAs with all new Volkswagen cars, the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance comes with a \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty\n, five-year roadside assistance, as well as a \nthree-year free maintenance package\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) today opened the doors to the new Volvo 3S centre in Mutiara Damansara in partnership with dealer-partner Ingress Swede Automobile Sdn. Bhd. (Ingress Swede).\nThe opening of the new 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre aims to strengthen the foothold of Volvo in the Damansara suburbs.\nOfficiated by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, the Volvo 3S Mutiara Damansara is designed according to Volvo\u2019s new retail standards \u2014 the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE).\u00a0\nInside the Scandinavian-inspired building is a spacious showroom showcasing Volvo\u2019s latest cars including the XC40 and S90, as well as \n6 servicing bays\n to cater to general servicing needs of Volvo owners around the region.\nIn line with their new transformation strategy, Volvo Car Malaysia has been focusing on expanding it\u2019s retail presence, and have reached \n12 locations \nacross the nation with the opening of\u00a0the new Volvo 3S Centre in Mutiara Damansara. VCM is looking to unveil a further \nthree more locations within this year\n.\u00a0\nVolvo Car Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director Mr. Nalin Jain, said, \u201cIn the premium segment, the product is not the sole factor in the consumer\u2019s purchase decision. What\u2019s equally important is the value, quality and accessibility of services that they can enjoy throughout their journey with the brand.\u201d\nThe transformation strategy carried out by VCM has seen significant results, as they has just reported a \n60% year-on-year growth in the first half of 2019\n. Volvo is expected to continue the positive cadence into the last quarter of the year, supplemented by \nnew products in the pipelines\n.\nThe new Volvo 3S Centre in Mutiara Damansara is located at \n10 Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor\n.\u00a0\nThe Showroom will be open from \n8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturday\n, and \n10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays\n; vehicle servicing services will be available from\n 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday\n, and \n8:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays\n."
"Taking centre stage at Audi\u2019s stand at the Pebble Beach Monterey Car Week in California is their all-electric Audi PB18 e-tron concept car. The PB18 e-tron concept was created as a design and technology study for the brand\u2019s vision for a high-performance sports car of the future.\nPenned at Audi\u2019s new design studio in Malibu, California, the name PB18 e-tron was derived from Pebble Beach venue for the premiere and its technological DNA it shares with the Audi R18 e-tron LMP1 race car.   While Audi\u2019s previous concepts were focused on connected mobility and autonomous driving, the PB18 e-tron had an internal working title of \u201cLevel Zero\u201d which refers to zero development focus on autonomous driving on the road. As such, they were able to create a radical driving machine for the race track and public roads.\nThe PB18 e-tron follows the traditional package of a mid-engine sports car where the centre of gravity is located between the seats and rear axle \u2013 all in the name of driving dynamics. Although the concept car does not feature a conventional internal combustion engine unit, the car\u2019s battery pack will be strategically placed to achieve the balance of a traditional mid-engine sports car.\nMeasuring at 4.53 m in length, 2 m in width and just 1.15 m tall with a wheelbase of 2.70 m, the PB18 e-tron will use a mix of aluminium, carbon and multi-material composites as well as light solid-state battery to give the car an expected total weight of less than 1,550 kg.\nDespite its radical design, Audi combined the elements of a Le Mans race car, a coupe and a shooting brake to give the PB18 e-tron its distinctive silhouette. Every crease and openings are there purposefully to achieve exceptional aerodynamics. Although, we can\u2019t help to think that the front end appears to be hinting at the next-generation R8\u2019s design.\nInside, the PB18 e-tron features a variable seating position whereby the driver\u2019s seat can be pushed to the centre for a pure race car driving experience or be mounted on the side to seat another passenger.\nPowered by three electric motors \u2013 one up front and two at the rear, the PB18 e-tron commands 500 kW (680 hp) and up to 830 Nm of torque which can be momentarily boosted to 570 kW (775 hp). The all-wheel-drive electric concept car is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just slightly over 2 seconds.   The liquid-cooled solid-state battery has an energy capacity of 95 kWh and it can travel up to 500 km on a single charge. Audi also remarked that the PB18 e-tron is compatible with fast charging technology (800 volts) which can fully charge the batteries in 15 minutes. Additionally, Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) technology is also integrated into the concept car for a seamless charging experience.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched the updated Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe AMG Line, to replace the \nprevious model launched in November 2018\n, priced at \nRM336,129.38\n.\nThe updated model now comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox making \n204 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n. That\u2019s a 20 hp and 20 Nm increase from the previous 1.5-litre engine\u2019s output of \n184 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in 7.2 seconds, onward to a top speed of 245 km/h. The current C200 is also 0.7 seconds faster from before, with a 6 km/h increase in top speed.\nAs for the exterior, the updated C200 does not come with any changes. It still rides on 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels and sports the same head and taillights graphics, front grille with chrome pins, front and rear bumper. Like before, the updated model also comes with the Agility Control suspension as standard.\nInside, the C200 Coupe now comes with the Mercedes me connect service which allows the driver to start the engine, lock and unlock the car, check fuel levels, brake pad wear and more.\nOther features in C200 Coupe the Mercedes me connect includes Mercedes\u2013Benz emergency call system (E-call), remote vehicle diagnostics, pre-entry climate control, predictive navigation, and vehicle locator.\nThe list of interior goodies also include a multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats, seats wrapped in Artico leather, Anthracite open-pore oak wood trims, illuminated door sills with \u201cMercedes-Benz\u201d lettering, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging.\nTo help you through the tricky situations, there is the Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, seven airbags including a knee airbag and a reverse camera.\nLast month, Mercedes-Benz introduced the updated version of the C200, also fitted with a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Following the Sales Tax Exemption, here\u2019s the latest price list of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"The Mercedes-AMG compact car lineup of the future will reportedly receive a second tier variant to complement the company\u2019s highly successful 45 models.\nWith the next-generation A 45\u00a0packing at least 400 hp from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four banger (hand-built at AMG, of course), expect more toned down versions of these AMG hatchlings with figures around the 300 hp ballpark.\nThere are no details of the development at press time, but Mercedes-AMG are confident that their two-tiered performance car strategy will make the brand more accessible and affordable. In fact, the \nA-Class seda\nn (pictured above) will also get the 45 treatment!\nAlso, be sure to check out\u00a0what we think of the \nridiculously overpowered A 45 in our review\n!\nSource: \nAutoExpress.co.uk\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Concept   2017 Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC"
"First unveiled at the 2015 Frankfrut Motor Show and recently shown as a concept at the \n2016 Bangkok International Motor Show\n, the highly-anticipated \nToyota C-HR\n has finally arrived on our shores. Displayed at the \n2017 Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy Event\n, the silver example is an Australian-spec C-HR brought in by UMW Toyota for previewing purposes.\nUnderpinning the stylish B-segment SUV is Toyota\u2019s New Global Architecture (TNGA) which means it shares the same platform as the \nfourth-generation Prius\n and the \neighth-generation Toyota Camry\n. Rest assured you\u2019re not getting just a jacked up Vios. Dimensions wise, the C-HR measures at 4,360 in length, 1,795 mm in width, 1,565 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm.\nQUICK COMPARISONS\nName\nToyota C-HR\nHonda HR-V\nMazda CX-3\nLength\n4,360 mm\n4,294 mm\n4,275 mm\nWidth\n1,795 mm\n1,772 mm\n1,765 mm\nHeight\n1,565 mm\n1,605 mm\n1,535 mm\nWheelbase\n2,640 mm\n2,610 mm\n2,570 mm\nMax Kerb Weight\n1,497 kg\n1,249 kg\n1,211 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\n377 litres\n437 litres\n350\u00a0litres\nVisually, this preview unit appears to be the 1.2-litre turbocharged variant because there\u2019s no \u201chybrid\u201d badging and blue\u00a0front emblem. The C-HR comes equipped with projector headlamps with three-dotted LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, C-shaped LED tail lamps, shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler and neatly hidden rear door handles. Unfortunately, the interior was not available for public viewing.   Globally, the C-HR can be had with two powertrains, a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making \n115 hp\n and \n185 Nm\n of torque and a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol that develops \n120 hp\n. On the hybrid, the petrol engine churns out\n 142 Nm\n assisted by a \n163 Nm\n electric motor. Transmission of choice is a sole electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT).\nAnother edge that the C-HR has over its rivals besides its sharp looks is the\u00a0\ndouble-wishbone suspension setup\u00a0\non the rear axle! This setup actually resonates with Toyota\u2019s emphasis on fun driving experience without compromising build quality and reliability.\nAccording to sources familiar with the matter, Thailand will be among the first in our region to receive the C-HR before us. If anything, the Thai debut is the best indicator of its Malaysian arrival. \u00a0\u00a0be sure to keep a lookout for the Thailand debut of the C-HR because we will receive the car shortly after that. Although Word has it that the C-HR, if fully imported, would cost\u00a0\naround RM170k, although the CKD version will cost much less at RM120k\n. Expect the C-HR to arrive\u00a0in early 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the \u201cunveiling\u201d of the first-ever \nProton X70 SUV\n, one crucial piece of forum thread detailing the \u201cprice and variants\u201d of the Proton SUV. But Proton has released an official statement on their Facebook page that this piece of information is not true.\nIn the thread, the poster detailed that there will be four variants of the X70 available with a starting price of RM85k for the entry-level variant to RM138k for the highest specification Premium 2WD variant. The thread also highlighted key specification of the X70 but as Proton claims, \nnone\n of them is reliable information:\n\u00a0\nWe at AutoBuzz.my can confirm that all variants of the X70 will be powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed automatic pushing out \n181 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque. Proton has also confirmed that they will mimic the product strategy of the Honda CR-V by offering two-wheel drive on the range-topping Premium model while an all-wheel-drive alternative is offered on the Executive spec one grade below.\nWe have also detailed the X70 Premium in full \nhere\n, so be sure to check that out. But as a quick recap, the most expensive X70 comes with smart keyless entry, 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, LCD instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking.\nProton will reveal full details of the Proton X70 range in due course but for now, the company is embarking on a two-month long tour to display the X70 in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.\nFor reliable and verified information of the Proton X70 SUV, please subscribe to trusted media outlets or Proton official channels for the latest updates.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nProton X70 Premium 2WD"
"Yes, you heard it right. As if the previous price tag of RM189,900 did not raise enough alarms, UMW Toyota Motor has updated its asking price for the \nnew Camry \nto RM196,888; although prices for the rest of Toyota\u2019s line-up remains unchanged.\nWith the \nHonda Accord\n priced from RM148k to RM168k, the\n Mazda 6\n between RM156k to RM193k and the \nVolkswagen Passat\n from RM176k to RM195k, on paper at least, the Camry seems to have quite a fight to put up with.\n \nThat being said, despite the disadvantage in its pricing, there\u2019s more than one silver lining for the new Camry to hold on to. For starters, it looks more aggressive and imposing than ever and coupled with the new TNGA platform that it\u2019s built on, the Camry, for once, offers a sharp and composed drive that eluded the previous generations.\nBetter yet, for those who believe in not fixing things if they aren\u2019t broken, the new Camry is powered by a carried over 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine from the previous generation that has proven itself to be near bullet proof \u2013 much to the dismay of certain quarters.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The\u00a0\nToyota C-HR\n\u00a0is close to finally being on the road, and it seems like the UK market will be one of the early recipients of Toyota\u2019s latest crossover. Pricing for the base variant starts from RM108k (or\u00a0\n\u00a320,995) to RM144k (or\u00a0\n\u00a327,995) for the full-spec hybrid trim.\nTwo engine options will be offered; a \n1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol\n that produces \n112 hp\n and\n 185 Nm\n of torque, or a\n 120 hp 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle four-banger\n that is hooked to an electric motor. The turbocharged variant can be had with a choice of \nsix-speed manual\n or\n CVT\n, and remains as the only variant to be specced with the optional all-wheel drive system.   Standard features across the range are \ndual-zone climate controls\n, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, Toyota\u2019s proprietary Touch 2 touchscreen head unit and reverse camera. Optional extras include keyless entry, push start button, parking sensors, rear privacy glass, 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, and satellite navigation. Some of these are standard in the more expensive variants, though.\nThe cabin can be customised to come in varying colours, and according to Toyota, the colour theme is Blue and Black, Brown and Black and Dark Grey.\u00a0\nUMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has expressed deep interests to introduce the C-HR here, and we have a feeling the turbocharged variant will more likely be making its Malaysian debut instead of the hybrid. Either way, both variants, should they be locally assembled, will have no trouble receiving the EEV status. It\u2019s all down to the pricing, and right now it\u2019s not looking so great.\nOh, \nthe C-HR will also be part of a three-car Toyota team for the Nurburgring 24-hour race\n, alongside the \nLexus RC and RC F\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) announced that all its authorised dealerships/service centres in the country are now either 3S or 4S centres. This is part of the company\u2019s Volkswagen Cares initiatives to enhance the ownership experience for its customers.\nThere are currently 17 Volkswagen dealerships and one service partner, which are strategically located in key regions across the country, to provide customers with sales and aftersales services.\nCheck out our review of the Mk8 Golf GTI here!\n14 of these dealerships are 4S centres (Sales, Service, Spare Parts, and Body and Paint services), whereas three are 3S centres (Sales, service, and Spare Parts), while the remaining one in Kuching is a 2S centre (Service and Spare Parts). Volkswagen ensures that all dealer groups are equipped with the expertise and facilities to handle body and paint services.\n \nRecently, Volkswagen has been busy introducing new models to the Malaysian market. They include the Tiguan starting from RM 175k, the new\n Golf GTI \nstarting from RM 211k, the \nArteon R-Line\n from RM 258k, and the \nPassat\n from RM 183K."
"Mazda Motor Corporation\n has just announced the new and updated \nMazda 3\n which is scheduled for release in early June this year. In Japan and the UK, orders can already be made for the improved Mazda 3, dubbed the 2024 Mazda 3.\nKey highlights on the updated Mazda 3 include:\nNew \u201cCeramic Metallic\u201d body colour\nHeartbeat indicators (like Mazda CX-30)\nRemote engine start function\nNew 10.25-inch head unit with wireless smartphone connectivity\nNew wireless QI mobile phone charger\nType-C USB connectivity\nNew pedestrian detection\nNew driver attention warning function\nThere are virtually no changes to the exterior except for a new body colour called \u201cCeramic Metallic\u201d and the \u201cheartbeat\u201d indicators that can be found on the \nMazda CX-30\n. The Mazda 3 also now comes with a remote engine start function. Mazda says it has improved the Mazda 3 in terms of safety, convenience, and comfort.\nUpdated cabin with the new 10.25-inch head unit\nInside, the Mazda 3 now features a larger 10.25-inch centre display head unit. Previously, the screen was 8.8 inches in size. The screen now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Smartphone navigation can now be displayed on the Head-up Display (HUD). The cabin is also now equipped with a wireless Qi mobile phone charger and Type-C USB connection.\nIn terms of safety, the updated Mazda 3 comes with an improved safety system. In addition to its ability to detect obstacles such as cars and walls, the Mazda 3\u2019s safety system can now detect pedestrians. There is also an evolved driver monitoring function with a newly added \u201cInattentive warning function\u201d. The system can detect if the driver is distracted and will warn the driver using the screen display and an audible alarm.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mazda CX-30 CKD launched in Malaysia, from RM128k \u2013 drops AWD and diesel variants\nThe updated Mazda 3 shown in the new \u201cCeramic Metallic\u201d body colour\nIn regions where Mazda\u2019s full connectivity is available, the Mazda 3 now gets the same features as the \nMazda CX-60\n. It gets the \u201cMazda My Car Care\u201d and \u201cDriver Care\u201d optional plans.\nAnnounced on Mazda\u2019s official website for now, it is not known when the updated version will reach Malaysia. In Malaysia, the Mazda 3 is currently available in both hatchback and sedan body-style options. Malaysian customers can choose between the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine options. Prices for the Mazda 3 in Malaysia start at \nRM143,000\n.\nRELATED: \nNew Mazda 2 facelift debuts with EV-like grille, 198 colour combinations"
"The \nVolkswagen I.D. Crozz is no stranger to us\n \u2013 an all-wheel drive fully-electric SUV packing 302 hp under its belt that is slated for production in 2020. But Volkswagen is not going to let the I.D. Crozz to go under the radar until its launch. At the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Volkswagen has shown a further developed zero-emission SUV along with additional technical details.\nFor starters, the design now resembles the production model a little more with its clearer front and rear end as well as redesigned LED headlamps. Outside, the show car is painted in Hibiscus Red Metallic with a contrasting black roof to highlight its masculine appeal.   For the first time, we can have a clearer illustration of the cabin which opens up through the large swinging and sliding doors. It appears that the I.D. Crozz seats four and will get two large LCD displays \u2013 one for the driver and one on the passenger side.\nAs reported previously, the I.D. Crozz will feature fully autonomous driving tech called the \n\u201cI.D. Pilot\u201d\n mode. Now, besides activating through the VW logo on the steering wheel, drivers can activate the auto pilot by voice command. The new voice assistant will even open and close the doors when you tell it to!\nMotivation comes from two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 to send \n302 hp\n to all four-corners and boasts a top speed of \n180 km/h\n. The I.D. Crozz is said to be able to cover \n500 km\n on a single charge. When plugged into a fast-charging system (150 kW DC power), the battery pack can be charged to 80 percent capacity (from zero) in just 30 minutes.\nBesides that, thanks to clever packaging of the battery pack, engineers are able to achieve an ideal weight distribution for the SUV, promising handlining characteristics on par with a \nGolf GTI\n. The front axles will get newly developed MacPherson struts while the rear axle gets a new multi-link suspension design.\nThe Volkswagen I.D. Crozz is scheduled to go into production in 2020 followed by the \nall-electric Kombi Van\n in 2022. Both vehicles will contribute to Volkswagen\u2019s pledge to sell one million electric vehicles annually by 2025\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen I.D. Crozz at Frankfurt   Volkswagen I.D. Crozz Concept"
"Aston Martin has come to a point of introducing special edition variants after special edition variants. Besides the all-new \nAM-RB 001\n\u00a0hybrid hypercar venture and \nDB 11\n, there\u2019s few to look forward to. If you\u2019re an avid Vantage fan though, this one\u2019s news to you.\nThe Gaydon-based company has just introduced the Aston Martin Vantage Red Bull Racing Edition. This incredibly mouthful car is based on the V8 and V12 \nVantage S\n models, yet exclusively tailored to celebrate the partnership between the two entities. Also, these are the bespoke creations of Q by Aston Martin.\nThe exterior is finished with Red Bull Racing\u2019s Mariana Blue paint (satin finish) that\u2019s contrasted with red accents and yellow brake\u00a0callipers, just like the F1 car. A Tungsten Silver alternative can also be had. New to the Vantage are the front splitter, front grille, side strakes and rear diffuser that are all made from carbon fibre.   The Formula One theme carries\u00a0on inside, with the head restraints featuring Red Bull Racing embroidery, diamond-quilted seats,\u00a0carbon fibre trim and\u00a0Alcantara steering wheel. As an added bonus, customers can have either current RBR drivers,\u00a0Daniel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen, to sign the vehicle\u2019s inspection plates.\nMechanically, the Vantage remains unchanged, with the V8 variant getting a \n430 hp 4.7-litre\n unit while the V12 S variant gets a \n563 hp 5.9-litre\n engine under its hood. The V12 Vantage S currently holds the quickest production\u00a0car in the carmaker\u2019s current stable.\nThe\u00a0Aston Martin Vantage Red Bull Racing editions could be one of the last to be based on the Vantage. Its successor, the\u00a0\nDB11\n GT, will soon be unveiled in all its glory that\u2019s part of Aston Martin\u2019s \nSecond Century\n\u00a0plan.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Everyone\u2019s obsession with black is creating a weird trend of names. Mercedes-Benz and Audi calls theirs the Black Series and Black Edition respectively, and now BMW wants to join in the fun with the BMW X5 M and X6 M Black Fire Editions.\nNew to the Black Fire Editions are mainly cosmetic enhancements, beginning with the \nSapphire Black metallic\n paint job that comes with carbon fibre wing caps and black chrome trim on the double kidney front grille. Both the X5 M and X6 M sit on 21-inch forged M alloy wheels, also finished in black.\u00a0\nThe black theme continues inwards, with the use of black Merino leather for the seats that\u2019s contrasted in Mugello Red highlights with red seams. BMW M Performance Alcantara and the Black Fire logos are also included for the interior.\nNothing is changed under the hood, so it retains the \n\u00a04.4-litre twin-turbo V8\n that pushes out\n 575 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred\u00a0to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The\u00a0Dynamic Performance Control system transfers torque to the rear wheels, making it a rear-biased super SUV. Performance wise, it reaches 100 km/h from standstill in \n4.2 seconds\n.\u00a0\nBoth the\u00a0BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M Black Fire editions are available in August, although no pricing has been announced as yet.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Next-generation Honda vehicles will integrate Google\u2019s in-vehicle connected service, with the first all-new model to be launch in North America from the second half of 2022. The expansion to other markets will be done in stages.\nThe collaboration however is an enhancement of the existing Android Auto connectivity, which already includes navigation and voice assistant. The number of in-vehicle apps is set to expand with the collaboration, as marketers view the smartphone as the window to consumer behaviour and purchase patterns.\nWith the increase in preference and better packaging of a large, central touchscreen infotainment system, Honda is however designing their dashboard to only house a modest free-standing 9-inch screen.\nHonda Malaysia has started to include the Honda Connect telematics suite, beginning with the new City RS e:HEV! Find out more about its various benefits here! \u00a0\n\u00a0\nUnder the design concept of \n\u201cSimplicity and something\u201d\n, Honda aims to make the dashboard with simple lines to maximise the driver\u2019s view outwards as well as convenient operation via well-placed switches. The menu structure of the software will also be simplified.\n2021 Honda HR-V/Vezel\n2021 Honda Civic\nAfter the launch of the 11th generation \nHonda Civic\n and all-new \nHonda HR-V\n, we can only expect the latest Honda and Google in-car services to feature in the \nHonda CR-V\n that is due for replacement in North America within the next 12 months. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nFord\n has also embarked on a partnership with Google for the in-car connected services, but the scope of collaboration is much deeper, as it also involves significant data transmission to the Google Cloud, Machine Learning as well as data analytics in both vehicles and Ford\u2019s daily operations.\nLatest generation 2022 Ford F-150\nThe next-generation Ford vehicles will also have access to over-the-air updates to receive the latest updates, enable new features as well as apps to better serve the customers.\nIn Malaysia, Android Auto is listed as unofficially available by distributors as the connectivity is only built into smartphones with operating system (OS) Android 10 and 11. OS Android 9 and earlier cannot download the app in Play Store as Google has not rolled out yet in Malaysia (however available in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore), thus unable to officially use Android Auto.\nNew for the 2021 Honda HR-V is the fitment of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on a larger 7\u201d display. Read more on it here!"
"Ahead of its official launch, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has now unveiled the pricing for the highly-awaited Xpander seven-seater crossover. The Mitsubishi Xpander is priced at \nRM91,369\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions \u2013 which the seven-seater crossover sees a 100% reduction in sales tax (SST), as it is \nassembled locally in Pekan\n.\nAt launch, the Mitsubishi Xpander will only be offered in a single variant in Malaysia, though it is among the best-equipped in the ASEAN region, thanks to a couple of exclusive standard equipment that has been introduced by MMM. These include a 360-degree around view monitor, front dashcam, as well as the diamond-quilted black leather seats, which are not available from the factory in other regions.\nThe Mitsubishi Xpander also arrives in Malaysia in the facelifted form, as indicated from the updated LED headlights and U-shaped louvres on the grille. Other exterior highlights include LED taillights, and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.\nUnderneath the hood is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine, capable of generating \n105 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n of torque. The naturally-aspirated powertrain sends power to the front axle via a four-speed automatic gearbox.\nInside, the Malaysian market Mitsubishi Xpander is equipped with a nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity \u2013 making it \none of the few models\n on sale in Malaysia under RM100k to be equipped with these features \u2013 paired to an analog instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, rear roof-mounted air vents, and keyless entry with push-start.\nSince bookings for the \nMitsubishi Xpander started two weeks ago\n, MMM says that it has already received over 2,000 bookings to date. The seven-seater crossover will be available for viewing and test drives in Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide starting 20 November.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, \u201cMitsubishi Motors would like to thank all its customers for showing overwhelming interest in the new Mitsubishi Xpander. We will try our utmost effort on production to honour these early bird customers as much as possible.\u201d\nOnce again, Pricing for the Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia is set at \nRM91,369\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions, which means that the Xpander undercuts its key rival \u2013 the \nHonda BR-V\n \u2013 by approximately RM2,000 based on the pricing of the range-topping V variant. Included in the price is a five-year/unlimited mileage standard Mitsubishi warranty."
"TOM\u2019s, a high-performance aftermarket manufacturer from Japan, in collaboration with local magazine \nSafari\n has revealed a limited edition GR Supra \u2018\nSafari Limited\n\u2018 in conjunction with the release of the new Fast 9 film.\nIt celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first-ever The Fast and the Furious movie released in 2001. Only three (yes, just three units) will ever be made and you will need to jump through hurdles to get your hands on one.\nFirstly, you have to fill out a \u201cpurchase application\u201d and later on, there\u2019ll be a ballot system to determine who gets to own one. When that happens the lucky three will have to fork out 12.9 million Yen (\napprox. RM486,950\n). We\u2019ve heard of car sales being this difficult before, but they were Ferrari.\nToyota GR Supra in Malaysia updated with Apple CarPlay \u2013 price unchanged at RM590k. Check it out here!\nSo what do you get for all that hassle then? For starters, a pretty mean-looking Supra.\nIt\u2019s only available in Matte White which is supposedly Paul Walker\u2019s favourite colour for cars. It also pays tribute to the white A80 Toyota Supra owned by Paul Walker. There are also additions to the front, side and rear bumpers topped off with a massive one-off rear wing.\n \nLastly, the new aggressive look is finished off with a set of extremely expensive and exquisite 20-inch BBS LM two-pieces wheels made from forged aluminium; making them light but strong.\nBut it\u2019s not all show and not go. With a bit of tuning through the TOM\u2019s Power Box, the Safari Supra now pushes out \n426 hp\n, about 40 hp \nmore than standard\n. Underneath its skin is a set of KW Ver.3 coilover suspension for better road holding and stability.\nToyota reveals special edition Supra to celebrate 35th anniversary. Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"Chevrolet has revealed the new 2023 Corvette Z06, designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track two years after the Corvette Stingray made its debut.\nUnder the hood is an all-new 5.5-litre LT6 engine paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox; it\u2019s the highest output, naturally aspirated V8 engine in any production car. There\u2019s 670 hp and 623 Nm, and a redline of 8,600 rpm.\n2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06\nIt\u2019s said that Chevrolet\u2019s engineers spend two years crafting a distinct, rich exhaust note unlike anything ever heard from a Corvette.\nThe exterior is more than three inches wider than the Stingray both in the front and rear sections. The front end has been optimised for better cooling with fins and ducts directing air to one of the car\u2019s five heat exchangers for better cooling.\n2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06\nWheels measure 20-inches in the front and 21-inches at the rear while a pair of 6-pot calipers in the front ensure optimal braking ability especially on the track. The Corvette Z06 boasts the largest wheels in any Corvette with its rear tyres measuring 345 mm wide. In total, Chevrolet has up to seven different wheel designs for the Z06 and 12 exterior colours. Its rear wing is made of carbon fibre.\nThe Corvette Z06 comes with launch control and a Performance Traction Management system that offers five different settings for torque reduction and brake intervention in the event of track driving.\n2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06\nInside the driver-focused cockpit, customers can choose from various trim offerings including a full carbon fibre look. There are also hand-wrapped leather options along with a full red leather interior option. In total, there are seven interior colour combinations to choose from. There are even three different seat designs!\nBespoke attention to detail\nIn the driver-focused cockpit, premium materials continue to elevate the luxurious look and feel introduced with the Stingray. They\u2019re complemented with available carbon fiber trim that expresses the car\u2019s lightweight, track-focused mantra.\nProduction of the 2023 Corvette Z06 begins in summer 2022 in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations.\nGALLERY"
"Remember when we said the all-new Hyundai Carnival\u2019s interior can \nrival that of the Toyota Alphard\n? Well, it seems like even the \nLexus LM\n needs to watch its back, because the four-seater Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine is here to challenge the Lexus at its own game.\nFrom the exterior, the four-seater Hi-Limousine doesn\u2019t look all that different from the regular \nKia Carnival \n\u2013 which, to us, is a very good thing, since the all-new Carnival is perhaps the best-looking MPV in recent times.\nBut as we\u2019ve suggested above, the Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine\u2019s party trick is on the inside, where you\u2019ll find only four ottoman seats, rather than seven, eight, or 11 of the regular Kia Carnival.\nThe Lexus LM is now available in Malaysia, starting at RM1.15 million. Read more about it here!\nThe two Nappa leather-wrapped \u201cPremium Relaxation\u201d captain chairs in the back is said to mimic what you\u2019d find in a first-class aeroplane cabin, and even comes with their own leg massagers.\nAs you\u2019d expect, they can also be fully reclined electronically, and there\u2019s a touchscreen control panel mounted onto the centre armrest, along with their own fold-out airplane-like tray tables.\nFor the more \u201cregular\u201d taukeys, the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire has been updated in Malaysia with new advanced driver assistance systems. Learn more about it here.\nThe roof of the Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine has been scalloped upwards to afford more vertical space, for. activities. A 21.5-inch TV hangs from the ceiling, and while admittedly quite a bit smaller than the one in the Lexus LM, it does look a lot higher in resolution (and smarter, supposedly).\nAnd of course, being a luxury VIP ferry, there\u2019s also a mini-fridge and heated/cooled cupholders to keep your drinks at the ideal temperatures \u2013 we wonder if it\u2019s tuned to the \n\u201coptimum serving temperature\u201d for serving champagnes\n.\nEven the all-new Kia Sportage SUV has a pretty luxurious interior! Learn more about it here. \nOther interior features for the rear passengers include the fully-pleated curtains for extra privacy, wireless charging pads, as well as an air purifier system \u2013 only the finest air for the bosses, please.\nHow much is it, then, for all these extravagances? The sticker price of the Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine starts at 88,260,000 Korean Won (~RM324K), which is more than double of what Kia charges for the standard Carnival, but fits in just about the price bracket of a \nBMW X7 xDrive40i\n (which retails for RM649k here in Malaysia). Sounds pretty decent, doesn\u2019t it?\nGALLERY"
"Porsche\n\u2019s\n first car \u2013 the 356 No. 1 Roadster has turned 75 this year. To celebrate this occasion, Porsche is showcasing its modern interpretation of the iconic open-top sports car known as the Porsche Vision 357 Speedster at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.\nIf you think the name of this speedster sounds familiar, that\u2019s because it is the follow-up model to its coup\u00e9 sibling that was unveiled earlier this year \u2013 the Porsche Vision 357. The chassis of this all-electric concept car is sourced from the \n718 GT4 Clubsport\n, while its electric motors and battery tech are borrowed from the \nMission R concept\n.\nFor the exterior of the Vision 357 Speedster, Porsche has paid tribute to the original 356. Its shape has been aerodynamically optimised, giving it a shape that is reminiscent of wings, according to Porsche.\nThe Vision 357 Speedster has been finished in a two-tone Marble Grey and Grivelo Grey Metallic paint combination, together with Miami blue accents throughout its exterior. The two-tone colours also continue on the speedster\u2019s wheels, contributing to the concept car\u2019s funky look.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Porsche Macan might not be EV-only after all\nThe Porsche Vision 357 Speedster is fitted with a wraparound front hood, and instead of traditional headlights, the concept EV speedster features perforated front and rear surfaces that form its headlights and rear lights. The third brake light, on the other hand, is integrated into the vertical rear vents.\nAt its sides and front hood are the large \u201c75\u201d logos, indicating the 356\u2019s 75th birthday and Vision 357 Speedster\u2019s proud connection to the iconic roadster. And instead of traditional side mirrors, Porsche has given its concept EV speedster a futuristic-looking pair of fender-mounted cameras instead.\nLike many speedsters, the Vision 357 Speedster also features a squat and shortened windscreen, and is interestingly equipped with a one-sided tonneau cover too. Fitted onto the Porsche Vision 357 Speedster is a set of 20-inch magnesium centre-lock wheels equipped with carbon fibre hubcaps.\nMoving inside, you will find an interior that is designed in a minimalistic and driver-focused manner. The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster\u2019s dashboard is finished in carbon fibre, and its instrument cluster is transparent as well.\nThe Miami blue accents that were seen outside continue on the inside. These accents can be found on some of the car\u2019s individual controls and also its steering wheel.\nRELATED: \nPorsche Mission X EV concept car debuts \u2013 1hp/kg, 900V architecture\nEquipped with a six-point racing harness, the all-electric concept speedster\u2019s low-mounted seat is wrapped in a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic shell that is integrated into the monocoque. In order to reduce weight, Porsche has given the Vision 357 Speedster fabric strap door handles rather than the typical ones.\nFollowing its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Porsche Vision 357 Speedster concept will also be showcased at Porsche\u2019s 2023 Rennsport Reunion. The event will be held starting from the end of September this year at the Laguna Seca in California, USA.\nRELATED: \nPorsche spent three years updating its crest. if you can even spot the differences\nGALLERY"
"Three years after it\u2019s first teased at the Frankfurt motor show, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the marque\u2019s first fully-electric compact car, the EQA. Interestingly, the actual production EQA takes the form of a crossover, even though the original concept was \nshown-off as a hatchback\n!\nSaid to provide an \u201cexcellent compromise between performance, costs and time to market\u201d, the EQA is Mercedes-Benz\u2019s first model in its charge towards electrification, which will see \nsix EQ models to be launched by 2022\n.\nAlthough it is based on the \nGLA\n, the Mercedes-Benz EQA features several significant styling differences to separate itself from its internal combustion-powered sibling. These include the signature \u2018black panel\u2019 EQ grille featuring an unbroken fibre optic light signature that joins the two headlights, as well as a reworked tailgate with a full-width tail light design.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQA also features significant use of rose gold and blue accents in its design, most notably on the wheels, of which its designs are unique to the model, and are available up to 20-inch in size.\nChanges to the interior are less apparent, with most of the functional and design features retained from the GLA counterpart \u2013 aside from the blue and rose gold details all around the cabin as well as the dual-screen set-up.\nSpeaking of screens, the EQA comes with a revamped MBUX system with specific displays and functions for its electric drivetrain. The most significant addition to the system is the\u00a0\u2018navigation with electric intelligence\u2019 feature, which in addition to calculating the fastest route, uses range simulations to plan for any necessary charging stops, taking into\u00a0account the topography, weather, traffic, and driving style.\nThe EQ-specific MBUX system can even pre-heat or cool the battery while driving to bring it to the ideal temperature for rapid charging.\u00a0The heat generated from the electric system is also used to warm the cabin, improving the efficiency of the vehicle \u2013 though it\u2019s basically useless in the Malaysian climate, if the car actually does make it over here.\nMercedes-Benz is only offering one variant of the EQA at launch, the EQA 250. It\u2019s powered by a single electric powertrain (called eATS) on the front axle, generating \n140 kW (188 hp)\n and \n375 Nm\n of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of\n 8.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n160 km/h\n.\nWhile not a drag race champion by any means, the EQA does fare pretty well in every-day usage \u2013 on paper at least. Mercedes-Benz boasts a range of \n486 km\n (NEDC) on the EQA \u2013 which is right up there with the other segment leaders \u2013 thanks to its double-decker \n66.5 kWh\n lithium-ion battery and a drag-coefficient of 0.28 Cd.\nCharging the battery from empty with a regular AC charger takes just under six hours, while with a DC fast charger, 0-80% takes just 30 minutes. The German carmaker also boasted about its Mercedes me Charge network as the current \u201cworld\u2019s biggest charging network\u201d, comprising of\u00a0more than 450,000 AC and DC charging points across 31 countries.\nMercedes-Benz says that further derivatives of the fully-electric crossover will be introduced soon, including a long-range EQA with more than 500 km in range, alongside an all-wheel drive variant with an additional eATS system on the rear axle.\nPricing wise, the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 starts at GBP39,000 (~RM215K)\u00a0over in the UK with the government EV grant included, which is about GBP10k (~RM55K) more than the regular internal combustion GLA.\nGALLERY"
"Just a couple of months after its global premiere, Lotus Cars Malaysia, has announced the price of the \nEmira V6 First Edition\n starting from \nRM1,131,000\n and RM449,800 in Langkawi.\nLotus\u2019 latest mid-engined supercar is powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine pushing out \n400 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The dual-clutch gearbox is only reserved for the variants with the turbocharged AMG engine.\nHethel Yellow\nDark Verdant\nThe First Edition will be available in six different colours \u2013 Seneca Blue, Hethel Yellow, Magma Red, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey, and Nimbus Grey \u2013 with more colour options available in 2022. To complement these colours, the Emira V6 sits on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels.\nOn the outside, the Emira is fitted with LED lighting all-round, titanium exhaust tips, and reverse sensors. The Emira also comes as standard with a\n Lower Black Pack\n with front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser all finished in gloss black.\nThe variety of colors also extend to the interior with multiple interior colours to choose from. They include red, black, grey, and tan Nappa leather as well as black Alcantara. Unlike Lotus vehicles of the past, baron or spartan are words you can\u2019t use to describe the cabin anymore. It\u2019s now finished with chrome trims, ambient lighting, and Lotus-branded door sills for that upmarket look.\nAlso unlike Lotus\u2019 of old, it even comes with cruise control, keyless start, on-board navigation, drive mode selector, Bluetooth, 12-way electric seats along with a 10.25-inch infotainment system that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nThe Lower Black Pack isn\u2019t the only optional package fitted to the car as standard. The Emira will also get the \nDrivers Pack\n for a choice of Sport or Toruing suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.\nA \nDesign Pack \nadds privacy glass, sports pedals, Alcantara headlining and brake calipers either in black, red, yellow, or silver. The Design pack also comes with Lotus-branded footwell mats.\nLastly, the \nConvenience Pack\n adds front parking sensors, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and a net for rear luggage.\nProduction of the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition begins in Spring of 2022. Interested parties can check out the newly updated configutor \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"A day after launching the \nToyota Hilux GR Sport 2WD and 4WD\n \nmodels, Toyota Motor Thailand has unveiled the new Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GR Sport 4WD. This makes it the fifth GR-branded model in Thailand after the Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport, Toyota GR Supra, Toyota GR Yaris and yesterday\u2019s Hilux GR Sport.\nThe new Toyota Fortuner GR Sport 4WD is priced at \nTHB1,899,000\n (approx RM243k), surpassing the Fortuner 2.8 Legender by THB60,000, making it the priciest Fortuner model.\nSo, apart from the known GR Sport exterior and interior updates, what else is added to make up the THB60,000 (RM7,700) premium? The new aerokit up front looks rather simple as it\u2019s based on the already-sporty \nFortuner 2.8 VRZ\n/Legender front fascia.\nSimilar to the Toyota Hilux GR Sport, the GR treatment removes the off-road themed silver-painted bumper underguard. At the sides, the subtle wheel arch extensions are body colour coded and now house large 20-inch wheels with 265/50R20 tyres.\nAt the rear, the garnishing trim between the tail lamps has been applied with body colour as opposed to gloss black. Toyota also included a new GR Sport roof spoiler to complement the sporty image. Three signature GR Sport shades are made available, which are Emotional Red, White Pearl and Attitude black, and all three are presented in dual-tone thanks to gloss black upper half finish.\nTo be validated as a \ntrue GR Sport product\n, improvement to the handling must be done so the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport includes sportier-tuned monotube shock absorbers at all four corners. The bright red brake calipers (front and back too) with GR logo carry no performance upgrades but they do communicate the sportiness of the vehicle much better. \u00a0\nAt launch, the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser already has a GR Sport variant. Find out the performance upgrades that were done on the ultimate Japanese SUV here!\nInside, the GR Sport treatment consists of the GR-specific instrument cluster (logo and red needles), multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with red centre-marking, perforated suede and leather seat upholstery with red stitching and GR logo and metallic foot pedals.\nBoth the ignition button as well as the smart key are also decorated with the GR logo.\nSoft-touch pads on the dashboard and doors also get red stitching on black material. This is perhaps the first GR Sport product to feature a faux carbon fibre pattern, covering the lower console and lid of the cupholder.\nOther features in the 2.8 Legender 4WD such as JBL 11-speaker Premium Audio system, 9-inch infotainment display, power-adjustable front seats, Sport drive mode, front and rear automatic air-conditioning system and a handsfree powered tailgate are also maintained for the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport.\nGR Sport variants do not impose higher engine output, so, no changes to the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine which develops \n204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is the sole transmission available and paired to a part-time 4WD system with shift-on-the-fly, as well as brake assisted traction controllers such as Active Limited Slip Differential and Active TRC (A-TRC) for use in challenging terrain.\nAll the safety features are also carried over from the Legender 2.8 4WD. Key items include \nDynamic Radar Cruise\n \nControl\n, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Pre-collision System, Blind Spot Monitor and Panoramic View Monitor with 3D View.\nWill we see a Toyota Camry GR Sport joining the line-up? What about the hugely popular \nToyota Corolla Cross\n? That is rather welcomed given the mass market appeal of the SUV/crossover product and its styling certainly could gain some additional tweaks from the Toyota GR Sport division.\nCheck out Toyota Motor Indonesia\u2019s GR Sport range, now up to six models! But do they get upgraded fun-to-drive attributes? More about the line-up here.\nGALLERY"
"Many years ago, the AMG tuning company was founded by former Mercedes-Benz engineers who transformed mundane \u201cuncle cars\u201d into hardcore, high performing machines. Daimler AG wasted no time in acquiring them, which later became known as Mercedes-AMG.\nHowever, all that happened 50 years ago and to commemorate the momentous occasion, the company launched a trio of super fast specials.\nSpearheading this celebration is none other than the\u00a0\nAMG GT\u00a0C Roadster Edition 50\n. Only\u00a0500 units of this convertible GT C will be made, and with only two colours to choose from \u2013\u00a0Graphite Grey\u00a0or Cashmere White. Aesthetic enhancements include black chrome exterior accents, whereas the black and silver contrasts extend into the cabin. AMG Interior Night Package comes fitted as standard.\nThe go-fast looking bits aren\u2019t actually complemented by a mechanical upgrade, unfortunately. The same\n\u00a04.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n engine still makes \n557 hp\n and \n680 Nm\n of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a \nseven-speed dual clutch transmission\n, allowing for a\u00a00 to 100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h.\nNext up are the\u00a0\nMercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC\u00a0Night Editions\n models. Available in both coupe and cabriolet forms, enhancements are mainly on the cosmetic side. Just like the \nS-Class Coupe Night Edition\n, it is finished with black exterior trims. This too, trickles into the cabin.\nThe last of the trio goes to the more exclusive\u00a0\nMercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet Ocean Blue Edition\n,\u00a0where just 150 units will be made. The Ocean Blue finish actually appears\u00a0to be the colour of the fabric roof and the contrast\u00a0stitching on the inside. This C63 gets the same Graphite Grey and Cashmere White as the GT C\u00a0Roadster Edition 50.\nOrder books for these trio of Mercedes-AMGs will be opened from 6 March 2017 onwards. Deliveries begin as early as Q2 of 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Launched in May 2018\n, the new Nissan Serena is still perhaps the most bang-for-the-buck MPV you can buy. Not long after, they followed up with the\n \u201cJ Impul\u201d edition\n the same year that focuses primarily on aesthetic upgrades, priced at RM149,888. Following the \nSales Tax Redemption\n, the \u201cJ Impul\u201d edition is now \npriced at RM145,524\n.\nTo put things in perspective, that\u2019s RM18k more than the standard Serena S-Hybrid, so what do you get out of this?\n \nFor starters, you get larger 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/40 Michelin PS4 tyres which somewhat changes the way the Serena drives, with slightly increased stability on the highway. At the front bumper, there are visibly more chrome trims for a more defined, aggressive look than the standard model.\nInterestingly, \nTan Chong\n claims that the Impul aero kit \nincreases downforce and high speed stability by 10%\n. The Impul effect isn\u2019t just limited to the interior, the Serena\u2019s cabin has seen a dramatic revamp as well.\nThe X-Trail with Impul Aerokit.\nA mocha-colour, diamond-quilted leather interior has been selected in replacement of the black leather upholstery in the standard Serena. What do you think? Has the aerokit and upholstery done enough to elevate the image of the Serena?\nRecently, Edaran Tan Chong Motor also introduced a new X-Trail with an Impul Aerokit. The special edition comes with 18-inch wheels, sport springs and a spoiler along with redesigned front and rear bumpers and side skirts."
"We can assure you this is not \nd\u00e9j\u00e0 vu.\n\u00a0Yes, we did a review on the Volvo XC60 awhile back but that was the \nT5 variant\n. Currently,\u00a0\nVolvo Malaysia\n has two variants of the \nXC60\n on sale; the \nT5\n and the\n T6\n. This time we got our hands on the T6 with \n61 hp more\n (and costing RM30k more) than the T5.\nThe claws of emission laws have got hold of the car industry and manufacturers have resorted in a move to downsize their engines to cut emissions. So instead of a 3.0-litre straight six used in the pre-facelifted XC60 T6, the new T6 uses the basically the same \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n \nDrive-E\n engine as appeared in the T5 but \nadds on a supercharger\n. As a result, the new T6 is not only kinder to the environment, it\u2019s also more powerful than before. Sounds good already doesn\u2019t it?\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo XC60 T6 Drive-E\n \nSegment\nPremium Compact SUV\nEngine\n1,969 cc 4-Cylinder turbocharged & supercharged\nMax Power\n306 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 2,100 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM 318,888.00\n (OTR without insurance)\nUnlike the first generation Volvo XC90 that stayed in the market for a good 12 years looking the same, the little brother XC60 received a makeover after six years in its lifecycle. It\u2019s not just a mere facelift though, Volvo took the opportunity to introduce their latest \nDrive-E\n powertrain to the world. The flexible new Drive-E engine has been developed to suit multiple applications with multiple states of tune, and eventually it will be featured in every upcoming Volvo vehicles in the range.\nThe Drive-E T6 in our Seashell Metallic XC60 here produces \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, and similar to the XC60 T5 it sends all the power to the front wheels alone. You read that right, that amount of power in a front wheel drive SUV should equals massive torque steer, but is that really the case with this XC60 T6? We set out to investigate.\nEXTERIOR\nAfter the recent nip-and-tuck, the XC60 looks more matured than ever. With the simpler front end and colour-coordinated all-round skirts, it should appeal to a broader set of audience. If the previous XC60 was a jersey-wearing youth with scruffy facial hair, the facelifted XC60 is more of a clean-shaven gentleman in a sharp suit.\n \n \nHowever, if you find it too plain to your liking, you can always opt for the styling package as appeared on our XC60 T5 we drove earlier. But in its stock form, the XC60 won\u2019t turn any heads although it\u2019s stylish, classy, and ticks the right boxes to qualify it as valet-worthy.\nThe T6 looks virtually identical to the T5, save for the headlights that feature \nActive High Beam Control\n and a blanked-out panel in the grille housing the sensor for the \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n (ACC).\nThe standard wheels are \n18-inch \u201cPan\u201d alloys\n wrapped in \n235/60 R18\n Pirelli, which is an inch up from the 17-inch wheels fitted on the T5. Admittedly, they\u2019re not as visually arresting as the optional 20-inch \u201cCandor\u201d wheels that was fitted on the T5 we drove earlier, but the high-profile rubbers should provide a better cushioned ride overall.   Again, the back is almost indistinguishable from the lesser variant save for the badge. Disappointingly too, the reverse camera has been dropped in this T6 but it gains a \npowered tailgate\n. Personally I\u2019d take the reverse camera in favour of closing the tailgate myself, but I guess the parking sensors are sufficient for most people.\nINTERIOR\nThe outside may have received a makeover, but the inside appears to be locked in a time capsule from the year 2008. The trademark \nfloating center console\n is festooned with buttons that look like they were taken off a 90\u2019s mobile phone, and the interface to the \nSensus Connect\n system is fiddly to operate. At least it\u2019s beautifully styled with quality materials and still dripping with Scandinavian coolness.   Gratefully the \nAdaptive Digital Display\n brings the cabin up to date to 2015. Featuring sharp graphics and three preset themes, it\u2019s a real eye candy and suits every mood that you might come across while driving.\nThe rest of the practical cabin mirrors the T5\u2019s, though. Loads of headroom and legroom on offer, and there are sufficient amount storage compartments at the front and back. You get \npowered front seats \nwith memory function for the driver, \n40/20/40 split folding rear seats\n with two built-in \ntwo-stage child seat boosters\n, and a \n532 litre boot\n like on the T5; but on the T6 you also get a powered tailgate for added convenience.   And since it\u2019s a Volvo, you can be rest assured that the vehicle is chock full of safety kit. Need we remind you that the XC60 won the\n Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award\n? Well, they achieved that by having a big bowl of safety abbreviations such as \nWHIPS\n, \nSIPS\n, and \nROPS\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe new T6 might have lost a couple of cylinders and 1,000 cc of displacement from its forebear, but it gained 21 hp from the\n turbocharged AND supercharged\n 2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E engine. Generating a total of \n306 hp\n and a heady \n400 Nm\n worth of torque, the XC60 T6 sends the power to the front wheels via an \neight-speed Geartronic\n automatic transmission.\nStart/stop\n is standard, playing its part to contribute to the claimed \n7.3 litres per 100 km\n fuel consumption. Despite the cleaner credentials it now boasts, the T6 will accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n6.9 seconds\n, with a \ntop speed\n of \n210 km/h\n to boot. That\u2019s pretty quick for a 1,800 kg SUV.\nTHE DRIVE\nStarting my drive in the wee hours, I nonchalantly chuck the column stalk into high beam knowing that the\n Active High Beam Control\n (AHBC) will take care of adjusting the light beam for me. Fitted exclusively on the T6, the AHBC will\n automatically dip the beam\n when it detects oncoming traffic and resumes full beam as traffic clears.\nThat\u2019s not all. It will read traffic ahead and \nselectively blocks out a section of the beam\n to avoid dazzling the rearview mirrors of the cars in front, at the same time saving the driver from being labeled as some inconsiderate motorist who doesn\u2019t know how to dip their beams. It works brilliantly, and with \nActive Bending Lights\n the projected light path even follows where you point the steering wheel.\nManoeuvring the T6 is exactly like the T5, with large turning radius and quite limited rear view. On the brighter side, similar to the T5, the T6 shrinks itself once on the move with lithe handling and surprising amount of agility for a tall-riding SUV.\nAlthough the T6 grants you the choice of \nthree different steering assistance\n, I left it at the heaviest setting 99 percent of the time mainly because the lightest setting made me feel like a puppeteer. \nGrip is abundant from the \n235/60 R18 Pirelli P Zero Rosso\n and the smaller yet higher-profiled tyres contribute to a better ride compared to the T5 fitted with the optional 20-inch wheels.\u00a0I know it\u2019s hard to resist the gorgeous Candor wheels but in the long run you\u2019ll appreciate the more supple ride, and the cost of replacing the rubbers is considerably cheaper too.\nThe T5 we drove earlier was quite a handful on the limit, dishing out a huge dollop of horsepower in one lump sum to the front tyres once the turbo comes on song somewhere around 1,500 rpm. As mentioned earlier, with \nmore than 300 hp\n powering the front wheels alone, yours truly was expecting the T6 to be some sort of an unwieldy beast after the T5; but Volvo proved that it was not the case.\nThe inclusion of the supercharger works well to fill the gap where the turbocharger wasn\u2019t able to. The T6 feels surprisingly docile, where power delivery is spread gradually and smoother across the rev range compared to the T5. Though it\u2019s still laggy below 2,000 rpm, the torque doesn\u2019t arrive out of the blue as though you\u2019re being splashed with a bucket of ice-cold water by surprise; so you don\u2019t get as much torque steer as you get from the less powerful T5.\nIt sounds better on the move too. The muted turbo whistle from the T5 is now accompanied by a zingy supercharger whine in this T6, notwithstanding the fact that ultimately the soulful creaminess of the previous six-cylinder T6 will be sorely missed. Volvo claims the T6 sips \n7.3 litres of petrol for every 100 km\n, but with a heavy right foot you\u2019re looking at well above 10.0 litres per 100km.\nTaken to the highway, the T6 manifests itself as a great cruiser. The \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n with \nQueue Assist\n and \nDistance Alert\n is particularly a plus point, as it takes out a huge chunk of the driving from you by \naccelerating and braking itself automatically\n based on the traffic in front, leaving you with the task of just steering the vehicle. It\u2019s almost like a preview of what fulll automated driving is going to be like.\nApart from that, the \nSwedish nanny\n in the T6 is more alert than the previous \nV40 T5\n and the \nXC60 T5\n we\u2019ve driven before. If you\u2019ve exceeded the speed limit she will inform you with the \nRoad Sign Information\n (RSI) in the instrument panel, if you fail to indicate upon switching lanes she will make herself audible with the\n Lane Departure Warning\n (LDW), and when she senses you\u2019re tailgating too close or about to hit the car in front, she will scream her lungs out and flash you a strip of red lights on the windscreen with the \nCollision Warning\n system. And being a caring nanny, with the \nDriver Alert Control\n (DAC) she will even suggest you to have a cup of joe if she catches you slowly losing concentration behind the helm.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nAre you the type that doesn\u2019t like attention? Do you appreciate the finer things in life but rather not be shouty about it? Or do you just wish that the XC60 T5 could be more powerful yet remains under control? If you answered \u201cyes\u201d to those questions then the XC60 T6 is right up your alley. And the best thing is, Volvo cars are generally cheaper than any of the closest German rivals in Malaysia.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe RM218,888 XC60 T5 is a bargain next to the German duo, the \nBMW X3 xDrive20i\n which sells for \nRM 325,800\n and the \nAudi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro\n at \nRM 324,900\n. And yet, this \nXC60 T6\n still undercuts the German duo by more than RM6k. Of the three, only the Q5 is a CBU unit, and only the XC60 is front-wheel driven.\nA \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n paired to an\n 8-speed automatic\n can be found in each vehicles with most amount of horses reside under the bonnet of the XC60. The power figures speak for themselves, 306 hp and 400 Nm in the XC60, 225 hp and 350 Nm in the Q5, and 184 hp and 270 Nm in the X3. Fuel consumption is sub seven litres per 100 km for all three.\nVolvo XC60 T6 Drive-E\n \nBMW X3 xDrive 20i\n \nAudi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,969\n1,997\n1,984\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n306/5,700\n184/5,000-6,250\n225/4,500-6,250\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n400/2,100-4,500\n270/1,250-4,500\n350/1,500-4,500\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n8-speed Geartronic\n8-speed Automatic\n8-speed Tiptronic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nVentilated disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n235/60 R18\n245/50 R18\n235/60 R18\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,644\n4,657\n4,629\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,891\n1,881\n1,898\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,713\n1,678\n1,655\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,774\n2,810\n2,807\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,794\n1,810\n1,850\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n523\n550\n540\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n70 litres\n67 litres\n75 litres\nConsumption\n7.3 L/100 km\n7.2 L/100 km\n7.9 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n210\n210\n222\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n6.9\n8.2\n7.1\nPRICE\nRM\n318,888.00\n325,800.00\n324,900.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIt is safe to say that the \nT6\n is my \npick of the XC60 range\n. After experiencing both the T5 and T6 variants, the T6 comes out to be the more complete of the two. It\u2019s remarkable how the supplementary supercharger makes the T6 more powerful but at the same time makes it more driveable compared to the T5.\nIf the Drive-E engine is a curry, the turbo in the T5 is the salt; it lifts up the curry with a full body taste. While the additional supercharger in the T6 is the sugar, it balances everything out nicely to deliver a complete flavoursome taste. On a separate note, I\u2019m pondering on the prospect of the Scandinavian curry being served in the V40.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nall-new Volkswagen T-Roc\n, the brand\u2019s fourth member of its SUV family is making waves in Europe. Shortly after going on sale in November 2017, the T-Roc has raked in over 40,000 orders across Europe over the span of four months!\nSitting below the Tiguan, the T-Roc is a stylish alternative to appeal to the younger audience. Its unique selling point includes a striking fresh design, extensive personalisation options and impressive safety suite.   Inside the cabin, the T-Roc can be finished in either Style and Sport Line. Style Line allows the customers to have the interior panels finished in one of four vibrant colours while the Sport Line gets Sport comfort seats as standard. Boot space is rated at \n445 litres\n; more spacious than the \nHonda HR-V\n.\nAs standard, the T-Roc comes equipped with Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking. Further options include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), reverse camera, Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, Park Assist, Traffic jam Assist and Emergency Assist.\nPowertrain options for the compact SUV include three turbo petrol engines (TSI) and three turbodiesels (TDI), all paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. All T-Rocs are front-wheel driven but 4Motion all-wheel drive can be had as an option.\nSUVs currently plays a major role in Volkswagen\u2019s growth and the brand estimates that \n40 percent\n of all vehicles sold by Volkswagen will be SUVs by 2020. Moving forward, Volkswagen is looking to expand its SUV range to\n 20 models\n before the decade ends starting with a new \nT-Roc Convertible\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alfa Romeo just dropped a new special edition model for the \nGiulia \nand \nStelvio\n called \u2018Estrema\u2019, and they\u2019re billed as the first \u201cglobal special series\u201d for the models. This new special edition is based on the \nVeloce trim\n that was offered quite a while back, but what sets this apart is its driving dynamics \u2013 essentially filling in the gap between the Veloce and \nQuadrifoglio\n.\nThe new Giulia and Stelvio Estrema come with several mechanical upgrades as standard, including a new adaptive suspension with Alfa Synaptic Driving Control (SDC) and a limited-slip differential.\nAlfa Romeo claims that these upgrades will improve the car\u2019s stability and grip levels in the corners, while still not compromising on ride comfort.\nAdding to the already menacing look of the Giulia and Stelvio, the new special edition models are fitted with carbon fibre side mirror covers and\u2018V\u2019 front grille, along with darkened-out Estrema badging and wheels (19-inches on the Giulia and 20-inches on the Stelvio).\nThe cars will be offered in four choices of exterior colours: Alfa White, Alfa Rosso, Misano Blue, and Vulcano Black, all of which will be paired with gloss black trim applied on the side window trim and B-pillars.\nThe mood of the interior matches the exterior, with carbon accents and Alcantara sprinkled across the cabin, similar to the Quadrifoglio. The leather upholstery on the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and gear knob also get additional red stitching to complement the sporty look and feel of the car.\nBoth the Giulia and Stelvio Estrema are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with \n280 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, while the Stelvio comes with an additional choice of a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel mill with \n210 hp\n.\nThese special editions are now available for order, and will be available worldwide during the third quarter of 2022. The Giulia Estrema starts from USD55,090 (approx. RM241k) while the Stelvio starts from USD58,950 (approx. RM258k).\nUnfortunately, \u201cworldwide\u201d doesn\u2019t exactly apply for us, as official Alfa Romeo dealerships in Malaysia no longer exist. So if you want one, you\u2019ll have to deal with the costly and complicated import procedures yourselves, or be contented just admiring them on the internet.\nGALLERY"
"Novitec has been tuning and bringing out more power out of supercars for many years and their latest full-package kit is the N-Largo conversion kit for the \nFerrari F8 Tributo\n.\nUnder the N-Largo label, Novitec of Germany has developed and produced spectacular widebody versions for the world\u2019s most thrilling supercars such as the McLaren 720S, Ferrari 812 Superfast, and Ferrari 488 GTB. Production is always limited and is no different with the latest N-Largo kit for Ferrari F8 Tributo, as it will \nonly have 15 examples\n made.\nThe widebody changes all the body panels on the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Heavily sculpted fenders and bumpers have now been replaced with more angular-looking items designed by German designer Vittorio Strosek. The form and function of carbon-fibre body panels (bumpers, side skirts and fenders) have been perfected at the wind tunnel.\nWindtunnel work has also made better airflow around the car with front fender air vents as well as a large rear spoiler working in tandem with a new engine cover and large underbody diffuser. Novitec says they see an \nincrease in downforce levels\n compared to the Ferrari styling.\n \nThe basis of the N-Largo kit is the widening of the vehicle arches to fit even larger wheels. At the front end, the N-Largo kit \nadds 70 mm\n in width to the Ferrari F8 Tributo, while the rear sees \n130 mm addition\n. Exclusively Novitec designed NF10 NL forged wheels measuring 9.5Jx21 in front and 12Jx22 at the rear are made by Vossen and wrapped with Pirelli P Zero tyres measuring 255/30R21 and 335/25R22 sizes.\nTo fully maximise the new widebody look and presence, Novitec also lowered the vehicle by 35 mm via sport springs. An optional front lift system is available to lift the front axle by about 40 mm to clear slopes, ramps and other uneven roads.\nAs for the power plant, Novitec\u2019s signature high-performance exhaust system and engine control module upgrade package pushes out \n818 hp\n and \n903 Nm\n of torque from the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Those figures are a whopping 98 hp and 133 Nm more than the standard Ferrari F8 Tributo.\nThe Ferrari F8 Spider caught the attention of a lady in riding the Ducati Panigale. Hear what she has to say!\nPerformance as such also increases, even with the wider body slicing through the air. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in \n2.6 seconds\n, to 200 km/h in just 7.4 seconds and onward to a top speed in \nexcess of 340 km/h\n.\nNovitec also has interior personalisation items for the 15 lucky owners who have purchased the N-Largo widebody kit. As usual, Novitec does not disclose the package price of the N-Largo kits.\nGALLERY"
"Based on the \nF-Type Chequered Flag edition\n, Jaguar has developed two F-Type convertible rally cars to continue its 70 years of sports car heritage celebration which began with the XK 120 in 1948.\nBoth the rally-prepped F-Type convertibles have been equipped with modifications by Jaguar Design and Engineering \u2013 to FIA specifications \u2013 such as upgraded brakes and suspension, a rollcage, and bucket seats with six-point harnesses.\nBrakes are now four-pot caliper units with grooved discs, both front and rear. Hand-built competition dampers and softer springs ensures that the convertibles can be driven flat-out over rough rally stages. Three-way adjustable dampers allow the cars to be tuned for different surfaces and feature spherical bearings for added precision.\nAlong the drivetrain, Jaguar even fitted a limited-slip differential to improve power delivery on loose surfaces while a hydraulic handbrake makes it easier (and more fun) to maneuver through hairpins. The Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag Edition is available from \u00a362,335 (RM336k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW\u2019s iDrive infotainment system, particularly in its Operating System 7.0 version, has always been rated as one of the best in the biz, with intuitive controls and clear graphics, putting it ahead of its competition. With the upcoming \niX\n and\n i4 \nEVs just about to hit the market, BMW has given the operating system a complete rework, with a new control system that feels almost like you\u2019re talking to Tony Stark\u2019s JARVIS.\nThe new BMW iDrive system is characterised by the\u00a0BMW Curved Display, a curved pane of glass sitting atop the dashboard that combines a 12.3-inch \u201cinformation display\u201d (instrument cluster) and a 14.9-inch \u201ccontrol display\u201d (infotainment touchscreen) into a single unit. In classic BMW fashion, the curved display is of course, angled towards the driver for better ergonomics.\nThe system gets new eye-catching graphics to go along with the new, larger displays. But despite more screen real estate, BMW says that the user interface has been optimised to \u201cpresent the right amount of information\u201d, preventing information overload by pre-filtering only the information relevant to the driving situation at the current time.\nDrivers can choose between three display layouts \u2013 Focus, Drive, and Gallery \u2013 which alters the number of information and widgets being shown to the driver on the two screens. BMW says that they are catered to different \u201cdriving situations\u201d, with the Focus layout designed for \u201cextremely dynamic driving situation\u201d.\nThe Gallery layout is the complete opposite, with minimal driving information to clear out as much space as possible for widget content. In a future where cars can basically drive themselves, this probably makes quite a bit of sense.\nWhile the familiar rotary controller is still here, now in a fancy glass-effect finish, BMW says that the number of physical buttons and switches have been \u201creduced by almost half\u201d. Even the remaining \u201cphysical\u201d controls are of the capacitive touch buttons variety, with almost zero delineation and tiny labels. Once you\u2019ve stopped yourself from physically wincing, read on.\nThe best way to control almost everything in the car, according to BMW, is to utilise the new and improved Intelligent Personal Assistant feature. Flexing its artificial intelligence muscles, BMW says that the new personal assistant automatically adjusts to the driver\u2019s individual needs and routines, as well as the situation at hand, giving you the right answers at the right time.\nThe personal assistant has been updated to better understand natural language, and now even gets a new \u201cface\u201d, made up of a cluster of light spheres floating across the display. BMW says that this improves the interaction between human and machine, as it is able to react to your voice inputs in a visual way \u2013 like how we can pick up emotions by watching one\u2019s facial expressions.\nAll of these new smart features will continuously improve over time, as the system gets more data and information from both the car itself, and the entire BMW Group vehicle fleet of over 440 million customer journeys across the globe.\nThis system recognises repetitive situations and learns from them, with all of these adjustments registered by the system and stored in the user\u2019s own BMW ID profile. For example, the BMW Maps included in the all-new iDrive will automatically learn your common routes, and will automatically suggest destinations \u2013 such as daily commute to work \u2013 based on the context of the drive, such as the day and time.\nEven the climate control is tied in to the AI-powered system, with the software automatically learning the user\u2019s preferences such as fan speed and air distribution, seats and surface heating and ventilation, even taking into the intensity and direction of the sunlight! BMW says that with everything working correctly, customers should seldom need to adjust any of the climate control settings, so it\u2019s OK to jettison those controls.\nAll of these settings are automatically adjusted to the user, even before they enter the car. The car utilises ultra-wide band signals (found on the latest iPhones, for example) to detect the approaching driver, and does a whole song and dance sequence called \u201cGreat Entrance Moments\u201d, utilising lights both inside and outside the car to \u201cwelcome the driver and invites them into the vehicle with a thoroughly choreographed routine\u201d.\nAs our cars become increasingly smarter and automated, the software and overall user experience will become vital to how we interact with our cars \u2013 they\u2019re no longer just mechanical machineries any more. It will be interesting to see what these traditional carmakers come up with in the near future, especially as we move into the new era of electrified vehicles.\nMost brands \u2013 including \nMercedes-Benz\n \u2013 seem to trend towards utilising some combination of artificial intelligence and personal assistants to help users navigate around the increasingly complicating system, though only time will tell if that\u2019s the right way forward. What do you think of BMW\u2019s new iDrive system?\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Company today revealed the first images of the all-new Tucson, due for its world premiere on the 15th of September, and we\u2019re assuming that Martians were involved with its design.\nThe all-new Tucson is an expression of what Hyundai designers call \u201cParametric Dynamics\u201d that utilises lines, faces, angles and shapes to create a kinetic, jewel-like surface.\nIt also features the company\u2019s new signature headlamp architecture called \u201cParametric Hidden Lights\u201d \u2013 with the daytime running lights seamlessly integrated into a jewel-like grille. The Tucson will also come with a longer wheelbase and a Coupe-like exterior that\u2019s wider than previous generation models.\n\u201cThe mission of \n\u2018Sensuous Sportiness\u2019, first introduced on the new Elantra\n, is to elevate the emotional qualities of automotive design. We want our customers to feel moved,\u201d said Hyundai Global Design Centre, Senior Vice President, SangYup Lee.\nHyundai says entering its \u201cInterspace\u201d cabin is like entering a neatly organised room where everyday concerns disappear \u2013 sounds like the perfect spot for urban trotters with an existential crisis.\nInside, the dashboard extends towards the doors, wrapping around the front occupants (in Hyundai\u2019s own words) like a deep gorge while the centre console was inspired by waterfalls.\nLocally, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors is set to\n introduce the Hyundai Kona as the order books are now open\n. The Kona is priced at an estimated RM115,XXX and will be fully imported from South Korea."
"So the tax holiday is finally over, and effective immediately from 1st September 2018, these will be the new prices (inclusive of 10% Sales Tax) for Honda vehicles in Malaysia after the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax.\nThe highest spec Honda CR-V, the 1.5 TC-P 4WD is almost a full RM 5,000 cheaper after price adjustments, with the base model Honda Jazz now more than RM 2,000 cheaper than with GST before.\nModel\nVariant\nPrice\nHonda Jazz \nS\nFrom RM 70,242\nE\nFrom RM 76,316\nV\nFrom RM 83,633\nHonda City\nS\nFrom RM 73,836\nE\nFrom RM 79,955\nV\nFrom RM 86,983\nHonda BR-V\nE\nFrom RM 80,989\nV\nFrom RM 87,701\nHonda Civic\n1.8 S\nFrom RM 108,165\n1.5 TC\nFrom RM 120,855\n1.5 TC-P\nFrom RM 128,631\nHonda CR-V\n2.0 2WD\nFrom RM 138,308\n1.5 TC 2WD\nFrom RM 150,992\n1.5 TC 4WD\nFrom RM 156,732\n1.5 TC-P 4WD\nFrom RM 163,191\nHonda Accord\n2.0 VTi-L\nFrom RM 148,512\n2.4 VTi-L Advance\nFrom RM 168,998\nHonda Odyssey\nRM 258,896\nHonda Civic Type R\nRM 330,002"
"The \nMaserati GranTurismo\n has returned for a second-generation, and although it might look a little familiar, the rest of the car is anything but. Underneath the sleek-looking GT bodywork is a brand-new flexible architecture, which enables the all-new Maserati Gran Turismo to be offered in three distinct flavours: two with a V6 engine, and another with three electric motors.\nDubbed Folgore (Italian for \u2018lightning\u2019), the fully-electric GranTurismo will act as the pole bearer for Maserati\u2019s electrification plans, which will \nphase out combustion power entirely from 2030\n.\nNo tailpipes to be found.\nThe three in-house-built electric motors are split into one for the front axle, and two for the rear, enabling the car to be driven in rear- and all-wheel drive modes. Each of the three motors is capable of providing 300 kW (408 hp), but due to tuning and optimisation, the total system output at the wheels is rated at\n 560 kW (761 hp)\n and\n 1,350 Nm\n.\nMaserati says the electric powertrain features several technologies derived from Formula E, and with power drawn from a 92.5 kWh (83 kWh usable) battery, the all-new GranTurismo Folgore is able to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n2.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of 320 km/h, with a driving range of \nover 402 km\n.\nRELATED: \nMaserati teases GranTurismo Folgore \u2013 fully-electric GT with over 1,200 hp!\nThanks to 800V high-voltage electrical system, the GranTurismo Folgore supports DC fast charging at up to 270 kW, translating to 100 km of range in just five minutes. The batteries are also arranged in a T-shaped layout instead of a skateboard package to allow for a lower, sportier driving position, while also giving it a perfect 50-50 weight distribution split, even bettering its ICE twin\u2019s 52-48.\nAs for the two petrol-powered versions, both the GranTurismo Trofeo and Modena will be powered by Maserati\u2019s new Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 mill, which first made its debut on the \nMC20 supercar\n, although slightly detuned here on the GT \u2013 the Modena variant gets\n 486 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n, while the Trofeo version offers\n 557 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n.\nThe engine is paired to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, alongside an all-wheel drive system on both variants to send power to all four wheels. In terms of performance, 0-100 km/h sprint times are rated at \n3.9 seconds\n for the Modena, and \n3.5 seconds\n on the Trofeo. Top speed meanwhile is rated at \n302 km/h\n and\n 320 km/h\n respectively.\nALSO READ: \nThe Maserati MC20 is the brand\u2019s most important car in modern times\nWhile the all-new GranTurismo shares a similar design with the previous-gen model \u2013 a conscious decision from Maserati\u2019s designers \u2013 the company says the two share no body panels.\nIt still has the characteristic long bonnet, low ride height, and cab-back stance, even on the fully-electric model, but it\u2019s also received some more modern design touches, such as the new \u2018Cofango\u2019 bonnet, and the vertical-oriented headlights and slim taillights, to more resemble the marque\u2019s latest models.\nStyling differences between the ICE and EV variants are basically only limited to the subtly tweaked front bumper, as well as the removal of the quad tailpipe exits at the back. The EV version also comes with a smaller boot, due to the electric motors at the back.\nAll three versions feature staggered 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels, with the Folgore\u2019s designed specifically for aerodynamics, which helps improve its drag coefficient by up to 7%. The Folgore also features an air inlet between the bumper and wheel arch, which is said to help reduce wind noise.\nThe interior of the all-new Maserati GranTurismo hasn\u2019t been revealed just yet, but the company says that it\u2019s designed in the same vein as the MC20 and \nGrecale\n, and will feature a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, alongside four more displays for the infotainment (12.3-inch), climate control panel, a head-up display, and a small digital clock \u2013 like the Grecale \u2013 in the centre replacing the marque\u2019s staple analogue unit.\nThe all-new Maserati GranTurismo is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of 2023, with the Modena and Trofeo versions arriving first. The electric Folgore will go on sale sometime after that, but Maserati didn\u2019t provide a specific timeline.\nGALLERY\nMaserati GranTurismo Folgore\nMaserati GranTurismo Modena\nMaserati GranTurismo Trofeo"
"Tension, penalties and plenty of on-track drama from start to finish provided the perfect backdrop for an exciting finale as Season 4 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGRF) and Vios Challenge racing series drew to a close with the crowning of four overall class champions.\nSUPER SPORTING CLASS\nFan favourite as well as two-time Toyota Vios Challenge champion Tengku Djan Ley (Car 61) and his Prima Pearl Auto entered Round 3 after a very successful season opener in \nMarch\n with full race wins but disappointing Round 2. Syafiq Ali (Car 70) and Mitchell Cheah (Car 23) were in contention but Djan\u2019s strong performances in both races sealed the title for him.\n\u201cIt has been both an incredibly challenging and rewarding season. I started the first two races of the year very well with back-to-back victories, but the following two races did not turn out favourably and as a result, we lost a lot of valuable points. A third-place finish in Race 1 yesterday and a race win tonight gave us the result that we needed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank not only my team and sponsors, but also to commend everyone in the Super Sporting Class for a very hard-fought season,\u201d expressed Tengku Djan.\nEven without the post-race penalty that saw Mitchell Cheah and 23 Motors losing his race win and promoting \nTengku Djan\n (and his third race win of the season), Malaysia\u2019s \nPrince of Drift\n has amassed sufficient points to be the champion of Super Sporting Class. This is his third championship title after winning the inaugural challenge in \n2018\n and his second in 2020 (Season 3). Instead of another Toyota Vios car, Tengku Djan and Prima Pearl Auto take home the RM70,000 prize money.\nOnly Boy Wong (Car 21) is the other driver to have won the Championship (Season 2, 2019) in the category of Malaysia\u2019s top racing drivers.\nPROMOTIONAL CLASS\nAll eyes were on actors Shukri Yahaya (Car 24) and Zizan Razak (Car 15) who both had their sights set on becoming the overall champion in the Promotional Class racing the 2021 Toyota Vios GR Sport.\nIn Saturday\u2019s race, Shukri was promoted to the win after a post-race penalty was handed to the charging Zizan Razak for exceeding track limits when overtaking thus relegating him back to second place with \nAkio Takeyama\n (Car 1), Chief Motorsports Officer for UMW Toyota Motor, rounding up the top three.\nOn Sunday night, the season 4 finale race began fiercely with Zizan taking the lead and Shukri in tow while singer Khai Bahar (Car 94) was in third. Positions remained unchanged in the first five laps of the race until Zizan made a mistake by going wide, allowing Shukri to dart into the lead and losing another place to Khai.\nZizan never recovered from that mistake and remained in third while the front two drivers consolidated their lead to being almost 10 seconds ahead.\nShukri and Khai were only separated by with only 0.3 seconds when the chequered flag came out but another post-race penalty punished Shukri and promoted Khai as race winner.\nShukri Yahaya\n only needed to finish ahead of Zizan to capture his first Vios Challenge championship and the penalty didn\u2019t stop him, thus sealing the title for the actor with his signature \u2018predator teeth\u2019 helmet design.\nSPORTING CLASS\nThanks to the sheer size of the category with as many as 19 Toyota Vios 1.5 sedans battling it out, there is no short of excitement and drama in this category of gentlemen and professional racers.\nSaturday night saw Round 2 winner \nAdy Rahimy\n (Car 99), a very promising member of the Sepang Talent Development Programme, taking the chequered flag but contact with Amiral Haikal on Lap 1 meant a post-race penalty demoted him to second position. Bradley Benedict (Car 55) of Dream Chaser thus took his first race of the season with Dannies Ng in third after taking advantage of the individual battles and driver mistakes around him.\nAn evening downpour earlier meant Sunday night\u2019s race started in greasy conditions that has proven to be a great equaliser plus action for us watching \nonline\n. The night\u2019s race opened in dramatic fashion with no less than six cars involved in skirmishes from the very first lap of the race because of a wet track.\nClement Yeo of Distinctive Model (Car 98) made a brilliant start from fifth position on the grid to stay within a car\u2019s length of Panglima City Racing Team\u2019s Kenneth Koh (Car 77), before eventually passing him for the lead. Behind, the battle for third, fourth and fifth positions was even more intense which saw 23 Motor\u2019s Ady Rahimy being the first to be pelted off the track, followed by Team Fokus Tetap\u2019s Lim Chun Beng (Car 68) and subsequently Dato\u2019 Ken Foo (Car 10), A. Shanmuganathan (Car 69) and Eric Yong (Car 9).\nA big contact between Mirza Syahmi of Aylezo Motorsport (Car 97) and Super Evergreen Motorsport\u2019s Amirul Haikal (Car 36) entering Turn 8 brought the Toyota Camry 2.5V Safety Car out on Lap 5 as both Toyota Vios cars were stranded at the trackside.\nWhen the safety car period was discontinued on Lap 10, just ten minutes of racing on left on the clock and Clement pulled away from battling trio of Kenneth Koh, Ady Rahimy and Bradley Benedict.\nWinning the race also meant winning his first Toyota Vios Challenge Championship for \nClement Yeo\n and Team Distinctive Model. Ady Rahimy\u2019s \u2018never give up\u2019 attitude which pulled him from 16th at the start of Lap 2 saw him missing out on the final podium spot by just 0.5 seconds behind Kenneth Koh and Bradley Benedict after what seems to be the best final 1,000 metres dogfight to the chequered flag.\nROOKIE CLASS\nNaquib Azlan (Car 17) turned out to be the surprising star of the season having participated in a saloon car race with only experience drawn from competing as a simulator racer.\n\u201cIt was a dream come true. Never did I expect to enter racing in real life and to have been able to perform as well as I did. I am extremely thankful. I have to say a very big thank you to Toyota for having the trust in me and giving us the opportunity, the team, to Alex Yoong who helped all of \nthe rookies\n throughout the entire journey. This is something that no other manufacturer has done and to represent Toyota is such an honour. I look forward to doing this again next season,\u201d said Naquib.\nPutera Adam\u2019s\n (Car 25) strong double-victory in Round 3 was just insufficient to topple \nNaquib Azlan\n who won three races and another two visits to the podium in their Gen-1 Toyota Vios Challenge cars.\nAt the season finale, UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s President, Ravindran K. and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia said they remain committed to expanding local motorsports initiatives and he called on the support of all stakeholders to bring Malaysian motorsports to a higher level.\nVisit the Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia \nwebsite\n for results from all categories and past races.\nGALLERY"
"Tesla has just unveiled\nits latest Tesla Model Y, a seven-seater SUV that forms the electric carmaker\u2019s\nfour model line up. Packed with the most advanced tech from Tesla, the Model Y is\npositioned as a lower alternative to the Model X SUV.\nThere are four variants of the Model Y available \u2013 Standard, Long Range, Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive and Performance All-Wheel Drive. The Standard and Long Range models feature a rear-mounted electric motor that provides 370 km and 483 km of driving range respectively while the Dual-Motor and Performance variants have 450 km of pure electric driving range.\nTesla\u2019s current line up consist of the Model S,3,X,Y. Cheeky Elon Musk.\nOpt for the Performance\nvariant and it will take you from 0 to 96 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 3.5 seconds while\nthe Dual-Motor drops the acceleration time to 4.8 seconds. The rear-wheel\ndriven Model Ys are pretty sprightly too, with sprint times of 5.9 and 5.5\nseconds for the Standard and Long Range variants, respectively.\nThe Model Y is also\ncompatible with Tesla\u2019s new V3 Supercharger network that can give 120 km worth of\ndriving range in under 5 minutes.\nThe Model Y takes\ndesign inspiration from the Model 3, with a quirky exterior and minimalistic\ninterior dominated by a single 15-inch touchscreen interface. Unlike the Model\nX with its fancy gullwing doors, the Model Y features conventional frameless\ndoors.\nTesla is pricing the\nModel Y between US$39,000 (RM159k) to US$60,000 (RM244k) and customers will\nhave to place a US$2,500 deposit to secure an allocation.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY"
"At RM 589,900, you could say that the new Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro will likely be an acquired taste in the mid-sized executive saloon segment, but only if you must have a six-cylinder engine, something which BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo do not currently offer in their CKD line ups.\nLike the A8 L\n, the A6\u2019s \n3.0-litre turbocharged V6\n is identical with the same output of \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, assisted electrically by a \nmild hybrid system\n comprising a \nbelt alternator starter motor\n and a 10Ah lithium-ion battery pack. However, the similarities end with the transmission; the A8 L uses a conventional 8-speed automatic whereas the A6 deploys a \n7-speed dual-clutch gearbox\n (which Audi dubs S tronic) and \nquattro all-wheel drive\n with\n \u2018ultra-technology\u2019\n for improved fuel efficiency.\nNew A6 utilises quattro drivetrain with \u2018ultra technology\u2019 for better efficiency.\nThe quattro ultra-technology system is developed for models with \nlongitudinally front-mounted engines\n. It offers the efficiency of a front-wheel drive system and would only engage all-wheel drive when situation warrants, but reacts quick enough before the wheel reaches traction limit, otherwise the \nrear differential remains decoupled\n until called into action. But don\u2019t think for a second that the A6 is a fuel-sipping hero, \nidle to 100km/h\n is dispatched in a rather rapid \n5.1 seconds\n. By the way, all-wheel steering is also standard on the car.\nThe interior theme of the 8\nth\n generation A6 takes after the A8 with the touch-centric \nMMI navigation plus interface\n taking centre stage alongside Audi\u2019s excellent \nvirtual cockpit\n and \nheads up display\n. Leather surfaces are aplenty in the cabin, as you\u2019d expect for the price, contrasted against aluminium inserts and a black headliner. \nB&O premium audio system\n and panoramic sunroof are other interior highlights.\nThe fully-imported A6 3.0 TSFI is clothed in sporty\n S line exterior package\n, complemented by \nMatrix LED headlamps\n with dynamic indicators, LED rear combi tail-lamps and tasty 5-spoke V-style \n20-inch alloys\n shod with \n255/40 R20 rubber\n."
"Meet\u00a0Valentino Balboni, the man who arguably had the best job in the world. For four decades the Italian tested some of the finest Lamborghinis before they make it to the\u00a0showroom floor. He has since retired from Lamborghini, but his contribution towards Sant\u2019Agata did not stop there. Now, he manufactures aftermarket exhaust systems designed exclusively for Lamborghini, via his new brand called \u201cVB\u201d .\nWhile it\u2019s no secret that VB refers to his initials, his first ever product is a\n titanium exhaust\n for the \nLamborghini Aventador SV\n. These exhausts are entirely made out of Grade 2 titanium and it\u2019s pretty lightweight at\n 6.4 kg\n. The entire assembly\u00a0took a painstaking 350 man hours, which include multiple welding jobs to make multiple components whole.   To make it as exclusive as the Lamborghinis, production of this VB exhaust system is limited to just \n30 units\n. This also means that they will\u00a0be\u00a0terribly expensive, but shouldn\u2019t be the least of concerns for most (if not all) Aventador SV owners.\nNo details have been provided on the added performance, but after taking into consideration Balboni\u2019s \u00a040 years experience as a test driver, let\u2019s just assume that he knows what\u2019s best for the raging bulls. The exhaust system from VB will be officially unveiled during the upcoming\u00a0Concorso Italiano on 29 August 2016 at the Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Keeping with the times, Jaguar has brought out the refreshed XJ model in a bid to keep up with the new offerings from BMW with the G11 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz W222 S-Class. Jaguar is on the heels to contend the Germans in this niche segment.\nThe overall shape and design hasn\u2019t changed much but to the keen eyed observer, there are few details that\u2019s been changed out for a more refreshed look for this British full-size sedan. Jag has also introduced its own sports trim line called the \nR-Sport trim\n to join the rank and likes of Bimmer\u2019s \nM-Sport\n, Mercs \nAMG\n and the \nS-Line\n for the Four Ringed Ingolstadt automaker. The XJ is set to be made available by \nautumn\n\u00a0this year (late September 2015).\nAs the trend these days is to make the front end sleek, Jag has inevitably gone down that road as well with new XJ getting a slightly more butch front end with chrome finishing and mesh designs. As is the way with Jag, the starkness have been kept to a more subtle degree.\nEXTERIOR\nThe biggest difference on first impressions are with the new twin \n\u2018J-Blade\u2019 DRL\n\u2018s mounted in the\n all-LED headlight\n module which as we\u2019ve seen as of late, is the trend amongst premium automakers in illuminating the way forward. The J-Blades\u00a0also double as the signal indicators.\nAround the side, not much has been tinkered with, but the rear end gets\u00a0minute changes with a \nchrome strip\n that runs across the lower breadth of the bumper, including an oval shaped \nchrome\n \nexhaust finishers\n\u00a0to complete the look.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is as we\u2019ve come to expect from\n modern-day Jaguars\n. A mass of soft leather upholstery and trimmings enveloping the cockpit followed by a pop-up gear knob selector that rises out of the centre console. The cabin also gets a touch of Tron-style blue-backlit\u00a0touch. Nice.\nLuxury is something that\u2019s never been taken out of the equation with Jag subtly reminding everyone how good they are at coach building from days past, starting with \nsoft grain leather\n that\u2019s been quilted into a diamond pattern with \npolished wooden veneer\u00a0\ngarnishing.\n \n \nThe audiophile amongst us aren\u2019t neglected either, as Jag is offering four different stereo options with the range topper being a\u00a0\n26-speaker, 1,300 Watt\n system powered by a \n17-channel amplifier\n that\u2019s developed by British audio experts\n Meridian\n to produce true Hi-Fi sound.\nPERFORMANCE\nLet\u2019s start with the\u00a0\n2.0-litre \nunit here.\n\u00a0\nIt\u2019s a\n four-cylinder\n engine fitted with a\u00a0\nlow-inertia turbocharger\n that makes it more agile and lowers fuel consumption to\u00a0\n8.4 litres per 100km\n, all while\u00a0being able to do a century sprint time of\n 7.9 seconds\n\u00a0before topping out at \n241 km/h.\nThe \n3.0-litre V6\n mills are now available in either a \nturbocharged diesel\n or\n\u00a0supercharged petrol\n. The \ndiesel\n\u00a0puts out a massive \n700 Nm\n of torque at \n2,000 rpm\n and a top speed capped at \n250 km/h\n,\u00a0whereas the \npetrol\n\u00a0powered\u00a0\nV6\n pushes out\n 335 hp\n and\n 450 Nm\n of torque at \n3,500 rpm\n with a 0 to 100 km/h time of a shade \nunder six seconds\n. It\u00a0tops out at \n250 km/h\n. The petrol V6 is available in either \nlong wheel base\n and \nall-wheel drive\n options apart from the base model.\nThe range toppers are the \nfive-litre V8s\n available in three different states of tune, ranging from \n463 to 542 horses\n with the latter figure being reserved for the\n XJ R-Sport\n variant. The blown mill features a \ntwin-Vortex supercharger\n unit that does the job of producing \ntorque\n that ranges from \n575 Nm to 680 Nm\n. It\u00a0also lends its hand in achieving a fuel consumption rate of\n 11.1 litre per 100km\n which, isn\u2019t all too bad considering the XJ weighs in excess of \n1,800 kg\n. EGR or\n exhaust gas recirculation\n also contributes to that endeavour.\nAll versions of the XJ are driven by a ZF sourced \neight speed automatic\n\u00a0gearbox with the exception of the RWD\n\u00a03.0-litre petrol\n\u00a0version which uses a more \ncompact ZF\u00a0\ngearbox. Tasked with steering is the job of an \nEPAS\n or\u00a0electric power-assisted steering system \u2013 one that\u2019s favoured over the conventional heavy hydraulic system. This saves up to \nthree\u00a0percent of fuel\n.\nSAFETY\nJag has kitted out the XJ with a host of safety systems to\u00a0keep it abreast with the rest of its competitors with tech such as the\u00a0\n360\u00b0 surround camera system\n and \nsemi-automated parking\n, the latter allowing automated parallel parking.\nDriver suites like\u00a0\nAll-Surface Progress Control\n (ASPC) helps the driver manage tricky low-friction road surface conditions for a safer ride, while\u00a0\nTraffic Sign Recognition\n\u00a0senses the road ahead via a front facing\u00a0\ncamera\n and \nGPS\n that informs the driver of approaching traffic changes such as speed limits and other variables.\nThe pre-facelift XJ\nWhat\u2019s more is the\n Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist\u00a0\nthat uses radars to read the traffic ahead and is capable of slowing down or bringing the car to a complete halt. There\u2019s also\u00a0\nBlindspot monitoring\n and\u00a0\nReverse Traffic Detection \non board as driver convenience features.\nWHAT ELSE ?\nThe \nInControl Remote Access App\n allows owners to \nremotely\n check if the windows are up, sound the horn, check how much fuel it has got and can even be used to \nstart the car\n remotely and \ncrank up the air-conditioning\n system. Should the driver forget where the car is parked, the app will even draw you a \nmap\n to get to the car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Thanks to the temporary stop of international travelling due to the global pandemic, many seek to have vacations and explorations within the country. Accommodation could still be an issue, so the travelling vehicles have also been converted to a place to stay.\nWhile it is common to see large panel and window vans converted to have a place to sleep and carry other large camping equipment, this example of a Toyota Tacoma in the US pushes the envelope even further.\nBuilt around a 2007 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab (or known in Thailand as Smart Cab with the suicide half-doors in the Toyota Hilux), the long-wheelbase pick-up truck has its chassis extensively upgraded for overlanding (combination of remote travel, off-roading and camping).\nWhile maintaining the robust double-wishbone setup and rigid axle, the shock absorbers and leaf springs have been upgraded to high-performance Emu Dakar units paired with an additional air suspension system. An auxiliary fuel tank carrying some 64 litres of petrol has also been added.\nAdditional traction is assisted by ARB front and rear air-actuated locking differentials as well as chunky BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tyres. No serious off-roader is complete without a new front \u201cbumper\u201d, so the Tacoma gets a high approach angle All-Pro steel bumper with a powerful winch tucked inside plus a pair of bright spotlights.\nAt the other end of pick-up conversions, this Toyota Hilux sings glorious AMG V8 music. More about the \u201cbakkie\u201d here!\nThe rear section of the Tacoma Access Cab has been heavily modified to fit a large accessories cab. It has been tailor-made to fit a retractable awning, ARB fridge, 64-litre water tank, a propane tank for cooking, a kitchen rack with utensils plus plenty of storage space.\nThe seller also neatly placed an Airtop collapsible tent on top of the rear accessories cab. Being over 1.6 metres high, one requires a ladder for access. \u00a0\nAs for the interior, it is very much untouched, even maintaining the integrated Toyota audio system with a CD player and AM/FM tuner. With journeys expecting to be off-the-grid, the seller also fitted a CB radio for communications with fellow enthusiasts. The back of the cab allows legal seating for two passengers as seatbelts are fitted. \u00a0\nThis 15-minute video of a Toyota Hilux being tested beyond its limits is very fun to watch! Take a look at what constitutes as testing for this enthusiast!\nPowering the 2007 Toyota Tacoma is a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine with humble outputs of \n239 hp\n and \n361 Nm\n of torque. Thrust is sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission and easy-to-use shift-on-the-fly part-time four-wheel drive system.\nThe Toyota Tacoma overlander conversion was eventually sold to a bidder at \nUSD36,500\n (approx RM154k) which is a substantial sum given its 14-year-old age. However, the buyer could see an immediate exploration in the thick woods and few nights stay with his new investment.\nSource: \nCarsAndBids.com\n, \nCarscoops.com \nGALLERY"
"Since its global debut in 2013, the \nJaguar F-Type\n has always been depicted with a hairy-chested V8 powerplant accompanied by a thunderous exhaust note. People tend to forget that there\u2019s also a V6 variant of the F-Type, but that\u2019s pretty much understandable when the V8 sounds so bloody good. So how does a four-cylinder F-Type sounds like? Blasphemy?\nJaguar has updated the \n2018 Model Year F-Type\n with some \ninterior and exterior tweaks\n, but the biggest news is the addition of this four-cylinder variant to complement the existing V6 and V8 variants. All F-Type models will get \nnew bumpers\n and they can be optioned with \nfull LED headlamps\n, while inside there\u2019s the new \nlightweight slimline seats\n and \nTouch Pro infotainment system\n.\nIt\u2019s the same \nturbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder \nIngenium\n engine already used in other Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, but for the F-Type it gets the power boosted to \n296 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. The smallest-engined F-Type may have the least amount of power, but with \n148 hp per litre\n, the turbo four-banger actually has the highest specific power output of any engine in the new F-Type range. Mated to an \n8-speed automatic\n which sends power to the rear wheels, the four-cylinder F-Type does the century sprint in \n5.4 seconds\n and the top speed is \n250 km/h\n.\nWith a smaller mill occupying the engine bay, there\u2019s a \nweight saving of 52kg\n, and apart from making it the most economical F-Type in the range with a fuel consumption of \n7.2 l/100 km\n, Jaguar claims this also contributes to an improved agility. Jaguar also promised that the four-cylinder F-Type won\u2019t be compromised in the noise\u00a0department, with a \u201cmeticulously-tuned\u201d \nactive exhaust\n to deliver a distinct four-cylinder soundtrack.\nThere\u2019s very little to tell that it\u2019s the F-Type \u201clite\u201d from the outside, apart from the \ncenter-exit single tailpipe\n and new \nlightweight 18-inch wheels\n. Meanwhile the \nR-Dynamic\n option will throw in a set of 19-inch wheels and switchable active exhaust. The four-cylinder F-Type will be\u00a0available in either a Coupe or a Convertible guise, and it goes on sale this spring in UK, priced from \u00a349,900 (approximately RM276,300).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia today unveiled the new Volvo XC60 facelift here in Malaysia. Similar to the outgoing model, the company is maintaining two variants for Malaysia, although with one completely new option \u2013 the XC60 B5 Momentum and the XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus.\nThe new B5 naming that marks the fitment of a mild-hybrid powertrain is priced at \nRM292,266.50\n and the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid variant has a price tag of \nRM325,449.40\n. Both prices are on the road without insurance and inclusive of the sales tax exemption.\n \nEXTERIOR\nSimilar to the new facelifted \nVolvo S90 Recharge T8\n executive sedan, the exterior changes on the new Volvo XC60 are incredibly minimal. One would really need to place both the \noutgoing\n and new XC60 models side-by-side to notice the changed items.\nAs always, the bumpers\u2019 design gets tweaked, blending better with the rest of the updated line-up. The rear bumper now has a smooth finishing without any exhaust tips, while the front includes a new grille design and larger decorative trim pieces at the corners.\nKey features have been maintained over the outgoing model, including items such as:\nInscription grille and chrome details together with 19-inch wheels on the Recharge T8\nLED Headlamps with Active High Beam\nActive Bending Lights (ABL) only on Recharge T8\nPanoramic Sunroof only on the Recharge T8\nRoof rails (bright-finished Recharge T8)\nIlluminated door handles with ground lighting\nVolvo Car Malaysia has also included a new colour called Dawn Silver, replacing Osmium Grey. Three other colours are maintained, which are Denim Blue, Crystal White and Onyx Black.\nPERFORMANCE\nHeadlining the new XC60 in Malaysia is the availability of the new B5 Momentum variant, replacing the T5. The new naming corresponds to a new 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance with a compact lithium-ion battery added to the existing turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.\nVolvo XC60 B5\nEngine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, 48-volt mild hybrid\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic\nDrivetrain: Front engine, all-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 249 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque: 350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds\nTop speed: 180 km/h\nFuel consumption: 7.6 l/100 km\nVolvo XC60 Recharge T8\nEngine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, supercharged and turbocharged\nEngine max rated output: 320 hp, 400 Nm\nElectric motor max rated output: 87 hp, 240 Nm\nTotal combined system horsepower: 407 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nTotal combined system torque: 640 Nm @ 2,200-5,400 rpm\nBattery capacity: 11.6 kWh\nDrivetrain: Front engine, rear motor, electric AWD\n0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds\nTop speed: 180 km/h\nElectric range: 45 km\nFuel consumption: (2.2 l/100km)\nINTERIOR\nThe biggest update in the new Volvo XC60 is the interior. However, the images alone do not communicate anything, as the new 9-inch portrait infotainment system is now powered by Android Automotive OS.\nVolvo Car Group is the first company to team up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built-in, and the fully-electric \nXC40 Recharge\n became the first Volvo car to carry the infotainment system.\nThe centrepiece of the Digital Services package is access to Google apps and services, which offer hands-free help with Google Assistant, best-in-class navigation through Google Maps and a broad offer of native in-car apps via Google Play.\nStandard equipment in both variants include:\n12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster\nGoogle Digital Services\nVolvo Car Apps\nMobile phone charging\nPowered front seats with memory function on the driver\u2019s seat\nDual-zone automatic air-cond with Clean Zone Interior Air Quality System\nRear air-cond vents on B-pillars\nCabin pre-conditioning using Parking Climate function\nRear USB charging ports\nThe Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus sees more adjustment on the front seats, a head-up display, illuminated Orrefors crystal shift lever, Driftwood Decor inlays, Bowers and Wilkins 1,100-Watt Premium Audio with 15 speakers, and increased ambient lighting areas.\nThe audio system in the B5 Momentum variant also sees an upgrade versus the outgoing model, now fitted with a Harman Kardon 600-Watt Premium Sound Audio system with 14 speakers.\nSAFETY\nThe new XC60 facelift is equipped with the Volvo IntelliSafe advanced driver assistance systems, with the addition of the new Ready to Drive Notification in the facelift update. Other key features in the ADAS suite include:\nReady to Drive Notification (lead car departure alert)\nPilot Assist\nAdaptive Cruise Control\nCity Safety autonomous emergency braking, with Steering Support\nBlind-Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist\nLane Keeping Aid\nCross-Traffic Alert, front and rear with mitigation support\n360-degree Surround View Camera\nOncoming Lane Mitigation\nPRICING\nThe new Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 in Malaysia is priced at \nRM325,449.40\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive on the ongoing sales tax exemptions, and increases to RM345,488 once the \nexemption discontinues\n.\nMeanwhile, the new Volvo XC60 B5 Momentum sees an increase of circa RM13,300, now retailing at \nRM292,266.50\n on-the-road without insurance sales tax. Volvo Car Malaysia has indicated a price of RM313,888 once the sales tax exemption expires.\nIncluded in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a \nplug-in hybrid (PHEV) battery warranty coverage\n of eight years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.\nGALLERY"
"The Perodua Ativa not only scored a \nfive-star\n rating in the ASEAN NCAP but is also the first vehicle to be assessed under the \nnew 2021-2025 Protocol\n.\nThe update to the new ASEAN NCAP 2021-2025 Protocol sees the organisation include an assessment for Motorcyclist Safety (MS) which carries a weightage of 20% to the final score.\n \nUnder the new \nMotorcyclist Safety \ncategory, features that alert the driver of the presence of motorcyclists and pedestrians are rated and contribute to the scoring. They are further categorised under Blind Spot Detection, Advanced Rear Visualisation, Headlight, Pedestrian Protection and Advanced Motorcyclist Safety Technology.\nThe other three categories from the previous assessment protocol remain, which are Adult Occupant Protection (40%), Child Occupant Protection (20%) and Safety Assist Technologies (20%).\nASEAN NCAP is also introducing the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system functionality assessment in this new 2021-2025 assessment protocol. The organisation will perform the \neffectiveness of the AEB\n City and AEB Inter-Urban systems fitted to the vehicle in performing emergency braking at several speeds against another vehicle in front.\nThe new \nPerodua Ativa\n compact SUV, which was officially launched yesterday, received 37.48 points for the Adult Occupant Protection, 17.36 points for \nChild Occupant Protection\n, 18.57 points for Safety Assist Technologies and 10 points for the Motorcyclist Safety assessments (courtesy of the Blind Spot Monitor, Automatic High Beam and Pre-collision braking with Pedestrian detection).\nEven in the entry-level\n Perodua Ativa X\n, the vehicle is fitted with Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) suite which includes an updated Pre-collision warning and braking with bicycle and motorcycle on top of pedestrian detection.\nThe Ativa AV variant\u2019s ASA goes up a notch further with the inclusion of Adaptive cruise control (ACC) and Lane keep control (LKC), with both features working in tandem to deliver \nsemi-autonomous driving of Level 2\n standards.\n \nThis means the Ativa AV variant can autonomously drive around a curve on the highway at speeds from 60 km/h and adjust its distance to the vehicle in front accordingly, with just the driver placing his hands on the steering wheel. This is particularly useful while driving on the North-South Highway.\nThe turbocharged Perodua Ativa compact SUV is available in three variants, the X starting from \nRM61,500\n, the H variant from RM66,100 and the range-topping AV variant from RM71,200."
"To call the recently concluded Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival a success would\u2019ve been an understatement. Held over last Saturday and Sunday at Stadium Batu Kawan in Bukit Tambun, a staggering 28,000 people showed up; braving the heat and rain to witness the race, festivities and most importantly, meet their revered local celebrities.\nThese local celebrities included drift extraordinaire Tengku Djan, Danny Koo, Geraldine Gan, Venice Min, Shukri Yahaya, Diana Danielle, Janna Nick, Geraldine Gan and beat-boxer Shawn Lee \u2013 most of whom, including drivers in the other categories, were participating in motorsports for the first time.\nIt was an utter fanfare. Among the highlights were the convoy of Toyota AE86\u2019s, celebrity meet-and-greet sessions, stage shows, drift exhibitions and the very first appearance of the Toyota C-HR in the northern region.\nThe races were segmented to three categories where the celebs raced against each other in the Promotional category, while the bigger boys meddled about in the Sporting and Super Sporting categories. Not only did the narrow 1.65 km track limited overtaking opportunities, the rain that went on for hours made track conditions even more challenging and slippery for the drivers.\nDAY ONE\nThe first day\u2019s action saw three qualifying sessions in each category followed by two race heats for the Promotional and Sporting categories. In the Promotional Class, Shawn Lee bagged pole position (1:18:508) followed by Fattah Amin (1:19:863) with Shukri Yahaya (1:20:720) coming in third.\nPole position for the Sporting category was held by Ken Foo (1:19:592) followed by Brendon Lim (1:19:851) from Team Dream Chaser and Patrick Tam Wei Han (1:19:876) from Team Maxx \u2018N\u2019 Go. In the Super Sporting category, pole position was held by none of other than Tengku Djan (1:16:932) of Team Maxx \u2018N\u2019 Go, followed by Mark Darwin (1:17:183) of Team Dream Chaser and Syafiq Ali (1:17:798) from Team M7 Racing.   The first race involving 16 cars from the Sporting category saw the top three from qualifying retaining their positions at the end of the 16-lap race with Ken Foo coming in first followed by Brendon Lim and Patrick Tam. It was not without incident though, as Teoh Khai Lin nudged into Eric Yong of Team Dream Chaser in 4th place, sending him to the barriers.\nIn the Promotional category, first place was held by Shawn Lee, followed by Shukri Yahaya and Danny Koo. Having clipped a kerb and deflated one of her tyres, Venice Min unfortunately nudged onto Janna Nick and into the barriers causing both to retire from the race. Fattah Amin too had to retire from a broken rim after a tussle with Shukri Yahaya, awarding Danny Koo, who finished 12 seconds behind the leading duo, the last spot on the podium.\nDAY TWO\nDay Two got off to a very bright start, literally; with clear blue skies and extremely humid conditions. Having gone through a very wet first day, temperatures rose as the drivers from the Super Sporting category lined up for the first (dry)race of the two day race festival.\nWith conducive racing conditions, it was full-throttle from the get go with Tengku Djan taking home the chequered flag after 18 laps; opening up a 15 second gap from second place Mark Darwin \u00a0followed by Syafiq Ali who finished in third. The race saw another precious rim (lightweight ENKEI RPF1\u2019s) casualty as early favourite James Verappan clipped the wall.\nThe second race of the day was won by Shawn Lee in the Promotional category after 18 laps, followed by Shukri Yahaya and Danny Koo, a deja vu result from the day before. Having fought closely with TRD Asia\u2019s Masaaki Murata in the middle of the pack, Fattah Amin\u2019s misfortune continued as he attempted a brave overtaking maneuver on fourth place Diana Danielle only to send both into the barriers and retirement.   The third race saw the boys picking up from where they left off on Day One \u2013 in Race Two of the Sporting category in a closely contested, highly intense race. So stiff was the competition that drivers were lapping within a second from each other. The race ended with Ken Foo once again taking first place followed by first time podium finisher, Kenneth Koh and Brendon Lim in third.\nHaving trailed Ken Foo closely throughout the race, a last ditch attempt by Patrick Tam on the outside line resulted into a slide towards the barricades and eventual retirement.\nThe final race was another follow up from day one \u2013 Race 2 of the Super Sporting category. Having won Race One, Tengku Djan had to make do with a 20 kg ballast in his car from third place but it did not seem to have hindered his performance on the track. Diving into the first turn on Mark Darwin, Djan immediately moved up to second in pursuit of Shafiq Ali.\nHaving got close to Shafiq before a turn, Djan pulled out alongside him in the straights as Shafiq stayed on the inside line. Upon approaching the next turn, contact between the two sent Djan into a half spin or as the motoring writers jokingly regarded as \u201ca controlled powerslide by Djan\u201d. After recovering from the half spin, the rest was history as Djan went on to claim first place with Mark Darwin in second followed by William Ho after 18 laps in the blistering heat.\nUnfortunately for me and the rest of us motoring media reps, there was no such thing as witnessing the race on the stands. Nor even on \nYouTube\n, in the comforts of an air-conditioned room as most of our time was spent behind the lens and under the scorching sun. At the same time, being so close to the action actually showed us what the drivers had to go through \u2013 unpredictable weather and track conditions, extremely close shaves with the barricades and a whole lot of bumper to bumper action \u2013 all the ingredients that make for an extremely exciting race.\nAnd seeing what a tremendous event the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival has been over the weekend for both drivers and spectators, we\u2019ll be surprised if the next leg, held in \nMAEPS, Serdang\n on the \n25th and 26th of November 2017\n doesn\u2019t spark an even bigger and more explosive occasion.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The next-generation Proton Perdana targeted for the mass market is coming close into reality. In the recently concluded Alami Proton Carnival 2015 event held at Proton\u2019s Centre of Excellence, Proton gave members of the media a short glimpse of what to expect from the company\u2019s new \u201cHalo\u201d car.\nProton\u2019s new D-segment darling in red was previewed by none other than Proton\u2019s Chairman himself, Tun Dr. Mahathir. Unfortunately, only the front and lower rear portions were \nvery briefly\n teased to\u00a0the members of the media. Proton has previously mentioned that the new Perdana will look entirely different compared to donor car, the eighth-generation Honda Accord. Judging from this brief preview, we can attest to that, cosmetically of course.\nFrom the looks of it, a fastback shape is expected as seen with the extended sloping D-pillar. In a way, it bears similarity with the unorthodox BMW 3-Series GT or Jaguar XJ. Also spotted were a rear ducktail spoiler and a shark fin roof antenna. Also note that the new Perdana measures at 4,999 mm, making it about 50mm longer than its Accord counterpart.\nHonestly, we can\u2019t visualise how the real Perdana will actually look like, but what we do know is that two engine options are available \u2013 Honda\u2019s 2.0-litre R20A3 and 2.4-litre K24Z2 engines. These inline-four power plants are expected to be mated with Honda\u2019s tried-and-tested five-speed automatic. The new Perdana will be made available to the public in Q1 2016, although no indicative pricing was made mention.\nThe mysterious new Proton Perdana will be officially unveiled soon!\nJust next to the Perdana are \ntwo stretched versions\n of the Perdana \u2013 the shorter of the two is for cabinet ministers while the other was customised solely for the Chairman himself. The stretched Perdana for Tun Dr. Mahathir has\n unique red leather interiors\n and subtle additions that are often found in a typical German-made limo. Also unique to Tun\u2019s car is the \u201cProton 2020\u201d number plate that indicates TDM\u2019s prized limo from his brainchild that is Proton.\nTun\u2019s stretched Perdana is of course based on the current-serving Accordana used by government officials in Putrajaya. As you may have already known, Proton and Honda inked a deal in 2013 to \nrebadge\n the eight-generation Accords as government fleet cars to replace the Perdana of old \u2013 one that was \nbased on the Mitsubishi Eterna\n. These cars are also not made available for the public. However, the public can wait for Proton\u2019s own interpretation of the Accord by early next year, and one thing\u2019s for sure, we \ncan\u2019t\n wait to see that.   While we are closer to reaching 2016, perhaps a guessing game on the pricing of the new Perdana will be interesting. What would you reckon the price for probably the cheapest Jaguar looking D-seg saloon car in Malaysia? RM120k?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Lexus LS as we know it is the epitome of Japanese premium sedan and the current model has been around since 2006. The introduction of the fifth-generation model is timely, thus Lexus will premier the new LS flagship at next month\u2019s Detroit Motor Show.\nInitial impressions of the teaser image reveals that the new LS will indeed receive the \u201c\nspindle grille\n\u201d treatment, as seen with modern Lexuses. It will also get slimmer LED headlamps.\nLexus claims the new LS is best described as a full-sized luxury sedan with bold exterior and coupe-like silhouette with a touch\u00a0of \u201cvisionary technology\u201d. Being the sedan to chauffeur\u00a0the \ntaukeys\n, it\u2019s claimed that the limo car will not compromise\u00a0roominess that will upset its targeted demographic.\nAlso, the new LS will be based on the stretched version of Toyota\u2019s new \nGA-L premium rear-wheel drive platform\n\u00a0that underpins the\u00a0\nLC500h\n. Earlier this year, Lexus unveiled its halo car concept that wowed the world.\nIt\u2019s likely the new LS could throw away its mature but mundane outlook, only to be replaced by the bits and pieces from the gorgeous LC500h.\u00a0Back home, the current, fourth-generation Lexus LS is available at RM798k."
"After 13\u00a0years and a few appearances in Bond flicks, Aston Martin rolled off the last nine units of the DB9 Grand Tourer off its production line. This marks, according to Aston Martin, \u201ca farewell bid to an icon\u201d.\nThe last nine cars will wearing badges labelling each as a \u2018651115-10-5857651115-10-5857\nlast of nine\n\u2019, signifying an end of an era for the car that brought much success to this\u00a0Gaydon-based company. The cars receive\u00a0touches from the company\u2019s Q customisation department. Yet again, no ejector seats or machine guns fitted into these nine units.\nSince its unveiling in 2003, the DB9 spawned models such as the DBS, Rapide, \nV8 Vantage\n, and the Vanquish. The DB9 also enjoyed some success in GT racing via the DBR9 and the Vantage GT3/GTE models. The DB9 as we know is powered by a \n6.0-litre V12 engine\n and paired with a \u2018\nTouchtronic 2\u2019 six-speed automatic transmission\n. Based on its latest 2015 \nDB9 GT\n configuration, the V12 delivers 540 hp and 620Nm of torque, allowing a century sprint in 4.5 seconds\nThe DB9 will pass over the baton to the all-new \nDB11\n, and from the looks of it the DB11 will have no problems succeeding\u00a0its predecessor. The DB11 also marks Gaydon\u2019s new\u00a0\u2018Second Century\u2019 plan, where at the same time the DB11\u2019s platform will be used for development of future Vantage and\u00a0Vanquish models.\nHappy retirement DB9, and thanks for the memories!"
"BMW Group Malaysia launched the topless version of its 4 Series coupe, the sizzling hot BMW 4 Series Convertible. Unveiled together with it at the \nBMW Malaysian Open 2014\n tennis tournament was the all-new \nBMW 2 Series Coupe\n. Available in the form of 428i Convertible, it is priced at RM428,800.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 4 Series Convertible\nSegment\nC-segment Coupe\nEngine\n1,997cc In-line 4, BMW\u00a0TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n245hp @ 5,000-6,500\u00a0rpm\nMax Torque\n350Nm @ 1,250\u20134,800\u00a0rpm\nPrice\n428i Convertible \u00a0 RM 259,800\n\u00a0\nThe completely new BMW 4 Series was launched last year, as a new representation of the BMW 3 Series Coupe. That was when the \u2018confusion\u2019 started with the additional Series in the premium automaker\u2019s line up.\nIf you have been following closely on BMW\u2019s development, 2-door models or the coupes from the basic line-up now have their own badge, or rather number.\nThe sportier, sleekier and sexier 4 Series has a new variant that just arrived topless in Malaysia. The BMW 428i Convertible.\nEXTERIOR\nDerived from the BMW 3 Series Convertible, this topless beauty is now longer by 26mm (4,638mm length) and 43mm wider (1,825mm width). Wheelbase has been increased by 50mm (2,810mm wheelbase), wider front track by 45mm (1,545mm front track) and 81mm wider rear track (1,545mm rear track).   The distinctive feature, which is of course the main reason people buy this is the convertible hardtop. The car can transform from an elegant coupe to a sleek roadster in just \n20 seconds\n. So, would you be able to fold the roof while on the move? Yes, but only at a maximum speed of 18km/h. The three-part retractable hardtop is folded and put away into the boot. That takes up the entire boot by the way.\nHowever, there\u2019s a good news! You can now have some boot space even with the roof retracted, via an electro-hydraulic loading assistance system that pivots and positions the folded roof. This ensure maximum utilization of the 220 litres available storage space. With the top up, boot space is measured at 370 litres. It comes in 18-inch Multi-spoke allow rims.\nINTERIOR\nThe BMW 4 Series Convertible does come with some pretty good equipment that makes driving it special. One of them is the electromechanical steering with Servotronic, providing speed-dependent power steering support.   It is also\u00a0equipped with \nAdaptive M Suspension\n with electronically controlled damper enabling the car to adapt to driving situations.\u00a0\nDriving Experience Control\n is offered as standard, which offers three different vehicle set-ups for economical, comfortable and sporty driving options.\nThe cabin upholstery and trim is top notch offering a premium ambience, with its sport leather steering wheel, circular black-panel dials and the iDrive center display. The one-piece rear seat can be folded flat down for the extra compartment space from the boot.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe BMW 428i Convertible is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine. No, not a 2.8-litre engine. It produces \n245hp\n and \n350Nm\n of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just \n6.4 seconds\n, with a top speed of\n 250km/h\n. Fuel consumption is at quite an impressive figure of 6.6 litre per 100km.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe BMW 4 Series Convertible was unveiled by international tennis players at the \nBMW Malaysian Open 2014\n. On the road price with out insurance is at\n RM428,800\n, together with BMW Service Inclusive and Repair. It is available in Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Midnight Blue and Mineral Grey.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For those with deep pockets and the desire to be in the driving seat of GT3 racing action, without shoveling cash into a motorsports team, the new \nLamborghini Huracan STO\n that\u2019s now in Malaysia, is the closest thing you can get to being in a race car.\nSTO stands for \u2018Super Trofeo Omologata\u2019; making the Huracan STO a road-homologated super sports car derived from the company\u2019s learnings from the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and the Huracan GT3 EVO, a multiple race-winning car.\nAt the heart of the Huracan STO is a 5.2-litre naturally aspurated engine with 640 hp and 564 Nm to propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds. It\u2019s more impressive from 0 to 200 km/h, taking just nine seconds and it stops just as quickly as it can accelerate.\nWith 6-pot brakes in the front, and 4-pot at the rear, and brake discs measuring up to 390 mm (bigger than the wheels on compact cars), the Huracan STO can bring itself to a complete stop from 100 km/h in just three seconds!\nThe engine has been retuned to be more responsive with a more direct \u2018pedal-to-throttle\u2019 feel according to Lamborghini, while gear changes are now even faster. For a more intimate connection with the tarmac, the steering feel is even more direct. The STO also features a wider wheel track, stiffer suspension bushings and model-specific anti-roll bars.\nSheer performance isn\u2019t the only thing that makes the Huracan STO so special as it\u2019s also one of the lightest Huracan\u2019s on sale. Weighing just 1,339 kg (about the same as a Honda Civic), it\u2019s a whopping 43 kg lighter than the Huracan Performante.\nThat\u2019s all down to extreme weight-saving measures as 75% of the exterior panels are made of carbon fibre including the \u2018cofango\u2019 front section featuring the front bonnet and fenders as one single piece. It also fitted with 20-inch magnesium wheels, a titanium roll cage developed with Akrapovic, a lightened windscreen, and carbon fibre bucket seats.\nThe Huracan STO\u2019s featherweight and intoxicating performance numbers complement its aerodynamic prowess. Most of the downforce is generating at the front splitter and rear wing where the latter can generate up to 420 kg of downforce at 280 km/h \u2013 that\u2019s like having 5-6 adults standing on the car, pressing it towards the tarmac for more traction.\nThe roof consists of two unique exterior features; a shark fin and a rear engine bonnet with an air scoop. The latter was designed to channel air to the engine bay with air deflectors to control the amount of air flowed depending on the engine and exhaust temperature. The shark fin on the other hand improves the cornering stability with varying pressure on each side of the fin and by channeling air directly to the rear wing.\nIt\u2019s just not just a supercar, it\u2019s a \u2018living thing\u2019 that reacts to your every input and is not to be taken lightly.pun intended.\nRELATED: Lamborghini unleashes a new 640 hp monster \u2013 the Huracan Tecnica\nGALLERY"
"While Nissan has seen better days since the dramatic ouster of Carlos Ghosn, this COTY win for 2020 as chosen by the Automotive Researchers\u2019 and Journalists\u2019 Conference of Japan (RJC) will no doubt bring some much-needed cheer to the embattled Yokohama-based Japanese carmaker.\nThe RJC had this to say about the \nNissan Dayz\n \u2013 a popular kei car model sold domestically.\n\u201cThe all-new Nissan Dayz has changed the typical perception of kei cars. The newly developed platform, engine and Xtronic continuously variable transmission significantly enhance power, performance and fuel efficiency, and the car features a spacious cabin and luggage compartment. And even better, the model is the first kei car to offer the ProPILOT system and the \u2018SOS call\u2019 advanced automatic accident reporting system.\u201d\nNissan also took home the \nTechnology of the Year award\n in the shape of the \nProPILOT 2.0 autonomous drive system\n which debuted in the Nissan Skyline sedan, otherwise known as the Infiniti Q50 in foreign markets."
"The fifth-generation \nSubaru Forester\n, despite its many good qualities, is frequently cast aside for more popular choices such as the Honda CR-V, primarily due to its unremarkable looks \u2013 and that\u2019s putting it lightly. It\u2019s no wonder Subaru is essentially fast-tracking the facelift update for the Forester, rumoured to be launched in Japan on \nJune 14\n!\nAs reported by Japanese publication \nCreative Trend\n, the new update will come with a refreshed exterior design, along with a few upgrades to its tech equipment \u2013 specifically the \nEyeSight advanced driver assistance suite\n. And thanks to a leaked image of what seems to be the cover page of a promotional brochure, we already have a pretty good idea of how the Subaru Forester facelift will look like!\nUp front, the changes are largely reserved for the headlights, which now gets a more three-dimensional angular design, in line with Subaru\u2019s latest models such as the \nLevorg\n. The Japanese publication also reported that the entire headlight unit \u2013 including turn indicators \u2013 is now LED illuminated.\nOther changes on the front fascia include a slightly reprofiled front bumper with a sleeker lower intake area, and a new foglight housing on the corners. The front grille though, looks unchanged from before, aside from a new horizontal trim piece across the entire grille.\nNo other photos have been leaked on the car aside from this, so unfortunately we still don\u2019t know how the rest of the car will look like. But as usual on a facelift exercise, expect to see a reworked rear bumper, new alloy wheels, and possibly a new tail light design \u2013 if Subaru really wants to change the looks (and public perception) of the Forester.\nNext up on the list of upgrades is the Subaru EyeSight advanced driver assistance features. Although it\u2019s not the EyeSight X 360-degree system found on the Levorg, the new EyeSight Plus system should still provide an improved performance thanks to a wider field of view on its stereoscopic camera.\nThe Japan-exclusive 1.8-litre turbocharged \nForester Sport\nAs for powertrain, the existing 2.0-litre boxer engine will likely remain unchanged on the new Subaru Forester facelift. The naturally-aspirated mill makes \n156 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n, with power sent to all four wheels via the Lineartronic CVT and Subaru\u2019s famed Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system.\nOver in Japan, the Subaru Forester is also available in a \nnew Sport variant\n, which inherits the Levorg\u2019s 1.8-litre turbocharged flat-four engine that\u2019s good for \n177 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque. This should also most likely remain on the new Subaru Forester facelift, alongside the \ne-Boxer hybrid powertrain\n.\nThe report says that the new Subaru Forester facelift will be launched in Japan on the 14th of June, which is just a short three days away from now. But before that, what would you like to see on the new Forester? Let us know in the comments below!"
"At long last, Honda\u2019s seven-seater crossover has landed in our shores \nafter going on sale in Indonesia and Thailand\n. Unveiled at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow happening at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), the BR-V will be available for public viewing from 10 to 13 November 2016.\nBased on Honda\u2019s budget MPV (the Mobilio), the BR-V is a crossover variation of the Mobilio. Dimensions wise, the BR-V is larger than the crowd favourite HR-V, measuring at 4.45 meters in length, 1.73 meters in width and 1.65 meters in height with a 2,660mm wheelbase.\nEXTERIOR\nWith the BR-V being a crossover and not a full blown\u00a0MPV, the styling is naturally more muscly, suggesting a more adventurous and active nature. The generous ground clearance of 210 mm definitely supports that statement. At the front, the BR-V wears Honda\u2019s signature Solid Wing Face grille and projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights that are reminiscent of the \nCR-V\n. A pair of halogen fog lamps with chrome housings and a chrome plating at the lower lip completes the front fascia of the BR-V. The small utility vehicle also comes with roof rails, chrome door handles and keyless entry.\nAt the rear the BR-V comes with a unique pair of C-shaped LED combination rear tail lights that are connected by a lighting bar that runs across the rear tailgate. The tailgate latch is positioned down low for ease of access. Lastly, the BR-V rides on 16-inch dual tone alloys wrapped in 195/60 profile Bridgestone Ecopia EP 150 tyres.   INTERIOR\nThe front seats were heavily covered up, therefore we have to wait till the official launch before we can tell you what\u00a0will be featured in our version of the BR-V. However, if the Thailand models are of any indication, the BR-V would have similar interior layout like the \nJazz \nand \nCity\n. The Thai-spec BR-V comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera, keyless start, illuminated instrument cluster and automatic climate control. We can confirm that our local-spec will at least come with keyless start and a reverse camera.\nFortunately, the rear seats were open to the public to give us a glimpse of what\u2019s to come. The seats are finished in leather so expect the BR-V to feature full leather seats (also dependent on trim level). Roof mounted rear air-vents with fan controls are also available for the rear passengers. The second row seats come with a 60:40 split while the third row are of 50:50 split configuration.\nBoot space is rated at 223 litres with all the seats up, but can be expanded to 539 litres with the third row tucked away.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the seven-seater crossover is the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated SOHC i-VTEC that produces \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s also the same engine found in the \nHonda City\n and \nJazz\n. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a continuous variable transmission (CVT).\nWHAT ELSE\nNo other details were revealed during the preview of the BR-V except that it will be assembled locally. If you are as excited as we are for the launch of the all-new BR-V, stay tuned to \nAutoBuzz.my\n for more updates to come!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As I\u2019ve mentioned before in my Facebook video, the all-new X7 plays a very important role for BMW in that it will redefine what luxury is to the brand \u2013 think of it as the 7-series of BMW\u2019s X family.\nCutting to the chase, there are four models available at launch \u2013 X7 xDrive40i, xDrive50i, xDrive30d and the M50d \u2013 all of which are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.\nMax Power\nMax Torque\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nTop Speed\nxDrive40i\n340 hp\n 450 Nm\n \u00a06.1 secs\n245 km/h\nxDrive50i \n462 hp\n 650 Nm\n 5.4 secs\n 250 km/h\nxDrive30d\n265 hp\n620 Nm\n7.0 secs\n227 km/h\nM50d\n400 hp\n760 Nm\n5.4 secs\n250 km/h\nExcept for the xDrive50i that comes with a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine, the rest comes with either petrol or diesel-powered 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six engines. Four wheel steer is available as an option.\nDeploying a rear-biased all-wheel drive system, the X7 can direct full power to the rear wheels alone for better efficiency.\nMeasuring over five metres long, two metres wide and 1.8 metres tall \u2013 the X7 establishes itself as the new head of BMW\u2019s X family. Everything about the X7 is over-the-top, as projected by the largest kidney grille ever designed by BMW.\nIt even sports the one of the largest BMW badges on its front hood. BMW\u2019s Laserlight with Adaptive headlights can be specified on top of the standard LED pair, with a maximum \u201cnon-dazzling high beam projection\u201d of 600 metres.\nSlotted between the slim LED rear lights is a chrome bar, a design previously seen in the BMW 7-series \u2013 a symbol of its stature as the 7-series of the X family. 20-inch light alloys are standard with 21- and 22-inch options.\nInside, the X7 comes with a sports leather steering wheel as standard, along with a newly-designed gear selector, Control Display and digital instrument cluster \u2013 each 12.3-inch in size. Some of the controls one the centre console can also be specified to be made of glass. A \u201cthermo\u201d version of the cupholders in the centre console is an optional extra\u00a0to keep their containers cool or warm as required.\nFull-sized seats are offered for two passengers in the third row but if you\u2019re after a full-blown \u201climousine\u201d experience, the second row can be specified with two individual seats \u2013 like an Alphard \u2013 except the X7 looks way better than the van.\nAll three rows of seats are electronically-adjustable, with controls for the driver to adjust the second row seats from the front. With all its seats upright, the X7 offers 326-litres of cargo space.\nA three-part panoramic glass roof is standard \u2013 stretching all the way back to the third row seats \u2013 where they can be electronically-operated; even in the third row. With the glass roof, there\u2019s even a Sky Lounge feature for a visual feast when night falls.\nLED light is spread across the glass surfaces to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky.\nAs standard, there\u2019ll be 10-speakers to go with the standard sound system but if you\u2019re an audiophile, there\u2019ll be an optional Harman Kardon or Bower & Wilkins system. The pair of 10.2-inch HD displays for the second row passengers, is sadly an optional extra.\nWith the standard air suspension, the car can be lowered with a touch of a button for ease of loading. For the same reason, the X7 also features a split two-section tailgate \u2013 both of which can be electronically-opened and closed. Hands-free features are an optional extra.\nIn SPORT mode, the car\u2019s ride height is automatically lowered by 20mm. The driver can also choose to lower or raise the car by up to 40mm.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz\n is no stranger to bespoke one-off models, with recent examples including the \nProject Maybach\n in collaboration with the late fashion designer, Virgil Abloh. This time, \nMercedes-AMG\n teamed up with rapper will.i.am to create yet another one-off, and well, all we can say is that it\u2019s all kinds of weird.\nThe bespoke model is called the Will.i.amg, which, obviously, is a wordplay between Will.i.am and Mercedes-AMG. It\u2019s cute, and luckily they know it too, with the badging plastered all over the exterior. Curiously, most of the one-off\u2019s heavy lifting was actually done by West Coast Customs instead of Mercedes themselves \u2013 although the latter did give their final stamp of approval.\nThe Will.i.amg is based on the \nMercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe\n, but now made into a literal coupe with only two massive doors that opens towards the rear (\n\u00e0 la\n suicide doors). The doors are hardly the biggest departure from the GT\u2019s former sleek silhouette, however.\nThat accolade goes to \u2013 as you must have noticed by now \u2013 the blocky face of the car that\u2019s borrowed from the \nG-Wagen\n. And to complete the look, there\u2019s also a unique emblem on the square radiator grille. The bear-shaped logo, dubbed \u201cBear Witness\u201d, is supposedly inspired by the three-pointed star and the vehicle sound, and will tie in to a line of bespoke apparel and merchandises born from the collaboration.\nThe air vents by the front fenders are also unique to the Will.i.amg, as are the unique two-piece panoramic sunroof. While we can\u2019t say that we\u2019re a fan of the bespoke model\u2019s styling efforts, at least the mono-block wheels do fit in with the rest of the car.\nThe rest of the car, we presume, hasn\u2019t been adulterated too much, as no photos of the rear-end and interior have been provided. We do know, however, that the mechanical bits underneath the bonnet hasn\u2019t been modified at all, because \u201cAMG really does make the best engines\u201d according to Will.i.am.\nRELATED: Special edition Mercedes-AMG G 63 celebrates 55 years of AMG\nThe Will.i.amg is part of a larger collaboration between the rapper and Mercedes-Benz, called \u201cThe Flip\u201d, that aims to give more students from disadvantaged communities access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education. Mercedes-AMG noted that all activities surrounding the car will benefit the Will.i.am\u2019s i.am/Angel Foundation.\nGALLERY"
"Compared to the \nFerrari 812 Superfast video\n we shared recently, the \nFord GT\n\u2018s acceleration did come off as a little underwhelming, although it did sound as if the owner wasn\u2019t going full throttle.\nThe Ford GT\u2019s top speed has been rated at 348 km/h and if it wasn\u2019t for the constrained 4.3 km runway, it would\u2019ve slowly but eventually hit the mark.\n \nThe Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with \n647 hp \nand\n 746 Nm\n. In comparison, the Ferrari 812 Superfast churns out \n800 hp\n and \n700 Nm \nfrom a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12.\nIf you think the video didn\u2019t do the Ford GT any justice, check out the \nunique displays on the Ford GT\u2019s 10-inch digital instrument cluster\n here!"
"Volvo has lifted the veil on its first ever mass market electric vehicle which will be sold under the Recharge line up \u2013 the XC 40 Recharge.\nThe new XC40 Recharge utilises two electric motors \u2013 one for the front axle and another for the rear \u2013 effectively making it an all-wheel drive vehicle. Total system output is rated at \n402 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n.\nAlthough it weighs upwards of 2,100 kg, it can still sprint to 100 km/h from standstill in a brisk 4.9 seconds. That said, top speed is limited to only 180 km/h.\nPower comes from the 78 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted on the floor of the vehicle, as a result of the Compact Modular Platform\u2019s (CMA) versatility. The platform, which the petrol-powered XC40s are built on, was initially developed with electrification in mind.\nCapable of being charged up to 80% in just 40 minutes, the XC40 Recharge is expected to offer up to \n400 km of electric driving range\n.\nThe regular XC40 Recharge can be distinguished from the regular petrol-powered XC40 by the front grille and the charging port which is positioned where the fuel flap is. As Volvo opted not to place the charging port at the front, this frees up 31-litres of \u201cfrunk\u201d space to add to the 413-litres of boot space.\nInside, the XC40 Recharge stands out with a 12.3-inch digital display to project different parameters specific to the EV. The XC40 Recharge is the first Volvo to have an infotainment system which runs on Android Automotive OS.\nBy 2025, Volvo is expecting that 50% of its global sales to be made up of electric vehicles. In the next five years, the company plans to launch an electric car every year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has announced that it will be complying with the government\u2019s directive, following the announcement of movement control order from 18th to 31st March by prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.\nAs such, all customer-facing operations \u2013 including sales and after sales \u2013 will cease starting today, while all Proton outlets will be temporarily shut.\nConcurrently, the company\u2019s production operations in its Tanjung Malim and Shah Alam manufacturing plants will also be systematically shut down in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.\nIn case of emergency such as accidents and breakdowns, Proton\u2019s customer care hotline is still reachable around the clock at \n1-800-888-398\n to provide urgent assistance. For other inquiries and complaints, Proton can be contacted via email at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n."
"Remember the promise of actual self-parking cars \u2013 where one day in the future we\u2019ll be able to just step out of our cars at the entrance and our cars will do the rest? Well, that day is now inching ever so slightly closer to reality thanks to Mercedes-Benz and its partners, who will be trialling a self-parking system at the Stuttgart airport.\nMercedes-Benz, along with technology provider Bosch and parking garage operator Apcoa, are working together to provide the world\u2019s first commercial automated valet parking (AVP) system at the Stuttgart airport\u2019s P6 parking garage \u2013 and all you need is the recently-unveiled \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n, fitted with the Intelligent Park Pilot option.\nWith that option checked, drivers can just drop off the car at a specific space located right behind the entry to the P6 parking lot. After confirming to park through your mobile phone, the car will then guide itself automatically into the basement and park itself in the pre-determined parking lot, guided by the information from the infrastructure.\nTicketing and payment will also be automated through Apcoa\u2019s systems, thus giving the driver\u2019s a truly hassle-free experience where you can focus your attention at catching your flight.\nFor the initial test phase, only two spaces are available for the self-parking Mercedes-Benz S-Classes. The companies say that they are planning to add more spaces in the future when demand increases \u2013 and driverless parking becomes standard.\nA vehicle collection service is also in the works, and will be enabled once parking garages are equipped with the appropriate infrastructure and given the green light by local authorities.\nThe AVP system relies heavily on infrastructure, in addition to the kitted out S-Class \u2013 and that\u2019s where Bosch comes in. Using various camera feeds in the parking garage, the system is able to identify vacant parking spaces, monitor the driving aisle and its surroundings, and detect obstacles or people in the aisle.\nAll of the information is then sent to a dedicated control centre in the parking garage that calculates the route the vehicles need to take to reach an available space, which is then sent to the car to be converted into actual driving instructions, guiding the cars to drive through the narrow ramps within a parking lot.\nThis isn\u2019t the first time that Mercedes-Benz and Bosch have toyed with self-parking AVP systems. The companies introduced the system back in 2017 with a few specifically kitted-out \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n vehicles to serve as a development platform, and the system was subsequently \ndebuted in Shanghai in 2018\n.\nThe Stuttgart airport is the latest step for the system to bring the system to a fully-commercialised level in the near future, with Bosch upgrading their infrastructure to use camera-based equipment instead of the \nlidar sensors used previously\n \u2013 which could help reduce overall infrastructure costs, and bring true level four autonomy to the masses.\nGALLERY"
"There was a time before Covid-19 plagued the world, when man roamed the planet freely, exploring new places and in our case, new cars. Boy, do we miss it; like this one when we flew halfway across the world to try the new G20 BMW 330e PHEV. This trip to Munich, Germany may have taken place in August of 2019 \u2013 just over a year ago \u2013 but it has seemed like an eternity.\nThe wait is finally over though! Joining the locally-assembled BMW \n320i\n and \n330i\n models available in Malaysia is the \n330e M Sport plug-in hybrid\n that\u2019s also built locally in Kulim, Kedah. Also launched alongside the 330e PHEV last month, is the closest and more handsome alternative to the M3, the \nM340i xDrive\n.\n \nUnderneath the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired to an electric motor with an output of 252 hp and 420 Nm. What\u2019s more interesting is that the car comes with an\n XtraBoost function\n that momentarily gives the 330e\n up to 292 hp\n. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.\nOther goodies included in the 330e M Sport is the adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes, adaptive headlamps, an M Sport steering, a 10-speaker sound system, and on the safety front, the all important autonomous emergency braking.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n!"
"Just recently, Mercedes brought out the \nnew C-Class\u00a0Coup\u00e9\n that will make its official debut later in the year.\u00a0As expected, joining that line-up is the newest creation from the crew over at Affalterbach \u2013 AMG.\u00a0Introducing, the all-new\u00a0C63 AMG\u00a0Coup\u00e9.\nMercedes has boldly promised that this newest iteration of the C-Coup\u00e9 will be the \nsportiest version\n thus far. It\u2019s long been heralded that Merc\u2019s biggest thorn on its side has always been the Munich giant, most notably with its M3 and M4 duo. The new C63 Coupe on the other hand, will face off against the latter.\nSince the days of the\n Merc 190E 2.5-16 Evolution\n, these giants were locked in a head-to-head battle for the\n best drivers sports sedan/coup\u00e9\n\u00a0for the better part of over\n 25 years\n.\nThis all-new C-Coup\u00e9 promises to deliver \nBMW M4\n beating performance\n and driving prowess because Merc has literally loaded this\u00a0Coup\u00e9 to the brim with electronics, cutting-edge tech and a truck-load of power. So much so that they\u2019ve released the\u00a0Coup\u00e9 in two different flavours, the \nC63 Coup\u00e9 AMG\n and \nC63 S Coup\u00e9 AMG\n.\nNow, both the C63 and C63 S Coupes come with the company\u2019s new 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 which is same unit in the\n Mercedes-AMG GT\n, and in typical AMG fashion, the former is tuned to make just a tad less power than the more feral S. The numbers \u2013\u00a0\n476 hp\n at a screaming \n5,500 rpm\n\u00a0and 650 Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm.\nOn the flip side, the \nS\n\u00a0variant packs more heat under the hood than \nBMW\u2019s E60 M5\u00a0\n\u2013 a tyre munching 330 km/h V10 monster that still holds its ground even today. The Mercedes-AMG makes 510 horses and 700 Nm of twist! And to put things in perspective, that\u2019s more torque than a brand new Porsche 991 Turbo, all packed into this C-Class Coupe!\nResponsible for firing all that power onto the tarmac is the reworked\u00a0\nAMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed dual-clutch\n\u00a0automatic transmission. The gearbox now switches cogs faster than the previous MCT boxes in previous AMG models.\nWith that sort of ballistic firepower, the AMG C-Coup\u00e9 sits\n 64 mm\n wider at the \nfront\n and \n66 mm\n wider at the \nrear\n, enabling it to hug the roads better. On that subject, the C 63 Coup\u00e9 gets a standard 18-inch, 10-spoke lightweight alloy wheels shod with\u00a0\n255/40 R18\n tyres in front and \n285/35 R18\n at the rear. The C63 S Coupe sits on 19-inch wheels, although the tyres\u2019 width remain the same.   AMG RIDE CONTROL\n deals with adaptive and \nadjustable suspension dampening\n. Drivers have at their fingertips the choice of either\n\u00a0maximum sportiness\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nlong-distance comfort\n in three driving settings all at the touch of a button. In addition, the chassis has been \nreworked\n and\n strengthened\n\u00a0to accommodate all the horses lurking under the hood so that the car behaves in a fashion befitting of the name \nA-M-G\n.\nA \nlimited slip differential\n or LSD hides in the rear axle for improved traction, road holding characteristics and handling. The \nC63 coupe\n comes with a\n mechanical LSD\n while the \nC63 S coupe\n comes with an\n electronically manipulated LSD\n with \nthree\n settings. What does an LSD do, you ask? Differentials\n reduce the slip\n on the \ninside wheel\n when \ncornering\n. This allows the driver to accelerate out of corners earlier without the brakes ever coming into play.\nBoth models come with\u00a0\nAMG\u00a0DYNAMIC SELECT\n transmission modes, a programme which alters driving characteristic with the aforementioned driving modes.\u00a0However, the S variant will benefit from an additional drive mode \u2013 RACE \u2013 for full track action.\nStill on the subject of that insane power output, AMG has elected to equip the \nC63 S AMG\n\u00a0with \nDynamic Engine Mounts\n.\u00a0These dynamic engine mounts are instantly able to adapt their stiffness to the current driving conditions and requirements. Softer engine mounts \nimprove\n \ncomfort\n, as they provide more effective decoupling of noise and vibration. However, as rule of thumb, handling and agility benefit from a generally stiffen setup. With the dynamic engine mounts, it\u2019s killing more birds with just one stone.\nMercedes has yet to put a retail sticker on this windscreen, but more updates will surface soon as the premier date nears. Stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz C63 Coupe   Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class Coupe"
"For those who adore open top motoring but find the existing\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz SLC\n\u00a0range a little lacking in punch,\u00a0Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has the solution for you. Enter the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, the most potent SLC money can buy, yet.\nWhat AMG has done with the little roadster is slapping on a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 that churns out \n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via a nine-speed G-Tronic automatic. Key performance figures include a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of\n 4.7 seconds\n and an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG SLC 43\nEngine\n3.0-litre bi-turbo V6\nTransmission\n9-speed G-Tronic\nMax Power\n367 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n520 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.7 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM570,888\nMercedes-AMG did not just slap on a twin-turbo V6 onto the SLC and call it a day, though, because the suspension is also\u00a0heavily updated to improve dynamics. The SLC 43 now comes with \nAMG-specific\n front and rear axles, engine mounts as well as a rear differential. It also gets\u00a0AMG sports suspension lifted off the SLK 55. These components are designed to complement the high lateral acceleration of the SLC 43 as well as reduce body roll.   Visually, the SLC 43 is dressed in AMG Night-Package that includes the\u00a0diamond radiator grille and AMG body kit. LED Intelligent Light System headlamps, underbody protection, AMG lip spoiler and 18-inch AMG multi-spoke lightweight alloys are standard fitment.\nThe interior upholstery is finished in Nappa leather while the AMG interior package with carbon fibre trim comes as standard. Besides that, the SLC 43 is equipped with AMG multifunctional steering wheel (Nappa leather), ambient lighting, powered front seats, keyless entry and start, 7.0-inch infotainment with Harman Kardon surround sound system and reverse camera.   Mercedes-Benz has equipped the retractable roof with\n Magic Sky Control\n which changes the opacity of the panoramic glass roof with a touch of a button to give an open-air feeling without having to put the roof down. The auto-folding roof is able to operate at speeds of up to 40 km/h.\nLike the \nMercedes-AMG C 43\n, the SLC 43 is also available with Agility Financing and Hire Purchase Classic from Mercedes-Benz Financial. Monthly repayments start from as low as RM5,708. A 4-Year unlimited warranty package comes as standard.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has confirmed that it will be launching three GR models in Malaysia. The 3 models are the \nGR86\n, the \nGR Corolla\n, and the \n6-speed manual Supra\n. The announcement was made by UMW Toyota president, Ravindran Kurusamy at the media event today. No timeline has been provided for all three models, but the UMW Toyota president said they will be coming \u201cvery soon\u201d.\nIn Malaysia, UMW Toyota has sold the \nGR Yaris\n and GR Supra, although the Supra is only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed manual version of the Supra made its global debut in April this year, about three years after its global debut with an automatic transmission only.\nTogether with the introduction of the 6-speed manual transmission to the GR Supra, other improvements include enhanced handling performance and ride comfort, newly designed 19-inch wheels, three new exterior colours, an optional tan interior, and an enhanced JBL sound system. Like its automatic counterpart, the 6-speed manual Supra still runs the 3.0-litre turbo engine that makes \n387 hp\n (metric) and \n500 Nm\n.\nBefore the 6-speed manual Supra, the GR Corolla made its global debut also in April this year. Powered by a beefed-up GR Yaris-sourced G16E-GTS engine, the GR Corolla makes \n304 hp\n (metric) and \n370 Nm\n. Power is sent to all wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. The GR Corolla made its ASEAN debut last week with Thailand being the first country to welcome it. \nOnly 9 units are available in Thailand\n \n(for now), and production of the GR Corolla for the global market this year is limited to \n2,000 units only\n.\nRELATED: \nEnthusiasts rejoice \u2013 2022 Toyota GR Supra now offered with six-speed manual\nGR Corolla\nGR86\nLastly, the all-new GR86 made its global debut in October 2021, providing a much-needed refresh from the 2013 Toyota 86. Powered by the boxer FA24 engine, the GR86 makes \n235 hp\n (metric) and \n250 Nm\n. All power is sent to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its Subaru cousin, the all-new \nBRZ\n has already made its debut in Malaysia and has been delivered to several customers.\nUMW Toyota\u2019s latest announcement is sure to excite Toyota fans. With the upcoming new additions to the GR family in Malaysia, UMW Toyota will have brought in four GR models to Malaysia (not counting the manual Supra as a new model).\nRELATED: \nToyota GR Corolla launched in Thailand with only 9 units \u2013 RM498k, first ASEAN debut"
"Well, when we say latest, we really meant \u201ctwo weeks old\u201d. Nonetheless, 14 million viewers probably enjoyed it!\nWe\u2019re finally back to work today after a week-long \u201cCNY hiatus\u201d and unsurprisingly, there\u2019s loads to catch up on. In the time that we\u2019ve been away, \nGeely has lended a handed to battle the corona virus\n, \nLotus has attempted to attract older customers\n and Porsche has come up with this.\n \nIt\u2019s a Super Bowl commercial filmed in Porsche\u2019s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany and its surrounding areas where a Taycan is jacked from the company\u2019s museum.\nA pursuit made up night guards in Porsches of their liking ensues, revealing a bevy of beauties from the current and classic collection. Even the Carrera GT, a \nPorsche tractor \nand Le Mans legend Porsche 917 was roped into the action.\n \nCheekily, Porsche even teased us with a glimpse of the new 992 generation 911 GT3 in Blue parked in layers of 911 history, as the guards hurried into their \u201cchase cars\u201d.\nA 150 strong production was tasked to film this short film and according to Porsche, aerial footages were shot by two drones, including a racing drone capable of hitting 160 km/h!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The culmination of the two biggest names in motorsports have come together in a holy matrimony involving the P1 GTR Driver Programme \u2013 a programme that was just announced after the very first example just rolled off McLaren\u2019s production line in Woking, Surrey.\nThe McLaren P1 GTR joins the ranks of\u00a0\nFerrari\u2019s FXX-K\n track-prepped weapons of mass destruction. Here are the basic facts and figures. Based on the dollar value, the Ferrari FXX-K costs just over \nRM11.3 million\n (after conversion, before taxes) while the \nMcLaren P1 GTR\n clocks the record at \nRM12.71 million\n\u00a0\u2013 with taxes it may cost over \nRM20 million\n, and that\u2019s just being\u00a0conservative. With those ungodly figures in mind, McLaren has kept mum on the number of GTRs that will be built, but it\u2019s ball is said to be parked circa \n30 units\n.\nThe boffins over at \nMcLaren\u2019s Spec Ops\n division has cooked up a monster that wears the skin of a P1 and will be munching on tracks around the world with power figures estimated at \n986 hp\n, courtesy of its\u00a0\ntwin-turbo 3.8-litre V8\n block. Torque digits, you ask? Well within the 1,000 Nm neighbourhood.\u00a0It does the century sprint in a blistering\u00a0\n2.4 seconds\n with a top speed of \n350 km/h\n.\nNow with performance figures and a hefty price tag such as that, it\u2019s no wonder that \nBruno Senna\n\u00a0(nephew of F1 legend Aryton Senna) is the current\n\u00a0McLaren GT factory driver\n. He will now be spearheading the P1 GTR Driver Programme as a mentor.\nSenna\u2019s duties in this respect is to \ntrain\n the \nowners and drivers\n of these formidable machines in the black art of handling these ferocious million-dollar track weapons. Not only that, but consultants from the factory too will be on hand with the \nrace seat fitting\n, a \nHuman Performance Centre\n assessment and final discussions around the \ndesign and livery\n of your car. From there, each of the driver will get a chance to acquaint themselves with the upcoming circuits on McLaren\u2019s very own racing simulator.\nSpeaking of tracks, listed down as \none of the nine\n different exotic locales is our very own high-speed playground \u2013 \nSepang\u2019s F1 Circuit\n. Now with the better part of\n 900 horses\n pulling you along these high-speed circuits, you\u2019d want to know the best and fastest way to get around, naturally. And on hand with such knowledge borrowed from his days at Formula 1 to get round is none other than Bruno Senna himself.\nWe are thrilled beyond words at the chance to catch a glimpse of these multi-million dollar tarmac arsenals in action right here in our backyard. Keep an eye on this space for more updates on this.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sure, there\u2019s no arguing that a little breeze would be a refreshing change from the usual tropical heat we\u2019re subjected to 365 days a year \u2013 a natural repercussion of living by the equator.\nBut to have four seasons? Winter? Snow? Black ice? Or even worse, blizzards? Aside from missing out on the seasonal snowball fight, we should count our blessings for not having to endure the ugly side of winter. Here\u2019s two examples as to why:\nHere you have a school bus in Massachusetts, USA helplessly but gracefully sliding down a traction-free road. Imagine the horror of watching (or knowing that) your kid had been \u201cice-skating with bus\u201d. But as always, you can count on a Toyota to be up for any tasks and in this case, holding back the bus from causing further damage. Fortunately, no one was hurt.\n\u201cSaved by the pole\u201d \u2013 a statement rarely expressed by anyone, unless you\u2019re in the constant frost white surroundings of Russia. Yes, the video may be a little dated but the memory of a near head-on collision with a thousand-tonne truck may never get old for those behind the camera of this footage.\nCredit: \nMassLive\n / \nViralHog"
"Blink and you could\u2019ve easily missed it. It\u2019s probably the most we\u2019ve seen of the longest anticipated Proton as the X50 made its \u201cunofficial debut\u201d in \nthe company\u2019s Merdeka video \nyesterday.\nAfter seeing it heavily camouflaged for over a year, the X50 has revealed itself with LED taillights and daytime running lights, Proton\u2019s new round emblem, and the same wheel design seen in the Geely Binyue. It even appears to come with some sort of carbon fibre-like rear diffuser!\nWhile there\u2019s still no official information on the X50, it\u2019s safe to assume that it will get \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n from a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. That\u2019s in the same ballpark as the \nsoon-to-be-launched Hyundai Kona\n with \n177 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n from a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder.\nWith potential safety features such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, the X50 would not only outshine the Proton X70 in terms of equipment but is already proving to be best looking model in Proton\u2019s line-up \u2013 as the \u201cgroup photo\u201d clearly shows.\nThere\u2019ll be plenty of competition for the X50 in the compact crossover segment \u2013 mainly the CX-3, C-HR, HR-V, the XV \u2013 along with newcomers like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona but if the X70\u2019s is any indication, in terms of price versus value, there should be no sweat moving shiploads out of Tanjung Malim.\nGALLERY"
"The current generation Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is actually 33 years old, and just how proper a send-off it deserves? The Maybach touch of course, no less. Debuting at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show is the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet!\nUnlike the\u00a0\nAMG G 63 6\u00d76 \nand\n G 500 4\u00d74\n, the military grade G-Wagon Landaulet is only limited to\u00a0\n99 units\n! It\u2019s suitably large as well, with a length of 5,345 mm, 2,335 mm tall and 2,110 mm wide. The wheelbase spans 3,428 mm long, surpassing even that of the long-wheelbase version of the \nS-Class\n.   The G650 Landaulet is strictly a four-seater, and it has half-convertible roof structure \u2013 a nod to the decorated Maybach 62 Landaulet of past. By half we mean only the rear passengers can enjoy the fresh breeze of nature.\nPowering this exquisite German metal is a \ntwin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 \nengine that produces a monstrous \n630 hp\n and\n 1,000 Nm\n of torque. Drive is of course sent to all four wheels, though the 4WD system here is no slouch. Off-road capabilities are enhanced with portal axles, providing a ground clearance of 450 mm. Wheel size measure at 22-inch and come fitted with\u00a0325/55 profile tyres.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7uGiiHsVr0\nMercedes-Maybach have yet to reveal the pricing of this luxurious off-road SUV, but we have every reason to believe that it will be one of the most, if not the priciest variant in the model\u2019s 33-year long history. Expect to see one parked in the garages of the Sheikhs and footballers across the globe.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The highly-awaited \nKia EV6\n has now finally made its official debut here in Malaysia, with the order books now open for the \naward-winning Korean electric vehicle (EV)\n. Offered here in a single GT Line guise, interested customers can now place their bookings for the EV6 at all Kia dealerships nationwide. Prices start from \nRM300,668\n on-the-road before insurance, excluding SST exemptions.\nEXTERIOR\nThe EV6 was designed under the brand\u2019s new \u2018Opposites United\u2019 design philosophy, characterised by futuristic and high-tech details by blending sharp stylistic elements with smooth, sculptural shapes.\nKey highlights of the new design include the \u2018Digital Tiger Face\u2019, which utilises the car\u2019s daytime running lights and a \u2018sequential\u2019 dynamic light pattern to represent the brand\u2019s signature \u2018Tiger Nose Grille\u2019 for the electrification era.\nThe side profile meanwhile accentuates a \u201ccrossover-inspired\u201d aesthetic, with its sharp lines and high-tech detail giving the EV6 an aerodynamic silhouette. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually elongate the profile of the car, and further extends to join up with the ducktail-esque full-width tail lamps.\nIn terms of exterior equipment, the Kia EV6 GT Line comes as standard with the following items:\nDual LED projector headlights, with LED daytime-running lights and sequential turn indicators\n20-inch alloy wheels, 225/45 profile\nSmart powered tailgate\nSmart keyless entry\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Kia EV6 will be available here only in the GT Line AWD Long Range guise at launch, with technical specifications shared with the \nHyundai Ioniq 5 Max\n, as both models are built on the same \nElectric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)\n architecture.\nPowertrain: twin-motor electric drivetrain\nDriveline: All-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 320 hp\nMax torque: 605 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds\nTop speed: 185 km/h\nBattery capacity: 77.4 kWh\nRange: 506 km (WLTP test cycle)\nMax rated charging speed, DC: 350 kW (10-80%, 18 minutes)\nMax rated charging speed, AC: 11 kW (10-80%, 7 hour 20 minutes)\nJust like its Hyundai counterpart, the Kia EV6 also features a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which essentially turns the car into a power bank for other electrical appliances, capable of offering a max power output of 3.6 kW even when the car is switched off.\nINTERIOR\nThanks to the e-GMP architecture, the Kia EV6 boasts a cabin space \u201csimilar to many mid-size SUVs\u201d, despite its relatively compact exterior dimensions. The dashboard is designed specifically with a sloping surface to create a \u201csense of space and opennes\u201d for the front passengers, while the rest of the cabin also highlights the use of sturdy fabrics made out of recycled plastics.\nInterior equipment highlights include:\nCurved display panel, dual 12.3-inch display for digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment display\nApple CarPlay, Android Auto, multi-Bluetooth connectivity\nDual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents\nWireless charging pad\n14-speaker Meridian surround sound system\nPowered front seats with Premium Relaxation leg rest and lumbar adjustments\nBlack suede upholstery with white leatherette accents\n7 airbags\n360-degree surround-view monitor\nDual 12V power socket\nSAFETY\nThe fully-electric Kia EV6 GT Line will be offered with the full suite of advanced driver assistance and safety tech, including:\nAutonomous emergency braking \u2013 forward, junction blind-spot, and rear-cross traffic\nSmart Cruise Control (L2 semi-autonomous)\nLane following and keeping assist\nBlind-spot monitor\nDriver attention warning\nRemote Smart Parking Assist\nWARRANTY CHARGING NETWORK\nFully-imported from South Korea, the fully-electric Kia EV6 GT Line will be offered with a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, alongside a seven-year/150,000 km lithium-ion battery warranty \u2013 the latter a Malaysia exclusive, with two years of additional coverage over the global standard.\nDinamikjaya Motors also revealed during the launch that a EV charging network will be established specifically for EV6 owners at the company\u2019s EV service centres across the nation, although a charging fee may be required.\nParent company Bermaz motor will also be establishing a partner programme with other Charge Point Operators (CPO) in Malaysia to offer widespread charging availability to their customers.\nGALLERY"
"BMW has announced the availability of the Digital Key that was only available on Apple iPhones, now been extended to selected Android-based smartphones.\nFirst introduced in \nJune 2020\n with Apple, BMW was the first automaker in the world to offer customers a digital car key on their iPhone. Apart from locking and unlocking the driver\u2019s door, starting or stopping the engine is also permitted with the BMW Digital Key, when placed at the wireless charging pad. The Digital Key was first featured in the \nfacelifted BMW 5 Series\n.\nThe latest BMW Digital Key uses the new \nMy BMW App\n as well as highly advanced smartphones that have been fitted with the latest ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, a short-range wireless communication protocol that offers precise tracking and positioning of devices with high-speed data transmission.\nBMW owners in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain can use both the Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra and Google Pixel 6/Pixel 6 Pro to activate the Digital Key.\n \nMeanwhile, owners in South Korea can only use the said Samsung Galaxy S21 models, while BMW owners in Canada, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan and Australia will need to get a Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro to leave their BMW Comfort Access keys at home and enjoy the Digital Key.\nCloser to home, only Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro users in Singapore is listed as able to use the new feature. Both of these smartphones have been updated with the Android 12 operating system.\nAs technology advances, expect more Android-based smartphones to be compatible with the BMW Digital Key. However, the vehicle also needs to have the highest communications package called BMW Connected Package Professional or ConnectedDrive that includes services such as voice-activation \nIntelligent Personal Assistant\n, Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Services, Remote Services and Teleservices together with the smartphone wireless charging tray.\nReview: BMW M340i xDrive- The best of both worlds\nIn Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia offers the Digital Key function in very selected models, such as the \nBMW M135i xDrive\n, M340i xDrive, \n430i M Sport\n, both the \nM3 and M4 Competition models\n, the \n8 Series\n range and SAVs from the locally-assembled \nBMW X5 xDrive45e\n plug-in hybrid to the latest \nBMW X7 xDrive40i\n.\nBMW Thailand\n meanwhile offers the Digital Key in all three variants of the facelifted 2021 BMW 5 Series. The four doors also come with the soft-close feature as standard."
"Mini Malaysia \nhas released the updated price list for its models here on our shores, which sees an increase in prices ranging from 0.2% to 4.1% across the board, depending on variant. According to a statement, the company attributes the price rises to the global inflation and rising manufacturing costs.\nStarting with the Mini 3 Door, the standard \nCooper S \nmodel now retails at RM273,888 (with Extended Warranty & Service Package) thanks to a 0.3% rise in prices. The \nfully-electric Cooper SE\n meanwhile sees a more sizeable increase of 4.1%, now retailing at RM199,164. Customers can however now specify their Cooper SE without a head-up display, which drops the price to RM196,876.\nThe same 0.3% price hike for the Cooper S is also applicable for the Convertible (RM299,888), 5 Door (RM280,888), and Clubman Cooper S (312,888) models, but the Mini Countryman Cooper S does see a more significant price hike of 1.9% to now RM259,888. For the latter, 2022 model-year units are still available at no price increase at RM254,988.\nJohn Cooper Works\n models meanwhile see a price increase of 0.2% to 0.3% across the board. The full price list can be found in the table below.\nRELATED: \nFacelift MINI John Cooper Works Countryman launched in Malaysia\nClick to enlarge.\nAll prices listed here are inclusive of the Extended Warranty & Service Package, consisting of a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty, and a four-year/60,000 km service package (unlimited mileage for Mini Cooper SE). Customers can opt out of the package for a two-year unlimited mileage warranty at a lower price.\nIn view of the price hikes, the company assures that its customers will be able to \u201cenjoy more new feature enhancements\u201d in all of their cars purchased in the year ahead."
"Two years after its facelift exercise, Perodua has announced that the updated 2019 Axia, now available in six different variants (E, G, GXtra, Style, SE and Advance), is open for booking.\nNo changes have been made to the power and drivetrain as the updated models retain the 67 hp/91 Nm 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed auto. Unlike before, the manual option is now strictly for the base model E.\nEstimated prices of the 2019 Perodua Axia.\nBy far the \nbiggest change in the updated 2019 Axia is on the aspect of safety\n; with the inclusion of the \nAdvanced Safety Assist (2.0)\n driver assistance system \nfirst introduced in the Aruz\n and \nVehicle Stability Control (VSC)\n.\nThe former is \nonly available in the Advance variant of the 2019 Axia\n. All models are similarly equipped with\n dual airbags \nas before.\nThe suite of driver assistance systems include Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.\nPre-Collision Warning\n works between 4 km/h to 100 km/h and \nPre-Collision Braking\n between 4 km/h to 80 km/h (for vehicles) and 4 km/h to 50 km/h (for pedestrians).\nThat\u2019s not all. It seems Perodua has more in store for us with the introduction of new \u201cStyle\u201d variant which appears to be a mini crossover of sorts based on the pictures. Otherwise not much has been revealed on the \u201cStyle\u201d variant except its fuel consumption figure of 20.8 km/l.\nIt\u2019s possibly down to the added weight as it appears to have roof rails as per the picture above. Perhaps bigger wheels as well? But that\u2019s all just a wild guess for now so stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Yes, it\u2019s real. There exists a topless Evoque, and it\u2019s bound for its world debut next month. The Range Rover Evoque is no stranger to the world of SUVs, and it more than just successfully introduced the brand to a wider pool of new and younger customers. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible first surfaced as a concept car in 2012, a year after the regular variant began production.\nLand Rover claims that the Evoque Convertible is the \nworld\u2019s first luxury compact SUV convertible\n, though despite going topless, the SUV retains its dynamic on- and off-road driving capabilities and structural rigidity as well. The video below shows the Evoque Convertible going through its final stages of testing at the company\u2019s all-terrain proving ground where its full suite of off-road (and on-road) technologies is showcased.\nNot much is known of the topless SUV for the time being, but we can expect both \npetrol and diesel engines\n to power the vehicle. What we do know is that nobody in their right mind will take the Evoque Convertible off-road, not least with the top down, of course.\nLand Rover Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, Mike Cross said \u201cLand Rover prides itself on being a class leader when it comes to all-terrain capability and the Evoque Convertible is no different. Thanks to a combination of innovative engineering and the application of advanced technologies, Evoque Convertible will deliver a dynamic and assured SUV experience that has been tested around the world. We call it \u2018\nThe Convertible for all Seasons\n\u2019.\u201d\nIt will make its world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November and subsequently go on sale in the UK beginning March 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has introduced the Toyota Service Savers (TSS), a maintenance package that you can buy when purchasing new Toyota vehicles.\nWith the TSS package, service costs are covered in advance and owners will only need to send their vehicles for its scheduled service without having to make payments once the scheduled service is completed.\nThe TSS package can be used at all 85 authorised Toyota service centres in Malaysia over a period of\n five years from the time of purchase\n. Prices of the TSS package depends on the model \u2013 starting from RM3,220 for the \nVios\n (savings of RM469) to RM6,030 for the Hilux (savings of RM922).\nThe TSS package covers the necessary service for each Toyota model at recommended intervals and includes fluids and replacement parts. Additionally, customers who opt for the TSS package will receive a 10% discount on selected parts and a 20% discount on wheel alignment and balancing as well as air-conditioning service packages.\nFor the latest price list of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"The \nX70\n was the car that changed Proton\u2019s fortune when it first launched here back in 2018, in a year when the national carmaker had one of the worst sales performance in recent history. Now more than three years later in 2022, Proton has given the X70 a mid-cycle \u201cminor change (MC)\u201d update, bearing some light aesthetic upgrades, but a major update underneath the bonnet.\nA total of five variants will be offered on the 2022 Proton X70 MC, including the return of the Executive AWD variant, starting from RM93,900 for the 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD variant; the previously-available Premium X variant has now been dropped.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe main highlight of the 2022 Proton X70 MC is definitely its new 1.5 TGDi engine underneath the bonnet \u2013 the same unit that also powers the X50 Flagship, but now completely assembled in Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant on a brand-new engine assembly line.\nEngine: 1,477 cc, turbocharged inline-three, petrol\nTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission\nMax horsepower: 177 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque: 255 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 9.8 seconds (+0.3 seconds vs 1.8 TGDi)\nProton says the switch was mainly driven by better fuel consumption, of which the new engine offers a \n7% improvement\n in terms of economy, while maintaining a \u201csimilar performance level\u201d. The weight of the engine has also dropped by 43 kg with the switch, which should help make up for some of the performance deficit.\nFor customers who are looking for more performance, however, the existing 184 hp/300 Nm 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-four engine will still be offered, albeit solely on the range-topping Premium variant.\nIn terms of the powertrain itself, Proton says that it is completely identical to the one offered on the X50 Flagship. However, they\u2019ve added a new NVH-optimised foam-based engine cover to help keep noise levels within the cabin to a minimum.\nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of design upgrades, the 2022 Proton X70 certainly does live up to the \u201cminor change\u201d name, as there\u2019s virtually no design changes on the outside aside from a new coat of gloss-black paint on the front grille, bumper trims, and the horizontal plate at the rear with the Proton wordmark.\nThe range-topping Premium variants get a new set of multi-spoke 19-inch alloys that are taken from the \nlimited-edition X70 Special Edition model\n, while the 18- inch items on the Executive also get a new design.\nINTERIOR\nSimilar to the exterior, there are also virtually zero changes to the kit offered on the interior across the board, with the only difference being a new black headliner, as opposed to beige from before.\nAn eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display is standard across all variants, with online connectivity and \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice assistant built-in. The range-topping Premium variant comes with a brown Nappa leather upholstery on the seats, along with ventilation in front (Executive and up).\nAs mentioned above, the Premium X variant has now been dropped on the 2022 Proton X70 MC update. The sunroof, which was previously exclusive to the Premium X variant, will now be offered solely on the 1.8 TGDi Premium variant.\nSAFETY\nAlso unchanged is the safety kit offering, with only the Premium variants getting Proton\u2019s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The ADAS suite includes:\nAutonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nBlind Spot Information System (BLIS)\nIntelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)\nTyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also included exclusively on the Premium variants, alongside four front parking sensors (Executive variant gets two, while the Standard variant does not come equipped with front parking sensors).\nPRICING\nA total of five variants (including the 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD) will be offered on the new 2022 Proton X70 MC, with pricing as follows:\n1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD \u2013 RM93,900\n1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD \u2013 RM105,500\n1.5 TGDi Executive AWD \u2013 RM111,300\n1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD \u2013 RM117,900\n1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD \u2013 RM121,800\nAll prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions, which is currently scheduled to expire at the end of June 2022.\nAlso included in the price is a standard \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty\n with \nfive times free labour on scheduled services\n, and a five-year 1GB data package for the infotainment system.\nGALLERY"
"Along with government policies and the presence of a charging infrastructure, consumer awareness is one of the key factors in the adoption of electric vehicles in the long term. According to Nissan, 37% of South East Asian customers are considering an EV for their next vehicle purchase, but may not necessarily comprehend the fundamentals surrounding the usage of electrics cars.\n\u201cAcross the region, we consistently hear that people love the idea of EVs but many may not fully understand how EVs fit into their lifestyles or the usage basics,\u201d says Yutaka Sanada, regional senior vice president for Nissan A&O. To meet that challenge, Nissan is sharing the knowledge accumulated as the world\u2019s first mass producer of EVs on electrical mobility through voices of real people as they experience the technology first-hand.\nThe multipart video covers charging, range, driving and ownership \u2013 key topics that generate the most common questions \u2013 and features Tim Jarvis, Australian explorer and environmental scientist, and Naya Ehrlich-Adam, founder of sustainable food business Broccoli Revolution in Bangkok, as they take on questions related to electric cars. \u00a0Let\u2019s start with charging."
"It\u2019s back and it\u2019s meaner than ever. That pretty much described the new Audi R18 e-Tron quattro LMP1 machine during its launch in Audi Sport Finale event in Munich. The Ingolstadt premium car manufacturer\u00a0claims that the 2016 Audi R18 Le Mans Prototype is the most powerful and most efficient race car the company has ever built.\nThis R18 is set to become Audi\u2019s weapon of choice in the prestigious LMP1 category in next year\u2019s World Endurance Championship (WEC).\u00a0The new R18 \nretains the diesel powertrain\n\u00a0from its predecessor and has been\u00a0\nupgraded into 6MJ\n energy retrieval.\u00a0Audi also follows this year\u2019s title winning Porsche by ditching the flywheel energy storage in favour of the lithium-ion battery solution in its hybrid system.\nThe biggest changes go to the bodywork that\u2019s now designed to maximise aerodynamic performance. That said, the designer of this car could also have been a big fan of Darth Vader.\nHead of Audi Motorsport, Dr. Wolfgang Ullric said, \u201c\nW\nith our new Audi R18, we\u2019re setting a clear signal: Audi continues to put the pedal to the metal in motorsport, deliberately relying on TDI \u2013 the world\u2019s most successful automotive efficiency technology \u2013 at Le Mans.\u201d\nMeanwhile, in charge with piloting the brand new race car are the same duo from this year\u2019s WEC. Just like its sister company Porsche, the third car lineup, usually\u00a0raced in Spa and Le Mans, will be dropped for next year.\nPorsche had won not just the\u00a0driver\u2019s and manufacturer\u2019s title this year, but also finished 1-2 at the the\u00a024 Hours of Le Mans held some months back. The 2016 WEC season will kick start in the Six Hours of Silverstone on 17 April.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi\u2019s first assault into the Electric Vehicle (EV) foray, the\u00a0e-tron Sportback Concept, has been teased via a few\u00a0sketches. The new coupe-like SUV concept is scheduled to make its worldwide in the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show.\nThe\u00a0e-tron nameplate applies on\u00a0both plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicle models from Ingolstadt. This sporty and electrified SUV could become Audi\u2019s answer to the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE coupe.\nThe illuminating rings and the strangely tiny door mirrors aside, the Audi e-tron Sportback Concept looks fantastic. For that, we can\u2019t wait to find out more about this concept when the Shanghai Motor Show opens its door this week.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Exactly a week ago, we celebrated the country\u2019s \n57th Independence Day\n, which was also when Proton launched their new\u00a0\nmicrosite\n, one that\u2019s dedicated to progressively tease (perhaps reveal) their upcoming model, codenamed the \u2018\nIriz\n\u2018.\u00a0We\u2019ve gone through several characteristics of the PCC in our previous \nreport\n, and now, \ntwo\n additional images have shown up on their microsite.\nJoining the list of \u2018good-to-have\u2019 features in the \u2018Iriz\u2019 are the \nblack leather seats\n, highlighted with \nwhite stitches\n as an added contrast. We can expect the leather to come in just one colour \u2013 \nblack\n \u2013 and that the stitches in white. We can also expect the leather seats, which are \nperforated\n, to be featured in the \nhigher specced\n variants.\nProton has also expanded the use of \nleather\n, this time adorning the \ninstrumentation panel\n with \nthree-dimensional\n, \ntextured-leather\n wrapping, as seen in the picture above. If the entire dashboard is indeed covered in 3D leather, then it\u2019s clearly a step forward by Proton to improve its overall finishing quality.\nThe other teaser shows a close up view of the engine bay, with the letters \u2018\nVVT\n\u2018 embossed at the \ntop\n of the \nengine cover\n. The said acronym stands for \nVariable Valve Timing\n, a technology employed to \nimprove fuel efficiency\n, \nincrease engine performance\n and at the same time \nreduce emissions\n.\nEngine capacity remains unknown, and we can only assume that an engine of a \nsmaller displacement\n would be tasked to take advantage of the new \nEnergy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) \nincentive. As of now, our guess is as good as yours.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A month after \ndetailed specifications were shared on its own website\n, Bermaz Motor has now officially announced the availability of two new entry-level \u2018Core\u2019 variants for the \nMazda CX-3\n, joining the existing 2.0L High variant to complete the compact crossover\u2019s line-up here in Malaysia.\nFully imported from Thailand, the two new 1.5L and 2.0L Core variants are priced at \nRM107,870\n and \nRM118,159\n respectively, while the range-topping 2.0L High variant retails at \nRM131,359\n. All variants also come with a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty and free service programme as standard.\nAt the bottom of the range is the Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core, powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that\u2019s also used in the \nMazda2\n. The four-pot mill here outputs \n114 hp\n and \n149 Nm\n of torque, while the two higher-end 2.0L models retain the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G inline-four engine from before, serving up \n154 hp\n and \n206 Nm\n.\nPower is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox on all variants, and the Core variants will also get the marque\u2019s signature G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mazda CX-3 update in Malaysia brings new wireless charger, 8.0in touchscreen, RM132k\nAs for standard equipment, both Core variants are identically specified; the only difference to justify the RM10k dearer price tag is the larger engine capacity.\nBeing the new entry-level base-spec models, the new Core variants come with 16-inch alloy wheels instead of 18-inch units on the 2.0L High, while all exterior lighting are also now halogen-illuminated instead of LED. The headlights also do not come with automatic on/off and levelling functions, and you\u2019ll also be missing out on the auto-folding wing mirrors and rain-sensing wipers.\nInside, the Core variants also omits the head-up display, gearshift paddle, Qi wireless charging pad, powered sunroof, as well as the powered driver\u2019s seats from the High variant. Automatic air-conditioning is swapped out for a manual unit, while the seats are also covered in fabric instead of leatherette to help achieve the new price points.\nThe Core variants do get the new eight-inch infotainment display that was introduced on the High variant \nearlier this year\n, but the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities are limited to a wired connectivity only. Keyless entry with push-start button, electronic parking brake, as well as the selectable driving modes are also inherited from the range-topping 2.0L High.\nFor safety, the new Mazda CX-3 1.5L and 2.0L Core variants misses out on the advanced safety features that were introduced on the model here in Malaysia \nback in 2021.\n The airbag count has also dropped from six to two, while the 360-degree surround view monitor is swapped out for a basic reverse camera.\nAs part of the launch, the new Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core will be displayed at the Bermaz Auto Showcase event, which will take place on October 5-9 at Oval Concourse, 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Aside from the new CX-3 variant, an array of Mazda models will also be shown at the event including the \nCX-8 2.5L Turbo\n, \nBT-50\n, and the \nMX-30\n.\nGALLERY"
"While many are welcoming the government\u2019s \nEV incentives\n with open arms, the end-2023 expiry date for tax exemptions on imported electric vehicles does pose a slight concern to several car brands here in Malaysia \u2013 especially those without a local production facility.\nThat\u2019s not necessarily the case, however, for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, as the company has just confirmed that it will indeed be carrying out local assembly works for the Mercedes-EQ fully-electric models, as a commitment to the company\u2019s electrification push.\nThe news was announced by MBM President and CEO Sagree Sardien, during an interview session at the launch of the \nfully-electric EQA crossover\n. \u201cWe are committed, definitely, to producing EV models in the country,\u201d said Sardien.\nAs usual, there\u2019s no indication on which models will be locally assembled here in Malaysia just yet, but Sardien did confirm that the EQA will continue in CBU form for now.\nRELATED: Petronas to deploy EV fast chargers in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and JomCharge\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV was previewed here in Malaysia back in 2019.\n\u201cWe have not made the final decision on which EQ models or EV models we will produce locally, [but] later on this year you will hear a lot more about it.\u201d\n\u201cAll I can confirm right now is that we definitely have the intention, and are looking at it very deeply and estimating the feasibility around it \u2013 and wherever possible, we will try to look at a CKD variant,\u201d she added.\nDespite Sardien\u2019s comments, \nAutoBuzz.my\n understands that the company will begin its EV local assembly operations with the \nMercedes-Benz EQS\n, with preparation works already being carried out at its assembly plant in Pekan, Pahang, according to a source familiar with the matter.\nThe \nMercedes-Benz EQS\u2019 Hyperscreen\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQS is the marque\u2019s flagship model under the Mercedes-EQ sub-brand. Introduced globally back in April last year, the range-topping EQS 580 4Matic model gets two electric motors to make a combined output of \n523 hp\n and \n855 Nm\n of torque. In performance terms, the output equates to a century sprint time of just \n4.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n210 km/h\n.\nBut most impressively, the fully-electric sedan boasts a mind-boggling range of \n770 km\n from a single charge, thanks to the massive 107.8 kWh battery pack, and an incredible drag coefficient of just 0.2 Cd!\nRead more about the Mercedes-Benz EQS here!\nIt\u2019s safe to say that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s \u201celectric onslaught\u201d has well and truly started, and there\u2019s certainly a lot for us to look forward to in the coming months. Keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest news!"
"McLaren Automotive has just released more information of its upcoming \nsecond-generation McLaren Super Series\n. Apparently, the new supercar will come to a complete standstill from 200km/h in just 4.6 seconds. To put things in perspective, it takes lesser time for the P14 to decelerate from 200km/h than a \nGolf R\n\u00a0to accelerate to 100km/h!\nAs reported \nearlier\n, the P14 with its new \n4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n is capable of accelerating from nought to 200km/h in just \n7.8 seconds\n. Through the power of simple mathematics, this means it will get from \n0\n\u00a0to \n200km/h\n\u00a0\nAND\n back to \nstandstill\n\u00a0in just\u00a0\n12.4 seconds\n!\nIt will also take just 117 metres to stop from 200km/h. That\u2019s six metres shorter than the 650S and just one meter shy of the \nP1 hypercar\n. For the record, the P1\u2019s manages the same 200 km/h to standstill feat in 4.5 seconds with a total distance of 116 meters.\nThis exceptional stopping power is thanks to\u00a0\nlighter and stiffer brake callipers\n, \ncarbon-ceramic discs\n and optimised brake pedal feel. McLaren\u2019s partnership with renowned tyre-maker Pirelli (who tailor made\n\u00a0bespoke Pirelli P Zero Corsa \nfor the P14) gives an additional six percent improvment in mechanical grip compared to the 650S.\u00a0These specially commissioned tyres are said to provide\n superb driver feedback\n as well as \nensuring extreme levels of grip\n and\n braking performance\n.\nThe official debut of the P14 couldn\u2019t come any sooner. All will be revealed come 7 March 2017. For now though, enjoy\u00a0a short clip of Chris Goodwin, Chief Test Driver of McLaren, drifting the P14 around a track."
"Caterham has announced plans to open the world\u2019s highest car dealership 450 ft (approx 137 meters) above ground in the coastal city of Brighton, England.\nThe pop-up store will be based in the British Airways i360 pod will open to celebrate the\n new Caterham Seven 170\n; the company\u2019s lightest ever production car.\u00a0It\u2019s the first time a car has been inside the pod.\nAt 531 ft, the British Airways i360 is taller than the London Eye, Big Ben and the Tower Bridge. The platform offers stunning, 360-degree views of the South Coast and the English Channel.\nAside from launching it, Caterham will also deploy its team to build the Caterham on the platform in just six hours. It\u2019s incredibly challenging as it requires about a 100 hours for one person to build the car. Caterham said the publicity stunt serves to showcase a cool part of Caterham vehicles \u2013 that you can build it yourself.\nCaterham Cars CEO, Graham Macdonald said, \u201cThis is our lightest ever product so we wanted to launch it in a memorable way. We certainly feel opening the world\u2019s highest car dealership in the British Airways i360 does that while also bringing to life how light the car is.\u201d\nThe Caterham Seven 170 is powered by a turbocharged 660 cc Suzuki engine with \n86 hp\n and \n116 Nm\n. It may not sound like much but Seven 170 is quick enough to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds \u2013 quicker than your standard \n320i Sport\n.\nThat\u2019s because the Caterham Seven 170 is actually a feather on four wheels; it weighs just 500 kg! This gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 170 hp/tonne, hence the name Seven 170. With lighter optional body parts, the Seven 170\u2019s weight can be further reduced to just 440 kg, for an even higher power-to-weight ratio of 190 hp/tonne.\nExperience driving purity with the Caterham 7, now in Malaysia! Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia today celebrated a milestone for the\n Honda City\n \u2013 the best-selling and No.1 model in the B-segment \u2013 with the sales of its 300,000\nth\n unit in Malaysia.\nWith the 2\nnd\n\u00a0generation City launched in 2001 selling more than 61,000 units, the 3rd generation saw even greater reception with 85,000 units sold.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe current 4\nth\n\u00a0generation takes the cakes as 155,300 units have been sold since its launch in 2014. After an updated model was introduced earlier this year, the City has since gone on to record sales of over 48,900 units up until August 2018. It even \ntopped sales charts in Thailand and Philippines\n.\u00a0\nBetween January to August 2018, the \nCity contributed 30% to the overall sales for Honda Malaysia\n, and captured 51% of the B-segment market share. Compared to the same period in 2017, statistics have shown a 16% increase in sales with the E variant emerging as the top-selling model.\u00a0\nSales from\u00a0the\u00a0Central\u00a0region was the highest contributor at\u00a049%,\u00a0followed by the Southern\u00a0and Northern region at\u00a020%\u00a0and\u00a019%\u00a0respectively.\nThese positive numbers has further cement Honda Malaysia\u2019s No.1 position in the Non-National car manufacturer segment and No.2 position in the overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) to-date.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Office, Mr.\u00a0Toichi Ishiyama said,\u00a0\u201cWe are delighted to mark this milestone of surpassing the 300,000 unit sales for the City within a span of 17 years since it was first introduced in Malaysia.\u00a0This has proven the success of the City\u00a0in Malaysia.\u201d\n\u201cThe 4th\u00a0generation City is\u00a0the best-selling model in Honda and the model continues to lead in the B-segment. This outstanding record achievement would not have been possible without the support from our customers.\u00a0I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thankfulness to Malaysians for their support and belief in our brand and for making the City the vehicle of their choice,\u201d he added.\nFind out what were our \nfirst impressions of the new City\n and \nfive reasons why you\u2019d enjoy the Sport Hybrid City model\n."
"It\u2019s been nearly a decade since the first generation Proton Persona debuted. Back then, it was a relatively popular C-Segment sedan, but Proton has since repositioned the Persona as a B-Segment model. In case you\u2019ve missed the obvious, the Persona is basically a sedan version of the \nIriz\n, but\u00a0a lot of work have been made to distinguish the two apart.\nFirst things first, the Persona\u2019s footprint is smaller than its predecessor. With an overall length of 4,387mm and a 2,555mm wheelbase (same as the Iriz), this Persona is shorter, narrower but taller (1,554mm) than the old C-Segment model. However, the engineers at Proton claim that the new proportions do not compromise on interior space.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Persona Standard (MT)\nProton Persona Standard (CVT)\nProton Persona Executive (CVT)\nProton Persona Premium (CVT)\nEngine\n1,597cc; inline-4, DOHC with VVT\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\nCVT\nMax Power\n107 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h\n10.9 seconds\nPrice\nRM46,350\nRM49,350\nRM55,350\nRM59,350\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, the Iriz-based sedan shares a number of standard features, such as halogen projector headlamps complete with etched \u201cProton\u201d lettering, \nfront parking sensors\n, door-mounted side mirrors, chrome grille, bulb-type tail lamps, rear fog lamp and 15-inch wheels wrapped with 185/55 series tyres.   The Executive and Premium trims will benefit from front fog lamps and a rear spoiler. Exclusive to the Premium trim are automatic headlights, keyless entry and push-start button.\nINTERIOR\nInside, all Persona variants receive a two-tone beige and black finish. The Standard duo and Executive variants make do with fabric comfort seats, whereas the Premium variant is the only one to get leather upholstered comfort seats. The rear bench has a 60:40 split configuration, but only the Executive and Premium benefit from this feature.   A choice of Single DIN or Double DIN head unit is offered (the former is only offered in Standard trim), but the range topping Premium is the sole recipient of a touchscreen head unit. One key upgrade here is boot space. It\u2019s cavernous, with a volume of 510 litres, up from the old Persona\u2019s 470-litre space.\nPERFORMANCE\nLike the old Persona, all variants are powered by the sole \n1.6-litre four-cylinder\n engine. It\u2019s exactly the same unit from the Iriz, but vibration levels are lower thanks to a three-mount setup compared to the Iriz\u2019s four. The DOHC engine comes with Variable Valve Timing and produces \n107 hp\n at 5,750 rpm and \n150 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm.\nProton says the engine is up to 13 percent more fuel efficient than the old engine, and it consumes \n5.6 litres per 100km\n travelled. This rating isn\u2019t based on any official test cycles, but Proton said the figures reflect that of a real-world result. To achieve this, Proton engineers maintained a driving speed of 90km/h and drove through varying road conditions and angles. Expect the Persona to manage anywhere upwards of 6.0 litres per 100km in real life, though. When flexed, the car sprints from 0 to 100km/h in \n10.9 seconds\n, almost a full second quicker than the old model.\nThe engine is paired to two transmissions \u2013 a \nfive-speed manual\n or the same Punch-sourced \nCVT\n. The Persona\u2019s newly calibrated ECU and TCU\u00a0improved acceleration and throttle response, but the whine remains audible, albeit slightly less intrusive than the Iriz\u2019s. Drive is sent to the front wheels, and the car is managed by MacPherson Struts up front and a torsion beam setup for the rear axle.\nSAFETY\nRemember the \n5-Star ASEAN crash safety rating\n that was awarded to the Iriz? The Persona\u00a0fares just the same because they\u2019re structurally identical. Well, almost. Offered as standard here are two airbags, ABS with EBD and Vehicle Stability Control. The only variant to come fitted with \nsix airbags\n and a \nreverse camera\n is the Premium CVT.\u00a0\nAlso standard here are ventilated disc brakes for the front and drum brakes for the rear. Although this setup may seem to be a step backwards, braking performance is actually nearly 10 percent better than the older Persona. Previously, the Persona takes a distance of 44.6 metres to hit dead stop from 100km/h, but the new model takes just \n41.4 metres\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nA total of six exterior colours are offered across all variants; Fire Red, Midnight Black, Cotton White, Graphite Grey, Sterling Silver and Carnelian Brown. Each purchase comes with a \n5-Year or 150,000km warranty\n package, whichever comes first. Customers who place their orders before the end of September will be rewarded with an additional 3-Year free service package which covers both parts and labour costs.\nSo, dear readers, liking what you see so far? What do you think of the new Persona? Share with us your thoughts on Proton\u2019s newest model! The next car to roll out of Proton would be the Saga and a new compact MPV. Till then, be sure to give the Persona a quick test drive at a showroom near you.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia has achieved their best ever sales performance for the BMW iPerformance portfolio, selling over 2,300 units of the \nBMW 330e\n, \nBMW X5 xDrive40e\n and \nBMW 740Le\n combined. And that\u2019s only for the first six months of 2017!\nBMW Malaysia has sold over 3,200 electrified cars since June last year,\u00a0which equates to about 44 percent of the company\u2019s total sales to date. That\u2019s significantly more than the world average of 3 percent, and still considerably more than Nordic countries\u2019 14 percent share.\nAccording to Managing Director and CEO of BMW Malaysia, Mr. Han Sang Yun, the positive growth and take up rate for BMW iPerformance shows that Malaysians are ready for the newest tech in their cars. Of all the brand new F30 3 Series sold in Malaysia to date, 60 percent is of the 330e variant, whereas the 740Le accounts for 40 percent of all the 7 Series sold.\nWith the increasing number of eager adopters of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), BMW Malaysia together with GreenTech Malaysia aim to grow the number of charging infrastructures (ChargEV stations) to 25,000 by the year 2020. There is currently 200 units scattered nationwide."
"Hyundai has pulled off the wraps of their brand-new flagship SUV at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show). The eight-seater Hyundai Palisade sits above the Santa Fe in the Korean carmaker\u2019s SUV range boasting best in class second- and third-row space.\nIt\u2019s an unmistakeably large car, measuring over 4,980 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, 1,750 mm in height with a wheelbase of over 2,900 mm. Comparatively, a \nstandard Santa Fe\n measures \nonly \n4,770 mm long and 1,890 mm wide.\nHyundai\u2019s designers have given the Palisade a clear differential styling worthy of their flagship model, as a result, is the bold and wide cascading grille, extended hood profile as well as vertical LED taillamp design to further emphasise its width. A clever touch on the large SUV is the incorporation of a panoramic glass in the C-pillars to give the third-row passengers a roomy feeling. As standard, the Palisade is equipped with 18-inch alloys, but the optional 20-inch items fill up the SUVs wide arches better.\nDespite its boxy appearance, the Palisade boasts a low aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.33 Cd thanks to the raked A-pillar angle, optimised front bumpers and aero optimised underbody panels.   Inside the Palisade offers the best-in-class second- and third-row space as well as luggage space thanks to its elongated dimensions. The cabin is dressed in all of Hyundai\u2019s latest connectivity technologies and premium materials \u2013 10.25-inch widescreen floating touchscreen infotainment display, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, electronic gear selector, quilted leather seats and 630-watt 12-speakers Infinity\u00ae and QuantumLogic Surround\u00ae sound system with Clari-Fi\u2122 Music Restoration Technology.\nOther in-car features include a heads-up display, roof vent diffuser that channels air to the rear passengers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, surround view monitor and wireless charging port.   Powering the Palisade is a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated direct injection V6 that pushes out \n291 hp\n and \n355 Nm\n of twist. Drive is channelled to either the front wheels or all four wheels with the HTRAC\u00ae four-wheel-drive system optioned via an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nAs standard the Palisade offers a range of Advanced Drivers Assistance Systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.\nThe Hyundai Palisade will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will be available for sale in the US market from 2019 onwards.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Palisade Global Debut in US"
"While Ferrari\u2019s boss,\u00a0Sergio Marchionne, infamously quoted that someone needs to put a bullet into his head if there\u2019s any chance of an SUV with a Prancing horse logo at the front, Maserati thinks otherwise. With that, Maserati joins premium carmakers like Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche \u2013 all of which have an SUV in their respective portfolio.\nThe official images suggest that\u00a0the Levante will have a bigger front grille than usual, complemented with sleek LED headlights, along with subtle shoulder lines that arches more pronouncedly towards the back. If your eyes follow, you\u2019ll spot a spoiler, stubby shark fin antenna, LED tail lamps and quad exhausts. It\u2019s generally a beautiful SUV, but some angles reveal slight hints of an outgoing SUV.\nThe Levante will be offered with two petrol engines and a\u00a0diesel engine, one of which is the familiar\u00a0\n3.0-litre V6 petrol engine\n that powers the Ghibli and\u00a0Quattroporte models. However, Maserati will offer this engine in two states of tunes \u2013 the Levante 350 and Levante 430 \u2013 numbers which suggest their power. The 350 is claimed to hit 0 to 100km/h in \n6.3 seconds\n\u00a0before maxing out at\u00a0\n241km/h\n,\u00a0whereas the 430 does the same in \n5.2 seconds\n\u00a0with a top speed of\u00a0\n262km/h\n.\nThe oil burner variant is also a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, and we can expect Maserati to offer a high performing variant with a petrol V8. All variants will be offered with an \neight-speed automatic gearbox\n, sending drive to all four wheels via\u00a0the company\u2019s\n\u00a0Q4 all-wheel-drive system\n. At press time, no interior pictures have been released yet.\nThe Maserati Levante is scheduled for its worldwide debut in about a week at the Geneva Motor Show. This Trident-bearing Italian SUV will definitely attract a new pool of customers to the brand, so expect Naza Italia, the official distributor of Maserati cars in Malaysia, to introduce this car soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To us, hot hatches are the kind of cars that don\u2019t really need a tonne of power. A sweet handling, six-speed manual transmission, and around 240 hp or so is more than enough for a jolly good time. But evidently not everyone has the same opinion as us, as Manhart has just proved with their VW Golf GTI 290.\nAs the name suggests, the souped-up hot hatch now comes with \n290 hp\n and \n425 Nm \nof torque, up from 245 hp and 370 Nm \nin standard form\n. The extra grunt comes from the MHtronik module, which was developed completely in-house by the German tuning firm.\nManhart did not disclose any performance figures for the GTI 290, though it\u2019s pretty safe to assume that the extra power has knocked a couple of tenths off the already-quick 5.9 seconds century sprint time of the standard Golf GTI (with a seven-speed DSG transmission).\nTo complement the extra performance, Manhart has also given the VW Golf GTI a couple of visual tweaks \u2013 most noticeably are the new Manhart \u2018Venturi\u2019 wheels in \u201csilk matte black\u201d, measuring 19-inches in diameter. The entire car is also lowered by 40 mm, courtesy of the new H&R springs.\nRounding off the exterior aesthetic changes are the new in-house diffuser on the rear bumpers, complete with red decorative outlines to match the new decals all around the black-bodied Golf GTI.\nOn a usual tuning job, the upgrades pretty much end there. But not for this Golf GTI 290, because Manhart also included what might just be the coolest standard equipment ever, a new LED-lined starry sky headliner to style up the interior. Doesn\u2019t that just remind you of \nRolls-Royce\n?\nNo pricing information has been provided for this little gold nugget, but that\u2019s partly because you can also request for additional tuning options, such as exhaust and brakes. Interested? Check out the product page \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"The \nD-segment\n in Malaysia is not as big as the C-segment, but the competition is no less fierce. With the prices of some Asian contenders creeping up, buyers are tempted with the continental offerings that fall within the same price range, if not cheaper. What we have here is one of the continental opponents, the seventh-generation \nVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI\n.\nIntroduced here back in October 2011, the Passat brings the latest European technology into the Malaysian D-segment market. Things like the downsized and turbocharged engine paired with a dual-clutch gearbox is not something you could get from any of the Asian contenders, so the Passat was seen as a very interesting prospect combined with an attractive sticker price. In 2012 Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) introduced the CKD Passat with a price reduction, making it more irresistible to those who were in the market for a D-segment sedan.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI\n \nSegment\nD-Segment 4-door Sedan\nEngine\n1,798cc 4-Cylinder, Turbocharged\nTransmission\n7-speed direct shift gearbox\nMax Power\n158 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,200 rpm\nPrice\nRM 169,888.00\n\u00a0\nRecently VGM updated the CKD Passat based on customers\u2019 feedback, with additional equipment to keep it relevant for the current Malaysian market. The \nupdated Passat\n now comes with \nelectric folding side mirrors\n, anti-theft alarm with electronic immobiliser, \n12-way powered driver seat\n with memory function, and \nBluetooth connectivity\n. On top of that, the 7-speed DSG now uses mineral oil that is said to remedy the well-known issue that has been plaguing the gearbox.\nEXTERIOR\nThe exterior is not something you would call pretty especially when it\u2019s painted in Reflex Silver like on our test car; it looks relatively dreary. The Passat boldly represents itself as a sedan with its traditional three-box shape, unlike some rivals that go for a sleeker coupe-ish looks with low roofline like the \nHyundai i40 we tested\n earlier. Having said that, there\u2019s the Volkswagen CC.   The use of horizontal lines and the seemingly endless front and rear overhangs make the Passat look longer than it actually is, but in reality it\u2019s shorter than the Peugeot 508. As mentioned, the side mirrors that incorporate the turn indicator and a puddle light can now be folded electronically, but it won\u2019t fold itself upon locking. The wheels are still the same \n17-inch\n \u2018Minneapolis\u2019 alloys wrapped in\n 235/45 R17\n Continental ContiSportContact5 tyres.   At the front, the Passat gets a pair of \nactive bending xenon headlamps\n with integrated\n LED daytime running lights\n, a pair of foglamps that double as turning lamps, and yes, more horizontal lines. At the other end of the car there\u2019s the two-piece \nLED taillights\n on each side, a VW logo in the middle that\u2019s also a boot release lever, and \nsubtle twin tailpipes\n protruding at the bottom left of the bumper. It\u2019s all very serious-looking.\nWhy so serious you ask? Well how about some flashes of chrome on the grille, side window surrounds, and a strip that runs alongside the lower edge of the body; that ought to help lift up the staid exterior, no?\nINTERIOR\nThe main star has got to be the \n12-way powered driver\u2019s seat\n with memory function. If you feel cold, you\u2019ll be glad to know that both front seats have heating function to keep your bottom toasty on your chilly drive up Genting. Just don\u2019t forget to switch it off when you\u2019ve reached KL.   There\u2019s enough space for five on board, with three-point seatbelts for everyone. Occupants are protected by dual \nfront airbags\n, front \nside airbags\n, and \ncurtain airbags\n. The seats are covered in \nblack \u2018Vienna\u2019 leather\n, although the cushion does feel a tad too firm. Rear passenger space is good and there\u2019s a couple of aircond vents, but the Passat only comes with \ndual-zone climate control\n that can only be controlled from the main controls on the dashboard up front.   The rear seatback split 60:40 and folds down to extend the boot space, or you can just fold down the the middle seatback to reveal a tiny door behind it. The middle seatback also functions as an armrest, complete with extendable cupholders and storage space underneath. The boot space is commodious at \n565 litres\n and yet it comes with a \nfull-sized spare tyre\n underneath.\nBack to the front, from the driver\u2019s seat you can see the clear and sharp instrument cluster through the multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel that\u2019s equipped with\n shift paddles\n. The middle of the dashboard sits the \nRCD 510 7-inch touch screen display\n, which now supports \nBluetooth\n pairing but still without a navigation system. An \nanalog clock\n right smack in the middle of the brushed metal-effect strip adds a touch of sophistication to the sombre dash.   The cabin is fairly practical, with enough cupholders, numerous storage space, and deep door pockets that will accommodate a water bottle each. The use of \nelectronic parking brake\n frees some space on the center console too.\nPERFORMANCE\nA 1.8-litre engine in a 1.5 tonne vehicle might not sound much, but the \n4-cylinder 1,798 cc TSI\n in the Passat is surprisingly punchy. Producing \n158 hp\n at 5,000 \u2013 6,200 rpm and \n250 Nm\n of torque at 1,500 \u2013 4,200 rpm, the power delivery is linear with minimal turbo lag even at the lower rev range. You won\u2019t really feel the sudden rush when the power comes in, which is a good thing for a mid-sized executive sedan.\nThe power is transferred to the front wheels via the \n7-speed dual clutch DSG\n transmission with manual override and S mode to hold on to a gear longer and the Passat will dash from \n0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds\n. The \n220 km/h top speed\n is believable, as the Passat cruises to 200km/h effortlessly usually without you noticing until you glance down at the speedometer.\nTHE DRIVE\nIt\u2019s pretty easy to maneuver the Passat around, thanks to the clear all round view and the inclusion of front and rear sensors. The ride is well-contained by being on the stiffer side of comfortable but driving through potholes won\u2019t upset the Passat much. Body roll in corners is well-suppressed but the dull steering won\u2019t inspire you to push harder; then again this is not a car you want to throw about in corners.\nThe Passat works better as a cruiser. At 110 km/h the cabin is hushed with the rev needle pointing slightly above 2,000 rpm in seventh gear. At speed, the DSG box and the TSI engine combo delivers a smooth gearchange and there\u2019s always sufficient power when you want to overtake the slower traffic. Breaching the legal speed limit is rather easy so you better check the speedometer once in awhile to make sure you won\u2019t be getting any speeding tickets. The Passat is quite potent for such a sedate looking family sedan.\nHowever the DSG box feels clunky in slow traffic crawl, juddering your way out from stationary and making you look like you\u2019re still learning how to drive. Feathering the throttle doesn\u2019t help much, but switching on the \nHill Hold Assist\n makes it a bit bearable as it will hold the car in place particularly when you\u2019re on a gradient. This can potentially seen as a flaw that might retract most buyers from committing to a Passat.\nIf you do so commit, the payoff is that the Passat delivers an excellent fuel consumption despite the absence of the Start/Stop System that can be found in the smaller Golf. The official claim for the \ncombined fuel consumption\n is \n7.0 l/100 km\n but yours truly managed \n6.3 l/100 km\n, even with the aircond switched on at all times. Talk about applying the\n Think Blue\n driving philosophy!\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nThe Passat should appeal to those who are seeking for a car with a bit more modern engineering but at the same time wants something that looks discreet. If you frequently travel long distances the Passat is a great companion, and the excellent fuel consumption is an added bonus. To those who are still in doubt over the car\u2019s reliability, VGM is dedicated to improve their after sales and service by taking into account the common feedback from their existing customers. If that\u2019s not enough to convince you, the Passat is not the only car in the D-segment; if you know what i mean.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe nearest continental offering with similar price would be the \nPeugeot 508 Premium\n. The French sedan might have a slight deficit in terms of performance from the smaller \nturbocharged 1.6-litre\n powerplant but the 508 counters that with its generous kit such as\n full keyless system\n, door mirrors that actually fold upon locking, \ncoloured head up display\n, and a JBL sound system.\nAnother challenger you can\u2019t dismiss is the \nNissan Teana 2.5 XV\n. Packing a bigger engine with more horsepower but less torque than the continental pair, the Teana too comes with a lengthy equipment list such as a\n powered sunroof\n and a sound system by Bose. The seats in particular have softer cushion compared to the Passat, with what Nissan claims as \nZero-Gravity inspired seat\n that will reduce fatigueness over longer journeys. In terms of fuel consumption, the Passat is leading with 7.0 l/100 km, followed by 508 with 7.1 l/100 km, and Teana with 7.5 l/100 km.\nIf you\u2019re buying the car to be driven, the Passat and Teana have comparable rear cabin space. The 508 feels pretty snug in the back due to the lower roofline, but it comes with roller blinds for side and back windows for added privacy while the Teana only offers a roller blind for the rear screen alone. The \n508\n also benefit from a\n quad-zone climate control\n with individual controller so each corner in the cabin can have their own preferred temperature unlike the dual-zone climate control in the Passat and Teana.\nVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI\nPeugeot 508 Premium\nNissan Teana 2.5 XV\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder turbocharged petrol\n4-cylinder turbocharged petrol\n4-cylinder petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,798\n1,598\n2,488\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n158/5,000 \u2013 6,200\n156/6,000\n171/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n250/1,500 \u2013 4,200\n240/1,400\n234/4,000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG\n6-speed Automatic\nXtronic CVT\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson strut / Multi-link\nMacPherson strut / Multi-arm\nMacPherson strut / Multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n235/45 R17\n235/45 R18\n215/55 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,769\n4,792\n4,885\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,820\n1,853\n1,830\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,470\n1,456\n1,485\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,712\n2,817\n2,775\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,517\n1,410\n1,517\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n565\n545\n516\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n70\n72\n65\nConsumption\n7.0 L/100 km\n7.1 L/100 km\n7.5 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n220\n220\nn/a\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n8.5\n9.2\nn/a\nPRICE\n \nRM\n169,888.00\n165,348.00\n165,322.50\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIf I\u2019m in the market for a D-segment sedan, the Passat will definitely be in my list. The responsive engine should be more than enough for the everyday cut-and-thrust driving. On the other hand, Volkswagen has announced the \neight-generation Passat\n that\u2019s technologically more advanced and looks even better.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At long last, Honda Malaysia has finally introduced the all-new Honda Accord to the local market with two variants available \u2013 \nRM185,900\n for the 1.5 TC and \nRM195,900\n for the TC-P model.\nBoth models are powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, with 201 hp and 260 Nm of torque, that\u2019s said to be more powerful than the previous 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 175 hp and 225 Nm.\n \nThe powertrain also includes a CVT gearbox \u2013 shift away from the 5-speed automatic from before. Fuel consumption rated at 6.3L/100km.\nOn the outside, aside from featuring an all-new shell with a lower roofline and longer front hood, automatic LED headlights and tail lights are standard across the board, along with LED front fog lights.\nThe new Accord\u2019s wheelbase has also been increased by 55mm, offering an additional 48mm of leg room inside the cabin. Boot space is now rated at 570-litres, 120-litres more from before.\nAside from offering more space, refinement has also been a priority in the new Accord. Spray foam has been used for better sound insulation within the cabin while the use of High-Performance Adhesive on the body not only reduces cabin noise and vibration but also increases the rigidity of the body structure for improved handling.\nNew creature comforts in the Accord include an electronic parking brake, 4-way Assistant Power Seat with Shoulder Switch, wireless charging, driver seat memory, Driver Attention Monitor, Walk Away Auto Lock as well as Remote Engine Start.\nElsewhere standard equipment includes cruise control, paddle shifters, 8-way powered driver seats with lumbar support, automatic wipers, rear side window sunshade, 8-inch touchscreen display with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and two USB ports with another two at the rear.\nSafety wise, the new Accord with 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating comes with six airbags, four sensors each in the front and back, Honda LaneWatch Camera, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-Start Assist.\nExclusive to the TC-P model are features such as the 360-degree camera, Tyre Deflation Warning System, Cross Traffic Monitor, Smart Parking Assist, and Honda Sensing which now includes the Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow and Auto High Beam.\u00a0\nThey add on to the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning and Road Departure Mitigation.\nThe new Accord is available in four colours \u2013 the new Platinum Pearl White, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the \nMicrolino 2.0\n? One and a half years since the concept first made its debut, Micro has now finally launched the ultra-compact two-seater at the \n2021 IAA Motor Show\n in Munich in its final production form \u2013 and it\u2019s still just as adorable as ever.\nIn case you needed a recap, the Microlino 2.0 is a compact mobility microcar, with the design heavily inspired by the Iso/BMW Isetta from the 1950s. And while it now has four wheels instead of three, the spirit of the Isetta still very much lives on with the Microlino 2.0.\nThe Microlino 2.0 will come in three trim levels \u2013 Urban, Dolce, and Competizione \u2013 and will be available with three battery capacities: 6 kWh, 10.5 kWh, and 14 kWh. Customers can freely pair their desired trim level to any battery capacity they wish.\nThe batteries offer an electric range of 95 km, 175 km, and 230 km respectively, and charging them from 0-80% will take four hours on the 6 kWh and 14 kWh variants, and three hours on the 10.5 kWh model.\nNo matter which battery/trim configuration you choose, though, the Microlino bubble car will feature the same electric powertrain underneath \u2013 a single motor on the rear axle producing 19 kW (26 hp) and 118 Nm of torque peak, or 12.5 kW (17 hp) sustained.\nDue to its ultra light weight (weighing just 435 kg without batteries), the low power output still results in a pretty respectable acceleration, taking about five seconds from a standstill to 50 km/h, onward to a top speed of 90 km/h \u2013 you wouldn\u2019t want to go any faster in a tiny car like this, anyway.\nIn terms of design, the production-ready Microlino 2.0 is basically unchanged from the concept we saw last year \u2013 obviously with the bubble car shape being the main highlight. The LED headlights are embedded into the wing mirrors, and the single fridge-like door is opened via a small button located below the headlight.\nInside, the cabin of the Microlino 2.0 is also largely unchanged, except for the addition of a second screen on the door-mounted dashboard (although technically right, it still feels wrong to saay), which replaces the bank of buttons from the concept.\nThe second screen control auxilary functions such as heating, and according to Micro, gives more flexibility to\n\u00a0\nadd additional features\u00a0while using less space.\nAs for the trim levels, the entry-level Urban version is available in Santorini White or Amsterdam Orange, paired to a glossy black roof. Inside, the seats will be upholstered in fabric, in either black or anthracite shades.\nMoving up to the mid-range Dolce adds additional chrome details on the exterior, plus the pretty Infinity LED light bars at the front and back to compliment the headlights and tail lights. Paris Mint, Milano Red, and Zurich Blue shades are also added into the colour palette, but this time paired to a white roof instead.\nAs for the flagship Competizione variant pictured here, you get an addition of three matte body colours \u2013 Gotham Anthracite, London Green, and Torino Aluminium \u2013 contrasting the glossy black roof.\nBoth the Dolce and Competizione variants will also get a folding sunroof as standard (optional in the Urban), alongside a choice of fabric or vegan leather upholstery.\nThe Microletta, a three-wheeled motorcycle is also being considered for production.\nThe Microlino will start at EUR12,500 (approx. RM61.5k) for the Urban variant, staying true to the previously advertised price despite higher development and production costs. Assembly will begin this year at the company\u2019s own facilities in Turin, with an initial annual capacity of around 7,500 units.\nMicro has already received more than 24,000 reservations for the Microlino 2.0, with first deliveries expected to start at Switzerland first, followed by Germany, and the rest of Europe later on.\nGALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia has released a new price list for its vehicles. This is a similar step to the \nBMW price list\n we covered earlier, with the flexibility to select extended warranty and service inclusive package as a customizable item.\nThis is just a shortened list of popular models. The price of all models can be found at the end of the article.\n\u201cBMW Group Malaysia is now offering our dealers and customers greater flexibility in terms of customizable specifications and warranty on their BMW and MINI vehicles, all of which can be done on the new digital interfaces of BMW Shop Online and \nMINI Online Shop\n. This also enables a more direct interaction between our dealer network and their respective customers for a more personalized product offerings at attractive prices,\u201d said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.\n \nAs such, customers now get to adjust the purchase price of their new MINI model to their liking, either taking just the standard two-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage with a new the retail price or include everything which sees the price similar to those at 2020 levels.\nThe flexibility offered means there will be three structures of MINI retail pricing. This scope of personalization allows buyers to have the standard two-year warranty, or customized to have just the extended warranty coverage without prepaying the service package upfront.\nExtension of the warranty coverage is categorized according to powertrain performance levels. Coverage for the \nregular MINI models\n is priced at RM2,500\n, while the John Cooper Works models is RM 2,900. The package for the 100% electric MINI SE is priced at RM2,600.\nMeanwhile, the four-year / 60,000-kilometre service package that includes replacement of lubricants and air filters is priced at RM5,600 for the regular MINI models and RM6,000 for the John Cooper Works models. The \nfully-electric MINI SE\n only requires a \nservice package of RM2,000\n.\nAs for the MINI Roadside Assistance, coverage will still be provided up to the fifth year.\nMINI MALAYSIA 2021 PRICE LIST"
"Noticed the terrible daily traffic congestions outside? We\u2019re sure you did. While most chalk it up to the post-covid rush as everyone is now back working in the office, there may be another reason for the madness \u2013 the sheer number of cars in Malaysia.\nAccording to a report by the \nNew Straits Times\n, the number of vehicles in the country has now overtaken the human population, with an increase of roughly one million vehicles per year since 2019, outpacing the human population growth for the first time.\nAccording to road safety expert Professor Dr Kulanthayan K.C. Mani of Universiti Putra Malaysia, there were 33.3 million registered vehicles on the roads in Malaysia as of 2021, compared to the 32.6 million human population. Of that 33.3 million vehicles, 47.3% were cars; 46.6% motorcycles, and 4.7% were goods vehicles, with the rest made up by buses, taxis, and car rentals.\nThat is a stark increase to just three years ago in 2019, where the Malaysian human population stood at 32.5 million, with \u201cjust\u201d 31.2 million registered cars on the road. Dr Kulanthayan said that the population is rising at a rate of roughly 300,000 to 400,000 annually, while cars are increasing to the tune of roughly one million per year.\n\u201cThe vehicle population now is high. If this trend continues yearly where vehicles are rising to the tune of one million, then we are going to face even more horrendous traffic congestion,\u201d he told the \nNew Straits Times\n.\nDr Kulanthayan, who is also the chairman for the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, said that the rapid increase in the numbers of vehicles on the roads might be caused by the domino effects stemming from the \nCovid-19\n pandemic.\nRELATED: KL may impose London-style congestion charge after completion of MRT3\n\u201cThe pandemic had also caused some to lose income, and they had resorted to taking on several jobs, which means they are travelling multiple times a day and spending more time on the road,\u201d said Dr Kulanthayan. \u201cSome may have taken up p-hailing and e-hailing jobs, which were in demand and allowed during the Movement Control Order period.\u201d\nOn top of that, there\u2019s also the government\u2019s sales tax exemptions as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) stimulus package, that may have contributed to the soaring number of vehicles on the road.\nWhile the initiative did help the automotive industry recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, the scheme, which has been \nextended thrice to June 30 this year\n, has also resulted in many people buying cars which they may not have need, as they did not want to \u201cmiss out\u201d on the irresistible offers on cheaper cars.\n\u201cThere could have been graduates who had no intention of buying cars, but they did it because of peer pressure or persuasion from friends and family because they can save money with the tax exemption. This could have led to an increase in vehicle purchase as there is an external push for people to buy cars,\u201d he added.\nSo how should we go about solving this issue? According to Dr Kulanthayan, the best solution is to increase investments and funding into the public transportation system, as opposed to building more highways or adding more lanes to existing roads.\nAs proven many times in numerous countries in the world, adding more roads will not solve traffic congestion, but actually counter-intuitively cause even more traffic congestion due to the supplies-attract-demand theory; more roads would entice more people to buy more cars.\nTraffic congestion also usually happens at bottleneck areas, where vehicles reduce speed to merge and that subsequently slows down the flow. More lanes on the highways would consequently cause an even worse bottleneck when cars are exiting to local city roads.\n\u201cIt is the government\u2019s duty to provide public transportation and when they do that, it is best to channel more to rail-based public transportation, [but] we also need road-based public transportation for \u2018first and last mile\u2019 connectivity,\u201d said Dr Kulanthayan.\n\u201cRail-based public transportation has no congestion, no issues with punctuality, relieves people of the stress of driving, and encourages productivity during the commute.\n\u201cPeople [also] need to understand that road-based public transportation like buses is the safest mode of transport on the road. Our crash statistics, not just last year, but dating back to three decades, showed that the least contributor of fatalities is the bus. This should attract us to move towards public transportation and whether it is road or rail, both are much safer compared to other types of vehicles,\u201d he added.\nHe also opined that in addition to the government, the people will also need to take initiative to reduce traffic congestions on the road. In particular, industries and companies with large a number of staff could do more by providing transport to their employees, or offer travel pass subsidies or incentives to utilise the public transport system.\nIndustries should also weigh the reintroduction of a work-from-home policy to reduce the number of cars on the roads. In his opinion, if the policy had worked at the height of the pandemic, there is no reason for it not to continue.\nRELATED: DBKL and MIROS to implement 30 km/h, 50 km/h speed limits in Kuala Lumpur\n\u201cIf they are working from home, they could contribute more effectively. It is stress-free and they can concentrate better. Perhaps industries can consider enforcing the policy on a rotational basis as it should be not an entirely work-from-home concept.\n\u201cIf every employer decides on this way of work, we may just be able to reduce up to 20% of traffic at any time. This is one way we can contribute to taking vehicles off the road which many are single car drivers. It also frees up parking space,\u201d he said, adding that it\u2019s best for everyone to also embrace online services, such as banking and shopping, to deter any sort of unnecessary travelling."
"Porsche has announced that the already very potent \n718 Cayman GT4 RS\n will soon have a bigger brother \u2013 the \n718 Cayman GT4\n \nRS\n \u2013 set for its world premiere in November.\n \nAccording to Porsche, the GT4 RS has demonstrated its potential impressively; around twisty mountain roads and on the track, more specifically on the Nurburgring.\nAstonishingly, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS lapped the shorter 20.6 km circuit in just 7:04.511 minutes. That\u2019s about 23.6 seconds faster than the benchmark set by its younger brother, the \nCayman GT4\n through the same distance. A time of 7:09.300 was set when the GT4 RS lapped the full circuit.\nThe Cayman GT4 RS used for testing was only equipped with a racing seat and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres; the latter is an optional item for the GT4 RS. There was even a judge present to confirm the standard condition and weight of the car.\nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 \u201cSports Cup Edition\u201d unveiled to celebrate 15 years of club sport racing. Check it out here!\n \n\u201cDuring development, we gave the 718 Cayman GT4 RS everything that characterises a genuine RS: lightweight construction, more downforce, more power, and of course, an even higher level of responsiveness and feedback to driver inputs. The fantastic lap time of the Nordschleife is impressive proof of how clearly noticeable these improvements in driving dynamics are,\u201d says Directors GT Model Line, Andreas Preuninger.\nHe also confidently added that Porsche\u2019s enthusiast customers can look forward to a pure driver\u2019s car that makes a thrilling driving experience an absolute priority.\u201d\n\u201cThe GT4 RS is one of the sharpest cars Porsche has ever developed. You really have had to experience the breathtaking noise it makes for yourself,\u201d said development driver J\u00f6rg Bergmeister, who has spent more than 500 hours in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS during testing and development.\nFacts & Figures: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 launched in Malaysia \u2013 starting from RM999K. Find out more here!\nGALLERY"
"Lamborghini\n has just unveiled a new special edition of the \nLamborghini Urus\n. It is the \nLamborghini Urus Performante\n \u201cEzzenza SCV12\u201d \nwith only 40 units made globally. As if that limited-unit run doesn\u2019t make it difficult enough for you to own one, this special edition Urus can only be purchased by owners of the Essenza SCV12, which is a track-only hypercar.\nCustomers of the Urus Performante Ezzenza SCV12 can uniquely configure their special-edition Urus. Key highlights of the Urus Performante Essenza SCV12 include extensive use of carbon fiber which can be seen on the hood, roof, rocker covers, mirrors, and the carbon fibre frame with the Lamborghini logo set between the rear light clusters.\nTo highlight the track-oriented nature of the Lamborghini Urus Peformante Essenza SCV12, Lamborghini\u2019s Centro Stile designers created a dedicated Ad Personam livery with color combinations tailored to specific customer requests, with the paintwork of each unit undertaken in Lamborghini\u2019s in-house paint shop.\nThe body colors and livery were chosen exclusively by each customer and echo those of their Essenza SCV12 cars, including the distinctive number painted on the doors. Each example is also equipped with 23-inch high gloss black wheels and black calipers by default, though customers can freely select the type and colors of wheels and calipers from those available.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini Urus Performante makes Southeast Asian debut in Malaysia\nAs for performance, the special edition shares the same numbers with the Lamborghini Urus Performante, which is already the sportiest version of the Urus. Powering the car is a twin-turbo V8 engine that outputs \n666 hp\n (metric) and \n850 Nm\n. The car does 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.3 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n306 km/h\n.\nInside the Lamborghini Urus Performante Essenza SCV12 features exclusive Nero Cosmus (black) Alcantara upholstery with leather details, carbon fiber decorations with a choice of glossy or matte finish, black anodized aluminum elements, and a Dark Package except for the contrasting red door handles. The carbon fiber details also include a decorative element on the passenger side of the dashboard and the kick plates with the Essenza SCV12 logo and silhouette.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini unveils new base-spec Urus S \u2013 same 666 hp as the Performante\nTo make the special edition even more unique, two celebratory carbon fiber plaques are included in the passenger compartment \u2013 one with the Lamborghini 60th Anniversary logo, and the other with the vehicle number or the customer\u2019s name.\nLamborghini Head of Design, Mitja Borkert said, \u201cThe Lamborghini Urus SC-V12 Edition is the most expressive and detailed livery we have ever created. It is exclusively linked and designed personally for each of the 40 customers of the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12. The livery of the Urus SCV12 is painted black in the lower part to deliver even sportier proportions on the Urus, and the exterior color is directly linked with the exclusive color of the Essenza SC-V12, with a colored pinstripe connecting the front, side, and rear graphically. The result is a stormy, unique, and colorful limited series of Urus.\u201d\nRELATED: \nOver 60% of Lambos sold are the Lamborghini Urus \u2013 1,599 units sold in Q1 2023\nGALLERY"
"The \n2.3-litre EcoBoost Ford Mustang\n on its own sounds adequately fruity for a four-cylinder petrol mill but when parked next to the Mustang GT with its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, you\u2019d wish you spent that extra money for that glorious V8 soundtrack.\nIn an effort to unleash the full aural potential from the 2.3-litre EcoBoost, exhaust engineers and audio designers at Ford have developed\u00a0a new \nFully Active Performance Exhaust\n that changes the sound of the car using electronically controlled valves. How does the Mustang EcoBoost with its new exhaust stack up against its bigger brothers the \nMustang GT 5.0\n and Shelby GT350?\n\u00a0\nAccording to Ford exhaust development engineer, Hani Ayesh, the \n310 hp\n four-cylinder Mustang\u2019s \u201cthroaty rumble of the exhaust makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, just as it might on the larger-engine Mustang GT and Shelby GT350 models.\u201d\nThe performance exhaust changes the pitch of the car according to the drive mode selected \u2013 Normal, Sport and Track, the latter two being the more aggressive setting. Ford\u2019s \n\u201cGood Neighbour\u201d quiet mode\n that silences the exhaust note is also available on the new system.\n\u201cWhen I pick up my kids from school, they want to hear that growling rev of the engine but my wife and neighbours, not so much. So, I can select the quieter \u201cGood Neighbour\u201d mode, and keep them happy, too.\u201d said Ayesh."
"The \nWraith\n is perhaps one of the most unique offering in the \nRolls-Royce\n line-up, but unfortunately its production run is soon coming to an end, with order books for the two-door ultra-luxury coupe already closed. But by chance, the (probably) last-ever Rolls-Royce Wraith to make its way into Malaysia is a pretty special one \u2013 the \nlimited-edition Wraith Landspeed Collection\n.\nBack in the late 1930s, Rolls-Royce successfully set not one, but three land speed records, thanks to a certain \u201cforgotten hero\u201d named Captain George Eyston. So to commemorate their incredible achievements, the Landspeed Collection model is designed with several unique touches inspired by the record-breaking Thunderbolt machine, which was designed and driven by Eyston himself.\nThe Landspeed Collection only comes in one single two-tone colour combination (but available in two opposite variations), blending together Black Diamond Metallic and a new bespoke colour called Bonneville Blue. Colour matched to the skyline of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the latter changes colour from light blue to silver under direct sunlight.\nThe photo-electric timing equipment used during the record-breaking runs were not able to detect the Thunderbolt\u2019s unpainted, shiny silver exterior. To combat this, Eyston painted a large black arrow with a yellow circle on the side to improve the Thunderbolt\u2019s visibility \u2013 and the same yellow is also now littered throughout the entire car, both inside and out.\nThe main highlights of the Rolls-Royce Wraith Landspeed Collection, however, are actually on the inside \u2013 with the most obvious one being the new unique Starlight Headliner \u2013 a picture-perfect recreation of the night sky at the Bonneville Salt Flats on the 16th of September 1938, the day Eyston set his third and final record.\nRolls-Royce says that the constellations are precisely marked using 2,117 individually-placed fibre optic \u2018stars\u2019, the most they\u2019ve ever fitted into the headliner of a Wraith!\nInstead of some fancy veneer, the Wraith Landspeed Collection gets unique panelling on the dashboard and rear centre console, with the Salt Flat\u2019s craggy surfaces etched on top. There\u2019s also a commemorative plate on the front centre console that marks out the dates and speeds of the Thunderbolt\u2019s three record runs.\nThe yellow circle and arrow livery is also immortalised on the clock on the dashboard, with \u201c357.497 mph\u201d and \u201cBonneville\u201d engraved into the housing to commemorate the top speed recorded on the third and final run of the Thunderbolt.\nALSO READ: Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost launched in Malaysia from RM1.8mil\nBut for us, the most significant piece of memorabilia is actually a single perforated line that runs across the entire driver\u2019s side, starting from the top of the steering wheel, and through the seat upholstery to the back.\nDue to the vast nothingness of the Bonneville Salt Flats, it\u2019s almost impossible to see where you\u2019re actually going \u2013 especially when driving at such high speeds. Eyston\u2019s solution? Paint a long, black line on the surface as a guide. The simple solution is now immortalised forever in the Landspeed Collection cars as a nod to Eyston\u2019s ingenuity.\nOn the inside of the driver\u2019s door, you\u2019ll also find a tricolour ribbon to commemorate the three significant honours George Eyston received in his lifetime \u2013 two from the British Empire, and one from the French. The ribbon is even made from the same Grosgrain weave silk as the original medals!\nLast but not least, the armrests within the cabin \u2013 both on the centre console and by the door \u2013 are also upholstered in unique padding and thread work to mimic the club armchair that Eyston had in his Thunderbolt.\nThe rest of the car is based off the Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge, which means it shares the same powertrain underneath the long bonnet \u2013 a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 mill, sending \n632 hp\n and \n870 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Despite its humongous size and weight \u2013 at over 2.4 tonnes \u2013 the Wraith Landspeed Collection still manages a century sprint time of just 4.5 seconds, onward to a electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.\nThe limited-edition Wraith also shares the same blacked-out front grille and Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, as well as the red callipers from the Black Badge variants.\nOnly 35 units of the Rolls-Royce Wraith Landspeed Collection will ever be made worldwide, and as usual, they\u2019ve all already been spoken for even before the car was launched publicly. This particular unit will be the only one in Malaysia, and what a sight it is. Check out more photos in the full gallery below!\nGALLERY"
"Cause checking on what and where our friends are eating for lunch on Instagram is more important than checking our car\u2019s tyre pressure just once every fortnight.\nAt this year\u2019s Frankfurt Motor Show, Continental presented Conti C.A.R.E \u2013 Connected, Autonomous, Reliable and Electrified \u2013 a tyre of tomorrow for the requirements of future electric and autonomous driving.\nThe tyres feature sensors that are built into the structure of the tyre. These sensors generate and continuously evaluate data concerning tread depth, possible damage, tire temperature and tire pressure.\nA centrifugal pump built into the wheel generates compressed air when the vehicle is on the move to actively adjust the tyre presure and keep it within an ideal range.\nAny excess compressed air is stored in an integrated tank for the tyre\u2019s \u201cPressureBoost\u201d technology which uses this air to rapidly adapt the tyre pressures to various driving situations.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia today announced the introduction of the enhanced Volkswagen Passat CKD. First introduced as a completely built-up (CBU) in 2011, followed by completely knocked-down (CKD) a year later, the Passat now has gone through an upgrade with more features.\nThe new locally-assembled D-segment is fitted with improved connectivity, safety and comfort features. It now has \nBluetooth\n capability that allows telephone connectivity and audio streaming.\u00a0The VW Passat CKD front seats have been upgraded with a \n12-way\n \nadjustable\n \nelectric seats\n with memory function.\nIn terms of safety and security, it is now equipped with\n anti-theft alarm system\n, with electronic immobilizer. Its side mirrors are now \nelectric folding mirrors\n.\nAs for performance, it \u00a0is powered by the same 1.8-litre TSI engine mated with VW\u2019s signature 7-speed DSG gearbox. Producing \n158 horsepower\n and \n250Nm\n of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 220 km/h.\nAvailable in 6 colour choices: Candy White, Light Brown, Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Black Oak Brown and Icelandic Grey, the\u00a0enhanced Volkswagen Passat CKD is priced at \nRM170,817\u00a0\n(OTR without insurance).\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After \nconfirming its entry into Malaysia\n back in March this year, Tesla has now announced the date to its official brand launch here on our shores \u2013 \nJuly 20, 2023\n. Malaysia will become Tesla\u2019s third market in South East Asia, following behind Singapore and Thailand.\nThe American EV carmaker has not revealed any information on upcoming models just yet, but it\u2019s not difficult to guess, given that both the \nModel S\n and Model X have been discontinued for the right-hand-drive market. That leaves the \nTesla Model 3\n and \nModel Y,\n both of which are also offered in Singapore and Thailand as well.\nScreenshot: Tesla Motors Malaysia/Instagram\nIn the Land of Smiles, both Tesla models are offered in three similar variants, including an entry-level single motor variant, alongside two dual-motor AWD variants with different power outputs to make up the Long Range and Performance options. The Single Motor RWD variants are mated to 57.5 kWh battery pack, while the dual-motor options get a larger 75 kWh battery.\nFor reference, here are the specifications and pricing for both models in Thailand:\nTesla Model 3\nSingle Motor RWD\n \u2013 283 hp, 420 Nm; 455 km range (WLTP); THB1,759,000 (approx. RM233k)\nDual Motor Long Range AWD\n \u2013 498 hp, 493 Nm; 614 km range (WLTP); THB1,999,000 (approx. RM264k)\nDual Motor Performance AWD\n \u2013 513 hp, 660 Nm; 547 km range (WLTP); THB2,309,000 (approx. RM305k)\nTesla Model Y\nSingle Motor RWD \n\u2013 347 hp, 420 Nm; 455 km range (WLTP); THB1,959,000 (approx. RM259k)\nDual Motor Long Range AWD \n\u2013 514 hp, 493 Nm; 542 km range (WLTP); THB2,259,000 (approx. RM299k)\nDual Motor Performance AWD \n\u2013 534 hp, 660 Nm; 514 km range; THB2,509,000 (approx. RM332k)\nTesla is the first carmaker to apply for the Ministry of International Trade and Industry\u2019s (MITI) BEV Global Leaders initiative. The programme is aimed at increasing EV demand in the local market, according to MITI minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.\nAside from selling cars in its Tesla Experience showrooms, Tesla will also be establishing an office here in Malaysia (with a workforce mostly made up of Malaysians), alongside a service centre network, as well as a Supercharger DC fast charging network that will also be open to the non-Tesla EV owners, as part of the BEV Global Leaders agreement.\nREAD MORE: \nTesla officially enters Malaysia \u2013 to establish sales and service centres, Supercharger network"
"The heavy downpour last weekend proved no match for the storm Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur brought to the Sepang International Circuit last weekend with the new Huracan Evo.\nWith \n640 hp \nand\n 600 Nm \nof torque from a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 powering the 1,422 kg mid-ship, 0 to 100 km/h is annihilated in just 2.9 seconds \u2013 a performance which rivals the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and the \nnew Ferrari F8 Tributo\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0onward\u00a0to\u00a0a\u00a0top\u00a0speed\u00a0in\u00a0excess\u00a0of\u00a0340\u00a0km/h.\n \nDue to arrive in Malaysia by Q4 of 2019, the Lamborghini Huracan Evo is expected to fetch upwards of RM1.1 million before the duties kick in.\nThe Huracan Evo feature Lamborghini\u2019s new rear-wheel steering, torque vectoring and all-wheel drive systems \u2013 which are all integral to the new \nLamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI)\n.\nThe LDVI is a central processing unit that controls every aspect of the car\u2019s behaviour where it is capable of anticipating the car\u2019s reaction and the driver\u2019s input \u2013 priming the car for the best possible performance whether it\u2019s steaming into a bend of bursting out of a corner.\nThe LDVI is aided by the Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) system where a set of sensors and accelerators are used to monitor the Huracan Evo\u2019s behaviour. The car\u2019s active magnetic suspension will then react accordingly to the inputs from the LPI.\nTogether with the Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for the most responsive steering and rear wheel steering, the Huracan is said to be ultra agile and offers unprecedented levels of control.\nWith the LDVI and all its supporting systems, the car can anticipate the driver\u2019s inputs through the throttle, brakes and steering, gear changes and drive mode chosen.\nThe \u201cfeed forward logic\u201d adds icing to the cake where the car doesn\u2019t just react, but also predicts the best possible driving setup for what\u2019s about to happen ahead.\nThe Huracan Evo on display was presented with 20-inch Aesir rims wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres while the exterior is finished with a new Arancio Xanto orange, four layer paint job.\nInside, an 8.4-inch capacitive touchscreen dominates the centre console, along with a mix of leather and alcantara trims. Carbon forged composites and Lamborghini\u2019s patented Carbon Skin can be specified while the rest of the interior can be customised according to the depth of your pockets.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The ultra-luxury SUV game has just been taken to another level with the debut of Rolls-Royce first-ever SUV, the Rolls-Royce \nCullinan\n. With a tagline Effortless Everywhere, the new Cullinan delivers luxury effortlessly without compromise to its esteemed customers wherever they may be.\nSitting on an all-new aluminium \u201cArchitecture of Luxury\u201d platform, the Cullinan measures at 5,341 mm in length, 2,165 mm in width, 1,835 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,295 mm. It dwarfs the \nBentley Bentayga\n in comparison. Boot space is rated at 560 litres and expandable to 600 litres with the parcel shelf removed.   When penning the car, the design team envisioned an authentic, three-box high-bodied all-terrain SUV which resulted in a boxy and imposing car. The front end is familiar Rolls-Royce (albeit much taller), while the rear incorporates traditional Rolls-Royce elements into a high-riding car. The \nkink\n at the tailgate is there to give the Cullinan better stance and presence. As if the front grille is not imposing enough.\nLike any other Rolls-Royce, the Cullinan also features coach doors to welcome the rear passengers. Upon unlocking, the air suspension lowers itself by 40 mm to aid ingress and egress and raises itself to the standard ride height upon start up. Customers can have their Cullinan\u2019s rear seats in two configurations \u2013 \nLounge Seats\n or \nIndividual Seats\n.   The \nLounge Seats\n is the more family-friendly of the two with space for three passengers. The Lounge Seats can also be folded completely (2/3 and 1/3 split) to carry more items \u2013 a first for Rolls-Royce. Individual Seats are for those to value ultimate luxury in their SUV, with space only for two passengers, the \nFixed Rear Centre Console\n has a drinks cabinet that holds \nRolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter\n, champagne flutes and refrigerator.\nUnfortunately, the Starlight headliner that puts on a light show for the passengers is not available in the Cullinan. Instead, the carmaker has fitted an industry-leading panoramic glass roof for passengers to view actual stars when out on the open road. When in the great outdoors, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views courtesy of the \nViewing Suite\n, a retractable bench and table at the boot.\nOther items on the Cullinan include a thicker, smaller steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, Spirit of Ecstasy controller, High-Resolution Head-Up Display, Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB charging ports and more.\nMoving the Cullinan is a 6.75-litres twin-turbo V12 that puts out \n571 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of torque, the latter peaks from 1,600 rpm. Drive is channelled to all four corners and the all-wheel-drive system also features all-wheel steer to overcome challenging terrains.\nThe drivetrain has been calibrated to ensure the brand\u2019s famed \nMagic Carpet Ride\n is evident on- and off-road. The self-leveling air suspension makes millions of calculations every second to ensure the ride and handling adapts to the road conditions perfectly. For those who are willing to take their Cullinan off-road, Rolls-Royce has prepared an Off-Road button that unleashes all the Cullinan\u2019s off-road capability be it for rough track, gravel, wet grass, mud, snow or sand. In its tallest ride height, the Cullinan boasts the deepest wading depth of any super-luxury SUV at \n540 mm\n.\nDriver assist features on the Cullinan includes Night Vision and Vision Assist, daytime and night-time Wildlife & Pedestrian warning, Alertness Assistant, four-camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view, Active Cruise Control, Collision Warning, Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning.\nCEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten M\u00fcller-\u00d6tv\u00f6s said: \u201cThe launch of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the luxury industry. Today we are setting a new standard by creating a new class of motoring and motor car for customers who are well-connected, highly mobile and have a global perspective. They want a new type of motor car that gives them unbounded access in ultimate luxury. Their sense of adventure and daring demands a \u201cgo-anywhere in ultimate luxury\u201d motor car that will both take them to and meet them at the pinnacle of life. Cullinan is that motor-car.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover\n has now been officially rebranded to JLR as its new corporate identity. Now a House of Brands, four brands sit under the JLR umbrella, namely Jaguar, Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender.\nThe rebranding to JLR serves to remove ambiguity and emphasize the unique identity of each of the four brands. The new JLR logo is now composed of the supposed three letters, with the \u2018L\u2019 and \u2018R\u2019 being somewhat combined.\nJLR says that the creative process behind the new identity focused on elegance, modernity, and a forward-thinking essence to exhibit the direction and ambition of the company. According to JLR, the descending j aspires to add elegance, while the lighter weight of the emblem illustrates the step change to refinement and modernity.\nJLR Chief Creative Officer, Professor Gerry McGovern OBE said, \u201cThis is the next chapter of our Reimagine journey to become a truly modern luxury business. The new JLR identity will bring clarity to our clients and act as a unifier for our four distinct British brands.\u201d\nWhile the \u2018Land Rover\u2019 brand name is not part of the four brands listed by JLR, the Land Rover brand will remain a key part of the company\u2019s DNA. A press statement by JLR reads, \u201cLand Rover continues as a world-renowned and important heritage mark, remaining on vehicles, websites, social media, and retail sites, underpinning the world-class Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery brands.\u201d\nJLR CEO, Adrian Mardell said, \u201cToday is an exciting day as we unveil a new identity for our company as part of our House of Brands approach. I\u2019m confident this perfectly illustrates JLR\u2019s ambition in the modern luxury space.\u201d\nWhat are your thoughts on Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s rebranding to JLR and its new logo?"
"Ferrari\n marked a triumphant return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a 50-year absence, winning the Centenary edition of the historic event with its \n499P Hypercar\n, in a manic race filled with rain showers and lengthy safety car periods. The 2023 win is the Prancing Horse\u2019s 10th overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans \u2013 the last of which was won 58 years ago in 1965.\nCar number 51, piloted by Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi, crossed the finish line with 342 laps under its belt to clinch the victory, after what was the closest battle for the top step in recent Le Mans history, at least until Toyota\u2019s car number eight spun out with less than two hours to go, necessitating a stop in the pits for repairs.\nThe prancing horse\u2019s other entry, number 50, finished in fifth position despite starting in pole position, after a crash early in the night knocked the crew out of contention for the podium.\nRELATED: \nFerrari to reclaim Le Mans glory after 50 years with the 499P Le Mans Hypercar\nFerrari\u2019s return to Le Mans was spurred by the sport\u2019s new Hypercar category, with a focus on hybrid technology. Replacing the fabled LMP1 category, the new Hypercar class was a result of a rule convergence that allowed competitors from the United States\u2019 IMSA-sanctioned series to compete in World Endurance Championship (WEC) and vice versa, allowing for a wider variety of manufacturers and race teams to compete against each other.\nAside from ending Toyota\u2019s five-year winning streak, the Ferrari 499P also beat out the \nPorsche\n, Peugeot, and Cadillac factory entries after 24 hours of intense racing \u2013 each of them were leading the race at one point.\nThe Hypercar grid is set to further expand next year with the addition of new factory entries from BMW, Alpine, and Lamborghini."
"The ferocity of Mercedes-AMG cars has become much more attainable thanks to the \nentry level \n45-series, although its performance is far from entry level. We got our hands on the most practical 45-series model, the \nMercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC facelift\n and understood why anyone would want a high-performance compact crossover, at all.\nPowered by the world\u2019s most powerful series production four-cylinder engine, the M133 2.0-litre turbo gives the GLA 45 \n375 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n of torque, sending drive to all four wheels through a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission. With Race Start (launch control) activated, the car will sprint to 100 km/h in \n4.4 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nFully imported from Germany, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is asking for RM408,888 a pop. If you\u2019re concerned that this is an \u201cold model\u201d, keep in mind that the new-generation GLA is still some time away and not to forget Mercedes-AMG would require time to apply their magic touch."
"Malaysians seem to have an unfounded obsession with \u201cfresh tyres\u201d, constantly hunting down tyres with the most recent date of manufacturing, believing that the fresher the tyres, the better they perform. However, Michelin Malaysia is here to debunk this myth with its \u201cTyres Are Not Bananas\u2019\u201d campaign.\nUnlike bananas, tyres does not have an extremely limited shelf life. In fact, the countdown on the life of the tyre starts only from the date of fitment. When the tyres are properly stored, the rubbers are only subjected to the minor temperature fluctuations of the storage facility which has negligible to \nno effect whatsoever on the tyre\u2019s\n \nperformance\n.\nIn a tyre wear test conducted by the Korean Department of Customer Protection comparing a brand new tyre and a three-year old unused tyre yielded\u00a0\nno difference in performance\n. Both tyres that underwent high-speed and stepped speed test also showed\n identical tyre wear\n.\nIn a test conducted by ADAC, the German motorist organisation revealed that rolling resistance on newly manufactured tyres and unused three-year old tyres were \nidentical\n. In another study conducted by Osaka City University in Saudi Arabia, a 10-year-old unused tyre in storage showed similar rate of ageing to a tyre \ndriven for two years\n. Additionally, if a tyre is stored for 20 years at 40 degrees Celsius, it would show ageing signs similar to tyres with \n40,000 km mileage\n.\nPascal Nouvellon, Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia Sdn Bhd said, \u201cWe advocate attention on overall tyre care which includes maintenance of correct tyre pressure, proper alignment, inspection for damages and tread depth measurements.\u201d Through this campaign, Michelin Malaysia aims to educate motorists to give\n focus on\n \ntyre quality\n \nand care\n instead of date of manufacture.\n\u201cAll Michelin tyres come with a six-year warranty and we recommend that tyres older than 10 years from the date of manufacture be removed from service,\u201d Nouvellon added.\nThe \u201cTyres Are Not Bananas\u201d campaign runs from 12 July to 4 August 2017, and Michelin will be visiting several locations in the Klang Valley to create awareness amongst motorists. Michelin is also inviting the public to post a creative photo of themselves with bananas to stand a chance to win attractive prizes such as a set of Michelin tyres, petrol cards and exclusive Michelin merchandises. Full details of the competition can be found \nhere\n."
"It\u2019s only been a little over a year since Maserati unveiled the \nMC20 flagship\n, but the Italian carmaker is now already prepping to launch a convertible variant of the supercar \u2013 and lucky for us, they\u2019ve also released a set of images to tease us of what\u2019s to come.\nMaserati wrapped an early test prototype unit in a cloud-themed camouflage for the photoshoot in Modena. Why clouds, you ask? Well, \u201cafter all, it is a convertible,\u201d says Maserati in the brief press release.\nAs expected, the upcoming Maserati MC20 Convertible shares most of the coupe\u2019s design elements \u2013 or at first glance, at least. The Italian carmaker did not provide any shots from the rear of the car, but even from a semi-top-down shot, we can already detect some mild differences in styling, namely the A pillars and roofline of the car.\nMaserati says that the body is still made from carbon fibre composite, and based on the photos, we\u2019re guessing that it\u2019ll also come with a hard-top instead of a fabric roof, just like its \nFerrari F8 Spider\n rival.\nRELATED: Check out David Beckham\u2019s Maserati MC20 that he \u201cdesigned\u201d himself\nThe new roof and its associated folding mechanism will undoubtedly add some extra pounds to its kerb weight. For context, the Ferrari F8 Spider added an extra 70 kg compared to the coupe, but that shouldn\u2019t be too much of a problem for the MC20\u2019s mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 \u201cNettuno\u201d engine that packs \n630 hp\n and \n730 Nm \nof torque.\nALSO READ: Maserati Ghibli Hybrid launched in Malaysia\nFollowing the\u00a0coupe and convertible variants, Maserati will also further expand the MC20 range with the addition of a fully electric version, in line with \nMaserati\u2019s electrification strategy\n. There are no concrete launch dates for the MC20 convertible just yet, but it shouldn\u2019t be too much of a wait from now.\nGALLERY"
"Just mere days after the \nEuropean release\n, Sime Darby Auto Performance, the sole distributor for Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, announced today that the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Taycan is now in Malaysia.\nThe line-up that was \nlaunched late last year\n \nhas four-wheel drive traction, with the addition of a motor at the front axle. Being the most accessible variant, prices for Porsche Taycan RWD now starts from \nRM584,561\n that is valid until \n30 June 2021\n.\n \nSimilar to the \nfour-wheel drive variants\n, the rear-mounted motor has a two-speed transmission. The base output with the familiar 79.2 kWh single-deck Performance Battery is \n326 hp\n. When the driver activates Overboost mode with Launch Control, the power output climbs to \n408 hp\n and \n345 Nm\n.\nUpon closer inspection, these are actually 21 inches in diameter\nIf that is not enough, the Taycan RWD can also be had with more power. A larger 93.4 kWh two-deck Performance Battery Plus (also found in the Turbo variants) will deliver the following: base output of \n380 hp\n and a full \n476 hp\n with \n357 Nm\n with Launch Control and Overboost mode.\nBoth power outputs will complete the century sprint in \n5.4 seconds\n and reach a top speed of 230 km/h. In terms of driving range, Porsche promises a \n431 km\n range on the base battery, and \n484 km\n on the larger Plus battery pack \u2013 both values based on the WLTP cycle. The latter value is in fact the highest range offered on any Porsche Taycan variant to date.\nDistinguishing features of the new Taycan RWD include 19-inch \u2018Taycan Aero\u2019 wheels, coil-sprung suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), black brake calipers, and LED headlights.\nA long list of options is available, but highlighted options include \u201csurface-coated\u201d performance brake discs, three-chamber adaptive air suspension, a colour head-up display, front passenger display as well as a 22 kW on-board charger. \u00a0\u00a0\nViewing and availability of the Porsche Taycan RWD at Porsche Centres in Malaysia is scheduled to begin from the second quarter of 2021.\nGALLERY"
"AutoBuzz.my\u2019s 2018 Compact Hatchback of the Year\n now comes with a new face and a refreshed interior and Proton has officially launched it along with the \nfacelifted Persona\n.\nEngine options remain the same \u2013 a 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre \u2013 carried over from before although Proton says it\u2019s been optimised for better fuel economy.\n \nThere are five variants available \u2013 \n1.3 Standard MT\n at RM36,700 , \n1.3 Standard CVT \nat RM39,700, \n1.3 Executive CVT\n at RM44,700, \n1.6 Executive CVT\n at RM46,700, and \n1.6 Premium CVT \nat RM50,700.\nThe 1.3-litre model makes \n94 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n of torque while the 1.6-litre model offers more with\n 107 hp \nand \n150 Nm\n. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a CVT transmission.\n \nProton said although it\u2019s just a facelift, the Iriz has undergone no less than\u00a0\n367 component\u00a0changes\n\u00a0\nin the facelifted Iriz. The CVT gearbox for example, has been enhanced to be smoother, more responsive and refined than before.\nAt the front is a new headlamp and grille design, with the latter inspired by the new Proton X70 SUV. The Iriz also gets new front and rear bumpers that has seemingly refreshed the aging hatchback.\nThere\u2019s also a new 10-spoke wheel design to go along with 14-inch and 15-inch options for the lower grade models.\nInside, the Proton Iriz\u2019 dash receives a darker, more subdued dashboard along with a new 7-inch head unit that offers the same voice command system as found in the Proton X70.\nIllumination for the buttons have also been given a new look, to go with the new analogue gauge design that\u2019s clearer and easier on the eye.\nSafety wise, the Iriz gets six airbags, that includes curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist, Reverse Camera with Guiding Lines to name a few.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With such a memorable and catchy name, it certainly gained our attention as one of the easiest names to recall from the \nhundreds of EV\n brands in China. Introduced as \u201cthe most interesting EV brand\u201d, the Ora Good Cat by Great Wall Motor (GWM) has finally been officially launched in Thailand, only the second market in the world.\nThe Ora brand (pronounced O-ra, inspired by the last name of world-famous mathematician/physicist Leonhard Euler) is GWM\u2019s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) sub-brand and has also set up a facility in Rayong, Thailand to penetrate the Asia Pacific region.\nThis Ora Good Cat (translated literally from the Chinese characters \u6b27\u62c9\u597d\u732b) is offered in three variants, priced from \nTHB989,000\n (approx. RM123k) to \nTHB1,199,000\n (approx. RM149k).\nDimensionally, the Ora Good Cat is about the same size as a Volkswagen Golf Mk.7, measuring 4.235 m in length and 1.825 m wide. Built on GWM\u2019s latest EV platform called Lemon, the Ora Good Cat has its motor placed in front, while the battery pack sits between the 2.65 m wheelbase. A simple space-saving torsion beam axle provides suspension for the rear.\nPower outputs are modest, with the electric motor churning out \n143 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque across all three variants. With the standard 47.8 kWh battery pack, the range is 400 km under the more optimistic NEDC/R101 cycle. The range-topping Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra meanwhile promises up to 500 km of driving range thanks to a larger 63.1 kWh battery pack, both from CATL, one of the world\u2019s leading EV battery makers.\nGWM quotes a charging time of 40 minutes to top up the larger battery pack from 30% to 80% level, with the smaller battery requiring 8 minutes less via a DC fast charger, while its 10 and eight hours respectively via a home charger.\nStandard features in the Ora Good Cat include circular LED headlamps, a unique full-width LED tail lamp strip, 17-inch wheels with covers, fabric seats, seven-inch drivers instrument display paired with a 10.25-inch central infotainment display, automatic air-conditioning system with PM2.5 filtration and connected vehicle features via smartphone plus firmware-over-the-air updates.\nMeanwhile, the mid-range Ora Good Cat 400 KM Pro gets larger 18-inch wheels, panoramic moonroof, two-tone exterior paintwork, faux leather seats, wireless smartphone charger and ADAS such as adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking, 360-degree parking camera system and six airbags.\nThe range-topping Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra meanwhile adds intelligent LED headlamps with welcome lighting effect, intelligent parking, lane change assistant, emergency lane keeping with rear monitoring and braking system, various interior colour themes and driver\u2019s seat with memory and massage functions.   There is even an Ora Good Cat GT available in China, where the model\u2019s sporty name implies, adds red-painted brake calipers, sportier bumper designs, extended wheel arches and a sporty red interior.\nBased on certification documents, the Ora Good Gat is currently imported from GWM\u2019s Taizhou facility in China. Other Ora models in its home market include the Black Cat compact hatchback, the more spacious, taller body White Cat and the flagship iQ SUV.\nIn Malaysia, Great Wall Motor\u2019s products are represented by Go Auto Group of Companies which brought in a range of \nHaval SUVs\n. They also have an assembly facility in Gurun, Kedah.\nGALLERY"
"Gone are the days where we had to remember each other\u2019s house numbers, adjust our oversized TV\u2019s antenna or even physically head out to buy food. Also gone are the days where a Mercedes-Benz E-Class would announce its own arrival with the unmistakable wail of its radiator fan.\nOne of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s latest introduction, the E350e, in an automotive sense, is another testamant of everything\u2019s that changed in our world. Without lacking any of the presence and panache so typical of an E-Class,\u00a0it now rolls off from standstill in a manner so discreet that it would appease even the most silence-obssesed librarian.\nThe E350e is offered in two different trims \u2013 the Executive Line that\u2019s priced at \nRM 392,888\n and the AMG Line that retails for \nRM 395,888\n. As I assume that an extra RM 3,000 would mean nothing for someone who\u2019s in the market for a sub-400k vehicle, I\u2019ll urge you to pay the difference and indulge in the aggressive and pronounced appearance of the AMG Line E350e.\nThat\u2019s cause it just looks so darn good. Instead of being hood-mounted, you get the three-point star on a cleaner grille design, a more aggressive front bumper and a set of visually-enticing 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light alloy wheels.   Even if you do decide to opt for the more \u201cplain Jane\u201d Executive Line, prepare to still dazzle on-lookers with the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps that greets, often times the driver, with a mildly amusing light show every time its switched on.\u00a0It\u2019s got 84 individual LEDs which actively adjusts itself to ensure the best possible visibility on the road by lighting up the darkest areas ahead without glaring at on-coming traffic.\nOn the inside, it\u2019s the complete opposite, for me at least. Having not been a fan of a \u201cwood-trimmed\u201d interior, the new brown open pore wood trims in the Executive Line spectacularly reflects the modern approach to a traditional display.\nWith a more faded, pastel tone to its presentation, I can see the wooden door and dashboard trims appealing to an even wider (and younger) demographic now rather than it being confined to the taste of an older group of Mercedes-Benz buyers. That said, whether it\u2019s the Executive or AMG Line\u2019s interior, it\u2019s one of the most luxurious, most inviting and most attractive enclosure you can buy for that money.\nEvery item, every component, every dial, switch and knob oozes refinement with strange satisfaction. Even the speaker covers on the Burmester 13-speaker sound system are a thing of beauty; surrounded by a sense of opulence from high quality soft touch materials and immaculate fit and finish.   By now you\u2019d probably be thinking that I sound like a Mercedes-Benz salesman but if you\u2019ve not sat or spent considerable time in the new E350e like we had during our media drive to Johor Bahru en route to the Tanjung Jara Resort in Terengganu, it really does sound like a hard sell.\nThere were a few things that caught my attention but not necessary my liking; the speaker covers somewhat felt like cheese graters to the touch, the double 12.3-inch touchscreen\u2019s display is sometimes blinded by reflections and those orange leather trims in the AMG Line\u2019s interior could only appeal to those with a fancy for the tanning bed but are they negligible?\nWithout a shadow of a doubt. Whether its ergonomics, comfort, convenience or luxury, the sheer quality the E350e\u2019s interior will never fail to distract you from its shortcomings, if any.\nThe highlight of the interior though \u2013 had to be the elongated double 12.3-inch high-resolution touch screen display \u2013 stretched from the driver\u2019s line of sight to the centre of the dashboard. Not only was its interface easy to maneuver through, on its own, it was simply a visual amusement \u2013 projecting various parameters of the vehicle while offering a range of speed and rpm displays.\nOh, being a PHEV, the E350e\u2019s dual-zone climate control comes equipped with a pre-entry climate control which cools the cabin down by the time you settle in to those Nappa leather seats. The softness of the leather really pampers the touch and honestly, once you\u2019ve gone Nappa, you\u2019d never go back.\nI wonder why an S400h is needed when the E-Class alone can offer such level of fanciness and refinement. Sinking yourself into the rear seats, which cups you in such a way that you wish your journey would never end, it\u2019s hard for the mind to dish out a comparison with other vehicles in this segment \u2013 especially when you\u2019re so engrossed with indulging the high levels of ride comfort afforded by the Air Body Control air suspension with active damping.\nWind noise? Close as makes no difference \u2013 absent. It\u2019s simply in a class of its own.\nFurther at the back, the batteries positioned beneath the boot hasn\u2019t been detrimental to trunk space at all \u2013 which now stands at just 400-litres. The batteries, by the way, can support the E350e\u2019s electric only feature with \n33 km of driving range\n.\nThe E350e boasts a combined system output, along with the electric motor, of \n286 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque mated to a 9G-TRONIC transmission. While there\u2019s more than an abundance of power at the stretch of your right foot to reach the E350e\u2019s electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h, its seamless power delivery through its nine gears, is also sadly its drawback \u2013 there\u2019s just way too many gears to downshift from when you\u2019re looking to invoke some eagerness from the engine.\nSure you can just leave it in automatic mode, floor the pedal and the E350\u2019s computer wizardy will be at your service to shift straight down to the most appropriate gear but then it would render the pedal shifters rather obsolete \u2013 it\u2019s quite the predicament.\nThat said, this car, as capable as it is for spirited drives, the E350e\u2019s distinction is in the way it sips fuel. While its claimed fuel consumption is rated at 2.1 L/100 km \u2013 an impossible figure not even the feet of god can achieve on our roads \u2013 I managed a solid \n6 L/100 km\n through a mix of back roads, highways, slow drives and spirited runs; very respectable when you consider how heavy the car is.\nTo safeguard the car\u2019s fuel economy, the E350e comes with four Hybrid modes \u2013 the E-Mode, E-Save, Charge and Hybrid. It even comes with a \nhaptic feature\n that kicks the throttle back when you\u2019re being too eager with the gas pedal.\nDriving dynamics wise, I\u2019m going to risk everything and go on a limb to say that I still prefer BMWs but that\u2019s just being preferential and perhaps borderline mean to the E350e. In Sport + mode, it does project all the sporty credentials that will rile the excitement of the demographic it appeals to. Then again, it\u2019s probably safe to assume that \u201cthat particular demographic\u201d will not buy the E350e to misbehave on the road.\nIt would be to ferry himself, his family and friends in the wealth of luxury, splendour and exclusivity not many can rival when the Mercedes-Benz name is in the mix.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ken Block, best known for his crazy Gymkhana videos, is back at it again. After conquering Pikes Peak with his famed \nHoonicorn V2\n, Block brought his 1977 Ford F-150 \nHoonitruck\n to take on China\u2019s Tianmen Mountain.\nFeaturing 99 curves \u2013 most of it with a treacherous drop at one side \u2013 The Heaven\u2019s Gate is hailed as China\u2019s most dangerous road. Despite all that, Climbkhana 2 was still done in the most Ken Block way possible \u2013 with drifts and donuts.\n \nThe Hoonitruck, built on the 1977 Ford F-150, features a \n3.5-litre Roush Yates EcoBoost V6\n engine that pumps out \n914 hp\n and \n952 Nm\n of torque. You best bet that it took some serious bravado to drive this tail-happy truck up Tianmen Mountain.\nBut being Ken Block, he made it all seem way too easy. Our palms were definitely sweaty after watching the drift maestro power his way through the tight hairpins with inch-perfect accuracy. At that speed, the cement barriers probably won\u2019t do too much to stop the car; any tiny mistake can send the Hoonitruck flipping down the mountain.\nWe must admit though, Climbkhana 2 did not wow us as much as his previous gymkhana videos from back in the day. Perhaps due to his usual extravagant stunts, a \u201csimple\u201d hillclimb almost seems too boring for Ken Block.\nBesides, other than being a spectacle to watch, Ken Block\u2019s method of sideways driving also isn\u2019t the fastest way up a mountain. For that, you\u2019ll have to check out Volkswagen\u2019s \nrecord breaking run with the ID.R\n."
"If you needed just an extra push to take the leap into VW ownership, Volkswagen Malaysia has now given the final push.\nThey\u2019ve announced that an \nadditional two years free maintenance\n will be given to the \nTiguan\n, \nPassat 1.8 TSI Comfortline and 2.0 TSI Highline\n. The promotion is valid from 1st of July to 31st of December 2019, extended to the entire Tiguan and Passat lineup.\n \nThose eager to jump on the VW bandwagon will now enjoy a total of 5 years free maintenance (or 75,000km, whichever comes first), 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.\nModel\u00a0\nTiguan\nPassat\n1.88% low interest rate savings\u00a0\nRM7,700\nRM8,600\n5 Years Free Maintenance savings\u00a0\nRM 6,100\nRM 6,500\nTotal savings\u00a0\nRM 13,800\nRM 15,100\nVolkswagen said that with the low interest rate and the additional two years free maintenance, buyers stand to enjoy up to RM13,800 savings on the Tiguan and RM15,100 savings on the Passat."
"Honda Malaysia is in their final stages of preparation for the launching of the hotly anticipated \nCivic facelift\n. A short visit to their website \nrevealed\n\u00a0the starting price \u2013 \nRM113,800\n \u2013 and a pictorial gallery.\nFrom the pictures, it\u2019s obvious that the front fascia has been given a slight revision, such as the more sharply sculpted bumpers, with new honeycomb grille design and chrome accent across the air intake.\nInside, the touchscreen infotainment head unit is larger at 7-inch as compared to the outgoing 6.1-inch. It now features Mirror Link function for your smartphone via a HDMI port. The website also revealed that the facelifted Civic will feature a new \ncolour\n, that is the \nTwilight Blue Metallic\n.\nWe haven\u2019t heard a word from Honda Malaysia with regards to the launch and its feature upgrades, but do watch this space for the latest update on this Civic.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The last Proton car to\u00a0taste\u00a0success on the dirt was the iconic yellow Proton Satria Neo S2000 which took top honours at the 2011 Asia Pacific Rally Championship. Since then, Proton went off the map of international rally, that is until the Proton Iriz R5 rally car was teased online.\nThe picture was leaked by on\u00a0\nInstagram\n\u00a0from a Spanish rallying site, stating \u2013 through their caption \u2013 that the Iriz R5 will mark Proton\u2019s reentry into world rallying.\u00a0A\u00a0few months ago, another post on social media\u00a0\nalso hinted at the same comeback\n\u00a0. Apparently, UK-based Mellors Elliot Motorsport (MEM) is now working on a new Proton rally car. It\u2019s puzzling why this MEM-prepared Iriz ended up in Spain, though.\nThe R5 moniker is a clear sign that the Iriz will not be competing with the big boys from the World Rally Championship (WRC) series. The R5 category is actually a category for cars powered by a \n1.6-litre turbocharged engine\n, have a minimum weight of \n1,230 kg\n, and are\u00a0\nall-wheel driven\n.\nA typical R5 rally car consists of mainly B-segment superminis, ranging from Ford Fiesta, Skoda Fabia, Peugeot 208, \u00a0Citroen DS3 and Mitsubishi Mirage. These cars are eligible to compete in the second highest class in the WRC, the WRC2. Pricing for an R5 car is capped at\u00a0\n180,000 Euros\n (RM820k+ based on today\u2019s rates).\nJudging from the image, this Iriz has extended wheel arches with huge air intercoolers at the front. Everything beyond that remains a mystery, for now. Also, this Iriz rally car is unrelated to \nProton R3\u2019s pet project\n, which means the Iriz R5 is an independent effort by Proton.\nWatch this space for the official unveiling of the Proton Iriz R5 Rally Car!"
"Mercedes-Benz recently previewed the new, electric version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, dubbed the \nConcept EQA\n in motion and we can\u2019t help but be in complete awe.\nSlated for debut by 2020, it doesn\u2019t take much to notice the similarities between the Concept EQA and the \nrecently unveiled A-Class hatchback\n \u2013 with slim, angular headlamps and the signature compact silhouette.\nIt\u2019s been widely reported that Mercedes-Benz would be launching the EQC, an electric compact crossover next year with an EQS on the way; the S-Class equivalent from\n Mercedes-Benz\u2019s latest EQ electric vehicle sub-brand\n.\nAt least 10 new EQ electric vehicles are expected to be premiered by 2025, with the first model \nbased on the Concept EQ\n leading the charge.\u00a0They will be part of the 50 electrified vehicles (including plug-in hybrids, fuel cell vehicles and vehicles with 48-volt electrical systems) planned for release in the new decade.\nIn this highly impressionable society, flair and extravagance is everything. If that\u2019s what an electric Mercedes-Benz will look like, sign us all up for that future! Just make sure they come with \nsome perceivable \u201cfake noises\u201d please\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) today unveiled a new special edition variant of the \nFord Ranger Raptor\n, called the Ranger Raptor X. Unique to the new variant is a flashy new coat of \nTrue Red\n paint \u2013 which is exclusive to customers in Malaysia, according to the company.\nTo go along with the new red exterior are variant-exclusive decals on the side and back. Aside from those though, the rest of the exterior are unchanged from before; the more notable additions are all on the inside.\n \nNew standard kit on the Ford Ranger Raptor X include a 360-degree surround view monitor, alongside a Kenwood QHD digital-video recorder \u2013 the latter comes with a built-in polarising filter to reduce reflections in the day, as well as a 32 GB memory card. A set of Raptor X floor carpet mats ties up the updated cabin.\nMechanically, the new Ford Ranger Raptor X remains identical to the standard Ranger Raptor. Underneath the bonnet is still the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel, pushing out the same 213 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and also paired to the same 10-speed automatic transmission.\nThe Ford Ranger Raptor\u2019s Baja-ready Fox Racing Shox dampers are also still present here, as is the Terrain Management System (TMS), so don\u2019t worry \u2013 you can still jump over sand dunes with the red Raptor X.\nThe Ford Ranger Raptor was \nupdated here in Malaysia last year\n with new advanced driver assistance features, and the same set of kit is also available here on the special-edition Raptor X. These include forward collision warning,\u00a0autonomous emergency braking system\u00a0with vehicle and pedestrian detection, as well as\u00a0lane departure warning and assist system.\nAlso new on the latest Ranger Raptor update are the LED headlights with new square-shaped projectors, front parking sensors, as well as a USB port near the rear-view mirror \u2013 perfect for powering up your dashcams, though the Raptor X already comes with one pre-wired.\nThe new Ford Ranger Raptor X is priced at \nRM216,888\n on the road, without insurance \u2013 a RM6,000 premium over the standard Ranger Raptor, which just had its price increased for the 2021 model year. Included with the price is a 5-year/160,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty, which was also just introduced for the Ranger line-up in Malaysia this year."
"Shortly after teasing the \n2021 Toyota Fortuner\n and Innova on its website today, UMW Toyota has now announced that the 2021 Toyota Innova facelift is now open for booking here in Malaysia. The 2021 Toyota Innova is available here in three variants \u2013 E, G, and X \u2013 with prices starting from \nRM111,622\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the\n sales tax exemptions\n.\nFirst introduced in Indonesia in October last year, The 2021 Toyota Innova update brings along several styling and equipment changes. On the former, most of the updates are reserved to the front end, which sees a new smaller trapezoidal grille to match its other Toyota siblings, alongside a slightly more angular bumper design.\nThe fog lamp housings below the headlights also now take on a more vertical orientation, while at the back, not much has changed aside from some slightly-reworked garnishes that joins the tail lamps together.\nThe range-topping 2.0X variant gets several additional styling touches for a sportier look overall. These include new wheel arch mouldings, new bodyside mouldings, redesigned side skirts, as well as a reprofiled rear spoiler, which is said to improve aerodynamic performance.\nThe 17-inch wheels on the 2.0X also gets a new Dark Mica Metallic finish instead of black on the outgoing model, while the 2.0G gets a \u201cmore dynamic\u201d new design, while still retaining its 16-inch sizing.\nImage from Indonesian Toyota Innova Venturer\nOn the inside, the entire design is pretty much carried over from the \ncurrent Toyota Innova\n. In terms of equipment, the nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, previously introduced on the \nInnova X\n, is now standard on the 2021 Innova 2.0X and 2.0G.\nThe infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, alongside a Panoramic View Monitor which has now been updated with a 3D view.\nCiting customer feedback, the two fast-charging USB ports on the centre console has been repositioned for better accessibility, while the second- and third-row passengers also get additional USB ports. As an optional extra, customers can also include a wireless charging pad located in the centre console.\nAlso standard on the two higher-end variants is the new Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system. Other safety equipment \u2013 standard across the entire line-up \u2013 include seven airbags and three-point auto-retracting seatbelts for third-row passengers, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Emergency Stop Signal, and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).\nThe Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), which can track the vehicle\u2019s movements using GPS and GSM technology, is now standard on the 2021 Toyota Innova in Malaysia. In the event that the vehicle is stolen, the VTS Command Centre can determine its location and inform relevant authorities to make recovery faster.\nThe 2021 Toyota Innova is available in six exterior colour choices: Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown, Silver Metallic, Super White II, and Bronze Mica Metallic \u2013 the last in the list being a new addition to the model. The range-topping 2.0X variant gets an additional choice of Crimson Spark Red Metallic, pictured here.\nOily bits underneath the bonnet is completely unchanged from the outgoing model. Powering the 2021 Toyota Innova line-up is the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, good for a power output of \n139 hp\n and\n 183 Nm\n of torque.\nPrices for the 2021 Toyota Innova in Malaysia are as follows:\n2.0 E \u2013 RM111,620\n2.0 G \u2013 RM121,483\n2.0 X \u2013 RM129,677\nAll prices above are on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions which has been recently extended until the 30th of June 2021. Included in the purchase is a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. The 2021 Toyota Innova is now available for booking in Malaysia at all Toyota showrooms nationwide, as well as online at \nbuild.toyota.com.my\n.\nGALLERY"
"Ah, the A-Class. Its weird mini MPV shape made it the odd one out in the marque\u2019s model line-up when Mercedes-Benz first unveiled it back in the late \u201990s, and that was also perhaps why the German carmaker never made an AMG version of the first-generation A-Class \u2013 well, not officially or for sale, anyway.\nBut for some reason, when the McLaren-Mercedes F1 Team won the Constructors\u2019 Championship back in 1998, Mercedes-Benz thought that the perfect way to celebrate it was by making two special edition A-Class models: Edition H\u00e4kkinen and Edition Coulthard, obviously named after their two drivers, Mika H\u00e4kkinen and David Coulthard.\nOnly 250 units of these were ever made \u2013 125 copies each, and now more than 20 years later, a pristine example of the Edition H\u00e4kkinen model has just turned up for sale at \nMechatronic.de\n, with a listed price of EUR44,900 (Approx. RM222k) \u2013 almost the price for a brand-new \nMercedes-AMG A 35\n over in Germany!\nThe Mercedes-Benz A-Class is now a completely different car compared to this first-gen model. Check out our review of the A 250 Sedan here!\nSo what exactly do you get with that kind of money? Well, first of all, there won\u2019t be an increase in power.\nIt\u2019s fair to assume that a F1-themed special-edition model would at least get some sort of performance gain, and rumour has it that the \nA 38 AMG one-off twin-engine model\n actually belongs to Mr. H\u00e4kkinen himself. But alas, Mercedes-Benz decided that the regular engine line-up for the A-Class is fit enough for the purpose.\nIn the A 160 form, which the H\u00e4kkinen Edition was based on, the 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four mill produces just \n102 hp \nand \n150 Nm\n of torque, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox that features an automatic clutch system.\nThe new Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe has just been launched here in Malaysia. Read more about it here!\nWhat you do get, at least, is a reworked sportier suspension set-up, which should improve the handling of the mini MPV. The ESP badge on the tailgate stands for electric stability control, which should also help keep all four wheels on the ground, and not flip over like the earlier versions did in the \ninfamous elk test\n.\nThe main highlight of the Edition H\u00e4kkinen is actually on the cosmetics side, where it gets a hand-finished Mercedes-McLaren livery, with red and black accents airbrushed on the silver bodywork. Just like the championship-winning cars, the driver\u2019s name and country flag is also plastered on the side.\nA set of 17-inch AMG wheels shod in low-profile tyres, plus the dual exhaust exits at the rear, complete the unique exterior makeover.\nMoving inside, you\u2019ll see that the cabin is almost entirely covered in a sea of red Designo leather, including on the seats, doors, dashboard, and steering wheel. The gearshift stalk gets a special commemorative Edition H\u00e4kkinen trim, with \u201cNr. 046/250\u201d inscripted at the bottom, but that\u2019s about the extent of customisation that\u2019s been made to the special-edition Mercedes-Benz A 160.\nThe all-new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S now even comes with a drift mode! Watch it battle the VW Golf R in a drift contest here!\nAt least, you\u2019re probably buying the lowest-mileage first-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class in the world, with only 215 km recorded on the clock. The car was originally delivered to Rome back in 1999, but since then, it\u2019s mostly spent its time parked in showrooms or hidden in closed garages, and thus both the interior and exterior are kept in such immaculate condition.\nAnd of course, there\u2019s the whole collectability aspect of a special edition model bearing F1 legend Mika H\u00e4kkinen\u2019s name on the side. He is after all the only driver who managed to beat Michael Schumacher in his prime, winning the F1 Driver\u2019s Championship title in both 1998 and 1999.\n[H/T: \nMechatronic.de\n via \nCarScoops\n]\nGALLERY"
"Built by the same sponsors (Schaeffler) of the Audi Sport Formula E team, the S4eP as it is called, is based on the Audi RS3 but instead, it\u2019s now powered by four electric motors, effectively making it all-wheel drive, with an output of more than 1,200 hp.\nThe video really only starts at the 3-minute mark onwards with the Audi R8 being the first victim followed by the Huracan Performante and lastly, the GT2 RS \u2013 the fastest 911 ever built.\nNotice in 6:23 how rapidly the Lamborghini Huracan Performante was accelerating past the 160 km/h mark and yet, the S4eP was comfortably pulling away from the 911 GT2 RS as if it was standing still.\nOnly problem is, it\u2019s all not in English."
"The all-new 2023 \nToyota Vios\n has now been launched in Malaysia, available in two variants \u2013 the E and G. Prices start at \nRM 89,600\n for the E variant and top off at \nRM95,500\n for the G variant.\nToyota Vios E \u2013 \nRM89,600\nToyota Vios G \u2013 \nRM95,500\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nNow sitting on an all-new platform, the 2023 Toyota Vios is larger than its predecessor. It measures 4,425 mm in length, 1,740 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height. The wheelbase measures 2,620 mm in length and the car has a turning radius of 5.2 m for the G variant and 4.8 m for the E variant.\nOn the outside, standard features of the all-new Toyota Vios E include:\nAuto LED Headlights with follow me home function\nManual headlight levelling\nLED Daytime running lights\nStandard rear combination LED lamp\nIntermittent front wipers\nPower adjustable side mirrors with auto fold, indicator lights, and blind spot monitoring\nRemote trunk release\nBody-coloured door handles\n16-inch wheels\nBlack grille\nAerokits\nBlack door belt moulding\nBlack quarter window moulding\nThe range-topping G variant adds on the following exterior features:\nRear LED lights with sequential turn signals\nRain-sensing front windshield wipers\n17-inch wheels\nPiano black front grille\nChrome door belt moulding\nChrome quarter window moulding\nAs for the powertrain, the all-new Vios now prioritises fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. It is still powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. The powertrain for both the E and G variants are the same. The powertrain and further technical details of the all-new Vios are as such:\nEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated\nMax. Power: \n106 hp\n @ 6,000 rpm\nMax. Torque: \n138 Nm\n @ 4,200 rpm\nTop Speed: 180 km/h\nTransmission: CVT with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic\nFront Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes\nRear brakes: Solid disc brakes (G variant), drum brakes (E variant)\nFront suspension: McPherson strut\nRear suspension: Torsion beam\nGet into the inside of the all-new Toyota Vios, and you are welcomed by a much more modernized cabin that may seem a little familiar. One of the big changes to the cabin is the now tilt & telescopic adjustable steering wheel for the range-topping G variant.\nStandard interior features available in the Toyota Vios E include:\nBlack & dark brown interior\nUrethane steering wheel\nTilt-only steering wheel adjustment\n4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster\nManual air conditioning controls\nFront and rear AC vents\nSmart entry & push start system\nWireless phone charger\nIlluminated scuff plate\nFront foot illumination\nManual handbrake\nPigmentation-type door armrest\n9-inch head unit with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n4 speakers\n3 USB charging ports\nUrethane gear lever\nFabric seats\nUp a tier, the G variant adds on:\nLeather steering wheel\nTilt & Telescopic steering adjustment\nPaddle shifters\n7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster\n64-colour ambient lighting\nAuto climate control\nSoft pad door arm rest\nElectronic parking brake (EPB) with auto hold function\n6 speakers\nLeather seats\nLeather gear shift lever\nAs for safety, the standard Vios E comes equipped with:\nPre-collision System (PCS)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nLane Departure Prevention (LDP)\nFront Departure Alert (FDA)\nPedal Misoperation Control (PMC)\n3D panoramic view monitor\nBlind spot monitor (BSM)\nRear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)\nFront Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone connectivity\nBrake Assist (BA)\nHil Start Assist (HAS)\n2 front and 4 rear parking sensors\nThe G variant introduces additional safety features on top of what the E variant offers, such as:\nLane Keeping Control (LKC)\nAuto High Beam (AHB)\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nTo recap, the all-new Vios has been launched in Malaysia, with two variants available. The standard E variant costs \nRM89,600\n while the range-topping G variant costs \nRM95,500\n. The all-New Toyota Vios comes with a 5-year warranty and unlimited mileage. Owners will also enjoy 24SEVEN Road Assist and a free three-year subscription to the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System which monitors the car\u2019s location at all times.\nOne optional item that can be added to both the E and G variants is a rear digital video recorder. All variants of the Toyota Vios are also equipped with an RFID tag for highway toll usage.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios \u2013 No folding rear seats, no spare wheel \u2013 Here\u2019s why\nGALLERY"
"The Malaysian government has set a target for \nelectric vehicle (EV)\n ownership here on our shores \u2013 1.5 million EVs on our Malaysia roads by 2040.\nThis was announced by Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, adding that the new target is an increase compared to the target set by the Planning and Implementation Committee for Electric Supply and Tariff (JPPPET) previously, which was 90,000 EVs by 2040.\n\u201cAs we foresee that there will be pressure from developed countries to \u2018migrate\u2019 to electric vehicles, we need to be more prepared,\u201d said the minister in the \nDewan Rakyat\n today.\n\u201cOn that basis, this will be depicted in targets in relation to [the construction of] charging stations, built by for example, \nGentari Sdn. Bhd. (Gentari)\n, \nTenaga Nasional\n, and also private companies nationwide, in an effort to help towards electrification,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: \nGovernment working to reduce EV prices for the rakyat \u2013 Tengku Zafrul\nNik Nazmi was responding to asupplmentary question from Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad on the government\u2019s plans on ensuring the effectiveness of the Long Term Low Emissions Development Low Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), during the question and answer session today.\nAs set under the the 12th Malaysia Plan, the country aims to become a completely carbon-neutral nation by 2050. The LT-LEDS, alongside the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Roadmap and Action Plan, are part of the government\u2019s strategy to achieve that goal.\n\u201cOnce the LT-LEDS is completed, this will also help the government in enacting the Climate Change Act which we hope will be able to help the country achieve net-zero [carbon emissions] as early as 2050,\u201d Nik Nazmi added said.\nAccording to the minister, the NDC Roadmap and Action Plan, alongside the LT-LEDS, are both expected to be finalised in the fourth quarter of 2023.\n[Source: \nBernama\n]"
"Mitsubishi Motors has revealed something a little more than just the \nfacelifted Outlander\n at the 2015 New York International Motor Show, because what\u2019s more interesting is that the seven-seater SUV (formally known as the Airtrek) is officially the first model of their current range to carry the carmaker\u2019s new \n\u201cDynamic Shield\u201d\n design language.\nThis new design pays most attention to the front end, with heavy use of chrome and appears stylistically bolder to give \nbetter road presence\n. Almost all design cues from the outgoing model is renewed here, and the Outlander doesn\u2019t look nearly half as ridiculous as the new\u00a0\nAlphard\n despite the excessive chrome touches.   Among new niceties added to the front include the restyled front fenders, halogen projector headlights with LED positioning lights, lower door sections, 18-inch alloy wheels, power folding side mirrors, rear fascia and LED tail lamps. On the higher specced GT trim, the Outlander gets full LED headlights.\nInside, Mitsubishi says the revised cabin includes a new steering wheel, seating surfaces, accent trim, rear folding seats, headliner and a brand new display audio system. Mitsubishi claims that these improvements are among\n 100\n \nnew engineering\n and \ndesign enhancements\n, and that the Outlander marks a new era for the brand in terms of style, refinement and overall driving experience.   In the region where it\u2019s launched, the Outlander\u2019s powertrain remains the same \u2013 a \n2.4-litre SOHC\n inline-four or a \n3.0-litre SOHC V6\n engine that make \n166 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n220 Nm\n of torque and \n224 hp\n and \n292 Nm\n of torque respectively. What\u2019s new here is the \nCVT gearbox\n, which is said improve acceleration, performance, shift feel and torque delivery.\nOther major refinements are done to the chassis in order to make the SUV dynamically better than the preceding model. As such, it gets a more rigid body and suspension, electric power steering, noise-isolating windshield and rear door glass, new front suspension setup and rear differential dampers. More emphasis is placed on comfort as well, so the Outlander comes with better sound insulation throughout the vehicle and improved weather strips and engine compartment trims.\nNow, with all that said, we wonder what the Lancer Evo 11 would look like bearing this Dynamic Shield design. Let\u2019s just hope that the folks at Mitsubishi are working on the 8-year old \nLancer\n\u2018s successor for all our sakes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Before you start wondering where you can buy them, sorry to burst your bubble but they\u2019re all sold out. When it was released in the US yesterday through \nPorsche Design\n and Puma\u2019s website, buyers only had 2.7 seconds to buy them!\nNot sure how that worked out but Porsche said it\u2019s\n inspired by the 0 to 100 km/h time of the new Porsche 911 Turbo\n; which was silly, to be honest. Nonetheless, Puma and Porsche enthusiasts clearly weren\u2019t fazed.\nThe 930 Turbo\nThe 993 Turbo\nAt USD 150 each, all 500 pairs from the Puma x Porsche collaboration, were sold out within hours. There\u2019s only a couple left on the \nPuma website\n but for good reason; you\u2019d need to chop half your feet off to fit into them.\nThe eight different designs in the Puma x Porsche collection were inspired by eight different generations of the Porsche 911 Turbo. There were also two different types of sneakers to represent the different eras of the 911s as well.\nThe 996 Turbo\nThe new 992 Turbo\nThe retro-looking \nFuture Rider\n represents the first four generations of air-cooled 911 Turbos which include the 930 3.0-litre and 3.3-litre, the 964 and 993. On the other hand, the more recent Turbo models from the 996, 997, 991, and 992 generations were featured through the motorsport-styled\n Speedcat\n design.\nGALLERY\n911 3.0\n911 3.3\n964\n993\n996\n997\n991\n992"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today unveiled the locally-assembled A-Class sedan as part of its \nCKD push for its compact models\n, which also includes the GLA crossover. As before, the \nMercedes-Benz A-Class sedan\n will be offered in two variants \u2013 A 200 Progressive Line and A 250 AMG Line, with specifications largely unchanged.\n \nHowever, thanks to its new locally-assembled status, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan has been given a noticeable price cut, now starting at \nRM210,902.57\n for the A 200 variant, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions.\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nEXTERIOR\nThe two variants are differentiated on the outside by their different exterior trim packages. The range-topping A 250 gets the AMG Line exterior package with a set of 18-inch AMG Line alloys, while the A 200 gets a more subdued Progressive Line exterior kit, along with the 18-inch 5 twin spoke alloy wheels.\nExterior kit is pretty much unchanged from the CBU models, with the only changes being the switch to regular rubbers (with tyre repair kit) from run-flats on the A 200 as part of the CKD treatment. The A 250\u2019s cross-drilled front brake discs have also been switched to regular ventilated items.\nColour choices for the CKD Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan include:\nPolar White\nCosmos Black\nMountain Grey\nIridium Silver\nDenim Blue\nPERFORMANCE\nThe powertrain underneath the bonnet on the CKD models are unchanged from the previously-introduced CBU Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedans.\nModel\nA 200 Progressive Line\nA 250 AMG Line\nEngine\n1,332 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol\n1,991 cc, turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission\n7G-DCT dual clutch transmission\n 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission\nDriveline\nFront-engine, front wheel drive\n Front-engine, front wheel drive\nMax hp\n163 hp at 5,500 rpm\n224 hp at 5,500 rpm\nMax torque\n250 Nm at 1620 \u2013 4000 rpm\n350 Nm at 1800 \u2013 4000 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n8.1 seconds\n6.3 seconds\nTop speed\n230 km/h\n250 km/h\nBoth variants of the CKD Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedans are equipped with a set of lowered comfort suspension, alongside a Direct-Steer system.\nA 250 AMG Line interior\nINTERIOR\nThe two variants\u2019 trim level appointments continue onto the cabin, with the A 200 getting a more subdued look, while the A 250 gets the sportier AMG Line treatment. Standard equipment for the two variants include:\nMercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive Line\nCarbon fibre-look trim\nLeather multifunction sports steering wheel\nLuxury powered front seats with four-way lumbar support and memory function\n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\n10.25-inch MBUX infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nAutomatic climate control\nMercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line (adds)\nLight linear-grain aluminium trim\nMultifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather\nSuede/leather upholstery\nFront powered sports seats with four-way lumbar support and memory function\nIlluminated door sill panels with \u201cMercedes-Benz\u201d lettering\nAmbient lighting\nA 250 AMG Line\nSAFETY\nBoth variants are equipped with the standard autonomous emergency braking system, alongside Active Brake Assist, Pre-Safe pre-collision system, reverse camera with parking assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.\nThe range-topping A 250 AMG Line adds on the Blind Spot Assist system, alongside an Exit Warning Assist.\nA 250 AMG Line\nPRICING\nThe CKD Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan now enjoy a lower price, thanks to their new locally-assembled status. With the soon-to-be-expired SST exemptions, the A 200 Progressive Line is now priced at \nRM210,903\n, while the A 250 AMG Line is priced at \nRM239,858\n on the road, without insurance \u2013 a reduction of RM11,000 and RM19,000 respectively.\nWith the 5% sales tax applied, the two variants are priced at \nRM219,888\n and \nRM249,888\n respectively, which is RM10,000 and RM18,000 cheaper than the outgoing CBU cars. As usual, each purchase also includes a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive Line\nMercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line"
"Prior to moving into the brand\u2019s Gaydon home in 2007, Aston Martin Works was nestled in\u00a0Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, where the historic home of famed British sports carmaker produced some 13,000 hand-built raw machineries before moving to their current base in Warwickshire.\nThe month of September also marks the time when new registration plates in the UK are out. In this case, the \u201c\n65\n\u201d series\n license plates\n are being rolled out, sending sales number spiking through the roof. Coincidentally, it\u2019s the same time where one of the first few units of the \nlimited-run\n Vantage GT12 hits the\n\u00a0Aston Martin Works\n\u00a0showroom, where one very lucky UK customer will take delivery.\nThe Aston in question here is based on the Vantage V12. In keeping with the brand\u2019s exclusivity, only 100 prime examples will see the light of day, and none\u00a0will be\u00a0headed to \nNorth America\n. The GT12 draws\u00a0\n592 hp\n from its \n6.0-litre V12\n engine lent from the road-going\u00a0\n V12 Vantage S\n model.\nNotably restyled to the \nGT3 flavour\n, this motorsport-inspired road car is \nlower\n and \nwider\n than any of its \nVantage\n siblings and boasts an extensive use of \ncarbon fibre\n inside, as well as a track-focused \naerodynamic pack\n\u00a0that comes with a prominent\n rear\n \nwing\n and pronounced front \nsplitter\n. They all work in tandem to give the car more downforce, so it\u2019s more than just aesthetics.\nLightness is a crucial part of the GT12. Tipping the scales at just over \n1,565 kg\n, it utilises materials such as \nmagnesium\n for the\n intake manifolds\n;\u00a0\naluminium and\n\u00a0\ncarbon\n composites for the \nprop shafts\n and\n\u00a0body \nwhereas\u00a0\ntitanium\n\u00a0is used for the \nexhaust system\n. The exhausts here\u00a0\nreduce back pressure\n, allowing for\n\u00a0advanced ignition timing\n. The uprated\n suspension\n comes from an altered \nsuspension geometry\n and \nspring rates\n, along with a \nrecalibrated\n \nelectronic control\n for the \nadaptive dampers\n.\nInspired by Aston Martin Racing\u2019s squadron and its successful campaigns, this new GT3-derived Vantage was designed and engineered at Aston\u2019s HQ at Gaydon\u00a0to be the most overt expression of everything that defines the Vantage lineup \u2013 a sports model offering \nsupreme drivability\n on the road, and \nuncompromising track\u00a0performance\n.\nOriginally, the project was deemed the \nVantage GT3\n, but that would\u2019ve clashed with Porsche\u2019s use of the GT3 moniker. Hence, the GT12 was born with a price tag of\n\u00a0\u00a3250,000\n or \nRM1.6 million\n. That being said, it is still a \u2018\nbudget\n\u2018 alternative as compared to the offerings from \nMcLaren\n and \nFerrari\n. And just like Aston\u2019s other track-muncher, the \nVulcan\n, they are both sold out.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that its network of authorised Toyota and Lexus sales and service outlets located in areas observing the \nConditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)\n will be open for business starting from today.\nHowever, the company advises its customers to call their preferred outlets in advance to enquire on the operational hours, and to secure a prior appointment, as the opening of each outlet will be based on the approval and regulations by the respective local State Governments.\nThe company had \npreviously acquired approval\n from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to resume operations during phase three of the MCO. The standard operating procedure (SOP) for daily operations issued by MITI, which includes measures such as social distancing, sanitisation of premises, and contactless payment methods, will be strictly enforced at all authorised Toyota and Lexus outlets.\nUMWT President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cWe will follow the SOP strictly at all our Sales and Service Outlets for our customers\u2019 peace of mind as well as to also protect our staff. It is hoped that our customers will understand the requirements which are necessary in the public interest and safety.\u201d\nAs\n announced previously\n, all vehicles purchased from UMWT and its authorised dealers, with warranties valid and expiring during the MCO, will be automatically given a \n30-day extension\n, calculated from the last day of the MCO \u2013 currently scheduled for the 12th of May.\nFor further enquiries, customers can contact Toyota and Lexus general enquiries hotlines at \n1800-8-TOYOTA (869682)\n and\n \n1-800-88-LEXUS (53987)\n respectively, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5.30 pm. For emergency assistance, customers can contact Toyota 24Seven Road Assist at \n1800-888-247\n."
"The Perodua Alza \nmade its debut here in Malaysia yesterday\n, to much fanfare on the internet. Not to be outdone, though, UMW Toyota Motor has released a number of photos for its upcoming Veloz (sister car to the Alza and \nAvanza\n), showcasing some of its more \u201cpremium-grade\u201d equipment in an attempt to steal a bit of the thunder.\nTo be fair, the Toyota Veloz will not be competing directly against the Perodua Alza, as it\u2019s estimated to be priced around RM95,000 for the sole variant here in Malaysia, while the latter tops out at RM75,500. But still, it\u2019s a massive power move to release the images on the same day, and we\u2019re here for it.\nFirstly, you definitely won\u2019t be mistaking the Veloz for the Alza from the outside, as the Toyota MPV will get a two-tone paint job, thanks to the blacked-out roof, pillars, and wing mirrors. There\u2019s also a set of roof rails on the Veloz, a feature which the Alza lacks.\nThe Toyota Veloz also gets a unique front end that\u2019s arguably more high-end looking, thanks to its slightly more angular headlights conjoined by a slim chrome strip, large hexagonal grille, and additional chrome detailing on the bumper\u2019s fog light housings.\nRound the back, the Toyota Veloz also differentiates itself with the full-width light bar design taillights, and the skid plate-like elements on the bumper to give it a more SUV-like appearance. And to round things off, the Veloz also gets a larger set of 17-inch alloys, to better fill in the (slightly different-looking) wheel arches of the MPV.\nRELATED: All-new 2022 Perodua Alza launched in Malaysia \u2013 from RM62,500\nThe two models are a lot more similar on the inside, as they both build upon the same horizontal dashboard architecture with a two-tone design. There are still some discernable differences between the two, however, with the obvious ones being the less angular central air vents, silver trim details, as well as the white inserts on the dashboard and door cards, all to give it a more \u201cupmarket\u201d appearance.\nThe nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display also seems to be a completely different unit (with wired Apple CarPlay support), sporting a wider aspect ratio than the one on the Alza. Further down, the air conditioning controls are also different, with a wider twin-knob design to better fill in the space on the plastic panel.\nMore notably, there\u2019s also an additional wireless charging pad for your mobile phones, located behind the electronic parking brake lever on the centre console of the Toyota Veloz. The seven-inch digital instrument cluster seem to be identical to the Alza\u2019s, however.\nDespite the differences in equipment, the powertrain underneath the bonnet will most likely be the same, or at least very similar between the two. We\u2019re expecting to see the same 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four here, with drive sent to the front wheels via a D-CVT (or automatic?) gearbox.\nNo exact performance figures have been released yet, but the same mill in the Alza makes \n105 hp\n and \n138 Nm\n of torque. At least, we probably won\u2019t have to wait too much longer to find out, as UMW Toyota has already begun order taking for the 2022 Veloz."
"After their recent acquisition of Lotus Cars and \n49.9 percent stake in Proton Holdings\n, Geely Automobile Holdings (Geely) was reported to show interest in Mercedes-Benz\u2019s parent company, Daimler.\nChina Central Television first reported that Geely is keen in acquiring a three to five percent stake in Daimler, which is valued at around \u20ac4 billion (RM19 billion). If the deal is secured, this would make Geely the third-largest shareholder, overtaking the Renault-Nissan Alliance (3.1 percent).\nIn the past, Geely has successfully acquired major brands such as Volvo Cars, \nLondon EV Company\n (formally known as London Taxi Company), \nLotus Cars\n and \nTerrafugia\n. It was speculated that Geely is keen on tapping into Daimler\u2019s electrification technology in view of the Chinese Government\u2019s push for electrified vehicles.\nIt was reported that last month, Daimler rejected a bid by Geely to buy a five percent stake in the company at a discounted rate. Sources said that Daimler told Geely that they are welcome to purchase shares in the open market.\nA spokesman for Daimler said the company was \u201cvery happy with our shareholder structure at present,\u201d but added that it would welcome new investors with a long-term interest in the company."
"You\u2019re looking at the facelifted \nPeugeot 208\n, set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. Yes the update is very mild to say the least, but the 208 has always been a good looking car in the first place.\nWhat\u2019s new, you ask? Well, the \nfront bumper\n is new, with a \nwider grille\n and foglamp surround, and the back gets a new pair of \nLED taillamps\n. There are now 13 colours to choose from, and it includes the zesty \nOrange POWER metallic\n as featured on this page.   The interior is retained, but the \n7-inch toucscreen\n unit is now equipped with the \nMirrorScreen function\n that supports Mirrorlink and Carplay. The screen also displays the live feed from the new optional \nreverse camera\n.   Other optional equipment include the \nPark Assist\n and the new \nActive City Brake technology\n that brakes the car from speeds up to 30 km/h.   A new \nGT Line\n trim is introduced on the facelifted 208, and it adds a gloss black \u201cEQUALIZER\u201d grille with red 3D marking, black side mirror caps, chrome window surrounds and tailpipe, a set of 17-inch CAESIUM diamante alloys, and red highlights for the interior\u00a0\n\u00e0 la\n\u00a0GTi.   Missed out on the limited-run 208 GTi 30th? Well on the facelift 208 it\u2019s back but it\u2019s called the \n208 GTi by PEUGEOT Sport\n. Ridiculous name aside, it inherits the goodies from the 208 GTi 30th such as the uprated steering and suspension settings, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, Brembo front brakes, Torsen limited slip differential, and even the \u201cstraight cut\u201d black and red paintwork.\nUnder the bonnet there\u2019s a new \n1.6 litre BlueHDi\n diesel with three different power output: \n75 hp\n, \n100 hp\n, and \n120 hp\n. The BlueHDi 75 and BlueHDi 100 pair comes with a \n5-speed manual\n transmission while the 1.6 litre BlueHDi 120 gets a \n6-speed manual\n transmission.\nPetrol options include a \n1.0-litre PureTech\n with \n68 hp\n, a \n1.2-litre PureTech\n with \n82 hp\n or \n110 hp\n, and a \n1.6-litre THP\n with either \n165 hp\n or \n208 hp\n for the GTi.\nThe PureTech units use a \n5-speed manual\n, but the 1.2-litre PureTech 110 gets an option for a\n 6-speed automatic\n transmission. Yup, no more 4-speed automatic this time. Meanwhile a 6-speed manual is used for both the 1.6 litre THP 165 and the 1.6 litre THP 208.\nDon\u2019t count your hopes too high for the facelifted 208 to arrive in Malaysia any time soon, because even in Europe the sales will commence only in mid-June this year. There is though, the recently introduced \n208S\n if you can\u2019t wait that long. Meanwhile, enjoy the image gallery below!\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There was a time where the Toyota RAV4 was all the rage on our roads but somehow interests just fizzled out from the fourth-generation RAV4 onwards \u2013 with the SUV fanfare at the height of its craze, it\u2019s hard to imagine the RAV4 not being well received locally, if ever.\nToyota has recently made waves at the New York International Auto Show with the debut of the fifth-generation RAV4. Riding on the new TNGA platform, the car sits lower and wider, with a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks for better stability.\u00a0\nFor off-road needs, the RAV4\u2019s shorter front and rear overhangs can help overcome rugged terrain. Ground clearance has also been increased by more than half an inch, yet RAV4 is able to achieve improved aerodynamics.\nBuilt by a group of \u201ctakumi\u201d \u2013 highly trained master craftsmen \u2013 to deliver a car that acts and reacts as the driver intends, the new RAV4 comes with two different powertrains; a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force VVT-iE engine mated to an 8-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine with Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) paired to an electronically-controlled CVT gearbox.\nAlso implemented is the Toyota-first, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect. The system can send 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, plus distribute it to the left or right rear wheel for improved handling. A multi-link rear suspension also further enhances road-holding capabilities.\nThe system can also divert power to the front wheels only when AWD is not required while cruising on highways, for better fuel economy. Paired with the new All-Wheel Drive with Intelligence (AWD-i), the RAV4 Hybrid can increase the total torque to the rear wheels\u2014which is electronically driven\u2014by 30 percent compared to the current generation AWD-i system with Multi-Terrain Select.   Standard features include a front-row moonroof, 8-way power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat with memory and 2-way lumbar support. Tech-wise, RAV4 Limited comes standard with a newly-designed 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID), a 7-inch touchscreen display and a Digital Display Rearview Mirror. Optional equipment includes ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, hands-free automatic tailgate and a panoramic moonroof.\nThe second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 is also implemented in the RAV4. The system brings with it Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, the new Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist.\nEight airbags come as standard, together with the available safeguards like Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Bird\u2019s Eye View Camera.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia is now offering a new optional accessory for the \nHonda HR-V\n and\n BR-V\n, in the form of a 360-degree surround view monitor. The Advanced 360 HD Camera accessory will cost \nRM3,300\n, and is available either as an optional accessory on brand-new cars, or retrofitted onto existing models.\nThe new 360-degree surround view monitor is compatible for the \nHonda HR-V facelift (2019 onwards)\n, as well as the \n2020 Honda BR-V\n \u2013 the latter only available on the range-topping V variant, as it\u2019s the only variant in the line-up with a touchscreen infotainment display.\nClick to enlarge\nBeing a genuine Honda accessory, the 360-degree surround view monitor comes with a pre-fitted casing for either models to ensure a seamless installation. As usual, the surround view monitor comes with four cameras \u2013 on the front grille, left and right wing mirrors, and rear bootlid \u2013 to provide a birds-eye view image on the infotainment display by stitching the images together.\nThe Honda-HR-V was last \nupdated earlier this year\n, featuring a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Prices for the new Honda HR-V starts at RM104,000 for the entry-level 1.8E variant, moving up to RM118,582 for the range-topping 1.8 RS.\nAs for the BR-V, the 2020 model was updated with several minor aesthetic tweaks, and a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the range-topping variant \u2013 the latter is what allows for this new add-on accessory. Prices start at RM89,900 for the 1.5E,\u00a0and RM96,900 for the\u00a01.5V variant.\nAll prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n, which will be applicable until the 30th of June 2021."
"Following its global premiere in London early this year along with a European tour, the Fast & Furious Live show will begin touring the UK \u2013 featuring precision performance driving and newly created physics-defying stunts.\nAside from the iconic wheels of the F&F franchise, audience will also be treated to a one-of-a-kind Mitsubishi L200 (Triton for us) that\u2019s been so radically modified \u2013 inside and out \u2013 it\u2019s worthy of some airtime on the next Mad Max sequel.\nWhile it may share the same black and orange colour scheme as the\u00a0\nBarbarian II Triton\n\u00a0(a sequel to the \nBarbarian SVP\n), the similarities end there. The Triton\u2019s stance had been widened by 15 x 15J wheels, with extended suspension travel and an external roll cage that wraps around the front bumper and wheel arches.\nStaying true to the Fast & Furious theme, the bespoke Triton packs as much punch under the hood as it does on the outside. It\u2019s 2.4-litre engine\u2019s force induction system gets treated to a larger hybrid Garrett turbocharger and a custom manifold linked to its side-exit exhaust.\nThe charged air generated from the upgraded turbocharger then gets cooled by a larger, front-mounted intercooler. An ECU remap provides the final touch to ensure optimum engine combustion from the increased air flow from upgraded air intakes and filters.\nInside, it\u2019s been fully stripped out with a pair of Corbeau carbon fibre bucket seats and four-point Luke race harnesses being the noticeable occupants.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the ever increasing concern about preserving the environment, car makers have responded by making a huge effort to reduce the emission coming out of their vehicles. Now consumers are offered with the choice of downsized petrol engines with force induction, cleaner diesel engines, and hybrid powerplants; but \nfull electric\n vehicles are still few and far between.\nNissan\n is one of the car makers that is striving to get electric cars available for the masses. Admittedly it\u2019s no small effort, but it has to start somewhere. Introduced in 2010, the \nLeaf\n was developed totally new from the ground up. Even though it is not their first electric car, it is indeed the first mass-market electric car to go on sale in recent years.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan Leaf\n \nSegment\nC-Segment hatchback\nMotor\nAC synchronous\nTransmission\nSingle speed gear reduction\nMax Power\n80 kW (107 hp)\nMax Torque\n254 Nm\nPrice\nRM 180,566.18\nEven though \nEdaran Tan Chong Motor\n (ETCM) officially launched the Leaf in Malaysia a couple of years back at the \n2013 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n (KLIMS13), the Leaf has been here since 2012. Back then, ETCM did a pilot program for public awareness, where a few groups of people were selected as the \u201c\nLeaf ambassadors\n\u201d and they get to experience the Leaf for six weeks.\nWhile the Leaf has been regarded as one of the world\u2019s best selling electric vehicles of all time, in Malaysia it\u2019s still quite elusive. The uncertainty with the electric powertrain might be one of the factors that deter Malaysians from purchasing, and not to mention the asking price for this fully-imported C-segment hatchback is comparable to a full-specced Asian D-segment sedan.\nTo find out what it\u2019s like to turn over a new leaf (\nahem\n) for a cleaner motoring, we get behind the wheel of the Nissan Leaf to experience the new age of electric mobility, and whether it is any different from the cars with internal combustion engine that we\u2019re so used to in our daily lives.\nBefore we begin, we need to explain the name \u201cLeaf\u201d. It\u2019s really not the green thing that sticks out from a tree. It stands for \u201c\nL\neading, \nE\nnvironmentally friendly, \nA\nffordable \nF\namily car\u201d.\nEXTERIOR\nTo get people to warm to the idea of electric cars as a viable option against the usual petrol or diesel powered cars, Nissan has opted for a fairly conservative \nfive-door hatchback\n format for the Leaf. The outcome turned out to be nicely executed if not awkwardly proportioned, striking that fine balance between familiarity and obscurity. Although personally I was hoping for a bit more pizzazz to make it stand out even more but the Leaf did catch\u00a0the attention of many due to its peculiar silhouette.\nAt the front end of the Leaf, the shape of the \nfinned headlamps\n bulge out quite literally from the body. According to Nissan, it was designed to slice the air towards the side mirrors thus reducing drag and wind noise from entering the cabin. \nLED\n is used only for the main beam, and weirdly Nissan has chosen the \nfoglamps\n to function as the \nDRLs\n instead of incorporating a stylised LED in the headlamp cluster.   In place of a normal grille on the nose is a covered panel marked with a blue-tinted Nissan logo. The panel also opens to reveal a couple of \ncharging ports\n for the battery. There\u2019s \nno radiator\n here, but the air intake in the front bumper is still needed for ventilation purposes and to cool the electrical equipment.\nThe side is quite bare save for the wavy shoulder line and chromed door handles, while a set of \n16-inch wheels\n reside under the wheel arches. The kinked tail leads to a voluptuous protruding rear bumper, while the slinky taillamps curve up to the D-pillars on to the integrated roof spoiler with a\n solar panel\n.   Despite the aerodynamic touches like the finned bonnet edges, flat floor, rear diffuser, and even the design of the funky antennae; the Leaf only achieved the \ndrag coefficient of 0.29\n which is not that great, taking into account the efforts given to make the design as slippery as possible.\nINTERIOR\nFrom the driver\u2019s seat your eyes will be drawn to the two-tiered digital instrument display and a floating piece of glossy black slab on the dashboard that houses a \n7-inch touchscreen\n display. Information such as the battery capacity, estimated driving range, and how much power you\u2019re using are grouped in the main display behind the multi-function steering wheel; while another display above it shows the speed and there\u2019s an \neco driving indicator\n that will grow digital trees based on your driving style.   The touchscreen display on the center panel gives you even more information. You can review your driving history, the battery information, and also set the timer for the battery charge, among others.   On the center tunnel is the \u201c\ndrive selector\n\u201d that replaces the normal gear selector. It might look radical at first sight but it\u2019s actually fairly uncomplicated to use. Parking brake has been moved down to the foot well, so you get a small recess behind the selector for your coins and whatnots. Bigger knick-knacks can be stored under the center armrest or inside the glovebox, and there\u2019s a total of \nsix cupholders\n to be found in the cabin.   There\u2019s plenty of headroom for all occupants but the legroom for rear passengers is rather limited as they can\u2019t slide their feet under the front seats due to the battery pack below that causes the floor to be slightly raised.\n Leather upholstery\n comes as standard for the seats and steering, and since it\u2019s an electric vehicle I was expecting them to have full electric adjustments as well, but unfortunately they don\u2019t. However, being an imported CBU model from Japan, they are fitted with heater function, which is pretty much pointless in the sweltering Malaysian weather.   The deep boot offers \n370 litres\n of cargo capacity, and you won\u2019t find a spare tyre inside the boot floor because it\u2019s mounted outside of the car, under the boot. Meanwhile you can always drop the rear seats backrests down to create more space, but you will end up with a stepped cargo area. Again, this is due to the positioning of the battery pack underneath.\nPERFORMANCE\nA \nsynchronous electric motor\n is mounted up front, driving the front wheels. It generates \n80 kW\n (which is equivalent to 107 hp) and \n254 Nm of torque\n from idle, and \n0 to 100 km/h\n is achieved in \n11.5 seconds\n while the \ntop speed\n is said to be \nmore than 140 km/h\n.\nPowering the electric motor is the \n24 kWh lithium ion battery\n that occupies the floor. With an \nestimated range of 195 km\n it will take around \nfour hours\n to get it \nfully charged\n using the \n6.6 kW charger\n. You can\u2019t charge the Leaf using the standard three-pin plug from your house, but thankfully a charging station is included with every purchase of the Leaf in Malaysia.\nApart from that, the battery gets its charge from the \nregenerative braking\n feature which recovers the kinetic energy from braking, and there\u2019s also an additional \nB-mode\n that intensifies the feature even more. What it means is you\u2019re delaying the battery\u2019s energy depletion because the battery gets its charge back during braking or coasting.\nIf you notice from the picture of the engine bay, the Leaf still uses a\n standard 12 volt battery\n to power the lights and entertainment system, but the tiny\n solar panel\n on the rear spoiler also helps to provide power to the auxiliaries.\nTHE DRIVE\nIt\u2019s hard not to think the Leaf as an appliance. To begin with, you don\u2019t press a starter button to crank the engine up into life but instead you thumb the power button to turn it on. You\u2019ll be greeted with a default jingle (you can choose from three preset tunes) that sounds like a startup screen from a game console, and after that you\u2019ll wonder whether the Leaf is switched on or not.\nGive a few prods on the accelerator pedal and all you hear is dead silence. Daniel mooted on the idea of an artificial engine sound for the driver, and we were curious about why Nissan didn\u2019t include this in the Leaf when they already have the \nR-Sound Effect\n in the \nRenault Clio RS\n.\nHowever, Nissan did develop a \nsynthesised sound\n akin to a wheezing robot for the pedestrians and cyclists alike to sense your presence. I find it too soft for people to notice it and Nissan could have produced a better sound than this. Take a listen to the \nFisker Karma\n on YouTube and you\u2019ll see (or hear) what I mean.\nNovelty gear selector aside, the Leaf operates like any other car. The steering does feel a bit numb and it doesn\u2019t appreciate being hustled into corners because the suspension has been tuned for none other than to provide a cosseting ride, and in return it does deliver Teana-levels of ride comfort. Couple that with the silence and you get a serene yet comfortable compact \nwaftmobile\n.\nBeing an electric car, torque is available instantly from standstill. In normal mode the acceleration is err, electrifying, and it feels much quicker than the suggested on-paper figures, making it a boon for overtaking maneuvers or to quickly zip in and out of traffic. This thing is capable to leave most people (especially motorcyclists) in shock by the wake of silence it has left upon its trail.\nNeedless to say if you do that constantly you\u2019ll drain the battery much sooner than you think, but thoughtfully Nissan provided the Leaf with an \nEco Mode\n. You\u2019ll immediately feel a slight resistance to the throttle pedal to discourage you from provoking the Golf GTI next to you for an impromptu traffic lights drag race.\nLike the Teana, highway driving is a very relaxed affair, especially when \ncruise control\n is included in this hatch. There\u2019s barely any noise inside the cabin, but that in return can be a source of annoyance because your hearing attention will be drawn to the petty things such as the sound of the rattling paraphernalia you\u2019ve stored in the glovebox or even the sound of the passenger breathing next to you. Anyhow, you can always cure the vexation by listening to some tunes from the audio system.\nWhen in Drive, slotting the toggle to D again gives you the \nB-Mode\n which turns up the regenerative braking effect even more. It should give you an \nextended range\n as it recoups back the wasted energy from braking, but it may require you to re-adjust your driving style a bit. This is because the Leaf will slow itself down as soon as you ease off the accelerator pedal. Once you\u2019re accustomed to it, it is possible to drive around in the Leaf using just the throttle pedal alone while you only step on the brake pedal whenever you want to come to a complete halt.\nFinding a parking spot shouldn\u2019t be a problem in a very few shopping malls such as \nSuria KLCC\n and\n Bangsar Shopping Center\n as they provide one (yes, one) dedicated \nparking bay with a charging station\n. No fee is charged for the electrical charge, but you still need to pay for the parking fee of course. While the odds of bumping into another electric car maybe pretty low at this time of writing, you may still need to pray that the parking bay is not occupied by another Nissan Leaf, or any other electric car for that matter.\nParking the Leaf is another story, with the long front overhang and the absence of parking sensors it can be quite a hassle initially; although it has a\n reverse camera\n to assist you with reverse parking. Once parked and plugged, be prepared to get curious glances from the public and queries about the car\u2019s electrical thingamajig.\nSome might view this as the Achilles\u2019 heel for the Leaf. When fully charged, the indicator shows a travel range of around \n135 km\n but you have to bear in mind that\u2019s just a suggestive number from the computer. Depending on your driving style and how frequent you turn on the aircond, realistically you\u2019re looking at a 90 km range, just to be on the safe side.\nAnd yet, personally I reckon 90 km should be enough for the typical daily urban commuters, even if you\u2019re the type who always head out for the post-work \nmamak\n sessions with your \nkakis\n. At the end of the day you just need to plug in the car overnight and the battery will be fully charged for the next day.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re committed to reduce your carbon footprint then the Leaf is definitely for you. With virtually \nno tailpipe\n to release harmful gasses to the environment, you can finally embrace the \nguilt-free driving\n that you\u2019ve always wanted, unlike your neighbour that drives the Prius. It might take awhile to deal with range anxiety, but if you have your routes properly planned this car makes a pretty good case to express your green credentials to the public.\nFor the rest of us, the Leaf makes a good secondary car, the one that\u2019s used for short trips to work or to the shops because obviously you still need another non-electric car for the longer outstation journeys.\nCOMPARISONS\nNissan Leaf is not the only electric car you can find on Malaysian roads. \nRenault Twizy\n can be rented for tours in Putrajaya while the \nRenault Zoe\n is available for anyone to drive under the Comos EV car sharing program.\nAt the time of writing, you won\u2019t be able to buy the either of the french vehicles from the Renault showrooms because they\u2019re not for sale to the public, but \nMitsubishi\n should be able to source you the \ni-MiEV\n if you want a more compact electric car than the Leaf. Even though the i-MiEV is less powerful, it is smaller and lighter than the Leaf so you shouldn\u2019t be concerned about the car\u2019s performance. The maximum range of 150 km is not so shabby either, but we think the best part of the i-MiEV is that it looks super \nkawaii\n inside and outside.\nNissan Leaf\n \nMitsubishi i-MiEV\n \nENGINE\nType\nAC synchronous motor\nAC synchronous motor\nDisplacement\ncc\nN/A\nN/A\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n107/N/A\n66/4,000-8,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n254/0\n196/0-3,000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\nSingle speed gear reduction\nFixed gear ratio Automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType (Front / Rear)\nMacPherson struts / Torsion beam\nMacPherson struts / 3-link de Dion\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nVentilated disc\nDrum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n205/55 R16\n145/65 R15 (Front) 175/55 R15 (Rear)\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,445\n3,475\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,770\n1,475\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,550\n1,610\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,700\n2,550\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,493\n1,085\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n370\nN/A\nFUEL\nBattery\n24 kWh lithium ion\n16 kWh lithium ion\nMaximum Range\n195 km\n150 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\nAbove 140\n130\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n11.5\nN/A\nPRICE\nRM\n180,566.18\nOn application\n \nWILL I BUY IT?\nBeing an early adopter comes at a price. Currently it\u2019s still an expensive buy, but technology is ever improving and eventually the batteries will be smaller and more powerful to allow for long distance travel. Driving the Leaf is like eating a bowl of salad, it\u2019s refreshingly good and guilt-free, but it will still \nleaf\n you craving for something more filling.\nTaking the Leaf as a preview to more electric cars to come, I think it\u2019s heading to the right path, and it\u2019s a matter of time for those apparent deficiencies to be ironed out. In the mean time, I\u2019ll just stick to cars with internal combustion engine.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ford has now officially launched their all-new \nEcoSport\n compact SUV at the Symphony Lake Suite KLCC. The EcoSport was already available for test drive since their pre-launch activities a couple of weeks back, but now we get to know the finalized specifications and price.\nAs previously mooted, the EcoSport is powered by a \npetrol 1.5-litre engine\n and comes in \ntwo variants\n, \nTrend\n and \nTitanium\n with RM 11,000 difference in price separating them apart.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord EcoSport\n \nSegment\nB-Segment SUV\nEngine\n1,498cc 4-cylinder Ti-VCT\nTransmission\n6-speed PowerShift\u00a0dual-clutch gearbox\nMax Power\n108 hp @ 6,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n142 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice\nRM 92,888.00 (Trend) RM 103,888.00 (Titanium)\n \n\u00a0\nThe EcoSport is creating a new segment in Malaysia, there are no other manufacturers currently offering a \nB-segment SUV\n in their lineup. As we all know the B-segment now is dominated by the usual Japanese sedans and a few hatchbacks so it\u2019s refreshing to see a new niche been introduced here.\nEXTERIOR\n The exterior of the EcoSport looks like a proper SUV, complete with a tailgate-mounted spare tyre but the EcoSport is actually a \nfront wheel drive\n vehicle. Even though the EcoSport is based on the Fiesta, the dimensions have grown in every direction.   The \nwheelbase\n has been stretched to \n2,519 mm\n which is 32 mm longer than the Fiesta\u2019s and the total\n length\n is now\n 4,273 mm\n including the spare tyre. The raised ride height with\n 200 mm ground clearance\n contributes to the loftiness of the EcoSport which now stands at\n 1,675 mm tall\n, and it is also wider than the Fiesta, at \n1,765 mm wide\n. It\u2019s reassuring to know that the EcoSport has a \nwater wading\n capability for up to \n550 mm\n, so driving through large pools of water shouldn\u2019t be a problem for this compact SUV.\nTo differentiate between the Trend and Titanium variants from the outside, on the more expensive Titanium the roof rails are finished in silver, and the grille and foglamps surround are trimmed in chrome; but on the Trend the roof rails are in black while the grille is finished in silver. The side mirrors have integrated turn indicators as well as puddle lights on both variants. Both are fitted with \n16-inch\n wheels wrapped in high-profile\n 205/60 R16\n tyres but each variant has its own unique design.\nINTERIOR\n Most of the switchgear in the EcoSport are derived from the Fiesta. The familiar steering wheel comes with controls for the audio system and leather-wrapped in the Titanium. There are no shift paddles behind the steering wheel but there is a rocker switch on the gearknob to shift up or down the gears.   The dashboard layout mirrors the Fiesta but the aircond vents are noticeably larger in the EcoSport. A Dot Matrix screen is still used to display the infotainment system which supports \nBluetooth connectivity\n and\n voice command\n with \nFord\u2019s SYNC\n interface.\nTitanium will get \nkeyless entry\n with \npush start button\n, \nElectronic Automatic Temperature Control\n (EATC), auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seats, adjustable lumbar support for the driver\u2019s seat, driver\u2019s seat armrest, and an extra 12V power outlet at the rear.\nThere\u2019s ample space for all occupants in the EcoSport and storage spaces are plenty around the cabin. The \n362 litre boot\n is accessed by a side mounted tailgate door instead of a upwards-opening hatch and the \n60/40 splitting rear seats\n can be folded down to increase the load to 705 litres. A \npowered sunroof\n is included too if you opt for the Titanium spec.\nPERFORMANCE\n Only the \n1.5-litre Ti-VCT 4-cylinder\n engine is offered in the Malaysian-spec, Thai-made EcoSport. It produces \n108 hp\n at 6,300 rpm and \n142 Nm\n of torque at 4,400 rpm. \nFuel economy\n is rated at \n6.5 l/100 km\n.\nA \n6-speed PowerShift\n dual-clutch gearbox sends the power to the front wheels enabling the EcoSport to travel from \n0-100 km/h\n in \n13.4 seconds\n while the \ntop speed\n is\n 175 km/h\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\n The EcoSport is equipped with Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Passive Anti Theft Alarm System (EPATS) with Immobilizer, and ISOFIX mounts as standard.\nAdditional safety equipment fitted to the Titanium spec apart from the dual front airbags that is already available in the Trend spec, there\u2019s also side and curtain airbags, and driver\u2019s knee airbag that brings the total airbag count to seven.\nBuyers can choose from Midnight Sky or Frozen White for both variants, while Candy Red is exclusive to the Trend variant, Mars Red and Winning Blue is offered only on the Titanium variant. The \nEcoSport\n \nTrend\n is priced at \nRM 92,888\n and the \nEcoSport Titanium\n is priced at\n RM 103,888\n. The EcoSport comes with \nFord\u2019s Extended Service Plan\n (ESP) that provides three-year or 60,000 km \nfree maintenance\n and free replacement for selected wear-and tear items.\n[divider]\nPHOTO GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just introduced the facelifted \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n. Spotting a refreshed look and a more high-tech cabin, here are Things You to Know about the Golf GTI facelift:\nPriced at RM239,990, the Golf GTI is powered by 2.0-litre direct injection engine now pushing \n227 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. Propulsion is deployed on the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch (wet clutch) transmission, good for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of \n6.4 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n248 km/h\n.\nLike all new Volkswagen models registered from 1 January 2018 onwards, every purchase of the Volkswagen Golf GTI comes with a \n3-Years/45,000 km free service package\n as well as 5-Years Warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While imitation is said to be the greatest form of flattery, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) was not happy when a Chinese carmaker introduced the \nLandwind X7\n which is essentially a copy of JLR\u2019s successful \nRange Rover Evoque\n.\nSince the Landwind X7\u2019s\ndebut at the 2015 Guangzhou Motor Show, JLR has filed a case against the Chinese\nfirm for its doppelganger which was priced between RMB100k (RM64k) to RMB129k (RM83k),\nsignificantly undercutting the Evoque\u2019s RMB350k+ (RM212k) sticker price in China.\nFacelifted Landwind X7\nAccording to \nAutoCar UK\n, Beijing Chaoyang District Court ruled that the Landwind X7 (had to specify Landwind repeatedly to not be confused with the BMW X7) copied five unique features of the Evoque and the similarities between the two vehicles has confused consumers.\nThe court also ruled\nthat all manufacturing, sales and marketing activities of the Landwind X7 must\nstop immediately and also demanded that Landwind to compensate JLR.\nPre-facelift Landwind X7\nKeith Benjamin, Jaguar\nLand Rover\u2019s global head of legal, said: \u201cWe welcome this decision of the\nBeijing Court, which further strengthens our confidence in investing in China\nand in the fairness of intellectual property adjudication in the Chinese\ncourts. This ruling is a clear sign of the law being implemented appropriately\nto protect consumers and uphold their rights so that they are not confused or\nmisled, whilst protecting business investment in design and innovation.\u201d\nJLR described the court ruling as a \u201cfirst in the global car industry\u201d. Now, will Porsche take legal action against the \u201c\nPorsche Macan Hybrid\n\u201d in China?"
"We all know \nVolvo\n as the \u201csafety\u201d brand \u2013 from the \ninvention of the three-point seatbelt\n, to more recently \nimposing a 180 km/h speed limit\n on all of their cars. But did you know that back home at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Gothenburg, the company is crash testing on average one car every day?\nThe Volvo Cars Safety Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, which means, by our conservative calculations, Volvo has crashed more than 7,000 vehicles at the centre itself. It was one of the most advanced crash labs in the world when it launched in 2000, and still is today, according to Volvo.\n \nThe safety centre is a multi-functional facility that allows their safety engineers to recreate countless traffic situations and accidents, and perform tests that go beyond regulatory requirements, Volvo says. It is home to two test tracks, measuring 108 m and 154 m long respectively.\nThe shorter 108-metre test track is moveable and can be positioned at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees, allowing for crash test at different angles and speeds, or to simulate a crash between two moving cars. Cars tested on this test track can be crashed at speeds of up to 120 km/h.\nOutside the test centre is where Volvo performs tests such as roll-over crashes and run-off road scenarios, where cars are \u201claunched into a ditch at high speeds\u201d. This is also where Volvo recently \ndropped cars repeatedly from a height of 30 metres\n in order to let first responders hone their life-saving skills in extracting passengers out of cars in extreme crash scenarios.\nVolvo uses a variety of barriers in order to simulate all sorts of scenarios. These include a massive 850-tonne barrier used for testing various frontal, rear, and side impacts, as well as about two dozen fixed and movable barriers such as a moose-like structure to simulate crashes involving these animals.\nDuring the crash tests, these barriers, along with all of the test dummies on board, are fitted with sensors to allow the Volvo engineers to record and log the entire chain of events in detail. \u201cDozens\u201d of ultra-high definition cameras also film the crash test from \u201cevery angle imaginable\u201d, making sure the engineers catch every single detail during the crash.\nDespite all of these advanced crash test equipment, Volvo says that all of these cars have already gone through thousands of computer simulated crash tests, including the ones we\u2019ve seen with the \n\u201cUltimate Driving Simulator\u201d\n.\n\u201cBeing committed to safety is not about passing a test or getting a safety rating. Our commitment to safety is about finding out how and why accidents and injuries occur and then developing the technology to help prevent them,\u201d said Volvo Cars senior safety advisor Thomas Broberg.\n\u201cNo matter what the scenario, we can recreate it here at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre and analyse it in detail. For me, it is very inspiring to realise that for every hour of testing and analysis we put in, we get closer and closer to our ambition that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.\u201d"
"The \nNissan Kicks\n has been making waves in Latin America and the Middle East. Now, China is the latest country to receive Nissan\u2019s latest subcompact crossover, one with an asking price of 99,800 RMB (approximately RM63.2k).\nBased on the Almera\u2019s V-Platform,\u00a0the Kicks measures 4,295 mm long,\u00a01,760 mm wide,\u00a01,590 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. The front gets the familiar Nissan signature V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped headlights and tail lights. The \u2018floating\u2019 roof gets finished in a contrasting colour, creating a two-toned setup just like the \nRenault Captur\n.   For the Chinese market, the Kicks will only be sold with the\n\u00a01.5-litre HR15 DE\n petrol engine mated to the tried and tested\n\u00a0Xtronic CVT\n. That\u2019s the same engine as the Almera, by the way. Other markets meanwhile receive the 1.6-litre HR16DE petrol engine, the same engine that powers the 1.6-litre Grand Livina. The Kicks is strictly front-wheel drive for now.\nChinese buyers will be pleased to know that the Kicks is armed with some of Nissan\u2019s finest active safety technology. No \nProPilot\n yet, but it settles with\u00a0Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention and Cross Traffic Alert. It\u2019s also equipped with\u00a0Intelligent Trace Control, Intelligent Ride Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control and Intelligent Engine Brake.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following in the footsteps of the \ni4\n (or almost every other ICE-powered model for the matter), BMW has now also given the \niX electric SUV\n the M treatment, with the reveal of the new iX M60 variant.\nThanks to its new M credentials, the BMW iX M60\u2019s dual motor set-up now makes \n455 kW (619 hp)\n and \n1,015 Nm\n in Sport Mode \u2013 the latter boosting up to \n1,100 Nm\n with Launch Control \u2013 making it not only the most powerful electric BMW yet, but also the torquiest BMW car ever.\nThe new output figures translate to a 0-100 km/h time of just \n3.8 seconds\n \u2013 shaving off more than a second from the previous range-topping variant, the \niX xDrive50\n, and matches that of the \nX5 M Competition\n! Top speed, meanwhile, is now electronically limited at \n250 km/h\n.\nIt still packs the same 105.2 kWh battery on-board, and even with the more powerful motors, the BMW iX M60 still boasts a WLTP-rated range of \n566 km\n \u2013 about 60 km lower than the xDrive50 variant. The 200 kW DC fast charging is also retained on the M60 variant, which lets you top up the battery from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes.\nALSO READ: BMW Malaysia unveils new DC Fast Chargers for public use \u2013 180 kW, first location now open\nAside from raw grunt, the new BMW iX M60 also gains the adaptive dual-axle air suspension system with electronically adjustable dampers and automatic level control as standard. This is combined with the standard rear-wheel steering, M Sport brakes, performance tyres, and the aforementioned Launch Control to match up with its M-powered credentials.\nBeing the new range-topping variant in the iX line-up, the BMW iX M60 also comes with a wide array of standard equipment, including the BMW Laser Light headlights, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, 30-speaker \nBowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System\n, and new sports seats with integrated headrests.\nRELATED: BMW Concept XM \u2013 Munich\u2019s first standalone M car since the M1 is a weird hybrid SUV\nAs for looks, the new BMW iX M60 gains several minor aesthetic updates to differentiate it from its \u201clesser\u201d brethren, including the 21-inch Aero two-tone wheels (22-inch options), blue-painted M brake calipers, the optional BMW Individual Titanium Bronze exterior package (similar to those on the M340i in Malaysia), and of course the M60 emblem on the tailgate.\nUnveiled as part of BMW\u2019s CES 2022 programming (through a livestream from Germany), the new BMW iX will start at GBP111,905 (approx. RM629k) over in the United Kingdom, with deliveries to start sometime around June this year.\nGALLERY"
"The Hyundai i30 as we know it is the hatchback equivalent of the \nHyundai Elantra\n. But did you know that the outgoing i30 was so impressive that it made left\u00a0Volkswagen CEO, Martin Winterkorn,\u00a0\nfeeling agitated\n? Now, the third generation i30 is due, and it will make its debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.\nWhat you\u2019re seeing here are the few teaser pictures of the new i30. \u00a0It sports a hexagonal grille which Hyundai calls \u201c\nCascading\n\u201d grille. The front gets a vertically mounted LED daytime running lights, while the rear gets a slimmer, more distinctive tail lamps. \nThe new i30 has enough powertrains to keep competition at bay. For starters, the regular\u00a0i30 will receive a new range of \ndownsized engines,\n starting from a 1.0-litre petrol engine, a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a few diesel lumps. As for environmentalists, the i30 might be coming with the\u00a0\nIoniq\u2019s\n\u00a0hybrid powertrain.\u00a0How about performance freaks, then? There\u2019s good news too, as the N Performance i30 variant will receive a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is tuned to produce 260 horses.\nHyundai also confirmed that the i30 is strictly a \nfive-door hatchback\n for now, with an estate variant somewhere in the pipeline. The new i30 will benefit from Hyundai\u2019s latest suite of safety systems and connected technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.\nThe i30 will first be unveiled in South Korea on 7 September 2016 before going on public display at Paris in October. We wonder, will the current Volkswagen CEO, Matthias Muller, swing by the Hyundai booth this time for an impromptu \u2018quality control\u2019 visit?"
"Right after the SUV fad, the market for compact crossovers are mushrooming. Buyers abandon the usual saloons or hatchbacks to go for something that gives them security and confidence while on the road. Volvo seems to understand this trend, and will soon entice buyers with the all-new Volvo XC40 compact crossover.\nPreviewed exclusively on\u00a0AutoCar UK, the XC40 remains a prototype (called the Concept 40.1) which was \npreviewed together\n with the V40 concept earlier in May. The XC40 will be part of the standard Volvo three-pronged 40-series assault, with the V40 hatchback and estate being in the pipeline. Developed under its new\n Compact Modular Architecture (CMA)\n platform, the XC40 should be ready to hit showroom floors in 2018.   What\u2019s new here is the powertrain. The XC40 will debut with Volvo\u2019s new modular \n1.5-litre three-cylinder engine\n, which is either petrol or diesel powered. The engines can be had with or without turbocharging, and has an electric motor to assist the engine. In a way, it follows the similar playbook of its larger\u00a0\nXC90\n sibling.\nThe XC40\u2019s range topper will carry the T5 Twin Engine, a\n\u00a0180 hp petrol\n lump combined with a\n 74 hp electric motor\n. Power will be delivered to the front wheels with the help of a\u00a0\nseven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox\n. The electric motor will also drive the gearbox shaft and the even-numbered gears. Relying on its battery alone will give a range of less than \n50km\n. No data on its fuel economy or performance have been released, but the folks in\u00a0Gothenburg\u00a0are confident that it will be a class-leading compact SUV against established rivals.\nNow, closer to reality, the new XC40 plug-in hybrid should arrive on our shores sometime in 2018. Let\u2019s not forget, Volvo has an assembling facility here in Shah Alam, and they have gone on the aggressive by introducing EEV-incentivised cars. When the XC40 reaches here, it could well be priced within the RM200k range. How\u2019s that for a bargain?\nSource: \nAutocar UK\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As part of its \u2018Disctinctive Raya Promotion\u2019, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today introduced a new step-up financing plan to offer \u201cflexible and affordable\u201d loan repayments of up to nine years, with a maximum of 90% financing.\nWith the new financing plan, monthly instalments for the Hyundai Kona starts at RM958, the \nElantra\n from RM1,098, the \nGrand Starex\n from RM1,348, the \nSanta Fe\n from RM1,388, and the \nSonata\n from RM1,548 \u2013 all based on a nine-year loan tenure at 90% financing.\n\u201cThe bank\u2019s recent implementation of stricter loan approvals has resulted in tougher loan approvals. We understand the predicament of our customers, therefore we have introduced this step-up financing scheme to help lower their monthly commitments when purchasing a new car and hopefully, help them in securing a loan,\u201d said HSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung.\n\u201cWith every product and service offering, we aim to surpass our customers\u2019 expectations by creating distinctive experiences and providing excellent value. We are constantly studying customers\u2019 expectations of our products and offerings, and we will keep improving not only to meet them but also to exceed their expectations,\u201d Low added.\nAs part of the Distinctive Raya Promotion, HSDM is also including a free Ogawa Smart Vogue Prime massage chair worth RM11,999 for every purchase of a 2020 Hyundai model, while stocks last. The promotion will run from now \nuntil the 30th of June 2021\n, coinciding with the extended sales tax exemptions period, which means you\u2019ll get to save even more on your new car.\nAll Hyundai models come with a five-year/300,000 km warranty, as well as a 3-year/50,000 km free scheduled service package.\nHSDM recently went on the offence with its car launches, with two new models \u2013 the \nElantra 1.6 Executive\n and the \nnew Kona facelift\n \u2013 launched in the span of just one month. HSDM have also already confirmed that more are coming, including the \nPalisade\n and the Hyundai Kona N-Line \u2013 so keep your eyes peeled!"
"There\u2019s probably not one legitimate reason to but have you ever, by some chance, looked into your sister\u2019s wardrobe? If a rainbow were to consummate with another, their offspring is what the wardrobe would look like inside.\nAlmost nothing can be as colourful, unless you\u2019re talking about the vast variety of paint selection on the\u00a0\nNissan Note\n\u00a0e-Power.\nWhile the press release we received may have been about the Nissan Note topping Japan\u2019s sales charts in the first half of 2018 as the country\u2019s best-selling new car with over \n73,000 units sold from January to June\n.\nWhat\u2019s more glaring though, is the colour selection available for the car. Whether you\u2019re loud or introverted, it\u2019s unlikely that you can\u2019t find a colour that suits you. Although I\u2019d imagine grey to be the colour of choice with most Japanese men; for obvious, socially-known reasons.\nThe Note was the first car equipped with Nissan\u2019s e-POWER electric powertrain, introduced in Japan back in November 2016. Unlike conventional hybrids, the Note e-Power\u2019s 1.2-litre engine does not power the wheels and is merely there to support the main powertrain \u2013 a \n109 hp\n /\n 254 Nm\n electric motor.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the storm settles following the launch of the \n296 GTB \nand\n GTS\n, Ferrari is now kicking things up a notch by unveiling its road car-based 296 GT3 racer to take on some of its fiercest rivals \u2013 including the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 R that was also revealed recently.\nAs the new flag bearer for the Prancing Horse\u2019s road racing programme, the all-new Ferrari 296 GT3 has been give a long list of upgrades over the regular road-going GTB to ensure competitiveness in global GT3 race series, starting from 2023.\nAside from the massive rear wing and racing bodywork, the biggest change on the Ferrari 296 GT3 is the powertrain. The electric motor (and batteries) is now gone, leaving the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine with full responsibilities to power the race car.\nThe engine makes \n600 hp\n and\n 710 Nm \nof torque in this configuration (before balance of performance), and while it shares many similarities to the road car\u2019s \u2018piccolo V12\u2019 engine, it\u2019s now placed lower and further forward to lower the racecar\u2019s centre of gravity while improving torsional rigidity, which is said to be about 10% higher than its predecessor, the 488 GT3.\nFerrari says that they have \u201cfine-tuned all the engine\u2019s internal fluid dynamics\u201d and adopted specific components for racing purposes, and on top of that also worked on reducing the engine\u2019s fuel consumption to allow for \u201cmore flexible race strategies and reduced intervention times\u201d. Fortunately, Ferrari\u2019s own strategy calls won\u2019t be included here, especially considering the team\u2019s recent blunders in Formula 1.\nThe 296 GT3 racecar also adopts a new and \u201cspecially developed\u201d six-speed sequential manual gearbox in place of the road car\u2019s dual-clutch eight speed, and is also set transversely (left to right instead of front to back in line with the engine) to improve weight distribution in the longer, GT3-specific aluminium chassis.\nTying up the performance changes are the bigger, upgraded brakes, racing-specific adjustable suspensions, and a fully-decked-out aerodynamics package that is said to offer 20% more downforce than the outgoing 488 GT3, while making the car easier to drive for its \u2018gentleman\u2019 racers.\nFerrari did not expand much on the 296 GT3\u2019s exterior design changes, but from what we can see via the images, there\u2019s a new carbon fibre front splitter, dive planes, a prominent swan-neck rear wing, massive diffuser, and a littering of winglets and extractors all around the outside.\nRELATED: Ferrari 296 GTB is 2022\u2019s best-looking production car, according to Car Design Award\nMoving inside, Ferrari says that the cabin has also been \u201ccompletely redesigned\u201d with input from factory drivers and customers. Many of the controls \u2013 including the electronic clutch actuator \u2013 are moved onto the F1-inspired steering wheel, while the seating position has also been specifically set-up to ensure optimal visibility, both in the day and night since many of these GT3 races run over 12 hours.\nOn that note, Ferrari also made several concessions in the cabin to improve comfort over the 488 GT3, with more adjustability to suit drivers of different sizes and statures. There\u2019s even an air conditioning system in the cabin, with airflow \u201cdesigned to provide adequate ventilation in all conditions, helping the driver to concentrate during every stage of a race\u201d.\nThe all-new Ferrari 296 GT3 is set to make its race debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona next year.\nGALLERY"
"After\u00a0\nleaked images\n\u00a0of the facelifted Mazda3 surfaced, Mazda has finally unveiled\u00a0the updated 3/Axela compact car. New visuals aside, the new Mazda3 packs new technology, including two new diesel engines and\u00a0G-Vectoring Control.\nThe facelift model is available as both the sedan and hatchback body styles, and changes are really subtle to be honest. Just as a refresher, the Mazda3\u2019s facade gets a minimally revised grille, new headlights with redesigned LED daytime running lights and new fog lamps.   Inside, the biggest difference is the new\u00a0\nelectronic parking brakes \nwhich\u00a0replaces the\u00a0traditional lever-type handbrake. However, this feature is only available for the premium models such as the 2.2-litre diesel variants.\nFor the Japanese-spec 3 (known as the Axela in Japan), two SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engines are offered: \n2.2-litre\n and \n1.5-litre\n. The latter is a new addition for the Japanese market, where this oil burner develops\n 104 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque. The larger 2.2-litre lump meanwhile outputs\u00a0\n173 hp\u00a0\nand \n420 Nm\n of torque. Both engines can be had either with a \nsix-speed manual\n or \nautomatic transmission\n.\nNew to the updated 3 is the inclusion of\n\u00a0G-Vectoring Control.\n This innovative software control system deploys the right amount of\u00a0torque in response to steering inputs, providing integrated control of lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces. In layman terms, it applies the correct force onto each wheel depending on steering response, improving vehicle dynamics and ride comfort in the process.\nAlso to note, those who selected the 2.2-litre oil burner variant will receive the\n\u00a0i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive\n system. In the safety department, it comes with\u00a0\nAdaptive LED Headlights,\u00a0\nAdvanced Smart City Brake Support \nand\n\u00a0\nTraffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)\n. The latter\n\u00a0\nassists drivers by monitoring speed limits signs and warns the driver should he/she exceed the speed limit.\nThe facelifted Mazda3 is now available across Mazda\u2019s showroom in Japan with prices starting from\u00a0\u00a51,760,400 to\u00a0\u00a53,310,200 (approximately \nRM66k to RM124k\n\u00a0based on today\u2019s rates).\nIn a \nrelated development\n, Mazda Malaysia confirmed that no less than six\u00a0new models will be introduced in Malaysia by 2017, with four of them being diesel variants of the \nCX-3\n, \nCX-5\n, \n2\n, and \n6\n. Last we spoke to Mazda, there were no plans to introduce the diesel 3, but that may all change with changing consumer trends.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2014 European Car of the Year is here and no, it\u2019s not a German car, but a French, rather. The all-new \nPeugeot 308 Turbo High Pressure\n (THP) is set to make its official debut here on 8 April, and as far as we know, only one variant will be offered. It\u2019s unclear whether the 1.6L VTi (that\u2019s the non-turbo) engine will join the new 308 range, but that\u2019s to be confirmed at a later date.   This new 308 sits 20mm lower to the ground and weighs considerably lesser (over 100kg lighter)\u00a0and gets a cabin that is more upscale than ever. That translates to better agility and handling, while rolling on 18-inch wheels. The previous 308 THP rode on 17-inchers.\nUnder the hood of this C-Segment hatch, we\u2019ll most likely get the outgoing Prince engine, but it\u2019s state of tune is unknown as of yet. The AT6 six-speed gearbox gets an upgrade too, and is said to shift quicker and smoother while channeling drive to the front wheels.\nThe previous six airbag count will most likely be carried over as well, and the headlamps indicate that illuminating source could be either bi-xenon or \nLEDs\n.\u00a0We were told that the new 308 will carry an estimated asking price of \nRM130k\n and above, but we\u2019ll know for sure when the car arrives. That\u2019s on \n8 April\n again, guys. Could this be your next car? Stay tuned for the latest updates on the 308!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia has just\nintroduced two new variants for their locally assembled MINI Countryman range, the\nMINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid Wired and MINI Cooper S Countryman Pure.\nThe Cooper S Countryman Pure sits as the entry-level variant bringing down the entry price point to RM228,888. The Countryman PHEV Wired, on the other hand, is an accessory package that bumps the price of a \nstandard car\n by RM18,000.\nMINI Countryman Pure & PHEV Wired\nBeing RM20k cheaper than the \nCountryman Sports\n, the new variant loses out on the JCW aero kit, rides on a smaller set of 18-inch Black Pin spoke rims and gets a smaller 6.5-inch Touchscreen Display with Apple CarPlay. Other standard items include bonnet strips, LED headlamps, Carbon Black upholstery with Hazy Grey interior trim as well as powered driver\u2019s seat.\nNo changes to the mechanicals, sporting the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Cooper S Countryman clocks the century sprint in \n7.4 seconds\n and registers \n224 km/h\n at V-Max. The Sports suspension set up is also identical to the Countryman Sport.\nLeft: MINI Countryman Sports; Right: MINI Countryman Pure\nAs for the Wired package,\nyou\u2019ll find new 19-inch Edged Spoke rims with run flat tyres, Leather Cross Punch\nCarbon Black upholstery, powered front seats with memory function, MINI Yours steering\nwheel and illuminated trims, 8.8-inch Touch Screen display, heads-up display\nand a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.\nUnder the hood rests a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol with an electric motor and 6-speed automatic transmission that generates a combined output of\n 224 hp\n and \n385 Nm \nof torque. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere \n6.8 seconds\n while top speed is rated at \n198 km/h\n.\nThere are five exterior\ncolours offered for the Countryman PHEV Wired \u2013 Chilli Red, Light White,\nBritish Racing Green and Melting Silver; all paired with a Black roof and Island\nBlue paired with a White roof. The Countryman pure has an additional option for\nThunder Grey but all colours comes exclusively with a Black roof.\nBoth new MINI Countryman variants are covered with a 4-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMINI\u00a0Countryman\u00a0Cooper\u00a0S Pure\n \nMINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid Wired"
"BMW has released more details of its \nnew iDrive 9\n which will be first introduced in the \nall-new third-generation BMW X1\n and the second-generation 2 Series Active Tourer through the BMW Curved Display. The new iDrive 9 will feature an Android Open Source software for faster and seamless operation, ditching the old Linux-based operating system.\u00a0\nThe iDrive 9 features a new QuickSelect concept inspired by smartphones, that follow a \u2018zero-layer\u2019 principle that places all relevant functions and information on a single level. This allows for desired functions to be selected without having to go through the submenus.\nWith more and more car manufacturers removing physical controls in favour of touch-senstive controls, the iDrive 9 should be no different as BMW said the QuickSelect allows entertainment, contact lists, vehicle settings and other options to be selected, all by touch. Once the functions have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the display is all it takes to return to the home screen.\n \nIs removing all if not most physical controls, like what Volkswagen did the right way forward? It remains to be seen. Even Volkswagen realised it made a mistake and reverted against it. What was quite intriguing in BMW\u2019s press release is that the system can automatically adjust what it displays based on user habits to display the right information in the right place, at the right time.\u00a0\nNot all new models will be receiving the new iDrive 9 according to BMW as those equipped with iDrive 8 (released in 2020) will be updated to iDrive 8.5. The iDrive 8.5 which will be on models such as the BMW \niX\n, \ni4\n, X5, X6, X7 and the BMW \nXM\n will continue to be powered by a Linux-based system.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW XM V8 hybrid price revealed for Malaysia from RM 1.3m"
"There are Bugatti speakers, million Ringgit pool tables, watches to name a few on sale but if you\u2019ve run out of Bugatti things to buy, here\u2019s a special edition shaver made in collaboration with Gillette.\nEvidently, a shaver isn\u2019t just a shaver and shaving isn\u2019t just shaving according to Procter & Gamble (P&G) who owns the Gillette brand.\n\u201cThis collaboration is rooted in a shared passion for quality and sector-defining performance. Just as each Bugatti embodies the incomparable driving experience, this ultra-precise razor was developed not just to shave, but to create the utmost luxury at-home shaving experience,\u201d said the company\u2019s CEO.\nThe heated shaver is finished in Bugatti Agile Bleu, the same shade seen on the \nChiron Pur Sport\n, while the handle is finished with Bugatti\u2019s iconic emblem of over 110 years.\nIn Gillette\u2019s words, \u201cwith the push of a button, the heated shaver is activated and delivers instant soothing warmth for a more sensual and comfortable shaving experience\u201d. Does anyone feel the sudden urge to shave?\nThe heated razor set also comes with a magnetic wireless charging dock, blades, and branded cleaning cloth.\nThe press release even ended with \u2018If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti.\u2019 Think that says it all. It must be really expensive too, so expensive that they did not even provide a price.\nGALLERY"
"For those driving along the old Subang Airport road (or Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang) in Selangor, you would have noticed the massive building complex housing various automotive brands in Ara Damansara. Sime Darby Motors today officially launched this automotive facility housing \nsix flagship 3S centres\n, touted as the \nlargest\n in the Southeast Asia region.\nBuilt at a cost of approximately \nRM570 million\n on a land size spanning 8.6 acres, the eight-level Sime Darby Motors City (SDMC) automotive complex has an overall built-up area of 1.3 million square feet and house eight automotive brands plus Sime Darby Motor\u2019s own \npre-owned car\n division.\nThe brands that are operating in SDMC are BMW, MINI, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Ford and Hyundai. BMW\u2019s Motorrad motorcycles also have a dedicated 3S facility within the Auto Bavaria section of the automotive complex.\nIn total, the floor space can display more than \n180 vehicles\n, almost 200 service bays and close to \n700 parking\n \nbays\n for customers. The complex is also a Green Building Index (GBI) certified facility with sustainability in mind and incorporates technologies to cultivate a paperless organisational culture.\nSDMC is Malaysia\u2019s first automotive facility that employs the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, featuring systems such as vehicle tracking management (from customer check-in to servicing), automated number plate recognition and smartphone application.\nThe implementation of IoT is key to ensure the delivery of world-class services to customers with greater efficiencies and a seamless experience. \u00a0\u00a0\nWith the electric vehicle (EV) revolution already started, SDMC has its workforce trained to handle EVs plus designating special areas for EV charging, storing and repairs, which are currently available at BMW and MINI\u2019s Auto Bavaria, Auto Hyundai, \nPorsche\u2019s Auto Performance\n and \nVolvo\u2019s Swedish Auto\n.\nOutside of the Porsche centre, a \n175kW DC fast charging\n station has also been installed, delivering a near-full charge to the fully electric \nPorsche Taycan\n in \n36 minutes\n.\nApart from new vehicles, trading-in of existing vehicles can also be done with \nmyTukar\n, Malaysia\u2019s fastest growing online used car trading platform. SDMC will be myTukar\u2019s showcase centre.\nTo commemorate the launch, Sime Darby Motors City will be organising a \u201cGrand Launch Weekend\u201d with \nattractive deals\n across the six flagship stores between 16 and 18 April 2021 (this weekend). Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the many attractive deals specifically for this weekend and capitalise on the government\u2019s vehicle sales tax exemption which will expire on June 30th 2021.\nSime Darby Motors City is located at No.6, Jalan PJU 1A/7, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.\nGALLERY"
"Proton Cars have just opened another booking channel for keen buyers of their upcoming \nProton X70 SUV\n. From 17 October 2018 onwards, customers can now place a booking for an X70 through the company\u2019s \nonline booking platform\n. And to commemorate the launch of this platform, customers who wish to book an X70 from today till 19 October will only have to pay a booking fee of just RM99!\nCustomers who want to book a unit are required to fill in their personal details, preferred model and colour choice as well as the city and state where they wish to collect their car. Once the details are filled in, customers will be directed to a payment gateway where they will process the booking fee complete with a system-generated receipt.\nAn appointed Proton sales representative will then contact the customer within seven days to complete the booking process. As per standard operating procedure at a physical Proton outlet, the booking fee is \nfully refundable\n should the customer does not proceed with the purchase.\nChief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, Abdul Rashid Musa said: \u201cAfter studying consumer preferences and market trends, PROTON believes the time is right to offer an online booking facility to our customers. The platform allows bookings to be made from anywhere a customer is as long as there is an Internet connection available. The Company has also decided to reward those who make a booking prior to the launch of the Proton X70. This will come in the form of special gifts for all early birds regardless of whether they booked their unit online or at our outlets.\u201d\nWe know that the Proton X70 will be offered in \nfour variants\n, all spotting the same 1.8-litre T-GDi turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed automatic that develops \n183 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of torque. The innovative 8.0-inch touchscreen \nGKUI infotainment system with Voice Command\n that has been calibrated to recognise \u201cMalaysian English\u201d and indirect commands.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Photos of the \nHyundai Sonata\n \nfacelift have surfaced on Korean car portals, apparently taken while filming was taking place. Joining the Staria, Stargazer, Grandeur, and all-new Kona, the facelifted Sonata now sports the same continuous LED front end.\nThe facelift is based on the current-generation Hyundai Sonata which was launched in Malaysia in October 2020. The Korean D-segment saloon is now no longer available on the Hyundai Malaysia website. When the current generation was launched, it fetched a price of \nRM206,888\n.\nPhoto: \nthekoreancarblog\nSales of the current-generation Hyundai Sonata have been sluggish, unlike its predecessors. Its radical design is perhaps a little too much for most of its customer base to stomach. Hyundai even tried to spice things up on the current-generation Sonata with an \u201c\nN Line Night Edition\n\u201d back in October 2021. In May 2022, it was reported that Hyundai might soon cease production of the Hyundai Sonata to make way for more electrified models.\nThe latest facelift of the Hyundai Sonata could be the brand\u2019s last hurrah at saving the Hyundai Sonata. The blurry spotted photos of the facelifted Hyundai Sonata show it in red body colour and what seems to be the \u2018N Line\u2019 trim of the D-segment saloon.\nRELATED: \nThis all-black Hyundai Sonata N Line Night Edition looks lit!\nPhoto: \nthekoreancarblog\nIn Hyundai\u2019s model lineup, one model that would be the closest indicator of the facelifted Sonata\u2019s styling would be the Hyundai Grandeur. It is the only low-riding Hyundai that has been given the \u2018continuous LED\u2019 treatment so far. The continuous LED design provides a simpler yet more futuristic look compared to the radical styling of the current Sonata.\nWith only the blurry images available as reference, photoshop artists have been quick to produce renderings of the facelifted Hyundai Sonata. While the front end has been given a huge revamp, the rear end still looks largely the same.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Hyundai Sonata launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM207K\nRender by \nGotcha Cars\nTo recap, the Hyundai Sonata that was launched in Malaysia is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that makes \n180 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n232 Nm\n at 4,000 rpm. Paired with the engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission.\nWhat are your thoughts on the facelifted Hyundai Sonata? Let us know in the comments!\nALSO WATCH: \n2020 Hyundai Sonata, 5 Things"
"In no time at all, McLaren will be taking the knife to a big birthday cake adorned with sparklers and a big 5-0 plastered in icing on the face of it. But this isn\u2019t just anyone\u2019s birthday, it is the 50th anniversary of the company\u2019s presence and victory in the Can-Am race series that first took place in 1966. Sadly, we can\u2019t confirm the existence of the birthday cake with the scrumptious icing, but we can confirm that the company will be decking out its 650S Spyder model in the original livery. Only 50 units will see the light of day.\nNow before we go on with figures like power, torque, price and all that lot, perhaps it be a good idea to revisit that momentous win back in \n1966\n. The\n Canadian-American Challenge Cup\n known simply as Can-Am was a race series born in the \nmid-sixties\n and was a spectacle to behold. The race series had such minimal regulations that the only ones abounded were the cars\u2019 \ndimensions\n, \nminimal safety\n equipment, and the requirement for\n enclosed wheels\n and\n two seats\n. Everything else was a free-for-all and was an engineer\u2019s wet dream.\nBased on\u00a0the \nFIA\u2019s Group 7\n, these cars threw caution and regulations to the wind. Bruce McLaren\u2019s car in the \u201966 season was powered by a\n small-block Chevy V8\n motor that reportedly produced in excess of\n 900 hp\n and weighed an astonishing \n800 kg\n. These cars were rockets to say the least. It was circa this period in time that the company\u2019s\n trademark orange\n shade of paint came into existence. Spurred on by the win in \u201966, these heroic chaps continued on with their march to victory. Fast forward to June 1970, the company had been hard at work building and designing their own\u00a0\naluminium monocoque chassis\n and \npowertrains\n for the upcoming season.\nOn the morning of June the second 1970 in \nGoodwood\n, Bruce McLaren was out testing their latest forerunner\u00a0when the rear bodywork of his prototype\n M8D\n detached during testing resulting in a\n fatal high-speed crash\n. McLaren continued to succeed in Can-Am after Bruce\u2019s death with a number of other drivers, but with Porsche\u2019s\u00a0\nturbocharged flat-12 engines\n\u00a0and a soaring development budget meant that they guys weren\u2019t able keep up with the mighty Porch 917. Although private McLarens continued to race, the factory concentrated its efforts into\n Formula One\n.   Back to the 650S Can-Am Spyder. In honouring the momentous victory 50 years ago, McLaren has decided to paint the 650S in that same shade of red shared on Bruce\u2019s car. \nThree\n colours will be offered \u2013 \nMars Red\n, \nPapaya Spark\n and \nOnyx Black\n. Performance figures remain largely unchanged over the standard 650S Spyder with\n 641 hp\n and \n678 Nm\n of torque from the company\u2019s award-winning\n 3.8-litre V8\n that\u2019s capable of catapulting the spyder from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere \nthree seconds\n. Keep your foot mashed up to the pedal and you\u2019ll see the speedo tick past \n330 km/h\n.\nHaving said that, only 50 prime examples built by McLaren\u2019s Spec Ops (MSO) division will ever see the light of day with a sticker price of\u00a0\u00a3255,850 (\nRM1,629,347\n).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n, distributor and manufacturer of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, reported a strong and positive month of sales in April where they sold 9,280 units of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.\nThe performance in the month of April was heavily influenced by the \nrecently launched Corolla Cross\n and \nall-new 4th generation Harrier\n.\u00a0The Corolla Cross \nstarts from RM124k \nwhile the 4th generation Harrier is only available in one variant, \nat RM249k\n.\n \n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an extremely challenging year for both manufacturers\u00a0and consumers, but measures put in place by the Government has successfully restored and strengthened consumer purchasing power,\u201d said Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Akio Takeyama.\u00a0\u00a0\nHe also attributed the growth in sales to the timely introduction of numerous new models that\u00a0have been able to firmly establish new benchmarks in the various vehicle segments with enhanced technological and safety features, styling and driving dynamics.\u00a0\u00a0\n \n\u201cThe new generation of Toyota vehicles retains all the hallmarks of being reliable, robust,\u00a0economical, and practical but brings forward new levels of comfort, performance and driving enjoyment that resonates strongly with the evolving requirements of a new generation of\u00a0consumers,\u201d he added.\u00a0\nAlongside the sales performance announcement, UMWT also announced the opening of a new 2S Sales and Service Centre\u00a0in Cheras \n(PDC Automobile)\n, and the opening of two new 3S Sales, Service and Spare Parts Centres by Mutiara Motorsport in Johor Bahru, Johor, and \nHLT Temerloh\n \nin Kemaman,\u00a0Terengganu\n.\u00a0\nIn conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, keep a lookout for UMWT\u2019s annual Hari Raya Festive Film titled \u201cUmi Pembaris\u201d which will be released this week."
"The wraps are finally off. After plenty of \nteasers\n announcing the arrival of the new pick-up truck, Ford has officially unveiled the new Ranger, an incredibly important product here in the Asia Pacific as their passenger car and SUV business has zero presence unlike the Japanese brands.\nOn the exterior, the new Ford Ranger has perhaps the boldest front design, thanks to a high mounted angular bonnet, large C-clamp shaped headlamps and accompanying DRLs overridden by a bold, full-height grille. The range-topping Wildtrak gets fancy LED projector units, while the XLT and new Sport variants feature reflector units.\nAt the rear, the simple tailgate has been finely sculpted and now has the \u2018Ranger\u2019 branding stamped. Similar to the front, technical-looking LED taillamps are used. A great feature, that was seen in the American Ford Maverick compact pick-up, are the integrated steps at the rear corners of the new Ranger. Another novel feature on the tailgate of the new Ranger is the fitment of a ruler, forming part of a temporary workbench for tradesmen.\nAt the side, the new Ford Ranger now features functional fender air vents and continue to be a powertrain indicator (such as V6 in the photos of the Wildtrak and Bi Turbo for the XLT). A 50-mm longer wheelbase has been added via movement of the front axle forward together with 50 mm wider tracks for more stability and better off-road performance.\nSimilar to the current Wildtrak, grey highlights are seen to be applied to the front grille, sports bar, rear bumper, side mirrors and the 18-inch rims wrapped with Goodyear Wrangler AT/S terrain tyres in 255/65R18 size.\nInside, the new Ranger sees the biggest departure from its previous generation as well as \nrivals\n. One cannot miss the large central infotainment display, measuring at least 10.1 inches for the entry variants and 12.1 inches for the Wildtrak. Ford says moving the increasing number of driver requested features into touch screen operation simplifies the user interface, a similar step seen in the newer models such as the Mustang Mach-E and \nFord F-150 Lightning\n.\nA large portrait-oriented infotainment display also allows more information to be displayed, especially more detailed data during off-road adventures as well as the 360-degree camera system.\nOther wow features in the new Ford Ranger include a new short-throw shift-by-wire gear selector, soft-touch materials on the dashboard as well as an electric parking brake.\nUnder the bonnet, a new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel makes its debut in the Ford Ranger and the existing \n2.0-litre single (180 hp) and bi-turbo (213 hp)\n units continue to be made available. Transmission choices include an updated 10-speed automatic complementing the current six-speed unit. More details on the powertrain will be shared according to respective market launches.\nThe new Ford Ranger will also feature a new full-time 4\u00d74 system joining the existing part-time 4\u00d74 with an electronic shift-on-the-fly engagement system. Based on images of the interior of the Wildtrak, we also noticed a new 4A mode accompanying the 2H, 4H and 4L drive modes, as well as a \nnew off-road\n programme switch or Terrain Management System (TMS). \u00a0\nAs more and more consumers are moving from SUVs to pick-ups, Ford has paid more attention to tuning the suspension of the new Ranger to be more comfortable. Apart from the aforementioned front suspension relocation, the rear dampers are shifted outboard of the frame rails to give occupants a better ride on all surfaces in all usage.\nThe information released today by Ford Asia Pacific is just a brief on the new Ford Ranger. We can expect more details as the respective regional launches gets nearer. The new Ford Ranger continues to be made in Thailand and a new facility in South Africa.\nGALLERY\n2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak\n2022 Ford Ranger Sport\n2022 Ford Ranger XLT"
"If there is one car made this year that\u2019s so beautiful, it can make a grown man giggle and cry at the same time, it should be this \u2013 the Volvo P1800 Cyan made by Cyan Racing. Cyan Racing was the mastermind behind the first world title-winning Volvo race car and the Volvo C30 Polestar Concept Prototype. It is also motorsport partners with the Geely Group.\nBut forget all that and let\u2019s just gawk at the marvel they\u2019ve created. They\u2019ve literally taken an original P1800 classic from 1964 and made it more rigid with high strength steel to go with a new carbon fibre body.\nAs a result, the Volvo P1800 Cyan weighs just 990 kg. Scary stuff when you consider how much power it now makes \u2013 420 hp and 455 Nm of torque. That\u2019s \nas much power as a Mercedes-AMG A 45\n in a car that \nweighs less than a Perodua Myvi\n! Power now comes from the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine used in the world title-winning Volvo S60 TC1 race car.\nIt\u2019s said to be a turbocharged engine with \u201cthe linear power delivery of a naturally-aspirated engine\u201d. With a redline of 7,700 rpm, a 5-speed manual gearbox, a limited-slip differential and newly swapped Cyan-designed independent rear suspension, this rear-wheel drive restomod is just to die for.\n\u201cThe power peaks late. It is designed for high revs a lot, with the torque intuitively linear to the pedal. We have learnt from racing where the drivers want perfect control of the torque, increasing precision and driving pleasure at the same time,\u201d said Cyan Racing.\nAs the Volvo P1800 was built with driving purity and driver connection in mind, it is void of all driving aids such as stability control, ABS or even a brake booster. Helping maintain the P1800 Cyan\u2019s composure on the tarmac are 2-way adjustable dampers and bespoke lightweight components such as aluminium double wishbones.\n\u201cThe car goes where you point it. You can be brutal going into a corner and still find your apex and exit within millimetres. The settings of the car are not aimed at fast lap times but rather to deliver an enjoyable and exciting driving experience,\u201d said Cyan Racing.\nBrakes are 4-pot caliper units in the front and back, tucked behind 18-inch forged rims wrapped in Pirelli P Zero 235/40 tyres at the front and 265/35 at the rear. The only assurance of safety behind the wheel of the Volvo P1800 is a roll cage made of titanium.\nProbably wouldn\u2019t stop you from driving its wheels out, wouldn\u2019t you?\nGALLERY"
"The global debut of the \nall-new Mercedes-Benz CLA\n is just around the corner and the company has just released a final teaser of what they will be showing at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) happening from 8 to 11 January.\nIn this extensive trailer, we can tell that the CLA will occupy a different space compared to the \nA-Class sedan\n. Differentiating cues include a sharper front end, fastback silhouette and a more intricate taillamp design with a three-dimensional look. All these are consistent with the brand\u2019s promise of the CLA being the \u201cmost emotional vehicle of its class\u201d.   Inside, the cabin appears to be taken lock, stock and barrel from the \nW177 A-Class\n from the widescreen cockpit, Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system \u2013 which will have improved functions \u2013 turbine air vents and centre console layout.\nOne feature that appears to be unique to the CLS is what Mercedes-Benz calls Interior Assistant which activates the passenger side reading light for better illumination. Not sure how does it add to the convenience but hey, another item to the add to the list of things that will impress your friends on top of the 64-colour ambient lighting.\n\u00a0\nThe second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA should feature the full range of powertrain options from the new A-Class starting from the 163 hp/250 Nm 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol up to the \nbanging four-pot from AMG\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNew Mercedes-Benz CLA Teaser"
"Remember the time when Brad Pitt was in a Toyota Corolla Altis TV commercial? Is it all coming back to you; the sweet memories of tacky TV commercials from the early 2000s?\nYou\u2019re most welcome. The year was 2002 and as a 12 year old then, I was wondering what on earth was someone with the rugged good looks of Brad Pitt\u2019s doing in a tacky TV commercial featuring a rather mediocre vehicle accompanied by Ricky Martin\u2019s then hit-song \u201cShake Your Bon-Bon\u201d. Toyota\u2019s intention then was to pair up one of the hottest Hollywood assets with one of the most well-known names in the automotive industry.\nThere were even two versions of it \u2013 one with Brad being stuck in traffic and the other with him leaving a swarm of colleagues at the office for a drive in the Corolla Altis.\n15 years on, turns out there\u2019s nothing mediocre about the 9th generation Corolla Altis with countless numbers of them still going strong \u2013 aesthetically and mechanically. Overtime it has even built a reputation for being unquestionably reliable, practical and now, even cheap to own.\nA quick check on Mudah.my will show that a 1.6-litre or even a 1.8-litre variant can be had for as little as RM 16,000 \u2013 more or less the price of a used \nfirst-generation Perodua Myvi\n \u2013 and that\u2019s a lot of car for that money.\nNo doubt the pale fabric/pseudo wood interior may look a little dated now but it still offers plenty value for the Ringgit \u2013 a capable VVT-i powerplant, Traction Control with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) in the 1.8 model, plenty of room in the cabin and massive boot space.\nThe 11th generation Toyota Corolla Altis \u2013 what a long way it has come.\nBack tracking to the TV commercial, it was not without some controversy caused by local government officials (supposedly by the then deputy information minister) demanding for the commercial to be banned. He claimed that \u201cusing a non-asian\u2019s face\u201d would invoke inferiority and be insulting to Asians.\n\u201cWhy must we used their face\u201d was the famous question asked. I mean how insecure can a person be? It could be Homer Simpson behind the wheel for all we care \u2013 so long as it leaves an impression, it works.\nWhether it triggered his own inferiority, we will never know. One thing is for sure, the 2002 Toyota Corolla Altis outlasted almost every car of its generation, is still thriving today and will certainly outlast the man and the memory of his ridiculous remarks.\nCredit:\n johnhsaioken\n / \ngustavo mendonca\n\u00a0/ \nFavcars.com"
"Being the longest-standing Proton model, the Saga nameplate is no stranger to Malaysians. With its low entry price, the Proton Saga has played an important role in our lives for many generations, especially in the \u201cmy first car\u201d category.\nEveryone has a Saga story, and for me, the Proton Saga was precisely my first car, some eight years ago. You can probably imagine what an emotional experience it has been for me to drive the latest Proton Saga again, and I am happy to report that it was a great one. I assure you that this is not me looking through my rose-tinted glasses.\nThe \n2019 Proton Saga\n has been priced down across the board, topping off at RM39,800 for the Premium variant we have here. Despite seeing a reduction in price, the Saga is still improved in almost every aspect \u2013 take for example the styling changes, where Proton has seemingly breathed a fresh new life onto the Saga.\nQuantitatively, not much has actually changed in terms of design. However, the few strokes of the brush have made substantial improvements to the rather bland A-segment sedan, and dare we say, even making it look classy.\nThe good news continues inside, too. It\u2019s hard to imagine that a entry-level A-segment sedan comes with these many bells and whistles, but the Proton Saga surprises over and over again. When was the last time that you\u2019ve seen a RM40,000 car come factory equipped with a seven-inch touch-screen infotainment system?\nSure, the Android-based infotainment system isn\u2019t the most intuitive to use, and it doesn\u2019t come with Proton\u2019s now-iconic \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command functionalities, but at this price point, the mere fact of it being included should be applauded in our opinion.\nThe infotainment system is paired to a great set of speakers too, perfect for the young\u2019uns and their Spotify playlist of the latest hits. The audio performance is further enhanced by the quiet cabin, a true testament to the refinement Proton has engineered onto the entry-level sedan.\nRefinement is the keyword here, not just in terms of noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH), but in little quality of life improvements too, such as the water-proof fabric seats, padded storage tray, and remote boot release.\nThe Proton Saga has always been seen as the underdog in the segment in recent years, especially in terms of build quality and value for money. With the new facelift model though, it\u2019s hard to justify that claim anymore \u2013 and we haven\u2019t even got to the driving part yet.\nHistorically, Proton cars have always protrayed the best handling capabilities in its class, and the latest Saga is no exception. Although focus has been placed on comfort, the Saga will not look out of place when it encounters the odd back-road, where it handles bends with absolute poise.\nNegotiating changes in direction feels natural on the chassis, to the extent that some might even consider it exciting. Though, the steering feel is a slight let down with minimal feedback, due to it being tuned for better maneuverability in urban areas.\nOn the highway, the Proton Saga struts along confidently, and the 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine generates enough power (95 hp, 120 Nm) to propel it up to the national speed limit. However, overtaking other cars at highway speeds might need a little more motivation.\nProton has also switched out the infamous Punch CVT for a Hyundai-sourced four-speed automatic gearbox in the facelifted Saga. Besides being a cost-cutting measure, the new gearbox has also completely transformed the way the compact sedan drives.\nThe new four-speed slushbox will happily pull revs up to the 4,000 RPM range, making the Saga feel chirpy and eager to respond. Do I wish that there\u2019s another gear at the top end? Sure \u2013 especially for highway cruising. However, the new four-speed automatic is more than sufficient \u2013 nay, perfect \u2013 for urban applications.\nIn many ways, the 2019 Proton Saga has returned to its roots as a reliable and dependable car, that can still be fun to drive. Tack on the added refinement and the extra kit, it\u2019s no doubt that Proton has hit this one right out of the park.\nWith the lowered price point, the Proton Saga is once again the recommendation for a great first car. But perhaps more importantly, it also ticks a lot of the boxes to be the only car you might ever need \u2013 in other words, a true people\u2019s car.\n \n2019 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium Specifications:\nEngine\n1,332cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinder VVT\nTransmission\n4-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n95 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n120 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n \nPrice (OTR W/O Insurance)\nRM39,800\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Apart from the \nFocus\n, the another important nameplate for the Blue Oval is the Ford Fiesta. Over six generations and with millions sold, the Ford Fiesta has proven its worth as an affordable and fun alternative for many countries, especially in the UK.\nThe outgoing \nsixth-generation Fiesta\n was the first model to be sold globally, including Malaysia. The outgoing Fiesta, known for its fun driving characteristic, has been a tremendous sales success in the UK, with the hottest equivalent, the \nST\n, being one of the best hot hatches in the market.\nWith that in mind, the successor\u00a0has big shoes to fill. That won\u2019t be a problem though, because if it ain\u2019t broke, don\u2019t fix it!\nFirstly, the new Fiesta\u2019s dimension is slightly larger than its outgoing model. The new face is also a nice welcome, and it\u2019s more evolutionary than a full blown facial overhaul. The front grille is inspired by the \nfacelifted Focus\n, while the swept back headlights now being more compact than before. Changes are more obvious at the back, as seen with the number plate and LED tail lights.\nAvailable in three- and five-door trims, this B-segment supermini is offered in four variants: \nActive, Vignale, Titanium\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nST-Line\n. The Vignale on the other hand, seems to be the more premium variant of the lot.\nNew to the range is the Active trim (pictured below): a \ncrossover\n variant of the Fiesta with a higher ground clearance. Ford insist this will not replace the \nEcoSport\n, but more as an additional choice for potential buyers.\nThe ST-line meanwhile is the sportiest of the bunch, and gives us a glimpse of what the new Fiesta ST will look like, remotely or not.\nInside, gone are the cluttered buttons on the centre console. In its place is an all-new 8-inch touchscreen interface with SYNC3 system.\u00a0The Bang & Olufsen PLAY Sound System is also offered for the first time. Soft-touch materials are used on the dashboard while at the top trim receives powered panoramic sunroof as well.\nThe highlight of the new Fiesta is the implementation of \ncylinder deactivation\n\u00a0in its\u00a0\n1.0-litre EcoBoost engine\n. This technology is a world-first for a three potter. Joining the engine lineup are several TDCI turbodiesel engines, which is a first for the model.\nHowever, no technical specifications have been revealed so far. Expect Ford to retain its range of four-cylinder engines, including the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit for the ST.\nThe new Fiesta was unveiled at the company\u2019s Go Further event in Germany, but not much details are available at press time. Expect the Fiesta to arrive on our shores sometime late next year, or in 2018. Stay tuned for more updates on the new Fiesta!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has announced that it\u2019s the first car manufacturer to provide Bundesliga German football league content in a vehicle in a pilot test. To access the Bundesliga in-car app\u2019s functions, the user will have to activate the Personal eSIM in their respective BMW vehicles. The system utilises the vehicle\u2019s antenna to provide high-speed 5G football streaming via mobile date services.\nSelected content from the Bundesliga \u2013 Germany premier football league \u2013 will be made available via an app on the BMW Curved Display \u2013 as seen on models such as the \nBMW iX\n and the \nfacelift 3 Series\n; both of which are available in Malaysia.\nThe Bundesliga in-car app will also be available in the new \nBMW 7 Series\n but for now, it\u2019s only limited for use in Germany. BMW said the feature will eventually be rolled out to other regions of Europe, America and Asia. The pilot programme is scheduled to run until March 31, 2024.\nFor safety reasons, the video content in the Bundesliga in-car app will only be available for viewing while the vehicle is stationary. This should also help users get through waiting times when the vehicle is being charged at charging stations. Last year, BMW announced a \npartnership with AirConsole\n, an online video game provider, to offer video games in BMW vehicles with the Curved Display.\nThe pilot programme focuses on on-demand content such as highlights or match data, but will also offer selected live content. When the vehicle is moving, users will only be able to listen to an audio stream of the contents. BMW pointed out that it expands to other regions, it will continuously improve the Bundesliga in-car app via over-the-air updates."
"The locally-assembled \nMitsubishi Xpander was officially launched last week\n to the tune of \nRM91,359 \nincluding SST exemptions. On the same day, we borrowed a test unit for a couple of hours to shoot our \nusual introductory video\n of the car and in that brief period of time, the 7-seater crossover as \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia \nwants to call it did spring a few pleasant surprises.\nWe got the Apple CarPlay going and went straight to Spotify for some tunes, as is the case with most of you, and here\u2019s what surprised us first \u2013 \nthe sound system\n.\nIt\u2019s got six speakers and nothing more Mitsubishi could shout about but both myself and the videographer were not expecting that level of sound quality at all. It didn\u2019t have the strongest bass but tunes were crisp and sharp and did not crack even when we turned the volume up. What we found to be quite intrusive was how the music goes off entirely, instead of fading out, when Waze is giving out directions.\nIt also led us to notice another thing, the Xpander\u2019s \ncabin insulation\n. When Mitsubishi \npreviewed the Xpander to us weeks before its launch\n, it was repeatedly highlighted to us that the glass used for the front and rear windows are thicker than industry standards and how it\u2019ll have a positive effect on noise insulation.\nOf course, we took it with a pinch of salt but as we were driving around Petaling Jaya, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h, the effect was hard to ignore. Now we won\u2019t go so far as to say that it\u2019s as quiet as the \nSubaru XV\n, which in our opinion is the segment benchmark in this department, but it\u2019s noticeable how much of the wind noise is blocked out, especially at higher speeds.\nAnd then there\u2019s \nthe way it rides\n. It felt more composed than I had expected it to be and did not feel as if I was balancing a kayak. Body roll was minimal and there\u2019s a sense of sure-footedness from the firmness of the \u201c\nLancer Evolution-inspired suspension\n\u201c.\nIt was hard to not notice some of the glaring shortcomings of the car though; like its performance. It felt adequate in urban areas but the Xpander was only carrying us two then. We can\u2019t help but wonder how it would cope with a full load.\nAlso, while we were positioning the car at various angles for our shoot, it was hard to ignore the quality of the reverse camera display. Simply put, it does enough to give you an idea of what\u2019s behind the car and that\u2019s it.\nThere\u2019s plenty more of the Mitsubishi Xpander facelift to share we reckon, so keep your eyes peeled. We\u2019ve also got a full review coming up on YouTube very soon!"
"It\u2019s been eight months since Nissan \nunveiled the Z Proto\n, the prototype (hence the name) previewing the upcoming Z model that\u2019s heavily rumoured to be called the 400Z, which means we\u2019ve pretty much seen all we had to see through the officially-provided photos.\nDespite the saying \u201ca picture is worth a thousand words\u201d, there\u2019s only so much still images can show us. Thankfully, a new \nwalkaround video\n by \nDrive 615\n, who had exclusive access to the Z Proto in the United States, has just given us perhaps the closest look we\u2019ve ever got at the retro-inspired sports car.\n \nThe first thing that jumps out to us when looking at the car in video form, is just how pretty its silhouette is \u2013 from the long bonnet, roofline, to the sloping roofline with its iconic katana-shaped accent trim, all taking inspiration from the original 240Z.\nFrom the official photos, the Z Proto frankly looked rather basic overall. We liked the clean looks, but many people have rightfully criticised it as being a bit \u201cboring\u201d. In the walkaround video though, the camera does manage to capture some more minor details on the body work that you may have missed, such as the significantly flared wheel arches and discreet character lines.\nThe rear end of the Nissan Z Proto also looks incredibly gorgeous in the video, especially with the direct sunlight bringing out details such as the carbon fibre weave on the bumper insert. With the prototype being repositioned, we also got a glance at how the tail lights illuminate while braking and reversing.\nMoving inside, we also got a closer look at the special three-dimensional piping on the seat backs, as well as the three analogue gauges on top of the dashboard, all covered by their own little suede hoods on top.\nAlthough this is still a prototype, the entire interior already looks pretty much production-ready, as it even comes with proper door cards with cupholders. Don\u2019t be surprised to see the entire interior pretty much replicated on the actual production Nissan 400Z.\nByron, the video host standing at a massive 196 cm tall, also noted that despite its small-ish appearance from the outside, the cabin is actually surprisingly spacious, with \u201ca couple inches\u201d of headroom to spare.\nAs we\u2019ve mentioned repeatedly, the car you\u2019re looking at is still a prototype, so there\u2019s no mention of any technical details in the video. However, it is heavily rumoured to feature a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine lifted from other Infiniti models, purpotedly making 400 hp (where the 400Z name comes from) and 500 Nm. At least, we got to hear it a little bit in the video.\nNissan hasn\u2019t officially confirmed the production of the upcoming Z car just yet, although the camouflaged mule has already been spotted multiple times carrying out validation tests on the public roads.\nThe Nissan Z Proto was also \npreviously spotted\n completely uncovered in a logistics hub, which further added onto our confirmation bias that it\u2019ll actually be made into an actual production vehicle. And just in case you can\u2019t tell, we\u2019re really, \nreally\n excited."
"Shortly after the release of the \nfacelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC\n, the updates have also found its way to its sleeker coupe twin. The refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe now adorns tweaked exterior styling, upgraded tech and EQ Boost mild hybrid system for the powertrain.\nLike the regular GLC,\nthe GLC Coupe spots new headlamps, restyled bumpers and new taillamp graphics. Chrome\nbits that are found along the lower lip, side steps and rear diffuser emphasises\nthe car\u2019s off-road capabilities.\nThe cabin is now\nfitted with the 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and 10.25-inch (7-inch on\nlower variants) touchscreen infotainment central display with MBUX Mercedes-Benz\nUser Experience Voice Command feature. The infotainment system also supports Apple\nCarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nOther new items include\nmultifunctional steering wheel with Touch Controls, touch pad controller for\nthe infotainment, 64-colour ambient lighting, interior assistant and ENERGIZING\ncomfort control.\nAt launch, the GLC Coupe is available in the 200 and 300 guises, both powered by the new M264 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with EQ Boost 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The GLC 200 packs \n197 hp\n/\n280 Nm\n while the GLC 300 commands \n258 hp\n/\n370 Nm.\nThe EQ Boost mild-hybrid\nsystem dispatches 13.6 hp and 150 Nm during initial set off and during the\nturbochargers are building boost for maximum efficiency. A 9-speed 9G-Tronic\nautomatic transmission and sports suspension with adaptive damping is fitted as\nstandard across the range.\nLike the standard GLC,\nthe GLC Coupe can be had with the optional Driving Assistance Package that\nbundles Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steer Assist, Active Speed\nLimit Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind\nSpot Assist and Active Brake Assist.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0GLC Coupe\u00a0Facelift"
"Its 7 June 2018, Thursday which means it\u2019s the \nfirst fuel adjustment\n under the new Pakatan Harapan Government. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced earlier that the Government will take measures to stabilise fuel prices, in line with the coalition\u2019s manifesto for the 14\nth\n General Elections.\nEffective 7 to 13 June 2018, RON95 and diesel Euro 2M will remain at \nRM2.20\n and \nRM2.18\n \nper litre\n respectively \u2013 unchanged since 22 March 2018. RON97, however, will see an \nincrease of 19 sen\n to \nRM2.66\n per litre after its subjected to a floating price mechanism as instructed by the MoF.\nThe sharp increase of RON97\u2019s retail price, despite with zero-rated GST is attributed to the \nsteady recovery of global crude oil prices\n over the past four months. As of today, crude oil prices stand at US$65.52 per barrel.\nHigher grade fuels like Petron Blaze RON100 also remains unchanged from its previous price point \nRM3.08 per litre\n. As for diesel Euro 5M, it will continue to carry a 10 sen premium over the Euro 2M pump price. Diesel Euro 5M is still priced at \nRM2.28 per litre\n."
"It\u2019s no secret by now what a capable performance car the\n \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R\n \nis\n \nas\n GC Mah found out\n. When first introduced, it was the \nfastest Front-wheel driven car to lap the Nurburging\n, before the record was eclipsed by the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R by four seconds; although we don\u2019t think that\u2019ll stick for much longer.\nThat\u2019s because recently the Civic Type R reminded us that it\u2019s not to be forgotten; \nclocking the fastest time for a front-wheel driven car around the Suzuka Circuit\n. The car it eclipsed was none other than the Megane RS Trophy-R \u2013 how ironic.\n \nBut that\u2019s not what this is about. Instead, it\u2019s about how the Civic Type R achieved what it did \u2013 by being light. The new record was set by the updated,\n \nlimited edition Honda Civic Type R\n, which although did not receive additional power, has been significantly lightened.\nBy almost 50 kg to be exact! Around 12 kg of which was from the removal of sound dampening material while the new wheels on the limited edition Civic Type R have also added a further 10 kg in weight reduction.\nTo achieve that, Honda has opted for forged aluminium wheels which aren\u2019t just lighter but stronger. To better understand the entire forging process, from a piece of aluminium billet to the completed wheels, you\u2019d have to watch the video."
"Toyota has been proactively promoting its suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) called Toyota Safety Sense which helps to reduce the severity and potentially avoid entirely an unwanted collision. While the systems can be found on newer and more premium variants of the brand\u2019s model line up, Toyota Japan is rolling out ADAS to be retrofitted onto older models.\nThe first system to be introduced is the Pedal Misoperation Control which uses ultrasonic sensors at the front and rear of the car to scan for obstacles. Similar to the system found on the \nPerodua Myvi\n and \nToyota Rush\n, the system will limit the engine power to prevent the car from leaping forwards when it detects an obstacle.\nThe sensors can detect\nan obstacle within 3 meters (front and rear) and should the driver process to accelerate\nhard, the system will cut the engine power and send a visual and audible\nwarning to the driver through a retrofitted display. Additionally, the system\nwill also limit the top speed in reverse gear to 5 km/h to reduce the likelihood\nof a rear collision.\nThis is particularly\neffective in reducing collisions at low speeds especially in parking lots when\nthe driver engages the wrong gear i.e. D instead of R when reversing out of a\nspace. Toyota also says pedal misoperation tend to be common for older drivers\nover the age of 75.\n \nThe Pedal Misoperation\nControl can be retrofitted onto selected models in Japan including the Prius,\nAqua, Prius \u03b1, Premio, Arion, Porte, Supeido, Wish, Corolla Axio, Corolla\nFielder, Passo and Vitz. Installation of the accessory costs JP\u00a555,080 (RM2,100).\nToyota plans to expand\nthis offering to more (and older) models as well as develop other safety features\nthat can be retrofitted onto its older vehicles."
"Presented alongside the \nHonda Accord at its launch earlier today\n was the Honda City X Edition \u2013 a limited run variant based on the mid-spec Grade E trim. The Honda City E carries a sticker price of RM84,600.00 with insurance, but let us show you what else you\u2019ll be getting for just RM1,500 more.\nPriced at RM86,100.00 (OTR with insurance), the City X Edition comes with a pair of vertically mounted \nLED daytime running lights\n positioned right next to each fog lamp housing. Another way of telling the X Edition variant apart is the \u2018X\u2019 emblem placed next to the City moniker at the back of the car.   Inside, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has thrown in leather seats imprinted with the letter X. The boot floor also gets a trunk tray with the letter X. Other features of convenience include keyless entry and push start button.\nThe Jazz X Edition (priced at RM82,500.00 with insurance) was not present at the event today, but its specs mirror exactly that of the City X Edition. As a refresher, these two share the same powertrain \u2013 a \n1.5-litre four-cylinder engine\n producing\n 119 hp\n and\n 145 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a \nContinuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT), which helps propel the car from standstill to 100km/h in \n10.6 seconds\n.\nBoth the X Edition models\u00a0come with a \n5-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n package and six free alternate services up to 100,000km. Also worth noting is that each service interval is now extended to 10,000km.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve been left perplexed as to where the CX-30 stands in Mazda\u2019s model hierarchy, you have every reason to, but don\u2019t. The simple answer is that car buyers around the world are still very smitten by SUVs while falling out of love with traditional body-styles.\nSo yes, when the CX-30 eventually arrives next year (probably first half of 2020), it is expected to co-exist with the more compact CX-3 and the larger CX-5 in the model line-up.\nIn fact, it may even encroach upon the price territory of the CX-5 as the CX-30 is built on the same C-segment platform as the \nnew-generation Mazda 3\n, which retails between RM 140,000 to RM 160,000. Of course, the price prognosis could still change if distributor \nBermaz Auto\n somehow manages to get the CX-30 into local production along with some government incentives.\nExpect the CX-30 to arrive in Malaysia with the latest iteration of the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol 4-cylinder with mild hybrid system, mated to a 6-speed automatic.\nSuch is the demand for SUVs and crossovers that many carmakers are uncovering niches where none existed before. In the case of the CX-30, the gap which it\u2019ll fill has to be where customers shied away from in recent years \u2013 C-segment sedan and hatchbacks.\nThe fully-imported Mazda 3 may be gorgeous but even if it\u2019s offered in friendlier CKD prices, there won\u2019t be as many takers as Bermaz would hope for, as proven by the last generation local assembled Mazda 3. Consumers appreciate the flexibility of SUVs and the higher seating position, they may not utilise all of the space all the time but knowing that you\u2019re getting more car for the money is powerful.\nThe new CX-30 we checked out at the Tokyo Motor Show offers what the Mazda 3 can\u2019t \u2013 a \nmore spacious cabin\n with \nmuch better headroom\n for rear passengers, more accommodating foot space, a larger loading capacity at the back (\n430 litres\n) and a higher hip point that makes getting in and out easier, yet retaining all the sexy bits, premium quality and the latest tech of the new Mazda 3.\nThe exterior styling of the CX-30 is predictably Mazda, perhaps too derivative of the current \nKodo look\n but it is still a rather handsome crossover. It may be the case that the CX-30 will end up cannibalising a certain portion of the CX-5\u2019s sales, but the nett gains will eventually justify its existence."
"We are only a few months away from the launch of the \nSmart #1\n in Malaysia, and just today, we were lucky enough to spot what seems to be the Brabus version of the Smart #1. Fully wrapped in camouflage, the red brake calipers on the test mule giveaway the Brabus-tuned Smart #1\u2019s identity.\nIt is no secret that the Smart brand is coming to Malaysia and that it will be managed by PRO-NET, which is Proton\u2019s new energy subsidiary. In just a short amount of time, PRO-NET has announced 7 dealers for the Smart brand in Malaysia with Hap Seng Smart and EON Berhad as the first two candidates.\nIn Smart\u2019s global EV range right now is the Smart #1 and Smart #3, with the latter being a coupe version of the former. The Smart #1 is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) electric car that makes 272 hp (metric) and 343 Nm and provides a 6.7-second century sprint time. The Smart #1 houses a 66-kWh battery pack that provides an all-electric driving range of 420-440 km on the WLTP test cycle.\nThe Brabus version of the Smart #1 adds another motor to the front axle, turning it into an all-whel drive (AWD) electric car. The souped up Smart #1 makes 315 kW (\n428 hp\n) and \n543 Nm\n and does the century sprint in just \n3.9 seconds\n. Power is sourced from the same \n66-kWh\n battery pack and the Brabus Smart #1 has an electric range of \n400 km\n (WLTP). According to Smart, charging from 10% to 80% will take around 30 minutes.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here\u2019s what we know so far\nThe Smart #1 Brabus can be seen hiding in plain sight at the centre-right of the image\nIf anything, the Brabus Smart #1 will be quite the interesting alternative to the dual-motor Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. Other Brabus enhancenments include a newly developed steering wheel control that ensures maximum agility and millimeter precise steering, and a sport suspension system.\nBesides being seen in camouflage on our Malaysian roads, the Smart #1 Brabuss has also been seen in official images released by Smart Malaysia, albeit shyly hiding from the camera. The Smart #1 will most likely be offered in its standard and Brabus configurations for the Malaysian market.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023"
"If you\u2019ve ever wondered where used EV batteries go, here\u2019s one answer. \nKia \nhas partnered up with German rail company, Deutsche Bahn, to give the used batteries a \u201csecond life\u201d by turning it into energy storage systems in buildings, with their first project now unveiled in Berlin.\nEncore, the Deutcsche Barn-backed startup conceived specifically for this purpose, utilised multiple used batteries from \nKia Soul EVs\n to create a prototype energy storage facility at the EUREF-Campus in Berlin, capable of supplying up to 72 kWh of power to the building as part of the Micro Smart Grid.\nWith 24 battery modules arranged over three racks, each made up of 14 double cells, Encore\u2019s new energy storage system at the EUREF-Campus will help the building reduce reliance on the main grid through predictable energy flows, while also increasing the share of renewable energy use across the campus \u2013 the latter via \u2018timeshifting\u2019, by storing energy generated via solar panels to be used more efficiently during peak demand.\nFor the project, the Soul EV\u2019s batteries were collected from Kia dealerships across Europe and transported to Deutsche Bahn\u2019s dismantling partner, who stripped them to the battery module level for diagnostic testing, before reassembling the suitable modules as a static storage unit. Batteries with less-than-ideal remaining capacity will then be passed on to be recycled.\nRELATED: \nBatteries from old Nissan Leaf now help to manufacture more Leafs\nSecond-life battery storage systems such as these are set to become increasingly common, as adoption of electric vehicles continuously rise, which will eventually lead to more used batteries as they reach their end-of-life. While these batteries may not be suitable for use in vehicles any more due to degradation, they could still function sufficiently well in domestic or industrial settings.\nKia Europe President, Jason Jeong said, \u201cWith our success in the electrification of Kia models, we also take responsibility for the batteries beyond their lifetime in the car. The pioneering partnership between Kia and Encore DB shows that we regard batteries as a valuable resource in terms of a sustainable circular economy.\u201d\nDeutsche Bahn board member for Infrastructure, Berthold Huber added, \u201cIt\u2019s more urgent than ever for us to save power. Our new second-life battery banks offer a solution that is also sustainable. And that makes it an attractive option for any industry.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"With red lines scattered across the screen, looking at Waze on an almost daily basis can be quite frustrating.\nBefore, you only had the likes of Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm, an open-wheeled race car and a cute motorcycle among the other bland icons to amuse yourself but now, \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n has added a new, yellow \nBeetle\n icon with a Volkswagen badge on its roof, into the mix. The icon will on be available till \n31st December 2018\n.\nOn the topic of Waze, the interactive navigation app also recently updated its voice options to \nnow include the Cantonese dialect\n \u2013 a\u00a0collaborative effort by Waze users from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, USA, United Kingdom and Malaysia.\nAs of September 2018, \nWaze is now also available on Apple CarPlay\n for iPhone users who have updated to iOS 12. If you\u2019re keen to find out more, here are some of the \nquirks and perks of the beta version we tested\n."
"Chery\n sold \n35,818\n \nvehicles\n outside of China in June 2022, setting a new monthly export record for the brand in 21 years. With the June figure accounted for, the first half of 2022 saw a total of \n148,000 units\n exported, with 112,000 of those being new energy vehicles.\nIn Brazil, Chery ranked ninth among carmakers in the first half of 2022 (1H22). Chery\u2019s sedan model, the Chery Arrizo 6, ranked fourth in cumulative 1H22 sales within the country, with a segment market share of 3.62%. The sedan was even awarded \u201cBest Resale Value in the intermediate segment\u201d by Kelley Blue Book and Quatro Rodas.\nMeanwhile, 21,300 units of the \nTiggo 8\n series models were sold in Brazil from January to June; the series also serves as presidential and state transport in Brazil, alongside several other countries and regions.\nRELATED: \nChery Tiggo 7 Pro confirmed for Malaysia launch \u2013 Proton X70 rival with up to 197 hp!\nChery Tiggo 8 Pro\nChery also performed well in Chile, commanding 6.7% of 1H22 cumulative sales in the nation and placing it in the top three in terms of sales volume. The carmaker topped the SUV segment in 1H22 with 15.1% market share, led by the Tiggo 2 which sold 6,088 units in 1H22 to rank first in the segment.\nSince entering South Africa last year, Chery has maintained a strong growth momentum and good market performance, with a 21.1% month-on-month improvement in terms of cumulative sales from January to May. Chery entered South Africa as a subsidiary in August 2021, and topped the SUV segment in less than 10 months from the product launch.\nChery also embraced its corporate social responsibility in early April 2022, when it held public benefit donation activities to provide water and other supplies to underprivileged areas, to alleviate water shortages caused by typhoon in the Kwazulu-Natal region.\nRELATED: \nChery returns to Indonesia, to become new base for ASEAN exports\nChery says it will continuously expand its overseas markets, with Malaysia also a part of its plans moving forward."
"Celebrating their partnership with Renault Sport Formula One Team and ushering the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix, world-renowned watchmaker Bell & Ross, together with Cortina Watch launched a Lifestyle Pop-up Store in Suria KLCC which operates until the end of September 2016. Yes, only for one month.\nSpeaking at the launch, \nBell & Ross CEO\n, Carlos A. Rosillo said, \u201cRenault Sport Formula One Team and Bell & Ross share a common goal of pushing the limits of mechanics in a Race Against Time, and our partnership is symbolic of what can be achieved when precision and speed come together to form a synergy that could only lead to victory.\u201d\nAmong the latest collection on display at the Pop-up Store include the \nBR-X1 Hyperstellar\n and the \nBR 01 Burning Skull\n, the limited edition \nBR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph\n and \nBR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph Tourbillion\n watches which\u00a0made their debut appearance here. Only \n250 pieces\n\u00a0of the former and \n20 pieces\n of the latter are available worldwide, and both are inspired by the Renault Sport Formula One Team\u2019s \nR.S. 16 race car\n with their trademark black and yellow colour scheme.\nBR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph\nBeing the only one in Malaysia and one of 20 units in the world, the \nBR-X1 RS16\u00a0Skeleton Chronograph Tourbillion\n is priced at \nRM691,000\n a piece. The\u00a0\nBR-X1 RS16 Skeleton Chronograph\u00a0\nis no less exclusive, as only 250 units are available worldwide and is priced at \nRM102,500\n\u00a0each.\nA \u2018Meet & Greet\u2019 session with Renault Sport Formula One Team\u2019s driver \nKevin Magnussen\n has been scheduled at the Pop-up Store on the \n28 September at 5.00pm\n, and fans can also win \nattractive prizes\n apart from an \nautograph session\n and a \nphoto opportunity\n with Magnussen.\nThe \nBell & Ross Pop-up Store\n is located at \nLevel 1\n of the shopping mall, and if you\u2019re not around until October you can still visit the \nBell & Ross boutiques\n in \nPavilion KL\n, \nThe Gardens KL\n, and \nGurney Plaza Penang\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Thailand, the largest automotive market in the ASEAN region with Indonesia a very close second, is setting up an ambitious plan to \nonly offer electric vehicles (EV)\n as new vehicles from \n2035\n, completely phasing out the internal combustion engine, five years earlier than \nSingapore\n!\nThe report from \nBloomberg\n highlights now that the country has set a target for phasing out vehicles with combustion engines, the next step for the government will be to facilitate the transition.\nKawin Thangsupanich, an adviser to Energy Ministry\u2019s national policy committee, said the government must press hard on the development of strategies to build more \ncharging infrastructure\n, implement favourable tax incentives, regulations as well as promote manufacturing of EVs.\nThe target, that is only 14 over years away, is incredibly ambitious for the nation that registers \nover 1 million units\n of new vehicles annually, of which, half are commercial vehicles such as \npick-up trucks\n powered by diesel engines.\nMG is aggressive with its EV plans in Thailand\nBattery EVs currently make up less than 1% of cars in Thailand, with just \n2,202 units\n sold last year. Hybrid vehicles, both \nself-charging\n and \nplug-in\n charging, fare much better, registering over 178,000 units in 2020, a growth in sales given the disruption following the global pandemic.\nBy the end of 2025, Thailand hopes to have 25% of new vehicles sold are zero local emissions, with the figure increasing to 50% by the end of this decade, up from 30% previously proposed.\nBoth \nMercedes-Benz\n and \nBMW\n have facilities to assemble PHEV batteries in Thailand\nIn a separate report by the \nBangkok Post\n, total production of EVs consisting of both cars and pick-up trucks is estimated to be 400,000 units by 2025, and see an exponential jump to under \n3 million units\n in just five years, supporting the plan to have 50% of new cars to be EV in 2030. \u00a0\nWith the idea of 100% of new vehicles sold being an EV, the automotive industry in Thailand expects to have produced a cumulative of \n8.6 million\n cars and pick-ups by \n2035\n.\nAs the supply of many components and sub-assemblies of vehicles come from Thailand, this bold plan will surely affect us all in the ASEAN region. Could this also mean \nthe first electric-powered pick-up truck\n could be released as soon as 2025?"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has lifted the wraps of the latest baby AMG to appeal to an even younger group of buyers with an insatiable appetite for speed and a healthy bank account balance.\nThe latest offering for the young and vibrant is fully imported and retails for RM348,888 on-the-road without insurance, with 4-years unlimited mileage.\n\u201cThe Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC is the perfect entry into the world of AMG Driving Performance. With our new A 35, we are transporting the history of AMG into modern times,\u201d says President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Dr Claus Weidner.\nAt the heart of this new heartthrob is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine making \n306 hp \nand \n400 Nm\n of torque paired to an AMG Speedshift 7G DCT. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system which can send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels.\nWith a launch control feature, 0 to 100 km/h speed is done in just 4.8 seconds. Bear in mind, the new A90 Toyota Supra launched last week that costs RM568k is just 0.5 seconds faster.\nIt may not win that drag race but the every single pronounced detail on the car such as the twin louvre front grille, rear diffuser and 19-inch AMG five twin-spoke light alloy wheels that make up the angry stance of the AMG 35 will definitely win the hearts of many.\nOther fancy kit includes Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and suspension with Adaptive Damping and torque vectoring. Hiding behind those wheels which perfectly match the design of the AMG 35 are 4-pot calipers in the front and single pot calipers at the back.\nInside, the AMG 35 is adorned with a mix of Artico man-made leather, Dinamica microfibre, red seat belts to go with the 4-way adjustable sports seats and a distinct AMG centre console and AMG Performance steering.\nOn the instrument panel, the new A 35 features a head up display and twin 10.25-inch screens powered by Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d voice control features, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nAs for driver aid, the AMG 35 is equipped with a blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here it is folks, the GAC GS3 with all the key information after being \nteased\n on social media yesterday. The Chinese automaker, distributed by Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA), has the GAC GS3 as the first-ever model to be introduced in Malaysia.\nFully imported from China, for the time being, two variants of the GAC GS3 are on offer and both are priced competitively and equipped with plenty of features too. The GAC GS3 Standard is priced at \nRM88,800\n while the Premium grade goes for \nRM96,800\n. Prices are on-the-road and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that has been extended to 30th June 2022.\nEXTERIOR\nWhile the GAC GS3 arrive at our shores later in its model life, the schedule has allowed GAC to offer us the facelifted version, compared to the model currently being offered in the Philippines. New styling items include headlights, grille, taillights and bumpers, all of which has made the GS3 look a lot more sleek and modern.\nThe lower bumper cladding linking the smaller fog lamps add visual elements emphasising the width and dynamism of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the D-pillar in gloss black contributes to a \u201cfloating-roof\u201d look.\nKey dimensions of the GAC GS3 are 4,358 mm (length), 1,825 mm (width), 1,685 mm (height) and a wheelbase of 2,560 mm. Compared to the Proton X50, the GS3 is similar in exterior dimensions but has a 40 mm shorter wheelbase. Standard exterior features are:\nHalogen headlamps with follow-me-home function\nLED tail lamps\nRoof rails\n17-inch wheels with 215/60R17 tyres\nThe fully-imported GAC GS3 is offered in four colours \u2013 Lunar Grey, Ivory White, Starlight Silver and Rosefinch Red. The Premium variant is available in Rosefinch Red with black roof, Ivory White with black roof and Lunar Grey (with body-coloured roof) together with black side mirrors, shark fin antenna and roof rails.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior of the GAC GS3 is well appointed too, with a good mix of gloss black finishing as well as panels with stitching. Standard items include:\nTilt and slide sunroof\nCruise control\nPush-button air-conditioning controls with PM2.5 air filtration system\nECO Mode\n8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and phone mirroring\nParking camera\nFor the extra RM8,000, the Premium grade gets power-folding side mirrors, a 3.5-inch coloured multi-information display, intelligent key with push-start button, leatherette seat upholstery, a more comfortable rear seat with a folding armrest and centre headrest.\nThe GAC GS3 boasts one of the widest cabins in its class measuring 1,500 mm and offers comfortable and well-supported seating for three adults at the back. WTCA says the boot has 356 litres of storage space and is expandable to 780 litres with the rear seats folded flat.\nMalaysia is also the first country to launch the right-hand drive model of the GAC GS3.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the bonnet lies a rather conventional powertrain with the GS3 being powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Outputs are modest at \n114 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n with the transmission being a six-speed automatic made by Aisin A.W.\nEngine: 1,495 cc, 4-cylinder Dual CVVT\nTransmission: Six-speed automatic\nDriveline: Front engine, front wheel-drive\nMax horsepower: 114 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 150 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\nFuel Consumption: 14.5 km/L (6.9 L/100km)\nMechanically, the GAC GS3 has the standard MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear axle, with a conventional manual hand-operated parking brake acting on rear disc brakes.\nSAFETY\nStandard active safety features in the GAC GS3 include ABS, EBD with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), both Hill Descent and Hill Start Hold Control as well as Blind Spot Detection.\nOnly the airbag count separates the Standard grade from the Premium grade, with the latter having six airbags that include front side airbags. The Standard gets frontal units as well as curtain airbags. Seatbelt alarm (audio and visual) for all five seats is also fitted in the GAC GS3.\nPRICE\nThe GAC GS3 Standard is priced at \nRM88,800\n while the Premium grade goes for \nRM96,800\n. Prices are on-the-road and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that has been \nextended to June 30th\n \n2022. Included in the price is a five-year/150,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty plus free labour charge for five scheduled services within the first three years or 100,000 km travelled (whichever comes first)\nThe GAC GS3 is available for viewing and test drives at its new showroom along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur (next to the Nissan ETCM showroom) with more sales outlets planned to support more models in the future.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Despite \ndivided opinions\n on how the\n new 5th-generation Toyota GR Supra\n looked (at least), the first production 2020 model dubbed the \u201cGlobal #1\u201d, to roll off the assembly line fetched a whopping USD2.1 million at a recent charity auction to support the American Heart Association in the United States.\nA build unlike any other Supra or vehicle in the world, \u201cGlobal #1\u201d is stamped with the only VIN (or rather chassis) number that will end in 20201 \u2013 with \u201c2020\u201d representing the year the Supra was reintroduced to the world and \u201c1\u201d marking it as the first vehicle to roll off the production line.\nThe exterior comes factory-finished with a matte gray exterior, red mirror caps and matte black wheels; just like the \n\u201cLaunch Edition\u201d model\n. Inside, the Supra is just as unique, with a red interior and carbon-fibre inserts representing the first of the launch edition for the U.S. market.\nThe sale of the Supra not only supports the nation\u2019s oldest and largest voluntary organisation dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke but the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), which benefits post-9/11 veterans and their affected families.\nThe winning bidder also received a full VIP race track experience that includes a fully customised professional racing suit. If you\u2019ve not heard how the new Supra sounds like, check it out \nhere\n!"
"Shortly after Maserati unveiled the \nMC20\n, the Italian supercar maker said that they\u2019ll also be \nadding a convertible\n and an electric variant to the line-up. Well, the first of the two have now finally been announced some two years later, and it\u2019s called the Maserati MC20 Cielo.\nCielo\n means sky in Italian, and it\u2019s because you\u2019ll be seeing a whole lot of that. Not only when the roof is down (\nduh\n), but also even when it\u2019s fully covered up, because the retractable hardtop is made out of electrochromic glass on the top panel that can turn from opaque to clear at just a touch of a button.\nMaserati says that the glass roof is the \u201clargest in the segment\u201d, with a surface area of more than half a square metre. Folding down the roof completely into the new rear deck behind the passenger compartment also only takes 12 seconds, which is up there among the best of the best.\nAside from the new roof, however, the rest of the MC20 Cielo is pretty much identical to the coupe \u2013 even the carbon fibre tub chassis and butterfly roof have also been carried over.\nRELATED: The Maserati Grecale is here to steal a slice of the Macan pie\nPower still comes from the same Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine making \n630 hp\n and \n730 Nm\n of torque, and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and suspension set-up are also unchanged from before.\nThe addition of a folding roof mechanism on the MC20 does add a slight weight penalty, but Maserati says they\u2019ve managed to keep the bloat to just 65 kg. Performance figures understandably took a hit, albeit a modest one \u2013 taking 0.1 seconds more to hit 100 km/h from a standstill (3.0 seconds compared to 2.9), and four tenths longer to 200 km/h at 9.2 seconds.\nTop speed, meanwhile, is now rated at 320 km/h instead of \u201cover 325 km/h\u201d.\nThe Cielo will share the various new upgrades introduced to the coupe for the 2023 model year, including the new parking sensors, rear-view camera, and blind-spot monitoring system, alongside additions of autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign information, and a new 360-degree surround view monitor.\nInside, there\u2019s also a new \u201cdigital touch\u201d rotary drive mode selector on the centre console, with a digital touchpad at its centre that allows the driver to also tweak the car\u2019s suspension settings using the same rotary dial.\nALSO READ: Maserati Levante S updated in Malaysia with new exterior design and onboard features\nAs for aesthetics, the launch car in these photos features a new three-layer pale blue metallic colour called Acquamarina, and will be available via the company\u2019s Fuoriserie customisation programme. Maserati will also be making \u201caround 60\u201d PrimaSerie Launch Edition models for the MC20 Cielo, showcasing the new hue, alongside the new gold Roman numeral-inspired MM20 wheels and PrimaSerie badging.\nPricing information is not available just yet, but we expect a slight increase over the standard Coupe model, which goes for around GBP187k (approx. RM1.03 million) in the UK.\nGALLERY"
"Dealership openings are always an auspicious and grand affair, but nothing comes close to what Geely Auto has done in China. The company has simultaneously opened 149 new 4S Centres in China in a single day. Yes, you read that right; 149 in one day.\nThe simultaneous opening of 149 new 4S Centres in the country is part of Geely\u2019s ongoing \u201cGeely Satisfaction\u201d project which aims to improve customer satisfaction throughout their time with the Geely brand. Total investment for the 149 new 4S Centres was over RMB1 billion (RM594 million) and saw 65 newly built dealerships and 84 upgraded dealerships.\nGeely\u2019s new 3.0 era standards for sales and services stipulates that all new dealerships must adhere to Geely\u2019s high standards and brand requirements which reflects on the appointment process of new dealers. Under this new standard, Geely promises that customer will have a comfortable experience throughout their ownership with the Geely brand from purchasing to after sales.\nIn 2016, Geely sold 766,000 vehicles and almost doubled to 1.24 million in 2017. Within the first half of 2018, the brand has sold over 766,000 cars, ranking fourth overall in sales and first amongst Chinese brands.\nThis rapid expansion for the Geely brand is also beneficial for the respective dealers. In 2017, over 95 per cent of Geely dealers were profitable and each Geely 4S Centres sold an average of 1,314 vehicles per shop, an increase of 31 per cent year-on-year. As of July 2018, the total number of Geely Auto dealerships reached 965.\nLocally, Proton is also mirroring this move with rapid expansion and upgrades to more 3S and 4S centres to give Proton customers a more positive brand experience.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai has been making huge waves lately and for the most part, they\u2019re proper reasons for the mind to surf. It recently unveiled the high performance\n Veloster N \nand\u00a0suggested that it could be \nmaking a two-seater hybrid sportscar.\nNow, they\u2019ve unveiled the first facts about the fourth-generation Santa Fe which will make its world premiere in February before being debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March.\nThe recently revealed \nHyundai Veloster N\n.\nThe new generation Santa Fe will be packed with Hyundai\u2019s latest active safety features offered by the Smart Sense technology. The innovative and industry-first \nRear Occupant Alert\n will be tasked to monitor the rear seats to detect passengers and alert the driver when leaving the car.\nIts \nRear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning\n has also been enhanced by an automated braking function. To avoid the risk of collision when reversing out of narrow areas with limited visibility, the system will warn the driver and is capable of applying the brakes automatically. In other news, Hyundai also made headlines recently having developed the \nworld\u2019s first panoramic roof airbag\n."
"Just two months after the \nBMW iX \nmade its official global debut at the 2021 Shanghai motor show, the fully-electric SUV has now made its way to Thailand, making it the first country in the region to launch the model.\nThe BMW iX will only be offered in a sole xDrive50 variant over in the Land of Smiles, with order books scheduled to open next Monday, the 21st of June. Fully imported from Germany, prices for the BMW iX in Thailand starts at \nTHB5.99 million\n (~RM793k) with the standard warranty package. Only 20 units will be available, according to the pre-booking website.\nThe xDrive50 variant, being the current range-topper of the model, is powered by two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 for a combined total system output of \n503 hp\n, translating to a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \nunder five seconds\n.\nBMW claims that the xDrive50 can also travel\n over 600 km (WLTP test cycle) on a single charge\n, thanks to the 111.5 kWh battery pack underneath the floor.\nWith a 200 kW DC fast charger, the BMW iX xDrive50 is able to replenish 80% of its battery in just 34 minutes. Though when charging at home with the included 11 kW AC three-phase wall box, a full charge will take approximately 7.5 hours.\nThe carmaker\u2019s Thailand arm did not expand further on the model\u2019s country-specific equipment list, though we do know that the iX will be the first car to feature BMW\u2019s latest iDrive Operating System, displayed proudly on a single pane of curved glass which includes a 12.3-inch \u201cinformation display\u201d (instrument cluster) and a 14.9-inch \u201ccontrol display\u201d (infotainment touchscreen).\nCheck out the BMW iDrive 8 Operating System in action here!\nCloser to home, BMW Malaysia also\n recently started teasing\n the fully-electric model on its own website. With the model now available in Thailand, it\u2019ll probably not be long until we see it on our own roads as well!"
"Isuzu Malaysia\n recently delivered eight new medium-duty trucks to home-grown retail brand, MR DIY, marking the 100th Isuzu truck in the latter\u2019s vehicle fleet since purchasing its first unit in 2017.\nThe new trucks comprise six units of the Isuzu FSR90 and two units of the Isuzu FVR300, both from the Isuzu\u2019s Forward Series range. These new trucks will be used to further support MR DIY\u2019s nationwide expansion and its increased logistics needs.\nIsuzu Malaysia CEO, Koji Nakamura shared, \u201cWe are very pleased to have completed the delivery of eight units of Isuzu medium-duty FSR90 and FVR300 trucks to our esteemed customer, MR DIY, and to be able to continuously provide the support they require to operate their flourishing logistical assignments.\u201d\nHe added that the company has been producing the F-Series medium-duty commercial vehicles for decades, and through continuous development of new trucking innovations, customers around the world can count on these trucks for the advance features, innovative design, and dependable performance.\n\u201cIsuzu\u2019s F-Series range of commercial vehicles feature a choice of five powertrains for a range of performance and torque, optimized wheelbases for greater load capacity and body-mounting capability, offering the versatility today\u2019s businesses need to be successful,\u201d Nakamura added.\nThe FSR90 supports a gross vehicle weight of 11,900 kg, while the larger FVR300 supports up to 19,000 kg.\nCommenting on the handover of the vehicles, a MR DIY spokesperson said, \u201cWe are on a strong growth trajectory, with 700 stores now, and plans to open 175 new stores across our three brands in 2021.\n\u201cThe backbone of our growth is the efficient distribution of goods via our centrally-managed distribution system. Isuzu has been a valued long-standing partner who well understands our needs, and has been supportive in meeting them.\u201d"
"Early this morning, approximately 20 cars were affected after refuelling at Petronas Station Solaris Besraya. Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has since come out and taken full responsibility for the incident.\n\u00a0\nAccording to the release, this was due to the mishandling of fuel products which cause the cars to run into issues after refuelling at this particular station. PDB has said that the Solaris Besraya Station is now temporarily closed for investigation and reaffirms that other Petronas stations are not affected. More than 10 cars were left stranded along Sungai Besi Highway after refuelling at said station.\nPDB has since contacted all affected customers and will take full responsibility for the matter. The company is already taking the necessary measures and will compensate the affected customers accordingly. The video below shows the affected cars stranded on Sungai Besi Highway:"
"Asia\u2019s premier off-road event is back for the 25th time, and this year the Borneo Safari will see a staggering convoy of over 250 vehicles run through the deep jungles of Sabah. For the next eight days, pickup trucks of all models and makes will be put to the ultimate test away from civilisation, including one of our most popular utes to date \u2013 the \nIsuzu D-Max.\nFor the ninth year in a row, Isuzu Malaysia engaged several members of the media to have them experience jungle trekking like they\u2019ve never before, but within the comforts of the D-Max\u2019s cabin (with air-conditioning, no less) of course. The Isuzu D-Max boasts having two \nBorneo Safari Vehicle of the Year\n\u00a0for its commendable performance in the past years, proof that there\u2019s more to the D-Max than just being the most fuel efficient pickup in its class.\nLeading the media convoy are \nthree 4\u00d74 D-Max pickups\n; one 3.0-litre and two 2.5-litre variants. To recap, the \n3.0-litre oil burning \nlump makes \n177 horsepower\n at 3,600 rpm and a conservative \n380 Nm\n of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm, while the smaller \n2.5-litre engine\n produces \n136 hp\n at 3,600 rpm and \n320 Nm\n of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 revolutions. Both engines feature the brand\u2019s Variable Geometry Turbo technology with commonrail injection and are known for its frugality.\nAt the flag-off ceremony, Isuzu Malaysia\u2019s Executive Director, Hajime Machimura said, \u201cFor nearly a decade, members of the media have been able to keep pace with the event\u2019s progress from the cabins of the Isuzu D-Max. These vehicles have long risen beyond trying to prove their abilities in the rough and have instead established themselves as a fixture of the Borneo Safari where they are depended upon to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.\u201d\nThe event was flagged off by Sabah\u2019s Tourism Cultural and Environment Minister, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. The convoy will take on various obstacles in the highlands near Tenom and Keningau."
"Also joining in on the many flood relief programmes is Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM), whom today announced a campaign that is specially catered for customers whose Volkswagen vehicles were affected by the floods in the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia.\nVGM will be giving a \n15 percent discount\n to their customers on \nall related vehicle parts\n that were damaged by the flood, and will span over a period of \nthree months\n beginning January till mid-March.\nFor further information, customers may contact their nearest Volkswagen dealerships (look for their aftersales team) or simply \nclick here\n for the list."
"Watch out, Germans. You\u2019ve ought to get your hands busy by now because the Japanese are upping their game in the arena of \nreally\n fast cars. The \nAcura NSX\n wasn\u2019t the only Japanese flexing its muscles at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, because under the same limelight, Lexus for the first time took the veils off their all-new \nGS F\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus GS F\nEngine\n4,969cc; naturally aspirated V8 (2UR-GSE engine)\nTransmission\n8-speed\u00a0Sports Program Direct Shift automatic\nMax Power\n467 hp @ 7,100 rpm\nMax Torque\n527 Nm @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n\u00a0\nWe already know that Lexus will be introducing\u00a0their latest F-designated model following the release of\u00a0\nseveral teaser pictures\n last month. This time around, the \nGS\n gets the F treatment and will be sold alongside the\u00a0\nRM782k Lexus RC F\n\u00a0that was\u00a0recently introduced here.   Not much details came about at the global premiere, but what we can tell you is that the GS F shares the same \n5.0-litre V8 engine\n plucked from the RC F. The naturally aspirated engine is good for \n467 hp\n at 7,100 rpm and \n527 Nm\n of torque at 4,800 rpm to 5,600 rpm.\nPaired to the engine is also the same \neight-speed\u00a0\nSports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic gearbox with paddle shifters for manual shifts. This rear-wheel drive sports sedan comes with \nfour driving modes\n as standard \u2013 Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport S+.\nLexus also claimed to have upgraded their \nTorque Vectoring Differential\n\u00a0(TVD) and now comes with \nthree operating modes\n for optimum performance \u2013 Standard, Slalom and Circuit. As is the trend right now, the GS F is equipped with the brand\u2019s \nActive Sound Control\n feature which \u2018transmits\u2019 engine sound through the internal rear speakers during acceleration or deceleration.\nTo complement the ferocious F badge, the GS underwent a massive facial reconstruction externally, beginning with the brand\u2019s trademark, F-oriented \u00a0\u201cSpindle\u201d grille. The headlights have also been redesigned, this time housing three horizontally placed L-shaped LED modules as the main illuminating\u00a0source, complemented by\u00a0their daytime running lights.\nThe GS F gets larger air ducts, rear spoiler, lower grille moulding made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer and quad exhaust pipes. It also\u00a0sits lower and wider than its non-F siblings, while riding on 19-inch polished aluminium wheels with black-painted wheel nuts.\nInside the fastest (and loudest) GS variant is a different world altogether when compared to the other GS variants. Here you get specially designed seats, instrument panel meters that are inspired by a modern aircraft\u2019s cockpit and switches to improve overall operational experience. There\u2019s also an analogue clock placed right in the middle of the centre air-conditioning vents, just like the RC.\nLooks like we\u2019ll have to wait a tad longer for the IS F\u2019s next lease of life, then. If Lexus decides to continue their journey down this path, then, hypothetically speaking, there could be an \nES F in the making\n. Oh and also,\u00a0if you haven\u2019t already watched the transformer-esque video above, we highly recommend that you give it a go. It\u2019s really worth the time, trust us.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nPorsche Mission E sedan is planned for production in 2020\n but the company has surprised us with yet another all-electric concept car, the Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Concept. As its athletic name suggests, the Cross Turismo takes the shape of a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) to suit the active lifestyle of the adventurous bunch.\nThe Cross Turismo shares much of its design cues with its sedan sibling, slim Matrix LED headlamps with four-point DRL, angular bonnet as well as sharp bumper design. But at the rear, the Cross Turismo resembles the \nPanamera Sport Turismo\n more than the Mission E sedan \u2013 tapering roofline that meets the tailgate.   As you can tell, Porsche is serious about the Cross Turismo\u2019s off-road credentials \u2013 wheel arch protection, extended door sills, high ground clearance and off-road tyres. It will also feature all-wheel drive with Porsche Torque Vectoring, ensure maximum traction on any surface condition.\nInside, the Cross Turismo concept shows four seats with flexible cargo space for maximum practicality. The boot features a rail system with adjustable and removable straps to allow users to load and secure items quickly and safely. The cabin features a single piece, extra-wide display that extends all the way to the passenger seats which allows the passenger to operate the various infotainment functions.\nNew innovations that Porsche presented with the CUV include driver display with eye-tracking control which detects which information the driver is looking at and brings it to the foreground while the rest are minimised to give the driver a clearer view of the detailed information. Porsche is also foregoing the physical button, integrating all the controls including seat adjustments and window operation to the TFT screens.\nLike the Mission E, the Cross Turismo has a twin electric motor set up that gives a combined system output of \n590 hp\n, allowing the CUV to sprint to 100 km/h in less than \n3.5 seconds\n and arrive at 200 km/h in under \n12 seconds\n.\nThe 800-volt architecture allows the lithium-ion battery pack to feature rapid charging, giving it \n400 km of range in just 15 minutes\n. The rapid charging facility will come courtesy of \nIONITY\n, a joint venture by BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen to build a High-Power Charging (HPC) network for electric vehicles across Europe.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The facelifted \nVolkswagen Polo 1.6L CKD\n has been openly displayed at the brand\u2019s local production plant in Pekan, signalling that a local launch may be due as soon as the \ncoming two months\n. These ready-made batches of Polo hatchbacks were spotted during an exclusive media tour round the DRB-Hicom assembly plant, and Volkswagen Malaysia made no effort in keeping these cars behind closed doors.   So it\u2019s an open secret now, but there\u2019s no mention of the price tag it will carry nor its estimated date of arrival. What\u2019s more interesting is that the CKD Polo sedans that are rolling out of the same production line doesn\u2019t carry the facelifted look.\nChanges to the outside are minimal, though barely noticeable if seen from afar. The chrome strip inside the headlights are now \nblackened\n to give it a sportier appeal and gets a chrome bar in the lower front grille. The front fog lights\u2019 design remain the same, though they now come with a \nthin black strip\n of plastic in the middle. Also new here is the grille \u2013 the facelift gets three horizontal lines (two black and one chrome), whereas the pre-facelift has two chromed bars running across the grille.\nThe pre-facelift \nPolo 1.6L hatchback CKD\nChanges at the back is even harder to tell, but upon closer inspection reveals that the tail lights are new in design. The bumper remains the same and the VW logo still functions as its tailgate-opening handle. Side profile remains identical and the Polo still sits on the same \nseven-spoke 15-inch alloy\n rims shod with 185/60R15 series tyres.\nInside, the Polo facelift gets a new steering wheel design and is now \nflat-bottomed\n. Pardon us for not providing you with pictures because unfortunately for us, the \u2018display unit\u2019 was locked. But rest assured when it arrives, we will.\nThere\u2019s no telling if the engine will be different this time around, but it\u2019s very likely that the \n1.6-litre MPI engine\n will be retained, as with its \nsix-speed\n torque converter auto\u2019box. The naturally aspirated engine makes \n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque whilst returning a fuel consumption of \n6.3 litres per 100 km\n.\nAt the time the Polo hatchback CKD was \nintroduced\n, it carried a price tag of RM87,888 (first 500 owners had a RM2,000 discount), but is now priced at RM89,888. It\u2019s hard to say if these minor enhancements would warrant (and justify) a price hike, but we\u2019ll leave that element of surprise to the hands of VGM.\nOn a side note, the \nPolo Goes Zero\n campaign is still being run by VW Malaysia, one that allows their customers to purchase a brand new Polo CKD without having to fork out a single cent for down payment on top of a 0 percent interest rate financing plan.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren has released another teaser for their upcoming track-focused weapon. Believed to be the McLaren 570LT, the new model will be unveiled in full at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed.\nFollowing last weeks \nview of the rear quarter panel\n, the new image flaunts the new car\u2019s top-mounted dual exhaust outlet, a design cue that follows the hardcore \nSenna\n. Like the Senna, the new model has its crosshair pointed at race tracks, as such benefits from increased power, weight savings, optimised aerodynamics and a more engaging driving experience.\nThe new car will be tackling the famous Goodwood Hill Climb on 12 July 2018, but we will learn its name and technical details prior to that on 28 June 2018. Like the Senna and \n675LT\n that came before it, the new car will be produced in very limited numbers. However, it seems that allocations have not all been snapped up yet as the Woking-based company has opened a link for the public to \nregister their interest\n \u2013 a move was never seen on other limited-run series."
"Aston Martin is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of its oldest surviving car in the best way it knows how \u2013 by commissioning a special-edition \nVantage Roadster\n after it.\nThe 100-year-old car you see in these photos is called the \u2018A3\u2019 \u2013 the third Aston Martin ever produced and one of the five original prototypes. After its completion in 1921, the \u2018A3\u2019 was apparently used extensively by Lionel Martin, the carmaker\u2019s co-founder.\nA century later, the original car (after achieving several light-car speed records and race victories, mind you) was painstakingly restored to its original factory condition, and is now the pride of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust.\nNaturally, Aston Martin\u2019s Q personalisation service was tasked with the commemorative project. And to pay tribute to such a major milestone for the historic model, Aston Martin gave the Vantage Roadster a significant makeover, starting with a unique retro-inspired square-mesh grille with bright aluminium surround, finished with Aston Martin\u2019s heritage badge that was also used on the original \u2018A3\u2019.\nAston Martin is no stranger to special-edition models. Check out this beautiful Concorde-inspired DBS Superleggera!\nThe side fender gets a polished aluminium finish, with a fixed with a saddle leather strap inspired from the exposed aluminium bonnet and strap on the 1921 car. The \u2018No 3\u2019 engraving seen on the panel is also in reference to the stamping on the original model.\nRounding up the exterior touches are the bronze brake calipers in reference to the bronze detailing on the \u2018A3\u2019, shown-off proudly behind the bespoke 20-inch lightweight forged gloss black wheels.\nInside, the special-edition Vantage Roadster is specified with an Obsidian Black interior specification, accented by Chestnut Tan leather accents and contrast stitching. The seats\u2019 upholstery gets a fluted design in reference to the \u2018A3\u2019, while an embroidered heritage Aston Martin script can be found on the rear cubby lid.\nThe most impressive touch on the interior for us though, are the rotary dial surrounds for the climate control panel. Aston Martin says that these have been specially cast from brass to \u201ccreate a heritage ambience\u201d, and the natural patina-like finish just looks incredible when contrasted by the black panel.\nOnly three copies of the special homage Aston Martin Vantage Roadster will be built, in honour of its original name, and the company is now accepting orders via its long-time dealer partner Aston Martin HWM. Pricing has not been announced, but if you had to ask, it\u2019s unfortunately probably too much for you.\nGALLERY"
"Well surprise, surprise. Nasim Sdn Bhd, Peugeot\u2019s official Malaysian distributor has added another variant to their 308 lineup \u2013 the Peugeot 308 THP Active. It\u2019s a whole\u00a0RM17,000 cheaper than the \nfully-kitted 308 THP\n\u00a0(RM136,888 a pop), but needless to say, it comes with a few things less.\nRight off the bat you\u2019ll notice the absence of its full-LED headlights, instead you get halogen reflector-type headlights. The LED daytime running lights have been moved towards the lower portion of the front bumper where the signal indicators used to be.   Most of the 308 THP\u2019s chrome bits have been stripped off as well,\u00a0leaving you with body-coloured fog lamp (also halogen) housing, flat-black or unpainted lower front lip and a smaller set of \n17-inch wheels\n instead of the 18-inchers on the 308 THP.\u00a0Thankfully, the rear end of the car remains intact, with its exhaust pipe still remain hidden within the bumper.\nThat\u2019s not all, we\u2019re afraid. Inside, the seats are now clad in fabric, but the good news is they don\u2019t feel cheap. It\u2019s still an unfortunate omission because we really fancied the leather-Alcantara finish from before. Elsewhere, things look identical, until you realise that the push-start button previously placed below the shifter gate is now replaced with a conventional key ignition.   If you think this proposition is a letdown, here\u2019s why we think it isn\u2019t. Sure, this 2014 World Car of the Year isn\u2019t quite as well-equipped as the range topper, but you do get the same \n1.6-litre turbocharged Prince engine\n making \n150 hp\n at 5,000 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,450 revolutions. It\u2019s mated to an\u00a0Aisin-made \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n with Quickshift Technology, but there\u2019s no paddle shifters to tinker with.\nOther numbers remain exactly the same; it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.4 seconds\n, sips \n6.5 litres of fuel per 100 km\n and maxes out at\n 211 km/h\n. It\u2019s not quite the sprinter you\u2019d expect, but frugal it certainly is. Peugeot claims that the 308 THP and 308 THP Active can both cover about \n800km in a single tank of fuel\n, which is quite a drastic improvement over the previous generation 308.\n \n \nIf you one of the \nfirst 50 customers\n to purchase the 308 THP Active, you will be entitled to a \nRM2,000 discount\n. Each new Peugeot will come with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty with Nasim\u2019s 24-hour Peugeot Assistance Service. Owners can also access the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and at the same time be entitled to a\u00a0Peugeot Privilege membership.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new 2022 \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n has just been revealed, and it\u2019ll have big shoes to fill. Taking over the helm of the best-selling model in the German carmaker\u2019s line-up, the second-generation model brings with it reworked styling, a more luxurious interior, and a range of modern electrified powertrains to hopefully continue its success in the mid-size SUV market.\nOn the exterior, the design of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC is really more evolutionary than revolutionary. There\u2019s a bigger grille, sleeker headlights (available with the optional Digital Light matrix system), and new conjoined taillights at the back. But by and large, the styling of the SUV is very much in-line with the first-generation model \u2013 even on the bumpers, except for just a few tweaks to its styling.\nViewed from the side, however, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC does look quite a bit longer than before, with an almost wagon-esque appearance. That all boils down to the GLC\u2019s new dimensions, as the second-generation model now measures 60 mm longer than before (at 4,716 mm), with a 15 mm longer wheelbase. Height, meanwhile, is dropped marginally by 4 mm.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC also gets a significantly wider track at the rear (+23 mm), which together with the extra length, contributes to an increase of 70 litres in cargo room, which now measures a total of 620 litres underneath the tonneau cover. The Easy Pack one-touch access of the tailgate is included as standard.\nDespite the new car being bigger, it\u2019s also slipperier in the air too, with drag coefficient being lowered from 0.31 to 0.29 Cd on this second-generation model, thanks to the subtle nip and tucks throughout the design focusing on improving the SUV\u2019s comfort, quietness, and efficiency.\nThe bigger change on the all-new GLC is found on the inside. Similar to the \nall-new C-Class\n that it\u2019s based on, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC now gets a completely redesigned dashboard, featuring an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display in the centre, paired to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the new steering wheel.\nAside from the modern design, the second-generation GLC is also laden with technology throughout the cabin. These include the optional MBUX Augmented Reality system that overlays virtual objects in the built-in navigation system, a massive colour head-up display, as well as an MBUX Smart Home system that can remotely control your connected home appliances and equipment directly from the car.\nSafety kit have also been updated here, with the Active Distance Assist system now able to react to stationary vehicles ahead when travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h (up from 60 km/h previously). Active Steering Assist also gains lane detection, while the Traffic Sign Assist now also recognises other signage such as roadworks and stop sign, as well as wet driving conditions, in addition to the usual speed limit signage.\nThe all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC will be offered in six different variants at launch \u2013 four petrol and two diesel, and all featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard. On the petrol side, the options are the familiar GLC 200 and GLC 300, alongside two plug-in hybrid variants dubbed GLC 300e and GLC 400e.\nAll of them are essentially powered by the same M254 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making \n204 hp \nand\n 320 Nm\n on the GLC 200, and \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n on the GLC 300. Both pure-petrol variants also get a 48V mild-hybrid system that provides an additional boost of up to 23 hp and 200 Nm of torque momentarily.\nThe PHEV variants build off the engines of the GLC 200 and GLC 300 respectively, but adds on electric assistance from a gearbox-mounted electric motor that provides 136 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Combined, the GLC 300e boasts a total system output of \n313 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n, while the GLC 400e takes it up a notch at \n381 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n.\nWith a 31.2 kWh battery pack, both petrol-powered PHEV variants offer a driving range of up to \n120 km\n, and can be driven in pure electric mode at up to 140 km/h. The batteries can be charged via the on-board 11 kW AC charger, or via an optional 60 kW DC fast charging support \u2013 the latter takes roughly 30 minutes to fully charge the batteries.\nThe all-new 2022 GLC is underpinned by the same four-link front and multi-link rear suspension as the fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which should aid in the SUV\u2019s handling and comfort. Airmatic suspension is also available as an option (standard on PHEV variants), alongside an Offroad Engineering package which adds 20 mm of ground clearance, alongside additional underbody protection.\nAlso available for the first time on the GLC is the optional rear-wheel steering system, which is able to turn the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees. At lower speeds under 60 km/h, the rear wheels point towards the opposite direction to reduce the SUV\u2019s turning circle by up to 80 cm.\nGALLERY"
"Continental Tyres\n has just launched the first of its seventh-generation products with the Continental UltraContact UC7 tyres. The UC7 tyres are available in Malaysia now and are offered in sizes ranging from 15 to 18 inches.\nEvolved from the UltraContact UC6, the Continental UC7 improves braking and control on wet ground. It also improves fuel efficiency, dry braking, and handling. Featured on the Continental UC7 tyres is Continental\u2019s Confidence+ Technology which combines the best of the brand\u2019s compound technology and construction design features without compromising safety, comfort, handling, and mileage.\nContinental Tyre Malaysia Managing Director, Andrea Somorova said, \u201cWe take pride in our safety technologies that have been highly recognised for generations. With Vision Zero as our top priority, we strive to achieve zero accidents, zero injuries, and zero fatalities on the road.\u201d\nA worldwide team of about 25 engineers and material experts spent more than 9,500 hours to realise the UC7 tyres. They conducted over 850 tests under various conditions with a combined testing distance that is 12 times the earth\u2019s circumference.\nRELATED: \nThese Continental tyres are perfect for \u201cmodern society\u201d\nThe Continental UC7 tyres feature Continental\u2019s \u201cDiamond DNA\u201d which stands for \u201c\nD\niamond Compound\u201d, \u201c\nN\noise Breaker 3.0\u2033, and \u201c\nA\nqua Channel Advanced\u201d. The \u201cDiamond Compound\u201d optimizes the transformation of kinetic energy into heat, resulting in shorter braking distances on dry and wet roads. The \u201cDiamond Compound\u201d with whisper touch also contributes to reduced noise generation by absorbing impact from the road.\nContinental\u2019s \u201cNoise Breaker 3.0\u201d interrupts the sound waves by disrupting the homogeneity of the grooves. The sound waves are broken up and dissipated into smaller waves, preventing noise from building up and travelling into the cabin. Besides that, the \u201cNoise Breaker 3.0\u201d design with Flow X-celerator leverages the Venturi Effect to accelerate water flow through the groove, improving surface contact between rubber and road.\nRELATED: \nContinental\u2019s new wheel & tyre concept are the bomb, bye bye TPMS\nMainly improving the Continental UC7\u2019s wet performance is Continental\u2019s \u201cAqua Channel Advanced\u201d technology. The \u201cAqua Channel Advanced\u201d surface sipes on the centre part of the pattern, efficiently evacuating water to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.\nThe Continental UltraContact UC7 tyres cater to a wide range of vehicles, available from 15-inch to 18-inch tyre-size fitments. There are suitable sizes for compact cars, mid-size cars, MPVs, and luxury sedans."
"Honda will be launching the all-new Civic in its home market soon! However, based on the silhouette, it seems that the Japanese market will be launching the \nall-new Honda Civic Hatchback\n and not the recently launched \nCivic sedan\n.\nThe new Civic hatchback seems to feature a steeply raked rear windscreen and ends with a sharp vertical drop to the taillamps. The C-pillar not only retains the upward kink but forms as a styling element for the tailgate.\nWe have played around with the photo editor to increase the visibility of the design at the rear\n2021 Honda Civic sedan\nCould this hatchback be the basis of the all-new Honda \nCivic Type R\n? Both Japan and North America are said to be concurrently premiering the new Civic Hatchback on 24th June GMT.\nIn the North American market, the all-new 11th-generation Honda Civic is offered in two engine choices- naturally aspirated 2.0-litre or an improved turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with outputs of 180 hp and 240 Nm.\n2021 Honda Civic sedan, North America\nKey features\n in the all-new Honda Civic sedan include a 10.2-inch driver\u2019s instrument cluster, a 9-inch central infotainment touchscreen display, concealed air-conditioning vents, blind-spot monitoring replacing LaneWatch single-camera, better occupant comfort and a heavily revised suspension setting.\nIn the ASEAN region, the all-new Honda Civic sedan will make its debut soon with the \nSingapore\n market first. The current Honda Civic hatchback is not offered in Malaysia, but is popular in Indonesia and \nThailand\n, where the new \nHonda City hatchback\n has replaced the Jazz model."
"BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia today announced its commitment, on behalf of its customers, to donate RM100 to the BMW Safety 360-degree child car seats subsidy programme for every contract funded through BMW Engage, its online financing platform.\nBMW Engage is a \nfirst-of-its-kind online financing platform\n introduced by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, allowing customers to apply and get pre-approval for their financing from the comfort of their home through a simple application process. The platform is also part of BMW Group\u2019s overall contribution to sustainable environment by reducing the use of paper in our digitised processes.\nBy submitting an application through the platform \u2013 which takes just 15 minutes, customers can indirectly contribute to the good cause to help speed up the adoption of child safety seats in the country.\nBMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Managing Director, Tobias Eismann said, \u201cAlthough the government has postponed the enforcement of the use of child restraint system (CRS) until the end of the year, we hope parents recognise the need for CRS to keep their children safe while on the road \u2013 no matter how short the driving distance.\n\u201cHowever, we recognise that advocating for child safety seats is a shared responsibility, and with BMW Safety 360-degree and its respective partners, we are also taking ownership to ensure more child safety seats are accessible to those in the B40 income group.\u201d\nThe subsidy programme was\n \nfirst introduced in December 2019\n \nwith Safe \u2018n Sound and Childline Foundation, where 150 units of infant carrier car seats were made available at a subsidised price of RM100 each. The initiative garnered over 25,000 registrations from parents in the B40 income group.\nAs for the remaining registrants, the \nsecond phase of the programme fo\ncused on equipping them with a range of snskidz child safety seats, suitable for children of up to 36 kg. The programme was further supported by Shopee as the exclusive e-commerce partner, alongside Ku.Ku Duckbil, Otomo, Mideer, Ankou, and Kakimotor.\nThe snskids child safety seats are made available with a RM50 subsidy, on top of a discounted price from Safe \u2018n Sound that is exclusive for recipients of the subsidy programme, to be redeemed via a unique voucher code (worth RM113) on the Shopee e-commerce platform through\n \na dedicated microsite\n.\nBMW Group Malaysia head of corporate communications, Sashi Ambi said, \u201cAlongside our partners, we are glad to have helped safeguard 170 children on the road tocdate. BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s support through BMW Engage came just at the right time as we are continuing to equip even more parents with child safety seats before the end of the year.\n\u201cOnce again, we want to continue to urge individuals, partners and companies who have the means to support \u2013 be it through raising greater awareness on the topic through education, making child safety seats more accessible or reaching out to us for collaborations \u2013 to make child safety seats instinctive for parents moving forward.\u201d"
"After a \nlong hiatus\n due to the ongoing \nCOVID-19 situation\n, the 2020 Formula 1 season will finally be getting underway with F1 organisers confirming the schedule of the first eight races centred around Europe, starting on\n July 3\n.\nThe season kicks off with a double header at the Austrian Grand Prix on July 3 and 10, then moving to the Hungarian Grand Prix on the third week \u2013 July 17. Two back-to-back races will be held at Silverstone, United Kingdom on July 31 and August 7, after a two-week break in the schedule.\nThe travelling circus will then fly to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix on August 16, followed by a one week break, and the Belgian Grand Prix on the 28th of August. Round eight of the 2020 season will be held at Monza, Italy, one week later on September 6.\nAll of the scheduled races will also be supported by Formula 2 and Formula 3.\nIn order to minimise the risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus, all eight scheduled races are currently set to be closed events with no live spectators, and will be operating under strict health and safety protocols.\nF1 has placed restrictions on the number of personnel allowed to travel to each event, which will affect not only the teams, but also F1, FIA, and the suppliers. Isolated travel for these personnel will be mandated, using chartered flights as much as possible, along with private transfers between venues to minimise interaction with the untested public.\nAll personnel will be required to undergo COVID-19 tests and provide a negative result before being allowed to travel to each event. Medical staff will also be on site to conduct regular testing on arrival, including for all locally-based workers at the event.\nSocial distancing will not be enforced on track between the cars, so rest assured we\u2019ll still be seeing close racing in the races.\nSocial distancing measures will also be strictly enforced at all of the events. On top of that, all personnel are also required to isolate within their respective team units, and not interact with others.\nAll activities and spaces, including the parc-ferme, podium, cool down rooms, and media obligation and interview locations, will be altered to ensure a safe distance can be maintained.\nWill the 2020 season be Lewis Hamilton\u2019s seventh F1 World Championship title?\nFormula 1 Chairman and CEO, Chase Carey said: \u201cIn the past weeks we have been working tirelessly with all our partners, the FIA and the teams to create a revised opening 2020 calendar allowing us to restart racing in the safest possible way.\n\u201cWe are pleased to be able to set out our opening eight race calendar today and look forward to publishing our full calendar in the coming weeks,\u201d adds Carey. Formula 1 expects to run 15 to 18 races before the season concludes in December this year.\n\u201cWhile we currently expect the season to commence without fans at our races we hope that over the coming months the situation will allow us to welcome them back once it is safe to do, but we know the return of Formula 1 will be a welcome boost to sports fans around the world.\u201d"
"We\u2019ve lost count of the number of electric cars in Malaysia, and guess what? Here is another one \u2013 the \nSmart #1\n. It is pronounced as the \u201cSmart Hashtag One\u201d, and as you already know by now, it will be launching soon in Malaysia. Lucky for us and a few others, we\u2019ve been given the chance to take a closer look at the car and even drive it for a bit. As for now, Smart Malaysia is only allowing us to share the exterior photos of the Smart #1 \u201cPremium\u201d with you. Yes, that is a reveal of one of the variants that will be offered in Malaysia.\nTo start off, let\u2019s first address the fact that Smart is now owned by \nMercedes-Benz\n and \nGeely Holding\n with a 50:50 split. So, the car gets a Mercedes-Benz design and a Geely group underpinning. It isn\u2019t hard to see the \u201cEQ\u201d resemblance in the Smart #1 and the Geely underpinning is specifically the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) 2 platform, which is shared with the \nVolvo EX30\n and the Zeekr X. It is quite an interesting combination.\nSharing the same underpinnings as the Volvo EX30, this means that the Smart #1 is smaller than the Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz EQA, and BMW iX1. It is compact, but the exterior design still manages to give the Smart #1 a somewhat menacing look. The Smart #1 measures 4,270 mm long, 1,822 mm wide, and 1,636 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,750 mm long and the car has a ground clearance of 182 mm.\nSpeaking of the exterior design, the Smart #1 is an evolutionary jump from what we may remember from the earlier ForTwo, ForFour, Roadster, and ForMore. And it still manages to retain that distinctive \u201cSmart\u201d look. You can remove the \u201cSmart\u201d badges, and the Smart #1 is still unmistakably a \nSmart\n car. It is a fresh breath of air in a sea of EVs that tend to look interchangeable.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 undergoes 20,000km test ahead of Malaysia launch\nNotice that the rear windows are already \u201ctinted\u201d. The Smart # 1 comes with factory-fitted \u201cprivacy glass\u201d\nThe Malaysia-spec Smart #1 gets an illuminated grille\nThe Malaysia-spec Smart #1 gets illuminated side logos that have a \u201cpulse\u201d when charging\nExterior highlights on the Smart #1 Premium include Cybersparks Matrix LED headlamps, integrated LED DRL, sequential turn signals, an illuminated front grille, illuminated electric door handles, luminous side logos, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic halo roof, and roof rails. Pay attention to the images that we have shared and you\u2019ll also notice that the rear windows are already \u201ctinted\u201d from the factory as they are factory-fitted privacy glass.\nWhat is special about the Malaysian-spec Smart #1 Premium is the illuminated front grille and luminous side logos, both of which are part of the decision made by \nthe team that was sent to China in December 2022\n. There are more Malaysia-specific features, but we can\u2019t quite share them with you just yet.\nWe\u2019ve driven the Smart #1 and all we can say for now is that it is a decently comfortable experience. Just in case you were wondering, this small EV sports a MacPherson strut suspension set up in front and a multilink setup in the rear. It is tuned to be on the softer side while \nthe Brabus variant\n gets a stiffer setup.\nRELATED: \nNew Smart #1 Pulse AWD variant debuts \u2013 400km range, 0-100km/h in 4.5 secs\nThe Smart #1 is a small car, yet it feels assuring at high speeds. Its small size means it is naturally nimble and its sufficient power makes you easily forget that this thing weighs 1,800 kg. Speaking of power, no official figures were shared by Smart Malaysia, the UK-spec Smart #1 Premium \n272 hp\n and \n343 Nm\n with all power sent to the rear wheels. 0-100km/h is done in \n6.7 seconds\n.\nAs for the EV numbers, the Smart #1 Premium (globally) gets a \n66-kWh\n battery pack which provides \n440 km\n of range. AC charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n22 kW\n and DC charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n150 kW\n. The former takes less than \n3 hours\n to charge from 10% to 80% and the latter takes less than \n30 minutes \nto charge from 10% to 80%.\nRELATED: \nTesla, Smart, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo will change how we buy cars in Malaysia\nSmart #1 Brabus\nThat\u2019s all we can share for now without revealing too much of what Smart Malaysia will bring to the market. Globally, there are 4 variants of the Smart #1 \u2013 Pro+, Premium, Pulse, and Brabus. How many variants will there be for the Malaysian market? What would the price be? Let\u2019s allow Smart Malaysia to tell their story as they prefer.\nYes, the poster child for EVs is now in Malaysia, but let Smart cook. As for now, feast your eyes with some photos of the Smart #1 Premium. We\u2019re not allowed to share the interior photos just yet.\nGALLERY"
"Back in 2015, Porsche\u2019s top brass commission its engineers to build a sports car based on the 981 Boxster to evaluate if such a car could go into production.\nThe prototype needed to be as light and minimalist as possible with an even more radical and uncompromising design than the Boxster to achieve exceptional power-to-weight ratio and so the Boxster Bergspyder was born.\nAs the name suggests, the one-off build was based on the Porsche 909 from the 1960s that weighed just 384 kg, and with \n275 hp\n from a flat-eight engine, made it the \nlightest racing car ever used by Porsche\n.\nBecause it needed to be light, daily essentials you\u2019d find in the Boxster, such as insulation material, door handles, the roof and even the windscreen are all taken away. The windscreen was instead replaced with a slim and curved wind deflector that surrounds the driver.\nEven though the door handles have been removed, the passenger door can still be opened, somehow, with enough space to accommodate a helmet, additional luggage and the removable cover for the driver\u2019s seat.\nThose with a keen eye would notice that the dashboard has been redesigned with gauges along with the bucket seat taken from the 918 Spyder.\nThe result from these drastic measures meant the Bergspyder only weighed 1,099kg; just about the weight of a Perodua Myvi but with \n393 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n at its disposal from a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine taken off the Cayman GT4. This also meant that 0 to 100 km/h took just four seconds!\nSadly, concerns on whether the car could be registered in some countries which would subsequently affect sales, ultimately killed off all plans to put it into production. The one-off now resides in Porsche\u2019s museum in Stuttgart.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As if the \nLexus RX \nand Toyota Harrier co-existence in the past hasn\u2019t left us scratching our heads, Lexus is about to make you dig into your scalp with the new \u201cLM\u201d (simply known as the Luxury Minivan) \u2013 essentially a glorified Toyota Alphard.\nSo if the\n Toyota Alphard\n already epitomises the godfather of boxy, luxury people-movers, in Malaysia at least, it will be interesting to see how much more luxurious the LM would be.\nIt could be furnished with crystals \nmade out of outer space materials \nor upholstery produced from unicorn hide \u2013 we don\u2019t know but we\u2019re excited to find out.\nNot much has been revealed except for a close-up shot of the front end, which sports the signature front design of all new Lexus models along with a side profile shot that clearly points out the similarities between the Alphard and LM \u2013 especially with the B-pillar design.\nOne thing\u2019s for sure, more of these white toasters here, whether Toyotas or Lexus\u2019, you can forget about the rules \u2013 the biggest wins."
"When Formula 1 returns for this weekend\u2019s Austrian GP, the FIA will show its appreciation to everyone around the world for their strength and resilience in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The sport\u2019s governing body will also show its unity in the fight against racism and inequality in Formula 1 through the AMG GT R safety car.\nAs such the AMG GT R safety car will project new visuals \u2013 a rainbow and the #weraceasone hashtag. The same visuals will also feature on all the Formula 1 race cars and around the circuit.\nThe rainbow was chosen as it has become a symbol that is used internationally to bring communities together. The words \u201cDrive Safely\u201d will also be visible on the bonnet of the Formula 1 Safety Car, addressing and reminding F1 fans to always drive in a careful and considerate manner. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate used as the Official F1 Medical Car will also sport the same design.\nSpecifications of the AMG GT R remain unchanged from the standard car, even though it\u2019s tasked to lead a pack of Formula 1 race cars. It makes \n585 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n from a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 318 km/h, just like the standard car.\nIn Malaysia, the \nAMG GT R is priced at RM1.7 million\n, while the \nAMG G\nT C is priced at RM1.5 million\n. Both are on-the-road prices excluding insurance. For the updated price list on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, \nclick here\n.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has just released the updated price list for the \nToyota Camry\n and \nCorolla\n sedan here in Malaysia, with both models receiving a price hike effective 3 Jan, 2023.\nThe Toyota Corolla sees a RM4,000 increase in price on both of its variants, which means that the C-segment sedan is now priced at \nRM134,888\n for the entry-level 1.8E, and \nRM145,888\n for the range-topping 1.8G.\nThe Toyota Camry meanwhile receives a RM10,000 price hike as compared to its last-published MSRP, now retailing for an eye-watering \nRM219,800\n here in Malaysia effective 2023. All prices listed here are inclusive of the marque\u2019s standard five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.\nDespite the price hike, no revisions are being made to the specifications and equipment lists of both cars. The Toyota Corolla in Malaysia was \nlast updated in June 2020\n with a larger and more feature-complete central infotainment display, while the Camry was given a \nmore thorough refresh early last year\n, boasting a new 2.5-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, alongside other aesthetic and feature updates.\nRELATED: \nAnwar Ibrahim cancels Mercedes-Benz S600 order, sticks with Toyota Camry for PM duties\nThe updated prices are reflective of the current market conditions, which have been affected by global inflation and rising manufacturing cost. As both of these models are fully imported from Thailand, the price increase could also have been impacted by the weakening Malaysian Ringgit.\nIn the same vein, \nBMW\n and \nMini\n have also released their updated price lists for 2023, with price hikes of up to 6.3% on certain models.\nWATCH: \n2022 Toyota Camry 2.5V Review \u2013 uncle car no more?"
"First revealed as the \nConcept 4 almost 2 years ago\n now, BMW launched the \nall-new G22 BMW 4 Series last June\n and of the many variants available, one of them has arrived in Malaysia \u2013 the BMW 430i M Sport.\nThe fully-imported 430i is priced at \nRM454,800\n and is accompanied with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service.\n \nIts handling is further enhanced by the Actuator Contiguous Wheel Slip Limitation (ARB) which allows the car to keep a cleaner line when going through a tight corner.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic\nBrakes: Single pot floating (front and rear)\nMax Power: 258 hp @ 5,000 rpm to 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,550 rpm to 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h: 5.8 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h (limited)\nColours available include the Arctic Race Blue Metallic, Portimao Blue, Alpine White, and Black Sapphire. Boot space is rated at 440 litres while the rear seats offer 40:20:40 split folding.\nEXTERIOR\n19\u2033 M light-alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 797 M Bicolour with Run Flats\nM Sport brakes with Blue calipers\nM Sport suspension\nM Aerodynamics Package\nBMW Laser Lights\nBMW Individual Shadow Line\nINTERIOR\nInside, the 430i M Sport comes with 11different ambient lighting along with a 3-zone air conditioning system. Climbing on board, you\u2019d immediately be greeted by a striking M Sport door sill. As for the shiny bits on the dashboard and centre console, they\u2019re called Aluminium Tetragon trims.\nThe touchscreen display is powered by the BMW Operating System 7, with Connected Package Professional which offers Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Intelligent Personal Assistant.\nM steering wheel\nM pedals\n12.3-inch fully digital instrument display\n10.25-inch touch screen\n16-speaker Harman Kardon\nOn the infotainment system, the Remote Software Upgrade offers software updates, allowing drivers to access new vehicle functions that can be retrofitted seamlessly via an over-the-air upgrade.\nSAFETY\nSafety is ensure by seven airbags along with Parking Assistant and Reverse Assistance features. It\u2019s also equipped with the Driving Assistant Package which includes:\nFront Collision Warning with brake intervention\nLane Departure Warning\nLane Change Warning\nRear Cross Warning and Collision Prevention\nWhen activated, the Reversing Assistant continuously records the last 50 metres of driving (when driven slowly, at speeds of up to 35 km/h) and can automatically reverse on the same path, making it easier to manuerver in tight spaces.\nGALLERY"
"What happens when you have the entire Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Team drivers, eight Ford Performance models and a 5.345 km Motorland race circuit near Barcelona, Spain together? Only one sensible thing to do \u2013 an all-out track showdown.\nAndy Priaulx, Harry Tincknell, Olivier Pla and Stefan M\u00fccke from the World Endurance Championship, and Dirk M\u00fcller, Joey Hand, Richard Westbrook and Ryan Briscoe from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, each took the wheel of a Ford Performance model which includes the Ford F-150 Raptor, Fiesta ST, \nall-new Fiesta ST\n, \nFocus RS\n, \nMustang GT\n, Mustang GT350R, \nFord GT\n road car and \nFord GT race car\n. Eight cars, one lap, in a no holds barred staggered time trial.\nEach car set off at intervals starting from the most unconventional F-150 Raptor to the Le Mans-winning Ford GT race car. While the GT race car emerged as a clear winner, the driving pleasure behind the wheel of all the other vehicles simply cannot be denied. From pure-bred race cars to hilarious pick-up trucks, all the drivers had great fun behind the wheel of a Ford Performance model.\nHarry Tincknell, Le Mans 24-Hours driver said, \u201cIt was a hilarious shoot. Eight racing drivers all given a car to go flat-out in a race. Anything could have happened, and it almost did! It was amazing to be one of the first people to drive the all-new Ford Fiesta ST, one of the most popular cars in the world and it handled like a dream.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Isuzu Malaysia\n ended 2022 with a record-breaking sales performance for the \nIsuzu D-Max\n, delivering\n 9,211 units\n of the pick-up trucks across the year. That figure set a new record for the brand with an all-time high, eclipsing the previous record of 6,480 from 2016. But more incredibly, it was also just a few tens shy of doubling the total sales from 2021.\nThe company says that the performance was spurred by huge interest in the 1.9-litre variants, making up 79% of its total portfolio last year. Among those, 55% of them were sold in Peninsular Malaysia. The flagship X-Terrain variant also made inroads into the \u201cpremium lifestyle\u201d pick-up truck segment, with 877 units delivered last year.\n\u201cDespite facing stock limitations from the factory, the third-generation Isuzu D-Max achieved extraordinary heights in terms of market penetration,\u201d said Isuzu Malaysia CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe. \u201cThanks to its exceptional design and future-looking features, the latest generation Isuzu D-Max brings new levels of driving comfort and performance without losing any inherent Isuzu family traits. It is a true representation of a modern day pick-up truck.\u201d\n\u201cOur focus for this year will be to ensure that our customer experience remains positive as we aim to reduce the delivery times and to enhance our network. I wish to thank all our customers for their support and patience and also our partners who have helped us rise to the top despite the challenges faced in the supply of vehicles,\u201d added Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo.\nRELATED: \nIsuzu Malaysia breaks own sales record with 1,233 new D-Max pick-ups sold in March\nThe Isuzu D-Max was most recently \nupdated last year\n with new creature comfort features for the range-topping X-Terrain 3.0 variant, including a 360-degree surround view monitor, as well as a wireless charging pad inside. Underneath the bonnet is a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which delivers \n190 hp \nand \n450 Nm\n to all four wheels via the 6-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe 1.9-litre model meanwhile last saw the addition of a new \nAuto Plus 2WD variant \nin 2019, which, as the name suggests, only comes with front-wheel drive. The 1.9-litre turbodiesel inline-four engine makes \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, and is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox."
"Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch AA) introduced a car and road safety campaign called \u2018Drive for Life\u2019 to raise awareness among drivers on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and the usage of quality car parts.\nOfficiated by YB Anthony Loke, \nMinister of Transport\n and YB Hannah Yeoh, \nDeputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development\n, the \nthree-year long campaign\n will be executed in three phases \u2013 \nEducate\n, \nEngage\n, and \nEmpower\n.\n\u201cFrom our surveys done in 2018, more than 50 percent of Malaysian drivers lack knowledge in basic car maintenance and its impact on passenger, car and road safety. Through the \u2018Drive for Life\u2019 campaign, Bosch\u2019s impart automotive expertise to equip drivers with \nbasic vehicle maintenance knowledge \nwhen drivers encounter a car problem,\u201d said Marcio Coelho, Director of Sales and Marketing Services of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket for Asia Pacific Southeast.\nFrom the same surveys, 70 percent of car breakdowns are caused by battery malfunction, with less than 50 percent of drivers and only one percent of women knowing how to troubleshoot their car during a breakdown.\nSome of the activities include a series of workshops on basic car maintenance, as well as enhancing the driving curriculum with practical tips for first-time drivers and empowering next generation mechanics. The campaign will also include a \n#BoschEmpowersWomen\n segment as an initiative to engender the idea that car maintenance is for everyone to understand.\nCollaborating with \nPetron\n, the campaign will kick off by providing drivers \nfree vehicle inspection services\n prior to their \u2018balik kampung\u2019 journeys. The inspection will involve a 25 point check on battery condition, engine oil and fluid levels, and tyre thread and brake pad thickness.\nThe free vehicle inspection services will be available on the third (\n18-19 May\n) and fourth (\n25-26 May\n) weekend in May at these Petron stations:\n 1. Petron Sg Besi Toll Southbound\n2. Petron MRR2 Safari\n3. Petron MRR2 Selayang\n4. Petron Kesas Eastbound\n5. Petron Kesas Westbound"
"The Third Round of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival Vios Challenge continued its Race 2 on Saturday following a \nheated but rain-stricken Race 1\n. Fortunately, the weather was on TGR\u2019s side as all three classes were graced with clear blue skies of Medini City, Johor.\nThe 1.9 km seven turn street circuit had plenty of time dry out from yesterday\u2019s rain which resulted in a more harmonious race. Although, there are still plenty of action to keep the strong crowd entertained.\nSporting Class\nThe cars lined up with the previous race winners leading the 17-car pack. Wong Chin Eeg (#5) from Hiewa Racing Team made a great start but pro go-karter Brendan Paul Anthony (#22) from Dream Chaser with his clear racing experience manage to make a clean pass on the inside going into Turn 1. Despite that, Wong maintained a narrow gap in hopes of reclaiming his lost position.\nOn Lap 11, Clement Yeo (#8) of Team Distinctive Model built up great momentum down the front straight going into Turn 1. Unfortunately, Clement ran out of brakes, pushing Shanmuganathan Arumugam\u2019s car #69 into the water-filled barricades. The safety car was deployed and Turn 1 was put under a permanent yellow flag for the rest of the race.\nWith two laps to go, Patrick Tam (#13) of Team Nanoplus made a bold move in Turn 5 to pass Goh Eng Peng (#99) but made contact with Goh\u2019s car. Patrick spun out and retired for the second time this weekend.\nThe race concluded with Brendan (#22) taking top spot (Total time: 30:01.751) and set a fastest lap time of 1:18.577. Wong (#5) followed in P2 with a 2.140 gap and Kenneth (#28) taking P3.\nPromotional Class\nCrowd favourite, Shawn Lee (#6) despite carrying 55 kg ballast, made a perfect start and pulled ahead from the group by a substantial margin before entering Turn 1. Shukri Yahaya (#24) was not going to let Shawn take all the limelight and closed in on the beatboxer by lap 2.\nJanna Nick (#18) who was determined to score a podium finish made a brave charge on lap 3 but locked up her brakes going into Turn 1. The safety car was called out but returned into the pits two laps later.\nShukri who took advantage of the safety car drafting, made his move at Turn 1, overtaking Shawn in the process. While the duo is busy facing each other, Fattah Amin (#9) managed to close the gap on the pair.\nShawn was determined to strike back and made his counterattack on Lap 7 going into the hairpin. After a clean pass, Shawn was determined to widen his gap to secure his lead position. Unbeknownst to Fattah who was busy chasing down Shukri, Danny Koo (#23) was closing in on him to snatch the precious third position.\nOn Lap 9, Danny finally made his move on the hairpin, but Fattah defended his line well. On the fast Turn 2, Danny went wide into the wall, damaging his front suspension, which caused him to retire from the race.\nShawn Lee (Total Time: 31:07.540; Fastest Lap: 1:18.548) maintained his pace and earned himself a double win with Shukri Yahya and Fattah Amin repeating the podium positions from Race 1.\nSuper Sporting Class\nThe top six drivers from the previous race were reversed on the starting grid which saw Keifli Othman (#63) of Laser Motor Racing starting in pole with Tenku Djan (#12) of Team Nanoplus along side him.\nThe drivers all made a clean start but come Turn 1, Boy Wong (#21) of ST Wangan Racing managed to force Djan wide but the pro drifter managed to defend his position while Syafiq Ali (#7) of M7 Racing Team following closely in third position.\nDrama ensued on Lap 8 when Mitchell Cheah (#11) of Dream Chaser lined Kenny Lee (#38) for a pass into Turn 1. Unfortunately, the pair made contact and Mitchell lost his front right tyre, costing him the rest of the race.\nBy lap 15, Djan was piloting a car with sketchy brakes, causing his car to wiggle under hard braking. Syafiq picked this up and pressured Djan to give up his position. On the final lap, the Prince of Drift pulled the greatest stunt in the history of the Vios Challenge to date \u2013 Djan who was anticipating an attempt at Turn 1, gave Syafiq an extremely wide opening whom took the bait and went on to take the inside line. Djan denied him the position by spectacularly swinging his car onto the inside, defending his P2 standing.\nSyafiq did not want to give up and made another attempt at Turn 3 but unfortunately clipped the wall resulting in a puncture, allowing William Ho (#39) to pass, taking P3 in the process.\nThe race concluded with Keifli (#63) taking top spot with a Total Time of 28:49.135 at the end of the 22-lap race. Tengku Djan (#12) came in P2, 4.684 seconds behind the winning car and William Ho (#39) taking a safe P3.\nIt was thrilling weekend for the fans and drivers alike in the Round 3 of the TGR festival Vios Challenge. The season finale is set to take place in Kuala Lumpur in March so be sure to catch all your favourite drivers in the final Vios Challenge of the year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from just \nsharing the M3\u2019s engine and braking system\n, the upcoming next-generation BMW M2 could also be getting its elder brother\u2019s xDrive all-wheel drive system, if a leaked technical document published on\n \nBimmerpost\n is anything to go by.\nThis is the first time we\u2019ve heard about an all-wheel drive M2, as previous leaks and\n teasers from BMW\n have all fixated on the \u201ctraditional\u201d rear-wheel drive layout, alongside its six-speed manual transmission as standard.\nThe internal service memo published on the \nBimerpost\n forum suggests that the all-wheel drive system on the upcoming BMW M2 xDrive will be borrowed directly from the larger \nM3/M4 xDrive\n, and will also come with the same drive modes selector to offer \u201coutstanding traction\u201d and \u201cfurther improved driving dynamics\u201d in varying conditions.\nThe document also states that the AWD system will accommodate a maximum transmissible torque of 1,300 Nm, which means don\u2019t worry \u2013 there\u2019s still plenty of headroom for you tuners to pile up the power output.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia \u2013 from RM798k\nPerformance figures have yet to be officially confirmed by BMW just yet, but the M2 will utilise the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine from the M3 and M4, rumoured to be detuned slightly down to\n around 450 hp\n to differentiate itself from the elder siblings. For context, the base BMW M4 makes 473 hp and 550 Nm.\nThe all-new 2022 BMW M2 is scheduled to make its official debut in October this year, although it\u2019s not clear if the xDrive variant (if it even exists) will be unveiled at the same time, or only introduced at a later date.\nALSO READ: \nUpcoming 2022 BMW M2 will get the M3\u2019s engine and braking system\nWould you be interested in an all-wheel drive BMW M2, or are you strictly in the \u201cRWD or bust\u201d camp? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below \u2013 but we\u2019d appreciate if you please keep it civil."
"Gentari\n subsidiary EV Charge Go (EVCG) has tweeted a video on its \nofficial Twitter page\n to promote its new mobile EV charger. Still going strong, the \nProton Exora\n has been given a second life and has been the chosen vehicle by the company as a prototype to house its charger unit.\nThe clean energy company has detailed the battery capacities its Exora prototype mobile EV charger is able to support, which includes cars with battery capacities of 30 kWh or 60 kWh. The Gentari subsidiary has not shared details regarding the charging speeds or charging packages it will be offering but has mentioned that it will be offering its charging services in 15-minute blocks.\nIn the company\u2019s \nvideo\n and previous tweets, a few types of connectors can be seen available on the Exora mobile EV charger. The connector on the most left and right can be identified as a DC CCS2 plug and an AC Type 2 plug. The round-shaped connector in between the two however is most likely to be a DC CHAdeMo plug.\nThe EV charger was seen tested on a couple of EVs. This includes the \nTesla Model 3\n, \nPorsche Taycan\n, and the \nKia EV6\n. This testing activity is the clean energy company\u2019s 3-month pilot project, primarily aimed towards businesses for the moment, and can help power fleets during trade shows, exhibitions, or during customer engagement events such as test drives or track days. It is not opened to the public as of yet though.\nRELATED: \nScoop: Proton Exora to cease production by end of 2023 \u2013 New MPV coming soon?\nPreviously, \nBMW Group Malaysia\n also previewed its own Mobile Charging Vehicle prototype, together with EV Connection, at the previously held \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n. BMW Malaysia\u2019s Mobile Charging Vehicle, just like EVCG\u2019s, was also housed by an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle, but in the form of a \nNissan\n Vanette.\nThe BMW Mobile Charging Vehicle was made of used batteries from BMW and MINI EVs, with about 70% of State of Health (SoH). It is capable of providing up to \n30 kVA\n three-phase AC power on demand via its \n20 kWh\n battery.\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia and EVC unveil Mobile Charging Vehicle concept, utilises used EV batteries\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after the premier of the W222 S-Class facelift, Mercedes-AMG wasted no time turning it\u00a0into a fire breathing, tyre shredding beast. Launched at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show are the S63 and S65. Both models feature the latest technologies AMG has on offer, aggressive AMG styling and performance figures that of a supercar.\nThe biggest update done to\u00a0the S63 is a new 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, replacing the outgoing 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 mill. Despite the smaller displacement, the new engine outputs 27 hp more than before, churning out \n612 hp\n and\n 900 Nm\n of torque. There\u2019s AMG Cylinder Management (or cylinder deactivation technology) that deactivates up to four cylinders (cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8)\u00a0depending on load. This helps achieve a combined fuel consumption of \n8.9 litres per 100 km\n.\nThe V8 engine is paired to a new nine-speed AMG Speedshift Multi-Clutch Technology (MCT) with Race Start function. All left-hand drive versions of the S63 come with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system as standard, while right-hand drives\u00a0are\u00a0only available with rear-wheel drive. With AWD, the S63 4MATIC+ is able to complete the century sprint in 3.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (300 km/h with AMG Driver\u2019s Package).\nThe S65 soldiers on with the same 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 that produces a whopping\u00a0\n630 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift G-Tornic Plus transmission. Key performance figures are 4.3 seconds\u2019 century sprint, whereas top speed is of course electronically limited to 250 km/h. The same AMG Driver\u2019s Package can be had as well.   Tasked with stopping this monster of a car is a set of high-performance compound rotors, 390 mm x 36 mm at the front and 360 mm x 24 mm at the rear. For additional stopping power, drivers can opt for the bigger AMG carbon ceramic brake system that shaves off 20 percent of unsprung mass and measures 420 mm x 40 mm on the front axle and 360 mm x 32 mm on the rear axle.\nVisually, the S63 and S65 gets a unique \u201cjet wing\u201d front bumper, large side air intakes and a 3D front splitter, all of which are functional parts to reduce lift and aid cooling. At the back, both get new rear bumpers, new diffuser inserts and redesigned dual tailpipes.   Inside, the AMG S-Classes get AMG sports seats with AMG embroidery, AMG badges, three-spoke Performance steering wheel with AMG metal inserts (available with perforated black leather). Unique to the AMG models is the AMG menu in the instrument cluster which displays engine and transmission oil temperature, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine output and torque, boost pressure, tyre temperatures and pressures as well as the current vehicle set-up.\nBesides that, a range of optional equipment are available, including Night Package exterior pack, different wheel design, Carbon Package \u2013 among others.\u00a0Will this come to Malaysia, though? We have a strong feeling it might.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG S65   Mercedes-AMG S63"
"Harley-Davidson, through its official importer NAZA Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd, has launched the all-new \nStreet 750\n \u2013 the latest model to join the \nDark Custom lineup\n. The \nentry-level cruiser\n sits on Harley\u2019s first \nall-new platform\n in 15 years and is their first lightweight bike since the 1974 Sprint.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHarley-Davidson Street 750\nEngine\n749cc; liquid cooled, 60\u00b0 SOHC V-Twin\nTransmission\n6-speed, belt drive\nMax Power\n56 hp @ 8,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n59 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h\n5.2 seconds\nPrice\nRM62,888\n with GST\n\u00a0\nAs the name suggests, the Street 750 gets the \nRevolution X\n engine \u2013 a liquid-cooled, single overhead cam V-twin motor that displaces 749cc. It produces \n56 hp\n at 8,000 rpm and \n59 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm, propelling this \n222 kg\n Harley from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.2 seconds \nand through a \nsix-speed transmission\n.   Harley-Davidson specifically said the Street 750 is a cruiser designed and developed to suit the younger pool of motorcycling enthusiasts. It\u2019s suitable for riding in \nurban environments\n and boasts \neasy manoeuvrability\n and \nquick acceleration\n. The front tyre (\n100/80 R17\n; rear tyre \n140/75 R15\n) is noticeably slim; pair that to the wide handlebar and you\u2019ll get a Harley-Davidson that will happily tango around city gridlocks.\nA pair of matte black, seven-spoke cast aluminium wheels with machined rim highlights are fitted as standard, and both wheels get a 2-piston caliper. Fuel tank is 13.1 litres large, and on paper the bike consumes \n5.74 litres\n per 100 km.   The blue Harleys you see here is also the Street 750, but it has been customised according to its new owner\u2019s preference. Harley-Davidson Kuala Lumpur said the cruiser serves as a blank canvas for riders to customise to their heart\u2019s content. This includes the paint job, wheel design, seating material \u2013 just about anything that has to do with looks.\nThe Street 750 carries a price tag of \nRM62,888 including GST\n, and it comes with a \ntwo-year factory warranty\n and \nthree-year\n or \n80,000 km extended warranty\n programme, whichever occurs first. It can be had in \nthree colours \n\u2013 Vivid Black, Black Denim and Fire Red.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You would think the Royal Family would be chauffeured in an ultra-luxury British marque whenever they stepped their foot out of the door, but the Duke of Sussex enjoys being behind the wheel himself from time to time.\nPrince Harry\u2019s \nold\n ride was a practical, stylish and packs some serious firepower we might add. Yes, his wagon of choice was a Daytona Grey 2017 Audi RS6 Avant which he has since listed it on the classifieds of \nAuto Trader UK\n for \u00a371,900 (RM383k).\n \n \nThe 560 hp RS6 Avant served Prince Harry for one year and was seen in action to transport his newly wedded wife, Meghan Markle in May 2017. The 4.0-litre biturbo V8 powered estate panoramic sunroof, Sports Exhaust, privacy glass and heated front and rear seats allow royals riding in the back to enjoy the same levels of comfort as the front.\nAuto Trader\u2019s Editorial Director, Erin Baker commented: \u201cThe car boasts a 17 reg and low mileage, so it begs the questions why is the Prince selling so soon? Maybe he\u2019s on the market for a bigger family car.\u201d\n\u201cOr maybe he\u2019s after an electric car, having driven Meghan away after their wedding in an electric Jag?\u201d he added."
"They may not be \u201ctoo active\u201d of late \u2013 with only their pick-ups being the more common sight on the road aside from their GTRs but Nissan has reach a new milestone many can\u2019t even dream of boasting.\nNissan Motor Co. Ltd. has, on a global scale, produced 150 million vehicles. It took the Yokohama-based manufacturer an arduous \n73 years\n to hit the 100 million mark since Nissan\u2019s humble beginnings in\n 1933\n and in the last 11 years, built another 50 million.\nWhen the 100 million milestone took place in 2006, 76.5% of the total were produced in Japan. The figures have been helped by locally-assembled vehicles in the last 11 years where \n76.5% of the last 50 million\n have been produced outside of Japan \u2013 with U.S and China being the main contributors.\nHere\u2019s an \ninfographic\n of the Nissan\u2019s long but fruitful road to this epic milestone."
"Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HDSM) has announced plans to launch the Hyundai Kona compact SUV in Q4 of 2020 where bookings can now be made at any Hyundai showroom beginning today.\nThe Kona, which was displayed at the\n 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n, will be fully imported from Hyundai Motor Company\u2019s Ulsan plant in South Korea. Since its global launch in 2017, Hyundai has sold over 600,000 units worldwide up to July 2020, excluding the EV and hybrid models.\n \nNamed after the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Hyundai Kona should arrive here with a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with \n177 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Kona will go against the likes of the \nToyota C-HR\n, \nHonda HR-V\n, \nMazda CX-3\n.\nBased on the estimated pricing of \n\u201cfrom RM115,XXX\u201d announced the Hyundai Malaysia official site\n, it\u2019s safe to assume there\u2019d be more than one variant. That would also make the Kona more expensive than the base model Honda HR-V at RM104k.\nPre-facelift\nFacelift\nIn the local teaser video, it\u2019s also safe to assume that the Kona will \narrive as a pre-facelift model. \nThe 2021 facelift model teased recently seems to come with a much sharper front end, with sleeker, more angular headlamps. It also comes with a completely different fog lamp design and housing compared to the pre-facelift model.\nAmong the items promised in the new Kona include a head-up display, wireless charging, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with the Hyundai Smart Sense driver assistance system.\nIf you place a booking now for the funky fresh Hyundai Kona at just \nRM288\n, Hyundai will even extend an invitation to the exclusive launch event in Malaysia."
"McLaren\u2019s Longtail philosophy is all about more power, less weight, optimised aerodynamics, track-focused dynamics and limited availability. They\u2019ve now extended that philosophy with the fifth model to wear the \u201cLT\u201d badge with the new 600LT Spider, with a price tag of\u00a0\u00a3201,500 (approx. RM1.06 million).\nUtilising the same twin turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 engine found in\n its Coupe sibling\n, along with a revised cooling and exhaust system, the 600LT Spider makes \n600 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of torque.\nFrom a standstill, the 600LT Spider will hit 100 km/h in just \n2.9 seconds\n, and that\u2019s as quick as the \nFerrari 812 Superfast\n but the 600LT Spider loses out to the Prancing Horse to 200 km/h with an \n8.4 second\n time.\u00a0 Top speed with the \nroof up is 324 km/h\n, or 315 km/h when its three-piece roof is retracted.\nEven with the additional structures, the 600LT Spider only bears a 50 kg weight penalty (at 1,297 kg) over its Coupe sibling, credit to the lightweight but incredibly strong carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis.\nThe roof can be retracted as speeds of \nup to 40 km/h\n while an electrically-operated, glazed wind deflector can be activated independently to reduce buffeting, increase ventilation or if you simply feel like enjoying all the wonderful exhaust notes from the top-exit exhaust system.\nFilling in the cockpit are items such as the lightweight Alcantara and carbon fibre racing seats from the McLaren P1, with an option for the super lightweight carbon fibre racing seats found in the McLaren Senna.\nMcLaren will even allow you to remove the audio and climate control systems as an option, in case you feel the weight saving initiatives aren\u2019t extreme enough.\nMcLaren Automotive revived the legendary Longtail name in 2015 when they launched the 675LT Coup\u00e9. Subsequently McLaren introduced the 675LT Spider where all 500 units made were sold out within two weeks.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In case you haven\u2019t heard, the \nMercedes-AMG Petronas F1\n team is the first team in F1 history to \nwin seven constructors championships in a row\n. When the Formula 1 season resumes, you\u2019d probably see Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas zipping around the pitlane in one of these!\nIt\u2019s called the \nXiaomi Pro 2\n Scooter \n\u201cMercedes-AMG Petronas F1 edition\u201d\n and if you dare, it\u2019ll hit a top speed of 25 km/h! Rest assured there\u2019ll be plenty of stopping power as the Pro 2 scooter also comes with disc brakes and E-ABS (regenerative anti-lock braking system)!\nIts Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) has been upgraded where kinetic energy generated from braking and non-powered coasting can be converted to electric power to increase the range of the scooter.\nThe 14 kg Xiaomi scooter also comes with alternate \u201cdrive modes\u201d such as Pedestrian mode where top speed is limited to 5 km/h and 20km/h in the standard \u201cD mode\u201d.\nIt\u2019s powered by a brushless DC motor with 600W of power, paired with 12,400 mAh lithium-ion batteries where a full charge takes eight to nine hours. Best part is, you can ride this to work if you have to; as it offers up to 45 km of \u201cscooting range\u201d!\nThat\u2019s not all; the F1-inspired Xiaomi scooter also comes with a multifunctional dashboard with eight different displays \u2013 speed, speed mode, power, lock status, among others.\nThe Xiaomi Pro 2 electric scooter \u201cMercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Edition\u201d is priced at 799 Euros \n(approx. RM3,900) \nwhile the standard Pro 2 electric scooter goes for 499 Euros (approx. RM2,400).\nGALLERY"
"When Audi previewed the \nAudi A8 Sport Concept\n back in 2017, we know that Audi will give their flagship SUV the S treatment. However, instead of the concept\u2019s 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol, a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 TDI rests under the hood the Audi SQ8.\nAudi\u2019s latest wave of S models are diesel powered, from the \nS4\n to the \nSQ5\n, citing better performance and emissions from the oil burner. The SQ8 packs the most powerful diesel engine on the European market, delivering \n435 hp\n and a mammoth \n900 Nm\n of torque \u2013 that\u2019s more than the \nLamborghini Urus\n super SUV.\nWith maximum torque available from 1,250 to 3,250 rpm, the SQ8 can sprint from nought to 100 km/h in just \n4.8 seconds\n onwards to an electronically limited top speed of\n 250 km/h\n. There is also a 48V mild-hybrid system which further reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.5 litres per 100 km through the coasting function which decouples the engine completely when possible.\nKeeping power in check\nare the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, active sport differential,\nall-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension sport and active roll stabilisation.\nAudi didn\u2019t have to do too much to the exterior because the \nQ8\n is an athletic-looking SUV to begin with. New items include the revised Singleframe grille with more prominent vertical slats, sharper front apron, restyled rear diffuser with quad exhaust outlets and 22-inch alloy wheels.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi SQ8 V8 TDI Unveiled"
"The \nMazda CX-3\n took the market by storm when it was first introduced to the world, thanks to its sharp Kodo: Soul of Motion design language and premium interior that gave it the edge over its closest rivals.\nLast year, the CX-3 was crowned as the Crossover of the Year at the \nASEAN Car of the Year Awards 2016\n. Now, Mazda\u2019s crossover can add another title to\u00a0its belt \u2013 Thailand Car of the Year 2016. The CX-3 was launched in the Land of Smiles back in November 2015 as a locally assembled unit and immediately\u00a0became the top pick among the judges. The judging panel comprised of over 40 automotive journalists.\nMazda is currently exhibiting the updated CX-3 with G-Vectoring Control for the first time at the 38th\u00a0Bangkok International Motor Show. Find out\u00a0\nwhat we think of the Mazda CX-3\n\u00a0and how it stacks up against \nthe mighty Honda HR-V\n. Congratulations again, Mazda!"
"From 2 to 4 June (Friday to Sunday), Auto Bavaria MINI will be opening its doors to observe the holy month of Ramadan. To celebrate the special month, MINI Glenmarie invites the public to join them for a Moroccan-style \u2018Buka Puasa\u2019 and Sundown test drive on 3 June (Saturday), 7pm.\nMINI Glenmarie is also organising a charity drive to raise donation for Rumah Amal Cahaya Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (RACTAR), an orphanage home in Subang Jaya. Guests and visitors can donate items to support this campaign at MINI Glenmarie.\nIn addition, customers who purchase a new MINI during this festive month will stand a chance to win additional \u2018duit raya\u2019 and a Samsung Galaxy S8. For a limited time only, the first-generation MINI Countryman JCW Design Edition (not to be confused with the recently launched \nsecond-gen MINI Countryman\n) can be\u00a0yours for \nRM205,888 \n(RM37k savings)\u00a0only and comes with 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service package."
"The C-Class is no longer the smallest sedan in the Mercedes family. With the new W205-series C-Class\u00a0 growing bigger and more luxurious (not yet launched in Malaysia as per time of writing), the smallest sedan spot is now vacated. This is where the CLA-Class comes in to fill the void. I may be breaking the taboo by calling the CLA a sedan, since Mercedes-Benz insists that the CLA should be classified as a \nfour-door coupe\n.\nWatch our video car reviews here\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz CLA 200\n \nSegment\nC-Segment 4-door Coupe\nEngine\n1,595cc 4-Cylinder, Turbocharged\nTransmission\n7G-DCT dual clutch auto\nMax Power\n156 hp @ 5300 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1250-4000 rpm\nPrice\nRM235,888\nWatch our video car reviews here\nSharing the\u00a0\nMFA\n\u00a0(Modular Front Architecture) platform which underpins the W246 B-Class, W176 A-Class, and the upcoming X156 GLA-Class crossover, this C117 CLA-Class is also\u00a0\nfront-wheel driven\n. The MFA platform can also accommodate a 4WD drivetrain (which can be seen on the A 45 AMG &\u00a0\nCLA 45 AMG\n\u00a0models available here), and is set to spawn even more variants in the future. These new generation Benzes are targeting the younger demographic to inject more youthfulness into the brand.\nEXTERIOR\n \nTo say the CLA is the booted version of the A-Class is not entirely true. Believe it or not, almost all of the body panels on the CLA are not shared with the A-Class hatchback sibling. From dead-front view it may look like an A-Class but anoraks will be more than glad to point to you that they\u2019re not the same. Perhaps the easiest way to tell them apart from the front is that the CLA has two bulging ridges on its bonnet. No doubt it\u2019s an attractive shape, and to this writer\u2019s eyes the three-box shape with extended rear end makes the CLA better proportioned than the A-Class.\nThe CLA 200 offered here in Malaysia comes \ncompletely built up\n from Hungary and only comes in a single variant with \nNight Package\n. The Night Package includes the \n18 inch\n 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, black side mirror caps, and all the chrome bits such as the 230 pins (count \u2019em) in the diamond grille and the side window surrounding trims have been blacked out for an understated look. You can have the CLA 200 in Cirrus white, Jupiter red, Polar silver, Cosmos black, Northern lights violet, or Mountain grey metallic as seen here on our test car W1683V.   Viewed from the side you can see clearly why Mercedes wants you to call it a coupe. The shallow \nframeless side windows\n is a nod to the bigger CLS which further emphasises its coupe ambitions. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new design language stresses on their new trademark \u201c\ndropping line\n\u201d from the front fenders towards the rear of the car which can also be seen on the flagship \nW222 S-Class\n limousine.\nThe back of the car is arguably the most interesting, with the complex mix of convex and concave surfaces. The sculpted flowing lines on the CLA are not just for show, with a \nCd value of 0.23\n this car is even more slippery than a Toyota Prius. If you happen to see a parked CLA, do pause for a few minutes and try to absorb all the details to appreciate the overall design, I know I did.   INTERIOR\n \nThe interior is faultlessly classy even though some of the plastics are hard to the touch they have a nice texture to prevent it from looking cheap. This particular unit is trimmed in delicious-sounding\n almond beige\n, but buyers can also choose from the not-so-classy-sounding\n alpaca grey\n or a more serious black trim. From the driver\u2019s seat with both your hands on the steering wheel, almost everything is within your fingertips.\nButtons on the steering wheel controls the multifunction display located in the middle of the instrument panel, as well as \nVoice Control System\n and telephony. Behind the steering wheel there\u2019s a pair of shift paddles, and on the steering column not only you will find the indicator/wiper stalk and cruise control/speed limiter stalk, but also the gearlever; or what Mercedes refers to as \nDIRECT SELECT\n lever. It may be a bit awkward for some to get acquainted with the steering-mounted lever but once you get used to it, the \u00a0DIRECT SELECT lever feels just as natural to operate.   The dashboard design is not new as it is shared across the MFA platform siblings which first appeared on the W246 B-Class back in 2011. One thing that bothers me is the main \n5.8 inch\n audio/COMAND display. Not only that it looks like an afterthought, the screen itself is in low resolution, and the surrounding bezel is annoyingly too thick. To control the menu on the screen there\u2019s a controller on the center console, but weirdly enough the audio control is separated and located way up north on the dashboard.   The electrically-adjusted memory front seats look good and feel good, wrapped in man-made \nARTICO leather\n they also provide enough side support during cornering. Same cannot be said to the rear seats, it looks good but they are just barely seats. If you were to be a passenger in the CLA, I suggest you call dibs on riding shotgun if you don\u2019t want to suffer the lack of headroom at the back on long journeys. Legroom surprisingly is not a big problem but the rear perch is short on thigh support. Although the rear bench comes with three seatbelts, leave the middle seat to the little ones or better still to leave it empty.\nIn terms of practicality you get \nISOFIX\n mounts at the back, four cupholders (two front, two at the back), \nthree 12v power outlets\n (one front, one back, another one in the boot), storage space under the front armrest, additional storage bin in place of the gear lever in the center console (literally a bin, you can pop it out when you need to empty the bin), overhead sunglass compartment, stowage compartment under the front seats, \n60/40 split-folding rear seats\n, and \n470 litres\n of space in the boot. You will also get the normal front airbags, with additional knee airbags, side airbags front and rear, and curtain airbags as part of the safety features.   You get what you pay with the quality materials that adorn the interior, everything else feels solid and tactile. Worth noting that it\u2019s best to experience the interior at night, only then you will appreciate fine touches with the ambient lighting that lit up the cabin to create such a warm and inviting ambiance.   PERFORMANCE\n \nDon\u2019t be confused with Mercedes\u2019s current naming convention. Gone were the simpler days where a \u2018200\u2019 badge on the bootlid means 2.0 litres until one day Mercedes decides that \u2018200\u2019 can still mean 2.0 litres but \u2018200\u2019 could also mean there\u2019s a 1.6 litre engine under the bonnet. Confused yet? This CLA 200 is powered by a \n1.6 litre turbo\n four that dishes out \n156hp\n and \n250Nm\n of torque via the \n7G-DCT dual clutch gearbox\n. No you won\u2019t shred the tyres with this powerplant, for that you need the CLA 45 AMG but let\u2019s reserve that story for another day shall we?\nThis turbocharged 1.6 litre powerplant is not about hurrying up your drive to your trendy neighbourhood cafe for your caffeine fix but the engine sufficient enough to get the car going when the need arises. \nNought to hundred km/h\n can be achieved in \n8.6 seconds\n and keep your right foot planted you should top at \n230 km/h\n but I don\u2019t see the point why would you need to drive the CLA 200 that fast. Power delivery is laggy at the lower rev range not only when in the default E mode, but even on S or M mode as well.\nTHE DRIVE\n \nEach time you twist the key to start the car (sorry, no fancy push start button here), the CLA 200 will default itself to E (Economy) mode with \nECO start-stop\n function turned on. With this mode, you\u2019re supposed to get the best mileage per tank of fuel. The throttle response is gentle to inspire you to drive smoothly and the 7-speed DCT will swap cogs for you seamlessly. Manoeuvering it is easy when the CLA is equipped with \nfront and rear sensors\n, and it helps that it comes with \nreversing camera\n as the view out back is pretty limited. There\u2019s \nPARKTRONIC\n as well to aid you with parking tasks. The front sensors also give out warning signal if you\u2019re approaching the car in front too fast and too close but sometimes the sensors on W1683V tend to bleep out loud when there\u2019s nothing around. Not sure whether it was just a glitch or does the sensors really detect something that\u2019s invisible to the naked eyes. Either way I had goosebumps whenever that happens.\nThose who expect the CLA 200 to ride soft are in for a surprise. On the potholed-stricken roads of KL the ride is on the hard side but not too brittle to make you feel uncomfortable. As with most new cars nowadays you can blame it on those big rims wrapped in low-profiled tyres, even more when the tyres are of the run-flat variety as per equipped on this CLA 200. Just be sure to thread the roads carefully when driving in town.\nOnce you finally break free from the traffic you can play around with the remaining two driving modes S (Sport), and M (Manual) via the \ndrive program button\n on the center console. Put the car in either of these two modes and you will instantly feel the difference in throttle response, but it does not mean you are traveling that much quicker than in E mode. In S it will hold on to a gear longer until further up the rev range and in M the gear changing duties are left to your own self. One thing that bothers me is that when in S and leave the gearbox on its own, occasionally the gearbox is quite hesitant to shift up when the rev needle is already hitting the redline. But should you work your fingers with the\n shift paddles\n yourself in M, the shifts are instant and more satisfying.\nWith the 156 horses and 250Nm of torque under the bonnet the 1.6 turbo is adequately rapid when you need it to be. Although you still need to plan your move when it comes to overtaking slower vehicles on the road because as mentioned earlier, the turbo lag is still evident on lower revs. Use the CLA 200 to tackle the B-roads and it will entertain you with fine handling and good steering feedback. Shame that with all the cabin refinement and sound insulation, the sporty engine soundtrack is still audible to the ears but it won\u2019t stir your emotion. Proof to this is when you pop open the bonnet and give it a few revs, you can hear the missing sweet sound of turbo spooling that you don\u2019t get to hear when you\u2019re sitting comfortably in the driver\u2019s seat.\nThe 1.6 turbo can be economical especially when you leave it on the default E mode with ECO turned on but during my stint with mixed driving (mostly spirited driving in M mode) I managed a miserly 12.0l/100km. If driven sedately you should be able to get near to the claimed fuel consumption of \n5.5l/100km\n. Traveling down the highway at 100km/h the engine revs lazily at 2,000 rpm with the only noticeable noise comes from the tyres and wind around the A pillars. Overall the CLA 200 is not a fast car and it never intended to be one in the first place. As a daily drive it should serve you well with its typical Mercedes refinement.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nIf you\u2019re looking for something speedy, this CLA 200 is not what you\u2019re looking for. The CLA 200 is for people who revel in style and grace from the sexy four-door coupe silhouette and not about being a hooligan behind the wheel. The price is pretty steep for a car with a 1.6 litre mill under the bonnet. That\u2019s RM37,000 premium over\u00a0 the similarly-powered A 200 sibling and just RM3,000 shy from the more potent A 250 with 2.0 litre turbo generating 211hp. That shouldn\u2019t be a problem if you want to make a statement with the CLA and its presence will definitely help to make everyone notice you.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nCurrently there\u2019s no direct rival for the CLA 200 here in Malaysia. The Audi A3 sedan is rumoured to be launched within this year, but for now the nearest rivals are the \nBMW 316i\n and the \nVolkswagen CC 1.8\n. You won\u2019t draw as much attention as the CLA if you pick the BMW, but you will get more space and supposedly more driving enjoyment from the rear wheel drive platform with just enough power from the turbocharged 1.6 litre powerplant. It\u2019s practical to boot as well but you won\u2019t be able to stand out from the crowd in the 316i when there are already plenty of F30 3-Series roaming the roads nowadays.\nVolkswagen CC is another 4-door coupe but it\u2019s bigger than the CLA in almost every aspect, well maybe except the grille size. The style have just been updated from the recent facelift so you will get a good few more years out of it. You get more space but just as much poke as the CLA 200, and due to the heavier weight penalty the fuel consumption is not as good compared to the CLA.\nMercedes Benz CLA 200\n \nBMW 316i\n \nVolkswagen CC 1.8 TSI Comfortline\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder direct injection petrol, turbocharged\n4-cylinder direct injection petrol, turbocharged\n4-cylinder direct injection petrol, turbocharged\nDisplacement\ncc\n1595\n1598\n1798\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n156/5300\n136/4350\n160/5000-6200\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n250/1250-4000\n220/1350\n250/1500-4200\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n7G-DCT dual clutch\n8-speed Automatic\n7-speed DSG\nSUSPENSION\nType\nSpring strut & transverse link / Control arm & trailing arm\nMacPherson strut / Multilink\nMacPherson strut / Multilink\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n235/45 R18\n225/50 R17\n235/45 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4630\n4624\n4802\nOverall Width\nmm\n1777\n1811\n1855\nOverall Height\nmm\n1432\n1429\n1421\nWheelbase\nmm\n2699\n2810\n2710\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1430\n1480\n1521\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n470\n480\n532\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n50\n60\n70\nConsumption\n5.5L/100km\n5.9L/100km\n7.2L/100km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n230\n210\n223\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n8.5\n9.2\n8.5\nPRICE\nRM\n235,888.00\n209,800.00\n228,888.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\n \nI can\u2019t help but to crave for a bit more power in the CLA. If the 2.0 litre CLA 250 is available here I reckon that should be the better car overall and that would be pricier as well. Nevertheless I don\u2019t mind driving the CLA 200 for its combination of style and prestige rolled into a svelte package, it\u2019s pretty darn difficult to resist the CLA 200. I\u2019ll have mine in Jupiter red with almond beige interior, please.\nWatch our video car reviews here\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of next week\u2019s IAA Munich Mobility motor show 2021, Mercedes-AMG has launched the AMG GT 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid after their first \nteaser\n last week. While the name is incredibly long, it did not adopt the much-rumoured \u201873e\u2019 moniker.\nMercedes-AMG will be using the \u2018E Performance\u2019 label for their new range of electrified models, a name that first appeared on their 2021 W12 Formula 1 racer as well as on the \nProject One\n F1-derived hypercar.\nOn the exterior, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance maintains the looks of the regular GT 63 S variant, down to the front fascia, side skirts and exhaust tips. There were no design changes to the \nsix-cylinder variants\n in the 2021 update, so nothing is changed here too.\nThe E Performance model-specific badges however are limited to the fender emblems paired with a new chrome finishing on the decorative trim. The rear \u2019GT 63 S\u2019 emblem is highlighted in red, which is difficult to see in these images thanks to the Jupiter Red paintwork. Similar to other mainstream plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Benz models such as the \nC350e\n and \nE350e\n, the charging port is located at the right corner of the rear bumper.\nEven with an increase in horsepower and torque, the GT 63 S E Performance continues to ride on 21-inch wheels and standard fitted AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system, measuring a massive 420 mm at the front and 380 mm in diameter at the rear.\nThe layout of the electrified components in the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is perhaps a world\u2019s-first for plug-in hybrids, with the electric motor positioned transversely inside the rear axle. Called the Electric Drive Unit (EDU), the compact rear axle also integrates an electrically shifted two-speed gearbox plus limited-slip differential (LSD).\nThe 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine sees no changes to its output and performance curve of \n639 hp \nand \n900 Nm\n of torque that first premiered in the GT 63 S variant in 2018. Maintained is also the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system and 4Matic+ fully-variable all-wheel drive traction with Drift Mode.\nPeak output of the electric motor is \n204 hp\n, and combined with the V8 engine, the system output is a massive \n843 hp\n and up to \n1,470 Nm\n of torque. Mercedes-AMG quotes \n2.9 seconds\n to hit 100 km/h from standstill, with 200 km/h reached in under 10 seconds. Compared to the regular \nGT 63 S\n variant, the additional electric power shaves just 0.3 seconds off the century sprint time. The top speed maintains at 316 km/h.\nMuch of the technological breakthrough lies in the battery pack placed on top of the rear axle. The AMG High-Performance Battery (HPB) is a lithium-ion battery pack in cylindrical format that has a lot of development work with the all-conquering Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team.\nThe compact HPB pack has a capacity of 6.1 kWh with 70 kW (95 hp) of continuous output and a 150 kW (204 hp) of peak output for 10 seconds. It only weighs 89 kg, which is half of what a regular uncooled battery pack of the same energy content weighs. Fully charged and driven as gently as possible, the emission-free range is a measly 12 kilometres and up to speeds of 130 km/h. \u00a0\nThe HPB in the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is designed for fast power delivery, thus it gets a new dedicated direct cooling system with modules that are millimetres thin. Around 14 litres of coolant circulate around the battery pack to keep it within the optimum operating window of 45 degrees Celsius.\nA comprehensive AMG Dynamic Select driving mode is thus calibrated and programmed for the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, with six configured modes (plus one Individual) ranging from electric-only to a balanced mode to full-on Race mode. To keep owners happy and passengers entertained, the sonorous and powerful start-up sound typical of AMG is emitted via the cabin loudspeakers when starting in electric-only Comfort drive mode.\nDrivers can also alter the electric regeneration strength, from Off to Level 3 which allows for \u201cone-pedal\u201d driving as the regeneration power is as high as 100 kW. In Race mode, regeneration is at its lowest to allow for consistent dynamics and vehicle behaviour.\nGALLERY"
"After bringing back the \nEclipse\n nameplate, Mitsubishi has done it again, this time with the revival of the Airtrek. The company launched the new mid-sized fully-electric SUV at the ongoing Auto Guangzhou 2021 in China, after \nteasing\n the model in June.\nThe new Mitsubishi Airtrek joins the tiny line-up of just four other models in China comprising only SUVs. Back in 2012, Mitsubishi Motors Corp and GAC Group formed a joint venture to create the GAC Mitsubishi Motors Corp (GMMC), offering the ASX, Eclipse Cross, Outlander and Pajero Sport models.\nThe launch of GMMC\u2019s first all-new model also showcased the new design language of Mitsubishi, with a very expressive dynamic shield design incorporating the T-shaped headlamp and taillamp cluster design, as seen on the recently introduced \nfacelifted Xpander\n. The new Mitsubishi Airtrek also gets electric pop-out door handles.\nInside, the Airtrek sees a horizontally-themed instrument panel that offers a broad field of vision. To create a high-class feel, soft padding is introduced on touchpoints and stitches are used in every detail. With its long wheelbase and broad overall width, the Airtrek also offers spacious interior room for the whole family to ride in comfort.\nMitsubishi interiors are now one of the best, given Wards Auto Award as well as Good Design awards! More here!\nThanks to a well-sized 70 kWh battery pack that is placed beneath the floor, the Airtrek has a driving range of up to \n520 km\n based on local test cycles.\nThe company did not divulge the details of the powertrain, but local auto news portals suspect a front-mounted drive unit with \n184 hp and 350 Nm\n outputs inherited from the Aion V, a product from GAC Group. Mitsubishi promises the Airtrek will excite drivers with nimble handling and smooth acceleration from the electric platform.\nYes, after the return of the Airtrek name, expect to see Ralliart too! Details here.\nThe new Mitsubishi Airtrek will be available for sale in China from spring 2022, with a price tag starting from CNY210,000 (approx. RM137k), surpassing the ageing Outlander.\nGALLERY"
"Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official\u00a0distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia has just been named\u00a0the Platinum Sponsor after handing over a fleet of approximately 298 cars for use during the Kuala Lumpur 2017 Games.\nThe fleet is comprised of the \n408\n, \n508\n and \nTraveller\n\u00a0models, some of which will be used as a canvas for the\u00a0\nrakyat\u00a0\nto show our athletes some support by penning down their messages. The cars will then go on a nationwide tour and be parked at specific locations, after which will be displayed to the athletes.\nNaza and Peugeot Malaysia are\u00a0also offering 100 free tickets for 50 lucky winners to catch the opening ceremony live at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on 19 August. In order to be in the running, all you have to do is take a picture with the pledge car, write a caption and include #PeugeotMalaysia, #DrivingChampions and #NazaCorp before uploading it to social media.\nThe KL 2017 Games will be held from 19 to 30 August, followed by the ASEAN Para Games from 17 to 23 September."
"Toyota in its home market has finally launched the all-new GR86 coupe with a simple two variant line-up and offered in both automatic and manual transmission. \u00a0\nPrices for the ZN8 Toyota GR86 manual transmission begins from \nJPY3.036 million\n (approx. RM111k) for the SZ and \nJPY3.349 million\n (approx. RM122.4k) for the more beautiful RZ variant that is used in catalogues and communication. \u00a0\nThe redesigned 86 logo for the Japanese market\nThe six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles and Sport drive mode meanwhile requires buyers to top-up an additional JPY163,000 and is available in both variants. The AT models also add Subaru\u2019s Eyesight ADAS suite that includes Pre-crash braking, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control. \u00a0\nHKS and Greddy got special access to the GR86 and BRZ development. Here\u2019s what they created!\nOpting for the SZ variant and saving JPY313,000 sees the Toyota GR86 being equipped with smaller 17-inch wheels, non-adaptive headlamps, fabric sport seats together with an unwrapped meter hood, regular non-metallic foot pedals and door sill plates, pre-wired 6-speaker audio setup and reduced ambient lighting.\nStandard features are high in both variants, inclusive of the limited-slip differential, full coloured 7-inch driver\u2019s instrument cluster, \nGR start-stop button\n, Track drive mode, Active Sound Control (fake engine noise), dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, Bi-LED headlamps and LED tail lamps with signature lighting and sans factory-fitted infotainment system.\nWhat about the other partner, Subaru? They also offer the same two-variant and two-transmission line-up, with the entry-level \nBRZ 2.4\n R MT priced slightly higher at JPY3.08 million, but better-equipped BRZ 2.4 S MT is cheaper than the Toyota GR86 RZ at JPY3.267 million. \u00a0\nThe prices of the new generation Toyota GR86 are higher than the outgoing model, which had its prices starting from JPY2.623 million for the facelifted \n2017 Toyota 86 2.0 G\n MT. A Toyota GR86 RC 6MT variant continues to be offered for drivers who plan to compete in the GR86-BRZ Cup. This basic variant comes with 16-inch \u201csteelies\u201d, two speakers, and exhaust tips without decorative finishers.\nBoth the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ comes fitted with a new 2.4-litre boxer engine producing outputs of \n235 hp\n at 7,000 rpm and \n250 Nm\n of torque at 3,700 rpm with spreads much better across the engine operating range. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in just \n6.3 seconds\n.\nGR Parts are also available for the new Toyota GR86. Take a look at the massive catalogue here!\nThe joint project is expected to only serve an average of just 1,200 enthusiasts a month, domestically, with Toyota taking 700 units of the production located in Subaru\u2019s Gunma plant. It is however good to note that Toyota sees the interest of an additional 200 units per month compared to the older ZN6 86 model.\nThanks to the huge fan base and interest in the vehicles, both Toyota and Subaru will be having a mega gathering in November called \u2018Fuji 86 Style with BRZ\u2019 where visitors are encouraged to test drive and \ncompare both products\n back-to-back to experience the differences.\nEnthusiasts will however only get to drive their new cars from December, just in time for Christmas.\nHere is a Toyota GR86 photo appreciation album. Enjoy it!\nGALLERY\nToyota GR86 \u2013 Japan"
"Audi has unveiled the fourth member of the expanding \u2018Q\u2019 family with the Audi Q2, and carries a slightly different design template that is said to appeal more towards the younger demographic.\nWe won\u2019t be going to speak\u00a0too much on the design (we\u2019ll let you be the judge), but we certainly hope that the Q2 will look better in the flesh than just seeing it off these official pictures. Although we have to mention about the angular concave on the shoulder line and that \ncontrasting C pillar blades\n;\u00a0they do give the car some character.   Yet another product being spun off the MQB platform, at \n4.19 metres long\n, \n1.79 metres wide\n, \n1.51 metres tall \nand a wheelbase of\u00a0\n2.60 metres\n, the Q2 is roughly the same size as the \nHonda HR-V\n, but it will definitely not be in the same price range as the popular Japanese crossover.\nIt\u2019s packed with tech inside with some toys borrowed from the bigger siblings, namely the stunning \nAudi virtual cockpit\n, \nadaptive cruise control\n with Stop & Go function, \nlane-keeping assistant\n\u00a0and \nlane departure warning\n system. Most of them are optional items, but the \nMMI screen\n with rotary controller on the center console is standard on all Q2. Spec up to \nMMI navigation plus\n with \nMMI touch\n and Audi will add in all\u00a0else but the navigation system and touchpad controller.   For added convenience, a \npowered tailgate\n can be specified that opens to a \n405-litres\n worth of cargo space. This of course can be expanded to 1,050 litres with the back seats folded down (60:40 split). Multi-split folding rear seat backrest with cargo-through loading is optional, though.\nFurther \ncustomisations\n are available to spruce up the Q2 (assuming that it caters to the \u201cyounger demographic\u201d), allowing buyers to go crazy on the colours, trims and wheel designs that range from 17 to 19 inches in diameter. We predict that a carbon C pillar blades are somewhere in that long options list, but we could be wrong.\nThe Q2 range starts with a 114 hp \n1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI\n petrol, and a couple of \nfour-cylinder TFSI\n petrol displacing \n1.4 litres\n and \n2.0 litres\n producing 148 hp and 190 hp respectively. Two \nfour-cylinder diesel\n engines are also available; one is a \n1.6-litre\n diesel with 114 hp, another is a \n2.0-litre\n with two different state of tunes, 148 hp and 190 hp.\nDepending on the\u00a0engine, the Q2 drives the front wheels by default with \nquattro all-wheel drive\n available on certain models. Transmission choices are a \nsix-speed manual\n, or the \nseven-speed S-tronic dual clutch\n gearbox.   Audi will open the order books in July for the UK market, and first deliveries will commence in November, so the soonest we can expect the Q2 to arrive here in Malaysia is in 2017. That is, if the Q2 makes its way here. So what do you think? Does the Q2 appeal to you?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia returns as the official sponsor of this year\u2019s Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) after beginning their partnership in 2019.\nThe annual event, lasting five days, brings together fashion collections from Malaysian designers with buyers, the press and the general public.\nIn reaffirming Lexus\u2019s continued commitment to supporting Malaysia\u2019s fashion industry, Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia, Akio Takeyama said, \u201cEvents in the previous year have made it abundantly clear how central the human connection is to excellence in design, be that in automotive technology or fashion. As a leading luxury brand that creates amazing experiences through empathy, a keen eye for detail and superior craftsmanship, Lexus is proud to once again partner this prestigious event in showcasing innovative and captivating designs.\u201d\nGuests to the KLFW 2021 will also be pampered with Lexus\u2019 signature hospitality as they are chauffeur driven in models such as \nthe ES\n, the RX and perhaps even the latest \nLexus LM\n. \u00a0\nTo celebrate the event with greater visual impact, Lexus will be showcasing the \nLexus UX\n and the \nLexus LC 500 Convertible\n in Pavilion KL from November 3rd to 7th.\nApart from gorgeous looks and an exquisite cabin, the Lexus LC 500 Convertible also sings the sportiest exhaust roar! Enjoy it here as GC shows who\u2019s the boss in our Drag Series.\nMr. Andrew Tan, founder of the KLFW, with the Lexus UX 200\nIn addition to that, Lexus is also presenting for the first time the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Awards in conjunction with KLFW. With award categories including Brand of the Year, Outstanding Achievement, Fashion Icon of the Year and Most Sustainable Brand, the event will honour 30 Malaysian designers in an evening of glamour, style and excellence.\n\u201cCreative expression is integral to our identity as humans and Lexus has always shared a synergy with the world of arts and design,\u201d said President, Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K. \u201cIn the vein of our very own Lexus Design Award, the KL Fashion Awards will not only recognise the resilience and innovation displayed by these fashion designers in the previous year, but also serve as a platform to highlight undiscovered talents.\u201d\nThe Lexus UX 200 is currently the most accessible product into the Lexus Experience. Find out more about the amazing interior and drive in our review here.\nRegular news, information and updates on the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2021 can be found on \nLexus Malaysia\n Facebook page, the KLFW \nFacebook\n page as well as \nInstagram\n page.\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s a new hot hatch in town, and adding to the growing pool of turbocharged 1.6-litre pocket rocket is the Hyundai Veloster Turbo facelift. Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is quick to bring this one in, considering that the facelifted model was just launched in its native country sometime in January.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo\nEngine\n1,591cc; Gamma T-GDi petrol\nTransmission\n7-speed dual clutch transmission\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n265 Nm @ 1,500 to 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\nUnder 8 seconds; 220 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\nfrom RM150,000\n (including GST)\n\u00a0\nStaged to make its official debut here in mid-April 2015, HSDM has already started taking orders for this fully imported (from Korea) hot hatch and thrown in a ballpark figure for those interested. Get this, it will cost \nupwards of RM150k\n with GST but without insurance. This means the Veloster Turbo is costlier than most rivals, some of which are more distinguished hatches built on a history of racing credentials.\nOffered here in one configuration only, the Veloster comes with the brand\u2019s \nturbocharged 1.6-litre T-GDi\n (petrol, direct injected) engine that produces \n184 hp\n\u00a0at 5,500 rpm and \n265 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. That\u2019s \n2 horsepower\n and \n25 Nm\n of torque more than the Fiesta ST, all of which is sent to the \nfront wheels\n via a new in-house developed \nseven-speed dual clutch transmission\n. The other two cars in this segment to come with a DCT are the Renault Clio RS (6-speed) and the Volkswagen Polo GTI (7-speed).\nEngine aside, the Veloster Turbo sits on 18-inch wheels and rides on a firmer set of suspension to accommodate the sportier drive. Its front fascia gets tweaked a little, sporting a new grille and rounded fog lamps. The front bumper is also redesigned, complemented with a lip to go with the sporty stance. Over the back, the Veloster Turbo gets a pair of centralised exhaust tips and sportier bumper.\nThe Veloster Turbo takes the fight to the venerable Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Peugeot 208 GTI. Hyundai will also be offering the Veloster Turbo in a limited edition Matte Grey colour, and like other Hyundai models, it will come with a \nfive-year or 300,000km warranty\n programme. The launch is just around the corner now, so stay tuned for the latest updates!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here it is, the all-new Lexus LX 600, the brand\u2019s flagship large SUV. Similar in many ways to the recently unveiled \nToyota Land Cruiser 300 Series\n, the big Lexus (and \nInfiniti\n) that is more commonly seen in the Gulf Countries and the US, continues to place rough-road performance as its key characteristic.\nBuilt on a new ladder-frame chassis called the Lexus GA-F platform that is 20% more rigid and 200 kg lighter, the all-new Lexus LX, now in its fourth generation, continues to be fitted with robust hardware designed for unpaved roads. While it occupies the same price level (and size) as the \nMercedes-Benz GLS\n, \nBMW X7\n and Range Rover, the all-new Lexus LX features a very traditional non-independent four-link axle-type suspension with rear lateral control arms that is inherited from the previous model.\nPlenty of work has been done to the suspension system which now features a new lighter Active Height Control system. Ride height is adjusted via gas, hydraulic and metal springs which now also includes a rear fitted spring rate switching device. A new electric power steering (EPS) replacing the old hydraulic unit is also designed to deliver better driving sensation across all conditions.\u00a0\nThe suspension automatically adjusts to Hi1, Hi2 and Normal heights while in motion as well as adapting and stabilising the vehicle during pitching and rolling. As expected, the suspension control program adjusts its parameters and response according to the Multi-Terrain Select drive mode and AWD mode. With so many parameters on the chassis, Lexus has decided to offer up to 19.3 inches of screen space to visualise all the driving information.\nA wide-format 12.3-inch touchscreen is fitted at the edge of the dashboard, showing the usual infotainment, camera and navigation content. Directly below it is a 7-inch high-resolution screen showing the setting from the Multi-Terrain Select and Active Height Control chassis systems plus many more.\nLexus says although it\u2019s a frame-based SUV that retains its predecessor\u2019s traditional off-road driving performance and vehicle stability, the all-new LX offers a high level of vehicle control, along with supreme on-road ride comfort. The wheelbase is also unchanged at 2,850 mm, which Lexus says it\u2019s an optimum value for comfort, space as well as clearing ground obstacles.\nFor customers in Japan who require even more off-road performance (and image), a new OFFROAD variant is being introduced, featuring three differential locks, 18-inch wheels with suitable tyres and dark highlights on the exterior. It sure sounds very similar to the treatment on the \nToyota Land Cruiser GR Sport\n variant. \u00a0\nLike the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, the all-new Lexus LX 600 is powered by a downsized turbocharged engine. Now with just six cylinders and displacing 3.5 litres, the petrol engine delivers \n415 hp\n, \n650 Nm\n and channelled to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Full-time four-wheel drive ensures sure-footedness and maximum traction in regions where snow, mud and sand are regular occurrences.\nThe all-new Lexus LX 600 will also move to higher comfort levels, offering a variant called Ultra Luxury or Executive depending on markets. Unlike the traditional seven-seat layout, Ultra Luxury will only accommodate four, with the second row having large captain seats, although not as opulent as the \nLexus LM 350\n.\nSimilar to the Lexus LS limousine, the rear passenger diagonal of the driver will benefit the most in the Ultra Luxury package, featuring a maximum leg space of 1,000 mm and even a footrest thanks to the extended recline of the front passenger seat.\nThe two rear seats are also shaped with neutral body posture and feature concave headrests, seatbacks and cushions that gently wrap around the head, hips and lower. The Mark Levinson branded audio also pumps out clearest and best staged soundtracks via a 25-speaker setup, the most of any Lexus model.\nFor the North American market, there is also an F Sport variant, featuring dark-coloured 22-inch wheels, perhaps the largest full-height mesh-pattern spindle grille, badges, and sportier tuning of the chassis network plus a rear differential with LSD.\nNo prices have been announced with the US and Japan scheduling delivery of the new Lexus LX 600 from the first quarter of 2022. Lexus Malaysia sold the outgoing \n2020 LX 570\n for RM1.226 million. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has officiated the opening of the latest Honda 3S Centre in Cheras, by MJN Motors for added convenience and access to customers in the Cheras, Kajang, Seri Kembangan and the adjacent areas.\nMJN Motors has invested a total of RM6 million into the 11,000 square foot 3S centre that boasts a total of 12 bays \u2013 7 Service Bays, 3 General Repair Bays and 2 Tyre Service Bays \u2013 that can accommodate up to 30 cars per day.\nAlso offered in the premises are amenities like\u00a0\na Customer Lounge, an Executive Lounge, a Kids Corner, a Cafe Counter and even a Surau. Additional services such as Road Tax renewals,\u00a0\nInsurance coverage and courtesy car are made available at MJN Motors Honda 3S Centre. \nTo make an appointment or to find out more about the services and facilities, customers can contact MJN Motors Sdn Bhd (Honda 3S Centre) at 03-9081 6088 (Sales and Service) or visit them at Lot 58274, Jalan Sayang 1, Taman Rasa Sayang, 43200, Cheras, Selangor or log on to www.honda.com.my for more information.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai and Motional, a global leader in driverless technology have revealed the \nIONIQ 5 \u2018Robotaxi\u2019\n with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, allowing it to safely operate without a driver. For more info on what Level 4 entails, click \nhere\n.\nThe IONIQ 5 robotaxi is Motional\u2019s first commercial vehicle and will begin transporting public passengers in 2023 through a partnership with ride-sharing provider, Lyft.\u00a0The robotaxis will be deployed in major cities in the US, starting with Las Vegas.\nThere are over 30 sensors attached to the robotaxi including cameras radars and lidar sensors, to provide 360-degree view, hi-resolution images, and ultra-long range object detection for safe autonomous driving.\nMotional\u2019s proven driverless technology will be the focal point of the IONIQ 5, with self-learning abilities based on real-world data to allow the car to safely navigate itself through different driving situations and environments.\nInside, the IONIQ 5 not only provides space for work and relaxation during the autonomous ride but also rider-focussed interfaces to allow riders to interact with the vehicle; to make an unscheduled stop for example.\nThe adorable Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV looks half the size it actually is.check it out here!\n\u201cThrough our strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, it enables us to manufacture a robotaxi that\u2019s both highly safe and reliable, and is cost-optimised for global production. We\u2019re focused on mass commercialisation, and the IONIQ 5 robotaxi is built for that purpose,\u201d said Motional, President and CEO, Karl Iagnemma.\nTo ensure the safety of the riders, Motional is able to re-route the vehicle to a new and safer path in the event of an emergency with remote vehicle assistance.\nMotional has so far moved hundreds of thousands of customers through its self-driving service on the Lyft network in Las Vegas, the world\u2019s most-established public robotaxi fleet.\nHyundai\u2019s new Casper Turbo is even smaller than the Perodua Ativa but we still want one! More about it here!\nGALLERY"
"Tan Sri (Dr.) Tony Fernandes is living up to his budget airline\u2019s motto of big value but low on price with his recent purchase of a \nbrand-new Proton X70\n. The intelligent SUV was delivered to the airline\u2019s headquarters in Sepang.\nBoth Tony and CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Riad Asmat each purchased an X70 which were handed to them by Director of Marketing at Proton, Cheng Seng Fook. Tony also had a product briefing on his Flame Red \nX70 Premium 2WD\n \u2013 natural colour choice for the Group CEO of AirAsia\n \n\u201cWe at AirAsia is a\nbig believer of voice command and being able to put the voice for the sunroof, amongst\nother features. And I think the whole simplicity of the car \u2013 the dashboard \u2013\nis very clean\u201d commented Tony on the features of the X70.\n\u00a0The Premium 2WD variant which he chose, comes equipped with all the bells and whistles such as Panoramic Sunroof, 9-speaker Kenwood sound system, 8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with \n\u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command\n, Nappa leather upholstery and many more.\nTan Sri Tony Fernandes\u2019 Flame Red Proton X70 Premium 2WD\n\u201cIt was a very good value, we are obviously a low-cost airline; so, we look in value, nice design. I love technology and I love the great technological features (in the X70). Tan Sri Rafidah just chose Andrea Bocelli and so yeah. Why not? Why should we not buy (the X70), it\u2019s a great car,\u201d said Tony."
"Shortly after making its debut in Thailand, the\n new 2023 Subaru Forester facelift\n has now finally made its way into Malaysia. The off-road-capable SUV is offered in three variants, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, GT Lite, and GT Edition, with prices starting from \nRM174,288\n.\nRenewing your car insurance? Be sure to check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n \nby Etiqa. By renewing online, you\u2019ll get a 10% rebate, and even cash back at the end of your coverage.\n2023 Subaru Forester exterior \u2013 reworked front fascia\nTaking \u2018facelift\u2019 by its literal meaning, the new 2023 Subaru Forester\u2019s exterior redesign is largely focused on the front fascia. Most noticeably, the headlights have now been restyled with a Levorg-inspired look, featuring a deep cut on the inner edge. Between them, the grille is now larger and bolder, with a black outline instead of chrome.\nThere\u2019s also the slightly reworked bumpers both front and back, with a more three-dimensional appearance, although you probably wouldn\u2019t have noticed if we didn\u2019t mention it \u2013 it\u2019s that subtle. The GT Lite and GT Edition (pictured) variants does at least stand out a little more with its variant-specific bumper and side skirts in black and silver, alongside an additional rear wing garnish, and a set of variant-specific 18-inch wheels.\nEquipment wise, the GT Lite shares the same list as the 2.0i-L, while the GT Edition does the same with the 2.0i-S. Standard items on the 2023 Subaru Forester in Malaysia include:\nAutomatic LED headlights\nLED daytime-running lights\nLED rear combination lamps\nUV protection glass\nAutomatic wipers\n17-inch alloy wheels (L and GT Lite)\nRoof rails (with loop holes)\nRoof-mounted spoiler\nAutomatic headlight leveliser (S and GT Edition)\nLED front fog lamps (S and GT Edition)\nSilver-plated front and rear underguards, side claddings (S variant only)\n18-inch alloy wheels (S and GT Edition)\nExterior colours: Copper White pearl, Ice Silver metallic, Magnetite Grey metallic, Crystal Black silica, Horizon Blue pearl, Cascade Green Silica (new), Brilliant Bronze Metallic (new)\n2023 Subaru Forester performance \u2013 unchanged 2.0-litre Boxer engine\nThe powertrain underneath the hood is completely carried-over from the pre-facelift model, featuring a low-mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that helps with the SUV\u2019s handling characteristics. It\u2019s standard-fit symmetrical all-wheel drive system (Dual X-Mode on S and GT Edition) also means it\u2019s significantly more capable off-road compared to its other competitors in the segment.\nEngine: 1,995 cc, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer\nTransmission: Lineartronic CVT\nDriveline: Front-engine, all-wheel drive (Active torque split Symmetrical AWD)\nMax horsepower: 156 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 10.3 seconds\nTop speed: 193 km/h\nFuel consumption (combined): 7.8 l/100 km\nLargely unchanged interior \u2013 new quilted leather upholstery\nThe interior of the new 2023 Subaru Forester facelift also remains largely unchanged from before, save for the addition of the quilted black leather upholstery (standard on S and GT Edition variants, optional on L). The C-segment SUV\u2019s interior equipment list include:\n8-inch touchscreen headunit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nAnalogue instrument cluster with 6.3-inch multifunction display\n8-way powered front seats\nElectronic parking brake\nKeyless access with push-start system\nSingle-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents\n60/40 split-folding rear seats\n360-degree surround-view monitor\nPowered tailgate with memory function (S and GT Edition)\nAluminium pedals (S and GT Edition)\nEyeSight advanced driver assist suite\nAll three variants of the 2023 Subaru Forester comes as standard with the marque\u2019s EyeSight 4.0 advanced driver assist system, which has been updated to support Level 2 autonomous driving. Other standard features include:\nAutonomous emergency braking\nAdaptive cruise control\nLane centring control with preceding vehicle adaptive steering control\nLane departure prevention\nPre-collision throttle management\nLead vehicle start alert\nAutonomous emergency steering (S and GT Edition)\n2023 Subaru Forester pricing in Malaysia\nThe new 2023 Subaru Forester facelift in Malaysia is priced from \nRM174,288\n for the entry-level 2.0i-L variant, moving up to \nRM180,288\n for the GT Lite Edition, \nRM184,288 \nfor the 2.0i-S variant, and\n RM196,288\n for the range-topping GT Edition. Included in the price is also a five-year/100,000 km standard warranty.\nCustomers can also opt for the\n Subaru Connex telematics system \nat RM1,900, which includes one year of connectivity. Following that, the cellular data for the telematics system will require a RM360/year subscription.\nGALLERY"
"After receiving regulatory approval from the authorities \nlast week\n, the blueprint to UCL-Ventura breathing aid \u2013 a \nContinuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device\n which helps Covid-19 patients with lung infections to breathe more easily \u2013 is now \navailable for download\n by manufacturers, research institutions, healthcare providers and non-profits organisations in the fight against the coronavirus.\nDeveloped jointly by the \nUniversity College London Hospital\n \n(UCLH)\n and \nMercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains\n, the effort of which took fewer than 100 hours from initial meeting to the production of the first unit, the UCL-Ventura breathing aid is now in Mark II specifications which consumes 70% less oxygen compared to the Mark I model. The life-saving device is now being manufactured to a tune of \nup to 1,000 units a day\n using tools and machines that would normally produce F1 pistons and turbochargers!\nThe UCL-Ventura has already undergone patient evaluations at UCLH and sister hospitals in the London area after the UK Government placed an order for 10,000 units. The devices are entirely produced at the HPP technology centre in Brixworth, Northamptonshire which has been repurposed to meet the urgent demand for breathing aids.\nCPAP machines work by pushing an air-oxygen mix into the mouth and nose of the patient at a continuous pressure, keeping airways open and increasing the amount of oxygen entering the blood stream. Invasive ventilators deliver breaths directly into the lungs but require heavy sedation and connection to a tube placed into the patient\u2019s trachea (windpipe).\nThe breathing aid has been used extensively in hospitals in Italy and China to help Covid-19 patients with serious respiratory problems to breathe more easily, when oxygen via a face mask alone is insufficient.\nClick here to request the download of blueprint to the UCL-Ventura breathing aid."
"There are only three things that are certain in life: death, taxes, and BMW releasing M Performance Parts kit for all of their new models. Following the launch of the\n all-new BMW 2 Series Coupe\n, the German carmaker has now unveiled a barrage of M Performance Parts for the 2-er Coupe, just like clockwork.\nIt\u2019s not quite the M2 yet, but the M Performance Parts does certainly up the aggression of the 2-er Coupe by quite some margin \u2013 that\u2019s if you can look past the car\u2019s original styling. And with the M240i variant, you at least get a pretty respectable performance to pair with the mad looks.\nOn the outside, the M Performance Parts include a slew of carbon fibre bits, such as the kidney grille trim, front splitter, a set of side skirts with winglets near the rear wheel well, a ducktail spoiler at the back, and a diffuser-like trim for the rear bumpers.\nYou can also opt for carbon fibre wing mirror covers, of which there are two: a regular one, or one that\u2019s styled like the proper M cars. Finishing off the exterior appointments are the decals on the bonnet and sides, plus three wheel options \u2013 two 20-inch, and one 18-inch.\nBMW Malaysia is offering a special M Performance Parts package for the new 5 Series, starting at RM5,000. Check it out here!\nInside, the M Performance Parts kit for the BMW 2 Series Coupe includes an M Performance steering wheel with Alcantara grips, gearshift paddles in carbon fibre, carbon fibre trims on the dashboard and seat backs, a new M Performance Alcantara armrest, and even cute little M Performance door locks.\nThere\u2019s also the door-mounted puddle lights with two different M designs, plus M Performance badging littered throughout the entire interior. But the highlight here, we think, has to be the M Performance seats, with extra bolsters on the sides and shoulders, and Alcantara fabric down the entire seat back.\nIt\u2019s not quite the fancy carbon fibre tubs in the \nM3\n and \nM4\n, but should still help hold you in place during spirited driving sessions, all while looking cool as a cucumber.\nBMW has yet to release pricing details for the M Performance parts, but just like that of the \n2 Series Gran Coupe\n, they\u2019ll likely prove quite popular among buyers when it makes its way here.\nDon\u2019t expect them to be cheap, though, as they\u2019re made out of honest-to-god carbon fibre, after all. And hey, at least they\u2019re not as in-your-face as the \nM4\u2019s kit\n.\n[Source: BMW via \nBMW Blog\n]\nGALLERY"
"Why aren\u2019t Malaysians jumping on the \u201cwagon bandwagon\u201d already? It\u2019s such a shame knowing that so many good looking elongated hatchbacks exist in the market but we\u2019re just not keen on it. The new Audi RS 4 will most likely be another such example \u2013 with sightings as frequent as a shooting star across a night sky littered with stars.\nAudi Sport GmbH has debuted its latest RS badge bearer which plays host to a 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo TFSI engine making \n448 hp\n on the side of \n600Nm\n of torque tamed by Audi\u2019s signature quattro drive system. It\u2019s worthy to note that this new Avant has a full 170Nm more than the previous model. That\u2019s like adding a whole Fiesta EcoBoost into the new car! Top speed is \n155mph\n, electronically limited as usual while 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n4.1 seconds\n.\nImagine how cool your kids would think you are as a parent on a school run. And if that\u2019s not enough to skyrocket your \u201cstreet cred\u201d, Audi offers an RS Dynamic Package which increases the Avant\u2019s top speed to 174 mph (280 km/h).\nDesign inspiration is from a once almost unbeatable Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO race car with massive air inlet and a flat single frame grille defining the front end. At the back, a RS-specific diffuser, oval exhaust tips at the tail end of the RS exhaust system and the RS roof spoiler are protruding features that enhances the Avant\u2019s fierce appearance. 19-inch forged aluminium wheel come as standard.\nAudi also offers a rear sport differential to enable torque division between the rear wheels together with standard RS sport suspension, allowing the Avant to sit \n7 mm lower\n than the standard A4 with sport suspension.\nWhat you see here, is an Avant in \nNogaro Blue\n which is available optionally as a means of a throwback, in today\u2019s terms, to the high-performance Avants of the late 1990\u2019s. Despite its proportions, the Avant has undergone a diet of over 80 kgs from the previous model, weighing 1,790 kg.\nThe next time you\u2019re in the market for an Audi, or even a BMW and Mercedes-Benz, please do the other motorists a favour, consider a wagon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just a few days ago, our Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke said that irresponsible drivers who cause death on our roads should be banned for life. Currently, the law only provides for a 3-year ban where these drivers will be reinstated after serving their \u201cpenalty\u201d.\nThis came in light of the recent tragedy on the North-South Expressway when a trailer collided into three vehicles, severely damaging one and killing all five of its occupants \u2013 one of which was just a baby.\nI like where this is going, provided that the Minister keeps to his word and his no-nonsense approach on penalising errant drivers and even holding these deadly lorry and trailer driver\u2019s companies accountable as well.\nBut this still leaves room for a counterpoint and the way I see it, we need to take a few more steps back and begin with the revamp of our extremely outdated and hopeless driving schools.\n\u201cDrastic action needs to be taken as a deterrence to other drivers,\u201d said Loke.\nFor years, I\u2019ve always stressed that driving schools are not doing enough \u2013 all they\u2019re doing is teaching us HOW TO OPERATE A CAR, not how to properly drive one.\nCars are getting more powerful, our roads are getting more congested and factoring in the slippery conditions we\u2019re subjected to after a heavy downpour, most Malaysians are just not well informed and equipped to handle adverse driving conditions.and that needs to stop.\nDriving schools need to start teaching the new generation on how to \u201cfeel\u201d the car, how to control it, how to gauge the speed of an on-coming vehicle (from the front or back) before overtaking, how to overtake on the highway, how to perform evasive maneuvers that could save their lives and the lives of others in an emergency situation and the list just goes on.\nWhile it\u2019s important for the education to begin from home or through the elders, driving schools also bear the pivotal role in cultivating discipline and competence behind the wheel, as they\u2019re the \u201cfinal filter\u201d before these hooligans are release into the wild at a young age, developing bad habits along the way.\nNo one should have to suffer the pain of losing their loved ones from the inconsiderate driving of another \u2013 this madness needs to stop."
"No matter how experienced you are as a driver, there is still a chance of getting into a car accident. If you\u2019re lucky, you can simply move on and drive away from one (with a complete police report etc.). In the worst-case scenario, there may be injuries or even death. And in some car accidents, you end up with a stranded car \u2013 unable to start or unable to move due to major mechanical failure. And when this happens, you should avoid using an unofficial tow truck to tow your car away.\nAn unofficial tow truck is simply one that isn\u2019t assigned by your takaful/insurance company, more commonly referred to as a \u2018longkai\u2019 by Malaysians. These unofficial tow trucks are usually the first to show up at an accident scene, especially in accident-prone areas. Observe where accidents usually happen (usually a slippery corner), and you\u2019ll notice how fast these unofficial tow trucks show up when an accident occurs.\nSome accidents incur more damage to your car than others\nWe\u2019ve put out a \nsimple guide\n for you to follow if you are involved in an accident. In that guide, we\u2019ve mentioned not to use the service of unofficial tow trucks and to not simply sign any document that they give you. The reason being that this would give them control of what happens to your car next \u2013 where the car should be towed to etc..\nOf course, you can claim a certain amount from your car coverage provider for third-party towing services. However, unofficial tow trucks would usually charge exorbitant prices. There are also cases of unofficial tow trucks being involved with scams such as pouring oil on \u2018targeted roads\u2019. Unofficial tow trucks are also highly incentivized by the cut that they get from their associated workshops should your car be towed there.\nRELATED: \nGot into a car accident? Here\u2019s what you should (and should not) do\nSo, what should you do instead if your car is stranded after being involved in an accident?\nAs for the main things you should and should not do, you can refer to our earlier article here. As for towing services, well, the first thing you should do is move your car to a safe location immediately if you can. This is done either by pushing the car or \u2018limping\u2019 the car (should it be possible).\nIf you\u2019re involved in an accident on one of the major highways, the highway patrol will usually be able to assist you. They will come equipped with traffic cones and such and they\u2019ll have a tow truck that can move your car to a safer location (i.e. a rest area) so you can wait for your official tow truck.\nRELATED: \nWhen comprehensive isn\u2019t enough \u2013 Here\u2019s why your car needs special perils coverage\n*Terms and conditions apply\nTo get the official tow truck after being in an accident, well you should call your car coverage provider. Car coverage providers like \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa provide 24-hour roadside assistance and you can enjoy unlimited mileage when you subscribe to \u2018Driver and Passengers\u2019 PA (DPPA)\u2019 coverage. The tow truck from your car coverage provider will also usually arrive quite quickly so you shouldn\u2019t have to worry too much about it.\nYour car coverage provider provides towing services for breakdowns and accidents. The former is easier to deal with since it is not as traumatic, but the latter can be overwhelming especially if its your time. Remember that your car coverage provider has its own official towing service, so ring them up first should you find yourself with a stranded car after being involved in an accident.\nRELATED: \nThird-party Only vs Comprehensive car coverage \u2013 What\u2019s the difference?"
"In a time of progression and innovation, almost everything is possible. Coffee is mixed with tea, men can become women vice versa, and Honda Accords can be Lamborghinis.\nA company in Mumbai, India, called \nExecutive Modcar Trendz\n has taken upon themselves to exemplify this mantra by breaking new grounds; and possibly breaking your retinas too.\nAs a whole, the proportions does seem at odds with each other but all credit where is due, the individual bits are nearly identical when you look into it detail to detail.\nAccording to the comments from the admin of their Facebook page, the \u201cplatform\u201d isn\u2019t limited to just the Honda Accord when converting to an Aventador as Executive Modcar Trendz said \u201c..or else a Honda City, Honda Civic or Corolla or any other sedan car will do\u201d.\nThe transformation will take an\u00a0\nestimated four months\n\u00a0at a cost of approx. Rs. 20 Lakh (RM 118k). A Ferrari F430 conversion on the other hand will set you back (RM 89k) while an extra RM 20k will get you a \u201cFerrari 458\u201d.\nCredit: \nExecutive Modcar Trendz"
"Here we go, then! Following several recent chatters from the rumour mill and a genuinely surprising lack of leaks, Perodua has now announced that the all-new 2023 \nAxia\n is now open for booking. First details of the second-generation a-segment hatchback, popularly referred to via its development codenamed \u2018D74A\u2019 in online communities, are now available on the company\u2019s website.\nClick to enlarge. Image: Perodua\nDetails on the second-generation model are understandably sparse right now, but based on the wordings on the cryptic brochure, we understand that (unfortunately) there won\u2019t be a turbocharged engine underneath the bonnet of the all-new Perodua Axia \u2013 unlike what the rumours suggested.\nInstead, it looks like the ultra-compact hatchback will soldier on with the existing 1KR-VE 1.0L three-cylinder VVT-i engine, making a total of \n67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n. What\u2019s new here is instead the Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox, which will be the standard powertrain combo across all four variants of the all-new Perodua Axia.\nSimilar to the \nPerodua Myvi\n which was updated late 2021, the new split-gear CVT gearbox will help in both reducing fuel consumption, and improving the overall performance of the vehicle. On the former, Perodua claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 25.3 km/l (3.95 l/100 km) for the all-new Axia, jumping up to 27.4 km/l (3.65 l/100km) with the \u2018Eco Idle\u2019 auto start-stop feature enabled on the two range-topping variant.\nThe two range-topping variants, SE and AV, will also come with a \u2018Power Mode Drive\u2019 feature, which \u2013 like the \nPerodua Ativa\n and Myvi \u2013 helps tighten the engine and gearbox\u2019s response for a more engaging driving experience.\nWhile we still do not know how the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia will look like (aside from the single photo of its front three-quarter view on the brochure), we do know that it\u2019ll be equipped with LED headlights on the three higher-end variants of the model. They will be accompanied by LED daytime-running lights on the SE and AV variants, located in a T-shaped trim on the corners of the front bumper.\nThe side mirrors get electronic adjustments across all variants, but only the two higher end variants have auto retract functionalaties, along with LED turn signals on the housing. The brochure also mentions a \u201ckey-free entry\u201d feature, which we\u2019re guessing will only be available on the range-topping AV variant.\nClick to enlarge. Image: Perodua\nInside, the AV variant of the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia will come equipped with a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster with a digital speedometer readout, similar to what was introduced on the Ativa and \nAlza\n. This will be paired to a nine-inch touchscreen Display Audio infotainment system on the dashboard (hopefully with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto \nlike the Alza\n), but all other variants will have to be content with a standard non-touchscreen head-unit.\nThe range-topping AV variant also stands out with semi-leather two-tone upholstery on the seats, as opposed to the fabric material on the other variants, but both the SE and AV variants will get a \u201csemi-bucket type\u201d seat with a detachable headrest \u2013 we\u2019ve seen Perodua throw around this name for a few models now, and should just mean a slightly more supportive backrest compared to their standard offering, the latter now paired to a \u201cpillow heaadrest\u201d on the two lower-end variants.\nIn terms of safety, the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia will also come with a significantly upgraded kit over the outgoing model, with the range-topping AV variant coming with six airbags (front, sides, and curtains) vs two previously. ABS, traction control, and vehicle stability control systems are all standard across the board.\nFirst introduced on the Axia back on the\n 2019 facelift\n, the Perodua Smart Drive Assist advanced driver assistance suite will also be included here, presumably also exclusive to the range-topping variant. The system includes features such as autonomous emergency braking and Pedal Misoperation Control, as well as the \u201cDriving Assist\u201d pack with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities \u2013 although we\u2019re not too sure about the latter just yet.\nThe all-new 2023 Perodua Axia will be built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, costing over RM537 million for the development of the model, according to the carmaker. After making its debut here in Malaysia, it will likely be sold as the Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya in other markets, similar to the third-generation Myvi which Perodua also took the lead in development.\nEstimated prices for the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia are from \nRM38,600\n for the G variant, rising up to \nRM49,500\n for the range-topping AV variant. This represents a hike of around RM4k-RM6k depending on the variant, however the price of entry for the model is now increased by a significant RM14k, as the previously-available \u2018kosong-spec\u2019 E variant will not be available for sale at launch for the all-new model.\nAt its business briefing event today, Perodua mentions that the entry-level E variant will only be offered at a later date, and will be primarily sold to driving schools.\nFive exterior colours will be offered on the all-new model \u2013 Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver, Ivory White, and a new Coral Blue colour."
"As Automobili Lamborghini aims to electrify its entire lineup by 2024, the Aventador V12 is approaching the end of its production. As such, in an industry first, the Italian marque is auctioning the \nlast\n \nLamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae ever produced\n and a one of one NFT, in collaboration with artists like Krista Kim and Steve Aoki.\n \nKrista will be responsible for creating the visual artwork for the NFT while Steve Aoki will compose a custom soundtrack for it.\nThe Lamborghini Ultimate release is the \nworld\u2019s first full-scale supercar NFT\n, marking the end of an era for Lamborghini and a transition to the digital world. The sale will be conducted in an auction by RM Sotheby\u2019s, a world-renowned collector car auction house. \u00a0\nThe winning bidder will also receive exclusive previews of future limited-edition Lamborghini models, a private tour of the Museo Lamborghini, along with a private meet and greet session with the artists involved with the project.\n\u201cLamborghini and the NFT community share many values. We are both young-spirited innovators, looking out for unexpected projects and technological solutions. This project is very special for us as it is a true first, a path nobody has ever taken\u201d, said CEO, Automobili Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann.\u00a0\nThe NFT and Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae will be auctioned by\u00a0\nRM Sotheby\u2019s\n\u00a0on the 19th of April."
"Petaling Jaya district police have announced five more road closures including an additional road block in the Mutiara Damansara, Damansara Perdana and Flora Damansara area, according to \nThe Star\n.\nThis comes after announcements of \nseveral road closures around the Subang Jaya area\n, after Phase Two of MCO came into effect. The five road closures include:\nLDP exit to Mutiara Damansara and Damansara Perdana\nPenchala Link exit to Mutiara Damansara and Damansara Perdana\nLDP exit to Jalan PJU8/8 Flora Damansara\nJalan PJU7/8 to Ikea\nJalan PJU8/1 traffic light heading to Damansara Perdana/Penchala Link/Kepong\nThese road closures will take place throughout the day \neffective 12 am on the 10th of April\n.\nMotorist can take \nalternative routes \nout of the Mutiara Damansara, Damansara Perdana and Flora Damansara area via:\nDamansara Perdana towards Penchala Link through Jalan PJU7/9 (BHP petrol station)\nDamansara Perdana to Persiaran Surian via Jalan PJU7/1, Mutiara Damansara\nA roadblock will be set up along Jalan PJU7/1, Mutiara Damansara near the MRT station in both directions. The new roadblock is in addition to the existing ones along the Sprint Highway and Persiaran Surian."
"Hyundai\u2019s fourth SUV, the \nKona\n, is set for a worldwide debut in the coming months. Prior to that, the Korean marque dropped another teaser, this time confirming a coloured heads-up display.\nThe HUD is a first for Hyundai and it comes from an\u00a0\neight-inch projected image\n with class-leading display quality. The screen feeds vital info such as speed, GPS navigation, cruise control and possibly lane keeping assist and/or adaptive cruise control.\u00a0\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ickBAlqbBw\nWe roughly know how the Kona will look like thanks to the\u00a0\nspy shots\n, but the ambiguous video reveals just enough to see the LED DRLs, fog lamps, sleek tail lamps, the signature cascading front grille and five-spoke dual-tone alloys.\nThe Hyundai Kona is likely to be based\u00a0on the \ni20 supermini\n, just like how the \nHonda Jazz\n\u2018s platform provides the underpinning to the ever successful \nHR-V\n. The \n138 hp\u00a01.4 T-GDI turbocharged four-cylinder \nand\n seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) \nfrom the \nnew i30\n could power the Kona\u2019s range topper.\nSales of Hyundai\u2019s smallest SUV in Europe will commence by the end of 2017."
"It\u2019s that time of the month again when we all wait for the revise fuel price in Malaysua, and it\u2019s good news! All Ron 95, Ron 97 and diesel prices drop by RM0.10.\nFor the month of August 2015, petrol RON 95 will be selling at \nRM2.05\n per litre,\u00a0RON 97 at \nRM2.45\n per litre and diesel at \nRM1.95\n."
"Having debuted globally at the tail end of last year, the \nall-new Aston Martin V8 Vantage\n is now here in Malaysia, launched at the Aston Martin KL showroom at the Etiqa Twins in Kuala Lumpur.\nWhat you\u2019re looking at is a completely new car, which to me, seems like a complete \u201crebrand\u201d of a slick and suave face we\u2019ve been so familiar with over the past decade.\nThat\u2019s right; most of you may not have been aware but the old Vantage, as pretty as it was timeless, was in production for more than 10 years! If the old Vantage looked like a clean-shaven James Bond, this new one looks more like John Wick, with a taste for vengeance.\nName\nAston Martin V8 Vantage\nEngine\n4.0-litre twin-turbo Quadcam V8\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n510 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n685 Nm@ 2,000 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h & Top Speed\n3.6 seconds / 314 km/h\nPrice (OTR w/out Insurance)\nRM1.6 million (after tax before options)   Its new 4.0-litre Quad cam V8 twin-turbo engine sourced from Daimler now makes \n510 hp\n and \n685 Nm\n of torque. Paired with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that\u2019s followed by a carbon fibre propeller and an \u201cE-Diff\u201d (a first on an Aston Martin), 0 to 100 km/h is decimated in just 3.6 seconds \u2013 side by side with the likes of\u00a0\nLamborghini\u2019s Urus\n and even the \nVantage GT3 race car I drove in Sepang\n.\nWhile it may look vastly different from the old model, Aston Martin has been subtlev(as they\u2019ve been so well-known for) with the retention of Aston\u2019s signature details. Placed much lower on the front bumper is the signature grille outline that we\u2019ve seen in different Astons over the years; there\u2019s still the extended side mirror arm and flush door handles.\nThe front bonnet is now much wider, stretching from fender to fender for a clam-shell look, with slimmer LED headlamps to complete a more minimalist front-end. The highlight of the side profile are the new side gills \u2013 redesigned from classy to aggressive \u2013 along with 20-inch Y-spoke wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres (255/40 Front 295/35 Rear).\nBehind those wheels are 6-pot calipers in the front, with a 4-pot pair at the back and together, the ensemble sits on an Adaptive Damping System with Skyhook Technology. The rear end is just pure pornography; no matter how you look at it, whether from a peep hole or upside down, it\u2019s just drop dead gorgeous.   Inside, you get a newly-designed instrument cluster panel that looks like a hawk spreading its wings, although if I may speak freely, the display in itself does seem a little small from where I\u2019m sitting.\nElsewhere there\u2019s a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters and two crucial buttons \u2013 one on each side \u2013 a Sport button that allows you to choose from three different drive modes (Sport, Sport + and Track) and another to fiddle with the Adaptive Damping System.\nThere may be a button overload just under the 8-inch LCD display but look closely and you\u2019d realise how they\u2019re all conveniently placed and the horizontal(ish) drive controls is actually a lot easier to get used to than it looks. Take a look at the touchpad, looks familiar to you?\nThe rest of the interior, is as customisable as a tailored suit. Don\u2019t like the colour/material combination you see here? Just jot down more zeros on that cheque and you can have it as flamboyant as you want it to be.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Example of the large rear diffuser, in white"
"Under the Malaysian government\u2019s latest \u201cPermerkasaan Tambahan\u201d strategic programme to empower the people and economy initiative, drivers of e-hailing vehicles, taxis, buses, rental cars as well as tourist guides are set to receive a second one-off \nRM500\n aid this year.\nPrime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said an allocation of \nRM68 million\n has been set aside to ease the burden of the affected group under the recently enforced MCO3.0 \u201cfull lockdown\u201d due to the record levels of daily Covid-19 cases.\nIn this latest census, the government is targeting 62,000 e-hailing and rental car drivers, 40,000 taxi drivers, 11,000 school bus drivers, 4,000 excursion bus drivers and 17,000 tour guides. The RM 500 payment is scheduled to begin dispersing in \nJuly\n.\nThis is the third of such financial aid distribution to the individuals from the group above, the first in \nApril 2020\n and the latest distributed in \nFebruary\n.\nBoth taxis and e-hailing vehicles are limited to only ferry one passenger per vehicle and public transport is operating at 50% capacity with reduced frequencies. Find out more about travelling restrictions during the two weeks of \u201cfull lockdown\u201d \nhere\n."
"Doesn\u2019t that rear quarter angle just induce some excitement? Doesn\u2019t it rile you? It\u2019s perhaps the new GR86\u2019s \u201cbetter side\u201d and Toyota has released new images for you to ponder over it.\nGranted, it\u2019s a new car but with all the swoops and bulges that finish with a prominent duck tail spoiler, it makes the predecessor look two generations older. It literally looks like the GT 86 spent some time at the gym and come out looking like Jason Mamoa 12 months later.\nThe GR 86 in Trueno Blue.\nIt\u2019s more powerful too. Under the hood is now a 2.4-litre flat-four boxer engine, up from 2.0-litre, with \n235 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. Power is sent to the rear wheels, either with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.\nNew Toyota GR 86 premiered, faster with 235 hp and 250 Nm.more details here!\nDespite weighing more than 30 kg more than its predecessor, at 1,270 kg, the new GR86 is a full second faster from 0 to 100 km/h, now at 6.3 seconds. The new Mk 8 Golf GTI is now in its shooting range.\nDon\u2019t believe it\u2019s possible? Check out \nthis YouTube video\n.\nToyota has finally given the all-new GR 86 an in-house GR Parts treatment.more about it here!\nGALLERY"
"Ford has just recently announced that they will be making a comeback to the historic pinnacle of endurance motorsport, the 24 Hours of Le Mans beginning next year with the reincarnation of a car that won the prestigious title four times from 1966 to 1969, the \nFord GT\n\u00a0\u2013 the very\u00a0first car to help an American manufacturer win Le Mans.\nGone are the times that men sprinted to their machines in black and white with the roaring sound of a\n 7.0-litre V8\n soundtracking the moment. These days, Le Mans cars are so \nmuch more technologically advanced\n as compared to the cars of yesteryear, employing \ndiesel and hybrid technology\n. Take for example the all-new Ford GT that will be deployed to next year\u2019s line up.\nIt features a \n3.5-litre EcoBoost V6\n mill that happens to be the \nmost powerful EcoBoost\n production engine made to date. Ford hasn\u2019t released specifics on the engine but it\u2019s claimed to exceed \n600 hp\n and has \nmore torque\n than a naturally aspirated \n6.2-litre V8 Boss\n engine. Without much fettering around, this block will power the race car in the upcoming championship that will be running in the LM GTE PRO Class.\nThe recently unveiled \nFord GT\nFord has had help from\u00a0\nMultimatic Motorsports\n which tested and designed the race car. \nRoush Yates Engines\n and \nCastrol\n imparted their knowledge and technology onto the oily bits whilst\n Michelin,\u00a0Forza Motorsport, Sparco\n and \nBrembo\n helped out in other aspects.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve won races and championships, but we\u2019ve never run Le Mans,\u201d team owner, Chip Ganassi said. With Fords \n50th anniversary\n of the momentous win in \n1966\n, they are gunning for the \nLe Mans championship\n title in \n2016\n."
"The all-new Isuzu D-Max has been awarded a five-star rating in the latest and toughest new Euro NCAP test. It is also the \nfirst pick-up truck to score a maximum of five stars\n under the latest test procedures.\nThe conditions to achieve a five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP test are significantly higher than in previous years, with heavier and faster \u201ctrolleys\u201d used in the collisions and the mandatory equipment for additional safety features.\n \nThe list of safety features available as standard in the European market is astounding. It is what the market expects, and something most governments enforce.\nStandard items in the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) suite include the usual \nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n, Lane Departure Warning & Prevention system, Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition. The single rear-facing reverse camera, which we here take it for granted, is a variant-exclusive feature. \u00a0\u00a0\nThere are eight bags available, inclusive of the recently introduced \nfront centre airbag system\n. This centre airbag deploys (from the driver\u2019s seat) during side impacts \nto reduce injuries\n that could possibly occur when either the driver or front passenger unavoidably bump into each other.\nWhile not specifically mentioned, the majority of vehicles that achieved a five-star rating have been fitted with the front centre airbag system.\nIsuzu says an extra cross member has been added to the ladder chassis which has been strengthened even further with certain sections up to 34% wider and 14% higher to increase rigidity and improve passenger safety, particularly during side impacts.\nApart from a strong structure, dynamic performance has also been thoroughly improved. A revised suspension design increases stability and road holding while larger brakes all-around reduces stopping distance and brake fade with an increase in the service life.\nAll this is great news for Mazda too, as the Hiroshima-based automaker is using the third-generation Isuzu D-Max as a base for its recently introduced \nall-new BT-50 pick-up\n.\nBased on previous examples of base-model sharing between two companies (Peugeot Traveller and Toyota Proace), Euro NCAP will examine the technical documents provided by the supplier and award the assessment accordingly. As such, we can expect the all-new Mazda BT-50 to be awarded a five-star rating too.\nAs pick-up vehicles are generally not as popular in Europe as in Australia, \nthe pool of vehicles being tested is few and far between\n. The most recent entrant is the \nMercedes-Benz X-Class in 2017\n. Popular models like the Toyota Hilux were listed as being tested in 2016, the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton/L200 in 2015 and the Ford Ranger in 2012. \u00a0\nEuro NCAP thus strongly advise to not compare the crash test ratings of 2020 with those done years earlier."
"As you might have heard, the venerable \nToyota Corol\nl\na\n has exceeded a total of \n50 million units sold\n throughout its lifetime globally. And to celebrate the incredible milestone, the carmaker has unveiled a new special edition model in Japan with several aesthetic and \u201cfunctional\u201d (\nwe\u2019ll get to that\n) tweaks to make it stand out from the standard variants.\nAvailable for the Toyota Corolla sedan, Corolla Sport hatchback, and Corolla Touring wagon variants, the 50 Million special edition\u2019s standout feature on the outside are the new alloy wheels finished in matte black \u2013 17 inch items for the sedan and wagon, and 16 for the hatchback.\nOther unique exterior features on the special edition models include the gloss black lower grilles, rear bumper, and rear spoiler, alongside the customary \u201c50 Million Edition\u201d badges on the front fenders.\nThe effect becomes even more prominent when you pair it to the few unique hero colour choices (including Army Rock Metallic, Slate Gray Metallic, and Precious Metal), alongside the optional blacked-out roof.\nRELATED: Toyota Thailand has introduced a Corolla \u201cNurburgring Edition\u201d for some reason.\nMoving inside, the special edition comes with a special synthetic leather upholstery that can be specified with either red, orange, or gold stitching. And of course, the \u201c50 Million Edition\u201d badges are also plastered all over.\nRemember the \u201cfunctional\u201d tweak that we mentioned above? Toyota has equipped the Corolla 50 Million Edition a special material on the driver\u2019s seat that is said to help remove static electricity from clothing, and supposedly help the car handle better. We\u2019re not sure how well it actually works in practice, but cool, I guess.\nVIDEO: Check out our review of the all-new Toyota Corolla in Malaysia! \nThe Toyota Corolla 50 Million Edition is only offered as a hybrid, which features a 1.8-litre engine and a electric motor for a combined output of 122 hp. Power is transferred to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a CVT gearbox \u2013 the latter \u201cE-Four\u201d variant is only available on the sedan and wagon body styles.\nThe Toyota Corolla 50 Million Edition starts at JPY2,830,000 (approx. RM103k) for the hatchback, JPY2,835,000 (approx. RM104k) for the sedan, and JPY2,884,500 (approx RM105k) for the wagon model. Would you like to see UMW Toyota unveil a similar special edition for the Corolla here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below!\nGALLERY"
"Imposing and unapologetic about it, the new Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII is one automobile that introduces itself through sheer presence. Sadly, alongside news of its new release, the British company also announced that the Coupe and Drophead Coupe body styles will not be continued for the new Phantom.\nInstead, the Phantom VIII will strictly be available in one body style (4-door) as the brands seeks for alternative ways of diversifying its offerings. They want you to get the \nDawn \nif you\u2019d like some wind in your hair in the event your diamond-encrusted Dyson hair dryer fails.\nBut that hasn\u2019t stopped a creative soul from rendering a Phantom Drophead Coupe and Phantom Coupe based on the latest edition\u2019s outline. Created by \nX-Tomi Design\n, the mastermind behind this also rendered a Phantom Shooting Brakes could look like \u2013 a glimpse of what the new Cullinan could look like once the curtains draw on it.\nThe new Phantom VIII, claimed to be the \nmost silent car in the world\n, utilises a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine for more low-end torque in the lower revs to ensure that the engine as well, is as silent as possible. As a result, the engine produces a supercar-shaming 900Nm of torque with around 570 horsepower with power delivered through a ZF 8-speed gearbox."
"Malaysia is looking to attract investment from Chinese companies to develop the electric vehicle (EV) sector with the aim to build up the EV infrastructure to encourage wider ownership of EVs, said Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook.\nAccording to Loke, the government is looking to overcome the hurdles of EV infrastructure development by encouraging companies with the expertise and technology to set up shop in Malaysia. Loke explained that EVs are a major trend that will shape the future of public transportation and personal mobility and the country must ready itself.\n\u201cOur industrial policies are encouraging more EV-related industries to be relocated to Malaysia, especially on producing batteries in Malaysia. There are incentives to welcome more companies into Malaysia and I was made to understand that there are a lot of Chinese companies who are actually interested to invest in Malaysia in terms of putting their plants here and so on,\u201d Loke added.\nLoke at a \nrecent visit to JPJ Negeri Sembilan\n.\nThe Transport Minister also noted that infrastructure needs to be developed sustainably, with integration and interconnectivity in mind. The infrastructure should also bring value to economic development not just to the region but the area where the transportation network is.\n\u201cWe must look at the transportation sector not just as a means of transportation from point A to point B but more as an economic multiplier. Whatever transportation project that we embark on, we must look at the economic side of it,\u201d Loke said."
"Toyota Motor Corporation has just revealed strong numbers in sales of its C-HR from January to December last year having just debuted in December 2016 \u2013 utilising the brand\u2019s Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) 2 platform.\nThe company shipped over \n117,299 units\n of the Coupe High-Rider (C-HR), earning the top spot for the most number of new SUVs sold among Japanese automakers in the domestic market in 2017.   Locally, the \nMalaysian-spec C-HR\n is set to come with a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engine mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Safety wise, the CH-R comes with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitoring, Electronic Stability Control and a suite of other safety features."
"Anticipations have been boiling over ever since \ndetails on the facelifted BMW M2 surfaced on the German giant\u2019s Belgium website\n. While BMW may have followed up with news of the \nBMW 240i M Performance,\n\u00a0a model limited to just 750 units worldwide to momentarily sooth that hunger, it simply lacked the bravado of the real deal.\nBut the wait is over; BMW Malaysia has just introduced the arrival of the facelifted BMW M2 on Malaysian soil. The rejuvenated model now sports a newly designed front and rear section \u2013 featuring a modified front apron with large air inlet alongside new bi-LED headlamps in replacement of the xenon units on its predecessor.\nThe rear end of the new M2 is highlighted by twin exhaust tailpipes together with newly designed LED tail lights. Rounding up the new look are 19-inch aluminium wheels in twin-spoke design.\nMoving inside, the cabin houses a few new faces including a redesigned M-specific black instrument panel that houses a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play, the Walknappa leather M steering wheel with M Drive buttons and interior trims finished in high-gloss carbon fibre.\nPower source remains unchanged \u2013 with the 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo in-line six engine with \n370 hp\n and \n465Nm\n of torque. A maximum of 500 Nm can be experienced momentarily with the overboost function. Drive will still be provided by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nRoad holding capabilities are enhanced with lightweight M Sport suspension, along with the M Servotronic with two response settings, M compound brakes and an electronically-controlled Active M differential \u2013 where in M Dynamic Mode allows for slight wheel slip and controlled drifting for greater driving pleasure.\nColours like the Long Beach Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White and Mineral Grey will be offered with the new BMW M2 Coupe complemented by Dakota Black leather with blue contrast stitching on the M Sport seats.\nThe new BMW M2 Coupe retails at RM 535,800(on the road without insurance), \nup from RM 498k\n when it was launched last year in Malaysia\u00a0 and will be coupled with BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with a Free Scheduled Service Programme as well as 24 months tyre warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Images by: \nBMW BLOG"
"The 2017 World Car of the Year Awards has just announced the\u00a0winners during the ongoing 2017 New York International Auto\u00a0Show.\u00a0The \nJaguar F-Pace\n emerged as the biggest winner as it bagged not one but two trophies, including the prestigious\u00a0World Car of the Year award!\nIt was an entirely SUV affair for the award\u2019s biggest category as the \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n, \nAudi Q5\n, and the F-Pace were the\u00a0top three finalists. The F-Pace\u2019s handsome looks won the hearts of the panel judges, making it a winner for the \nWorld Car Design of the Year\n award. Jaguar\u2019s darling SUV also defeated the \nToyota C-HR\n and \nMercedes S-Class\n in that category.\nOn the other hand, the revised \nBMW i3\n took the \nWorld Urban Car of the Year\n trophy. Despite the i3\u2019s age, the ingenious electric city car from Munich outwits the conventional city cars such as the \nCitroen C3\n and Suzuki Ignis in that category.\nMercedes-Benz have a reason to smile as its rather excellent \nW213 E-Class\n\u00a0\ntriumphs over the \nBMW 5-Series\n and Volvo \nS90\n/\nV90\n for the\u00a0\nWorld Luxury Car of the Year\n award. In the\n World Green Car of the Year\n award, the\u00a0\nToyota Prius Prime\n managed to edge against the Tesla Model X and the Chevrolet Bolt for the award win.\nThe \nPorsche\n 718 Cayman\n/\nBoxster\n\u00a0won the\u00a0\nWorld Performance Car of the Year\n award, despite having less horsepower than the other two finalists, the \nMcLaren 570S\n and \nAudi R8 Spyder\n. Looks like Stuttgart\u2019s decision to downsize the engine on both the Cayman and Boxster\u00a0was very much a commendable move."
"You\u2019ve seen all there is to see and know all there is to know about the latest \nFord Mustang\n. After 50 years in the making, the iconic \u2018Stang will for the first time be offered in a right hand drive configuration for selected countries. It\u2019s also the first time this Stallion will be offered globally.\nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the exclusive distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, will be offering the Mustang in two trims \u2013 a budget friendly \n2.3-litre EcoBoost engine\n and the muscled \n5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine\n. There\u2019s no mention of their pricing as of yet, but expect the Mustang to carry a starting price around the RM500k mark. Two body types will go with the range \u2013 the traditional \nfastback\n variant and a \nconvertible\n.\nAs a recap, the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (also used in the \nFocus RS\n) has a compression ratio of 9.5:1, and produces \n310 horsepower\n and \n434 Nm\n of torque. Transmission option will most likely be the SelectShift six-speed automatic gearbox with steering mounted paddle shifters, although it\u2019s unclear as yet if the six-speed manual by Getrag will be made available here.\nWatch Sienna Miller strike a few poses \nhere\n with the Mustang\nIf you\u2019re a true fan of the Mustang and cannot care less about fuel emission, consumption and road tax, you\u2019d be pleased to know that the V8 we\u2019ll be getting isn\u2019t the 3.7-litre, but the \n5.0-litre normally aspirated\n unit that makes \n435 hp\n and \n542 Nm\n of torque.\nSDAC in a press statement confirmed that the Mustang will find its way to selected Malaysian showrooms by December this year. Meanwhile, if you\u2019re in town, be sure to catch the Mustang in the flesh when it\u2019s previewed at Publika in Solaris Dutamas from 11 to 15 March. Otherwise, you can always trust us to bring you a comprehensive pictorial gallery of the iconic muscle car. So keep an eye out on this space tomorrow for a complete look at the sixth generation Ford Mustang!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"New or old, it\u2019s hard to not find appeal in the Suzuki Jimny.\nWhen the new model arrived early last year, every automotive media site was pouring with adoration for the new car \u2013 one that would \nsadly not be available (officially at least) for sale in Malaysia\n.\nA miniature Land Rover Defender based on the Suzuki Jimny,\u00a0dubbed\u00a0the\n\u00a0\u201cLittle\u00a0D\u201d\n.\nRetaining the ladder frame chassis instead of the sissy monochoque body and a boxy exterior with the aerodynamic qualities of a bus, the new Jimny is makes an adorable 95 hp and 130 Nm of torque from a 1.5-litre engine. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual.\nEver since Japanese body kit manufacturer DAMD \nemerged with Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon replicas based on the Jimny\n, we\u2019ve all been praying for Suzuki\u2019s hiatus in Malaysia to end.\nDAMD\u2019s version of the \n\u201cGelandewagen\u201d\n.\nNow with Wald\u2019s version of the Jimny, a more unpretentious version if you will, we\u2019re ready to march to Suzuki\u2019s HQ in Japan with pitchforks and torches demanding their return to our homeland.\nWhat you see above is called the Black Bison and it seems like alongside cockroaches, it will survive the apocalypse.\nYou must be wondering, \u201cWhat does this Jimny not have?\u201d\nTuning house, Wald, has equipped the Jimny with LED spotlights on the roof, hood scoops like those on an American muscle car, LED daytime running light rings like you\u2019d find on a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and wheels that seem like they could crush diamonds.\nAs for the rest of the car, here\u2019s a whole lot of pictures for you to marvel at.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after \nteasing\n the imminent launch of the \nall-new Toyota Camry\n, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced that the order books are now open along with pricing and specification of the new model.\nUMWT only listed one variant of the eight-generation Camry on their website \u2013 the fully loaded 2.5 V. Powered by the familiar 2AR-FE 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with DVVT-i and six-speed automatic powertrain carried over from the \nprevious-generation model\n. The engine is good for \n184 hp\n and \n235 Nm\n of twist to drive the front wheels.\nAs for exterior equipment, our local spec Camry 2.5 V gets Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED front & rear fog lamps, full LED taillamps, keyless entry & start, dual exhaust outlets as well as 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/45 profile tyres.\nInside the new Camry spots an all-black theme with leather upholstery, eight-way powered adjusted front seats with memory function for driver\u2019s seat, 7.0-inch colour MID instrument cluster display with Optitron Meter, \n10-inch colour Heads-Up Display\n, powered adjustable steering wheel with \nmemory function\n, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system connected to nine JBL speakers, wireless charging tray and more.   UMWT has equipped their flagship sedan with a comprehensive list of safety features including \nToyota Safety Sense Advanced Driver Assistance System\n that bundles Pre-collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Automatic High Beam (AHB).\nOther standard safety kit includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, front & rear parking sensors and a Digital Video Recorder (dash camera).   There are five exterior colours to choose from \u2013 Red Mica, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Silver Metallic, Graphite Metallic and Burning Black. The all-new Toyota Camry 2.5 V is estimated to be priced at RM189,900, on-the-road without insurance. However, expect UMWT to introduce a 2.0-litre entry level variant when the car is due for its official launch.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hot from the heels of its \nrecord-breaking run as the fastest saloon around the Nurburgring\n, the \nJaguar XE SV Project 8\n has cemented its status as the world\u2019s fastest four-door sedan by setting yet another new track record.\nIt recently lapped the Laguna Seca in 1 minute 37.54 seconds\u2013 almost a second faster than the previous production sedan record \u2013 with racing driver Randy Pobst behind the wheel.\nThe Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is the ultimate expression of Jaguar\u2019s XE sports sedan with only 300 hand-built units ever made. Underneath the hood is a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Quickshift automatic ZF transmission.\n0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.3 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 200 mph (321 km/h).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after Porsche \nintroduced the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring\n last week, Porsche Australia introduced the limited-run\u00a0\nGT3 70 Years Porsche Australia Edition\n.\nThe 911 GT3 (left) and the GT3 Touring (right).\nThe 70 Years Porsche Australia Edition pays tribute to the \nfirst two Porsches to arrive in Australia 70 years ago\n. It\u2019s based on the GT3 Touring and will be available either with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nIt\u2019s a road version of the race-car for the road \u2013 check out the 911 GT3 \u201cTouring Package\u201d in detail here!\nPorsche said it\u2019s the first time the company has offered a market-specific edition on a 911 model, and also the \nfirst time a special edition was created specifically for the Australian market\n.\nThis special edition 911 Turbo S celebrates 20 years of Porsche in China! Check out the different colours!\nThe 911 GT3 70 Years Porsche Australia Edition was designed in collaboration with the Style Porsche design team, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Porsche Cars Australia.\nFor starters, it\u2019s finished with a Fish Silver Grey exterior colour created by Porsche Manufaktur. It\u2019s the same colour on the first Porsche 356 to be imported into Australia in 1951.\nAll-new 992 Porsche 911 Turbo S arrives in Malaysia! Find out how much it costs here!\nInside, dashboard and centre console trims inherit the Fish Silver Grey colour from the exterior but there\u2019s no ignoring the elaborate bucket seats with Graphite Blue leather and Madraskaro check fabric.\nDon\u2019t you just love the retro-inspired \u201cfeel\u201d about it?\nPorsche did 300 km/h non-stop in the new 911 GT3 for 5,000 km; only stopping for fuel. Read about it here!\n\u201cIt is fitting that this special edition features exclusive elements that link back to one of the two first Porsche sportscars imported to Australia by Norman Hamilton 70 years ago,\u201d Porsche said.\nWhat is basically a GT3 car without a massive spoiler at the back, the GT3 70 Years Edition is packed with 510 hp and 470 Nm from a 4.0-litre engine. Its 0 to 100 km/h time is only 3.9 seconds.\nThe GTS nameplate returns to the Porsche 911 line-up, find out more about it here!\nGALLERY"
"At the announcement of the \nfacelifted Audi A4 range\n, the four-rings also introduced the refreshed S4 sedan and S4 Avant. Just like the \nS5 TDI\n which was unveiled recently, the S4 range is now powered by a mild-hybrid turbodiesel.\nIt\u2019s not all bad news for petrolheads because the 3.0-litre V6 TDI packs \n347 hp\n and best-in-class \n700 Nm\n of torque. The onboard 48V MHEV system works to charge up the electric compressor to give the S4 TDI instantaneous response and seamless power build-up.\nWith the 8-speed automatic and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, century sprint on the S4 TDI sedan takes \n4.8 seconds\n onwards to a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. A compact, air-cooled lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 0.5 kWh located under the boot acts as an energy management centre and contributes to reduced fuel consumption of up to \n0.4 litres per 100 km\n.\nLike all Audi S models, the S4 duo is identified by the exclusive quad exhaust tailpipes, aggressive front and rear bumpers, honeycomb Singleframe grille, Sport seats and S-specific Audi Virtual Cockpit design.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi S4 TDI Sedan\n \nFacelift in Turboblau\nAudi S4 TDI Avant\n \nFacelift in\n \nDaytona Grey"
"It was only last week when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO Sagree Sardien mentioned the company\u2019s upcoming electric onslaught during the \nC-Class launch\n, but it seems like it\u2019s all about to kick off very soon. The company has just teased the \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n via a post on its social media pages, hinting at the imminent launch of the fully-electric crossover.\nThe accompanying caption to the post reads: \u201cElectricity runs in its veins, where luxury sits at its heart. The new EQA, yours for the taking. Stay tuned.\u201d\nUnveiled just over a year ago, the fully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA is offered globally in three different variants \u2013 the EQA 250, EQA 300 4Matic, and EQA 350 4Matic. No indications as of the time of writing which of the three will make its way into Malaysia, but the entry-level, front-wheel driven EQA 250 should most definitely be part of the line-up.\nThe variant is powered by a single electric motor on the front axle, enough to provide \n190 hp\n and \n375 Nm\n of torque. The figure translates to a century sprint time of roughly \n8.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n160 km/h\n.\nA 66.5 kWh double-decker battery pack underneath the crossover\u2019s floor provides a usable travel range of \n426 km\n (via WLTP test cycle), and takes roughly five hours and 45 minutes to fully charge with the 11 kW onboard AC charger. Fast charging with a 100 kW DC charger meanwhile takes just 30 minutes to go from 10% to 80% state of charge.\nThe EQA 300 and EQA 350 meanwhile get two electric motors for an all-wheel drive layout, with \n228 hp/390 Nm\n and \n292 hp/520 Nm\n respectively.\nALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz EQA unveiled as a GLA\n-based fully-electric crossover\nBased on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the fully-electric crossover does share quite a lot of similarities with its internal combustion-powered sibling. The German carmaker did give the EQA a slight tweak in appearance to help it stand out, including a new signature \u2018black panel\u2019 EQ grille featuring an unbroken fibre optic light signature that joins the two headlights, as well as a reworked tailgate with a full-width tail light design.\nThe differences are less apparent on the inside, with the entire cabin pretty much carried over wholesale from the GLA crossover \u2013 except for additional blue and rose gold accents throughout.\nAs usual, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia did not provide a concrete launch date just yet. But based on their usual \nmodus operandi\n around their recent launches, we think that it\u2019s not going to be too long more. Keep your eyes peeled!"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has been teasing about a launch of \u201cThe Next Big Thing\u201d for the past couple of days, but as is standard procedure to build hype around the launch, the posts provided zero context on what it actually is.\nWell, the guessing game is now over, as the latest update on UMWT\u2019s website and social media pages now show the tag line together with a silhouette of the Corolla Cross SUV, alongside a countdown to the official launch scheduled for next Thursday, \n25th March\n.\nThe new Corolla Cross is an SUV that has a large C-segment footprint but targeted at mid-compact models such as Honda HR-V, \nSubaru XV\n, \nMazda CX-30\n, Hyundai Tucson, the new Kia Seltos and of course, the new SUV leader, the \nProton X50\n.\nOne of the key features of the \nCorolla Cross\n is the 440-litre luggage capacity, the largest in the segment. Thanks to the dashboard that is lifted directly from \nthe Corolla sedan\n, all the features such as a seven-inch multi-information display, dual-zone climate control, smartphone-ready infotainment system\u00a0as well as \nToyota Safety Sense\n with Lane Tracing Assist and adaptive cruise control are expected to be available in this crossover.\nAround the region, the new Toyota Corolla Cross is offered in hybrid and petrol variants, both displacing 1.8 litres. We shall find out next week if UMWT will bring the company\u2019s self-charging hybrid back to their showrooms, with the last hybrid being the previous generation Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid (AVV50) that was also locally-assembled."
"What you\u2019re looking at here isn\u2019t an actual\n Ferrari 296 GTB\n, but rather Amalgam\u2019s 1:8 scale model of the new Prancing Horse. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 we were fooled, too, but it really highlights the accuracy of the model, and is also probably why they can charge a whopping USD14,017 (approx. RM59k) for one. Ouch.\nThe company maintains a long-time collaboration with Ferrari, so the hand-built models are pretty much as accurate as it gets \u2013 even receiving official approval from the Ferrari Centro Stile (design centre) following an \u201cintense dive into every detail\u201d.\nBased on the original CAD drawings of the actual 296 GTB, Amalgam\u2019s scale model is said to be made from thousands of \u201cprecisely engineered parts\u201d such as castings, photo-etchings, and CNC machined metal components. Even the paint codes and specifications are directly from Ferrari themselves!\nEach unit takes over 300 hours to complete, while the development process itself took over 3,000 hours. Just like the actual Ferrari 296 GTB, the scale model can also be customised and built to the owner\u2019s own bespoke specification!\nRELATED: This scale-model Aston Martin DB5 comes with gadgets from Bond movies!\nIt\u2019s hard to find a flaw on the scale model based on the photos \u2013 even the tyres have the same graphic as actual Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubbers! The attention to detail even extends into the interior \u2013 which can be \u201caccessed\u201d via the functional opening doors. The dashboard looks almost identical to the actual car, and the seat upholstery even has red stitching.\nThe Amalgam Ferrari 296 GTB 1:8 scale model is limited to just 199 units only, and the first models are already being shipped to be displayed in Ferrari\u2019s offices and dealerships across Central Europe. The company says that there\u2019ll also be a smaller 1:12 scale model in the future, although pricing hasn\u2019t been disclosed just yet.\nGALLERY"
"A few months after the debut of the new second-generation Q3, Audi has given it the \u201cSportback\u201d treatment. And based on its looks alone, do you still want the \n\u2018normal\u2019 Q3\n?\nWhile we still wouldn\u2019t call the \nQ3 Sportback\n handsome, we think the \nsloping roof\n and the chopped off D pillars complement the Q3\u2019s audacious face and those muscular arches better than the \nnon-Sportback Q3\n.\nThere\u2019s even a hint of \nLamborghini Urus\n from the rear three-quarter view, and that\u2019s not a bad thing for something that costs a fraction of the Italian bull. But apart from the lower roof and a new rear bumper, the Q3 Sportback is identical to the Q3.\nAs expected, luggage space is slightly compromised. But at least the rear seat still accommodates three and they slide, recline, and fold flat to offer a maximum load capacity of \n1,400 litres\n (125 litres less than the standard Q3).\nIt\u2019s heavily kitted too, with Audi connect online services that shows real-time traffic info, \nAlexa\n cloud-based voice service by Amazon, and \nGoogle Earth\n navigation.\nFor the European market the Q3 Sportback can be had in either the \n45 TFSI quattro S tronic\n with 230 hp or the \n35 TDI S tronic\n with 150 hp. Both engines are \n2.0-litre four cylinder \nunits, but the latter runs on diesel. Afterwards they will be joined by another diesel option with a higher power output as well as an entry-level petrol mill with 48 V mild-hybrid system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Looks like Mercedes-Benz has joined the battle of jacked-up wagons. Going against the likes of Audi A6 Allroad, \nVolkswagen Passat Alltrack\n, and the recently-announced \nVolvo V90 Cross Country\n, the E-Class All-Terrain is the first of its kind in the long history of Mercedes\u2019 mid-size contender.\nThe X213 \nE-Class All-Terrain\n stands \n29 mm taller\n than its \u201csingle-terrain\u201d \nW213 sedan\n and S213 wagon siblings, and just like its rivals, it\u2019s fully dressed in a rugged outfit. Robust black plastic covers the lower part of the car, and there are flashes of metallic accents thrown in for that added bling, which ties in quite well with the optional \n20-inch rims\n. Standard alloys measure 19-inches by the way.   Despite the big rims, Mercedes claims that the E-Class All-Terrain rides much more comfortably than the normal E-Class because it\u2019s fitted with higher profile tyres, and they\u2019ve reconfigured the suspension too. Special \nAll-Terrain driving mode\n with \noff-road driving settings\n should allow the E-Class All-Terrain to be driven on, err, all terrain, and drivers can \nraise the car by 20 mm\n at \nspeeds up to 35 km/h\n courtesy of the \nAir Body Control\n air suspension fitted as standard.\nThe E-Class All-Terrain will debut at the upcoming \n2016 Paris Motor Show\n in the \nE 220d 4Matic\n guise, which means it\u2019s powered by a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel\n that produces \n194 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. The oil-burner is paired to the \n9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic\n, sending the power to the \n4Matic all-wheel drive\n system.\nOther than that, the cabin is unchanged apart from the \u201cAll-Terrain\u201d lettering on the floor mats, so it\u2019s the usual swish E-Class interior that\u2019s practical and packed with tech.\nWill it be introduced here in Malaysia? Not by a long shot. Will there be an \nAMG variant\n? Probably.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As we reach towards the end of the year, it\u2019s time to recognise the best car of 2016 at the\u00a0annual car of the year (COTY) awards. The top 10\u00a0candidates this year for Japan\u2019s COTY are comprised of an unusual mix of European cars, which altogether outnumber their domestic cars.\nA total of 35 new cars, ranging from new domestic and foreign cars were nominated, but only 10 made it to the finals. They are\u00a0\nAudi A4\n, \nBMW M2\n, \nHonda Freed\n, \nNissan Serena\n, \nVolvo XC90\n, \nAbarth 124 Spider\n, \nMercede\ns-Benz E-Class\n,\u00a0\nJaguar F-Pace\n, \nToyota Prius\n and \nSubaru Impreza\n. Out of the 10, only four represent the Land of the Rising Sun.\nA panel of 59 judges (a majority presumably Japanese) however, lean heavily towards the\u00a0Subaru Impreza and Toyota Prius. Yet again, competition from the West will be tough; the Volvo XC90 gathered critical acclaims from journalists all around the world and the BMW M2 makes for a delightful choice for purists.\u00a0\nJapan\u2019s new Car of the Year will be announced on 9 December, but prior to that the judges\u2019 evaluation are to be made public on 22 November.\u00a0\nLast year, the Mazda MX-5\n\u00a0was given the crown jewel, and the year before that was the \nMazda2\n.\u00a0Unfortunately, no Mazda cars made it into the final 10 this year. Don\u2019t be surprised if this year\u2019s winner is not a native, because in 2013, the \nVolkswagen Golf\n became the first ever non-Japanese car to win the Japan COTY.\nSource: \nForbes"
"Boosted Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of BHPetrol fuel, was the first company to introduce the Euro5 diesel to Malaysia back in November 2014. At the time, the fuel was only available in Johor, but today it is offered in 107 BHP stations across the country. \nSo what\u2019s new this time around? Well, both diesel fuels are now infused with a new generation of additives sourced from Germany. The additives improve one key aspect \u2013 the ability to self-clean a diesel engine\u2019s high pressure fuel injector nozzles. \nMost modern diesel engines feature common rail direct injection (CRDI) with piezo injectors, and these injectors have holes smaller than the size of a human hair. The sole duty of these holes is to deliver the diesel fuel into the combustion chamber, which can sometimes get clogged over time, thus reducing power and efficiency.\n \nThrough numerous evaluating procedures adhering to the standards set by The Coordinating European Council, BHP\u2019s latest Infiniti Euro2M and Euro5 diesels (both unique only to the Malaysian market) have proved that the additives can clean the injectors and restore engine performance to its optimum state. This works even for older diesel engines without direct injection technology. \nThe best part? Pricing for both diesel fuels remain exactly the same, at RM1.70 per litre for the Infiniti Euro2M, while the Euro5 costs 10 sen more. BHPetrol has over 300 stations nationwide, all of them offering Euro2M diesel. As of today, only 107 of them carry Euro5 diesel, with more to come along the way."
"BMW Malaysia has announced their revised price list with the Sales and Services Tax (SST) applied. At a glance, all locally assembled models get a price reduction of up to RM15,000 but fully imported models like the M4 and \nM5\n now costs some RM12,000 more.\nInterestingly, locally assembled plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models saw a mix of increase and decrease. The \n330e M Sport\n remains priced at RM258k, unchanged from the GST time while the \n740Le xDrive\n and \n530e Sport\n are now cheaper to buy. Only the \nX5 xDrive40e M Sport\n (CKD) had a marginal price increase of RM2,000.\nLastly, the \nX3 xDrive30i Luxury when launch\n carried an indicated price tag of RM320k (inclusive of 6 per cent GST) but after SST implementation, the estimated price now starts from RM313,800 \u2013 finally cheaper than the \nX2 sDrive20i M Sport\n."
"Soon to join the all-electric line-up of Mercedes-Benz is a fully-electric version of the Mercedes-Benz CLA. \nAutomotive News\n reports that it will also be joined by an all-new version of the EQC, although that is only known as an \u201celectric GLC\u201d for the time being.\nThe information comes from \nMercedes-Benz\n\u2019s annual North American dealer meeting that took place recently. According to Mercedes-Dealer Board Chairman, Joseph Agresta there will be many EVs coming in the future of Mercedes-Benz. He said, \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of EVs, and EV is certainly our future,\u201d Despite the EV future, he also believes that there is still a place for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. He adds, \u201cBut there\u2019s still a commitment to the ICE vehicles,\u201d he said. \u201cThe ICE vehicles are going to support profitability and volume for some period of time.\u201d\nAccording to the European news portal, Mercedes-Benz is planning to take on Tesla, aiming to poach Tesla\u2019s young, tech-focused consumers. For that, Mercedes-Benz will introduce an all-electric version of the Mercedes-Benz CLs and a new electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.\nThe all-electric CLA will reportedly get about 400 miles (643 km) of range and arrive in the US market in 2024. According to some American dealers of the brand, the CLA is the car that draws 60% of Mercedes-Benz first-time customers. The CLA is a \u201ccoupe\u201d version of the A-Class sedan which we are more familiar with in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app\nMalaysian Market Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC\nAs for the \u201celectric GLC\u201d, it will be the successor to the Mercedes-Benz EQC. The EQC was Mercedes-Benz\u2019s first electric car in the EQ lineup and is based on the X253 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV. Though it was the first, the EQC\u2019s limited range was deemed inadequate for the American market.\nCurrently in Mercedes-Benz electric line-up is the EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE, EQS, and EQT. The upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA and \u201celectric GLC\u2019 may no longer utilise the brand\u2019s EQ prefix for its EV line-up.\nRELATED: \nThe Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e costs only 30% more than the \u2018regular\u2019 S-Class in Thailand"
"Honda Malaysia \ntoday announced that it has sold a total of more than 80,200 cars in 2022, surpassing its initial target of 80,000 units. The figure represents a 51% increase over the previous year, and has enabled it to retain the title of the best-selling non-national passenger car brand in Malaysia for the ninth year in a row, based on its own internal data.\nOn a month-to-month basis, March was the best-performing month for the brand in 2022, with more than 10,500 units sold.\nHonda Malaysia attributes the strong sales performance to the introduction of the \nall-new Honda Civic\n in January, which also contributed to its strongest per-month sales figure this year in March, with 10,500 units sold.\nThe momentum was then followed up by the \nall-new Honda HR-V\n in July, which quickly became one of the top three contributors to the company\u2019s overall sales performance in Malaysia. And just as it started, Honda Malaysia also ended the year in style with the launch of the hybrid \nCivic e:HEV RS \nin November, which the company notes as having \u201creceived an overwhelming response from the market\u201d.\nRELATED: \n11th-gen Honda Civic captures 81% market share in Malaysia \u2013 nearly 7,000 units sold since launch\nIn terms of model-to-model performance, the B-segment \nHonda City \nis the best-selling of the lot, contributing to 36% of the marque\u2019s overall sales in Malaysia. Its \nhatchback\n counterpart comes in at second place with 20% of the share, while the all-new Honda HR-V takes third place with 14% of the company\u2019s total sales.\nFrom the 80,200 units sold, 51% is sold within the central region. The Southern region contributed 19%, while the Northern region takes 17%.\nCommenting on the annual sales report, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hironobu Yoshimura said, \u201c2022 was a challenging year with global chip shortage and flood disasters that have affected our car production. With Challenging Spirit, Honda Malaysia shifted into higher gears in 2022 and exceeded our sales target with the strong support from all the stakeholders.\u201d\nThe company expressed thanks to the Malaysian Government for the extension of the sales tax exemptions, and says that it is working closely with the suppliers and dealers to ensure timely delivery for its customers, especially those who have booked their cars during the SST exemption period.\nALSO READ: \n11% of Honda HR-V buyers in Malaysia opted for the hybrid e:HEV RS variant\nWhile many competing car brands in Malaysia have unfortunately raised prices for their models, as a result of the global inflation and rising manufacturing costs, Honda Malaysia has said that it will be keeping prices steady for now.\nMoving forward, the company says it is optimistic about the automotive sector in 2023. Honda Malaysia is committed to delivering the best quality to its customers, both in terms of its product offering, as well as sales and after-sales experience."
"The year 2014 was quite a spectacle on its own, especially in the car scene \u2013 local and international \u2013 where its injected with a considerable dose of vibrancy and competition.\nWe here at \nAutobuzz.my\n have worked long and hard to bring you the latest buzzes of the industry.\u00a0From text to pictures and videos (as we have come to be known for), we\u2019ve stepped into uncharted waters to bring you what we think is the best and most enjoyable way to consume information.\nSo, to bring 2014 to a close, we have decided to handpick the best all-rounding vehicle by segment (not necessarily chosen by sheer sales volume), just to give you an idea of which car we think is leading its pack. Do note that our picks are based on models sold in Malaysia only, and excludes the grey market. Now, without further ado, we present to you, our top picks for the year.\nA-Segment\n\u00a0\n\u2013 \nPerodua Axia 1.0L\n (from RM24,600)\u00a0\nIn this segment, we were torn between the Axia and the \nKia Picanto\n, simply because the latter excels in many different ways, as reviewed by our fellow writer KY Looi. However, we thought that the Axia (pronounced A-zee-ah) made a huge leap forward by designing a car that caters to the Malaysian taste, and we\u2019re further convinced that it should be named the best A-segmenter simply because of its affordability.   The Axia is Perodua\u2019s tenth model to roll out the production line, and about 90 percent of its design is Malaysian. We chose the Axia not because it\u2019s the only A-Segment car introduced to the market this year, but also because it\u2019s almost as big as the Myvi in terms of dimensions. Practicality ahoy! Its starting price is even cheaper than the base model Viva during its heyday \u2013 at RM24,600, with the SE and Advanced model offering projector headlamps and front parking sensors. Need we say more?\nB-Segment \u2013 \nFord Fiesta EcoBoost 1.0L\n (RM93,888)\nThis segment is easily the most competitive of the lot, with the top six nominees comprising of the \nProton Iriz\n, \nCitroen DS3\n, Peugeot 208, \nHonda City\n, Ford Fiesta EcoBoost and \nVolkswagen Polo CKD\n. Who takes the cake? We picked, after much deliberation, the \nFiesta EcoBoost\n.   Regardless of what we drive, there will always be that day or two where you just feel like unleashing your inner boy racer. Whether you\u2019re overtaking a reckless \nah-beng\n on the speedway or driving down your favourite trunk roads, the Fiesta EcoBoost provides just about all the right moves in all the right places. It handles like nothing else in its class (except its \nsteroidal RM150k ST sibling\n\u00a0and the likes of it) and punches better than most of its rivals. The only downside we can think of is the slightly cramped rear space, and that an all-new model is somewhere down the pipeline.\nC-Segment \u2013 \nMazda3 Sedan\n (RM138,935.50 \u2013 OTR with insurance)\nAh, if it isn\u2019t one of the most hair-pulling experiences when it comes to purchasing your first, proper family car. It\u2019s definitely not an easy one, we\u2019ll give you that. Especially when you have the \nFord Focus\n (sedan and hatchback), \nToyota Altis\n, \nHonda Civic facelift\n, \nVolkswagen Jetta CKD\n, Proton Preve, Nissan Sylphy, Renault Fluence; you get the idea.   But if you\u2019re all about style without compromise, the Mazda3 is exactly the car we think you should get. In the words of our very own Chief Editor, GC Mah, \u201cThe all-new Mazda3 with KODO design language is by far the best looking C-segment sedan in the market right now.\u201d Well, it\u2019s not just pleasing to the eyes, but it drives well, rides well, comes very well equipped, gets Mazda\u2019s full range of Skyactiv technology and feels like you\u2019re paying less for more. In \nNajdi\u2019s\u00a0review\n\u00a0of\u00a0the CBU 3, he said \nit\u2019s one of those cars to demand a second look even after you\u2019ve parked it and walked away\n. On the plus side, the CKD units will be making their way here early next year, so expect a healthy cut of its current asking price of RM139k.\nD-Segment \u2013 \nHyundai Sonata 2.0L\n (from RM143,163.30)\nThis list is comprised of several popular models like the\u00a0\nToyota Camry\n, Honda Accord, Nissan Teana,\u00a0\nChevrolet Malibu\n, \nVolkswagen Passat CKD\n, \nHyundai Sonata\n, \nHyundai i40\n, Kia Optima and the Mazda6 sedan. The Accord remains as one of our favourites in this segment thanks to its great value for money, and is probably the most well received vehicle of its segment this year.   Despite favouring the Accord, this choice wasn\u2019t a shot in the dark, just so you know. We were contemplating our pick between the Accord, Mazda6 and the Passat CKD. But it ultimately went to the Sonata, because no other manufacturer grants an \n8-year warranty programme\n, even if it only covers the engine and transmission. On top of that, the Sonata is said to drive better, and is the first D-Segment sedan to come with a full-flat underbody cover that reduces turbulence and drag. If you\u2019re thinking of getting one, Hyundai is also giving you a 2-year free membership of their concierge service, \nThe Leader\n.\nCompact Executive \u2013 \nMercedes-Benz W205 C-Class\n (from RM286k)\nHere, the fifth-generation C-Class takes on the likes of \nBMW\u2019s F30 3 Series\n\u00a0and the 4 Series, the ageing Audi A4 (B8), \nInfiniti Q50\n\u00a0and even the Volvo S60. But let\u2019s face it. If you take an S-Class, shrink it down in size and price it right in the sweet spot, you\u2019ve found the secret recipe for success.   Much is to be praised about the new C-Class, because it looks like nothing else in its class, both inside and out. Now offered as CBU trim, the C-Class can be had in \nthree flavours\n \u2013 \nC200 Avantgarde, C250 Executive\n and \nC250 AMG Line\n. And it\u2019s priced well for a fully imported unit too, with an asking price from RM286k to RM340k for the AMG Line. If you think the price is too high for your liking, fret not, because the CKD version of this baby S-Class is scheduled for delivery sometime between Q2 and Q3 of next year. As we\u2019re made to believe, we can expect more goodies to be thrown into the car along with an attractive price cut. This C-Class is way ahead in its segment, we reckon.\nExecutive E-Segment \u2013 \nMaserati Ghibli\n\u00a0S\n (RM628,800)\nThings get a little more subjective in the executive segment, because the badge, the style, the look, the image; everything matters \nmore\n. Life cycles of cars in this segment is far longer too, usually around seven years (as is the trend of late) before a completely new model takes the stage. This year saw the introduction of a sexy Italian icon, the \nMaserati Ghibli\n, and that\u2019s our pick of the lot.   The executive segment in Malaysia is very evidently dominated by the German likes of Mercedes-Benz E Class, Audi A6 Hybrid and the BMW 5 Series. Then there\u2019s the less prominent Jaguar XF and the also ageing Lexus GS in the foray. But if we are to be honest, it\u2019s all about personal preference here. And if you\u2019re all about making a statement, the Ghibli is the car you should consider getting. Why is it our choice, you ask? Well, its bold and sultry curves are an instant eye catcher, and on top of that it gets a tyre shredding \n3.0-litre turbocharged V6\n that makes \n410 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque. On the normal Ghibli, you get \n330 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, both paired to an \neight-speed ZF automatic transmission\n. Now that\u2019s a car that will get you places with speed and style.\nLuxury F-Segment \u2013 \nMercedes-Benz W222 S\n400L Hybrid\n\u00a0(from RM587,888)\nYou know you\u2019ve made it when you start looking into this segment for a car to be chauffeured around town. It\u2019s also the segment where you see carmakers dumping every possible state-of-the-art technology into a four-wheel platform for you to lug around or be driven in what is essentially a two-tonne vehicle.   Be that as it may, the W222 S400L Hybrid is the winner here for a number of reasons, but by and large is due to its incredibly attractive price tag of \nRM587,888\n. The guys at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) have outdone themselves this year by giving Malaysians truly value for money deals, yet that very intent is seemingly intensifying. The \u2018Sonderklasse\u2019 or \u2018Special Class\u2019 boasts a number of world\u2019s firsts features, especially with its LED-only lighting system. Not a single light bulb is used here, befitting its Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status. We had the opportunity to drive the S400L Hybrid to the \nMercedes production plant in Pekan\n earlier in the year, and we were instantly fond of its ride (or glide, rather) and cabin insulation. There\u2019s no complaining even when you\u2019re in the backseat, but we\u2019d like ours with a massage function, please. Friends at MBM, yes? :)\nSo there you have it, folks! The Top 6 picks of Autobuzz\u2019s segments of choice for the year 2014.\nWhat the Editor has to say: GC\u2019s wrap up for 2014\nThe year of horse, 2014 has been an exciting yet crazy year for all of us auto journalists, especially with the overwhelming launches locally and abroad. We have been working our bottoms off to bring you the latest local launch coverage, international news, and car reviews the way you want it. The team at AutoBuzz.my, both web and video production divisions genuinely hope you like our work thus far.\nAnd as what Matthew gathered above, our favourites in 2014, as voted by the team. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll agree with me, it\u2019s one hell of a line-up!\nNow we can all look forward to many highly anticipated car launches next year. Mazda will be introducing the really pretty Mazda2 and CX-3 SUV, Honda can\u2019t wait to launch the affordable compact SUV, the HR-V, Volvo will be assembling locally and introducing the XC90 T8, the really exciting Volkswagen Golf GTE will be \nplugging-in\n soon, the handsome Passat B8 will be roaming our roads too, some rugged yet good-looking trucks like the new Ranger and Triton; and many, many, many more.\nWe Malaysians have gone through tremendous pain and tragedies in 2014, from missing planes to massive flood, all in one year. 2015 will be better. I\u2019m sure.\nHappy New Year, Malaysia."
"Self-parking cars are not too uncommon these days. The technology has matured enough that we are now beginning to see it move down the food chain into cheaper cars \u2013 like the \nProton X50\n. Doing so without a driver in the seat though? Those are rarely seen even on the most luxurious vehicles on sale, but \nVolkswagen\u2019 flagship Touareg SUV\n can now join the elite club.\nBuilding on to the existing auto-park assistant feature which uses a suite of\u00a0four cameras and 12 ultrasound sensors, the new remote-parking system will allow for the large SUV to automatically manouevre into a parking space completely by itself, while the driver stands outside and watch from a distance.\nThe auto-park system is activated as usual via the infotainment system. Once the system detects a suitable parking space, the driver can then select the remote control option, whip out their smartphone, and step out of the car.\nThe physical Drive button, which is required to be held by the driver while executing the automated parking manouevres (also \nlike the Proton X50\n), will automatically be transferred onto the VW Remote Park Assist Plus on your mobile phone.\nFor safety reasons, the virtual drive button must also be held constantly while the car remote parks itself. Just like the button in the car, the parking manouevre will be automatically paused if the driver lifts off from the button \u2013 and if required, the driver can resume control.\nUnlike most of these systems which can only support forward and reverse motions, the remote Park Assist feature can also park itself in a parallel parking spot while the driver monitors from outside.\nAdditionally, the remote parking system can also automatically start the car and exit from the parking spot, which means you\u2019ll never have to squeeze into the tight door openings again in fear of dinging someone else\u2019s car! You can check out the full demo of the remote parking assistant feature \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"It seems like the government\u2019s post-Covid-19 economic recovery plan has certainly been effective \u2013 especially in the automotive sector. National carmaker Perodua has just posted its monthly sales figure for September, reporting a total of \n25,035 vehicles sold \n\u2013 which is the highest-ever figure in all of its 26-year history.\nThe September figure is a 10.8% increase from August, where the company sold 22,604 units. Combining that with \n23,203 units sold\u00a0in July 2020\n, Perodua has achieved a sales figure of 70,842 units in the third quarter of 2020 \u2013 a 13,870 unit or 24.3% increase over the 56,972 units from the same period last year.\nIn the first nine months, Perodua managed to move a total of 145,012 units, which is 69.1% of its target to sell 210,000 vehicles in 2020. The company\n initially set a target of 240,000 units\n for the year, though it has since been revised due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which is currently seeing a new spike in infection rates in the country.\nIn order to meet the strong demand, Perodua says that it is is also increasing production at both its assembly plants in Sungai Choh, Rawang. However, the figure is likely to not rise too much further than current numbers, as the current production rate of around 25,000 units per month is already nearing 99% of its overall production capacity, according to CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nThe sales performance figures were published by UMW Holdings, which holds a 38% stake in the national carmaker. Acting President and Group CEO, Azmin Che Yusoff cited the sales tax exemptions as one of the reasons for the encouraging results: \u201cWe are thankful to the government for introducing economic stimulus packages and for implementing the sales tax exemption to boost the automotive industry in Malaysia. We are confident that the strong sales momentum will continue into the final quarter of the year.\u201d"
"If it\u2019s one thing we\u2019ve learned from Mercedes-Benz in recent years, is that the company is unafraid to push the boundaries of the norm. There hasn\u2019t been a premium pickup truck in the market, so they\u2019ve decided to go ahead and make one. The resulting attempt is this, the all-new Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept.\nIn fact, this is not the first time Stuttgart toyed with the idea of having a pickup. Many years ago, they had one called the \nGelandewagen\n, or known as the G-Class/G-Wagon. Currently, it\u2019s available in a six-wheeled guise (G 63 AMG 6\u00d76), which is exclusive for the elites who have gone bored of flying past speed humps and road kerbs with their SUVs. \nThe X-Class is the product of a three-way joint venture between Daimler and Renault-Nissan; the other pick duo are the Renault Alaska and \nNissan Navara\n. The X-Class deploys two different concepts \u2013 the civilised\u00a0\nStylish Explorer\n and the rugged \nPowerful Adventurer\n.\nOverall, the X-Class isn\u2019t that far off from its \nteaser\n revealed a few months back.\u00a0Both concepts wear\u00a0the same large front grille with the three-point star emblem mounted at the centre. On top of the headlights is a tall and muscular hood. The X-Class remains strictly a double cab pickup for now.\nNow this is where the similarity ends. The \u201cStylish Explorer\u201d is the variant you\u2019d want to own and cruise around town with. It sits on humongous 22-inch wheels (unlikely to make it to production) and the back adopts a cool looking oval shaped LED taillight design. We think the latter should be featured in the production version of the X-Class.\nNext up is the \u201cPowerful Adventurer\u201d. We can imagine this roaming effortlessly in the sand dunes of the Sahara, rocky foothills of Mount Kinabalu or even in your backyard orchard. Vivid colours aside, it wears\u00a0a more conventional, high-profile off-road tyres and a higher ground clearance. The back meanwhile, gets a set of conventional taillight. It also receives an off-road kit which consists of electric winches, side rails and so on.\nInterior wise, the tablet-styled central console and dashboard remain consistent as per any modern Mercedes-Benzes. Interestingly, handbrake operation is manual (lever type). The X-Class is set to include many of Mercedes\u2019 modern driver assistance systems, making it the safest, most luxurious pickup truck money can buy.\nTop of the line X-Classes will be powered by a\n\u00a0V6 diesel\n mated to \n4MATIC all-wheel drive.\n A range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel mills are also planned for the X-Class. The powertrains will allow this pickup to have a\u00a0payload of more than 1.1 tonnes and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes.\nThe Barcelona-assembled \u00a0X-Class will go into production by late 2017. Since the Nissan Navara is being locally assembled, perhaps Mercedes-Benz Malaysia can come up with a strategic partnership with Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia to assemble this luxury pickup truck. Ford Ranger? Say what?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced that by June this year, the Vehicle Ownership Card (VOC) will be replacing the all-familiar\u00a0Vehicle Registration Certificate, or more commonly known as\u00a0\ngeran\n\u00a0or grant among Malaysians.\nThe newly introduced VOC will obtain\u00a0all necessary vehicle and owner information. Unlike the past where any record of road tax renewal is written in the vehicle registration cert, VOC will not obtain such records as it\u2019ll be\u00a0recorded\u00a0via\u00a0JPJ\u2019s\u00a0computerised system. Similarly, there\u2019s no need to travel to the nearest JPJ branch for vehicle ownership transfer, as it can be done online.\nThe gist behind this is to combat the ongoing \u201ccloning\u201d of cars, involving cars illegally brought in from Singapore to be sold here Malaysia. These cars go for dirt cheap and come with duplicate registrations. To enforce this, JPJ has outlined three phases for the implementation of VOC, hoping that by 2020, all cars in Malaysia will be utilising the VOC.\nPhase 1\n: Staring 1 of June 2016, all newly registered vehicles will receive VOC.\nPhase 2\n: Starting 1 September 2016, owners who renew their road tax or transfer vehicle ownership will receive VOC.\nPhase 3\n: By early 2017, vehicle owners can visit any preferred JPJ offices to obtain their VOCs.\n[Source: \nCareta.my\n]"
"Following the announcement on the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) until the 4th of February 2021, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n has decided to postpone Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge.\nRound 1 of the Toyota Vios Challenge 2021 was scheduled to take place from the 28th till 30th of January 2021, at the Sepang International Circuit. As of now, UMW Toyota is unable to confirm a new date.\n \n\u201cAs we continue to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, we acknowledge the unprecedented toll that it has inflicted on the nation. The race will and must go on\u00a0but not until we successfully mitigate the threat of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of\u00a0all racers, participating teams, officials, spectators, and stakeholders,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman and Gazoo Racing Malaysia\u2019s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama.\u00a0\nAfter three successful seasons, Season 4 will bring a new dimension to the race series with the introduction of three individual racing series \u2013 Toyota Vios\u00a0Challenge, Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup and Gazoo Racing Enduro Cup \u2013 for a total of 11 races.\nThe\u00a0growing participation of young racers in the series over the past three seasons have also led the company to establish a Gazoo Racing School. Also new is the \nRookie Class\n in\u00a0the Toyota Vios Challenge for drivers between the ages of 14 and 20."
"Proton is urging owners of the Proton Perdana built from 2012 to the end of August 2018 to bring their vehicles to authorised Proton service centres to get their Takata passenger airbag inflator replaced.\nThe affected models include the current \nsecond-generation Perdana\n and the \nHonda Accord-based model, more widely known as the \u201cHondana\u201d\n. Proton reassures that the recalls do not affect any other Proton models as they\u2019re fitted with airbags from a different supplier.\n6,342 units of the Perdana are affected and as of 18th of August 2020, Proton\u2019s service centres have replaced 5,625 units \u2013 an 87.5% completion rate. Proton has been replacing the potentially faulty inflators since January 2019, in accordance to the standards of the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration of America (NHTSA).\n\u201cThe safety of our customers is of the utmost importance. However, we have not been able to connect with all affected owners due to obsolete or incomplete contact information. Therefore, we would like to urge all Proton Perdana owners who have not had their passenger airbag inflators replaced to call our service centres to book an appointment as soon as possible,\u201d said Proton Edar, CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\nReplacement of the airbag inflator will take approximately one hour, completely free of charge. Those built after 31st August 2018 are not affected."
"Volvo\u2019s current best-selling model in Europe, the V40 hatchback, receives a new look and some interior tweaks. Volvo\u2019s current second biggest seller is set to be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.\nThe facelifted V40 is in line with the design language from Volvo\u2019s latest foray of products such as the \nXC90\n, \nS90\n, and \nV90\n. The V40 receives a new grille with\u00a0a larger Volvo \u201c\nIron Mark\u201d\n\u00a0badge and the signature \n\u201cThor Hammer\u201d\n LED headlights as part of its aesthetic improvements. The Cross Country model retains the\u00a0black plastic cladding along the bottom edges and a taller vehicle height.   Inside, the new\u00a0V40 gets updated Volvo\u2019s \nOnCall\n technology, this time the system adds\u00a0Microsoft Band 2 connectivity, allowing Windows 10 phones to be integrated with the car. Also notable is a new \u201c\nCity Weave\n\u201d\u00a0upholstery with new additional panel trims for the dashboard and door trims. The V40 also receives five new colours with four shades of blue:\u00a0Mussel Blue, Bursting Blue, Amazon Blue, Denim Blue, and the Luminous Sand.\nThe powertrains for the V40 remained status quo, with a choice of diesel and petrol engines available. Also included is a new\u00a0improved\u00a0radar sensor that\u2019s utilised by Volvo\u2019s automatic braking system and adaptive cruise control.   The updated V40, available in the standard \nV40\n, \nR-Design\n and \nCross Country\n, will be in the market in Europe in June 2016. Currently in Malaysia, \nVolvo Cars Malaysia\n offers two models of \nV40 hatchback\n and a Cross Country model, starting from RM178,888 to RM200,888.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nStandard V40   R-Resign   Cross Country\n \n Volvo V40 T5 AWD Cross Country Studio Bird\u2019s Eye view\n \n Volvo V40 T5 AWD Cross Country Location 7/8 Rear\n \n Volvo V40 Cross Country"
"It\u2019s called the X5 xDrive35d \nPleasure\n3\n Edition\n. Assuming that\u2019s Pleasure x Pleasure x Pleasure?\nA pleasure to look at? A pleasure to ride in? A pleasure to drive? Is it 3x the \nsheer driving pleasure\n?\nWhatever it is, it doesn\u2019t look very pleasureable and from the equipment list plucked from BMW Japan\u2019s site, it seems that the only standout item in the pleasure-soaked SUV \nare the wheels\n.\nLabelled as \u201c\ndedicated equipment\n\u201d on the official site, those are \n21-inch Y-spoke style 744 wheels \nwith a two-tone finish. As for tyres, the pleasurable X5 sits on 275/45 tyres in the front and 315/35 tyres at the rear. The wheels on the X5 xDrive45e in Malaysia are only 20-inch in size.\nFind out more about the BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV M Sport in Malaysia, from RM434k here!\nThe X5 xDrive35d doesn\u2019t even come with an M Sport body kit, which the xDrive45e PHEV in Malaysia gets as standard. The local model is also fitted with BMW M bits like the M aerodynamic package and M Sport calipers. You Malaysian X5 owners are so fortunate!\nThe Pleasure Edition comes with colours like the Phytonic Blue and Black Sapphire but they\u2019re optional extras unlike in Malaysia. Also optional is the panoramic glass sunroof and a Harman Kardon sound system; items we get as standard over here with the xDrive45e. There\u2019s still no pleasure in sight.\nYou don\u2019t have to pay to experience the BMW X5 in Malaysia. Check it out via augment reality here!\nYou do get the air suspension system, the glossy brown wood trims, BMW Individual anthracite roof lining, Vernasca leather seats and a head up display.\nDid you know there was an X5 xDrive40i M Sport in Malaysia? It was super expensive! Check it out here!\nThe biggest difference though, between the Pleasure and plug-in hybrid we get in Malaysia is that the former \ncomes with 3rd row seats\n; with air con vents in the centre console, to comfortably accommodate two more passengers. The variant in Malaysia is only a 5-seater. In Malaysia, \nonly the BMW X7\n comes with seven seats.\nMaybe that\u2019s what they were trying to imply with the \nPleasure\n3\n name \u2013 pleasure in all three rows. hat a way to put it though. Perhaps it sounded better in Japanese.\nThe xDrive35d is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic with 286 hp and 650 Nm of brute force."
"First announced \na year ago\n, Porsche will begin testing their latest endurance racer from next year in preparation for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans the following year.\nBeginning in 2023, the LMDh racer will be entered by Porsche Penske Motorsport in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. For the first time in some 30 years, it will then be possible to compete for overall victories in the endurance classics at Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona with cars of identical construction.\nPorsche Penske Motorsport has also partnered with Multimatic for the development of the chassis. The Canadian motorsports specialist won the LMGTE Pro category of the 2016 Le Mans with their \nFord GT\n. During its previous campaign with the hybrid 919, Porsche took the win in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the most successful manufacturer at Le Mans, with 19 overall victories with seven in a row from 1981 to 1987.\nSo far, the new LMDh technical regulations and convergence with America\u2019s IMSA has proven to be quite a success with big-name automakers, with Audi, BMW, Acura and Cadillac all preparing for the start of the 2023 season.\nThe technical requirements have made the LMDh similar to an \u2018off-the-shelf\u2019 spec-series, rather than the Hypercar/prototype category, in which, the exterior bodywork package, the batteries and the motor-generator unit are supplied by FIA-nominated specialists such as Xtrac and Williams Advance Engineering.\nWeighting over just 1,000 kg, the LMDh vehicles are only allowed to have up to \n680 hp\n of combined system output, which the internal combustion engine is generating the bulk of the power.\nThe Le Mans Hypercar category meanwhile sees reigning champion \nToyota\n joint by the return of Peugeot and Ferrari. There has been no update on the participation of \nAston Martin\n, which the company claimed to have withheld their top-tier Le Mans participation due to the abovementioned technical convergence.\nPorsche will also continue with their participation with Formula E as well as the GTE Pro category of the WEC to wrestle the GT manufacturer\u2019s championship title off Ferrari for the 2022 season.\nGALLERY"
"Earlier in October, Isuzu Malaysia introduced a new addition to their successful Isuzu D-Max (RG) pick-up truck called the \n1.9L 4\u00d72 AT Plus\n. This means the drivetrain has been reduced to just rear-wheel drive, but feature the high-riding height of a pick-up truck.\nIt was mentioned that only 28% of nationwide pick-up truck owners surveyed said they frequently used the 4\u00d74 system on their pick-up trucks, making a large percentage of owners never actually engage 4H or 4L modes which is just a flick of the switch.\nMaking the pick-up truck a 4\u00d72 drivetrain means the central transfer case (where the 4H and 4L come to action), the front differential and all its connections are absent. Of course, in the interior, the switch-on-the fly 2WD to 4WD switch is not available too.\nManufacturers usually quote the usage for 4H and 4L modes \u201cwhen roads or surfaces become icy, steep slopes, rough, sand, mud and where require significant traction.\u201d Thus, 2WD is purely fine for normal driving on ordinary roads and highways.\nSo, does this mean a lower overall cost of ownership when selecting a pick-up or large SUV with a 4\u00d72 drivetrain? We went to take a look at the numbers and it\u2019s rather disappointing.\nThe ladder frame and chassis of the all-new Isuzu D-Max (RG)\nSavings in scheduled maintenance\nFor the latest \nIsuzu D-Max (RG)\n 1.9 AT, servicing and maintenance costs for the first 100,000 km involve the usual lube changes, air filters, power steering and brake fluid replacements. There are two intervals- every 40,000th-kilometre or 48 months, as well as the first 10,000 km where the drivetrain differential fluids are replaced.\nIt is only at these 40,000th-kilometre/48-month servicing intervals that see savings in maintenance, where the 4\u00d72 requires just the rear differential fluid change costing RM23 less. Throughout 100,000 km of ownership, the three differential fluid changes (10k, 40k and 80k km) on the 4\u00d72 only see a total savings of \nRM69\n compared to the 4\u00d74 variant.\nFront differential of 4\u00d74\nTransfer case of 4\u00d74\nWe are not comparing the \nMitsubishi Triton 4\u00d74 AT\n and the\n \nMitsubishi Triton Quest 4\u00d72 MT\n low-rider as the drivetrain technologies are of different eras and thus not a proper representation of savings.\nUMW Toyota meanwhile sold the second-generation \nToyota Fortuner 2.4VRZ\n (GUN155) in both 4\u00d72 (October 2017) and \n4\u00d74 \nvariants. They also perform differential (front and rear plus the transfer case) fluid changes at the 40,000th-kilometre/24th-month interval and the 4\u00d72 sees a larger saving of RM120 per visit or a total of \nRM240\n over the course of 100,000 km of ownership.\nFront drive shaft of 4\u00d74\nHaving a 4\u00d72 drivetrain, however, saves the maintenance cost of replacing the front driveshaft dust covers and other associated wear and tear items.\nSavings in fuel consumption\nSince there are less hardware, with the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 4\u00d72 AT Plus claiming a weight reduction of 85 kg from the simpler drivetrain, one would wonder if there is a change in fuel consumption. Unfortunately, there is no data available for the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 4\u00d74 AT, while the 1.9 4\u00d72 AT returns a commendable diesel consumption of 6.2 litres per 100 km.\nData is however available in Australia for both the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 with 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 drivetrains, with the 4\u00d74 consuming 3.9% or 0.3 litres more diesel per 100 km travelled.\nFor the interest of today\u2019s comparison, we will use a figure of 6.5 litres / 100 km or 0.3 litres more for the 4\u00d74 drivetrain in the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 AT 4\u00d74. Throughout the same 100,000 km example above, the 1.9 AT 4\u00d72 Auto Plus sees a \nsavings of\n \napprox. RM615\n in diesel fuel bills at the current \nB10\n pump prices (RM2.05).\nThere you have it, the potential savings from using a 4\u00d72 versus a 4\u00d74 pick-up truck (or used Toyota Fortuner 2.4VRZ) during the vehicle ownership of the first 100,000 km is rather minimal. Nonetheless, savings to a business or trades\u2019 person impacts the bottom line and thus it is always good to know. \u00a0\nThe Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Auto Plus 4\u00d72 AT priced at RM100,999 is \nRM6,000 cheaper\n than the 4\u00d74 variant. It is also the most accessible Japanese high-riding pick-up truck with automatic transmission and larger 17-inch wheels."
"Along with the debut of the \nYaris Cross\n in Japan, Toyota\u2019s in-house customisation departments \u2013 \nTRD\n \nand \nModellista\n \u2013 have released a couple of different aftermarket kits to dress up the compact crossover to better suit your style.\nThe TRD parts, branded as Gazoo Racing parts here, skew more towards a rally-inspired look. Exterior cosmetic upgrades include front bumper garnishes, side door garnish, stainless steel sport muffler tips, as well as mud flaps (!) in red or black to complete the rugged look.\nAdditional GR parts include 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black, door handle protectors, sun shade, luggage mat, carbon fibre reinforced plastic license plate holder, and something called a \u201cDoor Stabiliser\u201d which apparently can help provide a quicker steering response. Anyone remember the \nGR spray\n that can apparently increase downforce? We probably shouldn\u2019t be surprised anymore.\nAs for Modellista body kits, the two aftermarket kit styles \u2013 Advanced Robust and Elegant Ice \u2013 are designed to bring out the urban, sporty appeal of the Yaris Cross. Both of the kits include new front spoilers, side skirts, rear skirts and garnishes, body-coloured wheel arch claddings, as well as new 19-inch alloys in two different styles.\nThe Advanced Robust Style, as the name suggests, is the more rugged-looking one of the two. Aside from a more elaborate front and rear skirting design, the Advanced Robust kit can also be fitted with a roof-mounted spoiler. Meanwhile, the Elegant Ice Style gets additional chrome garnishing options on the front grille, wing mirror, door handles, as well as across the rear bumper.\nOn the inside, buyers can opt for additional wood or black woodgrain panels to overlay on the plain plastic bits across the dashboard and the door panels, along with air-con vent finishers in either chrome-like or bordeux red colours.\nOther interior Modellista parts include scuff plates in two different colourways, additional illumination on the centre console, LED lamps kit for the interior and cargo lighting, as well as a wooden luggage deck for the extra premium feel. Which of these will be your pick?\n IMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has just launched the new BMW M135i xDrive alongside the \nX1 sDrive18i\n with a price tag of \nRM355,646.25\n on-the-road without insurance. It\u2019s accompanied by a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Free Scheduled Service. The M135i xDrive will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide by 28th July 2020.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new M135i xDrive can be owned with a monthly installment of \nRM4,058.00\n (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure). Customers can also book the new M135i Drive \nonline\n at RM1,000 and be in the running to win a new BMW i8 Coup\u00e9.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nPrimarily front-wheel driven, BMW says\n the M135i xDrive which we drove in South Africa\n can deliver up to 50:50 torque distribution between the front and rear axles. It also features an \nActive Sound Design\n system that amplifies the actual sound from the engine based on various speeds and throttle input \u2013 a feature also seen in the \ncurrent generation BMW M5\n.\nFitted with BMW\u2019s most powerful 4-cylinder engine, the new M135i xDrive is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential and a Launch Control feature that fully utilises the engine\u2019s torque in the 1st and 2nd gear.\nEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged\nTransmission: 8 speed Steptronic automatic\nHorsepower: 306 hp \nTorque: 450 Nm\n0 to 100km/h: 4.8 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h\nThe exterior of the M135i xDrive is a reflection of its exciting performance figures. It features a completely new front grille with Cerium Grey surrounds but it\u2019s the M135i\u2019s rear end that steals the show.\nIt looks almost like the previous generation F31 BMW 3-series wagon but a whole lot angrier and meaner. The tailpipes and side mirror caps are also finished in Cerium Grey. Other exterior colours available are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano Blue, Mineral Grey and Melbourne Red.\nEXTERIOR\n19-inch light-alloy style 557 wheels\n100 mm tailpipes\nM Sport suspension\nM Sport brakes\nM Sport spoiler\nAdaptive LED headlamps with High Beam Assist\nInside, there\u2019s no ignoring the Dakota leather upholstery in Magma Red along with the massive sports seats. Alternatively, BMW is also offering the Dakota leather upholstery in Black. BMW says the M135i xDrive has grown wider and taller than its predecessor, offering additional knee and elbow room.\nINTERIOR\nM Sport steering\nM Sport seats\nM Sport seat belts\nM135i xDrive lettering on door sills\nDriver seat with Memory Function\n16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system\n10.25-inch digital instrument cluster\n10.25-inch touchscreen display\nBoot space in the M135i xDrive is rated at 380-litres although with the second row seats flattened, the M135i xDrive can offer up to 1,200-litre of cargo space.\nThe \nBMW Personal CoPilot\n system includes features like:\nLane Change Warning\nRear Cross Traffic Alert\nFront Collision Warning with Braking Function\nRear Collision Warning\nActive Park Distance Control\nReversing Assistant\nThe Reverse Assistant can help the driver reverse out of a tight space or alley by recalling the last 50 metres covered. It is able to reverse the vehicle the same way it got in by taking control of the steering, braking and throttle.\nFor the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia flew a few of us motoring media representatives across the globe not too long ago to be part of the \nBMW M Festival 2019\n in South Africa and part of the itinerary involved sampling the new \nF40 BMW M135i xDrive\n.\nThe test route planned for us was a 50 km round trip from the Kyalami Circuit to the Cradle of Humankind Heritage Site in the northwestern region of Johannesburg \u2013 with plenty of straight roads to unleash all the performance from the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder under its bonnet.\n \nThe B48 mill in the M135i xDrive (and the \nM235i xDrive Gran Coupe\n) matches the M260 engine in the \nMercedes-AMG A 35\n in terms of power \u2013 \n306 hp\n, but with \n450 Nm\n of torque, the Bimmer edges the Mercedes-Benz by 50 Nm.\nThere\u2019s no denying the potency of the M135i\u2019s acceleration, credit to the traction from its all-wheel drive system. Its 8-speed automatic transmission was quick to shift and smooth between the gears \u2013 sending power (mostly) to the front wheels. First impressions of the M135i xDrive were positive and I reckon it\u2019ll give the \nAMG A35 we tested in Melaka in December last year\n a run for its money.\nGALLERY"
"Despite the internet\u2019s dislike for SUVs, the \nFerrari Purosangue\n has received too high of a demand that has forced \nFerrari\n to stop taking orders for it. The high demand has also caused the waiting time for the Purosangue to last for up to two years for some customers.\nDuring its \nworld debut\n, Ferrari had already announced that production of the Purosangue will be capped at 20% of overall output, which means only one in five Ferraris made is the Purosangue.\nThis serves to retain a certain level of exclusivity for its \u201cfirst-ever four-door four-seater\u201d that happens to be high riding. It seems that the high demand has not changed Ferrari\u2019s mind about its production cap.\nSpeaking to \ndrive.com.au\n, Ferrari Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Enrico Galleria said, \u201cIt\u2019s no secret that we stopped taking orders. We had such an interest without delivering one single car. We made a decision that we thought was consistent with the positioning of Ferrari and the model.\u201d\nRecently, the Ferrari Purosangue debuted in Australia together with the \nFerrari Daytona SP3\n at \nUniverso Ferrari in Sydney\n. The Ferrari Purosangue made its world debut in September and is the first of its kind from Maranello.\nALSO WATCH: \nFerrari 812 Competizione 6.5L V12, from RM2.2m\nPowering the Ferrari Purosangue is a front-mid mounted 6.5-litre V12 engine that pushes \n725 hp\n (metric) and \n716 Nm\n. The engine is mated to an eight-speed oil-bath F1 DCT dual-clutch transmission and power is sent to all four wheels. Weighing 2,033 kg, the Purosangue launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.3 seconds\n and has a top speed of over \n310 km/h\n.\nAlthough you may have missed your chance to order the \u201cfirst-ever four-door four-seater\u201d from Maranello, you can check out the full details on the Ferrari Purosangue \nhere\n.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Purosangue \u2013 Maranello\u2019s first-ever SUV is finally here"
"Since marking a return to its form with the 208 GTi, \nPeugeot Sport\n has sprinkled their magic on the latest 308 to create not one but two variants of the \n308 GTi\n. Less than a year after revealing the \u201cwarm\u201d 308 GT, the 308 GTi now takes the crown as the sportiest 308 yet.\nWe could agree if you can\u2019t tell the GTi apart from the normal 308. It\u2019s even harder to distinguish between the GT and the GTi, because they both share almost the same kit. Almost.\nEXTERIOR\nLike the 308 GT, the 308 GTi gets a discreet upgrade that consists of a new nose, bumpers, skirts, and wheels. The front is similar to the 308 GT where the lion is caged in the grille instead of sitting on top of it, but the grille inserts feature the trademark \nchequered pattern\n as seen on the 208 GTi.\nNothing much can be said on the side, apart from the additional side skirts, discreet \nGTi badge\n on the front fenders, \nred brake calipers\n, and a new set of wheels that comes in either 18-inch or 19-inch sizes. You might or might not notice that the GTi sits \n11 mm lower\n to the ground too.   Updates to the back is limited to the lower diffuser with \ndual circular tailpipes\n and the obligatory GTi badge on the boot lid.\nINTERIOR\nLike the exterior, the GTi treatment is quite subtle but still noticeable. The flat-bottom steering wheel is not only marked with a red center marker on top, it\u2019s also stamped with a GTi badge at the bottom, with \ncontrasting red stitching\n extends to the seats, door panels, and the dashboard. Other than that, the instrument panel receives a new chequered graphics and \nRedline theme\n.   There\u2019s also the \nDriver Sport Pack\n, which turns the display colour from white to red whenever the \nSport button\n is pressed. It shows additional information such as power, torque, and boost in the central screen as well.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere\u2019s only one engine for this front-wheel drive GTi which is the \n1.6-litre THP\n, however you can have it in either \n250 hp\n or \n270 hp\n\u00a0tunes. A \nsix-speed manual\n transmission is the only choice whether you like it or not, and Peugeot claims that they\u2019ve strengthened the \u2018box to cope with the \n330 Nm\n of twisting force generated by the THP mill.\nThe \nGTi 270\n is capable to \nreach 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds\n, while the \nGTi 250\n is takes additional 0.2 seconds and yet, it only sips \n6.0 litres per 100 km\n.\nComplementing the power hike are the chassis tweaks for that promised \u201cultimate driving experience\u201d. The front and rear tracks are wider, and the suspension has been reworked with\n stiffer springs\n and \nrecalibrated shocks\n. The \nbrakes\n have also been improved; the \nfront\n ventilated discs measure \n380 mm\n while the \nrear\n discs measure \n268 mm\n.\nTorsen\u00ae limited-slip differential\n is specifically fitted to the \nGTi 270 only\n, and it should make the car even quicker when the roads turn twisty. Plus, the GTi 270 gets a set of \n19-inch \u201cCarbone\u201d alloys\n wrapped in \n235/35 R19 Michelin Super Sport\n tyres replacing a set of \n18-inch \u201cDiamant\u201d alloys\n wrapped in \n225/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 3\n tyres on the GTi 250.\n \n \nWHAT ELSE?\nThe two-tone Ultimate Red and Perla Nera Black paintjob is called the \n\u201cCoupe Franche\u201d\n and it\u2019s only available on the GTi 270, so if you\u2019re the showy kind then this is definitely the paint scheme to have.\nThe 308 GTi will make its debut at the upcoming \n2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed\n. No word on the Malaysian launch date just yet, but we\u2019ll be sure to report to you when the time comes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We are just months away from the global unveiling of the sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo. Now, it appears that the new Polo,\u00a0believed to be a pre-production unit, was photographed completely bare in\u00a0South Africa, where it is being produced.\nThe new Polo greatly resembles the\u00a0\nfacelifted Golf\n, with design bits such as the sculpted bonnet and side flanks. The redesigned headlights and straight-cut tailgate really elevate the look of this hatch as well. It also sits atop the MQB platform, and represents the smallest model to ever receive the modular chassis. With that, dimensions have grown exponentially, most notably its cabin.\nExclusive info from \nAutoCar UK\n revealed some interesting bits about the sixth-generation Polo. Two petrol engines will be offered \u2013 a\n 1.0-litre three-cylinder\n\u00a0and a \n1.5-litre four-cylinder\n. The dieselgate scandal has caused Volkswagen to scale down on their diesel offerings, which is why only the\u00a0revamped 1.6-litre four-cylinder oil burner is offered. Of course, the hot Polo GTI is among the cards, but there are no plans for a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant as yet.\nCabin design will receive quite the overhaul as well, featuring what\u2019s believed to be a digital instrument cluster \u2013 perhaps the first in its class as well. It can be had in a three or five-door hatch configuration, with the sedan variant set for this part of the world in the coming years.\nThe sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo will be unveiled during the Frankfurt motor show later in September. It will most likely come to Malaysia next year and be assembled in Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia\u2019s production facility in Pekan, Pahang.\nSource: \nCars.co.za\n & \nAutoCar UK"
"In the early 2000s, the only crossover you can buy from Mazda was the Tribute. A few years back, you get to choose from either the full-size CX-9, CX-7 or the mid-sized CX-5. Today, you can get your Mazda crossover fix through this \u201cfun sized\u201d Mazda \nCX-3\n. In the near future, there will be a coupe crossover and possibly the return of the CX-7, as Mazda expands their crossover lineup with more CX-prefixed vehicles to cater to every buyer\u2019s specific needs.\nBut let\u2019s not get ahead of ourselves. What we have here is Mazda\u2019s first baby crossover, the CX-3. Locking horns against the other petite B-segment crossovers in a category which is currently dominated by none other than \nHonda\u2019s famed HR-V\n, the CX-3 is built upon the Mazda2 platform. Yet, it\u2019s slightly bigger in every dimension except the wheelbase, and it\u2019s only about 150kg heavier. It\u2019s not powered by the same 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G engine from the Mazda2 though, instead it\u2019s powered by a 2.0-litre engine from the bigger Mazdas.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda CX-3 2.0L Skyactiv\n \nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\nMax Power\n154 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n204 Nm @ 2,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM131,218.50\nThe first batch of Malaysian-bound CX-3s only comes in a single variant, the 2.0-litre front-wheel drive, and all 2,000 units of them hail from Hiroshima, Japan. Retailing at RM131k, it sits at the wrong side of the price range for a crossover this size. Even so, at this time of writing at least, almost all of the allocated units have been spoken for. Some concluded that the CX-3\u2019s good looks is enough of a reason for buying one, but surely there\u2019s more to it than just looks, right? We examine it further.\nEXTERIOR\nThings are looking sharp for Mazda, not only for the CX-3 but the entire range of Mazda vehicles. Well, on second thought, maybe the oddball Biante excluded. Still utilising the \nKodo\n design template, the CX-3 is perhaps the best looking B-segment crossover around. The \nSoul Red\n paintjob certainly helps, but even if you don\u2019t opt for this crimson hue you will still get a swish looking compact crossover. Check out this one in \nDeep Crystal Blue\n for example, it\u2019s no less stunning at all.   Like a vicious little bob-tailed kitten, the CX-3 is cute but with a dose of aggression. The muscular flanks and stocky yet athletic legs are primed and ready, the alert ears are represented by the pointy side mirrors with \nLED turn indicators\n, while the mean gaze comes from the \nfull-LED headlamps\n that follow its prey even in the corners, waiting to pounce when the moment is right. Without any doubt the \u201csoul of motion\u201d is present on the CX-3.\nFrom the pictures alone, the CX-3 looks big but it\u2019s actually pretty compact, and quite literally so too. Measuring 4,275 mm long, 1,765 mm wide, it slots nicely in between the \nMazda2 hatch\n and the \nMazda3 hatch\n, but at 1,535 mm high it\u2019s taller than both hatchbacks.\nWith the long bonnet, rising belt-line and tapering roof, it has coupe-like proportions. It\u2019s no Range Rover Evoque but the CX-3 gets close to evoking that sense of sportiness for the price, especially with the shallow glass area that wraps around the back. Those overlapping lines between the rear quarter windows and the blacked out D-pillars are a nice touch too, and you won\u2019t find these on any other Mazda vehicles. It\u2019s the CX-3\u2019s own distinctive feature.\n \n \nThere are no roof rails on this small crossover, but the CX-3 does have the obligatory all-round unpainted plastic cladding down below, complete with a couple of semi-circle cutaways at the back for the \ndual chrome tailpipes\n to peek out of. Boosting that sporting credentials are the integrated roof spoiler and a shark\u2019s fin antenna, and a set of ravishing \n18-inch alloys\n fitted with 215/50 R18 Toyo Proxes tyres. Tempted by the CX-3 already? Don\u2019t go the the Mazda showroom just yet. There\u2019s plenty more to talk about here.\nINTERIOR\nAs you climb into the driver\u2019s seat, you could swear you\u2019ve seen the interior somewhere before. And indeed, you\u2019re right. It\u2019s lifted straight off the Mazda2. Good news if you like the Mazda2\u2019s interior, bad news if you don\u2019t. But we struggled to find anyone who doesn\u2019t like the interior. It looks premium and nicely put together even though some materials feel cheap to the touch, like the hard plastic used for the dashboard.   The smart \nleather\n on the dash offsets the iffy faux carbon-fibre pieces, while the \nsuede\n bits on the seats and door panels bring the sportiness into the cabin. The designers also put effort in their attention to detail, evident through the contrasting stitching, the red piping on the seats and on the gear lever boot, as well as the brushed metal inlays featured around the door handles and surrounding the gear lever base.\nAs with other Mazda vehicles, a number of interior components are shared throughout the range. The heating and ventilation knobs, the semi-digital instrument cluster and the head-up display, the leather-wrapped steering wheel with \nshift paddles\n, the \n7-inch touchscreen monitor\n on the dash and the rotary knob\u00a0for the \nMZD Connect\n system are some of the many items inherited from the other Mazdas. But as always, everything melds together in a very cohesive manner.\nWhen it comes to interior room, front occupants get enough space with good support from the manually adjusted seats but the rear passengers are not so lucky. They will be squabbling for their share of real estate in the back especially when a couple of vertically blessed persons are occupying the front seats. There\u2019s reasonable headroom at the back, but three adults wouldn\u2019t want to sit abreast for long periods of time, and legroom is not what you can call generous at all. As with\u00a0the boot too, offering just\u00a0\n350 litres\n of space, it\u2019s far from class-leading.   On the other hand, Mazda is quite generous with the equipment. On the safety front, the CX-3 is equipped with \nsix airbags\n as well as \nDynamic Stability Control\n (DSC) and \nTraction Control System\n (TCS). Comfort-wise, there are stuff like the \nkeyless entry\n, push start button, \ncruise control\n, automatic climate control, lights, and wipers, a \nglass sunroof\n, and not forgetting that sexy combination of leather and suede upholstery.\nWhile there\u2019s nowhere else to hide your loose items from sight other than the glovebox, the CX-3 is still a practical car. There\u2019s an overhead sunglasses compartment, six cup holders, ISOFIX anchor mounts, and the rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat when you need to haul more stuff.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe familiar \n2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G\n unit has found its way under the CX-3\u2019s bonnet, but in order to make it fit the compact engine bay Mazda had to redesign the intake manifold which brings down the peak output figures slightly. Despite that, the CX-3 is still the \nmost powerful compact crossover\n among its rivals with \n154 hp\n and \n204 Nm\n of torque, while the engine is mated to a \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission, driving the front wheels.\nNo official performance figures were provided, but some sources report that in this specification the CX-3 takes about\u00a0\n10\u00a0seconds\n to get \nfrom 0 to 100 km/h\n, and it will top out at \n200 km/h\n. There\u2019s no official fuel economy claim either, but the almost similar powertrain is rated at \n6.5\u00a0l/100 km\n in the Mazda3 hatchback.\nTHE DRIVE\nIn the face of changing their motto from \u201czoom-zoom\u201d to \u201cbe a driver\u201d, Mazda hasn\u2019t strayed one bit from their mission in creating an enjoyable driver\u2019s car. Initially, we didn\u2019t expect much from a high-riding crossover but we were impressed by the CX-3\u2019s fluent handling. Very little was compromised from the elevated ride height, you can still hustle it into corners and the CX-3 will take it with minimal body roll. Being just a front-wheel drive car isn\u2019t a problem too, there\u2019s plenty of grip but you do get some understeer when pushed too hard.\nIn general, the steering is light and feels more at home in the city, which is where the CX-3 will spend most of its time in. The suspension is comfortable and copes well with the patchy roads of Klang Valley, while the 50-profiled Toyos provide some pliancy to the already composed ride.\nBut probably the best bit about driving a small crossover is the raised driving position. Combined with the diminutive footprint of the CX-3, those graduating from an A-segment hatch shouldn\u2019t have any problem acclimatising to the CX-3. The view out of the driver\u2019s seat is good except around the back but the availability of a \nrear view camera\n means you can still reverse park like a champion. The high ground clearance should lessen the worry of kerbing the bumpers too.\nOut of town and into the highway, the 2.0-litre engine delivers enough grunt to get you well ahead of the national speed limit but cruising refinements is not its best trait. The ride itself is fine, it\u2019s just that the cabin\u2019s sound insulation could have been better. Wind and engine noise can be an issue, especially when you need to work the engine out to overtake the slower vehicles on the highway.\nThankfully, the engine and gearbox is responsive to your commands. We\u2019ve sampled the 2.0-litre and six-speed auto combo in other Mazdas before, while it\u2019s been slightly detuned here in the CX-3, the characteristics are still the same. It\u2019s a sweet (and vocal) revver and the \u2018box will react to even the slightest change from your input to the throttle pedal. The shifts are smooth and you can always override it by nudging the lever to \u201cM\u201d or via the steering-mounted paddles. Meanwhile, flicking up the switch near the gear lever gives you the Sport mode where it will let you stay in the powerband by delaying the upshifts.\nIf there\u2019s anything that spoils the fun in the CX-3, it\u2019s the \ni-Stop system\n. Although to be fair, as with other cars we\u2019ve tested, we are simply not a fan of stop start systems, unless if it doesn\u2019t judder the entire vehicle whenever the internal combustion engine springs back to life. However, Mazda\u2019s i-Stop system is one of the easiest to live with; just by modulating the pressure applied on the brake pedal you can keep the engine running while stationary. We do believe that it helps with reducing fuel consumption, because the car registered below \n8.0 l\u00a0litres per 100 km\n\u00a0during mixed driving, which is not bad at all.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re a hip and trendy individual who loves driving and your main priority for a compact crossover is style, then you\u2019re looking at a fine specimen right here. The peppy nature of the CX-3 means there\u2019s that driving satisfaction to be had even though you\u2019re running some chores around town in the CX-3, as long as you don\u2019t carry much stuff in it.\nHowever, the limited cargo space also means that\u00a0some will find it hard to justify the CX-3\u2019s purchase, particularly\u00a0married couples with kids. If you need space, a rival with the \u201cPower of Dreams\u201d would fare much better, or if you must have a Mazda badge on your crossover, the entry-level version of the locally-assembled CX-5 makes much more sense and not to mention, its\u00a0almost identical price tag.\nCOMPARISONS\nIn this category there\u2019s actually a number of contenders to choose upon, but we\u2019ve chosen the Honda HR-V and the \nRenault Captur\n because of the former\u2019s undeniable presence on Malaysian roads and the latter\u2019s launch date for being the nearest to the CX-3\u2019s Malaysian debut. All three models here drive the front wheels with no option for all-wheel drive. And immediately you can see that the CX-3 is the most expensive car in this trio, but it does have the most powerful engine and it\u2019s fun to drive too.\nHonda\u2019s more affordable price tag is not the only reason why it has won the hearts of the majority of compact crossover buyers in Malaysia. It\u2019s the biggest on the outside and on the inside, and the 1.8-litre engine delivers adequate power for most people. If you\u2019re keen on the HR-V, do read our full review of the HR-V to find out whether it\u2019s the car for you.\nWhat about the Captur,\u00a0then? The asking price for the Captur is slightly less\u00a0than the top spec HR-V, and\u00a0it has the \ncheapest roadtax\n thanks to its 1.2-litre turbo mill. It\u2019s also the \nmost economical\n, averaging just \n5.4 litres per 100 km\n. Unlike the CX-3 and the HR-V, the Captur is only fitted with four airbags, two less than the Japanese duo. However, most of the equipment list are on par with the CX-3 and the HR-V, such as keyless entry and push-start button, a 7.0-inch screen, ISOFIX mounts, LED DRLs and cruise control. Check out our \nfirst drive impression\n to find out more about the Renault Captur.\nMazda CX-3 2.0L SkyActiv-G 2WD\nHonda HR-V 1.8 CVT Grade V\nRenault Captur TCe 120 EDC\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, DOHC\ninline-4, SOHC\ninline-4, DOHC turbocharged\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,998cc\n1,799cc\n1,197cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n154/6,000\n140/6,500\n118/4,900\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n204/2,800\n172/4,300\n190/2,000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nCVT\n6-speed dual-clutch\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMcPherson Strut\nRear\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nDrum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n215/50 R18\n215/60 R16\n205/55 R17\nWheels\n18-inch Alloy\n16-inch Alloy\n17-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,275mm\n4,294mm\n4,122mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,765mm\n1,772mm\n1,778mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,535mm\n1,605mm\n1,567mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,570mm\n2,610mm\n2,606mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,211 kg\n1,249 kg\n1,180 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n350\u00a0litres\n437 litres\n377 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n50\u00a0litres\n48\u00a0litres\n45 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\nN/A\n6.6\u00a0litres\n5.4 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\nN/A\nN/A\n192 km/h\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\nN/A\nN/A\n10.9\nPrice\nRM\nRM131,218.50\nRM117,933.59\nRM117,200.00\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIt\u2019s easy to fall in love with the CX-3 by the sheer looks alone, but it\u2019s also good to know when beauty is not only skin deep. It\u2019s beautifully built on the inside but more importantly, enjoyable to drive. And with that in mind, it\u2019s pretty easy to conclude that if I were to buy a compact crossover, the CX-3 will definitely be my choice.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Would you have yourself a manual gearbox in a 563 hp, 620 Nm 12-cylinder guzzler? Apparently, some enthusiasts do. Aston Martin is now offering the Vantage S with a seven-speed manual transmission that aids in throttle blipping, so you won\u2019t have to get all caught up heel-and-toeing through the corners.\nOffered as a no-cost option in Europe, the manual Vantage S features the good old dog-leg configuration. This means the shifter gate\u2019s layout is optimised to ensure that the most frequently used gears are located in a double \u2018H\u2019 pattern, making it appear much that of a conventional six-speeder.   The magic takes place through an intelligent software mapping called AMSHIFT. Through clever computing, the system mimics the technique of heel-and-toe downshift. It doesn\u2019t matter if you don\u2019t know how or if you\u2019ve never heard of the term, but if you drive this car, everyone will think you\u2019re a seasoned racer. AMSHIFT is most efficient when Sports mode is activated, and it\u2019s also when you realise the true lyrics of a national anthem.\nUnderneath the hood is the same 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. Aston Martin claims that the manual transmission performs just as quickly as the automatic transmission; it sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and maxes out at 330km/h. It\u2019s mechanically identical as well, which means you get the same brakes, chassis tuning and suspension as the automatic variant.\nFirst deliveries of the Vantage S manual will begin in the third quarter of 2016 for both European and US markets, but the latter will only be getting it as a special edition model with a limited run of 100 units.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has officially started the countdown clock for the \nupcoming 2022 BMW M2\n, as the German carmaker has now confirmed that the car will make its official debut in October this year.\nAhead of its launch, the company brought several international media outlets over to Salzburgring to sample a pre-production prototype unit. And while we were unfortunately not invited (\nahem, BMW\n), we do at least get some juicy information blurbs to tide us over until its world premiere.\nMost importantly, we now know for a fact that the upcoming 2022 BMW M2 will be powered by the same S58 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine that also powers the \nM3\n and \nM4\n, and will be paired to a \nsix-speed manual\n as standard, or an \neight-speed auto\n at no extra cost.\nBMW has not disclosed the engine\u2019s performance figures yet, but media in attendance of the test drive reported that company officials have said that it\u2019ll be detuned slightly to somewhere around the region of \n450 hp \n(473 hp on the standard M3/M4), or a \u201csimilar performance level\u201d to the existing \nM2 CS\n.\nPower from the engine will be delivered exclusively to the rear wheels no matter which transmission option, with power further distributed between the wheels via an active M locking differential.\nThe upcoming 2022 BMW M2 will also be available with adaptive dampers for even better handling and \u201cplayful\u201d characteristics, and to stop all of that down are the brakes that have been inherited directly from the M3 and M4.\nTo differentiate it even more from the \nstandard 2 Series Coupe\n (in addition to the significantly wider bodywork), BMW will also be offering the M2 with a carbon-fibre roof and carbon-fibre bucket seats to give it an even more sporty appearance, and shave off extra weight.\nThe cabin architecture will look quite similar to the existing 2 Series, although the M-badged model stands out with its M-specific steering wheel with M buttons, as well as M-specific displays on the \nBMW Curved Display iDrive 8 infotainment system\n.\nOctober is still a long way to go, so we expect to see a lot more teasers of the upcoming 2022 BMW M2 before its world debut \u2013 especially since it might well be the last-ever pure ICE M-car.\nGALLERY"
"News have been going around on the resurrection of Mazda\u2019s bygone rotary engine but it may not be how remember it to be. Word is that rather than being the sole power supplier of the car, like in the RX-7 and RX-8, it will instead be used as a support system, for an electric vehicle.\nWith other exciting prospects to look forward to with \nMazda\u2019s new directions\n, reports have claimed that it will most likely perform as a range extender to produce electricity for a battery-powered car. Sounds like an ideal approach moving forward and a proper optimisation of the Rotary technology but not necessarily a jump-for-joy piece of news for Rotary loyalist.\nThe only indication of Mazda\u2019s new direction so far.\nSuch an approach is not only due to the compact construction yet high performance capabilities of the engine but is also a means to keep the legendary system alive \u2013 how reliable it will be (as those with prior experience can attest), remains to be seen.\nWith a \nnew factory with Toyota in the US\n and \njoint developments with Denso\n, a pure EV is on the cards for Mazda, possibly \nas soon as 2019\n along with a hybrid vehicle to go with it. Revival of a Mazda sportscar powered outright by a rotary engine on the other hand may not take place so soon with reports that it would \nhave to make business sense to sell multiple sports car models\n.\nNot sure what to think of that but with the brand\u2019s sportscars selling by the truckloads from the RX-7 FC/FD onwards to the RX-8 and more recently the \nMX-5\n, it\u2019s hard to see a properly-sorted Mazda weekender flop in the market \u2013 it\u2019s just hard to imagine."
"Photos of alleged patent images for the upcoming all-electric \nVolvo XC90\n have surfaced on the European car enthusiast forum,\n \nWorldscoop\n. The patent images were leaked not long after Volvo\u2019s trademark filing of the name EXC90, and although the final name for the EV successor of the XC90 has yet to be confirmed, we\u2019ll stick to calling it the Volvo EXC90 for now.\nAs seen in the leaked patent images, styling cues at the front of the Volvo EXC90 have been taken from the XC40-based Polestar 2. Some have pointed out the possibility of the leaked image being of a hybrid XC90, but the closed grille suggests an all-electric powertrain. Look at it from the rear, and an uncanny resemblance to the \nPolestar 2\n can be seen as well.\nRELATED: \nVolvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric sold out for MY2022 in Malaysia \u2013 over 400 orders, 120 delivered\nSet to be the first of its kind, the Volvo EXC90 will pioneer a new model name for the Swedish brand. \nInsideEVs\n reports that the EXC90 will initially be sold alongside the petrol-powered XC90, which is also expected to receive a facelift. However, in the long run, the EXC90 will likely cannibalize its combustion engine equivalent.\nRELATED: \nPolestar 2 debuts in ASEAN with Singapore launch, cheaper than XC40\nVolvo unveiled the \nVolvo Concept Recharge\n in June 2021, which was essentially a full-sized electric SUV. The concept revealed Volvo\u2019s new design language that incorporates EV-specific features, and also featured a LiDAR placed on top of the windshield to collect data on the environment around the car.\nThe Recharge Concept also featured a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, increased interior space, repositioned seats for better seating position, optimised roof profile, and lower bonnet which improves aerodynamic efficiency.\nRELATED: \nHere\u2019s how the new 2022 XC90 might look like, thanks to the Volvo Concept Recharge\nAs such, certain features from the Volvo Recharge Concept are expected to make their way to the upcoming all-electric version of the Volvo XC90. Volvo has committed to making 50% of Volvo Cars\u2019 sales volume to be fully electric and\n putting one million electrified cars on the road by 2025\n."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has released initial details of their upcoming model launch, the Volkswagen Golf facelift or MK7.5. We can confirm three variants of the Golf will be making its debut here \u2013 \n1.4 TSI, GTI\n and \nR\n.\nStarting from the entry-level Golf TSI, it will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder developing \n148 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels. Transmission of choice is a \nseven-speed DSG dual clutch\n.\nThe teaser image hints at Adaptive LED headlamps, LED taillamps, keyless entry and start, Air Care dual-zone climate control, Driving Profile Selection, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, rearview camera, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, seven airbags and electronic stability control. It remains to be seen whether VPCM will continue a two variant (Comfortline and \nHighline\n) line up.\nOnto the popular hot hatch, the \nGolf GTI\n is powered by the same 2.0-litre TSI unit that now pushes out \n227 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. We will have to wait and see whether VPCM offers the Performance Pack upgrade that gives the GTI additional 14 horsepower. A six-speed DSG dual clutch is tasked to drive the front wheels.   Spec sheet for the Golf GTI reads Adaptive LED headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, chrome exhaust outlets, Vienna leather interior, Keyless Access Start and Lock, stainless steel pedals, a 12.3-inch Active Info Display, powered driver seats and Adaptive Chassis Control, on top of what the standard Golf TSI is getting.\nLastly, the mighty R variant. Powered by an EA888 2.0-litre TSI matched with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, it now delivers \n286 hp\n, up 10 hp from\u00a0\nbefore\n. Century sprint is clocked in \n5.1 seconds\n thanks to the 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Like the pre-facelift model, the new R has been detuned for our local market while other markets see the R packing additional 20 hp to achieve a 0 to 100 km/h time of \n4.6 seconds\n.\nStandard equipment includes Advanced Adaptive LED Headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with eight-speakers, Park Distance Control and Vienna Leather interior.\nWe\u2019ve seen the \nGolf GTI MK7.5 in the metal\n and it looks gorgeous thanks to the subtle but very effective styling enhancements. \nRegistration of interest\n for the refreshed Volkswagen Golf is now open. Better be quick to avoid the long wait!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Golf TSI MK7.5\n \n \nVolkswagen Golf GTI MK7.5 in Singapore   Volkswagen Golf R MK7.5"
"BMW Malaysia has launched the new M8 Coupe, priced at \nRM 1,452,960.88\n. Alongside the M8 Coupe, BMW also launched the \nM8 Gran Coupe\n, priced at \nRM1,455,145.25\n.\nUnder the hood is the most powerful variant of BMW\u2019s V8 engine with a redline of 7,200 rpm. The engine comes with special engine mounting for a more rigid connection with the vehicle structure. This results in even crisper engine and steering response.\n \nThe new M8 Coupe comes with BMW\u2019s xDrive all-wheel drive system with a rear-bias setup. Drivers can select either the default 4WD setting or 4WD Sport mode, which channels more power to the rear wheels. Deactivating the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) switches the M8 Coupe into 2WD mode. With the optional M Driver\u2019s Package, the M8 Coupe is capable of hitting a 305 km/h top speed.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8\nTransmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic\nDrivetrain: All-wheel drive\nMax Power: 600 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque: 750 Nm @ 1,800 to 5,600 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.3 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h (electronically-limited)\nEXTERIOR\nThe new BMW M8 Coupe comes with M Adaptive suspension and M Compound six-pot caliper brakes as standard. As an alternative, the new BMW M8 is also available with optional M carbon-ceramic brakes. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the M8 Coupe\u2019s exterior is the double-bubble contour of its carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof.\nM front apron\nM rear spoiler\nM rear diffuser\nM exhaust system\nM Laser light\nM kidney grille\n20-inch style 810 M light-alloy wheels\nSoft close doors\nThe M8 Coupe also comes with an M Sport exhaust with a Sound Control button next to the gear selector lever to allow drivers to adjust the sound of the vehicle according to their personal preference. The first ever M8 Coup\u00e9 is available in Alpine White, Brands Hatch Grey, Marina Bay Blue, Motegi Red, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey and Barcelona Blue.\nINTERIOR\nInside the M8 is adorn with M sport seats, M-specific gear knob and M seat belts. The M Sport seats come with electric adjustments with memory function. The seats are upholstered with Marino leather while carbon fibre trims are standard.\n10.25-inch Control Display\nM Head-up display\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n16-speaker Harman Kardon\nGesture Control\nApple CarPlay only\nIn the centre console, the M8 Coupe also features an M Mode button which allows drivers to activate \u201cROAD\u201d and SPORT\u201d settings to alter the driver assistance systems and the information shown in the instrument cluster and Head-up display.\nSAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM\nActive Cruise Control\nLane Keeping Assistant\nLane Change Assistant\nReversing Assistant\nEvasion Assistant\nWrong-way driving warning\nFront crossing traffic warning\nPanoramic View, Top View, 3D Top View\nFor those who want something a little more exclusive, BMW Malaysia says there is one and only one unit of the BMW M8 Coupe in BMW Individual\u2019s Frozen Bluestone exterior colour available for an additional RM30,000.\nFor a limited time only, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models from 15th August to 30th September 2020. The limited-time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the BMW M2 Competition, BMW M4 Coup\u00e9, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000 respectively.\nFor latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"In light of the \nvarious flood assistance\n offered by various car companies, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has weighed in for their customers as well, just in case Porsche owners need financial aids or assistance of any kind.\nRegardless, the sole distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia is offering its affected customers \ncomplimentary towing service\n to the nearest Porsche Centre. On top of that, there\u2019ll also be a \n30% discount\n on parts and labour charges when they schedule an appointment for service\u00a0from now until \n31\nst\n\u00a0January 2022\n.\nWatch the Taycan in action in our \nannual Car of the Year video\n.this time at the Sepang International Circuit!\n\u201cWe are committed to our customers by\u00a0offering a thorough and detailed check of their vehicle as well as discounts on parts and labour costs to ensure all Porsche cars run at optimal performance. With this gesture, we hope to provide some consolation\u00a0during these trying times,\u201d said Sime Darby Auto Performance, CEO, Christopher Hunter.\nVideo: A day on the road and track with the Porsche Taycan..watch it here!\nBesides that, customers affected by the flood will also be entitled to a thorough and detailed inspection along with consultation with certified specialists to evaluate the damages and repairs on the affected vehicles.\nThe new 911 GT3 is now in Malaysia. Read about it here!\nOnly Porsche Genuine Parts are used in all repairs and they come with a 2-year warranty. Porsche Roadside Assistance is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide towing and roadside assistance.\nContact any of the Porsche Centres including the Porsche Centre Ara Damansara, Sungai Besi, Penang and Johor Bahru, for more info.\nRelated: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo launched in Malaysia, from RM645k!"
"The \nMazda CX-3 \ncompact SUV line-up has been updated here in Malaysia, with the addition of two new base-spec \u2018Core\u2019 variants. And while \nBermaz Motor\n has yet to official launch the new variants, complete details are already now available on the company\u2019s website, with several dealerships now already taking orders.\nJoining the existing Mazda CX-3 2.0L 2WD High here in Malaysia are the new 1.5L and 2.0L 2WD Core variants, with prices starting from \nRM107,870\n for the 1.5-litre model, moving up to \nRM118,159\n for the 2.0L 2WD Core, and \nRM131,359\n for the range-topping 2.0L 2WD High variant. Starting with the 2022 model, the Mazda CX-3 is also now fully imported (CBU) from Thailand instead of Japan.\nThe new Mazda CX-3 1.5L 2WD Core is powered by the same Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as seen on the \nMazda 2\n, which offers \n114 hp\n and \n149 Nm\n. The 2.0L Core meanwhile shares the same powertrain as the existing High variant, with a 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G mill underneath the bonnet serving up \n154 hp\n and \n206 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth engine options are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox to send power to the front wheels. As for equipment, both Core variants are identically specified; the only difference to justify the RM10k jump in price is the larger engine capacity.\nAs the name suggests, the Core variants are the new entry-level base-spec models, with standard equipment to match. The 18-inch wheels from the High are swapped out for smaller 16-inch items, while all exterior lighting are also now halogen-illuminated instead of LED \u2013 the headlights also come without automatic on/off and levelling functions.\nOn the inside, the Core variants also omits the head-up display, paddle shifters, Qi wireless charger, powered sunroof, and the powered driver\u2019s seat from the High. Automatic air-conditioning is swapped out for a manual unit, while the seats are also covered in fabric instead of leatherette.\nRELATED: 2022 Mazda CX-3 update in Malaysia brings new wireless charger, 8.0in touchscreen, RM132k\nThe Core variants do get the new eight-inch infotainment display that was introduced on the High variant \nearlier this year\n, but the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features are limited to wired connectivity only. Keyless entry with push-start button, electronic parking brake, G-Vectoring Control (GVC), as well as the selectable driving modes are also inherited from the range-topping 2.0L 2WD High.\nAs for safety, the new Mazda CX-3 1.5L and 2.0L 2WD Core variants misses out on the advanced safety features that were\n introduced on the model here in Malaysia back in 2021\n. The airbag count has also dropped from six to two, while the 360-degree surround view monitor is swapped out for a basic reverse camera.\nGALLERY"
"Nasim Sdn Bhd together with Naza Euro Motors, the official Malaysian distributors of Peugeot and Citroen respectively, extended their network reach to the northern region with the unveiling of a new bi-marque Peugeot and Citroen 3S dealership in Alor Setar, Kedah.\u00a0\u00a0\nBeing a bi-marque outlet, the new 3S centre features a unique showroom with full implementation of the new Peugeot and Citroen showroom concept \u2013 Peugeot Bluebox and Citroen La Maison.\nThe Peugeot Bluebox concept aims to introduce customers to a modern and upmarket immersive experience, while the Citroen La Maison is highlighted by its warm and contemporary living space.\nMeasuring \n15,000 square feet\n, the new 3S outlet also houses a service centre capable of servicing up to 250 cars per month with its \nfive hoist bays\n.\nOther amenities of the RM2 million outlet include a family and customer lounge with Smart TVs, private lounge, and cafe corner.\u00a0\nNaza Corporation Holding, Automotive Group Deputy CEO, Dato\u2019 Nik\u00a0Hamdam said \u201cThe launch of this new bi-marque Peugeot and Citro\u00ebn Alor Setar outlet is the continuation of our expansion plan to increase our network and reach in Malaysia.\n\u201cThis also ensures that we are able to\u00a0cater to the needs and demands of our customers at an accessible location,\u201d he added.\nThe bi-marque outlet is located at \n97 M&N, Batu 1 1/4 Mergong, Seberang Jalan Putera 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah\n. The showroom will be open from \n9 am to 6 pm\n on Mondays to Saturdays, and closed on Sundays and public holidays."
"A Range Rover Sport has completed the first ever self-driving lap one of the most challenging roads in the UK \u2013 the Coventry Ring Road \u2013 changing lanes, merging with traffic and exiting junctions at speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h).\nThe Range Rover Sport has been modified to include additional navigation sensors such as RADAR and LIDAR. As such, the vehicle can now autonomously maneuver through roundabouts, traffic lights, pedestrians, detect cyclists and other vehicles on complicated roads and also park itself.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/15115916/selfdrivingringroadjlrtext.mp4\n\u201c\nThe Coventry Ring Road is known for its complicated slip roads and exits. It makes for very challenging conditions especially when under pressure in the rush hour,\u201d said\u00a0\nJaguar Land Rover Autonomous Vehicle Research Manager, Mark Cund.\n\u201cOur self-driving car is not impacted by the same pressure, frustrations or fatigue that a driver may experience and so it\u2019s capable of turning a potentially very stressful situation into a completely stress-free one,\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Next to announce the dreaded inflationary news (after \nUMW Toyota\n) is Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia (ETCM), who issued a statement highlighting that pricing for all Nissan models will be raised next year.\nThe dwindling value of the Ringgit gave ETCM no room for alternative countermeasures but to pass on some costs to their customers. This is despite the company\u2019s many efforts in implementing numerous cost rationalisation and efficiency optimisation exercises to mitigate this outcome. Details of the price increase have not been revealed, though UMW Toyota has come forward with an indicative hike of between 4 to 16 percent, depending on model.\nETCM\u2019s Executive Director, Datuk Ang Bon Beng said, \u201cDespite all adversities, ETCM remains committed in providing our customers with quality, value-added products and the highest level of customer services. The Company will continue to seek and review opportunities for more strategic operational effectiveness and efficiencies within the business\u00a0and with our partners\u00a0in order to ensure that the current prices of Nissan vehicles remain unchanged this year.\u201d"
"Here is something from Geneva that has slipped our radar, the Subaru Viziv Tourer Concept, the latest concept car to bear the \nViziv\n nameplate since the debut of the Viziv Concept in 2013. Penned with an estate body style, the Viziv Tourer points towards the future replacement of the \nLevorg\n, if Subaru decides to build one.\nThe front end draws inspiration from the \nViziv Performance Concept\n with its hexagonal front grille, angular headlamps and sharp body lines with the hood scoop now sitting flush with the bonnet presumably for aerodynamic purposes. The tailgate is much sleeker than the Levorg\u2019s with visually shorter overhangs.   Key measurements of the concept car reads 4,775 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, 1,435 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,730 mm. As a comparison, the Viziv Tourer is longer (+85 mm), wider (+150 mm) and leaner (-55 mm) than the Levorg.\nNo information was revealed about the interior, but Subaru promises practical luggage space with a spacious cabin for passengers. The Viziv Tourer combines different practical design solutions to cater to the active lifestyles of Subaru\u2019s customers.\nOnto Advanced Driver-Assist technologies, Subaru is currently working on the \nnext-generation EyeSight\n technology with further enhancements to the radar system, GPS and navigation systems. The enhanced EyeSight is expected to be launched in 2020 to work in harmony with the boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD, giving Enjoyment and Peace of Mind expected of Subaru vehicles.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) today announced its collaboration with local tech firm to produce Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the front liners in the fight against the \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n.\nThe partnership will manufacture \nface shields\n and \nintubation boxes\n using the laser cutting process, which uses a precise laser beam to cut, weld, mark and heat plastic into the desired shape.\nThe laser cutting process results in \nfaster and more efficient production\n, without the need of additional tooling. The flexibility of the process also makes redesigns and modifications of products easy and instant.\nThe laser cutter can also use \neasily-sourced materials\n such as Perspex and acrylic in production, which makes it especially helpful given the restrictions placed on the logistics sector.\nUsage of laser cutting machines can also \nreduce the need of manpower\n, as the machines require minimal operational supervision. As a side benefit, the risk of virus transmission during production is also lowered due to a simpler process workflow and minimised human contact.\nMARii CEO, Dato\u2019 Madani Sahari explained, \u201cThese benefits make laser cutting a highly viable process in situations such as COVID-19, where single use products face a huge spike in demand.\n\u201cMARii\u2019s technology network has opened up opportunities for quick action to be taken for the PPE supply issue, and we hope more solutions can be developed to address other issues surrounding the pandemic,\u201d he added.\nAccording to Dato\u2019 Madani, the partnership expects \n1,000 face shields and 50 intubation boxes to be made in a day.\nAside from MARii, many companies capable of manufacturing, as well as the local 3D-printing DIY scene \nlead by KakiDIY\n, has also taken the initiative to produce single-use PPE for our front liners."
"As of the 16th of August 2021, the government has allowed some sectors of the economy to resume operations. In case you\u2019re unaware, car dealerships, car washes, and car accessory shops are now allowed to operate, on condition.\nWith that, UMW Toyota and Lexus have also resumed business and this includes their manufacturing and sales, and service operations.\nToyota Corolla sales surpass 50 million worldwide \u2013 300,000 in Malaysia alone! Read about it here!\n\u201cWe welcome the easing of the restrictions which have posed a challenge to our business over the past two months. Resuming our business activities, especially at Toyota and\u00a0 Lexus retail outlets, will enable a return to some form of normalcy so we can do our part to help in the economic recovery of the country,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran K.\nRavindran added that the company understands the seriousness of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and will follow all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conditions and guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and the National Security Council. The SOPs will also be implemented throughout the company and be strictly followed to ensure the safety of the public as well as its employees.\u00a0\n\u201cIn fact, after the MCO last year, we already implemented many of the SOPs at our showrooms and service centres, and these have been maintained even until now. They include temperature\u00a0scanning, registration with MySejahtera, use of hand sanitisers and facemasks, and regular sanitisation of premises,\u201d he said.\u00a0\nThe \nLego Toyota Supra\n that you can drive!\n\u201cWe assure our customers that we have made sure that our premises have a safe environment for them to visit,\u201d Ravindran added.\nFor now, customers are encouraged to make service appointments in advance. Contactless payments are preferred and social distancing is to be observed at all times.\u00a0\nAs for the manufacturing part of the business, Ravindran said that resuming operations will allow the company\u00a0to start fulfilling the backlog of orders that have built up.\nRavindran is also expecting quick bounce-back as the order books have been encouraging, despite less than encouraging sales figures in June and July.\n\u201cNow that the restrictions are lifted, we have more certainty as there are many important plans\u00a0 in the pipeline. For example, we have been preparing for the local assembly of Toyota Hybrid\u00a0 Electric Vehicles and while the past two months have disrupted planning, we will now proceed as\u00a0 quickly as possible to make up for the time lost,\u201d said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW\u00a0 Toyota Motor.\u00a0\nToyota allows farmers in Brazil to buy the Hilux with corn and soybeans.find out how and why!"
"Aston Martin\u2019s \nfirst-ever electric vehicle (EV)\n was recently unleashed onto the streets of Monaco in conjunction with the Formula E Monaco ePrix. The Aston Martin Rapide E was put to the test by Aston Martin works driver and three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Darren Turner at the street circuit.\nTurner said: \u201cI\u2019ve had\nthe privilege to join the Aston Martin engineering team at various stages of\nthe car\u2019s development and the performance that\u2019s on offer in Rapide E really is\nincredible. The car has the kind of torque and punch that you\u2019d expect from an\nEV, but they\u2019ve really worked hard to retain the dynamic characteristics of\nwhat makes an Aston Martin special.\u201d\nThe Rapide E is powered by two electric motors driving the rear wheels generating \n612 hp\n and \n950 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint takes \n4.2 seconds\n while top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n. The 800V battery pack sits where the original 6.0-litre V12, gearbox and fuel tank were located which allows the engineers to give the car a similar balance as the original petrol-powered car.\nOnly 155 units of the four-seater\nRapide E will be made, and allocations are still available at press time.\nProduction will commence in Q4 2019 and will be assembled at Aston Martin Lagonda\u2019s\nnew production facility in St Athan, Wales.\nPresident and Group CEO Aston Martin Lagonda, Dr Andy Palmer added: \u201cRapide E is a defining product in Aston Martin Lagonda\u2019s history. We have set out a bold strategy for the electrification and hybridisation across the Group and this product demonstrates that we have the capability to deliver an EV of exceptional performance, while still delivering the qualities demanded of not just Aston Martin customers, but the wider luxury market.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAston Martin Rapide E at Monaco ePrix"
"Audi have been sponsors of the Spanish La Liga giants, Real Madrid since 2003 and apparently, the whole squad is usually treated to a fresh set of wheels to be seen with and get this, it happens annually!\nAs if these cash-rich footballers needed any help in getting a car with salaries swelling well beyond the millions of Euros per year \u2013 you\u2019d be surprised what the majority actually went for \u2013 rather practical options.\nCristiano Ronaldo though, being the flamboyant character that he is, both on and off field, picked the flashiest wheels of the lot \u2013 a Panther Black Audi \nRS7 Sportback performance\n.\nCoach Zinedine Zidane went for an \nAudi RS 6 Avant\n while Captian Sergio Ramos\u2019 pick was reported to be the most expensive \u2013 an \nAudi R8 Spyder\n.\nPictured from left: Sergio Ramos, Daniel Carvajal, Marco Asensio\nBy far the most popular pick amongst the Madrid players were, surprisingly, the \nAudi Q7\n \u2013 with \n14 players\n including the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric opting for the luxury SUV. Of the 14, three opted for the\n Audi Q7 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid\n.\nBefore the handover of \u201ccompany cars\u201d, the \u201cGalaticos\u201d were put through a virtual test drive in the Audi e-tron FE04 where Dani Carvajal emerged the fastest driver.\nGlad to know Cristiano Ronaldo isn\u2019t the best at everything in Real Madrid and is human after all.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the upcoming Lazada 11.11 Shopping Festival, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has unveiled a Lazada exclusive Limited Edition Ford Ranger Splash, priced at \nRM138,888\n on-the-road without insurance.\nBased on the \nXLT+ Automatic variant\n, the Ranger Splash is powered by the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel engine, serving up \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm \nof torque. Power is transferred to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.\u00a0\nThe Ford Ranger Splash is styled as a lifestyle-oriented pickup truck, with an all-black exterior colour, matte black kangaroo bar, sports bar, and side mirror housing, unique front grille and rear bumper, and additional wheel arch cladding.\u00a0\nReinforcing the trendy appearance is the matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, along with fluorescent Ranger Splash decals.\u00a0\nChanges are not just visual either, SDAC fitted the Ford Ranger Splash with an all-new 360-degree Around View Camera, as well as a SmartTAG toll-booth reader for extra safety and convenience.\u00a0\nOnly 19 units of the Ford Ranger Splash will be made available, and interested customers can \npre-order\n the limited edition pick-up truck via Lazada\u2019s \nChup Dulu\n function. Booking fee for the Ford Ranger is RM1,389, but you can pay a non-refundable 10% deposit (RM139) via the Lazada app from 28 October to 10 November to \nChup\n your booking.\u00a0\nOn the 11th of November, simply check-out and pay the remainder of the booking fee (RM1,250) to secure your booking. Once the final booking fee payment is completed, the full booking fee amount is refundable.\nUpon payment of the booking fee, buyers will be contacted by a Ford representative to complete the purchase at their preferred showroom. The first 11 buyers who complete their booking process during \nChup Dulu\n will also receive a RM500 Petronas gift card upon delivery of their vehicle.\nInterested customers can view the truck at Ford Petaling Jaya 2 Showroom. The Ford Ranger Splash comes with a three-year/100,000 km warranty and five-year/100,000 km free maintenance package.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Grab is offering senior citizens discounts on their Grabcar e-hailing rides to any of the authorised vaccination centres nationwide starting from June 12th.\nGrab said the programme came after \nlack of transportation \nwas quoted as the top reasons why senior citizens are missing their vaccination appointments.\u00a0\nThe promotion offers citizens\n aged 60 and above\n up to \nRM 8 off per trip\n and is valid for \nfour rides\n to and from the vaccination centre, covering both doses of vaccination shots. The promotion is said to be applicable for \nall payment\n methods.\nHere are the steps to obtain and use the promo code:\nRegister for a Grab account and verify your age on GrabPay\n by 7 June 2021\n (users will need to complete their \n\u2018Know-your-customer\u2019 registration\n)\nOn the appointment day, book a Grab ride (open to all ride types) by entering the vaccination centre\u2019s location\nCopy and paste the promo code from your inbox (sent on 12 June) into the \u201coffer\u201d tab\nPromo will also be applicable for all payment methods\nUpon completing their vaccination, users can then book a Grab ride from the vaccination centre to their homes.\n\u201cAt Grab, we have always believed in addressing Malaysians\u2019 most critical needs through our services, especially during difficult times. The quicker we can achieve herd immunity, the sooner our communities will be able to recover while also helping our economy to rebuild itself. Hence, we hope that through lending our technology, network and reach, we can contribute to the government\u2019s national vaccination efforts,\u201d said Sean Goh, Managing Director, Grab Malaysia.\nThe technology company is also working with the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI) and Covid-19 Immunisation Special Task Force (CITF) to ensure that all points of interest at vaccination centres are available on the Grab app.\nWhile on the subject of obtaining transportation for senior citizens to vaccination centres, \nGoCar\n is offering a \nfree shuttle service\n to selected vaccination centres. More details on the service can be \nfound here\n.\nThe latest SOPs from the National Security Council and Ministry of Transport states that there is no restriction on travelling to the vaccination centres on the date of appointment as shown in the MySejahtera app with the vehicle allowed to ferry a maximum of two passengers for this purpose."
"In a bid to spruce up the appeal of its core models \u2013 the CR-V\n(15%), City (34%) and Jazz (12%) which collectively accounts for 62% of Honda\nMalaysia\u2019s total sales volume, these three popular models now come with the \u2018Passion\nRed Pearl\u2019 colour option, first seen on the facelifted HR-V.\nWhile it\u2019s a bit late for Chinese New Year, Honda Malaysia says that Passion Red Pearl is the preferred exterior colour with 30% of all HR-V customers picking this hue. With an all-new Jazz expected at the Tokyo motor show later this year, Honda Malaysia is probably hoping that the colour\u2019s popularity would rub off on its aging but still excellent B-hatch, as well as on the CR-V and City, all of which are battling against newer competitor models.\nExpect to see more red CR-Vs on the road soon?\nHonda Malaysia also took the opportunity in the press release to restate its market share position behind Perodua in terms of sales volume over the period of January to April this year, this follows Proton\u2019s steady revival as second best-selling brand for the month of April. Not sure whether chest-thumping actually helps sell more cars, but the battle for the number #2 spot is one to look out for in 2019."
"To commemorate the grand opening of Bentley Kuala Lumpur\u2019s \nnew flagship showroom\n\u00a0at Etiqa Twins, Wearnes Quest Sdn Bhd has introduced the highly bespoke Bentley Continental GT Speed \u2013 Black Speed by Mulliner.\nBased on the \nContinental GT Speed\n, the Black Speed edition is exclusively available for the South East Asia and Australasia market and this example pictured here is one of only 20 units available, ever. If you\u2019re in the market for a unique Continental GT, rest assured you\u2019ll be the only one in Malaysia to own a Black Speed edition.   To tell the Black Speed apart from the regular GT Speed are the gloss red body kit, matrix surround as well as dark tints on the headlamps and tail lamps. The biggest giveaway would be the \u201cBLACK SPEED\u201d badges on the front wheel arches.\nThe interior gets much more attention from the Mulliner designers. Apart from the contrasting red and black interior theme, the upholstery is finished in the highest quality leather and aluminium (with carbon fibre-esque weave). Other unique attributes include the Continental GT3-R inspired 12 o\u2019 clock red stitching at the steering wheel and \u201cBLACK SPEED\u201d embroidery for the\u00a0head restraints.   Mechanically, the 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 engine remains untouched. It\u2019s still a beastly lump, churning\u00a0\n633 hp\n and \n840 Nm\n of torque to move this 2,500 kg mammoth. Despite its weight, it will go from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 3.9 seconds\n before hitting a top speed of \n330 km/h\n.\nBentley Kuala Lumpur has indicated that this limited edition Continental GT Speed \u2013 Black Speed by Mulliner starts from RM1,930,000, but we think those who are really interested won\u2019t be deterred by its price. It\u2019s the competition they\u2019ve got to worry about. Who will Bentley KL sell it to?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Guess it\u2019s only right for Volkswagen to shake things up a bit just before the world premier of the all-new Touareg tomorrow \u2013 six years (more or less) since the last model was introduced.\nIf it\u2019s lack of presence on our roads has led the Touareg to slip out of your automotive memory, think of it as the larger, slightly more well-built version of the \nTiguan\n that\u2019s been raking up all the positive reviews from the local automotive media.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92IJ3S5089w\nSharing the same platform as the likes of \nLamborghini\u2019s Urus\n, the Audi Q7 and the \nBentley Bentayga\n, it\u2019s said to be equipped with modern day quirks such as \nrear-wheel steering and air suspension\n.\nThe new Touareg will obviously be petrol and diesel-powered, with a high probability of plug-in hybrid option, exemplified by the \nVolkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE\n. Inside, a new Innovision Cockpit is set to take the helm on the infotainment front as Volkswagen\u2019s latest digital instrument cluster combines two 12.0-inch and 15.0-inch displays to create a seamless surface."
"In case you forgot, Mercedes-Benz once made a pick-up truck called the \nX-Class\n. It\u2019s based on the Nissan Navara, and most reviewers gave it a solid \u201cmeh\u201d \u2013 mostly due to its outdated interior and high price. The reception to the X-Class was so underwhelming that Mercedes-Benz actually \ncancelled the model \nafter just two years in the market.\nBut that\u2019s not what Quentin Boylan, a South African pick-up truck enthusiast thought when he saw the X-Class. He couldn\u2019t care less about the subpar luxuries, but when Mercedes-Benz didn\u2019t care to fit an AMG engine into the X-Class (despite cars such as the G-Wagen having one) he couldn\u2019t help but feel disappointed.\nThus, armed with pick-up truck modification knowledge, he decided to take matters into his own hands, and spawned this \u2013 the AMG Hilux.\n \nThe AMG Hilux started life off as a standard (accident-damaged) Toyota Hilux single-cab, equipped with a facelift kit that was actually imported from Malaysia, way before the facelift model was sold in South Africa!\nThe stock 2.4-litre turbodiesel was replaced by a 6.3-litre V8 that\u2019s sourced from an old Mercedes-AMG C63, and to make it easier for day-to-day driving (that\u2019s right, the AMG Hilux is Boylan\u2019s daily-driver!), he also opted to use the stock automatic transmission that came with the truck, which in itself was a huge challenge to make it fit the AMG engine, according to Boylan.\nTo make the franken-car work properly, Boylan also installed a MoTeC M150 engine management system with a custom-made wiring harness, allowing him to fine tune the engine\u2019s parameters in order to gel all the mechanical bits together.\nThe 2020 Toyota Hilux facelift was launched here in Malaysia late last year. Check it out in detail here!\n Screenshot: \nCars.co.za/Youtube\nAs for looks, Boylan pretty much kept the stock Hilux look, but injected some \u201cAMG love\u201d into it. There\u2019s a set of AMG brakes on the front axle, a set of AMG look-alike wheels, and a lowered-suspension, but that\u2019s pretty much it for the exterior to set it apart from the other Hiluxes on the road \u2013 well, aside from some additional AMG 63 badging, plus the \u201cAMG HLUX\u201d number plate.\nMoving inside, Boylan and his team reupholstered the entire interior with leather and alcantara, alongside some red cross stitching and accent trims to give it the classic \u201cAMG look\u201d. The seats have also been custom-made with diamond quilting to make it look as close as possible to the AMGs.\nThis was actually Boylan\u2019s second AMG Hilux build \u2013 Check out his first franken-AMG based on the last-gen Hilux here!\nScreenshot: \nCars.co.za/Youtube\nAnd with all that hard work put into it, the AMG Hilux is frankly one of the cleanest conversion builds we\u2019ve ever seen \u2013 and the V8s just sound so good, even when it\u2019s stuffed into a pick-up truck. Check it out for yourself in the video above!\nGALLERY"
"2021 is proving to be quite a successful year in motorsports for Leona Chin as she wraps up her touring car campaign in Malaysia as the champion in the MTC category of the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS 2021). Just three weeks earlier, Leona and her Beautyful-Excel Group Suzuki Swift Sport \nwon the Sepang 1,000 km\n endurance race.\nRound 3 and Round 4 of MCS 2021 was again a doubleheader, but with a change in race format with Round 4 being a 300 km endurance race. The team needed to win the 54-lap endurance race as well as races in Round 3 to secure the championship, as the \nwins in Round 1 and 2\n were not included in the final points tally.   Race 1 of Round 3 did not go as smoothly as the team hoped, managing to salvage seventh and four important points after nursing a misfiring engine for the full one hour of racing. A dominant win in Race 2 set the tone for the 300 km endurance race scheduled for Thursday.\nPairing with Akina Teo in the 300 km finale, the team performed flawlessly to finish ahead of the leading pair of Mark Darwin and Foo Yung Cheh in their Honda Jazz. Thanks to double points awarded for the endurance race, Leona Chin and Akina Teo bagged 30 points, and tallying to a total of 49 points, six points clear of the Honda Jazz pairing that only managed to finish the race fourth in the category.\nLeona commented, \u201cThank you to our sponsors and team members for making this happen. We managed to nurse the car with some issues at the end of the race but we are very lucky to get this result.\u201d\nThis final doubleheader also saw a new entrant in the \nTouring Production (TP) class\n, with Niza Racing entering a BHPetrol-liveried FK8 Honda Civic Type R driven by touring car legend Keifli Othman and Hanafi Husain. The pair managed to win the 300 km endurance of TP class, as troubles hit the championship-leading FC Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo.\nNonetheless, Alif Hamdan and Lai Wee Sing managed to secure the championship for TP category after scoring a total of 54 points over the three races, compared to 42 points by the pairing of Keifli Othman-Hanafi Husain.\nAlif commented, \u201cWe\u2019re really happy. R Engineering and HMRT did a good job this week. Honda did fantastic work supporting us with all the parts, game plan and tactics. Happy to report that the research and development program for the team is very successful and we are ready to fight hard for next year.\u201d\nMoving to the highly competitive SP1 category consisting of four similarly performing FD2 Honda Civic Type R cars, three drivers started the 300 km endurance with just one point splitting them. After 54 laps, it was Chiow Teck Song who crossed the finish first amongst the 23 cars and thus sealing the SP1-category championship. It was also Chiow\u2019s first win of the MCS 2021!\n\u201cHonestly, I never thought of getting the first overall champion. Today is my big bonus day. Once again thanks to the R Engineering HMRT especially Lai Wee Sing who taught me a lot\u201d, said Chiow.\nKen Urata from R Works is the first runner-up, ahead of the pairing of Shazull Hisyam Harun and Mohd Syahrizal Jamaludin from Empire M Racing.\nIn the SP2 category, the scoring system took Round 1 and Round 2 into the equation, making the pairing of William Ho and Eddie Lew in their Speed X Racing Team Honda Jazz the clear favourites to seal the championship.\nAlthough winning the 300 km race in the SP2 category, Ady Rahimy and Mitchell Cheah had many retirements after Race 1, netting them just fourth overall placing in the championship. Topping the SP2 standings after seven races is category favourites William Ho and Eddie Lew, scoring 86 points. They also finished second in category in the 300 km finale race.\nPutera Adam in his R Engineering Honda Jazz is perhaps the most consistent finisher in the SP2 category was first runner-up with 76 points, just five points ahead of the pairing of Imran Wafi Adnan and Najiy Ayyad from DNT Tune.\nImage credits: Facebook/\nowenleejunhui\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\nPhoto specialist at Sepang Circuit\n\u00a0\nand Facebook/\nS\nepangCircuit\nGALLERY\nSepang MCS 2021-\n \nMTC \nSepang MCS 2021- TP and SP1\nSepang MCS 2021- SP2"
"Despite the government\u2019s measures to \nlegalise and regulate ride-hailing services in Malaysia\n, a group of Malaysian taxi drivers was seen protesting outside of the Parliament yesterday, as reported by \nThe Star\n.\nKlang Valley Taxi Drivers Action Group Chairman, Zailani Sausudin expressed that the group is here to convince members of the parliament to hear their plead and hardships that they are going through.\nHe added, ever since ride-hailing services such as Grab and Uber came into the market, taxi drivers across the country had a tough time making an earning and in some cases, could not afford rent which resulted in their taxis being repossessed.\n \n \nThe group also expressed that they are only willing to accept ride-hailing services if they are subjected to the same regulations as taxi drivers. Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar added that the problem with ride-hailing services is that the government does not have a clear legislative procedure for them, unlike taxi drivers."
"Close your eyes for a minute and try imagining a world without Enzo Ferrari and his legendary knack for\u00a0making beautiful and evocative sports cars. Not to mention clinching world championships with the prancing horse\u2019s formidable Formula 1 machines. Unthinkable to imagine just such, no? What a bland and bleak world that would be. Thankfully though, Ferrari has just debuted the topless version of the \n488 GTB\n.\nAs is the norm for Ferrari to\n chop\n the\n top\n off its cars, the 488 is also not spared\u00a0from that tradition. But never has taking an axe to a Ferrari been a mistake. So is the case with the 488 GTB. The Spider\u00a0uses a\n RHT\n (Retractable Hard Top) which debuted on the \n458 Spider\n as \nworld-first\n for such a solution on a \nmid-rear engined\n car. The RHT has rendered traditional soft-tops \nobsolete\n as it is not only lighter (by\n 25kg\n, no less) but also provides better protection from external noise.\nApart from that, not much separates the Spider from its hard top sibling. Powering the 488 Spyder is up to the job of a\u00a0\n660 hp\n \n3.9-litre V8\n\u00a0with\u00a0\nVariable Torque Management\n system guaranteeing \nsmooth\n and \nprogressive torque delivery\n in the higher gears up to a maximum of \n760 Nm\n at \n3,000 rpm\n. These huge numbers result in a blistering acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just\n 3 seconds\n and 0 to 200 km/h in \n8.7 seconds\n. Keep your foot planted to the floor and you\u2019ll see the speedo tick past \n330 km/h\n.\nThe famed \nScaglietti Centre of Excellence\n\u00a0has been hard at work to produce a lightweight \nspaceframe\n chassis made of \n11\n different \n6000 Series aluminium alloys\n containing varying percentages of \nmagnesium\n and with specific characteristics to meet the demands of different areas of application on the Spider\u2019s spaceframe.\nThe materials used yields the same \ntorsional rigidity\n and \nbeam stiffness\n figures as the coup\u00e9, in which the \nroof\n\u00a0acts as a \nstructural\n element, improving the chassis\u2019 performance by \n23 percent\n over that of the \n458 Spider\n.\u00a0Equally significant is the fact that the RHT can be raised or lowered in \n14 seconds\n, even when the car is \nmoving\n!\nFrankfurt also caters the locale for yet another announcement from the brand \u2013 \nApple CarPlay\n system is available to the entire Ferrari lineup. Interestingly the \nFF\n was the\n first car in the world\n to adopt Apple\u2019s system that offers intuitive\n voice\n and \ntouch\n functions. Everything from \nphone calls\n to \nsat-nav\n, \nmessaging\n and \nmusic\n\u00a0is available with Apple CarPlay, which was later introduced to the\n\u00a0\nCalifornia T\n. The system will soon be available for the sportier, more aggressive Prancing Horse models \u2013 the\n \n488 GTB\n, the\n \n488 Spider\n and the daddy of them all \u2013 the \nF12Berlinetta\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new\n Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift\n has now made its way into Thailand. Three variants are on offer for the executive sedan over in the Kingdom \u2013 E 300e Avantgarde, E 220d AMG Sport, and E 300e AMG Dynamic \u2013 with prices starting at\u00a0THB 3.19 million (~RM429k).\nIntroduced globally in March last year, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class bears an extensively updated exterior design, along with updated powertrains and additional features on board.\nIn terms of styling, the E 220d will be offered solely with an AMG Sport exterior package, while buyers of the E 300e will have a choice between AMG or Avantgarde styling cues. As usual, the AMG bodykit will include more aggressive-looking bumpers, alongside a diamond pin grille.\nBoth AMG models get 19-inch alloys to match their sportier exterior \u2013 a 10-spoke design on the E 300e AMG Dynamic, and a five twin-spoke for the E 220d AMG Sport. The Avantgarde meanwhile, is shod in 18-inch wheels at the corners. Capping off the looks for the range-topping E 300e AMG Dynamic is the MultiBeam LED headlights.\nThe facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as their model names suggest, is offered in two distinct powertrain options over in Thailand. The E 220d features a two-litre Euro-6 certified four-cylinder turbodiesel, which makes \n194 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n400 Nm\n, while the E 300e is equipped with an electrified 2.0-litre\u00a0turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol hybrid, pushing \n320 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n700 Nm\n to the wheels.\nBoth powerplants are mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with gearshift pedals. Performance wise, the plug-in hybrid E 300e does the century sprint in \n5.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n, while the turbodiesel completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in \n7.3 seconds\n, reaching a top speed of \n240 km/h\n.\nMoving inside, the AMG models once again get all the goodies, including the all-new three twin-spoke sport steering wheels, replete with touch-activated buttons, alongside a Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers.\nThe twin 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display combo however, now running the latest MBUX system, is standard across the board. Also included on the Thai-specification Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift is the \nMercedes me connected services\n, similar to what we have here in Malaysia.\nThe Mercedes-Benz E 220d AMG Sport in Thailand.\nAs for safety, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s suite of advanced driver assistance systems is standard across all three variants, with features including the Pre-Safe autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Active Parking Assist. The 360-degree surround-view monitor feature, however, is exclusive to the range-topping E 300e AMG Dynamic variant.\nGALLERY"
"Nissan Chief Executive Officer, Hiroto Saikawa has said at the Automotive News World Congress,\u00a0 Infiniti will be introducing its first pure electric vehicle (EV) in 2021 as part of the brand\u2019s push for electrified vehicles.\nThe luxury carmaker expressed its push for electrified vehicles through a range of pure EVs and \ne-Power vehicles\n \u2013 Nissan\u2019s innovative hybrid system that uses electric motors, juiced by a small combustion engine to drive the car. This brings ultra-low emission vehicle technology to Infiniti as the premium brand within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Currently, Infiniti\u2019s only electrified technology are mild petrol hybrids.\nInfiniti also expects that its range of ultra-low emission EVs to make up more than 50 percent of its global sales by 2025. Recently the company unveiled its latest concept car, the \nQ Inspiration Concept\n; a design study of what Infiniti will have in store for its future models."
"Everyone \u2013 whether you\u2019re an enthusiast, have little to non-existent interest in cars \u2013 everyone wants to drive a Ferrari, any Ferrari for that matter;\n\u00a0or at least be driven in one.\nIn this line of work, trying out new cars is as easy as searching up that brand representative\u2019s contact on WhatsApp and a date is set.\u00a0\n That being said, as the local automotive media industry would attest, the opportunity to drive a Ferrari can be as limited as your affection for that 3-year old Chinese smartphone. That\u2019s even if they last that long.\u00a0\nSo when the invitation came along, to spend a full day in a Ferrari GTC4 Lusso V12, my reply had only three words in it \u2013 Yes, thanks and when. Personally, I\u2019m more into Porsches than Ferraris but you\u2019d have to be severely messed up in the head to pass on the chance to let loose (within reason) in one of automotive\u2019s most prestigious brands.   What will no doubt last long though, is the memory that\u2019s been etched in my brain from the moment I stepped foot in Naza Italia and into the GTC4 Lusso, up to the point when the car was returned safely to its stable along the Federal Highway.\nWith the destination set for Bukit Tinggi, I carefully threaded my way out of Naza\u2019s premises and yet there were already suggestions that the V12 lurking underneath the long front hood, despite the unassuming, tame and unconventional shooting brake design (especially for a Ferrari), would frighten the crap out of me.\nAnd it did. Even before arriving in Bukit Tinggi for photo opportunities, the drive along the Duke Highway en route to the infamous \u201choon central\u201d of Karak, was enough to make my hands so shaky that even the usual picture taking chore was a challenge.\nFor those who claim that the GTC4 Lusso isn\u2019t a proper Prancing Horse for the lack of \u201cFerrari-ness\u201d in its design would be so disillusioned and proven SO wrong the moment you go near the throttle, even the slightest bit.\nThere aren\u2019t enough adjectives to describe the way that 6.3-litre V12 engine accelerates. With 80% of its \n697 Nm\n of torque available as early as 1,750 rpm, it was simply explosive.\nFrom the relentlessness of its acceleration, coupled with the sheer speed it achieves so effortlessly and that unmistakable V12 wail in front of you, it was a sensory overload in every sense of the word.   It was like having 20 Mariah Careys pulling off all her signature, glass-shattering high notes under that hood \u2013 it just simply overwhelming. It took a lot out of me just to keep my feet planted for at least a couple of gear changes at the rev limit \u2013 it was possibly the most alive I\u2019ve ever felt behind the wheel of any road car.\nSeated comfortably in the back seat with plenty of head and legroom, was Adrian whom I\u2019ve never heard breathe that heavily before.\nIt was as overwhelming as it was confusing; as much as the GTC4 Lusso was frightening, it also taunted me for more \u2013 as if it was telling me to man up and not lift my foot off the throttle.\nWith every gear change in the 7-speed Dual-Clutch transmission, it just begged for more. It just wanted to go faster with every click of the paddle shifter, snapping you out of the speed-inducing trance from the previous gear, follow by more incomprehensible speed.   Aside from the five laps I had the pleasure to spend in a \nV12 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 race car around Sepang\n, my palms have never been so drenched in sweat, in a cabin that was so well-insulated, furnished and air-conditioned.\nThere may be other cars out there pumping out far bigger numbers than the\n 680 hp\n available in the Lusso, but I dare say, not many of them are as well-utilised. As alarming as it was behind the wheel, it did not threaten me with the slightest unforeseeable, unspeakable circumstance.\nIt was planted, it did not whale about in a straight line struggling to contain its own might \u2013 it was like being strapped on the nose of a speeding bullet train on rails. Having not driven a Ferrari before, every bit of expectation I had of what a Ferrari might be, turned into a reality.\nOnly that, it wasn\u2019t your usual Ferrari with its shooting brake design but I get the reason behind this. Just like how I understand why Lamborghini, with its long illustrious history of building supercars more intimidating than a jealous mistress, would bother building an SUV.\nIn an age where practicality is everything, even in a supercar, it\u2019s THE CAR for those with a taste for everyday supercar-driving, without the \u201cembarrassment\u201d of having to awkwardly crawl out of your multi-million dollar mode of transportation.\nIt was as ergonomic as your German mid-size sedan, it had all the equipment and features mandatory of a high-end luxury SUV with sizeable boot space for whatever cargo you might need to carry in a Ferrari and visibility that was far less restrictive than looking out of a peephole \u2013 a predicament most suffer, especially in mid-engined supercars.   It even had dampers that would allow you to raise the height of the vehicle \u2013 for when the speed bumps and \u201cwater levels\u201d get too high.\nStopping for McDonalds at Genting Sempah, you get the sense that you\u2019re in nothing less than a special piece of automotive engineering and history \u2013 a Ferrari. It wasn\u2019t only because your blood pressure has doubled after a short but eventful drive but also because of the attention the Lusso drew.\nPeople just stopped in their tracks and stared. Being more attentive and self conscious to my surroundings, I even caught a father not looking before crossing the road with an infant in his arms, all because of the attention the Lusso demanded.\nSure, it may not have the typical looks of a Ferrari; it did not have the \u201cextended rear end\u201d of a mid-engined Ferrari 488 nor did it have the swooping grand tourer lines of an 812 Superfast. Just based on what I\u2019ve observed from overly keen on-lookers though, the Lusso is as Ferrari as the late Enzo would\u2019ve expected each of his cars to be \u2013 dramatic even when stationary.\nTaking over the baton from the Ferrari FF, the Lusso simply took the shooting brake design rule book, set it alight with the flames from the V12 and reinforced the bravado of a design that has garnered mix reactions from all quarters.\nThe front end looks way more malicious and discreetly evil, wiping the silly grin off the old FF\u2019s face. Its predecessor looked like your friendly neighbourhood Spiderman who had just discovered his super powers, while the Lusso looked like the Venom, with wider jaws, an even larger more imposing front grille, with a hunger for vengeance.\nCoupled with the more refined and pronounced rear end, the GTC4 Lusso looks as dramatic as the performance it delivers to excite you and the three passengers fortunate enough to befriend a Ferrari owner.\nAs much as it was a driver-centric vehicle, with every control at arms reach, every feature revolving around its millionaire owner, the Lusso is just as \u201cconsiderate and pragmatic\u201d to the front passenger, in a way that only a Ferarri would be.\nThe display ahead of the front passenger, placed just above the glove box, can be as amusing as it is heart-stopping. I can\u2019t imagine what it would\u2019ve been like if my dad was in that front seat watching the numbers climb to revolting speeds.\nHe wouldn\u2019t have survived the drive, not without losing his voice at least from screaming at me to slow down. He certainly wouldn\u2019t have survived the journey up Bukit Tinggi where the GTC4 Lusso\u2019s 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds was felt in full extent upon exiting every bend leading up to Colmar Tropicale, our final destination.\nThe serene hills of Bukit Tinggi was not prepared at all for the Lusso\u2019s presence \u2013 all the chirps and chatters of the mountain were overwhelmed and terrorised by the unapologetic roar of a V12.\nHaving lacked the necessary courage and skill to push the Lusso has hard as I\u2019d normally would in cars that cost much less, there was still a profound sense of nimbleness through the corners. Whether it\u2019s the Lusso\u2019s cutting-edge 4-RMS four-wheel steering system coming into play or it was just me going too slow, I expected the near 1.8-tonne Ferrari to corner like a stubborn horse but it did not.\nArriving at the top, there was no other way to celebrate the unforgettable experience of piloting a Ferrari through winding roads without any (major) incident but with a cheeky puff from a cancer stick. What a day it has been, what an occasion, what a memory.\nTaking in every inch and edge of the car, every slope and curve of the Lusso, I can\u2019t help but feel this fulfillment and pleasure from the experience of \u201cbeing flown in a Ferrari\u201d. It\u2019s not something that can be defined by words but can only be felt from behind the wheel.\nRegardless of what you may have to say about how the Lusso looks, it still oozed and exuded everything that was special about a Ferrari, something that\u2019s truly distinct and only available from those out of Maranello.\nYet, it offers so much more than that. It was practical, usable and drivable \u2013 everything that makes it a supercar for all seasons \u2013 without lacking drama and spectacle, all the signature attributes that makes the V12 GTC4 Lusso well and truly, a Ferrari.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi has introduced an \u201con demand+\u201d service in the form of an app in China and what it entails might make you consider looking for a job in the metropolitan city of Beijing.\nThe service allows users to select the car desired, ranging from high-end sedans to high performance vehicles, through their smartphones and also make payments \u2013 all while on the move.\nOnce selection and assuming payment is completed, a concierge service will deliver the requested car to the customer. Beijing is the \nfirst location\n in China for the \u201con-demand+\u201d service with expansion in place for it to be available in medium and large-sized cities across China to form a region-wide mobility service network within the next few years.\nThe car can be \u201cordered\u201d for a duration ranging from \nfour hours to 30 days\n with plenty of flexibility and use of the service is \ncharged by the hour\n. The rates, which weren\u2019t specified, includes \nunlimited driving mileage\n and \ninsurance coverage\n. The selection of cars consists mostly of Audi\u2019s newest range with a full suite of features and equipment. As seen in the images, you can tell that the \nRS7\n, \nQ3\n and even the\n \nR8 V10 Plus\n\u00a0is available for requests including other Audi Sport models as well as Audi\u2019s long wheelbase models.\nThe exclusive concierge will deliver the booked car to the customers preferred location which has to be within \n150 square kilometres of\n Beijing covering the Central Business District and other areas nearby. Customers will also be brief on the functions and features of the car before use. Once a customer is done with the car, the concierge picks up the selected Audi again.\nPayments are quick and easy through the app; with different modes of payment including WeChat, AliPay and UnionPay."
"Volkswagen has presented a new petrol engine that\u2019s capable of replicating a diesel engine\u2019s performance and fuel economy while also promising low emissions; it\u2019s called the 1.5 TSI ACT BlueMotion and will be paired to a seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.\nIt is currently powering the 5-door Golf and its wagon sibling and will soon be applied in other Volkswagen models. With an output of \n128 hp \nand \n200Nm,\u00a0\nthe 1.5 TSI ACT BlueMotion can also occasionally switch off two of its four cylinder to deliver a\u00a0combined fuel consumption rating of just \n4.8 l/100 km\n. It\u2019s a bump from the local TSI\u2019s torque output at over 170Nm. The video below shows how the engine performs:\nSuch advancements are credit to VW\u2019s new TSI Miller combustion process,\u00a0the use of a turbocharger with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG), an\u00a0Active Cylinder Management (ACT) system and a eco-coasting \u201cmicro-hybrid\u201d mode.\nVolkswagen is the first manufacturer to use a VTG turbocharger in a mainstream petrol engine. The system ensures that exhaust waste gases used for forced induction would be more efficiently utilised and optimally channeled into the cylinders without wastage. When power usage is low, ACT can deactivate\u00a0the two inner cylinders.\u00a0The deactivation function operates between 1,400 to 4,000 rpm and at vehicle speeds of up to 130 km/h. When this happens, the driver would be notified by the\u00a0\u201c2 cylinder mode\u201d notification in the instrument display.\nIn eco-coasting mode, i.e. when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the engine management system switches off the TSI engine completely while \u201cdisconnecting\u201d from the drivetrain. The system is said to be able to reduce\u00a0fuel consumption by \nup to 0.4 l/100 km\n. The micro-hybrid system utilises a 12-volt electrical system and a compact lithium-ion battery to supply all relevant systems in the car with energy during the phases when the engine is inactive.\nVolkswagen has expressed interest in launching further derivatives of the 1.5 TSI ACT BlueMotion engine for global markets with the possibility of even smaller displacement engines with \u201cfewer cylinders\u201d.\nCredit: \nYouTube\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Golf GTI MK 7.5 in Singapore"
"Together with the announcement of the new rugged variant, Honda also released a teaser video that shows off the rear end of the SUV.\nThe TrailSport edition looks set for a full reveal really soon as Honda said it would hit the dealerships later this year. The TrailSport editions will most likely be seen on the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport SUV models in the US. Yes, those are actual model names.\nNot much about it is has been revealed although Honda said it represents the next chapter in its off-road vehicles and brings new styling to its SUV line-up.\n \nHonda also said the first models to be given the TrailSport treatment will feature rugged front and rear styling, durable body cladding and interior touches like high-contrast orange stitching and signature all-weather floor mats.\nIn time, TrailSport models will also come with more aggressive tyres, increased ground clearance, off-road suspension and underbody protection.\nWatch us pit the Honda HR-V against the Proton X50 and BMW X1 on KLIA\u2019s runway!"
"Not long after the \u2018GR festival\u2019 by \nUMW Toyota Motor\n in Malaysia, another exciting news surrounds Toyota as the next-generation 2023 \nToyota Vios\n \nhas been teased, albeit not on Toyota Malaysia\u2019s official channel. Images of the next-generation Toyota Vios for Malaysia have been shared by local celebrity Sean Lee in an Instagram post that has now been deleted.\nIn Malaysia, the Toyota Vios is currently in its third generation which has been given a major facelift in 2019. First introduced to Malaysia in 2003, the Vios has been one of the favourite B-segment saloons in Malaysia for close to 20 years.\nWhile it has yet to make its official debut in Malaysia, the next-generation Toyota Vios is already available in Thailand, albeit known as the Toyota Yaris Ativ. Developed on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), the Vios/Yaris Ativ in Thailand is powered by 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine (\n94 hp\n/\n110 Nm\n) paired to a Super CVT-i automatic with Sequential Shift.\nThe all-new Vios is also already available in Indonesia, in three variants \u2013 1.5 E MT, 1.5 G CVT, and 1.5 G TSS CVT. In Indonesia, the all-new Vios is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that makes \n106 hp\n (metric) and \n138 Nm\n. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual box or a CVT.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota GR86 launched in Malaysia \u2013 6MT and 6AT options, from RM295k\nThrough the images \u2018teased\u2019 on the local celebrity\u2019s social media post, we can already see the new LED headlamps, taillamps, and 17-inch wheels that can also be found on the Indonesian-spec all-new Vios.\nThe outgoing Toyota Vios is available in the \u2018J\u2019, \u2018E\u2019, and \u2018G\u2019 variants. There is also a GR Sport version that has now been joined by the new \nCorolla Cross GR Sport\n and \nHilux GR Sport\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota GR Corolla launched in Malaysia, RM355k 6-speed manual hot hatch"
"As wearing face masks is now part of the new normal, Bosch has launched an initiative to remind road users that our cars need to \u201cmask up\u201d as well, with their Aeristo Premium \ncabin filters\n.\nAccording to studies, in-car air quality can be up to \n15 times more polluted than the air outside\n of it. Another study conducted found that 64% of drivers noticed exhaust or unpleasant smells in the car while 58% have experienced dusty air. These supposedly indicate that the cabin filter is clogged.\nCommonly confused with the air filter in the engine bay, the cabin filter filters the air flowing from outside the vehicle into the car\u2019s cabin through the air conditioning system. The condition of the cabin filter can affect the air quality in a car\u2019s cabin and its hygiene. Typically, the cabin filter filters out contaminants such as dust, smoke, mold spores, and even pet hair.\nAs such Bosch\u2019s Aeristo Premium cabin filter comes with anti-bacteria and anti-virus properties that help minimise exposure to pollutants, bacteria, and viruses. Bosch repeatedly highlighted that it is especially beneficial to those who spend hours per day in their cars.\nThe Bosch Aeristo Premium cabin filter has a \nnatural polyphenol layer\n \nmade out of plants\n. It has the ability to restrain viruses by decomposing the virus protein. Similarly, it has an anti-bacterial agent that prevents bacteria growth. This helps block out harmful bacteria in the air flowing into the cabin.\nThe cabin filter is also woven and layered with an electrostatically-charged material that is capable of filtering \nup to 98% of fine particles and air pollutants as small as 2.5 microns\n. To put things into perspective, a strand of human air is 50-70 microns in diameter which makes air pollutants not visible to the naked eye.\nFind the right Bosch cabin filter at \nBosch\u2019s Official Store on Shopee\n!\nAdditionally, the cabin filter comes with an activated carbon layer that absorbs and neutralises unpleasant odours and harmful gases such as smog and exhaust gases. The \nactivated carbon is made of coconut shell \nwith higher filtration and absorption capacity than those made of wood or coal.\nAlongside, the activated carbon, the filter is also finished with an anti-allergy layer that has anti-fungus properties to prevent fungal and mold growth on the cabin filter.\nThe Bosch Aeristo Premium cabin filter is \navailable on Shopee\n with prices starting from RM58. Bosch recommends that a car\u2019s cabin filter should be replaced every year or every 15,000, whichever comes first. For more information, check out their Facebook page!"
"The \nfacelifted Porsche Cayenne\n, launched a little under a month ago by Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) at their \nSungai Besi flagship centre\n, has just received its official pricing. Do note that the prices stated here are with GST, but excludes road tax, insurance and registration fee. Duties and taxes on the other hand, comes included.\nLet\u2019s start with the base model Cayenne. The 3.6-litre naturally aspirated SUV has an asking price of RM640,000 without ticking any option boxes. Also priced from RM640,000 is the Cayenne Diesel, one with the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.\nName\nCayenne\nCayenne Diesel\nCayenne S\nCayenne S Diesel\nCayenne S E-Hybrid\nCayenne GTS\nEngine\n3.6L V6\n3.0L V6 turbo\n3.6L bi-turbo V6\n4.2L V8 turbo\n\u00a03.0L V6\n3.6L V6\nTransmission\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\n8-speed Tiptronic S\nMax Power\n300 hp @ 6,300 rpm\n245 hp @ 3,800 \u2013 4,400 rpm\n420 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n385 hp @ 3,750 rpm\n416 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n440 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 3,000 rpm\n550 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n550 Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n850 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n590 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n600 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n7.7 seconds\n7.3 seconds\n5.5 seconds\n5.4 seconds\n5.9 seconds\n5.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n230 km/h\n221 km/h\n259 km/h\n252 km/h\n243 km/h\n262 km/h\nPrice (with GST only)\nRM640,000\nRM640,000\nRM760,000\nRM780,000\nRM770,000\nRM900,000\nMoving on, base price for the Cayenne S and Cayenne S Diesel are RM760,000 and RM780,000, whereas the Cayenne S E-Hybrid is sandwiched in between at RM770,000. If you\u2019re power hungry, the GTS trim starts from RM900,000 base, whereas the Turbo will set you back at RM1,150,000.   All new Cayenne and other Porsche models come with a 4-year warranty and 4-year complimentary service maintenance package. Again, the prices here excludes registration fee, road tax and insurance."
"Less than two weeks away till we welcome the Year of the Sheep, Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM), as an extension of their ongoing Red Campaign, has announced that their customers are now eligible for a rebate of up to RM25,000 for any purchase of a pre-owned vehicle from participating dealers.\nEnjoy discounts for the \nVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI CKD\nIn a bid to spice things up a little, Volkswagen\u2019s \nGod of Prosperity\n will also be running about the Klang Valley, giving out a whopping \n20,000 \u2018Angpows\u2019\n at ten major traffic areas over a period of three days. All you need to do is track the God of Prosperity via Volkswagen\u2019s \nTwitter\n or \nInstagram\n account and hunt him down!\nInside the 20,000 \u2018Angpows\u2019 is a \u2018cheque\u2019 granting you up to \nRM25,000 rebate\n when you purchase any pre-owned Volkswagen vehicles. Here\u2019s a hint \u2013 the God of Prosperity will be driving around in a \nRED colour Volkswagen\n!\nPolo Sedan 1.6 MPI CKD is also discounted\nBesides the hunt, you can also visit any VW dealership or attend their sales event\u00a0at any of the locations below:\n5 to 8\n\u00a0\nFebruary\nSetia Alam Convention Center (SACC)\nParking lot in front of SACC\n4 to 8\u00a0March\nBukit Jalil\n27 to 29\u00a0March\nTBC/KL\n\u00a0\nThe Red Campaign was introduced last month, offering Volkswagen\u2019s customers a rebate of up to RM9,999 worth of \u2018Angpow\u2019 for any new purchases of their selected red models."
"Mitsubishi has just given their best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a massive upgrade for the new model year, featuring a more potent powertrain, improved driving dynamics as well as improved refinement.\nLet\u2019s start with the oily bits, the 2.0-litre petrol engine is now replaced by a larger 4B12 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to give \n135 hp\n and \n211 Nm\n of torque, 14 hp and 21 Nm more than before. The new engine is more ideal for heavy load situations like inclines and rapid acceleration and more efficient than before.\nThe electric motors (one on each axle) have been bumped up to generate \n95 hp,\n while the battery pack now has \n13.8 kWh\n capacity thanks to new battery cells. For the driver, this means the Outlander PHEV can travel at higher speeds in fully-electric mode at 135 km/h, 10km/h more than before.\nIn combination with the new engine and more powerful electric motors, the Outlander PHEV will now sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than before but Mitsubishi claims that drivers will appreciate the improved performance during overtaking manoeuvres.\nTo complement the increased output, the Outlander PHEV has undergone some mechanical changes. The front and rear shock absorbers have been revised for better low-speed ride comfort and high-speed stability while the steering ratio has also been revised and the power steering ECU re-mapped for better response and feel. Larger front brake discs were also introduced for better stopping power.\nElsewhere, the Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system and traction control have been recalibrated for improved hill-climbing performance, low-grip launches and cornering abilities on slippery surfaces. A new Sport mode for sharper throttle response is also thrown into the mix.\nNotable changes for the Outlander PHEV include restyled LED headlamps, revised front and rear bumpers, comfort seats, rear air vents (finally!), more convenient USB ports and new interior accent trim.\nIn Malaysia, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia locally assembles the Outlander 2.0L and 2.4L but the company has no plans to introduce this PHEV variant. Who knows, with the hybrid tax incentives being thrown around, this Outlander PHEV may become a reality.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just like everyone else, Volkswagen is also \u201cshowing\u201d how green they\u2019re trying to be. Aside from the myriad of electric cars they\u2019ve introduced recently, Volkswagen has taken an extreme approach to reduce emissions and promote sustainability \u2013 by removing sausages (or \nBratwurst\n as it is called) from the menu of its staff cafeteria.\nThis has not sat well, especially with the former German Chancellor and member of the Volkswagen supervisory board, Gerhard Schr\u00f6der who has taken to\n LinkedIn\n to express his anger, over sausages.\nHe said it\u2019s the \u201cpower bar for skilled production workers\u201d and if it were up to him, nothing would be changed. He even ended his long and meaty post with the hashtag #savethewurst.\nVolkswagen Malaysia resumes operations of showrooms and service centres. Find out more here!\nTo understand what a big deal these sausages are to Volkswagen, here are some numbers.\nThe company has been producing their own sausages for nearly 50 years since 1973 and in 2019, they produced seven million sausages but made far fewer cars globally. According to Volkswagen, about 18,000 sausages are made every day.\n \nIt\u2019s such a big part of Volkswagen\u2019s organisation that it \neven has its own part number\n! No, we\u2019re not joking \u2013 it\u2019s No.199 398 500 A.\nAccording to Volkswagen CEO, Herbert Diess, the company hopes to replace the carmaker\u2019s factory-farmed meat with vegan alternatives by 2025.\nFacts & Figures: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion launched in Malaysia, from RM248k. Read about it here!"
"Bentley Kuala Lumpur has launched a new global programme by Bentley Motors called \nCertified by Bentley\n for access to their pre-owned cars.\nIt is estimated that around \n85% of all Bentleys ever built are still on the road\n. In Malaysia alone, pre-owned \nBentleys\n make up half of the total of Bentleys registered locally each year.\nEach Certified by Bentley vehicle through Bentley Kuala Lumpur has undergone a detailed technical inspection and comes with a 12-month warranty. They\u2019ve also been serviced using genuine Bentley parts and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The Certificate of Authenticity shows where the vehicle was manufactured and its full service history.\n \n\u201cWhen a customer selects a Certified by Bentley vehicle, they are making an investment in a brand that has always crafted extraordinary vehicles. The exceptional quality of every car means that whether new or Certified by Bentley, owning a Bentley is a wise decision\u201d, said Bentley Motors, Head of Pre-Owned, Mark Keeping.\n\u201cWe believe this is an opportunity for us to extend the Bentley ownership experience to a wider audience. This programme offers our customers more options with the same assurance in quality and ownership experience that a new Bentley owner would have\u201d, said Wearnes Quest, Managing Director, Jerry Lee.\nFor more information on Certified by Bentley, click \nhere\n."
"Naza Italia has just introduced the refreshed Maserati Quattorporte to their lineup. With the 2017 model, the Quattroporte gets a series of visual enhancements, revised interior as well as two distinctive trim levels to choose from.\nThe exterior of the Quattroporte have been extensively revised to feature new parts at the bumper, front grille and wing mirrors. It also comes with a series of matte black finishes at the front lip, rear extractor and side skirts. The front grille features an electronically adjustable Air Shutter\u00a0which opens and close to optimise air flow to the engine and drag. According to Maserati, this technology is able to reduce drag by 10 percent.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMaserati Quattroporte\nMaserati Quattroporte S\nMaserati Quattroporte GTS\nEngine\n2,979cc; Twinturbo V6\n3,799cc; Twinturbo V8\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n350 hp\n410 hp\n530 hp\nMax Torque\n500 Nm\n550 Nm\n710 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.5 seconds; 270 km/h\n5.1 seconds; 286 km/h\n4.7 seconds; 310 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM778,800\nPOA\nInside, Maserati has fitted a new 8.4-inch capacitive touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also features a rotary dial. An\n Air Quality Sensor\n is also fitted as standard on all variants that prevents polluted air and toxic gasses from entering the cabin of the car.   The Quattroporte can be had in three varaints \u2013 \nQuattroporte\n, \nS\n and \nGTS\n. The base model is powered by a Ferrari-built 3.0-litre twinturbo V6 capable of producing \n350 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque with a 0 \u2013 100 km/h sprint time of\n 5.5 seconds\n and \n270 km/h top speed\n. On the other hand, the hotter Quattroporte S gets its power bumped up to \n410 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n. Century sprint time is slashed to \n5.1 seconds\n while top speed is registered at \n286 km/h\n.\nTop of the range Quattroporte GTS gets a \nFerrari-built 3.8-litre twinturbo V8\n that churns out \n530 hp\n and \n710 Nm\n of torque. It takes the hot sedan only \n4.7 seconds\n to reach 100 km/h before reaching a top speed of \n310 km/h\n. All three variants get a ZF eight-speed automatic to send\u00a0power exclusively to the rear-wheels.\nLike on the \nGhibli\n, customers can opt for the optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking. Surround View Camera however, remains an option.   New to the Quattroporte range are the\u00a0\nGranLusso\n and \nGranSport\n trims which add on unique design cues to the exterior and interior. These two trim lines are available as an upgrade for the Quattroporte and S variants, but comes as\u00a0standard on\u00a0the GTS.\nGranLusso trim is immediately recognisable from the outside thanks to the \n20-inch Mercurio rims\n with black brake callipers. The interior is further refined with Radica wood dashboard, wooden steering inlays, power foot pedals, electric rear sunblind, four-zone climate control, headed rear seats and extended keyless entry. For even more luxury, customers can specify the optional \nErmenegildo Zegna Edition interior\n that finishes the interior with patented \nsilk fabric\n.\nGranSport trim adopts a sportier approach with a more aggressive exterior styling and\n 21-inch Titano rims\n. Same goes for the interior with a new sports steering wheel which can be had in either carbon fibre or wrapped in full leather. It also gets aluminium shift paddles, stainless steel sport pedals and sportier front and rear seats. As an option, the \nExterior Carbon Pack\n\u00a0that\u2019s exclusive to the GranSport trim adds carbon fibre touches to the front bumper, door handles, wing mirrors and B-pillar cover.\nThe facelifted Quattroporte is now available for viewing and booking with a price of RM779k for the entry level Quattroporte. As for the S and GTS, the price is available upon request. Every new purchase of the Quattroporte comes with a 3-Year or 60,000km service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMaserati Quattroporte GranLusso   Maserati Quattroporte GranSport"
"Exactly one week ago, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors introduced the all-new \nseventh generation Hyundai Sonata\n\u00a0on Malaysian soil. In Seoul, South Korea, the nine-month old sedan gets a new variant to join the Sonata lineup \u2013 the \n2015 Hyundai\u00a0Sonata Hybrid 2.0L\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L\n2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid\nSegment\nD-Segment Sedan\nD-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n1,999cc; inline-4 cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) technology\n1,999cc; inline-4 cylinder Nu GDI mated to a 38 kW electric motor\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic, conventional torque converter\n6-speed automatic, highly-efficient traction motor\nMax Power\n152 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n153 hp\nMax Torque\n194 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n190 Nm (Electric Motor makes 205 Nm)\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nfrom RM138,888 (OTR without insurance)\nN/A\n\u00a0\nSo what\u2019s new under the hood? The Sonata Hybrid get the \n2.0-litre Nu GDI\n engine (ours is the 2.0-litre Nu MPI, used in the previous Hybrid Sonata) mated to a \n38 kW electric motor\n, an improvement of 3 kW from the previous Sonata Hybrid. Numbers the engine make are \n153 hp\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque, whereas the electric motor makes a maximum torque of \n205 Nm\n. At best, the hybrid sedan is capable of achieving \n5.5 litres per 100km\u00a0\nif it runs on 16-inch wheels, or \n5.65 litres per 100km\n with 17-inch wheels.\nThe six-speed transmission is also new, fitted with a high-efficient traction motor instead of the conventional torque converter, minimising energy loss through friction while improving fuel economy. Also out is the mechanical oil pump, which is replaced by an electric oil pump.\nIt gets a larger lithium-polymer battery pack (1.62 kWh compared to the previous 1.43 kWh) is housed under the floor of the trunk, and its \ncoefficient drag\n has been brought down from \n0.27 Cd\n on the regular Sonata to \n0.24 Cd\n. Design wise, the Sonata Hybrid is given a new hexagonal grille, chrome molding under the doors, low-drag rear diffuser, streamlined 16- and 17-inch wheels including the full underbody cover that\u2019s also standard on Malaysian Sonatas.\nThere\u2019s also a good kit of safety features thrown in as standard to the Sonata Hybrid:\u00a0Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist complete the list, including a new driver\u2019s knee airbag.\nThe Sonata Hybrid \u00a0will be joined by a \nPlug-in Hybrid variant\n in the second half of next year as part of Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s initiative to offer a complete range of eco-friendly models by 2020. Full details of the PHEV Sonata will be revealed at the upcoming 2015 North American International Auto Show at Detroit in January.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Sonata Hybrid   Hyundai Sonata 2.0L"
"The all-new Ford Mondeo has made a scheduled stop at \nBangsar Shopping Centre\n beginning today till the night of 5th this month, that is this Sunday. This handsome \nD-Segment sedan\n is also known in the US market as the Fusion and went on sale about two years ago before arriving on our shores as the Mondeo.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Ford Mondeo 2.0L EcoBoost\nEngine\n1,999cc; turbocharged with Ti-VCT\nTransmission\n6-speed SelectShift auto\nMax Power\n237 hp @ 5,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n345 Nm @ 2,300 \u2013 4,900 rpm\nTop Speed\n240 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n\u00a0insurance)\nEstimated RM 203,800\u00a0\nOn the whole, it\u2019s difficult to justify the \nRM204k\n (estimated) asking price for a D-Segment car, especially when rivaling models like the \nVW Passat CKD\n is priced at RM171k. The Mondeo however, is a fully imported unit from Valencia, Spain, and features a raft of technology that will surely convince you of your money\u2019s worth.\n \n \nFor starters, the Mondeo comes with the brand\u2019s \nMyKey technology\n which features pre-programmable driving parameters should you hand over the keys to someone else. This allows you to limit their speed, keep music volume down and even set seat belt reminders. Then, up front, you get \nfull LED lighting\n with daytime running lights and sequential signal indicators, just like Audi\u2019s Matrix LED feature.\nThe one-trim-only Mondeo sits on \n17-inch wheels\n shod with \n235/50\n series Michelin Primacy 3 rubbers, while riding on McPherson struts at the front and independent rear suspension arms. Other external features include front and rear fog lights, auto folding side mirrors with puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera and smart regenerative charging.\nInside, the Mondeo feels rather spacious with generous rear legroom space and a cavernous cargo space. The vehicle measures nearly \n4.9 metres\n (4,871mm) long\u00a0and \n1.85 metres\n (1,852mm) wide, just 1mm and 2mm more than the Honda Accord. It\u2019s also equipped with an \n8-inch touchscreen\n\u00a0head unit with two USB ports, an RCA slot and an SD card slot that you can view pictures and videos from.\nOther interior features include anti allergy cabin, push-start ignition, paddle shifters, electronic dual zone air conditioning, Sony sound system with 9-speakers, leather upholstered seats and 10-way power adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger.\n \n \nThe star of this show is non other than the motor residing under the bonnet \u2013 Ford\u2019s \n2.0-litre GTDi EcoBoost engine\n that makes an impressive \n237 hp\n at 5,300 rpm and \n345 Nm\n from 2,300 to 4,900 rpm. EcoBoost is, for those who aren\u2019t in the know, Ford\u2019s line of turbocharged engine ranging from a three-cylinder to a V6 configuration. Our Mondeo will only come with the said four cylinder engine. Because it displaces just 1,999cc and the fact that it rides on 17-inch wheels, the Mondeo weighs a good \n23kg lesser\n than the 2.4L Honda Accord.\nTransmission choice isn\u2019t a dual clutch here, but a \nsix-speed\n conventional torque converter with \nSelectShift manual mode\n operable via the paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. This gearbox channels drive to the \nfront wheels \nand makes\u00a0for a pairing that consumes \n8.0 litres of fuel\n \nper 100 km\n whilst managing a top speed of \n240 km/h\n. Its 0 to 100 km/h time isn\u2019t made known to us as yet, but believe us when we say that it\u2019s no slouch.\nOn the safety front, the Mondeo gets a mouthful here, starting with seven airbags (with driver knee airbag), ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Traction Control System and ESC, Hill Launch Assist, Isofix childseat mounts, rear child door lock, \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n, Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, capless fuel system as well as side impact beams.\nScheduled for launch later this month, the Mondeo can be had in \nfour different colours\n: Frozen White (as seen here), Tectonic Silver, Panther Black and Ruby Red. Its estimated price tag with insurance is \nRM203,800\n, but is subjected to confirmation during the launch. Warranty programme spells a three-year or 100,000km coverage, whichever comes first.\nIMAGE GALLERY   OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA   OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\n \n OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA"
"Suzuki Motor Corporation\u2019s iconic Chairman & CEO, Osamu Suzuki, has announced that he will be stepping down as CEO, taking full responsibility in an ongoing \nfuel cheating scandal\n. The 86-year old will remain as Chairman of Japan\u2019s fourth largest auto manufacturer.\nIn a series of changes surrounding the company, Vice President\u00a0Osamu Honda, the person behind the company\u2019s technology division, will be leaving his position as well. All directors will receive pay cuts and receive no bonuses during this fiscal year through March 2017.\nThis follows the company\u2019s confession last month they rigged the fuel economy test, where they used\u00a0data gathered in a controlled indoor test environment instead of on the road. Suzuki claimed the strong winds in its testing facility located in a coastal area meaning it\u2019s difficult to gather consistent data.\nOsamu Suzuki has been with the company since 1958 and led for more than three decades. He also was in Malaysia last year to sign a \nstrategic partnership\n with Proton. That said, the status of\u00a0the partnership for both companies after this remains to be seen.\n[Source:\nJapan Times\n]"
"Here we have it folks, the third\u00a0generation Porsche Boxster and Boxster S. The new \n718\n\u00a0moniker signals the retirement of the\u00a0classic flat-six, and in its place is an all new turbocharged flat-four mill.\nFirst introduced in 1997, the first generation Boxster was Porsche\u2019s effort to introduce an \naffordable\n, entry-level sports car\u00a0to expand their market reach. In order to stay relevant in the market during challenging economic times, Porsche had to do the unthinkable \u2013 optimise their production flow and reduce production costs. Thus, the first Porsche Boxster was born; a mid-engine rear wheel drive open top sports car. It proved to be a big success and what used to be a lifejacket for the brand has now become an icon.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche 718 Boxster\nPorsche 718 Boxster S\nEngine\n2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo\n2.5-litre turbo with variable turbine geometry (VTG)\nTransmission\n7-Speed PDK\nMax Power\n300 hp\n350 hp\nMax Torque\n380 Nm @ 1,950 rpm \u2013 4,500 rpm\n420 Nm @ 1,900 rpm \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n4.7 seconds; 275 km/h\n4.2 seconds; 285 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM480,000\nRM620,000\nThe updated third\u00a0generation Boxster no longer comes with a 2.7-litre flat-six and is replaced by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 300 hp and 380 Nm of torque, up from the previous 265 hp, 280 Nm figures. The new Boxster also wears a new nameplate \u2013 718 Boxster. The numerics 718 is a reference to the four-cylinder open-top race car in 1957, named 718 RSK which won many races for Porsche. The Boxster S is powered by larger 2.5-litre mill (also four-cylinder) which churns out 350 hp and 420 Nm. Power is channelled to the rear-wheels via a \nseven-speed PDK\n dual-clutch gearbox.   Despite losing two cylinders, the 718 Boxster is quicker around the Green Hell, lapping it in a blistering 7 minutes and 42 seconds. That is just 2 seconds slower than a 911 GT3 and a whopping 16 seconds quicker than the previous generation Boxster! The biggest merit from downsizing and turbocharging is the improvement of up to 13 percent on fuel economy. The Boxster sips 6.9 litres of fuel per 100km while the Boxster S averages 7.3 litres per 100km. In the century sprint, the Boxster and Boxster S manages 4.5 seconds and 4.0 seconds respectively. With these performance figures, losing two cylinders is not a bad trade-off after all. Well, on paper at least.\nStandard on both variants is the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which\u00a0lowers ride height by 10mm. A sports chassis can be had as an option that further lowers the car down by 20mm. Full LED headlights with four-point LED daytime running lights can be had as an option over the standard bi-xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). They both ride on 19-inch alloys, whereas 20-inch hoops can also be specified. On the inside, a new infotainment system dubbed the Porsche Communication Management is standard across the range, while navigation can be had as an option.   Those who seek more control over their Porsche will definitely not want to miss out on the optional Sport Chrono Package which adds an individual driving mode on top of the standard Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.\nPrices for the Porsche 718 Boxster starts from\u00a0\nRM480,000\n, while the Boxster S costs upwards of RM620,000 \u2013\u00a0all before optional extras and insurance. Both variants come with a 4-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty and free maintenance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is ramping up their locally assembly (CKD) operations at their manufacturing plant in Pekan, Pahang with the introduction of the \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe AMG Line\n.\n \nIt comes with the M274 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine in its highest state of tune making \n245 hp\n and\n 370 Nm\n of torque. Equipped with a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission sending drive to all four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Century sprint takes \n6.5 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n236 km/h\n.\nWhile this is not the updated facelifted GLC Coupe, MBM ensured that consumers are not short-changed with the generous amount of equipment here such as AMG Line package, Burmester surround sound system, 360-degree camera, Sports Suspension, Lane Tracking Package, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus and more. All these for RM46,000 lesser than the fully imported (CBU) GLC 250 Coupe it replaces.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0GLC 300\u00a0Coupe\u00a0AMG Line\u00a0Launched\u00a0in Malaysia"
"After the \nMaserati Levante SUV received an update\n in late 2018, the new bits and bobs have\u00a0found its way to the MY2019 Maserati Ghibli.\nChanges to the My2019 car are minimal as the four-door executive sedan was given a \nfacelift in early 2018\n. New items include a redesigned electronic gear lever that is more intuitive to operate as well as the 8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) touchscreen infotainment display with updated graphics and improved Climate Control functions. The Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlamps have also been made standard across all variants.   No changes were made to the mechanicals with both the Ghibli and Ghibli S employs the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with output figures rated at \n350 hp\n/\n500 Nm\n and \n430 hp\n/\n580 Nm\n respectively. The Ghibli will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.5 seconds\n with a top speed of \n267 km/h\n while the Ghibli S is a touch quicker at \n4.9 seconds\n with a higher top speed of \n286 km/h\n.\nCustomers can have their Ghibli or Ghibli S in either GranLusso or GranSport trims priced at RM618,800 for the Ghibli GranLusso, RM668,800 for the Ghibli GranSport, RM718,000 for the Ghibli S GranLusso and RM768,800 for the Ghibli S GranSport. Prices quoted are inclusive of all applicable taxes and duties on-the-road without insurance.\n \n Ghibli GranLusso\n \n Ghibli GranSport\nEvery purchase of a new MY2019 Maserati Ghibli through Naza Italia comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 5-Years/100,000 km Free Maintenance Package and a 3-Years/60,000 km Maserati Premium Service Plus.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMY2019 Maserati Ghibli GranSport   Ghibli GranSport   MY2019 Maserati Ghibli GranLusso   Ghibli GranLusso"
"Drawing inspiration from the famous roadsters of the 1920s, Rolls-Royce revealed sketches of a two-seater version of the Dawn that will make up the new Silver Bullet Collection.\nSeductive and effortlessly cool, this collection is limited to \njust 50 units worldwide\n. The Dawn Silver Bullet Collection is a powerful, artfully tailored addition to the Rolls-Royce line-up.\n\u201cTraversing the landscape with supreme accuracy, travelling great distances with speed and precision, this open-top roadster iteration of Dawn is like a silver bullet,\u201d Rolls-Royce said.\nFeaturing a newly developed, bespoke ultra metallic silver paint finish, the highlight of the exterior is the Aero Cowling like the ones you\u2019d find in a \nPorsche 911 Speedster\n.\nUnlike the name of its collection, the collection will feature dark exterior detailing, dark headlights and new dark front bumper finishing. On the inside, the limited edition model gets an open pore carbon fibre dashboard and a quilted transmission tunnel inspired by leather jackets for a rebellious look.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the \nCOVID-19\n pandemic continues to rage on, national carmaker Proton has stepped up again to do its part in supporting the medical front liners with the production of face shields. This follows the \nloan of 50 Proton X70\n to the Ministry of Health to support its logistics network.\nProduction of the face shields is set to \nbegin on the 13th of April\n at Proton\u2019s headquarters in Shah Alam, with assembly undertaken by staff members who volunteered their services. Proton aims to produce \n60,000 face\n shields in approximately 20 days, which translates to roughly 3,000 face shields per day.\nFace shields are an important part of a medical personnel\u2019s Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to prevent the transmission of infectious materials. As these items are designed for single-use, the available reserve is starting to run low, prompting \nmany parties\n to start producing PPE, including the \nlocal DIY scene\n.\nProton Deputy CEO, Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed said, \u201cAs a national automotive brand, Proton is driven by its responsibility to develop the local car industry and to support Malaysia and its people in their time of need.\n\u201cWe have the knowhow to produce cars so we are using that knowledge to produce PPE equipment to support the brave men and women at the frontline of the battle against the spread of COVID-19,\u201d he added.\nAccording to Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed, the face shields will be delivered in batches and will be distributed according the level of need in each district, working closely with the Ministry of Health.\nAs the Movement Control Effect (MCO) is still in order, the number of staff, and the movement and working hours of all staff involved in this production will be closely monitored to comply with the MCO distancing rules.\n\u201cThe safety of everyone is of the utmost importance and therefore social distancing and sanitising practices will be strictly enforced on the production line,\u201d added Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed."
"Utilising the new M2 Coupe, BMW replaced Audi as the Official Safety Car Supplier for legacy-charged 24 Hours Le Mans race from this year onwards \u2013 replacing the previous Audi R8, which bade farewell with an \ninfamous drift in the wet\n.\nIt will be part of the 26-strong high-performance fleet supplied by the German automaker consisting of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coup\u00e9,\u00a0BMW M3 Saloon\u00a0and\u00a0BMW X5 M which will be used as safety cars, medical and extrication cars as well as emergency cars for track officials.\nBMW is already preparing for a return to the 24 Hours Le Mans race in 2018 not just as a supplier of ancillary vehicles, but to also pit its cars in the race for the first time since 2011. Development of the \nBMW M8\n GTE race-spec car has been confirmed and will lead the charge in BMW Motorsport\u2019s return to the European GT racing scene and will compete in the GTE Pro Class of the 24-hour race. This should sooth the pain from Porsche\u2019s heart-braking decision to withdraw its LMP1 race car from the series.\n\u201cStarting with the 2018 season, we want to further expand our activities in GT racing and compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), as well as the IMSA SportsCar Championship,\u201d said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport director. \u201cThe way the World Endurance Championship (WEC) has developed so well makes us confident that there is a big future for GT racing.\u201d\nPhoto by: Jean-Ren\u00e9 Roger (ACO) from\u00a0news.bmw.co.uk"
"The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe already sets a high-performance benchmark, with \n612 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n of power to register 3.7 seconds on the sprint stopwatch and 280 km/h top speed.\nA year after introducing the Brabus 900 Rocket Edition package on the \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S\n, the brash tuning company has shoehorned the same self-developed Brabus Rocket 900 V8 Biturbo engine into a Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe.\nThanks to a plethora of upgrades (internals, crankshaft, turbochargers, fuel pumps, ECU etc.) that increases the V8 engine\u2019s displacement to 4.4 litres, the additional power of \n900 hp\n and up to \n1,250 Nm\n of torque allows the huge Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe to slice the air resistance to reach a top speed of \n330 km/h\n, making it the world\u2019s fastest SUV.\nA breakdown of items in the price list marked this engine upgrade valued at EUR79,000 (approx. RM388k)! \n3.2 seconds\n is all it takes for the 2.5-tonne Brabus 900 Rocket Edition AMG GLE to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h.\nFor the super SUV to see that 330 km/h top speed, the vehicle must be fitted with smaller 23-inch Brabus Monoblock Y \u201cPlatinum Edition\u201d forged wheels and wrapped with Continental high-performance tyres. Else, the 24-inch carbon aero wheels that come with the Brabus 900 Rocket Edition Package can safely drive up to 290 km/h. \u00a0\nFull carbon fibre body kit and inserts complete the otherwise simple exterior upgrades. \u00a0\nMercedes-AMG uses more than just plug-in hybrid technology to boost performance. Check out their bright red AMG GT 63 S E Performance here!\nInside, the Brabus 900 Rocket Edition AMG GLE get the \u2018Rocket Red\u2019 signature highlights on almost every switch, speaker grille and even the steering wheel and foot pedals. The grey leather upholstery features finely stitched quilting and embroidery of the Brabus logo.\nUnlike just ten units of the Rocket Edition AMG GT 63 S, this Brabus 900 Rocket Edition AMG GLE has a larger total count of \n25 units, \neach with a price tag of \nEUR453,681\n plus VAT (approx. RM2.2 million).\nBrabus also has something for four-cylinder AMG models. Check out this B45 for more info!\nIn a quick comparison to other super SUVs, the recently launched \nPorsche Cayenne Turbo GT \nwith 640 hp completes the century dash in 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 300 km/h. The range-topping Cayenne coupe is also the official record holder for \nthe fastest SUV to lap the Nurburgring\n. \u00a0\nMeanwhile, the poster child of super SUVs, the \nLamborghini Urus\n with 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque officially completes the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The top speed is 305 km/h. Expect the performance figures to move to a new level as a mid-life refresh is expected in the next six to 12 months.\nBack in 2017, before the rise of the super SUVs, the \nJeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk\n self-proclaimed the title \u2018The Most Powerful SUV in the World\u2019. Key performance figures include an American-made 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine developing \n707 hp\n and \n875 Nm\n. It completes the benchmark sprint in 3.5 seconds and onward to a \u201cmeasly\u201d top speed of 288 km/h. \u00a0\nIn Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz offers the GLE Coupe model in just one variant, the \nMercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe,\n \npriced from \nRM812,047\n. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering a total of \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"After a \nbrief introduction\n to the tiny SUV, Hyundai has opened the placement of reservations for the new Casper. Measuring just 3.6 metres in length and 1.6 metres in width, the Hyundai Casper is even smaller than our \nPerodua Ativa\n yet can be had with a 1.0-litre turbo engine!\nHyundai Korea is offering the Casper in three variants across a choice of naturally-aspirated \u2018Smartstream\u2019 or turbocharged \u2018Kappa\u2019 1.0-litre engine (Casper Active)- Smart, Modern and Inspiration. The standard available power of \n76 hp\n and \n95 Nm\n from the \u2018Smartstream\u2019 engine is sent to the front wheels via four-speed automatic transmission.\nKey selling features in the Hyundai Casper is the multi-functional interior and the full suite of safety features. The designers have cleared the central section of the front seats to accommodate a bench seat for added convenience. A two-tone colour scheme adds to the youthful and active personality of the Hyundai Casper.\nTo allow owners to fully maximise the interior space of the Hyundai Casper, the front seats can be fully folded downwards and combined with the sliding rear seats for relaxation like on a comfortable lounge. The rear seats can recline as much as 39 degrees, a significant angle given the compact dimensions.\nWhen all seats are fully folded, an interior length of 2,059 mm allows for a comfortable lie down for quick naps after completing outdoor activities.\nThe new Hyundai Casper is fitted with a host of advanced safety features including a centre side airbag on the front seats to minimise side contact between the two occupants. Apart from the usual active advanced safety assist systems like autonomous emergency braking, the Hyundai Casper also comes with Smart Cruise Control and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.\nPricing for the Hyundai Casper 1.0 non-turbo engine begins at \nKRW13.85 million\n (approx. RM49.4k) for the Smart variant, KRW15.9 million (approx. RM57k) for the Modern and KRW18.7 million (approx. RM66.6k) for the Inspiration.\nHyundai Motor has earmarked Hydrogen technology as the key to its success in the future. Learn more about its immediate plans here that include a sportscar!\nThe Casper Active with a turbocharged 1.0-litre \u2018Kappa\u2019 engine with outputs of \n100 hp\n and \n171 Nm\n, available on all variants, meanwhile requires customers to top up KRW900,000 to KRW950,000 (approx. RM3.2k to RM3.4k), making the range-topping Casper Inspiration Active priced at \nKRW19.6 million\n (approx. RM70k).\nFor reference, the range-topping Hyundai Casper Inspiration Active is priced just KRW20,000 cheaper than an entry-level \nHyundai Kona\n 2.0 IVT.\nGALLERY"
"Ever wondered how you can rediscover the original performance that came with your car? The answer lies in keeping your engine clean. Unfortunately, one of the by-products of internal combustion is carbon deposits, and they can accumulate over time on critical engine parts, particularly fuel system.\nAs the efficiency of modern diesel engines relies heavily on precise amounts of fuel delivered into the combustion chambers, the performance of vehicle may be adversely impacted when carbon deposits prevent fuel system from working optimally, be it power output, exhaust emissions or overall fuel efficiency.\nWhat\u2019s Techron D?\nTechron D is a fuel additive with powerful detergents to keep critical engine parts clean, its formulation is designed to fight deposits in an engine\u2019s fuel intake system. During its development, the Techron D additive was tested in old and new diesel engines, and over different diesel fuel types, including bio-diesel. The key benefits of Techron D can be summarised below:\nCleans fuel injectors\nRestores performance\nEnhances fuel efficiency\nReduces exhaust emissions\nProtects engine from corrosion\nWhat makes Caltex Power Diesel EURO 5 with Techron D special\nCompared to Caltex Diesel (EURO 2M), Power Diesel EURO 5 with Techron D contains \ntriple the cleaning power\n while having les\ns than 10mg/kg sulphur content\nStandard lab tests* have shown that Power Diesel EURO 5 with Techron D is able to help \ngenerate 10% more power\n compared to regular diesel without additives\nFuel injectors are \n86% cleaner\n when Caltex Power Diesel EURO 5 with Techron D is used\nFilling up Caltex Power Diesel EURO 5 with Techron D is also easier at the pumps as it \ndoesn\u2019t produce any foam\n compared to regular diesel fuels in the market\nCaltex Power Diesel EURO 5 with Techron D comes with \ncorrosion inhibitors\n that protects the engine from rust\nCleaner engine, better performance\nIt\u2019s evident that the key to restoring performance to an engine lies in the use of fuels with additives that are able to clean fuel systems and prevent carbon deposit build up. This is to facilitate optimum combustion which in turn improves power output and fuel efficiency. The Caltex Power Diesel EURO 5 with Techron D was specially formulated to do just that and is fully compatible with demanding high-pressure common-rail diesel engines while meeting EURO 5 emission requirements. To experience its cleaning power and get your car performing at its peak again, visit \nthese stations\n with Caltex Power Diesel EURO 5 with Techron D.\n*Tests were conducted in an ISO9001 accredited laboratory"
"Proton has announced that they would resume operations beginning tomorrow, 5th of May 2020 and this applies to the sales and service outlets located in the Green and Yellow Zones. Operations will also resume at the production plant in Tanjung Malim and the Centre of Excellence with new work practices in place.\nInterestingly, Proton also \nannounced on its official site\n that the next iteration of the \nCKD Proton X70\n will feature an \nN95 Cabin Filter\n \u2013 just three months after the \nCKD model we tested\n with a \nnew 7-speed dual clutch gearbox\n was\n launch\ned in February\n. Current and the earlier batch of X70s can be retrofitted with this.\nIn February this year, Geely also announced that \nall their new cars will come equipped with the Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) beginning March 2020\n \u2013 a system the company took only 20 days to develop in light of the Covid-19 pandemic that brought China to its knees.\nThe IAPS comes with a new advanced\n active carbon chemical filter\n that absorbs harmful gases such as formaldehyde as they enter the cabin. The filter is not only capable of blocking out odour and harmful pollutants but also sterilise and deodorise the cabin in order to eliminate airborne viruses, bacteria and fungi.\nAs such, the IAPS can achieve the same level of air filtration as an N95 respiration system. In fact, Geely says the \nN95-certified IAPS can isolate and eliminate over 99.7% of dust and harmful particulates\n including bacteria and viruses in the cabin.\nAt the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in China, Geely introduced the new IAPS feature in 150 \nGeely Jiaji MPVs \nwhich were given to support the frontline workers.\n \nThe new system was developed under the \nGeely Healthy Car\n programme where the company has pledged to invest 370 million RMB into the development of \u201chealthier vehicles\u201d in three phases. The first phase has already been initiated with short terms solutions such as the IAPS.\nIn Phase Two and Three, Geely will be looking to partner leading medical agencies to develop \u201cclean materials\u201d for interior and exterior components such as switches and door handles \u2013 areas most prone to harbour bacteria and viruses."
"In August 2022, local car maker \nProton\n \nachieved its highest sales volume in nine years since July 2013. Proton successfully delivered \n15,880 cars\n in August, of which 938 were exported. From January to August 2022, Proton registered 87,841 cars, a 39.7% increase from 2021.\nTopping Proton\u2019s sales scoreboard in August is the beloved \nProton Saga\n with \n6,156\n \ncars\n sold. Nearly 14,514 units of the Proton Saga have been sold in 2022.\nIn second place is the \nProton X50\n \nwith \n4,329 units\n sold in August 2022. Over the last three consecutive months, sales of the X50 has exceeded 4,000 units each month. Proton says this is the first time an SUV has achieved such numbers in Malaysia.\nAlso contributing to the 15,880 units sold in August 2022 are \n2,612 units\n of the \nProton Persona\n, \n1,555 units\n of the \nProton X70\n, \n962 units\n of the \nProton Iriz\n, and \n266 units\n of the \nProton Exora\n. Proton reports an estimated market share of 23.7% for August with an estimated total industry volume (TIV) of 66,990 units. As for the year-to-date (YTD) market share, Proton reports 19.5%.\nRELATED: \nProton adds new \u2018kosong-spec\u2019 Standard Lite variant to Saga line-up, RM38k\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cWith four months to go in 2022, PROTON production operations have stabilised. Critically, our component supply is now more consistent and better managed to ensure we can produce as many cars as possible.\nWith that in mind, we have undertaken an initiative to increase the number of delivery trucks by over 100% by the end of the year. This makes it easier to ensure our dealers receive their stock as quickly as possible and in turn, this benefits our customers who have been patiently waiting for their vehicles.\u201d\nRELATED: \n2022 Proton Exora launched \u2013 RM3k pricier, but what\u2019s new?\nProton will be officially relaunching in South Africa this month, building on the continuous export growth of the brand. From January to August 2022, Proton has exported 4,040 cars. In August alone, Proton exported 938 cars, its highest export number since March 2013.\nOn the matter of exports, Proton\u2019s CEO said, \u201cProton\u2019s export sales continue to reach new heights every month and is a testament to how the brand is winning over new customers beyond its home market. Export sales are vital to the company achieving its long-term goals and helps improve the balance of trade for Malaysia while showcasing the quality and ingenuity of Malaysian vendors.\u201d"
"The timing couldn\u2019t have been better. As it celebrates its 40th birthday, the latest version of the Triton/L200 has been rolled out in Bangkok, Thailand, with sales commencing locally on the 17th of November.\nThe new Mitsubishi Triton will subsequently go one sale in another 150 countries \u2013 covering the ASEAN markets, Oceania region, Middle East, Europe, Africa and Latin America.\n\u201cThe new model brings enhancements to the durability, reliability and comfort developed over the 40 years since the introduction of the series.\u00a0I am fully confident the new Triton/L200 will meet the diverse needs and wishes of our customers around the world,\u201d said Mitsubishi Motors CEO Osamu Masuko.\nBuilt on the \u201cEngineered Beyond Tough\u201d concept, the biggest change perhaps lies in the front end of the pick-up. It features the new-generation \u201cDynamic Shield\u201d design concept, with Bi-LED projector headlamps for a more imposing presence. The headlamps in itself are positioned higher \u2013 700mm off the ground \u2013 so they wouldn\u2019t be submerged and malfunction in the flood.   On the side, its wheel arches are noticeable flared, with options of 16 to 18-inch wheels and tyre sizes up to 265/60. As for size, the new Triton is 10mm longer, from 5,280 mm to 5,290 mm and is 15 kg lighter compared to the current model, with the highest spec weighing 1,815 kg compared to the current VGT Athlete model.\nIn terms of the car\u2019s underpinnings, it houses the 2.4-litre MIVEC VGT engine with similar output figures compared to the current model in Malaysia \u2013 packing\n 181 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque. Transmission-wise, the Triton gets a new 6-speed automatic instead of the previous 5-speed unit for smoother and more refined acceleration, along with a 6-speed manual gearbox.\nUnlike the old Triton, which has already proven that pick-ups can be refined, larger rear dampers have been adopted on the new model for even better damping.   Its 4WD drive system now comes with a new Off-road Mode which has Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock settings. When engaged, Off-road Mode integrally controls engine power, transmission and braking to regulate the amount of wheel slip and thereby maximising all-terrain performance and self-extraction performance in mud or snow.\nEven its list of driver assistance systems have been significantly upgraded. While the old model only had the likes of Active Stability Control and Traction Control to shout about, the new Triton now features Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM),\u00a0Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nIt also comes with the Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) which essentially ensures that you\u2019d never reverse or drive into a wall/car by accident. It\u2019s also equipped Hill Descent Control and a\u00a0\u201cMulti-Around Monitor\u201d that displays a 360-degree view of the car.\nIt\u2019s wise to take note that the specifications mentioned here may vary to the models coming to Malaysia. MMC is projecting to sell 180,000 units of the new and current Tritons this fiscal year.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) will be having an official preview of the New Triton at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2018 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 23rd November to 2nd December.\nMMM will also hold a special display of the new Triton in Johor Bahru. Those who are interested are encouraged to register your interest \nhere\n for display locations and for further information about the new Triton.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite the economic challenges due to the ongoing \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n, the Mitsubishi Triton recorded a positive growth in May with \n483 units sold\n, making it the only pick-up truck to do so.\nThe figure translates to a \n1% sales growth\n compared to the same period last year, during a period where the pick-up truck market is experiencing a downsize of approximately 45%. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) also reported that the Triton now stands at \n28% market share\n since the beginning of its financial year in April 2020.\nAdditionally, MMM also reported that the Triton has maintained a market share of 22% or higher since January this year. The pick-up truck managed 17.8% market share in the same period last year.\n \nWe pitched the Mitsubishi Triton against four other best-selling pick-up trucks in the country to see which is the best. Check it out \nhere\n!\nMMM showrooms and service centres have \nresumed operation\n since the commencement of phase four of the movement control order (MCO). Aside from the health and safety protocols in place at the Mitsubishi outlets to contain the spread of the virus, MMM has also launched the \n\u2018Test Drive 2U\u2019 online service\n to provide a worry-free experience to its customers.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, \u201cWe thank our business partners and customers for playing their part to curb the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the SOPs that have been set for all MMM showrooms. During the recovery phase of the MCO, MMM and its authorized dealers will still continue to follow all SOPs and guidelines strictly.\u201d"
"In just a couple of days since \nproduction of face shields began \nat Proton\u2019s headquarters in Shah Alam, the national carmaker has already started delivering the vital personal protection equipment (PPE) to the medical front line workers.\nThe first batch of \n8,000 face shields\n were shipped out on 16 February to \nhospitals in Kelantan\n. Proton says that the delivery will be followed by other East coast states due to the logistics involved.\nWhile Proton is responsible for the assembly and distribution of the face shields, the company says that it has also received contribution from its vendors in support of the effort. One of such vendor is Pos Logistics, who contributed 2,000 large carton boxes to be used for packing and transportation.\nAutomotive component supplier, HICOM-Teck See Manufacturing Malaysia has also joined in the cause by contributing 1,500 kg of polypropylene, used to produce the frame of the face shields. Polypropylene is one of the main components used in the manufacturing of car bumpers.\nMeanwhile, the original design of the face shield was provided by Universiti Teknologi MARA. Designers at Proton Design took the design and modified based on feedback from end users.\nProton deputy CEO, Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed said, \u201cProton is humbled by the response received both internally and outside of the company to our face shield project. The number of staff volunteering their services was overwhelming, despite inherent risks involved in leaving home and coming to work.\nTherefore, we have taken steps to ensure everybody is kept safe by providing PPEs and maintaining a minimum distance between each work station to maintain social distancing.\u201d\nSince obtaining approval to manufacture face shields during the Movement Control Order, a small team at the Shah Alam plant began designing and testing prototypes with end users, while at the same time planning a production line that is both efficient and safe, in line with the \nCOVID-19\n health protocols.\nManning the production line are 50 Proton personnel, picked from a pool of volunteers, to measure and cut the various components required before assembling the final product. Proton says that 3,000 units of face shields can be produced in a day. The company expects to take approximately 20 days to manufacture the 60,000 units it has committed to deliver.\n\u201cAt the same time, Proton also reached out to our vendor community to get them involved and the response has been heart-warming. Malaysia\u2019s automotive sector has the capability and desire to contribute to the nation\u2019s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and hopefully we can do more in the coming weeks and months to help break the chain of infection,\u201d added Dato\u2019 Radzaif Mohamed."
"Things are getting a little out of hand nowadays with BMW\u2019s new line up. Earlier, the two-door\u00a0BMW 3\u00a0Series has been axed and replaced by the all-new \nBMW 4 Series coupe\n. Now, BMW added more doors onto the 4 Series and call it the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. A four-door 4 Series, shouldn\u2019t that be a 3 Series? Confused? Well, if you think of it as a rival to the Audi A5 Sportback, it makes perfect sense all of a sudden.\nThe 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe isn\u2019t exactly a 3 Series, it is longer, wider, sportier and a better version of the midsize sedan. It is a result of\u00a0combining the sleek profile of a two-door coupe and the practicality of a four-door sedan.\u00a0Its length and width are identical to the 4 Series coupe, except for the extra doors, 12mm higher and 112mm longer roof giving more space to rear passengers. The Gran Coupe comes with a automatic tailgate like Ford Kuga\u2019s. You open the boot by waving your foot under the rear bumper.\nBMW offers five engine options with four-cylinder and six cylinder petrol engines, and four-cylinder diesel engines. The top range model BMW 435i Gran Coupe has a six-cylinder in-line\u00a03.0-liter petrol engine producing 306\u00a0hp. Next comes the 245 hp 428i and the entry level 184 hp 420i.\nAs for the diesel variants, there are the 143 hp 418d and the 184 hp 420d.\u00a0All models runs on the standard rear-wheel drive. The 420d however comes with the option of 4WD xDrive. All engines feature a six-speed manual as standard, but you can opt for an eight-speed automatic.\nThe new 4 Series Gran Coupe will go on sale in the UK on June 21 and will be available in five trim levels; SE, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport. Despite with the extra doors, the price for the Gran Coupe is said to be similar with the Coupe\u2019s.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Japan\u2019s answer to the revered Mercedes-Benz S-Class just got a whole lot more gangster..wait, I mean \nyakuza\n.\nRolls-Royces and Bentleys aside, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class may be known the world over as the car to have in your fleet for the ultimate commuting experience (from the back seat) but in Japan, it\u2019s not an easy walkover for the Germans.\nAnd it\u2019s because of the\n Century\n. At over\n RM700k a piece\n (before taxes and duties) for the latest V8 hybrid model, this isn\u2019t merely a glorified \nCamry\n. It is Japan\u2019s interpretation of luxury where even the historical phoenix emblem on the car \ntakes six weeks to engrave\n.\nMaybe it\u2019s too posh. Maybe its ride is so comfortable and refine, you don\u2019t feel a jolt running over a cow, but TOM\u2019s Racing in Japan had other ideas.\nThey\u2019ve come up with a kit, which includes a completely redesigned front bumper, side step, rear under spoiler and trunk spoiler to make the Century look more suited for those with ill-gained wealth.\nThere are also DRLs on the front bumper and four exhaust tips, aimed at enhancing presence and in TOM\u2019s very own words \u201cto remind the driver behind of this car\u201d.\nIt\u2019s not just exhaust tips TOM\u2019s has added but instead a full exhaust system to improve throttle response and better amplify the rumble of the V8 engine which on its own generates over 500 Nm!\nLooking like this, do you honestly think the S-Class would dwarf the Toyota Century? Not a chance."
"When Nasim launched the 2008 back in 2014, it was literally in a class of its own. At a time before the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nMazda CX-3\n\u00a0were even here, Peugeot had a tough time selling the idea of a crossover to Malaysians. Maybe this time the Pug has a better fighting chance.\nLike before, the 2008 is available in just one variant. It gets minor updates inside and out like the \n208 facelift\n\u00a0and shares the same turbocharged 1.2-litre engine. Priced at RM110k, could this French kid give the Japanese a run for its money? Let\u2019s find out.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 2008 PureTech\nEngine\n1,199cc; turbocharged 3-cylinder\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n110 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n205 Nm @ 1,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM109,888\nNew to the 2008 are the larger front grille with a centre mounted Lion\u2019s badge, redesigned front bumper as well as a new set of \n17-inch alloys\n wrapped in 205/50 profile Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres. The rest remain unchanged.\nThe kit reads halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, halogen fog lamps, power folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals, roof rails and LED tail lamps.   The interior dittos the preceding 2008, beginning with the\u00a0\nPeugeot i-Cockpit\n, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker Arkamys 3D audio sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, fabric upholstery and a panoramic roof.   Under the hood, it gets a new \n1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder PureTech\n that produces a healthy \n110 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an Aisin sourced six-speed slush box. If you\u2019re concerned that this puny 1.2-litre might not be sufficient to carry its own weight, mind you that the larger displacement \nCX-3\n only pushes out \n204 Nm\n.\nArmed with an auto start/stop function, the 2008 has a fuel economy rating of \n4.8 litres per 100 km\n and is said to be able to cover over 1,000 km in a single tank of fuel.\nAs far as safety goes, the 2008 is among the best in class with six airbags, ABS with EBD, BA, ESC, Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR), hill-start assist and ISOFIX mounting points. It even boasts a full \n5-star Euro NCAP safety rating\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nKeen owners of the 2008 can have their car finished in four colours \u2013 Digital White, Ultimate Red, Emerald and Artense Grey. Like the 208, it comes with a 5-Year or 120,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty together with 3-Year complimentary 24-hour Peugeot Roadside Assistance, access to Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership. First 100 buyers of the 2008 will also receive a 3-Year service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR) has just introduced a new 2.0-litre Ingenium engine option for the Jaguar F-Pace SUV. The new engine option will be available in three variants \u2013 Prestige, R-Sport (Mid-Spec) and R-Sport (High-Spec).\nPowered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Ingenium engine, the F-Pace 2.0-litre packs \n246 hp\n and \n365 Nm\n of twist, the latter peaking at 1,200 rpm. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The four-cylinder-powered F-Pace goes from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.8 seconds\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nJaguar F-Pace 2.0L Prestige\nJaguar F-Pace 2.0L R-Sport (Mid-Spec)\nJaguar F-Pace 2.0L R-Sport (Hi-Spec)\nEngine\n1,997 cc; 4-cylinder turbo Ingenium\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n246 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n365 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.8 seconds\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM425,800\nRM476,800\nRM498,800\nKeen drivers will be glad to know that the F-Pace 2.0L comes with Configurable Dynamics that allows the driver to choose their desired settings for throttle response, gearbox and steering to match their driving style and conditions. The system analyses acceleration, cornering, throttle and brake pedal activity to optimise the suspension settings for maximum driving engagement and comfort.   As standard, the F-Pace 2.0L gets full LED headlamps, mesh grille, lower air curtain, LED taillamps and 20-inch alloy wheels; pretty similar to what you get on the F-Pace 3.0L V6. The range-topping R-Sport (Hi-Spec) adds 360-degree Surround Camera System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist as well as a 12.3-inch LCD Instrument Panel Display.\nWith a base price of RM425,800 to RM498,800, the F-Pace 2.0L variants are some RM100k to RM160k\u00a0more affordable (spec for spec) compared to its larger capacity F-Pace 3.0L V6. Naturally, the 1,998cc engine capacity means you\u2019re paying much lower annual road tax too compared to the 2,995cc F-Pace.\nAll Jaguar F-Pace 2.0L Ingenium will come with Jaguar Care Programme which includes a 5-Years Warranty, 5-Years free service and 3-Years roadside assistance. The new F-Pace is now available for order at all Jaguar showrooms nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nJaguar F-Pace 2.0L R-Sport (Hi-Spec)   Jaguar F-Pace 2.0L   Jaguar F-Pace 3.0L V6"
"The downsizing/forced induction route has claimed yet another industry player in what appears to be the way forward in the automotive sphere. The Lexus brand has always been synonymous to large displacement engines with top-level ride and comfort since its, but it\u2019s all changed now with the all-new turbocharged\u00a0\n2015\u00a0Lexus NX\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus NX 200t\u00a0\nLexus NX 200t Premium\nLexus NX 200t Luxury\u00a0\nSegment\nPremium Compact SUV\nEngine\n1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo\n1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo\n1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n insurance)\nRM299,873.80\n\u00a0\nRM331,679.80\nRM352,199.80\n\u00a0\nName\nLexus NX 200t F Sport\nLexus NX 300h\nSegment\nPremium Compact SUV\nPremium Compact SUV\nEngine\n1,988cc; inline 4-cyl twin scroll turbo\n2,494cc; inline 4-cyl; hybrid\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n194 hp\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n210 Nm\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n insurance)\nRM378,875.80\nRM385,063.50\n\u00a0\nWhat\u2019s new, you ask? Besides the NX itself, the introduction of this model officially marks the premium Japanese carmaker\u2019s venture down the \nturbocharging\n scene, bestowing the compact SUV with a newly developed \n2.0-litre twin scroll turbocharged engine\n. But first, let\u2019s walk through the design first, shall we?\nEXTERIOR\nThey say beauty is subjective, but c\u2019mon, this writer believes that, to a certain degree, we can all agree that the NX is one ravishing SUV which didn\u2019t veer too far off from the LF-NX concept two years ago. First things first, the NX sits below the RX in terms of size, and stands at 1,645 mm tall, 4,630 mm long whereas its wheelbase measures 2,660 mm long.   From the front, this SUV gets imbued with the brand\u2019s latest \nL-finesse design\n and dons their signature \u2018Spindle\u2019 grille with LED daytime running lights as standard. Headlights are also fully LED (low and high beam) across the range, save for the base model 200t which gets halogen high beams.\nLike their newer models (read: \nRC 350 and RC F\n), the headlights are fitted with the triple L-shaped LED modules. Interestingly, as Lexus points out, a total of \n78 LEDs\n are used for just the DRLs alone, which is also where the signal indicators are housed.\nSince the \norder books opened last October\n, the F Sport variant became the \nmost well received\n one of the lot, and its styling differs from the rest, starting with the mesh-design Spindle grille. Its bumper is also bolder with metallic finishing, blackened side mirrors, an exclusive 10-spoke dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 235/55 series tyres. Panoramic roof is also exclusive to this variant.\nINTERIOR\nInside the NX is of typical Lexus fashion; classic luxury and top notch build quality smothered with soft touch materials as far as your eyes can see and hands can reach. Upon entry, the driver gets greeted with a metal-faced four-dial gauge cluster with 3D effect.   Move your eyes to the centre and you\u2019ll find their trademark analogue clock. Audio wise, the base and Premium variants get 8-speakers; 10 in the Luxury trim and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound System in the F Sport and 300h variants for all your head-banging shenanigans.\nOther nifty features include a Qi Wireless Charging Tray for compatible smartphones, Remote Touch Interface (RTI) to navigate the 7-inch screen, power reclining rear seats (60:40 configuration; standard on Premium, Luxury and 300h trims).\nThere is a total of five interior colour schemes to choose from, and all variants get leather upholstered seats, although the base model has to make do with synthetic leather. Seats are ventilated and heated across the models, but again, the base model doesn\u2019t benefit from this feature.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood of all NX 200t variants nestles the same, all-new and the brand\u2019s first ever \n2.0-litre twin scroll turbocharged\n engine, producing a respectable \n235 hp\n at 4,800 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. The quintessential century sprint is done in \n7.1 seconds\n for this SUV, with the \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission channeling drive to \nall four wheels\n.\nThe range topping hybrid model however, runs on the familiar \n2.5-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson Cycle\n engine (153hp and 210 Nm) paired to two separate electric motors, making for a combined output of 194 horsepower. The front motor makes 270 Nm whereas the rear motor puts out 139 Nm of torque.\nThis powerplant is paired to Lexus\u2019 \ne-CVT transmission\n that also drives all four wheels. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is done in \n9.2 seconds\n while managing a top speed of \n180 km/h\n.\nThere are three driving modes to select from \u2013 Eco, Normal and Sport \u2013 and is standard on all three variants. Top speed is capped at 200 km/h. In the F Sport trim, you get Adaptive Variable Suspension with performance rods.\nThe NX rides on MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbone setup at the rear as standard. What\u2019s different in the F Sport is it gets sport absorbers and Adaptive Variable Suspension, including an additional drive mode atop the three \u2013 the \nSport+ mode\n.\nSAFETY\nSafety kit on the NX includes Blind Spot Monitoring system, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (both unavailable in base trim), ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, rear view camera and the all important \neight airbags\n as standard. The Luxury trim however, benefits from a bird\u2019s eye, 360-degree view of the car via the display screen.   WHAT ELSE?\nAll Lexus NXs are \nfully imported\n (CBU) from Japan and come with a \nthree-year\n \nor 100,000km\n warranty programme, whichever occurs first.Prices start from \nRM300k\n for the base model NX 200t to \nRM385k\n for the range topping NX 300h hybrid variant. There\u2019s a total of \nseven exterior colours\n to choose from \u2013 Platinum Silver, Fire Agate, Red, Starlight Black, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz and one that\u2019s exclusive to the F Sport, Exceed Blue.\nWith the introduction of this 2.0L turbo engine, we can be rest assured that other models like the IS, ES and GS could very well be next in line to go down the forced induction path paved by\u00a0the NX.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the new Subscribe to Own, the Malaysian car subscription service aims to make car ownership simple, seamless and financially accessible.\nThe new \nSubscribe to Own service\n will allow you to initially subscribe to a new or pre-owned vehicle from the Flux collection. At the end of your subscription, subscribers will have the \noption to purchase the car\n. \nCheck out their vast inventory of vehicles here\n!\nWith the new service, your monthly subscription payments can now also contribute towards the option to purchase the car. There are different \nsubscription plans available \u2013 12, 24 or 36 months\n \u2013 and \nmileage limit package of 1,250 km, 2,000 km or uncapped mileage per month\n for whichever car a subscriber chooses.\nBased on the car and subscription plan selected, Flux sets a unique \nGuaranteed Future Value (GFV)\n for the car where you can purchase at the end of the subscription period \u2013 the shorter the subscription, the higher the GFV.\nThe GFV is predetermined and can be viewed transparently during the checkout process. For this, the subscriber is given \nup to 30 days\n before the end of his/her subscription to decide on whether to purchase the car. If that isn\u2019t flexibility \u2013 we don\u2019t know what is.\nFlux\u2019s \nGFV also includes processing fees for the transfer of ownership\n (such as Puspakom and JPJ charges). Insurance, road tax, maintenance, wear and tear are all covered by Flux during the subscription period, however at the end of it, when subscribers choose to purchase the car, road tax and insurance costs will be borne by the \u201cowner\u201d.\nOn top of that, Flux\u2019s concierge will handle the entire process, so all you have to do is subscribe, sit back and wait for your car to be delivered at your doorstep."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be holding nationwide dealer celebrations in conjunction with the iconic Beetle\u2019s 80th birthday; and everyone is invited.\nThe celebrations will take place on the \n17th of March (Saturday)\n at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships from 11 am till 5 pm. Visitors will be able to test drive the \nBeetle Sport 1.2 TSI\n, enjoy themed activities and refreshments throughout the day.\u00a0\nThose participating in the test drive will also stand a chance to win a lucky draw prize of a \nLEGO Creator Expert Volkswagen Beetle\n at the dealership.\nCustomers will be offered a rebate of RM5,000 for the Beetle, as well as cash rebates of up to RM15,000 on other Volkswagen models. All Volkswagen models registered from the 1st of January 2018 come with a 3-year (or 45,000 km whichever comes first) free maintenance package.\nIn recent news, Volkswagen announced at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show that the Beetle will not be replaced once the current generation goes out of production. Instead, the baton will be passed on to the Kombi \u2013 a production model of the Volkswagen ID Buzz Concept \u2013 as the retro-styled model in Volkswagen\u2019s line-up.\nImage Credit: \nLEGO\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton today announced that the \nhighly-anticipated Proton X50\n will be \navailable for booking starting tomorrow\n. Aside from the attractive appearance of the compact SUV and the new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, what stood out to us the most is the inclusion of \nLevel 2 autonomous driving\n on the range-topping Flagship variant.\nThe new advanced driver assistance features on the all-new Proton X50 is actually one step up from its \nlarger sibling, the X70\n, which only comes equipped with a Level 1 autonomous driving suite. So what exactly are the differences between the two levels? Read on to know the full lowdown!\nLevel 1 Autonomous Driving\nLevel 1, as the name suggests, is the most basic type of autonomous driving, where the driver is still required to control most aspects of driving. Specific functions such as steering or accelerating can be done automatically by the car, though not simultaneously.\nThe two higher-end variants of the Proton X70 come equipped with \nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\n, where the vehicle automatically keeps a safe predetermined distance and speed behind the car ahead, and will automatically slow down the vehicle if the car in front gets too near, reducing fatigue during longer journeys.\n \nHowever, the X70 only comes with a basic lane departure warning, which gives the driver an audible warning when it detects that the vehicle is swerving out of the lane, and does not carry out any corrective measures. Drivers will still have to steer the car, which only qualifies it as a level 1 autonomous driving system.\nLevel 2 Autonomous Driving\nAt this level, the vehicle is capable of controlling the steering, accelerating, and braking by itself with no human input required. However, it is important to keep in mind that the X50 with level 2 autonomous driving is not a fully automated driving machine yet, and the driver is still required to take control of the car at any given time.\nWhile Proton remains tight-lipped on the details of the advanced driver assistance features on the Proton X50, the mention of a level 2 system means that it is pretty-much a given that the new compact SUV will feature some form of \nLane-Keeping Assist (LKA)\n in addition to the ACC functionality.\nImages shown are from the Geely Bin Yue\nThe advance driving assistance suite will bring the Proton X50 in line with the \nGeely Bin Yue\n \u2013 which it is based upon \u2013 over in China. Using a combination of a millimetre-wave radar and high-definition cameras, the Proton X50 should be capable of\u00a0following vehicles in lane at speeds of up to\u00a0\n150 km/h\n,\u00a0and can even perform lane changes automatically!\nThe advanced driver assistance suite on the Proton X50 should also include the parking assistant feature for parallel parking sports, along with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Other standard safety and assistance features include a 360-degree around-view monitor and tyre pressure monitoring system on the two higher-end variants.\nAutonomous technology and advanced driver assistance features have really come a long way, and we\u2019re finally seeing it trickle down into more affordable models available to the masses. However, we can\u2019t stress enough that these systems cannot be taken for granted, and you as a driver should always have your hands on the steering wheel no matter how advance these systems are, and to also keep your eyes on the road.\nWill the level 2 autonomous driving feature be the final nail in the coffin for its competitors? Let us know your thoughts in the comment sections below!"
"Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) will become a key assessment element in the upcoming ASEAN NCAP test protocol, set to be in effect starting from 2021. The upcoming protocol will be a significant improvement over the current suite, which awards points based only on the availability, instead of the effectiveness of the system.\nUnder the new protocol, AEB will be tested in two separate categories \u2013 City and Inter-Urban \u2013 with the following car-to-car scenarios:\nAEB City\n \u2013 Assessed vehicle is driven forward at a speed of 10-60 km/h towards another stationary vehicle.\nAEB Inter-Urban\n \u2013 assessed vehicle is driven forward at a speed of 30-60 km/h towards another vehicle that is travelling at constant speed.\nThe forthcoming ASEAN NCAP protocol currently does not include AEB tests for pedestrians, cyclists, and low-visibility situations.\nThe third assessment protocol (2021-2025) will comprise of four main pillars \u2013 \nAdult Occupant Protection\n (AOP), \nChild Occupant Protection\n (COP), \nSafety Assist\n(SA) and \nMotorcyclist Safety\n (MS) \u2013 with the last in the list being the latest addition.\nThe testing of the AEB systems will fall under the SA domain, while blind spot monitor and auto high beam systems will be categorised under the MS domain. The four pillars will have a weightage of 40% for AOP, 20% for COP, 20% for SA, and 20% for MS.\nIn order to strengthen the assessment procedure, ASEAN NCAP recently conducted a two-day AEB development tests in conjunction with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), on the 15th-16th July 2020 at the Sg. Besi Airstrip.\nThis was the second development test conducted by ASEAN NCAP for the third assessment protocol, the first held back in 2018 for the development of the assessment procedure for blind-spot monitoring technologies.\nThe \nrecently-updated Perodua Myvi\n comes equipped with an improved advanced driver assistance suite, which supports AEB at up to 80 km/h.\nMIROS Director-General, who also acts as ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General and Acting Chairman, Prof. Ir. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim said, \u201cI am proud that ASEAN NCAP with the support from MIROS has successfully organized this development test in our effort to enhance our capacity and capability in AEB testing.\n\u201cAs technologies such as AEB becomes more mature, it is timely that we perform the actual physical assessment of the system and elevate our current assessment from just rewarding points on its availability inside the vehicle,\u201d he added."
"Before, it was a matter of putting your manual transmission into first gear, hold the throttle and release the clutch at its very sweet spot and off you go. Now, simply fiddle with some switches, foot hard on the throttle and release the brakes held by your left foot and the horizon rushes towards you.\nPossibly seeing a need to educate its customers on how to execute the perfect launch off the line, the good people at BMW M have put together an instruction video, guided by Stefan Landmann, class-winner of the 24-Hour Nurburgring 2011, to go through the launch control procedures in your M car.\nBefore getting too eager with the system though, all M car owners out there should always let the engine warm up a little \u2013 let it reach its optimal working temperature (indicators are by the redline) before you make the engine scream to your heart\u2019s content."
"Debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March, Lamborghini\u2019s Gallardo replacement called the \nHuracan\n has now officially launched by\n JH Italia Sdn. Bhd.\n here in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The Gallardo has been the most successful Lamborghini to date, so the Huracan really has some big shoes to fill.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLAMBORGHINI HURACAN LP610-4\nSegment\nSupercar\nEngine\n5.2-liter V10\nTransmission\n7-speed dual-clutch LDF\u00a0\u00a0(Lamborghini Doppia Frizione)\nMax Power\n610 hp @ 8,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n560 Nm @ 6,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM 2,100,000 (with tax)\n \n\u00a0\nThe smallest model in the Lamborghini family has always been providing drivers with a more accessible performance from the illustrated Italian brand, compared to the full-blown V12 in the flagship Aventador.\nEven so, it is still a Lamborghini through and through. All new from the ground up, even the V10 engine in the \nHuracan\n is claimed to be a new unit and different than the one in the outgoing Gallardo.\nEXTERIOR\n \nThe Huracan can\u2019t be mistaken for anything else other than a Lamborghini. All the styling cues from the bigger Aventador is present in the Huracan and it looks equally sinister too.   Everything is sharp on the Huracan, even the full-\nLED headlamps\n with \u201cdouble-Y\u201d daytime running lights can cast a piercing stare to anyone nearby. The gaping air intakes in the front bumpers are filled with a hexagonal mesh complete with 3D texture on the mesh itself.\nThe wing mirrors continue the sharp theme, but the doors open conventionally unlike the scissor-doors that are reserved for the V12 Aventador. There are two air intakes on each side, the bigger top intake feeds air to the engine, while the smaller lower intake feeds the brakes.\nWheels are\n 20-inch\n but stagerred, the rear wheels are 2.5-inch wider than the fronts and they are wrapped in \n245/30 R20\n and \n305/30 R20\n Pirelli rubbers front and back.\nAt the back, it features \nLED taillights\n, and those huge quad tailpipes will deliver the noise you can only expect to come from a Lamborghini. The particular model shown here during the launch have a slatted engine cover, but there\u2019s option to showcase the V10 heart under a clear see-through engine cover.\nINTERIOR\n \nThe fine cockpit is trimmed in leather and Alcantara, from the seats and even to the dashboard top. Some of the basic controls have been reorganized, such as the turn indicator and wiper switches now reside on the steering wheel as opposed to the normal stalks.   The steering wheel itself is very compact with flat bottom base. There you can also find the \nANIMA\n switch for the drive mode, \nStrada\n, \nSport\n, or \nCorsa\n. Behind the wheel, a\n 12.3-inch\n full-color\n TFT screen\n is used to display the rev counter and other vital vehicle information including the navigation map.\nA smaller screen displaying oil temperature and battery information sit in between the dash and the raised center console. Just below it there\u2019s a row of toggle switches for the windows and others, but the main centerpiece has to be the engine start/stop button complete with a bright red flip-top cover.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nAlthough the Huracan is not a hybrid car, the chassis of the Huracan is. A combination of \ncarbonfibre and aluminium\n \nchassis\n makes it a stiff construction, and it also contributes to the supreme power-to-weight ratio of just\n 2.33 kilograms per horsepower\n.\nThe Huracan LP610-4 gets its power from a \nnaturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10\n with \nIniezione Diretta Stratificata\n (IDS) that combines direct and indirect injections. As the name suggested, it delivers \n610 hp\n at 8,250 rpm and \n560 Nm\n of torque at 6,500 rpm to all four wheels.\nThe new\n 7-speed Lamborghini Doppia Frizione\n (LDF) dual-clutch gearbox is the first to be fitted in a Lamborghini. The gearbox works in conjunction with the driving mode selected by the driver.\nSprint from\n 0-100 km/h\n takes only\n 3.2 seconds\n and the\n top speed\n is said to be over \n325 km/h\n. Stopping power is provided by \ncarbon ceramic brakes\n with\n six-pot calipers\n at the front and \nfour-pot calipers\n at the rear.\nLike most new cars nowadays, the Huracan also comes with \nStop & Start technology\n as a measure to reduce its fuel consumption. In case you\u2019re wondering, the \nfuel consumption\n is rated at\n 12.5 l/100 km\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\n \nTo date, 2,500 units of the Huracan have been spoken for and Mr. Sebastien Henry, Head of Operations, South East Asia Pacific for Automobili Lamborghini mentioned that there are already 20 orders in Malaysia even before the car is launched.\nWith this official launch event and the availability of the first right-hand drive Huracan here, he is confident that the numbers will keep on increasing. The on-the-road price has not been finalised yet, but the \nHuracan\n is expected to cost at least a cool \nRM 2.1 million\n.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve seen that one Grand Tour episode which took place in China, you would\u2019ve probably heard of this little marque called Hongqi. The name translates literally to \u201cRed Flag\u201d, a nod to the Chinese Communist Party, and they predominantly make huge, expensive luxobarges \u2013 the flagship Hongqi LS5 is even used to\n ferry their President \nfor official purposes.\nWell, not just luxobarges now it seems, because the Chinese carmaker has just unveiled a 1,400 hp PHEV hypercar called the S9 at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show.\nThe Hongqi S9 is the first fruit of the partnership between FAW, Hongqi\u2019s parent company, and Silk EV, an\u00a0Italian engineering and design startup. And the man responsible for the retro-yet-futuristic design is none other than legendary Italian car designer, Walter De Silva, whose famous works include the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Egoista.\nAs you can see from the images above, the S9 exhibits a somewhat European styling, with a sleek silhouette emphasised by the elongated tail. But according to De Silva, it\u2019s not all just looks.\n\u201cWe designed the shapes and technical surfaces skilfully until we reached the point of maximum balance between aerodynamics, proportions and beauty,\u201d he said. \u201cNo detail was left to chance in order to complete the body shape of the Hongqi S9 with an aesthetic language of essential, dynamic lines. The end result reveals a timeless, athletic styling that defines the Essence of Beauty.\u201d\nThe clearest example of what De Silva calls a \u201cmaximum balance\u201d can be seen on the headlights, which doubles as integrated air intakes to channel fresh air into the hybrid engine. Other standout features include the exposed carbon fibre aero bits, as well as the electrochromic windows that vary in tint intensity to improve energy consumption.\nNone of the images provided gives a clear view of the interior, but Hongqi said in the press release that the cabin is designed for \u201cmaximum comfort\u201d and luxury. Highlights include three touchscreen displays \u2013 two for the driver and one for the passenger, adjustable interior lighting, and a low-speed air humidifier-purifier system.\nAt the heart of the Hongqi S9 is a twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain, which pairs a V8 situated midship with three electric motors for a total system output of 1,044 kW (1,400 hp). The bonkers power output translates to a century sprint time of just 1.9 seconds, onward to an insane top speed of 400 km/h.\nThe batteries can provide a pure electric range of around 40 km, and can also be topped up in a matter of minutes, which means the S9 can essentially be driven purely by electric power when in the city. When it comes to the racetrack though, a flip of a button (to change the driving mode) instantly changes the Hongqi S9 into a completely different beast.\nOnly 99 units of the Hongqi S9 will ever be made, with base prices starting at around the RMB10 million region (~RM6 mil). Production will take place simultaneously in China and Italy.\nWalter De Silva calls the Hongqi S9 the \n\u201cIl nuovo lusso\n\u201c, which translates roughly to \u201cnew luxury\u201d or \u201creimagined luxury\u201d. To us, it\u2019s the best blend of Italian sexiness and China\u2019s insane technologies. What do you think?\nGALLERY"
"The \nall-new Perodua Myvi\n\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) was the talk of the town when Perodua pulled off the wraps of the fourth-generation hatchback. Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Front Departure Alert (FDA) and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC) all for the price of RM55k? If this isn\u2019t the bargain of the century, I don\u2019t know what is.\nIt\u2019s no surprise that the nation\u2019s favourite hatchback topped sales charts once again with over 20,000 bookings secured within the first month of its official debut \u2013 and Perodua is projecting a monthly sales target of 6,000 units \nonly\n. Many went for the \nrange-topping 1.5 Advance\n not only for its range of premium features but also for the ASA. But before you drive-off happily thinking you\u2019ll always have the ASA safety net there to save you, you have to understand \nwhat it can and cannot do\n.\nThe ASA is taken off from \nDaihatsu\u2019s first-generation Smart Assist\n which was first equipped (for a compact vehicle) on the Daihatsu Move back in 2012. However, on the Move, it adopts a laser radar instead of the more accurate stereo camera on the Myvi. Only on later-generations, the Smart Assist II and Smart Assist III did Daihatsu adopt a stereo camera. Perhaps for future upgrades?\nWhile Daihatsu did not have a fancy name each individual function, it works exactly the same as the Myvi\u2019s ASA:\nDaihatsu Smart Assist\nPerodua ASA\nOperation Object\nVehicle Speed Range\nLow-speed crash avoidance\n\u00a0\nPre-Collision Braking\nFor vehicles\nAvoid crash: 4 \u2013 20 km/h\nReduce damage: 20 \u2013 30 km/h\nPre-Collision Warning\n4 \u2013 30 km/h\nInforms of motion of vehicle in front\nFront Departure Alert\n0 km/h\nGas pedal misoperation control\nPedal Misoperation Control\n< 10 km/h; obstacle within 4 meters\nPCB and PCW are operable at speeds of\n 4 to 30 km/h\n, essentially city speeds. Using a stereo camera, the system detects large objects upfront and sends an audible warning to the driver when an imminent collision is detected. Should there be no input (steer or brake) from the driver, the car \nautomatically engages the brakes\n to bring the complete stop if the difference in speed between you and the car in front is \nbelow 20 km/h\n. If the relative speed difference is \nbetween 20 \u2013 30 km/h\n, the system will \nonly assist in reducing damage and not necessarily avoid the crash altogether\n.\n \nBesides that, the PCB will only operate \nthree times per engine start\n. I repeat, three times only. Meaning to say that if the PCB has activated on three separate occasions during your journey, the system will not engage the fourth time. The only way for PCB to operate again is by restarting the engine which resets the counter to three again. If this was Super Mario arcade, you only have three lives for every token you put in.\nLastly, the stereo camera on the Myvi has been programmed to detect \nsizable\n vehicles and not pedestrians or motorcycles. So, you must still be on the lookout for jaywalkers and weaving motorcyclist.\nIf you\u2019re thinking that the Perodua is shortchanging you by giving you a \u201csubpar\u201d product, it is far from the case. Imagine this, if you require the PCW and PCB to warn you more than three separate occasions on a single journey, you should really reevaluate your driving style or take a break from driving. Having the full suite of ASA dramatically enhances the overall safety of the car but we as responsible drivers should never take these advanced safety features for granted and rely on it all the time.\nShould you still get the top spec Myvi with ASA? My honest opinion is if you have the means, absolutely. Regardless whether the Autonomous Emergency Braking works three times or twenty times, as long as it avoids a collision once, its money well spent. Besides, better to have the system than not.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 Advance (AT)"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) has just launched the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara as the successor to the ever popular Navara D40 with the help of International Trade and Industry Minister II, Dato Seri Ong Ka Chuan,\u00a0who was accompanied by President of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Dato\u2019 Tan Heng Chew.\nThe NP300\u2019s predecessor surfaced a few years back and has been received with open arms here. Such is the eager anticipation of the NP300 that ETCM has recorded over\n 1,000\n orders on the book, and bear in mind those people did so without knowing the exact price figures. The NP300 has been teased for so long that till the official unveiling this morning, the prices were kept under lock and key, so Tan Chong says.\nQUICK FACTS\nNissan NP300 Navara\nGrade VL\nGrade V\nGrade SE (AT)\nGrade SE (MT)\nGrade E\nSingle Cab\nEngine\n2,488cc; inline-4 DOHC with Variable Geometry System; Commonrail Injection (YD25DDTi)\nTransmission\n7-speed Auto with Manual Mode\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n190 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n163 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n403 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nSuspension\nIndependent Double Wishbone (Front), Multi-Link with Shocks (Rear)\nDouble Wishbone (Front), Multi-Leaf with Shocks\nPrice\nRM120,800\nRM109,800\nRM102,800\nRM97,800\nRM89,800\nRM79,000\nEXTERIOR\nAt the front,\u00a0there\u2019s a brand new pair of \nheadlamps\n which are angular in design and features the\n boomerang-shaped LED DRLs\u00a0\n(only for the range-topper VL variant). Also exclusive to the VL trim are LED headlights, where the rest settles for halogen bulbs.\u00a0The combination of these two work really well together with the redesigned 3D-like signature\n V-Motion grille\n which in turn makes the NP300 stand out.\nSpeaking of aesthetics, the NP300 always does away with the wheels from its predecessor and now sports a set of 18-inch wheels. There now exists more muscular lines on the Navara which does the trick of\u00a0\naccentuating\n\u00a0the truck\u2019s \ngo-anywhere attitude\n and capability. From the \nwheel arches\n to the \nroof-railings\n; it all seems to work well as far as looks go. Interestingly, the NP300 sports something on the tailgate that one would normally find on boy-racer\u2019s cars \u2013 a spoiler. Yes, you read that right. This pick-up truck trots a spoiler. Now, word from Nissan is that the spoiler is there to improve the aerodynamics of the car.   Other bits new to the Navara is the amount of chrome trimming sthat can be specified (sadly it\u2019s a cost option) in and around the car. Apart from that, the Np300 comes with roof rails which Nissan says add to the aesthetic appeal and the same time improves the aerodynamics of the truck. They are also capable of supporting load of up to \n56kgs\n. A quick browse through the options list and you\u2019ll discover upon \nPro-Form Tango Sport Lid\n as an option amongst others.\nINTERIOR\nNissan has indeed pushed the boat out with this all-new model. The target in mind was to make the Navara more car-like in nature. The interior has been given a new lease of life starting with the seats. Nissan says that the \nZero Gravity Inspired Seats\n are redesigned to offer improved \nergonomics\n and greater alertness, which is great for safety and\u00a0can trace their inspirations to\u00a0technology inspired by\u00a0\nNASA\n. One small step for Nissan, one giant leap for safety? Regardless of how you look at it, good seats can \nmake or break\n a car. Naturally, the seats come additional \nlumbar\n support which means your chiropractor will start to miss you.   Back to the point of the Navara\u2019s\u00a0\ncar-like feel\n:\u00a0hop in the back seats and you\u2019ll immediately notice the \nrear air-conditioning vents\n and pop-out \ncup holders\n. Not only that, but the \nangle\n of the rear seats have been \nracked\n back further for a more \ncosseting\n feel. There\u2019s also a host of \nISOFIX\n child seat restrainers, which is a good touch and certainly does boil back to the Navara\u2019s intention of being less of a \nutilitarian\n pick-up truck.\nThe driver is not left perched up there without luxuries. The NP300 comes with a \nfive-inch full colour LCD\n screen for the\n\u00a0GPS navigation\n\u00a0and \ninfotainment\n system. Additionally, the\n Advanced Drive Assist Display\n (ADAD) located right smack in the middle of both the rev counter and speedo provides a slew of \ninfo\n for the driver. The steering wheel is littered with buttons that can do a host of different tasks from making a \nhandsfree phone call\n to setting the\n cruise control\n. From the smallest detail such as the chunky chrome door handle, the \nauto-dimming\n rear view mirror, to the \nPush Start\n button, you get the distinct feeling that this truck is itching to shed its image and blossom.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Navara headlines in this respect when you consider the fact that this truck comes with a seven-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (VL,V and SE variants) \u2013 an industry first for the Navara. Not only that but the new\n 2.5-litre YD25DDTi Variable Geometry System\n (VGS) is available in two different states of tune. The top-shelf VL model will get \n187hp\n and a whopping \n450 Nm\n of twisting force. The rest of the range will get \n160 hp\n that\u2019s followed closely by \n403 Nm\n of torque. Not bad considering that the\n 15:1\n compression ratio is helped along by the VGS turbochargers which should make for spritely driving.\nThe biggest change here on this all-new Navara is the fact that Nissan has elected to go with the bold move of chucking the conventional leaf-spring set up for much more modern and sophisticated\n multi-link suspension\n setup which should really lend a helping hand in Nissan\u2019s quest in making the Navara more car-like in nature. Now, this change only affects the \ndouble cab\n version of the all-new NP300. The more utilitarian\n single cab\n version still retains the\n leaf spring setup\n as it immediately makes it more affordable for buyers with rough use solely and firmly in mind. Multi-link suspension doesn\u2019t quite withstand heavy-duty work as well as leaf springs will.\nThe Navara also comes with a \nShift-On-The-Fly\n type 4\u00d74 mode selector that is conveniently located in the lower dashboard. This system can switched from \n2H\n to \n4H\n whilst driving at speeds not exceeding \n100km/h\n, however Nissan says that if you were shift it up to \n4L\n (Low Range) it be best if you pulled over and did it. After all the transfer box is a complicated bit of cog wheels and machinery. Speaking of the muddy bits, the Navara comes with brilliant ground clearance with an \napproach angle\u00a0\nof\n \n31 degrees\n and a departure angle of\u00a0\n25.6 degrees\n, making it quite the\u00a0off-roader. Couple that with the fact that it has\n 230mm\n of clearance makes this a winner for most.\nSAFETY\nThe Navara comes loaded to the brim with a whole bunch safety equipments that, if we\u2019re honest are unheard of for a truck.\n Vehicle Dynamic Control\n (VDC), \nElectronic Brake Force Distribution\n and \nBrake Assist\n are among many that call the NP300 home. But of them all, a feature that stands out most is the\u00a0\nHDC\n or \nHill Decent Control\n which is an electronic program that applies the brakes when traction is lost. Brilliant for off-roading. That system is coupled up with the \nHSA\n or \nHill Start Assist\n.\nInterestingly too, this Mother Trucker comes bolted with \nABLS\n or Active Brake Limited Slip with a clever bit electronics and sensors that detect loss of traction and will send power to wheels that do have traction. Needless to say, this program works hand in hand with the HDC program. The NP300 comes with\n two airbags\n as standard.\nWHAT ELSE ?\nThe all-new Navara comes with a\n 3-year\n or \n100,000km\n warranty, whichever comes first. In terms of paint, you\u2019ve four options namely \nTungsten Silver\n,\n Diamond Black\n, \nBrilliant White\n and \nSavanna Orange\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan NP300 Navara Single Cab & Grade E   Nissan NP300 Navara SE (MT & AT); Grade V   Nissan NP300 Navara VL"
"The \nTesla Model S Plaid\n has just beaten the \nPorsche Taycan Turbo S\n again to reclaim the production EV lap record at the \nN\u00fcrburgring Nords\nchl\neife\n.\nAccording to the official list on N\u00fcrburgring\u2019s own website, the Tesla Model S Plaid \u2013 equipped with the new Track Package option \u2013 completed the 20.832 km loop in \n7 minutes and 25.231 seconds\n. The new time beats the \nprevious record held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo S\n by over eight seconds.\nThe new time also improved upon \nits old record\n by nearly 10 seconds, courtesy of the new Track Package that promises the \u201cultimate track experience\u201d courtesy of its mechanical upgrades.\nThese include the new 20-inch lightweight forged aluminium wheels wrapped in sticky \u2018track-ready\u2019 Goodyear Supercar 3R tyres, as well as upgraded brakes consisting of new carbon-silicon carbide brake rotors, high-performance brake fluid, plus new six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers with \u201chigh-performance\u201d brake pads.\nIn addition to actual mechanical upgrades, the Track Package also tweaks the car\u2019s software to unlock a new 322 km/h (200 mph) top speed. The record-breaking car also features a round steering wheel, in place of the steering \njoke\n yoke.\n \nTesla and Porsche have been busy duking it out at N\u00fcrburgring recently, with the production EV title already changing hands between them multiple times over the last few years \u2013 and it\u2019s set to happen again very, very soon.\nDespite having only set the record last Friday, the Tesla Model S Plaid\u2019s new lap time has already reportedly been beaten by the German marque, according to an \nInstagram post \nby YouTuber and N\u00fcrburgring expert, Misha Charoudin.\n\u201cAnyway, whatever it is, this Plaid\u2019s record is already broken anyway. I can only guess that announcement will follow on 75th birthday of someone/something or anytime soon,\u201d Charoudin said at the end of a post commenting on the Model S\u2019 latest lap record.\nThe \u201c75th birthday of someone/something\u201d obviously refers to Porsche, which is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, at an event later today (8 June). If Charoudin\u2019s comments hold any water, then Tesla\u2019s latest lap record will only be held for a couple of days.\nPorsche has been photographed recently at the N\u00fcrburgring testing what appears to be a higher-performance version of the Taycan, with improved aerodynamics and reportedly over 1,000 hp of output. The German carmaker could be using the event today to stage its debut.\nRELATED: \nPorsche spent three years updating its crest. if you can even spot the differences"
"Volvo\u2019s current SUV line-up has been in the market for quite some time now and it\u2019s about time the Swedish marque introduce a new generation of its XC models. Well, here\u2019s what Volvo has come up with, Volvo Concept XC Coupe, the future of XC90, XC60 and the new XC40.\nThis new concept is inspired by the design of modern sports equipment. A\u00a0sophisticated and capable car for people with an active lifestyle.\u00a0\u201cThose who love gravity sports freely seek new thrills and challenges. To ensure that they make it back in one piece, they prefer high-performance equipment that offers the ultimate sense of freedom and protection,\u201d says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group.\n\u201cThe Volvo Concept XC Coup\u00e9 is perfectly in tune with this active lifestyle. Its capability and protection is cleverly integrated into the sophisticated looks. Concept XC Coup\u00e9 is ready and willing to bring you into the adventure zone and back,\u201d he adds.\nSome of the significant designs are the floating grille, T-shaped LED in the headlights, new rear light design, chunky side sills, 21-inch wheels and front and rear skid plates. This new concept may look like a replacement of the XC60, however this is in fact a glimpse of how the new XC90 will look. The largest XC in the SUV line-up will be reveal\u00a0at the Paris Motor Show in September.\nInside the car, it features\u00a0an Android-based Sensus Connected Touch infotainment system\u00a0via a tablet-sized central touchscreen. It allows you to download apps straight to the car. Among many other safety features in the new XC models, autobrake system that detects pedestrians in the dark and the ability to autonomously\u00a0follow the car in front.\nUnder the hood, only a four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines across all XC models including the large XC90. Its superchargered\u00a0petrol engine produces 302bhp. Hybrid versions of the same engine get 400bhp with a massive 600Nm of torque. All we need to do now is wait for the new Volvo XC90 which will be unveiled this September in Paris.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nfacelifted Ford Ranger T6\n has finally made its way here to Malaysia, with official distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) offering the popular pickup in three flavours \u2013 XL, XLT and range topping Wildtrak variants. Pricing starts from RM91,588 for the XL, RM101,388 for the XLT and RM132,188 for the \nWildtrak\n.\nEXTERIOR\nChanges to the design are mostly subtle, but distinguishable nonetheless, starting with the \nnew front fascia\n. The hood gets a minor tweak, featuring more prominent lines and the headlights are also new and similar to those seen on the \nnew Everest\n. \nThe grille is bolder\n than ever with generous amount of chrome, and capping off the new look is the \nredesigned fog lamps\n.\n \n \nAs for the Wildtrak, all the chrome bits you see on the XLT are finished in what Ford calls \nliquid metallic grey\n, accentuating its ruggedness. This includes the grille, door handles, side mirrors, bed rails and even the tail lamps. It also sits on a \nlarger set of wheels\n \u2013 18-inches to be exact. The Wildtrak\u2019s exclusive \u2018Pride Orange\u2019 paint scheme is also carried forward.\nINTERIOR\nStepping inside the Ranger is altogether a less rugged affair. Its \nclass-leading build and ride quality\n are both retained, followed by a sleek new dashboard. The XLT variant settles for Ford\u2019s SYNC head unit with a\n 4.2-inch display\n, whereas the Wildtrak gets a \nhuge 8-inch touchscreen head unit\n powered by Microsoft\u2019s new-generation SYNC 2 software.   All Rangers get an all-new \nElectric Power Assisted Steering\n, and along with it a new pair of TFT screens built into the instrument cluster. They display information such as vehicle status, GPS navigation and air conditioning controls. Also new here is Ford\u2019s \nMyKey system\n which allows programming for maximum speed limit, seatbelt reminder and even maximum volume of the audio system.\nAt the back, the Ranger gets a first-in-class \n230V three-pin AC socket\n next to a 12V DC outlet. The former, Ford says, is capable of\n charging laptops\n or even \npower a mini refrigerator\n! Other features include front and rear parking sensors including a rear view camera.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs per the previous Ranger, two diesel engines are at duty \u2013 a \n2.2-litre four-cylinder\n and \n3.2-litre five-cylinder Duratorq TDCi\n engines. They make\n 158 hp\n and\n 385 Nm\n of torque (10 hp and 10 Nm more than the pre-facelift Ranger) for the smaller engine, while the larger engine makes the same \n197 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque which is the same as before. However, the Wildtrak\u2019s engine gets a \nnew exhaust gas recirculation system\n which helps \nimprove fuel efficiency\n by up to 12 percent.\n \n \nTasked with sending all that power to the wheels is either a \nsix-speed manual\n or \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission.\nSAFETY\nOne of the best performing areas of the Ranger has always been its safety features. This time it\u2019s fitted with \nsix airbags\n (Wildtrak only), Forward Alert, \nAdaptive Cruise Control\n, and Lane Keeping Aid. The Lane Keeping Aid system works via a front-facing camera built into the rear-view mirror, and kicks in by applying steering torque to correct driving direction. Complementing this system is Ford\u2019s \nLane Departure Warning system\n that warns the driver through vibration of the steering wheel.\nThere\u2019s also Hill Launch Assist, Adaptive Load Control and Emergency Brake Assist on top of the typical three-lettered acronyms.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAgain, the facelifted Ranger T6 is priced from RM91,588 to RM132,188. There are \nsix colours\n to choose from \u2013 Pride Orange, Cool White, Metropolitan Grey, Aluminium Metallic, Black Mica and Aurora Blue. The pickup will be on display at Ford\u2019s Tough Done Smarter Experiential Test Drive event held at \nCentral Park Avenue\n,\n One Utama\n which will be held from 9 to 11 October. The good news is, those of you interested will not need to make prior bookings. Admission is also free.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Ranger 2.2 XLT   Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak"
"Apart from the progress of sketching to \nprototype\n development and finalised design, not much has been shared by Nissan on the heart of the commemorative \nNissan GT-R50 by Italdesign\n.\nNismo\n, together with Nissan Technical Centre (NTC), have now shared their build list for bumping up the power outputs of the \n3.8-litre VR38DETT\n engine in the \nNissan GT-R Nismo\n model from 600 hp to \n720 hp\n.\nPushing out an additional \n120 hp\n (this is even more than what the new \nAlmera Turbo\n has!) requires more than just a pair of new turbochargers and an ECU (engine control unit) upgrade. Nismo listed new items specifically just for this project that includes exhaust system plus catalysers, pistons, connecting rods, connecting pins, crankshaft, camshafts, intercooler and associated plumbing, intake manifold and air filter casings.\nMore energy also means more requirements of fuel, thus new fuel injectors and a higher-flow fuel pump are also part of the upgrade \u201crecipe\u201d. Nismo and NTC said approximately \n12% of new parts\n were developed just for this special project. Many technologies and learnings from the Nissan GT-R \nNismo GT3\n racing machine were transferred to the development of these new components.\nIn detail, the heavily revised V6 engine in the GT-R50 develops \n720 hp at 7,100 rpm\n and \n780 Nm\n of torque between \n4,800 to 5,600 rpm\n. This is a 120 hp and 128 Nm increase over the already special made-to-order Nismo GT-R engine dishing out 600 hp and 652 Nm.\u00a0\n \nAll that increase in power still meets the strict Euro 6 emission regulation, which is important as many of the GT-R50 by Italdesign will find homes in Europe. Nismo and NTC also upgraded the transmission system to handle that enormous increase in power.\nBased on internal tests, the GT-R50 by Italdesign manages to reach 200 km/h in \n0.8 seconds quicker\n than the normal GT-R Nismo from a standstill. No specific result was shared as the chart had its timing and speed blanked off.\nFor reference, the engine outputs in the \u201centry level\u201d 2021 Nissan GT-R are 570 hp and 637 Nm of torque.\nA \ntest car\n was also developed to test various new body parts such as the retractable rear wing, panels as well as chassis rigidity.\nTo recap, the project was conceived to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of both the GT-R nameplate and the revered Italian design house with only \n50 units\n of the million-dollar (\nEUR990,000\n) special will be built. The GT-R50 will be finished with liveries inspired by the most successful race cars to carry the GT-R nameplate, likely making all 50 units to be completely bespoke.\nGALLERY"
"The first-ever BMW X3 M Competition is now available in Malaysia, launched today by BMW Malaysia alongside three other M models \u2013 the \nM8 Coupe\n and \nGran Coupe\n, as well as the \nX4 M Competition\n \u2013 at the Secret Garage @ M Town event.\nThe BMW X3 M Competition is priced at \nRM886,551.58\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n that will be in place until the end of the year. With BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing Plan, the X3 M Competition can be owned with monthly instalments starting at RM10,118.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nThe BMW X3 M is powered by the brand\u2019s new S58 three-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six petrol engine \u2013 the same engine that will be making its way into the upcoming \nBMW M3\n and\n M4\n. In Competition form, which is the only one we get here, the powerplant is uprated to give an even higher power output.\nEngine: S58 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo straight-six\nTransmission: Eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic\nDrivetrain: M xDrive all-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 510 hp @ 6,250 RPM\nMax torque: 600 Nm @ 2,600 \u2013 5,950 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nTo aid with the added performance especially on track \u2013 which we\u2019ve\n \ntested at the Kyalami Circuit\n \u2013 the X3 M Competition comes with a myriad of M Performance parts, including three Drivelogic transmission modes (Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus), adaptive dampers, engine compartment strut brace and stiffer stabilisers, as well as M Compound Brakes made from composite materials to reduce weight and a better stopping performance.\nPower is sent to all four wheels via the M-specific xDrive all-wheel drive system and the Active M Differential, which can be set to a rear-wheel bias in Sport mode. In Conventional mode, power is distributed variably depending on grip levels and requirements.\nEXTERIOR\nThe BMW X3 M Competition is suitably dressed up to complement its performance. Up front, the new front apron features large hexagonal air intakes which is designed to feed air to the front brakes under high thermal loads. While over at the rear, the X3 M Competition gets a slim diffuser in high-gloss black, paired to an M-specific roof spoiler.\nOther exterior highlights on the X3 M Competition include:\nAdaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant\nLED taillights\n21-inch bicolour M light alloy wheels\nM Sport exhaust system with quad black chrome tailpipes\nBlack kidney grille surrounds, side gills, wing mirror caps\nExterior colour choices: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey, Toronto Red\nINTERIOR\nThe sportiness brought by the M treatment continues inside, with a whole swath of M-specific touches to elevate the interior of the \nBMW X3\n. These include:\nM Sport seats with illuminated M badge, active seat ventilation, and lumbar support\nPremium Leather Merino upholstery with BMW M colours decorative seams\nM leather steering wheel with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, red push-start button\nRedesigned M gear selector lever\nM seatbelts, pedals, and knee pad\nM-specific instrument cluster\nHead-up display with M-specific display modes\n10.25-inch Control Display infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity, Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW Gesture Control\nM door sill plates\nInterior trim finishers in carbon fibre\nExclusive to the new X3 M Competition here on our shores, the rear seats now come with reclineable backrests, along with new rear-side windows roller sunblind for added comfort on longer journeys. The automatic tailgate is also retained here on the performance SUV.\nLuggage capacity is also not sacrificed here for performance, with a rear cargo space of 550 litres that can be increased to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded down. Additionally, the BMW X3 M Competition also comes with an upgraded Harman Kardon 600W audio system with nine channels and 16 speakers, as well as wireless smartphone charging tray.\nDepending on which exterior colour is chosen, the new BMW X3 M Competition can be specified with Leather Merino interior upholstery in Black, Sakhir Orange, or Adelaide Grey.\nSAFETY AND CONVENIENCE\nThe new BMW X3 M Competition comes equipped with BMW\u2019s Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus advanced driver assistance and convenience features. Functionalities include:\nActive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function\nCollision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function\nRear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Collision Prevention\nSteering and lane control assistant\nLane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection\nFront Cross Traffic Alert\nAutomatic parking assistant (steering, accelerating, and braking) for both parallel and reverse parking\nPanorama View camera\n3D Top View function\nRemote 3D View \u2013 three-dimensional live image of the vehicle transmitted directly to the driver\u2019s smartphone\nPRICING\nThe BMW X3 M Competition is now available in Malaysia, priced at \nRM886,551.58\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that will be in place until the end of 2020. Included in the price as standard is the BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience, which includes:\n5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with free scheduled service programme\nBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline\nThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App \u2013 BMW Privileges Card\nBMW Service Online\nWith the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Balloon Financing Plan, the BMW X3 M Competition can be yours with monthly instalment plans starting from \nRM10,118\n, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure period.\nCustomers can also book the new BMW X3 M Competition on the new \nBMW Malaysia online shop\n, linked \nhere\n, with a booking fee of RM5,000, and be in the running to bring home a now-discontinued \nBMW i8 Coup\u00e9\n.\nFor the latest updated price list of BMW models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I\u2019m not gonna lie to you; when I first heard about the pick-up and saw it for the first time, expectations were not high largely due to the fact that the company was relatively unknown (at least to me, at that time). Apparently, JMC (otherwise known as Jiangling Motors Corporation) has been in Malaysia for some years now, with more focus on commercial vehicles sales.\n \nThe JMC Vigus Pro then is the company\u2019s first pick-up offering in Malaysia through Angka-Tan Motor. The company is a subsidiary of Warisan Tan Chong Holdings.\nWe were given the car just two days \nafter its launch \nand boy, was I surprised. There\u2019s no denying that I\u2019m not the biggest fan of how it looks; it has sharp edges, curves, and bulges that just doesn\u2019t seem to jive, to me at least.\nBut looks are always subjective and a large portion of the people I met with the truck were actually impressed with how it looks \u2013 theory proven. Most were in favour of the large front grille with horizontal slates, and how imposing the front-end looked overall. The Vigus Pro\u2019s LED daytime running probably had something to do with how aggressive the Vigus Pro looked as well.\nOn the outside, it seems to have everything you\u2019d need in a 4\u00d74 pick-up; a large cargo bed, leaf springs, rugged Maxxis tyres, a side step, and hooks for cargo/cover at the rear. It would\u2019ve been more ideal to have a damper for the heavy tailgate but I suspect those who really use the Vigus Pro for what it\u2019s intended for, would not complain about the absence of it.\nWhere the Vigus Pro started to impress (me at least) was the interior. The first thing I took notice of and a liking for during our pre-launch shoot were the seats. Granted, aesthetically they\u2019re not the most exciting to look at but trust me, you wouldn\u2019t be thinking about how it looks once you\u2019re actually seated on it.\nIn that aspect, the padding on those seats is some of the most comfortable my brittle back and skinny bottom has laid on. That being said, if it was that soft when new, I\u2019m not sure how long it can retain that buoyancy.\nAs for the rest of the interior, the Vigus Pro is certainly relevant in today\u2019s market. It\u2019s pleasing to the eye, with a predominantly black cabin although limited in features and equipment, it certainly doesn\u2019t feel like a cheap 4\u00d74.\nIt\u2019s not a plain jane either; you get the sense that JMC does not want the Vigus Pro to be just a \u2018budget pick-up\u201d with standout items such as the twin-spoke steering wheel and a shift lever that looks like the one in the \nPeugeot 3008 \nand \n5008\n.\nIt has a Bluetooth player, a 3.5-inch TFT display for some driving information and even paddle shifters. Interestingly, it comes with paddle shifters but for all the fancy stuff it tries to offer, the Vigus Pro lacks the telescopic adjustment function for the steering wheel.\nFor someone as tall as me, having a telescopic function is vital. Without it, either my hands will be too stretched out in order to accommodate my legs or they would be too close to the pedals, to accommodate my long arms. Like Bluetooth, the telescopic function should be mandatory in all cars by now.\nAs for the driving bit, here\u2019s where the Vigus Pro started to impress. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged Ford engine offered plenty of grunt with 141 hp and 340 Nm but it\u2019s how the power is delivered that was even more surprising.\nCoupled with an 8-speed ZF gearbox, power delivery was smooth especially in the lower revs with the gearbox reacting quickly to any slightest input on the accelerator pedal. Fuel consumption is worth a mention too; with a mix of hard acceleration and light and easy cruising, the Vigus Pro returned a respectable 10.7L/100km. All this while bearing in mind that it\u2019s less than RM100k, is quite impressive.\nThere is a quirk to it though; at lower speeds, each time you lift off the accelerator pedal, there\u2019s a strong sense of engine braking pulling the car back which can be a little unsettling.\nThere\u2019s plenty enough room at the back with the seats offering some slight recline angle but the vibration over bumps, as a result of the Vigus Pro\u2019s ladder-frame chassis that all pick-ups adopt, is somehow a little more noticeable than your household names, but excusable because again, it\u2019s only under RM100k.\nThat may sound appealing, but I suspect the RM98,888 Vigus Pro will still face stiff competition from the more established names still. If you compare their prices, the equivalent Ranger XL 4\u00d74 is priced at RM105,388, the equivalent Triton 4\u00d74 at RM105,990 and the equivalent Hilux V 4\u00d74 at RM108,880.\nFor those looking to get a pick-up purely for heavy work use, the difference of RM10k or less in the asking price may not matter so much if the trade-off includes a more comprehensive dealership network for unforeseen circumstances.\nIt may be an impressive product if judged purely on its own but seeing as we\u2019re spoilt for choices when it comes to buying a pick-up in Malaysia, it may require loads of work from JMC to avoid the Vigus Pro from quickly falling out of the public\u2019s attention.\nGALLERY"
"While 2015 has been a roller coaster ride for the Malaysian automotive industry, Perodua became the biggest beneficiary among auto manufacturers in this country. Not only have they surpassed the 200,000 sales mark in 2015, but they also became the country\u2019s leading automaker for the tenth consecutive year\nPerodua President & CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said, \u201cLast year (2015) was a very challenging year for us with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax; the weakening ringgit as well as the slump in oil prices having a big impact to the country\u2019s economy.\u201d\nHe added that the challenging economy had caused many customers to scale down their purchases to more affordable cars. With that, the \nAxia\n, launched in 2014, met their requirements which contributes to 99,700 units or 46.7 percent of Perodua\u2019s sales last year. Perodua also scored a market share of 32 percent based on its Total Industry Volume (TIV) estimation of 667,000 in 2015.\nDespite that, Perodua\u2019s profit dipped due to the volatile Ringgit, and this is because the company imports about 8 to 10 percent of its components.\nHowever, the optimistic CEO targets to sell 216,000 units this year, despite \nFrost & Sullivan\n\u2018s prediction stating that vehicle sales in Malaysia will decline by 1.44 per cent year-on-year to reach 648,000 units in 2016. The second national car maker will rely on\u00a0strong sales and marketing efforts as well as further improving its customer experience through all its sales and service network to continue strengthening its position.\nThe increase of sales also led to\u00a0a new record for its after sales business. Last year, there were 1.96 million intakes, an increase of 2.3 percent, from 1.92 million intakes in 2014. As of December 2015, Perodua has 181 sales and 190 service centres nationwide.\nWhile other manufacturers have already resorted to raising car prices, Perodua chose not to follow suit in the near term. However, the company will proactively observe the forex exchange and will\u00a0review their pricing strategy when needed. Last year, Perodua increased the price of the Axia G variant for RM1,500\u00a0in order to add the ABS.\nDespite that, Perodua will not rest its laurels in 2016, with stiffer competition and market liberalisation are among the new challenges. Also, the company is working closely with Daihatsu and Toyota with an upcoming compact saloon model based on the Buddyz concept unveiled in KLIMS 2013."
"Together with the launch of the Volkswagen Vento Allstar and Vento GT, Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) also introduced the updated\u00a0Beetle. \nJust two variants will go on sale \u2013 the Design and Sport trims, both sharing the same \n1.2-litre turbocharged\n four-cylinder engine that\u2019s mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission. The engine produces \n104 hp\n and \n175 Nm\n of torque.   Standard on both Beetles are the 16-inch \u201cWhirl\u201d alloy wheels with 215/60 Bridgestone Turanza tyres, body-coloured dashboard, leather-wrapped steering wheel and keyless entry. The Design Package gives you \u201cPepita\u201d fabric seats, halogen reflector headlamps, manual air conditioning and a 5.8-inch touchscreen display with 8 speakers.\nThe Sport Package comes with a larger 6.5-inch Composition Media head unit (also with 8 speakers) with App Connect, enabling Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link functions. This is the only variant that comes with the bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, paddle shifters, cruise control, lumbar support for the front seats, \u201cVienna\u201d leather seats and dual-zone Climatronic air-conditioning.   The Volkswagen Beetle Design retails for RM137,620.00 whereas the Beetle Sport costs RM148,620.00. Both prices have taxes and registration fees accounted for but excludes insurance. Each purchase comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty package, 5-year roadside assist with a service interval of 15,000 km.\nIt\u2019s fully imported and comes in a variety of colours \u2013 Pure White, Tornado Red, Blue Silk, Dark Bronze, Habanero Orange and White Silver.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"NFTs \u2013 short for\n Non-Fungible Tokens \n\u2013 are the hottest new commodity on the internet, so it\u2019s not surprising that carmakers too want to cash in on all that rage. The latest is \nLamborghini\n, who has just unveiled its first-ever NFT piece, called Space Key.\nAt the centre of Lamborghini\u2019s Space Key art piece is a piece of \u201cadvanced carbon fibre composite material\u201d that was actually sent to space in 2019 as part of a joint research project. Once returned from its journey, the piece of carbon fibre was then sent back to Lamborghini, where they\u2019ve then etched a unique QR code to the back that unlocks a piece of NFT digital artwork.\nOnly five examples of the Space Key will ever be available, with each QR code tied to a unique exclusive digital artwork, commissioned from a yet undisclosed artist.\n\u201cInnovation is a deeply rooted part of the Lamborghini DNA,\u201d said Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann. \u201cAs a leading company for carbon fibre composite materials within the automotive sector, we pushed boundaries two and a half years ago with the joint research project in space. Now entering the metaverse is again proof of Lamborghini always setting sail for new horizons.\nRELATED: Volkswagen Malaysia releases NFT \u201ccrypto art\u201d based on Arteon\n\u201cThe NFT world has been calling to us, and we are excited about engaging with this very passionate and innovative community.\u201d\nLamborghini is working with NFT PRO to publish the Space Key NFT art piece. More info, including the name of the artist and auction, will be revealed in the following days and weeks.\nGALLERY"
"The \nHonda Civic Type R\n, more specifically the \nLimited Edition model\n revealed recently, is out for blood. Not pleased with Renault stomping on their Front-wheel Drive (FWD) territory, Honda recently took the\n FK8 Type R \naround the Suzuka circuit in Japan, and emerged with outstanding results and an incredible video.\nIn the hands of Super GT driver, Takuya Isawa, the limited edition cracked the record set in November last year by the Renault Megane Trophy-R by a full second \u2013 en route to becoming the fastest FWD around Suzuka.\nThat\u2019s mighty impressive considering there were no performance upgrades in the limited edition model with only 1,000 units available. Instead what Honda did was \nlighten it by almost 50 kg\n. Honda achieved that by removing the rear wipers, the tonneau cover and rear heater ducts.\n \nRemoving the sound dampening materials alone in the Civic Type R Limited Edition \nreduced more than 12kg of the car\u2019s overall weight\n. The limited edition Type R not only comes with the new Phoenix Yellow paint job but also lightweight forged aluminium BBS wheels.\nAs mentioned earlier, performance figures have remained unchanged. The FK8\u2019s 2.0-litre turbcharged VTEC engine makes \n320 hp\n and \n400Nm\n. The lighter and faster Civic Type R now also comes with the Honda Sensing driver assistance system.\nNext up, Nurburging? It appears so as the current \u201cFastest Front-wheel Drive (FWD) record\u201d is also held by the Trophy-R.\nGALLERY"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official distributor and assembler of Nissan cars here on our shores, has recently announced that there will be a service campaign to notify the 12,444 units of its cars that are affected by the global recall caused by airbag manufacturer Takata.\nThe fault in this case, is the inflator module for the front passenger airbags. This recall also rang the same bells over at Honda, after \nrecently recalling 46,710 cars\n\u00a0just weeks earlier.\u00a0Three specific models are involved in the program, which includes the locally assembled \nT30 X-Trail \n(first gen), the \nfully imported first generation J31 Teana\n and \nM12 Liberty\n. The recently unveiled \nT32 X-Trail\n\u00a0is not part of the programme, because this issue is specifically centred around the first-generation model made between May 2002 to March 2007.\nImage courtesy of Wikipedia\nModel\nProduct code\nYear manufactured\nAffected units\nX-TRAIL(CKD)\nT30\n1 May 2002 \u2013 Mar 2007\n12,420\nTEANA(CBU)\nJ31\nAug 2004 \u2013 Sep 2004\n4\nLIBERTY(CBU)\nM12\n2003\n20\nTan Chong Express Auto Service\u00a0Centre\n\u00a0(TCEAS) will be carrying out the tasks of replacing the faulty parts and \nwill be directly in touch\n with the owners of the affected cars. The costs involved in the rectification will be borne by \nETCM\n."
"TC Subaru today officially introduced the Subaru Connex app, after a two-year-long trial here in Malaysia. The telematics system is designed to greater safety and peace of mind to Subaru owners, and will be offered to new and existing \nXV\n and \nForester\n owners at \nRM1,900\n from September 10 onwards.\nThe price includes all necessary costs for hardware installation, along with a one-year subscription. From the second year onwards, a subscription fee of \nRM360/year\n will be charged annually.\nIn terms of features, the Subaru Connex app is pretty similar to what\u2019s offered in all other telematics systems such as the \nHonda Connect\n and \nHyundai Telematics System\n, with functions split into a couple of main categories, starting with the automatic accident alert and response.\nIn the event of a crash where the on-board device detects an impact in excess of 2G, the system will automatically send key vehicle information such as location, crash speed, and impact force directly to a dedicated call centre.\nShould you buy a Subaru XV? Here are five types of drivers we think will be perfect for the compact SUV!\nThe call centre will then contact the passengers directly through the on-board voice-box to understand the situation, and determine if additional emergency services is needed. However, in the event that no response was received, and a severe impact was recorded on the on-board device, the call centre will then automatically contact emergency services to request for an ambulance at the accident site.\nThe Subaru Connex systems also makes it easier for owners to request for breakdown assistance when needed, through the on-board bCall button which notifies Subaru\u2019s Roadside Assist team to send the necessary help to the vehicle\u2019s location.\nThere\u2019s also an on-board SOS button, which will notify the call centre to send emergency medical assistance to the vehicle\u2019s location. The SOS button can also be used to request for ambulance services when the driver witnesses an accident, or needs help in assisting someone who needs it.\nThe Subaru XV 2.0i-P recently received a pretty sizeable update for 2021. Here\u2019s everything you need to know!\nAside from safety features, the Subaru Connex service also offers several security and convenience functions, such as the Smart Alarm, which notifies the owner via the connected mobile app if their car\u2019s ignition has been switched on, or if their vehicle is being towed.\nOwners can also keep track of their vehicle\u2019s status at all times via the app, including the car\u2019s battery voltage (with automatic notification when the system detects a low voltage), ignition status, driving history, last parked location, and the due date for the next scheduled service.\nThe app also allows owners to set an arbitrary speed limit on the vehicle, which sends a notification whenever the car goes over the speed limit \u2013 particularly useful for when the car is loaned out to family members, friends, or even fleet customers.\nLast but not least, there\u2019s also a stolen vehicle recovery function, which \u2013 upon verification \u2013 activates the process and enable the call centre to liaise with the police for vehicle recovery, based on GPS location data.\nYou can now get the same sporty look of the Forester GT Edition at a much cheaper price! Check out the Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition here.\nSubaru Connex customers are also offered additional services as part of the VIP Assist package, which includes unlimited towing to their preferred authorised Subaru workshop in case of aflood, breakdown, or accident; on-site repair service (up to RM300 for labour charges per incident); and transport reimbursement in case of an accident repair at an authorised Subaru Workshop, up to RM2,000.\nAdditionally, Subaru also says that the Connex system is also ready for Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) policies, although more information will only be provided when the programme is launched by early 2022.\n\u201cSubaru Connex has come at the right time when safety has become more important than ever. The device further enhances our continuous commitment to safety, giving Subaru drivers something more that they can rely on should they require emergency assistance,\u201d said TC Subaru Country Manager, Eugene Tay."
"Revealed to the world in September 2021, the \nMercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance\n has arrived in Malaysia. The GT63S E Performance is not only the first hybrid AMG but also the most powerful production Mercedes-AMG ever made, with a price tag of RM2,088,888.\nRenewing your car insurance? Be sure to check out\u00a0\nMotorTakaful.com\n\u00a0\nby Etiqa. By renewing online, you\u2019ll get a 10% rebate, and even cash back at the end of your coverage.\nUnder the hood is a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 639 hp and 900 Nm, paired with a 9G AMG Speedshift automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels via the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with drift mode.\nCombined with an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, the GT63S E Performance produces a total of 843 hp and 1,470 Nm of torque. As such, 0-100 km/h takes a brisk 2.9 seconds, with 200 km/h achieved in under 10 seconds. As for top speed, it\u2019s similar to the standard GT63S at 316 km/h.\nThe rear electric motor works together with a two-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential known together as the Electric Drive Unit. Powering the electric motor is a 6.1 kWh battery that offers a measly 12 km of electric driving, up to a top speed of 130 km/h.\nThe GT63S E Performance comes with the AMG Ride Control+ adaptive suspension, 21-inch AMG forged wheels and AMG ceramic composite brakes measuring a whopping 420 mm at the front. The AMG GT63S E Performance distinguishes itself from the standard GT63S with E Performance badges on the fenders finished with chrome.\nSeen here is the GT63S E Performance finished in Manufaktur Kalahari Gold while also available are AMG Green Hell Magno, Copper Orange Magno, Olive Metallic, and Classic Grey Uni exterior colour options. The AMG Aerodynamics Package and AMG Exterior Carbon package are included as standard.\u00a0\nInside, the driver can adjust the traction control, suspension and drive mode settings through the digital knobs on the AMG steering wheel. The dashboard is fitted with carbon fibre inserts; as are the door panels. The Nappa leather-wrapped Performance seats are accompanied by red seat belts.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Before the turn of the millennium, selling cars was simple. Consumers can be easily reached via TV, radio and print advertisements. This went on for another decade before the process took a more complex turn, thanks to mobile devices.\nAbout 75 percent of Malaysians (roughly 24 million individuals) have 3.1 mobile devices (!) per person, changing the way we communicate, shop and entertain ourselves. A study by Google-TNS revealed that 86 percent of car buyers research online before making a purchase, and approximately 75\u00a0percent of them already have a preferred brand in mind.\nThe average car buyer used to visit 3.5 dealerships back in 2013, but now \nit takes just two visits\n to make up their minds. Online searches for car loans have also grown by 21 percent from 2015 to 2016. Here are more telling statistics:\n80% of Malaysian consumers research online before making a purchase decision\nMalaysians love engaging various platforms and mediums to aid their purchase decision\nMalaysians spend 6.3 hours a day online, 59% of which is on their mobile devices!\nA whopping \n88% of them \nwatch car videos online\n!\nGone are the days where a salesperson at the showroom can bluff you into buying a car, because on the whole, dealers and car manufacturers have never faced a more informed customer.\nAt the end of the day, the car buying Malaysian just wants a good deal. Mass market consumers focus on after-sales service, fuel economy and resale value, whereas luxury brand consumers give more weight to performance, technology and design.\nNow tell us, which car would you like us to review for you?"
"The \nW213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n had expanded beyond the three-box configuration ever since the sedan was launched last year. Basically, there\u2019s an E-Class for everyone, be it a \ncoupe\n, an \nestate\n, or even a \ndrift-happy monster\n. Completing the W213\u2019s lineup is the new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet.\nThis single teaser shows a shadowy\u00a0image of the E-Class cabriolet, but what\u2019s distinguishable here is its four-seater configuration. It\u2019ll most likely share similar proportions with the coupe equivalent, which already is bigger than the previous E-Class Coupe in dimensions.\nA variety of engines will be available, beginning with the \n333 hp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6\n\u00a0petrol engine with 4MATIC as its flagship, for now. Other possible engines include the\u00a0\n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n\u00a0petrol engine with two different tunes \u2013\u00a0\n184 hp\n and \n245 hp,\u00a0\n\u00a0together with the\u00a0\n2.0-litre turbodiesel \nmill\n\u00a0\nthat makes\n 194 hp.\u00a0\nRegardless of engine choice, they all will be mated to a \nnine-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission\n.\nThe 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet will be sitting alongside the \nthree Mercedes-AMG specials\n, the \nMercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet\n, and a new \u201celectric sports car\u201d concept at Mercedes-Benz\u2019s booth in Geneva. It\u2019s certainly going to be a busy week for the three-pointed star!"
"Calling out all P-license drivers, college and university students! Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is hosting its inaugural \u201cPolo P\u201d project to help you polish your driving skills from Probationary to Professional.\nVPCM will be touring around selected college and university campuses around peninsular Malaysia to conduct this \nYoung Drivers Training programme\n. Participants will be taught essential skills to be safer drivers on the road.\nDuring the session, participants will be taught the basics of car maintenance, visual checkpoints, proper sitting and steering positions. Participants will also be getting some hands-on practice during the \ndefensive driving exercise\u00a0\nwhich includes emergency braking and a slalom course.\nThe \u201cPolo P\u201d project kicked off at UTAR Sg Long Campus last weekend (25 & 26 March) but in case you\u2019ve missed it, below are dates and campus venues of the upcoming \u201cPolo P\u201d tour:\nDate\nLocation\n25 & 26 March\nUTAR, Sungai Long\n8 & 9 April\nNilai University, Seremban\n8 & 9 July\nTaylor\u2019s University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya\n19 & 20 August\nSunway College, Johor Bahru\nTo register and get updates on future locations of the \u201cPolo P\u201d project, hop onto \nVolkswagen Malaysia\u2019s website\n or send a private message on \nVolkswagen Malaysia Facebook\n page.\nAll driving exercises will be conducted in the Volkswagen Polo 1.6L hatchback, which packs a 1.6-litre MPI four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic gearbox developing \n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque. In case you didn\u2019t know, this exact Polo is \npriced at RM69,888 for a limited time\n, the most affordable Volkswagen to go with the \n\u201cVW\u201d registration plates\n don\u2019t you think?"
"\u201cA globally standardised charging system is sorely needed, because while we are ready from a technology perspective, the charging infrastructure is simply not there yet.\u201d\nThose were the words of Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President for R&D of Volvo Cars. To put things into context, Volvo is one of the leading carmakers whose belief in electrification yields tangible results \u2013 one of every five \nVolvo XC90\n is of the T8 plug-in hybrid variant. In fact, the numbers and prospects are so promising that Volvo has decided to offer a plug-in hybrid variant for every new model they introduce or replace in the coming years. Yes, every single model, including an all-electric model (based on their modular SPA architecture) by 2019.\nAs of today, there isn\u2019t such a thing as a \u2018global standard\u2019 for car charging, which is why the Swedish car manufacturer started a \nCharging Interface Initiative\n\u00a0(CII) \u2013 a consortium of stakeholders founded to establish and set standards for car charging, known as the \nCombined Charging System (CCS)\n. Dr Mertens said the only way to cement the increasing popularity of electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids is to make available a simple, \nstandardised global charging infrastructure\n.\nRange anxiety is a real thing, especially for urbanites driving full electric or plug-in hybrid cars. Through CII, Volvo believes that owning and driving electric cars will be a much more convenient and practical experience.\nThe consortium is currently in the process of drawing up requirements for the evolution of charging-related standards and certification for use by car makers around the world. This means now matter what brand of electric car you drive next time, all charging outlets will be compatible. After all, how can electrification thrive when there isn\u2019t a standard infrastructure to facilitate its growth?"
"The third-generation \nNissan X-Trail\n, one of the\u00a0world\u2019s best-selling SUV, will be given a new breath of life. The model refresh for the 2017 Nissan X-Trail is not limited visually but will be given a massive boost in its safety department via the \nProPilot\n autonomous driver assist technology.\nThe obvious exterior add-ons are the\n\u00a0V-shaped front grille\n and redesigned front bumper. The headlights now get adaptive lighting technology with revised LED DRLs. The circular fog lamps from before are now squared. Behind, the tail lamps receive new graphics and gets a new \u2018shark fin\u2019 antenna.   Inside, the X-Trail gets a real sleek three-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel and boasts having higher quality materials. The \nNissanConnect\n Infotainment system\u00a0projects a smartphone-like interface and experience. Just like before, the X-Trail can be had with either five or seven seats.\nIt gets a slight bump in interior packaging, with an enlarged boot space \u2013 up 15 litres to\u00a0\n565 litres\n\u00a0from before. The total boot space with all rear seats stowed is a massive 1,996 litres. The\u00a0\nLuggage Board System\n\u00a0meanwhile provides a modular storage solution available in nine different configurations.\nThe biggest update of the X-Trail is the implementation of \nProPilot\n. First introduced in the \nNissan Serena\n, the system monitors acceleration, braking and steering while cruising on highways. This, together with\n Intelligent Emergency Braking\n \nwith Pedestrian Recognition\n\u00a0and \nRear Cross Traffic Alert\n are part of the new\u00a0\nNissan Intelligent Mobility\n solution offered for the refreshed X-Trail.\nThe 2017 Nissan X-Trail is scheduled for UK launch in August with a wide choice of diesel powertrains. Back home, the third-generation Nissan X-Trail was launched in 2015 and will be at a major disadvantage when compared to the new and feature-rich\u00a0\nHonda CR-V\n. But is this update enough to give the\u00a0\nfifth-generation CR-V\n\u00a0a good fight? Perhaps.\nAt the same time, do check out our\u00a0\nwritten and video reviews\n\u00a0of the current X-Trail SUV.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"PHS Automotive\n, the official distributor of Audi in Malaysia has announced that the registration of interest (ROI) is now open for the all-electric \nAudi e-tron\n range. Customers may specify which e-tron model they would be most interested in on the company\u2019s official website.\nListed on the ROI form are two e-tron models to choose from (2 versions of the e-tron GT and 4 versions of the Q8 e-tron). In the list are the\nAudi RS e-tron GT\nAudi e-tron GT Quattro\nAudi Q8 e-tron 50\nAudi Q8 e-tron 55\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron 50\nAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron 55.\nAudi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro\nJust so you know, the Audi Q8 was previously only called the \u2018e-tron\u2019, but with the brand\u2019s expanding e-tron range, \nit has been designated as the Q8 e-tron\n.\nPHS Automotive, which is the official distributor of Volkswagen in Malaysia, was also named the official distributor of Audi in Malaysia in July 2022. Last year, PHS Automotive already hinted at the imminent arrival of the e-tron range in Malaysia during the Volkswagen Fest 2022, \nwhere the Volkswagen ID.4 was previewed\n.\nRELATED: \nUpdated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron \u2013 tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm\nAudi Q8 e-tron range\nPowering the Q8 e-tron are three different electric all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. The base Audi Q8 50 e-tron gets a dual-motor setup that makes \n250 kW (340 hp metric)\n and \n664 Nm\n. Storing power is an \n89-kWh\n (net) battery pack that provides \n491 km\n of range (WLTP) for the SUV version and \n505 km\n of range (WLTP) for the Sportback version.\nA step above is the Q8 55 e-tron which gets a dual-motor setup that makes \n300 kW (408 hp metric)\n and \n664 Nm\n. The Q8 55 gets a larger \n106-kWh\n (nett) battery pack that gives the SUV version \n582 km\n of range (WLTP) and the Sportback version \n600 km\n of range (WLTP). Its top speed is limited to 200 km/h.\nRELATED: \nThe Audi A6 e-tron concept uses its headlamps to project video games!\nAudi e-tron GT\nAs for the e-tron GT, the RS e-tron GT has a base output of \n598 hp\n and \n830 Nm\n of torque, which can be temporarily boosted up to \n646 hp\n. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just \n3.3 seconds\n with launch control activated and the top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n. The \u2018regular\u2019 e-tron GT makes a total output of \n476 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n and can be boosted to \n530 hp\n and 10 Nm more. 0-100 km/h is done in \n4.1 seconds\n and the car has a top speed of \n245 km/h\n.\nInterested customers may register their interests through Audi Malaysia\u2019s official website.\nRELATED: \nAudi reveals new e-tron GT with 646 hp and 487 km electric range!"
"No one can resist the temptation of an SUV, not \nBentley\n, not \nRolls-Royce\n and certainly not \nLamborghini\n. Aston Martin too is ready for their first ever SUV codenamed the \nAston Martin DBX\n and we\u2019ve learnt a thing or two about their upcoming SUV from Aston Martin Creative Director of Exterior, Miles Nurnberger.\nSpeaking at a roundtable media session, Nurnberger has disclosed that the production version of the DBX is almost complete and the SUV is currently undergoing final stages of engineering and prototype session. The DBX will ride on a bespoke platform that was designed from the ground up for SUVs. This allows the engineers to create a car with go-anywhere capability while retaining much of its sporty characteristics known to Aston Martin sports cars.   In terms of design, Nurnberger has assured that the DBX will not be mistaken for anything else other than an Aston Martin. We will very much see the brand\u2019s familiar design cues such as the gaping front grille, lean silhouette and slim taillamps. However, Nurnberger has stressed that the DBX will give off the appeal of a sports car first and SUV second.\nAs for powertrain option, we believe that the DBX will feature a turbocharged powerplant as the characteristics of high low-end torque would be beneficial for trekking off-road terrains. This would mean Aston Martin might employ the AMG sourced M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that produces \n503 hp\n and \n675 Nm\n on the \nDB11 V8\n while a higher variant to use the 5.3-litre bi-turbo V12 that is good for \n599 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of twist, the latter kicking in at a lowly 1,500 rpm.\nSUVs have been all the craze now with more people buying them than ever. It makes a strong business case for ultra-luxe brands like Aston Martin to take a piece of the pie because an Aston that fits four comfortably with a sizeable boot and go-anywhere everyday attitude sounds like a pretty sweet proposition to me.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAston Martin DBX Concept"
"When the \nnew Bugatti Chiron Sport made its debut earlier this year\n at the Geneva Motor Show, it was beyond our wildest dreams to be in the presence of one of the fastest, most powerful and most expensive cars in the world.\nBut dreams, sometimes, do come true and for most of us in the motoring media industry, that dream came true today.\nAs there are almost boundless possibilities on how to specify the car, the Bugatti Chiron Sport can be as expensive as your net worth allows it to be.\nPrices start from a minimum of the \n2.65 million Euros\n (approx. RM12 million) and that\u2019s just a start. A carbon fibre roof, for instance, will set you back another \n180,000 Euros\n (approx. RM 850k) and if your heart desires a new colour for the Chiron, it would be a six-figure job\u00a0(in Euros of course).\nBut if you\u2019re in such a fortunate situation to consider one, the Bugatti shopping experience will not be one to disappoint. Word is that it\u2019s uncommon for a prospective buyer to be flown all the way to Bugatti\u2019s headquarters \u2013 treated to the all exclusive delights that would mesmerise even the wealthiest of men and women \u2013 just for their consideration. Obviously, a test drive wouldn\u2019t be excluded.\nWhen the mind has been overpowered by what the heart wants, a handsome deposit that edges to the million Ringgit mark will be required just to confirm your burning desire to own one of the most exclusive cars man has ever created. Only 500 Chirons (Sport or Sport-less) will ever be made.\nIt\u2019s not everyday you see a speedometer that reaches up to 500 km/h!\nEverything about the Chiron Sport\n is as ridiculously staggering as it is expensive \u2013 even \nits Lego set costs RM 2,000\n!\nIts 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine makes \n1,500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is obliterated in just 2.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the \nfastest Porsche 911 ever made \u2013 the GT2 RS\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nGWM\n Cannon pickup truck is now previewed for the first time in Malaysia at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n. With a total of two variants showcased, we are assuming one is the lower variant while the other one is the higher variant of the Cannon.\nFor the moment, there are no price or specification details confirmed for the GWM Cannon pickup truck in Malaysia yet. However, based on \nGWM\u2019s Chinese site\n, there are three variants available for the Poer (the pickup truck\u2019s official name for the Chinese market). These variants are namely the P11, P12 and P13.\nLooking at the designs of the two variants showcased here at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023, they look to be the P11 and P12 variants. These variants will be aimed towards commercial and passenger use respectively.\nOn the outside, the higher variant of the Cannon features many chrome bits, which can be found in the grille, front side panel, side mirrors, and door handles. LED headlights, fog lights, a sports bar, and dual-tone wheels are present as well.\nThe lower variant of the GWM Cannon features a more downtoned design instead. The chrome bits found on the higher variant are all gone, with body-coloured and black bits in place instead. The wheels are also single-tone. Compared to the higher variant GWM Cannon, this variant comes with simpler-looking headlights as well.\nRELATED: \nComing to Malaysia, here is the GWM Tank 500 at Auto Shanghai 2023\nInside, both variants look similar for the most part. Standard equipment that can be seen includes a touchscreen infotainment display, an automatic driver seat, as well as an electronic parking brake. Extra bits we can see available on the higher variant of the GWM Cannon are a digital instrument cluster, and leather quilted patterns on the door panel as well as the seats. There are also some silver trims on the higher variant Cannon\u2019s centre console as well.\nAgain, details of the GWM Cannon are not confirmed at this point in time. There are also no official specifications or pricing details either.\nRELATED: \nGWM\u2019s Tank 300 coming soon to Malaysia \u2013 Still want that Jimny?\nGALLERY"
"Carro\n, the used car company that owns \nMyTukar\n has announced that it is making a strategic investment into the automotive media firm \u2013 Driven Communications. Driven Communications itself owns a list of websites, which includes paultan.org, carbase.my, and oto.my.\nCarro, which is based in Singapore, has ensured that despite this investment, Driven Communication\u2019s co-CEOs Paul Tan and Harvinder Singh will continue to lead the business. Driven Communications will also continue to have complete autonomy over its editorial direction. The investment is expected to be completed within 2 months, according to Carro.\nDriven Communications co-CEO, Harvinder Singh said, \u201cWe are thrilled to know that Carro respects our editorial independence, our work with our customers, and encourages us to charge arm\u2019s-length commercial charges to Carro group of companies. With this investment, we are looking forward to achieving profitability and growth beyond Malaysia.\u201d\nCarro highlighted that its investment into Driven Communications is its proactive move to promote openness and independence. The Singaporean-based firm explained that recent acquisitions of automotive classifieds and sites by other competitors in the industry has caused multiple dealers and platforms to be blocked. \u201cThis stifles healthy competition and customer access across the region \u2013 something Carro hopes to change,\u201d the company said.\nDriven Communications founder and co-CEO, Paul Tan said, \u201cWe welcome Carro\u2019s strategic investment and our shared vision of a better, digitalised, transparent automotive used car ecosystem. Like many businesses, Driven Communications suffered financially during COVID-19. We are thankful for Carro\u2019s future support that will protect our sites that loyal fans have come to love, save jobs and ensure continued independent reviews.\u201d\nCarro co-founder and CEO, Aaron Tan said, \u201cWe have been working with Driven Communications for nearly 2 years. They helped us launch our first MyTukar Autofair in Malaysia and their digital online reach was incredible. Feedback from other automotive participants has been amazing; OEMs and end-customers alike rely on them. It would be a shame that it does not have the right resources and tools to scale higher.\u201d\nAaron also added, \u201cWe are a believer that classifieds and other services under Driven Communications should continue to be made available to their existing clientele, as well as our customers, dealers and competitors \u2013 a move we hope all classifieds emulate, given the Malaysian government initiative to break down monopolies and anti-competitive behaviour. We also strongly support its role to freely shape industry awareness and disseminate relevant information that will benefit end-customers and the industry, underpinned by facts and professional journalism. We aim to maintain a non-controlling stake and welcome other industry participants to jointly invest and support Driven Communication\u2019s continued growth.\u201d"
"GO Auto, the official distributor of Great Wall Motors (GWM) cars, has just launched the updated Haval H1. Formerly known as Haval M4, this new H1 is essentially a facelifted model of the M4. This is part of GWM\u2019s efforts to streamline and rebrand the Haval SUV line-up to boost its sales in the international arena.\nThe Haval is positioned as the brand\u2019s littlest SUV. Dimensions wise, the H1 measures 3,961 mm in overall length, 1,728 mm in width and is 1,617 mm tall. The H1 can be had in three different flavours \u2013 Comfort, Premium and Elite, with pricing\u00a0\nstarting from RM62k\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nGreat Wall Haval H1 Comfort\nGreat Wall Haval H1 Premium\nGreat Wall Haval H1 Elite\nEngine\n1,497cc; inline-4 VVT MPI\nTransmission\n6-speed automated manual transmission\nMax Power\n105 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n138 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice OTR\nRM61,950\nRM67,950\nRM74,950\nEXTERIOR\nThis rebranding exercise brings along a minor refresh to the H1\u2019s aesthetics. For starters, it now gets redesigned halogen headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, horizontal Haval front grille, revised front and rear bumper, roof rails, halogen combination tail lamps and rear spoiler with integrated third brake light.   Top of the line Elite variant adds on \nPoly-Eclipse projector\n \nheadlamps\n and LED daytime running lights. Regardless of trim levels, the H1 rides on \n16-inch multispoke alloys\n wrapped in 205/60 profile Continental CC5 rubbers.\nINTERIOR\nHere, the equipment list is impressive to say the least. The Elite gets leather upholstery, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera, navigation, centre armrest, tinted windows, cruise control, Battery Alert Sensor (BAS), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), central locking and rear view mirror with \nintegrated SmartTAG reader\n.   The Premium variant\u00a0loses out on the centre armrest, DVR and tinted film while the Comfort variant gets leather seats, rear view mirror with integrated SmartTAG reader and navigation omitted altogether. Boot space is rated at \n310 litres\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering this B-segment SUV is a \n1.5-litre four-cylinder VVT MPI\n engine that outputs \n105 hp\n and \n138 Nm\n. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a \nsix-speed automated manual transmission\n (6AMT). According to the GO Auto, the H1 has a rated fuel economy of 6.0L/100km which allows the car to be awarded with EEV certifications.\nSAFETY\nSafety features on the H1 is as complete as cars in the segment can get. As standard, all variants are equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, BA, Hill Start Assist and ESC.\nWHAT ELSE?\nCustomers can have their H1 in six different exterior colours \u2013 Titanium White, Sky Silver, Pure Black, Ocean Blue, Jazz Red and Fashionable Orange. Every purchase of this SUV comes with a \n7-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n for added peace of mind.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When \nBrabus introduced the B45-450 last week\n, which took the \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S\n to \nBMW M2 CS\n-equalling power, we questioned the purpose of it as we thought that the A 45 S already had more than enough power. But now, Manhart Performance has hit back with the MH2 GTR, pushing the M2 CS\u2019s power output all-the way up to 600 hp. And you know what \u2013 we\u2019re actually okay with this.\nCall us biased, but the reason we think that is because the Manhart MH2 GTR is built to be an all-out track toy, that so happens to also be a road-legal car, instead of\n just\n trying to stuff more power underneath the hood to appease the spec-sheet car buyer.\nFor the new ultimate BMW M2, Manhart took the factory-supplied S55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight six mill, and slapped on a new performance turbo kit, an uprated intercooler, carbon fibre intakes, alongside an ECU tune.\nAnd the results are simply stunning \u2013 from the stock output of 450 hp and 550 Nm, Manhart managed to squeeze out \n600 hp\n and a whopping\n 830 Nm\n of torque from the mighty three-litre engine. Yes, you read that right \u2013 830 Nm. That\u2019s even more than the \nBMW M8 Competition\n!\nAlso helping with the performance is the new exhaust system with sport downpipes and a more free-flowing 300-cell catalytic converter, alongside a new software recalibration for the DCT transmission. Manhart did not reveal any performance figures for the MH2 GTR, but we\u2019d imagine that it\u2019d be a whole lot faster than the stock BMW M2 CS, which already does 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds \u2013 that is, if you can put all 830 Nm of torque to the ground.\nAnd like we said, the Manhart MH2 GTR isn\u2019t just made for the numbers. Tying up the entire track-focused package are the new suspension upgrades from H&R, upgraded brakes, as well as sticky Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard, fitted onto the in-house produced 20-inch \u201cConcave One\u201d forged wheels.\nThe Manhart MH2 GTR also comes with a number of modifications on the exterior to boost performance (and aesthetics, but that\u2019s not the main point here). Similar to the M4 Competition-based MH4 GTR launched last year, the baby brother is also fitted with carbon fibre aerodynamic components including the menacing air vents on the front fender, as well as the stacked rear wings. The BMW M Performance-inspired livery also adds a nice touch to the whole race car image.\nInside, you\u2019ll find new Recaro bucket seats, with a whole swathe of carbon fibre bits applied to the steering wheel and gear selector. The left centre air vent has also been replaced by an Awron data display, providing the driver with important information about the powertrain. Why? Because race car, simple as that.\nGALLERY"
"Recently, it was announced that the \nVolkswagen Beetle \nwill be discontinued indefinitely. Coincidentally, 2018 also marked the 80th anniversary since the Beetle was introduced. Be it the Bumblebee, Herbie, or even the Dune Buggy, it\u2019s amazing to see how a two-door, rear-engined compact car revolutionised the motoring scene and the world around it. In this two-part special of our Throwback Thursday series, we\u2019ll look back at the car that started it all, the original Volkswagen Beetle.\u00a0\nIt began in Germany circa 1934. While Adolf Hilter\u2019s legacy of atrocities have stretched beyond his existence, so has his \u201cnoble deed\u201d towards his fellow Germans. He orchestrated the production of the Beetle \u2013 a car that needed to be practical and affordable. The Fuhrer tasked Ferdinand Porsche with the creation of the people\u2019s car that need to meet certain criterias:\u00a0fit five passengers, frugal and is capable of speeds in excess of\n\u00a0\n100 km/h.\nIt took a few years before Porsche and his team of engineers came up with the first batch of the \nType 1\n\u00a0\nBeetle\n. It was informally known as the \u201c\nK\u00e4fer\n\u201d (Beetle in German) amongst Germans. At the heart of the Beetle lied an\u00a0\nair-cooled engine \nwith drive sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.\n\u00a0\nIt costs\u00a0\n990 Reich Marks \nthen, or the equivalent of 31 weeks pay for the average blue collar German. A special saving scheme was even created by KdF (Kraft durch Freude, or Strength through Joy) encourage ordinary Germans to buy one.\nThe Beetle reassembled the \nTatra V570\n\u00a0from Czechoslovakia, where both Porsche and Hilter admittedly took influence from. It did not take long before Hans Ledwinka, the Austrian engineer behind the Tatra, to launch a lawsuit only to be halted by the invasion of Austria and Czechoslovakia by Germany. Guess that\u2019s the perks of having a dictator controlling a car company.\nUnfortunately, the Beetle\u2019s production halted after just 210 units built, with efforts focused on the unfortunate war. As history has dictated (pun intended), the Germans lost the war with Hilter committing suicide after American and Russian forces infiltrated Germany.\nThereafter, a certain British army officer and engineer, \nMajor Ivan Hirst\n, discovered the heavily-damaged factory that was once the production line of the Beetle. He subsequently revived the Beetle in Wolfsburg, for the purpose of transporting Allied troops in occupied Germany. The Beetle was eventually sold around the rest of Europe in 1947, where a million Bugs were shipped eight years later. Thereon, an icon was born \u2013 an automotive shrine for the coming years.\nNEXT:\n How the Beetle turned from a \u201cHilter-mobile\u201d into the world\u2019s most recognisable and revered vehicle.\nImage Credit: \nVolkswagen"
"3M Malaysia has just introduced its DIY Car Care Range for car enthusiasts and DIY junkies to clean, restore and aesthetically enhance their vehicles with professional grade products from the comfort of their own home.\nThe range of products ranges from premium car wash solution to restore hazy and dull headlamps. There are also rubbing compound and scratch remover solutions to remove stubborn stains, light scratches and swirl marks.\nIn conjunction with the launch, 3M Malaysia has partnered with Lazada to launch its first official 3M Automotive Flagship Store, \n3M Auto Care\n, on the popular e-commerce website. Together with Lazada, this initiative hopes to make its range of 3M DIY Car Care products more accessible to all Malaysians as well as the assurance of receiving 100 per cent genuine products.\nSpeaking at the launch, Managing Director of 3M Malaysia, Mr. Parameswaran Nair said: \u201c3M has always been at the forefront of automotive science and innovation, and today, we are pleased to introduce our new range of car care products that brings decades of scientific development right in your hands. Our DIY car care kits are easy to use and delivers exceptional results at the fraction of the cost. We are also very excited to launch our first official 3M Automotive Flagship Store with Lazada to make our products more accessible digitally to consumers.\u201d\nAs part of the launch, 3M Malaysia is offering RM30 off the original price of four exclusive bundles: 3M Light/Medium Scratch Removal Set, 3M Watermark Protection Set, 3M Paint Transfer Removal Set, and 3M Headlight Restoration Set to Lazada shoppers from 19 September to 19 October 2018.\nTo make things even sweeter, use our promo code \u201c\n3MAUTOBUZZ15\n\u201d at checkout and get additional 15 per cent off (limited to 1,000 redemptions) the total bill on 3M\u2019s DIY Car Care Range! Head on over to \n3M Auto Care on Lazada\n and shop away.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The rise of EVs will revolutionise the entire automotive landscape in more ways than one. We already know about the ecological benefits they bring, the way they sound, and the way they deliver power. But what we may not have realised just yet, is that EVs may actually change how cars look in the future.\nThe signs are already there \u2013 just take a look at the \u201cradical\u201d EV concepts popping up over the years. And while those may not be enough to convince you yet, you best believe it when it\u2019s coming from the chief designer of one of the most influential brands in the world.\nSpeaking to \nTop Gear\n at the\n 2021 IAA Motor Show\n, Mercedes-Benz chief designer Gorden Wagener told the publication that \u201celectrification will kill the three-box sedan for several reasons.\n\u201cAero is one. Secondly, with a six-inch battery pack a three-box sedan simply doesn\u2019t look good, it looks s***. You have to do something that visually digests the height,\u201d he added.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQS is the model that introduced the EQ\u2019s new \u201cone-bow\u201d design. Check it out in detail here.\nAnd that is why Mercedes-Benz has adopted a curved, almost fastback-like roofline \u2013 called \u201cone-bow design\u201d \u2013 for all of its latest electric cars in the EQ brand. \u201cBecause it looks stretched, it looks stylish,\u201d Wagener explained.\nIt\u2019s a similar trend across the industry, too. Take a look at the latest electric cars out there \u2013 how many can you genuinely call a (three-box) sedan? Not the \nPorsche Taycan\n, not the\n Tesla Model S\n, and not the \nBMW i4\n.\nWhat Gordon Wagener described, is also pretty much the reason \nwhy most EVs are SUVs\n, at least aside from the market\u2019s general affinity towards them. With the battery packs taking up precious vertical space, the most logical way to preserve cabin space \u2013 at least for mass market models.\nStill not a sedan.\nWhile it may seem as a shame to us, that such an iconic part of automotive history (and Mercedes-Benz themselves) will soon be completely replaced, Wagener is not one to mourn its passing.\n\u201cThe three-box sedan is actually the most difficult car to design. To make a really good-looking one is quite difficult. A nice sportscar is so easy!\u201d he joked. \u201cI always like it when there\u2019s something more futuristic coming. That\u2019s why electrification is a great chance to change stuff, and change is always good.\u201d\n\u201cWe have to make sure they don\u2019t all look alike, but that fear has existed for 30 years or so. We managed to make them look different [before], and I\u2019m confident we can do that in the future.\u201d"
"Around the world, driving schools and institute offer basic, entry-level cars to teach the basic skills of driving, which is fine as the majority of new licence holders are virgins behind the wheel.\nBut what if your household or you yourself is getting something more powerful, far more superior than the usual mainstream cars, such a Tesla or Range Rover.\nIn Dubai, where the population of luxury cars is higher than the usual, the Emirates Driving Institute (EDI) offers the Platinum Driving Course where you get access to luxury vehicles for your driving lessons.\nEDI\u2019s Platinum package allows customers to choose from Tesla Model X, Range Rover Sport, \nPorsche Cayenne\n and even a \nBentley Bentayga\n. The company saw the potential in offering such a service as powerful vehicles with 300 hp and above behave differently from the usual fleet of Toyota Camry and Nissan Almera training cars.\nDiscerning customers also get to learn features in the luxury vehicles, such as the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The Platinum Driving Course comes with higher fees too, where a 20-hour course equates to USD8,000 (approx RM33k) or three times more than a course with mainstream cars. \u00a0\nHaving this platinum fleet has positively help EDI, where the company now sees 50 lessons a month, compared to just 10 during their earlier years of operations. International superstar DJ David Guetta also \ntook the package\n with EDI earlier this year. They are now offering lessons with a MINI Countryman just for the ladies.\nOn the topic of improving your driving skills, BMW Malaysia did offer the \nBMW Driver Training\n programme which happened two to three times a year at Sepang International Circuit. However, due to the venue\u2019s busy and packed schedule as well as the on-going pandemic, driving courses have been temporary halted. \u00a0\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia meanwhile held a few sessions of Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience at the circuit too, but the training and experience event is usually catered towards owners, unlike BMW which is opened to non-owners as well."
"Whether it\u2019s through a survey or through a general observation that most are increasingly sick and tired of metropolitan living, Datsun has acknowledged it and took it upon themselves to build this.\nIt\u2019s called the Datsun mi-DO and it\u2019s been specially-built by Datsun and introduced for the Russian market. It\u2019s said that the new model is designed for \u201cpeople who love outdoor activities, particularly fishing\u201d; not sure what this Datsun can do that the average Mitsubishi or Toyota pick-up can\u2019t though.\nAnd why specifically fishing? Last I checked, while the Russians may be into their sports fishing, most of which only takes place in the summer. According to Datsun, 58% of its participants from a survey listed \ncar travel\n as a hobby while 27.2% listed \nfishing\n.\nWhile the mechanical specifics were not disclosed, Datsun said that the car was designed with the robust Datsun mi-DO hatchback as its base, with significant modifications to the exterior and interior to make it better suited for camping and fishing excursions.\n\u201cAt Datsun, we carefully monitor the lifestyles and preferences of our customers and look for innovative solutions to address their needs,\u201d said Andrey Chirkov.\nDatsun is a subsidiary brand under the Nissan Motor Company umbrella. It was phased out in the 1980s before being reintroduced in 2013.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the availability of the \nBMW M3 and M4 Competition\n, BMW Malaysia is now formally introducing the \nall new 4 Series\n here on our shores. Only one variant \u2013 the 430i M Sport \u2013 is available for pre-booking now, with prices starting at\n RM418,800\n.\nThe all-new BMW 4 Series needs no introduction in terms of looks \u2013 you already know about its most defining feature, the humongous \nbuckteeth-like kidney grille up front\n, finished in matte aluminium on the mesh pattern, while the surrounding frame gets a coat of high-gloss chrome.\nSpecifications wise, the Malaysia-spec BMW 430i is dressed in the M Sport exterior pack, which includes a more aggressive front bumper with larger side vertical struts air intake (similar to that of the \nM340i\n), along with an M Sport rear bumper with more black glossy plastic bits and a rear diffuser, surrounding the split hexagonal-shaped exhaust exits.\nThe BMW 430i Coupe is also equipped with the M Aerodynamics package, which includes a small ducktail wing extension. Other exterior highlights include the 19-inch double-spoke style 797 M Bicolour M light alloy wheels on all four corners, Shadow Line blacked-out window surrounds, and LED headlights and fog lights as standard.\nUpholstered in Vernasca leather as part of the Innovation Pack.\nThe M Sport package extends to the interior as well, with the inclusion of the M leather steering wheel, M-specific pedals, and powered sports seats for the front passengers, the latter upholstered in a cloth/sensatec synthetic leather combination.\nAs standard, the BMW 430i M Sport in Malaysia is equipped with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional displays, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired to a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Other interior equipment include a HiFi Loudspeaker sound system, tri-zone automatic air-conditioning, a wireless charging pad for your mobile phones, and a powered tailgate.\nAs for safety, the Malaysian-specification BMW 430i M Sport comes with the BMW Driving Assistant package, which includes features such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert with rear collision prevention, adaptive cruise control, as well as the Parking Assistant feature with Reversing Assist.\nUnderneath the bonnet of the all-new BMW 430i is a 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, pushing \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels. The four-pot mill is paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission to complete the century sprint in \n5.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of\n 250 km/h\n.\nThe 430i M Sport in Malaysia also comes as standard with M Sport suspensions, M Sport brakes (with blue calipers), as well as Variable Sport Steering.\nAs mentioned above, the BMW 430i M Sport in Malaysia is priced at \nRM418,800\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of a \nfive-year extended warranty & service package\n (RM13,120).\nJust like the M4, BMW Malaysia is also offering an optional Innovation Package for the 430i, which adds on BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant, Leather Vernasca upholstery, the BMW Connected Package Professional system, as well as a Harman Kardon surround sound system.\nThe Innovation Package for the BMW 430i M Sport is priced at \nRM36,000\n, and is available for selection when you pre-book your vehicle via the \nBMW Shop Online\n booking platform, linked \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after unveiling the \nnew Almera\n to the Thai market last week, Nissan has drawn the curtains on the 2020 Nissan Sentra in the US \u2013 the company\u2019s best-selling US model of all time.\nNissan says that the all-new Sentra aims to transform the storied nameplate into a head-turning compact sedan. Gone is the bulbous and reserved family car, and in place sits the all-new Sentra that is sharp, aggressive, and as Nissan quite rightly puts it, sexy.\nThe front fascia of the all-new Sentra seems to take on the biggest change. The signature V-motion grille is now bigger, and the headlights are now slim LED units. Nissan has also taken the word \u201csharp\u201d quite literally, as there almost seems to be no curved lines to be found anywhere on the front, maybe except the Nissan logo.\nThe rear three quarters of the car also seems to be elongated for a more fastback-like look, and the floating roof design accentuates the sloping roofline even more. You can also specify the car with a dual-tone black roof exterior paint scheme to complete the sporty appearance.\nBuilt on a new platform, the eight-generation Sentra now sits approximately \ntwo inches lower and two inches wider\n than the previous generation, which should improve driving dynamics, aside from the more intimidating stance.\nNissan says that the engineers also paid extra attention to the smallest of details in the interior, and we must admit that it does look quite nice \u2013 specifically the contrast stitching in orange that matches the exterior colour on the press photos, and the new circular air vents.\nSitting in the cabin, your attention is drawn directly to the free-standing \neight-inch infotainment display\n on the sculpted dashboard, which supports \nApple CarPlay\n and \nAndroid Auto\n. The instrument cluster also gets updated with a larger digital display in between analog dials, but Nissan did not disclose the exact sizing in the press release.\nNissan is also making available a whole swath of luxury options for the interior, including \u201cquilted, leather-appointed\u201d heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, and Nissan\u2019s renowned Zero Gravity seats.\nUnder the hood, a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder engine \ngenerates \n149 hp\n and \n198 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a 20% and 16% increase respectively over the previous generation\u2019s 1.8-litre mill.\nThere\u2019s no mention on performance figures, but we wouldn\u2019t expect much as Nissan says that the engine is also tuned to provide a better fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation, hence the relatively modest power output.\nHowever, Nissan says that driving dynamics has been greatly improved on the all-new Nissan Sentra, with the use of a new \nindependent rear suspension\n and electric power steering system.\nAs for safety, the eight-generation Nissan Sentra comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, which is the brand\u2019s advanced safety suite that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, and High Beam Assist.\nThe new Sentra also gets 10 airbags as standard, along with Rear Door Alert, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Intelligent Driver Alertness.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019s really no way to go about this review except making it seem like I had \u201cextra incentives\u201d to say good things about the fifth generation Honda CR-V but it was really that good.\nIf anything, you should be paid if you can find any faults with it \u2013 whether on its exterior, interior, ride comfort, space or even performance \u2013 because again, it was really that good. Features wise, if you look closely at the brochure, Honda hasn\u2019t been stingy with the features either. From the base model to the second highest variant, almost everything were similarly provided as in the highest spec.   The only thing exclusive to the highest spec 1.5 TC-P 2WD were features like the Honda Sensing, LaneWatch Camera and a Powered tailgate \u2013 features of which, most would have no qualms doing without. There will be mentions on how much more improved the AWD system is compared to the previous generation CR-V but for all intents and purposes, focus will be given on the high-spec 1.5 TC-P 2WD model.\nHonda was so confident with its product and so eager to demonstrate it to the media that before loading up the CR-V en route to a long drive down south to Johor, they arranged a series of test for us on an airstrip, in the administrative capital of Putrajaya.\nThe course was setup to allow me to sample a few things \u2013 the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, the all-wheel drive system and the range of Honda Sensing offerings \u2013 specifically the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow and the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS).\nIt\u2019s not easy to trust the system, given that some would prefer to be in full control behind the wheel and although we should never entirely rely on these systems, suffice to say, they work effectively enough to mitigate further trouble on the road should our senses, attention and skill fail us.\nOn a straight, clear stretch of tarmac, we were required to get up to speeds of around 70-80 km/h between two vertical lines while tailing a car ahead to test the ACC and LKAS system. While it may be slightly intrusive, the system cleverly and gently pulled the car back into the middle of the lane without being too unsettling.\nSetting the ACC system to follow the vehicle ahead within a certain distance, it did exactly that and as the car ahead slowed down, so did the ACC \u2013 progressively and intuitively. It\u2019s not easy to trust a car to brake on its own, trust me, I had my foot by the brake pedal eagerly waiting to jam the brakes but that was not at all required.\nThe AWD system was another massive improvement \u2013 we say this because Honda even provided the previous generation AWD CR-V for us to test and compare the difference. Told to hold the pedal firmly even through mid-corner, it was clear how late the AWD system reacted to drag the car back into the bend as it understeered just so slightly upon entering the bend at an \u201cunusually high speed\u201d.\nIn the fifth generation, the difference was instantaneously noticeable. Going into the bend at the same speed as in the previous gen, almost immediately you feel all four wheels keeping you inwards of the lane, at the entry of the bend, without the profound understeer as experienced in the previous model \u2013 truly impressive stuff. The AWD system which powers the front wheels most of the time, only sends power to the rear axle as and when is necessary \u2013 ticking both the optimum traction and efficient drive boxes.   With the VSA, it was more straightforward and to an extent, FUN. On a wet slalom course, I was told to switch it off \u2013 now that\u2019s not something you get to do everyday to fully understand the extent of the system. With the VSA off, the back simply whaled out with a rigorous flick of the steering and while a simple counter steering may have aligned the vehicle, it may not be so ideal to experience such a reaction on the road. With the VSA on, you can almost feel the system adding and subtracting power to and from the wheels to immediately flip the car back into position \u2013 the importance of VSA on a car of such proportions and weight were clear to see.\nInside, the rear legroom deserves a priority shout-out. Probably safe to say there is no SUV in this segment and price point that offers that much space. Frankly, even the living room of a condominium could be embarrassed by the spaciousness of the second row \u2013 there is no way you can be uncomfortable even in the most uncompromising, obscene sitting posture.\nThe seats, which one could nitpick to be in need of slightly softer padding, folds flat which is a plus for almost whatever kind of cargo you\u2019d want to carry in a precious CR-V. Rear air vents and dual USB ports complete what is the most satisfying rear section of an SUV I\u2019ve ever been in. Have I mentioned how spacious it was?\nOver at the front, the ergonomics is nothing less than what you\u2019d expect in a Honda \u2013 even in its SUV. Visibility was good beyond the sensibly laid out dashboard and control panels. Functions on the 7-inch touchscreen display were simple and straightforward to manoeuvre through and the controls around the almost perfectly-positioned gear lever were simply where you\u2019d expect and want it to be.   The front seats offered plenty of support especially in the rib section and despite the mention on the cushioning of the rear seats, at the front, it was rather pleasant on the long haul down to Johor. The centre storage compartment sure deserves a highlighting \u2013 you can almost store a fridge in there, enough said.\nThere is one thing I would point out, although I\u2019m already expecting majority to disagree \u2013 the wooden trims. While I lament that it\u2019s there to add a touch of luxury, the shade, the surface, the sight of it, just wasn\u2019t for me. I\u2019d take the silver trims on the 2.0-litre NA model any day of the year. On that front, maybe it\u2019s fair to point out the simplistic elegance of the \nnew Mazda CX-5\n\u2018s almost full black interior, it\u2019s arguably more plush too.\nSpeaking of plushness, while cabin comfort and ride quality would no doubt invite more positive remarks and negative criticism, the NVH while tolerable, still falls behind the CX-5. I may have had a few individuals agree with me on that but second opinions are always welcomed \u2013 you know where to leave your thoughts.\nBehind the wheel though, that thing can fool you for a rather competent saloon. Steering felt taut and rather precise for something of such height and centre of gravity with minimal body roll. Despite how much I dislike CVT gearboxes, this one felt rather responsive and man, the way the little 1.5-litre engine pulls, all the way to its top speed well in excess of double century figures, makes you question if it only had \n190 hp\n and\n 243 Nm\n of torque.\nIt was simply relentless \u2013 unlike most cars, in fact unlike most 1.5-litre engines that would lose its breath beyond a certain high speed, this one kept going and going before fizzling out at a speed you would not think a tiny engine in such a heavy car can be capable of. Off the line, the 2WD variant was clearly the more eager one as reflected by its 0 to 100 km/h time of around \n8.8 seconds\n but it\u2019s silly to talk about these things with regards to a SUV. The sensible family man or woman would not bother about these things.\nLike I said right at the beginning, there is little to none about the CR-V that I can eagerly and passionately fault. To believe me, a test drive is all it takes and onwards, I hope you\u2019d take my word for it. That said, arguments are always welcomed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just seeing one on the road these days is a rarity; so imagine coming across an \nR32 Skyline GT-R\n, one that is more than 20 years old, that\u2019s completely unmolested and getting to keep it for a week!\nAs we examined the little details, it just takes your breath away how much of the original trims, bits and pieces were still intact. It still had the original pedals, the original rims and even the original mats!\n \nMinimal modifications, including an aftermarket exhaust system and adjustable suspension also meant that we could enjoy the R32 Skyline in its purest form \u2013 as Nissan intended it to be \u2013 and for a car old enough to be someone\u2019s father, it still packed a hefty punch, and was every bit the \u201cGojira\u201d we expected it to be.\nTime and time again, we were approached, waved at, given the thumbs up wherever we went. Kids would point at the car, teenagers would be baffled at it and the older fanboys would just stop and gaze in awe.\nJust what is the driving experience all about? You\u2019ll just have to watch and find out!"
"The \nall-new Mazda 3\n has been named as Thailand Car of the Year 2019 (TCOTY 2019) by the Thailand Automotive Journalist Association.\n Scoring a total of 408 points, The Mazda 3 finished well ahead of six other competitors. Coming in second is the \nToyota Corolla\n with 205, followed by the Honda Accord with 204.\n \nWe had quite a few good things to say about the all-new Mazda 3, check it out here!\nOther TCOTY 2019 finalists include the \nBMW X3\n, MG HS, \nSubaru Forester\n, and the \nToyota Camry\n. For the cars to be eligible for the award, it has to be an all-new model assembled in ASEAN, and launched in Thailand between 1st October 2018 and 30th September 2019.\nThe Thailand COTY award, now in its fifth year, is organised by the Thailand Automotive Journalist Association. The cars are judged by a panel of over 60 car journalists from various media outlets.\nPrevious TCOTY winners include the \nToyota C-HR\n, \nHonda CR-V\n, \nMazda CX-3\n, and Ford Everest, making the Mazda 3 the first ever non-SUV car to win the award.\nLocally, the Mazda 3 is available in both sedan and hatchback variants. The C-segment will be imported directly from Japan, with prices starting from \nRM139,620\n."
"After 78 gruelling hours, we finally have a winner at the \nMediaCorp Subaru Car Challenge 2015\n. Nguyen Phuoc Huynh from Vietnam will drive home a brand new Subaru XV 1.6L! Malaysian Tan Hong Sheng finished in second place and Singaporean Yip Yu Wai in third.\nThe endurance challenge, now in\u00a0its 14th year, kicked off on Saturday, 1pm at Ngee Ann City, Singapore with a total of \nfour hundred\n local and regional participants. Representing Singapore is a contingent comprised of 320 hopeful individuals, each geared on winning a new \nSubaru XV\n and for the first time ever, with \nCOE\n included \u2013 worth \nS$115,000\n in total. The other 80 participants hail from eight countries with each team represented by ten individuals.   Executive Director of Tan Chong International Ltd, Mr Glenn Tan said, \u201cOver the years, we have seen numerous contestants battle it out for the final prize of a Subaru car, and they have all displayed tenacity and perseverance, traits that resonate with values of the Subaru brand \u2013 endurance, longevity and durability.\u201d\n[Subscribe to our \nYouTube channel\n for latest updates]\nIn the final hour,\u00a0last\u00a0three contestants were showing signs of fatigue and even hallucinated after 77 hours without sleep. It was truly heart warming to see supporters cheering them on to make sure they stay awake until the 7pm break. All breaks come in an interval of six hours and last for only five minutes!   Cameras were set up around the participants to make sure their palms stay within the designated area. Nguyen, standing with Tan at Car 2, appeared calm and composed with minimal movements. Tan on the other hand received two warning tags within a 20-minute window for minor faults.\nThe last\u00a010 minutes before the break was a dramatic turn of events as Yip Yu Wai (#158 in the photo above) was disqualified after he accidentally moved his palm from the dedicated decal on the car. When asked about his final minutes, he said \u201cI don\u2019t know why I lost. Maybe because I haven\u2019t slept for a long time. I could have done better.\u201d\nFive minutes later, Tan Hong Sheng was slapped with a third warning, which automatically led to his disqualification, leaving Nguyen the last man standing.\nThe 32 year-old engineer from Vietnam is the first regional winner in the challenge\u2019s history, clocking 77 hours 58 minutes. This means Mr. G. Jaishanker is still the record holder of this endurance race, lasting 82 hours 16 minutes last year.\n\u201cTan was a strong competitor, so I needed to be strong in order to achieve my target which is to bring joy and pride to my teammates and family,\u201d said Nguyen.\nNguyen\u2019s\n determination and stamina won him the Grand Prize that is the Subaru XV, S$5,000 cash as Regional Winner and S$1,000 cash as Country Winner. \nTan\n meanwhile received S$5,000 as First Runner-up and an additional S$1,000 as Country Winner. Host country contestant \nYip\n took home S$2,000 as Second Runner-up and S$1,000 Country Winner prize.\nThe Malaysian contingent had their eyes set on the \nCountry Team Winner\n title this year, and the team of ten won the S$10,000 prize for the first time, and will be split evenly.\n\u201cWe all came here to fight together as a team and we told ourselves we need to stand until we get \u2018wheelchaired\u2019 out from the arena. That was the strategy,\u201d joked Tan Hong Sheng, a 35 year-old Sales Manager.   Subramaniam, 35, the \u201c\nYoga Master\n\u201d (and a banker by profession) at the event was one of the final three Malaysians standing, performing head stands to regain composure during his breaks. \u201cThis is my first time in the Singapore challenge, and I thought I could last longer. But I miscalculated, and started hallucinating. I can hear people calling me from left and right, but I can\u2019t see anyone there. My headstand made me see again,\u201d said Subra, who lasted 57 hours.\nSecond longest standing Malaysian, 41 year-old Veterinarian in Puchong, Sathivale was with Tan throughout the game at Car 2, pushing on to motivate Tan but finally tapped out at 7.30 am after 65 hours.\nHallucination\n\u00a0proved to be one of the most deterring factor for most of the participants. Some of the contestants actually thought their fingers turned into grilled prawns, saw burger patties in the car, heard voices and get this \u2013 hands morphed into fried chicken! The Palm Challenge is no joke, guys. All the Malaysian contestants enjoyed the process and are proud of their achievements this year.\nChallenge organiser, MediaCorp made the decision to set up a\u00a0\ncanopy\n over the arena due to the recent haze situation, but this received some mixed feedbacks. Sandra Yeow, the challenge\u2019s only female winner who won in 2007, reckoned that the canopy takes away one of the biggest hurdles \u2013 the weather. By setting up the canopy, there\u2019s one less element to worry of, but it\u2019s one of the challenge\u2019s most daunting struggles.\nBoth Nguyen and Tan welcomed the canopy idea but bad ventilation became a new challenge as heat built up in the tent, causing difficulty in breathing and a spike in humidity.\nAgain, here are our ten local heroes:\u00a0Tan Chuan Kok aka Scott, 40 (6th time participating), Tan Hong Sheng, 35 (5th time), Chang Wei Khang aka Darren, 33 (4th time), Sathivale A/L Sundrammorthy, 41 (3rd time) and Mihammad Afif Bin Drani, 29 (3rd time), Tan Chuan Meng aka Benny, 35 (2nd time), Mohd Fadhlly Bin R. Azmi (2nd time) and Ronesh Biswas A/L Bisanuth Biswas aka Ron, 32 (2nd time), Vimalnath A/L Francis, 21 (1st time) and Subramaniam A/L Gunasegaran aka Subra Yoga (1st time), 35.   We asked our fellow Malaysians if they will be back again next year to take on the challenge, and it was an immediate yes. Excellent job boys, see you next year!\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars set a new global sales record in 2018, selling more than 600,000 cars for the first time since the company was set up in 1927. In 2018, Volvo recorded a total of 642,253 unit sales worldwide, a 12.4 per cent increased compared to the same period in 2017.\nThis new sales record marks Volvo\u2019s fifth consecutive year of record global sales, underscoring the brand\u2019s renewed product portfolio led by its award-winning SUV models \u2013 XC90, XC60 and XC40. The XC60 was the company\u2019s bestselling model in 2018 with 189,459 cars sold, followed by the XC90 with 94,182 cars sold.\n \n \nA total of 77,587 Volvo V40/V40 Cross Country were sold in 2018, placing it the third-best selling model of the company\u2019s portfolio. During the same year, a total of 75,828 XC40s and 57,142 S90 saloons were sold.\nEurope remains the biggest market for the Swedish brand, with sales rose by 6.4 per cent to 317,838 cars in 2018 compared to the previous year. The strong performance in Europe was led by the new V60 and XC40 models. This followed closely by China which sold 130,593 cars in 2018 (+14.1 per cent) with the locally assembled XC60 and S90 being the main sales drivers.\nSales in the US also grew by 20.6 per cent to 98,263 cars compared to the same period in 2017, led by growing demand for the XC60. While the first US-made S60 saloon has already rolled out of factory floors, the S60 will only start to contribute to sales volumes in 2019."
"If you own a marina and would like to have an elegant ride that\u2019s equally as picturesque, Rolls-Royce can sort that out for you. Located in the northern corner of Sardinia, Italy, is Porto Cervo; a seaside resort once frequented by the upper echelons of society.\nIn conjunction with the launch of these two bespoke models, Rolls-Royce will be opening the doors to their Summer Studio, where both the Wraith and Dawn will be on display. First up is the Bespoke Wraith, finished specifically in a two-tone silver meant to signify the dimming of daylight, while the cabin gets finished in a combination of black, slate, blue and purple to exude calmness as night falls. There\u2019s also ostrich leather used selectively, further adding depth and texture to the cabin.\n \n \nThe Dawn on the other hand, has been specified to depict the vibrancy and vivid colours of the Porto Cervo seascape. If it\u2019s not clear at this point, the Emerald Green paintwork, seashell and green leather interior and the use of open-pore teak (a type of wood) extends the nautical theme. Precious emeralds and mother pearls are meticulously crafted and set into white gold, which are then placed onto the centre dash.\nIn Malaysia, the \nDawn was just recently introduced with a starting price of RM4 million\n. At the time of writing, Rolls-Royce hasn\u2019t revealed the prices for the Bespoke duo (we\u2019re dying to know). Alternatively, we can tell you this \u2013 rumour has it, that a young Thai chap in his 20s walked up to the Rolls-Royce stand at the Bangkok Motor Show and purchased the Dawn, there and then. Well, go figure!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the introduction of the \nG30 BMW 5 Series\n back in 2016, the company had an extensive line up for the 5er spanning from the ultra-frugal 530e iPerformance to the monstrous M550i xDrive but not a word on the fire-breathing M5. Ten months down the road, the company has unleashed the holy grail of 5 Series\u2019, the F90 BMW M5, into the world.\nBMW is keeping it safe with the powerplant, unlike Mercedes-AMG who employed a newly developed engine for the \nE63,\n the new M5 gets the same unit carried over from the \nF10 M5\n. When mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission, the heavily revised 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 churns out \n600 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of twisting force. The increased output from the M TwinPower Turbo powerplant is mainly due to the newly developed turbochargers, higher maximum injection pressure and better lubrication.\nFor the first time in the history of M5s, the F90 M5 comes equipped with a \nM xDrive all-wheel drive system\n. The newly developed xDrive system boasts a rear-biased set-up whereby the front-wheels come into play when the need arises. The biggest merit from switching to an all-wheel drive set up from a RWD is that the new M5 will sprint off the line much more efficiently thanks to additional traction. From standstill, the M5 will get to 100 km/h in just\n 3.4 seconds\n; half a second quicker than the \nF10 M5 Competition\n. If you have the M Driver\u2019s Package option, the speedometer will read \n305 km/h\n (250 km/h on standard versions) on full whack.\nStopping power comes from the standard M compound brakes with \nblue painted six-piston callipers\n at the front while the rear axles are retarded by single-piston items, also painted in blue. For the track frequenters, be sure to tick the optional M carbon ceramic brake kit that aren\u2019t only \n23 kg\n lighter than the standard set up, but is instantly recognisable from the \ngold-colour painted callipers\n.   Enthusiast can put down their pitchforks and torches because M-division understands very well that Sheer Driving Pleasure means going sideways with the throttle wide open. Hence, BMW has equipped the xDrive system comes in \nthree different drive modes\n \u2013 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD. Yes, confident drivers can have their M5s to be rear-wheel driven only with \u201c\nno control systems to hold it back\n\u201c. The only inconvenience is having to select 2WD every single time before driving off.\nWhile the 4WD is set up for greatest possible traction, the standard 4WD mode still allows a small amount of slip angle for that playful character M-division vehicles are renowned for. Switching to \n4WD Sport\n and the xDrive will send more torque to the rear axles allowing the drivers to easily put the M5 into controlled drifts and enjoy its playful handling with a wide safety net.\nSeparating itself from the regular M5 with a\n\u00a0M-specific body kit, \nit\u00a0covers the front and rear bumper, side sills, rear lip spoiler, rear diffuser and wing mirrors. These parts collectively contribute to the cars overall aerodynamics and cooling function. Also unique to the M5 are the Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) roof and quad-exhaust tailpipes.\nAs standard, the M5 rides on \n19-inch five-double spoke light-alloy\n wheels finished in polished Orbit Grey wrapped in mixed tyre profiles of 275/40 at the front and 285/40 on the rear axles. \n20-inch seven-double spoke light-alloy\n wheels finished in black or polished black are available as an option.\nInside, the F90 differs from the regular G30 with its M-Specific digital instrument cluster, iDrive system and Heads-Up Display. The red start button is also unique to the M5 as are the\n red-painted M1\n and \nM2\n buttons next to the shift paddles. These two buttons allow the driver to instantly select from \ntwo individual set-ups\n for the M5 including M xDrive, DSC, engine, transmission, damper and steering characteristics, as well as the appearance of M view in the Heads-Up Display.   All F90 M5 will come with Merino leather as standard with M Sport Seats while the bucket-seat style depicted are the optional M multifunctional seats that provides greater shoulder support. A variety of exterior colours can be had on the M5 while new additions to the spectrum include Marina Bay Blue Metallic, \nFrozen Dark Silver\n and \nFrozen Arctic Grey\n.\nLocally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has the \nMercedes-AMG E43\n on sale. While the E43 is not a direct competitor to the M5 (the \nE63\n is), having it in Malaysia to spice up the business saloon segment does sound like an exciting proposition. After all, they already have the \nM4 LCI on sale here\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In Japan, the \nsecond generation Mazda CX-5\n is enjoying an early head start, because bookings for the new SUV have shot up to 9,055 units since they\u2019ve begun taking orders last December.\nApproximately 49 percent of CX-5s sold are the L Package, which comes with leather seats as standard. The new Soul Red Crystal Metallic is also the most popular choice of colour, accounting for 31 percent of the total orders. The next popular colour is Machine Grey Metallic \u2013 about 17 percent.\nThe attempt of incorporating an upmarket look has certainly paid off, then. According to \ncarguide.ph\n, Mazda\u2019s Global PR Manager, Hidetoshi Kudo said the brand believes in combining fun-to-drive characteristics with premium looks. This creates a deeper bond between car and driver.\nExpect the all-new CX-5 to arrive on our shores late this year, if not in 2018. Let\u2019s hope by then the CKD plant will be able to produce both the Soul Red Crystal and Machine Grey metallic paints.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Renault first participated in the Formula One Championships back in 1977, the brand made a strong name for themselves as constructor and engine supplier. Come the 21st century, Renault was also responsible for dead-stopping Ferrari\u2019s six-year winning streak. Since then, the dark horse of Formula One etched a lasting impression in my younger self. I mean, they led the pack despite not having the most powerful engine.\nI came across numerous high-performance Renault cars on the road before this and I dreamt of experiencing one first hand, from the driver\u2019s seat. When my editor passed the chance to review the \nRenault Megane R.S. 265 Sport\n, there was no thinking twice.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Megane R.S. 265 Sport\nRenault Megane R.S. 265 Cup\nEngine\n1,998cc; 16V 4-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n265 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n360 Nm @ 3,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.0 seconds; 255 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM197,888\nRM234,888\nHere we have the \u201ctamer\u201d C-segment hatch of the lot, the Megane R.S. 265 Sport. Compared to the more expensive \nCup variant\n\u00a0(costlier by RM37k), the Sport variant loses out on the\u00a0\nCup chassis\n, \nfront axle mechanical limited slip differential\n, Recaro R.S. semi-leather seats, red Brembo brake callipers, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with\n R.S. Monitor 2.0,\n two additional speakers, reverse camera and keyless entry. Even so, the R.S. 265 Sport is still more than capable.\nEXTERIOR\nUpon receiving the key card, the jubilant me searched high and low for a bright yellow Megane, only to realise that the card in hand unlocks the doors to a Diamond Black unit. I got to learn that the Sport variant is only available in Diamond Black and Glacier White while the Sirius Yellow is an\u00a0\nRM7k option\n (yikes) that\u2019s exclusive to the Cup variant. Nonetheless, the Diamond Black paintjob looks just as good.   This example here is the facelifted third-generation Megane R.S. which adds on a \nlarge diamond emblem with R.S.\n \ndesignation\n,\n\u00a0\npresumably short for Really Serious. Okay, no, it\u2019s short for Renault Sport. Hence, you get more aggressive headlamps, LED daytime running lights and F1 inspired wing in the lower intake. It\u2019s quite a looker, isn\u2019t it?\nThe fluid body lines, aerodynamic roof and tastefully flush roof spoiler with integrated LED third brake light all come together nicely to give this hot hatch a planted and athletic\u00a0silhouette. Coupled with the rear diffuser and a centre-mounted tailpipe, it really is an attractive car. This variant rides on \n18-inch Tibor alloys\n wrapped in 225/40 profile tyres.\nINTERIOR\nAlthough the interior is bare and simple, the saving grace is that all the controls are very easy to navigate, almost intuitive, if you will. It does not come with a cigarette lighter but the 12V socket is still present. The fabric R.S Sport seats at the front provides ample support, especially around tight corners.\nThe infotainment system supports Bluetooth connectivity, USB and Auxiliary port connected to a six-speaker sound system. While the Sport variant loses out on the R.S. Monitor 2.0 7-inch touchscreen display, I don\u2019t quite miss it as it keeps me focused on things that matters most \u2013 driving.   Being a three-door hatch, accessing the rear seats is naturally inconvenient. Fortunately, both the front seats come with a one-touch tilt and slide function which greatly aids\u00a0ingress and egress. The aperture is decent enough for even taller individuals to slide right through.\nPERFORMANCE\nThis French hatch is equipped with a transversely oriented\u00a0\n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n pushing out \n265 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of \n360 Nm\n from 3,000 rpm \u2013 6,000 rpm. Thanks to a \ncamshaft angle variator\n at the intake port, the engine delivers high torque at the lower end of the rev range. Power is sent to the front wheels via a \nsix-speed PK4 manual transmission\n propelling the car to 100 km/h in just \n6.0 seconds flat\n\u00a0before maxing out at\n\u00a0250 km/h\n.\nDrivers are also able to select the vehicle\u2019s throttle response and ESC threshold\u00a0via a \nR.S. Drive select switch\n to three different driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport and Race. Race mode leaves the fate of the vehicle entirely to the driver\u00a0as it completely disables the ESC.\nWith great power comes with great stopping power. The front axle is fitted with\u00a0\n340 mm ventilated disc brakes\n with \nsilver four-pot Brembo brake callipers\n while the rear axle comes with\u00a0\n260 mm solid discs\n, giving great breaking confidence to the driver. The exhaust system is also delicately calibrated to play an exhilarating symphony during hard accelerations that seeps into the cabin, giving an aural pleasure for fellow passengers.\nSAFETY\nAs a high performance vehicle, safety features are essential to keep occupants safe when driving at the limits. As such, standard features on the Megane R.S. include six airbags, ABS with EBA, EBD, ESC, \nASR anti-slip function\n and \nundersteer control logic (UCL)\n.\nBesides that, the car also comes with several convenience features such as automatic headlamps and wipers, cruise control, speed limiter, automatic hazard lights during emergency braking and ISOFIX mounting points in the rear side seats.\nTHE DRIVE\nDriving the Megane R.S., my heart beats as rapidly as the engine gets up the revs. Just a gentle nudge on the throttle and the speedometer climbs at an alarming rate. Despite being in a \n265 hp\n manual hot hatch, operating the Megane R.S. in traffic was not as difficult as I expected, because daily driving this machine is entirely plausible.\nThe next day I leapt at the opportunity to let the Frenchie loose through some B-roads.\u00a0Regardless in high or low gear, the car has plenty of grunt to carry its weight around. It\u2019s eager to put power down at the exact moment your right foot demands without much turbo lag.\nSteering on the Megane R.S. is well weighted and has plenty of feedback, allowing me to confidently dance along its limits. Even as I took a turn a little too optimistically, it remained unfettered and understeer was inexistent. The occasional lift-off oversteers can be enthralling but also manageable. I believe that the Megane R.S.\u2019s superb performance is inherited from \nRenault\u2019s DNA in motorsports\n. Of course, knowing very well where my driving skills stand, I dare not explore the limits of the car in \nRace mode\n (turns ESC completely off) in the beautiful mountain pass.\nDuring our journey back, the brakes and suspension setup on the Megane R.S. were very confidence inspiring during the descent from Genting Highlands. Even with some fairly basic hill-toe action, the French hatch was able to maintain its composure very well. Not once did it try to pull a fast one on me.\nOverall, my short stint with the Megane R.S. has taught me plenty about driving. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to have this highly capable hatchback as your daily driver, no doubt you\u2019ll experience exponential growth in your driving capabilities.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re looking for something that can tackle the twisty mountain pass and occasionally take it to Sepang for some hot laps, the Renault Megane R.S. will do just that. The car, together with its \nF1 derived technology\n\u00a0is a very forgiving vehicle to drive and is enjoyable for just about all but the most hardcore purists.\nDespite being a Renaults Sports Car series, the car is remarkably damped and is honestly liveable day in and day out. A \n265 hp\n weapon for less than \nRM200k\n? Well,\u00a0nothing else in the market comes close to its value proposition. Just head on over to a Renault showroom for a test drive and you\u2019ll know for sure if this is the car for you.\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThe Megane R.S. left a lasting impression, be it its exterior design, interior layout or even the performance and driving dynamics. It\u2019s a car I that I was very reluctant to give back. And once you know how difficult it is to part ways, you\u2019re more than certain that it\u2019ll end up being in your garage one day. That\u2019s how I feel about this car.\nNow, the fourth-generation Megane was just recently unveiled in Europe, both in\u00a0\nhatchback \nand \nsedan \nbody styles. It is only a matter of time before Renault Sport injects their racing genes into it. If it really arrives to our shores in the future, maybe I won\u2019t be able to resist it.\nAdrian\u2019s take: This is a proper, proper pocket rocket. The sheer adrenaline that rushes through your veins when the car takes off from naught is euphoric. It boggles the mind how a car performs this well, yet is perfectly able to manage road undulations just as well as other regular, road-going hatches. At RM198k, this car is an absolute steal if you can look past the rather basic equipment list. Of course, there is the more expensive Cup version that comes with more convenience features. However, the otherworldly performance as well as the pops and crackles during overruns is more than enough for this car to be\u00a0\nthe best car I\u2019ve driven in 2016\n.\u00a0\nWords by: \nAndrew Choo\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After the \nMazda3 facelift was unveiled\n, the bigger sibling was also due for a minor refresh. Don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re squinting your eyes to find the changes from the \ncurrent Mazda6\n\u00a0that\u2019s currently on sale, because the changes are applied under the\u00a0skin.\nInside, a new three-spoke steering wheel carried over from the \nall-new CX-9\n is fitted. The Active Driving Display (heads up display) is now multi-coloured. Elsewhere, a suite of safety conveniences is included in the refreshed D-segment, such as Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane-Keep assist and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring. Other premium touches include heated steering wheel and contrast stitching around the rest of the cabin.\nHowever, the biggest change is literally under the skin, invisible to the naked eye \u2013 Mazda\u2019s all new G-Vectoring Control (GVC). Debuted in the \nMazda 3/Axela facelift\n, the GVC is the first in Mazda\u2019s series of Skyactive-Vehicle Dynamics Control Technologies. This series of technology aims to take the\n Jinba-Ittai\n philosophy to the next level.\nIn a nutshell, the GVC (a software instead of hardware) modulates torque output of the SkyActiv engines according to steering inputs. This allows for a more lateral acceleration when turning the wheel as the GVC optimises the power channelled to each wheel.\nWith the introduction of the GVC and premium touches to the interior, the already upmarket Mazda6 just got better."
"Since its foundation back in 1937, the Volkswagen brand has become a household nameplate all over the world. The German automaker now celebrates yet another milestone to their 80-year heritage \u2013 delivering its 150 millionth Volkswagen.\nRolled out of the assembly line at the Wolfsburg plant in August, the \nAtlantic Blue \nGolf GTE plug-in hybrid\n found its way to a customer in the town of Lier in Norway. The new owner, Turid Sedahl Knutsen, decided on the Golf GTE due to its climate-friendly powertrain, sporty and exciting driving experience. For Knutsen, the Golf GTE is her sixth Golf and she has also owned two Passats, a Polo and Caravelle in the past.\nTurid Sedahl Knutsen taking delivery of her new Golf GTE\nThe Golf GTE is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine with \n148 hp\n coupled with a \n101 hp\n electric motor to deliver a combined output of \n201 hp\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed (wet clutch) DSG transmission. Sprinting to 100 km/h from zero takes \n7.6 seconds\n and top speed is limited at\n 222 km/h\n.\nThe electric motor is juiced by an 8.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving the Golf GTE an all-electric range of \n50 km\n (top speed of 130 km/h). Fuel consumption of this plug-in hybrid is an astonishing\n 1.7L/100km\n.\nIn Norway, all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounts for \n37 percent\n of all new vehicle registration from January to September \u2013 putting the Scandinavian country the frontrunner for e-mobility in Europe. This impressive figure is possible thank to a collaborative effort from the government and local authorities, power suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to make e-mobility a viable alternative for customers.\nThere was a point where the \nVolkswagen Golf GTE was slated for Malaysia\n, but that was kicked into cold storage after we\u2019ve learnt \nwhy we can\u2019t have the Golf GTE \u2013 or any GTE for that matter \u2013 in Malaysia\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Golf GTE Facelift"
"The partnership that spawned the\n iconic McLaren F1 supercar\n back in the 90s could be coming back for an encore. That is, according to \nCar Magazine\n, who reported that the two companies have met behind closed doors to discuss a project, focusing on two new electric cars.\nAccording to the UK publication, the two companies are in talks to build not just an electric supercar, but also a carbon fibre electric crossover/SUV to cash in on the craze.\nThe partnership will reportedly see the joint development of a new low-volume supercar platform, leveraging on McLaren\u2019s expertise in carbon-fibre chassis production, and BMW\u2019s electric powertrain and \u2013 let\u2019s be honest \u2013 deep pockets.\nThe two models \u2013 if made into reality \u2013 will come in both BMW and McLaren guises, as it was reported that none of the brands want to share a model. The basic vehicle architecture and electric drivetrain will be shared, but they\u2019ll each have unique exterior and interior designs to help differentiate between the two \u2013 think \nZ4\n/\nSupra\n, rather than the identical \nGR86/BRZ \ntwins.\nRELATED: McLaren Artura Review \u2013 The dawn of an electrifying future\nRomanticism about the F1 aside, the reported BMW-McLaren partnership does raise a few interesting points of note. Firstly, McLaren\u2019s previous leadership flatly rejected the idea of an SUV, saying that it\u2019ll dilute the brand\u2019s puristic values. Thus, it remains to be seen if (and it\u2019s a big if) the rumoured second model will actually be an SUV, or a taller riding sedan like the \nPorsche Taycan Cross Turismo\n.\nThere\u2019s also the fact that Audi was reportedly looking to take over the Woking supercar maker. Sure, progress has seemingly stalled in recent months, but this new partnership between McLaren and BMW would have, without a doubt, thrown an extra spanner in the works too.\nNeither BMW nor McLaren have publicly acknowledged the talks, as one would expect. There are also a lot of pieces that need to fall into place for the partnership to get the green light, so the deal probably won\u2019t happen any time soon, if it even does. But would you be up for a new-age McLaren F1? Let us know in the comments section below!"
"The Lexus NX represented the brand\u2019s entry-level SUV when it was launched back in 2014. Today, that role has since been taken over by the \nLexus UX\n.\nWith the model being around for close to seven years, it is a matter of time before Lexus introduced a replacement. We will not need to wait any longer, as the company has released a sole teaser image of the all-new Lexus NX.\nThe single image zooms to the rear of the all-new Lexus NX. The tail lamps and the spelt-out \u2018LEXUS\u2019 font have elements from the \nLexus LF-Z Concept\n, featuring a thick lighting bar connecting the two taillamps, reminiscent of the 2019 \nPorsche Macan facelift\n model.\n \nLexus will launch the all-new Lexus NX on 12th June.\u00a0Currently, \nLexus Malaysia\n offers the \nNX 300\n in three variants, with prices ranging from \nRM306,117\n to \nRM339,019\n.\nThe current-generation Lexus NX is powered by either a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine developing \n235 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, or a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid with 197 hp whilst returning 7.1 l/100 km of fuel consumption (WLTP).\nThe all-new Lexus NX will also be the latest model in its segment which consists of the \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n, \nBMW X3\n, \nVolvo XC60\n, \nJaguar E-Pace\n and the \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n. \u00a0\nThe all-new Lexus NX is the first of two new models that Lexus plans to unveil this year."
"Unlike before, where MotoGP safety cars were regular BMW M cars with bolt-on modifications, the new 2022 MotoGP season will see something much more special \u2013 an \nM2 CS Racing race car\n. BMW M cars have been used as MotoGP Safety Cars for the past 24 years.\n\u201cBMW M has been our partner since 1999 and, over the course of this long-term collaboration, has always thrilled us with new highlights,\u201d said Dorna Sports, MotoGP rights holder.\nFor the first time, a purpose-built race car will be used to lead the pack of two-wheeled racers in the upcoming 2022 season which begins on the 6th of March with the Grand Prix of Qatar.\nRELATED: \nThe BMW M2 CS is the F82 generation\u2019s last hurrah!\n\u201cM stands for Motorsport so we\u2019ve selected a race car from our BMW M Motorsport range to be the new MotoGP Safety Car \u2013 an appropriate choice to mark the 50th anniversary of M,\u201d said CEO of M, Franciscus van Meel.\nOn the performance front, the M2 CS Racing gets the same engine from the \nM2 Competition\n \u2013 a 3.0-litre straight-six engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox \u2013 with \n450 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n. All that, is funneled solely to the\n rear wheels\n, imagine that.\nNoteworthy features on the M2 CS Racing includes ZF Sachs race suspension, a carbon roof, custom driveshafts, motorsport software for the transmission, alongside light bars specifically for its role as the MotoGP safety car.\nThe livery of the new BMW M2 CS Racing MotoGP Safety Cars is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of BMW M and is also based on the anniversary logo of BMW M.\nApart from the M2 CS Racing, other models from the BMW M fleet to be featured as safety cars in the 2022 MotoGP season includes the M3 Competition, M4 Competition, M4 Competition, M5 CS and the M8 Gran Coupe Competition, X5 M and two BMW M 1000 RR bikes.\nGALLERY"
"As the world celebrates the dynamic debut of the \nall-new Nissan Leaf\n, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) wasted no time to announce that the second-generation electric vehicle (EV) will be making its way to Malaysia come 2018!\nETCM had the \nfirst-generation Leaf\n on sale since 2013, but its steep \nRM180k\n price tag was difficult to justify its \n135 km\n driving range. Nevertheless, it was a bold and commendable feat from ETCM to offer Malaysians the option for \naffordable\n zero-emission driving.\nThis all-new Leaf however, will set a new benchmark for EVs with an \nupdated\n \ne-powertrain\n, larger battery capacity and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. It now packs \n147 hp\n and\n 320 Nm\n with a theoretical driving range of \n378 km\n. With almost three times the driving range, the new Leaf can now be a viable daily commute alternative compared to the outgoing model.\nVisually, the Leaf is a sporty and edgy looking thing while boasting a commendable drag coefficient of \n0.28\n. Inside, the new Leaf gets a significantly more modern interior along with Nissan\u2019s \nProPILOT\n semi-autonomous driving and \nProPILOT Park\n auto parking feature.\nJapan will begin deliveries of the all-new Nissan Leaf in October 2017 while North America and Europe will receive their Leaf early next year. For ETCM to promise a 2018 market launch is indeed a commendable feat. However, the bigger question is: will ETCM be able to take advantage of the locally assembled hybrid tax incentive offered by the Malaysian Government? If so, we are looking at a real winner here.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Let\u2019s set the record straight. While the Launch Control feature is available in the new \n2017 Ford Fiesta ST\n, it\u2019s\n merely an optional extra\n along with the Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and Ford-patented force vectoring springs.\nAt the moment, it\u2019s still unclear if Sime Darby Auto Connexion, sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, will bring in the new \nFiesta ST\n although it could be very likely, judging from the positive response and reviews from the previous model.\nFor now,\u00a0here\u2019s a quick taste of what the new Fiesta ST will be like off the line, should the Launch Control option be ticked for the local models.\nAt first glance, the Fiesta ST doesn\u2019t seem to be that brisk off the line, with its \n197 hp\n and \n290 Nm,\n impressively extracted from a compact\u00a01.5-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine but a closer observation of the speedometer tells a different story of how rapidly the car picks up speed with 0 to 100 km/h done in a supposed 6.7 seconds \u2013 \n0.2 seconds quicker\n than its predecessor.\nSource:\n Carfection"
"Kia Malaysia has, for the first time, publicly displayed the new \nCerato Koup\n as part of their roadshow at One Utama shopping centre. The Korean company has been relatively quiet of late, especially after their last launch of the \nKia Cerato KX\n last July.\nThe turbocharged C-Segment coupe is expected to carry a price tag of \naround\n \nRM150,000\n, putting it squarely against its sister company\u2019s \nVeloster Turbo\n \u2013 also a Korean C-Segment hot hatch that was recently introduced. They both share the same \nturbocharged GDi\n \nengine\n, but the Koup makes healthier numbers, as you\u2019ll find out in a bit.\nFirst things first. The Cerato Koup\u2019s front fascia is distinctly different from the regular four-door Cerato sedan, bearing a \nmuch slimmer Tiger-nose grille\n, a completely \nnew front bumper\n and a lower grille that features a faux carbon fibre finish.\nStandard features on the outside including \nHID headlamps\n with \nLED daytime running lights\n (identical to the Cerato), halogen projector fog lamps surrounded by more LED DRLs, \n18-inch wheels \nwrapped with \n225/40R18\n Nexen NBlue HD tyres, blacked out side mirrors with integrated signal indicators, gloss black/chrome door handles, \nshark fin antenna\n and power sunroof. At the back, the Koup gets a different set of tail lamps (LED combination), a new bumper with diffuser, dual exhaust pipes and a reverse camera built on top of the KIA badge.   Like the previous generation Forte Koup, the doors here are \nframeless \nand comes with keyless entry. Upon opening them, you will be greeted by \nleather upholstered sport seats\n for all passengers, but the driver gets an additional 2-way lumbar support and seat ventilation. Both front seats are manually adjusted, though.\nOn the dashboard, you get more carbon fibre inserts on the air conditioning vents and door trims. As for the driver, you get a \nleather wrapped multifunction steering wheel\n with the brand\u2019s \nFlex Steer technology\n, allowing you to choose between Normal, Comfort or Sport. This simply alters steering weight, so don\u2019t expect any drastic mechanical differences.   There\u2019s dual zone full automated air conditioning with \ncluster ioniser\n, smart welcoming light system, electrochromic rear view mirror that will display the rear view camera, a 4.2-inch TFT LCD supervision cluster in between the odo- and tachometers, push-start button and passive cruise control.\nNow, onto the most fun bit. The Cerato Koup is powered by the said \n1.6-litre T-GDi engine \nthat, in this state of tune, makes \n201 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n265 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm. Unlike the Veloster Turbo, the Koup will make do with a \nsix-speed automatic torque converter\n with \npaddle shifters\n. This allows the \nfront-wheel driven\n Koup to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.4 seconds\n before maxing out at \n222 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 litres per 100 km travelled.\nAdding to the list are \nsix-airbags\n, front and rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, ESC, Brake Assist, Hill Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Management. Again, the Cerato Koup has an estimated price of RM150,000, and will be offered in the single 1.6L turbocharged mill only. Its official arrival will be within the coming month.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Cars are becoming more and more like smartphones on wheels. We\u2019ve seen the screens gradually gobbling up the entire dashboard, and now you\u2019ll also be able to unlock your car with just your face, thanks to the new Face Connect feature on the upcoming \nGenesis GV60 EV SUV\n.\nThe Face Connect utilises a Near Infra-Red (NIR) camera on the driver-side B-pillar to recognise the driver\u2019s face in all lighting conditions, including in the dark, to unlock the doors.\nThis feature will be particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts, as you can just leave your car keys inside the cabin and lock and unlock the car using your face \u2013 no need to carry your car keys around when you go for a run or swim in a lake any more.\nThe system can register up to two faces, and individual profiles can be set up for each face. Depending on which face the system detects, the car will then automatically adjust personalisation settings such as the driver\u2019s seat and steering wheel position, head-up display, wing mirrors, and infotainment settings as you unlock the door.\nAlthough still a fairly young brand, the Genesis G90 has impressed the Johor Sultan enough for it to be used as the official state car! Check it out here.\nIf that sounds just a little too dicey for you, don\u2019t worry \u2013 you\u2019ll still have to use your fingerprint inside the car to start and drive the car. The fingerprint scanner will also replace the existing PIN code access for other in-vehicle payments and unlocking of the Valet Mode.\nThe Genesis GV60 replaces the usual wing mirrors with two stealthy cameras! Check it out in more detail here.\nOther new updates on the upcoming Genesis GV60 include the significantly expanded over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities, where you\u2019ll now be able to enable additional features on major electronic devices including the electric vehicle integrated control device, suspension, brakes, steering wheel, and even the airbags.\nIn essence, you\u2019ll now be able to modify or upgrade the car, without even visiting a service centre, or have a technician work on it.\nThe new features, including Face Connect, Fingerprint Authentication System, and expanded OTA Software Update will make their debut on the upcoming fully-electric GV60, which is scheduled to be released soon. However, Genesis says that the new features will also gradually be introduced on the other models too."
"In conjunction with the opening of the McLaren Kuala Lumpur showroom, the McLaren GT has made its official debut on our shores.\nAs the name suggests, the McLaren GT is the British carmaker\u2019s first model in the luxury grand tourer category. The Grand Tourer series will sit alongside McLaren\u2019s existing Sports, Super and Ultimate Series models.\nGoing against the market trends, the McLaren GT is a mid-engined grand tourer that only comes with two seats. According to McLaren Automotive Asia Pacific and China\u2019s Managing Director, George Biggs, McLaren\u2019s GT series are designed to offer the best driving experience in any grand tourers, while providing ample space for luggage \u2013 not so much about carrying more passengers.\u00a0\nOn that point, Biggs also added that four-door tourers and SUVs are not currently in McLaren\u2019s future plans.\u00a0\nTaking the \n720s\n as a starting point, the designers have given the McLaren GT a more fluid and sleeker exterior silhouette that improve the aerodynamics of the grand tourer, resulting in a quieter cabin.\u00a0\nThe luxury treatment becomes apparent once you step inside the grand tourer. As standard, the Mclaren GT comes with Carbon Black Nappa leather upholstery and interior trims. The machined and knurled aluminium switches and controls also gives the McLaren GT an extra touch of class.\u00a0\nBeing a grand tourer, the Comfort Seats in the McLaren GT are mounted 2 cm higher than the 720S for enhanced outward visibility. The GT can also be specified with an optional electrochromatic sunroof to alter the amount of light entering the cabin with a touch of a button.\u00a0\nWithout the rear seats \u2013 which are usually non-functional on other grand touring cars according to Biggs, the Woking-based carmaker was able to push the luggage capacity of the McLaren GT up to a class-leading total storage space of \n570 litres\n.\u00a0\nThe 150-litre trunk at the front is large enough to fit a cabin-sized luggage, while the rear boot space underneath the glass deck holds another 420 litres of cargo \u2013 McLaren says that it is big enough for two golf bags.\u00a0\nDespite all of the added kit, the McLaren GT is still fairly lightweight at just \n1530 kg\n. The low weight can be partly attributed to the brand\u2019s famed carbon fibre monocoque, but reworked exclusively for the GT, now dubbed MonoCell II-T.\nThe stiff carbon fibre monocoque also contributes to the handling prowess of the McLaren GT, while the Proactive Damping Control on its hydraulic suspensions reads the road surface and adjusts the dampers in just 2 milliseconds for maximum ride comfort.\u00a0\nThe suspensions on the McLaren GT can be fitted with an optional lift system, pushing the standard ground clearance up by an additional 20 mm to \n130 mm\n at the front \u2013 equivalent to most mainstream sedans on the market.\nIn an effort to maximize ride comfort, McLaren has also filled the standard-equipment Pirelli P Zero tyres with sound deadening material to reduce tyre roar. The alloy wheels are sized 20-inches at the front, and 21-inches at the rear.\u00a0\nPowering the McLaren GT is a new derivative of the \n4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n, codenamed M840TE. The powerplant generates \n620 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque, paired to a \n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n to drive the rear wheels.\u00a0\nMcLaren says that the detuned engine features a flatter torque curve and a more seamless transmission shift logic in tune with the grand touring characteristics of the car.\u00a0\nAlthough power figures are down, the McLaren GT is still no slouch \u2013 0 to 100 km/h is done in just \n3.2 seconds\n, and continues to 200 km/h in a total of \n9 seconds\n. Flat out, the McLaren GT can reach a top speed of \n326 km/h\n.\nThe base McLaren GT is priced at RM908,000 before applicable taxes and options. A McLaren spokesperson said that the on-the-road price is expected to start at around \nRM2 million\n. The car is now on display and available for booking at the new McLaren showroom in Glenmarie.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Volkswagen Malaysia crew will be hitting a couple of our best loved shopping malls starting from the 1 to 4 October. They will be holding a\u00a0sales carnival in One Utama where customers can learn more about their latest Volkswagen deals.\nModels present at the sales carnival include the \nPolo\n\u00a0CKD\n, \nJetta\n, Tiguan, \nPassat\n and the CC. Seeing is just one part of the experience, therefore Volkswagen is making every model available for test drive!\nNot only that, but all event attendees will stand a\u00a0chance to win \nexclusive\n \nVolkswagen\n \nmerchandises\u00a0\nand even a RM200 petrol voucher daily!\u00a0There will be a special treat for the kids as the \nVolkswagen Buckle Up Bear\n will be making an appearance at the carnival.\nHowever,\u00a0at\u00a0\nThe Curve\n, things are a bit more relaxed with a chance to get up close and personal should you fancy the \nlimited-edition \nBeetle Club\n and \nPassat\n models. Be sure to check it out. Both venues will happen throughout the same period from 10am till 10pm."
"Open-cockpit vehicles like the BAC Mono and \nLotus 3-Eleven\n were built with a single purpose in mind, giving the driver the most rewarding driving experience. Because you don\u2019t have a roof over your head, the occupants are at the mercy of the weather but Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) believes that its cars can take on even the most extreme driving conditions.\nThe BAC team together with a selected number of owners and enthusiast took the single-seater Mono to the frozen lakes of Sweden for the second instalment of the Mono Ice Driving Experience with the goal of giving the drivers the raw Mono experience and having plenty of fun along the way in sub-zero temperatures:\nAC Co-Founder and Design Director, Ian Briggs, said: \u201cMono and our drivers were tested thoroughly, of course, but this is the ultimate piece of sporting equipment that simply thrives even in the most extreme conditions. Our video perfectly captures what it means to be part of the BAC Family \u2013 having unbelievable fun behind the wheel of Mono but also coming together as one when the helmets are off.\u201d\nAvailable in Hong Kong, North America, Japan and London, the Mono is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder by Mountune delivering \n305 hp\n and \n308 Nm\n of torque. With a dry weight of mere \n580 kg\n, the Mono will sprint from 0 to 96 km/h in \n2.8 seconds\n onwards to a ridiculous top speed of \n273 km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the launch of the Pilot Sport 4 SUV, Michelin Malaysia has now answered the call of high-performance SUV owners with a tyre specially developed to match their vehicles. The introduction of the Pilot Sport 4 SUV also completes the Pilot Sport family comprising the Pilot Sport 4, 4 S, Cup 2 and Cup 2R.\nBibendum personally attended the launch and gave the Pilot Sport 4 SUV two \u2018thumbs up\u2019.\nWhile its \nasymmetrical tread pattern\n looks similar to that of the Pilot Sport 4, the new Pilot Sport 4 SUV incorporates a \nmore rigid groove design for better cornering grip and longevity\n. It also utilises a \nnew compound\n featuring innovative functional elastomers and thin silica for better grip and braking on wet conditions.\nThe Pilot Sport 4 SUV is developed for sporty premium SUVs.\nThe need for tyres specifically catered to \nsporty premium SUVs\n lies in the higher kerb weights and performance envelope of these vehicles which result in \nincreased loads, heat and wear on the tyres\n. Under the Pilot Sport 4 SUV\u2019s surface lies a hyb\nrid belt made of aramid and nylon for sharper steering response and precision\n, supported by high density, double casing ply for \nresistance against road shock damages\n. All tyre sizes also come with an \nin-built rim protector\n to mitigate against curb rash.\nMichelin is confident that the performance of the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is superior against other premium brands based on tests conducted by independent testing and certification service providers \nTUV SUD and DEKRA\n. In areas of \ndry and wet braking\n, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV led the field and recorded a stopping distance of up to 2.7 metres shorter than competitors in the dry, and 4.9 metres shorter (when new) and up to 8.5 metres shorter (worn) against rivals in the wet.\nFurthermore, it also \nlapped the 1.05-km track faster\n by a margin of 5.06 seconds and stood above other competitors in terms of \nlongevity \nby lasting up to 13,000 km more on test runs measured against six other tyre brands. Do note that the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is \noptimised for on-road performance\n and isn\u2019t suitable for heavy off-roading.\nPerformance tyres need to look good these days.\nTo complement the look of premium SUVs, Michelin added a subtle v\nelvet finish onto the sidewalls\n of the Pilot Sport 4 SUV as part of its \u2018Premium Touch\u2019 design philosophy. There are a total of \n39 sizes to fit rim diameters ranging from 17- to 23\n inches with prices starting from \nRM 700 a piece\n. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is available now at TYREPLUS and authorised dealers across Malaysia."
"The \nFord Fiesta ST\n is currently one of the finest hot hatches sold in the market. Yet for some, it\u2019s far from perfect, due to the lack of practicality. It didn\u2019t take long for Ford to get this sorted out, because announced just recently is the five-door Ford Fiesta ST.\nAvailable for the first time ever, the two extra doors does not comprise the car\u2019s top-notch driving dynamics and brilliant performance. In fact, Ford is confident that 25 percent of the Fiesta ST customers will opt for the five-door variant.\nApart from the newfound practicality, nothing much has changed. \u00a0Thus, the all-familiar\u00a0\n1.6-litre EcoBoost turbocharged\n engine that produces \n180 hp\n and\n 240 Nm\n of torque is retained. It\u2019ll still sprint to 100km/h in \n6.9 seconds\n, which is just as quick as the three-door sibling. The only observable drawback is the fuel consumption. It now consumes 6.1 litres of fuel per 100km travelled, or about 0.2 litres more than the three-door.\nThe Fiesta ST comes with Torque Vectoring Control and\u00a0three-mode stability control, just as before. The same wheels, sports grille, rear diffuser, Recaro seats and ST badges are all identical. \nThe five-door Fiesta ST starts at\u00a0\u00a318,495 (approximately RM99k based on today\u2019s conversion rates) in the UK, a premium of RM3,200 over the three-door variant. Back at home, the \nFord Fiesta ST\n\u00a0(three-door) is sold in limited numbers, and carries a sticker price of\u00a0\nRM 149,888\n.\n\u00a0\nWill the five-door Fiesta ST be introduced here, then?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda UK is out to re-write its own record for the world\u2019s fastest lawn mower, \npreviously set with the original Mean Mower in 2014\n, in the new Mean Mower V2.\nBuilt by Team Dynamics, Honda\u2019s British Touring Car Championship partner, the same team that built the original Mean Mower, development has moved on to a whole new level.\nIt now packs almost double the power and is estimated to reach \nin excess of 240 km/h\n \u2013 that\u2019s a lawn mower we\u2019re talking about! The original Mean Mower managed a top speed of \u201conly 187 km/h\u201d.\nThe Mean Mower is based on the Honda HF 2622 lawn tractor, with its front cowl, grass box and body panels still intact but it\u2019s now fitted with a 999cc 4-cylinder engine taken out from Honda\u2019s CBR 1000RR Fireblade SP motorcycle.\nWhile it\u2019s still able to perform as a grass cutter, it\u2019s now packs more than \n192 hp\n and with the Mean Mower weighing just 70 kg, its power-to-weight ratio is \nmore than 1000 hp per tonne\n. That\u2019s more than the Bugatti Chiron at just 762 hp per tonne!\nThe suspension-less Mean Mower also retains the Fireblade\u2019s 6-speed transmission, clutch, ECU and LCD display. Gear shifts are made with the carbon fibre paddle shifters on the steering wheel, where it would \nreach 144 km/h in first gear alone\n.\nThe all-important task of slowing down the 190 hp lawn mower is undertaken by four-piston callipers at the front and a six-piston unit at the rear. 10-inch ATV wheels have been deployed with custom Hoosier racing tyres to ensure that the Mean Mower stays on its tracks during its brutal acceleration.\nThe Mean Mower will be piloted by the gorgeous Jess Hawkins, an experienced kart and racer who is currently performing as a stunt driver in the Fast & Furious Live show. For more updates on the Mean Mower, follow\u00a0Honda UK Power on \nFacebook\n, Twitter\n and \nInstagram\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Officially launched on the floors at the 2017 Singapore Motor Show is the all-new, \nfifth-generation Subaru Impreza\n. It sits on a completely new platform called Subaru Global Platform (generic, yes, we know) and is doing exceedingly well in Japan.\nThe \n2016 Japan Car of the Year\n dons a more evolutionary approach to styling, but Subaru says over 80 percent of the car is new. Exterior and interior don\u2019t just look good, but feel better thanks to more liberal use of high quality materials. All these are the outcome of Subaru\u2019s new \nDYNAMIC x SOLID\u00a0\ndesign philosophy, which promises to improve a Subaru car\u2019s holistic appeal.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru Impreza 1.6i\nSubaru Impreza 1.6i-S\nSubaru Impreza 2.0i-S\nEngine\n1,600cc; horizontally-opposed, 4-cyl DOHC, port injection\n1,995cc; direct injection DOHC, horizontally-opposed\nTransmission\nLineartronic CVT\nMax Power\n112 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n154 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n150 Nm @ 3,600 rpm\n196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nDepending on where you live, the Impreza can be had with either a 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre engine, and they\u2019re both naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engines. The smaller unit pumps \n112 hp\n at 6,200 rpm and \n150 Nm\n of torque, and is port injected. The 2.0-litre flat-four gets direct injection and produces \n154 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n196 Nm\n of torque peaking at 4,000 rpm.   Both engines get paired to Subaru\u2019s intelligent \nLineartronic CVT\n (torque converter type). The front axle is managed by a MacPherson strut setup, whereas the rear benefits from the wonders of double wishbones. Wheel sizes start from 16-inch for the 1.6i, which goes up one size for the 1.6i-S and 2.0i-S. Disc brakes are found on all four corners, and they are all ventilated.\nSome noteworthy equipment include auto levelling and cornering\u00a0LED headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, shark fin antenna and powered sunroof. Inside, there\u2019s an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual zone climate control, aluminium pedals, electronic parking brake and up to \nseven airbags\n including a driver\u2019s knee airbag.   Among the suite of safety systems available as standard are Brake Assist, Brake Override, Engine Immobiliser, Safety Pedal System, Vehicle Dynamics Control System and a wholly-reinforced frame. Subaru is taking great pride with their new Global Platform, because it will underpin a range of their future cars, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell tech and even pure electric vehicles.\nAccording to the company, the new platform will offer better traction, more confident control and much improved low and high speed stability. Rigidity is also significant upped thanks to use of high tensile strength steel, and it now sits 5mm closer to the ground than any of their existing cars. Despite all that handling mojo, comfort is also apparently improved. Body roll is largely eliminated by mounting the rear stabiliser directly to the body.\nNow, Subaru Malaysia has confirmed that the Impreza will not make its way to Malaysia anytime soon, primarily due to cost. A rough estimate brought the ballpark figure close to RM130k (because CBU and poor forex), and that\u2019s just for the base 1.6i variant! The flip side is, the next generation XV crossover will also sit atop this new platform, so expect it to arrive really, really soon.\nUpdate:\n\u00a0Executive Director of Tan Chong International Ltd, Glenn Tan said there is a very small possibility that the Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S will be introduced to Malaysia, but this very much depends on market demand. Also, it\u2019s likelier for us to get the 5-door hatch instead of the sedan, due to broad similarities with the XV in the way they are assembled.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Today, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato\u2019s Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced \u201cToll Rahmah\u201d, which is essentially free toll for the highways in celebration of Hari Raya Adilfitri this year. The free toll period will span across 4 days \u2013 \nApril 19\n,\n20\n,\n21\n, and \n24\n. The \u201cToll Rahmah\u201d will be applicable for \n33 highways\n for all vehicle classes.\nTogether with the \u201cToll Rahmah\u201d announcement, the Prime Minister also announced that all traffic summons from 2022 and earlier will only cost \nRM50\n if payment is made between \nApril 21\n to \nMay 21, 2023\n. The RM50 special price is applicable for all traffic summons. However, it is not applicable for traffic summons issued in 2023.\nBesides Toll Rahmah and the special summons price, Dato\u2019s Sri also announced the operation of Ops Lancar which will take place on April 18 and 19, 2023. PDRM will also be conducting Ops Selamat 20 which will take place from April 20 to April 27.\nFor those of you planning to \nbalik kampung\n for the festivities, do take note that there will be seven non-compoundable traffic offences between April 18 to April 27. This means that the offenders will be directly referred to court. Part of the 7 offences are using mobile phones while driving, driving in the emergency lane, and cutting traffic queues. You can learn more about this \nhere\n.\nRELATED: \nStraight to court for these 7 major offences during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, 18-27 April"
"The premium electric segment is well and truly heating up with the introduction of the \nPorsche Taycan\n and \nLucid\n \nAir\n. While nothing has really beaten the Model S P100D in terms of century sprint times yet, Tesla isn\u2019t going to be a sitting duck in this instance, instead taking the opportunity at its Battery Day event to unveil its the highly-anticipated tri-motor Model S Plaid.\nExact performance figures have yet to be announced yet, but here are the bold claims laid out during the presentation: 0-100 km/h in \nunder 2 seconds\n, quarter-mile (402 m) time of less than 9 seconds, and a top speed of \n320 km/h\n. Wowza.\nThe only thing beyond Ludicrous is Plaid\n\u2014 Tesla (@Tesla) \nSeptember 23, 2020\n \nIf you\u2019re keeping track, the numbers \u2013 if it turns out to be true in production form \u2013 will make the Tesla Model S Plaid the fastest-accelerating production car by quite a huge margin, well, until the electric hypercars such as the \nLotus Evija\n and \nPininfarina Battista\n come about. Second place? None other than the Tesla Model S Performance.\nThe quarter-mile sprint time of under 9 seconds also beats out the recently-launched competitor Lucid Air, which recorded a quarter-mile time of 9.3 seconds. Power output is claimed to be \nover 1,100 hp\n, with an unknown amount of torque.\nSo what does all that performance mean when put to the test on track? Elon Musk said during the announcement that the Tesla Model S Plaid lapped the WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway in 1:30.3, and figures that they can take another 3 seconds off that time. For comparison, the Lucid Air completed the lap in 1:33. Watch the lap in full below:\nIn-car footage from Sunday\u2019s Plaid Model S run at Laguna Seca \npic.twitter.com/rwQDBFCWoH\n\u2014 Tesla (@Tesla) \nSeptember 23, 2020\n \nGerman publication\u00a0\nAuto Motor und Sport\n\u00a0previously also reported that a Model S Plaid prototype lapped the Nurburgring Nordshleife with an unofficial time of 7:13, beating the current record-holder for the fastest four-door vehicle around the \u2018Ring \u2013 the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 \u2013 by approximately eight seconds.\nAside from pure performance, Tesla also claims that the Model S Plaid will have the longest range of all the other variants, boasting a zero-emissions range of 836 km from a single charge \u2013 again, exceeding the Lucid Air\u2019s 832 km by a hair. The extra range comes courtesy of a bigger battery pack featuring the company\u2019s latest tabless battery architecture.\nThe Tesla Model S Plaid can be ordered now with a price tag of USD139,999 (RM578k), with \u00a0first deliveries scheduled for late 2021.\n \n[Images: YouTube Screencap/Tesla (Official images not unveiled yet)]"
"Longtime aspiring Mazda owners may find this a tad too irresistible, because Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Mazda cars has just announced their brand new and nation\u2019s first \nPre-owned Car Centre\n.\nThe Mazda \u201cAnshin\u201d Pre-owned Car Centre offers greater affordability without compromising the quality and reliability of the cars, hence the word Anshin, which means \u201cpeace of mind\u201d in Japanese.\nCustomers who are looking to buy any of the pre-owned vehicles can also benefit from Mazda\u2019s \nFree Warranty\n and \nMaintenance Programme\n. Also keep in mind that these cars have undergone strict scheduled maintenance and its parts were thoroughly checked before they\u2019re put on sale.\nThe pre-owned car centre is located some good \ntwo kilometers\n away from Mazda\u2019s headquarters in Glenmarie. Anyone care for a quick zoom-zoom visit?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Over its 10-year lifespan since 2009, the Rolls-Royce Ghost has become the most successful model in the marque\u2019s 116-year history. That legacy looks set to be extended with the new Ghost \u2013 a modest and minimalist expression of Rolls-Royce.\nThe new Rolls-Royce is built on the company\u2019s proprietary aluminium spaceframe architecture first used on the\n Phantom\n and subsequently the\n Cullinan\n. Underneath the hood is a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 with\n 571 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n to power all four wheels and because it\u2019s a Rolls-Royce, you\u2019re not allowed to ask its 0 to 100 km/h time.\nThe new Ghost rides on Rolls-Royce\u2019s redeveloped Planar Suspension System, named after a geometric plane which was flat and level. The system took 10 years to develop in order to create a sense of flight on land \u2013 something we\u2019d expect of a Rolls-Royce.\nThe system incorporates a world-first Upper Wishbone Damper (which took five years to develop) positioned above the front suspension to create an even more stable and effortless ride. It\u2019s also the latest evolution of the company\u2019s Magic Carpet Ride suspension system.\nThe new suspension system works alongside the Flagbearer system which uses stereo cameras on the windscreen to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension system for any changes in the road surface. It\u2019s capable of adjusting the suspension proactively up to speeds of 100 km/h.\nSelf-closing doors may be a common sight with Rolls-Royce\u2019s of before but it seems the elite now have even lesser time (or energy) for trivial movements like opening a car door. As such customers of the new Ghost can now, for the first time, also open the doors with power assistance.\nCustomers can first open the door with one pull of the interior handle, then allow the handle to return to its resting position while they check for potential hazards, and then pull and hold it for full power assistance on opening.\nOnce the door is opened sufficiently for the customer\u2019s egress, they simply stop pulling the handle, which engages a door brake. Impressive but honestly though, a manual door that we commoners use just sounds less complicated to operate.\nNot contented with just the Starlight Headliner, Rolls-Royce also applied the same effect on the dashboard of the new Ghost called the \nIlluminated Fascia; a world-first innovation\n. Developed over two years and more than 10,000 hours, the ensemble glows around the Ghost nameplate, surrounded by more than 850 stars.\nThe illumination comes from 152 LEDs mounted above and beneath the fascia, each meticulously colour matched to the cabin\u2019s\nclock and instrument dial lighting. To ensure the Ghost wording is lit evenly, a 2mm-thick light guide was used, featuring more than 90,000 laser-etched dots across the surface.\nIf that does not impress you, check out the \nRolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII we had the pleasure to shoot earlier this year\n. Only 50 were ever made, with one unit allocated for Malaysia although it has already found a home, obviously.\nGALLERY"
"When you are handed the keys to a Ferrari for a day \u2013 especially one with 620 hp \u2013 your first instinct is probably to drive it like you stole it and pin your right foot down into the accelerator at every chance you get. Or at least, that\u2019s what we\u2019d do. normally.\nBut oddly enough, when we were given the chance to sample the new\n Ferrari Portofino M\n recently, all we wanted to do was to take it easy and, well, savour the experience with the top down.\nDon\u2019t get us wrong \u2013 the new Portofino M is more than happy to oblige with your every input, be it chucking it into corners on your touge runs, or mashing the pedals whenever the traffic light turns green; for the laymen drivers, the car\u2019s limit depends only on the size of your own cajones.\nAnd that shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise to anyone. The \u2018M\u2019 suffix in its name \u2013 which stands for \nModificata \n\u2013 is essentially Ferrari\u2019s way of saying that the car has received a \u2018significant boost to their performance\u2019. And it certainly feels that way too, not just in its updated powertrain, but also its chiselled chassis.\nEven reading the spec-sheet alone is enough to tell you what the car can do: \n620 hp \nand \n760 Nm\n from its 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8, new eight-speed DCT gearbox, and a new Manettino switch that now comes with the balls-to-the-wall Race mode \u2013 there are no doubts that this car is fast.\nAnd heck, the car even looks the part too, with the \u2018M\u2019 treatment bringing along the sportier bumper and larger air intakes up front, alongside a significantly more aggressive diffuser at the rear.\nBut it\u2019s when you slide into the driver\u2019s seat and set off for the first time \u2013 preferably with the top down \u2013 that you truly understand what this car is about.\nYes, it can bite. But unless you specifically asked for it, the Ferrari Portofino M will just happily cruise along in utmost comfort (and speed, of course). Because even though it\u2019s now got a lot more grunt, it hasn\u2019t forgotten that it\u2019s still a topless grand tourer \u2013 and Ferrari has made it even better in that aspect, too.\nThe seating position is spot on, giving you just enough of the \u201csporty\u201d feel without sacrificing comfort on long journeys. And it\u2019s even offered with seat ventilation and neck warmers too, if you so choose.\nAnd the Ferrari Portofino M now even comes with an advanced driver assistance systems suite, with features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive high beam, and a 3D surround-view monitor \u2013 all to make driving it around other people easier.\nBut most importantly, it\u2019s the way it drives. In comfort mode, the retuned adaptive suspension just soaks up all of the bumps that the Malaysian paved highways can offer. And with the top down, overtaking is as easy as it is fun, as the roar from the engine just engulfs your senses.\nA full review will be coming very soon for the Ferrari Portofino M, so keep your eyes peeled. But for now, we\u2019ll let the photos do the talking.\nGALLERY"
"The Renault brand in Malaysia has a longstanding reputation for being a left-field choice among many aspiring car buyers for various reasons, mostly negative and discouraging. These perceptions are widely the consequence of pluralistic ignorance, a communal/social bias that came to existence during the Japanese\u2019s unprecedented success in winning customers over during after the \u201980s.\nThings have certainly spun in favour for most French brands in recent years, thanks largely to their modern design appeal and increasingly competitive pricing. And if you haven\u2019t noticed, Renault Group together with sole Malaysian franchise holder TC Euro Cars introduced six new models just this year alone, with the newest B-Segment duo being the \nClio GT Line\n and \nCaptur\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRenault Clio GT Line\nRenault Captur\nEngine\n1,197cc; 4-cyl turbo, direct injection\nTransmission\n6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC)\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 4,900 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM118,000\nRM123,000\nIt\u2019s unquestionably a steep uphill battle for both models, but they bring turbocharging to the table; a costly bit of kit that was reserved for the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost and VW Polo TSI \u2013 until now, or in this segment at least. Renault Malaysia claims that the Clio GT\u2019s \ndirect injected\n \n1.2-litre turbocharged \nengine performs equal to that of a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine, if not better. This engine is also shared with the Renault Captur.\nUpdate: The Renault Captur\u2019s 1.2-litre engine is in fact a \ndirect injection unit\n, as clarified by Tan Chong Euro Cars (Renault Malaysia).\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nAs we\u2019ve said earlier, the Clio GT Line easily stands out among the crowd in terms of design appeal. It\u2019s one of the best looking B-Segment hatches on sale right now and is well presented with\u00a0\n17-inch anthracite dark metal wheels\n wrapped with 205/45 profiled rubbers. Like the Clio R.S. 200, the \nrear door handles are hidden\n next to the C-pillars, which makes for a really sporty, coupe-like look. The LED daytime running lights from the more hardcore R.S 200 variant is also offered as standard here, while the fog lamp binnacles, side mirrors and lower rear bumper all are finished in contrasting colours.   The Renault Captur on the other hand, doesn\u2019t turn heads quite as easily as the Clio GT on the runway, but it\u2019ll be hard to mistake the Captur for anything else in its class. It\u2019s not the best looking B-Segment crossover, but it certainly is one of the most adept and frugal, as we\u2019ll find out in a bit. Headlights on both the Clio GT and Captur are halogen, but the crossover benefits from a pair of projectors as opposed to the reflectors on the hatch. The tyres here are also of a higher profile \u2013 205/55 series and rides on two-tone 17-inch wheels.\n \n \nWhat\u2019s unique on the Captur is its dual-tone exterior finish. There\u2019s only four colour options \u2013 Arizona Orange, Pacific Blue, Ivory (white) and Beige, however the roof is finished in a different\u00a0colour, either in gloss black or gloss white.\nINTERIOR\nBoth these French B-Segments pack a mixed bag of impressions in the cabin and they don\u2019t quite exude the same sense of desirability when compared to their respective exterior styling, much less when compared to the current crop of competition. Granted, both these cars have some age to it (launched globally back in 2012, the Captur later in 2013), so here\u2019s hoping that the facelift variants will iron out the \u2018French\u2019 in cabin design.\nRenault Clio GT Line   The Clio GT Line and Captur\u2019s interior design are largely similar \u2013 if not identical, save for the seats and centre dashboard. There\u2019s a chunky \nleather-wrapped steering wheel\n with two rocker switches built into the left and right side for convenient on-the-fly cruise control operation, and behind it a bowtie-esque instrument cluster, if you will. Paddle shifters aren\u2019t available on both models, so you\u2019ll have to rely on rocking the gear lever for some manual fun.\nPlastic is extensively used in the car, but the Koreans do a better job at making them feel less cheap than it already is. If anything, quality is on par with the Japanese, if not a touch better. The centre dash which houses Renault\u2019s\u00a0\n7-inch MediaNav touchscreen\n gives us the impression that its existence is more of an afterthought, including the air conditioning controls built right below the head unit. Move the eyes further down and you\u2019ll find a \nkeycard slot\n and right next to it, the \npush-start ignition\n. This layout will get some getting used to, though it\u2019s not entirely a surprising placement after seeing it in the Renault Fluence.\nRenault Captur\n \n \nGoing back to the seats \u2013 \nboth models only come with fabric seats\n, however the Captur features a class\u2019 first removable fabric cover (via zippers) for easy cleaning. It\u2019s a convenience not many carmakers tend to include in their products, so don\u2019t be surprised if the Captur doesn\u2019t smell like a sweat-soaked carpet five years down the road. Finishing off the interior for both models are the \nfour-speaker configuration\n (they don\u2019t sound bad, though) and \nfour-airbag count\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nNow, the performance area is where these French cars excel in their class. They aren\u2019t the most powerful (the \nMazda CX-3\n takes the cake), but they are certainly the most fuel economical. As mentioned above, both the Captur and Clio GT Line come with a modern 1.2-litre engine, featuring \ndirect injection and\n \nturbocharging technology\n. As a result, the engine makes a respectable\u00a0\n118 horsepower\n at 4,900 rpm and \n190 Nm \nof torque at 2,000 rpm.\nBoth engines are paired to the same six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) gearbox driving the front wheels. The Clio GT Line impresses even before we drove it, simply because it shares the same suspension setup as the Clio R.S 200. Up front, it gets McPherson struts, while the rear settles for a torsion beam setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The same tale is told with the Captur, though we feel that the Clio handles road undulations far better than the Captur \u2013 more on this later.\nTHE DRIVE\nIt\u2019s a shame that people acquaint Renault cars as being unreliable and costly to maintain, because if there\u2019s one thing that deserves an eminence of such magnitude is \nthe way they drive\n. Renault\u2019s range of superminis in particular, have long tug the heartstrings of driving enthusiasts the world over. For RM118k, the Renault Clio GT Line administers a solid dose of fun around the bends, and ranks easily in the top three of best handling B-Segment cars that\u2019s currently on sale. Unfortunately, we only had the entire length of Elite Highway and an hour\u2019s duration (per driver) to sample the Clio, so we can\u2019t conclusively decide whether it handles better than the \nMazda2\n or the \nFord Fiesta EcoBoost\n.\nBut if it\u2019s that fun to drive, something has got to give, and it\u2019s the ride quality. The Clio\u2019s ride quality proved to be a fairly forgiving despite riding on 17-inch wheels. However, ride comfort in the rear is a tad too harsh for our liking \u2013 a shortcoming of the torsion beam suspension. This discomfort is especially pronounced in the Captur, but take it away from terrible road conditions and you\u2019ll be all smiles \u2013 more so when you toss it in and out of corners. When crossing over speed humps, just remember to recite your meditation mantras, because you\u2019ll need to really slow down.\nYou must be wondering, at this juncture, how the 1.2-litre engine stacks up in real world driving. In terms of outright performance, it edges the Volkswagen Polo\u2019s 1.2-litre TSI engine (103 hp and 175 Nm) by a slight margin, thanks to the French engine\u2019s better output figures. Overtaking cars on the freeway is a breeze, that\u2019s until the engine runs out of breath somewhere between 500 to 800 rpm below the rev limit. The engine\u2019s sprightly nature means you won\u2019t be having any trouble getting the car up to three-digit speeds. Couple that to the quick-shifting dual clutch gearbox and you\u2019ll have yourself a tamer Clio RS by the wheel.\nLike we said earlier, it\u2019s not the most powerful engine of the lot, but it is the most frugal with a claimed combined cycle of \n5.2 litres per 100km \n(5.4 litres with the Captur). Curious, we hit the ECO button and put the car through a 50km stretch of stead-footed driving, all to see how realistic Renault\u2019s claims were. Upon activating ECO mode, the car\u2019s computers immediately numb the throttle and transmission mapping, sipping fuel as thriftily as Macklemore does his shopping. Some overtakings, hypermiling and 40 agonising minutes later, our labour bore fruits \u2013 both the Clio and Captur managed \n4.9 litres per 100km\n!\nOur day\u2019s drive from Petaling Jaya to Port Dickson and back proved quite literally to be a race against time. This means limiting the bulk of our journey to using the highways, hence the lack of involvement in the handling department. Wind noise was relatively well isolated at 110 km/h, even when the wind gusted in our direction. NVH qualities also fared favourably, however road noise starts creeping in as you climb above 100km/h. Nothing a better set of tyres and some rubber undercoating can\u2019t fix, right?\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nBoth the Clio and Captur are two relatively decent all-rounders that score exceptionally well in the performance and handling department. If you\u2019re looking for a continental car that\u2019s easy on the wallet (hold your horses, I\u2019ll justify that in a second) in terms of running and ownership costs, the Clio GT Line and Captur may well be the car for you.\u00a0\nBut which between the two should you get? That depends. If you fancy yourself a flashy looking car that\u2019s distinctly non-Asian and can handle all the twisty bits you chuck at it, then settle for the Clio. The Captur on the other hand, suits city dwellers better thanks to its higher ground clearance and larger storage capacity. It\u2019s not a true 4\u00d74 to say the least, but it\u2019s a crossover that serves its purpose as well as the HR-V and Ford EcoSport. If you\u2019re constantly travelling within our flash-flood-prone cities, the Captur is a no-brainer.\nThere are two good reasons why either one is the car for you. Firstly, running costs. The \nroad tax\n for both cars cost just \nRM55 annually\n, and drive it consistently with a light right foot and you\u2019ll easily stretch that visit to the petrol station by a few more days. Secondly, and more importantly, both cars are packaged with a \n5-year unlimited mileage warranty programme\n that\u2019s fully backed by TC Euro Cars. This means, for the purposes of claiming a faulty or damaged component, you won\u2019t have to go through a third party hanky-panky insurer just to get your ride fixed.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe Clio GT Line isn\u2019t exactly a cheap selection from the densely populated B-Segment range, so for this round of comparison, it\u2019ll go against some of the best equipped and most popular cars in the category. This showdown will include the \nFord Fiesta EcoBoost\n, \nMazda2 hatchback\n and segment leader \nHonda Jazz\n.\nRenault Clio GT Line\nFord Fiesta Sport+ EcoBoost\nMazda2 1.5L Skyactiv-G Hatchback\nHonda Jazz Grade V\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, direct injection turbo, DOHC\ninline-3, direct injection turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, direct injection, DOHC\ninline-4, SOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,197cc\n998cc\n1,496cc\n1,497cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n118/4,900\n123/6,000\n114/6,000\n118/6,600\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n190/2,000\n170/1,400\n148/4,000\n145/4,600\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed EDC\n6-speed DCT\n6-speed auto\nCVT\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nDrum\nDrum\nSolid Disc\nDrum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n205/45 R17\n195/50 R16\n185/60 R16\n185/55 R16\nWheels\n17-inch alloy\n16-inch alloy\n16-inch alloy\n16-inch alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,062mm\n3,982mm\n4,060mm\n3,955mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,732mm\n1,722mm\n1,695mm\n1,694mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,488mm\n1,489mm\n1,470mm\n1,524mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,589mm\n2,489mm\n2,570mm\n2,530mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,071 kg\nN/A\n1,056 kg\n1,081 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n300 litres\n276 litres\n220 litres\n363 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n45 litres\n43 litres\n44 litres\n40 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n5.2 litres\n5.3 litres\n5.1 litres\n5.6 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n199 km/h\nN/A\n184 km/h\nN/A\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n9.9 second\nN/A\n10 Seconds\nN/A\nPrice\nRM\nRM118,000.00\nRM93,888.00\nRM85,470.00\nRM84,363.79\nOn paper, the Clio GT Line pretty much \nhas the upper hand\n over the trio it\u2019s compared against. It\u2019s larger in terms of dimensions, and has a sizeable boot space eclipsed only by the king Honda Jazz. For RM118k, you pay the cheapest road tax (RM55) per annum despite having the \nmost powerful engine of the bunch\n. Pair that to the larger fuel tank and a frugal engine and you have yourself quite a worthy package, not before forgetting how rewarding it feels to drive around and out the corners.\nSure, it costs RM25k more than the already-exceptional Ford Fiesta EcoBoost, but the Clio promises \nexclusivity\n \u2013 something the maverick in you will come to appreciate, if you\u2019re the kind, of course. On the other end of the spectrum, you have other formidable offerings like the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI and Suzuki Swift Sport (the latter is a must-buy if you want some proper rowing action), but they\u2019ve aged and are no longer in the popular run.\nHowever, the Clio\u2019s crossover brethren, the Renault Captur, faces an even stiffer competition as it battles against Malaysia\u2019s home favourite, the Honda HR-V. That said, the Captur holds one competitive advantage over its rivals with its turbocharged engine. Let\u2019s spread the spec sheet and see how the Captur fares against the \nHR-V\n and the \nMazda CX-3\n.\nRenault Captur\nHonda HR-V\nMazda CX-3\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, direct injection, turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, SOHC\ninline-4, direct injection, DOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,197cc\n1,799cc\n1,998cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n118/4,900\n140/6,500\n156/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n190/2,000\n172/4,300\n204/2,800\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed EDC\nCVT\n6-speed auto\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nTorsion Beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nDrum\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n205/55 R17\n215/60 R16\n215/50 R188\nWheels\n17-inch alloy\n16-inch alloy\n18-inch alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,122mm\n4,294mm\n4,275mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,778mm\n1,772mm\n1,765mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,567mm\n1,605mm\n1,535mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,606mm\n2,610mm\n2,570mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,180 kg\n1,249 kg\n1,211 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n455 litres\n437 litres\n350\u00a0litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n45 litres\n50 litres\n48 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n5.4 litres\n6.6 litres\nTBA\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n192 km/h\nN/A\nN/A\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n10.9 second\nN/A\nN/A\nPrice\nRM\nRM123,000.00\nRM114,744.77\nRM131,218.50\nThe Captur\u2019s vital stats alone can\u2019t quite match the Japanese duo it\u2019s up against, but like the Clio GT, its strongest points are performance, handling and for what it\u2019s worth \u2013 value for money. It is above all the only model in its class to feature a turbocharged engine. Despite that, the Captur won\u2019t quite enjoy the HR-V\u2019s success (that crossover racks up sales figure faster than you can pronounce the two-syllabled Captur) simply because it isn\u2019t a volume player, and it\u2019s perhaps more niche than the \nFord EcoSport\n and \nPeugeot 2008\n combined.\nWILL I BUY THEM?\nIn hindsight, I can vividly recall the Clio and Captur\u2019s composure when it was put through its paces. But for personal reasons (and for having an unshakable bias towards manual sub-200 horsepower pocket rockets), I\u2019d rather spend the money on a C-Segment car than on vehicles one segment down. It\u2019s not because the Renaults are too pricey, but like I said, my preferences lean towards cars with a larger footprint that will meet all the demands of my long distance travels.\nIf you\u2019re captivated by their looks and are intrigued to find out how they drive, do yourself the favour and pay your nearest Renault showroom a visit. Driving pleasure awaits.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRenault Clio GT Line   Renault Captur"
"While you and I have had our bottoms firm and flat at our home workstations and sleeping the weekends away, some have been attempting interstate travel, to no avail.\nBernama reported that some 114,474 applications for interstate travel were rejected by the police since the full lockdown came into effect on the 1st of June. Problem is, there was no mention of how many were approved either.\nBukit Aman said these applications did not fulfill the conditions for interstate travel and applicants failed to submit relevant documents to support their application. They were not \u201clong-distance couples\u201d either.\nCurrently, only long-distance couples and parents with children under 18 are allowed to cross states. This is only allowed if they are fully vaccinated and will require a permit from the police station.\nClick here for the latest updates on movement and travel restrictions!\nCar wash and accessory shops, dealerships allowed to resume business. Read about it \nhere\n.\nThe 10-km limit in states that are in Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) has been \nremoved\n. As for states in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of NRP, interdistrict travel is now allowed.\nHowever, motorists will have to show their Covid-19 Vaccination Digital Certificate via the MySejahtera app when stopped at roadblocks."
"Not that the Ford GT supercar was slow by any stretch of the imagination \u2013 it does a sub 3-second 0-100km/h along with a top speed of 345 km/h \u2013 but Ford has managed to find some budget to give its carbon fibre rocket a midlife upgrade of sorts, and made available some rather delectable exterior options.\nLet\u2019s go through the mechanical bits first. Ford has freed up more horses from the GT\u2019s \n3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6\n through revised engine calibration, \u2018gallery-cooled\u2019 pistons and a higher energy ignition coil; items which are adapted from the track-based GT Mk II. The good stuff bumps output from \n647 hp to 660 hp\n.\nAnd then there are \nnew buttress air ducts\n for improved engine cooling and airflow (by 50%) along with larger intercoolers to cool charged air temperatures, particularly useful for demanding track work. Additionally, \nsuspension damping\n has also been revised in \u2018Track Mode\u201d for tighter handling and body control on race circuits.\nFor the lucky few who have the means to own the GT, they\u2019ll be happy to know that a \ntitanium Akrapovic exhaust system\n is now a standard fit from 2020. Aside from a more full-bodied soundtrack, there\u2019s also a \n4 kg weight\n savings, every bit counts when you\u2019re a supercar.\nBut what\u2019s really eye-catching about this 2020 model year update is the availability of two new exterior finishes \u2013 \nLiquid Carbon\n and an updated \nGulf Racing heritage livery\n. The former being a special clearcoat over raw carbon fibre, complemented by \ncarbon fibre wheels\n, optional titanium lug nuts and five different brake caliper colours to choose from.\nWhile the latter \u2013 the GT\u2019s iconic Gulf Racing heritage livery gets a new design that includes a black pinstripe to divide the distinct blue and orange colours, harking back to the \n1968-69 Le Mans-winning GT40\n.\nThe optional carbon fiber number switches from 9 on the 2019 model to 6 for 2020, matching the historic back-to-back winning car\u2019s chassis No. 1075. And you can spec the heritage model with carbon fiber wheels as well. Wow.\nThe Ford GT is expected to \nend production in 2022\n.\nFord GT 2020 gallery"
"With the Hari Raya festivities looming, Puspakom has organised its annual free vehicle inspection from the 2nd till 12th of May 2021, from 8 am to 5 pm.\nOwners can get their free inspection at any Puspakom centre nationwide EXCEPT the Shah Alam and Pasir Gudang outlets. They\u2019re also encouraged to \nmake an appointment through Puspakom\u2019s official website\n.\nAn undisclosed fee will be collected upon confirmation of appointment date, but will be returned when inspection is completed.\n\u201cThe free inspection campaign is aimed at changing the mindsets of motorists and educating owners on the safety and condition of their vehicles,\u201d said Puspakom CEO Ismail Shukor.\nVehicles will undergo a 25-point inspection process which will include the brakes, suspension, exhausts emissions, and the undercarriage of the vehicle, to name a few.\nA mobile inspection unit will also be stationed at the Stadium Cheras on the \n8th of May 2021\n. Operation hours are between 9 am to 4 pm."
"No, of course it\u2019s not really a dog driving a car but the \u201csight of it\u201d did generate interesting reactions from the folks in mother Russia.\nAs silly as it sounds, quite some work did go into the conversion; from extending the steering shaft and throttle cables with a whole lot of measuring and welding in between.\n \nIf you\u2019re not into the mechanical nitty gritty, I\u2019d suggest you skip to the 4:00 point of the video and crack yourselves up!\nSpeaking of the E30, if you\u2019re a big fan of BMW\u2019s 3-series, I hope you\u2019ve checked out this \nvideo on six different generations of the 3-series\n and the stories their owners had to tell!"
"Shortly after the announcement that \nAsia GT Festival will be making its way to Sepang\n International Circuit (SIC) coming 15 to 17 March 2019, the organisers have confirmed that the official pace car for the race will be the ArcFox-7 all-electric supercar.\nThe ArcFox-7 first made its debut as a concept at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show build by Chinese state-owned enterprise Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) under subsidiary brand Beijing EV (BJEV). The electric supercar also gets design and technical inputs from Campos Racing who are currently active in numerous racing series including Formula E.\n\u00a0\nWhile information on the ArcFox-7 is scarce, it is reported that the EV packs over \n600 hp\n and over \n1,000 Nm\n from its electric motors, all-wheel-drive and has a century sprint time of \nunder 3 seconds\n. Top speed is rated at \n260 km/h\n and is able to cover over 300 km range on a single charge. Surely these credentials are enough for it to lead over 30 GT race cars around the 5.5 km circuit.\nThis will not be the first time the ArcFox-7 is employed for pace car duties as it as reliably served this role at previous rounds of the China GT Championship."
"Ferrari has lifted the covers off the new Daytona SP3 \u2013 a new addition to the Icona series that started in 2018, after Ferrari introduced the Monza SP1 and SP2.\nThe 330 P3/4, 330 P4 and 412 P.\nThe limited-edition Daytona SP3 was built to pay tribute to Ferrari\u2019s 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona on the 6th of February 1967. The three cars were the Ferrari 330 P3/4 (1st), 330 P4 (2nd), and Ferrari 412 P (3rd).\nFacts & Figures: Ferrari Portofino M \u201cModificata\u201d launched in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nSitting in the middle of the Daytona SP3 is a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a 9,500 redline, \n840 hp \nand \n697 Nm\n, the F140HC engine is the most powerful internal combustion engine ever built by Ferrari. The same engine can also be found in the \nnew 812 Competizione\n.\n0 to 100 km/h is decimated in just 2.85 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 7.4 seconds, onwards to its top speed of 340 km/h.\nParticular attention was given to the engine\u2019s weight reduction; using titanium con rods, which are 40% lighter than steel, and the use of a different material for the pistons. The new piston pins have a Diamond-Like Carbon treatment (DLC), which reduces friction to improve performance and fuel consumption. The crankshaft is now also now 3% lighter.\nThe chassis of the Daytona SP3 is built entirely from composite materials using F1 technologies not seen on Ferrari\u2019s road cars since the \nLaFerrari\n. The \u2018Targa\u2019 body with a removable hardtop is a homage to Ferrari\u2019s sports prototypes of the 1960s.\nThanks to unprecedented features, such as chimneys that extract low-pressure air from the underbody, the Daytona SP3 is the most aerodynamically efficient car ever built by Ferrari without resorting to active aero devices.\nInside, the SP3 features the same steering seen in the \nSF90 Stradale\n, \nRoma\n, \nSF90 Spider\n,\n and \n296 GTB \nwhile a 16-inch curved HD display projects driving-related information.\nSpecific tyres were developed with Pirelli for the Daytona SP3 \u2013 the new P Zero Corsa \u2013 with a particular focus on the car\u2019s stability in low grip situations.\nFerrari BR20 one-off is a tribute to GT models from the 1950s and 60s. Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s possible that when you buy a Toyota in the future, it will come \u201cfitted with a good driver\u201d. Sounds exciting huh? Wait till you watch the video below!\nThe Toyota Research Institute has released a video that offers not just a glimpse into the future of self-driving cars but also how well they can maneuver themselves out of danger, to protect the occupants.\n \nIn a world\u2019s first, TRI\u2019s has programmed a vehicle to drift autonomous around obstacles \u2013 using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) \u2013 with the hopes that it can help future autonomous vehicles avoid accidents.\nRELATED:\n TOM\u2019s reveals Safari Limited GR Supra, in memory of Paul Walker\nAs mentioned in the video, \u201cOur team is developing on-demand autonomy to prevent car crashes; temporary giving an ordinary driver the drifting skills of an expert\u201d.\n\u201cWhen faced with wet or slippery roads, professional drivers may choose to drift the car through a turn, but most of us are not professional drivers,\u201d said TRI researcher, Jonathan Goh.\nHe added, \u201cWe\u2019ve developed algorithms that can autonomously control the vehicle in critical limit handling situations. We want cars to have the skills of an expert driver and be able to correctly react to difficult situations, like spinning\u201d.\nThe tests were conducted in a Toyota Supra, where its suspension, engine, transmission, including safety systems such as a roll cage and fire suppression system, has been modified to Formula Drift specification."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced the reduced prices of their inventory as the 0% GST exercise kicked in today.\nAs such, you can now experience \u201cthe best or nothing\u201d for just under RM 200k in the form of an A200 AMG Line which will set you back only \nRM 197,089.06\n.\nAs for the \nC200 AMG Line we tested a couple months back\n, prices have been reduced from \nRM 254,888.00 to RM 240,501.44\n. The updated price list can be viewed in the gallery below.\nCurrently, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is running a \nWorld Cup campaign\n from 1st May 2018 to 15th July 2018 to allow customers the opportunity to score the Mercedes-Benz of their dreams with either Hire Purchase Classic \nfrom an interest rate of 1.98% for a tenure of three to five years\n or Agility Financing.\nBoth options come with either Complimentary Motor Insurance or 4 Free Service Vouchers (or 48,000km, whichever comes first).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It was quite a privilege if not an honour to be in the presence of such an outrageous piece of automotive engineering.\nWe got to celebrate the presence of the new Bugatti Chiron Sport in Malaysia last week and here are some interesting facts of one of the fastest cars in the world, you might be interested to know.\nThe Chiron Sport\u2019s numbers are simply insane; \n1,500 hp\n, \n1600 Nm\n, a 16-cylinder engine with four turbos strapped on to it. 0 to 100 km/h is done in a brisk 2.5 seconds and its top speed will only arrive once (or if) you pass the 400 km/h mark (on a speedometer that reads up to 500 km/h!)."
"BMW\u2019s very first production plant outside of Munich is now \n42-years old\n, and the South African assembly plant in Rosslyn today celebrated their one millionth production count of the \nBMW 3-Series sedan\n.\nThe production plant is manned by over 2,900 workers, producing\u00a0a grand total of \n68,771\n\u00a0BMW 3-Series sedans for the local and export market just last year alone. Export figures have also rose \nover 17 percent\n compared to 2013, strengthening BMW South Africa\u2019s position as the country\u2019s leading exporter of premium vehicles.\n\u201cGlobalisation has been an inherent part of our corporate strategy for more than four decades. Established in 1973, the Rosslyn plant was BMW Group\u2019s first foreign plant and represents a cornerstone of our global production network with presently 30 sites in 14 countries. To this day, the South African production site remains a vivid example of a successful market entry through local production,\u201d said Kr\u00fcger during the celebration."
"UMW Toyota has announced the confirmed retail price list for the 2020 Toyota Hilux facelift, which is set to be launched here in Malaysia very soon. The updated price list contains some changes to the\n \nestimated pricing\n announced when the company opened the order books for the refreshed pick-up truck.\nStarting at the low-end of the five-variant line-up, the 2020 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4X4 is priced at \nRM92,880\n, which is RM1k cheaper than the estimated pricing. This is followed by the Double Cab 2.4 E AT 4X4, now priced at \nRM108,880\n \u2013 also RM1k cheaper than previous estimates.\nThe Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4 G MT 4X4 and 2.4 V AT 4X4 are priced at \nRM111,880\n and \nRM133,880\n, again, both approximately RM1k cheaper than estimates, while the 2.8 Rogue AT 4\u00d74 variant is priced at \nRM146,880\n, RM2k cheaper than initial estimates.\nThe early-bird promotion pricing for the top-of-the-line Rogue variant, as announced by the company when the model first opened for bookings in August, remains unchanged at \nRM144,880\n for purchases made before the year end.\nAll prices quoted above are prices on the road and without insurance, and includes a five-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty.\nAs a refresher, the Double Cab 2.4 E AT variant is the latest addition to the Toyota Hilux line-up, while the 2.8G Rouge AT 4X4 is designated to replace the current Black Edition. Meanwhile, the 2.4 V AT variant replaces the current 2.4 G AT model, while the L-Edition will no longer be available in the refreshed line-up.\nVariants with the \u201c2.4\u201d designation will most likely retain its 2GD-FTV 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine, which is good for\u00a0\n150 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n400 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. The 2.8 Rogue variant meanwhile will receive an engine update in the form of a new\u00a0two-stage oil pump and water-cooled double-pipe type pre-EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler, which bumps the output up to \n204 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0500 Nm\n\u00a0of twist (+27 hp and +50 Nm).\nThe Single Cab and Double Cab 2.4 G models will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while the rest gets a six-speed automatic box.\nOther mechanical upgrades found on the new Hilux, with the sole exception of the Single Cab variant, include a new power-assisted rack and pinion steering column with a new Variable Flow Control System, along with a new automatic limited slip differential and new traction control system.\nThe updated 2020 Hilux is also set to receive the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advance driver assistance systems, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Yaw Assist. Presumably, the TSS suite will only be available on the top-of-the-line Rogue variant.\nUpgrades to the equipment list also include new Bi-LED headlights with LED foglamps, new Optitron instrument cluster design with multi-info display, ambient lighting on the interior door trim, as well as new 17- and 18-inch wheel designs for the 2.4-litre variants."
"Proton continued its strong upward momentum in 2019, delivering 7,011 cars in April which translates to a 75% increase compared to the same period last year. This achievement places Proton as the Number 2 automotive brand in Malaysia for the month of April, reclaiming this title for the first time since February 2016.\nThe strong sales performance was bolstered by the high demand for \nSaga\n and \nX70\n. In fact, the Saga displaced the X70 as the best-selling Proton model in April with 3,047 units sold. Sales were also further boosted by the official launch of the facelifted \nIriz\n and \nPersona\n which gathered over 4,000 bookings prior to the launch.\nChief Executive\nOfficer of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong said: \u201cProton\u2019s sales achievement in April is\ntestament to how the company is moving in the right direction thanks to\nMalaysian car buyers regaining confidence in the brand and its products. It\nalso showcases the value of the Proton X70 at driving traffic to our showrooms,\nresulting in other models getting more attention as customers are reminded of\nthe value, quality and safety of all Proton vehicles.\u201d\nTo date, Proton\u2019s\noverall sales have grown by 50.2% compared to the previous year despite the\ndownturn in Total Industry Volume. Proton is also the only automotive brand in\nthe top five ranking to record a positive growth in sales in April."
"Jaguar is marking the 60th anniversary of the E-Type sports car first conceived in the 1960s, with a limited edition model \nF-Type\n called the Heritage 60 Edition. Only 60 units will be available.\nThe special edition model will be available with a Sherwood Green exterior, an original colour for the E-Type and dual-tone Caraway and Ebony Windsor leather upholstery. The Sherwood Green has not been offered on a new Jaguar since the 1960s while the interior colour scheme isn\u2019t normally available for the F-Type.\nThe limited-edition F-Type also comes with a unique console trim inspired by the E-Type\u2019s rearview mirror casing and a 60th anniversary logo embossed on the headrests of the lightweight performance seats.\nThe F-Type Heritage 60 Edition is available in both Coup\u00e9 and Convertible body styles, paired with Diamond-Turned gloss black 20-inch forged alloy wheels and black brake calipers.\nThe F-Type Heritage 60 Edition is based on the F-Type R launched in December last year with 575 hp, 700 Nm and an all-wheel drive system. It\u2019ll do 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of 299 km/h.\nThe Heritage 60 Edition is built at Jaguar\u2019s Castle Bromwich plant in the UK and finished by the SV Bespoke team at Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations in Warwickshire. Each costs \u00a3122,500 (approx. RM667k).\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Malaysia today launched the\n facelifted 2020 Toyota Vios\n here on our shores alongside the \nhighly-awaited GR Yaris\n, and the 2020 Yaris facelift. But that\u2019s not all \u2013 the Vios line-up also gets a new little surprise addition in the form of the Toyota Vios GR-S, making its world premiere today.\nThe Toyota Vios GR-S is the first locally-engineered product to feature the Gazoo Racing badge, and is the latest addition to the Vios line-up here in Malaysia \u2013 now standing at four variants, starting at \nRM74,623\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales-tax exemptions. Full pricing for the entire line-up can be found below!\nEXTERIOR\nThe most obvious changes on the 2020 Toyota Vios are seen at the front-end. The facelift model is now equipped with a brand-new grille, flanked by new fog-lamp enclosures inspired from the \nall-new Toyota Corolla\n.\nThe new triple-bezel LED headlights and daytime-running lights are standard across the range, an improvement to the outgoing model which had halogen projector units, even on the range-topping variant. As for the rear, the bumpers and tail lights are unchanged from before \u2013 halogen units on the entry-level 1.5 J variant, and LED for the rest of the line-up.\nThe 1.5 J variant rides on 15-inch wheels, while the 1.5 E and G variants get 16-inch items. For an additional RM2,500, customers can also opt for an Aerokit package,\u00a0which includes front and rear bumper lips, side skirts and a boot lid lip spoiler.\nAs for the Toyota Vios GR-S, the souped-up model adds on a variant-specific GR Sport grille, GR-S Aerokit with variant-specific bumper lips, side skirts, and spoilers, as well as 17-inch blacked-out alloy wheels.\nThe 2020 Toyota Vios will be offered in five exterior colours: Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, Orange Metallic, Dark Blue Mica, and Silver Metallic. The Vios GR-S, however, is only available in the first two colours in the list.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere are no changes underneath the hood of the 2020 Toyota Vios, which continues to be powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated to a CVT with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.\nEngine: 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, petrol\nTransmission: Seven-speed CVT with Shiftmatic mode\nDrivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 107 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nBearing the GR Sport name, the GR-S variant does of course differ slightly to the regular Vios variants. The all-new Vios GR-S is still powered by the same engine, making the same exact output figures, but it is now paired to a 10-speed CVT transmission (with gearshift paddles).\nThe variant-specific software calibration for the GR-S also means that the engine revs are held higher in sports mode for better throttle response, while the sports-tuned suspension gives it better ride and handling characteristics in the corners. The Vios GR-S also gets Toyo Proxes TR1 tyres as standard, which are the same rubbers used on the Toyota Vios Challenge race cars!\nINTERIOR\nChanges on the inside are less apparent, with a virtually-unchanged dashboard design, save for the darker tint on the chrome trims. In terms of equipment, the 2020 Toyota Vios range kicks-off with the 1.5 J variant with the following as standard:\nKeyless entry and engine start\nfabric upholstery\nfixed rear seats\nAnalogue instrument cluster\nUrethane steering wheel and shift knob\nEco and Sport drive modes\nBluetooth-enabled CD-player head-unit, paired to four speakers\ntwo USB charging ports\nblue footwell illumination\nThe 1.5 E variant adds-on an Optitron instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display alongside a seven-inch Display Audio infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, steering-wheel controls, as well as 60:40 split-folding rear seats.\nThe range-topping 1.5 G variant further gains a leather steering wheel and shift knob, paddle shifters, six speakers, and an electrochromic rear-view mirror, while the all-new Toyota Vios GR-S gets all of the above from the 1.5 G variant, plus a GR push-start button, specific displays on the MID screen, as well as a variant-specific suede and leather-wrapped sports seats with the GR Sport logo embossed on the headrest.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, all variants of the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift come as standard with the following:\nSeven airbags (front, side, curtain, driver\u2019s knee)\nVehicle Stability Control\nTraction control\nABS with EBD and brake-assist\nRear parking sensors (additional front parking sensors on the 1.5 G variant)\nHowever, the big ticket item on the new update is the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance suite, available on the 1.5 E and 1.5 G variants, alongside the GR-S. The TSS system includes the new Pre-Collision System (PCS) autonomous emergency braking system which works from 15 km/h, alongside Lane Departure Alert (LDA) that is functional from 50 km/h and up.\nThe system also comes with blind-spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert, and as standard these variants are also equipped with a front digital video recorder (dashcam).\nPRICING\nPricing for the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift are as follows, all on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales-tax exemptions\n that will be applicable until the end of the year. Included in the price is also a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.\n1.5 J: RM74,623\n1.5 E: RM82,593\n1.5 G: RM87,584\nVios GR-S: RM95,284\nCompared to the \noutgoing models\n, the 1.5 J is now RM1,478 cheaper, while the 1.5 E and 1.5 G see an increase of RM2,519 and RM1,452 respectively.\nThe 2020 Toyota Vios is also offered with a variety of factory-fitted options. For the 1.5 J variant, these include a DVD-AVX head-unit with reverse camera for RM2,150, the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System with one-year subscription for RM2,000, as well as the Toyota premium security and solar film for RM2,120 \u2013 the latter two items already standard on the 1.5 E, 1.5G, and GR-S variants.\nA wireless charging pad integrated into the armrest can be added to all variants for RM490, while the 1.5 G and 1.5 E variants can be equipped with a rear digital video recorder for an extra RM350.\nLastly, customers can also opt for the Toyota Service Savers programme which covers all of the scheduled servicing needs of your new Vios. It is available in two versions \u2013 a five-year/100,000 km package for RM3,220, or a three-year/60,000 km package at RM2,080.\nGALLERY\nToyota Vios GR-S\nToyota Vios 1.5 G"
"Less than a year since its world debut\n, the Mazda MX-5 RF finally makes an unscheduled and surprising appearance in Malaysia. This hard-top roadster packs the same 2.0-litre longitudinally mounted engine as its rag-top counterpart, but the biggest news here is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission.\nWhen the MX-5 was launched here in 2015\n, it was only available with the six-speed auto. If the lack of a stick shift was the basis for not buying it then, perhaps the Retractable Fastback version would change your mind. The added folding mechanism doesn\u2019t compromise boot space, so volume remains at 130 litres. Folding is automated and completes in just 12 seconds.   The example seen here is finished in the familiar but no less desirable Soul Red Metallic, though we would have loved to see the brand new Machine Grey colour. Everything else is as per the soft-top, such as the 17-inch lightweight wheels (205/45 profile rubbers) and full-LED headlights and fog lamps.\nThe high-revving naturally aspirated Skyactiv engine produces \n158 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n200 Nm\n of torque at 4,600 rpm, all of which are sent to the rear wheels. It may not seem very powerful, but the car weighs just a tad over the magical 1,000kg mark, and a teeny bit more over the soft-top due to the folding mechanism. Mazda engineers have tweaked the suspension and power steering to ensure uncompromising balance as well.   Now, how much would it cost? Sources within Mazda Malaysia hints at a tentative pricing of about RM250,000, with the manual variant costing a fair bit less. Those interested can begin placing their bookings at any authorised Mazda dealerships nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Thinking of the next staycation? Pangkor Island is home to one of the best resorts in the world and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is indulging new buyers of the Passat to an all-expense paid holiday at the Pangkor Laut Resort.\nThis Pangkor Laut Resort experience includes a two-night accommodation for two in a Hill Villa, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and beautiful tropical gardens. Inclusive in the package are all three daily meals, and guests will also receive a 50-minute massage treatment at the award-winning Spa Village Pangkor Laut.\nErik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the package offers Volkswagen customers a way to enjoy the beauty that is Malaysia. \u201cThe current travel implementations by the Government meant that we have not been able to travel and get away from the hustle and bustle of our city lives.\n\u201cWith this campaign, we are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to experience two award winners \u2013 \nthe Passat\n, the world\u2019s \nbest-selling mid-size sedan\n, and Pangkor Laut Resort, previously voted \u2018\nNumber One in the World\n\u2018 by Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveller,\u201d Winter expressed. \u00a0\nPangkor Laut is a privately-owned island located five kilometres (15 minutes via speedboat) off the west coast of Malaysia on the Straits of Malacca. Its unique concept of \u201cOne Island, One Resort\u201d promises exclusivity, serenity, and harmony. The island houses a resort of 140 villas and eight Estates that blend seamlessly into the forest as if nature had been the architect.\nBesides the island and relaxation getaway, VPCM is also offering \none-year free insurance\n worth RM5,500 for the purchase of the Passat Elegance, while the Passat R-Line comes with \na year\u2019s worth of free petrol\n valued at RM2,500.\nThe Volkswagen Passat range in Malaysia is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI engine with outputs of \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. With the intelligent and fast-shifting seven-speed (wet-clutch) DSG transmission, the world\u2019s best-selling mid-size sedan completes the benchmark century sprint in 7.5 seconds.\n \nPriced at \nRM181,856\n, standard features in \nthe Elegance\n include 18-inch wheels, full LED front lighting, 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, 3-zone automatic air-conditioning, 12-way power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat with a massage function, 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display with smartphone connectivity and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.\nThe Volkswagen \nPassat R-Line\n meanwhile gets larger 19-inch wheels, more aggressively-styled front and rear bumpers with quad \u201ctailpipes\u201d mouldings, sporty side skirts and of course customary R-Line badges on the grille and front fender.\nIn-line with its objective of a sportier driving experience, included is the\u00a0\nDynamic Chassis Control (DCC)\n\u00a0driving mode selector with up to 15 selectable increments for different engine, throttle, and steering response, as well as\u00a0\nElectronic Differential Lock (XDS)\n\u00a0to help control understeer.\nInside, R-Line logo is stitched on each front seat, together with fitment of aluminium sports pedals, an exclusive steering wheel and carbon fibre-like trim inserts. The Passat R-Line is at \nRM203,411\n and both prices include three-years free maintenance, five-years unlimited mileage warranty and five-years roadside assistance.\nOn the \n10th and 11th April\n, Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting The Passat Escape event to showcase the features of the Elegance and R-Line and highlight attractive deals and promotions. Customers are invited to tune in to the respective dealers\u2019 social media channels or walk into any authorised showroom."
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has just introduced the \nHyundai Palisade\n in Malaysia with two engine options across four variants.\nIt will be powered either by a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated V6 or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine just like the 7-seater Santa Fe we reviewed recently. Both engines are paired to a 8-speed automatic transmission.\n \nPrices start from\u00a0\nRM328,888\n\u00a0for the 8-seater diesel (Exec 8),\u00a0\nRM338,888\n\u00a0for the 8-seater V6 (Luxe 8),\u00a0\nRM348,888\n\u00a0for the 7-seater Diesel (Exec 7), and\u00a0\nRM358,888\n\u00a0for the 7-seater V6 (Luxe 7).\nPrice-wise, it\u2019s comparable to the \nupdated\n \nCX-9\n, Hyundai\u2019s very own \nStaria MPV\n, but cost less than a \nVolvo XC90\n. What are you getting for the money then?\nThere\u2019s wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, dual sunroof, 7x USB ports, along with a choice of three different interior colour schemes, ventilated seats, and wireless charging on board.\nAs for safety, six airbags and features like the blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the variants but the Hyundai Smart Sense system is only available in the V8 models. It includes high beam assist, forward collision warning and avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert with autonomous braking, smart cruise control, lane keep, and lane following assist.\nGALLERY"
"You must be wondering, how in the world does this work? Would it even work? Even the government has yet to elaborate on the mechanics of this new scheme.\nAmong all the automotive related announcements, we\u2019re only going to focus on two aspects \u2013 \ntolls and fuel subsidies\n.\nIncrements on toll charges\n for inter-city highways will be put on hold in 2019, a move which will cost the government RM700 million.\nAs for fuel, here\u2019s where it gets interesting.\u00a0Each litre of (petrol or diesel) qualifies for a RM0.30 subsidy, limited to a maximum of 100 litres per month. The scheme is expected to be effective in Q2 of 2019.\nThat\u2019s something like RM30 in \u201csavings\u201d from roughly three and the half tanks of fuel for a Myvi? Helpful? Sure, but it certainly isn\u2019t life-changing though; especially when the owners of these 1.5-litre cars and below are the ones who require significant government aid.\nIn hindsight, the scheme kinda indicates how in-tune the government is, to the auto industry. European (luxury) car manufacturers have significantly reduced their engine capacities with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Volkswagen, MINI and even Renault offering vehicles with 1.5-litre engines (albeit turbocharged) or lower.\nDo the owners of these cars really need government aid?\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia just launched the \nfacelifted C200 Avantgarde\n with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.\nFour million car owners are expected to benefit from the scheme which will cost the government RM2 billion annually, although owners with multiple cars will not receive this benefit.\nOn the surface at least, it already sounds like a vague mechanism that\u2019s waiting to be exploited by loopholes. Let\u2019s get a little more imaginative here.\nImagine if someone (who already owns a car) were to buy a car each for his/her children, and places it under their name?\nThat makes him/her a financially-able person but on paper, he/she technically only owns one vehicle. Would he/she still be eligible for the scheme meant for those who are less capable financially?\nWe can\u2019t wait to see how that pans out!"
"Not that anyone doubted it at all, but \nRimac\n has just proved the Nevera\u2019s outright performance supremacy with a 412 km/h top speed run, making it the fastest electric production car to date.\nThe feat was achieved at the Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany, an oval circuit with two straights each measuring 4 km long \u2013 or just enough space for the Nevera to reach its top speed.\n \nWith the car, Michelin Cup 2R tyres, and Racelogic V-Box timing equipment all verified to be in proper working order, the \nRimac Nevera\n set off \u2013 in top speed mode of course \u2013 with the company\u2019s chief test and development driver, Miro Zrnc\u030cevic\u0301 in the hot seat. And as they say, the rest is history. with an asterisk.\nWhile the 412 km/h top speed is indeed the fastest speed ever measured on a production electric vehicle, it was done over only one run, like the \nBugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+\u2019s record\n, instead of the two-way average as required to be indicted into the Guinness Book of Records.\nALSO READ: \nRimac says 0-60mph in under 1 second is possible, but pointless\nThe two-way average speed, done in opposing directions, was meant to account for the differences in wind and environmental conditions. Still, 412 km/h is an insane number to wrap our heads around, especially on an EV \u2013 where it\u2019s notoriously even harder to achieve.\nIncidentally, the 412 km/h figure also matches the original target speed set by Rimac when the car was \nfirst shown off \nat the 2018 Geneva auto show, although the customers cars will all be limited to (just) 352 km/h \u2013 unless during special customer events, with the support from the Rimac team and under controlled conditions.\nALSO READ: \nBugatti leaves Volkswagen, forms new company with Rimac\nIf top speed isn\u2019t your thing, however, the good news is that you won\u2019t need Rimac\u2019s approval to replicate its \n8.582-second quarter-mile run in 2021\n, which made the Nevera the world\u2019s fastest accelerating production car.\nThe Rimac Nevera is powered by four Rimac-designed electric motors, one in each wheel, to make a mind-bending \n1,914 hp\n and \n2,360 Nm\n total output. Its century sprint time is officially rated in just 1.97 seconds, and 0-100 mph (161 km/h) takes just 4.3 seconds \u2013 quicker than what it takes many sportscars to even reach 100 km/h.\nProduction for the Rimac Nevera is already underway at its headquarters near Zagreb, Croatia, with the first unit already delivered back in August to 2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg."
"In another instance of \u2018cool things we can\u2019t have in Malaysia\u2019, Suzuki Thailand has just unveiled the 2021 Suzuki Swift facelift in the Kingdom, a couple of months after the updated model was introduced in its home country.\nJust like the outgoing model, the 2021 Suzuki Swift will be locally-assembled in Thailand. However, the variant offerings for the updated \nSuzuki Swift\n have now been trimmed to just two \u2013 GL and GLX, with prices starting from THB557,000 (~RM75k).\nOn the styling changes, the Suzuki Swift facelift can be described as a minor nip and tuck at best, with the only visible difference being the grille, now featuring a slim horizontal chrome strip in place of the larger plastic trim. The mesh pattern has also been updated with a new design, now covering the entire grille.\nEven on the inside, the entire interior is also essentially carried over wholesale, with no changes to the dashboard architecture.\nIn terms of kit, standard equipment across the board for the new Suzuki Swift in Thailand include keyless entry and start, automatic air-conditioning, fabric upholstery with manually-adjustable front seats, LED positioning lights and tail lights, ABS, EBD, ESP, hill hold control, traction control, and an idling-stop system.\nThe entry-level GL variant is equipped with a 15-inch steel wheels with covers, halogen headlights, drum rear brakes, two front airbags, and a basic head unit (with AUX, CD, and USB inputs) inside.\nStepping up to the GLX will net you larger 16-inch alloys, LED headlamps, front fog lamps, rear disc brakes, four additional airbags, a silver interior trim, and a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with HDMI, \nAndroid Auto and Apple CarPlay\n connectivity, alongside a rear-view camera.\nNo changes are made to the powertrain underneath the bonnet, too, which continues to feature the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, making \n83 hp\n and \n108 Nm\n of torque. The Suzuki Swift in Thailand is offered solely with a CVT gearbox with six virtual gears, with drive sent to the front wheels.\nThe Suzuki brand has been out of Malaysia since 2016, and while the brand does have a partnership with \nProton\n, no new models under the Suzuki marque has made it into the country ever since.\nThere were rumours recently suggesting that several parties are interested in representing the brand in Malaysia once again, but these have sizzled out due to the ongoing \nCovid-19 pandemic\n. Here\u2019s to hoping, though!\nGALLERY"
"The Peugeot 3008 is \na bit of a dark horse\n in our parts of the world, but globally, it has actually been quite successful \u2013 selling over 800,000 units since its launch in 2016. Now midway through its lifecycle, the French SUV has been updated with a fresh outfit, smarter tech, and new electrified powertrain options.\nVisually, the 3008 has been given a new front fascia that resembles more like its other Peugeot siblings such as the \nall-new 208\n and \n508\n. Taking centre stage on the new face is the new frameless grille design, with horizontal fins extending all the way underneath the headlights \u2013 which are also new.\nThe new signature fang-like daytime-running light is now present on the 3008, capped off with chrome tips. Beside them, black-painted side scoops bookends the lower apron, paired to the painted lower lip on the bumpers.\nAt the rear, the iconic triple-claw taillights have now been updated with a 3D-effect, enabled by its new all-LED internals. It features sequential turn indicators, and the taillight assemblies are covered in clear, smoked glass, which runs across the entire boot lid.\nGlobally, the new \nPeugeot 3008\n is available in three trim levels: Active, Allure, and GT, each with their own optional \u201cPacks\u201d (e.g. GT Pack) which includes several additional exterior and interior kits. The top-of-the-range GT Pack even comes with new 19-inch diamond-studded aluminium wheels.\nTo enhance the sportiness appeal of the SUV, Peugeot is also making available a \u201cBlack Pack\u201d on the new 3008, which darkens the front grille, emblems and the 3008 monograms, front fender trims, roof bars, roof trim, spoiler trim, rear bumper sill, black door bottoms, along with a set of special 19-inch black onyx and black mist varnish wheels.\nMoving on inside, the dashboard of the new 3008 has been updated to Peugeot\u2019s latest i-Cockpit design, featuring a new wider 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The digital instrument cluster remains at 12.3-inch, though it now comes with newer graphics and \u201cNormally Black\u201d technology for higher contrast and better readability, especially in bright daylight.\nUnderneath the new infotainment display is a row of seven \u201cpiano keys\u201d toggle switches, giving direct access to the most commonly-used functions on the 3008, while the Hybrid variants \u2013 more on that later \u2013 will have a specific switch to access the car\u2019s electric drivetrain functions. Lower down, there\u2019s a new drive mode selector on all models located beside the automatic gear selector stalk.\nNew interior trim highlights include a new Dark Lime Wood veneer with chrome inserts, as well as new frameless rear-view mirror \u2013 both available on the GT and GT Pack variants. There\u2019s also a 515W Focal sound system with belem bronze speaker grilles, as well as multi-point massaging seats and dual-pane sunroof as options.\nThe new Peugeot 3008 gets a huge bump in its advanced safety and convenience features. The full list is probably as long as this entire page, but key additions include Night Vision, which detects living beings at night or in reduced visibility up to 250m ahead, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function which can automatically restart the engine if stopped for less than 3 seconds, lane position assist, improved autonomous emergency braking, and extended recognition of traffic signs.\nAs mentioned above, the new Peugeot 3008 gains an additional hybrid powertrain \u2013 the Hybrid 225. The electrified mill is basically a scaled down version of the previously-available Hybrid4 300, which pairs a 180 hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder PureTech engine with one electric motor, attached to the gearbox.\nCombined system output of the Hybrid 225 is, as the name suggests,\n 225 hp \nand \n360 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels. As a result, the century sprint is completed in\n 8.7 seconds\n. Combined fuel consumption is rated at \n1.3 to 1.5 l/100km.\nMeanwhile, the Hybrid4 300 uprates the same engine to produce 200 hp, paired to two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 to send a combined \n300 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels, which results in a 0-100 km/h time of \n5.9 seconds\n \u2013 pretty brisk for a SUV like this.\nBoth hybrid powertrains sip juice from a \n13.2 kWh\n battery, which delivers an electric-only range of up to 59 km on the Hybrid4 300, and 56 km on the Hybrid 225. They also share the same transmission, an e-EAT8 eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nTo charge, the optional 7.4 kW wall box tops it up in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the standard 3.7 kW single-phase charger takes approximately seven hours to fully charge on a standard 8A socket.\nThe 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged PureTech 180 (\n180 hp, 250 Nm\n) engine is also available as a standalone internal-combustion-only option on the Peugeot 3008, alongside a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech 130 mill, producing \n130 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n of torque.\nAs for oil burners, a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine is available with \n130 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque. This, along with the PureTech 130 powerplant, is available with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual, while the PureTech 180 unit is only available with the eight-speed automatic.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In-car, connectivity is all the buzz these days as we spend disproportionately long hours in our vehicle commute. Carmakers are looking to capitalise this by offering a more seamless integration between smart devices and the car\u2019s infotainment system.\nAudi has just announced that they will be showcasing the brand\u2019s next-generation in-car entertainment concepts that will turn the cabin into \u201can amusement park\u201d at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) happening in Las Vegas between 8 and 11 January 2019.\nAs future Audi models become even more connected, the four rings want to show how a car ride can be turned into a digital entertainment experience. This in-car entertainment works in the prerequisite that during automated driving, occupants will have \u201cidle\u201d time in the car which opens up the opportunity for the occupants to catch a movie or consume video content during the journey.\nAudi calls this the \u201cAudi Immersive In-Car Entertainment\u201d that provides entertainment such as Hollywood blockbusters or content provided by streaming services while the car is stationary or driving autonomously. Welcome to the next-generation drive-in movie theatre."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n, the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia announced that it sold \n24,017\n vehicles locally in 2022. From the previous year, the company showed a 37.3% increase in total sales with its 2-vehicle lineup.\nThe company credits its 2022 sales achievement to the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n. \n14,136 units\n of the 7-seater crossover last year, contributing to 59.6% of the company\u2019s total sales. Compared to its performance in 2021, the Xpander showed a 93.5% jump in total sales figure. According to the company, the Xpander continues to hold its reign as the best-selling Japanese 7-seater crossover in Malaysia.\nThe remaining 40.4% of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\u2019s sales were contributed by the \nMitsubishi Triton\n with \n9,697 units\n sold from January to December. Not as astronomical as the Xpander\u2019s growth, the Triton showed a 4.6% increase from the previous year. In the pick-up segment in Malaysia, the Triton retained its ranking as the second best-selling pickup truck. Having been in the Malaysian market since 2005, the Triton reached its 100,000th unit sales milestone in 2022.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda said, \u201cMitsubishi Motors Malaysia is delighted to achieve a record-high sales performance in 2022, and we thank each and every Mitsubishi customer across the nation for their unwavering support. One of our significant achievements of the year was that we celebrated the Triton pick-up truck reaching a 100,000-unit sales milestone in Malaysia since MMM\u2019s inception in 2005.\u201d\nRELATED: \nThis rally-inspired Mitsubishi Xpander is sure to turn heads!\n\u201cOn the product front, we also welcomed great news at the end of last year as Team Mitsubishi RALLIART\u2019s Triton was the overall winner despite being a first-time entrant at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) in November. The Triton Rally Car is built based on mass-production Triton, with only a few modifications on body weight and safety equipment for the competition. All the elements such as high performance, durability, comfort, and good handling have been engineered into the original products in the market. Now every Mitsubishi Motors customer can feel the motorsports DNA in their model.\u201d\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia also reports that 91% of its dealers have upgraded their outlets to the latest visual identity (VI) for a better customer experience.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM 139,700, only 1,000 units"
"If Nissan didn\u2019t mention that it\u2019s merely a facelift model, you\u2019d think they\u2019ve unveiled a completely new pick-up!\nStarting with the exterior, the new Navara\u2019s front hood is now higher than before, with a much larger front grille. The imposing front end is further enhanced with quad LED projectors. According to Nissan, the size and design of the grille represents a \u201cframe that holds the engine\u201d. Ok, Nissan.\n \nAside from a strengthened rear axle, the Nissan Navara now also delivers the best-in-class payload capacity of 1.1 tonnes. The rear end features new LED taillights and a new rear bumper step for easier access to the cargo bed.\nCabin insulation has also been improved with more soundproofing material along with an acoustic laminated windscreen and front windows. The new Navara will also get the same steering design seen in the \nnew Almera launched here recently\n. It\u2019s 8-inch touchscreen display that now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nThe rear seats are now even more comfortable for rear passengers, with an improved backrest design and cushions. The back seats now come with a rear armrest with built-in cup holders.\nAside from its new rugged good looks, polished ride and interior design, the Navara is now also a lot safer. It gets forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and intervention, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.\nAlso available is the around view monitor which uses four mounted cameras for a clearer view of the pick-up\u2019s surroundings in tight spaces or when parking. The feature also comes with an \noff-road monitor\n to allow the driver to look out for obstacles when driving off-road.\nNew convenience features include rain-sensing wipers with speed adjustment and speed-sensing door locks that activates when vehicle speed is in excess of 25 km/h.\nWhen using the 4WD mode, the Navara activates its \nActive Brake Limited Slip Differential system\n (ABLS), which manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.\nThe Navara is now also offered with a really cool and rugged \nPRO-4X variant \nthat enhances the new pick-up\u2019s design even more. You get a black Nissan emblem, black front bumper and grille, black door handles and roof racks along with orange accents splattered across the car. The PRO-4X line also uses a signature orange-red color for the Nissan wordings on the black emblem.\nProudly manufactured in Thailand for the ASEAN and Australian markets, the new Nissan Navara further strengthens Thailand\u2019s position as a strategic manufacturing and R&D hub for ASEAN."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has launched the \n7-seater Xpander\n which will begin life in Malaysia straightaway with the \nfacelift model which has undergone considerable changes on the exterior\n. The locally-assembled Xpander will be available in a single variant, priced at \nRM91,359 without SST\n. Come 2021, when the Sales Tax Exemption expires, the Xpander will be priced at \nRM94,800\n.\n\u201cMitsubishi Motors is very excited to deliver the Malaysian-made Xpander to some early-bird customers. The Xpander has already attracted a strong following here and wherever it is sold in the ASEAN region,\u201d said MMM CEO, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated\nTransmission: 4-speed automatic\nHorsepower: 105 hp\nTorque: 141 Nm\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel Drive\nHe added, \u201cDue to the overwhelming response, the total bookings which MMM received has exceeded the total production capacity until December 2020. Customers who book the new Xpander moving forward will be taking the 2021 vehicles, which will be subjected to SST.\u201d\u00a0\nStarting off with the exterior, the Xpander which will \npave the way for future Mitsubishi models in Malaysia\n, comes with automatic LED headlamps and halogen daytime running lights that double up as fog lights. The crystal block headlamp fixture and front grille are new designs for the facelift model.\nEXTERIOR\nAutomatic LED headlamps\nHalogen fog lights and daytime running lights\n16-inch wheels\nKeyless entry\nSide-mirror mounted cameras\nRear LED combination tail lamps\nOver to the side, you\u2019ll notice that the Xpander comes with cameras mounted on each of the side mirrors, keyless entry and 16-inch wheels wrapped in\n Toyo Proxes CR1\n tyres. The Xpander\u2019s ground clearance is rated at 205 mm; not bad when you consider that it\u2019s only 15 mm lower than the Mitsubishi Triton.\nWith the facelift model, the previous bee-stung antenna has been replaced with a shark fin antenna for a sleeker look. Round the back, the Xpander is fitted with LED combination rear tail lamps with L-shaped graphics. It even comes with a rear fog lamp positioned at the centre of the rear bumper.\nINTERIOR\n4.2-inch multi-information display\nCruise control\n9-inch touchscreen display with six speakers\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\nFront-facing dashcam\nSurround View Monitor with Bird\u2019s Eye View\n2x USB ports\nBoot space is rated at \n495-litres\n with the 3rd-row\n\u00a0\nseats folded and \n836-litres\n with the 2nd-row\u00a0seats folded. If you\u2019re mad enough to stack your cargo up to the roof, Mitsubishi says the Xpander will swallow more than 1,600 litres of cargo!\nInside, in terms of seating arrangements and space, the Xpander offers best-in-class headroom and cabin space. It is also the only vehicle in its class to offer a flat floor once the 2nd and 3rd-row seats are folded.\nSAFETY \nDual airbags\nHill-start assist\nBrake assist\nActive stability control\nBrake override system\nISOFIX child seat anchors.\nThe Xpander\u2019s cabin refinement should stand out against its competitors. Its\u00a0front and rear windows are said to be \nthicker than\n \nindustry standards\n\u00a0while the cabin has been padded with\u00a0thicker headlining and floor carpets. This is expected to help reduce vibration and improve cabin insulation. The Xpander also features roof-mounted air-con vents in the second row.\nElsewhere, the cabin comes with two USB ports, and two 12V sockets but you\u2019ll also notice the\u00a0\nabundance of storage spaces\n. For starters, you have the centre console storage and glovebox, with additional storage above the glovebox, by the door panels, compartments behind the front seat, front passenger under-seat storage, storage for 3rd-row passengers, and under the boot floor.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest pricelist of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"It is only April, but \n2023\n has been a busy year for Hyundai Malaysia. Having launched the \nPalisade facelift\n earlier this year, and the \nCreta\n today, it is probably time for the company to take a breather, right? Wrong, that\u2019s because \nHyundai Malaysia\n has just teased us with three new models that are coming this year.\nDuring the Hyundai Creta launch today, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia Managing Director Low Yuan Lung said: \u201cHyundai Malaysia will be launching three more very interesting models from different segments and different categories.\u201d\nLooking at \nHyundai Malaysia\u2019s\n new Facebook cover photo, we can see a silhouette of one sedan and two SUVs placed together with the Palisade and the Creta, with the tagline \u201c2023, we are coming\u201d hovering above. Based on the silhouette, these three cars could be the \nIoniq 6\n, \nSanta Fe\n and \nTucson\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Hyundai Creta launched in Malaysia, RM150k \u2013 Still want that X50?\nThis is not the first time the company has teased the Ioniq 6 here in Malaysia, as they have done it late last year. This EV is essentially the bigger brother of the popular \nIoniq 5\n. However, the two can\u2019t look more different than each other.\nRather than the Ioniq 5\u2019s boxy design, Hyundai has taken the curvier route for the Ioniq 6\u2019s exterior, which explains its drag coefficient of just \n0.21\n. This makes the Ioniq 6 one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in production and enables the car to achieve over \n610 km\n of range from its \n77.4 kWh\n battery pack.\nThe Santa Fe on the other hand that is coming to Malaysia is expected to be the facelift of the fourth-generation model. Powering the SUV is expected to be the same powertrain as the one launched in Malaysia in \n2019\n, but later taken off Hyundai Malaysia\u2019s shelf.\nThe said powertrains could be the 2.4-litre MPI petrol engine, as well as the 2.2 CRDi turbodiesel. However, we will need to see if that will be true, or will Hyundai Malaysia be giving us a surprise?\nRELATED: \nThe Hyundai Tucson N Line looks fast, but isn\u2019t actually faster\nAs for the Tucson, we are expecting the new fourth-generation model to be the one Hyundai Malaysia is teasing. Designed with Hyundai\u2019s new design language, the SUV has been complimented for \nlooking futuristic\n and even like a car \nfrom outer space\n.\nThe fourth generation Tucson also features Hyundai\u2019s latest signature Parametric Jewel grille, a design the Tucson pioneered, which is also now on the Creta as well. As for its powertrain, the SUV is expected to be powered by Hyundai\u2019s turbocharged 1.6-litre Smartstream engine, and possibly even the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine as well.\nWhether Hyundai\u2019s 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engine will be making a comeback in Malaysia, we will need to wait and see. And again, these are merely speculations, actual details of the cars might be different when launched.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Elantra N facelift revealed, another robocop-ed Hyundai"
"When the latest-generation Kia Rio was first introduced in Malaysia, its biggest disappointment was the \ncarryover four-speed slushbox\n that frankly in this day and age (especially in an all-new model) is a little disappointing.\nTo address this concern, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has just updated the B-segment hatchback with a six-speed automatic transmission. Paired to the same 1.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MPI engine producing \n100 hp\n and \n133 Nm\n of twist. The extra ratios are said to provide better comfort and fuel economy.\nDespite carrying the same price tag of RM78,888 (OTR without insurance), NKM has introduced enhance features to the Rio such as Cruise Control with speed limiter, Blind Spot Detection System and Electrochromic Mirror with Auto Dimmer. Interestingly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were not included in the updated kit, considering that its smaller sibling, the \nPicanto\n comes with them.\nWith the added kit and same price tag, naturally, some things had to give. Firstly, the sunroof was omitted, and the 17-inch alloys have been downsized to 16-inch multi-spoke design items wrapped in 195/55 profile tyres \u2013 the latter is certainly a \nwelcomed move\n.\nElsewhere, standard kit remains the same with halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry/start, 5.0-inch floating colour head unit, multifunctional steering wheel, black fabric upholstery, six airbags, ABS, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control and tyre pressure monitoring system.\nThe updated Kia Rio with six-speed auto is available in six exterior shades \u2013 Signal Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Smoke Blue, Deep Siena Brown, Clear White and Platinum Graphite. A 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty is standard with every purchase.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Rio 1.4 MPI Review (4-speed AT)"
"Due to the ongoing global health emergency, many motorsports events have been cancelled or postponed to a later date. As a result, most racing series pivoted to \nonline-based virtual races \nto keep fans and drivers engaged.\nOne such event was the IndyCar iRacing series, with its finale held last weekend. The race featured a 33-strong driver line-up consisting of actual IndyCar drivers, as well as drivers from other racing series such as Lando Norris from Formula 1 \u2013 his second race in an IndyCar series, after winning the first.\nThe race was packed with action throughout, but the three largest and most controversial incidents happened in the final three laps of the race. The insanity is \nbetter experienced in its entirety\n, but if you\u2019re strapped for time, here\u2019s a brief overview of what went down.\nThe chain of events started when Lando Norris, leading the race with just three laps to the finish line, was involved in an incident with backmarker Simon Pagenaud.\nLet's take another look at the finish to Saturday's \n@IndyCar\n \n@iRacing\n Challenge finale.\nThe leaders got wrecked twice in a 15-second span, and \n@SMcLaughlin93\n got the W. \npic.twitter.com/m43RiKwXLm\n\u2014 IndyCar on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) \nMay 3, 2020\n \nThe race spiralled further into madness when new race leader Marcus Ericsson was taken out by Pato O\u2019Ward\u2019s \u201cdivebomb\u201d move at the last corner in the final lap. Less than 15 seconds later, Santino Ferrucci gave Oliver Askew a side swipe, allowing Scott McLaughlin sneak through and win the race within 30 metres of the finish line.\nSee, we weren\u2019t kidding when we said it was insanity. Now, let\u2019s take a deep breath and unpack a little shall we?\nTo better understand the Norris/Pagenaud incident, we need to rewind the tape by five laps to when Norris made a move for the lead by diving into the low side of the banked turn \u2013 going three abreast with Graham Rahal and Simon Pagenaud.\nAnother clearer view of another race-changing moment.\nFirst, the three-wide incident that ended Pagenaud's day with eight to go. \nThen, two onboard shots, one from Pagenaud's helmet, the other above the windscreen of Norris. This is coming to two laps to go.\n#INDYCARChallenge\n \npic.twitter.com/YEVSueN4De\n\u2014 Justin Melillo (@justinmelillo) \nMay 2, 2020\n \nNorris\u2019s overtake was clean and brilliantly executed. However, Rahal \u2013 either through overreaction or a case of spotty netcode \u2013 twitched his car to the right and unfortunately took Pagenaud out of contention to win the race.\nPagenaud later \napologised and explained\n to Norris that he was trying to slow down before entering the pits. However, things may not be so simple as it seems \u2013 on \nPagenaud\u2019s own stream of the race\n, he was caught clearly saying \u201cLet\u2019s take Lando out\u201d when he exited the pits, a couple of laps before his incident with Norris.\n \nAs for the first crash on the last lap, \nO\u2019Ward explained to Ericsson\n on Twitter saying that he thought he\u2019d be given the space for his \u201cnow or never\u201d overtake move. Ericsson clearly thought otherwise, though, based on \nhis response\n.\nIn terms of the degree of controversy though, this incident is perhaps the least controversial amongst the three \u2013 that award has to be given to the incident involving Santino Ferrucci and Oliver Askew.\nAfter the race, Ferrucci said in an interview that he made a mistake while trying to get into the slipstream. However, when asked for an explanation by Askew himself, Ferrucci said \n\u201cLast lap, last straight, come on. It\u2019s for the TV, it\u2019s for the fans.\u201d \nI can't believe this is the real audio of Askew and Santucci lmfao \npic.twitter.com/pYeSvFTzLT\n\u2014 David Land\u2122\u274c (@DLand91) \nMay 2, 2020\n \nFerrucci\u2019s track record doesn\u2019t do him any favour, either. He was previously banned from Formula 2 for deliberately crashing into his teammate, and later \nfired from his team\n due to bad behaviour and payment issues. He was also fined previously for using his phone while driving a Formula 2 car between paddocks.\nFerrucci later added \u201cDude, it\u2019s a video game, come on,\u201d suggesting that Askew shouldn\u2019t take the race too seriously. Funnily enough, a Nascar driver was \nrecently dropped from sponsorship\n for not taking his virtual race seriously.\n[H/T: \nWTF1\n]"
"Malaysians have an insatiable appetite for SUVs, and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is not going to miss out on it. Following the triple threat SUV launch of the \nMercedes-Benz GLS\n,\n \nGLE Coupe\n and the \nMercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe \nlast Friday, MBM announced through its social media channels today that the first ever Mercedes-Benz GLB will be launched in Malaysia on the \n22th of September 2020\n.\nFirst \nunveiled globally last June\n, the GLB is the latest entry in the German carmaker\u2019s compact cars line-up, slotting in between the \nGLA\n and \nGLC\n. Despite that though, it\u2019s actually quite a lot closer in size to the GLC, measuring just approximately 20 mm shorter and 50 mm narrower, but \n19 mm taller\n on the seven-seater variant.\nThat\u2019s right \u2013 the GLB is Mercedes-Benz\u2019s first compact SUV to be offered with \nthird-row seats\n, which can accommodate up to adults of 168 cm in height. Cargo space is rated at 560 litres with the third row seats, and 1,755 litres with it folded down.\nThe third-row seats probably contributed to the boxy shape of the compact SUV, but Mercedes-Benz has decided to go with a proper rugged look on the GLB with the addition of distinct skid plates on the outside, as well as tubular trim pieces on the centre console, dashboard, as well as the door handles on the inside.\nAs usual, MBM will only be announcing the details of the variants offered closer or on the launch day itself, but we expect to see all three petrol variants of the Mercedes-Benz GLB available globally to be announced here in Malaysia.\nOn the lowest end is the GLB 200, powered by the M282 1.33-litre turbocharged four-pot engine co-developed with Renault to provide \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n9.1 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n207 km/h\n.\nStepping up to the GLB 250 4Matic, and you\u2019ll get the M260 two-litre turbocharged inline-four engine which makes \n224 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n350 Nm\n. With power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed DCT and 4Matic AWD system, the GLB 250 4Matic does 0-100 km/h in \n6.9 seconds\n, reaching a top speed of \n236 km/h\n.\nAt the top of the model range is the \nMercedes-AMG GLB 35\n, with a M270 turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder engine underneath the hood that delivers \n306 PS\n and\n 400 Nm\n of torque. Paired to an eight-speed DCT, the GLB 35 is capable of executing race starts, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n5.2 seconds\n \u2013 thanks to its AMG-specific 4Matic AWD system \u2013 onward to an electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nWith the GLB scheduled to be launched here in Malaysia through an online live event just a little more than a week from now, are there any surprises you\u2019d like to see? Let us know in the comments section below! As always, keep your eyes peeled on this site as we bring you the latest news as soon as we get them.\nIn the meantime, check out our \ncoverage of the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic\n from the IAA Frankfurt motor show last year!\nGALLERY"
"Porsche has added a new V6 petrol engine to their \nsecond-generation Porsche Panamera\n\u00a0lineup, as well as a an\u00a0extended wheelbase Executive version of the Panamera. With the new entry-level petrol option, prices of the Panamera now begin at \u00a366,386 (RM351k) instead of \u00a388,700 (RM469k), making the Panamera approximately \u00a322,000 (RM116k) more affordable than before!\nUnveiled ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the entry-level variant will sit below the Panamera 4S and can be had in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (with Porsche Traction Management; PTM) in the Panamera 4. However, don\u2019t let the term \nentry-level\n fool you, resting under the hood is a derivative of the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol found in the Audi S5 and S5 Cabriolet. The turbocharged V6 is mated to a eight-speed PDK double-clutch transmission producing \n326 hp\n, 20 hp more than the old 3.6-litre mill.\nThe Panamera Executive boasts 150mm longer wheelbase offering more interior space at the rear for better comfort. As with the standard wheelbase Panamera, the Panamera Executive comes in four variants \u2013 Panamera 4 Executive (3.0-litre V6 turbo, \n326 hp\n), Panamera 4S Executive (2.9-litre V6 turbo, \n434 hp\n), \nPanamera E-Hybrid\n Executive (2.9-litre Bi-turbo V6 hybrid, \n462 hp\n) and Panamera Turbo Executive (4.0-litre V8, \n542 hp\n).\nIn the Executive versions of the Panamera, standard equipment includes a full-sized\u00a0panoramic roof, heated seats with powered adjustment for all seats, adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and roll-up sunshades for the rear passengers.\nOn top of that, the high performance Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive will come with rear-axle steering and soft-close doors. The Tubro variant adds on four-zone climate control, Porsche Dynamic Light System (LED headlamps) and ambient lighting.\nWith the extra space in the back of the Panamera Executive, customers might want to consider the optional 10.1-inch Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment. The detachable display can be used as a tablet and transform the rear seats of the Panamera Executive into a workspace.\nIn the UK, prices for the new entry variant 3.0-litre V6 Panamera begins from \u00a366,386 (RM351k) to \u00a369,412 (RM383k) depending on options. For the Executive Panameras, prices range from \u00a376,034 (RM420k) to \u00a3122,480 (RM676k).\nWe\u2019ve seen enough of the Panamera already, haven\u2019t we? Fret not, these variants will certainly be introduced to Malaysia very soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last week, BMW Malaysia introduced to the local market the \nnew BMW M2 Competition\n with an asking price of RM626,800, at its natural habitat \u2013 the Sepang International Circuit.\nAnd as with the previous unveiling of BMW M cars at Sepang, we were also treated to an immediate test drive of the new car through countless laps around our internationally-acclaimed circuit.\n \nThe M2 Competition has been fitted with a de-tuned S55 3.0-litre turbocharged engine from the M3 and M4, making\n 410 hp\n and\n 550 Nm\n.\nTransferring power to the rear wheels is the task of a 7-speed M dual-clutch transmission. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds onward to an electronically-limted top speed of 250 km/h.\n \nJust for fun, BMW Malaysia brought Christmas forward by throwing in a few \nM5\ns and an M4 for us to sample and we\u2019ve got a drive impression video for your viewing pleasure coming up real soon!\nFor now, allow Adrian to walk you through the facts and figures, ins and outs of this new playful baby M car!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The legendary Brabham BT46B \u201cfan car\u201d took its first and only Formula 1 victory at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix, piloted by none other than Niki Lauda. While he may not be with us any more, his fighting spirit continues to live on in many facets of the motorsport arena.\nThe legend of the \u201cfan car\u201d also lived on through the \nGMA T.50\n, Gordon Murray\u2019s latest magnum opus. So when it came to the time to make a track-only special of it, it\u2019s only fitting that Murray (who also designed the Brabham BT46B) paid homage to the driver who brought them their only victory, before it was swiftly banned by the FIA\n.\n Feast your eyes upon the GMA T.50s Niki Lauda.\nApart from the name, the T.50 and T.50s could not be any more different from each other, with almost every single part on the vehicle completely re-engineered. Take for example the 3.9-litre V12 engine, which is now even more powerful and faster-revving, delivering \n711 hp\n and \n485 Nm \nof torque.\nThanks to the new roof-mounted RAM air scoop, which force-feeds the engine with fresh air, the T.50s Niki Lauda can also increase its maximum power momentarily to \n735 hp\n. That\u2019s 75 whole ponies more than the road-going T.50.\nAnd remember how the V12 on the original GMA T.50 was already the lightest road-going V12 engine ever made? Well, the Cosworth-made V12 is now \n16 kg lighter\n than that. Pair that with all the other weight-saving measures across the car, the new T.50s Niki Lauda boasts an insane power-to-weight ratio of \n835 hp/tonne\n.\nFor context, that\u2019s even higher than an actual naturally-aspirated LMP1 car racing in the Le Mans. Just let that sink in for a moment. Professor Murray himself calls the T.50s \u201coutrageous\u201d, and that might just be the most apt descriptor for this car.\nOh, and there\u2019s also no catalytic converters and silencers as standard on the Inconel exhaust systems (in the name of weight saving), so you\u2019ll be hearing the full grunt of the glorious naturally-aspirated V12 all the way up to its 12,100 rpm rev limit. We\u2019re already shivering just thinking about it right now.\nWhile the six-speed Haldex manual transmission might be the road-going car\u2019s best friend, the slower row-your-own gearbox in all seriousness has no place in an all-out race-ready car like this. In its place is a bespoke Xtrac IGS (Instantaneous Gearshift) six-speed paddle-shift gearbox, built specifically to GMA\u2019s standards of lightweighting.\nFor the exterior, the GMA T.50s was also given a complete makeover, with no panels shared with its road-going sibling. To balance out the ground effect fans, which now runs permanently in 7,000 rpm high downforce mode, the team had to \u201cstart again\u201d with the aero configuration of the car.\nThese new bits include a new a giant splitter up front and a central air foil underneath its nose, new adjustable front diffusers, a trio of NACA air ducts to funnel air to the front brakes, a \u201cshark fin\u201d that runs from the cabin roof all the way to the rear, as well as a large GT-style rear wing with slotted adjustable flaps.\nAll in, GMA says that the T.50s Niki Lauda can generate nearly 1,500 kg of downforce at 280 km/h.\nInside, the instrument cluster is now replaced by a digital screen, while the standard steering wheel jettisoned in favour for a yoke-type handle-thing. To the right, the space where the manual shifter previously occupied is now replaced by a board of toggle switch for the true race car feel.\nJust as before, the driver sits right in the centre of the cabin of the GMA T.50s. But in the name of weight savings, the third seat was removed, clearing out space for other equipment. You wouldn\u2019t be carrying two passengers when you\u2019re whipping this thing about on a race track, anyway.\nOnly 25 units of the GMA T.50s Niki Laudas will ever be produced, each featuring a plaque celebrating a victory by one of Murray\u2019s many F1 cars, starting with the 1974 South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami Circuit. The cars will also come with a specially-commissioned book about the race that it is named after, with Murray\u2019s view and memories of the victory.\nWhen the GMA T.50 came out last year, we said that it might be the last great analogue sports car to ever grace the earth. Well, this here is just that, with everything turned up to 11. It would have been Niki Lauda\u2019s 72nd birthday today if he were still alive, but we know that Niki Lauda will be smiling from up there \u2013 what a way to celebrate.\nGALLERY"
"Perodua recently announced their 2020 sales figures, closing the tumultuous year with \n220,154 units\n which is 10,000 more than their revised target.\nWhile total sales did not surpass 2019\u2019s figure (reduction of 8.4% or 20,187 units) or even 2018 performance, Perodua managed to achieve something out of the ordinary during the pandemic period with two consecutive months of highest monthly sales: \nSeptember\n (25,035 units) and October (26,862 units).\n\u201cWe thank all Malaysians for choosing Perodua and the government for extending the sales tax exemption under Penjana to sustain the sales momentum which the automotive industry is now enjoying,\u201d said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nHe added that Perodua manufactured 220,968 vehicles (reduction of 9.6%) in 2020 despite temporarily halting production between March and May 2020 due to the Movement Control Order (MCO). October 2020 was also the month with the most Perodua vehicles ever produced at 26,362 units.\n\u201cPerodua also hit the one million Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) milestone in November 2020 \u2013 exactly two years after achieving the half-million \u2013 further solidifying our position as Malaysia\u2019s largest EEV manufacturer,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Zainal.\nKey events last year that made an impact to the company include the introduction of the \nnew Perodua Bezza facelift\n, the \nupdated Perodua Myvi with A.S.A 2.0\n and full-year sales of the crossover themed \nPerodua Axia Style\n. \u00a0\nThe company also \noffered resources in various forms\n to \nease the burden of organizations\n who were affected by the pandemic from the resulting MCO."
"Mazda\n has indicated that the next generation \nMazda CX-5\n SUV is coming soon, but not until \n2025\n, as reported by \nDrive Australia\n. Just in case you have forgotten, the current second-generation CX-5 was originally launched back in 2017. And by the time 2025 comes, it will be eight years old. Time flies doesn\u2019t it?\nFor starters, the third-generation Mazda CX-5 is expected to retain its four-cylinder engines and should be offered in front- or all-wheel drive options. Although the Mazda CX-5 is similarly sized to the Mazda \nCX-60\n SUV, which is available exclusively in markets such as Japan, Europe and, Australia, the CX-5 will most likely not be using the CX-60\u2019s platform. Just so you know, the CX-60 is available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD) option. This is done to keep the prices of the future CX-5 down.\nThe engine bay of the current generation Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD\nAs for powertrain options, it is possible that a hybrid version of the Mazda CX-5 may be introduced. And when the Drive Australia asked Mazda Australia\u2019s marketing director, Alastair Doak whether the CX-5 will be coming in a hybrid option, he said \u201cThat would be telling, wouldn\u2019t it? But as I said before, there\u2019s a new-generation car eventually coming. But it\u2019s not next year.\u201d\nMazda has a history of using Toyota\u2019s hybrid technology in their cars, particularly in the previous generation \nMazda 3\n hybrid, which was Japan-exclusive. As such, there is reason to believe that the next-gen CX-5 could get a Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain. However, this is yet to be confirmed.\nToyota owns a 5% stake in Mazda, enabling them to have developed shared models and shared technologies like the hybrid system. Mazda and Toyota also have a manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, producing cars like the \nMazda CX-50\n and the North American version of the \nToyota Corolla Cross\n.\nRELATED: \n2024 Mazda CX-90 revealed \u2013 up to 345 hp, 500 Nm, AWD, three-row eight seater\nUSA and Europe version of the Mazda CX-5 facelift\nBack in 2021, Mazda announced its plans of producing three electric vehicles, five plug-in hybrids, and five conventional hybrids by 2023. However, it wasn\u2019t stated which of these technologies will be powering which Mazda models.\nIn Malaysia, the Mazdas CX-5 is offered in 5 models, which consist of front-wheel drive options such as the 2.0G Mid, 2.0G High, 2.5G High, and 2.2D High, as well as the AWD 2.5G Turbo. Prices start from \nRM138,000 \nand top out at \nRM183,000 \nOTR without insurance.\nRELATED: \nMazda 3 gets updated \u2013 new 10.25-inch screen, remote start, new colour"
"When it was launched last year, we know that the\u00a0\nJaguar XE\n\u00a0is the \nmost aerodynamic\n Jag ever, with a drag coefficient of 0.26. Now, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) proudly claims that the XE is the \nmost configurable Jaguar\n to date, offering over \n160 individual accessories\n.\nThis long list of customisation starts from the engine bay, with JLR offering up to \nseven different engines\n (brand new \nIngenium engine\n included), and each of these engines come with \nthree suspension settings\n and up to \n12 wheel design\n options.\nNext, your compact executive English sedan is available in \n18 colours\n with up to \n24 exterior styling options\n. Then there\u2019s a good 17 different car care products and maintenance items, including over 40 utility option boxes to tick from. One interesting utility tool is the machined aluminium Rechargeable Torch and Dock, because you never know when you might need one, right?   But wait, that\u2019s not all. For the outgoing, Jaguar offers specially designed \nroof bars\n and a unique folding bicycle rack. There is also the aerodynamically optimised \n430-litre Sports Roof Box\n for all your additional equipments, complemented by a chiller built into the central armrest.\nOn the inside, you get the optional Head-Up Display, Jaguar\u2019s InControl infotainment system\u00a0with InControl Apps and Remote, a smartphone app for you to lock and unlock your car as well as monitoring fuel levels. The InControl app also lets you pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin from your smartphone before entering the vehicle.   Customers who want more interior individuality can have it done as such, whilst still able to choose from the optional rubberised floor and Premium Seat Back Stowage for secure storage. Ambient lighting \u2013 one of everyone\u2019s favourite \u2013 can be fitted too, this time with \n10 varying colours\n to suit your mood. Other accessories to dress up the car comprise of carpets with embossed Jaguar logos, personalised illuminated scuff plates and R-type multi-function steering wheel.\nSafety options wise, there\u2019s the XE-only child safety seats, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and 360-degree parking sensors.\nAll said and done, the accessories have all been thoroughly tested for durability and reliability. What do you think of this move by JLR? Let us know in the comments section below.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember earlier in the year we told you that Jaguar will be making the \nfastest F-Type of all time\n? Well, it\u2019s here, but it\u2019s not just the fastest F-Type; it\u2019s the fastest cat in the entire product range, and Michelle \u201cLetty\u201d Rodriguez got behind the wheel to prove just that.\nThe Jaguar F-Type you see here bears the SVR moniker, which means it\u2019s bred and honed by Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s Special Vehicle Operations division. It\u2019s powered by the same \nsupercharged\u00a05.0-litre V8\n of the \nF-Type R\n, but here it makes \n567 horsepower\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque! That\u2019s about 25 hp and 20 Nm more than the R\u2019s output. Together with an eight-speed gearbox, the F-Type SVR sprints from 0 to 100km/h in \n3.7 seconds\n before maxing out at a top speed of \n320km/h\n.\nIn proving to the world that the F-Type SVR can indeed break the 320km/h barrier, Jaguar rang Rodriguez (affectionately known to Fast and Furious fans as Letty) and got her to take the new cat on its maiden high-speed test drive. The rest, as they say, is history.\nThe drive took place on a closed highway in the Nevada desert, home of the world\u2019s fastest road race, the Silver State Classic Challenge. Together with a professional driver sat next to her, Rodriguez clocked a top speed of 201 mph (323km/h) \u2013 a personal record for the actress.\nAfter the drive, Rodriguez said, \u201cDriving this car was insane! I\u2019ve now broken my personal speed record in the beautiful Jaguar F-TYPE SVR.\u00a0Reaching 201mph felt amazing, the car drove really smoothly, all my corrections were minimal, I was super focused, and it really reacted\u00a0in all the right ways. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d ever go this fast without a professional driver seated next to me, but oh man, it was an incredible feeling.\u201d\n \n \n\u201cI\u2019ve always wondered what it was like to travel faster than my top speed of 140mph (225km/h) and,\u00a0outside of the Autobahn, it\u2019s impossible for me to do it safely anywhere else and safety is\u00a0most important to me. It was refreshing to be able to take myself beyond my limitations, going that fast is a big responsibility but the experience in this car was more graceful than anything I\u2019ve felt before,\u201d added Rodriguez.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) announced today that all of its Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) service centres have resumed operations, after obtaining approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to operate during the \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n.\nIn accordance to the MCO directives, only a minimal amount of personnel and customers are allowed in the service centre at one time. Therefore, service will only be carried out based on appointment only; no walk-ins will be allowed.\nAdditionally, all service centres will also adhere to strict health and safety guidelines, which includes social distancing measures, regular disinfection, and temperature screening for its staff and customers upon entry. Hand sanitisers will also be placed around customer touch points throughout the service centre.\nTo book an appointment, customers will have to contact the service centres directly. SDAH service centres are located at Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya; Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur; Ipoh, Perak; Georgetown and Prai, Penang; and Skudai, Johor.\nOperational hours during the MCO will be limited to \n9 am to 4 pm\n on \nweekdays\n, and \n9 am to 12 noon\n on \nweekends\n for all SDAH service centres except for outlets located in Penang. The Georgetown and Prai service Centres will be open from \n8 am to 5 pm\n, and \n9 am to 2 pm\n respectively.\nAlongside the reopening of its service centres, HSDM has also announced its Hyundai Care warranty extension programme for those affected by the MCO, in tandem with the Hyundai Motor Company\u2019s global efforts.\n \nThe \nHyundai i30 N\n was launched locally late last year.\nHyundai vehicles with warranty expiring between the 18 March and 28 of April will receive a \nwarranty extension until the 31st of May\n. In the event that the Movement Control Order is extended beyond 28 April, the warranty will be \nextended by 30 days\n, calculated from the last day of the MCO period.\nSimilarly, vehicles with scheduled service due date falling during the MCO period will be given a \n30-day grace period\n from the last day of MCO to carry out its service appointment to ensure validity of the warranty.\nHSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung said in the announcement, \u201cWe understand our customers\u2019 predicament of not having access to our service centres during this period, and they are probably worried about their warranty.\n\u201cWith Hyundai Care, we wish to set their minds at ease with regards to their warranty eligibility. Not only do we care about our customers\u2019 health and safety, we care about the \u2018health\u2019 and safety of their vehicles as well.\u201d"
"Red Bull\n, the company synonymous with energy drinks, is known for their audacious stunts, especially those involving fast cars and/or adrenaline-pumping action. They\u2019re usually well-planned and professionally filmed, and the numerous videos on its YouTube channel certainly seem to support that claim. However, its latest stunt attempt at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ukraine has drew ire from the city council and officials.\nInstagram Stories posted by Red Bull Ukraine\u2019s official account, now deleted. (Source: \nBYKVU\n)\nThe stunt involved two cars drifting around a monument in front of the Saint Sofia Cathedral in Kyiv \u2013 a building listed as a \nUNESCO World Heritage Site\n. Although Red Bull did ask the city for permission prior to filming, Kyiv Deputy Mayor Konstiantyn Usov said in a \nFacebook post\n that city officials turned the down the request in order to preserve \u201cone of the most sacred places of Ukraine\u201d.\nThe Red Bull F1 Team\u2019s helipad donut stunt is one of the company\u2019s most well-known antics. Check out the video here.\nInstagram post from one of the drivers, Aleksandr Grinchuk. (Screenshot: \ngrinchukdrift/Instagram\n)\nDespite the city\u2019s refusal, Red Bull still went ahead with the plan of filming with local rap star Alyona Alyona in the passenger seat \u2013 and apparently without any safety precautions, such as cordoning off the location.\n\u201cRed Bull did it early in the morning, secretly, with no security measures to protect pedestrians, risking dozens of lives,\u201d Usov wrote in the Facebook post. \u201cPeople would go to work in the morning across the Square and had to avoid the drifting cars. The results could have been indeed tragical.\u201d\nTyre marks left behind by the stunt. Source: (\nKonstiantyn Usov/Facebook\n)\nIn addition to endangering the public, the stunt also left tyre marks on more than 2,000 sq meters of traditional Kyiv yellow bricks at the Sofiiska Square.\nUkrainian news outlet \nBykvu\n \nreported\n that Red Bull staff were seen at the square later that day attempting to remove the tyre marks, with a representative saying that \u201cit will be better than it was\u201d, but to no avail.\nSpeaking of drift, check out this selection of sideways action perfection at last year\u2019s Goodwood Festival of Speed!\nOne of the drift cars used in the stunt. (Source: \nconorshanahan79/Instagram\n)\nThe outlet also reported that the police have opened a probe into the incident, despite being accused by Deputy Mayor Usov of green-lighting the stunt earlier.\nCity agencies are still calculating the monetary value of the damage as a result of the stunt, and will be appealing to the prosecutor\u2019s office in an attempt to recoup the losses."
"After showing its skin for the first time last month, we finally know all about the \ntenth-generation Honda Civic\n, including details of the new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine which sent everyone into a frenzy. Getting to know the entire vehicle will take a few breaths, but trust us, the new Civic will definitely be worth your next ten minutes.\nFor a start, the Civic model is Honda\u2019s longest-running nameplate (since 1973) and makes for the company\u2019s largest chunk of profits. The outgoing Civic didn\u2019t quite enjoy the wild success of its predecessor \u2013 the FD series, but it\u2019s for that reason alone that they\u2019ve decided to give\u00a0everything they have to orchestrate the same tune of success. Enter the 2016 Honda Civic \u2013 all new, all better and all prepared to clinch the C-Segment top spot.   It\u2019s the most ambitious and comprehensive new-model development by Honda, one that took an unprecedented commitment of R&D resources. Honda\u2019s North American team led the design front, but inputs from other parts of the country were also taken into account. In taking things up a notch, the benchmarking process involved comparing cars within its native segment, but this time Honda pitted the new Civic against compact luxury class vehicles from Europe for its ride, handling, steering and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) qualities. In fact, the Civic\u2019s interior quality and refinement was also benchmarked against upmarket cars!\nEXTERIOR\nEverything you see (and don\u2019t see) on the 2016 Civic is new; the chassis, styling, features and technologies as well as the all-encompassing turbocharged powertrain. Design wise, it\u2019s the slipperiest Civic to date thanks to aerodynamic packaging which includes a full-flat underbody panel. The acoustic glass windscreen functions by isolating noise while promoting smooth airflow.   There are subtle hints of the outgoing Civic FB in terms of exterior packaging, but to\u00a0one-up its looks like this will boggle the minds of even the\u00a0most skilled plastic surgeons. That aside, notable exterior features comprise of \nfull LED headlights\n with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights, LED turn signals, LED tail lights, Smart Wipers and Rain-sensing Wipers, \nremote engine start\n, smart entry with push-start ignition, capless fuelling system (push to release) and Honda LaneWatch.\nFinishing off the exterior are two wheel sizes \u2013 \n16 and 17-inch alloys\n. The smaller wheel gets wrapped in 215/55 R16 profile tyres and the larger wheel is shod with 215/50 R17 rubbers. No 18-inch or bigger wheels here folks, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing considering how well the wheel design complements the new Civic\u2019s looks. You guys are already pre-ordering that set of Vossen wheels, haven\u2019t you?\nINTERIOR\nFortunately this time, the good stuff also continues inside. It\u2019s far more spacious than before, offering better headroom, legroom, shoulder clearance and side head clearance. The A-pillars are thinner to facilitate improved visibility, and the entire instrument panel is redesigned to give the driver and front passenger an additional 27mm of legroom.   Depending on the variant of choice, the seats are either wrapped in\n fabric or leather\n and they both can be had in beige, black or grey colours. Range toppers will benefit from an 8-way power adjustable driver seat and 4-way front passenger seat. Higher trims also get a \n7-inch colour TFT screen\n built into the instrument cluster, while the centre dash features another \n7-inch touchscreen display audio\n with customisable feature settings. The more advanced head unit supports Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and satellite-linked navigation.\nThe lowest spec Civic will settle for just four speakers, while the rest either get the 180-Watt 8-speakers audio system or \n450-Watt premium audio system\n with 10-speakers including a subwoofer. Next to the gear lever are controls for the ECON driving mode, brake hold assist and electronic parking brake. Other features include dual-zone climate controls, power outlets for charging mobile devices and heated seats.\n \n \nPERFORMANCE\nThis is where things get a little bit more interesting. Gone is the 1.8-litre SOHC engine, and taking place as the base engine is a\u00a0\n2.0-litre naturally aspirated\n DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine paired to either a six-speed manual or CVT gearboxes. This port-injected four banger makes \n158 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n187 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm and operates with a compression ratio of 10.8:1. Drive is sent to the front wheels only, so no all-wheel drive option here.\nIn the other corner is the starlet of the show \u2013 a \n1.5-litre turbocharged\n four-cylinder engine. This makes a respectable \n174 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and\n 220 Nm\n of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 revolutions. Sadly, this engine will only be matched to a \nCVT gearbox\n. No conventional automatic, no manual transmission. It\u2019s also cleaner and fuel efficient, thanks to direct injection technology. Compared to the naturally aspirated mill, this forced inducted engine runs on a slightly lower compression ratio of 10.6:1. To leverage on the power, the CVT has a longer final gear ratio for better cruising fuel efficiency which is officially rated at \n6.7 litres per 100km\n.\nIn the handling department, Honda claims the new Civic outclasses its mainstream opponents and matches that of luxury C-Segment products. We\u2019re not sure if this is a blatant case of air headedness, but let\u2019s give them the benefit of the doubt. To achieve this, the Civic gets a \nrevised multi-link rear suspension\n mounted to a more rigid frame. All suspensions bushings are hydraulic and help soak up road vibrations.\nJust like before, the front axle is suspended by MacPherson struts. A pair of front and rear stabiliser bars help induce confidence when throwing the car into the bends, and stopping power is aided by four disc brakes. One important fact to take note of is that the new Civic sits lower to the ground (by 14mm), lowering its centre of gravity. Other key features in this regard include Agile Handling Assist (works via brake vectoring) and \nStraight Driving Assist\n; the latter\u00a0automatically makes the steering wheel less twitchy while cruising. Its electric power steering is new and requires 2.2 turns from lock-to-lock compared to the previous 3.1.\nSAFETY\nIt\u2019s hard not to be impressed with how much the Civic has progressed by now, isn\u2019t it? But wait, there\u2019s more. In the safety dept, the Civic can be equipped with Honda Sensing \u2013 the company\u2019s full range of safety and driver-assistive technologies. If this box is ticked, you\u2019ll get Collision Mitigating Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System and Adaptive Cruis Control with Low Speed Follow.   This is on top of passive safety features such as Brake Assist, four-channel ABS with EBD, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Honda LaneWatch. It\u2019s also rated very highly in many crash tests, thanks to extensive use of high-strength steel.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere\u2019s a total of \nnine exterior colours\n to choose from, with four of them being new ones \u2013 Luna Silver Metallic, Aegean Blue Metallic, Cosmic Blue Metallic and Burgundy Night Pearl. Again, three interior colours are available for choice, and they are beige, black and grey. Prices in the United States start from USD18,640 (that\u2019s about RM80k at press time) for the base model to USD26,500 (equals to RM112k) for the range topping trim. Seeing how well equipped the new Civic is, one can only image its pricing position when it reaches Malaysian soil. That said, if we go by sheer estimates, it\u2019ll come close or even eclipse the base model Honda Accord!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It has been over 500 days since the announcement of the first movement control order (MCO) in \nMarch 2020\n. Many of us in Malaysia started working from home, no more fetching the kids from school and travelling by car has been severely restricted to just within one\u2019s own state.\nAs such, our cars now spend most of the time parked rather than out on the road. Based on plenty of statistical analysis by motor insurance companies such as Berjaya Sompo, they have begun offering a mileage-based insurance coverage, and with that a lower annual premium.\nAs Berjaya Auto takes over the distributorship of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, they would first like to know existing owners better. More about the initiative here.\n\u00a0\u201cAt Berjaya Sompo, we seek to provide the best value for our customers\u2019 insurance coverage. With SOMPO Motorsafe, we have designed a policy that allows customers to choose coverage according to their mileage needs at the discounted premium rates while still enjoying comprehensive protection. By using telematics technology, we are able to safeguard our customers\u2019 driving journeys without them having to face any financial difficulties.\u201d said Berjaya Sompo, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tan Sek Kee.\nThe new SOMPO Motorsafe plan offers vehicle owners three different mileage plans to suit the annual needs of travelling, namely 5,000 km, 10,000 km and 15,000 km. The company will keep track of the mileage via a Bluetooth- enabled SOMPO Tag that is paired with the SOMPO Motorsafe app.\nMr Tan further added that the new SOMPO Motorsafe policy is suitable for households with more than two cars in their household, low mileage drivers as well as \n\u201cweekend cars\u201d\n.\nThree key features are provided by the SOMPO Tag, such as the \u2018bCall\u2019 emergency button for breakdown or emergency road assistance, while the \u2018eCall\u2019 functions for \nautomatic accident alert\n and emergency response for severe crashes.\nThe third feature in the Berjaya SOMPO Tag assist driver to instil undistracted driving practices by sending a \u2018Don\u2019t Text and Drive\u2019 beep if the driver is using the smartphone while driving. \u00a0\nAs for the insurance coverage, SOMPO Motorsafe covers loss or damage to the vehicle due to accident, fire and theft, third-party injury, death or property damage within the chosen mileage plans.\nOther benefits under the policy include 24-hour Rakan Auto Assist, SOMPO Repair Warranty of 12 months, all-driver coverage and special perils coverage.\nJust drove 2,000 km in the last six months? It is still time to get the vehicle serviced, especially if you want to keep the warranty intact.\nTo learn more about the new mileage-based Berjaya SOMPO Motorsafe motor insurance plan, visit their \nwebsite here\n for more details.\nMain image credit: \nFacebook/Inforoadblock"
"Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) together\nwith Subaru Corporation officially launched its Tan Chong Subaru Automotive\n(Thailand) Limited (TCSAT) manufacturing plant here in Ladkrabang Industrial Estate,\nBangkok.\nThis is the first dedicated Subaru manufacturing\nplant outside of Japan in Asia and the third plant to fully produce Subaru vehicles\nworldwide \u2013 Tan Chong\u2019s plant in Segambut assembles Subaru cars on a contract\nmanufacturing basis. With an initial investment of THB5 billion (RM647 million)\nfrom TC Manufacturing and Assembly (Thailand) Limited (74.9% stake) and Subaru\nCorporation (25.1% stake).\nThe new plant occupies more than 24.7 acres\nof space covering a Paint Shop, Body Shop, Assembly Shop, CKD Warehouse and management\noffices. It took a mere 24 months from the ground breaking ceremony till the\nfirst car to roll off the production halls on 15 August 2018. Thailand\u2019s status\nas an automotive hub with established component suppliers and strong localisation\nability mean the plant could be up and running in a short time frame.\nThe \nfifth-generation Subaru Forester\n is the first CKD model to be assembled at TCSAT and some 100 cars have already been delivered to customers in Thailand. The cars will be distributed in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia with targeted delivery of more than 6,000 Foresters in the plant\u2019s first operating year.\nDeputy Chairman and Managing Director of TCIL, Mr Glenn Tan said: \u201cThis is truly a milestone for us, to be able to build Subaru cars ourselves in Thailand. From distribution, dealerships and aftersales, we are now also manufacturing Subaru cars. This strategic long- term move will allow us to better manage our supply chain, widen our product line up, localise better and be less dependent on supply from Japan. We will be better able to respond and meet consumer demand for Subaru vehicles in the region, and perhaps even beyond the region in future.\u201d\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nTan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) CKD Plant"
"BMW Group Malaysia unveiled the new \nBMW R nineT\n to commemorate BMW Motorrad\u2019s 90th anniversary, a classic roadster created to represent the company\u2019s 90 years of history. Launched at the same time is the new\n BMW S 1000 R\n, the naked version of the legendary BMW S 1000 RR.\nBMW R nineT\nThe first BMW motorcycle was made in 1932, the BMW R 32. The heart of the R nineT is the same longitudinal twin-cylinder boxer engine from the R 32 ninety years ago. Now, the air or oil-cooled \n1,170 cc\n boxer engine together with a six-speed gearbox in the new R nineT produces \n110 horsepower\n and \n119 Nm\n of torque.   Design and development of the commemorative model is based on \u201cpuristic simplicity\u201d and \u201cemotion\u201d. With its classic and minimalist design, the R nineT is set to create an emotional bond between man and machine.\nThe BMW R nineT is available only in a classic black colour scheme; Black Strom Metallic with silver and metallic contrast. The R nineT is priced at RM 115,800 on the road, without insurance.\nBMW S 1000 R\nThe legendary BMW S 1000 RR was introduced in year 2009, as the first purpose-built superbike with a powerful four-cylinder in-line engine. Now, the naked version of it has arrived, the new BMW S 1000 R sports roadster, with it\u2019s distinct \u201ctail up, nose down\u201d stance.   Powered by the same \n999 cc\n four-cylinder in-line engine as the RR, the S 1000 R produces \n160 horsepower\n and \n112 Nm\n of torque, 10 Nm more than the RR. It comes with two riding modes, \u201cRain\u201d and \u201cRoad\u201d. When the \u201cRain\u201d mode is engaged, the ride will be soft and responsive to tackle wet conditions. \u201cRoad\u201d mode provides optimal throttle response and controlability. Optional \u201cDynamic\u201d and \u201cDynamic Pro\u201d modes are available together with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) for sporty performance on both road and track.\nThe new BMW S 1000 R is available in three different colours; non-metallic Racing Red, metallic Frozen Dark Blue, and the corporate design colours of BMW Motorrad, with non-metallic Light White paintwork. The S 1000 R is priced at \nRM 95,800\n on the road, without insurance.\nBMW Group Malaysia invited BMW Motorrad France stunt rider, \nBig Jim\n to the launch event, which was held at Sunway Pyramid Ice Skating. So naturally, Big Jim went \u2018skating\u2019 on the new BMW S 1000 R with snow tyres and did a few tricks.   [divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We brought one of the most exciting pieces of news to spear the realm of F1, which was the \nimminent buy over\n of one of the most successful teams in F1 \u2013 Red Bull Racing (RBR) by none other than German auto giant Volkswagen, just days before the dieselgate scandal surfaced. In short if they can\u2019t get a power unit sourced by the month\u2019s end, Red Bull Racing is screwed!\nMuch has happened since then, but RBR is now facing the same conundrum as other teams with one crucial twist, while Mercedes and Ferrari will sell you a power unit for the season, it would be from the\n\u00a0past season\n or that of \nvarying specifications\n different from the ones powering the factory teams. These giants aren\u2019t just going to hand you a current season\u2019s power unit and \njeopardize\n their chances of success, a point that was stressed by Mercedes boss \u2013 \nToto Wolff\n. It\u2019s a dog-eat-dog world out there and Formula 1 isn\u2019t an exception from that rule.\npic credits: speedhunters.com\nBut why would Red Bull be worried? They still have a year\u2019s worth on their contract with \nRenault\n. But here\u2019s the thing, because of the slump that RBR (and Toro Roso) has been going through\u00a0for the last \ntwo\n seasons with power units that just \naren\u2019t powerful enough\n to be in contention with \nMercedes\n and \nFerrari\n.\u00a0So the team \nsevered\n the contract a year \npremature\n. Christian Horner, team principal commented on the situation as complete\u00a0hopelessness.\nRedbull\u2019s in-house publication, \nSpeedweek\n said, \u201cEven after two years of development it lacks around \n80hp\n to the Mercedes cars and its reliability is of \npitiful\n proportions, the \ndisappointment\n with the performance and the posturing of the French are huge. Instead of improving after the 2014 season, Renault has further fallen behind Mercedes.\u201d Strong words indeed but it\u2019s a sentiment that\u2019s echoed especially by \nAdrian Newey\n, RBR\u2019s chief technical officer.\nWith Renault, Mercedes and Ferrari out of the picture, it leaves RBR with not a lot of choices. \nHonda\n wouldn\u2019t have been a great choice either judging by their performance this season coupled along with the fact that \nRon Dennis\n will only supply engines if RBR inks an \nexclusive contract\n that would render them \nworst\n\u00a0off than with Renault engines.\nRed Bull owner \nDietrich Mateschitz\n was quoted saying that the \nfactory teams fear RBR\n and empowering them by supplying engines would be a \nsuicidal\n move. The reason is simple, RBR has a budget per season that would make some small countries quake in their tracks let alone factory racing teams. The team is set to make a decision in two or three weeks time. That decision will either make or break the teams 2016 season. But this much is certain, Volkswagen neutered Red Bull with help from F1 supremo\n Bernie Ecclestone."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has officially introduced the updated Mitsubishi Triton here at Mid Valley Megamall. The update brings a range of safety features and premium equipment to the Triton range. Unfortunately, the active safety system is not available as standard across all variants.\nThe new\u00a0Triton range sees a slight increase in price across the board, ranging from \nRM77k\n to \nRM131k\n. However, to compensate the price increase, buyers will be delighted to know that the Triton is the only pick-up truck in Malaysia to come with a \n5-Year or 200,000 km warranty\n package (up to 2.4L category).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi Triton Quest MT (4\u00d72)\nMitsubishi Triton MT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishi Triton VGT MT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishi Triton VGT AT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure AT (4\u00d74)\nMitsubishis Triton VGT Adventure X AT (4\u00d74)\nEngine\n2,477cc; DI-D Common Rail Intercooled Turbocharged\n2,477cc; DI-D Common Rail Intercooled Turbocharged DOHC\n2,442cc; MIVEC Turbo Diesel DI-D Common Rail VGT Intercooler\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n6-speed manual\n5-speed automatic with Sport Mode\nMax Power\n108 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n134 hp @ 4,000 rpm\n179 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n324 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n430 Nm @ 2,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM77,390\nRM93,920\nRM107,600\nRM114,400\nRM123,130\nRM130,900\n EXTERIOR\nFrom the outside, the Triton looks no different than the one that was \nlaunched back in late 2016\n. Standard on all VGT variants are automatic Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps with LED daytime running lights, sports bar and rear fog lamps. New items in this 2017 update includes a redesigned side steps and dark chrome grille. Standard VGT variants ride on 16-inch alloys while VGT Adventure models get 17-inch alloys.   Top of the line VGT Adventure X gets additional Shield Extender for the front bumpers, Sports Bar with Tonneau Cover and dual-tone finish for the alloy wheels.\nThe Triton MT and Triton Quest get halogen reflector headlamps and rear fog lamps as standard. Triton Quest rides on 15-inch alloys while the Triton MT rides on 16-inch alloys.\nINTERIOR\nNew to the Triton range is a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth and cruise control switches as well as a new instrument cluster. VGT Adventure variants further adds 8-way powered driver\u2019s seat.   Other than that, the Triton gets the same equipment as before such as reverse camera, dual-zone climate control, paddle shifters, cruise control and leather seats for the \nVGT Adventure\n; keyless entry and push-start, power folding side mirrors, touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, and leather wrapped steering wheel for the\n VGT \nand\u00a0single DIN audio system with USB, MP3, AUX and CD player, three spoke urethane steering wheel, two speakers and fabric seats for the \nTriton Quest\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the updated Triton VGT is a new 2.4-litre aluminium MIVEC turbodiesel that pushes out \n179 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmission. The new engine is 30 kg lighter and promises 15 percent better fuel economy compared to the old 2.5-litre turbodiesel mill. To demonstrate the new engine\u2019s performance and robustness, watch how \nLeona Chin pull a 31-tonne mega truck with the new Triton\n!\nThe \nEasy Select 4WD system\n that is on all 4\u00d74 models optimises torque distribution between the front and rear axles in any driving conditions. Drivers can switch between 2WD-Hi and 4WD-Hi via the rotary dial at speeds of up to 100km/h. 4WD-Lo can be selected when the terrains get really tough. Another noteworthy feature of the Triton is the \nbest-in-class turning radius\n of 5.9 meters (5.7 meters for 2WD) that allows for easy manoeuvre of the pickup truck.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, all Triton comes with dual airbags and ABS with EDB, Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution that absorbs and dissipates collision impact force and ISOFIX mounting points as standard. VGT models gets additional hill-start assist.\nHowever, MMM has finally brought the Triton up to competition as all VGT models now come with ESC or in Mitsubishi terms \u2013 \nActive Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system\n. VGT Adventure models even gets seven airbags and Trailer Sway Control as standard which qualifies VGT Adventure models for a full\n 5 Star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs mentioned earlier, all Mitsubishi Triton comes with a 5-Year or 200,00 km warranty and will be a fully-imported model from Thailand. A total of five colour choices are available but some colours are variant specific. Currently, MMM is represented at 59 showrooms (13 of which are in East Malaysia) and 56 service outlets nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X"
"Geely Auto Group recently launched their \nfirst Electric brand, Geometry\n in Singapore, showing the Chinese automaker\u2019s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.\nGeometry believes that clean energy vehicles (in this case electric vehicles) along with premium safety features such as semi-autonomous driving, top-notch crash safety rating should be accessible to the masses and not only to the privileged few.\nAs a result, the company has packaged the brand\u2019s first electric vehicle (EV), Geometry A very competitively, enticing consumers to make the switch to EVs. An entry-level Geometry A with semi-autonomous driving & 410 km pure electric range retails for RMB150k (RM92k) while its closest competitor, the \nTesla Model 3\n is priced closer to RMB407k (RM250k).\nZhejiang Geely Holding\nGroup President and Geely Auto Group President and CEO, Mr. An Conghui said:\n\u201cGeely is a strong force and active participant in the field of new energy. We\nare guided by technological innovation and are determined to become a global\nleader in new energy.\u201d\n \nZhejiang Geely Holding Group President and Geely Auto Group President and CEO, Mr. An Conghui at the Global launch of Geometry A\nMoving forward, Geometry\nwill launch no less than 10 pure EVs in various shapes and sizes including\nsedans, SUVs and MPVs to cater to different consumer segments by 2025. A crucial\nstep to pushing the Geometry and Geely brand as the No. 1 choice in pure\nelectric and new energy vehicles.\nFrom the looks of it, Geometry A has pushed the bar for pure electric sedans with its comprehensive package combining class-leading safety, high tech features, high-capacity battery and most importantly attractive price tag.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nGeometry\u00a0A\u00a0Launched\u00a0in Singapore"
"The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will implement the Ops \u2018Sedar\u2019 (aware) from \nWednesday, November 24th\n, after an observation on road users lacking one vital document- insurance coverage!\nThe Ops \u2018Sedar\u2019 involves the monitoring and enforcement of road users via roadblocks (sekatan jalan raya or SJR) and will be implemented around the country to nab offenders as insurance coverage is required by the law as stipulated in the Road Transport Act 1987.\nSource: Twitter/\nJPJ\nThe minimum coverage that the majority of the insurance companies provide is the \u2018Third Party\u2019 cover, insuring the vehicle owner against claims for bodily injuries or deaths caused to the other persons (known as the third party), as well as loss or damage to third party property caused by the said owner\u2019s vehicle.\nSimply put, it covers the damages of the property or other vehicles a driver caused, but does not cover the damages to his or her own vehicle, responsibly protecting innocent bystanders and road users.\nIt is reported (in other portals) that driving without a valid insurance coverage can be convicted with a fine of \nRM 1,000\n or a \njail time\n of three months or both under Section 90 (1), Road Transport Act 1987. The offender will also be \u2018Blacklisted\u2019 from renewing their driving licence until the court case has been completed.\nThe JPJ thus remind all road users to be responsible and renew their expired road tax and driving licences before the end of the year, a \ndeadline that was extended\n \nby the Ministry of Transport announced in September. A valid insurance coverage is also a must, as mentioned earlier.\nCheck out the \nrespective state\u2019s JPJ Facebook\n page on the availability of the Mobile Counters\nAll JPJ and Pos Malaysia counters are open for such renewals and can also be done at selected \nPuspakom\n centres as well as online via \nmySikap JPJ\n portal as well as \nMyEG\n.\nAs of now, the JPJ said it has not received any direction on the extension of the expiry date for both the road tax and driving licence."
"Anyone who\u2019s ever driven a car would know that the flimsy little piece of trim that car manufacturers call \u201csun visor\u201d, doesn\u2019t really block the sun all that well \u2013 especially when it\u2019s 6.30 pm and the sun is just above the horizon.\nMore often than not, the sun visor also blocks out a large chunk of the driver\u2019s outward vision, which makes looking ahead for any road hazard that much harder.\nThe engineers at Bosch, probably out of fury after a drive home from work, designed a solution from the ground up \u2013 called Virtual Visor \u2013 to hopefully make the road a safer place for all.\nThe Virtual Visor is essentially a piece of liquid crystal display (LCD) with large hexagonal pixels. Using artificial intelligence, the Virtual Visor constantly tracks the driver\u2019s facial features through a video camera.\nThe software analyses the driver\u2019s vision, then darkens out precisely the pixels required to cast a shadow over the eyes \u2013 leaving the rest of the LCD transparent, and no longer obscuring a large part of the driver\u2019s vision.\nStill in concept form, the Virtual Visor takes on the guise of a regular visor, which means it could be potentially retrofitted to existing cars. The Virtual Visor, which debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), is rightfully (we think) awarded Best of Innovation in the CES 2020 Innovation Awards.\nBosch did not reveal when we\u2019ll actually see the Virtual Visor in a production vehicle, but according to \nThe Verge\n, on-site executives said that Bosch is \u201ccurrently in conversation with commercial and passenger OEMs.\u201d"
"Volvo Cars is expanding its collaboration with NVIDIA to use \nNVIDIA DRIVE Orin\n system-on-a-chip (SoC) technology to power the autonomous driving computer in next generation Volvo models.\nThe latest announcement represents the next step in the deepening collaboration between Volvo Cars and NVIDIA. In 2018, Volvo Cars announced it will also use NVIDIA DRIVE Xavier SoC technology for the core computer on vehicles based on the next-generation \nSPA2\n modular vehicle architecture.\nVolvo Cars aims to be the first car maker with a global footprint to use NVIDIA DRIVE Orin in its next-generation models with the first vehicle to feature the SoC is the \nall-new \nVolvo XC90\n, which will be revealed next year.\n\u201cWe believe in partnering with the world\u2019s leading technology firms to build the best Volvos possible,\u201d said Henrik Green, chief technology officer. \u201cWith the help of NVIDIA DRIVE Orin technology, we can take safety to the next level on our next generation of cars.\u201d\nThe NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-powered is dedicated to autonomous driving computing, processing intense work such as vision and \nLiDAR\n (light detection and ranging) and delivering the high safety integrity level required for autonomous driving. It works together with the NVIDIA \nDRIVE Xavier\n-powered core computer that manages core functionalities inside the car such as base software, energy management and driver assistance.\nNVIDIA DRIVE Orin, an industry-leading AI-computing platform for the automotive industry, is capable of an unprecedented 254 tera (or 254 trillion) operations per second (TOPS). It will work together with software developed in-house and by Zenseact, Volvo Cars\u2019 autonomous driving software development company, as well as backup systems for steering and braking.\nVolvo Cars are also moving to have a \ncentralised computing architecture\n in its next-generation vehicles, reducing complexities and enabling more frequent improvements together with growth in features via over-the-air (OTA) updates."
"The all-new, all-electric Nissan Leaf has been officially launched in Malaysia by Edaran Tan Chong Motor with improved range, technology and practicality. And there now different ways with which to own this fully electric hatchback.\nFirst things first, the specs; specifically the battery capacity and range. Edaran Tan Chong Motor has chosen the \n40 kWh version\n of the Leaf for Malaysia, it offers a range of \n311 km per full charge, according to the NEDC combined cycle\n, or \n270 km based on the stricter WLTP combined cycle\n for the variant fitted with 17-inch alloys. The first-generation Leaf came with a battery capacity of \n24 kWh\n.\nBefore you dismiss the Leaf and say that\u2019s not enough to reach Penang, please bear in mind that an EV isn\u2019t for everyone. If you travel over 200 km every day, you will be better off with a petrol- or even better, a diesel-powered car. But if you are like the majority of car owners around the world who clock no more than 100 km a day, you may choose to read on.\nStyling wise, the all-new Leaf is easily discernible over the previous one which divided opinions. It is altogether a much better effort this time around, looking sufficiently futuristic, even sporty from some angles with the \ntwo-tone roofline, integrated rear spoiler and boomerang-shaped LED taillights\n. The charging port remains on the bonnet, just aft of the V-motion grille. Otherwise, the Leaf is a C-segment, Golf-sized 5-door hatch with a roomy cabin and a surprisingly spacious boot that measures 435 litres (a Golf has 380 litres by the way).\n Floor-mounted battery pack does not impinge on trunk space worth 435 litres.\nTo back up the sportier new look is a more powerful electric motor driving the front wheels, rated at \n150 hp and 320 Nm\n and worthy of a respectable time of \n7.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h benchmark\n, along with a limited top speed of \n155km/h\n. EVs consume energy far quicker at higher speeds than in city crawls, hence the limiter.\n Full-charge from zero on normal 6.6 kW wall-box charging takes 7 hours.\nThere are two ways to top up the 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack; either through \n\u2018Normal\u2019 6.6 kW AC charging\n (utilising a SAE J1772 plug) or through the \n\u2018Quick\u2019 50 kW DC charging\n. Nissan is throwing in an AC wall box charger capable of \n30-ampere\n delivery, so the Leaf would take around \n7 hours for a full charge\n from a depleted battery, though in reality, charging times are usually shorter as there will likely be residue charge left in the car. DC quick charging takes \n50 minutes\n, though there are currently only three locations in Peninsula Malaysia with this facility.\nThe new Nissan Leaf offers a total of four different drive modes to govern the level of energy to be recovered \u2013 \nD, ECO, B and B-ECO\n. In short, \u2018D\u2019 offers the highest level of performance and energy usage, \u2018ECO\u2019 consumes 10% less by managing energy-intensive functions, \u2018B\u2019 maximises regen braking while \u2018B-ECO\u2019 combines B and ECO energy savings.\nOn top of all that, there\u2019s a new feature called the \n\u2018e-Pedal\n\u2019. When engaged, backing off from the accelerator actually slows the car down (the rear brake lights will illuminate), and this helps in regenerating energy instead of using the brakes. By anticipating the traffic, the Leaf can be driven by just using the accelerator pedal and you can come to a stop with it, even on a slope. Of course, the brake pedal should be preferred when the situation warrants.\n \nOne e-Pedal to rule them all?\nThe Malaysian-spec Leaf gets leather and suede seats with blue accents, the latest flat-bottom steering wheel as seen in the Serena and facelifted X-Trail and a display head-unit. \nElectronic park brake, keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control and cruise control are standard as well\n. The Leaf also comes with the new-generation part digital, part analogue (speedometer) driver\u2019s display which is expected to be featured in the forthcoming Kicks crossover and the next generation Almera.\nIn the safety department, the Leaf is keeping with Nissan\u2019s Intelligent Mobility initiative and it is equipped with a range of active and passive safety functions including \nIntelligent Forward Collision and Emergency Braking, Around View Monitor (360-degree view) with Motion Object Detection and Driver Alert warning\n, this is on top of the usual servings of 6 airbags and electronic stability.\nA Delta-branded wall-box charger comes packaged with the Leaf.\nThe Japan-made, fully imported Nissan Leaf is available in only one grade but you can choose from \nsix different body colours\n, two of which have dual-tone paintwork and two interior hues \u2013 black or grey. The price for the new Leaf starts from \nRM188,888\n, prices includes a 3-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty, \n3-year/100,000 km maintenance, with the high voltage battery pack covered for 8 years or 160,000 km\n.\nTo allay fears on residue values of an EV, you can also \u2018own\u2019 the Leaf via a subscription model (like Netflix) at RM3,500 per month, over a 3-year contract period."
"The \nBMW X1\n, \nKia Niro\n and \nHyundai Ioniq 6\n have been named the top three finalists for the 2023 World Car of the Year award. The winner will be announced on April 5 at the New York International Auto Show.\nTo be eligible for the World Car of the Year award, at least 10,000 units of the vehicle must be produced annually and must be priced below the \u2018luxury-car level\u2019 in their markets. The vehicles must also be sold in at least two major markets including Europe, China, India, Japan, Korea, North and South America. They must also be on sale within the January 2022 and March 2023 period.\nAudi e-tron GT\nGR Corolla\nOther categories in the awards include the World Performance Car of the Year, where two of its finalists, the\n Audi e-tron GT\n and \nGR Corolla\n, are now on sale in Malaysia. The other is a rather surprising inclusion, the Kia EV6 GT. Other awards include the World Luxury Car, World Electric Vehicle, World Urban Car and World Car Design of the Year.\nAmong all the finalists, the Lucid Air, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and BMW i7 could walk home with more than one award after being named the finalist in more than one category. The following are the top three finalists for the other categories:\nWorld Performance Car of the Year\nKia EV6 GT\nNissan Z\nToyota GR Corolla\nWorld Urban Car of the Year\nCitroen C3\nOra Good Cat\nVolkswagen Taigo\nWorld Luxury Car of the Year\nBMW 7 Series\n / \ni7\nGenesis G90\nLucid Air\nWorld Electric Vehicle\nBMW i7\nHyundai Ioniq 6\nLucid Air\nWorld Car Design\nRange Rover\nHyundai Ioniq 6\nLucid Air"
"For reasons unbeknownst to us, Peugeot isn\u2019t a brand that\u2019s too popular here in Malaysia. But over in the Western side of the world, the French marque still holds some prestige in the hot hatch market \u2013 thanks to its GTi models, starting from the Peugeot 205 GTi way back in the 80s.\nIf you saw the aggressive-looking \nall-new Peugeot 308\n \u2013 which debuted yesterday \u2013 and thought to yourself: \u201cI would get one of those when the GTi model comes out\u201d, we\u2019re very sorry to burst your bubble, but that day is most probably never going to come. Ever.\nThe new looks could definitely have worked with a hotter GTi version.\nAccording to a comment made by Peugeot\u2019s product director in a recent interview, the French brand looks like they just aren\u2019t that interested in making a performance-oriented hatchback any more.\nSpeaking to \nTop Gear\n, Peugeot\u2019s Jerome Micheron said this about the prospects of a 308 GTi: \u201cIf you look at the market for sporty versions, and the CO2 regulations, it has collapsed.\u201d Ouch. And that wasn\u2019t all that Micheron had to say.\nRemember the Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered variant? The one with additional electric propulsion and all-wheel drive? Yeah, that\u2019s not happening on the 308 either. \u201cWe don\u2019t see a market yet. And it adds extra\u00a0weight,\u2019 he added.\nSimilar to what other car brands are saying these days, the main reason for the mass exodus of high-performance internal combustion engine is none other than the Euro 7 emissions standards, due to come into effect in 2025.\nAn electric GTi, perhaps?\nThe effect is felt even more on smaller cars, as they don\u2019t have high-enough profit margins to absorb the high costs required for the new tech required to lower the CO2 emissions. A more detailed breakdown, complete with industry leaders\u2019 comments, can be found in \nthis report \nby \nAutomotive News\n.\nOh well, at least Peugeot says that a fully-electric 308 is \u201cin our\u00a0roadmap\u201d, and looking at what the electric cars are achieving now, we \ncould\n probably see an electric-only 308 that\u2019s good enough to wear the GTi badge. But until then though, we\u2019ll be mourning the death of the Peugeot GTi. Good bye, old friend."
"Perodua has just announced its sales data for the month of May 2021, in which it managed to deliver \n17,973 units\n \u2013 a 12% reduction from April\u2019s 20,399 units.\nThe national carmaker attributed the drop in sales to the ongoing \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, as well as the global semiconductor shortage, which has significantly hampered its production capabilities. Despite that, the company is still maintaining its \n240,000-unit sales target for the year\n.\nTaking into account Perodua\u2019s May\u2019s sales data, the company has now sold \n96,281 vehicles \nfor the first five months of 2021, representing an 82% increase compared to the same period last year. However, the 2020 figure is heavily distorted by the first Movement Control Order, which was in place from March to May last year.\nPerodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad says that a fairer comparison would be against 2019, when the company sold 105,745 units in the first five months \u2013 8.9% higher than this year.\nFor context, 2019 was the year that Perodua achieved it\u2019s highest-ever annual sales figure at 240,341 units \u2013 not too far off its 2021 target. In order to achieve 240,000 units sold this year, the company will have to average 20,531 units sold monthly for the remainder of the year.\n\u201cDespite these challenges and barring further uncertainties moving forward, we believe we will be able to meet our 240,000-unit sales target for 2021 as demand remains strong for all of our models,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Zainal. The Perodua Alza replacement, rumoured \nto be introduced later this year\n, could also help fill up the company\u2019s orders book in order to achieve its targets.\n\u201cWe thank the government for extending the \nsales tax exemption to end-2021\n, which will bolster our strong demand, encourage economic activity and help sustain the Malaysian automotive ecosystem.\n\u201cWe understand that the measures taken by the government to contain the pandemic are necessary to ensure the people\u2019s health and safety, and we, along with our suppliers and dealers, will cooperate fully with the government to flatten the curve.\u201d\nFor the month of May, Perodua also manufactured a total of 18,283 units, boosting its year-to-date production tally to 98,944 units, or 36% of the company\u2019s initial 272,000 units manufacturing target."
"MINI Malaysia\n has introduced two new variants for the \nCountryman Sports\n \u2013 the limited edition Countryman Sports with Blackline Package and the Countryman Sports with Panoramic Sunroof.\n\u201cSince we introduced the MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports in 2018, the model has remained one of the most popular models in the local MINI portfolio. In the two years of its availability here, we have delivered over 800 units in Malaysia. The sporty model also accounted for 75% of total MINI deliveries in 2019,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl.\nThe \nMINI Countryman Sports with Blackline Package\n comes with a front grille and MINI emblems finished in Piano Black. The same treatment can be seen on the head and taillight surrounds and door handles. The Countryman Sports with Blackline Package will be available either in British Racing Green or Light White. Both of which will be finished with a black roof.\nAs for the other variant, the Countryman Sports with Panoramic Sunroof, it\u2019s pretty much self-explanatory. For those who prefer to go without a Panoramic Sunroof, you can still have the standard Countryman Sports.\nThe rest remains unchanged. The Countryman sports the same 19-inch JCW wheels, a JCW Aerokit, and as for the inside, it retains the 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Carbon Black Cross Punch leather upholstery, MINI Yours Piano Black trims, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sounds system.\nThe Countryman Sports also comes with MINI Connected Services that includes digital services like Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI TeleServices, and Remote Services.\nBoth the Countryman Sports Blackline Package and Panoramic Sunroof variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n. Power is channeled to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission capable of propelling the Countryman Sports variants from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Top speed is rated at 225 km/h.\nThe Countryman Sports with Blackline Package is priced at \nRM243,280.38\n while the Countryman Sports with Panoramic Sunroof can be yours for \nRM247,280.38\n. This makes the Countryman Sports with Panoramic Sunroof RM8,000 more than the standard model.\nWith the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the MINI Countryman Sports with Blackline Package starts from RM 2,778.00 per month, while the Countryman Sports with Panoramic Sunroof starts from RM 2,828.00 per month based on estimates of 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nThe MINI Countryman Sports comes with 4-years unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service along with 5-years roadside assistance. For the latest price list of MINI vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has announced a flood relief assistance programme to help all customers who are affected by the recent floods nationwide. The assistance programme is valid \nuntil 31\nst\n January 2022\n, and offers up to \n30% discount on parts repair \nat all authorised Mercedes-Benz service centres.\nThe company is also offering \nfree vehicle towing\n by authorized dealerships, \nfree evaluation \nof all necessary repairs, as well as a \n0% interest-free easy payment plan\n for all repair costs, allowing customers to spread out the bill over 12 months.\nMBM President and CEO, Sagree Sardien said, \u201cThe safety of our customers is our utmost priority. Together with our network of dealers, we are committed to ensure that our customers and their Mercedes-Benz cars get the care it needs in these unprecedented times.\u201d\nAffected Mercedes-Benz owners can get in touch with their preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships directly for more information, or contact Mercedes-Benz 24h Roadside Assistance & Customer Care Centre at \n1-800-88-1133\n."
"The \nall-new fourth-generation Ford Ranger\n \nis set to receive a brand-new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, according to documents sighted by Australian publication \nDrive\n. The PHEV Ranger will be making its way into Ford showrooms in Australia sometime next year, as part of the Model Year 2024 (MY2024) updates for the pick-up truck.\nFord has previously said that the all-new Ranger and its \nEverest SUV\n sibling have been engineered to support electrified powertrains in the future, including fully-electric and hybrid mills. Ford Europe has also previously announced plans to electrify its entire commercial vehicle line-up, lending credence to the PHEV Ford Ranger rumour.\nThe Australian publication reports that the first electrified Ford Ranger will be powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired to \u201cone or more\u201d electric motors. The engine \u2013 without electric assistance \u2013 is already available in the US market Ranger, as well as the \nRanger-based Volkswagen Amarok \nin Australia.\nNo power output estimates are available at the time of writing, as it\u2019ll be a brand-new powertrain combo for Ford. The non-hybrid 2.3-litre turbocharged mill already makes 302 hp and 452 Nm of torque on its own \u2013 with additional electric assistance, it wouldn\u2019t be surprising if the petrol-PHEV Ranger boasts comparable outputs to the \nV6-powered Ranger Raptor\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Ford Ranger Raptor to be offered with 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel in Malaysia\nThe Ford Ranger PHEV will reportedly also be sold in the US, with the same powertrain eventually making its way into the Ford Bronco. There are no indications if the PHEV model will make its way into showrooms here in Malaysia either, though we wouldn\u2019t keep our hopes up.\nThat\u2019s because the Thailand assembly plant, where we import our Rangers and Everests from, currently do not produce any models with the 2.3-litre petrol engine. While Australia currently also imports its cars from Thailand, the nation\u2019s low import tariff makes it possible to also bring the PHEV Ford Ranger in from South Africa at only a 5% tariff rate.\nAlthough, 5% is still higher than 0%, so there could be a possibility of it being assembled in Thailand too. Who knows."
"The \nProton Exora\n has just received another update for 2022, sporting the new Proton emblem and LED DRLs on the Premium variant, nothing else is different on the exterior. Dubbed the Running Change 2 (RC2), the 2022 Proton Exora now provides electronic stability control (ESC) on all variants.\nThe minor changes bump the Proton Exora\u2019s price to \nRM62,800\n for the Executive variant and \nRM69,800 \nfor the Premium variant \u2013 RM3,000 more expensive than what it used to be (with SST included). Still powered by the same 1.6-lire turbocharged engine paired to the same CVT, the 2022 Proton Exora produces \n140 hp\n of maximum power and \n205 Nm\n of maximum torque.\nThe exterior of the 2022 Proton Exora is virtually unchanged besides the new Proton emblem and LED DRLs on the Premium variant. The Executive variant offers halogen headlamps, 16-inch single-tone alloys, and manual-folding side mirrors. The Premium variant adds on LED DRLs, electric folding side mirrors, two-tone finish alloy wheels, and exterior accessories. Colour options remain the same with both variants offered in Snow White, Indiana Grey, Rosewood Maroon, Ruby Red, and Cocoa Grey.\nOn the inside, the Executive variant comes with a urethane steering wheel, a multi-info instrument cluster display, fabric upholstery, manual air-conditioning with rear vents and N95 cabin filter, and a standard head unit with Bluetooth and four speakers. The Premium variant spices things up on the inside with full leatherette upholstery (compared to previous semi-leatherette), a leather multi-function steering wheel, and a second-row seat armrest. Also exclusive to the Premium variant is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command system, Smartphone connectivity, online navigation, online music streaming, 4G, and Wi-Fi.\nRELATED: \nProton X50, X70, Exora lead segment sales charts in first four months of 2022\nSitting on the same chassis for more than ten years, the Exora still only offers 2 airbags. Standard safety features include the usual ABS, EBD, and ESC \u2013 The standard ESC is new for the Proton Exora. No advanced safety features have been added. The 2022 Proton Exora comes with a five-year/150,000-km warranty, three times free labour service, and a five-year data package (1 GB/month)."
"A new model is set to enter the ever-competitive pick-up truck landscape, with China\u2019s JMC Vigus Pro 4\u00d74 distributed by Angka-Tan Motor (ATM), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Berhad. The company has begun to preview the new pick-up model from today which is slated for launch later within this month.\nJMC or Jiangling Motors Co. Ltd based in Nanchang, China has been placing as the second best-selling pick-up brand in China for many consecutive years. Angka-Tan Motor, also an affiliated company of Tan Chong Group, and JMC signed a Vehicle Technology Licensing agreement in July 2020 granting ATM the sole right to manufacture, assemble and sell the JMC Vigus Pro 4\u00d74 pick-up in Malaysia.\n\u201cWe are pleased to announce that after more than 12 months of hard work, Angka-Tan Motor, in collaboration with Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd, is ready to introduce an exciting contender in the popular pick-up segment. The stylish and technologically advanced JMC Vigus Pro 4\u00d74 pick-up truck has proven its mettle in the Chinese market and we can\u2019t wait to share this new product with pick-up fans across Malaysia,\u201d enthused Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, CEO, Tan Keng Meng.\nOnly key specifications and features are shared by Angka-tan Motor on the JMC Vigus Pro 4\u00d74. For the powertrain, the pick-up truck has a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with outputs of \n141 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n, paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.8 litres / 100 km.\nNew Tank 500 is the striking alternative to the Land Cruiser 300 Series. With such a name, it\u2019s easy to guess its origins!\nA BorgWarner electronically control 4WD system distributes power to all four wheels via the 4H and 4L modes, with additional rear-wheel traction provided by a locking differential from Eaton.\nAngka-Tan Motor is set to officially launch the JMC Vigus Pro 4\u00d74 within this month, hinting at attractive pricing and supported by 13 sales and service outlets \nnationwide\n."
"Remember NAM or Naza Automotive Manufacturing which Groupe PSA took a majority stake last year with the aim of turning it into a regional manufacturing hub? Well, they are now exporting the first shipment of vehicles.\nThe first batch of vehicles produced at NAM\u2019s Gurun plant comprising the Peugeot 3008 1.6L Active is on its way to the Philippines and will arrive before the end of the month. The handsome 3008 SUV is expected to be joined by the 3-row \n5008 1.6 THP\n, with both models to account for over 4,000 units by 2023 in the Philippines market. Other ASEAN countries will also be receiving Gurun-produced models soon.\n \nThe Peugeot 3008 was the European Car of the Year for 2017. In 2018, it was awarded the title of \u2018\nMalaysia Car of the Year\n\u2019 by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), now rebranded as Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii).\nIn February 2018, Naza Corporation Holdings and Groupe PSA signed a share sale and joint venture agreement to officially establish shared operations of the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant in Gurun, Kedah for Groupe PSA which also distributes the Citro\u00ebn, DS and Opel brands."
"Charging your electric car in Malaysia has now been made simpler thanks to the latest collaboration between \nGentari\n, \nJomCharge\n, and \nchargEV\n. Launched at Energy Asia 2023, the \u201cEV Roaming Network\u201d between these three charge point operators means that you only need one of the three apps (Setel, JomCharge, ChargEV) to cross-access their chargers. Eventually, you will be able to access a network of \n600 chargers\n nationwide through one app only.\nThe EV Roaming Network comes as no surprise as the three parties signed an agreement back in March to enable the EV roaming network. Immediately during the launch today, all three apps were updated to accommodate the changes.\nTo ensure that you can view the roaming network availability on the three respective mobile applications, make sure to update the apps to their latest versions. With each of the apps, you can now cross-access the charge points, activate, pay, and charge instantly for Gentari, JomCharge, and chargEV EV chargers.\nThe partnership is for the greater good of EV adoption. Gentari does partly own JomCharge, but the collaboration with chargEV purely serves to push for EV adoption. Upon its launch today, the cross-charging is already available at four locations during its first phase, namely\nX Park Sunway Serene\nBerjaya Times Square\nSuria KLCC\nFour Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur\nRELATED: \nGentari partners with Lotus for green mobility infrastructure deployment\nOnly in its first phase for the time being, the cross-access network will expand to 600 chargers from Gentari, JomCharge, and chargEV in stages. Also showcased at Energy Asia 2023 are Gentari\u2019s achievements in the renewable energy sector as well as its plans for a sustainable future. Visitors of the expo can also check out a BMW iX which is part of the company\u2019s \u201cvehicle as a service program\u201d. A mock DC charging station and the company\u2019s home charging solution are also on display.\nRELATED: \nProton\u2019s PRO-NET and Petronas\u2019 Gentari to build 20 DC fast chargers in 2023"
"The new Nissan Terra facelift is now in Thailand. The seven-seater SUV is based on the underpinnings of the Nissan Navara D23 pick-up, which used to share common items such as the dashboard.\nHowever, in order to project a more SUV image and family-oriented image, the facelifted new Nissan Terra gains a different interior design compared to the outgoing model. On the outside, new quad LED headlamps are not just pretty to look at, but also increase the brightness to the road ahead by 34%.\nTerra\nNavara\nSimilar to the \nfacelifted Nissan Navara\n pick-up, the radiator grille has been enlarged, with the bumper sculptured to have a more imposing look. A metallic-looking bumper protector completes the new look in front.\nNissan has redesigned the rear, from the roof spoiler down to its lower bumper, with strong chrome and silver highlights adding a hint of a higher image. New dual-tone 18-inch wheels with six spokes complete the facelifted outlook.\nBefore all these lockdown restrictions, ETCM managed to lend us the new Navara Pro-4X! Watch the many activities we had in the new pick-up!\n \u00a0\nInside, Nissan has redesigned the dashboard for both better aesthetics as well as usability. The driver\u2019s instrument display has been updated to a colour display unit measuring seven inches, similar to the unit in the facelifted new Nissan Navara.\nNestled in the new dashboard with a coloured soft-touch panel is a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apart from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, the system also supports NissanConnect telematics services. The range-topping variant meanwhile is fitted with an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system complete with an amplifier.\nRear passengers meanwhile have their own source of video entertainment from a ceiling-mounted 11-inch screen with HDMI or Smart TV connectivity. Every row in the new facelifted Terra also comes with a smartphone charger, with a total of five USB ports (Type A and C) located at the front and centre consoles, as well as at the third row. A wireless charging pad (15 Watts) is neatly placed under the air-conditioning control panel.\nIn the Nissan Terra, entering the third row requires less workout of the arms, as the driver has a switch to remotely tumble the second-row seats. Apart from redesigned seats for better comfort, the Nissan Terra is also the only SUV fitted with noise-cancelling acoustic glass on the front windshield plus the side windows for a quieter cabin ambience.\nAvailable in three variants, only one engine and transmission powertrain is offered in the facelifted Nissan Terra. Carried-over unchanged is the 2.3-litre YS23DDTT turbodiesel engine with outputs of \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n. The engine, that is compatible with \nbiodiesel fuel\n of up to B20 blend, is paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission.\nDefault engine drive is to the rear wheels, but for those who prefer 4\u00d74 traction with shift-on-the-fly convenience, the Nissan Terra flagship VL variant has this feature. \u00a0\nWe managed to gather the top diesel workhorses for a few days and a piece of airstrip. What else, but a drag race! Watch it here!\nIn terms of safety features, the new facelifted Nissan Terra gets the\n Intelligent Rearview Mirror\n which is a first-in-the-class feature. The digital mirror displays live feed from a high-mounted camera in the rear windshield to project an unobstructed rearview. Fitment of this digital rearview mirror will also score big points under \u201cadvance rear visualisation\u201d in the latest \n2021 ASEAN NCAP\n Protocol that includes motorcyclist safety.\nStandard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the facelifted Nissan Terra are the autonomous emergency braking system and lane departure warning. Higher grade variants include Around View Monitor (AVM) four-camera system, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and the Intelligent Rearview Mirror.\nThe facelifted new Nissan Terra starts from \nTHB1,199,000\n (over RM150k) for the E 2WD variant, \nTHB1,449,000\n (approx RM184k) for the VL 2WD variant and an additional \nTHB50,000\n (approx RM6.4k) for the VL 4WD variant.\nThe prices are lower than the king of pick-up based SUVs in the ASEAN region, which is the \nToyota Fortuner\n that has its prices start from THB1,349,000 up to over THB1,800,000.\nIsuzu, which is enjoying great success globally this year thanks to the \nall-new D-Max\n model, has the pricing of the MU-X SUV close to the new Nissan Terra, starting from THB1,109,000 for the 2WD 1.9 Active variant.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Cars \nhas announced a new trial for an EV wireless charging technology at the \nGothenburg Green City Zone \nin Sweden, to evaluate its potential use for future electric cars.\nThe trial will take place over three years, and will involve a small fleet of slightly-modified \nfully-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge\n taxis operated by Cabonline, the largest taxi operator in the Nordic region.\nThe charging stations used in the trial are delivered by Momentum Dynamics, an American company specialising in wireless electric charging systems. The charging pads are embedded in the streets, and will automatically begin charging when a compatible vehicle is parked over the pads.\nVolvo says that the wireless charging receiver unit, installed underneath the cars, can accept charging powers of over 40 kW. That makes it around four times faster than a standard wired 11 kW AC charger, and almost as fast as a wired 50 kW DC fast charger.\nRELATED: Volvo is turning its hometown in Sweden into a climate-neutral city by 2030\nInterestingly, Momentum Dynamics\u2019s website says that their wireless EV chargers can provide up to 450 kW, although we\u2019re guessing that it\u2019s still under technical development at the moment.\nIn total, the Volvo XC40 Recharge taxi cars will be used for more than 12 hours a day, and driven over 100,000 km per year, which also makes this the \u201cfirst durability test of fully electric Volvo cars in a commercial usage scenario\u201d.\n360-degree surround view monitor helps the driver align the car correctly to the charging pads.\nThe wireless charging test is one of many projects outlined within the Gothenburg Green City Zone strategic initiative, under which designated areas within the city are used as live test beds for the development of sustainable technologies.\n\u201cGothenburg Green City Zone lets us try exciting new technologies in a real environment and evaluate them over time for a potential future broader introduction,\u201d Volvo Cars head of R&D, Mats Moberg. \u201cTesting new charging technologies together with selected partners is a good way to evaluate alternative charging options for our future cars.\u201d"
"Against seemingly stacked odds, the \nNissan NP300 Navara\n emerged on top to win the coveted 2016 International Pick-up award at a ceremony in Lyon, France. The NP300 faced stiff competition against equally popular and capable rivals like the \nMitsubishi Triton\n and \nFord Ranger T6\n.\nEach pickup truck was rigorously tested and judged for its off-road capability, on-road performance and their value for money. The tests also include towing abilities to determine just how capable of a workhorse these new pickup trucks are. Following these tests,\u00a0the Nissan NP300 Navara subsequently picked up the award, thanks to newfound levels of \u2018\ncrossover-inspired comfort and refinement\n\u2018 while maintaining off-road capabilities.\u00a0Not bad for a truck with multi-link type rear suspension, huh?\u00a0\nIts exterior and interior also received praise from the judges who were also impressed with some of the NP300 Navara\u2019s first-in-class features and technologies. To recap, all Malaysia-bound Navaras will be \nfully imported from Thailand\n and carries a price tag from RM85k to RM125k. Only one engine will be offered, and that\u2019s the \n2.5-litre YD25DDTi oil burner\n with two states of tunes.\nQUICK FACTS\nNissan NP300 Navara\nGrade VL\nGrade V\nGrade SE (AT)\nGrade SE (MT)\nGrade E\nSingle Cab\nEngine\n2,488cc; inline-4 DOHC with Variable Geometry System; Commonrail Injection (YD25DDTi)\nTransmission\n7-speed Auto with Manual Mode\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n190 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n163 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n403 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nSuspension\nIndependent Double Wishbone (Front), Multi-Link with Shocks (Rear)\nDouble Wishbone (Front), Multi-Leaf with Shocks\nEstimated Price\nRM125,000\nBetween RM95,000 to RM115,000\nRM85,000\nThe Nissan NP300 Navara will be officially launched on 26 November 2016. First deliveries will also begin on launch day, and it\u2019s covered with a \n3-year or 100,000km warranty\n programme.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan NP300 Navara Single Cab & Grade E   Nissan NP300 Navara SE (MT & AT); Grade V   Nissan NP300 Navara VL"
"In addition to the launch of the \nall-new fifth-generation Prius\n, Toyota also took the opportunity to show off a new EV concept, dubbed the bZ Compact SUV Concept, at the opening of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show overnight.\nBut showing off, was pretty much all that they did. Aside from just giving us a very surface-level look, Toyota really didn\u2019t reveal much else. Still, it\u2019s a pretty sweet-looking (concept) car, and it also looks reasonably production ready, hinting at what might be the next EV from Toyota to slot underneath the \nbZ4X\n. A fully-electric successor to the \nC-HR\n, perhaps?\nIn terms of appearance, the new bZ Compact Concept remains very faithful to Toyota\u2019s latest design motif, most notably in the front thanks to their boomerang-style headlights. The fenders are nicely rounded, and dispenses with the chunky black plastic claddings as seen on the bZ4X, making it look a lot more street-friendly.\nIn line with the C-HR, the new Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept also comes with a heavily-raked roofline for a sportier look, while the rear door handles are hidden neatly integrated into the C-pillars. Other nice touches that we like here include the third braking light integrated into the shark fin antenna, although we\u2019re pretty sure that won\u2019t make it into production.\nRELATED: \nToyota & Lexus to launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030\nWhile the exterior gets a fairly aggressive design, the bZ Compact Concept\u2019s interior on the other hand adopts a more minimalist styling language, with a slate-like wraparound surface and a tabletop dashboard, the latter being the home of two curved displays serving instrumentation and infotainment purposes.\nThe lack of physical controls is thanks to the new AI assistant named \u2018Yui\u2019, who will utilise audio and visual cues to react to requests from the passengers. And in keeping up with recent trends, the concept also features a yoke-style steering \u2013 thanks, Elon Musk.\nNot much else has been revealed aside from the photos, so we still don\u2019t know anything about its powertrain or electric range. But with 30 EVs (including 5 under the bZ umbrella) \nto unveil by 2030\n, it seems like we probably won\u2019t have to wait too much longer until we get more info.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker,\u201d said Toyota group vice president and general manager, David Christ. \u201cWith an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech features never before seen in a Toyota model, the bZ Concept showcases another possible vision of the very near future with our battery electric vehicles.\u201d\nALSO READ:\n Toyota to invest $5.6b in EV batteries, but says EVs are not the \u2018only solution\u2019\nGALLERY"
"While the past couple instalments of the \nGymkhana series\n all featured a Ford (due to marketing purposes), the series will be going back to its roots with an all-new drift-prepped Subaru for the first time since Gymkhana 2, with Ken Block \npassing the tyre-shredding torch to Travis Pastrana\n for Gymkhana 11.\nMore specifically, it\u2019s a special one-off drift-prepped \nWRX STI\n built by Vermont SportsCar, the company that\u2019s been in charge of the brand\u2019s motorsports efforts in the United States. With no rulebooks to follow this time round other than to make the best Gymkhana machine ever, the racing outfit created what Subaru describes as the \u201cmost outrageous WRX STI ever\u201d, and it\u2019s proper bonkers.\n \nThe most apparent feature on the one-off WRX STI (which really needs a name, by the way) is the gratuitous use of carbon fibre. In fact, the entire shell is made out of unpainted carbon fibre, including the over the top wheel arches, as well as \u201cwind-tunnel proven\u201d aerodynamic fins, wings, and diffusers, all over the body.\nThere\u2019s also a giant gaping hole on the tailgate which appears to be for cooling purposes, with air seemingly being fed through the air inlets on the rear doors. Other mechanical changes include the rally-style long travel suspension, as well as a stripped-out racecar interior built to Pastrana\u2019s specs.\nAnd while no technical specifications were revealed, Subaru says that the boxer engine underneath the hood is also custom built for the Gymkhana 11 project, with fire-spitting exhaust shooting right out of the bonnet \u2013 I mean, how cool is that?!\nCommenting on his new ride, Pastrana said, \u201cThis STI is unbelievable! We\u2019ve never had the opportunity to do this before, to build a car with no restrictions. Engine, suspension, aero\u2014everything is unlimited, clean sheet.\n\u201cIt\u2019s crazy fast, easy to control and get sideways and it was perfect out of the box in testing. Gymkhana is a new challenge for me but I want to raise the bar, and this is the car to do it.\u201d\nBuckle up, ladies and gents \u2013 we should be in for a good one.\nGALLERY"
"The next-generation Jeep Compass is set to make its debut at the\u00a0LA Motor Show next month. To commemorate the occasion, Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) released these pictures barring none of the SUV\u2019s new looks. Production of the new Jeep will take place at the Jeep Assembly Plant in Brazil.\nNot much details on the car have been announced so far, but Jeep confirmed that they will be offering as many as \n17 powertrain options\n\u00a0for the new Compass. The Compass will incorporate\u00a0the best-in-class 4\u00d74 off-road capability without sacrificing\u00a0fuel economy. Apart from improved road dynamics, this new SUV will be equipped with the finest safety and advanced technology offerings from FCA.\nAesthetically, the Compass shares some obvious design cues the latest \nGrand Cherokee\n. It\u2019s also more muscular than the model it replaces.\u00a0The Jeep Compass is set to be sold in over 100 countries around the world, with deliveries beginning in early 2017 for the North American market. It will compete against the \nBMW X1\n and \nAudi Q3\n.\nThe Jeep brand was just recently \nrevived in Malaysia\n\u00a0after DRB-Hicom signed the distribution rights. The outgoing Compass is powered by a \n2.4-litre four cylinder\n engine that develops \n170 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque, and is to a \nsix-speed automatic\n that drives all four wheels. It\u2019s also Jeep\u2019s most affordable model in Malaysia with an asking price of\n\u00a0RM248,889\n.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Back in 1974,\n Hyundai\n showed off a concept for a Pony Coupe that was developed by legendary automotive designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro. Sadly, that concept never made it to production, but fortunately, all is not lost as much of the original design would later be recycled by Giugiaro into the iconic \nDeLorean DMC-12\n.\nFast-forward nearly 50 years, DeLorean announced its comeback with the\n Alpha5\n, a sleek-looking fastback sedan complete with gullwing doors. As impressive as it looked, though, it\u2019s missing the \u2018soul\u2019 that made the DeLorean what it is \u2013 a retrofuturistic boxy silhouette that still looks modern more than four decades later.\nSo in an attempt to right the wrong in the universe, Hyundai has now unveiled the new N Vision 74 concept \u2013 the latest addition to its \u201crolling lab\u201d development vehicle collection, inspired by the car that never was. And if you\u2019re wondering, the \u201974\u2019 in the name is a homage to the year 1974.\nThe resemblance to the original concept is immediately apparent, although it\u2019s not quite as boxy as its predecessor. The overall angular profile is still present, although Hyundai designers have added some curves to the design, including large rounded fenders over each wheel.\nStill, most of the iconic design motifs have been mirrored onto the N Vision 74, albeit with some modern touches such as the square lighting fixtures, now illuminated by Hyundai\u2019s signature Parametric Pixels.\nNearly 50 years on since the original concept debuted, and the square-ish concept still looks incredible. But the N Vision 74 concept is much more than just a design exercise. As a \u201crolling lab\u201d vehicle, it\u2019s also meant to test and verify the company\u2019s \u201cadvanced technologies\u201d that could influence future Hyundai N models.\nOn the Hyundai N Vision 74, that refers to its unique hybrid powertrain underneath the stylish bodywork, combining a \u201ctraditional\u201d battery-electric drive system with a hydrogen fuel cell.\nRELATED: Hyundai charges towards \u201chydrogen society\u201d with 670 hp FCEV concept sports car\nHyundai says that the unique set-up not only helps with the car\u2019s cooling efficiency, but can also provide two different drive systems depending on the driving conditions, which the company claims can lead to better torque vectoring for superior traction and \u201ccornering experiences\u201d. Based on the images provided by Hyundai, we think they meant drifting.\nThe system also has practical benefits, too, Hyundai claims. The 4.2 kg hydrogen fuel tank can be refilled in just five minutes, and the 62.4 kWh battery pack is also capable of 800V fast charging, just like the Ioniq 5.\nNot only does it make it more versatile for drivers to add range depending on what\u2019s more convenient, the system also boasts a driving range of 600 km. That, despite the motors making a total output of over \n500 kW (680 hp)\n and\n 900 Nm \nof torque.\nAll that\u2019s left now is for us to convince Hyundai to make the N Vision 74 into an actual production model, which the company insists that it won\u2019t be. Hyundai, please don\u2019t make the same mistake twice.\nGALLERY"
"Lamborghini is known to mix unrelenting performance with style, and their new track-only hypercar, developed by the motorsport arm Squadra Corse, does not look to differ from the recipe.\nSaid to be based on the Aventador, the new Lamborghini track machine uses the same V12 engine, but turned all the way up to 11 \u2013 outputting a mind-boggling \n830 hp\n. Just to put it in perspective, the current Nurburgring Nordschleife production car \ntrack record holder\n \u2013 the \nAventador SVJ\n produces 770 hp.\u00a0\n \nLamborghini said that the car is designed aerodynamically and mechanically to bring out the best of the 12-cylinder engine. A large rear wing made from carbon fibre should keep the car planted on the track, while the dual air intakes on the hood, as well as the carbon fibre air scoop on the roof help channel air to the V12 engine.\u00a0\nBased on a carbon fibre monocoque, Lamborghini utilises an aluminium front frame to improve safety, while a steel roll cage at the rear houses the engine, at the same time providing improved torsional rigidity.\u00a0\nThe six-speed sequential Xtrac transmission also serves a structural load-bearing function, with the suspension arms connected directly to the gearbox for improved kinematics.\u00a0\nTogether with the unnamed hypercar, Lamborghini has also previewed the Urus ST-X, a race-ready version of the \nsuper SUV\n. Decked out in a Verde Mantis Green paint job, the Urus ST-X gains several improvements over its road-going brother, including a carbon fibre hood with additional air intakes, carbon fibre spoiler, and racing exhausts.\u00a0\nOn the inside, the cockpit is reinforced with a tubular roll-bar, and equipped with racing seats and a fire extinguishing system.\u00a0\nUnder the hood, the Urus ST-X features the same twin-turbo V8, however with weight savings measures in place, the ST-X should feel more agile than the regular Urus."
"Apparently it all started from a bottle of Scotch when two friends were talking about merging two of their greatest passions \u2013 cars and watches \u2013 into one.\nFast forward a few years and a distribution network of 60 countries later, the journey of REC watches has just begun \u2013 with a mission to deliver stunning watches of the highest quality based on salvaged legendary cars coupled with a story to behold.\nWith the introduction of the new \nREC 901 RS Limited Edition Series\n priced at RM8,159.00, the story began when REC stumbled upon a particular Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 with an interesting backstory.\nThe car had been part of multiple Monte Carlo Rally events, with German rally driver Peter Rumpfkeil and\u00a0famous German Racing driver Clemens Schickentanz, among the greats behind the wheel.\nInspired by the backstory, REC went on to build the REC 901 RS series watch based on that particular Porsche 911 Carrera RS where the watch\u2019s dial is \ncut directly from a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS\n.\nThe stainless steel bracelet on the REC 901 RS Limited Edition follows the lines of the 901 case shape; which again is inspired by the seductive curves\u00a0of the classic Porsche 911. The yellow theme on the REC 901 RS Limited Edition also pays homage to its organ donor \u2013 the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS.\nAlong with the REC 901 Series, there are also other models made from salvaged Mustang and Mini Cooper parts. Not only are they each visually-unique, they are also born with an authentic story of the car it was made from.\n\u201cWith every watch that comes, we do our best to ensure that they are made from parts of cars that have a great story. We understand that watch designs are important, but it also needs to be coupled with a great story\u201d, said Chief Sales Officer of REC Watches, Mr. Thomas Dusinius Kronevald.\nHe added, \u201cThis gives our customers the opportunity to envision reincarnation slapped right on their wrists. Imagine checking for the time but then you\u2019re instantly reminded by the great past the cars have had.\u201d\nThese exquisite timepieces are available at all Red Army Watches stores located in One Utama Shopping Centre, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and Gurney Plaza as well as mo.men.tum in Sunway Velocity.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We all knew this was bound to happen, the craze also took place when the other national car maker announced their new car last year, but it\u2019s quite something to see, especially when prices have yet to be announced.\nSince the order books opened in early September, supported by \nonline bookings in mid October\n, Proton has received bookings of over 10,000 units for the\n X70\n, of which nearly 2,000 were made online.\n\u201cWe are thankful to all Malaysians for the support they have given to PROTON since we started accepting bookings for the Proton X70. We were unsure how customers would react to this new method to book a car but its success points to how cars might be sold in the future.\n\u201cNow we ask for a little bit more patience from everybody as we make the final preparations for the launch of the Proton X70. This will be the first Proton SUV as well as the first car to be jointly developed by PROTON and Geely. We are working hard to ensure it meets the expectations of buyers and are also investing heavily in our outlets and dealerships so that we have the necessary sales and after sales resources to support such an important product,\u201d said Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, Dr Li Chunrong.\nA couple weeks back, Proton announced \ninitial specifications for the X70\n, with four different variants confirmed. There was also a preview on its\n intuitive infotainment system\n and more importantly, on \nwhat it\u2019s like to drive\n \u2013 something you\u2019d seriously want to hear about.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Originally introduced as a concept car at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, Geely has officially unveiled the Icon in production-ready form at a design seminar in Nanjing.\u00a0\nGeely says that the Icon is designed \u201cfor a new generation of users, a generation that demands high-tech, inspiring vehicles\u201d, and it seems like they got it spot on with the stark departure from Geely\u2019s design language on their existing cars.\nThe styling of the SUV is a global effort by Geely\u2019s design studios, with the initial exterior conceived by Geely Barcelona and interior by Geely California, further refined in Geely\u2019s Shanghai studio into the final production version.\u00a0\nInspired by application icons as the name suggests, the Geely Icon sports the same unapologetic \nsquarish\n shape first introduced on the concept car. Geely says that the production version of the Icon retains nearly 90% of the features shown on the concept, a testament to the close work relationship between the engineers and designers.\u00a0\nAt the front, nothing much has changed from the concept. The futuristic rendition of Geely\u2019s expanding cosmos grille dominates the front facade, flanked by the infinity loop headlamps. The slim daytime-running lights are embedded in the the slit just underneath the hood cover.\u00a0\nThe daytime-running lights extend to the side of the Icon, and are continued by the sharp character lines that turn 90-degrees downward and back to the wheels \u2013 a design motif that is mirrored above the rear wheel arch.\u00a0\nThe pillars on the SUV have been blacked out, along with the roof to create a canopy-style design. Changes to the side profile include a new simplified, or dare we say, regular looking wheels compared to the concept. The flush pop-out door handles have also been repositioned, hinting at the removal of the suicide doors.\u00a0\nAt the rear, the expanding cosmos motif is repeated on the lower rear fascia, while the infinity loop design is used once again on the taillights. The taillights does away with the three-dimensional look, and is replaced with a slightly larger enclosure.\u00a0\nThe minimalistic approach to the styling continues on the interior of the Geely Icon. The dashboard is dominated by two screens \u2013 one for the instrument cluster and another for the GKUI infotainment system.\nThe infinity loop motif is also found on the interior with the airvents, door trim pieces, as well as the cup holder moulding.\u00a0 Overall, the interior design remains clean and uncluttered throughout. We particularly like the brown and white interior colour scheme!\nThe Geely Icon will ride on the B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform, which underpins the Bin Rui sedan and \nBin Yue\n SUV.\nGeely did not reveal any other technical details during the media unveil. Based on previous BMA-based vehicles, we can expect the Icon to feature Geely\u2019s 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, as well as the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine \nco-developed with Volvo\n, producing \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0\nThe \nBMA platform\n also allows for the use of plug-in hybrid, hybrid or mild-hybrid powertrains; We won\u2019t be surprised to see a PHEV version of the Geely Icon as well.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The standard \nPorsche 911 Turbo\n has already established itself as a supercar equal, but everyone loves to push the envelope, no? German tuning specialists Gemballa is en route to Geneva with a beast they call the Gemballa Avalanche, and for good reason.\nIn stock form, the 911 Turbo gets a \n3.8-litre flat-six engine\n that pushes out 540 hp and is enough for a 3.0-second century sprint. Gemballa however, aims to massage the boxer to punch way above its weight class with a stratospheric output of \n809 hp\n and \n948 Nm\n of torque! Complementing the colossal gains are Gemballa\u2019s very own body kit, comprised on modified front and rear bumpers, signature golden wheels, purple paint finish and. a rather ugly but functional spoiler.\u00a0\nAccording to the tuners, the Gemballa Avalanche\u00a0is an indefinable creation of engine sounds, power and acceleration to blast you across the horizon. It was founded by\u00a0Uwe Gemballa in 1981 before dwindling into a crisis following the passing of its founder in 2010. They however bounced back with new owners.\nThe Gemballa Avalanche 911 Turbo will be joined by the GTR 780 Evo in Geneva. We\u2019d take one, but God. not the spoiler please."
"It must\u2019ve been a free-for-all at the \nNaza Kia Malaysia \u201cPre-Owned Fest\u201d\n as bargain hunters flocked the Naza Automall in search for used Kia vehicles \u2013 some from as low as RM8,000!\nThe madness was such that between 28th to 30th of June, over 100 bookings were made \u2013 most of which were pre-owned vehicles while a handful opted for the pre-registered vehicles.\n \nThe Kia Rio sedan and hatchback, the Cerato and the\n Picanto\n were among those snapped up during the 3-day carnival-themed event.\nIt\u2019s still not a clean sweep though as Naza announced that over 200 vehicles were available on sale so those interested could still probe and poke around the showroom for a bargain.\nAside from the vehicles on sale, Naza Kia Malaysia also displayed the unicorn of their line-up, the \nKia Stinger\n along with lucky draws, food and beverages to entertain guests throughout the day."
"Self-igniting fires make for dramatic headlines, just ask Samsung or BMW. After a string of F10-generation 520d caught fire in Korea (32 cases as reported this year alone), BMW Korea called a press conference not only to apologise to its customers, but also to announce a product recall involving more than 106,000 units of the 520d saloon in Korea.\nAccording to BMW (\nas published on BMW Korea\u2019s website\n), \u201cThe recall is an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) recall of E84 and F0x F1x F2x F3x with B47, N47 and N57 engines. A component defect causes a coolant leak in the EGR cooler. The glycol component of the coolant may be combined with soot and oil deposits, which can cause ignition. These deposits can be ignited by high exhaust gas temperatures, which can create holes along the intake manifold and cause a fire. BMW has shared this information with the Ministry of Land, and will cooperate fully with the authorities in the future. \u201c\nThe F10 520d sold in Malaysia is rated Euro 3 and has a different emission system compared to the ones sold in South Korea and Europe.\nIn addition to the recall in Korea, BMW is also working on \u2018technical measures\u2019 to address the same issue which have caused similar incidences in Europe. Both Korean and European specification F10 520d sedans have Euro 4-compliant emission systems and uses the same offending part, i.e. the EGR cooler.\nIs your F10 5-Series affected?\nBMW Malaysia has clarified that the issue does not involve petrol-powered F10 5-Series and while the 520d was sold in Malaysia, it was fitted with a Euro 3-compliant emission system and had different technical specifications compared to the model sold in Korea and Europe (which are Euro 4). Hence, the 520d sold in Malaysia is not part of the recall. But just to be safe rather than sorry, do watch out for \u2018engine and coolant low warning lights, engine power drop, screeching, exhaust gas odor, and wind noise from the engine,\u2019 all of which are symptoms that could precede an engine fire, says BMW Korea. No injuries or deaths have been attributed to the 520d engine fire thus far."
"Here it is folks, one final teaser image of the all-new Subaru WRX before its official launching in the USA that is \nscheduled today\n at 9:00 pm Kuala Lumpur time.\nThe lone image was actually a thumbnail for an earlier recorded walkaround video by \nMotortrend.com\n. The video is clearly still unavailable to play at this moment, but it could well be a teaser to their website as well as for Subaru USA.\nWith the thick black trim surrounding the wheel arches as well as the lower portion of the car, the new 2022 Subaru WRX looks like a lowered crossover-sedan mash-up. This styling was clearly a designer\u2019s favourite aspect, as it first appeared in the \nSubaru Viziv Performance Concept\n.\nFull details of the performance sedan will be released tonight, but key enthusiasts features such as a turbocharged boxer engine (allegedly displacing 2.4-litres), \nmanual transmission\n and quad exhaust tips are all available in the all-new 2022 Subaru WRX.\nToyota and Subaru are rumoured to jointly build an AWD hot-hatch. Find out more here!"
"The \nBMW i DC fast charging network \nthat was set up at several of their dealerships nationwide since late last year are now part of the ChargEV network, BMW Group Malaysia announced through a press release yesterday.\nThe change was made to \u201censure a fair and standardised experience for all users in Malaysia\u201d, says the company. As before, the DC fast chargers will be open for public usage on a time-based pay-per-use system, although it now requires a ChargEV annual subscription, which costs RM240 per annum.\nCustomers will be able to pay for the charger usage directly via the ChargEV mobile application, in addition to other features such as remote charging start/stop, charger reservations, as well as remote monitoring of your vehicle\u2019s charge status. AC chargers within the ChargEV network will also be free to use for subscribed members.\nAs for pricing, the now-standardised pay-per-use charging rates have essentially been halved as compared to the previous fees that were stipulated by the respective individual dealerships. The pricing breakdown is as follows, with preferential rates for BMW and Mini:\nCharging speed\nPublic\nBMW/Mini owners\n30 kW DC\nRM0.60/min\nRM0.40/min\n45 kW and 60 kW DC (split from 90 and 120 kW)\nRM1.40/min\nRM1.00/min\n75 kW DC (split from 150 kW)\nRM1.50/min\nRM1.20/min\n90 kW DC (split from 180 kW)\nRM1.80/min\nRM1.40/min\nThe fee breakdown works out to between RM36-RM108 per hour (or RM24-RM84 for BMW/Mini owners), although pricing will roughly even out between the different chargers as faster charging speeds will result in lower charging times, provided that the higher speeds are supported by your electric vehicle.\nMost of the BMW dealerships with DC fast chargers are now included in the ChargEV network, as listed in the table below, with the sole exception being Auto Bavaria\u2019s dealerships. \nRegas Premium Auto\u2019s 180 kW DC fast charger in Kuching\n (split to 2x 90kW) is also currently still being offered to EV users free-of-charge, despite being included in the ChargEV network.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201cWe have long been working on fostering a viable ecosystem that is future-ready and one that electrified mobility can thrive in, knowing that the main roadblock to EV adoption remains to be range anxiety and a worry that there may not be enough charging facilities in place across the country.\n\u201cThrough our many partnerships with local tech and EV industry leaders over the past few years, we have been able to continuously grow our network of charging facilities where the needs are highest. With an official pricing structure in place, we are taking the next step in the ever-maturing EV ecosystem in Malaysia, by endeavouring to provide fair and adequate access to these facilities for all EV users in Malaysia \u2013 regardless of make and model, as electrification remains a shared responsibility amongst automakers in solving climate change.\u201d"
"After a five-year \u201cbreak\u201d, the KL International Motor Show (KLIMS) has just been confirmed to be making its comeback next year (2024). This is according to an official announcement made by the \nMalaysia Automotive Association (MAA)\n today during its bi-annual performance report.\nThe last KLIMS was held back in \n2018\n at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). And among the many interesting cars showcased at the motor show include the then brand new \nProton X70\n, the \nPerodua Myvi GT Concept\n, the 2018 \nToyota Vios\n facelift, the Toyota FT-1 Concept which eventually became the \nA90 Toyota Supra\n, the \nLexus ES\n, and so much more.\nThe Proton X70 at KLIMS 2018\nAfter a five-year hiatus, we can expect to see a drastic change to the cars that will be at the next KLIMS. This is because there are many new brands that have entered (and re-entered) the Malaysian market in the past few years, such as \nBYD\n and \nChery\n. Besides, the electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia has also grown significantly since 2018.\nBeing an international auto show, one could also expect to see concept cars being displayed, as well as some interesting cars from our local carmakers, such as the Perodua Myvi GT Concept that was displayed at KLIMS 2018. Perhaps we might see a \nPerodua Ativa GT\n or an \nAxia GT\n next year?\nThe Perodua Myvi GT Concept at KLIMS 2018\nNo further details regarding the upcoming 2024 KLIMS have been announced just yet. But we believe fans of the motor show are surely happy to hear that it is coming back. The motor show is also a good opportunity to help develop the local automotive business.\nAre you excited about the upcoming 2024 KLIMS? Let us know in the comments!\nRELATED: \nMAA: Perodua sold the most cars (145k units) in H1 2023, followed by Proton, Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi"
"Individuals or freelancers doing delivery service during the pandemic will not need to comply with any new regulations yet. \u00a0\u00a0\nTransport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the decision to allow part-timers or freelancers to use their private vehicles, either car or motorcycle, to deliver items was to enable them to generate income during these strained economic times.\nThe activity, to be known as P-Hailing, is currently unregulated. The delivery service operator\u2019s requirements include 18 years of age, suitable driving or riding licences and the attendance of training sessions.\nImage: Facebook/Ministry of Transport\n\u201cI have instructed the Ministry Of Transport and its agencies to study this matter and \ndevelop appropriate regulations\n so that their business activities can thrive in a regulated environment. However, it will take time for this process to be finalised,\u201d he said.\nImage: Lalamove\nCurrently, drivers and riders \ndelivering goods\n, parcels and packed food using private vehicles \nare not subjected\n to any additional regulatory requirements, unlike the need for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence, Puspakom inspection and E-Hailing Permit (EVP) for fetching passengers.\nE-hailing drivers were allowed to embark on the delivery service since March 2020 due to the tight Movement Control Order (MCO) conditions, which was previously disallowed. According to Grab, these drivers supported the GrabFood delivery service immensely as a car could carry more packed food and could travel much further too.\nEarlier this week, the government announced a \none-off RM500 aid\n for drivers of e-hailing vehicles, as well as taxi and bus drivers."
"In what is perhaps the most exciting news with regards to our national carmaker, Proton, is their return to the WRC stage. This time, it\u2019s with Proton Iriz R5.\nProton is not in charge of building the WRC car though, instead most \u2013 if not all \u2013 efforts are by British firm \nMellors Elliot Motorsport (MEM)\n\u00a0who is no stranger to Proton. Remember the glory days of Proton in the WRC? It\u2019s by the same guys, and that says a lot about the trust they have in Proton\u2019s products. Among the cars built by this\u00a0Derbyshire based company include the Proton PERT (based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6) and the legendary Proton Satria Neo S2000.\nAccording to MEM\u2019s founder,\u00a0Chris Mellors, their collaboration with Proton began last year and he believes the size and shape of the Iriz is perfect for rallying. Given its solid chassis, all it needs is a good engine and guess what. they\u2019re slapping on a\u00a0\nMitsubishi 4B11T\n engine detuned to \n1,600cc\n. That\u2019s right. It\u2019s the same engine that powers the \nMitsubishi Lancer Evolution X\n!\nThe Iriz R5 is also equipped wit Xtrac transmission, Reiger dampers, Brembo brakes and Cosworth electronics. The car will compete in\u00a0the \nR5\n category, the second fastest class in WRC and eligible for WRC2 category. The Iriz will compete against the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, and many more.\nMEM is set to debut the Proton Iriz R5 at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK next month. The car is expected for go for homologation by January 2018 before competition begins.\nSource: \nAutoSport"
"There\u2019s no easy way to say it, but street racing is just a terrible idea. Not only are the streets not suitable for racing \u2013 spotty surfaces, and zero run-off areas making it more dangerous for the driver, racing on the public roads also means risk putting other road users in danger.\nThe common advice for people who want to do some racing is to bring your cars to a nearby race track, or better yet \u2013 explore other methods of racing such as go karting or even \nracing simulators\n. However, with movement restriction orders in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, street racing has gotten much more rampant, with rebels taking advantage of the clearer roads.\nIt seems like the issue has gotten way out of hand for the city of Atlanta in the United States, that the city mayor is looking at more creative ways to keep the racing off the streets.\n \nAccording to a report\n by the local news outlet \nCBS46\n, Atlanta city officials have been working with Bloomberg Associates, a municipal consultancy firm, to determine the best way to curb the issue. However, one of the ideas that the officials are considering comes from the Mayor\u2019s 18-year-old son \u2013 to set up a designated space for street racing.\nAtlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottom said, \u201cAlong with Bloomberg, who we\u2019ve reached out to help us do some benchmarking and assessment of what\u2019s happening in other cities has been to consider a designated space for street racing.\u201d\nOther cities in the states have long considered the idea of cordoning off certain streets for the controlled street racing in a safer space. According to The Drive, Detroit already has a sanctioned street racing \u201csideshow\u201d events since march.\nThe idea is not foreign to us too \u2013 we\u2019re sure many of you readers still remember our then Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan \nsuggesting the same solution\n for the prevalent \nmat rempit\n problems on our streets, way back in 2016.\nWhat do you guys think of the solution? While we would be happy to see the dangerous acts of \nhooniganism \ntaken off the streets, we can\u2019t help but think if it would be better for the local governments to utilise divert the cost into subsidising events at proper race tracks, where proper safety standards are met. During these difficult times now, it might even help these race tracks stay afloat."
"Volvo Car Malaysia\n today announced the arrival of Charles Frump as its new Managing Director, succeeding Nalin Jain, who previously served in the role from 2019 to 2020. Frump will continue Jain\u2019s responsibilities in overseeing the company\u2019s overall operations, and driving the marque\u2019s electrification plans here in Malaysia.\nCommenting on his appointment, Charles Frump said, \u201cI am excited to embark on a new chapter of my journey with Volvo in a new market. I see Malaysia as a crossroad of the places I have been in the past, and I look forward to working closely with the local team, individual by individual, to build our strengths.\u201d\nFrump brings with him more than 20 years of automotive experience in different markets across Asia, US, and Europe, where he held global, regional, and local roles in a multitude of areas including marketing, sales, customer service, and network management.\nHis association with Volvo dates back to 2009, where he worked as the Director of Marketing in Volvo Car Japan. Prior to joining Volvo Car Malaysia, Frump was serving as the Managing Director in Volvo Car India since 2019, where he helped accelerate Volvo\u2019s growth in market share and earnings in the country\u2019s luxury car segment.\nVolvo Car Malaysia sold 1,950 units last year, the highest figure since the company\u2019s establishment. Learn more here.\nFrump\u2019s appointment follows Volvo\u2019s global announcement of becoming a fully electric car company by 2030. He will be taking over the torch in the company\u2019s electrification efforts here in Malaysia from Nalin Jain, who successfully made Volvo the first brand in the country to offer a \ncomplete PHEV line-up for all of its models\n.\nVideo: Watch our Boss Torque interview episode with Nalin Jain here.\n\u201cThe future is electric \u2013 this is something we firmly believe in. The children of today will be the drivers of tomorrow, and they are going to grow up in an environment where climate change and global warming are the main issues they will face.\n\u201cTo ensure that they will have a safe and green planet to live in, we aim to consistently reduce the life cycle carbon footprint per car through concrete action, which is why we are moving our entire portfolio of vehicles into electrification. We hope that by doing so, we can also help our customers take active steps in sustainability together,\u201d Frump added.\nFrump holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in International Marketing from UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles, USA. In his free time, he enjoys taking part in a variety of sports, most notably ice hockey, as well as travelling to a new country every year with his wife.\nMore information about Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s new Managing Director, Charles Frump, can be found on his LinkedIn page \nhere\n."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars\nMalaysia (VPCM) has just introduced a new Walnut Blasting Decarboniser service\nat all its authorised aftersales centres nationwide. This service is part of\nthe Volkswagen Cares initiative and is recommended as a preventive measure to keep\nthe engine running in tip-top condition.\nRecognised and\napproved by Volkswagen AG, the Walnut Blasting Decarboniser service is an economical,\nefficient and non-corrosive method to remove the carbon build-up in the engine.\nGasoline engines with direct injection technology will produce carbon deposits\nas a by-product of the combustion process which will lead to a less efficient\nengine.\nCarbon build-up is aggravated in prolonged stop-go traffic\nSymptoms of an engine with high carbon build-up include loss of power, overheating, higher fuel consumption, rough idling and engine misfiring. The Walnut Blasting Decarboniser process can restore the engine\u2019s performance to a certain degree by removing the carbon deposits.\nVPCM recommends owners\nto carry out Walnut Blasting Decarboniser service every 45,000 km as a\npreventive measure and this service is available from RM515."
"Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia has introduced the 2017 Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S shortly after its global debut at the Paris Motor Show. The 2017 model sees a number of upgrades to the interior as well as safety features.\nUnder the hood, both variants remain motivated by a \nFerrari built 3.0-litre twin turbo petrol V6\n mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Power outputs for the base Ghibli has increased from 330 hp to \n350 hp\n while torque figures remain at \n500 Nm\n. This is enough to propel the Italian saloon from standstill to 100 km/h in \n5.5 seconds\n and is able to hit a \ntop speed of\n \n267 km/h\n (up 4 km/h).\nFor the hotter Ghibli S, it packs \n410 hp\n and \n550 Nm \nof torque under its belt and is able to complete the century sprint 0.5 seconds quicker, along with a higher top speed of \n285 km/h\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMaserati Ghibli\nMaserati Ghibli S\nEngine\n2,979cc; Twinturbo V6\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic transmission\nMax Power\n350 hp\n410 hp\nMax Torque\n500 Nm\n550 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.5 seconds; 267 km/h\n5.0 seconds; 285 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM618,800\nRM708,800\nNew features to the interior of the Ghibli include a rotary control knob as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity for the 8.4-inch infotainment system with multi touch technology and Air Quality Sensor. The cabin of the Ghibli has also been further refined with sound deadening technologies to achieve better aero-acoustic comfort.\nThe Ghibli is now available with optional Luxury and Sport packages as well as Exterior and Interior Carbon packages. As the term Luxury suggest, the interior will be finished in \nZegna Edition Silk and Premium Leather upholstery\n while the Sport pack features sports seats and sports steering wheel with \naluminium shift paddles\n. The Carbon packages add carbon accents to the interior and exterior.   For improved safety, customers can opt for the optional \nAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)\n which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking. Fancy a Surround View Camera? That too is an option.\nThe 2017 Ghibli and Ghibli S are priced at RM619k and RM709k respectively (includes local duties and tax). Naza Italia is now accepting bookings for both cars.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMaserati Ghibli   Maserati Ghibli S"
"Waze, the popular community-driven navigation application, have now added the brand-new Toll Prices feature in Malaysia to display the approximate toll fees along your selected route.\nToll Prices was made possible thanks to over 30,000 monthly active map editors, says Waze. Six users in particular \u2013 Kadyus, Kweeheng, Rickylo103, EpailXi, Izuaniz and Lutfi_bihar, helped collect and input toll prices into the application.\nThe feature, which is compatible with high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes, is automatically enabled for all Malaysian Waze users. If the generated route includes a toll road, a toll tag will be displayed on the route.\nEstimated toll prices are also shown during route selection, enabling drivers to now make planning decisions based on both estimated time and toll costs ahead of time.\nWaze Product Manager, Moriah Royz said, \u201cUntil now, Waze was trying to reduce your time spent in traffic \u2013 now, we\u2019re also helping our users save as much money as possible by giving them the absolute best choice of routes, based both on ETA and potential costs of tolls along the way. \u201c\nThe Google-owned navigation application will be working with their community to make the Toll Prices feature available in more markets as soon as possible."
"McDonald\u2019s has been the culprit of long queues and traffic congestion on several occasions over the years every time there is an interesting giveaway with their standard or Happy Meals.\nThere was the Minion episode that often caused the long queue of cars to spill out of the drive-through and onto the road and there was the Hello Kitty mania before that; even the Coca-Cola cups in various glass forms caused a bit of stir.\n \nBut most times, it\u2019s the kids dragging the adults into the (of late) not-so fast food joint. This time around, the adults would be the ones dragging their kids to McDonald\u2019s so they wouldn\u2019t look out of place or feel embarrassed getting a Happy Meal just to score the this toy.\nIt\u2019s a red Toyota GR Supra made by Tomica and and it\u2019ll only be available in the Happy Meals of Japan (actually, it\u2019s called Happy Set over there) beginning 1st of May.\nIn fact, it\u2019s such a big deal that the two juggernauts of their own industry, Toyota and McDonald\u2019s, have collaborated to produce a video where two heavily modified Supras, one driven by \ndrifting extraordinaire Daigo Saito\n, performed tandem drifts and donuts around a Big Mac.\n \nThe video not only serves to announce the giveaway but is actually also a trailer for the \u201c\nDrive Through Special Movie\n\u201d \u2013 a special drift entertainment according to Toyota \u2013 which will be released in seven days on the 28th of April 1989.\nIf you\u2019re unaware, the \nToyota Supra is available in Malaysia\n and can be \nviewed exclusively at five GR Garage locations around Malaysia\n. Having had the car for about a week, aside from producing a \nreview video\n, we even \nstrapped it on to a dyno just to find out if the Supra made more power than its brochure indicated\n. This was because the BMW engine that powers it has been notorious for making more power than its official figures. You\u2019d be surprised with the outcome.\nThe Supra in Refraction Blue, an all-new colour exclusively for the updated 2021 model.\nYou\u2019d also be suprised at the outcome of the drag race above \u2013 between the \nBMW M2 Competition\n and the Supra. When we \nfirst got to sample the sheer performance of the Supra\n on an airstrip\n during its launch\n, the car was quick to display its relentless acceleration but we certainly didn\u2019t think that it could cause the M2 Competition any problems.\nThe Supra, also offered with a\n 2.0-litre turbocharged engine\n, was recently \nupdated with more power, upgraded engine components, a stiffer chassis and a new suspension setup\n. In announcing the arrival of the 2021 model Supra, Toyota also introduced an all-new colour exclusively for the \ncult-status sportscar\n. Here\u2019s a feature on the \njourney of the Supra \nto the sports car hall of fame."
"A McLaren F1 road car has set a new record auction price of USD 20.465 million (approx. RM86.7 million), surpassing the previous record of USD 15.62 million (approx. RM66.2 million) in 2017.\nThe figure is the \nhighest ever for a McLaren F1 car\n, as the previous closest figure was only USD19.8 million (approx. RM83.9 million) \u2013 for a McLaren F1 road car that was converted into an LM-specification race car.\nThe McLaren F1 had \nonly clocked around 390 km\n and was found to be in the same condition as it left the showroom over 26 years ago in 1995.\nIt has spent most of its life hidden away in a private Japanese collection, but this is no abandoned barn find. It\u2019s been carefully maintained and rarely driven.\nIn fact, the car is \u201cso original\u201d that it even had the same Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres that were on the car when it left the factory. It\u2019s also complete with an original luggage set, titanium tool kit, owner\u2019s manual, and special TAG Heuer watch.\nMcLaren 765 LT Spider debuts \u2013 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds! Read all about it here!\nThe car with chassis No.29 is the 25th McLaren F1 ever built and is the \nonly one \nwith the Creighton Brown exterior colour. The unique combination of brown and purple was named after a McLaren executive who was instrumental to the company. The distinctive exterior is complemented by dark brown/light tan leather upholstery.\nJust 106 units of the three-seater, BMW-powered V12 supercar were produced between 1992 and 1998, with just 64 units sold with original road car specification. To this day, it\u2019s still the fastest naturally-aspirated production car with a top speed of 386 km/h.\nSpecial edition McLaren Speedtail revealed with an \u201cuncle name\u201d.find out why!\nGALLERY"
"After making its entrance to the ASEAN market and being launched in the \nPhilippines\n and Singapore, the \nMazda CX-60\n has made its launch in the Indonesian market. The 5-seater SUV is offered in two variants \u2013 Elite and Kuro, which feature the same starting price of IDR1.1888 billion (approx. \nRM359,033\n).\nOn the outside, the Elite variant features design details such as a chrome signature wing, alongside the side signature, window trim, and rear bumper garnish that are all finished in chrome as well. It also comes with a vertical bar-style front grille and 20-inch diamond-cut wheels.\nThe Kuro variant, which the name itself means black in Japanese, has its signature wing, side signature, window trim, and rear bumper garnish finished in black. As the sportier variant of the two, it also gets a honeycomb front grille and a set of 20-inch gloss black wheels. What\u2019s standard across the range are the adaptive LED headlights, LED tail lights, and a powered tailgate with hands-free access.\nPowering the Indonesian-spec Mazda CX-60 is the 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost mild hybrid system, which features a 3.3-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder e-Skyactiv-G engine that is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, together with a \n0.33 kWh\n lithium-ion battery. This combo results in a total of \n280 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n sent to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s i-Activ all-wheel drive system.\nRELATED: \nMazda CX-60 makes ASEAN debut in the Philippines \u2013 petrol and diesel 6-cylinder, MHEV only\nInside, the Mazda CX-60 Elite is fitted with white Nappa leather upholstery and maple wood trim. To match the CX-60 Kuro\u2019s exterior, \nMazda\n has equipped it with tan-coloured Nappa leather.\nThe Indonesian-spec CX-60 is also equipped with two 12.3-inch displays, which consist of the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, as well as a full-colour Active Driving Display. A dual-zone climate control system, 12-speaker Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof and a wireless phone charger are also included as standard.\nIn the safety department, both the Elite and Kuro variants of the Mazda CX-60 get the amount of safety kit. This includes seven airbags, front and rear Smart Brake Support (AEB), front and rear cross-traffic alert (FCTA & RCTA), lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot monitoring (BSM), driver monitoring system, driver attention alert, and a 360-degree camera system.\nThe Mazda CX-60 is the most expensive model in Mazda\u2019s lineup in both the Indonesian and Singaporean markets. In Malaysia, the \nMazda CX-9\n is currently the brand\u2019s flagship product, which prices start at \nRM281,499.70\n (OTR, without insurance). And thus far, there is no information regarding the CX-60\u2019s entrance into our market just yet.\nRELATED:\n \nNext-gen Mazda CX-5 reportedly coming in 2025 \u2013 Possible hybrid variant\nGALLERY"
"After a series of quick clips showing the front design and the instrument panel of the new Perodua Myvi facelift, the company has now shared the launch date- \nNovember 18th\n. A digital broadcast of the launch event has also been planned and viewers can tune into Perodua\u2019s key social media pages which are \nFacebook\n and \nYoutube\n from \n9:00 P.M.\nAs for the new details regarding Malaysia\u2019s favourite car, the interior sees a liberal splash of red. Earlier \nimages\n show the air-conditioning vents surround by red highlights, with another teaser image showing an all-new instrument cluster with sporty red graphics and mid-sized coloured display, which look very similar to the unit found in the all-new \nDaihatsu Xenia\n.\nThe latest short-reel video clip showed the black front seats sporting upholstery with plenty of red inserts, even more than the ones found in the \nPerodua Ativa AV\n.\n \nAs for the updates to the Myvi\u2019s exterior, the front and rear bumpers now sport a cleaner design, removing the massive finned black resin inserts with much smaller strips. The front features a vertical light bar for the DRL function, while the ones on the rear are just styling items.\nWe also noticed the symmetrical two-tone five-spoke alloy rim design and taillamps remain unchanged, with the new red paintwork called Cranberry red completing the facelift items.\nCurrent versus facelift design\nPerodua has also improved the technical performance of the Myvi, with signs pointing towards the fitment of the Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT) and \u2018Power\u2019 mode on the steering wheel that are also found on the Ativa compact SUV. Fuel efficiency has improved by 5% to 22.2 km/L.\nBased on the number of key messages and placement of videos on Perodua\u2019s \nwebsite\n, it looks like the company has one last short clip (on safety) to share before the official launch on November 18th, focusing on the updated Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PDSA). \u00a0\nThe new facelifted Perodua Myvi is now open for booking at all showrooms plus through their \nonline\n \nportal. The new model sees a jump in retail pricing, now ranging from \nRM45,700 to RM58,800\n."
"The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has officially launched the NanoMalaysia Autonomous Vehicle Initiative (NAVi) at Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Bukit Jalil.\nLed by Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, CEO of NanoMalaysia, the agency under the purview of MOSTI has been working on the technology of autonomous vehicles since 2017 for the use in transportation. NAVi-Delivery (NAVi-D) is an evolution of autonomous vehicle technology that focuses on last-mile delivery.\nAt the launch event officiated by MOSTI Minister, Dato Sri Dr Adham bin Baba said, \u201cThe Covid-19 pandemic has rushed the world to the era of digitalisation, with high demand for minimal contact and interaction. This development is in-line with the \u2018High Tech, Low Touch\u2019 initiative that was spearheaded by MOSTI,\u201d\nIn the live demonstration, a rather cute autonomous vehicle designed to send small packages has been fitted with a 3D 16-channel LIDAR (light detection and ranging) scanner and stereo camera for better obstacle detection and avoidance. YB Dato Sri Dr Adham ordered a \u2018teh tarik\u2019 from the auditorium, and the NAVi-D vehicle sent the drink from a coffee stand outside to the entrance of the auditorium, completely unmanned.\nMeanwhile, NanoMalaysia also used a \nProton Perdana 2.4\n as a base to develop Autonomous Driving technologies to achieve \nvisual-based\n autonomy. The demo vehicle is said to achieve Level 3 \u2013 4 Autonomous Driving on a visual-based approach specifically towards lane tracking and turning via image detection of predefined markets such as QR codes and signs.\nHonda Sensing Elite takes care of automated driving on the highway, even performing overtaking on its own! More about the tech here!\nNanoMalaysia says the commercial application for the visual-based technology include private commercial transit and logistic operations in a controlled environment. Dr Rezal provided examples such as ports and Sunway Line\u2019s Bus Rapid Transit system due to its fixed route and clear signages.\nNAVi is now undergoing a trial phase at the compound around the technology park. Roadways spanning up to 12 km from Phase 1 to 3 of TPM are scheduled to be approved dedicated lanes for autonomous vehicles (AV) under the practical laboratory framework of TPM International Innovation Hub.\nTo further support the development and completion of AV in the future, infrastructure such as road signs, signboards, central command centre and 5G connection are currently being constructed, enabling TPM to be the main facility to test the latest technology in AV.\nGALLERY"
"The Ministry of Finance (MoF), under the leadership of Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, has just announced that the Pakatan Harapan Government will start to implement price stabilisation measures on fuel prices, in line with the coalition\u2019s manifesto for the 14\nth\n General Elections.\nEffective immediately, retail prices of \nRON95\n petrol and \ndiesel Euro 2M\n will be maintained at \nRM2.20\n and \nRM2.18\n per litre respectively \u2013 unchanged since 22 March 2018. According to the MoF, the retail price of \nRON97\n will be maintained at\n RM2.47\n per litre from 1 to 6 June 2018 despite the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is zero-rated from June 2018 onwards (RON97 was previously subjected to GST).\nIt remains to be seen whether diesel Euro 5M will be subjected to a floating mechanism like RON97 or simply command a premium (previously 10 sen) over the Euro 2M pump price. But at the moment (1 June 2018), \ndiesel Euro 5M\n is still priced at\n RM2.28\n according to \nCaltex\n and \nPetron\n Malaysia\u2019s official website.\u00a0\nFrom 7 June 2018 (Thursday) onwards, pump prices of RON97 will be set based on market prices using the \nmanaged float system\n. The retail price of RON97 will be \nreviewed every Thursday\n at the stroke of midnight. Note that \nglobal crude oil prices are on a steady recovery\n so be prepared for some upward adjustments.\nAlthough no further details of the managed float system\u2019s mechanics were provided, the previous Barisan National Government adjusted the weekly fuel prices according to the average crude oil price over seven days and make the adjustment on Wednesday.\nWe will still be updating the latest fuel price on our neat little widget\nAdditionally, Lim also announced that the Federal Government is working on introducing targeted petrol subsidies for cars below 1,300cc and motorcycles below 125cc to fulfil one of the coalition\u2019s \u201c100 days\u201d fiscal reform. It remains to be seen how the Government will channel the targeted fuel subsidies to the intended population as there are many \npremium\n vehicles like the \nPeugeot 2008 PureTech\n, \nVolkswagen Vento TSI\n, \nFord Fiesta EcoBoost\n that packs a less than 1.3-litre engine thanks to \nturbocharging\n."
"The Toyota Mirai of 2014 was a showcase for hydrogen fuel cell technology. But it also came across like a Prius that was left to bake in the oven for too long. Instead of talking about its ground-breaking propulsion system, observers were left bewildered by its clumsy styling.\nDon\u2019t adjust your screens or rub your eyes, this is how the original Mirai looks.\nWell, Toyota must have changed the chefs at its design kitchen because the second coming of the Mirai is absolutely gorgeous, with a cabin design that would make a Lexus blush. In fact, this may even be the most beautiful car in the entire Toyota stable when it goes on sale in 2020.\nWhere the original was stumpy and frumpy, the 2020 Mirai is slender and sexy, with a long hood and the swoopy silhouette of a rear-wheel drive.because it is now a \nrear-wheel drive\n (previously FWD), built on \nToyota\u2019s latest RWD modular platform\n engineered to accommodate different powertrains, including a \nhydrogen fuel cell\n.\nThe new body structure of the second-generation Mirai allows it to have larger hydrogen tanks, along with improvements to the fuel-cell system, Toyota is \ntargeting a 30% increase in driving range\n from around 500 km previously to \n645 km per tank\n.\nDespite looking like an oddball, around 10,000 units of the original Mirai were actually sold to customers in countries with hydrogen fueling, more often than not utilised by governments and local councils for test programmes.\nMirai chief engineer Yoshikazu Tanaka said, \u201cWe have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver\u2019s face.\u201d\nWhile still categorised as a \u2018concept\u2019, we think the Mirai is pretty much the finished item as it prepares to make its public debut in the forthcoming \nTokyo motor show\n. With looks that kill, it\u2019s safe to say that the second iteration of the Mirai is going to sell more than 10,000 units."
"The \nFord Fiesta\n finally bids farewell to us all as its production finally ended on \nJuly 7, 2023\n. The departure comes after 47 years of the little Ford hatchback. \nAutocar\n reports that the final two Fiestas will remain with the company \u2013 one to join the international heritage fleet and the other to join the UK heritage fleet.\nThe news isn\u2019t exactly a surprise as last year Ford has actually revealed that it will no longer produce the Ford Fiest by mid this year. We have now finally reached the prophesized date which was necessary to make way for more space in the Cologne factory to make way for electric vehicles by the company.\nFord Model E Europe general manager, Martin Sander said, \u201cWe decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne. There comes the point where we need the space for construction, because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make a decision that we have to stop Fiesta production.\u201d\nThe Ford Fiesta is a compact hatchback smaller than the \nFord Focus\n and was previously even sold in the Malaysian market. In its most economical form, the Fiesta was even made available with a 1.0-litre turbocharged Ford EcoBoost engine. Ford\u2019s Malaysian line-up currently only consists of the \nRanger\n and \nEverest\n.\nRELATED: \nRIP \u2013 Ford Fiesta to be killed in 2023 after seven generations\nThe company expects to sell 600,000 EVs annually by 2026 under its Ford Model E division, which operates separately from its ICE car and commercial vehicle divisions (Ford Blue and Ford Pro, respectively).\nAfter close to half a century, the Ford Fiesta finally bids farewell to us all, having cemented its place in the hearts of some enthusiasts. Following the cease of production of the Ford Fiesta, Ford has also announced that it will axe the Ford Focus in 2025.\nRELATED: \nNeed more EV range? Ford patents roof-mounted backup battery for EVs"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) \nhas opened its doors to Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, its latest 4S facility for the brand with state-of-the-art features that set it apart from the other outlets in Malaysia.\nSituated at the Danga Bay waterfront, the new three-storey facility occupies a space of 5,412 square metre, and is built to the brand\u2019s latest \u201cDestination Porsche\u201d corporate architecture concept. In simpler terms, the new corporate identity emphasises on creating a \u201cgathering space\u201d for Porsche enthusiasts and fans alike.\nWith an investment of over RM28 million, the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru takes the form of a full-blown 4S outlet, the first in Malaysia with the brand\u2019s new body and paint facilities. Additionally, the new outlet is also the first in Malaysia to be certified as a \nPorsche Classic\n Partner.\nPorsche Centre Johor Bahru\u2019s showroom floor is split into multiple modular areas, designed to highlight a multitude of Porsche models including a special area for the electrified E-Performance cars, as well as Porsche Classic.\nThe Certified Pre-Owned area is situated upstairs alongside the Esports racing simulator corner, while the Fitting Lounge, delivery bay, and lounge area are all fully equipped to function as conducive social spaces for customers to consult with highly-trained Porsche staff, or even as a cosy environment for gatherings, in line with the Destination Porsche ethos.\nThe service centre meanwhile features nine fully-equipped bays with telescopic hoists, capable of catering to all Porsche vehicles (including classics). Taking the ramp to the third floor will bring you to the fully decked-out body and paint centre, capable of high-quality restoration and bodywork repairs, using advanced reconstructive repair techniques and Porsche-certified materials and water-based paints.\nAs part of its commitment to sustainability, the new dealership features a full-length light well in the main showroom area, allowing as much natural light as possible to enter the building, reducing electricity consumption. Outside, the new Porsche Centre Johor Bahru is also equipped with 175 kW DC fast chargers as well as 22 kW AC charging points, available exclusively for use to all \nPorsche Taycan\n owners.\nRELATED: \nShell and Porsche announce cross-country 180 kW charging network, six stations in M\u2019sia\n\u201cWith the opening of this new showroom, we aim to provide an elevated brand experience while fulfilling the desires of sports car fans in the Southern region of Malaysia,\u201d said SDAP Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Hunter. \u201cWith our focus to grow beyond the traditional dealership, we strive to provide high standards of quality, experience, and customer service.\u201d\n\u201cAfter sales service is one of our key priorities in maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction with Porsche owners in Malaysia. With the facility well-equipped to fulfil our customers\u2019 need, they can continue to bask in the fascination of driving a Porsche, while we care for their dream sports car. We are proud to introduce Malaysia\u2019s first certified Porsche Classic Partner to breathe new life into these classics to ensure that these legends will remain on the road for a long time,\u201d he adds.\nCommenting on the launch, Sime Darby Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Jeffri Salim Davidson added, \u201cIt has been quite a year for our partnership with Porsche in Malaysia, with the \nfirst locally assembled Cayenne rolling out of our plant in Kedah \nearlier this year, and now the addition of the first 4S Porsche Centre in Malaysia in Johor Bahru.\n\u201cWe have seen positive growth for the Porsche brand in Malaysia, and the setup of this new dealership forms part of our plan to provide world-class standards of customer experience, for both Porsche and Sime Darby Motors.\u201d\nREAD MORE: \nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS makes official debut in Malaysia \u2013 from RM1.55m\nGALLERY"
"In celebrating their 1 millionth unit sold, the on-going \n1 Million Dreams\n contest by Honda Malaysia not only marks a historic milestone for the company but is a way to give back not just to their customers but also \nmore importantly, to frontliners\n.\nOf the 7 special edition models, which includes the Accord, CR-V, BR-V and City, to name a few, the company has allocated the Honda Jazz to be won specifically by frontliners. \nCheck out our gallery here\n!\n \nEach of these seven cars come with identical cosmetic upgrades. At the front, every model comes with a red strip either across the front bumper or the front grille, red strips on the side mirrors, an exclusive Honda 1 Million Dreams badge on the front fenders, a red spoke on each wheel and a dual-tone exterior.\nOn the inside, all 7 models also receive special touches that differentiate them from the rest of the Honda vehicles in Malaysia. You get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, finished with a red centre marker and red stitching, headrests embossed with \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d lettering, and a simple badge on the dashboard.\nThe Honda Jazz 1 Millionth Edition.\n..specially for one (1) lucky frontliner to win!\nTo join the contest, simply participate in any of these six activities:\nDownloading and signing up for the HondaTouch app\nPlaying the 1 Million Dreams Quiz Game at\u00a0\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s official website\nTest driving a Honda vehicle\nBooking a new Honda vehicle\nServicing or repairing a Honda vehicle\nRegistering a new Honda car within the \u201c1 Million Dreams Campaign\u201d period\nThe campaign ends on the \n24th of March,\n where the winners will be announced shortly after.\nGALLERY\nHonda Accord\nHonda Civic\nHonda City\nHonda Jazz\nHonda CR-V\nHonda HR-V\nHonda BR-V"
"If your missus (or perhaps even husband) starts complaining about a lack of space and that you need a more comfortable AMG to carry the family, you now have a solution.\nLooking what the \nRM348,888 A35 AMG\n offers, it\u2019s clear this is an AMG you can properly use to go about all the dreadful (responsible) things you need to do during the day \u2013 like dropping the kids off at school and carrying a tonne of groceries from Tesco.\n \nBut when night falls, there\u2019s still plenty of AMG essence to be had with 306 hp and 400 Nm to play with and that\u2019s good for a \u201cGolf R-smoking\u201d 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds.\nLooking at the AMG A35, you\u2019d think there isn\u2019t much to distinguish it from the \nA250 sedan we reviewed recently\n, especially in terms of exterior design. In fact put two of them side by side and you\u2019d be hard pressed to tell one from the other but the devil is in the details \u2013 like how they actually sport different grilles, and that their rear diffusers look slightly different.\nSo it\u2019s got a big boot, plenty of leg room, a roof that isn\u2019t sloping like the CLA 45 offering more head room and with enough power and grunt for it to don the AMG but is it worth your attention? Here\u2019s my thoughts for your consideration.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia isn\u2019t the first car brand to announce\nthe automatic extension of a vehicle\u2019s warranty if the expiration falls over\nthe Movement Control Order (MCO) period, and probably won\u2019t be the last.\nSo, if you own a Mercedes-Benz with a warranty period ending between \n18\nth\n March to 14\nth\n April\n \n2020 \nor have a regular maintenance service to adhere to over the same time frame, you can still claim warranty or get that maintenance service performed \nwithin four weeks after the MCO is lifted\n.\nThe current MCO is scheduled to end on 14\nth\n April, but that is subject to the latest directive by the government. Till\nthen, please stay home and help #FlattenTheCurve."
"When the \nMcLaren P1\n made its debut in 2012 with its twin-turbo hybrid trickery, its performance was unquestionable. But there was only one problem, weight. The hybrid system with its battery pack and electric motors were not exactly beneficial for the cars ultimate performance.\nA hybrid hypercar is now a \nbeen there done that\n for McLaren Automotive and now the company is embarking on another conquest \u2013 the ultimate track car for the road. Named after the legendary Formula 1 driver, Ayrton Senna, the McLaren Senna joins the P1 in the Ultimate Series line up as the most extreme McLaren road car yet.\nThis time there are no next-gen hybrid trickery or alternative fuel here, just an honest M840TR 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 massaged to push out \n789 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque; just \n79 hp\n and \n30 Nm\n more than the \n720S\n, mind you. Sending drive exclusively to the rear wheels is a seven-speed double clutch gearbox.\nJust like the 720S, the Senna rides on McLaren\u2019s \ncarbon fibre Monocage III\n chassis, albeit taken to the extreme for ultimate structural integrity. Every body panel of the Senna is made from lightweight carbon fibre, resulting in a road car that tips the scale at just \n1,198 kg\n \u2013 that\u2019s about the weight of a \nVolkswagen Polo\n!   Its chassis is complemented by the \nRaceActive Chassis Control II (RCC II)\n hydraulic suspension that promises maximum connection between the driver and car at all speeds. The double-wishbone suspension features hydraulic dampers that give variable stiffness and ride height, an improved version of the one found in the P1.\nAs \nhinted earlier in the year\n, McLaren has taken the form-follows-function design philosophy to the extreme resulting in its unique and unforgiving visual impact. Every curvature has been fully exploited in the name of aerodynamics with new innovations include next-gen front and rear active aerodynamics, double rear diffuser, double-element hydraulic carbon fibre rear wing and many more.   Inside, the cabin has been completely stripped bare from sound insulation, interior trims and what not \u2013 just like a proper race car. The steering wheel only houses the paddle shifters and nothing else because McLaren wants the driver to focus on pure sensory feedback. All driver controls can be found on the centre console and roof mounted switches. McLaren said that they were \nthis \nclose to removing the passenger seat.\nProduction of the McLaren Senna is limited to 500 units only and just like any limited-run McLaren, all cars have been snapped up despite costing \u00a3750,000 (RM4.08 mil) per pop. The track-focused hypercar will make its public debut in March 2018 at the 88\nth\n Geneva International Motor Show.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In Europe, strong consumer demand, as well as government legislation, have push automakers to accelerate their electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. Volkswagen, Renault as well as Hyundai and Kia have strong sales for their EVs in the region, with the \nVolkswagen ID series\n leading the EV market and Tesla following closely behind.\nThe same cannot be said for the Japanese automakers. Within the Japanese big three (Toyota, Honda and Nissan), only \nNissan\n has established the \nLeaf\n in Europe. Honda began their EV journey with the compact, premium-positioned three-door \nHonda e\n last year. Their footprint in Europe is tiny (100,000 units a year), hence, the push for EV has never really been a priority.\nHonda marks 15 million units sold in China, including 500,000 hybrids in just five years! Read about it here!\n \nNow, Honda is reportedly open to form new alliances to make electrification profitable. In a report by \nReuters\n, Honda\u2019s new CEO, Toshihiro Mibe said, \u201cIf Honda can accomplish its goals sooner through an alliance, then we would be willing to form an alliance.\u201d\nThe \nHonda eSUV\n based on the latest HR-V/Vezel will spearhead Honda\u2019s EV charge in China from mid 2022\nMibe\u2019s comment reflects the pressure on the global auto industry; not only build electric vehicles a lot faster but also cheaper as seen with the Volkswagen Group.\nIn the USA, Honda has \nteamed up with General Motors\n to offer their first EV for the region called the \n\u201cPrologue\u201d \nwhich is scheduled to hit showrooms in 2024. The EV in the form of an SUV will be built on General Motor\u2019s platform and the company\u2019s Ultium batteries with Honda tasked to develop the interior and exterior of the Prologue. \u00a0\n\u201cBuilding an alliance will become a huge direction in terms of increasing the number of electric vehicles, considering how electrification is not commercially feasible right now,\u201d he added. Profitability for the company has also been a huge issue, with their operating income margin just 1.0% for their car business in the most recent financial year filing.\nResearch suggests that EVs might become cheaper than petrol-powered cars by 2027. More about it here!\n \nIn April this year, Mibe announced a carbon-neutral goal for the company\u2019s products and corporate activities by 2050, including electrified vehicle sales targets.\nBy 2030, the company is targeting 40% of vehicles to be made up of battery and fuel-cell EVs. The figure is expected to double to 80% by 2035 and subsequent by 2040, \n100% of vehicles sold by Honda will be electric\n.\nToyota, who has technical partnerships with Subaru, said that just \ngoing with one option is not viable\n for the company. The company wants to offer multiple powertrain options as well as keeping hybrids to offer the best solution to meet customers demands.\nSource: \nReuters"
"The \nfacelifted Hyundai Elantra \nhas been officially launched last week, this time in four flavours, one up from the pre-facelift lineup. We made our way to the showroom in Glenmarie only to find one of the four variants on display \u2013 the \nElantra 1.6 Elegance\n, which is the lineup\u2019s base variant.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Elantra 1.6L Elegance\nHyundai Elantra 1.6L Executive\nHyundai Elantra 1.6L Premium\nHyundai Elantra 1.8L Premium\nEngine\n1,591cc; inline-4 DOHC\n1,591cc; inline-4 DOHC\n1,591cc; inline-4 DOHC\n1,797cc; inline-4 DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto\nMax Power\n128 hp @ 6,300 rpm\n128 hp @ 6,300 rpm\n128 hp @ 6,300 rpm\n148 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n158 Nm @ 4,850 rpm\n158 Nm @ 4,850 rpm\n158 Nm @ 4,850 rpm\n178 Nm @ 4,700 rpm\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\nRM86,328.00\nRM96,116.00\nRM100,986.00\nRM115,616.00\n\u00a0\nNew to the 1.6L Elegance\u2019s head lamps is the LED light guide, but it\u2019s the only variant of the range to have it just as a non-functioning white plastic strip. It doesn\u2019t illuminate like the rest, so it\u2019s solely there for aesthetic purposes. The rear lights however, are new and standard across the range. Fog lamps are out of the equipment list, although it still sits on 16-inch wheels, this time with a new design.   We wouldn\u2019t go as far as to say that the Elegance\u2019s cabin is stripped bare, but it does look pretty basic to begin with. You\u2019ve got fabric seats with manual adjustments, tilt-only (not telescopic) steering wheel, basic multimedia head unit with CD and MP3 support, and two airbags to complete the interior kit list. The steering wheel comes with audio controls switches as well.\nIn the 1.6L Premium, you get projector headlamps (halogen), leather seats, telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel with switches, 6.2-inch touch screen display with DVD player and Bluetooth connectivity, rear air conditioning vents push-start button, \u00a0rear view camera and six airbags. The range topping 1.8L Premium is as well equipped as the 1.6L Premium, but gets additional equipment like powered Nappa leather seats, 8-inch touch screen with navigation system, rain sensor, front parking sensors, cruise control and dual zone air conditioning. Sunroof is no longer offered here, but it sits on 17-inch wheels while the rest will have to make do with 16-inchers.   Both the 1.6L and 1.8L Premium come with Hyundai\u2019s Flex Steer System which allows drivers to choose from Comfort, Normal or Sport steering feel. It doesn\u2019t change suspension behaviour to say the least, it simply alters how the steering wheel feels.\nMechanically, the Elantras retain the same engines and transmission choice. The \n1.6-litre Gamma engine\n displaces 1,591cc and makes \n128 hp\n at 6,300 rpm and \n157 Nm\n of torque at 4,850 rpm, while the \n1,797cc\n (1.8L) \nNu engine\n makes \n148 hp\n at 6,500 rpm and \n178 Nm\n of torque at 4,700 rpm. Both engines are paired to a conventional \nsix-speed torque converting\n automatic gearbox driving the \nfront wheels\n.\nThe Hyundai Elantra comes with \nfive exterior colours\n \u2013 Creamy White, Sleek Silver, Tomato Red, Carbon Grey and Phantom Black. Packaged along with the Elantra is a five-year or 300,000 km warranty programme, whichever occurs first. Customers who purchase the car between 5 March to 5 April will be offered an additional three-year or 60,000 km warranty.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 10th incarnation of the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0is scheduled to make its global debut on 14 July in the United States. With just a few weeks to go, Honda released a single teaser picture of their latest D-segment darling.\nIt is with absolute certainty that the \nnew Accord\n will bear the same corporate face as the \nCivic\n and \nCR-V\n. And just like the Civic, the new Accord will get a fastback-esque rear end. Honda claims the new Accord will feature a \u201c\ndramatic new styling direction\n\u201d, and it will be the most \nfun to drive\n Accord model ever crafted.\nEarlier, it\u2019s known that the new Accord is the third recipient of the\n 1.5-litre turbocharged\u00a0VTEC four-cylinde\nr engine, which will be mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a six-speed manual transmission. The most interesting of all is the range-topper Accord with a\n 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC\n\u00a0that\u2019s paired to a\u00a0\n10-speed automatic transmission.\nThe unveiling of this 10th-generation Honda Accord will take place in Detroit, but the launch will be streamed online on YouTube."
"At the upcoming 2014 Paris Motor Show, Honda will reveal a comprehensive update of its models and engine line-up for 2015. We already know that the \n2015 Civic Type R Concept\n will take the stage, along with their new compact SUV, the HR-V. Before that, here\u2019s the facelifted fourth generation Honda CR-V.\nThe popular compact SUV CR-V gets a new facelift as exterior will see obvious styling tweaks, beginning with the \nfront headlights\n with integrated \nLED Daytime Running Lights\n, revised front grille, square shaped fog lights (pre-facelift had rounded fog lights), skid-plates, new set of wheels and new \nLED combination tail lights\n. The rear is also complemented with a \nhuge chrome bar\n across the tailgate. \nFront\n and \nrear bumpers\n are revised too, with the front sporting \nmore angular cuts\n.\nUnderneath the bonnet of the 4WD variant lies a new \n1.6-litre i-DTEC\n, four-cylinder \ndiesel engine\n that can be paired to an optional \nnine-speed automatic transmission\n. Nine actual cogs there, not a CVT box. The 1.6L will effectively replace the outgoing 2.2-litre i-DTEC mill. Numbers for the 1.6L diesel are \n160 PS\n and \n350 Nm of torque\n, \n10 PS\n more than what the 2.2L makes.\nEmissions play a big role in the European market, and the smaller diesel unit (paired to the six-speed auto) emits just 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer \u2013 11 percent better than the preceding unit.\n\u00a0\nThe nine-speeder emits less than 135 g/km of CO2, that\u2019s 20 percent better than the outgoing one.\nThere\u2019s also the front-wheel drive CR-V that is available with a manual transmission. The old \n1.6-litre i-DTEC\n engine that makes \n120 PS\n and \n300 Nm\n soldiers on, but emits just 117 g/km of CO2.\n\u00a0\nMore details about the facelifted CR-V will be announced at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, so stay tuned for the latest updates."
"Porsche\u2019s decision to make luxury SUVs (an act of\u00a0blasphemy according to\u00a0purists) had saved the company from financial ruins. Now, the folks at Sant\u2019Agata wants to emulate the same success story, thus giving the green light to produce the\u00a0\nLamborghini Urus\n SUV.\nCEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stefano Domenicali has just confirmed that the Urus will be motivated by a\n twin-turbo V8\n engine that belts out \n650 hp\n. In keeping up with the \nVolvo XC90\n, a \nplug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)\n is among\u00a0the cards as well, but that will arrive a year after the petrol V8 goes on sale.   According to the Italian supercar manufacturer, the Urus will make its worldwide debut by the end of the year and will be built alongside the\u00a0\nHuracan\n and \nAventador\n. The platform is largely the same as the \nAudi Q7\n and \nBentley Bentayga\n\u00a0\u2013 both a spinoff based on the same underpinnings.\nEuropean sales of the Urus will begin by the second quarter of 2018 with a 1,000 units, followed by 3,500 units annually in 2019. The reason for this is that Lamborghini\u2019s annual capacity is limited to just producing 3,500 cars, although upgrading works are now well underway.\nNow, the price. The Urus carries a sticker price of\u00a0\n210,000 euros\n (approximately RM996k) a pop, considerably more expensive than the \nCayenne Turbo\n. Just as a heads up: it\u2019s probably coming to Malaysia as well!\nSource: \nAutomotive News\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019ve seen the\n\u00a0concept renderings,\n\u00a0you\u2019ve also most likely read our post on its \nintroduction in the USA recently \nand \nhow Kia pitched the Forte against a Lamborghini\n but this new video released by Kia Motors Corporation on their Facebook page will make you want the new Kia Forte real bad!\nKnown here as the Cerato, it\u2019s powered by a 2.0-litre Nu four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual or Kia\u2019s all-new Intelligent Variable Transmission. We don\u2019t have to tell you that the manual variant is most certainly not coming to Malaysia.\nPower is rated at \n147 hp\n with \n180 Nm\n of torque. The body is now \n16% stiffer\n along with reworked suspension geometry for improved steering response and handling.\nAndroid Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard equipment inside, along with safety systems like\u00a0Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC)."
"The new Volvo XC60 SUV has just been crowned World Car of the Year 2018 at the 2018 World Car Awards in conjunction with the on-going New York Auto Show. Previous winners have included the Jaguar F-PACE (2017) and the Mazda MX-5 (2016).\nThe Volvo XC60, which was also Euro NCAP\u2019s best overall performer in 2017, was chosen from an initial line-up of 34 cars, reduced to a shortlist of \nthree finalist including the \nMazda CX-5\n and the \nRange Rover Velar\n.\nThe World Car of the Year win is the first for Volvo Cars as the XC60 also scooped the prestigious North American Utility of the Year Award earlier this year, while the XC40 small SUV was named European Car of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.\n\u201cI am pleased to see our company\u2019s product investments paying off,\u201d said H\u00e5kan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars (and now World Car Person of the Year). \u201cWe are up against some tough competition, but this award for the XC60 show that Volvo has the right combination of design, connectivity and safety that appeals to customers across the world.\u201d\nOther winners at the 2018 World Car Awards are as follow:\n2018 World Luxury Car \u2013 \nAudi A8\n2018 World Performance Car \u2013 \nBMW M5\n2018 World Car Design of the Year \u2013 \nRange Rover Velar\n2018 World Green Car \u2013 \nNissan LEAF\n2018 World Urban Car \u2013 \nVolkswagen Polo"
"Many of\u00a0us consider ourselves to be car aficionados.\u00a0Some like cars for their aesthetic appeal, some go gaga over big bore V8s while\u00a0others depend\u00a0on the euphoria of traffic light drag races in their Golf GTIs as\u00a0fuel to their self entitlement.\nOkay, regardless, if you have a soft spot for cars, it\u2019s really up to you what you do with it. For the impassioned team of \nAutoBuzz.my\n, we take great pride in dissecting\u00a0new cars and telling you the good, the bad and the ugly. You must be wondering, with the keys to dozens of new cars every year, just which one would we actually buy?\nHonestly, most of us here find it difficult to decide. In fact, this conundrum is shared with other industry colleagues as well. So we thought we\u2019d make it simpler and put together a list of the best cars each one of us has driven all year. Now, without further ado:\nGC Mah \u2013 Ferrari 488 GTB\nAs the successor to the hugely popular and adored\u00a0\n458 Italia\n, the 488 GTB has got a lot to live up to, especially after news broke out that it was going to be turbocharged. But the Italian chefs at Maranello really know what they\u2019re cooking, so let\u2019s trust in that.\nTo be brutally honest, I wasn\u2019t quite fond of it when I first drove the car. The team asked if I liked it, and I actually said. \u201cMeh\u201d. Yes, I know. In the high court of the Ferrari Fan Club, I would be sent to the gallows, serving my death sentence. But do hear me out.\nThe feeling was completely reversed the next day. (Yes I had it for a few days. I\u2019m a lucky bastard, am I not?) Throwing it around tight corners, going up and down hill through the snakiest of roads; that was when it all made sense to me.\nThe 488 was remarkably easy to drive and forgiving in many, many ways. But with 660 horses right behind my head, I expected it to be a tad more mental than this. It however, turned out to be very clever and predictable. And, that\u2019s the beauty of it! Any carmaker can drop in a powerful engine under the hood, but to actually engineer it to a level where it makes just about anyone feel like Michael Schumacher, that\u2019s something else.\nNajdi Uzaimi \u2013 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC\nThis car is a proof that the Germans do have sense of humour. Come on, 381 hp and 475 Nm from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder? And they\u2019ve stuffed it in\u00a0a range of compact cars with different body styles to suit different types of buyers.\nI love cars that could make me giggle within a few metres down the road, and driving the AMG CLA 45 is quite amusing. I try so hard to contain a silly grin on my face every time it rockets out of a toll booth gate, and I kept making excuses just to go for a short spin, even though if it\u2019s just for a quick trip to the sundry shop for a loaf of bread.\nA full tank would barely last me one and a half trip to my favourite B-road, but it\u2019s worth every sen filling it up with RON 97.\u00a0Yes, running it isn\u2019t cheap, but it offers big car thrills for a fraction of the price\u00a0(and size).\u00a0And they said the next generation of AMG 45 cars will have at least 400 hp from the same engine. Insane.\nTravis Chang \u2013 \nFord Focus 1.5L EcoBoost\nTo most people, the \n10th generation Honda Civic\n is perhaps their go-to choice for the most preferred car for 2016. Other C-Segment cars have since been relegated to the second division, including this praiseworthy hatch from Ford.\nI chuckle every time the Focus dances\u00a0through a series of black ribbons. This experience is made better with the adequately powerful and responsive turbocharged engine. Power delivery is simply effortless. Drive it over any terrain, rain or shine, the Focus remains comfortable as it is planted on the roads. Cabin insulation is also unbelievably impressive. Despite being grossly overlooked, its unrivalled driving dynamics is\u00a0the single biggest reason why the Focus is the best car I\u2019ve driven in 2016.\nDominic Yee \u2013 \nMazda MX-5\nDriving has always been something fun for me as opposed to taking a high performance car to the track. The quick accelerations and the way it handles are the makings of a true car, to me at least.\nThe fourth-generation Mazda MX5 is everything that encapsulates that, if not more. It\u2019s an amazingly fun car to drive especially with the top down. Blasting\u00a0up the winding roads and feeling the dewey breeze of dawn on the weekend makes one feel free \u2013 to run wild and free, as they say.\nIt\u2019s explicitly engaging to drive, beautiful (thanks to the Kodo design) and feels almost like an extension of your body. This is why the Mazda MX5 is the best car I\u2019ve driven in 2016.\nAdrian Chia \u2013 Renault Megane R.S 265\nThe Renault Megane R.S 265 Sport is an amazing machine that makes absolutely no sense. Six-speed manual, 265 hp, two doors and comfortable damping. It\u2019s quick off the line, rapid around the bends yet manages Klang Valley\u2019s notoriously potholed roads. The whole car is unlike anything I\u2019ve ever driven this year.\nNever mind the RM199k price tag, never mind the spartan spec (it doesn\u2019t even come with keyless entry), nor the difficult clutch (long travel, short bite point), because the smile on my face when blasting through a stretch of empty B-road is all the reason I need for this to be the best car I\u2019ve driven in all of 2016.\nChung Yi-Shen \u2013 \nVolvo XC90 T8 Inscription\nAs the only SUV of the lot, this Volvo is definitely the biggest, but not the slowest.\nWith 407 bhp and 640 Nm of torque on tap, it is capable of a sub-6.0 second century sprint. That well toned Nordic \nderri\u00e8re\n is what most German sedans on the market would see if you have a naughty right foot. And you get to enjoy all that stonking performance in a sumptuous, airy cabin of open pore wood and supple Nappa leather. Similarly priced German interiors are all about fit and finish, but this Volvo is about style and finesse.\nThere\u2019s also a huge central screen that swipes like an iPad, with big, easy to tap icons. Physical buttons are not missed here, at all. If you plug it to the mains at malls (real world electric range of 30km is entirely possible), you can glide home in near silence with a full view of the starry sky, courtesy of the panoramic sunroof.\nBut that\u2019s not even the best part. Everyone, including the driver, can enjoy a magic carpet ride of a different level with the intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist \u2013 with just one push of a button and the car will basically brave through the worst traffic jams for you with utter grace and poise.\nPlease. Make more cars, Volvo.\nMatthew H. Tong \u2013 Lotus Elise 220 Sport\nThis year has been nothing short of surreal. I\u2019ve had the honour of driving the \nAudi R8 V10 Plus\n, \nFerrari California T\n, 488 GTB and a host of other copiously powerful cars. Though they\u2019re each distinctly rewarding to drive in their own rights, nothing beats the holistic driving experience behind the wheel of this mid-engined British sports car.\nMost modern supercars, although brutally quick, are severely pacified with electronic aids. They can be perfect when driven around the track at breakneck speeds (where you don\u2019t have to worry about other motorists), but I genuinely don\u2019t wield the skills required to properly handle cars with such ferocity. My dear friend \nAswan penned an insightful piece about learning to walk before you run\n, which is precisely what the Elise is all about.\nIt\u2019s unthinkable that a car nearly 10\u00a0times cheaper than the Ferrari 488 GTB could administer such grotesque levels of adrenaline at half the speed. The more I drove the Elise, the greater the affection I have for it. Every shortcoming \u2013 such as ingress and egress, being blinded by a tailing vehicle at night and to\u00a0constantly be within another car\u2019s blind spot \u2013 is easily compensated by the elating rawness and purity of the drive. It\u2019s been a week since the Elise and I have parted ways. Every passing day since has become a battle against withdrawals. God I miss it.\nToday, we at\u00a0\nAutoBuzz.my\n would like to give thanks to everyone for the overwhelming support, especially from our dearest readers, YouTube subscribers, industry players and media friends. You are all part of the reason why we enjoy what we do, and we look forward to bringing you more entertaining \u2013 but no less informative \u2013 content next year.\nVIDEO\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just introduced a special edition model line up, the \u201cJOIN\u201d accessory package for their locally assembled models here at the 2018 Volkswagen Fest. The \u201cJOIN\u201d models gain cosmetic bits as well as official VW tint.\nDepending on the model variant, the cars get dressed up with side scuff plates, rear spoiler, trunk garnish, VW tint, \u201cJOIN\u201d emblems and leather seats and other exclusive add-ons worth up to RM12,000.   The \nPolo\n and Vento (Comfortline and \nHighline\n) \u201cJOIN\u201d costs RM7,000 more than a standard variant while the Tiguan Highline and Passat Comfortline will set you back RM10,000 and RM12,000 more if you opt to have the \u201cJOIN\u201d accessory kit.\nHowever, following the success of the \nspecial edition Beetle\n that was listed exclusively on the popular e-commerce website, Lazada.com.my, VPCM is once again collaborating with Lazada to offer 25 units of the \n\u201cJOIN\u201d models on the e-commerce platform\n from 12 to 30 October 2018.   Customers who purchase these vehicles through Lazada will receive the \u201cJOIN\u201d accessories for free and only have to pay the \nretail price of a regular model\n. To place a booking, customers are required to pay a booking fee of RM799 for the Polo and Vento \u201cJOIN\u201d or RM1,699 for the Passat and Tiguan \u201cJOIN\u201d.\nThose interested to purchase one of these \u201cJOIN\u201d models will have to hurry and visit \nVPCM\u2019s official Lazada Store\n as 10 units are already sold. Customers who successfully placed a booking will receive a call from a Volkswagen representative for arrangements on the preferred dealership and complete the registration of the vehicle.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Polo JOIN   Volkswagen Vento JOIN   Volkswagen Tiguan JOIN   Volkswagen Passat JOIN"
"Celebrating the most powerful letter in the world, the BMW M Festival 2019 attracted over 23,000 \nM-thusiasts\n to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg, South Africa.\nHeld on the weekend of the 26th and 27th October, the legendary circuit was transformed into a full-blown \nM Town\n and it was packed with activities for the whole family.\nWe may have had the \nM Track Experience\n on a few different occasions before in Sepang, but the M Festival was a much bigger event than that.\nApart from getting behind the wheel of an M car and putting it through its paces, you could also do a little shopping, party to good music, chow down on gourmet food, or even experience the carnival rides.\nA number of M Performance and M cars were unveiled at Kyalami, which included the new F40 M135i xDrive, F97 X3 M Competition, F98 X4 M Competition, \nF95 X5 M Competition\n, F96 X6 M Competition, and the \nF93 M8 Competition Gran Coupe\n.\nNone of the V8-powered models were available for abuse at Kyalami except the \nF90 M5\n, but that\u2019s alright because yours truly was more interested to sample the new \nS58\n engine in the F97 X3 M Competition.\nThe \n3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six \nwill also be powering the upcoming \nG80 M3\n and G82 M4, and in the F97 X3 M Competition and the F98 X4 M Competition it\u2019s tuned to deliver \n510 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque.\nBeing there also meant we got to drive the new \nF40 M135i xDrive\n on the streets of Joburg\n and upon returning to Kyalami, local star Sheldon Van Der Linde was tasked with showing us what the M4 DTM race car was capable of.\nYour Grab ride is here\nEmulating Sheldon\u2019s racing line with the X3 M Competition was impossible after the adrenaline-fueled taxi ride in his \u201coffice\u201d but fortunately, a professional instructor was on board to guide this amateur on his first lap around Kyalami.\nKyalami itself is a beautiful circuit with generous undulation changes that can catch you off-guard on your first lap; particularly when ascending to Turn 10, where the track levels out and descends just after a slight kink that tightens to a left turn.\nDespite that, the X3 M Competition was surprisingly nimble on track with prodigious amount of control and grip. If it weren\u2019t for the instructor\u2019s advice though, I wouldn\u2019t have dared to push the car as hard as I did in the corners. It might sound like an exaggeration but for something as tall as the X3 M Competition, it handled like a C-segment hot hatch.\nThe S58 under the bonnet is a gem, it pulls strongly and revs smoothly with linear power delivery, and if my memory serves me right, it sounds better than the old S55 it replaces. Judging by how well it performed in a sub two-tonne SUV, expectations have grown for the G80 M3 and the G82 M4 to be spectacular.\nWe also did a couple of laps the \nF87 M2 Competition\n and the \nG20 M340i xDrive\n. The former needs no further introduction except that it\u2019s a sublime machine that justifies itself from the get-go while the latter is a formidable contender to the \nAMG C 43\n.\nOn a separate note, a day before the event, members of media were treated to an off-road excursion at the nearby \nBMW X Park\n with BMW South Africa\u2019s locally-assembled \nG01 X3 xDrive30d\n present.\nAll the obstacles were overcame without breaking a sweat; a proof that a standard X3 is a highly capable SUV whose purpose stretches beyond doing school runs. It\u2019s just a shame that the brawny straight-six diesel engine \nisn\u2019t an option in the Malaysian X3\n.\nBesides showcasing their new vehicles on (and off) track, there was a display of BMW M\u2019s heritage cars in the paddock area which included the infamous \nM1\n. Although the star of the show was the elusive \nE12 530 MLE\n, a car which was conceived here in South Africa a few years before BMW officially launched their first M5 (E28).\nAbove the paddock was a pop-up dealership selling not only M cars but almost the entire range of BMW vehicles; with special discounts too! One fine example was a gorgeous, fully-loaded \nF80 M3 CS\n in San Marino Blue with a price tag of R1,447,000 (approx. RM420,000). It\u2019s a good thing dreams are free.\nThere were also BMW merchandise on sale, but most of the (cheaper) stuff were snapped up as quickly as the M cars get from zero to hundred km/h.\nBMW South Africa CEO Tim Abbott\nJudging by the crowd, South Africans love their BMWs as it\u2019s also one of the biggest market for BMW M.\nBMW South Africa CEO, Tim Abbott said, \u201cThe power of the letter M really resonates with our customers. They love the M and M Performance vehicles and hence we want to put together a real spectacle to showcase the M cars that we\u2019ve built today and some of the history as well.\u201d\nOther than South Africa, the BMW M Festival was also held in Canada and Japan. Next stop, Malaysia please?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the \ndiscontinuation of the Mercedes-Benz E 350e plug-in hybrid in Malaysia\n, official distributor Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has reshuffled the E-Class range in Malaysia.\nThere are now three variants of the locally assembled E-Class limousine available starting from the E 200 Sportstyle Avantgarde, E 300 Exclusive Line and E 350 AMG Line. All variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine but only the E 350 gets an additional EQ Boost Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).\n \nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E 200 SportStyle Avantgarde \nMercedes-Benz E 300 Exclusive Line \nMercedes-Benz E 350 AMG Line \nEngine\n1,991cc; 4-cylinder turbo\n1,991cc; 4-cylinder turbo\n1,991cc; 4-cylinder turbo with EQ Boost\nTransmission\n9-speed automatic\n9-speed automatic\n9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n197 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n258 hp @ 5,800 rpm\n299 hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n400 Nm @ 3,000 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.5 seconds; 240 km/h\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\n5.9 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (Estimated)\nRM329,888\nRM379,888\nRM399,888\nThe E 350 AMG Line succeeds the \nE 300 AMG Line\n as the range topper in this revised line up, priced at RM399,888 \u2013 a mere RM10k more than the previous range-topper. Standard kit reads AMG Line exterior with Night Package, Multibeam LED headlamps, 19-inch five-twin spoke AMG alloys, Dynamic Body Control suspension, Nappa Leather upholstery, Panoramic sunroof, Burmester surround sound system, powered tailgate, wireless charging and 360-degree camera.\nSafety kit is a big jump over the old E 300\nAMG Line with the inclusion of Driving Assistance Package that bundles Active\nBlind Spot Assist, Lane Tracking Package, autonomous emergency braking and Distronic\nplus (adaptive cruise control with stop & go).\nStepping down to the E 300 Exclusive Line,\nthe only difference with the E 350 AMG Line are the Exclusive Line exterior and\ninterior kit as well as 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. The rest of the equipment\ndittos the range topping model.\nInto the entry level E 200 Sportstyle Avantgarde,\nit gets a more basic set up with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Avantgarde exterior\n(more generous chrome treatment), LED High Performance headlamps, reversing\ncamera and Artico leather upholstery. It loses out on the powered tailgate, panoramic\nsunroof, Burmester surround sound system, powered tailgate and Driving\nAssistance Package (Active Blind Spot Assist is fitted onto the E 200).\nBoth the E 200 and E 300 are powered by the M264 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with the lower variant getting \n197 hp\n/\n320 Nm \nand \n258 hp\n/\n370 Nm \non the E 300. The E 200 can manage the century sprint in \n7.5 seconds \nwith a top speed of \n240 km/h \nwhile the higher output E 300 gets there in \n6.2 seconds \nand have its top speed raised to \n250 km/h\n.\nThe E 350 is too powered by the same M264 unit but is supplemented by an additional EQ Boost ISG that promotes drivability and fuel economy. Output is now rated at \n299 hp \nand \n400 Nm \nwhich allows the E 350 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.9 seconds\n. Top speed remains at \n250 km/h\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0E\u00a0350\u00a0AMG Line\u00a0Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"When Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced the GLE 450 AMG Line here \na couple years ago in 2019\n, the reactions were fairly unanimous \u2013 it was a little steep. It costs a whopping RM633k for the 5-seater and RM638k for the 7-seater.\n \nThe X5 then, in the form of the \nfully imported xDrive40i M Sport\n, was no better. It had a price tag of RM640k!\nNow that it\u2019s locally assembled for a more \u201cattractive\u201d price tag of RM475,501, the Volvo and BMW camps with their XC90 and X5 respectively, have a worthy contender to take note of.\nThe XC90 Recharge T8 is priced at \nRM393k \nwhile the \nX5 xDrive45e PHEV M Sport \ngoes for \nRM440k\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: M256 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six\nTransmission: 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: All-wheel drive\nMax Power: 367 hp @ 5,550 rpm \u2013 6,100 rpm\nMax Torque: 500 Nm @ 1,600 rpm \u2013 4,5000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 5.7 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h\nEXTERIOR\nAMG Line body kit\n21-inch light alloy wheels with Continental Sport Contact 6 tyres\nMultibeam LED headlights\nAIRMATIC adaptive damping\nHands-free tailgate\n2019 GLE 450\n2021 GLE 450\nInside, the architecture is similar to the GLE 450 previewed two years ago however it now features darker trims, and as a whole, it just looks a little. well, too dark.\nIt\u2019s a good thing the panoramic sunroof has been retained, to shed some much needed light over the somber cabin. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are standard, with 13-speakers to serenade you.\nINTERIOR\nMBUX Dual 12.3-inch display including a touchscreen infotainment\nBurmester Surround Sound System\nOpen-pore oak wood trims\nWireless charging\nThe second row seats offer 40:20:40 split folding while the 3rd row seats can be collapsed through the switches on the side of the boot area.\nAs for the safety and driver assistance systems, the GLE 450 AMG Line counts on the autonomous emergency braking feature, a 360-degree camera display, blindspot monitor, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assistant feature.\nGALLERY"
"Feels like a dystopian sci-fi future now, doesn\u2019t it? Getting more performance out of a car historically required actual, physical modifications, but in the modern world where electrons provide propulsion, a \u201cperformance tune\u201d can be as simple as just a software upgrade.\nCase in point: Porsche has just rolled out a new software update for the 2020 model-year \nTaycan EV\n, with the Turbo S variant in particular receiving improvements to its wheel slip control \u2013 and as a result, shaves off 0.2 seconds in its 0-200 km/h sprint!\nTo be clear, this specific software has already been updated on the Taycan in September of last year, so this is really to get the older Taycans in line with the latest versions. According to Autocar, the update\u00a0relates specifically to the car\u2019s dynamics, the charging functions, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), as well additional Porsche Connect features.\nFor Taycans with adaptive air suspension, the update adds on a new Smartlift function to the car, which can be programmed to automatically raise the ride height of the car at predetermined locations. For example, if your regular commute includes a section of speed humps, the Taycan can remember that specific location and automatically raise the car whenever you approach.\nThe Taycan also received updates to its battery management and navigation system, both interlinked through a new battery-saving function which reduces the power output from 270 kW to 200 kW where possible \u2013 helping to prevent overheating in the battery cells.\nThe navigation system also now displays more online-sourced information, such as more precise traffic data. iPhone apps are also now available in the infotainment system, with Apple podcasts being the new addition onboard. Android Auto however remains unavailable.\nTo some extent, these cars are now more \u201ctech\u201d than \u201ccar\u201d.\nDespite this being a software update, this specific release for the Taycan will need to be completed at a Porsche dealership, unlike what some of its rivals \u2013 including \nTesla\n \u2013 are doing.\nTaycan\u2019s product chief, Robert Meier explained that this is due to safety reasons: \u201cWe have changes on control units that are safety relevant \u2013 for example, the power electronics of the engine \u2013 and we want to be absolutely sure that this update goes through in a completely safe way. And that when we give the car back to the customer we want to be sure that it\u2019s completely bug-free.\u201d"
"Porsche Malaysia, represented by \nSime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP)\n, has introduced a new factory-supported technical training programme in partnership with TOC Automotive College (TOC).\nCalled the Porsche Training Academy-Apprentice Programme (PTAAP), the new technical course is designed to nurture the next generation of local talent, while ensuring that the local workforce supports the service quality requirements at Porsche Centres nationwide.\nThe PTAAP course will be delivered in a \u201c2+1\u201d year training programme that places equal emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills expertise, with learning locations split between TOC classrooms and Porsche Centres.\nThe syllabus starts with a two-year classroom and workshop-based curriculum that focuses on the increased complexity and technological advancements of future Porsche vehicles, with routine assessments to ensure knowledge retention remains at a high level.\nA dedicated Porsche technical trainer will also go through specific Porsche International Zertifizierter Porsche Techniker (ZPT) modules to allow for a greater understanding of the Porsche models.\nRELATED: CKD Porsche Cayenne now open for pre-orders \u2013 from RM550k\nFollowing the two-year hybrid curriculum, students are given the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge via a compulsory one-year on-the-job training period at Porsche Centres nationwide.\nAn overall evaluation is then conducted at the end of the programme. Top performers that achieve the passing mark are awarded Porsche Certified Technician Bronze Level certification, together with a TOC programme certification of their choice \u2013 either the Diploma in Automotive Technology or the Master Technician Course.\n\u201cWe believe that this intensive three-year programme offers attractive career opportunities, especially within an exciting sports car company like Porsche that continuously drives innovation together with tradition,\u201d said SDAP Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Hunter.\n\u201cDesigned for highly motivated individuals, passionate about sports cars and technology looking for an attractive career, this programme will allow us to continue to stay ahead of the transformational curve in the industry, especially in view of the recent confirmation of \nlocal assembly in Malaysia\n.\u201d\n\u201cNurturing young technical talent from the beginning whilst upskilling our current workforce, we aim to equip our local talent with this culture of collaboration with a like-minded partner like TOC,\u201d Hunter added.\nALSO READ: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo launched in Malaysia, from RM645k\n\u201cThe PTAAP programme aligns with our vision of producing future-ready automotive professionals who are instilled with the right attitude, skills and knowledge for enhanced career growthm said TOC Executive Director, Dato\u2019 Iqmal Shafiq.\n\u201cWith electric mobility gaining momentum in Malaysia, this partnership with SDAP is a step forward in the right direction for TOC to offer a more rewarding career path to our students.\u201d\nFirst enrolments for the three-year PTAAP programme will commence from February 2022."
"\u5728\u521a\u521a\u53d1\u5e03\n\u5168\u65b0\u7684City Hatchback\n\u4e0d\u4e45\u4e4b\u540e\uff0cHonda Malaysia\u5728\u4eca\u5929\u7a81\u7136\u5ba3\u5e03\n\u5168\u65b011\u4ee3Civic\n\u4e5f\u5373\u5c06\u5230\u6765\uff0c\u5e76\u4e14\u5df2\u7ecf\u5f00\u59cb\u63a5\u53d7\u9884\u5b9a\uff01\u6740\u5f97\u6211\u4eec\u4e00\u4e2a\u63aa\u624b\u4e0d\u53ca\uff01\n\u76ee\u524d\u4ed6\u4eec\u5e76\u6ca1\u6709\u516c\u5e03\u592a\u591a\u7684\u8be6\u60c5\uff0c\u5728\u6628\u65e5\u96ea\u90a6\u8d5b\u9053\u91cc\u51fa\u6765\u4eae\u76f8\u7ed9\u5a92\u4f53\u7684\u4e5f\u53ea\u6709\u5728\u5927\u9a6c\u9996\u53f0Civic RS\u3002\u5373\u4fbf\u5982\u6b64\uff0c\u5a92\u4f53\u4eec\u4e5f\u53ea\u80fd\u5f97\u5230\u51e0\u4e2a\u7ecf\u8fc7\u6311\u9009\u540e\u7684\u7279\u5b9a\u4eae\u70b9\uff0c\u800c\u6574\u8f86\u8f66\u7684\u5185\u90e8\u7ed3\u6784\u5728\u53d1\u5e03\u65e5\u671f\u524d\u90fd\u4e0d\u5141\u8bb8\u516c\u5f00\u3002\n\u867d\u7136\u5982\u6b64\uff0c\u4f46\u6211\u4eec\u77e5\u9053\u7684\u662fRS\u7248\u672c\u5c06\u4f1a\u662f\u4e0b\u4e00\u4ee3\u7684Civic\u91cc\u7684\u6700\u9ad8\u7b49\u7ea7\uff0c\u5e76\u5728\u5916\u89c2\u4e0a\u914d\u5907\u4e86\u51e0\u4e2a\u66f4\u8fd0\u52a8\u7684\u8bbe\u8ba1\u5143\u7d20\u3002\u8fd9\u4e9b\u5143\u7d20\u5305\u62ec\u5927\u706f\u4e2d\u7684\u9ed1\u8272\u73af\u5f62\u5d4c\u6761\uff0c\u524d\u540e\u7684RS\u6807\u5fd7\uff0c18\u5bf8\u54d1\u5149\u9ed1\u8272\u4e94\u53cc\u8f90\u8f6e\u6bc2\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u8f66\u7a97\u3001\u95e8\u628a\u624b\u3001\u4fa7\u540e\u89c6\u955c\u3001\u9ca8\u9c7c\u9ccd\u5929\u7ebf\u548c\u9e2d\u5c3e\u6270\u6d41\u677f\u4e0a\u7684\u4eae\u9ed1\u8272\u88c5\u9970\u90e8\u4ef6\u3002\n\u81f3\u4e8e\u5916\u89c2\u914d\u7f6e\uff0c\u5168LED\u5927\u706f\uff0c\u5177\u6709\u72ec\u7279\u7279\u5f81\u7684\u65e5\u95f4\u884c\u8f66\u706f\uff0c\u667a\u80fd\u8fdc\u5149\u706f\u3002\u8fd9\u4e2a\u72ec\u7279\u7279\u5f81\u7684\u65e5\u95f4\u884c\u8f66\u706f\u7684\u9020\u578b\u4e5f\u88ab\u884d\u751f\u5230\u4e86\u5c3e\u706f\u4e0a\uff0c\u4e5f\u662f\u91c7\u7528\u5168LED\u7ec4\u5408\u3002\n\u7b2c11\u4ee3Honda Civic RS\u5c06\u4f1a\u7531\u4e00\u6837\u76841.5\u5347\u6da1\u8f6e\u589e\u538bVTEC\u56db\u7f38\u5f15\u64ce\u6240\u9a71\u52a8\uff0c\u62e5\u6709\n182\u5339\n\u9a6c\u529b\u548c\n240\u725b\u987f\u7c73\n\u626d\u529b\uff0c\u6bd4\u8d77\u4e0a\u4e00\u4ee3\u591a\u51fa\u4e869\u5339\u9a6c\u529b\u548c20\u725b\u987f\u7c73\u626d\u529b\u3002\u53d8\u901f\u7bb1\u4f9d\u7136\u662f\u4f7f\u7528CVT\u53d8\u901f\u7bb1\uff0c\u4f46Honda Malaysia\u5e76\u6ca1\u6709\u7ed9\u51fa\u4efb\u4f55\u7684\u6027\u80fd\u6570\u636e\u3002\n\u5728\u5b89\u5168\u65b9\u9762\uff0c\u6700\u9ad8\u7b49\u7ea7\u7684Civic\u5c06\u4f1a\u914d\u7f6e\u5b8c\u6574\u7684Honda Sensing\u9ad8\u7ea7\u9a7e\u9a76\u8f85\u52a9\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u8fd9\u5957\u7cfb\u7edf\u73b0\u5df2\u67099\u4e2a\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u591a\u4e8f\u521a\u63a8\u51fa\u7684\u524d\u8f66\u79bb\u53bb\u63d0\u793a\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\n\u5176\u4ed6Honda Sensing\u914d\u5957\u91cc\u7684\u529f\u80fd\u5305\u62ec\u5e26\u6709\u4f4e\u901f\u8ddf\u8e2a\u7684\u81ea\u9002\u5e94\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236\uff0c\u8f66\u9053\u4fdd\u6301\u8f85\u52a9\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u8f66\u9053\u504f\u79bb\u8b66\u544a\uff0c\u9053\u8def\u504f\u79bb\u7f13\u89e3\uff0c\u524d\u65b9\u78b0\u649e\u8b66\u544a\uff0c\u78b0\u649e\u7f13\u89e3\u5236\u52a8\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u81ea\u52a8\u8fdc\u5149\u706f\u3002\n\u5176\u4ed6\u7684\u88ab\u52a8\u5b89\u5168\u7cfb\u7edf\u65b9\u9762\uff0cHonda Civic RS\u5c06\u4f1a\u6807\u914d\u516d\u5177\u6c14\u56ca\u3002\u4f46\u662f\u8f83\u4e3a\u843d\u4f0d\u7684Honda LaneWatch\u7cfb\u7edf\u8fd8\u662f\u88ab\u5ef6\u7eed\u5230\u4e86\u7b2c11\u4ee3\u7684\u8f66\u578b\u4e0a\uff0c\u800c\u5e76\u6ca1\u6709\u4f7f\u7528\u4e0a\u4ed6\u4eec\u66f4\u9ad8\u79d1\u6280\u7684\u76f2\u70b9\u4fa6\u6d4b\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\n\u5c31\u5982\u73b0\u5728\u6b63\u5728\u8d29\u552e\u7684Civic\u4e00\u6837\uff0c\u5168\u65b0Honda Civic\u4e5f\u5c06\u4f1a\u62e5\u6709\u79bb\u53bb\u4e0a\u9501\u8f66\u95e8\u548c\u8fdc\u7a0b\u542f\u52a8\u529f\u80fd\u3002\n\u76ee\u524d\u552e\u4ef7\u5e76\u8fd8\u6ca1\u6709\u516c\u5e03\uff0c\u4f46\u662f\u5168\u65b0\u7684Honda Civic\u5df2\u7ecf\u5f00\u59cb\u5728\u5168\u9a6c\u7ecf\u9500\u5546\u63a5\u53d7\u9884\u5b9a\u3002\u548c\u5f80\u5e38\u4e00\u6837\uff0c\u8bf7\u6301\u7eed\u5173\u6ce8\u6211\u4eec\u4ee5\u83b7\u5f97\u5173\u4e8e\u7b2c11\u4ee3Civic\u7684\u6700\u65b0\u8be6\u60c5\uff01\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011"
"During the recent business briefing event, \nBMW Group Malaysia\n announced that it has delivered over 4,000 electrified BMW and MINI cars in 2022, accounting for over 31% of their total sales last year.\nThat figure means that the total number of electrified BMW Group Malaysia vehicles on the road today have exceeded 25,000 units. But more impressively, from that 4,000 units, over 31% of them are \nfully electric\n.\nThe solid performance in 2022 was led by the BMW iX, which saw over 970 new owners last year. The fully-electric SUV made its debut in Malaysia back in August 2021 with the\n xDrive40 variant\n, and was only recently given a new variant \u2013 in the form of the\n xDrive50 Sport\n \u2013 just last week.\nBMW\u2019s fully-electric line-up also includes the\n iX3\n and\n i4\n, although the company did not provide a detailed breakdown of their sales figure. We do know that the flagship i7 will soon be joining the stable here in Malaysia, with the model already being sighted on Malaysia roads multiple times recently.\nRELATED:\n BMW Group Malaysia sold 13,088 cars in 2022 \u2013 sales leader in premium segment for 3rd straight year\nAs for MINI, the fully-electric MINI Electric (also known as the Mini Cooper SE) accounted for 25% of the company\u2019s total sales in 2022. With over 1,300 units sold, that amounts to roughly 325 units. As a whole, electrified MINI models contributed over 65% to the overall record-breaking sales performance.\nNow over two years since the model\n made its debut in Malaysia\n, MINI has just given the Cooper SE a slight update to its equipment list, and is now available in a new exterior colour \u2013 nanuq white. You can learn more about the 2023 MINI Cooper SE\n here\n.\nTo facilitate with the adoption of EVs in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has also continued to populate its public charging network throughout Malaysia via several partnerships with charging solution providers, including \nChargEV\n, \nJomCharge\n, and Gentari. Together with the over 80 BMW i Charging facilities at its dealerships nationwide, BMW and MINI EV owners in Malaysia now have easy access to over 610 charging stations.\nThe company says it already has a strategic infrastructure expansion plan in place for 2023.\nSpeaking at the recent media event, BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO, Hans de Visser said, \u201cThe year ahead is building up to be an exciting one and we are ready to continue delivering not just the Premium Ownership Experience, as we have done for the last two decades, but also Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure.\u201d\n\u201cAs we charge into the new year, we look forward to new opportunities in every aspect of sustainability, beginning with our existing partners in sustainable solutions,\u201d he added."
"Few years ago, no one understood the appeal of a compact B-segment SUV. Today, almost every single car manufacturer is planning for one, with Hyundai Motors being the latest to join the game. We\u2019ve got a name as well, called the Hyundai Kona.\nSitting below the Tucson, the Kona will go up against the likes of\u00a0\nHonda HR-V\n, \nMazda CX-3\n and \nRenault Captur\n. Being the fourth SUV in Hyundai\u2019s stable (other markets get the more upmarket Grand Santa Fe), the Kona features progressive styling to attract new customers into the brand. From the way Hyundai has been styling their cars, such as the \nSonata LF\n, \nsixth-generation Elantra\n (which by the way is \ncoming to Malaysia)\n\u00a0and \nAccent\n, one can trust the designers to properly execute the look of this Kona.\nNot even the \nCX-3\n\u2018s LED headlamps are as sleek as the Kona\u2019s\nThe name Kona is derived from the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii, inspired by the island\u2019s energetic lifestyle. It is the perfect illustration of the Kona\u2019s dynamic character. Hyundai Motors is looking to introduce 30 new models \u2013 derivatives included \u2013 by 2021 to propel the company\u2019s position as the leading Asian automotive brand in Europe. Watch out Japs, the Koreans are onto something here."
"It is mean spirited to dismiss ideas that come with worthy\nintentions, but this isn\u2019t an example of that.\nI don\u2019t pretend to know enough about flying cars to judge its commercial feasibility. I can however suspend disbelief and indulge in the thought that this prototype (yes, another prototype) which the Minister of Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof is going to spend RM 1 million on (hey, are tax payers footing this bill?) will somehow take flight.\nSoon, every trip to the mall will be an adventure for Malaysians.\nYet we have no idea when, who, how, what. but we should trust the minister, nevertheless.\nIf the flying car project was pulled out of a hat to make the proposal of a third national car company seem more feasible and plausible, then the minister has succeeded. Mightily.\nThe\n Terrafugia TF-X\n, a fully-electric flying car concept with a 800 km range and cruising speed of 320 km/h.\nBut much like the \nnational car prototype\n which Mohd Redzuan alluded to last year (which has since dropped off the radar), it is not so much the subject matter but the manner which the minister goes about divulging info to the press.\nAfter receiving a round of ridicule from the public for mooting a flying car, he defended himself by saying that according to global indexes (err.which one?), there are many young Malays who are users of high-tech aerospace technologies, and that they have been successful in aircraft interior designs in Japan (well, good on them) and will somehow contribute in putting this prototype together. Wow, don\u2019t trust us, read this \nSinar Harian report\n.\nAudi, Airbus and Italdesign\u2019s flying taxi combines an autonomous car with a passenger drone. It\u2019s a 1:4 scale model revealed late last year.\nDear minister, if you want the public to buy into your flight of fantasy, please share more substantive information. Never mind that we have no clue as to why Malaysia suddenly has a need for cars that fly (what problem is it supposed to solve?) or if there are even regulations sanctioning such an endeavour.\nIs it a scale model prototype you\u2019re talking about, which entity are you working with to produce this prototype? Is your boss aware of this?\nFrankly, I really can\u2019t wait for its maiden flight and witness you in the flying car at its launch. I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll be fun to watch all the naysayers and sceptics eat their shoes too (or maybe not). You have a good weekend now, sir."
"The refreshed MINI hatch is now available in Malaysia in three different variants \u2013 Cooper S 3 Door (RM 226,888), Cooper S 5 Door (RM236,888) and John Cooper Works (RM283,888), and as far as mid-life facelifts go, you could say that MINI has given its iconic hatch more than just the expected nip and tuck.\nCooper S variants gets new shift-by-wire electronic shifter.\nFor starters, both the Cooper S variants get a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it is of the wet sump variety and produced by Getrag for MINI and BMW models with transversal engine layouts. In the Cooper S, the DCT replaces the previous six-speed automatic \u2018box, though the more powerful JCW (only as a 3 Door) sticks with a torque-converter auto, but with eight forward ratios instead of six previously.\nThe 231hp and 320Nm JCW can be yours for\u00a0RM283,888, 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.\nThe faster-shifting DCT on the Cooper S is mated to a reworked and lightened 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder incorporating a carbon-fibre engine cover. MINI claims improved fuel efficiency of 5.5L/100km and 5.6L/100km for the 3 and 5 Door respectively while churning out an unchanged output of 192hp and 280Nm.\nThe new DCT is also capable of \u2018coasting\u2019 (i.e. decoupling from the engine) in \u2018Mid\u2019 driving mode for additional fuel saving. Idle to 100km/h takes 6.7 seconds in the Cooper S 3 Door and 6.8 seconds in the slightly heavier Cooper S 5 Door, while the John Cooper Works with 231hp and 320Nm requires 6.1 seconds.\nNow you can definitely tell a post-facelift MINI from the pre-facelift model.\nWhile the introduction of the LED tail-lamps with the Union Jack motiv isn\u2019t quite as divisive as the Brexit referendum, it is a talking point nonetheless. What it really does is that it sets the updated MINI apart from the pre-facelift version simply at a glance, which isn\u2019t something you can say about past MINIs. Otherwise, look out for the reconstituted LED headlamps with oval-shaped daytime running lights-cum-side indicators and the new take on the MINI emblem which incorporates a flatter design, not to mention more aggressive-looking body kits and new alloy wheel designs.\nThe Union Jack is also cheekily deployed as part of the interior ambient lighting on the dashboard of the 3 Door (there are 12 different shades in total) and JCW (but not the Cooper S 5 Door, oddly enough), along with new touch-screen displays (6.5-inch in Cooper S, 8.8-inch in JCW) and electronic shifters for the Cooper S models.\nFancy having your name on the dashboard? Why not.\nOf course, no MINI is complete without the ability to add your own customisation. To this end, MINI is making the endeavour a lot easier with the MINI Yours Customised Accessories service expected to be available soon for customers in South East Asia (go to \nwww.yours-customised.mini\n). In short, you can have your own initials or graphics of choice etched on parts such as the side scuttles, cockpit facia, door sills, even the LED door projection and have them couriered to you within three to five weeks. Now, how cool is that?"
"While we are all familiar with Mazda\u2019s engineering ingenuity and stylish design, their safety department deserves some mentioning. The Hiroshima-based automaker\u2019s commitment towards safety has paid off when all 2017 Mazda models selected by IIHS, including the new\n CX-5\n, earned the highest\u00a0Top Safety Pick Plus rating.\nIIHS\u00a0or the \nInsurance Institute for Highway Safety\n\u00a0is a non-profit group funded by insurance companies. They evaluate new cars sold in the United States via six test: a small-overlap front test,\u00a0a moderate overlap front test, a side test, a roof-strength test,\u00a0head-restraints-and-seats test, and the frontal collision avoidance evaluation\nInstead of the star rating system used by NCAP, IIHS devised a category-based rating based on these four categories: Poor, Marginal, Acceptable and Good. There are two awards for the cream of the crop. The\u00a0Top Safety Pick is awarded for cars that performed exceptionally well for its class. The\u00a0\nTop Safety Pick Plus\n\u00a0award sits on top of the earlier award.\nThe Mazda cars tested this year are the \nCX-9\n, \nCX-3\n, \n3\n, \n6\n, and the all-new \nCX-5\n. They all came with the\u00a0optional front crash prevention and adaptive LED headlights, and each was awarded with the highest Top Safety Pick Plus award.\nThe reason behind Mazda\u2019s stellar ratings is quite simple, really. While Honda has \nHonda Sensing\n, Mazda\u2019s own equivalent is called \ni-ACTIVESENSE\n,\n\u00a0\ncomprised of\u00a0adaptive LED headlamps, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist System, Smart City Brake System, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. So far, only the facelifted \nMazda6\n\u00a0comes with it in Malaysia.\nOn the other hand, the second-generation CX-5 will make its \nMalaysian debut\n\u00a0later this year 2017, and it\u2019ll be locally assembled. It remains to be seen if Mazda Malaysia will package\u00a0the new CX-5 with I-ACTIVESENSE as a countermeasure to the new \nHonda CR-V\n."
"Recently at the Nippon Paint\u2019s Automotive Refinish Media Experiential session, a survey was released noting the several reasons why consumers would like to have their cars repainted.\n71% of which opt for a repaint for want of a new colour, 26% due car accidents, 21% of which have been enticed by attractive repainting packages and 5% did so to resell their cars.\nNippon Paint is the \nfirst coatings company\n to unveil regional paint and colour offerings catered specifically to the Asian palate in its Trend Beyond Colours initiative. With that, Nippon Paint has developed the \nAutomotive Trend Colour (ATC)\n \n2016/17\n which has\n 39 colours,\n categorised within three themes \u2013 \nWander-Lust\n, \nNew Eco\n and \nWe Are One\n.\nThe Wander-Lust colour schemes projects flamboyance and vibrancy in its bright colours while the New Eco colour schemes takes a more subtle approach with nature-inspired colours for a more elegant and contemporary outlook. The We Are One colour schemes offer a more timeless look with calm and pleasant on the eye colours.\nNippon also offers total automotive coating solutions that revolve primarily around its patented\u00a0\nCyGLAZ technology\n. It\u2019s a formula technology that increases the durability of the paint\u2019s coating, enabling it to form a layer of shiny, smooth and durable protective layer of film on the surface of the car. The said formula is applied to three different ranges of coating and each are engineered to provide their respective benefits.\n\u00a0\nNax Premila 9800 Clear 2K Premium HP Velocity Clear 2K Premium Hi Solid 2:1\nA 2-component Clear Coat which is used in a clear cover base system. The coating gives the surface a deep gloss and bright appearance as it can also be used for spot, block and overall repair.\nSpecial features:\n\u00a0\n 1. High build finish\n 2. Provides a smooth, deep gloss film appearance\n 3. Can be used over solvenborne and waterborne basecoats\n 4. Excellent chemical resistance and exposure durability\nNax Premila 9800 HP Velocity Clear 2K 2:1\nNax Premila 9800 HP Velocity Clear 2K 2:1 is an ultra-fast curing type clear coat for improved productivity and cost\n reduction. Its dry to polish time of less than 30 minutes under ambient cure conditions (25 to 30-degrees celcius) helps avoid the need for high temperature baking cycle therefore meeting the requirements of \u201cquick repair\u201d and \u201cenergy saving\u201d needs.\nIf required, an extremely short time bake of 5 minutes at 50-degrees celcius is more than sufficient to achieve ultra-fast curing results. As a premium clear coat, it gives the surface an excellent glossy appearance when polished. The medium solids clear coat is suitable for spot repairs (single-panels) and block repairs (multi-panels) under air dry conditions and low bake environments.\nNax crystal 9905 Mirror Image Clear 2K 2:1\nNax CRYSTAL 9905 Mirror Image Clear 2K, an innovative high solids automotive finish that incorporates the CyGlaz technology to provide unrivaled toughness, high flexibility and excellent chemical resistance on the paint\u2019s surface. The product is specially engineered to exhibit excellent scratch and impairment resistance to withstand day-to-day wear and tear e.g. car wash, acid rain, bird droppings etc to ensure a longer lasting effect of the paint\u2019s gloss.\nSpecial features:\n 1) High scratch resistant clear coating suitable for any base paint system\n 2) Excellent gasoline and chemical resistance\n 3) Mirror image clear coating and lasting shine\nWould you like to win a FREE car paint makeover? \nNippon\u2019s \u201cColour My Ride\u201d contest\n runs from the 13th of September to the 3rd of October where two lucky winners with the most creative short story will be selected to have their cars repainted with any colour of their choice by the intricate professionals at Nippon Paint Automotive."
"Just a couple of weeks after unveiling the \nall-new fifth-generation Range Rover\n, Land Rover has now brought out the big guns with the new Range Rover SV, the more luxurious version of the marque\u2019s flagship SUV.\nThe badge SV means it\u2019s been through the hands of LR\u2019s\n Special Vehicle Operations (SVO)\n division, which also means it gets all of the exclusive bells and whistles that\u2019s not offered to the regular-Range-Rover-buying peasants.\nIn fact, JLR says that the all-new, L460-generation Range Rover SV can be personalised in up to (an estimated) 1.6 million different ways. That\u2019s definitely a little daunting to choose all the options by yourself, so luckily SVO has helpfully provided two starting points \u2013 SV Serenity, which \u201cexemplifies pure luxury detailing\u201d, or SV Intrepid if you like a darker, sportier theme.\nAmong the different materials offered to SV customers include unique leather and \u201cSustainable Ultrafabrics\u201d upholstery, veneers, and even smooth ceramic on the control knobs and dials.\nOn the wood veneer front, there\u2019s even an optional \u201cmosaic marquetry\u201d trim option for the centre console, which features a mosaic of hundreds of \u201cmeticulously arranged hand-laid laser-cut pieces\u201d, the smallest of which measures just 6 mm by 8 mm.\nThe Range Rover SV will also be offered in 14 exclusive colour choices from the SV Bespoke Premium Palette, and includes both gloss and satin finishes. Customers can also specify a contrast roof in either Narvik Black or Corinthian Bronze, and if that\u2019s still not enough, there\u2019s also the SVO Bespoke Match to Sample service that offers basically an unlimited amount of exterior colour choices.\nSpeaking of exterior, the Range Rover SV also comes with a unique front bumper characterised by a wide lower intake covered by four horizontal bars, alongside a five bar grille above it, flanked by the headlights.\nTo go along with the exterior colour choices and accents, SVO is also offering the optional 23-inch triple-finish forged, diamond-turned alloy wheels on the all-new Range Rover SV, with 10 directional spokes and finished dark grey gloss, further contrasted by coloured inserts in a choice of Bright Atlas Satin Silver, Narvik Black Gloss, or Corinthian Bronze Satin.\nRELATED: Range Rover waves goodbye to the Sport SVR with a swanky new \u201cUltimate\u201d edition\nThe all-new Range Rover SV will be offered in both standard- and long-wheelbase versions. For the first time ever, the LWB version will also be offered in either four- or five-seater configurations \u2013 the former is the SV Signature Suite cabin that comes with a Club Table and refrigerator.\nPowertrain options meanwhile include the 530 hp/750 Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol, as well as a straight-six turbodiesel. Additionally, the standard-wheelbase version can also be optioned with the 510 hp plug-in hybrid powertrain.\nGALLERY"
"The American stallion has finally arrived in Malaysia (in a quiet way), following an announcement made by\u00a0Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC). Two variants are on sale beginning today, starting with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost and\u00a05.0-litre V8. Pricing begins from RM488,888.00.\nFor the first time since the Mustang was conceived, it\u2019s now finally available with a right-hand drive and sold beyond the borders of the United States. The pony was \npreviewed\n in Publika last year but it took like a year later for SDAC to officially unveil the car here. Malaysia is one of the selected few countries in Asia to receive the Mustang.\nFor Malaysians, two engine options are offered. If turbo power is what you\u2019re seeking, there\u2019s a \n2.3-litre EcoBoost\n engine that deploys \n315 hp\n and \n432 Nm\n of torque. Muscle car purist will crave for the\u00a0\n5.0-litre V8 \nsolution that liberates \n414 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are mated to a\u00a0\nsix-speed SelectShift automatic\n\u00a0with paddle shifters.\nApart from the gearbox, the new Mustang also receives active grille shutter to save fuel and SYNC2 connectivity system which is\u00a0also available in the Focus we recently reviewed.\nSafety kit is decent as well. The Mustang is equipped with AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC),\u00a0Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS),\u00a0Post-Crash Alert System, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and eight airbags.\nThe Mustang is available in five colours:\u00a0Race Red, Oxford White, Shadow Black, Deep Impact Blue, and Magnetic; the V8 variant gets the special Triple Yellow Tri-Coat paint. The all-American muscle car (yes, it\u2019s assembled at Ford\u2019s plant in the United States) begins at \nRM488,888.00\n for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost variant, while the 5.0-litre V8 can be had for \nRM598,888.00\n. All prices are OTR but excludes insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"They say good things come in pairs, we say that\u2019s cause they\u2019ve not come across the triplets from John Cooper Works womb.\nYesterday marked the launch of two MINI John Cooper Works models, \nthe Clubman\n and \nthe Countryman\n. In conjunction with the event at our very own Sepang International Circuit, MINI Malaysia also held the MINI Track Days 2017. Apart from allowing us to let loose with the three JCW offerings, the Cooper, Clubman and Countryman, we also got to try out the \u201cconventional\u201d three and five door Cooper and Cooper S\u2019s.\nThere were three different activities lined up; a slalom test and handbrake parking manoeuvres followed by a blast through the South section of the circuit in the three MINI JCW models. Setting off in the three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged five door MINI Cooper, \u00a0you\u2019d instantly notice the unmistakable characteristic that all MINIs have been known for \u2013 its immensely direct steering.\nGetting off the line for the slalom test, the 136 horsepower five-door Cooper clearly did not have the blistering pace to match the Cooper S. But despite being longer than the three-door variants, the signature precision and agility associated with the brand was reflected in manoeuvrability of the vehicle. The immediacy in the vehicle\u2019s reaction to every throttle and steering input made it a joy to slither around the cones.   Next up in the program was what we were all anticipating; sampling all three of JCW\u2019s products in the unrestricted surroundings of the South section of the circuit. Getting into the JCW MINI Cooper, you\u2019d immediately notice how much more responsive the accelerator was compared to the five-door MINI Cooper as we sprinted out of the pit lane.\nThe next activity was quite something; one that required us to summon the inner Russ Swift. Remember that Brit who rose to fame by throwing a MINI around tight spaces, who parallel parks by way of yanking the handbrake? That\u2019s what we were tasked with. Yet again, the five-door Cooper, despite having a longer wheelbase, still retained the agility and nimbleness as the MINI was meticulously swung sideways into a pre-determined slot.\nUpshifts were relentless in the eight-speed Steptronic transmission but what really caught our ears, even through the insulation of our helmets was the burble of the exhaust at every gear change. Its pace was also accompanied by an intoxicating engine soundtrack in its last 1,000 rpm before hitting the rev limiter.   Braking towards the first bend, we couldn\u2019t help but notice how composed the vehicle was despite decelerating from a high speed. That\u2019s before we realised how excessively supportive the Dinamica leather John Cooper Works sports seats were as we powered out of the bends with sheer poise with the aid of the vehicle\u2019s Performance Control system, Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control.\nMoving on with the JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman, despite making the same 231 horsepower as the JCW Cooper, it produces 30 Nm more torque than the Cooper S\u2019 320 Nm. And frankly, we thought it could do with more. Don\u2019t get us wrong, they\u2019re both still mighty quick with 0-100 km/h times of 6.3 seconds and 6.5 seconds for the Clubman and Countryman respectively.\n\u00a0\nThat said, burdened with the excess weight, as is the Achilles heel for all performance cars, the urgency of both cars under hard acceleration just isn\u2019t as profound as the JCW Cooper. Even so, with all that weight lugging around to manage, stability wasn\u2019t at all compromised. Working in tandem with the car\u2019s Dynamic Stability Control, its ALL4 all-wheel drive system which distributes torque between the front and rear wheels proved handy in managing the vehicle\u2019s precision through the corners.\nUnder normal driving conditions, the vehicle works as a front-wheel drive and only when needed will it engage the rear wheels to provide maximum traction. Also proving handy was the comprehensive heads-up display which displayed speed, current gear, rev display and even tells you when to change gears!\nWith all that time spent being drenched in exhilaration behind the wheel, we fear there isn\u2019t much we can say about the striking details of the interior; which we would cover comprehensively in our review articles. For now, all we can say is that, with clearly visible Harman Kardon speakers, enormous touch screen display, edgy sports seats and the motorsport-inspired dashboard, MINI MALAYSIA pretty much got you covered when it comes to style, functionality and all-rounded performance in these three awe-inspiring models.\nAnd as motoring writers, these are the days that fully justify all the shortcomings of our mediocre profession.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Maserati has unveiled the fully electric \nMaserati Grecale\n Folgore\n at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n. The Grecale Folgore is Maserati\u2019s first fully-electric SUV and the brand\u2019s second fully-electric car after the Gran Turismo Folgore. You might have noticed by now that the \u2018Folgore\u2019 moniker indicates fully-electric cars in Maserati\u2019s lineup.\nThe Maserati Grecale Folgore comes in an exclusive Rame Folgore colour, which has been created through extensive research into how paint interacts with light. The colour is inspired from contemporary architecture like the fa\u00e7ade of Guggenheim in Bilbao.\nAt the front, the Grecale Folgore features a modified inverted grille for cooling the electric propulsion system. The special Folgore grille has gloss black inserts on a slightly anodised black base. Maserati says that the Folgore\u2019s design is inspired by the Trofeo version of the SUV. As for the wheels, the Grecale Folgore is available with a set of either 19-,20-, or 21-inch wheels.\nIn terms of dimensions, the Grecale Folgore measures 4,865 mm long, 1,948 mm wide, and 1,651 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,903 mm long. As for weight, this electric SUV by Maserati weighs 2,480 kg with a 47.2/52.8 front/rear distribution.\nRELATED: \n2023 Maserati Grecale GT launched in Malaysia from RM598k \u2013 Porsche Macan-rival with 300 hp!\nPowering the Maserati Grecale Folgore is a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. Each motor produces 205 kW (279 hp metric) and 410 Nm. Combined, the dual-motor system outputs 410 kW (\n557 hp\n metric) and \n820 Nm\n. The Grecale Folgore accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.1 seconds\n and from 0 to 200 km/h in \n16.1 seconds\n. The top speed is rated at 220 km/h.\nAs for battery and range, the Maserati Grecale Folgore houses a \n105-kWh\n battery that provides 500 km of range (WLTP). The Grecale can handle a maximum charging rate of \n22 kW\n with AC charging and \n150 kW\n with DC charging. Unlike the Gran Turismo Folgore, the Grecale Folgore is built on a 400 V architecture.\nRELATED: \n2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid launched in Malaysia \u2013 2.0L mild-hybrid, from RM738k\nCharging from 20% to 80% takes \n29 minutes\n with 150-kW DC charging. The Grecale Folgore can essentially regain 100 km of range (WLTP) in 9 minutes. AC charging time of the Folgore is not specified, 22 kW is a decent charging rate by today\u2019s standards.\nInside, the Folgore version of the Grecale is distinguished by the \u2018Folgore\u2019 lettering embossed on the dashboard. The Folgore also features distinctive carbon copper 3D touch interior trims that are emphasized by the ambient lighting. Both first-row seats get Sport seats with 14-way power adjustment.\nThe Grecale Folgore is equipped with a 12.3-inch head unit that supports wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Baidu carlife. Two phones can be connected at one time. There is also an 8.8-inch comfort display on the dashboard. As for the cockpit, the driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Maserati GranTurismo: same-same, but also completely different"
"Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, the official and sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia will be sponsoring the 11th ASEAN Skills Competition (ASC), a competitive platform that aims to promote technical and vocational skills within the region.\nA total of \nsix Mazda3\n will be sponsored throughout the period, four of which will be used in a nationwide awareness campaign while the remaining two units will be used in the competition to assess the skills and aptitude of the finalists.\n \n \nASC 2016 will be held from \n19 to 29 September\n at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serving (MAEPS) and will see participants from Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Nine finalists competing in the Automobile Technology sector will get to go hands on with the Mazda3, and they will be assessed on five specific skill areas \u2013 (i) Engine Management System, (ii) Gearbox, (iii) Steering, Suspension and Brake Systems, (iv) Engine Overhauling and (v) Body Electrical System. These finalists will be assessed over the span of three days, and each assessment will take three hours.\nJust to give you some context, the ASEAN Skills Competition is held once every two years (it\u2019s Malaysia\u2019s third time hosting), jointly organised by the Department of Skills Development (Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran), Ministry of Human Resource (Kementerian Sumber Manusia) and Public Works Department (Kementerian Kerja Raya).\nA total of 25 technical and vocational skills will be contested, ranging from Automobile Tech, Mechatronics, Electronics, Welding to Restaurant Service and many more. Click \nhere\n to find out more about ASC 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the\n brutish S 450 L\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has added the\n new S 560 e PHEV\n, priced at RM658,888, to their luxury limousine line up.\nAt first glance, the differences may not be apparent but look closer and you\u2019d spot the obvious new wheel design, revised grille, front and rear bumpers.\n \nBecause it\u2019s a PHEV, the charging point is position at the right side of the rear bumper and \u201cgolf bag space\u201d sadly has been reduced to just 410 litres, compared to the S 450 L\u2019s whopping 530 litres.\nIn pure EV mode, the S 560 e is capable of returning up to 50 km of pure electric driving, while charging its batteries, in a domestic power socket, would take approximately six hours.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With Christmas looming, we expect most if not all the car brands to produce some form of video greeting and if this were a race, I reckon BMW is already ahead of it.\nThis tasteful, tongue-in-cheek video set out in the countryside drops hints as to who the character in the video is and what he does \u201cfor a living\u201d. It really doesn\u2019t take a genius to tell though, unless the concept of Christmas is completely foreign to you.\nWhat was actually surprising though, was that BMW opted for an old E34 BMW 5-series Touring for the video instead of some new, electronically-festooned 5-series; it just wouldn\u2019t work in my opinion.\nIf you\u2019ve not been aware, the E34 was the first BMW 5-series that offered a wagon body style. Production began from 1990 until 1996, even after the newer E39 BMW 5-series was launched."
"Shell Mal\na\nysia\n has unveiled the New and Improved Shell FuelSave 95, its latest RON 95 petrol formulation that promises \nup to 15 km of extra range per tank\n. The new FuelSave 95 formulation is now available at all Shell petrol stations nationwide.\nA product stemming from over five years of extensive research and testing by over 150 fuel scientists worldwide, the new FuelSave 95 petrol features new deposit targeting technology that is said to remove up to 65% of the carbon build-up in the engine, resulting in approximately 2% better fuel consumption overall.\nIn addition to removing performance-robbing deposits, the new Shell FuelSave 95 formulation also protects against corrosion and future deposit build up within the engine and fuel systems, such as intake valves and fuel injectors.\nShell says the new fuel is designed to work on all engines, both old and new, including hybrid powertrains. Malaysia is also the first market to launch the new formulation globally.\n\u201cShell continuously strives to innovate and enhance our offerings for the benefit of our customers. Better By Far is our promise of never stopping and always innovating new mobility solutions to match the evolving customers\u2019 needs,\u201d said Shell Malaysia General Manager of Mobility, Seow Lee Ming.\nALSO WATCH: \nHow far can we travel in the Nissan Almera Turbo with just RM50 of fuel?\nThe 15 km claim \u2013 which Shell says in its press release is coincidentally the distance of the first Penang Bridge \u2013 has been tested on Malaysian roads with over 6 vehicles ranging from Euro 4 to Euro 6 specifications, with an accumulated distance of over 10,000 km each, using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) standard.\nHowever, the company clarifies that the actual effects and benefits of the new fuel will still vary according to vehicle type, condition, and even driving style \u2013 Shell cannot provide a guarantee to the fuel-saving claims, but is confident that most car owners will be able to benefit from the new fuel.\nIn conjunction with the launch of the new FuelSave 95 petrol, Shell has also kicked off the \u2018Shell FuelSave 95 Challenge 2023\u2019, where the company is searching for the one Malaysian who clocks the best fuel economy with its latest RON95 petrol formulation. The grande finale winner after the nationwide search will walk home with a RM20,000 cash prize.\nAdditionally, Shell is also partnering with Visa and BonusLink to giveaway 15 months of free fuels to 150 Malaysians. To stand a chance of winning, all you have to do is pump RM50 of the new Shell FuelSave 95 petrol between 1 March and 30 April.\nREAD MORE: \nShell installs solar panels at 216 petrol stations\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019ve seen various car manufacturers pull different stunts, especially on slippery surfaces, to showcase their product\u2019s ability to find traction even when the odds are stacked against them.\nMore recently, there was the\n\u00a0Maserati Levante hauling a snowboarder\n and last year, \nLand Rover raced against huskies\n on a snow circuit. This time, Jaguar debuted its new XE 300 Sport by pitting it against a Winter Olympic gold medallist skater, Shaolin Sandor Liu, around the \nworld\u2019s longest artificial outdoor ice circuit\n in Netherlands.\nFind out if the Jaguar XE 300 Sport could actually beat a Winter Olympic gold medallist in his own territory in the video below.\nThe new XE 300 Sport variant is not only available for the XE line up but also for the XF and XF Sportbrake with distinct interior and exterior designs. The XE 300 Sport is fitted exclusively with the new 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine with \n296 hp\n and \n365 Nm\n of torque, \nsimilar to the one found in the new Range Rover Velar launched in Malaysia\n yesterday, with power delivered to all four wheels.\nAll 300 Sport models can be distinguished with Dark Satin Grey finishings on its door mirror caps, rear spoiler and grille, along with 19 or 20-inch Satin Technical Grey wheels.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember when we teased about how the US-exclusive Honda HR-V \nlooks a little too much like the Ford Kuga\n? Well, Honda USA has just unveiled the first official photos for the new SUV, and yeah, okay \u2013 it\u2019s not as similar as the sketches suggested. It is, however, completely different to the \nglobal-market HR-V\n that we will be getting here in Malaysia shortly, and there\u2019s good reason for that.\nYou see, size matters \u2013 a lot \u2013 in the United States. And since the launch of the\n Toyota Corolla Cross\n in the states, the weirdly in-between B- and C-segment-sized SUV has become almost a runaway success.\nHonda, of course, can\u2019t just sit around and let its rival take all the limelight. So for the upcoming second-generation HR-V for the USA, they\u2019ve actually bumped it up a size class with a footprint now similar to that of the \nCR-V\n, and underpinnings based off of the \nHonda Civic\n!\nALSO READ: 2022 All-new Honda Civic launched in Malaysia from RM125k\nThe company did not offer any concrete numbers or technical specifications, but says that it\u2019ll be \u201clarger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and wider stance\u201d while also still \u201csporty and personal\u201d \u2013 adding that it\u2019s \u201cthe right size with the space and utility for an adventurous weekend escape, yet nimble to manoeuvre city streets\u201d.\nIn terms of looks, the upcoming US-specification Honda HR-V is quite unlike anything we\u2019ve seen from Honda before, characterised by a large polygonal front grille, and flanked by what looks like a reiteration of the Civic\u2019s slim LED headlights.\nDown the sides, Honda says that it has given the HR-V a low horizontal beltline that swells up above the flared rear haunches to give it a \u201csense of motion\u201d. The extended dimensions of the car is most visible from the side, thanks to its longer bonnet and rear quarter lights that extend well into the D-pillars, accentuating the length of the sleek roofline.\nOver at the back, there\u2019s the unique horizontally-oriented taillights with an underscore light signature, paired to a sculpted hatch, and a moulded rear bumper with a scuff plate-like element to give it a more rugged look.\nRELATED: New tech, looks, and more space: Can the new Honda HR-V keep its crown?\n \nInterior photos and other technical specifications will have to wait until the model\u2019s official launch \u201cin the coming months\u201d, but since it\u2019s based on the same architecture as the 11th-gen Honda Civic, we\u2019re expecting it to share the same powertrain options as its sedan counterpart including the \nrecently-unveiled e:HEV hybrid unit\n.\nAlthough the model was initially planned to be exclusive to the US, Honda has announced that it\u2019ll also be sold in Europe as a hybrid model, but with a different name to coexist with the \nexisting HR-V Hybrid\n. Would you be interested if the US-market Honda HR-V also made its way down to Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below!"
"Surprise, surprise! Hot off the press from the launch of the \nCity Hatchback\n, Honda Malaysia has now announced that the \nall-new 11th-generation Civic\n will also be launched here on our shores \u201csoon\u201d, and is now open for booking.\nInformation is scarce at this juncture, with the company only revealing one of the available variants \u2013 the first-ever Civic RS \u2013 to the media at a preview event in Sepang yesterday. Even then, members of the media were also only furnished with a couple of hand-picked specifications, with the entire interior of the car being further embargoed until the launch date.\n \nWith that being said though, we do know that the RS variant will be the range-topping model in the line-up, and is equipped with several sportier design elements on the outside. These include black ring inserts in the headlights, RS emblems on the front and rear, 18-inch matte black five-dual-spoke wheels, and gloss black garnishes on the windows, door handles, side mirrors, shark fin antenna, and ducktail spoiler.\nAs for equipment on the outside, the headlights are fully-LED items with unique daytime-running light signature, and gets auto on-off and auto high beam functionalities. The same light signature is also mirrored on the back for the tail lights, which are LED combination items.\nThe all-new Honda Civic is also available with an RS variant in Thailand, although with a slightly different specifications! \nThe 11th-gen Honda Civic RS will be powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine, with output bumped up to \n182 hp\n and\n 240 Nm\n of torque, which is 9 hp and 20 Nm more than its predecessor. The engine is paired to a CVT gearbox, although Honda Malaysia did not provide any performance figures.\nAs for safety, the range-topping Civic variant will be equipped with the full suite of the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance features, now with nine features thanks to the addition of a Lead Car Departure Notification System.\nOther standard features in the Honda Sensing suite include Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow, Lane Keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Auto High Beam.\nOn the passive safety front, the all-new Honda Civic RS will get six airbags as standard. However, the older Honda LaneWatch technology is still carried over onto the 11th-gen car, instead of the newer, more advanced blind spot monitoring system.\nJust like the outgoing model, the all-new Honda Civic will also come with convenience features such as walk-away auto lock and remote engine start via the key fob.\nNo pricing details have been announced just yet, but the all-new Honda Civic is now open for booking at Honda dealerships nationwide. As usual, keep your eyes peeled on \nAutoBuzz.my\n as we bring you all of the latest information on the highly-awaited 11th-gen Honda Civic!\nGALLERY"
"Known for their work on Volkswagen, SEAT and more famously Audi vehicles, ABT Sportsline has given birth to yet another fire-breathing monster. This time, they\u2019ve turned the \nAudi RS6 station wagon\n into a fire-breathing 800 hp / 980 Nm land jet.\nIt\u2019s called the \nRS6 Johann Abt Signature Edition \n\u2013 named after the founder Johann Abt who founded the company back in 1896 \u2013 to celebrate the company\u2019s 125th anniversary this year. The company started off making sleighs and horseshoes before the turn of the 19th century.\nOnly 64 units will ever be built, at the rate of six cars per month, to commemorate the age of the late founder. Just a week into the launch, they have all been snapped up. Sorry.\nThe performance numbers are so staggering it makes you forget that this is ultimately a station wagon for taking your kids to the park or to a holiday.\n0 to 100 km/h is history in just 2.91 seconds, as quick as the Ferrari 812 Superfast, and more than 0.5 seconds faster than your standard Audi RS6. By the time you\u2019re done saying the wagon\u2019s full name, it would\u2019ve accelerated to 200 km/h, in just 9.79 seconds.\n\u201cThe anniversary model has shortened this time by over 20 seconds compared to the production model\u201d, the ABT Sportsline, CEO, Hans-J\u00fcrgen Abt claimed.\nWithin 28 seconds, it will be touching the 300 km/h mark. Again, station wagon. Top speed? Side by side with the recently launched Ferrari SF90 Spider at 330 km/h.\nOf course, all that power is accompanied by aural drama from an ABT exhaust system, with massive quad 102 mm tail pipes.\nTo achieve these crazy figures, ABT has developed in-house turbochargers and engine control units (ECU) for the RS6. They\u2019ve also fitted larger intercoolers and additional oil cooling systems.\nABT height-adjustable springs and anti-roll bars more control of the car with all the additional power. The special edition also comes with an aero package that not only looks aggressive but has been tested in a wind tunnel to provide 150 kg of downforce to the rear end of the car.\nThe interior and exterior is garnished with the company\u2019s Signature Carbon Red carbon fibre trims. Even the 22-inch wheels have been developed in-house specially for the special edition tribute car.\n\u201cTechnically, we have pulled out all the stops and have been able to make a weight saving of an incredible 3.5 kg per wheel, compared to the standard wheels\u201d, explains Abt.\nThe very definition of a time capsule!\nAnd we\u2019ve saved the best of the last! The icing on the cake for each of the 64 units is \na relic used by the founder himself over a century ago!\n On the centre console of every unit lies \na small fragment of Johann ABT\u2019s first-ever anvil\n, and of course, with consecutive numbering.\nHans-J\u00fcrgen Abt explained, \u201cJohann Abt\u2019s first anvil provided many years of loyal service. On this anvil, my great grandfather transformed his vision into innovation. It is an irreplaceable piece of history that has now earned a worthy place for eternity: not in the museum, but in the most exclusive ABT of all time.\u201d\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019re done gawking over the renderings of the new Volkswagen Golf Mk 8 we shared with you \nlast week\n, feast your eyes on these images of the real deal \u2013 shared by French auto site, \nlargus.fr\n \u2013 ahead of the all-new model\u2019s global unveiling on the 24th of October.\nCredit: \nlargus.fr\nIt seems the real deal has not strayed too far from the renderings, unlike most that appear far more unrealistic than the actual production vehicle. The badge seen on the front fenders and the front bumper design appears nearly identical to the drawings shown last week.\nIf you observe closely, the headlamps are a lot slimmer compared to the Mk 7.5 we have at the moment. Also unlike the Mk 7.5, the aggressive slats on both corners of the front bumper are now joint, to form a single frame look.\nCredit: \nlargus.fr\nInside, single piece infotainment and instrument cluster display not only looks less cluttered but should do well in transforming the Golf\u2019s image as a nippy little hatchback, to that of a fighter pilot\u2019s cockpit \u2013 something Golf buyers would sure welcome with open arms.\nWith the new display, the air con vents have also been redesigned \u2013 from dual central vents to a single strip stretching across the entire dashboard.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been just one week since the \nfifth-generation Honda CR-V\n made its official Malaysian debut, and already Honda Malaysia has sold 1,400 units of the SUV, which is twice their monthly sales target.\nAmong the four variants introduced, the top spec 1.5L Turbocharged Premium proved to be the most popular, accounting for 40 percent of the total sales. The 1.5L Turbocharged 2WD follows closely behind at 31 percent, whereas the 2.0L 2WD stood at 20 percent.\nInterestingly, the 1.5L 4WD is the least popular with just 9 percent. The trend is even more startling for the East Malaysian market, with 38 percent of customers going for the 1.5L Turbocharged Premium.\nIn terms of colour choice, about 30 percent of customers opted for the Lunar Silver Metallic, while the White Orchid Pearl closed in at 27 percent.\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, the waiting period for the CR-V should not go beyond two months and the production plant is in full steam to cope with the demand. They have also pledged to deliver the cars by September for the early adopters.\u00a0\nEver wonder what all the hype about Honda Sensing is about? Read all about it \nhere\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, recently donated high-powered solar systems to give the Orang Asli\u2019s shared community space commonly known as \u2018Rumah Adat\u2019 access to solar energy.\nThe donation was done through Global Peace Foundation, a non-profit organization (NGO) with a mission to build resilient and cohesive Orang Asli communities.\u00a0\nWhen it\u2019s dark, bonfires are often started by burning dried palm fruits that generate a lot of smoke, resulting in coughs and watery eyes among villagers, especially children. As such the lack of access to electricity in Orang Asli communities can cause health risks and negative environmental impact.\nWith materials such as bamboo used to build these houses and community spaces, the risk of fire is even higher. Some Orang Asli families also rely on disposable energy such as petrol to run generators and batteries to power more than just lights.\u00a0\n\u201cWe want to see Malaysians even the indigenous community live a better life. With high-power solar systems, we will be providing the Orang Asli community access to affordable and renewable energy that enhances productivity- allowing community projects to continue even after dark, minimizing health and environmental impact from non-renewable energy, lesser environmental pollution, and lastly reducing energy expenditure from buying expensive energy sources that are not sustainable,\u201d said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Senior Vice President, Arba Rahman."
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"Drooling over the recently-unveiled\n Toyota GR Corolla\n? Well, the bad news is that you\u2019ll probably have to drool for quite a bit longer. and that\u2019s only if it even makes its way into Malaysia.\nSpeaking to \nCarscoops\n, a Toyota spokesperson told the publication that the company will only be building 8,600 GR Corollas for its first production year, with only 2,000 of those earmarked for global markets. The rest are all reserved for the North America continent, and even that feels too little.\nWhile the carmaker did not explicitly mention a hard cap on production limits for the GR Corolla, Toyota North America Vice President of Marketing Mike Tripp told\n \nRoad & Track\n \nlast week that they intend to make \u201cone too few\u201d of them in order to maintain exclusivity on one of their most desirable models in recent times.\nAccording to \nCarscoops\n, the production figure is so limited that most dealerships in the United States will only be allocated three units of the Toyota GR Corolla \u2013 with no pricing and timing details available yet.\nRELATED: The Toyota GR Corolla is a mean-looking Type R slayer with rally-bred AWD\nIt\u2019s a similar story for the highly-popular \nToyota GR Yaris\n, which is reportedly already sold out globally until at least 2023. The 200 or so units that were initially allocated for Malaysia have also \nall been spoken for within weeks \nof its introduction here on our shores.\nFor the GR Yaris, orders have been so overwhelming that the Motomachi production facility in Japan is having a tough time keeping up with the demand. However, Tripp says that the production limit for the GR Corolla has nothing to do with the limitations at the plant.\n\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say the limiting factor on these vehicles is our ability to produce them,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s being very careful to make sure that we maintain the niche credibility.\u201d\nALSO READ: Overwhelming demand for GR Yaris in Australia, Toyota stops taking orders\nThe GR Corolla is pretty much like a bigger GR Yaris, bringing the same successful formula onto the five-door Corolla hatchback body style. It\u2019s powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox, but output is bumped up significantly to 304 hp and 370 Nm of torque.\nIt\u2019s also equipped with the same GR-Four all-wheel drive system, which allows power delivery to be split between 60:40, 30:70, or 50:50 between the front and rear axles depending on the driving modes.\nWill we be seeing any of the 2,000 global units here in Malaysia, then? We can\u2019t know for sure, but seeing that we\u2019re the only few countries in the world aside from Japan with full-blown GR Garages, we\u2019d say that there\u2019s at least half a chance. no matter how slim (\nor maybe we\u2019re just wish-casting at this point\n).\nEven if it does, however, expect allocations to be even more limited than the GR Yaris here in Malaysia, seeing that there\u2019s only 2,000 of them to go around the rest of the world \u2013 at least for the first year."
"Just when we thought the \nFerrari LaFerrari Aperta\n was rare with only 200 units available for buyers, there are only 60 examples of the newly introduced Evora GT430, right out of Norfolk, England.\nThe handbuilt Evora will be for sale in select markets around the world and, following the popularity of Lotus\u2019 recent limited run editions, it\u2019s already in line to be a true collector\u2019s car.\nSource of its straight-line and cornering performance\u00a0\nThe new Evora GT430 is now powered by a 3.5-litre V6 supercharged engine producing 430 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The spike in torque can be attributed to the air-to-liquid gearbox cooler as standard, an addition that was debuted in the North American Evora 400. As a result, the Evora GT430 is able to abscond of the line to a 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds before topping out 305 km/h.\nDelivering this power is tasked to\u00a0a six-speed manual gearbox which features a low-inertia, single-mass flywheel and a Torsen-type limited slip differential (LSD). The Evora GT430\u2019s brute performance is optimised by Michellin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (245/35/19 in the front and 295/30/20 at the back) and\u00a0\u00d6hlins TTX two-way adjustable units (which by the way save 10 kg in mass), with twenty click-adjustment compression and rebound settings.\nThe Evora GT430 would also come with wider 10.5J ultra-lightweight forged aluminium wheels in Black or Silver with optional Gloss Red or Black finishes.\u00a0\nThe dampers would be complemented with ultra-lightweight, low-sideloaded Eibach springs alongside front and rear anti-roll bars. The Evora GT430 will count on its 2-piece J-grooved and ventilated discs at the front and 3-piece discs with lightweight aluminium centres saving 2kg, all clamped by AP Racing four-pot calipers.\nThe GT430 als comes with variouos Dynamic stability modes such as Drive, Sport, Race and Off settings as well as a newly developed variable traction control function linked directly to the ECU.\nWhat makes it so light.\nDespite putting on an extra 9 kg due to its carbon rear wing, larger wheels and tyres, overall dry weight is still down by 26 kg, to 1,258 kg, making this the lightest road Evora to date even when in comparison to the already \nsuper light Evora Sport 410\n. Significant weight reduced from beyond the front and rear axles, reducing the car\u2019s polar moment of inertia \u2013 improving response, agility and driver feedback.\nThe Evora GT430\u2019s significant weight reduction is owed to its standard titanium exhaust (-10 kg), carbon body panels (-4.7 kg), lightweight interior components (-2.5 kg), \u00d6hlins and Eibach adjustable spring and damper assembly (-10 kg) and lightweight rear brake discs (-2 kg).\n\u00a0\nExtensive weight reduction measures are also extended to the undercarriage with a thinner aluminium undertray (1.5 kg), the introduction of lightweight aluminium brackets (-1.3kg), lightweight polycarbonate backlight glass (-0.5 kg) and a re-profiled fluid fill system (-2.5 kg). This meticulous attention to detail on weight-saving measure have resulted in a total saving of 35 kg.\nThe \u201ccut wind\u201d aerodynamic wizardry\u00a0\nThe exterior features exposed carbon weave sections in the front and rear, generating up to 250 kg of downforce through advanced aerodynamics. Other \u201ccut wind\u201d bits include larger front apertures (essentially carbon fibre front ducts), new carbon fibre splitter, air blades and louvers positioned on top of each front wheel arch to reduce pressure above the wheel.\n \n \nAt the back, aero ducts behind each wheel arch will serve to reduce pressure at the wheel arches and improve downforce with a larger rear diffuser where the combo is topped of with an oversize motorstyle carbon wing. Developed through motorsport applications, the aerodynamic modifications focus on the management of airflow over, under and around the car. The downforce generated makes its presence felt at even moderate speeds, allowing for higher cornering g-force and providing enhanced high-speed stability.\nThe heavily reworked aerodynamics on the body work is set to boost downforce by up to 250 kg when the Evora GT430 is at its maximum speed 305 km/h, drawing parallels with the Evora Sport 410\u2019s maximum downforce of 64 kg at only 145 km/h.\nOn the inside.\nThe carbon fibre influence also extends to the cabin, with visible-weave, handmade components as standard. These inclide the pair carbon race seats, carbon door sills and a lightweight carbon instrument binnacle cover with a new graphic design on the instrument panel. Carbon-backed Sparco race seats with a unique trim design can also be ordered while other optional extras include a four-point harness for both the driver and passenger and a titanium rear frame.\nOther interior bits such as the steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel and centre console are all draped in a black Alcantara and perforated leather combination. That said, the option of full leather or full Alcantara trims are available at no additional cost. Other interior options include contrasting twin colour stitchings on the trims, whether in red and white and matt black interior panels.\nNot sure why it would be needed but the GT430\u2019s cabin will also come with an integrated touch-screen infotainment system \u00a0which can be specified, including iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation and reversing camera.\nBlistering quick but just as ideal for the back roads, the new Evora GT430 clocked a time of 1:25.8 seconds around the famed Hethel test track \u2013 a new benchmark for an Evora. As a result, the new Evora GT430 is testament to Colin Chapman\u2019s visionary quote: \u201cAdding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.\u201d\nThrough the increasingly popular Lotus Exclusive programme, customer\u2019s of the new GT 430 can personalise their vehicle and statistics have shown that roughly a third of all new Lotus cars now undergo some form of customisation.\nThe new, fully homologated, Lotus Evora GT430 is only available in two-seater configuration and can be ordered now. A version of the Evora GT430 for the North American market will follow in spring 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We loved the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine in the \nall-new Ford Ranger Raptor \nso much that we included it in our \n#ABC2022 AutoBuzz.my Best Cars line-up\n last year. But let\u2019s be honest \u2013 a large chunk of Raptor buyers will never need the performance of that V6. So for that group of buyers, \nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) \nis now introducing a new 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel option for the Ford Ranger Raptor here in Malaysia, and is set to arrive on our shores on \nJune 8, 2023\n.\nThe new variant will adopt the existing powertrain from the \nprevious-generation Ranger Raptor\n, consisting of a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-four diesel mill with\n 210 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, and a 10-speed automatic gearbox.\nPower is sent to all four wheels via an all-time all-wheel drive system with a Raptor-exclusive Baja drive mode. Performance figures aren\u2019t available just yet, but expect it to be quite a bit slower than the petrol V6 variant, given its lower performance figures. When the V6 was unveiled, Ford says that it\u2019s \u201calmost twice as fast\u201d as the previous generation, so take that as you will.\nRELATED:\n All-new Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled with 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6\nRaw grunt aside, you fortunately won\u2019t be missing out on what makes the Raptor, a Raptor; the new diesel variant will still ride on the Ford Performance-tuned adaptive Fox shocks on all four corners, featuring the brand\u2019s latest 2.5-inch Live Valve dampers with Teflon-infused oil.\nThe new dampers are also paired to a new toughened chassis, with additional structural reinforcements including beefier shock towers and brackets to handle the extra stress load when you\u2019re jumping over sand dunes.\nSDAC hasn\u2019t announced pricing information for the new 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel variant just yet, but expect to see some discounts here due to its smaller (and shared) engines. For context, the V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor is \npriced at RM259,888 here in Malaysia\n. What won\u2019t be discounted is its brawny looks, which is what this crowd is buying the car for anyway.\nInterested? The new 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel variant will on display at the MRANTI Open Space area opposite Pavilion Bukit Jalil from\n 9-11 June 2023\n, as part of its official launch event. Customers can also take part in a test-drive experience that covers tarmac, dirt, and rocky terrains.\nFor the first 300 bookings of the all-new 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Bi-Turbo 2.0L Diesel here in Malaysia, SDAC will be giving away a complimentary Kenwood DRV-A700W dashcam system, consisting of a Wide-Quad HD (WQHD) front camera, and a full HD 1080p rear camera for dual channel recording, plus a RM500 discount on one of its Ford Ranger Getaways events in the future.\nFollowing the launch, the new Ford Ranger Raptor will also be going on tour with the Ford Experience Hub to the northern and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Sabah and Sarawak."
"Despite a slow start for the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover in China, where it was reportedly losing out to the likes of Tesla and Nio, Volkswagen is staying positive and relentless with its electric charge in China (pun intended). The company has introduced the ID.3 at the Chengdu Motor Show today.\n\u201cVolkswagen\u2019s global electrification offensive is rapidly gaining further momentum. After the ID.4 and the ID.6, we are now launching the ID.3 as the third all-electric model series in China within a mere six months,\u201d said Volkswagen CEO, Ralf Brandstatter.\nEarmarked for launch in China by October, the ID.3 will be available in China from Q4 of this year but it hasn\u2019t been easy for Volkswagen. The ID.3 is Volkswagen\u2019s best-seller in several European countries. It\u2019s the first car from the ID. family and when it firs debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it collected over 30,000 orders.\nThe company reportedly only sold 1,200 units of the 1D.4 and a total of 1,500 electric Volkswagens in May. The rest were made up of the ID.6 SUV.\nThings have picked up recently, with Volkswagen claiming that the numbers have doubled in the last three months. They sold 3,000 units in June and 5,800 units of ID. electric vehicles.\n\u201cR version\u201d of the new Volkswagen ID.3 will be faster than Golf GTI. Read about it here!\nThe strong sales momentum placed Volkswagen firmly in the Top 10 by July. According to the company, between 80,000 to 100,000 vehicles from the ID. family will be delivered to customers in China.\nBy 2030, Volkswagen intends to increase electric vehicle deliveries in Europe to over 70%. In the USA and China, the brand is targeting an EV share of over 50%.\nThe ID.3 is powered by an electric motor, with 201 hp and 310 Nm, to drive the rear wheels. It\u2019s available with three different battery capacities, with the highest 77 kWh battery offering up to 550 km of electric driving range.\nFind out more about the ID.3 in detail here!\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen is celebrating the 45th anniversary of the iconic \nGolf GTI\n with the Golf GTI Clubsport 45. Based on the recently released \nGolf GTI Clubsport\n, this commemorative model focuses on the exterior and interior individualisation rather than performance upgrades.\nThe Golf GTI Clubsport 45 has most of its anniversary-themed upgrades on the exterior. The front has larger air intakes with the roof in black, complemented by a specially designed open roof spoiler that is said to increase the downforce levels.\nOf course, a not-so-subtle \u201c45\u201d sticker and graphics is placed on the lower section of the Golf GTI Clubsport 45.\nThis special anniversary edition Clubsport is also fitted with an exclusive Race package that consists of a set of gloss black 19-inch Scottsdale wheels with red accent, sports exhaust system and the removal of the speed limiter.\nInside, the front sport seats are from the premium range marked with a different pattern and finished with a discreet \u201c45\u201d label on the steering wheel that replaces the GTI label.\nNo changes were made to the engine outputs, with the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine pushing out \n300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. Drive is to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG transmission. The benchmark century sprint can be completed in \n5.6 seconds\n.\nThe Golf GTI Clubsport features a stand-alone driving mode that is specifically tuned (suspension and electromechanical front-axle locking differential) to confidently navigate all 20,832 metres of the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nPriced from \n47,790 Euro\n in Germany, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 is substantially more expensive than the non-anniversary Clubsport but still cheaper than the \nGolf R\n with 320 hp and 4Motion that is priced from 50,220 Euro."
"Call what you want about the \nHyundai Tucson\n but sporty is the last adjective you\u2019d use to describe this family-oriented SUV. But this Hyundai Tucson N Line is set to change that.\nVisually, the Tucson N\nLine packs a lot more aggression with sportier bumpers, dark chrome mesh grille\nand black touches to the side mirror caps, roof and window surrounds. The headlamps\nand taillamps are also slightly tinted while the 19-inch black alloy wheels\ncomplete the new look.\nThe cabin is dressed in\nN-branded leather-suede sport seats and red accent stitching along the interior\ntrims. Drivers are also greeted with new alloy pedals.\nThe striking exterior\nand sporty seats are backed with enhanced driving dynamics curtesy of retuned MDPS\n(motor driven power steering), stiffer springs all round (8% front; 5% rear) and\nsoftware updates to give the Tucson N Line a sportier character and more direct\nfeel at the wheel.\nThe Tucson N Line is available with two powertrain \u2013 1.6-litre CRDi, 2.0-litre CRDi 48V and 1.6-litre TGDi. The CRDi turbodiesel engines pack \n136 hp\n and \n185 hp\n respectively while the turbo petrol delivers \n177 hp\n. All engines are paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch unit.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nHyundai\u00a0Tucson\u00a0N\u00a0Line"
"Not too long ago, Zagato, the Italian Automotive and Design company unveiled two renditions of the Vanquish, the \nZagato Speedster and Zagato Shooting Brake\n. While the Speedster was unveiled in full, Aston Martin had only one digital render of the Shooting Brake. Now, the company has unveiled the car in full and it is drop dead gorgeous.\nAs reported earlier, the Shooting Brake is strictly a two-seater grand tourer. Only\n 99 units\n of these will be made. The \u201cdouble-bubble\u201d extended roofline gets narrower towards the rear. Naturally, the roof and even the A pillars are made out of carbon fibre. A panoramic glass roof lets natural light into the cabin for you and your passenger.   Tasked to move this beauty is a 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 mated to an eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission. Output is rated at \n592 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque. On the standard Vanquish S, century sprint time is clocked in at 3.5 seconds while top speed is capped at \n323 km/h\n. Expect the Zagato to match if not best, those figures."
"The \nall-new 2023 Kia Sorento\n is a family SUV, and since yours truly still don\u2019t have a family of my own yet, family SUVs like the Kia Sorento aren\u2019t usually my first choice of vehicle. Having spent some time with it over the weekend, though, I do at least see why you\u2019d want one \u2013 or more specifically, why you\u2019d want the Kia Sorento.\n \nChief of which are its looks, because the all-new fourth-generation Sorento ditches the old bulbous appearance of its predecessor for a sharp and chiselled look, whichever angle you\u2019re looking at it from. The all-new 2023 Kia Sorento has also grown slightly in all dimensions over the outgoing model, which also helps contributes to its road presence.\nBut what impressed me more is how well the all-new 2023 Kia Sorento drives. It\u2019s sure-footed on the highways, and holds itself over the corners too. The mature suspension set-up is complemented by the eager diesel mill underneath the bonnet of our review unit, boasting an output of \n199 hp \nand \n440 Nm\n that makes it incredibly effortless to drive on the highways.\nGallery: 2023 Kia Sorento in Malaysia, from RM211k \u2013 Is the diesel worth it?\nIf you spend most of your time puttering around town, though, you might want to look elsewhere. Firstly, there\u2019s its size, where the 1,900 mm width puts even the\n Mazda CX-8 \nto shame. Having to constantly squeeze past double-parked cars around KL will very, very quickly wear you out \u2013 believe me.\nDetracting from the experience even more is its eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Kia says that the gearbox is designed for \u201csmooth shifting\u201d, though in city driving situations, it\u2019s unfortunately just a little too unresponsive to drive the car smoothly.\nOf course, being a family SUV is so much more than just how it drives. So be sure to check out the full review video above to see if the all-new 2023 Kia Sorento is the car for you!"
"Before you jump into the argument on the \nnew Supra\n \nnot being a \u201creal Supra\u201d, let\u2019s clear the air a little \u2013 the E46 M3 isn\u2019t a real M3 either. It\u2019s powered by a 2JZ engine from the \nA80 Toyota Supra\n \u2013 the very engine that all the narrow-minded enthusiasts had hoped to see Toyota redevelop for the \nnew A90 Supra\n.\nFor starters, both the E46 BMW M3 and the A90 Toyota Supra have been \nSpeed Academy\u2019s project cars\n for some time now. Before you start hating on the new Supra again, let\u2019s set a few things straight.\n \nWhile the new Supra may have undergone some upgrades, the E46 M3\u2019s engine makes in excess of 500 hp \u2013 nearly 200 hp more than what it\u2019s original, naturally-aspirated 3.2-litre 6 cylinder engine makes out of the factory. It\u2019s also far more superior compared to what the stock A90 Supra \nmakes at 340 hp although our dyno test results showed otherwise\n.\nFrom the video, it\u2019s clear which of the two is more superior in terms of outright power and acceleration but it also makes you realise, power isn\u2019t everything without control \u2013 even more so if it overwhelms the car beyond what it\u2019s built to handle.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption, here\u2019s the updated price list for \nToyota\n and\n \nBMW\n \nvehicles in Malaysia."
"Honda Malaysia\n has now opened the order books for the new 2023 Honda City facelift, ahead of its expected launch in Q3 2023. The new 2023 \nHonda City\n in Malaysia mirrors the changes seen in the \nThailand\n and \nIndia\n markets, and will come with a slightly updated exterior styling, alongside a refreshed list of advanced driver assistance features as part of the Honda Sensing suite.\nOn the outside, the most noticeable change on the 2023 Honda City facelift is the new front bumper design, sporting a bigger fog light housing on the corners, and a more prominent lower lip for a slightly more aggressive look.\nThe range-topping RS variant adds-on several exclusive trims, including the faux air intake garnishes, honeycomb mesh on the front lower grille, new side skirtings, new rear diffuser design, and a new set of 16-inch alloys to further turn up the sportiness dial on the B-segment sedan.\nThanks to the new exterior design, the new 2023 Honda City facelift also measures slightly longer at 4,589 mm, or 36 mm longer than before.\nFor the variants with Honda Sensing, the advanced driver assistance suite has also been updated with two new features \u2013 a new low speed follow function, which allows the adaptive cruise control system to remain operational even in traffic jams, as well as the lead car departure notification system that will notify the driver when the car ahead has moved off.\nAside from these changes, however, the rest of the 2023 Honda City facelift should remain unchanged here in Malaysia. As before, two powertrain options will be offered here, including a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine with \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n for most of the variants, and an 1.5-litre e:HEV hybrid option for the range-topping RS making \n108 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n.\nThailand market model shown\nThe Honda City sedan is currently offered in five variants here in Malaysia, with pricing starting ranging from RM77,600 to RM108,800. Expect to see a slight increase in pricing as part of the facelift update, though; most of its other stable mates, including its hatchback counterpart, have \nalready seen a price hike\n here in Malaysia due to the weakening Malaysian Ringgit.\nInterested parties can log on to \nprebook.honda.com.my\n, download the HondaTouch application on their smartphones, or walk into any of the 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide to place a booking."
"Less than a year since its debut in Malaysia, \nthe Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class\n is finally available as a locally assembled model. As such, prices have gone down by as much as RM47,000 for the base E 200 Avantgarde!\nThe E 250 Avantgarde and E 250 Exclusive variants also receive a massive chop in price of about RM42,000. All three variants are identically specced as their fully imported counterparts. This means Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s production plant in Pekan is now assembling all three of their newest core products, the \nW205 C-Class\n, \nW213 E-Class\n and \nW222 S-Class\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E200 Avantgarde Line\nMercedes-Benz E250 Avantgarde Line\nMercedes-Benz E250 Exclusive Line\nEngine\n1,991cc turbocharged in-line 4\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM348,888\nRM378,888\nRM383,888\nSpeaking of specifications, one of the key highlights is the massive suite of driving assistive technologies. Besides having auto-parking assist, pre-crash systems and active brake assist as standard. All variants of the the W213 E-Class get LED headlamps, but the entry level E 200 Avantgarde will miss out on the Multibeam technology (84 individually controlled LED modules) and the 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system as standard. Want more? How does 64 different hues for ambient lighting sound to you?   We\u2019ve sampled the E 250 Avantgarde\n (RM378,888 now, formerly RM420,888) and found many, many good things to say about the luxurious, high-tech sedan. But if you\u2019re wondering why the E 300 AMG Line is not offered any longer, well, stay tuned for an even bigger news!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz W213 E-Class (E 250 Avantgarde Line)   2016 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde Review in Malaysia \u2013 AutoBuzz.my"
"The name Bugatti in the automotive world resonates with extravagance, innovation with the finest craftsmanship. A Bugatti doesn\u2019t need a loud exterior because it needs no introduction.\nWhether it\u2019s a Chiron or a Veyron, if you\u2019ve observed overtime, they take minimalist forms \u2013 with a smooth flow of seamless bulges. So when Bugatti announced that they were showcasing a line up of furniture in Milan, Italy, you\u2019d be wrong to expect a table lamp made out of used dampers, with their name engraved on it.\nTake this limited edition \n\u201cCobra Chair\u201d\n for example; limited to only 110 pieces, its minimalist yet contemporary design is a modern interpretation of Carlo Bugatti\u2019s original design. Carlo was the father of Bugatti founder, Ettore.\nThe \u201c110 Ans Bugatti\u201d logo embroidered on the back rest is a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the hypercar\u2019s existence.\nAmong the materials used for the various furniture included rare Sodalite gemstone that represents the Bugatti blue, Striato Olimpico marble and of course, the finest skin from an animal.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Launched in late 2018, the \u201cVolkswagen Cares\u201d app from Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has been thoroughly revamped to provide a much better ownership experience for customers. The new app replaces the older version with immediate effect.\nPreviously focussing on customer loyalty programmes as well as a shortcut to roadside emergency assistance, the new \u201cVolkswagen Cares\u201d app now allows customers to arrange for service appointments, manage their vehicle information, as well as receive reminders from the \nVolkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP)\n. The new app is now a one-stop centre housing various sales and aftersales support.\nWhen developing the new app, designers also took into consideration customer feedback to address any shortcomings as well as improve the user experience. Further upgrades are already planned, such as a rewards system and payment gateway.\nVolkswagen to expand SUV line-up in Malaysia. Find out more about which likely model here!\n\u201cWe have our customers at the forefront of everything we do, and the launch of the new Volkswagen Cares app is an example of this. Our app has been a true success story for us, especially among the markets managed by the PHS group. We have about 30,000 owners with us to date, and more than 50% of this figure are VCP members, those with cars that are 5 years and older,\u201d said VPCM, Managing Director, Erik Winter.\nThinking of upgrading to a more affordable Volkswagen? Das WeltAuto has the answer!\nWinter added that it was heartening to have customers stay with the brand and VPCM sees this as a testament to their service improvements as well as the passion for serving the customers.\nVPCM is seen as a digital front-runner in the industry, pioneering many digital campaigns such as selling its cars on popular e-commerce platforms such as \nLazada\n, \nShopee\n and even an \nInstagram-exclusive sale\n.\nBooking of new Volkswagen models can also be performed via their \neShowroom\n. The new Volkswagen Cares app is available to download now on the \nApple App Store \nfor iOS users, and the \nGoogle Play store \nfor Android users."
"Petronas Dagangan has introduced the new Primax 97 with Pro-Race which is now available in all of its stations effective immediately so here\u2019s five key features that sets it apart from the rest of the field.\n1.World\u2019s first Advanced Dual Friction Modifier, engineered in-house by Petronas\nPetronas\u2019 active involvement in high-profile motorsports (F1, Moto2, and Moto3) mean the research and development time is much more accelerated which allows for quick fine-tuning of the desired performance of the fuels.\u00a0\u00a0\nVarious proposed fuel chemistry concocted by Petronas was also tested at the \nMercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains\n (HPP) center in Brixworth, England; the same facility that produces the dominating and highly efficient F1 hybrid power units.\u00a0\nBased on internal benchmarking, no other fuel company has a friction modifier that performs as required by Petronas in the new Primax 97 with Pro-Race.\nThe Advanced Dual Friction Modifier is \n25% more efficient than the old Primax 97 fuel\n it replaces, delivering the responsiveness that customers want in their premium fuel. \u00a0\n2. Power is restored by cleaning the engine\nThe \nnew Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race\n fuel has specially formulated additives that remove 99.9% of engine carbon deposits. These deposits, that build up over time due to the nature of combustion, reduce both power output as well as the efficiency of the engine.\nIn port fuel injection engines, the Primax 97 Pro-Race removes 99.9% of engine deposits\nThe technical team from Petronas explained that 99.9% removal of carbon deposit were seen on the intake valve test procedure (port injection), while the fuel injector also saw a reduction in time to deliver the required quantity of fuel (direct injection).\nIn direct fuel injection engines, the fuel injector gets cleaned from the additives in the Primax 97 Pro-Race\nExcellent power delivery is thus restored\n courtesy of the thorough cleaning process, a key requirement by consumers who pay for premium fuel as noted by Petronas.\n3. The new fuel also performs together with your engine oil\nDid you know, \nPetronas is the first in Malaysia\n to add friction modifying chemicals into consumer fuels in the early 2000s! \u00a0\nWith its incredible involvement in motorsports that spans over three decades, the knowledge gained has led Petronas to innovate a new friction modifier that incorporates a \nunique fuel and oil interaction formulation\n.\nThe green dots represent special friction modifier chemistry from the new Primax 97 Pro-Race that is being circulated around the oil galleys\nThanks to the specially \nselected chemistry that survive\n the combustion process and \ntrickled down to the oil sump\n, the engine oil continues to have this key item that improves efficiency. \u00a0This is especially helpful as friction modifiers in engine oils degrade over time.\nWith the engine oil gaining in friction modifying chemicals, the overall efficiency of the engine is improved, delivering lower carbon emissions and fuel consumption.\n4. Product is designed and verified by real-world consumers, by Malaysians for Malaysians\u00a0\nBeing \ncustomer-centric\n, Petronas engaged in focus group discussions with consumers from various backgrounds and vehicle ownership to understand what is expected when they pay for premium fuel.\nOnce the fuel has been developed, over 100 drivers that primarily use RON 97 fuel were selected to \nperform the real-world, real driving conditions blind test\n that spans more than 30 days.\nThe drivers evaluated different RON 97 fuels and had no idea where the fuel came from.\nThe result; \nover 65% of users noticed improvements in the aspects of power and response\n. Efficiency meanwhile saw a higher mark of 73% when filled with the new Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race.\u00a0\n5. Improvements can be felt from the first fill\nIn the aforementioned blind test, participants were only given a small sample of test fuel due to the restricted movement. As such, first impressions were even more valuable. \u00a0\u00a0\nOver two-thirds of participants experienced better overall performance compared to their existing preferred RON 97 fuel. \u00a0\nTwo of us from the AutoBuzz team also tried the new Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race fuel from two different Petronas stations, and \nwe could immediately feel the said improvements\n.\nThe engine indeed felt more responsive and powerful, through a sensation of a lighter and more effortless acceleration.\nFurther to add, the engine also felt calmer during idling.\nIn conjunction with the launch of the new RON 97 fuel, Petronas is also offering a RM2 e-voucher for a minimum purchase of RM50 of the new Primax 97 with Pro-Race fuel, and a RM5 cashback voucher for new\u00a0\nSetel\n\u00a0users. More information can be found\u00a0\nhere\n."
"The \nBYD Dolphin\n has finally made its launch in Malaysia as BYD\u2019s first EV hatchback in the country. Offered in two variants \u2013 the Dynamic Standard range and Premium Extended range, prices start from \nRM100,530\n (OTR, without insurance).\nBYD Dolphin Dynamic Standard Range \u2013 \nRM100,530\nBYD Dolphin Premium Extended Range \u2013 \nRM125,530\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com \nby Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.\nThe BYD Dolphin is the first model to sit on the brand\u2019s E-platform 3.0 and measures 4,290 mm long, 1,570 mm tall, and 1,770 mm wide, and is underpinned by a 2,700 mm long wheelbase. This makes the Dolphin slightly larger than the \nPerodua Myvi\n, \nProton Iriz\n, and \nToyota Yaris\n, and about the same size as the \nHonda City Hatchback\n. But as expected, the \nOra Good Cat\n EV is still larger than the BYD Dolphin.\nOutside, the BYD Dolphin is fitted with LED headlights and tail lights as standard. The Standard Range gets 16-inch alloys, while the Extended Range gets 17-inch wheels, alongside dual-tone exterior colour options.\nThese are features that come standard with the BYD Dolphin Standard Range in Malaysia:\nLED headlights\nHigh Beam Assist (HMA)\nLED daytime running lights (DRLs)\nLED tail lights\n16-inch alloy wheels\nUrban Grey, Sand White exterior colour options\nStepping up to the Extended Range, you get:\n17-inch alloy wheels\nAtlantis Grey/Delan Black, Surf Blue/Urban Grey, Ski White/Urban Grey dual-tone exterior colour options\nRELATED: \nBYD supersedes Tesla in sales, becomes best-selling EV brand in Singapore\nPowering both the BYD Dolphin Standard and Extended Range variants in Malaysia is a front-mounted electric motor, paired with \nBYD\u2019s\n in-house developed Blade Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery. Both variants of the Chinese EV hatchback support \n7 kW\n of AC charging.\nAs for DC charging, the Standard Range supports up to \n60 kW\n of charging, while the Extended Range supports up to \n80 kW\n of DC charging. The vehicle-to-load (V2L) power supply functionality is available across the range as well.\nDetails of the BYD Dolphin\u2019s electric drive system and handling-related specifications would be as such:\nDrivetrain: Single motor front wheel drive\nTotal power output: \n94 hp\n (Standard Range) / \n201 hp\n (Extended Range)\nTotal torque: \n180 Nm\n (Standard Range) / \n310 Nm\n (Extended Range)\n0-100 km/h: \n12.3\n seconds (Standard Range) / \n7.0 seconds\n (Extended Range)\nBattery: \n44.9 kWh\n (Standard Range) / \n60.48 kWh\n (Extended Range)\nRange (WLTP): \n340 km\n (Standard Range) / \n427 km\n (Extended Range)\nAC charging: \n7 kW\nDC charging: \n60 kW\n (Standard Range) / \n80 kW\n (Extended Range)\nFront suspension: Independent Macpherson struts\nRear suspension: Semi-independent torsion beam (Standard Range) / Multi-link independent (Extended Range)\nFront braking system: Ventilated disc\nRear braking system: Solid disc\nInside the Malaysian-spec BYD Dolphin, you get different dual-tone interior combinations depending on the exterior colours you choose. Both variants of the BYD Dolphin get the 5-inch instrument display, as well as the 12.8-inch rotating infotainment display with wired Apple CarPlay support.\nA portable card key is provided as standard too. However, only the top-spec Extended Range gets premium features like the panoramic glass roof and ventilated front seats.\nRELATED: \nSime Darby Motors appoints 14 new BYD dealers across Malaysia\nList of equipment available with the interior of the Malaysian-spec BYD Dolphin Standard Range includes:\nGrey/Black or Brown/Black two-tone interior\nLeatherette upholstery\nManual front seats\n5-inch instrument display\n12.8-inch rotating infotainment display\nWired Apple CarPlay support\nVoice assistant\nElectronic parking brake (EPB)\nKeyless entry and keyless start\nPortable card key\nDriver window with one touch-up-down function\n6-speaker sound system\n2 USB Type-A + 2 USB Type-C ports\n345-litre boot space (858 litres with rear seats folded down)\nPM2.5 air-filtration system\nThe higher-end Extended Range gets you these features:\nGrey/Black or Blue/Black two-tone interior\nVentilated front seats\nPowered front seats\nWireless phone charger\nAll four door windows with one touch-up-down function\nPanoramic glass roof\nThe BYD Dolphin is fully equipped with advanced safety features as standard. This includes:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nAutomatic Emergency Braking (AEB)\nIntelligent power brake system\nPredictive Collision Warning (PCW)\nRear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)\nRear Cross Traffic Brake\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nLane Departure Prevention (LDP)\nEmergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKA)\nLane Keeping Support (LKS)\nLane Change Collision Warning (LCW)\n360-degree camera system\nBlind Spot Detection (BSD)\nDoor opening warning (DOW)\nTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)\nSingle-stage front seatbelt pre-tensioner\nHowever, the dual-stage front seatbelt pre-tensioner feature is only available on the top-spec Extended Range variant of the BYD Dolphin.\nTo recap, the 2023 BYD Dolphin has just been launched in Malaysia as BYD\u2019s first EV hatchback in the country. Offered in two variants, prices start from \nRM100,530\n on-the-road, inclusive of insurance. Deliveries for the Dolphin will start in August this year, and the company has hinted that the BYD Seal will be coming to Malaysia \u201cvery soon\u201d as well.\nIncluded with the Dolphin\u2019s price is a standard \n6-year/150,000 km\n vehicle warranty, an \n8-year/160,000 km\n high-voltage battery warranty, and an \n8-year/150,000 km\n drive unit warranty. There is also a \n3-year/60,000 km\n warranty for components such as the multimedia system, shock absorber, wheel bearing, AC/DC charging port assembly, bushing, gasket, USB charging port assembly, the PM2.5 measuring instrument, as well as dust cover. Another \n4-year/100,000 km\n warranty covers the vehicle\u2019s lights, tyre pressure monitoring module, suspension, and ball joint.\nThe BYD Dolphin in Malaysia comes with a number of service packages too. First up are the Standard packages, which cover the reducer oil service, air conditioning filter service, brake fluid service, drive motor coolant service, and air conditioning refrigerant service. The available Standard service packages are as follows:\n3-year/60,000 km\n (\nRM1,688\n)\n6-year/120,000 km\n (\nRM3,888\n)\n8-year/160,000 km\n (\nRM4,888\n)\nBYD Malaysia is also offering the Plus service packages, which additionally cover windshield washer fluid replacement, front and rear wiper blade replacement, remote control battery replacement, 12V battery replacement, front and rear brake pads replacement, as well as front and rear brake disc replacement. The available Plus service packages are as follows:\n6-year/120,000 km\n (\nRM7,888\n)\n8-year/160,000 km\n (\nRM12,888\n)\nRELATED: \nBYD overtakes Volkswagen as No. 1 brand in China \u2013 440k cars sold in Q1 2023\nGALLERY"
"The kidney grille is arguably BMW\u2019s most defining styling feature that stems all the way back from the 1930s. However, the identifying feature on recent BMW models have been, well, controversial to say the least.\u00a0\nDespite the flak that the grilles have been receiving on the internet, the German marque still claims that they have received \u201cvery positive\u201d feedback to the stark change in design language, according to BMW Product Chief Peter Henrich in an interview with \nAutocar.\nThe kidney grilles on the \nBMW Concept 4\nHenrich believes that the bold styling direction under design director Adrian van Hooydonk was the right way to go, and that customer data backs the claim as well.\u00a0\n\u201cThis is crucial for success,\u201d said Henrich. \u201cBMW customers are demanding. They want to express something and are not afraid of vehicles with strong characters. So we have decided to focus even more on strong characters and bold design.\u201d\nWhen BMW first unveiled the new\n X7 seven-seater SUV\n, it was the massive grilles in front that drew the most attention, especially online. However, Henrich claims that actual customers \u201cnever reacted like that\u201d and the car was received well. \u201cIt\u2019s sold out for a very long period and people love it.\u201d\nFortunately for some, Henrich says that there are still going to be BMW cars with a more conservative design, so to speak.\u00a0\n\u201cEach car has its own positioning,\u201d says Henrich. \u201cIn the early stages of development, we sit down \u2013 product, design and engineering \u2013 and define the character and the positioning. This is then the base for the design and engineering team. Some cars are more extroverted, more bold than others as they have different messages to transmit.\n\u201cThe customer is looking for a different type of a car with a \n3 Series\n to a \nZ4 \nor \nX6\n,\u201d he added.\u00a0\n \nIf you\u2019re one of those angry keyboard warriors online, Henrich has this to say to you: \u201cThere are always people specifically looking for something critical and afraid of something new. But we are very self-confident and will continue.\u201d\nAs confident as they may be though, BMW seems to be backtracking a little on their more out-there design, specifically on the \nVision iNext Concept\n. The large conjoined grille on the electric SUV concept car has been abandoned following feedback, according to design chief Domagoj Dukec.\u00a0\nThe kidneys were initially connected due to requirements of sensor placement, but BMW decided that \u201cit wasn\u2019t considered to be a BMW kidney grille any more.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThe grille is critical, so the iNext, the i4 and the iX3 will get separated kidneys \u2013 we spent the money to have sensors that can see through the chrome,\u201d says Dukec."
"MINI, together with German X-raid Team has just revealed its competing vehicles for the 2018 Dakar Rally, the MINI John Cooper Works Rally and the MINI John Cooper Works Buggy. Both vehicles will take on the most demanding long-distance rally in the world which will take place in South America next year.\nMINI and X-raid will participate seven cars \u2013 three JCW Buggies and four JCW Rally, with hopes to snatch the championship title. \u201cWith these two cars we have the most powerful MINI family that ever raced at the Dakar Rally\u201d, said Senior Vice President of MINI, Sebastian Mackensen, at the presentation in Paris.\nBoth the JCW Rally and JCW Buggy are powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel that develops\n 340 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels on the JCW Rally while the JCW Buggy is strictly rear-wheel drive.\nDon\u2019t shun the Buggy\u2019s hilarious design because engineers have utilised specially designed tubular steel frame shrouded in \ncarbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)\n and Kevlar body provides maximum protection for driver and passenger in extreme situations. Its exterior design has also aerodynamically optimised by MINI Design.\nThe 2018 Dakar Rally will be the event\u2019s 40\nth\n instalment and will take place in South America, taking participants from Peru to Argentina via Bolivia. The 2018 Dakar Rally incorporates extended desert stages as well as rocks and boulder fields as well as asphalt tracks which take the cars up to an altitude of 4000 meters in the Andes \u2013 the longest mountain chain on Earth.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has officially unveiled the BMW M2 Competition in full after details of the baby M car was \nleaked onto the internet\n. As per the leaked brochure, the M2 Competition gets a new 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six engine, more M-specific design cues as well as track focused options to go along with it.\nThe M2 Competition is now powered by an \nS55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line six engine\n\u00a0(\nstandard M2s\n get the N55 block), extracted from the M3 and M4 but detuned for\u00a0\n410 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque in this application. Enthusiasts can rejoice as the hot coupe comes with a \nsix-speed manual\n (now with new carbon fibre clutch lining) as standard while a seven-speed M DCT can be had as an option.\nRow through the gears yourself and you\u2019ll sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.4 seconds\n while the self-shifting DCT is quicker by 0.2 seconds. Top speed is capped at 250 km/h, opt for the \nM Driver Package\n and the limiter is raised to \n280 km/h\n.\nThe chassis has also been beefed up to better match the new powertrain, sporting a new carbon fibre high-precision strut and bulkhead strut taken from the M4 to \nincrease front-end rigidity\n and improve steering precision. The electronic power steering has also been recalibrated to give a more accurate steering.\nA new dual exhaust system with\n electronically-controlled flaps\n give the M2 Competition a distinct aural note according to the drive mode selected. Its DSC system has also been tweaked to give the driver more delicate control when driving on the limit as well as in adverse conditions.\nVisually, the M2 Competition now comes with a more purposeful body kit with larger kidney grilles, a modified air intake, M Wing mirror caps and a rear diffuser that houses the quad-tailpipes to optimise the airflow of the car, giving better aerodynamics and cooling function. Two new paint colours are available for the first time on the M2 \u2013 Sunset Orange and Hockenheim Silver.   For the track-frequenter, be sure to opt for the new \nM Sport brakes\n measuring 400 mm in diameter on the front axle and 380 mm at the rear for greater stopping power and fade resistance. The high-performance brakes can be differentiated by its Grey painted callipers. The optional 19-inch Y-Spoke forged alloy wheels would be a great complement to the beefier brakes.\nStepping inside and the driver is greeted with an M2 Competition sill plate, optional bucket-style M Sport seats with illuminated M2 logo on the backrest, BMW M Stripes on the safety belt, red start/stop button, M leather steering wheel with M1/M2 buttons and redesigned instrument cluster.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)\n announced today that the price of the \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life\n will be adjusted to \nRM160,590.68\n (OTR without insurance). It is now RM 13,000 cheaper than the RM173,590 price tag upon introduction in Malaysia\n.\n The new price is \nimmediately effective\n and is applicable for deliveries from January 2023 onwards.\nSpecs-wise, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life remains unchanged, still offering the same 1.4-litre TSI engine that makes \n150 hp\n (metric) and \n250 Nm\n. The same 6-speed DSG transmission is also in use. Like before, the Tiguan Allspace Life is the most basic variant of the \nTiguan Allspace\n.\nOn the outside, the Tiguan Allspace Life is offered in five colour options, namely Atlantic Blue, Oryx White, Pyrite Silver, Platinum Grey, and Deep Black. The \u2018Frankfurt Alloy Wheels\u2019 are 18 inches in size and are wrapped in 235/55R18 tyres.\nAt the front, the Tiguan Allspace Life gets a set of full LED headlights with cornering function and all-weather lights. It also has LED daytime running lights and the front grille gets a lighted illuminated strip.\nInside the Tiguan Allspace Life gets \u2018Life\u2019 fabric upholstery, 3-zone electronic climate control, and a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The instrument cluster is also of the digital kind. The dashboard and front door trim panels are decorated with Horizon Black inserts.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 \u2013 520km range EV SUV\nSafety-wise, the Tiguan Allspace Life comes with Lane Assist with a lane keeping system, a rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure load indicator, brake auto hold function, cruise control and speed limiter, driver alert system, and 6 airbags. It still doesn\u2019t come equipped with a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).\nAlso unchanged is the warranty and free maintenance package of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life. Included in the new \nRM160,590.68 \nprice tag (OTR without insurance) is a 3-year free maintenance package, a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, and a 5-year roadside assistance package.\nRELATED: \nNew Volkswagen Setia Alam 4S centre opens, offers free 20-point inspection"
"Porsche has just released the production model of their most high-performance Cayenne model called the Cayenne Turbo GT.\nIn the build-up to the official unveiling today, Porsche\u2019s test drivers provided \nhighly positive feedback\n regarding the higher performance threshold (steering, precision and acceleration) of this new Cayenne Turbo coupe model.\nThe new Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, only exclusively available as a four-seater coupe bodystyle, comes with heavy revisions to the powertrain and chassis. Think of it as the Turbo S version of the Cayenne model.\nUnder the bonnet is the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, now producing \n640 hp\n and a monstrous \n850 Nm\n of torque. The figures represent a 90 hp and 80 Nm increase over the \n\u2018regular\u2019 Cayenne Turbo Coupe\n. Porsche have upgraded the crankshaft, pistons, con-rods, turbochargers, fuel delivery, induction and intercooler systems to achieve better response and power delivery of the V8 engine.\nPlenty of glorious V8 soundtrack can be heard thanks to a lightweight titanium sports exhaust system that \ndeletes the centre silencer\n. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe transmission meanwhile maintains the same 8-speed automatic but massaged to shift even faster, allowing the big SUV to shave 0.6 seconds of the century benchmark sprint time to register just \n3.3 seconds\n. Top speed of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is 300 km/h, an increase of 14 km/h versus the non GT.\nStudents get to choose a Porsche Cayenne for driving lessons in this centre. Find out where here!\nCompared to the Cayenne Turbo Coupe, the Turbo GT rides up to 17 mm lower. Based on this, both the passive chassis components and active control systems have been re-engineered and optimised for handling and performance, allowing Porsche\u2019s test driver Lars Kern to register \na record lap time\n at the \nNurburgring Nordschleife\n.\nAmong the systems upgraded are the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system (electronically-controlled LSD), rear-axle steering, active roll stabilisation (PDCC) and 15% stronger chambers in air suspension.\nSuspension geometry sees a negative-camber setting of 0.45 degrees and paired with wider 22-inch wheels and 285/35-section front tyres to ensure maximum contact patch from the specially-developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.\nBraking duties are performed by the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, with the front disc brakes measuring 440 mm in diameter and grabbed by 10-piston calipers. \u00a0\nOn the outside, the new Cayenne Turbo GT features a model-exclusive front bumper with spoiler lip and enlarged cooling intakes. Black wheel arch extensions and special GT Design wheels in Neodyme finishing dominate its side view.\nThe new Cayenne Turbo GT also features a standard-fitted carbon-fibre roof panel that leads air to the larger roof spoiler and an automatic extending rear spoiler lip that is 25 mm larger than that fitted to the Turbo model. This increased downforce by up to 40 kg.\nThe Porsche Cayenne just got even better with Premium Package upgrade, more here.\nInside, only two sport seats are fitted to the back row with all seats receiving exclusive Turbo GT stitching on the headrest. In this example, the tachometer and seat stitching as well as seatbelts are all finished in Neodyme highlights. Turbo GT emblems are also found on the lower console and doorsill decorative trim pieces.\nThe Cayenne Turbo GT is also the first model to feature the \nnext-generation Porsche Communication Management\n (PCM) with a new interface, better performance and smartphone integration.\nThe new Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is available to order now and will roll into dealerships in mid-September 2021. Prices in Germany start from \nEUR196,078\n (RM910,300), over EUR25,000 dearer than a Cayenne Turbo coupe with the fancy electronic chassis control systems and ceramic brakes.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has just announced that as of 29 June 2017, the company has completed 80.2 percent replacements for Takata driver front airbag inflators and 55.9 percent for Takata passenger front airbag inflators. Stock availability for both inflators are currently at 100 percent.\nHonda Malaysia is committed to ensure the safety of Honda owners by adding replacement activities at selected shopping malls nationwide every weekend this month (July 2017). There are also mobile hubs doing the same rectification process as those carried out at all authorised Honda service centres. Full list of mobile service hubs can be found \nhere\n.\nHonda Malaysia has urged affected owners to replace the defective units as soon as possible because the faulty airbag module, when deployed, will send metal shards into the occupants and cause even more harm. In some cases, even death! We have detailed in full on \nwhy you should get your faulty airbags replaced\n.\nWith parts availability at 100 percent and service hubs scattered at nearly every corner of the country, hurry on and get your faulty killer airbags replaced this instant!"
"The Mitsubishi Motors Heritage auction recently concluded and unsurprisingly, one of the company\u2019s most prized possession fetched the highest bid.\nA \nMitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi M\u00e4kinen Edition\n from the company\u2019s heritage fleet fetched the \nfinal bid of \u00a3100,100\n (approx. RM583,720) \u2013 making it the most expensive Lancer Evolution ever.\nThe low-mileage car even comes with the autograph of 4-time World Rally Champion Tommi M\u00e4kinen, whose wins were all in the \nLancer Evolution\n.\nThe new world record for the most expensive Lancer Evolution sold at an auction beats the \nprevious record of \u00a399,000\n (approx. RM577,144) for a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX in the US.\nThe Lancer Evolution was \none of 15 vehicles\n from the heritage fleet sold at the auction. Here are the final bids of the other Lancer Evolutions:\nMitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360 by HKS \u2013 \u00a368,900\nMitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Group N Works Rally Car \u2013 \u00a361,700\nMitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR (No.40 of 40) \u2013 \u00a358,100\nEvo IX MR FQ-360 by HKS\nEvo IX Group N Works Rally Car\nLancer Evo X FQ-440 MR\nThe four Lancer Evolutions contributed \n60% of the total amount generated\n from the auction. With a \ntotal of \u00a3479,500\n from the sale of the 15 heritage vehicles, the Tommi M\u00e4kinen Edition alone contributed 1/5 to the final amount.\nThese are rest of the heritage fleet and their final bids:\nMitsubishi L200 Desert Warrior \u2013 \u00a330,100\nMitsubishi 3000GT \u2013 \u00a324,500\nMitsubishi Jeep J27 \u2013 \u00a320,600\nMitsubishi Starion \u2013 \u00a321,100\nStarion\n3000GT\nMitsubishi Shogun Mk1 \u2013 \u00a316,000\nMitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2015) \u2013 \u00a316,000\nMitsubishi Colt Lancer 1.4 Mk1 2-Door (The first Mitsubishi registered in the UK) \u2013 \u00a315,000\n1917 Model A (replica of first-ever vehicle made by Mitsubishi) \u2013 \u00a313,700\nShogun Mk1\nShogun V6 SWB\nMitsubishi Galant GLSi rally replica \u2013 \u00a312,500\nMitsubishi Colt Galant 2000 GLII \u2013 \u00a311,600\nMk2 Shogun V6 SWB \u00a39,600 \nMitsubishi Motors UK, Operations Director, Paul Bridgen said, \u201cThese vehicles each have a unique story to tell and they have been cherished and cared for from the day we acquired them.\n1917 Model A\n \u2013 The first vehicle made by Mitsubishi (replica)\n\u201cI have overseen the development of some of these vehicles personally so it is difficult to say goodbye to them but the values they have achieved assures me that they will all go to enthusiastic new owners who understand the provenance and importance of these cars and who will cherish them and preserve them for future generations,\u201d he added.\nGALLERY\nShogun Mk1\nL200 Desert Warrior\nLancer Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition\nColt Lancer 1.4 Mk1 2-Door\n1917 Model A\nStarion\n3000GT\nJeep J27\nColt Galant 2000 GLII\nMk2 Shogun V6 SWB\nOutlander PHEV\nGalant GLSi rally replica\nLncer Evo IX Group N Works Rally Car\nLancer Evo IX MR FQ-360 by HKS\nLancer Evo X FQ-440 MR"
"As reported \nearlier\n, Mazda Motor Corporation will be introducing its first new-generation model\u00a0crossover SUV for its home-market available in six or seven-seater configuration.\nToday, the company has revealed its first official\u00a0exterior photo of the CX-8, which will serve as the flagship of the brand\u2019s line-up in Japan.\nBased on this single side profile image, the CX-8 appears to feature similar styling cues as the \nCX-9\n but if we were to be honest, it is very difficult to tell this apart from the CX-9. However, the designers expressed that they have further refined the KODO-Soul of Motion\u00a0design theme to create an edgy and timeless\u00a0look that will continue to excite customers for many years to come.\nMazda suggests that \u201cadults can sit comfortably in the third row\u201d of the CX-8 and since it shares the same \n2,930 mm wheelbase\n as the CX-9, we can expect \nsimilar, if not better third row comfort\n. Great attention to detail\u00a0has been paid to create a more upmarket cabin\u00a0with what seems like a dedicated arm rest console with storage compartments and cup holders much like the ones you\u2019d find in a BMW 7-series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class.\nFocus will also be concentrated on creating a look of class and quality, alongside careful consideration of colours and materials befitting\u00a0a flagship SUV.\nPowered by Mazda\u2019s new-generation 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D\u00a0clean diesel engine which will be mated to a\u00a0SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, the new CX-8 will go on sale in Japan by end-2017."
"The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta needs no introduction \u2013 a Ferrari GT with a massive 6.3-litre V12 engine with the looks to match. But what you might not know is that the \nF12\n comes from a rich line of heritage, from the Ferrari 250 to the 599 GTB and everything in between.\nFerrari\u2019s GT has always been an important member of the Ferrari family, making it a desired collectable among Ferrari enthusiast. At times, Ferrari would throw in some limited-edition variants that would let collectors drool, and they also hold better residual values over regular Ferraris. This time, two extremely rare, limited edition, low-mileage, open-top Ferrari GT has surfaced in London.   Hexagon Classics is a classic car dealer based in London focusing on rare collectibles. \nTheir inventory\n is nothing short of eye-opening. Recently added to their amazing collection is a \n2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina\n. The 448-limited run roadster of the 550 Maranello features a \n5.5-litre V12\n that pushes \n485 hp\n. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive comes with a delicious six-speed gated manual.\u00a0To drive home this rare soft top Ferrari finished in \nGiallo Fly\n\u00a0yellow, you would have to part a good\u00a0\n\u00a3395,000\n (approximately RM2 million at the time of posting).\nFollowing the Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, Hexagon also has its successor on offer \u2013 a\n 2005 575M Superamerica\n. Powered by a more potent \n5.7-litre V12\n, the \n515 hp\n\u00a0motor is mated to an F1 paddleshift gearbox. This specification comes with a highly innovative roof that rotates 180-degrees backwards to sit flushed with the boot lid in just 10 seconds. To really wrap your head around this innovation, you have to \nsee it\n for yourself. With an asking price of \n\u00a3379,995\n (approximately RM1.9 mil), this limited run model of 559 units, finished in \nGrigio Silverstone Metallic\n should be a worthy addition to your collection.   On paper and pictures, these two left-hand drive examples appear to be a real steal as they have only done \n1,625 miles\n (approximately 2,615 km) and \n1,380 miles\n (approximately 2,220 km) on the clock, respectively. The 550 even comes with the original hand book and spare keys. Sounds good as new to me!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a quiet 2018, the Audi brand is back with\na bang. Simultaneously launching three new models \u2013 Q2, Q5 and Q8 to the Malaysian\nmarket. The new Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI is now the most affordable car in Audi\u2019s 2019\nmodel range priced at RM219,900, on-the-road without insurance.\nWhile the Q2 is new to Malaysian roads, the baby SUV actually made its global debut back in 2016 Geneva International Motor Show. Hey, better late than never eh?\n \nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nAudi Q2 1.4 TFSI \n Engine\n 1,395cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\n Transmission\n 7-speed S Tronic dual clutch\n Max Power\n 150 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n Max Torque\n 250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n 8.5 seconds; 212 km/h\n Price (OTR without insurance)\n RM219,900\nVisually, the Q2 is unmistakeably from the \u201cQ\u201d\nfamily with Singleframe grille, sleek LED headlamps with LED daytime running\nlights, LED combination taillamps with dynamic turn signal, 17-inch 5-arm star\nstyle alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 profile rubbers.\nThe Q2 sports an edgier look with silver\nbits around the front lower bumpers, C-pillars and rear lower apron.\nDespite not equipped with the S-Line trim,\nthe cabin of the local spec Q2 is still have plenty of sporty touches such as leather\n& leatherette combination Sport Seats and Red Anodized painted inlays.\nOther amenities include multifunctional steering wheel, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual\nCockpit, MMI navigation plus with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-speaker Audi\nSound System, electronic parking brake, keyless entry and start and automatic\nclimate control.\nInterestingly, you don\u2019t get paddle\nshifters, rear air vents nor powered tailgate in the Q2.\nUnder the hood you\u2019ll find a 1.4-litre\nturbocharged four-cylinder TFSI engine packing 150 hp and 250 Nm of twist. The\nengine is mated to a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission to drive the\nfront wheels. Century sprint is done in 8.5 seconds and the Q2 1.4 TFSI will\ncontinue to accelerate to 212 km/h.\nSafety kit is modest, with six airbags,\nElectronic Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and ISOFIX mounting\npoints.\nAudi offers the Q2 in six exterior shades \u2013\nTango Red, Ara Blue, Vegas Yellow, Glacier White, Coral Orange or in an Audi\nExclusive shade of Green. Every purchase of the Audi Q2 comes with a 5-Years Unlimited\nMileage Warranty.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nAudi\u00a0Q2\u00a01.4\u00a0TFSI Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"If the \nBMW XM\n in its standard form wasn\u2019t extroverted enough for you, BMW has just unveiled the BMX4W XM Label Red, a souped-up version of the XM. Set to make its world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2023, production of the BMW XM Label Red will begin in August 2023 at BMW Group\u2019s Spartanburg plant in the USA.\nOn the outside, the BMX XM Label Red, as its name suggests, gets Toronto Red Metallic accents on the kidney grille, shoulder line, and window trims. Those who would like something different could opt for black accents instead. Standard on the XM Label red is a set of 21-inch light-alloy wheels.\nColour options for the XM Label red consist of 1 solid colour and 8 metallic colours. Customers can also choose from more than 50 BMW Individual special paint finishes. Part of the 50 colours are the new BMW Individual Urban Green, BMW Individual Petrol Mica metallic, BMW Individual Anglesey Green metallic and BMW Individual Sepia metallic.\nUpon its launch, there will be a 500-unit limited edition variant of the BMW XM Label Red. These 500 units will be finished in the BMW Individual Frozen carbon metallic body colour and matched with the Toronto Red metallic accents.\nALSO WATCH: \nThe RM1.4m BMW XM tested in Arizona, 4.4L V8 PHEV super SUV\nPowering the BMW XM is an M Hybrid system which consists of a V8 twin-turbo engine and an electric drive system. The engine itself makes 585 hp at 5,600 rpm and 750 Nm of peak torque. The engine itself is also more powerful than the standard XM. The electric motor, on the other hand, produces 197 hp and 280 Nm. Combined, the M Hybrid system in the BMW XM Label Red makes a total of \n748 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n.\nPower is sent to all wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, and the engine is paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. The BMW XM Label red accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.8 seconds\n, onward to an electronically limited \n250 km/h\n (\n290 km/h\n on cars with optional M Driver\u2019s Package).\nRELATED: \nBMW XM previewed in Malaysia \u2013 first-ever plug-in hybrid M car, RM1.4m\nAs a hybrid, the BMW XM houses a \n25.7-kWh\n battery that provides a pure electric range of up to \n83 km\n (WLTP). The battery can be charged at a maximum rate of \n7.4 kW\n with AC charging and this takes \n4.25\n \nhours\n to complete (0 to 100%).\nComplementing the high performance of the BMW XM is a model-specific chassis tuning and integrated transverse dynamic management. The car\u2019s sophisticated chassis technology gives it an extraordinary spread of attributes, from dynamism to long-distance comfort, and is adapted to the bespoke performance characteristics of the drive system with the precision for which BMW M models are renowned.\nStandard equipment for the BMW XM Label Red includes adaptive M suspension Professional with Active Roll Comfort, Integral Active Steering, M Sport braking system, and M Sport differential.\nInside, the BMW XM Label Red gets M multifunction seats, knee pads, M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display and the standard-fitted BMW head-up display, an M gear selector lever, and an M-specific control panel on the centre console. The M leather steering wheel has trim elements in Black Chrome, plus M buttons and gearshift paddles with carbon inlays whose plus and minus symbols are in red."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n today unveiled a new entry-level variant for the \nTiguan Allspace\n, bringing the model offering up to three variants. Dubbed the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life, the new locally-assembled base-spec seven-seater SUV will go on sale here in Malaysia at \nRM172,990\n without insurance, and before relevant transaction fees and road tax.\nDespite being the new entry-level variant, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life in Malaysia still comes fairly well-equipped in terms of equipment. In fact, its exterior is nearly identical to the Tiguan Allspace Elegance variant, save for the unpainted trims on the bumpers.\nThe Life is also roughly identical to the Elegance in terms of equipment, with the exterior adorned by fully LED headlights plus a light bar that extends into the grille, LED taillights (with unique lighting effects), identical 18-inch \u2018Frankfurt\u2019 wheels, \u2018Allspace\u2019 trims, roof rails, and silver-painted side mirrors.\nInside, the new Life variant features the 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, alongside a tri-zone Climatronic automatic climate control, leather multi-function sports steering wheel, and an electronic parking brake.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Elegance & R-Line facelift now in Malaysia, 5 Things\nJust like the other two variants, the Life also continues to offer seven seats on the inside, boasting flexible practicality with up to 1,775 litres of \u201cclass-leading boot space\u201d when the second- and third-row seats are fully folded.\nThe new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life is powered by the same 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged inline-four engine found in the Elegance, which offers a maximum of\n 150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, and the combination translates to a fuel consumption rating of approximately 7.7 l/100 km, according to the company.\nSafety wise, the Allspace Life is again equipped similarly to the two other Allspace variants, with features including six airbags, multi-collision brake, lane keeping assist, and a driver alert function, although autonomous emergency braking still continues to be omitted on Volkswagen cars here in Malaysia.\nThe Volkswagen Allspace 1.4 TSI Life is priced at \nRM172,990\n (without insurance, road tax, and relevant transaction fees), making it RM7,600 cheaper than the Elegance (RM180,590). Included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, three years of free maintenance, as well as five years of roadside assistance.\nOrder books are now open at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide, with test drive arrangements also available. Five exterior colours are available for the Allspace Life, including Atlantic Blue, Platinum Grey and Pyrite Silver metallics, alongside Deep Black and Oryx White in pearl-effect finishes."
"In light of the departure of Masayuki Suzuki, former Chief Operating Officer of\u00a0Isuzu\u00a0Malaysia, back to Japan at the end of last month to resume a new role there, the position is now assumed by Kenkichi Sogo.\nKenkichi Sogo, 43, is no stranger to the Malaysian market. Before assuming the new position, he spent the last four years in the General Manager position, overseeing light commercial vehicle and parts operations. In total, Sogo has been with Isuzu for seven years.\nRight away, the new COO\u2019s first order of business is to prioritise the health safety of Isuzu\u2019s employees and customers as the National Recovery Plan kicks in.\n\u201cThe all-new Isuzu D-Max has created significant interests and witnessed a surge in vehicle bookings over the past three months resulting in Isuzu claiming a consecutive No.2 spot in the sales charts. However, the constant threat of infections necessitates the enforcement of various safety measures even as government restrictions begin to ease,\u201d said Sogo.\nDemand for the all-new Isuzu D-Max increased by 140% in Malaysia compared to its predecessor! Read about it here!\n\u201cThe launch of our latest Isuzu D-Max model during the pandemic required a paradigm shift in the way we presented our new models to prospective customers. As restrictions become more lenient, we need to vigilantly evolve yet remain relevant to the situation,\u201d Sogo added.\nOld vs New: A detailed look at the changes in the all-new Isuzu D-Max. Find out in detail here!\nSogo also hopes all our customers will remain patient and compliant to the set procedures to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all.\u201d\n \nSince the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Isuzu has introduced a 360-degree Augmented Reality platform for a more immersive experience of the new D-Max without stepping into the showrooms.\nOn Isuzu\u2019s official website, interactive tools such as loan and maintenance costs calculators have also been made available. Customers can also request for test drives through Isuzu\u2019s website.\nProcedures for vehicle service and maintenance have also been reviewed with the aim of ensuring minimal backlog and ensuring a smoother and efficient flow of vehicles dropped off by customers. Customers are encouraged to make their service appointments directly with their dealers in advance to ensure their preferred time slots are available.\nPerformance Comparison: Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi Triton. Compare these three off-road kings here!"
"Mazda has just announced that the all-new Mazda 3 will be making its world premiere at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) happening from 30 November to 9 December. The Japanese carmaker also released a teaser image to go along with the announcement.\nNow entering its fourth generation, the new Mazda 3 will continue to be offered in both sedan and hatchback guise with the latter\u2019s design heavily inspired from the \nMazda Kai Concept\n that was shown earlier in the year.\nFrom the teaser image, we can tell that its Kodo Design philosophy has taken on a more sophisticated form with additional chrome lining on the upper window trims, pronounced C-Pillar as well as sharper taillamps. Expect the new Mazda 3 to feature styling cues from the new CX-5 and facelifted Mazda 6 especially on the front nose section.\nMazda\u2019s Mazda Connect cabin architecture have received well-deserved praises in their new-generation vehicles and the new Mazda 3 is expected to carry an improved version of it \u2013 better connectivity and more intuitive to interact with.\nUnder the skin, the new Mazda 3 will sit on the next-generation SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture platform that promises heightened \nJinba Ittai\n (horse and river as one) driving engagement. Mazda promises the new platform \u201cenables people to make the most of their natural sense of balance\u201d.\nWe all know that Mazda is set to debut their new \nSkyActiv-X powertrain\n with the first ever HCCI (homogeneous charge compression engine) technology applied in a petrol engine as well as mild-hybrid technology. However, we will have to wait for LA Auto Show to go into full swing to know whether the next-generation Mazda 3 will feature any of these.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda Kai Concept"
"Hyundai has launched Ioniq, a new dedicated electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand, taking the name of its current\n Ioniq electrified liftback-like model\n. Ioniq \u2013 which is a portmanteau of \u201cion\u201d and \u201cunique\u201d \u2013 plans to unveil three separate EV models over the next for years.\nThe new Ioniq models will be numerically named, with the even numbers used for sedans, and odd numbers for SUVs. The first model to be introduced under the Ioniq brand will be the Ioniq 5 in \u201cearly 2021\u201d, a midsized crossover based on the Hyundai 45 Concept first shown-off at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show.\nThe Ioniq 6 electric sedan, which will be based on the \nProphecy concept vehicle\n, will be introduced in 2022. It is then followed by the Ioniq 7 full-size SUV in 2024.\nWhile the final design of all three models are of course still under wraps, Hyundai has said that each of the Ioniq models will feature an \u201caerodynamic silhouette of perfect proportions\u201d, and will all feature the distinctive parametric pixels LED headlights \u2013 seen on the 45 and \nProphecy concept\n \u2013 as a unique design element for the EV brand.\nThe Ioniq EVs will sit on the brand\u2019s all-new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which will enable fast charging capabilities and extended driving range on the new electric cars.\nHyundai Prophecy\n concept\nThe new dedicated EV platform will also allow Hyundai to focus on space in the interior, thanks to the flat skateboard floor. Modelled after \u201csmart living spaces\u201d, Hyundai says that the Ioniq models will have highly-adjustable seats, wireless connectivity, and simple and intuitive user interfaces, in line with Hyundai\u2019s vision of \u2018Progress for Humanity.\nBy 2025, the company aims to become the world\u2019s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles, increasing it\u2019s annual Battery-EV sales to 560,000 units. The Hyundai Motor Group as a whole aims to sell 1 million units of BEVs annually by 2025, which should represent a 10% market share to become a leader in the global EV field."
"For those of you who sneer at the 455 hp SL 500, Mercedes-AMG is offering at least 585 hp and up to 1000 Nm of torque on the updated R231 SL. The AMG-tuned SL comes in two biturbo flavours \u2013 the V8 in the SL 63 and the V12 in the SL 65. Who\u2019s laughing now?\nThe revised styling is shared with the regular SL, but AMG drops subtle hints that these are not just any other garden-variety SL. The diamond grille has been swapped for a less complex mesh and twin slats cutting through the huge three-pointed star in the middle, while the \nA-wing\n in the front bumper and the slashes on the side skirts can be had in either chrome or the optional carbon fibre finish.\nStaggered \n19-inch wheels\n are fitted on both AMG SL, but on the SL 65 the rear wheels are an inch up. Naturally, the back of the AMG SL is furnished with \nquad tailpipes\n, and there\u2019s also a subtle \nspoiler\n at the edge of the boot lid.\nThe luxurious cabin is enhanced by huggier \nsports seats\n, \nperformance steering wheel\n, an \nIWC analogue clock\n that sits atop of the dash, and \ncarbon fibre trim\n. Keen eyes will spot that the gearlever is also different on the AMG, and it\u2019s accompanied by the \nAMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode knob\n where the driver can choose from Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual, and \nRACE mode\n.   The driving mode alters throttle response, gearbox and suspension settings, as well as engine sound. \nActive Body Control\n (ABC) is standard fitment on both AMG models, but they are setup more aggressively and features a \nmore negative camber\n all-round. On top of that, both AMG SL models are equipped with a \nlimited slip differential\n for a greater traction when accelerating out of corners and such.\nAs mentioned, there are two models available in this 2015 Mercedes-AMG SL range \u2013 the SL 63 and the SL 65. The \n5,980 cc V12\n in the \nSL 65\n retains its power figures with \n630 hp\n and a whopping \n1,000 Nm\n of torque, while the \nSL 63\n is powered by a \n5,461 cc V8\n producing \n585 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s 20 hp more than the previous SL 63 fitted with the optional AMG Performance package.\nBoth engines are mated to a \nseven-speed gearbox\n, an \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT\n\u00a0seven-speed sports transmission on the \nSL 63\u00a0\nand an \nAMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC\n on the \nSL 65\n. From standstill, the SL 63 blitzes to the 100 km/h mark in 4.1 seconds. The SL 65 is 0.1 seconds quicker, but both have their \ntop speed\n capped at \n250 km/h\n, although Mercedes will increase the cap to \n300 km/h\n for buyers who opt for the \nAMG Driver\u2019s package\n.   Similar to the revised non-AMG SL models, the SL 63 and the SL 65 made their debut appearance at the \n2015 Los Angeles Auto Show\n, and they will go on sale in Europe from second quarter of 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG SL 63   Mercedes-AMG SL 65"
"It may seem that every car maker is moving towards electrification, with new EV models and concepts dominating almost every auto show. Despite the market trend, there are still holdouts in the industry revolution, and it seems like boutique hypercar maker Bugatti is one of them.\nAccording to a report by \nAutocar UK\n, Bugatti President, Stephan Winkelmann said, \u201cI see the internal combustion engine as having a considerable future,\u201d and the company will continue to build cars with what he considers to be the best way of powering cars, at least for the next decade.\nThe Bugatti Chiron that became the first production car to reach 300 mph.\nHowever, he added that when the time comes for an electrified Bugatti, \u201cit will not just be for a push from the market but it will be the best in the market.\u201d\nWinkelmann\u2019s comments came at the Los Angeles auto show, after a showing of the \nBugatti Chiron\n. Despite recently setting the record for the \nfastest production car\n, Winkelmann was adamant that the brand will \u201cnot just reduced to being about top speed\u201d.\nAfter setting the record, Bugatti has announced their withdrawal from competing for the world\u2019s fastest cars. Winkelmann notes that \u201cThe Chiron has much more than that. It\u2019s acceleration, handling, a power to weight ratio, comfort, styling, beauty, and in time being a collector\u2019s item.\u201d\nOn a slightly contradictory note, \nBloomberg reported\n that Bugatti is plotting a second model line of vehicle, and it might be an electric-powered grand tourer or SUV to be priced below 1 million euros.\nAn electric \nBugatti Centodieci\n, maybe?\nIn the Bloomberg account, Winkelmann said that \u201cThe industry is changing fundamentally, and we have to address what opportunities there are to develop Bugatti as a brand going forward.\u201d However, Winkelmann also acknowledged that it will be a \u201chard fight\u201d to secure funds (from the Volkswagen group) for such a niche project.\nWill we see an electric Bugatti soon? Only time will tell."
"UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) that involves replacement of the airbag inflator in certain Toyota models sold by the company.\nThe models affected are the Toyota Vios made between May 2003 to August 2007 and September 2007 to July 2013, Toyota Corolla Altis made between July 2001 and July 2007, Toyota Camry made between June 2002 and December 2005 and the Toyota Yaris made between January 2006 and August 2007.\nThe vehicles involved were previously subjected to Takata airbag inflator recalls and were repaired between 2014 and 2019 where some were replaced with non-desiccated airbag inflators. Those airbags will be replaced with further improved airbag inflator components.\nAs the safety of its customers are top priority, the company will notify all affected vehicle owners officially and immediately to notify them to the perform the special service at no charge.\nFor further information, owners of affected cars can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).\u00a0Toyota owners can also check if their vehicle is affected \nhere\n."
"With stricter safety standards, most modern cars today come with thick A-pillars. While it may be integral to a stiffer body and perhaps even help you survive a roll with thick pillars supporting the roof, it can be a real pain in our rear end to see out off. I\u2019m sure the more observant Perodua Myvi owners can relate to this.\nToyota is looking to address this problem by making the A-pillar appear invisible through complex system of mirrors to improve the driver\u2019s line of sight through the A-pillars. Basically \nthe patent\n, which was only just published despite being filed in 2016, explains that a series of carefully-placed mirrors will reflect what\u2019s on the outside of the vehicle, to appear inside \u2013 making it seem like the A-pillar is invisible.\nImagine this concept, as found on the Volvo C30 Hatchback Concept but with mirrors to reflect what\u2019s on the outside to the inside of the A-Pillar.\nThis rather ingenious solution, regardless of the complex execution, could be the way forward if Toyota can get around it and put it into production as it would eliminate the need to attach a camera on the outside of the A-pillar and reflect it onto a screen on the inside.\nAs cool as this mechanism sounds, whether or not it will even be shown on a prototype remains to be seen but Toyota\u2019s patent to isn\u2019t the first in an attempt to eliminate the pesky, obstructive, thick A-pillars. More recently, Jaguar Land Rover presented the concept of using video cameras for detection of pedestrians hidden from the driver\u2019s line of sight by the A-pillars and projecting them on a live display making it seem like the driver is seeing through the A-pillars."
"Alongside the \nMINI John Cooper Works GP\n, MINI Malaysia also launched the first ever, \nall-electric MINI Cooper SE\n yesterday, priced at an attractive RM218,381 on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of the Sales Tax Exemption.\nWith the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the all-electric MINI will only cost \nRM 2,421.00 per month\n to own on estimates of 80% loan on a 5-year tenure. The electric MINI is accompanied with a 4-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty and an 8-year or 100,000km High Voltage Battery Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.\n \nVoid of an internal combustion engine, the MINI Cooper SE is powered by an electric motor, producing 184 hp and 270 Nm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a single speed transmission, where 0 to 100 km/h will take just 7.3 seconds, onward to a top speed of 150 km/h.\nWhen driving, brake energy regeneration from decelerating the vehicle not only feeds back into the high-voltage battery but also allows for the vehicle to be driven using only a single pedal. Within just 2.5 hours, the all-electric MINI can be charged up to 80% using the MINI Wallbox Plus. As it is fully electric, the T-shaped battery pack is positioned where the conventional exhaust system would sit.\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Motors\n has inked a new distributorship deal with Chinese EV maker \nBYD\n for the Malaysia market, marking the marque\u2019s official entry into the country. The announcement comes just two weeks after it was first reported that the two companies \nhave been in talks\n for a distributorship agreement.\nFollowing the signing of the distributorship agreement, two BYD models have now been confirmed for Malaysia, namely the Atto 3 and e6, although no timeline has been announced yet.\nThe \nBYD Atto 3\n is a fully-electric crossover, with a single electric motor on the front axle making \n150 kW (201 hp) \nand \n310 Nm\n of torque. Depending on variant, the Atto 3 can be optioned with up to a 60 kWh battery pack, enough to provide up to 420 km (WLTP) of range.\nCharging is handled by the 7 kW on-board AC charger, or alternatively with a DC fast charger, which supports up to 70 kW or 80 kW of power depending on battery capacity \u2013 the latter allows for a 0-80% charge in 45 minutes.\nNow already available in Australia, the BYD Atto 3 is slated to go on sale in Thailand next month. BYD also recently announced plans for a new production facility in Thailand, with a goal to produce 150,000 vehicles per year earmarked for the right-hand drive markets within ASEAN and Europe. Production operations at the new plant is scheduled to begin in 2024.\nALSO READ: \nChina\u2019s BYD to set up RM2.2 billion EV plant in Thailand as ASEAN production hub\nThe e6 meanwhile is a fully-electric MPV, with a 71.7 kWh sending power to a front-mounted electric motor, capable of producing \n70 kW (95 hp)\n and \n180 Nm\n. The large battery pack translates to a WLTP range of 522 km, and can be recharged via an AC charger at up to 40 kW (taking 1.8 hours), or DC charger at up to 60 kW (1.5 hours).\nThe BYD e6 is also now available in Singapore, where the brand is under the guardianship of Sime Darby Motor\u2019s subsidiary, Vantage Automotive.\nRELATED: \nChina\u2019s BYD enters Australia, plans to sell 9,000 EVs per month by next year\n\u201cIn line with our commitment to encourage EV adoption amongst Malaysians, we are pleased to welcome BYD to our stable of world-class brands, enabling us to continue growing our EV pipeline of models,\u201d said Sime Darby Motors managing director, Andrew Basham.\n\u201cBYD is the world\u2019s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles and this partnership will bring BYD\u2019s expertise to the Malaysian market through a wide range of EV models. Our collaboration with BYD is one of the steps Sime Darby Motors is taking towards our aim of becoming a leader in EV. This is also aligned with the Malaysian government\u2019s push towards low carbon mobility,\u201d he added.\nMeanwhile, BYD Asia Pacific Auto sales division general manager, Liu Xueliang said, \u201cMalaysia is a key market for our expansion, as there are vast opportunities for the EV ecosystem to grow and evolve. Given its proven track record and well-established presence in the automotive sector in the Asia Pacific region, we look forward to partnering with Sime Darby Motors to serve Malaysia\u2019s growing EV demand.\u201d"
"A new Mazda car that is now locally assembled in Malaysia is the 2023 Mazda CX-30, a sleek crossover that is based on the Mazda 3. There are 4 variants of the CX-30 on offer, and this includes the base \u2018Standard\u2019 variant, the \u2018High\u2019 variant, the \u2018High +\u2019 variant, and the range-topping \u2018High+ Premium\u2019 variant. Prices start at \nRM128,109\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nMazda CX-30 High+ Premium\nMazda CX-30 Standard\nMazda CX-30 High+ Premium\nMazda CX-30 Standard\nAs for the entire range of the CX-30, the Standard variant costs \nRM128,109\n, the High variant costs \nRM136,109\n, the High+ variant costs \nRM146,109\n, while the High+ Premium costs \nRM156,109\n. Lucky for us, we\u2019ve managed to get the range-topping \u2018High+ Premium\u2019 and the base \u2018Standard\u2019 variant together, for a side-by-side photoshoot.\nIn terms of the exterior, nothing has changed much for the locally-assembled 2023 Mazda CX-30. The base \u2018Standard\u2019 variant is already equipped with LED Headlights with auto on/off function, bulb-type Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED taillights, a rear spoiler, a material-coloured radiator grille, and 16-inch wheels.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mazda CX-30 CKD launched in Malaysia, from RM128k \u2013 drops AWD and diesel variants\nMazda CX-30 High+ Premium\nMazda CX-30 Standard\n18-inch wheels\n16-inch wheels\nAs for what is lacking on the 2023 Mazda CX-30 \u2018Standard\u2019 variant\u2019s exterior, it doesn\u2019t get LED DRLs, a power tailgate, \u2018Signature Illumination\u2019 for the LED headlights & taillights, and neither does it get front and rear parking sensors. With most things taken out though, the CX-30 Standard fetches a rather attractive RM128k price tag.\nAdaptive LED headlights with signature illumination\nStandard LED headlights\nAs expected, the range-topping CX-30 High+ Premium is fully decked out and even gets a variant-exclusive power sunroof with sliding & tilt glass. The CX-30 High+ Premium, on the outside, is equipped with 18-inch wheels, LED DRLs, a black radiator grille, a power tailgate, and front and rear parking sensors.\nRELATED: \nMazda 3 gets updated \u2013 new 10.25-inch screen, remote start, new colour\nThere is only one powertrain option for the entire range of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and this is the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated inline-4 SkyActiv-G engine. The SkyActiv-G engine makes \n162 hp\n @ 6,000 rpm and \n213 Nm\n, @ 4,000 rpm. Paired with the engine is a 6-speed SkyActiv-Driive automatic transmission with Manual Shift Mode. All power is sent to the front wheels only and the CX-30 has a rated fuel consumption of \n6.4 l/100km\n.\nMazda CX-30 High+ Premium\nMazda CX-30 Standard\nMazda CX-30 High+ Premium\nMazda CX-30 High+ Premium\nHop inside the 2023 Mazda CX-30, and you get the expected Jinba Ittai treatment that the brand is known for. As standard, the CX-30 is already equipped with an engine start/stop button, multi-control steering wheel switches, and tilt & telescopic steering wheel adjustment.\nAs for screens, the standard equipment in the CX-30 is a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment display unit. Those who opt for the base \u2018Standard\u2019 variant will get fabric seats, manual air conditioning adjustment, and manually adjustable front-row seats. Standard variant customers also miss out on paddle shifters, rear air conditioning vents, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror which is only available on the \u2018High\u2019 and above variants.\nRELATED: \nNew Mazda 2 facelift debuts with EV-like grille, 198 colour combinations\n360\u00b0 view in the High+ Premium\nReverse camera only for the Standard, High, and High+\nRear AC vents in the High, High+, and High+ Premium\nNo rear AC vents in the Standard variant\nExclusive to the High+ Premium variant is a frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming function and a 360\u00b0 camera view. All variants except the \u2018Standard\u2019 get a 10-way power adjustable driver seat (with memory function) and leather upholstery.\nAs for safety, it is only the High+ and High+ Premium variants which get the bulk of the safety systems. The Standard variant gets no advanced safety features while the High variant only gets Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).\nIt is only when you opt for the High+ and above variants that you get High Beam Control (HBC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Front & Rear Smart Brake Support (SBS), and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function.\nExclusive safety features for the High + Premium variant are Adaptive LED Headlamps, Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) with Driver Monitoring, and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS).\nNow proudly locally assembled, the Mazda CX-30\u2019s prices start at \nRM128,109\n and top off at \nRM156,109\n. Premium body colours will incur an additional cost of RM2,000. Included in the price of the CKD Mazda CX-30 are a \n5-year/100,000 km\n manufacturer warranty and a \n5-year/100,000 km\n free maintenance package.\nGALLERY\nMazda CX-30 High+ Premium\nMazda CX-30 Standard"
"After launching the \nall-new Honda Vezel \n(or HR-V as it is known here) in Japan just last month, Honda has revealed an overwhelming response for the new SUV.\nA total of about 30,000 orders have been received since the all-new HR-V and as of the 24th of May, Honda has collected over 32,000 orders, roughly a month after its launch.\nAccording to Honda, that\u2019s six times more than its projected monthly sales plan. The company was only projecting 5,000 units a month prior.\nThe new HR-V consists of a petrol powered 1.5-litre model with 118 hp and 142 Nm and e:HEV model much like the new City RS. In the e:HEV model, u get a 106 hp and 127 Nm from a 1.5-litre engine used primarily to charge an electric motor with an output of 131 hp and 253 Nm.\nHonda also claimed that buyers of the new HR-V include those who have previously owned hatchbacks, minivans, sedans, and SUVs. Buyers of this new HR-V also included those who are upgrading from the previous generation HR-V.\nInterestingly, \n93% of buyers have opted for the e:HEV model\n while only 7% went for the purely petrol-powered models. As for drivetrain, 81% of buyers chose to go with the front-wheel drive model, while the rest opted for all-wheel drive.\nPlatinum White Pearl\nCrystal Black Pearl\nPremium Sunlight White Pearl and Black\nAs for colour options, the top 3 most selected colours were Platinum White Pearl (33%), Crystal Black Pearl (18%) and Premium Sunlight White Pearl and Black (6%).\nAccording to Honda, customers chose the HR-V due to several key factors; the two-motor hybrid system (e:HEV) that offers smooth and quiet driving with low fuel consumption, the spacious cabin, the sleek design and the enhanced Honda Sensing driver assistance system.\nBet you\u2019re excited already for its arrival in Malaysia!\nGALLERY"
"After its preview at the Sepang Circuit, Honda Malaysia has finally launched the all-new Civic with three variants available starting from \nRM125,634\n for the 1.5E,\n RM138,043\n for the 1.5V, and \nRM144,350\n for the RS variant.\nTo date, Honda Malaysia has received 1,600 bookings for the all-new sedan and expects to sell around 900 units a month.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nAll three variants are powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine from the previous generation with a new oil pan and crankshaft for reduced NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness). With components for the turbocharger, that\u2019s tuned for even better response, the engine produces 9 hp and 20 Nm more than before. Honda says the CVT transmission has also been retuned.\nThe 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated from the previous 10th generation has been discontinued.\nEngine: 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine\nTransmission: CVT gearbox\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel Drive\nMax Power: 182 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque: 240 Nm @ 1,700 to 4,500 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 8.3 seconds (1.5E), 8.4 seconds (1.5V), 8.5 seconds (RS)\nEXTERIOR\nThe all-new Civic is 30 mm longer, 3 mm wider, and 1 mm lower along with a 33 mm increase in wheelbase for better rear legroom and improved high-speed stability. The A-pillars have been moved backward by 50 mm for better forward visibility.\nAs for the roof, the black rubber strip on both sides has been eliminated using a Lazer Brazing method that offers a cleaner, more seamless look.\nWheel sizes: 16-inch to 18-inches\nLED front fog lights for V and RS variant\nSemi-chrome door handles in 1.5 V, body coloured in 1.5E\nAll variants are equipped with automatic headlights, auto-retractable side mirrors, LED headlights and daytime running lights along with rear LED combination taillights.\nAs for the RS variant, it comes with black details in the headlamps, RS emblems front and back, 18-inch wheels, black window surrounds, black door handles, side mirrors, shark fin antenna, chrome tailpipes, and black ducktail spoiler.\nINTERIOR\nStandard across all variants are features like remote engine start, single-zone air conditioning, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual rear USB ports, rear air vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 7-inch multi-information display.\n9-inch infortainment for V and RS variant\n7-inch infortainment for E variant\nDrive Mode Selector for V and RS variant\nElectrochromic rear view mirror for 1.5V and RS\nFabric seats for 1.5E, Leather for 1.5V, semi-leather for RS\n8-way powered seats for driver in 1.5V and RS)\nSport button for 1.5V and RS\nPaddle shifters for 1.5V and RS\n3x USB in 1.5E, 4x USB ports in 1.5V and RS\nExclusive to the RS variant are semi-leather seats, sports pedals, front footwell lighting, front door ambient lighting, and the automatic wiper feature.\nSAFETY\nAll variants of the Civic come with six airbags including front, side, and curtain airbags, brake auto hold, hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors.\nEach variant of the all-new Civic comes with the full range of Honda Sensing features including adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane centering assist and automatic high beam.\nA new addition to the Honda Sensing system is the Lead Car Departure Notification System where the car will alert the driver once the car ahead has moved. Honda\u2019s LaneWatch system and Honda Connect are only available in the 1.5V and RS.\nGALLERY"
"A taxi driver in Norway has opted for an unconventional choice of vehicle for his taxi services which had proven to be popular with his customers seeing as he\u2019s clocked up more than 127,000 km in just 18 months \u2013 a feisty \nFord Focus RS\n.\nThis has propelled Norwegian Evald J\u00e5stad to somewhat of a rockstar status as he had been ferrying locals and visitors alike in his \u201cBlue Lighting\u201d as it has been nicknamed, equipped with the signature white O.Z Racing rally wheels and mudflaps.\nThe Ford Focus RS houses a 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine with\n 350 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque on the taps mated\u00a0to 6-speed manual gearbox. With the \nFord Focus RS Limited Edition that\u2019s limited to just 1,500 units\n, Ford even threw in a Limited-slip differential into the mix.\nTo complement the Drift Mode that accompanies the Focus RS, Ford Performance recently also unveiled the \nFord Performance Drift Stick\n \u2013 a rally-inspired electronic handbrake that mimics the functions of a conventional hydraulic handbrake."
"More than a year after the initial announcement for its return, \nChery Malaysia \nhas today finally launched the \nOmoda 5\n here in Malaysia. \nLocally assembled in Inokom\u2019s assembly plant\n in Kulim, Kedah, the all-new 2023 Chery Omoda 5 will be offered in two variants, starting from RM108,800.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Be sure to check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa to enjoy a 10% rebate, cashback, and many more. Learn more about them at \nMotorTakaful.com\n.\n \n2023 Chery Omoda 5 exterior\nThe Chery Omoda 5 stands out as perhaps the most eye-catching B-segment crossover here on our shores, thanks to its \u2018Art of Motion\u2019 design languages that boasts unique blend of sharp lines and loud design touches, which Chery says is meant to appeal to \u201cyoung consumers in the 25-30 age group\u201d.\nExterior highlights on the B-segment crossover include:\nLED headlights with LED daytime-running lights\nLED tail lights\n18-inch alloy wheels (with red accents on H variant)\nSequential turn indicators (H variant only)\nWelcome lights animation (H variant only)\nRed exterior striping (H variant only)\nExterior colour options: Khaki White, Dark Black, Phantom Grey, Two-tone Khaki White and Dark Black (H variant exclusive)\n2023 Chery Omoda 5 performance\nAt launch, the Chery Omoda 5 will be offered with a single powertrain consisting of a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine and a CVT gearbox.\nEngine: 1.5-litre, turbocharged inline four-cylinder, petrol\nTransmission: Continuously-variable, nine virtual gears\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 156 hp\nMax torque: 230 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nChery says that a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo variant will also be introduced at a later date, as will the fully-electric BEV variant that was \nfirst shown off in China earlier this year\n.\nHigh-tech interior\nBringing the same sharp styling into the interior, the cabin of the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 also sports a funky dashboard design, headlined by the dual 10.25-inch displays that serve as the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, as well as a unique ambient lighting system on the dashboard trims and central cupholders.\nEquipment-wise, the 2023 Chery Omoda 5 comes as standard with:\nWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nIntelligent voice assistant\nAcoustic glass\nDual-zone climate control\nElectronic parking brake\nWireless mobile charging pad\nReverse camera with dynamic guide lines\nFaux leather and fabric upholstery (faux leather only on H variant)\nEight-speaker Sony Premium sound-system (H variant only)\n6-way powered driver seats with ventilation (H variant only)\nPowered sunroof (H variant only)\nHands-free powered tailgate (H variant only)\nAdvanced safety as standard\nThe all-new 2023 Chery Omoda 5 will come as standard in Malaysia with a suite of advanced driver assistance features, consisting of:\nAutonomous Emergency Braking\nAdaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow (0-180 km/h)\nTraffic jam Assist\nIntegrated Cruise Assist\nLane Departure Warning and Prevention Assist\nEmergency Lane Keeping\nRear Cross-Traffic Alert\nBlind Spot Detection\nAdditionally, the H variant also adds a 360-degree surround view monitor, traffic sign recognition, and a speed limit assist system.\n2023 Chery Omoda 5 Pricing in Malaysia\nThe 2023 Chery Omoda 5 is offered in two variants, with prices as follows:\n2023 Chery Omoda 5 C \u2013 \nRM108,800\n2023 Chery Omoda 5 H \u2013\n RM118,800\nIncluded in the price is a seven-year standard manufacturer\u2019s warranty, and five years of free service (labour). The first 3,000 customers will also receive a 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty for the Chery Omoda 5\u2019s powertrain components; the extended warranty will be available for purchase later at RM2,000.\nGALLERY"
"Out of nowhere, Lexus gave the CT200h hatchback a much needed update. Marketed as a premium sport compact hatchback, the Lexus CT200h goes back to 2011 and is essentially a fancier, more luxurious Prius.\nThe CT200h was the first Lexus model to be featured with the company\u2019s signature \u201cSpindle Grille\u201d, although it was conservatively shaped unlike modern Lexuses. New to this facelift is of course the grille, new \u201carrowhead\u201d LED DRLs and L-shaped tail lamps together with a redesigned lower bumper.   The\n F Sport\n\u00a0gets dressed in swanky 17-inch gunmetal wheels whereas the regular CT200h settles for a new 10-spoke 16-inch rims. Inside, all CTs are equipped with a larger\u00a0\n10.3-inch infotainment screen\n.\nThe CT200h\u2019s safety is enhanced with the\u00a0\nSafety System+\n, a suite which comprises of\u00a0pre-collision warning with autonomous braking, radar cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist,\u00a0and automatic high-beam headlights.\nNothing has changed under the hood, so motivating the CT200h is still the\u00a0\n1.8-litre four cylinder petrol\n engine paired with a\n 60kW\n electric motor. Total output is\u00a0\n136 hp\u00a0\nand all that gets sent to the\u00a0front wheels through Toyota\u2019s\u00a0\ne-CVT\n.\nThere\u2019s a very slim chance for Lexus Malaysia to reintroduce this popular hybrid hatchback, because back then it carried a remarkably attractive sticker price of RM168,000. Not anymore, it seems.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) first introduced the ASX in year 2010, I can\u2019t help but wonder, where does this \u2018thing\u2019 belong to? It\u2019s neither a Lancer nor a Pajero. A \u2018crossover\u2019, they call it. Fast forward a few years, MMM started its first assembly line this year at Tan Chong Motor\u2019s Segambut plant producing locally assembled Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 2WD and 4WD.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n\u00a0Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 (CKD) 2WD / 4WD\nSegment\n\u00a0\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n\u00a01,998cc 16-Valve inline-4 DOHC MIVEC (4B11)\u00a0(150hp, 197Nm)\nTransmission\u00a0\n\u00a0INVECS-III CVT with 6-step Sports Mode (W1CJCA) / (F1CJCA)\nPrice\n\u00a0RM\u00a0\n114,743.50 / RM 128,879.50\nCheck out our YouTube channel for video reviews!\nThe ASX was first launched in Malaysia a few year back as CBU units from Japan, selling at\u00a0RM139,980 (2WD). Early this year, MMM announced a massive price reduction as they roll out their first locally-assembled ASX.\u00a0With such attractive price positioning and confidence in build quality MMM reckons the ASX CKD can win the hearts of Malaysian buyers.\nSo they invited local auto journalists for a trip to Port Dickson in both \n2WD\n and the newly introduced \n4WD\n variant. Through smooth long highways and beautiful windy country roads, we surely have tested them all in this\u00a05-hour long journey.\nEXTERIOR\n The appearance is surely interesting which tickles my curiosity in terms of car segment relevance. Think \u2018\nurban driving\n\u2018, it then makes so much sense! A Lancer would be too low and a Pajero would be too big. Its just-right size and height is what urbanites are looking for. In other words, you get lots of space and you won\u2019t get bullied leh!   In terms of build dimension, its exterior length and width figures are smaller than the Honda CR-V and Subaru XV. However, wheelbase in the ASX is longer than both contenders, which means more space for occupants. Not by much, but impressive nonetheless.\nLighting up the way is a pair of halogen projector headlamp with leveling, and fog lamps as well. The 4WD variant gets a chrome grille and a little\n chrome bezel\n around the fog lamp; which is a good way to differentiate both models. \u00a0It also gets larger wheels, \n17-inch\n whereas the 2WD gets \n16-inch\n wheels.\nINTERIOR\n \nJust like any other Malaysian, getting into a Malaysian-assembled vehicle\u00a0does invite a preconceived notion. You know what I\u2019m talking about; excellent workmanship, top class material, something like that. In reality, localization can sometimes be a expensive trade-off with quality and goodies too. Well, this trip proves otherwise.   Not only its spacious, it is also very comfortable and everything is surprisingly well built. Both ASX variants are equipped with leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, \nkeyless\n entry system, \nreverse camera\n,\u00a0and a \n8-inch touch screen\n audio system with GPS and Bluetooth connectivity.\nThe 4WD variant gets a little extra such as push start button, security window tint, cruise control, \npanoramic glass roof\n and best of all, \nmagnesium-alloy paddle shifters\n! They look and feel good.\nThe raised sitting position makes getting in and out of the cabin real easy hence a plus point for female occupants, or old folks for that matter. Wheelbase is slightly longer than its nearest competitor and you do get extra space from the already large rear compartment, thanks to the \n60:40\n rear seat folding configuration. A solid good yay for urbanites\u2019 occasional weekend furniture hunting.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nBoth variants share the same \n2.0-liter\n 4-cylinder \nMIVEC\n engine, but they are mated with a different CVT gearbox with 6-step Sports mode due to different power delivery configuration; 2WD and 4WD. Maximum power output is at \n150hp\n and maximum torque at \n197Nm\n.\nSAFETY\n \nWhen it comes to safety, number of airbags is important for us Malaysians, right? There are three in total, driver, front passenger and driver\u2019s \nknee\n. Not too bad. Both variants are fitted with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and\u00a0Brake Override System.\nHowever, safety features such as\u00a0Active Stability Control,\u00a0Traction Control and\u00a0Hill Start Assist are only available in the 4WD.\nTHE DRIVE\n \nWe took off in the 2WD unit from MMM head office in Subang heading towards Cyberjaya where we had halal dim-sum. Looking at the size of it, you might think it\u2019s heavy and clumsy. Well, not at all. It feels light on both steering wheel and throttle, making it easy to drive. But then again, it is lighter in weight as compared to other competitors, at 1,375kg.\nCabin is fitted with the bare necessity with not much to play with. Things became more cheerful once we moved in to the 4WD unit at Cyberjaya. Which is probably the reason why it sells better. Apart from the panoramic glass roof, cruise control, and many more\u00a0goodies, we get to play with the \n4WD\n function, which we can change between 1) 2WD 2) Auto 4WD 3) locked 4WD, on the fly! I know what you are thinking. No. Can\u2019t really feel then difference between these changes on the highway and windy roads we were on.\nRide is smooth on the highway and it handles windy country road pretty well. The rack and pinion steering wheel is pretty sharp and you do get a slight weighty feel as it tackles bends. The choice of transmission may not be popular among auto journalists for its \u2018lifeless\u2019 and loud traits.\nHowever, I do believe many who have tried a \nCVT\n (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox would love the smooth \u2018gear change\u2019. Should you feel bored and dozing off, there\u2019s the 6-step Sports Mode for a sporty gear change; via the gear knob in the 2WD and 4WD, or via the \u2018magnificent magnesium\u2019-alloy (sorry, can\u2019t help it) paddle shifts in the 4WD. Every up-shift and down-shift on the paddle shifters does feel really good!\nHere comes the \u2018Big But\u2019. I\u2019m not sure if it\u2019s the heavy load that I\u2019m ferrying (Eddie and Chris) or simply because the power is just insufficient. Especially when there\u2019s a need to pull off a quick over-taking maneuver. It is however more than enough for urban and long distance driving. All in all, power output is adequate, but maybe MMM can consider the 2.4-liter Lancer Sportback engine? Just saying. Or even better, turbocharging? Nah, just saying.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nSo, is this car for you? Well, if you are looking for an urban mobile for \neveryday use around town\n, pack your family in for \nbalik kampung\n trips, weekend shopping, or even to avoid getting road-bullied, then yes! However, if you expect a racy and sportier side of Mitsubishi, then this may not be the right car for you.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nHere\u2019s our usual table of comparison where I\u2019ve put the ASX against the common Honda CR-V and the not so common Subaru XV. As mentioned earlier, the ASX is slighly smaller but it provides more space thanks to its a longer wheelbase. In terms of power, they are comparable.   Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 2WD / 4WD\n \nHonda CR-V\u00a02.0 i-VTEC\n \nSubaru XV 2.0i\n \nENGINE\nType\n16-Valve inline-4 DOHC MIVEC (4B11), Petrol engine\nSOHC 4 Cylinder 16 Valve i-VTEC\nDOHC 16-Valve,\n 4-Cylinder, Boxer, Petrol Engine\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,998\n1,997\n1,995\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n150/6000\n155/6500\n150/6200\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n197/4200\n190/4300\n196/4200\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\nINVECS-III CVT with 6-step Sports Mode (F1CJCA\u00a0/ W1CJCA)\nElectronically Controlled 5-speed Automatic\nLineartronic CVT\nSTEERING\nType\nRack & Pinion (Power Assisted)\nRack and Pinion with Electric Power Steering (EPS)\nElectrical power-assisted\u00a0rack and pinion\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson strut with coil springs and stabiliser\nMacPherson strut\nMacPherson strut / Multilink\nRear\nMulti-link Coil with stabiliser\nDouble Wishbone\nDouble Wishbone\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n215/65R16 /\u00a0215/60R17\n225 / 65 R17\n225/55 R17\nRims\n16\u2033 x 6.5J Alloy /\u00a017\u2033 x 6.5J Alloy\n17\u2033 Alloy\n17\u2033 Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,295\n4,545\n4,450\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,770\n1,820\n1,780\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,615\n1,685\n1,615\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,699\n2,620\n2,635\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,475\n1,540\n1,430\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n440\n589\n564\nFUEL\nTank Capacity L\n63 / 60\n\u2013\n60\nConsumption\n5.5L/100km\n\u2013\n7.2L/100km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n190\n183\n187\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n9.6\n12.7\n10.7\nPRICE\nRM\n114,743.50 / 128,879.50\n143,924.70\n152,255\nCheck out our YouTube channel for video reviews!\nWILL I BUY IT?\n \nYes! I would definitely buy it for my (imaginative) teenage daughter. She can drive to college and back safely,\u00a0I can use it to ferry my dogs to the vet, my wife can use it to transport Swedish furniture back, and she won\u2019t get bullied on the road. Most importantly, the \nASX is a good buy\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of the Malaysia Auto Show that is set to happen next week, \nPerodua\n has teased a hybrid concept car that will make its debut during the event itself. Called the Perodua Electric Motion Online (EMO), it could preview an upcoming hybrid car by the local carmaker.\nPerodua has already laid out that it will work towards electrification. The company will likely debut its first hybrid car in 2024 and perhaps its first electric car by 2029. Although there is the \nPerodua Ativa Hybrid\n, it is essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky hybrid and is only available through a leasing programme. The rebadged Rocky is fully imported from Japan.\nTo recap, the Ativa Hybrid ran a mild hybrid (MHEV) setup which consisted of an electric motor (106 hp/170 Nm) and a 1.2-litre engine (82 hp/105 Nm). The engine only functions as a generator. Back in 2018, Perodua already showcased a hybrid powertrain concept at KLIMS 2018, albeit only a structure with a bare frame setup.\nBased on the Facebook post shared by Perodua, the EMO should have a hatchback/SUV body style. Its body lines somewhat resemble that of the Perodua X concept that was also previewed at KLIMS 2018. The concept will most likely preview the powertrain of upcoming future models and perhaps a little design hints of upcoming Perodua models as well. With \u201cOnline\u201d being part of the abbreviation, EMO could also preview a more internet-connected vehicle by the local carmaker.\nRELATED: \nPerodua launches Ativa Hybrid leasing programme \u2013 RM500/month for 5 years\nThe biggest challenge for Perodua to introduce an affordable hybrid vehicle would be the localization of parts, especially those concerning the electrified drivetrain. One issue faced by Perodua is its vendors\u2019 \u201clack of exposure to HEV/BEV & advance technology parts due to low adoption in Malaysia automotive industry.\u201d\nMalaysia Auto Show 2023 will take place at MAEPS, Serdang from May 4 to 7, 2023. It is organized by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics, & IoT Institute.\nRELATED: \nPerodua\u2019s first CKD hybrid expected in 2024, first electric car in 2029"
"Mazda Corporation has surprised us with yet another product in its KODO lineup, and just like the \nKoeru\n, they remain tight lipped as to what this model\u00a0may eventually be. Some say that this low-slung two-door, front-engined coupe could be the rebirth of the RX badge. But is it really?\nThis sports car concept, according to Mazda, embodies the company\u2019s sports car lineage and is an encapsulation of the company\u2019s vibrant sports car history. We\u2019d be lying not to assume that it could actually be the \nnext-generation RX-7\n, considering that the company will celebrate its \n100th birthday by 2020\n. We\u2019re also certain that the coupe is not a derivative of the \nND MX-5\n \u2013 the tail lights are a dead giveaway.\nOur friend Daniel of \nCarlist.my\n\u00a0\ndetailed the outlook of this concept via Photoshop\n (though much is yet to be seen) and drew several close comparisons to other makes. Will we see the return of the RX badge and the rotary engine? Maybe. But don\u2019t hang on to that strand of hope just yet.\nAppearing alongside the mysterious sports car are Mazda\u2019s complete Skyactiv/KODO range of products, including the Koeru concept. Mazda will also be displaying race-spec MX-5 and an \u201cMX-5 special needs vehicle with hand control\u201d as well as the \nrotary-powered 1967 Cosmo Sport 110S\n.\nThe Tokyo Motor Show is scheduled to take place at the end of this month from 30 October to 8 November."
"The Russians sure know how to have a little fun with all that snow and money, don\u2019t they?\nUnlike the \nG63 AMG\n we had the privilege to test last year, the ones in the video are \nprevious generation G\n63 AMG\ns\n with \n571 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n but was no less inferior \u2013 as the snowy hills found out.\nExcelling at both hill climbs and a tug-of-war against the Volkswagen Touareg, which was completely toyed with on the slippery surface, the G63 AMG does meet its match in the form of the enormous \nLexus LX 570\n. While it was clearly a tie between the two in the tug-of-war, the hefty LX570 showed it was no pushover and shouldn\u2019t be judged solely based on its pretty face at the hill climb.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO-CKdKuLns&feature=youtu.be\nThose with a little mechanical sympathy might roll their eyes in dismay while some of you might cheer such antics on seeing as the G63 AMG is beyond reach from most with its RM1.4 million price tag. It was however, good to see these monstrosities being used (albeit recreational) as what they were intended for.\nIn other news, Mercedes-Benz recently announced that it would be utilising the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system to \nupdate its customers in South Korea on the status of face mask stocks in pharmacies\n.\nThe company also released \nnew images of the highly-anticipated Mercedes-Benz GLA\n, which is now taller and longer for more head and leg room, to whet your appetites before its arrival in Malaysia. Back home, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced that \nselected service centres have resumed operations\n.\nSource: \nYouTube"
"The 2020 \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n (W213) facelift is slated to be officially unveiled next month at the Geneva Motor Show, but the three pointed star has just released a video on its YouTube channel that dives into the major changes planned for the D-segment sedan\u2019s mid-life update.\nThe video, hosted by German YouTuber \nf\u00fcnfkommasechs\n, includes a walkaround of the updated E-Class, as well as a drive, with E-Class chief engineer, Michael Kelz. Do remember to hit the \u201cCC\u201d button for English translated subtitles!\n \nMercedes-Benz brought out three cars out to the Nevada desert to showcase the different \u201clines\u201d of styling specification, including the AMG line body kits, as well as a Night Package which deletes most chrome trims. There was also a plug-in hybrid variant on display, as denoted by the charging port at the rear bumper.\nIn terms of styling changes, the updated E-Class will feature a new front fascia that resembles the latest Mercedes-Benz line-up such as the \nA-Class\n, with a more angular front grille and new headlights featuring the new daytime-running lights design.\nThe taillights also get a major makeover, although it is heavily obscured with camouflage tape. On some variants, the front hood also features two prominent \u201cpower bumps\u201d, similar to that of the Mercedes-AMG models.\nPerhaps the biggest change to the D-segment sedan is the engine options, with the introduction of the new \nM254 four-cylinder engine\n, as well as the M256 inline-six engine, previously seen on the\n CLS\n.\nThe M254 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine now comes with a \nIntegrated Starter Generator\n (ISG) and \n48V mild-hybrid\n technology. The ISG is mounted between the engine and the gearbox to provide electric power assistance at launch, start-stop situations, and reduce fuel consumption while driving with the \u201cGliding 2\u201d technology.\nInside, the changes are less obvious. General dashboard architecture remains the same, though the infotainment display now supports \ntouchscreen and gesture control\n, featuring the new \nMBUX\n system.\nThe driving assistance package also now includes an \nupdated parking assistant\n, which Kelz says that it is now probably faster than a human. The new sensors behind the bumpers also helps enhance the active driving assistance features.\nThe steering wheel has also been updated, and the two touchpad controls have been improved. On the AMG-line model as seen in the video, the car now features a newly-designed steering wheel, characterised by twin spokes on the three- and nine-o\u2019clock sides.\nMichael Kelz explains that most changes done to the E-Class are for the purpose of\n improving driving efficiency\n, such as the new powertrain options, and driving technologies. The overall drag coefficient has also been reduced by lowering the E-Class by a hair.\nThe new Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be officially unveiled at next month. The refresh will see an introduction of \nseven plug-in hybrid variants\n, improved \u201cnext-generation\u201d driver assistance features, latest-generation MBUX infotainment system with advanced voice command, as well as the new engine options.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When you think of \nBentley\n, the first word that pops into your head is probably \u201celegance\u201d, or \u201cstately\u201d. But Bentley is convinced that its car is perfectly capable of hooning about, too, so much so that they went all the way out to film a short video at an abandoned military air field at Sicily, Italy, just to prove their point \u2013 featuring a very yellow \nContinental GT Speed\n.\nCalled \u201cContinental Drift\u201d, the video was filmed specifically to show off \u201cthe scope of performance of Bentley\u2019s pinnacle GT, including incredibly precise drifting through dramatic locations\u201d.\n \nAccording to Bentley, the stunt was filmed in a day during the GT Speed\u2019s recent global media drive event. The Comiso Air Base featured in the video was a former NATO base, but has since been abandoned for almost 30 years \u2013 so Bentley brought it back to life in the best way possible by converting it into a \u201cgymkhana-like track\u201d, and filled it with tyre smoke and adrenaline-pumping exhaust fumes.\nBentley partnered with Akrapovic to create a lightweight titanium exhaust exclusively for the Continental GT Speed! Check it out here.\nWhile the former military base is used to launching ground-based missiles, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is a whole different kind of monster \u2013 powered by the marque\u2019s iconic 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine with \n659 hp \nand \n900 Nm\n of torque on tap.\nPower is sent to all four-wheels via an eight-speed dual clutch transmission for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds, but specifically on the GT Speed, its rear-biased torque split means that most of the engine\u2019s grunt is sent to the rear wheels, making the driftmania film possible for Bentley.\nThe Bentley Continental GT V8 is now available in Malaysia. Learn more here.\nOther GT-speed specific goodies include a new electronic-LSD, all-wheel steering, and a retuned ESC system to help improve the car\u2019s cornering dynamics and extra grip, which in turns helps to deliver deliberate, controlled slides.\nIt\u2019s not often you get to see a Bentley hooning its mind out \u2013 and the stark contrast between a shiny new Bentley Continental GT Speed against the backdrop of a rundown abandoned air field just makes it that much more interesting. Be sure to check out the video above!\nGALLERY"
"Ford in Italy along with a start-up specialising in visual aid solutions have revealed their latest creation called Feel The View. It\u2019ll allow the blind or those with minimal vision to \u201cvisualise\u201d the views outside a car\u2019s window.\nAnd they\u2019ll be able to do so by touch, from \n255 different levels of vibration\n. The device which comes with a built-in camera is attached to one of the car\u2019s windows and captures snapshots of the view outside the car before \nconverting them into a greyscale image\n.\nThe greyscale image is then defined by 255 different shades of grey. When the device detects the users touch as he or she runs their fingers across the window, it will trigger a different vibration for each of the 255 shades to allow the visually-challenged to feel the passing scenery.\nThe device is also accompanied by an AI voice assistant, to enhance the user\u2019s experience. As intriguing as it sounds, there is however, no word on whether the prototype will actually be put into production.\nSource: \nFord Europe"
"The ongoing \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n have forced us all to adopt a \u201cnew normal\u201d for the foreseeable future, and that includes car brands too. In an effort to embrace the contactless lifestyle, BMW Malaysia today launched two new online platforms, BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage, to digitalise the car buying experience for its customers.\nFirst up is the BMW Shop Online, which promises to offer a \u201cseamless digital showroom experience from the comfort of your home\u201d. The new online shopping platform was launched with a showcase of two cars \u2013 the \nBMW 530e Sport\n and \n530e M Sport\n.\nThe new \nBMW 840i Gran Coupe\n and the \nall-new X6 xDrive40i M Sport\n was also launched on the new \u201cshowroom\u201d today, joining the two 5 Series variants before the rest of the model line-up is made available online.\nMeanwhile, the BMW Engage website is a first-of-its-kind online financing platform from BMW Credit Malaysia to complement customers\u2019 contactless car purchase experience on the BMW Shop Online.\nEssentially, BMW Engage enables customers to apply and obtain pre-approval for their car financing plans, all from the comfort of their home. The platform boasts a simple and seamless application process.\nIn conjunction of the launch, BMW Malaysia is offering an enhanced online-exclusive version of its existing \n\u2018Unplug & Play\u2019 campaign\n. Both the BMW 530 e Sport and 530 e M Sport are available with an \ninterest rate of 0.00%\n, alongside \ncash rebates of RM10,000 and RM20,000\n respectively.\nThat\u2019s not all \u2013 any purchase on the BMW Shop Online platform will also net you a chance to drive home a brand-new \nBMW i8 Coupe\n!\nNew owners of the 530 e Sport and 530 e M Sport purchased on the online showroom will receive a BMW ChargeNow card, granting access to 24/7 charging facilities and \nover 270 charging stations nationwide\n via partner ChargEV.\nBMW Malaysia will be bundling in a BMW i Wallbox for every purchase of the 530 e Sport. As for the 530 e M Sport, new owners will receive the BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable.\nThe online-exclusive promotion is available now until \n30th June 2020\n. Customers can make bookings with only a \nRM1,000 booking fee\n on the BMW Shop Online website \nhere\n. To get financing pre-approval before purchase, the BMW Engage platform is available \nhere\n.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cWe are pleased to introduce our new digital touchpoints, BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage to continue providing a seamless ownership experience for our customers during this period.\n\u201cThough we are not all able to physically serve our customers at our dealerships at the moment, we hope that they will find joy in our digital world, and later, joy in a new era of mobility when the MCO is lifted.\u201d\nBMW Credit Malaysia Managing Director, Tobias Eismann added, \u201cWe are all doing our part to #StayAtHome and #FlattenTheCurve. However, we believe that staying at home should not be a limitation.\n\u201cWith the BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage, our customers will be able to browse and interact with the brands that represent the BMW Group in a manner that is responsible and safe. The fully-digital experience will ensure that we are able to provide the premium ownership experience to our customers from a safe distance in this period.\u201d"
"And so it continues to impress. The \nMazda2\n, or known as Mazda Demio in Japan, has just added another prestigious award to its belt, this time by picking up the \n2014 Golden Steering Wheel\n award in the small cars category all the way in Germany.\nThis achievement marks Mazda\u2019s fourth Golden Steering Wheel title, three of which were won with the\u00a0\nMazda 323\n\u00a0in 1985 and 1989, and \nMazda 626\n in 1992.   Mazda\u2019s Managing Executive Officer Takahisa Sori said, \u201cIt\u2019s a great honour to receive this outstanding award for the all-new Mazda2, even before hitting the European shores. It\u2019s wonderful to see that the key features that define Mazda vehicles, such as exceptional design, the fun-to-drive factor, and excellent environmental performance, are being recognised in Germany as well.\u201d\nThe \nGolden Steering Wheel Award\n is an automotive award organised by a German Sunday newspaper\u00a0\nBild am Sonntag\n\u00a0\nand automotive magazine \nAuto Bild\n. The awards first came about in \n1976\n and has gone on to become one of the country\u2019s most prominent automotive awards.\nThe Mazda 2 was the \nonly Japanese vehicle\n to walk away with an award in all the categories this year. It also won the \n2014 Japan\u2019s Car of the Year award\n.\nBermaz Motor\n held a brief preview of the Mazda2 in one of their roadshows earlier in October, where visitors learned that the car will be offered in both \nhatchback\n and \nsedan forms\n. It\u2019s currently priced tentatively at \nRM85k\n for the hatchback and \nRM87k\n for the sedan, and both will be powered by the promising \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine, paired to Mazda\u2019s \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive\n automatic transmission.\nIt is slated to be launched here in February next year. Read \nhere \nto know all about the Mazda2 that we will be getting.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Toyota GR Vios Challenge, as part of the\n Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival\n, is set to return for Round 2 this weekend, from 3-4 June, under the floodlights of the \nSepang International Circuit\n. Similar to Round 1, the night race will also be streamed exclusively online, across all Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia\u2019s social media platform and on its website (linked \nhere\n).\nNow in its sixth season, the 2023 Toyota GR Vios Challenge sees 45 drivers competing across four classes, ranging from Super Sporting for the professional racers, to the Promotional Class where local celebrities duel it out against each other on track.\nWith no clear favourites emerging from the field just yet at the halfway point of the season, drivers and teams will all be vying to amass as many valuable points as they can before the championship finale in September, making this race a definite spectacle for racing fans.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota GR86 launched in Malaysia \u2013 6MT and 6AT options, from RM295k\n\u201cThe excitement of the GR Vios Challenge is in its unpredictability \u2013 no one, no matter in which class they are in, has a clear advantage because they are all competing on a level playing field (one make race),\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\n\u201cAs we\u2019ve seen in seasons one through five, the fight for the championship will always be decided at the very end and the live stream of the racing action will ensure that spectators will not miss out on any of the battles on track.\u201d\nThe live stream will kick off at 6.30 pm on both days with jam-packed racing action starting with the sporting class. Viewers will also be treated to special performances by local celebrities Janna Nick (Saturday) and Khai Bahar (Sunday).\nRound 1 of the GR Vios Challenge\n saw a total of 3.5 million online viewers across all platforms, making it one of the most viewed racing series in the country.\nREAD MORE: \nToyota Gazoo Racing Festival Season 6 kicks off with fiery Round 1 in Sepang"
"Ford has revealed the new Mustang and Mustang Mach-E with the Ice White Edition Appearance Package. It\u2019s the first time in 28 years that Ford is offering a white-on-white Mustang and the first time ever for the coupe.\nThe Mustang and \nMustang Mach-E\n is finished in a \nStar White Metallic\n tri-coat paint, and 19-inch aluminium wheels in the same colour.\nJust like the Mach-E, the Ice White Mustang coupe comes with Oxford White pony badges on the grille and fender. The petrol-powered Mustang stands out with iced-out taillamps and 19-inch heritage-inspired wheels.\nMustang Club Malaysia sets the largest Ford Mustang gathering record with 137 cars.check out these pictures!\nThankfully, the inside of the Mustang Mach-E isn\u2019t covered in Ice White but instead, in Light Space Grey upholstery. As for the petrol-powered Mustang, it gets Black leather and Oxford White upholstery.\nThe Ice White Edition Ford Mustang pair were made to pay tribute to the Triple White Fox-body Mustang in the early 1990s where only 1,500 units were made. The Triple White Fox-body Mustang was only available as a convertible.\nThe most powerful variant of the fully electric Mustang Mach-E produces \n459 hp \nand\n 830 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h is said to be under 3.5 seconds.\nThis is how you open the doors on the Ford Mustang Mach-E..check it out!"
"Unless you\u2019ve been living under a rock, you would\u2019ve come across the news regarding the grounding the Boeing 737 Max series of passenger jets following the tragic crashes involving Lion Air and \nEthiopian Airlines\n, with the issue centred around Boeing\u2019s Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) and the manner which pilots respond to its workings.\nWithout wading into the technical deep end of MCAS, just think of it as the equivalent to a car\u2019s lane keeping assist or frontal collision mitigation system, devised by Boeing to prevent the 737 from stalling in mid-air and falling out of the sky. And while the world awaits conclusions from investigators, pilot training has also been called into question.\nTechnology in modern cars saves lives, but are we equipped to handle them?\nNo, this isn\u2019t about not trusting automation, because\ntechnology does save lives, proven across many different fields and industries.\nThe question is: are Malaysian drivers ready for it, especially over this period\nwhere more mainstream models (no longer just premium brands) are sprouting semi-autonomous\ndriving functions?\nCan we expect a new driver who had just earned his or her probationary licence on a modest Perodua Viva to be able to discern the pitfalls of being over-reliant on technology, and to operate a vehicle with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping aid safely? Maybe it\u2019s time to update the syllabus."
"During our test drive of the \nnew Isuzu D-Max\n from Krabi to Phuket, we got to speak to Isamu Tetyama, General Manager of Isuzu Technical Centre of Asia\u2019s Engine Design Department on the new engine and a question was raised on the compatibility of the new RZ4E-TC engine for the MU-X.\nTetyama explained that the \u201cnew\u201d engine, 6-speed automatic and manual transmission is compatible with the MU-X but there isn\u2019t a timeline as to when it would be implemented, if ever.\nThe new 1.9-litre engine is not only more powerful than the 2.5-litre engine it replaces with \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, it\u2019s also lighter by some 56 kg which reflected really well on fuel economy.\nOur 200km drive from Krabi to Phuket, with a mix of urban driving and \u201cheavy inputs\u201d on the throttle along the highways barely caused a dent to the D-Max\u2019s fuel reserves as you can see in the picture above.\nAnnually, it would be easier on the wallet too when road tax renewals are due. Isuzu said the new 1.9-litre D-Max would \nsave owners 52% in road tax renewals\n compared to the 2.5-litre engine \u2013 \nfrom RM839.20 to RM 399.20\n \u2013 almost RM4,000 in savings throughout 9 years.\nPrices for the new D-Max starts from as low as RM80,149.20 and those who book the new 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max between 18th of September to 31st of October 2019 will be given 5-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with up to 8-years or 80,000 km Free Maintenance."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has flexed yet another fibre of its high-performance SUV muscle with the introduction of the new GLC 63 S 4MATIC alongside the GLC 63 S Coupe 4MATIC and the G63 wagon at the Sepang International Circuit.\nLike the GLC 63 S 4MATIC, the Coupe draws power from a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 paired to the 9-speed Speedshift MCT transmission, with 510 hp and 700 Nm. In terms of the 0 to 100 km/h burst and top speed, it\u2019s identical with the GLC 63 S.\nMercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe 4MATIC\nEngine\n4.0-litre Bi-turbo V8\nTranmission\n9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT \nMax Power\n510 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Power\n700 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.8 seconds; 270 km/h\nPrice\nRM 933,888 (OTR without Insurance)\nUnlike the panoramic roof in the GLC 63 S 4MATIC, the Coupe likely restricted by design, only gets the sliding sunroof but is equally treated to an AMG steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium trims.\nAs it rests on the AMG sports suspension with Air Body Control, decorations on the outside are also provided for by the AMG Night Package kit which consists of the 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels, an AMG spoiler lip, the AMG performance exhaust and the Multibeam LED headlamps.\nFor driving information and entertainment, both the Burmester sound system and head-up display are similarly offered in the GLC 63 S Coupe.\nIts list of driving aids are just as comprehensive, with the aforementioned surround view camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights, Active Parking Assist and Cross Traffic Alert in the GLC available here as well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In a time when SUVs are all the rage, Range Rover is considering the opportunities to bring a new variation to its range \u2013 an exclusive two-door, limited production Range Rover built by their Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department.\nWhile the reason may be valid to plug the gap for a two-door super luxury SUV in the market, we\u2019ve all seen how \u201cpractical\u201d the previous two-door Evoque and Evoque convertible can be.\nUnless the elites can be convinced to shell out large sums for a car that would merely appear as a trend-setter rather than a flashy supercar, it\u2019s hard to see it make any business sense for the brand as most looking to buy the Range Rover (even the elites) would get it for its family-friendly practicalities.\nRange Rover recently patented the \nRange Stormer\n name, from the original Range Stormer concept revealed more than decade ago \u2013 hinting the imminent reality of a two-door super luxury SUV.\nThe market certainly lacks a car to fill that uber-niche segment with the new \nLamborghini Urus\n resembling a coupe the most, despite affording five-doors \u2013 although the possibility of a \nFerrari SUV\n could change all that.\nThe new model could even top the latest\n 557 hp\n\u00a0\nextended-wheelbase Range Rover SVAutobiography\n introduced recently with a whopping \n1.2 metre of rear leg room\n in an airplane-like cabin."
"Everyone wants a piece of the \nVolkswagen Golf\n, even from the Korean folks. They\u2019ve launched the regular\u00a0\nHyundai i30\n sometime back but hinted that a more powerful variant would come along to properly rival the\u00a0\nGolf GTI\n. Introducing the new Hyundai i30N hot hatch.\nThe i30N is officially the first performance road car from Hyundai\u2019s skunk works division, N. Horned at the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife with the expertise poached from rival companies (one of them is\u00a0Albert Biermann who was formerly from BMW M), the i30N is doing everything it can to go against the Golf GTI for hot hatch supremacy.   It\u2019s based on the ongoing\n third-generation i30\u00a0\nand\u00a0can be had\u00a0in two forms \u2013 the standard \nN\n and\u00a0the hardcore \nPerformance Package\n. The exterior gets clothed\u00a0in an aggressive bodykit,\u00a0wider intakes, black rear spoiler and rear diffuser with dual exhausts. The signature \ncascading\u00a0grille\n here enhances air flow for improved engine cooling. Standard wheel size measure at 18-inch for the N, while the Performance Package receives larger 19-inches.\nUnderneath the hood is a\u00a0\n2.0-litre Theta turbocharged\n petrol engine, delivering\n 247 hp\n and\n 353 Nm\n of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via a \nsix-speed manual transmission\n. The Performance Package gains an additional 24 hp, making for a total of \n271 hp\n. The normal i30N completes the century sprint in \n6.4 seconds\n, while the Performance Package is\u00a0\n0.3 seconds\n\u00a0quicker. Top speed for both variants is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nThe i30N comes together with a host of electronic driver\u2019s aids, including\u00a0launch control,\u00a0rev-matching function,\u00a0variable suspension damping, and \nElectronic Limited Slip Differential\n (for Performance Package only). The \nelectronic sound generator\n is located at the base of the windscreen that provides some extra acoustic drama. Not really a driver\u2019s aid, but it\u2019s a brilliant tool to impress your friends. Also included are dual screen (5.0- and 8.0-inch) infotainment systems.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnNNys828UY\nThe Hyundai i30N will be produced at Hyundai\u2019s production facility in Czech Republic and will go on sale later this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The electronic driving test system (e-driving test system) is expected to be introduced throughout the country at the end of this year, according to the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke. However, the system is currently under the proof of concept (POC) stage, and there are still procedures and details to be refined before it is officially utilised, reported \nThe Star\n. With the e-driving test system, driving tests will still be conducted using an actual car, but with cameras and sensors around the car to determine the candidate\u2019s performance.\n\u201cThere is no problem with the concept because we have been through the phase but there are several policies and procedures that we need to set and refine,\u201d said the Transport Minister at a press conference after the launch of the Malaysian Driving Institute Association (PIMA) 23rd Annual general assembly at Ibis Hotel on \nJuly 22\n.\nLoke added, \u201cI have discussed with the Transport Ministry secretary-general on the matter so it can be implemented soon, hopefully at the end of this year. So after this, we can decide, gazette the changes on the procedure and then implement the system at all driving institutes across the country.\u201d\nLoke also mentioned that there are several driving schools that have prepared to implement the e-driving system. This includes five driving institutes thus far, with one each in the states of Penang, Kedah, and Johor, as well as two driving institutes in Selangor. And as mentioned above, the system is still currently at the POC stage.\nThe Transport Minister also ensured that the driving schools won\u2019t be required to implement the system from a selected vendor when the e-driving test system is approved. He also added that it will not be mandatory for the students and driving schools to go for the e-driving test system.\nRELATED: \nMOT: EV road tax to be cheaper than petrol car road tax, special \u201cEV\u201d plates proposed\n\u201cWe are not going to tell the driving schools there is only one vendor to implement the e-driving test system because that could raise elements of monopoly. So we decided not to choose any specific vendors, as long as the system adheres to the specifications and standards set by JPJ, the institutes and schools are free to choose,\u201d said Loke.\n\u201cFor example, PIMA has its own system for members to use or they are free to choose another vendor. But when the ministry audits the system, it must follow the standards,\u201d he added.\nThe e-driving test system is also said to be able to help reduce unethical practices such as \u201cLesen Kopi\u201d, driving licences attained via corrupt means. The JPJ officers and driving schools can also be protected from being accused of being involved in corruption. Students will also be protected as they will be allowed to review their tests if they fail.\nRELATED: \nNo plans to abolish tolls in Malaysia for now due to high cost, says Works Minister"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just unveiled the updated S60 model, now featuring the company\u2019s modular Drive-E powertrain. This mechanical update also comes with a new transmission \u2013 an eight-speed torque converter automatic.\nThe S60 is a direct competitor to the \nBMW 3-Series\n, \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n and \nAudi A4\n. Previously, VCM offered the S60 in two trims, the T4 and T5, both of which are now no longer offered. In their places is this T6 variant, powered by a transversely mounted \n2.0-litre four-cylinder engine\n that is\n turbocharged and supercharged\n to produce \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque.\nThis striking shade of red will not be offered here, unfortunately\nDrive is sent to the front wheels (no all-wheel drive here) through a new \nAisin-sourced eight-speed automatic\n. Given the price, the S60 certainly has plenty to write home about in the performance department. It sprints from 0 to 100km/h in\n 5.9 seconds\n, maxes out at\n 230km/h\n\u00a0and consumes just \n6.7 litres of fuel per 100km\n travelled. Comparatively, the pricier BMW 330 (RM298k) and Mercedes-Benz C300 (RM308k) match the S60\u2019s 2.0-litre displacement, but the Germans pack just 252 hp and 245 hp respectively.\nThe cabin of the S60 remains identical to the facelift model introduced here back in early 2015, so it still comes with the digital instrument cluster. One thing the T6 has over the older T4 and T5 is paddle shifters \u2013 fitting toys to fiddle with, considering the amount of grunt you have up front.\nAs with any Volvos, safety is of the utmost priority. Here, the S60 T6 is equipped with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection technology, City Safety, Active Cornering Light, Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, Road Sign Information and \ntwo new systems\n \u2013 Park Assist Pilot and Lane Keeping Aid.\nThe S60 T6 is locally assembled at the Swedish Motor Assemblies in Shah Alam and is priced at RM280,888.00 (OTR without insurance). It can be had in five colours, namely ice White, Seashell, Ember Black, Saville Grey and Bright Silver. There are plenty more genuine accessories to complement your purchase, so be sure to drop by your nearest authorised Volvo dealership today!"
"As of the 1st July 2017, all BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners with vehicles registered from 1st January 2017 will receive the Roadside Assistance (RSA) coverage program; with a total of 5 years coverage for BMW and MINI owners and 2 years for BMW Motorrad owners, at no cost.\nThe program introduced by BMW Group Malaysia recently essentially provides professional and expert support for emergency situations on the road for all BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for an absolute peace of mind ownership experience.\nThis program follows up with the previously introduced 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program, the comprehensive and still the only of its kind 2-Year or 24 Month Tyre Warranty program as well as the Ultimate Protection Insurance Program which completely covers the vehicles as well as prioritises the safety of its drivers and passengers.\nThe program, enables BMW Group Malaysia to be the first premium automaker in the region to offer a complete offering over a longer period (5 years). Now, with a single call, your every need and support will be tended to by qualified specialist in the event of a breakdown or accident.\nThe new Roadside Assistance program is specially designed to provide all BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners an added level of safety and convenience on the road. All that\u2019s require is a single call and qualified specialists from the call centre will take care of absolutely everything that needs to be done in the event of a breakdown or accident. \u00a0The program offers lifetime phone assistance and organisational support, as well as comprehensive mobility services in case of an emergency, immobilisation or break down at no cost for new owners.\nFor vehicles registered between 1\nst July\n 2015 and 31\nst December\n 2016, the existing Roadside Assistance Program (RSA) will still be valid for 24 months from the date of the vehicle\u2019s first registration.\nSo how does the Roadside Assistance Program benefit you?\nHELP ON THE PHONE, ON THE SPOT\nA team of qualified customer contact specialist are always on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide lifetime phone assistance.\nACCIDENT HOTLINE\nIn the event of an accident, the BMW Roadside Assistance team can help call the police or other emergency services, notify an authorised BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad dealership and if required, organise towing services.\nTOWING SERVICES\nThe Roadside Assistance program will cover the cost of towing your vehicle to the nearest authorised BMW or MINI dealership if repairs can\u2019t be done on-site. Once the vehicle has been diagnosed, the service team will follow up with the repairs and owners will be kept informed of the latest developments.\nREPLACEMENT VEHICLE, ACCOMODATION AND OTHER MOBILITY SERVICES SOLUTIONS\nThe \u201cseamless mobility\u201d solution here includes providing 24/7 call centre and organisational support, on-site breakdown assistance where immediate repairs will be arrange, as well as providing alternative travel arrangements. A replacement vehicle will also be arranged for the entire duration of the service or repair. If breakdowns occur at a distance of more than 200km from a customer\u2019s residence and an overnight accomodation is required, the program can assist to accomodate customers at a nearby hotel if required.\nREPATRIATION\nIf the breakdown occurs abroad or at a distance of more than 200km away with the owner needing to be somewhere urgently, repatriation services will be offered by the BMW Roadside Assistance team whereby arrangements will be made to get the owner to the pre-destined location if the vehicle cannot be repaired on-site.\nFor BMW Motorrad owners, the BMW Roadside Assistance program serves as an accident hotline and towing service, providing assistance only through the phone and on the spot.\nThe dedicated toll-free BMW Roadside Assistance number is 1800-88-8808. For more information, as well as terms and conditions regarding the new BMW Roadside Assistance program, kindly visit \nwww.bmw.com.my\n."
"With the cancellation of the New York International Auto Show that was scheduled to happen this week, we are seeing staggered dissemination of new model previews and introductions. The latest model to be previewed is the Genesis GV60.\nGenesis, which is Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s premium brand to compete with Lincoln, Cadillac, Lexus, and the German trio in the USA, will be marketing the GV60 with a unique design identity called \u201cAthletic Elegance\u201d.\nDestined as the model with the smallest numeral in the current Genesis lineup, the GV60 will emphasise athleticism and dynamism. Being their \nfirst fully electric\n product, it is no surprise that the Genesis GV60 will use Hyundai\u2019s E-GMP platform, which currently serves the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n and \nKia EV6\n.\nShould the dimension of the Genesis GV60 not deviate much from the mass market siblings (4.7 m length with 3.0 m wheelbase), then models like \nTesla Model Y\n, \nFord Mustang Mach-E\n, \nMercedes EQC\n and even the next-generation \nPorsche Macan\n group of fully electric premium SUVs will see the Genesis GV60 as a threat.\nGenesis says the exterior design of the GV60 highlights its high-performance image along with a dynamic and smooth appearance. Thanks to just the cooling requirement for the batteries and relatively minor electrical systems, the \nhuge grille\n associated with Genesis models is shrunken on the GV60.\nCalled the Crest Grille, it is placed below the quad headlamps and also allows the fitment of a clamshell-type hood. Being a significantly smaller model than the current line-up, Genesis is also creating a new wing emblem for the grille, with the thickness reduced by nearly 80% from previous models. It still features the same unique Guilloche pattern often seen in many luxury watches.\nThe Genesis G90 is the Johor royalty\u2019s new choice of transportation! Take a look at the stretched limousine here!\nFrom the side, the silhouette is similar to the Kia EV6, featuring a sloping roofline that gradually bows steeper to the rear windshield, rear spoiler and tail lamps. \u00a0\nSimilar to the larger GV70 SUV, the C-pillar on the GV60 features a decorative trim to emphasise design, which for this fully electric car, embodies the image of electric or spark.\nOne feature that should make the GV60 stand out from the competition is the sleek side cameras that replace the traditional mirrors. The image from the cameras are feed to dedicated screens at the top corners of the doors to project a virtual side mirror, which offers a lot more information with better vision in the dark and poor weather conditions.\nInside, the Genesis GV60 promises plenty of space and craftsmanship. The most noticeable feature in the interior is the Crystal Sphere, a sphere-shaped Shift-by-wire controller that intuitively informs the driver when the GV60 is ready to drive. Almost every surface in the interior is lined with high-quality materials, with the dashboard being more compact and slimmer thanks to the absence of an engine.\nGenesis is known for big SUVs. It\u2019s mass-market parent company, Hyundai, is planning to launch the large Palisade SUV here soon. More info here.\nNo mention of the performance figures, but expect the Genesis GV60 to have similar ballpark numbers with the E-GMP products such as Ultra-fast charging (100 km range in under 5 minutes), \n585 hp/740 Nm\n output for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n3.5 seconds\n and over 500 km range.\nGALLERY"
"Despite the name, the only relationship between Tesla, Inc. and Nikola Motor Company are that they are rivals in the electric vehicle space. Confusing, we know. Now that we\u2019ve cleared that up, let\u2019s move on.\nNikola Motor, an EV startup focused on \u201cbuilding\u201d big electric and hydrogen fuel cell-powered trailer trucks, have just released their first pick-up truck \u2013 the \nNikola Badger\n.\nWe say \u201cbuilding\u201d in quotation marks, because even though the company first unveiled its prototype\n back in 2016\n, no finished product has been delivered yet, as far as we can find.\nHowever, the company allegedly has several billion US Dollars worth in truck bookings, with \n800 units reserved by Anheuser-Busch\n, a large brewing company in the states. We digress.\nNikola says that the Badger is \u201cdesigned to target and exceed every electric or petrol pickup in its class,\u201d though Nikola\u2019s CEO, Trevor Milton also said that it is designed to take down the Ford Raptor in a \ntweet\n.\nThe company says that the Badger pick-up truck will have a\n hauling capacity of over 3,600 kg\n (at a 30-degree grade), thanks to the four electric motors with a combined peak output of\n 906 hp\n and \n1,329 Nm\n (!) of torque.\nCentury sprint is done in a claimed \n2.9 seconds\n, and Nikola also promises a combined range (hydrogen fuel cell and lithium-ion battery) of \n965 km\n. On just battery power itself, the Badger has a claimed range of 483 km.\nAs part of the Badger programme, Nikola is also planning to build a network of 700 hydrogen stations across North America.\nTrevor Milton said in the announcement, \u201cNikola has billions worth of technology in our semi-truck program, so why not build it into a pickup truck?\u201d The Badger programme will also help drive down the cost of the fuel cell components for its trailer trucks.\nThe Badger will be built \u201cin conjunction with another OEM utilizing their certified parts and manufacturing facilities.\u201d Trevor Milton estimates that the price will be \nbetween $60,000 to $80,000 US Dollars\n.\nThe Nikola Badger will be entering a segment with stiff competition from a slew of new EV pick-up trucks from Rivian, Hummer, and of course, Tesla. At the very least, it doesn\u2019t look like the \nCybertruck\n."
"Texas-based tuning house Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), famed for their bonkers modifications such as the \n600 hp 6\u00d76 Velociraptor\n, \n1000 hp Camaros\n, and \n\u201cFastest Car In the World\u201d challengers\n, have announced that they will be modifying their first EV \u2013 \nthe Porsche Taycan\n.\u00a0\nAlthough recognising that most of their customers still want raw and powerful internal combustion engines, HPE founder and CEO John Hennessey said, \u201cWe\u2019ve been planning to do something with electrified vehicles for a while now. We felt that the new Porsche Taycan was the right platform from which to modify our first EV.\u201d\u00a0\nHowever, the modified Porsche Taycan will not be what you expected, for now at least. At this stage, HPE will only be carrying out simple modifications such as wheels, tires and interior upgrades as well as exterior modifications such as more aggressive front and rear bumpers.\nDon\u2019t fret though, as Hennessey promised that they will be looking to see what is possible in terms of adding more power. Understandably, the electric vehicle arena is still fairly new, and extracting more power might result in catastrophic outcomes without proper research.\u00a0\nHennessey added that \u201cWe don\u2019t want to reinvent the wheel in the electrified market, we just want to make it roll a little faster and cooler!\u201d\nAs a recap, on what Hennessey is getting their hands on soon, the \nrecently unveiled Porsche Taycan\n is powered by two permanent synchronous motors, pushing \n625 hp\n and \n1050 Nm\n.\nWith an overboost function offering up to \n761 hp\n for the Turbo S, the electric Porsche does 0-100 km/h in just \n2.8 seconds\n, all the way to a top speed of 260 km/h.\nWe can\u2019t wait to see what Hennessey can do with the Taycan in their experienced hands!"
"Three weeks after the debut of the \nall-new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid\n, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has revealed that the company has collected over 2,500 bookings as of 8 June 2018. Of that, 757 units have been registered.\nThis positive market response mirrors the success of the Serena in its home market where it holds the title of the No. 1 MPV in Japan. Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM, Christopher Tan said: \u201cBookings for the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid has demonstrated the great acceptance of a hot model from ETCM and we thank all our customers for their support. We will continue to deliver quality products; and at the same time, we are increasing our production to ensure that All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid are delivered on time to our valued customers.\u201d\nThe locally assembled Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is jammed packed with premium features such as first in its class 360-degree Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors, \nseven USB-Powered Ports\n, Dual Back Door and six-airbags.\nPowered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid engine and XTRONIC CVT, the Serena S-Hybrid packs\n 150 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. With the current \nzero-rated GST\n and Duit Raya Savings, the Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star is priced at RM135,195.59 while the Highway Star variant of RM123,874.84, both on-the-road without insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star   Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star"
"Seven decades ago, inside a small factory somewhere in Maranello, an engine was fired up for the first time. The roar came from a 125 S, which is the first car Enzo Ferrari built. This year, Ferrari is celebrating its 70th anniversary, which also means we can expect something big to happen this year.\nBefore that, let\u2019s shift the attention to the momentous occasion. Did you know that the 125 S was dubbed the \u201cpromising failure\u201d by Enzo himself? That\u2019s because the car \u2013 armed with a V12 making 118 hp \u2013 went through multiple failures before it started going on a winning streak.\nFor their 70th birthday, Ferrari has \ntailored 70 special cars\n, with each car being a tribute to its glorious racing heritage.\nHappy turning 70, Ferrari."
"Following \nHyundai\n\u2019s unveiling of the all-new Kona in December and January, the company has now released official details of the next-generation \nHyundai Kona Electric\n along with a new set of images. Key highlights of the next-generation Kona Electric include the addition of a frunk, a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, and a tad more electric range.\nThe all-new Hyundai Kona Electric is available in two battery sizes. The \u2018Standard Range\u2019 is equipped with a \n48.4-kWh\n battery. The \u2018Long Range\u2019 gets a \n65.4-kWh\n battery that provides up to \n490 km\n range on the WLTP test cycle.\nAs for performance, the Standard Range gets a front-mounted single electric motor that makes 114.6 kW (\n156 hp\n metric) and \n255 Nm\n. The Long Range also gets a front-mounted single electric motor, albeit making a bit more power at 160 kW (\n218 hp\n metric) and \n255 Nm\n. New to the Kona is a one-pedal driving feature which is called the i-PEDAL.\nIn terms of charging, the Kona is built on a 400V architecture. Full charging details have yet to be released, but Hyundai does state that it takes \n41 minutes\n for the Kona Electric to charge from 10% to 80% at its fastest.\nWe\u2019ve seen the exterior design of the Kona Electric when it was teased together with the internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid versions of the Kona. Following the Staria, Stargazer, and Grandeur, the Kona gets the continuous LED light treatment for that new signature Hyundai look.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Hyundai Kona \u2013 No new engines, EV specs to be revealed in March\nDespite being available in ICE and hybrid versions, the Hyundai Kona is built as an EV first. Thanks to that, the Kona Electric now gets a frunk, which was never available in its predecessors. Also new on the Kona is a V2L function with sockets available inside the car and on the charging port itself. The maximum output for the V2L function is \n3.13 kW\n (Europe).\nInside, the all-new Kona Electric gets a twin 12.3-inch panoramic display with full over-the-air (OTA) updates and Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). The Kona also gets an eight-speaker Bose Premium Sound System. As seen in previous images released, most controls are now located near the steering wheel (including the gear selector), to create a more spacious cabin.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Hyundai Kona unveiled with Robocop looks, 4 powertrains, LED light bars\nAs for safety, the all-new Hyundai Kona Electric gets Hyundai\u2019s SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and safety systems, including Level 2 autonomous driving, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) and Driver Status Monitor (DSM).\nGALLERY"
"Geely is building up the excitement to the launch of their latest SUV which is the Xing Yue L. Previously known as the \nKX11\n, the dashboard of the \nXing Yue L\n has been shown and with it a measurement of its lengthy display screen. \u00a0\nScreen sizes are measured diagonally, such as the 12.3-inch driver\u2019s display in the Mercedes-Benz and BMW models, thus this \n100-cm\n or 25-inch screen that is measured horizontally, is certainly going to have a larger figure when assessed in the similar diagonal method.\nFeeling some d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu? Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz previewed the \nMBUX Hyperscreen\n that is said to measure as long as \n141 cm\n \u2013 however, that is the entire size of the Gorilla glass that protects the three individual screens. As such, Geely truly has something breathtaking (and not glaring the eyes) if the screen indeed is a continuous unit measuring almost 100 cm in length.\nMercedes-Benz\u2019 MBUX Hyperscreen, to be available in the EQS\nIf the \nXing Yue\n (or Tugella in Russia) crossover-coupe was targeted at owner-driver, then this more conventional \u2018L\u2019 should be looking at more practical users. We are however not sure if the intended user who would be seated at the second row can appreciate the metre-long display at the dashboard. Perhaps Geely is keeping something even more spectacular for the second-row occupants.\nBased on news reports, the Xing Yue L has similar dimensions with the lesser Hao Yue or Okavango SUV, which falls into the competitive mid-size SUV pool of Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-8 and Peugeot 5008. Built on the \nCMA platform\n, the Xing Yue L is expected to have a turbocharged \n2.0-litre\n engine with outputs of \n238 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n channelling drive to either front- or all-wheel drive via an eight-speed automatic as seen in the Xing Yue/Tugella.\nThe Geely Xing Yue L is scheduled to be launched at the upcoming \nShanghai Motor Show\n, scheduled to start from the 20th of April."
"It\u2019s the Ford Mustang and there could be no greater gift to celebrate the Mustang\u2019s 55th anniversary today as the world\u2019s best-selling sports coupe of 2018 with a total of 113,066 units sold last year, according to data by IHS Markit.\nWhat\u2019s even more impressive is that this marks the 4th consecutive year the Mustang has claimed this title and it\u2019s a sign of even better things to come as sales in Europe are up by more than 27% so far this year.\nIf you love the sound of V8s, you need to \nwatch this video\n!\n2,323 units of the Mustang were sold in the UK alone last year \u2013 a 5% increase from 2017 \u2013 while in Europe, Ford moved over 2,300 units in Q1 of 2019 alone. That\u2019s nearly \ntwice the amount of cars Volvo Malaysia sold \nin the whole of last year!\nUnsurprisingly, the Mustang was also the best-selling sports coupe in the United States where over 75,842 units were sold last year.\nThe Mustang\n you can afford\n.\nThe Mustang was sold in more than 146 countries (out of 195 countries in the world) last year and over 500,000 units of the 6th generation Mustang have found new homes since its introduction in 2015."
"Electric cars are quiet \u2013 \nreally\n quiet. And you know what else is also similarly quiet? Recording studios, which got BMW\u2019s engineers thinking \u2013 why can\u2019t we put the same speakers they have in studios, straight into our cars?\nOkay, fine, they most probably didn\u2019t say that. But what they definitely did, is put studio-grade speakers into the \nall-new BMW iX\n. Specifically, the same type of speakers that\u2019s used in the world-famous Abbey Road studios, courtesy of British loudspeaker company Bowers & Wilkins.\nThe coolest thing about this set of speakers \u2013 called Diamond Surround Sound System \u2013 is that the two Diamond Dome tweeters are actually made out of real diamonds to increase rigidity, which in turn enhances its ability to better recreate the sound waves accurately. The term \u201csparkly sound\u201d might not be too abstract after-all.\nThe diamond domes are complemented by B&W\u2019s \u201cNautilus Swirls\u201d technology, which are spiralling channels behind the tweeter that dissipate reflected sound waves from the rear of the drive unit to minimise distortion.\nCheck out the BMW iX\u2019s new infotainment system in action here!\n \nIn addition to the two Diamond Dome tweeters, the BMW iX is also equipped with three aluminium dome tweeters, five \u201cAramid Fibre\u201d midrange speakers mounted at the uppermost areas of the cabin, and eight speakers that are integrated directly into the headrests of both the front and rear seats, which can be individually adjusted to create a personalised audio signature for each passenger.\nIn keeping with the minimalist theme of the iX\u2019s interior design, the tweeters are covered with brushed stainless-steel covers, complete with a laser-etched logo and a discreet lighting effect. The door speakers, meanwhile, are discretely hidden behind acoustically optimized fabric.\nBMW\u2019s electric M cars will have their sound signature designed by Hans Zimmer. Maybe that\u2019s why they need fancy speakers.\nTying it all up are four bass speakers, joined by 4D Shakers strategically positioned within the interior to make you literally feel your skull shake to the thumping bass.\nThe result of all these fancy speaker technology is a sound system that\u2019s ultra-accurate, while also maintaining low distortion, giving you an audio experience that feels as though you are \u201cthere with the artist in the studio\u201d, a concept that B&W refers to \u201cTrue Sound\u201d.\nUnfortunately, the BMW iX that was \nlaunched here in Malaysia\n last month only comes with a more rudimentary set of Harman Kardon speakers (which we\u2019re sure still sounds good), although there\u2019s nothing a little money can\u2019t solve. \nwink\n."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today unveiled the \nlatest addition to its compact vehicle range\n, the GLB seven-seater SUV, through a digital live premiere on its social media channels.\nAvailable in two variants \u2013 GLB 200, GLB 250- alongside the \nMercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic\n, prices for the compact SUV starts at \nRM269,118.15\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n effective until the end of the 2020.\n \nEXTERIOR\nTaking inspiration from the brand\u2019s \nG-Class\n, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is designed with significant off-road focus styling cues. These include its upright bodystyle compared to its other siblings such as the GLC, visible skid plates on the front apron, as well as chunky body cladding on the sides.\nThe GLB 200 is equipped with the Progressive Line exterior package, while the GLB 250 4Matic gets a sportier AMG Line exterior kit, which includes the larger 19-inch AMG Line wheels, as opposed to the 18-inch five-spoke design on the GLB 200.\nFurther differences between the two variants include the front grille \u2013 AMG Line gets a single-louvre design with diamond studs grille design, while the Progressive Line is equipped with a double-louvre front grille design with a simpler mesh backdrop.\nThe AMG Line on the GLB 250 4Matic also comes with the sportier front and rear bumpers in line with other Mercedes-Benz models, the latter dressed with mesh pattern and more pronounced diffusers. Otherwise, exterior highlights standard on both variants include the High-performance LED headlights, LED taillights, and a raised aluminium roof rails.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe standard Mercedes-Benz GLB range will be offered with two different petrol powertrains under its hood. Starting at the lowest end is the 1.33-litre turbocharged inline-four engine for the GLB 200. Meanwhile, the GLB 250 4Matic gets access to a two-litre turbocharged inline-four mill.\nModel\nGLB 200\nGLB 250 4Matic\nEngine\nM282 1.33-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol\nM260 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol\nTransmission\n7G DCT 7-speed dual-clutch\n8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch\nDrivetrain\nFront engine, front-wheel driven\nFront-engine, 4Matic all-wheel drive\nMax horsepower\n163 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n224 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque\n250 Nm @ 1,620 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n9.1 seconds\n6.9 seconds\nTop speed\n207 km/h\n236 km/h\nThe main difference between the two, aside from the higher engine output, is the addition of 4Matic all-wheel drive on the GLB250. The permanent all-wheel drive system with a fully-variable torque split between the front and rear axles should help with surefootedness during slippery situations during rain, and with the Off-Road Engineering package which comes as standard, the GLB 250 should even perform sufficiently in off-road conditions.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB is not unlike all other modern Mercedes-Benz models, highlighted by the twin widescreen cockpit display. Aside from the sports seats wrapped in leather and Dinamica microfibre fabric, and the Nappa leather flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, both variants are identical on the inside, with the following highlights:\nTwin 10.25-inch displays with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nMercedes me telematics and connected services\nDual-zone climate control with rear vents\nBurmester sound system\nTubular design elements on dashboard and door handles for extra off-road touch\nThe most significant feature of the Mercedes-Benz GLB is the addition of the third-row seats, a first for the brand in the compact SUV segment. Mercedes-Benz says that the rear most seats can accommodate adults up to 168 cm in height, and even comes with ISOFIX mounts, which means you\u2019ll be able to fit up to four child seats at the back passenger compartment.\nThe third-row seats also comes with several creature comfort features such as cup holders in between the seats, as well as two USB ports. Three-point seat belts are standard, and the side curtain airbags also extends all the way to the back to ensure safety of the third-row passengers.\nWith the third-row seats in the usual seated position, the GLB still has approximately 130 litres of cargo space. With them folded down, the GLB boasts a rear cargo area of 500 litres, extendable by 140 litres by sliding the second-row seats forwards. With all seats folded down, the GLB can swallow up to 1,680 litres of goods at the back when filled to the roof height.\nSAFETY\nSafety and assistance kit is standard between the two variants, which includes the following features:\nActive Braking Assist with lane turn-off support for oncoming traffic\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\nPre-Safe\nKeyless-Go\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nEasy-Pack tailgate\nPRICING\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 is priced at \nRM269,118.15\n, while the GLB 250 4Matic brings it up to \nRM318,009.26\n. Both prices indicated are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020. Included in the price is a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.\nWith the Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia\u2019s Possi-B-ilities Financing plan, The all-new GLB can be yours starting at RM2,688 per month, based on estimates of a five-year tenure and approximately 19% downpayment for the GLB 200.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic\nMercedes-Benz GLB 200"
"After much anxious waiting, Nissan has put us all out of our quacking and pulled the sheets off the all-new Navara pickup truck. Nissan has been hard at work in improving and refining the robust and dependable nature of their one-tonner. The NP300 has also been reworked on the inside as well, seeing how segment leaders are faring with well-built interiors.\nThe NP300 is a rather important car for Nissan in these neck of the woods. Yes the \nGT-R\n may be the one that gets all the fame and basks in the limelight, but the Navara is one of the brand\u2019s \nbread and butter\n models here. Nissan has also taken a leaf out of their other international best-sellers and applied the winning formula here in the hopes of making the Navara more \ncar-like\n in nature.\nLet\u2019s start with the looks of it all. It\u2019s less symmetrical as compared to its predecessor and adopts a\n more angular\n and \nstylish\n front fascia that is inline with the company\u2019s current design language. It features a fair amount of \nchromed\n\u00a0bits such as the imposing \n3D-like grille\n, \nfog-light outliners\n and large \nside mirrors\n.\nFollow the lines and you\u2019ll stumble upon the side profile that\u2019s a wash full of lines,\u00a0\naccentuating\n\u00a0the truck\u2019s \ngo-anywhere attitude\n and capability. From the \nwheel arches\n to the \nroof-railings\n it all seems to work in perfect design harmony. Then we get to the back end where we encounter more of the Np300\u2019s imposing stance with the 3D embossed \ntail gate\n design.\nThe inside is less utilitarian and more \ncar-like\n as previously mentioned, and is fully \nredesigned\n to deliver first class ride, with every element of the cabin being optimised to provide the best possible \ncomfort\n, \nspace\n and \npracticality\n for both driver and passengers. Even the redesigned seats that offer improved \nergonomics\n and greater\n alertness\n can trace their inspirations to\u00a0technology inspired by \nNASA\n.\nPropelling the NP300 along is a\u00a0new \n2.3-litre dCi\n engine that is up to \n24 percent\n more efficient than the unit it replaces and is the cleanest and most economical mill in its class with \n158 hp\n. For the first time, the \nrange-topper\n gets a \ntwin turbocharged block\n that makes out \n187 hp\n.\u00a0The Navara will be available with a\u00a0choice of\n two\n or \nfour-wheel drive\n,\u00a0whereas drivetrain is comprised of\u00a0the standard \nsix-speed manual\n or an optional \nseven-speed automatic\n gearbox.\nWith that muscle in mind, the truck is able to manage an\u00a0impressive \ntowing capacity\n of\n 3,500kg\n. The rear flat bed is able to accommodate \nover a tonne\n of goods. The new Double Cab\u2019s load bed is\n 67mm longer\n than the previous model, with a sector-best load bed length of\n 1,578mm\n.\nNissan previewed the pickup truck at the uber-busy \nFrankfurt International Motorshow\n and promised to disclose full information on the Navara soon, including its pricing and launch date. Just when will we get the NP300, then?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The government is looking into relaxing movement restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus, including allowing people to travel or dine-in at restaurants, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.\nAs reported by \nThe Star\n, the Prime Minister said, \u201cI\u2019ve asked for relaxation to be considered for those who have received two vaccine doses. This could be for their travel or dining in at restaurants. This will show that while we battle with \nCovid-19\n, we can gradually return to normal life.\u201d\nPhoto: \nJKJAV/Facebook\nThe relaxation of MCO for fully-vaccinated individuals is part of the national recovery plan, as the country gradually adjusts towards returning to normal life. \u201cThe national recovery plan will take until the end of the year, so let\u2019s be patient. Be confident that we can win this war,\u201d Muhyiddin added.\nHere\u2019s a list of dos and don\u2019ts during the EMCO period\nPhoto: \nKhairykj/Twitter\nThe Prime Minister said the national vaccination programme is a \u201clight at the end of the tunnel\u201d in the country\u2019s battle against Covid-19. \u201cWe managed to vaccinate over 421,000 people in a day, and hopefully this can be maintained. Now, our focus is the greater Klang Valley. Through our targeted measures, we can deal with the Covid-19 infections better.\u201d\n\u201cWe hope that our vaccine supplies will also continue increasing this month and next, so we can keep to our projection of completing the recovery plan by the end of the year.\u201d\nGrab is offering discounted rides to seniors heading for vaccination \u2013 more information available here.\nCurrently, almost all of Selangor plus several localities in Kuala Lumpur have been placed under the \nEnhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO)\n. Meanwhile, the rest of the nation is under various phases of the new Movement Control Order, depending on the pandemic outbreak in their states.\nYesterday, the Health Ministry recorded 11,618 new Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, the highest-ever number since the pandemic started last year, and the second day in a row where the nation saw over 11,000 cases.\nMeanwhile, the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine (JKJAV) announced that 434,828 vaccine jabs were administered on Wednesday, the highest it has recorded. As it stands, 12.5% of the total Malaysian population have been fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus."
"We know it\u2019s hard to believe, but Polestar hasn\u2019t made an SUV yet. Well, that\u2019s about to change as its upcoming 3 will debut in October this year, and the premium EV maker has now given us our first (non-camouflaged) look at the \u201celectric performance SUV\u201d.\nOnly one image has been provided so far, and it\u2019s the one above. The \nPolestar 3\n looks similar in profile to the\n Volvo Concept Recharge\n that was unveiled last year, although it does seem to sport a more aggressive stance with wider rear haunches, a more aerodynamic roof, and a significantly more sculpted rear fascia.\nFamiliar Polestar design cues are also present here, including the Y-shaped LED headlights, yellow brake calipers, and full-width light-bar at the back. The entire top of the Polestar 3 is also covered by a single pane of glass, which appears to extend further backwards to form the raked rear windshield, passing underneath a prominent rear spoiler.\nNot much has been revealed about the Polestar 3\u2019s technical aspects just yet, but the company did mention that it\u2019ll have a driving range of \u201cover 600 km\u201d delivered by a dual-motor set-up and a \u201clarge battery\u201d. The Polestar 3 will also feature a \u201cbest-in-class\u201d\n LiDAR sensor from Luminar\n, alongside powerful\n computing elements from NVIDIA\n to offer autonomous highway piloting.\nALSO READ: The Polestar 2 BST Edition 270 is what happens when you let engineers run wild\n\u201cPolestar 3 is the SUV for the electric age. Our design identity evolves with this high-end large luxury EV, with a strong, individual brand character,\u201d says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. \u201cWith this car, we bring the \u2018sport\u2019 back to the SUV, staying true to our performance roots.\u201d\nThe Polestar 3 will be built on the second-generation Scalable Product Architecture (SPA2), and will be \nbuilt in both USA and China \nalongside the next-generation Volvo XC90 \u2013 which it shares the platform with.\nIn related news, Polestar has announced that it will be expanding its global footprint to 30 markets by 2023, including \nAsia Pacific\n, which already saw the addition of South Korea, \nSingapore\n, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand last year.\nThe company will also be launching a new car every year for the next three years, starting with the Polestar 3, to help achieve its target of 290,000 sales by the end of 2025, a ten-fold increase from the 29,000 in 2021."
"myTukar has just launched its new brand identity to better reflect its association with its parent company, Carro, and their vision to be the No.1 used car marketplace in Southeast Asia and beyond.\nFrom left: Fong Hon Sum, Founder and Chairman of myTukar; Derrick Eng, CEO of myTukar; and Aaron Tan, CEO and Co-founder of CARRO\n.\nmyTukar\u2019s rebranding announcement follows the brand\u2019s rapid growth digitally and its recent physical expansion nationwide. Over the years, the company\u2019s transaction volumes grew by 63% for wholesale, 260% for retail, with net revenue increasing by 89%. In line with myTukar\u2019s strategy to drive growth and sales, the rebrand aims to bring the company closer to consumers and prepare for further geographical expansion.\u00a0\nmyTukar, CEO, Derrick Eng said, \u201cMany things have changed since the start of the pandemic: our lifestyle, habits, preferences, and now, as we transition into the endemic phase, there is no better time to \u201ctukar\u201d your ride too. With our collective effort as a company, alongside our partners, dealers, and customers who trust in our credibility, the used car industry has never been so accessible, transparent, and trusted.\n\u201cThe improvement to myTukar is beyond rebranding; we have integrated our capabilities, business, data intelligence, and technical knowledge with our parent company, CARRO to bring even better value to our customers,\u201d he added.\nAccording to myTukar, demand for used cars have shot up by 8% in the first quarter of 2022. As such, the company will be hosting another automotive fair at its flagship retail showroom \u2013 the myTukar Retail Experience Centre \u2013 in Puchong South. The event offering over 1,000 myTukar Certified Pre-owned cars available, began on the 1st of July and will end today.\nCustomers will be able to obtain on-the-spot trade-in value for their vehicles, enjoy a low interest rate of 1.88%, same-day loan approval, and even car collection. Participating banks include Maybank, CIMB Bank, Public Bank, RHB Bank, Hong Leong Bank, and myTukar\u2019s financial service provider, Genie Financial Services.\u00a0\nMaking customer convenience a key aspect, the company will soon introduce its fleet of flatbed trucks to deliver vehicles directly to customers\u2019 doorstep.\nThe all-new brand look is just the start, with a series of exciting new changes lined up for the company. And customers won\u2019t have long to wait, with myTukar\u2019s first campaign powered by Carro all ready to roll out in the coming weeks.\nSince its inception in 2018, myTukar today has evolved into an online marketplace that offers a comprehensive range of services for all aspects of car ownership, with over 4,000 sellers. Its digital platform enables users to conveniently buy or sell their vehicles, from the comfort of their own homes.\nTo find out more information on myTukar and its latest ventures, click \nhere\n."
"Called the Rawang Bypass, the 2.7 km elevated bridge which spans across four lanes and sits close to 60 metres (the highest point) off the ground, opened today at 6 am.\nThe incredibly epic section is part of the 9 km highway connecting Rawang and Serendah.\nCredit: \nYouTube\nConstruction of the Rawang Bypass began in 2005, using a Movable Scaffolding System \u2013 a first in the Malaysia \u2013 for a speedy construction (although it still took 12 years to complete) without compromising the environment by cutting down trees and excessive use of machinery.\nThe bypass navigates through the Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor (Selangor Heritage Park), designed as such to reduce the need for extensive land clearing and more importantly to protect the rare \u201cGiam Kanching\u201d tree species. The stretch is said to also offer panoramic views of Rawang town."
"Although the current \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n looks up-to-date next to the W206 C-Class and the W223 S-Class, it isn\u2019t built on the same updated platform yet. The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a facelifted (2020) W213, which is built on an \u201colder\u201d platform. The W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will debut in 2023, and leaked images have revealed an EQ-like front end and a landscape-oriented head unit.\nShown with its cover pulled back and without wheels (in leaked images from China), the W214 is seen sporting an Exclusive-trim grille with the \u2018disguised\u2019 radar emitter in the centre. The Exclusive trim should also have a \u2018gun sight\u2019 3-pointed-star logo perched on the hood. Surrounding the grille are black trims that give the W214 an \u2018EQ\u2019 look.\nPhoto: \ncochespias1\nIn spy shots showing the exterior of the W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the car uses flush door handles that extend out when necessary. This may only be a feature for higher-trim levels of the next-generation E-Class. A dual camera setup can also be seen in the windscreen for the E-Class\u2019s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).\nLeaked images from China also show the interior of the W214 also shows interesting developments. Perched on the dashboard is a landscape-oriented infotainment unit that is uncharacteristic of the current-generation \nC-Class\n and \nS-Class\n. The shape of the dashboard, however, hints at a possible \u2018hyperscreen\u2019 configuration for higher-tier variants.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde Review \u2013 All the premium sedan you\u2019ll ever need\nPhoto: \ncochespias1\nPhoto: \ncochespias1\nPreviously it was reported that the next-generation W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be the last car by the brand to be developed exclusively for internal combustion engines (ICE). In an interview with \nAutomobilwoche\n, Mercedes-Benz development chief, Markus Sch\u00e4fer said (translated), \u201cAs things stand today, the E-Class and its derivatives will be the last Mercedes-Benz model to be created on a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) platform.\u201d\nIn Malaysia, the facelifted W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was launched in mid-2021. The sedan E-Class is available as the E200 Avantgarde which costs \nRM345,888\n, the E 300 AMG Line which costs \nRM399,888\n, and the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ which costs \nRM1,118,888\n.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen E-Class to be last ICE-only car by Mercedes-Benz, set for 2023\nRendered image of W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with latest wheel design spotted"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), distributor of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia and Kota Bumi Sdn Bhd has officiated the opening of the new Volkswagen Kota Bumi 3S centre. \nThe 3S centre is located at Inanam and will aim to serve Volkswagen owners in the Menggatal, Lintas, Kolombong, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Sepanggar region.\n \nFrom left: Mr Carlwin Yee and Mr Herman Yee of Volkswagen Kota Bumi and Mr Erik Winter from VPCM.\nIt is the only authorised Volkswagen dealership in Sabah, bringing the total of Volkswagen 3S centres nationwide to 18. \u00a0\u00a0\nVolkswagen Kota Bumi will provide sales and after-sales services, including diagnosis, repairs and maintenance services \u2013 with four service bays manned by three experienced after-sales staff \u2013 capable of servicing up to 16 cars daily. \nInsurance and vehicle trade-ins services will also be available, along with road tax renewals, engine overhaul and 24 hours breakdown assistance. As a value added service, the 3S Centre also provides pick-up and delivery services for customers (upon request), as well as free car washes. \nVolkswagen Kota Bumi 3S Centre operates from Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and is closed on Sundays."
"When the \nVolvo XC90\n was first introduced to the world back in 2014, it single-handedly revitalised the Swedish marque, paving the way for a fruitful future for its new owner Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). Today, Volvo Cars have announced that the next-generation XC90 is set for debut in 2021.\nVolvo has expressed that the new large-sized premium SUV will be built in its new manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina; bringing its total investment in US manufacturing operations to over \nUSD 1.1 billion\n (RM4.64 billion). The new investment is said to create 1,900 new jobs to support the production of the new Volvo XC90.\n \n \nPrior to the all-new XC90, the South Carolina plant will first commence production of the \nnext-gen S60 sedan\n in 2018. Said plant will have an annual production capacity of \n150,000 vehicles\n when it goes fully operational. Volvo has also confirmed that the US assembled XC90 will be exported to other markets.\nEarlier, Volvo has announced that \nall their cars from 2019 onwards will be hybrids\n, suggesting that the new XC90 will feature electrified powertrain \u2013 Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids and possibly a pure electric option too."
"Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has announced today that their entire Toyota and Lexus line up will feature some form of electrification and aims to sell more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles by the year 2030.\nIn a bid to combat climate change, Toyota is working towards creating more environmentally friendly cars. Toyota hopes to reduce the global average new-vehicle CO2 emissions by 90 percent from 2010. As a result, the company projects to sell more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles and among them 1 million units will be zero-emission vehicles such as battery electric vehicles (BEV) or fuel cell electric vehicles.\nTo achieve that, Toyota will accelerate the adoption rate of BEV by introducing 10 new BEV models by early 2020. Additionally, the brand aims to have every Toyota and Lexus around the world to be available with an electrified variant or as a dedicated BEV model by 2025."
"MINI Malaysia has issued an updated price list on its line-up of cars following a series of launches since the Sales Tax Exemption announcement in June this year. The new launches include the \nMINI John Cooper Works GP\n and the \nall-electric MINI Cooper SE\n.\nThe MINI John Cooper Works is the most extreme MINI to date, with 306 hp and 450 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 265 km/h but that\u2019s not its only charm. There are only 3,000 units in the world and 10 of which are here in Malaysia. Unfortunately, according to MINI Malaysia, they\u2019re all sold out.\nAs for the MINI Cooper SE, perhaps the biggest appeal about it, aside from its striking colour combinations, is that 80% of it 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery can be \ncharged up within 2.5 hours\n using the MINI Wallbox Plus.\nOperating with a single electric motor, the all-electric MINI Cooper SE generates 184 hp and 270 Nm to power the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. The car even comes with two different regenerative braking modes to choose from.\nAside from the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and the JCW GP, the other new addition to the price list is the \nSidewalk Edition launched here in July\n. Compared to the previous price list, prices of every model remain the same except with the \nPure and Sport variants of the Countryman\n.\nBoth the 2019 and 2020 models may be similar in price with SST but with the sales tax exemption, the 2019 models actually costs more than the 2020 models. This according to MINI Malaysia is \ndue to a transmission change\n, from 8-speed auto to 7-speed DCT, which sees a different calculation in terms of sales tax exemption.\nFor the previous price list released in June, of BMW and MINI vehicles, click \nhere\n."
"BMW Group Malaysia\n, alongside its dealer-partner Millennium Welt, today opened a new 4S centre in the Northern Kuala Lumpur region, providing greater accessibility for its customers in the areas around Jalan Kuching, Batu Caves, and Gombak.\nThe new 4S centre \u2013 Millenium Welt\u2019s fourth outlet and their first in the Klang Valley \u2013 occupies a large built-up area of over 35,600 square feet, with space for a Customer Lounge, Handover Lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Accessories store, an exterior courtyard, plus a showroom capable of displaying up to five new BMW vehicles as well as 10 BMW Premium Selection vehicles.\nThe space will also feature 20 service bays including five fast lanes, along with three RATC (reception at the car) service bays. This enables the 4S centre to cater for up to 60 vehicle service appointments daily.\nAs part of BMW Malaysia\u2019s efforts in championing sustainability, the new Millennium Welt KL North 4S centre is also equipped with 192 units of 96 kWp solar PV panels, capable of generating over 123,700 kWh of energy to power the space.\nBy using micro-inverters to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) on their rooftops safely and efficiently, Millennium Welt will save up to RM4,900 a month on energy, and reduce up to 86 tonnes of carbon emission annually.\nThere\u2019s even a DC fast charging station at the customer parking area for EV owners visiting the outlet!\nRELATED: BMW Group Malaysia presents multi-partnership event on sustainability and future mobility\n\u201cThe Millennium Welt Kuala Lumpur North dealership is a welcome addition to our extensive network of dealerships in the Klang Valley where we are able to grow in tandem with our deliveries and customer groups in the area,\u201d said BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director Hans de Visser. \u201cThe northern suburbs of Kuala Lumpur is developing rapidly with a projection of contributing over 500 vehicles for the premium segment in the next couple of years.\u201d\n\u201cWe are also especially pleased that Millennium Welt is embodying the same commitment to sustainable mobility, incorporating responsible alternatives to energy generation and providing greater access to charging infrastructure in such a high-traffic urban location. Their progressive approach to sustainability will go a long way in instilling confidence for an electric future in the years to come, inspiring many along the way.\u201d\nMillennium Welt Managing Director, Bryan Wong added, \u201cHaving been an authorised BMW dealer for over nine years now, we are proud to welcome our first and most energy-efficient dealership in Kuala Lumpur. We are supporting the low-carbon mobility and electrification ambitions of the BMW Group worldwide, which is the main reason we are investing in ensuring that we significantly reduce our carbon footprint where possible.\n\u201cWith the support of our strong customer base, we have also set ambitious targets for Millennium Welt to deliver 2,400 vehicles across the BMW, MINI, MINI Next, BMW Motorrad and BMW Premium Selection brands this year across all our network touch-points.\u201d\nALSO READ: 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport PHEV launched in Malaysia from RM356k\nFrom now until 31\nst\n May 2022, customers who service their BMW vehicles at Millennium Welt Kuala Lumpur North will receive a complimentary service voucher worth RM100, while stocks last.\nThe BMW 4S Centre Kuala Lumpur North is located at Lot 50009, Off Jalan Kuching, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, and is now open from 8:30 am, to 6:30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.\nGALLERY"
"The second-generation Nissan Leaf is slated for its global debut later this year and with Nissan previously teasing us with its sleek and \nmodern headlamp design\n. Today, the company has proceeded to flaunt the sleek side profile of the all-electric hatchback.\nInspired by airplane wings and designed from the ground up, the new Leaf is said to sit even lower to the ground with \nless drag\n and\n better stability\n. There are also unique design cues to allow the car to achieve \nzero lift\n at high speeds, keeping the car planted onto the tarmac.\nBased on the teaser image, we can tell that the new Leaf looks undoubtedly better looking and sleeker than its \npredecessor\n with bold lines and sharp edges all round. The awkward long overhang on the old car is fortunately redesigned in favour of a more \nconventional hatchback appearance\n.\nIt is also expected that the new Leaf\u2019s drag coefficient will\n best the previous-gen\u2019s 0.29\n. Improved aerodynamics will assist the hatchback to better slice through air for a smoother and more efficient journey. Nissan is proud to say that the new Leaf is capable of travelling up to \n400 km\n on a single charge, significantly more than the outgoing model\u2019s \n135 km\n cruising range.\nBesides that, we also know that \nNissan\u2019s ProPilot\n which allows for semi-autonomous driving will be made available on the new Leaf, along with an all-new, fully coloured instrument cluster display. Having said all that, an edgy all-electric family hatchback with semi-autonomous driving that can travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore on a single charge doesn\u2019t sound too bad eh?"
"Having just completed its \u2018Phase One\u2019 plans yesterday with the launch of the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n and \nOmoda 5 here in Malaysia\n, Chery is now going full steam ahead as it prepares its next launches, including the \nTiggo 7 Pro\n as their \u201cnext model\u201d, as confirmed by Chery International Vice President Shawn Xu during the press conference yesterday.\nThe Tiggo 7 Pro has already been \npreviewed here in Malaysia last year\n, featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet. Sharing the same powertrain as the \nOmoda 5\n, the 1.5-litre mill in the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro makes\n 156 hp \nand \n230 Nm\n, with drive sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nLike the Omoda 5, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is also available with a 194 hp/290 Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, though it\u2019s unclear if the more powerful variant will be making its way into Malaysia.\nComing in at around the size of the \nProton X70\n, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is well-equipped with a myriad of creature comfort niceties, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather upholstery, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance features.\nFinal equipment list, however, will have to wait until closer to its official launch here in Malaysia. Similar to the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro should also be\n locally assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah\n.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Chery Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro FIRST DRIVE\nAside from the Tiggo 7 Pro, Chery has also confirmed that the fully-electric Omoda 5 EV will also be making its way into Malaysia next year. \nFirst unveiled in China\n earlier this year, the fully-electric B-segment SUV will be powered by a single motor setup that pushes out \n221 hp\n, paired to a \n61 kWh\n battery for a driving range of \n450 km\n (WLTP) on a single charge.\nThe Omoda 5 EV, alongside the \nTiggo 8 Pro PHEV\n, will be part of Chery Malaysia\u2019s push towards \nachieving a 20% market share in the EV and PHEV segments in 2024\n. The latter will be making its official debut in Malaysia later this year."
"Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPV) are mainly practical options as opposed to performance or aesthetic seekers. But this French example blends good looks and practicality like Yin and Yang. Enter the new Renault Grand Scenic, an extension of the Scenic MPV which was unveiled earlier this year.\nWhile the fourth-generation Grand Scenic is wider, longer, and larger than its predecessor, this new MPV looks a lot more attractive than the model it replaces. It rides with the similar fascia found in most modern Renaults, one of which is the \nCaptur\n. The extra dimensions means it\u2019s now bigger on the inside, with a cavernous boot space that consumes up to\n\u00a0765 litres of cargo\n\u00a0via its five-seater configuration. Speaking of seats, two seats can be added at the back too, making it a decent seven-seater MPV.\nApart from the glaring oversized logo up front, the Grand Scenic receives a large panoramic glass roof, \n20-inch rims\n, roof rails and roofline mark. No sliding doors are used in this Grand Scenic, though. In terms of safety, this MPV gets\u00a0active emergency braking with pedestrian detection as standard. Also included are\u00a0plus lane keep assist and fatigue monitoring system, safe distance warning, blind spot monitoring and so on. Quite simply, this Grand Scenic should ace the Euro NCAP crash safety test like a walk in the park.\nEngine choices for the Grand Scenic consist of four oil burners and two petrol engines. One hybrid diesel engine, the\u00a0\ndiesel-electric dCi 110 Hybrid Assist\n is also available for this model. All these engines are mated to a\n\u00a0six-speed manual\n as standard, with some variants receiving the \nseven-speed \ndual-clutch\n automatic\n.\nWhile a good looking MPV will certainly appeal to Malaysians, European MPVs are pretty much left-wing choices in this part of the world. Its nearest competitor, the \nCitroen Grand C4 Picasso\n was unveiled earlier this year at around RM179,888. It\u2019s all up to TC Euro Cars to decide if this huge but gorgeous people carrier from France deserves a fighting chance here. That is, after it goes on sale in Europe by the end of this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ever since the first Volkswagen Golf R32 Mk4 came to life in 2003, the all-wheel-drive Golf quickly became the benchmark for hot hatchbacks. All-wheel drive traction, short overhangs and abundance of torque made for the perfect recipe for an everyday weapon.\nThe MK5 R32 featured an updated 3.2-litre VR6 engine with minor tweaks here and there, refining the rough edges of its predecessor. Another generation later, the Golf R Mk6 dropped the naturally aspirated engine for a smaller 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, giving it the low-end torque the VR6 engines could never deliver.\nFast forward to the present time, the \nGolf R Mk7\n was given a little more power and a diet which seemed like good progress especially after it received a mild refresher in 2017 with updated styling and more tech.\nBut the automotive world is a relentless one as competition are closing in fast on the might Golf R. Take the \nMercedes-AMG A 45\n, \nFord Focus RS\n (which Malaysians do not have the privilege of buying) and its close sibling the \nAudi RS3\n for example, they all have all-wheel drive, heaps of power and rapid-fire performance that could humiliate supercars of old.\nWhere does the \n290 hp\n Volkswagen Golf R Mk7.5 sit then in the hot hatch food chain? Has the mighty R gone out of fashion? Or does it still have plenty of love to give?\nPerformance You Can Rely On\nWith the facelifted Golf R, the EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine has been bumped up to \n290 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque, \n10 hp\n more than before. Interestingly, the six-speed wet clutch DSG has made way for a \nseven-speed unit (also wet clutch)\n. Century sprint, however, is no quicker at \n5.1 seconds\n and top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nOff the line, the new transmission feels no different than the previous unit, accurate and immediate. Only when cruising down the highway will you really take notice of the extra refinement (lower rpm) from the extra cog. Not to mention you still get the Launch Control Programme.\nAll that grunt is transferred to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s famed \n4MOTION \nall-wheel-drive\n system\n which is one of the best in the business. Torque is transferred between the front and rear axles accurately to slingshot you out from a corner drama free. I must say, it is the easiest and safest machine I have the privilege to toss it around the twisty back roads.\nGiven the same twisty conditions and driver skills, the Golf R will reliably stay ahead of the baby AMG despite having a power deficit of almost 100 hp. This 4Motion is really trick stuff, coupled with the responsive steering rack and fantastically balanced chassis makes the Golf R a formidable weapon both on and off track. Did I mention that it\u2019s adequately comfortable too?\n Don\u2019t Worry About the Honda Civic Type R Having More Power\nIn today\u2019s world, \n290 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque are frankly speaking, \nnot a lot of power\n. Even the front-wheel drive \nHonda Civic Type R\n packs \n305 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, so in theory, the all-wheel-drive Golf R should be spewing out even more ridiculous figures.\nBut even so, with \nLaunch Control \nactivated the Golf R will get up to triple digit speeds quicker your brain can process what just happened. In gear acceleration is also remarkable, foot down, boost on and you\u2019re off again chasing the other end of the 320 km/h speedometer.\nBesides, it is all about how you capitalise those horsepowers that matters.\nThe Cabin is Almost There\nThe \nfacelift exercise\n has brought the Golf R to the digital age with fancy 12.3-inch Active Info Display LCD instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system \u2013 something the Merc is lacking far behind. The cabin is also furnished with beautiful R \u201cVienna\u201d leather upholstery, blue ambient lighting and grey cross stitching.\nThe Active Info Display and Discover Pro media features bright and crisp graphics and neatly blends in with the rest of the cabin. The bezel-less infotainment screen not only looks expensive but feels equally so. Intuitive and responsive is the name of the game here.   Other than those two new items, the rest of the cabin is fairly basic and does not look too different when compared to its \n1.4 TSI R-Line\n and \nGTI\n siblings, you really have to squint for the blue highlights and R badge to appreciate this is the mighty Golf R. I would like it better if Volkswagen could put a little more effort into distinguishing this cabin, like adding some carbon fibre bits or aluminium finish trims to tie in with the silver side mirrors.\nCall me a left-wing all you like, but I am a little bothered that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has omitted the panoramic sunroof that was previously available exclusively on the Golf R 5-door. Yes, I like to have the moon and stars shine into the cabin and the occasional fresh air to enter the cabin from the roof.\u00a0\nIt Does Have Its Weird Kinks\nWeirdly enough for a global product, the Discover Pro Media was unable to decipher Chinese characters on the display but clearly presents it on the Active Info Display. It has been an odd issue since the days of RCD510 on the \nPassat B7\n but I believe it would not be a concern for many. Just a little inconvenient while streaming Chinese songs on my Spotify.\nAnother thing has got to do with fakery more than anything else. The Golf R has a built-in mechanism to blast artificial engine noise through the speakers. For the first two days you\u2019ll be giggling away at the hilarious V8 rumble while meshing the throttle but after that it just becomes silly.   Disable everything and you\u2019ll understand why the engineers have included this option. The R is uncannily muted. Believe me when I say muted because the last I checked, this is a rival to AMGs and RS\u2019. The most you get out from the engine is a muffled growl and don\u2019t even bother to let the windows down to catch a note of the famous DSG fart. Now I see why most of the Golf R (and GTI) community in Malaysia opted for an aftermarket exhaust.\u00a0\nWill I Buy It?\nIf you are in the market for a hot hatch that you can comfortably cruise to Sepang, annihilate the former F1 circuit and make your way home in time for a family dinner with the in-laws, the Volkswagen Golf R Mk7.5 will accomplish all that in a gentleman fashion.\nThe facelift just made the whole package even better with more bells and whistles to play with as well as a tad more power. Not to mention that VPCM now offers \n3-Years or 45,000 km free service package\n and 5-Years manufacturers warranty, you are well taken care of in the after-sales.\nI will be honest, as accomplished as the Golf R is, it would not be my first pick. As a bachelor in his mid-20s, I would prefer something a little more character, something a little shoutier and something with a little more flair while my body (and life) can still handle all that flair. But let\u2019s not kid ourselves, who in the world can afford RM278,888 (price without GST & SST) in his or her mid-20s.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"According to the latest \nInterbrand Rankings\n, Toyota is effectively the top automotive brand in terms of brand value in the world. Toyota (ranked 5th; 6th in 2015) and Mercedes-Benz (9th) are the only two automotive brands in the top 10.\nTo avoid confusion, the ranking includes all brands including Apple, Google, IBM and so forth. In the auto division, both Toyota and Mercedes-Benz brand outperformed other popular makes such as BMW (11), Honda (21 ), Ford (33) and Hyundai (35).\u00a0Making an interesting entry to the list is Tesla, though at no. 100 is the final brand to make it to the list of 100. This is largely achieved by the mass-marketed and affordable \nTesla Model 3\n.\nAs always, tech giants Apple and Google are the top two, with Coca-Cola coming in third. Toyota\u2019s brand value is rated at\u00a0US$53 billion, whereas Apple\u2019s brand value is at least three times more than that.\nInterbrand\u2019s top Automotive brands for 2016\n5: Toyota, USD 53.58 billion\n 9: Mercedes-Benz, USD 43.49 billion\n 11: BMW, \u00a0USD 41.535 billion\n 21: Honda, USD 22.106 billion\n 33: Ford, USD 12.962 billion\n 35: Hyundai, USD 12.547 billion\n 38: Audi, USD 11.799 billion\n 40: Volkswagen, USD 11.436 billion\n 43: Nissan, USD 11.066 billion\n 50: Porsche, USD 9.537 billion\n 69: Kia, USD 6.326 billion\n 78: Land Rover, USD 5.696 billion\n 88: Mini, USD 4,986 billion\n 100: Tesla, USD 4.011\u00a0billion"
"Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his drift-prepped Ford Mustang has become the first pair to ever drift around the entire Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nIf you\u2019re not aware, this is actually his second attempt after calling off the first due to bad weather last year. Yet, the Formula Drift champion still managed to entertain us with \na video of him casually drifting in a Ford Raptor\n, which eventually went viral.\n\u201cI was out of my comfort zone for the majority of the hot laps. I had to catch my breath, which is something I\u2019ve never experienced behind the wheel since I was a rookie in Formula Drift,\u201d said Vaughn.\nThe 5.0-litre supercharged engine mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox, producing between 700 to 900 hp, utilising road-legal Nitto NT555 G2 tyres to put down its power."
"It seems that in 2022, every new is required to come with electrification of some sort. \nFord\n is no exception, where even its\n pick-up trucks are getting full-electric power\n. But for the all-new \nMustang\n, Ford has delightfully opted to keep it old-school \u2013 as in, the 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 kind of old-school.\nFord says the new engine, dubbed the Coyote, is its \u201cmost powerful 5.0-litre V8 ever\u201d, and will deliver the \u201cmost naturally aspirated horsepower of any Mustang GT\u201d. Official figures haven\u2019t been announced just yet, but the engine gets a reworked air intake, with a dual intake box and dual throttle body design that is said to help minimise induction loss.\nThe 5.0-litre monster is available exclusively on the GT variant, but the regular Mustang also receives an all-new 2.3 litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost mill underneath its bonnet. Ford also says that it has \u201csaved the manual transmission\u201d for another generation of the Mustang, although a 10-speed auto \u2018box is also available.\nBut the coolest addition to the engine department on the all-new Ford Mustang is the new Remote Rev feature, which allows the owners to \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 rev the engine remotely via the key fob. Why? No clue, but it sounds like the most Mustang thing ever.\nIn terms of looks, well, it\u2019s still a Mustang. It still gets the same low and wide silhouette that has transcended 58 years of the Pony, and all of the signature Mustang cues, such as the tri-bar lighting, are also still retained on this all-new model \u2013 albeit with a much more prominent design on both the LED headlights and tail lights.\nThe grille has been enlarged, which Ford says is inspired by the original 1960s Mustang\u2019s design, and gets even larger on the GT variant (alongside additional bonnet vents and splitters) for better airflow to the engine. There\u2019s also a new roofline to make ingress and egress a little easier, while the rear end has been shortened to emphasise the car\u2019s muscular stance.\nRELATED: \nFord Mustang named best-selling sports car in the world, again\nWhere you\u2019ll definitely notice a difference is on the inside, thanks to a completely redesigned cockpit that\u2019s said to be inspired by fighter jets. The highlight of the cabin is without a doubt the two massive freestanding screens on the dashboard, measuring 12.4-inches for the instrument cluster, and 13.2 inches for the SYNC4 infotainment display \u2013 the latter even has Amazon Alexa built-in for voice commands.\nBut the reason you\u2019ll notice it is not just because it\u2019s huge; the displays are also powered by the same Unreal Engine 3D software used in video games for buttery-smooth animations, and even real-time graphical rendering of your car when you customise the drive modes. You can even adjust your car\u2019s settings by swiping the graphic to rotate the car virtually \u2013 just like a video game!\nThe all-new Ford Mustang will be offered in a variety of optional equipment packages, starting from a purely-aesthetic Mustang Design Series that offers additional Sinister Bronze details and alloy wheels.\nMoving up to the Performance Pack will net you a front tower brace, active exhaust system, Torsen limited-slip differential, MagnaRide active suspension, wider rear wheels, larger Brembo brakes, as well as Recaro seats on the inside, plus additional brake ducts and an auxilary engine oil cooler specifically for the GT variant.\nThe Performance Pack also adds a \u201csegment-first\u201d Performance Electronic Parking Brake, or also affectionately called the Electronic Drift Brake, which can supposedly help drift novices kick their tail out \u201clike Vaughn Gittin Jr\u201d.\nMost of you, however, will probably be more interested in the new \u2018Dark Horse\u2019 specification which, according to Ford, delivers \u201cthe most track-focused precision for any Mustang to date\u201d. The range-topping variant comes with a \u201chigh output\u201d version of the V8 engine, plus a variant-specific six-speed Tremec manual gearbox (auto is still available as option), additional radiators for the engine, gearbox, and rear axle, as well as reworked suspensions.\nThe \u2018Dark Horse\u2019 specification will also form the base of the all-new Ford Mustang\u2019s motorsports aspirations, which will compete in all manner of racing categories, ranging from GT4 to Le Mans.\nThe all-new Ford Mustang will be assembled at the Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan, USA, with sales slated to begin next year. And for you \nMLM agents \nAmerican muscle fans here in Malaysia, yes \u2013 right-hand drive models are also confirmed.\nALSO READ: \nMustang Club Malaysia sets largest Ford Mustang gathering record with 137 cars!\nGALLERY"
"Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced 16 new battery-electric vehicles (BEV) and they will be among 30 new BEVs that will be introduced by the company by 2030.\nThe 30 BEVs will include a wide range of vehicles including passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. In conjunction with the introduction of 16 BEVs, Toyota also announced that the group\u2019s new BEV sales target is set at 3.5 million units a year by 2030.\nAkio Toyota and his vision.\nIn total, the company plans to invest eight trillion yen on developing carbon-neutral vehicles and technologies and a portion of which will be dedicated to hybrid-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.\nOf the total investment, Toyota will allocate two trillion yen to develop more advanced, higher quality, and more affordable batteries for the said vehicles.\nThe car that Toyota said will meet customer expectations of a first car.\n\u201cWe will not only add battery EV options to existing vehicle models but will also offer a full line-up of reasonably priced mass-production models, such as the bZ series, to meet the needs of all kinds of customers,\u201d he said.\nAmong the 16 vehicles displayed, five are Toyota bZ (beyond Zero) vehicles while others include \u201clifestyle\u201d and commercial vehicles. There were also four Lexus models.\nThe five bZ vehicles include the recently launched bZ4X, a mid-size SUV, and a small SUV which Toyota said will be available for the Japanese and European market.\nThere will also be a mid-size sedan that will \u201cmeet customer expectations for a first car\u201d and a large SUV with 3rd row seats. The most exciting of all, there seems to be at least two sports cars \u2013 one by Toyota and Honda \u2013 with exciting good looks.\nOne thing\u2019s for sure, if Toyota achieve their goals, you\u2019d never be able to call their vehicle\u2019s \u201cuncle\u2019s car\u201d anymore.\nGALLERY"
"High-resolution screens have changed how we interface with our vehicles. Take for instance the \nPerodua Ativa H\n and AV grades, many of the customisable features are selectable via the steering wheel switch and a menu within the instrument cluster featuring a 7-inch TFT screen.\nWhile display screens in the infotainment system have been around for more than two decades, one of the first interiors to feature a fully digital dual-screen setup is the Mercedes-Benz \nE-Class W213\n and its \u201cWidescreen Cockpit\u201d layout.\nRecently, all-new Hyundai models have also moved towards a dual-screen setup, such as the latest \nElantra\n, allowing the instrument cluster to project more information such as blind-spot monitoring. Their next innovation is supposedly placing a high-resolution display within the centre of the steering wheel!\nAccording to an article by \nDrive.com.au\n, Hyundai has been seen filing a patent in Germany for a steering wheel-mounted display. The drawings laid out the basic setup, where a rectangular display fills the centre of a circular steering wheel, leaving two spokes on the left and right for grip.\nThe patent also describes how the effectiveness of the airbag is unimpeded by the display, able to fully inflate and protect the driver without damaging the proposed display.\nImage credit: CDA GmbH\nHUD in a Toyota Camry\nHead-up display projects images with a similar focal point of the road ahead, whilst the steering wheel is completely out of focus. \nWhile it is said that the design addresses visibility issues and obstruction due to the rim of the steering wheel covering the instrument cluster, isn\u2019t the head-up display (HUD) that projects on the windscreen deliver an even better result plus doesn\u2019t strain the eyes with multi-distance focusing? \u00a0\nAlfa Romeo CEO thinks otherwise, with the interiors to be as few screens as possible. More about his directive here.\n2019 Genesis Mint Concept \u2013 steering wheel\nHyundai\u2019s luxury vehicle brand, Genesis, did toy with the idea of a simplistic interior and dashboard, with all the information stuffed into a small display on a similarly small steering wheel in the 2019 Mint Concept car.\nBentley and Fanatec\n recently launched a dual-purpose motorsport steering wheel featuring a 3.4-inch coloured screen. It is designed to be used in their racing cars as well as on Fanatec sim racing steering bases. As you can see in the promotional video, not much information is displayed on the screen while one is driving as it is not conveniently located.\n2019 Genesis Mint Concept\nDo you think the idea is practical or just another gimmick to stand out from the crowd? Give it a thought, when was the last time you glanced at your steering wheel while you are driving? The centre of the steering wheel is far from an ideal placement for displaying information in a regular passenger car."
"This one has been a long time coming. Ford\u2019s sole Malaysian importer and distributor, Sime Darby Auto Connexion has just launched the \nall-new Ford Everest\n, a seven-seater ladder frame SUV with the beating heart of a \nRanger\n.\nAvailable today at your nearest showroom are the 2.2L Trend 4\u00d72 and 3.2L Titanium 4\u00d74, priced at\n RM198,888\n and\n RM258,888\n respectively. Yes, they are very much on the higher side price wise, far exceeding the \nToyota Fortuner 2.7L SRZ\u2019s RM200k asking price\n, mostly because they\u2019re fully imported from Thailand and don\u2019t benefit from the same incentives as the Fortuner.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Everest 2.2L Trend (4\u00d72)\nFord Everest 3.2L Titanium (4\u00d74)\nEngine\n2,179cc; 4-cylinder TDCi with VGT\n3,198cc; 5-cylinder TDCi with VGT\nTransmission\n6-speed 6R80 automatic\n6-speed 6R80 automatic\nMax Power\n158 hp @ 3,200 rpm\n197 hp @ 3,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n385 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,500 rpm\n470 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM198,888\nRM258,888\nWe\u2019ve gone through the \nfive reasons why we think the Everest is the car for you\n, so here\u2019s a quick recap on some of the features that will come with these SUVs.\nEXTERIOR\nThe 3.2L Titanium variant comes with auto-levelling HID projector headlamps (with washer), halogen fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, chromed side mirrors with integrated signal indicators and huge six-spoke 20-inch wheels shod with 265/50 series tyres.   The 2.2L Trend however, gets manual adjustable halogen projector headlamps with fog lamps, body-coloured side mirrors and 18-inch wheels wrapped with 265/60 tyres. Other standard equipments include mud flaps, LED tail lamps, painted roof rails, removable plastic running boards and chromed front grille.\nINTERIOR\nWhile the Everest\u2019s exterior packaging lose out to the better looking Fortuner,\u00a0the cabin of this Blue Oval SUV is far more impressive than its Japanese rival. Standard features include dual zone climate controls, electronic parking brake, cruise control and Isofix child anchors.There is also \nActive Noise Cancellation\n which uses three highly sensitive microphones to further reduce cabin noise.   Naturally, the 3.2L Titanium fares better in terms of equipment levels, as seen in the pictures above. It comes with an \n8-inch SYNC2 touchscreen head unit\n, supporting the usual array of USB, iPod, SD Card and Bluetooth connectivity. This system is hooked up to \n10 speakers\n, whereas the 2.2L Trend settles for a 4.2-inch SYNC1 head unit with eight speakers.\nSeats on the Titanium variant are wrapped in leather, and this extends to the door trims as well. Ambient lighting and electrochromic rear view mirror are also offered exclusively for the more expensive variant, as are the 8-way powered driver seats and powered second and third row seats (60:40 and 50:50 split respectively). On the Trend, the leather is replaced with fabric, and it also loses out on all electronic seats as well as ambient lighting.\nPERFORMANCE\nJust like the Ranger, the \n2.2-litre turbodiesel\n engine packs a healthy \n158 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque, but drive is sent only to the rear wheels (with standard differential). The larger \n3.2-litre five-cylinder TDCI engine\n produces \n197 hp\n peaking at 3,000 rpm and\n 470 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 rpm.\nBoth engines are paired to a\n six-speed automatic transmission\n, and only the 3.2L Titanium gets four wheel drive with \nlocking rear differential\n. It\u2019s also the only variant to come with \nTerrain Management System\n, consisting of several off-road drive modes such as Sand, Mud, Grass, Gravel and Rock.\nSAFETY\nThis part is almost neck-and-neck with the Fortuner. The 2.2L gets just three airbags (two front and driver knee airbags), while the 3.2L gets seven including curtain and driver knee airbags. Standard safety systems include ESP Brake System, Roll Stability Control, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Light, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Trailer Sway Control. Reverse camera and front parking sensors are reserved only for the 3.2L Titanium, which means the 2.2L Trend will only get reverse sensors.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Everest comes with a 3-Year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty programme and can be had in four different colours \u2013 Aluminium Metallic, Black Mica Metallic, Sunset Metallic (only for 3.2L) and Cool White (only for 2.2L). Both price tags of RM198,888 and RM258,888 are OTR and include GST, but excludes insurance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Everest 2.2L   Ford Everest 3.2L   Ford Everest Cutout"
"The \nPorsche 911 GT3\n costs a lot of money. Not only that, but the 992-generation GT3 just plain doesn\u2019t exist yet. But fret not, because Porsche\u2019s own Exclusive Manufaktur division has come up with a SportDesign package to take your 911 halfway there \u2013 while probably saving you quite a few bucks.\nThe SportDesign package for the \nPorsche 911\n includes a new redesigned front apron, along with a new spoiler lip. At the rear, the number plate placement has been raised to make space for a new air intake and outtake.\nThe new front and rear bumpers can be paired with an optional SportDesign side skirts, giving the optical effect of lowering the car closer to the road.\nFor the ultimate GT3 look, you\u2019ll have to tick the new Aerokit box, which is available on all 992-generation Coupes. Based on the SportDesign package, the Aerokit comes with a new front spoiler, fixed rear spoiler, and a fixed rear wing.\nOther than looks, the Aerokit also works as functional aerodynamic enhancements. The parts have been engineered in Porsche\u2019s development centre in Weissach, carefully honed in the wind tunnel to increase downforce on both the front and rear axles.\nThe development phase of the parts also included hot and cold climate testing around the world, with more than 90,000 kilometres covered on the road. The Aerokit was also fine-tuned on the Nardo test track, with over 55,000 km of high-speed testing.\nThe SportDesign package and Aerokit will be available in all Porsche\u2019s exterior colours, or you can specify it with partial black high-gloss paint \u2013 perhaps to go along with your black wheels."
"Lamborghini has not just created a one-off, road legal track car, it has also created history after unveiling the \u201cSC18\u201d, a car created by Squadra Corse \u2013 Lamborghini\u2019s motorsport division \u2013 which will pave the way for future personalised projects for customers.\nThink of it as the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division but for Lamborghini. SC stands for Squadra Corse while the 18 represents 2018.\nWhile its radical design may bring instant flashbacks of the Sesto Elemento, especially with the 12 air vents at the back, the SC18 is actually\u00a0 based on the Aventador but has been heavily reworked with extreme aerodynamic enhancements.\nIt\u2019s got air intakes inspired by the Hurac\u00e1n GT3 EVO race car and sides and rear panels, fins and air scoops adopted from the Hurac\u00e1n Super Trofeo EVO.\nThe sheer demand for aerodynamics is such that even its large carbon fibre rear wing offers three separate adjustments, to generate optimum downforce in any given track. As it\u2019s prepped primarily for track and race use, the 12 vents are there for increased heat exchange and improve cooling for the V12 engine.\nAnother indication of its \u201ctrack readiness\u201d lies in the 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels held together by single lock nuts, wrapped in\u00a0specially-developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.\nWhile its output figures will make an 812 Superfast giggle, the weight of the car has been significantly reduced with ultralight materials and a new carbon fibre body that only offer a little over 10 cm of ground clearance. As with all Lamborghinis, the SC18 is also primed to scream, with a very special exhaust used to create a \u201cunique sound\u201d.\nPerformance figures were not revealed and I suspect we\u2019ll never know. With the Aventador SVJ clocking a 2.8 second time from 0 to 100 km/h, it\u2019s safe to expect the same if not quicker times.\nStrangely, there weren\u2019t any images provided on how the inside looks like, possibly over privacy issues, Lamborghini said that the cockpit is furnished with black Alcantara with red cross-stitching and carbon fibre bucket seats.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is urging the public to not share information on roadblock operations through the Waze navigation app, \nBernama\n reported.\nKL Police Chief Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said that such an act will only prevent enforcement against drivers who are under the influence and other who have committed traffic offenses.\u00a0Azmi also highlighted the potential dangers faced by other road users when encountering a reckless drunk driver, someone running the red light or driving against traffic and others.\n\u201cFor those who have never suffered an accident caused by or been affected by the consequences of a reckless driver would never understand the pain and suffering of the victim\u2019s family,\u201d said Azmi.\n\u201cWith that, I hope that the public, especially road users, will give their cooperation to the police and not aid these traffic offenders instead,\u201d he added.\nThe request by the KL Police Chief has not sat well with some quarters. According to \nSAYS\n, netizens have complained that these roadblocks, especially those conducted during peak hours, cause traffic congestions and further inconvenience those with urgent matters to attend to. This is especially when all lanes are reduced to just one.\nAnother user even commented that motorists should continue using their high beams to alert road users in the opposite direction of roadblocks ahead. What are your thoughts on this, let us know!"
"In the year 1977, Renault entered the foray of the Formula One (F1) World Championship. In a season where every other constructor was using a 3.0-litre high-revving naturally aspirated title, the newly formed racing team took the F1 scene by storm with their RS01 race car powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged V6 \u2013 the first ever F1 car to feature turbocharging technology.\nThe 1.5-litre engine was nicknamed \n\u201cYellow Teapot\u201d\n not because of its resemblance to a yellow teapot but because it was susceptible to engine blows and was notoriously unreliable. But that did not discourage the French automaker. The team continued pouring resources into research and development and only first saw the fruits of their labour in the 1978 United States Grand Prix where Jean-Pierre Jabouille snatched fourth place with the RS01. By then, no one was laughing at the Yellow Teapot.   Soon, other manufacturers began adopting turbocharging technology in their race car, but Renault has already progressed to twin-turbocharging at the 1979 Monaco Grand Prix after overcoming the critical problem of turbo lag. In the same year, Jabouille clinched Renault\u2019s first ever victory at the French Grand Prix thanks to the new twin-turbo set and an all-new chassis design for the RS11 race car.\nFast forward to 2014, F1 had employed strict emission regulations which limits the permitted fuel quantity per race to 100 kg, 35 percent lesser than what the V8s used to have. Renault came out with an innovative solution by revisiting the old engine design \u2013 a \n760 hp\n 1.6-litre V6 hybrid powerplant.\nWith over 600 races, 11 Driver\u2019s titles, 12 Constructor\u2019s crowns and no fewer than 168 grand prix victories over the past four decades, what has the 118-year old French carmaker learnt from its involvement in F1 that can be applied to its volume sellers?\nFor starters, engineers have applied their analytical skills in F1 to explore new technical solutions for their production models. This approach has led to many innovations in the area of turbocharging, downsizing, direct fuel injection, friction reduction as well as ride and handling.\nAs the first manufacturer to feature a turbocharged engine in F1 races, Renault was able to effectively produce efficient small capacity engines with high power outputs. Turbocharging is featured not only in the marquees high-performance cars like Megane R.S., but also in mainstream runabout vehicles like the Captur crossover and Clio.   Another prime example of trickled down technology from F1 is the recently unveiled \nfourth-generation Megane R.S.\n \u2013 packing an all-new 1.8-litre direct injection, turbocharged four-cylinder that dishes out \n280 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n of twisting force. Those crazy output figures are owed to the innovations learnt from F1.\n4CONTROL four-wheel steering\n and aerodynamics are among the technologies inspired from Renault\u2019s experience in F1. As such, Renault\u2019s customers can directly benefit from technologies developed in the world motorsport.   Moving forward, Renault has envisioned what racing cars might look like in the year 2027 with the R.S. 2027 vision. Imagining a future with a more human-centric championship, more spectacular show, safer ultra-high-performance racing and an even more environmentally-friendly Formula One.\nRenault\u2019s road vehicles have a strong intertwined connection to Renault\u2019s involvement in Formula One. Four decades of F1 had given birth to not only a strong portfolio of sports cars under the Renault Sport range, but also a range of dynamic mass market vehicles. So the next time you\u2019re in a Renault vehicle, take note and experience the innovations and technologies that have went into the car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"European consumers are able to purchase the facelifted \nHonda HR-V with a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo petrol engine\n. Positioned as the top of the range variant, the HR-V Sport as it\u2019s called in Europe gets uprated suspension tuning and a manual gearbox.\nThe 1.5-litre VTEC turbo makes \n182 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n (1,900 \u2013 5,000 rpm) of twist when the standard 6-speed manual equipped. Opt for the CVT and the maximum torque is capped at \n220 Nm\n (1,700 \u2013 5,500 rpm).\nInterestingly, despite torque kicking in at a later rpm and tapers of 500 rpm earlier, the 6-speed manual HR-V completes the century sprint quicker than the CVT equipped car \u2013 \n7.8 seconds\n vs. \n8.6 seconds\n. Top speed is higher on the manual variant too at \n214 km/h\n as opposed to the CVT\u2019s \n200 km/h\n.\nThe HR-V Sport also comes with beefed up suspension technologies for a more dynamic ride and handling. As standard, it gets Performance Dampers, Variable-Gear Ratio electric power steering and Agile Handling Assist (AHA). The latter is found on the \nCivic Type R\n.\nManual or CVT for you?\nIn Malaysia, the \nHonda HR-V facelift\n is available in three 1.8-litre SOHC petrol variants and a 1.5-litre Hybrid model. Pricing starts from RM108k for the entry-level E grade climbing to RM124k for the RS variant.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nHonda\u00a0HR-V Sport\u00a0in\u00a0Europe"
"Infidelity. Driving a Mazda MX-5 is as close as the word \u2018Infidelity\u2019 gets. It\u2019s like your 60-year old self casually dating Scarlett Johansson; the it-woman who some equate to as the Marilyn Monroe of the 21st century. Scarlett has got it all. Good looks, husky voice perfect for bedtime stories and is quite the all-around walking definition of the word \nalluring\n. Since donning the Black Widow costume, she has inadvertently found a permanent spot on the bedroom ceiling and screensaver of many adolescents. If you\u2019re one of them, don\u2019t worry, we won\u2019t judge.\nJust like Scarlett, the MX-5, in due course of its existence, has officially become the nameplate for being the \nmost popular roadster in history\n, ever. Guinness has a book of records to show for it, if by any chance you didn\u2019t believe us. Almost one million units of the MX-5 have been shipped worldwide, and Mazda has tirelessly met consumer demands over three generations (codename NA, NB and NC) and 25 years of their droptop roadster. Every unit by the way, is produced and assembled in Hiroshima, including the new ND.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda MX-5 1.5L Skyactiv\nMazda MX-5 2.0L Skyactiv\nEngine\n1,496cc; DOHC direct injection, inline-4\n1,998cc; DOHC direct injection, inline-4\nTransmission\n6-spd manual/auto\n6-spd auto with Sports Mode\nMax Power\n129 hp @ 7,000 rpm\n158 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n150 Nm @ 4,800 rpm\n200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.3 seconds; 204 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 222 km/h\nPrice (OTR\u00a0with\u00a0insurance)\nNot available\nRM226,376.32\nWhen Mazda \ntook the veils off the fourth-generation MX-5 exactly a year ago\n, it sent a tsunami of an impact to enthusiasts the world over and for multiple reasons. One, it looks nothing like before and two, a \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine nestles under the hood \u2013 the smallest displacement engine to be offered in the MX-5\u2019s history.\nIt\u2019s also new from the ground up, featuring the company\u2019s full suite of Skyactiv technology. As a result, the new platform sees a \n20mm reduction in wheelbase length\n, with both the front and rear overhangs reduced by 45mm and 40mm respectively. The ND also \nsits 10mm closer to the ground\n.\u00a0 All this translates to it being the\n shortest MX-5 ever\n to be created, and gone with the length too is its weight \u2013 \nover 100kg has been shed\n from the NC, making it the lightest MX-5 after the NA.\nEXTERIOR\nThis fourth iteration roadster is by far the \nbest looking one\n of the lot, and one that inarguably exudes masculinity with fair ease as compared to its older brothers. It\u2019s like growing up with three full-on fashionistas, only to have an Arnold Schwarzenegger of a man as your youngest sibling. With the new KODO \u2013 Soul of Motion theme, the MX-5 loses the bulk of its curves in favour of sharper, more finely sculpted lines. Almost all visual cues of past MX-5s are lost, save for two key portions; the gaping front grille and the tail lamps \u2013 both given a modern touch whilst paying tribute to the original NA.\nDespite Mazda\u2019s pursuit in making the MX-5 as lightweight as they possibly could, they made no compromises when it comes to furnishing the car. In Malaysia, even the spoilt-for-choice among you will be contented with \nhow well the car is equipped\n. Forward illumination is job managed by a pair of auto-levelling \nLED projector headlights\n (with Adaptive Front Lighting and High Beam Control), whereas the lower recess gets dressed with a neatly placed \nLED daytime running lights\n. Peek through the grille and you\u2019ll find the radiator, and finishing off the front fascia is the integrated diffuser finished in matte black.   The ND\u2019s side profile appears to be strikingly flat, accentuating its lowly-slung proportions. Its side mirrors are finished in gloss black contrast and come with no integrated signal indicators \u2013 because lightweight. We were told that the side mirrors have been strategically positioned as to not create unwanted turbulence, and it also doubles by improving stereoscopic visibility. The A-pillars have also been meticulously contoured to achieve one seemingly insignificant but drastically crucial effect; reduce high frequency wind and draft. This means you and your significant half can converse in comfort and uninterrupted, even with the top and windows down.\nVehicle entry is made convenient with \nkeyless entry\n, whereas stance is topped off with a set of lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and 205/45 profiled rubbers. Finally, the rounded rear end of the older NC makes way for flatter surfaces on the ND, looking sleeker than ever with the LED tail lamps and a fog lamp. On the whole, the KODO application works well with the model, and for the first time in the moniker\u2019s history, it will turn more heads than stirring hormones among purists.\nINTERIOR\nNow, at first glance, the dashboard of this two seater roadster looks as though it was lifted off the \nMazda2\n and given a mild tweak. You may be right to spot the similarities, but that\u2019s by no account a cheap way for Mazda to reduce costs. In fact, it has much to do with the independent company\u2019s \nMonotsukuri \ninnovation \u2013 a strategic plan to commonise parts across the model lineup. That deserves its own story, so we\u2019ll save that for another day.\n \n \nThose familiar with the Mazda2\u2019s dashboard will notice an undeniable resemblance with the MX-5, right down to the air conditioning vents and rotary controls. However, the latter boasts a big leap forwards in terms of materials used, effortlessly shaming close rivals Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ and the bare interior of the Lotus Elise.\nThere are four things to love about the interior; seats, steering wheel, audio system and the soft-top. The leather upholstered bucket seats are comfortable and hold you snugly in place, and if you look closely you\u2019ll see speakers built into the head restraints. Nifty.\nAs for the driver, the all-new three-spoke steering wheel (not flat bottom though) adds to the car\u2019s sporty impression, but the most impressive bit of the car \u2013 while stationary of course \u2013 is one you\u2019ll likely not see coming \u2013 its retractable top. Putting on the rag top is incredibly easy. Though manually done, it\u2019s an excellent example of going back to basics. Sheer uncomplicated brilliance.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe MX-5 was always offered with \ntwo engine configurations\n, and it\u2019s no different this time around with a \n1.5-litre\n and \n2.0-litre Skyactiv petrol\n mills. Both engines can be had with either a \nsix-speed manual\n or\n automatic transmission\n, and in Malaysia we get the bigger engine paired to a slush box. It\u2019s not quite the ideal package for purists, but there are reasons to like the automatic, especially if you\u2019re new to the MX-5.\nLet\u2019s get down to the numbers. The \n1.5-litre engine\n (similar unit powering the Mazda2) makes \n129 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque, and is\n longitudinally mounted\n to send drive to the \nrear axle\n. If you\u2019re expecting a blown unit (by way or supercharging or turbocharging), don\u2019t look away just yet. Because it weighs \njust over\u00a01,000 kg\n, it\u2019s brisk enough for a century sprint time of \n8.3 seconds\n.\nAs for the \n2.0-litre\n unit, it produces considerably better numbers \u2013 \n158 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. This configuration gives the MX-5 a \nbetter power to weight ratio\n, and propels the car from nought to 100 km/h a full second quicker at \n7.3 seconds\n. It\u2019s also the only variant to come with a \nfactory fitted mechanical limited slip differential\n. The wheels are also larger here, measuring 17-inches compared to the 1.5-litre\u2019s 16-inches. Now, with all the basics out of the way, let\u2019s find out how it all sums out on the road.\nTHE DRIVE\nOur test drive stint took place at the very core of where the MX-5 was put through its paces during the development stages \u2013 Mazda\u2019s covert Proving Ground located in Mine (pronounced Mee-neh). Now, because the MX-5 is only available with the 1.5-litre engine in Japan, there were no 2.0-litre examples lined up for us to do a direct comparison. Fair enough, we thought, for skeptical we were not.\nThe four-cylinder goodness shines right from the get-go, whizzing to a delectable throaty note while the exhausts hum in a pleasant tune that\u2019s quite uncharacteristic of a four-pot unit this size. Clutch feel is remarkably light, almost that of a regular car. It is in no way punishing, and we would gladly make it out a two-hour city gridlock without once complaining of the sore foot. Hey, the attention pretty much makes up for it, no?\nIf there\u2019s one thing Mazda never gets wrong with the MX-5 is the manual gearbox. This \nsix-speed close ratio Skyactiv-MT\n is joy to row; short, light, tight and \nhardly inaccurate\n. The pedals are repositioned and placed more towards the right side of the footwell, making heel-and-toeing all the more instinctive and intuitive, if you will. This driver-centric engineering is achieved by\n moving the front wheels forwards\n by 80mm, and that according to Mazda, was the \ntoughest hurdle to overcome\n. Hats off to them for succeeding!\nThe 3.3km Mine circuit comprised of several mid-range handling roads, the kind where the MX-5 feels right at home. There\u2019s \ndiscernible but minimal dive\n when carrying speed into corners, yet the \n195/50 R16 series\n Yokohama rubbers stuck to the tarmac like Jay Z on Beyonc\u00e9. Or is it the other way round? Moving on. One major difference between the MX-5 and its present day foe, the 86, is that the Mazda tends to give way to lateral forces more easily than the Toyota. Body roll gets increasingly pronounced when we become\u00a0all boy-racey, although we couldn\u2019t quite get the MX-5 to lose its composure, even under all that squealing rubbers. Grip level is simply phenomenal, and that\u2019s saying something.\nMazda\u2019s philosophy in fun-driving characteristics has always been centred around the words\u00a0\nJinba-Ittai\n, a Japanese phrase that translates to \u201cOneness between horse and rider\u201d. You\u2019ve probably heard or seen it in some their newer marketing campaigns, for the same philosophy extends across the entire Zoom-Zoom range. We\u2019ve sampled all of the Skyactiv models (except the \nCX-3\n, but that surely won\u2019t disappoint) and found the same strand of DNA materialising in the form of \nexemplary handling and agility\n, regardless of their segment. Such is the guarantee of \nJinba-Ittai\n. But if we were to sum the whole thing up, the MX-5 is unquestionably the most potent and holistic translation of \nJinba-Ittai\n.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re curious as to why we likened driving the MX-5 to having an affair with Scarlett Johansson, it\u2019s because the MX-5 is very simply an object for all your gratuitous guilty pleasures. It\u2019s the one car that won\u2019t break your wallet regardless of how many late nights you spend in secret with. It\u2019s a car that doesn\u2019t need to try hard to make driving an enjoyable experience.\nSure, the 1.5-litre variant may appear to fall short on power, but its \ntorque curve is so flat\n, power becomes readily accessible anywhere from 3,500 rpm upwards. Again, that\u2019s where all the magic happens, plus the fact that the engine breathes freely and all the way up to \n7,500 rpm\n. The 2.0-litre variant on the other hand, revs only till 6,500 rpm before running short of breath.\nUnfortunately, the 1.5-litre isn\u2019t and will not be offered in Malaysia because tax structures wouldn\u2019t bring the price down to a decent level. Then there are also intransigences associating large displacement engines with outright performance while happily dismissing all key performing areas but one \u2013 the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time. Trust us, if that\u2019s exactly what you\u2019re after, then the MX-5 is not for you. Spend the money on a Golf.\nThe MX-5 is for those who want an uncomplicated car that\u2019s as good as the driver gets, because to the roadster, the horse is only as good as the rider gets. The better you are at driving it, the better the MX-5 gets for you. Along the way, you\u2019ll form an intrinsic bond with the car, thus becoming one with it. That\u2019s the \nJinba-Ittai\n promise.\nCOMPARISONS\nIn retrospect, there\u2019s only less than a handful of rivals facing off against the MX-5. Honda was once right up its nose with the S2000, but years has passed since we\u2019ve last heard of a successor. Breeds like the MX-5 are \nconsiderably niche\n, perhaps that\u2019s why other manufacturers aren\u2019t so convinced in spending millions in R&D to have a slice of its cake.\nWe picked three of the MX-5\u2019s closest rivals in Malaysia for comparison\u2019s sake, and they are the Toyota GT86, \nBMW 220i Coupe Sport\n and Lotus Elise S. Their configurations are all the same \u2013 FR (front engined, rear wheel drive) \u2013 except for the MR (mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive) Elise S.\nMazda MX-5 2.0L Skyactiv\nToyota GT86\nBMW 220i Coupe Sport\nLotus Elise S\nENGINE\nType\ninline 4-cylinder petrol\nboxer 4-cylinder petrol\ninline 4-cylinder petrol\ninline 4-cylinder petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,998\n1,998\n1,997\n1,798\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n158/6,000\n197/7,000\n184/5,000\n217/6,800\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n200/4,000\n205/6,400\n270/1,250\n250/4,600\nSTEERING\nType\nDual Pinion Electric Power Steering\nElectric Power Steering\nElectric Power\u00a0Steering\nRack and Pinion\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed\u00a0auto\n6-speed manual\n8-speed\u00a0auto\n6-speed manual\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront / Rear\nDouble Wishbones / Multi-link\nMacPherson Strut /\u00a0Double Wishbones\nMacPherson Strut /\u00a0Multi-link\nDouble Wishbones / Double Wishbones\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated, Perforated 2-pot AP Racing disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated, Perforated Brembo disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n205/45 R17\n215/45 R17\n225/45 R17\n175/55 R16 & 225/45 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n3,915\n4,240\n4,432\n3,824\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,735\n1,775\n1,774\n1,719\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,230\n1,285\n1,418\n1,117\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,310\n2,570\n2,690\n2,300\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,080\n1,275\n1,440\n896\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n130\n243\n390\n\u2013\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n45 litres\n50 litres\n52 litres\n40 litres\nConsumption\n7.8L/100 km\n7.1L/100 km\n6.0L/100 km\n7.5L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n222\n226\n230\n234\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n7.3\n7.6\n7.0\n4.6\nPRICE\n (without insurance)\nRM\n219,998.80\n236,586.80\n277,800.00\n286,127.19\nRight off the bat, the MX-5 and the Elise S are the only models to feature a soft top, but the MX-5 edges out by way of convenience. Both the Toyota and BMW on the other hand, come with a solid top, so that may be the way to go for first time sports car buyers who want a bit more sense of security.\nAlthough the supercharged Elise is the most capable of the lot, mastering the art of driving a mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive vehicle takes some serious skills and getting used to. The bare interior of the Lotus is no match for the Mazda, and will appeal only to the more seasoned of drivers. What does the BMW offer, then? Besides the badge, the car is admittedly fun to drive, but you\u2019ve got to be truly committed to buy one because you can get a pre-registered 328i M Sport for the same price!\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIn. A. Heartbeat. With the manual gearbox, of course. It\u2019s unbelievable how few dislikes, if any, we have for the car. For an independent company with a global marketshare of just 2 percent, Mazda certainly has a knack for effectively tugging the heartstrings of motoring enthusiasts the world over. And they\u2019ve just outdone themselves with the ND. I would have gone with the 1.5-litre if given the choice, only because it\u2019s as rewarding as it is fun to drive. A hell lot of fun to drive, I might add. But like our colleague Dominic always says, beggars can\u2019t be choosers, right?\nAnd oh, I\u2019ll have mine in\u00a0\nScarlett\n Soul Red, please.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Mazda MX-5 1.5L Skyactiv Official Photos   Mazda MX-5 1.5L Skyactiv"
"Mercedes-Benz has officially announced the \nCLA Shooting Brake\n, a new addition to their ever-expanding A-Class range. Currently the smallest wagon in the Mercedes-Benz family, the CLA Shooting Brake should appeal to those who always wanted the \nCLA Coupe\n but with more usable space.\nEXTERIOR\nSharing the same svelte profile with the \nCLA\n, the CLA Shooting Brake adds on a fifth door at the back that melds in nicely with the rest of the car. Measuring \n1,777 mm wide\n, \n4,630 mm long\n, and\n 1,435 mm high\n, it\u2019s almost identical to the CLA Coupe but the Cd value has increased from 0.22 to a still-slippery 0.26.   INTERIOR\nInside the cabin, everything has been carried over from the CLA Coupe, but it gets a new steering wheel and from the B-pillar rearwards the CLA Shooting Brake offers more space for the rear passengers and cargo. Thanks to the continuous roof line all the way back, the rear passengers gains \n4 cm more headroom\n than the CLA Coupe.   The rear bench has a few position options. In \u2018normal\u2019 position, the cargo space behind is \n495 litres\n, which is 25 litres more than the CLA Coupe. Set it to \u2018cargo\u2019 position, the cargo space is increased to 595 litres, and fold the rear bench altogether you\u2019ll get \n1,354 litres of cargo space\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThere\u2019s a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines for the CLA Shooting Brake. The \nCLA 200 CDI\n is powered by a \n2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel\n with\n 136 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, while the \nCLA 220 CDI\n uses the same diesel engine but with \n177 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n of torque.   The \n1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol\n in the\n CLA 180\n and \nCLA 200\n produces \n122 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n in the former, and\n 156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n in the latter. Another petrol option is a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n in the \nCLA 250\n that produces\n 211 hp\n and\n 350 Nm\n of torque. All models are front wheel driven, except for the \nCLA 250 4MATIC\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are two equipment lines for the CLA Shooting Brake, \nUrban\n and \nAMG Line\n. On Urban trim, the CLA Shooting Brake gets high-gloss black pins in the diamond radiator grille, 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloys, and chromed tailpipes while the AMG Line will add a different set of bumpers and skirts, and a set of lowered sports suspension.\nThere\u2019s also the limited\n OrangeArt Edition\n that features orange highlights to the bumpers, rims, headlights ring, and seats. In Europe, the CLA Shooting Brake will go on sale in January 2015.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Things you need when in a coastal town \u2013 sunblock, minimal to no clothing, ideally an eye candy for company and to get around, a convertible.\nOn that note, there\u2019s probably nothing \u201chotter\u201d at the moment in the Gran Tourer side of things than the \nnew BMW 8-series convertible\n. It just screams elegance and sportiness without being obnoxious about it.\n \nNo word on whether the convertible would be available in Malaysia just yet but rest assured there wouldn\u2019t be any less suitors.\nGlobally, there are two variants of the 8-series convertible available \u2013 the 850i xDrive and the 840d xDrive. The former gets a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, paired to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox that\u2019s good for\u00a0\n530 hp\n\u00a0and whopping\u00a0\n750 Nm\n\u00a0of torque.\n0 to 100 km/h is dusted in just 3.9 seconds before it hits the annoying top speed limiter at just 250 km/h.\nIn the 840d xDrive, 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six diesel engine paired similarly to the 8-speed gearbox with \n320 hp\n and \n680 Nm\n of torque. This one\u2019s more than a second slower than the 850i to a 100 km/h at 5.2 seconds, but with a similar top speed."
"When was the last time you performed a radiator flush? Do you know why it\u2019s recommended to so and what happens if you dont?\nKeeping your engine cool is just as important as keeping yourself cool, especially when \u201coperating\u201d in the tropical temperatures of our country. Coolant circulates between the engine and the radiator in order to keep the engine running at optimal temperatures.\nUnlike all the AutoDIY jobs you\u2019ve seen us share, this is actually one that\u2019s feasible for you to perform in the comforts of your own porch. Just make sure you adhere to the prescribed precautions.\nA new episode of\n AutoDIY\n will be aired every Wednesday, with many more interesting and informative episodes to come."
"Yes, you are not reading it wrong. This article is indeed about the new \nPeugeot 2008\n. In Malaysia, \nBermaz Motor\n has just \npreviewed the e-2008\n at the \nMalaysia Auto Show 2023\n. However, Stellantis has just unveiled the facelifted Peugeot 2008.\nFeaturing an updated exterior design on the outside, new bits include Peugeot\u2019s new logo, as well as Peugeot\u2019s new signature light that was seen on the \n508\n sedan and 508 SW wagon. The 2008\u2019s gloss black bumpers also feature vertical light claws that are integrated into it. Previously only a single claw line, the design now features a triple claw line.\nAt the rear of the B-segment SUV are new full LED rear lights. This features the brand\u2019s signature three claw-like LEDs that are made up of three superimposed horizontal double slats, according to the company. The previous design utilised vertical slats.\nPeugeot is offering the facelifted 2008 with 3 wheel-size options. This includes the 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch rims. The wheels are also designed using the same design philosophy as the \n408\n sedan.\nPerformance-wise, the new Peugeot 2008 will be offered in petrol, diesel, and full electric powertrains. A hybrid option will be coming soon as well, according to Stellantis.\nRELATED: \nPeugeot e-2008 previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 \u2013 up to 320km range, 100kW DC charging\nPetrol engine options include two 3-cylinder turbocharged 1.2-litre engines, with \n100 hp\n and \n130 hp\n outputs respectively. These two petrol engines are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.\nDiesel-wise, a 4-cylinder 1.5-litre engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox is offered as well. This combination enables the powertrain to output a total of \n130 hp\n. Torque figures have not been announced by Peugeot for the above three powertrains as of now.\nAs for the all-electric e-2008 (as shown in pictures), powering it will be a single motor capable of outputting \n156 hp\n. This is 15% more than the current generation e-2008. Battery capacity for the new 2008 is \n54 kWh\n, up 4 kWh from 50 kWh of the current generation e-2008.\nThe new e-2008 will be able to carry you as far as \n406 km\n (WLTP), 61 km more than what the current generation model is able to.\nIn terms of charging, there are two onboard chargers available for the new e-2008. This includes the single-phase \n7.4 kW\n charger that comes as standard, as well as the optional three-phase \n11 kW\n option.\nJuicing up the SUV from 20% to 80% only takes \n30 minutes\n using a \n100 kW\n DC charger. The \n7.4 kW\n AC charger on the other hand will take \n4 hours and 40 minutes\n, while the \n3.2 kW\n will take \n11 hours and 10 minutes\n to do the same.\nMoving inside, there is Peugeot\u2019s famed i-Cockpit. This consists of Peugeot\u2019s 10-inch digital instrument cluster that is located at eye level, and just above the steering wheel. Depending on the variant chosen, there is also a 3D \u2018hologram-like\u2019 display that is also present in the current generation 2008.\nIn the middle of the Peugeot 2008\u2019s interior, there is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It features the French automaker\u2019s i-Connect and i-Connect Advanced infotainment systems, as well as a voice command function.\nThis system is easy to use, and is responsive like a smartphone, according to Peugeot. An optional 15 W wireless charger with three USB-C and one USB-A port is also available.\nAmbient lighting is here to stay with eight customisable colours. The colours can also change according to the selected driving mode. Speaking of driving modes, the new Peugeot 2008 comes with what the brand calls the \u2018grip control\u2019. This provides access to three driving modes, namely sand, mud, and snow.\nThe new Peugeot 2008 comes with a suite of safety features. This includes Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with Stop and Go function, Automatic emergency braking (AEB), Active lane departure warning (ALDW) with lane correction, as well as Blind spot monitoring (BSM).\nThe facelifted Peugeot 2008 will be produced at the Vigo plant in Spain and will go on sale in the summer of 2023. Closer to home, the 2022 Peugeot 2008 was launched in early 2022, with a special edition (SE) variant launched later in April 2023, offering cosmetic add-ons worth RM 2,900. As mentioned earlier, the full electric e-2008 is previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 as well.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia driving license now renewable up to 10 years, 10% discount\nGALLERY"
"With the many new electric cars coming into Malaysia, the \nNissan Leaf \nhas been given a necessary refresh to compete with the younger competitors. Now cheaper by RM7,000 at \nRM168,888\n, the 2023 Nissan Leaf is available in a single variant only.\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nChanges to the outside are subtle as the new Nissan Leaf sports a new front bumper with a new black aero \u2018grille\u2019 at the front. Gone is the chrome trim that used to adorn the front fascia. Adding aggressiveness to the Leaf\u2019s looks are the new black inner finishings on the headlights.\nThere is also a new Nissan emblem that is proudly perched on the \u2018grille\u2019. The most important change to the front end, however, is under its charging flap. Under the flap is now a Type 2 socket for AC charging which means you no longer require an adapter to charge at most of the public charging stations in Malaysia. For DC charging however, it is still done via a CHAdeMO socket.\nMost visually striking on the Leaf\u2019s exterior are the new 17-inch wheels which have a claw-like motif. The wheels are wrapped in a set of Dunlop Enasave tyres. At the back, the Leaf gets a redesigned rear spoiler and a redesigned rear diffuser. Like the front end, there is also the new Nissan emblem.\nThere are now 7 colour options for the Nissan Leaf, namely Stealth Grey, Akatsuki Sunrise Copper, Opera Mauve, Vivid Blue, Midnight Black, Burgundy, and Pure White Pearl. All colour options come with a \u2018Super Black\u2019 roof.\nPowering the Nissan leaf is the same single electric motor as before. The motor powers the front wheels only and makes a total output of \n150 hp \n(metric) and \n320 Nm\n. 0-100 km/h is done in \n7.9 seconds\n and the Leaf has a top speed of \n155 km/h\n.\nAs before, the Nissan Leaf for Malaysia still gets the same 40kWH battery pack that still doesn\u2019t get any form of active cooling. The battery is passively cooled and provides a total range of \n311 km\n on the NEDC test cycle.\nCharging can be done at a maximum rate of \n6.6 kW\n with AC charging and \n50 kW\n with DC charging. 6.6-kW AC charging takes \n7 hours\n to complete while 50-kW Dc charging takes \n1 hour\n to complete. You also have the option to charge with a 3-pin AC socket at \n3.6kW\n, and this will take \n12 hours\n to complete.\nOn the inside, things remain largely the same as before, but you do now get a new 8-inch head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone connectivity. The most interesting thing perhaps inside the Nissan leaf is the intelligent rear view mirror that is connected with a camera placed underneath the third brake light. With this setup, you are able to \u2018see through\u2019 your rear passengers to get a good view of your surroundings.\nThe driver seat in the Leaf is manually adjustable but you do get seat heating functions for both front row seats. The steering wheel only gets tilt adjustment. Interior upholstery colour options include Stone Grey and Graphite Black.\nSafety-wise, the 2023 Nissan Leaf is equipped with High Beam Assist, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control, and Hill Start Assist.\nThe 2023 Nissan Leaf is all yours for \nRM 168,888\n. Included in the price is a \n3-year/100,000 km\n vehicle warranty and an \n8-year/160,000 km\n high-voltage battery warranty. Optional items include:\n7 kW wall box charger \u2013 \nRM7,000\nJomCharge Membership (1 Year) \u2013 \nRM600\nNissan Leaf owners are entitled to an \u201cexclusive owner privilege program\u201d that lets them enjoy complimentary 23 days per year usage of the following models:\nNissan X-Trail\nNissan Serena\nNissan Navara\nThere is also a subscription plan for the Nissan Leaf in Malaysia which costs \nRM1,800 per month \nunder a \n3-year subscription plan\n.\nFollowing its launch, the 2023 Nissan Leaf facelift will be on display at the \u201cNissan Electrifying Drive\u201d event at selected Nissan Showrooms nationwide. The dates and locations of the events are as such:\n11-12 March \u2013 ETCM Glenmarie, ETCM Jalan Raja Laut\n18-19 March \u2013 ETCM Klang, ETCM Kuantan\n25-26 March \u2013 ETCM Butterworth, ETCM Johor Jaya\n8-9 April \u2013 ETCM Ipoh, ETCM Batu Pahat\nGALLERY"
"At the 2016 Gaikindo Indonesian International Auto Show, the new Mitsubishi\u00a0XM Concept, a MPV-SUV hybrid, will make its public debut. The concept is similar to that of the \nHonda BR-V\n, combining the best traits of an SUV and MPV.\nThe new XM embodies Mitsubishi\u2019s latest \u201c\nDynamic Shield\n\u201d design language (first to debut on the\u00a0\nOutlander\n), but here the XM struts\u00a0significantly bolder lines than before. Mitsubishi explains that the XM Concept is designed with \u201cthe toughness of an SUV with the versatility of an MPV\u201d. The letter \u2018X\u2019 stands for crossover while \u2018M\u2019 represents MPV.\nNo interior images have been revealed thus far, but the XM looks set to be a \nseven-seater\n\u00a0car. Also, the interior will get a higher centre console stack and a black/white high-contrast interior coloring together with silver accents.\nSo what will the XM concept replace? It\u2019s no secret that Mitsubishi\u2019s current lineup is ageing drastically (comprised of models such as the Grandis, ASX, and Delica), the XM concept, if it makes to production, will certainly complement the product gap rather easily. Such cars will undoubtedly work well in populous markets\u00a0like\u00a0Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines."
"Bentley\n has just debuted its latest grand tourer, the \nBentley Flying Spur\n \nSpeed\n. With this latest addition, Bentley says that it has now completed its portfolio of grand tourers, mirroring that of the Continental GT and Bentayga. According to Bentley, the Flying Spur Speed is the most driving-focused version of the \nFlying Spur\n.\nPowering the Bentley Flying Spur Speed is a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that makes \n626 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n, which is 85 hp and 130 Nm more than the V8-powered \nFlying Spur S\n. Paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission by ZF, the Flying Spur Speed accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.8 seconds\n and has a top speed of \n333 km/h\n.\nFeaturing an active all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, power is mainly sent to the rear wheels. Bentley says the understeer effect experienced with fixed all-wheel drive is virtually eliminated, making the car feel more balanced overall.\nThe Bentley Flying Spur Speed varies the torque distribution based on the selected Drive Dynamics Mode. In \u201cComfort\u201d and \u201cBentley\u201d modes, the system will send up to 480 Nm of torque to the front axle. In Sport, the system limits the available torque to the front axle to 280 Nm. Torque is also managed across each axle via a torque-vectoring-by-brake system.\nRELATED: \nBentley Batur previews brand\u2019s future EVs. while using a W12 engine\nEasing manoeuvres in the Flying Spur Speed is an electronic all-wheel steering system that comes as standard. This system also enhances stability at highway speeds. Also equipped on the Bentley Flying Spur Speed is Bentley\u2019s Dynamic Ride System which manages the stiffness of the anti-roll bar.\nThe exterior of the Bentley Flying Spur Speed features dark tint finishes on the front grilles, headlamps and tail lamps, and signature \u201cSpeed\u201d badges on the lower wing. The 22-inch \u201cSpeed\u201d wheel is standard, with finishes including Dark Tint, Gloss Black, or silver-painted. A second optional 22-inch \u201csports design\u201d wheel is also available in Gloss Black or Pale Brodgar Satin. The Flying Spur Speed also includes jewelled fuel and oil filler caps.\nOptional for the exterior are Bentley\u2019s Styling Specification and Blackline Specification. These include a carbon fibre front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a subtle boot lid spoiler.\nStep inside the Flying Spur Speed and you will see new performance infotainment graphics that take inspiration from luxury chronographs. The cabin also includes sports pedals, Speed fascia badges and emblems, and illuminated \u201cSpeed\u201d inner and outer treadplates.\nRELATED: \nBentley will launch five EVs in five years starting from 2025\nThe front seats have a 24-way powered adjustment while the rear seats get a 14-way powered adjustment. All seats include heating, ventilation, massage, and two memory positions.\nBentley has also announced that the Bentley Flying Spur Speed will be one of its last models to feature the brand\u2019s W12 engine. In May, Bentley dropped the W12 engine from the standard Bentley Flying Spur. Should customers desire a W12-powered Flying Spur, their options are either the Flying Spur Speed or the \nFlying Spur Mulliner\n.\nGALLERY"
"TotalEnergies and Li-Ning have just launched the very first official 3v3 badminton tournament in Malaysia \u2013 the 3v3 TotalEnergies x Li-Ning Cup. This tournament is the first 3v3 badminton tournament that both companies are co-organizing in Southeast Asia. The 3v3 badminton tournament is also mainly targeted towards non-professional badminton players in Malaysia, in hopes of discovering new badminton talent.\nThe 3v3 TotalEnergies x Li-Ning Cup 2023 will be kickstarting its first match in Kuala Lumpur on \nSeptember 15\n, \n2023\n. The second match will be held in Johor, followed by Penang, and Sarawak. Winners from each state will then compete in a grand finale on \nNovember\n \n18\n and \n19\n, \n2023\n in Kuala Lumpur.\nThere are a total of four categories available for the 3v3 badminton tournament. This includes:\nMen\u2019s Team with two age groups \u2013 under 30 and above 30 years old\nMixed Open Team with at least one female player\nMixed Fun Team with at least one player under 15 years of age\nThere will be a RM300 registration fee per time with goodies worth RM900 in value given to the teams. Additionally, there is a total of RM338,800 worth of prizes to be won by the winners of the 3v3 TotalEnergies x Li-Ning Cup badminton tournament. However, only Malaysian citizens are eligible to participate in the badminton tournament. National or professional players who have participated in international tournaments sanctioned by Badminton Asia and Badminton World Federation (BWF) within the past five years (2018 till 2023) are also not eligible to participate in the tournament.\nThe launch ceremony of the 3v3 TotalEnergies x Li-Ning Cup badminton tournament was officiated by the Director of Sunlight Sports Sdn Bhd, Dato Sri Sam Soh, together with Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Malaysia, Jennifer Li, Business Development Head of Li-Ning Malaysia, Simon Soh, Assistant General Manager of IOI City Mall, Wilfred Wong, as well as former badminton legend Tan Boon Heong. Goh Liu Ying and Janice Woon also graced the event as key supporters of the 3v3 TotalEnergies x Li-Ning Cup.\nJennifer Li said, \u201cBadminton is a well-loved sport in Malaysia and we are excited to introduce a new avenue to further grow the badminton culture here. As a trusted brand in lubricants and mobility solutions, we are committed to driving excellence in performance, precision and endurance. Badminton shares these same attributes, and we look forward to fostering these admirable traits together.\u201d\nCreative Group and Retail Head of Li-Ning Malaysia, Teah Yann Ling said, \u201c3V3 badminton may be relatively new in Malaysia, but it\u2019s already a massive hit in China. This fast-paced and thrilling game offers an incredible opportunity for players of any skill level or gender to participate.\u201d\nTeah added, \u201cWe are excited to join forces with TotalEnergies to bring people from all walks of life to enjoy the game and connect in a meaningful way.\u201d\nPrior to this, the TotalEnergies Li-Ning Lo Yongbo Cup 3v3 Badminton Tournament is a popular series in China. The series has been played in more than 20 cities across the country each year since 2017.\nTotalEnergies is also the title sponsor, as well as the Official Energies Partner and Official Lubricants Partner of BWF Major Championships. This includes the BWF World Championships, BWF Thomas Cup Finals, and BWF Sudirman Cup Finals.\nMost recently in Korea, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by TotalEnergies\u2019 joint venture company S-OIL TotalEnergies Lubricants Co., Ltd to be an official partner of the Badminton Korea Association and a sponsorship partner of international badminton games held in Korea. These will be organized by BWF and hosted by Badminton Korea Association. For more information regarding the tournament, or to register for the 3v3 TotalEnergies x Li-Ning Cup 2023, do visit Li-Ning\u2019s website."
"The all-new Mazda 3 was\nrecently subjected to the Euro NCAP crash safety assessment and it was awarded full\n5-Stars from the organisation under the new, more stringent 2018 Euro NCAP\ncrashworthiness ratings.\nThe Mazda 3 scored a\nremarkable 98% in the Adult Occupant category with maximum points for frontal\nfull width impact, and both car and pole side impacts. Mazda\u2019s i-Activsense\nadvanced driving assistance systems, particularly the Smart Brake Support (autonomous\nemergency braking) avoided collisions in all scenarios, scoring full marks in Low\nSpeed tests.\n \nIn the Child Occupant,\nVulnerable Road User (Pedestrian Safety) and Safety Assist category, the Mazda\n3 scored 87%, 81% and 73% respectively \u2013 all of which are above the average scores.\nThe Mazda 3 lost some points in the AEB night time and cyclist crossing\nscenarios, achieving adequate to marginal rating.\nWe recently got acquainted with the new Mazda 3 in Singapore and discovered some \ninteresting facts\n about the sleek, premium sedan. Hopefully, it won\u2019t be long before we see them running around on Malaysian roads.\nIMAGE GALLEY\nMazda 3 Hatchback"
"Despite allowing \nTesla\n to sell its cars directly in Malaysia, the Malaysian government has no intention of abolishing the Approve Permit (AP) system for imported vehicles. This was confirmed by MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul to reporters during the recent \nGlobal Investors & Vendors Convention 2023\n in Kuala Lumpur.\nIn Malaysia, there is the Franchise AP and Open AP which are both issued by MITI. Franchise AP is given out for free to franchise holders of car brands registered with MITI while Open Aps are sold to parallel importers at RM10,000 per piece to import secondhand cars of any brand into the country (except for cars from Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore). There are also private APs that are given for free to Malaysians who work or study abroad.\nThe entry of Tesla into Malaysia may change how car sales are done in Malaysia. With a direct-to-consumer approach, Tesla bypasses Bumiputera intermediaries. Although the government has set the precedent that this is now allowed, it has no intention of phasing out the AP system, at least according to the MITI Minister.\nTesla is set to host the launch of its Model Y in Malaysia on July 20, 2023, and bookings are already open for the car. Prices of the Model Y start at RM199,000 for the base variant without options. The price is already inclusive of the usual taxes.\nRELATED: \nTesla Model Y open for bookings in Malaysia \u2013 from RM199k, extra RM32k for FSD\nBrands like Tesla, Smart, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo are already changing how we buy cars \u2013 Tesla with its online ordering system, Smart claiming \u201cbuying a car is as easy as buying pizza\u201d, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia with its newly introduced agency model for the Malaysian market, and Volvo Car Malaysia with its online e-commerce platform. The dealer model for car sales is certainly changing. As for the AP system, it is here to stay, at least for now.\nRELATED: \nTesla to set up HQ, flagship showroom and service centre in Selangor this year"
"Shortly after \naccepting orders\n for the fifth-generation Lexus LS, Lexus Malaysia has officially introduced their flagship sedan here in Malaysia. Exclusively produced at Lexus factory in Tahara, Japan, the luxury limousine does not come with a price advantage against the locally assembled \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n and \nBMW 7 Series\n.\nAll three variants of the LS \u2013 \nLS 500\n Luxury, LS 500 Executive and \nLS 500h\n Executive sits on Lexus\u2019 new Global Architecture \u2013 Luxury (GA-L) platform that will underpin all future rear-wheel-drive models, the new limousine measures at 5,235 mm in length, 1,450 mm in height and 1,900 mm in width with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm, 33 mm longer than the previous-gen long-wheelbase version!\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus LS 500 Luxury\nLexus LS 500 Executive\nLexus LS 500h Executive\nEngine\n3,445cc; twin-turbocharged V6\n3,456cc; V6 hybrid\nTransmission\n10-speed automatic\nMulti Stage Hybrid\nMax Power\n415 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n295 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n600 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n350 Nm @ 5,100 rpm\nElectric Motor Output\n\u2013\n176 hp & 300 Nm\nCombined Ouput\n\u2013\n354 hp\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5 seconds; 250 km/h\n5.4 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM799,999\nRM999,000\nRM1,459,000\nEXTERIOR\nLexus has reimagined the LS with the tagline \u201cA Flagship Reborn\u201d, taking much of its design cues from the futuristic \nLC Coupe\n. On the outside, all three variants of the LS are identical with triple beam adaptive LED headlamps with L-Shaped LED daytime running lights, Spindle mesh grille, sequential turn signals, LED taillamps and a powered boot. Standard on the LS are those 20-inch multi-spoke polished alloys wrapped in 245/45 profile tyres. Unfortunately, there will not be an option for the sharp F-Sport.   INTERIOR\nInside, the cabin was inspired by \nOmotenashi\n, translated to Japanese Hospitality, creating an inviting and luxurious space for passengers and drivers. As standard, the LS is furnished with Art Wood Grain and leather, but Executive variants of the LS have the option for \nKiriko\n glassware \u2013 a type of Japanese striking cut glass ornamentation and Hand-pleated Upholstery. How much for the swanky \nKiriko\n glassware you ask? \nRM98,000\n.\nStandard equipment is properly extensive for a luxury limousine \u2013 suede headlining, 12.3-inch Electro Multi Vision Display, 24-inch head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air filter, Lexus Climate Concierge, illuminated entry system, moonroof, vacuum doors, powered sunshades for rear windows and 28-powered adjusted front seats with massage function.   The entry-level Luxury variant gets a 12-speaker Pioneer sound system and 18-way powered rear seats with ventilation function while the more expensive Executive models add on a 23-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, 22-way powered rear seats with Ottoman and massage function.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the LS 500 is a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that develops \n415 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of twisting force. All that power is channelled to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is done in a blistering \n5.0 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nThe range-topping \nLS 500h hybrid\n variant is motivated by the \nLexus Multi Stage Hybrid System\n, a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 Dual VVT-i petrol engine packing \n295 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, further assisted by two electric motors with \n176 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n. Transmission employed here is an innovative \nMulti Stage Hybrid transmission\n that marries a four-speed automatic with an e-CVT that mimics a shift pattern of a 10-speed gearbox to deliver a linear acceleration that is free from the typical \u201crubber band\u201d effect. We have detailed this system \nhere\n.\nThe LS 500h is no slouch too, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.4 seconds\n and register a restricted top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nAll variants of the LS ride on Adaptive Variable air suspension for exceptional ride quality. Because the new LS is lower than before, the air suspension system features an access function that automatically raises the car\u2019s height by \n30 mm\n for better ingress and egress.\nSAFETY\nAs the flagship Lexus model, the LS range is equipped with the full suite of \nLexus Safety System+\n that bundles Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive High-Beam System and Lane Keep Assist. Other standard equipment includes 12 airbags, Panoramic View Monitor and Blind Spot Monitor.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are a total of 11 exterior colours to choose from \u2013 Sonic Quartz, Sonic Silver, Sonic Titanium, Manganese Luster, Black, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Sonic Agate, Sleek Ecru Metallic, Amber Crystal Shine and Deep Blue Mica. Luxury models can choose between Black/Art Wood or Noble Brown/Art Wood interior theme while Executive models have four options \u2013 Crimson & Black/\nKiriko\n Glass, Black/\nKiriko\n Glass, Crimson & Black/Art Wood and Black/Art Wood.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Even though it\u2019s not officially launched yet, the \nMitsubishi Outlander PHEV\n has already picked up a Good Design award in Japan.\nThe Good Design Awards is run by the Japanese Institute of Design Promotion, and has been running for over 60 years since its inception in 1957. It remains as the nation\u2019s \u201csole official design evaluation and awards programme\u201d, so winning it is certainly not an easy feat!\nThe Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was awarded winner not just based on aesthetics, but also its ample space on the interior \u2013 particularly the availability of third-row seating \u2013 and an environmental friendly PHEV powertrain.\n\u201cThe all-new Outlander has undergone a complete platform overhaul and has become a PHEV SUV with a large cabin space that can accommodate a third-row seating. The interior and body designs incorporate a horizontal tone for an enhanced feeling of strength and sharpness,\u201d said one judge.\n\u201cEven while offering such a high degree of luxury, road performance, eco-friendliness, and cabin space, Mitsubishi Motors has maintained a reasonable price. SUVs continue to be popular, and we expect the Outlander to be selected by a wide range of users, including people with high environmental awareness.\u201d\nThe Hyundai Elantra also won a Good Design award in Korea earlier this year! Check it out here.\nThe all-new Mitsubishi Outlander was unveiled in February this year, initially only with a newly developed 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The PHEV variant is scheduled to launch in Japan by December this year, with a total driving range of over 700 km (70 km in pure EV mode) thanks to an improved electric motor and larger batteries.\nAs for looks, the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander is based on the product concept of \u201c\nI-Fu-Do-Do\n\u201c, which means authentic and majestic in Japanese. The new \u201cBold Stride\u201d design concept on the exterior expresses a solid and commanding stance on the road, while the interior focuses on quality and touch-and-feel of the materials and colours.\nLearn more about the striking all-new Mitsubishi Outlander here.\nGALLERY"
"Earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz announced at an investor conference that it will be launching\n six new electric vehicles\n (EV) under its EQ all-electric sub-brand. Despite the EQ model line-up now ballooning to eight, the German carmaker still isn\u2019t anywhere close to stopping just yet, as \nAutomotive News\n reports that Mercedes-Benz is plotting an high-performance EV sports car to rival the\n Porsche Taycan\n from across town.\nDaimler CEO, Ola Kallenius, while speaking to German publication \nManager Monthly\n dropped significant hints hinting at the arrival of an battery-electric platform for sports cars in the coming years. CFO Harald Wilhelm meanwhile, said on\n Bloomberg TV\n that \u201c[Mercedes-Benz has] a very comprehensive product portfolio, including very attractive sports cars, and sports cars will go electric as well. So stay tuned.\u201d\nA \nMercedes-AMG GT\n with no tailpipes?\nAs far as hints go, it probably doesn\u2019t get anymore clearer than that. It probably would\u2019ve been inevitable given that the industry as a whole is moving towards electrification to comply with emissions standards, and of course to combat the very real ecological problems that the world is facing, but the introduction of the Porsche Taycan probably made it sooner rather than later.\nMercedes-Benz was actually at the forefront of all-electric performance vehicles \u2013 as recent as 2013, in fact, with the introduction of the SLS AMG Electric Drive. At a time when the Tesla S Performance \u2013 which was barely one-year-old \u2013 only made 310 kW (415 hp) and 601 Nm, the Electric Drive SLS boasted an incredible output figure of 552 kW (740 hp) and 1,000 Nm of torque.\nThe oft-forgotten Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive, arguably the pioneer in ultra high-performance electric vehicles.\nDespite its top speed being capped at 250 km/h, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive managed to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:56.234 (a figure that has since been obliterated, of course). However, the Electric Drive always sat in shadows of the slightly faster but significantly cheaper V8-powered brother, which meant the EV sportscar was swiftly forgotten \u2013 which reports suggesting that fewer than 10 units were ever sold.\nThe world probably was just not ready for a high-performance EV sports car in 2013, and Mercedes-Benz quickly folded its operations for these vehicles. Seven years later though, it seems that EVs nowadays are all about pushing the performance envelope \u2013 with \nTesla\u2019s Model S Plaid\n, \nLotus Evija\n, \nPininfarina Battista\n, and many more all aiming for the quickest EV ever made.\nThe Porsche Taycan was\n recently launched in Malaysia\n.\nThere\u2019s probably no better time for Mercedes-Benz to dip their toes in the waters again, and based on history, the German marque is more than capable of making great EV sports cars. Could we see a \nMercedes-AMG GT\n, or even the \nAMG Project One \n\u2013 a hybrid hypercar with F1 tech \u2013 being repurposed into fully-electric vehicles? Only time will tell, but we\u2019re certainly excited."
"After being launched in Thailand and \nIndonesia in November last year\n, the all-electric \nToyota\n \nbZ4X\n has now been previewed in Malaysia. However, this is just a preview of the model and the bZ4X is not for sale just yet. As part of Toyota\u2019s Beyond Zero strategy, \nUMW Toyota Motors\n has registered sample units of the bZ4X for technical evaluation on local road conditions and market research.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nTogether with the company\u2019s stakeholders in the government and private sector, UMW Toyota Motor is working towards realizing low-carbon personal transport solutions for Malaysia. But when launched in Malaysia, the bZ4X will be the first all-electric Toyota model in the country.\nBuilt on Toyota\u2019s e-TNGA platform just like the all-electric \nLexus RZ\n and \nSubaru Solterra\n, the bZ4X measures \n4,690 mm\n long, \n1,860 mm\n wide, and \n1,650 mm\n tall, and is underpinned by a \n2,850 mm\n wheelbase. This makes the all-electric Toyota similarly sized to the \nProton X70\n (4,519 mm length, 1,831 mm width, 1,694 mm height, and 2,670 mm wheelbase). The closest rivals to the Toyota bZ4X in Malaysia would be BEVs like the \nBYD Atto 3\n as well as the \nChery Omoda 5\n EV that will be coming soon to Malaysia.\nOn the outside, the Toyota bZ4X features a hammerhead shark-like shape at the front, which is a design also found on the China-exclusive \nToyota bZ3\n sedan. The bZ4X also comes with LED headlights and tail lights, a panoramic sunroof, as well as 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota\u2019s multi-pathway strategy involves BEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs, and HEVs\nPowering the all-electric crossover (that was previewed in Malaysia) is a single motor that produces \n204 hp\n and \n266 Nm\n of torque, and power is sent to the front wheels. With a battery capacity of \n71.4 kWh\n, the Toyota bZ4X is able to carry you as far as \n516 km\n (WLTP). Do note that there is also an all-wheel drive version of the bZ4X which is available in markets such as Thailand.\nWhen the all-electric crossover runs out of juice, it can be charged at a maximum rate of \n6.6 kW\n (AC) or \n150 kW\n (DC). The latter is able to juice the car up from 0 to 80% in \n30 minutes\n. Toyota also assures that the battery will still have 90% of its storage capacity after 10 years.\nRELATED: \nToyota Yaris Ativ sales suspended in Thailand, Vios unaffected in Malaysia \u2013 Here\u2019s why\nInside, the Toyota bZ4X is equipped with features such as synthetic leather upholstery, an eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, dual-zone climate control and a wireless mobile phone charger.\nIn terms of safety, the bZ4X comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0. This includes Dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), Blind spot monitoring (BSM), Rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Lane departure alert (LDA), Lane keep assist (LKA), a panoramic view monitor, as well as assisted parking.\nAgain, this is just a preview of the Toyota bZ4X. Therefore specifications and details of the car when officially launched in Malaysia might be subject to change.\nRELATED: \nToyota promises to keep making GR sports cars under new CEO\nGALLERY"
"The eight-generation Volkswagen\nPassat B8 is still a fresh sight on Malaysian roads but the German carmaker has\ngiven the mid-sized sedan a facelift. The mid-cycle update introduces minor styling\nupdates, new connectivity and the first semi-autonomous driving assistance\nsystem on a Volkswagen.\nAt a glance, the\nfacelifted Passat gains the option for the IQ.Light full LED adaptive headlamps\nthat first debut on the new Touareg, restyled front and rear bumpers, sharper\nLED taillamp graphics, new alloy wheel designs ranging from 17- to 19-inch in\ndiameter and the Passat badge spelt out across the tailgate. Additionally, the Passat\ncan be had the R-Line package which adds shaper aesthetic bits to the car.\nInside, the cabin\narchitecture is largely the same as before with new interior trims, new instrument\ncluster, USB Type-C ports (no more USB Type-A) and new generation capacitive multifunctional\nsteering wheel. The facelifted Passat can be optioned with the second-generation\nVolkswagen Active Info Display (AID) that measures 11.7-inch diagonally. The new\nAID offers crisper graphics and wider variety of functions.\nThe infotainment system\nis also a talking point in the updated Passat with three systems available at launch:\n6.5-inch Composition Media, 8.0-inch Discover Media and 9.2-inch Discover Pro.\nAll three screens are equipped with a mobile SIM card to access online\nconnected services while the 700W Dynaudio Surround Sound System is an option.\nOn the most advanced\nsystem, it also comes with Natural Voice Control that is activated with the prompt\n\u201cHello Volkswagen\u201d. Major functions related to navigation, telephone and radio\ncan be operated using speech and the Voice Control works hand-in-hand with the online\nconnection to give you the latest information.\nAt launch, the facelifted Passat is available with four TDI diesel engines, three TSI petrol engines and a 1.4 TSI plug-in hybrid system with a rated output of 218 hp. The TDI engines pushes out \n120 hp \nto \n240 hp\n while the TSI petrol engines have rated outputs a\nt 150 \nhp on the 1.5 TSI while the 2.0 TSI is available with \n190 hp\n or \n272 hp.\nThe facelifted Passat is also the first Volkswagen model to feature the brand\u2019s new IQ.Drive technologies \u2013 the umbrella brand for Volkswagen\u2019s new advanced driving assistance systems. With IQ.Drive, the Passat can be equipped with the new Travel Assist that allows semi-autonomous driving from 0 to 210 km/h. Travel Assist uses Traffic Jam Assist (for vehicles with DSG automatic), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist in combination with satellite navigation and Dynamic Road Sign Display to keep the car on its course. However, drivers are required to have their hands on the wheel at all times when the system in operation.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY"
"After \npreviewing the 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5-litre Turbo AWD\n last week, Mazda has finally announced the full specifications and variants of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 line-up.\nEngine options available for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 includes the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA), 2.5-litre turbocharged, and 2.2-litre turbodiesel powertrain. All-wheel drive (AWD) is only available on the 2.5-litre turbocharged variant, which replaces the previous 2.2-litre turbodiesel AWD.\nAll engines on the 2019 Mazda CX-5 will be paired to a SkyActiv Drive 6-speed automatic gearbox.\nNotable upgrades to the 2019 Mazda CX-5 line up includes the addition of \nGVC Plus\n, Mazda\u2019s torque vectoring system with independent brake control, which is \nstandard across all variants\n.\nAdditionally, Mazda has updated the infotainment systems on all variants. The \n7-inch touch-screen\n display on the Mazda CX-5 will be equipped with\n Apple CarPlay\n and \nAndroid Auto\n functionalities. All variants will get a 360-degree view camera except for the 2.0-litre GL variant, which makes do with a regular reversing camera with guide lines.\nSafety wise, all variants of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 except for the 2.0-litre GL trim, will come with a varying level of advanced driver assist features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, with the 2.5-litre turbo and 2.2-litre turbodiesel variants equipped with the additional lane departure warning system and lane-keep assist.\nThe 2.5-litre turbocharged variant also comes with an additional active driver\u2019s \nheads-up display\n, as well as a redesigned instrument cluster featuring a 7-inch TFT display in the centre.\nMazda promises\n 5-year or 100,000 km manufacturer warranty and free maintenance\n for all vehicles registered 1st January 2019 onwards (except the BT-50). The Mazda CX-5 is now available for booking, with prices to be announced soon."
"TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has announced a mega parts clearance campaign with \nup to 90% off \non selected parts for selected Renault models beginning this month till 31st December 2020, while stocks last.\nCustomers who have purchased these parts are entitled to \n50% off on labour/installation charges\n, along with free inspection and car wash at the Renault Petaling Jaya service centre. Those who prefer to replace and install the parts at other Renault authorised service centres are entitled to a maximum of 30% off on labour charges along with the free inspection.\nExclusively at the PJ service centre, customers who are Maybank credit cardholders will enjoy \n0% installments\n via the Ezy Payment Scheme with a minimum spend of RM500.\nRenault Espace\nRenault Clio\nThe promotion is applicable to models such the Kangoo, the 2015 Captur, Scenic, 2014 Koleos, Fluence, Megane (2012 and earlier), variations of the Megane R.S., Clio, Clio IV R.S., Espace III, Espace IV, and Laguna III.\nCustomers interested in purchasing replacement parts can do so either at Renault service centres or at the Renault Store on Shopee. The parts list is available on the \nRenault website\n where customers can submit a request to check on the availability of the parts.\nAlternatively, customers can also choose to walk-in to purchase their parts. However, they\u2019ll need to first book an appointment with their preferred service centre through the Renault E-Store to confirm the availability of the spare parts as they\u2019re limited.\nUpon confirmation of their purchase, the Renault aftersales team will arrange delivery of the parts to the customer\u2019s preferred delivery address. Delivery charges will apply."
"Hyundai Motor Group has developed an intelligent \u201cSmart Air Purification system\u201d that monitors cabin air quality to automatically filter the air inside the car.\nThe new automated monitoring system continuously checks the interior air quality until it achieves an \u201cExcellent\u201d status.\nSupported by advanced filtering innovations, the system can remove fine particles before passengers even enter the car and purify the cabin\u2019s air throughout a journey.\nConventional air purification systems only operate for a set period upon activation, switching off after a certain time regardless of the current cabin air quality.\nWith the Smart Air Purification, it\u2019s a little different; it constantly monitors the cabin\u2019s air quality and begins purifying the air when air quality drops to the \u201cFair\u201d level.\nEven if the exterior air quality is at \u2018Poor\u2019 level, the system can purify air within the cabin to \u2018Excellent\u2019 almost instantaneously.\nAre you aware that there\u2019s a new Hyundai Elantra? Check out the video \nhere\n!\nPassengers can also monitor the air quality in real time via the car\u2019s audio-video navigation screen, through a 16-bar digital display of air quality. Air quality is categorised by four levels \u2013 Excellent, Good, Fair and Poor \u2013 in accordance with the Korea Environmental Corporation Standards.\nThe Group had also designed a laser-based sensor to ensure the system\u2019s reliability and durability as typical sensors are prone to reliability issues as fine particles gradually build up on the measurement lens.\nSo far, testing has shown that the system can filter out up to 99% (from 94%) of fine particles. The new system is already under consideration for future Hyundai and Kia vehicles, as the company responds to growing health concerns, especially in urban areas."
"After months of preparation and private customer viewings, the 2016 Jaguar XE is finally launched here \nafter its global reveal back in Q3 2014\n. Priced slightly on the higher side of this segment from RM340k, the Jaguar XE pits directly against the Audi A4 (\nnew B9 model\n to arrive here very soon), \nBMW 3-Series\n and \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n.\nThe XE weighs from as little as 1,530 kg, making it Jaguar\u2019s \nlightest\n, \nstiffest\n and \nslipperiest\n \nsaloon\n to date. Its proportions give it a sporty outlook, while measuring at 4,672mm long, 1,415mm tall and 1,850mm wide. Comparatively, the XE is only longer than the 3-Series, followed by the C-Class and segment-longest Audi A4 B9. Its width however, leads this segment with Audi trailing behind by a scant 10mm at 1,840mm. Good numbers to boot, then.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nJaguar XE Prestige 200\nJaguar XE R-Sport 240\nJaguar XE S \nEngine\n1,999cc; turbocharged inline-4, DOHC\n2,995cc; supercharged V6, DOHC\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n197 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n237 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n335 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n280 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n340 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n450 Nm @ 4,500 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.7 seconds; 237 km/h\n6.8 seconds; 250 km/h\n5.1 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (before taxes and insurance)\nRM340,000\nRM365,000\nRM580,000\nPositioned as the entry-level model to the Jaguar brand, the XE certainly has big shoes to fill and a tall ladder to climb. With that, \nthree variants\n have been introduced to our market \u2013 \nXE Prestige\n (200 PS), \nXE R-Sport\n (240 PS) and\n XE S\n (340 PS); each progressively more powerful than the other. Now, let\u2019s see what they have to offer.\nEXTERIOR\nVisually, from the front, the XE strikes an imposing stance thanks to the large black grille, auto-levelling bi-xenon headlights with boomerang-style LED daytime running lights (the XE S gets a more advanced adaptive headlights) and a well-sculpted lower lip. Round the side, wheel sizes start from \n17-inch\n for the base (Prestige) variant, while the R-Sport and S variants get \nsportier 18-inch wheels\n. Of course, there are plenty of design and wheel sizes for you to choose from, seeing as how the XE is labeled as \nthe most customisable Jaguar to date\n.   Basic convenience features on the outside include keyless entry with \nApproach Illumination\n (LEDs around the outside of the car light up when you approach), electrically operated and folding side mirrors as well as a powered boot. Yes,\u00a0it\u2019s just as easy as pressing on a latch under the trunk lid. The rear end is finished off with a pair of LED tail lights with\u00a0\nLED strips inspired by the F-Type\n.\nINTERIOR\nAs alluring as the exterior may be, stepping inside the cabin gave us quite a fair share of mixed impressions. The materials used in this cabin\u00a0don\u2019t feel cheap, but the manner in which it\u2019s executed, design wise, isn\u2019t as awe-inspiring as it could have been especially when compared to the usual German suspects. To each their own, right?   The fully-imported XE\u2019s interior can be had in various trims and colour options. You can have your XE Prestige upholstered in black or \u201cLatte\u201d leather; R-Sport in black leather with three different coloured stitching while the S variant come with a red and black combination hide. Both front seats are electrically powered as well, and it\u2019s standard across the range.\nUp front, there\u2019s an integrated \n8-inch touchscreen display\u00a0\nbuilt into the centre dash which supports Bluetooth streaming, iPod and USB playback, Bluetooth handsfree connectivity and an SD card slot for navigation. Below it are the switches\u00a0for the dual-zone climate control and push-start button which \npulsates at 70 beats per minute\n \u2013 the resting heartbeat of a Jaguar. Look further down and you\u2019ll find the rotating gearknob which rises up when the engine comes to life.\u00a0\nOverhead, you get \u2013 in Jaguar\u2019s terms \u2013 \nMorzine Headliner\n with a large panoramic sunroof. There are no air-conditioning vents built into the B-pillars, so rear passengers can only get their share of cold air through the dual air vents built into the centre armrest. And because the roofline starts sloping downwards from the B-pillars, rear passengers as tall as 6-feet and above will have to practice contortion due to the lack of headroom space. Hey, it\u2019s not so bad if you\u2019ve got a 380-Watt Meridian Audio System, right? That\u2019s if you get the range topper. The Prestige and R-Sport settles for an 80-Watt in-house sound system.\nPERFORMANCE\nFor the Malaysian market, two engines have been commissioned for duty, and they are the Ford-sourced \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\u00a0\nengine and a hotter,\n supercharged 3.0-litre V6\n. Powering the Prestige and R-Sport is the smaller engine, which makes 197 hp/280 Nm and 237 hp/340 Nm respectively. The top-of-the-line XE S gets the supercharged engine which makes a cool \n335 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque!\nBoth engines are paired up to an \neight-speed ZF automatic\n torque converter driving the rear wheels. This marriage helps the Prestige accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in\n 7.7 seconds\n, the R-Sport in\n 6.8 seconds\n and the S in a mighty quick \n5.1 seconds\n. The Prestige tops out at \n237 km/h\n whereas the R-Sport and S have both their top speed \nelectronically limited to 250 km/h\n.\nThrough JaguarDrive Control, drivers get to choose between four driving modes \u2013 Normal, Eco, Dynamic and Winter. Each setting alters throttle mapping and steering input, and how it works is pretty self explanatory, except Winter. When selected, the system will dampen acceleration and applies a more gradual traction on slippery surfaces.\nSAFETY\nThe Jaguar XE packs quite a list here in this department, offering power operated child locks, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control, six airbags, Emergency Brake Assist and the All Surface Progress Control (ASPC). The ASPC is an intelligent system which electronically maximises low-speed traction during sticky situations, sending just the right amount of power to the rear wheels to get the car moving. Fret not, it\u2019s not a feature you necessarily need in a tropical country, but handy to have nonetheless.\nWHAT ELSE?\nIt should be known that the prices listed here (RM340k for the Prestige, RM365k for the R-Sport and RM589k for the S) don\u2019t include insurance, road tax or even registration. In celebrating its arrival, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia is offering an \nexclusive accessories package worth RM10,000\n for each purchase of the new XE, regardless of variant, and for a limited time only. The accessories include illuminated sill tread plates, anodised aluminium red paddle shifters (our favourite), unique gear selector with dark leather top and rubber bezel as well as four unique metal tyre valve caps.\u00a0\nThere is a total of nine exterior colours to choose from and plenty more intricate customisations that will be tailored to suit your style. Every Jaguar XE comes with a 5-year or 150,000km warranty package with 3-year Roadside Assist. Owners of the Prestige and R-Sport can also enjoy a 5-year or 80,000km \nFree Scheduled Maintenance\n\u00a0while the 3.0-litre XE S gets a 5-year or 65,000km package, whichever occurs first.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Swedish premium car maker is set to supply tens of thousands of autonomous driving-compatible base vehicles between 2019 and 2021 in a non exclusive agreement to enhance the strategic partnership between Volvo Cars and Uber.\nMarking a new chapter in collaborations between car makers and tech companies, the vehicles will be based on Volvo\u2019s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), one of the most advanced car architectures in the world currently seen in top-of-the-line 90 series cars as well as the new XC60 mid-size SUV.\n\u201cThe automotive industry is being disrupted by technology, and Volvo Cars chooses to be an active part of that disruption,\u201d said President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars,H\u00e5kan Samuelsson. \u201cOur aim is to be the supplier of choice for autonomous driving ride-sharing service providers globally. Today\u2019s agreement with Uber is a primary example of that strategic direction.\u201d\nVolvo\u2019s engineers have been working closely with engineers from Uber to develop the XC90 SUVs that will be supplied to the ride-sharing service. They will be incorporated with the safety features and core autonomous-driving technologies required for Uber to supplement with their own self-driving technology. Volvo will also use the same base vehicles to speed up its efforts to release its first fully autonomous car by 2021."
"Volvo Car Malaysia has just unveiled the new Volvo S90 facelift here in Malaysia. At launch, the new executive sedan is only available in a single variant \u2013 the Recharge T8 in Inscription Plus trim \u2013 priced at \nRM 339,314\n, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions.\nJust like the recently-launched \nXC40 Recharge T5\n, the PHEV Volvo S90 now also gets the \u2018Recharge\u2019 name to indicate its dual-motor powertrain set-up underneath the sheet metal.\nEXTERIOR\nChanges to the exterior of this facelift model are subtle at best, but as a whole, does manage to freshen up the looks of the now five-year-old executive sedan.\nUp front, the Volvo S90 facelift receives a new bumper that\u2019s now lower than before, characterised by a full-width chrome strip, joining the fog lamps together. The horizontal chrome strip is also mirrored on the new rear bumper.\nThe tail lamps are also redesigned with a new light signature \u2013 similar to that of the sportier \nS60 T8 R-Design\n \u2013 and sequential turn indicators. To further enhance the sportiness of the executive sedan, the rear tailgate also now gets an integrated ducktail spoiler.\nOtherwise, the Volvo S90 facelift is largely identical to the outgoing model, including all of the iconic Volvo design elements. Highlights include:\n\u2018Thor Hammer\u2019 LED headlights\nVertical chrome grille\n3D Volvo Iron Mark with floating letters\nNew 19-inch 10-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels\nExterior colour options: Bright Silver, Crystal White Pearl, Onyx Black, Platinum Grey and Thunder Grey\nPERFORMANCE\nThe hybrid powertrain underneath the bonnet remains unchanged on the new 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8.\nPowertrain: Volvo Drive-E, 2.0-litre four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol, electric motor\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic gearbox with Geartronic\nDriveline: Front-engine, All-wheel drive (electric motor at rear axle)\nSuspension: Active Chassis with 2-corner air suspension\nCombined horsepower: 407 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nCombined torque: 640 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 5,400 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds\nTop speed: electronically-limited, 180 km/h\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the new Volvo S90 facelift is pretty much unchanged from the outgoing model, aside from an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins sound system, featuring 19 speakers with a total output of 1,400 W.\nCombined with the different audio modes such as the Concert Hall Mode, which was modelled after the exact acoustic qualities of the Gothenburg Concert Hall, Volvo says the new sound system is able to provide a \u201ctrue high-end\u201d immersive listening experience.\nOther interior highlights include:\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\nHead-up display\n9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nOrrefors crystal gearshift knob\nPitched-oak/Grey Ash trim inlays\nIlluminated \u2018Recharge\u2019 side sill plates\nCleanZone automatic climate control with PM 2.5\u00a0Advanced Air Cleaner particle sensor\u00a0\nNappa leather upholstery\nVentilated front seats\nRear seats with built-in child booster seat\n360-degree surround-view monitor\nPowered tailgate\nSAFETY AND CONVENIENCES\nThe new S90 facelift is equipped with the Volvo IntelliSafe advanced driver assistance suite, which includes features such as:\nBlind Spot Information System (BLIS)\nCity Safety autonomous emergency braking\nCross Traffic Alert, front and rear with mitigation support\nLane Keeping Aid\nPilot Assist\nJust like all new Volvo cars, the new Volvo S90 also comes with the \n180 km/h electronically-limited speed cap\n. And for every new Volvo car launch, we\u2019ll have to repeat this: 180 km/h is plenty fast enough. Not convinced? Check out this \nemotional video\n with testimonials from car crash survivors.\nPRICING\nThe new Volvo S90 Recharge T8 in Malaysia is priced at RM358,888 on-the-road, without insurance, though with the current SST exemptions, the price drops to \nRM339,315\n. Included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nVolvo Car Malaysia added that the petrol-powered T5 variant for the S90 facelift will be available from June 2021 onwards, priced at RM328,888 (before sales tax exemptions).\nGALLERY"
"The BMW i4 fully electric sedan has finally be unveiled with key information of its performance and equipment levels. Launched alongside the regular i4 model is the first fully-electric model from BMW M, dubbed the \nBMW i4 M50\n.\nThe BMW i4 takes the body style of the BMW Gran Coupe, now called G26. It is about 3 inches longer and an inch wider than the G20 \nBMW 3 Series sedan\n. Being placed under the 4 Series line, it shares the front and rear design of sportier coupe rather than the traditional sedan.\nAs such, the front bears the instantly-recognisable large, vertically prominent BMW kidney grille now with a unique graduating \u2018nugget bar\u2019 insert. The i4 M50 is styled with more black inserts at both bumpers, closely resembling the \n4 Series M Sport\n aerodynamics kit, as opposed to BMW i Blue on the eDrive40 variant.\nThe side of the Gran Coupe meanwhile features a continuous trim from the fender-fitted air breather to the edge of rear doors, similar to the \n\u201chockey stick\u201d\n found on the \nG12 BMW 7 Series\n. Optimised aerodynamics around the new BMW i4 deliver an incredibly low Cd value of \n0.24\n.\nThe taillamps are the same units found on the BMW 4 Series coupe. Opening the single-piece windscreen-bootlid tailgate reveals a large \n470-litre\n boot space.\nSo, what is under the hood of the first fully-electric BMW M car? It consists of a \ndual-motor layout\n, with the front axle powered by a 190 kW/258 hp electric motor and the rear axle has a larger 230 kW/313 hp motor. BMW says the combined system output of the i4 M50 is 400 kW or \n544 hp\n and \n795 Nm\n of torque, but is only available for 10 seconds under \nSport Boost\n function.\nUnder the normal driving mode, the power outputs of the fifth-generation eDrive units are 350 kW/ 476 hp and 730 Nm, which are just 68 hp and 65 Nm lower than Sport Boost mode. Even with variable all-wheel drive, the BMW i4 M50 strangely omits the xDrive moniker.\nThe large lithium-ion battery under the chassis has a net energy content of \n80.7 kWh\n, with the standardised-WLTP driving range just a touch over \n500 km\n. BMW says the highly efficient electric motors promote excellent driving range and thus negate the need to fit large batteries.\nBMW has paid special attention to the battery pack, making it slimmer than the usual at just 110 mm in height. The vehicle\u2019s centre of gravity is 53 mm lower than in the G20 BMW 3 Series sedan and the battery is also manufactured using cobalt and lithium from controlled, transparent and sustainable sources.\nThe BMW i4 M50 can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just \n3.9 seconds\n, similar to the \nG82 BMW M3 Competition\n sedan. Top speed however is limited to \n225 km/h\n. This is perhaps due to the single-speed transmission, unlike the two-speed setup in the \nPorsche Taycan\n.\nMeanwhile, the more accessible i4 eDrive40 variant has only a rear-mounted electric motor with peak outputs of \n340 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque. Sharing the same 80.7 kWh battery as the M50, the lighter and less power-consuming drivetrain of the eDrive40 has an 80-km better range of \n590 km\n.\nThe eDrive40 can complete the benchmark century dash in \n5.7 seconds\n (just 0.1s quicker than the \nBMW 330i\n), and perhaps this will be one of the slower BMWs, with a top speed of \u201conly\u201d 190 km/h. The performance figures of the BMW i4 eDrive40 is very similar to the \nTesla Model 3\n with the BMW having a better range.\nCharging times deviate according to the technology available. With a 11 kW wallbox (16 A/380 V), the new BMW i4 models require almost 8.5 hours to fully charge. Recharging at a public high-performance charger (200 kW) will just require 31 minutes to top up the charge levels from 10% to 80%. \u00a0\nA quick charge of \n10 minutes\n meanwhile will add \n140 km of range\n to the BMW i4 M50 and 24 km more for the eDrive40 model.\nHandling duties\n are further enhanced by a new \nself-levelling air suspension\n fitted to the rear axle. The near-actuator wheel slip controller or ARB that debuted in the fully-electric \nBMW i3s\n is also featured in the BMW i4, now updated for use in the i4 M50\u2019s all-wheel drive configuration.\nThe higher performance BMW i4 M50 also comes standard with adaptive M Suspension, variable sport steering system and thanks to the dual-motor layout, the weight distribution now moves to \n48:52\n, front-to-rear.\nInside, the familiar BMW 3 and 4 Series dashboard now houses a massive curved display, combining the driver\u2019s instrument display and central display into one continuous unit. Aptly called the \nBMW Curved Display\n and first featured in the \nBMW iX\n, the glass surface actually continues to house two displays- a 12.3-inch for the driver and a 14.9-inch for the control display.\nThe BMW Curved Display also premieres the company\u2019s latest user-interface called the \nBMW Operating System 8\n. Voice control via the Intelligent Personal Assistant has been heavily revised in this latest generation, which includes data processing through artificial intelligence.\nThe new interior and display screen in the new BMW i4 also remove a lot of physical buttons, with the eight-button shortcut keys gone, as well as physical buttons to control the air-conditioning. With no gears to shift, the large BMW M steering wheel also loses the large shift paddles. Other models such as the \nHonda City RS e:Hev\n and \nAudi e-tron\n actually kept the paddles to control the regenerative braking power. Instead, the BMW i4 comes with a Toyota Hybrid-styled \nB-mode\n selectable via the blue-accented shift lever, replacing the M/S-mode.\nA BMW M car must sound sporty and emotional, thus the BMW i4 M50 will come with a \ndifferent interior sound\n compared to the regular i4 eDrive40. Academy Award-winner \nHans Zimmer\n worked with BMW to create various emotional sounds to fill the cabin now that the engine is gone.\n \nOwners can download new sounds via the BMW IconicSounds Electric at a later stage, which feature the work of the Academy Award winner.\nAir quality inside the new BMW i4 is handled by a new nanofiber filter, where nano-fleece and activated carbon layers are used to keep ultrafine dust particles and allergens out of the cabin.\nBoth the BMW i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 will be manufactured in BMW Plant Munich through a new flexible and integrated production process. Deliveries to key markets such as the US begins in \nNovember 2021\n, with prices starting from \nUSD55,400\n (similar to a M340i) for the i4 eDrive40 and \nUSD65,900\n (just USD4k lower than a basic M3 sedan 6-MT) for the i4 M50 model.\nThe BMW i4 is the fourth model to join the fully-electric BMW i family. While the \niX3\n is based on the \nBMW X3\n, there is no news if BMW will do the reverse and offer a combustion engine-only \nBMW 4 Series Gran Coupe\n later.\nGALLERY\nBMW i4 M50\nBMW i4 eDrive40\nThe BMW i4 is the fourth fully-electric BMW model\nBMW i4, BMW iX3, BMW i3s and BMW iX"
"Think dual-clutch transmission and its questionable reputation comes to mind, but is the bad rap justified? As the launch of the locally produced Proton X70 creeps ever closer, it\u2019s already open secret that it would come with a \nnew 7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n (DCT), among other updates.\nTo better understand the decision to switch from a conventional torque converter automatic to a DCT and what it takes to make one, \nAutoBuzz.my \nwas invited by Proton to visit Geely\u2019s transmission\n \nmanufacturing plant in \nNingbo, Zhejiang Province\n in China recently.\nState-of-the-art plant is climate controlled to cool down freshly machined parts.\nAfter a plant tour and dialogue session with relevant key personnel, here\u2019s what we can tell you about the DCT that will feature in the forthcoming locally assembled Proton X70:\nIt\u2019s a wet DCT, along with an updated engine\nDry or wet clutch? Dry clutch DCTs are lighter and less complex, they are typically utilised for smaller engines and \nlower powered applications\n. Codenamed \n7DCT330\n, the DCT to be utlised in the CKD version of the X70 is a \nwet clutch DCT \nthat\u2019s \ndeveloped completely in house \nby Geely.\nA \nwet-clutch DCT\n is more suited for \nhigher powered applications. \nAs heat builds up in the clutch plate, the oil and fluid in the clutch pan helps with heat dissipation. In the case of the 7DCT330, Geely has developed a low-viscosity oil specifically for the transmission. A 70,000 km to 100,000 km service interval has been quoted for this transmission.\nThe wet-clutch 7DCT330 developed by Geely is able to withstand up to 330 Nm of torque.\nThe 330 in the name denotes the \u2018torque tolerance\u2019 of the transmission (able to handle up to 330 Nm). In the case of the CKD version of the Proton X70, the transmission is paired with an \nupdated third-generation 1.8TD turbo engine \nthat churns out \n181 hp \nand \n300 Nm\n, \n15 Nm \nmore from before with horsepower output unchanged. \u00a0\nTo improve fuel consumption and output, this engine has been upgraded with a \nDual Variable Valve Timing\n \nhollow camshaft\n, \ndual mass flywheel\n, \nlow friction pistons\n, among others, the Gen-3 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine can also be upgraded to meet future Euro 6M emission standards.\nIt\u2019s more efficient than other DCTs, says Geely\nDCTs are favoured among car makers because it\u2019s more efficient (lower transfer losses) compared to a conventional torque converter automatic. The 7DCT330 boosts an \noverall efficiency level of 94.6%\n \n (peak of 97%)\n, which is \nclose to the efficiency of a manual transmission \nand higher than competing transmissions from Germany and Japan, according to Geely.\nBenchmark figures against the DCTs of other makes.\nAs such, the CKD Proton X70 is able the 0-100km/h benchmark in \n9.5 seconds\n, one second faster than before. This is also attributed to the fact that the turbocharger of the \n1.8TD engine starts spooling from only 1,000rpm\n and hits maximum torque at \n1,750rpm\n to aid low-end acceleration.\nIt is extensively used within the Geely Group\nThe 7DCT330 also has a \u2018brother\u2019 in the form of \n7DCT390\n. The latter is used for hybrid models where an electric motor is \u2018attached\u2019 to it to generate an additional 60Nm of torque. Because of its versatility, this transmission is widely applied across a various brands under the Geely Automotive Group including models from \nVolvo (XC40) \nand \nLynk & Co (01, 02 & 03)\n.\nTo date, more than \n800,000 units of these DCTs are running reliably in different Geely Group models\n, and this number is expected to surpass the one million mark in 2020.\nShift-by-wire gear console of the Boyue Pro, the CKD Proton X70 shares the same transmission.\nIt is thoroughly tried and tested\nThe transmission that will feature in the CKD X70 has been tested for over 9,000,000 km in major cities across the world, with temperatures ranging from \n-33\u00b0C to 40\u00b0C \nand it has even gone to elevations of \n2,800 m above sea level\n.\nGeely has quoted a lifetime mileage of more than \n350,000 km \nfor this transmission. As an illustration of robustness, said DCT was deployed in a 2.3-tonne vehicle to drag a 1.8-tonne load up a 12% slope.\nWe will be testing the locally-assembled Proton X70 with this updated drivetrain on our roads really soon. Stay tuned for updates.\nImage gallery"
"Yep, you read the title right. \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n have just recently introduced their limited edition, top-spec only \nASX Designer Edition\n. It\u2019s the result of a collaboration between MMM and a renowned local fashion designer \nRizalman Ibrahim\n. We must say, it does prove to be quite a looker.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMitsubishi ASX Designer Edition\nSegment\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n1,998cc, DOHC inline 4-cylinders\nMax Power\n150hp\nMax Torque\n197Nm\nPrice\nRM131,801.50\u00a0\n(OTR without insurance)\nPriced at \nRM131,801.50\n (OTR without insurance), the Designer Edition costs just \nRM3,000 more\n than the regular 4WD ASX, which makes this a \nbargain buy\n to be honest, even if the changes are \nonly cosmetics\n.\nFor starters, the Mitsubishi\u00a0\nASX\n Designer Edition comes in only \none colour\n \u2013 \nTitanium Grey\n, and is exclusive to this \n4WD-only variant\n. Now for the obvious. The crossover gets a \nmatte grey body stripe\n that stretches from the front to the rear of the car, with the latter sporting a \nlarger\n and \nsportier rear spoiler\n that is complemented with a \nshark fin antenna\n.   The \n17-inch alloy wheels\n are now finished in \nmatte black\n, although it\u2019s believed that the wheels were given a few coats of paint over the original ones in which the regular 4WD ASX sits on (the 2WD sits on 16-inches). Be that as it may, there\u2019s no denying that the wheels do look good, and the choice to paint the wheels does bring costs down, so it\u2019s a win-win. The exhaust on this limited edition ASX is finished in \ndark chrome\n instead of the regular polished chrome.   The good news doesn\u2019t stop there, for those interested. The interior also gets its fair share of Rizalman\u2019s touch, with the seats now clad in the \ntheme-inspired grey perforated leather\n which are accentuated with \nyellow trims\n and \nstitching\n. This usage of leather gets extended to the \ndoor panels\n and the now \ntwo-toned gear knob\n, whereas the \nfloor mats\n get the \nbright-yellow Designer Edition badge\n. To top it off, the \ntouchscreen head unit\n is also customised to feature the designer\u2019s name upon startup.\nAs much as we love mechanical tweaks, this limited edition ASX shares the exact powertrain as the regular 2WD and 4WD variants \u2013 the \n2.0-litre four-cylinder MIVEC\n engine that makes \n150 hp\n\u00a0and \n197 Nm\n of torque. Power gets sent to \nall four wheels\n via the \nINVECS-III CVT\n gearbox with \nsix-step sports mode\n. It also has the \nmagnesium paddle shifters\n mounted to the steering rack that we all love.\nAgain, for RM3,000, that is one impressive list of customisation for the ageing crossover. If you\u2019re keen, you ought to know that the \nlocally assembled\n\u00a0\nMitsubishi\n ASX Designer Edition is limited to only \n180 units nationwide\n. It also comes with a \nfive-year with unlimited mileage\n warranty programme.\nRead our review of the \nMitsubishi ASX CKD \nto find out what we thought of this crossover.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMitsubishi ASX Designer Edition   Mitsubishi ASX CKD 2.0L 4WD"
"Whether you like it or not, screens are definitely taking over the interior of our cars. Heck, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s \nMBUX Hyperscreen\n essentially replaces the entire dashboard with touchscreen displays. But despite the screen invasion, we now know that there\u2019s at least one hold out \u2013 and that\u2019s \nAlfa Romeo\n.\nIn a recent interview with French TV channel \nBFM Business\n and later reported by \nCaradisiac\n, Alfa Romeo\u2019s new CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said that their cars will always be \u201cdriver-centric\u201d, which to the Italian sports car maker, apparently means \u201cas few screens as possible\u201d in the car.\n\u201cI\u2019m not selling an iPad with a car around it, I\u2019m selling an Alfa Romeo,\u201d he added.\nThe GTA nameplate is back \u2013 this time round on the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Check it out here! \nJust like most major carmakers in the world, Alfa Romeo is also similarly heading down the path of electrification. Despite the lack of engine noise, Imparato says that they\u2019ll still be exciting to drive and \u201cconvey emotions\u201d to the driver.\nSo what exactly does \u201cas few as possible\u201d and \u201cdriver-centric\u201d mean? Well, at least we don\u2019t have to wait too long more to find out, as the Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV \u2013 that\u2019s been confirmed to arrive with the brand\u2019s first plug-in hybrid powertrain \u2013 is rumoured to make its debut sometime around December this year.\n[source: \nCaradisiac\n]"
"Lamborghini, through official distributor JH Italia Sdn Bhd, have just introduced the new Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder at their Glenmarie showroom in Shah Alam. The soft-top super sports car was just unveiled at Frankfurt a little over a month ago, so to have it launched here on our shores this soon is mighty quick, which the Huracan is all about.\nIt\u2019s been ten years since the world debut of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, and the time has come for a topless successor. The Huracan Spyder shares the same \nnaturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10\n engine (dry sump, compression ratio 12.7:1) as its \nhardtop sibling\n, one that makes \n610 hp\n at 8,250 rpm and \n560 Nm \nof torque that peaks at 6,500 rpm.   Tasked with sending all that power onto the tarmac is Lamborghini\u2019s \nseven-speed dual clutch transmission\n (LDF or Lamborghini Doppia Frizione). On a regular basis, this electronically controlled all-wheel drive supercar will get 70 percent of its\u00a0torque sent to the rear axle, while the remaining 30 is sent to the front. When needed, torque can be evenly split between the two axles.\nNow for the numbers. The Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n \u2013 about 0.2 seconds slower than the hardtop Huracan, no thanks to the additional weight. Reaching the 200 km/h mark takes just\n 10.2 seconds\n, and top speed is rated at a hair-messing \n324 km/h\n. That is, if you can find a stretch of road long enough to hit such speeds. Fuel consumption, if you care, is rated at \n12.3 litres per 100km\n on a combined cycle.   Although the car\u2019s performance is to be expected, there are more impressive engineering feats that go into making this Spyder. Lamborghini says the \nelectrohydraulically operated\n lightweight soft top can be retracted in just 17 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. This unfortunately, comes at a cost. The mechanical components add some heft to the car, and results in a 120kg weight gain. It now weighs \n1,542kg\n and distributed 43:57.\nAnother improvement worthy of note is that the Huracan Spyder\u2019s torsional rigidity is\n up by 40 percent\n over the Gallardo Spyder, while \ndownforce takes a 50 percent leap\n from before. This is achieved by \nhybridising carbon fibre and aluminium\n in the chassis \u2013 two of the most loved materials by sports car manufacturers.\nJust like the regular Huracan, the Spyder rides on \n20 inch wheels\n wrapped in \n245/30 R20 Pirelli\n rubbers at the front and meatier \n305/30\n tyres at the rear. Both axles are suspended on aluminium double wishbones with regular steel springs and hydraulic dampers, though a more sophisticated magneto-rheological damper control can be had as an option. Disc brakes are made of \ncarbon-ceramic\n clamped by six-pot callipers and four-pot callipers at the front and back respectively.\nThe keen eyed among you would have noticed that this car is a left-hand drive variant, but that\u2019s only for display purposes. Pricing of the Huracan Spyder has not been confirmed, but an estimated figure of \nRM1.35 million\n has been put forth. This of course excludes duties and taxes, so expect prices to soar above the RM2 million mark.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"GoCar has launched its \nGoEV programme\n to make it more accessible for Malaysians to experience the advantages of an electric car.\nThe programme is only applicable within the Klang Valley, with 25 units of the latest generation, fully electric \nNissan Leaf\n. There are already three EV car sharing zones at GoCar\u2019s Petaling Jaya hub, MyTown Cheras and Avenue K. A total of 10 GoEV zones will be available by the end of 2021.\n\u201cMalaysia still has a long way to go in terms of EV adoption and infrastructure. However, we believe that through car-sharing and subscription, we can help encourage mass adoption. We are so excited to be bringing affordable EV access to the general public. This way, everyone and not just the privileged few can experience the EV lifestyle,\u201d said GoCar CEO, Wong Hoe Mun.\n \nThe GoEV programme is open to all drivers aged 18 years old and above. Users will need to sign up as a GoCar member to select their preferred GoEV Share or GoEV Subs plans.\nNissan celebrates 10 years of the Leaf EV with a special-edition Leaf10 model.check it out here!\nRates are either calculated by hour or by day at the rate of RM24.90 or RM249 per day.\nFor further \u201cencouragement\u201d, GoCar is offering 25% off on all GoEV Share round-trips for booking before 31st of January 2022, with the promo code \u201cTRYGOEV\u201d.\nThose who want a longer duration can opt for a 36-month subscription at RM2,299 per month. Rates are inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing and a wall box home charger.\nGoCar will also provide a complimentary ChargEV card in each vehicle, giving users access to almost 300 charging stations nationwide. Charging stations at the GoEV zones are free for use by all GoEV customers.\nUpdated Nissan Leaf warns pedestrians with chimes, up to 30 km/h.find out more!"
"Perodua\n has announced that all of its showrooms and aftersales outlets, including paint and body centres, have resumed operations, following the government\u2019s \nlatest directives\n for the reopening of the automotive sector in the National Recovery Plan (NRP).\nThe reopening of its outlets comes after the resumption of its manufacturing facilities in Rawang recently.\nAs usual, strict SOPs are in place during this period to protect the health and wellbeing of its customers and employees; only customers who are fully vaccinated will be allowed in the premises, and the wearing of face masks will be required at all times.\nAdditionally, customers will also be required to make an appointment for both showrooms and service outlets prior to their visit. Contact information for all Perodua outlets can be found \nhere\n.\nIn addition to showrooms, car wash centres are also now allowed to operate in NRP Phase 1 states. Find the full list of approved industries here.\n \nAccording to Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, deliveries have already begun in stages since this week, and will gradually ramp up over the coming weeks \u2013 so if you\u2019ve booked yourself a new Ativa, hold on tight, it\u2019s coming soon!\n\u201cWe thank our customers for their patience, understanding and loyalty in receiving your Perodua vehicle. We expect to be able to deliver nearly all existing orders within the year,\u201d he added.\nThe 10 km travel limit has been lifted for fully-vaccinated individuals. Read more here.\nBack in June, Perodua announced that it was \nstill on track to achieve its sales target \nof 240,000 units this year. However, the extended lockdown period, where its production facilities and sales outlet were not allowed to operate, have obviously thrown a wrench into the works.\n\u201cWe are currently evaluating the impact of the lockdown that was introduced on 1st June 2021 to our operations, and we will announce our revised targets for the year soon,\u201d Dato Zainal said."
"AmBank Group has just introduced its Auto Finance Instant Approval with MAT (Mobile Application Terminal) service which allows prospective car buyers to have their car loans application approved on the spot through a tablet.\nThe MAT is a portable device that allows applicants to submit their details and documents onto AmBank\u2019s system and receive immediate approval within 30 minutes if the applicants meet all the necessary requirements.\nAmBank MAT (Mobile Application Terminal)\nSome of the key features of the MAT include a built-in MyKad reader with biometric reader to allow customers to perform thumbprint verification, built-in camera with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capability to capture all the document details just by taking a picture as well as and online connectivity to EPF i-Akaun.\nThe MAT can also populate customer information and generate e-forms with digital signature(s), making it a one-stop, paperless and fast solution to auto financing. The Auto Finance Instant Approval is applicable to both new and used cars alike regardless of the car price. Interest rate is also the same as a regular paper submission to AmBank.\nAmBank Group CEO, Dato\u2019 Sulaiman Mohd Tahir\nAt the moment, the Auto Finance Instant Approval with MAT is only open to private individuals although AmBank is studying ways to extend this instant approval service to company purchases. Presently, there are 800 MATs nationwide and customers can participate in paperless transaction with instant approval at AmBank appointed car dealers and AmBank branches.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n AmBank Group CEO, Dato\u2019 Sulaiman Mohd Tahir   AmBank Mobile Application Terminal (MAT)"
"The charge towards electrification is getting more aggressive among European marques and BMW is not keen on falling behind as they\u2019ve just released images of the new i4 going through its paces in the frozen end of Sweden.\nThe tests, located in the Arctic Circle, provides the ideal requirements for the electric motors, high-voltage batteries and the BMW eDrive system as well as the suspension to prove their endurance and durability.\nThe four-door coupe BMW i4 utilises the fifth-generation BMW eDrive Technology with over \n600 km of pure electric driving range\n. Not only that, it\u2019s capable of a four second 0 to 100 km/h time!\nFurthermore, the car is equipped with the latest connectivity features and designed for Level 3 automated driving. The BMW Group\u2019s new technology flagship will be produced at the BMW Dingolfing plant as from 2021."
"It\u2019s been two weeks since the launch of the all-new BMW M3 and M4 twins, and now that all the talks about their giant grilles have died down a little bit, BMW saw it fitting to remind everyone that the new dynamic duos are still fun to drive with a drift battle between the two.\nThe promotional video takes place at a deserted shipping port in Slovenia, where most sane people have presumably already gone back home. The video starts off with a lime-green \nBMW M4 Competition\n driving out of a M-Town shipping container, but was swiftly joined by another set of headlights, belonging to the \nBMW M3\n. Driving the cars were none other than BMW M CEO Markus Flasch and Ede Weihretter, one of the many BMW M driving instructors worldwide.\n \nThe video featured some do-not-try-at-home stunts and a gratuitous amount of sliding on the wet pavements, paired to loud noises, quick cuts, and shiny lights \u2013 a tried and tested recipe for a great promotional video. But perhaps the best part of the video was when the cars raced past the security guard, though he was not paying any attention to his surroundings as he was busy replying to BMW M\u2019s Instagram story post \u2013 hoping to see the cars in real life. Well played, BMW.\nWe also had a chance to see for the first time the M Drift Analyser, a part of the optional M Drive Professional system which records and rates how well you can stick your rump out in a corner. Unsurprisingly, the CEO of BMW\u2019s performance division and a M driving instructor will have no troubles achieving the full five stars.\nBoth the BMW M3 and M4 competition are powered by the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. The M3 in standard form gets a healthy\u00a0\n473 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n550 Nm\n on tap, while the Competition-spec M4 gets an uprated engine, producing \n503 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n650 Nm\n.\nThe standard variants come as standard with a six-speed manual transmission \u2013 which was featured on the M3 in the video \u2013 while the Competition models get an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe Competition models can also be specified with a M xDrive all-wheel drive system \u2013 which we presume is the case with the M4 Competition in this video judging by Flasch\u2019s comments that the \u201cM4 (Competition) is faster\u201d. Though, he still didn\u2019t have any trouble having some sliding fun as the all-wheel drive system is capable of a 100% rear-wheel drive \u201cdrift\u201d mode.\nOf course, being BMW\u2019s own promotional video, there\u2019s no winner to this \u201crace\u201d \u2013 perhaps other than us, the viewers. If we can just forget the grille for a moment, which of these two will you choose?"
"Toyota has officially discontinued the Avanza in Thailand with the launch of the more \nupscale Veloz\n today, which will serve as the model\u2019s replacement.\nThe all-new seven-seater MPV will be fully imported from Indonesia, and will be offered in two variants at launch \u2013 the base Smart variant, priced at THB795,000 (approx. RM103k), and the range-topping Premium grade at THB875,000 (approx. RM113k), making it significantly more expensive than the outgoing Avanza which started at THB649,000 (approx RM84k).\nFor that extra dough, you do however get quite a bit more than \nits predecessor\n, at least in terms of premium touches and styling sophistication.\nFirstly, the Veloz is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform instead of the semi-ladder frame chassis. Aside from the driveline switch from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, the new platform should also give the MPV a significantly more comfortable and competent ride thanks to a more rigid unibody construction.\nMoving to the DNGA platform has also allowed the Veloz to grow considerably in size \u2013 now measuring 205 mm longer, 70 mm wider, and 5 mm taller, with a 95 mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing Avanza.\nIn terms of design, the Toyota Veloz also stands out from the Avanza of yore (\nand even the all-new model!\n) with more SUV-inspired touches, including a hexagonal mesh grille up front flanked by sharp-looking LED headlights and full-width tail lights, chrome trims, sportier bumpers, and squared-off fender flares.\nThe upmarket treatment continues inside, where you\u2019ll now find modern amenities such as a two-layered dashboard design, swathes of chrome and silver trims, a seven-inch digital-instrument cluster, wireless charging pad, and touchscreen infotainment displays replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nStandard features wise, the base Smart variant comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, silver chrome trims on the outside, push-start button, part-leatherette upholstery, reverse camera, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display.\nMoving up to the Premium model will net you a set of larger 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, dark chromium exterior trims, roof rails, a 360-degree camera system, a larger nine-inch infotainment display, and the basic Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite which includes autonomous emergency braking, Lane Departure Assist, Front Departure Alert, automatic high-beam, and Pedal Misoperation Control.\nOtherwise, the six airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert systems are standard on both variants.\nUnderneath the bonnet is an unchanged 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine from before, making \n106 hp\n and \n138 Nm\n of torque. However, much like the \nPerodua Myvi\n here in Malaysia, the antique four-speed automatic gearbox has been replaced by Daihatsu\u2019s new D-CVT gearbox with split belt and gear drive.\nCloser to home, recent rumours are suggesting that the Veloz will too be replacing the Avanza here in Malaysia, and possibly even the \nPerodua Alza\n as well! Given the choice, would you pick this over the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n? Let us know in the comments below!"
"Not long after \nwe received the Honda Jazz facelift\n in Malaysia, our friends in the US also received the same model, except they get the Honda Sensing active safety suite.\nBetter known there as the Honda Fit (just like in Japan), \u00a0the refreshed supermini is broadly similar to ours. However, items such as the two-piece chrome and piano-black grille are unique to their market. The fog lamps are circular compared to the rectangular ones we get.\nThe new Sport trim adds 16-inch rims, rear diffuser\u00a0with body-coloured accents and chromed exhausts. Two exterior colours also make their debut here \u2013 Helios Yellow Pearl and Orange Fury.\nThe biggest update for the Fit is the inclusion of \nHonda Sensing\n active safety suite, and it is offered across all trims. This mean it gets Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Brake Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System with Lane Departure Warning and Road Departure Mitigation with Road Departure Warning.\u00a0\nThe Fit is powered by a \n1.5-litre four cylinder i-VTEC\n petrol engine that deploys \n130 hp\n and\n 155 Nm\n of torque. Customers can choose to go with either the six-speed manual or the seven-speed CVT.\nThe 2018 Honda Fit is now marketed as America\u2019s most affordable car with the most advanced safety and driver-assist technology. Pricing and availability will be announced in due time.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To call it an Internet sensation would be an understatement; the scenic Jalan Temiang-Pantai has drawn visitors since it was in operation in August of 2021 but it has also attracted danger and negative attention.\nRecently a group of Honda Civic owners found themselves in hot soup after organising a massive gathering where the cars were parked by the emergency lane of Jalan Temiang-Pantai. The gathering drew criticism online and caught the attention of the authorities, prompting members of the club to be called in for questioning.\nFrom the latest post on FCCM\u2019s Facebook page.\nThe group has since \nissued an apology on Facebook\n (posted yesterday but dated 22nd of January) but not without a little stir. The apology wrote \u201cSalah tetap salah, tindakan pun telah di ambil. Permohonan maaf telah dibuat. Terima kasih netizen\u201d.\nIronically, the post was accompanied by a video of yet another gathering but it\u2019s unknown if the video was taken prior to or after the controversial gathering.\nFrom an observer\u2019s point of view, it may not be the smartest move and generally speaking, the cops are now starting to take offense (literally) on such gatherings.\nAccording to \nSinar Harian\n, PDRM has issued 48 summons so far for traffic offenses committed along Jalan Temiang-Pantai and according to the Negeri Sembilan Police Chief, Datuk Mohamad Mat Yusop, the most frequent offense committed was parking along the emergency lane for pictures and gatherings.\nAccording to the Police Chief, it\u2019s fine to take pictures but the public is not allowed to park on the emergency lane to the point where it disrupts traffic. The Police Chief also noted that it is not illegal for the public to jog or cycle on that road, as long as it does not obstruct traffic.\nFair enough, but it\u2019s a little contradictory, don\u2019t you think?\nHow would someone take pictures of the scenery if they did not stop their vehicles by the roadside \u2013 which in this case \u2013 on the emergency lane?\nThose who have been there would know that there isn\u2019t a proper place to park nearby the scenic spots and no Malaysian would entertain the idea of walking \u2013 not even for 100 likes on Instagram.\nCall it a hype, or a farce but the extent of the problem has even prompted the Negeri Sembilan authorities to request for the Malaysian government to build car parks along Jalan Temiang-Pantai, according to an article by \nUtusan Malaysia\n."
"Shortly after its global unveiling back in early March, the United Kingdom is among the first markets to receive the \nfacelifted Renault Captur\n. Besides the cosmetic updates, UK-bound Captur gets a range of active safety features as well as a whopping 24-variant line-up.\nFor the UK market, two turbo petrol engines and two turbodiesel engines are available at launch, namely the 898cc TCe 90 (90 hp/140 Nm), 1.2-litre TCe 120 (120 hp/205 Nm), 1.5-litre dCi 90 (90 hp/220 Nm) and 1.5-litre dCi 110 (110 hp/260 Nm). All engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard but the TCe 120 and dCi 90 engines are available with the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels as before.\nBuilding on the crowd favourite dual-tone paintjob, Renault is offering two\u00a0new body colours \u2013 Desert Orange and Ocean Blue. A new Mercury Silver roof is also made available. This gives the Captur a total of 36 colour combinations. Other new aesthetics upgrades include the C-shaped LED daytime running lights, full-LED \u2018Pure Vision\u2019 headlamps, revised front and rear bumper and new alloy wheel designs ranging from 16- to 17-inch in size.\nInside, seven interior colour themes can be selected, from Ivory, Blue, Caramel, Red, Bronze-tinted Chrome, Satin Chrome and Smoked Chrome. The updated cabin benefits from higher quality materials and new seat designs that produce more support and comfort. A range of multimedia systems are specified depending on variant, including a 7-inch R-LINK touchscreen with Android Auto and six-speaker Bose Sound System. All variants except for the entry-level variant can be specified with a fixed glass roof.\nAs standard, all variants of the facelifted Captur come with six-airbags, ABS with BA, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Traction Control, cruise control, speed limiter and Hill Start Assist. The Captur has Euro NCAP\u2019s maximum five-star crash safety rating. The facelifted Captur also comes with Blind Spot Warning and Hands-Free Parking (auto parking) function on models from Dynamique S Nav and above.\nPrices for the facelifted Renault Captur in the UK starts at \u00a315,355 (RM86k) while the range topping model retails at \u00a323,145 (RM129k). Closer to home, TC Euro Cars has just introduced the \nlocally-assembled pre-facelift Captur\n. It\u2019s only a matter of time before the facelifted Captur makes it way here as a CKD unit, no less.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche has introduced the new 911 Carrera T, a tribute to the puristic approach behind the original 911 T (for Touring) from 1968 \u2013 with less weight, shorter gear ratios from a 7-speed manual gearbox along with rear-wheel drive and a mechanical rear differential lock.\nPower comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged flat six engine putting out 370 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Thanks to shorter gear ratios and a mechanical differential lock, the Carrera T sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just\n 4.5 seconds\n (4.2 with the optional PDK transmission) and 200 km/h in just 15.1 seconds before hitting a top speed of \n290 km/h\n.\nThe \nPorsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)\n, usually not available in the 911 Carrera, comes as standard. Ride height is lowered by 20 mm while the rear-axle steering is available as an option for the Carrera T.\nThe Carrera T\u2019s cabin is occupied by only two four-way electric sports seats with the centre section in Sport-Tex fabric \u2013 optional full bucket seats are available. A\u00a0short-shift lever with shift patterns in red is exclusive only to the 911 Carrera T. Sound dampening has been largely reduced, although the rear seats and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) can be had on request without additional cost.\nOn the outside, the Carrera T comes with an optimised front spoiler lip, with Sport Design side mirrors. The Carrera T can be distinctively-recognised with its 20-inch Carrera S wheels in Titan grey.\nThe rear view is distinguished by the slats in the rear lid grille, the \u201c911 Carrera T\u201d badging and a sports exhaust system with black tips. Colour options include, GT Silver, Jet Black, Carrara White, Lava Orange, Racing Yellow, Miami Blue and Guards Red among others.\nThe Carrera T\u2019s rear window and rear side windows are made of lightweight glass and the door trims feature opening loops. The result of the lightweight measures is an unladen weight of 1,425 kgs, where two-seater is \n20 kgs lighter\n than a 911 Carrera with comparable equipment.\nThe Carrera T will be available by early next year with prices beginning from EUR 107,533 (approx RM 535k).\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In celebrating the appointment of Kingsway K Cars Ltd as Koenigsegg\u2019s official dealer for Southern China, Hong Kong and Macau, the Koenigsegg Jesko \u2013 named after Christian von Koenigsegg\u2019s father \u2013 made its appearance in both the old and newly developed parts of Hong Kong and the pictures speaks for itself.\nThe appearance also celebrates Koenigsegg\u2019s 25th anniversary and it\u2019s entry into the Southern China market \u2013 all that \u201cnew Silicon Valley money\u201d from Guangzhou now has a new destination.\n \nKingsway K Cars Ltd will not only sell but provide distribution, after-sales and marketing services for Southern China, Hong Kong and Macau.\nThe arrival of the Jesko in Hong Kong, its first appearance in the Asia-Pacific region, was celebrated in grandeur at the Ritz-Carlton, fresh from it\u2019s global debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.\nThe Jesko is the latest megacar by the Swedish innovators and serves as a replacement for the \nAgera\n \u2013 the car that showed the Bugatti Chiron how brutal acceleration and mind-boggling top speeds are done.\nIts numbers simply beggars believe \u2013\n 1280 hp\n (1600 hp on E85 fuel) with \n1500 Nm\n of torque from a revised 5.0-litre twin-turbo V8.\nWhile official performance figures have yet to be revealed, something Koenigsegg will not be discreet about, Christian von Koenigsegg has been reported to call the car \u201cJesko 300\u201d at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show \u2013 perhaps an indication of the car\u2019s 300mph top speed, or more.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM), the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia has just introduced a new variant to the Kia Sportage line up. The new Kia Sportage 2.0 EX officially replaces the \n2.0\u00a0KX and 2.0 GT\n as the entry-level model while the \n2.0 CRDi GT\n soldiers on as the range topping model.\nVisually, the Sportage EX is the middle ground between the KX and GT trim, it gets HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, simple bumper with halogen foglamps, new 18-inch five twin-spoke alloys and LED taillamps.\nName\nKia Sportage 2.0 EX\nKia Sportage 2.0L CRDi GT AWD\nEngine\n1,999cc; four-cylinder Nu MPI\n1,995cc; CRDi turbodiesel\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n152 hp @ 5,250 rpm\n182 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n400 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM129,888\nRM153,888\nInside you\u2019ll find keyless entry and start, automatic climate control, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rain sensor, auto folding side mirrors, Electrochromic Mirror (ECM) and auto dimming rear view mirror.\nPower comes from the same 2.0-litre Nu MPI four-cylinder engine that serves up \n152 hp\n and \n192 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\nFortunately, the entry level Sportage has retained the full range of safety kit \u2013 six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) as well as front and rear parking sensors.\nThe Kia Sportage 2.0 EX is priced at RM129,888 (OTR without insurance) and is available in five exterior shades: Cherry Black, Mercury Blue, Fiery Red, Snow White Pearl and Mineral Silver. Like all Kia models, the Sportage comes with 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Sportage 2.0 CRDi GT"
"After unveiling the \nPreface Concept\n \nat the Shanghai Auto Show last year, followed by a \npretty ambitious advertisement spot\n \nhighlighting the car\u2019s German sport sedan-rivalling handling prowess, Geely has now officially launched the CMA-based sedan as the Xing Rui in China.\nThe Geely Xing Rui is billed as a model under the Geely 4.0 Era \u2013 the brand\u2019s fourth-generation of models that are based on modular architectures, featuring advanced connectivity, intelligence, and quality that include safety as a standard.\nBut first up, the name \u2013 which Geely says \u201cmeans everything in China\u201d. \nXing\n means star in chinese, while \nRui\u00a0\nroughly translates to a good omen for the future.\nThe Xing Rui is the brand\u2019s second CMA-based model after the \nXing Yue coupe SUV\n, which Geely says has allowed the design team to take the Preface from concept to production form within a short time frame. To date, the CMA platform is already underpinning nearly 700,000 cars on the road across the wider Geely Group, including the \nVolvo XC40\n, and \nLynk & Co 03\n.\nIn production form, the new Xing Rui pretty much remains truthful to the stunning exterior design seen on the concept car, with highlights include an evolved Expanding Cosmos grille, wider body and track, along with larger alloy wheels for an enhanced road presence.\nThe minimalist philosophy in the interior of the concept is also brought over into production form, though a lot less concept car-like, and without the cool B-pillar-less scissor doors for obvious reasons. The dashboard architecture was brought over from the concept with slight changes to the material choices, and the free-standing digital instrument cluster is replaced by a binnacle instead, perhaps for better legibility under direct sunlight.\nThe use of a dual-colour upholstery and intricate topstitching on the door cards and dashboard adds to premium image of the D-segment sedan. Geely says that the CMA platform allowed its engineers to focus on interior space, as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), with special attention paid to increase the legroom and overall comfort of the rear passengers.\nUnder the hood of the all-new Xing Rui is a\u00a0two-litre turbocharged engine, mated to a \nseven-speed dual clutch gearbox\n that is used throughout the entire Geely family. No performance figures have been provided as of yet, but with an advertisement singling out the German sport sedans, we\u2019re hoping that it\u2019ll be something quite exciting!\nOther highlights on the Geely Xing Rui include a \u201chighly intelligent super brain connected to the cloud\u201d, i.e. a connected infotainment system, that is able to update itself over-the-air (OTA), which enables the model to \u201ccontinuously evolve and never become outdated\u201d.\nWith rumours suggesting that the Preface Concept \u2013 and now the Xing Rui \u2013 might become the next Proton Perdana, would you be placing an order when it makes its way onto our shores?\nGALLERY"
"With the introduction of the \nToyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGRF)\n featuring the Vios Challenge one-make race, the communications for motorsports and performance-enhancement changed to Gazoo Racing or GR. As such, time was needed to slowly incorporate and build the GR brand image and awareness in Malaysia.\nThanks to three seasons of the Vios Challenge racing events at TGRF, the introduction of the \nVios GR Sport\n is more than just a simple task of adding on a different body kit. Priced at \nRM95,284\n, the GR Sport is certainly much more than a \nRM7,700 accessories\n package fitted on to the 1.5G variant.\nThe scope of changes in the Toyota Vios GR Sport is much more compared to the previous generations under the TRD Sportivo nameplate. Dynamic performance now takes centre stage with large 17-inch gloss black wheels, stickier tyres, sports suspension plus a different tuning to the CVT to offer \n10-steps\n (or speeds) on top of the exterior and interior visual changes.\nFirst off, the Vios GR Sport is true eye-candy when viewed in the metal, especially when paired with the Platinum White Pearl paintwork. The larger \n17-inch wheels\n with Toyo TR1 tyres in 205/45R17 size measures a larger diameter, filling the wheel arches even better.\nSimilar to many \nGR Sport\n treatments around the world (e.g. C-HR, Corolla, Aqua), there are no changes to the performance of the engine. Peak outputs from the \n1.5-litre\n engine remain the same since its introduction in \nlate-2016\n and carried over to the 2019 model- \n107 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n140 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm.\nAcceleration from standstill has suffered from the fitment of the larger and wider wheels. Yours truly found the Toyota Vios GR Sport nowhere near as quick as the \nVios 1.5G\n with regular 16-inch wheels, especially picking up the pace from low speed (coming out of junctions and U-turns). Turning on the Sport mode helps a little, but this also means the engine rpms are held higher, which increases more unpleasant engine noises.\u00a0\nDriving around the multitude of repair work, patches, plus potholes in the streets of Petaling Jaya, the sports suspension offers a \ncomfortable\n ride without any harshness. Great work from the local team in dialling in the valve setting and coil spring stiffness, which is said to be a \n20% increase\n compared to the regular Vios model! Yes, the Toyota Vios GR Sport will look even better with a 15 mm reduction in vehicle height, but technical constraints mean the ride height has to follow the 1.5G model.\nBodyroll and composure of the vehicle are now a lot better, but that is expected from the sports suspension. It is however a pity that the steering ratio cannot be changed. Being a product designed in the early 2010s, the steering requires quite a lot of turning input to achieve the desired trajectory. Competitors that have been launched recently actually feel sharper, more natural in this respect.\nWhat is amazing is the level of sound insulation this generation of Toyota Vios has. Even fitted with 205-section tyres featuring sports tread and pattern, the cabin remains quiet at all speeds.\nNow for the biggest party piece that even UMW Toyota created a pair of badges for it- the \n10-step CVT\n. In summary, the \u201cgear ratio\u201d or steps does provide a tonne of sportiness without breaking the speed limit. No charts or graphics were made, so yours truly tried to illustrate what the steps felt and looked like.\nLeaving at full throttle in M-mode (manual) will not hold the engine rpm at its designed 6,200 rpm redline. The control unit in fact doesn\u2019t even go near the tachometer\u2019s red zone, automatically \u201cshift up\u201d to the next \u201cgear\u201d at close to \n6,000 rpm\n. Each shift (at least to the seventh step/gear) is accompanied by a well-calibrated \n\u201cshift shock\u201d\n like a certain dual-clutch transmission from Wolfsburg, no matter if you leave it to shift on its own at full throttle or manually pulling the right paddle. Quite impressive to be honest, the whole system a lot \nmore engaging\n than many other manual modes.\n \nThe driving experience of the Vios GR Sport commence 19:00 into the video. Enjoy!\nEach upshift sees the rpm drop between 700 to 1,000 rpm, based on observation. This means, shifting up at 5,000 rpm will see the rpm drop to about 4,250 rpm, while leaving it to self-shift/cycle the 10 steps at full throttle sees the rpm drop to circa 5,100 rpm. The short range of rpm drop allows the engine to be at its most optimum power band, according to UMW Toyota.\nThis single change in the Toyota Vios GR Sport might sound more performance-oriented, giving the driver impression of changing many gears like in a scene from Fast and Furious movies, but in reality, the pace feels slower. It does sound like an unnecessary exercise too, with the driver clicking the right paddle four times just to reach 90 km/h.\nA trivia to end the sporty variant of the Toyota Vios in Malaysia. In the vehicle\u2019s JPJ registration card or \u2018geran\u2019, the TRD Sportivo variants are named as \u2018Vios 1.5S\u2019, as the TRD Sportivo is an accessory package that is fitted on the 1.5S model code. Similar to this Vios GR Sport, it will just be labelled as Vios 1.5G as the entire accessory package is fitted to an existing 1.5G variant.\u00a0\nToyota Vios 1.5 GR Sport Specifications:\nEngine\n1,496cc, four-cylinder, Dual VVT-i\nMax horsepower\n107 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque\n140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nTransmission\nCVT, 10-speed in Manual mode\nPrice, OTR (w/o ins, with and SST exemptions)\nRM95,284, add. RM400 for Pearl White\nGALLERY"
"The 8th generation compact executive sedan was first introduced in 2015 so it was about time for a mid-life refresh, and as usual such a facelift brings about a lot of significant changes in the car.\nEven so, can the 2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Elegance remain relevant in this increasingly tough segment?\nThere\u2019s only one variant available and you\u2019re looking at it. Priced at \nRM189,012 on-the-road without insurance\n, this is quite the departure from the seven different ones available in the pre-facelift model.\nSo let\u2019s get into it. As this is a review of the Passat, we\u2019ll focus on the day-to-day with the car so if you want a comprehensive equipment list, \nyou can find it here\n.\nHow does it drive?\nExcellently when used for daily commuting. The new 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine makes \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. The grunt comes in around 1,500 rpm so it\u2019s highly usable from the get-go.\nYes, the numbers are slightly down compared to the outgoing engine, but the difference is not as apparent as you\u2019d think in the real world.\nIt\u2019s still more than 300 Nm of twist, mind you, so whenever liberties\nare taken with the accelerator, the Passat will surge towards the horizon with ease.\nThe engine finds a capable partner in the equally \nnew wet-clutch 7-speed DSG transmission\n. When left to its own devices, it is both smooth and quick, with the familiar twitch when moving off from standstill.\nI really enjoyed driving the Passat around. It felt noticeably more refined and more comfortable. Harsher road conditions are filtered out well from the cabin, while the suspension felt supple through speed bumps. It\u2019s not the last word in dynamic driving, but it can\u2019t be faulted either.\nIt looks great\nThe word facelift means, of course, that exterior updates are to be expected and in the new Passat, the updates look great. A new bumper design on both ends give it a fresh visual appeal, while both head and tail lights have also been redesigned.\nThe front pair utilises LED technology only while the DRLs work overtime as sequential turn signal indicators. Meanwhile, the rear light clusters also feature the same turn indicators, and have also received a welcome redesign to resemble a wave.\nNew 18-inch alloy wheels called Liverpool accompany these changes, and there\u2019s a new \u2018PASSAT\u2019 word adorning the rump just below the VW badge. This is the new trend, isn\u2019t it.\nOverall, it is a reserved update, but a tasteful one nonetheless. Subtlety is not everyone\u2019s cup of tea, but it is definitely mine.\nWhat else is there to like?\nThe sombre interior loses the wood trim from the outgoing car, but gains a \nnew 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display \nthat cleans up all the buttons in the centre, leaving a minimalist and appealing instrument panel. The same system supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there are three USB-C ports by which a phone can connect to the system.\nBesides that, there is a 30-colour ambient lighting system to suit any mood, although I left it in light blue all the time. The Passat just felt like a light blue kind of car. The intensity of the light is also adjustable, although once set to the desired setting, it was never touched again.\nAside from these high tech stuff, the old adjustable centre armrest makes a welcome comeback, while rear passengers can sit in comfort thanks to the sunshades \u2013 two on the windows and one on the rear windscreen \u2013 that keep out the worst of a sunny afternoon.\nThe dislikes\nThe \nnew 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster\n does not sync with Google Maps or Waze, and instead has its own version of maps and there\u2019s literally not a soul in the universe who will use it over the aforementioned established solutions, so it\u2019s time to remove such features.\nAside from this, I was never quite at ease in the driver seat. The seat has a back support that seems to dig into the my upper back, and I never grew accustomed to it.\nIt\u2019s clear that Volkswagen\u2019s choice to keep only one variant in its Passat line-up is a reflection of current buyer sentiments. Demand for SUVs continue to increase, while the D-segment sedans receive less and less attention.\nAnd in this segment, the consensus in the office is that the car to beat would be the fantastic \nToyota Camry\n. The Passat loses in terms of dynamic driving, but on a straight bit of road, the Japanese car won\u2019t see where it went.\nThe weight behind the badge is also a factor, but this is relative as it depends on where you stand in the Conti vs Jap discussion.\nThe new Passat is just so, both as a sum of its parts, and also due to its overall updates and tasteful execution. In a world where products demand your attention, the Passat is quietly confident that those who know, would know it\u2019s a car worth buying.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the government\u2019s \u201c\n100-Hari Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia\n\u201d (AKM) programme, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have announced that they will be offering discounts of up to 80% off on unpaid traffic summonses from \n9-12 December 2021\n.\nFor police summonses, those that have been issued within the Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya) will be discounted by 80%, while those from all other states get a 70% discount (minimum RM30 payment).\nHowever, the discount will not be offered to summonses that involve accidents, dangerous driving, misuse of emergency lanes, disobeying traffic lights, non-compoundable offences, exhaust modifications, as well as those involving heavy commercial vehicles.\nALSO READ: Check out the PDRM\u2019s coolest cars in history! \nPayments can be made at PDRM\u2019s kiosk during the event at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which will be operating daily throughout the four-day programme from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Alternatively, you can also make your payments via the counters at the police headquarters of your respective districts, or through the MyBayar Saman mobile app and website.\nAs for JPJ, the department will be offering an 80% discount for all outstanding summonses for compoundable offences during the same period. These of course exclude cases that have already been referred to the courts (including those already with arrest warrants, or are currently undergoing trial).\nJust like the PDRM, the JPJ-issued summonses can be paid at the JPJ mobile unit and kiosks during the AKM event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, via JPJ payment counters at their district branches, or online through the mySikap JPJ website.\nRELATED: JPJ urges public to report cars with fancy number plates\nHowever, those that have already been blacklisted will be required to be physically present at a JPJ counter for documentation purposes, before any payments can be made. The public is advised to check the status of their summonses (if any), especially those related to AES offences via the mySikap JPJ portal to ensure that they are eligible for the discounts.\n[Source: \nPDRM/Facebook\n, \nJPJ Malaysia/Facebook\n]"
"In conjunction with the opening of the Revamped Ferrari Petaling Jaya showroom, Naza Italia has officially launched the Ferrari SF90 Stradale here in Malaysia today. Pricing starts at RM1,908,000 before tax, duties, and options.\nThe Ferrari SF90 Stradale is the Prancing Horse\u2019s \nfirst series-production plug-in hybrid vehicle\n (PHEV), and will lead the charge towards a new chapter in the Italian supercar maker\u2019s history.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nPowering one of Ferrari\u2019s most important car in recent times is a 4.0-litre turbocharged 90-degree V8 engine, paired to three electric motors \u2013 one at the rear axle located between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and two on the front axle forming the RAC-e torque vectoring system, or \u201celectronic cornering set-up regulator\u201d.\nAs a whole, the system produces a whopping \n1,000 hp\n but the internal-combustion engine is also as impressive by itself, producing 780 hp and 800 Nm of torque \u2013 making it \nFerrari\u2019s most powerful V8 engine ever made\n, and the first time in the Italian supercar maker\u2019s history that a \nV8 engine is used on a top-of-the-range model\n.\nThanks to an obsessive weight management during the car\u2019s designing process, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale achieves a weight-to-power ratio of \n1.57 kg/hp\n. Pair that to the all-wheel driven nature of the drivetrain, and the SF90 propels to 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n2.5 seconds\n, and 200 km/h in just \n6.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n340 km/h\n.\nEXTERIOR\nWith a powertrain that is capable of generating temperatures of nearly 900-degree Celcius during hard driving situations, a significant portion of the exterior design has been focused on managing aerodynamic flows, especially on the radiating masses within the car.\nParticularly, the stream of hot air coming out of the radiators in front are channelled along the sides of the underbody instead of the flanks, therefore ensuring that the air entering the side air intakes ahead of the rear wheel arch is as cool as possible, boosting the efficiency of the intercooler radiators.\nThe brake callipers, developed in close collaboration with Brembo, also feature aerodynamic appendages to distribute airflow from the special air intake under the headlights to more officially cool the brake pads and discs. Meanwhile, rear brakes are cooled by air flowing in from two air intakes underneath the body.\nOne key innovation in this area is the new \nshut-off Gurney\n, a patented active system located within the rear wing which regulates the airflow over the upper body, reducing drag at high speeds with low lateral dynamics, while increasing downforce during corners, under braking, and change of directions.\nThe 20-inch forged wheels are also designed specifically to act as wing profiles, with a geometry that manages the flows inside the wheel arch, generating extra downforce at the front axle. Ferrari claims that overall, the SF90 Stradale is capable of generating up to \n390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h\n.\nFrom a stylistic point of view, the design of the SF90 Stradale is also a significant departure from the classic mid-rear-engined sports berlinetta proportions that was introduced on the 360 Modena some twenty years ago. Instead, it takes inspiration from the brand\u2019s recent supercars, such as a smaller front section and more forward position of the cockpit to reduce drag without impacting on-board comfort.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale is also a huge paradigm shift compared to the brand\u2019s previous models, with a significant focus placed on the brand\u2019s new track-derived \u201ceyes on the road, hands on the wheel\u201d philosophy.\nJust like the \nFerrari Roma\n (introduced globally later than the SF90, but launched earlier in Malaysia), there\u2019s a new steering wheel packed with haptic touch buttons, allowing the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using just their thumbs.\nRight behind it is the new 16-inch curved digital instrument cluster which, as expected, can be fully controlled via the touchpads and haptic buttons on the steering wheel. There\u2019s no central infotainment display here, except for a small screen for you to scare the passenger with the speedometer display.\nThe automatic gear selector on the centre console is also inspired by a manual gearbox lever gate, which Ferrari justifies as the \u201cpast and present skilfully merging to point the new Ferrari towards the future\u201d.\nPRICING\nThe Ferrari SF90 Stradale in Malaysia is priced starting from \nRM1,908,000 before taxes, duties, insurance, and customisation options\n. For the first time on a Ferrari, buyers can also choose between the standard car and a more sports-oriented specification \u2013 the Assetto Fiorano.\nThe latter features significant upgrades to its performance, including special GT racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers, extra lightweight features made from carbon fibre (door panels, underbody) and titanium (springs, exhaustline), which results in additional 30 kg of weight savings.\nThe Assetto Fiorano also includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires as standard for extreme on-track performance, thanks to a softer compound and fewer grooves than the tyres fitted on the standard variant.\nGALLERY"
"Stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Zhuhai, China this September to watch the \nShell Advance Asia Talent Cup\n (SAATC) when you buy any \nShell Advance 4T motorcycle engine oil\n. As a platform to nurture the young talents from the world of motorcycle racing since 2014, SAATC is led under the watchful eyes of\u00a0\nAlberto Puig\n,\u00a0who is also the leader of the successful \nMotoGP\u2122 Academy\n.\nThe \n2015 season\n of SAATC will continue as a feeder race at these locations:\u00a0Thailand (March 22), Qatar (March 29), Malaysia (August 2), China (September 20), Japan (October 11) and Malaysia (October 25). Each of the \n22 riders\n as young as 14 years old (five of them are from Malaysia) will compete among themselves using a standardised \nHonda NSF250R Moto3 bike\n, which is powered by \nShell V-Power racing fuel\n and lubricated with the new\n Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology fully synthetic motorcycle engine oil\n.\nAs\u00a0the \nleading motorcycle engine oil brand in Malaysia\n, Shell Advance sees this opportunity to increase public awareness of the SAATC series while at the same time to reward their passionate Malaysian bikers who have been using their products.\nShell Lubricants General Manager Leslie Ng\n said \u201cShell Advance is the title sponsor of this world-class competition, which unearths young talents and provides them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train and race at a very competitive level. This year, we have five very talented young Malaysians competing and we hope to rally the public behind them as they take on their peers from other Asian countries.\u201d.\nThe \nSMS-based contest\n opens to customers who purchase any Shell Advance 4T motorcycle engine oil, and it runs \nfrom 1st May 2015 to 30th July 2015\n. To enter, participants need to SMS a unique 5-digit code found on a scratch card along with the \u201cKedai Kod\u201d and answer to a simple question.\nFive Grand Prize winners\n will be treated to\u00a0an all-expense paid trip to Zhuhai to witness the boys battle it out in the fourth round of this season\u2019s SAATC, while \n300\u00a0Consolation Prize winners\n will also win an exciting day out on the tracks in October in conjunction with the 2015 Malaysian MotoGP. For more information on how to participate in the contest you may click \nhere\n, and if you want to know more about the SAATC, check out their website \nhere\n."
"Zeekr, the purely electric subsidiary of Geely, has revealed the first images of the new Zeekr X electric vehicle with a starting price of an estimated 200,000 yuan (RM126,560) and is set to go on sale by this year. The Zeekr X is the third EV model by Geely\u2019s electric vehicle subsidiary after the Zeekr \n001 \nand 009.\nThe Zeekr X is built on Geely\u2019s Scalable Electric Architecture (SEA) and measurs 4,450 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width and 1,572 mm in height while the wheelbase measures 2,750 mm. The latter is similar to the wheelbase of the Malaysia-bound \nsmart #1\n.\nSo far only the dimensions of the car were revealed although if you look closely, the Zeekr X seems to be fitted with rather large brake calipers (either 4- or 6-pot calipers). That should come in handy as the Chinese media reported that the Zeekr X will be able to break the three-second mark from 0-100 km/h.\u00a0\nPowertrain options are similar to the #1; either rear-wheel drive (single motor) or all-wheel drive (dual-motor). The #1 with a single electric motor produces 272 hp and 343 Nm while the dual-motor model is expected to produce in excess of 400 hp! Power comes from a 66 kWh lithium-ion battery that can return up to 535 km of electric range.\nGALLERY"
"In the hands of racing driver Vincent Radermecker, the \nJaguar XE SV Project 8\n is again at the top of the chart for the quickest four-door production car to lap \u2018The Green Hell\u2019.\nThe XE SV Project 8\u2019s new record for its \n20.6km Nurburgring Nordschleife lap\n now stands at \n7min 18.361sec\n, beating the previous record by \n2.9 seconds\n set by the \nsame driver and car back in November 2017\n.\n \nAs you already know the SV Project 8 is the maddest form of the Jaguar XE with \n592 hp\n from a \nsupercharged 5.0 litre V8\n. Hand-assembled by Jaguar\u2019s \nSVO\n arm in Warwickshire UK, it\u2019s capable of sprinting from \nzero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds\n and reach a top speed of \n322 km/h\n.\nApart from setting the Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record, the XE SV Project 8 also holds the record for the \nfastest production sedan at the Laguna Seca\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems that BMW has yet to give up on stunning the world with its gloriously beautiful creations, and we sincerely hope that they never stop. This time around it\u2019s the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R. Stunning really is an understatement.\nBimmer rolled the CSL Hommage out in \nMay\n at the\u00a0\nConcorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa de\u2019Este\n held on the gleaming shores of Lake Como in Italy. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, this concept CSL is back with a breath of life and to complement this revival, an equally stunning paint scheme is put atop the car that would render purist in tears.   The Hommage R was brought out in tandem with the win at \nSebring\n and \nLaguna Seca\n in \n1975\n\u00a0(that\u2019s like a stone\u2019s throw away from \nPebble Beach)\n\u00a0and it\u2019s also the same year BMW made its way to the States. Forty years later, the beautiful Hommage we see here is the brand\u2019s 40th anniversary present to itself, so to speak.\nBimmer has a mantra that goes with the car which sounds something like this, \n\u201cEyes on the road, hands on the wheel\u201d\n. That\u2019s the name of the game and BMW has done much to heed just such. The driver is equipped with an FA-22 Raptor style \nhelmet\n that features a \nHUD\n or heads up display, which ensures the driver is focused at the job at hand and needs not deviate his glance anywhere else but forward.\nPuma\n jumped on the bandwagon too with their \nracing suit\n that features\u00a0\nilluminated piping\n integrated into the \nsleeves\n of the suit which feed info back to the driver. Even the \nwood-esque dashboard\n conveys and displays relevant\n info\n to the driver.\nThe CSL moniker here suggests an extensive use of light-weight materials and you wouldn\u2019t be wrong to assume just such. BMW has piled on lashings of\n CFRP\n\u00a0(carbon fibre reinforced plastic) in a war against \nunsprung weight\n and a\n lower centre of gravity\n. With this in mind, the Hommage R is poised to live up to its reputation. Even the seats are made from carbon composites with the \nsix-point harness\n finished in the M Division colours.\nSpeaking of colours, it is an unabated joy to see the \nracing colours\n splashed onto cars these days. The Hommage R is finished in a brilliant shade of white with Bimmer\u2019s \u201cGo Faster\u2019 Division colours adorning that beautifully glorious, mesmerising and shapely body. A true expression of the Hommage R\u2019s athleticism and power. The 25 on the doors and the BMW name spelled out on the windscreen takes you back in time to that momentous victory back in 1975.\nThe Hommage R means business. With an imposing front end that breathes through those huge signature pair of \nkidney grilles\n, it looks right at you with those blue lit \nX-shaped LED headlights\n and that immense carbon spliter finished in black with the iconic BMW \ntricalor\u00e9.\n\u00a0\nThe huge matte-gold \n21-inch light-alloy wheels\n with black inlays and the side mounted exhaust pipes add a special flourish as you walk around the back to discover the vast rear wing or spoiler which has LED lights running from end to end. Glare too at the gargantuan diffuser that keeps this chap planted to ground at full whack.\nBMW has been criticised for losing its touch of building drivers cars recently, but that\u2019s simply moving with the times and with the Hommage R, they prove that they still have the ability to make purist or anyone for that matter, hot under their collar with \nevocative\n\u00a0designs and concepts. We can\u2019t lie and say that we\u2019d loathe to see these magnificent creations make to the production line because truth be told, it\u2019s just breathtaking to look at.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This news comes as no surprise, considering the fact that the price for our unsubsidised RON 97 fuel fluctuates depending on global crude oil prices, by the barrel that is. It\u2019s now priced at \nUSD74.61\n per barrel, sold by West Texas Intermediate (WTI).\nAs at 12:00am of 19 November 2014, the RON 97 fuel is priced at its \nlowest\n since mid 2012 \u2013 now at \nRM2.55 per litre\n. It was priced at RM2.60 in July 2012.\nAccording to a report by \nThe Malaysian Insider\n, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan confirmed the price reduction on his Twitter account by attaching a photo of a letter sent to Petronas Dagangan with details pertaining to the change of price.\nThe price for subsidised fuels \u2013 RON 95 and diesel \u2013 however, remains unchanged and are priced at RM2.30 and RM2.20 per litre respectively. Both prices were upped \n20 cents on 2 October 2014\n."
"With BMW introducing the \nBMW M3 30 Years American Edition\n and a new look to the \nF90 M5 with M Performance Parts\n, its M Division has presented yet another exclusive, limited-run special-edition model in the form of the new BMW M3 CS.\nThe 3.0-litre powerplant from the M3 now sees an upgrade with the Competition Package, increasing output by 10 hp, raising it to\n 460 hp\n \u2013 making it capable of a \n3.9 second\n 0 to 100 km/h time. Top speed is now electronically-limited to 280 km/h, with the standard M Driver\u2019s Package.\nThe M3 gets a new, red start-stop button, which awakes the engine to a distinctive exhaust note from a specifically-tuned sports exhaust system \u2013 with a quartet of tailpipes.\nThe new M3 CS is equipped as standard with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic and a separate oil cooler. The suspension on the M3 CS is largely similar to that of the M3 with Competition Package. The links and wheel carriers at both the front and rear axles are made of forged aluminium which are extremely light.\nThe M3 CS is fitted with Adaptive M suspension along with M Dynamic Mode and the Active M Differential. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified to suit the dynamic requirements of the BMW\u00a0M3\u00a0CS, as has the set-up of the electromechanical steering.\nOn the outside, the M3 CS comes with 19-inch light-alloy wheels in the front and a 20-inch pair at the rear fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2. At the front features a front apron with large, three-section air intakes while at the back, a Gurney spoiler on the boot lid has been designed specifically for the M3 CS which teams up with the front splitter and the rear diffuser to help minimise lift.\nThese items, along with the roof and bonnet, are made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) which are extremely lightweight and rigid. Inside, the M3 CS features a generous use of two-tone full leather in Silverstone/Black and Alcantara.\nThe special-edition model which will be limited to a run of approximately \n1,200 units\n due to production factors \u2013 will be built from March 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The highly-anticipated, overly-teased Volvo XC40, the Swedish car maker\u2019s first premium compact SUV has finally been unveiled. It is the first model to be built on the company\u2019s all-new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform.\nThey will be powered by Volvo\u2019s efficient \nDrive-E engines\n and will be driven by either the front two wheels or all four together. There will be \n5 different variants available \nfor now; the 156 hp T3, 190 hp T4 and 247 hp T5 petrols, and 150 hp D3 and 190 hp D4 diesels \u2013 all from 2.0-litre four cylinder engines. The T3 comes in front wheel, D3 front or all wheel while the T4, T5 and D4 comes with all-wheel drive.   The XC40 will come in \nthree different trims\n; the Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. The entry-level Momentum comes with textile and vinyl interior upholstery alongside the option of contrast-coloured roof and door mirrors and alloy wheels. The\n Momentum\n XC40\u2019s come with\u00a0Sensus 9\u2033 touch screen with 3 USB ports, working in tandem with the sophisticated voice-activated control system.\nR-Design\n gets a sportier exterior with dual integrated exhaust pipes. Upgraded sports suspension and 18-inch diamond cut matt black alloy wheels will also be standard. Inside, the R-design gets a leather and nubuck upholstery combination,\u00a0a perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob, and aluminium dashboard inlays.   Inscription\n versions offer a touch more luxury with leather-faced upholstery, powered tailgate and driver\u2019s seat, driftwood interior inlays. Automatic variants will come with a crystal gear lever from Swedish crystal maker \nOrrefors\n.\nEvery XC40 comes with the\n Volvo On Call\n smartphone app and emergency assistance package. It allows owners to control various functions of the car from a smartphone or smartwatch such as locking and unlocking the doors, starting the engine and even alert emergency services\u00a0 if the car is involved in an accident using in-built GPS to locate the car.   Also standard are 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with Volvo\u2019s CleanZone, a 12.3-inch active TFT configurable driver\u2019s information display and rear parking sensors. The XC40\u2019s safety features include City Safety, Volvo\u2019s automatic emergency braking system that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, Oncoming Lane Mitigation that alerts the driver and provide steering assistance if the car is moving in the direction of oncoming traffic.\nEach of the Momentum, R-Design and Inscription variants come in \nPro form\n. Momentum Pro gets powered driver\u2019s seat, heated front seats and windscreen, active bending lights with\u00a0adaptive shadow technology that block out part of the headlights\u2019 beam to avoid dazzling vehicles in front. R-Design Pro benefits from all this, along with 20\u2033 alloy wheels, while Inscription Pro has 19\u2033 wheels and a powered passenger seat.\nThe optional Xenium package is available across the XC40 range \u2013 providing them with powered tilt and slide panoramic glass sunroof, a 360-degree\u00a0surround view parking camera system, and Park Assist Pilot which includes automatic parallel and 90-degree\u00a0parking. Pilot Assist is another optional extra, Volvo\u2019s innovative semi-autonomous drive system which assists with steering, acceleration and braking.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last year was Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) fourth consecutive record year \u2013 achieving an all-time high sales record of 12,045 vehicles sold in 2017 \u2013 translating to an overall 2.3 per cent growth compared to 2016. It also meant that the three-pointed star is well ahead of the pack in the premium segment.\n\u201cTo deliver the Best Products, we launched 17 new models. To offer the Best Customer Experience, we launched nine new and upgraded dealerships, including a brand new dealer group, Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd. As a result, we successfully achieved a record-breaking year, our best ever performance in the history of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u201d, said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.\n\u201cWe are delighted to have delivered a record-breaking 12,045 Mercedes-Benz Cars to customers in Malaysia and by this confirming our position as the leading premium brand. Our locally-produced vehicles, especially the new E-Class and the GLC have been our growth drivers\u201d, said\u00a0Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Sales & Marketing, Vice President, Mark Raine.\nHe added, \u201cWe are thankful that our customers have put their confidence in our premium products. With our innovative mobility solutions, digitalisation initiatives as well as upcoming product highlights, we are confident of continuing on this success path\u201d.\nMBM\u2019s sales last year were driven by the locally-produced limousines which recorded \n7,041 units\n sold. Mercedes-Benz also sold \n2,599 units\n of SUVs \u2013 contributed by the CKD \nMercedes-Benz GLC 200\n and \nGLC 250\n.\nMercedes-Benz\u2019 compact cars recorded a total of \n2,031 units\n sold while from the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars line-up, a total of \n374 units\n were sold.\nA staggering 17 product launches took place throughout 2017 where one of the key highlights included the celebration of 50 years with AMG. MBM marked the occasion by launching six new 43 series models \u2013 the \nMercedes-Benz E 43 4MATIC\n,\n SLC 43\n, \nC 43 4MATIC\n, C 43 4MATIC Coupe, \nGLC 43 4MATIC\n, GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe and later, the \nAMG GT R\n.\nComplementing its line-up of Best Products, MBM invested in initiatives that demonstrated its signature Best Customer Experience by organising various customer engagement activities focusing on the different interests of its target audience. These included the Ultra Singapore 2017, Urban Hunting movement, and Hungry for Adventure in East Malaysia. In addition, MBM also launched a Mercedes-Benz branded charging station in Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC)."
"In Malaysia, we often\nhear stories and news about carjacking where the assailant robs you of your vehicle\nat (usually) knifepoint. The pros would discreetly work their way into the car\nand drive away.\nFor UK car thieves, however, they are a little more tech-savvy. By using a relay device and special transmitters, they are able to relay the keyfob\u2019s signal to unlock and start the car in vehicles with keyless entry/start feature.\n \nWhat Car? UK\n has tested that an experienced thief using specialised tools can unlock, start and drive away a vehicle in 10 seconds. Even premium models like the Land Rover Discovery Sport could also be stolen in 30 seconds.\nHowever, that is not\nto say every keyless entry equipped vehicle can be easily stolen. Manufacturers\nhave installed preventive measures on their keyless systems. For example, Audi,\nBMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz, have introduced motion detection technology inside\ntheir car keys \u2013 if the key is left untouched, it stops emitting a signal.\nOther makers like Jaguar Land Rover has taken a different approach, introducing ultra-wide-band radio technology which transmits a wide range of signals from the key, meaning thieves can\u2019t lock onto the signal and fool the vehicle.\nKeyless entry and start has become an expected feature on all new cars and you can\u2019t deny that it\u2019s more of a convenience than an accessory. Carmakers are also aware of the security risks involved and are working towards making keyless entries as secure as a traditional key."
"As part of a plan to develop a diverse range of robotics technologies, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has developed the new Vest Exoskeleton (VEX), a wearable robot for industrial workers who spend long hours working in overhead situations.\nMany production-line workers in the automotive industry have tasks primarily done overhead, such as bolting the underside of a vehicle, fitting brake tubes and attaching the exhaust systems. Therefore, the VEX aims to alleviate fatigue and reduce occupational injuries by imitating the movement of human joints to boost load support and mobility.\nDesigned to be worn like a backpack, the back section of the vest can be adjusted by up to 18cm to fit a variety of body sizes. The force assistance provided by the VEX can also be adjusted up to 5.5 kgf. Without the need for a battery pack, the VEX weighs only 2.5 kg, which is 22% to 42% lighter than competing products!\nAs part of the research and development, HMG conducted a successful pilot trial for the VEX in two of their US factories, boosting productivity of the workers. Both plants have now integrated the VEX into their production line, and Hyundai is looking to implementing the VEX in all of their remaining manufacturing plants.\nSeparately, the HMG also announced that their Chairless EXoskeleton (CEX) is soon to be commercialised. The CEX allows users to \u201csit\u201d at three different angles, reducing the users\u2019 back and lower body muscle stress by up to 40%.\nOther than production line focused robotics, Hyundai is also looking to develop other robotic technologies in the future, including electric vehicle charging manipulators and hotel service robots.\n \nAccording to the International Federation of Robotics, the wearable robotics industry is growing at 14% annually and accelerating. By 2021 approximately 630,000 commercial robots will be sold worldwide, with the greatest demand coming from the automotive sector."
"Honestly, we\u2019re not sure what to think of this except chuckle our guts out. While Jaguar was busy \nsetting a lap record for the fastest saloon\u00a0 around the Nurburgring\n in the \nJaguar XE SV Project 8\n, on this side of the world, specifically in China, things took a turn for the unconventional.\nJaguar China is set to introduce the Jaguar XEL \u201cLove Edition\u201d to celebrate the launch of the Jaguar XEL, the long wheelbase version of the Jaguar XE sedan. It will be made in China by the Chery \u2013 JLR joint venture.\nThe Jaguar XEL Love Edition even comes with a tagline \u2013 Love is XEL. If you have any clue what that means, feel free to voice out in our comment section.\nAll that we\u2019ve understood from the \nJaguar China\u2019s website\n is that the Love Edition is due for launch in 13 days and will come with 17-inch 15-spoke diamond cut wheels, keyless entry and what seems like a two-tone exterior \u2013 which doesn\u2019t seem like much love.\nOnly a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine will be available, with \n197 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h will take \n8.3 seconds\n with a top speed of \n230 km/h\n. The \u201cLove Edition\u201d is a limited-run model where only\n 100 units\n will be made.\nIn Malaysia, Jaguar has the XE on sale in \nthree different variants\n \u2013 the XE Prestige 200, the XE R-Sport 240 and the XE S ranging from RM 340k to RM 580k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the on-going recalls for the Toyota Rush in Philippines, UMW Toyota Motor has issued a statement to address the matter.\nIt has been found that the sensor for the airbags in the Philippines\u2019 market Toyota Rush can easily be triggered by vibrations, causing the curtain airbag to deploy when going over road bumps at over 60 km/h.\nHave you checked out\n Adrian\u2019s review of the Perodua Aruz\n yet?\nPerodua recently announced that 3,000 units of the \nAruz\n have been recalled for inspection and replacement of the potentially faulty part as a mere precaution. As of March 2018, \nover 4,000 units of the Perodua 7-seater have been delivered \nafter 14,000 bookings were recorded since since January.\nAlthough both the Rush and Aruz are essentially the same, UMW Toyota assures that the \nlocally-sold Toyota Rush\n is not affected by this problem.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This year, Aston Martin\nis celebrating 60 years of creative partnership with world-renowned Italian design\nhouse, Zagato. To commemorate the six decades of history, the two company will\njoin hands again to build a highly limited, DBZ Centenary Collection consisting\nof a DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and one DBS GT Zagato.\nOnly 19 examples will be\nmade, and you have to purchase them in pairs \u2013 thus the DBZ Centenary\nCollection. Each pair will cost you \u00a36 million (inclusive of taxes) but what\nyou\u2019ll get is one of the rarest and most coveted modern-era Aston Martin Zagatos.\nAston Martin Zagatos are all about pushing the boundaries of design, creating show stopping and mouth-watering machines. Taking the \nstandard\n \nDBS Superleggera\n, the DBS GT Zagato embodies the next evolution in Aston Martin Zagato design language. The iconic double-bubble roof, flowing curves, wrap-around windscreen, muscular rear haunches, new grille and unique headlamps were hinted by Gaydon.\nFirst customers of the\nDB4 GT Zagato Continuations will receive their cars in Q4 of 2019 while their DBS\nGT Zagato will be delivered in Q4 of 2020."
"After a half-hearted \nteaser\n ten days ago, Audi Sport has released technical information before the official launch of their new Audi RS3. The model competes with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, \nBMW M135i xDrive\n and MINI Clubman JCW.\nStarting with the heart of the new Audi RS3 is the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. Performance has been further tweaked with an increased in torque figures to deliver \n500 Nm\n of torque, 20 Nm more than the previous model. The peak horsepower of \n400 hp\n is unchanged with availability all the way to 7,000 rpm.\nPaired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the heavily revised Quattro all-wheel drive system, the new Audi RS3 does 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.8 seconds\n, 0.3 seconds faster than before. Standard top speed is limited to 250 km/h, with 280 km/h available as an option. When fitted with the RS Dynamic package, the top speed is lifted to \n290 km/h\n, the fastest in the segment!\nHeadlining the new Audi RS3\u2019s dynamism is the \nnew\n \nRS Torque Splitter\n in the Quattro driveline. The RS Torque Splitter is a rear differential unit with two self-controlled multi-disc clutch packs, one each for the left and right driveshafts. The fully variable system tightens or reduce torque to the inside rear wheel during a curve or bend to promote torque vectoring and higher levels of agility and stability.\nCheck out \nAudi\u2019s video\n of the new RS3 doing some powerslides, uploaded by \nCarScoops\nFor example, when entering and accelerating out of a right bend, the RS Torque Splitter transmits torque to the left rear wheel, and once the steering wheel straightens, both clutches direct equal torque to the rear wheels.\nWhen the Audi Drive Select mode is switched to \nRS Torque Rear mode\n, the new highly-networked chassis control system can direct up to 100% of the drive torque to the outer rear wheel for controlled drifts, similar in principle to the \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+\n.\nThe RS Torque Splitter continuously alters the left and right wheel torque levels depending on many factors such as steering angle, throttle position, gear position and yaw angle. All inputs are quickly processed rapidly and precisely through the new modular Vehicle Dynamics Controller (mVDC).\nThe mVDC then synchronises the control units in the RS Torque Splitter, ESC, damping stiffness in the adaptive dampers and the wheel-selective torque control for high-precision steering and handling. At the race tracks, the chassis control system is then set up for a full workout through the \nRS Performance Mode\n. Audi Sport has also tuned the drive mode to operate with \nPirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres\n for those seeking the best lap times. The front tyres are seen to measure 265/30R19 in size!\nAudi is reported to be delivering the new RS3 sedan and sportback models to customers in Europe as early as September.\nGALLERY"
"The general sentiment associated to the word diesel has been a long but ineradicable stigma in Malaysia, to say the least. Let\u2019s face it. How many of you are put off by the idea of driving a car that clatters louder and smells no better than your granduncle\u2019s good ol\u2019\u00a0Isuzu Trooper? Fortunately, times (and people) are changing, but many still chafe at the thought of a diesel powered daily runabout, pickup trucks not withstanding.\nNow, just days after BHPetrol \nintroduced their Infiniti Euro5 diesel fuel\n to the Klang Valley, we leapt at the opportunity to sample one of Mazda\u2019s finest, the \nMazda2 1.5L Skyactiv-D\n.\u00a0Our last stint with the very same car had a full tank of Euro2m diesel, but that did more than a good enough job in convincing us that it\u2019s the Mazda2 to have. With Euro5 now in place, let\u2019s help Bermaz Motor shed some \u2018green\u2019 light on the matter at hand.\ni. All about that torque\nA diesel engine is best known for its \nfuel efficiency\n (more on this below), but the main reason behind its suitability in powering heavy duty industrial vehicles, busses and utility trucks is because the diesel fuel is\u00a0\nmuch denser or richer in energy\n, therefore providing \ngreater pulling power\n (torque) that\u2019s accessible at low engine speeds. Just how quick is a diesel powered car, you ask? Well, click\u00a0\nhere\n to watch a video of an Isuzu D-Max blaze across a quarter mile strip in \n8.2 seconds\n. Yep, an Isuzu D-Max with a four cylinder diesel engine that\u2019s capable of humbling Dominic Toretto and co.\nSo, imagine having \n270 Nm of torque\n in a Mazda2, all harnessed from the \nturbocharged\n\u00a0\n1,499cc Skyactiv-D\n engine. In comparison, the 1.5-litre petrol (Skyactiv-G) engine delivers 114 hp and 148 Nm of torque \u2013 a \nfull 102 Nm lesser\n than its equal sized diesel counterpart!\u00a0On the subject of compression ratio, Mazda engineers ambitiously took both these Skyactiv engines a few steps beyond the conventional.\nThe gasoline engine operates at a ratio of 14.0:1 (that\u2019s really, really high for petrol powered vehicles), whereas the oil burner cranks at a relatively low \n14.8:1\n when some diesels go as high as 22.0:1.\u00a0In justifying this, Mazda cited that their pursuit of an ideal combustion resulted in\u00a0the creation of an all-aluminium, low compression turbodiesel engine. In short, it\u2019s not just more powerful, it burns leaner than the petrol as well.\n\u00a0ii. It\u2019s still that much fun to drive\nDespite being \nnearly 80kg heavier\n on the front end, the Mazda2 Skyactiv-D\u2019s fun-to-drive character remains surprisingly intact, if not made better by the low-rev torque surge. Trust us, there\u2019s not a single time where we weren\u2019t caught smiling sheepishly when flooring the throttle upon exiting a corner. Granted, there is a discernible dive during hard braking, but that came to light only after spending weeks driving the petrol variant. Imagine had we not!\u00a0\nThe fact that the brakes weren\u2019t as grippy as we\u2019d like had very little to do with its poor stopping performance, but rather because the discs were of the exact size as the petrol. With all that additional power \u2013 and more importantly weight up front, the only thing that\u2019s missing from what is otherwise a complete package is better brakes.\niii. Sure, it rattles, but does it really matter?\nDiesel engines, for as long as they\u2019ve been around, rattles. The reason behind this lies in its \ncombustion process\n. During an intake stroke of a gasoline engine, both air and fuel is injected into the cylinder before being compressed and subsequently ignited by a spark plug. This tiny explosion drives the piston downwards, creating what is known as the\u00a0power stroke, a motion which sends torque to the crankshaft.\u00a0\nIn a diesel engine however, there are \nno spark plugs at all\n, and ignition occurs simply by compressing air, and just air alone. The higher the compression ratio, the more heat (up to 260\u00b0C) is created during the compression stroke. What happens when you inject fuel into this extremely hot pocket of air? Ignition. And it\u2019s this very process that gives a diesel engine its characteristic knock or clatter.\u00a0Who\u2019s to say that they don\u2019t rattle now? They still do, in fact very distinctively as well, much like a sewing machine on loudspeaker, but hardly discernible from inside the cabin thanks to progressive insulating technology.\niv. Diesel engines are\u00a0generally tougher, more robust and longer lasting\nContrary to popular belief, the clanky nature of oil burning engines does not mean that they wear out much faster, but instead have extremely long lifespan, in most cases even longer than gasoline engines if given appropriate care. Website \npopular\nmechanics.com\n\u00a0pieced together nine cars whose owners drove past the million-mile mark\u00a0(that\u2019s 1.6 million kilometres, all with the original engine!), a feat only so few\u00a0can achieve in a lifetime.\nSo what makes a diesel engine robust? Well, this goes back to its nature of combustion. Because they operate at such extreme ratios, the mechanical components of the engine have to be made of denser steel. This in turn require the use of heavier pistons, crankshaft, bearings, rings and what have you.\nAgain, Mazda\u2019s 1.5-litre diesel engine has a low compression ratio of 14.8:1, which is one of the reasons why the entire engine can be made out of aluminium. This not only reduces weight by a significant margin, Mazda also claims that it makes the engine \nmore dynamic\n, allowing for a greater rev range because the moving components are so much lighter. We can attest to that.   v. Exceptional fuel efficiency\nAs mentioned earlier, the diesel fuel contains more usable energy than gasoline, sometimes up to 50 percent in a single drop of diesel. In a real-world scenario, that translates to \nsuperior fuel economy\n, covering between \n30 to 40 percent more tarmac\n than comparable gasoline engines. There\u2019s nothing quite like a diesel engine\u2019s fuel economy when cruising on freeways, as they rack up more kilometers per litre as opposed to gasoline, hybrids or even electric vehicles. To prove this, Mazda specifically flew us to Bangkok, dumped us in the Mazda2 diesel and had us \ndrive over 1,000 km in a single tank of fuel\n because you know, they were certain we\u2019d make it. What if we didn\u2019t, guys?!\nA key contributor in the Skyactiv-D\u2019s remarkable fuel efficiency is the use of \nPiezo injectors\n (connected to the fuel rail, typically a common rail setup in diesel engines) which are far more precise than traditional fuel injectors. They for one, act really quickly and can inject fuel as many as seven times during a single combustion cycle, but only when needed. Such level of precision yields better fuel economy and reduced emissions. Win, win, win.\nWith the cleaner Euro5 diesel making its slow entry across\u00a0the country, we\u2019ve reached a point where we could finally see a new wave of vehicles making its way here. Sources from Bermaz Motor have not completely dismissed their plans to introduce the diesel-powered CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda2, but whether or not they make it here remains to be seen. If anything, chances are they might already be well in the planning stages of introducing the highly anticipated CX-5 Skyactiv-D. Until then, let\u2019s keep our fingers crossed in\u00a0hoping that these cars will find their way here.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We might not have realised this, but it has been 38 years since the birth of Malaysia\u2019s first national car, the \nProton Saga\n, which was originally launched on July 9, 1985. To celebrate the occasion, Proton held a mini carnival at its headquarters, the Proton Centre of Excellence (CoE) on \nJuly 9\n, \n2023\n, to celebrate the national car\u2019s 38th anniversary.\nHeld from 9 AM to 7 PM, there were many activities at the carnival, with one of the main highlights being the gathering of Proton Saga owners organised by various car clubs. The gathering saw the national car from different generations \u2013 the first-generation Proton Saga, to the Saga BLM, as well as the third-generation Saga VVT.\nProton\u2019s official race cars were at the event too, with one of them being the Proton R3 team\u2019s official Proton Saga race car, which took part in the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race. A couple of the first-generation Sagas owned by private racing teams which took part in the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) Saga Cup were present as well.\nBesides the official race cars, restored, modified, and even some special variant Sagas were also present at the event. This includes a replica of the Proton Saga Iswara Group S rally car which was once driven by the legendary rally race driver \u2013 Karamjit Singh, alongside the Proton Saga Knight and Saga Limousines.\nRELATED: \nThe original 1985 Proton Saga will be coming back as a Hot Wheels model!\nAt the Proton-MSF Merdeka Race Carnival held at the Sepang International Circuit last year, professional race car and stunt driver Faidzal Alang set a record doing the \u201cSki Driving Stunt\u201d for a distance of 2.9 km on the race track using a third-generation Proton Saga and was recorded in the Malaysia book of record. The certificate was then handed over to Faidzal and Proton at the mini carnival.\nVisitors of the carnival were also given an opportunity to experience \u201cTaxi Rides\u201d using third-generation Proton Saga cars on Proton\u2019s makeshift \u201cgymkhana\u201d track. The cars were driven by professional drivers James Veerapan and Farique Hairuman.\nIn addition to the cars, there were stalls that sold all kinds of souvenirs, toys, and clothing at the carnival too. Proton themselves held stalls selling its official merchandise, as well as genuine parts such as Proton R3-branded engine oils, body kits, door visors, and NVH guards. Family-friendly games were also held for visitors to participate in and win prizes.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium S review \u2013 redefining the National car\nGALLERY"
"Imagine handing over the keys of your Volvo to your spouse, teenage children or even a friend for the weekend and having to worry about them hitting illegal speeds \u2013 which is quite easily achieved on modern Volvos \u2013 endangering their lives and the well-being of your car!\nWhich is why Volvo will be launching the Care Key which allows the owners to set a speed limit when the key is in use. This comes after the announcement that the Swedish marque is looking to \nlimit the top speed on all its cars to 180 km/h from 2020\n to send a strong message about the dangers of speeding.\nVolvo Cars\u2019 President\nand Chief Executive, Hakan Samuelsson said: \u201cWe believe that a car maker has a\nresponsibility to help improve traffic safety. Our recently announced speed\nlimit fits that thinking, and the Care Key is another example. Many want to be\nable to share their car with friends and family but are unsure about how to\nmake sure they are safe on the road. The Care Key provides one good solution\nand extra peace of mind.\u201d\nThe Volvo Care Key\nwill be a standard feature on all Volvo cars from model year 2021."
"We have powerbanks for our smart devices and soon we will have \u201cpowerbanks\u201d for our electric cars, according to Volkswagen.\nThe German automaker has just revealed the company\u2019s future mobile quick charging station that has the flexibility to be installed and provide power supply wherever it is needed. The portable charging station functions according to the principle of a power bank \u2013 but for cars.\nChairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components, Thomas Schmall said: \u201cThis flexibility enables a completely new approach for the rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure. Cities can, for example, find out the most suitable places for a permanent charging point before making major investments in developing the network. In addition, it will be possible to set up a large number of charging stations temporarily \u2013 exactly when and where they are needed.\u201d\nImagine having a large-scale function at an open location, the mobile charging station can provide temporary charging solution for attendees to charge their electric vehicles on location. These charging stations have a total battery storage capacity of up to 360 kWh which can fully charge approximately 15 electric vehicles. Each charging station also features DC quick charging compatibility and can charge up to four vehicles simultaneously.\nThe first mobile quick charging stations will be set up as early as the first half of 2019 in Volkswagen\u2019s hometown as part of a pilot project and will support the expansion of charging infrastructure in the urban area."
"In light of the massive flood issue plaguing the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Honda Malaysia has taken the plunge to help its affected customers through their \nFlood Relief Programme\n.\nEffective immediately, Honda customers whose \ngenuine parts\n that has been damaged or affected by the flood will be given a \n50 percent discount\n. Customers are advised to bring their \npolice report\n on the damaged car and \ninsurance cover note\n to any Honda dealers in the affected areas.\nHere\u2019s how:\nEach car will then be assessed and repaired once the waters have receded.\u00a0Honda Malaysia extends their thoughts and prayers to the affected people and hopes to reduce their burden by assisting their customers through this programme.\nThe programme begins immediately and runs until 31 March 2015.\nHere are some suggestions from Honda Malaysia on how to handle your car in flood situation."
"At the launch of the BYD Atto 3 today, BYD Malaysia (\nSime Darby Beyond Auto\n) took the opportunity to tease the BYD Dolphin and the BYD Seal. The BYD Dolphin is an EV hatchback while the BYD is an EV fastback sedan.\nHinting at possible debuts in the future, let\u2019s take a closer look at both EVs by the Chinese Brand. Possibly its sleekest model to date, the BYD Seal measures 4,800 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,460 mm tall. With a wheelbase of 2,920 mm, the BYD Seal is about the size of a BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.\nIn China, the BYD Seal is offered in four versions:\nStandard Range RWD Elite\nStandard Range RWD Premium\nLong Range RWD\nLong Range AWD Performance\nThe range-topping Long Range AWD Performance has a system output of 390 kW (\n530 hp\n) and supposedly accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.8 seconds\n. With an \n82.5 kWh\n battery capacity, the range-topping Seal has an electric driving range of \n650 km\n (CLTC). The \u2018Long Range RWD\u2019 has the best range of them all with \n700 km\n of pure electric range (CLTC).\nRELATED: \n2023 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, X70-size EV from RM150k\nThe BYD Dolphin, on the other hand, is a hatchback EV that has been in the market since 2021. In China, the BYD Dolphin is available with three versions \u2013 one with a \n30.7 kWh\n battery, and two with \n44.9 kWh\n battery packs (albeit with different system output figures).\nIn its range-topping form, the BYD Dolphin has a \n401 km\n range (NEDC) from its 44.9-kWh battery pack. The single electric motor makes 130 kW (\n176 hp\n) and \n290 Nm\n and powers the front wheels only. AC charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n7 kW\n and DC fast charging can be done at a maximum rate of \n60 kW.\n The Dolphin is BYD\u2019s first car to be built on the brand\u2019s e-platform 3.0.\nRELATED: \nBYD to open 40 showrooms in Malaysia by end of 2024, first in KL to open Dec 2022\nOnly shown for a brief moment at the event, the BYD Seal and the BYD Dolphin are interesting choices for EVs should they be officially launched in Malaysia. For now, BYD\u2019s only model for the Malaysian market is the newly-launched \nBYD Atto 3\n."
"Just when we thought that the \nBMW M2 Competition\n is as mean as a 2 series can get, BMW has introduced a series of BMW M Performance Parts to spice up the baby M car even further with more carbon fibre, new wheels and even a rear wing!\nThe new list of accessories does not include any tuning for the S55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line six engine, pushing out\n 410 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque paired to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed M DCT. Century sprint is one in \n4.4 seconds\n (4.2 seconds with DCT) while top speed is registered at \n280 km/h\n if you have the M Driver Package installed (250 km/h without).\nBMW had one purpose in mind when developing the M Performance Parts for the M2 Competition: to \nsave weight\n. Carbon fibre has been applied to the engine hood (-9 kg), roof (-5 kg), tailgate (-6 kg) and front fenders, all contributing to making the M2 Competition a lighter and meaner machine. Other visually enhancing options include carbon fibre front splitter, kidney grille, air breather sidebars, exterior mirror caps, door sill, side skirt extensions, rear diffuser and rear spoiler.\nRounding off the exterior look are a set of M Performance 19-inch Y-spoke style 763 M forged wheel wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres saves 3.2 kgs of unsprung mass on each corner compared to the standard wheels. The exclusive forged wheels are available in the colours Jet Black matt and Frozen Gold with machined M Performance lettering in the rim flange.   As for performance enhancing options, BMW offers an M Performance adjustable coil-spring suspension that drops the car ride height by up to \n20 mm\n and comes with adjustable damping technology where drivers can set up their preferred compression (12 setting options) and rebound stage (16 setting options). A set of \nBMW M Compound Brake Discs\n with 6-piston fixed calipers on the front axle and 4-piston fixed calipers on the rear axle gives drivers consistent and greater stopping power under prolonged extreme conditions.\nBMW has also developed a new \nM Performance stainless steel exhaust system\n with carbon fibre tailpipes to unlock the racing soundtrack of the M2 Competition\u2019s six-cylinder engine. The electronic flap alters the sound pitch depending on the drive mode selected ranging from sporty in Efficient Mode and uncompromised acoustics in Sport+ Mode. Of course, this new exhaust system is also \n8 kgs\n lighter than the standard system.   Interior options are limited to stainless steel sport pedals, M Performance branded floor mats and a carbon fibre/Alcantara finish on the gearshift lever knob/gear selector switch, double-clutch transmission and handbrake handle.\nWhile BMW has not announced the market availability of the BMW M2 Competition, here is hoping that Malaysia will be one of the lucky recipients of this bad boy. As for the M Performance Parts, \nbased on experience,\n you might want to go easy on them; unless money is no issue to you.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after the \n#1\n went on sale in China, \nSmart\n has now unveiled a new performance-oriented version of the model, courtesy of upgrades from in-house tuner Brabus. Dubbed the Smart #1\n Brabus\n, the souped-up fully-electric compact SUV will make its official debut at the Chengdu Motor Show, later this month.\nThe Smart #1 Brabus gets a number of variant-specific design touches to distinguish it from the standard models, including a sportier front bumper, unique front grille, larger rear spoiler, as well as the aggressively-styled 19-inch alloy wheels.\nNew additional \u201cnostril\u201d vents below the bonnet edge seem to suggest the performant nature of the #1 Brabus despite it not having an engine, while the entire car is also finished in the \u201ctraditional\u201d sporty colour combination of red, black, and matte grey \u2013 the latter also applied to the emblems and badges all around the exterior.\nRELATED: \nSmart\u2019s adorable-looking #1 SUV shows that it\u2019s serious about EVs\nThe interior is also suitably spiced up, with new black microfibre suede upholstery on the seats, red cross stitching and accent trims, red seatbelts, additional Brabus badging on the Alcantara and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and new \u201cmetal pedals\u201d coming as standard.\nMost importantly, however, is that the spicier Smart #1 here will actually come with performance upgrades, unlike the \nBrabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz EQS\n. Details are still scarce at the moment, but the company says the Smart #1 Brabus will boast \u201cclass-beating performance\u201d, with output figures over the 400 hp (approx. 300 kW) mark according to recent rumours from China, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of roughly 3.7 seconds.\nRELATED: \nWelcome to 2022, where tuners increase EV\u2019s range, not performance\nThe performance gain comes courtesy of an additional electric motor on the front axle, giving the Smart #1 Brabus an all-wheel drive driveline. In contrast, the standard Smart #1 comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor offering 272 hp (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.7 seconds.\nAlongside the amped-up performance, the Brabus-tuned Smart #1 is also rumoured to get a larger battery than the standard #1. For context, the standard model features 66 kWh of capacity offering a range of up to 440 km (WLTP cycle).\nGALLERY"
"National carmaker Proton has just provided the breakdown of their September sales performance and the recovery after months of restrictions is looking great. With a total of \n10,380\n units sold, the company is proud to announce that it captured a 23.9% market share for September.\nRecently launched facelifted models of the \nProton Persona\n and \nProton Iriz\n posted a strong first month of sales. While production still not at the full output due to a shortage of components, Proton managed to deliver 1,440 units of the Persona and 749 units of the Iriz. \u00a0\nAs for the ever-popular SUV models from \nZhejiang Geely\n Holding Group, the Proton X50 managed to set the highest sales after the Proton Saga, at 2,431 units. Year-to-date, Proton has managed to deliver over 16,600 units of the X50 model.\nOriginal Proton Saga in the UK wins The Festival of Unexceptional. Find out more about the \u201cmotor show\u201d here!\nBoth the Proton X50 and Proton X70, with 1,577 units, continue to be sales leaders in their respective segments. In total, 27,312 units of SUVs have now been sold by Proton this year, which accounts for 37.4% of the overall year-to-date sales of \n73,017\n units.\nCompared to the same period last year, the total sales figure is nearly the same with 2020 reaching 73,607 units, whilst with a lower overall market share of under 22%.   The \nProton Saga\n, as always, continues to be the company\u2019s number one seller and by quite a margin. In September, dealers managed to deliver 3,907 units which, under the company\u2019s market intelligence, it is also the segment leader in the A-segment sedan.\nThe Proton Knight, reimagined! Check out how a Malaysian designer envisions the sporty model for today.\nRoslan Abdullah, Proton Edar CEO said the company will continue to work hard to fulfil and deliver as many cars as possible, clearing the backlog. Customers who are fully vaccinated are also welcomed to visit the showroom to test drive as well as service their Proton vehicles."
"Welcome to another installment of our #REWIND series, where a few months ago, we learned that the \nHonda Civic Type R\n\u00a0commands one of the best aspects of vehicle ownership: resale value. This time, we look into a car that could potentially springboard Malaysia to be on par with\u00a0Germany, Italy and Japan as nations that are capable of producing a sports car. Introducing, the Esna Venere.\nIt\u2019s unknown to this day what the real meaning of the word\u00a0\u201cVenere\u201d, but what\u2019s important to know is that the brainchild of this car is one idealistic Malaysian named \nEsmail Naziadin\n. In 2005, Malaysians were surprised with the unveiling of a Malaysian made sports car. Back in the day, nobody would have imagined seeing a Malaysian made sports car in the flesh, much less command a price between RM500k to RM800k.\nThe design of the car was purely done locally, and the project took just five months to progress from mere sketches to the very concept you see here. The powertrain (more on this below) was supposed to be sourced externally, though.\nPic Source: Dk Composites\nThe Venere is a two-door coupe made of carbon fibre composite and lightweight components including\u00a0chromoly alloys, aluminium honeycomb and super strong carbon fibre. As a result, the car weighs an impressive \n1,080kgs\n.\nUnder the hood lies a \nsupercharged\u00a03.0-litre six-cylinder\n\u00a0engine capable of producing 350 hp at best, and gearbox options include a six-speed manual transmission and automatic. It\u2019s unsure if the wheels are driven from the back or all four wheels, but the handling capabilities is promising thanks to its \ndouble wishbone suspension\n\u00a0on all four corners. Top speed is reported to be \n300km/h\n.\nPic Source: Autoworld.com.my\n \n Pic Source: Autoworld.com.my\n \n Pic Source: Autoworld.com.my\n \nAfter its local unveiling in 2005, manufacturer Esnasports Sdn Bhd was rather ambitious and spoke of plans to display the car at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. There was even a talk of participating in the 2006 Le Mans 24 hours Endurance race! Surely, a 150-unit only lightweight sports car like the Venere has good potential, because at the time, 20 orders have already been secured. Tragically, the founder Esmail Naziadin\u00a0passed away before all these plans were put in place. Along with his passing is Malaysia\u2019s most promising car project to date.\nSo, how should the Esna Venere be remembered? We think it\u2019s best we remember Esmail\u2019s efforts because it\u2019s a clear depiction of the \nMalaysia Boleh\n spirit. We wouldn\u2019t know what would happen should the Venere materialise into a thing of being, so there goes all hopes of seeing the car parked by the French Riviera beachside. Maybe it could also change Jeremy Clarkson\u2019s perception of Malaysia\u2019s ability to make cars, or inability since the humiliating smackdown on our poor Kelisa. But sadly, the Venere didn\u2019t even take off, so let\u2019s hope someone picks up the baton sometime soon.\nNEXT TIME\n: My personal favourite cheap and cheerful car that surely will put a smile on your face!\n[Image Source: Autoworld.com.my]"
"Lexus Malaysia has introduced an updated 2022 version of the Lexus ES 250 which was \nlaunch here in 2019\n. It\u2019s available in three variants, from \nRM295,663.50\n for the Premium variant, \nRM329,910.50\n for the Luxury variant.\n \nAs for the sportier, more aggressive-looking F Sport variant, that\u2019s priced at\n RM345,134.00\n. All ES 250 variants come with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood is a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated VVT-iE Dynamic Force engine paired to an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels. The engine puts out \n204 hp \nand \n247 Nm\n, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 9.1 seconds.\nThe transmission\u2019s Direct Connected Downshift system allows it to skip gears when large throttle openings are detected such as when overtaking on the highway.\nES 250 Luxury\nES 250 F Sport\nEXTERIOR\nOutside, the biggest change lies in the Spindle grille of the Lexus ES (Luxury and Premium variants) where it now features fewer vertical bars. The F Sport variant comes with a completely different grille design while the cutouts on each corner of the front bumper are wider than the lower two variants.\nNew DRL design on the F Sport\nAs for headlamps, the Bi-projector LED headlamps in the Premium variant comes with a new inner bezel design while the higher Luxury and F Sport variants come with a new daytime running light design.\nThe Lexus ES, built on the same TNGA-K platform as the Camry comes with two new colours for the Luxury and Premium variants \u2013 Sonic Chrome and Sonic Iridium. As for the F Sport, two exclusive colours are available, Heat Blue Contrast Layering and White Nova Glass Flake.\nBoth the Premium and Luxury variants come with 18-inch wheels, with a new design for the former. With the F Sport variant, the ES 250 comes with 19-inch wheels. The F Sport is the only variant that comes with a spoiler.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the ES 250 comes with black leather upholstery with black Walnut trims however the Luxury variants can be specified with Hazel or Mauve (dark brown) leather upholstery. The F Sport comes with aluminium trims to complement the red or black leather upholstery.\nLuxury\nF Sport\nThe dashboard also sees some significant changes. The Premium variant gets an 8-inch infotainment display while the top two \u2013 Luxury and F Sport \u2013 variants come with a larger 12.3-inch display. The larger touchscreen also comes with navigation services.\nThe display itself has been repositioned 112 mm closer to the front passenger and tilted five degrees towards the driver. All models of the Lexus ES now comes with USB Type-C connectors.\nIn the F Sport models, the cabin comes with aluminium pedals and footrest along with a 3-spoke F Sport steering wheel.\nThe coolest part about the F Sport model is the instrument cluster with an RPM meter that moves when the engine is fired up \u2013 just like the Lexus LFA supercar!\nThe new models also now come with a Nanoe-X negative ion generator that improves cabin air quality. The ES the first Lexus model to introduce this feature as standard.\nSAFETY\nSafety and driver assistance features of the Lexus ES have also improved. All three variants come with the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) as standard.\nThe Pre-Collision System (PCS) has been updated to detect daytime cyclist detection and pedestrian detection in low light conditions. The system uses a millimetre-wave radar and monocular camera sensor with improved sensitivity and range detection.\nOther features in the LSS+ system include Dynamic radar cruise control with Stop&Go function, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High-beam System with BladeScan technology. Coupled with the Adaptive High-beam System is also the Adaptive Front-lighting System.\nMaking up the rest of the Lexus ES\u2019 driver assistance features is the rear cross-traffic alert and parking support brake. The Parking support brake feature helps prevent frontal collisions in the event of pedal misoperation.\nReview: Lexus ES 250 Luxury \u2013 Effortless opulence. Read about what we think of the car here!\nGALLERY\nLexus ES 250 F Sport\nLexus ES 250 Luxury"
"The all-new Nissan Almera Turbo, \ndue for official launch very soon\n, will feature the HR10DET 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine across all three variants which we\u2019ve already sampled briefly during a recent media event (\nwatch our video here!\n) and were pleasantly surprised by it.\nWhile common sense tells you that the engine was designed solely for efficiency (it is made to suit \nThailand\u2019s Eco Car programme\n, afterall), Nissan says that the turbocharged engine in the all-new Almera delivers \u201cconfidence-inspiring performance\u201d, and even go so far to say that it is the \u201cperfect modern sedan\u201d. That\u2019s a daring claim to say the least, so what have they done with it?\nOn paper, the powertrain output figures of \n100 hp\n and \n152 Nm\n is nothing to shout home about \u2013 especially with the Honda City bragging about its 253 Nm of torque in a \ncontroversial video\n. However, peak torque on the 1.0-litre turbocharged mill kicks in at a low 2,400 \u2013 4,000 rpm, which means it should still feel punchy when driving around the city (no pun intended) \u2013 where most people spend their time in a car like this.\nThe engine also features an \nelectronic wastegate\n on the turbocharger, which uses an electric DC motor to better regulate turbo boost power, \nreducing turbo lag\n and providing a \nmore instantaneous acceleration\n.\nThe HR10DET engine also features \nMirror Bore Coating Technology\n, adapted straight from the \nNissan GT-R\n\u2018s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6. Molten iron is sprayed onto the surface of the cylinder bore, forming a mirror-like iron coating layer on the walls inside which reduces friction within the engine, thus \nincreases efficiency\n.\nCompared to a regular engine liner coating which is typically around 2 mm in thickness, the Almera Turbo\u2019s iron coating measures just 0.2 mm, which helps reduce engine knocking and weight, while improving heat conductivity \u2013 \nincreasing cooling headroom\n. As a result, Nissan is able to channel the extra cooling capacity to let the engine run harder, thus \nincreasing performance\n.\nAs a result of the more efficient engine, Nissan boasts a fuel consumption figure of just \n5.4 l/100km\n (based on the NEDC R101 tests) on the all-new Almera Turbo. Despite now having a smaller fuel tank of only 35 litres, the Almera Turbo should still be able to drive approximately \n650 km in a single tank of fuel\n. With today\u2019s fuel prices, a full tank of RON95 petrol also only costs around RM65!\nThe fuel efficiency of the Almera Turbo is also helped by its new Xtronic CVT gearbox, which comes with the \nD-Step Logic System\n for improved shift feel and responsiveness. Using a multitude of readings from vehicle speed to accelerator pedal position, the shift logic software can determine the ideal gear ratios needed to provide smooth, constant acceleration.\nAlthough being a CVT gearbox, it still predominantly shifts according to its virtual gears, thus drivers can still feel the sensation of a traditional gear shift, while benefitting from the flexibility and smoothness of a CVT gearbox. The Almera Turbo even comes with \nSports Mode\n, which allows the gearbox to hold a gear for longer, resulting in better acceleration performance and a sportier driving experience.\nSignificant headway has also been made to improve the noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH) felt within the cabin, with the use of a \u201cunique\u201d\n soft engine mount to dampen and reduce engine vibrations\n \u2013 a common complaint on three-cylinder engines.\nThat\u2019s quite a long list of enhancements stuffed into a tiny 1.0-litre engine, for a B-segment car that costs below RM100k. Though, we\u2019ll only know how well they perform when we really put them to the test. So do keep an eye out on \nAutoBuzz.my\n for the full report once we get our hands on it!\nAt the mean time, do check out our\n \nbrief drive report\n if you haven\u2019t already, and also check out our \ndeep dive\n on why we think the all-new Almera Turbo could be one of the most comfortable cars for day-to-day commutes!"
"There are times when compromises have to be made when faced with budget constraints, and this may include having to resort to cheaper engine oil alternatives procured from non-authorised channels. While it may be easier on your wallet, the authenticity of the product can never be guaranteed, and may even prove to the harmful to your car\u2019s engine.\nWhich is why Shell has just introduced a new range of fully synthetic engine oils that\u2019s not only wallet-friendly but offers premium protection at previously unattainable prices. With the new Shell Helix HX8, you don\u2019t have to compromise on price or quality because a premium fully synthetic engine oil from a trusted brand has never been so affordable.\nUnlike most affordably priced lubricants which may come with compromises in performance and durability, the Shell Helix HX8 is formulated specially to protect engines in punishing stop-start driving conditions, just like the traffic grind you and your car endure daily on the way to the office.\nWhen temperatures soar in engines stop-start city driving, \u2018\nflexi-molecules\n\u2019 present in the Shell Helix HX are activated to form a protective layer on components most susceptible to wear; \nresulting in up to a 40% increase in protection\n1\n, 58% superior oxidisation and deposit control\n2\n, \n \n and 78% improvement in corrosion resistance\n3\n , along with longer oil drain intervals with lower maintenance costs.\nShell is sensitive towards the market\u2019s evolving needs as more manufacturers \nshift towards low viscosity oils\n for their passenger cars. The new \nShell Helix HX8 0W-20\n is \nspecially formulated\n to meet manufacturers\u2019 latest requirements and offers a \npremium, fully synthetic engine oil performance at an affordable price\n, with no compromise in engine protection.\nWhat this translates into is an engine oil that can withstand stresses beyond the performance threshold of similarly priced semi-synthetic options. With prices starting from just \nRM 165 for a 4-litre pack of the HX8 5W-40 in Peninsula Malaysia (RM 166 for Sabah & Sarawak)\n and \nRM 199 for the HX8 0W-20 in Peninsula Malaysia (RM 200 for Sabah & Sarawak)\n, fully synthetic premium protection for your car\u2019s engine is within reach, finally.\n \nTo further verify the\nauthenticity of the new Shell Helix HX8, each pack comes with a\u00a0\n\u201cMade for Malaysia /\nUntuk Pasaran Malaysia\u201d\n\u00a0label which contains a\nunique QR and product code as proof of authenticity, and for a further peace of\nmind.\nNot only that, every purchase of Shell Helix HX8, customers also qualify for the Shell Advantage and Rewards (\nSHARE\n). In conjunction with the launch, Shell Malaysia is offering RM25 off for any of the three Shell Helix HX8 variants upon the customer registering for SHARE online. The promotion is valid from 1st October till 30th November 2019.\nSo, register as a SHARE member and enjoy the promotion! To find out how it works, visit: \nwww.shell.com.my/helix25off\n.\n1\nComparing Shell Helix HX8 with ACEA A3/B4 specifications based on engine wear test\n2\nComparing Shell Helix HX8 with API SN specifications based on engine oil oxidation and deposit control test\n3\nComparing Shell Helix HX8 with API SN specifications based on engine corrosion test\n(For more technical information on the Shell Helix HX8, click \nhere\n)\n innity_ord = \u201cord=[timestamp]\u201d;   var innity_nativeAnalytic = innity_nativeAnalytic || {};\n innity_nativeAnalytic.q = innity_nativeAnalytic.q || [];\n innity_nativeAnalytic.q.push(function() {\n innity_nativeAnalytic.track({campaignID: 27556, adID: 252359, readID: 252360});\n });"
"Over the weekend at the \nthird annual Volkswagen Festival\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) officially launched Das WeltAuto, a global used car programme that offers used and pre-registered cars, certified by Volkswagen.\nBacked by Das WeltAuto\u2019s global know-how, standards, processes and solutions, all Das WeltAuto certified vehicles undergo a strict 133-point check and are verified by Volkswagen Master Technicians.\nVolkswagen are so confident that your new vehicle will be worry-free that they are also providing a 1-year extended warranty added onto any existing warranty, and 1-year roadside assistance for your new purchase. Additionally, Das WeltAuto customers can also enjoy the \nVolkswagen Care Plus\n benefits for Volkswagen cars above five years.\nYou can also trade-in your existing vehicle, which will be sold on the Das WeltAuto platform as well. However, only Volkswagen vehicles will be put through the Das WeltAuto certification, granting them the additional warranty privileges.\nBidding farewell to the Volkswagen Beetle, the \nCollector\u2019s Edition is available for RM164,390\n.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said that Das WeltAuto is a hassle-free solution to those interested in trading in and purchasing used cars. \u201cWhat makes Das WeltAuto different from other used car channels is that you can expect the same exceptional level of service as a new car purchase experience from a dealer you can trust, with experienced sales staff who will provide the best advice and maximum transparency. All this from a brand you can rely on \u2013 and most importantly, a product you can trust.\u201d\nDas WeltAuto promises that only genuine parts are used on the certified vehicles, and the vehicles are verified to be accident-free with complete proof of service at authorized Volkswagen service centres.\nYou can view available vehicles on the Das WeltAuto \nwebsite\n, which will be regularly updated with details and options to inquire or book a test drive."
"Old, unassuming cars are experiencing some sort of renaissance over in the UK \u2013 so much so that there\u2019s even an event called the \u2018Festival of the Unexeceptional\u2019, designed specifically to celebrate these cars. The 2021 instalment happened over the weekend, and the Concours de l\u2019Ordinaire this year was won by the exceptionally unexceptional classic Proton Saga!\nIf you think you\u2019d seen this car somewhere before, you\u2019d probably be right \u2013 it\u2019s the same Proton Saga that was featured in the \nidriveaclassic video we came across last year\n! That\u2019s not really all too surprising, though, since Proton only made 201 units of the Black Knight Edition Saga, and this here is supposedly the last surviving example.\n https://twitter.com/HagertyUK/status/1421462471186034697\nSpeaking to the organisers Hagerty, the owner of the winning car, Jon Coupland, said that the original owner shelved the car back in 1993 with less than 6,000 km on the clock due to personal health issues.\nIt remained in the garage until 2017, when it was sold to its second owner before being driven for nearly a further 16,000 km. Coupland then acquired the car in 2019, and now uses it sparingly to drive to events like these.\nCheck out how the Proton logo evolved from what you see here to the roundel badge they have on their new cars now!\nPhoto: \nHagerty UK/Twitter\n\u201cI was over the moon to be accepted for the concours, so to have impressed the judges enough to have won the overall prize is beyond my wildest dreams!\u201d Coupland added. And just because it\u2019s all for a bit of fun, the winning trophy that Coupland brought home was shaped like a mug of tea \u2013 the ultimate symbol of British normalcy.\nPhoto: \nJon Coupland/Twitter\nThe Festival of Unexceptional was created in 2014 by classic cars insurance specialist Hagerty, as a celebration of the \u201clong-forgotten everyday family cars from 1968 to 1989, which have played as significant a role in our culture as any Aston Martin, Ferrari, or Mercedes\u201d.\nTo win, all you need is bring the most mundane car you can find from the correct time period, and make sure it\u2019s as close to stock as possible. Supposedly, judges love that some of these cars don\u2019t even come with a radio (\nas per the official \u201chow to win guide\u201d\n), so make sure your entry doesn\u2019t have any of these unnecessary modifications.\nHere are seven fun facts you may not know about the original Proton Saga!\nThe 2021 selection was for cars between 1966 and 1996, and the event brought over 3,000 fans and a wide array of rare models from across the nation down to the lawns of the Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, where 50 cars were selected into \u201cone of the best concours lawns in seven years of the festival\u201d.\nAs you\u2019d imagine, it\u2019s beige, mustard, brown, and steelies as far as the eyes can see.\nGALLERY"
"The world was once again divided yesterday, not by war or religious conflicts, but by BMW\u2019s bold new 7 Series that seems to have left most scratching their heads than their crotch.\nTHE NEW BMW i7.\nA breakthrough for those seeking luxury, comfort and innovation. All-electric for the first time, this is a car that illuminates the road ahead. This is Forwardism.\nDiscover more, \nhttps://t.co/Nb0Gm0y4bB\n#THENEWi7\n \n#Forwardism\n \n#bornelectric\n \npic.twitter.com/Irzr88dWb9\n\u2014 BMW UK (@BMW_UK) \nApril 20, 2022\n \nIt\u2019s just as we\u2019ve all been joking about; the front grilles did get bigger but as we\u2019re still digesting that look, BMW also introduced split headlamps (also seen in the new X7) to make the digestion process a little longer.\nWe\u2019re still on the fence about this, with the office divided between those who are making jokes and those who believe BMW is making a statement, BMW\u2019s design boss Domagoj Dukec has been quick to standby by the company\u2019s latest creation.\nSpeaking to Car Magazine, Dukec believes the new look is for those who want a more irrational car; for those who are willing to pay extra to be more expressive and to make a louder statement.\nDukec also highlighted 2/3 of BMW customers prefer a more elegant and harmonious look, and for those customers, there is the 3 Series and 5 Series. For those who want a little more than that, Dukec pointed to the 4 Series and 7 Series which were created just for them.\n5 Series\n3 Series\nHe also pointed out that such polarising designs, like on the 7 Series, is not feasible on the 3 Series and 5 Series as they are high-volume models."
"Just like smartphone companies, over the years, car makers have been out-innovating each other in various aspects of engineering just to go 0.1 second faster than their rivals.\nWe\u2019ve seen active air flaps integrated into a car\u2019s design, active suspension, increased use of carbon fibre to name a few, and it all makes sense but every now and then, some ideas are so extreme that they take a real quirky turn \u2013 like this Zenvo TSR-S for example.\n \nMade in Denmark and debuted at last year\u2019s Geneva Motor Show, the Zenvo TSR-S does not only stand out from its wild exterior design but also through out-of-the-box-thinking automotive solutions. What you saw in the video is the TSR-S\u2019 active multi-axis Zentripetal Wing doing its work.\nThe name \u2018Zentripetal\u2019 refers to the \ncentripetal force\n also known as \u2018centre-seeking\u2019 force. The ground-breaking rear wing functions both as an air brake and a cornering stabiliser. When the TSR-S goes through a bend, the wing rotates relative to the car\u2019s longitudinal axis.\nThis generates an inward force together with the conventional downforce, boosting inner tyre grip and cornering stability.\nIn addition, the Zenvo TSR-S also features an in-house developed twin supercharged 5.8-litre V8 high-revving racing engine, producing\n 1193 hp\n with more than \n1100 Nm \nto show for.\nWeighing just under 1,500 kg despite an all carbon fibre body, the TSR-S can get to\n 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds \nwhile 0 to 200 km/h will be done in 6.8 seconds. Its top speed is electronically-limited to 325 km/h.\nThe TSR-S is also fitted with a 7-speed paddle shift gearbox with helical-cut dog gears which can be switched between two setups for road or track use.\nIn Road setting, the gear change is electronic, with sensors adjusting the gear change to remove the harshness so often experienced by a dog box. This ensures a more relaxing drive in everyday use.\nIn Race setting, the brutal direct mechanical power-shift gear change is \none of the fastest-shifting powertrains in existence\n.\nFor those of you who missed the YouTube live stream of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, do check out the short clips on their official channel.\nIt\u2019s a yearly gathering of rare cars with an even rarer treat of seeing them in action \u2013 like this Zenvo TSR-S for example, where production is \nlimited to just five cars a year\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Subaru has been named the fastest-growing SUV brand in the UK according to a recent report.\nIt was issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and showed that Subaru\u2019s sales in the UK so far this year have been \nup by 165%\n. On average, other car manufacturers recorded a brand growth of just 39.26% in the same period.\nOne of our most favourite crossovers in Malaysia, the Subaru XV.\nSubaru also recorded a \n388% increase\n in car registrations in June 2021 compared to the same period last year.\nSubaru UK, Managing Director, Pat Ryan, said, \u201cThe figures are staggering and reflect the strength of the product. New models are also being launched by Subaru which is creating huge interest in both our existing customer database and also from many other brands.\nLocally, Subaru has introduced the \nupdated XV 2.0 i-P\n with leather and suede-like upholstery. The mature look replaces the fabric seats in the previous 2.0i-P variant.\nIn Japan, Subaru recently revealed the facelift Forester with drastically redesigned front grille and headlamps. It\u2019s also available with three new colours including a very striking Cascade Green."
"Following the \npowertrain confirmation earlier today\n, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now announced that the all-new Hyundai Elantra will be launched in Malaysia by the end of 2020, which is just a couple of weeks away! The all-new C-segment sedan is estimated to be priced at \n\u201cRM1XX,888\u201d\n.\nThe \nseventh-generation Hyundai Elantra\n will arrive in Malaysia in only a \nsingle variant\n at launch, powered by the 1.6-litre SmartStream MPI engine. Paired to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) gearbox, the naturally-aspirated mill sends \n123 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels.\nEquipment wise, the local-spec Hyundai Elantra is fitted as standard with LED projector headlights, LED tail lights as part of its H tail lights design, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.\nInside, the Elantra is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone.\nA key selling point on the Hyundai Elantra for Malaysia is the addition of Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems. The suite includes autonomous emergency braking for forward collisions and rear-cross traffic, Blind-spot Collision Warning with Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Forwarding Assist, Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function, driver attention warning, and tyre pressure monitoring system.\nMore features will be revealed at launch, but for now, interested customers can place a booking via HSDM\u2019s website \nhere\n, or at any Hyundai authorised dealerships nationwide with a \nbooking fee of RM777\n.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s probably not the make or even model you expected us to put out on track. You probably didn\u2019t expect us to pit two different variants of the same model together either but we were sure that it made perfect sense the moment the cameras rolled on these two \u2013 the \nG20 BMW\n 530i M Sport and \n530e M Sport PHEV\n.\nThe BMW 5 Series of today is nothing like the ones we saw just 20 years ago. They\u2019re still big, comfortable cruisers with a healthy arsenal of horsepower but now, they\u2019re also agile, nimble and all the adjectives you can think of to describe something big that moves like a ballerina.\n \nSo we took them to the Dato\u2019 Sagor Circuit, Perak recently, about 200km away from Kuala Lumpur to see which among the two \u2013 the 530i and the 530e PHEV \u2013 is the better dancer.\nThere were five challenges for the two 5s\n. Each was designed to test the G20 5 Series\u2019 agility, performance, latest features, and even its aesthetics! Yes, we even had a photo challenge on \nInstagram\n between\n GC Mah\n and \nEu Jin\n to see which angle looked best on the \nfacelift 5 Series launched here in May\n last year.\nBoth are dressed with the M Sport body kit but while the\n 530i \nproduces\n 252 hp \nand \n350 Nm\n, the \n530e PHEV\n with electric assistance delivers \n252 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. The 530e PHEV may be more powerful but it\u2019s also significantly heavier than the purely petrol-powered 530i.\nWould the 530e PHEV\u2019s weight be a disadvantage? Can the lighter 530i make up for its lower output? This is one feature video you do not want to miss!\nRELATED: \n(Gallery) BMW 530i M Sport & 530e PHEV M Sport \u2013 What\u2019s the difference?"
"Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of \nSuzuki\n vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the extension of their Suzuki Mega Roadshow which\u00a0started last November, a move that\u2019s apparently backed\u00a0by strong public demand.\nAs such, four new locations have been added to the roadshow, and they will take place at:\nIOI City Mall, Putrajaya (4-8 March 2015)\nGurney Plaza, Penang (13-15 March 2015)\nThe Mines, Seri Kembangan (20-22 March 2015)\nPlaza Low Yat, Kuala Lumpur (23-29 March 2015)\nSome of the models on display are the popular Swift, Swift Sport, Jimny, Grand Vitara, Alto and the new \nS-Cross\n which replaced the outgoing SX4. For the month of March, customers are entitled to a cash rebate of up to \nRM8,500\n and those who test drive any one of the Suzuki vehicles will stand a chance to win\n RM10,000\n in cash.\nAlso, those who purchase the Swift GL and GLX before 31 March 2015 will be given a complimentary Blaupunkt Digital Video Recorder (terms and conditions apply).\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of the start of the new \n2020 Formula 1 Season in Austria this weekend\n, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team and McLaren Racing have both unveiled their new updated liveries as a statement against racism and all forms of discrimination.\nThe new liveries came following the wake of the global anti-racism movement, Black Lives Matter in recent weeks. Both teams will race with their new livery for the entirety of the 2020 season.\nMercedes-AMG F1 was first to announce its support for the anti-racism campaign with the launch of its new all-black race livery. Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff said, \u201cRacism and discrimination have no place in our society, our sport or our team: this is a core belief at Mercedes. But having the right beliefs and the right mindset isn\u2019t enough if we remain silent.\n\u201cWe wish to use our voice and our global platform to speak up for respect and equality, and the Silver Arrow will race in black for the entire 2020 season to show our commitment to greater diversity within our team and our sport.\u201d\nAdditionally, the team also said that the new black livery will be its public pledge to improve the diversity in the team. Mercedes-AMG F1 said in a statement that only 3% of its workforce identify as belonging to minority ethnic groups, and only 12% of our employees are women.\nThe Mercedes-AMG F1 Team said that it will announce a diversity and inclusion programme before the year end to listen and raise awareness among its team members, and improve accessibility to the sport with targeted education initiatives to encourage and support talented people from under-represented backgrounds, among others.\nThe team\u2019s lead driver and \nsix-time world champion Lewis Hamilton\n, who has been a vocal supporter of the movement, also recently launched the Hamilton Commission, a research partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering dedicated to exploring how motorsport can be used to engage more young people from Black backgrounds with STEM subjects.\nMercedes-AMG\u2019s new black livery will feature the call to \u2018End Racism\u2019 on the halo, as well as #WeRaceAsOne wordings on the wing mirrors in support of the larger overall Formula 1 anti-racism initiative. Both drivers will also race in black overalls.\nMeanwhile, McLaren Racing\u2019s new livery will feature the \u2018End Racism\u201d message, as well as rainbows on the halo, side pods and driver\u2019s overalls as \u201ca universal symbol of unity, solidarity and hope, while recognising those key workers putting their lives at risk to save others\u201d during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\nMcLaren Racing will also be launching a new line of special merchandise, where all proceeds will be given to the #WeRaceAsOne campaign, as well as charities across the world helping those most affected by the \nCOVID-19 crisis\n.\nMcLaren Racing CEO said, \u201cFormula 1 and McLaren have a truly worldwide audience, and we recognise that our return to the track is a huge opportunity for our sport to make an impact at a global level, helping those most affected by the covid-19 crisis and standing together against the blight of racism, as we work steadfastly to build an even stronger culture of diversity, inclusion and equality in our team and our sport.\u201d"
"It\u2019s too bad that the Goodyear Aero two-in-one concept tyre shown\nat the 2019 Geneva motor show isn\u2019t quite ready yet. Otherwise, it would have been\nperfect for Malaysia\u2019s flying car prototype due sometime this year.\nDubbed as the \u2018tyre designed for the autonomous, flying cars of the future\u2019, the Aero concept is a multimodal tilt-rotor in that it can function both as a traditional tyre on the road as well as part of a propulsion system to provide lift when it is re-orientated; which means the wheel spokes would then become fan blades and rotate in high speeds to generate lift, thus propelling the flying car into the air.\n \nThe structure of the Aero concept is non-pneumatic, unlike the tyres which you probably rode on this morning, but it is flexible enough to cushion bumps on the road and robust enough to rotate as fast as an aircraft engine\u2019s rotor, utilising magnetic force for frictionless propulsion, like the Maglev train.\n The Aero concept also uses Artificial Intelligence embedded within the tyre.\nGoodyear didn\u2019t give a timeframe as to when the Aero concept would be made available, though its product video does hint at a future not unlike what was seen in the movie \nI, Robot\n, so we\u2019re guessing 2030.which isn\u2019t all-that impressive when Malaysia is capable of producing a \nfunctioning flying car prototype in 2019\n!"
"Bugatti has dropped more hints of their latest project, the \nBugatti Divo\n on social media. The video is as obscure as can be but the accompanying caption \u201c#BuiltforConers, highlights what the carmaker intendeds to achieve with the Divo.\nThe Divo takes inspiration from the late Albert Divo, a French racing driver who won the famous Targa Florio in Sicily twice with Bugatti in the late 1920s. \u201cHappiness is not around the corner. It is the corner. The Divo is made for corners,\u201d says President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., Stephan Winkelmann when he first spoke about the Divo project.\n\u00a0\nFrom the video, we can tell that the Divo will differ in terms of design from the Chiron. Expect Bugatti to introduce a new chassis enhancing components such as extensive use of lightweight materials, reworked suspension, more aerodynamic exterior package and more. The 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 should be carried over, producing \n1,500 hp\n and \n1600 Nm\n of twist.\nOnly 40 units of the Bugatti Divo will be built and will fetch a price tag of \u20ac5 million Euros (RM23 million) before options, almost twice the price of the hardcore Chiron Sport which we had the joy and privilege to \nwelcome it in Malaysia\n."
"image\u00a0\nMazda has just unveiled the first images of the refreshed Mazda 6 Wagon, following the footsteps of its \nupdated sedan\n twin that was unveiled at the 2017 LA Auto Show. The facelifted Mazda 6 Wagon will make its world debut at the 88\nth\n Geneva International Motor Show happening next month.\nLike the sedan, the wagon benefits from a more elegant exterior design, new seating design, enhanced driving dynamics and an even broader range of i-ActiveSense safety features. On the outside, the wagon benefits from a new mesh grille and LED headlamp design that was first featured on the \nall-new CX-5\n. The lower bumper section is more curvaceous than before with new chrome strips. If the design follows the sedan twin, we can expect a new alloy wheel design and lightly restyle taillamps to complete the new look.\nMazda has not revealed the changes they have done to the interior except for new seat design. However, we can except new Japanese Sen Wood trims, more premium materials and lower overall NVH like the 6 Sedan.\nAs for engine options, the 6 Wagon will most likely receive the new 2.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G turbo engine, packing\u00a0\n250 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Mazda also promised enhanced driving dynamics and greater aerodynamic efficiency for the new car.\nMazda 6 Sedan facelift cabin\nThe refreshed Mazda 6 Wagon will also benefit from a 360-degree view monitor and an intelligent speed assist system as part of the extended i-ActiveSense features. More details of the 6 Wagon, as well as Mazda\u2019s next-generation \nSkyActiv-X engine\n, will be released at Geneva.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda 6 Wagon Facelift\n \n \nMazda 6 Sedan Facelift"
"Shortly after the \nofficial preview of the all-new Toyota Harrier\n on Malaysian soil, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has begun deliveries of the grey market favourite premium SUV. As promised, there will be two variants of the Harrier available: Premium and Luxury, price remains as teased, RM238,000 and RM259,900, respectively (OTR without insurance).\n\u201cWe are encouraged by the response to the introduction of the all-new Toyota Harrier in Malaysia. As the earlier generations were intended only for the Japanese domestic market, we were unable to sell them officially. However, Toyota Motor Corporation has now decided to offer it outside Japan and we are among the first countries to sell it officially,\u201d said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Mr Ravindran K.\n\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Harrier 2.0T Premium\nToyota Harrier 2.0T Luxury\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged VVT-Iw\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with Super ECT\nMax Power\n228 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM238,000\nRM259,900\nFully imported from Japan, the Harrier officially distributed by UMWT will come in the latest facelifted guise which means you get an updated front grille with the iconic Hawk emblem. As standard, all Harrier comes with automatic bi-LED headlamps with sequential turn signals, LED daytime running lights, LED cornering lights, LED rear combination lights, fog lamps, chrome side trim and 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.   To recap, the entry level Harrier Premium comes furnished in leather and Ultrasuede upholstery, eight-way powered driver seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is adapted to the Malaysian market, Optitron instrument dials with Multi-Information Display, smart entry and start, electronic parking brake with auto hold and four-way powered steering column.   The more expensive Luxury-spec adds on Nappa leather upholstery, powered moonroof, memory function for driver seats, four-way powered passenger seat, ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, powered tailgate, electrochromic rear-view mirror, NanoE air-conditioning and illuminated scuff plates.\nUnder the hood you\u2019ll find an 8AR-FTS 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder \u2013 a first for the premium SUV \u2013 paired to a six-speed automatic that serves up\n 228 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, the latter peaking from 1,650 rpm. The Harrier is strictly front-wheel driven. The turbocharged Harrier also gets Performance Dampers that reduces body roll and improve straight line and cornering stability as well a Sports Mode button that sharpens the throttle and steering response.\nOn the safety side, both variants are equipped with seven-airbags, ABS with BA, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), hill-start assist control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) as well as front and rear parking sensors. Besides that, the Harrier range is also the first Toyota model in Malaysia to be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense System (TSSS) that bundles Pre-crash system, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive High Beam.\nAll models officially sold through UMWT\u2019s authorised channels comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty and guarantee of genuine parts and aftersales service. Customer can choose from four exterior colours \u2013 White Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Blue Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic and Silver Black Pearl Crystal Shine.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI has once again demonstrated its appetite for purely electric driving with a new take on its icon, the original MINI Cooper \u2013\u00a0 combining the iconic shape of the world\u2019s most favorite small car with modern technology for tomorrow\u2019s urban mobility.\nThe exterior red paint is contrasted with a white roof and the typical bonnet strip, with a yellow MINI Electric logo in the brand emblem and on the wheel hubs.\u00a0\nWhile we\u2019re aware that not many are keen (ourselves included) or even aware of the technological advancements on the electric mobility, the thought of having instantaneous power from electric motors with the unmistakable go-kart feeling from an iconic small car, is such an appealing prospect.\nWith this unique vehicle, MINI sends out a clear signal demonstrating its commitment to retaining the brand\u2019s unmistakable character whilst embracing innovative zero local emission technology.   The MINI Electric Concept was announced at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show \u2013 paving the way for the brand\u2019s first all-electric vehicle which will be unveiled in 2019. The fully electric production vehicle is currently in development, based on the MINI 3 Door, and will be produced for the first time at MINI Plant Oxford next year.\nBack at home, MINI Malaysia recently hinted on the arrival of the \nMINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 Plug-In Hybrid\n\u00a0with\u00a0\n224 hp\n and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds \u2013\u00a0 through an intelligent hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system. The Countryman plug-in hybrid is capable of driving up to 125 km/h purely in electric mode with approximately 40 km of range.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new Peugeot 3008 has been crowned the 2017 European Car of the Year award at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. According to Peugeot, this is the 21st prize awarded to the 3008, which is quite a feat since it was only launched last year.\nThis is not the first time Peugeot bagged the European Car of the Year title though, their first win was way back in 1969 with the \n504\n, followed by the \n405\n in 1988, the\n 307\n in 2002 and the \n308\n in 2014. This year the 3008 beats the \nAlfa Romeo Giulia\n and the \nMercedes-Benz E-Class\n to take the top spot, by a judging panel comprising 58 European journalists.\nPeugeot\u2019s CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato\u00a0said, \u201cI am particularly proud and very pleased that the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV has just won the 2017 Car of the Year prize. This trophy is the culmination of five years of incredible work by the brand\u2019s teams and our group.\u201d\nThe 3008 will be \nlaunched here in Malaysia in Q2 this year\n, but we\u2019ve \ndriven it last year in Bologna\n and came away quite impressed with the compact SUV."
"After more than 75,000 units of the Porsche Taycan sold since 2019, Porsche has announced new software updates for its electric sports car. The new software update will be implemented on all Taycans regardless of vehicle age, engine, body, and variants to bring it \u2018up to speed\u2019 with 2023.\nThe updates will not only improve performance but also charging efficiency along with additional creature comfort functions. The update is free, in case you\u2019re wondering.\n\u201cWe have extensively optimised the model series in almost every respect since 2019. Following this update, anyone driving a Taycan from early in the car\u2019s production run will be pleasantly surprised by how much has developed since then,\u201d said Taycan Vice President Model Line, Kevin Giek.\nAs for the powertrain, in the \u2018Normal\u2019 and \u2018Range\u2019 driving modes, the front electric motor is almost completely disconnected and de-energised during \u2018easier driving conditions\u2019. While coasting and at a standstill, both axles are free any driving force to increase the vehicle\u2019s range. Users can monitor this through the all-wheel drive indicator is now shown as an energy-flow indicator in the central display. The energy recuperation strategy has also been optimised.\nOn that note, Porsche also said that thermal management of the batteries have improved; allowing the Taycan to be charged more frequently and over a wider range of battery charge levels. The heat from the electrical components, for example, is used even more than before to improve the battery\u2019s performance.\nThe 22 kW onboard charger previously available in the higher variants will be available for retrofitting but the expenses will be bourne by customers.\nOther improvement include the addition of the Spotify app and wireless Android Auto, while models with head-up display will feature improved displays of the navigation, and other displays. The Taycan\u2019s Park Assist function also features sensors with improved range, with the Taycan being \u2018even better\u2019 at looking for parking spots.\nThe precise scope of the update, and the duration of the workshop visit depend on the specific software status of the Taycan in question. The older the car is, the more improvements and innovations will be installed."
"In light of the plummeting global crude oil prices, the Malaysian Government has \neffectively removed all fuel subsidies\n since 12 a.m today and the retail prices for RON 95, RON 97 and diesel will be in accordance to the managed float system.\nThis system will govern the fuel prices for the immediate month, whereas the following month\u2019s pricing will be based on the preceding month\u2019s median price which are subjected to the global crude oil price.\nAs of now, the current retail price for RON 97 is \nRM2.46 per litre\n, a nine-cent plunge since the \nlast drop (RM2.55 per litre) in mid November\n. In other words, the current RON 97 price is the lowest it has been in over two years.\nThe price for RON 95 has also dropped, and is now priced at \nRM2.26 per litre\n for the whole month of December. It was previously sold at RM2.10 per litre before the \nRM0.20 hike in early October\n, bringing it up to RM2.30 per litre.\nDiesel on the other hand, is increased by three cents \u2013 now at \nRM2.23 per litre\n, up from the previous RM2.20 per litre mark.\nDatuk Seri Hasan Malek, Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism\nDomestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister, Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said, \u201cThrough this managed float method, the average change in the product cost will determine pricing for the next month, which means that if the global market price of crude oil increases, the retail prices of RON97, RON95 and diesel will also rise and vice-versa.\u201d"
"Ford wanted to find out what activities give the human mind \nBuzz Moments\n \u2013 a feeling of heightened emotions associated with thrills and excitement that contributes to overall well-being.\nTo test the theory out, the blue oval put participants through a series of tests to find out whether, riding a roller coaster, sharing a passionate kiss with a loved one or getting behind the wheel of a Ford Performance car generates the highest Buzz.\nWorking with neuroscientists, they found that participants who sat behind the wheel of a \nMustang\n, \nFocus RS\n and even the Focus ST experienced an average of 2.1 high-intensity buzz moments during a typical commute. The only activity that supersedes the high-performance cars is a roller coaster ride that charted an average of 3 buzz moments.\nAs for other activities, the participants averaged 1.7 on a shopping trip, 1.5 while watching Game of Thrones or a football match. How about sharing a kiss and fine dining with your other half? \nNone\n.\nDr Harry Witchel, Discipline Leader in Physiology at the University of Sussex, UK said \u201cA roller coaster may be good for a quick thrill, but it\u2019s not great for getting you to work every day. This study shows how driving a performance car does much more than get you from A to B \u2013 it could be a valuable part of your daily well-being routine.\u201d\nSo, there you have it, dear readers, science says buy that high-performance car you\u2019ve been eyeing for the longest time \u2013 its good for you.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the \nlocally-assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC\n was launched in Malaysia August last year, the mid-sized SUV instantly became the marque\u2019s \nbest-selling SUV model in 2016\n, shifting 1,421 units in just four months.\nHigh-flying on the success of the GLC, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has subsequently introduced an array of variants to cater to a wider audience such as the fashionable \nGLC 250 4MATIC Coupe\n\u00a0and the high-performance \nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV and Coupe\n.\nToday, MBM has added yet another variant to the GLC line up, this time an entry level GLC 200. With the GLC 200, the entry point to the three-pointed star is now \nRM37,000 cheaper\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLC 200\nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC\nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC Coupe\nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\n9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.7 seconds; 210 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 222 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM288,888\nRM325,888\nRM423,888\nSo, what do you get, or rather not get, with the locally assembled GLC 200? For starters, it loses the AMG exterior trim for the \nOff-road exterior package\n which adds chrome plated touches on the front and rear bumper as well as extended side steps. The Intelligent Light System Headlamps have been swapped out for more straightforward LED High Performance units. It also rides on smaller five-spoke \n19-inch alloy wheels\n wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.   Inside, the GLC 200 is furnished in \nExclusive Line interior \nfor a more premium and upmarket appearance. The Artico leather upholstery (choice of black, espresso brown and silk beige) is contrasted against the brown open-pore wood ash trim. It also loses the AMG steering wheel in favour of a standard three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.\nOther standard equipment includes a powered tailgate, Audio 20 infotainment system, paddle shifters, Thermotronic climate control system, ambient lighting, reverse camera, powered front seats and manual rear sun blinds. Items that were omitted from its more expensive sibling include the 13-speaker Burmeister sound system, keyless entry and start and memory seats.   Motivation comes from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit albeit in a lower state of tune at \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n (same figures as the \nC 200\n). Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, no longer 4MATIC all-wheel drive, via the same nine-speed G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The century sprint takes \n8.7 seconds\n\u00a0to complete while top speed is a shade lower at \n210 km/h\n. An Off-Road Suspension with higher ground clearance is also fitted here.\nWhile there are some omission of features, MBM did not stinge on its safety equipment \u2013 seven airbags, Active Brake Assist, Pre-Safe System, tyre pressure monitoring system and adaptive brake lights are all standard items on the GLC 200.\nWith a starting price of RM288,888, the keys to a Mercedes-Benz SUV is now more affordable than ever before. Even more so with Mercedes-Benz Agility Finance that offers monthly repayments of RM2,888 for the GLC 200. As with all vehicles sold through MBM, the GLC 200 is covered with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia announced today that it has installed solar panels at 216 different locations, in collaboration with Cleantech Solar.\nA total of 22,505 solar panels have been installed, capable of generating 12,939 MWh of electricity. That\u2019s the equivalent of powering 3740 households for a whole year.\n\u201cWe are making the transition towards a low-carbon future and will always look out for initiatives that will enable us to provide cleaner and sustainable energy solutions for our customers. We will continue this effort to cover another 350 stations by the end of 2022,\u201d said Shell Mobility, General Manager, Seow Lee Ming.\nShell also emphasised that these solar panels will help supplement and reduce the stations dependence on utility companies, and allows these stations operate more sustainably.\nShell Mint Hotel\nShell has been going full throttle with its effort in going green as two of their stations \u2013 Shell Damansara and Shell Taman Connaught \u2013 have received the Green Building Index (GBI) certification. GBI is Malaysia industry-recognised green rating tool for building that promotes sustainability. Since then, Shell Tangkak, Shell Alor Pongsu have also received the GBI certification.\nRecently, the company also officiated \u201cthe station of the future\u201d, Shell Mint Hotel, as Malaysia\u2019s First Gold GBI Certified Petrol Station. Apart from being solar powered, this station is also home to a food waste composting machine that converts food waste into fertilisers. It also houses energy-efficient air conditioners and chillers, recycling facilities and smart LED lighting system at the forecourt. A rainwater harvesting system is also installed, to reutilise rainwater for use in toilets."
"Conceived to be the future of electric mobility for the masses, this cutesy thing is smaller than a Perodua Axia and weighs under 500 kg.\nIt\u2019s powered by a 8 hp electric motor, it\u2019s capable of a 45 km/h top speed. With a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, a full charge takes three hours, offering up to 70 km of driving range.\nInterestingly, when it comes to the matter of charging, unlike most electric cars or PHEVs, the AMI is more like a vacuum cleaner with the cable attached to the car \u2013 simply pull it out and plug it into a wall socket.\nWhile it may not be the prettiest EV out there, there\u2019s something about the AMI\u2019s mixed of boxiness and round edges that\u2019s undeniably attractive \u2013 like that derpy-faced pet dog of yours. It\u2019s neither cute or good looking, but you just love it to bits. Large glass panels make up more than 50% of its total surface, allowing the cabin to utilise natural light.\nAs you can tell from the pictures, the AMI revolves around the idea of a no-frills, A to B mode of transportation, with a clean, funky yet minimalistic interior that\u2019s void of fluff and pointless glitter. You get air-conditioning but really, that\u2019s it. Should audio entertainment or navigation be required, your smartphone is all you have.\nAs it classified as a quadricycle, like the Renault Twizzy, the AMI does not require a driving license \u2013 allowing it to be driven by those 16 years and above. In France, you\u2019ll only need to be 14 years old.\nThose fond of the AMI can either buy it, rent it long term, or use it via a car-sharing service.\nIt\u2019ll cost you around 6,000 euros (approx. RM27k) to own, approximately RM93 a month to rent it on a 48-month contract or approximately RM1.21 per minute for a shorter term deal.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota has launched the all-new 4th generation Toyota Harrier in Malaysia with prices starting from \nRM249,706.50\n\u00a0and here\u2019s some images to whet your appetite for Toyota\u2019s latest premium SUV.\nAt the heart of it is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine paired to Toyota\u2019s Direct Shift CVT gearbox with \n173 hp\n and \n203 Nm\n to drive the front wheels. The Harrier is built on the same\u00a0\nTNGA-K\n\u00a0platform as the\u00a0\nToyota Camry\n\u00a0and the \nRAV4 we reviewed\n.\nThe Harrier comes with LED everything on the outside, including headlamps, fog lights, and even the tail lights. At the back, it even comes with a hands-free tailgate. The exterior is finished with 18-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Alenza tyres.\nInside is where it gets a little more exciting. The Harrier comes equipped with a head up display, ventilated seats, a digital rear view mirror and a panoramic moon roof that can be frosted at the click of a button!\nToyota engineers paid special attention to\u00a0\nfurther reduce\n\u00a0\nnoise\n, \nvibration and harshness\n (NVH), and that meant using highly efficient sound-absorbing windows.\nAs for safety, the Harrier comes with seven airbags, a blindspot monitor, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, and the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense features. They include Pre Collision Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (all speeds) and Automatic High Beam.\nGALLERY"
"Previewed at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) was the \nrefreshed Mitsubishi Triton\n that will go on sale in Malaysia in 2019. Because the interior was closed off to the public throughout the motor show, we popped by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\u2019s (MMM) public display of the new Triton at My Town Shopping Centre, Cheras for a closer look of our local spec pick-up truck.\nOn display is the top of the range VGT Adventure variant with all the bells and whistles checked. Up front, the Triton wears Mitsubishi\u2019s Dynamic Shield family face as seen on the \nOutlander\n, \nEclipse Cross\n and \nXpander\n. The slim headlamps were deliberately placed up high \u2013 700 mm above the ground \u2013 to it being submerged and malfunction while crossing difficult conditions.   While final specifications have not been released, this Triton VGT Adventure can be identified to come equipped with bi-LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, halogen fog lamps, chrome finish on the wing mirror caps and door handles, teardrop styled LED taillamps as well as 18-inch dual-tone alloys.\nThe mid-life cycle update did not see Mitsubishi Motors made many drastic changes to the cabin, but the company has done its best to introduce a more comfortable space for the passengers. For starters, there is a more generous use of soft-touch materials surrounding the door cards, centre console, dual USB charging port at the rear as well as a rear air circulation system that draws in cool air from the front cabin and channelled to the rear passengers via roof-mounted vents. Rear passengers can also control the intensity of the blowers via a control unit located at the roof.   Other familiar items include analogue instrument cluster dials with LCD display, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, keyless entry and start, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and powered driver\u2019s seat.\nThe 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine has been carried over from before, pushing out \n181 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque. The transmission has been updated from a five-speed to a six-speed unit that is said to offer smoother shifts and better fuel economy. We managed to sit down with CEO of MMM, and Chief Product Specialist, Mr. Yoshiki Masuda to learn that while other competitors have moved on to transmissions with more forward ratios, the \nsix-speed automatic is the perfect pair for the 2.4-litre MIVEC engine\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6mMPNNBNZo\nAlong with a new transmission, the updated Triton also sports a new Super Select 4WD II system taken from the new \nPajero Sport\n that now comes with a new Off-road Mode that calibrates the powertrain and electronic stability control according to four driving modes: Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock.\nMitsubishi has also introduced larger rear dampers for better damping and high-speed stability as well as larger front brake rotors and callipers for better stopping performance in the updated Triton.\nHowever, the newly introduced safety features is the highlight of the new pick-up truck which adds \nAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems\n such as Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM),\u00a0Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), Hill Descent Control and Multi-Around Monitor surround view camera on top of the usual six-airbags and familiar three-letter safety acronyms.\nMMM has confirmed that there will be five variants of the updated Mitsubishi Triton available with an estimated price tag between RM100k to RM140k for the range-topping VGT Adventure variant you see here. Available colours include Sterling Silver, Black Mica, White Diamond and Graphite Grey Metallic. \u00a0No word on the exact launch date yet but the local distributor targets to have the car available for purchase in 2019.\nFor those of you who want to touch and feel the new pick-up truck for yourself, the car will be on display at the following Special Preview roadshow happening throughout Malaysia from today until 20 January 2019.\nRegion\nLocation\nDate\nTime\nPeninsula Malaysia\nMy Town Cheras, KL\n7 \u2013 9 December\n10 am \u2013 10 pm\nIOI Mall, Puchong\n17 \u2013 23 December\nAman Central Mall\n10 \u2013 13 January\nIOI City Mall\n23 \u2013 27 January\nEast Malaysia\nKaramunsing Mall\n11 \u2013 13 January\nImperial Permaisuri Mall\n11 \u2013 13 January\nThe Spring Shopping Mall\n18 \u2013 20 January\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure Previewed"
"Mercedes-Benz\u2019s parent company Daimler will apparently be cooperating with Geely to build \u201cnext-generation combustion engines\u201d for use in hybrid vehicles, according to a report by \nReuters\n.\nA Daimler spokesperson told the publication \u201cthe companies plan to develop a highly efficient modular engine\u201d, adding that it would be used in hybrid drivetrains and manufactured in Europe and China. Meanwhile, Geely declined to comment when approached.\nThe partnership is perhaps a timely decision for the two companies, as the development cost for internal combustion engines is quickly becoming harder and harder to justify, due to the tightening emissions rules in many countries worldwide, compounded by the knock-on effect from the still-ongoing \nCovid-19\n health pandemic.\nReuters\n further reports that the modular engine will be used in cars under different marques at both Geely and Daimler, according to an anonymous tip from a person familiar with the matter. The tipster added that the companies are still in the early stages of developing the engine.\nA separate report on the same topic by German daily \nHandelsblatt\n further stated that most of these engines made under the partnership will be built in China. According to Daimler sources, the cooperation with Geely will reportedly help the German carmaker save a \u201ctriple-digit million sum\u201d.\nWhile a lot of the details still remain in the dark as of now, this cooperation does not come as a surprise to most industry experts seeing that Geely\u2019s founder and chairman Li Shufu acquired \nnearly 10% of Daimler stocks back in 2018\n. Following the move, Daimler has also sold a 50% stake in Smart to the Chinese automotive giant, and Li has been pushing for deeper cooperation between the two companies.\nIt remains to be seen how the cooperation will play out in the near future. Daimler already has an engine development partnership with Renault, while Geely on the other hand has joined forces with Volvo \u2013 which Geely owns \u2013 to develop new \npowertrain technologies under the CEVT company\n."
"Renault, one of the decent hot hatch makers in the world, gives the highly acclaimed Clio RS a fresh update, in line with the recent unveiling of the\u00a0\nstandard Clio\n. The best part is, Renault took some bits of the maniacal \nRenaultsport Clio R.S.16\n\u00a0and fitted them onto this RS.\nTo start, the Clio RS shares most of the exterior parts with the R.S.16. Notice the sleek new headlights\u00a0and\u00a0the chequered flag fog lights arrangement? That is called \u201c\nRS Vision\n\u201c, and this adds character to the Clio RS.\n \n \nSadly, there is one bitter disappointment for driving\u00a0purist. Unlike the Clio R.S.16, the refreshed Clio RS receive neither the Megane RS\u2019 excellent 2.0-litre turbocharged engine nor the six-speed manual transmission. Instead, it retains the\n 1.6-litre turbocharged\n lump together with the \nsix-speed EDC dual clutch transmission\n.\nThe Clio RS is available in three specs: Sport, Cup, and Trophy. The earlier two gets a \n197 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n\u00a0setup, while the Trophy is the most powerful among the trio with \n217 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque at its disposal.\nThe Clio RS can be had either 17- or 18-inch wheels, but the Trophy sits closer to the ground and is more agile.The\u00a0\nAkrapovic exhaust \nsystem can be specced as an option for the Trophy. That should bring minor improvements over the quoted standard Clio RS\u2019 performance figures of \n0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds\n and a top speed of\n 235 km/h\n.\nRenault will open the order books for the updated Clio RS by September. Two years ago, Renault Malaysia once offered the Clio RS for\u00a0\nRM172,888.00\n, but a quick look on their website reveals that the peppy hatch is no longer listed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia has announced a new \u2018Catch of the Year\u2019 campaign, with additional savings and perks exclusively for the Countryman model line-up.\nThese offers include interest rates starting from 0% (based on MINI Malaysia\u2019s Straight Line Financing), cash rebates of up to RM32,000, monthly instalment plans from RM2,102, as well as one extra year extension on the MINI Service and Repair Inclusive (MSRI) Programme \u2013 making it 4+1 years of free services in total.\nThe 0% interest rate offer is only available on the \nMINI Countryman Sports\n (including the \nCountryman Sports with Blackline Package and with Panoramic Sunroof\n), \nCountryman Pure\n, as well as the \nCountryman Plug-in Hybrid\n. The rest of the offers from the \u2018Catch of the Year\u2019 campaign will be also offered to the \nMINI Countryman John Cooper Works\n.\nAdditionally, buyers opting for the Countryman Plug-in Hybrid during the \u2018Catch of the Year\u2019 campaign period can also enjoy an extended High Voltage Battery Warranty for eight years or 160,000 km (two years/60,000 km extension), whichever comes first.\nThe MINI \u2018Catch of the Year\u2019 campaign runs from now \nuntil 31st December 2020\n, and is available for limited units only. More information on the campaign is available on MINI Malaysia\u2019s website \nhere\n."
"While the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has resumed \nby-appointment-only\n services at its offices that are not affected by the EMCO, the department is proceeding with new directives to ensure the rakyat is not inconvenienced.\nJPJ has decided to extend the validity of key documents under its purview which are unable to be performed at its offices between June 1st and July 31st.\nTo schedule an appointment with your nearest JPJ office, visit their Facebook page \nhere\n. Usage of the self-service kiosk also requires the scheduling of an appointment as walk-ins will not be entertained.\nThe inspection certifications done at Puspakom such as B2, B5, PG11A and PG13B will have their \nexpiry extended to September 30th\n. For commercial vehicles that require the periodic inspections that fall in the said 61-day period, JPJ will allow the said to be done after July 31 st and exclusion of summons.\nUnder the Transfer of Ownership (Tukar Hak Milik) process performed under the \nMySikap system\n, the new owner is now given until September 30th to perform his/her biometric verification.\nFor buyers of new vehicle registration number (number plate), the JPJ will automatically extend the expiry to September 30th for all vehicle categories. An extension of three months is also granted to applications for the destroyed and stolen registration number. \u00a0\nAs for driver licencing, the CDL (competent, our regular Class D licence), GDL (goods) and PSV (public service such as e-hailing and taxi) are granted \nexpiry extensions until November 11th\n. The same goes for holders of Probation license to the CDL licence. \u00a0\nFor drivers using the International Driving Permit (IDP), the extension follows the date of the end of any form or version of MCO.\nThe validity of the \nroad tax has earlier been given an extension\n. Even if it\u2019s expired (for example July 7th expiry), be sure to have the \nroad tax displayed on the windscreen\n, as it is an offence to drive without a road tax. Insurance coverage is no doubt necessary so place the cover note in the glove box or other storage compartment when using the vehicle."
"It\u2019s been 70 years since Jaguar first unveiled its first sports car, the Jaguar XK 120 in 1948 and to celebrate its rich heritage of Jaguar sports cars, the British carmaker has unveiled the Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag Special Edition Coup\u00e9 and Convertible.\nBased on the F-Type R-Dynamic Coupe and Convertible, the Chequered Flag special editions are available with either the \n300 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine or the \n340 hp\n/\n450 Nm\n and \n380 hp\n/\n460 Nm\n supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines. All engines are paired to the eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission to send drive to the rear wheels while the \n380 hp\n model has the all-wheel-drive system fitted.   Additionally, all F-Type R variants have been given recalibrated dampers for improved ride comfort at low speeds without compromising on cornering ability. The rear upper ball joint, rear knuckle and upper control arm from the F-Type SVR has incorporated for greater robustness.\nDistinguishing it from a standard F-Type are the Exterior Black Design Pack, SVO extended side sills, 20-inch Gloss Black wheels with Diamond Turned finish, red brake calipers, Ebony Windsor Leather interior with Red or Cirrus contrast stitching, slimline Performance seats, Chequered Flag logo on the steering wheel with red on-centre marking, Chequered Flag headrest embroider as well as Dark Brushed Aluminium centre console trim.   Director of Design at Jaguar, Ian Callum said: \u201cPerfect proportions, design purity and visual drama \u2013 every Jaguar must express these qualities, and none more so than F-TYPE. In creating the Chequered Flag we\u2019ve focused on details which enhance F-TYPE\u2019s presence and promise of performance \u2013 and in doing so, made a fitting celebration of 70 years of beautiful, fast, Jaguar sports cars.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Aston Martin was given a proper sign off for its 12-year service in the Aston Martin stable with the track-focused \nVantage AMR\n. However, the company is not about to enjoy some downtime yet as the all-new Vantage is set to debut tomorrow, on 21 November 2017.\nTo celebrate its forthcoming, Aston Martin has enlisted the help of Red Bull Racing Formula One driver, Max Verstappen to take the new Vantage out for a session of \u201cdevelopment driving\u201d \u2013 more like a fun day out we reckon.\nHelping Verstappen out is Aston Martin\u2019s Dynamics Chief Engineer, Matt Becker who casually revealed some key performance figures of the upcoming Vantage. For starters, Becker revealed that the new Vantage will pack \u201cjust over\u201d \n500 hp\n and\n 685 Nm\n of torque. The new car also tips the scale at \n1,530 kg\n (dry), making it \n200 kg\n lighter than the \nDB11 V12\n.\nInterestingly, the wheelbase of the new car has been shortened by some\n 100 mm\n as pointed out by Becker. This results in a more agile character as demonstrated by Verstappen in those glorious sliding action. The young driver also commented that the car is \u201creally easy to control\u201d and sang praises about its handling.\nFull details of the all-new Aston Martin Vantage will be unveiled on 21 November 2017 so be sure to stay tuned to what the British carmaker has on offer! Locally, Aston Martin is represented by Wearnes who recently introduced the \nDB11\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Japan has just uncovered the wrap off the new Passo subcompact hatchback. The supermini co-developed with Daihatsu features collision avoidance assist system as standard across most variants.\nTwo variants offered are the conservative \u201c\nX\n\u201d and the stylish \u201c\nModa\n\u201c. \u00a0In essence, it looks more or less the same with\u00a0its predecessor and each variant offers a different set of exterior fascia. The Passo\u2019s impressive interior space is boosted by an additional 75mm in the legroom, adding points to its spaciousness.\n \n Toyota Passo X\n \n Toyota Passo Moda\nIt\u2019s also expected to drive better than its outgoing model thanks to the retuned suspension, added stabilisers, and redesigned\u00a0shock absorbers. Via the extended wheelbase and wider tyres, the Passo can achieve a tight turning circle of\u00a0\n9.2m\n in diameters.\nA single\u00a0powertrain is offered courtesy of a\n 1.0-litre\u00a01KR-FE\n engine paired with a\u00a0\ncontinuously variable transmission (CVT)\n. Just like any Japanese Domestic Models (JDM), the \nToyota Passo\n is available either in front-wheel or all-wheel drives. While its modest\n 70 hp\n engine isn\u2019t here to win traffic light drag race, its stellar fuel consumption should win buyers.\nThe front-wheel drive model records\u00a0\n28.0 km/L\n, the highest value achieved by a registered gasoline vehicle in Japan. The all-wheel drive model which adds a new idling-stop function returned \n24.4 km/L.   Safety in the Passo is amplified by Daihatsu\u2019s \nSmart Assist II\u00a0driver assistance system.\n This includes a collision warning system for vehicles and pedestrians,\u00a0brake assist function, lane departure\u00a0warning, and so on.\nAvailable in twelve colours, the Passo begins at\u00a0\n1,150,200 yen\n (approx \nRM41,350.00\n in today\u2019s rates) for the base 2WD X variant to\u00a0\n1,830,600 yen\n (approx R\nM66,000.00\n) for the most expensive 4WD Moda variant.\nAs you\u00a0know, our \nPerodua Myvi\n\u00a0is derived from the Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon models. Since the current second-generation Myvi has been around since 2011, chances are\u00a0the new Myvi may\u00a0be launched in 2017, inheriting\u00a0much of the Toyota Passo\u2019s attributes. Most importantly, will we see active safety such as\u00a0Smart Assist II\u00a0to be incorporated into our Myvis?\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY   Toyota Passo X   Toyota Passo Moda"
"McLaren\u2019s highly acclaimed\nsupercar, the McLaren 720S was made for the thrill seekers who are generally in\nthe older age group. But the British supercar maker wants to extend its Super\nSeries model to a new target audience \u2013 3-to-6-year-olds.\nIntroducing the\nMcLaren 720S \u201cRide-On\u201d, an officially licensed children\u2019s electric car that was\ninspired by the McLaren P1 \u201cRide-On\u201d offered back in 2016. Available at McLaren\nretailers and selected global toy stores, the 720S \u201cRide-On\u201d mirrors the intricate\ndetails of the actual car as closely as possible. It even comes in McLaren colours\nincluding Azores Orange, Belize Blue, Lantana Purple, Onyx Black, Mauvine Blue,\nSilica White and Saros Grey!\n \nThe 720S \u201cRide-On\u201d is\npowered by an electric motor complete with an accelerator and brake pedal, speakers\nthat blasts engine sounds, dashboard display screen and an infotainment screen that\ncan play videos by plugging a USB or SD card.\nFor the concerned parents\nwho are not confident with their child behind the wheel of a 720S \u201cRide-On\u201d,\nthere is a remote control that allows the parents to override and take control\nof the vehicle when needed.\nThe \nbaby \nMcLaren\ncomes with an attractive price tag too from \u00a3315 (RM1,650) and McLaren expects\nthe 720S \u201cRide-On\u201d to be in high demand.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren 720S \u201cRide-On\u201d"
"Subaru, alongside Mazda and Nissan will participate in the D-Call Net network, which includes Toyota, Honda and even medical emergency helicopter services.\nThese organisations, among others, are collectively looking to improve the survival rate of traffic accidents in Japan by introducing the D-Call Net support system into as many vehicles as possible.\nD-Call Net, otherwise known as \nAdvanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN)\n, is an advanced automatic collision notification system that utilises vehicle connectivity technology.\nIt estimates the probability of fatal and serious injuries by analysing the accident based on a database of 2.8 million cases in Japan.\nThe data is then reported to all of Japan\u2019s approximately 730 fire departments, 46 air ambulance services and 54 hospitals in 37 districts.\nResearch has shown that D-Call Net can reduce the time for accident victims to receive medical treatment by \napproximately 17 minutes\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\nthat\u2019s\u00a0an eternity if\u00a0you were\u00a0trapped in a toppled\u00a0car\u00a0losing\u00a0blood\u00a0while\u00a0it\u2019s leaking fuel.\nIt also showed that if D-Call Net were fitted in all the vehicles in Japan, the number of road traffic fatalities could be \nreduced by 282 people every year.\n\u00a0\nWith Japan\u2019s population declining, where more than 30% are 60 years old and above, this is what the country needs to pretty much preserve its existence.\nAfter trial runs in November 2015, full-scale nationwide operations commenced in June 2018."
"One of the world\u2019s favourite hot hatch, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, is turning 40 next year, and what better way to celebrate your 40th birthday than to hit the club? Well, not quite literally, of course. As \npreviewed a few months back\n at the 2015 W\u00f6rthersee show, this is the production version of the Golf GTI Clubsport.\nDon\u2019t waste your time trying to find the differences between the concept car and the production version, because the latter looks identical to the concept. The \nnew front bumper\n gives the GTI Clubsport a meaner face, and it even has side burns to go with the macho looks. They\u2019re not only cosmetic upgrades, but the side burns are actually aero trim pieces to channel the air to the side vents in the bumper.   The black trim piece also extends to the side sill, and VW said it\u2019s a nod to the\u00a01976 Golf GTI but this time they added \n\u201cClubsport\u201d lettering\n on it as well. There\u2019s a new set of \n18-inch wheels\n for the Clubsport, but pictured here are the \noptional 19-inch \u201cBrescia\u201d alloys\n.\nThe side mirror caps and roof is painted black, and there\u2019s a \nbigger rear spoiler\n siting on top of the rear hatch. The \nsmoked LED tail lights\n are derived from the \nGolf R\n, and further down the bumper the \ndual round pipes\n are bigger than the ones on the regular GTI.\nInside, the Clubsport is fitted with a couple of \nbucket seats\n, wrapped in a mix of \ntartan fabric and Alcantara\n. The \nsteering wheel\n is also wrapped in Alcantara, complete with \nred marking\n at the 12 o\u2019clock position. Apart from that, the cabin has been spruced up with a \nred line on the seatbelts\n and \ntrim inserts\n finished in a special pattern called \u201c\nHoneycomb 40\n\u201c.\n \n \nDuring\u00a0the 34th GTI Meet in W\u00f6rthersee, the Clubsport was hinted to be the sportiest production GTI ever, and VW doesn\u2019t disappoint. The \n4-cylinder\u00a02.0 TFSI\n unit\u00a0gets massaged to liberate more power out of it. The power has increased to \n261 hp\n, but for a short burst the driver can summon \nup to 286 hp\n using the \noverboost function\n by flooring the throttle pedal.\nThe Clubsport can be had in either a \nsix-speed manual\n or a \nsix-speed DSG\n \u2018box, and if you opt for the former, the Clubsport will hit 100 km/h in six seconds flat while the DSG will cut that time by 0.1 seconds. \nTop speed\n however, is capped at \n250 km/h\n for both.\nThe GTI Clubsport will be making its first appearance in production form at the upcoming\n 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show\n. Will it make it to Malaysia? Let\u2019s wait and see.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Launched in 1976, the BMW 6 Series was the company\u2019s idea of it\u2019s Grand Tourer or GT-type car. It has been 39 years since BMW first penned their winning formula, and there\u2019s been three generations with over 263,240 units shifted worldwide.\nNow, BMW Group Malaysia has announced the\n F06 Gran Coup\u00e9\n in the form of the new\n 640i\u00a0Gran Coup\u00e9\n. Bimmer has taken the concept of a premium sports coup\u00e9, created \nthree\n different configurations and built a product worthy of bearing the marque\u2019s badge in white and blue. This example is the company\u2019s \nquattroport\u00e9\u00a0\nor four-doored version.   The 640i in question here is an \nM-Sport\n version which in essence comes with alot of different trims that has the M-badge on it. Apart from that, it comes kitted out with an \nM Aerodynamic kit\n which features an \napron \nboth at the back and front with the addition of painted \nsill covers\n on the side.\nThe front end receives not much in terms of a redesign but rather new and updated trappings such as the restyled\u00a0\nAdaptive LED\n headlights such as the ones found on the new \nfacelifted F10 5 Series\n. The signature pair of \nkidney grille\u2019s\n have been shaped to mimic the \u2018\nshark nose\n\u2018, a design cue dating\u00a0back to the first-gen \nE24\n.\nWalking around to the back, you\u2019ll inevitably notice the 640i Gran Coup\u00e9 sitting on a familiar set of \n19\u2033 M double spoke\n alloy wheels fitted as standard equipment. The back-end has been redesigned to reflect its sporty credentials with sharper, more\n angular tail lamps\n and more defined lines that run the breadth of the rear. Not to forget also the \ndual exhaust\n tail pipes and the \nflip-up badge\n that reveals a reverse camera.\nThe interior is one to behold with lashings of soft cognac-dyed\n Nappa leather\n with a bi-colour theme. The front seats struck us as the \n\u201cVader\u201d\n design seats from the \nE36 BMW M3\n. The blue stripe is rather reminiscent of the hue associated with the \nBMW i8\n. Once seated, the driver is cocooned in a cockpit that means business.   The ergonomic layout of the \ncentre console\n follows form and function with the \nneeds\n of the \ndriver\n as priority \nnumero uno.\u00a0\nThe steering wheel has whiff of the i8 about it. A principally primitive M Sport feel and touch. Yet looking beyond the steering, you\u2019ll discover a frameless\u00a0\nInformation\u00a0Display\n as opposed to metred gauges and features also \nin-plane switching\n (IPS) technology.\nDown to the oily bits. Powering the 640i Gran Coup\u00e9 is up to the job of a\n 3.0-litre inline six\n engine that generates an impressive \n320 horses\n and \n450 Nm\n of twist at your whim and fancy. It tackles the century sprint in\n 5.4 seconds\n and will head up straight for its electronic speed muzzle capped at \n250 km/h\n. With that said, this relatively frugal sport coup\u00e9 is able to do \n7.8 litres per 100 km\n\u00a0on a combined cycle.\u00a0\nWould one, buy one ? This handsome Gran Coup\u00e9 will see you whip out your cheque books and cross a debenture to the tune of \nRM788,800\n and that\u2019s before you\u2019ve even had the chance to glance over the\u00a0\noptions\n \nlist, \nwhat more its insurance. BMW is also offering the Gran Coup\u00e9 with a \nfive-year unlimited mileage warranty\n and the \nfree scheduled service program\n thrown in for good measure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new and improved \nFuelSave95\n launched by Shell in March this year seems to have left quite an impression on car clubs members in Malaysia as we found out yesterday. Shell organised a virtual gathering where these members were invited to shared their testimonies on the new fuel.\nBefore that, the new Shell FuelSave 95 with\u00a0\nDYNAFLEX technology\n\u00a0focuses on three things:\nExtra Savings, Instantly (Ekstra Penjimatan) \u2013 reduces friction by up to 90% in critical engine parts to maximize fuel economy\nExtra Clean (Ekstra Bersih) \u2013 prevents 95% of deposit formation for a cleaner engine\nExtra Protection (Ekstra Perlindungan) \u2013 protects engines from wear, corrosion, and deposit build-up with its \u2018Triple Action\u2019 formula\nOther benefits include up to\u00a0\n1.85% increase in mileage\u00a0\nalong with\u00a0\nextra protection from deposit build-up \non key components\u00a0in a car\u2019s fueling system such as the intake valves and fuel injectors. The fuel\u2019s friction-reducing qualities also help protect the engine\u2019s piston rings\nAlso present at the virtual gathering was Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur, Managing Director, Shairan Huzani Husain, and the following owner\u2019s clubs:\nProton Ambassadors of Malaysia\nMyvi Gen.3 Club\nHR-V Club Malaysia\nCivic FC Club Malaysia\nGeng Alza Biru Malaysia\nVios Yaris Owners Club\nMazda 3 Owner Club Malaysia\nKelab AruzR Malaysia\nNissan X-Trail Club Malaysia\nVolkswagen Club Malaysia\n \nMembers from all of the 10 clubs above had nothing but high praises for the improved fuel. From the positive experiences, members of the car clubs have unanimously given their vote of confidence in Shell FuelSave 95 via an \nofficial recommendation\n.\nMoving forward, Shell will power over 50,000 car club members through an estimated 75,000 km of driving with the FuelSave 95 fuel to showcase its \u2018extra kilometres\u2019 capabilities through specially curated drive events.\nThese events will take place once Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. The car clubs will also receive early access and first-hand trials to Shell\u2019s latest products and services.\nThis Shell fuel station is the \u201cgreenest\u201d in the country.find out which one is it here!\n\u201cNot all fuels are created equal; this is why we are honoured to have so many passionate car enthusiasts choosing Shell FuelSave 95. It shows confidence in our ability to continue delivering high-quality fuels and extra kilometres,\u201d said Shairan.\n\u201cShell FuelSave 95 has always been our fuel of choice. We recommend it to peers, friends, and family because we have complete faith in its capabilities,\u201d said Myvi Gen.3 Club member, Mohd Affan Bin Mohd Aris.\n\u201cThose who want the most efficient fuel need not look further because Shell FuelSave 95 assures you of extra kilometres. I am impressed because the fuel has provided me with extra savings as my fuel consumption is averaging better than other fuels that I have tried,\u201d said Mohamad Nazri Jamil, a HR-V Club Malaysia representative.\nTo celebrate the official recommendation from the 10 car clubs, customers can enjoy a 5% discount for RM30 and RM50 Shell vouchers exclusively on Shopee, from the 13th to the 22nd of August 2021.\nCustomers can do so by using the promo code \u2018EKSTRAKM\u2019 during checkout (limited to 2,000 codes per day).\nShell Malaysia introduces new Shell Helix Professional engine oil..find out what their benefits are!"
"Toyota Motorsport GmbH\n (TMG) has developed the \nGT86 CS-R3\n rally car that is set to enter the rally events in the near future. Still in prototype form, the GT86 CS-R3 will make its public debut on the ninth round of the \n2014 FIA World Rally Championship\n, at the \nADAC Rallye Deutschland\n as a \nzero car\n.\nBeing a zero car (a car to notify the spectators that the rally is about to take place on that particular route) the GT86 CS-R3 will not compete for the championship points, but it is equally important for development as the car will go through the same torturous terrain as the competing cars. The prototype GT86 CS-R3 will be driven and evaluated by former female world champion \nIsolde Holderied\n. The data from Rallye Deutschland will then be used to fine-tune the car for the final specifications before the R3 homologation process takes place.\nTMG is targeting the GT86 CS-R3 to deliver around \n240-250 hp\n from the \n2.0-litre boxer 4-cylinder\n by modifying the engine with \nrevised cam lift\n and \ncompression ratio\n. The car is equipped with a \nlimited slip differential\n and all the power will be transferred to the rear wheels via a \n6-speed sequential gearbox\n. Weight reduction was the main focus during the development, so a custom \nFIA-homologated safety cage\n has been designed specifically for the car. The car also features \nnew suspension arms\n to go with \nthree-way adjustable Reiger shocks\n with different setups for tarmac or gravel.\nCustomer cars will be available from the \nfirst quarter of 2015\n with pricing to be announced after confirmation of the final specifications. \nNico Ehlert\n, Principal Engineer, Customer Motorsport said \u201cWe are testing our prototype on a very public stage, the FIA World Rally Championship, which shows how confident we are in this project.\u201d\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin seems to be very proud of its association with the James Bond franchise. In recent years, the British luxury sportscar maker has already introduced several commemorative models such as the \nDB5 Goldfinger \nand\n DBS Superleggera OHMSS Edition\n; heck, even their \nspecial-edition whiskey\n has something to do with the 007 brand.\nNow celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film \u2013 \nNo Time to Die\n, Aston Martin\u2019s Q personalisation department is once again introducing two special editions inspired by the cars featured in the film, the Aston Martin Vantage and DBS Superleggera 007 Edition.\nThe Vantage 007 Edition is inspired by the original Aston Martin V8 from \nThe Living Daylights\n in 1987, highlighted by the mesh grille with chrome surrounds, and dashed yellow diffuser at the rear inspired by \u201cthe hazard stripes on the film car\u2019s rockets\u201d, and finished in a coat of \u201cauthentic\u201d Cumberland Grey exterior paint.\nFor the complete James Bond experience, you can even order the car together with a set of limited-edition skis and ski rack, which is obviously in reference to the \u201cwinterised\u201d car in from \nThe Living Daylights\n.\nAston Martin went to town with the Bond memorabilia on the obsidian black leather and dark chrome interior of the Vantage 007 Edition, with \u201csubtle\u201d film references such as the 96.60 radio station frequency used to aid Bond\u2019s escape embroidered on the sun visors, cello \u2018f holes\u2019 outlines on the carbon fibre seat backs, Cross hairs etched to the paddle shift levers, and even a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original car \u2013 unfortunately there aren\u2019t any rocket launchers on the special edition car.\nAs for the DBS Superleggera, the 007 Edition \u2013 which Aston Martin says features the same specification as the one in the upcoming film \u2013 comes with a special Cermaic Grey exterior paint, with a black tinted carbon fibre finish on the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser, and the rear Aeroblade.\nThe second James-Bond-special DBS Superleggera rides on 21-inch diamond-turned Y-Spoke wheels in gloss black, with the look completed by chrome and black enamel 007 fender badges and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.\nInside, the DBS is significantly more understated in appearance compared to the Vantage, though still comes with 007 references such as 007 branding on the door cards, armrest buckle badge, and rear subwoofer cover, red detailing on the outline of the seats, as well as a sill plaque to denote its special serial number from the limited production run.\nOnly 100 units of the Vantage 007 Edition will be made, and just 25 for the DBS Superleggera 007 Edition. Priced at GBP161,000 (RM883,407) and GBP279,025 (RM1,531,010) respectively, the James Bond special edition cars will begin deliveries in Q1 2021.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the automotive industry moving towards \nelectrification\n, our cars are also becoming increasingly reliant on software. Because in this era of software-defined vehicles, even performance upgrades can be delivered just by a push of a button \u2013 so it stands to reason why carmakers are spending more and more money on the development of these vehicle operating systems.\nWe\u2019ve seen \nBMW\n rolling out versions of its \niDrive operating system \nlike a pizza oven at a Dominos joint, and \nMercedes-Benz\n too with its \nMBUX OS\n. But having experienced all of them in a variety of cars, there was only one that truly caught our attention: the \nVolvo C40\n\u2018s Android Automotive-based operating system.\nGoogle Maps, Google Assistant, and Play Store built right into the car.\nThe Android Automotive OS, as the name suggests, brings (nearly) the full Google Android experience into the car. That means all of your familiar apps and services, like Google Maps and even YouTube Music, are built right into your vehicle\u2019s displays, saving you the hassle of connecting your mobile phone every time you step into the driver\u2019s seat.\nBut on top of just convenience, the software also adds a lot more functionality to the infotainment system \u2013 especially for EVs. With an always-up-to-date list of chargers within Google Maps itself, the Volvo C40 makes it easy for drivers to look for chargers along their journey.\nALSO READ: \nVolvo C40 Recharge \u2013 Is the fixed sunroof suitable for Malaysian weather?\nCharging suggestion during longer routes.\nOn longer road trips, the car will also warn you if it doesn\u2019t have enough range remaining to reach your destination, and will even suggest charging stops right from the built-in display itself, making range anxiety a thing of the past.\nBecause both of the screens are fully integrated together, you\u2019ll also be able to display the navigation information right in the digital instrument cluster itself \u2013 freeing up valuable screen real estate on the dashboard for your other entertainment needs, while at the same time also help keep your eyes on the road.\nNavigation information right in the instrument cluster.\nAs intriguing as it sounds, though, it\u2019s definitely not without its flaws. Most notably, because it\u2019s a separate operating system by itself instead of an extension of your phone (\na la \nAndroid Auto), you will need to download and sign in to each individual app separately, which can be annoying especially on first set-up.\nThe apps must also be specifically designed for Android Automotive OS, which means app availability \u2013 despite the built-in Google Play Store \u2013 can be quite limited as it\u2019s still not widely supported by app developers yet.\nREAD MORE: \nVolvo C40 Recharge \u2013 Possibly the most creative and practical storage space ever\nNotifications on Android Auto. Screenshot: Android/YouTube\nAdditionally, as the Google Android Automotive OS is a standalone system, notifications on your phone cannot currently be displayed on the vehicle\u2019s infotainment display. On Android Auto, your notifications will pop up in a banner, and if you wish to, you can even reply directly using dictation, letting you stay connected without fumbling with your phone while driving (\nbut please don\u2019t do that!\n).\nApple iPhone users are fortunately exempt from this problem, as Volvo\u2019s Google Android Automotive OS implementation now comes with \nApple CarPlay connectivity \ntoo, albeit being wired only. There\u2019s no indication when \u2013 or if \u2013 Android Auto will be included on the standalone Automotive OS in the future, but if you\u2019re still holding out hope, the silver lining is that Apple CarPlay only came as part of an OTA update."
"Hot off the press from reclaiming the No. 1 non-national brand title in Malaysia after six years as runner-up, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n continued its momentum by kicking off 2022 with another solid sales performance in the month of January. The company sold a total of \n7,528 units\n between its \nToyota\n and \nLexus\n brands, which represents a whopping 96% increase over the same period last year (3,845 units).\nAmong them, the \nVios\n reigns as the bestselling Toyota passenger car in the line-up, accounting for 28% of the company\u2019s total sales this month. The \nHilux\n was also a huge contributor to the brand\u2019s January sales performance, accounting for 38% of the total \u2013 although the Hilux is classified under the commercial vehicles segment.\n\u201cWe are thankful for the government\u2019s decision to extend the\n Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption\n incentives for passenger vehicles until 30 June 2022, said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K. \u201cThis has greatly helped automotive players like us to recover from the impact of the pandemic during the last two years.\u201d\n\u201cWe also encourage Toyota fans to take advantage of the extended tax exemption to purchase their dream car, coupled with the value for money deals UMW Toyota Motor is offering such as the ongoing Stay Ahead sales campaign to enjoy the best savings during this\nperiod,\u201d he added.\nThe \u2018Stay Ahead\u2019 campaign is offering savings of up to RM4,500, with the Toyota Vios starting from RM540 a month (RM2,216 SST savings), and RM493 a month for the Yaris (RM2,192 SST savings).\nOn the recently-unveiled \nToyota Cross Hybrid\n, Toyota said that more than 40% of the total sales of the \nCorolla Cross \nwas for the aforementioned Hybrid variant. However, it remains to be seen if the company can maintain the momentum going forward.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, priced at RM136,550, is powered by the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid Electric System consisting of a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder VVT-i engine and an electric motor, making a total system output of \n122 hp\n.\nIncluded in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage factory warranty, on top of a separate eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit, with an option for two additional years of coverage.\nALSO READ: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid launched in Malaysia from RM136k\nAside from sales, UMW Toyota also partnered with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor in January to extend a helping hand to Malaysians affected by the flood. Through its \u2018Back On Your Feet\u2019 Programme, the company contributed RM10,000 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Lui for flood damage repairs, while also donating essential home appliances such as rice cookers, kettles, and gas stoves to the affected community in Sungai Lui.\n\u201cUMW Toyota Motor endeavours to propel society forward by empowering people beyond the road. We are glad to have been given the opportunity to partner with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to give back to the community we operate in and help them get back on their feet during these trying times,\u201d added Ravindran K."
"While the SUV version of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC has made its world debut, its coupe version has yet to become a reality. But that won\u2019t be for long as \nAutocar\n reports that the all-new \nMercedes-Benz GLC Coupe\n will make its debut mid-March.\nWith over 2 million \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n units sold worldwide since its fruition in 2016, 20%, or 400,000 of the GLC units sold are of the Coupe version. Like the all-new GLC SUV, the Coupe version is also getting a thorough technology update with evolutionary changes to the exterior.\nCurrent GLC 300e Coupe in Malaysia\nAll-new GLC SUV\nMercedes-Benz\n\u2018s Head of Development of mid-size cars, Peter Kolb told \nAutocar\n, \u201cThe emphasis has not changed a lot. We have once again developed the new GLC Coupe to be the more dynamic model in the line-up. The difference between it and the GLC SUV is not great, but it is subtly more sporting in terms of driving characteristics.\u201d\nAmong the highlights of the new GLC Coupe is its improved aerodynamics. With newly designed wing mirrors and flat panels for the underbody, the drag coefficient for the GLC Coupe has been reduced to 0.29 from 0.30. The GLC Coupe has also grown slightly, now 32 mm longer and with a 15-mm longer wheelbase.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC goes small on design tweaks, but big on tech\nW206 C-Class sedan interior\nAll-new GLC SUV interior\nCurrent GLC 300e Coupe interior\nInside, the all-new GLC Coupe and GLC SUV now look similar to the W206 \nC-Class\n\u2019s cabin. The main head unit is now vertically oriented and is 11.9 inches in size. Naturally, it also gets the latest MBUX system.\nAs for powertrains, the GLC Coupe will reflect the SUV version\u2019s new powertrain lineup which has been electrified. The GLC SUV is available in mild hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions only.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 interior revealed \u2013 Superscreen debuts with in-car TikTok app\nMercedes-Benz GLC 300e 4MATIC Coupe PHEV in Malaysia \u2013\n \nFull gallery here\nMHEV options are the GLC 200 and GLC 300. Both are powered by the same M254 2.0-lire turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that get assistance from a 48V mild hybrid system that gives an additional temporary boost of up to \n23 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n. The GLC 200\u2019s engine makes \n204 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n while the GLC 300\u2019s engine makes \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n.\nPHEV variants of the GLC SUV include the GLC 300e and GLC 400 e \u2013 the former making \n313 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n and the latter making \n381 hp \nand \n650 Nm\n. Both PHEV variants get a 31.2 kWh battery that gives a pure electric range of up to 120 km.\nIn Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is currently available in its outgoing version. The GLC SUV is available as the GLC 200 (AMG Line) and GLC 300 (AMG Line). The GLC Coupe is only available as the \nPHEV Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e 4MATIC Coupe\n. All the GLC variants mentioned are assembled in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300e Coupe \u2013 plug-in hybrid SUV, RM404k"
"The \nPorsche Taycan Cross Turismo\n is a beautiful car, but its offroad-inspired looks definitely isn\u2019t everyone\u2019s cup of tea. If you\u2019re part of that camp, you\u2019re in luck \u2013 because Porsche has just unveiled a new GTS Sport Turismo variant for their electric \nTaycan \nwhich ditches all the SUV touches for an ultra-sleek electric wagon. Sweet.\nThe new Sport Turismo model is unveiled as part of the launch of the GTS variant that will also be available for the regular Taycan sedan. Porsche says that the GTS is the \u201coptimal combination of performance and luxury\u201d and the \u201csporty all-rounder\u201d, and will be positioned in between the \nTaycan Turbo\n and\n 4S\n models.\nWhen using launch control (with overboost), the GTS puts out a total of \n440 kW (598\n hp), which launches both models from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n \u2013 right in the middle of the 4S (4.0 seconds) and Taycan Turbo (3.2 seconds).\nThe extra power comes from a standard 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus, utilising Porsche\u2019s 800-volt architecture, which takes approximately 22.5 minutes to charge from 5-80% using a 270 kW DC fast charger.\nRELATED: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo launched in Malaysia, from RM645k\nThe new Porsche Taycan GTS borrows the PASM adaptive air suspension system from the Taycan Turbo, although it\u2019s been tuned specifically for the GTS models. Oh, and the Sport Turismo wagon also gets the same suspension, instead of the jacked-up version that\u2019s fitted onto the Cross Turismo for better centre of gravity \u2013 it\u2019s a sporty road car, after all.\nFor brakes, Porsche engineers looked to the Taycan 4S to borrow its six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers \u2013 in red, of course. That said, the GTS gets larger 390 mm front rotors, instead of the 4S\u2019 360 mm units, and are covered in a tungsten carbide coating for better braking performance. Porsche\u2019s Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are also available as an option.\nOther standard performance items on the Taycan GTS include Porsche\u2019s torque vectoring technology, as well as the Sport Chrono Package and GT Steering wheel.\nRELATED: The Porsche Taycan is outselling the iconic 911 worldwide\nFor design, both the Taycan GTS sedan and Sport Turismo wagon are fitted with the SportDesign package as standard, which includes sportier bumpers, side skirts, and gloss black trim elements. The GTS model also gets the unique 20-inch Turbo S Aero Design wheels, finished exclusively in a satin black finish that you won\u2019t be able to find on any other version.\nThe new GTS models also get the option of a panoramic glass roof with variable light control, which allows you to alter the amount of light that can pass through into the cabin (from Clear to Bold/60% darkened) via nine electrically-controlled liquid crystal film segments within the glass panels.\nGALLERY\nPorsche Taycan GTS\nPorsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo"
"We were all really excited\u00a0when the all-new \nVolkswagen \nGolf R\n\u00a0was launched in Malaysia. The first encounter with it was in Sepang International Circuit when \nVolkswagen\n Group Malaysia organized the \nmedia track day\u00a0event\n\u00a0there.\u00a0What, a machine.\nSits 60 horsepower above\u00a0the already-wunderbar Golf GTI, its 2.0-liter engine generates\u00a0\n280 horsepower\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque! 0 to 100, 5 seconds flat! The R department is really something, squeezing\u00a0140hp per liter out from the turbocharged 4-cylinder TSI engine.\nBut then, the other German automaker did a better job by producing 180hp per liter in \u201cThe Beast\u201d \u2013 powered by the most powerful 2.0-liter engine in the world. That is why we brought it along, the\u00a0\n360hp\n Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG to the video review of the Golf R.\nThis time\u00a0we invited a professional driver, Ivan Khong, who is Malaysia\u2019s Gymkhana Champion, Intensive Driver Trainer for BMW, and he was also a rally and race driver. If you remember, he\u00a0was the stunt driver in the \u201c\nMen vs MINI\n\u201d video that we produced last year.\nIn this review, we set up a \ntest course\n\u00a0which Ivan will show\u00a0you why more power doesn\u2019t always translate to usable speed especially around corners. [Spoiler Alert] Golf R\u2019s \nXDS+\n did the trick.\nBefore you start to\u00a0\ncomplain\n comment, this video review is not a full-on comparison review between the \nGolf R Mk7\n and the \nA45 AMG\n. We still believe in focusing on one car to give you a proper review with\u00a0in-depth details. I hope you\u2019ll like it. If you happen to not like it, please, just be nice.\nRead our \nfull review here\n."
"In conjunction with the upcoming festive season, \nGoCar\n has just announced a new promotion for its GoCar Garage service offering 20% savings on its regular 45-minute \u201cPit Stop\u201d service packages. The campaign will run from now \nuntil the 11th of February\n, and is open to all passenger vehicle makes and models.\nIn case you weren\u2019t aware, GoCar Garage is a new service by the Malaysian Mobility-as-a-Service (Maas) provider GoCar, promising \u201cOEM-level service excellence and transparent pricing\u201d for all brands and models of passenger cars.\nThe promotion is available at the GoCar Garage Petaling Jaya (PJ) Service Centre. To take advantage of this campaign, customers only need to apply the relevant promo codes in the GoCar mobile app:\n\u201cPRECNY1\u201d for Mineral Oil package at RM78.40 (normal price RM98)\n\u201cPRECNY2\u201d for Semi-Synthetic Oil package at RM102.40 (normal price RM128)\n\u201cPRECNY3\u201d for Fully-Synthetic Oil package at RM158.40 (normal price RM198)\nThe company says it only uses \u201cpremium Total or Shell branded oils\u201d. Through the GoCar app, customers can also easily and seamlessly book their appointments, obtain up-front quotations before work begins, make payments, and arrange for door-to-door delivery (within Klang Valley, fees based on distance).\nCustomers who service their vehicles with GoCar Garage are also able to enjoy two hours free usage of a GoCar (on-demand car sharing) while their car is being serviced.\nAside from the three discounted packages, GoCar Garage is also offering free comprehensive vehicle inspections, alongside free car wash with basic sanitisation.\n\u201cNow that the lockdown has been lifted, people are planning to return to their hometowns for Chinese New Year or take a short holiday during the festive break. We hope that more people will take advantage of our service promotion to stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,\u201d said GoCar Malaysia CEO, Wong Hoe Mun.\nIn addition to the Chinese New Year campaign, GoCar Garage is also still offering its Flood Relief Programme to those who have been \naffected by the recent floods\n. The programme offers up to two weeks free usage of a GoCar, in addition to 25% discounts on parts and labours. The company will also provide assistance with arrangements for towing services where needed.\nThe flood relief programme ends on 31 January 2022."
"If the statement made by our Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Ahmad Maslan is to come true, then we can expect \ncheaper fuel prices\n for \nRON95\n and \ndiesel\n by the stroke of \nmidnight\n tonight, just in time for the new year\u2019s celebration.\nDatuk Ahmad Maslan \nannounced on Twitter\n\u00a0yesterday morning, stating that the prices for RON95 and diesel may well fit into the \nRM1.90 \nto\n RM1.95 per litre\n bracket, though there \nhasn\u2019t been a confirmation\n from the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry.\nIn his Tweet, Maslan also stressed the cooperation of vendors and their businesses, urging them to reduce the prices of goods in accordance to the dip in fuel prices.\nEarlier in October, the price of \nRON95 was fixed at RM2.30 per litre\n, before dropping to \nRM2.26 per litre\n when fuel subsidies were removed. As it is today, RON95 is priced at RM2.26 per litre, diesel at RM2.23 per litre and RON97 at RM2.46 per litre respectively."
"Regas Premium Auto in Sarawak has recently welcomed the arrival of a classic, the BMW 700 Coup\u00e9. The rare Coup\u00e9 was brought in to officiate the \u2018Auto Heritage\u2019 section of its flagship dealership in Kuching.\nThe BMW 700 Coup\u00e9 is the brainchild of Wolfgang Denzel who was an automotive engineer and a distributor of BMW vehicles in Austria. Together with Italian auto designer Giovanni Michelotti, they came up with the 700 Coup\u00e9 based on the BMW 600.\nSuch was the design that the 700 Coup\u00e9 was referred to as \u2018\ntodschick\n\u2018 (German for seriously cool) back in its day. The earlier models had 32 hp from a 700 cc air-cooled, boxer engine mounted at the rear like a \nPorsche 911\n. Top speed was rated at about 125 km/h.\nThe more powerful \u201cSport\u201d model made 40 hp, with top speed increased to 135 km/h. Production of the 700 Coup\u00e9 spanned between 1959 and 1964, with over 188,000 units produced.\nAndy Phe Photography \u00a9\nRegas Premium Auto Kuching, Dealer Principal, Gavin Tay said, \u201cThe BMW 700 Coup\u00e9 is a timeless classic from the history of the BMW Group, and we are thrilled to be able to showcase this remarkable vehicle here at Regas Premium Auto.\u201d\n\u201cThe BMW 700 Coup\u00e9 features the brand\u2019s first monocoque construction, and it helped drive BMW out from near bankruptcy in 1959. In turn, this model created a legacy in the automotive world for small, sporty premium vehicles that continues to be well-loved by many BMW enthusiasts, even after 50 years since it was last in production,\u201d he added.\nThe BMW 700 Coup\u00e9 is available for public viewing, exclusively at the Heritage section of Regas Premium Auto Kuching. Call 082-467777 or \ngo online\n to schedule a visit!\nGALLERY"
"Aston Martin was already facing significant challenges even before the pandemic, but with COVID-19 ravaging the planet, the English sports car maker was recently forced to make 500 job cuts as part of a GBP10 million cost-cutting plan just to keep itself afloat.\nThe company\u2019s position certainly looks bleak now, but as they say, there\u2019s always a silver lining \u2013 the brand recently received a cash injection worth more than \nGBP500 million\n thanks to \nnew investor Lawrence Stroll\n. As part of a management shake-up, the company also recently snapped up Mercedes-AMG chief Tobias Moers to replace Andy Palmer as Aston Martin CEO.\nIn the company\u2019s recent first-quarter financial report, new executive chairman Lawrence Stroll said that with the resumption of operations at its new St Athan plant, the \nAston Martin DBX\n is still on track for deliveries this summer.\nIn the same report, Stroll also revealed that customer demand for the \nPorsche Cayenne\n rival is strong extending into 2021, and the company is already planning to \u201cunveil \nfuture derivatives\n starting from 2021\u2033.\nSpeaking to Australian title \nGoAuto\n in March, executive vice-president and chief creative officer Marek Reichman teased the prospect of a DBX with a sleeker coupe-like silhouette, as well as a stretched wheelbase version with possibly two extra seats.\nReichman said: \u201cWe\u2019ll never go down [in size], but maybe it\u2019s less capacity. So the wheelbase may remain the same, but maybe the box shrinks a little bit. Because in terms of downsizing, we\u2019re never going to be a\u00a0\nMacan\n\u00a0versus a Cayenne.\n\u201cThe Cayenne/DBX [position] is core, so downsizing [means] silhouette; upsizing is relatively simple, and that\u2019s a potential . you could do both off that platform.\u201d\nLate March this year, the company also unveiled their new \nin-house designed V6 engine\n, slated to make it\u2019s first production appearance on the forthcoming \nValhalla\n. The hybrid powertrain codenamed TM01 is expected to replace the Mercedes-AMG V8 engines found in other Aston Martins in stages, including the DBX.\nWith such a heavy investment Aston Martin poured into creating the all-new DBX platform, the firm would likely want to employ it as much as possible on future products. Insider sources suggest that the new platform would cover more bases than previous models do."
"You\u2019ve probably seen and heard all there is to know about the \nGR Corolla\n but Toyota has given us more reason to feel tingly in our sensitive areas with the new \nGR Corolla Morizo Edition\n; except this one is a little more exclusive, even against the\n GR Yaris\n!\nThat\u2019s cause only 200 units will be available for the US market while a limited number will be opened to the Japanese market via a ballot system. The name \u2018Morizo\u2019 stems from the alter ego of Akio Toyoda, who has given his own input in the development of the Morizo Edition.\nRELATED: Watch the Toyota GR Yaris in action against the MINI JCW Clubman and Mercedes-AMG A45S!\nThe new GR Corolla Morizo serves up 304 hp and 400 Nm (up 30 Nm from standard GR Corolla) from the same 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine found in the GR Yaris.\nLike the GR Yaris, it\u2019s made whole with a 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching, an all-wheel drive system offering three different drive modes for three different performance characteristics, and a limited-slip differential each for the front and rear wheels. It\u2019s also worth noting that the first three gears in the 6-speed gearbox have shorter ratios than the one in the GR Yaris.\nAlso exclusive in Morizo are monotube dampers tuned specifically for the car. Compared to the standard GR Corolla, Toyota also ensured that the Morizo Edition would have a stiffer body with additional structural adhesive and braces.\nBut that doesn\u2019t mean the Morizo is heavier; in fact, the opposite is true as the Morizo Edition is some 30 kg lighter than the standard GR Corolla with the removal of the rear seats. That\u2019s right; unlike the standard GR Corolla, the Morizo Edition is actually a two-seater!\nAside from the 10 mm wider wheels and tyres, the Morizo Edition also gets specially tuned dampers finished in Red. Inside, the inviting bucket seats are wrapped in Ultrasuede/leather material.\nThe new Toyota Corolla GR Sport is as good-looking as it is arousing!\nGALLERY"
"After being sighted at several Kia showrooms, Naza Kia Malaysia has now announced that the long-awaited Kia Seltos is now available for booking at \nselected showrooms\n. The handsomely-styled B-segment SUV will be offered locally in two variants \u2013 EX and GT Line.\nBeyond the announcement, Naza Kia Malaysia did not divulge any further information aside from the colour choices \u2013 of which you will have a choice of Glacier White Pearl and Gravity Grey as standard for both variants. Intense Red and Intelligency Blue are variant exclusive colours to the EX and GT Line respectively.\nHowever, based on information shared on several dealers\u2019 \nown social media pages\n, we understand that both the EX and GT Line does share a fair amount of standard kit, which includes LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy rims, an 8.0-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, six speaker audio system, flat-bottomed steering wheel, cruise control, self-dimming rear-view mirror, rear air-con vents, stability control and six airbags.\nThe GT Line, being the highest trim level available here, will of course have a few standout features of its own. On the outside the GT Line will sport Full LED headlights, LED fog lights, glossy black grille with satin chrome and colour accent, front parking sensors, LED rear combination lights and sportier dual-tone alloy rims, also sized at 17-inches in diameter.\nMeanwhile on the inside, the GT Line\u2019s also gets a 7.0-inch colour Supervision display multi-info display in the instrument cluster, replacing the EX variant\u2019s 3.5-inch unit, ventilated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat with 2-way lumbar support, wireless charging pad, heads-up display, and Sound Mood ambient light setup.\nBoth variants of the Kia Seltos in Malaysia will be powered by a 1.6-Litre Gamma naturally-aspirated MPI four-cylinder engine, offering \n123 hp\n and \n151 Nm\n. The petrol mill will be paired to a six speed automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nNaza Kia Malaysia again did not reveal any pricing information for the Kia Seltos just yet, though we should be hearing about it very soon during its imminent launch. If you wish to place your booking, you can do so at the selected showroom found \nhere\n.\nThe B-segment SUV market in Malaysia is well and truly heating up, with the addition of the Kia Seltos going up against the likes of crowd favourites \nHonda HR-V\n, \nMazda CX-3\n. The \nHyundai Kona\n, which will be launched very soon, will also be joining the party alongside the highly-anticipated Proton X50, is due in Q4 this year.\nWith so many options to choose from, which will you be going for? Let us know in the comments section below!\nGALLERY"
"The new Toyota Hilux 2.8 \u201cBlack Edition\u201d has been launched by UMW Toyota Motor to replace the\n 2.8 L-Edition\n with visual enhancements for a more dramatic exterior.\nAs the name suggests, the \u201cBlack Edition\u201d gets glossy black finishing on the door handles, fog lamp covers, wing mirror and more noticeably on the 18-inch alloy wheels. These are contrasted by bumper guards and a front grille surround now in Dark Grey rather than in chrome before.\nInside, the Piano Black trims and combination leather upholstery continues with the addition of a new 6.75-inch infotainment system (up-sized from 6.1-inch) with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.\nNo changes were made to the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission with \n177 hp \nand \n450 Nm\n.\nThe new Hilux 2.8 \u201cBlack Edition\u201d retails at \nRM139,888\n on-the-road without insurance. Optional extras for the top of the range model includes features like a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"NZ Wheels, the authorised dealer for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia has just opened its doors to the completely refurbished Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Johor Bahru Autohaus. The upgraded facility now carries Mercedes-Benz\u2019s latest corporate identity as well as the first AMG Performance Centre in the Southern region.\nWith a total investment of \nRM6 million\n, the new facility spans 18,692.40 sq. ft., covering the showroom and a 3S centre. The showroom space can accommodate up to 11 display vehicles alongside a private Star Lounge and a dedicated \nAMG Performance Centre\n where customers can immerse themselves in Mercedes-AMG products.   Presently, the new 3S centre has \n12 work bays\n, capable of servicing up to \n500 cars per month\n to cater for the increasing demand for premium after-sales services. Also, Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels JB Autohaus is currently only\u00a0\none of six authorised dealer groups\n catering to the Southern region.\nNZ Wheels Sdn Bhd, Group Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Group, Dato\u2019 Samson Anand George, said, \u201cThe launch today represents our on-going commitment to provide exceptional ownership experience with a distinct approach to automotive retailing. Together with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we will continue to deliver the Mercedes-Benz brand of premium experience to our customers nationwide alongside a growing coverage of Mercedes-AMG Performance Centres.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Watch out \nPorsche Macan\n,\u00a0because Land Rover has finally churned out a decent contender. Introducing the\u00a02017 Range Rover Velar, which is the most aerodynamic and \u201ccar-like\u201d SUV that Land Rover has ever created.\nSharing the same aluminium underpinnings with the \nJaguar F-Pace\n (same wheelbase as well, at \n2,874mm\n), the new Velar slots between the \nEvoque\n and the \nRange Rover Sport\n. The bold front fascia aside, the Velar is easily differentiated by its slimmer headlights. The taillights are also slimmer and stretches throughout the entire rear section. And have you seen the panoramic glass roof?!   The Velar\u2019s cabin however, seems to take a drastic departure from the current crop of Land Rovers. New here is the \nTouch Pro Duo\n, a dual-screen setup housed in the centre console for infotainment purposes. Separately, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster is also new. Boot space measures at 673 litres, but expands to 1,731 litres when the rear seats are folded down.\nA total of \nsix engines\n\u00a0are currently offered \u2013 three turbocharged petrols and three turbodiesels, and all are paired to an\u00a0\neight-speed ZF automatic\n\u00a0transmission. Below are the figures for all six engines:\nName\n2.0L D180\n2.0L D240\n3.0L D300\n2.0L P250\n2.0L P300\n3.0L P380\nEngine\n2.0-litre Ingenium turbodiesel\n2.0-litre Ingenium turbodiesel\n3.0-litre V6 diesel turbo\n2.0-litre Ingenium turbo\n2.0-litre Ingenium turbo\n3.0-litre V6 petrol supercharged\nMax Power\n178 hp\n237 hp\n296 hp\n247 hp\n296 hp\n375 hp\nMax Torque\n430 Nm\n500 Nm\n700 Nm\n365 Nm\n400 Nm\n450 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n8.9 seconds\n7.3 seconds\n6.5 seconds\n6.7 seconds\nn/a\n5.7 seconds\nTop Speed\n208 km/h\n216 km/h\n240 km/h\n216 km/h\nn/a\n250 km/h\nThe Velar is also available as\n an\u00a0all-wheel drive\n only. It benefits from\u00a0\nConfigurable Dynamics\n that customises suspension settings, throttle response and power steering assistance. As with all Land Rovers, the Velar goes off-road but benefits from the newer\u00a0\nTerrain Response 2\n\u00a0system.\nA total of six trims is offered, including the sportier R-Dynamic and First Edition variants. The latter, offered for the first time by Land Rover, bundles the usual luxury bits together with a\u00a01,600W sound system and 22-inch alloy wheels, though it\u2019s available only for the 3.0-litre V6 petrol. A selection of 13 exterior colours are available.\nThe 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Velar begins from\u00a0\n\u00a344,830 to\u00a0\u00a385,450.0\n (approximately\n RM245k to RM467k\n), with deliveries beginning sometime by July this year.\nNow, if you\u2019re wondering if the Velar will make it to Malaysia, it will. Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has already indicated their intention of introducing it here \nby updating their website\n, so all we have to do now is sit back, relax and try not to be tempted by the Porsche Macan.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Earlier in the year, Bugatti embarked on a journey to produce the \nworld\u2019s first 3D printed titanium brake caliper\n that is not only stronger but also up to 40 per cent lighter than an aluminium equivalent component.\nAfter 12 months in development, the company is now testing their lightweight caliper to the extreme, achieving ground speeds of over 373 km/h and brake disc temperature of over 1,000\u00b0C. Needless to say, the titanium component held itself despite grinding the discs to a fiery spark.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPkY8nBWxoU\nTitanium alloy with the scientific designation Ti6AI4V is mainly used in the aerospace industry particularly for high-stress undercarriage and wing components in aircrafts and rocket engines. Thanks to advancements in 3D printing technology, Bugatti was able to \nprint\n a titanium brake caliper measuring 41 cm long, 21 cm wide and 13.6 cm high but weighs only\n 2.9 kg per caliper\n while an aluminium component would weigh 4.8 kgs.\nIt takes a total of 2,213 layers and 45 hours to complete a single brake calliper and it has a tensile strength of 1,250 N/mm2 which means the titanium alloy can withstand 125 kg of force applied to a square millimetre before rupturing.\nIn the never-ending race for outright horsepower, it would seem that Bugatti is shifting its focus into making its cars lighter to achieve a better balance of power-to-weight ratio. This titanium brake caliper is one of the many measures to shave some precious kilograms from the almost two tonne Chiron.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBugatti 3D Printed Titanium Brake Caliper Test"
"BMW Group Malaysia reported an overall sales figure of \n11,567 units\n for 2019 \u2013 of which, \n10,442 units\n were a result of car sales. 2019 also saw the introduction of \n32 new models\n under the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands.\nThe BMW brand delivered \n9,300 cars\n to new owners in Malaysia last year, a 22% drop from 2018\u2019s \n12,008 units\n. Meanwhile, MINI managed to deliver \n1,142\n (-5%) cars in 2019.\u00a0\nLeading the charge for BMW is the 3 Series, with \n2,514 units\n delivered \u2013 among which the all-new \nBMW 330e M Sport\n represented more than 1,000 units sold.\nAnother key contributor to BMW\u2019s performance is the \nBMW 5 Series\n, with more than 2,000 units delivered new owners last year.\nThe BMW X Family of SAVs also made significant headway for the brand in 2019, charting a total delivery of 3,985 units. The\n X3\n leads the pack at 1,354 units, followed by the\n X1\n with 1,331 units, and the \nX5 xDrive40e\n at 975 units.\u00a0\nAs for MINI, the \nCountryman\n was the top performer for the brand with 685 units delivered, contributing to more than half of the total deliveries for MINI in 2019.\u00a0\nAt the announcement, BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl, reiterated the group\u2019s focus on e-mobility, with four new electrified vehicles introduced last year.\nIn 2019, the group delivered \n3,148 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles\n, made up by over 300 units of the \nBMW 740Le xDrive\n, over 600 units of the \nBMW 530e\n, more than 70 units of the \nMINI Cooper S E ALL4\n, as well as over 20 units of the \nBMW i3\ns\n, aside from the BMW 330e and X5 xDrive40e.\nTallying it up, the group has delivered over 17,000 electrified vehicles since 2015 \u2013 making it the leading e-mobility provider in the country.\nThe group also introduced 18 new \nBMW i Charging Facilities\n across Malaysia last year. In the past three years, BMW has unveiled over 30 BMW i Charging Facilities.\u00a0\nHarald Hoelzl said at the announcement today, \u201cAgainst the backdrop of a challenging year for the automotive sector, we are proud to have achieved such success within the electrified segment in Malaysia and across the globe \u2013 which reaffirms our optimism for the year ahead.\n\u201cWe are committed to continue leading the charge for electromobility in Malaysia, especially in light of the upcoming National Automotive Policy announcement that will see electrified vehicles play a prominent role in propelling our automotive sector to greater heights,\u201d he added.\nThe group\u2019s financial arm, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, also achieved a strong business portfolio in 2019, financing \nmore than half \nof BMW and MINI deliveries last year. 2019 also saw the launch of BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s \nEasy Drive\n flexible financing plan."
"Volvo\n, as a whole globally, is aiming to become completely carbon-neutral by 2040. To achieve that, it\u2019s committed to reducing overall CO2 emissions by 40% per car by 2025, and then becoming a fully electric company by 2030. But here in Malaysia, the company wants to transition \u201ceven faster\u201d than that.\nSpeaking at today\u2019s launch event for the \nall-new C40\n, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump, said that the company is aiming for its Pure Electric EV models to account for 75% of its sales by 2025.\nThe electrification efforts have already begun for \nVolvo Car Malaysia\n, with both the \nXC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n and the all-new C40 Recharge Pure Electric being locally assembled at the company\u2019s plant in Shah Alam. Aside from local sales, the locally-assembled models are also being exported to nearby markets in the ASEAN region, a process that has already begun since March this year, the company says.\nAdding to the ambitious target, Frump said that Volvo is also aiming to become the \u201cnumber one eLuxury car brand\u201d in Malaysia. In achieving that, Frump confirmed that the company will also naturally be slowly phasing out its internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, according to the global Volvo directions.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k\nVolvo currently has two fully-electric models on sale here in Malaysia \u2013 the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, and the C40 Recharge Pure Electric that was launched today. Both are powered by the same P8 electric powertrain, making \n408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n from two electric motors.\nThe line-up could be expanding very soon, however, as the company also teased the \nall-new Volvo EX90\n at the event today, indicating that it\u2019ll be the \u201cnext\u201d fully-electric EV model to make it into Malaysia.\nA concrete timeline has not been announced just yet, with Frump being slightly coy about its availability. However, the company has previously committed to \nlaunching one EV per year\n, starting with the XC40 and C40 Recharge this year.\nSpeaking on the sidelines at the launch event today, Frump confirmed to us that the company still intends to follow through with that promise. If that is the case, we could see the Volvo EX90 launched here in Malaysia as soon as next year!\nALSO READ:\n Volvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year from 2022 \u2013 XC40 Recharge, C40 this year"
"Shortly after being awarded the \nfull five stars ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross\n, the Japanese carmaker subjected their budget \nMitsubishi Xpander\n to the same test. The seven-seater MPV fared a decent four stars with an overall score of 71.66 (out of 100).\nThe variant tested is a 1.5-litre MIVEC manufactured in Indonesia that that comes with dual airbags, ABS, ESC and Emergency Stop Signal. In Thailand and Vietnam, the Xpander comes with ESC as standard but is offered as an optional kit in Indonesia and The Philippines.\nIn the \nAdult Occupant Protection\n category, the Xpander scored 28.14 points of the maximum 36 points. As for the \nChild Occupant Protection\n category, the Xpander managed 36.63 points (max 49 points) while it scored 10 points (max 18 points) in the \nSafety Assist\n category. All these give a total weighted score of 71.66 which qualifies the Xpander for a \nFour-Star ASEAN NCAP rating\n.\nIn Indonesia, the seven-seater Mitsubishi Xpander is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder MIVEC engine paired to a four-speed automatic to give \n104 hp\n. \nExports of the Xpander will commence in February 2018\n starting with The Philippines followed by Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia."
"This is in line with the government\u2019s directive for all fuel providers to supply RON95 petrol formulated to meet the Euro4M standard from 1st of January 2020.\nWith the higher quality Euro4M fuel, the sulphur content has been significantly reduced to 50 parts per million (ppm) from 500 ppm previously allowed for the Euro2M standard. The reduction of sulphur means that exhaust emissions will be cleaner and will benefit the environment in the long run.\nReduced sulphur content also decreases the engine\u2019s acid levels, extending the life of the engine with less clogging in the fuel delivery system.\nThe new Infiniti RON95 Euro4M also contains fuel additives with various functions such as cleaning and preventing deposit formation as well as reducing internal friction.\n\u201cOur tankers have been delivering the upgraded BHPetrol Infiniti RON95 Euro4M to stations nationwide since the final week of 2019. We are proud to confirm that all our BHPetrol stations nationwide now supply only Infiniti RON95 petrol with the Euro4M standard,\u201d said Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn. Bhd., Acting CEO, Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad.\nCurrently, there are about 400 BHPetrol stations around the country and 290 include a BHPetromart convenience store. In recent weeks, \nPetronas \nand \nPetron\n has also announced the availability of the RON95 Euro4M fuel at their stations."
"Next to join \nMercedes-Benz\n\u2019s electric offensive is the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Ahead of its world premiere set to take place on October 16, 2022, Mercedes-Benz has provided us with a first glimpse of the cabin of the EQE SUV.\nBathed in Neva Grey and Modern Balao Brown, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is shown with the optional MBUX Hyperscreen in the latest released images. As seen in the \nEQS sedan\n, the entire dashboard combines three high-resolution screens under a single glass cover, creating one ultimate widescreen that spans across the cockpit.\nReplacing the usual wood trim found in Mercedes-Benz cars is a hybrid trim element that combines wood with fine pigments of aluminium. The laser-cut trim element is given an anthracite 3D relief-look finish. The hybrid trim can be seen on the centre console of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.\nFive co-ordinated colour combinations underscore the generous sense of spaciousness. The EQE SUV is immersed in a progressive and luxurious world of colour comprising warm and cool tones (e.g. the warm, Modern Balao Brown combines with technoid-looking neva grey and Biscay Blue/black).\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 AMG Line previewed in Malaysia, 5 Things\nMercedes-Benz says that the EQE SUV boasts the most spacious headroom, legroom, as well as elbow room in its class. Set to make its world premiere on October 16, 2022, technical details of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV are still scarce at this point. If the EQE sedan specs are anything to go by, it will most likely adopt the same powertrain from the \nEQE sedan\n which is either a \n402 hp\n/\n858 Nm\n dual motor setup in the EQE 500 4Matic or a \n288 hp\n/\n565 Nm\n RWD setup in the EQE 350+.\nRELATED: \nNew MBUX Voice Assistant introduces a \u2018story-telling tour guide\u2019 in Mercedes-Benz vehicles"
"It seems that these days, no Toyota car launch in Japan is complete without a whole lot of body kit options from Modellista and Gazoo Racing. Following the launch of the\n all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire\n twins in Japan, both \u201ccompanies\u201d have now unveiled their respective range of customisation options for the luxury van, fit for even the most fashionable\n taukes\n.\nStarting with the Toyota Alphard, \nModellista\n is offering something called the \u201cRegal Dignity Style\u201d, consisting of the extravagant front and rear bumper extensions, twin exhaust tips, unique illuminated roof spoiler, plus a whole lot of chrome trims (optional accessories) all around the outside.\nAs for the Vellfire, the \u201cBeast Razor Style\u201d kit also includes the chromed-up side skirts and bumper extensions both front and rear, the latter complemented by the same twin square exhaust tips. Similarly, you can also opt for a whole range of chrome garnishes and illuminated front and rear trims to further spruce up your ride.\nIdentical exterior garnishes for both models.\nIf the two kits are a little too flamboyant for you, Modellista is also offering something called a \u201cCool Shine Kit\u201d for both models, which is basically just the previously-optional chrome garnishes on the outside, paired to a set of two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels for a more reserved look.\nAt the \nGazoo Racing \ncamp, meanwhile, only the Vellfire will be offered with the GR Parts body kit, consisting of the front and rear bumper extensions, side skirts, door visors, and a set of GR-style 20-inch wheels.\nBoth models, however, can dip into Gazoo Racing\u2019s large selection of performance enhancement parts, including a Performance Damper set that promises a \u201cEuropean car-like steering feel\u201d and improved body control, a rear seats damper set that supposedly \u201creduces [lateral] head swaying\u201d and improves ride comfort, as well as a set of additional underbody braces to improve steering response and body rigidity.\nThe GR Parts catalogue also includes some additional accessories for both models, including door handle protectors, tyre valve caps, number plate holders and GR-branded screws, as well as the aerodynamic door visors, though these are \u2013 obviously \u2013 significantly less cool than everything else they offer.\nGALLERY\nModellista\nGR Parts"
"Honda Malaysia, together with Ban Chu Bee Sdn. Bhd. have officially opened the biggest 4S centre in the East Coast region. Strategically located in Kelantan, the 4S centre is ready to support the increased demand for Honda vehicles in the East Coast region, especially Kelantan.\nLast year, Honda Malaysia sold 91,830 units and the East Coast region contributed more than\n 7,200 vehicles\n to the total volume. Besides that, the increase in sales of 172 percent in the East Coast region over the past five years signifies the need to enhance aftersales service support.\nThe \n152,460 square feet 4S facility\n encompasses Sales, Services, Spare Parts and Body and Paint Centre. The facility is able to cater for up to 100 vehicles a day or more than 22,000 service intakes in a year thanks to its \n20 service bay \nfacility. Customers can also enjoy a comfortable Customer Lounge, an Executive Lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi services, Kid\u2019s Corner and Surau in this new Honda 4S Centre.\nTo make an appointment or to find out more about the services and facilities, customers can contact Ban Chu Bee (Honda 4S Centre) at 09-744 3337 / 09-744 5893 / Lot 1349, Jalan Pasir Mas-Salor 15100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nine years ago (that\u2019s 2008 for those counting fingers) was when the first generation XC60 made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Fast forward today, Gothenburg is set to unveil in full glory the 2017 Volvo XC60, a mid-size SUV that will take on the likes of \nAudi Q5\n, \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n and \nBMW X3\n.\nThe formula here is about the same as the hugely successful \nXC90\n, so expect jaw-dropping exterior and interior design. Up front lies the signature \u201cThor\u2019s Hammer\u201d LED DRLs that are adjoined with the grille. The rear end also gets the familiar LED-bar finish.\nIt will sit on Volvo\u2019s \nScalable Product Architecture\n (SPA) and be powered by a range of Drive-E petrol and diesel engines. It\u2019s worth noting that the platform can support a full hybrid system, but it remains to be seen whether the XC60 will get a range topping T8 Twin Engine variant.\nBack home, the outgoing \nXC60\n\u00a0can be had in two trims \u2013 T5 turbo and the twin-charged T6, with pricing starting from RM267,088.00 to RM299,099.00.\nAt Volvo, there\u2019s a lot to look forward to, and the new XC60 will surely be a blockbuster hit. Find out why in \nour special feature here\n."
"We\u2019re fast approaching the festive season \u2013 the time when car brands will be rolling out promotions for their cars and aftersales services like clockwork. \nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)\n, the sole distributor for Ford vehicles in Malaysia, marked themselves as one of the firsts this year with the announcement of their year-end and Chinese New Year service promotion, which will run from \n1 December 2021 to 15 February 2022\n.\nCustomers who service their Ford vehicles during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to \n20% off on parts\n and\n 10% on labour fees\n for lubricant, brake, and timing belt packages, in addition to other selected parts.\nAs an extra, customers who spend an additional RM40 on any parts or services on top of the lubricant packages will receive a free exclusive Ford-branded face mask. For brake and timing belt packages, customers who spend an extra RM500 on parts or service will also receive an exclusive denim woven bag in addition to the face mask.\nRELATED: Check out the special-edition Ford Ranger Raptor X in a shiny coat of new red paint!\nAdditionally, SDAC will also be offering a free 27-point vehicle inspection, conducted by Ford-certified technicians, at no additional charge.\nOnly genuine Ford OEM parts will be used when you service your vehicle at the Ford Authorised Service Centres, and they all come with a 12-month/20,000 km warranty, excluding wear and tear parts.\nCustomers are advised to book their service appointment online via the Ford website (linked \nhere\n). For the service centres at Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, and Ford Kuching, customers can also take advantage of the real-time\n e-Service appointment booking\n option, which shows the available time slots for any given day, and can be booked up to one month in advance."
"It\u2019s getting more and more good looking and with Hyundai revealing the first renderings of the next, fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, it seems like they have a real winner on their hands.\nThe fourth-generation\u2019s new design will reflect Hyundai\u2019s new SUV design identity and as you\u2019ve noticed, it looks vastly different from the previous generation which has been around for more than half a decade \u2013 rendering it completely outdated. Pun intended.\nAt the front, it sports a new, much larger \u201ccascading grille\u201d complimented by a separate headlight system that clearly divides the main headlamps from the daytime running lights \u2013 which occupy the area where the headlamps would normally be.\nAt the back, the edge of the roof where the spoiler sits seem to resemble that of the \nnew Mazda CX-5 we reviewed recently\n although it could turn out differently with these being just renderings.\nThe back looks sleeker and \u201cmore compressed\u201d than before \u2013 featuring new Y-design taillights which extends towards the side of the rear quarter section along with dual exhaust tips.\u00a0The new generation Santa Fe will also be packed with Hyundai\u2019s \nlatest active safety features offered by the Smart Sense technology\n."
"The \nall-new Ford Focus\n recently underwent the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and walked home proudly with a maximum 5-Star crash safety rating. The new-generation Focus with its new C2 platform and advanced driver assistance suite became one of the first vehicles to be awarded the highest rating under the new, more stringent testing protocols.\nThe Focus did remarkably well in the Adult Occupant and Child Occupant category, scoring 85 per cent and 87 per cent respectively. Euro NCAP commented that the strong structure and crash load capability from the all-new C2 architecture provided good protection to passengers in both front and side-impact crashes.\nIts Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection was able to detect moving people ahead and automatically applies the brakes when a potential collision is imminent. Using three radars, two cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the Focus was able to apply autonomous emergency braking (AEB) reliably at city driving speeds.\nThe Focus\u2019 AEB system is also active at night, using the headlamps as a light source to detect obstructing objects. The organisation demonstrated that the Focus was able to avoid a collision with a pedestrian at night (40 km/h)."
"Since the inception of the Lexus RX in 1997, the luxury SUV quickly became the brand\u2019s top-selling model, selling over 2.2 million units across three-generations (first to third). It was also a no brainer deal when the Japanese luxury carmaker spawned the fourth-gen RX which happens to be \non sale here in Malaysia\n.\nHowever, Lexus is looking to expand its market even further by offering a seven-seater option for the RX! Dubbed as the \nLexus RX L\n, the new three-row SUV will make its debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show happening on 29 November 2017.\nThis will soon sit seven\nAt launch, the new three-row RX will be available in \nRX 350L\n and \nRX 450hL\n variants. In its five-seater configuration, the RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic pushing out \n295 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque. On the other hand, the RX 450h gets a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid paired to an E-CVT pushing out \n308 hp\n and \n335 Nm\n of twisting force. Both variants can be had in two- or four-wheel drive configurations. Expect the RX L to maintain the same outputs.\nLocally, the Lexus RX is on sale with a price tag of RM389k to RM520k, all fully imported from Japan. In an era where space is everything, a seven-seater RX L should be an appealing prospect."
"If you\u2019ve ever been inside a \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S\n, you probably wouldn\u2019t have asked for more power. But for some reason unbeknownst to us, someone out there did \u2013 there\u2019s always that one guy. Fortunately \nBrabus\n has just the right answer with the new Brabus B45-450.\nThe Brabus tune takes the two-litre turbocharged mill under the bonnet of the A 45 S \u2013 which is already the\n most powerful production four-cylinder engine\n \u2013 and pushes it even further to a peak output of\n\u00a0450 hp \n(hence, the name) and \n550 Nm \n\u2013 curiously identical to that of the \nBMW M2 CS\n.\nWhile the power increase is fairly modest by Brabus\u2019 standards, the tuning house said that the modification \u201cunleashes the dormant reserves in this four-cylinder turbo\u00a0without impairing the robustness and durability\u201d. But to us, it just goes to show how far \nMercedes-AMG\n has already pushed the little engine.\nWith the extra power, the Brabus B45-450 shaves a two tenths off the century sprint time \u2013 now just \n3.7 seconds\n \u2013 while top speed still remains at an electronically-limited \n270 km/h\n. Trust us, that\u2019s plenty fast enough.\nBrabus says that the extra power comes from \u201cmore than just special mapping\u201d on the ECU, but did not divulge further on the modifications made. Other parts in the conversion include a Brabus PowerXtra CPC auxiliary control unit, as well as a Brabus BoostXtra adapter, which \u201clets the engine produce a sporty blow-off noise like a racecar\u201d, alongside a special duct for the air box.\nAs for looks, Brabus left the A 45 S fairly untouched, with the only exterior options being a set of tailor-made 20-inch Monoblock wheels (with bespoke tyres from Continental), as well as height adjustable Brabus sports springs, with a maximum height drop of 30 mm.\nInside, buyers can opt for several additional Brabus blings, including stainless steel Brabus scuff plates with 64-colour illumination in sync with the ambient lighting, aluminium pedals, and Brabus-branded velour floor mats. If you wish, Brabus can also help you completely customize the upholstery inside, with virtually unlimited colour and design options.\nInterestingly, Brabus will also be offering a three-year/100,000 km warranty on the tune of the B45-450, alongside TUV roadworthiness approval over in Germany \u2013 making it pretty much just like buying any other Mercedes-Benz cars straight from the factory. Pricing is available on request, but if you have to ask, it\u2019s probably too much for you.\nGALLERY"
"With its current electric lineup not being the biggest one out there, \nToyota\n is adamant about changing this with its new strategy moving forward. Yes, the company has laid out its \nmulti-pathway strategy\n, but a new presentation reveals that more focus has now been given to electric vehicles (EV). Part of it being EVs with \n1,000 km\n of cruising range and a new modular platform for car bodies.\nToyota recently held a technical briefing session (or a Toyota Technical Workshop) under the theme of \u201cLet\u2019s Change the Future of Cars\u201d. During this session, the company announced a variety of new technologies that will support its transformation into a mobility company.\nTo accelerate its BEV development, Toyota has set up a \u201cBEV Factory\u201d which is an organization dedicated to battery EVs. Toyota\u2019s \u201cBEV Factory\u201d was launched in May 2022 and aims to change the future with BEVs through the transformation of cars, manufacturing, and the way we work.\nOn the matter of the EV itself, Toyota is setting some rather ambitious targets. The company aims to achieve an EV cruising range of \n1,000 km\n through technologies such as the integration of next-generation batteries and sonic technology.\nAlso, on the subject of the EV itself, Toyota\u2019s design for its new EV will be supported by artificial intelligence (AI) while the company\u2019s designers will focus on expressing natural sensibility. The brand\u2019s EVs will also be running the Arene OS and will support over-the-air (OTA) updates. Toyota says that it will deliver exciting surprises and fun to its customers, as evidently showcased through the \u2018\nmanual EV\n\u2019 Lexus from December 2022.\nRELATED: \nLexus confirms development of fake manual for EVs that stalls when you mess up\nIn terms of manufacturing, Toyota also showcased its new modular structure for car bodies which consists of three main components \u2013 front, centre, and rear. By adopting giga casting, the company says that this will allow significant component integration which will help to reduce development cost. In addition, self-propelling production technology will reduce the processes and plant investment by half.\nToyota\u2019s \u201cBEV Factory\u201d is essentially an \u201cAll in One Team\u201d that unifies functions and regions beyond the framework of the carmaker. This includes Woven by Toyota and Toyota\u2019s external partners.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota\u2019s multi-pathway strategy involves BEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs, and HEVs\nAs for its EV production targets, it seems that Toyota has set a new baseline production target of \n1.7 million units\n per year which is 0.2 million more than what was announced during the company\u2019s financial briefing earlier this year. By 2030, the Bev Factory is projected to have produced 3.5 million BEVs. Toyota is determined to become a world leader in battery EV energy consumption and its next-generation battery EVs will adopt new batteries. Toyota also presented its hydrogen strategy during the presentation.\nGALLERY"
"Have a BMW? Savour it while you can \u2013 be it a three cylinder, an inline-six, or a V12 \u2013 because we might not be able to get them any more, very soon. As BMW fast tracks its transition to electric, the Bavarian carmaker has now committed to cutting down half of its engine options currently on offer by 2025.\nSpeaking at the \nBMW Group investors annual conference\n last week, CEO Oliver Zipse outlined the company\u2019s plans to trim its engine and drivetrain line-up, in an effort to reduce complexity while only keeping variants that have a demand.\n\u201cWe are reducing complexity, with fewer variants and fewer drive trains, keeping only those for which there is real demand: About half the current drive train variants will no longer be offered by 2025,\u201d Zipse said.\nThe B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, perhaps the pinnacle of BMW six-cylinders. Read the full review of the M340i xDrive \nhere\n!\nSo, which of the 11 or so engines in BMW\u2019s stable will be cut? No one aside from those within BMW knows for sure, but Zipse comments do give us some pointers. \nBMWBlog\n argues that for the most part, enthusiasts need not worry. The inline-six engines will most likely stay for the foreseeable future, alongside the 2.0-litre four-bangers.\nThe ones most likely to be cut out would be the 1.5-litre three-cylinder units, to be replaced by lower-tuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines \u2013 if there\u2019s a business case there. Diesel engines will also most likely be cut, especially after the infamous Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal, and the looming threat of the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.\nBMW\u2019s latest fully-electric product, the \ni4\n.\nAll of these changes relies on BMW\u2019s transition to EVs, which the company targets that more than half of the cars they sell globally being electric by 2030. This year alone, BMW expects to deliver 100,000 EVs to customers, reaching two million by the end of 2025, and 10 million in total over the next decade.\nCurrently, the entire BMW Group has already launched five EV models \u2013 \ni3 and i3S\n, \niX3\n, \ni4\n, and the \nMini Cooper SE\n. Zipse said that the company will increase the number of pure EVs up to 13 by 2023, calling it the company\u2019s \u201ctipping point\u201d, with \u201cat least one\u201d fully-electric option for customers in 90% of segments, from compact to the ultra-luxury class.\nMini will be the \nfirst brand in the group to transition to electric\n, with Zipse saying the brand will produce its last gas-powered car in 2025. He also said work has begun on an all-electric Rolls-Royce, but gave no further details.\nFortunately for those with petrol running through their veins, the company has previously said that the \nBMW engines will still have a long life ahead\n. Just don\u2019t be surprised that there\u2019s some form of hybrid electrification technology tacked onto them."
"It\u2019s a situation every driver in Malaysia will encounter, especially during the rainy season. Floods are so common that whenever we see a car marooned in water on social media, we commiserate and move on with a what-can-you-do attitude. Scary it may be, but there is actually quite a lot you can do and the little knowledge below will help you swim and not sink.\nThere\nare a few scenarios for this:\nScenario 1: Getting through a flooded section safely\nThe familiar stretch of road in front of you is covered with water. The car ahead of you pushes forward and makes it through. Observe its size and ground clearance. If it is of similar dimensions to your vehicle, you may have a good chance of making it through.\nIf you decide to brave the flooded section, approach cautiously and wade into it. Keep up a steady pressure on the throttle pedal to maintain vehicle speed \u2013 you should be fast enough that the car won\u2019t stall and slow enough so that the waters don\u2019t wash over the hood. If there is a car ahead of you, make sure you leave plenty of room in between before you go into the water.\nOtherwise,\nfind a safe place to stop, turn on your hazard lights, and wait it out.\nScenario 2\n: \nThe engine dies. Now what?\nYou drive through a flooded street and it is deeper than you first thought. Your vehicle gives that heart-dropping sputter. Once, twice, and then the engine dies. Oh, no. If your vehicle is still in the middle of that abominable ocean of water, here\u2019s what you should do.\nDo not panic\n. It\u2019s easier said than done, but keep a clear head, breathe, and you\u2019ll be able to make better decisions.\nDo not attempt to restart the engine\n. The impulse is hard to resist, we know, but doing so may cause further damage to the engine and electronics of the vehicle. If the engine is still running and you\u2019re stuck in traffic with water levels rising fast, turn it off and remove the key from the ignition.\nNote the water level\n. This will help you and the person who may be repairing your vehicle make an informed assessment of the potential damage.\nGet your valuables and get out\n. Unless it\u2019s dire and you\u2019re in danger of drowning, you\u2019ll have enough time to grab keys, handphones, wallets, maybe even your baby at the back. We\u2019re kidding, leave the baby. Please don\u2019t. Take the baby first. Head to higher ground, especially if it is still raining as the water level may rise further. Get out of the rain too if possible.\nCall for help\n. If it is a secluded area, the emergency services should be the first numbers to call. 999 and 112 both work on mobile phones. Next, get hold of your auto insurance provider to arrange for a tow truck.\nEventually, the flood will dissipate, so here\u2019s what to do next.\nDon\u2019t start your engine\n. Just because there is no water around the car doesn\u2019t mean there is no water in the important bits of the car. You may inadvertently cause further damage.\nGet help\n. If you have not already, get your car moved to a workshop as soon as you can. If it\u2019s in a basement carpark or somewhere safe, you can make a calculated risk to leave it to dry before bringing it to the workshop.\nTake pictures of everything\n. Marks on the body of the car will show the highest water level during the flood. Debris around the car may have damaged the body, and in the car it indicates damage to the interior. Pop open the hood and grab as many pictures as you can as well. All this will help you in the insurance claim that is to come.\nGet your car insured for flood Damage\nIt\u2019s a scary experience, but some of the stress of it can be mitigated by protecting your vehicle (and your wallet). No flood insurance coverage means a big chunk of cash out of your pocket to get your vehicle running again. It is an expensive and upsetting affair. With it, it is much less trying.\nGenerally speaking, insurance plans in Malaysia come in three categories \u2013 \nComprehensive Coverage, Third Party with Fire and Theft Coverage, and Third Party Coverage\n. Although it is mandatory that cars in Malaysia are insured, flood coverage is an add-on option and is not mandatory. \nThis costs only 0.5% of your vehicle\u2019s sum insured\n.\nA simple\nexample would be:\n0.5% of RM100,000 (sum insured) = RM500 (price paid for flood\ncoverage per annum)\nIt is a small price to pay when compared to the price of overhauling an engine or replacing an ECU, and it looks even smaller when it buys you peace of mind. Grab your policy or give your insurance provider a call if you\u2019re unsure.\n \nThis happened two years ago (Credit: TheStar Online)"
"Kia Motors has just revealed the refreshed Kia Sportage, the Korean carmaker\u2019s global best seller. The Sportage facelift gets revised styling inside and out, new tech as well as the brand\u2019s first mild-hybrid diesel powertrain.\nStarting with the exterior, the Sportage\u2019s sporty appearance has been enhanced with new front and rear bumpers, revised headlamps and taillamps as well as new 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheels options. Kia had also added new options for the Sportage including chrome sill trims, metallic skid plates and five new paint colours.\nThe top of the range \nGT-Line models\n comes further equipped with a gloss black radiator grille, restyled \u201cice cube\u201d LED fog lamps, skid plates and dark chrome inserts on the side sills and rear tailgate. It rides on a set of unique 19-inch multi-spoke alloys.\nNew additions to the cabin includes a reshaped steering wheel, a revised instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch \u201cframeless\u201d touchscreen infotainment system and optional black and grey two-tone upholstery. The GT-Line has the option for black leather upholstery with red accents.\nThe Sportage facelift also debuts with Kia\u2019s new \n2.0-litre EcoDynamics+ mild-hybrid diesel engine\n that features a 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to boost performance and improve fuel economy. Other engine options include a 1.6-litre U3 CRDi turbodiesel available with \n115 hp\n or \n136 hp\n. All-wheel drive and a seven-speed double-clutch transmission is standard on higher-powered models.\nOn the technology side of things, the Sportage now gets Kia\u2019s latest advanced driving assistance systems such as \nSmart Cruise Control with Stop & Go\n, a 360-degree Around View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning and more.\nLocally, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) offers the Sportage in both \npetrol\n and \ndiesel\n guise. The facelift takes the Sportage\u2019s quirkiness up a notch, but the question is, can buyers accept a face like this despite its abundance of tech?"
"Inspired by Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor\nCorporation, the Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project aims to make product\nimprovements through a journey which traverses five continents of the world, with\nthe hope of delivering even better cars to customers around the world.\nA convoy of vehicles recently travelled through Malaysia, having started in the Middle East in February 2019. Asia is the last continent with the final stop being Japan when the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games begin.\nFor the Malaysian leg, the convoy kicked off with a visit to\na Toyota dealership in Penang owned by S&D Tama, dealer. Akio Takeyama,\nChief Motorsports Officer who is also the Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor,\nflagged off the convoy on 5th November.\nThe route included a drive up to Cameron Highlands, which then continued south to Singapore with a stop at Shah Alam, Selangor, where UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s head office is located. The participants were briefed on the company\u2019s background, activities, customer profiles, local market conditions and GAZOO Racing (GR) initiatives in Malaysia.\nThe 5 Continents Drive Project is carried out under the umbrella\nof TOYOTA GAZOO Racing initiatives. In Malaysia, the GR Brand is one of the key\npillars of Toyota\u2019s brand message.\n\u201cWe are delighted that Malaysia is included in the Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project, a project that is of high priority to Toyota Motor Corporation,\u201d said Takeyama. \u201cThe varied conditions of roads and traffic should provide the participants with valuable insights that can help them develop ever-better cars for our customers.\u201d\n\u201cToyota has always made reliable cars but today\u2019s customers have more demands, so \u2018good\u2019 is no longer enough and we need to offer great cars,\u201d said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. \u201cThe Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project should help towards developing ever-better cars.\u201d\nAfter the Malaysian leg ends, the convoy will cross over to\nSingapore. The remaining countries for the Asian leg are Indonesia, the\nPhilippines and Vietnam. In 2020, the 5 Continents Drive Project will continue\nthrough China and East Asia before ending in Japan."
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has unveiled the facelift 2022 Eclipse Cross. The facelifted model has receive some cosmetic updates both on the exterior and interior.\nAt the front, the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross gets a new gloss black grille, a redesigned front bumper guard along with redesigned front headlamps. The facelifted crossover will also be adopting the evolved version of Mitsubishi\u2019s signature Dynamic Shield design.\nOn the left: The front of 2017 pre-facelift Eclipse Cross, on the right: The front of 2022 facelifted Eclipse Cross\nMoving to the rear, the 2022 Eclipse Cross gets a redesigned rear window and tailgate. The new tailgate features a sharply sculpted hexagon design reminiscent of the company\u2019s iconic rear-mounted spare tire shape. MMC says that it doesn\u2019t only give the crossover a sleeker profile, but it further enhances visibility.\nInside the cabin, the cosmetic updates are less extensive. A new black interior with silver accents and light grey leather seats give the cabin a more upmarket feeling. The dash layout has been altered slightly; positioning the new 8-inch smartphone-link display audio (SDA) system closer to both the driver and front passenger.\nA notable absence in the facelifted cabin is the touchpad control, which was found on the pre-facelift model. The touchpad control has been replaced with tactile volume and tuning knobs located on the display audio instead. It also opens up more storage space on the center console.\nOn the left: The rear of 2017 pre-facelift Eclipse Cross, on the right: The rear of 2022 facelifted Eclipse Cross\nPowering the 2022 Eclipse Cross is the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the \npre-facelift model\n, paired with an 8-speed CVT that produces \n163 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n of torque.\nMMC also said that they will be introducing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the 2022 Eclipse Cross in selected markets, but did not divulge any further information about the electrified model.\nOn the left: The interior of 2017 pre-facelift Eclipse Cross, on the right: The interior of 2022 facelifted Eclipse Cross\nThe 2022 Eclipse Cross will likely come with both two- or four-wheel drive configuration. The four-wheel drive variant will get the Mitsubishis latest generation Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, an electronic dial that optimises the vehicle\u2019s dynamics to three driving modes \u2013 Auto, Snow and Gravel.\nIn terms of safety, the 2022 Eclipse Cross should mirror that of the pre-facelift model. That means standard safety equipment across the range including seven airbags, ABS, Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), and automatic high beam."
"Toyota\u2019s MPV range has always been the brand\u2019s hallmark. From ultra-luxurious people mover to the budget fleet vehicles, Toyota has just about the car\u00a0for everyone to choose. Even more so with the introduction of the \nall-new Toyota Innova\n, UMW\u2019s fourth MPV launch this year.\nShortly before the official launch of the second-generation Toyota Innova, UMW Toyota invited the media for a test drive event. UMW has arranged the first and second generation Innova to be driven back-to-back for us to experience the improvements of the all-new Innova over its predecessor. After spending a day with the top-of-the-range Innova 2.0G, it certainly lives up to its tagline \u2013 \nPrestige Perfected\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Innova 2.0G (AT)\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with Sequential Shifter\nMax Power\n137 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n183 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM126,000.00\nFor the most part, the Innova shares the same recipe from the previous generation \u2013 a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 1TR-FE with Dual VVT-i, an IMV platform like the Hilux and Fortuner and a rear-wheel drive layout. The 2.0-litre 1TR-FE engine now churns out\n 3 hp\n and \n1 Nm\n more, bringing the figures up to \n137 hp\n and \n183 Nm\n. A new \nsix-speed automatic\n with Sequential Shifter is equipped here to provide better fuel economy and refinement. Opt for the 2.0E manual variant and you will get a \nfive-speed stick\n\u00a0instead. Regardless of transmission choice, the Innova is a \ncertified EEV\n.\nThe Innova can be had in three variants, namely the 2.0G (AT), 2.0E (AT) and 2.0E (MT). Exterior styling wise, the G and E are identical to each other, except for the front fog lamps, chrome radiator grille and door handles. These however, are all omitted on the 2.0E. Besides that, keyless entry and power folding wing mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamp are also omitted. Fortunately, the \n16-inch\n twin five-spoke alloys wrapped in 205/65 profile Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tyres is standard across the range.   The interior is a vast improvement over the previous generation and fortunately for consumers, the Innova is packed with goodies inspired by its bigger siblings. The \nblack themed interior\n\u00a0(as opposed to beige in the outgoing Innova) gives off the impression of a much more premium vehicle (a la the\u00a0\nVellfire\n). The leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with wood inlays and \nOptitron meter\n with 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-info display is taken straight off the RM190k \nFortuner\n.\nOur test unit was fitted with the optional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (RM2,990 with GPS navigation, RM1,990 without navigation) with reverse camera and navigation connected to six speakers. The touchscreen unit is simple to operate with crisp and vibrant colours while the audio quality from the six speakers is simply a delight. Parking is made easy with the reverse camera coupled with front and rear parking sensors. Although, I\u2019m not sure if the Garmin-based navigation system is worth your extra RM1,000.   Compared to the previous generation, Toyota has certainly worked their magic on the overall ergonomics of the new Innova. Folding the second row seats is much simpler thanks to the\u00a0One Touch Tumble function where the old car requires a two-step motion. The third row seats with One Touch Easy Space Up were very light making it easy to stow them away. Not to forget the Easy Close Back Door (vacuum door) exclusive to the G-spec Innova made closing the tailgate a much more graceful affair.\nOther features that are available only on the G-Spec Innova such as\u00a0row roof mounted air vents for both the second and third row (with automatic controls), 10kg tray and blue ambient lighting certainly add to the premium impression of the cabin. Not to mention an impressive array of safety features including seven airbags, ABS with EBD, BA, VSC, hill start assist and Emergency Stop Signal.\nJust before we get into how the all-new 2.0G Innova drives, allow me to just touch on the quirks of its predecessor. To recap, the old Innova 2.0G is powered by the same 2.0-litre 1TR-FE engine but mated to a four-speed slushbox producing \n134 hp\n and \n182 Nm\n of torque. On the get go, the four-speeder is slow to react to throttle inputs and lacks refinement.\nNVH levels were also subpar with wind and road noise seeped into the cabin even at moderate speeds. Over bumps and humps, rebounds are very apparent although to be fair the damping is setup to support heavy loads. However, for the Innova\u2019s intended purposes and considering that this is an \n11-year old model\n, it\u2019s fairly acceptable. The question then becomes: just how much better can the new model be? Let\u2019s find out.\nImmediately the extra two cogs and improved\u00a0gear ratios made acceleration a breeze. Hard on the throttle and the gearbox kicks down a gear or two to supply the power you need for overtaking manoeuvres. Power delivery is smooth and linear and getting up to highway speeds is not so much of a chore compared to the old model. Although, I could imagine the 2.0-litre petrol mill will struggle under a full load but at least the powertrain is a smoother operator.\nOn the highway, NVH levels were noticeably more refined. Even at highway cruising speeds, wind noise was not as apparent as before, even by industry standards. Road noise was also kept at bay possibly due to the \nlow rolling resistance Bridgestone Ecopia EP150\n tyres and more liberal use of\u00a0sound deadening materials.\nAccording to UMW Toyota, the new Innova is fitted with \nlarger rear shock absorbers\n coupled with revised damping settings to provide better ride comfort. Over the same stretch of roads, the old Innova dances around from the undulating surfaces, but the new one wafted through with significantly lesser rebounds, making it a much more pleasant ride. Around bends, despite its 1,700kg weight, the MPV holds its composure surprisingly well.\nOverall, the second-generation Toyota Innova is indeed Prestige Perfected. It drives far better, comes with plenty of goodies to play with and the top-spec 2.0G is all yours for RM126k. Those of you who are in the market for an MPV below RM150k, there are already a few such as the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, \nMazda Biante\n or even some grey market imports. However, this Innova is definitely worth your time, consideration and money. Need more reasons? How about a\u00a0\n5-Yeary unlimited\n \nmileage\n,\n manufacturer-backed warranty\u00a0\nprogramme\u00a0and the reliability that comes with every Toyota-badged cars?\nMatthew\u2019s Take: The Toyota Innova seems to have made a tremendous leap forwards in terms of overall packaging. But what is most impressive is the newfound feel of luxury in the cabin. I\u2019ve spent a great deal of time driving the outgoing Innova 2.0G, but the entire experience gets diluted down to it being a common people carrier with nothing much to prove (still can\u2019t get over the hurricane that comes with every cold-crank of the engine). The second-generation model however, takes things up multiple notches. It will undoubtedly sell in good numbers, but I hope the full-spec variant (with projector headlamps and such) will join the lineup in due course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche Malaysia (Sime Darby Auto Performance) is on a roll. Shortly after launching the \n911 Targa\n and the \nCayenne GTS\n\u00a0(and the rest of the facelifted Cayenne range) last month, they have now officially announced the arrival of their dynamic duo: the Boxster GTS and the Cayman GTS.\nLaunched at the \nPorsche Center Sungai Besi\n, the soft-top \nBoxster\n and the tin-top \nCayman\n get the same \nGTS\n treatment as their bigger siblings, which means upgraded looks, a power hike, and some chassis tweaks. Both share mostly the same oily bits underneath, the major difference is the Boxster allows you to have an open-top\u00a0driving experience while the roof on the Cayman is fixed.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche Boxster GTS\nPorsche Cayman GTS\nEngine\n3,436cc; naturally aspirated flat six\nTransmission\n7-speed PDK dual clutch auto\nMax Power\n330 hp @ 6,700 rpm\n340 hp @ 7,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n370 Nm @ 4,500 \u2013 5,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 4,750 \u2013 5,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n4.7 seconds\n4.6 seconds\nTop Speed\n281 km/h\n285 km/h\nPrice (Base price with GST)\nfrom RM660,000\nfrom RM700,000\nBoth the Boxster GTS and the Cayman GTS are rather special to Porsche too, because they\u2019re the first mid-engined Porsche to wear the GTS badge since the\u00a0legendary \n1963 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS\n.   EXTERIOR\nAs a step up from the Boxster S and the Cayman S, the GTS twin receives a unique styling package. Due to the different bumpers fitted on the GTS, the \nlength\n has \ngrown by 24 mm \nto\n 4,404mm\n, while the sports suspension dropped the \nheight\n by \n10 mm \nto\n 1,284 mm\n. The width and wheelbase are unchanged at 1,801 mm and 2,475 mm.\nNaturally, the GTS models cast a meaner face than the S models. The front bumper is new with additional \nlip extension\n, \nrestyled side intakes\n, and \nslim LED DRLs\n, while the\u00a0\nBi-Xenon\n headlights with the \nPorsche Dynamic Light System\n (PDLS) are now surrounded by \nblack bezels\n.   The GTS duo also wears bigger shoes. A set of \n20-inch Carrera S wheels\n are fitted as standard, but the cars pictured here are wearing the sexier 911 Turbo wheels and they are shod with Pirelli rubbers that measure \n235/35 ZR20\n at the front and \n265/35 ZR20\n at the rear.\nAt the back, apart from the \nGTS emblem\n, the \ntaillights\n are \nsmoked\n, and the bumper gains a more \naggressive diffuser\n that also houses a couple of \nblack-tipped tailpipes\n. Meanwhile the speed-sensitive \npop-up rear spoiler\n remains on both GTS models.\nINTERIOR\nBoth the Boxster GTS and the Cayman GTS interiors have been spruced up to set the mood for an even more exhilarating driving experience. \nBlack Alcantara\n is featured on the steering wheel, center console, door inserts and it even extends up to the roof liner as well.   The cabin is furnished by a pair of \nSport Seats Plus\n with GTS embroidery on the headrests, and \nPorschephiles\n should recognise that\n stopwatch\n on the dashboard which can only mean the car is equipped with \nSport Chrono\n package.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe sonorous \nboxer six\n from the Boxster S and the Cayman S have been tweaked to release \n15 hp and 10 Nm more\n. Now the \n3,436 cc\n normally aspirated engine (redlines at 7,800 rpm) produces a total of \n330 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n in the \nBoxster GTS\n and \n340 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n in the \nCayman GTS\n.\nBoth cars get the legendary \nseven-speed dual clutch auto\n (PDK or Doppelkupplungsgetriebe), getting them from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n for the Boxster GTS and \n4.6 seconds\n in the Cayman GTS. Top speed is rated at \n281 km/h\n and \n285 km/h\n respectively. Both the mid-engine two-seaters yield a fuel efficiency rating of \n8.2 litres per 100 km\n.\nBeing a GTS,\n\u00a0\nboth models get\u00a0\nPorsche Active Suspension Management\n (PASM) as standard, whereas the lesser S models get them as a cost option. PASM doesn\u2019t just\u00a0\nlowers the car by 10 mm\n, it offers \nvariable damping\n setup to suit the driving environment. Together with the \nSport Chrono package\n (also standard), it allows the chassis to stiffen up when Sport Plus mode is activated. This also causes the \nsport exhaust system\n to dethrottle, making for automatic throttle blips (automatic rev matching) when downshifting with the manual transmission.\nIn case you haven\u2019t yet known, the Sport Exhaust System is a cost option on the S models, but is standard here and have been optimally tuned for both GTS models. Once Sport Plus is activated, the engine management system automatically adjusts the flaps according to driving situations.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe order books are officially open for the Boxster GTS and the Cayman GTS. Base price starts from \nRM660,000\n\u00a0for the Boxster GTS and \nRM700,000\u00a0\nfor the Cayman GTS. Both prices stated here include all applicable duties and GST, but excludes registration fee, road tax and insurance. All new Porsche models come with a \n4-year factory\n \nwarranty\n and a \n4-year complimentary service maintenance package\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche Cayman GTS   Porsche Boxster GTS"
"If there\u2019s something the Toyota-Subaru twins need to fix, it\u2019s the lack of power. Since \neven the facelifted version\n\u00a0failed to address that, we can only hope that Subaru would come up with the long awaited\u00a0STI variant of the \nBRZ\n coupe.\nWhat we have here are pictures of a special BRZ by Subaru America, revealing complete bodykit along with a huge rear spoiler. If anything, this is a positive sign of a proper STI in the works.\u00a0And just recently, a BRZ similar to this setup was going through some tests near Subaru America\u2019s research and development centre in Ann Arbor, Michigan. That particular BRZ had\u00a0a racier bodykit, stronger Brembo brakes and sportier\u00a0looking wheels.\nHowever, what\u2019s underneath the engine bay remains a mystery for now. Since its inception in 2012, there were no serious attempts by both Toyota and Subaru to produce more than 200 hp from the 2.0-litre flat-four engine.\nThe American-bound Subaru BRZ STI will become part of Subaru\u2019s 50th-anniversary celebration in the United States. Let\u2019s just see if it\u2019ll get the performance boost everyone has been waiting for and pray that it\u2019s not just a mere\u00a0\ncosmetic exercise\n. The said BRZ will\u00a0be unveiled on\n 8 June 2017\n.\nImage Source: \nEvo UK\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Before Mercedes-AMG officially debuts the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), it appears that \nCarScoops\n have picked up an allegedly leaked image of the car in full.\nLow-resolution aside, the car in question is very likely the final version of the AMG GT Concept that was \nrepeatedly teased\n over the past year. Details such as slim LED headlamps, Panamericana grille, door-mounted wing mirrors, sloping roofline and subtle rear wing all points towards the AMG GT Concept.\nSaid to be called the GT4, the four-door coupe will feature an \nelectrified version of the M178 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n that is capable of generating up to \n600 kW\n (805 hp). Paired to a new, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, the GT 4 is capable of a \nsub 3 second century sprint time\n. It will also be the second AMG model to bear the \u201cEQ Power+\u201d designation, after the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One race car.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GT4 will be presented in full come March at the 2018 GIMS and will spearhead AMG\u2019s future plans to produce more high-performance hybrid drive systems.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GT Concept Teased   Mercedes-AMG GT Concept Car"
"Take a quick look at the latest \nEVs\n these days \u2013 aside from the few on the upper echelon, the rest of them all just look a little drab, don\u2019t they? It really isn\u2019t that much of a surprise, since EV makers are still prioritising efficiency over everything else \u2013 and that\u2019s why they all mostly have the same smooth, rounded \u201csafe\u201d shape to make it as slippery in the air as possible, while at the same time appealing to almost all kinds of car buyers.\nNot convinced with the direction that EVs are heading towards, Seat\u2019s new high-performance offshoot\n Cupra\n has now taken matters into its own hands by unveiling the UrbanRebel Concept in an attempt to prove that small EVs can actually be cool, and well \u2013 the wild looks just says it all.\nUnfortunately, The Cupra UrbanRebel Concept is just that \u2013 a concept. However, the company says that its motorsports-inspired design language will influence an actual production entry-level crossover model that\u2019ll make its debut in 2025.\n\u201cThe Cupra UrbanRebel Concept injects a gamification look to the racing car, projecting a radical interpretation of the company\u2019s urban electric car,\u201d said Cupra Design Director, Jorge Diez. \u201cEach contoured line and sculpted surface in the design is brought to life by a livery that uses kinetic particles to add movement to the surface as light shifts across it.\u201d\nThe Cupra Formentor SUV has a unique feature to prevent \u201ccar dooring\u201d accidents! Check it out here.\nOf course, the eventual production model will be significantly toned down from the UrbanRebel concept, so the towering rear wings, large rear haunches, and massive diffusers will all be axed before the car makes it through the production line.\nHowever, expect to see the general styling themes, such as the overall athletic proportions, wrap-around visor glasshouse, triangular lights, and the \u201cshark nose\u201d front fascia all being reinterpreted for the crossover in 2025.\nLotus has just announced four new EVs to be launched by 2026, including \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 two SUVs. Read more here.\nThe Cupra UrbanRebel Concept\u2019s proportions also gives us an idea of how the eventual SUV crossover will size up to its peers, measuring in at 4,080 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, and 1,444 mm tall, or right around the same size as a \nVolkswagen Polo\n. When it makes it to production though, we expect it to be just shy of the \nVolkswagen ID.3\n, since it\u2019ll be based on the same MEB platform.\nCupra says that the UrbanRebel Concept packs 250kW (335 hp) of continuous power, and up to 320kW (429 hp) at its peak, which translates to a supercar-like 0-100 km/h time of just 3.2 seconds. When it goes to production in 2025 though, we expect to see a single motor set-up similar to the ID.3, with a more civilian 201 hp and\n \n310 Nm of torque on offer.\nGALLERY"
"Spearheading BMW M\u2019s foray into electrification is the new \nBMW XM\n. Previewed as the Concept XM in November 2021, the XM is built from the ground up without an existing \nBMW\n \nmodel to be based on. In conjunction with the M Division\u2019s 50th anniversary, the company is taking the opportunity to transform towards electric mobility.\nAs a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV), the BMW XM\u2019s powertrain consists of a twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 489 hp and 650 Nm and an electric motor that makes 197 hp and 280 Nm. Working harmoniously, the system output is \n653 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n. Paired with the powertrain is an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. With power sent to all four wheels via the M xDrive system, the BMW XM accelerates from 0-100 km/h in \n4.3 seconds\n.\nSupplying power to the electric motor is a high-voltage \n29.5-kWh\n lithium-ion battery. The battery can be charged at a rate of \n7.4 kW\n and takes 4 hours and 15 minutes to charge from 0 to 100%. The BMW XM can be driven in a fully electric mode at speeds of up to 140 km/h. In ideal conditions, the pure electric range can go up to 88 km.\nIf the performance of the XM is not good enough for you, BMW will be adding the \u201cBMW XM Label Red\u201d to the model range in Autumn 2023 with a system output of \n748 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n. In the BMW XM Label Red, the engine will produce 585 hp and 750 Nm, while the electric drive system will produce 197 hp and 280 Nm.\nRELATED: \nThe BMW Alpina XB7 boosts the X7\u2019s performance, but not so much its looks\nIn terms of exterior design, it is hard to ignore the large kidney grille of the XM. It seems that the hundreds of memes have not changed the Munich carmaker\u2019s mind on its grille size. BMW says the XM is a statement of exclusivity, presence, and performance. The headlights are split into two separate units and the kidney grille is decorated with gold-coloured surrounds and continuous contour lighting.\nBMW says the design of the BMW XM gives off a \u201csingularly extrovert aura\u201d thanks to a host of distinctive accents. The XM also pays homage to the brand\u2019s history with an \u201caccent band\u201d in Gold that is reminiscent of the black strip running along the body of the BMW M1. It also has BMW logos engraved into the flat rear window. Standard wheels for the XM are 21 inches in size with the option of further variants with wheels up to 23 inches in size.\nRELATED: \nIs this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?\nBMW says that the cockpit and front seats have been designed to create an active driving experience. Also contributing to the driving experience are standard interior equipment such as M multifunction seats, knee pads and a model-specific M leather steering wheel, along with M-specific graphics including shift lights for the BMW Curved Display and BMW Head-Up Display.\nBesides an active driving experience, the XM also provides a generous feeling of space inside the cabin. Combined with high-quality materials and extravagant design, BMW has transformed the second row of the BMW XM into an exclusive M Lounge. Standard interior features include ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, and a Travel & Comfort System.\nRELATED: \nThe upcoming 2022 BMW M2 could be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive\nOther highlights of the BMW XM are the sophisticated chassis system with a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, integral active steering, the latest generation of iDrive, and an M Hybrid button.\nInterestingly, BMW Malaysia has open Registration of Interest (ROI) for the BMW XM on their official website. Being the first electrified BMW M car and featuring a somewhat controversial design, we look forward to seeing the response toward the BMW XM.\nGALLERY"
"The Proton Wira has long been a favourite in Malaysia, but it seems that, unfortunately, it\u2019s also one of the car thieves\u2019 favourites too. According to data from the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTREC), the 30-year-old national car has retained its status as the \u201cmost stolen vehicle\u201d for the 11th consecutive year, based on claims received by insurance companies.\nAs reported by \nThe Star\n, a total of 131 Wiras were reported stolen in 2021 (the most recent publicly published data), followed by the Proton Iswara with 75 reported cases. In third was the Perodua Kancil, while the Toyota Hilux \u2013 also the most-stolen foreign made car \u2013 takes fourth with 65 cases.\nGranted, these numbers are significantly lower when \ncompared to 2020\n, where 353 units of the Wira and 273 Israwas were reported stolen, but it\u2019s still not a pretty sight. \u201cThere are stolen Mercedes-Benz cars being sold for as low as RM10,000, or a Hilux for RM12,000, and Wira for only RM3,000,\u201d said VRTEC coordinator, Mas Tina Abdul Hamid.\nAs illustrated by the Wira, most of these cars at the top of the list are quite old in age. Mas Tina explained that it was because car thieves usually target the popular models from some time back, as the demand for spare parts for these models will be increasing as they age.\n\u201cThe Wira was a popular [car] back then, and there are still quite a number [of them] on the road even though production stopped in 2009,\u201d she added, saying that the car thieves are quite often suppliers of Wira spare parts, if not being sold domestically.\nALSO READ: \nThese two Dutch brothers built a Proton Wira \u201ctaxi\u201d and drove it on the Nurburgring!\nThat\u2019s not good news for the \nPerodua Myvi\n, which currently sits at sixth place on the list. As the Myvi \u2013 specifically the first- and second-generation model \u2013 continues to age, Mas Tina believes that the Myvi will soon also become one of the car thieves\u2019 favourites.\n\u201cThe Myvi is a target because of its looks and the fact that it is among the people\u2019s favourites. The trend is almost similar (to the Wira). We now have a huge number of Myvi on the road,\u201d Mas Tina said, adding that the recent shortage of vehicle spare parts due to the \nCovid-19\n pandemic has also made the problem worse.\nSo what\u2019s being done about car theft in Malaysia? Well unfortunately, Mas Tina said that it is very difficult for the authorities to corner car theft syndicates, as they often employ different groups of people. The stolen cars are also often brought over to Thailand, where some other party will be tasked with selling the stolen vehicles.\nVTREC is working tirelessly with its stakeholders, including the Royal Malaysian Police, Road Transport Department, and the Malaysian Immigration Department to help reduce the incidents of car theft here in Malaysia, but we citizens can also do our part and be more vigilant to obvious scams online, as those are what give the car thieves incentive."
"Porsche North America this week has halted sales of the Cayenne SUV, specifically those running on the 3.0-litre diesel engines made between 2014 to 2016. This directive affects more than just the Porsche Cayenne but also the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touaregs that have been allegedly fitted with an \nemissions defeat device\n. At this point in time, the issue affects North American market in particular with devastating consequences.\nVolkswagen has been absolutely frantic in the quest to get ahead of these issues plaguing the brand with Volkswagen\u2019s Chairman of the Board of Management,\u00a0\nMatthias M\u00fcller\n at the helm. The former Porsche top boss has recently announced his\n five-step plan\n\u00a0to \u2018iron things out\u2019.\u00a0M\u00fcller\u00a0explained that his\n top priority\n is to \nsupport\n the \ncustomers\n affected by\u00a0the diesel issue, stating \u201cour customers are at the \ncore\n of everything that our 600,000 employees\u00a0worldwide do\u201d.\nSecond\n on the list\u00a0is to systematically \ndrive forward\n and complete the \ninvestigation\n into\u00a0what happened. For that matter, audit firm \nDeloitte\n has been roped in to assist VAG in their investigations.\u00a0According to M\u00fcller, those\u00a0responsible for what has happened must be held \naccountable\n and shall face the music if found guilty. With damages surpassing\u00a0\n\u20ac2 billion\n, someone is to be held liable for it, although that seems to clash with step four.\nM\u00fcller\u2019s \nthird\n step is to introduce\u00a0\nrevised structures\n within the Volkswagen Group that\u2019s geared towards a greater level of \ndecentralisation but\u00a0\nwith more \nindependence\n for the brands and regions. The Board of\u00a0Management will focus more on addressing cross-brand strategies while \nleveraging\n synergies and\u00a0ensuring that Group resources are used in a more \neffective\n manners. Given that the company makes over \n300\n different models, VW will be examining them with a fine-tooth comb to determine their \nearning\n potentials for the Group.\n\u00a0\nThe \nfourth\n step on\u00a0M\u00fcller\u2019s plan is to cultivate a different \nculture\n of \nmanagement behavior\n over at the VW family, and says that he believes these changes are necessary to ensure transparency in their internal communication and subsequently handle mistakes. Given the depravity of the situation faced by the company, couple that with tougher job markets, employees would opt to \nnot\n blow the whistle if it means keeping their jobs \u2013 which is perfectly understandable. If anyone of us were in a situation like that, the words \u201c\nvow of silence\n\u201d comes screeching straight to mind.\nThe \nfinal\n step of the reformation process is to align the company toward\u00a0\nStrategy 2025\n which is described quite simply as\u00a0\nqualitative growth\n. It\u2019s not about trying to outsell your rivals and post massive profits, but rather putting this unfortunate incident behind them and charge forward. More of this final step will be revealed later. Stay tuned."
"For the 2021 Formula 1 season, the fleet of F1 Safety and Medical cars will be shared between the existing Mercedes-AMG vehicles as well as new additions of \nAston Martin Vantage\n and \nAston Martin DBX\n vehicles, a first for the British luxury automaker.\nThis is the first time that two marques are assigned the duties of key support vehicles for the F1 championship, where Mercedes-Benz has been the sole provider since 1996.\nThe Aston Martin Vantage coupe has outputs of 510 hp and 685 Nm from the Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. For the F1 Safety Car duties, calibration has been done to increase engine output by 25 hp to \n535 hp\n, and the engine control unit will prolong the \n685 Nm\n of torque to sustain for \nlonger periods\n above the standard 5,000 rpm.\u00a0\nPaired to a rear-mounted eight-speed automatic transmission, the Aston Martin Vantage completes the century sprint in a rapid\u00a0\n3.6 seconds\n. Top speed is not important while leading the F1 pack with chassis modification work done to instead improve cornering speed and stability.\nThe engineering team at Aston Martin has placed underbody bracing for additional rigidity together with a new high downforce-inducing body kit including a front splitter that can generate as much as \n155.6 kg\n of downforce. \u00a0\nAdditional cooling ducts have also been fitted to exhaust as much heat as possible from the engine compartment as well as the carbon-ceramic brakes.\nThe Aston Martin DBX SUV meanwhile will be providing the duties of the Medical Car, a role rarely seen until last year\u2019s inferno at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Romain Grosjean\u2019s Haas VF-20 car burst into flames after crashing onto the barrier.\nAs the medical car is purely attending to the aftermath of an incident rather than circuit pacing, modifications have been done to the interior to carry two fire extinguishers, a large medical bag, a burn kit and a defibrillator. The rear bench has been replaced by two individual bucket seats with six-point safety harness.\nEngine outputs of the Aston Martin DBX remain unchanged from the standard car, with \n550 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. 0 to 100 km/h is done in \n4.5 seconds\n, with traction delivered to all four Pirelli tyres via the nine-speed automatic transmission and an intelligent all-wheel drive system featuring an active central differential with an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eDiff).\u00a0\nThe AMR21, Aston Martin\u2019s entrant for the 2021 F1 Championship\nBoth vehicles will be fitted with the lighting, communications and marshalling system developed by F1 and finished in \nAston Martin Racing Green\n, the same paintwork found on their 2021 F1 racer led by four-time world champion\n Sebastian Vettel\n.\nThe new red paint on the 2021 Mercedes-AMG F1 Medical and Safety Car, with the latter featuring the partnership with CrowdStrike\nThe first assignment is being taken on by Aston Martin at the season\u2019s opener on 28th March at the Bahrain Grand Prix. \nMercedes-AMG\n will return to action, brandishing a new red colour scheme, on 18th April at the second round in the picturesque Imola.\nThe fleet of F1 support vehicles will still be piloted by Bernd Maylander while the medical cars will be driven by Alan van der Merwe with Dr Ian Roberts as the accompanying F1 Medical Rescue Coordinator.\n \nIn Malaysia, the\u00a0latest \nAston Martin Vantage\n is priced from \nRM678\n,\n000\n, while the\u00a0\nAston Martin DBX\n is priced from \nRM818\n,\n000\n. Both are prices before taxes, duties, options and all other associated costs.\nGALLERY\nAston Martin Vantage F1 Safety Car\nAston Martin DBX F1 Medical Car"
"This article is brought to you by the letter \u201cF\u201d. A well utilised alphabet in the motoring world. Apart from the word \u201cFast\u201d, \u201cFerrari\u201d, and to a certain extent, \u201cFiat\u201d, we have another important entry that starts with it. We are talking about \u201cFaraday Future\u201d, a new EV Hypercar that could make Tesla watch quietly from their little corner.\nFaraday Future has just unveiled the\u00a0\nFFZERO1\n\u00a0concept at the 2016 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas.\u00a0This \n1,000hp\n EV is capable of hitting \n0-100km/h under three seconds\n with a claimed top speed of over \n320km/h\n. It is propelled by\u00a0\nfour \u2018quad core\u2019 motors\u00a0\nand uses a\u00a0\ncustomizable battery string technology\n.   The shape of this car clearly suggests that it is inspired by prototype race cars, with its exterior designed with aerodynamic wizardry in mind. There are aero tunnels directing air through the car, increasing traction and at the same time cooling down electric powertrain.\nOn the inside, augmented reality displays will be projected onto the windscreen. Just like a jet fighter, the driver\u2019s helmet will receive\u00a0Oxygen and water tubes from ports in the seat, probably suggesting this concept car could go as fast as an F-16 jet fighter hitting Mach 1 in the sky. Probably.\nUnfortunately, we might not able to see the \nFFZERO1\n dashing onto track action, as Faraday Future revealed this single-seater gizmo in four wheels will not be made into production. Instead, they are taking this chance to provide glimpses of its technology and design language chosen in the company\u2019s future products. In this concept, the company is previewing its unique\u00a0\nVariable Platform Architecture\n (VPA) technology.\nOne of VPA\u2019s ingenuity is flexibility on creating multiple platforms of EV cars regardless if it is two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations. \nFaraday Future\n cars are also designed with\u00a0autonomous driving in mind, re-imagine and re-define a concept for mobility.\nThe Los Angeles company has been backed by massive investment from the Chinese and has 750 employees worldwide. The company attracted talents from\u00a0Google, Apple, NASA, BMW, Jaguar, Tesla, and even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reinvent the automotive industry. The company is focused on connecting the world via a safe and an environment-friendly way of motoring.\nWe have entered 2016, but gutted to see the flying cars as envisioned in the \nBack to the Future Part 2\u00a0\nis nothing but fantasy, having to know the future of motoring based with Faraday Future\u2019s concept does suggest the future of motoring is\u00a0promising indeed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota has just given the popular Alphard and Vellfire duo a minor update, which includes improved safety and connectivity features.\nStyling wise, nothing has changed from the \nprevious facelift\n of the \nTaukey \nduos. Just as before the updated luxury MPVs will be available in three different variants \u2013\n Vellfire 2.5L\n, \nAlphard 3.5L\n, and the \nAlphard 3.5 Executive Lounge\n.\nToyota has included the brand\u2019s latest safety features into the updated Alphard and Vellfire, which includes the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), Parking Brake Support System, Vehicle Telematics System, as well as Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.\nThe TSS system is Toyota\u2019s suite of \nadvanced driver assistance features\n. The suite includes features such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracking Assist, as well as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control \u2013 All Speed.\nWith the new Parking Brake Support System, the Alphard and Vellfire will automatically apply the brakes and cut back the engine output to prevent collision during the parking process, if an object is detected via the sensors on the exterior of the car.\nElsewhere, the Vehicle Telematics Systems (VTS) constantly tracks the vehicle\u2019s location through GPS and GSM connectivity, which should aid vehicle recovery in the event of the vehicle being stolen.\nThe VTS system can also monitor and record the vehicle speed and other operating conditions, which can be sent to a designated user through email.\nInside, Toyota has updated the dashboard with a new 9-inch touchscreen AVX infotainment display, now with full \nAndroid Auto and Apple CarPlay\n support.\nThe new infotainment system also supports\n constant DVR recording\n through the front and rear cameras of the Panaromic-View Monitor \u2013 no need for a separate dashcam anymore.\nThe Alphard and Vellfire range will be fully imported from Japan, with prices starting at \nRM383,000\n for the Vellfire 2.5L, and \nRM465,000\n for the Alphard 3.5L. The price for the Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge has not been confirmed yet at the time of writing.\nThe updated 2020 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are\n now available for pre-launch booking\n at all authorised Toyota dealerships and UMW Toyota outlets nationwide."
"According to a \nlocal news report\n, the Federation of Malaysian Consumer\u2019s Association (FOMCA) has spoken up and stressed that consumers are not to be blamed for the loud exhaust fiasco that has put every motoring enthusiast on the edge.\nInstead, the \nonus should be on the government\n to regulate the import and sale of such \u201cillegal\u201d exhaust systems. President of FOMCA, Che Hassan Che Johan, highlighted that if shops are legally allowed to sell them, consumers are bound to purchase them.\nVandalism \nisn\u2019t the way\n either.\nThe wise man and frankly, our hero for the month, also stressed that motorists should not be forbidden from indulging in their passion and interest for automotive tuning and enforcement should take place against the vendors instead; something \nwe highlighted in our previous article\n.\nIf you\u2019re aren\u2019t aware yet, your loud exhaust (not sure loud is loud), can land you an RM2,000 fine or six months in prison if they\u2019re found to be too loud or harmful to the environment."
"The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment is one of the fastest growing categories in the automotive sphere yet, a trend that forced luxurious brands like Jaguar and Bentley to produce all-terrain conquerers such as the F-Pace and Bentayga. That said, Michelin Malaysia has just introduced their brand new Primacy SUV tyre that\u2019s exclusively designed for SUVs.\nThe Primacy SUV took three full years of R&D, incorporating \nfour key Michelin technologies\n such as FlexMax 2.0, StabiliGrip, CushionGuard and EvenPeak. It\u2019s the first tyre exclusively designed for SUV by Michelin, and yields better performance than any Michelin tyres before. \nBraking distance\n under wet conditions is \nshorter by 2.2 metres\n, whereas on dry surfaces it\u2019s \nshorter by 1.9 metres\n.\n \n \nBut that\u2019s not all. The \nFlexMax\n \n2.0\n technology gives the tyres a degree of flexibility, creating a chamfered or curved tread block that \nprevents distortion under pressure\n. The contact surface is also larger here, \nimproving grip under rain and shine\n. The \nStabiliGrip\n technology on the other hand, features several self-locking knobs inside the small grooves. What this does is minimise tread block deformation while improving wet handling through more efficient water evacuation.\nIn making the \ntyres quieter\n, Michelin \u2013 through the \nEvenPeak\n technology \u2013 made the tread blocks in varying lengths, therefore reducing road noise and minimising noise peaking. Lastly is the \nCushionGuard\n technology which absorbs vibrations through a layer of noise-filtering rubber. The curved sidewall (courtesy of FlexMax 2.0) work in tandem here in providing a smooth and comfortable ride.\nMichelin Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director, Chandan Thakur said \u201cSUVs are now used almost pervasively on the road. They are larger, more robust vehicles and they offer better visibility and more space. But they can at times be more difficult to handle and to stop, especially so on wet roads.\u201d Chanda also added that the tyres are designed for \non-road use only\n, as customers hardly take the car off-road.\nThe new Michelin Primacy SUV tyre is available \nfrom 16-inch and above\n with a starting price of \nRM440\n. It\u2019s available in all TYREPLUS and authorised Michelin dealerships nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If there\u2019s a new \n7-seater Honda BR-V\n and it looks anything like the \nN7X Concept\n, Honda (in Malaysia) could have a winner in their hands to welcome the new decade.\nThe name N7X stands for \u201cNew 7-seat eXcitement\u201d and from the looks of it, there\u2019ll be plenty to be excited about.\nHonda in Indonesia claimed that the N7X Concept \nisn\u2019t a new version of an existing Honda\n and is \nnot related to any model in their current line-up. \nAccording to them, it\u2019s just how they think a 7-seater SUV should look.\nWatch our compact 7-seater review of the Mitsubishi Xpander vs the Honda BR-V here!\nCould it be a 7-seater HR-V? Or perhaps a new 7-seater to sit between the HR-V and CR-V? Only time will tell as the N7X Concept goes for a tour around Indonesia along with the \nnew City hatchback\n.\nIf it does materialise as the new BR-V, what a fitting replacement it would be for Honda\u2019s compact 7-seater SUV. While the current (aging) BR-V looks youthful and everygreen, the N7X appears more mature and sophisticated. Heck, in that exact form, we\u2019d even say it looks premium. Wouldn\u2019t you?\nThe best part of all is how much more proportionate it looks compared to the current BR-V. No details were given but Honda said the N7X Concept is \nlonger, wider and taller than the current BR-V \nand that may have been a factor.\nIt\u2019s so much more pleasing to the eye. Looking at the current BR-V from the side profile, you\u2019d instantly notice how much larger the side windows are in relation to the body. It almost overwhelms the car when you see it in the flesh.\nCurrent Honda BR-V\nWhile it may offer more natural light to and better visibility from the cabin, it made the BR-V look like a moving display case (in this writer\u2019s humble opinion).\nThe N7X is a completely different story. Unlike the current BR-V\u2019s crooked beltline, it\u2019s a straight line across the side doors in the N7X Concept \u2013 lending a much sleeker look to the side profile of the compact SUV.\nGot you excited yet?\nGALLERY"
"Alongside the launch of the \nupdated W213 E-Class\n, the three pointed star has also released the updated Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 is available in both sedan and estate versions.\nFrom the outside, the E 53 is characterised by the Panamericana grille, front splitter in silver chrome, the two powerdomes on the front bonnet, new rear apron with new diffuser insert, and round twin tailpipes.\nThe E 53 can be further customised with the AMG Night Package for a high-gloss black finish on the trim pieces,along with an optional darkened AMG radiator grille for an even sportier appearance.\nAs standard, the E 53 sits on \n19-inch\n aerodynamically optimised five-twin-spoke design light alloy wheels, but can be sized up to \n20-inch\n units.\nMoving inside, the E 53 comes standard with the AMG Performance steering wheel with a three rounded twin spokes design, with control buttons seamlessly integrated into the spokes. An optional two round AMG steering wheel buttons can be equipped to control various AMG-related drive programmes.\nThe AMG variant stands out from the regular E-Class with AMG-designed Artico leather and microfibre sports seats, matched with red contrasting topstitching and an AMG badge.\nAs an option, the seats can be upholstered with a silver grey/pearl nappa leather and red contrasting topstitching combination, as are the AMG Performance Seat Packages.\nHowever, the true party piece of the AMG variant is the \nAMG-specific MBUX features\n such as the G-Meter, Racetimer, Engine Data, as well as the optional AMG Track Pace virtual race engineer.\nUnder the hood of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 is the three-litre in-line six twin turbocharged engine, producing \n435 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n. The engine utilises an additional electric compressor at the turbocharger to reduce turbo lag.\nAdditionally, the engine is also paired to a \n48V mild hybrid\n EQ Boost starter-alternator, which briefly provides an \nadditional 22 hp\n and \n250 Nm of torque\n. the EQ Boost system also feeds the 48V on-board electrical system, and enables gliding mode and the engine start-stop function.\nThe powerplant is paired to an \nAMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission\n, with power sent to all four wheels via a fully variable 4MATIC+ \nall-wheel drive\n system.\nWith everything working together, the E 53 reaches 100 km/h from standstill in just \n4.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Ticking the AMG Driver\u2019s Package during purchase lets you increase the electronically limited top speed to\n 270 km/h\n.\nTo stop the car, the 370 mm wide cross-drilled front disc brakes are paired to \nfour-piston fixed callipers\n, finished with AMG lettering on the housing. At the rear, 360 mm discs are paired to \nsingle-piston floating callipers\n.\nThe \nAMG Ride Control+ air suspension\n with continuously adjustable damping system ensures that you can achieve AMG-level of driving dynamics without sacrificing ride comfort. And if you\u2019re feeling a bit more adventurous, an optional \nAMG Dynamic Plus\n package includes the RACE driving mode with \nDrift Mode.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First there was the \nstandard BMW M5\n, then there was the \nM5 First Edition\n and now, there\u2019s the BMW M5 Competition \u2013 a 625 hp / 750 Nm Hulk for those mad enough to think that the standard model isn\u2019t potent enough.\nThe new M5 Competition gets a \n25 hp\n increment but retains similar torque figures at \n750 Nm\n from the 4.4-litre V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine. Power is channeled through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, onward to all four wheels, managed by the rear-biased M xDrive system.\nAs a result, the M5 Competition\u2019s improved power delivery propels it to 100 km/h from standstill in 3.3 seconds, \njust 0.1 second faster\n than the standard model \u2013 quite a farce really, for such meager reductions in acceleration times.\n0 to 200 km/h is where the difference is more noteworthy. The M5 Competition is \n0.3 seconds faster to 200 km/h\n than the standard model, completing the run in just 10.8 seconds. Now you go try the same feat with your standard issue BMW and get some sense of perspective of how quick the M5 Competition is.   Standard equipment in the M5 Competition includes a model-specific M Sport exhaust system with tailpipes in black chrome. It\u2019s also got model-specific engine mountings, where increased spring rate and firmer connections to the vehicle\u2019s structure results in even more direct engine response and immediate power transfer to the drivetrain.\nThe car also corners with noticeably greater directness and precision, credit to the mounting\u2019s stiffer characteristics. Having been \nlowered by 7 mm\n, camber in the front axle had also been increased to absorb lateral forces through high-speed corners.\nThe rear anti-roll bar gets a firmer spring rate while the front axle gets a newly-designed mounting for the anti-roll bars. The \nsprings at the front and back are 10% stiffer\n than the standard M5 for an even more responsive steering.\nThe M5 Competition can be distinguished by the \u201cCompetition lettering\u201d on the boot lid, a different mesh on the BMW M gills, the exterior mirror caps and the body-coloured door handles.\nThe market launch of the new BMW M5 Competition sparks the beginning of a new product category. In the future, BMW M GmbH will offer the most powerful variants of its high-performance cars as standalone models.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the launch of the \n2021 Toyota Fortuner\n and \nInnova\n facelift models, UMW Toyota yesterday also unveiled a new brand pillar and branding initiative, called Toyota Synergised Mobility (TSM).\nUMW Toyota hopes to use the TSM branding to showcase its latest advanced technologies, while pushing awareness and making it easier to understand for the buying crowd. Two examples of the technologies that will now fall under the TSM branding are \nToyota Safety Sense (TSS)\n and Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), both available in their latest models.\n \nUMW Toyota Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama said, \u201cToyota is moving beyond being just a manufacturer of cars to other forms of mobility formodern lifestyles. In pursuit of this, it creates innovations featuring cutting-edge technologies with the potential for expanding the possibilities of future mobility for the wider community.\n\u201cWith Toyota Synergised Mobility, the public will gain greater awareness of the new and available technologies \u2013 as well as what is to come in the future. There will be even greater synergy between man and machine,\u201d said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.\nThe new TSM branding will not replace the \u2018All About The Drive\u2019 theme, but rather fall under the wider umbrella, and will \u201ccomplement the excitement that is already generated by Toyota Gazoo Racing initiative\u201d. The company also says that the new TSM branding will pave way for new Toyota technologies to be introduced \u201cvery soon\u201d.\nUMW Toyota President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cWe believe that technology should be simple, yet intelligent. With Toyota Synergised Mobility, UMW Toyota Motor will present to Malaysians a new aspect of the brand which is advanced, cutting edge and innovative.\n\u201cCustomers will understand and embrace \u2018Smart Driving\u2019 with Toyota where they will enjoy and experience seamless driving experience where technology is in perfect synergy \u2013 designed for and by humans.\u201d\n \nThe company says that since the introduction of its All About The Drive umbrella theme in 2016, the brand has undergone a rapid transformation of its image, gaining a perception of being more sporty, youthful, and exciting.\nA large part of this can be credited to the Toyota Gazoo Racing brand, which has been used for events such as the \nTGR Racing Festival\n, \nGR Velocity E-Sports Championships\n, \nGR Garage\n, and GR high-performance products such as the \nGR Supra\n and\n GR Yaris\n.\nAlongside the new sporty appeal, the Toyota Synergised Mobility branding will help bring it down to earth a little, so to speak, by advancing an image of being advanced, innovative and cutting-edge. You can learn more about the TSM philosophy at the new microsite \nhere\n."
"BYD\n\u2019s\n fully electric (EV) hatchback \u2013 the \nDolphin\n has just made its launch in both the Singaporean and Thailand markets. Offered in one variant only in Singapore, and two variants \u2013 Standard Range and Extended Range in Thailand, the BYD Dolphin retails at \nSGD156,888\n (approx. \nRM541,016\n) in Singapore, inclusive of COE, and is priced from \nTHB699,999\n (\napprox. RM92,689\n) in Thailand. BYD has already confirmed that its Dolphin EV hatchback will be coming to the Malaysian market. The question is when?\nOn the outside, the BYD Dolphin features modern-day must-have features such as LED headlights and tail lights. The EV hatchback also comes as standard with 16-inch alloys for the Singaporean market, while the Thailand market Extended Range variant is equipped with a larger set of 17-inch alloys.\nJust in case you\u2019re wondering how big or small the BYD Dolphin is, it measures 4,290 mm long, 1,570 mm tall, and 1,770 mm wide, and is underpinned by a 2,700 mm long wheelbase. This makes the Chinese EV hatchback slightly larger than the \nPerodua Myvi\n, \nProton Iriz\n, and \nToyota Yaris\n, and about the same size as the \nHonda City Hatchback\n. But as expected, the \nOra Good Cat\n EV is still larger than the BYD Dolphin.\nPowered by a single motor setup, the BYD Dolphin is paired with BYD\u2019s in-house CTB (Cell to Body) battery with a \n44.9 kWh\n capacity. With power sent to the front wheels only, the EV hatchback produces a total of \n94 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n. As for how far the BYD Dolphin can carry you on a single charge, its range is rated at \n410 km\n and \n490 km\n (NEDC) for the Thailand market Standard Range and Extended variants respectively.\nRELATED: \nBYD supersedes Tesla in sales, becomes best-selling EV brand in Singapore\nCharging the BYD Dolphin from 20 to 80% takes \n33 minutes\n using a \n60 kW\n DC charger. The hatchback can also be juiced up from flat to full in \n7.5 hours\n using a \n7 kW\n AC charger. BYD has also equipped the EV hatchback with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.\nMoving inside, equipment you get with the BYD Dolphin includes a 12.8-inch \u2018Intelligent Rotating Screen\u2019 with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, a five-inch digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable front seats for the Singaporean and top-spec Thailand variants, as well an NFC keycard to unlock the car. The Thailand market Extended Range variant even gets a panoramic glass roof.\nIn terms of safety, BYD has equipped the Dolphin EV with safety features such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop & go functionality, as well as lane departure and lane keep warning (LDW & LKW). Blind spot detection and a 360-degree view monitor are also included with the BYD Dolphin.\nNow that the BYD Dolphin has made its launch in both our northern and southern neighbours\u2019 markets, is our turn coming soon? We are also presuming its price to be around RM100,000 to RM120,000 ballpark when it officially launches in Malaysia, considering the Thai variant\u2019s prices, as well as its bigger brother \u2013 the BYD Atto 3\u2019s local retail prices (RM149,800 and RM167,800).\nWhat do you think about the BYD Dolphin? Will you consider it over the petrol-powered B-segment hatchbacks we have in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments!\nRELATED: \nBYD Atto 3 coming with Continental tyres, replaces Atlas Batman tyres"
"Porsche has just unveiled the new facelift 2019 Porsche Macan at Porsche Sungai Besi, starting from RM455,000, inclusive of a 4-year warranty and free maintenance package.\nSime Darby Auto Performance announced that the attractive monthly repayments start from RM5,700 for the new Macan through 360 Financing.\n \nThe new car comes with a host of updates where the exterior gets a new LED headlamp cluster, while the back is treated with a 3D LED light panel that spans across the with of the Macan.\nThe new Macan is fitted with mixed sized tyres with 18-inch wheels as standard along with the optional 21-inch set. New colours for the updated Macan includes Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue and Crayon.\nThe baby Porsche\u2019s dynamics has also been enhanced with aluminium spring forks in replacement of steel units from before, resulting in a 1.5kg weight reduction and more precise steering response. The new spring forks are also supported by newly-tuned anti-roll bars for more neutral handling.\nWith the Macan S, larger brakes find its way in the front, increased by 10mm to 360mm while disc thickness has increased by 2mm to 36mm. All new brake linings are copper-free.\nUnder the hood, you\u2019d find a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine making \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n paired to a 7-speed PDK transmission. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 225 km/h.\nAs for the Macan S, it\u2019s powered by a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with \n354 hp\n (14 hp increase) and \n480 Nm\n.\nOn board equipment wise, the Macan is equipped with 14-way power adjustable seats, Park Assist with Surround View (optional), seats wrapped with a mix of Alcantara and leather, Bose Surround Sound System, 10.9-inch touchscreen display (up from 7.2-inch) supported by the Porsche Communication Management System, like in the Panamera and Cayenne.\nThe updated Macan is also equipped with the Traffic Jam Assist that uses adaptive cruise control to allow more relaxed driving at speeds of up to 65 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First it was the Combi Microbus and come this March at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen will be reviving another legend \u2013 the Dune Buggy.\nThe fully electric bug will be based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform, which also forms the basis for the new\n electric Microbus\n\u00a0and the\n I.D. Crozz\n. The original buggy was based on the chassis of the \nBeetle\n.\n\u201cA buggy is more than a car. It is vibrancy and energy on four wheels,\u201d said \nHead Designer at Volkswagen, Klaus Bischoff.\nThe new electric bug will do without doors and a roof, while its free-standing wheels fitted with off-road tyres.\nThe Volkswagen I.D. Crozz is for production in 2020 followed by the all-electric Kombi van in 2022. Both vehicles are earmarked to fulfill Volkswagen\u2019s pledge to sell one million electric vehicles annually by 2025."
"First, there was the \nLego Camry\n, then \nPorsche\n, \nBugatti\n and even \nMcLaren\n decided that a life-sized Lego replica of their flagship cars was a good idea. Now, Honda Australia has come up with its very own life-size Lego \nHonda Civic Type R\n.\nIn celebration of\nHonda Australia\u2019s support of local television Channel Nine Lego Masters\nprogramme, Lego Masters Judge and Lego-certified professional Ryan \u201cBrickman\u201d\nMcNaught and his team put together this model.\n \nEverything from the\nwindscreen wipers to the brake callipers were assembled using Lego bricks\nstacked on top of steel frames. The team used more than 320,000 bricks (Civic Type\nR has 320 hp, go figure) and spent more than 1,000 hours to put together this\nbuild.\nIt is not a working\nmodel so the only way this 1:1 scale model will get anywhere is on a forklift\nbut the headlamps, DRLs, fog lights, signal lamps, brake and reversing lights can\nbe operated on an iPad. Guess this model won\u2019t be making any lap records.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve loved the\nchallenge of this project. The car is shaped with a considerable amount of\ncurved lines, making it a tough but interesting build. From the working lights\nand indicators to intricate LEGO\u00ae Honda logos, the detail on the model has been\na fun one for us to work on\u201d, said Mr. McNaught."
"When it was initially announced back in November 2020, BMW only provided key information about the new fully electric \niX SUV.\n More information has surfaced and BMW now offers two variants of the iX- the range-topping xDrive50 and the X5-priced xDrive40.\nThe BMW iX, which is similar in size to the X5 but with a lower roofline, will have all-wheel drive as standard with an in-house developed electric motor placed at the front and rear axle. In the xDrive50, the combined system output is over 370 kW or \n503 hp\n and enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in \nunder five seconds\n.\nThis range-topping variant will also come with a relatively large battery pack with a gross energy content of over 100 kWh. This allows the xDrive50 to have a range in excess of \n600 kilometres\n in the WLTP combined test cycle.\nWhile being the latest of the trio into the EV SUV game, the performance of the iX xDrive50 surpasses the \nEQC\n (408 hp, 5.1 seconds, 454 km) from Mercedes-Benz and \nAudi\u2019s e-tron\n (408 hp, 5.7 seconds, 441 km). BMW\u2019s smaller \niX3\n meanwhile has 286 hp at its rear axle, 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and a range of 460 km.\nIn the more accessible xDrive40, peak output is around 240 kW or \n326 hp\n and completes the benchmark century sprint in a shade \nover six seconds\n. With a battery that is 30% smaller than the larger variant, the xDrive40 can provide a driving range of over \n400 kilometres\n.\nBMW is also a strong advocate in environmental and sustainable material sourcing, with the materials used to make the batteries coming from responsible corporations. The lithium used in batteries are mined from hard-rock deposits in \nAustralia\n in accordance with the company\u2019s environmental and sustainability standards.\nNo rare earth\n were used in the magnets of the traction motors, as the excitation of the rotor is not induced by fixed permanent magnets, but the feed-in of electric energy. The precise control of the excitation also enables peak torque to be on tap immediately on pulling away, plus torque is maintained over an extremely broad revolution band.\nThis is not the charging port, but the windscreen washer fluid filler port.\nEven with a single-speed transmission, both variants have a top speed of 200 km/h. As for charging speed, both variants differ. The xDrive50 can charge its battery at up to 200 kW, allowing a \n10-minute charge\n to deliver a range of over 120 kilometres.\nThe maximum charging capacity in the xDrive40 is 50 kW lower at 150 kW. Over 90 kilometres of range can be added by just charging for ten minutes. In both variants, 40 minutes is all it takes to increase the battery state-of-charge (SOC) level from 10% to 80%.\nFor regions like Malaysia without many DC chargers, BMW says 11 hours and eight hours are required for batteries in the xDrive50 and xDrive40, respectively, to reach 100% levels through the home wallbox.\nThe BMW iX is the first model from the brand to feature the new high-resolution one-piece Curved Display. The new screen is actually a combination of two screens- the driver viewing a 12.3-inch information display while the infotainment is displayed through a 14.9-inch screen.\nBMW will also roll out their \nlatest BMW Operating System\n in the iX that focuses on voice commands and driver\u2019s usage is thoroughly processed with artificial intelligence (AI) for better communication and content.\nThe BMW iX will only start production from the second half of this year at the BMW Plant Dingolfing. In Germany, the xDrive40 will be priced from \nEUR77,300\n, which BMW say is at a similar level to the conventional \nX5\n. The higher performance xDrive50 meanwhile is priced from \nEUR98,000\n. The smaller 286 hp BMW iX3 meanwhile starts from EUR66,300.\nA \nSport\n package is also on offered, where changes are purely cosmetics with the fitment of a different front bumper (still with the large vertical kidneys), blue-painted brake calipers, exterior lower portion and door handles in glass black, taillamps in smoked glass and deletion of the electric blue highlights. \u00a0\u00a0\nJust yesterday, BMW Malaysia put up not just a \nteaser of the iX\n, but also a call for registration of interest. Looking at the global production timeline, we can safely assume sales in Malaysia will only begin in 2022. The price, however, will it be similar levels with the locally-assembled \nBMW X5 xDrive45e\n that is priced at circa \nRM430k\n?\nGALLERY"
"Alongside the \nnew GLC 300e Coupe\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today also announced a mild equipment update for the \n2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic\n, which comes with an accompanying price hike of nearly RM30,000 bringing the retail price now up to \nRM392,582\n on-the-road, without insurance and inclusive of SST exemptions until June 30, 2022.\nFollowing the \nreintroduction of SST\n, the GLB 35 will go for RM405,888, so if you\u2019re looking to nab yourself one of these, best get your bookings in soon.\nAs part of the 2022 upgrades, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 is now equipped with a new 360-degree surround view monitor, replacing the reverse camera from before. Head-up display is also now standard, alongside a new AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, and the AMG steering-wheel buttons.\nOther additions include the MBUX Interior Assistant, which offers added convenience inside the cabin with features such as automatically switching-on the map lights when the driver reaches over to retrieve an item in the front passenger seat. Last but not least, there\u2019s also a new puddle light which projects the Mercedes-Benz logo on the floor when the door is opened.\nAside from these changes, however, the rest of the equipment list remains identical from before, with standard kit including the Multibeam adaptive LED headlights, 20-inch black five twin-spoke alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, electric adjustable sports seats, and the twin 10.25-inch screens running the MBUX OS with AMG-specific displays, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nPowering the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic is still the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, sending \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed AMG Speedshift DCT gearbox and the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, for a century sprint time of \n5.2 seconds\n and a rated top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nGALLERY"
"Not too long after the unveiling of the \n718 Boxster\n, the 718 Cayman finally makes an appearance, and both 718 Cayman and Cayman S models will be unveiled at the ongoing Beijing Motor Show.\nThe 718 moniker comes with a price, though, as it loses the naturally aspirated flat six, only to be replaced by the\u00a0\nall-new\u00a0turbocharged flat-fours\n. The engine options are similar with the 718 Boxster, but if a refresher is needed, the base Cayman gets powered by a\u00a0\n2.0-litre \nlump\u00a0producing \n300 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n380 Nm\n of torque while the Cayman S receives a\u00a0\n2.5-litre\n version, producing \n350 hp\n\u00a0an\u00a0\n420 Nm \nof torque.\nThe engine is paired to either a standard \nsix-speed manual\n or\u00a0\nseven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox\n.\n\u00a0\nThe slicker 718 Cayman accelerates faster than its convertible counterpart; the base model is good for a 0-100km/h dash in \n4.7 seconds\n, while the S is \n0.5 seconds\n faster. Top speed for both are\u00a0\n272km/h\n and \n283km/h\n respectively.\nMore power means bigger brakes are needed, hence they are both equipped with 30mm-diameter discs up front and 299mm discs at the back. Suspension enhancements in the form of revised dampers and spring settings, thicker rear antiroll bar, wider rear tyres and retuned steering should dampen the downsizing news, so there\u2019s some silver lining too.\nChanges on the aesthetic are just like a typical Porsche \u2013 subtle and minimal at most. Inside the 718 Cayman is a redesigned dashboard that includes \nPorsche Communication Management\n system and a new steering wheel.\nThe 718 Cayman can be had at \n\u00a339,878\n (approx \u00a0\nRM225,000\n\u00a0based on today\u2019s conversion) while the S costs \n\u00a348,834\n (approx\n RM275,000\n). For the first time ever, the coupe models are priced cheaper than the Boxster models.\u00a0Customers with deeper wallets can opt for the optional\u00a0Porsche Active Suspension Management and\u00a0Sport Chrono Package.\nLast year, Porsche Malaysia introduced\u00a0the\n\u00a0Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS\n models, with the hardcore \nGT4 Cayman\n making its debut later in the year. Expect the 718 Boxster and Cayman to arrive on our shores pretty soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In conjunction with the upcoming double 12 online shopping sales event, Honda Malaysia has announced the \u2018All-New City 12.12 Special Sales\u2019 campaign, offering \ncash rebates worth RM2,000\n for the \nall-new Honda City 1.5S and 1.5E variants\n.\nThe offer will be eligible to customers who place a booking for one of the two aforementioned variants\n between 1st and 12th December\n, and subsequently \nregister their vehicles from before the 31st of December 2020\n.\nTogether with the ongoing sales tax exemptions until the 31st of December 2020, the entry-level Honda City 1.5S is priced at \nRM71,851.27\n, while the 1.5E variant is priced at \u00a0\nRM79,664.82\n.\n \nThe Honda City has garnered significant approval from Malaysians, with more than 9,000 units already received since its launch in October this year, despite the challenging economic climate post \nCovid-19\n.\n Both the 1.5S and 1.5E variants of the Honda City are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine, which makes \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nPictured: Honda City 1.5V\nFeatures wise, the Honda City E is significantly more well-equipped, with the addition of the new eight-inch infotainment display on the dashboard, which now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a reverse camera. Other additional features on the E variant include automatic climate control, paddle shifters, and a basic cruise control system.\nOtherwise, both variants are equipped with halogen projector headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels (with variant-exclusive designs), fabric upholstery, analogue instrument cluster, rear air-con vents, and four airbags as standard.\nFor the full specification breakdown, do check out our launch coverage \nhere\n."
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has revealed yet another customised vehicle and this time, it\u2019s called the \nDBX \u201cThe One Edition\u201d\n; named after its distinctive choice of options selected.\nPreviously, Aston Martin also revealed the Aston Martin \nVantage \u201cHunter Edition\n\u201d and \nVantage \u201cDark Knight Edition\u201d\n.\nThe exterior is finished with an elegant Concours Blue colour, the same paint featured on the \nAston Martin One-77\n at its world debut. As it was announced that the colour would be removed from the DBX\u2019s range of colours, making this specific unit the only one in Malaysia with the colour.\nRELATED: \nNew Aston Martin DBX707 is now the most powerful luxury SUV!\nThe DBX\u2019s unique paint job is complemented with 23-inch forged wheels finished in Satin Black; the largest wheels ever fitted to an Aston Martin. Aside from being the biggest and the most imposing, it\u2019s worth noting that the wheels are also the lightest available.\nVideo: \nWe recently went to Aston Martin KL to customise a DBX SUV!\nOther options selected for the DBX includes a sports exhaust upgrade and a gloss back exterior package. The latter extends to the side mirrors, the badges, window surrounds, to name a few.\nWith the interior, the Aston Martin has gone for a dual-tone ambience with a mix of Oxford Tan and Onyx Black leather for a hint of equestrian luxury.\nRELATED: \nAston Martin KL presents bespoke DBX SUV in Arden Green, from RM1 million\nUnder the hood is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with\n 550 hp\n and\n 700 Nm\n. The AMG-sourced engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic to drive all four wheels, where 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.5 seconds.\nThe Aston Martin DBX \u201cThe One Edition\u201d is priced from RM1.1 million, while the\n base model \nstarts from RM 818,000.00. Both prices stated are excluding duties and taxes.\n \nGALLERY"
"Before you realise it, there could just be a handful of actual car manufacturers left in the future; while the rest simply \u201ccollaborate\u201d, play second fiddle and introduce redesigned shells on the same platforms.\nThis may be a favourable situation for the accounting departments of those companies but what are we, as consumers, left with? What\u2019s left in the name of a car brand?\nThe \nMitsubishi Xpander \nand the newest addition to Indonesia\u2019s pool of daily-trotters, the \u201cnew\u201d Nissan Livina, is one such reflection of the situation.\nBoth share the same 1.5-litre engine engine with \n104 hp\n and\n 140 Nm\n to drive the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.\nThe Mitsubishi Expander.\nPlaying the part of an adopter, it\u2019s fair to say that Nissan has had some influence on the design of the new Livina but compared to the more dramatically-designed Xpander, it looked as if the former has had to take the back seat and be the lesser of the non-identical twins.\nTake the \nnew BMW Z4\n and the\n new Toyota Supra\n for an example, look at how they turned out. Doesn\u2019t take an expert to tell who got the lousier end of the deal.\nBut does take one to tell the Xpander and the new Livina apart; because they\u2019re so similar.\nOnly way to do so, at first glance, is by the badge and perhaps through Nissan\u2019s V-Motion grille and Mitsubishi signature Dynamic Shield front-end.\nOtherwise, you\u2019d be hard pressed to find that they\u2019re from two separate manufacturers. Everything from the chrome trim along the side windows, the rims, the head and tail lamps, the steering wheel and the entire dashboard are the same.\nThe Mitsubishi Expander.\nWhere\u2019s the flavour in that? Look at the VAG group and you\u2019d see a clearer picture with Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini all under one roof and most times, sharing the same parts bin.\nSure it\u2019s a fantastic proposition both from a commercial and technological standpoint but it\u2019s hard to not notice those glaring similarities and feel a lost sense of pride in a brand \u2013 like when you see a Volkswagen item in an Audi, vice versa.\nAnd this, sadly, is only just the beginning.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Chevrolet isn\u2019t going to let everyone else take the spotlight at Geneva, no. Instead, they\u2019ve created what is possibly the sexiest factory-produced Corvette in a while, the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. It follows the similar playbook from the newly launched \nPorsche 911 R\n, a true \u201cno holds barred\u201d sports car catered only for\u00a0the purists.\nThe Grand Sport may not be the most powerful Corvette model (that title goes to Z06 still), but it inherits some of the racing DNA from the highly successful 2015 Le Mans Corvette GT car. Hence, it receives enhanced chassis tuning, track-focused aero kits, grippy set of tyres and new performance technologies.\n \n \nUnder the bonnet lies a \nnaturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8\n that delivers \n460 hp\n\u00a0to the\u00a0\nrear wheels\n. The Corvette Grand Sport offers a \nseven-speed manual transmission\n as standard with an \neight-speed automatic available\n as an option. Tasked with providing stopping power is a set of large Brembo brakes, consisting of\u00a014-inch rotors at the front with six-piston calipers, and a pair of 13.4-inch rotors with four piston calipers at the back.\nTraction is massively improved with the inclusion of \nMichelin Pilot Super\n \nSport\n tyres; 285/30 ZR19 at the front and\u00a0335/25 ZR20 the back. The handling department also gets a shot in the arm via an electronic limited-slip differential, magnetic ride control, stabiliser bars and unique springs.\nThe end result is a thoroughly more focused Corvette that can barrel in and out of corners up to 1.05Gs! If you can stomach more\u00a0lateral forces, there\u2019s a Z07 pack which adds carbon-ceramic brakes and Pilot Sport 2 Cup rubbers. This ups the car\u2019s threshold to 1.2Gs!\nThe Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is available in both coupe and convertible trims, whereas a Collector\u2019s Edition will be unveiled within the next few months. The latter adds\u00a0Watkins Glen Grey Metallic paint with blue stripes, black body stripes, and black rims. It\u2019s just too bad we won\u2019t be able to have it here!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Johor Darul Ta\u2019zim Football Club, otherwise known as the Johor Southern Tigers has announced a new international sponsorship and partnership with one of the most exclusive car brands in the world, Aston Martin. The deal was just announced on the football team\u2019s \nFacebook\n and \nTwitter\n pages.\nThe most exciting of all, JDT FC also announced that there would be a \n\u201cJDT Edition range\u201d \nfrom this new partnership, without elaborating further.\nThe video below was released in conjunction with the announcement, featuring several Aston Martins of new and old driving up to the JDT FC stadium.\nThe V8 Vantage \u201cDark Knight Edition\u201d\nThe V12 DBS Superleggera\nThe Aston Martin Vantage \u201cDark Knight Edition\u201d is the last unit in Malaysia to get the Sea Storm colour! Read the article here!\nIf the video is a hint of things to come, could there be a JDT Edition for every model in Aston Martin\u2019s current range? Including the DBS Superleggera, the DB11, the DBX, and the Vantage?\nThat would be something, wouldn\u2019t it?\nNo details were shared on the international sponsorship deal either but one would assume that it \nshould be a shirt sponsorship deal\n. That would be quite incredible; seeing the words \u201cAston Martin\u201d plastered across our local football team\u2019s jersey.\nYou won\u2019t believe how much work goes into making an Aston Martin badge.watch how its done here!\n \n\u201cThe partnership is not only very valuable monetarily to Johor Darul Ta\u2019zim FC (JDT), but is also a deep-rooted relationship that is going to develop opportunities for JDT and Johor in various areas over the coming years,\u201d according to a statement published by the team.\nJDT FC highlighted that talks have been ongoing for several weeks now and are delighted to have reached an agreement with the illustrious British sports car maker.\nWatch us drive, scream and review the Aston Martin Martin V12 Vantage GT3 race car on the Sepang International Circuit!"
"Six months after the preview of the \nEQG concept back in September of 2021\n at the Munich Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz Chairman, Ola Kallenius finally has confirmed that the fully-electric G-Class (EQG) will go on sale in 2024, according to a report by \nMotorTrend\n.\nOla Kallenius also further confirmed that the production version of the EQG will not be using a dedicated EV platform, it will be built based on a modified version of the current G-Class platform. This is unlike the Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQE SUVs where they\u2019re built on the dedicated EVA2 platform, specifically for electric vehicles.\nAs part of the EQ family, the main identifier for the new \u201cfully-electric G-Class\u201d comes with a sealed-off front panel in replacement of the traditional front grille. The three-pointed star is now also illuminated. The rest of the body will continue to feature the iconic boxy shape of the G-Class.\nProduction of the EQG is expected to take place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama alongside the EQS and EQE SUV. The EQG will feature four electric motors, one for each wheel, to provide all-wheel drive capabilities. Performance figures for the EQG are yet to be confirmed but it\u2019s expected to share technologies with the EQS and EQE SUV since they\u2019re rolling out from the same manufacturing plant."
"What is the most incredible Coupe you\u2019ve ever had the privilege to be in? Take that, multiply the experience by 1000 and that\u2019s what the \nRolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge\n is like. Even so, it could be better.\nThat\u2019s because power isn\u2019t everything it possesses. The Wraith Black Badge will happily keep up with today\u2019s boy racers its 870 Nm and brisk 4.3 seconds from 0 to 100km/h but that isn\u2019t all. In fact, we should be punished for even highlighting its performance because that has never been the essence of a \nRolls-Royce\n.\nIt\u2019s the extremely obsessive attention to detail, the level of customisation, and the labour of love required to put it all together that makes a Rolls-Royce, a Rolls-Royce. Just \nclick here\n and check out what they\u2019ve been up to recently and you\u2019ll understand.\n \nIn the rare circumstance of automotive manufacturing where all these come together, whether it\u2019s the hand-painted pin-stripe on the body, the clicks of the buttons, or even just the precision of the gaps in the doors and panels, you have a car that is just engineered to be the best that it can be.\nIt\u2019s empowering and in the case of the Wraith Black Badge, it\u2019s menacing too. More importantly, what was truly staggering especially for us being in a Rolls-Royce for the first time ever, was how smooth it felt. It is simply the pinnacle of ease and comfort this thing. If you\u2019ve ever wondered if it can ever get any better than this, while being in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the answer is yes.\nThat being said, we shouldn\u2019t go any further with this and instead leave you to discover what we experienced through visuals. The Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge is priced from \nRM1.7 million\n and was recently launched concurrently with the Ghost Black Badge (\nfrom RM1.4 million\n), Dawn Black Badge (\nfrom RM1.8 million),\n and Cullinan Black Badge (\nfrom RM1.7 million\n)."
"Ever since the start of the pandemic and its resulting lockdowns, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has been at the very forefront of providing safer and contact-free measures for its customers, whether it\u2019s for test driving a new car or even servicing it.\nToday, the company has announced a new offering, the \nHome Delivery Service\n. The new service aims to offer a more comprehensive online shopping experience for customers with the option to have their new Mitsubishi vehicle delivered to their doorstep.\n\u201cAs Malaysia is transitioning from the Covid-19 pandemic, we want to offer a one-stop digital service; everything from viewing the car, making a booking, finalising the sale, as well as having the new car delivered right to their doorstep,\u201d said CEO of MMM, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\nThe service will first be available to customers in the Klang Valley. Later on, it will be available to other regions in the country.\n \nIt\u2019s only available to customers who book and register their new Mitsubishi vehicles online via the \nMitsubishi Online Service\n platform.\nAside from the new Home Delivery Service, Mitsubishi had also introduced the \nMitsubishi Connect App\n that allows customers to schedule service appointments\u00a0and\u00a0monitor their vehicle\u2019s maintenance history.\n \nTo ensure proper social and physical distancing, MMM also launched the \u201c\nTest Drive 2U\n\u201d service. Through the website, once the vehicle model and nearby dealership has been selected, a sales representative will deliver the Mitsubishi vehicle to your doorstep.\nThere\u2019s more; from now till the 31st of December 2021, those who \nbook and register\n a Mitsubishi Triton with the \n4SUREBELI\n promo code will receive a limited edition North Face jacket."
"We\u2019ve been \nvery vocal\n about the \ntouchscreen apocalypse\n happening inside our cars. We know that many of you share the same sentiment, too, and according to a recent JD Power study, it seems that we\u2019re not alone.\nIn the latest 2023 edition of its Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study, JD Power has found that overall customer satisfaction is only at 845 (on a 1,000-point scale), a decrease of two points from a year ago, and three points lower than in 2021. That\u2019s the first time in the 28-year history of the study that the consumer research firm recorded a consecutive year-on-year decline in owner satisfaction.\nNo Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on Proton and ACO Tech\u2019s Atlas OS\nThe study is based on 10 different factors, but one of the biggest contributors to this year\u2019s decline is the confusing and problematic tech equipment in the cabin. According to JD Power, only 56% of owners prefer to use their cars\u2019 built-in system to play audio, down from 75% in 2020.\nThe numbers are even more dire for navigation, voice recognition, and phone calls, with less than half of the owners saying they like using their car\u2019s native systems for each of those functions. Evidently, customers are getting more and more fed up with the increasingly confusing touchscreen systems on their cars, that \u2013 for some reason \u2013 continue to hide more and more of the frequently-used features under multiple layers of settings.\nApple CarPlay \nand Android Auto continues to be the preferred method of controlling in-car entertainment, and even Porsche is now themselves adding climate control buttons directly into the Apple CarPlay interface, probably in recognition of their own software\u2019s complexities.\nWhat\u2019s interesting, though, is that customers are actually quite receptive of infotainment systems that are built atop the Android Automotive operating system (AAOS) \u2013 specifically those with Google apps built in, like in \nVolvos\n. According to JD Power data, these cars \u201cscore higher in the infotainment category than those with no AAOS whatsoever.\u201d\nI guess what this shows is that carmakers should just stick to making cars, and let people who make touchscreen interfaces (smartphones) make the software. I\u2019m only half kidding.\nRELATED: \nVolvo C40 Recharge \u2013 Google\u2019s Android Automotive OS will make you forget about everything else\nAside from the in-car technologies, the JD Power APEAL study also looked at customers\u2019 satisfaction levels with their cars\u2019 exterior design, and \u2013 \nperhaps unsurprisingly\n \u2013 the category also saw a stark decline this year, dropping from 894 in 2022, to just 888 this year.\nOut of the 10 factors, the only one that didn\u2019t see a decline this year was fuel economy, which posted a score 15 points higher than in 2022. This category is now, however, a slight misnomer, as the improved scores come courtesy of the new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that scored 797 in the \u201cfuel economy/range\u201d category, compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) cars with just 758.\nThe JD Power APEAL Study is based on responses from 84,555 car owners of new 2023 model-year vehicles, who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The responses were fielded from February through May 2023, based on vehicles registered from November 2022 to February 2023.\nAmong the responses, car buyers seem to be the most satisfied with the \nPorsche 911\n overall, while EVs like the \nKia EV6\n and \nBMW iX3\n continue to dominate many of the rankings in their respective segments. \nTesla \n\u2013 which \nmade their official debut in Malaysia yesterday\n \u2013 also saw a decline in satisfaction this year, although it still remains one of the higher performing brands in the industry.\n[H/T: \nThe Verge\n]"
"The second-generation Subaru XV was launched here in Malaysia \nback in 2017\n, and even though there were several updates along the way, the car by and large stayed the same throughout its four years of existence here in our country. But that\u2019s not really a bad thing though, is it? As the saying goes: if it\u2019s not broken, don\u2019t fix it.\nAnd the Subaru XV is certainly not broken. In fact, we\u2019ve had many good things to say about it in the past \u2013 just have a look at our previous reviews, in both \nwritten\n and \nvideo\n form. Recently, we had the opportunity to sample the compact SUV once again in the prettier \nGT Edition form\n, which reminded us why we liked it that much the first go-around.\nBut as we\u2019ve mentioned, the Subaru XV did not see that many changes over the years, so instead of another review with us repeating the same things over and over again, we thought we\u2019ll switch things around this time, and try to figure out who the Subaru XV is for.\n1. Small families\nThere\u2019s a reason why almost everyone is buying an SUV these days \u2013 the convenience benefits are just too hard to ignore, even if I don\u2019t personally prefer them. Primarily, its taller ride height means getting in and out of the car is a lot easier, especially for the elderly folks, or those carrying toddlers.\nAn SUV also usually means more space, and that\u2019s also the case here. Being slightly larger than most of its competitor, the Subaru XV offers one of the best interior space within its segment, highlighted by the impressive legroom, knee room, and headroom for the back passengers. Despite the title above, we\u2019d wager that even a group of adults wouldn\u2019t find anything to complain about, space wise.\nThe cargo room at the back however, does suffer a little due to the XV\u2019s all-wheel drive system. Coming in at 385 litres, the boot space is admittedly quite snug compared to its rivals. But on shorter trips, it should still have sufficient luggage space for a small family, especially if you\u2019re willing to play some luggage tetris. Fortunately, the large aperture makes that process pretty painless.\n2. Outdoors enthusiasts\nFor those who revel in the great outdoors; those who much prefer to spend their weekends off the beaten path rather than yet another shopping mall, there\u2019s no better choice in this segment for you than the Subaru XV.\nThe reason is none other than Subaru\u2019s famed \nsymmetrical AWD system\n. Specifically for off-road driving, the XV comes with an \u201cX-Mode\u201d switch that adapts the system to provide optimal traction for trickier terrains. But for most surfaces, including loose gravel roads, \u201cnormal\u201d mode seems to already do a stellar job.\nImpressed? Wait until you realise that it\u2019s all done on regular road-going tyres. After your weekend getaway, you can still drive home on the highways in complete comfort, without the noise and harshness from a more off-road oriented tyres. The Subaru XV is truly an every day go-anywhere compact SUV \u2013 and not just a \u201ccrossover\u201d like most of its competitors.\n3. Functionality over aesthetics\nThey say that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but most people would probably agree that the \nProton X50\n looks better than the Subaru XV. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the Subaru XV is not a bad looking car \u2013 in fact, we do quite like how the additional \nGT Edition kit\n adds that little bit more pizazz. But when compared to its chief rivals, it\u2019ll never come out ahead in a beauty contest.\nAnd truthfully, that\u2019s okay \u2013 because the XV is a car built for maximum functionality with zero fuss; aesthetics come second. As we\u2019ve already mentioned above, it\u2019s designed to take a beating, not just to shuffle the family to and fro shopping malls.\nAnalogue dials, but if it\u2019s not broken, why fix it?\nTake for example the additional display above the dashboard, which looks like it came straight out of a 90s sci-fi movie. Call it geeky, but it puts all of your crucial driving information \u2013 from water temperature to even your pitch and roll angles \u2013 right where your peripheral vision would be while driving.\nIt\u2019s hard to ingore that the Subaru XV lacks the \u201cwow\u201d factor car buyers \u2013 especially the younger crowd \u2013 seem to seek for, but that\u2019s only because all of the investment were made to perfect what\u2019s underneath the car.\n4. Drivers who hate braking\nDon\u2019t you just hate how every time you come to a corner, you\u2019ll have to tap on the brakes to slow down your car, just so you\u2019ll make it through safely? Well, good news \u2013 when you drive a Subaru XV, you\u2019ll never have to worry about replacing your brake pads.\nWe kid, but there\u2019s actually some truth in that statement. And once again, the secrets sauce comes in the form of the Symmetrical AWD system. Unlike most other all-wheel drive SUVs that are mostly front-wheel drive in normal circumstances, Subaru\u2019s solution sends power to all four wheels, all of the time.\nThe system constantly manipulates the torque distribution, sending power to the wheel with the most traction at any given moment, helping the car keep its line no matter rain or shine. If you have the chance to test drive the Subaru XV, bring it to a roundabout and you\u2019ll know what we mean.\nNot only does it turn in like a pouncing tiger on faster entries, the XV seemingly just sticks onto the tarmac like magic as you gradually increase your speed through the roundabout too.\nBelieve us when we say this \u2013 the amount of speed that the XV can handle through corners can seriously mess with your head, even to the point of you forgetting how to drive a \u201cnormal\u201d car after this \u2013 true story. We\u2019ve been there, so consider this a public service announcement.\n5. Driving enthusiasts\nNo, you did not read that wrongly. Common sense would tell you that a tall-riding SUV can never handle well, but the Subaru XV defies all logic. Not only does it have the grip to hold on to the road, it actually feels exciting to drive too \u2013 especially when it\u2019s pushed to its limits.\nA huge contributor to the XV\u2019s handling chops is its beating heart, the 2.0-litre boxer engine. Due to its horizontally-opposed piston layout, the boxer engine can be placed much lower within the engine bay, significantly lowering the centre of gravity of the car, which in turn reduces the body roll.\nIn fact, Subaru says that the second-generation XV has 50% lesser body roll\u00a0than the model it replaces \u2013 and that\u2019s even with a softer-sprung suspension set-up, made possible by a significantly more rigid chassis.\n\u201cBut wait, doesn\u2019t the Subaru XV come with a CVT gearbox?\u201d Indeed it does, and while I myself am not usually a fan of the unlimited-ratio gearbox, it\u2019s important to remember that not all CVTs are created equal \u2013 and Subaru\u2019s Lineartronic CVT is perhaps one of the best in the market.\nCVT gearboxes gets a bad rep due to the notorious rubber band effect, but its basically non-existent here on the Subaru XV. Power is delivered completely in tandem with your right foot and the engine revs, working together with the all-wheel drive system to give you extra confidence pouncing out of corners.\nSo there you have it, the five types of drivers that would be a perfect match for the Subaru XV. Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments section below if we\u2019ve missed out anything!"
"We\u2019ve \nseen it in full\n, heard the rumours that it will go down the \nturbocharging route\n, now at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Suzuki Motor Corporation has unveiled in full the third-generation Suzuki Swift Sport.\nLike the \nregular Swift\n, the Swift Sport rides on the company\u2019s \u201cHEARTECT\u201d platform that shaves \n70 kg\n compared to the outgoing model but boasts greater rigidity for superior handling and safety. Kerb weight of this hot hatch is just a scant \n970 kg\n. Overall dimensions of the Swift Sport are identical to the regular version at 2,450mm in wheelbase (+20mm), 3,840mm in length (-10mm), 1,735mm in width (+40mm) and 1,495mm in height (-15mm).   Visual cues unique to the Swift Sport include staggered honeycomb grille, carbon-fibre embossing on the front grille, front-lip spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser, 17-inch thin spoke alloy wheels and dual-exhaust tips.\nThe cabin has been revised to create an immersive sporty driving experience such as a driver focused instrument cluster, D-Shaped steering wheel, sports alloy pedals, semi-bucket seats as well as new boost and oil temperature gauges. Red accents can be found at major touchpoints to elevate the sporty driving experience. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard fitment.\nUnlike its naturally aspirated predecessor, the new Swift Sport gets a new 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Boosterjet engine that churns out \n138 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via an improved \nsix-speed manual transmission\n. Suzuki promises superb power delivery from the low rev range with good fuel economy.\nHandling has always been a forte of the Swift Sport, hence engineers have paid extra attention to ensure the new car meets enthusiasts\u2019 expectations. The front suspension now gets thicker stabiliser joint bars, new Teflon seat on the stabiliser mount, a single unit wheel hub and bearings as well as expanded width between the bearings to add \n15 percent camber rigidity\n during cornering. All these upgrades help to improve handling without excessively increase the spring rates.\nThe rear suspension has been revised to ensure unrivalled stability at high-speeds. Toe rigidity is \n1.4 times stiffer\n while camber rigidity is up three folds compared to the old model. The torsion beam has been tuned to provide optimal roll stiffness for enhanced handling and control.\nSafety wise, the Swift sport is equipped with a range of \ndriver assistance systems\n such as Advanced Forward Detection System, Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) or AEB, Lane Departure Warning, Weaving Alert Function, High Beam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Radar Brake Support. Other standard safety features include six airbags, ESP, Emergency Stop Signal, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System among others.\nUnfortunately, Suzuki is no longer represented here in Malaysia. However, we can always turn to our friendly neighbourhood parallel importers to ship one from overseas.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Disclaimer: This drive was done in \nMitsubishi Tritons\n, but very little about this article is about the actual truck.\nThe typical corporate social responsibility project starts with identifying a body or organisation to assist, and then crafting an activity or event for the best possible munificent outcome. Not so for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). In the process of charting a route for the Borneo Triton Adventure, a very specific watery issue came to light. Thankfully, there is more than one way to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang, and this discovery was made as a result of choosing the one furthest from tarmac. As you would, in a convoy of pickup trucks.   \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just a case of visiting Kampung Sinaron once and asking for permission to pass through the village,\u201d said Silas Martin, CEO of Borneo Tru Events and our squadron leader. \u201cIn the course of a few recce expeditions, it was made known to us that this village didn\u2019t have a proper way of storing water during drought seasons, which is when we went back to Mitsubishi with an idea.\u201d\nThe idea was simple. On our way from the Pacific Sutera Harbour hotel in Kota Kinabalu to our night stop at the Puteri Nabalu in Kundasang, we were to handover 10 industrial-size water tanks to the villagers of Sinaron \u2014 and join them for lunch during the stopover. These water tanks were to be positioned primarily at locations within Sinaron where the villagers tended to congregate, e.g. the kindergarten, clinic, community hall, church and surau.   MMM of course, was completely on board. As a result, what started out as a standard off-road media drive turned into something far greater, resulting in a significant impact on a small and little-known community. According to Sinaron village chief Mahadi Lakang and \nKetua Anak Negeri\n Jining Lakang, about a third of the villagers were school-going children. \nThat\u2019s a high percentage, and for a simple economic reason. Many if not most of the young adults had left the village in search of employment opportunities, including in some instances some of the parents of these children. \nAnd so, on a sunny Wednesday morning, eight Tritons led by big bad Double Zero \u2014 the zombie apocalypse-spec Triton you see here \u2014 we set off from the Pacific Sutera Harbour. Double Zero is the result of MMM giving Borneo Tru Events a budget and letting them loose upon the countless 4\u00d74 tuner and customising outfits around KK. Where do we sign up for this?\nThe 200km journey to Kampung Sinaron was uneventful, and for the most part was spent on the road. Lunch was delicious, not just because we had worked up an appetite joining the villagers in the graceful Sumazau dance but also due to the freshness of pretty much everything. Seafood goes from river to plate within the day; great for us, not so much for the fish. \nAs we pushed off into the rough we waved goodbye to our new friends in Sinaron village, fervent in the hope that the water tanks would go some way in alleviating their difficulties. At some point during the 50 or so kilometres though Keningau and Beluran before we got back out onto the open road, the trees dropped away to reveal the mountainside steppes of bario rice meeting beautiful, clear skies above. \nWhat this means of course is that between the dirt track and certain tumbling death was a two to three meters of error margin at best, but the view was spectacular. There are checkpoints at the entry and exit of this mountainous path, for the purpose of checking that the same number of vehicles that had gone in had also made it back out. In a Triton, there is no doubt you will be accounted for on both ledgers. After clearing the gate, we continued on for 150km to the Puteri Nabalu for a good night\u2019s rest before making our way back to Kota Kinabalu.\nOver two days and roughly 500km later, the convoy was completely intact save for generous helpings of mud and dust. The terrain we passed through was just another day at work for a Triton. No truck got stuck, no winching, nothing. Even the use of 4L was mentioned in passing, because for the most part, 4H was plenty up to the task of the trail \u2014 selectable in the automatic VGT variant and above through the Easy Select 4WD knob.\nAlso, for those potential truck customers who spot a glaring omission on the spec sheet in the form of stability control, there is more than meets the eye. The Triton\u2019s hybrid LSD functions as a mechanical stability control mechanism, eschewing sensors for a helical gear and viscous coupling to trigger the channelling of torque to the wheel with traction. When roads are nowhere in site, the simplest technology is very often the best.\nNot long after the drive had been concluded \u2014 exhausting, but wholly fulfilling \u2014 in 2.5-litre Tritons in both manual and automatic guises, \nMMM launched a significantly updated version carrying the new 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel with VGT churning out 179hp and 430Nm\n. Maybe it\u2019s time to revisit the Borneo Triton Adventure.\n[Words by VB]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Not everyone is a fan of roadsters and convertibles, and that is fine. But if there\u2019s one car to make everyone fall in love with topless cars, it might very well be this.\nAfter teasing the car on Twitter a \nfew months ago\n, Aston Martin has now finally unveiled the gorgeous Vantage Roadster, finished in this gorgeous blue paint job and tan interior. Please give us a moment while we clean up our drool.\nUnder the hood of the topless Vantage is the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine as seen in most modern Aston Martins, capable of churning out\n 510 hp\n and\n 685 Nm\n of torque.\nMated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the Vantage Roadster reaches 100 km/h from standstill in just \n3.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n306 km/h\n (190 mph) with the roof up.\nAlthough being a convertible, the Vantage Roadster \nonly adds 60 kg\n in weight compared to its \nCoupe brother\n, thanks to a new Z-fold roof mechanism.\nAston Martin also claims that the Vantage Roadster has the fastest full operating cycle of any automotive convertible system, able to \nlower its roof in just 6.7 seconds\n or raised in 6.8 seconds, at speeds of \nup to 50 km/h\n.\nOf course, there is still a luggage space penalty, as with every other convertible. Boot capacity is down to \n200 litres\n, from the 350-litre capacity of its hard-top counterpart.\nHowever, Aston Martin still claims that the boot is large enough to stow a full-sized golf bag and accessories \u2013 in other words, still capable of ferrying the rich retired man to the golf course.\nRemoving one of the main structural parts of the car also means that Aston Martin had to make some minor chassis revisions to the car to maintain rigidity.\nNew structural shear panels and chassis components has been added to the Roadster to retain its dynamic ability, to the point where the British sportscar maker is confident enough to say that there is \u201cno compromise to feel or refinement.\u201d\nThe Roadster also shares the same Adaptive Damping, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Electronic Rear Differential as its Coupe brother, but tuned specifically to suit the Roadster\u2019s characteristics. The driving modes \u2013 Sport, Sport+, and Track \u2013 have also been tuned specifically for the Roadster.\nAlong with the debut of the Vantage Roadster, Aston Martin is also introducing a range of new options across the Vantage range (which includes the Coupe) to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Vantage nameplate.\nThese include the company\u2019s iconic \u2018vane\u2019 grille \u2013 as an alternative to the track-inspired \u2018hunter\u2019 grille, and a range of optional alloy wheel designs and finishes.\nThe Vantage Coupe also now get the option for a seven-speed manual transmission to appease driving enthusiasts, being initially only available in the \nlimited-edition Vantage AMR\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) made mention at the launch of the \nfacelifted XC60\n\u00a0that a \nmore powerful\n and \nkitted T6 variant\n will join the SUV\u2019s lineup sometime next year. Well, wait no longer because that day is finally here. The T6 variant gets Volvo\u2019s \nall-new modular Drive-E engine\n, and is priced at \nRM315,888 \n(on-the-road without insurance), costing a good \nRM27k more\n from the T5 model.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo XC60 T6 Drive-E\nSegment\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n1,969cc, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder\nMax Power\n306hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n400Nm @ 2,100\u20134,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM 315,888\n \n\u00a0\nFor those who are looking to get their hands on this SUV, it pays to know that the T6 variant runs on the same \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n engine, but is tuned to\u00a0\nproduce more power\n than the T5 variant. It now makes\u00a0\n306 hp at 5,700 rpm\n and \n400 Nm of torque\n\u00a0at 2,100 to 4,500 rpm.\u00a0\nThe increased output is achieved via \nsupercharging\n on top of the turbos, allowing the Swedish SUV to sprint from 0 to \n100km/h\n in \n6.9 seconds\n\u00a0(the T5 does it in 7.2 seconds) while achieving a fuel consumption figure of\u00a0\n7.3 l/100km\u00a0\nthanks to the \neight-speed Geartronic \ntransmission\u00a0it\u2019s paired to.\nA supercharger isn\u2019t all that you\u2019re getting, though. Despite sporting the same exterior look as the XC60 T5, the T6 gets a \nfew notable additions\n (standard features) like the \n18-inch Pan Alloy\n wheels that are wrapped with\n 235/60R18\n series tyres and the \n8-inch Adaptive Digital Display \nthat was first seen in the \nV40 T5\n. It also gets a \npower operated tailgate\n along with a \ngrocery bag holder\n housed in the boot. Talking about added user convenience, eh?\nThe XC60 T6 \ngets all the toys and safety features\n found in the T5 variant, and gets a \nfew more as standard\n, such as: Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert Control, Active High Beam Control and New Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection Technology. To help you understand better, here\u2019s how these features work:\nAdaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Distance Alert\n: The XC60 gets a radar-based system that maintains the user defined gap with the car ahead. It works in both stop-and-go traffic and on highway cruising situations.\nLane Departure Warning\n: Acoustically alerts the driver when the system detects that the car is crossing lanes without the use of the signal indicator.\nDriver Alert Control\n: Monitors the car\u2019s progress on the road and alerts the driver if this system detects inconsistencies in driving input via the steering wheel.\nActive High Beam Control\n: This feature automatically and actively adjusts the beam throw of your SUV\u2019s headlights when it registers an oncoming vehicle.\nNew Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection Technology\n:\u00a0This safety feature comes with full auto-braking, and is equipped with sensors that scan the area ahead. If a cyclist suddenly swerves in front of the car and detects an imminent collision, the XC60 warns instantly and applies full braking. The same process applies for pedestrians.\nThat aside, the earlier mentioned 8-inch Adaptive Digital Display gets a number of additional features via Sensus Connect, such as the \nintegrated cloud-based services\n (subjected to future updates), \nimproved GPS navigation with 3D maps\n, TuneIn internet radio with \nover 80,000 channels\n, voice controls and \nBluetooth music streaming\n.\nVCM announced that the XC60 T6\u2019s pricing of RM315,888 is \nintroductory\n, meaning that the price is exclusive and limited until November ends. It can be had in \nfive different exterior colours\n \u2013\u00a0Twilight Bronze, Ice White, Ember Black, Electric Silver, and Seashell. As with all Volvo cars, the XC60 comes with a \nfive-year warranty\n, \nfive years free service\n \nincluding parts\n as per scheduled maintenance and \nfive years free roadside assist\n (Volvo-on-Call).\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Buying a new car is already not an easy task, and it\u2019s now compounded by the sheer amount of choices available to car-buyers these days. Take for example the B-segment sedans, where there was a seemingly unending streak of \ncar launches\n in just the last few months.\nTo help ease some of your car-buying headaches, we have assembled a crack team of number-crunchers and word-chaining monkeys for this new series of articles dubbed \nHead-to-Head\n, where we will be pitting the heavyweights of each segment in Malaysia against their key rivals.\nIn this series, we will be comparing the different aspects of these cars to \nhopefully\n help you make a better decision. And for this inauguration entry, we will be looking at how the recently-launched \nNissan Almera\n, \nToyota Vios\n, as well as the \nHonda City\n measure up against each other \nin terms of performance\n. But before we get started, there are a few things to note in this comparison.\nFirst of all, the Nissan Almera and Toyota Vios are only available with one single powertrain choice, while the Honda City has two. For the sake of simplicity, the two powertrain options will be considered as two separate entries in this comparison.\nAlso, where possible, we\u2019ve chosen the cheapest variant for each entry in this comparison, as they are the lowest entry point of each model to achieve the same level of performance. Now with the general housekeeping out of the way, let\u2019s dive right into it!\nWarm Up: The Competitors\nSitting in corner A of our four-way brawl today is the \nNissan Almera Turbo 1.0VL\n, priced at \nRM79,906\n. As the name suggests, the 1.0VL is powered by a \n1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine\n, paired to a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels.\nNext-up is the Toyota Vios, which has just recently received a facelift makeover. With no changes under the hood, our \nVios 1.5 J\n in this match-up continues to feature a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, alongside a CVT gearbox. Pricing starts at \nRM74,623\n for the entry-level variant.\nOur next contestant is the \nHonda City 1.5L S\n, boasting a new 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with dual-overhead cams. Just like its other rivals, the City also features a CVT gearbox to send power to the front wheels. The 1.5L S variant is priced at \nRM73,851\n, the most affordable in this match-up.\nLast but not least we have the \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n, the only electrified contestant in the ring with its intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain. The powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine paired to two electric motors \u2013 but only one drives the (front) wheels. Will this prove to be the key advantage to winning this match? Let\u2019s find out together, shall we.\nRound 1: Horsepower and Torque\nIn terms of horsepower output, The Honda City 1.5L S tops the charts at \n121 hp\n, followed by the Toyota Vios 1.5J at \n107 hp\n, then the Honda City RS at \n108 hp\n, and lastly, the Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0VL with \n100 whole ponies\n. Aside from the ICE Honda City, all other competitors are on a fairly level playing field.\nHowever, in slower stop-go traffic within the city \u2013 where most of these cars will be spending a majority of their time, torque output will play a \nmore significant role in the perception of power\n. If we\u2019re looking at just the torque figure, the Honda City RS with its \ninfamous 253 Nm of torque\n \ninstantly rises to the top of the rankings, followed by the Nissan Almera Turbo with \n152 Nm\n, then the Honda City 1.5L S at \n145 Nm\n, and lastly the Toyota Vios with \n140 Nm\n on tap.\nMore importantly, the electric drive on the Honda City RS means that the maximum amount of torque is available essentially at idle, giving you an improved response from a stand-still. Max torque on the Almera Turbo is not far off at 2,600 rpm, while the other two contestants have their peak torque output at 4,300 rpm and 4,200 rpm respectively.\nThe new \nToyota Vios GR-S\n, while not featured in this comparison, does come equipped with the same 1.5-litre powertrain!\nRound 2: Power-to-weight shootout\nPlain power output figures can only tell us so much; to get a clearer picture of each car\u2019s performance, we\u2019ll have to also factor in the car\u2019s weight. Based on our calculations, the humble Honda City 1.5L S takes the top spot with \n108 hp/tonne\n, thanks to its high raw output figures.\nThe Toyota Vios 1.5J comes in second with a horsepower-to-weight ratio of \n93 hp/tonne\n, followed closely by the Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0VL at \n92 hp/tonne\n. The Honda City RS, despite its higher horsepower output as compared to the Vios and Almera, ranks last in the power-to-weight shoot-out with just\n 87 hp/tonne\n, thanks to the weight penalty from its more fancy electrified powertrain.\nOn the flip side though, the City RS\u2019s e:HEV powertrain delivers by far and away the highest torque-to-weight ratio at \n203 Nm/tonne\n. The rest of the field are more closely packed together, with the Almera coming in at \n139 Nm/tonne\n, followed by the City 1.5L S and Vios 1.5J with \n129 Nm/tonne\n and \n122 Nm/tonne\n respectively.\nFor the same reasons as mentioned above, the Honda City RS should feel the most responsive and pokey in city-driving conditions \u2013 falling in line perfect with its name. While we have not driven the all-new Honda City RS yet (it\u2019s only scheduled for launch next year), we can confirm that the all-new Almera Turbo feels sufficiently eager in town \u2013 our full review is dropping soon, but you can check out our first impressions \nhere\n.\nRound 3: Performance-per-Dollar (Ringgit)\nCars are one of the largest purchase we\u2019ll ever make in our lives, so it\u2019s completely normal to look for every single ounce of performance out of your Ringgit. However, this simple calculation proved harder than we thought to be, solely because we still don\u2019t have the pricing information available just yet for the Honda City RS \u2013 the car is only due for \u201claunch\u201d next year.\nFor the sake of comparison, we will be using an assumed \u201cestimated\u201d price of RM95,000 \u2013 though be forewarned, this is a complete speculation from our side, and will most probably not be accurate. However, the ranking below should still stand based on our various simulations at different \u201crealistic-ish\u201d price points, with no change in results.\nNew face, who this?\nLooking at the round-up of competitors in this Head-to-Head contest, the Honda City 1.5L S comes out first based on our calculations at \nRM610/hp\n. The Vios 1.5L S came in second, with each pony costing \nRM697\n, while third place went to the Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0VL with \nRM799/hp\n. The Honda City RS unfortunately ranks last, due to its lower horsepower figure and a higher price \u2013 coming in at \nRM880/hp\n.\nOn the torque side of things, the electrified Honda City RS unsurprisingly came out on top again with a price of just \nRM375/Nm\n. We all expected the turbocharged Nissan Almera to rank second, but the lower price of the Honda City 1.5L S actually pulled out a victory here at \nRM509/Nm\n.\nThe Almera Turbo drops to third place with a price of \nRM526/Nm\n, while the Toyota Vios ranks last in this comparison, at a price of \nRM533/Nm\n.\nKnock-out: The Winner(s)\nIf you\u2019re looking for a winner after the comparisons above, we\u2019re sorry \u2013 there won\u2019t be a winner. As always, the answer will depend on your use cases and requirements.\nFor example, say you\u2019re someone who frequently travels on the highway at higher speeds, the Honda City might be a better choice due to its higher horsepower output (and horsepower-to-weight ratio), letting you achieve higher speeds easier.\nOn the flip side, if you\u2019re someone who mostly drives their cars around the congested city roads, something like a Honda City RS or the Nissan Almera might be of better choice, thanks to their higher torque output, giving you a more enthusiastic power delivery in stop-go traffic situations.\nThere\u2019s also many more things to consider than just purely performance when it comes to buying a car \u2013 some of which we will definitely explore more in the Head-to-Head series. People who spend and inordinate amount of time in their cars might value a more comfortable and functional interior more than anything else, whereas for someone who just uses it for short-distance journeys, a small nippy car might be the way to go.\nAnd at the end of the day, your car-buying decisions should all come down to your budget. But no matter which one you choose, just know that either one of the four in our comparisons today carries more than sufficient power for what we generally expect out of them, which is to be a good commuter car."
"Big grilles are the latest trend in car design \u2013\n you know what we\u2019re talking about\n. We\u2019re not sure what should be the definition of \u201call grille\u201d, but if we have to choose one car, the all-new Genesis G80 definitely comes very close to it. Divisive grille design choices aside though, the all-new G80 is actually quite a pretty thing.\nBeing the definitive model of the brand, the G80 takes the Genesis design identity to the next level, starting with its front fascia. The giant Crest Grille is flanked by the brand\u2019s new Quad Lamps as seen on the GV80 SUV \u2013 designed to resemble the Genesis emblem.\nHowever, what caught our attention is the parallel lines from the Quad Lamps, which flow all the way around to the side fenders and the tail lamps, forming a cohesive line around the entire car.\nthe straight lines are complemented by an arc-shaped character line, mirrored vertically by a chrome strip running from the front wheel arch to create an aerofoil shape \u2013 which again, references the wings on the Genesis emblem.\nThe Genesis G80 rides on 20-inch five-spoke wheels finished in chrome, which contrasts nicely with the chameleon-esque two-tone paint job shown on this example.\nOn the inside, Genesis split the cabin of the G80 into two parts \u2013 panoramic and control areas, apparently inspired by traditional Korean architecture. These include the steering wheel, as well as the entire dashboard, separated by a full-width air-conditioning vent.\nThe panoramic area includes a heads-up display, 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, and a \n14.5-inch infotainment display\n, fully equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, paired to a Lexicon sound-system.\nMeanwhile, the control area includes the HVAC controls, and a rotary dial-touchpad combo for the infotainment system. Genesis says that the hard buttons are intentionally kept to a minimum, for both aesthetic purposes and ease of use.\nDespite adopting a fastback-like roofline, Genesis says that the all-new G80 actually gains in both headroom and legroom, thanks to the lowered seating position on the rear seats, courtesy of the new platform.\nThe 2020 Genesis G80 is built on the brand\u2019s exclusive \nthird-generation rear-wheel drive platform\n \u2013 not shared with \nparent-company Hyundai\n \u2013 designed specifically for a lower centre of gravity and wider cabin for improved driving stability.\nThree powerplant options are available for the all-new G80, starting with a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing \n304 hp\n and\n 422 Nm\n of torque. Going one step up is the 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 mill, pushing out a respectable \n380 hp\n and\n 530 Nm\n of torque.\nFor fans of oil-burners, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel inline-four engine is also available, with its output rated at \n210 hp\n and \n441 Nm\n of twist.\nAll that extra power output from the new engines pairs nicely to a lighter overall weight, too. Genesis says that the G80 utilises aluminium in approximately 19% of its body construction, which helps \nreduce weight by 110 kg\n.\nThe third-generation Genesis G80 is packed to the brim with the latest advance safety and convenience technologies. These include Highway Driving Assist II which supports lane-change actions, Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist.\nThe electronically-controlled suspension uses information from the front cameras to \u201cbrace\u201d the dampening settings for large potholes, ensuring utmost comfort for passengers. The G80 also comes with Remote Smart Parking Assistance, which lets you move the car forwards or backwards remotely via the key fob."
"Setel, Malaysia\u2019s first \ne-payment solution\n that allows you to purchase fuel right off the app in your smartphone, has now made it possible to allow the main user to pay fuel for their loved ones.\nSetel users can now create a Setel Share group and invite up to two other members to pay from the same e-wallet balance. Owners of Setel Share group have full control to safely track & monitor any refuelling expenses by the members via the shared e-wallet.\nThis new feature allows earning of Mesra points in one account without having the hassle of passing a physical card around that can be used to unlock more rewards.\n\u201cWe ran a survey with thousands of Setel users and 71% of them are already paying for fuel for their family members and friends today. With Setel Share, we want to help our customers extend a safer refuelling experience with minimised contact to their loved ones, without them having to top up on their own. Together, we can work towards supporting our nation\u2019s recovery efforts to move into the endemic phase,\u201d said Setel, CEO, Mazlin Erawati Ab Manan.\nThe Setel Share feature is especially useful for parents to control the fuel expenditure of vehicles used by their children, as well as benefitting the elderly who aren\u2019t so well versed with e-wallets.\nFully regulated and compliant with Bank Negara Malaysia\u2019s (BNM) e-money guidelines, Setel Share has safeguards in place to ensure the security of every transaction. The Setel Share owner can set or remove the group members at any time and get real-time notifications for any transaction made via the Setel Share wallet.\nRELATED: Petronas to deploy EV fast chargers in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and JomCharge\nApart from contactless fuel payment, the Setel app also allows users to pay and perform Mesra points redemption for items in Petronas\u2019 Kedai Mesra. Last year, Setel introduced the \nDeliver2Me\n function which allows Setel users to purchase selected Kedai Mesra items within the app and get delivered while refuelling.\nUsers can now invite family and friends who are not yet on Setel to enjoy Setel Share features and earn additional rewards via the latest Setel \u2018Refer-a-Friend\u2019 Challenge. From now until December 31st \u00a02021, Setel welcomes users to earn even more rewards and bonus credit of up to RM50,000 upon successful referrals.\nThe Setel app is available at over 900 Petronas stations nationwide and can be downloaded for free via the Apple Store, Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery."
"While the Fast and the Furious sequel is on a break, this group of skydivers ensured that the show went on with a wildly dangerous stunt of their own \u2013 by falling out of a plane while still in a car in Arizona, USA.\nAs you can tell, the act was only for the extremely brave, if not the completely mindless. Right of the bat, as the car rolled out of the back of the plane, the skydiver pushing it completely lost his balance and scraped the side of the car while his fellow skydivers remained almost unfazed.\nAs the vehicle started rolling uncontrollably, notice how the skydivers were \u201cejected\u201d involuntarily as the car carried on spinning in an absolutely unpredictable and volatile manner.\nAt the end, the car ultimately \u201cspunned to its demise\u201d while the rest of the skydivers kept their limbs and minds intact \u2013 escaping only with minor injuries. Please do not try this \u2013 not at home, not in the sky \u2013 just don\u2019t.\nCredit: \nViralHog"
"The\n \nnew BMW 4 \nSeries\n \nwas revealed a couple of months back, and while we\u2019re still grappling with how the front end looks, BMW has revealed the new M4 and M3 and as hard as it is to say, that front grille is still a glaring eyesore.\nIt may have \n480 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine but it\u2019s really hard to be completely engrossed with the kidney grille and be overwhelmed by it above all else.\nInterestingly, it\u2019s actually slower than the \nF80 M3\n. The previous generation made 431 hp and 550 Nm but could do the same 0 to 100 km/h run in 4.1 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster with the optional 7-speed M DCT gearbox offered then.\nWith the majority of netizens still harping on what could\u2019ve been for the grille, it\u2019s hard to imagine how BMW would convince its customers that this is the way to go. At least you can brag that the new engine in the M3 is the same one used in the M4 GT3 race car.\nThe mighty power plant is paired to either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, to power the rear wheels. Alternatively, customers can also specify the new M3 to come with the M xDrive all-wheels drive system. Under the wheel arches are 18-inch wheels in the front and 19-inch wheels while tucked behind them is an M Adaptive Suspension kit.\nAs for the other bits of the exterior, the kidney grille clearly needs no introduction at this point. The roof, however, is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, but if for some reason, you prefer having more weight on your car, there is a steel roof option at no cost.\nThe new M3 is available with three new colours \u2013 Sao Paulo Yellow, Toronto Red and Isle of Man Green. The latter seems to hide the grilles quite well; maybe something future M3 owners can look into.\nInside, the M3 can be specified with M Carbon bucket seats which are lighter, compatible with multi-point racing harness and removable head restraints for track driving. Helpful; as I\u2019d imagine M3 drivers, if any, to be driving really fast all the time, to avoid their cars being spotted, for obvious reasons.\nThe new M3 is also offered with a M Race Track Package \u2013 mainly for weight reduction efforts. The package includes M Carbon ceramic brakes, M light alloy wheels and M Carbon bucket seats.\nWith the new M3, BMW is also offering the M Drive Professional Package to include the new M Traction Control, M Drift Analyser and M Lap Timer. The M Traction Control allows new integrated wheel slip limitation function of the Dynamic Stability Control, adjustable up to 10 different stages.\nThe M Drift Analyser on the other hand records and rates driving stats posted from dynamic cornering. With the M Drive Professional that\u2019s standard on the M3 and M4 Competition models, an addition Track Mode is added.\nThe new M3 will be built in Germany at the BMW Plant Munich and is due for deliveries in Q1 of 2021.\nGALLERY"
"After more than 20 years since Honda sold their first vehicle in China back in 1999, the company has reached an incredible milestone of 15 million vehicles sold \u2013 the fastest in terms of automotive sales for Honda in any region.\nHonda operates in China via \nGuangzhou Honda Automobile (GAC Honda)\n and\n Dongfeng Honda Automobile\n. Together, cumulative Honda vehicle sales in China reached 1 million units by 2006.\nPatent for new Honda BR-V filed in Indonesia, looks exactly like the N7X! Read about it here!\nThe Honda N7X Concept.\nWhile it took Honda nearly a decade to reach 10 million units sold in 2018, it only took them \njust three years\n to hit the 15 million mark. Moreover, since hybrid vehicle sales began in China in 2016 with the Accord Sport Hybrid i-MMD, Honda has sold over 500,000 units to date.\nAll-new Honda Civic sedan fully unveiled in USA, with more powerful 180 hp turbo engine! Read about it here!\nCurrently, the company offers 9 hybrid models in China including the Honda CR-V PHEV launched earlier this year \u2013 Honda\u2019s first plug-in hybrid vehicle in China.\nAs you can tell from the graph, since 2016, Honda has been selling over a million vehicles annually and in 2020, they sold over 1.6 million units.\nGAC Honda Automobile produces models such as the Vezel, Breeze, Fit, Accord, and the Crider, while the \nXR-V\n, CR-V Civic, Inspire, and Elysion models are manufactured by Dongfeng Honda Automobile.\nIs that a Honda Civic hatchback or a Kia Stinger? Read about it here!"
"Following the \nfuel economy cheating scandal\n that rocked Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan came to the rescue by acquiring\u00a034 percent of Mitsubishi\u2019s shares worth 237 billion yen (approx RM8.37 billion based on today\u2019s conversion). This effectively means Nissan will become Mitsubishi\u2019s largest stakeholder.\nWith this development, Nissan has provided a lifeline to the struggling Mitsubishi, apart from allowing Nissan to appear in Mitsubishi\u2019s strongholds in Asian countries. Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said both companies now share and jointly develop technology, rationalise markets and grow\u00a0both brands in many ways rather than competing with each other.\nThis deal also means that Mitsubishi will now be part of the Renault-Nissan alliance. The French manufacturer has a 43.4 percent stake in Nissan, while the\u00a0latter holds a 15 percent stake (with no voting rights) in Renault. Other brands in this alliance include Datsun, Dacia and Samsung Motors.\nWith this, Mitsubishi could be benefiting from the extra support and funds to produce new models. In fact, the ageing Mitsubishi Lancer may finally have a successor. Also, there will likely be a jointly-developed pickup truck in the future, for cost efficiency reasons. Maybe the\u00a0\nNissan Navara\n and \nMitsubishi Triton\n\u00a0could essentially be the same pickup with different badges. But more interestingly, will this acquisition spawn the legendary Evo once again?"
"The 1,000th locally-assembled CKD \nPorsche Cayenne\n has now rolled off the production line, just a little over a year since \nproduction of the luxury SUV begun\n at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah. The production achievement marks an important milestone for Porsche Malaysia and Sime Darby Auto Performance, as it is the \nfirst local assembly facility for the marque outside of Europe\n.\nCommenting on the achievement, Sime Darby Auto Performance CEO, Christopher Hunter said, \u201cWe are very pleased to reach this milestone with the locally assembled Cayenne, affirming once again that the Porsche SUV remains a favourite with our customers. Our local assembly facility in Inokom continues to support our growth, to meet the demand from sports car fans in Malaysia.\u201d\n\u201cThis growth in demand also speaks volumes about our high quality \u2013 proof that a Porsche is built to the highest standards,\u201d he added.\nThe local assembly facility highlights the importance of the Malaysian market for Porsche, and further affirms the long-standing partnership between Porsche and Sime Darby. In addition, the programme also helps empower the local community and automotive industry, as it continues to be 100% staffed by highly-skilled Malaysians.\nThe Porsche Cayenne recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022. Here in Malaysia, it\u2019s offered in one single variant, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that sends\n 340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission.\nCustomers can however choose from a range of accessories and options for the locally assembled Cayenne, including from lifestyle-oriented Tequipment accessory line-up, as well as the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Package that adds the SportDesign exterior trim, plus a unique Sport exhaust system, among others.\nThe \nlocally-assembled Porsche Cayenne\n is available to order, starting from RM550,000 before insurance and options."
"The D-segment sedan is in a litle bit of an odd position now. As most mass market car buyers flock towards SUVs, low sales numbers are pushing carmakers to either abandon the sedans and focus on making SUVs, or completely reinvent them into something more attractive and sporty to attract younger buyers \u2013 like the \nToyota Camry\n did.\nAccording to \nCar and Driver\n, Mazda might be going down the same track with its forthcoming \nMazda 6\n with a move than perhaps nobody expected \u2013 sticking an \ninline six engine\n on a longitudinal platform, sending the drive to the \nrear axles\n.\nThe engine will not just be a new drive layout either, as Mazda is reportedly incorporating the brand\u2019s latest SkyActiv-X engines with \n48V mild-hybrid system\n. According to Car and Driver\u2019s sources, the power output should be around the \n350 hp\n mark.\nThat might all sound like a ton of work, and you\u2019d be right \u2013 especially for a relatively small company with a small R&D budget, such as Mazda. However, if you may remember, Mazda has an ongoing partnership with Toyota from 2015 to develop next-generation fuel efficient engines.\nWith Toyota sharing the costs, the rumours seem more likely. The partnership might also see the next Lexus IS and RC adopt the new SkyActiv-X inline-six engine too.\nAs for looks, sources say that the new Mazda 6 will see design elements borrowed from the highly-praised \nVision Coupe concept car\n of the 2017 Tokyo Auto Show \u2013 the same KODO design language is already seen on the current \nMazda 3\n, and if we may say, that\u2019s a dang good-looking car.\nAnd the last bit of good news? The new Mazda 6 will reportedly have a \nlower price tag\n too, without sacrificing on the luxuries. The forthcoming Mazda 6 is expected to debut\n by the end of 2022\n, and if the rumours are true, we already cannot wait."
"Close to a year after the launch of the latest-generation \nHonda Civic\n in Malaysia, its hybrid version, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS is now available, fetching a price of \nRM 166,500\n. Skipping one generation, the hybrid version of the Civic is back with a 2.0-litre engine and a dual-motor electric drive system.\nBookings for the Honda Civic e:HEV RS has been open since October 2022. Among the highlights of the Civic e:HEV RS are its hybrid powertrain and its key card entry system.\nWith both the \u2018RS\u2019 and \u2018e:HEV\u2019 moniker, the Civic e:HEV RS sits above the turbocharged Honda Civic RS in the variant hierarchy. Differentiating the Hybrid Civic e:HEV RS and the turbocharged Civic RS are chrome trims on the headlights, window frames, and door handles.\nThe e:HEV RS also has a set of dual-tone 18-inch wheels as opposed to the turbo\u2019s matte black 18-inch wheels. The Honda emblems on the e:HEV have a blue tinge and the e:HEV only has a single tailpipe as opposed to the turbo\u2019s dual tailpipe setup.\nOne unseen change the Civic had to adopt for the hybrid powertrain is the integration of the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). The IPU includes the inverter, battery, and converter, and is located in front of the rear axle and sits underneath the car floor. Weighing 36.4 kg, the integration of the IPU has lowered the Civic\u2019s centre of gravity by 10 mm, increase rear torsional rigidity by 3%, and decrease the unsprung mass ratio by 4%.\nLike the \nCity e:HEV RS \nand \nHR-V e:HEV RS\n, the Honda Civic is powered by Honda\u2019s hybrid system with dual motors, albeit with a larger 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine. The hybrid system has a system maximum output of \n184 hp\n (metric) and \n315 Nm\n which is essentially from the e-CVT unit alone (includes transmission, traction motor, and generator). The newly-developed 2.0-litre engine (Atkinson cycle, direct injection) itself makes 143 hp (metric) and 189 Nm.\nJust in case you were wondering, the Civic e:HEV RS\u2019s hybrid system makes an extra 2 hp and 75 Nm more than the turbo Civic RS. Depending on the situation, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS can be driven in either \u201cEV Mode\u201d, \u201cHybrid Mode\u201d, or \u201cEngine Mode\u201d to maximise its efficiency.\nInside, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS features a 10.2-inch full digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone automatic climate control. All else is similar to the turbocharged RS version.\nThe Civic e:HEV RS comes with one key card and 2 key fobs\nSafety-wise, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS gets the full suite of Honda Sensing. This includes Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\nIncluded in the price of the Honda Civic e:HEV RS is a five-year/unlimited mileage standard warranty and an eight-year/unlimited mileage hybrid battery warranty. Free labour service is applicable for up to five times within the first 100,000 km.\nGALLERY"
"BMW has just announced a new range-topping variant for their \nG20 3 Series\n, the BMW M340i xDrive. Powered by an updated 3.0-litre straight-six turbo petrol with lots of M-specific technology, the M340i joins the 320i and 330i in the new G20 line up.\nThe B58 straight-six now features an aluminium crankcase and cylinder head while the injection pressure has been increased to 350 bar resulting in output figures of \n374 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n, 48 hp and 50 Nm more than the outgoing \nF30 340i\n. An eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission sends drive to all four wheels via the rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system. With Launch Control activated, the M340i can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.4 seconds\n.\nBefitting the M designation in its nameplate, BMW has fitted the M340i with M-specific components in the form of M Sport suspension (lowers the car by 10 mm), optional Adaptive M suspension, variable sports steering, M Sport exhaust, M Sport differential, M Sport brake kit with discs measuring 348 mm front and 345 mm rear as well as 18-inch M light alloy (225/45 front; 255/40 rear) which can be upsized to 19-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels.\nIdentifying the M340i from its other brethren are the model specific body kit that has been designed to optimise airflow for better aerodynamics, mesh design on the kidney grille, trapezoidal dual exhaust exits as well as Cerium Grey metallic finish on the kidney grille, tailpipe and air intake struts.   Inside, the M340i comes as standard with Sensatec/Alcantara upholstery, anthracite BMW Individual roof liner, M leather-clad steering wheel, interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon as well as the M340i xDrive lettering on the digital instrument cluster and front door sills.\nThe new BMW M340i will make its market debut in July 2019 after making its premiere at the 2018 LA Auto Show. Now, where\u2019s the M3.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW M340i Global Premiere"
"You may have already seen the all-new \nHonda City\n online for quite sometime now. It is finally here in Malaysia today. The \n2014 Honda City\n is officially launched by Honda Malaysia at Publika Shopping Gallery. There are \nfour variants\n to choose from and prices are between RM75,800 to RM90,800.\nQuick Facts\nName\n2014 Honda City\nSegment\nB-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n1,497cc, 4 Cylinders, 16 Valve, SOHC i-VTEC (119hp, 145Nm)\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nCity S \u00a0 RM75,800\nCity S+ RM78,800\nCity E \u00a0 RM83,800\nCity V \u00a0 RM90,800\n\u00a0\nThere are a total of 2.2 million units of Honda City sold since its global debut in 1996. More than 145,000 units are on Malaysian roads alone since 2001. With the introduction of the fourth generation City that comes with two extra variants, Honda Malaysia is aiming to sell 2,500 units monthly.\nSpecficiations\n \nRefer below for specifications on all four variants.   Exterior\n Generally, this new car is slightly bigger than the outgoing model by 25mm. Appearance wise, does vary depending on which variant you are looking at. In this case, let\u2019s examine the hi-spec V model. Designed from the ground up, the front look is mainly dominated by the new wide \nPlatinum Grille\n, \u00a0which you may need to take awhile to get use to. Headlights however are still halogen ones, together with front fog lights.   You\u2019ll also get a pair of indicator lights on the auto retract side mirrors and \n16-inch\n alloy wheels. Whereas the rest of the variants get 15-inch rims only. Going along the side, it does have a distinctive and deep shoulder lines. A quick glance from the rear, you may think it\u2019s a BMW 3-Series due to how the rear lights are designed.\nInterior\n \n\u201cMan Maximum, Machine Minimum\u201d is Honda\u2019s philosophy in developing the car, focusing on premium comfort and spaciousness for its occupants. Wheelbase is made longer by 50mm providing the largest cabin space in its class. A total of \n6 airbags\n are fitted in the cabin; dual front airbags, i-Side airbags and Side Curtain airbags.\u00a0Seats and upholstery come in black fabric in all variants. The dashboard has a new design, that creates a floating effect.   The top-range City V is equipped with \n7-inch\n touch screen display that controls the infotainment together with 8-speakers audio system. It also has the interesting touch panel climate control, which is something new. The multi-function steering wheel has the hand-free telephone steering switch as well.\nThere are enough cupholders to hold a small party in here, eight to be exact. Should your party guests require quick charging for their digital devices, there are three power ports in total. In which two are below the rear aircond vents. Thanks to the increase in wheelbase and focus to cabin space, rear occupants get quite a bit of legroom. This car has the largest boot space in its class, 536 litres of it, plus a 60:40 foldable rear seats.\nPerformance\n \nAll four variants are powered by the same \n1.5-litre i-VTEC\n engine that is paired with the Earth Dreams Technology \nCVT\n gearbox, which generates \n119 horsepower\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. It can go at the maximum speed of 190 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds. There is a \nECON\n button function that will setup the car for a more economical drive.\nSteering system is Electric Power Steering (EPS), while braking system is ventilated disc for the front and drum for the rear. As for suspension system you get McPherson Strut for the front and torsion beam for the rear. There are a few safety features such as hill start assist and emergency stop signal.\nWhat else..\n This fourth generation Honda City is a \nCKD\n that comes straight from the Malacca plant. Honda Malaysia has also confirmed that the Honda City Hybrid is in development stage in Japan and that they hope to offer it in Malaysia as soon as possible. That will be locally assembled as well.\nThe all-new 2014 Honda City comes in four variants the City S (\nRM75,800\n), City S+ (\nRM78,800\n), City E (\nRM83,800\n) and City V (\nRM90,800\n). It well covered by a\u00a0\n5-year warranty\n with\n unlimited mileage\n. 1,800 buyers have placed their bookings since its pre-launch last month. If you are looking to get one, you can choose from the following five colours; Modern Steel Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl and the new Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic. Should you want to sportify your car, there\u2019s the original Modulo accessories.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Earlier in February, McLaren released a Grand Tourer version of the 570S called the \nMcLaren 570GT\n. It\u2019s as potent as a McLaren should be, but the GT moniker comes with added amenities and luxury to make it more \u2018liveable\u2019 as a daily driver.\nNow, the 570GT you see in this set of pictures have been further enhanced by the guys at MSO Concept. To kick things off, the GT is fitted with an all-titanium exhaust system that\u2019s 30 percent lighter than the old stainless steel setup. Besides being lightweight, McLaren says it gives a more characterful tone as the engine revs harder. The exhaust\u2019s heat shield is finished in a golden titanium nitrite tint (visible through the rear air ducts) which turns blueish-purple as it heats and cools.   The car also features a high-tech Electro-Chromic Glass Roof which, at the touch of a finger, allows occupants to adjust the opacity of the tint. There are up to five tint settings to choose. Complementing the glass roof is MSO Concept\u2019s Elite Pearl White paintwork, contrasted with a Piano Black package that adds gloss black finishes to the wheels, side skirts, front and rear door inserts and interior trims. Notice the carbon fibre sill panels?\u00a0You can have that in gloss finish, but for a small price.\nInside, this 570GT is\u00a0equipped with a \n12-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Hi-Fi system\n, while the rest of the cabin gets upholstered in exquisite Saddle Tan leather. There\u2019s more carbon fibre here as well, and they are all finished in gloss lacquer.\nThere are no changes in the powertrain department. The same M838TE \n3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8\n engine soldiers on, producing \n562 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. A \nseven-speed dual-clutch transmission\n channels power to the \nrear wheels\n. Just like the 570GT, the extra glass panels and stowage spaces means additional weight, so it sprints from 0 to 100km/h a tad slower at \n3.4 seconds\n, compared to the 570S\u2019 3.2-second benchmark.\nOne big difference here is the revised suspension; spring rate on front axle is now 15 percent less stiff than the standard GT, while stiffness at the rear is reduced by 10 percent. The damping characteristics can still be altered through Normal, Sport or Track settings.\nThe McLaren 570GT MSO Concept will make its public debut at one of the most prestigious car shows to date \u2013 the Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance. We don\u2019t know about you, but we\u2019re sold.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When you think of a rally car, often times you\u2019d picture a Blue Subaru with its iconic gold wheels and \u201c555\u201d livery or a Red and White Mitsubishi with massive spotlights on its front bumper but you\u2019d never picture a 7-seater MPV/crossover as one, would you?\nAll that is about to change, or rather has changed with the world\u2019s first MPV/crossover Mitsubishi Xpander AP4 rally car as \nMitsubishi Motors South Africa\n puts it.\n \nIn case you\u2019re wondering, no, the Xpander is not powered by the 1.5-litre engine paired to a 4-speed auto like the ones \ncoming to Malaysia\n. Instead, it\u2019s driven by a de-tuned Mitsubishi Evo X engine, which has been downsized from 2.0-litre to 1.6.\nStill it\u2019s nothing to belittle as the Xpander AP4 still makes a generous 350 hp and 556 Nm! Power is transferred to the wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox, that works with three differential (front, centre, rear) for the most efficient torque distribution.\nLike the bonkers exterior that retains the Xpander\u2019s Dynamic Shield design language, but is now slightly widened by the wheel arches with an added roof air scoop. What stands out most is the massive carbon fibre rear wing to keep the Xpander planted at high speeds.\nInteresting, the Speedline wheels on the Xpander AP4 are only 15-inch in size, a tad smaller than the 16-inch units in the road-going model.\nThe cabin is completely unrecognisable from the 7-seater family crossover that\u2019s due for launch in Malaysia. Every single trim and creature comfort has been stripped out to accommodate a complex roll cage, a pair of OMP bucket seats, and a myriad of switches and buttons. The seating position of the Xpander AP4 has been moved further back, to achieve a weight distribution of 55:45.\nIndonesian Rally Driver Rifat Sungkar said the Xpander was chosen to be converted into a rally car due its well sorted chassis and popularity in Indonesia and the South East Asian region.\nThe car took 6-7 months to develop and build from scratch by Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand and will participate in the AP4 (Asia Pacific 4) category, the highest in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship, hence the name Xpander AP4.\nWhile it\u2019s unlikely that future Xpander owners can achieve such levels of modification, it\u2019ll surely sweeten the notion of owning a road-going Xpander, knowing well that it\u2019s providing the very basis of a fire-breathing rally car \u2013 just like the old Lancer Evolution days.\nWatch our \nFULL REVIEW\n with a twist of the new Mitsubishi Xpander as it is hosted by Indonesia\u2019s top motoring journalist, Fitra Eri.\n GALLERY"
"The day when you\u2019re able to hail a driverless \nUber ride\n is just around the corner, but only if you\u2019re staying in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Towards the end of August, a fleet of Uber-Volvo XC90 wearing a funny hat will be in service for Uber users in Pittsburgh, and this is part of the latest project worth USD300 million signed by both Volvo and Uber to develop next-generation autonomous vehicles.\nThe base vehicles will be provided by Volvo, but Uber and Volvo will \ndevelop their own autonomous driving systems\n upon the same base vehicle. The \nXC90\n was chosen because it was built upon Volvo\u2019s \nScalable Product Architecture\n (SPA), a modular platform future-proofed from the beginning of its development cycle for future electrification and connectivity developments as well as autonomous drive technologies.\nThe funny hat thingamajig sitting on top of the roof actually holds some of the equipment needed for the car to be able to drive on its own, which consists of \nGPS receivers\n, \ncameras\n, \nradar\n, and \nlasers \u2013\n\u00a0just to name a few. Sounds scary? Don\u2019t fret, each XC90 will be supervised by a couple of engineers, and yes, both of them are actual real humans.\nTravis Kalanick, Uber\u2019s CEO, said \u201cOver one million people die in car accidents every year. These are tragedies that self-driving technology can help solve, but we can\u2019t do this alone. That\u2019s why our partnership with a great manufacturer like Volvo is so important. Volvo is a leader in vehicle development and best-in-class when it comes to safety. By combining the capabilities of Uber and Volvo we will get to the future faster, together.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I remember when the Volkswagen Polo TSI was first introduced to our market back in 2010. It carried a price tag north of RM110k and was honestly outrageous to think that people would pay C-segment money for a B-segment hatchback. But still, it found ways to many Malaysian homes.\nPerhaps it\u2019s the attractive price tag for a German car, or maybe the turbocharged engine and dual clutch allure, or perhaps even the Volkswagen badge (bear in mind this was seven years back, long before the dieselgate scandal took place). The Polo then was quite the entry level model to the Volkswagen family, that is until the locally assembled Polo 1.6 MPI was introduced.\u00a0\nToday, Volkswagen Malaysia has done away the complicated TSI and DSG combo, came down from its high horse and repackaged the Polo to be a true wallet-friendly car. \nRetailing at RM69,888\n, the Polo 1.6 MPI is the cheapest Volkswagen on sale and it goes up directly against the likes of the \nHonda Jazz\n, \nMazda2\n and \nFord Fiesta\n.\nThe question now is, is the cheapest Volkswagen still a real Volkswagen? Here are five things I love about the Polo 1.6 MPI that proves that it is.\nWELL INSULATED CABIN\nB-segment hatchbacks are generally popular for its small footprint and manoeuvrability, especially for urban commuting. However, city driving does no justice for the incredibly muted cabin of the Polo, because highway cruising is where it truly shines.\nThanks to generous use of sound deadening materials (you can find felt linings around the doors on just about every other VW car), highway cruising is very relaxed as wind and road noise are kept at minimal. Inf act,\u00a0I dare say the Polo has best in class cabin insulation and easily puts many other cars above its segment to shame.   RESPONSIVE POWERTRAIN\nPowering the Polo hatchback is a conventional 1.6-litre four-cylinder multi-point injection (MPI) engine that delivers\u00a0\n104 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed torque converter.\nFrom the word go, the powertrain feels eager and linear in delivery. I find it just peppy enough for city driving, and the gear ratios make overtaking rather pleasant on the freeways. In \u201cD\u201d, the gearbox optimises shift times to arrive at the highest gear as quickly as possible to conserve fuel and achieve the acclaimed \n6.3 litres per 100 km\n.\nIn \u201cS\u201d or Sport, the transmission gets a newfound sense of eagerness, keeping revs close to the 6,000 rpm redline, perfect for your weekend B-road blast. While the conventional powertrain does not come close to the performance of the sophisticated TSI and DSG powertrain, the silver lining is that the MPI and six-speed auto should, in theory at least, outlast the turbo and dual clutch combo.\nWELL BALANCED CHASSIS\nUnderpinning the Polo is Volkswagen Group\u2019s PQ25 platform developed for superminis \u2013 P stands for \npassenger car\n, Q refers to a \ntransverse engine \nlayout, 2 refers to the platform size and 5 refers to the generation. Being part of the VW group means this sub RM70k supermini shares the same platform as the mighty \nAudi A1\n. Yes, the RM180k Audi A1.\nI had a hard time trying to unsettle the car, which speaks volumes of its chassis. Regaining control of the Polo in the event of an oversteer or understeer is rather easy (if you don\u2019t panic, that is), and even under emergency evasive manoeuvres, the car still maintained its composure without much drama. Bear in mind that this is achieved \nwithout the intervention of Electronic Stability Control\n.   Doing J-turns and handbrake turns in the Polo without losing control is right up to the Polo\u2019s ally. GC had an exciting stint with the Polo back in 2014, so be sure to read what he thought about \nsliding the Polo around\n. Or better yet, watch the\u00a0\nvideo\n!\nQUALITY RIDE AND HANDLING\nBalancing between agility and damping is a dark art and I have reasons to believe that the engineers who worked on the Polo are wizards. Hustling along the less-than-ideal roads of Klang Valley, the Polo absorbs most undulations without breaking a sweat.\nDespite its decent suspension travel and plush ride quality, it remains well planted around twisty courses. Body roll is kept at a minimum and steering feedback gives you the required confidence to take corners when you\u2019re up at speed. Okay, the comfort-ish 185/60 Goodyear rubbers do squeal in protest at times, but the Polo maintained its composure well. As goes without saying, a set of high performance rubbers will\u00a0bring out the best of the Polo\u2019s handling capabilities.\nGERMAN ATTENTION TO DETAIL\nDespite many other makes offering much more bells and whistles like keyless entry, automatic folding mirrors and some even \n360-degree surround camera\n\u00a0(why on earth); no one tops the Germans in terms of attention to details.\nIt\u2019s the little things like speed sensing auto-lock, a feature not found on most Japanese makes because in the event of a collision, those models are unable to automatically unlock all four doors like the Polo. They even have a fancy technical name for it \u2013 \nIntelligent Crash Response System (ICRS)\n.\nAuto up and down for all \nfour\n\u00a0windows is also standard on the Polo, something very insignificant but takes convenience and premium-ness to another level. To put things into perspective, the Honda Accord only has auto up and down for the front two windows. To further impress your friends, the Polo comes with a neat party trick that \nremotely opens and closes the windows\n by holding down the Lock or Unlock button on the key fob. Try it yourself.\nThere is much to like about the Polo, but unfortunately it has a tough time going against rivals that are better looking and come with more creature comforts and safety features. With its relatively high price tag, the Polo struggles to convince shoppers to look its way.\nIt\u2019s a shame really. For what it\u2019s worth, the Polo is a cornerstone in the Volkswagen model line-up, helping the German marque bag numerous prestigious awards including 2010 European Car of the Year, 2010 World Car of the Year and 2010 and 2011 Japan Import Car of the Year.\nWith the strengthening brand presence here in Malaysia and VPCM\u2019s commitment to offer strong after sales support through 5-Years Warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance packages, perhaps the Polo deserves your showroom visit. It even comes with a sportier \nALLSTAR body kit\n.\nService intervals for the Polo is scheduled at every 15,000 km. VPCM is also conducting a \n\u201cPolo P\u201d Young Drivers Training Programme\n with the Polo.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After revealing fully electric concepts like the \ne-Tron GT Concept\n and the \nPB18 e-Tron Concept,\n\u00a0Audi\u00a0is about to spark even more conversations when they reveal their new concept car, the Audi AI:me, at the Shanghai Motor Show starting on the 15th of April 2019.\nAudi claims that the car is capable of \nLevel 4 autonomous driving\n, where for the most part, can operate without any human supervision.\n \nLooking at the picture, you\u2019d notice words like \nDiscover\n, \nMoment \nand \nWell Being\n on the dash and it\u2019s quite exciting just guessing what they\u2019d do when activated.\nRemember our trip to Singapore last year for the Audi Brand Experience? Well this kinda looks like the Aicon featured in the video, but on a smaller scale.\nCheck it out and see if you\u2019d be up for the future of autonomous driving, you non-manual driving commuter.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Chery is set to relaunch its brand in Australia after leaving the market eight years ago. Along with the announcement, Chery said that it had waited until a new range of models with five-star safety ratings and advanced technology were developed before returning Down Under.\nOn their re-entry into the Australian market, Chery said it will do so with the aim of sustainable growth and a long-term vision.\nTiggo 7\nTiggo 8\nAccording to Drive, Chery Australia Managing Director, Andy Zhang said that the\n Omoda 5 SUV\n will be the first model to arrive in the country, due in March 2023. Two other models will follow suit later this year such as the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro. Electric variants of the models will be introduced next year, barring any delays.\nZhang also said that the company plans to launch a network of approximately 60 showrooms along with introduction of a seven-year, unlimited mileage warranty for its vehicles. Zhang also highlighted that every Chery vehicle will have a five-star safety rating. The Omoda 5 SUV has already earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.\nChery Australia Marking Director, James Curtis commented that Australia is part of the Chery\u2019s global expansion plan and is seen an important market with strong competition and discerning customers.\u00a0\nRELATED: \nChery Tiggo 7 Pro confirmed for Malaysia launch \u2013 Proton X70 rival with up to 197 hp!"
"Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Service (TCEAS), the aftersales provider for Nissan, Renault and Infiniti has just launched their first-ever vehicle service app called DriveOn by Tan Chong for owners of the three brands.\nThe app, available on both \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n, is a comprehensive aftersales mobile application where owners can schedule a service appointment, check their vehicle service history record and obtain Service Information such as parts and price estimation in advance.\nHere are the 9 key\nfunctions of the DriveOn by Tan Chong app:\n1) \nScheduling a\nservice appointment\n \u2013 view live booking slots and schedule an appointment,\nlocate any of TCEAS 60 service centres and set favourite service centre, as\nwell as navigation to the outlet.\n2) \nService history\nrecord\n \u2013 view and keep track of your vehicle service records\n3) \nService\ninformation\n \u2013 obtain Service Package information, parts and price\nestimation in advance\n4) \nService\nreminders\n \u2013 be reminded whenever your vehicle service date approaches, and\nbe notified when it is ready for collection\n5) \nEasy roadside\nassistance\n \u2013 access to 24-hour emergency roadside assistance and call\ncentre for vehicle-related assistance.\n6) \nMobile app only\npromotions\n \u2013 be entitled to promotions that are available only to app users\n7) \nInstant\npromotion updates\n \u2013 notifications on attractive promotions or upcoming events\n8) \n\u2018DriveOn\u2019\ne-magazine\n \u2013 get latest Nissan news and developments, tips on driving and\nmaintenance, even topics of interest for you, your family and friends\n9) \nGoCar Malaysia\n \u2013 additional offers to obtain GoCar services while your vehicle is under\nmaintenance\nAs part of the launch\ncampaign, the first 5,000 successful app download and registration will receive\n5% discount on vehicle parts by TCEAS (terms & conditions apply).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Government has just announced that areas in the Klang Valley including Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor will move to Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) effective 10th of September 2021.\nIt has also been decided that the three areas will be combined as one therefore there will be no roadblocks for movements between the three areas.\n10-km limit removed for the fully vaccinated in Phase 1 NRP states, full vehicle capacity. More about it here!\nAlso, states in Phase 1 of the NRP are now allowed to resume these activities:\nIndoor sports activities excluding the gym \u2013 must be fully vaccinated and by appointment only\nNurseries and florists, outdoor equipment stores and new development galleries are now allowed to open\nBarbers, saloons and beauty parlors are now allowed to open in Phase 2 states. More updates on SOPs to come."
"Honda Malaysia\n has launched its latest digitalised web service, in the form of online new car pre-booking platform. The pre-booking function is the latest addition to Honda Malaysia\u2019s shopping tools on its official website, which include other features such as loan calculator, models comparison and \nHonda Insurance Plus\n.\nTo access the latest feature, interested customers can access the booking page via the \u2018New Car Pre-Booking\u2019 button located within the shopping tools section on the Honda Malaysia official website, or as they enter the specific model\u2019s information page.\nThe online pre-booking procedure consists of four steps, with the first step being to select their preferred Honda dealer. While poking around the website, we found that the service currently only supports three dealerships \u2013 one each in Selangor, Johor, and Sabah \u2013 but we\u2019re sure that more will be added in due time.\nAfter selecting your preferred dealer, customers will then be asked to fill in their particulars, then select their chosen model, variant, colour, and accessories pack. Once all of those are completed, you\u2019ll then be brought to a page where you can review your information, and proceed to make the pre-booking payment of RM99.\nA confirmation email with all the necessary information will be sent to the address that you have given in the first step. Within 72 hours, you will then be contacted by a designated sales advisor from the selected dealer to proceed with the purchase, such as arranging a test drive appointment if you wish.\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s new car pre-booking online platform also has a tracking feature where customers can monitor their pre-booking status via the \u2018Track My Pre-Booking\u2019 status page. The platform will also be added to the recently-unveiled \nHondaTouch mobile application\n by early next year.\nThe summary also shows a full break-down of the pricing details \u2013 useful.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cThis New Car Pre-Booking Online Platform is part of Honda Malaysia\u2019s effort to provide greater accessibility to customers to own a Honda car in this digital era via an online car purchase process. It allows Honda customers to stay ahead of the crowd and pre-book their preferred Honda model through a most convenient and user-friendly process which is right at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere.\u201d\nAside from the official Honda Malaysia website, you can also jump straight to the pre-booking site at \nprebook.honda.com.my\n, or alternatively pre-book a car via Honda Malaysia\u2019s toll-free number at \n1-800-88-2020\n."
"Proton has now officially joined the\n list of car brands\n in Malaysia to offer warranty extensions amid the Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the evolving \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n.\nAccording to a statement released by Proton, all warranties expiring during the MCO period will be automatically \nextended by 1,000 km or 30 days\n following the final day of the MCO, whichever comes first.\nAs for customers who missed their scheduled maintenance due to the temporary closures of service centres, rest assured that your warranty will not be voided. Customers are advised to carry out service their vehicles \n30 days post the end of the MCO\n to keep their warranties valid.\nTo ensure that you don\u2019t miss the deadline, Proton advices to contact your preferred service outlet to book an appointment within 15 days after the end of the MCO.\nYou\u2019ll have to wait a while more for the drive you\u2019ve been dreaming of.\nThe MCO is scheduled to end on the 14th of April, though ramblings on social media seem to point towards an extension \u2013 we\u2019ll just have to wait and see. For now, please stay at home and help flatten the curve!\nIf you need some tips on how to keep your cars healthy too during this MCO period, Proton has helpfully provided \nsome pointers\n."
"We\u2019ve seen a \ndiesel powered Bentley\n before, and now here\u2019s a Bentley that runs on pure electricity. The Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e is the first electric car to come out of Crewe, but you can\u2019t buy one just yet because it\u2019s still a concept car.\nAlthough not much has been revealed about the electric powertrain, Bentley only said that the EXP 12 Speed 6e will be able to travel \u201cbetween London and Paris (456km) or Milan and Monaco on a single charge\u201d. Quite a bold claim if you ask us, but the crew at Crewe seems confident about it. The car is also said to support \nrapid inductive charging\n if the owner doesn\u2019t feel like getting his hands dirty by plugging the charger into a dedicated slot behind the rear number plate.\nSome of you might recognise the car, because the design is actually two years old. It was previously revealed as the \nEXP 10 Speed 6\n at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2015. However, that car was a coupe and it was powered by a petrol hybrid powertrain. This year Bentley has repainted it in white, replaced the side mirrors with a couple of rear-facing cameras, and chopped the roof off.\nThe interior too has been given a slight makeover. Like the roof, the top part of the steering wheel has been sawn off, and there\u2019s a new gear selector finished in copper. The rest of the cabin is still a blend of old-school craftsmanship and new-school tech featuring a fancy \u201cintelligent infotainment system\u201d enclosed inside solid piece of curved glass in the middle of the dashboard.\nThe EXP 12 Speed 6e (and the EXP 10 Speed 6) previews at an upcoming \u201csmall\u201d two-seater Bentley to slot below the Continental range, and it could get into production as soon as next year. Meanwhile, Bentley mentioned that they will be introducing a range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in 2018 starting with the Bentayga.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve seen the \nconcept\n\u00a0(coupe styling), we\u2019ve seen the \nspy shots\n\u00a0(regular bodied), and now for the real deal \u2013 the world premier of the GLK\u2019s successor \u2013 the GLC.\nThe GLK nameplate may be strange to us, especially because it was never made in a right-hand drive configuration. But that\u2019s about to change with the GLC, and it\u2019s only a matter of time before the premium compact SUV gets introduced here. It\u2019s main rival? The \nBMW X4\n.\nJust to quickly recap, the GLC measures at\u00a04,727 mm long,\u00a02,000 mm wide, 1,593 mm tall and has a wheelbase of\u00a02,827 mm. Powering the GLC Coupe is a \n3.0-litre twin turbocharged V6\n engine mated to a \nnine-speed (9G-Tronic) automatic\n transmission, sending \n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n to the four wheels via the brand\u2019s \n4Matic\n \nall-wheel drive\n system.\nAs for the regular GLC, we can expect the familiar \n2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four\n powering the \nW205 C-Class\n (the model which it\u2019s based on) to be featured here. On the inside however, as per our spy shots, revealed quite a stark resemblance to the C-Class, which isn\u2019t a bad thing at all.\n \n \nConfused as to why the GLK will be named the GLC instead? Click \nhere\n to find out all about Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new naming convention. For now, be sure to follow to global unveiling of the new GLC by clicking the video above!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLC Coupe   Mercedes-Benz GLC Spied"
"If you\u2019re pursuing a doctorate in aerodynamics, we suggest you put down that literature review of yours for a minute, and instead take a gander at the new \nPorsche 911 GT3 RS\n \u2013 It is just fully loaded with state-of-the-art aero bits. Not only is the \u201cfather of all wings\u201d perched on the GT3 RS\u2019s posterior, but even the suspension components are also aerodynamic. We\u2019ll get to these in a bit.\nBefore we go nuts with the aerodynamics, let\u2019s address the powertrain. Sitting behind the rear axle is a normally-aspirated 4.0-litre flat-6 engine that revs up to 9,000 rpm. It is a souped-up version of the engine in the \n911\n \nGT3, producing \n525 hp\n, which is 50 hp more than the non-RS GT3. Upgrades to the engine include cams with longer durations and different cylinder heads that provide more lubrication in high-G situations.\nPaired to the flat-six engine is a seven-speed PDK gearbox that has overall shorter ratios than the 911 GT3. With only 1,450 kg of weight to lug around, the powertrain combination results in a 0-100 km/h of \n3.2 seconds \nand a top speed of \n296 km/h\n in seventh gear. In charge of stopping all this power are 6-pot aluminium monobloc brakes in the front and rear.\nNow, onto the aerodynamics. Starting from the front, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS has ditched the three-radiator layout for a central mono-radiator system. The hot air exiting the radiator then flows through the massive hood outlet that pushes the air to the sides. Under the nose of the car are adjustable flaps that can rotate by 80 degrees to either increase or decrease the downforce on the front end.\nRELATED: \nPorsche brings Cars\u2019 Sally Carrera to life with new 911 \u2018Sally Special\u2019 one-off\nTo cool the wheelhouse, the traditional louvre outlets were simply not enough, so the GT3 RS has large gaping passages behind the front wheels instead. This new source of airflow meant that Porsche had to redesign the doors on the 992 911 GT3 RS. Oh, and these doors are made of carbon fibre, shaving off almost 5kgs of the car\u2019s weight.\nMove on to the rear, and you will not miss the massive wing on the 911 GT3 RS\u2019s posterior. The swan neck wing is a bit taller than the roof line and features a static and active aero component. The static lower wing is made of carbon fibre and the top part of the wing is the DRS feature on the GT3 RS. Stolen from Formula 1 cars, the DRS is a first for a Porsche streetcar.\nRELATED: \nManthey Racing just helped the Porsche 911 GT3 set a 6:55 time at the N\u00fcrburgring\nKeen to reduce even more resistance, the aerodynamic bits of the 911 GT3 go beyond skin deep. Since high-speed, high-density air flows through the wheel well, the double wishbone suspension components have a teardrop-shaped profile to improve aerodynamics.\nWith all the aero components working harmoniously, the 991 Porsche 911 GT3 RS produces up to 860 kg of downforce at 285 km/h \u2013 twice of the 991.2 GT3 RS and thrice of the 992 911 GT3. Porsche says the GT3 RS has spent 250 hours in the wind tunnel, and we totally believe them.\nRELATED: \nThe retro-styled Porsche 911 Sport Classic is the most powerful manual 911 you can buy\nEquipped with a \u2018Track\u2019 driving mode, customers can individually adjust settings like compression and rebound for the front and rear in several stages. The rear differential can also be adjusted via rotary controls on the steering wheel.\nInside, the track-focused 911 GT3 RS is adorned in black leather, Racetex, and a carbon-weave finish. The Clubsport package which includes a steel rollover bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher and six-point seat belts for the driver is available at no extra cost.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Porsche 911 GT3 now in Malaysia; PDK, 6MT or Touring available, from RM1.77 mil\nCustomers can also opt for an optional Weissach package with extra cost that includes:\nCarbon weave finish for the front lid, roof, parts of the rear wing and the upper shell\nCFRP front & rear anti-roll bars, rear coupling rods, and shear panel on the rear axle\nCFRP rollover bar\nPDK shift paddles with motorsport-derived magnet technology\nOptional magnesium forged wheels"
"Goodyear Malaysia has quietly rolled out their brand-new Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 (ATM2) tyres to the Malaysian market. The ATM2 tyres replace the existing Assurance TripleMax 1 and Eagle NCT 5 as the brand\u2019s mid-segment passenger car tyre.\nHighlights of the new ATM2 tyres is the new HydroTred technology that promises excellent wet braking performance, improved handling and comfort as well as enhanced resistance to sidewall impacts.\nAll these are achieved through Goodyear\u2019s 120 years of history in tyre technology. The ATM2 features new boosted compound formulation that delivers improved performance in dry and wet surfaces while its optimised tyre groove gives the tyre superior water dispersion and a larger contact surface for better cornering stiffness and steering precision.\nEngineers have also incorporated narrower lateral grooves in the tyre block to reduce noise resonance on the tyre shoulder for a quieter ride. The sidewalls of the ATM2 features two-Layer High Modulus Low Shrinkage Reinforcements to better cushion the impacts to the sidewalls. This gives you a greater peace of mind when travelling pothole-ridden roads.   Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia, Ben Hoge said: \u201cIn conjunction with our 120th anniversary celebration this year which is a significant milestone for Goodyear, we are also excited to announce the arrival of the Assurance TripleMax 2, designed for drivers to provide a faster braking and safer driving experience, particularly on wet roads during this heavy monsoon season, into Malaysia.\u201d\nThe Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 is available in 15 sizes ranging from wheel sizes measuring 15- to 17-inch. Hoge has also assured that the ATM2 is not any more expensive than the existing range of NCT 5 and the new pattern is now available at all authorised Goodyear dealer nationwide.\nAVAILABLE SIZES:\nSection\nRim Size (inch)\nLoad Index\nSpeed Rating\n185/60\n15\n84\nH\n185/65\n15\n88\nH\n195/50\n15\n82\nV\n195/55\n15\n85\nV\n195/60\n15\n88\nV\n195/65\n15\n91\nV\n205/65\n15\n94\nV\n185/55\n16\n83\nV\n195/50\n16\n84\nV\n195/55\n16\n87\nV\n205/60\n16\n92\nV\n215/55\n16\n93\nV\n215/60\n16\n95\nV\n205/45\n17\n84\nW\n215/45\n17\n91\nW\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGoodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 Launched in Malaysia"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicle (MBM CV) marked yet another significant milestone after they delivered the 300th\u00a0FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics Sdn. Bhd. Biforst Logistics is Malaysia\u2019s leading one stop logistics solutions provider and has been a FUSO customer since 2006.\n\u201cThe delivery of the 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics represents a significant milestone for us. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles takes great pride in delivering \u2018Trucks you can trust\u2019, and in doing so we are absolutely thrilled that Biforst Logistics benefits greatly from our highly reliable and economical commercial vehicles and extensive service network,\u201d said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President, Commercial Vehicles, Mr Albert Yee.\nAmong Biforst Logistics\u2019 fleet of vehicles include the FUSO Light Duty Truck models, FE71PB, FE83PE, FE83PG and FE85PG, FUSO Medium Duty Truck models FM65FM and Mercedes-Benz Actros. The company utilises the Light Duty Trucks primarily for short distance distribution and interstate logistic transportation while the Medium Duty Trucks are mainly for long distance logistics.\n\u201cGiven the nature of our business, we need to ensure maximum up-time of our fleet. MBM CV is a natural first choice for us as they have a deep understanding of our need for safety, reliability and economic efficiency. As a result of our robust business growth we need trucks which are dependable, and have plans to further increase our FUSO truck fleet over the next few years,\u201d said Biforst Logistics Group Managing Director, Mr Hamie Appala.\nBiforst Logistics\u2019 fleet of FUSO trucks are sold and serviced through Bumi Asia Auto Sdn. Bhd., MBM CV\u2019s authorised 3S dealer. The company is currently subscribed to Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia\u2019s customised total financing solution packages, Hire Purchase Classic and Hire Purchase FlexiPay Payment Holiday while Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad and AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad provides Biforst Logistic with comprehensive insurance protection."
"Earlier this month, patent images of a previously-unseen McLaren supercar surfaced online, which led many to believe that the Woking-based boutique supercar maker is working on an all-new electrified Ultimate Series model. Well, it turns out that the rumours were half true \u2013 it\u2019s called the McLaren Sabre, and it\u2019s a 15-unit-only\u00a0bespoke commission series by \nMcLaren Special Operations\n (MSO), exclusive to the United States.\nThe McLaren Sabre is powered by the tried-and-true twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. No hybrid powertrain here, but it does make more power than any other non-hybrid supercars that McLaren has ever made \u2013\n 812 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque, which is 23 hp more than the \nSenna\n to be exact.\nWith the 20 extra ponies and the usual weight-saving measures, the McLaren Sabre also boasts a top speed of\n 351 km/h\n, making it the \nfastest two-seater McLaren ever built\n. Unfortunately, no other performance figures have been provided, but we think it probably wouldn\u2019t stray too far off of the Senna.\nThe development process of the Sabre is also quite special. As there are only 15 units to be ever made, each of the 15 owners were invited to a development track day at the Thermal Club Private Race Track to provide feedback to the team back in Woking, allowing them to tune the car just to how the owners like it.\nIn terms of looks, the McLaren Sabre looks like it took on the sleek silhouette of the \nSpeedtail\n, but added a whole swath of aerodynamic parts taken from both the track-only Senna GTR and the video-game-only Ultimate Vision Grand Turismo.\nFins and strakes are aplenty all around the bodywork, but the most flamboyant element on the exterior is located at the rear, where a central fin extends from the roof of the car all the way backwards to the humongous rear wing, which itself is a work of art. Oh, there are also the giant racecar diffusers too for extra dramatic (and aerodynamic) effect.\nAside from the 15-unit-only production limit, the McLaren Sabre is also strictly US-only, as it features \u201cideas and innovations that global homologation would not permit\u201d. All 15-units were already sold out before the car was even made public, so there\u2019s no point announcing the price tag too.\nGALLERY"
"Ferrari\n has traditionally reserved the \u2018XX\u2019 name for its track-only supercars, reserved for those it deems worthy of owning one. But that\u2019s all about to change \u2013 well. at least the first part \u2013 with the launch of the Ferrari SF90 XX, its first road-legal model in the XX family.\nAs its name suggests, the Ferrari SF90 XX is based on the \u201cregular\u201d SF90, and as such it\u2019ll also be offered in two body styles \u2013 the Stradale (coupe) and the Spider (convertible). As you might have expected, these cars here are limited edition units, with only 799 units and 599 units of the SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider offered respectively.\nFerrari describes the SF90 XX as the most extreme version of the SF90 family, And its exterior design does live up to the carmaker\u2019s description. Built around the concept of a racecar, Ferrari designers followed a \u201cfunction first, aesthetics second\u201d mantra in styling the SF90 XX, even going as far as highlighting many of its air intakes and vents with special colour accents.\nThese aero tweaks include a new large and wide front diffuser which increases the downforce up front by over 45 kg at 250 km/h, an aggressive front splitter, as well as a pair of S-Ducts up front to channel air from the front up the bonnet and over the car that further improves downforce by 20%.\nRELATED: \nItal Auto is Ferrari\u2019s new partner in Malaysia, replaces Naza Italia\nThe most eye-catching change here, however, is obviously the massive GT wing around the back. It\u2019s not the most \u201cFerrari way\u201d of doing things, and in fact, it\u2019s the first road-legal Ferrari model to feature a fixed-wing spoiler since the iconic F50 from 1995. But there\u2019s a good reason the designers in Maranello have gone with this route \u2013 working together with the shut-off gurney, the rear aero devices are able to contribute up to 315 kg of downforce at the back.\nAltogether, the SF90 XX can generate up to 530 kg of total downforce at 250 km/h. This is 140 kg more downforce than its regular counterpart, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient models in Ferrari\u2019s stable \u2013 comparable only to that of the LaFerrari, according to the press release.\nFor the SF90 XX Spider, the uniquely-designed flying buttress also helps enhance its aerodynamics around the back, while also hiding the carbon fibre retractable hard top when it\u2019s not raining. Deploying and retracting the RHT takes 14 seconds, and the manoeuvre can also be done at speeds of up to 45 km/h.\nTo help with the SF90 XX\u2019s performance, the Stradale is 10 kg lighter than its regular counterpart, weighing just 1560 kg. The Spider on the other hand weighs 1660 kg.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Purosangue 6.5L V12, Maranello\u2019s first not-an-SUV\nThe Ferrari SF 90 XX retains the same plug-in hybrid (PHEV) layout as the standard SF90, but is massively uprated with new pistons and polished air inlets to match its \u201cmost high-performance Ferrari road-legal car\u201d ethos. As before, the PHEV system comprises a four-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric motors \u2013 two on the front axle, and one between the engine and the gear box at the rear.\nThe engine itself produces 797 hp and 804 Nm and is mated to an eight-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission (DCT). But when paired to the three electric motors, which are powered by a 7.9 kWh battery, total system output has now been raised to \n1030 hp\n, or 30 hp more than its regular counterpart.\nThe mind-bending figure translates to a century sprint time of\n 2.3 seconds\n, and 0-200 km/h in only \n6.5 seconds\n, both 0.2 seconds faster than the SF90 Stradale. The Spider does come in a touch slower for the latter, completing the 0 to 200 km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds, but it\u2019s still 0.3 seconds quicker than the regular SF90 Spider.\nDue to the more aggressive aerodynamic appendages though, the top speed for the special edition supercars have actually been reduced by 20 km/h to 320 km/h \u2013 not that many would mind, we think.\nThe e-Manettino switch on the steering wheel enables four different driving modes, including an eDrive mode that allows the SF90 XX to travel in pure EV mode at speeds of up to \n135 km/h\n, and as far as \n25 km\n, thanks to the two front electric motors. Qualifying Mode meanwhile provides an \u201cextra boost\u201d function that offers temporary bursts of extra power for when you need it.\nTo keep the SF90 XX performing at its peak performance, Ferrari engineers have redesigned its cooling flow management for the thermal and electric components, as well the engine compartment.\nThe SF90 XX also employs a wide range of electronics to help keep that performance in check, including a new Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer 2.0 which improves on-the-limit handling in all grip conditions governed by the electronic Side-Slip Control (eSSC) system, as well as the ABS EVO controller that uses the advanced 6W-CDS sensor to help improve braking performance and lateral stability.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Purosangue orders reopen, 3,567 Ferraris sold in Q1 2023\nFerrari continues with the SF90 XX\u2019s racecar design concept in its interior, evident through its extensive weight-saving measures. The main areas involved include the door panels, tunnel and mats, which are now simpler in terms of their shape.\nA combination of technical fabric, carbon fibre, and Alcantara have been utilised when constructing the SF90 XX\u2019s interior. The dashboard for instance is trimmed in Alcantara, while the lower part of the interior is trimmed in technical fabric.\nFor ergonomic purposes, the gear shift gate is positioned at the centre of the central tunnel but has now been moved forward slightly compared to the SF90 Stradale. Carbon-fibre racing seats with cushion support are also included with the special edition Ferrari.\n Price-wise, the Stradale is offered at \nEUR770,000\n (approximately \nRM3,915,160\n), while the Spider is priced at \nEUR850,000\n (approximately \nRM4,321,930\n). Thinking of getting one yourself? Too bad \u2013 all 799 SF90 XX Stradale and 599 Spiders have all been spoken for, even before its official debut.\nRELATED: \nFerrari Roma Spider: La Nuova Dolce Vita reaches final form with new soft top convertible\nGALLERY"
"Growing up, I never understood the appeal of a D-Segment sedan. For the same amount of money, you could get a much more exciting hot hatch or a practical mid-sized SUV. The general D-segment sedan is, to me at least, the worst kind of compromise one can make. It\u2019s dull, slow and can\u2019t carry itself through a corner without inducing motion sickness.\nMost would argue that you buy a D-segment as a comfortable cruiser without losing its business appeal. To be fair, I was nowhere near the age of properly understanding the appeal. But after a short trip to Kuantan with the \nfacelifted Honda Accord\n, I thought otherwise.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda Accord 2.0 VTi-L\nHonda Accord 2.4 VTi-L\nEngine\n1,997cc naturally aspirated four cylinder SOHC i-VTEC\n2,356cc naturally aspirated four cylinder DOHC i-VTEC with Honda Earth Dreams Technology\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,500 rpm\n173 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM153,800\nRM172,800\nThe cabin is adequately luxurious\nLet\u2019s dive straight into the Accord\u2019s strongest suit \u2013 its interior. With the facelift, the cabin gets a new lease of life thanks to higher quality materials, new wood trim and the new 7-inch Advanced Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (similar setup as the Civic FC).\nButtons are well thoughtfully positioned and easily within reach. In an era where carmakers get increasingly obsessed with buttons,\u00a0I certainly appreciate Honda\u2019s minimalistic and practical approach.   The crisp and vibrant 7-inch Advanced Display Audio is dead simple to operate, and you\u2019d be pleased to know that it\u2019s fitted as standard across the range. Sitting above the infotainment system is a separate i-MID \u00a0display that gives you driving information such as cruising range, fuel consumption and multimedia info as well as Honda\u2019s Lane Watch.\nOverall, the cabin is a cut above its main Japanese rivals, threatened only by the \nMazda6\n.\nUnderstated yet supremely elegant exterior\nWith the facelift, Honda has introduced more upmarket revisions to the front and rear end. The front grille adds much needed presence to the D-Segment contender. It gets plenty of chrome bits all round for that premium look. I particularly like the sharp LED combination tail lamps with revised graphics.   However, only the most expensive 2.4 VTi-L variant gets the eye catching \nfull LED headlamps\n. The 2.0-litre variants get the less fanciful halogen projector headlamps. Yep, not even HID.\nTHE POWERTRAIN\nAs per before, the Accord is powered by two engines: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC with \n153 hp\n/\n190 Nm\n\u00a0and a 2.4-litre Earth Dreams Technology four cylinder DOHC i-VTEC with \n173 hp\n/\n225 Nm\n. Power is channelled solely to the front via a tried and tested \nfive-speed torque converter automatic\n.\nBoth engines offer enough grunt; power delivery is smooth and potent for just about any occasion. Interestingly enough, they\u00a0feel nearly identical in terms of acceleration and refinement. It is only past the 120 km/h mark where the 2.4-litre really shows its edge. Where the 2.0-litre starts to lose its grunt at the top end, the 2.4-litre still has plenty of reserves to continue pushing.\nHowever, I must express that the five-speed gearbox is the Achilles heel of the otherwise decent engines. The slushbox is not as quick to respond as the \nToyota Camry\n\u2018s\u00a0six-speed & e-CVT units, nor is it as smooth as the Mazda6\u2019s six-speed SkyActiv automatic. There\u2019s a mild but discernible delay during manual shifting as well. \nIt may be slow to shift, but it\u2019s a real smooth operator and will\u00a0surely satisfy most \ntaukehs \nand families. Besides, no one buys an Accord to boast about how much G-force it pulls in second gear.\nTHE DRIVE\nOn the snaky hilly roads of Karak Highway, the Accord 2.4 VTi-L offers ample mechanical grip thanks to\u00a0\nMichelin Pilot Sport 3 rubbers\n (standard fitment), and the paddle shifters make driving a little more exciting. But still it does not hide the fact that the Accord is a comfort-oriented sedan.\nBody flex was apparent and the suspension has a soft damping setup. Carving corners is just not its forte. Drive it sedately, as how it should be, and you will be\u00a0rewarded with a supple ride with exceptional refinement. On the other hand, when you\u2019re in such a relaxed state, you\u2019ll start to notice the flaws of this mismatched setup. The 18-inch alloys and low profile tyres (235/45 profile) is definitely not a fan of potholes. Tyre noise from the high-performance tyres also seeps into the otherwise muted cabin.\nSounds like a turn off? Then perhaps the 2.0 VTi-L with smaller rims (17-inch) and Goodyear Excellence passenger tyres would do the trick. I much prefer this over the 2.4L in terms of comfort, with the only trade-off being the slight dip in grip levels. Power output, while considerably lower, did not pose an issue as the 2.0-litre managed to keep up with its 2.4-litre sibling at highway speeds. Unless you\u2019re gunning for top speed, of course.\nTHE BACKSEATS\nDriving it may be pleasant, but you can only enjoy so much of the Accord behind the wheel. To fully appreciate what the car is really made for, Honda Malaysia arranged for a chauffeured driven journey. If there\u2019s one thing other manufactures can learn from Honda is interior packaging. Even with the driver\u2019s seat adjusted to accommodate a 180 cm man, I still had plenty of knee and leg room behind.\nWhile I did mention earlier that the gearbox was \u201cless than ideal\u201d from the driver\u2019s seat, but from a passenger\u2019s perspective, it\u2019s exceptional. Gearshifts are refined and is linear in acceleration, making it a winner for those who prefer to be driven.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a low profile, reliable and comfortable Japanese cruiser, the Honda Accord should definitely be on your list. It\u2019s plush, refined and with the facelift, it looks really good inside and out. Both the 2.0L and 2.4 VTi-L are on par in terms of equipment but if you couldn\u2019t care less about the LED headlamps, paddle shifters, powered rear sun blinds and 18-inch alloys, the 2.0 VTi-L is all you need and more.\nHowever, if you can\u2019t bring yourself to sacrifice driving pleasure and want something a little more space than the highly-capable Mazda6, perhaps the \nPassat B8\n should pique your interest.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda Accord 2.4 VTi-L   Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L"
"Porsche is welcoming the new year with a new Taycan variant, called simply as \nthe\n Taycan (sans emphasis, obviously). However, sharp-eyed readers will know that the rear-wheel driven (RWD) Porsche Taycan isn\u2019t technically new, as it\u2019s already been on sale in China since last year. In fact, it was also the car that helped Porsche claim the Guinness World Record title for the \nworld\u2019s longest drift with an electric vehicle\n!\nJoining the\u00a0\nTaycan\u00a04S\n,\u00a0\nTurbo,\u00a0and Turbo S\n, the new entry-level variant will be offered with two battery options, a \n79.2kWh \u2018base\u2019 Performance Battery\n, and the\u00a0\n93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus\n \u2013 identical to the Porsche Taycan 4S, just without the motors on the front axle.\nThe just-call-me Taycan loses quite a significant amount of weight thanks to its rear-wheels-only drivetrain \u2013 approximately 90 kg, but the larger Performance Plus batteries does gain back a majority of them.\nIn terms of performance, the base Taycan\u2019s rear-axle drivetrain pushes out \n240 kW (326 hp)\n and \n345 Nm\n or \n280 kW (380 hp)\n and \n357 Nm\n depending on the battery pack, though both will do 0-100 km/h in \n5.4 seconds\n, as well as the same top speed of \n230 km/h\n. The Performance Plus battery does edge out a little in the quarter-mile drag race, by 0.2 seconds to be exact.\nDespite the difference in battery size, Porsche says that both cars will still charge from \n5% to 80% in 22.5 minutes\n, in ideal conditions of course. The smaller base battery charges at a peak rate of 225 kW, while the larger Performance Battery Plus can charge at up to 270 kW, when such a charger is actually accessible to regular people.\nPorsche promises a \n431 km\n range on the base battery, and \n484 km\n on the larger Plus battery pack \u2013 both values based on the WLTP cycle. The latter value is actually the highest range offered on any Porsche Taycan variant to date.\nAs for standard equipment, the RWD Porsche Taycan gets LED headlights, 19-inch \u2018Taycan Aero\u2019 alloys (enabling a 0.22 Cd drag coefficient), steel coil suspensions with Porsche Active Suspension Management, as well as aluminium brake discs \u2013 with six pistons up front and four at the rear.\nBuyers will be able to upgrade to \u201csurface-coated\u201d performance brake discs, three-chamber adaptive air suspension, as well as a 22 kW aC onboard charger.\nInside, most of the features from the higher-end variants are carried over to the base-variant RWD Porsche Taycan, including the \nlarge curved digital instrument cluster\n and the triple-screen set-up that forms the infotainment display, passenger screen, and the climate control (for the most part) control panel.\nEight-way power-adjustable front comfort seats upholstered in \u201cpart-leather\u201d are standard-fit items, but customers can also opt for a completely leather-free interior (the Taycan is the first Porsche model to offer this option), as well as an optional head-up display.\nWithout the front drivetrain, the RWD Porsche Taycan slashes its price down to GBP70,690 (~RM389k) in the UK \u2013 approximately GBP13k (~RM72k) or 16% less than the Taycan 4S, the model range\u2019s previous entry point.\nIn Malaysia, the Porsche Taycan is offered in three variants: 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S, with \nprices starting at RM725k\n. The 2WD entry-level variant will certainly be an enticing option for buyers if \u2013 or rather when \u2013 it makes its way onto our shores.\nGALLERY"
"BMW has taken to \nsocial media\n to give us a glimpse of what the social new facelift BMW X5 would look like when its headlamps, taillights and kidney grilles are illuminated.\nLast week, images of the facelift BMW X5 were leaked by an Instagram user revealing slimmer headlamps, with the addition of illuminated kidney grilles. The feature is also similarly offered in the \nG06 BMW X6\n.\nPoised to reshape the journey ahead. Get ready.\n#THEX5\n \npic.twitter.com/qChFxVRtRn\n\u2014 BMW (@BMW) \nFebruary 6, 2023\n \nThe current generation G05 BMW X5 has been in Malaysia since May 2019 and was first introduced with the fully-imported X5 xDrive40i variant. Later on, the X5 was sold as the \nxDrive45e M Sport plug-in hybrid\n. The latter was locally assembled.\nCurrently, the X5 xDrive45e M Sport plug-in hybrid is priced at RM456,620 and is powered by a B58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six engine paired to an electric motor and an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Together, they produce 394 hp and 600 Nm, for a 0-100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. With a 24 kWh battery (compared to 9 kWh from before), the X5 can run purely on electric power for 77 km."
"Mazda\n today announced a new electrification plan for its vehicles, which will lead its charge towards achieving complete carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050. The plan, which is split into three phases, will see Mazda\u2019s entire vehicle line-up electrified by 2030, culling all pure internal combustion engine-powered models within the decade.\nThe \nCX-60\n is Mazda\u2019s only dedicated plug-in hybrid model thus far.\nAccording to the press release, the first phase will utilise existing technology assets comprising \u201cmultiple electrification technologies\u201d to both reduce the company\u2019s environmental footprint and \u201cproduce attractive products\u201d. The second phase will see the introduction of a new hybrid system, as well as \u201cEV-dedicated vehicles\u201d and battery EVs in China and select markets globally.\nFinally in the third phase, Mazda says it will promote the \u201cfull-fledged launch\u201d of EVs globally, and consider further investing in EV battery production. By 2030, the Japanese carmaker also expects its EVs to contribute between 25-40% to its global sales. The company\u2019s previous estimated was at 25%.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Mazda MX-5 will continue to feature petrol engines with mild hybrid\nThe \nMazda MX-30\n is only available as a full EV here in Malaysia, but will also be sold globally with a rotary engine-powered range-extender.\nIn achieving its goals, Mazda has announced partnerships with various companies in related electrification research projects, including Chinese battery maker Envision AESC, as well as electric component manufacturer Rohm. The partnerships will include the joint development and production of \u201celectric drive units\u201d (motor, inverter, and reduction gear) that are in line with Mazda\u2019s \u201cjoy of driving\u201d brand essence.\nReuters\n reports that the entire investment plan for electrification will cost Mazda up to 1.5 trillion yen (approx. RM48 billion), however a detailed investment timeline wasn\u2019t provided.\nAside from cars, Mazda will also be pushing for its factories worldwide to be carbon-neutral by 2035. This will be done through \u201cthree pillars\u201d, namely energy conservation, shift to renewable energy sources, and the use of carbon-neutral fuels.\nThe company also announced that it will be investing in the development of \u201chuman-centred\u201d advanced driver assistance technology, using AI to eliminate new Mazda vehicles as a cause of fatal accidents avoidable with automotive technologies by 2040.\nALSO READ: \nMazda still believes in combustion engines, unveils three electrified RWD platforms"
"Naza Italia has officially launched the \nMaserati Levante Trofeo\n in our country, and as a bonus, our country have been allocated \nthree units\n of the limited edition Levante Trofeo Launch Edition, \nout of 100 in the world\n.\nThe \nLevante Trofeo\n sits at the top of the Levante model line-up, featuring an aggressive styling to go alongside its impressive performance. The Launch Edition, introduced \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 during the launch of the Trofeo, sets itself apart with some additional exclusive styling cues.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe three units available in Malaysia will each be painted in one of the three unique exterior hues reserved exclusively for the Launch edition \u2013 \nBlu Emozione Matte\n, \nGiallo Modenese\n (yellow) and \nRosso Magma\n (red) \u2013 making sure that no other Launch Edition Levante Trofeo will be the same as yours.\nOther exterior features on the Launch Edition include:\nNerissimo Package (blacked-out window frames, body-coloured door handles)\n22-inch multi-spoke Orione alloy wheels in matte finishing\ncolour-matched brake callipers\ncarbon fibre inserts on the bumpers, side skirts and specially designed bonnet\nOtherwise, the exterior remains identical to the Trofeo, which includes full-matrix LED adaptive headlights, Black Piano-painted double vertical bars front grille, aggressive air intakes on the lower bumper featuring honey comb mesh and carbon-fibre side vents, a carbon-fibre front splitter, and of course \u2013 the Trofeo \nSaetta\n logo emblazoned on the C-pillar.\nINTERIOR\nThe special Launch Edition treatment continues inside. The limited-edition model comes with a \npersonalised badge\n on the centre console with the words \u201c\nOne of 100\n\u201c, as well as colour-matched (to exterior paint job) \ncontrast stitching\n and a \n\u201cTrofeo\u201d logo embroidered on the headrest\n.\nThe rest of the cabin is dressed identically to the \u201cregular\u201d Levante Trofeo. The interior features include:\nmatte carbon fibre interior trims and paddle shifters\nTrofeo-specific instrument cluster graphics\nfloor mats with metal Trofeo badges\nUnique Maserati analogue clock\n1,280-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound audio system\nPERFORMANCE\nNo changes are made to the powertrain on the Launch Edition, which means you\u2019ll still get one of the most powerful engines ever fitted into a Maserati.\nEngine: Ferrari-sourced 3.8-litre Twin Turbocharged V8\nTransmission: 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox\nDrivetrain: Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system\nSuspension: Adjustable air springs with Skyhook adaptive damping\nHorsepower: 590 hp\nTorque: 730 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.9 seconds\nTop Speed: 304 km/h\nThe new Levante Trofeo also comes with a new Corsa drive mode \u2013 which is the hottest driving setting available exclusively to the top-of-the-range model.\nWith this mode activated, the air suspension is automatically lowered, damping and all-wheel drive settings adjusted for a sportier driving experience, while traction control and ESP systems are restrained. The mode also comes with launch control, allowing you to achieve the 3.9 seconds century sprint time.\nPRICING\nThe limited-edition Maserati Levante Trofeo Launch Edition is priced at \nRM838,800\n, before local duties and taxes, and inclusive of full specifications and options. As standard, the Trofeo Launch Edition comes with a three-year Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction, as well as a three-year/60,000 km Premium Service Plus free maintenance programme.\nAdditionally, customers who book one in the month of June will also be eligible for an exclusive \u2018Serenity\u2019 Seven-year warranty program.\nAs for the regular Levante Trofeo, the model will be available at a later date on an by-order basis.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari\u2019s 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine (codenamed F154CB) has been nominated as the best engine in the world \nfor the third year running\n (previously in 2017 & 2016) at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards.\nThe powerplant found in the \n488 Pista\n, \n488 GTB\n\u00a0 (\nas featured in our 2016 year end special\n) and the\n 488 Spider\n won by an astouding margin, scoring 486 points more than Porsche\u2019s 3.0-litre flat-six engine in second place.\nOut of the 13 categories contested, Ferrari walked away with five awards:\nInternational Engine of the Year \u2013 Ferrari 3.9-litre biturbo V8\nPerformance Engine of the Year \u2013\u00a0Ferrari 3.9-litre biturbo V8\nBest New Engine title \u2013 Ferrari 6.5-litre V12 (\nFerrari 812 Superfast\n)\nBest Engine\u00a03.0-litre to 4.0-litre \u2013\u00a0Ferrari 3.9-litre biturbo V8\nBest Engine Above 4.0-litre \u2013\u00a0Ferrari 6.5-litre V12\n\u201cIn the 488 GTB, the 3.9-litre eight-cylinder was a near-perfect example of a high-performance turbocharged engine but the redeveloped and tweaked unit for the 488 Pista, the best engine in the world just got better. Without doubt, we\u2019re looking at an engineering masterclass from Ferrari. No turbo lag, beautiful delivery, raw emotion, a furious growl and so much power \u2013 this Ferrari V8 is a work of art,\u201d said\n\u00a0\nco-chairman of the IEOTY Awards, Dean Slavnich.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sensuous Sportiness is now the name of \nHyundai\u2019s \ndesign game and just as you\u2019ve seen with the radical\n new Sonata\n, the \nall-new Elantra \nfollows after its bigger sibling with a design previously exclusive for a spaceship.\nBeing longer and wider than before, the all-new Elantra is only available in a \nsingle variant\n, powered by a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine with \n123 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n. Power is sent to the front wheels via Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission.\nOn the inside, the Elantra features what Hyundai called an \u201cimmersive cocoon\u201d design \u2013 where all the controls are tilted towards the driver \u2013 emulating a fighter-jet cockpit. In terms of space, rear legroom has now been \nexpanded by 58 mm\n, along with a larger boot at 470 litres.\n \nIt\u2019s rather well equipped too. Among them includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone air conditioning, 8-way powered seats for the driver, wireless charging, and auto brake hold.\nSafety systems include six airbags, forward collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, safe exit warning, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Following Assist.\nThe all-new Hyundai Elantra is priced at\u00a0\nRM158,888\n\u00a0on-the-road, without insurance following the \nextension of SST exemptions\n. It\u2019s accompanied by a 5-year/300,000 km warranty, and a 3-year/50,000 km free service maintenance programme."
"The current generation of the \nMazda 2\n was first introduced back in 2014, and since then the B-segment hatchback has gone through two facelifts. This includes the recent facelift that \ndebuted in Japan earlier this year\n. Mazda Thailand has just confirmed that the recently facelifted Japanese hatchback will be making its debut in the Land of Smiles on \nJune 21\n, \n2023\n.\nA total of three variants of the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift will be offered in Thailand, namely the BD, Sunlit Citrus, and Sport variants. The Mazda 2 facelift on the outside sports a similar design as before. Notable changes include the newly designed grille, front and rear bumpers, and wheels.\n\u2018Sport\u2019 trim of the new Mazda 2\nBoth the BD and Sunlit Citrus variants get the new EV-like grille together with a coloured decoration piece. The BD variant also gets 16-inch dual-tone wheel caps with colours to match the primary body colour of the car.\nThe Sunlit Citrus variant in Thailand comes with 16-inch dual-tone wheels as an option and is available as standard with 15-inch single-tone wheels as well. The Sport variant, on the other hand, features a gloss black mesh grille, together with 16-inch exclusive aluminium wheels.\nRELATED: \nNew Mazda 2 facelift debuts with EV-like grille, 198 colour combinations\nSunlit gold-coloured interior of the Sunlit Citrus trim\nInterior-wise, the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift pretty much sports the same interior design as before. Interestingly, the Sunlit Citrus variant in Thailand will be coming with a Sunlit gold-coloured interior too.\nThe people over in Thailand will continue to get the same powertrain options they have gotten before with the Mazda 2. This includes the 1.3-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine and the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G diesel engine.\nThe 1.3-litre petrol option is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the front wheels. This results in \n93 hp\n and \n123 Nm\n. The 1.5-litre diesel option is also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Power is also sent to the front wheels only, resulting in \n105 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n.\nCloser to home, the Mazda 2 is offered in both sedan and hatchback variants. Powered by Mazda\u2019s 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, prices for the Mazda 2 in Malaysia starts from RM103,670 and tops out at RM104,610.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen Mazda CX-5 reportedly coming in 2025 \u2013 Possible hybrid variant"
"Porsche\u2019s entry-level sports car and roadster have finally gotten the GT treatment and for the first time ever, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder shares the same technical base.\nBoth models are now powered by a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six petrol engine that is adapted from the engine found in the 911 Carrera Turbo. The boxer engine now generates \n420 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque and revs out to 8,000 rpm.\nSprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n4.4 seconds\n while top speed is registered at \n301 km/h\n on the 718 Spyder and \n304 km/h\n on the 718 Cayman GT4. A \n6-speed manual transmission\n is retained for maximum driving pleasure.\nPorsche has made great\nstrides with the 718 Cayman GT4\u2019s aerodynamics, now with 50% more downforce\ncompared to its predecessor without increasing drag. The fixed rear wing also produces\n20% more downforce than the model it replaces, additional 12 kg at 200 km/h\nwhile the newly designed single-chamber arch rear silencer and diffuser\naccounts for 30% of the downforce at the rear axle.\n \nThe 718 Spyder also\nshares the same aerodynamic innovations but swaps the fixed rear wing for an active\nspoiler that deploys at 120 km/h. Like the models that came before it, the\nSpyder gets a lightweight removable fabric roof that can be stowed away under\nthe boot lid in a few steps. Porsche assures that the soft top can cope at\nmaximum velocity.\nOther chassis developments\nfrom the GT division include new lightweight spring-strut on the front and rear\naxles, Porsche Active Suspension Management damping system that lowers the ride\nheight by 30 mm as well as recalibrated Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and\nPorsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear differential lock.\n \nExclusive to the 718 Cayman\nGT4 is the optional Clubsport package that adds a rear steel roll bar, fire extinguisher\nand six-point harnesses for the driver.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 Unveiled   Porsche 718 Spyder Unveiled"
"Mazda through their merchandise channel \nMZ Racing\n has released a range of highly detailed scaled models of their most memorable and iconic racing machine- the Mazda 787B that won the 1991 Le Mans 24 Hour race.\nFor this range of scale models that also celebrates their race win 30 years ago, Mazda has made replica pieces of the legendary R26B rotary engine.\nCraftsmen from the \nKusaka Engineering\n company were again engaged to produced these highly detailed art pieces, as they were last time for the limited-edition Mazda 787B scale model. \u00a0\nTwo items have been masterfully crafted by the engineering company that was based on the 1:6-scale Mazda 787B model. First is the engine model that\u2019s an accurately reproduced static model with no moving parts, loaded with details that include the variable-length intake runners, full-length exhaust system, high-tension leads that included the third spark plug and the alternator.\nMazda 787B\nThis art piece can be had with either with or without the No. 55 Mazda 787B in the iconic orange and green Renown Charge livery in 1:43-scale. The second is a simpler and smaller piece-a four-pipe exhaust system that ends with a large muffler. Key details on this scale model include replication of the welds as well as heat stress and carbon deposit.   With the size of the replica at 1:6-scale and extremely detailed, these fine art pieces are priced accordingly. The simplest model of just the exhaust manifold and muffler is priced at \nJPY41,800\n (RM1,650).\nThe engine and race car model combo is priced at\n JPY179,300\n (RM7,000), while a base with just the engine model alone is \nJPY165,000\n (RM6,400).\nMazda\u2019s R26B engine from the 787B racer\nTo recap, the Mazda R26B is a naturally-aspirated four-rotor rotary engine that develops \n700 horsepower\n at 9,000rpm. It utilised the same rotor shape as the production 13B.\nMazda is \nbringing back the rotary engine\n but with a twist in the latest \nMazda MX-30\n as soon as next year. \u00a0\nCheck out the MZ Racing website for more listing of their collection that\u2019s all related to Mazda. Also, take a look at the engine models that \nKusaka Engineering\n crafts! You will be impressed especially if you are a big \nNissan GT-R\n fan!\nGALLERY\nMazda R26B\nMazda 787B"
"As a wrap-up to a successful and triumphant year, Mercedes-AMG posted a thank-you video in tribute to the entire AMG team for their dedication and hardwork throughout the year.\nThe video blitz through the names of each of their staff, overlaid onto clips of various AMG cars doing what they do best. However in the last couple of seconds (at 2:17), something unusual caught the keen eyes of the netizens.\u00a0\n \nWell to be exact, something caught their \nears\n. On first glance, the camouflaged car looks just like the current \nMercedes-AMG GT 63 S\n. However, as it pulls away, the electric whirring sound \u2013 as if a spaceship is about to take off, tells us that this is no ordinary GT four-door.\u00a0\nBased on the sound, it isn\u2019t too far fetched to assume that the car teased in the video is the Mercedes-AMG GT 73, which is slated to arrive sometime this year.\nMercedes-AMG GT Concept\nThe GT 73, which is reportedly based on the \nAMG GT Concept\n shown at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), is rumoured to receive a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, paired with an electric motor on its front axle.\u00a0\nCombined power output is said to surpass \n800 hp\n, which is considerably more than the 639 hp of the GT 63 S. With that amount of power on tap, zero-to-hundred km/h should take \nless than three seconds\n.\nThe GT 73 will also resurrect the \u201c73\u201d moniker, which was introduced and last used on the ultra-rare R129 Mercedes SL 73 AMG \u2013 reportedly only 85 units were ever made. Although, the new AMG GT 73 will definitely not have the true-to-name engine capacity of 7.3-litres.\nAlthough the debut date still remains unknown, the car has been seen going through testing, as \nwe reported back in 2018\n. Based on the video above, the car looks to be almost production-ready, too. Does the 2020 GIMS, happening in March, sound like a good time to launch the car?"
"We knew the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, with 1,000 hp from its hybrid powertrain, will be fast \u2013 but not for a moment did we think that the \nseries-production \nmodel will be this much faster than the limited-production king-of-the-hill\n LaFerrari\n, let alone set a brand-new record at the Top Gear test track.\nThe first episode of show\u2019s 29th season, which premiered over the weekend, featured the Ferrari SF90 Stradale setting a lap time of \n1:11.3\n around the iconic Top Gear test track. Even in the capable hands of The Stig (which admittedly is played by multiple racing drivers), the SF90 Stradale looked like a handful to tame \u2013 watch the full lap in the video below, and don\u2019t worry because it won\u2019t take long.\n \nFor context, the previous lap record was held by the\n \nFerrari 488 Pista\n, with a time of 1:12.7 \u2013 that\u2019s a 1.4 seconds gain from the previous best result. The limited-production LaFerrari of the affectionately-named \u201cHoly Trinity\u201d meanwhile, \u201conly\u201d managed a time of 1:14.2, though it should be noted that it was an \u201cunofficial\u201d run on a slightly damp track, and not driven by The Stig.\nIn the episode, show host and automotive journalist Chris Harris also noted that the SF90 Stradale was so fast that The Stig had to lift for the Follow Through corner, where it is usually taken flat out in most other cars. The 0-100 km/h time of \n2.5 seconds\n, when viewed from the side at the starting line, almost felt like the footage was sped up.\nThe latest series-production hypercar to come out of Maranello is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the most powerful Ferrari has ever made, itself making 780 hp and 800 Nm of torque. Pair that to a pair of electric motor \u2013 one between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and one on the front axle \u2013 and you\u2019ll get this 1,000 hp road-going missile that anyone with enough money can buy.\nAnd if you do have that kind of money and want to experience the speed by yourself, then great news \u2013 because the Ferrari SF90 Stradale was \nrecently launched in Malaysia\n, starting at RM1.9 million before option, duties, taxes, and other on-the-road costs."
"The \nfourth generation Audi A3 Sportback\n will break cover at the forthcoming Geneva motor show in early March, and according to Audi, it promises to offer the \u2018highest level\u2019 of driving dynamics courtesy of the latest advancements in the quattro all-wheel drive system, electronic stability control, steering and damping.\nNew on the quattro system for a transversal engine layout is the location of the \nelectrohydraulic clutch at the end of the prop shaft\n, or in front of the rear differential. Audi says that this aids axle load distribution. Said AWD system is also able to active apportion just the right amount torque\u00a0to the rear wheels (even up \nto 100%\n) when required, but would remain largely front-wheel driven in \u2018normal conditions\u2019 to maximise fuel efficiency.\nElectronic stabilisation control is usually called upon to keep cars and drivers from falling off the road, but the safety feature can also be used to sharpen up handling. Audi is introducing \nwheel-selective torque control\n in the new A3 which works through the application of braking on the inside wheels when tackling a curve at high speed, this has the effect of helping the car turn into a corner, making the car more agile as well.\nWhile on the topic of cornering, the soon-to-revealed new A3 also gets a new steering rack which Audi dubs as \nelectromechanical progressive steering\n. You probably can guess the intention here \u2013 to lower the effort required to turn the wheel at slower speeds (especially in town) but to offer a meatier, \u2018sportier\u2019 feel at high speeds, and this is achieved by varying the ratios which the rack and pinion steering system operates on and also the electrical assistance required.\nCentral to the improved dynamics of the new A3 would also involve \nnew dampers of the adaptive type\n, as well as sensors measuring movement of the body and wheels. The electromagnetic dampers can react within milliseconds to stiffen or soften the damping. Of course, the driver can also select between \u2018comfort\u2019, \u2018auto\u2019 and \u2018dynamic\u2019 damping modes under Audi\u2019s Drive Select.\nNo specific info yet on the available powertrains, but expect some hardware already revealed on the \nMk8 Volkswagen Golf\n to be available on the A3 as both utilise the same upgraded \nMQB platform\n."
"A report from the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) reveals that the Proton Wira is still the top choice for car thieves in 2014 and 2015. At the same time, the increasing number of car thefts in this country puts Malaysia at rank six in the world for vehicle thefts!\nAn average of \n60 cars are stolen per day\n across the country, with 4,472 cars were reported to be stolen from January to June 2016. A total of\u00a011,796 vehicles were lost to thieves during the same duration as well. PIAM confirmed this year saw a \ndrop of\u00a0 5 percent\n\u00a0as compared to last year.\nWith Proton Wira getting the most attention among car thieves,\u00a0the \nToyota Hilux\n became the second highest car to be stolen. This follows by two cars no longer sold in Malaysia, namely Proton Iswara, Proton Waja and Perodua Kancil. The \nPerodua Myvi\n was listed as the sixth most stolen car in both 2014 and 2015, followed by the Proton Saga in seventh. The old three-door favourite, the Proton Satria,is in eighth place.\nAs you can see, older cars are highly targeted by thieves due to their \nlow-tech security\n which makes them easier to steal. The Proton Wira is based on a Mitsubishi model of the early 90s, and requires less sophisticated tools to steal as compared to say, a modern BMW. After all, thieves are motivated by supply and demand and as long these cars remain on our roads, the demand for spare parts will also be there.\nIn the end, always be vigilant with your cars even if it\u2019s a beat-up Proton, and be sure to invest in a decent anti-theft device.\n[Source: \nThe Star\n]"
"Proton\n has announced its sales results for May 2022, where it managed to deliver\n 9,792 vehicles\n to new owners in both domestic and export markets.\nThe figure translates to a 10.8% increase over \nApril 2022\n, and a 3.7% increase over the\n same period last year \n\u2013 although it has to be said that the country was placed under a strict Movement Control Order (MCO) during that time.\nWith the latest sales figure now accounted for, Proton\u2019s overall sales year-to-date is sufficient to maintain its second-place position in the nation\u2019s sales chart. According to its internal data, its market share is estimated to be at 19.6%, while year-to-date (YTD) market share is currently estimated at 17.1%.\nProton says that the increase in sales is a direct result of the company boosting its production volume to catch up to market demand. The national carmaker added that it is still continuously trying to secure sufficient parts supply in order to clear its backlog of orders, however the parts shortage issue that plagued its April sales data has largely been stabilised.\nIn terms of the individual models, the national carmaker\u2019s sales last month is, once again, mainly contributed by the \nProton Saga\n with 3,996 units sold \u2013 although, that figure is only sufficient to place it in second-place among the A-segment sedans.\nFollowing in a close second is the \nProton X50\n with 2,779 units delivered in May, making it the market leader not only for B-segment SUVs, but the overall SUV market as well. Coming in third was the \nPersona \nwith 1,385 units, followed by the \nX70\n with 692 units delivered. The \nProton Iriz\n and \nExora\n meanwhile recorded 553 and 387 units sold respectively in the last month.\nExport sales are also trending upwards for Proton, with total exports YTD for the brand currently standing at 2,086 units (+47% over the same period last year). Pakistan is currently the largest export market with 1,350 units sold YTD, followed by Egypt and Brunei with 172 and 158 units respectively.\nFor the month of May 2022 alone, Proton recorded a total export volume of 513 units, or a 12.5% increase when compared to the previous month.\nThe rise in export sales is unsurprisingly driven by the Saga, which is now being \nlocally-assembled in Pakistan\n and Kenya. To date, Proton has exported 1,492 units of the Saga, which translates to an increase of 71% compared to the previous year.\nRELATED: Proton resumes export to South Africa \u2013 first shipment since 2012 includes X50, X70, Saga"
"After launching the \n6.0-litre W12 version\n of the \nFlying Spur\n in February last year, Bentley Kuala Lumpur has now announced the arrival of the V8 model with a base price of \nRM839,000 \nbefore options and taxes\nUnder the hood now is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 550 hp and 770 Nm; good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds onward to a top speed of 318 km/h.\nWhen less than 235 Nm is required and engine revs are below 3,000 rpm, the V8 engine will automatically and seamlessly shut down four of its eight cylinders for higher efficiency and lower emissions.\nOccupants will not notice this as the switch happens \nwithin 20 milliseconds\n, about 1/10 of the time it takes to blink an eye. Bentley says this also improves fuel consumption by up to 16%.\nAlso contributing to the Flying Spur\u2019s efficiency while improving its agility is the lack of \u201cbody fat\u201d. The V8 model is some \n100 kg lighter\n than the W12 model.\nIn striking a fine balance between comfort and agility, the V8 Flying Spur is equipped with adaptive air suspension and a 48V electric active roll control system for reduced body roll to ensure better stability and allowing it to corner flat.\nThe improved air suspension also contains \n60% more air volume \nfor an\n \neven more precise setup of the suspension, according to the drive mode selected.\nThis is done in accordance with Bentley\u2019s research from the last 10 years, which has seen a shift in usage of the Flying Spur \u2013 from being chauffeur-driven to self-driven vehicles.\nOn the outside, customers have \nover 60 exterior colours \nto choose from to complement the standard 20-inch wheels. Inside, there are five different hides available, with an additional 10, should the customer opt for the Colour Specification option.\nThe cabin is furnished with Crown Cut Walnut trims as standard but the highlight of which has to be the \nBentley Rotating Display \nwith three different surfaces \u2013 a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 3 analogue dials, or just a plain wood surface.\nThe centrepiece of the rear section is the \nTouch Screen Remote\n that\u2019s seamlessly integrated into the rear console. Users will be able to control features like the rear seat massage, air conditioning, and even the blinds with it.\nFurther adding to the opulent cabin is a refrigerator wedged in between the rear seats, behind the armrest. Operating temperatures can be as low as -6 degrees, with the fridge capable of accommodating up to six 330 ml cans or two full-sized champagne bottles.\nGALLERY"
"BMW just released a new spread of images of the new \nG20 BMW 3-series\n in the picturesque town of Portimao in Southern Portugal, from the recent International Media Launch, which we ourselves were privileged to be a part of.\nGlobally unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in October, the more aggressively-styled G20 3-series was initially offered in six different variants ranging from 318d to 330i with the latter capable of doing 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.\nModel\nPower\nTorque\n0 to 100km/h\nTop Speed\n320i\n184 hp\n300 Nm\n7.2 secs\n238 km/h\n330i\n258 hp\n400 Nm\n5.8 secs\n250 km/h\n318d\n150 hp\n320 Nm\n8.5 secs\n226 km/h\n320d\n190 hp\n400 Nm\n7.1 secs\n240 km/h\n320d xDrive\n190 hp\n400 Nm\n6.9 secs\n233 km/h\n330d\n265 hp\n580 Nm\n5.5 secs\n250 km/h\nBMW also made sure that the G20 had the excess styling (if needed) to go with its speed. If you thought those headlamps looked brash, wait till you check out the endless carbon trims and cross-spoke wheels among other add-ons from \nthe M Performance Kit collection\n.\nAs a hint of what the new M3 could potentially do, a \nM340i xDrive was introduced\n\u00a0in November \u2013 with \n374 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque paired to BMW\u2019s 8-Speed Steptronic \u2013 capable of hitting 100 km/h from a stand in just 4.4 seconds.\nNot a BMW 3-series will be left wanting for power; certainly not its battery-laden models like the 330e.\nThe new G20 330e is said to offer an additional few litres of boot space with a new \nXtraBoost function\n that temporarily boosts the electric motor\u2019s output to \n109 hp\u00a0\nwhile the vehicle is in Sport mode.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has been named one of the Official Vehicle brands of the 19th Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China, as it is under the Geely Auto Group umbrella. Geely is an Official Prestige Partner for the games.\nThe games, which will take place from the 10th to the 25th of September 2022, is not only seen as an opportunity to support the largest multi-sports event in Asia but a marketing platform for the Proton brand across markets in Asia.\nAs such, the Proton Saga, Iriz, Persona, Exora, X50, and X70 have been selected as the Official Vehicle of the games held in the Zhejiang province of China.\nRELATED:\n \nProton to import and distribute Smart EVs in Malaysia and Thailand\nIn support of this, Proton will also roll out a nationwide awareness campaign for the sporting event to gather support for our local athletes, in line with the 19th Asian Games slogan \u2013 \nHeart to Heart, @Future.\nProton R3 unveils a new range of engine oil and motorsports-inspired merchandise. \nRead it here!\n\u201cThe 19th Asian games will be an important platform for Proton and we want to connect people from all walks of life to the excitement of both sports and our cars,\u201d said Proton, Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah.\nThe awareness campaign will kick off with the \u201cProton Ignite Your Life\u201d contest where customers will stand a chance to win prizes when they register a Saga, Iriz, Persona, Exora, X50, or X70 from the 1st of February to the 31st of July 2022.\nThe Grand Prize winner will receive an exclusive trip to Hangzhou to watch the games live, as well as vouchers for sporting goods. Stay tuned for the activities via Proton\u2019s Facebook and Instagram pages.\nRELATED: \nProton sold 114,708 cars in 2021 \u2013 now the best-selling SUV brand in Malaysia"
"Volvo understands very well that its target audience for the small premium SUV, the XC40 will spend most of their time in urban setting. \nInspired by the urbanites and pop culture\n, Volvo has poured considerable amount of effort to create a driving experience designed for this specific group of individuals.\nThe Swedes went as far as studying how people around the world utilise the interior to\u00a0create a \nclutter-free cabin\n. Today, Volvo has explained how they are going to help the daily urban commute\n less stressful\n and more \nenjoyable\n with the XC40\u2019s active safety systems.\nAs standard, the XC40 will come with Volvo\u2019s semi-autonomous \nPilot Assist\n system, latest generation of \nCity Safety\n, Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake and 360-degree camera. These and among other technologies make the XC40 one of the \nsafest\n and best-equipped SUV in the segment. These safety systems, according to Volvo, allows the driver to drive in a relaxed manner \nwithout\n jeopardising safety levels.\nLike it\u2019s larger siblings the XC60 and XC90, the XC40 will also feature \nVolvo\u2019s Sensus infotainment system\n, a large portrait-oriented touch screen display located right at the centre of the dashboard. The Sensus system allows user to connect to a host of function and services intuitively without taking their attention off the road for too long.   \u201cModern city life presents complex challenges for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. With the XC40, we aim to reduce the so-called cognitive load on the driver. While our safety and driver-assistance systems actively identify and mitigate potential conflicts, you as a driver can relax more and therefore enjoy city driving,\u201d said Vice President Volvo Cars Safety Centre, Malin Ekholm, .\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n (UMWT) has issued a press statement confirming that there would be \u201cno planned increase in the prices of Toyota CKD (locally-assembled) models at this time\u201d.\nWhile the motivation behind the statement is unclear, it\u2019s reassuring to know that UMW Toyota has committed to \nmaintain existing prices\n in light of the \nrecent upward adjustment\n by Honda Malaysia of between 5% to 8% on selected models, citing a \n\u2018review on the CKD customised incentives\u2019 \nwhich the company enjoys.\nUMW Toyota also reiterated that the \nMinistry of Finance\n had given assurance that if the price of any CKD model was affected as a result of the \ntransparent methodology\n of reporting \nOpen Market Value\n (impacting the excise duty calculation) which had come into effect early in the year, the increase would be \nfully exempted for 2020\n.\n \nIt\u2019s not a typo, watch to find out why.\nRavindran K, President of UMW Toyota, said that factors such as \nexchange rates\n and \ntax revisions\n can affect prices but as far as possible, UMW has always tried to maintain price stability by absorbing the increases as much as possible.\nThe CKD models in UMWT\u2019s current line-up are the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Vios, Toyota Rush, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova and Toyota Hiace."
"When the \nprevious generation FK8 Honda Civic Type R\n was launched, it couldn\u2019t stop breaking records. Among them were new records at the \nNurburgring\n,\n Spa\n, \nSilverstone\n, and in its home ground at the \nSuzuka Circuit\n with a \nlimited-edition Type R\n.\nWith the latest Type R, at the Suzuka Circuit at least, it has already extended its legacy by setting a \nnew track record for a front-wheel drive car\n at the home of the Japanese F1 Grand Prix. The time set on the 5.7 km circuit was 2:23.120 seconds. The record set by the previous FK8 Civic Type R was 2:23:993 back in 2020.\n \nNot much was revealed through the onboard camera inside the car, but one thing\u2019s for sure, there\u2019s no doubt that the new sports car sounds a lot angrier with a raspy exhaust note.\nSo far, the word is that the new Civic Type R will get an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine used in the previous generation FK8 Civic Type R. It\u2019s safe to assume that the new Type R will make more than the 306 hp and 400 Nm in the previous generation model.\nAs for the date of release, the all-new Type R \nbased on the 11th generation Civic\n is expected to debut in the second half of this year."
"Volkswagen has debuted a refreshed and and what the company deems to be a \u201cdigitally friendly re-imagination of its signature logo\u201d which will be rolled out in vehicles for the US market.\nLed by Volkswagen Chief Designer Klaus Bischoff, who was \nalso responsible for redesigning the new \u201cR\u201d logo\n, the new logo was designed to be versatile, \u201cdigital-first\u201d and reduces the logo to essential elements, which is now presented as flat and two dimensional. If you remember, this was the rather similar approach BMW took with it\u2019s redesigned badge.\nThe logo\u2019s blue and white colors have also been refreshed with a new deep blue tone.\nThe new logo is a symbol and trademark. With a flat two-dimensional design reduced to its essential elements, it can be used extremely flexibly.\n\u201cMy personal drive in this redesign was \nto make the W float\n, bringing a new lightness to the Volkswagen brand. The new Volkswagen logo was also redesigned to fit smaller items such smartwatch or phones as well as those that appear in the company\u2019s factories and plants.\nIt\u2019s safe to \nexpect the new VW Golf \nto don the new logo.\nBy mid-2020, the brand plans to complete the rollout of the rebrand across the 10,000 dealers in 171 markets spanning 154 countries and has made its USA debut on the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport.\nIn other news, recovery seems to be underway in the Chinese auto market as Volkswagen Group has announced that all 2,000 of its dealerships have now reopened.\nV\nolkswagen Passat or the new Honda Accord?\n Here\u2019s what we think!\nThe company also announced the same for its other subsidiaries with local operations in China, namely Audi and Skoda. With the reopening of the SAIC Volkswagen plant in Changsha, Hunan, 32 out of 33 of Volkswagen Group China\u2019s local facilities have resumed operations.\nDealerships have also reported strong customer interest. Traffic on showroom floors during the last weekend of March was comparable to the same period last year."
"Now, you\u2019ve probably seen the \nreal life Lego car\n that\u2019s actually drivable, this is on a completely new degree, Celsius that is. Some folks from Canada built one cool pickup truck, out of ice! Yes, the same little\u00a0cold and frozen cubes that you put in your drink.\nThe icy cold truck weighs over 11,000 pounds, which is about5,000kg, complete with a fully functional engine and electronics. It uses a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD frame, then received a lot of help from\u00a0Bronson Line Automotive Ltd, Pick Me Productions and Iceculture. This ice truck is actually a promotional stunt by \nCanadian Tire\n to show that their batteries can operate under extreme conditions, -49 degree Celsius to be exact.\nThis is one of the weird and wacky things people do just to stand out from the crowd. Kudos to the team for being able to pull this task off so well!\nCheck out the videos and some images below.\n[divider]\nVIDEOS\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3i_bsfwPE1s\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda has scooped up two distinguished trophies with the MX-5, right after the fourth-generation roadster was named the \n2015 Japan Car of the Year\n. It beat the \nAudi A4 (B9)\n and\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz GLC\n for the overall World Car of the Year title.\nKnown as the Oscars for the motoring industry, the awards were presented during\u00a0a press conference at the New York Motor Show. The World Car Awards jurors were impressed with the MX-5\u2019s back to basic stance, exceptional design and fun to drive attributes.\nThe Hiroshima-based car manufacturer has consistently been a strong performer in the\u00a0World\u00a0Car of the Year awards. The last generation Mazda2 took the crown jewel home in 2008, though the Mazda3 and Mazda6 finished within the top three in 2014 and 2013 respectively. These achievements are a testament to Mazda (still a relatively small and independent carmaker) for crafting one of the finest cars from the Far East.\nOn the other hand, the \nAudi R8 Coupe\n wins \n2016\u00a0World Performance Car award\n, while the \nLuxury Car award\n goes to the \nBMW 7 Series\n. The current world\u2019s biggest car brand in the world, Toyota, bagged the\u00a0\n2016 World Green Car\n\u00a0with the\n Toyota Mirai\n.\nWe have reviewed the MX-5 in both \nwritten\n form and video forms, so be sure to check out and judge for yourself what makes the MX-5 the 2016 World Car of the Year."
"Having recently unveiled the \nmost powerful Bentayga\n and \nsetting the record as the fastest SUV in Pikes Peak\n, Bentley has announced that the new Bentayga Hybrid is now on sale in Europe.\nHandcrafted in Crewe, England, the company\u2019s most efficient model ever combines a new, highly efficient 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with a state-of-the-art electric motor, unlike the \nW12 beast we got to review last year\n.\nThe Bentayga Hybrid utilises an E Motor, which acts as both an electric motor and a power generator. The Permanent Magnet Synchronous system offers \n127 hp \nand \n400 Nm\n of torque, while its high voltage battery is capable of recharging in just 2.5 hours. On a single charge, the Bentayga Hybrid offers up to 39 km of electric range.\nThe E Motor in the Bentayga Hybrid is combined with a new 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 petrol engine. The result is a seamless driving experience that offers \n700 Nm\n of combined torque, a top speed of 254 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.\nThe Bentayga hybrid, where each takes 130 hours to build, comes with drive modes. In\n EV Drive Mode\n, the all-new hybrid is driven only with energy supplied from the battery to the wheels via the electric motor.\nIn \nHybrid Mode\n the car uses information from the navigation system to intelligently optimise power usage from the battery and the petrol engine, giving maximum efficiency and range.\nIn \nHold Mode\n the use of engine and electric power is balanced to maintain electric range for later use \u2013 for example on arriving in a city. In all modes energy is recovered to the battery through regeneration during deceleration.\nThe Bentayga Hybrid is the first step on Bentley\u2019s journey into the new world of electric vehicles, which will see the marque roll out an electrified version of every nameplate by 2023.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi has said that the retail price ceiling for petrol and diesel fuel has not been removed, contrary to widespread media reports yesterday, according to a report by \nBernama\n.\n\u201cNo..no..no. Don\u2019t be misled. Don\u2019t\u00a0misunderstand it. We have not removed the so-called ceiling price, it is the same,\u201d Nanta said in a press conference yesterday.\nIt was widely reported by local media yesterday that the price control order for petrol and diesel fuels has been removed, in response to a gazetted amendment order dated June 3, titled \nPrice Control and Anti-Profiteering (Determination of Maximum Retail Price for Petrol and Diesel) (No. 8) (Revocation) Order 2020\n.\nHowever, the ministry later published a press release to reassure the public that the maximum retail price of fuels in the country has not been changed. As before, the pricing of petrol and diesel fuel is based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), influenced by the price of refined petroleum products in line with the global crude oil price.\nSince \n30th March 2017\n, the retail pricing of petrol and diesel fuels were set weekly and enforced by KPDNHEP through federal gazette under the order of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. However, the ministry has since changed the mechanism of enforcement as of February 29 this year, through the Supply Control Instructions under the Supply Control Act.\nAs such, the weekly retail prices of petroleum fuel have not been published in the federal gazette since \n21 February\n. The revocation order dated June 3 essentially revokes the out-of-date pricing.\n\u201cThe changes in the mechanism were intended to improve the effectiveness of enforcement and monitoring by KPDNHEP in case there is any violation of the rule under the Act,\u201d the press release read.\nNanta reassures that KPDNHEP is committed in ensuring prices set by oil companies and petrol stations are in compliance to those set by the Ministry of Finance, to protect the consumers rights, as well as welfare and well-being of the public."
"It\u2019s been seven years since the introduction of the Aventador and since then, Lamborghini has not looked back\u00a0\u2013 achieving an important milestone in its history with 8,000 units produced.\nChassis number 8,000 is an Aventador S Roadster: the model in a Grey \u201cGrigio Telesto\u201d colour is set for delivery to its new owner in Japan.\nThe \nHuracan Performante Spyder\n.\nThe\n Hurac\u00e1n\n on the other hand, after just four years of production has seen car number 11,000 rolled off the assembly line. The car in Blue Nethuns bearing the chassis number 11,000, will be destined for the Italian market.\nAutomobili Lamborghini\u2019s worldwide deliveries increased by more than 10% to 2,327 cars in the first half of 2018. Global sales of the Hurac\u00e1n model line with coup\u00e9 and Spyder as well as racecar versions, showed an increase from 1,400 to 1,604 units. The Aventador line maintained the high level of the previous period with 673 units delivered."
"As a \u201ctribute\u201d to the legendary Lexus LFA, the car that was more expensive for Lexus to develop and build than for customers to buy, DAMD has created a body kit that\u2019ll make your Toyota GT86 or Subaru BRZ look like the V10 supercar.\nIf you\u2019re wondering who DAMD is; they\u2019re a Japanese body kit manufacturer/specialist responsible for dressing up the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution driven by Paul Walker in 2 Fast 2 Furious.\nDAMD also made headlines recently after they created two very unique body kits to transform the \nnew Suzuki Jimny\n into a \nLand Rover Defender or a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen\n.\nCall it cool or pretentious but it just reminds me of the time when Toyota MR-2s were rampantly being converted to Ferrari 355s and how Audi TT owners were getting their sportscars to look like the Audi R8.\nNot sure why you\u2019d do that cause if it\u2019s an R8 or 355 that you really want, why not work harder for it; rather than settling for second best \u2013 something your friends will no doubt give you a hard time over.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda in Japan has launched a new online store called \nHonda ON\n to allow Generation Z buyers to purchase cars through their smartphones, without ever visiting the dealerships.\n \nThe online store will serve as a one-stop centre with services including quotations, price negotiations and insurance purchases. The new initiative is meant to adapt and take advantage of the recent increase in online shopping and remote working.\nHonda says the online store offers a user experience that exceeds customer expectations. Despite its focus on Generation Z buyers, the company said the online portal can be used intuitively by older customers.\nIn the online store, customers can learn more about vehicle subscription services, maintenance costs, taxes, monthly payments, and even insurance costs. Customers can even arrange for test drives through the portal for specific vehicles such as the N-Box, Fit, Freed, and Vezel (HR-V in Malaysia).\nThe best part is, customers can even browse through the User Generated Content such as owner reviews before they decide on purchasing the vehicle.\nOnce everything is finalised, customers will just have to pop by any of the 84 Honda dealerships in Tokyo to collect their new ride."
"Alongside the announcement of the new \nGLA 200 \u201cStyle\u201d\n variant, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also announced the arrival of the all-new B-Class to the local market.\nThe W247 B-Class will only be available in one variant at the moment \u2013 the B 200 Progressive Line, priced at\n RM239,888\n.\nPowering the B 200 is a \n1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine\n \u2013 the same powertrain from the \nA 200\n \u2013 producing an output of \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the B 200 does the century sprint in 8.2 seconds.\u00a0\nThe all-new B-Class takes on the new Mercedes-Benz design language with a sportier design all-round, including slimmer headlights and a lower front bonnet. The Progressive Line exterior features a twin louvre radiator grille with chrome inserts, front apron with chrome insert, side sill panels and the 18-inch 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels.\u00a0\nMoving to the back, the B 200 Progressive Line gets two-part tail lamps, reflectors integrated in the bumper, a chrome strip, as well as a large roof spoiler.\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz has given the third-generation B-Class a huge makeover in the interior department; modeled heavily after the A-Class. The highlight of the cabin is the new dual-digital displays right at the top of the dashboard, functioning as both the instrument cluster and infotainment display.\u00a0\nThe B-Class is the second car after the A-Class in the Mercedes-Benz model lineup to feature the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The MBUX system incorporates several key new functionalities such as augmented reality navigation overlay, as well as the \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d voice assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available on this system.\nElsewhere, the B 200 Progressive Line gets the Comfort Package seats with Black Artico leather upholstery, open-power wood trim, gloss black centre console, and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.\u00a0\nIf you\u2019re afraid that the all-black interior will be too dark and gloomy, Mercedes-Benz has included a 64-colour interior ambient lighting to help offset the slightly monotonous interior, with light strips all around the dashboard, door trims, centre console, and even the air-con vents!\u00a0\nSafety wise, Mercedes has included Blind Spot Assist and Active Brake Assist to the B 200, along with Parktronic Active Parking Assist to help you navigate in and out of a tight parallel parking space.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Noise, vibration and harshness, or NVH, has become a hot topic for many car buyers \u2013 even on entry level economy cars. In an electric car, road noise becomes even more apparent due to the lack of an internal combustion engine.\nIn a space where innovation is rarely seen, Nissan has developed a new sound insulation material, known as acoustic meta-material, to be demonstrated in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week.\n \nThe acoustic meta-material is made up of a lattice structure, paired with a thin plastic film. The structure works particularly well against wide frequency band noise (500 \u2013 1200 Hz), such as road and engine noise.\nThe simple structure and material make-up means the acoustic meta-material is minimal on weight, especially when compared to the heavy rubber boards commonly used to thwart the wide frequency band noise.\nNissan claims that the acoustic meta-material weighs\n 75% less \nthan these materials, while providing the \nsame degree of sound isolation\n. The lower weight results in a lower overall environment impact, due to increased driving efficiency.\nThe Japanese firm also says that\n material costs could be lower\n in a mass-production scenario, due to the simple lattice structure. This could mean that \nmore lower-end cars\n can receive sound isolation treatments, where it is currently limited by cost or weight.\nNissan started research on meta-material technology around 2008, where it was initially developed for use in electromagnetic wave research. Nissan engineers worked to expand the applicability of the material to sound waves, which eventually led to the invention of the acoustic meta-material.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"From undergoing \n\u2018production hell\u2019\n in 2018 to achieving record sales in 2019, you can say there has never been a dull day at Tesla\u2019s main plant in \nFremont, California\n. And its mercurial founder \nElon Musk\n just tweeted two photos to announce Tesla\u2019s \none millionth vehicle milestone\n.\nCongratulations Tesla team on making our 1,000,000th car!! \npic.twitter.com/5M99a9LLQi\n\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) \nMarch 10, 2020\n \nThe \u2018lucky\u2019 unit turned out to be a \nModel Y\n SUV finished in a vibrant paintjob called \nRed Multi-Coat\n, replete with an uneven gap at where the bonnet meets the bumper. The Model Y mid-sized crossover is expected to hit Tesla stores across America soon. The top-of-the-range AWD \nPerformance variant\n is said to offer a \nrange of over 450 km\n per full charge, capable of accelerating from idle to 100 km/h \nunder 4 seconds\n.\nNow that Tesla is making cars in China, the next million won\u2019t take long.\nThe one-million milestone is nothing to sneer at for a company that only began producing EVs in \n2008 \nand had just a handful of models to offer for the longest of time. With the \nModel 3 \nsedan proving to be a global hit and production in China ramping up nicely (Tesla sold \n367,500 cars in 2019\n), the next million will take a lot less than 12 years."
"It took Bjorn Lagercrantz and Peter Ternstrom three years to prepare for the bizzare feat but it was all over in \nmerely\n half an hour \u2013 as they set a new Nurburgring lap record for a Tuk Tuk with a time of 31 minutes 49 seconds.\nThe Tuk Tuk was driven by an anonymous driver dressed like Top Gear\u2019s Stig, but apparently this isn\u2019t their first attempt, with the Tuk Tuk breaking down in their previous try.\nIt was said that the Tuk Tuk\u2019s owners subsequently collaborated with a company that makes engine components for Koenigsegg to beef up the engine with forged pistons, just so the Tuk Tuk can endure the full length of the track.\nAs to why they opted for such a strange record, the answer was simple; it was because no one had attempted it before so any time set would\u2019ve been a record.\nWhen asked of their experience in the back seat, the two said it was a scary experience as the Tuk Tuk was flimsy and unstable \u2013 going around some corners on just two wheels!\nSo far these are all the visuals we\u2019ve been able to compile but we sure hope there\u2019ll be a full POV video of this bizarre feat on YouTube soon!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new 2021 BMW 2 Series coupe that is\n scheduled for launch later this week\n has supposedly just been leaked ahead of its debut schedule.\nAn image of what appears to be a screenshot from an official BMW video of the new 2 Series was posted onto the Instagram profile \nWilcoblok\n over the weekend. And while nothing is confirmed just yet, obviously, the photo does match up with \neverything that we\u2019ve seen so far\n, leading us to believe that this is indeed, the real deal.\nThe purple car in the image above is believed to be the of the range-topping M240i variant (before the launch of the M2), hinted by the Cerium Grey accents on the front grille, wing mirrors, and the triangular bumper trims.\nCheck out the first leaked photos of the BMW 2 Series Coupe from April 2020!\nTo the delight of some vocal fans, the all-new BMW 2 Series will not get the \nM3-styled buckteeth grille\n, instead opting for a more \u201ctraditionally-styled\u201d kidney grille that\u2019s not that much bigger than what\u2019s on the current model.\nOfficial teaser photo from BMW. See the similarities?\nFlanking the grille are the new LED headlights, which now feature a single angel eye light signature, rather than the two-eye design seen on other BMW models. While the leaked photo doesn\u2019t show the rear, the all-new BMW 2 Series is expected to feature a 3D design for the LED tail lights, based on earlier leaks of the car.\nEarlier rumours suggest that the all-new BMW 2 Series will be offered with a variety of three-, four-, and six-cylinder engines, alongside diesel options.\nFind out what\u2019s really hiding behind the M3\u2019s massive kidney grille\nThe range-topping six-cylinder M240i variant will be powered by a B58 turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with \n387 hp\n and \n500 Nm \n(identical to the \nM340i\n), with drive sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, xDrive AWD system, and an M sports differential on the rear axle.\nBMW has also confirmed that there will eventually be a \nfull-fledged M2 variant\n, which should come with more than 400 hp, courtesy of the S58 three-litre inline-six turbocharged engine that\u2019s currently used on the all-new \nM3\n and \nM4\n models."
"The fourth-generation Renault Megane RS has made its \nfirst public appearance\n at the 2017 Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. For the first time since the inception of the Megane RS, customers will be able to choose between a six-speed manual or an Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission.\nNico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1 Team driver, piloted the new Megane RS around Circuit de Monaco and he said \u201cI got an opportunity to test All-New M\u00e9gane RS during its development and I was hooked first time out by the excellent chassis. Renault Sport has done a tremendous job on its performance credentials. It was a huge pleasure to drive it around the legendary street track at Monaco today.\u201d\nAccording to Renault Sport, the engineers have once again incorporated F1-derived technologies in the development of the fourth-gen Megane RS, further enhancing the aerodynamics, reliability and road holding performance.\nThe all-new Megane RS will be officially unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor show happening on 12 September and will go on sale in early 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the launch of the \nTaycan Cross Turismo last week\n, Porsche has revealed the Porsche eBike Cross and eBike sport featuring a full-suspension carbon frame inspired by the Taycan. They\u2019ve been developed in collaboration with eBike experts Rotwild.\nPowering the eBike is an ultra-compact Shimano EP8 motor with can propel the eBike up to 25 km/h while stopping power is provided by Magura brakes with extra-large, heat-resistant brake discs.\nThe eBike Sport features a Shimano electronic gear shifting system while the eBike Cross comes with a\u00a0mechanical Shimano XT 12-fold shifting system.\nWhat\u2019s also really cool is that the eBike is also equipped with a Shimano color display, which not only displays speed but also distance and range in real time. Lighting solution is taken care of with M99 LED lights by Supernova while damping is provided by Fox shock absorbers.\neBike Cross\neBike Sport\nAnd if you happen to own a Taycan Cross Turismo, Porsche has also developed a carrier to be installed on the tailgate. The carrier can support up to 50 kg, or as many as three eBikes and even with the bikes mounted, the tailgate can still be opened.\nThe Taycan Cross Turismo is available in 4 variants \u2013 the Turbo S, Turbo, Taycan 4S and the Taycan 4. The most powerful Turbo S variant can produce up to 761 hp, with 0 to 100 km/h rated at 2.9 seconds!\nCompared to the Taycan \u201csedan\u201d, the Cross Turismo comes with additional headroom and 40-litres of additional boot space at 446-litres."
"Setel has introduced the latest update in its app that allows electric car owners to pay for charging via the app for a more seamless charging experience.\nElectric car owners can easily locate the electric car charging stations through the app, select the type of charger (either AC or DC), and even check the charging status through the app. Payments are then deducted from the Setel Wallet and simultaneously users earn Mesra points with every transaction.\nLike refuelling your car with petrol via the Setel app, users will also receive Mesra points when they charge their electric vehicles using the Setel app. For every RM5 spent on charging, users will be entitled to 1 Mesra point.\nSetel has partnered JomCharge as the first provider, with plans to onboard more providers in the near future including Energise by PETRONAS. In its first phase, electric car users can use the Setel app to charge their EVs at five pilot locations with more locations to be rolled out progressively."
"The arrival of the McLaren 570GT means it joins the brand\u2019s expanding Sports Series lineup. This variant gets an added rear boot space \u2013 yes, we\u2019re not kidding \u2013 which technically means that your next McLaren could just be as practical as a two-seater hatchback.\nThe most glaring difference between the \n570S\n and 570GT is the rear section, where a new spoiler and \u00a0sleek-looking roof, dubbed as the \u201c\nTouring Deck\n\u201d are sported. Open the side-hinged glass door and you\u2019ll find about\u00a0\n220 litres\n of cargo space behind the front seats. Together with the existing front boot (130 litres), the 570GT boasts a total boot space of 350 litres. What other supercar does that? There\u2019s one drawback still; you can\u2019t fit your golf bags in here. You could, potentially, but we\u2019d recommend otherwise.\n \n \nInterior wise, customers can opt for the special Luxury theme, which adds more comfort and leather, or the less costly Sport theme. New items included in the cabin include glass panoramic sunroof, full leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated seats, soft-close doors and \neight-speaker\n McLaren Audio Plus system.\nThe 570GT retains the same\u00a0\n562 hp 3.8-litre\n \ntwin-turbo V8 engine\n\u00a0paired to a\u00a0\nseven-speed dual clutch gearbox.\n Also, McLaren fits a \nquieter exhaust\n for the 570GT to further set it apart from the sportier 570S. The \nadditional\u00a037kg\n from the rear glass means that the 570GT now sprints 0.2 seconds slower over in a century sprint at \n3.4 seconds\n, although top speed remains at\n 326km/h\n.\nThe 570GT, being the third of McLaren\u2019s Sport Series following the introduction of the 570S and 540, will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Pricing in the UK has been announced at\u00a0\u00a3154,000 (approx RM910,000.00), a premium of\u00a0\u00a310,741 (RM64,000) over the standard 570S.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After announcing that operations at all of its 182 sales, 202 service and 68 body and paint outlets nationwide \nhave officially resumed\n, Perodua has initiated a pilot project to extend the operation hours at selected service centres and Body & Paint hubs.\nThe pilot project involves 16 service centres and three Body & Paint hubs nationwide which will operate from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Peninsula Malaysia) and 7:45 AM to 8:45 PM (East Malaysia), everyday except Sundays. For more info on the selected service centres, scroll down.\n\u201cWe know that many of our valued customers\u2019 vehicles are overdue for servicing as our nationwide operations were shut for two months due to the Movement Control Order (MCO),\u201d said Perodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\u201cWe are therefore extending the operation hours of selected service centres and B&P hubs to meet the high demand and continue giving our valued customers total peace of mind,\u201d he added.\nHow does the new facelift Bezza fairs against the updated Proton Saga? \nWatch it here!\n\u201cThis initiative should ease pent-up demand for Perodua servicing in major regions. We will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of this pilot project continually; for now, it will run until further notice,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said.\nCustomers who want to service their vehicles are required to secure an appointment slot beforehand with their service centre of choice \u2013 walk-ins are still not accepted at the moment.\nPerodua is offering\u00a0\nspecial cash redemptions\u00a0\nof\n\u00a0up to RM1,300\n\u00a0for the Aruz this month.\nAll visitors must undergo temperature checks before entering outlets, register their details and adhere to social distancing markers within the outlets at all times. Hand sanitisers are placed at key locations, while the outlets themselves are sanitised regularly.\nLast week, Perodua announced a head start on the sales tax exemption which saw a \n3% to 6% reduction in price via cash rebates\n, while offering special cash redemptions of up to RM1,300 for the Aruz and selected Myvi variants.\nFor the updated price lists from the other car brands in Malaysia, do check out our posts\u00a0\nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Finally, after much fanfare, Honda Malaysia has finally taken\u00a0the wraps off the tenth-generation Honda Civic. Offered in three variants, Honda\u2019s most important model (which is also locally assembled) in its lineup can be had from RM113,800.00.\nAfter the\u00a0disappointing\u00a0ninth-generation Civic (which pales in comparison to the eight-generation FD\u2019s hype) and with crossovers pushing C-segment saloons into the zone of irrelevance, Honda needs to do more than just offer good looking cars. Thus, Honda pushes the envelope with the introduction of the first ever \u2018\nturbocharged Civic\n\u2019, and boy does the market reacted well.\nCodenamed the\n\u00a0FC\n, there will be three variants on offer starting with the base 1.8-litre variant. What\u2019s new and interesting is the new forced-inducted 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit, which\u00a0can be had in two trim levels.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda Civic 1.8S\nHonda Civic 1.5 Turbo\u00a0\nHonda Civic \n1.5 Turbo Premium\nEngine\n1,799 cc; 4-Cylinder, SOHC i-VTEC\n1,500 cc; 4-cylinder, DOHC VTEC Turbo\nTransmission\n7-speed Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\u00a0\nMax Power\n141 hp @\u00a06,500 rpm\n173 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n174 Nm @\u00a04,300 rpm\n220 Nm @\u00a01,700 to 5,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM113,800.00\nRM127,800.00\nRM135,800.00\nEXTERIOR\n When describing this latest Civic, the word \u201chandsome\u201d is quite\u00a0an understatement. The front sports a bolder and muscular\u00a0aesthetics, with the chrome grille and\u00a0\nLED daytime running lights\n\u00a0offered across all three variants. The range-topper receives full LED headlights, while the other two variants settle for halogen projector units. Complementing the front headlights are a pair of fog lights.   Move to the back and you\u2019ll be greeted with a pair of C-shaped \nLED taillights\n which outline\u00a0the Civic\u2019s sleek tail. The long and extended rear windscreen resembles more of a Sportback rather than a conventional saloon, which means it\u2019ll work better to attract younger customers.\nThe \nturbo variants\n ride on \n17-inch rims\n with\u00a0215/50 R17 tyres, with the rim design similar to that of the range-topping Honda City. The 1.8-litre model settles for a smaller and comfort-oriented 16-inch wheels shod with\u00a0215/55 R16 tyres. It also utilises a different design compared to its turbocharged siblings.\nINTERIOR\nThe tenth-generation Civic took home the award for\u00a0\n2016 Wards\u2019 best interior\n, so it has to be one of the best interior available for saloons in Malaysia. That\u2019s true, as the new interior matches the exterior\u2019s great looks. Not forgetting, interior space is better than its predecessor, thanks to the wider wheelbase and the added dimensions.   All Civics receive all-black interior and \neight-way driver power seat.\n\u00a0All turbo variants receive leather seats while the base 1.8-litre variant gets wrapped in fabric as well. What\u2019s most appealing to us is the low seating position in the Civic, giving the car a very sporty vibe.\nHonda has once again proven their excellence in interior packaging; the adaptive center console with two-tier storage offers plenty of storage space for the front occupants. Boot volume measures at \n519 litres\n, which is a fair bit smaller than the newly launched \nPeugeot 408\n, but it\u2019s by no means small.\nFor onboard entertainment, the turbo variants come with a \u00a0\n7-inch touchscreen Advanced Display Audio\n that integrates\u00a0Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model receives a smaller and slightly dated\u00a0head unit compared to the one we just mentioned. \nGPS navigation\n is reserved only for the Turbo Premium variant.\nOther interior goodies that are standard in all three variants include \nelectronic parking brake\n, auto hold brake assist, \nremote engine start\n, rear view camera, and rear air-cond vents. Speaking about the air conditioning, the dual zone climate control is available only on\u00a0the most expensive variant.\nThe Civic has a longstanding reputation of being poorly insulated and notoriously unrefined interior. But all that has been mitigated thanks to generous use of\u00a0\nlightweight soundproofing\n materials, something we look forward to testing ourselves.\nPERFORMANCE\nIt\u2019s safe to say that the entire hype surrounding the new Civic is the word \u2018turbocharging\u2019. The all-new L15B7\n 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC \nengine is part of Honda\u2019s Earth Dreams technology. Turbocharging is a taboo in Honda\u2019s world a decade ago, so having Honda to embrace turbocharging in its most important mass production model is indeed an eye opener. The new engine, whose annual road tax costs just RM90, produces \n170 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque, and it is more powerful than the previous 2.0-litre lump which it replaces.   O2 sensor, Honda Civic 1.8\nFor the 1.8-litre variant, Honda retains the all-familiar \n1.8-litre i-VTEC\n which is a carryover from two generations ago, one that\u2019s also shared with the \nHR-V\n. The naturally-aspirated motor belts out\u00a0\n140 hp\n and \n174 Nm\n of torque, and it should be an ideal choice for the less demanding of buyers. But what\u2019s new here is the gearbox; Honda ditches the five-speed torque converter of old to make way for the new\u00a0\nEarth Dreams seven-speed CVT gearbox\n. Meanwhile, paddle shifters are offered only for the turbo variants.\nSAFETY\nRecent Honda products in Malaysia have been praised for its generosity in safety features, and this extends to the new Civic as all variants receive\n\u00a0six airbags as standard \n(comprised of two front airbags, two side and curtain airbags). Also available in all three variants are Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, \nEmergency Stop Signal\n, ISOFIX, and the all-new \nwalk away auto lock\n feature. The latter automatically locks the car when the owner walks away from the car. Honda expects a five-star ASEAN NCAP\u00a0crash test rating for this new Civic.\nWHAT ELSE\nThe striking new Civic is available in shades of White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Dark Ruby Red Pearl. Assembled in Honda\u2019s plant in Pagoh, the new Civic begins at \nRM113,800.00\n for the base 1.8, followed by the 1.5 Turbo at \nRM127,800.00\n and finally the 1.5 Turbo Premium at \nRM135,800.00\n. All pricing are on the road including insurance and GST, bundled together with a 5-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty. The new Civic is also the latest recipient to receive the\u00a0Malaysia\u2019s Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status.\nIn short, the C-segment saloon is again made relevant thanks to Honda\u2019s 40-year old nameplate. It will probably eat up into the sales of Honda\u2019s own HR-V, CR-V, and Accord models, but that\u2019s a compromise Honda is more than willing to make.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda Civic 1.8S   Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo & Turbo Premium   Press Images   Honda Civic preview at\u00a0My Auto Fest 2016   Honda Civic at Bangkok Motorshow 2016   O2 sensor, Honda Civic 1.8"
"MINI has uploaded a cheeky little teaser onto their YouTube page and all signs point towards the imminent debut of an electrified MINI slated for the 2018 New York Auto Show, possibly the official debut of the \nMINI Electric Concept\n first shown at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.\nIn the 20 second video, the shutters open to a classic MINI but the transition around the 15-second mark shows the car bearing a new \u201cE\u201d logo, like the one on the MINI Cooper S E Countryman plug-in hybrid (PHEV), hinting that a new electrified MINI would be on the way.\nThe most recent electrified model (or concept car if you want to get technical) from MINI is the MINI Electric Concept, an all-electric conceived as part of \nBMW Group\u2019s NUMBER ONE > NEXT\n corporate strategy. The company also revealed earlier that a production model will be ready by 2019, hence the British carmaker may be showcasing the car at the auto show.\nCloser to home, MINI Malaysia is also moving towards electrification after teasing the \nCooper S E Countryman ALL4 PHEV\n as their next model launch in the country. The PHEV is a 1.5-litre hybrid system with \n224 hp\n that can complete the century sprint in 6.8 seconds while boasting an all-electric driving range of 40 km.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI Electric Concept   MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4"
"Apparently three turbos weren\u2019t enough for the BMW M550d xDrive. The previous F10 model was already pushing 376 hp and 740 Nm from its peculiar tri-turbo setup, but for the G30 M550d xDrive the engineers decided to give it another turbo for good measure.\nWhile Audi is moving towards 48-volt e-turbo tech for that low-end kick (and also to boost efficiency), BMW is keeping it old-school with mechanical turbochargers. It\u2019s quite a complex multi-stage turbo thingamajig, two low pressure turbos and one high pressure turbo operate together by default, while the fourth turbo (a high pressure turbo) only starts to pitch in when the engine sings past 2,500 rpm.\nThe engine itself is an \ninline-six 3.0-litre oil burner\n mated to an \neight-speed automatic\n, and all that \n400 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n twisting force is channeled to the \nxDrive\n all-wheel drive system. The sedan version will hit 100 km/h from standstill in \n4.4 seconds\n while the Touring takes a couple of tenths slower, but both share a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nIn terms of looks, well, it looks just like another G30 5er with an \nM Sport\n kit, so it gets a 10 mm lower \nM Sport suspension\n and \n19-inch wheels\n as standard. Some bits like the wing mirrors, grille and rims are finished in \nCerium Grey\n, but it\u2019s all very subtle until you see the \u201cM550d\u201d badge on the boot lid. That\u2019s when you realise you shouldn\u2019t tailgate it too close.\nBut it\u2019s not like you\u2019ll be seeing the M550d xDrive on Malaysian roads because we don\u2019t think it will ever be launched here. However, if you\u2019re in Europe, the sedan will be available from July, followed by the Touring towards the end of the year. You can still get the almost similar looking car here though, the \n530i M Sport\n\u00a0currently retails at RM399k.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia officially opened the doors to their new Regional Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in Senai, Johor. With an investment of over RM130 million, the 775,000 sq ft facility will support the after sales operations of 23 countries (listed below).\nThe logistics warehouse sits in the Free Industrial Zone (5 minutes\u2019 drive from Senai International Airport) and is home to an inventory comprised of after sales parts, components and lifestyle merchandises for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. To date, the Group has engaged 55 local service providers with an annual contract value in excess of RM25 million.\nBut how does the PDC benefit BMW customers? Well, you can expect better availability and faster lead times in after sales support. Distribution is motorised through land, air and sea, benefiting no less than 23 countries:\nMalaysia\nSingapore\nThailand\nSouth Korea\nAustralia\nNew Zealand\nIndonesia\nTaiwan\nHong Kong\nMacau\nPhilippines\nBrunei\nLaos\nCambodia\nMyanmar\nVietnam\nBangladesh\nMongolia\nSri Lanka\nTahiti\nNew Caledonia\nFiji\nGuam\nCEO of Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Dato\u2019 Azman Mahmud said, \u201cThis new Regional Parts Distribution Centre is very timely in capturing the growing market opportunities in the region, especially with the existing free trade agreements and the upcoming Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. We are extremely proud that BMW has recognised Johor to be a strategic location to meet its burgeoning regional demands.\u201d\nThe new centre was completed in December 2016 and is expected to create 120 new job opportunities.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has just expanded their dealership network in East Malaysia, as the third 3S centre in Kota Kinabalu run by Shirba Auto is now in operation.\nCarrying Proton\u2019s new corporate image, the new facility with a built-up area of \n2,259 square meters\n will offer \n12 service bays\n with \n6 service hoists\n, a comfortable\n customer lounge with free Wi-Fi\n, as well as \nample parking space\n for customers\u2019 convenience.\nProton\u2019s ongoing effort to upgrade its existing outlets and expanding their dealership network has been progressing steadily. The company currently has \n104 3S and 4S centres nationwide\n, making them the brand with the most number of outlets to offer sales and services under one roof.\nEast Malaysia is a key market for Proton, as the brand saw a growth of \n31% year-to-date\n with the\n Proton Saga\n leading its popularity in the region. In Sabah alone, sales growth was 39% compared to the same period last year.\u00a0\nThe new Proton 3S is located at \nKM 18, Jalan Tuaran, Tebobon Menggatal, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah\n. The showroom will be open from \n8.30 am to 5.30 pm\n on Monday to Saturday, and \n8.30 am to 4.30 pm\n on Sunday. Operating hours for the service centre are \n8.30 am to 5.30 pm\n on Monday to Friday, \n8.30 am to 1 pm\n on Saturday, while the service centre will be closed on Sunday."
"It\u2019s easy to assume that convertibles \u2013 be it soft top or hard top \u2013 are naturally more dangerous than their \u201cnormal\u201d counterparts, as occupants are more exposed to the elements. However, a new study published by the United States\u2019 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found through statistical data that topless cars are just as safe \u2013 if not, maybe even a little safer \u2013 than their non-convertible counterparts.\nUsing historical data between 2014 to 2018 from the country\u2019s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the non-profit organisation found that \nboth crash rates and driver death rates were lower for convertibles\n than the nonconvertible versions of the same cars.\nFerrari F8 Spider\n.\nSpecifically, convertibles were involved in 6% fewer police-reported crashes per miles travelled than their conventional counterparts. Driver death rates were also found to be 11% lower. All car models featured in the study were no more than five year-old.\nAlthough, as you might expect from the lack of a top physical barrier, 21% of convertible drivers killed in crashes were ejected from their vehicles, compared to 17% on non-convertibles. In rollover crashes, the likelihood of ejection was found to be 43%, versus 35% for their conventional counterparts.\nPorsche 911 Speedster\n.\nStatistically speaking, these differences are not enough to claim that convertibles are actually safer, but Eric Teoh, IIHS director of statistical service and author of the paper, said that \u201cthey do indicate there\u2019s \nno statistical basis for concerns that the lack of a permanent roof makes them more dangerous\n\u201c.\nOf course, there are definitely more than one reason behind the lower crash and death rates. One of which, IIHS hypothesises, is due to the fact that convertibles are mostly driven for leisure purposes, where the better driving conditions and rate of usage could potentially affect crash rates and thus perceived safety.\nDespite the limitations of the study, Teoh was confident that they made the best statistical considerations and can confidently conclude that convertibles do not pose a higher safety risk than their non-convertible counterparts.\nThe\n Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0\n.\nConvertibles have come a long way in terms of safety; most modern convertibles \u2013 such as the recently-launched \nPorsche 911 Speedster\n and \nFerrari F8 Spider\n \u2013 all feature specific safety considerations such as reinforced A pillars, to pop-up rollover protection behind the passengers.\nSo if you\u2019re still on the fence about buying a convertible due to the safety concerns, There is no need to worry. Just like \u201cnormal cars\u201d, Teoh recommends potential owners to judge their safety performance through their crash test ratings."
"If there\u2019s one thing that we shouldn\u2019t complain about, it\u2019s the introduction of more performance cars. But with the recent influx of new Hyundai N models, the brand\u2019s line-up of performance cars just seems to be getting to a point of over-saturation \u2013 in the same vein of \nBMW\u2019s M division\n and \nMercedes-Benz\u2019s AMG\n.\nHyundai today officially began teasing the Kona N, the Korean carmaker\u2019s first all-out performance-oriented SUV, bringing the total number of models within the N family up to five \u2013 including the \ni30 N\n (and i30 Fastback N), \ni20 N\n, Veloster N, and the Elantra N which has just recently been teased.\nWhile Hyundai is still keeping mum on the performance figures of the upcoming Kona N, the company did reveal that it will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the bonnet. The four-banger will most likely match the output figures of the i30 N, which makes \n275 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n353 Nm\n of torque.\nHyundai only mentions an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in the teaser, though we expect that a performance six-speed manual gearbox will also be made available, as is with the other N models. Of course, all the other N performance equipment should also make its way here, including the\u00a0\u201cN Corner Carving Differential\u201d electric limited-slip differential, and Hyundai\u2019s cheekily-named N Grin Control System.\nIn terms of looks, the upcoming Hyundai Kona N will be based on the facelift model launched last year, but donned with a much more aggressive exterior kit than even the N-Line trim that\u2019s currently available. As with other N models, expect to see red accents on the exterior bodywork, alongside larger wheels and a completely revamped exhaust system \u2013 massive split exits as seen on the teaser images.\n\u201cWe\u2019re excited to expand the recipe for success we\u2019ve developed with the i30 N and, most recently, with the i20 N to one of our most popular SUVs on the market today: Kona,\u201d says Hyundai Motor Europe Vice President of Marketing & Product, Andreas-Christoph Hofmann. \u201cThe addition of Kona to the N family will bring our high-performance brand to the next level.\u201d\nMore details on the Hyundai Kona N will be shared in the coming weeks.\nGALLERY"
"Here\u2019s another selling point for Honda sales representatives \u00a0around the world to add to the Honda Civic (\nas if the car is not enticing enough\n), it is in the running for the 2017 Golden Steering Wheel awards in Germany.\nNow entering its 42\nnd\n year, the Golden Steering Wheel awards is organised by Germany\u2019s Auto Bild magazine that recognises the best new cars of the year and Honda\u2019s two most successful models \u2013 the \ntenth-generation Civic FC hatchback\n and \nall-new NSX\n are in the running for the top spot in the Small car and Sports Car categories, respectively.\n \n \nGlobally, the Civic FC is recognised as Canadian Car of the Year, Kelley Blue Book\u2019s Best Buy of the Year while the high-performance \nCivic Type-R\n is What Car? Magazine\u2019s Most Anticipated Car Launch of the Year and Auto Express\u2019s Best Hot Hatch of the Year.\nThe NSX on the other hand, has claimed the\u00a0\n2017 International Best New Engine of the Year\n, Road & Track\u2019s Performance Car of the Year and Business Insider\u2019s Overall Car of the Year awards under its belt.\nDavid Hodgetts, managing director of Honda UK, commented: \u201cWe are delighted that Auto Express has recognised both the Civic and NSX by shortlisting them for this year\u2019s awards. The two contenders have already made a big impact in their relative sectors by winning multiple awards; a win for Honda would be a fantastic achievement at the Golden Steering Awards. We are incredibly keen to win and are asking all Honda fans and customers to get voting!\u201d\nFans and public alike can head over to \nGolden Steering Wheel\u2019s voting page\n to pick your favourite and most deserving car(s). The finalist will be judged by a European panel of experts to determine each category and overall winner."
"We took the new Mazda3 to meet its predecessor that was introduced here locally in 2009. Similar to the newer Soul Red Metallic car we have here, this particular Crystal White Pearl Mazda3 example came from the first batch of CBU models imported from Japan.\nRead full review on the 2014 Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan\nThe previous generation Mazda3 was offered with three engine choices for the Malaysian market, a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder producing 103hp and 144Nm of torque, a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder with \n145hp\n and \n182Nm\n of torque, and the range-topping MPS powered by the fiery 2.3 litre 4-cylinder turbo flexing out 255hp and 380Nm of torque. The new Mazda3 currently only comes in a single guise, which is the 2.0 litre 4-cylinder SkyActiv producing \n162hp\n and \n210Nm\n of torque but 1.5 litre 4 cylinder with 99 hp and 150 Nm will be eventually introduced later to the Malaysian market. In all fairness, both cars featured here are the 2.0 litre model.\nThe styling have been subtly evolved, where you can still recognise the familiar pointy motifs used throughout the whole car. Noticeably the smiley grille is now narrower and moved up a bit to incorporate the Mazda logo on the nose. Overall the design have been updated with a more complex surfacing and criss-crossing lines used on the new car. A dash of chrome bits here and there adds a more premium feel to the new car as well. The dimension is not altered much, the new car is slightly wider and lower, and gains a 60mm worth of wheelbase but the bootspace is now down to 408 litres from 430 litres on the previous car.   The new Mazda3 is equipped with technology to deliver better performance for lesser fuel used. To achieve that, the new 2.0 litre SkyActiv G powerplant under the bonnet is helped by the ingenious i-ELOOP system that stores wasted kinetic energy generated when the vehicle is decelerating and reuse them back to power the vehicle\u2019s electrical devices. On top of that, the i-stop system shuts down the engine when the car comes to a complete halt to save more fuel from being wasted. There\u2019s also a new six speed gearbox replacing the five speed automatic transmission on the previous car. The new car\u2019s claimed fuel economy is just 6.5l/100km where the old car will only manage 10.0l/100km.\nRead full review on the 2014 Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan\nWhile the new Mazda3 wins on the tech front, equipment-wise it loses out to the the old car. In the white car, you get goodies like cruise control, auto headlamps and wipers, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and interior ambient light to name a few. While the new car is missing those equipment, it gains a sunroof and a keyless entry. Both cars have the same amount of six airbags plus ABS as their safety equipment.\nThe driving dynamics is more polished in the new Mazda3, in a sense you feel the ride is more supple with the suspension is more sorted to iron out road surface irregularities. The white car has clocked more than 92,000km (and counting) on the odometer but still rides admirably, so this also proofs that Mazda builds solid cars. In the end, even though the power increase over the old car is not that significant (145hp @ 6500rpm, 182Nm @4500rpm versus 162hp @ 6000rpm, 210Nm @ 4000rpm), the SkyActiv engine with i-ELOOP technology and an extra gear ratio should lower the fuel consumption so you could enjoy more miles per tank.\nSide-by-Side Comparison\n2009 Mazda3 Sport 2.0\n \n2014 Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder direct injection petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1999\n1998\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n145/6500\n162/6000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n182/4500\n210/4000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n5-speed activematic\n6-speed SkyActiv Drive\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n215/45 R17\n215/45 R18\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4580\n4585\nOverall Width\nmm\n1755\n1795\nOverall Height\nmm\n1470\n1450\nWheelbase\nmm\n2640\n2700\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1300\n1220\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n430\n408\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n55\n51\nConsumption\n10.0L/100km\n6.5L/100km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n200\n210\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n10.6\n8.8\nPRICE\nRM\n131,537.90\n139,950.80\nRead full review on the 2014 Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The historic Monaco Grand Prix is Formula 1\u2019s most glamorous event each year, and to mark the occasion, drivers often wear a specially-designed one-off helmet for the weekend. Although this year\u2019s Monaco GP will \u2013 once again \u2013 not feature its usual star-studded guest list, McLaren F1 is still determined to make it just as memorable by running the iconic Gulf Oil livery on its car \u2013 and my oh my, does it look absolutely stunning.\nWhile the British team\u2019s association with Gulf dates back to the days of team founder Bruce McLaren in the late 1960s, McLaren has only ever run the iconic blue and orange livery once, on the\n McLaren F1 GTR \nback in 1997.\nThe petroleum company came back on board as a strategic partner last July, but the Gulf branding only went as far as a logo on the engine cover, wing mirrors, and the drivers\u2019 race suits. Through the collective voices of fans like us online, McLaren and Gulf finally decided to give the fans the livery they\u2019ve always wanted \u2013 too bad it\u2019ll only be a one-off.\nMcLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said: \u201cThis will be McLaren\u2019s homage to Gulf\u2019s celebrated race car design. We\u2019re enormous fans of brave and bold design, and the striking Gulf blue is among the most loved liveries in racing, a celebrated piece of culture which transcends the world of motorsport.\n\u201cDesign has always been important to McLaren \u2013 you see this in everything we do from our return to papaya to our stunning headquarters, the \nMcLaren Technology Centre\n. We\u2019re excited to exhibit this as a team and celebrate our proud association with Gulf in Monaco.\u201d\nIn addition to the livery, the iconic Gulf colours will also be featured on Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo\u2019s race suits, the race team kit, and all of McLaren\u2019s social media communications.\nLando and Daniel will also wear race helmets with bespoke retro designs, specifically created for the event, both of which to be raffled for the team\u2019s mental health charity partner, Mind, after the race.\n\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful,\u201d Norris commented on the livery. \u201cI think everyone can agree it will be the best-looking car on the grid by a very long way. It\u2019s awesome, it\u2019s a cool opportunity for both of us, and especially at Monaco, so I think it brings it all together, it\u2019s pretty unique.\u201d\nRicciardo added: \u201cOf course I love it. It\u2019s cool. I didn\u2019t need another reason to get excited about Monaco, so I\u2019ve got to control myself and save some energy for next week. Awesome. As long as you look good, that\u2019s the first box you\u2019ve got to tick, and we\u2019re certainly doing that, so I\u2019m really excited.\u201d\nWhile the Gulf liveried McLaren MCL35M will only be featured for one race weekend, you can at least keep a piece of it for quite a bit longer, as the team will also be releasing a range of limited-edition Gulf merchandises on its own official merchandise store, linked \nhere\n.\nThe McLaren cars in Gulf Oil livery will take to the track for the first time on Thursday, thanks to the Monaco GP\u2019s unique schedule. Let\u2019s pray that it doesn\u2019t suffer the same fate as the retro liveried Mercedes in the 2019 German Grand Prix \u2013 fingers crossed.\nGALLERY"
"All we get here are Almera\u2019s with some\u00a0Nismo badging but young Indonesians get a car whose design is catered to their customising way of life. What?!\nThe Datsun GO live, based on the popular Datsun GO is an exciting new concept created specificially for young Indonesians who see car customisation as a way of life. It recently made its debut in at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show.\nDatsun\u2019s Executive Design Director, Kei Kyu said, \u201cIf the GO live could be summed up in a single word, it would be \u2018freestyle\u2019. The car reflects the fun, expressive and liberating attitude that Indonesian car enthusiasts have toward their vehicles. In short, it\u2019s meant to be fun, upbeat and cool.\u201d\nLooking at the limited images available, the signal of intent is clear \u2013 to woo the younger more vibrant Indonesian demographic. That said, its funny how the \npromotional video of a car catered to a young Indonesians\n, do not actually feature an Indonesian in it.\nThe Datsun GO live\u2019s camouflage-style paint scheme with bright yellow accents is a reflection of the colours and patterns found on many of today\u2019s latest trends \u2013 whether its shoes, clothes or accessories.\nThe tall and sleek compact 5-door hatchback features a large, bold hexagonal grille with slim, canted headlights. Its bulding fender flares, an inspiration from Datsun\u2019s design heritage offers a wider, more muscular stance.\nThe rear sits higher up, giving the impression that the GO live is constantly moving forward. Yes, that\u2019s what was reported \u2013 we just convey then. The rear end is highlighted with large square taillights, a flamboyant roof-mounted wing and a thick rear bumper \u2013 because who doesn\u2019t like a thick rear end?\nComplementing its elevated stance, the GO live comes with 17-inch wheels with yellow spokes to match the body. Kyu said, he handpicked the wheel and tyre combination with large profiles to represent the diverse nature of the GO live.\nKyu stated that the GO live isn\u2019t intended to just appear sporty, sitting low and extra wide on the ground because it\u2019s too predictable. He emphasised that the car is for anyone who loves to spend the weekends actively \u2013 whether on long drives or to the mall.\nThe latter doesn\u2019t only apply to young Indonesians."
"To mark its 120th anniversary this year, Cycle and Carriage Bintang Berhad has launched the Cycle & Carriage Study Grant to support the technical and vocational education of youth pursuing a career in automotive.\nIt is said that by 2020, Malaysia will see an increase in demand for an additional 1.3 million Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) workers.\nThe Cycle & Carriage Study Grant is open to Malaysians aged 16 years and above \nwho are currently enrolled in or have secured a placement in an automotive course\n within a skills training institution accredited by the Department for Skill Development (DSD) of the Ministry of Human Resources or Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).\nThe grant seeks to aid those from families with a monthly household income of RM3,000 and below. Each year five (5) candidates will be selected as recipients of the Cycle & Carriage Study Grant and they will each \nreceive up to RM5,000 annual bursary\n for a maximum of three years of studies.\nThe application process, which is conducted from March to April, will be followed by an interview with the Cycle & Carriage selection committee in May.\nCandidates will also require a minimum credit in English and Mathematics either at the Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3) or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) level.\nGrant recipients will also be offered paid internship opportunities within the Cycle & Carriage network for greater exposure to actual working environments, learning directly from qualified and experienced technicians.\nInterested applicants can apply for the Cycle & Carriage Study Grant \nhere\n."
"Step aside Lyft, Uber and Grab. nuTonomy is here to send you to the history books. \nnuTonomy\n, Singapore\u2019s Land Transport Authority (LTA) R&D partner in the development of self-driving car service has just launch a public trial of an autonomous vehicle taxi.\nnuTonomy is the leading software developer for self-driving cars based in the U.S, and the company claims that this trial is a world\u2019s first.\nLast week, members of the public in Singapore had the opportunity to experience the autonomous vehicle taxi service through invitation. Invited residents are able to request for a ride via nuTonomy\u2019s ride-hailing app at no cost. Either a Renault Zoe or a Mitsubishi i-MiEV will ferry the passengers within Singapore\u2019s one-north business district where the trial is conducted. Check out what some of the first few lucky passenger has to say \nhere\n!\nThis exercise is geared to collect data on software system performance, vehicle routing efficiency, vehicle booking process, and the overall passenger experience. To give the passengers a greater sense of security and collect onboard data, a nuTonomy engineer will be riding alongside them. With these data, nuTonomy will be able to refine their software to prepare for a widely-available commercial robo-taxi service for the Singapore market by 2018.\nAs a first in the world for a trial of its kind, nuTonomy are excited for the opportunity to collect first hand feedback from riders in a real-world setting. This gives nuTonomy a unique advantage in developing a fleet of self-driving cars.\nSelf-driving vehicles may seem to take out the fun in driving, but to be honest, what fun is there to commute in KL city congestion? nuTonomy is making urban driving a less stressful, more comfortable and most importantly, safer affair. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from the strategies the Lion City is taking to revolutionise our daily commute.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"These days you could get a Mercedes-Benz in any shape and size, be it a \nsmall hatchback\n or a \n16-foot long SUV\n, but their core product is inarguably the limousine range. And within that range, there\u2019s the E-Class \u2013 the go-to vehicle for successful men (and women) as a portrayal of their flourishing career and good taste.\nIt\u2019s a proven recipe, the three-pointed star bears the heritage of producing fine carriages, and the positioning of the E-Class between the decadent \nS-Class\n and the youthful \nC-Class\n hits just about the right spot in terms of size and price. Now in its \nfifth generation\n (codenamed W213), it was already named the \n2017 UK Car of the Year\n, \nBest Executive Car, and New Company Car of the Year\n, but\u00a0are those awards enough to\u00a0capture the hearts of Malaysian businessmen and doctors alike?\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde\n \nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic, 9-speed\u00a0automatic\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350\u00a0Nm @ 1,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM420,888\nLaunched here\n in June 2016, the entire Malaysian W213 E-Class range is powered by the same \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n with varying states of tune. You could get an E 200 Avantgarde at just below the RM400k mark, but our test car here, the \nE 250 Avantgarde\n, retails at \nRM421k\n. Another five grand bags you the E 250 Exclusive, while at the top end sits the E 300 AMG Line at RM459k. They\u2019re all fully imported at the moment, but soon they will be assembled locally at the company\u2019s\u00a0\nPekan plant\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThere used to be a time when you can easily tell an E-Class from miles away, particularly the front with its quad-eyed face. But now the spotting game just got harder because the designers have streamlined the design on every new model for a more coherent look throughout the entire family.   Although perhaps the E-Class now looks too similar to its siblings. If you\u2019re buying one, we advise you to keep the badge on the boot lid because without it, you might get a confused look from your friends at the country club \u2013 great if they thought you just bought an \nS-Class\n, but maybe not so when your friends mistook your ride for a\u00a0\nC-Class\n\u00a0instead.\nYou might end up having to explain to your friends that, unlike the C-Class, the \nLED headlights\n on the E-Class feature two DRL strakes on each side, and the \nstardust reflectors\n in the taillights are unique to the E-Class. To put it simply, this could have been avoided if the E-Class had a more distinct styling feature.   Regardless, the W213 is a much sleeker car than the W212 it replaces. From some angle there\u2019s a hint of the original W219 CLS in it, lending it a bit of a \u201cboulevard cruiser\u201d look especially when fitted with these shiny 5-spoke \n19-inch alloys\n. In this Avantgarde trim, the E-Class wears the sportier grille, but those who prefer the traditional grille have to top up another RM5k for the \nExclusive\n trim, which also brings a different set of 19-inch rims. Personally\u00a0I think the E-Class looks best in Exclusive trim. It inspires just the right amount of old-school charm without looking too elderly.\nINTERIOR\nOpen the door and immediately your eyes will be drawn towards the flat horizontal panel on the dashboard. What appears to be a single piece item actually houses \ntwo separate 12.3-inch full HD screens\n side-by-side; the right screen serves as a digital instrument cluster, and the left one is used for the COMAND\u00a0infotainment system.   You need to refrain yourself from poking the screens because they won\u2019t respond to your touch, but there\u2019s a\n\u00a0controller\n\u00a0in the centre console that combines a \nclickable rotary dial\n and a \ntouchpad\n for you to scribble on. Alternatively, you could slide your thumb on the \nworld\u2019s first steering-mounted touch controllers\n. They work brilliantly, although at times you might accidentally trigger them while your hands are busy shuffling the steering wheel.\nBoth screens are fully configurable with loads of options provided to suit any type of driver. It covers most things from \n360 degree camera\n, analogue clock and dials to web browser, power meter, and navigation map. Furthermore, you are given a selection of \n64\n available colours for the LED ambient lighting. Warm orange makes you sleepy? Try bright fuchsia\u00a0or lime green instead, that ought to keep your eyes peeled for hours.\nOur test car\u2019s interior is finished in a swanky black and brown colour combo, accentuated by a rather peculiar black ash wood inlays as fitted on the \nGLC 250 4Matic\n we tested awhile ago. But one thing\u2019s for sure, the build quality is hard to fault. Even though hard and shiny plastic can be found at the nether region of the cabin, they still feel robust, while the switches and toggles operate with reassuring solidity that they would last for decades.   It\u2019s a nice place to be in (as long as you don\u2019t go bonkers with the ambient lighting and turn it into a night club on wheels) and the rear accommodation is fit for most bosses. There\u2019s plenty of leg room and head room for the two outer seats\u2019 occupants to stretch, although the middle seat passenger\u2019s leg room is slightly restricted by the sizeable transmission tunnel.\nSitting in the back, there\u2019s nothing to fiddle with except for the aircond controls, although the \npanoramic glass roof\n does provide a lovely view out. If you want some privacy in the back seats, you can roll out the shades for the roof, side windows, and the rear screen, but don\u2019t get too excited because the seat backs won\u2019t recline. However, they do split 40:20:40 and fold down flat. Behind it, the \n540 litre trunk\n should be able to hold a couple of golf bags and some additional luggage without any issue.\nPERFORMANCE\nIt\u2019s the familiar M274 \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n that we\u2019ve seen in various other Mercedes, and in this E 250 it generates \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. For comparison, the same engine in the E 200 delivers 184\u00a0hp and 300\u00a0Nm, and in the E 300 it produces 245\u00a0hp and 370\u00a0Nm. A 9G-Tronic \nnine-speed automatic\n is on duty to send power to the rear wheels, enabling the E 250 to do the century sprint in 6.9\u00a0seconds. The E 250 will go on to a top speed of 250 km/h, while returning an average fuel consumption of 6.2\u00a0l/100 km.\nTHE DRIVE\nDebuted with state-of-the-art semi autonomous driving tech, the W213 E-Class could practically drive itself and potentially put your driver\u2019s job in jeopardy. What\u2019s more, you can use your smartphone as a remote to manoeuvre the car into a parking spot, and you don\u2019t even have to be in it while doing so.\nSounds awesome right? Unfortunately those features are optional, and they\u2019re not fitted on this E 250. So don\u2019t expect some fancy autopilot tech to take over the wheel as you\u2019re traveling at 110 km/h so you could reply that email from the driver\u2019s seat.\nHowever, you can bank on the new E-Class to deliver first-class ride, because it won\u2019t disappoint you. The way the E 250 deals with rough roads is admirable, even on the standard steel springs and these 19-inch wheels wrapped in low profile rubbers the E-Class never gets flustered. Instead, it maintains its composure, ironing out craggy roads like it was never there.\nAround town the E 250 is surprisingly nippy for its size with tight turning circle making you feel like you\u2019re driving a C-Class. Parking shouldn\u2019t be a problem too, there are sensors and \nsurround view camera\n to aid you, or just leave the task to the \nPark Assist\n, it can manoeuvre\u00a0you into that tight spot by steering the car for you.\nAs a car that\u2019s geared towards comfort, the handling is safe and tidy with plenty of grip, but it feels a little too big for gung-ho driving on twisty backroads even though the steering is pretty keen. Besides, the auto \u2018box doesn\u2019t like to be rushed either. It takes a while to react to your input from the steering-mounted paddles, and the delay between shifts can be rather off-putting for the more spirited drivers out there.\nDriven sedately as it should, the E 250 is in its element on the long highways. The smooth ride, together with the combination of the punchy turbo four and the languid nine-speed \u2018box makes long distance cruising quite satisfying. While there\u2019s perceptible tyre roar and wind noise at times, I\u2019m merely nit-picking on an otherwise comfortable cruiser.\nSO, IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you cover big miles mostly being driven, the base E 200 should be able to transport you to your destination leisurely, although we reckon you should settle for at least the E 250 for that little bit of extra grunt when the need arises. The W213 is also a great alternative if you can\u2019t quite stretch your budget for an S-Class, or simply because you don\u2019t need the bigger brother\u2019s extra girth. Better still, wait for the CKD version if you\u2019re not in a rush, that should slash a few grand off the current asking price. If you prefer to drive your own, the E-Class is all right, but perhaps you should check out the new \nBMW G30 5 Series\n, just to be sure.\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nI didn\u2019t like the E-Class initially, but I\u2019ve been looking at it the wrong way. The E 250 is not a car that would entertain your juvenile shenanigans. Instead, it encourages you to loosen up your anxious mind after putting a hard day\u2019s work with its laid back nature to mollycoddle you back into a relaxed state once you reach home. Alas it\u2019s not something that I would personally spend my money on, but as company car, I\u2019ll have mine in Exclusive trim.\nIMAGE GALLERY   2016 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde Review in Malaysia \u2013 AutoBuzz.my"
"It\u2019s official \u2013 Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) confirmed today \nthrough it\u2019s Facebook page \nthat the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be officially introduced here in Malaysia!\nUnfortunately, no further information have been provided \u2013 that\u2019ll have to wait for one more week, on the 25th of February, where the car will be launched through a virtual livestreamed event at 11am.\nThe \nVolvo XC40 plug-in hybrid\n was first introduced back in 2018. Don\u2019t be confused by its name though, this isn\u2019t the \nfully-electric XC40\n that\u2019s also called the \u201cXC40 Recharge\u201d \u2013 Volvo decided to include the \u2018Recharge\u2019 moniker in every model that features any sort of electrification, so technically all T8-badged Volvo models here in Malaysia should also include the badge.\nIn the \nRecharge T5\n configuration, the PHEV XC40 features a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 180 hp and 265 Nm, paired to a small DCT-mounted electric motor (with a peak output of 82 hp and 160 Nm) for a total system output of \n262 hp\n and \n425 Nm\n of torque.\nThe power output translates to a \n7.3 seconds \ncentury sprint time, while top speed \u2013 as with all other Volvo vehicles \u2013 is limited to 180 km/h. And here\u2019s an additional trivia for you: the three-pot engine, alongside the seven-speed DCT gearbox, are reportedly based from the same family of those found in the \nProton X50\n!\nBy way of comparison, the \nVolvo XC40 T5 AWD \ncurrently available in Malaysia packs a 252 hp and 350 Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo underneath its hood, and does \n0 to 100 km/h\n\u00a0in\n\u00a06.4 seconds\n \u2013 thanks to its lower overall vehicle weight without the extra heft from the 10.7 kWh lithium-ion battery.\nThe battery pack on a Volvo XC40 PHEV being installed at Volvo\u2019s plant in Ghent, Belgium.\nWe\u2019ll learn more about the XC40 Recharge T5 plug-in hybrid at the upcoming launch event for the Malaysia market, which as we\u2019ve mentioned above, will happen at 11am on the 25th of February. If given the choice, will you be going electric? Let us know in the comments section below!\nGALLERY"
"This is the \nFerrari FXX K\n, a \n1,035 hp\n machine developed specifically for their \nXX Programme\n. The XX Programme is essentially a special program for the selected Ferrari owners where not only they get to drive their XX machines at the racing circuits all over the world, but they also contribute to the development of future Ferrari models by providing useful data gathered from their track sessions.\nFollowing the previous \nFXX\n that was based on Ferrari\u2019s then-flagship car Enzo, the new \nFXX K\n is \nbased on LaFerrari\n. The \u201cK\u201d refers to the \nKinetic Energy Recovery System\n (KERS) fitted to the FXX K, which is said to \u201cmaximise its track performance\u201d. Fair enough because the FXX K can only be driven in the track like the other XX Programme cars, as the FXX K is not road legal but at the same time they\u2019re also not qualified to enter any racing series.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFerrari FXX K\nEngine\n6,262cc; Naturally aspirated V12 hybrid\nTransmission\n7-speed Dual Clutch\nMax Power\n1,035 hp\nMax Torque\n>900 Nm\nPrice\nN/A\nEXTERIOR\nThe FXX K is full of aero-sorcery, where each panel is different from LaFerrari. The nose is lower by 30 mm, and the design of the \ntwin-profile spoiler\n and a large splitter with center gap is inspired from their GT cars in the World Endurance Championship. As a track car, the headlights have been reduced to a couple of tiny strip of LEDs, but surprisingly the FXX K keeps the LaFerrari\u2019s long-armed side mirrors unlike mirror-free FXX\nThere\u2019s an extended side skirts on each side for better airflow, while grip is provided by special \nPirelli P-Zero slicks\n \nwith sensors\n that monitors the pressure, temperature, and even longitudinal, lateral, and radial acceleration. The wheels measure \n19 x 10.5 inches\n at the front, and \n20 x 13 inches\n at the rear.\nThe back of the FXX K is higher than the LaFerrari, and incorporates fins with winglets on each side. Like the front, strip of LEDs replace the original light units from the LaFerrari, and the tailpipe count now reduced to two. All the aero works to create up to \n540 kg of downforce at 200 km/h\n, and from \n30 to 50 % improvement in downforce\n compared to LaFerrari.\nINTERIOR\nThe bare interior is still furnished with two seats, but the center of the dash sits a new carbon panel with a more simple button layout for the driver. The \ncarbon steering wheel\n also retains the buttons from LaFerrari\u2019s steering, although the \nManettino switch\n labels are different where they are used to control the intervention level of the \nE-Diff electronic differential\n, \nF-Trac traction control\n, \nRacing SSC\n (Side Slip Angle Control), and the \nhigh-performance ABS\n.\nAnother Manettino on the center console controls the \nHY-KERS system\n; \nLong Run\n (LR) for optimum performance consistency, \nQualify\n (Q) for maximum performance within a limited number of laps, \nManual Boost\n (M) for instant maximum torque delivery, and \nFast Charge\n (FC) for a fast recharge of the battery.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n6,262 cc V12\n from LaFerrari now produces \n60 hp more\n in the FXX K, at \n848 hp at 9,200 rpm\n and \n750 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm\n. Combined with the \n140 Kw electric motor\n, the FXX K generates a \ntotal of 1,035 hp\n and \nmore than 900 Nm of torque\n. No timing stats were released, but LaFerrari goes from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \nless than 3 seconds\n with a \ntop speed in excess of 350 km/h\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nBeing a part of the XX Programme, you can\u2019t simply walk in to a Ferrari showroom to purchase the FXX K. Ferrari will select from their most loyal of current customers to invite them personally on board the XX Programme. While the selected owners are undoubtedly the lucky ones to get to drive and to be a part of the development team, us average Joes might still be able to catch a glimpse of it in Sepang, when (and if) the \nFerrari Racing Days\n returns to Malaysia next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after releasing the first images of the \nProton Iriz facelift\n, the national carmaker also released a set of official photos for their B-Segment sedan. The facelifted Proton Persona gains updated design cues trickled down from the X70 as well as updated in-car technologies.\nOn the outside, the grille now features the Ethereal Bow and Infinite Weave motif combined with a new sleeker lower bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights. Over to the rear you\u2019ll find a shark fin antenna, ducktail spoiler and neater rear bumpers. The refreshed Persona now rides on a set of 15-inch eight twin-spoke aluminium wheels.\nInside, you are greeted with a more modern cabin thanks to a new instrument cluster design, a GKUI-based touchscreen infotainment system, a frameless rear-view mirror, an X70 gear lever and a new trims for the seats.\nNo word on the powertrain just yet but expect the Persona to soldier on with the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder VVT engine and CVT combo with \n107 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque. More information about the facelifted Proton Persona and its technical specifications will be released closer to the launch date.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nProton\u00a0Persona\u00a0Facelift"
"We know them both as blindingly quick supercars, we know that they\u2019ve got atomic levels of power under those hoods on paper, but how do they fare when pitted against each other in reality?\nMotorsport Magazine\n recently shared a 45 second clip to show who\u2019s the real boss between the \nMcLaren 720S\n and the \nPorsche 911 GT2 RS\n, in a 1000 metre drag race.\nOn one end of the ring, you have the \nMcLaren 720S\n that makes\n 720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque while the \nmost powerful road-legal 911 ever made\n is armed with \n700 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n. 0 to 100 km/h in the McLaren takes a disturbing 2.9 seconds while the Porsche does it 0.1 second quicker.\nCredit:\n Motorsport Magazine"
"Can you believe it\u2019s been two decades? In celebrating 20 years of the Golf R, Volkswagen has launched the special edition Golf R \u201920 Years\u2019. It won\u2019t be limited by numbers but instead, Volkswagen will limit the production run to approximately one year. Prices start from 59,995 euros.\nTo begin with, there\u2019s more power. Where the standard Golf R makes 320 hp, the \u201920 Years\u2019 edition offers \n13 more horsepower \nat 333 hp. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.6 seconds, a whisker quicker than the standard Golf R at 4.8 seconds. This effectively makes the Golf R \u201920 Years\u2019, not only the most powerful Golf R to date but also the most powerful Golf to date.\nThat\u2019s not all; this is where it gets quite serious. Its 7-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox has been tuned to shift quicker in S and S+ modes. Its turbocharger is preloaded to keep it spinning at a constant speed for even quicker throttle response.\nAlso new is the open throttle valve during overruns, which Volkswagen says results in more immediate acceleration with quicker build-up of engine torque when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator and then accelerates again.\n\u201cThis is accompanied by an especially distinctive drive sound.\u00a0It heightens the anticipation of a typical R driving experience,\u201d the company said.\nAside from the serious performance upgrades, there are some gimmicks too like the \nEmotion Start\n feature. Volkswagen says it will activate an \u201cinitial engine speed overshoot up to 2,500 rpm\u201d which basically makes the car rev louder upon start-up \u2013 something owners of such a car would expect (and appreciate).\nThe Golf R \u201920 Years\u2019 is also dressed differently as you can tell. The black radiator grille prominently features the blue R-logo, similarly on the fenders, at the rear and inside the car. For even more \u2018wow factor\u2019, the \u201c20 R\u201d logo projects onto the ground from the side mirrors in the dark.\nInside, one would be immediately drawn to the carbon fibre trims used on the dashboard and door panels \u2013 the first time ever in a Golf.\nThe new special-edition model Golf R \u201920 Years\u2019 with its oldest predecessor, the 2002 Golf IV R32.\nLike all Golf models, the Golf R \u201c20 Years\u201d will be produced in the Wolfsburg factory \u2013 the home of the Golf \u2013 and will hit European and other markets by mid-2022."
"Autonomous driving might be the future of cars, but until then, it\u2019s still us fleshy mortals piloting these moving death traps \u2013 and if we\u2019re completely honest, humans are not very good drivers. So instead of showing off autonomous driving tech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year, Panasonic instead worked on a new augment reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) system that could very well affect the way we drive cars, today.\nAR HUD is not exactly a new technology \u2013 the latest \nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n\u2018s HUD does already come with AR functionalities that displays navigational information, such as arrows at a junction, as if it\u2019s floating in mid-air.\n \nHowever, Panasonic\u2019s new concept takes the HUD to another level by using cameras and sensors to detect everything in front of you \u2013 a full 180-degree forward vision up to 90 metres across three traffic lanes. It then uses \nartificial intelligence\n (AI) to analyse what\u2019s most important, and highlights them as a 3D image right on your windscreen.\nFor instance, the system will be able to detect a cyclist or a merging vehicle in real time, and project a graphic onto the danger itself to bring it to the driver\u2019s attention. Panasonic\u2019s AR HUD system can even project a highlighted empty parking space onto the windscreen \u2013 something us Malaysian drivers would seriously appreciate!\nAside from the AI technology, Panasonic also made the actual display a lot better for drivers to see clearly. Advanced optics in the projection system provides an expanded field of view beyond the \u201cusual\u201d 10 x 4 degrees for a virtual image that looks bigger and further away, while a camera system constantly monitors the driver\u2019s eye position to adjust the display accurately to where the driver is looking at.\nPanasonic\u2019s new AR HUD also comes with a vibration control system to stabilise the display, no matter how bumpy the road is. It is also supposedly compact in its packaging, meaning it can pretty much be adopted in \u201cany vehicle configuration.\u201d\nThe new Panasonic AR HUD system sounds like a seriously cool idea, and could possibly help transition us into the autonomous future, by getting us to first trust what the car is seeing, before letting the cars make the judgement calls in the future.\nBut of course, it\u2019s still CES, so concepts like these might never actually make it to production. Would you want a system like this in your next car? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!\nGALLERY"
"\u201cWhen you drive this, people will think you\u2019re a boss.\u201d\u00a0\nNot many marques say \u201cyou\u2019ve made it\u201d better than the three-pointed star. But apart from projecting the desired image to business partners, neighbours, or even potential suitors, owning a Mercedes-Benz also means you\u2019ll get to sample some of the latest and greatest in automotive technologies.\nNow, whether these features actually enhance the motoring experience still largely depends on the owner\u2019s tech competence and acceptance to new gadgets. But when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia loaned us the \nfacelifted E 300 AMG Line\n for a week, a few did truly stand out.\nThe unnecessarily accurate trip computer\nOr more specifically, the fuel consumption meter. While displaying the real-time and average fuel consumption figures is nothing new, the Mercedes\u2019 \nMBUX system\n takes it to another level by displaying the actual real-time numbers, way, \nway\n higher than necessary or even useful \u2013 sometimes up to 60-70 l/100 km under hard acceleration, even though the graphics on the gauge maxes out at 25.\u00a0\nAnd that\u2019s not all. If the engine is idling when the car is stationary, the fuel consumption of the car is displayed in l/hour instead, finally saving the needle from its age-old awkward resting positions at either side of the FC gauge.\u00a0\nFuel consumption really isn\u2019t something a RM400k car owner would bother with too much, especially with our subsidised fuel, but it\u2019s still a nice feature to have nonetheless.\nThe rather tactile capacitive steering wheel\nFrom having just capacitive touch buttons (a la Blackberry. yes, I\u2019m that old) on the \npre-facelift model\n, to now a steering wheel that\u2019s entirely touch sensitive, Mercedes-Benz is truly going for a clutter-free look devoid of knobs, buttons, and toggle switches for its latest crop of vehicles.\u00a0\nWhile some may bemoan the decision to remove physical buttons, these controls were not missed during our affair with the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line, as the capacitive steering wheel spokes actually did a better job, especially thanks to the flexibility they afford.\nALSO READ: \n2021 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line facelift launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM375k\nFor instance, setting the speed for the adaptive cruise control is a quick and easy affair on the right steering spoke; to increase the speed, you can either click on the \u2018+\u2019 symbol\u00a0on top of a groove to increase it in increments of 10 km/h, or slide your fingers directly on the indent if you want a more fine-grain control.\nThe same method applies to the volume control of the exemplary Burmester system, where the control surface is found on the left-hand spokes. Oh, and on a side note, the adaptive cruise control also works up to a speed of 210 km/h \u2013 don\u2019t ask us how we know.\nThe MULTIBEAM light show\nBefore you denounce us for calling the rather excellent \nMULTIBEAM\n system unnecessary, it\u2019s the \u201cflex\u201d that occurs every time you start the car in the dark that we find excessive. The system would do a horizontal and vertical \u201crange check\u201d with its integrated LEDs upon starting up \u2013 potentially drawing unnecessary attention, especially if you are starting your car near places like an open-air \nmamak\n.\nOther than the unnecessary light show, however, we were absolutely taken away by the true capabilities of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s matrix lighting system. Driving along the sometimes poorly lit trunk roads in Kota Bharu is made so much easier and safer with its Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, which lights up the poorly lit areas without blinding oncoming motorists.\u00a0\nWould these features one day trickle down to sub-100k econoboxes? Well, as the exceptionally well-equipped \nPerodua Alza\n has proven, it already did \u2013 albeit in a more plebeian format.\nSo is it still worth paying a premium for these features in a Mercedes-Benz? We would love to hear from you \u2013 but from our experience, even though they might be completely unnecessary, we loved them more than having people mistaking us as a boss."
"Turbo engines, torque, effortless acceleration; these are some of the USPs that the likes of Nissan and Honda have been highlighting on their new B-segment products, the all-new \nAlmera\n and \nCity\n.\nThe performance of a car matters, as there is nothing more annoying than having a limp engine to fuel your drives, but that may not be a priority for a large portion of us. For those who don\u2019t drive with the mentality of a Formula 1 racer, the performance factor is often secondary.\n \nWhat matters more, in our opinion, for a person who spends a couple of hours a day through some of KL\u2019s finest tarmac to and fro from work, is the refinement of the cabin and ride which brings us to the all-new Almera. Nissan had just previewed the car last Friday and are now taking orders for the second-generation model.\nAside from revealing every possible detail of the 2nd-generation model, there was even a test drive arranged for us that day. Smooth and immediate is how we\u2019d describe the throttle response, with most of its 152 Nm from a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine delivered from 2,400 rpm to 4,000 rpm but that\u2019s not the only thing that got our attention.\nThe first-generation Nissan Almera was priced from as low as RM66k when it was first launch almost 8 years ago.\nFrom what was positioned as the accessible Japanese car for the masses (1st-gen Almera) with its extremely competitive pricing (\nas it costs as low as RM66k\n), the second generation model is a clear indication of Nissan\u2019s intention to elevate the all-new Almera\u2019s image and this is done through various efforts but mainly by improving on its Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH).\nFor starters all four doors come with extra insulation and so does the A-pillars, while thicker front windows have been opted for the Almera. Even the side mirrors have been moved further way from the A-pillars for better air flow, which as a result helps reduce wind noise.\nAnother area which Nissan has improved on in the Almera is the back rest of the front two seats have been added with springs, unlike before, for better comfort and back support.\nThe result of which, from our brief test drive in the hustle and bustle of the Glenmarie area in Shah Alam, was more than noticeable. Behind the wheel of the new Almera, whether stationary or on the move, it\u2019s hard to not notice how much of the unpleasant environment outside the car was silenced and dialled out.\nHowever, it remains to be seen what the cabin environment would be like when the Almera is moving at higher speeds on the highway. This is as our test drive was confined to the surrounding area of Glenmarie.\nPrices for the new Almera is yet to be confirmed although estimated prices start at \nRM8X,XXX for the lower to variants\n (VL, VLP) while the highest spec variant (VLT) is priced at an \nestimated RM9X,XXX\n. If you\u2019re keen to get up close with the new Almera before you decide on a purchase, here\u2019s a table of where the Almera will be in the coming weeks."
"In conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n (VPCM) has announced its latest campaign with \nrebates of up to RM10,000\n for selected Volkswagen models, perfect for those who are looking for a new VW car for the year of the ox.\nVPCM will be offering a RM1,000 \u201c\nang pao\n rebate\u201d for customers purchasing the recently-launched \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace\n Highline and R-Line, \nArteon R-Line\n, \nPassat Elegance\n, and \nPassat R-Line\n during the Chinese New Year campaign period \u2013 which runs from today until the \n28th of February\n.\nIn addition to the \nang pao\n rebates, customers who book any of the models listed above via the \nVolkswagen eShowroom\n will also enjoy additional exclusive online savings, ranging from RM3,500 to RM4,500. The full list of rebates can be found on the table below:\nTogether with the Year of Make 2020 savings, customers can enjoy up to RM10,000 in cash savings for the Passat Elegance and the Passat R-Line if they make their booking via the online platform. That means the Passat Elegance goes for just \nRM171,856\n during this campaign period, while the R-Line variant is priced at \nRM193,411\n with the maximum savings applied.\nAll Volkswagen models come with a three-year free maintenance programme, five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five years of free roadside assistance.\nFor existing Volkswagen owners, VPCM is also offering additional savings on parts replacements and genuine engine oil in the CNY Aftersales Service Campaign, alongside a complimentary 5-Star Service Check, up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres, as well as complimentary Volkswagen \nang pao\n packets. The full list of savings offered in the CNY Aftersales Service Campaign are as follows:\nCustomers interested in taking advantage of the deals offered in the Chinese New Year aftersales service campaign are encouraged to arrange a service appointment via VPCM\u2019s new \nOnline Service Booking website\n."
"After 710 km of driving through challenging and mixed-conditions, 18 teams have successfully completed the Proton 1 Tank Adventure!\u00a0\nFlagging off in Kota Bharu, the convoy of 18 finalists along with special guests and celebrities made their way through the beautiful coastal roads along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia to the finish line at Puteri Harbour, Johor Bharu.\u00a0\nIn an effort to ensure the safety of the participants, Proton introduced a rule change for this year\u2019s edition of the 1 Tank Adventure, with strictly-enforced time limits between each checkpoint to minimise speed difference between the competitors and road users. As a result, all teams recorded an average speed of over 70 km/h.\nThe challenge was broken-up into three classifications based on their vehicles \u2013 Iriz, Persona and Saga, and split between media and owner categories. The best results recorded within each classification were \n4.82 L/100km\n, \n5.03 L/100km\n, and \n4.65 L/100km\n respectively.\nBoth the Iriz and Saga would have easily travelled over 800km (based on its 40-litre fuel tank) while the Persona would have just missed that benchmark. Out of the six Proton Sagas, four recorded a fuel consumption figure of under 5L/100km.\nFor the final, all cars were fueled exclusively with Petronas Primax 95 with Pro-Drive, which has proven to deliver a smoother, more responsive and efficient drive.\nThe \nIriz\n, \nPersona\n and \nSaga\n featured in the 2019 Proton 1 Tank Adventure have all been updated in the last year. While the Iriz and Persona received mostly refinements and visual updates, the \n2019 Proton Saga\n was fitted with a new 4-speed automatic gearbox, replacing the CVT gearbox.\u00a0\nProton, Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong said, \u201cThe Proton 1 Tank Adventure covered more than 2,305 km to measure the fuel efficiency of our cars. Multiply that by the number of competing teams over all four events and over 40,000 km would have been logged.\n\u201cThis is a ringing endorsement for the fuel efficiency of Proton cars as the figures were obtained by owners and members of media on public roads instead of the confines of a laboratory test,\u201d he added.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the \nrecent facelift just under a year ago\n in July last year, images of yet another new iteration of the\n \nGeely Binyue (Proton X50 for you and I) has surfaced online.\nDespite it being rumoured to be an update/facelift, the Geely Boyue sports a completely different front-end design \u2013 almost like a brand new car. It even comes with a completely new pair of headlamps that are slimmer and sharper.\nAs for that front grille, is Geely trying to challenge BMW in terms of grille size or have they been secretly taking notes from Lexus\u2019 spindle grille?\nAt the rear, the changes are just as dramatic. While most of the lower half remain largely the same, including the diffuser design and the quad-exhaust tips, the top half of the rear section looks much more futuristic than before. In fact, with the new lightbar that\u2019s connected to the taillights, it looks like most modern cars revealed in the last two years including the Kia Carnival MPV, Porsche Macan and 911, and the Lexus UX to name a few.\nThe biggest news though, has to be the 3-cylinder engine which is rumored to be dropped due to lack of interest from Chinese replaced by a new 4-cylinder unit. The engine capacity remains at 1.5-litres, but the X50-to-be will be making more power at 180 hp.\nThe change towards a 4-cylinder is rumoured to be down to emission regulations while some sites have reported that the 3-cylinder engines have received poor response from Chinese customers. More to come!\nRELATED:\n There\u2019ll soon be a new Chinese competitor for the Proton X50!"
"The \n2023 Honda WR-V\n has just been launched in Malaysia today, and to say that it is a highly anticipated car is probably an understatement, as people have been queueing up to preview the car since last month. Not only that, bookings received for the 2023 Honda WR-V since mid last month up till yesterday has reached a total of 2,500 units. With the sales momentum expected to continue rolling, \nHonda Malaysia\n is expecting to sell around 1,300 units of the WR-V each month moving forward.\nOut of the 2,500 bookings received up till yesterday, the 1.5 RS has been the most popular, occupying 43% of the total booking, with the 1.5 V, E, and the entry-level S variants following behind contributing 38%, 12%, and 7% of bookings respectively. Naturally, the carmaker continues to expect the 1.5 RS to be the bestselling variant, and to contribute up to 60% of the Honda WR-V\u2019s total sales in Malaysia.\nIf you\u2019re interested in buying the 2023 Honda WR-V or any new car for that matter, one of your main concerns must be the waiting period between dropping a booking and collecting the car. Regarding this matter, \nHonda\n has ensured that customers will only have to wait around two to three months starting today.\nHonda is also working hard to solve the chip supply issue that it and other carmakers have been facing. The carmaker is also expecting to normalise its supply by the end of this year.\nRELATED: \n2023 Honda WR-V launched in Malaysia, from RM90k \u2013 Ativa rival, 1.5L NA, CVT\nWith the top-spec 2023 Honda WR-V carrying the \u201cRS\u201d name, just like many modern Honda models launched in Malaysia in the past couple of years, many might be questioning about the possibility of a Hybrid variant in the future. And Honda has responded saying that the idea is currently opened for consideration. Therefore, do not get your hopes up just yet, folks.\nThe Honda WR-V is a crossover, so naturally, space is one of Honda\u2019s main priorities when developing the car. However, it lacks features like the Ultra seats that have been featured in the \nJazz\n and \nCity Hatchback\n.\nIn response to the absence of the Ultra seats, Honda explained that it is for weight management purposes. This is because the structure of the Ultra seat itself takes up quite a bit of weight compared to regular seat designs, and to fulfil safety regulations, adding extra weight to the car is unavoidable.\nAnother feature that is lacking from the 2023 Honda WR-V is the tonneau cover to, well, cover items placed inside the rear boot. This might be a questionable omission, but Honda mentioned that during initial development phase of the WR-V, it found out that there wasn\u2019t a significant demand for the tonneau cover at the time. However, the company said that it will continue to conduct surveys in its future developments, and will respond to the market when there is significant demand for the tonneau cover.\nRELATED: \nHonda City facelift debuts in Thailand \u2013 Honda Sensing, remote engine start now standard"
"We\u2019re sure you\u2019ve seen the viral photo of a Thai man with an uncanny resemblance to \nFast & Furious\n actor Vin Diesel (but if you haven\u2019t, it\u2019s below). While most people would pass it off as just a cute coincidence, the story actually goes much, much deeper than that.\nThe photo that started it all.\n Image: \u0e2d\u0e32\u0e17\u0e34\u0e15\u0e22\u0e4c \u0e42\u0e21\u0e14\u0e34\u0e1f\u0e32\u0e22/Facebook\nAccording to Singaporean news site \nMothership\n, the Chiang Rai local has already been aware of his own resemblance to the Hollywood star, and have been posting photos like these as early as 2017. In fact, the photo that went viral actually dates all the way back to 2019!\nT-shirts and cross necklaces are now his wardrobe staples, the bald head his standard haircut, and the nonchalant emotionless face has since become his default pose. Just like Vin Diesel, the Thai man also seems to frequents the gym \u2013 although we\u2019re not sure if he\u2019s doing it just to look more like the actor, or he\u2019s just a gym rat himself.\nRELATED: Here are the most iconic one-liners from \u2018The Fast and the Furious\u2019 \u2013 20 years and counting!\n \n Image: \u0e2d\u0e32\u0e17\u0e34\u0e15\u0e22\u0e4c \u0e42\u0e21\u0e14\u0e34\u0e1f\u0e32\u0e22/Facebook\nBut that\u2019s far from all, because the Thai Dom Toretto lookalike even got himself a \u201cmuscle\u201d car to complete the look! Well, \u201cmuscle\u201d in inverted commas, because the car looks like it\u2019s been converted into a Ford Mustang/Dodge Charger replica from a Japanese family sedan, possibly an old Mitsubishi Galant or the E20 Toyota Corolla. Still, A+ for effort.\nALSO READ: Toyota Supra from the first The Fast and The Furious movie sold for RM2.2 million\n \n Image: \u0e2d\u0e32\u0e17\u0e34\u0e15\u0e22\u0e4c \u0e42\u0e21\u0e14\u0e34\u0e1f\u0e32\u0e22/Facebook\nAnd Dom Toretto isn\u2019t even the only Vin Diesel character that the Thai man has tried to portray. In September last year, the man also uploaded an older photo of himself dressing up as Richard B. Riddick, a character also played by Vin Diesel in a 2004 film.\nAs of the time of writing, the viral photo has garnered over 76 thousand shares on Facebook, and gained many new fans \u2013 us included. Be sure to check out more on his photos on his Facebook page, linked \nhere\n."
"In the build-up to the official announcement of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) made some \nvideos\n regarding the benefits of the hybrid system.\nBuzz words used such as electric, emission-free, silent, efficient and powerful have been used to describe the attributes of this new generation hybrid system. As such, let\u2019s take a closer look at this fourth-generation hybrid system from the \nleader\n in petrol-electric hybrid technology.\nDiscreet blue highlights on the emblem and headlamps identify the Hybrid model\nBackground of Toyota Hybrid System in Malaysia\nIn Malaysia, the Toyota hybrid system was only made available in the Toyota Prius 1.8, the Toyota Prius C 1.5 as well as the \nToyota Camry Hybrid 2.5\n which was also locally-assembled in the ASSB plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.\nThe models were all introduced thanks to government incentives that exempt all import and excise duties (100%) for hybrid vehicles from early 2010 to 2013. Incentives for CKD models such as the Camry Hybrid continued.\nThe key components\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has been on sale in \nThailand\n, Vietnam and the Philippines since their respective launches, thus, it\u2019s fair to assume the hybrid system will be the same in Malaysia given the similarities in regional requirements and resources- discounting the more powerful \n184 hp 2.0-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force\n system.\n1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE engine\nTransaxle\nPower Control Unit (PCU)\nNiMH battery pack\nThe hybrid system in the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is taken straight from the fourth-generation Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla Hybrid, as all these three models are built on the TNGA GA-C platform.\nThe engine features a heavily revised naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 1.8-litre engine (2ZR-FXE), with new materials and design to make the engine quieter, smoother and breathe better to hit thermal efficiency of 40%. Output is modest and unchanged, \n97 hp\n at 5,200 rpm and \n142 Nm\n at 3,600 rpm, as the engine is only tasked to charge the battery and move the vehicle with additional power supplemented by the electric motor.\nThe pair of electric motor-generator units (called MG1 and MG2) are made smaller and lighter to suit the new multi-shaft transaxle design. It sees a reduction in outputs, from 82 hp / 207 Nm to \n72 hp / 163 Nm\n.\nThe battery in the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid continues to maintain the air-cooled NiMH battery pack but has been made more compact, yet more energy-dense, giving better performance and easier packaging \u2014 now located entirely beneath the rear seat, avoiding any compromise in luggage space and utility.\nNewer but lower output than before, but why?\nToyota does not numerically add the peak engine power of 97 hp with the peak motor power of 72 hp. Instead, the company says based on internal measurements, the combined system output is \n122 hp\n at 5,200 rpm and not 169 hp, as the peak power of both energy sources occurs at different speeds. Toyota also does not document the combined torque figures, unlike the Honda e:HEV system which can be 100% electric motor driven and thus quote a high figure of\n 253 Nm\n.\nFor those who can recall, the 122 hp from this fourth-generation system is \nlower than the 136 hp\n generated by the third generation 1.8-litre hybrid system. Toyota was quick to point out that the latest fourth-generation system consumes less fuel while delivering \nbetter real-world performance\n, with the hybrid system delivering its power in a more user-friendly manner.\nThe new power control unit (PCU) allows the system to \ndraw more on its electric power\n, which means that acceleration feels more natural with the engine-rpm building gradually as the car picks up speed, rather than a constant engine speed and the drone of the older system.\nAcceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 11 seconds in the 122 hp \nToyota C-HR Hybrid\n \u2013 a car similar in size and weight as the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The top speed is capped at 170 km/h.\nCheck out our initial impression of the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 here!\nAnd yes, even electrified, the hybrid system has a lower output than the 1.8-litre petrol engine that churns out 139 hp, but at a rather high peak engine speed of 6,400 rpm.\nThe Corolla Cross Hybrid has, however, traded less horsepower for better fuel consumption figures; rated at \n4.3 L/100 km\n while the regular engine returns 6.8 litres per 100 km travelled, both figures based on certificates from Thailand.\nHow does the Toyota Hybrid system operate?\nAs Honda is pushing the e:HEV hybrid system into various B-segment models, the latest being the all-new \nHR-V\n model launched in Thailand, we thought we might take a quick recap on \nhow the Toyota hybrid system differs from the Honda system\n.\nThe Toyota hybrid system has a much smaller electric motor output, as such, it will only operate in electric vehicle (EV) mode at very low speeds as such parking and crawling in traffic jams. The petrol engine will switch on to provide drive to the front wheels as well as charge up the NiMH battery pack, a situation that occurs for the majority of the driving speed.\nThe petrol engine will then switch off at every release of the accelerator pedal, when the PCU deems no power or forward motion is needed. The motors then become generators to charge the battery.\nThe hybrid system in the Honda e:HEV meanwhile features a much more powerful electric motor as well as a disconnecting clutch, which decouples the engine from the wheels, making the system more efficient. The petrol engine is only connected at highway speeds, while the rest of the drive is mostly performed by the electric motor, and the engine just functioning as the battery charger- a term called series-hybrid like \nNissan\u2019s E-Power\n system and \nDaihatsu\u2019s e-Smart Hybrid\n.\nAs such, based on information we have, the electric motor and petrol engine never \u2018blends\u2019 their power together to drive the front wheels; it\u2019s an either-or setup. The previous generation i-DCCD sport hybrid system with a dual-clutch transmission however blends both the power outputs and is available in the outgoing \nHonda HR-V hybrid\n priced at RM114,000.\nUMWT has just opened the \norder books\n for the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, with an estimated price of \nRM137,000\n. As for Honda, the e:HEV hybrid system is currently available in the Honda City RS, priced at RM105,000, and will be joined by the \nHonda City Hatchback\n RS e:HEV soon.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a week or so since \nProton previewed the X50 \nand suffice to say, the hype it has generated seems to have surpassed that of the larger X70 when it was \nlaunched in December 2018\n.\nWhile it\u2019s completely understandable why the media and ultimately the public has fallen head over heels for Proton\u2019s new crossover, it\u2019s quite easy to overlook the car\u2019s shortcomings when the bulk of it is so impressive.\nThere\u2019s really no faulting the interior design of the X50.\nWe\u2019re talking remote start capabilities, either through the key fob or the Proton Link app, \nAdvance Driving Assistance System (ADAS) with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities\n, a 360-degree view monitor, a panoramic sunroof, and the list just goes on.\nWhat\u2019s more impressive is that the X50 could very well be priced below RM100k. That being said, prices have yet to be confirmed and announced so we\u2019ll refrain from speculating further. What we can share though, is what we\u2019ve seen, touched and felt during our brief stint with the car at Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant last week.\nLong story short, the X50 looks and feels like a car that\u2019s twice as expensive (based on what we expect it to be priced). If Honda, Toyota, or even Kia were to slap their emblems on it and price it at RM150k or more, it\u2019ll still have no problems drawing long queues outside showrooms and sell even quicker than the latest iPhone.\nThat being said, here\u2019s where the X50 has been a victim of its own success. As the car is \u201calmost perfect\u201d, in terms of its value for money, it\u2019s very easy to spot the slightest shortcoming and \nit lies within the 360-degree and reverse camera display\n.\nIt\u2019s probably not the infotainment system\u2019s fault, which now features the latest GKUI 19 operating system previously not available in the Proton X70. The displays were quite sharp and we\u2019d even rate the user experience of it quite highly as it was smooth, responsive, and rather intuitive to use. Instead, if we deduced correctly, it\u2019s the quality of the cameras.\nWith an interior that\u2019s as well-built as the X50\u2019s, with dual-tone leather seats in the Flagship variants and generous amounts of tasteful brushed aluminum-like trims, the clarity of the cameras is the complete opposite of what we know and expect of China when it comes to tech.\nYou don\u2019t need to look far, just take their smartphones as an example, which has been giving established brands like Samsung and Apple a run for their money. It seems that they\u2019ve somehow neglected that aspect of the car.\nThe clarity of the display was only as good as a 360p quality video on YouTube in our opinion, 480p at the very best and when it\u2019s featured in a cabin with a fancy dashboard and panoramic roof, it\u2019s a complete turn-off and has no place in such a quality environment.\nWith some weeks left to its launch (purely based on the word on the street), it\u2019s unlikely that this article would make Proton\u2019s team scramble. It\u2019s just that with all the positive hype surrounding it, we felt it\u2019s best to stay level-headed and objectively point out the pros and cons of the most exciting car to come out of Proton yet.\n \nGALLERY"
"You\u2019ve heard previously \nwhat rally drivers had to say about the Toyota GR Yaris\n so now let Japanese racing driver and drifter, Nobuteru Taniguchi, share his thoughts on \nToyota\u2019s \nlatest hot-hatch. We watched the entire video in broken English from automatically-generated translations and here\u2019s are some of the feedback we gathered.\nThe test drive took place in wet conditions \nat the Fuji Speedway \nbut right away, the GR Yaris delivered on the hype and promises that surrounded it. The first thing you\u2019d immediately notice is how throaty the (world\u2019s most powerful) 3-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, with 272 hp and 370 Nm, sounds. 0 to 100 km/h in this feisty little thing will only take you five seconds by the way.\n \nWhile we do not understand Japanese, Nobu did use the words \u201ckimochi\u201d and \u201cpowerful\u201d to describe the GR Yaris. The latter is self explanatory but don\u2019t ask why we know what \u201ckimochi\u201d means. The explanation may not be suited for publication.\nFrom what we deduced, Nobu also described the GR Yaris to have a \nwide powerband\n and that it had \ngood stability\n. Note how much the speedometer climbs before a gear change! The latter was evident when the car was switched to Track Mode with its Vehicle Stability Control system switched off. Three different driving modes were tested \u2013 Normal, Sport and Track.\nThe other thing Nobu pointed out was how responsive the car was, with \u201csmall\u201d turbo lag. From the on-board camera, you\u2019d also notice how controllable the car is even when in a skid; a testament to the GR Yaris\u2019 all-wheel drive system with 50:50 torque distribution. As and when necessary, the driver can also tweak the torque distribution for different driving conditions \u2013 60:40 for a more front-bias setup, 30:70 for a \u201cmore rear-wheel drive\u201d experience.\nWord is that this little monster will be coming to Malaysia but it won\u2019t be cheap. How much are you willing to pay?"
"There\u2019ll be a new kid on the block very soon, in the form of Chinese marque GAC Motor. And when we say soon, we actually mean tomorrow, according to \ntwo teasers\n that were published over the weekend on the carmaker\u2019s official Facebook page.\nAccording to the teaser images, the brand with make its Malaysian debut with the GAC Motor GS3, a B-segment SUV that rivals the likes of the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nProton X50\n. The teaser images, which shows off the GS3\u2019s headlights, also suggests that we\u2019ll be getting the facelifted version here on our shores.\nGAC Motor will be represented by WTC Automotif (WTCA) here in Malaysia, a new subsidiary under the Tan Chong Motor Group. The companies signed an MoU for the potential sales and assembly of GAC vehicles in Malaysia and Vietnam last year, so there\u2019s a possibility that the GS3 will be locally-assembled (CKD) here in Malaysia \u2013 though we\u2019ll have to wait for confirmation on that front.\nBack in China, the GAC Motor GS3 (Sold under the Trumpchi brand) comes equipped with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine in two stages of tune \u2013 the lower-end model gets \n161 hp\n and \n235 Nm\n of torque, while the rest of the line-up gets \n166 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n. Drive is sent to the front via a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.\nAs for the cabin, the GS3 comes with a pretty modern interior headlined by the floating digital instrument cluster and infotainment combination panel that\u2019s somewhat reminiscent of modern \nMercedes-\nBenz\n \ncars.\nOf course, ADAS systems are also available on the GAC Motor GS3, although it\u2019s unclear how many of them will actually make their way onto the Malaysian model \u2013 if any at all.\nThe GAC Motor GS3 will enter a pretty competitive scene here in Malaysia, especially with the likes of the aforementioned Honda HR-V and Proton X50 already capturing the minds of car buyers in the segment.\nThe notion of a completely new brand will make it all that much more difficult, but at least TC Motors will not be a complete stranger to the challenge, having only recently launched the new \nJMC (Jiangling Motors) brand\n here in Malaysia, led by the \nVigus pick-up truck\n.\nKeep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest info on the GAC Motor GS3, tomorrow!\nGALLERY"
"Earlier this year, \nToyota revealed the 2017 Toyota Corolla Altis facelift\n that sports the firm\u2019s Keen Look and Under Priority design language. Now, the 11th generation of this Malaysian favourite C-Segment sedan was caught in broad daylight on a Turkish street.\nSeen under real light from the pictures at \notodriver.com\n, the latest Corolla Altis looks tamer compared to the firm\u2019s latest offerings like the\u00a0\nC-HR\n, \nMirai\n and \nPrius Prime\n. That said, the chromed grille does a pretty good job of zesting up the face of this rather sedate sedan.\nThe world\u2019s best selling compact car \ncomes in many guises (and names) to suit different market conditions around the world. We are willing to bet our last dollar that this very model here will hit our shores in the near future without any major cosmetic changes.\nThe local C-segment is occupied by quite a few capable models, all with their own strengths to appeal to their own set of buyers. It would be interesting to see what UMW will be doing to fend off the competitors.\n[Source: \notodriver.com\n]"
"In efforts to ensure\nthat the company\u2019s Vision 2020 which aims for no one to be killed or seriously\ninjured in a new Volvo by 2020, the Swedish carmaker is toying with the idea to\nrestrict the top speed of all its cars to 180 km/h.\nResearch by Volvo has shown that speeding is a very prominent cause for serious injuries and fatalities in its cars. While their cars are equipped with some of the latest Advanced Driver Assistance system, when a car is speeding above a certain velocity, the in-car safety technology and smart design are no longer enough to mitigate severe injuries and/or fatalities in the event of an accident.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjQt2lEZIXg\nThis video sends a strong message about driver error\nPresident and Chief\nExecutive of Volvo Cars said: \u201cWe want to start a conversation about whether\ncar makers have the right or maybe even an obligation to install technology in\ncars that changes their driver\u2019s behaviour, to tackle things such as speeding,\nintoxication or distraction.\u201d\n\u201cBecause of our\nresearch, we know where the problem areas are when it comes to ending serious\ninjuries and fatalities in our cars. And while a speed limitation is not a\ncure-all, it\u2019s worth doing if we can even save one life,\u201d added Mr Samuelsson.\nBesides looking into\nimposing a restricted top speed, the company is looking into how a combination\nof smart speed control and geofencing technology can automatically limit the\ncar\u2019s speeds around schools and hospitals in the future.\n\u201cPeople often drive\ntoo fast in a given traffic situation and have poor speed adaption in relation\nto that traffic situation and their own capabilities as a driver. We need to\nsupport better behaviour and help people realise and understand that speeding\nis dangerous,\u201d said Mr Samuelsson."
"After more than five years since it was first launched in Malaysia, the \nRenault Zoe\n \nis now apparently making a comeback here in its third iteration, codenamed ZE50. Quietly appearing on Renault Malaysia\u2019s website, the new Renault Zoe EV is now available for booking starting at a price of \nRM 163,000\n (OTR without insurance) \u2013 although interestingly, the booking fee is still listed at RM0 for now.\nFirst introduced in Malaysia in 2016\n at a price of RM146k, the first-generation Zoe was equipped with a 22 kWh battery that provided a 210 km range (NEDC). The revised ZE50 Renault Zoe comes with a much larger \n52 kWh\n battery that provides \n395 km\n of range (WLTP). With the bigger battery (and other improvements), the Zoe is now about RM17,000 more expensive than it was more than five years ago.\nRELATED: \nRenault Zoe EV debuts in Malaysia, costs RM145,888\nThis time around, the Renault Zoe is offered in two variants \u2013 the Renault Zoe Zen R110 and Renault Zoe Intens R135. The high variant Zoe Intens R135 produces \n135 hp\n and \n245 Nm\n, which is more powerful than the lower variant Zoe Zen R110 with \n110 hp\n and \n225 Nm\n. Since both variants get the same 52 kWh battery, the Zoe Intens has a shorter EV range of \n386 km\n (WLTP).\nWhile the first-generation Renault Zoe was not capable of DC charging (but was capable of up to 43kW AC charging), the ZE50 Renault Zoe is now capable of \n50 kW\n DC fast charging and \n22 kW\n AC charging. The former charges the car from 0 to 80% in 70 minutes, while the latter charges the car from 0 to 100% in three hours.\nRELATED: \nRenault Zoe E-Sport gets 460 hp & 640 Nm, 0 to 100 as quick as a GT-R!\nClick to enlarge \u2013 Price list as seen on the Renault Malaysia website.\nOn the exterior, the design is still largely similar to the old Zoe that made its world debut way back in 2012, albeit refreshed. Interior updates include a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 10-inch customizable digital instrument cluster.\nIn keeping up with the times, the ZE50 also provides safety features like lane-departure warning, Lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beam, among others.\nPriced at RM163k (or RM175k for the Intens R135 variant), the Renault Zoe will not be the cheapest EV on offer in Malaysia. That title still belongs to the \nHyundai Kona electric\n Lite. Those who are interested in the Renault Zoe may register their interest on \nRenault Malaysia\u2019s official website\n."
"You might think you\u2019re looking at the\u00a0facelifted \nJaguar XF\n, but this is actually an \nall-new\n XF. Set to debut at the \n2015 New York International Auto Show\n in April, Jaguar has revealed some details of their sleek new sedan.\nFeaturing evolutionary design from the outgoing XF, the new XF retains the basic shape but it is now \n7 mm\n \nshorter\n and \n3 mm lower\n than before. However its \nwheelbase\n has grown by \n51 mm\n in an effort to boost the rear seat space.\nThough it might look familiar, the design details are new. The obvious giveaway are the \nLED lights\n front and back with signature new LED pattern as seen on the \nF-type\n and the \nXE\n.   Apart from that, the rear quarter windows are now separated from the rear doors, and the vents on the front fenders have been redesigned for a slimmer horizontal profile.\nInside, the new XF keeps the \nrotating gear lever\n, and even the \nhidden swiveling air vents\n, but only on the outer-most vents on the dashboard.\nIn the middle of the dash, there\u2019s a \n10.2-inch touch screen\n for the \nJaguar InControl\u00ae Touch Pro\u2122\n premium infotainment system while the instrument cluster follows the XJ, utilising a \n12.3-inch TFT screen\n with configurable display.\nUnderneath it all is Jaguar\u2019s \nadvanced aluminum-intensive architecture\n which is claimed to be around \n80 kg lighter\n than its rivals. Together with a \u201cmeticulously-tuned\u201d Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), front double-wishbone and rear integral link suspension, the new XF should handle as good as it looks.\nIn some markets, the new XF will have an option for a\n torque on-demand all-wheel drive system\n (AWD) with \nIntelligent Driveline Dynamics\n (IDD), similar to the system used in the \nF-Type AWD\n.\nA range of powertrains will be offered, including the new \n4-cylinder\n \n2.0-litre \nIngenium\n diesel\n with two different outputs: \n161 hp\n\u00a0and \n380 Nm\n, or \n178 hp\n\u00a0and \n430 Nm\n, paired to either a \nsix-speed manual\n or an \neight-speed automatic\n.\nIf that\u2019s not enough, there are a couple of \n3.0-litre V6\n options paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission. One is a \ndiesel twin-turbo\n with \n296 hp\n\u00a0and \n700 Nm\n, while the other one is a \npetrol supercharged\n with \n375 hp\n\u00a0and \n450 Nm\n.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The YDPA-approved seven-seater SUV has just been given a facelift update. Arriving here in Malaysia approximately nine months after its \nglobal debut\n, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift will be offered here in both a seven- and eight- seater variant, with prices starting at RM368,888 for the entry-level variant.\n \n2023 Hyundai Palisade exterior\nFor the 2023 facelift update, Hyundai has given the Palisade a significant makeover for its front fascia, characterised by the large \u2018Cascading Grille\u2019 occupying almost the entire front end. The daytime running lights have been pushed to the edges, with a segmented signature that visually joins the grille element to the headlight cluster below.\nAll variants of the new 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift here in Malaysia will feature a full-LED lighting system up front, including the turn indicators which are hidden within the grille, but at the rear, only the petrol variants get the redesigned LED tail lights; diesel variants, like the one pictured here, will feature halogen bulb illumination.\nTying up the exterior redesign are the new bumpers and skid plate elements, alongside a new set of 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Thanks to its new design touches, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has actually grown approximately 15 mm in length with a slightly longer front overhang, although other dimensions are unchanged.\nExterior colour choices for the new 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift include Creamy White Pearl, Graphite Gray Metallic (pictured), Shimmering Silver Metallic, Gaia Brown Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, and Moonlight Blue Pearl.\nUnchanged powertrain offerings\nThe powertrain offerings underneath the bonnet of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift remain \nunchanged from before\n. Buyers will get to choose between a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine, or a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. These are unfortunately still Hyundai\u2019s older Lambda series of engines, and not the latest Smartstream units, which are not offered on the Palisade globally.\nOnly the diesel variants will be offered with Hyundai\u2019s HTRAC all-wheel drive system here in Malaysia.\nEngine\n3.8L naturally-aspirated V6\n2.2L 4-cylinder turbo diesel\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\n8-speed automatic\nDrivetrain\nFront-wheel Drive\nAll-wheel Drive\nMax Power\u00a0\n295 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n200 hp @ 3,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n355 Nm @ 5,200 rpm\n440 hp @ 1,750 to 2,750 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h\n7.8 seconds\n10.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n210 km/h\n190 km/h\nSignificantly refreshed interior\nA key update to the 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift is its redesigned interior, which helps the cabin of the SUV feel a lot more premium and modern than before. The main changes are the two new displays atop the dashboard, measuring 12.3-inches for both the touchscreen infotainment display and digital instrument cluster. A head-up display is also standard across all variants.\nIn keeping up with the times, the USB charging ports within the cabin have also been replaced with USB-C, although a USB-A data port is still available within the centre console for your Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nOther interior highlights include a wireless charging pad in the centre console, three-zone climate control system, 12-way powered driver seat with cushion extension and lumbar support, eight-way powered front passenger seat, and a one-touch folding mechanism for the second-row.\nSeat heating and ventilation is also available as standard for the first and second row seats, although the latter is only reserved for the range-topping seven-seater variants; the eight-seater only comes with seat heating for the second-row bench.\nCustomers can opt between a Black, Burgundy, or Warm Grey (pictured) for their Nappa leather upholstery \u2013 the first two options will be paired to \u201cCloth Look\u201d trims on the interior, while the latter gets a \u201cLayered Wood\u201d effect.\nAdvanced driver assistance features across all variants\nAll variants of the new 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift here in Malaysia will come as standard with six airbags, and the Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance system. The ADAS suite includes the following features:\nSmart Cruise Control with stop and go functionality\nBlind-spot collision-avoidance assist\nRear cross traffic collision avoidance assist\nLane keeping and lane following assist\nautonomous emergency braking with junction support\nLeading vehicle departure alert\nDriver attention warning\nHigh beam assist\n2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift pricing in Malaysia\nThe new 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift in Malaysia is priced as follows:\nHyundai Palisade Executive (eight-seater)\n2.2L Diesel \u2013 RM268,888\n3.8L Petrol \u2013 RM378,888\nHyundai Palisade Luxury (eight-seater)\n2.2L Diesel \u2013 RM389,888\n3.8L Petrol \u2013 RM399,888\nIncluded in the price is a standard two-year/50,000 km warranty package, although Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia will also be offering an optional five-year/300,000 km extended warranty, which also includes a three-year free service package. The extended warranty and service package is priced at RM11,000 for the petrol variants, and RM12,000 for the diesel variants.\nAs each car will only be ordered based on your individual booking, customers will also be given the choice to upgrade their equipment list, with items such as a 360-degree surround view monitor and a better sound system at an extra cost.\nHyundai Sime Darby Motor acknowledges the 12% increase in price when compared to the\n outgoing pre-facelift model\n, which it attributes to the increase in new advanced driver assistance features, as well as the price hike in raw materials and foreign exchange rates.\nREAD MORE: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 EV, Creta SUV teased for launch in Malaysia \u201csoon\u201d!\nGALLERY"
"The Blue Oval Motor Company recently pulled the covers back on its \nhottest Focus RS\n\u00a0and announced that it will be powered by the same EcoBoost lump used in the \nall-new Mustang\n, albeit 10 percent more powerful in this form. Aside from that, it was declared that the RS would also be equipped with an all-wheel drive system for the first time.\nThat being said, Ford was being rather scarce with information of their wackiest RS model till the wraps came of at the Frankfurt motor show where a whole slew of details emerged as promised. For starters, it will launch itself to \n100 km/h\n\u00a0from standstill in just\n 4.6 seconds\n\u00a0before rocketing onto a top speed of\n 265 km/h\n.\nThese daft figures are thanks in part to the\n 2.3-litre turbocharged\n mill that makes\n\u00a0345 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, all of which is channeled to the four wheels via a\n\u00a0six-speed manual gearbox\n. There\u2019s also\u00a0a \nLaunch Control\n system that will catapult you off the line. When it comes to the corners, Ford\u2019s\u00a0\nDynamic Torque Vectoring \nsystem with differentials will keep you out of the roughage.\nHaving said that, one would naturally assume that power isn\u2019t in short supply here, but you\u2019d be mistaken. The RS comes with an \noverboost\n function on the turbochargers that will give you a \ntotal\n of \n470 Nm\n for short amount of time, such as when Launch Control is \nactivated\n.\nThe Focus RS can select from \nfour\n different \nDrive Modes\n that will\n reconfigure\n the \nAWD\n system, \ndamper\n controls, \nElectronic Stability Control\n, \nsteering\n and \nengine\n responsiveness (\nexhaust\n \nsound too\n) to deliver optimum performance on road or circuit driving conditions. Normal, Sport or Track settings are available, alongside a special\n Drift Mode\n \u2013 yes you read that right, to help the driver achieve \ncontrolled oversteer\n drifts should it tickle your fancy.\nFord\u2019s performance engineers have been hard at work to extract as much power as possible out of the\n Pony-car derived\n block. The engine features a new\n low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger\n with a larger compressor, \nenhanced air intake\n design, and a large-bore high\n performance exhaust\n system. The result of which is an increase of \n10 percent\n over the standard measure.\nFord has indicated a retail sticker value of\u00a0\u00a328,940 or roughly\n RM191,000\n. Expect that value to be much higher after taxes and duties are applied should Ford decide to stick the RS up for sale on our shores. Ford will start deliveries of the Focus RS beginning early 2016."
"Ever since it was\n launched in Malaysia earlier this year\n, our nation\u2019s elites have been dying to get their hands on the Lamborghini Urus and word is that supply is struggling to cope with the increasing orders for the World\u2019s First Super SUV.\nNow, Lamborghini Squardra Corse, the brand\u2019s motorsport division, has unveiled the Urus ST-X Concept which will be used in a one-make series that will combine circuit and off-road racing.\nThe new race series will debut in 2020 in Europe and the Middle East, with an \u201carrive and drive\u201d concept according to Lamborghini, that offers drivers/customers \u201ca complete car and technical support package\u201d during race weekends.\nOn the mechanical modifications on the Urus, Lamborghini only disclosed that larger air intakes were fitted, along with a side-exit exhaust system, to help the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with\n 650 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n, breathe and exhale more efficiently.\nOther developments have seen the Urus\u2019 production model weight (2,200 kg) reduced by 25%, to just over 1,600 kg. With a raised ride height and steel roll cage, other modifications include a race fuel cell, fire extinguisher, front hood with visible carbon fibre, a larger rear wing and 21-inch wheels with single lock-nuts.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Porsche is serious about electrification \u2013 just look at the \nPorsche Taycan\n. That is why we weren\u2019t surprised when Porsche said that there will be a hybrid 911. But nothing prepared us for what Porsche\u2019s CEO Oliver Blume just said.\nIn an\n interview with Top Gear\n for the future of the 718, Blume (perhaps accidentally) let out on a bombshell \u2013 the hybrid version of the \n992 generation Porsche 911\n will be the most powerful 911 of all.\u00a0\n \n\u201cWe have said the next 911 will add a hybrid version. That will be the highest-performance 911 of all,\u201d Blume said. \u201cSo it won\u2019t have the extra weight of batteries, it will be a non-plug-in hybrid. We have the experience to do that \u2013 \nlook at the racing 919\n.\u201d\nThat\u2019s a lot to take in, so let\u2019s break it down a little. We already know Porsche\u2019s formula for hybridisation, by putting an electric motor in between the flat-six engine and the PDK gearbox \u2013 as seen on the \nCayenne\n and \nPanamera Turbo S E-Hybrid\n.\nThe Hybrid 911 will most likely follow that too formula too, without the weight penalty of the battery pack. But that will also mean there won\u2019t be much electric-only range, and it might be hard to make the 136 hp that the Panamera\u2019s electric motor makes.\nThe Hybrid variant of the 911 will also most likely derive its engine from the upcoming 911 Turbo S, which reportedly already makes 650 hp from a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six, according to \nCar and Driver\n.\nWant the ultimate Porsche track machine? This is the one to go for \u2013 911 GT2 RS.\nCurrently, the most balls-to-the-wall Porsche 911 you can drive (on the road) is the \nGT2 RS\n, which produces 700 hp and 750 Nm of torque from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine.\u00a0\nSurpassing that will be a tall order for the hybrid variant to achieve, but with a newer and more powerful engine, paired with the power generated by the electric motor, we won\u2019t be surprised if we see the hybrid Porsche 911 with north of\n 800 hp\n.\nNow there\u2019s only one question \u2013 will this be the new GT2 RS, or will it be a separate model? We are pretty sure \nPorschephiles\n will definitely oppose the former suggestion..\u00a0\nIn the same interview, Blume has also said that the next \nPorsche 718\n might become full-electric. Blume said that \u201cWe have to decide in the next 12 months, because of the lifecycle of the 718,\u201d and that means we won\u2019t have to wait too long to find out."
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole franchise holder for Ford vehicles in Malaysia is introducing an additional test drive option for customers through its new Home or Office Delivery Test Drive, bringing the test drive right to their doorstep without having to visit a physical dealership.\nThe service is available for customers within a 10 km radius to their preferred dealership. To request for a test drive, customers can either contact the Ford dealership directly, submit an online test drive request via the SDAC-Ford website \nhere\n, or by sending a message to the \nFord Digital Salesperson WhatsApp\n chat line.\nSDAC-Ford recently unveiled the \nRanger FX4\n, featuring additional styling upgrades and kits as standard.\nAs is usual these days, strict precautionary health and safety measures will be practiced by the sales consultant during the test drive session. These include mandatory use of face masks, recording of body temperature, and sanitising of the vehicle. The Ford sales consultant will be seated in the back seat during the test drive to adhere to current social distancing practices.\nSDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said, \u201cDuring this period, we understand that customers are in search of additional services for added convenience. That is why we are providing an additional test drive option of delivering our test drive vehicles to our customers home or office to show our commitment of continuously enhancing our customer support and service.\u201d\nFor those who prefer to carry out their test drives at a traditional brick-and-mortar dealership, Ford reassures that all necessary safety precautions are being enforced at all of their dealership outlets.\nTemperature will be recorded upon entering the premise, and hand sanitisers will be placed throughout the showrooms for customers\u2019 usage. High frequency touchpoints will be frequently sanitised, while all customers and staff are also required to practice social distancing.\nThe company is also currently running the \n\u00a0\u2018Service Relief Promotion\u2019 campaign\n until the 30th of July 2020. Deals on offer include discounts of up to\u00a0\n20% on selected OEM parts\n,\u00a0\ntiming belt and lubricant packages\n, and \n10% discount on the labour fee\n\u00a0on said packages. Other customers can make use of the complimentary 27-point vehicle inspection."
"While the Munich brand which-shall-not-be-named celebrates 50 years of its \u201cMotorsport\u201d division, \nAMG\n turns 55-years old this year, having been established since 1967. Now known as Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the Affalterbach team is celebrating its 55th anniversary with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55, a very limited series race car that fetches a price of \n625,000 Euros\n (approx. RM 2,808,195).\nLimited to only five units, there is both good news and bad news for Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 customers. Let\u2019s start with the bad news \u2013 The AMG GT3 Edition 55 is not street legal as it is a \u2018Customer Racing\u2019 car. Well, we think this is fine. You shouldn\u2019t be taking this beast of an AMG for a Sunday brunch. Instead, you should be driving it to its absolute limit on the racing track.\nThe good news is that the AMG GT3 Edition 55 is not restricted by FIA homologation regulations. This allows it to come up with more power from the AMG 6.3-litre V8 Engine. Compared to the FIA-homologated version, the Edition 55 produces \n650 hp\n, which is 100 hp more than usual. Complementing the AMG V8 engine is a performance exhaust system made of Inconel that comes without a silencer.\nTo ensure exclusiveness of the limited-series Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55, a specific range of numbers (\u201cGT3.190-55\u201d) was created for the chassis numbers of the five units. On the outside, the Edition 55 is coated in a special Manufaktur Alpine Grey finish with red accents. The Affalterbach crest has been painted on the doors and the 55-year anniversary logo adorns the rear wing.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG celebrates 50 years of greatness with the AMG GT3 Edition 50\nIn the racing cockpit, the seat embroidery includes the anniversary symbol, while the centre console and carbon seat are adorned with plaques with \u201cEdition 55 \u2013 1 of 5\u201d inscription. A matte Anthracite metallic finish and visible carbon elements complete the interior. A Bosch DDU 11 display sits behind the steering wheel.\nLucky customers of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 also get a specially designed car cover and a Pilot\u2019s Watch Chronograph Edition \u201cAMG\u201d with the chassis number of the corresponding Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 engraved on the back of the watch case. In addition to the GT3 Edition 55, Mercedes-AMG will be expanding its portfolio of special series vehicles, based on various Mercedes-AMG production models.\nRELATED: \nThe F1-based Mercedes-AMG One hypercar is finally here, but you can\u2019t buy one anyway\nGALLERY"
"The BMW 4 Series has landed in Malaysia following its \nglobal unveiling in June last year\n, and is \navailable as the 430i M Sport at RM454,800\n.\nSo what do you get for the money?\nFor starters, you get BMW Laserlight headlamps in the front, 4-pot caliper brakes in the front, tucked behind 19-inch style 797 light alloy wheels. These wheels are actually \noptional items made standard \nfor the 430i, as the variant was launched globally with only 17-inch wheels.\n \nAt the back is where the 430i would garner more unanimous opinions with the sloping roof drawing the eyes to a pair of striking taillights. As a result, the 430i M Sport\u2019s rear quarter section is simply mesmerising to look at.\nInteresting fact\n: The 4 Series comes with the longest doors in the entire BMW line-up.\nUnder the hood of the 430i M Sport is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine making 258 hp and 400 Nm, paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 5.8 seconds.\nAs for the interior, we\u2019ll let you be the judge of it through the video above!\nGALLERY"
"Following speculations of a \npossible takeover\n of either Daihatsu and Suzuki,\u00a0Toyota Motor Corp has just announced that it will be owning a full stake of Daihatsu at\u00a0about $3 billion.\u00a0Daihatsu, Japan\u2019s longest-surviving carmaker, has been under Toyota\u2019s wing since 1998 and\u00a0right now Daihatsu\u2019s fortunes are far from satisfactory.\nToyota assured that the Daihatsu brand will be retained and be given an \u201cequal position with the Toyota and Lexus brands\u201d. Apart from that, the two companies will share bases of operations and co-operate on the development of new technology for small cars. This could create\u00a0more collaborations like the Toyota Sirion/Daihatsu Boon (aka, our Perodua Myvi) in the past be formed between two companies.\nAt the same time, Daihatsu gains access to Toyota\u2019s wide range of technologies, ranging from hybrid powertrains, autonomous driving technology and so on. Toyota will also learn from\u00a0Daihatsu\u2019s expertise in the areas of packaging, efficiency and miniaturisation.\nInterestingly,\u00a0 Toyota President Akio Toyoda, cited that the company\u2019s goal for Daihatsu is to become what Mini is to BMW. What Daihatsu will be is a global brand, producing higher quality compact cars for markets like Europe and America. This too means that their footing in Indonesia will be firmer in the times to come.\nImage Source: Perodua\nWhile this may spell\u00a0bad news for Suzuki, Perodua will surely be delighted as this could see the company leverage on Toyota\u2019s larger pool of technologies thanks to their latest acquisition. If Toyota were to market the Daihatsu brand as a premium compact carmaker, then Perodua may just be Toyota\u2019s answer to Datsun or Dacia. In simpler terms, Perodua could be positioned as Toyota\u2019s budget brand in emerging markets.\nDaihatsu\u2019s history can be traced back to 1907 in Osaka, Japan, and has been an important player of minicars in Japan. In Malaysia, Daihatsu used to sell small passenger cars like\u00a0the Charade hatchback and Feroza jeep, but sales of passenger cars halted when Perodua emerged before the mid-nineties. At this point of time, Daihatsu sells only commercial vehicles in Malaysia."
"BMW Malaysia has launched the new M8 Gran Coupe, priced at \nRM 1,455,145.25\n. Alongside the M8 Gran Coupe, BMW also launched the \nM8 Coupe\n, priced at \nRM1,452,960.88\n.\nLike the M8 Coupe, the M8 Gran Coupe is also powered by a turbocharged V8 with a 7,200 rpm redline. The M8 Gran Coupe is also available with the M Driver\u2019s package which brings the Gran Coupe\u2019s top speed to 305 km/h.\nIt\u2019s equipped with the M xDrive system that offers all-wheel drive benefits without compromising rear-wheel drive fun. The system\u2019s rear-wheel bias is noticeable even in the default 4WD setting but in 4WD Sport mode, more power is sent to the rear wheels for improved agility.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8\nTransmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic\nDrivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive\nHorsepower: 600 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nTorque: 750 Nm @ 1,500 to 5,600 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.3 seconds\nTop Speed: 250 km/h (electronically-limited)\nDespite being 95 kilograms heavier than the M8 Coupe, the M8 Gran Coupe\u2019s 0 to 100 km/h time is identical with its two-door sibling.\nEXTERIOR\nThe exterior of the M8 Gran Coupe may just look like a stretched M8 Coupe but the differences are subtle but effective. The windscreen is positioned at a more upright angle, resulting in increased headroom for the occupants in the front of the four-door sports cars.\nThe M8 Gran Coupe is over 231 mm longer in length, with 200 mm longer wheelbase compared to thr M8 Coupe. However, just like the M8 Coupe, the roof of the M8 Gran Coupe is also made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).\nBMW Laser light\nM front apron\nM kidney grille\nM rear diffuser\nM rear spoiler\n20-inch style 810 M light-alloy wheels\nSoft close doors\nThe BMW M8 Gran Coupe comes with M Adaptive suspension and M Compound six-pot caliper brakes as standard. As an alternative, the new BMW M8 is also available with optional M carbon-ceramic brakes.\nLike the M8 Coupe, the M8 Gran Coupe also comes with an M-specific exhaust with a Sound Control button next to the gear selector lever to allow drivers to adjust the sound of the vehicle according to their personal preference. Exterior colours include Alpine White, Brands Hatch Grey, Marina Bay Blue, Motegi Red, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey and Barcelona Blue.\nINTERIOR\nInside the M8 Gran Coupe is adorned with M sport seats, M-specific gear knob and M seat belts. The M Sport seats come with electric adjustments with memory function. The seats are upholstered with Marino leather while carbon fibre trims are standard.\n10.25-inch Control Display\nM Head-up display\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\n16-speaker Harman Kardon\nGesture Control\nApple CarPlay only\nWireless charging\nIn the centre console, the M8 Gran Coupe also features an M Mode button which allows drivers to activate \u201cROAD\u201d and SPORT\u201d settings to alter the driver assistance systems and the information shown in the instrument cluster and Head-up display.\nSAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE\nActive Cruise Control\nLane Keeping Assistant\nLane Change Assistant\nReversing Assistant\nEvasion Assistant\nWrong-way driving warning\nFront crossing traffic warning\nPanoramic View, Top View, 3D Top View\nFor a limited time only, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models from 15th August to 30th September 2020. The limited-time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the BMW M2 Competition, BMW M4 Coup\u00e9, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000 respectively.\nFor latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Now, the Blower Bentley is a car that many of you readers wouldn\u2019t know about \u2013 unless you\u2019re a motorsports nerd or huge Bentley fan, so here\u2019s a short history lesson to get you up to speed.\nThe Blower Bentley is a race car built in 1929, based on the road-going Bentley 4 \u00bd Litre sports car. The \u2018Blower\u2019 name refers to the supercharger fitted to the base 4.4-litre (yes, we know) engine, pushing outputs from 110 bhp up to 240 bhp.\nThe Supercharged Bentley was actually commissioned by prominent Bentley racer Sir Henry \u201cTim\u201d Birkin, much to the dismay of founder W.O. Bentley. W.O. was quoted saying \u201c\nTo supercharge a Bentley engine was to pervert its design and corrupt its performance.\n\u201d Though, as he lost financial control over the Bentley company, he could not do anything to stop it.\nA total of four race cars (and 50 road-going homologation units) were built, and they were \u201csensationally fast\u201d on track. However, reliability was basically non-existent \u2013 especially with Birkin behind the wheel driving the only way he knew how to \u2013 flat out.\nIn the 1930 Le Mans, a certain Blower Bentley with registration number UU 5872 made a heroic pass on the Mercedes-Benz car with two wheels on the grass on the Mulsanne Straight. Both the Blower and Mercedes-Benz end up not finishing the race, which led the Bentley\u2019s own factory team Speed Six car to take the victory.\nPost-race myths claim that the Blower Bentley purposefully overextended the Mercedes in a \u2018tortoise and hare\u2019 strategy to let the Speed Six take victory. Though, it\u2019s likely that the Blower would have won the race if only Birkin managed his race better.\nNow 90 years later, Bentley is recreating the Blower in a 12-unit Continuation Series as a one-to-one mechanical copy, using none other than the UU 5872 as the master example.\nThe legendary Blower was taken apart, and painstakingly recreated digitally through a combination of laser-scanning and intricate hand measurements. The resulting CAD (computer-aided design) consists of 630 files spanning across 70 assemblies, with a file size of more than 2 GB.\nBentley says that the digital recreation took over 1,200 man-hours for two CAD engineers to complete. Interestingly, Bentley says that the engineers were able to complete the CAD model while working from home during the \nCOVID-19 crisis\n. Imagine how cool it was to head home with a piece of the 90-year-old British racing heritage in your passenger seat!\nAll 12 units of the Continuation Series Blower Bentleys have been sold and are currently in the customisation phase \u2013 the collectors are able to choose their exterior and interior colour palette, as well as interior materials.\nThe cars will be built by \nBentley\u2019s Mulliner\n Classic coachbuilder division after the movement restriction order is lifted, beginning with a Car Zero engineering prototype. Of course, the 1929 car will be put back together and restored to its original condition, as it continues to make regular appearances at various international car shows and events \u2013 including the Millie Miglia and Goodwood Festival of Speed."
"The all-new Ford Ranger has just been spotted plying the roads of Thailand, with an anonymous photographer sharing clear details of the front of the new pick-up truck. It certainly looks stylish and more macho thanks to the large headlamps and the accompanying C-shaped DRLs.\nOverall, the front design does have plenty of similarities with the Ford Maverick \u2018compact\u2019 pick-up in the US. The Maverick is based on a Ford Escape mid-sized SUV and has no relation to the traditional Ranger pick-up truck.\n2021 Ford Maverick, USA\nLast week, Ford Asia Pacific released a single image of the \nall-new Ranger\n, focusing on the design of the rear quarter. The company also said the development team is completing the final leg of its programme with real-world driving, hence the bright \u2018urban camouflage\u2019 scheme. \u00a0\nThis certainly attracted the anonymous photographer to take a few images and share them on social media via the #NextGenRanger tagline.\n2021 Ford Maverick, USA\nEarly last month, Ford Asia Pacific official released a \nvideo\n of the all-new Ranger going through test driving on sand, mud, rock and even snow terrain, highlighting its strong performance over off-road conditions.\nFord Thailand brings pick-up racing to the masses with the Ranger XL Street. Racing stripes done right too!\nFord will officially fully reveal the all-new Ford Ranger in the coming weeks, but sales will only begin a few months into the new year.\nSource: Twitter/\nCarsinPixels"
"TC Subaru, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, today introduced their online booking service in response to the Movement Control Order (MCO).\nAs car dealerships are classified under non-essential services, they must remain closed during the MCO as the country is working hard to combat the ongoing \ncoronavirus pandemic\n.\n \nThe online booking service is currently available for the \nSubaru XV\n and \nForester \nat \nhttps://onlinebooking.subaru.asia/xv\n and \nhttps://onlinebooking.subaru.asia/forester\n respectively. In order to secure their booking, customers will need to fill up the booking form, and submit a \nbooking fee of RM188\n.\nUpon successful submission, a unique booking code will be sent to the customer via email. A Subaru representative will be in contact within five working days to finalise the booking and carry out the necessary arrangements, including loan application, after the MCO is lifted.\nThe online booking campaign will run throughout the entire MCO period, which is scheduled to end on the 14th of April.\n \nThe Subaru XV is available in three variants \u2013 \nXV 2.0i, XV 2.0i-P\n and \nXV GT Edition 2.0i-P\n \u2013 priced from \nRM117,788\n. Meanwhile, The \nSubaru Forester\n is also offered in three different variants \u2013 Forester 2.0i-L, Forester 2.0i-S, and Forester 2.0i-S Eyesight \u2013 priced from \nRM149,788\n.\nBoth the Subaru XV And Forester are powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, producing \n156\n hp and \n193 Nm\n of torque, mated to Subaru\u2019s Lineartronic CVT gearbox.\nWe have reviewed both cars in detail, so be sure to check out what we think about the \nXV\n and the \nForester\n before you plonk down the booking fee!"
"It seems 2019\u2019s performance have surprised even Perodua themselves; with the company chalking the highest annual sales figure ever.\nFresh from the 2019 Performance Review, it was announced that the brand had \nsold 240,341 units in 2019\n with the \nMyvi being the most in-demand Perodua\n. This is followed by the Axia, Bezza, Aruz and Alza \u2013 in that order.\nEvery Perodua model led its segment in 2019, including the \nPerodua Aruz\n, which became \nMalaysia\u2019s best-selling SUV\n with 30,115 units sold.\nAs for the \nnewly-launched 2020 Bezza\n, more than 2,000 units have been shipped as Perodua pointed out a two month wait for the safest affordable sedan in Malaysia \u2013 now with Autonomous Emergency Braking.\nDespite overwhelming success in 2019, Perodua remains realistic with its 2020 sales targets with a\n sales projection of 240,000 units\n. However, the brand is looking to \npump up its production volume\n from 244k units in 2019 to 254k units in 2020.\n\u201cWe foresee a challenging first half in 2020 as we focus on fulfilling existing bookings. We will evaluate the market situation in the second half while building up our inventory so that we are ready to take advantage of the market if it improves,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nCustomer\u2019s aside, the local industry is also set to benefit from Perodua\u2019s plans this year. The company is expected to spend around RM6 billion, up from RM5.4 billion to buy locally-sourced components."
"Shortly after \naccepting orders for the fifth-generation Nissan Serena S-Hybrid\n, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially launched the seven-seater MPV at the concourse of 1 Utama Shopping Centre. As per the preview, there will be two variants on offer: Highway Star and Premium Highway Star.\nA piece of good news for those considering the Serena S-Hybrid, ETCM has officially announced that the new MPV will carry a price tag of \nRM135,500\n for the Highway Star and \nRM147,500\n for the Premium Highway Star; lower than the initially indicated price tag of RM140k to RM155k.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Highway Star\nNissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star\nEngine\n2.0L; MR20DD 4-cylinder Twin CVTC Hybrid\nTransmission\nXTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM135,500\nRM147,500\nEXTERIOR\nThe Serena adopts Nissan\u2019s new generation global design which resulted in a sporty and modern styling. Our local spec Serena S-Hybrid comes generously equipped with LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, S-Shaped LED taillamp design, hands-free dual powered sliding door (operable with a kicking motion below the door), dual-back door and 15-inch alloy wheels.   The \nPremium Highway Star\n builds upon that list with larger alloy wheels (16-inch), Door Visor, 4 mill V-Kool Security Film Tinting, ThreeBond Ultra Glass Body Coating and three dual-tone exterior colour scheme: Cashmere Gold with Imperial Umber roof, Tungsten Silver with Diamond Black roof and Brilliant White with Diamond Black roof.\nHighway Star buyers will get to choose between Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black and Cashmere Gold for the exterior paint job.\nINTERIOR\nThere are many first in class features for the new Serena such as \nseven USB charging ports\n, Zero Gravity Seats, 360-degree Intelligent Around View Monitor and Power Sliding Door Switch to help third-row passengers exit the car more comfortably and conveniently.\nStandard equipment reads Soft Padded Instrument Panel, 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) LCD instrument cluster, flat bottom multi-functional steering wheel, 6.75-inch Clarion Advanced Touchscreen Display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear digital climate control panel.   Stepping up into the Premium Highway Star and you\u2019ll find Leather Seats (two-tone Truffle Brown and Chestnut or single-tone black), 10.1-inch roof-mounted LCD panel for rear passengers, Tech-on Tray Mat tables and Driving Video Recorder.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood is an improved MR20DD 2.0-litre Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-Valve Timing Control) four-cylinder petrol hybrid system paired to an XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) to send \n150 hp\n and\n 200 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels.\nThe upgraded engine benefits from a new Dual Arm Tensioner and improved ECO motor to give the car better performance and fuel economy. The improved hybrid system is said to give the MPV best-in-class fuel economy of \n14.2 km/L\n, based on the New European Driving Cycle.\nSAFETY\nSafety-wise, all variants of the Serena S-Hybrid comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), two ISOFIX mounting points, Driver Attention Alert as well as Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) that detects moving objects surrounding the vehicle. \nNissan\u2019s ProPilot semi-autonomous driving\n technology will not make an appearance here.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAll purchase of the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty. ETCM is also throwing in a 3-Years or 60,000 km maintenance service package and as part of the launch campaign. First 500 customers who registered their Serena S-Hybrid will also receive a complimentary Terzo Portable Cooler Box by PIAA worth RM500.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star   Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star"
"It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re a die-cast model fan, car nut, patriot, or all of the above; the upcoming Hot Wheels release will still probably be the hottest thing with four wheels here in Malaysia. That\u2019s because in conjunction with Mattel Inc\u2019s 40-year anniversary here in Malaysia, the company has teamed up with Proton to bring the \noriginal Saga\n back as a 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model.\nYes, it\u2019s \nthe\n \nProton Saga\n that our then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad famously unveiled at the car\u2019s launch back in 1985, where he bought the first-ever production model as a gift for his wife.\nSpeaking at the celebration of Mattel\u2019s 40th anniversary today, Mattel Inc president and chief commercial officer Steve Totzke said, \u201cThis is an exciting licence partnership as we join to develop a Hot Wheels car, modelled after the original Proton Saga, the first model manufactured by Proton, which will now become a part of Hot Wheels\u2019 singles collection.\u201d\n\u201cThis licence partnership aims to uphold the proud legacies of both Mattel and Proton to continue to provide high-quality vehicles to fans of all ages worldwide,\u201d he said, adding that the Hot Wheels model will start shipping and be sold worldwide by the end of next year.\nRELATED:\n Seven things you may not know about the Proton Saga\nThe company also announced a new expansion to its operations due in January, which will see its production capacity increase to \u201cover half a billion\u201d Hot Wheels cars per year by 2025, representing a 20% increase in output.\nMattel Malaysia already operates the world\u2019s largest Hot Wheels manufacturing plant, and is the world\u2019s only manufacturer of Hot Wheels singles, the top-selling toy globally in 2021 \u2013 we probably played a large part in that.\n[Source: \nBernama\n]\n[Header photo: \nDavid Tan/Facebook\n, Mattel, Proton]"
"Audi Malaysia has launched the 2023 RS3 Sedan starting from \nRM646,990\n. With the Audi Assurance Package which includes a five-year warranty and roadside assistance, the RS3 Sedan will be priced at \nRM655,990\n.\nThe second-generation RS3 Sedan is powered by a 2.5-litreTFSI turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine with 400 hp and 500 Nm. Power is fed to all four corners with a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox and a quattro all-wheel drive system.\u00a0\nThe 0-100 km/h time of the RS3 Sedan is 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h. For a little comparison, the M3 does 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds with 480 hp and 550 Nm from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. The Mercedes-AMG A45S 4MATIC+ does the same in 3.9 seconds with 421 hp and 500 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.\nThe RS3 Sedan features an RS Torque Splitter for torque vectoring between the two rear wheels. This allows for controlled drifts as all of the car\u2019s power can be funnelled to just one of the rear wheels. The RS Torque Rear drive mode is essentially a \u2018drift mode\u2019. Other drive modes include RS Individual and RS Performance.\nRS-specific items include the RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers, RS front and rear bumpers, ceramic disc brakes, 19-inch diamond-turned RS 10-spoke Y-style alloy wheels in Platinum Gray and an RS exhaust with a fully variable flap control system.\u00a0\nThe headlamps are Matrix LED units while sequential indicators are available in the front and back. Colour options for the RS3 Sedan include Kyalami Green, Kemora Grey, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Daytona Gray and Phython Yellow.\nInside, you get items like RS door sills, RS carpets, RS seats with honeycomb stitching, Audi virtual cockpit plus with RS displays, RS flat-bottomed steering wheel, RS carbon Atlas trims on the door and dashboard and a shift indicator. The RS sport seats are wrapped in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb stitching.\u00a0\nThe cabin is also furnished with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, 10.1 inch infotainment display and for the first time in an RS3 Sedan, a head-up display. The rear seats can be fully collapsed or split-folded, as an extension of the 321-litre boot. In terms of safety and driver aids, the RS3 Sedan is fitted with six airbags, with only lane departure warning, according to Audi Malaysia\u2019s website.\nGALLERY"
"While the rotary engine has long ended its service life in Mazda road cars, the compact, high-revving combustion engine has been selected as an engine of choice for top-level professional drifting in Japan and the USA.\nMike Whiddett, better known as \nMad Mike\n, has just released an illustration of his latest Mazda competition machine. The \u201cmad\u201d Mazda 3 hatchback will be not be burning \nToyo tires\n and drifting, but instead, entering the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.\nSimple information on the \u2018Wild Rotang\u2019 Mazda 3 includes a heavily turbocharged four-rotor rotary engine churning out some \n1,200 hp\n, honed by rotary specialist Taisuke Kawato from TCPMagic. Mad Mike, the 2018 Formula Drift Japan champion, and the gang also plan to include four seats on this four-door hatchback.\nGrip is premium at hill climb events so a massive rear will be fitted on the Mazda 3, and revised suspension system on the converted rear-wheel drive machine means adding a Pandem bodykit to add more visual impact to the car.\nRELATED: Mazda will be campaigning with a Mazda 2 SkyActiv-Diesel to study and develop sustainable, carbon-neutral fuels in Japan. More here.\nMad Mike\u2019s #Humbul Mazda RX-7 with a four-rotor setup and an \u201ceasy 1,000 hp\u201d output\nThe 100th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place on the weekend of 26 June 2022. \nLast year\u2019s event\n was shortened due to poor weather at the 14,115-ft summit, with a heavily modified Bentley Continental GT3 Time Attack car the fastest machine using sustainable fuel.\nA 2010 Mazda 3 Time Attack car driven by Chris Becker meanwhile finished tenth in the category. \u00a0\n \nAs for the road car, the beautiful Mazda 3 hatchback is available in two variants in Malaysia, priced from \nRM137.7k\n for the 1.5L and RM154.7k for the 2.0L High Plus variant.\nThe 1.5-litre engine has\u00a0\n118 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n153 Nm\n\u00a0while the \u201cHigh Plus\u201d model gets the more powerful 2.0-litre engine with\u00a0\n162 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n213 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission."
"A petrol station is probably the most unexpected place for the fully electric facelift Hyundai Kona to be seen but it\u2019s not what you think. Apparently, they were only there to fill their tyres up instead.\nThe fully electric Hyundai Kona is set to be launched in Malaysia before the end of 2021, following the introduction of the facelift Kona last year. When the fully electric Kona is launched, it will be Hyundai\u2019s first fully-electric offering.\nThe \n1.6 Turbo N Line \nwas launched last year in July while the\n 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated variants\n were introduced in April. The turbocharged model starts from \nRM146,888 \nwhile the 2.0-models are priced from \nRM119,888\n.\nThe electric Kona comes with two battery sizes \u2013 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh. The former offers 305 km of electric driving range while the larger 64 kWh battery returns 484 km.\nCharging takes about six hours and nine hours for the 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh battery with a 7.2 kW charger. With a quicker 10.5 kW charger, charging time is reduced to about four and six hours respectively.\nAs for output, the model with the 39.2 kWh battery comes with 136 hp and 395 Nm while the 64 kWh model gets 204 hp and also 395 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 9.9 seconds for the former while the latter does it in 7.9 seconds. Top speed is up to 167 km/h.\nGALLERY"
"Fear it, run from it, but the SUV dominance arrives all the same. As much as \nFerrari\n tried to avoid and resist it, they know that an SUV with the Prancing Horse badge is inevitable eventually \u2013 but at least, they\u2019re doing it on their own terms. Say hello to the long-awaited \nFerrari Purosangue\n.\n \nFerrari is absolutely refusing to call the Purosangue an SUV, instead labelling it as its \u201cfirst ever four-door four-seater\u201d, but we all know exactly what it is. Credit where it\u2019s due, though, as the Ferrari designers have somehow managed to make the Purosangue look half the size it actually is.\nIt measures 4,973 mm long, 2,028 mm wide, and 1, 589 mm tall (compared with 5,112 mm, 2,016 mm, and 1,638 mm of the\n Lamborghini Urus\n), but the Purosangue looks barely any larger than the now-defunct \nGTC4 Lusso\n \u2013 until you realise the seemingly small wheels actually are 22- and 23-inches in diameter.\nThat\u2019s largely in part due to flowing bodywork and other clever design touches, which Ferrari\u2019s top brass say has been designed with aerodynamics in mind \u2013 not to create downforce, but to reduce drag. Even the \u201cfloating\u201d wheel arches are also there to help reduce turbulence around the wheels, in addition to help reduce visual bulk with its black or carbon-fibre finish.\nALSO READ: \nFerrari 296 GTS makes SEA debut in Malaysia, from RM1.5m before tax\nThe Purosangue looks like nothing before it, but at the same time still undeniably Ferrari, even at first glance \u2013 perhaps thanks to the headlights that bear a slight resemblance to the \nSF90 Stradale\n, or the taillights that seems to be inspired by the \nRoma\n. Regardless, it\u2019s properly handsome, and comes across a lot more subtle than the\n spy shots\n would lead you to believe.\nInterior space on the Ferrari Purosangue is maximised through a purpose-built chassis, which not only reduces the overhang on both ends, but also promises higher overall rigidity over the company\u2019s previous GT models, all while also being lighter than before.\nFerrari says the cabin is designed to reflect a \u201csporty lounge\u201d, with symmetry being the main theme of the interior. The instrument cluster binnacle is mirrored onto the passenger side, where you\u2019ll also find a large secondary display for the passenger to get in on the action.\nYou might notice that there\u2019s no central display here; Ferrari has abandoned built-in satellite navigation altogether, instead relying on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for that purpose, which will be displayed on the driver\u2019s widescreen digital instrument cluster display.\nAccess to the first full-sized rear seats in Ferrari\u2019s history is via the rear-hinged suicide doors that can open up to an aperture of 79 degrees via an electronic mechanism. And with this being Ferrari\u2019s first four-door, four-seater family car, the boot is naturally the biggest it\u2019s ever offered to date at 487 litres.\nFerrari is adamant that the Purosangue is a \u201ctrue Ferrari\u201d (the name itself means \u201cthoroughbred\u201d in Italian), so much so that they\u2019ve also stuffed a new, but considerably old-school 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine underneath the bonnet \u2013 not that we\u2019re complaining.\nMounted in a front-mid position, the engine provides \n725 hp\n and \n716 Nm\n \u2013 with 80% of the latter already available from 2,100 rpm. Paired to an eight-speed oil-bath F1 DCT dual-clutch transmission with a four-wheel drive system sending power to all four wheels, the 2,033 kg Ferrari Purosangue launches off the line to 100 km/h in just \n3.3 seconds\n, onward to a top speed in excess of \n310 km/h\n.\nThe engine placement helps the Purosangue achieve an impressive 49:51 weight distribution, while the revised powertrain with a dry sump system allows it to sit lower to the ground, working hand-in-hand with the single-shell carbon-fibre roof to lower the SUV\u2019s overall centre of gravity.\nThe Purosangue also gets a whole swath of advanced driving technologies, all to make it feel like a \u201ctrue sports car\u201d. These include the Italian supercar maker\u2019s latest iteration of the vehicle dynamic control system seen on its most extreme sports cars, which even comes with a drift-friendly Side Slip Control, as well as a new active suspension system \u2013 the latter utilises Multimatic\u2019s True Active Spool Valve (TASV) system, paired to a 48V electric active-roll damping system.\nRELATED: \nFerrari to unveil 15 new models by 2026, including first EV and LaFerrari successor\nWhile not mentioned anywhere in the press release nor at the official unveiling, the Ferrari Purosangue is also expected to receive an electrified powertrain at a later date, with either the V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain of the \n296 GTB \nor the SF90 Stradale\u2019s V8 fitted in future versions.\nI hate to admit it, but the Ferrari Purosangue does work as a Ferrari. Despite being a tall-riding SUV, the Purosangue stills adheres strictly to the core Ferrari design philosophy and brand principles, and the results just speak for itself.\nSurely there will be haters, in the same way Porsche or Lamborghini fanatics despised the brands\u2019 respective SUVs when they first came out. But looking at the sales numbers, with both the \nCayenne\n and Urus now at \nthe top of the charts\n, they\u2019ve certainly made the right move despite the vocal resistance \u2013 business wise, at least.\nThe Ferrari Purosangue will undoubtedly enjoy the same success as the other ultra-luxury performance SUVs, but that\u2019s only if Ferrari is willing to sell them. The company is adamant that the Purosangue will retain its exclusivity and never take more than 20% of the brand\u2019s total sales, but when there\u2019s money to be made, it probably won\u2019t take much for Ferrari to change their mind.\nGALLERY"
"Ever since news of the new \nRenault Megane R.S\n. would make its way to Malaysia, I\u2019ve had this dream for us for us to do a shootout featuring three of the hottest hatchbacks \u2013 the \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R\n driven by GC Mah, the \nMk7.5 Volkswagen Golf R\n driven by Adrian and with myself being in the Megane R.S.\nWouldn\u2019t that be something? And that\u2019s the exact driver/car arrangement I\u2019d want. Try to wrestle the Megane R.S. off me and those two would be driving with only one hand.\n \nThere are more than a couple of things that draw me to this car. Firstly, it\u2019s got a slick, relatively short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox, it looks fabulous and that 4Control four-wheel steering system just makes it seem like no matter how hard you throw the car around a corner, the Megane R.S. would hold its own.\nSure the Civic Type R comes with a manual gearbox too, but I\u2019m not a 19 year old teenager with spikey hair.\nThe Renault Megane R.S is priced at \nRM279,888\n for the manual transmission model and an\n estimated RM299,888\n for the EDC Automatic model.\nFor those of you who\u2019d like a closer look at the Renault Megane R.S. should head on over to Mid Valley Shopping Centre where the car will be displayed from 24-28th of April 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Prime Minister Dato\u2019 Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced the reopening of many economic sectors beginning of October 2021. As earlier \nreported\n, eateries, petrol stations, convenience stores and mini markets are allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 12 midnight, with effect from today, September 23rd.\nOther exclusions, regardless of the states\u2019 Phase under the \nNational Recovery Plan\n (NRP) include the green light for interstate travelling, the opening of tourist attractions and vacation islands nationwide. This is however subjected to Malaysia\u2019s adult population achieving a fully vaccinated rate of \n90%\n. \u00a0\nCurrently, the percentage of fully vaccinated adult population in Malaysia is 81%, with over 93% having at least one dose.\nThe decision to tremendously ease up the movement restrictions was decided by the Special Committee on Pandemic Management after considering hospital ICU utilisation rate, number of symptomatic cases as well as the percentage of \nvaccinated population\n. \u00a0\nMeanwhile, sectors that have closed for the longest time due to close physical contact such as spa, wellness centres and health massage centres are allowed to operate at full capacity from October 1st with the condition that both patrons and staff are fully vaccinated.\nPlanning to purchase a new vehicle? Here are the newly launched models that you can now view and test drive at dealerships!\nThe same condition to operate also applies to other points of interest such as zoos, aquariums, scuba diving centres and forest parks.\nFor us working adults, be prepared to have the \u2018work from home\u2019 directive ended as the government has allowed employers to have a full capacity in the workplace provided that all employees are also fully vaccinated.\nYou do not need to rush to renew your JPJ road tax and driving license, as the deadline has been extended to Dec 31st. Read more about it here. \n\u00a0\nThe statement also mentioned that a Covid-19 RT-PCR test must be done upon arrival at main international entry points, with foreign nationals required to bear the costs. The test is free for Malaysian citizens.\nSource: Twitter/\nMajlisKeselamatanNegara\nFor those who are planning to travel, ensure that your vehicle is in good operating condition, such as inflated tyres with sufficient tread depth, a healthy battery and has valid insurance coverage."
"Previously only unveiling a left hand drive variant, Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, has officially launched the Maserati Levante S at Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur.\nThe marque\u2019s first SUV, which comes in two trims \u2013 Gran Lusso and Gran Sport \u2013 has been engineered with Maserati twin-turbo V6 engine featuring the latest Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology at its core.\nIts engine makes \n430 hp\n with over \n580 Nm\n of torque \u2013 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n5.2 seconds\n with a top speed of over \n264 km/h\n. Stopping power is provided by Brembo\u2019s 6-piston aluminium monobloc calipers clamping on drilled discs.\nThe Levante S adopts an 8-speed ZF gearbox providing quick shifts while presenting a choice of four drive modes, \u201cNormal\u201d, I.C.E., \u201cSport\u201d and \u201cOff-road\u201d.   The Levante S boasts unparalleled agility thanks to its (lowest in class) centre of gravity, with extensive use of lightweight materials and 50:50 weight distribution. Its Air Suspension, electronically-controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and Q4 AWD system helps keep the Levante\u2019s footing firm on the ground. The air suspension also contributes to reduced fuel consumption by\u00a0lowering the car to reduce aerodynamic drag at medium to high speeds.\nInside, the Levante houses an 8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) display, the driving modes button cluster, an aluminium rotary knob and the air suspension height setup switch.\nSafety wise, the Levante S comes with the Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) which includes Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.\nIn the \nGran Lusso trim\n, which emphasises on luxury, it\u2019s equipped with metallic-finish front skid plates and roof rails, GranLusso badges on the front wings, body-coloured side skirts and black-painted brake calipers tucked beneath those 19\u201d Zefiro alloy wheels.\nInside, the GranLusso cabin combines a choice of Ermenegildo Zegna silk or premium Italian upholstery with a Radica open-pore wood trim and leather steering wheel. 12-way power comfort seats are standard, along with Bower & Wilkins sound system and soft-close doors.\nThe extravagant trim also includes standard 12-way power comfort seats, a Harman Kardon Sound System, power-adjustable steering wheel, illuminated door sills, parking sensors, navigation system and new Soft Close Doors.   The \nGran Sport trim\n on the other hand can be differentiated by its Piano Black front grille, skid plates and\u00a0roof rails, GranSport badges on the front wings, body-coloured side skirts, blue inserts on all Trident and Saetta logos and red brake calipers under its 20\u201d Nereo wheels.\u00a012-way powered leather seats are standard along with carbon trims, power-adjustable Inox sport pedals and a Sport steering wheel.\nPriced at \nRM 788,800 without Insurance,\u00a0\nthe Levante S comes with\u00a03 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 years/ 60,000 km whichever comes first.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGRAN LUSSO   GRAN SPORT"
"Land Rover has just announced that they will be launching the \nworld\u2019s first full-size luxury SUV coupe\n at the upcoming 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). The new Range Rover SV coupe will be a limited run product of 999 examples worldwide.\nThe SV coupe will be hand-assembled by Land Rover\u2019s\n Special Vehicles Operations (SVO) division\n which specialises in highly bespoke builds for the brand. Land Rover says that the new SUV celebrates the iconic two-door silhouette that has been part of Range Rover\u2019s heritage since 1970. The limited run model will feature a seductive body design and a supremely refined interior.\nSVO\u2019s latest work, the \nRange Rover SVAutobiography\nBased on the teaser image, the SV Coupe will feature the most exquisite materials like \nquilted leather\n, woodgrain trimmings, dual tone interior and the latest technologies offered by the company. It also appears to be a strict four-seater but does not seem to be based on the recently introduced \nSVAutobiography\n that came with Executive Cass rear seats and 1.2 metres worth of legroom.\nLand Rover Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern said: \u201cThe Range Rover SV Coup\u00e9 is a highly compelling design with peerless refinement and uncompromised sophistication from its breath-taking exterior proportions to its sumptuous, beautifully appointed, interior. This is a vehicle that will resonate on an emotional level.\u201d\nAll 999 examples of the Range Rover SV Coupe will be hand-assembled at the SV Technical Centre in Warwickshire, UK and will be available to customers worldwide. The new SV Coupe will make its global premiere at the 88\nth\n GIMS."
"Here it is, finally \u2013 The all-new Volkswagen Golf R. Based on the the \neight-generation Volkswagen Golf\n (Mk 8), the Golf R will be the most powerful of them all (in the regular line-up), sitting above the Golf GTI which was \nunveiled back in February\n.\nThe Golf R Mk 8 is powered by an uprated EA888 evo4 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder, generating \n320 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque \u2013 an increase of about 20 hp and 20 Nm of torque from the outgoing model (\nin performance pack form\n). However, the detail that got us the most excited is the inclusion of a six-speed manual transmission as standard!\nAll-wheel drive \u2013 a hallmark feature of the R \u2013 is featured here once again, but the 4Motion system now gets a new torque vectoring differential on the rear axle to further divide the power at each wheels depending on traction. Volkswagen notes that the Golf R is now able to send 100% of its power to the outer rear wheels during cornering to alleviate understeer, helping the car slingshot out of the bend.\nIn terms of performance, the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 does 0-100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n \u2013 0.2 seconds quicker than the outgoing model. Buyers opting for the seven-speed DSG model will probably do it a hair quicker, but if it\u2019s us, we\u2019ll be too happy rowing our own gears to care. Top speed remains capped at\n 250 km/h\n.\nManaging the 4Motion AWD system and adaptive dampers is the improved Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which now comes with six driving modes \u2013 Comfort, Sport, Race, Individual, Special and Drift. The first four in the list is fairly straightforward and are nothing that we haven\u2019t come about before; Special mode sets up the car specifically for the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit \u2013 like the new \nGTI Clubsport\n \u2013 where the car underwent final tuning, while the drift mode, well, lets you drift.\nOther performance upgrades on the all-new VW Golf R include a reworked suspension and anti-roll bars set-up with firmer spring rates, bigger brakes (18 mm larger than before), and a 20 mm lowered ride height compared to the normal Golf 8 models.\nJust like its predecessors, the all-new Golf R features a pretty understated exterior design that doesn\u2019t exactly shout \u201cfast\u201d, making it the perfect everyday commute \u201csleeper\u201d. There are of course some giveaways, such as the signature quad tailpipes, prominent rear diffusers, and an additional roof spoiler, but most people probably won\u2019t notice until they look closer, given how common it is for modified Golfs.\nOther exterior stylistic changes include a R-specific front fascia with reworked grilles and a \u201cmotorsports-inspired\u201d splitter, side skirts, matte chrome side wing mirrors, and 19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels. The front also gets a new blue trim across the front end through the upper grille, which lights up when powered \u2013 joining the two headlights together, seemingly connected by the daytime-running lights.\nInside, R-specific changes are even more limited, with the only identifying features being the Nappa leather seats with R logos on the backrest, as well as a sports steering wheel with a dedicated R button to cycle through the various drive modes. Otherwise, the all-new Volkswagen Golf R looks just like any other golf \u2013 which, thanks to its gratituous use of screens and touch panels, can be a good or bad thing depending on who you ask.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor said on Friday that it was in early talks with Apple, after a South Korean domestic broadcaster said the firms were discussing an electric car and battery tie-up. Shares of Hyundai Motor surged 25% following the news.\n\u201cWe understand that Apple is in discussion with a variety of global automakers, including Hyundai Motor,\u201d a Hyundai representative \ntold \nCNBC\n. \u201cAs the discussion is at its early stage, nothing has been decided.\u201d The statement followed a local report from the Korea Economic Daily that said Apple suggested the tie-up and Hyundai Motor was reviewing the terms.\nThe Hyundai Elantra \u2013 which won the \nGood Design Awards\n \u2013 was \nlaunched just recently in Malaysia\n.\nIn a regulatory filing issued later, the carmaker said it was \u201cgetting requests for cooperation on joint development of autonomous electric vehicles from various companies\u201d, stopping short of naming Apple in the news release.\nThe announcement comes amid intense speculations about the widely-rumoured Apple Car. Citing sources familiar with the matter, \nReuters \nreported two weeks ago\n that the American tech giant is targetting a 2024 release for its own passenger vehicle\u00a0that could include its own breakthrough self-driving and battery technology.\nApple tying up with a \u201ctraditional\u201d carmaker like Hyundai could be the final hurdle for the Apple Car to become a reality. On one hand, Apple will not be required to pour in substantial investments to achieve an acceptable level of production capabilities (which, as seen with \nTesla\n, is definitely not an easy task).\nMeanwhile, Hyundai gets to benefit from a new business model in the form of production outsourcing that is rarely seen outside the technology industry.\nThe \nHyundai Prophecy\n concept.\nHyundai recently unveiled its grand strategy to charge forward with alternative fuel vehicles. The South Korean carmaker unveiled its\n Ioniq electric vehicle sub-brand\n in August, followed by\n HTwo\n in December 2020 which focuses solely on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.\nBy 2025, the company aims to become the world\u2019s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles, increasing its annual Battery-EV sales to 560,000 units. The Hyundai Motor Group (which includes also includes Kia and Genesis) as a whole aims to sell 1 million units of BEVs annually by 2025, which should represent a 10% market share to become a leader in the global EV field."
"50 years ago, George Lazenby graced the silver screen as Agent 007 in the 1969 Bond film, \nOn Her Majesty\u2019s Secret Service\n. To celebrate the 50\nth\n anniversary of the sixth James Bond film, Aston Martin together with EON Productions have introduced the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera \nOn Her Majesty\u2019s Secret Service\n (OHMSS) special edition.\nThe DBS Superleggera OHMSS edition pays tribute to the original 1969 DBS driven by Bond in the movie and only 50 units of these will be made. All cars will be painted in Olive Green and a bespoke six horizontal vanes metal grille (\nstandard cars\n wear a honeycomb grille) to match the original car.\nOther bits fitted onto the special edition model include carbon fibre splitter and aero blade, pure black leather interior with grey blend Alcantara as well as red accents for the trim and stitching. Let\u2019s take a moment to appreciate how delicious those forged wheels look.\nThe only option customers can go for is the\nbespoke Drinks Case which fits perfectly into the boot. The black case has\nspace for two bottles of champagne and four champagne flutes, an accessory to\ncomplement the Super GT nature of the DBS.\n \nMechanically it retains the 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 developing \n725 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n driving the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic. Century sprint is clocked in 3.4 seconds while top speed is capped at \n340 km/h\n.\nThe DBS Superleggera OHMSS edition is the latest in a series of 007 inspired Aston Martins, which includes the \nGoldfinger DB5 continuation\n and the 2015 DB9 GT Bond Edition. Each of the 50 DBS Superleggera OHMSS edition will retail at \u00a3300,007.00, with first deliveries to customers commencing in Q4 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAston Martin DBS Superleggera OHMSS Edition"
"The Toyota Corolla is unmistakeably one of the best selling vehicle in the world. In its latest iteration, the 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis is hell-bent on taking a slice of the pie from the local C-segment market. The local C-segment scene is long dominated by the ever popular Honda Civic (8th and 9th). So with the newly introduced 11th generation Corolla Altis making its way to our local shores, we managed to grab the handsome car for a quick spin.\nWatch our video review on the Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n\u00a0Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\nSegment\n\u00a0C-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n\u00a02.0L INLINE-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nPrice\n\u00a0RM136,015.30 (+RM3,900 for Safety Package)\nWatch our video review on the Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\nThe product planners at UMW Toyota reckons that 3 trims levels should suffice to cater to our local needs. There is the 1.8E priced at \nRM114,015.30.\n \u00a0As we move higher, there is the 2.0G, priced at \nRM123,015.30\n. The top of the specs Corolla Altis, the 2.0V is priced at \nRM136,015.30\n.\nIf safety and airbag count is high on your requirement, you can opt to go for the additional \nSafety Package\n provided by UMW which increases the number of airbag count to 7. Behold, that comes with an additional cost of \nRM3,900\n and only applicable to 2.0V model. Seriously UMW? Make the the safety package available across all trim levels please!\nEXTERIOR \nAll the hoo-haas seem to be concentrated at how the 2014 Corolla Altis looks.\u00a0Many is surprised that Toyota is able to penned some fine lines out of the Corolla Altis. Let\u2019s begin with the front fascia for instance. The long, low-angled front lamps gives an outward aggressive look, where the line continue to flow to the front grill. The top of the range Corolla Altis comes with automatic levelling \nLED projector headlights\n and Daytime Running Lights (\nDRL\n), whereas the lower range 2.0G and 1.8E gets halogen headlamps with manual levelling.   Moving sideways, you will find 4 striking 17-inch\u00a0rims, adorn with a low profile 215/45 Michelin PS3. Though the \u00a0\n4.6 metre\n long car is longer and wider than it\u2019s predecessor, I don\u2019t find it big and cumbersome. The designers did a great job of masquerading the bulkiness of the car by playing with the curves really well. One could see how the C-pillar flows gently through the trunk.\nMore LEDs fill up the rear brake lamps, providing a clear and bright message saying \nred-means-stop\n\u00a0to any pesky tailgaters. And if you opt for the \nAerokit Package\n like our test car, the spoiler that you are getting comes with yet another LED brake lamp! Other than that, there aren\u2019t any prominent beltline that runs across the Corolla Altis\u2019s side profile.\nWith the top dog 2.0V Corolla Altis, you will also get a keyless entry. Yes, you won\u2019t find a keyless entry button on the handle, but a dodgy, cool looking touch sensitive sensor to lock the car. To unlock, just put your hand on the handle and pull like you normally would. I couldn\u2019t have realized it myself, if GC Mah did not show it to me personally!!\nINTERIOR \nStep into the cabin, and you will be greeted with an uncanny feeling telling you that you are not in a Corolla Altis. Yes, the interior cockpit is given a total rework, just like the exterior. There is a lot of soft touch materials all around the cabin such as elbow rests, side doors, steering and the dashboard. Black leather seats that fills the entire cabin with, well, smell of leather.   Move to the driver seat and that is where all the gadgets starts to entice you. The blueish speedometer shines brightly in your face giving a clear readout of your RPM & speed. Then there is the \nMID\n (Multi Information Display) that sits in between the speedometer and tachometer. Cycle through the MID and you will get real-time fuel consumption, distance to empty readout, cruise control settings just to name a few. Lest not forget, there is also \nelectro chromatic\n rear view mirror that darkens the rear view mirror to minimize glare.\nThere is faux carbon fibre trim that surrounds the 2-DIN 7-inch touch screen head unit. The faux carbon fibre adds a certain touch of luxuriousness\u00a0and sportiness.\u00a0The head unit doubles as a \nreverse camera\n, \nGPS\n unit and \nvoice recognition\n system. Yup, give the lady some commands and she will do the rest. Toggle the radio, make a call to your wife? No problem at all.   The seats for both the front and back passengers are good, no faults there being a Toyota. The only complain for the seats so far is that there is no electric seat adjustment for the front passenger! Yes, there is only electric seat adjustments for the driver. Food for thought Toyota? Rear passenger seats is \n60:40 \nfoldable and reclinable. The trunk space is a mighty \n470 litres\n. Cup holders and cubby holes are abundant, so you will never have to worry about stowing your smartphones, smart tag and keys.\n There are a few complains though from me. I can\u2019t fathom why can\u2019t Toyota put a better digital clock since they did a good job inside and out to just to impress buyers. The clock reminds me of the Proton Saga from the 80\u2019s.\u00a0Also gone is the 2 tier glovebox and dual zone automatic climate control. There is only single zone automatic climate control in the 2014 Corolla Altis. The glovebox is however is not a big problem, as it is big enough.\nWatch our video review on the Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\nPERFORMANCE \nAt the heart of the Corolla Altis 2.0V,\u00a0is the same \n143hp\n \n3ZR-FE\n \nDual-VVT-i\n, carried over from previous generation Corolla. It is not the most powerful mill amongst seas of C-segment contender but thanks to the brilliant \nCVT\n transmission, it pulls gently and confidently and brings you up to speed in no time.\nAnd if you want to unleash the boy racer in you, feel free to pull the lever into manual mode and shift the car yourself via the \n7-speed Sports Sequential Shift\n. Overall the performance is adequate for any road conditions, be it in the city or outstation drive. Many would complain why the same engine and transmission, but I wouldn\u2019t. It is pleasant and I wouldn\u2019t trade the CVT for any torque converter unit.\nTHE DRIVE \nI would say the overall feel and drive is pretty good. It is comfortable, and carries 5 adults without a problem thanks to its generous wheelbase of \n2,700mm\n. This is by the way a Toyota, and NVH is absolutely top notch. It is quiet and it absorbs bumps pretty well.\n \nThe steering may be an electric (\nEPS\n) unit, but it gives a good feedback of the road. In terms of driving dynamics and handling, it is still not comparable to the Honda Civic nor the Mazda3, but it is getting better with each iteration of the Corolla Altis. It goes around corner confidently. If you are too overconfident and manage to fling the car out of control, the traction control (\nTRC\n) and electronic stability control (\nESP\n) will kick in and pulls your car back in the right direction.\nIS IT FOR YOU? \nIf you are looking for a long term car that gives you no trouble, the Corolla Altis is yours to take. All generation of Corollas is well known for its robustness and long lasting lifespan, so you will be safe hands and your investment is guaranteed. However, if you are expecting something special from this C-segment car, then maybe not.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nAs our fellow writer\u00a0Najdi mentioned in his \nprevious review on the Mazda3\n, the C-segment is very tightly contested. With so many offerings in this segment, the Koreans seems to have the edge with the Kia Cerato due it\u2019s long list of impressive specifications. Still when it comes to built quality, refinement and driving dynamics amongst other Japanese offerings, this would be the best comparo I would pick.   Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\n\u00a0Honda Civic 2.0S\n\u00a0Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder,\u00a0DOHC 16V Dual-VVT-i\n4-cylinder, SOHC 16V i-VTEC\n\u00a04-cylinder, DOHC 16V Direct Injected\nDisplacement\ncc\n\u00a01,987\n1,997\n1,998\nCompression Ratio\n\u00a010.0 : 1\n10.6 : 1\n14.0 : 1\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n\u00a0143 / 6,200\n\u00a0153 / 6,500\n\u00a0162 / 6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n187 / 3,600\n190\u00a0/ 4,300\n\u00a0210 / 4,000\nCarburetion System\nFuel Injection\nFuel Injection\n\u00a0Direct Injection\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n55\n\u00a050\n\u00a051\nSTEERING\nType\n\u00a0Electric Power Steering (EPS)\nElectric Power Steering (EPS)\n\u00a0Electric Power Steering (EPS)\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n\u00a0CVT with 7-speed manual mode\n5-speed A/T\n6-speed A/T SkyActiv Drive\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson Strut (F) / Torsion Beam (R)\nMacPherson Struts (F) / Multilink (R)\nMacPherson Struts (F) / Multilink (R)\nBRAKES\nFront\n\u00a0Ventilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\n\u00a0Solid Disc\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n\u00a0215 / 45 R17\n215 / 45 R17\n\u00a0215 / 45 R18\nWheels\n\u00a0Alloy\nAlloy\n\u00a0Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,620\n4,525\n\u00a04,585\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,776\n1,755\n\u00a01,795\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,460\n1,435\n\u00a01,450\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,700\n2,670\n\u00a02,700\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,300\n1,270\n\u00a01,220\nSAFETY\nAirbags\n\u00a02 SRS airbags (7 with Safety Package)\n\u00a04\n6\nOthers\nbrake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, vehicle stability control, GOA, front & rear parking sensors, ISOFIX\n\u00a0brake assist, electronic brake force distribution,\u00a0vehicle stability control,\u00a0front & rear parking sensors, ISOFIX\nbrake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, vehicle stability control, emergency stop signal, front & rear parking sensors,\u00a0ISOFIX\nFUEL\nGrade\n\u00a0RON 95\n\u00a0RON 95\n\u00a0RON 95\nPRICE\nRM\n136,015.30\n\u00a0\n131,995.30\n139,950.80\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT? \nHard to say. The C-segment is getting really competitive. The Corolla Altis will have to fend off the hard-kicking Korean duos of Kia Cerato & Hyundai Elantra with their hard to resist specifications. Coming from the Western front, we will have the formidable VW Jetta and Ford Focus with their powerful driving dynamics & pure European refinement.\u00a0Their Japanese brethren on the other hand, mainly the Honda Civic, Mazda3, and the upcoming Nissan Sylphy will give the Corolla a tough fight\u00a0with their competitive pricing.\nWatch our video review on the Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This isn\u2019t going to be music to the ears of petrolheads, but Volkswagen is saying goodbye to all factory-backed motorsport commitments involving internal combustion engines so that it can concentrate fully on electric mobility.\nIn the short term, we expect to see more exploits from the \nall-electric ID.R race car\n, as well as motorsport initiatives based on the \nMEB platform\n in the near future. Instead of a Polo WRC car getting airborne on a rally stage, we could be seeing an \nID.3 hatch\n battling a Nissan Leaf NISMO in an all-electric touring car championship.which has yet to be mooted, sadly.\nThe next all-electric TCR racer could be based on the ID.3.\nVolkswagen Motorsport\u2019s customer sport programme will also be electrified and is currently in the planning stage; this also marks the \nend of production of the Golf GTI TCR\n by 2019, with no successor from the new generation Mk 8 Golf.\nThe production of the Golf GTI TCR for racing customers will cease this year.\nHowever, the \nPolo GTI R5 \nrally car will remain as part of Volkswagen Motorsport\u2019s customer sport programme, to be supported out of its Hanover base but factory-backed entries will no longer proceed.\nThe new face of Volkswagen motorsport.\nMeanwhile, the Volkswagen Group has been making steady progress towards achieving the target of \nhalving its environment impact\n caused by the production of vehicles by 2025.\nFrom 2010 to the end of 2019, the production environmental impact is expected to drop by \nmore than 37%\n, based on CO2 emissions, energy use, water use and solvent use, and generated waste per produced vehicle."
"Porsche is calling out for its 1,300 suppliers to use exclusively renewable energy when manufacturing Porsche components \nbeginning July\n in efforts to further reduce carbon emissions in its supply chain.\nThe \u201cpolicy\u201d applies to any contracts awarded for \nproviding production material for new vehicle projects\n. In case you think they\u2019re horsing around, Porsche also said those unwilling to switch to certified green technology will no longer be considered for long-term contracts with the company.\n \n\u201cOur battery cell suppliers have been using green energy since 2020. Now, we stipulate that our series suppliers also use only renewable energy to produce our components, to help reduce CO2 emissions even further,\u201d said a Member of the Executive Board at Porsche.\nAt RM584k, the new Taycan RWD is the cheapest 4-door Porsche you can buy! Read about it here!\nPorsche has set a goal to be \ncarbon neutral across its entire value chain by 2030\n. At the moment, Porsche\u2019s supply chain is responsible for around 20% of Porsche\u2019s total greenhouse gas emissions. It could rise to around 40% by 2030 due to the increased electrification of vehicles.\nThe Taycan Cross Turismo.\nBack home in Germany, Porsche\u2019s plants in Stuttgart and Leipzig, and development centre in Weissach, have been carbon nuetral since 2019.\nThe Taycan Cross Turismo is the world\u2019s first vehicle to be carbon neutral throughout its entire service life. By 2030, Porsche is targeting for 80% of its new vehicles to be purely electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.\nFind out more about the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo here!"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has begun teasing the \nnew 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift\n on its website and social media channels, signalling at the imminent arrival of the new luxury D-segment sedan here in Malaysia.\nWhile the company did not provide a launch date just yet, customers looking to buy one can now register their interest on MBM\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nFirst unveiled to the world last year, the new \nW213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n facelift sports a radically redesigned exterior, in tune with the marque\u2019s new design language that was first shown off on the \nthird-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS\n.\nUp front, there\u2019s a redesigned grille flanked by slimmer headlights, and redesigned bumpers that differ in look according to trim levels. The meat of the exterior changes on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, however, are around the back, highlighted by the new horizontal two-piece LED tail lights.\nThe new Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift was recently launched in Thailand. Check it out here!\nInside, though, updates on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift are a little more reserved. There\u2019s a new steering wheel three twin-spoke sport steering wheels with touch-activated buttons for the AMG Line models, and new MBUX software on the twin 12.3-inch display panels up top. But aside from these, the rest of the interior is pretty much identical to the outgoing model.\nThere should also be an updated advanced driver assistance suite on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift here in Malaysia, with features including the Pre-Safe autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Active Parking Assist. Although, more granular details for equipment list on each trim levels will have to wait until closer to launch date.\nIn related news, Mercedes-Benz has announced that all of its models will offer an EV option starting from 2025. Read more about it here.\nWe\u2019ll also have to wait and see if we will be receiving the updated and electrified M254 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, as seen on the E 300e variant that was launched in Thailand just recently.\nIn the Land of Smiles, the new Mercedes-Benz E 300e makes a combined \n320 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n700 Nm\n together with the EQ Boost mild hybrid system, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of \n5.7 seconds\n.\nAt least, it seems like there isn\u2019t too much time left to wait, so keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest updates on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift in Malaysia!"
"The facelifted Infiniti Q70 was officially unveiled in Malaysia\u00a0by official importer and distributor, Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd at their flagship showroom located along Jalan Tun Razak.\nThe performance luxury sedan is offered here in three variants, namely the \n2.5-litre\n,\u00a0\n3.7-litre \nand range topping\u00a0\n3.5-litre Hybrid\n \u2013 all of which are \nV6\n\u00a0in configuration. The sole Q70 on display here is the entry level\u00a0\n2.5-litre\n\u00a0variant.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nInfiniti Q70 2.5L\nInfiniti Q70 3.7L\nInfiniti Q70 3.5L Hybrid\nEngine\n2,496cc; DOHC V6\n3,696cc; DOHC V6 with VVEL\n3,498cc; DOHC V6 with Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid\nTransmission\n7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM)\nMax Power\n218 hp @ 6,400 rpm\n320 hp @ 7,000 rpm\n360 hp (with 50kW electric motor)\nMax Torque\n253 Nm @ 4,800 rpm\n360 Nm @ 5,200 rpm\n350 Nm @ 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.5 seconds; 231 km/h\n6.2 seconds; 250 km/h\n5.5 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice without insurance (GST inclusive)\nRM295,000\nRM375,000\nRM420,000\nEXTERIOR\nAt a quick glance, you could even mistake this for its younger sibling, the Q50. However, a second look yields differences that are immediately discernible. The front fascia is more pronounced with Infiniti\u2019s signature double-arch mesh design grille and \nDRL eyebrow\n;\u00a0not forgetting to mention the \nLED fog lights\n that\u2019s mounted on the lower extremity of the bumper.   The Q70 sits on \n18-inch\n wheels (or the \n20-inch\n optional sports package). Around the back, it sports a new boot lid with the Infiniti logo and name cast in shiny chrome. The twin split exhaust tips and LED rear tail lamps finish off the styling at the rear.\nINTERIOR\nThe \nleather\n wrapped seats and trim will be the first to greet you upon getting in. As compared to its younger sibling, the Q70 pulls through with a more grown up fascia. The interior is a pleasant place to be in, one that\u2019s equipped with \ndual-zone climate control\n air-conditioning and \n10-way electric memory seats,\n\u00a0just to name a few.   The Q70 is featured with yet another innovation called \nActive Noise Control\n (ANC) which effectively muffles external wind and engine noise.\u00a0This is dealt with several microphones strategically located in the headlining.\nTo accompany the ANC system is a \n10-speaker Bose stereo\n (standard on the 3.5 V6 Hybrid and 3.7 V6 models) for the audiophiles in you. Infotainment is projected via an\u00a0\n8-inch LCD display\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThis is an avenue that the Q70 range would excel in. Infiniti does share its powertrains with certain Nissan models such as the\n Nissan 370Z\n. The 2.5 litre model showcased today has a rated output of\n 218 hp at 6,400 rpm\n with \n253 Nm\n of torque. It\u00a0features\u00a0\nContinuously Variable Timing Control System\n (CVTCS) which regulates the opening of the intake and exhaust valves for optimised performance.\nThe \n3.5 litre V6\n with Infiniti\u2019s Direct Response Hybrid system utilises a \n1.4 kWh\n lithium-ion battery pack to store energy and a \n50kW\n electric motor to disperse the torque out the rear and onto the tarmac. It makes a combined total of \n360 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of twist.\nThe 3.7 litre V6 variant on the other hand, puts out \n320 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n of torque with a century sprint time of \n6.2 seconds \nand\u00a0tops out at\u00a0\n250 km/h\n. This unit features VVEL or \nVariable Valve Event and Lift\n which works in tandem with the\u00a0\nCVTCS\n system to further maximise performance whilst improving fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.\nAll three variants of the new Q70 are paired to a \nseven-speed automatic\n\u00a0gearbox with \nAdaptive Shift Control\n (ASC). Switching it to manual mode unleashes its party piece, which is the\u00a0\nDownshift Rev Matching\n\u00a0 (DRM) feature that automatically blips the throttle; a feature first seen on the \nNissan 370Z\n. All variants come with a \nDrive Selector Mode\n with three modes \u2013\u00a0\nSnow, Eco and Sport\n, which adjusts throttle and transmission sensitivity.\nSAFETY\nWith \nsix\u00a0airbags\n mounted on the front, side and curtain,\u00a0the Q70 is up to job of protecting its occupants from harm. It comes equipped with the usual safety acronyms such as ABS with EBD, TCS,\u00a0\nBrake Assist\n (BA), child\u00a0\nISOFIX\n\u00a0mounts and \nVehicle Dynamic Control\n; just to name a few.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Q70 is available with a choice of \nfive\n different colours; Hermosa Blue, Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow and Moonlight White. There\u2019s an optional\u00a0\nSports Premium Package\n for the base 2.5-litre model, costing a good\u00a0\nRM35,000\n and includes \n20-inch wheels\n, \nsports front bumper\n and a \n10-speaker Bose Sound System\n. Elsewhere, a\u00a0\nRM25,000 Sports Package\n is available to tick for the 3.7L and Hybrid models which include the \n20\u2033 sports wheels and sports front bumper\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has unveiled their latest addition to the EQ family at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IA) \u2013 an all-electric hatchback concept called the EQA. The EQA marks the three-pointed star\u2019s entry in the compact electric vehicle (EV) segment. The concept car also showcases Mercedes-Benz\u2019s innovation in the light technology, compact electric powertrain and EV aesthetics.\nThe engineers at Stuttgart are exploring a twin-motor electric powertrain \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 giving the EQA permanent all-wheel drive capabilities. The twin-motor set up is expected to generate an output of over\n 200 kW \n(268 hp) and over \n500 Nm\n of torque from zero rpm. Two drive programs \u201cSport\u201d and \u201cSport+\u201d alters the torque distribution between the two axles, giving the driver a more dynamic driving characteristic.\nThe electric hatch is said to be capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in around \nfive seconds\n and boasts a theoretical driving range of\n 400 km\n. As for charging options, the EQA can be charged wirelessly or via a conventional wallbox.\nIt gets a distinct look as well thanks to its two-box design and short overhangs. The EQA\u2019s footprint measures at 4,285 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width and 1,428 mm with a 2,729 mm wheelbase; roughly the size of the \nA-Class\n. Instead of a conventional radiator grille, Mercedes-Benz has fitted an LED panel that will project a different grille design based on the current driving mode. In Sport mode, the grille displays a horizontal flaming grille while Sport+ displays a Panamericana radiator grille, just like its track-focused sibling, the \nAMG GT R\n.   The headlamps features Mercedes-Benz\u2019s innovative light technology where a pair of spiral-shaped laser fibres lights up the road ahead while projecting animated electric impulses. If the statement that the EQA embodies the company\u2019s vision for futuristic electric mobility with the fusion of emotively appealing design, we can\u2019t wait for what\u2019s more to come from the brand.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Pirelli, through its official distributor in Malaysia, Kit Loong Tayaria, has launched the new Pirelli Cinturato Rosso tyres to expand the Cinturato tyre range that includes the Cinturato P6 and P7. The Cinturato Rosso will replace the Cinturato P1.\nAvailable in 67 different sizes, ranging from 15- to 21-inches, the new Cinturato Rosso tyres are available for sedans, crossovers, MPVs and even SUVs. Tyre profile ranges from 35 to 65 aspect ratios, while tyre width ranges from 195 mm to 295 mm.\nThe new Cinturato Rosso tyres, with new groove designs featuring different depths and width, offers improved braking distances both in wet and dry conditions, reduced aqua planning, more refinement with reduced rolling noise and better mileage.\nCompared to the Cinturato P1, the Cinturato Rosso was 5% quicker to react under hard braking in dry conditions, with 10% shorter braking distance. This was tested in a Toyota Camry with 215/55 R17 tyres, braking from 80 km/h to 0 km/h.\nUnder wet braking, the Cinturato Rosso also showed 10% shorter braking distance and 8% quicker response time compared to the Cinturato P1. This was also tested in the Toyota Camry with similar tyre size and speed \u2013 from 80 km/h to 0 km/h.\nThe new Cinturato Rosso tyres are made in China for the Southeast Asian market, with prices starting from RM250 to RM1,500.\n\u201cAs Pirelli celebrates its 150\nth\n anniversary this year, the introduction of the Cinturato Rosso propels the Pirelli brand further in the local market. Pirelli has established its presence in Malaysia more than 20 years ago and since then we have seen tremendous growth. We are confident that the Cinturato Rosso will continue to contribute to the growth and market share of Pirelli in\u00a0Malaysia,\u201d said Pirelli Asia, Managing Director, Fabio Marcola."
"Riding on its success as the \nbest-selling luxury carmaker globally\n, Mercedes-Benz has finalised its development plans for more than 30 new models, all set to arrive by the end of 2022, according to a report by \nAutocar UK\n.\nThe new-model push will include replacements for the existing \nC-Class\n, S-Class, and SL, among other launches throughout the German carmaker\u2019s entire range.\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz is also eager to \ncontinue its fight with BMW M\n for the top spot in the luxury performance segment, with a raft of new AMG models to be launched within the next two years.\u00a0\nThe upcoming Mercedes-AMG newcomers will include the \nrumoured hybrid GT 73 4-Door\n, a track-focused GT Black Series, as well as the \nMercedes-AMG One\n hypercar, which was delayed due to setback during ongoing emissions testing.\nAs part of its \u2018Ambition 2039\u2019 plan \u2013 a \nCO2-neutral line-up within the next 20 years\n, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz models will play an integral part in reducing the company\u2019s CO2 fleet emissions.\u00a0\nA key component in the the brand\u2019s short term goal to adhere to strict new EU regulations is the M254 four-cylinder engine, which will be introduced in the facelifted E-Class \u2013 replacing the previous M274 engine.\nThe new engine, which is also set to feature in the upcoming fifth-generation C-Class, features modular properties that allow for electrification, and is built to meet the Euro 7 emission regulations.\nIt was\n previously reported\n that Mercedes-AMG will provide plug-in hybrid options for all future models, with the first to be introduced as soon as this year.\nHowever, word on the street is that Mercedes-AMG will be replacing the existing 4.0-litre V8 engine in the C63 with the new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder PHEV powertrain.\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz is banking hard on electrification in their efforts in reduction of CO2 emissions, as the brand expects to offer \n20 plug-in hybrid models\n by the end of 2020.\u00a0\nThe EQ Power family will expand this year starting with the PHEV versions of the second-generation CLA and GLA, as well as the facelifted E-Class \u2013 all three of which are scheduled to be unveiled in March at the Geneva motor show.\u00a0\nThe 20-model strong hybrid line-up will range from the A 250e, all the way up to the \nS 560e\n, that will form part of the new seventh-generation S-Class line-up.\nAccording to engineers involved in the development of the hybrid S-Class, the S 560e will offer more than double the electric range of its predecessor.\u00a0\nAs for battery electric vehicles, the EQ \nelectric vehicle\ns\n sub-brand\n is expected to introduce five new EV models in the near future. These will include production versions of the \nEQA\n and EQS, along with new EQB, EQE and EQG models.\u00a0\nWith Geely now holding a 9.7% stake in Daimler, the two brands have carried out preliminary talks on how the two might co-operate on projects including future four-cylinder engines and dual-clutch gearbox development, according to senior officials in Mercedes-Benz.\u00a0\nThe two brands have also completed a joint venture earlier this year, which saw the Chinese car giant Geely taking on 50% shareholding in Smart. The joint venture will see the development of new urban-focused Smart models, including a compact electric-powered SUV due 2022, to be built in China."
"Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has just announced that it will introduce its first electric car in Q4 of 2023. It\u2019s called the \nSpectre\n, with on-road testing set to take place soon.\n\u201cSpectre is a name given to otherworldly beings synonymous with great power and apparition; creatures of an alternative realm that make their presence felt through fleeting manifestation. A spectre forces the world to pause. It dominates the space it occupies,\u201d said Rolls-Royce.\n\u201cThen, as quickly as it appears, it dissipates, leaving a wake of exhilaration, energy, and intrigue. As a quintessentially British brand, we have selected the British spelling, however the meaning is universal,\u201d they added.\nAccording to Rolls-Royce, it is the most significant day for the company since 4th May 1904. On that day, the company\u2019s founding fathers, Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce, met for the first time and decided to create the best motor car in the world.\n117 years later, Rolls-Royce is set to carve a new legacy for itself with the first, super-luxury electric car.\n\u201cIt\u2019s the real thing, it will be tested in plain sight and our clients will take first deliveries of the car in the fourth quarter of 2023,\u201d said Rolls-Royce.\nThe electric revolution for the world\u2019s most well-known luxury motor car isn\u2019t an overnight one. In fact, it\u2019s been years in the making. When the Phantom debuted in 2017, it was built on a platform that was not only meant for internal combustion engines but can also accommodate different powertrains.\nRolls-Royce has been experimenting electric powertrain from as early as 2011 when they revealed the 102EX, a fully functional electric Phantom. This was followed by the 103EX in 2016.\nWith on-road testing set to begin, the new Spectre will endure over 2.5 million kilometres of testing. It will also be subjected to simulation that\u2019s equivalent to more than 400 years of use.\n\u201cYou will see these test cars on roads, around the world. Look out for them \u2013 they will be in plain sight. They will be tested in all conditions and over all terrains on their multi-million-mile journey \u2013 that will literally accelerate Rolls-Royce into the future.\u201d\nWith the announcement, the company has set a goal for its entire line up to be fully electric by 2030. By then, Rolls-Royce will no longer produce or sell vehicles with internal combustion engine.\nNew Rolls-Royce \u201cLandspeed Collection\u201d relives one man\u2019s hunger for speed. Check it out here!\nGALLERY"
"Kia\u2019s compact SUV, slotting between the \nSeltos\n and the \nnew Sportage\n, has officially been unveiled and its styling does not disappoint. Said to feature plenty of bold elements from the Kia Habaniro Concept, the new Niro continues to offer a wide range of powertrain choices.\nUp in front, Kia\u2019s signature \u2018Tiger Face\u2019 has been transformed for the all-new Niro and now extends from the bonnet right through to the rugged fenders. Kia calls their new DRL signature the \u2018striking heartbeat\u2019 motif, creating confidence and a remarkable look on the road.\nAt the sides, the dark grey-coloured overfenders extend deep into the rear doors to form a characteristic side panel. A wide rear pillar gets the most attention on the new Niro, as it has been deliberately painted in a different shade to create a unique two-tone look.\nWhile the examples were in dark colours, Kia had sketches of a white Niro featuring Lava red pillars, similar to the concept car. Very bold indeed! The pillar is also said to offer aerodynamic performances as well as house the boomerang-shaped taillights.\nThe interior however is quite a big departure from the bold and distinctive, with a very safe eclipse like sweep on the dashboard. Like all new Kia models, a two-spoke steering wheel is used, with the Drive mode selector switch placed at the left spoke.\nKia says plenty of recycled and eco-friendly materials are used to line the interior, such as recycled wallpaper on the headlining, seats made from eucalyptus leaves and water-based paint which is free of volatile organic compounds (BTX VOC).\nThe all-new Kia Carnival is set to be a more premium offering in the segment compared to Hyundai Staria. More about the Grand Utility Vehicle, now available in Thailand.\nThe off-centre dashboard curves around the occupants, integrating with diagonal lines on the door panels. At night, ambient lighting is emitted from the dashboard, creating a sophisticated feel. The electronic dial-type shift level takes up minimum space, allowing the placement of shortcut switches and a huge storage bin.\nA range of electric and petrol powertrains will be offered in the all-new Kia Niro. Details are yet to be announced but Kia\u2019s \nnew distributor in Malaysia\n, Bermaz Auto, is keen to restart the brand presence with the Kia Niro EV now that the government has announced \nzero taxes\n for fully electric vehicles.\nGALLERY"
"The highly-awaited \nLand Rover Defender\n has now been officially launched in Malaysia. At launch, the iconic off-roader will be offered solely in the 110 five-door form, with two engine options available. Pricing starts at \nRM798,800\n for the entry-level P300 2.0-litre model.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe Malaysian-specification Jaguar Land Rover is based on the global model\u2019s HSE trim level, which means it\u2019s equipped with the following items as standard:\nAutomatic LED Matrix headlights with signature daytime-running lights\nLED tail-lights\n20-inch Style 5098 five-spoke wheels, Gloss Sparkle Silver, with full-sized spare\nOff-road tyres\nBody-coloured roof\nSliding panoramic sunroof\nAlpine roof lights\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Land Rover Defender is offered in two powertrain options here in Malaysia: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid technology.\nLand Rover Defender P300\nEngine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, Petrol\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transfer box\nMax horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque: 400 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 8.1 seconds\nTop speed: 191 km/h\nLand Rover Defender P400 MHEV\nEngine: 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, Petrol, 48V electric supercharger\nTransmission: 8-speed automatic transmission with twin-speed transfer box\nMax horsepower: 400 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax torque: 550 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 6.1 seconds\nTop speed: 191 km/h\nThe all-new Defender\u2019s aluminium D7x body architecture is designed specifically to handle rough off-road driving, with a wheelbase of 3,022 mm and short overhangs to offer a breakover angle of 28 degrees. It\u2019s also equipped with an electronic air suspension that can be raised to a maximum ground clearance of 291 mm, while the adaptive damping system also lets the drivers optimise the car for on-road driving comfort.\nThe built-in Terrain Response system can alter the powertrain to the various challenging terrains one might face on the path less taken, and a new Wade programme offers a maximum waving depth of 900 mm.\nWatch the Land Rover Defender get dirty in the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die!\nINTERIOR\nThe Land Rover Defender is designed with heritage and ruggedness in mind, and it\u2019s most apparent on the interior, thanks to the unique cabin design touches such as the exposed bolts and the powder-coated magnesium cross beam on the dashboard \u2013 the latter actually functions as a structural part of the Defender!\nThe Land Rover Defender 110 here in Malaysia will be offered in both the five- or seven-seater (5+2) configuration.\nOther interior highlights include:\n10-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment display\nDigital instrument cluster with head-up display\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nMeridian sound system\n14-way power-adjustable memory front seats with 4-way manual headrests\nFront seat ventilation and heating\nDual-zone automatic climate control (three-zone for 5+2 seat)\nClearSight interior rearview mirror camera\nClick and Go accessories system integrated base unit\nRubber cabin flooring with carpet mats\nThe Land Rover Defender is the Women\u2019s World Car of the Year! Learn more here.\nSAFETY\nThe Land Rover Defender is equipped with JLR\u2019s suite of advanced driver assistance systems, with features including:\nAutonomous emergency braking\nRear cross-traffic and collision monitor\nLane keep assist\nAdaptive cruise control\nTraffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter\n360-degree Parking Aid\nBlind spot assist\nDriver condition monitor\nClear exit monitor\nWade Sensing\nTrailer Stability Assist\nMeanwhile, passive safety kit include six airbags as standard, alongside ABS with EBD, electronic traction control, roll stability control, hill descent control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.\nThere are also a whole host of off-road focused safety features, such as the ClearSight Ground View, which displays a video feed from the front underside of the car for the driver to easily navigate trickier terrains.\nPRICING\nThe Land Rover Defender 110 starts at \nRM798,800\n for the P300 2.0-litre model, and \nRM998,800\n for the P400 MHEV 3.0-litre model, both on-the-road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemption that is valid until the end of the year. Options are not included, too, as there are over 170 individual accessories for you to pick from.\nIncluded in the price as standard is also a five-year warranty, alongside five years of free scheduled maintenance, and three years of roadside assistance. Customers who register a new Defender in 2021 will also receive a Land Rover Heritage Watch worth RM2,288, in celebration of Sime Darby Motors and Land Rover\u2019s 40th anniversary of partnership.\nGALLERY"
"Remember the \nMaserati Levante Eu Jin drove on snow in Northern Italy\n earlier this year? Well the new model is now available in Malaysia as an updated 2019 model.\nThe petrol-powered Levante will be offered in either GranSport or GranLusso trims. Updates in the new car includes a redesigned gearshift lever with shorter travel and improved operation.\nWith the GranSport comes a new front and rear bumper inspired by the Levante GTS and Trofeo. The GranSport can also be distinguished with front and rear Black Piano inserts, GranSport badges on the front fenders, red brake calipers and the 21-inch Helios wheels.\nOn the GranLusso, you\u2019d find chrome inserts on the front bumper, chrome front and rear skid plates, silver brake calipers, GranLusso badges on the front fender and 21-inch Helios alloy wheels as well.   The GranSport is furnished with high gloss Metal Weave interior trims while the GranLusso offers the choice of full premium Italian leather, Pieno Fiore natural leather or Ermenegildo Zegna silk upholstery.\nStandard equipment includes Soft Close doors, 12-way adjustable front seats, an electric panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide functionality along with a banging Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound System.\nPower output remains the same \u2013 with \n430 hp\n and \n580 Nm\n from a 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 built in Ferrari\u2019s factory in Maranello. Paired with the slick 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with three drive modes (Off-road, I.C.E for Increased Control & Efficiency and Sport), 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 264 km/h.\nThe redesigned gearshift lever offers a more intuitive operation with a \ndual lane shift pattern\n. It allows the driver to choose between automatic or manual mode, simply by moving the lever from right to left. The \u201cPark\u201d button is now placed at the top of the gear lever.\nWith the \u201cM button\u201d (for manual mode) replaced by an \u201cOff-road mode\u201d, the drive mode cluster on the centre console is now less cluttered, with space for two additional switches \u2013 to activate the Sport mode and switch between the Skyhook suspension settings.\nThe 2019 Levante is also available with an updated Nerissimo package \u2013 with a selection of eight body colours, black trims on the front grille, skid plates and side mirrors.\nThe Maserati Levante S GranLusso.\nRear trunk accents, side air vents, the Trident on the grille and all the Maserati badges and logos are finished in Black Chrome. The package also dictates that the door handles and lower mouldings now follow after the body colour, with new 21-inch wheels.\nThe 2019 model Levante S is priced at RM 788,800.00 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) and a 3-year Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restrictions in addition to the Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 years/60,000 km whichever comes first.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMaserati Levante S GranSport   Maserati Levante S GranLusso"
"The \nNational Security Council\n has announced new updates to the movement and travel restrictions as of the 20th of August.\nThe 10-km limit in states that are in Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) has been removed. However, interdistrict and interstate travel is still not allowed. There are no changes in \noperating hours\n for transport-related services as well.\nHere\u2019s everything you need to know about passenger limits, travel, and movement restrictions as of August 2020.\nThe following are the \nstates in Phase 1 of the NRP\n where the 10-km limit on travel and movement is now removed:\nSelangor\nKuala Lumpur\nPutrajaya\nNegeri Sembilan\nMalacca\nJohor\nKedah\nThe passenger-per-car limit has also been removed for those who are fully vaccinated. The number of passengers allowed for those who are fully vaccinated is now \naccording to the seating capacity of the vehicle\n.\nCar wash and accessory shops, dealerships allowed to resume business.more about it here!\nThe passenger-per-car limit still applies to those who are not fully vaccinated. The restriction remains unchanged; two passengers per car for daily essentials and food supplies and three per car for vaccination appointments or medical attention.\nThe limit for taxis and e-hailing services remains unchanged as well. Only two are allowed per car, including the driver while the passenger is required to be in the back seat."
"Kia \nhas revealed the new 4th generation Carnival \nshortly after releasing a teaser\n, and boy is it stunning!\nIt\u2019s dubbed the \u201c\nGrand Utility Vehicle\n\u201d and is designed with shorter front overhangs, with the A-pillars pushed backwards to create a longer front hood. Its increased wheelbase also means more space throughout the cabin, along with a sleeker side profile.\nA character line that runs along the side emphasises the new Carnival\u2019s sleekness, linking the slimmer front headlamps to the rear tail light bar.\nThe new Kia Carnival also features an \u201cisland roof\u201d, designed with blacked-out A and B pillars. It also adopts a C-pillar design, \ninspired by the new Sorento\n.\nBusy as it may appear, the \u201ctiger face\u201d of the new Kia Carnival is perhaps the most striking section of the MPV. That grille, which Kia describes as \u201csymphonic architecture\u201d, just begs for a second look and even closer inspections. Integrated into the striking grille are the high beam lamps projectors.\nCheck out what\u2019s new in the 11-seater Kia Carnival \nhere\n!\nThat\u2019s all Kia has revealed about the new Carnival, which will go on sale late in the third quarter of 2020.\nLocally, Kia Malaysia recently introduced the \n11 seater Kia Carnival\n, priced at RM179,888. The sole variant can be adapted to be a \nsix, seven or eight seater\n. It\u2019s powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine paired to an 8-speed automatic, making 200 hp and 440 Nm.\nGALLERY"
"The Mitsubishi ASX, known as the\n Outlander Sport\n in the land of stars and stripes, has been given a minor makeover in which it will make its debut at the upcoming 2017 New York International Auto Show.\nThe updated ASX took some cues from Mitsubishi\u2019s \nDynamic Shield\n design with the redesigned front and rear bumpers, and they have added a new exterior colour called Alloy Silver.\nInside, changes are minimal, with a new centre console that houses a\u00a07-inch Smartphone Link display audio system that supports both\u00a0Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nThe \nTouring Package\n\u00a0is a new optional addition for this ASX. The package includes a panoramic roof together with a suite of active safety kit such as Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), and Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam (AHB). The noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have\u00a0been improved as well.\nTwo engine options are available for the stateside, including a\n\u00a02.0-liter engine\n that outputs \n148 hp\n and \n197 Nm\n of torque, while a 2.4-liter mill deploys \n168 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n of torque.\nThe current ASX has been around since 2010, and its replacement remains\u00a0to be seen.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Under the Nissan Ambition 2030 long-term vision, \nNissan\n plans to launch a total of 19 EV models by the end of \nfiscal year 2023 (FY2023)\n, ahead of new EVs powered by its own in-house developed solid state batteries by fiscal year \n2028.\n Thus far, Nissan\u2019s global EV sales has surpassed the 1 million unit milestone, with Japan, US, Europe, and China being their largest EV markets.\nThe Japanese carmaker launched its first EV model, the \nNissan Leaf\n, back in December 2010, and has since sold more than 650,000 units of the electric hatchback. Fast-forward to 2022, the \nNissan Ariya\n all-electric crossover was born, featuring not just Nissan\u2019s latest design language, but also its latest technologies.\nThese include the brand\u2019s EV-specific e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system, as well as the ProPilot 2.0 ADAS suite. The Ariya has also won multiple awards, including the Auto Color Award 2021 Grand Prix in Japan, and the Red Dot Design Award in Germany.\nRELATED: \nNissan Serena J Impul now in Malaysia, RM170k for kitted up MPV\nIn the same year, Nissan created the small and cheerful \nSakura\n, which became the Japanese Kei car market\u2019s first EV. Since its launch, Nissan has now received cumulative orders of 50,000 units for the model, thanks to the car\u2019s practicality and compact size, which makes commuting through narrow spaces and parking much easier.\nJust like the Ariya, the Sakura is also an award-winning model from Nissan. Among awards given to the Nissan Sakura include the 2023 RJC Car of the Year, as well as the 2023 JAHFA Car of the Year award. The Sakura was also the first mini-vehicle to win the 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year award.\nCloser to home, the 2023 Nissan Leaf EV is \noffered in a single variant\n, with a price tag of \nRM168,888\n (OTR, without insurance). Just in case you prefer not to be fully committed to the Leaf, it is also available with a 3-year subscription plan which costs \nRM1,800\n per month.\nRELATED: \nNissan Almera facelift debuts in Thailand \u2013 Approx. RM5k price hike, new ADAS features"
"Following months of deliberation by 61 motoring journalists from 23 European countries, the panel has decided to award the\n fully-electric Kia EV6\n with the 2022 Car of the Year award at the European Car of the Year (COTY) awards.\nThe Kia EV6 beat the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Skoda Enyaq iV, Cupra Born, Renault M\u00e9gane E-Tech and Peugeot 308 to take the title.\nRELATED: \nBermaz Auto to introduce the full range of Peugeot SUVs, Kia EV6\nKia Europe, President, Jason Jeong said, \u201cIt\u2019s the first-ever Kia to win this prestigious award. The EV6 is an exciting sign of what\u2019s still to come in our evolving electrified line-up.\u201d\nIt\u2019s not the first award the Kia EV6 has won as it has also been awarded the Irish Car of the Year and recognised at the German Car of the Year awards.\nThe EV6 is Kia\u2019s first dedicated EV and is not created on platforms initially designed for internal combustion engines. The EV6 can travel up to\u202f528\u202fkm\u202f(in the GT variant) on\u202fa single charge and takes just 18 minutes to charge the batteries from 10 to 80%.\nThe 800-volt system takes just four and a half\u00a0(4.5 minutes)\u00a0of charging to get 100 km of range. There are all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive models, with the former capable of hitting 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds!\nInterestingly, the Kia EV6 can also double up as a power bank using a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function. It\u2019s capable of powering a 55-inch TV and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. Kia also said the V2L system can be used to charge another EV!\nMore details bout the \nKia EV6\n here!"
"The Kia 2021 CEO Investor Day has just ended and the company has announced its short term plans, including the launch of their first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) this year.\n\u201cKia is being reborn in 2021 with a \nnew logo\n, new design, and new corporate name,\u201d said President and CEO of Kia Corporation, Ho Sung Song.\nThe 2019 Kia Imagine Concept vehicle\nUnder the updated \u2018Plan S\u2019 strategy, Kia Corporation will focus on three core pillars that are advancing EV transition, strengthening purpose-built vehicle (PBV) business and expanding future mobility services.\nThe first dedicated EV From Kia, codenamed \nCV\n, will be built on the \nElectric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)\n that is also shared with larger affiliate Hyundai Motor.\nSong said the CV will be defined by three key figures of 5,4,3 \u2013 a useable range of \n500 kilometres\n, a 100 km-range in just 4 minutes of charging and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n3.0 seconds\n. Kia has also openly positioned the CV as a direct competitor to the \nTesla Model Y\n.\nThe CV is being promoted as the company\u2019s flagship model and its due to be \nunveiled in March\n with sales to being in July.\nMoving forward, the target is to have as many as \nseven EVs\n built on the E-GMP architecture, while another four on existing ones by 2026. By the end of this decade, the company aims to be the EV sales leader with 880,000 units per annum.\nKia is also developing a range of new Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBV) for corporate customers. These specialised vehicles will be based on flexible \n\u2018skateboard\u2019\n platforms, with \nmodular upper bodies\n designed to meet the specific mobility needs of a broad range of corporate and fleet customers.\nImage: \nCanoo\nPartnerships with the likes of Canoo and Arrival will mean Kia PBVs can offer different upper bodies mounted on top of an integrated modular \u2018skateboard\u2019 platform, tailored to users\u2019 functional requirements.\nAs for mobility services, Kia plans to further enhance its operations in the vehicle subscription service, as well as expanding car-sharing service in Europe.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s not hard to imagine the internet\u2019s reaction to the idea of a fully-electric M3, but the top brasses at BMW seem to be confident that whatever the controversy the next-generation M3 creates, it will be a positive one. \u201cMaybe [the BMW M3] will go electric \u2013 but if it does, it will always be an M3,\u201d BMW M CEO Frank van Meel told \nAutocar\n in a recent interview.\nWith the current rate of electrification at BMW, it is no surprise that the next-generation BMW M3 will most likely be electrified, although, whether partially (hybrid) or fully electrified (BEV) is not yet confirmed. It\u2019s not hard to guess, however \u2013 provided the \nBMW 3 Series\n will spearhead BMW\u2019s Neue Klasse on a new platform, the next-generation M3 will likely be built on the same architecture.\nNow, before you start picketing in front of the BMW M Division\u2019s office, we implore you to give the BMW M Boss a chance to explain. He says, \u201cThe story of the M3 is everlasting. Every time we change the story of the engine, from four-cylinder to six-cylinder to eight-cylinder to six-cylinder and a turbocharger, the story continues.\u201d\n\u201cMaybe it will go electric \u2013 but if it does, it will always be an M3. Whatever the powertrain, you should always be able to drive our cars and know they are M cars. We have stood the test of time for 50 years and will continue to do so.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW once made a secret E46 M3 CSL with a V8 engine\nAnd the man is right. The BMW M3 has gone through radical powertrain changes from one generation to the other, and yet sales have continued to increase with every new generation. So, it is not as if the type of powerplant actually matters, so long as it delivers the goods.\nInterestingly, he also says, \u201cI would love to see electrified Ms in the future \u2013 hybrid and pure-electric, but if we bring them, they will be so ground-breaking that you will say: \u2018This is crazy, I didn\u2019t see that coming.\u2019\u201d\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia \u2013 from RM798k\nFrank Van Meel\u2019s comments suggest BMW bosses are not concerned about the appeal of its high-performance products waning as they go electric. Neither, it seems, are its customers.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve just been talking to customers and the feedback is that 90-95% don\u2019t care what direction we take on the powertrain. They just want an M car. Yes, some say that if we don\u2019t do V8s, they\u2019re out but that\u2019s okay: I respect that,\u201d said van Meel.\nCurrently, the only all-electric version of the G20 BMW 3 Series can be found in China in the guise of the BMW i3 eDrive35L. It is \nexclusive to China\n and features a longer wheelbase compared to the G20 BMW 3 Series. A global electric version of the BMW 3 Series is set to debut in 2025.\nRELATED: \nNot ready to go full electric, next-gen BMW 3 Series could use different platforms for EV and petrol variants"
"NIO, the global EV company\nand Razer, the leading gaming equipment company has just announced a cross-platform\npartnership to bring cutting edge gaming technologies into automobiles.\nThe two companies will explore using Razer Chroma, Hue Lights and THX Spatial Audio to bring more immersive lighting effects and enhanced audio experience that Razer products are known for into a car. NIO and Razer are devoted to creating a car dedicated to eSports players and enthusiasts.\nTo celebrate their new partnership, NIO and Razer have just launched the NIO ES6 Night Explorer Edition, dressed in a unique Razer themed livery with matt black paintwork, Razer decals, green calipers and a custom rear emblem.\nBased on the \nES6 Performance Edition\n, the all-electric vehicle commands a maximum output of \n544 hp\n and \n725 Nm\n of torque from its dual motor set up. Century sprint takes \n4.7 seconds\n while top speed is limited to \n200 km/h\n."
"Malaysia\u2019s second national carmaker, Perodua has just achieved a significant milestone today with over half a million Energy-Efficient Vehicles (EEV) certified vehicles produced and sold since 2014. This cements Perodua\u2019s status as the country\u2019s No 1 EEV company.\nPerodua launched the nation\u2019s first certified EEV with the Axia in 2014 and subsequently, the first EEV certified sedan with the Bezza two years later. It\u2019s most recent model, the third-generation Myvi is also a certified EEV.\n \n \nPerodua President and CEO, Datuk (Dr.) Aminar Rashid Salleh said: \u201cI am proud but humbled to announce that since their respective launches, 342,600 Axias, 130,000 Bezzas and over 75,000 new Myvis have found homes in Malaysia to date.\u201d\nThe 2014 National Automotive Policy (NAP 2014) states that to qualify for EEV status, the vehicle must meet a predetermined fuel consumption figure according to its kerb weight class based on the UNECE R101 standard. All three Perodua models have rated fuel consumption of over 20 km/L (under 5 L/100 km).\n\u201cThe frugality of our vehicles contributes to very low running costs, as well as being in line with the Government\u2019s aspirations towards a cleaner and greener Malaysia, and the global trend towards more fuel-efficient cars. Most crucially, the vehicles themselves are within reach of most Malaysians,\u201d added Datuk (Dr.) Aminar."
"The official unveiling of the all-new \n2020 BMW M3\n and M4 is scheduled sometime in September this year, which is still a lengthy two months away from now. To make things even more difficult, BMW has already started teasing us with videos like this. We can\u2019t complain though, because my, oh my \u2013 what a treat this is.\nBMW\u2019s M department just dropped an onboard video of the all-new M4 undergoing track testing at the Sachsenring in Germany, and we were immediately hypnotised by the coordinated dance between the three pedals, gear lever, and steering wheel. Yes \u2013 in case you missed it, we are going to see a manual transmission on a brand-new M car in 2020.\n \nBMW has also confirmed that the 2020 M3 and M4 will be powered by the new S58 3.0-litre inline six engine, available in two different outputs \u2013 \n480 hp\n (+49 hp) on the base model, and \n510 hp\n (+60 hp) on the Competition \u2013 exactly the same as the \nX3 M\n and X4 M. Although, the max torque output has been raised by 50 Nm to\n 650 Nm\n.\nThe manual transmission will only be fitted to the base M3 and M4, but let\u2019s be honest \u2013 the three-pedal variants were never going to outrun the eight-speeder siblings, so why bother? As BMW M head of development Dirk H\u00e4cker says, the base variant with the manual gearbox is for \u201ccustomers who prefer a puristic performance experience and particularly intense interaction with their vehicle\u201d.\nOn the other hand, the Competition models are meant for \u201cmaximum dynamics in regards [to] power development and transfer\u201d; aside from the higher output figure, BMW will also be offering 2020 BMW M3 and M4 Competition with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nThe system should be quite similar to that of the \nBMW M8\n or the \nM5\n, which means the drivetrain sends majority of the power to the rear wheels, even on the all-wheel drive mode. For those who truly want to lay 11s all day, switch to the 2WD mode to have all the power sent to the rear wheels.\nExcited? So are we. September truly can\u2019t come fast enough.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This news comes as quite the surprise. Lexus\u2019 halo car, the LC is currently available in two variants \u2013 \na 5.0-litre V8 and 3.5-litre hybrid\n. As is the norm, all F-bearing Lexuses come with the 5.0L V8, so we actually have no clue as to what could possibly power the LC F.\nIt appears that Toyota\u00a0has already filed\u00a0a trademark for the LC F, further affirming that the most hardcore LC is somewhere in the pipeline. To recap, the standard LC 500\u2019s V8 produces \n471 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n. It\u2019s naturally aspirated and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid however, makes a combined output of 354 hp.\u00a0\nRead our detailed explanation on the genius dual-gearbox setup too\n!\nBack at home, Lexus Malaysia is currently offering two F models, the\u00a0\nRC F\n and\n GS F\n. Meanwhile, the \nLC Coupe\n\u00a0is also scheduled to make its debut here sometime in Q2 2017, so stay tuned for that!"
"The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has just been unveiled and it\u2019s undoubtedly\u00a0\nthe most technologically-advanced A-Class\n there has ever been. That said, it wasn\u2019t without a long journey dating back to the first generation W168 from the late 1990s.\nThose days, you\u2019d need to consult an eye doctor whenever you come in contact with one but nearly two decades on, the A-Class is now an in-demand eye candy and here are five reasons to believe that the A-Class is here to stay.\nSince October 1997, over \n5.5 million Mercedes-Benz compact cars\n have been delivered worldwide \u2013 three million of them were Mercedes-Benz A-Class models.\nIn 2017, \none out of four Mercedes-Benz cars sold\n was a compact model. Following the reintroduction of the W176 A-Class in 2012, over 620,000 customers took delivery of their new A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLA.\nThe A-Class is now \noffered with Intelligent Drive on par with the S-Class\n. As standard, it is not only able to brake for vehicles but also for pedestrians. Its Blind Spot Assist also warns against passing cyclists when stationary. The A-Class is also the first model in its class to be available with an extensive Driving Assistance package.\nThe introduction of the W176 A-Class back in 2012 projected a more youthful image for the Mercedes-Benz brand. In Europe, the average age of an A-Class owner is \nmore than 10 years less\n than those who own the previous model. In China, \none in three customers were under 30\n.\nThe A-Class has had a \nhigh capture rate\n. Last year in Europe, more than 60 percent of A-Class customers previously drove a competing brand."
"Today, car buyers are spoilt for choice. There are plenty of cars that offer good looks, intuitive features, advanced safety features and most importantly, affordable prices but which do you choose? That depends on your financial standing of course, but for those looking for options priced below RM55,000, few cars stand out more than the 2019 Proton Iriz and Persona.\nSeveral aspects of these cars stand out, particularly in the Premium variants, which come with an \nadvanced Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) \nthat allows owners to, amongst other things, quickly navigate and stream songs by using the \n\u2018\nHi PROTON!\n\u2019\n catchphrase and voice commands. Thanks to these IHUs, the 2019 Iriz and Persona are the \nfirst cars in their class\n to offer \n4G \nand \nWi-Fi connectivity\n.\nIn addition to being equipped with powerful IHU systems, the 2019 Iriz and Persona sport a number of practical features. Both cars have tw\no rear USB charging ports, keyless entry systems, parking sensors at the front and rear\n, and \nkeyless entry with push start buttons\n. The best thing though are the competitive prices. Go a little down the range and the value for money proposition gets even more attractive with prices for the 2019 \nPersona starting from RM42,600\n while the 2019 \nIriz kicks off from just RM36,700\n.\nPROTON is driven to serve customers better.\nDriven to Perform Better\nPurchasing a car is a fairly straightforward affair, but ensuring that your Proton remains in tip top shape requires the right technical know-how, which can be found at the \nmany PROTON 3S/4S centres\n around Malaysia. PROTON has committed to not only \nupgrade existing service centres\n, but also to ensure that they are manned by \nfriendly and knowledgeable staff\n who are capable of providing you with quality sales and after-sales service by following a set of standard operating procedures.\nIn addition, PROTON also scrutinises each and every vehicle that rolls out of its Tanjung Malim plant, before they reach showrooms. This is done by implementing the \nGeely Global Customer Product Audit (GCPA) system\n. With \nGCPA\n, PROTON is able to identify and rectify any possible issues related to design, parts quality and manufacturing aspects on a vehicle on the production line before it reaches the showroom. This is one of the benefits of being part of a big automotive group as Geely also uses GCPA as part of their manufacturing process.\nPROTON\u2019s product engineers have also worked tirelessly to improve both cars. With \nover 300 new or improved parts on the 2019 Iriz and Persona\n, big strides have been made in refinement, quality and equipment levels resulting in cars that offer customers a tempting purchase proposition.\nPoised to Lead\nThey say nothing beats a test drive and if you\u2019re interested in the 2019 Persona and Iriz, you should head to the closest PROTON showroom to try them out. If you visit one of the \n100 3S/4S outlets in the Proton network\n of outlets, you will also experience a high level of customer service as the brand seeks to uplift itself. Comfortable customer lounges, free Wi-Fi, complimentary refreshments, these are just some of the improvements Proton dealers have made as the company seeks to become a leader in customer service.\nIf you still need a reason to try them out, consider also that both cars come with \nattractive packages as standard including free labour service, low financing rates and multiple incentives\n for those who insure their purchases with PROTON\u2019s panel of insurers. All that\u2019s left to do is to visit the dealer and to say \u2018\nHi Proton\n!\u2019 and you could be at the beginning of \nowning the most intelligent cars\n in the class."
"BMW Malaysia\n \nhas just announced the price of the all-electric BMW i7, not long after introducing the all-new BMW 7 Series in Malaysia. Available in the i7 xDrive60 M Sport variant only, the all-electric i7 costs \nRM 729,800\n.\nEssentially an electric version of the all-new BMW 7 Series, the i7 is quite hard to tell apart from the \u2018regular\u2019 7 Series with the exception of the location of the charging port and the lack of a fuel filler cap. Since the i7 for Malaysia is offered with the M Sport kit as standard, it looks very similar to the BMW 750e xDrive M Sport which was recently introduced in Malaysia.\nCurrently in the 7 Series lineup for Malaysia is the BMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence, 750e xDrive M Sport, and now the all-electric i7 xDrive 60 M Sport.\nPowering the BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport is a dual-motor setup that produces \n544 hp\n (400 kW) and \n745 Nm\n. This system propels the i7 from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n onward to a limited top speed of \n240 km/h\n.\nAs for battery and range, the i7 xDrive 60 packs a \n101.7-kWh\n battery pack and this provides \n625 km\n of range (WLTP). As for charging, it can be done at a maximum rate of \n11 kW\n with AC charging and \n195 kW\n with DC charging. The former fully charges the car in \n9.5 hours \nwhile the latter charges the car from 10% to 80% in approximately \n34 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 BMW 7 Series now in Malaysia \u2013 750e xDrive PHEV, M Sport and Pure Excellence variants, from RM650k\nInside, the i7 features a non-symmetrical tabletop design for the dashboard, with a scalloped wooden section (carbon fibre-look trims on M-badged models) that houses the new floating iDrive 8 curved display panels. It also has an Interaction Bar, which is a touch-sensitive transparent surface that spans across the entire front half of the cabin from door to door, hiding many of the control surfaces for the climate control system, lights, and even a \u201cbutton\u201d on the passenger side to open the powered door.\nIncluded in the price of the BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport is a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline, the BMEW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, BMW Privileges Card, and BMW services online.\nRELATED: \nBMW i7 eDrive50 unveiled \u2013 New entry-level variant, up to 611km of range\nGALLERY"
"The Proton R3 team, winner of last year\u2019s Sepang 1000km (S1K) Endurance Race will be fielding a new car to defend its title \u2013 the Proton Saga \u2013 which will be competing in the annual race for the first time alongside the Proton Iriz.\nThe duo will be entrusted to bring home a second consecutive and fourth overall race win for the national carmaker.\nFor this year\u2019s race, Proton opted for the Saga for its high torsional rigidity of its body, making it an ideal platform for competition use while its balanced handling and proven mechanical abilities are suited for the endurance race where cars are tested to the limits, clocking more than 180 laps in the process.\n\u201cThe Proton Saga name has had a long history in competing and winning in various motorsports competitions and the S1K is the perfect platform to reintroduce Proton fans to our R3 racing division while reminding them about the racing heritage of our best-selling model,\u201d said Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, Abdul Rashid Musa.\nThe four drivers who competed for the R3 team last year have been retained with last year\u2019s winning pair, Admi Shahrul and James Veerapan, now tasked with piloting the Proton Saga to a podium finish while Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali will race in the Proton Iriz.\n\u201cThis year we aim to get both cars on the podium, a tough task as the Proton Saga is a brand new car but with teamwork and a little bit of luck, I am confident of adding more glory to the company\u2019s record of racing success,\u201d said Proton R3, Team Principle, Gary Lee.\nTypically, races like the Sepang 1000KM require teams to go flat out for the first few laps before driving at a pre-determined pace to preserve the car and components such as tyres and brakes,\u201d he added."
"The future is closer than you\u2019d expect as production models of the BMW iNEXT is set to roll off the assembly line at Plant Dingolfing, Germany from 2021.\nCelebrating its world premiere at the \n2018 LA Motor Show\n, the BMW Vision iNEXT not only represents BMW\u2019s vision into the future of personal mobility but also highlights the excitement of the brand\u2019s future line-up of electric vehicles.\nNot much was revealed at its unveiling, except that design cues were taken from the iX3 but offers X5 levels of space inside.\nNotable features on the outside include cameras that replaces the conventional side mirrors, \nmuch like the new Lexus ES\n, and a front windscreen that merges with the panoramic roof.\nAt the back, the blue accents you see on the rear diffuser aren\u2019t actually painted on but is illuminated instead, for a more dramatic effect. It\u2019s said that when the car is introduced in 2021, BMW should offer it with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.\nAside from the suicide doors, the Vision iNEXT also comes with a very cool feature within the cabin. The rear seat upholstery can be used to control the features on the infotainment system \u2013 think of it as a touch pad on your laptop.\nSimply move your fingers on the upholstery the same way you would with your laptop or even smartphone and you\u2019d be able to control the volume of the music or even zoom into the visuals on the screen ahead.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2023 \nMercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC\n is here in Malaysia. Offered in a single variant only, the fully imported (CBU) luxury mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) SUV is offered at \nRM429,888\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your car insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to\u00a0\nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nMercedes-Benz\n introduces the 2023 GLC as an all-new model. However, its design looks more like a facelift of the X253 generation, rather than a complete redesign, like most all-new models are.\nSince the Malaysian spec Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with the AMG Line trim, it comes with a Mercedes-Benz star grille, and also a set of 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s slim Digital Light LED High-Performance headlights are also included, together with Adaptive Highbeam Assist.\nAt the back, the new GLC 300 comes with a bridged taillight design, which features an interior with a three-dimensional look. The taillights also come with a startup animation. At the bottom of the SUV\u2019s rear end is a simulated chrome under guard, which encases the simulated chrome-look tailpipes.\nRELATED: \nElectric Mercedes-Benz CLA and \u201celectric GLC\u201d to debut in 2024, may drop EQ name\nGlobally, the GLC is offered in more than four variants, and they are now all fully electrified. In Malaysia however, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 gets an MHEV 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged system. This is essentially a slightly more powerful version of the same powertrain unit found in the GLC 200 4MATIC, which is not available in Malaysia.\nPaired with the brand\u2019s 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, the GLC 300 produces a rated output of \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n from the engine alone. The Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which is part of the mild hybrid system, gives an extra boost of \n23 hp\n and \n200 Nm.\nThanks to Mercedes-Benz\u2019s 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system, power is sent to all four wheels. This enables the luxury SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.2 seconds\n and hit a top speed of \n240 km/h\n.\nInside, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 features a new interior that is on par with what\u2019s found in the current-generation \nC-Class\n (W206). At the centre of the GLC\u2019s interior is a portrait-oriented larger screen compared to its predecessor. Measuring 11.9 inches, the central screen features Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as MBUX Augmented reality navigation.\nThe new GLC 300 also comes with a 12.3-inch driver display, as well as ambient lighting with brand logo projection. As part of the AMG Line package, the GLC 300 also gets the latest AMG Line steering wheel design and also aluminium pedals. The seats are all wrapped in Artico man-made leather upholstery, with both the driver and front passenger seats being power-adjustable, and featuring memory functions as well.\nSafety-wise, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 in Malaysia is specified with passive cruise control, blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, and active brake assist. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Pre-Safe system, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, as well as the Parking Package with 360\u00b0 cameras, are also included in the GLC 300.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app\nGALLERY"
"Alpine\u2019s exploits and success in motorsports dating back to the 1970\u2019s have spawned interests and legacies long after its heyday. Entrusting Signatech (Alpine\u2019s race partner) with the design, development, production and sales, Alpine introduces the A110 Cup, as it looks to heightened the excitement behind the wheel of the light and agile, mid-engined sportscar.\nArmed with a 1.8-litre turbocharged direct injection engine with a race-developed air filter and exhaust system, the A110 Cup puts out \n270 hp\n with \n320 Nm\n of torque. Power is transmitted through a six-speed sequential gearbox with a limited-slip, self-locking differential.\nAnd weighing a measly 1,050 kg body, you can imagine how brutal the acceleration can be. Damping is tasked to Ohlins\u2019 coilivers with Slick and threaded Michelin tyres for traction. Stopping power is provided by Brembo\u2019s 6-pot calipers and rotors machined from a single piece of magnesium.\nInside its stripped interior that has been strengthened by a roll cage features a Sabelt bucket seat with a built-in head restraint and the XAP steering wheel with paddle shifters. There\u2019s also a digital instrument panel and a variety of control switches for traction control, ABS, radio, pit limiter and even for drink-feeding! It has also got an adjustable pedal box and steering column to help driver\u2019s position themselves snugly into the cockpit. It has even retained its original air-conditioning system.\nThe A110 Cup will be used to compete in a one-make championship called the Alpine Europa Cup in 18 separate races.\u00a0Alpine will be charging \u20ac100,000 (approx RM 493k) for the car, with series registration fees amounting to about \u00a318,000 (RM 88k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While Seb Ogier\u2019s string of six \nconsecutive World Rally Championship\n drivers\u2019 title was snapped in 2019, the Frenchman \u2013 now with the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC team run by Tommi Makinen \u2013 is back to winning rallies in 2020.\nThe \nRally Guanajuato M\u00e9xico\n was shortened by a day due to the widespread travel restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and Ogier was on top of the leaderboard when the organisers \nhalted proceedings on Saturday night\n after he had seized the lead on Friday.\n \nWhen the dust settled, Ogier finished ahead of \nreigning champion Ott Tanak\n, now with Hyundai, by 27.8 seconds, with \nTeemu Suninen\n a further 10 seconds back in a Ford. In terms of overall standings after the first three rallies, Ogier assumes the familiar position at the top with 62 points, followed by teammate Elfyn Evans and Thierry Neuville of Hyundai.\n \nThe heat at Rally Mexico got the better of this Ford Fiesta WRC.\nLike most motorsport events brought to a standstill by Covid-19 containment and travel restrictions, WRC and FIA \nwon\u2019t be able to ascertain when the season can resume\n. Rally Mexico was the last FIA-sanctioned motorsport event in the world to have been running before it was suspended."
"Shortly after the launch of the \nfacelifted A6 sedan\n, Audi Malaysia has announced the introduction of the facelifted A7 Sportback. The A7 Sportback used to be sold here in the 3.0 TFSI guise, and now it\u2019s back after a refresh inside and out.\nUnlike the similarly good-looking A6 sedan that\u2019s offered in either the 1.8 TFSI or the 3.0 TFSI guises, this svelte five-door coupe comes only in a 3.0 TFSI variant.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI quattro\n \nEngine\n2,995cc supercharged V6\nTransmission\n7-speed S tronic\nMax Power\n333 hp\nMax Torque\n440 Nm\nPrice\nRM 625,900.00\nEXTERIOR\nThe facelift is subtle but carries quite an impact to the whole vehicle. At the front, the \nSingleframe grille\n is more angular, while the sharp headlamps are slimmer than ever, and incorporates\u00a0\nfull-LED\n technology. The \n19-inch forged aluminium alloy wheel\n is new, but apart from that the side remains the same, which means it retains the dynamic silhouette that ends with the sexy \nKammback\n rear end.   The innards of the \nLED tail lamps\n have been redesigned, featuring \ndynamic turn indicators\n as seen on the recent Audis. As before, the \npop-up rear spoiler\n sits flush along the edges of the sharp boot when not in use, while down below a pair of \nrectangular tailpipes\n replace the rounded tips of the previous A7.\nINTERIOR\nMost part of the interior is lifted from the A6, so you should be able to recognise the \nthree-spoke sports steering wheel\n, the dashboard, and the centre console. The Malaysian-spec A7 comes with \nAluminum Delta dashboard inlay\n and \nValcona leather seats\n, and the front seats are not only \nelectrically-operated\n, they\u2019re \nventilated\n as well.\nMMI touch\n is standard here and it controls the huge \n8-inch display\n on the dash which also includes\u00a0\nMMI navigation plus\n. \nNvidia\n provides the powerful graphics processor, allowing for a smooth transition of the MMI screen. A \n6-slot DVD changer\n and a\n 600W, 14-speaker BOSE surround sound system\n combo should keep the passengers entertained, and they can also surf the internet thanks to \nAudi connect\n\u00a0that provides Internet connectivity with \nLTE high-speed data transmission\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n3.0 TFSI V6\n under the bonnet will sip \n7.6 litres of petrol per 100km\n thanks to the inclusion of\u00a0\nstart/stop system\n with energy recuperation. The V6 has also been massaged to produce \n333 hp\n, while\n 440 Nm\n of torque can be had from 2,900 rpm to 5,300 rpm. All the power goes to the \nquattro permanent all-wheel drive\n system via the \nseven-speed S tronic\n transmission, which enables the A7 Sportback to sprint from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n5.3 seconds\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe updated A7 Sportback now carries a price tag of \nRM625,900\n, and it\u2019s available in \nseven\u00a0colour choices\n: Glacier White, Ibis White, Floret Silver, Dakota Grey, Oolong Grey, Tornado Grey and Mythos Black. What do you think? Would you rather have this, or the \nMercedes-Benz CLS 400\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia today kick-started its Joy.Electrified campaign, which includes exclusive deals and offers for BMW\u2019s electrified iPerformance line-up of vehicles. The offer runs for a limited time from now until the \n31st March 2020\n.\nFirst up in the Joy.Electrified campaign is the \u2018Unplug & Play\u2019 offers exclusive for the \nBMW 530e\n. These include\n 0.33% financing rates\n with the BMW Straight Line Financing Solution, as well as \nrebates of up to RM20,000. \nClick to enlarge.\nAdditionally, the BMW 530e and other selected iPerformance vehicles will also receive a\n complimentary one-year BMW Comprehensive Motor Insurance\n, along with\n one-year BMW Ultimate Protection Programme\n.\nThe first-of-its-kind insurance plan is underwritten by Allianz General Insurance, and covers both the driver and vehicle special relief, scratch and dent, and compassionate floor cover, among others.\nClick to enlarge.\nThe BMW Comprehensive Motor Insurance also includes complete vehicle replacement in the event of Total Loss or theft within the first 12 months, along with instant claim processing of windscreen damage, as well as waiver of betterment for vehicles up to 10 years.\nThe campaign also includes the BMW ChargeNow Promo, where new owners of selected BMW electrified vehicles will also receive a free \nBMW i AC Fast Charging Cable\n and \nBMW ChargeNow card\n \u2013 granting access to a network of over 270 ChargEV charging stations.\nAdditionally, purchase of a \nBMW 740Le\n will also net you a complimentary \nBMW i Wallbox Plus\n and \nBMW i AC Fast Charging Cable\n, as part of the i Wallbox Promo.\nAll new BMW iPerformance vehicles will be covered by a \nsix-year or 100,000 km hybrid battery warranty\n for added peace of mind.\nThe Joy.Electrified campaign will hopefully help BMW Group Malaysia retain its lead in the electrified vehicle segment in Malaysia, where the group topped the ranks last year with a total of \n3,148 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles delivered\n."
"PHS Automotive Malaysia\n, the new guardian for the Audi brand here, has announced a voluntary recall totalling 2,767 cars for the inspection and replacement of the Takata airbag and related parts.\nThe models involved in the recall includes \nAudi A4 Sedan, A5 Sportback, A6 Sedan, Q5, and TT Coupe\n maufactured \nbetween 2008 and 2017\n, that are fitted with Takata airbags or gas generator for the airbag unit on the driver\u2019s side, passenger side, and curtains.\nBased on the manufacturer\u2019s latest update, the gas generator housing may be damaged if the airbag is deployed. This could cause small metal parts to become dislodged from the housing, posing a serious safety risk.\nPHSAM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cAt Audi, safety is paramount, and this will continue to be one of the distinguishing factors in our ongoing efforts to improve aftersales service. We recognise that the top reasons customers choose Audi are for its performance and safety features \u2013 and it is a high standard we will continue to uphold responsibly.\u201d\nThe \nTakata airbag recall \nhas involved more than 100 million vehicles worldwide, across multiple brands, since 2015. To date, there has been at least seven fatal accidents in Malaysia involving the faulty airbag system.\nWhile the company has determined the number of vehicles involved in the recall, not all of them will need replacement parts. However, all affected customers are encouraged to have their vehicles inspected at the company\u2019s service centres for better peace of mind.\nFor more information on the recall, customers are advised to visit the Audi Malaysia website, linked \nhere\n, or contact Audi Customer Service at \n1800-22-2834\n, or email via \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\nPHS Automotive also recently launched the new Audi Plus programme, offering a 10% discount on maintenance services at Audi Centres for vehicles five years and older. Customers will also receive 3 service discount vouchers, which are applicable within a period of three years after the fifth year of service, along with complimentary Audi Roadside Assistance nationwide for up to 12 months from the date of voucher redemption.\nREAD MORE: \nWhy are you not changing your defective Takata airbag?"
"The \nBugatti Chiron\n needs no introduction; powered by 1500hp and 1600 Nm from an 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine, it is as over-the-top a production car will ever get. So, the burning question is, which matching timepiece does a Chiron owner slip on when going out for a drive?\nAt \nUS$ 280,000\n a pop, the \nJacob & Co Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon\n isn\u2019t nearly as stratospherically priced in the horology world as the Chiron is for a car, but in terms of complications (in the watch sense), the New York-based jeweller took the literal route in paying tribute to the Chiron by giving it a working W16 \u2018engine\u2019 driven by an in-house \nhand-wound movement with a 60-hour power reserve\n and a \nTourbillion regulator\n for accurate time-keeping.\nYes, you\u2019ve read right. Housed within an \u2018engine block\u2019 made of sapphire is a \nCNC-milled steel crankshaft\n flanked by two main clusters of pistons and cylinder, each with its own narrow-vee configuration and a pair of turbochargers, just like the real thing. The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillonare has \nthree crowns\n; pressing the rightmost one gets the W16 cranking, the middle crown winds the movement while the leftmost crown sets the time.\n \nThe mechanicals of the watch movements and the miniature W16 \u2018engine\u2019 are also \nsuspended on four shock absorbers\n and sealed in a case made of \ntitanium \nand \nsapphire crystal\n, replete with a power reserve meter mimicking a car\u2019s fuel gauge. Taste is personal, and some horologists will no doubt recoil at the fact that such an outrageous timepiece even exists. But whether you think it\u2019s cool or grotesque, the Jacob & Co Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon does arguably echo the excessiveness of the hypercar which inspired it."
"Perodua\n has released a sales target of 240,000 cars for this year, a 9% increase from the 220,163 units sold last year. By comparison, the company sold 240,341 in the pre-pandemic days of 2019.\nOf the \n220,163 units sold in 2020\n, 66,330 were Myvis, 59,651 were Axias, and 56,996 were \nBezzas\n. As for the larger \nAruz\n, 22,494 were sold along with 14,691 Alzas \u2013 netting a 41.6% market share.\n \n\u201cWith the extension of the sales tax exemption to end-June 2021, recent COVID-19 vaccine developments and all our models continuing to be in demand, we believe 2021 will be the year of recovery,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\u201cWith the estimated recovery of Perodua\u2019s sales volume, the compact car maker is expected to purchase a record \nRM6.5 billion worth of locally-sourced components in 2021\n,\u201d he added.\n \n\u201cIn addition, with 2020 ending better than previously expected for both Perodua and the industry, we are looking to increase our stock to boost our production target to 272,000 vehicles this year \u2013 the highest in our history. This increase will replenish our stock to ensure brisk delivery this year,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said.\nPerodua\u2019s 2021 production target represents a \n23% increase over the 220,968 units manufactured in 2020\n. Considering Perodua vehicles are made of 90% local parts, the carmaker remains the biggest buyer of automotive components in Malaysia.\nAs for service intakes, Perodua is expecting it to grow by 20%; from 2 million units in 2020 to 2.4 million units in 2021."
"The \nMitsubishi ASX\n, or Mitsubishi Outlander as it is known in the American market, will now be offered with a larger \n2.4-litre engine\n and sold alongside the existing 2.0-litre variant.\nOffered there in two trims \u2013 the 2.4 ES and 2.4 GT, the larger MIVEC engine makes \n168 hp\n, about 20 horsepower more than the smaller engine. The range topping Outlander Sport 2.4 GT is equipped with power driver\u2019s seat, aluminium pedals, leather wrapped brake handle, blackened exterior roof rails and LED signal indicators built into the side mirrors.\nThere\u2019s also an optional GT Premium Package that gives you a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with nine speakers and a subwoofer. Panoramic sunroof, adjustable ambient lighting and auto dimming rear view mirror also comes with the pack, whereas the GT Touring Package adds leather seats, GPS navigation with 7-inch touch screen display unit, 3D mapping and real-time traffic monitoring.   Pricing for the Outlander Sport 2.4 ES is at USD 21,295 (RM76,000 est) and the range topper 2.4 GT is sold for USD 23,595 (RM84,000 est). They come with a 5-year or 100,000km fully transferable warranty, 10-year or 160,000km powertrain warranty, 7-year or 160,000km anti-corrosion perforation warranty and a 5-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance benefits. Interesting warranty scheme, don\u2019t you think?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Apart from the lack of charging infrastructure, charging the battery of an electric vehicle (EV) is the next hurdle in EV adoption.\nCurrently, public wallboxes in Malaysia takes close to two hours to fully charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Even with a 50kW DC quick charger, the Nissan Leaf still requires \n50 minutes\n to reach full charge, while the larger battery in a Porsche Taycan will reach \n80% capacity\n with a 175 kW high-performance charger in half an hour. For the record, China has an average of two high-performance chargers per 10 square-km area, similar to Germany.\nGeely, through their research and technology arm called Geely Technology Group, unveiled modular \nbattery swapping stations\n in the Chinese provinces of Chongqing and Shandong back in September 2020.\nIn this pilot city for its battery swapping technology, Geely has established battery swapping stations in 39 locations, with plans to expand to 200 locations by 2023. Furthermore, agreements have already been signed to establish more of these swapping stations in 1,000 locations throughout China. \u00a0\nGeely has finally produced a video of the entire battery swapping process in real-time (and with an English speaker). The smartphone app not only lists the nearest battery-swapping station, but also the quantity of batteries that are fully charged. Currently, the pilot programme only performs battery swapping on the \nMaple 80V\n, an EV version of the \nGeely\n \nJiaji\n seven-seater that is used in the Geely-owned Caocao mobility service provider.\n \nEach station is designed on a space of \n1,360 sq ft\n, covering 12 parking bays (6 by 2) and made to be easy to set up. The swapping process is similar to an automated car wash, where the driver is guided to the specific spot and patiently wait inside the car. Thanks to the smartphone app plus number plate recognition system, security and payment is done wirelessly and unmanned. \u00a0\nThe process is done in a synchronised manner, with the vehicle being lifted, the 53 kWh battery pack disconnected from the chassis while a fully-charged battery is being prepared. Once the depleted battery is placed on the awaiting tray, the following tray with the fresh battery is ready to be installed to the Caocao Maple 80V taxi.\nThe narrator, who is familiar with Geely operations, said the wires, walls and other fittings are fire-retardant, together with a heap of sensors to detect the breakout of the smallest fire. In a separate section of the station, automated battery inspection and fast charging is handled.\nGeely Technology Group has tested all the swapping equipment plus fast chargers to ensure the station has a minimum service life of \n10 years\n.\nThese Geely battery swapping stations open new pathways to an electrified future. With swappable batteries, the \nbattery as a service (BAAS)\n business model becomes a viable option to support and encourage the adoption of EVs.\nSeparating the cost of batteries from the cost of the vehicle will help make EVs more cost-competitive than ICE models sooner as well as boost EV resale value as consumers worry less about battery degradation. In China, as well as all over the world, many apartments and condominiums still live without the necessary charging facilities for electric vehicles. With these stations, the inconvenience of charging is eliminated in just 60 seconds."
"Gordon Murray, famed automotive designer best known for his work on the \nMcLaren F1\n, is making a new supercar. Hailed as the spiritual successor to the legendary F1, the new Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) T.50 promises to be the purest, most driver-focused supercar ever built.\nAccording to GMA, those words mean a mid-mounted screaming (up to 12,100 rpm!) V12 engine, proper manual gearbox, and above all else, lightness \u2013 the \nT.50 will weigh just 980 kg\n fully built.\nTo do that, Gordon Murray says the team had an \u201cunflinching dedication to lightweighting\u201d while designing the car. For instance, the 3.9-litre \u2018Cosworth Gordon Murray Automotive\u2019 engine that produces \n650 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, weighs \nless than 180 kg\n \u2013 more than 60 kg lighter than the BMW-sourced V12 in the F1.\nThe six-speed H-pattern manual gearbox, specifically sourced from XTrac, is also designed to be extra light \u2013 10 kg lighter than the F1\u2019s gearbox, while the supercar\u2019s fully carbon fibre monocoque and body panels weigh less than 150 kg in total.\nThe ultra-light Xtrac manual gearbox.\nIn fact, GMA takes lightness so seriously that the senior design and engineering teams even hold a weekly \u201cweight-watchers meeting\u201d to ensure no single part \u2013 including the 900 fasteners in the car \u2013 are bigger or heavier than they need to be.\n\u201cToday, the enjoyment of driving has been lost as so many supercars only come \u2018alive\u2019 at the upper-ends of their performance capabilities. Chasing a top speed only adds weight (notably through ever-more powerful engines), so the future of true performance cars lies in shedding weight intelligently,\u201d explains Murray.\nAnd it gets better, still. The T.50 will feature \u201cintelligent management of underbody airflow\u201d, which basically means a ground effect fan similar to that of the Brabham BT46B Formula 1 car (that was banned just after one race). We\u2019d expect T.50 to pull mind-bending amounts of G-forces around corners thanks to its lightweight and ground effect aerodynamics.\nThat\u2019s a lot of things to get excited about, and fortunately we don\u2019t have to wait much longer. Cosworth is currently testing a three-cylinder mockup of the engine, and should have a preliminary V12 engine on the dyno in the coming months.\nThe six-speed manual gearbox prototype has also been delivered and is currently undergoing testing. If all goes according to plan, there should be a running T.50 test vehicle come September."
"Proton\n\u2019s wholly owned subsidiary, Proton Global Services Sdn Bhd (PGS) has appointed Industrial Laboratories Sdn Bhs as its second solar photovoltaic (PV) system supplier. The appointment serves to expand the adoption of solar power in Proton\u2019s network of dealers and vendors. It is also part of Proton\u2019s sustainability of initiatives to boost ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scores.\nPGS has a presence in a diverse range of business activities and executes energy optimization and sustainable energy solutions for Proton. Industrial Laboratories is a major supplier and service provider of renewable energy solutions in Malaysia with experience throughout Southeast Asia.\nProton Global Services Chief Executive Officer, Lee Yeet Chuan said, \u201cNew energy is one of the core business activities for PGS and aside from promoting and implementing the use of solar energy to our dealers and vendors, we have also overseen the installation of a solar farm at Proton\u2019s plant in Tanjung Malim capable of producing 12MWp and generating potential energy bill savings of up to RM3.5 million per year for Proton for 25 years.\u201d\n\u201cWith the addition of Industrial Labs as our second PV system supplier, we are looking to accelerate the adoption of solar power in the Proton network of dealers and vendors in 2023 to further reduce carbon emissions for the company.\u201d\nRELATED: \nProton\u2019s PRO-NET and Petronas\u2019 Gentari to build 20 DC fast chargers in 2023\nRepresenting Industrial Laboratories Sdn Bhd during the signing ceremony was the company\u2019s co-founder and director, Shamsul Azhar bin Zainuddin. He said, \u201cThe United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt last year outlined steps that needed to be taken to ensure global temperature increases are minimised compared to pre-industrial levels. Decarbonising energy production is one of the initiatives being promoted, which is why we are delighted to work together with PGS as promoting clean and renewable energy like solar is a step in the right direction.\u201d\nOn a national level, Malaysia has committed to be a carbon neutral nation by 2050. Manufacturers such as Proton play a pivotal role to help reduce the country\u2019s carbon emission levels.\nOn the appointment of Industrial Labooratories, Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cWith ESG parameters gaining more prominence each year, all corporate entities must look at ways to improve their scores in these areas. Beyond the score card however, PROTON has a responsibility as a national automotive brand to play an active role to help Malaysia reach its carbon neutral goal by 2050, which is why we will continue to promote more green initiatives within the company and to our ecosystem for the foreseeable future.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPRO-NET is Proton\u2019s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network"
"It\u2019s here now, the dawn of a new era in the global automotive scene. Toyota Motor Corporation presented their all-new Fuel Cell Vehicle (\nFCV\n), the \nToyota Mirai\n, which will be officially launched in Japan come 15 December.\nAs one of the pioneering manufacturers championing alternative fuel, Toyota revealed that the Mirai \u2013 which means \nfuture\n \nin Japanese \u2013 will feature their new Toyota Fuel Cell System (\nTFCS\n) technology that combines both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology. It is said to be \nmore energy efficient\n than traditional internal combustion engines.\nAccording to Toyota, the Mirai manages an average cruising range of \n650km\n with a hydrogen refueling time of three minutes \u2013 roughly the same time as refueling conventional fuel sources. The TFCS technology is comprised of \nToyota FC Stack\n, \nFC Boost Converter\n and two highly pressurised \nhydrogen tanks\n.\nHere\u2019s how the components work:\nToyota FC Stack\nThis Fuel Cell Stack (also known as fuel cell unit) is where the magic happens. It generates electricity through a chemical reaction between \nhydrogen\n and \noxygen\n, the latter of which is fed via air inlets, of course. This fuel cell unit generates a maximum output of \n153 horsepower\n. The only emission this unit will produce is \nwater vapour\n!\nFC Boost Converter\nThis compact, high-capacity and high-efficient\n \nconverter ups the powered generated by the FC Stack to \n650 volts\n, which made it possible for Toyota to reduce the overall size of the electric motor and consequently reducing system and maintenance costs.\nHigh-pressure Hydrogen Tanks\nAs described above, two tanks with storage volume totaling up to \n122.4 litres \n\u2013 60 litres front tank, 62.4 litres rear tank \u2013 store hydrogen at 700 bars. The tanks are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic.\nYou can read the more detailed explanation of these units \nhere\n.\nHydrogen in its purest form is \nextremely unstable\n and \nhighly flammable\n, so the engineers at Toyota have sophisticated safety and preventive measures that will ensure the complete stoppage of hydrogen flow in the event of a leakage. The hydrogen tanks are \nplaced outside\n of the cabin, making way for better dissipation, thus preventing the hydrogen from accumulating.\nMore on the safety front; the Mirai gets a pre-collision system, lane departure system, blind spot monitoring system and the drive-start control system that limits sudden jolts during acceleration or when shifting gears.\nAnother interesting feature of the Mirai is its large-capacity power supply system of about 60 kilowatt-hour. It is capable of producing a maximum output of 9 kW for use during power outages, which means it can \npower your house\n, provided that the wiring is compatible.\nEXTERIOR\nNow, you may think that the design is a tad too futuristic for its time, but it\u2019s no form without function. The Mirai\u2019s front face is designed to draw in air for the oxygen supply needed by the FC Stack.   Complementing the fascia are the super thin LED lights with built-in heat sinks. The signal indicators are separated from the headlights, and the front look is finished by vertically positioned LED daytime running lights. All this design translates to improved aerodynamics.\nThe underside of the car is fully covered and minimises turbulence. This promotes better air flow and improves fuel efficiency and to some extent, its handling.\u00a0The Mirai comes with \n17-inch lightweight aluminium\n wheels, and can be had in six exterior body colours which includes the two-tone Pure Blue Metallic.\nINTERIOR\nOn the inside, the Mirai gets a high-luminance silver finish throughout the cabin, whereas the driver and passenger seats are electrically powered with eight-way adjustments. A \n4.2-inch TFT\n screen is housed in the instrument cluster.   The Toyota Mirai will go on sale in countries with proper refueling infrastractures. Toyota Motor Corporation aims to sell about \n400 units\n of this four-seater, four-door FCV by the end of 2015. It\u2019s on sale now for RM210k in Japan.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Toyota Mirai, Fuel Cell Vehicle"
"The future for compact hatchbacks, and by extension, hot-hatches is looking grim. Earlier this month, we reported that the \nFord Focus RS is being killed\n due to tightening emission regulations. Not two weeks later, a separate report has surfaced pointing to the death of the \nRenault Megane\n, including its \nMegane R.S.\n hot hatch counterpart, although this time for a different reason.\nRenault design chief, Laurens van den Acker, has told \nAuto Express UK\n that the future of the Megane is in doubt, citing dwindling sales figures and increased focus on the development of electric vehicles. Van den Acker says that the company is looking at whether the development costs associated with the Megane project can be better utilised elsewhere.\n\u201cInevitably, once we\u2019re starting to add a range of EVs to our line-up, some of the other vehicles are going to have to go because we just can\u2019t afford to develop all of this at the same time,\u201d van den Acker explained. \u201cThe Megane is in a segment that\u2019s increasingly under pressure. You have to put your money where the future of the market is.\u201d\nThe Megane has been the French carmaker\u2019s bread and butter since its introduction in 1995. However, sales of the \nVW Golf\n rival has been falling steadily in the past decade. In fact, the figure has more than halved in less than 10 years, with only 209,845 unit sold across Europe last year, compared to 465,732 examples in 2010.\nEven more shockingly, the Renault Megane only sold 2,699 units last year in the UK. To put it in context, Volkswagen sold 58,994 units of the golf in the same period.\nThis might be the last generation of the Megane RS to \ngrace the Sepang Circuit\n.\nLocally, the Renault Megane is only available in the \nspiciest R.S. 280 flavour.\n Recently, TC Euro Cars also announced that the Megane R.S. is will be offered with its \nnew Renault Subscription plans\n, with subscription fees \nstarting at RM3,999 per month\n.\nWould you, dear reader, be upset to see the Megane go? We know we definitely would \u2013 we liked the Megane R.S. so much it\u2019s featured in our \n#ABC2019 AutoBuzz.my Best (Driver\u2019s) Car of 2019\n."
"The Movement Control Order (MCO) has been in\n effect for almost an entire month now\n, but just how well have Malaysians been complying to the directives? According to data from Waze, we\u2019ve done a pretty sterling job so far!\nAccording to Waze, traffic on Malaysian roads were significantly reduced (by \napproximately 80%\n) during the MCO period, compared to the daily average recorded between 11 February to 25 February 2020. The statistic mirrors, but exceeds the global trend of 60% in traffic reduction.\nDespite the sharp reduction in traffic, many essential journeys still have to be made every day \u2013 be it grocery runs, seeking medical help, or essential workers travelling to-and-fro work.\nIn support of these road users, Waze map editors and Crisis Response teams have begun working with 58 countries (and counting) to add region-specific relief efforts, such as road closures and red-zones to the map.\nDrastic drop in traffic within Kuala Lumpur since 18 March.\nThe crowd-sourcing navigation app has also rolled-out a\n COVID-19 landing page\n, urging governments to contribute data on medical testing a well as welfare centre locations to help improve its map information for its users.\nIf you own a business and is listed on the Waze directory, you can also now add specific \u201ccurbside pick-up\u201d or \u201cdrive-through\u201d badges to your business listing to help promote social distancing measures."
"Your days of struggling with the flimsy road tax stickers are over, as Transport Minister Anthony Loke has just announced that starting today, private vehicle owners no longer have to display the \u2018road tax\u2019 on their vehicles.\nFrom this joyous day onward, Malaysian private vehicle owners only need to show their vehicle license (e-LKM) and driving license details (e-LMM) from the MyJPJ app if required. The transport minister has encouraged the public to make their registrations on the JPJ portal \nhere\n.\nScreenshots from the MyJPJ mobile application showing the road tax and the driver\u2019s license\nDuring a press conference today, Anthony Loke said, \u201cI welcome all drivers and vehicle owners to transition to the digital platform. With this, the congestion and long lines at JPJ counters will be reduced.\u201d\nThe news comes as Section 20 of the Road Transport Act will no longer be enforced. Previously it was a must for motor vehicles to have the vehicle license fixed and displayed on the vehicle itself.\nRELATED: \nRoad tax and license renewals could soon be done online \u2013 JPJ\nIn the bigger picture, the transport ministry is making an effort to digitize the road transport department\u2019s services, particularly for motor vehicle licenses and driving licenses. It is essentially a step forward from the digitalization that took place when the previous vehicle grant was transformed into the \nVehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC)\n.\nThe digital transformation of the \u2018road tax\u2019 will take place in stages, first starting with private vehicles which include cars and motorcycles. Digitalization will not yet happen for foreigners, holders of learners and vocational licenses, as well as international driving permits. For these purposes, a physical license will still be required. They will perhaps be digitalized in the next few stages of the transport ministry\u2019s efforts.\nAnthony Loke adds, \u201cLastly, I want to stress that action will continue to be taken against anyone found driving a vehicle without a valid motor vehicle or driving license, in line with the Road Transport Act.\u201d\nRELATED: \nJPJ introduces Vehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC) to combat cloned cars\nGALLERY"
"The US will be getting their own version of the \nHonda HR-V\n this year, and the carmaker\u2019s American arm has just published the first teaser images for it. But upon seeing it, one thing just stood out to us immediately \u2013 doesn\u2019t this look just a little too much like the \nFord Kuga\n? I mean, just take a look at it:\nIt\u2019s got the same slim-style headlights with the LED daytime running lights running below it (albeit flipped, to be fair), a similarly-shaped grille with short edges near the headlights, and they\u2019ve even got the same bumper design with angular slats below the grille, and C-shaped air intakes at the corners.\nIt\u2019s almost as if Ford told Honda: \u201cGo ahead, but just change it a bit so it doesn\u2019t look too blatant, OK?\u201d We\u2019re joking, obviously, but you can\u2019t deny that there\u2019s an uncanny resemblance between the two.\nFortunately, the resemblance doesn\u2019t continue at the rear, with the Honda HR-V getting a more stylised tail lamp design with a squiggly light signature round the bottom. Although, the raked tailgate design trend is shared between the two.\nFrom the looks of it, the US-exclusive Honda HR-V could also be larger than the global version, possibly to compete against the Toyota Corolla Cross that was launched in the region last year. The biggest giveaway is the additional rear quarter windows; the global model\u2019s lighthouse ends at the C-pillars with a hidden door handle. Of course, we\u2019ll have to wait until the launch to confirm that.\nRELATED: All-new Honda HR-V unveiled in Thailand, only in e:HEV hybrid powertrain\nThe global-spec Honda HR-V e:HEV\nAs usual, No technical details have been revealed just yet, but we expect the US-only HR-V to share its powertrain with Honda Civic, including the 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC mill that\u2019s also found in the Malaysian-spec Civic launched just yesterday.\nWith Mazda offering all-wheel drive across the board for the\n CX-30 \n(and standard on the \nCX-5\n) over in the US, it\u2019s also likely that Honda will at least offer it as an option, possibly together with the e:HEV hybrid powertrain."
"Volvo recently announced that the latest Polestar tuning package for Volvo vehicles equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and owners in Malaysia can rejoice as Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has confirmed that the \nPolestar AWD optimisation software\n will be available in Malaysia soon.\nThe software update is available for all petrol and diesel variants of the Volvo 90 series, 60 series and XC40 that are equipped with AWD. The software tweaks the AWD system to feature a rear-biased torque split, allowing the car to have sharper turn-ins, better control and engagement in a corner as well as improved traction when pulling away.\nA more dynamic \nS90 & V90 T6 R-Design\n with the optimisation software\nTo engage the optimisation software, drivers will have to put the car into Dynamic drive mode or have Electronic Stability Control disabled. This software is not available for plug-in hybrid models as the T6 Twin Engine and T8 Twin Engine already features a rear-biased AWD.\nVCM did not confirm the availability and pricing details of the Polestar AWD optimisation as the software was only introduced recently."
"Following the extension of the SST exemptions \nuntil the end of the year\n as part of the Government\u2019s Pemerkasa+ plan, BMW Malaysia has now announced the SST-exempted pricing information for the \n430i M Sport Coupe\n, as well as the \nM3\n \nand\n \nM4 Competition\n, which were previously announced with their full prices due to product availability schedule.\nAs these are fully imported models, a 50% exemption for the sales and service tax will be applied. As such, the the BMW 430i M Sport Coupe is now priced at \nRM390,033\n (-RM16k), while the M3 Competition and M4 Competition Coupe starts at \nRM639,664\n (-RM25k) and \nRM659,357\n (-RM25k) respectively.\nThe prices above are all on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the basic two-year factory warranty. With the optional five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and free-service package box ticked at checkout, the BMW 430i is priced at \nRM403,153\n, while the M3 and M4 Competition rises to \nRM665,904\n and \nRM685,597\n respectively \u2013 with SST exemptions applied.\nNot a fan of the huge grilles on either of these cars? Check out the BMW M340i xDrive instead! Read our review here.\n \nAside from the updated pricing, the cars\u2019 spec sheet remain identical from before. The BMW 430i M Sport Coupe continues to be powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe M3 and M4 Competition models, meanwhile, are packed with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, which makes \n510 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n of torque to power the rear wheels strictly via an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nCompleting the regular 3 Series line-up here in Malaysia is the all-new BMW 330Li. Read more about it here!\nFor the full specifications and features of the BMW 430i, M3 Competition, and M4 Competition here in Malaysia, head on over to our full launch breakdowns available \nhere\n and \nhere\n."
"During the media preview event yesterday at Sepang International Circuit, where we also learned about the \nthree-cylinder engine\u2019s NVH-specific improvements\n, Proton has also finally revealed the details of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features on the Proton X50, exclusive to the Flagship variant.\nAs you probably are aware, the Flagship variant of the Proton X50 will be equipped with level two autonomous driving capabilities as standard \u2013 a feature that Proton boasts as a first in its class. We\u2019ve explained the \ndifferences between the Level 2 and Level 1 system\n (as on the \nX70\n) before, but in short, Level 2 autonomous driving includes\n sustained control \nfor lateral movements (i.e. steering) in addition to longitudinal control, or accelerating and braking.\nThe main highlight of the L2 autonomous feature on the Proton X50 Flagship is the \nIntelligent Cruise Control (ICC)\n, which is capable of providing acceleration, braking, and steering assistance in certain driving conditions. Essentially, it combines the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system from the X70 together with \nlane keeping assist\n and \nlane centering assist\n, which allows the car to follow another car ahead at a predetermined distance at up to speeds of 150 km/h.\nOn the ACC front, the system has also been improved from the one on its elder brother, with the addition of a stop-go functionality, allowing the X50 to brake to a complete stop depending on the vehicle ahead. If the stop was less than three seconds, the system on the X50 will resume driving (in cruise control) automatically without any driver input; otherwise, the driver will need to click on the resume button or apply the accelerator to resume cruise control.\nThe ICC system also gains an overtake assist feature, which automatically speeds up the car if the turn indicator was activated, along with a curve deceleration control which automatically applies the brakes slightly to help the car steer into the bend.\nBeing an assistance feature, the ICC system still requires the drivers to put their hands on the steering wheel at all times. A torque sensor within the steering wheel detects for driver input, and a warning chime will kick in to instruct the driver to keep their hands on the wheels if no movement is detected. If the driver\u2019s hands were not detected for an extended period of time, the system will disengage automatically.\nThe Proton X50 Flagship variant is also equipped with autonomous parking assist, or APA as proton calls it \u2013 another level two autonomous driving assistance feature which can automatically park the car in both perpendicular and parallel parking spots, as well as exiting from tight parallel spaces.\nFor the purpose of keeping the drivers mindful of their surroundings at all times when using the system, the X50 requires drivers to keep their hands held on the parking assist button on the centre console. The system stops immediately if the driver releases the button \u2013 useful in the event of sudden obstacles \u2013 and can be resumed by holding the button again.\nOther advance driver assistance features on the Proton X50 Flagship include forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), an improved blind spot monitor with indicators located within the side mirrors (\na la\n Volvo), and intelligent high beam control.\nThe Proton X50 is\n \nnow open for booking\n, though no pricing has been announced just yet. Four variants are available \u2013 Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship, with the ADAS system mentioned above only reserved for the range-topping Flagship variant.\nThe lower three variants is equipped with a port-injection version of the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, capable of making 150 hp and 226 Nm of torque, while the range-topper Proton X50 Flagship gets a direct-injection version of the same engine, bumping up the outputs to 177 hp and 255 Nm. Both engines are mated to a retuned seven-speed DCT gearbox."
"There\u2019s a saying that goes, Christmas only comes once and this is similarly the case with our annual AutoBuzz.my\u2019s Best Cars of the Year video.\nUnlike Christmas however, there\u2019s no need to set aside our differences for a greater good. Instead, as with every year, we celebrated the diversity and differences of all the supercars and high performance wheels we\u2019ve had the privilege to drive with the Top 6 featured in this 2018 edition.\nBrought to you in collaboration with \nBosch\n, this year\u2019s line up is unlike any other; with the Ferrari 812 Superfast, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo and the Volkswagen Golf R making up the ranks.\nFerrari 812 Superfast\nDenis:\n\u00a0With a 6.5-litre V12 sitting up front, you\u2019d think it has too much weight over its front wheels. With \n800 hp\n and \n719 Nm\n channelled through to the rear axle, you\u2019d imagine it to feel all \u201csquirrely\u201d and a total handful. But, no and no, the Ferrari defies physics. The first thing that hits you is how light the steering is (even in the scariest mode), how delicately the throttle responds and how refined the powertrain is \u2013 subjectively, the Superfast is on a different plane compared to the rest here.\nGC Mah, Managing Editor, with the Ferrari 812 Superfast\nEven the ride is supple, as far as supercars go. Like a scalpel with four wheels, the Ferrari is a weapon of high precision, its mission is to carve an imaginary racing line on roads you drive on, with every tiny input eliciting a soul-gratifying reaction. It\u2019ll reward a skilled hand handsomely, yet it doesn\u2019t intimidate a beginner either. What a thing.\nEu Jin:\n At full throttle, the Ferrari 812 Superfast was by far the maddest road-legal car I\u2019ve ever driven. If you thought it had a silly name like I did, a quick 100 metre sprint in it, will change that perception. Never have I felt such a slow-creeping yet intense head rush solely from the flex of my right toe without having to ingest industrial-amounts of substances.\nSteering response was bar none to anything I\u2019ve ever gotten behind the wheel of. The time it takes for the car to react to your steering input was probably faster then what it took for your brain to deliver the message to your hands. As for the up and downshifts, well, have you fired a shotgun before?\nAston Martin V8 Vantage\nDenis:\n There is no compulsion to mention James Bond when describing an Aston Martin, but in the flesh, the Vantage could be the prettiest co-star Agent 007 will lay hands on. It\u2019s a bit of a shame that Aston Martin couldn\u2019t spare as as much effort with the interior as they did with the exterior, because with the venerable AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine sitting front midship, the new Vantage has that the sweet balance which Aston Martins are known for.\nEu Jin, the troublemaker, with the Aston Martin V8 Vantage\nIt doesn\u2019t feel the fastest here, nor the most agile but it is the most communicative; you can easily discern the degree of weight transfer and even tell how much purchase the rear tyres have on the surface. And that ass.James, please don\u2019t bend this one.\nEu Jin:\n While it may have been my appointed Driver\u2019s Car of the Year, having the privilege of all six stupidly fast cars at our disposal meant I could jump from one to another. You classify the Superfast and Vantage to be supercars but it\u2019s clear that the latter was the more \u201cdocile\u201d of the two, despite having over \n500 hp\n and close to \n700 Nm\n at its disposal.\nAs quick as it was, the distinction was clear. With the Superfast demanding every ounce of concentration you never thought you could muster, the Vantage allows you to tango with it at a tempo you so please. If the old Vantage was a clean-shaven James Bond with a laser pen, this new one looks more like John Wick, lined with every possible heavy armoury within it\u2019s pin-stripped suit.\nLamborghini\n\u00a0Urus\nDenis:\n If you somehow still think that Lamborghini shouldn\u2019t have made an SUV, don\u2019t. The Urus is a welcomed addition the growing number of high-riding vehicles that behave like supercars. Whilst it may share Audi/Bentley/Porsche/VW underpinnings, the flavour of the Urus is Lamborghini\u2019s own, from the evocative styling to a drive that\u2019s unexpectedly well-rounded. For Lamborghini owners who always craved for a daily driver, this is it.\nDenis Wong, Head of Editorial at AutoBuzz.my, with the Lamborghini Urus\nThe Urus will ride smoothly in town and cruise in relative comfort on its air suspension.until you slap the drive mode toggle to \u2018Corsa\u2019 to summon a brutal demeanour more reminiscent of cars that wear the raging bull insignia. The manner which the Urus resists roll (it has active roll damping and four-wheel steer) and tucks into corners is alien for something that weighs 2.2-tonne.\nEu Jin:\n To make the Urus is to allow those who couldn\u2019t afford a supercar back when they were in their 30\u2019s, 40\u2019s or even 50\u2019s, a chance to own a Lamborghini. Lets face it, for a person of obscene financial means, it\u2019s not a pleasant realisation when your belly comes in the way of you getting in and out of the car.\nIn the Urus, there\u2019s none of that ungraceful nonsense aside from profound presence of all the elements of what makes a Lamborghini, a Lamborghini. Right from the crank of the V8 engine to the fighter jet-like cockpit, the Urus oozes all the excitement a Super SUV should offer. Better yet, you can now share that with four other passengers, without the slightest groan over a lack of headroom.\nPorsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo\nDenis:\u00a0\nOne is entirely within reason to expect the Sport Turimo to perform just like how a Porsche would \u2013 sporty, with equal measures of performance and handling. And it delivers, but against the backdrop of rapid (and rabid) cars, the Sport Turismo is somehow missing a bit of the usual Porsche sparkle, perhaps weighed down by expectations of its jaw-dropping styling, if not the actual near two-tonne kerb weight. What the Sport Turismo 4S does show is that Porsche is at ease serving up \u2018luxury\u2019 as well as \u2018sport\u2019, and its impeccably built cabin was my personal pick for the long journey home.\nChung Yi-shen of \nAutoBuzz.my (Chinese)\n with the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo\nEu Jin:\n We could not have done this without the household deity from the temple of automotive gods but rather than showing up, predictably, in a 911 GT3 or GT2 RS, we went for the Sport Turismo instead and in typical Porsche fashion, it did not disappoint.\nSure, the former could render the Panamera as nothing more than a speck on their rear view mirrors but with a precisely-measured interior that looks like a surgery room draped in leather, a body style that finally pleases the eye and a throaty V6 to match its predictable driving characteristics, the Panamera Sport Turismo is a worthy torch bearer of a driver-oriented, four-door Porsche.\nMercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC\nDenis:\n How a car with such a rude exhaust note can pass homologation is anyone\u2019s guess, but it does sum up the E63 S in a nutshell. It\u2019s a relief that Mercedes-AMG didn\u2019t choose the route of the BMW M5 and made it all super refined, nothing really wrong with every day drivability but a proper AMG needs to retain some badass-ness about them, something which the E 63 S has in spades; from the stomach-churning \n850 Nm\n of torque from its twin-turbo V8 to a playful AWD system that prefers rear-wheel drive most of the time.\nDominic Yee, Co-founder of AutoBuzz.my, with the Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC\nThe lack of decorum befits the E 63 S, this is a super saloon that goads you into taking more liberties and begs for a hard spanking on your favourite piece of tarmac. By far the naughtiest car of the bunch.\nEu Jin:\n The E63 S can be quite a bit of a confusing mix really; to have so much brute force in a supposed luxury sedan is like a concoction of alcohol that just doesn\u2019t end well as a cocktail. But like a hazardous mix, it\u2019s potent and when that kicks in, it\u2019s nirvana.\nWith such explosive power, in such an evil facade, this is by far the most cynical set of wheels in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s line-up. It should also come with a \u201cbuy at your own risk\u201d disclaimer form.\nVolkswagen Golf R\nDenis:\n Yes, the Golf R is hopelessly outgunned here in firepower, but because real-world performance is about coping with driving conditions that are far from ideal and making the most out of what you\u2019ve got, the little three-door Golf turned out to be as good as any in this exalted company in covering ground rapidly, really.\nAdrian Chia, the wizkid, with the Volkswagen Golf R\nThe mechanical package of the R is potent when deployed \u2013 we are talking about all-weather traction, instant on-demand response from the powertrain and an agile chassis. Everyone who jumped into the Golf R felt at ease immediately and went fast without breaking a sweat, surely that\u2019s what great hot hatches are about.\nEu Jin: \nWhichever aspect of the car you\u2019re focused on, the Golf R does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the rest of the \u201cmillion Ringgit club members\u201d but over the course of the two days it spent with the big boys, it was like watching me fight Muhammad Ali till the very last round.\nExcept for the lack of blistering pace compared to every car but the Panamera Sport Turismo, this thing just stuck on with the pack with the resilience and stubbornness of household flies on a slab of meat. When things got a little wet, slippery and unpredictable, guess which car prevailed and surged ahead without the slightest concern of oversteer? Yeap.\n*We\u2019d like to thank Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen for their unwavering support in making this possible.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY   Ferrari 812 Superfast   Aston Martin V8 Vantage   Lamborghini Urus   Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo   Mercedes-AMG E63S 4MATIC   Volkswagen Golf R"
"Following the announcement of the \nSales Tax Exemption\n, Lexus Malaysia has released an updated price list on its vehicles.\nThe new prices are effective beginning 15th of June but instead of the 31st December end-date given by the government, Lexus Malaysia\u2019s sales tax exempted prices will remain until the \n31st of January\n.\nDiscounts have been massive with every vehicle offered by Lexus reduced by more than RM10k, \nexcept for the Lexus UX Urban and Luxury we got to test earlier this year\n.\nAll variants of the new Lexus UX\n are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, producing\u00a0\n169 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n205 Nm\n\u00a0of torque, paired to a Direct Shift CVT (mechanical first gear) to drive the front wheels.\nFor the updated price list from other car brands in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"In efforts to expand\nits local dealership network, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just appointed Pekin\nAuto Sdn Bhd as its latest dealer representative in Johor Bahru. This brings\nthe total number of dealers nationwide to 13.\nThe new 3S Centre (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) will be located near Skudai and furnished with Volvo\u2019s latest VRE (Volvo Retail Experience) standards. Although the new centre is not officially launched, it will be a strategic touchpoint for VCM to connect with fans and customers in the Southern region.\nVRE with a Swede touch\nVCM is committed to implementing the next phase of its transformation plan with a focus on customer experience and dealer network. Managing Director of Volvo Cars, Nalin Jain said: \u201cVRE goes beyond its Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics; it is the manifestation of our brand values and our desire to take care of our customers throughout their whole journey with Volvo Cars.\u201d\nThe expanding dealer network and support are also reflected in the company\u2019s sales growth in the first half of 2019 of more than 60% \u2013 a record figure for VCM. VCM is looking to launch more dealerships in the coming months."
"Having played host to the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (International Automobile Exhibition in English) since 1951, the city of Frankfurt will handover the baton to \nMunich \nfor the next installment of the motor show in \n2021\n.\nThe last IAA held in September 2019 saw \n560,000 visitors\n setting foot on Messe Frankfurt, which constituted a \n30% decrease\n from over 800,000 in 2017 and a high of 935,000 in 2015. There were also notable absentees among the list of exhibitors including Ferrari, Toyota, Renault and Fiat in 2019.\nMercedes-Benz\u2019s pavilion at the IAA 2019.\nThe German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) conceded that the form\nat of the IAA had to be redesigned\n to reflect the changing automotive landscape and invited different cities in Germany to bid for the biennial portion of the passenger car show, with the commercial vehicle exhibition (also named IAA) to remain in Hanover.\n\u201cMunich has beaten off the competition from Berlin and Hamburg. All three cities that had made it onto the shortlist of possible locations presented very ambitious and convincing plans for continuing the IAA\u2019s development together with the VDA,\u201d said VDA President Hildegard M\u00fcller, adding, \u201cIt was a very close race, and for this I sincerely wish to thank those involved.\u201d\n \nThe Porsche Taycan at the IAA 2019.\nAccording to VDA, the IAA will evolve into a \n\u2018mobility platform\u2019\n apart from showcasing the fascination of the car, it is expected to trigger the host city\u2019s development into a \u2018smart city\u2019 with intelligent traffic concepts and innovative connectivity linking various modes of transport. In the view of VDA, the city of Munich and its concept offer the best conditions for this and also for the \nrelaunch of the IAA\n.\nThe state of Bavaria is also the home turf of \nBMW \nand \nAudi\n."
"Ahead of its world debut next year in January in Detroit, USA, Infiniti has released an image of a new concept car that would preview what would be with the new generation of Infiniti vehicles and will be the first representation of a new Infiniti design language.\nThe new Infiniti concept car will take the traditional saloon architecture to its next stage of evolution, said Infiniti Executive Design Director, Karim Habib.\nFrom the features on the new concept car, at least based on what has been revealed, it actually resembles the next-generation\u00a0\nInfiniti QX50\n we recently reported \u2013 especially with the sharp, squinty headlamps and grille design but we\u2019ll just have to see what becomes of it.\nOn the side note, the QX50 revealed just recently will be powered by a 2.0-litre VC-Turbo engine with a likely output of around\n 268 hp\n and \n390 Nm\n \u2013 officially, it\u2019s not been confirmed yet.\nInfiniti also claims that the new generation will bring about smarter, more compact and less intrusive powertrains \u2013 in line with our previous report on the F1-inspired, \nInfiniti Project Black S\n. It is said that the concept will feature a long cabin, balanced proportions and a muscular stance, as it welcomes a new era of Infiniti vehicles."
"BMW Malaysia has recently announced a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and a free scheduled service program for all BMW cars sold via official\u00a0dealerships\u00a0including the \nBMW\u00a0M\n and \ni8\n models registered from 1 June 2015 in a bid to provide better after sales service to its clientele base.\nThis announcement would certainly make all aspiring BMW owners out there to take a better look at the offering from Munich because the warranty now gives a \nservice vehicle check\n and \nengine oil check\n which includes the filter and the oil to go along with it. That\u2019s in accordance to BMW\u2019s Condition Based Service (CBS). On the other hand, the service regime takes care of the likes of \nair filters, fuel filters, micro filters, spark plugs \nand\n brake fluids.\nExcluded\n from the warranty and service program are components such as the \nfront and rear brakes\n which naturally\u00a0\nincludes\n the \ndisc and pads\n. Also omitted from the warranty coverage are the \nwindscreen wipers,\u00a0\nwear and tear parts such as \nhalogen light bulbs\n and \nbatteries\n for the key fob.\nWorth noting though, is that BMW \nreserves\n the right to \nreject\n\u00a0any defect claims by owners should they find out that the vehicle has been serviced at an \nunauthorised\n service outlet on the basis that the cars may not be properly taken care of at the hands of a skilled technician. Also in concern is the use of aftermarket parts at these outlets.\nRead all about the recently launched \nBMW i8\n, \nBMW X6\n and \nBMW 2-Series Active Tourer\n."
"Just as expected, merely a couple of months after the introduction of the \nB9 A4\n, Audi is has unveiled the hotter variant at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the S4. Based on the fifth generation B9 A4, the new S4 is readily available in either the Sedan or the Avant (wagon in Audi-speak) body styles.\nNot to be confused with the \nS-line\n model Audis which are essentially regular models donned up in a fancy suit, the \nS\n models sit in between the regular models and the full-blown \nRS\n models.\n \n \nThe evolution of the S4 is parallel with the A4, which means it doesn\u2019t stray far in terms of looks from the outgoing B8 generation A4/S4. It might take awhile for you to tell the S4 apart from the A4, because the S4 looks, well, like the regular A4.\nThe \naluminium-coloured side mirror\n covers are the biggest clue, and as you squint harder you should be able to spot that the slats in the \nSingleframe grille\n are different too. \nLED headlamps\n are part of the standard equipment, but customers can upgrade to \nMatrix LED headlamps\n from the options list.\nAt the other end, the \ndiffuser\n accommodates \ntwo pairs of tailpipes\n on each side, while the S4 sedan gains a small lip spoiler at the edge of the boot lid. With the \nS sport suspension\n, the S4 rides 23 mm lower than the regular A4 too. Gracing the sides is a set of \n18-inch 5-twin spoke star design wheels\n, but an inch-up option is also available, together with a beefier set of brakes.\nInside, the sporty treatment is not only limited to the black colour scheme and the S4 logos on the door sills. The S4 gets a \nsportier steering wheel\n, and a pair of \nS sport seats\n for the front occupants.\n \n \nEquipment level is on par with the top-spec A4, so the S4 gets everything the A4 has, including the slick \n12.3-inch virtual cockpit\n, the \n8.3-inch monitor\n for the \nMMI touch system\n, the \nMMI navigation plus\n\u00a0and the \nMIB II infotainment system\n with \nAudi connect\n that grants\u00a0\nhigh-speed Wi-Fi hotspot\n. Additionally, buyers can opt for a banging \nBang & Olufsen 3D Sound System\n as well.\nMost of the changes are hidden from view. Chiefly, the new \n3.0 TFSI V6\n lump under the bonnet is now \nturbocharged\n instead of supercharged, serving up 25 hp more than the previous S4 resulting a total of \n354 hp\n. Torque has also risen by 60 Nm to \n500 Nm\n, and it\u2019s spread across evenly from 1,300 rpm to 4,500 rpm.\nThere\u2019s only one gearbox available this time, which is the \neight-speed tiptronic\n automatic, but power is still sent to the \nquattro\n permanent all-wheel drive system. Up to 70 percent of the torque can be diverted to the front axle, and up to 85 to the rear axle, but under normal circumstances it\u2019s split \n40:60\n front and back.\nThe new S4 is claimed to handle more precisely and more agile than before. The\n wheel-selective torque control\n will brake the inside wheels during cornering, but that can be further improved with the optional \nsport differential\n that distributes the torque between the rear wheels, and also the \nvariable speed-dependent dynamic steering\n.\nCentury sprint\n takes \n4.7 seconds\n, while the\n top speed\n is electronically limited to\n 250 km/h\n. Similar to the A4, the S4 is \nlighter\n than before, at 1,630 kg the sedan is 20 kg less than its predecessor. With all that, the S4 achieves a \ncombined fuel consumption\n of \n7.4 litres per 100 km\n.\nWhile we\u2019re waiting for the arrival of the B9 A4 to reach our shores, Europe markets will get the new S4 in \n2016\n, but there\u2019s no mention on the price yet. Now that we\u2019ve seen the new A4 and the new S4 are now lighter and more powerful than ever, let\u2019s hope the same applies for the upcoming RS4!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia\n is currently recalling 630 units of the \n2021\n \nHonda City\n Hybrid\n and 72 units of the \n2022 \nHonda Civic\n. All affected customers will be informed via notification letters which include details of the product recall.\nBoth the City Hybrid and the Civic are recalled for different reasons. For the Honda City Hybrid, the recall is due to an inactive Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) camera on the front windscreen. Honda Malaysia says the camera may not operate properly, causing the ADAS to be ineffective during operation. Honda Malaysia will replace the ADAS cameras on the \n630\n affected units of the 2021 Honda City Hybrid.\nAs for the Honda Civic, the recall is due to incomplete welding in the driver seat slide adjuster. The defect may cause the driver seat to not be in a fixed position and may compromise the seatbelt protection system. For the 72 units affected, Honda Malaysia will rectify the welding points.\nHonda Malaysia apologises for the inconvenience caused to their customers and reassures them that other current production and selling models are not affected by the recall. Thankfully, no unwanted incidents have occurred to affected customers and Honda is taking precautionary safety measures to ensure the safety of its customers.\nRELATED: \nHonda Malaysia delivered over 1,300 units of the all-new HR-V in one month since launch\nIf you\u2019re wondering whether you could be an affected owner, Honda Malaysia says it will inform affected customers via notification letters. The letters include details of the product recall. Affected customers are urged to contact any authorised dealer to make an appointment. Repair duration is subject to parts availability.\nHonda Malaysia ensures that the inspection, repair, and replacement of the affected are free of charge and Honda Malaysia will bear all costs related to the recall. Honda Malaysia encourages affected City Hybrid and Civic owners to download the HondaTouch mobile app for further verification of the recall.\nCustomers can obtain information or check their vehicle status on this product recall by calling Honda Malaysia\u2019s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or logging on to \nproductrecall.honda.com.my\n. Honda Malaysia will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls for customers.\nRELATED: \n2022 Honda HR-V and BR-V score 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP, high Safety Assist points"
"No, if you\u2019re wondering whether Lee Min-ho or Bae Suzy had anything to do in the design and development of this ultra-limited edition Aventador S Roadster, sorry to disappoint.\nBut rest assured, the Korean Special Series edition is every bit as Korean (culturally speaking) as all the crying and sobbing commonly associated with the South Korean TV shows.\nThe Korean Special Series is the collaboration of Lamborghini Seoul and Automobili Lamborghini to create a symbolic model that connects the spirit of Korea and Italy. Its design however would be inspired by rich and unique Korean tradition.\nThe Aventador Ultimae is the ultimate celebration of Lamborghini\u2019s V12 era. Read about it here!\nKorean traditional window designs \u2013 with vertical and horizontal criss-cross patterns \u2013 are reflected on the front bonnet, doors, and rear fenders. The engine bay features the two trigrams of the Korean flag \u2013 Geon and Gam \u2013 a sense of patriotism instilled among Koreans.\nLamborghini reveals more teasers of the new Countach.check out the images here!\nThe Green Ocno colour on the exterior symbolises \n\u2018warm Korean sentiment\u2019\n while the Blue Emera colour symbolises\n \u2018intelligence\n \nand wisdom\u2019\n. As for the Bianco Leda colour on the inside, it symbolises\n \u2018the white-clad race\u2019\n \u2013 meaning the national spirit of Korea.\nThe Aventador S Roadster Korean Special Series is powered by a 6.5-litre ntaurally-aspirated V12 with 740 hp and 690 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just three seconds, while 0-200km/h will be clocked in just nine seconds. Top speed? 350 km/h, just like the Aventador Coupe S.\nThe Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Xago Edition is a 10-unit-only celebration of hexagons. Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"In a bid to save costs and reduce development lead times, \nAston Martin\n will reportedly be dipping into Geely\u2019s parts bin for its future electric vehicles.\nAs announced earlier this week, the Gaydon-based luxury sportscar manufacturer\u2019s future EVs will be\n utilising electric motors and batteries from Lucid Motors\n, while \nMercedes-Benz\n will also still continue supplying its combustion engines, hybrid motors, and electronic controllers. But powertrains are just one part of the equation; there are still hundreds, if not thousands of other equipment that are required to build a complete \u201ccar\u201d \u2013 and that\u2019s where \nGeely\n steps in.\nAs reported by \nAutocar UK\n, Geely, who recently \nupped its stake in Aston Martin to 17%\n, will be supplying several components for the British marque\u2019s future models, including the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system and powered seats, according to Aston Martin\u2019s head of development, Roberto Fedeli.\nSpeaking to the publication, Fedeli adds that the company will try to source \u201ceverything we can get from a wide shelf of components\u201d to help get the new models to market faster. Aston Martin\u2019s relationship with Geely could help cut its supplier list by as much as 30%.\nREAD MORE: \nAston Martin is going electric \u2013 EV motors and batteries to be supplied by Lucid Motors\nLotus Eletre\nAside from Aston Martin, Geely also owns or holds a stake in several other automotive marques including \nVolvo\n, \nLotus\n, \nLynk & Co\n, \nSmart\n, and more familiarly to us Malaysians, \nProton\n.\nThe part-sharing agreements are a big part of chairman Lawrence Stroll\u2019s plan to turn the company around, which the Canadian businessman says is largely complete. In addition to the business restructure, Stroll has also invested over GBP1.5 billion into growing the company and its surrounding businesses, including the Aston Martin F1 team."
"McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the personalisation arm of McLaren Automotive has just delivered 10 bespoke \n570S\n to McLaren Newport Beach, the largest McLaren retailer in\u00a0the\u00a0U.S. Its unique design was inspired to emulate the \nMcLaren 570S GT4 race car\n and will be named MSO X (X referring to the 10 cars that were built).\nCommissioned by McLaren Newport Beach, MSO X\u2019s external design mirrors the GT4 race car very closely featuring a pylon-mounted fixed rear wing that adds close to 100 kg of downforce, functional carbon fibre roof snorkel, front dive planes, MSO Titanium Super Sports Exhaust and GT4-style bonnet. Additionally, the MSO X cars all have liveries inspired by the legendary F1 GTR endurance race cars of the mid-1990s.   The luxurious interior of the 570S has been completely stripped out for a track-oriented, minimalist set up. Inside you\u2019ll find exposed carbon fibre, carbon shell bucket seats with \nsix-point racing harnesses\n (in addition to regular three-point belts), fire extinguisher and centre tunnel storage bin delete. Keeping in mind that this is still a road car, creature comfort items were retained such as parking sensors, rearview cameras, vehicle lift, air conditioning and \nMcLaren Track Telemetry\n.\nMcLaren Automotive Executive Director, Global Sales and Marketing Jolyon Nash said, \u201cThe MSO X collection is the perfect example of the rich vein of bespoke service offered by McLaren Special Operations. Customers come to us with their thoughts and ideas and MSO works with them to set boundaries within which they can then let their imaginations run wild.\u201d\nAll 10 McLaren MSO X have been delivered to their new owners at a special McLaren customer event near Las Vegas. The entire process from initial design to deliveries took just eight months as McLaren Newport Beach Dealer Principal, Pietro Frigerio, explains: \u201cThe aim of this project was to have a serious track car that could still be driven on the road and this finished project screams \u2018race car\u2019 to the casual onlooker. To have the MSO X project go from renderings at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last July to the 10 magnificent supercars that we handed over to our excited clients today is nothing short of amazing.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren vs Ferrari. Ford Mustang vs Chevrolet Camaro. Ford Falcon vs Holden Commodore.\u00a0Those automotive greatest rivalries probably couldn\u2019t match the magnitude of these two closely fought super sedans from the land of the rising sun \u2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza.\nAlthough both cars are no longer competing in the current World Rally stage, they fought again in an \nonline poll\n conducted by\u00a0Europe\u2019s biggest annual Japanese Car Show, the \nJapFest\n which will be held late this month in Silverstone, UK.\nDuring the tightly contested poll, the Impreza emerged as the winner, narrowly beating\u00a0its rival by a paper-thin margin. The Impreza received\u00a0\n50.95%\n of the total\u00a0votes, compared to the Lancer\u2019s \n49.05%\n. This signifies the rivalry between these two rally heroes is still strong to this day, even though this particular battle was determined via the click of the mouse button.\nThe poll was done\u00a0in conjunction of the JapFest event where car clubs from both camps are invited to set the fastest time on the Silverstone Handling Course.\nCurrently, the \nSubaru Impreza\n\u00a0still remains in production while the Mitsubishi Lancer\u00a0\nhad met its demise\n. With supermini hatchbacks are the main foray in world rallying, the days of all-wheel drive sedans powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged engines are nothing but a distance memory.\n[source: \nJapFest UK\n]"
"Marketing information services firm J.D. Power has just released their 2019 Sales Satisfactory Index (SSI) study for Malaysia, which measures the overall customer satisfaction on their new vehicle purchase experience in the mass market segment.\nAmong the eight brands ranked in this year\u2019s study,\n Toyota took the top spot\n with 835 points, a significant increase from \nfourth place last year\n with 791 points. Mitsubishi ranks second with 831 points, while Nissan dropped to third place with 810 points.\u00a0\nHonda dropped one position to take fourth with 801 points, while local carmaker Perodua rounds up the top five with 798 points.\u00a0\nAlthough there were position shuffles within the rankings, the top-5 brands have mostly experienced an increase in their scores, as reflected in the mass market average of 800 points \u2013 16 points up from the previous year.\u00a0\nThe study is based on responses from 2,045 new vehicle purchases between July 2018 and July 2019. The\n scores were determined through six factors \n\u2013 dealer sales consultant, dealership facility, delivery process, paperwork completion, working out the deal, and dealership website.\nIn the 17th edition of the SSI study, J.D. Power also revealed that SUV buyers account for 20% of new vehicle buyers in 2019, even though the average transaction price of SUVs is 2.6 times higher than smaller cars.\u00a0\nThe study also found that SUV buyers generally have a higher satisfaction as compared to small car buyers (806 points compared to 794 points).\u00a0\n \nJ.D. Power, Country Manager for Malaysia, E-Ling Cheah said, \u201cSUV buyers cited vehicle styling, performance, technology and safety features for their choice.\n\u201cFurthermore, manufacturers have introduced more affordable SUVs, bringing them within reach of more buyers,\u201d she added."
"Potholes \u2013 not only do they cause damage to tyres, but the subsequent\nimpact is usually more severe, which is on our wallets. The folks at Bridgestone\nTyre Sales (Malaysia) must have felt our pain, so they are now offering the Bridgestone\nHazard Warranty Programme (HWP).\nHere\u2019s how it works; effective 1\nst\n April 2019, all Bridgestone branded passenger car, MPV, SUV, 4\u00d74 (H/T, H/P & H/L) tyres measuring 17-inch and above (distributed by Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) and purchased from participating Bridgestone dealers in Peninsular Malaysia will be covered by the hazard warranty.\nNot sure if rubber ducks count as hazard, but if they damage your Bridgestone tyres within 6 months of purchase, you are covered.\nIf any of the aforementioned tyres are damaged by \nroad hazards\n (which include potholes, accidental kerbing, punctures, etc.) Bridgestone will replace the damaged tyre for free under the HWP, which covers new tyres over a period of six months from the date of invoice.\n\u201cBridgestone Hazard Warranty Programme is a value-added programme aside from the existing Bridgestone standard tyre warranty. HWP provides 1-for-1 tyre replacement at no charge for tyre damage that is beyond repair caused by road hazards.\u201d said Mr. Yuichiro Shirai, the Managing Director of Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia).\nDo note that All-Terrain (A/T) and Mud-Terrain (M/T) tyres are excluded from HWP as they usually operate in the roughest of environments and are susceptible to damage. If you had new Bridgestone rubber fitted to your car recently, the \nwarranty programme can be registered online\n, but it must done within 14 days of the date of invoice."
"Maserati Malaysia has announced the arrival of the \nMaserati MC20 \nand here\u2019s what you need to know about it!\nThe MC20 name stands for \u2018Maserati Corse\u2019 while the 20 denotes the year 2020 \u2013 when it was first introduced. The new supercar is an evolution of the MC12 supercar from 2004 that marked\u00a0Maserati\u2019s return to racing after 37 years. With the new MC20, Maserati will once again return to the world of racing.\n \nThe new MC20 represents a new era of supercars for the company not just in terms of design but also marks the return of Maserati making its own engine \u2013 called the Nettuno \u2013 for the first time in 20 years.\nThe MC20 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with 630 hp and 730 Nm to drive the rear wheels alone; allowing it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 8.8 seconds before hitting a 325 km/h top speed.\nBuilt around a carbon fibre monocoque, the MC20 weighs less than 1,500 \u2013 lighter than a BMW 320i. Brakes are from Brembo, with 6-pot calipers in the front but that\u2019s not even the coolest bit. Flush door handles and the butterfly-style doors aside, the MC20 also features a Trident logo on its glass engine cover.\nAs for the interior, what do you think? Check it out in the video!"
"The dust from the recent introduction of the new \nF90 BMW M5\n have not settled yet and there is yet another new 5-series to drool over. And if you remember, almost immediately after the unveiling, BMW followed up with a \nFirst Edition\n that\u2019s limited to only 400 units which featured Frozen Dark red paint. So what\u2019s this about then?\nBased on the G30 5-series, the B5 ALPINA comes with a 4.4-litre V8 Bi-turbo engine featuring Valvetronic variable valve timing and high-pressure direct fuel injection. As a result, it delivers \n608 hp\n with \n800 Nm\n of torque, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of just \n3.5 seconds\n \u2013 making it the fastest accelerating car ALPINA has ever produced. All that torque is contained by an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC, to keep that speedometer running to a top speed of \n330 km/h\n.   For the first time, the B5 ALPINA comes with all-wheel drive as standard, based on the BMW xDrive system featuring an ALPINA-specific torque distribution system. Driving dynamics is also supplemented by electronically-adjustable dampers and the active rear-wheel steering system (Integral Active Steering), also a first for the B5 ALPINA.\nOn the outside, the B5 Alpina gets lightweight 20-inch ALPINA CLASSIC forged wheels with Pirelli tyres specifically tailored for the B5 Alpina, an ALPINA sports exhaust system, integrated air flat control system beneath the kidney grille that closes when necessary to reduce drag. The front spoiler features the new, free-floating ALPINA lettering that allows engineers to integrate additional air inlets into the front apron and to the intercooler.\nOn the inside, it\u2019s unmistakably ALPINA with subtle touches of elegance. Draped in high-end Nappa leather, standard equipment includes BMW\u2019s latest navigation system and infotainment system together with 4-Zone Auto Climate Control. Other highlights include a handcrafted ALPINA sports steering wrapped in Lavalina leather with blue/green stitching.\nThe interior comes with several trim options extending to the ALPINA Piano Lacquer or classic ALPINA Luxury Wood Myrtle, and a new ALPINA Luxury Wood Walnut Nature \u2013 whose rough cut surface is warm and modern at the same time.\u00a0The full-coloured LED digital instrument panel is another interesting party piece. In Comfort mode it offers a classic look;\u00a0 with a blue background, red needles and clearly displayed figures. In Sport mode, the display changes to a dynamic appearance with green drag indicators.\nIn Australia, where prices were recently announced, the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-turbo goes for AUD 239,900 (\napprox RM 787,000\n).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda Malaysia will play host to the Mazda Sales\u00a0Carnival over this weekend (24 and 25 October) which will see ample deals and vouchers up to RM300,000 up for grabs. The event will take place at the company\u2019s headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.\nThose planning to purchase a new ride below the RM100,000 mark can look forward to see the new Mazda2 Sport. It\u2019s basically a \nregular Mazda2\u00a0Skyactiv\n, but you get a\n sporty bodykit\n comprised of a front lip, side skirts, rear spoiler (hatchback gets skid plate, sedan gets an add-on rear bodykit), rear boot tray and a larger diameter stainless steel exhaust pipe. The whole list of accessories \ncosts nearly RM2,600\n but will be\n given for free\n to customers who purchase the Mazda2 during the limited-time offer.   And because it\u2019s a carnival, there will be lots of exciting games, fun activities and refreshments for all to enjoy. There\u2019s also \nmore than RM300,000 worth of prizes\n and bonanza vouchers to be won, and new Mazda owners will be entitled to receive car accessories and vouchers amounting to no more than RM10,000!\nIf for any reason you feel like the Mazda2 isn\u2019t your cup of tea and want something that\u2019s easier on the wallet, feel free to look to their \nAnshin\n or pre-owned selection. Prices for these well-maintained cars start from RM65,000 upwards. All Mazda Anshin cars are fully inspected and certified, and they even come with free maintenance and warranty!\u00a0\nAmidst \ndevaluing Ringgit\n and \nhike in toll rates\n, perhaps the one thing to take your mind off the financial strain is Mazda\u2019s \n3-year factory warranty\n and \nfree scheduled maintenance\u00a0\n(that means you don\u2019t have to pay a single sen for servicing)\u00a0up till 60,000km.\nKeen to find out all about the fully imported Mazda2? We\u2019ve got just the right materials for you to get well acquainted with our favourite B-Segment\u00a0car thus far. You could either read our \ncomprehensive review\n or watch our\u00a0\nvideo review\n\u00a0before you sign up for the test drive this coming weekend. In any case,\u00a0the Mazda Mega Sales Carnival is one you shouldn\u2019t miss.\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda2 1.5L Skyactiv-G Hatchback / Sedan\nSegment\nB-Segment\nEngine\n1,496cc; inline-4 cyl SkyActiv-G, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic\nMax Power\n114 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0with\u00a0insurance)\nRM87,956.00\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5L Sport   Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5L Sedan"
"And she\u2019s done it again! Malaysian girl drifter and race car driver\u00a0\nLeona Chin\n\u00a0had a proper good weekend in round 2 of the Clio Cup China Series in Korea International Circuit when she bagged\u00a0two first-runner up finishes.\nIn fact, Leona improved compared to her first race weekend in \nZhuhai\n where in Korea, she gave series leader, Kenneth Lim, a run for his money. Leona started both races behind pole seater Kenneth, and kept the momentum going to secure her second place finish. In the second race, Leona overtook Kenneth during the start and lead the race for five laps before conceding the lead. Nevertheless, the young Malaysian kept her composure to finish second again.\n\u201cI pushed myself hard today knowing there\u2019s a good chance of winning. Kenneth is always a tough competitor so I am happy to have improved from third (in Zhuhai leg) to second in Korea. For sure I will aim for the top spot again in the next race in Buriram, Thailand,\u201d said Leona during the post-race interview.\nHer solid performance\u00a0means she now has enough points to be in the top three driver\u2019s standings, right behind leader Kenneth. The Renault Clio with\u00a0bright pink Team WebTVAsia decals will return on the weekend of 11-12 June for round three in Thailand. Surely, victory awaits for the young and bubbly Leona. Keep it up, girl!"
"After previously announcing that road tax and driver\u2019s licence renewal can be done by appointment only, Pos Malaysia announced that it has resumed walk-in services beginning today, the 6th of September.\nAs written on their \nwebsite\n, Pos Malaysia said customers with existing licence or road tax renewal service appointments may continue with their appointments at their preferred date, time and location or just walk into any one of our post offices to carry out their renewal.\u00a0\nJPJ drive-in counters begin \u2013 assures sufficient stocks of road tax and licence renewals.find out more about it here!\nCustomers are encouraged to use the \u201cOutlet Finder\u201d or the Pos Malaysia app to find the nearest post office.\nWalk-ins are also allowed at the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) as of today, like Pos Malaysia, with no appointments needed. JPJ also specifically highlighted that only those who have been fully vaccinated are allowed to enter.\nAlternatively, the public can also opt for other platforms such as MyEG or mySikap JPJ to renew their driver\u2019s licence and road tax.\nFor now, the deadline to renew the expired driving documents have been extended. The new deadline is now the \n31st of December 2021\n, extended from 31st of September.\nThose who are unable to renew their driver\u2019s licence or road tax for any reason should at least have an insurance cover note in the vehicle for verification purposes, especially at roadblocks."
"After nearly six months since \nEdaran Tan Chong Malaysia (ETCM) broke news of a price hike\n\u00a0for Nissan cars, the time has finally come for the sole distributor to act upon it. Only four locally assembled models are affected \u2013 \nAlmera\n, X Gear, Grand Livina and \nTeana\n.\nPrices are up between \n2.8 to 6.7 percent\n depending on the models, and this comes into effect beginning 1 April 2016. Below is the new pricing\u00a0for the said cars:\nAccording to ETCM, the pricing revision is mainly due to the weak Ringgit which has severely impacted the company\u2019s overall operational costs. To reduce some of this impact, ETCM has implemented cost rationalisation measures and optimised all operations across the supply chain.\nExecutive Director of ETCM, Dato\u2019 Dr Ang Bon Beng said, \u201cDue to prolonged unfavourable foreign exchange and higher operating costs, only the four selected models will have a price increase. With this, we have done our best in adjusting the price as minimal as possible.\u201d\nFor the time being, prices for the \nX-Trail\n, Serena S-Hybrid, \nNP300 Navara\n and NV200 remain unchanged."
"The Porsche Cayenne received a \nPremium Package update back in January last year\n, which added several niceties to the already well-equipped luxury SUV. And as if that still wasn\u2019t enough, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) today introduced another \u201cenhanced\u201d Premium Package for the Porsche Cayenne, with even more new standard equipment at \nno added cost\n.\nThe new Premium Package for the Porsche Cayenne adds a new air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for improved driving dynamics, alongside the 21-inch RS Spyder wheels for improved road handling, Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), ParkAssist with Surround View, as well as the Comfort Access electronic tailgate with foot sensor for added convenience.\nThe new upgrades supplements the existing Premium Package, which included 14-way power seats including memory function for the driver and passenger seats, four-zone air automatic climate control, automatic dimming mirrors, electric sun blinds, ambient lighting and a BOSE Surround Sound System, among others.\nOtherwise, no changes have been made to the Cayenne, \nlaunched in Malaysia\n back in 2018. This includes the powertrain, which is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that delivers \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, propelling the full-sized luxury SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.2 seconds\n.\nAs mentioned above, the enhanced Premium Package comes at no additional cost for the base Porsche Cayenne, which now starts at \nRM680,000\n. Included in the price is a four-year warranty and free service maintenance programme. SDAP has now begun taking pre-orders for the newly enhanced Porsche Cayenne, with deliveries slated to begin in 2021.\nIn related news, SDAP also recently launched its latest Porsche showroom in Ara Damansara, taking the crown of the \nlargest Porsche outlet in the Asia Pacific region\n. At the launch, the company also took the opportunity to introduce it\u2019s first fully-electric model, the \nPorsche Taycan\n, here in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019re a petrolhead living in Malaysia, chances are you wish there was a sanctuary of sorts for four-wheeled vehicles (perhaps even two-wheeled ones). Unlike some countries, we aren\u2019t quite blessed to have full-blown museums dedicated to cars. Now, we\u2019re in for quite a treat as JPM Museo, a private car collection, is now open to public.\nBefore we go on, we must first establish that yes, Malaysia does have a National Automobile Museum in Sepang and some of us may even consider the \nProton\n Centre of Excellence to be quite the sanctuary for petrolheads. However, the National Automobile Museum is a rather brief tour and the Proton Centre of Excellence isn\u2019t exactly treated like a museum.\nAs for what JPM Museo is, \u201cMuseo\u201d is just the Italian word for Museum. And JPM is the brainchild of Malaysian Tycoon Mr. Chin Jit Pyng where the \u201cJPM\u201d acronym is basically the result of combining the names of his sons. This is perhaps the most proper car museum in Malaysia for now.\nLucky for us, we were invited to have a look at the private collection, and after being given a tour, we could say that it is a pretty comprehensive display. The cars on display range from historic cars like the Benz Patent-MotorWagen to supercars like the Lamborghini Diablo, and even movie-star cars like the \nAston Martin\n V8 Vantage. We\u2019d love to share with you the entire collection put on display, but then we\u2019d be spoiling things for you. You\u2019re better off checking it out yourself.\nMostly air-conditioned, you can really take your time to appreciate the cars on display in this private collection. Pretty much all ground is covered including cars from Japan, Europe, and America.\nWith cars coming from various eras too, you will be able to appreciate the evolution of the passenger vehicle, seeing things like manually-cranked engines, transverse leaf spring setups, and even kerosene headlamps. It really makes you appreciate how far things have come in terms of personal mobility. And in case the four-wheelers aren\u2019t enough for you, JPM Museo even has a decent collection of motorbikes for you to see.\nEven restoration works take place at the facility.\nLooking for something automotive-related to do on the weekends? You might want to check out \nJPM Museo\n in Kota Damansara. You can pre-purchase JPM\u2019s limited edition set of merchandise on \njpmlamoda.com\n \nto be entitled to the exclusive JPM Museo tour. After purchasing the limited set, you may RSVP for your slot."
"As the \nSales Tax Exemption\n for CKD and CBU cars came into effect today and will go on till the 31st of December 2020, Proton has released an updated price list for its cars; lo and behold, you can now drive home an X70 for less than RM90k!\nThe \nX70 Standard 2WD\n sees a RM4,900 price reduction, now at RM89,900 while the high spec X70 Premium X 2WD gets a whopping \u201cdiscount\u201d of RM7000; now with a new price tag of RM115,800.\nThe X70 is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine making \n174 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n and they\u2019re all paired to a new \n7-speed dual clutch transmission\n \u2013 the most notable difference in the \nlocally-assembled model launched in February this year\n which \nwe drove to Kuantan for a review\n. The X70 was also featured in our \nMega SUV Shootout\n alongside the Honda CR-V, \nMazda CX-5\n, \nPeugeot 3008\n and the Nissan X-Trail.\nProton also recently introduce the \nIntelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS)\n as standard equipment on the 2020 CKD Proton X70 to complement its existing Air Purifier System.\nFind out about the \n2020 X70\u2019s new N95 cabin filter\n here!\nThe new N95 Cabin Filter is capable of removing 95% of particles larger than 0.3 microns and can also remove 98% of PM2.5 dust particles. As such, it\u2019s an effective \u201cbarrier\u201d against smoke particulates, dust, bacteria and other pollutants for both fresh and recirculated air in the cabin.\nThose who received their X70 before the announcement can opt to have the new filter fitted for\u00a0\nRM79 excluding labour charges\n. As for that, a quick poke-around revealed that it shouldn\u2019t cost you more than RM100. As of 18th May to the 18th of August 2020, Proton will be offering a\u00a0\n15% discount on the new filter\n."
"Toyota Vios, UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s bread and butter model, their best-selling model for the past 13 years is under tremendous pressure in recent years. Facing competition not only from better equipped cars in the A-segment such as the recently launched \nPerodua Bezza\n and \nProton Saga\n, B-segment rivals with strong unique selling points and even some C-segment sedans that undercuts the price tag of the Vios. UMW needs to up their game to keep the Vios relevant.\nUnveiled in the \n2016 Bangkok Motor Show\n, the Land of Smiles first received the facelifted Toyota Vios. Though calling it a facelift would be an understatement because besides aesthetics upgrades, the Vios is\u00a0given a new engine, new transmission and \u2013 a first for the Vios \u2013\u00a0\nTraction Control (TC)\n and \nElectronic Stability Control (ESC)\n. Fast forward to today, UMW Toyota has finally launched the improved Toyota Vios facelift.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo\nToyota Vios 1.5 GX\nToyota Vios 1.5 G\nToyota Vios 1.5 E\nToyota Vios 1.5 J CVT\nToyota Vios 1.5 J MT\nEngine\n1,496cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\nCVT with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic\n5-speed Manual\nMax Power\n106 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM96,400\nRM92,800\nRM89,800\nRM83,900\nRM79,800\nRM76,500\nEXTERIOR\nThis new facelifted Vios when placed next to the \noutgoing model\n can make a challenging game of spot the difference. Changes to the car are subtle but impactful. All variants come with LED daytime running lights that are mounted on the front bumper, door visors, rear fog lamps and keyless entry.\nStarting from the top of the line TRD Sportivo, it gets an aggressive TRD Sportivo aero kit for the front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and a trunk spoiler lip. There are also smoked projector headlamps, black front grille, front fog lamps and power folding wing mirrors with integrated turn signal. The TRD Vios also comes with an acoustic windshield glass.   The GX is a new variant in the Vios line-up, slotting in between the TRD and G variant. UMW expressed that this new variant offers buyers a sporty yet elegant alternative from the TRD and G variant. The GX gets a more stylish design five-piece aero kit instead along with a dark chrome front grille, otherwise the exterior mirrors the TRD variant.\nMoving down to the G variant, the biggest difference is the omission of the aero kit, dark chrome front grille and smoked projector headlamps. It gets clear projector headlamps and a chrome finish front grille.\nThe E variant settles for a pair of manual levelling halogen reflector headlamps, body coloured front grille and regular windshield instead of acoustic glass.\u00a0Lastly, the J variants mirrors the E variant but loses out on front fog lamps.\nAll variants\u00a0ride on \n15-inch alloys\n in different designs wrapped in 185/60 profile Continental ContiComfortContact CC5 rubbers.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Vios remains visually similar except for some minor feature updates. All variants now come with keyless start button, black interior theme as well as illuminated front foot wells. All but the J manual variant come with an Eco drive indicator.\nThe TRD gets leather combination seats with TRD Sportivo embroidery while the GX and G get the same seats, although the former is finished in black and saddle tan as opposed to the all-black upholstery of the latter (minus the embroidery).   New to the Vios range is a 6.8-inch touchscreen DVD head unit with reverse camera for the TRD to E variant. The base models get a simpler 2-DIN head unit as standard. TRD to G models get six-speakers while the rest gets four instead.\nPERFROMANCE\nAs Toyota\u2019s new tagline for the Vios \u2013\u00a0 \nNew Heart. New Beat.\n\u00a0\u2013 suggests, the Vios is powered by a new \n1.5-litre four-cylinder\n now with \nDual VVT-i\n technology finally retiring the old 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.\nDespite it being new engine, power and torque actually went down. The new 2NR-FE engine is now rated for \n106 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n, down from the previous \n107 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n\u00a0figures. Power is sent to the front wheels via a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with seven-speed sports sequential shiftmatic.\nDespite the lower output, the new heart is more efficient in getting up to speeds and boasts \n18 percent better fuel economy\n compared to the old powertrain. No official fuel consumption figures were quoted, but it\u2019s good enough to earn the locally assembled sedan the EEV incentives. Thanks to that, the Vios is now cheaper between RM1,400 to RM3,600.\nThanks to the CVT, the new powertrain does not suffer from shift shocks. In other words, a dip in torque when a conventional torque converter shifts into a higher gear. This in turn keeps the torque curve flat and consistent allowing for smoother and quicker accelerations.\nSpeaking to Sean, the Product Planner Manager for the Toyota Vios, he expressed that the CVT is optimised for low speed efficiency and bursts of acceleration. During low speeds, the rev is maintained down low to maximise efficiency and comfort. On the other hand, should the driver require sudden accelerations with a heavy throttle, the CVT immediately puts itself into the highest rev range for maximum power. The reasoning behind this tuning\u00a0is to improve NVH levels\u00a0by keeping the engine at a low rpm, effectively reducing CVT whine yet able to deliver strong accelerations when needed.\nSAFETY\nUMW has done a great job in significantly improving the safety levels on the facelifted Vios by fitting \nESC with TC\n as \nstandard on all variants\n. Besides that, ABS with EBD, BA, three-point seatbelt for all three rear passengers and ISOFiX mounting points also come as standard. Unfortunately, airbag count remains at two.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Vios can be had in six different exterior shades \u2013 Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black that are carried over from the previous Vios with Crimson Spark Red Metallic and Super White II as new additions. The White Pearl CS is a new exclusive colour for the TRD Sportivo.\nCustomers have the option to upgrade their infotainment system to a 7-inch full-colour touchscreen DVD head unit or swap their 2-DIN head unit for the 6.8-inch touchscreen DVD head unit with reverse camera.\u00a0UMW Toyota also offers an aero kit, Toyota Essential Solar Film and Toyota Premium Security & Solar Film as cost options for the Vios 1.5E and 1.5J.\nCustomers who purchase the facelifted Vios before 31 December 2016 will receive a complimentary 5-Year basic service package on top of the 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nTOYOTA VIOS 1.5 GX   TOYOTA VIOS 1.5 TRD SPORTIVO"
"Following the slew of new GR Sport models launched in both \nThailand\n and \nIndonesia\n, Toyota Taiwan is keeping up with the momentum by also giving the \nCorolla Cross\n a similar treatment.\nToyota Taiwan says that the Corolla Cross GR Sport was designed to celebrate the success that the compact crossover has found on the island, selling nearly 40,000 units in just the short 10 months since it made its local debut.\nAnyway, like the other GR Sport editions, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport here also features several significant exterior changes to give it a more aggressive look.\nThese include a new blacked-out mesh grille with an additional black horizontal trim behind the Toyota emblem, a unique variant-exclusive front bumper, plus prominent skidplate-like trim elements all around the bottom of the car.\nToyota has unveiled a whole range of GR-branded models in Indonesia, including for the Rush and Avanza! Check it out here.\nWrapping up the exterior styling updates are the two-tone paint job consisting of a blacked-out roof and wing mirrors, smoked tail lights, plus \u2013 of course \u2013 the GR Sport emblem on the tailgate.\nUpdates on the inside are a little more muted, with the only visible changes being a new GR graphic on the infotainment display, a GR Sport start button, and the GR logo embossed onto the headrests of the front seats.\nHowever, staying true to the GR Sport brand, the changes here aren\u2019t just skin deep. The Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport in Taiwan also gets a \u201cprofessionally tuned\u201d sports suspension system, which is said to greatly reduce roll and improve handling and stability of the crossover.\nAdditionally, there\u2019s also additional aluminium alloy bracing on the underbody to increase torsional rigidity, alongside a \u201csports-tuned\u201d electronic steering assist system that supposedly helps increase feedback through the steering wheel.\nThe Toyota Hilux GR Sport is essentially a RWD sports car in a pick-up body! Learn more about it here.\nCustomers will get to choose between two powertrain options for the Corolla Cross GR Sport \u2013 a pure-ICE version featuring the same 140 hp 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engine as ours here in Malaysia, or a hybrid setup that pairs a 1.8-litre engine with a single electric motor for a total system output of 122 hp.\nPricing wise, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport starts at NTD875,000 (approx. RM131k) for the petrol variant, moving up to NTD945,000 (approx. RM142k) for the hybrid.\nEven the all-new Land Cruiser was also given the GR Sport treatment. Check it out in more detail here.\nThe Hybrid here is of course the range-topping variant, although the standard equipment is fairly standard across both variants, including the \nToyota Safety Sense 2.0\n suite, seven airbags, around-view monitor, and 18-inch alloys.\nUpgrading to the Hybrid does however net you the Bi-LED projector headlights, along with a larger seven-inch multi-info display in the instrument cluster, as opposed to the 4.2-inch unit on the petrol variant.\nGALLERY"
"Unveiled late last year, the second-generation Jeep Compass has finally arrived on UK shores and will go on sale in early 2018. The compact SUV combines off-road capabilities with an array of active driver assist systems packaged in a distinctive and contemporary Jeep design.\nThe UK-bound Compass will be available in\n four configurations\n: Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk, each varying in interior trims and features. The new Compass gets a new look with a seven-slot front grille, LED headlamps, Gloss Black roof, LED taillamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. Alloy wheel options range from 16-inch up to 19-inch in size and Jeep promises regardless of wheel option, they all provide superb traction in all road conditions.   Inside, the Compass boasts premium finishing and high-tech cabin with LED digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment Uconnect system, Selec-Terrain controls, electronic parking brake and integrated USB charging ports in the centre console. The Uconnect system comes in 5.0-inch or 8.4-inch in size and the latter features capacitive touch, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as voice command system.\nIn the UK, the Compass range is powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines. The petrol line up consists of a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged MultiAir2 Turbo in \ntwo different states of\n \ntune\n:\n 140 hp\n/\n230 Nm\n or \n170 hp\n/\n250 Nm\n. Both engines are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission.\nThe 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel MultiJet II comes in two states of tune: \n120 hp\n/\n320 Nm\n and \n140 hp\n/\n350 Nm\n. Both outputs are paired exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox. Sitting at the top of the diesel range is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel MultiJet II paired to a nine-speed automatic with \n170 hp\n.\nSafety wise, the Compass comes equipped with Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, Automated Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and six-airbags. All these entitles the Compass the full 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating.\nLocally, \nDRB-Hicom\n have the outgoing Compass on sale for RM249k, making it the most affordable Jeep model in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Can you even imagine doing such a thing? Often times, driving past one on the road, I can\u2019t help but wonder what these guys go through; driving in an exposed cockpit doing 40-50 km/h.\nOf course, such a special feat requires a special kind of human and in this case, the record was set by none other than daredevil, Guy Martin; well known for his exploits in the extremely dangerous and life-risking Isle of Man race.\n \nThe tractor, worked on by the those behind the Williams F1 Team, develops \n1,000 hp\n and an incredible \n2,500 Nm\n of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual ZF transmission that replaced the tractor\u2019s original CVT gearbox.\nWith such immense power from a 7.2-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine, the tractor \nrecorded a top speed of 166.7 km/h\n; smashing the previous record (140 km/h) set by Top Gear in 2018.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdStKFvmcbM\nJCB is no stranger to such achievements, with \nprevious attempts achieving 117 km/h in the JCB GT backhoe\n \u2013 sealing a place in the Guinness World Records.\nIn 2006, JCB set a new diesel land speed record with the DieselMax streamliner when it reached 563 km/h at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA, using two JCB DieselMax engines. To this day, the record has yet to be broken."
"From 1 June 2018, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Malaysia is officially zero-rated and Malaysians will get to enjoy a \nthree-month tax-free holiday\n before the Sales and Services Tax (SST) is reinstated.\nSince then, we have seen car prices \ndropped by some margin\n and now Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has released its latest Service Pricing Guide for all its models (old and new) with zero-rated GST.\nThe Service Pricing Guide is available for download on VPCM\u2019s \nofficial website\n that breaks down the estimated cost to maintain your Volkswagen vehicle for the first \n8 years or 120,000 km\n. While the price reduction may not seem substantial, savings are still savings.\nService Pricing Guide for the \nVolkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said: \u201cOur commitment to our customers extends to our efforts in maintaining a strong level of transparency when it comes to owning a Volkswagen car, hence the availability of the service pricing guide.\u201d He also encouraged owners to take advantage of the tax-free holiday to pamper their VWs with a service from an authorised VW service centre.\nEarlier in the year, VPCM has enhanced its ownership experience for customers with a \n3-Years or 45,000 km Free Scheduled Service\n Programme that supplements the on-going 5-Years warranty and 5-Years Roadside Assistance."
"Let\u2019s just begin by saying that no motor show is truly complete without one sports car from Porsche. Having said that, the German carmaker has just had their global premier of the most extreme road-going 911 to date, the \n911 GT3 RS\n, at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.\nHaving launched the 911 GT3 RS, this particular model sits at the very top of the 911 model range, above the \n911 GT3\n. Before we go down to the details, Porsche proudly claims that their latest iteration of the RS blurs the line between a full blown race car and a road-legal sports car. It\u2019s not an easy task, considering the stringent safety regulations needed for homologation. They\u2019ve done that, so now, it\u2019s onto the RS.\nEXTERIOR\nTelling the RS apart is like differentiating night and day, because as racey as other 911s go, this tops the charts with the addition of several \nRS-specific aerodynamic parts\n. At the front, the RS gets a specially designed front lip and a carbon fibre rear spoiler that puts the Subaru STI\u2019s to shame. The \nroof\n is made of \nmagnesium\n here, a Porsche\u2019s first, and features \ntwo sleek grooves\n to improve aerodynamics.\nThe RS appeal is further reinforced by more ducts and vents found all over the body. The vents on top of the front wheels functions by adding downforce to the front axle, keeping it sucked onto the ground at all times, improving grip. To top it off, the RS sits on 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch at the rear.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the RS looks just like its \nRM1.23 mil\n \nGT3\n stablemate, but features several enhancements to go with its street-legal racecar status. New here are the Alcantara clad \nrace bucket seats\n made of carbon fibre, just like the 918 Spyder\u2019s. There\u2019s also the optional \nSport Chrono Package\n which gives you Porsche\u2019s Track Precision smartphone app. This app allows you to upload your driving data to your phone and measure parameters such as vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, deceleration and directional acceleration.\nAlso new to the centre console is the \nPit Speed button\n. It functions by limiting the RS\u2019 speed as you enter the pit lane \u2013 an entirely new feature that wasn\u2019t offered in the previous GT3 RS. The guys at Porsche weren\u2019t joking when they said this GT3 RS blurs the line between sports cars and race cars.\nPERFORMANCE\nSo what does the title \u2018most extreme Porsche 911 to date\u2019 entail here? For starters, it uses the GT3\u2019s direct injected 3.8-litre flat six engine that has been enlarged to displace 4.0-litres. Power output is rated at a 911\u2019s best \u2013 \n500 hp\n and \n458 Nm\n of torque \u2013 up from the GT3\u2019s 3.8-litre that makes a respectable 475 hp at 8,250 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. As a result, the RS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and covers the quarter-mile run in 11.2 seconds.\nThe maths don\u2019t just end there, because the key to making this GT3 RS the most extreme 911 to date is \nweight reduction\n. Porsche is no stranger to motorsports. The RS benefits from the Stuttgart-based sports car maker\u2019s breadth of motorsport expertise, and its weight saving formula begins with the aforementioned full-magnesium roof. Other large bodyparts like the engine and luggage compartment panels are made of carbon fibre. This makes the RS a good 10 kg lighter than the GT3.\nThe 911 GT3 RS was premiered alongside the \nCayman GT4\n at Geneva\nThe GT3 RS is open for booking now and will find its way to American soil in July this year. It carries a starting price tag of USD175,900 (about RM648,000), and judging by the \n911 GT3\n\u2018s reception here, there is a possibility that the RS will complete the 911 range here. The question is, how much will it cost?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY   VIDEO GALLERY"
"BMW said the Concept M8 Gran Coupe illustrates the meaning behind the letter M \u2013 which stands for \u201cmore\u201d, more of everything. Looking at the car, they clearly did not skimp on flair and flamboyance.\n\u201cThe BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance,\u201d says Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, Adrian van Hooydonk. \u201cThe BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe offers a look ahead to the most exotic and alluring variant of the new BMW 8 Series.\u201d\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/07115145/PF0005891_264.mp4\nIn the words of BMW M and BMW i\u2019s Vice President of Design, \u201cIt\u2019s built to stir things up and move you emotionally; it\u2019s meant for those looking for something special within the brand, for those who want to stand out from the crowd.\u201d\nSure to make traffic come to a standstill, we\u2019re really drawn to that assertive, \u201cin your face\u201d expression of the front end. The headlights have been positioned slightly higher than the radiator grille with gold-coloured surrounds to project a lower stance.   With lighting technology inspired by the M8 GTE endurance race car embedded into the headlights, the broaden stance of the front end is complemented with gapping air intakes made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).\nThe Concept M8 Gran Coupe features a long wheelbase, long bonnet, flowing roofline and a short tail that together, bonds elegantly to create a sporty coupe silhouette. Its flared arches will surely not go unnoticed but in embracing the BMW M spirit, the M8 Gran Coupe also has a roof made from CFRP.\nThe rear end of the Concept M8 Gran Coupe, without a doubt, latches on to the imposing nature of the front. The protruding rear spoiler simply demands for attention in this ensemble, alongside the slim sculpted rear lights with black gloss covers.\nClearly, BMW has paid a lot of attention to aerodynamics in this M8 \u2013 seen with the gapping grilles on each side of the rear bumper and a prominent diffuser. The car is finished off with a Sal\u00e8ve Vert paint finish which can appear from green to greyish blue depending on lighting.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota USA is looking to push the envelope again at this year\u2019s SEMA show with a Targa-top \nSupra\n dubbed the \nSport Top\n, following last year\u2019s \nHeritage Edition build\n for the same event.\nBased on the sketches, the A90 GR Supra Sport Top should mimic the same Supra used by Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in the final scenes of the first ever The Fast and the Furious blockbuster.\n \nThe Sport Top will feature a 2-piece removable roof which could be popped open with the car\u2019s remote. Once removed, it can be stored away in the Supra\u2019s boot.\nThat\u2019s not all, the Supra Sport Top\u2019s body structure would need to be significantly strengthened due to the lack rigidity when the roof is removed. Completing the Targa look are side skirts, an aggressive rear diffuser and a rear spoiler seen on last year\u2019s Heritage Edition.\n\u201cWe will need to build way more structure into the bottom of the car because it won\u2019t have the roof to contain it as a box\u201d, said the Supra\u2019s Sport Top project\u2019s Team Manager.\n\u201cIt\u2019s our goal to do something more and more crazy every single year. We do these extra mile things that make it really cool\u201d, he added.\nGALLERY"
"Race fans, rejoice! The much anticipated \nKuala Lumpur City Grand Prix\u00a0\nofficially gets the green light, as announced yesterday during the press event held at Mandarin Oriental KL.\nThe race, which will feature some odd \n20 to 30 cars \n\u2013 including the \nLamborghini Huracan\n \u2013 racing at the heart of the city doing speeds in excess of \n200 km/h\n! And we thought speeding in town was never possible.\nSet to be held from \n7 to 9 August\n next year, the three-day (over the weekend) GP will see an \n11-turn\n, \n3.2km anti-clockwise circuit\n that flags off from \nKLCC\n through \nJalan P. Ramlee\n, into \nJalan Ampang\n, \nJalan Sultan Ismail\n, \nJalan Pinang\n and back to \nKLCC\n for the chequered flag.\nThe City GP series is expected to witness \nfive to seven racing series\n, which will also feature the\u00a0\nLamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Cup\n, \nFormula Masters\n and \nVolkswagen Scirocco Celebrity Challenge\n. While it is unconfirmed, we did spot footages of a major GT series playing on TV screens at the venue, but no words were spoken with regards to that. Looks like we\u2019ll just have to wait for the official announcement, then.   To bring all this into fruition, event organiser \nGT Global Race (M) Sdn Bhd\n will collaborate with \nDewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur\n (DBKL\n)\n, which will grant exclusive rights to organise the KL City Grand Prix for the next six years, up to 2020. To quote GT Global Race Chairman, \nYAM Tunku Naquiyuddin ibni Tuanku Jaafar\n,\u00a0\u201cWith less than 10 months to go, we are fully geared and well throttled to take off on this journey to make the KL City Grand Prix a truly memorable experience.\u201d\nPartner \nAutomobile Association of Malaysia (AAM)\n will assist in the organisation of the race as well as helping to attain homologation from the \nFIA\n, which according to \nPresident & CEO Mr M Arrasu\n, will be expected sometime \nMarch\n next year, while the design and development of the city track will be jointly undertaken by UK-based \nApex Circuit Design Ltd\n and Australian-based \nKBR Project Management\n.\nI for one, am hoping this will be as exciting and as prestigious as the \nMacau GP\n. Who\u2019s with me?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Aston Marin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation is the rebirth of a 1960 icon and you can only purchase in a pair with the DBS GT Zagato as part of the \nDBZ Centenary Collection\n. It doesn\u2019t come cheap either with the company asking \u00a36 million for the two cars and only 19 pairs will ever be made.\nBut for the avid Aston\nMartin collectors, this DB4 GT Zagato Continuation is right up there in the\nmust haves. The first car will make its public debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans\n2019 at Aston Martin\u2019s VIP hospitality facility, seeking an audience with the brand\u2019s\nmost exclusive customers.\nThe DB4 GT Zagato Continuation\nis built at Aston Martin\u2019s Heritage Division headquarters in Newport Pagnell,\nBuckinghamshire and each car takes 4,500 manhours to put together. Finished in\nthe bright Rosso Maja exterior shade, the car is matched to the original paint that\nwas supplied by Max Meyer & ICI in the 1960\u2019s.\nObsidian Black leather is used for the interior trimmings while the Borrani silver painted wheels, Continuation specification instrumentation and interior equipment such as a full FIA-approved roll cage are standard items.\n \nMotivation comes from a 4.7-litre naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine producing over \n390 hp\n. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission and a limited slip differential.\nThe DBZ Centenary Collection was made to celebrate Aston Martin and Zagato\u2019s 60 years of creative partnership and first customers deliveries will commence in Q3 of 2019 while the DBS GT Zagato \u2013 which has yet to been revealed \u2013 is scheduled for deliveries in late 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAston Marin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation in Rosso Maja"
"Eateries, petrol stations, and convenience stores may soon be allowed to operate from \n6 am until midnight \ndaily, regardless of the National Recovery Plan (NRP or PPN) phase of their respective localities.\nSenior Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said this was agreed to at today\u2019s Covid-19 Quartet Ministers meeting, reports \nThe Vibes\n. However, the plan still needs to be approved by the Special Committee on Pandemic Management, which is set to meet tomorrow for a decision.\n\u201cWe will discuss and recommend these to the prime minister tomorrow before an announcement is made after the committee meeting,\u201d Hishammuddin told a press conference in Parliament today.\nThe majority of these businesses can only currently operate until 10 pm daily, aside from those located in states currently in NRP Phase Three.\nHere\u2019s everything you need to know about travel restrictions during the National Recovery Plan!\nThe Senior Minister also said that a proposal was mulled by the government to allow the reopening of stadiums to the public for sporting events such as football. However, the proposal is still in the \u201cdiscussion stage\u201d, and will be discussed in more detail tomorrow.\n10-km limit removed for the fully vaccinated in Phase 1 NRP states, full vehicle capacity allowed. Learn more here.\nIn seperate news, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Nancy Shukri said today that the government today also agreed to to include Genting Highlands, Tioman Island, and Melaka as part of the government\u2019s tourism travel bubble initiative (which currently only involves Langkawi).\nShe said that the government is in the midst of finalising the SOPs, and the destinations have been given two weeks to prepare for its reopening \u2013 tentatively scheduled for October 1."
"BMW Malaysia\n has gone full swing with its 3 series range in Malaysia. The line-up is now made up of the 320i M Sport, 330i M Sport, the M340i xDrive and now this, the \n330e M Sport PHEV\n priced at \nRM264,613\n.\nRight off the bat, the 330e M Sport will have \n252 hp \nand \n420 Nm\n to play with, and is good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds. However, if you activate the XtraBoost feature, you\u2019d momentarily have 292 hp at your disposal!\nThis makes the 330e M Sport the second most powerful 3 series available in Malaysia behind the newly launched \nM340i xDrive\n with 387 hp and 500 Nm! The petrol-powered \n330i M Sport\n makes 258 hp and 400 Nm, while the\n 320i M Sport\n makes 184 hp and 300 Nm.\n \nAccompanying the M Sport body kit similar to the one seen in the locally-assembled 330i M Sport, is the adaptive M Suspension and M Sport brakes. The 330e M Sport even comes with a hands-free powered tailgate.\nInside, the M Sport package brings about sportier seats, M specific pedals, M leather steering wheel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display supported by the latest BMW Operating System 7. Apple CarPlay will be available but on a subscription basis. Come on, BMW.\n \nLong before the 330e M Sport arrived in Malaysia, we were sent to Munich, Germany for a test drive of the same car. Suffice to say, it was as refined as a 3 series can be, it drives really well despite its additional weight, with noticeably more refinement when transitioning between the electric motor and petrol-powered engine.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Self-combusting items caught on camera tend to hog headlines, especially when it involves a car, more so when it\u2019s a Tesla. As far as we can gather, no one was injured when this Tesla Model S caught fire in a basement parking lot in Shanghai last Sunday evening, though we can\u2019t say the same for the cars parked alongside it.\n https://twitter.com/ShanghaiJayin/status/1119997229530406913\nAccording to a news report quoting the owner, the Model S was a 2015 P85 variant with 60,000 km on the clock and that it had been parked (it wasn\u2019t being charged) and was sitting idle for an hour when it caught fire dramatically. Tesla has since sent a team to investigate the cause.\nTesla Model 3 drawing huge interest at the Shanghai motor show.\nWhile such imagery casts a shadow over electric vehicles, it must be pointed out that vehicle fires happen on daily basis around the world, whether they are conventionally powered or otherwise.\nAlternative energy sources pose new challenges to carmakers, but at least the reactive nature of lithium ion batteries (when damaged or not working as intended) is a known quantity. Remember the Samsung Note 7? Whichever the case, we are pretty sure that Tesla and the Chinese authorities are going to figure this one out."
"Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new armoured member in their S-Class family, the \nS 600 Guard\n. It is the first vehicle to be certified with the level of \nresistance class VR9\n which is rated as the \nHighest-Protection vehicle\n, so the S 600 Guard should be able to withstand rifle fire from military weapons. Mercedes-Benz claims that the S 600 Guard also meets the requirements of Explosive Resistant Vehicles 2010 (ERV2010) and the Federal Office of Criminal Investigation.\nLooking (almost) indistinguishable from any normal S-Class, the S 600 Guard is designed as such to be as discreet as possible. Potential customers are instead will be more concerned on how the S 600 Guard can protect the occupants inside.\nThe base structure has been reinforced for additional strength, and the cavities between the body structure and the outer skin have been integrated with protective components of special steel. For the first time, almost the entire underbody of the S 600 Guard is covered with innovative underbody armouring for protection against explosive devices. Splinter protection is provided with the use of special aramide and PE components while to further ensure the amount of protection, there\u2019s an intelligent overlapping systems between the panels. There\u2019s also splinter protection from the all the windows on the S 600 Guard, as the glass used are coated with polycarbonate on the inside.   The interior of the S 600 Guard remains the same as the normal S-Class. It comes with everything the normal S-Class has, which contains the heated rear seats with massage function, PRE-SAFE\u00ae belt tensioners and beltbags, Business telephony, and interior air fragrancing with air filtering and ionisation. Customers are able to configure their S 600 Guard as either a full 5-seater or a 4-seater with optional all-round opaque roller blinds for maximum privacy.   Additionally on the S 600 Guard there are controls in the center console for the technology accommodated in the boot, such as the fresh air supply and emergency start battery in case of emergency, and even buttons to listen or talk to the outside world since the car is very thickly armoured. Speaking about the boot, there\u2019s a fire extinguisher fitted in the 350-litre boot.\nTo cope with the additional equipments fitted, the S 600 Guard is powered by \n6.0-litre V12 biturbo\n powerplant with\n 530 hp\n and\n 830 Nm\n of torque, and the V12 engine is paired with the \n7G-TRONIC transmission\n for the first time in the S 600 Guard. The \ntop speed\n is limited to\n 210 km/h\n which is possibly due to the increased heft. Although Mercedes-Benz didn\u2019t mention about the \n0-100 km/h\n sprint time, they merely quoted \u201c\nimpressive acceleration\n\u201d from the 7-speed gearbox.\nAIRMATIC air suspension comes as standard on the S 600 Guard. To cope with the increased weight of the vehicle, the suspension components have been recalibrated, the front air springs are reinforced, and the rear axle comes with additional steel springs. In the braking department, larger discs are fitted all-round and the front brakes are armed with 6-pot calipers. Meanwhile Michelin PAX run-flat tyres are fitted as standard and they can even travel up to 30 km when they are damaged.\nOther driving assistance systems offered on the S 600 Guard includes DISTRONIC PLUS with Stop&Go Pilot, BAS PLUS Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRE-SAFE\u00ae Brake with pedestrian recognition and ESP\u00ae, and Night View Assist Plus. No specific price has been announced, but expect to pay a premium over the standard S 600, considering the comprehensive protection the S 600 Guard has to offer.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The announcements just seem to keep coming and get more exciting. Just a couple days ago, Honda Malaysia made the declaration we\u2019ve all been waiting for \u2013 the new FK8 Civic Type are will be \ncoming to Malaysia with bookings to open in Oct\n.\nThis follows after the overwhelming responses from the Frankfurt Motor Show on the unveiling of the super cute \nHonda Urban EV\n concept where a road-going model will due for production before the end of the decade.\nAnd now, Honda has just announced that it will be unveiling an all-new sports car to\u00a0go with the \nnew, lap time breaking Civic Type R\n and thrilling \nhybrid\u00a0NSX\n. The \nelectric sports car\n, will be on showcase at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show at the end of the month.\nNot a single hint or description has been released although, if recent reports are true, it should be built on the same EV platform for the upcoming Urban EV that caught our attention with its petite but perky figure with a front grille and tailgate that can display battery charging status, driving advises and even interactive messages.\nIf the Urban EV\u2019s interior looks like this, imagine what the Sport EV\u2019s would look like!\nThe Honda Sports EV Concept will feature a striking silhouette, friendly front end and supple body designs. Combining EV performance and AI technology in a compact shell, it is said to be developed with an aim to deliver a feeling of joy and provoke an emotional connection with the car and road."
"Leaked images of the all-electric 2023 Toyota bZ3 have surfaced on the internet. Similar in dimension to the \nToyota Corolla\n, the bZ3 has not changed much from the Toyota bZ SDN concept that debuted in December 2021.\nOn China\u2019s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)\u2019s website, photos of the Toyota bZ3 show two left-hand-drive units (black and white). Unlike the \nbZ4x\n, the Toyota bZ3 features flush door handles, which make it more aerodynamic. It also features aero caps, shown in two different patterns in the leaked images.\nPhoto: \nmiit.gov.cn\nCarNewsChina\n reports that the bZ3 will use BYD\u2019s \u2018Blade\u2019 lithium iron phosphate batteries. Last year, \nToyota\n and \nBYD\n joined forces to create BYD Toyota EV Technology. Together, they established a research and development centre in Shenzen. The \u2018Blade\u2019 batteries are said to be about half the thickness of a traditional lithium-ion battery, boosting passenger space. No information on the battery capacity is known yet.\nA peek at the inside of the Toyota bZ3 reveals a rotary style gear selector, a floating screen infotainment unit, a flat-bottom and top steering wheel, and a tan leather interior. The position of the meter cluster requires the driver to look over the steering wheel, instead of through it.\nRELATED: \nToyota bZ4X SUV detailed, 218 hp and up to 500 km range\nPhoto: \nmiit.gov.cn\nThe Toyota bZ3 is expected to make its official debut at the Guangzhou motorshow in November this year. It will be Toyota\u2019s second EV in the bZ series after the Toyota bZ4x. As for Malaysia, registration of interest has been open for the all-electric \nLexus RZ\n, which is Lexus\u2019s version of the Toyota bZ4x.\nPhoto: \nmiit.gov.cn"
"Although the Volkswagen Golf is\u00a0the \nmost popular model of its class in Europe\n, it is not all a bed of roses for the seventh-generation hatchback. Volkswagen UK has just stopped taking orders for the \nGolf GTE plug-in hybrid\n, citing production bottlenecks that have caused \u201cunreasonable\u201d waiting times for the Golf GTE.\nAccording to \nAutoCar UK\n, the bottlenecks in the production line were not pinned down to a supply issue or a fault in production, hence the only solution for Volkswagen to avoid excessively long waiting times for the Golf GTE was to suspend orders for the model. However, the Passat GTE \u2013 which shares the same powertrain combo as the Golf remains available to order.\nA Volkswagen statement reads: \u201cDue to bottlenecks in production and in order to not impose unreasonable waiting times on our customers for new car orders, temporarily the Golf GTE cannot be ordered. We will inform you as soon as this model is available to order again.\u201d While the Golf is one of the best-selling cars in the UK, the GTE is the slowest-selling variant of the lot.\nAlthough a locally assembled Golf GTE with its 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid motor that returns 1.4 litres per 100 km would be\u00a0\nan extremely compelling package for Malaysians\n, there are \ntwo main reasons why Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) are unable to bring it into our local market\n. And judging from the situation in UK, perhaps it\u2019s a good thing \nthey didn\u2019t\n."
"Whenever we hear the word V8, our instinct is to picture a supercar or even a hypercar. But Aston Martin is going to break that for you by sticking their 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine into their Aston Martin Cygnet compact hatchback.\nThe V8 powered Cygnet was commissioned by a single customer who sought after the ultimate city car. Built by Q by Aston Martin, the Cygnet has \n435 hp\n and \n490 Nm\n of torque at its mercy, all sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint takes just \n4.3 seconds\n and it will do speeds of \n273 km/h\n on V-Max.   Clamping down the V8 powered city car are 380mm discs clamped by six-piston monoblock calipers at the front and 330mm discs gripped by four-piston monoblock calipers at the rear. The calipers are painted in yellow to contrast the Buckinghamshire Green paintjob.\nOn the outside, the Cygnet still retains its iconic shape with significantly flared extensions to cover the 19-inch five-spoke diamond-turned wheels. At the rear, the V8 Cygnet is distinguished by its central twin exhaust pipes and diffuser trim.\n4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8\nInside, the Cygnet has a motorsport-inspired theme with a roll cage, fixed Recaro bucket seats with four-point harness, Alcantara steering wheel, carbon fibre dashboard, FIA compliant fire extinguisher and even carbon door cards. But Q has kindly left the air-conditioning the sake of passenger comfort.\nIMAGE GALLERY   4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8"
"After a string of good results with accelerated progress on the hydrogen-fueled prototype racing car, Toyota is taking the next leap in what looks to be the biggest deviation yet in the automotive landscape.\nToyota, together with Mazda, Subaru, Kawasaki and Yamaha are jointly announcing their corporation to work together on the development of hydrogen technology as well as other greener fueling options to be used with internal combustion engines. Rather than just zero local emissions as promoted by new individual EVs, Toyota and the group believes carbon neutrality can still be achieved with new fuels running on combustion engines.\nToyota, Mazda and Subaru will continue to use motorsports as a research and development platform to evaluate and test laboratory-created carbon-neutral fuels. Both the new \nToyota GR86\n and \nSubaru BRZ\n will be powered by carbon-neutral synthetic fuel derived from biomass, while Mazda\u2019s 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D engine in the smaller Mazda 2 hatchback will race with 100% biomass-derived biodiesel.\nThe current \nToyota Corolla Sport\n hydrogen racing car will continue to participate in national endurance races to further accelerate the development and validation of technologies associated with hydrogen fuel being used in an internal combustion engine.\nKawasaki and Yamaha meanwhile will focus on the development of hydrogen engines for motorcycles and other vehicles, particularly in the logistics industry. The group will also study and improve the efficiency of the movement of hydrogen fuel, as the tanks are heavy and have pressure limits.\nFormula 1 also feels that changing our fuel source to meet carbon neutrality is the better method. The pinnacle of motor racing has some plans lined up. More here.\nHonda\n is absent from this so-called \u2018Team Japan\u2019, as the company has announced its targets to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and activities by 2050, with every single motorised device made by the company to be powered by electricity from 2040.\nAt last week\u2019s COP26 climate conference by the UN, Toyota together with Volkswagen, Nissan and Hyundai \ndid not\n sign their pledge to transition to sales of 100% zero-emission new cars and vans by 2035 in leading markets and globally by 2040.\nToyota has earlier strongly expressed that switching just to fully electric propulsion is \ntoo early\n at this stage of acceptance and options for consumers, and instead to continue with a wide range of existing hybrid engines and newer fuel cell technologies to achieve carbon neutrality."
"When Ferrari\n unveiled the Roma back in 2019\n, the Maranello-based supercar maker gave it the tag line \u201cla nuova Dolce Vita\u201d, or \u201cthe new sweet life\u201d in English. Think driving through the windy roads with the magnificent Italian Alps as backdrop \u2013 and yet, half of the view is covered by the car\u2019s (admittedly very attractive) sloping roof.\nNo, what you want is a convertible grand tourer, where you can soak in not just the beautiful surroundings and fresh air, but also the growl of the Ferrari V8. Luckily, the Ferrari Roma Spider is now here for you to do just that.\nUniquely, the Ferrari Roma Spider here utilises a fabric roof instead of a hard-top like most of the marque\u2019s recent convertible models. In fact, it\u2019s the first front-engined Prancing Horse with a soft top since the 365 GTS4 from 1969.\nThe soft top can be erected or stowed away in just 13.5 seconds at speeds up to 60 km/h, and is made out of a special multi-layer fabric that\u2019s said to offer \u201cacoustic comfort on a par with retractable hard tops\u201d. A wind deflector is integrated into the rear bench\u2019s backrests, and can be deployed with just a touch of a button \u2013 but only when you have no rear passengers on board.\nThanks to the roof now being chopped off, Maranello had to add several reinforcements to the rear of the chassis in order to ensure it still drives like a Ferrari. Still, with all that plus a whole folding roof mechanism, the Roma Spider only weighs 84 kg more than its coupe counterpart.\nTo accommodate the new roof, the section directly behind the rear seats have been redesigned with a body-colour band that runs across the base of the roof, dividing the carbon fibre active spoiler from the roof and rear screen in the form of a \u201cseamlessly integrated tonneau cover\u201d.\nRELATED: \nNaza Italia and Ferrari part ways, partnership to conclude in April 2023\nThe active rear spoiler also had to be redesigned and recalibrated for roofless driving, with three positions that increases in downforce the faster you drive. Fortunately, the rest of the Roma\u2019s sultry body lines are mostly unchanged, including its signature long bonnet and low-slung, shark-like front fascia.\nAlso unchanged is its cabin design, which mirrors basically the coupe\u2019s interior in its entirety, including the 8.4-inch portrait infotainment display in the middle sandwiched between two separate cockpit-like areas for the front passenger.\nThe all-new Ferrari Roma Spider is powered by the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making \n620 hp\n and \n760 Nm\n. Power is sent to the rear wheels exclusively via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Not that you\u2019d really care in a topless grand tourer, but the Spider here does the century sprint in \n3.4 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of over \n320 km/h\n \u2013 identical to that of its coupe counterpart.\nPricing for the Ferrari Roma Spider is not announced yet, but expect it to come at a premium over its regular coupe counterpart \u2013 the regular Ferrari Roma is \npriced from RM968,000 here in Malaysia\n, before options, duties, taxes, and insurance.\nALSO READ: \nThe new Ferrari Roma is just majesty on wheels\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), the distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the 10 finalists for the latest edition of the Toyota Eco Youth Program.\nThe Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is the automaker\u2019s annual program to cultivate environmental awareness and encourage respect for the environment among youth in secondary schools. The long-running program celebrates its 20th year this year.\nThe latest edition, which kicked off in November 2020, is a fully online platform under the theme \u201cReimagining Mobility\u201d attracted \n282 teams\n from 177 schools, the highest ever participation recorded. This is an achievement itself, given that school sessions were irregular with the ongoing pandemic.\nSMK Chung Hwa Miri, Sarawak\nSMK Majakir, Sabah\nIn late December, 16 shortlisted teams have been formulating their proposals which were posted on social media channels for the public to view. Additionally, each team developed a podcast episode presented on Spotify.\nAddressing the issue of waste and recycling were popular themes for the proposals. Showcasing impressive capability for innovation and advanced technology, many schools put forward ideas for digital smart tools, supported by carefully built prototypes.\n\u201cAs always, we are highly impressed by the quality of the projects and the innovative ideas proposed. It is never easy for our judges to choose the best as everyone is a winner in their own way,\u201d said President of UMWT, Ravindran K..\nThis year, UMWT has doubled the prize money pool to \nRM64,000\n to further reward ingenuity amongst the youth. The winning team/school takes home a cool RM20,000, 1st runner-up with RM15,000 and third place rewarded with RM10,000. Teachers also get rewarded with RM3,000 under the \nMost Supportive Teacher\n category.\nSMK Taman Rinting, Johor\nMaktab Tentera Diraja, KL\n\u201cToyota Motor Corporation and UMW Toyota Motor are proud to be playing a part in cultivating environment consciousness and innovative thinking for the young generation. This year, we are pleased to share our vision for mobility with these students. It is assuring to know that the next generation will be ready to face new challenges that arise as we all strive to make our planet a more mobile and inclusive place for everyone,\u201d said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMWT.\nThe final judging phase in April saw the \ntop 10 finalists\n being chosen and will proceed to make their respective \u2018pitches\u2019 through live presentations on 29th May 2021. They are:\nSMK Kubang Kerian, Kelantan\nSMK Air Putih, Pahang\nSMAP Labu, Negeri Sembilan\nSMK Taman Rinting 2, Johor\nSMK Convent Bukit Nanas, KL\nMaktab Tentera Diraja (MTD), KL\nSMJK Katholik, Selangor\nSMK Majakir, Sabah\nSMK Chung Hwa Miri, Sarawak\nSMK Mutiara, Labuan\nGALLERY"
"Ford has globally unveiled the refreshed Ranger Wildtrak model, and the key lies in the word Wildtrak, bearing an exterior package that resonates the rugged attitude that it exudes. We\u2019ve already seen the \nfacelifted Ranger\n that was launched at the Bangkok Motor Show\u00a0back in March this year.\nEXTERIOR\nThe new Wildtrak boasts quite an array of new tech that are not typical of its segment. It is also offered with a gutsy \n3.2-litre oil burner\n that promises to live up to the Blue Oval Company\u2019s fun-to-drive ethos. As compared to its base-model sibling, the Wildtrak\u2019s grille is now finished in \nliquid metallic grey\n instead of chrome, giving it a more imposing stance. The same colour accent extends to the door handles, side mirrors, side air vents, bed rails as well as the tail lamps.\nFurther differentiating the flagship from the regular Rangers are the new set of 18-inch wheels, rectangular front fog lamps, a unique sports hoop and bold Wildtrak graphics. Ford claims that the variant\u2019s signature orange colour has been slightly tweaked to \u2018help it stand out from the crowd\u2019.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin layout remains largely the same, save for the obvious use of its signature orange colour on the seats. The driver\u2019s side is eight-way power adjustable and incorporates the said orange colour stitching with a two-tone upholstery.\nThe sports truck is also equipped with a dual-TFT instrument cluster display and an \neight-inch touchscreen LCD\n featuring SYNC2 voice-activated tech that\u2019s housed in a soft-touch dashboard. This also comes with orange stitching that echos the upholstery fascia. A handy 240-volt power socket is also included.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering this rugged pick-up is a \nfive-cylinder 3.2-litre Duratorq\n TDCi diesel engine which makes \n197 hp\n and 420 Nm\u00a0of torque that comes with an\u00a0uprated \nExhaust Gas Recirculation\n system to improve fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent. Power is then sent onto the tarmac on all fours (or two should you fancy such) via a \nsix-speed automatic \ngearbox.\nThe Wildtrak has a towing capacity thanks to the aforementioned powertrain of an incredible 3,500kg. It also gets an upgraded suspension and its ride is now tuned for better handling and comfort. Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) is entrusted with duty of steering which promises to have more feel at varying speeds.\nSAFETY\nAs is the trend of modern European cars, it is loaded with tech and drivers aid. That being said, it is uncommon to find such systems on a truck. The list reads as such: \nLane Keeping Alert\n,\u00a0\nLane Keeping Aid,\u00a0Adaptive Cruise Control\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0Front and Rear Park Assist.\u00a0\nKeeping the truck in check under stressful driving is the ESC or Electronic Stability Control program that works in tandem with the\u00a0\nAdaptive Load Control\n. Together they\u00a0adjust the ESC system based on vehicle load or tow.\nEmergency Brake Assistance (EBA)\n\u00a0provides additional pressure to the brake system in an emergency to increase the braking force when you stomp on the middle pedal. If you find yourself on a slope,\u00a0\nHill Launch Assist\n, will help you start off from an incline, whether in forward or reverse. This tech is complemented with \nHill Descent Control \nto suit all driving conditions.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Ranger Wildtrak comes in its signature paint scheme called Pride Orange (they are rather proud of it). Should that tint of tangerine not tickle your fancy, the Wildtrak can be had in Cool White.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Ford Mustang Shelby \nGT350\n and \nGT500\n are incredible cars \u2013 The latter is so powerful that Ford even makes its buyers \ntake driving lessons\n so you don\u2019t end up in a ditch during your joy rides. Despite having the name though, true fans will tell you that these are not actually true Shelby cars.\nYou see, for a car to be a true Shelby, it will have to be part of the Shelby American Registry, a database that documents every single Shelby-built vehicle since the very first Shelby sports car in 1962. To have your Mustang officially certified, you\u2019ll need these \u2013 the Shelby Signature Edition packages.\nThe biggest upgrade comes in the form of power for the GT500SE (for Signature Edition), which raises the output of the 5.2-litre turbocharged V8 engine up to \n\u201c800+\u201d hp \n(up from 760 hp), thanks to a new pulley and additional coolers.\nAlongside the improved engine, the GT500SE also gains a lowered track-focused springs with a more aggressive suspension tuning, new wheels, and a carbon fibre hood that reduces the weight by about 14 kg.\nOf course, there are visual upgrades too in the form of Shelby and Signature Edition badges, stripes, as well as a souped-up interior. For even more fanfare, you can also get an optional wide-body kit for the Mustang.\nThe Signature Edition is available on the GT350 and the R variant too, though admitted it sounds quite a bit tamer compared to the GT500SE. Made to celebrate 55 years of collaboration between the two companies, the GT350SE gets a more aggressive handling package, reworked interior, racing stripes, special wheels with performance tires, as well as several \u201cfunctional styling elements\u201d.\nThe package is designed for the 2020 Mustang GT350 and GT350R, though Shelby will gladly still install the kit on the older models from 2015-2019 \u2013 only without the anniversary badges. Just like the GT500SE, your car will also be entered into the Shelby American Registry.\nFor the ultimate Shelby fans, the company is also introducing a \u201cFirst 15\u201d incentive for customers who order their Signature Edition cars before 14th August. Benefits include a Shelby party in Las Vegas with a one-night stay at the D Las Vegas Hotel, an autographed photo of their cars at the Shelby factory, a First 15 exclusive serial number, Shelby gear, along with other perks.\nShelby will only build 100 units of each car every year, and they\u2019re priced at \nUSD29,995 \n(MYR125,820) and \nUSD9,995\n (MYR41926) for the GT500 and GT350 respectively \u2013 and that\u2019s not accounting for the actual price you\u2019ll have to pay for the base car ITSELF plus transportation to the Shelby factory.\nEach purchase of the SE packages will also include a donation to the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which provides medical assistance for those in need \u2013 including children, as well as educational opportunities and training programmes for youngsters interested in the Automotive sector.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Mustang Shelby GT500SE\nFord Mustang Shelby GT350SE"
"During all launch events, the highlight of the new vehicle is the flagship variants with all the bells and whistles. For the Perodua Ativa, at just RM71,200, one can get adaptive cruise control and lane -keeping features that is capable of Level 2 autonomous driving!\nWhat if your budget does not allow you to spend so much, or perhaps, these fancy technologies are not what you want, as your main usage of the car is only in slow urban areas and only 15 minutes on the expressway.\nWe will thus look into each \nPerodua Ativa\n variant to simplify your purchase and also understand where the extra payment goes to.\nEngine and transmission\nAll Perodua Ativa variants (X, H and AV) use the same turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine paired with a Dual-mode CVT. Peak outputs are \n98 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque available from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm.\nIn all variants, there is a Power mode located on the steering wheel to increase \nthe response\n of the powertrain. Perodua says there is no need for RON97 fuel for the turbocharged engine, as \nRON95\n is the minimum requirement.\nThe shift lever also has a manual mode, allowing the driver to manually cycle through seven steps (or speeds) for better engine braking or simply to have some control of the engine revolution. Drive is channelled only to the front wheels on this compact SUV.\nIdling start-stop technology is also used to increase fuel economy. The rated fuel consumption on all variants is 18.9 km/l or 5.3 l/100km. Based on the existing RON95 price of RM2.05 per litre, the fuel cost translates to \n10.85 sen\n per kilometre.\nExterior\nPerodua has simplified identification of the exterior of the Ativa range. The wheels are the easiest identifier for the base X variant.\nAll variants have black finishing on the A-pillar (windscreen), side mirrors and central B-pillar. All Ativa models receive the same design of the grille, bumpers, shark fin antenna and the LED headlamps are also standard, with the H and AV variants getting additional features.\nFrom here on is the detailed listing of each variant and its respective features\nPerodua Ativa X \u2013 From RM61,500\nExterior\n16-inch silver-painted wheels, 205/65 R16 tyres, with a full-sized spare tyre\nUnpainted, resin finish on the lower section of the bumpers\nRear drum brakes, hand-lever parking brake\nBody-coloured door handles\nSmart handsfree entry (lock/unlock) on front doors plus tailgate\nLED headlamps, manual levelliser, automatic high beam, bulb-type signal lamp\nLED tail and brake lamps\nRear spoiler\nShark fin antenna\nManual folding side mirrors with turn signals\nColours : Cobalt Blue, Granite Grey and Glittering Silver\nInterior\nAll-black interior, unpainted sections\nTilt-adjusting steering wheel column\nUnwrapped basic steering wheel, only Power-mode switch\nFabric seats\nConventional instrument cluster with physical meters and LCD multi-info display\nConventional audio with FM tuner, USB and Bluetooth, 4 speakers, two USB charging ports\nPush start/stop button\nManual air-conditioning with push-button switches\nStorage spaces on all four doors, a centre console tray and side pockets\nDriver\u2019s armrest with console box\n40:60 split-folding rear seats, flat-folding \u00a0\nDual-level luggage deck board\nSafety\n5-star rating in ASEAN NCAP\nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA) \u2013 Pre-collision warning, Pre-collision braking, Pedal Misoperation control, Front departure alert, Land departure warning, Lane departure prevention\nVSC, TRC, Hill Hold Assist, ABS, EBD, BA, Emergency Stop Signal\n6 airbags\nISOFIX with top tether\nFasten seatbelt reminder for rear occupants\nRear parking sensors\n \nPerodua Ativa H \u2013 From RM66,100\nFor RM4,600 more over the basic X, the Ativa H looks better with the larger 17-inch dual-tone alloy rims. The H variant gets silver treatment on the lower portion of the bumpers (mimic underguards found on larger SUVs) with LED foglamps fitted upfront.\n \u00a0\nWhen in use, the turn signals have \nsequential lighting\n, like the Toyota Harrier and Alphard.\nThe Ativa H gets these extra features over the X:\nExterior\nSilver highlights on the lower portion of bumpers\nLED headlamps with sequential turn signal lights\nLED foglamps\nAdaptive Driving Beam- more advanced than high beam as it selectively turns off individual lighting elements to avoid glaring the oncoming traffic as well as ahead\n17-inch dual-tone alloy rims, 205/60 R17 tyres, with a full-sized spare tyre\nAutomatic folding door mirrors\nAdditional exterior colours: Pearl Delima Red and Pearl Diamond White (RM 500 additional)\nInterior\nSilver painted air-conditioning vents and front door grip handles\n7-inch TFT full colour digital multi-information display\nLeather-wrapped steering wheel with control switches\n9-inch touchscreen infotainment with Smart Link for Android and voice recognition system, HDMI port\nUSB (2) charger for rear occupants\nSafety\nRear parking sensors\nReverse camera\nAs you can see, the additional RM4,600 is good value, making the Ativa more presentable each time you are in the driver\u2019s seat driving it with the nicer-looking interior.\nWe would also like to take this opportunity to further explain the features of the infotainment with \nSmart Link\n for Android. Similar to the system found in the Perodua Aruz and Myvi, only Android smartphones can connect with the infotainment, as the Perodua Smart Link app is only available in Google Play.\nOne of the key features of the Smart Link connection is the usage of Google Maps or Waze in the Navigation function. The voice recognition function, with a dedicated switch on the steering wheel, is the \nGoogle Assistant\n, which can be used to operate navigation, telephone and music while in motion.\nThe main weakness of the Smart Link connection is that the smartphone\u2019s display must be always kept on. Being a mirroring technology, Smart Link also does not allow control of the navigation on the infotainment display but only from the smartphone.\nPerodua Ativa AV \u2013 From RM 71,200\nWe finally arrive at the Ativa AV, the range-topping. Paint selection makes the Ativa AV have three different pricing, as full pearlescent red or white paint is RM500 extra, while pearlescent with black roof is another RM300 extra, bringing the price to RM72,000.\nFor the exterior, the only markings of the AV model that is without the black roof is the chrome door handles, of course, the AV grade marking at the tailgate.\nHere are the features you get for topping-up an extra RM5,100 over the Ativa H:\nExterior\nChrome door handles\nInterior\nChrome inner door handles\nTwo-tone leather seat, black with red highlights\nChrome trim on shift knob\nFront footwell illumination\nAdditional tweeter speakers, total of six speakers\nRed-coloured console side pocket\nSolar and security window tinting film\nIntegrated digital video recorder (DVR)\nSafety\nAdaptive cruise control (ACC)\nLane keep control (LKC)\nBlindspot monitor (BSM)\nRear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)\nThe bulk of the additional RM5,100 goes to the Advanced Driving Assists Systems (ADAS) which makes the Ativa AV capable of \nLevel 2 autonomous driving (AD)\n.\nBear in mind that, for Level 2 AD to function, the ACC and LKC must operate at speeds above 60 km/h. As such, if your journey is around the neighbourhood, sending the kids to school and running errands plus does not have long stints of speeds 60 km/h and above, your driving pattern might never use the Level 2 AD function.\nThe Ativa H has all the modern safety features (ASA) plus the beautiful, customisable 7-inch full-colour multi-information display. The exterior is also more handsome thanks to the dual-tone alloy wheels and the silver highlights on the bumpers.\nAs such, the Ativa H could be the best value for the urban dweller.\nGALLERY\nPERODUA ATIVA X\nPERODUA ATIVA AV\n \nOFFICIAL IMAGES\nPERODUA ATIVA AV PREVIEW EVENT"
"The former Barisan National Government, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, implemented various policies that had directly and indirectly impacted the automotive landscape of Malaysia.\nThe most significant policy change under the former government is the removal of petrol subsidies in December 2014 amidst the rising global oil prices (throughout 2014) and an attempt to reduce the government\u2019s fiscal deficit. In 2014, RON95 was hovering at RM2.10 per litre, RON97 averaged at RM2.70 while diesel prices were capped at RM2.00/litre. The huge price discrepancy between the two grades of petrol was attributed to the subsidiary on RON95 provided by the government.\n \n Fuel Price in Malaysia Jan 2014 to March 2015\n \n Weekly Fuel Price in Malaysia March 2017 to May 2018\nAfter the subsidies were withdrawn by the government, global oil prices plummeted to under USD50 per barrel throughout 2015 to 2016. As such then government had to revise the monthly price revision to a weekly affair (starting March 2017) to better reflect the fuel prices.\nAs Malaysians have elected a new government in the 14\nth\n General Elections, part of Pakatan Harapan\u2019s manifesto is to reintroduce petrol subsidies and stabilise the fuel prices. Yesterday (Wednesday, May 16) during a press conference, our new Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said that \u201cpresent state will stay and if it\u2019s not enough, the government will subsidise\u201d, marking the eight consecutive week where fuel prices have remained unchanged.\nPresently\n, RON95 is priced at RM2.20/litre, RON97 at RM2.47/litre, diesel Euro 2M at RM2.18/litre while diesel Euro 5M is priced at RM2.28/litre. It remains to be seen how the Pakatan Harapan government will implement the fuel subsidies, but they have promised to deliver the plan within their first 100 days in office.\nGlobal oil prices\n have steadily recovered over the past 12 months, peaking at USD71 per barrel in May 2018 from just under USD50 per barrel in May last year."
"If the pictures don\u2019t do the all-new Toyota Camry any justice, you might want to come on over to the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show to check it out yourself.\nThe all-new 8th-generation Toyota Camry will only be available in one variant \u2013 \n2.5V priced at RM 189,900\n \u2013 and will be a fully imported model from Thailand, with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.\nThe new car is powered by the carried-over 2AR-FE 2.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine that\u2019s good for \n184 hp\n and \n235 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed Super ECT transmission with optimised gear ratios for smoother acceleration.\nOverall, the car which is by far the most aggressively-styled Camry, is wider, longer and sits lower with a longer wheelbase. On the outside, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, the first time it\u2019s been offered on a Camry as the previous model only offered up to 17-inch wheels.   Five colours are available; they include Red Mica, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Silver Metallic, Graphite Metallic and Burning Black.\nSuspension wise, the rear multi-link setup has been replaced with double wishbones which means this thing will go through corners with the composure of a certain \u201cbeer promoter\u201d involved in a recent controversial incident.\nA full range of LED lighting is offered in the front \u2013 automatic bi-LED projectors, LED turn signals, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps and tail lights. At the back you get dual exhaust tips \u2013 both of which are functional, if you\u2019re wondering.\nInside the fully-redesigned interior is a new dashboard layout, (super comfortable) leather seats with a particularly smooth surface, 8-way powered seats with memory function (only for the driver), a dashcam, an 8-inch touchscreen display, 9-speaker JBL sound system, a 7-inch multi-info display and a 10-inch colour head-up display.   What\u2019s more interesting is the switch by the front passenger seat, that allows the rear passenger to recline and push the front passenger seat forward should more legroom be needed. Toyota is really pushing for the new Camry to be considered as a chauffeur-driven car, aside from being a premium family sedan.\nSafety wise, the new Camry is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system which includes Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam and a Pre-collision system.\nThis adds to the seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver\u2019s knee), Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Hill-start Assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"So Goodyear has launched it\u2019s latest tyre in Thailand recently to cater to the luxury SUV segment; its called the EfficientGrip Performance SUV, and for good reason.\nFollowing the launch of the all-rounded\n\u00a0Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3\n tyres, the new Efficient Grip focuses on the SUV market which has shown no signs of slowing down with annual growth rates of 26% from 2012 to 2017 in the Asia Pacific region. Promising to deliver a quieter driving experience with maximised comfort and sublime wet braking performance, here\u2019s 3 things you should know about the new EfficientGrip Performance SUV before you\u2019re next SUV tyre change:\nIt\u2019s QuietTred Technology helps minimise that humming noise\nThe annoying tyre noise you hear from within the vehicle\u2019s cabin comes from the release of air trapped in the thread patterns as the tyres are rolling on the road. The QuietTred technology minimises this with an increased number of pitches with optimised distribution, coupled with closed grooves and shoulder design \u2013 this reduced noise generation, creating a quieter ride.\nIt\u2019s improved footprint shape and pressure distribution also results in lesser vibrations and improved tyre longevity.\nIt maximises comfort with FlexContact technology\nDesigned with FlexContact, the tyres come with a shock absorbing cushion layer compound with increased insulation of the tyre structure. It\u2019s also equipped with an innovative hexagonal bead shape to enhance rim contact \u2013 with the aim to reduce tyre vibrations for a more comfortable ride.\nEquipped with cutting edge technology for superior wet performance\nThe new EfficientGrip comes with optimised microstructures with the application of new innovative polymers within the high-performance cap compound for improved grip on wet conditions. Wider and reinforced shoulder blocks with wider centerline sipes offers increased contact area during braking, allowing the car to stop faster and safer.\nAvailable sizes\nThe EfficientGrip Performance SUV tyres will be available for 17-inch to 20-inch rim diameters in the Malaysian market with 20 different sizes offered. Consumers can purchase the\u00a0EfficientGrip Performance SUV\u00a0tires at Goodyear Autocare or\u00a0Servitekar outlets, as well as authorized Goodyear dealers nationwide from October 2017 onwards."
"It\u2019s called that for good reason as both are some of the biggest SUVs you can buy. While both make about the same power, check out how weight plays its part in a drag race.\nBoth weigh in excess of two tonnes \u2013 the F15 X5M at around \n2,385 kg\n while the G63 weighs some 300 kg more at a whopping \n2,645 kg\n.\n \nThat\u2019s a huge disadvantage to make up for even though the AMG G63, with its 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8, makes about \n563 hp\n and \n760Nm\n.\nThe BMW on the other hand makes \n567 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. (all specifications including weight published are as per video)\nHere\u2019s\n what we thought about the latest AMG G63\n.\nEven though the G63 had the better start in both runs; even jumping the gun on the second run, the X5M was not going to just sit still and watch the AMG gallop into the horizon.\nIt\u2019s a deja vu of the pick-up truck drag race we did recently, when the most powerful truck, the Nissan Navarra, among others including the D-Max, Hilux, and Ranger, lost outright to the Mitsubishi Triton.\n \nIf you\u2019ve been following our videos on YouTube, you would\u2019ve also seen our video of the \nToyota Supra\n going against the \nBMW M2 Competition\n.\nThat was another surprising race as both weighed the same but the M2 Competition was far superior in terms of torque figures."
"BMW Malaysia\n \nhas unveiled the 2022 \nBMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9\n MY edition\n for the Malaysian market. Essentially being the G15 facelift that made its world debut earlier this year, the Malaysian edition of the M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 fetches a price of \nRM 1,102,800\n.\nStill powered by the same N63 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, the BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 produces a maximum power output of \n530 hp\n @ 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of \n750 Nm\n @ 1,800-4,600 rpm. With the V8 paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and with power sent to all wheels, the M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 completes the century sprint in \n3.9 seconds\n.\nAt the front, the revised BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 features the \u201cIconic Glow\u201d LED lighting on the kidney grille. The LED lighting provides a waterfall-like illumination that cascades down the grille slats. One could say that \nthe 8 Series\u2019 facelift is a literal glow up\n.\nAlso seen on the exterior are M exterior mirrors and signature M emblem on the kidney grille, which is courtesy of the inclusive M Performance Package. Perched on the boot lid is an M rear spoiler. Accentuating the coup\u00e9\u2019s looks are the M high-gloss Shadowline and M Lights Shadowline.\nRELATED: \nBMW 8 Series gets a \u2018glow up\u2019 facelift for 2022. literally\nThe BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 MY Edition sits on a set of 20-inch double-spoke Style M light alloy wheels. Behind the alloy wheels are a set of M Sport brakes finished in high-gloss black.\nIn the cabin, the M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 MY Edition features a 12.3-inch touchscreen head unit and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Both driver and front passenger get M Sport seats (with active ventilation), and the interior is upholstered in BMW Individual\u2019s Merino Leather. Upholstery colour options include Black, Cognac, Ivory White, Night Blue, Tartufo, and Fiona Red.\nRELATED: \nMcLaren and BMW are reportedly in talks for a jointly-developed electric supercar\nLHD unit shown\nSetting the ambience in the cabin is a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System. An added convenience in the M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone integration.\nAdvanced safety features of the BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 MY edition includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Change Warning (LCW), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Cross Traffic Warning (RCTW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and Emergency Stop Assistant. Also equipped on the M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 MY Edition is BMW\u2019s Parking Assistant Plus.\nIncluded in the RM1,102,800 price of the BMW M850i xDrive Coup\u00e9 MY Edition is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme. With the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW M850i xDrive MY Edition can be owned with a monthly installment plan starting from RM 12,797.\nRELATED: \nIs this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser image of the CLS on its official Facebook page hinting the imminent launch of the third-generation four-door fastback.\nBased on the teaser image, the new CLS will feature a single LED daytime running light brow just like the rest of the \nC-Class\n range. It gets a more angular front end as well as a larger trapezoidal grille with a single bar tri-star emblem. Expect the new CLS to feature larger dimensions and a sleeker profile overall.\nInside, the teaser image shows an interior resembling that of an \nE-Class coupe\n \u2013 jet turbine air vents, Widescreen Cockpit, ambient lighting and even down to the engine start/stop button. Carbon fibre inlays can also be seen here although customers can most definitely have it in other finishes like wood or aluminium.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS will make its official debut at the 2017 LA Motor Show happening from 1st December onwards. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) was asking RM599k for the \nsecond-generation CLS 400\n and knowing them, the third-generation CLS will definitely make its way to our shores."
"Perodua\n has posted its monthly sales performance report for November 2022, in which it recorded a 29,149 units sold \u2013 the company\u2019s highest-ever monthly sales record at \n28,592 units\n.\nThe November figure brings Perodua\u2019s year-to-date sales performance to 250,795 units, surpassing its\n full-year target of 247,800 units\n with one month to spare, and also the highest sales achievement for the company to date.\nAnd that\u2019s not all \u2013 Perodua\u2019s trifecta of celebrations in November also includes its new highest monthly production record since the company\u2019s inception, at 29,149 units.\nCommenting on the new record, Perodua President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThis achievement is meaningful on many levels; the first shows our ability to further maximise current resources, both within Perodua and its supplier ecosystem. \u201c\n\u201cThe second is that through this achievement, we now realise that we can further increase output \u2013 both in sales and production \u2013 without investing in a new plant or acquiring more land for our manufacturing operations.\u201d\nBut even as the national carmaker shifts into higher gear to meet demand, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin said that Perodua will still continue to invest in upgrading their operations, with an emphasis on upskilling its workforce. \u201cWe are also working closely with our suppliers and dealers to ensure that their operations are capable to meet future demand and challenges,\u201d he added.\nREAD MORE: \n3 things we like (and don\u2019t) about the 2022 Perodua Alza!\nThe 28,592 units sold in November 2022 represents an increase of 40.9% over the company\u2019s performance in the same month last year, and a 10.6% increase over \nOctober 2022\n. November\u2019s sales figure was mostly contributed by the \nBezza\n (8,089 units), \nMyvi\n (6,624 units), and \nAxia\n (5,812 units).\nOn a year-on-year comparison, meanwhile, the YTD figure of 250,795 represents a monumental 50% increase over the same period last year \u2013 however, the company clarifies that the muted sales figure last year was primarily due to the \nCovid-19 \nlock down between June and mid-August.\n\u201cWe are looking to continue the sales and manufacturing momentum to ensure that all our valued customers will receive their Perodua vehicles quicker, as well as to ensure all those booked their vehicle within the sales tax exempted timeframe will get their cars before 31 March 2023,\u201d Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal added.\nALSO READ: \nApple CarPlay now available on 2022 Perodua Alza \u2013 Updates provided at Perodua SC"
"Ford will be unveiling a special edition Ford Mustang GT 5.0 at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The special edition model pays tribute to American fighter pilots who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II and were based near Goodwood.\nFord has confirmed that this one-of-a-kind model, named Eagle Squadron Mustang GT was co-developed by Ford Performance and Gittin\u2019s RTR Vehicles \u2013 the authorised Ford Mustang tuning company. The duo has slapped on a Ford Performance supercharger onto the 5.0-litre V8 engine to push out a whopping \n710 hp\n (700 bhp) that are deployed onto the rear wheels, \n230 hp\n more than the \nMustang Bullitt\n!\nOther unique bits include RTR carbon fibre wide-body kit and Tactical Performance suspension package to complement the immense power jump. The supercharged Mustang will carve its way up the Goodwood hill climb by world champion drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. before being on display throughout the rest of the festival."
"Following the debut of the DB11 AMR, Aston Martin has revealed the limited-edition Rapide AMR (Aston Martin Racing) in conjunction with the brand\u2019s return to Le Mans to defend its 24-hour race.\nAt the heart of the Rapide AMR lies a 6.0-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine with larger inlet manifolds and quad exhaust system upgrades, making \n603 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n. That\u2019s\u00a0capable of catapulting the Rapide AMR from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed 330 km/h.\nOutside, the Rapide AMR is incorporated with a large and aggressive front grille reminiscent of the extreme track-only Vantage Pro while its circular daytime running lights take lessons from the recent Zagato models.\nStrapped on the body of the Rapide AMR are a long list of lightweight components including a new front bonnet, splitters, sills, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler \u2013 all made of carbon fibre.\nUnderneath the 21-inch forged wheels, a first for any Aston Martin, are carbon ceramic brakes fitted as standard. The multi-spoke wheels are not only rigid but are designed to aid brake cooling.\nThe Rapide AMR also utilises an upgraded cooling system borrowed from the Vanquish S,\u00a0with modified brake ducts and dust shields.\nIt is the first time the Rapide has been equipped with such immense braking power \u2013 with 6-pot calipers in the front and a 4-pot pair at the rear. The new Rapide AMR sits 10mm lower than a Rapide S and while the three stage adaptive dampers are retained, they\u2019ve been thoroughly re-engineered for better agility.\nInside, a One-77 style steering is available as an option while standard fitments include a full-length carbon fibre centre console and seats upholstered in Alcantara.\nEvery Rapide AMR is garnished with AMR logos stitched into the seats and a limited-edition AMR inspection plaque. The Aston Martin Rapide AMR will be available globally except in China and Russia and is available from \u00a3194,950 (approx. RM 1.04 million) with deliveries due at the end of this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz\n has just given its people carriers \u2013 the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQV, V-Class, and the V-Class Marco Polo camper MPV a facelift. Alongside the luxury MPVs, the German carmaker\u2019s commercial vans \u2013 the Mercedes-Benz Vito and eVito have been given an update as well.\nIn Malaysia, the \nMercedes-Benz Vito Tourer\n is offered in a single variant with a price tag of \nRM342,036\n (OTR, without insurance). Compared to the Vito Tourer we currently have, the facelifted EQV sports a refreshed front fascia design with updated headlights and grille designs.\nThe grille is also fitted with an LED light band to enhance its looks. Its bumper has also been tweaked to look sportier than before, helping it blend into the overall design better.\nOther standard exterior features fitted onto the Mercedes-Benz include the Adaptive Multibeam LED headlights with Highbeam Assist Plus. Round the back, the EQV facelift can be seen sporting a similar LED rear lights design, but with darkened contours.\nIt has also gotten a much larger rear window, which features a new chrome strip and Mercedes-Benz lettering just below it. The EQV facelift\u2019s rear bumper has gotten a slightly sportier treatment too.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM799k \u2013 761hp, 1020Nm\nAs for alloy wheels choices, 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheel sizes are available, alongside five new paint colours for customers to choose from. The alloys still feature a similar design motif as before, but now come with thicker spokes which should aid with the MPV\u2019s aerodynamics.\nThe Malaysian-spec Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, mated to the brand\u2019s 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. This results in a total of \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque for the 10-seater MPV, which sports a 3-2-3 rear seat configuration.\nPowering the Mercedes-Benz EQV, on the other hand, is a front-mounted electric motor, which makes \n204 hp\n (metric) and \n365 Nm\n torque. Thanks to a \n100 kWh\n lithium-ion battery, the EQV is capable of reaching a rated top speed of \n160 km/h\n.\nWhen the Mercedes-Benz EQV runs out of juice, it can be charged at a rate of up to \n11 kW\n of AC charging, which can juice up the EQV from flat to full in \n10 hours\n. When faster charging is needed, the EQV can also support up to \n110 kW\n of DC charging, which can charge the MPV from 10 to 80% in approximately \n45 minutes\n.\nInside, the Mercedes-Benz EQV facelift features a much more modern interior design compared to the Malaysian-spec Vito Tourer. You now get two much more modern-looking 12.3-inch widescreen displays, which consist of a fully digital instrument panel and a touchscreen central display.\nThe facelifted EQV also sports a new-generation steering wheel design which comes with capacitive hands-off recognition and heated functions. At the centre, gone are the old central air vents design found in the outgoing model, replaced by slimmer and more elegant-looking ones, which are now positioned slightly lower to accommodate the new floating screen. The air conditioning controls are also completely redesigned, featuring a much more mature and cleaner design.\nThere is also dimmed rear lighting for nighttime driving, as well as a 64-colour ambient lighting system for a luxurious interior experience. Mercedes-Benz has included the electronic parking brake (EPB) as standard for all EQVs equipped with an automatic transmission.\nAt the rear, the Mercedes-Benz EQV comes with the electric Easy-pack tailgate, as well as the Tempmatic air conditioning system. And as a Mercedes-Benz model, the EQV gets the latest generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system too.\nSafety-wise, the Mercedes-Benz EQV is equipped with a myriad of safety features. This includes standard features such as attention assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, intelligent speed assist and park package, cruise control, as well as headlamp assist with rain sensor.\nThe German luxury people carrier is also equipped with the brand\u2019s driving assistance package, which includes active distance assist distronic, active steering assist, and active speed limit assist. The parking package, on the other hand, comes with active parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian emergency braking with drive-away assist.\nMercedes-Benz mentioned that it will be building its future people carriers and commercial vans using its EV-specific VAN.EA platform. The platform will be utilised for its models from 2026 onwards, which will include the next-gen EQV.\nRELATED: \nNew Mercedes-Benz entry-level concept teased for IAA Munich 2023 \u2013 Is this the next-gen A-Class?\nGALLERY"
"Remember \nShell\u2019s \u201cNak Ekstra RM20,000\u201d weekly giveaway\n? Well, some \n84 winners\n have cashed ever since the campaign kicked off on 1\nst\n December 2019. If you\u2019ve been trying but has yet to strike any prizes, there are five more weeks to go before the campaign ends on \n9\nth\n February 2020\n.\nIt\u2019s worth repeating that \none grand prize of RM20,000\n and \n20 consolation prizes of RM1,000\n are given away \nweekly\n, so there are still \n126 cash prizes\n to be won, and all you need to do is spend a minimum of \nRM40 in one receipt\n at any Shell stations nationwide, complete and hand up the contest form along with the receipt on the spot or submit online by scanning the QR code.\nShell Malaysia organised a prize-giving ceremony for the winners from the first four weeks of the campaign, with three of the RM20,000 lucky winners in attendance; they were \nMohd Raffi Ismail from Bangi\n, M\nuhd Shukri Muhd Deris from Pahang\n and \nAzniza Bakar from Negeri Sembilan\n, each with their own little story on how they will utilise the windfall.\nIn the case of week 3\u2019s grand prize winner, Muhd\u00a0 Shukri Muhd Deris, the win comes at a good time. \u201cMy 6-year-old daughter is in pre-school. While I am excited to see her start her schooling years, I was worried about the costs; from her books to school uniform and even the school fees.\n\u201cImagine my relief when I was told I had won the RM20,000 grand prize from Shell Malaysia. This unexpected extra cash is a blessing for my wife and I, as it will contribute to our savings for our children\u2019s education. Thank you, Shell, and I hope you will continue to reward Malaysian families in 2020!\u201d\nShairan Huzani Husain, the Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur remarked, \u201cThis is not a Shell story, this is a Malaysian story. We understand that many are faced with life\u2019s hurdles and challenges and my goal is for us to help as many Malaysians as we can and we are doing this through the \u2018Nak Ekstra RM20,000?\u2019 campaign by giving Malaysians a platform to go further and do more\u201d.\nThe event was also attended by consolation prize winners who celebrated their winnings which has helped them get one step closer towards their goals for the year.\nIn conjunction with the campaign, Shell is hosting \nroadshows \nat selected cities across Malaysia with activities and prizes to be won at these locations; \nEast Coast Mall, Kuantan (9\nth\n January)\n, \nGurney Plaza, Penang (10\nth\n January)\n, \nVivacity Mall, Kuching (17 January)\n, and \nMyTOWN Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (17\nth\n January)\n."
"There\u2019s now an upgraded Renault Captur in the market and local authorised dealer TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has even thrown in a special edition model to make the vibrant Captur even more attractive.\nThe Renault Captur has been given a bump in power, \nfrom 190 Nm to 205 Nm\n, from its new Euro 6 compliant engine that now comes with an auto stop-start feature. Transmission wise, it\u2019s still utilising the silky smooth 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) gearbox.\nAside from the mechanical upgrades, the Captur also gets a new 7-inch infotainment system with offline/online navigation and Internet connectivity. It\u2019s also able to support apps like Waze when connected to the Internet.\nAs for the Captur+, the special edition model sports a silver/black two tone front and rear bumper to go with the Captur\u2019s already two tone body colour \u2013 not sure if that\u2019s overdoing it \u2013 you be the judge.\nObviously the \u201c+\u201d doesn\u2019t just mean \u201cplus some body panels\u201d and it\u2019s job done; the Captur+ is also offered with \nhands-free power tailgate\n, a first in its class, where even the height of the opening can be adjusted.\nInside, it seems Renault has decided for the Captur+ to appear a little more mature as the Maroon combination leather seats and upholstery suggests.\nAlso provided in the Captur+ is a dashcam, door sill plates with \u201cCaptur\u201d working and a boot entry guard that protects the bumper when you\u2019re utilising the boot with 377 litres to 1,235 litres of space when the rear seats are folded.\nLike before, four airbags and Hill Start Assist are standard, along with auto door lock, keyless entry, auto head lamps and a reverse camera to name a few.\nEvery Captur comes with TC Euro Cars\u2019 \n5-in-Captur aftersales guarantee\n with 5-years/100,000km free service and maintenance (parts and labour), 5-years manufacturer\u2019s warranty with unlimited mileage, pick-up and delivery for service, 24 hours roadside assistance and a replacement car (subject to availability) if replacement parts are not available for over 48 hours.\nThe Renault Captur goes for a highly enticing price of \nRM107,980\n while the Captur+ is asking for \nRM113,300\n. From now till 30th May 2019, those who purchase a Captur is eligible for \u201cThe French Experience\u201d \u2013 a trip for two to Paris including flights and accommodation.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nACCESSORY \u2013 TRUNK SILL"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just introduced a new accessory range for its range of vehicles. Similar to the \nJOIN package\n, which was introduced before, the Sound & Style range gains improved Hi-Fi system and stylish elements.\nAvailable for the \nGolf R-Line\n, Passat Comfortline, \nPassat Highline\n and \nTiguan Highline\n, the Sound & Style range are fitted with a Volkswagen Approved Accessory HELIX 300W Soundbar in the boot. The soundbar is a compact 5-channel amplifier with an integrated sound processor and subwoofer that complements the existing 8-speaker sound system available in the car.\nOn top of the soundbar,\nthe Golf R-Line Sound & Style, which is priced at RM177,390, also gains VW Tint.\nThe Tiguan Highline builds upon that with the addition of a chrome trunk\ngarnish, chrome exhaust tips and rear black spoiler, all for RM174,990.\nThe Passat Sound &\nStyle range also gets aluminium sports pedals and side scuff plats on top of\nthe soundbar and tint. The Passat Comfortline also gets larger 18-inch Dartford\nalloy wheels while the Highline now rides on 19-inch Verona alloy wheels. Retail\nprice for the Passat Sound & Style are RM188,690 and RM211,390 respectively.\nManaging Director of\nVPCM, Erik Winter said: \u201cMalaysians love to drive, and we love our radio\nstations and playlists. The \u2018Sound & Style\u2019 range strikes the perfect chord\nas we are not just offering cars that are pleasurable to drive, but with\nnext-level music quality. Fans of our brand can continue to expect more special\nedition offerings to cater to our discerning customers.\u201d\nEvery purchase of a new Volkswagen vehicle comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 3-Years Free Maintenance and 5-Years Roadside Assistance."
"Volvo Cars will soon introduce a ground-breaking, industry-first, connected safety system that allows their cars to \u201ccommunicate with each other\u201d and warn drivers of potential hazards on the road.\nThe cloud-based system, called the Hazard Light Alert and Slippery Road Alert, was first introduced in 2016 in Volvo\u2019s 90 series cars in Norway and Sweden.\nThese features will come as standard in all Volvo vehicles by the year 2020 and can be retrofitted into selected models.\nSafety research by Volvo showed that alerting people to dangers ahead in a timely manner and allowing them to adapt with time to spare, can radically reduce the risk of accidents.\nJust like when Volvo left their safety belt patents open to the automotive industry to replicate and follow suit \u2013 all in the name of safety \u2013 Volvo is also inviting the car industry to join them in sharing data related to traffic safety.\nWhen activated, the Hazard Light Alert sends a signal to all nearby Volvo cars connected to the cloud service, warning drivers to help avoid potential accidents.\nOn the other hand, the Slippery Road Alert increases the driver\u2019s awareness of current road conditions and what\u2019s ahead by anonymously collecting road surface information from cars further up front and warning drivers approaching a slippery road section in advance.\nDriver Monitoring Camera positioned by the A-pillar\nThis is not all. Last month, Volvo Cars announced that from the year 2020, \nall Volvos will be speed-limited to 180 km/h\n \u2013 a move that has received mixed reviews so far with some even questioning if they have the right to do so.\nThey\u2019ve also announced that they would install \nin-car cameras and other sensors to monitor and detect if the driver is intoxicated or distracted\n \u2013 allowing the car to intervene where necessary."
"Like most people, we wish that our car had more power, more safety features, and generally well, more. However, more stuff equals higher costs, but what about features that are a little more straightforward?\nThere are no \u2018hero\u2019 items on this list. Every single one is an uncomplicated feature in cars we have tested that have elevated the ride and driving experience.\nBUILT-IN TOLL READER\nWe call it by many names \u2013 SmartTAG reader, Touch \u2018n Go reader \u2013 the actual term Perodua uses is \u2018built-in toll reader\u2019. So far we\u2019ve seen it in the new Toyota Rush, the Perodua Myvi and Aruz to name a few. It even reads the balance on the card too!\nCHILD BOOSTER SEATS\nWith the welcome implementation and enforcement of child seats in our country, we\u2019d like to highlight in-built child booster seats, such as this one in our \nrecently tested XC90\n. The ones in the Volvo are only for children four-years-old and above.\nSure it may require some deft engineering to safely incorporate such a feature into a car, but we think smaller cars in particular would benefit even more from this, as it frees up a lot of space previously occupied by child seats.\nREAR WINDOW SHADES\nProbably the \u2018lowest tech\u2019 feature on this list. Why not just buy aftermarket rear window shades? Because if they are designed with the windows they fit better, and as you know these shades will stow away nicely inside the door panel instead of having to fold and tuck them away. Rear windscreen shades are a welcome feature too.\nADJUSTABLE CENTRE CONSOLE ARM RESTS\nAnother feature that we\u2019d love to see in cars are adjustable centre console arm rests. Often it will only slide forwards or backwards, but sometimes it can be elevated or lowered as well, like they do in Volkswagens. Such arm rests are \u2018rake and reach\u2019 capable if you\u2019ll allow me to use that term here.\nIn our \nrecent review\n of the Volkswagen Passat, it was one of the car\u2019s best features. Also, since the arm rest is moveable, they also leave a small gap for wires going into the USB ports in the centre console.\nSEAT POCKETS WITH DIFFERENT SIZES\nWe\u2019re talking specifically about seat pockets found at the back of the front seats, like the ones in the new \nSubaru Forester\n.\nInstead of the usual one pocket, it has three: the usual single deep pocket, and two additional ones for a phone and a tablet. What\u2019s more, they are made from a scratch-resistant material so it will withstand the disaffection of young children.\nWe pay a lot of attention to specification sheets for good reasons, but items such as these don\u2019t always make those pages, and it\u2019s always welcomed when a carmaker puts in extra thought (and value) to enhance the user experience of their cars.\nWhat else do you think should be made standard in cars?"
"Years after it was introduced in Thailand, Isuzu Malaysia has finally deemed fit to introduce the latest D-Max fitted with a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine priced from as low as \nRM80,149.20\n!\nThe 1.9-litre D-Max is introduced along with a 3.0-litre model, with single and double cab models available for both engine options, for a total of 11 different variants.\n \nAlthough the facelift model retains a largely familiar look from the model it replaces, the devil is in the details with redesigned headlamps, now equipped with Bi-LED projectors, a new grille design and a new fog lamp housing and new wheels.\nAt the back, there\u2019s now a damper available for soft opening and closing of the tailgate and a tray which can be rolled in and out for easier loading of cargo. These however, are optional extras.\nInside, the facelift D-Max comes with added padding in all the vital touch points such as the arm rest, door trims and dashboard, with newly designed seats wrapped in a mix of fabric and leather. The facelift model now also features an 8-inch touchscreen display with eight speakers and reverse camera display and a rear USB port.\nThat said, the highlight of the new D-Max has to be the \n1.9-litre turbo diesel\n engine which Isuzu says is quieter, more powerful, more efficient and reliable than before.\nThe new \nRZ4E-TCX engine\n, with a new Variable Geometry Turbo and fuel injection system, makes 10% more power and 9% more torque than before with \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque on the taps.\nThe outgoing 4JK1-TCX 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine before made 136 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Funnily enough, the 3.0-litre model makes just 27 hp more at 177 hp and 30 Nm more at 380 Nm.\nThe 6-speed automatic and manual transmission offered is also new. Isuzu explained that the new drivetrains, featuring a new final drive and wider ratios, were developed side by side with the new engine to better complement each other.\nWhile these figures may not matter in a pick-up, the facts may intrigue you. The new 1.9-litre D-Max with the 6-speed automatic transmission does 0 to 400 metres in 19.3 seconds and 0 to 100 km/h in 13.7 seconds. The previous 2.5-litre model did it in 20.3 seconds and 15.3 seconds respectively \u2013 borderline disturbing stuff this.\nIsuzu has even worked on noise dampening on the engine, although not by much, with the new engine now 2-3 dB quieter when idling than the engine it replaces. This is contributed by a more robust construction of the engine and reduced combustion noise from more precise fuel injection.\nIsuzu said the delay from introducing this new powertrain in Malaysia was due to the extensive development work to ensure that the 1.9-litre would perform reliably in our environment.\nNot only is the new engine 56kg lighter than the 2.5-litre engine, it\u2019s more efficient with 37% less friction of the engine components and produces 14% less emissions. With that, the new D-Max comes with a claimed fuel consumption of 8L/100km.\nSafety wise, the D-Max has been enhanced with Hill Descent Control with Hill Start Assist, to go with the six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control etc.\nLastly, those who book the new 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max between 18th of September to 31st of October 2019 will be given 5-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with up to 8-years or 80,000 km Free Maintenance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shell Lubricants\u2019 most advanced and latest fully synthetic engine oil, the Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30 has just joined the groundbreaking Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology range. This follows the oil and gas giant\u2019s 5W-40 engine oil \nintroduced last year\n, one that \nwe had the privilege to test for ourselves\n.\nIt\u2019s been a while now since Shell made the 0W-30 grade oil, but now it\u2019s back with \nEmissions Compatible Technology\n (ECT) which is said to help protect emissions system of most modern day engines, both petrol and diesel. It\u2019s also \nOEM approved\n by Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.\nShell Lubricants\u2019 General Manager, Leslie Ng said the new Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30 engine oil meets and\n exceeds the highest specifications\n of all motor oils in the market to date. \u201cThe oil\u2019s stable molecular structure is achieved via PurePlus Technology and plays a key part in keeping performance at its optimum and at the same time keeping the engine clean and protected while improving fuel economy.\u201d\nBefore going into the technical side of things, let\u2019s be clear about one thing \u2013 its price. The ECT C2/C3 will cost a premium of \nRM338\n for a \n4-litre pack\n, and meets ACEA C2, ACEA C3 and API SN specifications. The motor oil\u2019s thin viscosity is best suited for high performing vehicles, and has been designed with multi-fuel capability and advanced low-emissions vehicles. It\u2019s also \nbackward compatible\n with many OEMs and industry specifications.\n \n \nShell Lubricants claims that the engine oil offers \nunsurpassed wear protection\n while delivering \nthree times better corrosion protection \nof engine components. The ECT C2/C3 also produced \n45 percent cleaner pistons \nto protect and maximise engine operation while delivering up to 2.6 percent (or 16km more per tank) \nbetter fuel economy\n.\nAbout Shell\u2019s patented PurePlus Technology:\u00a0What makes the Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology one of the\u00a0most advanced motor oil lies in the methods in which it is processed. The PurePlus Technology is the result of a\u00a0\n40-year research programme\n\u00a0that\u00a0converts natural gas into\u00a0crystal-clear base oil\u00a0with almost\u00a0zero impurities\u00a0such as those found in crude oil processes. This revolutionary process is called\u00a0gas-to-liquid (GTL)\u00a0process, and is produced at the Pearl GTL plant in Qatar.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This car is capable of keeping up with the \nBMW M3 and M4\n in a 0 to 100 km/h sprint, and its five-cylinder engine makes more power than the inarguable might of the A45 AMG and it\u2019s \nfour-door sibling\n. Behold, the \nall-new 2015 Audi RS3 Sportback\n, the Ingolstadt-based carmaker\u2019s answer to an all-encompassing, AMG beating hot hatch.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi RS3 Sportback\n \nEngine\n2,480cc; inline 5-cylinder turbocharged\nMax Power\n367 hp\nMax Torque\n465 Nm from 1,625 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.3 seconds; 250 km/h (280 km/h upon request)\nDrive Type\n\u00a0Quattro permanent all-wheel drive\n\u00a0\nThe five-door Sportback sits atop Volkswagen\u2019s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform that is made mostly out of ultra high-strength steel and is lightweight, allowing the car to weigh in at 1,520kg \u2013 about 55kg lesser than its predecessor. Its front and rear tracks have been widened, and the car is lowered by 25mm as a result of the RS Sports suspension.\nEXTERIOR\nDifferentiating an RS3 from the regular A3 or S3 even, is fairly simple. The RS3 Sportback gets flared arches, fatter stance, reworked bumpers with larger air intakes, larger wheels and twin exhaust pipes are clear giveaways of the model\u2019s highest performing variant.\nLet\u2019s start from the front. The \u2018Singleframe\u2019 grille on the RS3 is blacked out (chrome on the A3), encased in an aluminium frame. The larger air inlets of the bumper functions by feeding air into the radiator and transmission oil cooler. The headlights are, well, exactly the same as any of the A3 models. Its side mirrors are given a matte-aluminium finish, a typical trait shared among all high performing Audis.\nOver the back, the hatch gets RS-specific bumpers with integrated diffusers finished in matte aluminium, complemented by large twin oval exhaust pipes and a roof spoiler. Additional features include a carbon-fibre engine cover, matte aluminium and gloss black styling packages. The RS3 Sportback sits on 19-inch cast aluminium wheels wrapped with 235/35R19 profile tyres.\u00a0Front\n carbon-fibre ceramic brakes\n are optional, and a first in the segment.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin of this beastly hatch has been given a proper touch of black with RS badges to remind you that it\u2019s no ordinary A3. Seats are wrapped with Fine Nappa leather and stitched with contrasting rock gray threads. The layout here is similar to the A3, albeit with a flat bottomed steering wheel wrapped with leather and Alcantara. New in the instrument clusters are boost pressure indicator, oil temperature gauge and lap timer.\nAnother feature shared with the A3 is the head unit with MMI navigation plus with touch control via the knob below the gearknob. Other amenities include power-adjustable and heated front seats with four-way lumbar support, auto-dimming side mirrors and light and rain sensors.\nIf you fancy racier seats, there\u2019s the optional S sport seats with diamond pattern or the RS bucket seats with integrated side airbags and carbon-fibre seat shell, weighing a good \nseven kilograms\n lesser than the standard sport seats.\nPERFORMANCE\nWe mentioned AMG-beating numbers, didn\u2019t we? Under the hood beats the same \n2.5-litre\n, \ninline-five cylinder\n turbocharged engine carried over from the outgoing model, but it\u2019s been reworked to produce nearly 30 hp more. It now makes \n367 horsepower\n and \n465 Nm\n of torque that\u2019s readily available from 1,625 rpm to 5,500 rpm. By comparison, the 2.0-litre mill by AMG makes 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque.\nThe century sprint is done in \n4.3 seconds\n (0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model), before topping out at \n250 km/h\n, although if nicely asked, Audi could raise the top speed to \n280 km/h\n. That\u2019s absurdly quick for a hot hatch. According to Audi, the exhaust sounds throatier and meatier thanks to the \n1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence\n of the engine.\nAll that power is transferred to the brand\u2019s quattro permanent all wheel drive system via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch automatic gearbox. Launch control comes standard, here.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe RS3 Sportback comes with all six colours offered on its lesser siblings, with \ntwo additional new colours\n: Nardo Gray and Cataluya Red\u00a0(featured in these pictures), the latter exclusive only to the RS3. Deliveries of the super hot hatch is scheduled to begin in summer next year \u2013 that\u2019s sometime after June \u2013 and will sell alongside six of its RS stablemates: RS Q3, RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Cabriolet, RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback.\nIt\u2019s pricing, as per suggested by company officials, will be close to the 40,000 Euro (RM175k) mark. Keep in mind that, despite having the A45 AMG staring right in the barrel of the RS3 Sportback\u2019s gun, Mercedes-AMG has already hinted at a facelifted version of the A45 AMG with better output figures towards the end of next year. What\u2019s your mega hot hatch pick?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has enhanced its MBUX Voice Assistant system with a new acoustic travel guide, blatantly name the \u201cTourguide\u201d.\nWhen activated, the audio travel guide reads out interesting and entertaining information about attractions along the route in what Mercedes-Benz considers to be a \u2018fun way to pass time\u2019 when travelling on holiday.\nThe \u201cTourguide\u201d audio travel guide will be available in all new Mercedes-Benz vehicles produced from the 1st of June 2022 and they include models like the EQS, EQE, \nthe new C-Class\n, \nnew S-Class\n, \nEQS SUV\n, new GLC, and the AMG SL as well. As for the latter, it\u2019s hard to imagine wanting to hear an audio travel guide more than the engine\u2019s roar while the top is down.\n \nTo activate, users merely have to say \u201cHey Mercedes, start Tourguide\u201d, and the feature will read out extensive information on tourist attractions and places of interest along the route. Content for the Tourguide feature was generated exclusively for Mercedes\u2011Benz Group\u00a0AG.\nWhen the feature is activated, announcements begin when the car detects the first sign related to a particular tourist attraction. One especially convenient feature is the \u2018connection to automatic route guidance\u2019. If the user is interested in a particular tourist attraction, all they have to do is select the navigation function and will be guided there directly without having to key in the name of the place or address.\nEQS\nEQS\nFor now, the company announced that the new audio travel guide will only be available in Germany but will be rolled out in other countries as well. In its home country, the company says the system is able to detect and respond to approximately 3,400\u00a0tourist information signs along German autobahns.\nLocally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced that the local launch of the \nfully electric Mercedes-Benz EQS\n will take place on the 22nd of July so mark your calendars and stay tuned!"
"Three months into the new year, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has revised its prices for both the \nMitsubishi Triton\n \nand\n Xpander\n. The Triton is now up to RM3,300 more expensive (for the Athlete variant) while the Xpander is RM3,180 more expensive for the sole variant.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton sees a price increase across the range, even for the 4\u00d72 low-riding Triton Quest. Previously costing RM81,390 the Triton Quest is now RM2,500 more expensive at \nRM83,890\n. The Triton Quest is powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that makes \n110 hp\n (metric) and \n200 Nm\n. It is only available with a manual transmission.\nUp a tier, the 4\u00d74 Triton 2.4 VGT Standard sees a price increase of RM2,300 to \nRM105,500\n for the manual version. The automatic Triton Standard sees an RM2,000 price increase to \nRM109,990\n. The standard 4\u00d74 Triton and variants above it are powered by a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine that makes \n181 hp\n (metric) and \n430 Nm\n.\nMoving on, the Triton 2.4 VGT Premium sees an RM2,500 price hike to \nRM118,700\n for the manual version. As for the automatic Triton Premium, it sees an RM3,000 price jump to \nRM129,900\n.\nThe Triton Phantom Plus Edition is no longer available with new revised prices released\nIn its range-topping form, the Triton Athlete is now RM3,300 more expensive at \nRM149,900\n. As for the \nTriton Phantom Plus\n that was launched last year, it is no longer available. The Triton Athlete used to slot in between the Triton Premium and the Triton Athlete in the variant hierarchy. It was equipped with an exclusive body kit, roof-mounted lights, and a unique set of wheels.\nMitsubishi Triton new Prices:\nTriton Quest 2.5 (4\u00d72) \u2013 \nRM83,890\nTriton 2.4 VGT Standard MT \u2013 \nRM105,500\nTriton 2.4 VGT Standard AT \u2013 \nRM109,990\nTriton 2.4 VGT Premium MT \u2013 \nRM118,700\nTriton 2.4 VGT Premium AT \u2013 \nRM129,900\nTriton2.4 VGT Athlete AT \u2013 \nRM149,900\nJoining the Triton, the 7-seater Mitsubishi Xpander MPV is also given a price hike, now RM3,180 more expensive. Previously costing RM96,800, the family MPV now fetches a price of \nRM99,980\n. The Xpander is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that produces \n105 hp \n(metric) and \n141 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is a 4-speed automatic transmission."
"Naza Italia, the official distributor of Ferrari vehicles in Malaysia has just launched a one-of-a-kind experiential pop-up showroom here at the main entrance of Pavilion Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.\nHappening from today until 28 September 2018, the pop-up showroom is the first of its kind in Malaysia and part of a regional effort that offers the public a taste of the Ferrari brand. The showroom features two distinct models from the brand\u2019s stable, the Ferrari Portofino and the GTC4 Lusso V8, both of which were officially launched in Malaysia not too long ago.   Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Dato\u2019 Samson Anand George said: \u201cThe Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, an expansive open-air showroom that greets the eyes with the brand\u2019s signature red hue, invites the public to explore the lavish world of the Prancing Horse. Ferrari is known to be a very exclusive brand, however, on this occasion, we are making it more accessible. Situated amongst other luxury brands in Pavilion KL, this experiential pop-up showroom really does offer customers an insight into the lifestyle that complements Ferrari ownership.\u201d\nIn conjunction with the Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, Ferrari Malaysia is also running a photo contest on Instagram from 22nd to 28th September where you\u2019d stand a chance to win exclusive Ferrari merchandises. All you have to do is follow Ferrari Malaysia\u2019s official Instagram account (\n@ferrari.malaysia\n), take a photo of the booth with the accompany hashtag #ferraripopupmy and tag 3 friends in your caption.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nFour-leaf clover is back\n and it looks better than ever. The Quadrifoglio badge is steeped in rich history spanning back to when Enzo Ferrari himself basked upon the charm that decorated his Alfa Romeo when him and fellow comrade Ugo Sivocci won the Targa Florio race in 1923. It seems almost poetic then, that this new Giulia is powered by a Ferrari inspired mill.\nLike all Alfas in the past, it\u2019s one to evoke emotion amongst petrol heads, drivers and believers alike. Why believers, you might ask? The bare fact of the matter is, everyone knows that Alfa Romeos will be as unreliable as a Greek accountant, but that said, it is the truest form of \ndriving nirvana\n. Perseverance \u00a0is key to that. But it \nrewards\n dividends richly with the biggest \ngrin\n imaginable.\nTo put it simply, the Giulia QV is drop dead gorgeous. It\u2019s built from the ground up as well. The successor to the \n159\n as you see here is designed to be as wrought and muscular in a package that combines the best of all worlds, such as a\n long sweeping bonnet\n, \nshort wheel base\n and\n short over hangs\n. It\u2019s basically penned to be a\n Ferrari-inspired Quattroporte\n on a \u2018budget\u2019.\nThe Quadrifoglio is shuffled along by a\n 2.9-litre\n, \ntwin turbocharged\u00a090\u00ba V6\n block that will kick out\n 510\n rampaging Italian horses with \n600 Nm \nof\n twist\n to boot. The numbers mean that 100 km/h is dispatched from standstill in just\u00a0\n3.9 seconds\n. Keep your foot welded to the carpets and you will hit its top speed of \n308 km/h\n. This Italian will give most sports and even super cars a proper run for their money!\nAll that power is fired out through the \nrear\u00a0wheels\n via a choice of an \nautomatic\n\u00a0or the one the \nsix-speed stick shifter\n that\u2019s located at the back in order to attain a perfect\n 50:50\n weight ratio balance.\u00a0The rear suspension is underpinned by an advanced \nmulti-link\n set up, with an electronically-controlled \nTorque Vectoring\n system on the rear \ndifferential\n allowing the driver to explore the Quadrifoglio\u2019s handling \nwithout\n ever needing the stability control to intervene.\nAlfa has also come up with a new and innovative braking system dubbed\u00a0\nIntegrated Brake System\n (IBS) \u2013 an ingenious \nelectromechanical\n system which combines \nstability control\n and a traditional \nbrake servo\n for \ninstantaneous braking\n response. The result is a record-breaking stopping distance from 100km/h to standstill of just \n32 metres\n! The G-forces involved in an exercise such as that are unthinkable.\n \n \nThe Giulia comes with a whole host of high-tech wizardry such as\u00a0\nChassis Domain Control\n (CDC), one that was jointly developed by\n\u00a0Magneti Marelli\n which in essence\u00a0acts like the car\u2019s \u2018brains\u2019 and coordinates all the \non-board electronics\n. The system manages other features such as \nTorque Vectoring\n, \nActive Aero Splitter\n, \nactive suspension\n, \nbrakes\n, \nsteering\n and\n ESC\n systems.\nMost sports cars come with driving mode selectors and this Alfa is no exception to that rule. However, here it\u2019s called the \nAlfa DNA Pro\n. The system lets you select from\n\u00a0Dynamic\n,\n Natural\n, \nAdvanced Efficiency\n and\n Race\n. Noteworthy though, as ironic as it is for the QV have an Advanced Efficiency mode, it returns the\n\u00a0best in class\n CO\n2\n emissions levels at just \n198g per km\n\u00a0that\u2019s largely thanks to its electronically-controlled \ncylinder disabling\n system and excellent \nactive aerodynamics\n.\nNow once you\u2019re done running rings around your rivals and hooning about, the Quadrifoglio lets you appreciate the fine \nItalian craftsmanship\n like plush \nstitched leather\n, exquisite \ntrims\n and gorgeous \ninstruments\n that surround the driver. Lead-footed audiophiles rejoice for the red-hot Alfa comes packed up with a\u00a0\n12-channel\n class D amplifier with \nLogic 7\n tech to distributes rich, clear \n5.1 surround\n sound through \n14 speakers\n.\nUK sales are slated to begin in the second half of 2016. This is because Alfa is only producing the Giulia in left-hand drive configuration for the time being.\u00a0We sincerely hope that the Alfa brand will make its comeback here. We want the Giulia!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The said unit was delivered to Malaysian law firm Lee Allen Hishammuddin & Gledhill (LHAG), as Proton\u2019s first SUV broke all previous records for delivery numbers in its segment.\nCharting a cumulative \n42% sales growth\n for the first two months of 2019, Proton also achieved the highest sales growth rate among the Top 3 automotive brands in Malaysia.\n \nThe 8,500th Proton X70 is only one of six units ordered by LHAG for their corporate fleet.\n\u201cPROTON is delighted that LHAG, our long-term corporate partner, has chosen to add the Proton X70 to its fleet. First impressions are important in the business world so we are proud our SUV will represent the firm at business meetings and events,\u201d said Dr Li Chunrong.\n \nIn other related news, \na convoy of nine Proton X70s and their respective owners\n have just returned from a round trip to Hangzhou, China, where they were treated to a tour of the Geely Experience Centre.\nOn average, the convoy travelled 400 km a day throughout the 33-day road trip, covering four countries and 13 major cities."
"Volvo is continuing its drip feed of information on its upcoming \nfully-electric EX90\n, which is slated for launch on November 9. After showing off the car\u2019s\n LiDAR system\n and driver monitoring cameras, the Swedish carmaker is now giving us a first look at the EV SUV\u2019s dashboard, including its infotainment and instrumentation set-up.\nFor the former, the Volvo EX90 will utilise a large portrait-oriented centre screen, which gives the drivers quick access to navigation, media, phone connectivity, as well as controls and other common actions. The centre screen also features a special contextual bar that suggests different actions based on the specific situation you\u2019re in, be it driving, parked, or on a phone call.\nThe instrument cluster meanwhile is now just a slim horizontal screen, which displays more driving-focused information such as directions, current speed and range info. Volvo says that this screen also helps the car \u201ccontextualises the change from one mode to another, making sure you know what to expect from the car \u2013 and what the car expects from you\u201d.\nNotice the repeated mention of \u201ccontextual\u201d displays? That\u2019s because Volvo says that clear, contextual information can help reduce distractions and confusion, making it more intuitive and \u2013 ultimately \u2013 safer to operate the car on the roads.\nTo that end, every display element on-screen is designed to be clear and concise, with information only displayed when relevant. For example, the displays will show different information and graphics depending on whether you\u2019re in a manual or assisted/autonomous driving mode, or even when transitioning between them, making it clear and intuitive to the driver if you\u2019ll need to take over the controls.\nALSO READ:\n Upcoming Volvo EX90 EV will come with LiDAR as standard, to be unveiled on 9 November\nBy combining the car\u2019s exterior and interior sensors with in-house developed software, the Volvo EX90 will be able to quickly read and understand each situation, and provide the driver with contextual information based on that input.\n\u201cIt\u2019s all about providing you with the right information at the right time,\u201d says Volvo Cars head of UX, Thomas Stovicek. \u201cWe want your driving experience to be focused, simple and safe. Since the car also understands its surroundings and you better than ever before, we can create an even safer situation by reducing mode confusion, distraction and information overload.\u201d\n \nVolvo says that the EX90 will be \u201chardware-ready\u201d for unsupervised autonomous driving, which means that in the future once legislations allow and software sufficiently developed, the car will be able to drive you instead. But even before then, the displays and contextual user interface is already designed to make the transition between the different driving modes as predictable and smooth as possible."
"The world will be \nbidding farewell to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle\n this year after over 22 million units sold globally, as the German automotive group shifts their focus onto electric mobility solutions. To commemorate and give the Beetle a \nsend-off\n, local distributor Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the final Volkswagen Beetle Collector\u2019s Edition.\nBased on the \nBeetle Sport 1.2-litre TSI\n, only \n75 units\n of the Collector\u2019s Edition will be made. Priced at RM164,390 (OTR without insurance), it gains exclusive accessories worth up to RM12,000 which includes a rear spoiler, centre racing stripes, chrome exhaust tips, aluminium sports pedals, scuff plates, VW Tint and a plaque signifying its production number of the 75 units.\n Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter\nThere are no changes to the mechanicals, continuing on with the 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI mill and 7-speed DSG dual-clutch generating \n105 hp\n and \n175 Nm\n to drive the front wheels. Other items on the equipment list include Bi-xenon headlamps with LDE daytime running lights, paddle shifters, 16-inch \u201cWhirl\u201d alloy wheels, 6.5-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8-speakers and \u201cVienna\u201d leather seats.\nThere are four colours available for the special edition Beetle which are Blue Silk, Pure White, Hanabero Orange and Tornado Red. Every purchase also comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage, 3-Years Free Scheduled Maintenance and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said that the Collector\u2019s Edition Beetle is a celebration of the amazing run the Beetle has had. \u201cAll good things must come to an end, and it is the same with this global bestseller. The Beetle has enjoyed a rich history \u2013 in Malaysia it is one that dates to when it was assembled in Shah Alam in 1968.\u00a0 In fact, most Malaysians grew up with a connection to the much-loved car.\u201d"
"Mazda tuning specialist, BBR UK has just introduced a turbo kit for the \nMX-5 ND\n that not only bumps the power output but also maintains all the factory electronic safety features and emissions compliances. The turbo kit is applicable to all 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G equipped MX-5 ND and yes, that includes the \nhard-top MX-5 RF\n.\nBBR did not just take a TD04 and strapped it onto the engine and called it a day. They\u2019ve been turbocharging MX-5 Miatas since the late 1980s and wanted to make sure that their latest development complements the high-compression and ultra-efficient SkyActiv-G engines while maintaining refinement and characteristics the SkyActiv range is known for.\nAs a result, a twin-scroll turbocharger was fitted onto the 1,998cc in-line four-cylinder SkyActiv-G that bumps the stock power output from \n158 hp\n/\n200 Nm\n to \n234 hp\n and\n 320 Nm\n; \n76 hp\n and a stunning \n120 Nm\n increase! The turbo kit slashes the 0 to 60 mph time from 7.3 seconds to just 5.0\n\u00a0seconds flat\n, and that makes it\u00a0faster than the \nVolkswagen GTI Clubsport\n!\nThe reason for using a more advanced twin-scroll turbocharger rather than a single-scroll turbocharger was the lower back pressure characteristics of the twin-scroll unit. This works harmoniously with the SkyActiv-G layout and knock-resistant technologies.\nThe Stage 1 turbocharger upgrade gives \n271 Nm\n from just 2,750 rpm while max torque (320 Nm) kicks in at\u00a0\n3,250 rpm\n, highlighting the upgrade\u2019s user-friendly nature. The turbocharger is cleverly designed to be installed without needing any intrusive mechanical alteration onto the stock engine.\nOther mechanical upgrades that come with the TSX30-71R twin-scroll turbocharger include:\nBBR bespoke cast iron twin scroll exhaust manifold\nBBR stainless steel downpipe\nBBR high-flow lightweight front mounted aluminium intercooler with factory look black intake pipes\nBBR high-flow custom silicone turbo pipes in factory look black finish with stainless steel hose clamps and unique black coating\nBBR lightweight aluminium battery tray in factory black finish\nBBR recirculating piston type dump valve in factory black finish\nBBR / Bosch MAP / temperature sensor\nBBR high efficiency carbon fibre turbocharger heat shield\nBBR high flow K&N Typhoon induction kit\nBBR stainless steel oil and water lines\nBBR Starchip EcuTek RaceRom calibration software\nBBR Stage 1 Mazda MX-5 ND Turbo upgrade retails at \u00a34,995 (RM24k) including parts and installation. BBR also ships internationally (enquire through their website) while US prospects can purchase the upgrade from \nFlyin\u2019 Miata\n. If you\u2019re not convinced to go down the blown route, perhaps the\u00a0\nBBR Super 200\n\u00a0package would be a safer bet for those who prefer to remain naturally aspirated.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Australia has just given the \nHilux Rogue\n a refresh for 2022 with a host of new upgrades, including several mechanical tweaks. Despite the upgrades, the range-topping variant will still be priced from an unchanged AUD70,200 (approx. RM215k), with deliveries slated to begin in October.\nThe main update on the 2022 Toyota Hilux Rogue in Australia comes in the form of a widened track (distance between the left and right wheels), which has been increased by 140 mm, alongside a 20 mm gain in ride height. Toyota says that the change will help improve the Hilux Rogue\u2019s on- and off-road performance, but it also gives the pick-up truck a much more aggressive appearance.\nIn order to contain the wider track, Toyota has given the new 2022 Hilux Rogue a new wider set of Raptor-esque overfenders and mudguards, which are accompanied by revised bumpers both front and rear with additional body extension, alongside a set of darkened 18-inch wheels, in place of the 17-inch items from before.\nRELATED: \n2020 Toyota Hilux facelift launched in Malaysia\nAside from the widened track, the new 2022 Hilux Rogue also benefits from an extended front suspension arm and stabiliser bar, while the front damper angle has also been adjusted to improve efficiency.\nOver at the back, the increased track also means a lengthened rear axle, with the rear dampers moved out towards the wheels. The updated Rogue also marks the first time a Hilux is equipped with a rear stabiliser bar from the factory, which is said to improve roll rigidity by up to 20%, while promoting better steering feel during corners and lane changes.\nOther mechanical changes on the updated 2022 Hilux Rogue include new ventilated disc brakes at the rear, used for the first time in place of drum brakes to improve stopping power. The front discs have also been enlarged by 25 mm to now measure 432 mm.\nAside from these updates, the rest of the new pick-up truck remains unchanged. As the range-topping variant in Australia, the Rogue comes with additional niceties, including a motorised roller cover for the bed, a resin sports bar, marine-grade bed lining, heated front seats, perforated \u201cleather-accented\u201d upholstery, as well as a nine-speaker premium audio system.\nThe powertrain is also untouched on this update, with the 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-banger still found underneath the bonnet making \n201 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine output isn\u2019t too far off from the current \nRanger Raptor\n, so if you really want a Toyota-badged Raptor fighter, all you have to do is to get yourselves a set of fancy Fox shocks.\nALSO READ: \nPerformance Comparison \u2013 Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi Triton\nGALLERY"
"Hari Raya Aidilfitri is around the corner and many Malaysians will be returning to their respective hometowns or going for holidays within the country during the festive period, primarily via driving. In conjunction with the celebration, the \nRoad Transport Department (JPJ)\n has announced 7 major non-compoundable offences, effective \nApril 18\n to \n27, 2023\n. With this announcement in effect, offenders will be required to pay an irreducible compound fine and will be directly referred to court.\nThe 7 uncompoundable offences include:\nUsing mobile phones while driving\nFailing to obey the red-light\nDriving in the Emergency Lane\nDriving over the speed limit\nOvertaking at a double-lined road\nCutting traffic queue\nNot wearing a seat belt\nAs reported by The Star, Transport Minister Anthony Loke mentioned that the Road Transport Department will be stepping up monitoring works in 231 locations across Malaysia that have been tagged as areas with frequent accidents or \u2018hotspots\u2019.\nAnother approach that will be done is stationing patrol cars in those frequent accident areas to conduct patrols. This is done so that with the presence of enforcement officers, road users will be more likely to drive carefully and obey traffic rules.\nRELATED: \nFree toll for 4 days this Hari Raya, April 19, 20, 21, 24\nThe announcement was made after the Transport Minister attended the new Bentong JPJ office\u2019s construction groundbreaking ceremony in Jalan Chamang on \nApril 11\n, and he hopes this strategy will be able to help reduce road accidents as road traffic will be at an all-time high during the festive period.\nThe Transport Minister also hopes that road users will be more careful and observe traffic rules while on the road, especially in Pahang, as it is the main \u2018gateway\u2019 to get from Klang Valley to the East Coast. In addition, a heavy-vehicle ban will also be enforced, a practice that has been carried out throughout past major holidays, reported The Star.\nRELATED: \nNo need to display road tax anymore for private vehicles starting today"
"In light of the Covid-19 madness, the Ministry of Transport has given some leeway to those with expired road tax and driver\u2019s license during the Movement Control Order (MCO) duration.\nThis applies to those holding the Competent Driver\u2019s License (CDL), Goods Driving License (GDL) and Public Service Vehicle License (PSV). These documents however, will need to be \nrenewed within 30 days from the last day of the MCO\n.\nWhile you may still be able to drive with an expired road tax and license, your vehicle must still have insurance coverage. Drivers are urged to carry their vehicle\u2019s insurance cover note while on the road.\nFor now, driver\u2019s license and road tax renewals can be done via \nMySikap JPJ\n or \nMyEG\n. Those who have renewed the said documents do not need to collect the physical documents over the counter during the MCO period; merely showing the proof of payment/receipt will do.\nSuch measures have been taken to avoid gathering of large crowds and to also ensure that the supply of essential goods to the public will not be affected by the MCO."
"The overall post-pandemic recovery situation in Europe is getting better every week, with news of more travellers moving around the continent to enjoy their summer break plus getting out of lockdowns and stay-at-home directives.\nA Hyundai Veloster N in front of Seoul\u2019s Gwanghwamun Gate\nHyundai\u2019s performance division, \nHyundai N\n, has issued some adorable pixel art to lighten the mood.\nThe pixel art features Hyundai i30 N and the recently launched i20 N and Kona N at various international landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House, San Francisco\u2019s Golden Gate Bridge, Seoul\u2019s Gwanghwamun Gate as well as Paris\u2019 Arc de Triomphe.\nCryptocurrency? That\u2019s nice. Polestar now offers payment via artwork! More here!\nOf course, not forgetting the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife where plenty of development activities were done on the chassis, powertrain and vehicle durability.\nThe N also stands for both the 20.8 km loop in Nurburg, Germany, plus Hyundai Motor\u2019s global research and development centre in Namyang, Korea.\nIn summary, the Hyundai N models are:\ni30 N\n\u00a0\u2013 280 hp, 392 Nm, 6-MT or 8-DCT, 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds\nVeloster N \u2013 280 hp, 378 Nm, 6-MT or 8-DCT, 5.6 seconds\nKona N\n\u00a0\u2013 280 hp, 392 Nm, 8-speed DCT, 5.5 seconds\ni20 N\n\u00a0\u2013 204 hp, 304 Nm, 6-speed manual, 6.7 seconds \u00a0\nHyundai will also launch the \nElantra N\n in the coming weeks, their first sedan in the growing line-up of N models.\nHyundai N collaborated with a software company for the pixel art, so be sure to check out \nEtherfield Games\n for more of their collection. They also produced a few fan favourites and icons from the 70s and 80s.\nGALLERY"
"First launched in 1966 with the E10 model, the Corolla went on to become one of the best-selling cars of all time, with over 46 million units sold in more than 150 countries.\n \nNow more than half a century later, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has finally introduced the 12th-generation Toyota Corolla to the Malaysian market! The Toyota Corolla will be available in two variants \u2013 1.8E (\nRM128,888\n) and 1.8G (\nRM136,888\n).\nChassis\nA key improvement on the new Toyota Corolla is the adoption of \nToyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.\n First used locally on the \nC-HR\n, the flexible platform promises to enhance the driving experience, spaciousness as well as visibility out of the car.\nThe circular frame structure of the TNGA helps provide improved body rigidity for better handling stability. With the new TNGA platform, Toyota has also replaced the rear suspension with a double wishbone setup, paired with MacPherson struts at the front to provide a \u2018linear steering response when cornering at mid to high speeds\u2019. The shock absorbers and coil springs have also been optimised specifically for Malaysian road conditions.\u00a0\nPowertrain\nThe 2019 Toyota Corolla Altis will be powered by the 2ZR-FE \n1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine\n, producing \n139 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque.\nBoth variants of the new Corolla are fitted with a \n7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT gearbox\n, which incorporates a new cooperative control with drive-by-wire throttle. The engineers at Toyota programmed the transmission shifting characteristics to provide an experience similar to a regular torque converter \u2018box. The 1.8G variant will include shift paddles for manual gear changes.\u00a0\nToyota claims that the changes made to the drivetrain makes the new Corolla quicker by up to 0.6 seconds during overtaking maneuvers, accelerating from 60 to 80 km/h in 3.3 seconds, when compared to the previous generation.\nThe electronically controlled drivetrain also allowed Toyota to include two driving modes \u2013 Eco and Sport, to provide a driving experience suitable for every situation through revised throttle mappings and transmission shifting characteristics tuning.\nExterior\nToyota has refreshed the exterior design of the Corolla in-line with the change in the brand\u2019s styling philosophy. We have covered the exterior design of the Corolla in more detail in our \npreview gallery\n, but in general the design of the Corolla is made to be more angular with dynamic forms and lines.\u00a0\nThe side-view mirrors have been moved from the A pillar to the door panel, along with a redesigned housing to give the driver better visibility through the sides. The mirrors also automatically angle downwards when the reverse gear is engaged.\nThe new Corolla will be available in five exterior colours: Celestite Gray Metallic, White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, and Attitude Black.\u00a0\nExterior highlights\n1.8E\n* Automatic Bi-Halogen headlights\n* Power adjustable wing mirrors with auto-fold and signal lamps\n* Time-adjustable intermittent wipers\n* 16-inch alloy wheels\n1.8G\n* Automatic Bi-LED headlights with LED turn signals\n* Power-adjustable wing mirrors with auto-fold, reverse link and signal lamps\n* Automatic wipers with rain sensor\n* 17-inch alloy wheels\nInterior\nThe interior of the new Corolla has been designed along with the TNGA platform to provide a more spacious interior, while improving driver ergonomics as well as visibility. The overall height of the dashboard has been reduced, lowering the base of the front windscreen.\nToyota has also fitted the Toyota Corolla with new ergonomically-correct seat structures to improve ride comfort. The driver\u2019s seat now includes 8-way power adjustments with lumbar support, while the passenger seat will remain manually-adjustable.\u00a0\nBoth variants will come with automatic air-conditioning systems, with rear blower vents at the centre console.\u00a0\nThe new Toyota Corolla will receive a 6.8-inch infotainment system as standard on both variants. The 6-speaker system will include USB Mirroring and Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones. The screen also acts as a display for the reverse camera.\u00a0\nInterior highlights\n1.8E\n* Standard instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display\n* Single-zone climate control\n* Fabric seats, single stitching\n* Manual day and night rear-view mirror\n* Manual parking brake\n1.8G\n* Optitron instrument cluster with 7-inch TFT multi-information display\n* Dual-zone climate control\n* Leather seats, double stitching\n* Electro-chromic rear-view mirror\n* Wireless charger\n* Rear manual sunshade\n* Electronic parking brake\nSafety and Security\nThe new Toyota Corolla will be equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control, ABS, hill-start assist, and Tyre Pressure Warning System.\u00a0\nBoth variants will come with 7 SRS airbags, and all seats are now equipped with 3-point ELR seatbelts. ISOFIX mounting points are available in the rear seats.\u00a0\nNew in the latest generation Toyota Corolla is the \nToyota Safety Sense (TSS)\n safety suite, consisting of the 5 main systems:\n* Pre-Collision System (PCS)\n* Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering assist\n* Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)\n* Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) at all speeds\n* Automatic High Beam (AHB)\nThe TSS system will only be available on the 1.8G variant, in addition to extra safety equipment such as dual Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and 3D Panoramic View Monitor, both available as options for the 1.8E.\u00a0\nAs an value-added benefit, the new Corolla will come with Toyota Premium Security & Solar Film for both variants. The tint meets current JPJ regulations, and will help impede glass break-ins while reducing UV rays and reducing heat build-up.\u00a0\nUMW Toyota is also offering an optional Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) for installation on the new Corolla, providing a GPS/GSM tracking system to help locate the car in the event of it being stolen.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Throughout the entire four day trip, among all the statements made by BMW, one really stuck with me and if I\u2019m honest, it didn\u2019t sit well.\nAccording to survey, it\u2019s said that most of BMW\u2019s new customers do not care if their cars are front or rear wheel drive. It wasn\u2019t just disappointing but also highly distressing but that\u2019s mainly the reason why the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is offered in front-wheel drive. The higher models like the M235i get all-wheel drive.\nPositioned as the new entry level four-door BMW in hopes of making the brand more accessible to a wider and more importantly younger audience, the 2 Series Gran Coupe can count the Mercedes-Benz CLA as its main rival.\n \nMost of you would then ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s a BMW if it wasn\u2019t rear-wheel drive?\u201d.\nI asked the same question too, but you know what, it doesn\u2019t matter for two reasons. There\u2019s still the 3 Series and if you can take my word for it, this one\u2019s actually real fun to drive \u2013 like a well-rounded front-wheel drive machine with a large boot.\nWhile it may take a while to stomach and digest its unconventional design, the drive is still very much BMW \u2013 just with the wrong pair of wheels."
"Shortly after the unveiling of the \nTesla Semi truck\n, the company has revealed the pricing details for the all-electric truck. At launch, the Semi will be offered in two variants and like the \nRoadster\n, the Semi can be had with a limited-edition Founders Series.\nThe Semi truck is available with two driving range: \n300 miles\n (482 km) and \n500 miles\n (802 km). Tesla is asking for US$150,000 (RM618k) for the base 300-mile Semi while the extended range Semi will set you back at US$180,000 (RM741k). The limited-edition \nFounders Series\n is the most expensive at US$200,000 (RM823), although it remains unclear what extra goodies the Founders Series will get.\nThe 500-mile Semi gets a \n200-kWh\n battery pack, but Tesla did not disclose whether the lower driving range is due to electronic tuning or a smaller battery pack. Both variants are powered by four electric motors on the rear axle allowing the unloaded to propel from 0 to 96 km/h in just \n5 seconds\n. Fully loaded with \n3.6 tonnes\n of cargo and the Semi will get to the same speed in a blistering \n20 seconds\n.\nIts superior driving range is not only due to the large battery pack, but also thanks to its unique design that boasts a drag coefficient of\n 0.36\n \u2013 more aerodynamic than a \nBugatti Chiron\n (0.38 cd). The electric motors with its regenerative braking and negative torque systems helps to stretch a few more miles from the Semi.\nThe Semi is also equipped with \nEnhanced Autopilot system\n which bundles Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Lane Keeping, Lane Departure Warning and event recording. The Semi can also autonomously travel in a convoy, where one or several Semi trucks will be able to follow a lead Semi.\nReservation prices for the Semi has also increased from US$5,000 (RM20k) to US$20,000 (RM82k) but if you\u2019re eyeing for the Founders Series, you\u2019d have to fork out the full price of US$200k upfront to reserve for one.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi is set to take centre stage at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of an all-new SUV. It\u2019s not yet known what the actual vehicle may be, but a replacement for the\u00a0\nASX\n\u00a0seems right about timely, we think.\nWhat\u2019s most exciting about the image above is the sleek-cut silhouette; tapering roofline, strong character line draped in a sultry coat of red metallic paintwork. The front and tail end of the car seem angular and is in line with Mitsubishi\u2019s current Dynamic Shield design philosophy. Expect a fascia similar to that of the\u00a0\nOutlander\n.\nThe new model could be the final version of the\u00a0\nXR-PHEV II\n\u00a0concept unveiled in Geneva two years ago, or better yet, the production model of it. My current best guess is that we could be looking at Mitsubishi\u2019s answer to the increasingly popular compact crossover segment, such as the\u00a0\nMazda CX-3\n, \nHonda HR-V\n, and the new\u00a0\nToyota C-HR\n.\nAll will be revealed \u2013 including the model\u2019s name and its powertrain \u2013 when Mitsubishi takes the covers off it on 7 March 2017."
"It is finally expanding. Since its introduction in late 2018, Touch \u2018n Go\u2019s \n(TNG) RFID\n sticker has been only limited to \nintercity highway\n toll payments.\nToday, TNG has announced that they will be rolling out a \nTNG RFID Fuelling Pilot Programme\n, where selected RFID users will be able to purchase petrol using the infrastructure.\nTNG has partnered with \nShell Malaysia\n for this pilot programme. The five Shell stations that will be participating in the project are:\nShell Bandar Sri Menjalara\nShell Mint Hotel\nShell NKVE Damansara\nShell Taman Connaught\nShell Taman Tun Dr Ismail\nPayment for fuel will be done through the RFID sticker (and TNG eWallet app) itself at the individual fuelling bay, hence completely zero physical contact with any personnel.\nRFID users are \nrandomly selected\n for this pilot programme, as such, check your inbox or spam folder of your e-mail if you are one of the lucky ones. TNG also said that only customers who have registered and participated in the programme will be entitled to receive a \nRM20 eWallet\n credit incentive.\nCurrently, only \nPetronas\n via the dedicated \nSetel\n app offers contactless, cashless and cardless payment of fuel. One major benefit of the Setel app is the integration of the Mesra loyalty card, where points are automatically added after every fuel purchase plus easier product redemption.\nCaltex meanwhile has been reported to have kickstarted a payment system similar to Setel app called CaltexGo."
"Honda Malaysia announced yesterday that it had ended 2018 on a high as the No.1 car brand in the Non-National segment for the 4th consecutive year. The company also maintained second spot in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) for three consecutive years.\nThe company said the three-month tax holiday period was a significant contributor to its total sales with \n102,282 units sold in 2018\n \u2013 a 6.6% decrease from 2017.\nAmong Honda Malaysia\u2019s seven CKD model line-up, the\n Honda City \nwas the biggest sales contributor, amounting to 32% of overall sales. The other significant contributors were the Civic at 16% and CR-V at 13%.\nHonda is anticipating the TIV of 2019 to be at 580,000 units, with a \nsales target of 95,000 units \nfor this year."
"The new \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n\u00a0(formerly known as the GLK) has achieved top scores in the Euro NCAP crash test and was awarded five stars for excelling in occupant safety, child safety, pedestrian protection and driving assistive features.\nAccording to Mercedes-Benz, the GLC achieved this by using a combination of a highly rigid passenger cell, highly efficient restraint systems and the company\u2019s latest suite of driver assistance systems. Most\u00a0of the GLC\u2019s safety systems can also be found in the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class models, which include Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist (great for interstate journeys), Headlamp Assist and Attention Assist.\u00a0\nAs for passenger safety, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is fitted with an \nactive bonnet\n which is raised by 80mm upon impact to provide additional crumple zone. Its engine cover and air intake have both been redesigned to create more deformation space \u2013 the only way to meet and exceed Euro NCAP\u2019s stringent pedestrian safety standards. This of course works in tandem with the other safety features \u2013 Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Detection, Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe PLUS.\nExpect most, if not all of these safety features to be equipped as standard when the GLC joins Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s current range of models next year. It\u2019ll be a year of SUVs, so expect the GLC, \nGLE\n and possibly the \nGLS\n to hit Malaysian showrooms over the course of 2016. We also \nspotted a registered GLE 450 AMG conveniently parked outside a house in Bangsar\n, a model which is due for its Malaysian debut in January 2016."
"Fresh from the set of the \nDragon Road Challenge\n, Land Rover decided that being the world\u2019s first ever vehicle to climb the Heaven\u2019s Gate was not enough. They had to take home with them the lap record of the fearsome \nTianmen\n \nRoad\n hill climb, humiliating the previous record holder, a Ferrari 458 Italia in the process.\nDriven again by 24 Hours Le Mans winner, Ho-Pin Tung, the showroom standard Range Rover Sport SVR sets off from the bottom of the hill and embarked on an 11.3 km sprint, carving through 99 corners in the process:\nWith \n567 hp\n available from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8, the SVR is the fastest Land Rover ever made, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n with a top speed of\n 280 km/h\n. Propulsion is deployed on all four-corners via an eight-speed automatic.\nOther than the optional exposed carbon fibre bonnet installed, the stock standard SVR clocked an unofficial record of \n9 minutes 51 seconds\n, beating the Ferrari 458\u2019s time of 10 minutes 31 seconds set in 2016, by a comfortable margin.\nTung said, \u201cI am used to the high speeds of racing, but this was even more demanding. Maintaining concentration was the biggest challenge as the road twists and turns constantly, with huge drop-offs to the side. The consequences of getting it wrong would have been really serious so I focused on establishing a rhythm and the SVR made this easy \u2013 it may be an SUV, but it has the performance and agility of a supercar and can take you to places a supercar can only dream of.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The latest to showcase its electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia is \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)\n with the \nVolkswagen ID.4\n \nPro Performance\n. Only a preview, for the time being, VPCM has taken the opportunity to showcase its EV offering at Volkswagen Fest 2022 at Sentul Depot.\nVolkswagen\u2019s electric lineup is known as the ID. family and its members include the \nID.3\n, ID.5, and ID.6. The Volkswagen ID.4 debuted in September 2020 and is the brand\u2019s second fully electric car after the ID.3. It features an SUV body style and size-wise, the VW ID.4 measures close to the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n, being 4,584 mm long, 1,852 mm wide, and 1,636 mm tall with a 2,765 mm wheelbase.\nThere are several versions of the Volkswagen ID.4 including the ID.4 Pure, ID.4 Pro, ID.4 Pure Performance, ID.4 Pro 4Motion, and ID.4 GTX. The version that is previewed at the Volkswagen Fest 2022 is the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance which gets a \n77-kWh\n battery pack and is rear-wheel-drive.\nTurning the rear wheels is a \n204 hp\n/\n310 Nm\n electric motor that accelerates the car from 0-100 km/h in \n8.5 seconds\n. The top speed of the ID.4 is \n160 km/h\n. Just so you know, the hottest version of the ID.4 is the \nID.4 GTX\n which features a 295 hp dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) system and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.\nAs for charging, the Volkswagen ID.4 can handle either up to \n11-kW\n AC charging or up to \n125-kW\n DC Fast charging. Volkswagen says that with 125-kW DC fast charging, the ID.4 can regain \n320 km\n of range in just \n30 minutes\n.\nRELATED: \nStart of a new era: Volkswagen ID.4 GTX shows-off new high-performance EV suffix\nBoasting a drag coefficient of 0.28, the ID.4\u2019s exterior design is inspired by nature. Standard on the \u201cbase\u201d ID.4 are headlights that are almost completely equipped with LEDs and full-LED taillights. The \u201cPro Performance\u201d and higher-tier variants come with interactive \u201cIQ.Light\u201d LED matrix headlights that welcome drivers with swiveling lens modules and generate an intelligently controlled main beam. The \u201cIQ.Light\u201d LED headlights are paired with 3D LED taillight clusters. The wheels on the ID.4 Pro are 21 inches in size.\nThanks to Volkswagen\u2019s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) architecture, the ID.4 boasts a spacious cabin. Priority is given to the passengers and Volkswagen says the room is comparable to SUVs of a higher segment.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen is taking its ID.4 EV SUV to a 2,500 km rally\nIn the middle of the dashboard is a 12-inch touchscreen unit with \u201cHello ID\u201d voice control function. Also featured in the interior is a narrow light strip under the windscreen called the \u201cID.Light\u201d that intuitively supports drivers. There is also an optional augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) for the ID.4.\nEquipment highlights of the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance are:\n30-colour Ambient Lighting\nDynamic Chassis Control (DCC)\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go\nDynamic Light Assist\nAir Care Climatronic 3-Zone\nArea view 360\u00b0 camera\nAuto Emergency Braking Front Assist\n\u201cDiscover Pro\u201d Navigation System\nDynamic Road Sign Display\nEasy Open & Close\nergoActive front seats with electric adjustment\nSide Assist with lane change system\nWireless mobile phone charging\nWireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay\nAt the moment, VPCM lists a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, a three-year free maintenance package, and a five-year roadside assistance package for the Volkswagen ID.4. There has yet to be information on its battery warranty.\nOnly previewed, for now, the Volkswagen ID.4 is put on display to the public at Volkswagen Fest 2022 happening at Sentul Depot from \nOctober 15 to 16, 2022\n. The event is happening from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 8 pm on Sunday. Also happening at Volkswagen Fest 2022 is the \u201cClassic Car Display\u201d, \u201cFreestyle Football Battle\u201d, and the \u201cVolkswagen Driving Academy\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve not heard about Bisimoto Engineering, maybe it\u2019s wise to first fill you in on how bonkers this \u201ctuning house\u201d is. Over the years, they\u2019ve built a reputation for modifying a diverse range of cars to ultimate extreme \u2013 squeezing more power imaginable from the most unlikely of sources \u2013 generating and receiving praises from all quarters.\nThey include a\u00a0\n700\u00a0hp\u00a0\n1.6-litre turbocharge Honda Civic wagon, a \n533\u00a0hp\n\u00a01.5-litre CR-Z hybrid, a \n1000+hp\n Honda Civic Si, an \n800 hp\n Hyundai Elantra GT, and many other extreme \ntwin turbo Porsche 911s\n.\nCredit: \nBisimoto\nYou should get an idea of how capably mad they can be with a car and this should be plenty reason to be excited when news got out that both Bisimoto and Hyundai are creating the \u201cHyperEconiq IONIQ\u201d. It will be based on the standard \nIONIQ\n platform which will be modified to the extreme; way beyond its standard limits for performance and efficiency.\nPerformance wise, the \nIONIQ\u2019s petrol/electric\n powertrain will be upgraded with ARP headstuds,\n Bisimoto\u2019s pulse-chamber exhaust\n, low-friction engine oil, NGK spark plugs and enhanced electric-generators. On the inside, the IONIQ will house Recaro racing seats and OBD-based instrument cluster.\nThe standard IONIQ looks unacceptably tame compared to the HyperEconiq\nOn the outside, the HyperEconiq will be \u201cdressed\u201d in the\n Bisimoto Dream Aero Kit\n which includes a front splitter, side splitters and even rear wheel covers, presumably for reduced drag. Tucked beneath the \n19-inch one-piece carbon fibre wheels\n wrapped in high-silica tyres are a set of Buddy Club aluminium brake calipers and coilover suspension with minimised ground clearance and optimised alignment settings.\nYou might think this will all ruin the eco-friendly attributes of the frugal IONIQ but no, the HyperEconiq is now capable of \n80 mpg\n \n(34km/L)\n."
"Proton\n has published its sales report for June 2023, in which it delivered a total of \n14,351 units\n (inclusive of domestic and export sales). With that, the company has delivered a total of \n77,321 units\n in the first half of 2023 (1H 2023), translating to an increase of\n 28.6% \nover the same period last year.\nThe national carmaker claims that the figure essentially outpaces total sales growth for the industry by \u201cmore than three times\u201d. Year-to-date market share has also increased to 21.3%, representing a 3.2% increase over 1H 2022.\nLeading Proton\u2019s sales chart in June was once again the \nSaga\n, which retook the lead for the best-selling A-segment sedans with 6,111 units sold. Cumulatively, the Proton Saga saw a total of 33,325 units sold thus far this year, marking the model\u2019s best performance since 2012.\nThis is followed by \nProton X50\n with 2,449 units sold, the \nPersona\n with 2,254 units, and the \nX70\n with 1,245 units. The Proton X50 continues to be the best-selling B-segment SUV, as well as the best-selling SUV overall in Malaysia, while the Proton Persona retook the lead for the B-segment sedans.\nRELATED: \nThailand\u2019s largest auto parts company Aapico invests RM140 million in Proton\u2019s Avee Global\nThe \nProton X90\n, which was \nonly launched here in Malaysia in May\n, also saw an impressive showing for its first full month on sale by recording a total of 1,082 units sold, vaulting it straight to the top of the D-segment SUV category.\nAs Proton\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV), the positive sales results should bode well for the national carmaker\u2019s electrification plans in the future. Proton has previously committed to launching \n\u201cat least\u201d one new NEV model per year\n.\nCommenting on the sales performance, Proton Edar\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton\u2019s performance in the first half of 2023 is noteworthy as we achieved our best start to a year since 2012 and are also on track for fifth consecutive year of sales growth. The numbers show demand for our products remain strong despite projections of a reduction in liquidity for consumers, and this is proven by our growth rate.\u201d\n\u201cFor the second half of the year, Proton is confident we have the products and promotional strategies in place to continue our growth trajectory. We will also execute our plans to update our range, launch our \nentry into the Malaysian EV market\n with \nPRO-NET\n and further improve the quality of our products via investments announced this year to improve our production capabilities,\u201d he added.\nALSO READ: \nProton aims to become RHD EV manufacturing Hub, to start with MHEVs"
"Unveiled to the world back in late 2011, the Hyundai i40 was only introduced to Malaysians back in 2013 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. In certain markets, the Hyundai i40 is set to replace the aging Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai Sime Darby meanwhile is selling the Hyundai i40 alongside the Hyundai Sonata, though it remain to be seen when they will phase it out.\u00a0\nRead our review on the other variant of i40, the\u00a0\nHyundai i40 2.0 GDI Tourer\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n\u00a0HYUNDAI i40 SEDAN\nSegment\n\u00a0D-SEGMENT SEDAN\nEngine\n\u00a0Nu 2.0L GDI\nPrice\n\u00a0RM159,888 (Sedan) /\u00a0RM163,888 (Sedan Plus)\nBack then, a lot of us were dismayed when the Elantra introduced here comes with a so-so specification. Now Hyundai Sime Darby is going to amend things a little with the Hyundai i40. Boasting loads of feature such as keyless entry, engine start-stop, 4 door automatic (up and down) window, 9-airbags, Hill-Assist Control, Electronic Stability Program, we will explore what the Hyundai i40 really have to offer.\n EXTERIOR\n \nBased on Hyundai\u2019s \nFluidic\u00a0Sculpture\n, one cannot deny that the Hyundai i40 it is very appealing and it is a looker.\u00a0When we get the car for the weekend drive, we are pretty confident it will catch some attention and turn a few heads. We did not perform a full survey-cum-research the \nTop Gear\n style, but we manage to catch a glimpse of a pair of couple staring at us in the Hyundai i40. Perhaps the\u00a0\nFluidic\u00a0Sculpture \nphilosophy is beginning to show it\u2019s age.\nThe money you spent will get you a very nice looking daytime running lights (DRL). Although the DRL is not very useful in our tropical weather, its presence help boost the Hyundai i40\u2019s image as an European car (it is designed for the European market in mind). HID front light comes standard and turns on automatically when it is dark and it comes standard as auto levelling function. The rear end is complemented with a rather stylish LED stop lamp.\nMeasuring around 4.7m in length and 1.8m in width, it is indeed a huge car. The rear trunk is high and having no reverse camera in this car does not help. Hyundai Sime Darby is more than willing to fit the reverse camera for you if you are willing to fork out an additional RM4,000. The saving grace is, you get front and rear parking sensors. The Hyundai i40 Tourer however get all these goodies as standard!\nThe overall bulkiness of the car is reduced by not having an antenna that sticks out from the body. Instead, the antenna is printed on the rear glass. The sleek design of the Hyundai i40 is further enhanced by having a prominent beltline running right from the front door and continues backward until the rear lamp. It doesn\u2019t just end there. You will find not one but 2 nicely chrome exhaust pipe sitting at the bottom of the bumper.\nOur Hyundai i40 test car came wrapped in 215/50 Continental ContiMaxContact MC5 tyres and comes together with a rather bland multi-spoke 17-inch rims. Some may or may not like the choice of rims, but the Continental rubber strikes a good balance between ride & handling.\nINTERIOR\n \nAs you climb onboard the Hyundai i40, things takes a slightly different turn. There are plastic here and there, just like any Japanese offerings. But at the same time it doesn\u2019t really feel too cheap at all. Fit and finishing is top notch. There is no uneven gaps to be seen. Other than that, there is a mixed of black glossy plastics and faux leather wrapped on the steering wheel, centre armrest, and side armrest on all doors completes the overall interior finesse.\nDriving position can be adjusted to your hearts content. The Hyundai i40 features a 10-way electronically adjustable seats for both driver and passenger seats. If it comes with memory seats, then it will be prefect. Steering wheels can be adjusted for height and reach (tilt and telescopic adjustment).\u00a0So no qualms there, anyone from short to tall is all catered for!\nThat being said, all buttons are logically laid at the convenience of driver. The steering wheel itself houses all the necessary controls such as voice activated commands for phone, cruise controls, ICE volume adjustment, trip button, Multi Information Display toggle and not to mention the paddle shifters. On the centre console, you will probably find the usual air condition and air recirculation controls. Upon closer inspection, you will find buttons that are supposedly positioned closer to the driver are actually placed further away from the driver! Take for instance the \u201c\nSport\u201d \nbutton, is placed at the left most side of the console. \nIn car entertainment is a pretty decent one. \nThe sound quality is nothing much to shout about. The norm includes CD, MP3, USB, AUX input, radio with Bluetooth hands-free. The 2-DIN player features a very blueish display that reminds you of an illuminated G-Shock watch of the 90\u2019s! It is done so just to complement the blue scheme of the overall ambient setup of the Hyundai i40.\u00a0As mentioned, if you choose to fork an additional RM4,000, you get reverse camera with touch screen entertainment and a pair of display monitors mounted on the front seats that comes standard with the Hyundai i40 Tourer. \u00a0\nHaving driven cars with a proper hand brake, the electronic-parking brakes that comes with the Hyundai i40 proves to be a little confusing to me at first. But after meddling with the Hyundai i40 for one and a half day, I find it as an excellent way to save space and it is rather convenient than a foot-brake. As a comparison, most Japanese D-segment contenders in Malaysia comes with a foot-operated parking brake. Oh and did I not mention the accelerator is of organ-type pedal?\nOne of the best feature that one must truly appreciate is the panoramic sunroof. Not only it provides a visually stunning view of the city skyline but it also gives the Hyundai i40 a roomier feel. Whether you are a kid or an adult, you will definitely love it to bits.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nThe GDI poweplant in the Hyundai i40 is one of the most powerful \nnaturally-aspirated\n engine that you can find the Malaysian market, at least on paper. It definitely trump all Japanese D-segments in the power department, but still looses to Continental offerings due to their turbocharged nature (read Ford Mondeo and VW Passat). The power delivery is super smooth, no qualms there, thanks to the 6-speed automatic transmission that is powering all Hyundais (and Kia). Driving around town is never a problem. Highway drive should be nearly as good. Acceleration is smooth and steady, but that is not true for throttle response.\nThe kickdown/downshift is slow, in my opinion and the opinion of a few other people that have tested it. But, fret not! Whenever I feel sleepy, I will just reach for the \nSport \nbutton as my instant kick of refreshment. However do not let the \nSport \nbutton fool you into thinking that it is a magic button that will lower or harden your suspension, increase your engine output, or sharpen steering input\u00a0\nala\u00a0\nAudi. It will only hold the gear change slightly longer, thus giving a feel of oomph.\nTHE DRIVE\n \nThe ride & handling is decent in the Hyundai i40. \u00a0It could be everyone\u2019s daily drive, whether in the city or highway. Steering response gives reasonable feedback through the electronic power steering (MDPS in Hyundai speak). There are times where I can feel some vibration and a very faint humming sound coming through the steering, but might not be\u00a0\nnoticeable to a majority of the drivers.\n The NVH of the Hyundai i40 is something I would like to touch more on.\nWhenever I push the throttle, the engine sound will seep in. So is the road noise, but road noise may vary between roads, no thanks to our Malaysian roads. Wind noise is kept to a minimum, no problem there. There is also a manual mode for those who prefer to do the shifting yourself. However I would recommend letting the ECU do the shifting for a more pleasant drive.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nProbably, given that the specifications and the amount of kit being offered on the Hyundai i40 is simply irresistible. With 9-airbags to boast, hill-assist control, a panoramic sunroof, and 5 year warranty by Hyundai Sime Darby, what is not to like? Hyundai had come a long way, and the Hyundai of today differs totally from the Hyundai of yesteryears. If you like to take a trip with your family once in a while in long distance drive, and to stand out amongst a sea of dull Japanese D-segments, this car is for you.\u00a0\nThat being said, a lot of Malaysian D-segment buyers is still rooted to Japanese cars only because of their perceived resale value.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nWith so many offerings nowadays, we will put a few closest and most popular rival here for a quick comparison, namely the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Other honourable mentions in this class is the Kia Optima K5, Nissan Teana, and also the all new Mazda 6.\nHyundai i40 Sedan\nToyota Camry 2.0G\nHonda Accord 2.0 VTi-L\nENGINE\nType\nDOHC 16V D-CVVT, 4 cylinder engine\nDOHC 16V VVT-i, 4 cylinder engine\nSOHC 16V i-VTEC, 4 cylinder engine\nDisplacement\ncc\n1999\n1998\n1997\nCompression Ratio\n11.5\n\u00a010.6\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n175 / 6500\n146 / 6000\n\u00a0153 / 6500\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n214 / 4700\n\u00a0190 / 4000 rpm\n\u00a0190 / 4300\nCarburetion System\nGasoline Direct Injection\n\u00a0Fuel Injection\nFuel Injection\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n70\n\u00a070\n65\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic (MDPS)\n\u00a0Electronic (EPS)\nElectronic (EPS)\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n\u00a06-speed A/T\n\u00a04-speed A/T\n5-speed A/T\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMcPherson Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)\nMacPherson Strut (F)\u00a0/\u00a0Dual Link Independent Strut with Stabiliser (R)\nMacPherson Strut (F) / Independent Multi Link with Stabiliser\u00a0(R)\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n215 / 50 R17\n215 /60 R16\n\u00a0225 / 50 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\n\u00a0Alloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n\u00a04,770\n4,825\n4,870\nOverall Width\nmm\n\u00a01,815\n1,825\n1,850\nOverall Height\nmm\n\u00a01,470\n1,470\n1,465\nWheelbase\nmm\n\u00a02,770\n2,775\n2,775\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,445\n1,530\nSAFETY\nAirbags\n9 SRS airbags, including driver side knee airbag\n2 (front) SRS airbags\n2 (front & front side) SRS airbags\nOthers\nanti-locking brake system, hill-start assist, stability control, parking assist\nanti-locking brake system, hill-start assist, stability control, parking assist\nanti-locking brake system, hill-start assist, stability control\nFUEL\nGrade\nmin. 95 RON\nmin. 95 RON\nmin. 95 RON\nPRICE\nRM\n159, 888.00\n158, 915.30\n144, 959.00\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\n \nI would probably pick the Sonata 2.0 Sport with it slightly cheaper price and similar specifications. But the newer GDI engine that you get in the Hyundai i40 should give slightly better fuel economy, power and refinement over the older Sonata. And the Hyundai i40 looks so much better looking with it sexier curves and panoramic sunroof!\nRead our review on the other variant of i40, the\u00a0\nHyundai i40 2.0 GDI Tourer\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia\n have announced the arrival of their meanest Sports Activity Coup\u00e9 (SAC), the \nBMW X6 M\n. The F86 X6 M is the sleeker twin of the F85 X5 M which was \nrevealed together\n earlier this year, but there\u2019s no word yet on whether the taller twin will make it to our shores or not. Anyway, for the Malaysian market, the twin-turbo V8 beast carries an equally beastly price tag at RM1.2m a pop.\nYes, the cooked-up version of the F16 X6 is more than RM500k dearer than the \nX6 xDrive35i M Sport\n that was launched a few months ago during the BMW World Malaysia event, and not to mention it\u2019s also more expensive than the funky \ni8\n hybrid supercar too.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X6 M\nEngine\n4,395 cc twin-turbo V8\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n575 hp @ 6,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n750 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h\n4.2 seconds\nTop Speed\n250 km/h\nPrice\nRM1,238,800.00\nEXTERIOR\nIt takes a pair of keen eyes to tell the \nX6 M\n apart from the \nX6 xDrive35i M Sport\n. While\u00a0both of them\u00a0may look similar, there are subtle differences between the two. For example, the \ndouble kidney grille\n have \ntwin slats\n, and\u00a0the \nfront and rear bumpers\n are\u00a0\ntotally different\n.   From the side, apart from the\n twin-arm side mirrors\n, the X6 M also rides \n10mm lower\n, while the wheel arches are filled with \n21-inch M alloy wheels\n. The back receives a \nboot lid spoiler\n, and \nfour round tailpipes\n exit under the M-specific rear bumper.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin have been spruced up with various M bits, which includes the \nthree-spoke M steering wheel\n with shift paddles, the \nM gearshift lever\n, and the gorgeous\u00a0\nM multifunction front bucket seats\n.   The instrument cluster is also unique to the X6 M with\u00a0M-specific dynamics systems display and the additional\u00a0\nM Drive Menu\n in the Control Display. Furthermore, you can access the\u00a0\nBMW M lap timer app\n on your smartphone via the iDrive controller for an \u201cin-depth analysis of your driving style\u201d, and\u00a0there\u2019s even an optional \nfull-colour Head-Up Display\n with rev-counter and shift lights for the racer in you\nBMW ConnectedDrive\n is fitted as standard, and it features\u00a0the latest generation \nNavigation System Professional\n\u00a0with\u00a03D map display.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n4.4-litre twin-turbo V8\n is currently the most powerful engine ever fitted to any all-wheel drive BMW vehicle so far. Dishing out \n575 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of twisting force, the X6 M will get from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in just \n4.2 seconds\n. That\u2019s 0.4 seconds quicker than the \nCayman GTS\n!\nPower is sent\u00a0to the \nM-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system\n\u00a0via the \n8-speed M Steptronic\n automatic transmission, and the claimed fuel consumption is said to be \n11.1 l/100 km\n.\nTo ensure the vehicle\u00a0delivers on the handling department, the X6 M comes with \nstiffer springs\n and\u00a0\nDynamic Drive anti-roll system\n which helps to minimise body roll, while understeer is taken care\u00a0by the\u00a0\nDynamic Performance Control\n.\u00a0\nPneumatic rear suspension\n and \nDynamic Damper Control\n are also featured, which allow the dampers to be adjusted electronically to suit your driving style.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe X6 M carries an estimated price of \nRM1,238,800.00\n sans insurance, but it\u2019s covered with\u00a0BMW Malaysia\u2019s latest \n5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty\n and \nFree Scheduled Service Program\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you are one of the fortunate few who rolls around in a Bentley Bentayga, you may have come across situations where you want to leave your valuables in the car but worried about them to be left alone in the presence of your chauffeur or valet.\nMulliner, the personalisation arm of Bentley, has come up with a solution for it\u2019s most discerning customers \u2013 Mulliner Biometric Secure Stowage unit. The discreet locker has a fingerprint sensor to ensure it can only be accessed by its intended owner, giving absolute peace of mind for its owners.   The Biometric Secure Stowage also features two USB ports and an auxiliary socket to connect and charge mobile devices.\nMulliner\u2019s Head of Technical Operations, Uday Senapati said: \u201cThe Mulliner Biometric Secure Stowage unit is hidden from view. We are incorporating the familiar capacitive fingerprint sensor technology from smartphones that can store multiple fingerprints, allowing the user to control who accesses their valuables.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Right from the get-go, American Honda Motor has set out to target and woo young consumers to the sleeker Honda Civic hatchback, now in its 11th generation. Apart from design, the company that sells on average 300,000 Honda Civics annually for the past two years, is offering a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission on top of the CVT automatic transmission.\nWith a price starting from \nUSD22,900\n (approx. RM96k), the all-new Honda Civic hatchback is USD1,200 pricier than the equivalent \nCivic sedan\n variant. Apart from the upgrade from 16-inch \u201csteelies\u201d with a plastic cover to alloy rims, the Honda Civic hatchback offers the same \n158 hp/187 Nm\n 2.0-litre engine paired with CVT, safety, exterior and interior features as the sedan.\nThe six-speed manual transmission option is meanwhile available on the 2.0-litre Sport variant and the range-topping \n180 hp/240 Nm\n turbocharged \n1.5-litre Sport Touring\n variant (\nUSD29,400\n or approx. RM123k). Selecting the manual transmission also means the removal of the Sport drive mode but retains an electric parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold function.\nMugen of Japan has developed a styling concept for the new Honda Civic hatchback. Take a look on the changes here.\nThe Sport variants also have black exterior accents and window surrounds, Sport-specific seating surfaces, black headlining, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel and sport foot pedals. This latest generation Civic hatchback also boasts the largest rear seat in its model\u2019s history.\nHonda also says the Civic hatchback is a lot more fun to drive than the sedan, and the only dynamic upgrade we could spot is the slightly thicker solid rear anti-roll bar, increasing 0.5 mm in diameter from the 17.0-mm design fitted in the sedan.\nThe Honda Jazz is no longer available in Thailand and Indonesia, replaced by.Find out which Hatchback model takes over.\nThe Honda Civic hatchback is built in Indiana, USA for the first time in its history. Technicians in the plant were required to learn new manufacturing and assembling methods for the larger tailgate on the new Civic hatchback, which is made from lightweight composite materials.\nAmerican Honda Motor will also add their locally developed performance-oriented Civic Si as well as the global Honda \nCivic Type R\n to the line-up next year.\nGALLERY"
"Toyota Indonesia has just unveiled not one or two, but five models emblazoned with the GR badge and exterior \u2018tune-up\u2019. In summary, the models which are Agya, \nYaris\n, Rush, Avanza Veloz and \nFortuner\n all switch to the GR branding from the older TRD Sportivo branding.\nToyota Indonesia has long used the \nTRD Sportivo\n branding for the sporty variants of all its models. With the global direction to ride on GR or Toyota Gazoo Racing as the sporty and performance arm of Toyota, all models now switch to GR branding.\nFor Indonesia, the GR treatment on the five models are purely cosmetic, unlike the full treatment that UMW Toyota Motor has worked hard on the \nToyota Vios GR Sport\n. \u00a0\nAll models only feature updated GR aerokit, stickers and apart from the Avanza Veloz, the GR Sport emblem. All GR variants are also based on the range-topping variants for each respective model.\nIn the Fortuner and Rush, the GR Sport variants also add an exclusive dual-tone rim design. There are \nno changes to the interior\n unlike the Toyota Vios GR Sport and Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport models.\nFind out which interior excels in our Honda BR-V, Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Rush comparison. Learn more here!\nThe Toyota Vios GR Sport in Malaysia (and also available in Vietnam and the Philippines) meanwhile features a full set of GR logos in the instrument panel, engine start-stop button, front headrests, carpet mats as well as tweaked damping system paired with larger and sticker tyres. The CVT-type transmission has also been reworked to offer 10 speeds for a sportier drive matching the image of the vehicle.\nToyota Indonesia recently launched the Raize compact SUV, and yes, there is also a \nRaize GR Sport\n variant. One aspect in offering GR variants that is consistent in all markets is the price- all GR variants introduced by Toyota Indonesia are the \nhighest priced\n variants in their respective model line-up apart from the Fortuner GR Sport that is cheaper due to being 4\u00d72 drivetrain.   While this might look like Toyota is milking the GR brand to the extremes, it is the distributor\u2019s responsibility to ensure sales success to the principal and ensure dominating market share.\nAfter letting the tuners have some limelight, GR Parts announces their tuning concept for the new Toyota GR86 and we love the aggressive looks!\nAt the end of the day, historical sales data have shown that customers do have a strong desire for sportier-looking variants, without having to fork out more for the dynamism (suspension upgrade and larger tyres), and as such, Toyota Indonesia is just continuing to offer what the consumers and brand loyalists want.\nGALLERY\nToyota Fortuner GR Sport\nToyota Yaris GR Sport\nToyota Avanza Veloz GR Limited\nToyota Rush GR Sport"
"At the first ever Detroit auto show, Henry Ford said that the Model T is a car that would strike like forked lightning. The American company now claims the same as it unveils the Mustang Mach-E \u2013 their first entry into the electric vehicle world.\u00a0\nFirst things first, the Mustang essence is clearly present in the styling of the Mach-E, such as the tri-bar headlights, taillights design, as well as the muscular character lines on the bodywork.\u00a0\nHowever, Ford says that the Mustang spirit doesn\u2019t just stop there, as the Mach-E promises \u201cexhilarating drive experiences that offer unique driving dynamics and sounds\u201d.\u00a0\nThe Mustang Mach-E will initially be offered with two battery pack sizes and three power output levels, and in \nall-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive\n configurations. Starting at the low end, the Mach-E select comes with a \n75.7 kWh\n Standard Range battery, and an EPA-estimated \n370 km\n range for the RWD model, while the AWD variant gets a shorter \n338 km\n range.\u00a0\nThe shorter range of the AWD variant does get compensated in terms of performance, with a zero to hundred time in the region of \u201c\nmid-five seconds\n\u201c, compared to the \u201c\nlow-six seconds\n\u201d of the RWD \u2013 a fair trade if you ask us. Both are rated at \n255 hp\n, but the AWD does get a bump in torque to \n565 Nm\n compared to the \n415 Nm\n on the RWD model.\u00a0\nMoving up the line, A larger \n98.8 kWh\n battery brings the driving range up to \n482 km\n and \n435 km\n for the RWD and AWD variants respectively. The larger battery also results in a performance boost, with the extended range RWD Mach-E producing \n282 hp\n and \n415 Nm\n, while the AWD variant gets \n332 hp\n and \n565 Nm\n of twist.\u00a0\nFord will also be offering two performance models of the Mach-E further down the line; the GT variant is targeting a century sprint time in \nunder four seconds\n, while the GT Performance Edition is targeting a \nmid-three-second\n range. Both performance Mach-E will have a targeted output of \n459 hp\n and \n830 Nm of torque\n.\u00a0\nThe spec sheet of the Mach-E is littered with asterisks though, so do expect these numbers to change before the official launch of the electric SUV.\u00a0\nApart from the pure performance figures, Ford says that the Mach-E will handle itself around bends too. Specifically for the AWD models, the \nMach-E 4 all-wheel drive system\n can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles to provide improved acceleration and handling ability over its rear-wheel drive brothers.\u00a0\nThe GT models will also be equipped with a \nMagnaRide adaptive damping system\n that allows the performance SUV to \u201chug the road while delivering an exciting, comfortable ride\u201d. Other performance options include Brembo\u2019s Flexira aluminium brake calipers.\nThree driving modes are available on the Mustang Mach-E \u2013 Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, which we guess means normal, sporty and all-out acceleration in regular-speak. Ford says that each driving modes provides a \u201cdistinct sensory experience\u201d by altering the steering response, ambient lighting, sounds, and dynamic cluster animations.\u00a0\nOn the inside, a large \n15.5-inch\n floating infotainment display dominates the entire dashboard. Just like most new vehicles, the Mach-E is light on buttons. Fortunately, the next-generation SYNC system is able to adapt to the user\u2019s preferences and make personalised suggestions to simplify operation.\u00a0\nWith the batteries lined on the floor, the Mustang Mach-E also offers a wealth of headroom, legroom and cargo space on the electric SUV. The rear boot area offers \n821 litres of space\n, expandable to 1688 litres with the rear seats down. The electric drivetrain also means the front area is cleared out for a \n136 litre\n \u201cfrunk\u201d (or froot).\u00a0\nSafety wise, all models will be equipped with Ford\u2019s latest \nCoPilot 360 Assist\n advanced safety suite, which the American brand aims to evolve through software updates to allow hands-free highway driving in the future.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nToyota C-HR\n is now officially on sale in Malaysia and to celebrate the occasion, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has organised a massive collection party for the first 50 owners of the quirky SUV.\nAs reported earlier, the C-HR is available in a sole 1.8L variant, priced at RM145,500 on-the-road sans insurance. Under the hood you\u2019ll find a\u00a0 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder that develops \n138 hp\n and \n171 Nm\n of torque,\u00a0 paired to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) to drive the front wheels.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota C-HR 1.8L\nEngine\n1,798cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinder DVVT-i\nTransmission\nContinuous Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n138 hp @ 6,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n171 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without Insurance)\nRM145,500\nThe C-HR, which stands for Coupe High-Rider, sits on the brand\u2019s new \nToyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)\n that promises superior driving pleasure, comfort and safety. Key dimensions measures at 4,360 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, 1,565 mm in height and 2,640 mm in wheelbase Boot space is also at a respectable\u00a0\n377 litres\n.\nQUICK COMPARISONS\nName\nToyota CH-R\nHonda HR-V\nMazda CX-3\nSubaru XV\nLength\n4,360 mm\n4,294 mm\n4,275 mm\n4,465 mm\nWidth\n1,795 mm\n1,772 mm\n1,765 mm\n1,800 mm\nHeight\n1,565 mm\n1,605 mm\n1,535 mm\n1,615 mm\nWheelbase\n2,640 mm\n2,610 mm\n2,570 mm\n2,665 mm\nMax Kerb Weight\n1,497 kg\n1,249 kg\n1,211 kg\n1,559 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\n377 litres\n437 litres\n350 litres\n345 litres\nPenned with Toyota\u2019s \u2018Keen Look\u2019 design language, the C-HR boasts an expressive diamond architecture body lines, giving it the confident and sporty look. Forward illumination is tasked by a pair of halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and fog lamps while the rear gets boomerang-shaped LED combination lamps with fog lamps.\nOther touches include puddle lamps, shark fin antenna, hidden rear door handles and a set of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 profile tyres.   The interior styling embodies Toyota\u2019s new \u2018Sensual Tech\u2019 design concept aimed to create a high-tech but sensual and fashionable cabin. Standard equipment on our local spec C-HR includes leather upholstery, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, manual levelling seats, keyless entry and start, 7-inch DVD-AVX touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, six speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control, electrochromic rear-view mirror and electronic parking brake.   On the safety front, the C-HR comes equipped with seven airbags, Traction Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, front and rear parking sensors and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.\nCustomers can choose between five colours \u2013 White Pearl CS, Metal Stream Metallic, Attitude Black Mica while Blue Metallic and Red Mica are the only options that come with black roof and mirrors. Unlike the parallel imported units from MyMotor, these officially imported (from Thailand) Toyota C-HRs are backed by a \n5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty\n package, straight from UMWT themselves.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Toyota C-HR at Malaysian Auto Show 2017"
"In the heat of the \n2019 Shanghai Auto Show\n, Nissan has quietly released the MY2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo, complete with race-car-inspired upgrades for improved cornering ability.\nNissan engineers have put\nthe car through a diet by introducing carbon fibre parts for the front and rear\nbumpers, front fenders, hood, roof, side sill covers, trunk and rear spoiler,\ncontributing a total weight savings of 10.5 kgs. On top of that, other upgrades\nand new components drops the weight by another 20 kgs.\nAlso new are the front\nfenders inspired from the GT3 GT-R race car that improves engine cooling and generate\nadditional downforce onto the front tires without additional drag. The 2020 GT-R\nNismo now sits on exclusive 20-inch nine-spoke RAYS aluminium wheels that are\nlighter than before, wrapped in newly design Dunlop tyres that offers 11% more\ncontact patch.\nAll the new components\ncome together to give the new car higher cornering force, enhanced steering\nresponse and improved rolling resistance when compared to the previous model.\nUnder the hood is a VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine now generating \n600 hp\n and \n652 Nm\n of torque mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission to channel power to all four-wheels. Nissan says the transmission features a more refined \u201cR mode\u201d with optimised gear selection and faster shifts.\nTasked to stop the\nbeast in its track are a set of Brembo carbon ceramic rotors measuring 410 mm\nup front and 390 mm at the rear clammed by Brembo calipers. The newly developed\ncalipers, identifiable through its bright yellow paint, can withstand\ntemperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Celsius.\nChief product\nspecialist for the Nissan GT-R, Hiroshi Tamura said: \u201cWe have built the\n2020 GT-R NISMO for our customers to be the ultimate track and street vehicle. It\nis about total balance management, not just chasing power figures. The new\nNISMO has been brought to a new level, with enhanced engine, handling, braking\nand aerodynamics.\u201d\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\n2020 Nissan\u00a0GT-R Nismo\u00a0Unveiled"
"Ford conducted a survey recently on eight to nine-year olds recently and as it turns out, over 49% of them prefer their future cars to be electric powered.\nThe \u201cFord Go Electric: Future Generation\u201d study was conducted on youngsters who\u2019d be driving in 2030 in the UK, the same year where UK will begin selling only electric cars.\nResults showed that nearly 4 out 5 (79%) were looking forward to drive a car, while 49% want their cars to be powered by electricity. The figure is highly pulverizing as only 17% preferred petrol cars, 10% diesel, and 7% gas.\nYou\u2019d think that with kids that age, their minds wouldn\u2019t be mature enough to have preferences when it comes to cars, but the opposite is true.\n36% of which prioritised comfortable seats, while 27% said a good sound system is important. Almost 24% wanted self-driving vehicles and 32% placed heavy emphasis on environmental friendliness.\nFord even went to the extent of bringing the youngsters\u2019 idea of a dream car to reality with the Ford Future Generation Concept car.\nAt the end of last year, the UK government announced that from 2030 onwards, only electric cars will be sold. Let\u2019s see how that goes in just another nine years.\nGALLERY"
"It was only a week ago that we made a joke about how \ncarmakers now have a variant for every segment\n, plus everything in between too. But now it seems that there\u2019s at least one carmaker that agrees with us, and that\u2019s Mercedes-Benz.\nIn an effort to trim down its constantly-expanding line-up that currently has around 50 distinct models, the German carmaker is set to unveil a new mid-size convertible called the CLE-Class, which will become the catch-all car for the small and mid-size premium convertible market, as reported by \nAutoExpress\n.\nRead our review of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe here!\nThe new CLE-Class will essentially replace the current C- and E-Class coupes and cabriolets, which have all been competing against each other alongside the recently-axed SLC roadster in the same market segment that already isn\u2019t a big money-maker for the brand.\nNontheless, Mercedes still considers it an important segment to compete in, especially for branding purposes. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Head of R&D, Marcus Schafer stated earlier this year, \u201cWe want to focus on these models. They have their niche and their purpose. That\u2019s why we are going to tailor exactly the right vehicle in this segment.\n\u201cThere\u2019s more to come on the coupe and cabriolet side in this mid-segment but it\u2019s going to take a little bit more time before we can speak about it,\u201d he added, referring to the CLE that\u2019s rumoured to arrive in 2023.\nBut even before the CLE-Class, Mercedes-Benz is set to launch an \nall-new SL\n roadster taking up the full-sized cabriolet segment, while the former slots in underneath it for the mid-size market. The sportier SL will be built on a new AMG-built platform, while the CLE will most likely be based on the MRA-2 platform shared with the \nlatest C-Class\n \nand S-class models.\nNo other technical information has been shared regarding the CLE, though with the current C-Class being a four-cylinder-only affair (including the upcoming C 63, which will likely feature an \nelectrified 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder mill\n), it\u2019s likely that the new coupes and cabrios will also go the same way.\nThe upcoming SL Roadster will be built on an all-aluminium space frame. Learn more about it here.\nAlthough, the MRA-2 platform does have the flexibility to support six-cylinder engines too as seen on the\n S-Class\n, so Mercedes-Benz could easily offer a range-topping performance variant of the CLE, if they see the market demand for it.\nAs for looks, the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class will feature its own distinctive design, much like how the BMW 4 Series distances itself from the 3-er it\u2019s based on. Spy shots shared by \nAutoExpress \nshows a two-door, four-seat CLE-Class convertible with a soft top roof prototype already undergoing testing, though hardtop coupe is expected to be offered as well."
"UMW Toyota Motor has launched the new Hilux GR Sport starting from \nRM159,880\n on-the-road without insurance. The Hilux GR Sport is available at nine GR Outlets nationwide.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe Hilux GR Sport is based on the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel Rogue model with \n204 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential and gear shift paddles. The GR Sport is the first Hilux to feature gear shift paddles.\nMechanically, upgrades include a new sports suspension with monotube dampers, 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels with 265/60R18 Highway Terrain tyres just like the 2.8 Rouge model. On the outside, the Hilux GR Sport gets a new front and rear bumper design, new front grille design, red brake calipers with GR branding and new shark fin antenna.\u00a0\nColour options for the Hilux GR Sport are Crimson Spark Red, Super White and Attitude Black Mica. Standard features are as per the 2.8 Rogue model; including automatic bi-LED headlamps, LED combination taillamps, LED front and rear fog lamps. The Hilux GR Sport also features illuminated entry system including by the footwell.\u00a0\nInside, GR specific items include GR instrument cluster, aluminium sports pedals, seats wrapped in suede and leather with a GR emblem, GR branded keys and push-start button. Standard items include a nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display, six speakers and dual zone air conditioning.\nFor safety, the Hilux GR Sport comes with seven airbags, blindspot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Toyota Safety Sense system featuring dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and downhill assist control.\nGALLERY"
"After disrupting consumers purchasing decisions with the \nHonda N7X concept car\n, PT Honda Prospect Motor in Indonesia has finally unveiled the production version of the vehicle and unsurprisingly, it bears the BR-V model name. Indonesia is the largest consumer of the BR-V seven-seater SUV, thus, hosted the \ndigital global premiere\n of the all-new model.\nBoth the Honda N7X concept car and the second-generation Honda BR-V share almost all the design elements, such as the large LED headlamps with signature DRL lighting, a tall front grille, 17-inch wheels and a classy LED \u2018light bar\u2019 tail lamp design.\nNew exterior features include Walk-Away Auto Lock plus the Remote Engine Start that was popularised on the tenth generation Honda Civic Turbo. Consumers will also appreciate the auto-folding side mirrors.\nInside, a small section of the dashboard has been wrapped with leather and double stitching for improved quality and looks. A breakdown of the variants further below elaborate on the new interior features available in the new Honda BR-V.\nOne of the key headlining aspects of the all-new Honda BR-V is the availability of the full suite of Honda Sensing Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), which is also a first-in-the-segment. Apart from LaneWatch, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Keeping Assist System and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Collision Mitigation Brake System in Honda-speak), the new Honda BR-V also features the Lead-Car Departure Notification system that was just made its debut in the Thailand-spec 11th generation \nHonda Civic\n.\nPT Honda Prospect Motor is offering just three core variants for the all-new Honda BR-V- S, E and Prestige. Similar to the current generation BR-V, the seven-seat SUV is offered with just one engine which is the latest 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with outputs of \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n that currently serve duties in the \nHonda City hatchback\n.\nThe engine is paired to either a manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission, depending on the variant. Apart from a new engine, the new Honda BR-V also rides on an updated suspension design that increases its ground clearance by 20 mm to 220 mm. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nKeen to compare the current Honda BR-V with the new Xpander and Toyota Rush? Learn more about each strength and weakness here.\nStandard features starting with the Honda BR-V S variant includes LED headlamps with LED DRLs, touchscreen infotainment measuring seven inches with smartphone connectivity, digital air-conditioning system, side airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist. A count of six airbags was also mentioned in the product video though it is unclear if it is standard or available in the higher variants.\nMoving upwards to the E variant gets you many of the new goodies such as Walk-Away Auto Lock, Remote Engine Start, 4.2-inch coloured multi-info display (MID), rear air-conditioning blower, power outlet for the second-row occupants and LED front fog lights.\nThe new Honda BR-V Prestige variant meanwhile gets the auto-folding side mirrors with LED turn signal lights, 17-inch wheels, a rear-seat armrest, power outlet for the third-row occupants plus leather upholstery on the seats as well as the dashboard trim and door panels.\nThe range-topping BR-V Prestige with Honda Sensing not only adds the namesake ADAS suite but also a hands-free function on the touchscreen infotainment system.\nAs far as the option for colours, there are no new shades launched in conjunction with the all-new Honda BR-V, with a rather safe palette of white, black, silver and grey finishes.\nHonda Malaysia boosts confidence and assurance at its premises via \u201cI am vaccinated\u201d campaign. More about the welcome initiative here.\nUnfortunately, the PT Honda Prospect Motor has not disclosed the retail price of the all-new Honda BR-V, but expect the model to be priced from \nIDR260 million\n (approx. RM76.3k) and deliveries are only scheduled to begin from January 2022, as mentioned in an \nearlier report\n.\nThe launch video also ended with a teaser of another new Honda SUV (height and roof rails), perhaps the smaller Mobilio that is also based upon the BR-V?\nNote: The majority of the images are screenshots of the launch video due to the limited availability\nGALLERY"
"Following the\n teaser on its social media pages\n last week, Perodua has now officially opened the order books for the all-new 2022 \nPerodua Alza\n. Alongside the announcement, the national carmaker also released a bunch of preliminary details for the all-new MPV, which \u2013 despite rumours online \u2013 retains the \u2018Alza\u2019 nameplate, albeit now with a completely different typeface for its emblem.\nThe all-new 2022 Perodua Alza will be offered in three different variants, but all of them powered by the same 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, paired to a D-CVT gearbox. The powertrain is most likely the same unit found on the \nlatest 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift\n, and is rated for an output of \n101 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n, with drive sent to the front wheels.\n \nAs for equipment, all variants \u2013 starting with the entry-level X \u2013 will come as standard with LED headlights, although the higher-end H and AV gets an additional adaptive driving beam function, alongside sequential turn signals.\nAlso standard on the all-new Alza are the digital air-con controls, rear air con blowers (with manual controls), four air bags, and most importantly, the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, as well as auto high beam across the board.\nRELATED: All-new Daihatsu Xenia unveiled in Indonesia \u2013 is this the next Perodua Alza?\nMoving up to the H variant will net you an additional drive mode selector (Eco, Normal, Power), alongside a seven-inch multi-info display in the instrument cluster, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, reverse camera, front parking sensors, auto retractable wing mirrors, as well as rear armrests on the second-row seats.\nThe more \u201cluxurious\u201d items are reserved exclusively for the AV, with the range-topping variant getting two-tone semi-leather seats, electric parking brakes with auto brake hold, two additional airbags (up to six), and a 360-degree surround view monitor. The advanced safety kit also gets a boost in features, including the addition of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor, and rear-cross traffic alert.\nPerodua also revealed that the all-new Alza will have a boot space of 137 litres, but can be expanded up to 498 litres with the third-row seats folded down. On that note, the third row seats can be folded in a 50:50 split, while the second row gets 60:40 split folding, with one-touch collapse and sliding mechanism.\n\u201cWe took our time in designing this full model change as we truly wanted to understand what improvements our customers wanted, and the New Perodua Alza aims to fulfil these requests,\u201d said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\u201cOne of the many requests was a better driving experience, and to this we have engineered the New Perodua Alza\u2019s ground clearance to be at 160 mm which, in our assessment, is the best height for a pleasant Malaysian drive, for an MPV,\u201d he added.\nAs for pricing, the all-new Perodua Alza is estimated to be priced\n between RM62,000 and RM75,000\n, on the road, without insurance. As usual, actual prices will only be revealed during the official launch \u2013 but with the car already now open for booking, we don\u2019t think there\u2019s too long more to wait.\nBookings made before the 1st of July will also be entitled to the SST exemptions, as long as the vehicle is \nregistered by March 31, 2023\n, so best get your bookings in soon.\n\u201cThis full model change represents our best effort so far in terms of product offering, as the features included are the best within its price category,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal concluded."
"With safety features such as \nAnti-Lock Braking System (ABS)\n and \nBrake Assist (BA)\n equipped on your daily driver, it would be careless to think that your wheels would still point towards wherever and whenever you wish, especially in wet conditions. Should a layer of water between your tyres and the road not be dispersed quickly enough, your car will be highly susceptible to hydroplaning or aquaplaning, as some of you might call it.\nIf you have been on the internet long enough, surely you\u2019d have come across videos of cars or trucks \u201cdrifting\u201d on a slippery road. Unfortunately, more often than not, these slides are not done intentionally. Hydroplaning occurs when your car drives through a layer of water on the road and the tyres are not dispersing water efficiently, resulting in the tyres spinning on suspended water. This phenomenon causes the tyres to slip and \nnot respond to steering, braking or acceleration inputs\n\u00a0and may cause the vehicle to\n skid uncontrollably\n.\nImage credit: \nTireAmerica\nSo, what are the main causes of hydroplaning besides a layer of water on the road? According to Michelin Malaysia, it is all in the tyres. Tyres with low or minimal \nthread depth\n will have lesser capacity to disperse water. \nTyre pressure\n also plays a role in the tyre\u2019s performance and Michelin Malaysia quotes that if the tyre pressure falls below 30 percent of its recommended value, it greatly increases the risk of hydroplaning.\nBesides ensuring that your tyres are in great condition, another obvious way to reduce the risk of hydroplaning is to \nreduce your speed\n when approaching large puddles or standing water. However, should you be in an unfortunate position to lose control of your car in the wet, here are some tips to help you regain control \u2013 gently ease off the accelerator to regain traction and\u00a0\ndo not slam on the brakes abruptly\n because by doing so you will upset the balance of the vehicle.\nTo sum it up, all the active safety systems in your car are there to act as a safety net but a car will still succumb to the laws of physics. In this rainy season, let us all be more mindful of our surroundings and driving approach. Also, you should probably not hold off that tyre change any longer."
"Five years after the \ndebut of its original concept\n, Volkswagen has now finally unveiled the production version of the ID. Buzz \u2013 the modern-day reincarnation of the iconic Microbus/Kombivan/Bulli, in electric form.\nThe ID. Buzz will be offered in two forms: the standard five-seater MPV, and a ID. Buzz Cargo commercial goods van. Both variants will begin deliveries in Autumn this year.\nIn terms of appearance, the production version of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz does not stray too far from the concept first shown in 2017, at least in terms of proportions, including the iconic short overhangs that were inspired by the original VW T1 Type 2.\nThere are, of course, the usual tweaks to make the concept production-ready, including actual air intakes up front, less futuristic lighting elements, and functioning wing mirrors instead of the cameras \u2013 the latter two to satisfy safety regulations in various countries.\nStill, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz manages to capture most of the Microbus\u2019 essence, and that is in part due to its MEB EV architecture, negating the need for a large engine compartment up front.\nThe MEB platform is also what gives the ID. Buzz its layout on the interior, with the skateboard-like architecture forming a flat floor to give it even more flexibility in terms of seating layout, while also ensuring ample legroom for the passengers and space for your cargo.\nRELATED: The Volkswagen e-Bulli is an electric Kombi bus you can buy right now\nAt launch, the passenger Volkswagen ID. Buzz will come with five seats and a massive 1,121 litres of cargo room at the back behind the tonneau covers. The Cargo variant meanwhile offers up to three seats in the front row, and 3.9 cubic metres of space at the back separated by a partition, enough for two European-sized pallets.\nVolkswagen says that it will also be offering the passenger ID. Buzz with a six-seater option sometime down the line, with three seats in the front row, alongside a slightly longer wheelbase version.\nAs for the interior design, you\u2019ll probably feel very familiar with the dashboard of the ID. Buzz if you\u2019ve ever seen any of Volkswagen\u2019s ID electric models. The most eye-catching detail are the two \u201cfree-floating tablets\u201d displays; a 5.3-inch unit for the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, and a 10-inch display in the centre for infotainment that can also be upgraded to a larger 12-inch option.\nBelow the centre display is where you\u2019ll find a digital control bar where the climate control module and volume controls reside. As usual with all modern VWs, there\u2019s no physical buttons here, just haptic touch-activated ones.\nIn line with a design that Volkswagen calls \u201cthe new face of a sustainable form of mobility\u201d, the company also highlighted the use of sustainable material on the interior, made from vegan and recycled items ranging from recycled plastic bottles to Seaqual yarn made from marine plastics.\nAs for safety, the range-topping variant gets equipped with over 30 different advanced driver assistance systems, including Car2X communication, as well as the latest-generation of Travel Assist with swarm data, which aids partially automated driving over the vehicle\u2019s entire speed range, including automated lane-changes at speeds of up to 90 km/h.\nThe all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz is launched with a single powertrain option, with a single rear-mounted motor providing 204 hp and 310 Nm of torque. Feeding the electric motor is a 77 kWh battery pack located within the floor, which also gives the ID. Buzz \u201ca comparatively low centre of gravity for a van of such tall stature\u201d.\nVolkswagen did not disclose any performance figures for the ID. Buzz just yet, including its driving range, but a comparably-configured \nID.4\n with a kerb weight of 2,109 kg does the century sprint in 8.5 seconds, and offers a range of roughly 520 km.\nThe 77 kWh supports DC fast charging of up to 170 kW, which means you\u2019ll be able to recharge from 5-80% SoC in around 30 minutes. AC charging meanwhile is limited to 11 kW.\nOther drivetrain options are planned to be introduced starting from next year, including a lower-powered rear-wheel drive option, and a dual-motor \nGTX performance version\n with 300 hp and 460 Nm, \nAutocar \nreports.\nGALLERY"
"The Volkswagen Tour is back for 2020, with more exclusive deals and attractive rebates on offer. The first stop for the year is happening at 1 Utama Shopping Centre starting from today \nuntil the 23rd of February 2020\n.\nThe roadshow will take place at\n Centre Court, Ground Floor (old wing)\n, from \n10 am to 10 pm daily\n.\nA line-up of Volkswagen\u2019s latest models will be on display at the Volkswagen Tour, including the \nBeetle\n, \nVento\n, \nTiguan\n, \nGolf R-Line \nand\n GTI\n, as well as the recently-launched facelifted \n2020 Passat Elegance\n.\nThe Passat Elegance, priced at \nRM189,012\n (OTR, without insurance), comes with a whole slew of updates, including a new 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine, capable of churning out \n190 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of twist. The powerplant is mated to a new \nseven-speed wet clutch DSG transmission\n to drive the front wheels.\nAside from the powertrain, the Passat Elegance also comes with updated exterior styling cues, such as the new front and tail-lights. Inside, the Passat Elegance gets a completely updated infotainment system, with support for wireless Apple CarPlay.\nThe 2020 Volkswagen Passat Elegance will be available for test drive at the Tour, along with the Tiguan.\nAs an added incentive, visitors who place a booking at the event will receive an additional \nRM1,000 petrol cash voucher\n on top of existing rebates. The offer is exclusive to the 1 Utama Volkswagen Tour, and is only valid throughout the duration of the road show."
"Nissan finally renewed their legendary sportscar \nlast year\n but instead of continuing with a name with performance-type numerals, it just has the Z name. This year\u2019s Tokyo Auto Salon sees the company introduce the Nissan Z to its home market.\nSimilar to previous generations, the new 2022 Nissan sports car in Japan will continue to bear the Fairlady Z name. Nissan has also made special emphasis on the Fairlady Z name, designing a beautiful emblem that is placed on the rear of the vehicle, a great throwback to the Z32 300ZX model.\nAvailable in both manual and automatic transmission, four variants of the new Nissan Fairlady Z will be made available to Japanese fans. Differences between each variant will be subtle, with the braking system, suspension stiffness and wheel sizes the only performance differentiator, as all Fairlady Z models will come equipped with the 3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine with outputs of \n405 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n.\nThe all-new nine-speed automatic transmission features a Sport mode with faster powertrain and steering response, less restrained stability control as well as more pumped-up Active Sound Enhancement (synthesised engine note into the cabin).\nNo mention of the benchmark 0 to 100 km/h sprint times, but Nissan says the new powertrain should trim 15% compared to the outgoing model, which is 5.6 seconds for the 7-speed automatic and \n5.2 seconds\n for the Nismo model.\u00a0\nSimilar to the North American market, a Proto Spec variant will also be offered on a lottery as it will only be limited to just \n240 units \nat a price of just under JPY7 million (RM257k)! The Proto Spec variant gets yellow-coloured brake calipers with Z logo, bronze-coloured 19-inch Rays forged wheels, exclusive manual shift lever knob, Proto Spec leather seats with yellow accents, Proto Spec suede and cloth door trim with yellow stitching and finished with Proto Spec interior stitching.\nLike the colours of the new Fairlady Z? you can get sneakers in matching yellow or blue!\nTo recap, the body rigidity has been increased for the new Nissan Fairlady Z, with new monotube shock absorbers, new suspension geometry and high-performance tyres help increase the maximum cornering G by up to 13%. Nissan has also fitted an updated mechanical rear limited-slip differential (LSD) in the new Nissan Z, replacing the viscous-based unit.\nNissan also showcased a modified Fairlady Z, in line with the TAS vibe\nInside, the driver gets a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel with a large tachometer at the centre with a racing driver-inspired redline (7,000 rpm) and shift-up light at the \u201812 o\u2019clock\u2019 position. Other vital information such as fluid temperatures and oil pressure are also displayed in large circular gauges.\nSimilar to many older generations of Fairlady Z cockpits, the driver\u2019s instrumentation is completed with a three-pod analogue gauge set consisting of the turbocharger boost meter, turbocharger turbine speed (up to 250,000 rpm) and battery voltmeter.\u00a0\nGALLERY\nNissan Fairlady Z at TAS 2022\nNissan Z, USA"
"Here\u2019s one car neither of us saw coming. Renault is displaying a right-hand drive version of the Renault Fluence Z.E, with the Z.E presumably the acronym of Zero Emissions. Yes, the said Fluence is an all-electric car that seats five \u2013 just like the Fluence that\u2019s being sold here.   First unveiled back in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept car, it\u2019s now fitted with a \n22 kWh lithium-ion battery\n pack that\u2019s good for \n95 horsepower\n\u00a0at 11,000 rpm (yes eleven thousand revolutions) and \n226 Nm\n of instant torque. On a full charge, the electric car will cover about 185 km of tarmac. Its 0 to 100 km/h sprint time clocks in at \n13.7 seconds\n and manages a top speed of \n135 km/h\n.\nBeing an electric car, the battery pack is placed behind the rear seats, thus compromising boot space by a considerable amount \u2013 halved, at least. It\u2019s got one forward gear only, and the overall length of this car has been stretched by 130 mm to accommodate the lithium-ion battery.\nLikely to be just a part of the roadshow in One Utama shopping complex, the Fluence Z.E is displayed alongside the Koleos, Twizy one-person runabout electric vehicle, Clio R.S, Fluence and Fluence Black Edition.\nAs of October last year, Renault has sold just a tinge over 3,900 units of the Fluence Z.E worldwide. Sales begun in 2011 carrying a base price tag of 26,000 Euros, that\u2019s close to RM105,000. There\u2019s a good article written by Bill Moore about the Fluence Z.E and its death at the website\u00a0\nEV World\n, so do give that a read.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Our ears and eyes must have played tricks on us because the Minister of Entrepreneur Development was quoted on numerous occasions by the press to have said \u2018flying car\u2019. Alas, during the concept\u2019s surprise preview at LIMA 2019, the flying car turned out looking a lot like a drone, a scale model at that, not really a working one, yet.\nBut don\u2019t worry flying contraption fans (hello, you there?), according to Aerodyne Group\u2019s business development and consulting senior director, Imtyaz Mohd Azzat, this two-seater drone called Vector can carry up to 200 kg and fly 50 m above ground at 60 km/h, powered by four electric motors, not hot air. Vector is expected to take flight this coming June, at least according to \nthis report\n filed by The Star Online.\nSeriously, YB \n@imokman\n? \npic.twitter.com/qqUJxCtAxj\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nMarch 26, 2019\n \nYes, seriously.\nThe Aerodyne Group describes itself as \u201ca leading unmanned aerial systems solutions provider\u201d on its Facebook page. Imtyaz also paid tribute to the government for the latter\u2019s support in developing an \u2018ecosystem\u2019, something that may have been indirectly confirmed by opposition MP Khairy Jamaluddin in a recent tweet pointing to the inclusion of \u2018flying vehicle\u2019 in the draft copy of the new National Automotive Policy. Gasp!"
"It\u2019s officially here now, Lexus\u2019 newest and most radical take on the luxury sports car coupe segment, the \nLexus RC 350\n and \nRC F\n coupes. Launched at Lexus Malaysia\u2019s showroom located at Life Centre in Kuala Lumpur, the RCs are staring at the BMW 4-Series and Audi A5 right in the eye.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus RC 350 Coupe\nLexus RC F Coupe\nSegment\nSports Coupe\nSports Coupe\nEngine\n3.5-litre V6, DVVT-i and Lexus D-4S; 2GR-FSE engine\n5.0-litre V8, 2UR-GSE engine\nTransmission\n8-speed Sports Program Direct Shift automatic\n8-speed Sports Program Direct Shift automatic\nMax Power\n312 hp @ 6,400 rpm\n470 hp @ 7,100 rpm\nMax Torque\n378 Nm @ 4,800 rpm\n530 Nm @ 4,800 to 5,600 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM526,000 (OTR without insurance)\nRM782,000 (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nThe RC coupes first made their appearance at the\u00a0\n2013 Tokyo Motor Show\n, and Lexus aims to sell about 25,000 units of it worldwide, with the bulk of deliveries being the RC 350.\nEXTERIOR\nFirst things first. The all-new Lexus RC is built from the ground up, using the main underpinnings derived from the IS and GS sedans. It features Lexus\u2019 signature spindle grille design, very enticing three L-designed LED powered headlights and daytime running lights, and the 3D L-shaped rear taillights.   The front bumper houses air inlets that improves cooling and aerodynamic performance, whereas the rear bumpers have been specifically sculpted to maximise airflow and reduce drag. The rear also features a four-link active rear wing sourced from the LFA, which automatically deploys at 80 km/h, increasing stability.\u00a0The underside of the RC Coupe has been made as flat as possible, allowing air to flow smoothly without causing turbulence, thus increasing high speed stability and handling.\nINTERIOR\nStandard on the RC coupes are keyless entry with push-start ignition, analogue clock in the centre, instrument clusters taken from the LFA, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, Remote Touch Interface, 7-inch electro multi-vision screen and \u2013 get this \u2013 an ultra-thin Smart Card Key which is essentially your car key.   Paddle shifters, dual-zone air conditioning and eight-way electrically powered leather upholstered seats are also standard offerings.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe higher volume RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine that is made wholly out of\u00a0\naluminium\n. It makes\u00a0\n312 horsepower\n\u00a0at 6,400 rpm and\u00a0\n378 Nm\n\u00a0of torque at 4,800 rpm; numbers that are relatively high for a\u00a0\nnaturally aspirated\n\u00a0mill. It\u2019s paired to Lexus\u2019\u00a0\neight-speed automatic transmission\n\u00a0with Sports Program Direct Shift, channeling all the power to the\u00a0\nrear wheels\n. It manages the century sprint in\n6.3 seconds\n\u00a0and a top speed of\u00a0\n230 km/h\n.\nFor the hardcore enthusiast, the RC F gets a 5.0-litre V8 engine which Lexus claims to be the\u00a0\nmost powerful V8 engine\n\u00a0they\u2019ve ever produced to date. It makes\u00a0\n470 hp\n\u00a0at 7,100 rpm and\u00a0\n530 Nm\n\u00a0of torque at 4,800 to 5,600 rpm \u2013 12 percent more than the same engine found in the IS F. The 0 to 100 km sprint is done in\u00a0\n4.5 seconds\n\u00a0and the RC F can go up to\u00a0\n270 km/h\n.\nInternal parts of the V8 engine have been redesigned and features\u00a0\ntitanium valves\n, forged connecting rods, optimally configured exhaust layout and an air-cooled oil cooler, thereby increasing engine response and engine speed. The V8 is also paired to the eight-speed transmission driving the rear wheels.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the RC Coupes gets an advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) which intelligently computes all the active safety systems. It\u2019s able to independently control the Vehicle Stability Control and engine control systems which include steering-assist torque.\nStandard safety features are ABS with Brake Assist, VSC, Traction Control System, EBD, Hill-Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Warning System, Blind Spot Monitoring System (up to 60 metres detection), and reverse camera.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThere are six exterior colours to choose with the RC F -Radiant Red, Starlight Black, Sonic Silver, White Nova, Lava Orange and Heat Blue. The RC 350 on the other hand, gets four \u2013 White Pearl, Sonic Titanium, Radiant Red and Starlight Black. The painting process (Contrast Layering) is similar to the\u00a0\nLF-C2 Concept car\n\u00a0that was previewed at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, and Lexus claims to be the first to mass produce cars with the paint technology.\nThe RC 350 is priced at\u00a0\nRM526k\n, whereas the RC F is priced at\u00a0\nRM782k\u00a0\n(OTR without insurance). Both variants are fully imported from Japan and comes with a three-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty programme.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We are back with everyone\u2019s favourite end-of-the-year segment- the AutoBuzz.my Best Cars! It has been two years since the team gathered to enjoy the final weeks of the year with their favourite car that delivers performance and driving sensation.\n \nBrought to you in collaboration with \nBridgestone\n, this year\u2019s #ABC2021 line up as well as Sepang International Circuit (SIC) as the venue is unlike any other; with the Ferrari SF90 Spider, Porsche Taycan Turbo S, Aston Martin DBX, BMW M3 Competition, Toyota GR Yaris and the Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion making up the ranks.\nFerrari SF90 Spider\nThe Ferrari SF90 is the brand\u2019s first series-production (meaning not limited quantities) hybrid sports car and the now with the convertible retractable hardtop brings the roar of the V8 even closer to the ears.\nIt was indeed strange, coasting up and down the pit lane without any loud noise (but an accompanying acoustic for pedestrian warning), or even just powering up the Ferrari via a touch panel switch. Once in Qualifying mode, all hell breaks loose and it\u2019s back to regular Ferrari aural masterpiece.\nEngine: 4.0-litre V8, twin-turbocharged \u2013 780 hp, 800 Nm\nElectric motors: 220 hp\nTransmission: F1 Eight-speed dual-clutch\nDrivetrain: Electric front axle, mid-engine ICE rear axle, electric all-wheel drive\nMax Horsepower: 1,000 hp\n0-100 km/h: 2.5 seconds\nTop speed: 340 km/h\nPorsche Taycan Turbo S\nThe Porsche Taycan is the poster child of high-performance EVs here in ASEAN, as that certain brand from California has not set up shop yet. Being the Turbo S variant, Dominic has access to the full 1,050 Nm and over 760 hp of total output.\nWeighing over 2.3 tonnes, the Taycan still managed to accelerate, corner and brake like the red Ferrari but all in near silence. \u00a0\nLayout: Dual-motor layout, 93.4 kWh battery\nDrivetrain: Electric all-wheel drive\nMax Horsepower: 761 hp\nMax Torque: 1,050 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 2.8 seconds\nTop speed: 260 km/h\nAston Martin DBX\nHigh-riding performance SUVs are now the norm, with many luxury automakers reporting brisk sales and growth thanks to these spacious models that offer the same level of performance as the coupes.\nThe Aston Martin DBX is certainly not shy about its looks and is also incredibly proud to announce its arrival with its sports exhaust. The drive to-and-fro to Sepang was perhaps the most pleasing thanks to the space and luxurious upholstery and fittings. \u00a0\nEngine: 4.0-litre V8, twin-turbocharged\nTransmission: Nine-speed automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: Front engine, all-wheel drive, active limited-slip diff\nMax Horsepower: 550 hp\nMax Torque: 700 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds\nTop speed: 291 km/h\nBMW M3 Competition\nThe G80 BMW M3 received the most divided opinions from everyone, everywhere, due to its styling that centres around its large vertical kidney grilles. However, once out in the open and finished with the gorgeous Isle of Man Green, the super sedan immediately looked natural and purposeful.\nWith over 500 hp driving the rear wheels, the BMW M3 Competition was easily the car that felt more \u2018alive\u2019 on Sepang Circuit, especially on the fast switchback bends. \u00a0\nEngine: 3.0-litre inline-six, twin-turbocharged\nTransmission: Eight-speed automatic transmission\nDrivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, active limited-slip diff\nMax Horsepower: 510 hp\nMax Torque: 650 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nToyota GR Yaris\nThe Toyota GR Yaris might have the lowest measurable numeral (except its RM290k price tag) compared to the rest of the field, the little hot-hatch delivered the most smiles on both on track as well as around regular roads.\nThe lightest new vehicle not only in this segment but also perhaps since the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins also delivers that refreshing feel of instantaneous direction change. \u00a0\nEngine: 1.6-litre inline-three, turbocharged\nTransmission: Six-speed manual transmission, auto rev-matching\nDrivetrain: Front-engine, variable four-wheel drive (GR-Four), limited-slip diff\nMax Horsepower: 261 hp\nMax Torque: 360 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds\nTop speed: 230 km/h\nThe recently introduced \nBridgestone Potenza Sport\n tyres also performed flawlessly around Sepang, ensuring traction, grip and feedback to Eu Jin as he and the rest of the drivers experienced the Toyota GR Yaris on the circuit.\nVolkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion\nVolkswagen products have always been a regular feature and favourite with the AutoBuzz.my team. The latest Arteon R-Line 4Motion is perhaps the biggest shocker thanks to its high-performance levels as well as retail pricing of under RM250k.\nEngine: 2.0-litre inline-four, turbocharged\nTransmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG)\nDrivetrain: Front-engine, all-wheel drive (4Motion)\nMax Horsepower: 280 hp\nMax Torque: 350 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nThe Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion also showed its corner-carving qualities and grip at the circuit thanks to the superior 4Motion all-wheel drive system plus Dynamic Chassis Control electronically controlled adaptive shock absorbers.\nIt was indeed a privilege for everyone involved to sample the collection of powerful and grippy cars in the safe and vast open confines of Sepang circuit. \u00a0\n*Our biggest appreciation to Ferrari (Naza Italia), Porsche (Sime Darby Auto Performance), Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, BMW Group Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, Bridgestone Tyre Sales Malaysia and Sepang International Circuit for their unwavering support in making this possible.\nGALLERY\nFerrari SF90 Spider\nPorsche Taycan Turbo S\nAston Martin DBX\nBMW M3 Competition (G80)\nToyota GR Yaris \nVolkswagen\n \nArteon R-Line 4Motion"
"Yes, you read the title right. Shell Malaysia, through their \u201cShell Win Free Fuel\u201d contest, will be giving out \nover RM2 million\n worth of \nfree fuel\n\u00a0to approximately 10,000 lucky customers from 23 December 2014 \u2013 that\u2019s today for those on holiday \u2013 till 15 March 2015.\nParticipation is fairly easy and hassle-free. Simply pump RM30 worth of \nany Shell petrol\n,\u00a0then fill up a contest form and answer a simple question. You will then need to attach your original receipt to the form and drop it in the designated contest box. The contest runs nationwide at all participating Shell stations and will span over a period of 12 weeks.\nThree grand prize winners will be randomly drawn on a monthly basis, each walking away with a year\u2019s worth of free fuel amounting to \nRM10,000\n. Additionally, there will also be \n835 weekly winners\n, each walking away with RM200 worth of free fuel.\nIf you\u2019ve visited several Shell stations in the Klang Valley of late, you would have noticed their new \nDeli2go mobile convenience store\n. It\u2019s built entirely out of a recycled shipping container and is the go-to store for customers looking for freshly made pastries and coffee or hot dogs, even.\nAt the launch, Shell Malaysia Trading\u2019s managing director, Tuan Haji Azman Ismail said, \u201cWe are committed to innovate and address the challenges of moving goods and people safely with minimal costs and in turn, reduce environmental impact while lessening the burden of the \nrakyat\n.\u201d\nFor the month of December, the \nprice\n for RON95 is fixed at RM2.26 per litre, RON97 at RM2.46 per litre and diesel at RM2.23 per litre. Fuel prices are also expected to dip next month, so pump away, folks!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If the idea of a \nrear-wheel driven Huracan EVO \ndoesn\u2019t already sound like a handful, the new Huracan EVO RWD Spyder is the ultimate drop-top supercar for the wild and free-spirited.\nThe Huracan EVO RWD Spyder houses the same 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine as the non-Spyder model, with\n 610 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n, to solely power the rear wheels as its name suggests.\n0 to 100 km/h is over in just 3.5 seconds \u2013 0.2 seconds slower than the non-Spyder model. Its top speed however has barely been affected; at 324 km/h compared to the non-Spyder\u2019s 325 km/h.\nNot bad when you consider that the Spyder \nweighs 120 kg more\n than its hard top sibling at 1,509 kg. Lamborghini says the Spyder\u2019s roof can be \nretracted within 17 seconds\n while the vehicle is on the move \u2013 up to 50 km/h. For the most raw experience of the V10 wail, the rear window can be electronically opened and close, whether the top is up or down.\nLocally, Lamborghini launched the all-wheel drive Huracan EVO last year\n, to the tune of RM1.1 million before taxes. Over in its home country, the \nHuracan is used at the Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna, Italy to escort planes\n taxiing to the runway or to their parking stands.\n GALLERY"
"Perodua\u2019s has announced that their upcoming SUV will be called the Perodua Aruz. The seven-seater SUV based on the \nToyota Rush\n will be available in two variants and the second national carmaker is now accepting bookings for the new Aruz.\nThe company has also announced that the new Aruz is estimated to be priced at RM72,200 for the 1.5 X and RM77,200 for the 1.5 AV, both on-the-road without insurance (for Peninsular Malaysia). This place the Perodua SUV to be some RM20,000 more affordable than its sister car.\nStarting with the oily bits, the Aruz is powered by a 2NR-VE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine paired to a four-speed automatic transmission with Eco Idle auto Start/Stop function. While output figures have yet to be announced, expect it to command the similar outputs of the Rush and Myvi of \n105 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n. Fuel consumption is rated to be \n15.6 km per litre\n (6.4 L/100 km), earning the Aruz Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status.\nIn terms of equipment, the base \nAruz 1.5 X\n variant gets LED reflector headlamps, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, fabric semi-bucket seats, digital air-con controls, anti-snatch hook, rear air vents, smart entry with start/stop, manual adjustable urethane steering wheel with audio control, built-in SmartTag reader, reverse camera and charging port in all rows.\nStepping up to the more expensive \nAruz 1.5 AV\n it adds front fog lamps, roof rails, leather seats, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with telephony controls, touchscreen infotainment system with HDMI, Smart Link and navigation as well as an integrated Driving Video Recorder (dash camera).\nAs for safety, all variants of the Aruz gets six airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist (HAS) and ISOFIX mounting points as standard, earning the new SUV \n5-Star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating\n.\n \n \nHowever, the range-topping 1.5 AV further adds an upgraded version of the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) active safety suite, called \nASA 2.0\n. Compared to the system available on the Myvi, ASA 2.0 adds \npedestrian detection\n (up to 50 km/h) to the safety suite and increases the operational speeds of \nPre-Collision Warning\n to 100 km/h and \nPre-Collision Braking\n to 80 km/h. The Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control is also part of the ASA 2.0 package.\nThere will be five colours to choose from for the Perodua Aruz \u2013 Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Electric Blue, Granite Grey and a new Amazon Green. Every purchase of the SUV comes with a 5-Years/150,000 km warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua Aruz Teaser"
"Our friends over at Aurizn\nMalaysia is back with their annual pilgrimage to the Land of Smiles. EvoEnduro\n2019, now in its 3\nrd\n instalment, is a cross border drive organised by\nenthusiast for enthusiast.\nThe drive which covers some 2,000 odd km (hence the hashtag #2000MYTH) will see the 80-car strong convoy depart from Kuala Lumpur with their destination set for Phuket, Thailand. A fair bit more straightforward compared to KL-HuaHin in the EvoEnduro 2018 which Eu Jin cracked the code of surviving Thailand highways.\n \nAurizn has added some\nflair to the occasion where participants were encouraged to sticker up their\ncars with a unique livery and here are some of the most interesting ones on the\nEvoEnduro Convoy.\n997 Porsche Carrera in\nMartini livery\nCan\u2019t go wrong with classic\nC117 Mercedes-AMG\nCLA45 4MATIC in Giti Tyres livery\nYellow looks particularly menacing on the CLA45\nVolkswagen Beetle in classic\nApple Computer rainbow livery\nFeaturing Bengtures of Aurizn Malaysia\nToyota 86 in Spritzer livery\nFun livery on a fun car\nE30 BMW 318i in John\nPlayer Special livery\nClassy\nE92 BMW 330i in Red\nEagle (Helang) Oil livery\nFly like an Eagle\nHonda Civic FD2R in Sunplus\nDetergent livery\nKeeps the Championship White sparkling clean\nVolkswagen Golf R\n(MK6) in Sabah Tea livery\nWorks very with the Rising Blue paint\nF56 MINI Cooper S in\nUnion Jack livery\nOnly if it had the Union Jack tail lamps\nSubaru WRX STI (ver. 9)\nin Cactus Water livery\nStay hydrated\nB8 Audi S4 Avant in\nPolice Eyewear livery\nIf only police cars look like this.\nSpecial mention to Mr Suresh who\u2019s driving a Mini Moke on EvoEnduro!\nWhat a hero"
"Taking the stand at the Frankfurt International Motor Show along side its stablemates is the latest limited edition BMW M6 Coupe Competition. BMW M division said this iteration\u00a0stands for exceptional individuality, thanks to its special paint schemes, high-tech carbon fibre components, fine-grain leathers with contrast stitching and a range of unique details over the run-of-the-mill M6.\nThe source of inspiration for this Competition variant is the\u00a0newly developed \nBMW M6 GT3\n. As per the rules of GT3 racing, the race car has to be based on a road-going car, and V\noila! \nThe M6 Coupe Competition edition is born. The beauty of all this is that true \nwell-heeled petrol heads\n are able to buy a road-going version of the GT3 racer.\nAs the headlining read, the M6 Competition comes with a snarling great \n4.4-litre V8\n that churns \n600 hp\n and\u00a0\n700 Nm\n of twist, thanks to\u00a0BMW\u2019s\u00a0\nTwinPower Turbo\n technology enhanced by its performance arm. The \nCompetition Edition\n is available exclusively for the BMW\u00a0M6\u00a0Coupe, whereas the\u00a0\nCompetition Pack\n\u00a0is an optional extra that costs a whopping\u00a0\u20ac17,700, or\u00a0\nRM85,455\n!\nMost call it Go-Faster stickers, but we\u2019d like to think of them as a nostalgic little tribute to the racing colours of yesteryear that has adorned a myriad of great racers and equally beautiful machines such as the classic \n3.0 CSL\n. Aside from the stickers, the M6 Competition comes with a choice of two licks of paint namely \nAlpine White\n and metallic \nAustin Yellow\n. Both colour options offer an interesting contrast to the lightweight matte black\n 20-inch M-wheels\n.\nOn the inside, BMW\u2019s Individual line of \nfine-grain Merino leather\n in black with contrast stitching envelops the upholstery. \u201cM6 Competition\u201d lettering in metal on the door sills, side gills, along with lettering on the cupholder lids, is a further signature feature of the Edition model. The interior trim strips, gear selector and M sports steering wheel spokes are made from \nlightweight carbon fibre\n, while the steering wheel rim is lined with elegant and grippy \nAlcantara\n.\n \n \nA pair of M\u00a0multifunction seats for the driver and front passenger as well as BMW \nHead-Up Display\n are also part of the equipment range. Meanwhile, for the lead-footed audiophile, the M6 comes with \nHarman Kardon Surround Sound System\n as standard. There\u2019s also a \u20ac4,950 (\nRM24,000\n) optional\u00a0\n1,200 Watt Bang & Olufsen\n High-End Surround Sound System\u00a0with \n16 speakers\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the \nannouncement of its existence\n last September when Toyota and Subaru renewed their partnership, we\u2019ve pretty much not heard of the next-generation Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ aside from a couple of rumours, including a \nname change\n for the Toyota counterpart.\nHowever, Subaru yesterday took to its Twitter account to announce that the next-generation Subaru BRZ will be \narriving \u201cthis fall\u201d\n, giving us a \u201cfirst official look\u201d at the highly-awaited next-gen \nHachiroku\n.\nThe all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ \u2013 World Premiere coming this Fall.\nLucky attendees to the 2020 \n#Subiefest\n World Record Attempt and Charity Drive got a sneak-peek of our all-new \n#BRZ\n. Sign up to receive the latest updates on the world premiere at \nhttps://t.co/JJ2TRkfpcK\n. \npic.twitter.com/f0cTuXizFk\n\u2014 Subaru (@subaru_usa) \nOctober 4, 2020\n \nWe put \u201cofficial look\u201d in inverted commas because, well, there was not much to see aside from the wheels \u2013 which is a ten spoke item with five lug nuts. What else? There\u2019s a most possibly-ventilated disc brake behind the wheels with what seems to be a two-piston fixed caliper brakes, which counts as something, right?\nThere is also an air vent behind the front wheel arch which seems to be actually aerodynamic functional and not just for style (cough, Toyota Supra), as well as a mention of a sneak-peek of the car at the company\u2019s Subiefest event \u2013 that last part is important, because although no official images were provided, some enthusiastic event attendees have already posted the images onto social media, giving us a proper first look at the next-generation Subaru BRZ (and Toyota 86, essentially).\nThe Subaru BRZ prototype, placed behind a thin veil at the event, basically confirmed that the\n spyshot we saw earlier\n was actually the Toyobaru twins. Rumoured to be utilising an improved version of the current chassis, the overall proportions of the sports car remains mostly the same, featuring a long low-slung bonnet and a sloping roofline.\nSince the prototype was placed behind a (presumably intensely guarded) veil, no one managed to peek underneath the bonnet to see powertrain. Recent rumours suggest that a 2.4-litre boxer engine will make its way into the Toyobaru twins, though it is still highly contested if it will actually be turbocharged or naturally-aspirated.\nIn turbocharged form \u2013 as seen on the Ascent SUV in the US \u2013 the forced induction mill is capable of producing up to \n260 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n375 Nm\n\u00a0of torque, but according to the \nStinicktuned\u2019s Instagram post\n above, the naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre mill will make around \n220 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n \u2013 which is still a healthy increase over the \ncurrent 86\n\u2018s 200 hp and 205 Nm.\nThere are still a lot of details up in the air for the upcoming next-generation Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ twins, though at least we don\u2019t have to wait too much longer."
"The Black Edition kit that supplements the S Line versions are now available for the Q2, A5 Coupe/Sportback and Q5 models.\nOn the other hand, the Vorsprung kit, commonly found on the Q7 and Q8, can now be had on the A5 Coup\u00e9, Sportback and Cabriolet, the Q5 and the A7 Sportback.\nQ3 Vorsprung\nDepending on the model, the Vorsprung kit also adds an extended leather pack, Alcantara headlining, power door closure and rear seat heating.\nThe Black Edition brings about larger 19 and 20-inch wheels, blacked out front grille surround, air inlets, rear diffuser and door mirror housings.\nA5 Coupe Black Edition\nInside, most of the inlays are blacked out as well along with a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel.\nAs for the A5 and Q5 models, the Vorsprung kit offers 20-22 inch wheel options and Matrix LED headlights.\nA7 Sportback Vorsprung\nAdaptive comfort suspension with damper control is added to the A5, A7 Sportback and Q5 Vorsprung models while the Q7 Vorsprung and Q8 Vorsprung adopt adaptive air suspension from the S line models on which they are based.\nOther features added to the models above include a panoramic glass sunroof, BOSE or Bang & Olufsen sound system and hands-free boot access.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nQ5 Vorsprung\n \nQ5 Vorsprung\n \nQ5 Vorsprung\n \nQ3 Vorsprung\n \nQ3 Vorsprung\nA7 Sportback Vorsprung\n \nA7 Sportback Vorsprung\n \nA5 Sportback Vorsprung\n \nA5 Sportback Vorsprung\nTT Black Edition\n \nTT Black Edition\n \nTT Black Edition\nA5 Coupe Black Edition\nA5 Coupe Black Edition\nQ2 Black Edition\nQ2 Black Edition"
"You should\u2019ve already known, but if not, consider this your final notice: Mother\u2019s Day is this coming Sunday, the 9th of May. If you\u2019re still struggling to find the perfect gift, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia has come up with a couple of special gift ideas that might prove useful \u2013 especially now that we\u2019re once again celebrating Mother\u2019s Day at home this year.\nIn line with its \nDrive for Life campaign\n, Bosch\u2019s gift idea comes in the form of DIY safety maintenance checks that you can carry out for your mom, giving her the peace of mind of safety behind the wheels \u2013 even though you might not always be there to drive mom around.\nFirstly, the simplest check you can perform is to just have a look at the windscreen wipers, especially during this rainy season. Look out for wear and tear signs such as scraping sounds, water stripes and streaks, large unwiped sections, as well as skips during operation. The heat from our intense climate can cause wipers to warp and crack faster.\nAs a rule of thumb, Bosch recommends replacing them once a year. Changing them out is easy too \u2013 we even made a \nvideo about it\n!\n \nAs a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the quality of air we breathe has seen an increased importance. The first line of defence to reduce risk of exposure to air pollutants, airborne bacteria, and viruses in our cars is none other than the cabin air filter.\nThe cabin filters should be replaced every year, or every 15,000 km, whichever comes first. Common signs of a clogged cabin filter include unpleasant smells or exhaust fumes, increasing dust settling on car surfaces, reduced effectiveness of your air-conditioning, or frequent runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.\nThe \nBosch Aeristo premium cabin filter \nis capable of filtering\u00a0up to 98% of fine particles and air pollutants as small as 2.5 microns, and also comes with a natural polyphenol layer\u00a0made out of plants that can decompose the virus proteins and prevent bacteria growth.\nFor your mom\u2019s car\u2019s next scheduled service, make sure to choose a higher-quality engine oil to ensure the car runs as smooth as possible. Since we are also driving lesser during the recent movement control orders, consider buying a car battery trickle charger \u2013 such as the Bosch C7 \u2013 to ensure the car battery is kept at an optimum charge.\nWhile we\u2019re all stuck at home now anyway, keep the car battery clean with an occasional wipe with a damp cloth. This can help prolong battery life, prevent battery terminal corrosion, and keep the battery in optimal working condition. While you\u2019re at it, also check for signs of a swollen battery case once in a while \u2013 you never want an exploding battery in your cars!\n \nEven if you\u2019ve found the perfect gifts for your mom, these DIY tips are easy enough that we all should be doing it, eitherway! If you do need to buy any replacement parts especially during this Mother\u2019s Day weekend, be sure to check out Bosch AA\u2019s own official Shopee (\nhere\n) or Lazada (\nhere\n) stores to have them delivered right to your doorsteps, while we all continue to stay home and stay safe."
"The Proton X50 became the \nfirst car globally\n to see the application of the port-fuel-injection (PFI) 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, codeveloped by Geely and Volvo. The move may seem odd to some of us as we seldom get access to the latest-and-greatest engine technologies, but Proton actually has a very good reason behind the choice.\nSpeaking at the Q-and-A session at the Proton X50 media test drive event at Sepang on Wednesday, Proton Director of Group Engineering Hazrin Fazail Haroon revealed that the introduction of the PFI engine \u2013 and offering two engine choices on one single model \u2013 was due to the fact that it will also be integrated into other Proton models in the future.\n\u201cThe move is part and parcel of the big picture in terms of the company\u2019s powertrain strategy. The 1.5T is basically a derivative of the 1.5 TGDi, and has been developed to accommodate our future programmes,\u201d said Hazrin.\n\u201cThis is the first introduction, and it will feature in future models that the company will produce in Malaysia\u201d, he added.\nWhile no further details have been divulged, our best guess for the first recipient of the new 1.5T engine would be the next-generation \nProton Persona\n and \nIriz\n. First unveiled in 2016 and 2014 respectively, the two B-segment models is most likely due for replacement some time in the next two to five years.\nWith an output of \n150 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Persona and Iriz could easily become the most powerful models in its segment \u2013 perhaps even fit for a performance-oriented variant \u2013 Iriz R3, anyone?\nPreviously, Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong also revealed that the company is planning to introduce two new models, developed completely by our home-grown talents. Could we possibly see Proton enter the C-segment market again? Only time will tell, but at least we know that the powertrain available within the Proton arsenal is more than fit for that purpose."
"After months of\n teasers\n and\n leaks\n, Nissan is finally ready to show off its latest Z sports car. well, in prototype form at least. According to a new video released by Nissan, the prototype \u2013 dubbed Z Proto \u2013 will be unveiled on the \n16th of September\n. Get excited, everyone.\n \nThe video plays heavily on the heritage aspect of the \u2018Z\u2019 nameplate, showcasing its 50 years of history starting with the Datsun 240Z from 1970. \u201cNissan is reawakening the Power of Z with the new Nissan Z Proto. We\u2019ve combined 50 years of passion and heritage with modern technology to design the new generation of the legendary Z sports car,\u201d the video description read.\nOtherwise, the video did not give out any new information that we didn\u2019t already know. Teased at the very tail-end of the video, the Nissan Z Proto and the upcoming Z car will feature a retro-licious design, said to be inspired by the 240Z and 300ZX.\nThere\u2019s the long low-slung bonnet, sloping roofline and muscular rear haunches, along with a split circular headlights, and the new Zed emblem on the C-pillars. And to be completely honest, Nissan\u2019s \nprevious video\n gave us a better look at the upcoming car better than this; we\u2019ll just have to wait two more weeks to have a better look at the highly-anticipated sports car.\nWord on the streets is that the upcoming Z will be called the 400Z, hinting at its engine output instead of the capacity as seen on the 350Z and \n370Z\n \u2013 the latter introduced in 2008, but is\n still in production now 12 years later\n.\nTeaser image, brightened.\nUnder the hood will most likely be the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 taken from the\n Infiniti Q60\n, which is capable of delivering more than 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque. There were also rumours that the new Z car could feature some sort of electrification to its drivetrain, but enthusiasts will be glad to know that power is still sent to the rear wheels.\nWe won\u2019t dwell too much on the uncertainties, so hopefully all of the juicy details we\u2019ve been craving for will all be revealed two weeks from now. Until then though, forgive us while we bask in the glory of Nissan\u2019s sports car heritage."
"Let\u2019s face it. It\u2019s unlikely that anyone of us will ever drive a Tesla in the near future, let alone \ntow a ginormous object with it\n; one that us civilians will never have access to.\nIn its latest publicity stunt, possibly to show how much torque a Model X has and its likely applications, it was used to tow a massive 128-tonne Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, capable of accommodating 280 passengers.\nWait for it \npic.twitter.com/mR13wIIu1r\n\u2014 Tesla (@Tesla) \nMay 15, 2018\nAn impressive feat by the troubled electric car maker currently saddled by production line problems and mounting debts. Still, it doesn\u2019t take the cake from when \nElon Musk declared Tesla bankrupt\n; only for it to be an April Fool\u2019s joke gone wrong.\nStocks fell sharply after Musk\u2019s inappropriate and untimely \u201cjoke\u201d and the company\u2019s investors, needless to say, were not pleased. Could this be yet another story of an over achiever losing the plot? Or could Musk once again prove us all, wrong?"
"Late last year, Porsche released a set of 15 different\n \nunseen car designs\n that featured many motorsports inspired models as well as one van in red. Dubbed the Porsche Vision Renndienst, the fully-electric van or \u201ccomfortable modular travel cabin\u201d is a study of space and multi-seating.\nOn the outside, the edgeless and futuristic shape is expected of an electric capsule that is capable of self-driving. However, to maximum ease of passenger entry and exit, the doors are a sliding mechanism.\nPorsche also says the side windows are asymmetrical, with the left being a privacy screen while the right has a large window on the sliding door. A feeling of security and comfort dominates the interior which is designed to carry up to six people. \u00a0\nPorsche is planning to offer a smaller EV sedan. Find out more about the project here!\nUpfront though is the massive windscreen as well as a moonroof. The dashboard and overall architecture at the front study how occupants will become accustomed to autonomous driving in the future.\nPorsche Chief Designer, Michael Mauer, explained, \u201cWe don\u2019t assume that our customers want to give up using a steering wheel. When I want to drive, I have more cockpit feeling than in any other car. And when I don\u2019t, the driver\u2019s seat can be rotated 180 degrees\u2014with one swivel, it turns to face the other passengers,\u201d\nAnd thus the central driving position is explored and constructed in detail. The conceptual fully digital instrument cluster looks like it has been transferred down to the \nTaycan\n. A central driver\u2019s seat means the two passengers behind have an unobstructed view ahead, as well as their own dashboard-mounted infotainment displays. Meanwhile, the third row consists of a lounge-like bench seat with curved sides which can turn towards each other.\nUser experience design (UX) will also be a key study area with more emphasis on individuality as the Vision Renndienst is a multi-seat vehicle. The team is dedicated to creating a digital relationship between driver, passengers and the vehicle.\nThis sporty black and red van brings back memories of a particular TV series too! Click here to find out more!\nIn the next step, Porsche will give the Vision Renndienst a soul. Recalling watching the Knight Rider TV series as a child, Ivo van Hulten, Director of UX, said he \u201cconnected with K.I.T.T\u201d as it had a soul. Looking at how K.I.T.T and Michael Knight interacted with each other, perhaps Porsche is hinting about the implementation of Artificial Intelligent (A.I.) on a much larger scale. \u00a0\nThe Porsche Vision Renndienst, for now, is currently not destined for production. But with such an interesting concept with mobility as a service in the future, this concept vehicle might just have a chance to serve multiple users."
"After being spied on numerous occasions, \npreviewed at the 2014 Volkswagen Auto Show\n and \nappeared recently in Langkawi for a media test drive\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially introduced the eighth-generation Passat to the Malaysian market.\nAs with the \nVento\n and \nfacelifted Jetta\n, VPCM has offered the Passat B8 in three different trims\u00a0\u2013 Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. With a competitive price tag and generous amount of equipment, Volkswagen\u2019s flagship model may just be\u00a0what the brand needs to recapture the hearts of the people.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Trendline\nVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline\nVolkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline\nEngine\n1,798cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology\n1,984cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG (Dry Clutch)\n6-speed DSG (Wet Clutch)\nMax Power\n178 hp @ 5,100 \u2013 6,200 rpm\n217 hp @ 4,500 \u2013 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,400 rpm\nPrice\nRM159,990\nRM179,990\nRM198,990\n EXTERIOR\nBased on the group\u2019s MQB platform, the Passat has grown in every dimension and it now measures 4,767 mm in length, 1,832 mm in width, 1,456mm in height and 2,791mm in wheelbase. It is also 90kg lighter than before. Thanks to the stretched wheelbase, boot space has gone up by 21 litres to 586 litres.\nStarting from the top of the range, the Passat Highline is equipped with full LED headlamps and tail lamps, keyless entry, \u201c380 TSI\u201d badge and trapezoidal bumper integrated twin tailpipes. It rides on 18-inch \u201cDartford\u201d alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 profile Continental SportContact 5 tyres.   The middle spec Comfortline wears the similar kit except for the \u201c280 TSI\u201d badge, twin exhaust pipe outlet and 17-inch \u201cIstanbul\u201d alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 profile Continental PremiumContact 5 tyres.\nOpt for the entry variant, you lose out the full LED headlamps for a pair of halogen reflector headlamps and get an even smaller 16-inch \u201cAragon\u201d design alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 profile Continental PremiumContact tyres.\nINTERIOR\nMoving inside, the cabin features a \nfamiliar design to the Passat B7\n. As standard, all variants get a leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, push start button, electronic parking brake with auto hold function, tri-zone climate control with rear air vents, powered folded heated wing mirrors, cruise control and Park Distance Control (PDC).\nAdding on to the standard features, the entry level Trendline features manual operated fabric seats, analogue instrument cluster with digital display, silver interior trim and 5.0-inch Composition touchscreen infotainment system.   The Comfortline adds a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink (Apple CarPlay and Android auto), reverse camera, paddle shifters, Park Pilot (self-parking feature), leather seats, 12-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory and massage function, six-way powered front seat for the passenger and powered boot.\nThe top of the line Passat gets a 6.5-inch \u201cDiscover\u201d touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink and navigation, wood and piano black interior trim, Active Info Display, ambient lighting and powered rear windscreen sunblind.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood of base Trendline and Comfortline is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine producing \n178 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque, up 20 hp from the previous generation B7. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission (dry clutch). Despite its performance, the all-new Passat has a rated fuel consumption of \n5.7 litres per 100km\n.\nPowering the Highline is the same combination from the Golf GTI \u2013 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI mated to a six-speed dual clutch DSG transmission (wet clutch) producing \n217 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Like the Golf GTI, power is sent to the front-wheels albeit with a different tuning. Fuel economy is rated at \n6.2 litres per 100km\n.\nTo match the capabilities of the Golf GTI powertrain, VPCM has equipped the Highline with electronic differential lock (XDS) that applies individual brakes on the inner wheel to reduce understeer and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) that features five different driving modes for the engine and suspension damping \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual.\nSAFETY\nAs expected of cars from this segment, the Passat is equipped with six airbags, ABS with BA, ESC, hill start assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS). However, only the Highline gets Lane Assist that corrects erratic steering inputs.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Passat B8 is available in seven exterior colours \u2013 Pure White, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Indium Grey, Crimson Red, Black Oak Brown and Harvard Blue (pictured above). Every new purchase of the Passat comes with a 5-Year manufacturer warranty and for a limited time only, VPCM is\u00a0throwing in a 5-Year\u00a0free service package for Passat models registered before the end of 2016. We\u2019ve experienced the Passat first hand in Langkawi,\u00a0if you are keen on the Passat B8, be sure to check out our \nfull review of the Passat B8\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Passat B8 Launch   Passat Highline 2.0 TSI   Passat B8   PASSAT COMFORTLINE 1.8 TSI"
"Following the government\u2019s latest directives for the reopening of the automotive sector during the National Recovery Plan (NRP), \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia\n (VPCM) has announced that its showrooms and service centres have now resumed operations, except for those located in Melaka, Johor, Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan, that are still awaiting approval to operate.\nDuring this period, Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to their visits by contacting their preferred Volkswagen dealer. The full list of Volkswagen dealerships and their operational status can be found on VPCM\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nTo safeguard the health and safety of both its customers and employees, all Volkswagen showrooms will adhere to the strict SOP guidelines set by the government, alongside the Volkswagen SafeHands measures, which includes regular temperature scans, mandatory mask usage, mandatory check-in with the MySejahtera app, and regular sanitisation of all touchpoints in the showroom.\nAdditionally, only fully vaccinated (14 or 28 days after completing their vaccinations, depending on the vaccine taken) visitors will be allowed into the showroom.\nThe 10-km travel limit has been removed for the fully vaccinated in Phase 1 NRP states. More info here.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter welcomes the Government\u2019s decision to reopen sales and manufacturing operations. \u201cThe closure of showrooms in the past months have affected our business performance, but we look forward to seeing the industry reopen and move forward, together with the support of our dealers.\u201d\nThe 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion was recently launched in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nIn conjunction with the reopening of its showrooms and the upcoming Merdeka holiday, Volkswagen dealers will be hosting a virtual showroom event on their respective social media channels from 27th to 31st of August.\nAs part of the celebration, Volkswagen will also be offering exclusive online savings of RM4,500 on the \nTiguan Allspace Highline\n, and RM7,500 on the \nPassat R-Line\n from now until August 31, 2021."
"During the \nlaunch of the Audi A4 B9 2.0 TFSI\n back in 2016, we know for sure that Audi Malaysia will soon have the 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Quattro variants to join the line-up. It came a little later than anticipated but the Audi A4 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Quattro could be\u00a0yours for RM218,900 and RM314,900, respectively.\nBesides that, the \nTech Pack\n option for the A4 2.0 TFSI is now available for an additional RM25,000 on top of the standard retail price of RM248,900. Audi Malaysia also announced that all three variants of the A4 will now come with a \n5-Year unlimited mileage warranty package\n (previously 4-Year or 120,000km warranty package) from April 2017 onwards.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi A4 1.4 TFSI\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI Quattro\nEngine\n1,395cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\n1,984cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\nTransmission\n7-speed S tronic\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n190 hp @ 4,200 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n252 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n8.5 seconds; 210 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 210 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM218,900\nRM248,900\nRM314,900\nAt RM30k cheaper than the A4 2.0 TFSI, the \n1.4 TFSI\n variant gets dressed in \nxenon plus headlights\n with \nLED daytime running lights\n, halogen tail lamps, and \n17-inch 10-spoke crystal design alloys\n wrapped in 225/50 profile tyres.\nInside, you get the same features like the regular 2.0 TFSI. Standard features include leather upholstery, powered front seats, tri-zone climate control, manual rear window blinds and a 180 watts 10-speaker Audi Sound System with 6-channel amplifier. Only difference here is the simpler three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel design.\nThe A4 1.4 TFSI comes equipped with a \n1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo\n that packs \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a \nseven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission\n. Getting to 100 km/h from standstill takes \n8.5 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n210 km/h\n. Fuel consumption is rated at\n 5.2L/100 km\n.\nThe hotter, range-topping 2.0 TFSI Quattro variant gets the same \n2.0-litre turbo four-banger\n like the 2.0 TFSI albeit delivering\u00a0a higher output of \n252 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n (up 62 hp and 50 Nm), and it\u2019s mated to the same seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch. Thanks to Audi\u2019s Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, century sprint is done and dusted in \n5.8 seconds\n.\n\u00a0\nThat\u2019s\u00a0quicker than the \nBMW 330e\n and Mercedes-Benz C 350e, and the Audi does it without the fancy hybrid gizmo. Top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n. Fuel consumption, if you must know, is rated at\n 5.9 litres per 100 km\n.\nBesides the Quattro system, the RM66k premium over the front-wheel drive 2.0 TFSI bags you the \nS Line package as standard\n (RM25k option on the 2.0 TFSI) which includes a sportier front and rear bumper, 18-inch twin-five spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 profile tyres, illuminated front door sill trims with aluminium inlays, Alcantara leather front sport seats, S Line sport leather steering wheel, and a raft of other sporty aesthetic upgrades. It also gets the Audi MMI navigation plus MMI touch and Audi smartphone interface for Apple Carplay and Android Auto.\nLastly, for those of you who have been waiting to have your A4 2.0 TFSI to come with the Audi virtual cockpit and Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators, you can now do so by specifying the RM25k \nTech Pack\n option. The Tech Pack also adds a rear-view camera and Audi smartphone interface for Apple Carplay and Android Auto.   The Audi A4 range can be had in \neight exterior shades\n \u2013 Glacier White, Floret Silver, Scuba Blue, Tango Red, Monsoon Grey, Mythos Black, Argus Brown (1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI) and Daytona Grey (2.0 TFSI Quattro). Early adopters of the A4 1.4 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI Tech Pack and 2.0 TFSI Quattro will benefit from a special introductory price of RM199,900, RM249,900 and RM294,900 respectively, while stocks last. But before jumping the gun on this premium compact sedan, maybe you should \nconsider whether the Audi A4 B9 worth considering over a 3-Series, C-Class and S60\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI Quattro   Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S-Line   Audi A4 2.0 TFSI"
"Following the success of the \nGR Sportscar Series in Japan\n, Toyota has just launched their second model in the top of the line \u201cGRMN\u201d series, the Toyota Mark X \u201cGRMN\u201d. It comes with improved suspension set up, weight reduction and a six-speed manual to match the 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine.\nLimited to 350 units only to the Japan domestic market, the Mark X \u201cGRMN\u201d features a sharper front bumper, new rear diffuser inserts, quad exhaust outlets, rear spoiler, \u201cGRMN\u201d brake calipers (18-inch front, 17-inch rear) and 19-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels wrapped in 235/45 R19 tyres at the front while the rear wears 255/35 R19 rubbers. There is also an optional carbon roof panel that further reduces the cars overall weight by 10 kg.\nThe \u201cGRMN\u201d treatment is not only cosmetic. For starters, the chassis has been stiffened with 252 additional spot-welding points while the suspension and electronic power steering have been recalibrated for better steering feel and sharper response.\nThese measures were taken to heighten the driving experience of the front engine rear wheel driven Mark X. As a true sports sedan, the Mark X \u201cGRMN\u201d adopts a 2GR-FSE 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 pushing out \n318 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque paired to a specifically tuned six-speed manual transmission for athletic engine response and smooth shift quality.\n \n \nInside, special edition Mark X features a black theme interior with decorative carbon fibre and piano black trims, ultra-suede sports semi-bucket seat with GRMN embroidery in the backrest.\nIn Japan, the Toyota Mark X \u201cGRMN\u201d is priced at \u00a55.13 million (RM193k) and is available in five exterior shade \u2013 White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Precious Black Pearl and Dark Red Mica Metallic."
"Racing was at its most intense in Round 2 of the Toyota Vios Challenge as four classes and up to 45 cars returned to door-to-door dogfights at the Sepang International Circuit after a seven-month break due to the full lockdown and tight restrictions.\nWhile Saturday was quite a tiring day for competitors due to both a full-day\u2019s schedule and hot weather, Sunday was a different type of stress via the heavy downpour (a typical Sepang Circuit characteristic this time of the year) making conditions treacherous.\nSPORTING CLASS\nRound 2 of the Sporting Class saw two debutants in the Toyota Vios Challenge. Ady Rahimy, who has been making headlines and picking plenty of trophies after being drafted in by Sepang Talent Development Program, continued his impressive driving in this one-make race series.\nIn Race 1, Ady Rahimy started from pole position and won the race with a commanding lead with his matte-black 23 Motors Toyota Vios Challenge machine, ahead of Dream Chaser\u2019s Bradley Benedict Anthony and Distinctive Model\u2019s Clement Yeo.\nLau Seng Kiat, one of the many racing veterans from the southern state of Johor, made his debut in the Toyota Vios Challenge after a few seasons of racing in the Malaysia Speed Festival and Malaysia Championship Series, competing in Team Saksama Motorsports colours.\nRace 2 on Sunday started under wet conditions saw Round 1 Race 1 winner Adam Khalid taking the chequered flag after starting from nearly the back of the field, finishing ahead of Aylezo Motorsport\u2019s Mirza Syahmi, who led briefly, and Eric Yong, netting his third podium finish after four races.\nThe wet conditions also saw six drivers drop down their starting order from collisions as well as low grip levels.\nSUPER SPORTING CLASS\nMitchell Cheah made his return to the Toyota Vios Challenge in commanding style, taking home the most points from Round 2 with a pole position, a race win and a second-place finish in the other matte-black 23 Motors machine.\nWhile it was a rather uneventful race on Saturday, with Mark Darwin finishing where he started in second and Syafiq Ali climbing to third from the ninth slot, Race 2 on Sunday was the total opposite.\nRace 2 got underway in the rain, with the conditions getting worse to require the intervention of the Safety Car for three laps and then a second time on lap 10 before having the race suspended. Syafiq Ali\u2019s magnificent start from fourth and Vios Challenge debutant, Faidzil Alang, made a dream first lap for the M7 Japan Project Team as they completed lap one in first and second.\nAfter passing Hayden, Race 1\u2019s winner Mitchell Cheah\u2019s duel with Faidzil for second position lasted for two laps before eventually fighting his way through and from them on his sights were set on catching race leader Syafiq who was 2.1 seconds ahead. The race got suspended due to worsening weather with Syafiq Ali taking the win, Mitchell Cheah in second and debutant Faidzil Alang in third under safety car conditions.\nCarrying an extra 40 kg of success ballast by virtue of winning two consecutive races in \nRound 1\n, Tengku Djan Ley\u2019s pace was hampered all weekend with the extra weight, managing only fourth quickest, before finishing Race 1 in 14th and one lap behind after brushing with the concrete on the exit of Turn 8 which caused a puncture. Thanks to his sixth place in Race 2, he is still the championship leader.\nPROMOTIONAL CLASS\nThe Promotional Class\u2019 Race 2 was almost a repeat of Saturday\u2019s Race 1 results with actor Shukri Yahaya clinching his second successive race victory of the weekend after a closely-contested 18-lap race, finishing 7.1 seconds clear of TV presenter Nabil Ahmad. In third place was fellow actor Zizan Razak in Race 2, while Race 1 saw Nabila Razali taking third after making some great overtaking moves as well as benefitting from Zizan Razak\u2019s retirement due to suspension damage.\nUMW Toyota Motor\u2019s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama, was promoted to third due to Zizan\u2019s clash with Nabil Ahmad, but contact with Ahirine made Takeyama dropped down the order to finish seventh. \u00a0\nWith two race victories each, both Shukri and Zizan now have a solid chance of clinching the overall championship in the Promotional Class.\nROOKIE CLASS\nIn the Rookie Class, the 20-lap race was won by current championship leader Naquib Azlan who clinched his third straight victory in three races for a perfect track record so far. Coming in second was Mika Hakimi while in third was Amer Harris.\nRace 2 however see Naquib Azlan, not only carrying the full success ballast of 40 kg, but also starting from third in his category. With the treacherous conditions and extended safety car periods, Amer Harris and Mika Hakimi finished where they started in first and second, while Putera Adam managed to get ahead of Naquib Azlan to clinch his first podium position.\nWatch all the replays from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Youtube page \nhere\n.\nToyota Vios Challenge and the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival is scheduled to return for Round 3 on November 21st and 22nd, with Sepang International Circuit hosting but this time with a twist \u2013 a \nnight race\n galore!\nGALLERY"
"Following the launch of the \nall-new Ford Ranger\n late last year, it\u2019s now turn for the souped-up Ranger Raptor to make its debut. Ford has just dropped a brand-new teaser for the upcoming 2022 Ranger Raptor on the Ford News Europe YouTube channel, announcing that the Baja-ready off-road racer will finally be unveiled on the 22nd of February at 3 PM Malaysian time.\n \nThe fresh teaser video shows a camouflaged prototype of the flagship Ranger playing around in its natural habitat, catching some serious air and putting its upgraded suspension to work.\nWhile the camouflage hides most of its design details, we can definitely see that the all-new 2022 Ranger Raptor will come with chunky front and rear fenders, enhanced underbody protection, and an increased ground clearance over the stock Ranger thanks to the larger, meatier tyres and reworked suspension geometry.\nRELATED: Ford Ranger Raptor X \u2013 the Baja King with a new red suit, RM217k\nThe grille and bonnet also appears to be different to the standard truck, alongside redesigned bumpers \u2013 although we\u2019ll have to wait for the Raptor\u2019s official launch to confirm. The full roll cage on the interior along with the bucket seats in the stripped out cabin, however, should be for testing purposes only.\nWe still don\u2019t know what the powertrain will be underneath the bonnet, but the engine\u2019s soundtrack from the previous teaser seems to suggest that it\u2019ll be a petrol-powered unit, rather than the twin-turbo diesel from the outgoing model.\nRumours seem to suggest a turbocharged Ecoboost V6 engine: either a reworked twin-turbo 2.7-litre unit from the \nFord Bronco\n, or the turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 from the Explorer. The gearshift pedals behind the steering wheel should belong to the 10-speed automatic transmission as seen in the previous generation.\nEither way, expect more of everything compared to the standard Ford Ranger truck, and you\u2019re pretty much there. We already can\u2019t wait to see it in action."
"Volvo Cars and its owner, Geely Holding has agreed to jointly invest RMB 5 billion (RM3.2 billion) into \nVolvo\u2019s new subsidiary brand, Polestar\n. This investment aims to support the initial phase of Polestar\u2019s product, brand and industrial development.\nPolestar\u2019s first business goal is to establish a state-of-the-art Polestar manufacturing facility in Chengdu, China \u2013 the same facility where Volvo makes their 60-series models. The production of the recently unveiled \nPolestar 1\n will commence right after the facility is in place.\nVolvo Cars and Polestar (and to some extend Geely), will benefit from synergies in the development of next-generation technologies, joint-development of technologies and economies of scale. The Chinese government\u2019s call for lower emissions and more electrified cars is also a driving force behind the decision to establish a manufacturing plant in Chengdu.\nThe Polestar 1 is the company\u2019s first ever car packing a sophisticated hybrid powertrain with \n600 hp\n and \n1000 Nm\n on tap. It will have a pure electric range of \n150 km \n\u2013\u00a0the longest electric range of any hybrid on the market and shares only 50 percent of its platform with the \nS90\n. The remaining 50 percent are completely new items from Polestar themselves.\nFurther down the line\n, Polestar will have a mid-sized Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) called the Polestar 2 set for production in 2019 and subsequently a SUV-styled BEV, the Polestar 3 will be rolled out.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It was a real surprise when news broke out that Toyota was going to bring the Supra back when the \nFT-1 Concept \nwas revealed at the 2014 North American International Motor Show.\n \nUnfortunately, the \nA90 Supra\n screamed \u201cBMW Z4\u201d everywhere you look, whether inside or the engine bay, and that didn\u2019t seem to sit well with Supra enthusiasts and Toyota loyalists (online at least), even though most could never afford one anyways.\nNow, in what seems like an effort to give the bump up Supra\u2019s social status, Toyota has confirmed that a manual transmission for the Supra is \u2018coming soon\u2019 with no definitive timeline mentioned.\nThe press release said, \u201cToyota GR Supra with an all-new, tailor-made manual transmission is coming soon.\u201d\nWithout revealing further, Toyota also said the Supra badge will be finished in Red to \u201csignify the presence of a manual transmission \u2013 a highly desirable, pure and special feature.\u201d\nBMW has mentioned that there is a 6-speed manual gearbox for the BMW Z4 \u2013 what the Supra the based on \u2013 specifically for the sDrive20i but we\u2019ll just have to wait and see on that!\nWill a manual Supra be more appealing? Let us know what you think!"
"Exclusive Malaysian distributor for Subaru vehicles, Motor Image Malaysia, has introduced the facelifted Subaru XV \u2013 a crossover model that was first launched here back in end-2012. It arrives here pretty swiftly too, having debuted at Thailand just last week.\nThe new Subaru XV is available in two trims \u2013 \n2.0i\n and \n2.0i-Premium\n. Both are powered by the same engines from before, that is a\n 2.0-litre horizontally opposed\n \u2018Boxer\u2019 engine making \n148 horsepower\n at 6,200 rpm and \n196 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru XV 2.0i\nSubaru XV 2.0i-Premium\nEngine\n1,995cc; 4-cyl DOHC\nTransmission\nLineartronic CVT\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n196 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (before GST & Insurance)\nRM121,000\nRM125,000\nEXTERIOR\nJudging from the pictures here, it\u2019s difficult to tell apart the XV\u2019s new aesthetics, but the difference are no less noticeable to the keened eye. The headlights now get C-shaped LED daytime running lights (although this is reserved for the Premium variant only), bolder chromed grille, redesigned front bumper and fog lamp housing.   Though the rims look no different here than on the pre-facelift model, rest assured the design is slightly changed. It still measures \n17-inches\n and gets wrapped in 225/55 Continental MC5 tyres. Over at the back is where change is most apparent \u2013 the tail lamp clusters are new, which can be a hit or miss for some.\nINTERIOR\nInside however, tells a better tale. The cabin now gets \npush-start button\n and the leather seats are stitched in orange piping. Another way of unlocking the XV from the outside is by entering a 5-digit pin code. The steering wheel remains the same, complete with audio, cruise control and Bluetooth handsfree functionalities.   In the Premium variant (seen in the pictures here), you get some added niceties such as USB and auxiliary input, touchscreen head unit, a fancier instrument cluster, rear view camera, aluminium pedals, \npremium 6-speaker sound system\n, voice recognition system and retractable cargo cover. The driver seat is also power adjustable, unlike the pre-facelift model. However, both variants benefit from better cabin insulation thanks to more generous use of sound deadening materials inside the A and D pillars, rear wheel arch and headlining.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned earlier, under the hood resides the same 2.0-litre Boxer engine making 148 hp and 196 Nm of torque. It\u2019s paired to Subaru\u2019s \nCVT gearbox\n (Lineartronic CVT) driving all four wheels via the company\u2019s famous \nall-wheel drive system\n. The XV rides on McPherson struts at the front axle and double wishbones at the rear.\nSAFETY\nThe Subaru XV comes with three airbags \u2013 two front and one knee airbag, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control System, ABS with EBD, Isofix child anchors and Side Door Reinforcement Beams.\nWHAT ELSE?\nPricing for this locally assembled crossover starts from \nRM121,000\n for the 2.0i variant and \nRM125,000\n for the 2.0i Premium variant. It\u2019s now available for viewing and booking at all Subaru showrooms nationwide, and there are six colours to choose from \u2013 Pure White, Ice Silver Metallic, Desert Khaki, Tangerine Orange Pearl, Dark Grey Metallic and Obsidian Black Pearl.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nnew Proton Iriz\n was just launched yesterday with Proton claiming that it has undergone \nno less than 367 component changes\n.\nSome might prefer the cleaner, simpler design of the old Iriz but personally, the visual enhancements alone seemed to have freshened up the aging Iriz and that\u2019s even before you look inside the car!\n \nChanges in the cabin are aplenty too and they seem to have skewed towards better visibility and overall functionality. For the tech savvy and social media addicts, the Iriz even comes with on-board Wi-Fi along with the \nfamed GKUI voice command system\n from the \nProton X70\n.\nDo note that the starting price for the Iriz is \nRM36,700\n and not RM46,700 as mentioned in the video.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two months after the all-new, \neighth-generation Toyota Camry\n\u00a0was announced for the Japanese market, the midsize sedan now finally goes on sale. Interested Malaysians should take note because this particular Camry will be the one offered by UMW Toyota in the near future.\nWhere the \nAmerican-bound Camry\n gets flashy styling, its Japanese equivalent goes takes a more conservative approach whilst retaining the\u00a0\nKeen Look\n design philosophy. The front fascia gets a multi-dimensional lower grille, bi-LED headlamps and a much sleeker front grille. The rear on the other hand, gets a nice raised shoulder line that slopes down to the LED tail lamps.\nThe cabin however, is the same as that in the US with Toyota\u2019s latest-generation\u00a0\nHuman and Machine Interface (HMI)\n\u00a0taking centre stage. Apart from \nToyota Safety Sense P\n which comes as standard, the Camry also adopts\u00a0\nRear Cross Traffic Auto Brake\n. This system will automatically apply\u00a0the brakes when another vehicle is detected at the rear when reversing.\nOnly the sole hybrid variant is offered for Japan. The\u00a0\nA25A-FXS\n\u00a0\n2.5-litre Dynamic Force\n engine coupled with an electric motor produce a combined output of \n208 hp.\n Electrical juice is stored by a lithium-ion battery, and together the system returns an impressive at\u00a0\n33.4 km/l\n.\nThe JDM Toyota Camry is offered in three grades and can be had in seven exterior hues. It begins from\u00a0\n3,294,000 yen (approximately RM125k)\n for the X trim, followed by the G trim at\u00a0\n3,499,200 yen (approximately RM132k)\n. The latter is also offered with Leather Package which commands a rather premium price of\u00a0\n4,195,800 yen (approximately RM159k)\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Hybrid"
"The Jaguar F-Pace is the company\u2019s first attempt at making a performance oriented crossover SUV that could rival the likes of the Porsche Macan S and Audi SQ5. It is poised to give even the BMW X4 xDrive35 and Mercedes GLA 45 AMG a run for their worth. Jag announced that the F-Pace will be unveiled right after the XE sedan breaks cover.\nFrom the scorching merciless heat and dust of the Arabian deserts to the frozen wastelands of northern Sweden, the new\n F-Pace\n has been rugged through its paces in the last stages of its research and development program. The makers of this crossover are boldly laying claims to its performance and how well it copes under dire conditions.\n \n \nThe reason for this seemingly harsh testing is so that the engineers can test various part, components and features in the car to work even in hellish conditions. Global models need to be subjected to stringent quality testing. In places such as \nDubai\n, where the temperatures can soar past\n\u00a070\u00b0C\n inside the car, its imperative that everything still works and functions the way it should.\nThe same goes toward \npracticality\n, where if you live in the cold north of \nSweden,\n engineers check to see if all the little buttons and knobs work and turn even with your big clumsy gloves on. Testing is an \nintegral part\n of the development of any car for that matter.   Coming to question of powertrains, as you\u2019d expect at this juncture, Jaguar has been rather scarce on information pertaining to the drive trains. However it is widely speculated in the industry that it is set to feature both \npetrol and diesel\n\u00a0versions of its\n\u00a0inline four cylinder engines\n, a\n vee-six \n(supercharged maybe?)\u00a0\u00a0and potentially the\n\u00a0\nfire breathing\n 5.0-litre V8\n mill thats used in hot Jags.\nPrices are slated to begin in the range of around\u00a0\u00a330,000 \u2013 55,000 (\nRM178k \u2013 326k\n) in the UK.\u00a0The wraps will come off the F-Pace\u00a0at September\u2019s Frankfurt Motor Show.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has built a one-off snowmobile with the 370Z Roadster ahead of the 2018 Chicago Auto Show and it\u2019s called the 370Zki \u2013 pronounced as 370-Ski.\nThe 370Ski now comes with\u00a0front skis and rear snow tracks replacing what would usually be high performance tyres. To accommodate the rear tracks, the entire drivetrain had to be removed while a custom lift kit was engineered to lift the vehicle three inches from normal height.\nOther modifications include custom mountings for the engine and transmission along with a front skid plate fabricated to prevent damage during snow excursions.\nThe 370 Z\u2019s factory brakes have been retained but the brake lines have been rerouted while the rear wheel wells were re-engineered for clearance to accommodate the 4-feet long snow tracks.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has just officially launched their \nfacelifted Proton Persona\n and like the \nrefreshed Iriz\n, it gets a slew of enhancements at an attractive price point. Let Eu Jin give you the quick rundown of this updated sedan.\n \nUnder the hood is a 1.6-litre VVT engine paired to either a 5-speed manual or CVT producing\n 109 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels.\nBesides the exterior and interior changes, plenty of improvements have been made (303 items to be exact) to give the car better drivability, build quality, NVH levels and fuel consumption.\n \nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nProton\u00a0Persona\u00a0Facelift"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n has announced a new\n RM 270 million investment plan\n into its current manufacturing operations and facility at the Bukit Raja assembly plant, which, among other things, will include the introduction of locally-assembled (CKD) Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV).\nThe new investment is in line with Toyota Motor Corporation\u2019s (TMC) global \u2018mobility for all\u2019 initiative, which emphasises on its commitment towards a \u2018Clean, Safe and Secure Society\u2019.\n\u201cToyota\u2019s global direction is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This is also in line with the Malaysian Government\u2019s aspirations to position the country as a progressive nation that promotes more green technology and environmental sustainability,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.\n\u201cIn order to achieve this, the \nmost realistic, practical and immediate solution\n is Toyota Hybrid Electric technology and vehicles. The mass production and growing acceptance of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) will lead to the entire automotive eco-system evolving to embrace a more conscious and concerted effort in reducing Malaysia\u2019s carbon footprint,\u201d Takeyama added.\nGlobally, Toyota has invested heavily into its electrification plans, with an aim to achieve a sale of eight million electrified vehicles per year by 2030, with \n70 different electrified models to be unveiled by 2025\n.\nCheck out Toyota\u2019s next step forward in its electrification plans, the bZ4X EV Concept.\nThe new electrified models will follow along these three prongs: hydrogen fuel-cell electric (HFCEV), battery electric (BEV), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). Among them, UMW Toyota believes that the hybrid electric vehicles will be the \u201cmost realistic, immediate, economical, and practical solution\u201d for mass market production and sales in our region to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions.\n\u201cHEVs are a pivotal bridge to achieving full vehicle electrification. At present, the Battery Electric technology still requires time for full technology development, making the Hybrid Electric technology most appropriate for immediate implementation.\n\u201cWe are ready [with the introduction of Hybrid Electric Vehicles], and the technology; service support; current infrastructure; global and domestic policies; the level of affordability and cost-effectiveness; and, consumer awareness and demand, particularly in Malaysia, are now at its most ideal conditions to pursue a new and exciting journey towards achieving carbon neutrality,\u201d said\nTakeyama.\nWhile HEVs may seem a little old-school in a day and age when cars are plugged directly into the electrical grid, Toyota says that research has shown that the reduction in CO2 emission levels between fully electric and HEVs are almost similar considering electricity source, and from production and throughout ownership.\nToyota has already sold 15-million hybrid-electric vehicles globally, since the introduction of the first-gen Prius in 1997.\nFor Malaysian car buyers, the local manufacturing of Toyota HEVs would \u201ctranslate into advancing into a new era of motoring, one that gives them access to the latest and most innovative technologies, at a price point that is practical and accessible to the greater masses,\u201d UMW Toyota says.\n\u201cThe introduction of HEV tech will quickly transform the automotive landscape in Malaysia for Malaysians. We hope that our endeavours to popularise tomorrow\u2019s technology today through the mass introduction of HEV will receive due support from the government in the pursuit of a full scale realisation of vehicle electrification.\n\u201cWe hope that the government will also consider UMWT\u2019s efforts to be included in the National Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint alongside BEVs which is in line with the government\u2019s plans,\u201d said UMWT president Ravindran K."
"It\u2019s no secret that Mercedes-Benz, just like most large car manufacturers, has been trying to fill in all of the gaps in its model line-up to appease buyers of different segments \u2013 Just look at the \nA-Class sedan and the CLA\n.\nHowever, according to an interview by\n Autocar \nwith Mercedes R&D chief Markus Schafer, the German luxury car manufacturer is now looking to reduce its model line-up as well as platform and powertrain options, citing complexity and profit reasons.\n\u201cWe are reviewing our product portfolio, especially as we announced so many pure EVs. Knowing the complexity after the growth in the last couple of years means we are definitely reviewing our current lie-up. The idea is to streamline \u2013 taking car variants out, but also platforms, powertrains and components,\u2019 said Schafer.\nAccording to Schafer, \nnumero uno\n on the axing list will be single-platform models, such as the \nG-Class\n, SL, \nAMG GT\n and \nS-Class\n. Schafer says, \u201cThere are many single platforms right now and the idea is to reduce this. In the future, we will have the same underpinnings with various cars and you will see the results pretty soon.\u201d\nThe decision comes as the brand is looking to shift its focus towards electrified vehicles, along with tightening emission regulations. However, Schafer said that there are currently no plans to remove big traditional engines such as the V8 on the Mercedes-AMG cars.\n\u201cThe plan is not to kick out the V8 and V12, for example, so long as there is customer demand,\u201d said Schafer. However, the incoming Euro 7 legislation might force the carmaker to rethink its strategy. \u201cProbably, yes, [powertrain] variants will reduce. Of course, four-cylinder engines will make more sense than a V12. Let\u2019s see what Euro7 requirements are and go from there.\u201d\nAs for the newer two-litre four- and six-cylinder engines, Schafer says that they will not have any issues with the new emissions regulations. \u201cThis family of four engines can respond to any market change immediately. We planned this protection a couple of years ago in order to protect us in terms of different demands and regulations.\u201d\nOddly enough, the new statement contradicts slightly with a previous report where Meredes-Benz is planning for a \n32-model onslaught by 2022\n, including the updated S-Class. What do you think, dear readers?"
"Toyota has launched the new Hilux GR Sport in Australia but unlike ones we\u2019ve seen debut in \nThailand \nand Europe, this one appears to be the most powerful version yet.\nThe new GR Sport Hilux produces\n 224 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque as a result of revised turbochargers and fuel injection \u2013 making it the most powerful diesel Hilux ever offered by Toyota in Australia.\u00a0Power comes from a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine mated to an automatic gearbox. Both the Thailand and European models produces only 204 hp and 500 Nm.\nThe Australian GR Sport Hilux also gets wider tracks \u2013 extended by 140 mm at the front and 155 mm at the rear \u2013 along with redesigned wishbones and a reinforced front axle. It\u2019s also fitted with monotube shock absorbers with higher damping force and heat-dissipation capacity, along with stiffer coil springs for increased stability and reduced body roll.\nThe GR Sport Hilux\u2019s exterior body parts have been sculpted in the wind tunnel for aerodynamic efficiency; complemented with 17-inch wheels.\nInside, the monochromatic black theme is contrasted with bright sports pedals and red seatbelts. GR branding can be seen on the steering wheel, headrests and red brake calipers. The new Hilux GR Sport will be launched in Australia in the second half of 2023.\nGALLERY"
"It was a truly perfect weekend for Malaysia\u2019s very own Prince of Drift, Tengku Djan Ley when he won the Malaysian leg of the King of Nations (KON) drift competition held at the PLUS Elite Speedway, Subang Jaya. This is Djan\u2019s second trophy this year following his victory in \nThailand\n less than two months ago.\nThe event marks the return of international competitive drifting to our shores. Malaysia hosted two events \u2013\u00a0\nKing of Asia\n\u00a0and the main \nKing of Nations Pro Series\n. The fourth and final round of the Asia series took place in Malaysia, with Japan and Thailand ran the earlier rounds.\nThe drifting event attracted talents from all over the globe, including some of our homegrown talents showcasing their skills in the country\u2019s biggest drifting competition to date. Last weekend saw drifters like Australian\u00a0\nLuke Fink\n\u00a0and \nHirohide\u00a0Tanaka\n of Japan duke it out with the region\u2019s finest.\nDuring qualifying, Tengku Djan mesmerised the crowd and judges with a near perfect score of \n96 out of 100\n, cementing him at the top of the standings. Djan\u2019s teammate and former Formula Drift competitor, Charles Ng, settled for second place with 90 points.\nIn the knockout stages, Djan\u2019s 700SX cruised to the finals while his teammate was unfortunately knocked out by \nRysandhy Akbar Rais\n. The Indonesian in his BMW caused the biggest upset when he defeated fan favourite, Tanaka in the semi-finals.\nThe final between Djan and Akbar turned into a huge smokey affair, but the latter\u2019s heroic run was robbed by a mechanical fault. The misfortune played in Djan\u2019s favour who then went on to win the whole thing.\nMeanwhile, Tanaka\u2019s who came in third made him the champion of the Asia series, while Djan\u2019s double victory cemented his spot as the first runner-up. It\u2019s still an amazing feat considering that he missed the first two rounds in Japan!\nLastly, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Prince of Drift himself for his tremendous performance in front of the home crowd. Bring the trophy home, bro!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Gaydon-based motor company is known for making many things of allure over the past few decades since its existence, and they have built \u2013 by hand, no less, bespoke Grand Tourers for the Prince of Wales, Sean Connery, David Beckham, Steven Spielberg, premiership footballer Wayne Rooney and sadly Denise Richards \u2013 but let\u2019s not get bogged down with Aston\u2019s celebrity owners.\nHave you ever noticed that the badging you\u2019d normally find on \u2018green\u2019 cars tend to be \nblue\n?\u00a0It\u2019s something I find somewhat bemusing, but no matter. Aston Martin seems to have \u2018gone with the flow\u2019 here. If you notice the badge on any other Aston, the bit in the middle is \ngreen\n \u2013 a throwback to the old national \nracing colours\n of yesteryear, but the badge that appears on the \nAston RapidE concept\n is blue. And that is the only subtle indication of the car\u2019s standout\u00a0factor that sets it apart from other Astons.   The marque took the opportunity to unveil the car not infront of a clamouring audience of journalists but rather at the\u00a0venue for a meeting between Their Royal Highnesses \u2013 Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as \nPresident\n\u00a0of The People\u2019s Republic of \nChina\n, Xi Jinping in \nLondon\n.\nDuring the Lancaster House event, Aston Martin and Chinese investment group, \nChinaEquity\n, announced an agreement to \nexplore\n the \ndevelopment\n of a \nproduction\n version of the RapidE concept. If successful, the new luxury sports car would be \nconstructed\n at Aston Martin\u2019s global HQ in \nGaydon\n, Warwickshire, and could be brought to market in around \ntwo years\n.   Exciting\n times lie ahead for sure. We\u2019ve touched on the subject of \u2018moving-with-the-times\u2019 previously and to \nardent\n die-hard petrol heads such as this writer, it is \nheartwarming\n to see that, even though the days of great big V12s are numbered, and even when we are forced to drive around in \u2018quiet-as-church-mice\u2019 electric cars, they would still look as \nbrilliant\n as the gleaming example we see before us. I believe famed fashion designer \nYves Saint Laurent\n once said \nfashions fade, style is eternal\n.\nAt this juncture, Aston hasn\u2019t \ndivulged\n a whole bunch of \ndetails\n\u00a0on this concept car, as is the case with most prototypes and concepts. But a picture says a thousand words and should you browse through the \ngallery\n below, you\u2019re sure to find the words \u2018\nWilliams Advanced Engineering\n\u2018 plastered on the side of this four-seater Aston. The Williams in question here may seem familiar to you, that\u2019s because they are racing in \nFormula One\n and as always, the pinnacle of motorsports is the catalytic advent of innovation and technical advancement. More details of the RapidE concept will surface soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) Sdn Bhd recently celebrated the \n10th year anniversary\n of their production plant in \nPekan\n, and they have a lot to celebrate considering the successes they\u2019ve enjoyed in the Malaysian automotive industry thus far. MBM\u2019s sales have gained traction following their current line of offerings, primarily the A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class Hybrid and the AMG models.\nMBM invited local automotive media to have a drive to Pekan in their current lineup which includes the S400L Hybrid, E400 Hybrid, CLA, A45 and the new CLA45.\nMBM\u2019s Pekan production plant isn\u2019t your average assembly plant, where cars are partially built up and have their doors assembled into place. Instead, it is \none of only six\n \nCKD production plants\n in the world, and the plant is solely built to produce vehicles (from the bone up) to meet the ever increasing demand of its well-to-do customers in Malaysia.\nThe plant\u2019s most recent development is the new production line that is dedicated to produce their flagship model, the \nRM588k S400L Hybrid\n. About\u00a0\nRM18 million\n and 12 months were spent to bring the line to life, and have thus far produced \n264 units\n of the S-Class. The plant is currently working to increase the supply rate to meet the overwhelming response it garnered.\n\u00a0\nThe S400L Hybrid is the brand\u2019s first model to be given the Energy Efficient Vehicle (\nEEV\n) incentive, which explains its appealing price tag. According to their officials, the waiting list for the S400L Hybrid goes well beyond a year long, with model make for the year 2015 all sold out till the year\u2019s end.\nWhen asked about MBM\u2019s sterling sales performance of the S-Class so far, President and CEO of MBM, Mr Roland Folger said, \u201cThe success of the S400L Hybrid is a prime example of the potential this country offers and this certainly helps us serve our customers better. We strive to continue our close relationship with the government and authorities to enhance the automotive sector.\u201d   Many assume that the flagship model is a SKD (Semi Knocked-Down) model, it is however a Complete Knocked-Down unit, completely fitted by pieces here. We have been briefed through on the items that are sourced locally, and the localization content in a S400L Hybrid in Pekan plant may surprise you. The leather seats, the entire door module, wire harnesses, radiators and tires are \u201c\nBuatan Malaysia\n\u201c.\nThe plant consists of 77 MBM staffs, and slightly over 1,000 local workers run the entire production processes. MBM\u2019s Vice President of the Production Plant, Mr Angel Legarda, said the new line that will produce the new \nW205 C-Class\n will create more job opportunities for the locals, as well as surrounding establishments.\nTo date, the 10-year-old Pekan plant has produced over 34,000 passenger cars and over 18,700 commercial vehicles, including both Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi FUSO brands. As of yet, MBM only locally produces the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class models, while recording a steady increase of production output.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars\u2019 first ever premium compact SUV has proved to be popular amongst buyers as orders for the \nVolvo XC40\n has just surpassed 20,000 units worldwide following its introduction in Europe and America.\nChina, the world\u2019s largest car market, will be next in line to receive the XC40, slated for market debut at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show. With the arrival of the XC40, Volvo Cars\u2019 will now have three SUVs in their global product line up, paving the way for further growth in sales and profitability.\nThe XC40 sits on the company\u2019s new \nCompact Modular Vehicle Architecture (CMA)\n and marks Volvo\u2019s entry to the fastest-growing segment in the industry. The CMA, co-developed within Geely will underpin future 40-series models as well as other brands within the Geely family \u2013\u00a0\nLynk & Co\u2019s 01 SUV\n is one of them.\nCloser to home, our friends across the causeway had the first taste of the \nnew XC40 at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show\n. On the local front, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has just introduced the all-new XC60 (CBU and CKD variants included) and a company personnel explained that the XC40 will make its way to Malaysia after other major markets have started taking deliveries of their car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Subaru Levorg, the station wagon offering from Subaru has just received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating with the additional EyeSight package. This makes the Levorg the fifth Subaru model to receive the prestigious 5-star rating.\nThe EyeSight package features \nsix autonomous technologies\n to further enhance the cars safety and will come as \nstandard\n for customers in the UK. Among the technologies are Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure & Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Steering Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.\nUnlike other manufacturers that collectively utilise cameras, radars or microwaves in their pre-collision safety net, the EyeSight only employs \ntwo camera lenses\n at the rear-view mirror to create a stereoscopic image. The camera can reliably detect pedestrians or objects in the poorest of visibility and will deploy the Pre-Collision Braking when needed. Subaru claims that accidents of up to 45km/h can be\u00a0\navoided completely\n while severity of high speeds accident can be reduced significantly.\nThe Levorg scored 92 percent in the Adult Occupant category, 83 percent in the Child Occupant category, 75 percent in Pedestrian category and 68 percent in Safety Assist.\nIn Malaysia, Subaru has the Levorg on sale in a sole 1.6 GTS guise fully imported from Japan. Priced from RM206k, the Malaysian spec Levorg is powered by a \n1.6-litre turbocharged Boxer engine\n that puts out \n168 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to Subaru\u2019s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive via a Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters.\nAlthough our Levorg does not get the EyeSight package, it does come with six airbags, Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC), ABS with EBD, active torque vectoring, Si-Drive, brake assist, brake override, safety pedal system, electronic parking brake and tyre pressure monitoring system. Still a very substantial amount of safety kit.\nHowever, considering that the EyeSight package is a standard affair for Levorgs in the UK, Subaru Malaysia may add these features into the mix. Especially when Subaru Japan revealed that all Subaru vehicles that were involved in an accident in Japan from 2010 to 2014, there was a \n61 percent reduction\n in crashes for vehicles equipped with EyeSight compared to those without. Still think six airbags and ESC is enough for you?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced at the launch of the \nToyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival Season 3\n that the fifth generation (A90) Toyota Supra will be coming to Malaysia as soon as September 2019.\nWhile the company is holding back on specification and pricing details, we know that the Supra is offered with two engine options sourced from its technical partner, BMW. The entry-level Supra gets a B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in two states of tune \n197 hp\n/\n320 Nm\n and \n258 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n, the latter is identical to the recently launched \nBMW Z4 sDrive30i\n.\nThe most powerful Supra gets its grunt from a B58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine making \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm. There is no manual transmission as of now, instead, all engine options are mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with rear-wheel\n drive.\nAs a fully imported model, customers can expect the same equipment levels offered in other global markets. However, do not expect the Supra to come cheap because, in other markets, the Supra actually costs slightly more (~10%) than the Z4. In Malaysia, the Z4 sDrive30i retails for RM479,800."
"Proton delivered \n11,873 units\n in February, of which \n3,345\n units were contributed by the new \nX50\n. Since production and deliveries began in November 2020, Proton has delivered 8,141 units of X50 models.\nBased on internal intelligence, the sales figures put Proton with a market share of \n27.1%\n, the highest for the company since September 2013.\nAs always, the main contributor (about 40%) to Proton\u2019s sales was once again the Proton \nSaga\n which sold 4,217 units. Proton also started sales of the locally-assembled compact sedan in \nKenya\n with its partner, Simba Corporation.\n \nContrary to rumours of many \nX50\n prospects switching their bookings to the X70 due to the long waiting period, the sales of the X70 seems to be on a slowdown.\nDeliveries averaged just under 1,200 units per month, half of what it was garnering in \n2020\n. Nonetheless, with 1,475 sold in February, the \nProton X70\n still continues to be the most popular C-segment SUV in Malaysia.\nThe \nPersona\n continues to provide great volume for Proton and its dealers, moving 1,818 units last month, regaining its top position in the sedan B-segment. \u00a0\nThe remaining thousand-over units of sales in February were supplied by the \nIriz\n and \nExora\n models.\n\u201cFebruary continued to be a difficult month for Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry but it turned out very well for Proton. Thanks to the efforts of the government to ensure a continuation of economic activity during the MCO, we were able to produce more cars and in so doing started to clear our backlog of orders. This is important as we need to consistently deliver on the bookings made to avoid a rush before the PENJANA incentives expire at the end of June this year,\u201d said CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\nAfter concentrating on revamping dealerships and product line-up, Proton moved to its next phase of transformation with the full upgrade of its \nafter-sales\n delivery system through the installation of a new back-end ordering and delivery system.\nUnfortunately, things did not go smoothly, and customers were severely affected. Roslan said, \u201cWe have experienced \nintegration issues\n and customers requiring accident repairs as well as regular servicing have faced delays.\n\u201cWe are working on these issues around the clock to overcome them in the shortest time possible but for now I urge all Proton owners facing delays to please contact our customer care hotline at 1-800-88-8398,\u201d he concluded.\nFebruary saw the national carmaker launch a series of limited-edition models with the introduction of the motorsport-themed \nSaga R3\n and \nIriz R3\n. As of 26th February, 1,169 bookings have been placed from a total production of just 3,500 units indicating a strong interest from buyers."
"For most of us, servicing our cars is just a routine activity to keep our cars running smoothly. But for Azrul Firdaus Bin Ramli, a 30-year old quality assurance engineer, his scheduled maintenance this time was a little different.\nBy bringing his \nProton Iriz\n to the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya for his scheduled maintenance and taking a picture, Azrul Firdaus also snapped-up a brand new\n Proton Saga Premium AT\n, when he was named the winner of the Proton Service and Win contest.\nThe contest, co-branded with Petronas, was held from 15 August to 15 November last year. Proton Service and Win contest was designed to reward loyal customers for regularly servicing their cars at authorised Proton service centres.\nDuring the contest period, over 125,000 Proton owners sent their vehicles for servicing. Eligible participants were required to upload a picture of their car on Facebook, along with a creative caption. Proton management then selected a winner based on the creativity of their posting.\n The winning entry by Azrul Firdaus bin Ramli. \nOver the past two years, Proton has been actively recruiting new partners in an effort to increase the number of 3S/4S outlets in its network. Proton has 121 of such outlets as of today, and is looking to expand that number to 150 by the end of the year.\nProton Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cDuring a five-year ownership cycle, there will be many occasions when a customer returns to service their car and this is an opportunity for Proton to showcase a premium brand experience.\n\u201cThis is the strategy driving us towards investing in a comprehensive network of 3S/4S outlets and also helps to ensure our cars are maintained by trained technicians, which will help long-term residual values,\u201d he added.\nAside from expanding its network of authorised service centres, the national carmaker says that it is also investing in training programmes for its technicians and aftersales staff. According to Proton, the company benchmarks itself against other premium brands to elevate its level of service delivered at all outlets."
"BMW\n has just revealed more details of the upcoming fully-electric \nBMW i5\n and the all-new \nBMW 5 Series\n, coinciding really well with the debut of the W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class today. The all-new BMW 5 series will be available in internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric (EV) versions. The i5, which is the EV version of the 5 Series will be available as the M60 xDrive and the eDrive40 for now.\nStill shown covered in camouflage for now, the BMW i5 is in its final testing phase and will be fully revealed in a few weeks from now. At this moment, BMW has revealed both its suspension technology as well as its safety technology.\nAs for the suspension, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive will come as standard with BMW\u2019s Adaptive Suspension Professional Plus. It will be an optional item for the i5 eDrive 40 and will also be available on ICE and PHEV versions of the all-new BMW 5 Series. Depending on the variant, the Adaptive Suspension Professional Plus may either come as a standard or as an optional item.\nThe Adaptive Suspension Professional Plus is built with the 9th generation of BMW\u2019s Vertical Dynamics Management system. BMW says that with its latest suspension technology, the all-new 5 series will be able to provide \n7-Series\n \nlevels of comfort and \n3-Series\n levels of agility.\nRELATED: \nBMW i5 teased in pre-production testing \u2018spyshots\u2019 \u2013 fully-electric 5 Series coming this year\nSince the all-new BMW 5 series will be available with three powertrain types, there is a large variation in vehicle weight across the range. BMW says that with this in mind, they have conducted model-specific, case-by-case chassis tuning and corresponding application of all control systems to deliver the signature BMW driving pleasure, regardless of the drive concept involved.\nBesides revealing the suspension technology, BMW has also revealed some details on the i5\u2019s safety and automated driving systems. The 5 Series or the i5 can be equipped with BMW\u2019s Highway Assistant which is part of the BMW Driving Assistant Professional Plus.\nRELATED: \nBMW XM Label Red debuts as the most powerful M car \u2013 748hp, 1000Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.8 secs\nTo ensure maximum attention is given by the driver, the all-new BMW 5 Series and i5 come with an interior camera that monitors driver alertness. An even more interesting feature is the eye-activated automated lane-changing system. This system can be prompted by looking into the side mirror (from the driver seat position) to initiate a lane change. This system works up to speeds of 130 km/h.\nTeased in camouflage again for now, production of the all-new BMW 5 Series will begin in summer of 2023. Production will take place in BMW Group\u2019s Dingolfing plant in Bavaria.\nRELATED:\n BMW Digital Key Plus now available for Android smartphones, UWB extends user convenience"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has invited us over for a brief preview of the \nall-new Hyundai Elantra\n, giving us a closer look at the somewhat controversial design of the brand\u2019s latest C-segment sedan. If you\u2019ve had any reservations on its styling previously, all we can tell you is that \u2013 it really does look better in person!\nThe main reason for the controversy is its new \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d design language, and more specifically, the \u201cParametric Jewels\u201d motif on this particular model. According to Hyundai, the former refers to the overall \u201cdynamism\u201d of the design (\n\u00e0 la\n fastback coupe-like roofline) while the latter, as the name suggests, points to the use of geometric shapes in its styling.\nMost people were thrown off by the sharp angular lines throughout the design of the all-new Hyundai Elantra, but we must say that it\u2019s less jarring when seen under normal lighting conditions in person. Take for example the Z-shaped character lines on the sides \u2013 while in the press photos looked out of place, actually adds an interesting texture to the sides without being too brash.\nWe particularly like the attention to details in the exterior styling, such as the slit in the daytime-running lights to form an unbroken line from the bonnet shut lines all the way down to the fenders. The use of the smoked-chrome finish on the grille and bumper trims also adds an interesting accent element to the Hyundai Elantra, making it really stand out from the fairly crowded C-segment sedan market.\nMoving inside, the first thing that jumps out to you is just how high quality the interior looks and feels. The \u201cImmersive Cocoon\u201d design does well to separate the spaces between the driver and passenger, with a strut running down the passenger side of the centre console dividing the front to a \u201cfighter jet\u201d cockpit and a passenger compartment.\nA horizontal trim piece that runs the entire length of the dashboard from door to door cleanly hides away the unsightly air vents. Right above that, you\u2019ll find an eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and beside that a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster.\nHSDM also revealed during the media preview session that the all-new Hyundai Elantra will be equipped with ventilated and heated seats (powered driver seats), which comes with a Smart Temperature Comfort Control system which ties in the heating and ventilation functions into the dual-zone climate control system (with rear vents).\nOther comfort amenities include an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, a smart boot opening feature which automatically opens the boot lid when the keys are detected in the vicinity (without needing to wave your foot underneath the car), as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system.\nThe big ticket item on the all-new Hyundai Elantra though, is the inclusion of the full Hyundai SmartSense advance driver assistance suite. The generously-equipped suite includes autonomous emergency braking for forward collisions (vehicle, pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic at junctions), rear-cross traffic alert with avoidance assist, Blind-spot Collision Warning with Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Following Assist, driver attention warning, as well as Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function, which essentially functions as a level two autonomous driving system.\nTurn indicators neatly tucked away within the grille, hidden from sight until turned on.\nThe all-new Hyundai Elantra will only be offered in one variant here in Malaysia, powered by the brand\u2019s latest 1.6-litre SmartStream engine. The naturally-aspirated mill makes \n123 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via Hyundai\u2019s own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) gearbox which uses a tensioned chain belt system instead of the push belts usually seen on regular CVTs.\nHyundai says that the change not only improves response and \u201creproduces the manual transmission\u2019s shifting pattern\u201d, but also reduces engine power loss (5-8%), at the same time improving fuel economy (4.2%).\nElectric Shadow\nAmazon Grey\nThe all-new Hyundai Elantra will be available in four exterior colour options \u2013 Polar White, Electric Shadow, Amazon Grey, and Intense Blue, while on the inside, buyers can choose between black or light grey upholstery.\nNo pricing information has been disclosed yet aside from the \u201cRM1XX,888\u201d estimated price \u2013 HSDM says that exact pricing for the all-new Hyundai Elantra will only be revealed at launch, which should be happening within the month of December. For now, interested customers can\n place a booking at RM777\n through HSDM\u2019s website or at any authorised Hyundai dealerships nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"After some light teasing on its social media channels over the weekend, Bermaz Motor has now announced that the \nall-new Mazda BT-50\n pick-up truck is now available for booking.\nTwo variants of the all-new Mazda BT-50 will be offered here in Malaysia \u2013 the 1.9L AT High and 3.0L AT High Plus \u2013 both in double-cab body styles only, with prices starting from \nRM124,179\n.\nIn case you weren\u2019t following closely, the all-new Mazda BT-50 is based on the\n third-generation Isuzu D-Max\n that was just launched here in Malaysia earlier this year. However, Mazda has given it a completely unique body shell on the outside, based around the brand\u2019s own Kodo design language.\nThe large front grille in chrome is unmistakeably Mazda, as is the chrome trim that underlines the recessed LED headlights. Compared to the angry-looking D-Max, the BT-50 here instead exudes an air of mature elegance, similar to its range of SUV models.\nRELATED: All-new Mazda BT-50 launched in Thailand, but without ADAS\nMoving inside, however, and the differences are less apparent \u2013 considering that the D-Max already has a classy interior design. The air-con vents on the dashboard has been rounded off for a less \u201cedgy\u201d look, and there\u2019s also a new satin silver trim that underscores the entire dashboard, joining the two door cards together.\nAside from that, though, the rest of the dashboard architecture is virtually identical to that of the Isuzu D-Max, including the nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and analogue instrument clusters with a 4.2-inch multi-info display \u2013 although the latter looks to be a monotone LCD instead of the coloured TFT screen on the D-Max.\nThe seats, wrapped in brown leather, also looks fairly similar in construction to the ones on the range-topping Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain, although the stitching pattern differs slightly. Mazda did however include additional knee pads around the centre console in front, further elevating the \u201cpremium feel\u201d of the BT-50.\nIn terms of safety, the all-new Mazda BT-50\u2019s advanced driver assistance suite also mirrors that of the range-topping D-Max variant, with features including Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).\nRELATED: Here are five reasons that the Isuzu D-Max \u2013 and by extension the Mazda BT-50 \u2013 is \u201cmore SUV than pick-up\u201d!\nAs the name suggests, the all-new Mazda BT-50 will be offered with two powertrain options \u2013 a 1.9-litre turbodiesel inline-four with \n150 PS \nand \n350 Nm\n, as well as a 3.0-litre turbodiesel unit providing \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n \u2013 both identical to their Isuzu counterparts. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox.\nPricing for the all-new Mazda BT-50 starts at \nRM124,179.20\n for the 1.9L AT High variant, jumping up to \nRM143,218.40\n for the 3.0L AT High Plus. Both prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and includes a five-year/100,000 km warranty. As pick-up trucks are classified under commercial vehicles, they don\u2019t get to enjoy the same tax break as other passenger cars, despite being fully imported from Thailand.\nSpec-for-spec, the BT-50 is marginally more expensive than it\u2019s Isuzu counterparts \u2013 though the clout you get from the Mazda brand \nmight\n be enough to sway you. just kidding.\nInterested to see the car in person before you put down an order? Mazda will be previewing the BT-50 at the upcoming \nCarlist.my\n \u201cDrive\u201d Auto Fair at Setia City Convention Centre from the 3\nrd\n to 5\nth\n December 2021."
"According to statistics, three out of every 10 accidents are multi-collision accidents. These are accidents where the initial impact is followed by collisions with secondary objects such as trees, electrical posts or other vehicles.\nCurrent airbag systems do not offer secondary protection when the initial impact is insufficient to trigger the airbag to deploy. With the new multi-collision airbag, the system\u00a0allows airbags to deploy effectively upon a secondary impact by \ncalibrating the status of the vehicle and the occupants\n.\nMulti-collision airbag systems are \ndesigned to deploy even faster upon secondary impact\n when initial safety systems may not be effective, by re-calibrating the collision intensity required for air bag deployment.\nHyundai Motor Group has been on the technological offense with developments of various mobility solutions. They recently unveiled their vision for \nwireless charging and automated parking\n for their future autonomous vehicles, due in 2025 along with \nelectric vehicles which could be powered by the sun\n."
"Earlier this month, it was revealed that Thailand will become the \nfirst country\n in this region to receive the \nfifth-generation Honda CR-V\n. Just recently, Honda Thailand released details of the popular SUV, and it sure seems to be a game changer for Honda!\nThe biggest news this time is the CR-V will be a\u00a0\nseven-seater\n, something the SUV was never offered with before. This puts the CR-V against bigger SUVs like the\u00a0\nNissan X-Trail\n and \nKia Sorento\n. \nAlso highlighted is the confirmation of the i-DTEC turbodiesel engine. As previously hinted, a \n1.6-litre DTEC \nmill producing \n160 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 rpm. This is paired to a \nnine-speed automatic transmission\n, sending drive to either the front or all four wheels.\nIt\u2019s not the first time a diesel engine is offered with the CR-V, though, because the same 1.6-litre diesel in the outgoing model was sold in the UK.\nThe 2017 Honda CR-V will be assembled at Honda\u2019s Ayutthaya plant in Thailand, before going on sale later this month. This means its Malaysian debut will not be too far ahead!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After recently sharing their Top 5 \nmost expensive Porsches ever sold\n, along with\n the lightest\n and \nfastest-accelerating model\ns in recent times, Porsche has added yet another list to their Top 5 series; showcasing their five fastest street-legal cars.\nGranted, the list would not have been complete without the evergreen Porsche 911 Turbo S, with the legendary Porsche Carrera GT and the most powerful 911 ever made, making the list too.\nIf you\u2019ve not been living under a rock in the last few years, and you\u2019re mildly aware of Porsche\u2019s decadent line-up, the fastest street-legal Porsche should be an easy guess. In any case, here\u2019s a hint; its doesn\u2019t only run on fossil fuel."
"As you\u2019ve read previously in our written review, the \nMk 7.5 Volkswagen Golf R \nis one of the best, if not the best, performance cars in the RM300k bracket.\nNot only is it staggeringly quick, it\u2019s also a fitting evolution of the Golf DNA stemmed from the idea of usability and practicality dating as far back as the 1970s when the first-generation Golf was unveiled.\n \nAnd the best part about it is that the Golf R doesn\u2019t shout about its ability. With clean lines, a calm and composed demeanour, it\u2019s a wolf dressed in sheep\u2019s skin.\nThe Golf R does not need massive wings or wide gapping air vents to inject fear.\n \nIf likened to a person, the Golf R is like that quiet and unassuming kid you know you shouldn\u2019t mess with in class. Step on his or her tail, and you\u2019re finished.\nCheck the video out and see if you agree with my arguments! Always happy to exchange opinions.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the \nupdated 2019 MINI Clubman\n, MINI Malaysia also unleashed two new JCW models into our local market, the \u201cjust-as-angry-looking\u201d but much more powerful JCW Countryman and JCW Clubman.\nBoth the 2.0-litre turbocharged JCWs now boasts much higher output with \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Previously, the \n2017 JCW Countryman\n and \nJCW Clubman\n only made 231 hp and 350 Nm \u2013 that\u2019s a \nsubstantial 75 hp and a whopping 100 Nm bump\n.\nAs a result, the JCW Clubman can do the century sprint in 4.9 seconds (down from 6.3 seconds), while the JCW Countryman in 5.1 seconds (down from 6.5 seconds). Both models top out at an eletronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.\nPower is fed to all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. All that power would mean nothing without proper brakes and suspension setup.\nAs such the Countryman is fitted with Adaptive Suspension while the Clubman gets the JCW Sports Suspension that allows it to sit 10 mm lower than the standard model. Brakes are four-pot caliper units for added assurance.\nOnly the Clubman gets the new LED headlights with Matrix Light Function \u2013 the first of its kind in a MINI. Both however, wear the same shoes in the form of 19-inch JCW Circuit Spoke wheels.\nAs if the exterior doesn\u2019t scream JCW loud enough, the tuner\u2019s touches also extend to the steering wheel, door sills and instrument cluster. Adding a touch of opulence to both the JCW\u2019s racy image is the panoramic sunroof.\nA head-up display, 8.8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Harman Kardon sound system make up the list of on-board equipment.\nThose keen on taking a closer look can head on to the Auto Bavaria Glenmarie, Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, Ingress Auto Bangsar and Wheelcorp Premium showrooms.\nThe new JCW Clubman and Countryman comes with 4-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, with prices set at\n RM 358,888.00 \nand\n RM 378,888 \nrespectively.\nWith the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the JCW Clubman can be had from RM 4,098.00 per month while the JCW Countryman starts from RM 4,328.00 per month. Both are estimates based on estimates of 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota has unveiled the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris. Built completely from the ground up, the new Toyota Yaris will be the first compact car to adopt the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).\u00a0\nToyota claims that the \nGA-B version\n of the TNGA used in the Toyota Yaris helps increase torsional rigidity by more than 30%, lowering its centre of gravity by 15 mm, while shedding 50 kg from its predecessor!\u00a0\nAlong with the new platform, Toyota has also introduced a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder Dynamic Force engine, which is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a Direct Shift CVT gearbox. The CVT version of the 1.5-litre drivetrain is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.\nJoining the 1.5-litre model is the existing 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill, which Toyota says has also been updated for better fuel consumption. The 1.0-litre engine will be available only with a Super-CVT-i transmission.\u00a0\nToyota\u2019s E-Four all-wheel drive hybrid system, featuring double wishbone suspension.\nA hybrid model will also be available for the new Toyota Yaris, pairing the 1.5-litre engine with the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II). The Hybrid powertrain is available for both front-wheel drive and E-Four all-wheel drive models.\nThe new TNGA-B platform\u2019s suspension system utilises MacPherson struts suspension at the front and a torsion beam at the rear for front-wheel drive models; all-wheel drive and E-Four models now adopt a double wishbone setup in replacement of the previous torsion beam system.\nOn the inside, Toyota has completely redesigned the cabin to emphasise spaciousness. The thin cross section of the dashboard, along with the small diameter of the steering wheel makes the cabin feel roomier and sportier.\u00a0\nAll variants of the new Toyota Yaris comes with a connected Display Audio infotainment system, with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The built-in Helpnet system can automatically contact emergency services in the event of an accident based on the vehicle\u2019s location and on-board telemetry.\nToyota paid extra attention to occupant convenience in the new Toyota Yaris, with a turn-tilt mechanism for the front seats to aid ingress and egress. The driver\u2019s seat also features an easy return mechanism that automatically adjusts the seat during entry and exit based on the memorised seating position.\nSafety wise, the new Toyota Yaris comes standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense which includes an improved Pre-collision Safety System that can detect pedestrians and oncoming vehicles when turning into a junction, a first on any Toyota vehicle.\u00a0\nThe new Toyota Yaris is also equipped with Low Speed Acceleration control, which utilises a millimeter-wave radar and a mono camera to help mitigate pedal misoperation by suppressing engine output and applying the brakes.\nOther safety features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Full-speed Range Support, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, and Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes when the air bags are deployed to prevent secondary collisions.\u00a0\n \nToyota has also included the Advanced Park feature in the new Toyota Yaris, which carries out parking operations by controlling the steering wheel as well as the accelerator and brakes, guided by external cameras and ultrasonic sensors. The system can also park in spots without white lines, which Toyota says is a world first!\nThe new Toyota Yaris will be offered in 12 different colours, including a new Ice Pink Metallic and Coral Crystal Shine. For the more young-at-heart buyers, Toyota is offering six two-tone colour schemes paired with either a black or white roof.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Eight months following its\n global debut\n, BMW Malaysia today launched the 2022 BMW X4 LCI facelift here on our shores alongside its more \u201cregular\u201d sibling, the X3. The new \nBMW X4\n will be available in a sole xDrive30i M Sport variant, locally assembled here in Malaysia and priced at \nRM398,800\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the Sales and Service Tax.\nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of design updates, the facelift on the G02 BMW X4 LCI is rather mild by today\u2019s standards, with only mild tweaks around the exterior. The grille is now slightly larger than before, flanked by the slightly slimmer LED headlights with a reworked light signature.\nAside from that, the rest of the changes are reserved only to the M Sport exterior trims, with new front and rear bumpers \u2013 the former featuring a larger lower air intake bookended by two vertical air intakes at the corners.\nOther standard exterior feature on the new 2022 BMW X4 include:\nAdaptive LED headlights\nLED tail lights\nM Sport exterior package\n20-inch M light alloy wheels\nFree-form exhaust tips\nExterior colour options:\u00a0Alpine White, Piemont Red, Phytonic Blue and Carbon Black\nPERFORMANCE\nThe powertrain underneath the bonnet remains unchanged in the facelift update, retaining the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine as before.\nEngine: B48 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: Eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic\nDriveline: Front engine, xDrive all-wheel drive\nSuspension: Adaptive suspension\nMax horsepower: 245 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax torque: 350 Nm @ 1,560 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds\nTop speed: 235 km/h\nINTERIOR\nThe updates to the interior are significantly more pronounced, with a new dashboard and centre console design borrowed from the G20 BMW 3 Series. In terms of standard features, the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport comes with:\n10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with BMW Operating System 7.0 and over-the-air software updates\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (BMW Live Cockpit Professional)\nBMW Intelligent Personal Assistant\nSport seats with Vernasca leather upholstery in Black or Tacora Red\nZinc-plated air vents design elements\nSAFETY\nThe new 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport facelift comes with the full suite of BMW\u2019s Driving Assistant package, which comes with the following features as standard:\nLane Change Warning\nLane Departure Warning\nFront Collision Warning with brake intervention (Autonomous Emergency Braking)\nParking Assistant\nReversing Assistant\nPRICING\nThe 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is priced at \nRM398,800\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of SST. Also included in the price is the five-year unlimited mileage warranty and with free scheduled maintenance programme, which can be opted-out of for a lower price.\nNew owners will also get access to the BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, alongside the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and privileges card, as well as BMW Service Online.\nGALLERY"
"E-commerce has dramatically changed the way we shop for goods. Be it apparels, kitchenware or even fresh produce, we can now purchase almost anything and everything with a click of a button. Now, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is taking to popular e-commerce site, Lazada, to sell their cars.\nIn conjunction with Lazada\u2019s Online Revolution Campaign, VPCM will be retailing 12 limited edition Volkswagen Beetles exclusively on Lazada Malaysia\u2019s website. Although this is not the first time a car manufacturer has \nsold its cars through the online space\n, it is the first time a manufacturer and an e-commerce company are teaming up to sell cars online.\nThe limited-edition Beetles come in \ntwo distinct designs\n \u2013 \u201cHerbie 53\u201d finished in either Pure White or White Silver and \u201cHot Bug\u201d available in Tornado Red. Started life as a regular Beetle Design 1.2 TSI, the \u201cHerbie 53\u201d gets the famous red and blue stripes with the 53 number on both doors and hood. The \u201cHot Bug\u201d gets a dual black stripe design much like a ladybug.\nOther than the exterior livery, the limited-edition Beetles soldier on with the same kit \u2013 halogen headlamps, 17-inch multi-spoke alloys, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, 5.8-inch Touchscreen \u2018Composition Colour\u2019 with USB, Bluetooth and 8 Speakers and \u2018Pepita\u2019 fabric upholstery.\nMotivation remains unchanged, coming from a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI and seven-speed dual clutch (DSG) combo that sends \n104 hp\n and \n175 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels. Don\u2019t dismiss its puny powerplant because \nwe found it to be a punchy little car\n.\nThe limited-edition Beetles will be available for purchase from 12th to 14th December and retails for an auspicious figure of \nRM112,112\n (OTR without insurance). Like most items sold on Lazada, these Beetles will also net you\n\u00a0savings of RM24,776\n or 18 per cent as compared to walking into a showroom."
"As part of its \nNovember sales report\n, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n has announced that it will be unveiling a new hybrid-powered model to join the \nCorolla Cross Hybrid\n, among a gaggle of new cars that it has planned for next year.\nWhile the company is more upfront about the other models by straight-up announcing during a recent media event that the \nGR Corolla, GR 86, and manual Supra\n will be launched in Malaysia next year, it is still remaining a little coy on the hybrid. So as any \u201cresponsible\u201d publication would, we did some digging to try and work out what they meant.\nThe most obvious candidate is the \nall-new Toyota Innova Zenix\n, which just made its official debut in Indonesia last month. Built on the marque\u2019s TNGA-C platform, the third-generation Innova (now with a new Zenix suffix) is offered in Indonesia with a hybrid powertrain option, consisting of a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine, paired to an electric motor to generate \n186 hp\n.\nThe electric motor here makes 205 Nm of torque, but due to the series hybrid set-up with the peak torque of the engine and motor occuring at different engine speeds, Toyota doesn\u2019t publish the system\u2019s max torque output. It probably wouldn\u2019t be too far off the motor\u2019s figures, though.\nREAD MORE: \nAll-new Toyota Innova Zenix brings touch of class, hybrid engine to the 7-seater MPV\nAside from the Innova Zenix, another possibility could be the\n all-new Toyota Vios\n, which was launched in Thailand back in August this year. While a hybrid model for the Vios (also known as the Yaris Ativ in the Land of Smiles) doesn\u2019t officially exist just yet, \nAutoIndustriya\n reported that a hybrid variant for the compact sedan is already in the works, and could be unveiled next year.\nIn a first for Toyota, the all-new Vios is built on the DNGA platform, where the D stands for Daihatsu. The common platform opens the doors to the hybrid powertrain that\u2019s used in the\n Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky\n/\nPerodua Ativa Hybrid\n, consisting of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine and an electric motor, but arranged in a parallel hybrid configuration for a total system (motor) output of \n106 hp\n and \n170 Nm\n.\nThe two models cannot be more different than the other, but which will eventually make it into Malaysia? It\u2019s anyone\u2019s guess for now. except those in UMWT\u2019s product planning team. Nevertheless, it is still exciting to see more electrified models being introduced here on our shores.\nUMW Toyota announced a \nRM270 million investment\n into its Bukit Raja plant last year, in preparation for the local assembly of hybrid models here in Malaysia. The company said recently in a statement that hybrids are still the \u201cmost accessible and affordable option\u201d for car owners looking to reduce their carbon footprint, at least until other forms of electrification becomes more accessible in the country.\nALSO WATCH: \nVideo: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid review \u2013 the everyday SUV"
"It was a busy and exciting weekend at Sepang International Circuit, where \nSummernats Malaysia 2014\n\u00a0and Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race 2014 (MMER) were held. The 12-hour endurance race around the Sepang F1 track is an annual affair since year 2000, held in conjunction with Malaysia\u2019s National Day celebration.\nClearwater Racing dominated the race and emerged as champion of MMER again as both Ferrari 458 managed a 1-2 podium finish. \u00a0C\nar #1 of Mok Weng Sun, Alif Hamdan and Gianmaria Bruni took first place, followed by car no #2 of Craig Baird, Richard Wee and Keita Sawa. Car no #99 of Absolute Racing\u2019s Audi R8 LMS clinched the third position. It was a close fight between the R8 and Cradt Bamboo\u2019s #777 Aston Martin.   Car #1 completed all 325 laps as the clock struck 12am, Merdeka Day. The champion was a lap ahead of their second car. This marks the Singaporean team\u2019s second consecutive victory. Mok Weng Sun became the third driver in the race\u2019s fifteen years of history to win two consecutive titles with the same team.   \u201cIt\u2019s unbelievable, I think it\u2019s the first time ever were we had a race when we went maximum driving time for each stint we were out there. No mistakes out on the circuit, no mistakes in the pit stop, and we broke our track lap record from last year by two laps. The only thing that slowed us down was the safety cars and it\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve ever experienced a perfect race.\u201d said Mok.   As for GTC category, the Porsche from Team NZ finished first with 291 laps completed, Audi R8 of B-Quik Racing came in second.\u00a0In the tough Touring Production Category, Johor based R Engineering gave the best present for Malaysia\u2019s Independence day as car no #21 of Lai Wee Sing, KK Soh, Gilbert Ang won that category in a Honda Civic Type R with 269 laps completed.   Out of the 35 official entries, 28 cars started the race with 22 cars completing the 12-hour endurance race.\u00a0Audi car of #101 of Absolute Racing was disqualified when their mechanics entered the track during the race.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nAston Martin Vanquish\n has been in service since 2012 and is now entering its final phases of its production life. To celebrate its farewell, the Gaydon based company has introduced a special edition model to bid it farewell \u2013 the Vanquish S Ultimate.\nPowered by the familiar 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 and eight-speed automatic transmission combination, the Vanquish S Ultimate packs \n592 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque \u2013 just like a standard Vanquish S. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed of \n323 km/h\n.\nOnly \n175 units\n of the Vanquish S Ultimate will be made and customers can have it in either Coupe or Volante body styles. Three distinct themes have been thoughtfully crafted by the guys at Aston Martin, each featuring different colour schemes and interior trims.\nThe first theme features a monochrome style \u2013 Ultimate Black paintwork with Copper Bronze accents around, a nod to the first-generation Vanquish S Ultimate Edition. Other details include black exhaust tailpipes, brake calipers, window trims and 5-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, it spots a Obsidian Black leather with Chestnut Tan contrast.\nThe second theme takes inspiration from technical sportswear \u2013 Xenon Grey paintjob with Cobalt Blue accents and Yellow brake calipers. The striking exterior theme continues inside with Phantom Grey leather upholstery with Electron Yellow and Spectral Blue contrast stitching.\nThe last designer theme features a White Gold paintwork with Warm Bronze accent and a Chestnut Tan leather with Obsidian Black upholstery. Additionally, customers can pick and choose any exterior and interior combination for no added cost.\nAston Martin VP & Chief Sales Officer, Christian Marti said: \u201cSince the Vanquish was first introduced it immediately established itself as the pinnacle of our series production range. It has since evolved into a truly formidable machine. As the much-loved and highly-acclaimed Vanquish S nears the end of production, we wanted to celebrate its success with a limited run of very special cars. The Ultimate edition perfectly captures the spirit of Vanquish and is sure to be sought after by collectors around the world\u201d.\nPrices for the Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate starts from \u00a3211,995 (RM1.2 million) for the Coupe and \u00a3223,995 (RM1.25 million)for the Volante. Order books are now open with first deliveries scheduled for Q1 of 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia has launched the SF90 Spider, the open-top version of the \nSF90 Stradale\n that was introduced in September.\nSimilar to the SF90 Stradale, the first high-performance plug-in hybrid convertible from Maranello is a series production model without a fixed quantity, unlike the recently unveiled \nFerrari 812 Competizione\n pair.\nThe centrepiece of the Ferrari SF90 Spider is the retractable hardtop system, now in its most compact design and mass since its introduction on the Ferrari 458 Spider in 2011. Made of aluminium, the entire system weighs \n40 kg\n lighter than regular hardtops as well as occupy just 100 litres of space rather than 150 to 200 litres.\nIt takes just \n14 seconds\n to deploy the retractable hardtop and can be performed at speeds up to speeds of 45 km/h. \u00a0\n \nPERFORMANCE\nThe plug-in hybrid powertrain from the SF90 Stradale is unchanged, which means its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine and three electric motors (two in front, one in the transmission) still delivers a mind-boggling \n1,000 hp\n and around 900 Nm of torque.\nThe retractable hardtop system and all the necessary reinforcements to the bodyshell has added 100 kg, bringing the SF90 Spider\u2019s kerb weight (dry) to \n1,670 kg\n. Zero to 100 km/h is still dispatched in just \n2.5 seconds\n, but 200 km/h takes 0.3 seconds slower compared to the coupe model at 7.0 seconds.\nEngine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 \u2013 780 hp, 800 Nm\nElectric Motors: 220 hp\nTransmission: F1 8-speed dual-clutch, shift paddles, launch control\nDrivetrain: Two-motor electric front axle, All-wheel drive\nBattery capacity: 7.9 kWh\nTotal system max horsepower: 1,000 hp\n0-100 km/h: 2.5 seconds\n0-200 km/h: 7.0 seconds\nTop speed: 340 km/h (pure electric: 135 km/h)\nElectric range: 25 km\nLike the SF90 Stradale, there are four modes in the eManettino that changes the energy deployment of the power unit. A special\n Qualify mode\n disperses the full system output of 1,000 hp and prioritises maximum performance over battery charging, similar to a qualifying lap in Formula 1 racing. \u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nThe Ferrari Styling Centre\u2019s meticulous crafting of the tonneau area has integrated it seamlessly with the rest of the car, an achievement that is even more astonishing because the V8 engine is still clearly visible through the transparent cover regardless of the hard top\u2019s position.\nThe front brake calipers have an integrated aerodynamic appendage, where air flow beginning from the slot under the headlights is charged up and flow to the brake pads and disc. Specially formed geometry on the forged wheels then act like rotor blades to evacuate the hot air.\nRetractable hardtop made of aluminium, opening /closing time of 14 seconds\nTonneau cover with integrated rear buttresses\nShut-off Gurney rear spoiler\n20-inch rims with staggered tyre sizing\n390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h with Assetto Fiorano package\nINTERIOR\nIn the cabin of the SF90 Spider, everything ahead of the occupants is the same as the SF90 Stradale. Driver and passenger sit slightly more forward and lower together with a view through steeper-raked windscreen. Various personalisation is available such as upholstery material, floor finishing as well as seats. \u00a0\n16-inch curved digital instrument cluster\nMulti-function steering wheel including ignition, power unit mode, wiper and lights\nDigital gearshift gate\nPassenger information display\nTrim pieces for comfortable top-down motoring\nPRICING\nThe Ferrari SF90 Spider in Malaysia is priced starting from RM2,088,000 before taxes, duties, insurance and customisation options, making it close to \n10% more\n than the SF90 Stradale coupe.\nThis example in Giallo Montecarlo and all the carbon fibre items on the catalogue plus more arrive at an estimated cost of \nRM2,700,000\n, before all the necessary duties and taxes.\nThe Assetto Fiorano pack meanwhile includes higher-performance items such as Multimatic shock absorbers, a reduction of 21 kg of kerb weight via carbon fibre and titanium materials as well as circuit-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"If the new BMW 7 series is anything to go by, there should be little mystery as to how the new 5-er would look like when it arrives.\nThe new facelift BMW 5 series could very likely incorporate the features seen on the facelift BMW 7 series, especially those unnecessarily enormous front grille, and if that\u2019s a little hard to imagine, here\u2019s a couple of renderings from the guys at \nKolesa.ru\n.\nWhile a completely new design is ages away, these renderings sure make you wonder if BMW\u2019s designs have seen their best years and that the current G30 5 series is the best looking BMW 5 series ever.\nLocally, the G30 BMW 5 series is available in two variants \u2013 the \n520i Luxury Line\n and \n530e M Sport\n \u2013 priced at RM328k and RM338k respectively.\nRecently, BMW Malaysia also announced the arrival of the\n locally-assembled 330i M Sport, priced at RM288,800\n without any changes to the vehicle\u2019s specifications although the vibrant Portimao Blue and Sunset Orange paint jobs will only be available from January and March 2020 respectively."
"Honda has simultaneously unveiled the new Civic hatchback in the USA and Japan. Similar to the \nnew generation sedan\n, the Civic hatchback features a more matured, less dramatic styling.\nThe new Honda Civic hatchback is 4,530 mm long (30 mm longer) and 1,415 mm tall (5 mm lower) with an identical 2,735-mm wheelbase and 1.8-metre width as the new sedan.\nNot much \nresemblences to the Stinger\n from this angle onwards\nStyling wise, the hatchback features a unique rear design with a more curvaceous LED lighting cluster and form a continuous look courtesy of the third brake lamp housed in between. The new composite tailgate is not only lighter but provides better rear headroom thanks to the relocated hinges. The boot is said to measure approximately 452 litres in space with marginal improvements over the previous model.\nA cleaner looking rear bumper also houses the exhaust tips at the corners in the Civic Turbo hatchback, unlike the sedan.\nIn front, the central grille features a sportier honeycomb mesh design with a deeper profile. Engine and powertrain choices remain the same as the sedan- a turbocharged 1.5-litre or naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines paired to a CVT or six-speed manual transmission. The CVT has been given additional attention of refinement for better response to the driver\u2019s inputs and commands.\nIn Japan and Europe, the Civic hatchback is also offered with the e:Hev dual-motor hybrid system, however, with undisclosed technical information. \u00a0\nThe turbocharged 1.5-litre engine develops \n180 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n, while the 2.0-litre engine pushes out \n158 hp\n and \n187 Nm\n. Sport, Eco and normal drive modes are now accessed via a more user-friendly toggle switch.\nHonda also promises that the new Civic hatchback will drive better and more comfortable for the occupants. The combination of a 19% stiffer bodyshell, suspension and steering upgrades result in a smoother, more linear and more precise feel in turns while a reduction in friction and improved bushings are key to reducing harsh road shocks.\nGone is the Jazz and in comes the City hatchback as the replacement. Find out more here!\nInside, the Civic hatchback also uses the same simplistic dashboard with a standing central display and metal honeycomb mesh trim that conceals the air-conditioning vents. In the models bound for Japan, the black interior with red highlights have similar vibes to the \nHonda City RS e:Hev\n.\nLike the new Honda Civic sedan, the hatchback gets an updated Honda Sensing driver assistance system. The single-camera LaneWatch has been replaced with a conventional blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert system.\nA new \u2018False Start\u2019 suppression function works in both directions, applying brakes if an obstacle is detected, thereby reducing the chance of collision during parking.\n \nSimilar to the fan-favourite \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R\n, the new Civic hatchback will form the basis of the high-performance front-wheel drive hot-hatch that still employs a slick-shifting manual transmission and is slated for production from \n2022\n.\nAlthough developed for Europe as their main market, the previous generation Honda Civic hatchback was also assembled in \nThailand\n and sold there as well as Indonesia. Apart from the \nnew Honda City sedan\n, the pace of new model introduction in Malaysia seems to require more time and resources than our neighbours so don\u2019t expect the Civic hatchback in Malaysia so soon.\nGALLERY\nNew 11th Gen Honda Civic Hatchback\nNew 11th Gen Honda Civic Sedan"
"UMW Toyota Motors finally unveils the Toyota Previa (Toyota Estima) for the Malaysian market. Yes, the wait is finally over, and UMW Toyota Motors is hopeful to capture the large MPV market, largely dominated by grey importers. Comes together with this introduction is the premium MPV sibling, the \nToyota Alphard\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Previa\nSegment\nMPV\nEngine\n2,362cc In-line 4, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-i\nMax Power\n170PS @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n224Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\n2.4GL \u00a0 RM 258,017.10\n\u00a0\nThe 3rd generation Toyota Previa (also fondly known as \nToyota Estima\n) is offered as CBU units, sourced directly from Toyota\u2019s factories in Japan. According to UMW Toyota Motors, the Previa is streamlined to slice through air, thus helps increase fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise. This is achieved via a new smooth underside floorplan to minimize turbulence. The new rear bumper design allows air to flow freely out from under the vehicle. Furthermore, spats are installed in front of each wheel to divert airflow outwards, thus enhancing straight line stability at high speed.\nSPECIFICATIONS\n \n \nINTERIOR\n Interior space and comfort has always been a strong selling point of the Toyota Previa. The cabin has been expanded, together with revised door opening angles for driver and passenger. Both rear side doors are electrically-powered and can be operated with either a smart key, the driver\u2019s door control or from door handle itself. For the uninitiated, Jam Protection comes standard for side doors to ensure safety during door closing operation. Interior comfort is further enhanced, no thanks to rear air-conditioning system. Yes, there is air-conditioning for every passenger.\nProspective customers of the new Toyota Previa will be pleased to know that nicely sewn leather upholstery comes standard. The driver\u2019s seat has a 8-way power adjustment, while the 2nd row occupant is pampered with Captain and Ottoman seats. The 2nd and 3rd row can be adjusted in various ways to your hearts content, providing families with the option to transport cargo or occupant. The 3rd row meanwhile can be fully laid forward to provide a larger cargo space.\nSAFETY\n \nBeing a Toyota, safety specification is not compromised. Active safety features include \nAnti-lock Braking System\n (\nABS\n) and \nElectronic Brake-force Distribution\n (\nEBD\n). Sadly, there is \nno\n\u00a0\nVehicle Stability Control\n (\nVSC\n).\nOn the other hand, there are loads of passive safety feature on the new Toyota Previa. First and foremost, there is the all important dual SRS airbags, ISOFIX to mount child seats, and Toyota\u2019s own safety collision assessment known as \nGlobal Outstanding Assessment\n (\nGOA\n). If a collision is imminent, the GOA body ensures the impact force is distributed around the vehicle structure, thus reducing injury to occupants. Interior surfaces are made softer to reduce impact and injury to passenger\u2019s head.\nWhiplash Injury Lessening\n (\nWIL\n) \u00a0headrest is available for the front seats in the event of a rear collision. Last but not the least, HID headlamp with auto-levelling and \nAdaptive Front-lighting System\n (\nAFS\n) is also available standard. What this system does is to help adjust the angle of your front headlamps whenever you turn the vehicle, thus illuminating the path that you are always heading towards.\nPERFORMANCE\n Powering the new Toyota Previa is the familiar 2.4 litre VVT-i \u00a02AZ-FE engine, with a modest power output of \n125 kW\n \n@\n \n6,000rpm\n and produces \n224Nm \nof torque\u00a0\n@\n \n4,000rpm\n. Power is delivered to two front wheels via Toyota\u2019s famed 4-speed automatic Super ECT transmission.\n \nWHAT ELSE..\n \nThe Toyota Previa can be yours for \nRM 258,017.10\n. There are 5 colour choices to choose from \u2013\u00a0\nIce Titanium Mica Metallic\n, \nWhite Pearl CS\n, \nBlack\n, \nSilky Gold Mica Metallic\n, and \nSilver Metallic\n. The Toyota Previa is backed by manufacturing \nwarranty of 3 years\n or \n10,000km\n (whichever comes first). To sweeten the deal even more, UMW Motors Toyota is offering an introductory package of \n3 years free service\n, first year \nfree road tax\n and \ninsurance\n to the first \n300\n customers.\nRead about the introduction of \nToyota Alphard by UMW Toyota Motor here\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor is set to launch their latest product, the Hyundai Ioniq, a new electrical vehicle (EV) vehicle\u00a0that will come with three choices of powertrains. Yes, that\u2019s right, you can choose to either go full-electric, plug-in hybrid or\u00a0petrol-electric hybrid via a flick of a button in a car!\nAs seen with these latest preview images, the Ioniq suggests an aerodynamically optimised exterior shell, aimed\u00a0at\u00a0minimising wind resistance whilst improving airflow efficiency. Hyundai also promises that a unique exterior colour reserved solely for the Ioniq. The Korean giant\u2019s design language also applies from the hexagonal grille to the C-pillar, although it\u2019s not clear if it\u2019s\u00a0taken from the current \nFluidic Sculpture 2.0\n \u2013 as seen in the new \nHyundai Sonata LF\n\u00a0\u2013 or a more evolved version of it.\nA combination of cool blue trim and eco-friendly\u00a0materials await the driver and passenger, creating a sense of futuristic yet warm cabin ambiance. Apart from that, its cabin is also designed with sound ergonomics in mind, while the centre tunnel resembles that of a Porsche.\nThe hallmark of the Ioniq is its\u00a0\nthree energy-efficient powertrains\n;\u00a0a \npetrol-electric hybrid,\n a\u00a0\nplug-in hybrid\n\u00a0and \nfull electric propulsion\n vehicle. That said, Hyundai is working very seriously with the Ioniq, hoping to give established rivals such as the Toyota Prius and even Tesla a run for their money.\nWatch this space for more updates on the Hyundai Ioniq as it makes its debut in Korea in January next year. It will also be previewed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March."
"Subaru \nand \nToyota\n have unveiled a new \u2018Cup Car Basic\u2019 variant for their \nBRZ\n/\nGR86\n coupe in Japan, and as the name suggests, is a stripped, no-frills race car that\u2019s meant for the track \u2013 more specifically, for the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86/BRZ Cup that will kick off later this year.\nHow \u201cno-frills\u201d, you ask? Well, how does 16-inch steelies wheels on a Hachiroku sound? As cool as that looks though, we\u2019re sure those that actually buy the Cup Car Basic for racing will swap them out for grippier tyres and lighter wheels right away.\nSteelies aside, the Toyo-baru Cup Car Basic actually comes with a handful of tweaks and upgrades to make it more \u201crace ready\u201d than the standard car. These include a six-point roll cage with eyesbolts to affix a six-point harness for the driver seat.\nThe roll cage also comes with sidebars for additional side impact protection, but that unfortunately means that the seat and curtain airbags must be taken out. Not to worry, though, as race car drivers call that \u201cweight saving\u201d. The floor carpets also get additional cutouts to accommodate the cage mounting points, though again, racers will just toss them out.\nRELATED: Is the GR 86 more fun to drive than the BRZ? New Toyo-baru twins pitted head-to-head!\nUnderneath the bonnet, the main change comes in the form of a new oil cooler to handle the extra heat around the race track, while the limited-slip differential also gets a new housing with additional cooling fins.\nAside from that, though, the rest of the mechanicals remain identical to the standard car, including the 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four engine that makes \n235 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n, alongside the six-speed manual transmission.\nThe Subaru BRZ Cup Car Basic is priced at JPY3,338,500 (approx. RM121k), while the Toyota GR86 counterpart is slightly cheaper at JPY3,334,000. The Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86/BRZ Cup single-make series will begin on the 16th of July, with its first round held at the Fuji Speedway circuit.\nGALLERY"
"The performance all-electric sedan from \nMercedes-AMG\n \u2013 the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ has finally made its debut in Malaysia! Offered in one variant only, the EQE 53 4MATIC+ is offered at \nRM649,888\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nBased on the Mercedes-Benz in-house developed AMG.EA platform, the AMG EQE measures \n4,964 mm\n long, \n1,906 mm\n wide, and \n1,492 mm\n tall, and is underpinned by a \n3,120 mm\n long wheelbase. To distinguish it from the regular EQE 350+, the AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+\u2019s exterior has been given the brand\u2019s typical AMG treatment.\nFeatures that come standard with the Mercedes AMG-EQE 53 4MATIC+ in Malaysia include:\nAMG-specific black panel grille\n\u2018AMG\u2019 lettering\nDigital Light headlights with AMG projection\nFront apron in high-gloss black\nAir diffuser in high-gloss black\nAMG side sill panels in high-gloss black\nRear apron with diffuser\nRear spoiler\n21-inch AMG lightweight alloy wheels\nCustomers can also opt for the AMG Night Package, which includes:\nBlack and black chrome elements\nMatt black 21-inch AMG alloy wheels\nRed brake callipers\nRELATED: \nMercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance in Malaysia \u2013 843 hp, 0-100 km/h 2.9s, from RM2.08 million\nPowering the AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ in Malaysia are a set of two electric motors, resulting in the brand\u2019s 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This puts out a total output of \n625 hp\n and \n950 Nm\n of torque. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint can be done in \n3.5 seconds\n, while top speed is rated at \n220 km/h\n.\nThe EQE 53 4MATIC+ is also available with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package and Race Start feature. The AMG Dynamic Plus Package boosts the EQE 53\u2019s performance even further, giving it a total of \n687 hp\n and a whopping \n1,000 Nm\n of torque. With the optional package, the century sprint can also be done quicker, under \n3.3 seconds\n. With the Race Start feature, top speed is boosted to \n240 km/h\n, and torque can be boosted even further to \n1020 Nm.\nWorking alongside the dual motors is the 328-volt high-performance drive lithium-ion battery. With a rated capacity of \n90.6 kWh\n, which is identical to the regular \nEQE 350+\n\u2019s\n, the battery consists of ten modules with a total of 360 pouch cells. This enables the EQE 53 to provide a WLTP range of \n458-527 km\n.\nCharging-wise, the EQE 53 can be charged via the standard \n11 kW\n AC charger. Charging the AMG EQE sedans from flat to full takes \n9 hours and 15 minutes\n with the 11 kW AC charger. A \n22 kW\n AC charger is also available as an option.\nFor even faster charging, the EQE 53 also supports up to \n170 kW\n of DC charging. Juicing up the car from 10% to 80% takes approximately \n32 minutes\n.\nThe Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ in Malaysia is equipped with the brand\u2019s AMG Ride Control+ air suspension. Together with the adaptive damping system, AMG-specific carriers, suspension links, and anti-roll bars, the suspension setup is based on a four-link front axle and a multilink rear suspension.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app\nBrakes-wise, the performance all-electric sedan is fitted with AMG high-performance brake system. The front axle comes with six-piston brake callipers, with brake discs measuring 415\u00d733 mm, while the rear axle has single-piston brake callipers, with disc brakes measuring 378\u00d722 mm.\nThe optional AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system is also available and comes with even larger disc brakes. The brake discs measure 440\u00d740 mm at the front and are only compatible with the 21-inch wheels.\nHere\u2019s a summary of the Malaysian-spec Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+\u2019s electric drive system and handling-related specifications:\nDrivetrain: Dual-motor AWD\nCombined power output: \n625 hp\n (\n687 hp\n with AMG Dynamic Plus Package)\nTotal torque: \n950 Nm\n (\n1000 Nm\n with AMG Dynamic Plus Package, \n1020 Nm \nwith Race Start)\n0-100 km/h: \n3.5 seconds\n (\n3.3 seconds\n with AMG Dynamic Plus Package)\nTop speed: \n220 km/h\n (\n240 km/h\n with Race Start)\nBattery: \n90.6 kWh\nRange (WLTP): \n458-527 km\nSuspension: AMG Ride Control+ air suspension\nBrakes: AMG high-performance brake system\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC, RM430k\nSound has always been an important part of the AMG driving experience. With that, Mercedes-AMG has designed the AMG EQE 43 and EQE 53 with the AMG Sound Experience that creates a sound experience for both the outside and inside.\nWith the help of special speakers, a bass actuator, and a sound generator, the AMG Sound Experience generates sounds that are tuned to the driving status and the selected drive program, both inside and out. The sound experience is available in a number of programs, including the \u2018Authentic\u2019, \u2018Balanced\u2019, \u2018Sport\u2019, \u2018Powerful\u2019, as well as the optional \u2018Performance\u2019 program, which is only available with the EQE 53 with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.\nAs its name suggest, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 in Malaysia is fitted with AMG equipment such as the AMG seats and steering wheel. The performance sedan is also equipped with the brand\u2019s MBUX hyperscreen which extends from A-pillar to A-pillar, MBUX infotainment system, as well as a head-up display (HUD).\nHere\u2019s a summary of the equipment fitted to the interior of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ in Malaysia:\nMBUX infotainment system\nMBUX Hyperscreen\nHead-up display\nFlat bottom AMG Performance steering wheel with Nappa leather\nSilver aluminium paddelshifters\nAMG steering wheel buttons\nNappa leather seat upholstery\nAMG seats with individual graphics\nArtico man-made leather seat covers\nAMG badges on the front seats\u2019 backrests\nEmbossed AMG emblems in the front head restraints\nInstrument panel and beltlines covered in space grey Artico man-made leather with Neotex grain and red topstitching\nDoor centre panels, centre console, and instrument panel in black Microcut microfibre with red topstitching\nAMG sports pedals\nAMG floor mats\nDoor sill trims with AMG lettering\nRELATED: \nThe Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e costs only 30% more than the \u2018regular\u2019 S-Class in Thailand\nThe Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ can also be had with the AMG Track Pace virtual race engineer as an option. This software is part of the MBUX infotainment system, and can permanently record more than 80 vehicle-specific data while driving on a race track, for example. This includes speed, acceleration, and so on.\nOn top of this, the AMG Track Pace will also display lap and sector times. The data can be displayed on the multimedia display, instrument cluster and on the optional head-up display.\nRELATED: \nElectric Mercedes-Benz CLA and \u201celectric GLC\u201d to debut in 2024, may drop EQ name\nGALLERY"
"Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) Trooper Rick Morgan was carrying out his routine speed enforcement on the I-15 highway when he noticed a Dodge Journey SUV driving erratically. Morgan decided to pull the car over for the sake of other road users\u2019 safety, and to his surprise, found a five-year-old boy at the wheel of a running car, with no other passengers aboard.\nAccording to the \nUHP\n, the little boy left home after an argument with his mom, in which she refused to buy him a\n Lamborghini\n. The kid was determined to get one by himself, and thus took his mother\u2019s car to head down to his relative\u2019s home in California, where he will be buying one with his own pocket money.\n \nThe journey from Utah to California on the I-15 usually takes approximately 12 hours. Unfortunately for the boy, he only made it about 3 km before running into Trooper Morgan, where he was promptly stopped. The UHP reported that no one was hurt, nor any property damaged during the kid\u2019s joyride.\nAccording to his parents, the boy\u2019s elder siblings were looking after him that morning but fell asleep, allowing him to escape home with the family SUV. At this point, UHP said that no citations were written for the boy or his parents, though the report and evidences have been forwarded to the county attorney\u2019s office for screening.\nHis story is that he left home after an argument with Mom, in which she told him she would not buy him a Lamborghini. He decided he'd take the car and go to California to buy one himself. He might have been short on the purchase amount, as he only had $3 dollars in his wallet.\n\u2014 Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) \nMay 4, 2020\n \nThe five year-old boy\u2019s determination in achieving his dreams is certainly commendable, though there are probably safer methods to do that. Also, the last we checked, a \nregular Lamborghini\n is usually priced a little higher than the $3 he has in his wallet. At least he still has his whole life ahead of him to reach his goals."
"In conjunction with the 216th International Police Day celebration, \nPDRM\n is offering up to 60% discount on traffic summons effective from \nMarch 20\n to \nMarch 21\n, 2023. The announcement was made through the \nTrafik PDRM Facebook page\n on March 19.\nThe summons discount offered is only valid for in-person payments at all traffic summons payment counters of district police headquarters (IPD) and contingent police headquarters (IPK) nationwide. The discount is also applicable for payments made through the MyBayar Saman app.\nNot all traffic offences will be eligible for the discount. Offences not eligible for the announced discount include:\nOffences in the non-compoundable (NC) category\nEmergency lane offences\nAccidents offences\nDangerous overtaking\nOvertaking at double-line\nBeating the red traffic light\nExhaust modifications\nCases with trial status\nOffences related to heavy vehicles\nThose who wish to make their summon payments through the MyBayar Saman app can register an account through mybayar.rmp.gov.my. The My Bayar Saman app can be downloaded through the Google PlayStore, Apple AppStorem and Huawei AppGallery. The summons discount is applicable for payment made through the My Bayar Summon App.\nRELATED: \nStraight to court for these 7 traffic offences during CNY, 18-27 Jan"
"Fuel prices for the month of March \nwill remain the same as February\n, with RON 95 and RON 97 costing RM2.30 per litre and RM2.60 per litre respectively.\nUnfortunately, the same cannot be said for diesel. Below are the new pricing:\nFebruary 2017\nMarch 2017\nDifference\nPetrol \u2013 RON 95\nRM2.30 per litre\nRM2.30 per litre\n\u2013\nPetrol \u2013 RON 97\nRM2.60 per litre\nRM2.60 per litre\n\u2013\nDiesel\nRM2.15 per litre\nRM2.20 per litre\n5 sen\nDiesel Euro 5\nRM2.25 per litre\nRM2.30 per litre\n5 sen"
"The Mercedes Benz E-Class is a car that represents many things to many different people. In Germany and most\u00a0parts of Europe, it is the taxi cab of choice that ferries millions of people a year. Locally however, the E-Class is regarded as a symbol of wealth and success. Small wonder that Merc is hailing this tenth-gen as the most intelligent business saloon to date.\nWe\u2019ll get to the intelligent bit in a minute. The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz\u2019s core model and has been at the forefront of redefining standards in the business-class segment. This W213 promises to deliver a wealth of top-notch innovations, though we\u2019re not sure whether the breadth of it will reach our shores.\n \n \nPhysically speaking, the W213 E-Class has grown a fair bit, 43mm to be precise. But interestingly, the wheelbase grew by 65mm, which translates to better legroom space. That being said, this E-class will be given the additional \u2018L\u2019 moniker at the end of the badge to reflect just that.\nAnd as it turns out, most of us would echo the same sentiment as those droves of Chinese buyers. We want more legroom and Merc has done just that. Apart from that, Mercedes has opted to contour the looks by giving it a more coupe-like stance with an elongated hood and a sloped rear-end. But herein also lays its biggest flaw. The styling is so blindly undramatic and it looks just like an S-Class that went through the office Xerox machine at 75 percent scale reduction. Bad move, Mercedes.\nThankfully on the inside, it isn\u2019t as badly plagiarised as the exterior. Interestingly the brand has managed to bring their interior sketches to life. Pictures do it no justice. But as they, it speaks a thousand words. The instrument cluster is something to behold, especially the wide-screen instrument cluster that is optionally available with COMAND Online. However, the entry model combines two tube-type round dials and a \n7-inch colour display cluster\n with a \n8.4-inch central display screen\n.\nAdditionally, the interior gets touch-sensitive control buttons in the spokes of the multifunction steering wheel. Like the surface of a smartphone, the buttons are touch-sensitive and therefore respond precisely to horizontal and vertical finger swipes. This enables the driver to control every function of the infotainment system in the same simple, logical and intuitive manner as with a smartphone without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. Clever, isn\u2019t it?   A further highlight of the new E-Class is its seats, which create an ergonomic, sculpted impression with their torso form, uniting Mercedes-Benz\u2019s typical suitability for long journeys with a refined yet sporty look. The seats are differently designed depending to the trim.\nThe new E-Class will come with a \nchoice of two engines\n at market launch: the \nE 200\n with a four-cylinder petrol engine and the\n E 220 d\n with an all-new four-cylinder diesel engine. Further model variants will be added to the range after market launch, including the\n E 350e hybrid\n. The PLUG-IN HYBRID impresses with its efficiency, allowing around \n30 kilometres of pure electric mileage\n and emission-free driving. Its four-cylinder petrol engine, in conjunction with a powerful electric motor, gives it a total system output of \n286 hp\n with a combined torque of \n550 Nm\n.\nAll models available at market launch are equipped with the new \n9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission\n\u00a0fitted as standard. It enables faster gear changes and allows for low engine revs, which has a particularly beneficial effect on efficiency and noise levels. All the hallmarks of a proper business saloon present.\u00a0 But what about ride comfort? Wafting is a thought that comes immediately to mind.\nA conventional steel suspension system is the usual suspect here with three selective damping program settings to choose from. But as an option, Merc will throw in their multi-chamber air suspension system on all four corners. The advantage? Three chambers of different size in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle make it possible to control, in three stages, how stiffly the suspension reacts. In this way, the occupants enjoy soft base suspension, and a sense of security as the speed increases.\n \n \nWhat else comes stuffed in this Merc? Just as Tesla has been paving the way for autonomous driving capabilities in cars of recent, Mercedes has decided to follow suit and has made great strides in that field, some of which are slated to debut in this new E-Class. On some models, Active Brake Assist is fitted as standard equipment. Apart from that, ATTENTION ASSIST with adjustable sensitivity, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, and Crosswind Assist, which can assist the driver by substantially mitigating the effects of strong crosswinds to prevent the vehicle from drifting too far off track.\nFrom the sound of it, this new E-Class sounds like the Bees Knees but there\u2019s a lingering thought at the back of my mind that, we as proud Malaysian buyers will not be as likely to see all this cool toys on our (most likely) CKD cars over here. That being said, we are excited to see the range lineup that will be offered on our shores. So stay tuned for more updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a week since \nGAC GS3\n, distributed by Warisan Tan Chong Automotif, has hit the market and with its highly attractive base price of just \nRM88,800 \nfor the Standard and \nRM96,800 \nfor the Premium variant, we had to take a closer look.\nMore detailed information on the fully-imported GAC GS3 here!\nBoth prices are inclusive of 50% SST tax exemptions on CBU cars till 30th June 2022 so best hurry. Included is a 5-year/150,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty plus free labour charge for five scheduled services within the first three years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first).\nIt\u2019s important to note that the GAC GS3 arrives here fully imported from China as a facelift model, compared to the one currently available in the Philippines. Malaysia is the first country to launch the right-hand drive model of the GAC GS3, so what are we getting here?\nThere are halogen projector headlamps for starters, with LED combination tail lamps at the rear; only the Premium variant comes with front fog lamps. Both come with 17-inch wheels, while the Premium gets a shark fin antenna, blacked-out side mirror covers, and roof rails.\nAs for first impressions, it may not immediately make you stand up and take notice but its overall design is easy on the eye and is well proportioned. If anything, it kinda reminded us of the Proton X50 with the C-pillar design and black roof. It did stand out for being different, new and fresh \u2013 something not usually seen \u2013 unlike the X50s, the HR-Vs, and the CX-3s.\nX50? Not really.\nIt does spring quite a surprise on the inside. Being 40 mm shorter in wheelbase, it was surprising how much more spacious it felt compared to the other crossovers/compacts SUVs in Malaysia. It may cost more than an Ativa and as much as the Toyota Rush and Mitsubishi Xpander, but the interior finishing and quality felt more premium than the HR-V or CX-3 \u2013 and that\u2019s not an exaggeration.\nAs for features and equipment, there\u2019s a sunroof (albeit a rather small one), Apple CarPlay through an 8-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth, a drive mode selector with Eco, and dual USB ports. The GS3 comes with 60:40 split-folding seats while boot space is rated at 356-litres and cab be expanded to 780 litres with the rear seats folded.\nIn the Premium variant, add ons include keyless entry with push start button, rear armrest, power-folding side mirrors, and a 3.5-inch colour multi-info display.\nSafety features include four airbags in the Standard and six in the Premium, along with a blind-spot monitor, hill descend control, hill start assist and ISOFIX seats.\nUnder the hood is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 114 hp and 150 Nm paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels.\nThe GAC GS3 is available for viewing and test drives at its new showroom on Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (next to the Nissan and Renault showrooms) in Kuala Lumpur. More sales outlets are underway to support the arrival of different new models in the future.\nGALLERY\nGS3 Standard\nGS3 Premium"
"Since the global introduction of the Mercedes-Benz GLC in 2016, the mid-sized premium SUV has propelled the sales charts of the three-pointed star brand. Offered in a wide variety of flavour from modest \nfour-cylinder turbo petrol\n to supercar-clinging \nV8 by AMG\n.\nNow, Mercedes-Benz is set\nto further strengthen the GLCs proposition with this mid-cycle facelift, packed\nwith new-generation technologies, \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d MBUX multimedia system and mild\nstyling enhancements.\nVisually, the facelifted\nGLC now wears a refreshed front look with more generous chrome touches, new headlamp\ngraphics (LED now standard fit across the range) and curvy lower side intakes. Over\nto the rear you\u2019ll find a redesigned LED taillamp light signature.\nThe refreshed GLC can\nbe spiced up according to your taste with the various equipment Line as well as\nwheel options ranging from 17- to 19-inces in diameter.\nThe cabin is now\ndecidedly more modern thanks to the new generation multifunctional steering\nwheel with touchpad, 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster (just like the refreshed\nC-Class) and the Mercedes-Benz User Experience with Intelligent Voice Control.\nOther new items you\u2019ll\nfind in the cabin include a new touchpad controller for the infotainment system,\nnew seat sculpture, 64-colour ambient lighting, interior assistant and ENERGIZING\ncomfort control.\nAt launch, all petrol versions\nof the facelifted GLC will now feature a 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG)\nthat compliments the SUV\u2019s performance and significantly lowers fuel consumption.\nThe ISG offers 13.6 hp and 150 Nm during initial set off and between the turbocharges\nare not at optimum boost.\nThe four-cylinder petrol engines of the GLC 200 offers \n197 hp\n/\n280 Nm\n while the GLC 300 ups the output to \n258 hp \nand \n370 Nm\n of twist. The diesel versions of the GLC (200d, 220d and 300d) offers \n163 hp\n/\n260 Nm\n to \n245 hp\n/ \n500 Nm\n.\nSafety have also been\nfurther enhanced with the optional Driving Assistance Package that bundles\nActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steer Assist, Active Speed Limit\nAssist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot\nAssist and Active Brake Assist.\nThe facelifted Mercedes-Benz\nGLC will make its first public debut at the upcoming 2019 Geneva International\nMotor Show. Are you excited for it to arrive in Malaysia?\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0GLC Facelift"
"The \nfacelift Toyota Innova was just launched\n with prices starting from RM111,622 for the base 2.0E variant. As for the 2.0G, it\u2019s priced at RM121,483 while the range-topping 2.0X is priced at RM129,677.\nAll three variants are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine with \n139 hp\n and \n183 Nm\n. It\u2019s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels.\nChanges on the exterior include a redesigned front grille which is now in full black without the chrome from before, along with a separate positions for the signal and fog light. Previously the signal and fog light were clustered together.\nNo changes were made to the 17-inch wheels, but additional body cladding has been added at the bottom of the doors for a more rugged look. At the rear, the lower rear bumper is now black with a chrome strip added between the tailights.\nClimb on board the facelift Innova and you\u2019d immediately be greeted by two captain seats with arm rests, and cupholders placed in between. Up ahead is a collapsible table, along with air con vents and fan speed controls. That horse shoe illumination never gets old; adding a touch of luxury to the Innova.\nThere are a couple of USB ports on the centre console, along with one in the 3rd row. However, the second row only comes with a 12V socket.\nIn the driver seat, several things should catch your attention and these include the Optitron instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi information display. As for entertainment, owners can rely on the massive 9-inch touchscreen display with 6 speakers, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.\nSafety wise, the facelift Innova 2.0X comes with seven airbags, and more notably a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. It\u2019s also equipped with Toyota\u2019s Vehicle Telematics System that\u2019s able to track the vehicle\u2019s movement and location.\nGALLERY"
"The 2016 batch of Infiniti Q50 will come with the company\u2019s newest powertrain, a 400 hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, and a host of other mechanical upgrades that improve the car\u2019s overall dynamism. \nInfiniti Malaysia first introduced the 2.0-litre turbocharged Q50 here in August 2014\n which had a starting price of RM249k.\nPrior to this update, there were two engines offered (three if you count the diesel engine sold elsewhere) \u2013 a Mercedes-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged engine making 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque and the RM400k hybrid variant with a 3.5-litre V6 engine (364 hp and 350 Nm) that\u2019s paired to an electric motor.\nThe new VR30 \n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n slots at the top of the Q50 range, making it the most powerful Q50 to date, although Infiniti maintains that the engine provides great fuel economy. It can be had in \ntwo states of tunes\n \u2013 the lower makes \n300 hp\n at 6,400 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm, and the higher tune makes \n400 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n of torque, both of which peak at the same revs. All engines are paired to the same \nseven-speed automatic transmission\n from before.\nWith that sort of power, the Q50 still falls short in terms of outright performance when compared to the \nBMW M3/M4\n or \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S\n, but Infiniti is working with its \nperformance division\n to roll out an even hotter variant some time soon. Other upgrades, besides the new engine, include revised front and rear stabiliser bars and uprated rear suspension (multi-link type) for improved handling and stability.\nExclusive to the 3.0-litre Q50 Sport are a set of upgraded \nDynamic Digital Suspension\n which allows the driver to adjust damping levels depending on drive modes. With Infiniti\u2019s \nDrive Mode Selector\n, there are six different driving modes that alter steering response; Personal, Standard, Snow, Eco, Sport \u2013 and for 2016 models, a new Sport+ mode.\nIf you\u2019re not in the know, the Infiniti Q50 is the world\u2019s first vehicle to feature a \nsteer-by-wire system\n, affectionately termed by Infiniti as\n Direct Adaptive Steering\n (DAS).\u00a0Those wanting more feedback will be pleased to know that the DAS system for 2016 models has been significantly upgraded to enhance steering feel and feedback.\u00a0The company claims its engineers have optimised the second-generation DAS\u2019 control logic to improve road feedback, which is achieved by fine-tuning parameters so that the default settings can also better mimic the feeling drivers get from using conventional steering systems.\nTo date, Infiniti has shifted\u00a0almost 50,000 units of the Q50 globally between January and October 2015 \u2013 a \n65 percent increase\n compared to the same period in 2014.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Malaysia\u2019s home-grown integrated car e-commerce platform, \nCarsome\n, has officially launched the Carsome Service Centre in Petaling Jaya, its first venture into the after-sales car service market. The Petaling Jaya service centre is one of the company\u2019s two initial outlets, with the other located in Ampang.\nCarsome says that its service centres are not just catered to its pre-owned car buyers, but also to serve anyone looking for worry-free car maintenance, especially if their vehicle\u2019s warranty has expired.\nThe Carsome Service Centre differentiates itself with the others through its upfront and transparent pricing, with three basic tiers of regular maintenance packages: \nEssential\n, which includes engine oil, oil filter, and oil pan washer replacement, alongside windshield washer replacement, starting from RM98; \nStandard\n, which adds on air filter and brake fluid replacement, from RM138; and \nComprehensive\n, which replaces the Standard\u2019s additions with coolant and transmission oil replacement, from RM288.\nEach car maintenance service will include a complimentary 20-point inspection to identify any underlying issues, before being recommended a suitable maintenance package as above. Detailed billing information will also be provided to customers before any servicing works are carried out.\nFor more specific situations, a service advisor will instead provide the most accurate service recommendations along with their quotations. Carsome assures that all services are carried out by experienced service mechanics to industry standards.\n Customers can book a service appointment via Carsome\u2019s online portal or mobile applications. Additionally, their vehicles\u2019 service records will also be available through their profile online, giving customers easy access to their vehicle\u2019s service history and advice on their next service.\nRELATED: \nCarsome PJ Automall now open \u2013 a \u2018shopping mall\u2019 for cars with over 200 examples under one roof!\n(from left) Carsome Certified Chief Executive Officer Mei Han, Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya YB Lee Cheang Chung, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Chang Lih Kang, Carsome Co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer Eric Cheng, and Carsome Co-founder and Carsome Academy Chief Executive Officer JT\n.\nCustomers who purchase their cars through\n Carsome\u2019s Certified used car programme\n will receive two service vouchers, which should be sufficient to cover the vehicles\u2019 first-year maintenance requirements, Carsome Certified chief executive officer Mei Han said during a Q-and-A session at the launch today.\nThe service centres are also capable of carrying out other regular repairs, including wheel alignment and air-con servicing, he added.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s always been an annual tradition for us at Autobuzz.my to pick\n the best cars we\u2019ve driven throughout the year\n; to highlight their excitement, thrills and sensations from behind the wheel.\nWhile they may not necessarily be the most consumer savvy, but more of a personal pick from within the team, we\u2019ve decided to come up with the \nAutobuzz.my Best Cars of 2018 Awards\n based on popular demand.\nThere are almost \n300 cars\n\u00a0in a comprehensive list, ranging from A-segment vehicles like the \nKia Picanto\n to supercars like the \nMercedes AMG GT-S\n, where they will be segmented into \n35 different categories\n.\nCity Cars\u00a0\nSports Executive \nMidsize SUV\nPremium Executive Car \nLuxury Sports SUV \nCompact Hatch \nSportwagons \nFamily SUV\nExecutive Coupe \nPremium Family SUV \nSupermini \nCompact MPV \nOffroad SUV \nLuxury Flagship Car \nLuxury SUV \nCompact Sedan \nMidsize MPV \nPickup Trucks \nPremium Compact SUV \nPremium Coupe \nMid Size Hatchback \nLarge MPV\nCoupes \nPremium Midsize SUV \nPremium MPV \nMid Size Sedan \nPeople Carrier \nPremium Compact Car \nPremium Sports SUV \nDriver\u2019s Car \nFamily Exec Sedan \nCrossover \nPremium Family Car \nPremium Large SUV \nThese cars will be judged internally based on value for money, safety (active/passive), driver assistance systems, performance, handling, ride comfort, interior, exterior and build quality. A rating of 0 to 10 will be given accordingly, with 10 being the highest score.\nThe top three cars from each category will be announced soon, followed by announcements of the winners from each respective category by \nmid-2018\n.\nYou\u2019ve seen the various categories, so let us know which car you think is worthy of being the winner in their respective categories. As from our side, we sure hope that the winners selected can provide several car buying insights (and even motivation) for your next big purchase!"
"At the opening of the new \nTan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Limited (TCSAT) manufacturing plant in Bangkok\n, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International Limited Glenn Tan has confirmed at a media press conference that the \nfifth-generation Subaru Forester\n will not be assembled in Malaysia but instead be fully imported (CBU) from Thailand.\nThe new Forester is\nthe first model to be assembled a the TCSAT plant and the vehicles will be\ndistributed to the South East Asia region including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam\nand Cambodia. This strategy, as explained by Tan, allows Motor Image to better manage\ntheir current Subaru production capacity that is contracted to Tan Chong Motor\nAssemblies (TCMA) in Segambut.\nLeft: \nSubaru XV\n; Right: \nfourth-gen Subaru Forester\nAccording to Tan, the\nSegambut facility has an upper limit for Subaru vehicles of 600 to 650 units\nper month and that volume is shared between the outgoing Forester and XV bound\nfor the Malaysian and Thailand markets. By phasing out the production of\nForesters in Malaysia, the Segambut plant can focus on producing XVs and shorten\ndelivery times for customers.\nOn whether the pricing\nof the Forester will be affected with the switch from CKD to CBU, Tan explained:\n\u201cIt is definitely (going to be) more expensive than the current Forester now,\nbut I think we definitely want to keep it competitive and keep it within a\nsimilar price range to the competitors.\u201d\n\u201cIt is not going be (as)\ncheap as the current model, (it will) definitely go up to a new zone. But we\nbelieve that the new car compared to the other competitors in the new zone\nshould be reasonable (priced). We\u2019ve had a similar situation in Taiwan, Philippines,\nThailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and we don\u2019t see an issue of the price going up,\u201d\nadded Tan."
"This year marks the 20th season of BMW M as the Official Car of the Moto GP and in keeping to tradition, a BMW M Award (in the form of a M car) will be given to the best qualifier at the end of the Moto GP season.\nAnd this year\u2019s car is the exclusive \nBMW M3 CS\n in Frozen Dark Blue, a special edition \nlimited to just 1,200 units worldwide\n. Since 2003, the\u00a0MotoGP rider with the best results in qualifying throughout a season has been rewarded with an exclusive,\u00a0individually-designed BMW M car at the end of the season.\u00a0\nAs with the scoring system, the riders receive points for their positions in qualifying at each Moto GP weekend. The rider who has picked up the most points at the end of the season wins the coveted BMW M Award.\n\u201cWe are excited to see who will claim this car as their own at the end of the season. BMW M is already in its 20th season as the \u2018Official Car of MotoGP\u2019 and we\u2019re in the 16th edition of the BMW M Award since 2003, said\u00a0Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of the Commercial Department of Dorna Sports.\u201d\nThe record holder so far is \nMarc M\u00e1rquez\n, who has already \nclaimed the BMW M Award five times in a row\n. Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner each have three wins to their name. Jorge Lorenzo has been honoured as the best qualifier twice to date while Sete Gibernau and the late Nicky Hayden have each won the award once.\nThe new BMW M3 CS is the most powerful production M3 ever. It takes just 3.9 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h backed by \n460 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s called Project AM-RB 001. It will represent the peak\u00a0of Aston Martin\u2019s sports car design and the best of Formula One racing technology. And it\u2019s poised\u00a0to be the ultimate hypercar.\nBut first, here\u2019s a little prelude before we get going. Red Bull Racing\u2019s (RBR) Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey has always had two goals in life. Since he was six years old, he dreamt of designing his own racing cars, and today he is widely regarded as one of the most successful Formula One car designers of all time. His other dream was to be involved in the process of designing a super car, but because of his commitment in F1, Newey never got to realise this dream \u2013 until now.\nOn the other hand, Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin since 2005, is keener than ever to push the envelope of designing Aston Martins. His work includes the stunning \nDB11\n and \nVulcan\n.\nThe duo\u2019s partnership gave birth to Project AM-RB 001, a hypercar that will combine all of F1\u2019s aerodynamics and composite technology together with Aston Martin\u2019s design. Unlike in F1, the hypercar will not be bound by FIA regulations, so the blank canvas gives them the opportunity to create a car in its most efficient form that will represent the ultimate fusion of art and technology.\nTo celebrate this partnership, both RBR\u2019s F1 cars will carry the Aston Martin wings logo throughout this 2016 season. The debut race begins this week at the Australian Grand Prix."
"Residents of Banting and its surrounding areas will never have to travel too far to get their Hondas serviced; with the opening of Honda Malaysia\u2019s latest 3S Centre, operated by Banting Star Sdn. Bhd.\nBanting Star has invested RM 15 million into the 23,000 square feet facility that will house 11 service bays, three more for general repairs and two for tyre related services \u2013 with the capacity to accommodate \nup to 44 cars per day.\nThere\u2019s a customer lounge, an executive lounge, a cafe counter, kid\u2019s section and a surau. For added convenience, there\u2019ll also be complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity, car wash facilities, road tax renewal and insurance coverage services.\nThe opening of the new Honda 3S centre in Banting is a timely one to support the increase in after-sales services, as \ntotal service intake in the Central Region exceeded more than 148,100 units\n \u2013 a 10% increase from the same period last year.\nAs for sales figures, Honda Malaysia has reported an encouraging sales performance with more than \n21,000 units sold in the first quarter of 2018\n \u2013 maintaining its No.1 car brand position in the Non-National segment.\nThe Central region contributed the highest sales with more than 11,000 units sold, or 48% of the total sales of Honda Malaysia from January to March 2018. Selangor contributed the highest sales portion with more than 6,900 units sold, translating to 29% of the total sales. The record showed that the \nHonda\n\u00a0\nCity was the most popular model\n in the state during this period.\nOther steps taken to improve customer service includes the introduction of express dealerships that offers \nquick services within 90 minutes\n. There are also plans for online platforms to allow customers to make service bookings on-the-go, keep track of their service progress and history.\nTo make an appointment, customers can \ncontact Banting Star Sdn Bhd at 03-3191 6100\n (Sales and Service) or visit them at Lot 1608, Jalan Klang Banting, Telok Panglima Garang, 42500, Selangor."
"Bosch Malaysia\n has contributed \nRM50,000\n worth of facility upgrades to Yayasan Sunbeams Home (YSH), a non-profit children\u2019s home. This contribution was done as part of the company\u2019s corporate social responsibility (CSR).\nThe project covers the library makeover with interior design, new furniture, and a library system to manage over 2,000 book titles. Other parts of the learning centre were also refurbished, with its flooring replaced, and its bathrooms and ceilings repaired.\nBosch Malaysia managing director, Klaus Landhaeusser said, \u201cWe aim to be a socially conscious, value-based corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of people from all backgrounds. Education can change lives, and is an important CSR pillar at Bosch. This made YSH our ideal CSR partner.\u201d\nFounded in 1995, YSH is a non-profit and self-sufficient foundation providing shelter, medical care, and education to children who suffered abuse, neglect, or loss of a parent. Bosch Malaysia, driven by its \u201cInvented for life\u201d ethos, shares YSH\u2019s vision to improve people\u2019s quality of life and supports the mission to provide a conducive home for children in need.\nYSH is also home to 104 children, aged 2 to 18 years old at both its homes in Kuala Lumpur and Alor Gajah, Melaka. It calls for fundraising efforts through its ongoing RM1A Day Campaign to support the day-to-day operations of the organisation.\nRELATED: \nTo save you time, Mercedes-Benz and Bosch debut world\u2019s first L4 driverless valet parking\nYSH pastor and founder, Alvin Tan Ooi Seng said, \u201cWorking with Bosch was a fantastic experience and exposure for us. Beyond the renovation works, we learned about Bosch products, values, culture, and policies. We are impressed with their code of conduct and high professionalism. These are the kinds of adults which I hope our children will grow into when they leave YSH.\u201d\n\u201cThe library is just the first milestone of our relationship. In the future, Bosch wishes to go beyond the present initiative, increasing our efforts to explore different ways to support the kids such as providing the children life skills workshops and other engaging activities with direct involvement of Bosch associates,\u201d added Landhaeusser.\nRELATED: \nBosch shares key tips to better prepare for flash floods/being stranded"
"As reported by a scoop in Japan \nlast week\n, the order books for the new Subaru Forester have open in Japan before officially going on sale in August. \u00a0\nWhile the earlier scoop hinted at \u2018\nBig Minor Change\n\u2019 in Japanese lingo which usually involve changes of the front body panels and interior, the Subaru Forester for 2021 is merely a simple facelift.\nThe full-LED headlamps have been restyled to be slimmer and more angular while the front bumper sees a reduction in unpainted plastic moulding for a more upmarket look. A new grille pattern surrounded by gloss black completes the new front look.\nFacelift\nCurrent\nThree new colours consisting of Cascade Green, Autumn Green and Brilliant Bronze will join the palette.\nOne major update in the driver assistance system is the new generation \n\u201cEyeSight\u201d\n system. According to translated text, Subaru says this new stereo camera\u2019s capability in collision avoidance has been expanded allowing for monitoring even at intersections.\nFor the interior, the page for order taking only mention new colours and materials for the seats.\nSimilar to the current line-up, four variants of the facelift Forester are available including one \nturbocharged range-topping\n variant called Sport. The \ne-Boxer\n naturally-aspirated mill makes\u00a0\n145 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n188 Nm\n, with a \n13 hp / 65 Nm\n assistance from an electric motor placed within the Lineartronic CVT transmission.\nThe new Subaru Forester facelift\u2019s unveiling is only for order booking purposes in Japan and the company intends to fully unveil and launch the vehicle in August.\n \nBeyond the subjective looks, whether it\u2019s the drive, comfort, cabin quality or insulation or even off-road capabilities, the Forester is no doubt on par and in very specific aspects, more superior as well! Watch our video \nreview\n above to understand why the Subaru Forester punches its weight a lot better than the rest.\n \nIn Malaysia, the fully-imported \nSubaru Forester GT Lite Edition\n is priced at RM163,788 on the road and the model continues to be one of the most underrated SUVs out there.\nGALLERY"
"Hold your horses, 600 hp from a 2.0-litre four-pot isn\u2019t coming to a BMW showroom near you yet, but for the boys running the BMW M4 at this season\u2019s German DTM races, it is a tasty prospect to go racing with.\nBMW M4 DTM: Lower weight for 2019, but with more power.\nSome will no doubt miss the 4.0-litre V8s, but DTM\u2019s new Class 1 regulations will see the weight of the car reduced along with modified aerodynamics and the move towards turbocharging, so a new four-cylinder engine had to be developed from ground up.\nOver 600 hp, and weighs 85 kg only.\nOne of the targets of the P48 was to achieve good efficiency as the regulations limit fuel flow, but also to be durable with a service life of 6,000 km as only \u2018one and a half\u2019 engines may be used over the course of the season. The 2019 rules also introduce a Push-to-Pass system whereby an increase fuel flow of 5kg/h can be summoned by the driver for a duration of five seconds, equivalent to a momentary power increase of 30 hp, handy for passing.\nThe 1,999cc BMW P48 R4 turbo engine features direct fuel injection and is rev-limited to 9,500 rpm, yet it tips the scales at only 85kg. Engine block and head are made of cast aluminium while the crankshaft and camshaft are steel items; the construction isn\u2019t too dissimilar from a production 2.0-litre Twin Power Turbo four-pot found under the bonnet of a mainstream BMW model, only that the P48 has more than double the horses."
"The all-new Ford EcoSport marks the first time we\u2019ve seen this plucky little go-anywhere compact crossover SUV on our shores. First \ni\nntroduced here\n\u00a0in August last year, the EcoSport was offered\u00a0in two trim levels, namely the Trend and Titanium. We sampled\u00a0the top trim Titanium model which retails for RM100,800 with GST, but excludes insurance.\nOn first impressions, the EcoSport, adorned in a bright lick of paint called\u00a0\nMars Red\n\u00a0does look very similar to the one splashed on the \nRanger Wildtrak\n. Some hails it as a bold and fearless form of self expression, which is quite the impression this crossover gives you, really.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord EcoSport 1.5L Trend\nFord EcoSport 1.5L Titanium\nEngine\n1,498cc; inline-4 cylinder with Ti-VCT\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch Powershift auto\nMax Power\n108 hp @ 6,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n142 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance, with GST)\nRM90,100\u00a0\nRM100,800\nEXTERIOR\nIt has become the norm for car manufacturers to base or borrow styling cues from its bigger and more popular models. The Mercedes-Benz\u00a0S-Class for example, provided some sort of a template for the W205 C-Class in terms of overall looks. In this case, the styling cue was lent from a bigger relative, the \nnew Mondeo\n. The recently penned Mondeo is indeed a handsome\n D-Segment\n barnstormer that has set the precedence for how the EcoSport and perhaps future Ford models may look like.\n \n \nThe EcoSport\u2019s headlights come with a ridiculously dim LED\u00a0\nDaytime Running Lights, \nand its signal indicators are neatly arranged in a sleek thin housing. The \nchrome tipped fog lamps\n are up to the job of illuminating the way forward in \nlow incandescent evening lighting\n. The same can be said of the headlights too with optimum road coverage and are at the proper height.\nAround the side, the EcoSport sits on \n205/60 R16 Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max\n tyres with \n16-inch\n multi spoke alloy wheels. The tyres fitted with the car were of the \neco\n variety, which essentially means that the tyres generate\n less resistance\n against the road and helps improve\u00a0\nfuel economy\n. The chunky \nwing mirrors\n with an integrated\u00a0signal indicator makes for easy spotting on the roads.   The rear end has been designed with practicality and convenience close at mind, with the rather stocky tailgate swinging out to the left and can be easily opened by a handy \npush button\n. The reason for having the spare tyre mounted in a shell on the outside is to increase\u00a0vital \nboot space\n for further practicality. The facelift model loses out on this feature, so to each their own.\nINTERIOR\nHere, the word ergonomics springs immediately to mind. The cabin is a modern and comfortable place to be in, with lashings of\n leather\n enveloping the \nseats, steering wheel\n and various \ntrim pieces\n. The \ncontrast stitching\n\u00a0on the other hand, does give the upholstery a slightly sporty edge. The dash is covered in \nSquareflec\n plastic first seen in the \nFiesta\n and is meant to mimic the \ncellular structure\n of plants that gives out an \neco-friendly vibe\n.   Like the Fiesta, the EcoSport comes with a centre dash with more buttons than the Lunar Module. However, getting used to it took us no more than a few hours, after which it became rather intuitive. It supports \nBluetooth\n connectivity, \nAUX and USB ports\n, and an \nMP3 CD player\n. Besides that, it also has a pretty trick voice recognition system called the \nSYNC\n which allows you to \nmake, dial\n and \nend calls\n, \ncontrol your music\n and can even \nread your text messages out loud\n. All the said functionalities can be controlled via the buttons on the \nmulti-function steering wheel.\nSeating five\n isn\u2019t a problem at all and long distance travel is a doddle with \ncomfy seats\n and \ngood lumbar support. \nBut\u00a0more importantly, the EcoSport has\n\u00a0good seating position\n. Wide side windows and a\n sunroof with a retractable shade\n provides good light and an airy, spacious vibe to the interior. The EcoSport comes with cup holders and\u00a0storage space all over, especially the centre console. Speaking of which, the \nglove box\n\u00a0can be\u00a0used as a \nchilled box\n to keep your soda cans cool.\nWith everyone seated well, the only thing that\u2019s left is entertainment. This is where the EcoSport\u2019s party piece is \u2013 the absolutely banging stereo. This \nsix-speaker\n configuration is also found in the \nFiesta\n, delivers\u00a0\ncrisp-clear sounds\n and a \nthumping bass\n to go with it. The stereo can be worked via the \nAUX port\n, \nUSB slot \nor \nBluetooth\n. It even supports Spotify! The \nAM/FM radio\n comes with Radio Detection System\u00a0that\u2019s displayed on a dot matrix screen. Simple yet effective.\nPERFORMANCE\nTasked with powering this nimble suburban runabout is a\n 1.5-litre Ti-VCT\n (twin independent variable cam shaft timing) \nmulti point injection inline four cylinder\n engine that produces \n108 hp at 6,300 rpm\n and \n142 Nm\n of force driving the front wheels. Yup, it\u2019s not a four-wheel drive.\nThis 1.5-litre mill is a little coarse upon cold starts, but that\u2019s just the engine trying to quickly get the temperature up to its operational state.\u00a0Once sufficiently warmed up, the engine is surprisingly smooth, especially so with high-rev down shifts. The engine remains smooth, in control and undramatic.\nDriving it is up to the job of a\u00a0\nsix-speed (dry type) dual clutch PowerShift\n unit. However, this gearbox is rather juddery when crawling in and out of city congestions \u2013 a typical dual clutch characteristic. It\u2019s a little bit less refined compared to other dual clutch boxes, and does require a bit of getting used to, especially the delay on power delivery. That said, we find that the EcoSport could use a little bit more power, but the lack of it isn\u2019t overwhelming by any standards, so it remains quite a livable\u00a0unit.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe EcoSport was drafted for a short drive to the Sepang Gold Coast beach. Instead of taking the short route, we took the longer, more scenic route which gave us a feel of the many different aspects of how the car drove and handled. Along the trunk and coastal roads of Kuala Selangor, it kept up well with traffic and was able to execute overtaking manoeuvres without much of a fuss.\nThe brakes bit well and brought us to a halt rather convincingly, thanks in part to the \nEBD and EBA\n (Emergency Brake Assist) systems. Being a Ford, it naturally excelled in the handling department and surprised us by not giving much body roll, considering the vehicle\u2019s height. The \nspeed variable\u00a0Electronic Power Assisted Steering\n makes parking rather effortless, yet provides a satisfying weight as the speedo-needle climbs northward. Ford claims that this EPAS system saves up to three percent of fuel, but there\u2019s simply no way for us to put that to the test.\nThe suspension also packed a bag of surprises here, keeping ride quality very much in check. On\u00a0\nB-roads\n, the suspension confidently absorbs road undulations and bumps, whereas on smoother roads, it kept its composure by not being excessively rigid. It\u2019s not quite a soft-sprung crossover, but for what it\u2019s worth, it can provide unsuspecting levels of comfort, given its dynamics.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nThe Ford EcoSport was targeted towards outgoing suburban drivers, those of the more adventurous kind yet run daily errands like doing the school run and grocery shopping. Its\u00a0easy, stylish and ergonomic layout makes it the ideal crossover for the job. For practicality\u2019s sake, you get up to \n705 litres of luggage capacity w\nith\u00a0the rear seats folded down!\nThat\u2019s not all, because in our opinion,\u00a0the EcoSport is a great little city car that\u2019s up to any job thrown at it. It\u2019s also fitted with seven airbags (two in the Trend trim),\u00a0\nIsofix\n\u00a0fixtures and the Park Pilot system which helps out in reverse parking.\nCOMPARISONS\nWith an on-the-road price of RM100,800, it squares directly against the formidable likes of the Honda HR-V and the pricier Peugeot 2008. The popular Honda is priced from RM96k (without insurance), and the French crossover at RM119,888.\nFord EcoSport\nHonda HR-V\nPeugeot 2008\nENGINE\nType\nInline 4-cylinder\nInline 4-cylinder\nInline 4-cylinder\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,498\n1,799\n1,598\nMax Power\nhp\n109\n140\n120\nMax Torque\nNm\n142\n172\n160\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch auto\nCVT\n4-speed auto\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront/Rear\nMacPherson strut/Torsion Beam\nMacPherson strut/Torsion Beam\nMacPherson strut/Torsion Beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nDrum\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n205/60 R16\n215/60 R16\n195/60 R16\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,273\n4,294\n4,159\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,765\n1,772\n1,739\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,675\n1,605\n1,556\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,519\n2,610\n2,538\nKerb Weight\nkg\n1,289\n1,249\nN/A\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n362\n437\n360\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n52 litres\n50 litres\n50 litres\nConsumption (Combined)\n\u00a0L/100km\n6.5\n6.6\n6.5\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n190\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\nN/A\nN/A\n11.2\nPRICE\n \nRM (from)\n92,888\n95,729.71\n119,888\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThe EcoSport does a fine job when it comes to running around, doing the groceries and picking the kids up from school. My dearest mother would attest to that. It\u2019s got an excellent, thumping sound system that any audiophile can appreciate. It\u2019s also good on fuel and looks decently sharp. However, throughout my time with the EcoSport, the thought that\u2019s always creeping back up was, I wished it had more power. If only it came with the highly acclaimed\u00a0\n1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost\n engine.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today launched a new Extended Warranty Programme for selected older models, which are the \nAD\n and \nMD Elantra\n, \nLF Sonata\n, \nTL\n and \nLM Tucson\n, \nDM Santa Fe\n, and \nTQ Starex\n.\nTo be eligible for the programme, the cars must have an expired manufacturer\u2019s warranty, not older than eight years from the manufacturing date, mileage of under 300,000 km on the fifth year from the car\u2019s purchase date, and a good service record with Hyundai authorised service centres.\nDesigned to offer Hyundai customers extra peace of mind while they keep their vehicles beyond five years, HSDM says that the programme will function just like a new car\u2019s warranty, but will be subjected to yearly renewal, and will only cover mileage of no more than 30,000 km per year.\nThe new Extended Warranty Programme will cost \nRM1,280 per year\n, and will cover internal and primary components of the engine, transmission system, motoring, modular parts of the vehicle, as well as other electrical components.\nIt also includes complimentary repairs and part replacements. The limit per claim is set at RM10,000, although items that have been claimed beforehand can be claimed again (up to RM50,000 total aggregate), should they be proven faulty.\n\u201cMost extended warranty programmes by a car brand are offered by premium and luxury car brands, but we are offering this programme for Hyundai cars as we are confident of the quality of our vehicles, and we want to help our customers maintain their cars longer with peace of mind,\u201d said HSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung.\nThe programme is currently only available at all Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) outlets, but will soon be extended to other Hyundai authorised service centres nationwide. Customers can contact HSDM at \n1300-13-2000\n or log on to \nwww.hyundai.com.my \nfor more info."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is on track for another record-breaking year as the three-pointed star recorded 10,143 deliveries since the start of 2018. This marks a 16 per cent increase compared to the same period last year resulting in a market share of 2.5 per cent.\nPresident and CEO of MBM, Dr Claus Weidner said: \u201cIn the third quarter of 2018, we enjoyed bringing a host of updates to excite our fans and customers in the premium market segment. These continue to make up a tailored luxury lifestyle brand experience that is unique to Mercedes- Benz. Keeping our fans and customers in mind at all times, we are happy to continue raising the benchmark of our customer journey through MBM\u2019s extensive network, electrifying product portfolio and unrivalled customer service.\u201d\nThe breakdown of the 10,143 deliveries are as below:\nLocally Assembled Limousines C, E, S-Class\n: 6,344 units, +21.1%\nPremium Compact Cars A, B, GLA, CLA-Class:\n 1,268 units, +4%\nPremium SUV range:\n 1,960 units, +3.4%\nDream Cars:\n 570 units, +40%\nMBM\u2019s sister company, \nMercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM)\n also recorded a strong portfolio growth with over RM932 million new contracts secured in the first nine months of 2018. Currently, MBSM boasts a finance portfolio size of over RM2.5 billion with 4 out of 10 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles financed and insured by the company.\nThe company is not looking to sit back and relax for the remainder of the year with six new products scheduled for launch in Q4 of 2018 starting with the long-awaited \nW177 A-Class hatchback\n that is set for debut on the 18th of October 2018. Other models teased include one limousine, three SUVs and one Dream Cars."
"Buyers of the new Kia Rio (K2), Kia Cerato (K3) and Kia Optima (K5) can now be entitled to savings of up to RM15,888 in a limited time promotional campaign (from 1 to 31 March) by Naza Kia Malaysia.\nThe campaign, dubbed K Surprise Series, will reward new customers with a \n3-year or 60,000km \nfree service and maintenance coverage, \ninclusive of parts and labour\n. The only requirement is for owners to follow the recommended service interval.\nThat\u2019s not all. Those interested can also walk in to any of their nearest authorised Kia dealerships to test drive any Kia models. Upon doing so, you will automatically be in the running to win tickets to the Euro 2016 through the \u2018Kia Lucky Drive to France\u2019 contest. A lucky draw coupon will be issued after the test drive and the winners will be announced in May 2016."
"Toyota Motor Corp has shown interest to buy the entire stake of Daihatsu (worth USD3.2 billion) and at the same time denied allegations of a potential tie-up with Suzuki. If any of these were proved to be true, the move will certainly spring about considerable impact on our national cars.\nAs we all know, Japanese automotive conglomerate,\u00a0Toyota, owns a few Japanese brands such as Lexus, Hino, and Daihatsu (albeit with a stake of 51.19 percent). Daihatsu has a long established working relationship with Perodua, and as we have seen lately, the small car expert\u2019s main rival is Suzuki, \nwho has just inked the agreement to collaborate with Proton\n.\nToyota foresees that its acquisition of Daihatsu will allow them to\u00a0leverage on the lower-cost brand with better efficiency. At the same time, Toyota could use the \u201cDacia\u201d model by Renault by introducing the Daihatsu brand as a low-cost, affordable vehicle to developing nations.\u00a0Its Japanese counterpart, Nissan, has already followed the similar playbook via the revival of the Datsun brand.\nMore so, Daihatsu is currently the group\u2019s underperformer, as sales in 2015 fell by 13.3 percent. Hence, some cash injection from Toyota will be a good boost for both companies. Daihatsu holds a steady position in South East Asia, thanks in part to Perodua who has contributed plenty to Daihatsu\u2019s fortunes.\nHowever,\u00a0Suzuki\u2019s strong brand presence in India (via Maruti Motors) has stirred Toyota\u2019s interest and will allow Toyota to penetrate the world\u2019s second most populated country in the world.\nSuzuki, being a small manufacturer, will be delighted if they are given access to Toyota\u2019s\u00a0HEV/FCV and other next-generation powertrain in order to develop future Suzuki models. That said, Suzuki remains cautious with tie-ups after its ties with Volkswagen was severed.\nShares from all three companies rose today, with Daihatsu being the biggest gainer at 16 percent, followed by Suzuki at 11 percent. As announced recently, Toyota also retained its title as the world\u2019s top-selling car manufacturer for the fourth year with 10.15 million cars sold in 2015.\nSo here\u2019s the interesting bit. Based on the two possible scenarios, if Toyota confirms its takeover of Daihatsu, Perodua could clearly benefit from this. This may allow Malaysia\u2019s second car manufacturer to gain access to all Toyota\u2019s parts and technology, unless told otherwise. For example, Perodua may just be able to produce a hybrid vehicle based on Toyota\u2019s famed Hybrid Synergy\u00a0Drive. A Perodua Myvi hybrid on the cards, perhaps?\nHowever, things will be way off the wall should Toyota choose to go with Suzuki. Toyota could potentially gain indirect ownership of both Proton and Perodua, and Toyota will do henceforth is anyone\u2019s guess. With \nProton announcing their brand new engine lineup\n, just how well will the powertrain work in tandem with Toyota\u2019s technologies? Are we looking at a possible unification, just like \nBritish-Leyland\n?"
"Ferrari, aside from their flamboyant styling on their cars and its\n \nmotorsports-backed heritage, is also known for their brawny V8 and V12 engines. So when they recently unveiled the \n296 GTB\n with a downsized twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, the more vocal fans obviously immediately pulled out their pitchforks and demanded an explanation.\n\u201cThink about what it would do to the sound!\u201d they said. Well, Ferrari did \u2013 the press release of the car included three whole paragraphs dedicated just to the exhaust and sound that the new V6 engine makes, and they\u2019ve also included a couple of videos just to prove that the new V6s do sound good.\n \nFerrari says that the new F163 V6 engine has been designed specifically to \u201charmoniously\u201d combine the sound of turbos with the \u201chigh-frequency notes of a naturally-aspirated V12\u201d. Yes, you read that right \u2013 V12, NA. Apparently, the engine sounds so V12-like that it\u2019s even earned the nickname \u201c\npiccolo\n V12\u2033 (little V12) during the development phase!\nDid you forget how a Ferrari V12 sounds like? Check out our review of the 812 Superfast, coming to you all the way from Maranello!\nAccording to the Italian supercar maker, the sound signature comes from the 120-degree V architecture, which gives the engine a symmetrical firing order. Meanwhile, the equal-length tuned exhaust manifolds work to amplify the pressure waves, giving it a \u201cinstantly recognisable\u201d loud, shrill sound as the engine hits the 8,500 rpm rev limiter.\nBut no matter what you think about the noise, there\u2019s no debating about its performance. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine on the 296 GTB already makes 663 hp by itself, which is apparently (per Ferrari) the \u201chighest specific output\u201d of any production engine on sale today \u2013 but that\u2019s not all.\nThe hybrid-powered Ferrari SF90 Spider was just recently launched here in Malaysia. Learn more about it here!\nThanks to an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the new Ferrari berlinetta\u2019s total system output jumps up to a whopping \n830 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s enough to get the Ferrari 296 GTB off the line to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and up to 200 km/h in just 7.3 seconds, onward to a top speed in excess of 330 km/h.\nSo yes, while it may not have the thumping V8 or howling V12s of old, rest assured that Ferrari have done all their can to make sure their new car still sounds good. And even if you don\u2019t think it does, at least its performance more than makes up for it, right?"
"Following the launch of the 2023 Touareg facelift, Volkswagen has now introduced the new\n performance-oriented Touareg R\n variant, featuring an updated exterior design, new equipment, and a new name \u2013 the Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid.\nExterior design changes on the new Volkswagen Touareg R pretty much mirrors its regular counterpart, with the most noticeable update being its front fascia, sporting redesigned headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), as well as new bumpers.\nAt the back, the tail lights have also been redesigned, looking quite a bit sportier than before. It\u2019s now characterised by a LED light bar that extends horizontally across the rear of the car, only broken up by the new illuminated VW logo, giving the Touareg R the \u201cbig car look\u201d that matches its identity.\nThe wheels retain a rather similar design to the pre-facelift model, but it is now larger by one inch, at 21 inches this time around. Behind them, the brake calipers now get a fresh coat of blue paint, branded with the \u2018R\u2019 logo.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen Golf to axe manual gearbox due to emissions rules\nPowering the facelifted Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid is the same plug-in hybrid (PHEV) unit as its pre-facelift predecessor. The system consists of a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine and an electric drive motor, and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nWith power sent to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s all-wheel drive (AWD) system, system output is unchanged at \n462 hp\n (metric) and \n700 Nm\n. This allows the performance SUV to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in just \n5.1 seconds\n, and achieve a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nAs before, the Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid rides on air suspensions all around, which the company says has been further developed to \u201censure greater stability and precision\u201d in all driving conditions.\nVolkswagen has also added something called a roof load sensor, which basically detects if there\u2019s any additional weight on the roof (it\u2019s an SUV after all), and will adjust the suspension and stability control settings to help improve driving safety.\nChanges to the interior of the new 2023 Volkswagen Touareg R, meanwhile, are comparatively much more subtle. Still sporting Volkswagen\u2019s Innovision Cockpit design, the Volkswagen Touareg R is equipped with a 15-inch central touchscreen, matched to the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Like before, there is the Vienna leather upholstery with Crystal Grey stitching, as well as blue accents around the interior.\nFeatures that come as standard with the Volkswagen performance SUV include sill panel mouldings with an illuminated R logo, and a key fob with the R logo and a leather-covered cap. A panoramic sliding sunroof and a 4-zone air conditioning system are both included as well.\nVolkswagen R Head of Marketing and Sales, Peter Jost said, \u201cThe Touareg R eHybrid is our absolute top model. No other model offers as much performance, travel comfort, driving dynamics and customised equipment as this model. In addition, it impresses with its off-road capabilities and, with a trailer weight of 3.5 tonnes, it is the perfect towing vehicle for demanding tasks.\u201d\nAlready open for order, the Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid is retailed in Germany at a starting price of \nEUR93,870\n (approx. \nRM476,020\n).\nRELATED: \nNext-gen 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan teased in camouflage \u2013 PHEV to get over 100 km of electric range\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s not often that anyone gets to ride in a supercar, even more so in a roofless one so you can imagine the joy when the invite came to go for a taxi ride in the \nMcLaren Elva\n; at the Sepang Circuit no less!\nThe windscreen you see on the car in the video is actually \nan optional item\n, along with the wipers and windscreen washers. Look closer and you\u2019ll notice that the windscreen frame is made of carbon fibre!\n \nThat\u2019s not all, in fact, the whole car is made of carbon fibre; from the body to the chassis of the Elva. As a result, the \nMcLaren Elva\n only weighs just over 1.2 tonnes, and just a little heavier than a Perodua Myvi.\nNow imagine being that light, but with \n815 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n from 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and all that muscle is channeled solely to the rear wheels! 0 to 100 km/h is over in just 2.8 seconds!\nIt\u2019s a real shame we didn\u2019t get to drive it; not only because the track was really wet but also because this thing costs about RM8 million before tax! Nevertheless, here\u2019s a little hint of what being in the McLaren Elva is like!"
"Since the introduction of the \nFerrari XX programme\n in 2005, the company has been actively pushing the boundaries of their vehicle\u2019s on-track performance by applying their experience from Formula One, GT3, GTE and Ferrari Challenge. Introducing Ferrari\u2019s latest work, the FXX-K Evo.\nUnveiled at the Finali Mondiali \u2013 last stop in the \nFerrari Challenge\n calendar, the FXX-K Evo is available both as an extremely limited-run model as well as an upgrade package for existing \nFXX-K\n owners. Like all cars under the XX programme, the FXX-K Evo is strictly for track-use only.\nTaking the \nstandard\n (although nothing about it is standard) FXX-K as base, Ferrari has brought down the FXX-K Evo\u2019s overall weight thanks to innovative carbon-fibre crafting processes despite adding a larger \ntwin-profile fixed rear wing\n. The front and rear bumpers were also modified for new aerodynamic profile.\nAs a result, the FXX-K Evo now boasts 23 percent better downforce coefficient or 75 percent increase compared to the road-going LaFerrari. At \n200 km/h\n, the car now generates \n640 kg\n of downforce compared to 540 kg on the standard car. Flat out, the massive aero generates over\n 830 kg of downforce\n. Due to the boosted performance, Ferrari had to adopt new front brake air intakes and recalibrate the suspension to adapt to the car\u2019s new aerodynamic efficiency figures.   Despite the massive gains in aero, Ferrari maintained the 6.2-litre V12 hybrid powerplant with \n1,035 hp\n and over \n900 Nm\n of torque. Drive is deployed at the rear wheels via a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. The revisions done to the car collectively contributes to improved lateral acceleration in cornering, stability and, ultimately, exhilarating driving pleasure.\nThe cabin also benefits from a revised steering wheel for better ergonomics, larger 6.5-inch rear video camera and new telemetry display system with clearer graphics.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perhaps it\u2019s Nissan\u2019s way of making electric cars look cool, or perhaps it could be a weight-shedding measure to make the LEAF even more energy efficient. Either ways, there are currently no production plans for it just yet.\nThis quirkiness follows after Honda\u2019s recent stunt of unveiling\n a pick-up truck Honda Civic Type R\n. The \nfully electric Nissan LEAF\n\u00a0due for Malaysia this year and the idea of an open-top EV was displayed to\n celebrate the milestone of 100,000 sales of the Nissan LEAF in Japan\n since it was first introduced in 2010.\n\u201c100,000 Nissan LEAFs is just the beginning,\u201d said Nissan executive vice president Daniele Schillaci. \u201cNissan LEAF drivers are incredibly loyal, and many will make their next vehicle purchase an EV also.\u201d\nNissan\u2019s Senior Managing Officer Asako Hoshino added, \u201cAs electric vehicles continue to increase in popularity all over the world, we have the opportunity to create the ideal future of a \u2018zero-emission society.\u2019 As an EV pioneer, Nissan is committed to our electrification strategy, which reduces emissions.\u201d\nThe new generation of the Nissan LEAF debuted at the end of last year with\n Nismo editions following suit\n, featuring Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies such as e-Pedal, the \nProPILOT driver assistance system\n and ProPILOT Park.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Cause it would be embarrassing to power out of a junction and end up wrapping the Shelby GT500 around a lamp post \u2013 we\u2019ve seen one too many videos of those.\nCertainly, Ford wouldn\u2019t want to see their unicorns destroyed either so they\u2019ve teamed up with Ford Performance Racing School to offer complimentary driver training lessons through a programme called GT500 Track Attack.\nThe training which will take place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, USA, teaches owners how to tackle corners, brake and launch the GT500 properly.\n\u201cWith its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes Mustang to a performance level once reserved only for exotics. The GT500 Track Attack is absolutely essential in helping owners understand how to get the most out of their cars,\u201d Ford said.\nFord will cover costs of the driving school entirely, while owners will be responsible for their travel and lodging.\nThe GT500, as Ford claimed, has been fitted with the \nworld\u2019s most powerful V8 engine\n; making it the \nmost powerful street legal Mustang ever\n. Under the hood is a handbuilt 5.2-litre supercharged V8 making\n 760 hp \nand \n847 Nm\n of torque.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Tacky. Whether it\u2019s apparels or other merchandises, Supreme has been known for their somewhat outlandish designs but how did Lamborghini agree to have their badge so largely displayed across the entire back of a varsity jacket for example, is beyond us.\nAnd would you just look at the black button-up shirt with bulls in the centre and both sleeves. Did Lamborghini actually looked at the proposed designs, take at step back and decided, \u201cLet\u2019s do this!\u201d?\nWe certainly hope not.\nThis is a supercar maker that upholds a high level of style and is the very epitome of cool \u2013 just \nlook at the masks they made for the Covid-19 frontliners \nin Italy \u2013 but that button-up shirt just doesn\u2019t reflect that. Granted it\u2019s a subjective matter \u2013 the likely opinion of those under 25 years old with questionable dress codes \u2013 but we\u2019d bet the brand\u2019s esteemed customers wouldn\u2019t be jumping on it out of sheer desire like the world has, with toilet rolls.\nAnd lime green overalls? With a massive Lamborghini badge on the back? I didn\u2019t know Lamborghini owners needed overalls to check their tyre pressure.\nSupreme was probably just being themselves, simply slapping their name on a plain jane item followed by a ridiculous price tag and let the new generation fight over its exclusivity but we expected more from Lamborghini.\n\u201cLamborghini recognises a spirit and dynamism in Supreme that resonates with its own brand. This collection combines the essence of Lamborghini super sports design and performance with iconic street wear,\u201d said Automobili Lamborghini, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Katia Bassi.\nNope, we respectfully disagree, Ms. Bassi.\nGALLERY"
"Ever wonder just how much money carmakers make in profit for each car they sell? Well, apparently Porsche bagged\u00a0about USD 17,250 (approximately\u00a0RM76k) for every single car they sell.\nIn 2016, Porsche delivered\u00a0238,000 units, posting a healthy operating profit of \n3.9 billion euros\n (approximately\u00a0\nRM19 billion\n). If the math is done correctly, the profit margin of each\u00a0\nCayenne\n\u00a0is equivalent to a brand new \nToyota Vios\n J spec manual (RM76.5k)!\nThe Porsche Cayenne was instrumental in the revival of the famed Stuttgart brand, saving it from the brink of a massive financial disaster. This time around, the \nPorsche Macan\n\u00a0became the company\u2019s cash cow, contributing to roughly 40 percent of the brand\u2019s global sales.\nFerrari on the other hand, learned the trick of the trade pretty decently too. Last year, each Prancing Horse sold raked them\u00a0\nUSD 90,000\n (approximately\u00a0\nRM398k\n) in profits, and they do so by restricting annual production capacity to just 8,000 cars.\u00a0Also, 30 percent of the profits came from their non-car division, particularly the theme park, merchandises and Formula One engines.\u00a0\nWhat about Mercedes-Benz and BMW? Well, it\u2019s believed that they earn a modest\u00a0\nUSD 5,000\n (approximately\u00a0\nRM22k\n) per car sold, but they both sell millions upon millions of cars per year.\nSource: \nAuto News"
"Lewis Hamilton sealed the 2020 World\u2019s Drivers\u2019 Championship yesterday at the Turkish GP, his seventh WDC title equalling Michael Schumacher\u2019s record, with a world-class performance truly deserving of the title he had just won.\nWhile Hamilton did not get the best qualifying result in a rain-soaked session on Saturday, starting the wet Turkish GP from 6th on the grid, the Brit managed to fire his way up the pecking order with flawless driving and pure pace, finishing the race with a lead of over half a minute \u2013 a dominating performance that truly exemplified his abilities.\nLewis Hamilton\u2019s performance was further amplified when he lapped Mercedes-AMG F1 teammate Valtteri Bottas \u2013 the only person able to challenge the title mathematically \u2013 12 laps from the chequered flag. Bottas had a day to forget after his tangle with Esteban Ocon at Turn 9 on lap 1 left his car damaged, making it \u201cundriveable\u201d for the rest of the race.\n\u201cFor all the kids out there who dream the impossible, you can do it, too, man. It\u2019s possible,\u201d an emotional Hamilton said over the radio after he crossed the line. He later told media that he burst into tears during the cool-down lap before heading to the podium. \u201cI really couldn\u2019t get out of the car, because I just couldn\u2019t believe it.\u201d\nAn emotional Lewis Hamilton after winning the Turkish Grand Prix, and his seventh World Drivers\u2019 Championship title.\nFew ever doubted Hamilton\u2019s chances of winning his record-equalling seventh WDC title this year, especially when the \nMercedes-AMG F1 W11\n is perhaps the most dominating car the team has ever made in the last seven years. However, the Brit was still left speechless after achieving the incredible feat.\n\u201cWe dreamed of this when we were young and when I was young, when we were watching the Grand Prix, and this is way, way beyond our dreams. I think it\u2019s so important for kids out there to hopefully see this and know don\u2019t listen to anyway who says you can\u2019t achieve something. Dream the impossible and speak it into insistence. You have to work for it, you have to chase it and never give up, and never doubt yourself.\u201d\nFour-times WDC and third-place winner Sebastian Vettel congratulating Lewis Hamilton after the race, where he called Hamilton \u201cgreatest driver of our era\u201d.\nThis year also saw Hamilton surpassing the record for the most Grand Prix wins, now increasing the lead to 94 victories, as well as the Mercedes-AMG F1 team winning their \nseventh consecutive constructors\u2019 championship\n.\nHamilton\u2019s future in the sport is still unclear, as the seven-time world champion has not signed a new contract with the Mercedes-AMG F1 team as of yet. The driver himself weighed in and said there\u2019s \u201cno guarantee\u201d that he\u2019ll stay in F1 for the next year. But it really doesn\u2019t matter if he\u2019s fighting for his eighth WDC or not \u2013 Lewis Hamilton should, and will be regarded as the best driver of our era, and even perhaps ever."
"BMW will continue developing new petrol and diesel engines even though the company is embarking on an aggressive push for fully electric vehicles (EV), where all model series to include a fully electric option.\nBMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse told the media that BMW had no plans to stop developing the internal combustion engines (\nICE\n), as it was confident customer demands will continue for many years to come, as noted by CNBC\u2019s automotive reporter \nPhil LeBeau\n.\nThe topic came into light, picked up by Australia\u2019s \nCaradvice\n, after an announcement by Audi CEO Markus Duesmann that the carmaker owned by Volkswagen Group would halt the development ICE due to strict Euro 7 emissions standards that present a significant technical challenge. The company will instead \nadapt existing\n ICEs to meet stringent emission guidelines.\nAudi\u2019s latest EV, the \ne-tron GT\nAudi, together with marques in the Volkswagen Group have a much larger portfolio of EVs already in the marketplace, whereas BMW only premiered their new \ni4\n electric sedan earlier this week.\nBMW has also announced that MINI is set to become an \nall-electric brand\n by the early 2030s. The transition will begin with the all-new Countryman slated for sales in 2023 and targets 50% of all new MINI sales to be EVs in 2027. MINI recently introduced their first EV with the \nCooper SE\n that is built on the current F55-generation hatchback, available in Malaysia priced from \nRM214,371\n.\nBMW Group\u2019s current EV line-up: New \niX\n,\n iX3\n, Concept i4, the \nRM256k\n \ni3S\n and the MINI Cooper SE\nICEs will remain popular and default choice for carmakers for continuous revenue and funds for investment into better EV technology. In a recent presentation by Kia Motors, EVs are estimated to only make up 34% of global new vehicle sales in 2030. Analysts forecast that China will be the leading market, with \nnearly half\n of new vehicles delivered are fully electric, with Europe just a few percentage points behind.\nIn the US, demand for ICE (with and without electrification) is still expected to be strong at close to 80% of the market."
"It seems that going all-electric is not the only way forward for Audi as they\u2019re preparing a world preview of their new hydrogen-fuelled version of the Q6 SUV in the upcoming Detroit Motor Show. With that, enter the new Q6 h-tron\u00a0SUV concept \u2013 this follows the\u00a0Audi A7 h-tron quattro\u00a0revealed not too long ago.\nBased on the e-tron quattro concept (pictured here) unveiled in Frankfurt Motor Show back in September, this concept SUV replaces the battery pack from the\u00a0e-tron Quattro concept with\u00a0hydrogen fuel cells, while most of the Q6 e-tron\u2019s aesthetics will be carried over into this concept.\nAudi claims the new Q6 will have an option of normal internal combustion engine,\u00a0pure electric and hydrogen-fuelled EV as means of propulsion.\u00a0Also to note, the Q6 will be Audi\u2019s newest SUV to join the trio of Q models, which means it will likely go against rivals such as the BMW X4.\nThis SUV also sets its sights on environmental friendly SUVs such as the Tesla Model X and will be tested alongside other fuel cell cars such as\u00a0\nHyundai\u2019s ix35 Fuel Cell\n, Honda FCV Clarity\u00a0and \nToyota Mirai\n. We won\u2019t need to wait long to find out more on the Q6 when the SUV makes its debut in Detroit a month from now."
"According to global news reports, MINI recently had to resort to some drastic measures amidst the Covid-19 pandemic \u2013 changing the unfortunate name of the wheels on the \nMINI Cooper SE\n.\nThey were called \u201cCorona Spoke\u201d wheels which have now been changed to \u201cPower Spoke\u201d wheels. Purely a coincidence really, as the MINI Cooper SE was introduced way before the Covid-19 madness kicked in. The matter was brought to the Internet\u2019s attention, when a reporter from \nInside EV\n was reviewing the all-electric hatchback and MINI has since addressed it as it was the \u201cright thing to do\u201d according to MINI.\nNow I can understand why MINI was compelled to do so; for reputation, branding, marketing sake and to avoid offending or undermining those who have been gravely affected by this plague but really, it was a victim of circumstance.\nThe MINI Cooper SE.\nIn hindsight though, if you think about it, don\u2019t you think it\u2019s sad that things have become this way? That we\u2019ve become so easily triggered and so sensitive as a global society, to a point that brands have to fear and tip toe even on the most trivial matters, like the name of wheels for example.\nUnsubstantiated as it may be, I\u2019m pretty sure you\u2019ve seen countless memes of Corona beer cartons which have been completely untouched while the rest of the alcohol section has been emptied. It\u2019s hard to imagine people being so shallow-minded and ill-informed in the year 2020 \u2013 where answers to your every query is just a few clicks away on your smartphone.\nIf we\u2019re a more open society, I reckon brands would not have to resort to such measures because it\u2019s not as simple as hiting the backspace button and curating a new name. They have to first come up with a new name, sort approvals, unnecessarily incur extra marketing and communications costs etc. just to convey the new message.\nIt\u2019s commendable of MINI to remedy something that could potentially backfire on them but really guys, always keep and open mind; always look at the bigger picture."
"Rapid KL has just issued an official apology regarding the recent incident where a Rapid KL bus went amok near MRR2 yesterday. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from all that mayhem.\nRapid KL CEO, Mohd Azam Omar said the company will assist all vehicles owners who were involved in the incident to submit their insurance claims. Affected owners can email their claims and relevant documents to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\nMohd Azam also stressed that the Rapid KL bus involved was in good operating condition before the incident occurred. According to a police report, the bus captain (bus driver) was involved in an earlier accident at Jalan Enggang AU2, Taman Keramat and fled the scene which played into the horrific chase scene recorded on a mobile phone.\nThe company deeply regrets the incident and are giving their full cooperation to the relevant authorities with the investigations. The bus captain is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital and Mohd Azam hopes that the public does not speculate the incident and wait for an official report from the police."
"In such desperate times, when most of us are locked down at home, overwhelmed with the paranoia of contracting Covid-19 from social interactions or merely being outside, Volvo USA has introduced a solution to provide another reason for its customers to stay home.\nWith the Volvo Valet, owners in the USA can now have their vehicles serviced without ever leaving their homes or offices. They can either utilise the service through an app compatible with iOS and Android or by making good ol\u2019 fashioned phone calls to schedule a service appointment.\nThereafter, an employee from the dealership will then pick up the car and\n drop off a loaner vehicle \nfor use while maintenance is being performed. Through the app, the owner can see where the car is and when it will arrive at the dealership, much like watching where your Grab ride is on the app.\nOnce the car has been dropped off at the dealership, the owner will receive a notification that their car has arrived. Once service is completed, the owner will be notified the moment their car is ready to be picked up. The dealership will then contact the owner to arrange a time to return their Volvo and pick up the loaner vehicle.\n\u201cVolvo Valet has been very successful in pilot testing over the last year and it is now ready to serve our customers and retailers in this unprecedented time,\u201d said Volvo Car USA, Senior Vice President Americas, President and CEO, Anders Gustafsson.\nThe Volvo Valet service also extends to older models and while it\u2019s currently applicable only to maintenance and service, it will be expanded to include lease and purchase deliveries, lease returns, and overnight test drives later in 2020.\nGALLERY"
"Proton has confirmed through its \nsocial media channels\n today that the X50, perhaps the most anticipated car of the year in Malaysia, has will hit the market on the \n27th of October\n, with a virtual launch confirmed at 10:50 am next Tuesday.\nWithin two weeks since the \nProton X50\n opened for booking on Malaysia Day, the national carmaker has already received over 20,000 bookings for the compact SUV. It\u2019s unclear what the numbers are at this moment, but the company says that booking numbers have \u201cexceeded expectations\u201d. Fair to say that \u201cpopular\u201d is an understatement!\nThe Proton X50 will be offered in four variants \u2013 Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. All variants feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, though in two different configurations. The first three variants in the list are equipped with a port-fuel injected version of the mill, producing \n150 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n of torque.\nThe Flagship variant meanwhile gets direct injection on the three-pot engine, which bumps the output figure to \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n. Both engine options will be paired to a \nseven-speed dual-clutch transmission\n \u2013 the same used on the locally-assembled \nProton X70\n, but with model-specific tuning.\nWe had the opportunity for a quick taster of the Proton X50 Flagship\u2019s performance at the Sepang International Circuit earlier this month, where it was even pitted against the BMW X1 sDrive18i for a \n\u201cdrag race\u201d\n. Be sure to check out the video \nhere\n!\nIn terms of kit, unsurprisingly the Flagship variant gets most of the goodies, including the \nlevel 2 autonomous driving\n advanced driver assistance features. But if you can live without that, the Executive variant gets 6 airbags, while the Premium adds on a 360-degree around view camera and tyre pressure monitoring system.\nEither way, the X50 has already received a five-star rating from ASEAN NCAP, and that includes the base X50 1.6T Standard, which comes with four airbags. For the full specifications breakdown, take a look at our previous write-up \nhere\n. But for now, any guesses on the prices? No rewards for the right guesses, but at least you\u2019ll have the bragging rights!"
"The fourth-generation Renault Clio, available here in the sole\u00a0\nGT\n\u00a0trim, has just undergone a facelift. This timely update brings about a new look (inline with \nRenault\u2019s new corporate identity\n), and along with it a new diesel engine.\nAs with all model facelifts, updates to the Clio include a redesigned set of LED headlights and tail lamps, reprofiled front and rear bumpers and a wider front grille that ups road presence. Inside, Renault claims they used higher quality materials such as chrome and soft-touch plastics.   Meanwhile, the centre console now available in three choices: Media Nav Evolution, R-Link Evolution, and R&GO. Even the entry level head unit comes with a feature that allows you to pair and mirror your smartphone via an app. Depending on the trim, a Bose audio system can also be had in this little French hatch.\u00a0Safety wise, the Clio gets all-round parking sensors and\u00a0autonomous parking, but the latter is offered only to pricier variants.\nWhile most of the Clio\u2019s existing engine will be carried over, Renault now introduces the \n108 hp 1.5-litre dCi diesel\n engine into the mix. The oil burner, which is shared with the Megane and Dacia models, is mated to a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n. Also offered is a 118 hp 1.2-litre TCe\u00a0petrol engine which is also paired to the aforementioned stick shift. In case you may be wondering, that\u2019s the same engine powering the \nCaptur and Clio GT models\n here in Malaysia.\nThe updated Clio will go on sale in Europe beginning October this year. Presently, Renault Malaysia is selling the fully imported\u00a0Clio GT (six-speed dual clutch automatic)\n\u00a0\nat \nRM118,000.00\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For those of you eagerly waiting for the arrival of the 10th generation Honda Civic, this piece of news has been a long time coming. Honda Malaysia is now taking orders for the soon-to-be-launched C-Segment sedan, with two variants on offer: a 1.8-litre and the all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged models.\nThe \nlocally assembled Civic\n\u00a0is also a winner of \n2016 Wards\u2019 best interior\n. Not only has the overall packaging improved, Honda has made the Civic wider and lower, \nincreasing rear legroom\n space by 27mm. Previously notorious for its refinement, this new Civic\u2019s cabin insulation is dealt with a new \nlightweight sound proofing system\n.   At launch, the\n 1.8-litre engine\n which produces \n141 hp\n and\n 174 Nm\n of torque will be paired to a \nContinuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT), as is the \n1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC powertrain\n that makes \n174 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque.\u00a0Drive is sent to the \nfront wheels\n only. The \nfull LED headlamps\n with\n LED daytime running lights\n you see in the picture above will also be offered, but this will most likely be reserved for the range topping turbocharged variant.\nNow, onto the features. The 1.8-litre variant will sit on 16-inch wheels, while the 1.5-litre turbo will get sportier 17-inchers. Depending on variants, the Civic will come with \nEngine Remote Start\n \u2013 a feature that allows you to start your vehicle from up to 40 metres away by just the push of a button on the key fob. You can also remotely switch on the air conditioning controls via this feature.\nThat\u2019s not all. Honda Malaysia went the extra mile by offering class-leading safety features such as\n six airbags\n, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Isofix child anchors and 8-way powered driver seats. \nAll these come as standard\n, so there\u2019s plenty to shout about. The Civic will also come with Electric Parking Brake, Brake Hold and a new \nWalk Away Auto Lock\n feature which locks all doors when the driver walks beyond 2.5 metres away with the smart key.\nThe Honda Civic will be launched between May and June this year, although no launch dates have been revealed as yet. Bookings of all variants can be made through any one of the 88 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Those who want to see the Civic in the flesh can swing by the \nMy Auto Fest 2016 \n(10am to 9pm)\u00a0event that will take place from 20 to 22 May 2016 at Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre.\nIMAGE GALLERY   O2 sensor, Honda Civic 1.8"
"Mitsubishi cars, for all we know is all about performance and its prowess in car handling is second to none. But as a car company that struggles to keep itself afloat, the tri-diamond marque has taken bold steps to tone their vehicle lineup in lieu with the current trend of engine downsizing and focuses on developing fuel efficient cars. And thus, the \nMitsubishi Attrage\n was born (from a reborn Mirage).\nWatch our video review on the Mitsubishi Attrage GS\nThe Attrage is built in Thailand and sold under the Eco-Car programme. Like any \u201ceco cars\u201d sold under the band name, these cars are built as light as possible with engine capacity not exceeding than 1,300cc. Carbon dioxide (CO\n2\n) emission is set at a strict 120g/km and fuel consumption of at least 5 litres/100km.\nWith the Mitsubishi Attrage GS at hand, we put the newly launched sedan to a less than rigorous test, in and out of the city.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n\u00a0Mitsubishi Attrage GS\nSegment\n\u00a0B-SEGMENT SEDAN\nEngine\n\u00a01.2L INLINE-3 DOHC MIVEC (79hp, 106Nm)\nPrice\n\u00a0\nRM 69,980 (OTR With Insurance)\n\u00a0\nThe Attrage comes in 3 different variants to choose from. The \nAttrage GL\n\u00a0is the cheapest with \nRM 60,980\n and comes with a manual transmission (5 speed). The \nAttrage\u00a0SE\n is the most expensive with \nRM 77,980 \nand comes with daytime running lights, bodykit, security film, reverse camera and leather seats. Our test car, the \nAttrage\u00a0GS\n sits in the middle with a\u00a0\nRM 69,980 \nprice tag\n.\n All prices mentioned are on the road price with insurance.\nSafety wise, all 3 variants comes standard with dual SRS airbag, pretensioner seatbelt (driver & passenger), ABS and EBD.\nWatch our video review on the Mitsubishi Attrage GS\nEXTERIOR\n \nMany would come to a conclusion that stretching a hatch to form a sedan will never look good. Take a look at the Honda Brio Sedan for instance, it looks like an abomination with small trunk sticking out like a sore thumb. Then take a look at the Attrage, it may not look handsome but it is certainly presentable. The front fascia is good to look at and it is so aerodynamically streamlined that it gives a reduced drag coefficient of 0.29. As a comparison, Toyota Prius\u2019s drag coefficient is rated at 0.25.   The Attrage is donned in 185/55 R15 Bridgestone Potenzas with alloy wheels. Hmm, doesn\u2019t sound economical to me, perhaps a lighter 14-incher should do a better job in eliminating road noise.\nWith a 450 litres of storage, the boot could swallow 3-4 luggages. Suffice to say, that is not small and should suit everybody\u2019s needs. The power folding mirror is an appropriate size, but too bad, the Attrage GS doesn\u2019t come with LED turning indicators. It does however folds up automatically when you lock the car doors, saving you a few calories of hand movement.\nINTERIOR\n \nAt first glance, the interior does look good but not awe inspiring.\u00a0The piano black centre console is where you would probably lay your eyes on most of the time. This is where the head unit & automatic air conditioner controls is housed. Simple configuration, but with a little glossy finishing, it feels classy to say the least.   Control buttons for air conditioning is large and easy to see. The Kenwood-sourced head unit wouldn\u2019t satisfy an audiophile but good enough for an average Joe. The 2-din head unit supports MP3, WMA, AAC, CD and USB playbacks.\nThe steering is nicely positioned but I must complain on the driver seating configuration. Yes, there is height adjustment, but I can\u2019t seem to find my comfortable sitting position. I find the seat a little jerky (it moves front & back a little). Other than that, the Attrage offers really good real estate for those who travel with 5 people occasionally. Having a wheelbase of 2,550 mm, it certainly measures up with the likes of Toyota Vios!\nThere are large and useful cubby holes for front passengers, but alas, there is none for the rear passenger doors. The rear is pretty amazing. It accommodates 3 just about nice without feeling uncomfortable. If there is only 2 passengers, you can unfold the armrest, sit back and enjoy the ride. The armrest also doubles as a cupholder for the rear passengers.\nThere are a few neat feature incorporated into the Attrage. Take for instance, there is automatic light shutoff feature when the engine is turned off. Not to mention the interior lights will turn on for about 15 seconds after you enter the Attrage, thus allowing you to rummage for your keys or phone charger.\nPERFORMANCE\n \nI am pleased to say that the 3-cylinder engine is surprisingly good for everyday drive. First of all, the pickup is good. It pulls pretty steadily and surely with 5 people onboard. A century sprint from 0-100 is super smooth, thanks to the INVEC-III CVT.\u00a0\nSadly though, I did not manage to bring the Attrage for an all-important uphill run. I am pretty confident that I will get the job done, but just barely.\nDriving around town is hassle free. The engine feels very light and pulls eagerly like a well-oiled machine. The engine reminds me of a similar car that most Malaysians will remember fondly, the Kelisa. Of course the tiny MIVEC power plant is punchier and feels a little more civilised.\nTHE DRIVE\nWith such a light car, my first thought is that the Attrage does not come with power steering. But to my surprise, it does come with electronic power assist. Steering feel is very light at low speed, but it gets heavier at higher speed. It may sound good when it gets heavier at the right speed but it still very numb. A small flick of steering offers very little feedback and it doesn\u2019t inspire confidence.\nAll is not lost though. Not to be discouraged, my friend and I took the Attrage to a large empty car park and try to fling the car around quite wildy. And my! The Attrage grips damn well, with a small amount of bodyroll. Yes, the unmistakeable Mitsubishi handling DNA is there alright.\nHandling aside, I find the NVH of the Attrage mediocre. The engine growl the loudest at speeds of between 20-30km/h. Wind noise is also apparent at high speed. As suspected, this is a cheap and light car, so sound proofing is rather poor in this aspect. While you are seated, give a small knock on the roof of the Attrage and you will hear an unmistakable sound of metal clanking. It could be a nuisance to some (etc, when it rains), so do take note when you are scouring for a car.\nAs for \nMY\n fuel consumption, I can at best manage to squeeze 14-15km/l out of the Attrage. Don\u2019t get me wrong, if you drive like a snail and doesn\u2019t push the Attrage like I do, you will probably get close to the advertised consumption of 21km/l. I pushed the Attrage quite a lot just because I am sceptical that the puny engine is not powerful enough for my everyday drive, but it does deliver.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\n \nThe Attrage is very compelling that it delivers a very simple message. Downsizing doesn\u2019t mean it is bad. It goes as far to show that with the right formula, it certainly proves that it could stand against the might of any normal sedan put against it. Its superiority over the rest of the pack (B segment) is its claimed mileage of 21km/litre and that alone should attract city folks looking for an alternative other than a hybrid.\nCOMPARISONS\n \nAs a comparison, we tabulated and pitted the Mitsubishi Attrage against the Nissan Almera and Toyota Vios in terms of their similarly price variants, size, and fuel consumption.   Mitsubishi Attrage GS\n\u00a0Nissan Almera (E)\n\u00a0Toyota Vios (E)\nENGINE\nType\n\u00a012v 3-cylinder, DOHC MIVEC (3A92)\n\u00a04-cylinder, DOHC \u00a0CVTC (HR15DE)\n\u00a016v, 4-cylinder DOHC VVT-i (1NZ-FE)\nDisplacement\ncc\n\u00a01,193\n\u00a01,498\n\u00a01,497\nCompression Ratio\n\u00a011 : 1\n\u00a010.1 : 1\n\u00a010.5 : 1\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n\u00a079/6,000\n\u00a0100/6,000\n\u00a0107 / 6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n\u00a0106/4,000\n\u00a0139/4,000\n\u00a0141 / 4,200\nCarburetion System\n\u00a0Fuel Injection\n\u00a0Fuel Injection\n\u00a0Fuel Injection\nFuel Tank Capacity\nL\n\u00a042\n\u00a041\n\u00a042\nSTEERING\nType\n\u00a0Electronic (EPA)\n\u00a0Electronic (EPS)\n\u00a0Electronic (EPS)\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n\u00a0CVT INVECS-III\n\u00a04-speed AT\n\u00a04-speed AT\nSUSPENSION\nType\n\u00a0Macpherson Strut (F) / Torsion Beam (R)\n\u00a0Macpherson Strut (F) / Torsion Beam (R)\n\u00a0Macpherson Strut (F) / Torsion Beam (R)\nBRAKES\nFront\n\u00a0Ventilated Disc\n\u00a0Disc\n\u00a0Ventilated Disc\nRear\n\u00a0Drum\n\u00a0Drum\n\u00a0Drum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n\u00a0185 / 55 R15\n\u00a0185 / 65 R15\n\u00a0185 / 60 R15\nWheels\n\u00a0Alloy\n\u00a0Steel with cover\n\u00a0Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n\u00a04,245\n\u00a04,425\n\u00a04,410\nOverall Width\nmm\n\u00a01,670\n\u00a01,695\n\u00a01,700\nOverall Height\nmm\n\u00a01,515\n\u00a01,510\n\u00a01,475\nWheelbase\nmm\n\u00a02,550\n\u00a02,600\n\u00a02,550\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n\u00a0905\n\u00a01,035\nSAFETY\nAirbags\n\u00a02\n\u00a01\n\u00a02\nOthers\nABS, EBD, Seatbelt Pretensioner, RISE Body\n\u00a0ABS, EBD, BA, ISOFIX\nABS, EBD, WIL, Seatbelt Pretensioner (F), ISOFIX, GOA Body\nFUEL\nGrade\n\u00a095\n\u00a095\n\u00a095\nPRICE\nRM\n\u00a0\n69,980\n\u00a0\n69,827\n\u00a0\n77,313\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nProbably not. I am not very keen of having a car that tells me how and when to shift. I prefer to work with stick shifts. Not until the day when the fuel price becomes too unbearable, then I will consider getting one. For those who are not keen on buying a hybrid, this is a good option. The Attrage is big enough for small families and for \nbalik kampung\n\u00a0trips, without compromising on looks.\nWatch our video review on the Mitsubishi Attrage GS.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has officially broke ground on their latest project which will see a Driving Experience Centre (DEC) built next to Sepang\u2019s go-kart circuit.\nAccording to SIC, the new DEC \u2013 the first of its kind in South East Asia \u2013 will serve as a \u2018motoring education hub\u2019 and construction is expected to be complete by June next year.\nAside from being a centre to discover and groom talent, the DEC will also be opened to the public who wish to sharpen their skills behind the wheel with advanced driving activities and courses. So far the closest thing to the DEC in the region is location in China, at the Porsche Experience Centre in Shanghai, China.\n\u201cWith the circuit used for racing events and other motorsport activities, the DEC will be used to brush up one\u2019s driving skill and safety awareness,\u201d said SIC CEO, Azhan Shafriman Hanif.\nBuilt on a 28-hectare plot of land, the new DEC will feature the following courses and activities to develop better drivers:\nHandling circuit \u2013 1.5 km circuit with 15 turns\nGo-kart circuit \u2013 1.1 km circuit\nKick Plate course \u2013 featuring a hydraulic-powered plate to simulate loss of traction\nSkid circle \u2013 to simulate loss of grip on front and rear tyres\nOff-road course \u2013 with steep inclines and challenging terrains"
"Fresh from its \ndebut\n\u00a0at the recently concluded \n2016 Bangkok Motor Show\n, the facelifted\u00a0Subaru Forester has\u00a0officially launched in Malaysia\u00a0by Motor Image Subaru. Two 2.0-liter variants are now locally\u00a0assembled at Tan Chong\u2019s plant in Segambut, while the 2.0XT remains fully imported from Japan.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru Forester 2.0i\nSubaru Forester 2.0i-P\nSubaru Forester 2.0XT\nEngine\n1,995cc; horizontally opposed four cylinder, DOHC\n1,998cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission\nLineartronic CVT\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n238 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n198 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\n350 Nm @ 2,400 \u2013 3,600 rpm\nPrice (inclusive GST, w/o insurance)\nRM144,948\nRM154,488\nRM211,729\nEXTERIOR\nAs reported previously \nfrom Thailand\n, the facelift brings subtle updates on the exterior as seen with the redesigned bumpers, headlights, tail lights, front grille and alloy wheels. Each variant receives a different set of\u00a0kit. After all, you get what you pay for.   We begin with the entry-level 2.0i which\u00a0receives an updated bumper, reflector-type halogen headlamps, roof rails, rear spoiler, rear fog lamps and power folding side mirrors.   Moving over to the 2.oi-P, for an additional RM10,000 you get\n\u00a0LED headlamps\n with \nC-shaped DRLs\n, front fog lamps, rear fog lamps and LED wing mirrors. As for the fully-imported 2.0XT, the exterior is more or less the same with the 2.0i-P, except it gets 18-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the 2.0i and the 2.0i-P settle\u00a0for a set of\u00a017-inch wheels with 225/60 series tyres.\nINTERIOR\nThe overall interior of the\u00a02.oi receives Auto Vehicle Stop, Hill Descent Control, automatic air-conditioning, retractable cargo cover, and rear view camera.   In the 2.0i-P, the main differences compared to the \u201cnon-P\u201d are the inclusion of\u00a0\nkeyless entry and push-start button\n, dual zone air conditioning, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, TFT LCD Colour display as well as the aluminium foot pedal.   Also introduced is the unique \nPersonal Identification Number (PIN)\n code access, where key fob will be a thing of a past as owners can get inside via this feature. It\u2019s a useful feature especially for adventure-seeking or outgoing owners as they\u2019ll not be burdened by carrying additional keys into their pocket.\nBeing the top of the range\u00a0variant, the Subaru Forester 2.0\u00a0\nXT\n\u00a0is equipped with\u00a0power sliding sunroof, shark fin antenna, twin tailpipes, Premium Audio System with Harman Kardon speakers and Siri Eyes Free.\nAll variants receive leather seats as standard while the 2.0XT gets classy with the added Alcantara. The\u00a0Forester is now\u00a0\nbetter insulated \ncourtesy of the usage of\u00a0improved sound proofing and the use of thicker windows.\nPERFORMANCE\nBoth 2.0i and 2.0i-P variants are propelled by the smae\u00a0\n2.0-litre FB20 naturally aspirated \u2018Boxer\u2019 unit\n that develops \n148 hp\n with\u00a0\n198 Nm\n of torque at 4,200 rpm.\nFor an additional RM60k over the base variant, the XT gets\u00a0the \n2.0-litre FA20 Direct-Injection Turbocharged\n Boxer Engine that generates\n\u00a0238 hp\n at 5,600 rpm and\u00a0\n350 Nm\n of torque from 2,400 to 3,600 rpm. Power is delivered to all wheels via\u00a0\nLineartronic CVT \ngearbox\n\u00a0\nacross the range.\nSAFETY\nAll variants are fitted with seven airbags, ABS, EBD & BA, \u00a0safety pedal system, Isofix child anchors and Vehicle Dynamics Control System as standard.\u00a0Subaru\u2019s\n X-Mode\n is available across all variants, it\u00a0controls and optimises the Forester\u2019s offroad features such as Hill Descent Control (HDC), Enhanced All-Wheel Drive system, and\u00a0Vehicle Dynamics Control System. It\u2019s a useful feature when traveling\u00a0on tough\u00a0terrains. For added safety, the reinforced shell is here to protect the occupants in an event of a rollover.\nSteering Responsive Headlights is also featured in all variants of the Forester. This means the headlight beam is transversely proportion to the driver\u2019s steering direction, creating a safer travel when darkness falls.\nWHAT\u2019S ELSE\nThe Forester can be had in\u00a0five colour options \u2013 Pure White, Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Sepia Bronze Metallic and Obsidian Black Metallic. Thanks for Tan Chong\u2019s CKD plan, the Forester has become affordable with the 2.0i priced at\n RM144,948\n, while the slightly premium 2.0i-P at \nRM154,488\n.\nThe price tag for more powerful and fully imported 2.0XT is\n\u00a0RM211,729.\n All prices are on-the-road inclusive of GST, without\u00a0insurance. All Forester comes with\u00a0five-year/100,000 km warranty, complemented with three-year/60,000 km free service package.\nIf the price for the locally assembled Forester attracts you, then this will be sweet to your ears. For a limited-time only, Motor Image Subaru now offers an \nintroductory price\n of \nRM139,800\n for the 2.0i and \nRM151,800\n for the 2.0i-P. Certainly, it\u2019s game on for Subaru to challenge existing SUVs players around that price range as the\u00a0\nMazda CX-5\n, \nMitsubishi Outlander\n, \nNissan X-Trail \nand so on.\u00a0It\u2019s probably a good time to shop for a SUV now.\n\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY   Subaru Forester 2.0XT (BangKok Motor Show)"
"The wait is finally over, Proton\u2019s first ever SUV, the Proton X70 is now officially launched in Malaysia complete with full specifications and price tag. The ceremony held at KLCC was graced by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad.\nAs \nannounced before\n, there will be four variants of the X70 available \u2013 Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD. Without beating around the bush, the X70 \nStandard 2WD is priced at RM99,800\n, \nExecutive 2WD at RM109,800\n, \nExecutive AWD at RM115,800\n and \nPremium 2WD at RM123,800\n. Prices quoted are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of Sales & Services Tax.\nBesides that, Proton has announced that the price list will be \nuniformed\n across the whole\u00a0of Malaysia, no more price difference between the Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak. A truly Malaysian car.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton X70 Standard 2WD\nProton X70 Executive 2WD\nProton X70 Executive AWD\nProton X70 Premium 2WD\nEngine\n1,799cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n285 Nm @ 1,700 \u2013 4,400 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM99,800\nRM109,800\nRM115,800\nRM123,800\nEXTERIOR\nThe X70 shares the same overall exterior design with its Chinese twin, the Geely Boyue. However, Proton\u2019s in-house design team has incorporated a number of design elements to the SUV inspired by Malaysian culture. The front grille, for example, follows the form of an ethereal bow which is accentuated by the interlocking pattern found in traditional Malaysian woodcarvings. Zooming into the headlamp housing and you\u2019ll find the proud Proton designation etched inside them as well as a Proton badge running across the tailgate.   Starting from the Standard 2WD, you\u2019ll find halogen projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, powered folding side mirrors as well as 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/65 profile tyres.\nStepping up to the Executive 2WD variant and above you\u2019ll get significantly more kit in the form of LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, puddle lamps with Proton logo, automatic rain sensing wipers and 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. Separating the top-spec Premium 2WD are the upsized 19-inch alloy wrapped in 225/55 profile Continental UC6 SUV rubbers.\n \n \nINTERIOR\nSuffice to say that Proton and its partner Geely Auto has had the right-hand drive conversion properly, properly done. Besides changing the steering wheel to the right side, the switch gears on the centre console were also mirrored i.e. the electronic parking brake is placed on the right side, closer to the driver, just like how it is in the Boyue. There is also a proper footrest for your left leg in the driver\u2019s footwell, unlike a certain German marque that still fails to offer it in their right-hand drive models.\nThe equipment list is extensive and impressive, to say the least. In the cheapest X70 Standard 2WD variant you\u2019ll find fabric seats, a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster display, \n8.0-inch touchscreen GKUI infotainment system with \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command\n, six-speakers, reverse camera, keyless entry and start, auto dimming rear view mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air purifier, rear air vents, tonneau cover and six USB charging ports.   The Executive variants add leather seats, six-way powered driver\u2019s seat, 360-degree surround view camera, front footwell lamp and ups the speaker count to eight. If you\u2019re feeling a bit fancy, the top of the range Premium 2WD variant comes with Nappa leather upholstery, powered front seats with \u201cBoss switch\u201d which allows the driver and rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, additional functions for the Voice Command feature and Kenwood nine-speaker set up.\nHonestly, the only two things the Premium 2WD is, for lack of a better word, \nlacking \nare paddle shifters and a powered tailgate.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood of the X70 is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDi petrol engine pushing out \n184 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of twist paired to a six-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. Only the Executive variant has the option for a Borg Warner all-wheel-drive system that sends 100 per cent of the front wheels by default and will instantaneously switch to a 70:30 (front to rear) torque split for added traction.\nCentury sprint on the 2WD variants is said to be done in\n 10.5 seconds\n and fuel consumption is rated at \n7.8 L/100 km\n. The X70 also received the EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certification from the Government. All variants of the X70 also comes equipped with a Drive Mode selector that alters the powertrain characteristics between Eco, Normal and Sport. The LCD instrument cluster also changes hue between Green, Blue and Red as you cycle through the different drive modes.\nSAFETY\nASEAN NCAP recently announced that all variants of the X70 come with the \nfull 5-Stars crash safety rating\n hence you know that Proton did not skimp on safety features. As standard, all variants of the X70 comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control.\nExecutive variants of the X70 gains additional dual front parking sensors while the Executive AWD further adds a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System \nwith tyre temperature and pressure readouts\n. Only in the Premium 2WD you\u2019ll find the full suite of \nAdvanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)\n that bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (under 30 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (operable between 30 to 150 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as four front parking sensors.\nWhile the Premium 2WD is advertised with ADAS, the SUV \ndoes not\n come with semi-autonomous driving capabilities like the Pilot Assist function you have on Volvo cars.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Proton X70 is available in five exterior shades \u2013 Snow White, Amour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red however only the Premium 2WD can be optioned with all the colour option. To commemorate the launch of Proton\u2019s first SUV, Proton Cars is offering the X70 with an Xtra Package that bundles 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty, 5-Year complimentary 1GB monthly data connectivity powered by Celcom, 5 times Free Labour Service and a low finance rate of 2.34 per cent per annum.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nProton X70 Premium 2WD Preview at KLIMS"
"Next year will be a good time to follow the World Rally Championship (WRC). Not only is Toyota rejoining the series, but 2017\u2019s regulations will turn an everyday supermini into a 380hp pocket-rocket.\nMultiple WRC champion, Citroen, became the earliest manufacturer to reveal its machine, the \nCitroen C3 WRC Concept car\n. The French company has had enough of losing to the current and undisputed champion, Volkswagen\u00a0\nPolo WRC\n, and have vowed to come back stronger than ever to dethrone the German champions.   This WRC concept car is modelled after the newly launched\u00a0\nC3\n, but Citroen says the pictures here will most likely be how the actual car will officially look like. This includes a\u00a0dramatic aerodynamic makeover, consisting of humongous wheel arches, rear wing and an aggressive front and rear diffuser.\nThe rally car is powered by a \n380 hp 1.6-litre turbocharged \nengine with power being delivered to all wheels. It makes an extra 80 hp over its predecessor, thanks to a larger diameter (36mm) turbocharger. An electronic differential control unit is also permitted for use in the coming seasons. It\u2019s not just more powerful, but the car now weighs 25kg less as well.\nThe car will be previewed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, together with British lead drivers Kris Meeke and\u00a0Paul Nagle. Joining the French in the title pursuit are Hyundai, Ford, Toyota, and of course Volkswagen. Citroen is one of WRC\u2019s most successful manufacturers with 94 victories and eight constructors\u2019 titles, the bulk of which is contributed by none other than the rally legend Sebastien Loeb himself.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In an effort to\naddress rising concerns of road safety in the country, Digi has just launched\nthe Digi Road Safety Programme 2019 to help small businesses promote safer\ndriving behaviours among their commercial vehicle drivers.\nNow, you might wonder what business a telecommunications company have with road safety, in reality, much more than you think. The Digi Road Safety Programme is an initiative where Digi will set up an RM10 million iFleet Transformation Fund where 1,000 SMEs will receive up to RM10,000 each in discounts to equip their fleet with modern fleet management technologies such as GPS tracking and cloud connectivity.\nBy tracking vehicle\ndata such as location, speed, acceleration, braking and cornering, business\nowners and commercial vehicle drivers are able to make more informed decisions to\nbe a safer road user. Participating SMEs will also receive a 15% discount off\ndefensive driving training workshops and the top 10 safest drivers \u2013 based on\nthe iFleet driving scores \u2013 will be rewarded with Digi prizes.\nDigi\u2019s Chief Digital\nOfficer, Praveen Rajan said, \u201cWe are proactively working to improve road safety\nwith vehicle telematics and are now using our readily available competencies to\nstart other companies on this journey.\u201d\n\u00a0\u201cWe strongly believe telematics is a practical\ntool that can uniquely address road safety concerns by creating a long- term\nsafety mindset among commercial vehicle drivers, whose trustworthiness on our\nroads contributes significantly to the safety of other road users,\u201d Rajan added."
"This one\u2019s inevitable and comes right after\u00a0\nHyundai introduced their B-segment crossover, the Kona\n.\u00a0Besides the loony name, the Kia Stonic is one crossover to look out for in the coming years.\nIt\u2019s already in the last phases of development, yet from this set of sketches, the Stonic seems to make an appealing case on its own. At a glance, there are subtle familiarities\u00a0shared with the\u00a0\nfourth-gen Kia Rio\n, but the front fascia appears to be more dynamic and better suited to the young at heart.\nIt will get a sweeping roofline with unique blacked out roof rails, whereas the rump echoes the styling of the \nKia Sportage\n. While compact, the Stonic is ought\u00a0to have a low centre of gravity for a car of its class. The cabin is completely designed by Kia\u2019s European arm, featuring straight lines, smooth surfaces and contemporary geometric design forms.\nPriority is given to ergonomics and roominess, though, while the \u2018floating\u2019 Human-Machine Interface (HMI) seamlessly blends smartphone access with a multitude of in-car functionalities.\nThe Kia Stonic will go on sale as early as the second half of 2017, and will also be the most customisable Kia ever, inside and out.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Malaysia Budget\u00a02017 was recently announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and while this year\u2019s announcement did not significantly impact Malaysian road users, the Prime Minister did announce a new twist on the ongoing debacle between taxis and ride-sharing services in Malaysia.\nThe following is a summary of how the upcoming budget will affect Malaysians in the \nmotoring\n and \ntransportation\n segment.\n1. Boost for Ride-Sharing Services\nThe Malaysian government is encouraging\u00a0those with a household income of up to \nRM3,855\n (B40 group) to increase their income via ride-sharing services. It\u2019s believed that part-timers can make up to RM1,500 if they invest\u00a0a minimum of 10 hours a week, while full-timers can take home up to RM4,300 per month.\nThe government\u00a0also will provide RM4,000 rebate for the purchase of a brand new\u00a0\nProton Iriz\n, specifically\u00a0for those who does not have a car to provide such services. Surely enough, this move not only benefits current ride-share players such as \nUber and Grab\n, but also Proton. However, it\u2019s puzzling why the government incentivises just the Iriz when other, smaller but more affordable sedans like the new \nSaga\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nPersona\n\u00a0would better suit the cause.\nMeanwhile, this is a big slap to taxi drivers whom have lately expressed their dissent verbally, physically and also through public \u201croad blocking\u201d protests. Perhaps\u00a0the main reason why this came to pass was through the recent investments in Uber, made by two government linked companies.\n2. Taxis to get a helping hand\nThe grant can easily help taxi drivers pay for the downpayment of the Proton Saga and Persona\nAll hope is not lost for the taxi drivers, as they are entitled to the long-awaited individual permits. At the same time, a\u00a0\nRM5,000\n\u00a0grant\u00a0will be allocated to each taxi driver to purchase a new car. This will benefit 12,000 taxi drivers who have ended their lease with taxi companies.\n3. Increased loans to buy motorcycles\nGovernment staffs can now request for loans up to \nRM10,000\n to buy motorcycles. This is a 100 percent increase from the previous RM5,000 limit. This one is rather timely, considering how a good number of Japanese bikes now cost above the RM5,000 figure.\n4. Infrastructure upgrade\nAs always with budget announcement, the Prime Minister announced projects to build and improve existing infrastructures. This includes the motorcycle lane along Federal Highway, new major roads for East Malaysia and installation of street lamps across the country.\n5. Unknown up to this point\nNothing was announced on the \u201c\nfirst-time car buyer scheme\n\u201c, one that would apparently waive excise duties for qualified individuals. The move should encourage fresh graduates to buy themselves brand new cars at much cheaper prices, stimulating car sales which have\u00a0been on a downward trend.\nThere was no mention on the incentives that would benefit hybrid and electric vehicles, though. In any case, any revisions made to this regard will definitely be addressed in the next National Automotive Policy (NAP). Till then, it will remain \nas per last year\u2019s instalment\n."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and Lazada.com.my has made history again as all 11 units of the Volkswagen Polo Black & While Edition sold exclusively on Lazada were sold out within one minute when they were launched online.\nThe Polo B&W Edition is a special edition model in conjunction with Lazada\u2019s 11.11 Shopping Festival. All 11 cars were booked by 12:01 am on 11 November 2018 and all purchase transactions were completed 1 hour after. To secure one of these special edition models, customers will only have to place a booking fee of RM799 on Lazada and a Volkswagen representative will be in touch to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle.   Priced at RM68,488 on-the-road without insurance, the Polo B&W is around RM6,000 cheaper than a standard Polo sold at physical showrooms. However, it gains RM7,500 worth of accessories such as side mirror covers, body side mouldings, 15-inch alloys and rear spoiler finished in black, VW Tint, RCD 340G touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as black leather seats.\nIt soldiers on with the same 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine and six-speed auto pushing out \n105\n \nhp\n and \n153\n \nNm\n of twist. Every purchase of the Volkswagen Polo Black & White Edition comes with a 5-Years Warranty, 3-Years Free Maintenance and 5-Years Roadside Assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Polo Black & White Edition"
"Remember the \nLamborghini Sian\n? The Sian (bolognese for flash or lighting) is the Italian marque\u2019s first hybrid supercar that was sold out even before the car was released, meaning there is absolutely no way of getting your hands on one, unless you were one of the few Lamborghini chosen ones.\nWhat if we told you that that\u2019s all about to change? Well, sort of anyway, because Lego and Lamborghini have just unveiled the Lego Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37, in a befitting supercar-esque launch event that was made entirely with Lego Technic parts. Seriously, check it out:\n \nThe latest Lego Technic bull is a 1:8 scale brick model, consisting of 3,696 pieces. We must say that it looks remarkably like the actual car, down to the identical (but scaled down) wheels, and the iconic Lamborghini Y-shaped motif on the headlights. Perhaps Lamborghini\u2019s extravagant shapes and sharp edges work well with Lego blocks? Who knew.\nBearing the Technic name, the new Lamborghini Sian Lego set also includes working replica of the mid-mounted V12 engine, a pop-up spoiler, scissor doors, a full interior, and a \u201cfully-functioning\u201d eight-speed sequential gearbox that can be selected via paddle shifters behind the wheels.\nFully built, the model measures 60 cm long, 25 cm wide, and 13 cm tall. Lego promises over 14 hours of build time with the new Lego Lamborghini, and each unit will come with its own serial number to access exclusive build videocasts on the Lego website for a unique build experience.\nJust like buying an actual Lamborghini, the Lego Technic set even comes with an overnight bag which you can place underneath the front hood, along with two coffee table booklets.\nThe Lego Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 will cost \nRM1,599.90 \nwhen it goes on sale on the 1st of June at Lego Certified Stores and Legoland Malaysia, before making its way to third party retailers on August 1. Unlike the actual Lamborghini Sian, Lego isn\u2019t putting a production cap on it \u2013 meaning that you\u2019ll most probably be able to get one.\nAs an added bonus, all Malaysian purchases of the new Lego Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 will also receive another minibuild Lego Lamborghini, and 10 lucky customers from June 1 to June 21 will also win exclusive Lamborghini merchandises.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Whether or not that makes it more Toyota, or \nrather more Supra\n is a matter of individual perception and it\u2019ll cost an additional USD5,000 on top of the base asking price of USD49,990 (approx RM205k).\nA total of 1,500 units of the Launch Edition\n Supra\n will be available, sadly only for US buyers, where each will come in either Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black or Renaissance Red 2.0, with red mirror caps and 19-inch forged matte black alloy wheels.\nAs for the Absolute Zero White and Nocturnal Black Supra Launch Editions, they\u2019ll get a red interior with \u201crace-inspired\u201d seats wrapped in red leather, red leather steering wheel grips and a red centre console with carbon fiber accents.\nThe Renaissance Red 2.0 model will feature a black leather-trimmed interior, with black seats, a black steering wheel, and black center console. The black interior will also feature carbon-fiber accents.\nThe individually numbered carbon fiber badge on the passenger side dashboard is where\u00a0you\u2019d find the precious autograph of Toyota Motor Corporation President and Master Driver, Akio Toyoda.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n Yes, the Supra will be there!"
"Ford\u2019s decision to give its \nfirst electric vehicle\n the Mustang name definitely made more than a few people unhappy. To convince the non-believers, Ford Has now unveiled the Mustang Mach-E 1400 to show what electric propulsion is truly capable of.\nThe Mustang Mach-E 1400 is a one-off build done in collaboration with \nbasically-in-house\n tuners RTR Vehicles, which Ford says took 10,000 man hours between the two teams to complete. The result? A truly Mustang-worthy \u201call purpose\u201d race car that is meant to do everything a \u201cregular\u201d engine can do.\n \nAs the name suggests, the Mustang Mach-E 1400 has a peak output of \n1,400 american ponies (1419 hp)\n, supplied by seven(!) electric motors \u2013 three at the front and four at the rear.\nEnergy is supplied from a \n56.8 kWh\n nickel manganese cobalt battery that can withstand ultra-high discharge rates, and is designed to be cooled during charging using a di-electric coolant, decreasing the time needed between runs.\nThe unique drivetrain and chassis on the Mustang Mach-E 1400 allows the car to be set up for everything from drag races to drifting \u2013 the latter thanks to the adapted chassis from the production Mach-E, designed to fit a completely different front end configuration to allow for the extreme steering angles.\nThe hydraulic handbrake system, used to kick the back out, is even integrated directly to the drivetrain to shut off power to the rear motors when pulled.\nUnbridled by rules and road regulations, Ford was able to use many of the same technologies used on all its different race cars \u2013 including aerodynamics that can generates \nmore than 1,000 kg (2,300 lb.) of downforce at 256 km/h (160 mph)\n. The Brembo brakes have also been pulled directly from a Mustang GT4 race car, according to the blue-oval.\n\u201cGetting behind the wheel of this car has completely changed my perspective on what power and torque can be,\u201d said RTR Vehicles founder and motorsports veteran Vaughn Gittin Jr.. \u201cThis experience is like nothing you\u2019ve ever imagined, except for maybe a magnetic roller coaster.\u201d\nThe Mustang Mach-E 1400 is set to make its debut at a Nascar race soon, ahead of the delivery of its production-version \nMustang Mach E\n, slated for the end of this year in the US.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If we are looking for the biggest disappointment of the year, look no further than Nissan\u2019s GT-R LM Nismo prototype race car.\nBack in February 2015, Nissan unveiled its World Endurance Championship (WEC) contender, the Le Mans Prototype 1 Hybrid (LMP1) category\u00a0to the world with the intent on challenging established competitors such as Porsche, Toyota and Audi. Nissan\u2019s entry, the GT-R LM Nismo, was best described as \u201c\nunorthodox\u201d\n for many reasons.\nNot only did its looks raised many eyebrows, the technical setup was totally out of the box as well. The GT-R LM is basically the opposite of its competitors, with its \nfront engine\n and \nfront-wheel drive\n configuration. Nissan claimed this is done all in the name of \u201c\naerodynamics\n\u201c, emphasising on downforce over the driven wheels and cleaner airflow at the rear.\nIts \n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n, when combined with its electrical hybrid system, is poised to produce a mind boggling \n1,250 hp\n. The team also went all out by hiring nine drivers to drive three cars in this year\u2019s 24 hours of Le Mans. As the moniker suggest, it\u2019s inspired by the legendary \nNissan GT-R\n, hoping to reach the similar level of success the latter has enjoyed so far.\nSadly, everything went south for Nissan as a multitude of problems had caused all three cars to retire from the race. Its technical complication, followed by its slow pace had forced Nissan to return to the drawing board, subsequently\u00a0pulling out from the remainder of the 2015 WEC season.\nAfter some private testing with the car, Nissan finally threw in the towel, announcing that they won\u2019t be racing in next year\u2019s WEC. To rub salt into the wound, Nissan announced that the project\u2019s 40 staffs will lose their jobs via email, just three days before Christmas!\nDespite that setback, Nissan admits motorsports remains important to them, and 2015 has been a good year with titles won from Super GT,\u00a0Blancpain Endurance Pro Class and Bathurst\u00a012 Hours. Nissan also will remain as an engine supplier for the smaller and slower LMP2 and LMP3 class in the WEC.\nIt\u2019s sad to note that this \u201cplatypus\u201d shaped race car could be an example of how being innovative and thinking out of the box could win races, more so when rules and regulations are tight in motorsports. Ultimately, the only sentence that aptly describe this is \u201c\nambitious but rubbish\n\u201c.\nPhoto Credits: Nissan"
"Another iconic machine\u00a0has reached a milestone, and this time it\u2019s the Chevrolet Corvette which is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Thus Chevrolet has commissioned 650 units\u00a0of Corvette Carbon 65 Edition, available\u00a0in either\u00a0\nGrand Sport\n 3LT or\u00a0Z06 3LZ variant.\nAs the \u201ccarbon\u201d moniker suggests, this Corvette is reinforced by carbon fibre, ranging from the hood, front splitter, and rear spoiler. The coupe gets\u00a0a carbon fibre roof and intake ducts, while its topless equivalent receives carbon tonneau that complements the blue soft top.\u00a0The \u2018Vette is also finished in\u00a0Ceramic Matrix Gray paint, with \u201c\nCARBON 65\n\u201d lettering\u00a0on the doors and on the front fenders.\nThe carbon fibre theme continues on the inside with some carbon accents, and even the\u00a0steering wheel is not spared from the carbon treatment. The Competition Seats are draped with Jet Black suede.\nThe Carbon 65 Edition will debut at the \n2017 New York International Auto Show\n, and each car costs\u00a0\n$15,000\n (approximately RM67k) more than the standard Corvette.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The all-new, seventh generation \n2015 Hyundai Sonata\n is set to make its Malaysian debut tomorrow, following the periodical teasers released via\u00a0\nHyundai Malaysia\n\u2018s\n Facebook page recently.\n[Read full launch story here]\nThe Hyundai Genesis inspired D-Segmenter had its world debut earlier in the year in South Korea, and adopts the brand\u2019s evolved \nFluidic Sculpture 2.0\n design philosophy. The handsome midsize sedan is 35mm longer and 30mm wider in length, which translates to better interior space.\nOne of the Sonata\u2019s hard-hitting points this time around is its vastly \nimproved driving performance\n, one which will definitely be put to the test. Part of this improvement is due to significant \nstructural\n and \ngeometrical changes\n done to the front and rear suspension.   The trend with Korean cars nowadays is that their cars come packed with lots of tech, and we\u2019re sure this one\u2019s no less different. A range of improved and re-engineered MPi and GDi engines is offered here, which comprise of a \n2.0-litre CVVL\n (166 hp & 201 Nm), \n2.4-litre GDi\n (190 hp & 247 Nm) and a \n2.0-litre LPi\n engine (149 hp & 194 Nm).\nWatch this space as we bring you the \nfull details\n of our Malaysian-specced 2015 Hyundai Sonata tomorrow!\n[Read full launch story here]"
"By now, you should have already seen the \ngorgeous\n all-new Emira, Lotus\u2019 first brand-new series-production model in more than a decade (if you haven\u2019t, you should definitely check it out \nhere\n). But as we all know, the true mark of a Lotus is not its looks, but rather how it drives.\nAnd \u2013 surprise, surprise \u2013 Lotus once again proves with the Emira that they\u2019re still the chassis whisperer, as former F1 World Champion Jenson Button found out during his 30-lap test drive around the Hethel test track.\n \nThe test drive starts at 51:59.\n\u201cYou always expect a Lotus to have good mechanical grip through the low-speed corners, but there was plenty of downforce in the high-speed corners too,\u201d JB explained. \u201cThat means the feeling of great balance is the same no matter how you\u2019re driving it. It\u2019s exceptional, and I\u2019m a big fan.\u201d\nAnd while the Emira is quite a lot bigger than the Exige and Elise of yore, Jenson Button says that everything still feels \u201cjust right\u201d when he\u2019s seated in the cabin. \u201cThe overall position of the gearstick in relation to the wheel, the pedals, everything was where it should be and that gives you great confidence from the start.\u201d\nOn top of that, there\u2019s also the new plushy interior of the all-new Lotus Emira, a stark departure from its predecessors. \u201cThe Lotus purists will love it, and the thing that people new to Lotus will love is the premium quality of the interior.\nLotus\u2019 future is electric, and here\u2019s how their first EV, the Evija, will sound like. \n\u201cWhen you\u2019re in there you\u2019re immersed in the seat and cockpit, and there\u2019s a lot of lower back support, so it will be comfortable for long journeys. That\u2019s going to surprise people. I love the infotainment system too, which has everything you need and is really simple so you can get back to the important part, which is the driving.\u201d\nAt launch, the all-new Lotus Emira will be powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine previously seen in the Exige and Evora. But down the line, it\u2019ll also be offered with a Mercedes-AMG sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged mill \u2013 yes, the \nmost powerful production 4-cylinder engine in the world\n, as seen in the \nA 45 S\n.\nStill fancy the Exige and Elise? Here\u2019s your last chance to buy one. \nWith all that performance, plus the newfound luxury on the interior, the Emira probably won\u2019t come cheap, right? Well. here\u2019s what Button had to say about that: \u201cI\u2019m still in shock at the price. Starting at under \u00a360,000 (~RM344k) it\u2019s fantastic and means so many people are going to have the opportunity to experience it first-hand.\n\u201cIt\u2019s being called a junior supercar, but it would give a lot of supercars a run for their money. and it\u2019s more comfortable than most of them!\u201d\nNow, to be fair, Jenson Button is perhaps not the most unbiased person to comment on a brand-new Lotus model, seeing that he\u2019s still somewhat affiliated with the brand on the \nRadford project\n. Lotus Engineering, the brand\u2019s consultancy division, is also serving as a technical partner to Jenson Button\u2019s Extreme E team, JBXE. So perhaps take whatever he says with a pinch of salt.\nBut even then, what JB said about the Emira \u2013 especially the driving part \u2013 all fall right within Lotus\u2019 wheelhouse, so we have no doubts that it\u2019s probably actually very good. We can\u2019t wait for \nLotus Karz\n to bring the Emira here to Malaysia to finally have a taste of it ourselves.\nGALLERY"
"Station wagons or estates are pretty much dominated by the Germans, such as the \nMercedes-Benz E-Class Estate\n and \nBMW 5-Series Touring\n. Jaguar has gone on to release teasers of their new contender, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, which will be available in the coming months.\nThe Jaguar XF Sportbrake will be based upon the same\n\u00a0aluminium-intensive platform\n which underpins the recently launched\n Range Rover Velar\n. It is of course based on the\u00a0\nsedan\n\u00a0with a wheelbase\u00a0of\n\u00a02,960\u00a0mm\n, and shared as well are the powertrains. Right off the bat, the Sportbrake will be powered by\u00a0\n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel mills\n, a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine and\u00a03.0-litre turbodiesel V6.\nIsn\u2019t the silhouette on the Wimbledon court a brilliant tease?!\nThe XF Sportbrake is penned by none other than\u00a0\nIan Callum\n, the man who turned modern Jaguars into desirable, alluring machines. Will it come to Malaysia? Quite likely, really, so stay tuned for more updates!"
"Mercedes-Benz\n, like \nVolvo\n, has announced its plans for zero car accidents. But unlike Volvo, the German carmaker has also set a deadline for it to happen, or at least try to \u2013 2050.\nDubbed Vision Zero, Mercedes-Benz wants to utilise advanced active and passive driver-assist systems, as well as actual infrastructure changes to hopefully halve accidents with fatalities or serious injuries involving its vehicles by 2030. Come 2050, the company wants no accidents at all.\nThe carmaker says that today, their cars already have over 40 systems that can help prevent accidents, or at the very least, minimise injury should a collision be unavoidable. We\u2019re all familiar with things like autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist, but Mercedes-Benz says simple things like electronic stability control systems \u2013 which has now become a legal requirement in Europe \u2013 can significantly help reduce the chance of fatal accidents.\nMoving forward, Mercedes-Benz says its focus for further safety advancements will lie within software. The German carmaker will be developing a central software based on the future MB.OS platform, simplifying the many control units and lines in its cars to help minimise possible errors and increase the speed of which the sensors and systems work.\nAside from just making cars safer, however, Mercedes-Benz says that a fundamental change to traffic infrastructure will also need to happen \u2013 after all, the roads are shared with all sorts of cars, not just used by the three-pointed stars.\nMercedes-Benz says this will involve many different disciplines and institutions, from transport and urban planners, to road authorities and legislators, but when and what these changes entail is still not known yet for now.\nRELATED: \nNew Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS now with Drive Pilot Level 3 automated driving in Germany\nThe carmaker does highlight the research that its Accident Research unit has done on more than 5,000 real-world accidents over 50 years, which will all go towards affecting the change. The company \u2013 in partnership with London \u2013 is also currently researching the efficacy of crowdsourced, anonymised data sharing to help identify high risk areas in urban streets.\n\u201cAt Mercedes-Benz, we are pursuing our vision of accident-free driving. In other words: no more accidents involving a Mercedes vehicle,\u201d said Mercedes-Benz Head of Vehicle Safety, Paul Dick.\n\u201cWe are continuing to work toward this goal at full speed. Highly automated and autonomous driving will be a decisive contributor to its success. After all, vehicle safety has always been at the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand \u2013 and we want to continue to expand this claim in the future.\u201d"
"A few weeks ago, we reported that Ferrari would \nassist Italy\u2019s largest ventilator manufacturer\n to boost its production, shortly after ceasing its operations at the Maranello plant.\nSince then, Italy has been crippled by the pandemic and is now the third most affected country behind the USA and Spain after recording more than 168,000 cases and more than 22,000 deaths. The country is only now beginning to see a slow down in death rates but the Italians are not about to pump the brakes in this race against time.\nFerrari announced that they\u2019ve begun production of respirator valves and fittings for protective masks at its Maranello plant as one of its initiatives in support of health workers treating Covid-19 patients. These valves will used to convert masks designed for snorkelling into respirators that can be used by both patients and medical personnel.\nLamborghini\u2019s ultra-stylish masks\n.\nThe section of the factory where prototypes are usually built is now being utilised to produce these thermoplastic components using additive manufacturing technology. In hindsight, everything just looks cooler with a Ferrari badge on it, don\u2019t they?\nPerhaps it\u2019s a thing Italian supercar makers do, or perhaps it\u2019s just how Italians are \u2013 stylish and flamboyant. Just have a look at these \nLamborghini\n\u2013\ntagged face masks\n and decide for yourself."
"Volvo Cars has acquired its parent company, Geely Holding\u2019s, share in the joint ventures between the two companies in China, with the intention of taking full ownership of manufacturing and sales operations in the country.\n\u201cWith this agreement, Volvo Cars will become the first major non-Chinese automaker with full control over its Chinese operations,\u201d said Volvo Cars, CEO, H\u00e5kan Samuelsson.\nVolvo confirms next-gen XC60 to be fully electric, expected to launch around 2026! Find out more here!\nThis follows after an agreement was made to acquire an additional 50% of Daqing Volvo Car Manufacturing and Shanghai Volvo Car Research and Development.\nFollowing the acquisition, Volvo Cars will now have full ownership of its manufacturing plants in Chengdu and Daqing, its national sales company in China, and its R&D facility in Shanghai. Before this, all Volvo operations were executed under joint ventures with local companies.\nGeely Xingyue L\n\u201cThe agreement will create a clearer ownership structure within both Volvo Cars and Geely Holding,\u201d said Geely Holding, CEO, Daniel Donghui Li.\nThe deal is said to be formally completed by 2023, once the \njoint-venture requirement for automotive manufacturing\n is lifted in China next year. The initiative was previously laid down by the Chinese government to encourage technology and information transfer to local car manufacturers.\nGeely demonstrates its 60-second battery-swapping process for electric cars in real-time! Check it out!"
"Mazda has revealed the \nall-new CX-90\n which will replace the \nCX-9\n as the company\u2019s new flagship SUV in the United States.\nThe CX-90 is built on Mazda\u2019s Multi-solution Scalable Architecture with a longitudinal layout engine and rear-wheel drive configuration. The CX-90 is available with two powertrain options with the first being a 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and 48-volt mild hybrid system or M Hybrid Boost. With the aid of an electric motor, output is rated at \n345 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\u00a0\nThere\u2019s also a plug-in hybrid powertrain option featuring a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine petrol engine and a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers an electric motor. The powertrain produces \n327 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n. Both powertrain come with (rear-biased) all-wheel drive capabilities. A Kinematic Posture Control system is also available to minimise body roll and improve stability.\nNot much was revealed about the exterior features of the CX-90 except that wheel sizes are up to 21-inches along with the introduction of a new Artisan Red colour.\nInside, the CX-90 shares somewhat the same steering wheel, gear knob and dashboard design as the CX-60. Nappa leather upholstery is available, along with wood trims for a premium cabin feel. Features-wise, a digital instrument cluster is available measuring up to 12-inches, along with three-zone air-conditioning, and ambient lighting. The CX-90 is available in either six, seven or eight-seater layouts.\nPrices have yet to be announced but for now, what are thoughts on the looks of the CX-90?\nGALLERY"
"NZ Wheels, the authorised dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia has just officiated its newly upgraded Autohaus in Klang as well as the first ever independent facility for Mercedes-Benz Proven Exclusivity Centre in Malaysia.\nFirst established in 1994, Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus was injected with an RM6 million investment by NZ Wheels to upgrade its facility with the latest Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI) to provide customer experience of a global standards. The showroom is also compliant with Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) Autohaus concept that includes digital touch screens for customers to gain a better understanding of Mercedes-Benz product features and sales processes.   With a total built-up area of 32,000 sq. ft., the full-fledged 3S Autohaus encompasses showroom floor with 14 display cars, AMG Performance Centre with three display cars, Star Lounge, 30 work bays and Mercedes-Benz Proven Exclusivity Centre. This newly upgraded facility underlines the values put forward by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia \u2013 Best Products and Best Customer Experience.\nThe service centre is capable of servicing up to 650 vehicles a month as well as Service Differentiation \u2013 an exclusive range of personalised after-sales services that offers flexibility and convenience which includes pick-up/drop-off of customer vehicles, after-hours drop-off and fast-lane service to cater to the growing appetite for the premium brand in Selangor.\nNZ Wheels Sdn Bhd Group CEO, Automotive Group, Dato\u2019 Samson Anand George, said, \u201cWith the update of the NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus to the highest Mercedes-Benz standards and latest CI, NZ Wheels reaffirms its presence as a steadfast and passionate Mercedes-Benz dealer. Having upgraded our sales and service facilities, we are confident that our customers in Klang and nearby areas will receive no less than the best care that is synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nPorsche Boxster\n is turning 25 this year. As a celebration, Porsche has unveiled a new limited-edition topless sports car called the Boxster 25 Years, complete with some sweet retrolicious equipment that is interestingly\n not\n inspired by the first production-version Boxster.\nThe Porsche Boxster 25 Years is actually based off of the Boxster concept car first shown off at the 1993 Detroit motor show some 28 years ago. As such, the standard spec comes in a GT Silver Metallic exterior paint job, with a Bordeaux leather interior and a red fabric roof \u2013 just as the show car was back then.\nThe main highlight on the Boxster 25 Years though, is of course the concept car-inspired Neodyme accents, which can be found on the front apron, side air intakes, badging, and of course the superb retro-styled 20-inch wheels. Neodyme, for those who aren\u2019t aware, is a \u201ccopper-like shimmering brown\u201d hue, which made its debut on the 1993 car.\nYou can also specify the Porsche Boxster 25 Years with either a Jet Black or Carrera White paint, as well as switching the interior and roof for black, but the Neodyme accents stay no matter what.\nOther standard revisions on the 25 Years limited-edition model include the Porsche Dynamic Lighting System, high-gloss tailpipes, black windscreen surround, and an aluminium fuel filler cap. Inside, the retro-inspired model gets an Aluminium interior trim pacakage as standard, alongside unique door sill trims and 14-way electrically-adjustable seats with \u2018Boxster 25\u2019 letterings.\nBeing a tribute model, it would be blasphemy to use anything else but a flat-six engine. Luckily, the Boxster 25 Years will be based off the \nPorsche Boxster 4.0 GTS\n, which features a 4.0-litre flat-six underneath the sheet metal, capable of pushing \n400 hp\n and \n419 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels. As is customary, a six-speed manual transmission is standard, though a seven-speed PDK is also available as an option.\nOther performance bits on the limited-edition model include the PASM suspension which sits 10 mm lower than the standard Boxster, a limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring, and a sports exhaust.\nThe Porsche Boxster 25 Years is limited to 1,250 units worldwide, and is priced at GBP72,760 (~RM403k) \u2013 GBP7,000 (~RM39k) more than the standard GTS.\nGALLERY"
"For the first time ever, the BMW Malaysia is now offering a plug-in hybrid variant for the BMW X3 lineup \u2013 the new facelift 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport PHEV. The new variant is locally assembled and is priced at \nRM356,800\n. That\u2019s around RM2,000 less than the X3 xDrive30i M Sport, at RM358,800.\nBMW Malaysia also launched the facelift X3 sDrive20i M Sport at \nRM315,800\n, X3 xDrive30i M Sport at \nRM358,800\n and the \nnew BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport \nat \nRM398,800\n. All prices are \ninclusive\n of SST.\nPERFORMANCE\nPower comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 184 hp and 300 Nm, paired to an electric motor with 109 PS. The combo delivers power to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic. The top speed in full electric mode is 135 km/h.\nCombined Power: 292 hp\nCombined Torque: 420 Nm\n0 to 100km/h: 6.1 seconds\nTop Speed: 210 km/h\nBy comparison, the petrol-powered X3 xDrive30i only makes 252 hp and 350 Nm and is a tad slower from 0 to 100 km/h at 6.3 seconds. Fuel consumption figures of the xDrive30e, like the \nVolvo\n \nS60 T8 PHEV R-Design we reviewed\n, should be taken with a handful of salt, not just a pinch. It\u2019s rated as low as 2L/100km.\nRELATED: \nDid you know that there\u2019s also a rear-wheel drive BMW X3 sDrive20i M Sport in Malaysia at RM315,800?\nEXTERIOR\nAs you\u2019d expect the X3 xDrive30e comes with full LED lighting front and back along with new head and taillights designs. Also expected is a larger kidney grille although the headlamps are now 10mm slimmer than before.\nM Sport Suspension\n20-inch wheels\nNew front and rear bumper\nNew larger kidney grille\nINTERIOR\nInside, the changes are just as significant with new air-con vents, a new air-con control panel, and a new gear lever console from the newer BMW 3 Series and 4 Series. The steering has also been redesigned. There are two upholstery choices for the cabin \u2013 Black Vernasca leather or Mokka Vernasca leather.\n10.2-inch infotainment display\n12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster\nSAFETY\nAmong the safety features and driver aids in the 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30e PHEV M Sport are:\nLane Change Warning\nLane Departure Warning\nFront Collision Warning with autonomous braking\nParking Assistant with Active Park Distance Control\nReversing Assistant\nExclusive to the new BMW X3 xDrive30e is the Parking Assistant Plus with Park Assist for reverse and parallel parking spaces including automatic exiting.\nGALLERY"
"Say the words Rolls-Royce and you\u2019d picture its natural setting to be at the valet of a posh hotel or in an exclusive gala setting but for the upcoming Cullinan, Rolls-Royce has taken a rather unconventional approach to prove itself, \nEffortless Everywhere\n.\nIt\u2019s been three years since the Cullinan\u2019s test programme began \u2013 conquering freezing snowfields to searing deserts. Its Final Challenge, in collaboration with National Geographic, will see the Cullinan plough through the treacherous terrains of the Middle East, Northern Europe and the United States.\nThe Final Challenge will\n begin in Scotland\n, onward to the Alpine snowfields of Austria, through the deserts of the Middle East and lastly, across the USA \u2013 all of which will be broadcasted by National Geographic on social media.\nThe Rolls-Royce Cullinan will be accompanied by acclaimed explorer and photographer Cory Richards, National Geographic\u2019s Adventurer of the Year in 2012."
"The fight against the \nCovid-19\n pandemic is far from over, and Perodua has been taking proactive steps to help those in need. The carmaker\u2019s public protection initiative recently contributed more than 7,700 self-made face shields to 66 primary schools within the Putrajaya and Hulu Selangor area, for the use of academic and support staff.\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cHaving contributed some \n11,000 face shields\n to \nsecondary schools in Putrajaya and Hulu Selangor in June\n, Perodua now extends the same goodwill to primary schools in those areas.\n\u201cWe do this firstly for the protection, health and well-being of our beloved schoolchildren, teachers and support staff; secondly as a token of appreciation to the federal government for all their efforts in dealing with COVID-19, and thirdly to give back to the local community we have called home for the past 27 years.\u201d\nTo date, Perodua\u2019s public protection initiative has distributed more than 30,000 face shields. Recipients of the face shields include the Putrajaya Federal Territory Education Department, the Hulu Selangor District Council, District Education Office and clinics, the Selayang Municipal Council, and various morning and night market hawkers in Hulu Selangor and Selayang.\nThe face shields, manufactured by an associate of Perodua\u2019s, features a fog-resistant visor made of polyethylene terephthalate for better visibility, sponge cushioning that hugs the forehead to act as a barrier against airborne droplets, and an adjustable elastic band for a comfortable snug fitting.\n\u201cThis Malaysia Day, Perodua, as a caring and responsible People First company, asks all Malaysians not to let their guard down. Please continue to be cautious and comply with all government health and safety guidelines, and we will defeat COVID-19 together as one nation,\u201d added Dato\u2019 Zainal."
"With Euro5 diesel getting more accessible throughout the country, it seems that news such as this is just a matter of time. Sitting at the top of the Mazda6 range is the new Skyactiv-D variant, costing just RM7,500 more than the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G Sedan and RM4,500 more over the Touring.\nJust like the rest of the Mazda6 range, this diesel variant is fully imported from Japan and its equipment list\u00a0mirror that of its petrol siblings. It\u2019s powered by a \n2.2-litre four-cylinder twin scroll turbocharged\n engine, but despite the smaller displacement, it weighs about 69kg more than the 2.5-litre Sedan. This is because diesel engines generally require denser and tougher steel to withstand the additional pressure.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2016 Mazda6 2.0L Skyactiv-G\n2016 Mazda6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Sedan\n2016 Mazda6 2.5L Skyactiv-G Touring\n2016 Mazda6 2.2L Skyactiv-D \nEngine\n1,998cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,488cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,488cc; DOHC, inline-4\n2,191cc; DOHC, turbocharged inline-4\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n153 hp @ 6,000rpm\n185 hp @ 5,700 rpm\n185 hp @ 5,700 rpm\n173 hp @ 4,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n250 Nm @ 3,250 rpm\n250 Nm @ 3,250 rpm\n420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM159,737.30\nRM196,203.30\nRM200,203.30\nRM203,792.30\nThe engine itself is quite an engineering triumph, outputting nearly as much power as its petrol counterpart (\n173 hp\n compared to the petrol\u2019s 185 hp) and close to twice the amount of torque \u2013 all \n420 Nm\n of it available from 2,000 revolutions. These are impressive numbers, especially considering the low compression ratio of 14:1.\nMazda explains that the low compression ratio helps reduce overall engine weight and friction, while at the same time improving durability and combustion efficiency. The chassis is identical to the sedan, with MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link setup for the rear. It sits on the same 19-inch wheels as well, shod with 225/45 series Bridgestone Turanza rubbers.\u00a0\nA glance through the equipment kit reveals a familiar kit: full Adaptive LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, powered sunroof, 11-speaker Bose surround sound system, black leather upholstery, electronic parking brake as well as keyless entry with push-start button.\nOn the safety side, the Mazda6 scores a full \n5-Star Euro NCAP\n crash safety rating, all thanks to Mazda\u2019s Skyactiv-Body, six-airbags and a raft of \ni-Activsense safety features\n. Here are some, just to name a few \u2013 Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support (front and rear brakes), Lane Keeping Assist and Tyre Pressure Monitor. The only thing absent from the Mazda6 diesel is the i-Eloop regenerative braking system, which isn\u2019t a big loss in our books.\nAgain, the Mazda6 2.2L Skyactiv-D sits at the top of the model range, and costs just shy of RM204k. All purchases come with a 3-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty (not to be confused with distributor warranty), as well as a 3-Year free maintenance package. The pricing puts the Mazda6 directly against some other formidable makes, such as the \nFord Mondeo\n and \nPeugeot 508 GT\n. Which would be your RM200k pick, dear readers?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Teased here under the wraps ahead of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show is the all-new \nAudi R8\n. But just like the wraps have shown, we know nothing much the second generation mid-engine supercar, but we do know that the headlights encapsulate the Ingolstadt-based premium carmaker\u2019s latest lighting technology.\nAs standard, the R8\u2019s headlights will feature exactly 37 LEDs per headlight, making for a total of 74 LEDs to light up the way ahead. The laser lighting technology (high beam only) however, is optional. According to Audi, laser high-beams achieve nearly twice the lighting range compared to LEDs.\nIt works pretty similarly to \nBMW\u2019s M4 Coupe Iconic Lights\n. Each headlight is fitted with a single laser module that operates with four high-intensity diodes firing blue-light laser beams in unison. A phosphor converter will then transform this intense blue light into pure white light.\nThe Audi R8 LMX with laser light technology\nThis technology first debuted in the brand\u2019s \nR18 e-tron\n Le Mans race car, then it found its way into the limited edition \nAudi R8 LMX\n last year. More details of the new Audi R8 will be revealed as soon as this month\u2019s end, so be sure to keep an eye out for the latest updates here!"
"We welcomed the first ever BMW X2 in Malaysia recently with only a single variant available for the local market \u2013 the sDrive20i. Priced at RM 320,800 (OTR without Insurance), it\u2019s said that there are only a few units of the front-wheel drive Sports Activity Coupe left.\nBMW has broken grounds with two new distinctive features on the exterior of the X2. Watch as Eu Jin takes you around on a brief and concise introduction of the all-new X2.\nThe BMW X2, is powered by a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine strapped with a twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, Double VANOS and High Precision Injection. Power output is rated at\u00a0\n192 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n280 Nm \nof torque.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Face masks have become a necessity in our \u201cnew normal\u201d lifestyle, as we continue to fight against the \nCOVID-19 pandemic\n. However, crowd hysteria-induced panic buying have caused a shortage of supply in many parts of the world.\nWhile many carmakers worldwide \u2013 including \nLamborghini\n \u2013 have hopped in to help manufacture face masks, supply for face masks is still scarce, and many in need might not be able to get their hands on one.\nUsing the existing internet connectivity capabilities in the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, Mercedes-Benz Korea attempted to alleviate some of these troubles by presenting the stock information of face masks in pharmacies on the built-in navigation system.\nThe Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system was first introduced with the \nall-new A Class\n. Aside from utilising artificial intelligence to adapt to the user\u2019s habits, the MBUX system is also always connected, enabling remote functionalities, as well as the ability to update the car over-the-air.\nThe always-connected aspect of the MBUX system also allows for always up-to-date information, particularly in the navigation system. Mercedes-Benz Korea took advantage of this capability to update the real-time inventory level of available masks in pharmacies, in addition to the usual traffic and business information.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Daimler Truck AG (@daimlertruck_ag)\nPharmacies will show up with a green tick mark alongside a face mask graphic if more than 100 units of face masks are in stock. Users can then choose to navigate directly to the selected pharmacy.\nLocally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently introduced the \nMercedes me connect system\n, utilising the LTE module that is built into all MBUX-enabled vehicles. Here\u2019s to hoping this innovative use of technology will make its way here!"
"Lexus is set to debut the LC500h, a hybrid version of the recently unveiled\u00a0\nLC\u00a0performance coupe\n\u00a0at next month\u2019s Geneva Motor Show. Not bad considering that the LC was just launched at Detroit last month!\nThe LC500h will be utilising Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, which according to Lexus, \u201cwill provide higher performance, more driving pleasure and greater efficiency\u201d. We\u2019re expecting future Lexus models to adopt the same, if not similar electrification technology in the coming years.\nNow, we know for sure the LC500h exists, but the numbers its new hybrid propulsion make remains unknown at press time. What we know is it will definitely be more powerful than the LC\u2019s naturally aspirated \n5.0-litre V8 engine\n producing \n467 hp\n and \n527 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a \nsingle clutch 10-speed automatic\n which sends drive to the rear axle. It\u2019s quick too, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n! However, the LC500h may just have what it takes outgun the LC.\nLook out for more of this stunning 2+2 coupe tree hugging Lexus when it goes on display at Geneva in less than two weeks\u2019 time! For all you know, the LC could be offered by Lexus Malaysia some years later.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Among the many electric cars that have been launched in Malaysia in the past two years, two that shout value for money would be the \nBYD Atto 3\n and the Ora Good Cat. Recently, I had the chance to drive the former, and there are a few things that I would like to share with you concerning how the BYD Atto 3 drives.\nBefore we go on, let\u2019s first have a quick recap of the BYD Atto 3. It was launched in late 2022 in two variants \u2013 the \u2018Standard Range\u2019 and \u2018Extended Range\u2019. The car is an electric car with a single motor powering the front wheels making \n203 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n, and does the century sprint in \n7.3 seconds\n. The Standard Range gets \n345 km \n(WLTP) of range from a \n49.92-kWh\n battery, while the Extended Range gets a \n420 km\n range (WLTP) from a \n60.48-kWh\n battery.\nWe drove the Extended Range from Ara Damansara to Tanjung Malim and back. Now let\u2019s get onto some initial driving impressions.\n1. It is quieter than you think\nBeing an electric car, the ride of the Atto 3 is already generally quiet at low urban speeds. However, the car did surprise yours truly on the highway as the cabin noise levels were still at a low level even at high speeds.\nWhile we were driving along the PLUS highway from the Subang interchange to the Tanjong Karang interchange, road and wind noise were at a minimum, even when exceeding 110 km/h. In that sense, the ride is rather impressive and perhaps better than some cars within its price range. Honestly, I did start the journey being a little sceptic, and was impressed at the end of it. It is only when you exceed 140 km/h that the wind noise starts to become obvious.\nRELATED: \nBYD Atto 3 \u2013 Malaysia\u2019s first 100 units delivered at Grand Delivery ceremony\n2. The suspension is probably a little too soft\nAlthough the cabin sound insulation of the Atto 3 is great, I did find the suspension to be a little bit too soft. It does provide a gliding-like experience at low urban speeds, but at higher speeds, the car can feel a little bit floaty during quick overtaking maneuvers. It just doesn\u2019t feel so assuring during those moments.\nFor the average driver, I\u2019m sure most would be satisfied with the ride quality of the BYD Atto 3. It already gets an advantage in this department thanks to its SUV body. The soft suspension just helps to further absorb unpleasant road undulations. If you\u2019re just looking for an electric vehicle (EV) for A to B purposes, it is unlikely you\u2019d be complaining too much about the Atto 3\u2019s ride.\nRELATED: \nBYD Atto 3 deliveries to begin soon, 500 units being shipped to Malaysia\n3. Divisive interior design, but plush seats and good fit and finish\nUpon launch of the BYD Atto 3, I never quite fancied the bold interior that has this \u201cmuscle streamline design\u201d theme going on. Personally, I just find it to be too over the top, and I wouldn\u2019t describe it as a timeless design.\nDespite those opinions, it is worth mentioning that the BYD Atto 3 provides a set of rather plush seats which were decently supportive for a long drive. On the seats, my problem with the Atto 3 is the lack of an adjustable headrest. There are also no memory functions for the seats, but that\u2019s quite expected in an EV of this price range.\nThe interior trims also have a good fit and finish, despite the choice of design and materials used. Although not feeling entirely premium and perhaps weird-looking to some people, it is a decently built cabin. I\u2019ll give credit where it\u2019s due.\nFrom our short drive to Tanjung Malim from Ara Damansara and back, this is what we could share with you about the BYD Atto 3 for the time being. As usual, we will be doing a full review on the BYD Atto 3 soon, so stay tuned for that on AutoBuzz.my. All other aspects of ownership of the BYD Atto 3 will be addressed in the upcoming full review.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 BYD Atto 3 electric SUV now in Malaysia, from RM149,800\nGALLERY"
"Like the exterior, the cabin of the new K900 (known as the K9 in South Korea), has been a product of close collaboration between Kia\u2019s global design headquarters in Namyang, South Korea and the brand\u2019s U.S. design arm in California.\nThe cabin has been sculptured to wrap around the driver, featuring soft-touch materials, tactile wood, metal veneers and leather upholstery.\nFor some reason, looking at this interior, BMW and Mercedes-Benz comes to mind. There\u2019s something about the new 12.3-inch Human Machine Interface (HMI) screen that resembles that of \nBMW\u2019s\n and the clean, minimalist appearance of the upholstery that strikes similarities with that of the \nMercedes-Benz S400h\n. The K900\u2019s interior also features a new intelligent lighting control system and chromotherapy ambient mood lighting.\nThe HMI\u2019s intelligent lighting control uses proximity sensors, only illuminating when it detects the driver\u2019s hand reaching for a switch on the dash. The ambient lighting in the new K900 can also be customisable with 64 colours and seven themes.\u00a0\nThe all-new Kia K900 will be manufactured in South Korea and will go on sale across selected global markets from the second quarter of 2018."
"The new facelift \nMINI\n JCW Countryman has been introduced and with output remaining the same, the changes are mainly in its aesthetics. This follows after the facelift MINI Countryman was \nglobally unveiled in May this year\n.\nThe front end looks largely familiar except for the redesigned front grille and headlamps while at the rear, the Countryman sports a completely new bumper. Resting under the new rear bumper are enlarged tailpipes, measuring \n10 mm larger than before at 95 mm\n. The White Silver metallic and Sage Green metallic exterior colours, as well as the optional Piano Black Exterior, are new.\nWith the optional package, the headlamp surrounds, rear lights and radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome, as are the door handles and lettering on the rear bonnet.\nStandard equipment on the facelift JCW Countryman includes a 4-piston fixed caliper disc brakes in the front and single-piston floating-caliper disc brakes on the rear wheels, tucked behind 18-inch JCW light-alloy wheels. The wheels take on the \nsame design as the pre-facelift model launched here last year\n; same goes to the Union Jack tail light graphics.\nInside, there\u2019s now a coloured strip that stretches across the dashboard. Sadly though, the funky 5-inch digital instrument cluster and 8.8-inch touchscreen display are optional items.\nUnder the hood of the facelift JCW Countryman is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from before, with \n306 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque to power all four wheels. Squashed in between is an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The facelift JCW Countryman will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds \u2013 making it one of the fastest \u201cSUVs\u201d under RM400k in Malaysia.\nFor the latest pricelist of MINI vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Private-owned British sports and race car builder Ginetta has just revealed its new supercar, designed and built from scratch in-house in the UK, with LMP3 race car levels of aerodynamics.\nWeighing just 1,150 kg, from the use of a carbon fibre monocoque and body, the yet-to-be named supercar is home to a naturally-aspirated V8.\nThe engine with \n600 hp\n and\n 700 Nm\n is mounted so far back, it\u2019s literally under the front windscreen instead of resting on the front axle (usually).\nPower is delivered through a 6-speed sequential and a carbon fibre propeller shaft.\nBehind those 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) in-house designed wheels with centre locks, are carbon ceramic brakes while road-holding is tasked on a race-derived push-rod suspension setup.\nThe Ginetta\u2019s cabin is laced with Alcantara, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium, along with modern creature comforts like reverse camera display, parking sensors, air-conditioning, heated windshield and wireless charging.\nWhat\u2019s more interesting is that it even comes with a 675-litre boot capacity! But it\u2019s no mommy-mobile, the cabin features a LMP1-inspired carbon fibre steering wheel with billet aluminium paddle shifters and a fully adjustable floor-mounted pedal box.\nThe coolest of all, has to be the driver and passenger seats moulded into the car\u2019s carbon tub.\nLike ordering a tailored suit, owners will have to go through a seat fitting session to ensure that each car is catered to that specific owner.\nProduction will be limited to just\n 20 units\n in the first production year of 2020, with\n 60% of this allocation already sold \nbefore the car was revealed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You might recall the \nrecently-updated Kia Rio\n comes with an all-new mild-hybrid powertrain, featuring a fancy piece of new tech called \nIntelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)\n that promises improved fuel efficiency without eliminating driving engagement.\nFor most people, the appropriate response is probably nothing more than \u201coh, that\u2019s cool\u201d. But for the few car nerds like you and I, we were left wondering how exactly this curious piece of technology work. Well, wonder no more because Kia has now released some juicy details about the clutch-by-wire manual transmission system for us to pore over \u2013 so lets dive right in.\nUnlike a traditional gearbox with a mechanical linkage, the iMT uses an electrical connection between the clutch pedal and the clutch plate. When the car is coasting in anticipation of a corner or slow down, the electrical system automatically sends a signal to shut off the engine and disengage the clutch to reduce speed loss.\nAs the driver depresses the accelerator again to pick up speed, the powertrain will immediately spring back to life in the selected gear, or in neutral if the driver depresses the clutch pedal or the engine speed is too low for the selected gear. In the latter case, the mild-hybrid starter-generator and 48V battery will automatically bring the engine and transmission up to the right speed before coupling the clutch.\nthe iMT automatically disengages the clutch and shuts off the engine while coasting.\nKia claims that the clutch pedal on the iMT operates in the same manner as conventional manual gearboxes, but with greater controllability due to the electromechanical control of the clutch, and a \u2018biting point\u2019 that enables drivers to change gears smoothly.\nAs a result of shutting off the engine earlier (compared to the standard idle start-stop system), Kia says that the improved overall fuel efficiency can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 3% in real-world driving conditions.\nThe iMT is developed fully in-house by parent company Hyundai, at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Offenbach, Germany. The same transmission is also used in several new Hyundai models, such as the \nall-new i20\n and\n i30 facelift\n.\nKia\u2019s Head of Powertrain, Dr Michael Winkler who oversaw the development of the iMT, said: \u201cWe are always looking at new ways to improve powertrain efficiency and performance, and the iMT is one such innovation. An automatic or a dual-clutch transmission suits a lot of drivers, but European drivers in particular still love changing gear for themselves.\n\u201cWe want to continue providing drivers with a familiar and engaging manual gear change, so this is an ideal solution for the new range of MHEV powertrains we are rolling out across Europe in the months ahead,\u201d Winkler added. \u201cAlongside the increasing demand for electrified models, the iMT is a result of us exploring ways to electrify the \u2018classic\u2019 manual transmission.\u201d"
"The company will be honouring some 300 orders placed for various Isuzu D-Max models before the Movement Control Order (MCO) came into place in March.\nEfforts are underway in the company\u2019s plant in Pekan, Pahang to ensure that the new vehicles are speedily dispatched to dealerships around the country. As such, a new delivery process has been put in place to ensure customers and staff are well-protected.\nAmong the key protocols in place include a temperature record of every staff member prior to the start of each work day, compulsory use of surgical masks, \ndisinfection of touch points in the outlets three times daily\n. Demo and customer vehicles are also disinfected after each human contact.\n \nCheck out our first impressions of the new 1.9-litre turbo diesel D-Max.\nAll visitors at every Isuzu outlet will be required to have their temperatures recorded while hand sanitisers and face masks will be made available. Customers who are due to collect their new vehicles will be informed of the delivery dates and appointed time of the handover by their sales advisors. This is to avoid crowding or prolong exposure in the outlet.\n\u201cThe procedures in the Isuzu Delivery System have been revised somewhat to incorporate the recommendations of the Malaysian Government where dealing with the pandemic is concerned. We remain mindful that customers will continue to seek high-value Isuzu vehicles to serve their daily needs thus we endeavor to create the most conducive and safe environment for prospects, customers and our frontline teams,\u201d said Isuzu Malaysia, CEO, Mr. Masayuki Suzuki.\nIsuzu announced that vehicle warranties that expired during the MCO period will\n automatically enjoy a further 30 day extension from 13th of May 2020\n while vehicles overdue for their scheduled maintenance during this period can be rest assured that their warranty will not be affected by the delay."
"The annual\u00a0Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas is the cathedral of car culture that allows manufacturers to display their zaniest motoring ideas. This year, Mazda joins the fun with\u00a0its\u00a0black and white offerings of the\u00a0\nMX-5 roadster\n\u00a0with the Speedster and RF Kuro concepts.\nFirst, the\u00a0Mazda MX-5 Speedster in \u2018White Ether\u2019 paint is basically the same model that debuted\u00a0\nlast year\n\u00a0at the same venue. The windscreen-less Speedster\u00a0is a throwback to the lightweight sportscar from the 50s. This year, the car\u00a0sheds 45kg, making it\u00a0close to \n945kg\n.   The clean looking Speedster also receives adjustable suspension and BFGoodrich semi-slick rubbers from Mazda\u2019s own one-make MX-5 cup race series. No earth-shattering power upgrades were made, but the Speedster should live up its name when taken on the track, not forgetting a full-face helmet for the driver of course.   If too much wind is not your cup of tea, then the MX-5 RF Kuro should be fare better in favour. The Kuro, which means \u201ccharcoal\u201d in Japanese, is finished in\u00a0Satin Black Metallic with semi-matte finishing. Like the Speedster, the Kuro also gets adjustable suspension and same tyres.\nPerhaps these concepts should give the guys at Mazda Malaysia an idea or two when launching a limited edition variant.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has just added a new entry-level variant to its popular seven-seater SUV model, the Volvo XC90 T5 AWD. The petrol powered XC90 T5 joins the existing plug-in hybrid \nT8 Twin Engine Inscription\n and Inscription Plus variants.\nThe decision to add this new variant to the XC90 line up comes after receiving feedback from customers who want more trim level and powertrain choices for the Swedish premium car maker\u2019s best-selling large SUV.\nName\nVolvo XC90 T5\nVolvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription\nVolvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus\nEngine\n1,969cc; 4-cylinder turbocharged\n1,969cc; 4-cylinder turbocharged & supercharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n254 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n400 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,400 rpm\nElectric Motor Output\n\u2013\n87 hp & 240 Nm\nCombined Output\n\u2013\n407 hp & 640 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.9 seconds; 215 km/h\n5.6 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM373,888\nRM403,888\nRM413,888\nPower now comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is found in the XC60 T5 that pushes out \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of twist. Drive is transferred to all four-wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is completed in a respectable \n7.9 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n215 km/h\n.\nDespite being \nRM30k lesser\n than the T8 Inscription variant, you do not lose out too much in terms of kit. Items that were given a miss on the spec sheet include Nappa leather upholstery (standard leather), heads up display, Orrefors Crystal Gear Lever, panoramic sunroof, air suspension, Linear Walnut D\u00e9cor Inlay (Brushed Aluminium), 360-degree surround view camera (reverse camera only), rear-air cond vents and four-zone automatic climate control (dual-zone).\nThe only two items that will truly be \nmissed\n would be rear air vents and 360-degree camera. Other than that, the kit list checks out with 12.3 TFT LCD instrument cluster, 9.0-inch Portrait style Sensus touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 330W 10-speaker High-Performance Audio System, powered front seats with memory function and a powered tailgate. Unlike the T8 PHEV that comes with a tyre sealant kit, the T5 comes with a space saver spare wheel.\nOn the exterior bit, the XC90 T5 wears the Momentum package that dresses the car with a gloss black front grille, Momentum body kit, dual exhaust outlets and smaller 19-inch ten-spoke turbine style alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres. Forward illumination comes from a pair of high-performance LED headlamps with Thor\u2019s Hammer LED daytime running lights and Active High Beam function.   The full suite of Volvo\u2019s famed Intellisafe advanced driver assistance system were all retained in the entry-level XC90, complete with seven airbags, City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Monitoring and more.\nCustomers of the Volvo XC90 T5 have the choice between five exterior shades: Chrystal White, Denim Blue, Maple Brown, Luminous Sand and Onyx Black to go with either Maroon Brown or Charcoal Black interior theme. Every purchase of a new Volvo vehicle comes with a 5-Years warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo XC90 T5"
"BMW has now unveiled the last member of the all-new \n4 Series family\n, in the form of the G24 4 Series Gran Coupe \u2013 and you know what, after seeing so many of these \u201cbucktooth grille\u201d models, we\u2019re actually quite fond of them now.\nThe all-new 4 Series Gran Coupe is basically the combustion-engined counterpart to the \nBMW i4\n that was just launched officially last week. The similarities don\u2019t just end at its looks either; built on the same CLAR platform, the size of the all-new 4 Series GC is also almost identical to the i4 in almost every dimension, save for a couple of millimetres here and there.\nFlush door handles, just like the i4.\nAll of that means that the all-new 4 Series GC is significantly larger than its predecessor \u2013 specifically 143 mm longer, 27 mm wider, 53 mm taller and 46 mm longer in wheelbase than the car it replaces.\nThe increase in dimensions translates to more room in the cabin, be it legroom, knee room, headroom, or cargo room \u2013 the latter measures in at 470 litres, which is 30 litres more than the regular \n4 Series Coupe\n. The longer wheelbase and wider tracks (compared to the \n3 Series\n from which it is derived), should also help with the car\u2019s handling chops and stability.\nGlobally the all-new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will be available in five variants \u2013 mirroring the engine options available on the regular 4 Series Coupe. Topping the range (for now, at least) is the M440i xDrive variant, powered by the familiar B58 3.0-litre straight-six engine (with 48V mild hybrid tech) that makes \n374 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, enough to complete 0-100 km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n.\nJust as you\u2019d expect from a M40i-badged car, the M440i also gets a raft of mechanical upgrades to distinguish itself from the rest of the line-up. These include the M Adaptive Suspension as standard, alongside M Sport brakes, a locking rear differential, and a sports exhaust.\nBeing the only M-badged one in the bunch, the M440i xDrive also gets several additional cosmetic tweaks in addition to the regular M Sport kit, such as the Cerium Grey surrounds (as seen on the \nM340i xDrive\n) on the kidney grille, bumper inserts, wing mirrors, and side skirts, alongside a subtle spoiler on the rear deck.\nOtherwise, the all-new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is pretty much what you\u2019d expect from a BMW these days, including the very familiar interior that is basically lifted right out of the G20 3 Series.\nIn terms of safety, the all-new 4 Series GC can be equipped with up to 40 advanced driver assistance features, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active cruise control with stop and go function, lane departure warning, and the Driving Assistant Professional package which adds Steering and Lane Control Assistant for a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability.\nGALLERY\nBMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe\nBMW 430i Gran Coupe"
"The \nNeta V \nhas made its official introduction in Malaysia today, with a \u201csoft launch\u201d event today at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2023\n. Available in one variant only, the Neta V is priced at \nRM99,800\n on-the-road, without insurance, making it currently the most affordable electric vehicle here in Malaysia.\nAs a special promotion, the first 100 customers to place a booking at the motor show will also receive a cash rebate of RM10,000 \u2013 bringing the price down to RM89,800. Deliveries for the Neta V will begin in the third quarter of this year, according to \nlocal distributor Intro Synergy\n.\nComing in roughly the same dimensions as the \nPerodua Ativa\n, the Neta V is built upon a dedicated EV platform with a \n38.5 kWh\n ternary battery pack. That translate to a driving range of around \n380 km\n (NEDC), and if you\u2019re not driving much, the V\u2019s vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature will even let you power other electronic accessories at up to an output of 3.3 kW!\nThe compact EV comes with an on-board \n6.6 kW \nAC charger, taking roughly \neight hours \nto fill up the entire battery. With support for DC fast charging of up to\n 100 kW\n, owners can also charge the Neta V from 30-80% in just \n30 minutes\n.\nAs for propulsion, the Neta V features a single electric motor on the front axle to deliver\n 70 kW (95 hp)\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque. No century sprint times were provided, but the Chinese carmaker quotes a 0-50 km/h time of under \n3.9 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n120 km/h\n.\nEquipment wise, the Neta V in Malaysia will come as standard with automatic halogen projector headlamps, LED daytime-running lights, LED tail lights, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, most of the dashboard is made up of the 14.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display, paired to a 12-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheels.\nOther interior appointments include the electronic parking brake, reverse camera, six speaker sound system, and synthetic leather upholstery. Like the \nOra Good Cat\n, drivers will not need to press any buttons to power up the car; just unlock and step in, and the Neta V is ready to be driven.\nNo advanced driver assist features have been specified for the Neta V here in Malaysia. Passive safety kit includes two airbags, automatic brake hold, hill start assist, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring system, passive cruise control, and your usual array of electronics including ABS, traction control, and ESC.\nThe Neta V will be offered in five exterior colours, namely Sakura Pink, White Storm, Sky Blue, Cyan, and Midnight Gray. At RM99,800, does this unique-looking EV SUV pique your interest? Let us know in the comments section below!\nGALLERY"
"Jaguar\u2019s first fully electric vehicle was acknowledged with the inaugural award, after emerging tops in a group of five finalists.\nThe Jaguar I-PACE edged ahead of its competition consisting of the Peugeot 508, Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg and the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo. The group of five finalists were chosen from a pool of 59 cars introduced in the German market over the past year.\nPanelists and judges rewarded the I-PACE for its groundbreaking blend of driving dynamics, performance and style.\n\u201cThe Jaguar I-PACE is not only the first premium electric vehicle from an established manufacturer, it also makes uncompromising use of the advantages of an electrified vehicle architecture. Its performance is impressive, and its design and practicality stands out, which is why the I-PACE ultimately was the winner against strong competition,\u201d said German Car of the Year Award Jury Member, Jens Meiners.\n\u201cWe are extremely proud to receive this honour from the German media for our first fully electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE. To get such an award in the homeland of premium brands is very precious,\u201d said Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth."
"The \nmerger of powertrain operations between Volvo Cars and its parent company Geely\n has now formally taken shape, with the formation of a new joint venture under the name Aurobay.\nAccording to the press release, the new company aims to be a \u201cglobal supplier of complete powertrain solutions\u201d, which includes combustion engines, transmissions, and hybrid solutions.\nAurobay will initially be jointly owned by Volvo and Geely, and as part of the creation of the new company, the former will transfer all assets in its wholly owned subsidiary, Powertrain Engineering Sweden, to the new joint venture in the coming months.\nThese assets include its Sk\u00f6vde engine plant in Sweden and the related R&D team, along with its engine plant in China and other relevant assets.\nWith all powertrain development and assets handed off to the new joint venture, Volvo will be focusing fully on the development of its new range of all-electric premium cars in the coming years.\nVolvo recently also formed a new joint venture with Northvolt to produce \u201cmore sustainable batteries\u201d for its next-gen EVs\nThe company previously announced its plans to achieve \n50% EV sales by volume globally by 2025\n, while the other 50% will be hybrids, with powertrains supplied by Aurobay. By 2030, \nall new Volvo cars will be fully-electric\n.\nAs for Geely, the new entity \u2013 with the addition of a strong R&D team from Volvo Cars \u2013 will be capable of supplying \u201ctechnologically advanced and efficient combustion engines and hybrid powertrains\u201d for its portfolio of brands. This should include Proton, which Geely holds a 49.9% stake.\nThe 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the Proton X50 is already co-developed between the two companies. Find out what makes it so quiet!\nIn addition, the new stand-alone business also plans to supply customers outside the Geely Holding Group, and aims to be \u201ca leading player in the supply of high-quality, low emission, cost-efficient powertrains solutions\u201d."
"Subaru, through Motor Image Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched the \u2018wagon\u2019 version of their Legacy sedan, the \nOutback 2.5i-S\n. It\u2019s priced at \nRM224,846.30\n including GST and insurance, and comes in only one trim.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nSubaru Outback 2.5i-S\nEngine\n2,498cc; 4-cylinder horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated\nTransmission\nCVT with six virtual ratios (Lineartronic)\nDrive Type\nSymmetrical AWD with Active Torque Split\nMax Power\n173 hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n235 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n10.2 seconds; 198km/h\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM224,846.30\n (with GST)\n\u00a0\nThe \n2.5i-S\n is one of three offerings in the Outback model range, and sits in between the base 2.5i and range topping 3.6R-S variants. First things first, the five-seater\u2019s dimensions are 4,815mm in length, 1,840mm wide, 1,675mm tall (including the roof rails) and has a wheelbase of 2,745mm. When unloaded, the car has a ground clearance of 213mm.\nEXTERIOR\nExternally, the front end of the Outback looks almost identical to that of the Legacy\u2019s, the car which it\u2019s based upon. That said, it gets auto-levelling full \nLED headlamps\n (with washers), fog lamps, power sunroof, roof rails with integrated crossbars, bumper guard, chromed side claddings and a rear spoiler. It sits on 18-inch wheels shod with 225/60 R18 series tyres.   You also get plastic mouldings round the car, keyless entry, welcome lighting, folding side mirrors with integrated LED signal indicators, LED combination tail lamps, a rear wiper and aluminium finishing at the bottom of the front and rear bumpers. An \nActive Grille Shutter\n is also offered as standard here, which automatically opens or closes depending on engine oil and water temperature. This also \nreduces air resistance\n, thereby \nincreasing fuel economy\n.\nINTERIOR\nInside, you get a raft of driver and passenger conveniences. Drivers will be greeted with a sleek three-spoke \nleather wrapped\n multifunction steering wheel, paddle shifters, cruise control, push-start button, electric parking brake, instrument clusters with a \n3.5-inch full-colour LCD display\n with electro-luminescent gauges and an ECO gauge.   Next, there\u2019s also a 7-inch touchscreen display supporting Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, reverse camera, \n12-speaker Harman Kardon\n sound system, dual cup holders in the centre, dual-zone auto air-conditioning with anti-dust filter and rear air vents, leather seats with white stitches and powered front seats. Pop the \npowered tailgate\n and you\u2019ll find plenty of usable cargo space \u2013 a good \n1,801 litres\n of space. The rear seats have a 60:40 split configuration as well.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the \n1,595 kg Outback\n is as you would\u2019ve expect, a \n2.5-litre naturally aspirated\n (yes, no turbochargers here unfortunately) horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. It makes \n173 hp\n at 5,800 rpm and \n235 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.2 seconds\n before maxing out at \n198 km/h\n. Drivetrain is Subaru\u2019s \nLineartronic CVT gearbox\n with six virtual ratios.\nTasked to make full use of the engine\u2019s grunt is Subaru\u2019s trusty \nSymmetrical AWD\n\u00a0which constantly sends power to all four wheels. It also features a 60:40 Active Torque Split system, channeling power to the wheels that need it most. There\u2019s also an \nX-Mode\n for when you\u2019re feeling adventurous, making the Outback a truly capable off-roader. \nSI-Drive\n is also standard, giving you a choice between \nIntelligent\n, \nSport\n or \nSport Sharp\n driving modes.\nSAFETY\nHere, the Outback comes equipped with \nseven airbags\u00a0\nincluding a driver\u2019s knee airbag, brake assist with \nbrake override system\n, safety pedal system, hill hold assist, hill descent mode, A\nctive Torque Vectoring\n, traction control system and vehicle dynamics control (VDC) which can be toggled off.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Outback is priced at\u00a0\nRM224,846.30\u00a0\nwith insurance and GST, and is fully imported from Japan. It comes with a five-year or 100,000km warranty programme, whichever occurs first and is available in nine different colours. The one you see here bears the \nTungsten Metallic\n shade.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after the global debut of the \nBMW 4 Series F32 LCI \n(Life Cycle Impulse) early this year, BMW Malaysia went on to introduce the updated 4 Series. Unlike before when it was offered in three body styles \u2013 \nCoupe\n, \nGrand Coupe\n and \nConvertible\n, only the Coupe will make its way here this time around.\nIt\u2019s available in two distinct flavours, the 420i Sport and 430i M Sport. Both are motivated by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower turbo, though the former makes\u00a0\n184 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque (same setup as the \nF30 320i\n) whereas the 430i gets\u00a0\n252 hp \nand\n 350 Nm\n, which is identical to\u00a0the \nG30 530i\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 420i Coupe Sport\nBMW 430i Coupe M Sport\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 with TwinPower turbo\n1,998cc; inline-4 with TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,250 rpm\n252 hp @ 5,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n270 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.3 seconds; 236 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM338,800\nRM408,800\nDrive is sent to the rear wheels via an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission for both. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes only \n7.3 seconds\n\u00a0for the 420i, while the more powerful 430i does it in\u00a0\n5.8 seconds\n. At full whack, the speedometer will read \n236 km/h\n on the 420i and \n250 km/h\n on the 430i. Fuel economy, if you must know is rated at \n6.0L/100 km\n and \n6.4L/100 km\n, respectively.\nWith the LCI, the BMW 4 Series noew gets a pair of full LED headlamps with updated LED DRLs. Also new are the LED tail lamps with reshaped graphics, much like the \nM4 GTS\n\u2019 organic LED tail lamps, minus the drama.   Differentiating the two variants are the docile \nSport body kit\n on the 420i and the sharper, more aggressive \nM Sport body kit\n on the 430i. The 420i rides on 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/50 profile tyres while the 430i comes with a set of 18-inch alloys wrapped in mixed tyre profiles of 225/45 front and 255/40 rear. Keen customers can upsize their to a set of\u00a0\n19-inches\n\u00a0for a \u201csmall\u201d fee.\nInside, the cabin receives new ambient lighting, chrome trims around the dashboard, automatic climate controls and Nora leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. The 430i also features BMW\u2019s latest-generation 8.8-inch iDrive infotainment system with touchscreen capabilities (finally). Both variants come with BMW Connected services, including Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices and Remote Services via the BMW Connected App while \nBMW Concierge Services\n is reserved for the 430i only.   The engineers also fine-tuned the chassis for improved dynamics and comfort. By tweaking the dampers, the 4 Series LCI gets reduced body roll, greater straight-line stability and predictability at its limits. The 430i comes with \nAdaptive M Suspension\n as standard for greater flexibility (420i gets standard suspension).\nBMW Malaysia is offering six exterior shades of the 4 Series \u00a0Coupe LCI\u2013 Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red as standard for both variants, while Snapper Rocks Blue and Glacier Silver are reserved for the 420i and Estoril Blue exclusive only to the 430i.\nCustomers can also opt to have their interior finished in Dakota Black leather with Highlight Oyster Black Sport Seats. Every purchase of the 4 Series Coupe LCI\u00a0\u00a0comes with a 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service and 2-Years BMW Tyre Warranty Programme.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Like the \nABS\n and \nESC\n automotive acronyms, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is another commonly found in new car brochures as more and more car makers are beginning to up their game on the safety front of their vehicles.\nCoupled with \nAnti-lock Braking System\n or ABS as it is more commonly known, EBD regulates the brake forces sent to each of the vehicle\u2019s wheel based on various conditions like road surface and speed.\nEBD can individually \napply more or less braking pressure to each individual wheel\n, as the system deems necessary, in order to maximise braking efficiency without compromising on vehicle control.\nSay you\u2019re travelling at speed with an obstacle ahead of you and there isn\u2019t enough time or space to come to a full stop. You\u2019re most likely going to hit the brakes hard while turning the steering to one side to avoid the obstacle.\nIn a car without EBD, you\u2019d most likely lose control of your vehicle, oversteer and swerve uncontrollably. With EBD, an oversteer can be prevented with the right amount of brake force delivered to each wheel in order to slow down and evade the obstacle safely."
"Today marks \nKlang Valley\u2019s transition\n from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) which allows more freedom of movement for individuals who are fully vaccinated.\nIn the earlier statement by the Government, Klang Valley which includes Selangor, FT Kuala Lumpur and FT Putrajaya will be combined as one area and therefore roadblocks for movement between the three areas will be ended.\nSource: \nFacebook/PolisDaerahPetalingJaya\nHowever, the Petaling Jaya District Police Headquarters has issued a press statement clarifying the closure of just two roadblocks and the continuation of another four. As of September 10th 12:01 a.m., the Federal Highway (Kota Darul Ehsan arch) and Taman Kanagapuram (beneath the NPE) roadblocks have been removed.\nImage credit: \nS\nelangorkini.my\nMeanwhile, the roadblocks at the interchanges to the North-South Expressway (NSE) that enters and exits the Petaling Jaya districts are maintained. They are the toll gates of the Sungai Buloh (113), Kota Damansara (107), Damansara (106) and Subang (104) interchanges.\nOver 110,000 applied for interstate travel during the strict lockdown period. Find out more here!\nStates that are in Phase 1 of the NRP have been also permitted to reopen indoor sports activities (except gymnasiums) with strict occupancy limits and only for the fully vaccinated individuals.\nSource: Facebook/PolisDaerahPetalingJaya\nNurseries and florists, outdoor equipment stores and new property development galleries are now allowed to open too. \u00a0\nAlthough ease of restrictions is gradually being introduced, the public is still reminded to be vigilant in maintaining discipline with regards to hygiene, SOPs as well as minimise crowding and removal of the face mask in public areas.\nClick on this \nlink\n to know more about what is allowed and not allowed under the respective NRP phases."
"It\u2019s an auspicious and exciting day for the Malaysian Olympic contingent as they received the keys to their brand new cars courtesy of Proton-DRB HICOM. Held at Proton\u2019s Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam, the event was graced by Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Khairy Jamaluddin and Chef-de-Mission of the Malaysian Olympic Contingent, Tan Sri Mohamed Al-Amin Abdul Majid.\nDuring the Rio Olympics, \nProton announced their plans to reward any Olympic medallists with a brand new car\n.\u00a0Women\u2019s Synchronised 10m Platform Diving pair, \nPandelela Rinong\n and\n Cheong Jun Hoong\n, Badminton Men\u2019s Doubles pair, \nGoh V Shem\n and\n Tan Wee Kiong\n as well as Badminton Mixed Doubles pair, \nChan Peng Soon\n and \nGoh Liu Ying\n will all drive away in a brand new \nProton Suprima S 1.6L Turbo Premium\n.\nTo celebrate Malaysia\u2019s most successful Olympian to date, Datuk Lee Chong Wei was presented with Proton\u2019s flagship \u2013 \nProton Perdana 2.4L\n. The world number one\u00a0won three silver medals to date, starting with the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2012 London Olympics and the latest Rio Olympics.\nLast but not the least, Azizulhasni Awang, who bagged Malaysia\u2019s first medal in a cycling event was rewarded\u00a0with the all-new \nProton Persona 1.6L Premium CVT\n.\nA total of eight Proton cars will be handed out to each of the eight medallists. The cars collectively worth about RM680,000. We at\n AutoBuzz.my\n would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to all our national athletes for bearing the Jalur Gemilang at the pinnacle of the world\u2019s sporting event.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In 100 days, Sime Darby Motors has successfully delivered 1,000 units of the\n \nBYD Atto 3\n \nto its customers. To commemorate the occasion, Sime Darby Motors held a special event at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium carpark to gather the first 1,000 owners of the BYD Atto 3 during the recent weekend.\nSime Darby Motors Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Macau Managing Director of Retail and Distribution, Jeffrey Gan said, \u201cThis celebration marks a milestone in Malaysia\u2019s electric vehicle (EV) market, setting a precedent that reflects the increasing popularity and acceptance of EV in the country. We are pleased to sustain the momentum of our BYD ATTO 3 deliveries to customers and today\u2019s occasion is a celebration for all the new car owners. We look forward to continue driving EV demand across our market segments.\u201d\nOver the weekend, BYD customers from all over Malaysia attended the event which was filled with exclusive activities for BYD customers only. Among the activities was a live band and a lucky draw.\nCommenting on the occasion, BYD Malaysia Managing Director, Eagle Zhao said, \u201cToday\u2019s achievement of a record-breaking feat is testament to the strong partnership with Sime Darby Motors and we are optimistic on the growth prospects of EV in Malaysia. We hope the new BYD owners enjoyed their one-of-a-kind experience with us today and we look forward to continue bringing in even better new energy technology and products to Malaysia in the future. This will offer Malaysians the opportunity to revel in the advantage and fun of EV.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBYD Dolphin EV launched in Thailand, cheaper than Honda City e:HEV RS!\nTogether with the celebration, BYD recently opened its latest showroom at Gurney Plaza, Penang. The showroom spans 1,500 square feet of space and is located 6 km away from the aftersales service centre in Sungai Pinang.\nAvailable in two variants, the BYD ATTO 3 is priced from \nRM149,800\n for the Standard Range and \nRM167,800\n for the Extended Range, with a choice of five vibrant colour palettes, namely Surf Blue, Parkour Red, Boulder Grey, Forest Green and Ski White.\nRELATED: \nBYD Atto 3 \u2013 Malaysia\u2019s first 100 units delivered at Grand Delivery ceremony"
"\u5728\u5370\u5c3c\u548c\u6cf0\u56fd\u53d1\u5e03\u540e\uff0c2023\u6b3eHonda WR-V\u7ec8\u4e8e\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u53d1\u5e03\u3002\u603b\u5171\u63d0\u4f9b\u56db\u4e2a\u7248\u672c\uff0cWR-V\uff08Winsome Runabout Vehicle\uff09\u7684\u4ef7\u683c\u4ece\nRM89,900\n\u8d77\u8df3\u3002\nHonda WR-V 1.5 S \u2013 \nRM89,900 \nHonda WR-V 1.5 E- \nRM95,900 \nHonda WR-V 1.5 V \u2013 \nRM99,900 \nHonda WR-V 1.5 RS \u2013 \nRM107,900\n2023\u6b3eHonda WR-V\u5f15\u5165\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\uff0c\u4ee5\u586b\u8865BR-V\u4eceHonda\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u8f66\u7cfb\u4e2d\u9000\u51fa\u7559\u4e0b\u7684\u7a7a\u767d\uff0c\u5e76\u4e0ePerodua Ativa\u7ade\u4e89\u3002\u5c3a\u5bf8\u4e0a\uff0cWR-V\u957f4060\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u5bbd1780\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u9ad81608\u6beb\u7c73\uff0c\u8f74\u8ddd\u4e3a2485\u6beb\u7c73\u3002\u8fd9\u6b3e\u8de8\u754c\u8f66\u8fd8\u5177\u6709220\u6beb\u7c73\u7684\u79bb\u5730\u95f4\u9699\u3002\n\u76f8\u6bd4Perodua Ativa\uff0c\u5176\u5c3a\u5bf8\u4e3a4065\u6beb\u7c73\u957f\uff0c1710\u6beb\u7c73\u5bbd\uff0c1635\u6beb\u7c73\u9ad8\uff0c\u8f74\u8ddd2525\u6beb\u7c73\uff0cWR-V\u5728\u51e0\u4e4e\u6240\u6709\u5c3a\u5bf8\u4e0a\u90fd\u7a0d\u5c0f\u4e8eAtiva\u3002\u7136\u800c\uff0cWR-V\u7684\u5bbd\u5ea6\u662f\u552f\u4e00\u7684\u4f8b\u5916\uff0c\u56e0\u4e3a\u5b83\u6bd4\u672c\u5730\u7ade\u4e89\u5bf9\u624b\u5bbd\u4e8627\u6beb\u7c73\u3002\n\u5728\u5916\u89c2\u4e0a\uff0c\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u7684Honda WR-V 1.5 S\u914d\u5907\u4ee5\u4e0b\u6807\u51c6\u8bbe\u5907\uff1a\n\u624b\u52a8\u5364\u7d20\u5934\u706f\n\u524d\u7f6e\u706f\nLED\u5c3e\u706f\n16\u82f1\u5bf8\u5355\u8272\u4e94\u8f90\u8f6e\u6bc2\n\u884c\u674e\u7bb1\u5c3e\u7ffc\n\u5fae\u6781\u5929\u7ebf\n\u9009\u62e9WR-V 1.5 E\u5c06\u4e3a\u4f60\u63d0\u4f9b\uff1a\n\u81ea\u52a8\u5364\u7d20\u5934\u706f\n\u9ca8\u9c7c\u9ccd\u5929\u7ebf\n\u5347\u7ea7\u5230Honda WR-V 1.5 V\uff0c\u4f60\u5c06\u83b7\u5f97\uff1a\n\u81ea\u52a8LED\u5934\u706f\n\u81ea\u52a8\u9ad8\u5149\u675f\uff08AHB\uff09\nLED\u65e5\u95f4\u884c\u8f66\u706f\uff08DRL\uff09\n\u7535\u52a8\u4fa7\u89c6\u955c\n\u9876\u7ea7Honda WR-V 1.5 RS\u4e3a\u4f60\u63d0\u4f9b\uff1a\nRS\u5916\u89c2\u5957\u4ef6\n17\u82f1\u5bf8\u53cc\u8272\u8f6e\u6bc2\n\u524dLED\u987a\u5e8f\u8f6c\u5411\u4fe1\u53f7\u706f\n2023\u6b3eHonda WR-V\u7684\u52a8\u529b\u6765\u6e90\u4e8eHonda City\uff0cCity Hatchback\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u5165\u95e8\u7ea7Honda HR-V 1.5 S\u4e2d\u76841.5\u5347\u81ea\u7136\u5438\u6c14\uff08NA\uff09\u56db\u7f38\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u3002\u914d\u5907\u4e86Honda\u7684G-design shift\u6280\u672f\u7684\u8fde\u7eed\u53ef\u53d8\u4f20\u52a8\u5668\uff08CVT\uff09\uff0c\u5c06\u52a8\u529b\u9001\u5f80\u524d\u8f6e\uff0c\u603b\u8f93\u51fa\u4e3a\n121\u9a6c\u529b\n\uff08\u516c\u5236\uff09\u548c\n145\u725b\u00b7\u7c73\n\u3002\n2023\u6b3eHonda WR-V\u7684\u52a8\u529b\u7cfb\u7edf\u548c\u8fdb\u4e00\u6b65\u7684\u6280\u672f\u7ec6\u8282\u5982\u4e0b\uff1a\n\u5f15\u64ce\uff1a1.5\u53474\u7f38\u81ea\u7136\u5438\u6c14DOHC\u5e26i-VTEC\n\u6700\u5927\u529f\u7387\uff1a\n121\u9a6c\u529b\n\uff08\u516c\u5236\uff09@ 6,600 rpm\n\u6700\u5927\u626d\u77e9\uff1a\n145\u725b\u00b7\u7c73\n @ 2,300 rpm\n\u6700\u9ad8\u901f\u5ea6\uff1a\n165 km/h\n\u53d8\u901f\u5668\uff1aCVT\n\u524d\u5239\u8f66\uff1a\u901a\u98ce\u76d8\u5239\u8f66\n\u540e\u5239\u8f66\uff1a\u9f13\u5239\u8f66\n\u524d\u60ac\u6302\uff1a\u9ea6\u5f17\u900a\u51cf\u632f\u5668\u4e0e\u7a33\u5b9a\u6746\n\u540e\u60ac\u6302\uff1aH\u578b\u626d\u529b\u6881\n\u8fdb\u5165\u5185\u9970\uff0c\u4f60\u4f1a\u53d1\u73b02023\u6b3eHonda WR-V\u7684\u5185\u9970\u8bbe\u8ba1\u770b\u8d77\u6765\u76f8\u5f53\u719f\u6089\u3002\u8fd9\u5e76\u4e0d\u5947\u602a\uff0c\u56e0\u4e3a\u5b83\u57fa\u672c\u4e0a\u662f\u57fa\u4e8e\u7b2c\u4e8c\u4ee3BR-V\u7684\u8bbe\u8ba1\u3002\u4e8b\u5b9e\u4e0a\uff0c\u5185\u9970\u8bbe\u8ba1\u751a\u81f3\u8ba9\u6211\u4eec\u60f3\u8d77\u4e86\u4e00\u79cd\u7f29\u5c0f\u7248\u7684\u5373\u5c06\u9000\u51fa\u7684\u7b2c\u4e94\u4ee3CR-V\uff0c\u8fd9\u6b3e\u8f66\u4ecd\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u9500\u552e\u3002\n\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\uff0c2023\u6b3eHonda WR-V 1.5 S\u7684\u6807\u51c6\u5185\u9970\u529f\u80fd\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u7ec7\u7269\u5ea7\u6905\n\u65e0\u94a5\u5319\u8fdb\u5165\u548c\u4e00\u952e\u542f\u52a8\u7cfb\u7edf\n\u624b\u52a8\u6570\u5b57\u7a7a\u8c03 \u6a21\u62df\u4eea\u8868\u7ec4\n\u5e26Apple CarPlay\u548cAndroid Auto\u652f\u6301\u76847\u82f1\u5bf8\u89e6\u6478\u5c4f\u4fe1\u606f\u5a31\u4e50\u7cfb\u7edf\n2\u626c\u58f0\u5668\u97f3\u54cd\u7cfb\u7edf\n\u4e24\u4e2aUSB-A\u7aef\u53e3\n\u673a\u68b0\u624b\u5239\n380\u5347\u7684\u540e\u5907\u7bb1\u7a7a\u95f4\uff08\u4f46\u6ca1\u6709\u884c\u674e\u906e\u76d6\uff09\n\u9009\u62e9WR-V 1.5 E\uff0c\u4f60\u5c06\u83b7\u5f97\uff1a\n4.2\u82f1\u5bf8TFT\u4eea\u8868\u663e\u793a\n\u591a\u89d2\u5ea6\u5012\u8f66\u6444\u50cf\u5934\n\u5347\u7ea7\u5230WR-V 1.5 V, \u4f60\u5c06\u83b7\u5f97\uff1a\n\u84dd\u8272\u7f1d\u7ebf\u7684\u76ae\u8d28\u5ea7\u6905\n\u76ae\u8d28\u5185\u9970\u4e0e\u7f1d\u7ebf\n\u540e\u4e2d\u592e\u6276\u624b\n\u81ea\u52a8\u7a7a\u8c03\n\u9009\u62e9\u66f4\u9ad8\u7aef\u7684Honda WR-V 1.5 RS\uff0c\u4f60\u5c06\u83b7\u5f97\u4ee5\u4e0b\u989d\u5916\u914d\u7f6e\uff1a\nRS\u5185\u9970\u5957\u4ef6\n\u6362\u6321\u62e8\u7247\n\u8fdc\u7a0b\u53d1\u52a8\u673a\u542f\u52a8\n\u8d70\u79bb\u81ea\u52a8\u9501\u5b9a\n2\u4e2a\u9ad8\u97f3\u626c\u58f0\u5668\n\u5728\u5b89\u5168\u65b9\u9762\uff0c\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u89c4\u683c\u7684WR-V\u6807\u914d\u6709\u56db\u4e2a\u5b89\u5168\u6c14\u56ca\u3002\u81f3\u4e8eHonda\u7684Sensing ADAS\u5957\u4ef6\uff0c\u5b83\u4e0eWR-V 1.5 E\u53ca\u66f4\u9ad8\u7248\u672c\u4e00\u8d77\u63d0\u4f9b\u3002\u8bf8\u5982Honda Connect\u8f66\u8054\u7f51\u5957\u4ef6\u548c\u516d\u4e2a\u5b89\u5168\u6c14\u56ca\u7b49\u529f\u80fd\u914d\u5907\u5728\u9876\u7ea7\u7684WR-V 1.5 RS\u4e0a\u3002\u548c\u5176\u4ed6Honda\u8f66\u578b\u4e00\u6837\uff0cWR-V\u6ca1\u6709\u4f20\u7edf\u7684\u76f2\u70b9\u76d1\u6d4b\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u800c\u662f\u914d\u5907Honda\u81ea\u5bb6\u7684LaneWatch\u4fa7\u6444\u50cf\u7cfb\u7edf\u3002\n2023\u6b3eHonda WR-V 1.5 S\u7684\u6807\u51c6\u5b89\u5168\u529f\u80fd\u5305\u62ec\uff1a\n\u56db\u4e2a\u6c14\u56ca\nHonda LaneWatch\u7cfb\u7edf\n\u4e0eWR-V 1.5 E\uff0c\u4f60\u5c06\u83b7\u5f97\uff1a\n\u81ea\u9002\u5e94\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236\uff08ACC\uff09\n\u78b0\u649e\u7f13\u89e3\u5239\u8f66\u7cfb\u7edf\uff08CMBS\uff09\n\u81ea\u52a8\u7d27\u6025\u5239\u8f66\uff08AEB\uff09\n\u524d\u5411\u78b0\u649e\u8b66\u544a\uff08FCW\uff09\n\u8f66\u9053\u4fdd\u6301\u52a9\u624b\uff08LKAS\uff09\n\u9053\u8def\u504f\u79bb\u7f13\u89e3\uff08RDM\uff09\n\u8f66\u9053\u504f\u79bb\u8b66\u544a\uff08LDW\uff09\n\u5f15\u5bfc\u8f66\u8f86\u542f\u52a8\u901a\u77e5\uff08LCDN\uff09\nWR-V 1.5 RS\u589e\u52a0\uff1a\n\u516d\u4e2a\u6c14\u56ca\nHonda Connect\u8f66\u8054\u7f51\u5957\u4ef6\n\u603b\u7684\u6765\u8bf4\uff0c2023\u6b3eHonda WR-V\u8de8\u754c\u8f66\u521a\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u53d1\u5e03\uff0c\u5171\u63d0\u4f9b\u56db\u4e2a\u7248\u672c\u3002\u4ef7\u683c\u4ece\nRM89,900\n\u5f00\u59cb\uff0c\u6700\u9ad8\u4e3a\nRM107,900\n\u3002\u8be5\u8de8\u754c\u8f66\u8fd8\u914d\u6709\u6807\u51c6\u7684\u4e94\u5e74\u65e0\u9650\u91cc\u7a0b\u4fdd\u4fee\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u4e94\u6b21\u514d\u8d39\u52b3\u52a1\u670d\u52a1\uff0c\u9002\u7528\u4e8e100,000\u516c\u91cc\u6216\u4e94\u5e74\uff0c\u4ee5\u5148\u5230\u8005\u4e3a\u51c6\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011\n2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 RS\n2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 V"
"Mitsubishi\u2019s all-new mid-sized SUV, the Eclipse Cross has just gone on sale in the UK, six months after its global debut. Positioned in between the ASX and Outlander, the Eclipse Cross is set to rival other five-seater SUVs such as the \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n, \nHonda CR-V\n and \nMazda CX-5\n.\nIn UK, the Eclipse Cross is motivated by a sole, all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces \n163 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n of torque mated to a choice of six-speed manual or CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with eight-stepped ratio and Sport mode. Sprinting to 100 km/h from standstill takes\n 9.3 seconds\n on the 2WD CVT equipped Eclipse Cross while the manual clocks in a full second slower at \n10.3 seconds\n. The heavier 4WD CVT completes the century sprint in \n9.8 seconds\n.\nThe Eclipse Cross is available with two- or four- wheel drive configuration, the latter gets Mitsubishis latest generation Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, an electronic dial that optimises the vehicles dynamics to three driving modes \u2013 Auto, Snow and Gravel.\nAnother highlight of the Eclipse Cross is the standard safety equipment across the range, inclusive of \nseven-airbags\n, ABS, Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, \nForward Collision Mitigation (FCM)\n and automatic high beam. Yep, even on the cheapest variant on sale.\nDepending on variant, the Eclipse Cross comes equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless-entry and start, leather upholstery, rear view camera, privacy glass and panoramic sunroof. Range topping variant gets additional 360-degree parking camera, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (automatic only).\nPrices for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts from \u00a324,975 (RM142k) to \u00a327,900 (RM158k). What do you think dear readers? Think this all-new high-tech SUV with its aggressive styling have what it takes to take on other giants?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since Proton formed its \nnew partnership with Geely\n, the national carmaker is on overdrive to revitalise and reinstate confidence among consumer. Since then Proton has launched their first ever SUV and introduced three model updates with more to come before the end of 2019.\nThe \nProton X70\n, the first car to be launched under the new Proton-Geely partnership, proved to be well received among Malaysians with 15,175 units delivered to customers in the first six months of 2019. This parks the X70 the cumulative sales leader for the overall SUV segment as well as the best-selling premium and executive SUV.\nThe strong sales figures for the X70 was not the only contributor to Proton\u2019s overall sales growth of 61% for the 1H of 2019. Their core PIES models \u2013 \nPersona\n, \nIriz\n, \nExora\n and \nSaga\n \u2013 also performed equally well, contributing to more than half of overall sales.\nProton estimates that the company now commands 14.7% market share year-to-date and are on track to achieve its sales target for the year.\nCEO of Proton, Dr Li\nChun Rong said: \u201cBy achieving a market share of 18.1% in June, PROTON continues\nto show positive sales growth this year despite the tough market conditions\nfollowing the Hari Raya holidays. Our year to date market share currently\nstands at 14.7% and is a big improvement of our 2018 figure of 10.8%. For the\nsecond half of the year, we will concentrate on continuing to build our sales\nand exciting the market further by introducing new and updated models as was\npromised at the beginning of the year.\u201d"
"Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford vehicles here in Malaysia, today unveiled a new special edition model for the \nFord Ranger pick-up truck \nhere in Malaysia, called the WildTrak Sport Special Edition.\nAccording to the company, the special-edition model will only be offered in limited units across the country, and is priced at \nRM158,388\n on the road and without insurance, making it around RM6,000 pricier than the \nregular WildTrak variant\n.\nAs the name suggests, the new special edition model is based on the existing WildTrak variant, but elevated with several variant exclusive design elements, both inside and out.\nStarting from the outside, the new WildTrak Sport variant comes equipped as standard with a new front grille design, alongside blacked-out wing mirrors, door and tailgate handles, as well as the 18-inch alloy wheels.\nRELATED: The all-new Ford Ranger has already been unveiled, and should make its way over to Malaysia pretty soon! \nMoving inside, the new Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport gets a set of new illuminated scuff plates by the front door featuring the \u2018Ranger\u2019 lettering, new leather seats with bright orange accents, as well as the new orange stitching on the steering wheel.\nAll of the mechanicals, however, remain unchanged from the regular WildTrak variant. Underneath the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine, that is mated to the same 10-speed automatic gearbox to send \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n to all four wheels.\nAlso unchanged from the WildTrak variant are the advanced safety offerings, which includes autonomous Emergency Braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, as well as lane departure warning and assist.\nInterested to check out the car in person? The new Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport will be on display at SDAC\u2019s \u2018New Normal\u2019 roadshow at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, that will run from 8-12 December.\nDespite it being a roadshow event, customers can also still enjoy the same offers by visiting any Ford authorised dealerships nationwide. Customers who book the new Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport within the 5-day roadshow period will also stand a chance to win a local getaway as the main prize, regardless if they place their booking at the roadshow or through a dealership.\nAdditionally, the roadshow activities will also be broadcasted through Facebook Live across several sessions throughout the day. Customers will stand a chance to win exclusive Ford exclusive merchandises, which will be couriered directly to their desired addresses within Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"Been putting off payment for your old \nsaman\ns? Well, it\u2019s your lucky day (or month). The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is now offering a \n50% discount\n for outstanding summonses from June 18 until July 18, 2021.\nThe discount is applicable for all compoundable summons (both private and company), including those that have been blacklisted. However, summons related to heavy offences committed in 2021, heavy/commercial vehicles, vehicle exhaust modifications, and those that require a court hearing, will not be included in the discount campaign.\nWith the full movement control order (FMCO) now implemented nationwide, all payment counters for summonses will be closed. As such, the public is advised to make their payments online via the new MyBayar Saman mobile app, or through the service\u2019s web portal, linked \nhere\n.\nPDRM\u2019s press release also states that the mobile application have been recently updated to allow both individuals and companies to register and settle their fines online. The police hopes that the discount on summonses can help the public financially during the stressful \nCovid-19 pandemic\n."
"Subaru\n has just unveiled the all-new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Currently known as the \nSubaru XV\n in Malaysia and some markets, Subaru has decided to use the \u201cCrosstrek\u201d name globally and forego the XV name entirely moving forward. According to Subaru, Crosstrek is the combination of the two words, \u201cCrossover\u201d and \u201cTrekking\u201d.\nBuilt on an improved version of the Subaru Global Platform, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek utilises a new full-inner-frame construction design. Besides that, expanded applications of structural adhesives, greater rigidity in suspension connections, and other refinements can be found on the latest iteration of the Subaru Global Platform.\nAs for the powertrain, Subaru has only announced the 2.0-litre e-Boxer hybrid powertrain for the new Subaru Crosstrek. No further details have been provided yet, apart from the use of Subaru\u2019s Lineartronic CVT.\nSubaru says the driving dynamics and ride quality have been improved. The Crosstrek\u2019s steering features a dual-pinion electric power steering system. This system reduces initial steering resistance, thus enabling linear and smooth transmission of torque. It also keeps the variable gear-ratio design (from its predecessor) for precise control at low speeds and stability at high speeds. Another improvement is the electric brake booster that enhances brake responsiveness in emergency situations.\nRELATED: \nThe Prodrive P25 is what a Subaru Impreza 22B STi would be like in the modern day\nThe new seats in the Subaru Crosstrek support the pelvis which prevents the vehicle\u2019s swaying motions from being transferred to the head. The cabin environment has also been designed to minimize fatigue. Among the cabin improvements is the use of an elastic adhesive between the roof panels and braces to absorb vibration.\nLooks-wise, the new Crosstrek is more aggressive, more angular, and features more prominent claddings. Illuminating the way is a set of LED headlights with LED Cornering lights. In its highest variant, the new Subaru Crosstrek sits on 18-inch aluminium wheels. A total of nine exterior colours are available, including new colours like Offshore Blue Metallic and Oasis Blue.\nRELATED: \n2022 Subaru BRZ price up by RM20k in Malaysia for both manual and automatic variants\nThe cabin remains familiar, with the Crosstrek featuring a large 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen head unit. Wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is also available, as shown in the world premiere.\nSubtle ergonomic changes have been made, with Subaru elevating the top of the center console and improving the door design so that they can be opened while maintaining a natural posture. Subaru has also improved the cabin\u2019s clever storage-space design. Upholstery options include fabric seats with silver stitching (high-grade model), tricot seats with silver stitching (standard-grade model), and optional factory-installed leather seats.\nRELATED: \nToyota, Subaru celebrate 10 years of Hachiroku with limited-edition GR86 and BRZ models\nSafety features on the new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek include a digital multi-view monitor and LED cornering lights (a Subaru first). Subaru\u2019s EyeSight cameras now consist of a new stereo camera unit and a wide-angle mono-camera. Subaru EyeSight\u2019s image recognition software has also been improved to enable object recognition at wider angles and farther distances. The new wide-angle mono camera is capable of intitating pre-collision braking in an even wider range of situations.\nSubaru says the crossover market is now a saturated one. With the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, the company has decided to prioritise meeting customer expectations instead of blindly conforming to current trends.\nGALLERY"
"The all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max is finally \navailable in Malaysia\n. The outgoing pick-up truck was known to be the dependable workhorse and isn\u2019t shy about it, and the new generation we have today is about to blend more features from SUV and passenger cars than ever.\nLet\u2019s find out how Isuzu has made the third-generation D-Max perform even better as a workhorse, whilst attracting a new set of consumers with rich features and design.\nPOWERTRAIN\nTwo powertrains are offered here, the 1.9L turbodiesel with maintained performance and the new 3.0L turbodiesel. The all-new Isuzu D-Max offered in Malaysia is only available with the Terrain Command 4\u00d74 system.\nThe 1.9L turbodiesel engine features a new turbocharger for better response and improved top-end performance. It produces the same peak outputs as before- \n150 hp\n at 3,600 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque between 1,800 \u2013 2,600 rpm.\nThe new 3.0L turbodiesel engine, codenamed 4JJ3-TCX, is now more powerful, quieter, more efficient and more durable than the 4JJ1 engine it replaces.\nThanks to a new engine block and combustion chamber, cylinder head, pistons, turbocharger and fuel injection system, the engine new delivers \n190 hp \nat 3,000 rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque between 1,600 to 2,600 rpm, which are 13 hp and 70 Nm higher than the outgoing engine.\nThe performance of the new 3.0L engine is further enhanced by the pairing of a \nsix-speed\n automatic transmission, up one ratio from the previous D-Max 3.0L Premium. Further performance and durability enhancement include the usage of an \naluminium\n propeller shaft. Saving \n4 kg\n in weight compared to steel, it offers less inertia thereby reducing torque lash resulting in longer life for the drivetrain.\nIsuzu has also future-proofed the engines, as they are \ncompatible with \nB20 biodiesel\n blend. Development of the new engine includes testing in the most extreme conditions equivalent to \n4 million kilometres\n.\nA new feature found exclusively in the 3.0L X-Terrain flagship variant is the electronic \nrear differential lock\n. Locking the rear differential (only available in 4-L mode) means both left and right rear tyres will have equal torque, allowing for even better traction instantly than relying on the electronic brake control system.\nAs for the Terrain Command 4\u00d74 system, Isuzu has further improved the system to activate from 2-H to 4-H mode in only just \n0.61 seconds\n, more than 1.3 seconds improvement compared to the previous system. \u00a0\u00a0\nCHASSIS\nCompared to the construction of unibody passenger vehicles, a pick-up is a combination of a cabin and a ladder frame. As such, we will highlight some key changes to the pick-up that is after all designed to haul heavy and bulky items (and over unpaved roads) that passenger vehicles are not designed to do.\nThe ladder frame in the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max is the largest in the one-tonne pick-up segment with the fitment of a total of \neight cross members\n\u2013 the most among its competitors. This translates to a \n20% increase\n in torsional rigidity with a \n26% increase\n in longitudinal rigidity, resultant in a more dynamic and stable handling as well as an increase in the vehicle\u2019s overall durability.\nThe new generation platform is also designed for better driving dynamics, with a higher mounting point of the front upper wishbones plus a longer wheelbase which places the engine (and its mass) further away from the front axle.\nThe rake of the steering column has also revised for a more dynamic and sporty driving position. Even the diameter of the steering wheel conveys this message via a \n375-mm\n size, similar to many sedans.\nA strong chassis and bodyshell are fundamental to offer better protection for the occupants. As such, the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max scored a full \nfive-star\n rating in the \nASEAN NCAP\n assessment.\nThe brakes are also revamped, featuring larger 320 mm x 30 mm brake disc up front with larger rear drums for better all-round performance and longer service life.\nGross vehicle weight (X-Terrain 3.0L) is now \n2,600 kg\n, an increase of 100 kg over its predecessor. Payload is therefore improved too, with the X-Terrain rated at \n575 kg\n compared to the outgoing model of 530 kg.\nFor users whose requirement are hauling heavy payloads, the Standard 1.9L variants (AT and MT) has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of \n2,800 kg\n. This translates to a payload of 885 kg and 910 kg for AT and MT, respectively.\nEXTERIOR\nThe X-Terrain 3.0L looks the most outstanding thanks to its dark grey finished 18-inch wheels, integrated overfenders, door handles, side mirrors and roof rails.\nUnfortunately for those who just want the X-Terrain exterior and hoping to save by paying the road tax for a 1.9L turbodiesel (it\u2019s a\n RM1,239.20\n \nsaving\n per annum in Pen. Malaysia), the 1.9L variant ends at the Premium variant, without the aggressive dark grey highlights and overfenders.\nStandard exterior\nDimensionally, the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max is 30 mm shorter, while having a \nlonger wheelbase\n. This has not influenced the turning radius, in fact, the engineers have even shortened it to \n6.25 metres\n, a 50 mm reduction.\nNow for more pick-up specific details. The minimum ground clearance has been increased by 5 mm to\n 240 mm\n, with the approach angle marginally better at 30.5 degrees. The departure angle however sees a larger gain of 1.2 degrees, from 22.7 degrees to 23.9 degrees in the third-generation Isuzu D-Max.\nThe water wading depth has increased to \n800 mm\n (from 600 mm) courtesy of a redesign and higher placement of the air intake system.\nAs for the deck size, it is deeper, with a height of 490 mm, a 20 mm increase. The width remains the same at 1,530 mm while the length is 1,571 mm, measured at the floor level. A \ntailgate assist\n, a mechanism to reduce the effort in opening and closing the tailgate, is fitted as standard from the Premium variant onwards.\nIn the X-Terrain variant, a sliding cargo tray placed on top of the bedliner is fitted as standard. The sportsbar meanwhile remains an optional item priced at RM1,320.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior of the all-new Isuzu D-Max is the most impactful of all the new items planned for the new-generation product. The passenger car-like design and function feature \na full-width soft-touch dashboard\n with a contrasting stitching effect. Certain trim pieces are finished in \nsatin chrome\n for a clean and classy ambience.\nA large 4.2-inch high-definition colour TFT multi-information display relays a myriad of information to the driver. The infotainment system meanwhile features a nine-inch touchscreen that also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.\nThe seats are larger and provide proper support up to the shoulders. Much attention has been paid to the entire seat, from material used to the shape of the frame. The cushion has \ndual-density padding\n with a soft centre section and stiffer bolsters while the springs are of a new mat design that disperses body pressure more evenly.\nOccupants at the rear will also feel more comfortable, thanks to the increase in wheelbase, shoulder room and a \nmore reclined seatback\n.\nTechnical changes were also made to the suspension system to improve passenger comfort levels. The rear axle features \nthree leaf springs\n, instead of four whilst the shock absorber top mount is seven degrees more upright, providing longer travel resultant in more comfort.\nA feature found exclusively in the X-Terrain 3.0L variant is the \nremote engine start\n function. The person holding the keyfob can remotely start the engine from as far as 20 metres away. With the engine and thus the automatic \ndual-zone air-conditioning\n running for up to ten minutes, occupants enter a more comfortable and cooler cabin when parked at unshaded recreational areas or the construction zone.\nSAFETY\nAll variants are equipped with the now-familiar three-alphabet acronyms- ABS, EBD, BA, TCS, ESC and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Two airbags are standard except for the X-Terrain 3.0L flagship variant, increasing its count to\n seven\n inclusive of a driver\u2019s knee airbag.\nHeadlining the all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max is the fitment of a full suite of advanced driver assist system (ADAS) which is only available in the X-Terrain variant. The full package consists of the forward collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control with \nstop and go\n function, lane departure warning, pedal misapplication mitigation and \nTurn Assist\n.\nThe Turn Assist is something unique, unseen in many other vehicles with full ADAS. Turn Assist monitors opposing traffic when \nturning into a junction\n and applies the brakes to avoid a collision.\nThe Premium variants add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert plus a reverse camera over Standard variants.\nPRICING\nThe all-new Isuzu D-Max is available in single cab and double cab variants and offered in both 1.9L and 3.0L turbodiesel engine options. A total of seven variants are available:\nSingle cab\n1.9L 6MT- RM88,599.20\n3.0L 6MT- RM95,538.40\nDouble cab\nStandard 1.9L 6MT- RM99,599.20\nStandard 1.9L 6AT-RM106,999.20\nPremium 1.9L 6AT-RM121,549.20\nPremium 3.0L 6AT-RM128,038.40\nX-Terrain 3.0L 6AT and ADAS-RM141,938.40\nPrices above are on-the-road, without insurance and individual private registration in Peninsular Malaysia.\nThe warranty coverage provided by Isuzu Malaysia also differs, with the X-Terrain 3.0L gaining a \nseven-year unlimited mileage warranty\n coverage. Other variants continue with the comprehensive five-year / 150,000 km warranty coverage, whichever occurs first.\nThere you have it, plenty of details on the all-new Isuzu D-Max that we tried as much as possible to compress and highlight as thorough as possible. It is definitely worth a test drive, with the changes and improvements certainly substantial even with just a five-minute test drive.\nGALLERY"
"Remember the days when every petrolhead lusted after the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX? Well, Toyota is looking to revive that with the GR Yaris, if the reports coming out of the prototype media drive (held on the Estoril circuit in Portugal) are anything to go by.\nFor something like to GR Yaris to even exist in the traditionally bean-counting culture of Toyota is nothing short of a miracle, it also speaks volumes of the cultural shift that its president \nAkio Toyoda\n promised and is delivering.\nConsider the following \u2013 the GR Yaris is powered by an \nentirely new powertrain developed in-house\n from ground up; this is not some tuning job on existing hardware but a fresh investment in a model that\u2019s probably not going to sell in large numbers.\nUnder the still camouflaged hood of the GR Yaris rests a \n1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine\n capable of an estimated output of \n250 hp and 350Nm\n (probably the most powerful 1.6-litre 3-pot in the world when it goes into production), mated to a 6-speed manual, the only transmission that will be offered. Idle to 100 km/h is rumoured to take around \n5 seconds\n.\n \n GR Yaris shakedown by master driver \u2018Morizo\u2019 a.k.a Akio Toyoda.\nThe more you read into the yet-confirmed mechanical specs, the more you\u2019d think that the GR Yaris was conceived solely by enthusiasts and engineers in a secret location, hidden away from accountants and marketers. It still uses the Yaris as a base, but just about everything else been redrawn in the name of \nweight savings\n and \nperformance\n.\nThe \nGazoo Racing\n boffins deleted the rear doors, dramatically widened the body and track, lowered the roof (made of carbon fibre now) and gave it variable mode all-wheel drive \u2013 not unlike that of a Yaris WRC rally car. The rear torsion beam suspension of the regular Yaris also makes way for a \ndouble wishbone\n set up.\nToyota will remove the camo on the GR Yaris at the \nTokyo Auto Salon\n on \n10\nth\n January 2020\n, customer deliveries are expected late in the year."
"When you\u2019re buying a Porsche 911, you\u2019re not just buying a sportscar that looks, more or less, just like its predecessor; you\u2019re buying a piece of evolution or rather a piece of 911 legacy as contrary to popular belief, every new generation of the 911 is different (and better) than the one it replaces.\n Its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six has been given a 30 hp and 30 Nm bump from before, now making \n450 hp \nwith \n530 Nm\n of torque.\n \nThis power increase is primarily down to the relocated intercoolers that now rests just below the rear bonnet for better cooling and revised turbocharger flow.\n0 to 100 km/h now takes just 3.7 seconds in the rear-wheel drive Carrera S, while the all-wheel drive Carrera 4S does it in 3.6 seconds with both cars 0.4 seconds quicker than the models they replace."
"Aston Martin is set to debut the limited production V12 Speedster created by in-house bespoke team \u201cQ by Aston Martin\u201d later this year.\nThe V12 Speedster\u2019s is a product of more than 12 months of meticulous design and planning and pays homage to Aston Martin DBR1 that won the 1959 LeMans 24 hours and 1000km of Nurburging race.\nThe Aston Martin DBR1\nThe DBR1 has been the most triumphant Aston Martin in motorsports to date. It was one of only three cars in the 1950s to win both the World Sports Car Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours in the same year.\nThe V12 Speedster was also inspired by Aston Martin\u2019s CC100 Speedster Concept which was produced in 2013 to mark 100 years of Aston Martin.\nAt the heart of the V12 Speedster is a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 with 700 hp and 700 Nm, mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic that mounted towards the back of the car.\nThe CC100 Speedster Concept.\nThis should make the V12 Speedster just behind the pecking order consisting of the \nAston Martin DBS Superleggera\n that makes \n725 hp \nand \n900 Nm\n and the\n Valkyrie\n with \n1014 hp\n and \n740 Nm\n.\nAston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: \u201cThe V12 Speedster we\u2019re proud to confirm today once again showcases not only this great British brand\u2019s ambition and ingenuity, but also celebrates our rich and unrivalled heritage.\n\u201cThe 88 enthusiast drivers and collectors who secure the keys to these cars can be confident that in doing so, they are also securing an iconic new piece of Aston Martin history.\u201d\nOrders are now being taken for the 88 V12 Speedsters being hand built by the brand, with deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021."
"Mitsubishi Motor Corporation has just unveiled the all-new Mitsubishi Colt and it is essentially a Renault Clio. You may have seen the old Mitsubishi Colt in Malaysia some years ago, but the little hatchback is no longer available in the country. The car has now been revived (for the European market), albeit with French genes.\nJust like the previously unveiled all-new \nMitsubishi ASX\n, the Mitsubishi Colt is based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance\u2019s CMF-B platform. Just in case you have forgotten, the all-new ASX (for Europe) shares the same underpinnings as the Renault Captur. The all-new Mitsubishi Colt will be manufactured at Renault\u2019s Bursa plant in Turkey and is scheduled to be in European showrooms by October this year. The Colt will be reintroduced to the European market for the first time in nine years.\nWith its bodylines still unmistakably a Renault Clio, the Mitsubishi Colt slaps on the brand\u2019s Dynamic Shield look upfront together with the brand\u2019s emblem. The grille sits between a set of full LED headlights and the front end is also adorned with L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). At the back, a \u201cMitsubishi\u201d lettering runs across the tailgate.\nPowering the all-new Mitsubishi Colt are three powertrain options. The first is a mild hybrid system that consists of a 1.6-litre gasoline engine and 2 electric motors (alternator-starter and main motor). The engine is paired with an automatic multi-mode gearbox, and there is a 1.2-kWh battery as part of the hybrid system. The other two powertrain options are a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual box and a 1.0-litre engine with a 5-speed manual box.\nRELATED: \nFor Europe only, the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is a rebadged Renault Captur\nInside, the all-new Colt is equipped with either a 7-inch or 9.3-inch touchscreen head unit, depending on the variant. Certain trim levels are equipped with a Bose premium sound system.\nSafety-wise, the all-new Mitsubishi Colt is equipped with a decent array of advanced safety features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (ACC), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Easy Park Assist, Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Traffic Sign Recognition system (TSR), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nIn Malaysia, Mitsubishi\u2019s model lineup only consists of the \nMitsubishi Triton\n pickup truck and the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n."
"Come January next year, those taking deliveries of their Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 race car will no longer need to endure sweat-soaked underpants in their race suits.\nThat\u2019s cause the 2018 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3,\n based on the Nissan GT-R Nismo\n, will be available (as an option) with an \nexclusively-designed air-conditioning system\n to reduce driver stress and ensure comfort during endurance races.\nElsewhere, its centre of gravity has been lowered by mounting the engine 150mm further back and lower than its predecessor \u2013 a moved that also saw a dry sump system implemented.\nWhile the road-going version weighs around 1,700 kg, the GT3 car is more than \n500 kg lighter\n. It\u2019s got the same 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 making more than \n550 hp\n and \n637 Nm\n of torque, paired to a 6-speed sequential gearbox.\u00a0\nInstead of having power channeled to all four wheels, the Nismo GT3\u2019s brute forces is exclusive to the rear wheels. 6-pot caliper brakes occupy the front while the rear utilises a 4-pot pair \u2013 where they\u2019re tucked behind 18-inch wheels.\nVigorous tests carried out in Japan and overseas since April of last year has seen the car run a total of approximately 30,000km.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors\n is continuing its slow drip of information for the upcoming next-generation \nTriton\n pick-up truck, ahead of its official debut on July 26. In a recently published \u201cEngineering Teaser\u201d video, the Japanese marque has confirmed that the upcoming all-new Mitsubishi Triton will be built atop an all-new ladder frame chassis, and will be paired to a new \u201cclean diesel engine\u201d.\n \nThe Japanese carmaker did not reveal much in terms of details, but noted that it\u2019ll feature a double wishbone suspension up front, paired to leaf springs for the rear. This is the same set-up used in the outgoing Triton, but Mitsubishi says that it\u2019s completely newly developed to deliver \u201cboth excellent driving performance and good ride comfort at a high level\u201d.\nPrevious rumours have suggested that the all-new Mitsubishi Triton will share its ladder frame chassis with the \nNissan Navara\n, though heavily modified for Mitsubishi\u2019s purposes. It should be noted, however, that the Nissan pick-up truck utilises a five-link suspension set-up with coil springs, instead of leaf springs.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi XRT Concept previews upcoming all-new Triton\nAs for the new powertrain, Mitsubishi also did not disclose any information, aside from stating that it\u2019ll boast an \u201cimproved environmental performance by significantly reducing friction loss, while achieving higher output\u201d.\nReports online suggests that the existing 4N15 turbodiesel unit will be making way for a revised version of the 4N16 that is currently used in the updated Urvan NV350. For context, the 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill in the current Mitsubishi Triton makes \n181 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n.\nAside from the new underpinnings and engine, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton will also boast a completely redesigned exterior and interior, as teased in an \nearlier video published last month\n.\nREAD MORE: \nAll-new Mitsubishi compact SUV set for August debut in Indonesia \u2013 ASX successor?"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and local denim streetwear brand Tarik Jeans are now back again with the second instalment of the exclusive capsule collection, \u201cModern Nostalgia pt. 2\u201d, after its successful first collaboration \nback in February\n in a bid to raise awareness and raise funds for the preservation of the endangered Malayan Tapir.\nJust like the first instalment, \u201cModern Nostalgia pt.2\u201d is a limited-run capsule collection. However, unlike the first instalment which featured Volkswagen models combined with Tarik\u2019s local vintage design elements, this second collection draws more of its inspiration from raw, rugged and hands-on workshop life.\nThe new designs aim to capture Volkswagen\u2019s racing heritage and spirit whilst infusing it with performance-themed colours that petrolheads and car enthusiasts alike will approve. \u201cModern Nostalgia pt. 2\u201d comprises of a variety of premium apparels such as denim jackets that retail at RM259, work shirts at RM159 and t-shirts at RM79.\nThe complete \u201cModern Nostalgia\u201d collection can be purchased on \nTarik Jeans\u2019\n website, Shopee and Zalora. A total of \n50% of all proceeds\n generated from the sales of the collection will be donated to the \nKenaboi Forest Reserve\n in Negeri Sembilan on \nWorld Tapir Day\n on \n27\nth\n April 2021\n.\nThe Malayan tapir is the only Asian species native to the island of Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand with a distinctive coat pattern.\nThe tapir has a lifespan of up to 30 years. Ufortunately agricultural developments and deforestation, being hunted for food and sport, and illegal animal trafficking have resulted in an alarming decrease in their numbers. It is estimated that there are only less than 3,000 of them left.\nGALLERY"
"Carsome, Southeast Asia\u2019s largest vehicle e-commerce platform, has launched the new \nCarsome Certified Lab\n, the largest car refurbishment facility in the region.\nThe state-of-the-art facility spans over 185,000 square feet and will be used to transform a pre-owned (used) car to be as good as new. According to the company, it can refurbish up to 2,000 cars per month \u2013 an unprecedented feat across Southeast Asia.\u00a0\n\u201cCarsome Certified Lab plays an integral part in supporting the company\u2019s pursuit of delivering peace of mind to consumers. It allows customers to choose their cars from our largest selection of quality-assured cars. This is our continuous effort in eliminating consumer and industry pain points,\u201d said Carsome Certified, CEO, Mei Han.\nEach vehicle sold through Carsome Certified Lab has undergone a stringent 175-point inspection to ensure it is free from fire, flood, or accident damages.\nThe facility also conducts mechanical and general repairs, body and paint works as well as detailing. The refurbishment process also extends to the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and other electricals.\nEach process is performed by skilled and experienced technicians while adhering to global safety standards. All these efforts ensure that all Certified cars are safe, reliable, and look as good as new.\u00a0\nIn the next 12 months, Carsome plans to open more Certified Labs across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.\nCurrently, the company has over \n1,000 vehicle listings on its website\n, offering a hassle-free, digital experience for customers to purchase a quality used car. All Certified cars come with Carsome Promise that includes a 1-year warranty and 5-day money-back guarantee, with no hidden fees.\nGALLERY"
"You\u2019ve seen a lion dance, you\u2019ve heard of the rain dance, now watch Nissan sway into the Guinness World Records with the largest \u201ccar dance\u201d consisting of 180 Nissan Patrols.\nThe \u201cdance\u201d replicated the shape of a falcon flying over the Arabian desert \u2013 setting a new record for the \u201cmost number of cars moving in unison within a formation\u201d, beating the previous record by 36 cars.\nThis achievement is the third time the Nissan Patrol has achieved a Guinness World Records title. In September 2015, the car broke the record for the\u00a0\nfastest ascent of a 100-meter sand dune\n\u00a0by a car, in just 4.9 seconds.\nThe first title was achieved two years prior, when it successfully\u00a0\ntowed the world\u2019s heaviest aircraft\n\u00a0for more than 50 meters at the Sharjah International Airport in the UAE.\nMost recently in 2016, Nissan Middle East drifted into the record books after the Nissan GT-R NISMO performed the\u00a0\nfastest ever vehicle drift at speeds of 304.96 km/h\n."
"Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has launched the Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive, the enhanced, new generation sulphur-free diesel that\u2019s proven to deliver a smoother drive and superior fuel economy.\nPro-Drive is a combination of reformulated higher quality base diesel from Petronas\u2019 refinery and formulation designed for today\u2019s advance common-rail diesel engines.\nThe Pro-Drive technology is the brainchild of Petronas\u2019 partnership with IVECO, an Italian industrial vehicle manufacturing company to produce a winning formula for the Petronas De Rooy IVECO team in the Dakar Rally where it was victorious in the 2016th edition.\nTest results have shown that the Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive recorded higher cetane number \u2013 a result of which is efficient combustion and reduced noise.\nThe Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive removes deposits, protects the injectors and cleans vital diesel engine components to improve engine durability. The Dynamic Diesel is also said to provide more efficient combustion with quicker engine starts and less vibrations.\n\u201cPetronas\u2019 involvement in the Dakar Rally has provided us with a platform to understand the needs of common-rail direct injection diesel engines and to improve our products to meet the most extreme driving conditions,\u201d said PDB\u2019s Managing Director and CEO, Dato\u2019 Mohd Ibrahimnuddin Mohd Yunus.\nThe new Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 will be available at 58 selected Petronas stations with plans of hiking that number up to 115 stations in the near future."
"Horacio Pagani took the wraps off one of the most artistically beautiful supercars in 2012, the Pagani Huayra. It took a painstaking six years for the Italian team to chop the top off, but the resulting product is immensely gorgeous, to which they call the ultimate roadster ever.\nEnter the Pagani Huayra Roadster. There\u2019s no hybrid electric gizmos used, and at its heart is the good old 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine commissioned by AMG. The hand-built engine develops \n764 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n of torque, and all that power is delivered through the rear wheels via a\n seven-speed automated manual transmission\n.\u00a0No 0-100 km/h figures have been revealed, but the G-force meter shows a reading of 1.8G during standstill acceleration, so it\u2019s not for the faint of heart.   Generally, convertibles weigh more than their hardtop counterparts due to added structural reinforcements. However, things are reversed here. At\u00a0\n1,280 kg\n,\u00a0it is a full \n80 kg lighter \nthan the standard coupe.\n\u00a0\nThe usage of lightweight Carbo-Titanium and Carbo-Triax HP52 materials help contribute to the slimming process, while increasing stiffness by up to 52 percent. The top can be specified to either a fabric or carbon hardtop with central glass element.\nIts sticker price of\u00a0\n\u20ac2,280,000\n\u00a0with taxes (approximately RM10,725,000) is actually 120 percent more than the original Huarya (it costs \u20ac1,000,000 at launch), but that won\u2019t be a problem for the 100 well-heeled customers. Yup, just 100 units of the Huayra Roadster will be made, and it will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has updated the specifications to the Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line, which sees the Airmatic suspension from the outgoing model being replaced by the Sports suspension, as seen on the \nrecently-updated C 200 AMG Line\n.\nThe change has also resulted in a drop in price \u2013 the \nMercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line\n is now priced at \nRM291,800.34\n, which is RM2,000 lower than before. The new price will be in effect until the 31st of December 2020, in line with the \nsales tax exemptions\n which are set to expire at the end of the year.\nAirmatic is Mercedes-Benz\u2019s name for its air suspension set-up. The adaptive suspension set-up uses rubber and polyurethane airbags to alter the ride quality and damping properties of the car, based on the driving modes. The Sports suspension meanwhile uses regular coil springs and dampers, which means the updated Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line effectively loses its adaptive suspension system.\nAside from the suspension swap, the updated Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line is also now equipped with the Mercedes me communications module, which allows for remote features including remote engine start, and checking your remaining fuel through the accompanying mobile application.\nHowever, the 10.25-inch infotainment display on the C 300 is still running the brand\u2019s older Audio 20 GPS software, instead of the latest MBUX system \u2013 although Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and live traffic information is standard. The update also includes the addition of a new wireless mobile phone charging pad.\nAside from these changes, the updated Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line remains identical to the outgoing model, including all the AMG Line visual treatments, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as the active safety features such as Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, parking assist, as well as autonomous emergency braking.\nThe powertrain found underneath the hood also remains the same, which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill, making \n258 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n370 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.\nWith Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Agility Financing plan, the updated C 300 AMG Line can be yours starting from \nRM2,918\n per month, based on a three-year tenure period, at 20,000 km mileage per year."
"Horsepower alone no longer going to cut it in the hot hatch segment as even Mercedes-AMG has teased some of the tricks they\u2019ve taught their next-generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 which is set for debut soon.\nIn a Christmas special video, AMG let loose a heavily camouflaged W177 A-Class onto the circuit and tell-tale signs such as the Dynamic Select rotary knob on the steering wheel, quad-exhaust design and the fact that it\u2019s sliding around corners (we\u2019re jumping the gun to call it Drift Mode) points towards the range-topping A 45 variant and not the \nA 35\n which was recently introduced.   Drift Mode was first featured in the \nE 63 S 4MATIC+\n that when engaged, sends all the power solely to the rear wheels and sets up the traction control to allow mega sideways action. The A 45\u2019s rival, the \nFord Focus RS\n also comes with Drift Mode but that only adjusts the torque split to allow the car to slide. We can expect that the A 45 will get a system more similar to the Focus RS.\nWhile the A 35 uses a tuned-up version of the M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol that serves up \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of twist, we can expect that the A 45 will feature a hand-built M133 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot just like in the outgoing model. Here\u2019s hoping the A 45 will breach the \n400 hp mark\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNew Mercedes-AMG A 45 Teaser"
"It\u2019s the first of April, and aside from being April Fools\u2019 Day, it\u2019s also the start of the second quarter of 2021. Perodua has wasted no time in sharing its first quarter sales figures, where it sold an estimated total of \n57,911 vehicles in 1Q21\n \u2013 a 29% increase year-on-year compared to the same period last year.\nAccording to Perodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, this was largely due to the 47.3% month-on-month jump in its March sales numbers (est. 24,433 units sold), underpinned by the success of the newly-launched\n Perodua Ativa\n.\n \nSince Perodua \nopened the order books\n on the 19th of February for the Ativa, the national carmaker has already received 14,574 bookings for the compact SUV. Of those, 4,345 units have already found their new homes since the model\u2019s launch on the 3rd of March, making it the best-selling compact SUV for that month.\nThe Perodua press release also stated that 67% of the bookings for the Ativa is for the \nrange-topping AV variant\n, fitting in with the company\u2019s own projections.\nCommenting on the compact SUV\u2019s success, Dato\u2019 Zainal said: \u201cWe are glad that the Perodua Ativa has gotten off to such a strong start, and that we well surpassed our 3,000-unit monthly delivery target in the first month.We thank Malaysians for their support and trust. On our end, we are committed towards timely deliveries of every order made.\u201d\nDato\u2019 Zainal added that Perodua manufactured a total of 60,383 vehicles in the first quarter of 2021, a 23% increase over the same period last year.\n\u201cFor now, our biggest challenge is the semiconductor chip shortage, which is having varying impacts on carmakers on a global scale,\u201d he added. \u201cWe are working with our partners to find alternative supply while at the same time monitoring the situation on a daily basis to ensure continued operation of our production lines.\u201d\nDespite the chip shortage issue, Perodua is confident that it will be able to meet its 2021 sales target of 240,000 units \u2013 a 9% increase from the 220,163 units sold last year.\nThe company is also targetting a production of 272,000 units this year, where it will be purchasing RM6.5 billion worth of locally-sourced components."
"Remember the Candy Orange Toyota Supra \nwe shared about last week\n? The one that was going to be auctioned off in the USA? It just got sold, unsurprisingly, but for an unexpected figure of USD $550,000!\nThis makes it the most expensive Supra in the world by far and it\u2019s unlikely for any other car from the original movie, to fetch that price.\n \nIt\u2019s also more than twice the value of an identical Supra, also built for the movie, which sold for USD $185,000 back in 2015.\nUnlike that unit, which came with a naturally-aspirated engine, this unit actually came with the original, highly sort-after twin-turbo engine. Sadly, the big 6-cylinder lump of power is paired with a 4-speed automatic.\nWatch these 9 Toyota GR Supras perform some impressive stunt driving!\n \nUnlike the one sold in 2015, this unit does come with a more hospitable interior. The door panels are still in tact and it\u2019s got a complete and functioning dashboard with countless dials and gauges. It\u2019s still very much road-friendly.\nStill, would you pay half a million US dollars to drive a cult movie star \u2013 one that\u2019s as famous as the actor who drove it \u2013 when a brand new Ferrari would only cost half that in the US?\nLearn about the history of the Toyota Supra and how it become such a cult figure here!\nGALLERY"
"All is not well with Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsports. Declining spectator figures, uninspiring racing and overregulation of rules are among the problems currently faced in F1. Now, your chances of catching another F1 race in Sepang looks bleak, and here\u2019s why.\nFirst,\u00a0Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali said he will have a meeting with the Minister of Finance to discuss the future of the Malaysian F1 race. Razlan also suggested SIC to take a short hiatus from hosting an F1 race.\u00a0Currently, the hosting contract will end after two more races (until 2018).\nHe also lamented on poor ticket sales which have been on a gradual decline over the years. TV viewership, usually a brilliant revenue generator, was at its lowest this year as Malaysians are shying away from the sport. The same fate is also shared with our neighbour Singapore, as well as other countries.\nThe same sentiment was echoed by\u00a0Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin. He said that it\u2019s now no longer an exclusive event, as more and more countries are starting to host the F1 race.\u00a0Khairy also agreed that the focus should go to the MotoGP series, at least that would be more relevant to more Malaysians.\nThat\u2019s because the country\u00a0is represented by three riders competing in the Moto2 and Moto3 series. Based on that alone, ticket sales for MotoGP events have skyrocketed (even sold out) for two consecutive years. It\u2019s also more reasonable (cost wise) to host the MotoGP race compared to the high costs involved with F1.\nThe updated Sepang International F1 Circuit (Image Source: www.sepangcircuit.com)\nThe Sepang circuit is the brainchild of Tun Dr. Mahathir, built with the intention of hosting such races and subsequently boosting the tourism industry.\u00a0If the Sepang circuit does indeed shut its doors on F1, let\u2019s just take a moment to appreciate the fact that it\u2019s been nearly two decades since we first hosted the F1 race.\nWhat do you think, dear readers? Is this a good move or is it not? Share with us your thoughts and do let us know if the Sepang F1 race is worth saving."
"Both these cars have been out for awhile now and while we\u2019re still eagerly awaiting the AMG A35\u2019s arrival in Malaysia, \nwe got to hop on the new M135i xDrive in South Africa recently \nand while it\u2019s far from perfect, its ballistic acceleration sure left a lasting impression.\nThey\u2019re both powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines and while their horsepower figures are surprisingly identical at \n306 hp\n, the 135i xDrive reigns supreme in the torque department with \n450 Nm\n, a whopping 50 Nm more than the AMG.\n \nIn the first video above, it\u2019s clear both are neck and neck from the get-go with the A35 AMG edging forward at the end, at speeds in excess of 160 km/h, and subsequently declared the winner.\nThat should not be cause for celebrations just yet, as this subsequent video shows just how big a difference 50 Nm makes, in a drag race. With differing starts, both had their turns to take the lead but at the end, both races were won by the 1 series.\n \nWhat\u2019s even more impressive was that despite being slightly slower than the A35 AMG from a rolling start, the M135i xDrive still managed to claw back to win the drag race at the final stretch."
"The Malaysian leg of the Audi R8 LMS Cup has just concluded over the weekend of 5 and 6 September at the Sepang International Circuit. The event saw Round 8 and Round 9 of the racing series take place \u2013 two of the 13 rounds scheduled this year.\nIt\u2019s a very competitive championship because the drivers don\u2019t just compete using the same \n560 hp V10-powered Audi R8 LMS Cup Car\n. In view of\u00a0the \nPush-to-Pass\n system, they also imposed a \nRace Success Ballast\n to all podium finishers of each race to make subsequent rounds even more challenging.\nEach leg consists of two rounds and each round the starting grid is determined by two different approach. In Race 1, a qualifying session will determine the grid, whereas Race 2\u2019s grid is set according to the fastest lap times clocked during Race 1. They start differently too; Race 1 is a rolling start and Race 2 is a standing start.\nFranky Cheng\n from\n FAW-VW Audi Racing Team\n took \npole position\n for \nRace 1\n, ahead of \nMarchy Lee\n from\n Audi Hong Kong Team\n and our local hero \nAlex Yoong\n from\n Audi TEDA Racing Team\n. Alex and Franky carried Race Success Ballast for finishing second and third on Round 7 held at the Penbay International Circuit in Taiwan, but that didn\u2019t stop Alex from overtaking Marchy and snatching the first place from Franky.   With a strong support from his family and friends as well as the local fans, Alex maintained his lead for a few laps before Marchy starts to put pressure on him towards the end of the race, while Franky was demoted to fifth behind Korean driver \nKyong-Ouk You\n from \nAudi Korea\n. Alex managed to fend off Marchy\u2019s attacks until the chequered flag, securing him the win for Round 8 which subsequently moved him to the \ntop of the championship points\n. Coming in third was Swiss driver \nRahel Frey\n from \nCastrol Racing Team\n, who qualified fourth for the race.\nIn \nRace 2\n Alex secured himself the pole position for clocking the fastest lap time in Race 1, followed by Marchy and Kyong-Ouk You. Alex and Marchy also had to carry the Race Success Ballast for their podium finishes in Race 1, while Rahel starts in fifth place behind \nStefano Montesi\n from \nTeam Betterlife\n.\nMarchy kept his cool in the beginning of the race, and his patience was rewarded with his \nfirst win of the season\n when he managed to pass Alex and retained his position until the chequered flag. Meanwhile, Franky did an amazing job making his way up \nfrom seventh to second\n, while Rahel took the final podium position, ahead of Alex. Even after finishing fourth in Round 9, Alex was pleased with his results, and he is currently leading the drivers championship standings.\nThe next leg will be held at the Fuji International Speedway in Japan, one that will take place on 10 and 11 October before the finale at Shanghai on 31 October and 1 November.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRace 1 (Round 8)   Race 2 (Round 9)"
"The boys at Herthel, Norfolk, UK have cooked up four new limited-edition versions of the Elise \u2013 each with vibrant and distinctive colour schemes \u2013 to celebrate the company\u2019s motorsport history.\nCalled the \nElise Classic Heritage Editions\n \u2013 the new Elise is based on the \nElise Sport 220\n where a total of just \n100 units will be built\n. Each comes exclusively with a numbered plaque on the dashboard referencing the model\u2019s limited production run.\nThe Elise Sport 220 makes \n220 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n from a 1.8-litre supercharged engine capable of propelling the 924 kg car car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, onward to a top speed of 233 km/h.\nThe first, \nthe black and gold \nmodel, pays tribute to the livery of the Lotus Type 72D, piloted by Emerson Fittipaldi to five race victories in the 1972 Formula 1 season. The \nred, white and gold\n model on the other hand, echoes the Type 49B that Graham Hill raced in 1968.\nThe \nblue, red and silver\n is inspired by the Lotus Type 81 of 1980 driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis and Mario Andretti. Lastly, the \nblue and white\n model pays tribute to the Lotus Type 18 driven by the late Sir Stirling Moss \u2013 the first Lotus race car to clinch a Formula 1 pole position and victory at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix.\nPreviously optional items, the new Elise Classic Heritage Editions now come with a digital radio with four speakers, cruise control, air-conditioning, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels and upgraded brakes.\nOptions available include a fibreglass hardtop roof, lightweight lithium-ion battery and titanium lightweight exhaust. Prices start from \n\u00a346,250 (approx. RM246k)\n and Lotus says while it costs \u00a36,350 (approx. RM33k) more than the standard Elise Sport 220, the Classic Heritage Edition models have been fitted with \u00a311,000 (approx. RM58k) of additional features.\nGALLERY"
"If that figure sounds somewhat familiar to you, that\u2019s cause your brain recalls that a few months ago, \nTesla introduced its new Roadster\n that will do the same 0 to 100 km/h run but a fraction slower at 1.9 seconds.\nAs if that isn\u2019t impressive enough, the Miss R, as it\u2019s strangely called even comes with off-road capabilities but what really makes XING Mobility\u2019s Miss R a supercar lies in its numbers.\nWeighing in at over 1,500 kg, not only can the Miss R silently creep to 200 km/h in a blistering 5.1 seconds but can also attain a top speed of over 270 km/h. The source? 4,116 lithium-ion cells generating a whopping\n 1,341 hp\n and \n1,720 Nm\n of torque, with 250 km of electric driving range.\nDeveloped in Taipei, Taiwan, the Miss R is fitted with an electric motor for each wheel, effectively making it an all-wheel drive vehicle, with torque vectoring.\nThe Miss R\u2019s dual personality with on and off-road capabilities can be credited to its revolutionary Meteorological Damper valves which are independent on all four corners of the car. The dampers achieve extremely fast and precise damping responses using \nelectromagnet fluid\n which allows 1,000 adjustments per second to accommodate the car\u2019s stability, shock absorption and steering needs on both tarmac and gravel."
"The group marked a 13% growth as compared to the previous year (2017) with sales totalling 14,338 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicle to achieve its 8th consecutive year of record sales.\nBMW Group Malaysia\u2019s strong performance reflected the BMW Group\u2019s business performance worldwide where the premium automaker delivered a total of 2,652,123 BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles last year \u2013\u00a0\n2,125,026 BMWs, 361,531 MINIs and 165,566 BMW Motorrad vehicles.\nExpect a real buzz when the \nnew G20 BMW 3 Series\n, as previewed at the \n2019 Singapore Motor Show\n, finally arrives in Malaysia.\n\u201cIn 2018, BMW Group Malaysia achieved numerous milestones which contributed to the success we celebrate today. Over the course of the year, we introduced 12 new models across the BMW and MINI brands \u2013 of which four were electrified vehicles. We also unveiled two new concept vehicles for the first time ever not only in Malaysia, but in South East Asia,\u201d\u00a0\nBMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Mr. Harald Hoelzl.\n\u201cThe premium automaker also grew its infrastructure for Electromobility in the country, introducing new BMW i Charging Facilities in four different states to facilitate its vision for Future Mobility in Malaysia,\u201d he added.\n2018 saw 12,008 new customers acquiring new BMWs in Malaysia, marking a 13% bump from the previous year (10,618 in 2017). The bulk of these new deliveries were contributed by firm favourite, the BMW 3 Series.\nOf the 3,363 units sold, \n2,149 units were of the BMW 330e M Sport variant\n. The BMW X5 xDrive40e was also a key contributor to BMW\u2019s performance with over 2,900 units delivered. As for the revered BMW 5 Series, a total of 2,761 units were delivered, of which \n64% were the BMW 530e PHEV\n comprising of 1,769 units.\nMINI also recorded double-digit growth of over 18%, having delivered 1,200 vehicles last year, as compared to the previous year (1,011). In 2018, over 90 MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid vehicles were delivered since its introduction in April.\n\u201cIn 2018, we opened the doors to the new Sime Darby Auto Engineering (SDAE) Engine Assembly Facility in Kulim, Kedah which helps us assemble the engines for the MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid which we also began exporting to Thailand last year.\u201d said Hoelzl.\nThe Countryman PHEV is MINI\u2019s first and only hybrid offering\nBMW Group Malaysia also recorded its best performance for its electrified vehicles in 2018. Of the total cars delivered, 57% (equating to 7,532 units) comprised of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles\n. This strong performance locally contributed to the BMW Group\u2019s success of achieving the target delivery of 140,000 electrified vehicles, with 142,617 (+38%) electrified BMW and MINI vehicles delivered worldwide last year.\nBMW Group Financial Services Malaysia achieved a strong business portfolio with over 6,100 contracts signed in 2018. With a range of flexible financing plans, BMW Financial Services successfully financed every four out of ten BMW and MINI vehicles delivered last year. The premium automotive financing entity also insured every seven out of ten vehicles from BMW Group Malaysia through its leading portfolio of insurance solutions."
"If you\u2019re wondering \u2013 yes, he did drive through Malaysia but he has unfortunately had to leave his fully electric Volkswagen (which we suspect has been converted) with a 200 km range in Johor due to costly permits and insurance for his car to enter Singapore.\nCurrently in the City State which he entered by bus to seek further sponsorship and donors, he aims to be united with his car in Australia as he hopes to have it shipped directly Down Under from Malaysia where he has been for three months, sometimes resorting to sleeping in his car. Who\u2019s this guy and what\u2019s his deal then?\nThis tenacious Dutchman is Wiebe Wakker (pronounced as Weee-ber), a 29 year old who has just graduated with an Event Management degree. His goal? To drive from the Netherlands to Australia, without a single cent in his pocket.\nHow you ask? Well, by optimistically relying on good samaritans to \u201c\nplug him in\n\u201d by locking in their locations along his route \u2013 offering electricity for his car, spare a few meals and some lodging space. It has proven to be a heck of a challenge but a rather fruitful one until he came to a stumbling block at the borders with our neighbours down south.\nEmbarking on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, with a primary goal to promote sustainable mobility and raise awareness for other sustainable initiatives, Wiebe has been on the road since mid-March 2016 and has driven across a staggering \n28 different countries\n, covering over \n51,000 km\n.\nIn his \nPlug Me In\n blog, you can read about his past adventures, check out his videos \u2013 several of which have been recorded in Malaysia and offer contributions in whatever way you can. Oh, and in return, he will compensate with a gift of a sustainable water bottle!"
"Tree huggers rejoice, for Toyota has brought out the fourth generation Prius at the desert of Nevada, or Vegas, to be precise. Over 350 motoring\u00a0journalists, social influencers and guests crowded the event\u00a0to celebrate an industry icon. Name any Hollywood A-lister and chances are they\u2019ve owned any one of the previous models. Such is the popularity of the Prius.\nThis all-new model features a \nsmaller\n yet \nlighter\n hybrid system with a\u00a0\nhigher-energy density\n\u00a0batteries that\u2019s paired to an internal combustion engine with an increased\u00a0\nthermal efficiency\n of more than \n40 percent\n. This powertrain advancement\u00a0contributes to a significant improvement in fuel economy, while Toyota hinted that an\u00a0\nECO variant\n\u00a0which promises even greater levels of economy will be introduced at a later date.   However, it seems that customers are no longer obsessed about \nMPG\n figures as opposed to \naesthetics\n, so Toyota upgraded the Prius inside and out to deliver the complete package \u2013 provocative \nstyling\n, \nsmarter technology\n and \nimpressive\n \nMPG figures\n; all\u00a0in a vehicle that promises to be \nmore fun to drive\n. That being said, Toyota have been rather \nscarce\n with information on the all-new Prius.\nThe 2016 hybrid is the\u00a0first global vehicle to implement\n Toyota\u2019s New Global Architecture\n (TNGA) philosophy which in essence, aims to improve vehicle \nperformance\n whilst enhancing product \nappeal\n via a development program for \npowertrain components\n and \nvehicle platforms\n.The\u00a0goal here is of improving \nresource efficiency\n by over\u00a0\n20 percent\n.   The styling cues here are striking to say the least. With \nLED lighting\n, the front fascia is \nsharper\n than before yet distinctly\u00a0\nrecognisable\n. The windscreen is \nheavily racked\n to create a slippery \naerodynamic stance\n with lines that runs the length of the eco-muncher. Many adjectives could be used to describe the rear end, but \nunusual\n would be one fine way to get the ball rolling.\nThe \nbold\n styling would definitely make the Prius \nstand out\n from the crowd. As it stands, this new fourth-gen is \n61mm longer\n, \n15mm wider\n\u00a0and \nsits 20mm lower\n\u00a0than the model it replaces \u2013 also in line with\n TNGA\n. The Prius boasts a more\n responsive suspension\n pack, couple that to the \nlower centre of gravity\n which pledges better \ndriving dynamics\n.   What\u2019s most shocking here is the all-new rear \ndouble wishbone\n suspension setup that will greatly improve the handling characteristics of the Prius. It\u2019s a setup that\u2019s pretty much unheard of, and it\u2019s definitely an eye opening trait. A\u00a0more\n rigid body\n helps improve \nresponsiveness\n\u00a0and\u00a0\ncornering\n as well. Toyota has kept the driver\u2019s needs at the fore front \nwithout compromising fuel economy\n, it seems.\nThat much we know at present time. More details on the Prius will surface soon, so stay tuned to this space for more updates!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During the launch of the \nMazda3 facelift\n and \nMX-5 RF\n, Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh, CEO of Bermaz Motor has hinted to the media that they\u00a0will be introducing the \nsecond-generation CX-5\n as soon as Q4 this year. Mazda\u2019s most popular mid-sized SUV will also be locally assembled at their manufacturing plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nThe new CX-5 will be powered by the same SkyActiv engines \u2013 the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol mills as well as the 2.2-litre turbodiesel. Output figures remains unknown for now but we know that the engineers have extensively tweaked the powertrains for better fuel economy and refinement.\nThe updated 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D clean diesel engine will come with \nHigh-Precision DE Boost Control\n that gives a more direct acceleration response while the \nNatural Sound Smoother\n and \nNatural Sound Frequency Control\n helps reduce the diesel rattle. As for the 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine, it now features new asymmetrical oil rings that reduce mechanical friction along the cylinder walls, contributing to improved real-world fuel economy performance.\nThe six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission will also feature a new shift control scheme that monitors vehicle speed, throttle position and engine rpm to predict the driver\u2019s intentions and reduce unnecessary gear shifts for smoother vehicle behaviour. \nG-Vectoring Control (GVC)\n that improves handling and reduces body roll around corners is also fitted as standard in this new CX-5.\nElsewhere, the new CX-5 benefits from a sleeker exterior and a refreshed interior as well as a new \nSoul Red Crystal paint\n. The cabin is now quieter with improved levels of insulation and comfort.\nPrices for the second-generation Mazda CX-5 in Japan range from \u00a52,462,400 (RM96k) to \u00a53,526,200 (RM138k). Hopefully when it comes here, the pricing can be maintained. The SUV dogfight is entering its final stage with Honda launching their new \nCR-V Turbo\n, Hyundai with their \nturbocharged Tucson\n and the\u00a0\nPeugeot 3008\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) launched the W213 E-class back in June. However, during the launch, only the E 200 Avantgarde was available for sale. For those who have been waiting for the E 250 variant, you can now place your booking for either the E 250 Avantgarde or Exclusive.\nAs we covered during the \nE 200 Avantgarde launch\n, MBM will be bringing in the E 250 and E 300 at a later date, although no prices were revealed at the time. Fast forward today, the E 250 E250 Avantgarde Line will cost you RM420,888 (OTR without insurance) while the E250 Exclusive line commands RM5,000 more. Both variants are CBU for the time being.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E200 Avantgarde Line\nMercedes-Benz E250 Avantgarde Line\nMercedes-Benz E250 Exclusive\nEngine\n1,991cc turbocharged in-line 4\nTransmission\n9G-Tronic, 9-speed automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM395,888\nRM420,888\nRM425,888\nExterior wise, the E 250 Avantgarde line wears the same styling as the E 200 Avantgarde. Therefore, it comes with a sports radiator grille that houses the large Mercedes three pointed star badge in the centre. The E 250 Avantgarde is also identifiable by the five-spoke design 19-inch rims.\nThe E 250 Exclusive wears a more traditional design easily identified by the classic Mercedes-Benz star that sits on the hood. Elsewhere, a 19-inch ten-spoke design rims are equipped on this trim.   Standard on both the E 250 variants (which the E 200 does not have) are Multibeam LED headlights, each comprised of 84 individual LEDs to light the way forward, keyless entry with push-start button, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, Parking Pilot and 360\u00b0 view camera.\nInside, the E250 Avantgarde comes with an open-pore black ash wood trim around the interior. The Exclusive line gets a brown high-gloss ash wood trim.   Both the E 250 come with the same\n 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four\n that is found in the E 200, but produces more power. The engine now makes\u00a0\n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent\u00a0to the \nrear-wheels\n via a \nnine-speed automatic\n transmission.\nMBM is now accepting bookings for the new W213 E 250. So dear readers, will you be putting down a deposit for this fully imported E 250 or wait for the more attractively priced, locally assembled unit?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin has just unveiled its latest sports car, the second-generation Aston Martin Vantage. The new Vantage not only features an all-new design, it is also the first Vantage to come with forced induction.\nThe new Vantage draws its design inspiration from the \nmovie-only DB10\n \u2013 minimal front and rear overhangs, a prominent front grille and muscular silhouette. Couple that with new LED headlamp and taillamp design, it gives the new car an unmistakable road presence.\nLike the \nDB11\n, aerodynamic performance has been purposefully integrated to the Vantage design concept, the front splitter not only helps channel airflow underneath the car but also ensures that the cooling system gets sufficient supply of fresh air. On the side, it gets a pair of subtle side gills help bleed air pressure out from the front wheel arches that houses the 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in model-specific Pirelli P Zero tyres (255/40 front; 295/35 rear).\nOver to the rear, the new Vantage does not come with the \nAston Martin AeroBlade\n trickery like the DB11, but Aston Martin claims that the upswept rear deck lid creates \nsignificant levels \nof downforce. The lower diffuser section hides the dual exhaust pipes (one on each side) and helps to smoothly channel air out from the underbody.   Inside, the design team was tasked to create a cockpit that communicates an immersive driving experience while maintaining high levels of comfort and practicality. As a result, the seating position in the Vantage has been \nlowered\n, freeing up more headroom in the process. Aston Martin has created a generous amount of storage space by utilising available room behind the seats along with\u00a0\ndouble-tier storage areas\n.\nThe most significant revamp done to the interior is the repositioning of the gear-selector buttons from the centre dashboard to the \ncentre console area\n (arranged in a triangle formation), along with the other major controls. A combination of rotary and toggle controls have been adopted for more tactile and intuitive user experience.   Underneath the bonnet, you will no longer find a naturally-aspirated mill, the new Vantage now gets an \nAMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n that is tuned for \n503 hp\n and \n685 Nm\n of twisting force. Interestingly, the Vantage gets \n10 Nm\n more than the \nDB11 V8\n that uses the same engine.\nDrive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Century sprint for this turbocharged Vantage takes \n3.6 seconds\n, bear in mind that the previous \nVantage V12 S\n took 3.9 seconds to achieve the same. Top speed is rated at \n315 km/h\n on the new Vantage.\nMechanically, the chassis is based on Aston Martin\u2019s latest generation bonded aluminium structure first seen on the DB11 but about\n 70 per cent\n of the structure\u2019s components are new for the Vantage. It also comes with an \nElectronic Rear Differential (E-Diff)\n, allowing the differential to go from fully open to 100 per cent locked in a matter of milliseconds, giving the car superior straight-line stability and cornering performance. Watch those glorious drifts by Max Verstappen \nhere\n.\nLike all Aston Martin products, the Vantage can be specified with a range of high-quality options from paint colours, Alcantara upholstery, different alloy wheel designs, carbon fibre details and many more. If you\u2019re feeling exceptionally fancy, you can always enlist the help of \nQ by Aston Martin\n to create a unique piece of art.\nPrices for the all-new Aston Martin Vantage starts from \u00a3120,900 (RM660k) before options while first deliveries will commence only in 2018. Now that \nAston Martin has made a comeback in Malaysia\n, you could probably head to their new showroom located at Etiqa Twins, KL and pester them for an early build slot. Because like all Aston Martins, the Vantage is put together by hand in Gaydon, UK.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In 2017 UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) ended the year on a high-note by presenting two exciting products \u2013 the \nToyota Harrier\n and \nC-HR\n to the market. This year, the company is trying to keep up the momentum by teasing the imminent launch of the \nall-new Toyota Camry\n.\nWithout listing too many details other than its launch date of 1 November 2018, the eight-generation Camry rides on the firm\u2019s Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that boasts renowned build quality, reliability and fun driving experience. Coupled that with its sleek \u201cKeen Look\u201d design, perhaps this new Camry will finally shed its uncle image?\n\u00a0\nInside, the Camry gets Toyota\u2019s latest-gen Human and Machine Interface (HMI) cabin architecture featuring high-tech gizmos in a classy package. Japan domestic models get fitted with a 7.0-inch LCD multi-info display instrument cluster, 8.0-inch infotainment system with reverse camera, 10.0-inch coloured Heads-Up Display, wood trims as well as ambient lighting. It remains to be seen how UMWT is going to spec the car for our market.   Globally, the Camry is available with two new petrol engines \u2013 a 3.5-litre V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force with VVT-iE, the latter paired to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. However, we can safely assume that UMWT will not offer the large capacity 3.5-litre V6 (no thanks to road tax calculations) but fingers crossed the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine is in the pipeline.\nThe new Camry is also available with the Toyota Safety Sense P advanced driver assistance system that bundles Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) and Automatic High Beams (AHB). However, we may only see this system available on the most expensive local Camry variant, if ever.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Camry Japan-spec   Toyota Camry Hybrid Japan-spec   Hybrid"
"The first-ever Ford Ranger Raptor will be \narriving on Malaysian shores\n, but customers can only purchase one after its official launch at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show happening in November. Here are the things you need to know about the pick-up truck by Ford Performance:\nEquipped with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel mill, the Ranger Raptor commands \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n at its disposal, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission calibrated for superior off-road performance and on-road refinement.\nEquipped with Fox Racing Shox dampers tuned by Ford Performance and the \nTerrain Management System (TMS)\n\u00a0that offers the pick-up truck six different driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and \nBaja\n, driver\u2019s can confidently tackle high-speed off-road courses.\nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has yet to announce the price tag of the Ford Ranger Raptor, but be prepared to pay a hefty price for one of these high-performance pick-up trucks.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Ranger Raptor 2.0L Launched in Malaysia"
"At the launch of the Atto 3 fully-electric crossover today, BYD Malaysia, represented by \nSime Darby Beyond Auto\n, announced that it will be establishing a wide network of showrooms around the nation to serve \u201cthe country\u2019s growing appetite for EVs\u201d.\nThe company will open the doors to its first showroom at TREC KL along Jalan Tun Razak by mid-December 2022. This will be followed by three more at Ara Damansara, Penang, and Johor by the first half of 2023.\nPhoto: BYD Singapore/Facebook\nBy the end of 2023, the company expects to bring the number of showrooms in the country up to 20, and in 2024, the number is expected to be doubled to 40. Sime Darby Motors Managing Director of Retail and Distribution, Jeffrey Gan added that \u201ca majority of them\u201d will be full 3S centres, with additional satellite showrooms to be opened in retail malls.\nSime Darby Motors said that the sales and aftersales network expansion plan will see a total investment of RM500 million.\nSpeaking at the launch event today, Sime Darby Motors Managing Director, Andrew Basham said, \u201cIn line with our aim to be a leader in EV and with a view towards propelling Malaysia\u2019s EV aspirations, we are excited to embark on this new chapter with BYD following our success in Singapore.\n\u201cWith half a billion Ringgit set to be invested, this will support our aggressive expansion plans for the brand here and reflects our belief in the brand\u2019s universal appeal.\u201d\nRELATED: \nThai customers queue overnight for BYD Atto 3, over 2.5k units booked in a day\nBYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager, Liu Xueliang added, \u201cDrawing on Sime Darby Motors\u2019 proven track record and capabilities as a regional player in the automotive industry, particularly its broad distribution network in Malaysia, combined with BYD\u2019s pioneering technology and expertise, we strive to deliver our innovative vehicles to Malaysian consumers and support the country\u2019s carbon reducing ambitions.\u201d\nThe BYD Atto 3 made its official debut in Malaysia today, with prices starting from \nRM149,800\n for the entry-level Standard Range variant, moving up to \nRM167,800 \nfor the Extended Range variant.\nBoth variants are powered by a single electric motor on the front axle, delivering\n 204 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n7.3 seconds\n. For the full specifications of the all-new fully-electric crossover, check out our detailed launch coverage \nhere\n.\nALSO READ: \nChina\u2019s BYD to set up RM2.2 billion EV plant in Thailand as ASEAN production hub"
"In a move to support the National Automotive Policy\u2019s (NAP) objective to develop Malaysia as the regional automotive hub in Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV), UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is investing some RM 2 billion on their upcoming manufacturing plant that will mainly focus on the production of Toyota passenger cars, including EEV.\nConstruction of the new factory will commence in second half of this year and expected to start its operation in \nearly 2019\n,\u00a0where the assembly of Toyota passenger cars will be gradually shifted there from the current\u00a0\nAssembly Services Sdn Bhd\n (ASSB)\u00a0plant in Shah Alam. At the same time, the Shah Alam plant will be geared for the production of Toyota commercial vehicles only.\nThe new \n670,000 square meter\n plant will be constructed in \nBukit Raja Industrial Estate\n and it will be equipped with \nadvanced production technology\n to reflect Toyota\u2019s ultimate goal to establish \u201c\nSimple, Slim, and Flexible\n\u201d plants around the world. Its \ninitial production\n is targeted at \n50,000 units per year\n, which will bring UMWT\u2019s local production to \na total of 90,000 to 100,000 units annually\n from both plants.\nThis is by far \nUMWT\u2019s biggest investment to date\n. \u201cThe time has come for us to take a big leap forward and propel our production quality to the next level and the best way is to build an entirely new manufacturing plant.\u201d, said UMW Group chairman, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin.\n\u201cWe are grateful to our joint-venture partner, Toyota Motor Corporation, for their support and willingness to proceed with this important project which is seen as a move to strengthen our commitment to meet future customers\u2019 demand in Malaysia.\u201d, he added."
"NZ Wheels, authorised dealer for Mercedes-Benz cars in Malaysia, has just increased the number of outlets in the Klang Valley after acquiring the Setapak 2S facility previously run by Auto Commerz.\u00a0\nThe Autohaus located in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur will be NZ Wheels\u2019s fourth outlet, it occupies 13,866 sq. feet of space and houses \nfive mechanical servicing bays\n and \none wheel alignment bay\n.\nStaffed by 10 Mercedes-Benz Certified Service Specialists, the 2S centre is capable of servicing up to \n250 vehicles a month\n for both general and specialised repairs.\u00a0\nThe Setapak outlet also conforms to Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) Autohaus Concept, in line with the brand\u2019s global customer experience concept and corporate identity.\nNZ Wheels Setapak is located at \nNo. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, 53300 Setapak, Kuala Lumpur\n, and will be operating from \n8.00am to 5.30pm from Mondays to Fridays\n and \n8.30am to 1.00pm on Saturdays\n. Customers can make enquiries at \n03-4144 5500\n."
"For three generations, the\u00a0\nHonda City\n and \nToyota Vios\n\u00a0battled fiercely in a level field, but the current generation Vios is suffering a huge setback no thanks to the feature-packed City. To remedy the wound, the facelifted Vios is born, now improved with some long overdue upgrades.\nLaunched back in 2013, Toyota stretched the term \u201cif it ain\u2019t broke, don\u2019t fix it\u201d a little bit too far. Also, the current Vios is basically an old wine in a new bottle, retaining the same 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine and the four-speed automatic gearbox from the previous generation. Worse yet, Toyota chose to omit Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) while rivals added that feature as standard in most of its B-segment models.\nMalaysian customers have grown more aware of a car\u2019s safety features, something which the Honda City and Mazda2 have plenty to shout about. Last year, the City played an instrumental role in\u00a0\ndethroning Toyota\n from the best non-national title in Malaysia, something not even the \u201cdrifting video\u201d can fix.\nSo, what\u2019s new with this facelift? The Vios gets a new \n1.5-litre 2NR-FE\n with dual VVT-i technology, and it\u2019s good for 108 hp at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque. If those numbers ring any bell, it\u2019s because the powertrain is exactly what\u2019s powering the \nToyota Avanza\n. The Thai-spec Vios however, is tuned to run the cheaper E85 petrol.\nIn place of the antiquated four-speed automatic is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with seven ratios, and it\u2019s offered as standard across the range in\u00a0Thailand. There won\u2019t be any manual variants on offer, though. Perhaps the most crucial add-on in the facelifted Vios is the inclusion of\u00a0\nVehicle Stability Control (VSC)\n,\n\u00a0\nfor all variants! Standard safety features such as ABS and EBD with BA are also included as well.\nMalaysians will most likely get the usual J, E and G-spec variants, however in Thailand a new \nExclusive trim\n is added to the lineup. This offers LED headlamps, leather seats, infotainment system and reverse camera as standard. The S variant makes a return as well, possibly\u00a0replacing the TRD Sportive trim as the sportiest variant. Pricing for the Vios begins at \n599,000 Thai Baht (RM68,800)\n for the entry level J variant, all the way to\u00a0\n749,000 Thai Baht (RM86,000)\n for the S variant.\nBefore we get all excited, it\u2019s unclear at press time whether UMW Toyota will be introducing the facelifted Vios with the same spec the Thais are getting. This is because the Vios is locally assembled at the UMW plant in Shah Alam, and there\u2019s a possibility that it will or won\u2019t come with the new mechanical upgrades.\nNevertheless, keep watching this space as we bring you the latest updates on the new Vios! Also, we will be covering the Bangkok Motor Show this year, so expect many exciting news to come your way. Stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY   [Source: \nHeadlight\n]"
"The modern day vans and pick-ups we know today, the utilitarian mode of transportation we\u2019re all guilty for overlooking and underrating \u2013 carrying produce, heavy machinery or even our children to school, actually owes itself to the pioneering Ford Model T.\nThe Ford Model T needs no further introduction \u2013 as the first vehicle produced on an assembly line, it was a means of affordable transportation that revolutionised the lives of middle class Americans. What you don\u2019t know is that it also spawned a vehicle that would go on to make just as big an impact as the Model T.\nIt\u2019s called the Ford Model TT \u2013 with it\u2019s purpose literally doubling with an \u201cextra T\u201d. Though less well-known, it played the torch bearer for the modern day vans and pick-ups we know today, including the Ford Transit.\nLaunched exactly a 100 years ago in the U.S, the Model TT which cost USD 600 (RM 2577) then was Ford\u2019s first purpose-built one-tonne van. Owners could customise the chassis with a cargo bed to transport\u00a0everything from letters to fuel. Although first introduced in the U.S, many were built in Manchester, U.K.\nIt was longer and stronger than the Model T, with a cab that offered space for two \u2013 driver and passenger. It\u2019s engine, like the Model T, had to be started with a crank handle in the front. Customers could choose modern air-filled tyres instead of solid rubber. In its later years, it even came with a hand-operated windshield wiper.\nIn its earlier days, the Model TT was sold only as a chassis as customers had to \u201csupply\u201d their own body. It wasn\u2019t until several years later that the Model TT came with a factory-produced body.\nFord now offers the best-selling commercial vehicle range in Europe, with the Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect, Transit Courier, and Ranger pick-ups.\n\u201cIt is amazing that while in some ways today\u2019s vans are a million miles from the Model TT in how they have come on, they fundamentally do the same job as they were designed to do 100 years ago \u2013 providing a flexible means of keeping businesses on the move,\u201d said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s finally here, guys! After \nunveiling the first images\n of the most-anticipated car of the year over the weekend, Proton has now announced that the X50 (They\u2019ve confirmed the name, too!) will open its order books starting tomorrow on Malaysia Day, and you\u2019ll be able to place a booking with a RM500 fee at all Proton dealerships nationwide.\nFour variants\n are on offer here, namely Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. All variants are powered by the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, paired to the a retuned version of the \nseven-speed dual-clutch transmission from the X70\n to send drive to the front wheels.\nThe highest Flagship variant will get all of the \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n from the engine, while the three lower-end models get a port-injected version of the same engine\n detuned to 150 hp and 226 Nm of torque\n. Interestingly, the Proton X50 is the first application of this engine across the entire global Geely family.\nProton says that \nover 400 components\n on the X50 have been added by the local carmaker to better acclimatise the compact SUV to our local market. These include the rear air-con vents as seen previously, a standard feature on all variants that is not available on the \nGeely Binyue\n (or Coolray in the Philippines).\nOn the exterior, LED headlights are standard across all variants, though automatic headlights and front foglamps are only available from the Executive variant and higher. Wheel size starts at 17-inch for the Standard and Executive models, while the two higher-end variants get 18-inch wheels.\nThe 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant stands out even further from the others with its dual-tone exterior featuring a blacked-out roof, hiding the panoramic sunroof in plain sight.\nInside, the Proton X50 is equipped with the GKUI system across the board, which means the \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice assistant is standard on all variants. The two lower-end variants get an eight-inch infotainment display, but stepping up to the Premium and Flagship variants will see the central freestanding display upsized to 10.25-inch.\nImpressively, sizing is the only difference here; both units are powered by the Geely\u2019s own Ecarx E01 quad-core processors running the latest GKUI 19 software, which promises snappier performance and a 2.25 second start-up time. Both will have eSIM capabilities for always-on connected functionalities such as starting the engine and turning on the climate control, and the Baidu Maps from the X70 has been replaced by a new Amaps system.\nThe interior of the Standard variant gets fabric upholstery as standard. Stepping up to the Executive and higher variant nets you a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leatherette seats, while the Premium and Flagship gains powered seats for the driver.\nOne of the key highlights on the Proton X50 is the \nLevel 2 autonomous driving\n features, available exclusively on the Flagship variant. Being \none step higher\n than what is offered on its elder brother, the X70, the advanced driver assistance system utilises a millimetre-wave radar and high-definition cameras to help accelerate, brake, and steer the X50 during certain situations. The system is even able to change lanes automatically!\nOtherwise, safety equipment on the standard variant includes four airbags and a reverse camera as standard. The Executive variant steps it up to six airbags, while the Premium and Flagship models gain a 360-degree around view monitor and tyre pressure monitoring system.\nNo pricing is announced as of yet, but bookings for the X50 can be made starting from the \n16th of September 2020\n at all Proton dealerships nationwide. A booking fee of RM500 is required, and the Proton X50 will be available in six exterior colourways \u2013 Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ocean Blue, Citric Orange, and Passion Red.\nNot convinced yet? Check out the car for yourself at the Proton X50 City Previews at selected locations, starting from the 19th of September.\nGALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia, together with Honda Malaysia Suppliers Club (HMSC) have extended their support to Malaysians in need during this challenging time heightened by the rapid increase of Covid-19 infected persons as well as economic lockdown.\nBoth parties contributed close to \nRM40,000\n worth of essential goods to charity homes that include old folks\u2019 homes, welfare centres and orphanages. Apart from uplifting their spirit and alleviating the burden brought about by the pandemic and total lockdown, the initiative also provided an opportunity for Honda Malaysia and HMSC to mutually strengthen their relationship.\nCheck out this useful accessory to aid the manoeuvring your Honda HR-V and BR-V.\nThe six recipients were:\nPersatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Dan Warga Emas Alor Gajah\nPertubuhan Kebajikan Warga Emas Dan Anak Yatim Victory\nPertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Harapan\nPersatuan Kebajikan Sri Murni Insan Istimewa\nPertubuhan Kebajikan Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna\nPusat Jagaan Pertubuhan Villa Harapan\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Ms \nMadoka Chujo\n said, \u201c2021 continues to be a challenging year for Malaysia with the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, and the country was placed under a nationwide lockdown since June 2021. The near-total closure of the economic sectors has resulted in difficulties in sustaining livelihoods especially among the communities that need support, thereby bringing adverse impact on their everyday life.\u201d\nNext-generation Honda BR-V SUV to start production in Indonesia. Find out how soon here!\nShe added that the company understands their situation and believe to overcome the challenges, Honda must move forward \u201cTogether As One\u201d and help each other in every possible way. The essential goods included rice, flour, eggs, cooking oil as well as personal hygiene products such as disposable diapers, detergent and shower gel.\nThe children also received toys and colouring books while clothes were distributed to the adults. Chujo hopes the contributions from Honda Malaysia and HMSC, together with the aid from public donations and Social Welfare Department (JKM) can provide some relief to their burden as well as joy and hope to the residents of the homes. \u00a0\nHonda Malaysia has delivered the contributions to the six homes earlier this week, benefitting more than 300 people. Earlier this year, the company also distributed \n\u201cFlood Safety Kits\u201d\n to 500 families who were affected by the floods in Pekan, Pahang."
"Rolls-Royce equals customised craftsmanship beyond boundaries. For those of you who\u2019ve been following the latest automotive developments, specifically that of Rolls-Royce\u2019s, that should be the consensus.\nTake the \nWraith Eagle VIII\n for example, where 1 of 50 units available globally was just launched in Malaysia; it\u2019s Rolls-Royce\u2019s way of saying if you can think it, we can do it.\nRecently, they\u2019ve flexed their craftsmanship muscles yet again. This time with a project commissioned by Rolls-Royce Abu Dhabi with inspiration taken from our solar system and the \nview of our planet from space\n.\nFor starters, the exterior is finished in Royal Blue, representing the 75% of the Earth\u2019s surface that is covered by water. Things just get a lot crazier yet cooler after that. The patch you see on the front bonnet was intended to mimic a satellite\u2019s view of the Middle Eastern region.\nFocusing on the geographical surroundings of the United Arab Emirates, the \u201cdrawing\u201d which was air brushed by hand also includes the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman and required over 100 hours to complete!\nTopping it all off is a hand-painted Emerald Green coachline incorporating the Sun and the eight planets of our Solar System \u2013 Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.\nBy contrast, the interior of the Wraith focuses on the Earth\u2019s surface, humans, and the natural life that calls it home. The seats are made from Moccasin leather to mimic the sands of the Emirates\u2019 deserts while the Navy and Cobalto Blue accents represent the rivers and lakes. As for the Emerald Green piping, it symbolises nature in all its forms. The for the Arctic White \u2018RR\u2019 monograms and stitching, they point to the clouds and translucent running water.\nThe same satellite image of the Middle East on the front bonnet can be seen on the dashboard and was similarly drawn with an airbrush. Above the rear armrest is a gathering of clouds that were embroidered into the upholstery. As for the Starlight Headliner, it features all the planets of the Solar System, centred on the Sun.\n GALLERY"
"Ah, the return of the incredibly dissatisfied owners throwing a tantrum in China. It was just the first day of the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show and an eager owner has taken the opportunity to let the nation know about her experience with Tesla.\nIn a report by \nBloomberg\n, an owner of a \nTesla Model 3\n stood atop the roof of a Tesla car at the brand\u2019s booth to show her displeasure with characters translated to \n\u201cBrake Lost Control\u201d\n written across her white T-shirt.\nThis is a screen capture from various social media apps\nA team of security personnel surrounded the woman and used umbrellas to try to conceal her message. However, she whacked them away, repeatedly yelling \u201cTesla brake lost control\u201d before being dragged and escorted out.\nThe woman claims the \nbraking system\n of her Model 3 failed and four of her family members were almost killed in an accident, Shine News reported last month. However, Tesla said data gathered from the vehicle showed the car was travelling at almost \n120 km/h\n and both braking and emergency warning systems had \nfunctioned properly\n.\nRepresentatives from Tesla said the company has been in contact with the owner before her public display, with the automaker offering several solutions but she insisted on returning the Model 3 while refusing to have an independent check-up.\nLocation of the fatal accident in Texas, USA, shared in various social media pages\nIn another news related to Tesla, which is more sombre and tragic, two occupants were reported killed after their \nModel S\n crashed into a tree and caught fire in Texas, USA. According to the news report by \nReuters\n, initial investigations by the local police revealed that there was no occupant at the driver\u2019s seat, with one occupant at the front passenger seat and another at the rear.\nScreen capture from Tesla\u2019s promotional video on \nFull Self-Driving\nIt is believed that the occupants were trying out Tesla\u2019s \nAutopilot\n autonomous driving system, but the system failed to navigate a bend, which Tesla chief Elon Musk \nclaiming\n the function wasn\u2019t turn on or had the Full Self-Driving feature installed.\nWe must always be alert while behind the wheel, as the \ndriving assist systems\n are merely to assist in anticipating danger and prevent possible collisions. The driver must still be fully focused on the operation of the vehicle, eyes on the road plus frequent checks in the mirror for rearward information."
"After teasing the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe in a series of \nsketches\n, the Korean carmaker has just unveiled the first images of the all-new SUV. Besides the swanky new look, the Santa Fe also comes with a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, new in-car connectivity functions and a range of engine options.\nVisually, the Santa Fe gets Hyundai\u2019s SUV-family identity like the \nKona\n and \nNexo\n \u2013 Cascading grille, twin headlights and powerful stance. As the flagship model in Hyundai\u2019s SUV line up, the Santa Fe gets bolder body lines to give it a more athletic appearance. Dimension wise, you are looking at a larger car compared to the \noutgoing model\n, measuring at 4,770 mm (+80 mm) in length and 1,890 mm (+10 mm) in width as well as a longer wheelbase.\n \n Hyundai Santa Fe\n \n Hyundai Kona\nInside, the Santa Fe gets the similar connectivity technology as the \nrefreshed Optima K5\n. Features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard issue, but the infotainment system has an AI server-based speech recognition system powered by \nKakao i\n which allows drivers to use intuitive voice commands to operate the infotainment system.\nCustomers can choose from \nthree engine choices\n \u2013 a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, 2.2-litre turbodiesel and a 2.0-litre turbo petrol. All engine choices are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All variants of the Santa Fe will get an \nR-Motor Driven Power Steering\n (R-MDPS) that offers improved steering responsive, steering feel and overall driving performance. \nFour-wheel drive with HTRAC\n system is standard across the board.\nIn its home market, the new Santa Fe will come with the full range of \nSmartSense Technology\n that bundles Hyundai\u2019s latest active safety features such as Frontal Collision Avoidance (FCA) and Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Assistance (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Driver Alert Warning (DAW) and High Beam Assist (HBA).\nIt will also be the\n first Hyundai model\n to come equipped with \nRear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist\n that not only warns the driver if a vehicle is approaching from the side but also applies the brakes automatically when needed to prevent a collision. Another new feature is \nSafety Exist Assist\n that temporarily locks the doors if a vehicle is approaching from behind to prevent the passengers from harm when exiting the car.\nIn Korea, prices for the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe starts from \u20a928.15 million (RM101k) to \u20a936.65 million (RM132k). The new SUV will make its global debut at the upcoming 2018 Geneva International Motor Show in March where full details of the car will be released."
"Just half a year ago, \nwe sampled the rather heavily facelifted Ford Focus 1.5L EcoBoost\n. It\u2019s here now, and Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC or Ford Malaysia) is offering it in three trim levels \u2013 Trend (Hatchback), Sport+ (Hatchback) and Titanium+ (Sedan).\nOnly one engine will be offered, though. Like it or not, the Focus comes with a more powerful\u00a0\nturbocharged 1.5-litre EcoBoost\n engine that makes\u00a0\n177 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque. The old dual clutch transmission is replaced with a\u00a0hardier\u00a0\nsix-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Focus Trend\nFord Focus Titanium+ \nFord Focus Sport+\nEngine\n1,498cc; turbocharged inline-4, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed SelectShift automatic with paddle shifters\nMax Power\n177 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 5,000 rpm\nPrice (before taxes and insurance)\nRM118,888\nRM139,888\nRM139,888\nEXTERIOR\nLooks wise, it\u2019s not a big leap forward from before, but the minor aesthetic tweaks really do stand out. Both the front and rear bumpers have been restyled, the headlights are now slimmer and the tail lamps have also been retouched. Like the \nMondeo\n, the gaping front grille is \nakin to that of an Aston Martin\n, but that\u2019s just how most Fords look like today.   Standard across all trims are \nhalogen reflector headlights\n with manual levelling adjustability, front and rear fog lamps as well as Active Grille Shutter. Both Trend and Sport+ hatch variants sit on \n17-inch wheels\n shod with\n 215/50\n R17 series rubbers. The former however, priced at RM119k, doesn\u2019t come with LED daytime running lights and heated side mirrors.\nFor RM20k more, the Sport+ gives you \nsports suspension\n, \nLED DRLs\n, auto-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps, follow-me-home lighting, \nLED rear tail lamps\n and rain sensing wipers. The sedan however (Titanium+), sits on a smaller set of 16-inch wheels (205/60 R16 tyres) and loses out on the sports suspension and LED tail lamps.\nINTERIOR\nThe most notable change on the inside is the removal of the 4.2-inch display of old, and in its place is a new \n8-inch high-res touchscreen\n panel (which comes with 9-speakers). However, the Trend trim won\u2019t get this, and settles for the familiar 3.5-inch dot matrix SYNC system with 6-speakers. Ford\u2019s SYNC2 system takes care of all connectivity-related operations, most of which can be done via voice command. The multifunction leather wrapped steering (polyurethane for the Trend) wheel is also new, and it\u2019s meatier too, which means it will feel better in your hands.   There\u2019s also dual zone climate control and leather seats (black for the Sport+, beige for the Titanium+), but reserved only for the more expensive duo. The Trend makes do with a manual electronic control and fabric seats. Completing the interior kit for the Sport+ and Titanium+ variants are electrochromatic rear view mirror, overhead console with sunglass holder and \u201cSubmarine Sight\u201d, scuff plates, \nambient and footwell lighting\n.\nFord claims that the interior is now \nbetter insulated\n thanks to use of acoustic windshield glass, thicker side window glass, thicker carpets, improved engine insulation and more rubber seals around the car doors.\nPERFORMANCE\nAs mentioned earlier, all three variants will be powered by a \n1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n engine making \n177 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n240 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm. The engine features an \nintegrated intake manifold\n which is said to reduce turbo lag, while power is sent to the front wheel through a new\n six-speed SelectShift automatic\n torque converter.\nWhat makes the Focus an appealing alternative to the \nMazda3\n are two things \u2013 its best-in-class engine performance and suspension setup. The front is managed by McPherson struts, whereas the rear arm is managed by independent control blades. All variants get disc brakes on all four corners.\nSAFETY\nThe safety equipment is rather extensive to say the least, but most of them are absent in the base Trend variant. Standard though, are ABS with Electronic Stability Programme, Hill Launch Assist, Passive Anti-Theft System, Ford MyKey (programmable smart key), rear parking sensors and Post-Crash Alert system.\nThe pricier variants benefit from \nfour additional airbags\n (the Trend comes with two front airbags only), keyless entry with push-start button, perimeter alarm system, front parking sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, cruise control with speed limiter, Enhanced Active City Stop and everyone\u2019s favourite \u2013 \nEnhanced Active Park Assist\n. This improved system can now perform parallel, perpendicular and park-out parking.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs an early bird promo, SDAC is offering a \nRM3,000 cash rebate\n which lasts only till 30 April 2016. There are \nsix exterior colours\n to choose from \u2013 Frozen White, Panther Black, Ingot Silver, Candy Red, Magnetic and Winning Blue. All Ford vehicles come package with a 3-Year or 100,000km warranty, although this could be extended to 5-Year or 200,000km coverage.\nTo recap, the Trend is priced at\n RM118,888\n whereas the Sport+ and Titanium+ are given the same price tag of \nRM139,888\n. Want our advice? Pick the Sport+. It\u2019s a no brainer!\nUpdate: Sime Darby Auto Connexion announced that the RM3,000 cash rebate is only valid for existing and current Ford owners who purchase the new Ford Focus from now until 30 April 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo is reaffirming its position as one of the safest carmakers by introducing LiDAR technology to its next-generation production cars, in its efforts to achieve\n Level 3 autonomous driving\n \u2013 no driver-intervention required in pre-configured \u201csafe zones\u201d.\nLiDAR is a popular technology used in many self-driving car prototypes. The technology uses pulses of laser lights to accurately provide depth and position information, creating a temporary real-time 3D map without requiring internet connectivity. However, due to its \nreally large size and cost\n, the technology is rarely seen on production vehicles.\nElon Musk has famously dismissed the LiDAR technology, calling it ugly and said anyone who\u2019s relying on that technology are \ndoomed\n. However, Volvo\u2019s partner Luminar, where the carmaker is a minority shareholder, seems to have solved the issues in both size and cost \u2013 well enough to be included in a production car.\nBased on the images provided by Volvo, it seems that the LiDAR module will not be able to sensing the full 360-degrees. Volvo says that the LiDAR hardware will be used in conjunction with cameras, radars and back-up systems to achieve its first fully self-driving technology for highways, dubbed \u201cHighway Pilot\u201d.\nVolvo Cars chief technology officer, Henrik Green said, \u201cAutonomous drive has the potential to be one of the most lifesaving technologies in history, if introduced responsibly and safely. Providing our future cars with the vision they require to make safe decisions is an important step in that direction.\n\u201cSoon, your Volvo will be able to drive autonomously on highways when the car determines it is safe to do so. At that point, your Volvo takes responsibility for the driving and you can relax, take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel,\u201d added Henrik Green.\nVolvo also said that the \u201csafe zones\u201d, which are highways in this case, can be gradually added to the car\u2019s system via over-the-air updates, enabling a safe roll-out of the technology in stages.\nIn addition to the Highway Pilot feature, Volvo will also be using the LiDAR to further improve future advanced driver assistance systems.\nVolvo will be introducing the LiDAR sensor on its forthcoming cars based on the SPA2 modular vehicle architecture starting from 2022."
"At long last, after years of teasing and anticipation, the all-new 5th generation A90 Toyota Supra is now in Malaysia \u2013 available only in a single variant, the GTS, priced at RM568,000 on-the-road without insurance.\nAnd you\u2019re getting a heck a lot for the money as UMW Toyota Motor had been like a kid at the candy store when specifying the vehicle.\n \nThe all-new Supra\u2019s beautifully-sculpted body has been dressed with 19-inch light alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres measuring 255 width in the front and 275 width at the rear.\nWhen specifying the brakes for the Supra, Toyota has opted for 4-pot calipers at the front and single pot units at the back. While it\u2019s not stated on the calipers, these brakes are supplied by Brembo.\nThe Supra has also been specified with Adaptive Variable Suspension \u2013 an optional item in other markets \u2013 offering poise and precision to its handling characteristics. Also fitted in are adaptive LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED fog lights and LED tail lights.\nToyota claims to have implemented their own touch in the tuning of the suspension, bushes, steering rack, differential, throttle mapping and even the sounds of the exhaust and based on what we\u2019ve heard briefly, Toyota\u2019s done a pretty darn good job at riling up the senses.\nUnder the Supra\u2019s long front hood rests a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine making\n 340 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with paddle shifters, a launch control feature and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.3 seconds with top speed rated at 250 km/h and we believe them as we managed to clock 230 km/h almost effortlessly on an airstrip just before the launch. It will only be a matter of time before we hear tuners clocking or even surpassing the 300 km/h mark.\nInside, while it projects a largely familar \u201cBMW setting\u201d, the digital instrument cluster with a rev counter in the centre is Toyota\u2019s very own. The Supra has also been equipped with dual zone air conditioning, a carbon fibre centre console, a 12-speaker JBL sound system and a head-up display.\nThe all-new Supra isn\u2019t just about going fast, but doing so safely. Aside from the seven airbags, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Hill Start Assist feature, it\u2019s also equipped with the Toyota Supra Safety system which includes Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive High Beam and Rear Collision Warning.\nLastly, the new Supra is available in eight different exterior colours \u2013 Prominence Red, Lightning Yellow, White Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Matte Storm Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Ice Grey Metallic.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \n10th-generation Honda Civic\n\u00a0is arguably one of the hottest cars of 2016, and the sentiment is proved by the incredible number of cars sold to date.\nAccording to data released by Honda Malaysia, sales of the Civic FC account for a whopping 68 percent of the C-Segment, making it the segment leader in the short period of six months.\u00a0More interestingly, the company nearly tripled the Civic\u2019s sales volume \u2013 a huge 265 percent jump over the same period in 2015.\nThis is achieved largely by the car\u2019s striking good looks and\u00a0arsenal of equipment such as remote engine start, keyless entry and start, eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat, rear air vents, six airbags, electric parking brake with auto hold, hill-start assist and VSA.\nOur short stint with the range topping Civic 1.5TC-P\n\u00a0left a very lasting impression, and it\u2019s no wonder that the car is off to a sailing\u00a0start. Having said that, competition is slowly creeping, such as the \nHyundai Ioniq\n and it won\u2019t take long before the equally stunning \nHyundai Elantra\n\u00a0hits our shores (psst, it may even come with a \nturbo\n!)."
"Nothing tells you more about a product than trying it out yourself.\nAside from the new \nMINI John Cooper Works Countryman\n, MINI Malaysia also launched the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in conjunction with the MINI Track Days 2017. Cutting to the case, the new Mini John Cooper Works Clubman essentially shares the same power plant as the Countryman with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with MINI Twin Power Technology.\nWith an output of 231 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, it allows the new John Cooper Works Clubman to abscond off the line in just 6.3 seconds; a mere 0.2 seconds faster than the John Cooper Works Countryman with the aid of the eight-speed Steptronic Sports Automatic transmission equipped with pedal shifters. With a top speed of 238 km/h, the new John Cooper Works Clubman\u2019s combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.2L/100km.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI John Cooper Works Clubman\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4, twin-scroll turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic Sports auto\nMax Power\n231 hp\nMax Torque\n350 Nm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.3 seconds; 238 km/h\nPrice\nRM328,888 (OTR excluding registration)\nTo allow for individualised vehicle setup, the Clubman comes with MINI Driving Modes to enable the vehicle to be set up to meet the driver\u2019s needs in various driving conditions. With a flick of the rotary switch positioned below the gear lever, the driver is allowed to switch between SPORT, MID and GREEN driving modes. This influences the characteristics of the accelerator pedal, steering feedback, engine acoustics and speed of the gear changes with the eight-speed transmission.\nIn GREEN mode, the efficiency of the vehicle is further optimised with the coasting function. This is where the drivetrain decouples at speed of between 50 km/h to 160 km/h as soon as the driver\u2019s foot is removed from the accelerator pedal.\nThe standard sports suspension in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman features a particularly tight set-up of the damping system. Specifically-developed in collaboration with Brembo, the Clubman is fitted with a four-pot calliper system that bears the John Cooper Works logo to match the accelerating potency of the vehicle.\nOther driving aids featured in the new John Cooper Works Clubman includes the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) \u2013 which acts as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential whereas its Performance Control feature helps improve the vehicles agility through the bends.\nThe most impressive bit of kit has to be the latest generation all-wheel drive system ALL4 fitted as standard in both the John Cooper Works variants. The electronically-controlled system allows torque to be distributed between the front and rear wheels as and when is needed to safeguard the agility of the Clubman while providing supreme traction and driving stability in all weathers.   Working in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which perpetually measures the wheel rotational speeds, acceleration, accelerator pedal position, engine torque and steering angle, the ALL4 system sets both the Clubman and Countryman to perform as front-wheel drives \u2013 a characteristic that has been typical of the brand.\nOnly when necessary does the hang-on clutch relay torque to the rear wheels within fractions of a second with an electrohydraulic pump. With that, it ensures a significant reduction in power and torque loss that occurs when power is channeled to the rear axle.\nThe new John Cooper Works Clubman doesn\u2019t fall short of equipment on the inside either. Upon entry, one would immediately notice the Heads-Up Display which displays speeds, engine revs, current gear and even indicates the right moment for a gear change. One would also be hard-pressed to miss the ultra-supportive John Cooper Works sports seats wrapped in Dinamica Leather with Carbon Black and Red Stripes. Together with the John Cooper Works leather steering wheel and stainless steel pedals, its just riles the urges for a spirited drive.   The centre console is occupied by an 8.8-inch touchscreen which can also be operated via the MINI Touch Controller. The John Cooper Works touch also extends to the instrument cluster and centre display trim. At night fall, the on-board experience of the new John Cooper Works Clubman is heightened with the MINI Yours Illuminated Interior Style in Fibre Alloy. Other features include the MINI Connected, Bluetooth connectivity, 20GB of storage for music as well as an LED ring around the centre display.\nA new feature introduced in the John Cooper Works models is the MINI Find Mate which includes two Bluetooth tags; allowing the driver to keep track of his or her belongings. Once the item is tagged and connected to the system, an audible signal will be triggered while the location of the item would be sent to your smartphone should the items go missing.\nQuality tunes will be provided by the Harman Kardon sound system with a generous 410-watt of output through four mid-range speakers at the front door and rear doors complemented by two central bass speakers tucked beneath the front seats. Other features that make up the creature comforts list in the new John Cooper Works Clubman consists of Parking Assist, a Rear View Camera, the Comfort Access function and a nifty Automatic Tailgate which can be activated by triggering the foot sensors.\nMoving on, the John Cooper Works footprint on the Clubman\u2019s shell is unmistakable. The race-inspired exterior is made up of the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Bodykit, 19-inch Cooper Works Course Spoke wheels in Burnish Black, a John Cooper Works grille, a striking Chilli Red roof and body stickers, as well as the John Cooper Works Side Scuttles and Door Sill which are hard to miss.\nAt RM328,888 excluding insurance, both the new MINI John Cooper Works models are available in Rebel Green and Midnight Black with the White Silver combination available exclusively for the new Clubman. Both the new John Cooper Works models will be covered by MINI\u2019s newest 5 Years Roadside Assistance program of which details can be found \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced that the third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander will be arriving here in early 2016, most likely towards the end of the first quarter. We\u2019ll be getting the \nfacelifted version which was first introduced to the US market in April earlier this year\n, bearing the company\u2019s new \u201cDynamic Shield\u201d design language.\nMMM isn\u2019t revealing much at press time, but what we can confirm is that the \n7-seater SUV\n (formerly known as the Mitsubishi Airtrek) will come with a naturally aspirated\n MIVEC petrol engine\n, seven airbags, powered tailgate, powered sunroof, LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and Active Stability Control.   The company also jumped at the opportunity to say that the SUV will offer a\n spacious cabin\n which, judging from the pictures, can somewhat work in their favour. More on the interior \u2013 we can expect the Outlander to come with all the facelifted variant\u2019s niceties, which include the new steering wheel, improved upholstery and headlining as well as a brand new head unit.\nNorth American buyers have two engine options \u2013 a \n2.4-litre four-cylinder\n SOHC engine or a \n3.0-litre V6\n (also Single Over Head Cam) which make \n166 hp\n\u00a0at 6,000 rpm and\n\u00a0220 Nm\n\u00a0of torque and\u00a0\n224 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n292 Nm\n\u00a0of torque respectively. Both engines are mated to an improved CVT gearbox that gives better acceleration, performance, \u201cshift feel\u201d and torque delivery. MMM hasn\u2019t confirmed which engine the Malaysian-bound Outlander with come with, but the smaller 2.4-litre unit seems most promising at this point.\nMore details on the Mitsubishi Outlander will be revealed in due time. MMM\u2019s CEO, Mr. Yang Won-Chul said, \u201cWe are excited to introduce a 7-seater SUV to the Malaysian market very soon. The Mitsubishi Outlander SUV is MMM\u2019s first model to be introduced with the new \u2018Dynamic Shield\u2019 concept, and it comes with an array of safety and premium features.\u201d\nNeedless to say, 2016 will be a year of SUVs, with the \nnew Ford Everest\n, \nToyota Fortuner\n and \nPajero Sport\n all slated for their Malaysian debut next year. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia remains tight lipped about their product offensive next year, but we strongly believe the GL lineup will be introduced, beginning with the \nGLE\n\u00a0which will be launched in January.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 Mitsubishi Outlander US Spec"
"Apart from having a strong portfolio of products, a car brand is unlikely to thrive without adequate sales coverage \u2013 which is why Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) have been busy with expanding the footprint across the country.\nThe newest Volvo showroom to be officially opened belongs to \niRoll Ipoh Sdn Bhd\n, located along \nJalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun\n, within the vicinity of the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport and Ipoh City & Country Club. The new 3S facility complies with the \nVolvo Retail Experience\n standard, which is focused on four key areas, namely \u2018contemporary luxury experience, understanding, interaction and well-being\u2019.\nThe iRoll Ipoh 3S centre is also equipped with four repair bays catering to existing Volvo owners in the state of Perak and also showcases the latest line-up of Volvo models, including the \nrecently launched S60 sports sedan\n. The 3S centre opens \nMondays to Saturdays, from 9.00am to 6.00pm\n.\n\u201cWe are extremely glad for this opportunity and are looking forward to expanding our services and providing quality experiences throughout our customers ownership journey,\u201d said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.\n \nA stronger retail presence as a result of VCM\u2019s transformation plan has seen \nsales volume grow by up to 60%\n in the first half of 2019."
"In a rather surprising move, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has revealed plans to introduce at least two additional variants to the \nthird-generation Tucson\n range \u2013 a turbocharged petrol and a turbodiesel.\nThe former is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder Gamma GDI engine, paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that\u2019s developed in-house. This setup is exactly the same as the \nVeloster Turbo\n, and the blown mill makes \n175 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n265 Nm\n of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.\nFor those who are interested in the diesel, talks within HSDM are still ongoing, so there\u2019s no telling whether we\u2019ll be getting the 1.7 CRDi or 2.0 CRDi. However, chances are, we might get the larger\u00a0of the two. Both are four-cylinder common-rail oil burners. The \n1.7-litre CRDi\n produces \n114 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and a whopping\n 280 Nm\n of torque from 1,250 to 2,500 rpm. This is paired to a six-speed manual transmission only, though.\nAs for the 2.0 CRDi, it makes \n183 hp\n at 4,000 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. Drive is either sent to the front wheels or all wheels through a smooth shifting \nsix-speed automatic\n.\nRead our review to find out \nwhy the Tucson is our favourite (and underrated) SUV in the market\n, and be sure to watch this space for more updates!"
"Following the upcoming\n annual M Town\n virtual event, BMW has released a new video called \u201cThe Drop\u201d depicting an imaginary world we all hope to live in.\nThere are special appearances by an iconic BMW 3 series, a cameo by one of the most well-known automotive YouTubers, and even the head of BMW\u2019s M division.\nEvery single car in the video is an M car, curated in a very unique way; as if Adidas was dropping the next Ultra Boost or Apple dropping a new iPhone. If you look closely, there are also teasers of future M cars \u2013 even an electric M car \u2013 which we\u2019re guessing will be the M version of the electric BMW i4.\n \nBMW did not hold back in pointing it out too, with this statement:\n\u201cM Town is the most successful digital campaign from the BMW M GmbH, particularly as the entire BMW M Community throughout the world actively participates and shapes it. Therefore, we are happy to continue this success story with the next film whilst also giving a small glimpse into the future,\u201d said BMW M, Director Global Sales and Marketing, Lothar Schupet.\nA total of 18 various models from BMW M\u2019s latest range have made their appearances in this video. There are also cameos by one-off BMW M2 by FUTURA\u00a02000 and the M3 pick-up built as an experiment in 2011.\nFor the filming of this video, members of the BMW M Community were invited to provide their own vehicles. These special slots were raffled off in an online campaign.\nHere\u2019s the last M Town video from 2018:\n \nGALLERY"
"Bentley has announced that it will become a fully-electric brand by 2030, as outlined in its Beyond 100 roadmap. The aggressive plan will give the world\u2019s largest 12-cylinder petrol engine manufacturer less than a decade to completely move away internal combustion engines (ICE), committing itself to become \u201can end-to-end carbon neutral organisation\u201d.\nThe company has long hinted at its desire to move towards electrification. In 2017, Bentley showed off the \nEXP 12 Speed 6e Concept\n as the brand\u2019s first-ever electric vehicle. More recently, the company also unveiled the \nEXP 100 GT concept\n last year as its centenary celebration. As the \u2018Beyond 100\u2019 name suggests, the roadmap points at the company\u2019s future after its first 100 years, and the EXP 100 GT cannot be a more suitable representation of the plan.\nBentley CEO, Adrian Hallmark (right) discussing the Beyond 100 plans during the live event.\nBentley will be offering a PHEV option for each of its models on sale by 2023, with the first example of the plan being the \nBentayga Hybrid\n announced in September last year. Two more PHEVs will be launched next year; \nAutomotive News Europe\n reports that they are expected to be the \nFlying Spur\n and \nContinental GT\n.\nThe company\u2019s first fully-electric model will debut in 2025, and a year after that, pure ICE Bentley models will no longer be on sale. By 2030 as mentioned previously, all models will be battery EVs only.\nThe \nBentley Flying Spur\n.\nBeyond powertrains, the company has also committed to the use of more sustainable materials within the cars, such as using the by-product from wine making to create a leather-replacement textile in the EXP 100 GT. Last year, the company\u2019s production facility in Crewe was also certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust, thanks to the implementation of innovative carbon-reducing solutions over two decades.\nThe company aims to shift its factory into \u201cclimate positive\u201d by 2030, actively reducing levels of carbon in the atmosphere, while at the same time investing in renewable energy and forestation projects.\u00a0\nThe Beyond 100 roadmap also includes plans to ensure financial stability in the long term, where the company aims to be \u201cfinancially resilient and recession-proof\u201d. Due to the challenges posed by the \nCovid-19 pandemic\n, Bentley said that it had to undertake the biggest change programme in its history.\nThis includes the voluntary release and redundancy programme announced in June, with the aim of a workforce reduction of 1,000 personnel. This figure was later reduced to 800, including around 200 contractor positions.\u00a0\nDespite the challenges faced during the health pandemic, Bentley says that these plans have placed them in a position to forecast a positive financial performance in 2020."
"Audi is not the only one with a clubsport model displayed at the \n2015 W\u00f6rthersee show\n. To celebrate the \n40-year anniversary\n of the iconic \nGolf GTI\n next year, Volkswagen has unveiled the \nGolf GTI Clubsport\n.\nDisplayed at the \n34th GTI Meet\n at Lake W\u00f6rthersee in its concept form, the GTI Clubsport is slated to enter production next year. Although Volkswagen claims the concept pretty much represents how the production model will look like.\nPreviewed in the \n3-door bodystyle\n, the GTI Clubsport may appear similar to the standard GTI, with the detailing such as the red strip on the grille that cuts into the headlamps, and a rear bumper with \ndual tailpipes\n. Upon closer inspection, you will see that it receives a new styling upgrade that includes a more \naggressive front bumper\n, additional\n side sills\n, a taller \nrear spoiler\n, and a new set of alloys.\nThe cabin gets a mild revamp too, with a pair of heavily-bolstered front\n bucket seats\n and the flat-bottom steering wheel is now clothed in \nAlcantara\n with 12 o\u2019clock center marker.\u00a0Other than that, the dual-zone air conditioning is retained, as is the 8-inch touchscreen display panel seen here with GPS navigation.\nBased on the 227 hp \nGolf GTI Performance\n, the\n 2.0 TFSI\n powerplant has been massaged to deliver \n261 hp\n, making it the \nmost powerful production GTI to date\n. It\u2019s also equipped with a temporary \noverboost function\n that is said to extract \n10 per cent more power\n from the engine.\nOther performance figures might have to wait until the full production model is announced next year, but you can expect the figures to sit between the \u201cvanilla\u201d Golf GTI and the rapid \nGolf R\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Although the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics took place\u00a0not too long ago, the grand stadiums have not been abandoned just yet. Now charging at full speed is the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.\nOur national para-athletes deserves no less attention and support than the contingent that who brought back four silvers and a bronze medal. This statement held its value when our Youth and Sports Minister, Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister,\u00a0\nKhairy Jamaluddin\n\u00a0said all national athletes bearing the \nJalur Gemilang\n\u00a0will be incentivised equally, regardless of category. We applaud you for the just decision, Mr Khairy.\nJust as our \nOlympians were rewarded\n, the Paralympians will also be duly rewarded for their courageous efforts. NAZA\u00a0Corporation Holdings has announced that they will be rewarding all Paralympic gold medalists with an \nAll-New Kia Sportage\n\u00a0and a residential suite worth RM350,000 each!\nNAZA TTDI\u2019s (NAZA Corporation Holdings\u2019 property arm) Group Managing Director, SM Faliq SM Nasimuddin said, \u201cNaza TTDI is proud to be part of our group\u2019s initiative to support and reward the success of our Paralympic athletes. We decided to reward a unit each of Trion 888 as the residential suite is well-catered for the lifestyle of the younger generation, a group that our athletes are in.\u201d\nThe all-new Kia Sportage is a mid-size SUV is also the ideal car for athletes with an active lifestyle.\u00a0Located at Equine Park, Seri Kembangan, the 450 square feet residential suite at Trion 888 is fully equipped with a\u00a0swimming pool, multipurpose room, gymnasium and many more. The development is set to be completed by the end of 2017.\nAs of today, two para-athletes have stood atop the podium, singing Negaraku loud and proud. Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Puzi bagged a gold medal at the men\u2019s T36 100m dash and even broke the Paralympic record with a staggering time of 12.07 seconds! Ziyad Zolkefli took the gold medal home at the men\u2019s F20 shot putt. Ziyad\u2019s 16.84m hurl has even broke the previous world record of 16.59m!\nAbdul Latif Romly made it a hat trick for Malaysia when he emerged as the winner while\u00a0smashing the world record three times\u00a0in the\u00a0men\u2019s F20 long jump final. Abdul Latif, the youngest member among the para-athletes broke the previous world record of\u00a07.37m during his second jump of 7.47m. He subsequently broke his short-lived world record at his third jump with a\u00a07.54m distance and sealed the deal during his fifth attempt of\u00a07.60m. Setting three world records plus a Paralympic gold medal; this 19 year old is truly extraordinary.\nThree gold medals, one Paralympic record and two\u00a0world record. Malaysia \nmemang boleh\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 Kia Sportage"
"After its \nlaunch in India\n, the \nHonda City\n sedan facelift has now arrived at Thailand\u2019s shores and is available in five variants and two powertrain options. This includes the 1.0L Turbo V, SV, and RS variants, as well as the hybrid 1.5L e:HEV SV and RS variants. Prices for the facelifted Honda City sedan in Thailand range from \nTHB629,000\n (approx. \nRM83,788\n) to \nTHB839,000\n (approx. \nRM111,754\n).\nOn the outside, the Thai-spec Honda City facelift now gains a new front grille, as well as front and rear bumper designs. The RS variants have also gained a set of side skirts. Alloy designs on the facelifted Honda City in Thailand are also new, and its sizes range from 15 to 16 inches, depending on the variant.\nPerformance-wise, the facelifted Honda City in Thailand is available with two powertrain options \u2013 the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, as well as Honda\u2019s Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain, which consists of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle naturally-aspirated (NA) engine together with an integrated starter-generator electric motor.\nThe turbocharged 1.0-litre engine is paired with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and sends \n122 hp\n (metric) and \n173 Nm\n to the front wheels. The i-MMD hybrid system, on the other hand, is paired with an e-CVT and sends a total of \n109 hp\n (metric) and \n253 Nm\n to the front wheels as well.\nRELATED: \nPrices increased for Honda HR-V, Civic, City Hatchback in Malaysia by RM1.1k, RM1.2k, RM300\nThe facelifted Honda City in Thailand still carries an interior design that is pretty much similar to the prior model. However, a notable change the B-segment sedan has gained on the inside includes the 4.2-inch coloured TFT LCD multi-information display that has been added to the 1.0-litre Turbo variants.\nSafety-wise, Honda Sensing is now available as standard throughout the range for the Thailand-spec Honda City facelift, together with the newly added lead car departure notification system (LCDN). The LCDN is supposed to notify the driver when the car in front has departed from a traffic stop, for instance. Another feature Honda Thailand has added to its Honda City sedan lineup is the walk-away auto-lock function, which will automatically lock the car when the key fob is away from the car.\nBesides the standard features, the two higher-end e:HEV variants in Thailand have also gained the low speed follow (LSF) to its autonomous cruise control (ACC) system, which can be useful during heavy traffic, especially during long-distance drives. This feature has yet to be available on the Malaysian-spec Honda City and City Hatchback just yet but is available with its bigger siblings like the \nCivic\n and \nHR-V\n.\nHowever, there is one feature the Thailand-spec Honda City has gained that is already available with the Malaysian-spec Honda City range is the remote engine start function. Available with all variants of the Malaysian-spec Honda City and City Hatchback, aside from the base S variant, the remote engine start function is now available with all variants of the Thailand-spec Honda City sedan.\nWhat do you think of the facelifted Honda City sedan in Thailand? And do you think Malaysia is next to receive the Honda City facelift? Let us know in the comments!\nRELATED: \n2023 Honda WR-V now open for bookings in Malaysia, exclusive previews begin June 16\nGALLERY"
"Land Rover is set to premiere the all-new Range Rover flagship luxury SUV as soon as the coming Tuesday.\nThe British luxury SUV carmaker released just one teaser image of a blurry Range Rover as part of the invitation to the digital launch next week.\nAlthough heavily out-of-focus, the lines and silhouette of the large luxury SUV can be easily deciphered thanks to the distinctive glasshouse or window area with a floating roof-look and the clean lines of the front and rear of the SUV.\n2017 Range Rover Autobiography\nStrangely, keying in the hashtag #newrangerover in \nInstagram\n opened plenty of postings of some key leaked images of the all-new fifth-generation Range Rover!\nBased on news reports, the electrification aspect on the powertrain will only be limited to plug-in hybrid technology at launch, as an EV (battery or hydrogen) is not ready until later in the product life cycle. Range Rovers tend to have long life cycles too, with the predecessor fourth-generation Range Rover starting life as far back as 2013.\nWatch our review of the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport here.\nThis is the \nRange Rover Sentinel\n, a popular candidate with top-tier security providers\nIn the accompanying media release, Jaguar Land Rover, Chief Creative Officer, Prof Gerry McGovern OBE said, \u201cThe new Range Rover is a vehicle with a peerless character, from the impeccable restraint of its exterior to the flawless tranquil sanctuary of its cabin. Informed by creative intellect and a desire for perfection, it doesn\u2019t follow fashion or trend, but by a modernist design philosophy, combined with over 50 years of evolution, it is quite simply the most desirable Range Rover ever created.\u201d\nLand Rover is only expected to start deliveries next year as a 2023 model. Expect the smaller Range Rover Sport to join the refreshed line-up in due course too.\nThe second-gen Range Rover Evoque is still quite a compact, but capable SUV. Learn more here!"
"Starting today, rides with Grab will come with a new option called \n\u2018carbon neutral fee\n\u2018. The new feature essentially allows passengers to offset their carbon emissions during their rides.\nThe technology company allows passengers to pay a \nnominal RM0.10\n when they book any ride for the purpose of carbon offsetting through large-scale tree planting projects. The fee is entirely optional.\nIn Malaysia, Grab is partnering with \nTropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre\n to take harmful carbon and greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. Since January 2021, the tree-planting conservation NGO has planted over \n31,000 rainforest tree seedlings\n in Perak that will help with the absorption of greenhouse gases.\nGrab also clarify that 20% of the 10 sen-fee will go \ntowards administrative purposes\n, such as taxation charges and fluctuations of offset prices. Any unused portion will be utilised by Grab for the purpose of purchasing additional trees. \u00a0\nThe move to offer the \u2018carbon neutral fee\u2019 option is part of the company\u2019s plans to operate cleaner under their \u201c2030 Transport Sustainability Goal\u201d. As one of its first steps, this \u2018carbon neutral fee\u2019 under the Green Programme is being rolled out today in Singapore and Malaysia together with Thailand and Indonesia.\nIn Singapore, users can also select vehicles that emit low or zero emissions (hybrid or fully electric vehicles) under the JustGrab Green category. Popular vehicles such as Toyota Prius, Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro Hybrid will provide mobility services in this new category. Drivers can also rent these vehicles under the GrabRentals business unit.\nThe technology company is also increasing more activities with their strategic partner, Hyundai Motor Group, to \naccelerate the adoption of EV\n in the ASEAN region. Pilot programmes such as battery swapping and car-as-a-service leasing agreements have been planned to push the agenda forward.\nGALLERY"
"From mass production Wankel engines to the recent high-compression SkyActiv range, Mazda\u2019s steadfast engineering capabilities have earned the small time carmaker a solid reputation. Now, the Hiroshima-based company is developing the next-generation internal combustion engine, this time without the use of spark plugs.\nAccording to a report by \nNikkei\n,\u00a0Mazda will market this technology as the \nsecond-gen\n\u00a0\nSkyActiv\n powertrains. The technology, called\u00a0\nhomogeneous charge compression ignition\n \n(HCCI)\n, ignites the mixture of fuel and air by\u00a0subjecting them to super high pressure. This combustion method eliminates the usage of spark plugs.\nThe benefits are substantial to say the least. Not only is this more efficient than a\u00a0conventional engine, but Mazda said it\u00a0reduces emissions and greatly improves fuel economy. Apparently, an internal test with the Mazda3 yielded close to\u00a0\n30 km/l\n!\nMazda will debut this new engine together with the \nnext-generation \nMazda3\n\u00a0\nsometime\n\u00a0\nby 2018. Of course, if it proves to be successful, the rest of the Mazda range will also receive the same treatment. The company also announced plans to introduce plug-in hybrid cars by 2021."
"With recent news that \nsomeone has already placed an order\n for the \nnew Volvo XC40\n, here\u2019s some new developments that might reaffirm his/her choice \u2013 it\u2019s been awarded five stars for its Euro NCAP tests.\nThe 2018 Euro NCAP testing was the toughest ever with new and more demanding challenges on safety technology, including cyclist-detection with auto-brake and emergency lane keeping systems. Overall, the new XC40 received the highest safety score among all cars tested under the new regime.\n\u201cThe new XC40 is one of the safest cars on the market,\u201d said Head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre, Malin Ekholm. \u201cIt comes standard with the largest offering of safety technology of any small SUVs, helping drivers detect and avoid collisions, remain safely in their lane and reduce the impact of accidentally running off the road.\u201d\nAfter being knighted as the\u00a0\n2018 European Car of the Year\n, the first Volvo to win the prestigious award, \nglobal demand has surpassed the 80,000 mark\n and had prompted Volvo to expand its production in Europe and China. Such was the hype that it was even featured in the \nnewest installment of Tomb Raider\n.\nLast year, the \nXC60\n was crowned the overall best-performing large off-roader and the best overall performer in the prestigious Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards. The XC90 received the same accolade in 2015."
"Happy Chinese New Year folks! While we\u2019ve all had a much-deserved break, \nProton\n got cracking with the announcement of four new special edition models arriving on the \n18th of February, at 11 am\n.\nThese four include the Proton Exora, Persona, Iriz and the Saga. The new Exora and Persona will be presented as Black Editions while the special editions for Iriz and Saga are touted to be the R3 editions according to other local news sources.\n \n\u201cEnhanced with unique design elements for both the interior and exterior of these cars, the Special Edition models is here to meet customers\u2019 needs and suits the most discerning lifestyle; owners of these cars will undoubtedly stand out from the crowd,\u201d in a statement released by the company.\nThe company added \u201cThese special edition models will provide the same level of comfort, safety, and handling that are offered in the standard models, except they\u2019ve have now been \nenhanced in the aesthetics department\n.\u00a0\u00a0\n \nCatch the unveiling of the launch on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n and if these new models tickle your fancy, you can also\n register your interest \nnow. Proton also announced that they will \nstart to accept bookings for the four new special models at the time of launch\n."
"If you\u2019re like us, the mere fact that Honda hasn\u2019t made a replacement for the revered S2000 since 2009 is enough to keep us up at night. The guys in Honda Access \u2013 Honda\u2019s accessories arm \u2013 probably felt the same too, and went on their own way to resurrect the S2000 as a prototype for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2020.\nCelebrating two decades since its launch in 1999, the Honda S2000 20th Anniversary Prototype is equipped with several custom parts to \u201creflect the voice of customers\u201d. These include redesigned bumpers, updated suspension system, blacked out trim elements, and a new audio system \u2013 or whatever \u201caudio lids\u201d mean, thanks Google Translate.\nHonda did not mention if there are any performance changes made to the 9000 rpm screamer, but the single image provided is enough to have us drooling over our keyboards. As it is a \u201cprototype\u201d, the customised parts might even become available to purchase for S2000 owners.\u00a0\nInformation on the resurrected S2000 are scarce, but we will see more of it when it goes on display in the Tokyo Auto Salon 2020 from the \n10th to 12th of January 2020\n.\u00a0\nAlongside the S2000, Honda Access will also be displaying a kitted up EK9 Honda Civic Type R featuring modernised headlights, beefier bodykit, and larger wheels.\u00a0\nHonda says that the \u201cCivic 2020\u201d is designed to represent the younger generation of the present age, and we must admit the modernised front bumper (reminiscent of the \nVW Golf R\n, don\u2019t you think?) does look pretty sharp. We just hope that it doesn\u2019t turn out to look like a ricer job."
"The words \u2018pickup truck\u2019 is nothing short of synonymous with Isuzu, who has now decided to reintroduce their people-carrier model to tap into Malaysia\u2019s rapidly growing SUV market. Having said that, Isuzu has brought out the \nMU-X model\n which promises to be a seven-seater SUV with a more-than-capable off-road quality to boot.\nThe seven-seater SUV comes in two guises, both of which are distinguishable should you peel away the body. The MU-X comes either in 4\u00d74 or 4\u00d72 configurations. Locally however, we will receive the automatic transmission and the 2.5-litre mill as standard.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nIsuzu MU-X 4\u00d72\nIsuzu MU-X 4\u00d74\nEngine\n2.5 litre, four cylinder, VGS turbodiesel intercooler\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift\nMax Power\n135\u00a0hp @ 3,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance, with GST)\nRM151,945\u00a0\nRM164,970\nEXTERIOR\nAt first sight, you could almost mistake the MU-X as the D-Max from the front, on which this it is invariably based on. The LED Day-time Running Lights glisten clearly even when the sun shines especially bright. The headlamps are projector halogen units as opposed to the Bi-Xenon variation. The insignia-incorporated chrome grille lays tribute to the company\u2019s current design philosophy, but differs slightly when compared to the D-Max\u2019s.   Around the side, a pair of seemingly large chrome-back side mirrors offers great visibility and it definitely helps with manoeuvring. \u00a0The wheels are a set of 17-inch alloys that came prescribed with a set of 255/65R17 Bridgestone Dueler H/T rubbers.\nA short walk around the back of the car reveals an interesting rear fascia that\u2019s been designed bespoke for the MU-X. You will not find an intrusive large external spare wheel, because it is hidden in the same place as you would normally find on the D-Max. While on the subject, a chromed up exhaust pipe tip isn\u2019t far off, but is only exclusive to the 4\u00d74 variant.\nThe large boot is somewhat weighted to say the least. It\u2019s held in place with your typical gas struts but has an electronic release button. The shade of paint you see here is called Uluru Brown \u2013 just one of several colours including Splash White, Titanium Silver and Cosmic Black.\nINTERIOR\nUpon pulling back the chrome door handle, your eyes will\u00a0discover an interior clad in leather. Grey no doubt but leather nonetheless, accompanied with a matching grey plastic moulded (as you would expect) and textured dashboard which in good taste does compliment the upholstery. The driver receives a six-way electric powered seat whereas the passenger gets manual controls.   Looking past the multi-function steering wheel with the audio, answer/end call button on one side and the auto cruise control button on the other, you will find the rev counter and speedometer. Nestled between them is an LCD screen that displays a multitude of information such gear position, AWD status, trip, fuel and temperature gauges; just to name a few.\nLooking over to the centre, you will stumble across a seven-inch Android OS headunit that\u2019s responsible for powering the infotainment system. Not only that, the user-friendly GUI is familiar and easy to use. It comes equipped with a feed for the reverse camera, satellite navigation, micro-USB HDMI ports, micro-SD cards slot, DVD player and a 3.5mm auxiliary jack. Did I neglect to mention the Bluetooth and Spotify compatibility? The Android head-unit is also a digital mirror for the 10-inch flip down monitor for rear passengers, however the aspect ratio isn\u2019t really bang on and the screen resolution could be much, much better.\nSpeaking of the centre console, one will discover the radially-arranged automatic climate control with all the bells and whistles you could need at the touch of a button. All things considered, the layout of the centre console is crisp and neat. No stray buttons, knobs or switches are found outside \u2018the circle\u2019.\nAs you would imagine, the MU-X is available in a plethora of various seating configurations. The third row, comes with a couple of 50:50 split folding seats that tucks away flat and flushed. The row thereafter comes bolted with a 60:40 split folding seats with cupholders and an arm rest. The second row can be removed should you require the extra space.\nPERFORMANCE\nDrive is provided by the 2,499cc, 4JK1-TCX four banger, 16 valve VGS turbo diesel mill that makes out a healthy \n136 hp\n at a peak of 3,400 rpm. Given that this is an oil burner, the torque figures are rather interesting, with\n 320 Nm\n ready on tap from a mere 1,800 to 2,800 rpm. This is accomplished with an astronomical 18.1:1\u00a0compression ratio.\nThe burning question on most readers\u2019 minds is whether the suspension setup is a carry over from the D-Max, for which I am happy to report the contrary (the rear at least). Soaking up the bumps and dents of the road is an independent double wishbone and coil spring setup accented with help of a stabiliser bar. The leaf springs of the D-Max has been shrugged off in favour of a five-link, coil spring suspension structure which improves ride comfort and handling vastly.\nThe 4\u00d74 variant here comes equipped with a Terrain Command 4WD Selector knob that allows the driver to switch between 2H and 4H on the fly. Once you\u2019ve come to a halt, pop the gear into neutral and you\u2019re ready to engage 4L. The low-range AWD allows for the power to be split onto whichever corner with the most amount of traction.\nStopping power is furnished with the help of a disc brake on all four corners. Not only that, Anti-lock Braking System and an Electronic Stability Control program keep the MU-X in check despite harsh and sudden driving conditions. Now, unlike most car manufacturers who opt to bin the hydraulic steering system for an electric system, Isuzu has elected to abide by the conventional hydraulic rack and pinion steering system. Inspite of the sheer dimensions of the MU-X, it is able to get itself around U-turns in a respectable 5.8 metres.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe MU-X was commissioned for a number of various driving conditions. But let\u2019s be honest, a Chelsea tractor such as this will very rarely be taken onto the beaten path in a bid to forge jungle passes and impassable terrain. Hence, the urban, or rather suburban driving condition would be of greater precedence to potential buyers locally.\nThe driving characteristic in two wheel drive mode, while responsive and torquey makes for a somewhat wobbly ride. On the drive up mountainous roads, it displayed a fairly unsettled ride quality, not to mention the body roll. Descending down the same mountain road in all wheel drive mode displayed a completely different driving feel and handling characteristic. Immediately, the MU-X felt more stable and planted whilst negotiating the bends and corners. Once on the highway, it continues to deliver a calm and composed ride. The downside is that power delivery isn\u2019t as crisp, whereas the fuel economy does suffer quite a bit when compared to the D-Max.\nPower delivery is apparent with over 300 Nm of torque at your toes, however it\u2019s been observed that during regular highway driving, it lacks the sufficient mid-range grunt needed for overtaking. On hard acceleration, it does make a fair amount of smoke, but that\u2019s just very characteristic of oil burners and an ode to the quality of diesel available domestically.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nThe MU-X is great for a multitude of different purposes, occasions and individuals. The Isuzu MU-X is purpose built for the adventure-aspiring family whose excursions are limited to the extent of their imagination; to the enterprising businessmen whose possibilities for growing a hand-built business are practically endless. The MU-X is up to any job you are able to throw at it. And it does so without as much as breaking a sweat.\nHaving mentioned its brazen go-anywhere-attitude, this SUV can literally almost go anywhere your heart damn well pleases. The MU-X is also a great highway muncher should you want a toned down drive.\u00a0It even\u00a0takes seven people in rather ubiquitous comfort and space. The third row is spacious enough for a couple of chaps that are the better part of 5 feet tall. \u00a0The rear occupants are kept cool with rear roof-mounted air-conditioning blowers and not forgetting also the 10-inch monitor to keep you occupied.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe MU-X isn\u2019t one without rivals, but it goes against the many who are determined to pull the rug out from underneath. For this instance, we have lined up two of its biggest rivals to see how they stack up against this newcomer. Worth noting as well is that the Pajero Sport has been around a couple of years now and the Mitsubishi just teased the forthcoming arrival of the 2016 model which sports an entirely new design.\nThe Toyota Fortuner on the other hand, has been on sale now for nearly a decade and went through multiple facelifts including a TRD Edition under its belt. But Toyota has just recently taken the wraps of the new and wildly designed second-generation\u00a0\nFortuner\n.\nHowever, for the purpose of scaling the MU-X to both of its current biggest rivals, we will be comparing it to the models that are currently on sale as opposed to comparing it to its upcoming brand new rivals.\nIsuzu MU-X 4\u00d74\nPajero Sport VGT\nToyota Fortuner 2.5G\nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC Turbocharged (VGS) and Intercooled\n4-cylinder, 16-valve Turbocharged (VGT) and Intercooled DI-D DOHC\n4-cylinder In-line, 16-valve, DOHC, Intercooler VNT Diesel\nDisplacement\ncc\n2,499\n2,477\n2,494\nMax Power\nhp\n136\n178\n144\nMax Torque\nNm\n320\n350\n343\nSTEERING\nType\nHydraulic Rack and Pinion\nHydraulic Rack and Pinion\nHydraulic Rack and Pinion\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n5-speed Automatic with Sequential Shift.\n5 A/T with Sports Mode\n4-speed Automatic with ECT, Gate Shifter\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront/Rear\nIndependant double wishbone with coil springs / 5-link suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar\nDouble Wishbone, Coil Springs with Stabiliser Bar /\u00a03-link, Coil Springs with Stabiliser Bar\nIndependent Double Wishbone with Coil Spring / 4-Link with Coil Spring and Lateral Rod\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nSolid Discs\nDrums\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n255 / 65 R17\n265 / 65R17\n265 / 65 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,825\n4,695\n4,705\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,860\n1,815\n1,840\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,860\n1,840\n1,850\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,845\n2,800\n2,750\nKerb Weight\nkg\n2,060\n2,040\n1,945\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n\u2013\n\u2013\n\u2013\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n65\n70\n65\nConsumption (Combined)\n\u00a0L/100km\n\u2013\n\u2013\n\u2013\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n\u00a0\u2013\n\u2013\n\u2013\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n\u2013\n\u2013\n\u2013\nPRICE (OTR)\n \nRM (from)\nRM160,210\u00a0(GST Inclusive)\nRM 171,211 (GST Inclusive)\nRM 169,930\u00a0(GST Inclusive)\nWILL I BUY IT ?\nThe MU-X is certainly an interesting and versatile bit of kit. It\u2019s able to get any job done with absolute ease, be it a quiet relaxing day trip to the beach with picnic baskets and the family in tow or exploring off the beaten path in pursuit of adventure; the MU-X was built for just that.\nAn elevated cockpit position makes driving such a breeze, packaged together with a good torquey engine and smooth gearbox, it\u2019s doodle for everyday use, notwithstanding the fact that you need to get adjusted to the sheer size of the SUV and priced at reasonable\n RM160,210\n. Uluru Brown maybe a tad too striking for my taste, but I\u2019d have mine in \nTitanium Silver\n please.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It was never really in doubt that Lewis Hamilton would clinch\nhis sixth driver\u2019s title, even as early as the mid-season summer break in\nAugust, the question was always when. And it arrived at the Circuit of The\nAmericas.\nAnd while Hamilton didn\u2019t win the race after a subdued performance in qualifying (only fifth on the grid), opting for a more conservative one-stop strategy instead, he had the comfort of knowing that the only driver still mathematically in play was his teammate Bottas.\nThe Finn took the win after starting from pole, on a faster-paced two-stop strategy, Hamilton defended strongly after Bottas\u2019 second stop but could not keep the latter behind, but still managed to fend off Verstappen in a Red Bull at the end for second place, when he only needed to finish no lower than eighth.\n \nIt\u2019s hard to imagine that the still youthful-looking Hamilton is the third oldest driver on the grid (at 34 years old), and that he had raced in F1 since 2007. Over the last 12 years, we\u2019ve witnessed a prodigious talent with raw speed mature into a multiple world champion who would always keep a cool head while racing hard, and on the rare days when a win isn\u2019t in the offing, Hamilton would almost always bring the car home to score a hatful of points \u2013 something which he isn\u2019t given enough credit for but has earned him those six titles.\nAs F1 legend Stirling Moss famously once said, \u201cIn order to finish first, you first have to finish\u201d.\nWith the drivers\u2019 title now secured, Hamilton is sitting alone with six crowns, just one shy of the great Michael Schumacher. Hamilton also holds the record for most pole positions, so his speed is not in doubt. Drawing parallels with the German is inevitable but Hamilton isn\u2019t done racing yet, he and his Mercedes-AMG team will be hungry for another win in 2020, before the sport undergoes a \nmassive change in 2021\n.\nOne thing may not change in 2021 would be Lewis\u2019 questionable hair styles (if he decides to keep on racing), but we think a six-time world champion is more than entitled to some personal indulgences."
"The CX-5 as plentiful as they are on Malaysian roads \u2013 especially the 2.0 GLS variant \u2013 is one to do it all but it seems Mazda thinks it can do even more.\nAt the Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda showed what the CX-5 would look like should owners feel the need to prepare it for doomsday.\nThe front and rear receives an under garnish with silver accents, a silver roof rail, all weather mats and a \u201chard-type\u201d luggage tray.\nSticking out on the roof like a sore thumb is a Thule roof rack and tray, while the body is finished with black side mirror caps while the wheels are the same 17-inch units you find in the local 2.0 GLS variant.\nThe \u201cTough-Sport Style\u201d also comes with black brake calipers and off-road tyres from Toyo."
"Unless you\u2019ve been living in a bunker for the last 10 years, you would\u2019ve heard of Magnus Walker of \nUrban Outlaw \nfame and he\u2019s now got something new straight out of New York.\nSince his first video in 2013, the spotlight has not left the renowned Porsche collector who has built a name for himself customising 911s the way he likes it. There are no 911s involved in this one; in fact, there aren\u2019t even Porsches involved.\nNonetheless, there hasn\u2019t been a Magnus Walker video that isn\u2019t tasteful and this one isn\u2019t any different.\n \nShot by \nJean Pierre Kathoefer\n, otherwise known as \nJohnny Puetz on Instagram\n, Claudia Stock and \nEthan Roach\n, the video features a 1983 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 1 called \u201cBastarda\u201d, being casually driven around the cinematic settings of New York city.\nFor those pondering the significance of this boxy hatchback, the Lancia Delta is motorsports royalty. It won six consecutive World Rally Championships from 1987 to 1992.\nIt completed in the notorious Group B series known for producing some of the most powerful, no-holds-barred rally cars the world has ever seen."
"It\u2019s the beginning of another year, which means aside from new year resolutions, it\u2019s also time to look back and wrap up the year before \u2013 that\u2019s why you see car companies and the likes boasting about their sales achievements and annual recaps.\nOn top of the brands tooting their own horns, though, there are also usually some interesting studies on trends that have dominated the industry \u2013 like this one looking at the Google search trends for car brands around the world that Australia\u2019s \nCompare the Market\n religiously puts out each year since 2018.\nFor 2021, like the year before, \nToyota\n has once again dominated the global search rankings as the most searched car brand in the world. It was the top-searched marque in 47 out of 154 countries, or 31% of the sample. \nBMW\n ranks second as the most search car brand in 29 territories, while \nMercedes-Benz\n comes in a close third at 23.\nDespite still retaining its top spot, Toyota\u2019s performance in 2021 was actually a slight regression over the 34.8% it achieved in 2020, due to other brands gaining ground.\nGlobal search trends over the past four years. Click to enlarge.\nHowever, interest for Toyota remains high, especially after the brand announced that it\u2019ll start \nreproducing spare parts for the iconic AE86\n in November last year, plus the launch of the \nCorolla Cross SUV\n and the \nall-new Land Cruiser\n.\nBack home in Malaysia, the honours of the most-searched car brand for 2021 falls to\n Honda\n once again, while neighbouring Singaporeans were searching for \nTesla\n the most. Interestingly, the folks in Laos seem to have a special affinity for \nRolls-Royce\n, as the ultra-luxury brand was the most-searched marque in the Southeast Asian country.\nRELATED: Toyota & Lexus to launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030\nWhile the top three have been swapping places for the past four years, \nCompare the Market \nnoted that brand interests have been morphing worldwide, with brands like \nAudi\n, \nHyundai\n, and \nSuzuki \nmaking up grounds year-over-year. Rolls-Royce and \nMazda\n have also appeared as the top-searched carmaker in at least one country for the first time since the study started in 2018.\nOn the contrary, brands like \nFord\n, \nVolvo\n, \nNissan\n, and \nPeugeot\n appear to be running out of steam when it comes to search interest, with each brand\u2019s ranking dropping by at least three places. \nVolkswagen\n, \nMitsubishi\n, \nAlfa Romeo\n have also dropped out from the rankings completely in 2021 as they did not make it to the top in any of the 154 countries sampled."
"Honda Malaysia today invited us to a brief preview of the highly-anticipated, all-new Honda City RS i-MMD and here\u2019s what we can share so far.\nMalaysia will be the first country in the world to feature the Honda City with the new 1.5-litre i-MMD powertrain that consists of two electric motors \u2013 one of which will be used to drive the car with 109 hp. The 1.5-litre engine itself won\u2019t be used to power the car. Instead, combined with an electric motor, it will serve as a starter-generator.\n \nTorque from the electric motor alone is rated at 253 Nm. Alternatively, a purely internal combustion 1.5-litre engine will be available and according to other markets in the region, the non i-MMD models come with around 121 hp and 145 Nm.\nAs for the exterior, aside from the Accord-like headlamps and Civic-like front grille garnish, the City RS i-MMD will also feature a front lip on a more aggressive front bumper. Along the side, the City RS i-MMD features 16-inch dual-tone wheels, although the lower variants will probably be equipped with 15-inch options like before.\nIn total, there will be four variants of the all-new Honda City in Malaysia. Another noteworthy difference in the new City\u2019s exterior is that the side mirrors have been relocated; they\u2019re now positioned by the doors instead of the A-pillar in the previous model. We also noticed that the City RS i-MMD comes with rear disc brakes!\nIn terms of dimensions, the new City is now lower, wider and longer but with a shorter wheelbase. That being said, the car still promises more room than before with a couple of tweaks on the front seat structure.\nThe Honda LaneWatch is now available on the City although we can\u2019t confirm if it applies to the lower models. As for the inside, it appears that the new City now comes with an Electronic Parking Brake at the front and an \narmrest for the backseat\n. It seems that the new City for the Malaysian market will also come with Honda Sensing, based on the camera on the front windscreen \u2013 a feature not offered in the Thai models.\nThe new Honda City is now available for booking. Like what you see? Click \nhere\n. Following the recent Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Honda vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Arch rivals, BMW Group and Daimler AG are joining forces on a new joint venture (JV) geared towards a sustainable urban mobility ecosystem of the future after been given the green light by relevant competition authorities.\nThe yet to be named JV will see BMW Group and Daimler both have equal stakes and will combine their existing business and expertise in CarSharing, Ride-Hailing, Parking, Charging and Multimodality to create the most attractive, most comprehensive mobility solution all through a consolidated mobile application.\nCurrently, the two automotive giants are running mobility companies such as moovel, ReachNow, Car2Go, DriveNow, ytaxi, Chauffeur Priv\u00e9, Clever Taxi, Beat, ParkNow and Parkmobile Group/Parkmobile LLC in Europe, South America and North America. The new JV will consolidate all these existing operations into a seamlessly connected and sustainable ecosystem.\nThe transaction is expected to close by 31 January 2019 and the immediate plans are to set up operations in Berlin, Germany\u2019s capital. Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Dieter Zetsche said: \u201cOur vision is to create a major global player for seamless and intelligent connected mobility services together. As a hub for creativity and innovation, Berlin is exactly the right location for our plans.\u201d\nChairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Harald Kr\u00fcger added: \u201cThe future of mobility is being shaped in major cities. With the ecosystem we are planning, we will create solutions for tomorrow\u2019s urban mobility: intelligent, seamlessly connected and available at the tap of a finger. We believe this will improve quality of life in major cities.\u201d"
"Isuzu Malaysia has just teased a new variant to the popular all-new Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck, simply called \u20184X2 Auto Plus\u2019.\nWhile the silhouette of a double cab Isuzu D-Max doesn\u2019t expose much information, the link on the \nFacebook page\n brings us to a new website and a simple registration.\nIn the register-of-interest \npage\n, the engine output has been published as \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n; similar numbers with the small displacement 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill. However, the biggest difference is the 4\u00d72 drivetrain, where the new variant will be a simpler \nrear-wheel drive model\n with a six-speed automatic transmission. \u00a0\nA quick recap on the all-new \nIsuzu D-Max\n double-cab launched in Malaysia. The Standard 1.9L is available in both types of transmission and 4\u00d74 (part-time) drivetrain, priced from RM99,599.20. The more luxurious Premium 1.9L is only equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and priced from RM121,549.20 with niceties such as LED tail lamps, automatic wipers, roof rails, 18-inch wheels, soft-touch interior and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.\nIsuzu Malaysia is set to launch the new Isuzu D-Max \u20184X2 Auto Plus\u2019 variant as soon as \ntomorrow afternoon\n (October 12th). We will update our website as soon the more information is provided.\nGALLERY\nISUZU D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain AT 4\u00d74"
"Ford has finally resurrected the iconic Bronco nameplate with the launch of the all-new Ford Bronco family today. The new Bronco line-up will consist of three models \u2013 the Ford Bronco two-door and (for the first time) four-door models, as well as a smaller Ford Bronco Sport SUV.\nAll three models are styled with significant retro-inspired looks. The full-blown Bronco, billed as the more serious off-roader, does come with many more rugged design elements to go along with its terrain handling chops \u2013 taking the fight straight up to the \nJeep Wrangler\n.\nChief designer Paul Wraith said that the all-new Bronco was designed with square proportions, short overhangs, and wide stance to optimise for off-road adventures \u2013 just like the first-generation model. In fact, the design of the all-new Bronco began with a full-size scan of the original model.\nOverall design is refreshingly simple \u2013 a single-piece grille and headlights surround piece up front paired with two round headlights, clean and straight sides, and at the back a horizontal trim piece flanked by vertical taillights.\nThe same Bronco \u201cBuilt Tough\u201d design theme is brought over to the Bronco Sport, albeit slightly toned down for a more \u201ceveryday\u201d look. The grille design looks almost completely brought over from the full-size Bronco, along with other Bronco design cues such as the round fenders.\nThe Bronco two-door sits on a shorter wheelbase compared to the four-door variant, but both are based on the same fully boxed, high-strength steel frame \u2013 the platform will also be shared with and adapted to the upcoming next-generation \nFord Ranger\n.\nUp front, the Bronco rides on independent front suspension, while the rear is a solid axle with five links and coilover springs. Ford says that the Bronco has a 17% longer suspension travel compared to its closest competitor (the Jeep Wrangler). For an even better off-roading performance, there\u2019s also the optional long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein dampers.\nThe top-of-the-range variant also comes with a hydraulically-controlled stabiliser bar for better high-speed stability, that can be disconnected while on angle and under load for maximum suspension articulation.\nAll variants of the Bronco can be paired to 35-inch (88.9 cm) tyres straight from the factory, which Ford says is a segment-first, bumping the ground clearance to a massive 11.6 inches (295 mm).\nMeanwhile, the Bronco Sport rides on a heavily-modified version of the modular front-wheel-drive platform of the \nFord Focus\n. When fitted to the optional 29-inch (73.7 cm) all-terrain tyres, the baby Bronco does have a decent ground clearance of up to 8.8 inches (224 mm).\nThe full-sized Broncos are offered with two petrol engine options \u2013 a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine from the F-150 producing \n310 hp\n and \n542 Nm\n (310 lb-ft), and a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine from the Ranger in international markets, producing \n270 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n (310 lb-ft) of torque.\nThe engines can be paired to seven-speed (six plus one crawler gear) manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic gearbox.\nAs for the Bronco Sport, the crossover is offered either with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, good for \n245 hp\n and \n373 Nm\n (275 lb-ft) of torque, or a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-three engine that produces \n181 hp\n and\n 258 Nm\n (190 lb-ft) of twist. The Bronco Sport is only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nBoth the Bronco and Bronco Sport are of course four-wheel driven, paired with sophisticated technologies to enhance off-road performance.\nThese include variant-specific electronically-locking rear differentials that can divert 100% of torque to either wheel, Terrain Management System\u00a0with up to seven available G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) drive modes, Trail Control off-road cruise control system, and specifically for the full-sized Bronco, Trail One-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist which uses the 4\u00d74 system to reduce the turning radius.\nThe inside of the all-new Bronco is also tastefully retrolicious. However, Ford designers said that the interior of the off-roader is designed for practicality and usability first, looks second. \u201cFunction, not fashion,\u201d said Wraith. \u201cEverything is exactly where you would need it.\u201d\nThis mantra can be clearly seen on the removeable grab handles on the centre console, replaceable panels throughout the cabin, washable rubber floors with integrated drains, and the removeable doors and roof, where the former can be stored neatly within the cargo space with the specialised storage bags.\nThe Bronco also comes with a dash-top device rack/rail system, where you can securely mount your smartphones, cameras, GPS, or anything else without a suction mount cup. In fact, Ford says that there will be more than 200 factory-backed accessories for you to customise your Bronco to your liking.\nThe inside of Bronco Sport on the other hand looks a lot more civilian comparatively, with many bits borrowed directly from the Escape SUV. Thanks to the stepped \u201csafari roof\u201d on the SUV, Ford claims that the Bronco Sport has the best-in-class headroom, and can even carry two full-sized mountain bikes without removing their wheels.\nFord says that the every inch of the Bronco Sport is \u201cdesigned and engineered with weekend adventurers in mind\u201d, and thus its interior also comes with many features specifically catered to campers and the likes, such as a tailgate floodlight, useful for those setting base camp, 400W inverter, MOLLE straps to carry extra gear, and even an integrated bottle opener in the cargo area \u2013 no, really.\nAs standard, both the Bronco and Bronco Sport are offered with an eight-inch SYNC 3-powered infotainment display, though buyers of the full-blown Bronco can opt for the larger 12-inch system with SYNC 4. With the latter, the Bronco gets an additional 360-degree camera with off-road spotter views, as well as integration to the FordPass Performance app with off-road navigation.\nFord\u2019s Co-Pilot360 advance driver assistance features are available as standard across the board for the Bronco Sport, and available as option (depending on variant selected) on the Bronco.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Bronco\nFord Bronco Sport"
"It\u2019s short and sweet but the emotions this video invokes, is anything but. This video by \nPrime. 2 media \nfeatures the Ferrari F355 (more specifically the Berlinetta) which was produced between 1994 to 1999.\nDesigned by Pininfarina, one of the most iconic names in automotive design, the Ferrari F355 was sold in three different forms \u2013 the Berlinetta (Coupe), the Spider (Convertible) and the GTS (Targa), like the \nnewly launched 812 GTS\n.\n \nThe Ferrari F355 is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V8, with \n380 hp\n and\n 363 Nm\n. The melodious V8 engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed \u201cF1-inspired\u201d automatic with paddle shifters.\nAs for its 0 to 100 km/h figures, a quick search on the Internet revealed figures in the ballpark of 4.5-4.8 seconds. Insignificant really, when you consider that a new AMG A 45 or AMG CLA 45 will do the same in under four seconds.\nBut that\u2019s not what this is about; it\u2019s about beauty in motion and aural pleasure to go with it. Enjoy!\nSource: \nPrime. 2media"
"While \nPorsche\n is reporting positive growth in deliveries for most of its models in the first half of the year, deliveries of the \nPorsche Taycan\n \nare down by 5% at \n17,991 units\n worldwide. According to Porsche, the Taycan continues to be more affected by parts shortage than other models in its lineup.\nPorsche\u2019s best-selling model for the first six months of the year is the \nPorsche Macan\n \nwith 47,755 units delivered worldwide. The Macan shows a growth of 26% over the same period in 2022. As for the rest of Porsche\u2019s lineup, the \nCayenne\n saw 46,884 units delivered (12% growth), the Porsche 911 saw 26,124 units delivered (21% growth), the Panamera saw 17,565 units delivered (13% growth), and the 718 saw 11,035 units delivered (13% growth).\nThe parts shortage issue has affected all manufacturers but has eased in recent times. While some EVs show a dip in deliveries, some have shown positive growth (i.e. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s EQ range).\nAs for Porsche\u2019s worldwide deliveries, the company saw positive growth all around. As Porsche AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Detlev von Platen said, \u201cAfter the first six months of the year, we can be pleased with our delivery results so far. We posted gains in every sales region.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPorsche Taycan halves AC charging time with new optional upgrade \u2013 approx. RM8k\nThe company saw a 15% worldwide growth with 167,354 vehicles delivered compared to 145,860 vehicles from the same period last year. Porsche saw growth in all of its regions with 24% growth in Germany, 12% growth in North America, 8% growth in China, 23% growth in Europe (excluding Germany), and 16% growth in overseas and emerging markets.\nDetlev Von Platen adds, \u201cValue-oriented growth is the top priority for Porsche. To achieve that, we are continuing to focus on flexibility as the global economic situation remains challenging. Especially in China, we are striving for a balance of supply and demand in line with our luxury positioning.\u201d\nIn Malaysia, the Porsche Taycan made its debut back in 2020. The Taycan is available in its full range including the RWD model, the 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S. The Porsche Taycan was one of the early electric cars to be introduced in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nPorsche has just made its 100,000th Taycan, three years after start of production"
"Ford has just launched the \nnew Ford Ranger Raptor X\n with a glaring new colour that\u2019s so red, it\u2019s like Chinese New Year all over again. The pre-Covid Chinese New Year that is.\nIt\u2019s called True Red and will be exclusively available for the Ranger Raptor X, along with a splash of decals on its tailgate. As for the actual features on the outside, everything remains unchanged from the \nprevious update in April last year\n. For a closer look at the Raptor, check out our gallery \nhere\n.\n \nInterestingly, the red theme was not reflected inside the cabin of the Ranger Raptor X as the sports seats are still finished with blue stitching as seen in the Ranger Raptors with the infamous Performance Blue paintjob.\nAdditions to cabin have been less striking than the exterior, with items such as the Raptor X floor mats, Kenwood dashcams for the front and rear, along with a 360-degree surround view monitor.\nThere are no changes to performance with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine soldiering on with the 10-speed automatic gearbox. The powertrain makes 213 hp and 500 Nm.\nAs for safety, owners can now rely on the Raptor\u2019s forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, as well as lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist.\nThe Ranger Raptor X will set you back \nRM216,888\n on-the-road without insurance, where every purchase is accompanied by a 5-year/160,000km (whichever comes first) manufacturer\u2019s warranty.\nGALLERY"
"The \nteasing\n has finally come to an end as \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n has revealed all there is to know about the new Xpander. It is now available for booking pending its imminent launch.\nYou can read more about the Xpander \nhere\n, which will be locally-assembled in Pekan, Pahang, and is only available in a single variant, but for this, we\u2019ll focus on a very specific area of the Xpander \u2013 a Lancer Evolution X suspension component it has adopted \u2013 that seems to be on everyone\u2019s lips. Yes, just one; and it\u2019s essentially a \nthicker base valve\n.\n \nThat\u2019s what we\u2019ve been able to confirm so far and it\u2019s not for the purposes you\u2019d expect. No, Mitsubishi didn\u2019t do that to help you beat sportscars at a hill climb or tackle gravel like the \nMitsubishi Xpander AP4\n, that\u2019s not what the modification on the Xpander\u2019s suspension was intended for.\nThe thicker (than usual) base valves essentially helps prevents the absorbers from over compressing as the car goes through a bend, bumps or potholes. In brief, it allows engineers to create a higher pressure within the absorbers to prevent it from \u201cbottoming out\u201d.\nIt doesn\u2019t mean you can do this with your road-going Xpander!\nAll this is said to help iron out the bumps a lot better while improving the stability of the vehicle by reducing the swaying motions. With the latter, it should result in the car being more predictable and easier to maneuver.\nSounds promising and coupled with the Xpander\u2019s monocoque chassis, it should (theoretically) give the 7-seater \u201ccrossover\u201d as Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is calling it, a noticeably superior ride quality over its competitors such as the Perodua Aruz and Toyota Rush which still utilises a ladder frame chassis.\nIn that sense, the Xpander would be neck-and-neck with the Honda BR-V that posses unquestionably better ride and handling than its competitors; courtesy of its Honda City platform. How else does the Xpander stand out from its rivals? Where does it fall short? Stay tuned as we\u2019ll be detailing them soon!\nFor the review of the Mitsubishi Xpander by Indonesia\u2019s #1 motoring journalist, Fitra Eri, click \nhere\n. OR, check out the \nrange of customisations \nyou can perform on the Xpander!\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today announced that the Volkswagen Sungai Besi 3S Centre will be operated by their latest dealer partner, GVE Asia Group as of 2nd December 2019.\u00a0\nThe Sungai Besi outlet will be GVE Asia\u2019s first entry to the Volkswagen network. GVE Asia Group has had previous experience in distributing and retailing luxury and premium passenger marques in Malaysia through their used car dealerships. GVE Asia Group\u2019s businesses also include sales and services and other automotive related services.\nThe Volkswagen 3S Centre, previously operated by Wearnes Automotive, spans a built-up area of \n75,181 square feet\n over two floors. The outlet includes a showroom capable of displaying nine vehicles, waiting lounge with free WiFi and cafe, and service facilities that are in accordance to Volkswagen\u2019s global standards.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter, expressed appreciation to Wearnes Automotive for 11 years of support to the Volkswagen network in Malaysia. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen many years of growth, and their service to the brand has been invaluable,\u201d he said.\u00a0\nWinter further added that \u201cAt the same time, it gives me great pleasure to welcome GVE Asia Group into the network. I look forward to a fruitful partnership as we continue to build the Volkswagen brand together and to meet the needs of our customers.\u201d\nOperating hours for the Volkswagen Sungai Besi 3S Centre will remain unchanged; The Showroom will be open from 9 am to 7 pm from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Aftersales and Services will be operating from 8 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 1 pm on Saturday, and closed on Sunday."
"Nissan has introduced the new Nissan Terra, designed and built in China to meet growing local demands for SUVs. The body-on-frame SUV is based on the Nissan Navarra.\nThe Terra is equipped with a QR25 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offering the best acceleration performance in its class, ensuring a smooth yet powerful drive, with its \n180 hp\n and \n251 Nm\n of torque. Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and 4WD-DIFF lock is also standard.\nIt features a five-link coil spring rear suspension system and rigid rear-wheel axle, ensuring that comfort and convenience aren\u2019t compromised by its strength and durability.\nOutside, the Terra adopts Nissan\u2019s signature V-motion grille with boomerang LED headlamps. The Terra sits on 18-inch alloy wheels with a best-in-class ground clearance of 22.5 cm.\nInside, the Terra is occupied by Nissan\u2019s Zero Gravity Seats while offering best-in-class loading capacity. Nissan claims that the Terra has been incorporated with \u201ctechnologies\u201d to drown out engine, wind and road noise.\nIn addition, the Terra is equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield including Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, and Intelligent Emergency Braking.\nThe Nissan Terra is set to go on sale in Thailand later on and subsequently in other select markets in Asia later this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Motorsports-inspired road cars have always been a special one, as long that particular marque inherits decades of motorsports heritage. Aston Martin is one of them, and now they\u2019ve just unveiled the 150-unit only Vantage GT8, which is inspired by their GTE race car program in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).\nIt gets the standard Vantage\u2019s V8 motor which makes \n440 hp\n and \n490 Nm\n of torque. However, with the GT8, it gets \n10 additional horsepower\n. The engine is paired to either a \nsix-speed manual\n or Aston\u2019s \nseven-speed Sportshift II automatic\n. The resulting outcome is a century sprint time of\n 4.4 seconds\n with the manual transmission.\u00a0Top speed is rated at\n 304km/h\n.\nWeight reduction is vital for the GT8, and it tips the scales at \n1,510kg\n. That\u2019s 100kg less thanks to the use of carbon fibre for the bucket seats and body parts, magnesium wheels and lithium ion battery. There\u2019s an option for a more hardcore\u00a0Aero Pack, which includes a humongous\u00a0rear wing and front splitter\u00a0that turns the Vantage GT8 into a replica GTE race machine. Race grade items such as carbon fibre roof, polycarbonate rear windscreen and titanium centre mounted exhaust can be specced as well at an added cost.\nHowever, unlike its GTE machine where the interiors are bare basics with a single racing seat and roll cage, here it retains much of its road usability. Hence this can be had with an air conditioning, infotainment setup with audio system support and so on.\nNow here\u2019s the tough part. The Vantage GT8 is far from cheap at \n\u00a3165,000\n (approx \nRM907,500\n based on today\u2019s rates), but its allocation is also running very thin now. Fret not, because this is just the\n first of two special edition\u00a0cars\n from Aston Martin for 2016 as part of their product offensive strategy. That makes us wonder, how soon can we see the more hardcore, special edition DB11? Only time can tell.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u5f53\u4eca\u5927\u9a6c\u65b0\u8f66\u5e02\u573a\n9\u4e07\u5757\u5de6\u53f3\u76847\u4eba\u5ea7\n\u4e4b\u4e2d\u6709\u90a3\u4e9b\u503c\u5f97\u63a8\u8350\u7684\uff1f\u7b80\u5355\u6765\u8bb2\u4e3b\u8981\u4e5f\u5c31\u8fd9\u4e09\u6b3e\u800c\u5df2\uff01\n\u9996\u5148\u63d0\u9192\u5404\u4f4d\u6682\u4e14\u522b\u62ff\n\u6700\u7545\u9500\u7684\u56fd\u4ea7\u54c1\u724c\n\u6765\u6bd4\u8f83\u5427\uff01\u8ba9\u6211\u4eec\u4ee5\u76f8\u5bf9\u5ba2\u89c2\u7684\u65b9\u5f0f\u770b\u5f85\nMitsubishi Xpander\n\u3001\nHonda BR-V\n\u3001\u4ee5\u53ca\nToyota Rush\n.\n\u63a5\u4e0b\u6765\u8fdb\u884c\u5bf9\u6bd4\u7684\u4e00\u5f8b\u90fd\u662f\u8fd9\u4e09\u6b3e\u8f66\u7684\n\u9876\u914d\u7248\u8f66\u578b\n\uff01\n\u81ea2017\u5e74\u6b63\u5f0f\u4e0a\u5e02\u7684Honda BR-V\uff08\u53bb\u5e74\u4e0a\u5e02\u7684\u5c0f\u6539\u6b3e\u8f66\u578b\nBR-V 1.5V\n\u8981\u4ef7\nRM93,420\n\uff09\uff1b\u81ea2018\u5e74\u672b\u63a8\u51fa\u5927\u9a6c\u5e02\u573a\u7684Aruz\u5b56\u751f\u5144\u5f1f \u2014 Toyota Rush\uff08\nRush 1.5S\n\u8981\u4ef7\nRM91,885\n\uff09\uff1b\u4ee5\u53ca\u53bb\u5e74\u6b63\u5f0f\u767b\u573a\u7684Mitsubishi Xpander\uff08\u672c\u5730\u7ec4\u88c5\u7248\u5355\u4e00\u8f66\u578b\u8981\u4ef7\nRM91,359\n\uff09\u3002\n\u5c31\u7b97\u6487\u5f00\u66f4\u5b9e\u60e0\u7684\u4ef7\u683c\u4e0d\u8bf4\uff0cMitsubishi Xpander\u5728\u914d\u7f6e\u4e0a\u660e\u663e\u62d4\u5f97\u5934\u7b79\uff01\n\u800c\u4e14\u8fd8\u9644\u4e0a\u81ea\u52a8\u96e8\u5237\u3001\u53ef\u4f5c\u524d\u540e\u8c03\u6574\u7684\u65b9\u5411\u76d8\u3001\u66f4\u8ddf\u5f97\u4e0a\u65f6\u4ee3\u76849\u5bf8\u5f0f\u8f66\u673a\u7cfb\u7edf\uff08\u53ef\u652f\u63f4\nApple CarPlay\n\u548cAndroid Auto\uff09\u3001\u5de1\u822a\u63a7\u5236\u529f\u80fd\u3001\u66f4\u591a\u50a8\u7269\u7a7a\u95f4\u3001\u4ee5\u53ca\u5f69\u8272\u7684\u4eea\u8868\u677f\u5c4f\u5e55\uff01\n\u642d\u914d\u4e0a\u7ea2\u8272\u70b9\u7f00\u8f66\u53a2\u7684BR-V\u5219\u9644\u4e0a\u76ae\u9769\u5305\u8986\u5ea7\u6905\u3001\u6362\u6321\u62e8\u7247\u3001\u4ee5\u53ca\u5168\u8f66\u552f\u4e00\u5355\u4e00\u768412\u4f0f\u63a5\u53e3\u3002\n\u76f8\u6bd4\u4e4b\u4e0b\uff0cToyota Rush\u72ec\u7279\u7684\u914d\u7f6e\u4e0d\u591a\uff0c\u4ec5\u5177\u5907\u9ed1\u767d\u8272\u8c03\u5bf9\u6bd4\u7684\u8f66\u53a2\u3001\u53ef\u652f\u63f4USB\u8fde\u63a5\u7684\u8f66\u673a\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u4f46\u5374\u5185\u5efa\u7c7b\u4f3c\u4e8eSmartTAG\u7684\u6574\u5408\u2018Touch \u2019N Go\u2019\u8bfb\u5361\u5668\u3002\n\u4ee5\u4e0a\u8fd9\u4e09\u6b3e7\u4eba\u5ea7\u8f66\n\u4e00\u5f8b\u90fd\u6709\u540e\u6392\u51b7\u6c14\u51fa\u98ce\u53e3\u3001\u653e\u5012\u5f0f\u7684\u7b2c\u4e8c\u53ca\u7b2c\u4e09\u6392\u5ea7\u6905\u3001\u4ee5\u53ca\u7edd\u5bf9\u8981\u591f\u7528\u7684\u676f\u67b6\uff01\n\u6bd5\u7adf\u8fd9\u5c31\u662f\u4e1c\u5357\u4e9a\u5e02\u573a\u6700\u9053\u5730\u7684\u9700\u6c42\u3002\u800c\u5177\u5907\u989d\u5916\u50a8\u7269\u7a7a\u95f4\uff0c\u540c\u65f6\u5c3e\u7bb1\u53ef\u7528\u6027\u4e5f\u6bd4\u8f83\u9ad8\uff08\n\u53ef\u653e\u5e73\uff01\n\uff09\u7684Mitsubishi Xpander\u5728\u8fd9\u4e00\u65b9\u9762\u9065\u9065\u9886\u5148\uff01\nToyota Rush\u5728\u9a7e\u9a76\u5e2d\u7684\u4fa7\u8fb9\u591a\u9644\u4e00\u7ec4USB\u5145\u7535\u63a5\u53e3\uff0c\u4f46\u5374\u662f\u4e00\u9879\u5f15\u8d77\u8d2d\u4e70\u6b32\u7684\u5b9e\u7528\u914d\u7f6e\uff01\uff08\u53e6\u5916\uff0cXpander\u548cRush\u4e00\u5f8b\u90fd\u6709\u5728\u7b2c\u4e09\u6392\u9644\u4e0a12\u4f0f\u63a5\u53e3\uff09\n\u81f3\u4e8eBR-V\u5219\u7eaf\u7cb9\u4ee5\u6700\u5927\u7684\u5c3e\u7bb1\u5bb9\u79ef\uff08\n539\u5347\n\uff09\u51fb\u8d25Rush\uff08\n514\u5347\n\uff09\u548cXpander\uff08\n495\u5347\n\uff09\u3002\uff08\u4e09\u8005\u4e00\u5f8b\u90fd\u5c06\u5907\u80ce\u5b89\u88c5\u5728\u8f66\u5e95\uff09\n\u518d\u8bf4\uff0cRush\u4e5f\u662f\u4e09\u8005\u4e4b\u4e2d\u552f\u4e00\u4e00\u4e2a\u5728\u6bcf\u4e2a\u5ea7\u4f4d\u4e0a\u90fd\u5185\u5efa\u5b89\u5168\u5e26\u8b66\u793a\u529f\u80fd\uff0c\u4ee5\u53ca\u5185\u5efa6\u9897\u5b89\u5168\u6c14\u56ca\u7684\u8f66\u6b3e\uff01\uff08\u5176\u5b83\u4e24\u6b3e\u4ec5\u5177\u59072\u9897\u5b89\u5168\u6c14\u56ca\uff09\n\u5927\u9a6c\u5e02\u573a\u7248Toyota Rush\u6700\u7279\u51fa\u7684\u4e13\u5c5e\u914d\u7f6e\u5728\u4e8e\u5177\u5907\n\u81ea\u52a8\u7d27\u6025\u5239\u8f66\n\u529f\u80fd\uff08\u9002\u7528\u4e8e\n\u8f66\u901f80 km/h\u6216\u4ee5\u4e0a\n\uff09\u7684\u9884\u78b0\u649e\u7cfb\u7edf\uff0c\u540c\u65f6\u4e5f\u5177\u5907\u5e26\u6709\u540e\u65b9\u6a2a\u5411\u6765\u8f66\u8b66\u793a\u7684\u76f2\u70b9\u4fa6\u6d4b\u7cfb\u7edf\uff01\n\u867d\u7136\u4e09\u8005\u90fd\u6709\u8f66\u8eab\u52a8\u6001\u63a7\u5236\u3001\u659c\u5761\u8d77\u6b65\u8f85\u52a9\u30012\u7ec4ISOFIX\uff0c\u4f46Mitsubishi Xpander\u548cToyota Rush\u90fd\u6709360\u5ea6\u73af\u666f\u5f71\u50cf\u7cfb\u7edf\uff1b\u81f3\u4e8eHonda BR-V\u5219\u4ec5\u642d\u8f7d\u5012\u8f66\u5f71\u50cf\u800c\u5df2\u3002\n\u603b\u800c\u8a00\u4e4b\u65e2\u7136\u90fd\u8981\u82b1\u4e0a\u5c06\u8fd110\u4e07\u5757\uff0c\u90a3\u4f60\u662f\u4e0d\u662f\u4f1a\u4f18\u5148\u8003\u8651\u4e00\u6b3e7\u4eba\u5ea7\u7684\u5bb6\u7528\u8f66\u5462\uff1f\n[\u82f1\u6587\u7248]"
"The all-new Isuzu MU-X SUV has been officially unveiled today in Thailand. Just like it\u2019s predecessor, the new SUV is based on the \nlatest Isuzu D-Max\n pick-up truck \u2013 now in its third generation, but fitted with a passenger cab body that accommodates three rows of seating.\n \nIn terms of appearance, the all-new\n \nMU-X\n tastefully tones down the striking front-end of the pick-up truck to give it a slightly sleeker, more streetwise look. The LED headlights have been slimmed down and given a unique DRL signature, while the grille has also been made smaller and classier \u2013 the aggressive \u201cfangs\u201d from the pick-up truck are reduced to what we\u2019ll probably call \u201cbaby teeth\u201d.\nThe front fascia also reminds us significantly of Mazda\u2019s SUVs, especially how the surrounding trim on the grille extends into the headlights itself. It wouldn\u2019t surprise us if Mazda did actually contribute to the design, since the pick-up truck also forms the base of the new \nMazda BT-50\n!\nDown the sides, the glasshouse of all-new Isuzu MU-X has been completely redesigned with a thinner black plastic-cladded C pillar, while the D pillar at the rear is now thicker and body-coloured; the two separated by a stylised window \u2018cut-out\u2019, giving the entire side a clean and modern look thanks to the almost unbroken window line.\nThe character lines, stamped creases, and prominent rear haunches also help improve the overall premium impression of the SUV, moving the model away from the utilitarian image it had.\nThe difference is less stark inside, with the dashboard mostly resembling that of the new Isuzu D-Max. The MU-X does however get a completely-redesigned centre console, fit with an electric parking brake and leather knee pads for the extra touch of luxuriousness.\nEquipment wise, the all-new Isuzu MU-X is available with an electric-powered tailgate, a seven- or nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, analogue instrument cluster with 4.2-inch multi-info display, eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat, dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 filter, as well as ambient lighting.\nThe SUV is also offered with an advanced driver assistance system on the higher-end variants, which includes features such as\u00a0forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beam, multi-collision brake, parking assist, and a pedal misapplication system.\nWhile the MU-X borrows the ladder frame chassis from its pick-up truck counterpart, it seperates itself as a passenger-focused vehicle thanks to the more comfortable independent double-wishbone front and five-link coil springs rear suspension, in place of the leaf spring set-up on the pick-up truck.\nThe all-new Isuzu MU-X is available with two engine options, both\n taken from the D-Max pick-up truck\n \u2013 a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo unit which makes \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, as well as a 3.0-litre four-pot turbodiesel which makes \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. Most variants on sale in Thailand are two-wheel drive and paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, although the 1.9L Luxury variant is available with a manual transmission, while the 3.0L Ultimate 4WD is the only variant available with all-wheel drive.\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just published the \nToyota Yaris\n on their official website, signalling the imminent launch of the new B-segment hatchback.\nLike the \nfacelifted Vios\n, there will be 3 variants of the Yaris available \u20131.5 J, 1.5 E and 1.5 G which are estimated to be priced at RM71,888, RM77,888 and RM84,888 respectively or between RM2.4k to RM5k cheaper than the Vios.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Yaris 1.5 J\nToyota Yaris 1.5 E\nToyota Yaris 1.5 G\nEngine\n1,496cc; 4-cylinder DVVT-i\nTransmission\nCVT\nMax Power\n107 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n140 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nEst. Price (OTR without insurance)\nRM71,888\nRM77,888\nRM84,888\nOnly one powertrain is available on the new Yaris, the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with seven virtual ratios. Output is rated at \n107 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque driving the front wheels. There is also a Drive Mode Selector that alters the powertrain between Eco, Normal and Sport.\nThere will be five\ncolour options available \u2013 Citrus Mica Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Attitude\nBlack, Silver Metallic and Super White II. There\u2019s an optional aero kit\navailable for RM2,800 on the E & G variants with a spoiler while the aero\nkit on the J does not include a rear spoiler (RM2,450).\nWhile the full specifications\nare not released yet, equipment available on the Yaris include headlamps with\nfollow-me-home function, Optitron Meter & Multi-information Display, electrochromic\nrear-view mirror, automatic climate control, DVD-AVX touchscreen infotainment with\nUSB Mirroring and rear USB charging ports.\nSafety equipment dittos\nthe Vios with 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)\nwith Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor (PVM),\nHill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Front Digital Video Recorder.\nEvery purchase of the new Toyota Yaris comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty. Interested parties can now register your interest on \nUMWT\u2019s website\n.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nToyota\u00a0Yaris\u00a0Launching\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"There\u2019s no understating the convenience an automatic gearbox provides, especially for most daily commutes through heavy traffic. But for us driving enthusiasts, driving an automatic vehicle just feels like soulless and disconnected.\nHowever, most people are not driving enthusiasts, and the low demand of manual transmissions have made stick shifters a rare breed. Locally we pretty much can\u2019t buy a brand-new car with a manual transmission, unless you opt for the barebones \u2018\nkosong-spec\n\u2018 variant.\nFortunately, there\u2019s at least one carmaker committed to keeping this dream alive. Speaking to \nAutocar\n, Volkswagen has said that it is committed to offering the manual gearbox on its cars for the long-term.\nVolkswagen Head of Technical Development Operations, Matthias Rabe said, \u201cSome people enjoy going back to their roots and changing gear manually, and so long as there is a demand, we will continue to offer them.\u201d\nIt\u2019s not all talk no show either, the latest eighth-generation Golf GTI, \nunveiled just last month\n, comes with a manual transmission as standard. Although, the electrified\n GTE variant\n is only available with a seven-speed DCT.\nVolkswagen\u2019s sister company, Porsche has also pledged to keep the manuals alive, with the reintroduction of an \nmanual option\n for the Carrera S and Carrera 4S variants.\nGerman rival BMW has also committed to saving the manuals. BMW M division chief Markus Flasch\u00a0previously \nsaid in an interview\n that the M3 and M4 will continue to be offered with a manual gearbox.\nWell then, now is perhaps the time for us to walk the talk and buy up the manuals. With demand, distributors would be more willing to take a risk and offer the more enthusiast-oriented products, and we might one day see great driving cars being offered with a manual gearbox again."
"Ten years back, Hyundai is the absolute last car that one would have considered buying. But times have changed, they went from being a car you wouldn\u2019t pay 10 bucks for to being a car you\u2019d spend 10 bucks on the valet ticket.\nHyundai has turned the company around 360 degress to the desirable marque that makes a range of handsome and stylish sedans and compacts. Right now, they are accredited with being the first manufacturer to sell a production-built hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, namely the ix35 model.   Sports Scientist Arnt-G\u00f8ran Hartvig and physicist Marius Bornstein have both taken their own brand of zero-emission motoring to the streets of Deutchland in a feat that will define the daily usability of the hydrogen-powered car, which in this case is the Hyundai ix35 or better known in some markets as the \nTucson\n.\nThe duo drove as the heading suggests,\u00a0\n2,383 kilometres in the span of 24 hours\n. Now, this was accomplished by nothing more than driving around on German roads; from the Shell station in Hamburg to the one in Berlin to be exact. Refuelling takes a mere three minutes and then it\u2019s back to the commute.\nThe whole point of this exercise was to see how well this car and its fuel source can cope with daily commute, running around and long distance journeys. A tank full of hydrogen would give the ix35 a range of approximately 600km to 700km.\nThe ix35 has a tank with a 5.64 kg capacity. Currently, the going rate of hydrogen per kilogram is RM26.33 which adds up to about 25 cents per kilometer. Filling up the ix35 would set you back RM143.50 for a range of about 600 km. All things considered and bearing the fact that these are very conservative figures, it\u2019s not that bad at all.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Tesla Model Y\n\u57282023\u5e74\u4e0a\u534a\u5e74\u7684\u6b27\u6d32\u65b0\u8f66\u9500\u552e\u699c\u4e2d\u6392\u540d\u7b2c\u4e00\uff0c\u8fd9\u662f\u7535\u6c60\u7535\u52a8\u8f66(BEV)\u9996\u6b21\u5728\u516d\u4e2a\u6708\u7684\u65f6\u95f4\u5185\u5360\u636e\u4e86\u9996\u4f4d\u3002\n\u6839\u636e\nAutomotive News Europe\n\u5f15\u7528\u5e02\u573a\u7814\u7a76\u673a\u6784Dataforce\u7684\u521d\u6b65\u6570\u636e\uff0c2023\u5e74\u4e0a\u534a\u5e74\uff0cTesla Model Y\u5728\u6b27\u6d32\u7684\u9500\u552e\u989d\u589e\u957f\u4e86\u4e09\u500d\uff0c\u8fbe\u5230125,144\u8f86\uff0c\u800c\u5728\u53bb\u5e74\u540c\u671f\uff0c\u9500\u552e\u989d\u4e3a40,147\u8f86\u3002\n\u4ec5\u5728\u516d\u4e2a\u6708\u5185\uff0cTesla Model Y\u57282023\u5e74\u7684\u9500\u552e\u4e1a\u7ee9\u51e0\u4e4e\u5df2\u7ecf\u63a5\u8fd1\u53bb\u5e74\u5168\u5e74\u7684\u603b\u6570\u3002\u66f4\u4ee4\u4eba\u5370\u8c61\u6df1\u523b\u7684\u662f\uff0c\u5b83\u57282023\u5e743\u6708\u7684\u8868\u73b0\u5df2\u7ecf\u5b8c\u5168\u8d85\u8fc7\u4e862022\u5e74\u4e0a\u534a\u5e74\u7684\u9500\u552e\u6570\u5b57\uff0c\u5f53\u6708\u9500\u552e\u4e8646,282\u8f86\u3002\nTesla Model Y\u7684\u5d1b\u8d77\u662f\u7531\u6b27\u6d32\u5bf9\u8be5\u578b\u53f7\u7684\u5927\u5e45\u964d\u4ef7\u63a8\u52a8\u7684\uff0c\u5c3d\u7ba1\u770b\u8d77\u6765\u4ef7\u683c\u5e76\u4e0d\u662f\u5176\u6210\u529f\u7684\u4e3b\u8981\u56e0\u7d20\uff1b\u5728\u540c\u4e00\u65f6\u671f\uff0c\u4ef7\u683c\u66f4\u4e3a\u4eb2\u6c11\u7684Dacia Sandero\u548cVolkswagen T-Roc\u5206\u522b\u552e\u51fa118,883\u8f86\u548c107,249\u8f86\uff0c\u5206\u522b\u4f4d\u5c45\u7b2c\u4e8c\u548c\u7b2c\u4e09\u3002\n\u53bb\u5e74\u5728\u6b27\u6d32\u9500\u91cf\u6700\u597d\u7684\u8f66\u578b\uff0cPeugeot 208\uff0c\u6b64\u6b21\u8dcc\u81f3\u7b2c\u4e94\u4f4d\uff0c\u4e0e\u53bb\u5e74\u540c\u671f\u76f8\u6bd4\u9500\u91cf\u4e0b\u964d\u4e865.1%\uff0c\u8fd9\u662f\u5341\u5927\u8f66\u578b\u4e2d\u552f\u4e00\u4e24\u6b3e\u9500\u91cf\u51fa\u73b0\u8d64\u5b57\u7684\u8f66\u578b\uff08\u53e6\u4e00\u6b3e\u662fVolkwagen Golf\uff09\u3002\n\u4e0eModel 3\u4e00\u8d77\uff0cTesla\u57282023\u5e74\u4e0a\u534a\u5e74\u5728\u6b27\u6d32\u7684\u603b\u9500\u91cf\u8fbe\u5230163,987\u8f86\uff0c\u51e0\u4e4e\u662f\u53bb\u5e74\u540c\u671f\u7684\u4e24\u500d\u3002\u8fd9\u4e2a85,000\u8f86\u7684\u589e\u957f\u4e5f\u5360\u5230\u4e86\u6b27\u6d32BEV\u9500\u91cf\u589e\u957f\u7684263,860\u8f86\u7684\u4e09\u5206\u4e4b\u4e00\uff0c\u4eca\u5e74\u4e0a\u534a\u5e74\uff0cBEV\u9500\u91cf\u589e\u957f\u4e8645%\u3002\nTesla Model Y\u6700\u8fd1\u521a\u521a\u5728\n\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u6b63\u5f0f\u4eae\u76f8\n\uff0c\u8d77\u6b65\u4ef7\u683c\u4ec5\u4e3aRM199,000\uff0c\u8fd9\u662f\u4e3a\u57fa\u672c\u7684\u540e\u9a71\u7248\u672c\uff0c\u914d\u6709\u4e00\u53f0\u540e\u8f74\u7684\u5355\u7535\u673a\uff0c\u8f93\u51fa\u529f\u7387\u4e3a347 hp\uff0c\u626d\u77e9\u4e3a420 Nm\uff0c0-100 km/h\u7684\u52a0\u901f\u65f6\u95f4\u4e3a6.9\u79d2\u3002\n\u7531\u4e8e\u5bf9\u7535\u52a8\u8f66\u7684\u5174\u8da3\u7a7a\u524d\u9ad8\u6da8\uff0c\u518d\u52a0\u4e0a\u5bf9\u6c7d\u8f66\u884c\u4e1a\u7684\u7ecf\u6d4e\u524d\u666f\u770b\u597d\uff0c\u5f88\u53ef\u80fd\u5728\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\uff0cTesla Model Y\u5c06\u8ddf\u968f\u6b27\u6d32\u548c\u5168\u7403\u8bb8\u591a\u5e02\u573a\u7684\u9500\u552e\u8d8b\u52bf\uff0c\u5c3d\u7ba1\uff0c\u4e0d\u8981\u671f\u5f85\u5b83\u80fd\u5f88\u5feb\uff0c\u6216\u8005\u8bf4\u6c38\u8fdc\u8d85\u8d8aPerodua\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) Training Academy recently celebrated the graduation of its newest group of apprentices from its Automotive Mechatronic Training programme.\nA total of 26 apprentices graduated from the MBM Training Academy this year. To date, no fewer than 827 globally certified apprentices have passed through its doors since the establishment of training programs locally.\nAll\u00a026 graduates received\n three certifications\n; the Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mechatronic Training Certificate; the Mercedes-Benz Qualified Maintenance Technician Certificate; and the National Dual Training System (NDTS) Certificate, which is equivalent to the Malaysia Skills Certificate Level 3, a certification recognised by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia.\n\u201cThese graduates form the foundation of our network and enable us to deliver the Best Customer Experience, an assurance that all Mercedes-Benz customers and fans have come to trust. We look forward to nurturing more Malaysian youth and sustainably contribute towards the nation\u2019s demand for highly skilled talent in the automotive industry\u201d, said MBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.\nThe MBM Training Academy presented the Class of 2018 Best Student Award to Wong Shiong Heng. The 23 year-old silver-star recipient from Negeri Sembilan was affirmed for his outstanding achievement over the three-year training period in the areas of academics, performance, attendance and attitude.\n\u201cI was surprised when I heard my name called out for the Best Student Award. I feel that all the effort I put in has paid off. When I first started the course, I found the teaching method very different from what I have experienced in the past. The course emphasised heavily on attitude, punctuality and discipline. I took it as a challenge, I persevered and my hard work paid off. I am thankful for the support of my family, trainers and peers. They have all contributed to helping me achieve the Best Student Award,\u201d said Wong.\nFollowing the completion of the 3-year training programme, the apprentices will be absorbed into MBM\u2019s extensive network of Autohauses and service centres nationwide. With a variety of career opportunities available, an example of a possible career progression could include apprentices beginning their career as a Qualified System Technician, and possibly be promoted to a Certified Diagnosis Technician or Certified Service Advisor.\nThe new, facelifted W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Read about it \nhere\n!\nThe Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy began taking in 60 trainees per year starting in 2017 over a three-year programme, the new Advanced Modern Apprenticeship. Based on training guidelines set by Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the Training Academy maintains\n a trainee ratio of one trainer to 15 trainees\n to ensure optimum quality in the delivery of its modules.\nThe three-year course comprises a\n 70 percent practical-based curriculum\n, which includes 30 per cent on-the-job-training and 30 per cent theory-based curriculum. Trainees are exposed to a wide range of skills including presentation, critical analysis, decision making, systematic thinking, mentoring, self-discipline and team work skills to prepare them for the working world.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia along with the dealer network invests over RM100,000 per trainee for the implementation of the training programme. The \nnext intake of trainees will begin in July 2018\n. Interested applicants can submit their application forms \nhere\n."
"I wouldn\u2019t trust any driver with any new car with such a stunt \u2013 most definitely not with a car like the Datsun 510.\nIt may be a video to demonstrate the prowess of the Datsun\u2019s front disc brakes but I\u2019m afraid the car\u2019s stopping performance has been overshadowed by the \u201ctrue hero\u201d of the video, the presenter and the size of his family jewels.\n \nIf you watch till the end you\u2019d see the presenter shaking hands with the driver; if you asked me, he\u2019s probably thanking the driver for not running him over cause that definitely looks too close for comfort.\nWhat do you reckon? Should we release GC Mah from captivity for this stunt?"
"Sime Darby Auto Performance, the exclusive and sole distributor of Porsche cars in Malaysia have opened the doors to their third showroom in the country, but this time it\u2019s in Penang.\nThe brand new 3S Porsche Centre Penang is strategically located in Penang\u2019s automotive hub, just along Jalan Baru in Seberang Perai. Getting to the RM15 million facility from Georgetown is as easy as turning out from the first bridge.   Built to meet the increasing demand from the northern region, the state-of-the-art centre has a built up area of\n 35,575 sq ft\n, sitting atop a land spanning 102,524 sq ft. Besides the ample parking space, the showroom is fully air conditioned and is big enough to accommodate 10 display cars. There\u2019s also a dedicated cafe, exclusive Carrera lounge, luxurious and comfortable space as well as nine service bays, including a warehouse for spare parts!\nCEO of SDAP, Arnt Bayer said, \u201cWe are thrilled to be moving into Penang with our third Porsche Centre in Malaysia. This new 3s Porsche Centre will enable us to deliver a higher level of customer satisfaction and a unique ownership experience for all Porsche owners and enthusiasts in the northern region.\u201d\nThose who have bought their dream cars can also look to their apparels and accessories section, even toys for the young ones.\nThe \nPorsche 718 Cayman and Cayman S\n were jointly launched with the new showroom\nManaging Director of Porsche Asia Pacific, Martin Limpert said, \u201cSDAP has been our sole and exclusive importer in Malaysia since 2010 and continuously invested into the Porsche brand, with special dedication to state-of-the-art facilities and best skilled people. The new Porsche Centre Penang marks another milestone for the Porsche growth in Malaysia and is a bold statement of SDAP\u2019s commitment.\nI strongly believe in the long-term potential for Porsche in Malaysia and I am convinced that this latest addition to the Porsche dealer network will support our growth and path and assure an outstanding customer experience.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Formula One\u2019s most successful engine manufacturer, Renault, is set to make a return as constructor this 2016 season with the unveiling of their new RS16. The\u00a0team is now known as Renault Sport F1, and the team\u2019s goal is to be on the podium within three years.\nRenault has had a rich history in Formula One, more notably as an engine supplier to winning teams such as Benetton, Williams, and most recently Red Bull Racing. The team bought over the struggling Lotus F1 team, which was actually the former Renault team before the French manufacturer\u00a0scaled down in 2011.\nAlso revealed are the two new drivers for the team, Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen. The latter replaces Pastor Maldonaldo whose contract had been terminated due to sponsorship issues. As part of the Renault group, there\u2019s little surprise to sport Infinity logos on the new RS16. Infiniti has pulled out from Red Bull Racing to become Renault Sport\u2019s technical partner.\nThe livery,\u00a0predominantly in black scheme has little shades of yellow. That said, the team has hinted that the livery could be changed before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March.\n\u201cWe have the resources, we have the team, we have the organisation, we have the spirit. Renault is back to win,\u201d said Renault Sport President Jerome Stoll.\nBon retour, Renault Sport!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Having heard and seen for ourselves, very very briefly, on what the GLC 63 S 4MATIC was like on the main straight of the Sepang Circuit when the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s VP of Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine, stormed passed us, this news is hardly surprising.\nWith an official time of\u00a0 7.49.369 minutes around the North Loop of the Nurburgring, it was\n two seconds faster than its competitor\n, and did so at the first attempt with AMG development engineer Markus Hofbauer at the wheel.\nIf you\u2019re looking for a balance between outright performance and family-friendliness, there aren\u2019t many options out there to distract you from the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+.\nLaunched in Malaysia recently, it\u2019s equipped with a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, air suspension system with adaptively variable damping, 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, the rear axle locking differential and high-performance ceramic composite braking system. We\u2019d love to see how it fares against the \nLister LFP that\u2019s based on the Jaguar F-Type\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re eyeing for the \nToyota C-HR\n and would immediately want to stand out from the rest, then the company\u2019s Toyota\u2019s aftermarket division, Toyota Racing Development (TRD), has just that thing for you! Unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Auto Salon, TRD let loose two of their latest bodykits for the brand new compact crossover.\nThe \nAggressive Style\n, as seen in the white example below, features hugely aggressive bumpers with LED daytime running lights. A lip spoiler and an outrageous looking rear diffuser are found at the back. \nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vcUXPI8oDA\nOn the other hand, the \nExtreme Style\n C-HR in bright orange has a slightly\u00a0subtler and less aggressive kit. It dons a more adventurous, outdoor styling with plastic wheel claddings and red mud flaps. Both kits come with TRD\u2019s 18-inch alloys, although the orange C-HR wears a set of smaller 16-inch rims.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnBwAjP73E4\nThe kits are now available as an option to all C-HRs sold in Japan. Perhaps the local bodykit makers should start working their mojo in anticipation of its arrival, eh?\n[IMAGE GALLERY]"
"There\u2019s just no way of going about it (especially since it\u2019s so huge) \u2013 Yes, the all-new BMW 4 Series coupe has those large vertical grilles as previewed on the \nConcept 4\n. BMW calls it \u201cstriking\u201d, and we think that\u2019s pretty much spot on.\nHistory will tell us that BMW is no stranger to unorthodox design choices (see: Chris Bangle era vehicles) that later turn in to iconic designs. Will this be another one of those? No idea, but at least some of the \nAutoBuzz \nboys are already getting used to it. We digress.\nIf we can all agree to look past the grille for now though, the new 4 Series is actually quite a pretty looking coupe. The coupe\u2019s signature design elements \u2013 short overhangs, long doors with frameless windows, the slim window graphic and a flowing roofline \u2013 are all accentuated on the new 4 Series, making it look a lot more like a model of its own instead of just a \u201c\n3 Series\n with 2 less doors\u201d.\nThe new 4-er stands 57 mm lower than the four-door relative, and its tracks wider by 23 mm, to give the coupe its sportier appearance. Compared to its predecessor, the new 4 Series have been enlarged in almost all dimensions \u2013 128 mm in length, 27 mm in width, 6 mm in height, and 41 mm in its wheelbase.\nUp front, the slim LED headlights, stretched lengthwise well into the front wheel arch, further enhance the low-and-wide stance of the coupe. Moving towards the rear, the cabin glasshouse slowly tapers inwards on the flowing roofline, giving the new 4 Series a truly muscular stature.\nThe rear design of the new 4 Series draws a lot of parallels to the \n8 Series\n, with the roofline flowing into an upwards curve, creating a natural integrated spoiler \u2013 though less pronounced. The brand\u2019s new signature light-bar taillights signature makes an appearance here too, finished with darkened housings.\nInside, the cabin design of the all-new 4 Series is nothing we haven\u2019t seen before \u2013 it is after all based on the existing \nG20 3 Series\n. As is BMW tradition, the dashboard follows the marque\u2019s driver-centric design principles.\nThe central control stack, tilted slightly towards the driver, features an infotainment display up top running BMW Operating System 7.0 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Meanwhile, behind the steering wheel is the Live Cockpit Professional fully-digital instrument cluster.\nThe all-new BMW 4 Series is headlined by the M440i xDrive, featuring a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid technology for an additional 11 hp boost when needed. Output is rated at \n374 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, resulting in a century sprint time of \n4.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nThe M-tuned 4 Series also gets other M Sport specific treatments, such as the M Sport suspension with stiffer mounts and anti-roll bars, or the optional M electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes, and M Sport fully-variable locking rear differential.\nOther variants include the 420i with a \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n 2.0-litre inline four engine, and a 430i with the same engine but uprated to \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n.\nAs for oil burners, a \n190\u00a0hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n 2.0-litre inline-four is used for the 420d and 420d xDrive, while the 430d xDrive and M440d xDrive will use a three-litre turbocharged inline-six unit producing \n286 hp/650 Nm\n and \n340 hp/700 Nm\n respectively. All diesel variants will be equipped with 48V mild hybrid technology.\nAll powertrains are paired to a\n eight-speed Steptronic gearbox\n, though you can step it up to the Steptronic Sport transmission with a new Sprint function if you tick the M Sport Pro package during your order.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"TC Subaru, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, announced today that it has received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to resume operations at selected service centres in the country during the extended Movement Control Order (MCO) period.\nThe selected service centres will resume partial operation starting from today, to carry out service maintenance, minor repairs, and vehicle breakdown services on an appointment-only basis.\nAccording to the statement, the list of service centres include the company\u2019s own service centres in Petaling Jaya and Cheras, Selangor; Bukit Mertajam and Georgetown, Penang, as well as service centres managed by its authorised dealers across the nation. The full list of approved service centres and their revised operation hours can be found \nhere\n.\nWe recently checked out the \nSubaru Forester 2.0-iS EyeSight\n. watch our full review \nhere\n!\nIn an effort to look after the health and wellbeing of its customers, The company says that safety measures have been put in place at all Subaru service centres to adhere to social distancing and hygiene guidelines.\nThese measures include regular sanitisation of work areas, temperature screening and use of surgical masks for all staff, while hand sanitisers and disinfectant sprays will be placed and used throughout the entire premise.\nIn view of the extended MCO period, TC Subaru will be extending all warranties expiring during the MCO period by 60 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first. For emergency or urgent matters during the MCO, customers can contact the Subaru Careline at \n1-800-22-9898\n or \n012-536-0080\n.\nRecently, TC Subaru has also introduced its \nonline booking portal\n for its Forester and XV models. Customers will be able to secure a booking of either models in the comfort of their own homes with a booking fee of RM188."
"Two years ago, the previous generation\u00a0\nHonda Civic Type R\n (FK2) brought glory to\u00a0Honda when it became the fastest front-wheel drive (FWD) car to lap the\u00a0Nurburgring. Sadly, that was short-lived when\u00a0Volkswagen came along and beat the Honda with the new\u00a0\nGolf GTI ClubSport S\n.\nNeedless to say, Honda went back to the drawing board and tried again with the new\u00a0\nType R hot hatch\n. With a lap time of \n7 minutes 43.8 seconds\n, Honda officially dethroned the Golf GTI ClubSport S by a massive\u00a0\n5.41 seconds\u00a0\ngap. At the same time, it\u2019s also 6.8 seconds quicker than its predecessor!   How did they do it? First, they\u00a0\nshortened the gear ratios\n for its six-speed manual gearbox\u00a0and the increased\u00a0\ntorsional stiffness\n\u00a0by up to\u00a0\n38 percent\n,\u00a0improving both steering response and cornering stability. The old torsion beam rear suspension was also ditched in favour of the lighter multi-link setup, shedding a whopping 16 kgs!\nThe record-breaking car was actually a\u00a0development car, having no infotainment system or rear seats. In their absence is a floating roll cage that was added for safety reasons and by no means gave the Type R more rigidity. Regardless, Honda says the development car is technically about the same as the one going on sale.\nLet\u2019s all hope this record is there to stay for the time being!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems clear that when luxury is concerned, Mercedes-Benz are the go-to guys but when it comes to driving, buyers know where to get the good stuff.\nBMW may have missed out on the No.1 spot in global vehicle sales for the premium segment, selling 2.1 million cars in 2019 as compared to the 2.3 million units Mercedes-Benz offloaded but their performance divisions have had the complete opposite impact.\n \nThis is as BMW announced a \nnew sales record of 135,829\n \nunits of M vehicles sold\n \u2013 a 32.2% jump from the year before. By comparison, \nMercedes-AMG shifted marginally lesser at 132,136 units\n.\nThe USA was the single biggest market for these M delights \u2013 gobbling more than 44,000 units, followed by BMW\u2019s motherland and the UK.\nThe Americans also had the strongest appetite among all for AMGs, followed by Germany, the UK, China and Japan.\nLeaked images of the \nlatest G80 BMW M3\n.\nBMW M CEO, Markus Flasch said, \u201cWe are very proud of the fact that we have been able to acquire market leadership in the performance/high-performance automobile segment for the first time in the almost 50 years of the company\u2019s history.\u201d\nIn addition to the encouraging news, BMW also announced that their latest assault in the high performance market will include the premiere of the new BMW M3 and M4 Coupe this year."
"When BMW unveiled the\n all-new M3\n and \nM4\n last year, it was as if the entire internet went up in flames \u2013 not for its performance, because it is most likely ridiculously fast, but for its looks. You know what we\u2019re talking about, the humongous \u201cbuckteeth\u201d grille plastered onto the front fascia.\nWhile most of us here at \nAutoBuzz.my\n have already warmed up to the new looks, many online are still evidently hung up about the big change (\nyes, pun intended\n) \u2013 so much so that they\u2019re put off from buying the new M car entirely. So what if we told you that you can get an M-level performance, on a car that doesn\u2019t look so. funky? Allow me to introduce you to the \nBMW M340i xDrive\n.\n\u201cNormal\u201d never looked so good.\nTo most onlookers, the M340i looks just like any other BMW 3 Series \u2013 but you see, that\u2019s actually part of its charm. The G20-generation 3 Series has always been regarded as one of the best-looking BMW in recent years, and when you strut into the office on the weekdays, nobody bats an eye because the 3-er is by all means, a very sensible choice.\nThe only details that somewhat hint at its performance are the larger hexagonal tailpipe exits, slightly lowered ride height, and the new mesh-design grille that is just magnificent to look at.\nAnd if your daily commute consists mostly of long highway journeys, this baby-M might even be a better choice than the \n330i\n, thanks to its silky-smooth B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mill and eight-speed automatic gearbox combo underneath the bonnet. Heck, even the electronically-controlled adaptive M Suspension in comfort mode feels more supple over undulations than the M Sport items of the 330i!\nJust as the \n387 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n output figure suggests, gobbling up miles in the M340i is ridiculously easy, made even better by the sultry voice it makes. A quick poke at the accelerator pedal sends the car surging forward, and the power creeps up so linearly and rapidly, you wouldn\u2019t have thought it\u2019s coming from a turbocharged engine \u2013 truly, the B58 might be the pinnacle of six-cylinders.\nSo that\u2019s the weekdays sorted, and the best part is it doesn\u2019t disappoint on the weekends too. In fact, what impressed us most about this car is its ability to turn from a civilised cruiser into a complete lunatic with just a touch of a button. Flick it into Sports Plus mode, and the cracks and bangs from the exhaust system immediately tells you that you\u2019ve woken up a beast that\u2019s just raring to go.\nAnd as we\u2019ve alluded to before, boy oh boy does the M340i go. Zero to 100 km/h is completed in a brisk \n4.4 seconds\n, which is just 0.2 seconds slower (or literally, two blinks of an eye) than the all-new BMW M3. Remember what we said about M-level performance?\nBetter yet, its superb engine is just one part of the equation. The BMW M340i\u2019s real pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance lies within the brilliant M xDrive all-wheel drive system, a drug best experienced on the twisty B roads.\nJust like all the other G20-generation BMW 3 Series, the nose of the M340i dives right into the corner at a flick of the steering wheel; the added weight from the AWD system takes nothing away from the sharpness of the car. At this point, you\u2019ll already be grinning from cheek to cheek. And then, you witness its true party piece.\nStandard-fit adjustable side bolsters help defy the lateral G-forces.\nAs you gradually increase your speed mid-corner, the extra traction on the front axle digs into the tarmac to hold your line at speeds you\u2019d never thought possible, as if the M340i is on rails, or powered by some form of black magic.\nAnd when you want to let your hair loose and have some fun, the M340i happily obliges too, never hesitant to display its mischievous side. A little extra enthusiasm on the throttle pedal, and the rear-biased M xDrive AWD system pushes the M340i\u2019s rump out immediately, giving you an on-demand dose of adrenaline injected right into your bloodstream.\nThe electrical wizardries constantly keep you in check too, never letting the rear overtake the front, lending you confidence to hang in the balance of the tyre\u2019s limit of adhesion over and over again. I\u2019m far from a professional driver, but I think I might have done some of my best driving in the M340i.\nUndoubtedly, the most ardent BMW fans would rush to crucify it, saying something to the tune of \u201ca real BMW should always be rear-wheel drive!\u201d If you happen to belong in that camp, trust me \u2013 give this a go, and you\u2019ll immediately change your mind. There\u2019s a reason why the new BMW M3 and M4 are now offered in an \nall-wheel drive configuration\n, too.\nTo us, the BMW M340i xDrive is the epitome of the best of both worlds \u2013 easy on the weekdays, and just the right amount of crazy on the weekends. And what\u2019s more, it\u2019s about one-thirds off the price of an \nM3 or M4 here in Malaysia\n, but you\u2019re still getting almost all the performance and fun factor.\nWe don\u2019t say this lightly, but the BMW M340i xDrive might really be the only car you need.\nBMW M340i xDrive specifications:\nEngine\n2,998\u00a0cc; Twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic automatic\nMax horsepower\n387 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,500 rpm\nMax torque\n500 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top speed\n4.4 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nPrice (OTR, w/o insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions)\nRM402,354.15\nGALLERY"
"Hugh Jackman, better known for his role as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, could be trading his claws for horsepower very soon. The Australian actor is set to play Enzo Ferrari in the latest movie depicting both the iconic figure and his company.\nThe biopic will be based on a book written by renowned motoring journalist, the late Brock Yates. The movie titled \n\u201cEnzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine\u201d\n will be directed by Michael Mann, the man behind movies like Ali, Miami Vice and Public Enemies.\n \nThe new Enzo Ferrari movie revolves around the late 1950s; a troubling period for the founder of the most recognised brand in automotive. Not only mourning the death of his son, Dino Ferrari, Enzo was also troubled by marital affairs at that time.\nThe new movie will also focus on Enzo Ferrari\u2019s attempt to revive his company\u2019s fortunes by entering into the 1957 Mille Miglia event, a gruelling 1,000 mile (1,600 km) road race across Northern Italy.\nIt was to be the last edition of the road race as it was subsequently banned. It followed after the Ferrari 335 S crashed during the race; killing both driver and co-driver along with several spectators. According to GC Australia, the film is set to begin production in 2021.\nLocally, Naza Italia just launched the \nnew Ferrari Roma\n, with a price tag of RM968k before options and duties. \nNamed after the most iconic Italian city\n, the Roma houses the same 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 with 620 hp and 760 Nm. The same power plant can be found in the \nPortofino\n and \nF8 Tributo\n."
"It really has been a while since we laid eyes on the latest Toyota Alphard, \nhaving seen it in the flesh early last year at the Bangkok Motor Show\n. Thanks to parallel importers, some of you may have already seen them on the road, but the Alphard selection from UMW Toyota is restricted to just two variants \u2013 the Alphard 3.5L and Alphard 3.5L Executive Lounge.\nPriced at RM419,000 and RM519,000 respectively, these fully imported MPVs are specially tweaked to suit the Malaysian climate and road conditions. On top of that, UMW Toyota is offering a full \n5-Year manufacturer\u2019s warranty\n with unlimited mileage, and guarantees a \n10-year parts availability\n after the model is discontinued.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Alphard 3.5\nToyota Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge\nEngine\n3,456cc; V6, DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with Sequential Shifter\nMax Power\n268 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n340 Nm @ 4,700 rpm\nPrice\n\u00a0RM419,000\n\u00a0RM519,000\nEXTERIOR\nBy measure of sheer dimensions, the Alphard is just 15mm shorter in length (4,915mm) compared to the Vellfire (4,930mm), but its width (1,850mm) and height (1,895mm) equal that of the more affordable sibling. Standard here are the\n full LED headlamps\n (with cornering lights), LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, \n18-inch wheels\n shod with 235/50 series tyres, LED tail lamps, rear spoiler, rear fog lamps and powered side mirrors with integrated signal indicators.   Chrome comes in abundance, but it\u2019s one of those things that will take forever to grow on us.\nINTERIOR\nThe Alphard\u2019s cabin is distinctly more premium than the all-black Vellfire. Right off the bat you\u2019ll notice the \nbeige themed interior\n for the base Alphard (the Exec Lounge can be optioned with black upholstery), and equipment that are standard comprise of keyless entry with push-start button, tri-zone climate control (air vents for third row as well) with nanoe technology, Optitron instrument cluster, reverse camera and automatic soft-closing doors.\nNow, depending on how big a boss you are, equipment levels vary greatly between the two Alphards. The standard variant gets a four-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with brown wood grain, powered Ottoman front passenger seat, Captain Seats (Ottoman with power recline) for the rear passengers, illuminated ceiling, 7-inch DVD-AVN with navigation, eight speakers as well as a roof mounted 10.2-inch display.   Opt for the Executive Lounge variant and you\u2019ll get additional Telephone and Voice Control switches on the steering wheel (here it gets embellished with VIP wood grain) and ceiling illumination with metallic ornament. The rear seats are upgraded to VIP trim and comes with power reclining as well as built-in air conditioning. The \n17-speaker JBL sound system\n is hooked up to a main 8-inch DVD-AVN head unit built within the centre dash, whereas the roof mounted display is smaller, measuring just 9-inches across.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnlike the Vellfire, which can only be had with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, the Alphard comes with the \n2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 engine\n featuring dual VVT-i technology. This naturally aspirated motor is good for \n268 horsepower\n at 6,200 rpm, with the full \n340 Nm\n of torque peaking in at 4,700 rpm. It\u2019s paired to a \nsix-speed automatic with sequential shifter\n, whereas the Vellfire settles for a CVT.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety features across all variants are as such: seven airbags including a driver\u2019s knee airbag, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and front and rear parking sensors.\nWHAT ELSE?\nYou can have your Alphard in\n four exterior colours\n \u2013 Black, White Pearl, Silver Metallic and a newly developed paint, Luxury White Pearl. Again, the Alphard is fully imported from Japan and comes with a 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage. \nCheck out our report on the Vellfire 2.5L here\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua managed to collect \n24,265\n orders in July, of which \n9,000 (37%) were for the all-new Perodua Alza\n. Despite the reinstatement of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), demand for Perodua vehicles remains strong. With a sales figure of \n145,689 units\n between January and July 2022, Perodua reports a 48.7% jump from the same period in 2021 (97,945 units).\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThe sales increase can be attributed to two main reasons, the first is due to the strong demand for our vehicles, especially between January and June this year as customers wanted to take advantage of the government\u2019s sales tax exemption initiative.\n\u201cThe second reason why the 2022 year-to-date numbers are stronger is due to the nationwide Covid-19 pandemic lockdown that happened between June and mid-August last year.\u201d\nPhoto: \nPerodua/Facebook\nAlthough the year-to-date figures show growth, the month-to-month sales has naturally dropped by 13.3% due to the SST reinstatement \u2013 only 18,346 units were sold in July, as compared to 21,164 units in June 2022.\nDato\u2019 Sri Zainal said that Perodua is working closely with the government to overcome the labour shortage by early August and Perodua expects its production to resume in full beginning this month.\n\u201cOn the semiconductor issue, we have secured enough chip supply for us to produce and register more than 247,800 units this year, however we are still working on sustaining production growth. This means that we could not announce our new targets yet,\u201d he added.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Perodua Alza 7-seater MPV launched in Malaysia, from RM62,500\nPhoto: \nPerodua/Facebook\nAs for the industry as a whole, Perodua believes that the Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the year will be more than the 630,000 units initially estimated, as most brands in the country accumulated \u201cmassive bookings\u201d between January and June this year.\n\u201cGiven that the government has extended the registration deadline for all vehicles booked on or before 30 June 2022 to 31 March 2023, we believe the industry can do better than a 30,000-registration increase by the end of this year,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin commented.\nIn July, the Malaysia Automotive Association announced an increase in the total industry volume to 630,000 units from a forecast of 600,000 announced by the body in January 2022."
"Lexus\u2019 smallest SUV, the Lexus UX \nbroke cover at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS)\n in February but Lexus only commenced sales of the UX on 27 November 2018. Since then, the Japanese luxury carmaker has collected over 8,800 orders of the new SUV, proving the positive response the world has towards the UX.\nCollecting over 8,800 orders one month from its initial launch may not seem like a shocking number but considering that the company sets a monthly sales target of 900 units, it is significant for the Lexus brand.\nThe UX rides on Lexus Global Architecture \u2013 Compact (GA-C) platform which offers the lowest centre of gravity in the company luxury crossover segment. The sharp design is also deliberately done to attract the young and hip demographic.\nThe UX recently made an appearance at the \n2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)\n and local distributor, Lexus Malaysia has hinted at a local debut in 2019. Something different from your usual BMW X1 and \nMercedes-Benz GLA\n?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus UX Previewed at 2018 KLIMS"
"Alongside the unveiling of the \nToyota Supra\n last week, UMW Toyota has also announced the launch of GR Garage in Malaysia \u2013\n the first outside of Japan\n.\nGR Garage was introduced in Japan some years ago to cater to car enthusiasts. UMW Toyota\u2019s Chief Motorsports Officer and Deputy Chairman, Mr Akio Takeyama said, \u201cThe GR Garage [is] a place where enthusiasts can gather and talk about their passion of cars, especially sportscars and motorsports.\u201d\nThe GR Garage will be carrying Gazoo Racing specific products at selected Toyota dealers, including the GR Supra, GR high performance products, and GR merchandises to provide a \u201cshop in shop\u201d experience to the customers.\nAs a start, the GR Garage will be introduced at \nfive outlets\n \u2013 Wing Hin Balakong, PCM Klang, Focus Tetap Setia Alam, Telagamas Kulim, and Mutiara Johor Bahru.\nToyota Gazoo Racing is the umbrella organisation for Toyota\u2019s global motorsports programme. Toyota aims to transfer technical learnings from the racetrack and rally stages to the development of new generations of sport\u2019s focused GR models, as well as its wider range of vehicles.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Peugeot is set to introduce at least five new models over the next couple of years in Thailand and models earmarked for this invasion includes two SUVs while the the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 will be the first two models introduced in the market predominantly made up of Toyotas.\nThe latter two will come from the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant in Gurun, Kedah after establishing itself as Groupe PSA\u2019s first manufacturing hub in the ASEAN region.\n \nCurrently, Groupe PSA governs likes of Citroen, DS, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall to name a few.\nThis comes after news that Peugeot has appointed Belfort Automobiles in Thailand as the exclusive importer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Thailand.\nThe \nnew Peugeot 208\n.\nPrior to this, Peugeot announced that NAM had begun exporting the first of its produce to the Philippines with Thailand now the next receiver of Malaysian-made French goods.\nAll in all, Peugeot has now penetrated 11 countries and their vehicle\u2019s funk and flair is anything to go by, brace yourself for an imminent French invasion."
"Presently, the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman duo can be had in three flavours: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo on the S and a higher output 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo on the GTS, effectively sending the tunes of the naturally-aspirated flat-six to the history books.\nHowever, according to a report by \nAutoCar UK\n, the fine people at Stuttgart are apparently working on bringing back the flat-six to their entry-level sports car. According to the news outlet, the next Boxster will apparently be offered with a \n4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six\n, taken straight from the latest \n911 GT3\n.\nAutoCar UK\n speculates the large N/A mill will find its way in the next-generation\u00a0\nBoxster Spyder\n, a lightweight, hardcore, track-focused version of the 718 Boxster. It is not the first time that Porsche made a Boxster Spyder with a flat-six as the previous generation (third-gen 981) had a 3.8-litre flat-six pushing out \n370 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque paired to a six-speed manual box.\nUnlike the regular variant(s), the Boxster Spyder ditched all its sound deadening materials, lost its folding roof mechanism for a soft Targa top for maximum weight savings. Should the Boxster Spyder becomes a reality, expect Porsche to deploy the same formula for maximum performance on-track.\nImagine a Cayman GT4 without a roof\nOn the \n911 GT3\n, the 4.0-litre flat-six mill spews \n500 hp\n and \n460 Nm\n of torque; astronomical figures when compared to \n365 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n found in the \nGTS\u2019 2.5-litre turbocharged motor\n. However, we can expect a lower output when the Boxster Spyder debuts, safeguarding the desirability of the 911 GT3.\nSime Darby Auto performance has the Porsche \n718 Boxster\n and \nCayman\n duo on sale in the standard and S variants. Recently joining their stable is the all-new 911 GT3 which \ncan be optioned with a manual box at no additional cost\n."
"Ahead of its world debut which is set to happen on April 18, 2023, the refreshed third-generation \nPorsche Cayenne\n facelift has been revealed, albeit only its interior. \nPorsche\n has already announced that the fourth-generation Cayenne will come with a \nfully-electric powertrain\n, but before that, the third generation will be given a necessary refresh.\nThe images shared by Porsche show a \nTaycan\n-inspired interior for the new Porsche Cayenne facelift. Porsche shows the Cayenne now sporting three screens on the dashboard \u2013 a 12.6-inch screen for the instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch screen for the infotainment head unit, and a 10.9-inch optional screen for the front passenger.\nHoodless instrument cluster\nThe instrument cluster comes with 7 interface design choices. Despite retaining the binnacle design, the display now no longer has a \u2018hood\u2019 to create a sleeker appearance. The centre 12.3-inch screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and certain car functions can even be controlled via Siri.\nThe optional passenger screen allows the front passenger to assist the driver to set navigation and media controls. Interestingly, the optional passenger screen is covered in a special foil to make it invisible from the driver\u2019s point of view. This serves to reduce driving distractions.\nRELATED: \nPorsche confirms EV Cayenne, 7-seater \u2018K1\u2019 EV SUV also in the works\nRelocated gear selector\nAll driver controls have now been moved closer to the steering wheel. The most significant one is the gear selector which is now a gear stalk on the right side of the steering wheel. The driver assistance controls have also been redesigned and located directly on the steering wheel. Speaking of the steering wheel, the new Cayenne sports a reworked 911 steering wheel with a modern and sporty design.\nAlthough the three screens dominate the dashboard, Porsche ensures that the new Porsche Driver Experience is the right balance between digital and analogue elements. One significant analogue element would be the central analogue clock that has been retained in the new Cayenne.\nRELATED: \nFirst made-in-Malaysia Porsche Cayenne rolls out of new Kulim CKD assembly plant\nHVAC controls on the centre console\nThe relocation of the gear selector has made way for HVAC controls on the centre console. Sitting on a black panel, the HVAC controls combine touch recognition and haptic feedback with mechanical air conditioning switches. In the vicinity is a physical volume controller that \u201censures functionality that is both haptically and aesthetically pleasing\u201d.\nGenerally, the new Caynne\u2019s interior has been designed to emphasise wdith. It is also a \u2018clean\u2019 design, with a redesigned instrument panel, centre console and upper part of the inside of the door. For the first time, Porsche has designed all the air outlets in the cockpit without louvres.\nThe new Porsche Cayenne facelift will make its world debut on April 18, 2023 at Auto Shanghai in China. Porsche has also confirmed its plans for an all-electric Caynne, but that is for the fourth-generation Porsche Cayenne.\nRELATED: \nPorsche once experimented with a weird Cayenne Convertible"
"The highly anticipated people\u2019s sportscar from Toyota has return. Toyota, together with Subaru, unveiled the Toyota GR 86 at a world premiere event in Japan earlier today.\nThe highlight of the new Toyota GR 86 is the new naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, now displacing an additional 0.4 litres thanks to a larger bore of 94 mm (versus 86 mm that was previously attached to the model\u2019s name).\nThe \u2018FA24\u2019 \n2.4-litre\n engine continues to be a high-revving unit, with a maximum output of \n235 hp\n at 7,000 rpm, while maximum torque of \n250 Nm\n arrives at a much earlier 3,700 rpm. \u00a0No electrification is employed in the GR86 or recently introduced \nSubaru BRZ\n.\nThe Toyota GR 86 is offered in either a classic six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.\nDrivers will still be happy to learn that they can spin the engine to 7,400 rpm with either transmission. Toyota is quoting a time of \n6.3 seconds\n for the new GR 86 to complete the century sprint. That is over a full second faster than the model it replaces even if it is hauling 30 kg more than its predecessor at \n1,270 kg\n.\nFor those curious, the old GT86 had a specific horsepower-to-tonne ratio of 167 hp per tonne, while the latest engine pushes the number to \n185 hp per tonne\n.\nIn order to handle more power and torque, Subaru and Toyota have also increased the bodyshell\u2019s rigidity by as much as 50% over the previous model. The use of light-weight aluminium panels has been extended to the roof as well as front fenders, while the first generation GT86 only featured an aluminium bonnet.\nToyota also said weight savings were achieved through a better seat structure and exhaust muffler design. Tyres are now more performance-focused too, with \nMichelin Pilot Sport 4\n items measuring 215/40 in 18-inch diameter.\nToyota GR 86\nSubaru BRZ\nBoth the GR 86 and Subaru BRZ shares the same exterior, with the front bumper only separating the two brands. The GR 86 features a matrix-grille pattern with a GR badge stuck at the corner.\nInside, the steering wheel and start-stop button are given the GR labelling, with the driver greeted by a seven-inch multi-info display that has animation resembling the movement of the horizontally opposed pistons of the engine.\nIn variants with the automatic transmission, the GR 86 uses Subaru\u2019s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that performs the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features such as autonomous emergency braking.\nMore details of the new GR 86 will be released at a later date, and let\u2019s hope not too late as there were rumours of \nAkio Toyoda requesting a change\n in the driving feel of the GR 86 as it felt too similar to the Subaru BRZ.\nGALLERY\nToyota GR 86"
"The Porsche Supercup has been one of the best-known and toughest customer racing series in the world for 30 years. In celebrating the 30th anniversary of the series, the organisers of this one-make series have decided to mark this special anniversary with a treat for themselves.\nThe project managers at Porsche Motorsport had asked the specialists at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to build a \nroadgoing 911 GT3 \nbased on the 911 GT3 Cup in the 30th-anniversary livery. The unique model was completed in less than six months.\nHighlights include a spectacular eight-colour paintwork design with the anniversary logo and a multicolour pixel mesh around the rear wheel arches. To add a touch more exclusivity to the model, the names of all 29 previous Porsche Supercup champions are painted (yes, painted) in gold on the rear bumper.\nThe project began with a standard Porsche 911 GT3 \u2013 the roadgoing version of the racing car used in the Porsche Supercup \u2013 before it was disassembled and rebuilt. If you\u2019ve assumed that the multicolour paintwork is merely a wrap, the eight colours \u2013 GT Silver Metallic, Agate Grey Metallic, high-gloss Black, Meteorgreymetallic, Parliamentgreymetallic, Volcanogreymetallic, Grigiogranitometallic and Diamondblackmetallic \u2013 are all painted.\nAccording to Porsche, the greatest challenge in the painting process was to precisely apply the multicoloured pixel mesh to several points on the dynamically shaped body. The number \u201930\u2019 painted in gold and finished with high gloss clear lacquer is another indication of exclusivity.\nAfter the paintwork, the vehicle was reassembled by hand at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and further customised with embossed anniversary logo on the headrests, centre console in Black/Aurum along with seat piping, and door panel stitching finished in Mojave Beige.\nTo recap, the 911 GT3, now sold in Malaysia, produces 510 hp and 470 Nm from a rear-mounted 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine to drive the rear wheels. With the quick-shifting PDK gearbox, it can do 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and flat out, the 911 GT3 will hit 320 km/h.\nGALLERY"
"Honda\n continues with its commitment to advancing safety for everyone sharing the road and has introduced its new Honda Driver Coaching smartphone app. Designed to help improve new drivers\u2019 skills and promote safe driving practices, the app is available in the U.S. only and is free to download via the Apple App Store only.\nDescribed by the company as a perfect complement to formal driver education, the Honda Driver Coaching app provides exclusive access to many new and prior model year Honda and Acura models equipped with head units that support Apple CarPlay. The app is able to deliver detailed, real-time driving data and analysis, together with a clever game component to ensure the lessons are fun and engaging.\nTo use the Honda Driver Coaching app, users simply need to get the app installed in their iPhone and have their iPhone connected to the vehicle\u2019s Apple CarPlay-supported head unit. The app will then analyse driver inputs, which include steering, braking, and acceleration in real-time. The app will also instruct the driver when they need assistance.\nWhen the driving lesson is complete, the driver will be presented with a calculated arriving score, allowing them to track their progress. In addition, the app will also present a summary of their drive, along with specific driving tips. When not driving, users can also gain access to an extensive library of driver training videos via the app using their smartphones, which can help sharpen their driving skills.\nRELATED: \nRM16k more, what does the Honda Civic e:HEV RS add from the turbo version?\nAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc. Safety Strategy Leader, MJ Foxley said, \u201cWe created the Honda Driver Coaching app to take meaningful action to address a critical issue \u2013 that nearly one-third of U.S. traffic fatalities involve drivers under 25 years of age. With schools getting out and summer driving season just around the corner, we hope our new Honda Driver Coaching app can positively influence young drivers and the safety of everyone sharing the road.\u201d\nThe Honda Driver Coaching app is compatible with Honda and Acura models equipped with Apple CarPlay in the U.S. as listed below:\nHonda Civic\n (2019-2020)\nHonda Insight (2018-2022)\nHonda Accord\n (2018-2020 and 2023 or newer)\nHonda HR-V\n (2023 or newer)\nHonda CR-V\n (2020 or newer)\nHonda Pilot (2023 or newer)\nAcura Integra (2023 or newer)\nRELATED: \nHonda e:Ny1 EV unveiled \u2013 412km range, not just an electric HR-V"
"BMW Malaysia, \nSafe \u2018n Sound\n and \nChildline Foundation\n has kicked off the second phase of the child safety seat subsidy programme for parents in the B40 income group.\nThe programme will be supported by\n Shopee\n as its exclusive e-commerce partner alongside baby and children goods brands \nKU.KU Duckbill \nand\n Otomo\n, educational toys and games distributor\n Mideer\n, food storage sealing solutions provider \nAnkou\n and car performance parts and accessories provider\n Kakimotor\n.\nThe subsidy programme was first introduced in December 2019 with Safe \u2018n Sound and Childline Foundation where \n150 units of infant carrier car seats were made available at a subsidised price of RM100 each\n. The initiative garnered over 25,000 registrations from parents in the B40 income group.\nBMW Group Malaysia, Head of Corporate Communications, Sashi Ambi said, \u201cOur aim with this initiative has always been to make the use of child safety car seats instinctively mandatory; a basic practise as parents to ensure that children are always safe in cars. We are very pleased that these brands have come in to help us to not only advocate the importance of child safety seats but also to make more child safety seats accessible to those in the B40 income group. We hope more partners will continue to join us in taking ownership of this shared responsibility as we move towards collectively affecting change.\u201d\nThe \nsecond phase\n of the subsidy programme will focus on catering to the remaining registrants from the first phase with a range of child safety seats for newborns to children up to 36 kg.\nThis includes the \nsnskidz Ace infant carrier car seat\n (for newborn to 13kg), the \nsnskidz Sport car seat \n(for newborn to 18kg) and the \nsnskidz Proto\n (for 2 year-olds to 36kg). All snskidz child safety seats carry the ECE R44-04 certification.\n \nEach of the snskidz child safety seats will be available with a RM50 subsidy, on top of the discounted price from Safe \u2018n Sound exclusive for recipients of the subsidy programme.\nThe snskidz Ace will be available at a subsidised price of\n RM99\n (RRP: RM199), the snskidz Sport at RM169 (RRP: RM269) and snskidz Proto at RM249 (RM349).\nIn hopes of accelerating the delivery of child safety seats amongst the first 25,000 registrants, BMW Malaysia, Safe \u2018n Sound and Childline Foundation are also \ninitiating a public fundraiser on Shopee where the public is welcomed to contribute with no minimum amount\n. All funds raised will be channeled to Childline Foundation to subsidise as many child safety seats as possible for the remaining registrants.\nRecipients of the subsidy programme will receive a unique Shopee voucher worth RM113 which can be applied upon checkout on the site."
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that \nTenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)\n in collaboration with Mysuri Biz Technologies Sdn Bhd will provide \n1,000 units\n of Electric Vehicle (EV) taxis to support Malaysia\u2019s go-green efforts. The announcement was made at the fifth International Sustainable Energy Summit (ISES) 2022.\nHe said a legal regulatory framework will be established for the safety of the development of EV charging infrastructure, so that aspects of public and user safety are preserved and guaranteed, as reported by \nThe Edge Markets\n.\nLondon Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC)\n is a leading manufacturer and retailer of electric vehicles in the UK\nAt the ISES 2022, the Malaysian Prime Minister said, \u201cI would also like to inform you that Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), in collaboration with Mysuri Biz Technologies Sdn Bhd, will provide \n1,000 units\n of EV taxis, in support of the country\u2019s decarbonisation efforts. The involvement of GLCs (government-linked companies) such as TNB needs to be intensified to support the development of the country\u2019s EV industry.\u201d\nThe summit is a collaboration between the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. SEDA was established in September 2011 under the SEDA Act 2011 (Act 726), with the key purpose of driving the renewable energy and energy efficiency agenda in the country.\nRELATED: \nHyundai IONIQ 5 \u2018Robotaxi\u2019 self-driving taxi to begin operation in 2023\nStrides EV taxi fleet in Singapore uses the MG 5 EV. Photo: \nStrides Taxi/Facebook\nSo far, there have yet to be any EV taxis in Malaysia. Even hybrid taxis are not a thing here. Our neighbouring countries like Thailand and Singapore already have a few EV taxis, mostly using budget cars like the MG 5 EV.\nAs for EV infrastructure, TNB has collaborated with PLUS Malaysia to set up \nan EV charging network along the North-South Expressway (NSE)\n. The Malaysian energy company has also announced that it \nwill help logistics company DHL in installing more EV charging stations\n to prepare DHL to switch to EVs soon."
"While the announcement to \ncancel the 2020 Australian grand prix\n didn\u2019t come as a surprise, the time it took FIA, the F1 governing body and local organisers to finally come to their senses was shocking, with Friday\u2019s practice session literally hours away after the McLaren team had already withdrawn a day earlier due to a team personnel having been \ntested positive for Covid-19\n.\n \nThere were already murmurs of discontent among the drivers with reigning champion \nLewis Hamilton\n describing it as\n \u2018shocking\u2019 \nthat they are even at Albert Park, Melbourne amidst a \nglobal pandemic\n, while four-time world champion \nSebastian Vettel\n also echoed doubts whether the show should go on.\n https://twitter.com/F1/status/1238242680326553602\nAcross the globe, major sporting events have been called off as governments ban mass gatherings and urge populations to practice social distancing. Focus will now turn to the next two races \u2013 \nBahrain on 22\nnd\n March and Vietnam on 5\nth\n April\n, on whether they too will suffer the same fate \u2013 and how the 2020 Formula 1 season can be salvaged."
"The Malaysian government, via the Environment and Water Ministry, has begun instructing fuel suppliers to commence dispensing low-sulphur Euro 5M Diesel from today, \nApril 1st 2021\n.\nWait a minute, hasn\u2019t fuel companies been offering \nEuro 5M Diesel\n since the middle of 2016? Upon further checking, the government has now completely phased out the Euro 2M standard that originated from the mid-90s, offering just Euro 5M diesel but with \ntwo blends of biodiesel\n.\nThe Euro 5M Diesel which we are familiar has a palm oil biodiesel-to-petroleum diesel blend of 7%, dubbed \nB7\n. Meanwhile, the newly introduced diesel fuel will continue to have a higher percentage of palm oil biodiesel of 10% or labelled as \nB10\n.\nBased on a visit to \nBHPetrol\n and \nCaltex\n websites, both blends of Euro 5M specification diesel will continue to use blue nozzles for B7 and black for B10. Owners of modern turbocharged diesel engines such as the \nSkyActiv-D 2.2\n unit from Mazda and \nHyundai Santa Fe 2.2CRDi\n must continue to use the B7 blend, as a 7% blend of palm oil biodiesel is the maximum quantity the engine can safely and reliably operate with.\nRefer to the fuel door as well as owner\u2019s manual on the biodiesel blend. This Hyundai model only takes a maximum of B7 biodiesel\nMeanwhile, the black-nozzled B10 biodiesel is targeted at commercial vehicles in the transportation sector, as well as some \nmodern pick-up\n trucks. The phased-out \nEuro 2M diesel is 50 times \u201cdirtier\u201d\n than the \nEuro 5M specifications\n, as the sulphur content is 500 parts per million (ppm), resulting in higher levels of dangerous emissions in the air.\nAccording to the minister, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the phasing out of Euro 2M diesel was September 1st 2020, but a decision was made in June 2020 to postpone the implementation date seven months later due to the constraints faced by industries as well as the outbreak of Covid-19. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe latest weekly fuel price announcement states that diesel prices remain at \nRM2.25 per litre for B7\n blend and \nRM2.15 per litre for B10\n blend, which are ceiling prices that have been set by the government since February 2021. The price of the uncapped \nRON 97 fuel\n has been on a rising trend, now retailing at RM2.52 per litre."
"UMW Toyota Motor has updated the prices of the Corolla Cross, Fortuner and Hilux after recently revealing the new prices of the \nCorolla Altis and Camry\n. The Corolla Altis 1.8E is now priced at \nRM134,888\n while the 1.8G is priced at \nRM145,888\n, representing a RM4,000 increase from before. The Camry on the other hand is now priced at \nRM219,800\n, an increase of RM10,000 from before.\nAs for the \nCorolla Cross\n, the 1.8G now costs \nRM130,400\n (up RM2,097), the 1.8V at \nRM137,400\n (up RM2,971) and the \nCorolla Cross Hybrid\n at \nRM140,000\n (up RM2,009).\nPrices have also gone up for the\n Fortuner \nwith the 2.4 AT (diesel) now priced at \nRM184,880\n, the 2.7 SRZ AT (petrol) at \nRM191,880\n and the 2.8 VRZ (diesel) at \nRM225,880\n. Prices for all three models have been increased by RM5,000.\nFour variants of the \nHilux\n range have seen a RM3,000 increase and this includes the 2.4 Single Cab MT now priced at \nRM98,880\n, the 2.4E AT priced at \nRM114,880\n, 2.4V AT priced at \nRM139,880\n and the 2.8 Rogue AT priced at \nRM152,880\n. As for the 2.4E MT, it\u2019s now costs RM2,000 more at \nRM112,880\n.\nPrices for models such as the \nVeloz\n, \nYaris\n, \nVios\n and \nInnova\n remains unchanged from before.\n."
"In 1982, the makers of some of the prolific cars on the planet decided to venture into a segment of the market unheard of for the luxury marque. Bearing in mind this came from a company with an illustrious and colourful past. The icon for dignitaries, head of state, royalty and captains of industries. Mercedes-Benz debuted the 190E.\n\u00a0\nPenned in 1979, the W201 \u2013 dubbed the \u201cBaby Benz\u201d \u2013 had a rather expensive birth with Mercedes spending around \n600 million British pounds\n (RM3.4 billion) on research and development, and was promptly labeled as one of the most over-engineered models. Three different variants were introduced, namely the 190, 190E and 190D. The one more familiar to us is the 190E\u00a0(E for Einspritzung or Fuel Injection) that was powered by a \n122 hp\n, four cylinder engine. Not impressive by today\u2019s standards, but this workhorse went on to sell over \n1.8 million\n units in its 11 year lifespan.\nMercedes-Benz Typ 190 E 2.3-16, der Baureihe 201, 1984.\nAround this time, the automotive giants were plunged into a rallying battle. Audi, amongst others, were dominating the motorsports scene. Mercedes then introduced the \n320 hp Cosworth-\npowered 190E, but they were simply too late to the party. The 190E was hopelessly outclassed by the competition, primarily the almighty\u00a0turbocharged \nAudi Quattro\n.\nAMG however, was a tuning company more familiar with the racing series called \nDeutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft \nor\n DTM\n. Therein lies the genesis of that legendary partnership. Mercedes went on to introduce the AMG DTM competition touring car in 1993 and subsequently conceived the W201 that also featured a\u00a0\n190E 2.5-16 Evolution\n which had a bodykit and engine fitted specifically to keep up with the BMW M3.\n \n \nIn early 1990, Mercedes had a bit of a rethink with their naming-paradigm. Hence, all models were class-prefixed from thereon in. With that, in May of \n1993\n, the newly named \nW202\n C-Class was introduced as a replacement for the 190E. The C-class was Mercedes\u2019 entry-level model until 1997 with the introduction of the A-Class. The C-Class was also introduced with revolutionary-at-the-time safety features such\n SRS Airbags\n, \nSIPS\n (side impact protection system), \nBrake Assist\n and\n Traction Control\n; giving its competitor, the BMW 3 Series a good run for its money.\nCommonly seen on our shores are the C180, C200 and C220 models that featured\u00a0\nmulti-valve\n\u00a0four cylinder engines that made\u00a0\n120 hp, 138 hp \nand\n 148 hp\n\u00a0respectively. This global model came in a variety of oil burners as well. AMG was hard at work as well, coming up with the \nC32 AMG\n that was fitted with a\u00a0\n3.6-litre\n straight-six engine putting out \n276 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque. This model was put to head to head with the E36 BMW M3. The Merc boasted a 0 to 100 sprint time of \n5.8 seconds\n\u00a0and had an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\nW202 C36 AMG \u2013 Photo credits to \ncarwallpapers.ru\nIn 1997 though, Mercedes released an uprated model of an AMG-badge bearing C-Class called the\n C43 AMG\n. This featured for the first time in this line of cars a \nV8\n (M113) engine which made \n306 hp\n and \n410 Nm\n of twist. This was also the first hot Mercedes model to be made at the AMG plant in\u00a0Affalterbach. That said, the performance figures were similar to that of the previous version, with the difference being that the C43 had a higher top speed of\u00a0\n270 km/h\n. It came with a\u00a0Tiptronic transmission shifter and used the braking system from the\u00a0\nE55 AMG\n model.\nAfter a seven year production run, the W202 was replaced with \u2013 yes you guessed it \u2013 the\u00a0\nW203\n model which debuted early in the turn of the century. Aside from the usual estate or stationwagon variant that it superseded, the W203 also debuted with a coupe body. The diesel models were also introduced with mechanical features such as \ncommonrail direct inject\n and \nvariable geometry turbochargers\n. \nAll-wheel-drive\n was also featured as an option for certain models in the range. This newer iteration was also more fuel efficient, thanks to variable valve timing technology. The W203 went on to sell\n 1.4 million units\n in the duration of its life span.\n \n \nMercedes worked tirelessly with now in-house tuner \nAMG\n to perfect the BMW M3-beating concoction. The W203 received not one, not two, but three different variants in its six-year life span. As the previous generation had a V8 engine, the W203 initially featured a \nsupercharged 3.2-litre V6\n engine which belted a respectable \n350 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque; numbers in great favour of an ideal power-to-weight ratio.\nThe result? A seemingly worthy E46 BMW M3 rival; one that manages the century sprint in 5.2 seconds. Not to be outdone, the C32\u00a0AMG gave way in a mid-gen facelift to the\n C55 AMG\n, which was powered by a \n5.5-litre V8\n taken straight out of the E55 AMG model. This unit made \n367 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of torque. Immediately the sprint time dropped to \n4.7 seconds\n. Power was sent to the rear wheels via AMG\u2019s PowerShift \nfive-speed\n \ngearbox\n.\nOddly enough, Mercedes decided to dabble with the idea of an \noil-burning AMG\n model dubbed the \nC30 CDI AMG\n. It used a \n3.0-litre inline-five cylinder\n engine that dished out \n231 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque. This model received credit for being the most powerful production diesel powered car in the world. Sadly, the\u00a0\nC30 CDI AMG\n had appalling sales figures and remained as\n the only diesel powered AMG model made thus far\n. Mercedes went back to the drawing board whilst the BMW M3 remained undisputed.\n \n \nManufactured in 2007 with a total sales figure of over\n 2.4 million units\n, the W204 featured a more S-Class-esque styling cue. Conventionally designed by clay, the W204 was designed in virtual reality called a \ndigital prototype\n where engineers could simulate and perform crash tests and make structural changes to the layout \nbefore\n the actual prototype was built.\nThe W204 was also the most extensively tested C-Class to date. Four different trim levels were offered with this model, beginning with the \nClassic, Elegance, Avantgarde\n and \nAMG\n trims. The C-Class also featured a revised navigation system which was displayed on a\n\u00a0seven-inch LCD screen\n. Later models received\n\u00a0LED DRLs\u00a0\nfor the first time on a C-Class. Another C-Class\u2019 first was the debut of Mercedes\u2019 \nBlueEFFICIENCY\n diesel technology.\nThe W204 was jam packed with a plethora of safety programs such as \u00a0\nAdaptive Highbeam Assist\n, \nActive Lane Keeping Assist\n, \nActive Blind Spot Assist\n,\n PRE-SAFE Brake\n, \nLane Keeping Assist\n and\n Blind Spot Assist\n; just name a few. The brand\u2019s BlueEFFICIENCY tech was highly regarded and praised with \nexcellent\n fuel consumption and low Co2 emissions.\nAfter relentlessly testing and re-engineering, the W204 gave birth to the \nC63 AMG\n which was purportedly a \u2018built-from-the-ground-up\u2019 model with a \n6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8\n.\u00a0It\u2019s a different approach, considering how the previous models were simply slapped with a larger engine on the same body and chassis. The C63 used a detuned version of the very powerplant (\nM156\n) used to power the \nSLS AMG\n and a host of other AMG Mercs.\n \n \nThis made it a much better rival for the \nAudi RS4\n and \nBMW M3\n with \n451\u00a0hp\n at 6,800 rpm and\n 600\u00a0Nm\n of torque at 5,000 rpm,\u00a0mated to a \nseven-speed SpeedShift\n\u00a0multi-clutch transmission (MCT)\u00a0with \nthree shift modes\n \u2013 Comfort, Sport and Manual. The C63 effectively put to shame some of the more distinguished sports cars, boasting a blistering 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of \n4.4 seconds\n. Needless to say that\u00a0Mercedes finally cracked the code with this winning combination.\nNow in its fifth generation, the \nW205\n was presented to the world in February 2014 featuring more rigid and lightened chassis that\u2019s \n100 kg\n less than its predecessor. Couple that with an S-Class oriented design fascia, the C-Class has never looked better and will surely fly off the shelves all over the world.\nIt\u2019s rather amazing what this broadly\u00a0successful premium compact car has achieved over the years. Numerous attempts, trials and errors have truly shaped the C-Class to what it is today, and it has shown the world that variety truly is the spice of life. From rallying to touring car racing and then a muscle car; the\u00a0humble C-Class is clearly a versatile one. But one thing is for sure \u2013 we have yet to see the best of the W205, for it has shown the world what versatility truly means.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During the reveal of the \nrefreshed Range Rover SVAutobiography\n, Land Rover provided limited photos of its luxury SUV. Now, the British carmaker has now released additional official images for us to have a closer look at SVAutobiography.\nAs reported earlier, the SVAutobiography is an (even more) upmarket version of the long-wheelbase Range Rover. The four-seater SUV has its interior reimagined to be a \nFirst-Class Cabin\n that features quilted Nappa leather upholstery, \nExecutive Class rear seats\n, powered rear doors, full-length centre console, a detachable 10.0-inch touchscreen rear entertainment system and an exclusive \nZenith analogue clock\n.   The Executive Class rear seats are able to recline up to \n40-degrees\n and gets features such as the hot stone massage function as well as heated calf and footrests. Thanks to the new seat design and extended wheelbase, rear passengers have the luxury of \n1.2 metres worth of legroom\n.\nPowertrain options for the Range Rover SVAutobiography include a 4.4-litre turbodiesel V8 with \n334 hp\n, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with \n557 hp\n and the recently introduced \n2.0-litre P400e plug-in hybrid\n packing \n398 hp\n and\n 640 Nm\n of torque.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has introduced the 2020 Jaguar XE here in Malaysia, which has been given a facelift update globally last year. The new \nJaguar XE\n will be available here in a sole \nR-Dynamic variant\n, with prices starting from \nRM395,831.02\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n effective until the end of 2020.\nEXTERIOR\nThe 2020 Jaguar XE has received a mild cosmetic makeover with this update. Thanks to the R-Dynamic package, the Malaysian-specification Jaguar XE also gets sportier front and rear bumpers, the former featuring aircraft winglet-inspired styling cues on the air inlets.\nVisual updates on the new Jaguar XE include:\nReworked headlights with \u2018J\u2019 blade daytime-running lights\nRedesigned taillights with new bolder, sharper lighting signature\nLarger air intakes on the front bumper\nDark mesh detailing on the rear bumper, with integrated dual exhaust exits\nNew 18-inch wheel styles\nPERFORMANCE\nThe updated Jaguar XE is available in Malaysia only in P300 form, featuring Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s 2.0-litre Turbocharged Ingenium engine.\nEngine: P300 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine\nTransmission: ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic\nPowertrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,500 RPM\nMax torque: 400 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nTo enhance the refinement of the sports sedan, Jaguar equipped a pendulum damper in the torque converter gearbox of the XE that is \u201cextremely effective at absorbing low frequency vibrations\u201d, allowing the engine to run at lower speeds \u2013 thus resulting in better fuel economy.\nJaguar Drive Control is also fitted as standard on the XE, with switchable driving modes that alters the engine and transmission response, steering feel, parasitic load management, as well as traction and stability control. This is controlled via a toggle switch on the centre console.\nINTERIOR\nMuch like most recent Jaguar and Land Rover facelift updates, the new XE also sees a significant overhaul to its interior styling, though retaining the overall architecture from before. Changes in the cabin include:\nNew Touch Pro Duo infotainment system; 10-inch upper infotainment display, 5.5-inch lower screen for climate control and drive settings, two dynamic rotary dials with integrated display\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\nSmartphone Pack, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nWireless charging pad\nNew pistol-style gear shifter stalk\nThe new updated Jaguar XE also comes equipped with Smart Settings, as seen on recent JLR models including the \nall-new Range Rover Evoque\n,\n \nJaguar E-Pace\n, and \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n. The feature uses artificial intelligence to learn the driver\u2019s preference in climate control, infotainment, and comfort settings over time, and will preset the right settings when the driver is approaching the car, with separate profiles for different keys and mobile phones.\nSAFETY\nThe safety equipment on the Jaguar XE have been given a minor spec bump, with a couple of new additions to the active driver assistance suite. As standard, safety kit on the XE now includes:\nDriver condition monitoring\nLane keep assist with lane departure warning\nPark Assist with 360-degree Parking Aid\nTraffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter\nRear traffic monitor\nSix airbags\nDynamic stability control\nTraction control\nPRICING\nThe updated 2020 Jaguar XE is now available in Malaysia in the sole P300 R-Dynamic form, with prices starting at\n RM395,831.02\n, on the road, and without insurance. The price listed here also includes the\n \nsales tax exemptions\n that is in place until the end of 2020.\nIncluded in the price is also the Jaguar Care programme, which includes a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, as well as three years of free roadside assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the \nDaihatsu\n safety scandal involving the Yariz Ativ/Vios and Axia/Agya, further internal investigations have revealed that the Toyota Raize has also been involved in a safety scandal. The safety issue concerns the UN-R135 test, which is a pole side collision test. According to Daihatsu, instead of submitting the right driver\u2019s seat data for test, the company submitted the left side data.\nLike the \nVios\n/Yariz Ativ issue, the Toyota Raize\u2019s safety scandal concerns the driver door. In the pole side impact test (UN-R135), the left and tight test must be performed and the data must be submitted. Quoting Daihatsu on its official website, \u201cThis time, the passenger seat side (left) was tested in the presence of witnesses. For the driver\u2019s seat side, we submitted the left side data instead of the right-side in-house test data.\u201d\nAccording to Daihatsu, this matter was discovered during an internal inspection of Daihatsu\u2019s certification operations in response to Daihatsu\u2019s announcement on April 28, 2023, that it had committed wrongdoing in conducting side impact collision tests of vehicles destined for overseas markets.\nThe Toyota Raize is essentially the same model as the Daihatsu Rocky and the \nPerodua Ativa\n. Sales of the Daihatsu Rocky have also been suspended, but no statements have been made regarding the Perodua counterpart of the Toyota Raize. With the \nAxia\n, Vios, and now the Raize being involved in the Daihatsu safety scandal, it is possible that the Alza/Veloz may be affected too. No news has surfaced regarding these models yet.\nRELATED: \nNo recalls for Toyota Vios amidst Daihatsu safety \u201cprocedural irregularity\u201d\nIn a statement released by Toyota, the company says that \u201cAll Group companies, including Toyota Motor Corporation, have begun a company-wide reexamination and thorough review of the governance system until now. We will work with Daihatsu to carefully address this matter while listening to the voices of those on the front lines. We will also continue to report on the details as soon as they become available.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMIROS to assess Perodua Axia safety, no complaints received so far\nDaihatsu Motor Corporation, in a statement, said, \u201cOur company believes that this fraud is a fraud in the area related to vehicle safety and is not socially acceptable. It is thought that management failed to get involved in the field, neglecting compliance with laws and fostering a healthy corporate culture, and lost sight of proper car manufacturing, leading to the occurrence of fraudulent acts.\u201d\n\u201cRather than ending this incident of misconduct as a mere matter of business conduct, the reforms are tied to the philosophy and action guidelines of the entire corporate group. We will thoroughly investigate the environment and the root cause, work on improvement and recurrence prevention, and will work with the determination to change the company so that the same mistake will not be repeated by draining the pus.\u201d\n\u201cThe Company will fully cooperate with the third-party committee\u2019s full clarification of the incident and its root cause analysis. In addition, management will immediately communicate with the workplace and focus on creating a workplace where people can speak frankly.\u201d\nUPDATE: \nToyota Raize passes in-house re-test of UN-R135, authorities to confirm"
"For a limited period, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is adding a new variant to the Mitsubishi Triton model line-up in the shape of the Triton Knight, albeit over \n120 units in total\n and only available in \u2018\nWhite Diamond\n\u2019.\nIn essence, the Triton Knight is an accessorised version of the top-of-the-range Triton Adventure X and adds a grey \nfront bumper garnish\n, \nhood protector\n, \nbody stickers\n and \nside window deflectors\n. On the inside, the Knight gets carpet mats with red stitching and customised scuff plates.\nOtherwise, the rest of the Triton Knight remains unchanged from \nthe Adventure X,\n which means you get a plethora of standard equipment that includes All Round Monitor (overhead camera view when negotiating tight spaces), digital video recorder, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.\nThe Triton Knight is priced at \nRM137,900\n, which is the same as the Triton Adventure X, but for existing customers of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, there is an additional cash rebate of up to \nRM3,000 \nif you purchase any variant of the Triton, or if you are a pick-up owner (all brands), you\u2019ll also receive a \nRM2,000\n rebate on any Triton you may fancy, both cash incentives are on top of current promotions.\n \nThe Mitsubishi Triton range of pick-ups is priced from RM79,890 for the recently launched \nTriton Quest 4\u00d72\n \u2013 the most affordable pick-up truck in the Malaysian market."
"In the press conference following the launch of the Arteon R-Line here in Malaysia, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia Managing Director, Erik Winter confirmed that the Golf Mk.8 will be making its introduction here in Malaysia soon.\nResponding to media queries on the brand\u2019s signature hatchback, Winter said: \u201cThe golf is an icon. We have had the Golf for many years in Malaysia with very big successes. Let me put it this way \u2013 we are working very hard to get the car into the market soon.\u201d\nWinter added that the car faced delays in its rollout schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting movement control orders (MCO), compounded by the global chip shortage issue faced by carmakers worldwide.\nCheck out this drift battle between a Volkswagen Golf R and a Mercedes-AMG A 45 S!\n\u201cBut, we are progressing right now, and I\u2019m sure that we will meet up soon again to discuss more in detail about this car \u2013 hopefully not virtual\u201d, a remark on the virtual car launches and press conferences that have now become the norm within the industry in an effort to reduce social contact due ot the pandemic.\nThe latest country to receive the all-new Volkswagen Golf in our region is Singapore. The iconic hatchback is offered in two variants in the island nation \u2013 a 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid (with three equipment packages \u2013 Life, Life Plus, and R-Line), as well as the \nGolf GTI\n.\nHere\u2019s everything you need to know about the Volkswagen Golf in Singapore.\nFor the former, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine is paired to an integrated\u00a048V starter-generator, making \n150 hp \nand\n 250 Nm\n in total. Power is sent through a dual-clutch DSG gearbox to the front wheels for a 0-100 km/h time of \n8.5 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n224 km/h\n.\nMeanwhile, the GTI gets an EA888 evo4 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill, boasting \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque on tap. It\u2019s also paired to a seven-speed DSG transmission (unfortunately no manual, and we expect the same for Malaysia too) for a century sprint time of\n 6.3 seconds\n.\nWill we see the same offerings for the Volkswagen Golf here in Malaysia? Only time will tell \u2013 but as it stands, it doesn\u2019t seem like we\u2019ll be waiting too much longer."
"As an ongoing commitment to offer quality aftersales services for its customers, \nVolvo Car Malay\ns\nia\n today unveiled a new warranty programme, called \u2018Customer Lifetime Parts Warranty\u2019 that aims to give all Volvo customers added peace of mind throughout their vehicle ownership.\nThe warranty programme is automatically eligible for all customers who have purchased and installed Volvo genuine parts at an authorised Volvo dealership from 1 October 2021 onwards. And as the name suggests, the warranty will be valid for the entirety of the car\u2019s lifetime, as long as it\u2019s still under the ownership of the registered car owner.\nUnder the warranty programme, in the event that customers require repair or replacement for any genuine Volvo parts due to a material or manufacturing defect, Volvo Car Malaysia will repair and replace the part free of charge.\nThe Volvo S90 T8 PHEV facelift has just been launched in Malaysia earlier this year. Check it out here!\nFor customers with older Volvo models who have not visited an authorised Volvo service centre for more than two years, their cars will be required to undergo a Volvo Health Check to determine that it\u2019s in good condition and has not been modified or tempered with in any way.\nThe customers will only be able to purchase parts under the warranty programme if the health check is passed, and will then be required to send their car back to any Volvo authorised dealership for subsequent services to ensure that the warranty remains valid.\nInterested customers should also note that the warranty programme does not cover the regular wear and tear parts, as outlined in the warranty manual. The Volvo authorised dealerships nationwide will be able to advise you on the full scope of parts covered.\u00a0\nVolvo Car Malaysia\u2019s new online service lets you browse its entire pre-owned car selection. Learn more here.\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, \u201cThis new offering is part of our commitment to provide the best after-sales services for our customers.\n\u201cCustomer satisfaction have always been a pivotal aspect for Volvo, and through this warranty programme, our customers can now enjoy the benefits of decreased maintenance costs and experience the quality offered by Volvo, in the years to come.\u201d\nEarlier this year, Volvo Car Malaysia also announced a \nrevised extended warranty programme\n, where all new Volvo cars registered from 1 January 2021 onwards will now come with a factory five-year unlimited mileage warranty."
"Ahead of its official European launch in \u201clate 2021\u201d, Honda has now revealed more information about the e:HEV hybrid powertrain underneath the bonnet of the \nall-new HR-V \n\u2013 the sole powertrain offering in the continent.\nJust like our \nHonda City R.S.\n, the Honda HR-V in Europe will also be powered by the marque\u2019s i-MMD hybrid set-up, consisting of a 1.5-litre i-VTEC atkinson-cycle engine, alongside a pair of compact electric motors.\nIn total, the e:HEV system makes \n131 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n10.6 seconds.\n Meanwhile, fuel economy is rated at \n5.4 l/100km\n based on the WLTP test cycle.\nSharp-eyed readers will notice the similar torque figure between the European-spec HR-V and our City RS e:HEV, though Honda says that the new powertrain in the HR-V features a number of improvements, including revisions to the internal combustion engine that resulted in an \u201cincrease in torque\u201d, as well as an increase of battery cells from 48 to 60, owing to the HR-V\u2019s larger size.\nThe latter allows for better storage and deployment of electric power over the existing European-market Jazz, which has a maximum electric throughput of 80 kW. Despite the increased battery size, Honda says that the interior space on the all-new Honda HR-V was not compromised.\nWill the all-new Honda HR-V still retain its crown when it makes its way to Malaysia? We think so \u2013 click here to find out why!\nAs with the other e:HEV models, the Honda HR-V will automatically select the most efficient power delivery mode (between hybrid, electric, or engine drive) at any given time. Honda says that the transfer between the driving modes is \u201cvirtually unnoticeable\u201d to the occupants.\nBut on top of that, there are also three driving modes available for the driver to choose from \u2013 Econ, Normal, and Sport. Econ mode automatically adjusts the air conditioning system and throttle response for enhanced fuel efficiency; Sport enables a sharper throttle response; Normal, as the name suggests, is a balance between the two.\nDid you know that the e:HEV powertrain is related to Formula 1 cars? Read more about it here!\nFor energy recuperation, drivers can also switch to a \u201cB-range\u201d from the transmission for an \u201cincreased EV-like experience\u201d with a more aggressive recuperation profile, allowing for a near single-pedal operation. The energy recovery strength can be further adjusted via the paddles behind the steering wheel.\nHonda also says that the use of a single fixed gear ratio transmission on the HR-V\u2019s e:HEV hybrid system creates significantly lower friction as compared to a conventional power split system with a planetary gearbox, which ultimately results in lower energy consumption for pure electric driving.\nWith all that being said, will the upcoming all-new Honda HR-V feature a similar hybrid powertrain when it\u2019s eventually launched here in Malaysia? Based on the fact that we were one of the first to locally assemble the e:HEV powertrain (for the Honda City R.S.) outside of Japan, we\u2019d say that there\u2019s certainly a chance!\nHonda Malaysia might also feel a slight pressure coming from UMW Toyota, since the latter has also recently announced its \ncommitment to locally-assemble electrified models\n here.\nAt the end of the day, it will still be a business decision, and if there\u2019s enough demand for it, then perhaps Honda Malaysia could more easily justify the business case. So with that being said, would you be excited to see the Honda HR-V e:HEV here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below!"
"Following the \nteaser\n\u00a0released a week ago, Lexus has finally uncovered the LS 500 F Sport that\u2019s set to make its appearance in the upcoming 2017 New York International Auto\u00a0Show. The sharp Lexus LS 500 F Sport marks the third LS 500 model offered, following the standard \nLS 500\n and the \nhybrid LS 500h\n.   Unlike its tamer siblings, the LS 500 F Sport looks more rebellious with its\u00a0F Sport addenda. Unique to this LS is the complex front grille that has 7,100\u00a0individual surfaces, 2,100 more than the standard LS. Working together with the Spindle grille are two larger side intakes to improve air cooling.\u00a0The LS 500 F Sport gets bigger \n20-inch wheels\n, as well as two exclusive exterior hues \u2013\u00a0\nWhite Nova\n and \nHeat Blue\n.   The sporty theme is also found on the inside, with the\u00a0seat covered with perforated leather and Ultrasuede. As always with F Sport models, it obtains aluminium pedals and footrest together with\u00a0F Sport steering wheel and LFA-influenced instruments.\nJust like the other F Sport models, no performance gains are made. It can be had with either the \n415 hp 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6\n from the standard LS 500 or the \n295 hp 3.5-litre V6 hybrid\n. The former reaches 100 km/h from nought in 4.5 seconds, while the hybrid does that in 5.2 seconds.\nBeing a sporty sedan that poised to be\u00a0\u201c\nthe most engaging LS driving experience yet\n\u201d means it has bigger brakes\u00a0and sport-tuned air suspension. It benefits from the latest \nVehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)\n chassis control system that tweaks the ABS, traction control, ESC and steering\u00a0while at different speeds.\nBack on\u00a0our shores, Lexus Malaysia offer the F Sport trim on\u00a0most of its models. There\u2019s a good chance all three LS 500s to\u00a0make their\u00a0way here in the near future, to provide\u00a0the\u00a0\nW222 Mercedes S-Class \nand \nG11 BMW 7 Series\n\u00a0with some competition.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The holiday season is upon us. It\u2019s the time of the year where your children have two months\u2019 worth of free time to kill, and yourself a full two-week break from the daily grind. That\u2019s if you\u2019ve been hard at work, of course. All\u2019s good, then. Now that everyone is off duty, what better time than now to take your family out on a holiday?\nIdeally, you\u2019d rather fly off to a foreign land to spend a good chunk of your dividend at a four-star countryside resort, away from the gloomy year-end wet spell and miserable haze. And yet, despite having the means, you\u2019re discouraged because the depreciating Malaysian Ringgit wouldn\u2019t afford you that family suite with a private swimming pool you know your kids will love. Let\u2019s say you\u2019re willing to dig deeper into your wallet and insist on leaving, to which you did. A week or two later, you\u2019re all smiles until you lay eyes on your prized daily driver. It\u2019s covered in layers of dust, gecko droppings and left exposed to the heat and rain. Worst of all, the engine wouldn\u2019t start.\nOkay. Now backpedal to being discouraged about the Ringgit. At this point, a road trip sounds delightful, plus you get to enjoy spending hours of chatter and laughter with your family, all within the comfort and privacy of your beloved car. Unfortunately, given the nature of my journalistic profession, any road trip spanning two days or more is borderline fanciful, if not unlikely at all. It was all gloom and doom until I read an extensively elaborated e-mail from Shell Malaysia, but the only words that caught this selective pair of eyes were \u201cSponsored Road Trip.\u201d It\u2019s quite possibly the closest experience to having a prayer answered, and I unhesitatingly, without reading the T&Cs, agreed.\nTo add to my delight, the sponsored bid also covers an engine oil change \u2013 one that was just tens of kilometres before my car was due. The only catch was I had to use to their brand new (this one\u2019s a mouthful) \nfully synthetic Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30 motor oil\n. I regretted not reading the fine print for two reasons \u2013 I had no clue what I was getting myself into and I wasn\u2019t sure if the engine oil would suit my Korean daily driver given the viscosity rating. After a quick check with the user handbook and a reliable mechanic, I was all good to go and off I went \u2013 to Penang.\nYes, as cliche and predictable as it may sound, I haven\u2019t actually seen Penang for what it is, much less get embroiled in unprincipled glut at the many hawker stands in George Town. So for that, I\u2019ve committed to finding the best Char Kuey Teow (fried flat rice noodle) during my visit, but not before deciding on a place to spend the night. Now this is where the conventional meets the unconventional. Instead of making a reservation at a seaside resort, I chose a place smack-dab in the middle of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage city. If the picture below is any indication of the building\u2019s age, inside is a whole different world altogether.   Playing host to my stay in George Town was a kind lad by the name of Chee Sek Thim, a local theatrical director who runs the Airbnb-listed guesthouse known as \nSINKEH\n, which means \u2018newcomer\u2019 in the Hokkien dialect. If you haven\u2019t already guessed by now, I found this gem of a place through Airbnb.com \u2013 a Californian-based homestay listing website that\u2019s now valued at over $25 billion. This 19th century Straits Chinese house located along Malay Street (Lebuh Melayu) is an architectural wonder in its own right; a quintessential memento left behind by 19th century Chinese immigrants comprised of traders, coolies and craftsmen.\nSINKEH is just one of many post colonial remnants that stood the test of time. Within the seemingly dilapidated fa\u00e7ade is a setting that\u2019s unlike any resorts or hotels. And if you\u2019re a dog person like myself, Luna with the rest of her human companions will make you feel well at home. I was hit by a sense of surrealism just standing at the reception while my eyes soaked in the century-old beauty with both feet absorbing the cold smooth cement floor; fingers running through the creases of the red brick countertop and towering rusted door, followed by the perpetual mild scent of nature oozing off the greeneries by the common area. Home never felt this close, and I hadn\u2019t an ounce of envy for my other friends who were staying at The Northam all suites hotel.\nSek Thim was given the Building of the Year Award and Gold Award for Best Alteration and Addition to the century-old building\nAsk any Penang-bound Tom Dick and Harry on their reason for visit and I can wager on a pair of my 17-inch wheels that they\u2019re there to sample the country\u2019s best hawker dishes. I for one, am possibly the biggest gorger of char kuey teow and I, as mentioned earlier, have set out on a three-day hunt to actively seek out the tastiest diet-wrecking plate\u00a0in George Town. Unsurprisingly, the first two plates have already surpassed Kuala Lumpur\u2019s hawker standards, but the glut in me was far from satisfied.\nIt wasn\u2019t until three days, eight servings and a total of 50kms later before my palate was appeased at Cecil Street Market Hawker Centre. You can judge me all you want here, but I ordered two additional servings before calling it quits, just to fulfil the quota for this year and the next. I\u2019ve got to admit, ten plates of char kuey teow was just too much lard and carbs for me to stomach. What goes in, has to come out eventually, right? I\u2019ll leave the imagination to you, but suffice to say, I regretted it. Or did I? No, not really.\nDoes this plate of fried oysters not look good to you?\nAnother Godsend was the clear skies \u2013 something most of us KL dwellers have dreamed of for the past four months. During the drive to Penang, an environmentalist on BFM addressed the health implications of prolonged exposure to the haze and drew a startling comparison between inhaling haze particles and smoking cigarettes. I don\u2019t have to tell you which is worse, but nothing can be quite as bad as breathing in haze 24/7 for the past four months. So yes, the clear blue skies was something I immensely appreciated, on top of the cleaner Penang air and rain, of course.\nThe weather was forgiving enough for me to embark on a 30-minute drive from George Town to the Buddhist temple Kek Lok Si in Air Itam, or rather the famous Asam Laksa stall. Confession: We spent a little too much time taking pictures of food and of us eating, and by the time we made our move the sun was out and gone were the rainclouds. Heat and I don\u2019t mix well together, so I referred to Waze for a touristy suggestion and found that Penang Hill (also known as Bukit Bendera) was just over 5 minutes\u2019 drive away.\nA car wash a day keeps the frowns at bay\nUpon arrival, the usual weekend crowd was nowhere to be seen and parking was aplenty. Five minutes later and reality sent me Freddy Krueger in the form of three school busses, each ferrying what appeared to be hundreds of little primary schoolchildren. A few sighs and whines followed thereafter, but I didn\u2019t want my visit to be all about food \u2013 so up the funicular train we go and the first thing my eyes caught was the Love Lock bridge.\nIt\u2019s exactly what it sounds like, minus the obvious Paris and Romanian romance. I wouldn\u2019t for a second imagine a couple going full PDA on Penang Hill, although I\u2019m very certain it has happened before. Most of the messages on the Love Locks were washed away by rain, save for the newer ones including one that read \u201cI Love Pink\u201d. Not sure if the person gets the idea behind a Love Lock, but to spend RM30 in professing your fondness for the colour pink on a pink lock is kind of missing the point, unless the person is addressing American Pop R&B artist Alecia Beth Moore.\nSo, time for a quick recap. Short getaway, check. Amazing lodging, check. Food? A little too much for my own good, but check. There\u2019s one more thing that deserves some credit for this much needed road trip, and that\u2019s Shell\u2019s new engine oil. I know you must be thinking that since this is a sponsored article, all I have to do is rave about the new product and fabricate experiential advantages of it based on top of their marketing ploy.\nWell, I needn\u2019t. A little over six months ago, I participated in \nShell\u2019s Love My Ride Festival\n and \nsampled their most advanced engine oil\n then, which was the Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology 5W-40. There were evident gains \u2013 my car ran smoother, warm-up time was considerably shorter and the time taken from ignition to regular idling rev dropped to less than 10 seconds.\u00a0The 0W-30 fully synthetic motor oil is \u2018thinner\u2019 or less viscous than the 5W-40, but my engine performed flawlessly with no loss of power even when temperatures soared. It retains all of the 5W-40\u2019s characteristic advantages, but improves on lubricity, cleansing prowess and fuel economy.\u00a0\nThis road trip couldn\u2019t have happened at a better time, what more with everything else playing out better than planned. I\u2019ve learned so much about Penang and all its cultural and heritage grandiosity, and got more than I bargained for at SINKEH when the 19th century building rekindled my adoration for outright simplicity.\u00a0For those of you reading this and are planning a trip to Penang,\u00a0give Airbnb a shot. And as usual, for those who will be doing a lot of driving during this holiday season, be sure to have your ride properly serviced and get your tyres checked. After all, it is the monsoon season. Drive safe and happy holidays, folks.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There\u2019s probably nothing we can prescribe to you that you haven\u2019t already done this MCO so it\u2019s a good thing car companies, aside from channeling their resources to build ventilators, have gotten creative with their content.\nInstead of new car and tech announcements, \nAudi for example has put together a colouring book\n, featuring Audis of various generations and now Toyota has done this \u2013 a GT86 paper cut-out with \nsix different retro-inspired liveries\n.\nThese GT86s were originally created for the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed to help commemorate 50 years of Toyota in the UK. Upon unveiling, the crowd went wild according to Toyota hence the idea came about to give everyone an opportunity to have their own paper cut-out GT86.\nIdeally, Toyota says, get it printed on A3 paper, rather than A4, for a less complicated build and a larger model at the end. Using scissors, carefully separate each of the three main sections (the roof and two sides) and each of the four tyre tracks from the grey background. Be careful not to cut off the little white tabs with dots on.\nIf you asked me, I\u2019d say opt for a thicker, less crumple-prone piece of paper if you have butter fingers and cutters instead of scissors for better precision.\nHere are the links to the six different retro-inspired GT86s:\nYatabe Speed Trial Toyota 2000GT\nShelby Toyota 2000GT\nOve Andersson\u2019s Toyota Celica 1600GT\nIMSA GTU Toyota Celica\nCastrol Toyota Celica GT-Four\nEsso Ultron Tiger Toyota Supra\nFold and glue all of these tabs so they adhere to the underside of the adjacent panel as doing so will pull the car into a three-dimensional shape that should resemble a Toyota GT86. Keyword is should.\nToyota says this activity is for older children (meaning us) and it \nshould take about an hour to put together\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following in the footsteps of what seems like almost every other car manufacturer on earth these days, Subaru has confirmed that it is working on a fully-electric SUV, scheduled to be launched in the \u201cfirst half of 2020\u2019s\u201d.\nNot much information has been divulged in the short 125-word statement, aside from the fact that it will be \u201csimilar in size\u201d to the \nForester\n. The statement also says that the all-new C-segment EV SUV will be built on a platform that is shared with Toyota.\nSubaru unveiled a full-sized clay model for its upcoming EV earlier this year at a press conference in Tokyo.\nThe announcement did not come as a surprise, as the two companies already announced previously in June 2019 that they are jointly developing \u201ca new\u00a0C-segment-class BEV SUV model for sale under each company\u2019s own brand\u201d \u2013 which means, much like the \nGR86/BRZ\n, the new SUV will also be available as a Toyota.\nThe new fully-electric SUV will most likely be built on Toyota\u2019s latest e-TNGA platform, utilising Subaru\u2019s all-wheel drive technical know-how from its \nSymmetrical-AWD drivetrain\n. The new electric-focused architecture is also modular, so expect to see further models in the C- and D-segments \u2013 in both sedan and SUV form \u2013 from both marques.\nThe new EV SUV will reportedly use the name Evoltis.\nToyota has also \nrecently teased \nits offering based on the e-TNGA platform, and stated that the first model has already \u201chas already been developed and is being readied for production\u201d.\nThe new fully-electric SUV will be Subaru\u2019s second step in its electrification efforts. Prior to this, the Japanese carmaker has only dabbled in mild-hybrid technology using its e-Boxer powertrain, which has been featured on the Impreza, XV, and Forester. Subaru says that the Subaru XV e-Boxer and \nForester e-Boxer\n models today represents 60% of the sales volume in Europe."
"After announcing 27 different cars as the\n finalist of the Women\u2019s World Car of the Year\n awards at the end of January, the winners from each of the nine categories including one for electric cars, have been announced.\nThis is the 11th year the WWCOTY has taken place, where the cars are judged by 50 female motoring journalist from 38 countries. It is the only jury in the automotive industry made up exclusively by women.\n \nFollowing are the winners in each of the nine categories:\nBest Urban Car\n \u2013 Peugeot 208\nBest Family Car\n \u2013 Skoda Octavia\nBest Luxury Car\n \u2013 Lexus LC500 Convertible\nBest Sports Car\n \u2013 Ferrari F8 Spider\nBest Urban SUV\n \u2013 Peugeot 2008\nBest Medium SUV\n \u2013 Land Rover Defender\nBest Large SUV\n \u2013 Kia Sorento\nBest 4\u00d74 & Pick-up\n \u2013 Ford F-150\nBest EV \n\u2013 Honda e\nThese vehicles, launched between January and December 2020, represent excellence in their segments \nbased on\n \nsafety, comfort, technology, and value for the money.\n \n\u201cThe objective of the awards is to choose the best cars of the year. These are not \u2018women\u2019s cars\u2019 because there is no such thing,\u201d as highlighted by the committee.\nFollowing this, the Women\u2019s World Car of the Year panelist will now choose the \nBest Car of the Year \ndubbed the \u201cSupreme Winner\u201d from the nine category winners. The results will be announced on March 8, on International Women\u2019s Day."
"In January 2018, Volvo reported that orders for the \nVolvo XC40 exceeded 20,000 units globally.\n\u00a0Four months down the road, that number has quadrupled to 80,000 units worldwide! This has led to Volvo Cars\u2019 decision to expand production for the XC40 in Europe and China in order to meet the overwhelming demand.\n\u201cThe XC40\u2019s success has surpassed even our highest expectations,\u201d said President and CEO of Volvo Cars, H\u00e5kan Samuelsson. \u201cThe small SUV segment is the fastest-growing segment in the industry now, and with these additional CMA-based models we expect to benefit further from that growth.\u201d   That number is expected to grow even further following the successful market debut of the XC40 in China at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show in April. Volvo will also begin production of the XC40 at its LuQiao plant in China in the first half of 2019, highlighting the popularity of the compact SUV in the world\u2019s fastest-growing market for SUVs.\nIntroduced in late 2017, the XC40 sits on the firm\u2019s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that underpins future compact Volvo and \nLynk & Co models\n. The compact SUV went on to earn the prestigious title of 2018 European Car of the Year.\nNot too long ago, Volvo debuted its \nfirst-ever three-cylinder engine on the XC40;\n\u00a0a 1.4-litre turbocharged transversely mounted in-line three petrol mill pushing out \n156 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque. The new T3 Drive-E engine was designed for the Twin Engine plug-in hybrid setup which will be introduced at a later date, in line with the brand\u2019s grand scheme to \nelectrify all Volvo cars from 2019 onwards\n.\nWe had our first encounter with the XC40 at the \n2018 Singapore Motor Show\n and Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM), has expressed its intentions to introduce the XC40 to the Malaysian market. Question to you dear readers, how would you dress your ideal XC40 \u2013 with the\u00a0\nMomentum package, R-Design or Inscription?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo XC40 Inscription T5 AWD"
"Let\u2019s just address the elephant in the room and call it out as it is, drag races are for the simple-minded; for the lack of a better term.\nEspecially when it concerns C-segment vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Altis, the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3, a drag race as a buying guide is as useful as an umbrella in a typhoon but we watch it anyways.\n \nFind out everything you need to know about the all-new 11th generation Honda Civic here!\nBecause when it comes to C-segment cars in Malaysia, cars most people buy as a symbol of \u201cI\u2019ve made some dough and I\u2019m now comfortable\u201d, it leaves for plenty of conversation and of course, bragging rights.\n \nThe drag race consists of \ntwo runs\n, one from a complete stop, along with another at a rolling start.\nDon\u2019t you think the rear section of the all-new Honda Civic hatchback, looks like the Kia Stinger?\nThe Corolla you see in the video gets 169 hp and 205 Nm from a larger 2.0-litre engine while the local model only makes 139 hp and 172 Nm from the 2ZR-FE 1.8-litre engine.\n \nIn the Mazda 3, there\u2019s 186 hp and 252 Nm to play with, while the all-new Honda Civic, is rated at 180 hp and 240 Nm. The arrival of the new Civic means all three of the main players in the C-segment are now on the same level playing field.\nWhile the Corolla in Malaysia has been supremely effortless and fluid to drive, coupled by a really good chassis and cabin refinement, the Mazda 3 is all about agility, sharpness, and driving engagement.\nWhat will the Civic be like? We can\u2019t wait to find out. As for this race, which would you put your money on? The results may surprise you."
"After a misconduct with its final inspection stage procedures, a fiasco that has lead to a recall of over 1.2 million vehicles sold in Japan over the past 3 years between January 2014 to September 2017, Nissan is shutting down production at all six of its assembly plants in Japan for at least 2 weeks.\nThe move which halts a production average of around\n 1,000 cars per day\n, will allow the second largest Japanese automaker to investigate and address its inspection procedures to comply with the country\u2019s transport ministry requirements.\nThis follows after a discovery by Japan\u2019s Ministry Land, Infrastructure and Transportation (MLT) that unqualified technicians not properly registered were conducting final stage inspections.\nThe \nNismo-extension\n of the Nissan Leaf \ndue for Malaysia\n in 2018\nThe MLT had discovered earlier this month that unqualified technicians at the assembly plants producing Nissan vehicles were \nusing stamps from certified technicians\n to sign off on final vehicle inspections, a severe violation of ministry guidelines.\nAs such, Nissan has taken recall measures for a repeat of the final inspections specifically on areas of steering radius, braking and acceleration capabilities, at a damaging cost in the region of USD 200 million (approx RM 845 million).\nIronically, reports from certain quarters have claimed that the catastrophe was due to a focus on increasing efficiency on the inspection line along with poor communications between plant personnel.\nThat said, the Japanese automaker will continue production of vehicles due for export outside of Japan, including the Nissan Leaf electric car as the bogus certifications is a local requirement by the ministry and only applies to vehicles for the domestic market."
"Today, dozens of countries have deployed fleets of supercars for their police force in efforts to keep up with and nab the highway baddies and our beloved country isn\u2019t excluded \u2013 we have the Mitsubishi Evolution X, although it\u2019s uncertain what has happened to them of late.\nIt should be some amusement for you to know that it\u2019s not an uncommon practise, dating back to the early 1960\u2019s in the Netherlands. Back then, the absence of speed limits on Dutch highways saw a worrying spike in serious accidents and the Rijkspolitie (Dutch Police Force) was tasked with finding the right vehicle for high speed patrol.\nThe requirements were simple \u2013 it had to be reliable, handled well, stops effectively and lastly, it had to \nhave an open top\n. Being just as surprised as you are on that last point, there reason for it was totally legit \u2013 it was so that officers could \nstand up in their cars and direct traffic\n \u2013 presumably on the go!\nIt wasn\u2019t long before the Rijkspolitie\u2019s yard was filled with the understated Porsche 356 which made a watertight case with its balance of performance, reliability and of course, its cabriolet capabilities.\nFrom 1962 to 1966, the Rijkspolitie established themselves as no-nonsense highway patrols with trademark orange and white livery on the 356\u2019s alongside blue flashing lights on it\u2019s A-pillar.\nIn 1967, the Dutch Police Force got on the 911 Targa wagon and they remained a permanent fixture of Dutch policing until 1996. With a total of 507 Porsches, including the 914, 924 and 964 models, doned the orange and white, it\u2019s historically the largest Porsche police fleet in the world.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n has named Shinya Ikeda as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Tomoyuki Shinnishi who has held the role since October 2016. Ikeda officially assumed office in Malaysia on 11th October 2021.\nPrior to his latest position here in MMM, Ikeda was serving as the General Manager in Mitsubishi Corporation Japan\u2019s automotive arm since 2019.\nIkeda\u2019s career in the automotive industry started in 1995. He joined Mitsubishi Corporation back in 2008, where his first assignment was to manage the automotive business investment in Malaysia. He then moved to Malaysia to serve as both CFO and GM within MMM between March 2009 to May 2012, where he led new business development within the country.\nFollowing that, Ikeda returned to Mitsubishi Coporation, where he held various leadership roles in automotive and finance businesses within the company across various markets including as Japan, Indonesia, Russia, and Germany.\u00a0\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia has just launched its Home Delivery Service for customers who bought their new cars online. Learn more here!\n \n\u201cI am excited to join Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\u2019s team. The company has grown from strength to strength and has now become one of the nation\u2019s leading automotive brand,\u201d said Shinya Ikeda.\n\u201cAs announced in the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Mid-Term Business Plan last year, MMC will continue to focus on the ASEAN market and particularly Malaysia as the country is one of the most important markets in the world to expand the Mitsubishi brand presence.\n\u201cI look forward to working with the team to contribute with the knowledge and experience that I\u2019ve had. I am also happy to be back in Malaysia as the country is home to various diversified food and culture and also people with enormous talent and potential.\u201d\nThe Mitsubishi Connect app in Malaysia has been updated with even more features for car owners. Learn more here!\nIkeda\u2019s predecessor, Tomoyuki Shinnishi, was responsible for the launch of several new Mitsubishi models here in Malaysia during his tenure, including the \nnew Triton\n and\n Xpander\n seven-seater crossover. Under his leadership, the Xpander became the \nbest-selling non-national MPV\n in the country, propelling Mitsubishi to become the top three non-national brand in Malaysia."
"Since 2018, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) had embarked on a CSR programme focused on \u2018reconnecting\u2019 with nature. The aim of the \nNissan Nurtures Nature\n (NNN) initiative is to get Nissan customers, non-profit organisations, business partners, ETCM staff as well as the public at large to participate in activities that contribute to the betterment of the environment, centred around the \n3R philosophy\n \u2013 \nReduce, Recycle and Reconnect.\nThe latest instalment of the NNN campaign dubbed \nBodyMindSoul Festival\n is happening from \n29\nth\n November to 1\nst\n December\n at the \nSetia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam\n. It features a series of eco-centric activities including mini herb planting using recycled materials and even an exhibition on how to turn used tyres into furniture, along with workshops and displays tailored to make \nenvironmental awareness\n a fun learning process, for all ages.\nIf you are keen to participate and pick up some pointers from experts on how to lower your carbon footprint and make good use of materials that may have a worthy second life, make you way to Setia City Convention Centre this weekend.\nActivities start from \n10am and last till 8pm\n. Of course, you can also test drive the second generation, fully electric \nNissan Leaf\n at the venue, if you haven\u2019t experienced the thrill of driving an EV."
"The world\u2019s largest automotive market will end a 28-year-old policy, allowing foreign automakers to have full control of their operations without the need for a local partner from January 1st 2022.\nThe Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the country\u2019s National Development and Reform Commission formally announced the directive two days ago, after previewing the intention 12 months earlier.\nAt the end of 2018, Volkswagen China produced its \n30-millionth vehicle\nBack in 1994, the initiative for 50:50 joint-venture was laid down to encourage technology and information transfer to local car manufacturers plus profits back to the country. Fast forward to 2021, it seems that with the more modular construction of electric vehicles (EV), the country is now overpopulated with local EV brands with the government \nsuggesting consolidation\n to \u2018keep things under control\u2019.\nMercedes-AMG A35 L\nBMW i3 Sedan\nHonda Integra\nFully electric Toyota C-HR called IZOA\nJV companies also created many China-only models\nIn 2018, signs of loosening were seen via Tesla\u2019s investment of its wholly owned Giga Shanghai factory plus the announcement of an increase in ownership of up to 70%. The first Chinese-made Tesla Model 3 was ready for delivery exactly \ntwo years ago\n and the \u2018Gigafactory\u2019 is now earmarked to be the largest Tesla plant and main export hub.\nRecently, \nVolvo Cars\n became the first major foreign automaker to announced its intention of full control over its Chinese operations after acquiring shares of companies it formed during the joint venture establishments. Stated-owned JV companies include SAIC (Volkswagen), FAW (Toyota, Volkswagen), BAIC (\nMercedes-Benz\n), Dongfeng (Nissan, \nHonda\n) and Changan (\nMazda\n, Ford). \u00a0\nLotus will be making plenty of \nEVs in China\n, for China\nAs noted by \nForbes\n, the new directive will make new car manufactures such as Rivian and \nLucid\n \nentering the largest EV market with less financial resources. The Chinese government however still maintain the limitation of foreign ownership in industries such as tobacco products rare-earth minerals and film production and distribution.\nGALLERY"
"Lexus Malaysia is now taking orders for the \nnew facelift Lexus LS 500\n which will be available here in two variants \u2013 the LS 500 Luxury and the LS 500 Executive Kiriko. Last year, Lexus launched the \nnew facelift IS\n, and locally, the \nnew LX 570\n and \nLC 500 Convertible\n models.\nThe new car features a redesigned front bumper, along with a new appearance for the radiator grille and new triple-projector headlamps with more distinctive graphics.\nAt the back, the LS 500 which rides on Air Suspension also gets an updated look with new LED combination tail lamps however those 20-inch wheels remain unchanged. In terms of colour options, the new Lexus LS 500 is now available in two colours \u2013 Iridium Silver and Sonic Iridium.\nPicture for illustration purposes only.\nThe real magic of the Lexus LS though lies on the inside. Opt for the more expensive \nExecutive Kiriko variant \nand you\u2019ll be greeted with \nKiriko Glass panels and hand-folded pleats by the door\n.\nThe Executive Kiriko however, gets a smaller boot (440 litres) than the Luxury variant (480 litres) due to the additional cooler box in between the rear seats. As an LS owner, is that something that would bother you?\nBesides, you\u2019d be so distracted by the Ottoman and massage functions of the rear seats, boot space would be the last thing on your mind. If that doesn\u2019t take the edge off, just turn up the 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System that\u2019s exclusive to the Executive Kiriko variant.\nThe Executive Kiriko variant also features dual 11.6-inch LCD displays with Apple Car Play and Android Auto available. Interestingly, the \u201clesser\u201d Luxury variant features a bigger 12.3-inch display.\nBoth variants come with 12 airbags, yes 12, and is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ which includes autonomous braking, Dynamic Radar cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist and rear cross traffic alert.\nUnder the hood is an improved 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 Dynamic Force engine with \n415 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n. Massive it may be, but a \nCivic Type R it won\u2019t fear\n as 0 to 100 km/h takes just five seconds.\nBoth variants of the new Lexus LS 500 are now open for booking at all six Lexus Malaysia Showrooms nationwide. Prices start from \nRM1,023,629.00\n for the LS 500 Luxury and \nRM1,304,768.00\n for the LS 500 Executive Kiriko, on-the-road with the sales tax exemption. Early birds will receive their new rides as early as May 2021.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the \nfully-imported W206 C-Class in Malaysia\n, available in two variants. The C 200 Avantgarde starts from \nRM288,334\n while the C 300 AMG Line goes for \nRM330,681\n. The prices stated are inclusive of SST exemptions.\nLike the previous generations of the C-Class, the Avantgarde and AMG Line differs significantly on the outside. The C 300 gets 19-inch wheels paired with non-runflat tyres while the 18-inch wheels on the C 200 are wrapped with run-flats.\n \nBefore, the C 300 would always be fitted with Multibeam LED headlamps, but with these two variants, both share the same headlight system. Both also share the same adaptive suspension, that can be tweaked according to the drive mode selected. Another highlight of the new C-Class is the remote boot release.\nInside, the C 300 AMG Line stands out from the C 200 Avantgarde with different door trims, a sportier steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. True to its AMG Line variant, the C 300 also gets sportier seats.\nWith the C 200 Avantgarde, Mercedes-Benz has brought back the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system. It makes 204 hp and 300 Nm, while the C 300 gets a bigger, more powerful 2.0-litre engine with 258 hp and 400 Nm. The C 300 AMG Line goes from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds flat. The C 200 is about a second slower to the mark.\nTo know more, check out the video! For more pictures, click \nhere\n!"
"The Honda Urban EV concept grabbed the headlines at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show with its retro cute looks and diminutive size, harking back to the first generation Civic. If you\u2019ve been pinning to find out how the production version is going to look like, all will be revealed in the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show starting 5\nth\n March 2019.\nThe Honda Urban EV stole the show at Frankfurt in 2017.\nBut even from teaser image released by Honda, the multi-screen display of the compact electric car does show the greenhouse of the Urban EV largely sticking to the concept shown at Frankfurt in 2017, but it will be a 5-door instead of a 3-door hatch, with its charging receptacle on its bonnet, and minus those oversized white alloys, of course. \u00a0\u00a0\nLarge \u2018wood\u2019 trim is a nice retro touch, as is the two-spoke steering.\nApart from the wrap-around LCD display, it appears Honda isn\u2019t abandoning physical controls just yet with a conventional climate control interface and various hard switches under the large piece of \u2018wood\u2019 trim (not sure if it\u2019s real or simulated) that runs across the dash. If you\u2019re wondering why the two-spoke steering, well, the first generation Civic had that, so Honda is clearly taking this retro business quite seriously.\nThe Urban EV is shown as a five-door hatch on dash display.\nThe Honda Urban EV is expected to hit showrooms in Europe and Japan late this year, no mechanical specs been revealed yet, but a 30kWh-capacity lithium ion battery pack powering a front mounted electric motor, with a range of up to 400km wouldn\u2019t be far off the mark.\nProduction to start later this year, but will we be able to buy one?"
"As the title clearly depicts, locally assembled\u00a0Mazda3 will arrive\u00a0as early as end-April or early May, and we were informed by a reliable source from Mazda Bermaz Motor that the Mazda3 will come in two body forms \u2013 \nsedan\n and \nhatchback\n. It seems like they\u2019re sticking to the same strategy of putting a fixed price for both variants, just like the \nMazda2\n.   The CBU version of the \nMazda3\u00a02.0L Skyactiv-G\n is currently sold at RM139k, but many remain undeterred despite its pricing being on the higher side of the scale, or so we\u2019re told. For those who\u2019ve been eagerly waiting for this piece of info, the Mazda3 CKD from Kulim, Kedah will be priced at \nRM119k\n \u2013 a whopping RM20,000 cheaper, although there\u2019s no mention of omitting its equipment (like the sunroof) to offset the lower price tag. We can however, expect Mazda to throw in a \nbit more goodies\n, but it\u2019s only a matter of time before we know what\u2019s for sure.\nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv-G hatchback CKD is coming to Malaysia! Wanna know how much? #Mazda3 #autobuzzmy\nA video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 9, 2015 at 4:36am PDT\n\u00a0\nYou may be curious about the Mazda3 Hatch Touring donning a Thai number plate, that\u2019s because our chief editor GC Mah is now at the \nLand of Smiles\n on a fuel challenge mission \u2013 to drive the \nMazda2 1.5L SkyActiv-D\n (the D stands for diesel) \nover 1,000 kilometers\n from Bangkok to Changlun, Kedah\u00a0in a single fuel tank!\nOur little car that\u2019s taking us from Bangkok to Malaysia, in 1 tank. Mazda2 1.5 SkyActiv-D. Follow our progress! #mazdacleandiesel #autobuzzmy\n A photo posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on \nMar 8, 2015 at 10:30pm PDT\n\u00a0\nGC\u00a0has covered exactly \n658 km\n and is now putting the night at \nSurat Thani\n before making the final leg of the journey down to Penang tomorrow. You may follow his journey on our Facebook page \nhere\n. Or our \nInstagram\n. He doesn\u2019t quite have the greenest or lightest right foot around, so any form of encouragement would be of great help!\nAlternatively, while we wait for GC\u2019s review on the Mazda2 diesel, do check out our \nvideo\n\u00a0and \nwritten review\n of the petrol 2. If you feel like going one up, then we have the Mazda3 reviews in both \nvideo and written forms\n as well. Keep an eye out on this space as we bring you the latest developments at Mazda!\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\nMazda3 2.0L SkyActiv-G\u00a0Launch Video\nMazda3 2.0L SkyActiv-G Review\nMazda2 1.5L SkyActiv-G Review\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The original Volkswagen Microbus (Kombi Van, Bulli in some markets) was released in United States 70 years ago and became an instant hit not just in the US but everywhere around the world. Seven decades later, Volkswagen has announced that an all-electric successor to the Microbus will enter production come 2022!\nUnveiled at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance, the new Microbus will be based on \nVolkswagen\u2019s I.D. BUZZ concept car\n and like all vehicles of the \nI.D. family\n, the Microbus will feature an \nall-electric drivetrain\n. Like its predecessor, Volkswagen will also be offering the new-generation Microbus in different body styles to satisfy a wide-spectrum of consumers. A \ncargo variant\n with Level 3 autonomous driving is already in the pipeline.   Measuring at 4,942 mm in length, 1,976 mm in width and 1,963 mm in height, the concept car offers \nexceptional interior space\n just like the original Microbus. The battery pack for the electric powertrain will also be mounted in the vehicle floor as to not take up the interior space. According to the company, the production version will incorporate much of the design cues from the concept car and feature\n variable seating\n, \nhighly automated driving\n among others.\nDespite being more than 70 years apart, the new model carries its predecessor\u2019s genes \u2013 maximum utilisation of space on the footprint of a midsize passenger car. \u201cAfter the presentations at the global motor shows in Detroit and Geneva, we received a large number of letters and emails from customers who said, \u201cplease build this car\u201d, Volkswagen CEO Dr Herbert Diess reported in Pebble Beach.   \u201cThe Microbus, known as the Bulli in America, has always been part of the Californian lifestyle. Now we\u2019re bringing it back by developing Volkswagen\u2019s next e-generation and by reinventing the Bulli as an electric vehicle.\u201d added Diess.\nThis all-electric Volkswagen Microbus sounds promising eh? Wouldn\u2019t mind taking one of these on a 20,000 km journey \nlike the guys at \n#Live2Drive\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After endless speculation and rumours, UMW Toyota Motor has finally announced the arrival of the highly-anticipated \nToyota GR Yaris \nin Malaysia, priced at RM299,000.00. It will be available as the\n Performance Pack Edition\n in limited units.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nBuilt on a unique platform combining Toyota\u2019s new GA-B platform and the rear section of the TNGA-C platform used for the \nCorolla\n and \nC-HR\n, the GR Yaris is the first production model to built at the bespoke GR factory at Motomachi, Japan. It\u2019s also the birthplace of the Lexus LFA.\nEngine: 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged\nTransmission: 6-speed manual with Intelligent Manual Transmission (i-MT)\nDrivetrain: GR-Four All-wheel drive (AWD)\nHorsepower: 261 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nTorque: 360 Nm @ 3,000 to 4,600 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 5.5 seconds\nTop speed: 230 km/h\nThe GR Yaris will \nonly be available with a manual gearbox\n. The Intelligent Manual Transmission helps match the engine speed while the driver is downshifting for smoother gear changes. As part of the Performance Pack, the GR Yaris is fitted with a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD).\nThe GR Yaris comes in three different modes \u2013 Normal, Sport and Track. In \nNormal \nmode, torque is split 60:40, in \nSport\n 30:70 while in \nTrack\n mode, torque split is a perfectly balanced 50:50 distribution.\nEXTERIOR\nWeighing just 1,280 kg, the body of the GR Yaris has been constructed with a mix of carbon fibre and aluminium to keep weight as low as possible. The 18-inch BBS wheels come as \npart of the Performance Pack\n along with a thicker front anti-roll bar and bigger diameter front springs. Otherwise, the GR Yaris rides on a set of suspension tuned by the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team.\nThe car\u2019s battery has been placed in the boot for better chassis balance to improve handling, stability and responsiveness.\n18-inch BBS forged alloys wheels with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot 4S tyres\n356 mm brake disc with 4-pot calipers (F), 297 mm brake discs with twin pot calipers (R)\nDouble wishbone rear suspenion\nForged carbon roof\nColours: Emotional Red 2, Precious Black, and Platinum White Pearl\nINTERIOR\nInside, a pair of lightweight front sport seats take centre stage, complemented by smoked silver trims. Up ahead is a bespoke GR three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and just to keep things exciting, they\u2019ve even retained the mechanical handbrake for when you need to make a quick U-turn. *wink*\nSuch is the attention to detail that the pedal position, pad angle of the pedals, and its pressing angle were all calculated with regards to the driver\u2019s hip point to gain the best possible controllability. Even the short-shift gear lever is positioned higher on the centre console and closer to the steering wheel for quicker shifting.\nAnalogue instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display\nGear shift indicator\nBoost meter\nHead-up display\n7-inch touchscreen infotainment system\nApple CarPlay & Android Auto\nSix speakers\nDual-zone air conditioning\nJust because it\u2019s a rally car for the road doesn\u2019t mean the GR Yaris does not come with creature comforts. It gets a smart entry system with push start, an electrochromic rear view mirror and power windows with jam protection.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering where most of the GR Yaris\u2019 noise comes from, Toyota says an \nengine sound enhancement system\n is in place to help transmit sounds into the cabin according to how hard you press the throttle.\nSAFETY\nYou can\u2019t go fast without feeling safe and in that aspect, the GR Yaris has pretty much got it all covered too. It comes with six airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features that include a Pre-Crash System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and Auto High Beam.\nThe GR Yaris\u2019 Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) features an \nExpert Mode\n allowing the driver to disable it along with the traction control.\nRear parking sensors\nDriving video recorder\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nISOFIX\nEach Toyota GR Yaris in Malaysia is accompanied with a plaque to highlight its exclusivity as there are \nless than 200 units available for the Malaysian market\n. The GR Yaris comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and is \navailable exclusively at all GR Garage outlets\n.\nGALLERY"
"Here we go, boys and girls. The highly-awaited \nall-new Volkswagen Golf 8\n will finally be officially launched here in Malaysia on the 16th of February.\nAs seen in the\n preview event late last year\n, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf will be offered in two variants at launch \u2013 1.4 TSI R Line and\n Golf GTI\n, both \nlocally assembled\n here at Pekan, Pahang.\nMost of the Golf 8\u2019s specifications have already been revealed, and we already had the chance to see (and touch) the car back in November last year \u2013 be sure to check out our\n walkaround video here\n.\nWhile no official specification sheet has been provided just yet, we do know that the \u201cbase\u201d R-Line variant will feature the same 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the\n Mk7.5 model\n, with \n150 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n on tap. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, instead of the seven-speed DSG.\nThe GTI meanwhile will feature a revamped EA888 2.0L TSI engine, now making \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque. Just as before, it\u2019s front-wheel drive only, with power delivered via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission for a century sprint time of \n6.4 seconds\n.\nAs for kit, both models come with the sportier \u201cR-Line\u201d exterior trim \u2013 although obviously, the GTI gets all of the shinier bits including the honeycomb mesh grille, red pin stripes, larger 18-inch wheels (17 on the R-Line), and actual tailpipe exits at the rear. LED Plus headlights and LED tail lights meanwhile are standard across both variants.\nMoving inside, both cars are again nearly identical to each other in terms of specification; both get the same semi-bucket seats with integrated headrests (suede-like fabric upholstery on the R-Line, leather on GTI), as well as the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display panel.\nHowever, it\u2019s again the GTI that gets all the extra goodies, including a sportier-looking flat-bottomed steering wheel, plus accent piping and stitching on the seats, and variant-exclusive honeycomb trim on the dashboard. The displays also get sportier-looking GTI-exclusive displays.\nAs expected, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is still being coy on the pricing for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf 8, but at least we don\u2019t have to wait much longer. Seeing that the Volkswagen Golf will be locally assembled here in Malaysia for the first time ever, we\u2019re also hoping it to be priced lower than the Mk7.5 generation here in Malaysia \u2013 only time will tell!\nInterested to get involved in the launch? VPCM is also currently running a contest for a chance to win two passes to the Malaysian launch event in Sepang \u2013 more info can be found on its Instagram profile, linked \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"At long last, it\u2019s back. Porsche has returned with yet another one of their much loved \n\u201cTop 5 Series\u201d\n and in this installment, we\u2019ll go through some of the most exotic, most iconic, most decorated and most expensive Porsches ever sold.\nWhether it\u2019s their race cars or road cars, old Porsches have seen a spike in desirability, with their price tags skyrocketing along the way.\nBased on personal observations, even a 996 Porsche 911 Turbo, the first water-cooled 911, which was easily available in the mid-RM100k, is now asking for upwards of RM200k. Lets not even start with their \nair-cooled models\n.\nIn this episode, the five cars featured include a Porsche 917/30 Spyder, 550 A Spyder, 911 GT1 Strassenversion, Le Mans-winning 956, and the iconic Gulf livery 917 K hardly springs any surprises.\nWhether or not they justify their speculated prices, with the second most expensive capable of fetching more than USD 10 million, there is no doubt however that these cars are museum worthy pieces that represent Porsche\u2019s defining, revolutionary and most glorious moments in motorsports and automotive engineering."
"Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (\nPRO-NET\n) has just appointed Edaran Omobil Nasional (EON) as an official dealer for the upcoming Smart brand in Malaysia. EON is the second-appointed dealer for the brand in Malaysia after Hap Seng Smart.\nFollowing these two dealer announcements, PRO-NET will soon announce five other dealerships that it has appointed. EON is an automotive retail arm of DRB-HICOM. The retail arm represents brands such as Proton, Volkswagen, Audi, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu.\nPRO-NET CEO, Zhang Qiang said, \u201cWe are very excited to be partnering with a well-established and trusted brand in the automotive industry. Pro-Net believes EON\u2019s vast knowledge and experience coupled with DRB-Hicom\u2019s extensive customer reach will create an ideal synergy that will propel smart Malaysia\u2019s vision to great heights.\u201d\nDRB-HICOM CEO and head of automotive distribution, Akkbar Danial said, \u201cEON is committed to contribute towards the success of this new partnership. We are led by a dynamic team with vast experience which gives us the advantage to create synergy with smart Malaysia to meet the demand for the smart #1 and yield a significant impact on the local market. We have chosen to start our pure EV journey from our iconic building along the Glenmarie automotive corridor to serve customers from the region.\u201d\nRELATED: \nHap Seng Smart appointed as first Smart authorised dealer in Malaysia\nThe upcoming Smart vehicle is the Smart #1. It is a fully-electric car with a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) powertrain that makes \n272 hp\n (metric) and \n343 Nm\n and provides a\n 6.7-second\n century sprint time. The Smart #1 houses a 66-kWh battery pack that provides an all-electric driving range of \n420-440 km\n on the WLTP test cycle. There is also a Brabus-tuned version of the Smart #1 with a dual-motor setup.\nSet to launch in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Smart #1 scored a perfect 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test in November 2022.\nRELATED: \nSmart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023"
"When Polestar pulled off the wraps for their first ever car, the \nPolestar 1\n, the company expressed that customers can own (or rather, drive) one of their cars through a subscription plan. The company has elaborated a little more on this subscription plan for their new high-performance hybrid.\nInitial launch market of the Polestar 1 includes Sweden, China, USA, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands where Polestar will open a physical store called \nPolestar Space\n. These brick and mortar facilities serve as an environment where customers can physically interact with the brand and are expected to open its doors in the middle of 2019 \u2013 around the same time when \nPolestar\u2019s manufacturing facility\n in Chengdu, China is ready to commence production.\nPolestar manufacturing plant in Chengdu, China\nThe Polestar 1 and \nall future Polestar cars\n will be offered through a subscription model. No deposit is required, and customers only need to fork out the monthly subscription fee (to be announced during market launch) for an all-inclusive ownership that covers insurance, depreciation, servicing and various other on-demand services.\nDuring the official launch of the Polestar 1, the company received overwhelming registration of interest for the subscription of the Polestar 1 and has already outnumbered early production slots. This shows that the market is ready for a high-performance hybrid and subscription-based car ownership experience.\nThe Polestar 1 is a two-door Grand Tourer packing a sophisticated hybrid powertrain with\n 600 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n on tap. It will have a pure electric range of \n150 km\n \u2013 the longest electric range of any hybrid on the market and shares only 50 percent of its platform with the \nS90\n. The remaining 50 percent are new development from Polestar themselves.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lap after lap, the same thought kept popping up in my head while behind the wheel of the\n Lamborghini Huracan STO\n \u2013 how is it possible that the public is allowed to buy such a car?\nEverything about the Huracan STO \u2013 from its acceleration, braking performance, steering and throttle response, gear changes \u2013 have been turned up to \u2018Max\u2019 by Lamborghini. Whether through corners or on the straights, it just lights up all the senses \u2013 making you feel a live as it comes alive.\nThe main source of this menace rests just behind the shoulders of the both occupants \u2013 a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine with 640 hp and 564 Nm \u2013 with a roar so thunderous, it can even wake the dead.\n \nBrute force and ultra responsive controls \u2013 whether brakes, steering or throttle \u2013 aren\u2019t the only reasons for the Huracan STO\u2019s fiesty behaviour. A lot of sensory overload is a result of how light the car is. Weighing just over 1,300 kg, the Huracan STO is only as heavy as a Honda Civic but with nearly three times the performance and braking power as its fitted with 6-pot brakes in the front.\nIt\u2019s also over 40 kg lighter than the Huracan Performante; a result of extensive use of carbon fibre on its body. Over 75% of the Huracan STO\u2019s exterior is made of carbon fibre. That also includes the \u2018cofango\u2019 front section featuring the front bonnet and fenders as one single piece. Adding more lightness are 20-inch magnesium wheels, a titanium roll cage developed with Akrapovic, a lightened windscreen, and carbon fibre bucket seats.\nHas that triggered your curiosity? Watch and listen to howl of that V10 now!"
"By jacking up the \nA1 Sportback\n by a couple of inches, Audi has created the A1 Citycarver. While we wonder why the world needs the A1 Citycarver, remember that Land Rover used to build the \nEvoque Convertible\n.\nIn similar fashion to the \nFiesta Active\n, the A1 Citycarver is clad with pretentious \nwheel arch extensions\n to go along with its new-found attitude. Annoyingly the addenda work rather well on this A1, making it look like a worthy alternative to the bigger \nQ2\n.\nWhile looking down on the plebeian \nA1 Sportback\n, A1 Citycarver owners will most likely point out that they have more kit and their bumpers are different too. However, A1 Sportback owners can claim that they have the same interior space, right down to the 335 litres boot.\nLike in the A1 Sportback, a \ndigital instrument cluster\n is part of the standard equipment, but the range-topper gets Audi virtual cockpit and MMI navigation with \n10.1-inch touch display\n, and the 560 watts \nBang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System\n.\nSuspension aside, the A1 Citycarver is mechanically the same as the A1 Sportback. There\u2019s a choice of \nturbocharged petrol\n engines ranging from a \n1.0-litre 3-cylinder\n to a \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n with either manual or S tronic transmission.\nThis colour scheme reminds us of the \nSubaru XV\nAnd if you\u2019re wondering why Audi didn\u2019t just call it the A1 Allroad, it\u2019s mainly because the A1 is not fitted with the quattro all-wheel drive system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As Lotus prepares to ramp up production of their latest Emira core model, the company has released a short clip on the capabilities of the sports car.\nDriven by Gavan Kershaw, the director of Attributes and Product Integrity, the Lotus Emira First Edition slides through the corners so smoothly and easily like a hot knife through a slab of butter at their Hethel test track.\n \nAmid some sideways action, he explains the Emira\u2019s outstanding performance on both the track and the road, adding, \u201cWith the supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, you start an acceleration from as low as 1,500rpm and the car just pulls and pulls and pulls, getting stronger and stronger as the revs increase. This is what a real sports car feels like.\u201d\nGavan also expands on the car\u2019s intuitive driving performance, plus the four different driving modes. Tour, for maximum stability and control; Sport, for increased body slip and throttle response; Race, with even greater motorsport-derived dynamics with more focused graphics in the 12.3 instrument cluster; and Fully Off, where the stability control is completely disengaged. ABS is still active in all modes.\nApart from new cars and designs, Lotus is also revamping the look and feel of their sales centre. Check out how awesome the first looks, here! \u00a0\n\u00a0\nErgonomics also play a very important aspect in a sports car, with the shift lever positioned close to the steering wheel, and also on a shaft not too low to enable a very natural hand movement between steering and rowing the gears.\nThe Lotus Emira also proudly displays the manual shifting linkage and mechanism via an opening at the transmission tunnel, an important feature first seen in the \nLotus Exige\n.\nHe concludes, \u201cThe whole package is tuned to give you maximum reward and confidence. It\u2019s \u2018For The Drivers.\u201d With outputs of \n405 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, the Lotus Emira V6 completes the benchmark 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \n4.3 seconds\n and a top speed estimated to be around 290 km/h. \u00a0\nLotus Cars Malaysia has announced the price of the Emira V6 First Edition starting from \nRM1,131,000\n and RM449,800 in Langkawi, dearer than a \nPorsche 718 Cayman\n. For the drivers who prefer a lightweight four-cylinder behind their backs, be prepared to wait late until 2022, as Lotus is only planning to introduce the First Edition with the Mercedes-AMG sourced four-cylinder powertrain from autumn of 2022.\nLotus will electrify China with four models, beginning with an SUV scheduled for launch in the coming months!\nAs for the much talked about variant with an entry price of under GBP60,000 (RM344k), production is only scheduled to begin in 2023.\nGALLERY"
"Being awarded the maximum \n5-Star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP\n earlier this year means the \nall-new Ford Focus\n is one of the safest vehicles on sale today. However, the Focus was recently commended by the crash test authority on its Advanced Driver Assistance technologies.\nEquipped with three radars, two cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the Focus boasts features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Evasive Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring, Adaptive Front Lighting System with Predictive curve light and more.   Euro NCAP secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen said: \u201cThe Ford Focus delivers a very balanced package of driver assistance technologies, with the capability to make journeys safer, while also ensuring that the driver needs to remain alert and ready to take appropriate action in an emergency.\u201d\nThe technologies developed for the Ford Focus not only makes the family hatchback a lot safer but also allows the drivers to have a more comfortable and less demanding driving experience, especially on long journeys."
"Proton Holdings Berhad ended the first quarter of 2019 with more record setting achievements as registrations in March alone totaled to 6,145 units for an 11% market share \u2013 up 2.6% from March 2018.\n\u201cThe numbers posted by Proton in 2019 is the direct result of hard work at every level within the company. These achievements are credit to the growth in the number of 3S/4S outlets, an increase in product quality, refocusing on customer service and improvements in many other areas, said CEO of Proton, Dr. Li Chunrong.\n\u201cWith the forthcoming launch of our updated models later this year, PROTON is confident its investment in the business will continue to benefit sales growth,\u201d he added.\nAs for the nation\u2019s most talked about SUV, \n2,979 units of the Proton X70 were registered in March alone\n \u2013 not only making it the best-selling SUV for the month but the most popular SUV overall for the first three months of 2019.\nThe figure is also a new automotive industry record in Malaysia for the \nmost registrations by an SUV in a single month\n. So far, over 25,000 bookings have been made for the X70 since it was launched.\nDr. Li attributes the increase in sales to the 75 3S/4S outlets located nationwide, while adding that there will be more of such outlets in preparation for the introduction of future models."
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C300 AMG\u8d77\u552e\u4ef7\u4e3a\nRM327,888\n\u4e0d\u542b\u9669\uff0c\u5168\u9a6c\u76ee\u524d\u8f66\u8f86\u8d27\u6e90\u975e\u5e38\u7d27\u7ef7\uff0c\u4e0b\u5b9a\u7684\u8bdd\u9700\u8981\u7b49\u5927\u7ea65\u4e2a\u6708\u5de6\u53f3\u3002\n\u603b\u7ed3\u6765\u8bf4\uff0c\u5982\u679c\u4f60\u5e0c\u671b\u6709\u7740\u975e\u5e38\u5f3a\u70c8\u7684\u8def\u611f\uff0c\u6781\u81f4\u7684\u64cd\u63a7\u6027\uff0c\u8ddf\u811a\u7684\u6cb9\u95e8\u548c\u806a\u660e\u7684\u53d8\u901f\u7bb1\u7684\u8bdd\uff0c\u53ef\u4ee5\u6beb\u4e0d\u72b9\u8c6b\u7684\u9009\u62e9BMW 330i M Sport\u3002\u4f46\u5982\u679c\u4f60\u662f\u8981\u4e70\u6765\u65e5\u5e38\u9a7e\u9a76\u4e14\u5bf9\u4e8e\u8212\u9002\u5ea6\u8981\u6c42\u8f83\u9ad8\uff0c\u5e76\u4e14\u8fd8\u62e5\u6709\u4e00\u4e9b\u6027\u80fd\u7684\u8bdd\uff0cMercedes-Benz C300 AMG\u4e5f\u8bb8\u624d\u662f\u60a8\u7684\u9996\u9009\u3002\n\u5404\u4f4d\u770b\u5b98\u89c9\u5f97330i M Sport\u9999\u4e00\u70b9\u8fd8\u662f\u8fd9\u6b3eC300 AMG\u9999\u4e00\u70b9\u5462\uff1f\n\u6b32\u77e5\u66f4\u591aMercedes-Benz C300 AMG\u7684\u66f4\u591a\u8be6\u60c5\uff0c\u8bf7\u70b9\u51fb\n\u8fd9\u91cc\n\uff01\n\u3010\u56fe\u96c6\u3011"
"It\u2019s hard to believe, but the \nPagani Huayra\n, is already 10-years old \u2013 where did the time go? Anyway, to mark this momentous occasion, the Italian supercar maker will be unveiling a special \u201cPacchetto Tempesta\u201d (Storm Package) edition of its \n20-units-only Huayra BC\n at the 2021 Monterey Car Week.\nIn essence, the Pacchetto Tempesta takes the already hardcore Huayra BC, and turns it up one notch higher \u2013 both inside and out. Take for example, the Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which has been bumped up in power by over 8% (!), now making \n827 hp\n and \n1,100 Nm\n of torque.\nIf that figure sounds familiar, that\u2019s because it\u2019s the same exact power output as the \nPagani Huayra Imola\n, a limited edition model that was restricted to just five units. And just because it\u2019s a special engine, the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta also gets a new six-pipe exhaust system \u2013 four in the iconic central stack, and two at the bottom \u2013 to fully extend the engine\u2019s vocal cords.\nTake a look at the Pagani Huayra R, a naturally-aspirated V12 beast designed specifically for track use only! \nOther enhancements on the Pacchetto Tempesta edition include a new rear wing with an integrated central fin, alongside a new front splitter with a dedicated air intake to maximise aerodynamic efficiency. A new set of Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres were also specifically formulated for the Pacchetto Tempesta, using modelling from Formula 1 tech.\nThe Pagani Huayra Tricolore is a RM27 million statement of national pride. Check it out here!\nPagani says that the package is designed to further unleash the car\u2019s \u201ctrue racing attitude\u201d, although its list of upgrades also includes things like a new set of suspension and a new \u201cSoft Driving\u201d mode, designed specifically to enhance comfort. so, the best of both worlds? Well, we\u2019ll never get to drive one, so I guess we\u2019ll just have to take their word for it.\nGALLERY"
"Jacked-up, offroad-friendly Porsche 911s are all the rage these days, eh? There was the\n Singer All-Terrain Competition Study\n that used a 1990 911, and recently Porsche themselves even \nclimbed the world\u2019s tallest volcano\n with a modified 911 Carrera 4S.\nNow, Porsche has now announced that it\u2019ll be unveiling a \u201cvery special variant\u201d of the \n911\n at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show starting November 16, and if you still haven\u2019t figured it out by now, yes \u2013 it\u2019s a Safari 911, coming to you straight from Zuffenhausen.\nIt\u2019s called the Porsche 911 Dakar, as a nod to the first overall victory by Porsche in the Paris-Dakar rally back in 1984, which was won in a modified 911 fitted \u2013 for the first time ever \u2013 with an all-wheel drive system.\nTo ensure that the 911 Dakar can live up to its name, then, Porsche has put the Safari model through an intensive testing regime covering over half a million kilometres \u2013 with over 10,000 of those being off-road.\nRELATED: \nThe new Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien is a Porsche 911 for off-road use\nIn addition to the off-road proving grounds in Weissach, the testing programme also included a variety of different loose surfaces to cover all sorts of off-road driving conditions (and climate), including the Ch\u00e2teau de Lastours test track in southern France, frozen lakes in Arjeplog, Sweden, as well as the sand dunes of Dubai and Morocco.\nAs usual, Porsche\u2019s test drivers only have good things to say about the upcoming off-road 911, including bombastic keywords like \u201cstunned\u201d, \u201cexhilarating driving experience\u201d, and \u201cincredibly fun to drive\u201d. We don\u2019t doubt it, but we\u2019ll be the judge when we have the chance to drive it ourselves.\nNo technical specifications have been revealed just yet, but the press release does say that it\u2019ll have a \u201ccombination of low weight, higher ground clearance, a powerful rear-mounted engine, and [a] short wheelbase\u201d. It\u2019ll also ride on all-terrain tyres, with the anti-lock braking system specifically optimised for braking on gravel.\nGiven its brief, plus the specific mention of the 1984 race-winning car, we\u2019re guessing that it\u2019ll also feature an all-wheel drive system. Either way, it won\u2019t be too long more to find out.\nALSO READ: \nLamborghini\u2019s last non-hybrid car is the all-terrain Huracan Sterrato, to debut by year end\nGALLERY"
"Alongside the launch of the \nArteon R-Line\n, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today also introduced the Tiguan Allspace for the first time in Malaysia.\nThe \nlocally-assembled\n 5+2-seater SUV will be available in two variants \u2013 Highline and R-Line, priced at \nRM165,000\n and \nRM209,575\n respectively.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace features an extended wheelbase from the \nregular Tiguan\n, extending the overall length of the SUV by \n215 mm\n. To balance out the added length at the rear, the front bonnet area of the Tiguan Allspace has been raised slightly, along with sharper lines for a more imposing stance.\nThe Tiguan Allspace Highline comes with LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, chrome roof rails, and 18-inch \u201cKingston\u201d alloy wheels as standard. The R-Line kicks things up a notch with the following additional kit:\n19-inch \u201cSebring\u201d alloy wheels\nR-Line aerokit including front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and rear spoiler\nTwin exhaust tailpipes\nR-Line design strips on the character line\nAutomatic headlights\nLED taillights with 3D effect\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Tiguan Allspace is available with two powertrain options: a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine (lifted from the regular Tiguan) on the Highline, as well as a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged unit for the R-Line, that\u2019s even higher in performance than the\n Arteon R-Line\n and \nPassat Elegance\n!\nTiguan Allspace Highline\nEngine: 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol\nTransmission: Six-speed wet dual-clutch DSG\nDrivetrain: Front engine, Front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 150 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 RPM\nMax torque: 250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 RPM\nTiguan Allspace R-Line\nEngine: 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol\nTransmission: Seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG\nDrivetrain: 4Motion all-wheel drive system\nMax horsepower: 220 hp @ 4,500 \u2013 6,200 RPM\nMax torque: 350 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,400 RPM\nThe more powerful engine puts the new Tiguan Allspace R-Line at the top of the performance chart in its segment. Power delivery is aided by the addition of the 4Motion AWD system, the same one from the \nGolf R\n, as well as the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with up to 5 different driving modes in 15 increments.\nINTERIOR\nWith a name like \u2018Allspace\u2019, even an infant could have probably guessed that the new SUV is all about interior room. Thanks to the elongated wheelbase and increased overall length, the Tiguan Allspace boasts a rear cargo space of \n1,775 litres\n with all rear seats folded down; \n700 litres\n with the third row seats folded down, and \n230 litres\n with all seats in its normal position.\nThe Tiguan Allspace\u2019s interior equipment list include:\n11.7-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster\nEight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink connectivity\nTri-zone automatic climate control\n12-way electric adjustable driver seat with memory function, Vienna leather upholstery\nElectric parking brakes\nFolding tables at the back of front seats\nLeather steering wheel with paddle shifters\nElectric powered tail gate\nJust like the exterior, the R-Line takes it up a notch with the addition of the following:\nUpgraded Discover Pro 9.2-inch infotainment display with 3D navigation, voice and gesture control\nR-Line flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with paddle shifters\nR-Line stainless steel pedals\nR-Line aluminium scuff plates\nR-Line black headliner\nR-Line \u2018Vienna\u2019 leather upholstery with comfort sports seats\n12-way electric adjustable seats with memory function for both driver and front passenger\nSAFETY\nSafety features are pretty much identical across the board on the two variants \u2013 both without advance driver assistance features included:\nSix airbags\nReverse camera\nPark distance control sensors, front and rear\nElectronic Stability Control (ESC)\nAnti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA)\nPost-collision braking\nIntelligent Crash Response System (ICRS)\nHill-hold control\nAlongside the addition of the all-wheel drive system on the Tiguan Allspace R-Line, the top-of-the-range variant also gains Hill Descent Control as standard for better off-roading capabilities.\nPRICING\nAvailable in five exterior colour choices: Blue Silk, Pure White, Deep Black, Platinum Grey and Pyrite Silver, the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Highline is priced at \nRM165,000.75\n, while the Tiguan Allspace R-Line is priced at \nRM209,575.79\n. Both prices are on-the-road prices without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n that will be in place until 31 December 2020.\nIncluded in the price as standard is the five-year unlimited mileage warranty, three-year free scheduled service package, and five-year roadside assistance package.\nInterested to check it out yourself? The new Tiguan Allspace R-Line will be on display at the \nVolkswagen Tour\n roadshow, taking place at 1 Utama Shopping Centre throughout the weekend, starting today. Following the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan just released a video of the \u201cNissan e-4ORCE Ramen Counter\u201d project to show just how comfortable its vehicles, equipped with the e-4ORCE ride control technology, will be.\nNissan Ariya EV crossover\nInterior\nThe video shows how a motorised serving tray with a \u201cdownsized\u201d e-4ORCE technology can swiftly deliver ramen and maintain the noodle\u2019s presentation by suppressing all the tiny movements. The e-4ORCE technology is also found in the new\n fully-electric Ariya crossover\n.\n \nThe \u201ce-4ORCE ramen tray\u201d uses two electric motors \u2013 each in the front and back \u2013 that operate independently from one another; just like an actual car with e-4ORCE. e-4ORCE is made up of three words; electric, 4-wheel control, and Force.\ne-4ORCE is Nissan\u2019s most advanced all-wheel control technology that accurately manages power output to each individual wheel and braking performance for smoothness and stability.\n \nThe system can apply the brakes on each wheel independently for the most efficient braking performance. The system also allows the driver to feel in full control of the vehicle, even in slippery conditions, by offering the most traction on the road surface.\nNotice how the soup in the ramen is barely moving as the serving tray is moving (rather quickly) and Nissan says this is exactly how the driver and occupants of the Ariya and other Nissan vehicles equipped with the e-4ORCE system will feel. You can say goodbye to the dips and dives, along with other vehicle body movements from acceleration and braking \u2013 movements that are often the cause of motion sickness."
"Over the weekend, two images of what appears to be an unreleased BMW 2 Series Coupe-esque car have surfaced online, courtesy of Instagram account \nWilcoblok\n. Although a huge chunk of the bodywork is draped over by a car cover, we still got to see most of the front and rear without any disguise, revealing some noteworthy details.\nFirst of all, the front fascia of the car features a relatively small kidney grille, aligned in a horizontal layout for a more \u201ctraditional\u201d BMW look. The small grille is refreshing to see, especially with the forthcoming 4 Series set to receive the \nextra-large treatment\n on the grilles.\nHowever, the grille is where all the familiarity ends. The headlights looks to be a massive departure from current BMW design language, especially without the usual \u2018Angel Eyes\u2019 corona rings.\nThe triangular motif on the front lower apron is also something we\u2019ve not seen from the Munich-based carmaker. The M badge on the front lower radiator grille \u2013 albeit the odd placement \u2013 seems to point to the fact that we\u2019re looking at a M Sport variant instead of a full-fat M2.\nThe unconventional design continues at the back, with a taillight shape that is slightly reminiscent of the pre-CLI E90 3 Series. The light graphics also lose the iconic BMW L-shape design. The lower bumper does bring it back to more recent times, with an overt \u201cair-vent\u201d design at the sides, along with a large diffuser on the bottom.\nThe pictured car seems to be carrying a German registration plate, which means it is a functioning car of some sort, and not a clay model that was taken out of the design studio.\nThough, with anything on the internet these days, it\u2019s better to take it with a pinch of salt. The images could also be the work of an avid BMW fan with the help of Photoshop.\nFor something more concrete, it\u2019s better to get information from a trustable source such as BMW\u2019s 2 Series Product Manager Gernot Stuhl, who has confirmed that the 2 Series Coupe will \nremain rear-wheel driven \nas opposed to the all-new \n2 Series Gran Coupe\n.\nBMW M2 CS\n, the last M2 of the F82 generation.\nAccording to previous reports, the upcoming BMW M2 \u2013 which has been\n given the go-ahead\n \u2013 will be powered by a three-litre inline-six engine, generating north of \n420 hp\n, 10 hp more than the current BMW M2 Competition.\nWe recently had the opportunity to check out how the all-new \nBMW 218i Gran Coupe\n and \nM235i xDrive Gran Coupe\n feels like with a front-wheel drive platform. Be sure to check that out too!"
"Newly appointed Transport Minister, Anthony Loke is starting a crackdown on \nKopi O \nlicense or offering bribes to secure a driving licence, as announced in a press conference. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be focusing on improving the current system with integrity to prevent the reoccurrence of this issue.\nLoke explained that the current fees for vehicle licence that can be collected by driving academies as approved by JPJ are set at \nRM350 for B2\n (motorcycle <250 cc), \nRM1,150 for D\n (manual cars) and \nRM1,250 for DA\n (automatic cars). These predetermined fees include the driving lessons and examination fees. Loke also highlighted that JPJ only collects a small portion of the fees.\nThe Transport Minister has given orders to stop driving academies to offer \u201cUntil Pass Package\u201d (pakej sampai lulus) and collects a premium over the predetermined fares. However, he explained that driving academies can charge for value added services such as pick up and drop off but stressed that these value-adds are completely optional for the consumers.\nIn the event that driving academies collects additional fares, it has to be reflected in an itemised bill. \u201cNo (more) hidden costs, if there are any (driving) institutes disobeys these rules, I will not hesitate to cancel their licence,\u201d he said.\nMoving forward JPJ will head towards the direction of automation or without human intervention in conducting its driving tests. The Ministry will look into installing onboard cameras for the on-track test and invigilators will monitor from a control room. For on the road tests, the entire process will be recorded on video to maintain the integrity of the exam and allow the candidates to file an appeal if there are any discrepancies."
"In view of the new Pakatan Harapan Government\u2019s announcement that Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be zero-rated beginning from 1 June 2018, the \nrakyat\n were hoping to see a reduction in price.\nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) was amongst the first carmaker to reflect the new pricing of their vehicles. \nFrom 1 June 2018 onwards\n, all Volkswagen vehicles will be cheaper by some RM4,400 to RM17,102 with CBU models getting the most drastic price change.\nManaging Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said: \u201cThis period in time is a windfall for Malaysians, and so I would like to urge those considering our products to grab this opportunity as there is no better time to own a Volkswagen. Customer peace of mind is always a priority for us, and we want to be able to provide this during the transition period until the implementation of the SST. We want our customers to benefit from the revised prices and enjoy our ongoing promotions.\u201d"
"Hyundai Motor Group has just teased their next-generation Hyundai Veloster in a YouTube clip complete with the car\u2019s soundtrack. Based on the sound alone, we are loving the car already.\nIn the 51 second clip, we can see the all-new Veloster in full camouflage taking off into the night, giving us a taste of what is to come with the next-gen sporty hatchback. The black painted alloys matched with the red painted calipers, central-mounted dual-exhaust outlet and a rear diffuser gives us all the reason to believe that this is the hotter Turbo variant.\nWhen the Veloster first made its global debut in 2011, \nHyundai wanted to give customers the best of both worlds\n \u2013 the sleek roofline of a coupe but all the practicality of a hatchback which results in a three-door hatchback design. Fun fact, the name Veloster was conceived by combining \u201cVelocity\u201d and \u201cRoadster\u201d.\nHyundai has confirmed that the second-generation Veloster will make its global debut at the 2018 North American International Show in January.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Feast your eyes on this new Nissan Almera, all decked out with what Tan Chong calls the Black Series bodykit, made up of Tomei parts \u2013 body parts that is.\nAs you can see from the image below, the Black Series bodykit is made up of the Gloss Black Front Grille, Gloss Black Side Mirror Covers, Gloss Black Trunk Lid Spoiler and Gloss Black Y-Spoke 15-inch Alloy Wheels, along with Tomei rear bumpers, spoiler, front bumper and side skirts \u2013 to a total of RM 8,500 \u2013 a sum included into the total price of the car.\nNISSAN ALMERA \u2013 BLACK SERIES*\n1.5L E Auto (RM)\n(with 10% Sales Tax without Insurance)\n1.5L VL Auto (RM)\n(with 10% Sales Tax without Insurance)\nPeninsular Malaysia\nRM 69,800.00\nRM 79,800.00\nSabah\nRM 72,300.00\nRM 82,300.00\nSarawak\nRM 72,300.00\nRM 82,300.00\nIf you asked me, I\u2019d rather them spend it on Tomei engine components, as they\u2019re more well-known for in the aftermarket scene rather than body parts. At least when the Almera is quick, no one can actually see and closely evaluate how the car looks.\nThe interior isn\u2019t entire neglected either. It\u2019s been enhanced with newly-designed leather seats, a 6.75-inch Clarion Advanced Display Audio with reverse camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Solar Gard tinting and a Driving Video Recorder (DVR).\nThe rest of the car\u2019s underpinnings, like engine and tranmission, is all the same.\n\u201cWith the introduction of the new Nissan Almera \u2013 Black Series, it adds more style, presence and personality, making it simply menacing,\u201d said Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM, Mr Christopher Tan.\nThe Nissan Almera Black Series is available in E and VL variants and a new Titanium Olive colour, exclusive only to the Almera Black Series. The vehicle comes standard with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty, whereas the accessories come with 3-years or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n ALMERA LEAFLET FINAL"
"Facebook groups and pages are treasure coves of quality content, none more so when it\u2019s automotive related.\nOnce in awhile, you get page members sharing pictures like this!\nWhether you\u2019re into old cars, new cars, or just want to observe other owner\u2019s new car experiences before you buy one yourself, there\u2019s something for everyone.\nRecently, we came across a group called\n \u201cKereta sebelum tahun 2000\u201d\n that all enthusiasts of cars made before the year 2000 would want to join.\nAccording to an article by The Vocket, the founders started the page out of interest for pre-2000 cars and wanted a platform for other similar enthusiasts to gather. And they\u2019re not short of those.\nAs of this article, the \u201cKereta sebelum tahun 2000\u201d has gained over 80,000 followers in just over a year. The group was formed in May 2020. Because of large following, the content posted is just incredible and diverse too.\nThere are pictures of abandoned cars, restored cars, old race cars, rare classics in random locations, personal stories with cars, 90\u2019s JDM legends, an actual Ghost Busters car and other cars you never knew existed in Malaysia.\nThere is a lot of love in this Facebook page.\nIt\u2019s just a buffet of owners sharing their project cars, their restored classics, their ownership experience with the odd picture of rare cars sighted on the road. For all of us who\u2019ve been confined at home for the last 18 months, with no car gatherings or events to go to, this is a much welcomed source of entertainment.\nWho wouldn\u2019t check out other people\u2019s nice cars? There\u2019s no end to it either; there are countless postings per day!\nSourece: \nKereta sebelum tahun 2000."
"Our phones have two main operating systems, and you only have to choose between Apple or Android. But for some reason, car manufacturers seem to prefer to roll one themselves, which \u2013 more often than not \u2013 results in half-baked infotainment systems that are unintuitive at best, or \ncompletely unusable at worst\n.\nFortunately, more carmakers are slowly realising that it just isn\u2019t feasible to create their own infotainment system any more, leaving software to the pros. Ford and Google today announced a strategic six-year partnership, that will help the carmaker accelerate its transformation plan and \u201creinvent connected vehicle experience\u201d.\nThe big news in this partnership is that all Ford and Lincoln models at \u201call price points\u201d will be powered by the \nAndroid Automotive operating system\n, with Google services baked right into the cars. These services include Google Maps, Google Assistant, as well as the Google Play Store, where users can download various other applications \u2013 all optimised and integrated for in-vehicle use.\nThe Android system will also open up the doors for third party developers \u2013 in addition to Ford themselves \u2013 to build new apps that will provide an \u201cever more personalised ownership experience\u201d.\nFord President and CEO, Jim Farley commented on the newly-minted partnership: \u201cAs Ford continues the most profound transformation in our history with electrification, connectivity, and self-driving, Google and Ford coming together establishes an innovation powerhouse truly\nable to deliver a superior experience for our customers and modernise our business.\u201d\nFord\u2019s Sync 4 system from the\n Mustang Mach-E\n.\nAlongside the Android Automotive operating system, Ford will also leverage on Google Cloud\u2019s Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data analytics technologies to modernise the carmaker\u2019s operations, while also powering connected vehicle technologies.\nThe cars will be able to receive constant over-the-air updates to ensure everything in the vehicle is working smoothly or even enable new features, as well as real-time notices such as maintenance requests or trade-in alerts.\nTo alleviate any privacy concerns, Ford has also clarified that Google will not have access to Ford data in the cloud. Google also further assures that they won\u2019t share third-party data with advertisers through this system, according to a spokesperson at the press conference.\n\u201cFrom the first moving assembly line to the latest driver-assist technology, Ford has set the pace of innovation for the automotive industry for nearly 120 years,\u201d said Google\u00a0and Alphabet CEO, Sundar Pichai. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to partner to apply the best of Google\u2019s AI, data analytics, compute and cloud platforms to help transform Ford\u2019s business and build automotive technologies that keep people safe and connected on the road.\u201d\nThe two companies will also form a new collaborative group called Team Upshift, which will make use of the talent and assets of both Ford and Google to develop anything from a new personalised retail experience, new data-driven ownership offers based on connected vehicle data, and more.\n\u201cWe are obsessed with creating must-have, distinctively Ford products and services,\u201d said Farley. \u201cThis integration will unleash our teams to innovate for Ford and Lincoln customers while seamlessly providing access to Google\u2019s world-class apps and services.\u201d"
"It has been two months since the announcement of the Movement Control Order (\nMCO 3.0\n) Phase One \u201cFull Lockdown\u201d period that was initially planned for the first two weeks of June 2021. The government also introduced the National Recovery Plan (NRP) with the idea to transition into Phase 3 by September where the majority of economic sectors are allowed to operate.\nHowever, the majority of the manufacturing and services industries that are deemed non-essential are still not allowed to open today. In summary, apart from three states, the country is still stuck at Phase 1 with a higher number of daily cases than we first started the \u201clockdown\u201d in June.\nHonda Malaysia, the \nleader in non-national overall sales\n, has closed its Melaka plant, corporate office as well as dealer showrooms since June 2021. The closure of sales channel and minimal revenue from the shrunk aftersales services has affected all 101 Honda authorised service dealers.\nThe sales advisors whose income largely depend on commissions of new vehicle sales have been severely impacted. All 101 Honda authorised dealers face financial difficulties and the uncertainty of employment for sales as service advisors as well as other supporting staff at the dealership.\n\u201cWith only certain aftersales services allowed and sales and manufacturing operations on halt, it is no surprise that sales have plunged. Honda Malaysia saw a decline of 52% in car sales for the year-on-year period of May to July 2021. We sold about 5,700 units in this period compared to close to 12,000 units sold in the same period last year when the country was under Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO),\u201d said Honda Malaysia, MD and CEO, Ms Madoka Chujo.   Next-gen Honda BR-V to start production soon. Find out more here!\n\u201cThe prolonged business closure has also impacted Honda Malaysia\u2019s new model production due to no testing conducted in the manufacturing facility. The current extended lockdown and no visibility on business resumption timeframe have impacted planning and overall investment of the automotive marques,\u201d added Ms Chujo.\nThe City Hatchback now available in Thailand and Indonesia\nThe all-new Honda Civic coming to Thailand very soon\nHonda Malaysia also expresses concern on the supplier network with few of the companies exporting their goods too. With no operations since June, the suppliers might not be able to sustain and could subsequently affect the overall supply chain.\nNonetheless, Honda Malaysia reiterates its full support for the Malaysian Government\u2019s efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic by adhering to the SOPs since it was imposed in March 2020 or just over 500 days ago.\n\u201cHonda Malaysia understands the hardship that the dealers and Honda associates are going through, and hence, the company is trying to do its best to assist them during difficult times,\u201d said Chujo.\nHonda Malaysia is registering its staff under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PIKAS) to expedite the vaccination for all its staff. The target is to achieve 100% of the first dose vaccination by mid-August 2021. Honda Malaysia is also appreciative of the hard work of all the frontliners who have been working tirelessly to help fight the pandemic.\nHonda especially reserved one Jazz for frontliners while celebrating 1 millionth unit in Malaysia\n.\nHonda Malaysia hopes that should the early resumption of the automotive sector be possible under strict SOPs and guidelines set by the Government, there will be no long-term impact such as retrenchment of employees and can help to mitigate potential business closure among the supply chain."
"For those familiar with the local four-wheel motorsports events, the Sepang 1,000 km (S1K) endurance race is quite the year-ending event that many amateur and professional racers look forward to. The premise is simple, just 1,000 km of human and machine endurance \u2013 and this year, UMW Toyota will also be taking on the challenge head on.\nThe three-day-long race weekend has officially begun today with scrutineering and team preparations. Track action starts at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow for Free Practice 1, followed by the first qualifying session at 3:30 P.M. and ending at 6:30 P.M.\nThe big event will formally commence on \nSaturday morning\n from 10:50 A.M. and a field of some 45 cars will begin their 181-lap race at \n11:00 A.M\n. The main grandstand of Sepang International Circuit is \nwelcoming fans\n to experience live motorsports after an absence of more than a year.\nBeing an endurance event, members of the public can enter the main grandstand \nfor free\n anytime before 8:00 P.M. to catch the last few laps and prize-giving ceremony. Entrance is limited to individuals aged 18 and above, fully vaccinated and wearing of facemask is compulsory.   Honda Malaysia (Honda Malaysia Racing Team) and Proton (and its R3 operations) have long established their presence in the endurance event, having both won the overall winner\u2019s title. In the previous S1K 2019, Proton was the overall champion with the Iriz R3, ahead of the Saga R3 driven by local motorsports darling \nLeona Chin\n in an all-ladies driver line-up.\nThe highlight of the S1K is the incredibly fast builds in the \nMalaysian Touring Car (MTC)\n category. Both Honda Malaysia Racing Team and Proton R3 field MTCs due to the technical regulations that allow plenty of modifications to the tune of \n190 hp\n from an engine displacement of 1,600 cc.\nUMWT, running under the banner of Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia will be fielding a Toyota Vios in the MTC class bearing race no. 37. The team comprises of three-time Toyota Vios Challenge champion \nTengku Djan\n, inaugural Rookie Champion Naquib Azlan as well as UMWT\u2019s Chief Motorsports Officer and Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.\nThis is Takeyama\u2019s second Sepang 1,000 km endurance race, after making his and UMWT\u2019s \ndebut in 2019\n and finishing in 12th position.\nMeanwhile, the second Toyota Vios will enter the highly competitive SP2 (Stock Production 2) category that sees competition from Suzuki Swift Sport, Honda Jazz, and Honda Fit RS. Representing Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia\u2019s SP2 Vios No. 36 are \nGazoo Youth Talent Development\n drivers Mika Hakimi and Jwan Hii as well as the talented Zizan Razak, runner-up of the Promotional Class Season 4.\nWe won\u2019t be surprised if the duo met with fellow rookies Putera Adam and Ameer Harris who had quite an outing at the recently ended double-header of the Malaysian Championship Series 2021, racing SP2 machinery as well.\nAlso making its debut in the MTC category will be a brand-new Toyota Yaris (Car No. 39) driven by Season 3\u2019s Vios Challenge Sporting Class champion and 16-year-old \nHayden Haikal\n who will partner another young and talented driver Timothy Yeo, representing Wing Hin Motorsports, a prominent \nGR Garage\n and Toyota dealer\n.\nThey will be joined by Season 2\u2019s Vios Challenge Super Sporting Class champion Boy Wong and Vios Challenge Sporting Class driver Dannies Ng. The pair finished third overall in the 2019 S1K in a chrome-grey Toyota Vios MTC bearing competition No. 38.\nThanks to the strict technical regulations that limit engine modifications in the SP2 category, many teams who own the Toyota Vios Challenge racing cars also participate in this category. UMWT has made this Sepang 1,000 km race more rewarding for the Vios racers as the S1K Vios Enduro Cup champion is rewarded RM10,000 with prize money awarded up to fifth category placing.\nImage credit: Facebook/\nWingHinMotorsports\n and Facebook/\nSepangCircuit"
"Debuted a few months ago at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Lexus\u2019s new Compact Crossover SUV now goes on sale in Japan. The new 2.0-litre turbo also makes its first appearance in this new SUV bearing the NX200t badge.\nThe sharply styled Lexus NX looks well, sharp especially from the front with the spindle grille and Lexus IS-aping separate LED daytime running lights. Although the whole L-finesse design has been toned down quite significantly from the LF-NX concept, the production Lexus NX still appears as one of the most adventurously-designed vehicle in its class. Measuring \n1,645 mm tall\n, \n1,845 mm wide\n, and \n4,630 mm long\n with \n2,660 mm wheelbase\n, the NX sits below the RX in the Lexus SUV range.   Inside, there\u2019s a new \nRemote Touch Interface\n with touch pad functionality, and a \nwireless charger\n for mobile devices. The \nPanoramic View Monitor\n \nwith Cross Traffic Detection\n should help the driver as the screen displays everything around the vehicle, captured by four separate cameras mounted on each corner of the vehicle. Another driving assistance featured is the \nRadar Cruise Control\n \nwith All-speed Tracking\n that helps to maintain the gap in traffic with the vehicle in front.   The japanese market Lexus NX is offered with two engine options, a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle hybrid in the \nNX300h\n, or an all-new 2.0-litre turbo in the \nNX200t\n. The \n2,493 cc 4-cylinder\n petrol in the NX300h is combined with an \nelectric motor\n to generate a total of \n194 hp\n. The Nx200t on the other hand is powered by a \nturbocharged 1,998 cc 4-cylinde\nr producing \n235 hp\n at \n4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque at \n1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n.   The NX200t transfers the power via a new \n6-speed auto\n while the NX300h uses a \nCVT\n box. Both can be had in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive version, but the NX300h uses an \nE-Four All-Wheel Drive\n system as opposed to the \nDynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive\n in the NX200t. There\u2019s also the \nF Sport\n variant equipped with specially-tuned suspension including performance dampers and a \nNavigation/Artificial Intelligence-Adaptive Variable Suspension\n (NAVI/AI-AVS) system that is said to provide an increased \u201cride comfort and handling stability\u201d.\nAssembled by Toyota Motor Kyushu in its Miyata Plant, the \nNX200t\n is priced from \n\u00a54,280,000\n to \n\u00a55,180,000\n and from \n\u00a54,920,000\n to \n\u00a55,820,000\n for the \nNX300h\n. Over there, Lexus targets to sell 700 units of the new SUV per month.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has just premiered an electric sports sedan concept at the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The Nissan IMs Concept is the Japanese carmaker\u2019s vision of a high performance pure electric sedan that fully embraces the three pillars of Nissan Intelligent Mobility \u2013 Intelligent Driving, Intelligent Power and Intelligent Integration.\nBecause there is no longer a combustion engine in the picture, Nissan was able to incorporate aerodynamic friendly design cues into the car without losing the traditional sedan styling. Despite the grille-less front fascia, Nissan\u2019s signature V-motion design language is still present in the shape of a bold, thin V-shaped lighting design.\n \n \nThe boxy rear design appears to have been inspired by the \nInfinity Q Inspiration\n along with the single piece tail lamp trim. To emphasise its Japanese character, a traditional Japanese Asanoha geometric graphic pattern has been applied in gold over the IMs concept\u2019s smoked glass roof surface. Although we think the \nIMx Concept\n looks miles better than this.\nThe IMs concept utilises a dual electric motor set up, one located on each axle giving it all-wheel-drive capabilities and ideal front to rear weight balance. The electric motors are said to be able to generate up to\n 483 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n of torque while a 115-kWh battery pack juices the car for up to 611 km on a single charge. As with any EV concept, fully autonomous driving capabilities are planned for the IMs concept to allow drivers to safely and comfortably interact with their\u00a0passengers between commutes."
"BMW Group Malaysia together with authorised BMW dealer, Tian Siang Premium Auto has just unveiled four new BMW i Charging Facilities located in Ipoh and Penang to support the e-Mobility movement in the Northern Region.\nThe introduction of two new BMW i Charging Facilities each at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh and Iconic Hotel, Penang is part of BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s ongoing efforts to create awareness on new and clean technology in the automotive industry as well as promoting the convenience and availability of charging facilities.\n \n \nHead of Sales of BMW Group Malaysia, Raymond Tan said: \u201cThe New BMW i Charging Facilities are another step forward for us in fulfilling our commitment to electro-mobility in the country. BMW Group Malaysia has delivered close to 10,000 vehicles year-to-date, with BMW iPerformance vehicles accounting for 56% of total deliveries. Globally, Malaysia is among the top three markets for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles deliveries. To facilitate our vision for Future Mobility, we will continuously expand the accessibility of charging facilities to our customers, particularly through our network of authorised dealerships.\u201d\nGeneral Manager of the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Alex Castaldi said: \u201cThe Banjaran strives to provide guests with the most peaceful and relaxing retreat experience to recharge themselves. We believe our holistic hospitality should also extend to providing for their electro-mobility needs, a sustainable way of living that is embraced here at The Banjaran, surrounded by the best of natural beauty.\u201d\nCommenting on the launch, General Manager of Iconic Hotel, Kevin Cheah said: \u201cThe New BMW i Charging Facilities are a welcome addition to the hotel, as we can now conveniently serve the e-mobility needs of our guests. With the leading provider of premium electrified mobility in Malaysia as our partner, it will offer our guests complete peace of mind with the best facility to equip them for their next journey.\u201d\nManaging Director of Tian Siang Premium Auto, Tan Ka Kin added that 2018 has been a successful year for the premium dealership. He said, \u201cYear-to-date, we have delivered over 300 BMW vehicles in Perak and over 400 in Penang, of which 64% and 59% respectively are comprised of BMW iPerformance vehicles. With the robust adoption of electro-mobility among our customers, we are excited to be developing more charging infrastructure together with our premium partners in this Region.\u201d\nWith the introduction of the two new charging stations, BMW Group Malaysia now has six BMW i Charging Facilities in Melaka, \nIpoh\n, Kuching and Penang. Additionally, under the BMW 360 Electric programme, BMW iPerformance owners have access to partner charging facilities where owners can enjoy 24/7 access to ChargeEV\u2019s growing network of more than 270 charging facilities nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW i Charging Station in The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh   BMW i Charging Station in Iconic Hotel, Penang"
"Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the \nnew sole distributor\n for the Kia brand in Malaysia, is proud to announce that they have started to accept bookings for the all-new Kia Carnival. No price has been formally communicated, with the brand and the new MPV scheduled to make its public debut in Malaysia at this weekend\u2019s Drive Auto Fair at the Setia City Convention Centre.\nSimilar to the outgoing Kia Carnival, this fourth-generation multi-row window van will continue to be powered by the 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel unit generating \n199 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque. A new 8-speed automatic transmission not only provides better driving response but also sees improved fuel consumption, registering 6.5 litres of B7-grade diesel per 100 km travelled.\nBased on the specification sheet provided by Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd and Bermaz Auto, only one variant is available, and it\u2019s quite generously equipped. For the exterior, LED lights are standard, with a pair of uniquely placed LED high beam lighting units inserted within the corners of the \u2018Tiger-nose\u2019 grille.\nSmart dual-powered sliding doors, as well as smart powered tailgate, are standard features, together with rain-sensing wipers, roof rails and 18-inch rims wrapped with 235/60R18 tyres. Kia now emphasises the upper half of the vehicle or \u2018Island Roof\u2019, with additional individual \nstyling on the C-pillars\n that are finished in a subtle diamond pattern.\nInside, the all-new Kia Carnival offers seating for up to 11 occupants, including the driver. That means all three rows of the Kia Carnival can accommodate three passengers! The smaller middle seats can also be folded to make a walk-through aisle to the fourth row.\nThe innovative feature on the fourth row is the ability to completely hide when not in use. The entire seating assembly- the seatback and bench, sinks into the floor, creating a large luggage area for the travelling of eight occupants.\nKey comfort features in the large MPV include three-zone air-conditioning, manual sunshades for the second and third rows, seven USB ports, a 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity as well as a wireless charger. For comparison, the range-topping \nSXL variant in Thailand\n offers ventilation feature for the front seats plus memory function.\nAt the safety front, the all-new Kia Carnival will be fitted with seven airbags, inclusive of a driver\u2019s knee airbag. The fitment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic assist and surround-view monitor system.\nAs mentioned earlier, the price of the all-new Kia Carnival that is fully imported from South Korea is not announced yet. The large MPV will be previewed at the Drive Auto Fair at the Setia City Convention Centre, Selangor from December 3rd to 5th.\nGALLERY"
"The Nissan GT-R has been around for close to 10 years now, and it\u2019s almost about time for a brand new successor. However, that won\u2019t be the case now because Nissan has released a single teaser picture of what we can expect at the upcoming New York Motor Show.\nIt\u2019s unmistakably the Nissan GT-R\u2019s rear end, but \naccording to Autocar.uk\u2019s sources\n, it could very well be \nGodzilla\u2019s\u00a0\nfinal facelift. Aesthetic details such as the front and rear bumpers could be revised yet again, and its performance is said to receive a slight bump as well. The outgoing GT-R is powered by a \n3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine\n punching\n 542 horses\n in standard form, but it\u2019s known to be able to handle much higher outputs.\nDetails are scarce at this point, but the New York show is just around the corner now, so stay tuned for more updates!"
"Tesla unveiled the heavily-anticipated \n\u201cPlaid\u201d versions of the Model S \nearlier this year, featuring three electric motors, insane performance, and impressive range. Two variants were announced at launch, including a balls-to-the-walls Plaid+ variant that was supposedly scheduled to begin deliveries later this year.\nHowever, within a short six months since the announcement, Tesla has now cancelled the range-topping Plaid+ variant. Why? Well, according to Tesla\u2019s eccentric CEO Elon Musk, it\u2019s because the regular Plaid is \u201cjust so good\u201d.\nIn line with Tesla\u2019s \nmodus operandi\n these days, the announcement was, of course, made on \nMusk\u2019s own Twitter account\n. Tesla no longer has a PR department, thus details about the cancellation are scarce \u2013 and there\u2019s no way of getting more information unless Musk decides to tweet about it.\nIndustry experts including \nBloomberg\n however, are \nspeculating\n that the cause of the cancellation is due to the new high-performance 4680 battery cells still not quite ready for primetime.\nThe Plaid+ Tesla Model S supposedly offers over 830 km of fully electric range in one single charge, a 200 km advantage over the regular Plaid variant. That is on top of the supposedly \u201cover 1,100 hp\u201d output, translating to a Bugatti Chiron-beating century sprint time of \u201cunder 1.99 seconds\u201d.\nJust too bad then that we won\u2019t get to actually see it in action. Though if you choose to believe Musk\u2019s words, the regular Plaid will be just as good \u2013 and the numbers certainly seem to suggest so. The new model will begin deliveries this week, with a delivery event livestream scheduled for the 10th of June."
"Porsche has just unveiled the refreshed Porsche 911 GT3 RS at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). Based on the \n991.2 GT3\n, the GT3 RS gets more power, revs all the way to 9,000 rpm and more aero.\nThe same 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six has been recalibrated to deliver \n513 hp\n, 20 hp more than the model it replaces and redlines at 9,000 rpm. A seven-speed PDK is retained, no option for a manual box still. Century sprint takes \n3.2 seconds\n before hitting a top speed of \n312 km/h\n. Without going any further, let Mark Webber, Porsche Works Driver take you through the car:\nThe 911 GT3 now features optimised aerodynamics, a larger rear wing, recalibrated rear axle steering, 20-inch alloys with 265/35 profile tyres on the front and 21-inch alloys with 325/30 profile tyres at the rear, full carbon fibre bucket seats, lightweight door panels and reduced sound deadening materials.\nAdditionally, customers can have the Clubsport package at no extra charge that adds roll-over bars, manual fire extinguisher, battery disconnect switch and a six-point harnesses. For the ambitious drivers, the Weissach package further brings down the car\u2019s overall weight by adding more carbon components and magnesium wheels.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nHyundai Kona\n can now be had with a hybrid powertrain as a response to European customer\u2019s strong demand for more eco-friendly SUVs in addition to the \nKona Electric\n.\nThe hybrid system here is one we are familiar with, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle Kappa GDI and electric motor developing a combined output of \n140 hp \nand \n265 Nm \nof torque, the same one found on the \nIoniq Hybrid\n.\nA 6-speed dual clutch transmission is tasked to drive the front wheels exclusively. The heavier SUV-bodied Kona Hybrid (~1,400 kg kerb weight) makes the century sprint slower than the sleek Ioniq, taking \n11.6 seconds\n. Top speed is registered at \n160 km/h\n.\nTo go with the hybrid powertrain, the Kona Hybrid gets a dedicated \nECO-Driving Assist System\n that uses satellite navigation data to pre-empt the driver and preconditions the battery charge to reduce fuel consumption. For example, if an incline is expected, the petrol engine will pre-charge the battery ahead of the uphill section for the optimal electrical assist going uphill.\nOther than that, you\u2019ll\nfind the same Cascading Grille, twin LED headlamps, 18-inch alloys, 10.25-inch touchscreen\ninfotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, heads up\ndisplay, Qi Wireless charging tray, grey headliner and leather seats.\nHyundai\u2019s comprehensive \nSmartSense Advanced Driver Assist system \nis also featured on the Kona Hybrid bundling Front Collision Warning with Avoidance Assist for pedestrian and cyclist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Warning and Lane Keep Assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Kona Hybrid Unveiled"
"Bermaz Motor recently revealed the \nMazda MX-30 fully-electric crossover \nthat\u2019s expected to be launched by the end of 2022, with prices expected to be under the RM200k mark.\nFor context, the MX-30 shares the same platform as the \nCX-30 \nbut instead of an internal combustion engine, the MX-30 is powered by an electric motor with \n143 hp\n and \n271 Nm\n to drive the front wheels via single-speed transmission. Under the vehicle are 35.5 kWh batteries, which offers about 199 km of driving range.\nWith a standard wall plug, full charge requires up to 12 hours, but with a quicking-charging wallbox, charging time can be reduced by more than half, taking just five hours for a full charge. With DC fast charging, it take just 30 minutes to charge the car up to 80%.\nAs for performance, 0 to 100 km/h 9.7 seconds, although top speed strangely, is limited to just 140 km/h. As for dimensions, it\u2019s much like the CX-30 as well, except that it\u2019s slightly taller.\nIn terms of dimensions, the MX-30 measures 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, and 1,555 mm in height; with a 2,655 mm wheelbase. The CX-30 on the other hand, measures 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, 1,540 mm in height, and with a 2,655 mm wheelbase. Boot space is rated at 332-litres but with the 60:40 split-folding seats flattened, the MX-30 offers can accommodate more than 1,100-litres of cargo.\nNot much was revealed on the specifications of the car at the time of preview, although it\u2019s safe to say there\u2019s nothing quite like it in the Mazda range at the moment. The MX-30 sports a Sportback look, with black body cladding covering the entire bottom half of the car but that\u2019s not the \u2018wow factor\u2019 of the MX-30. Instead, it\u2019s the suicide doors, much like the RX-8, where you\u2019d have to open the front doors before you can open the rear.\nInside, it\u2019s very much like the Mazda\u2019s we\u2019ve come to know, clean and minimalist although it does stand out with an additional touchscreen for air-con controls, a different gear lever with storage spaces under it, and a different design for the air-con vents.\nGALLERY"
"Nissan Motor Corporation has announced plans to establish a new company by April 2022, that combines the expertise of \nAutech\n and Nissan Motorsports International or more famously known as \nNISMO\n.\nThe move aims to utilise Autech\u2019s know-how in developeing and manufacturing customised vehicles while NISMO\u2019s international recognition through motorsports. Nissan said the new company will be an important strategic subsidiary that is expected to contribute to Nissan\u2019s growth.\n2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo gets company\u2019s latest logo and Stealth Grey colour.check it out here!\nAutech was established in 1986 and has since been known for the development, production, and sales of converted Nissan vehicles. NISMO on the other hand has been heavily involved in domestic and international racing activities, vehicle modifications and upgrades, design and development of race cars since 1984.\nThe new company is expected to provide 600 new jobs and will focus on vehicle conversions, the development of parts and accessories, and motorsports.\nNissan Almera Autech\n in Thailand.\nNissan, CEO, Ashwani Gupta said, \u201cAutech, with its wide range of expertise, is a pioneer of customised vehicles. As for NISMO, it is a symbol of the spirit of challenge in Nissan cars. We are confident that the integration of these two companies will bring us even closer to the pinnacle of exciting mobility we are aiming for.\nAutech and NISMO, CEO, Takao Katagiri said, \u201cBoth Autech and NISMO have more than 30 years of experience and strong solid and wide fan base. By connecting the high aspirations of our employees and advanced craftsmanship for the future, we aim to reach ever greater heights as a presence loved and supported by customers.\u201d\nNissan introduces the AUTECH lineup in Japan..read about it here!"
"As we are coming to the end of 2018, carmakers are already gearing up for events in 2019. One of the first large-scale automotive events for the new calendar year is the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon and Mazda has already jumped the gun on what they will be bringing to the show.\nOther than the first public debut of the \nall-new Mazda 3\n, Mazda will also be showing four other design concepts \u2013 Mazda 3, \nCX-5\n and \nCX-8\n Custom Style as well as Mazda Roadster Drop-Head Coupe Concept. The latter is essentially an \nMX-5 ND\n with a detachable roof just like previous generation models.\nThe MX-5 Drop-Head Coupe Concept is an alternative to the MX-5 RF that comes with a folding mechanism for the hard top. The carbon roof of the Drop-Head Coupe can be completely removed to create a sleek and unobstructed roadster silhouette just like the soft top MX-5.\nOther items on the concept car include extended front and side skirts, towing hook, 16-inch Rays forged aluminium wheels, Recaro bucket seats, revised interior trim and aluminium sports pedals. Performance enhancing components read LSD, upgraded clutch set, lighter flywheel, air filter and reinforced bushings.   The 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon also marks the Japanese debut of the new Mazda 3. The Hiroshima based carmaker is also upping the ante with the display of the Mazda 3 Custom Style that wears a bespoke exterior aero kit, 18-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels and aluminium sports pedals.\nDown the line, the Custom Style treatment is also extended to the CX-5 and CX-8. Both SUVs wears additional front, side and rear underskirt, aluminium sports pedals, welcome lamp, illuminated scuff plate and luggage end plate. The CX-8 also gains a new 20-inch aluminium wheel design.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda MX-5 Drop-Head Coupe Concept\n \n \nMazda CX-8 Custom Style   Mazda CX-5 Custom Style   All new Mazda 3 North America Spec"
"Despite the constant threat of the pandemic, \nProton\n ended 2021 on a high with a total of 14,147 units sold in December, bringing the total sales figure for the year to \n114,708 units\n including exports.\nThe figure is the highest number that the national carmaker has achieved since 2014, and is the third consecutive year of volume growth for the company. Compared to 2020, the figure also represents a year-on-year growth of 4.5% \u2013 which is even particularly noteworthy as the Total Industry Volume (TIV) for Malaysia is estimated to have shrunk by 4.6% this year, to just over 505,000 units.\nWith the December sales figure now accounted for, Proton\u2019s market share for the whole of 2021 is estimated to stand at 22.7% \u2013 a 2% increase over 2020\u2019s numbers.\nThe key contributor to Proton\u2019s performance in 2021 is once again the Proton Saga, which moved a total of 42,627 units, including some that were shipped as CKD packs and \nassembled in other countries such as Pakistan\n.\nALSO READ: Proton sold over 100,000 Sagas since launch of facelift in 2019\nThe new\n Proton Iriz Active\nHowever, most of Proton\u2019s other models have also registered positive growth last year, with the main highlight being the \nX50\n which ended the year with a total of 28,774 units sold thanks to the record-breaking 4,310 units delivered in December \u2013 making it the best-selling SUV overall in Malaysia.\nThe \nX70\n meanwhile garnered a total of 16,375 units sold (1,616 in December), while the \nProton Persona\n, \nIriz\n, and \nExora\n sold a total of 16,153, 6,708, and 4,035 units respectively \u2013 all of which among the top-three bestsellers within their segments (Exora top for C-segment MPV).\nInternational sales were also a major highlight for Proton in 2021, with a total of 3,018 units exported representing a growth of over 100%, making it the \u201cnumber one automotive brand for exports last year\u201d, the company said in a statement.\n\u201c2021 was tough for the automotive industry as a whole and this is reflected in the reduction in TIV compared to the previous year. From a global chip shortage to a spike in Covid-19 numbers that lead to another lockdown to skyrocketing transport costs, there were many challenges for industry players to overcome,\u201d said Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah.\nALSO READ: Proton delivers 30 X70 SUVs to Kenyan Police\nHe added that Proton\u2019s sales growth, especially in a year when the market contracted, was the result of the company\u2019s careful planning and juggling of available resources.\nRELATED: The first Saga has rolled off the assembly line at Proton\u2019s Pakistan CKD Plant\n\u201cRegarding export sales, we are equally proud about being the brand with the highest export volume in 2021 as it proves we are gaining traction overseas thanks to the joint efforts of our International Sales division and our foreign partners.\n\u201cWhile increasing shipping costs are a growing concern, our planned activities in 2022 means we expect export sales growth to accelerate in the coming years,\u201d he added.\nAside from sales, the national carmaker was also particularly proud of its new addition to the total of 3S/4S outlets across Malaysia in 2021, now standing at 147 outlets strong (+7), despite the challenges faced in terms of financing and construction works.\nAdditionally, Proton\u2019s in-house financing arm also became the leading OEM finance company in Malaysia in 2021, and is also the most popular choice for Saga buyers.\n\u201cThe growth of Proton\u2019s ancillary businesses such as Proton Commerce and the increase in the number of outlets is directly linked to the number of vehicles we sell. As sales have grown, so have our facilities to cater to an increased number of customers.\u201d Roslan Abdulah added."
"In preparation for the production of the first purely electric Porsche, which is set to begin next year, the new name loosely translates to \u201clively young horse\u201d \u2013 a reference to the Porsche badge featuring a leaping steed since 1952.\nFormerly known as the\n \u201cMission E\u201d\n in its concept stages, the Taycan is powered by two permanently synchronous motors (PSM) with an output of \n600 hp\n. As \nMark Webber recently experienced\n, it\u00a0allows the Taycan to get to 100 km/h from standstill in \nunder 3.5 seconds\n and with 0 to 200 km/h in under 12 seconds The vehicle\u2019s \nmaximum range is over 500 km\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q_o4Pl-AuY\nPorsche will have their hands tied in the next decade following the recent introduction of another \nall-electric concept, the Mission E Cross Turismo\n. Expansion works are already underway at the Porsche headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany with a new paint shop, dedicated assembly area and a \nconveyor bridge for transporting the painted bodies and drive units\n to the final assembly area currently being constructed.\nSome 500 million euros will be allocated for the development of other variants for the Taycan with an additional one billion euros for electrification and hybridisation of the existing product range."
"Audi is going all out this time at Europe\u2019s largest auto\u00a0show, the 85th Geneva Motor Show. The famed\u00a0Ingolstadt-based carmaker will be exhibiting four variants of their second generation \nAudi R8\n, the AMG A45 rival \nRS 3 Sportback\n, \nQ7\n e-tron quattro and the futuristic \nAudi Prologue Avant\n concept; making for a whopping seven world premieres.\nAudi Prologue Avant Concept   First off, the Audi Prologue Avant Concept points the direction to their future design language, flaunting a holistic styling approach both inside and out. It shares the same powertrain as the Audi Q7 e-tron quattro \u2013 the \n3.0-litre V6 diesel\n engine that\u2019s complemented with a \n100 kW electric motor\n. Drivetrain is an \neight-speed tiptronic\n, sending \n455 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s \nQuattro system\n.\nMaking another global debut is the blistering \nAudi RS 3 Sportback\n, a \n367 hp\n and \n465 Nm\n beast with its sight set firmly on the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. Power comes from a \n2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged\n petrol engine that\u2019s also used in the preceding model, but has been bumped up by as much as 30 horsepower.   Joining the onslaught are four \nR8\n variants \u2013 the R8 V10, R8 V10 Plus, R8 LMS and R8 e-tron. Highlighting the mid-engine V10 supercar is the e-tron variant, but wait, it\u2019s an all-electric, waging war against Tesla\u2019s Model S. The R8 e-tron is fitted with a \n92 kWh lithium-ion battery\n which delivers \n456 hp\n and a numbing \n920 Nm\n of instantaneous torque. It sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in \n3.9 seconds\n, yet manages an impressive 450 kilometers in a single charge.   Summing up the list of world premieres is the \nQ7\n e-tron quattro. Audi claims that it\u2019s the \nworld\u2019s first\n six-cylinder diesel plug-in hybrid with quattro drive in its segment, sharing the \nsame powertrain\n as the Prologue Avant Concept. In electric mode, the lithium-ion battery is capable of delivering \n56 kilometers\n, but its hybrid drive system allows the Q7 to cover more than a ridiculous \n1,410 km\n. This diesel V6\u2019s state of tune makes \n373 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque, whilst consuming \n1.7 litres of fuel per 100 km\n. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is done in \n6 seconds\n flat \u2013 that\u2019s mighty quick for a vehicle this size.   The 85th\u00a0Salon international de l\u2019automobile has in its history seen some of the automotive industry\u2019s greatest milestones, and we\u2019d be lying if we told you we\u2019re not excited. Bookmark this page because we\u2019ll bring you the latest developments at the world famous motor show!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi Prologue Avant Concept   Audi RS 3 Sportback   Audi R8 e-tron   Audi Q7 e-tron Quattro"
"Deep in the\u00a0Northern Territory of Australia lies a stretch of asphalt called the\u00a0Stuart Highway, which is one of only three places in the world that has a\u00a0derestricted speed limit.\u00a0The Stuart Highway covers a distance of 2,834 km from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Port Augusta, South Australia \u2013 approximately the same distance as Kuala Lumpur to Seoul as a matter of perspective.\nBentley decided (and we\u2019d agree) that this was the perfect place to wail the latest\u00a0\nBentley Continental GT Speed\n flat out. Here\u2019s a bunch of mind-boggling figures for you. The Bentley is powered by a \n626 bhp W12\n block that churns out an incredible\n 820 Nm\n of twist at just\n 1,700 rpm\n.\u00a0The combination of these two propels the \n2.3 tonne\n luxury machine to the century mark in just \n4.3 seconds\n!\nThe Crewe-based company elected to have\u00a0Australian racing legend, \nJohn Bowe\n at the helm of this little experiment who was quoted saying\u00a0\u201cThis isn\u2019t a modified race car; it\u2019s a luxurious grand touring road car fresh off the \nproduction\n line. It took us a little over a \nminute\n to go from a standstill to \n331 km/h\n. That\u2019s extraordinary. Even when you break through the 200 mph (320 km/h)\u00a0barrier, the GT Speed just keeps accelerating.\u201d\nFans of the plucky BBC motoring show \nTop Gear\n will at this point be replaying the episode where \nJames May\n drove the famed \nBugatti Veyron\n flat out in Germany in their mind right now. At top speed, the \n6.0-litre\n \ntwin-turbo\n Grand Tourer was covering a staggering \n92 metres\n\u00a0\nper second\n! That\u2019s equivalent to one football field per second!\nAt Vmax, the Bentley GT Speed is circulating\n 216 litres\n of coolant through its engine and radiator per minute while drawing over \n4,700 litres\n of air through the radiator each second and using only \n80 percent\n of its engine power just to overcome aerodynamic loads. Amazing!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There is a mountain road called the Dragon Road in Hunan Province, China leading to \nTianmen\n Mountain or Heaven\u2019s Gate. The legendary 11.3 km route consists of 99 turns and a towering 999-step stairway at a 45-degree incline so needless to say, getting there is no walk in the park.\nLand Rover embarked on a challenge to arrive atop the Heaven\u2019s Gate in their latest Range Rover Sport P400e PHEV \u2013 yes, the 999-step stairs included. With 24 Hours Le Mans winner, Ho-Pin Tung behind the wheel of a \nstock standard P400e\n, the world\u2019s first-ever Dragon Road Challenge was underway:\nThe SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and an electric motor that gives a combined output of\n 398 hp\n and\n 640 Nm\n of torque. The PHEV is capable of completing the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \n6.7 seconds\n and has a top speed of \n220 km/h\n. The P400e is capable of pure electric commute of up to \n51 km\n.\nTung said, \u201cI\u2019ve experienced Formula E, Formula 1 and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but this was without a\u00a0doubt one of the most demanding driving challenges I\u2019ve ever faced. The Range Rover Sport PHEV performed brilliantly as it inspired real confidence on the mountain road and climbed the stairs up to Heaven\u2019s Gate effortlessly.\u201d\nOther than the optional off-road tyres equipped on the car, the challenge demonstrated the P400e\u2019s Terrain Response 2 system to offer superior performance on-road and off-road. On the hill climb, Tung had the car set into Dynamic Mode, giving it sharper throttle response and maximum body control to carve through the 99 corners.\nRock Crawl Mode was used when ascending the stairway and here the PHEV\u2019s ability to deliver instant torque from zero rpm proved to be a key\u00a0to the success of the 45-degree incline climb.\nLand Rover Experience expert, Phil Jones added, \u201cThis was the hardest Range Rover Sport challenge I\u2019ve ever been involved with because, until we reached the top, we couldn\u2019t categorically say we would succeed. By making it to the summit, we\u2019ve proven the phenomenal capability of the Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid like never before \u2013 with a genuine world first.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRange Rover\u00a0 Sport P400e PHEV Dragon Challenge   Range Rover Sport P400e PHEV"
"Malaysians should be familiar with the \nNissan X-Trail\n. The butch crossover from Nissan was not only spacious but it also came with rugged versatility, such as the plastic front fenders that will pop back into shape in minor bumps, and the boot that was equipped with a plastic tray which can be taken out and hosed down with ease. A favourite choice among the \nMalaysian officials\n is also saying a lot about the hardy X-Trail.\nThe X-Trail might have look like it has been on sale for ages but in fact, it actually arrived in the market a few years later than the \nHonda CR-V\n. While the CR-V was seen evolving from generation to generation, the X-Trail stayed true to its boxy looks portraying its tough go-anywhere capabilities; but not anymore with this \nthird generation T32 X-Trail\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD\nSegment\nMid-size SUV\nEngine\n2,488 cc 4-Cylinder, Normally-Aspirated\nTransmission\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n167 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n233 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM 165,800.00\nThe total redesign might be an attempt to keep the X-Trail competitive in the ever-expanding SUV market, but we suspect the fresh dose of appearance should be able to lure a more diverse buyers from the other brands as well. It even throws in extra two seats in the back for good measure.\nThe T32 X-Trail made its debut here in early 2015 and it is offered in two 4-cylinder engine options, a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre. With a price gap of more than RM 20k between the two, the difference is more than just the engine displacement, the \n2.0L\n model is strictly a \nfront-wheel drive\n against the \n2.5L\n model that \ndrives all four wheels\n. We bagged ourselves the 2.5L variant test unit finished in Tungsten Silver, now let\u2019s find out what the new X-Trail has to offer other than a new appearance.\nEXTERIOR\nIt looks like the Nissan designers have misplaced their ruler when sketching the new X-Trail. Gone are the straight lines and the slab-sided profile of the previous X-Trail, replaced with an organic and athletic appearance that ties the X-Trail closer to the rest of the Nissan product range.\nThe X-Trail now is more pleasing to behold thanks to the smooth lines that define the more dynamic profile compared to its predecessors. The shapely front bumper adds some aggressiveness to the face, but it\u2019s also adorned with a slash of chrome just below the air intake, as well as chrome rings surrounding a pair of foglamps for a bit of that classy touch.   The nose is highlighted by the thick and chromed V grille that frames the Nissan logo. The line from the grille then continues to flow on to the bonnet, and joined by another crease that emerges from the \nLED headlamps\n. Both lines curve towards the flanks, to become the rising shoulder line that ends up at the kicked-up rear D-pillar.\nThe strong side profile is accentuated by the wheel arches that houses a set of \n17-inch wheels\n, while some eye candy comes in the form of chrome door handles and the design of the LED indicators on the side mirrors. In addition to that, the X-Trail is equipped with roof rails and black plastic cladding line the lower part of the whole vehicle for some extra ruggedness.\nAt the other end, the new X-Trail is missing the trademark vertical tail lights from the previous generation models, now replaced by a pair of angular items. It appears quite generic if you throw away the Nissan badge, but that\u2019s not an issue when the back looks more appealing than the previous X-Trails.\nINTERIOR\nDespite the dark colour scheme used in the X-Trail, the cabin feels spacious and airy; and with \nleather\n covering the seats, it\u2019s a comfortable place to sit in too. Another reason it\u2019s so comfortable is the \nzero-gravity inspired seats\n that supports your body at the right places so you\u2019ll stay fresh as a daisy even on long drives.   Electric adjustments\n are only reserved to the two front seats, the rest rely on levers and straps to manipulate their form. The second row seats split, slide, and tumble forward to give access to a couple of third row \u201ccomplimentary\u201d seats that can be raised or lowered by a tug of the strap.   Getting in and out of the third row is still a bit of a squeeze, but at least the rear doors open to a wide angle to facilitate that. There are acres of space for everyone bar the two unfortunate souls in the third row, and it can feel quite claustrophobic due to the rising side window line and the thick D-pillars; but smaller-sized kids will fit in there just fine. Everyone gets a \nthree-point safety belt\n, but sadly there are \nonly two airbags\n in the whole cabin.   With the last row of seats in place, boot space is limited for some light groceries. Fold them down and you get \n550 litres\n of real estate, and even more when you fold down the second row seats. The boot floor is quite high but you do get a small compartment to stow away the tonneau cover at the edge of the spare wheel bay.\n \n \nDual zone climate control\n is standard fitment, complete with blowers for the second row passengers, but our test unit is fitted with the optional \nTCAT touch screen\n multimedia system\u00a0instead of a standard 5-inch screen in the middle of the dashboard. Other than the bigger screen size, the upgrade adds \nGPS navigation\n into the mix.   Cabin practicalities are fine, there\u2019s a well-sized glovebox, deep cubby under the front central armrest, a 12v power outlet in the boot, while each row have at least two cupholders (the first row cupholders are chilled as well). The build quality seems solid enough, although some of the materials used feel cheap, such as the glossy plastic surrounding the gearlever and the hill descent switch next to the drive mode knob on the center console.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n2.5-litre engine\n has survived since the first-gen X-Trail, but it\u2019s now producing \n169 hp\n and \n233 Nm\n of torque. With that amount of power, the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time and top speed should be tolerable because it doesn\u2019t really matter for the daily grind although the \nfuel consumption\n is rated at around \n8.3 litres per 100km\n.\nA \nCVT\n is tasked to send the power to the \nAll-Mode 4\u00d74-i System\n, and you can choose from 2WD, Auto, or lock it in full 4WD mode via a knob on the center console. Complimenting the AWD system is the \nAdvanced Hill Descent Control\n (AHDC).\nTHE DRIVE\nThe \n360 degree birds eye view camera\n has to be one of the main selling points of the new X-Trail. Aided by the four cameras located around the exterior, they\u2019re reliably accurate so you should be able to slot the X-Trail in the tightest parking spot available. Having said, if you are still unable to park the X-Trail properly in a normal parking bay then maybe you should consider to retake your driving test.\nAfter experiencing the serene calmness of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder unit in the Teana, the 2.5-litre unit in this X-Trail sounds gruff and agricultural when pushed. However, it delivers impressive performance while the CVT paired to the engine deserves a praise too; it mimics the stepped gearchange of a conventional torque-converter automatic quite well thus minimising the usual CVT rubberband effect.\nAmbling along the city roads, the X-Trail rides comfortably,\u00a0smothering any imperfection in its path and as you venture to the highway, the X-Trail becomes a refined cruiser almost similar to the Teana with its pillowy ride as well as encapsulating its occupants from the outside noise.\nThe handling is safe and secure, by virtue of the \nActive Trace Control\n (ATC). Like torque vectoring, it senses and brakes individual wheels to allow for a better turn in to corners, making the X-Trail handle with admirable deftness.\nThe ATC is part of the \nActive Chassis Control \n(ACC), that also consists of \nActive Ride Control\n (ARC) and \nActive Engine Brake\n (AEB). The ARC is said to provide a smoother ride over road humps while the AEB utilises the CVT for engine braking. I didn\u2019t really feel the former make any difference to the notorious multiple speed bumps of Jalan PJU 7/2, but the latter works whenever you lift off the throttle, slowing the vehicle down even when you\u2019re not applying the brakes.\nAlthough the X-Trail is most likely to be used to ferry kids to school and soccer practice, it\u2019s actually a more capable vehicle than most would think it is; because the \nAll-Mode 4\u00d74-i System\n allows you to traverse the broken path beyond the school\u2019s football field. Just twist the knob on the center console to choose from \n2WD\n, \n4WD\n, or \nAuto\n, and the X-Trail will take care of the rest for you.\nIn 2WD mode you will get a front wheel drive SUV, but by default you can leave the knob in \nAuto\n position, where the system will shift the power by\n up to 50 percent to the rear axle\n when needed, intelligently. Like any other \u201cintelligent\u201d 4WD system in other vehicles, the transition is seamless, but in case you doubt the system is even functioning at all, you can watch it work by looking at the 5-inch digital display between the meter cluster.\nThe 4WD mode is when you\u2019re in the mood for some moderate off-roading session, like that sudden urge to climb a hill on a perfectly fine Sunday afternoon. Okay, even if you never have that kind of urge, the X-Trail is capable to crawl through rutted terrain and climb up a hill or two. Coming down shouldn\u2019t be a problem either. Turn on the \nAHDC\n switch located next to the drive knob, and let the car control the engine and braking while you steer the car safely into path, making you look like a \nCamel Trophy\n veteran.\nFuel economy is acceptable for a vehicle this size and a large 4-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet. We managed to score \n7.0 l/100 km\n during our mixed driving, which is better than the claimed figure.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you have a growing family thinking of upgrading from a C-segment sedan and you can\u2019t be seen driving an MPV, the X-Trail is a worthy SUV to consider. The cabin is spacious and practical enough, and your missus would appreciate the commanding SUV driving position and the 360 degree camera. The inclusion of the All-Mode 4\u00d74-i System could also come in handy in the time of need.\nFor those of you who are still single, the X-Trail could be your all-in-one vehicle. It\u2019s pleasantly comfortable, spacious, and it can get you to almost everywhere with little effort behind the wheel.\nCOMPARISONS\nWe\u2019re comparing the X-Trail with Honda\u2019s refreshed \nCR-V\n and Mazda\u2019s hot-selling \nCX-5\n. The CX-5 is the most expensive here, but the X-Trail and the CR-V are priced within a few hundred ringgits of each other. The CR-V has the smallest 4-cylinder lump under its bonnet but the \n2.4-litre i-VTEC\n produces the most horses while the \n2.5-litre SkyActiv-G\n in the CX-5 has the most torque.\nThe CX-5 has extra goodies to reflect its asking price, such as sunroof and a fancy Bose sound system. Size-wise the X-Trail is the biggest of the lot, and it\u2019s the only vehicle to offer seating for up to seven. It\u2019s also the only car with the least amount of airbags though.\nNissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD\n \nHonda CR-V 2.4 4WD i-VTEC\nMazda CX5 2.5 SkyActiv-G 4WD\n \nENGINE\nType\n\u00a0Inline 4-cylinder\nInline 4-cylinder\nInline 4-cylinder\nDisplacement\ncc\n2,488\n2,354\n2,488\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n169/6,000\n187/7,000\n185/5,700\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n233/4,000\n222/4,400\n250/3,250\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\nCVT\n5-speed Automatic\n6-speed Automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront/Rear\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nMacPherson strut/Double wishbone\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nVentilated disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n225/65 R17\n225/60 R18\n225/65\u00a0R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,650\n4,590\n4,555\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,820\n1,820\n1,840\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,715\n1,685\n1,670\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,705\n2,620\n2,700\nKerb Weight\nkg\n1,612\n1,560\n1,611\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n550\n589\n403\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n60 litres\n58\u00a0litres\n58\u00a0litres\nConsumption (Combined)\n8.3\u00a0L/100 km\n8.5\u00a0L/100 km\nN/A\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\nN/A\n190\nN/A\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\nN/A\n10.7\n9.7\nPRICE\n \nRM\n165,800.00\n165,170.50\n176,609.70\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThe X-Trail qualifies as the best case scenario for a universal vehicle. It should please most family man/woman because it\u2019s easy to live with and it can even be the sole workhorse for a single household. It\u2019s a sensible all-rounder with amicable road manners but its low airbag count might put some people off, although the ACC is there to prevent from the worse to happen.\nAt this price point I\u2019d happily recommend the X-Trail to anyone seeking an easy to drive go-anywhere vehicle, but personally I\u2019d rather sacrifice the \u201cplus two\u201d seats and top up a bit more for something with a little more verve. I think you know which SUV I\u2019m referring to based on the comparison table above.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nGeely Jia Ji\n is the Chinese carmaker\u2019s first MPV and here we have a closer look at the people carrier\u2019s rear profile.\nLike the front, the\nrear of the Jia Ji is aesthetically pleasing with LED taillamps, chrome trim\nwith GEELY wording across the tailgate, neat bumpers and hidden exhaust outlets.\nUnlike the traditional \u201cbox on wheels\u201d design, the Jia Ji is a fresh and stylish\ninterpretation of an MPV.\nInside the Jia Ji, passengers\nare presented with a full LCD instrument cluster, 12.3-inch floating widescreen\ninfotainment panel and a double deck centre console that houses the main\ncontrols, electronic gear selector, roof mounted controls with motion activated\nceiling light, ambient lighting, intelligent cup-holder with cooling and\nheating function, panoramic sunroof and a touch panel control for the rear\nclimate control.\nThe Jia Ji is available\nin either a six- or seven-seater configuration with three seating options: 2+2+2,\n2+2+3 or 2+3+2. Geely says this will ensure that the new MPV meets all family mobility\nrequirements.\nAt launch, the Jia Ji is powered by three powertrain options \u2013 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid (MHEV) with \n190 hp\n/\n300 Nm\n, 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid with \n258 hp\n/\n385 Nm\n or 1.8-litre turbo petrol wit\nh 183 \nhp/\n300 Nm\n. The electrified powertrains are paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission while the 1.8-litre TGDi gets a conventional six-speed automatic.\nConsidering how well received\nthe Proton X70 is, do you think it\u2019s time Proton replaces the aging Exora with a\ncar based on the Jia Ji?\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nGeely\u00a0Jia\u00a0Ji\u00a0MPV"
"Nope, it\u2019s not an April Fool\u2019s joke and it\u2019s in fact true that beginning today, Volvo\u2019s new \u201cFamily Bond\u201d policy will come into effect where employees with \nat least one year of service\n will be entitled to 24 weeks of paid parental leave.\nThe new policy, will benefit some 40,000 Volvo employees around the world, regardless of gender, with \n80% of their base pay\n. The leave \ncan be taken anytime within the three first years of parenthood\n.\n\u201cWe want to create a culture that supports equal parenting for all genders. When parents are supported to balance the demands of work and family, it helps to close the gender gap and allows everyone to excel in their careers. We have always been a family-oriented and human-centric company. Through this parental leave policy, we are demonstrating and living our values, which in turn will strengthen our brand,\u201d said Volvo Car, CEO, H\u00e5kan Samuelsson.\nYou can now \ndrop off your old electronic devices at Volvo Car Malaysia for recycling\n!\nThe global policy is more inclusive compared to existing policies around the world, and includes all legally registered parents, including adoptive, foster care and surrogate parents.\nVolvo Car, Marketing and Public Relations Director, Akhtar Sulaiman, \u201cThis is a big step for Volvo, in which we are happy to extend the benefits of Family Bond onto our colleagues here in Malaysia. It is indeed empowering to be part of such a progressive-thinking organisation, to deepen our endeavours for competitive employee benefits amidst our positive culture.\u201d\u00a0\nWhen studying the outcome of its parental leave pilot programme, the company found that employees appreciated the policy for being\n gender neutral, inclusive and adaptable to personal needs\n. The studies also resulted in important insights on how to encourage even more employees to take parental leave and make parental leave for both parents the new \u2018norm\u2019.\nTo further show its commitment to reducing the gender gap, Volvo Cars will share its participation results over time so that other companies can learn from its progress.\n \nThe newly launched XC40 Recharge T5 plug-in hybrid.\nVolvo Cars\u2019 global policy is inspired by national legislation in its home market of Sweden, famous around the globe for its generous parental leave arrangements, which have delivered tangible benefits for parents and children alike in recent decades.\nVolvo Car Malaysia, Head of People Experience,\u00a0Rema Chetty added, \u201cAt Volvo, our focus has always been on people.\u00a0Family Bond by Volvo Cars is more than a new policy or benefit for employees \u2013 it is the embodiment of the company\u2019s culture and values.\n\u201cWe believe that collaborative, inclusive, and diverse work environment ensures a happy workplace and in turn a successful organisation. We hope with the introduction of this parental leave policy, we can liberate our people to focus the joys of parenthood and be assured of continuous support from the company for their careers,\u201d she added."
"MINI France has launched the MINI Cooper S GT Edition that\u2019s inspired by the MINI 1275 GT \u2013 the first MINI ever to be offered with a tachometer \u2013 from 1969 to 1980 and will only be available with 3 doors specifically for the French market.\nAs such the exterior of the car pays tribute to the original car with with hood, trunk and side stripes, GT Limited Edition lettering across the doors, a rear spoiler with the GT Limited Edition lettering and 18-inch \u201cSpacecraft\u201d wheels as seen on the John Cooper Works model.\nIt shares the same tail lights from the facelifted MINI Cooper recently launched in Malaysia.\nInside, the GT Edition comes with a GT Limited Edition inscription on the passenger side of the dashboard, illuminated door sills with GT lettering and the same letters are also projected onto the ground when the doors open.\nThese supplement the standard John Cooper Works sports seats, John Cooper Works steering wheel, and panoramic sunroof.\nPower comes from the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine from the Cooper S making\n 191 hp\n with\n 280 Nm\n of torque. Transmission options are between a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch unit."
"BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen have just announced a new joint venture, IONITY to develop and operate a High-Power Charging (HPC) network for electric vehicles across Europe.\nIONITY aims to get \n400 HPC\n stations up and running by 2020, giving electric car owners greater convenience and peace of mind for long-distance journeys across Europe. The company aims to roll out the first \n20 stations\n by the end of 2017 located on major highways in Germany, Norway and Austria placed at 120 km intervals.\nEach charging point features a charging capacity of up to\n 350 kW\n as well as different socket design to cater to cars from different manufacturers. The charging point is also able to support high-speed charging for shorter charge times compared to existing systems. This multi-brand, Europe-wide distribution of HPC will help make electrified vehicles more appealing and feasible, an important step for EVs.\nIONITY CEO, Michael Hajesch said \u201cThe first pan-European HPC network plays an essential role in establishing a market for electric vehicles. IONITY will deliver our common goal of providing customers with fast charging and digital payment capability, to facilitate long-distance travel\u201d"
"If the \nMercedes-AMG G63\n isn\u2019t sinister enough for you, you might want to check out the new \nBrabus P 900 Rocket Edition\n. \nBrabus\n \nhas not only converted the luxury performance SUV into a truck, but they have also widened the AMG G63 and upsized its engine.\nLet\u2019s have a quick look around the outside first. Of course, the most striking modification is the new truck bed on the G63 SUV. Brabus first did this with the Brabus 800 Adventure XLP by rebuilding the G63\u2019s rear end, including the rear suspension and driveshaft, extending the frame by 500 mm.\nThe Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition gives the G63 the \u201cBrabus Rocket Edition Widestar\u201d exterior concept that widens the G63 by 100 mm. The concept includes the Brabus front fascia inserts and front spoiler, \u201cRocket Red\u201d side flaps, and \u201cRocket Launch\u201d ambience light integrated into the carbon front grille.\nCompleting the Brabus look on the P 900 Rocket Edition are a set of 24-inch Brabus Monoblock Z \u201cPlatinum Edition\u201d Aero-Disc forged wheels. A unique feature on the exterior of the Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition is the Brabus \u201cPowerView\u201d hood that provides a direct view of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine.\nRELATED: \nWelcome to 2022, where tuners increase EV\u2019s range, not performance\nOriginally a 4.0-litre V8 AMG engine, Brabus has bored it out to 4.5 litres, churning out \n900 hp\n and \n1,250 Nm\n. Hooked up to the G63\u2019s nine-speed automatic transmission, the P 900 Rocket Edition launches from 0-100 km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n.\nThe two original turbochargers have also been swapped out for Brabus-special turbochargers with reinforced axial bearings. The V8 twin-turbo engine sings a new tune through a Brabus Sport Exhaust System with actively controlled flaps and muffler tips with ambient lighting \u2013 fancy.\nRELATED: \nThe Brabus B45 gives the AMG A 45 S more power than you\u2019ll ever need\nIn the cabin, the Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition gets a splash of \u201cRocket Red\u201d on over 206 individual cockpit elements \u2013 From the steering wheel trims to the foot pedals and the air conditioning vents.\nThe interior design is handcrafted, and many interior elements are finished in Brabus\u2019 \u201cHeritage\u201d brand pattern, paying tribute the Brabus\u2019 founding year in 1977. Brabus has upholstered the seats with a special Brabus \u201cSeashell Diamond\u201d quilting. A range of high-end carbon fibre elements can be seen on the Brabus paddle shifters, steering wheel, dashboard, centre console trims, and door panel compartments.\nPricing for the Brabus P 900 Rocket Edition starts at \u20ac773,069.22 (approx. \nRM 3,471,293\n). Production will be limited to ten units worldwide.\nGALLERY"
"Following a\n short teaser\n earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now launched the new E-Class facelift. Two variants \u2013 the \nMercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde \nand \nE 300 AMG Line\n \u2013 are on offer here in Malaysia, both locally-assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang.\n \nJust like its predecessor, the E 200 variant will serve as the entry-level variant for the executive sedan here in Malaysia, priced at \nRM326,943\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions (until December 31, 2021).\nEXTERIOR\nFirst unveiled globally last year, the new\n W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift\n has received a significant overhaul to its exterior styling, featuring the marque\u2019s new design language that was first seen on the \nthird-generation CLS\n.\nUp front, there\u2019s a newly redesigned grille that actually takes on a different shape depending on trim levels, flanked by the new slimmer headlights. On the E 200 with Avantgarde trim, the grille features a hexagonal silhouette which tapers towards the bottom, with two horizontal chrome trims across the centre of the grille to highlight to three-pointed star logo.\nThe most striking change on the new E-Class facelift, however, is round the back where the tail lights are now slim, horizontal two-piece items, which are fully-LED illuminated.\nAs mentioned above, the E 200 is equipped with the Avantgarde exterior package, which Mercedes-Benz says highlights the \u201cdynamism and elegance of the vehicle\u201d with a sporty-looking body kit. Other standard equipment on the new E 200 Avantgarde include:\nAvantgarde exterior package\nLED High Performance Headlamps\nAdaptive high-beam assist\nLED tail lights\n18-inch 5-twin spoke light alloy wheels\nElectrically folding and adjustable exterior mirrors\nTwo new exterior colours: grey metallic and high-tech silver\nRead our full review of the outgoing Mercedes-Benz E 300 for a rough idea of how the new one feels and drive!\nPERFORMANCE\nThe powertrain underneath the updated Mercedes-Benz E 200 is unchanged from its \npredecessor\n, with power still coming from the same two-litre turbocharged inline-four engine.\nEngine: 1,991 cc; inline-four turbocharged, petrol\nMax horsepower: 197 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,100 rpm\nMax torque: 320 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nDriveline: Front engine, rear-wheel drive\nSuspension: Agility Control suspension adaptive damping\n0-100 km/h: 7.4 seconds\nTop speed: 240 km/h\nThe new Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift is also available in an E 300 variant. Learn more here.\nINTERIOR\nWhile the changes to the exterior are quite significant, updates to the cabin on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is comparably more reserved, with the dashboard architecture basically retained from the outgoing model.\nOn the E 200 variant, the dashboard and door panels are draped in a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim, offset by the black open-pored ash wood centre console, and a new black nappa leather multifunction steering wheel with touch-activated controls.\nThe dual 12.3-inch display sitting on top of the dashboard have also been updated with the latest MBUX software, along with a new touch-control cluster on the centre console, though functionality wise remains largely unchanged with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity out of the box.\nOther interior highlights on the new Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde include:\nElectrical adjustable front seats with memory function, 4-way lumbar support, Artico man-made leather upholstery\nElectric sunblind for rear window\nThermatic dual-zone automatic climate control\nAmbient lighting\nAuto-dimming interior mirror and driver-side exterior wing mirror\nIntegrated communications module (LTE) for Mercedes me connect services\nMercedes-Benz emergency call system\nImage from E 300 AMG Line model.\nSAFETY AND CONVENIENCE\nBeing the entry-level model, the new Mercedes-Benz E 200\u2019s safety kit is slightly more limited than its more expensive sibling. However, the Active Brake Assist autonomous emergency braking and blind spot assist systems are standard across the board.\nOther safety and convenience features on the new E 200 Avantgarde include:\nReverse camera\nActive parking assist with Parktronic\nBind Spot Assist\nActive brake Assist\nAdaptive brake lights\nPre-Safe system\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nThe new Mercedes-Benz E 200 is also equipped with a new Urban Guard Vehicle Protection package, which automatically notifies the owner through the Mercedes me application when their parked car detected a change in position, an alarm siren, or movement in the interior for security and property protection.\nPRICING\nThe entry-level Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde is priced at \nRM326,943.19\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemption until the end of 2021, which is a slight RM8,673 increase over its predecessor. Included in the price is also a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.\nWith the Step Up Agility Financing Plan offered by Mercedes-Benz Financial Malaysia, the new E-200 Avantgarde can be yours starting from RM2,388 per month, based on a five-year tenure and a downpayment of 10%. For more information on the Step Up Agility Financing Plan, log on to MBM\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n.\nStill stuck at home due to the movement control orders? You can now shop for Mercedes-Benz cars directly online! Learn more here.\nGALLERY"
"One of the common misconceptions about car clubs and car meets is that they are participated by youngsters in their modified cars and ends with a drag race at the end of the night. However, don\u2019t let one rotten apple spoil the whole bunch as some respectable car clubs are simply car enthusiasts gather to share their passion.\nCar clubs come in many shapes and sizes. There are larger groups that umbrella over a brand such as the Ford Owners Club Malaysia and there are model specific groups such as the \nMalaysia Ford Ranger Club (MFRC)\n. Both clubs are not funded or managed by Sime Darby Auto Connexion but they maintain a close relationship with Ford\u2019s sole distributor in Malaysia.\nBesides sharing the passion for the brand, car clubs are also a good source of information for maintenance and modification of your vehicle. On top of that, having a mutual interest serves as a good foundation to foster new friendships. To experience the energy, vibe, and what goes on at a car meet, MFRC has kindly invited me to join them for their \nMega Gathering 2016\n drive to AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort happened last month.\nIt was an early morning for the rangers as traffic briefing at the rendezvous point happens at 7.30 am before flagging off at 8.00 am sharp. I suppose this will be one of those rare moments that \nJalan Dagang, Sepang\n (an empty stretch of tarmac leading to a dead end) will ever be crowded by \nmore than 200 vehicles\n. Owners from far north of Penang to far south of Johor Baharu gathered here to spend a weekend of fun-filled activities with friends that share a common passion whom they would otherwise would not have met in person if it wasn\u2019t for this MFRC Mega Gathering 2016.\nFortunately for the participants, the organisers have reached out to the traffic law enforcers to assist with the coordination of the drive. Truth to be told, with 215 \nFord Rangers\n in a convoy, getting some form of support from relevant authorities is a sensible choice to make, plus it adds some flare to the whole event. After the safety precautions were conveyed to all the drivers, it\u2019s time to depart for AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort.\nThanks to MFRC\u2019s official fuel partner,\u00a0\nShell\n, participants filled up their respective vehicles with \nShell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5\n. The 33km journey to the resort with a mix of highway stretch and scenic B-roads will give first time users of Shell Euro 5 diesel to experience not only the benefits of a Euro 5 grade diesel but also the \nActive Efficiency Ingredients\n that helps improve engine and fuel efficiency.\nIn a single file formation, we set off at a pace set by the leading officer. With Ford Rangers of different generations, colours, and trims driving together in an organised manner, the Hyundai Sime Darby\u00a0\nTucson\n media car I was piloting stood out like a sore thumb. Well, at least both brands are under Sime Darby\u2019s management.\nThe hour-long journey was relaxed and smooth thanks to the responsible driving style of the MFRC members. When passing the local villages, MFRC members were extra considerate as to not disturb the local community by driving sedately through the village without causing a commotion. The Ford Rangers also did not leave a heavy carbon footprint thanks to the ultra-low sulphur content of Shell\u2019s Euro 5 diesel (10 parts per million) which significantly reduces the black smoke from the exhaust.\nUpon arriving at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, the carpark was immediately filled with Ford Rangers all lined up in an orderly manner. Participants temporarily adjourn to the family park of the resort to participate in activities such as go-kart, archery range, paintball target, and ATV experience among others. Some decided to put on their tourist hat and set off on a hunt for the best local delicacies the town of Bagan Lalang has to offer.\nFrom L to R: Tuan Muhamad Azaazrin bin Alias, Penghulu Mukim Sepang; Encik Tong Jeng Harng, Ahli Majlis/Pengerusi JPP Zon Sepang Putra; Puan Lai Nyuk Lan, Pengerusi Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat Dun Sungai Pelek; YDM Tengku Dato\u2019 Dr Jamaluddin bin Tengku Mahmud Shah Al-Haj D.S.I.S., J.P. and wife; Encik Zahari bin Meskam, Ketua Kampung Kg. Bagan lalang.\nAt the family park, I realise that the friendship built upon a shared passion goes far beyond \njust\n cars. Folks from different race, religion, and gender were spending their afternoon together in good fun and harmony, depicting the true colours of the multicultural melting pot that keeps our nation together as one. Who says car clubs are just a bunch of men with their fast toys?\nAs we approach lunch time, the gathering was graced by the presence of VIPs to express their gratitude to MFRC for choosing Sepang as their destination of choice for an event of this scale. Royal Family representative \nYDM Tengku Dato\u2019 Dr Jamaluddin bin Tengku Mahmud Shah Al-Haj D.S.I.S., J.P.,\u00a0Orang Besar Daerah Sepang, Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya\n and Sepang district leader, \nTuan Muhamad Azaarin bin Alias\n took the opportunity to share the history and places of interest with everyone present.\nUnfortunately, I was unable to stay on with the fine people of MFRC throughout the weekend. Hearing stories from the organisers, they had a delightful weekend getaway with their families and fellow club members as they put up a night at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort. Lucky draw prizes ranging from \npremium shock absorbers\n to car coating\u00a0packages were also given out to lucky individuals.\nThis experience has opened my eyes to the true nature of a car club. It\u2019s not only to meet like-minded enthusiasts but also to be part of a community that supports and appreciates the burning passion you have for cars., ultimately providing a sense of belongingness in this less than ideal world. Car clubs, give it a try.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW has unveiled the all-new G42 2 Series coupe ahead of its first public event at this weekend\u2019s Goodwood Festival of Speed.\nThe second-generation BMW 2 Series coupe has a rather conventional styling, featuring a simple front end unlike the much talked about \n4 Series\n. The new lighting signature at the taillamp split opinions though.\nThe taillamps feature the \u201cpincer\u201d design from the \nfacelifted BMW X3\n, but only featuring the upper half. The front lighting signature conveniently looks like the bottom half of the \u201cpincer\u201d and now houses a single circular LED headlamp unit which BMW says reminiscently of the BMW 02 model.\n2021 BMW X3\nFor the new 2-er, BMW has revised the vertical bars in the wide and horizontally emphasised kidney grilles. The bars now function as active air flaps. The much-loved widened rear arches in the BMW M2 has the styling been transferred to the new coupe, further announcing its rear-wheel drive orientation. First seen in the \nBMW i4\n and then the \nBMW 4 Series Gran Coupe\n, the new BMW 2 Series coupe will also use \nthe flush-fitting door handles\n.\nThe new 2-er stands 28 mm lower than its predecessor, and its tracks wider by 54 mm on the front axle and 31 mm on the rear axle and spread further apart over a 51 mm longer wheelbase (2,751 mm). While it certainly has a similar profile as the predecessor, the new G42 BMW 2 Series should more comfortable inside thanks to a 64-mm wider body as well as the aforementioned longer wheelbase.\nWhile the new coupe carries the 2 Series naming, it has no relation to the currently available F44 \nBMW 2 Series Gran Coupe\n, which is built on a front-wheel drive oriented platform. The new 2 Series coupe will continue to be propelling the rear wheels as well as a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nThe best of both worlds with BMW six-cylinder and rear-biased xDrive! Find out why we love the M340i here!\nBMW says \nmany of the chassis technology\n has been borrowed from the new BMW 4 Series and given a tailored tuning. The front axle features a two-joint spring strut layout while the rear gets the five-link system. Lift-related dampers from the new 3 and 4 Series are specifically tuned for use in the new junior coupe.\nInside, it is a familiar BMW interior, with the dashboard looking to be lifted from the BMW 3 / 4 Series rather than from the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Three-zone automatic air-conditioning and windscreen with acoustic glazing are fitted as standard.\nAt the current launch phase, the new 2 Series coupe will only be offered with a two-litre four-cylinder or a three-litre six-cylinder engine. The range-topping M240i xDrive coupe gets the big capacity engine delivering outputs of \n374 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, resulting in a century sprint time of \n4.3 seconds\n. Torque value remains the same but spread higher to 5,000 rpm, while peak horsepower is 34 more than the previous M240i xDrive coupe.\nCan the front-driven BMW 218i Gran Coupe drive like a typical BMW? Find out more here!\nThe engine in the new 220i coupe meanwhile features identical outputs as found in the \nBMW 320i sedan\n\u2013 \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque. Benchmark century dash is completed in \n7.5 second\ns. In the US, the 230i coupe is offered with the \n255 hp / 400 Nm\n four-cylinder engine with the rest of the world is only scheduled to have this powertrain option from the summer of 2022. 0 to 96 km/h is completed in just \n5.5 seconds\n in the US-specifications 230i.\nAll engines at launch will be paired to the famed 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The range-topping M240i xDrive will have all the added performance-enhancing items such as M Sport differential, rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive, M Sport suspension and M multi-piston braking system.\nThe Sport automatic in the M240i xDrive will also be fitted with a \u201cSprint function\u201d for instant and dynamic bursts of speed when on the move plus the usual Launch Control function.\nAll that six-cylinder, xDrive and M Sport rear differential hardware adds significant amounts of weight too, adding 200 kg to the kerb weight of the M240i xDrive. At \n1,765 kg\n, that is just 50 kg lighter than the larger M440i xDrive Coupe and close to 500 kg heavier than the new \nToyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ twins\n.\nThe all-new G42 BMW 2 Series will be built at the BMW Group\u2019s new San Luis Potos\u00ed plant in \nMexico\n which currently manufactures the BMW 3 Series. The new BMW 2 Series coupe will only be delivered to customers from early 2022.\nIn the USA, the new 230i coupe is priced from \nUSD36,350\n (RM151,200) while the range-topping M240i xDrive coupe starts from \nUSD48,550\n (RM202,000), with both prices cheaper than the \nGR Supra\n range. \u00a0\nGALLERY\n2021 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe\n2021 BMW 220i Coupe"
"Bermaz Motor has introduced a new extended service maintenance programme for Mazda vehicles, tailored for selected models with an existing three-year free service maintenance plan. The new programme will provide an \nadditional four services\n at 10,000 km or 6-month intervals, for a \nperiod of two years\n (fourth and fifth year).\nThe programme will cover all safety checks, service, and maintenance work which are carried out at predetermined intervals, including all works stipulated in the owner\u2019s manual, replacement of engine oil, oil filter, gasket, and other parts requiring scheduled replacements \u2013 refer to the FAQ \nhere\n for the complete list.\nModels eligible for the new plan include the \nMazda2\n, \nMazda3\n, \nMazda6\n, \nMX-5\n, \nCX-3\n, \nCX-5\n, \nCX-9\n, \nMazda5\n, and Biante \nregistered between 2016 and 2018\n, still \nwithin the three-year Free Service Maintenance package\n, or are \nnot yet due for their first fourth-year scheduled service\n.\nOnce purchased, the extended service maintenance programme will automatically be in effect as soon as the original three-year plan expires.\nThe service maintenance extension programme is priced \nbetween RM2,200 to RM3,800\n, depending on model. The full breakdown of pricing is available in the table below. Benefits from the Mazda extended service maintenance programme is transferrable to the new owner if the vehicle is sold.\nLast year, Bermaz Motor revised its free maintenance package for All new Mazda vehicles (aside from the BT-50 pick-up truck) to a \nfive-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance package\n as standard. The change is applicable for vehicles registered after 1 January 2019. Previously, Mazda vehicles were entitled to a three-year/60,000 km free scheduled service offering."
"Straight after releasing details of the BMW \niX SUV\n, the premium brand from Munich showed off the latest product from their electrified \u2018i\u2019 brand, the i4. The world premiere took place as the curtain-raiser for the BMW Group Annual Conference.\nThe BMW i4 is a fully electric four-door Gran Coup\u00e9 with a power output of up to 390kW / \n530 hp, \n590-kilometre range and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in \naround four seconds\n. Its refined balance of BMW typical sportiness, comfort and sustainable performance are unique in its segment.\nA BMW \nM Performance\n model is also in the works as well as a Sport package as seen in the iX SUV announced earlier. \u201cWith its sporty looks, \nbest in class driving dynamics\n and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric,\u201d said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales.\n \nMore information on the new i4 will be released in the coming weeks. BMW is expecting to deliver the new i4 to customers as soon as Autumn 2021, three months earlier than planned.\nGALLERY"
"Suzie Wolff is probably better known these days as the other half of current head honcho of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1, Toto Wolff, or, you may have caught sight of her standing alongside former F1 driver David Coulthard commentating on Formula 1 on UK\u2019s Channel 4. She is currently the Team Principal of the Venturi Formula E team as well as a Mercedes ambassador.\nWolff was also the first woman to take part in a F1 race weekend for 22 years as a test driver for the Williams team back in 2014. And before that, she raced in the ultra-competitive German DTM (for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) races for seven years, from 2006 to 2012. In this interview by Daimler Communications, she gives an insight into her career as a DTM driver \u2013 a racing series which Mercedes-AMG will end its participation this year to concentrate on Formula E \u2013 and the many challenges she faced in motorsport.\nSusie, how did you come to join DTM in 2006?\n \nSusie Wolff: I\u2019d just lost my cockpit in the World Series by Renault as I wasn\u2019t able to raise the sponsorship. I was really frustrated and thought: this is it, when I got a call from Gerhard Ungar about testing a DTM car in Barcelona. The test went pretty well, but I didn\u2019t hear from them for ten days afterwards. I had no idea whether I would get my chance in DTM or not. Ten days later, and I was flying out to Stuttgart to sign a contract to drive for Mercedes-Benz in DTM. With hindsight, it was the big breakthrough that influenced the direction that both my career and private life were to take. Norbert [Haug] is the one I\u2019ve got to thank for giving me the opportunity, and I\u2019m grateful to him for taking a chance on me. His support was invaluable, he pushed me forward and always believed in me.\nVanina Ickx (daughter of Le Man legend Jacky Ickx) also competed in DTM in 2006. Did it ever really matter much to you whether you raced against men or women?\n \nSusie Wolff: No, not at all. It was never an issue for me. I started racing at the age of eight and made my way up through the various junior classes in karting and formula racing. There were never very many women competing, but I wouldn\u2019t say that I ever raced to be the best woman. I raced to be the best.\nSuzie met her husband Toto when she was the test driver at Williams F1.\nYou and Ellen Lohr really left your mark on DTM. You were with DTM for seven years, do you feel a sense of pride in the knowledge that you were such a defining figure in the series?\n \nSusie Wolff: I was very proud to race for Mercedes-Benz for such a long time and go head-to-head with so many terrific drivers in such a highly competitive race series. I learnt so much during that time, privately and professionally. I became part of the incredible Mercedes-Benz family and I met some incredible people which is another reason why I have such wonderful memories of my time in DTM.\nHow important for you in general was your time in DTM?\n \nSusie Wolff: They were some of the most important years of my racing career. At DTM I laid the foundations for driving a Formula 1 car, which had always been my ultimate dream. I also met my future husband, which was a pretty significant moment! All in all those seven years shaped me and helped prepare me for the future.\nThe Mercedes Tribune grandstand at Hockenheimring showing their support for Suzie.\nIs there any particular race that you like to look back on with fond memories?\n \nSusie Wolff: I\u2019d have to say my very first DTM race actually at Hockenheim. I\u2019ll never forget it, the support I received from the team was incredible. Add to this that I finished my maiden DTM race in the Top Ten and you can understand why it\u2019s a race I\u2019ll never forget. There have been other less spectacular races where I had some terrific scraps with great drivers like Tom Kristensen, Jamie Green, Jean Alesi and Gary Paffett. They\u2019re pretty unforgettable too.\nHave you got a favourite DTM track?\n \nSusie Wolff: Well as my first ever DTM race track, it\u2019s just got to be Hockenheim. When I was given the choice of where I wanted to drive in Friday practice with Williams in Formula 1, I had no hesitation in opting for Hockenheim.\nWith which team-mate did you most enjoy working with during your time in DTM?\n \nSusie Wolff: Great question. I never had a favourite team-mate per se, but I learned a great deal from Gary [Paffett]. He was always very honest and gave me plenty of advice. I had a lot of great drivers as team-mates \u2013 David Coulthard, Mika H\u00e4kkinen, Bruno Spengler, Jamie Green \u2013 and got on really well with them all.\nDuring your time in DTM, there were two classes of drivers, if I can put it like that, with some in last year\u2019s car and others being given the current generation of car to race. You were never given the opportunity to be a top contender, were you? How does it make you feel? Any regrets?\n \nSusie Wolff: I found it tough, of course, as any competitive driver would. When Toto took over as Head of Motorsport, I urged him to make sure that every driver had a chance to compete up front. As a racing driver, success means everything. Seven years in DTM without achieving the success I craved was pretty hard to take at times and ultimately, it was one of the reasons I left in the end. I simply never had the chance to fight up front in a new car. But that\u2019s just how things were at the time, and I\u2019m still very grateful for the opportunity I was given. I\u2019m very happy that current DTM drivers can now go wheel-to-wheel in cars that are more or less equivalent.\nHow hard was making the decision to leave DTM after seven years?\n \nSusie Wolff: It was very easy to decide in the end, the stress versus reward wasn\u2019t working for me. I wanted to compete and achieve to my potential so I knew I needed a change. I\u2019d worked so hard and made so many sacrifices, I just said to myself one day, \u201cIt\u2019s got to stop. It can\u2019t go on like this.\u201d So it was a straightforward decision to make and I don\u2019t feel at all bitter looking back on my time in the DTM. I like to look back on my time with the series, I learned so much and it shaped me in many ways, but I know in my gut that I left at the right time.\nWhat would you do if you didn\u2019t have motor racing?\n \nSusie Wolff: I\u2019m actually not sure. I feel very grateful that I identified my passion so early on. And yes, I\u2019m a woman, who opted to follow a career path that mainly men took at the time, definitely not the easiest of career paths to take but I do love racing. It\u2019s always been like that, right from the very start. My career as a professional racing driver has ended but I\u2019m still very much involved in competitive motorsport both through my latest challenge as Team Principal of VENTURI Formula E Team and also through Toto. We are very collaborative and supportive of one another both on and off the race track. I love the cut and thrust of competition and I\u2019m very grateful for the continued opportunity to satisfy my passion for motorsport."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and a select network of dealerships will be hosting the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics between May and September 2018.\nThe Service Clinics will cater to Mercedes-Benz cars \u2013 \naged 48 months (4 years) old and above\n \u2013 with full safety checks conducted by a Mercedes-Benz Service Expert from Daimler, popularly known as a \n\u2018Flying Doctor\u2019\n.\nUpon the full safety check by the \u2018Flying Doctor\u2019, each car is then followed up by assigned teams for the relevant service or repairs recommended.\nTo do so, customers are urged to book their appointments in advance to secure their slot as per the table below. This effort will allow customers to have a first-hand look of the work that goes into maintaining a Mercedes-Benz.\nDate\nVenue \nContact Number\n28th May \u2013 1st June\nNaza Wheels Klang\n03-3342 3333\n25th June \u2013 29th June\nHap Seng Star Iskandar\n07 \u2013 509 9019\n3rd Sept \u2013 7th Sept\nAuto Commerz\n03 \u2013 4144 5500\nThis effort not only serves to transcend new levels of customer service but also aims to develop local talent. As a result of assisting the \u2018Flying Doctor\u2019 from Daimler during the service clinics, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s local customer services teams will also stand to gain valuable experience and knowledge.\nIn other news, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia announced that its newest dealer Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd has opened its first 2S centre located close to the Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus in Setapak. It has the capacity to service up to 200 vehicles per month.\nThe Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre is located at No. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan Perusahaan PKNS, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur. For more information, please contact 03- 4144 5500."
"There\u2019s something about well-rounded hot hatches that just triggers the eager, heavy-footed 18-year old in us. While most perky hatch backs appear racey and raw, vibrant and audacious, the limited edition Abarth 695 Rivale offers a middle ground between enthusiastic and luxury driving.\nThe Abarth 695 Rivale is the result of a collaboration with luxury yacht builder Riva whose success in the 1920\u2019s and 30\u2019s, coupled with Abarth\u2019s prominence in the 1950\u2019s and 60\u2019s \u2013 offers a blend of style, performance and craftsmanship in the most sophisticated and refined Abarth ever built.\nPowered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it produces\n 178 hp\n with \n250 Nm\n of torque \u2013 capable of getting to a 100 km/h from standstill in just \n6.7 seconds\n with a top speed of 223 km/h. Its transmission comes in the form of a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed robotised sequential gearbox.\nAn Akrapovic with carbon tailpipes ensures that the 695 Rivale will be heard at full scream. Stopping power is provided by 4-pot Brembo brakes along with a Koni suspension system tucked\u00a0underneath its grey 17-inch Supersport wheels.\nInside, a combination of exclusive styling and premium materials pays tribute to the new open \u201956 Rivale\u2019 luxury yacht. A 7-inch U connect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto takes centre stage while the trademark Riva two-tone Sera Blue and Shark Grey colour scheme with Aquamarine double-stripe beauty line represents a thin line of sea on the horizon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has announced two additional variants for its \nV-Class MPV\n \u2013 V-Class RISE and V-Class Limited Edition. Both models will be displayed at the upcoming 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show at the Mercedes-Benz booth.\nThe \nV-Class Limited Edition\n gets an exclusive Hyacinth Red Metallic paint job to appeal to the style-conscious customers. To make things even sweeter, only \n1,500 units\n of this MPV will be made available worldwide. A \nNight Package\n which includes high gloss black finish for the wing mirrors, radiator, black tinted windows and 18-inch alloy wheels is also a standard feature on the Limited Edition MPV. An AMG Line can also be added for a more aggressive appeal.   Besides that, the \nNight Package\n which includes the aforementioned items will be available as an option for all V-Class variants from September onwards.\nIn addition to that, Mercedes-Benz has also added the\n V-Class RISE,\n\u00a0a new entry level variant that offers greater price-to-performance ratio. With a base price of \u20ac34,990 (RM177k), this V-Class is available as a five-seater configuration as standard with the option for additional seats (up to eight). Two turbodiesel engines with\n 134 hp\n and \n161 hp\n, both mated to a six-speed manual transmission or the optional seven-speed dual-clutch unit, are available on the V-Class RISE. It rides on a choice of 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels.\nOn board safety systems are aplenty for the seemingly basic V-Class with the inclusion of Crosswind Assist as standard while active safety systems such as PRE-SAFE, Collision Prevention Assist and Lane Keeping Assist are available as options.\nThe V-Class saw tremendous growth in demand in the first half of 2017 with some 29,000 units made its way to new owners, a 24 percent growth compared to the same period last year. Germany and China had the biggest appetite for the luxury MPV.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz V-Class Limited Edition   Mercedes-Benz V-Class RISE"
"The \nfastest front-wheel drive car around the Nurburgring\n now even comes with Honda Sensing!\nThe updates not only extend to the mechanical bits but also aesthetics where the \nType R\n now comes with a larger front grille for an even more aggressive look and improved cooling. A new colour \u2013 \nBoost Blue\n \u2013 is also now available with the 2020 model.\nInside, the Type R has been further refined with a new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a new shifter with a redesigned knob and shorter shift throws.\nThe visceral effect from within the cabin has also been amplified with the new \nActive Sound Control\n, which modifies interior sound in relation to different drive modes.\n \nHaving \nset multiple lap records in various international circuits around the world\n, the Civic Type R has been further enhanced mechanically to cement its prowess on the road and track.\nIt now comes with \nnew two-piece brake discs and new brake pads\n which have been engineered for reduced fade and improved high-speed braking efficiency.\nIt also gets updated dampers for better ride comfort even though the Civic is already surprisingly comfortable for a car riding on 20-inch wheels and 30 profile tyres.\nStiffer rear bushings have been deployed for better road holding while modifications have been done to the front suspension to reduce friction and improve steering feel.\nInterestingly, speed isn\u2019t the only focus in the new FK8 Type R as Honda has also incorporated the Honda Sensing driver assistance system into it."
"Here\u2019s a little piece for context. Aston Martin\u2019s last road-going DB model was the \nDB9 GT Bond Edition\n that\u2019s powered by a DBS-sourced 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12. It was good for 539 hp and 620 Nm of torque, numbers that are not so good for fuel economy.\nThen, the natural progression would lead anyone to think that the succeeding model should in fact be the DB10, right? Well, yes and no. \nThe DB10 was a bespoke-built model\n; just 10 will ever be made, and one was just recently auctioned off for close to RM15 million! So the closest you can get to owning a Bond car is this, the \nall-new Aston Martin DB11\n.\nThe DB11 is important to Aston Martin because it\u2019s the first model introduced under the Gaydon-based company\u2019s \u2018Second Century\u2019 plan. It doesn\u2019t look quite like the DB10, but the DB11 is charming in its own right. The \nclamshell hood\n hinges at the front, its headlights and tail lights lit by energy-saving LEDs while the fascia gets the iconic Aston Martin grille.\nAnother remarkable engineering feat is making the DB11 as slippery as it is aerodynamic. Its outer body, particularly the roof strakes spanning between the A- and C-pillars, sit flush and flow smoothly into the tail lamps. There are functional air inlets built within each C-pillars, and what this does is feed air to the rear spoiler (Aston Martin calls it the AeroBlade; these Brits really know how to sound sexy) which contribute by increasing downforce. Front-end lift is dealt with ducts that release high-pressure air from inside the wheel arches.   Aston Martin is also not spared from the downsizing trend. The countless of hours spent back at the drawing board helped conceive a brand new \n5.2-litre twin-turbo V12\n, and it\u2019s entirely designed in-house. It makes \n600 horsepower\n and\n 700 Nm\n of torque, making it the most powerful production DB model ever. If you\u2019re not using all that power, the engine deactivates an entire bank, effectively making it a \n2.6-litre\n Bond-mobile.\nThe engine is mated to a ZF-made \neight-speed automatic\n transmission which sends drive to the rear wheels only. Aston Martin said the DB11 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.9 seconds\n and has a claimed top speed of \n320km/h\n. There are several drive modes as well, such as GT, Sport and Sport Plus \u2013 all of which progressively intensifies damping stiffness, throttle and gearbox characteristics.\nInside, the DB11 gets a fully digital \n12-inch LCD instrument cluster\n, whereas the centre dash gets a smaller 8-inch head unit. There\u2019s a rotary knob and an optional touchpad that supports alphabetical and numerical recognition, as well as multi-touch and gesture support. Many of these in-car infotainment system are the result of Aston Martin\u2019s partnership with Daimler AG, their technical partner. If that\u2019s not enough, the DB11 also comes with auto-park assist and 360-degree all-view camera.\u00a0And because it\u2019s a Grand Tourer, the rear seats come with Isofix mounts for two child seats.\nIf you\u2019re planning on getting one, we suggest you look through their extensive list of optional accessories. Here\u2019s what Aston Martin wants to tell you:\n\u201cYour personalisation choices are \nvirtually limitless\n.\u00a0Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, creates areas of visual and tactile delight.\u201d\nYes, we\u2019re sold too.\nThe price for a brand new Aston Martin DB11 will set you back from \u00a3154,900 in the UK, and a quick conversion indicates a starting price of just over RM900k. Cars sold in the UK and Germany will come packaged with a 5-Year servicing plan, but US-bound DB11 won\u2019t share the same fortune. Deliveries will commence during Q4 later this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just a day before the announcement of Budget 2022 by the Prime Minister, Maybank IB Research offered their thoughts regarding the automotive sector, kind of a \u201cBudget Wish lists\u201d of sorts.\nIn a report by \nTheStar\n, \nMaybank IB Research hoped that the upcoming Budget 2022 would have a section dedicated to green automotive targets, as briefly mentioned by the Prime Minister during his reading of the \n12th Malaysia Plan\n \n(12MP).\nApart from incentives for both vehicle manufacturers as end-users, the \u201cWish lists\u201d also hopes to see providers of all things EV and low emissions be given support via attractive tax incentives, grants and tax rebates. \u00a0\nAs such, if the conditions are very conducive, \nBermaz Auto\n is set to bring in a range of low and zero-emission vehicles from Mazda, \nKia\n and \nPeugeot\n, with the Mazda MX-30 EV leading the proposal, according to the research unit.\nBermaz Auto is said, \u201cto have identified private charging operators to collaborate with on EV charging infrastructure.\u201d Rather than outright purchase, the company also intends to offer subscription-based plans to address the cost and warranty concerns perceived by consumers.\nThe \nMazda MX-30\n, similar in size to the Mazda CX-30, is the company\u2019s first fully electric model. Power output is limited to just \n145 hp\n and range up to \n200 km\n via 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The Mazda MX-30 EV is sized as such to provide the optimum balance between the driving range and CO2 emissions from an LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment) perspective.\nThe European marketing team cleverly terms it as \u201cA car with a battery, not a battery on wheels\u201d\nMeanwhile, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) hopes that the government will prolong the sales tax exemption into 2022, as it has proven to sustain vehicle sales and thus benefit the automotive industry as a whole. \u00a0\n\u201cThe Total Industry Volume (TIV) has still not achieved pre-Covid 19 levels. Also on MAA\u2019s wish list is for the government to announce incentives for electric vehicles (EVs),\u201d MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told TheStar.\nFor the first nine months of 2021, the TIV is circa 319,000 units, approximately 8% lower than the same period last year.\nThe MAA expects the 2021 TIV to reach 500,00 units, but the Maybank IB Research team sees an extra 20,000 units to land at 520,000 units."
"There is no denying that the \nAston Martin DBS Superleggera\n is a work of art and what better way to enjoy the car than folding the roof away for the ultimate open-top driving experience.\nIntroducing the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante, the second model to carry the Volante name under the company\u2019s \nSecond Century Plan\n. Powered by a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 producing \n725 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.\nWith the additional weight from the folding roof mechanism, century sprint is slightly down compared to the Coupe at \n3.6 seconds\n \u2013 which is still plenty fast. Nought to 160 km/h (100 mph) is dispatched in \n6.7 seconds\n while its top speed of \n340 km/h\n is identical to the Coupe.\nTo counterbalance the aerodynamics of the Volante, Aston Martin has introduced new deeper side strakes to draw more air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift and improve high-speed stability. The Aeroblade II system has been revised to accommodate the Volante\u2019s soft top roofline and as a result, the Volante generates \n177 kgs of downforce\n at V-Max, just 3 kgs lesser than the Coupe.\nThe fabric roof takes\n14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close and have been put through more than\n100,000 operating cycles, simulating 10 years of usage into a one-month test to\nensure that the roof mechanism can stand the test of time.\nEight stunning colours\nare available for the Volante\u2019s roof including Bordeaux Red, Atlantic Blue and\nTitan Grey while the inside can be personalised with a further six Rokona\nheadliners. There is also an option to have the windscreen surrounds to be\nfinished in a 2\u00d72 twill carbon fibre.\nAston Martin Lagonda\nPresident and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the DBS Superleggera Volante:\n\u201cThere is nothing on earth that compares to the roar of an Aston Martin V12 and\nI believe that the DBS Superleggera Volante provides one of the greatest\nsensory experiences in the automotive world.\u201d\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\n Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante"
"Audi has taken off the wraps of the all-new Audi A5 and S5 coupes. The sporty two-door coupe\u00a0spinoff from the \nA4 B9 saloon\n will go on sale in selected markets by November this year, two months earlier than the Sportback\u2019s January 2017 debut.\nThe second-generation A5 and S5 ride on Volkswagen\u2019s MLB \u2013 a modular platform for longitudinal, front-engined vehicles. Aesthetically, the A5 doesn\u2019t differ much from the current A4 B9, but the company says the A5 projects a more emotionally connected styling as opposed to the A4\u2019s dashing looks.\nTo begin, the A5\u2019s grille sits lower and spans wider than the A4, featuring a different and\u00a0slimmer design of LED headlights and DRLs. The S5 meanwhile, receives an integrated rear diffuser and quad exhaust; two key exterior finishes that separate the S5 from the A5.\nUnsurprisingly, the A5 receives\u00a0three diesel and two petrol engines, producing between 187 hp and 282 hp. That said, the turbocharged \n2.0-litre four-cylinder EA888\n petrol engine which powers most of Audi and Volkswagen\u2019s cars will be carried over to the A5.\nThe range-topping S5 on the other hand,\u00a0receives a turbocharged\n 3.0-litre V6 petrol\n engine that produces\u00a0\n349 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n of torque. This sends it on a sprint from 0\u00a0to 100km/h in \n4.7 seconds\n\u00a0with a limited top speed of 250km/h.\nAll engines are mated with a choice of\u00a0\na six-speed manual\n or optional \nseven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic\n gearbox, with the exception of the range-topping oil burner and S5 which settle for an\n eight-speed\u00a0torque converter automatic\n. The latter two also have\u00a0quattro all-wheel drive as standard.\nThe new A5 is also \n60kg\n\u00a0lighter than its predecessor, and a marginally longer wheelbase means that it\u2019s more spacious on the inside too. Boot space is increased to 465 litres. The A5 also has a very low drag coefficient of\n 0.25\n, which should improve fuel efficiency. The numbers have not been revealed, however.\nInside the A5 is pretty much a carryover from the A4. As expected, a \n12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit\n is fitted, along with Audi MMI Plus.\u00a0Safety features include Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Assist, Cross Traffic Alert and Pre-sense Safety Systems.\nThe \nBMW 4-Series\n and \nMercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe\n rival will undoubtedly be available in its hottest guise, the RS5 sometime in the future. For now, just look forward to its Malaysian debut in 2017!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A5   Audi S5"
"The all-new production version of the Suzuki Baleno has finally been unmasked ahead of its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. According to the famed compact car manufacturer, the Baleno will raise the bar of compact hatchbacks that incorporates elegant and powerful design, spacious cabin and luggage space.\nSuzuki remains tight lipped on the car\u2019s details, but suffice to say that the company\u2019s interpretation of an ideal hatchback will include features like LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, keyless entry, push-start button and a host of other new technologies.\u00a0\nWhat we do know so far is that the Baleno will sit on Suzuki\u2019s \nnew generation platform\n, of which a \u2018highly responsive\u2019 \n1.0-litre turbocharged direct injected Boosterjet\n engine will be bolted to. The said engine will be assisted by \nSHVS\n (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) \u2013 essentially an integrated starter motor.\nFull details of the Baleno will be made available closer to its Frankfurt debut, one that will take place on 15 September 2015."
"Goodyear Malaysia \ntoday announced the launch of the all-new Assurance ComfortTred here on our shores. The Assurance ComfortTred tyre is a new expansion to Goodyear\u2019s Assurance portfolio, in the form of a touring tyre \u201cspecifically customised for premium vehicles\u201d with quietness and comfort as its main focus.\nA key innovation in the Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred tyres is the new ANX (Advanced Noise Cancelling) Technology, which combines an additional noise and vibration cancelling layer within the tyre, along with a unique tread design to reduce noise on the move. On the latter, the close pattern design helps reduce air pumping noise, while the high number of smaller tread blocks results in a lower impact force noise.\nAdditionally, the new tread compound, with high amounts of silica and resin, helps deliver additional traction, especially in the wet. The increased edges on the tread also helps with water evacuation, thus resulting in shorter wet braking distances.\nALSO READ:\n Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres launched in Malaysia \u2013 16-19 inch, from RM375\nThe Assurance ComfortTred will be available in 12 sizes in Malaysia, ranging from 16- to 19-inches in rim diameter, covering the most popular tyre sizes for premium vehicles here on our shores, including both petrol-powered and electric vehicles, says Goodyear. The new tyre is now available at Goodyear Autocare Centres nationwide, with \u201cvery competitive pricing\u201d ranging from \nRM420 to RM860\n.\nThe tyres will be manufactured in Goodyear\u2019s plant in China.\nIn conjunction with the launch, Goodyear Malaysia has also announced a new promotion campaign where the first 200 customers who purchase four pieces of Assurance ComfortTred tyres will be entitled to a pair of free JBL headphones. Eligible customers will just have to register their tyres for the Worry Free Assurance (WFA) Warranty, and then WhatsApp their personal details, receipt, and the WFA screenshot to Goodyear at +6012 998 8410.\nGALLERY"
"Proton has just unveiled an enhanced version of the Proton Ertiga Xtra at the grand finals of the Proton 1 Tank Adventure. The new variant gets a minor equipment change and is not any pricier than the \nprevious Ertiga line up\n.\nPriced from RM56k to RM62k (on-the-road without insurance, GST & SST), the Ertiga Xtra is available in three variants \u2013 Executive MT, Executive AT and Premium AT. With the Xtra variant, you\u2019ll get extra equipment in the form of a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, DVD player, Smartphone E-Link and GPS Navigation.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Ertiga Xtra Executive (MT)\nProton Ertiga Xtra Executive (AT)\nProton Ertiga Xtra Premium (AT)\nEngine\n1,373cc; DOHC with VVT, timing chain, multi-point injection (MPI)\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed auto\nMax Power\n92 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n130 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM56,773\nRM59,525\nRM62,278\nBesides that, the beige interior of the Ertiga has been swapped out for a darker shade (fabric) material for a warmer cabin ambience. Other than that, everything else such as steering wheel audio switches, powered folding side mirrors, second-row air conditioning, dual power sockets and six speakers are retained.   Visually, the Ertiga Xtra is no different too with halogen reflector headlamps, front 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 185/65 R15 GT Radial Champiro Eco tyres and fog lamp with chrome garnish.\nUnderneath the hood, you\u2019ll still find the same K14B 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated MPI four-cylinder that is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic to deliver \n92 hp\n and \n130 Nm\n of torque to the front axles. The Ertiga is also qualified for EEV status in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nProton Ertiga Xtra Premium (AT)"
"At long last, the new \nVolkswagen Arteon\n is here in Malaysia and was launched side-by-side with the new Tiguan Allspace 7-seater.\nThe new Arteon is available in a sole variant \u2013 the R-Line \u2013 and is locally-assembled in Pekan, Pahang. Perhaps the most stylish Volkswagen on sale in Malaysia at the moment, the successor of the Volkswagen CC sports a distinctive front end, frameless windows and a dramatically-sloping roofline that results in a stunning rear 3/4 view.\n \nThe Arteon is powered by the same engine found in the Passat launched recently and is also equipped with the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as standard; offering five different driving modes \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual.\nPriced at RM221,065 on-the-road without insurance, the Arteon R-Line also comes with a5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 3-year free scheduled maintenance package, and 5-year roadside assistance. The new Arteon R-Line will be on display as part of the \nVolkswagen Tour\n, happening 12th till 16th of August 2020 at 1 Utama Shopping Centre.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Toyota\n is bringing the \u2018Kei\u2019 into Europe, with the Aygo X Prologue giving us a taste of how it\u2019ll look. OK fine \u2013 they didn\u2019t say that exactly, but since small tiny crossovers like these don\u2019t really exist outside of the adorable Kei cars in Japan, we\u2019re just going to roll with it.\nCurrently, the Aygo X Prologue (the X is pronounced as \u2018Cross\u2019, if you\u2019re wondering) is more of a show car than anything else, and from the images, looks like it only exists as a virtual rendering. It\u2019s the work of Toyota\u2019s European design house, ED2 that\u2019s based right outside of Nice on the French C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur, and it\u2019s supposedly \u201cdesigned in Europe . for Europeans\u201d, with the sole purpose of making it stand out in any crowd.\nDespite sharing a name with the Aygo, the X Prologue does stray quite a bit away in looks from the supermini \u2013 and that\u2019s not taking into account its taller stature thanks to its new crossover body style. Specifically, the concept car gets a new wedged roofline, alongside massively flared arches to give it a more athletic stance.\nBoth the front and rear fascias are dominated by new full-width lighting elements, the front being a daytime-running light strip that wraps upwards to form a \u201cwing-like\u201d dual layer design, while the rear looks more like an evolution of the current Aygo\u2019s lighting design.\nOn the Aygo X Prologue, Toyota also wanted to emphasise the \u201cgo anywhere\u201d image of the mini crossover. These include a large lower grille up front surrounded by fog lamps on both ends and a skid plate element below, an integrated roof rack, and also a skid plate at the back housing a bicycle holder mount.\nEven the wing mirrors also double as an action camera, designed to capture and share your \u201cmoments of exploration\u201d. We figure that this probably won\u2019t make it into production though, at least not in its current stylised form due to European homologation requirements.\nRemember the whole standing out thing? Even its paint job gets a special treatment, inspired by chillis of all things. Here\u2019s an excerpt from the press release:\nIn life, colours are central to our emotions. This is also true for Aygo X prologue. To bring the \u201cspicy\u201d concept to life, certain ingredients naturally presented themselves. The top four were chilli, ginger, wasabi and black pepper. Spiciest of all is \u201cchilli\u201d.\nThe red paint mix, called \u201cSparkling Chilli Red\u201d, is given an extra boost with blue metallic flakes, and contrasted with black paint on the body work to give it a snazzy two-tone look.\n\u201cFun and playfulness has always been at the heart of Aygo. Now, we\u2019ve added to its DNA an additional pinch of hot spice,\u201d added ED2 Design Director, Lance Scott.\nNo technical details have been shared so far, though it is understood that Toyota will be fitting a small internal combustion engine underneath the bonnet to keep the price low, as it is intended to serve the \u201centry point\u201d market in Europe.\nRumours also say that despite this being a concept of sorts, the next Aygo will supposedly be launched within the next few months, with a design that will look very similar to what we\u2019re seeing on the X Prologue \u2013 which is terrific news, because we love it. If only it\u2019ll be brought over here onto our shores.\nGALLERY"
"We Malaysians are always in a hurry, and we like things to be convenient. That\u2019s why our flip flops are our go-to footwear for any events that are not formal. What you don\u2019t know is your unassuming flip flop is also scheming to take you out when you least expect it.\nStudies have shown that flip flops can be the most dangerous type of footwear to drive in. It is deemed dangerous enough, that some countries have considered it a \ntraffic offense\n if you\u2019re caught wearing one while driving.\nYou\u2019re probably thinking, \u201cNo, my beloved flip flop can\u2019t be that dangerous\u201d, and that we here are overreacting. We beg to differ and here are three reasons why:\nThey can get caught between your pedals\nSource: \nstuff.co.nz\nFlip flops getting caught between your pedals happen more often than you think. It could be due to them slipping off because of rigorous movements, or the weather was hot and you decided to take them off and leave them next to your pedals.\nThe danger here is when we drive, items in the car tend to shift about. While you keep your eyes on the road, you could be unaware that your flip flops, which you have removed earlier, has shifted and is now trapped between your brake pedals. By the time you notice the blockage, it will already be too late.\nTheir thick soles could be a hazard\nSource: \nthesun.co.uk\nHaving thick soles are normally a sign of comfortable footwear. Too thick of a sole can also be dangerous, as it takes away the pedal feel when driving. Pedal feel is important, it\u2019s how you know whether to apply more or less pressure to the accelerator or brakes pedals when driving.\nHaving limited pedal feel is like having a sponge between your feet and the pedals. When you can\u2019t feel much of the pedal, you tend to apply less pressure to it. This can result in you not braking fast enough to avoid a bumper to bumper collision.\nDelayed reaction\nSource: \nthesun.co.uk\nDriving requires a lot of focus, and accidents could happen because we stop paying attention for a split second. An ill-fitting flip flop can be a potential hazard, as it can be a distraction or delay your reaction.\nA scenario can play out like this; when coming to a stop, you shift your feet from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal. As you\u2019re shifting your feet, your ill-fitting flip flop can come loose causing you to take your eyes off the road for a second. When you look back up, you see the gap between you and the car in front is now very close, you panic and stomp on the wrong pedal, lunging your car forward instead.\nFortunately, some cars do come with safety features for the scenario we just mentioned. The \nPedal Misoperation Control\n by Perodua or \nPedal Misapplication Acceleration Control System\n \nII\n by Toyota. The system works by detecting objects or vehicles in front of you and suppresses the engine output, should it detect that you stomped on the accelerator pedal by accident. Not all cars however, come with such features.\nSo, the next time before you put on your favourite pair of flip flops, remember these three hazards they may pose. If you still insist on wearing flip flops, please make sure they are of the \nright size\n, \nnot too thick\n and \nnot ill-fitting\n for your feet."
"Ford Motor Company kicked off its 14th annual Global Caring Month this September, as a way for Ford employees around the world to participate in community projects and create positive impacts in others\u2019 lives.\u00a0\nHere in Malaysia, Ford together with its sole distributor, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) organised a full day activity at the Sincere Care Home to help improve the living conditions as well as provide emotional support to the elderly.\nSincere Care Home is a nursing home dedicated at looking after senior citizens who were found living on the streets, sent by families who are less able and referred to by the hospital.\u00a0\nDuring the all-day visit, the volunteers from SDAC and Ford were tasked with housekeeping, meals preparation and entertaining the senior folks. The volunteers even set up a spa corner offering manicure, pedicure, facial and hair cut services to groom the residents of the nursing home!\nAt the end of the day, a cheque was presented to Sincere Care Home as a donation to aid in the daily operations of the nursing home.\u00a0\nSDAC Managing Director Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz said, \u201cFord Global Caring Month programme is a great platform and we are proud to be a part of it. Each year, we get to contribute to a different cause and make a difference in people\u2019s lives. Together with Ford, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for people in our communities where we live and work.\u201d\nFord Global Caring month is an annual event by the Ford Volunteer Corps. Since its launch in 2005, Ford Volunteer Corps members have contributed more than 1.5 million hours of community service in 50 countries.\nThroughout the month of September, the Ford Volunteer Corps will carry out projects in cities and towns across six continents."
"BMW Group Malaysia at their BMW World Malaysia event last week launched their \nsecond generation X6\n alongside the \n2-Series Active Tourer\n and \ni8\n. The \nSports Activity Coupe\n (SAC) is of the \nxDrive35i\n\u00a0\nM Sport\n variant and is priced at \nRM718,800\n without insurance but is GST inclusive.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW X6 xDrive35i M Sport\nEngine\n2,979cc; inline-6 with BMW TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n306 hp @ 5,800 \u2013 6,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n6.4 seconds; 240 km/h\nPrice (OTR \nwithout\n insurance)\n\u00a0RM718,800 \n(with GST)\n\u00a0\nOnly one variant and trim level of the F16 X6 will be offered by BMW Malaysia, and the M Sport package comes with the RM719k asking price.\nEXTERIOR\nOutside, the SAC sits on \n20-inch\n M Double-spoke wheels with the front donning \n275/40 R20\n profile tyres and \n315/35 R20\n series for the rear. Source of illumination is \nfull LED\n (fog lights are LEDs as well) with \nadaptive lighting technology\n and high beam assistance. The said fog lights however, seem to be a little out of place for our liking if we\u2019re honest.   Thanks to the \nM Aerodynamics\u00a0\nstyling kit, the front and rear bumpers are more aggressive, with the rump flanked by two large trapezoidal exhaust pipes. It rides on Adaptive M Sport \nair suspension\n, featuring variable damper control.\nINTERIOR\nHere, the interior looks much like the \nF15 X5\n\u2018s, but the steering wheel of the X6 is sportier, featuring the \nM Sport leather steering wheel\n with paddle shifters. The front seats are supposedly sport seats and are upholstered in Dakota leather.   You also get door sill finishers with M designation, interior trim accented in chrome, BMW Individual headliner anthracite and the instrument panel is finished in \u2018Softskin Black\u2019. Elsewhere, you get \nfour-zone air-conditioning\n controls, multifunctional instrument display, automated tailgate, Comfort Access System, panoramic glass sunroof and passenger sun blinds.\nAudiophiles can enjoy the \n16-speaker\n 600W Harmon Kardon surround sound system. At the centre, you get a\u00a0\n10.25-inch\n high-definition display monitor with GPS navigation ssystem, 3D mapping with arrow display, DVD playback, MP3 decoder and hard-disc connectivity for maps and all your audio data. You also get BMW\u2019s iDrive Touch Controller, of course.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the hood is a twin-scroll turbocharged \n3.0-litre inline-six\n engine making \n306 hp\n at 5,800 to 6,400 rpm and \n400 Nm\n of torque from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm. It is paired to an \neight-speed ZF\n automatic gearbox that channels drive to the \nfour wheels\n via the brand\u2019s \nxDrive\n drive system.\nThe \n2.1 tonne\n X6 sprints from 0 to 100km/h in a respectable \n6.4 seconds\n while managing a top speed of \n240 km/h\n. Fuel economy however, isn\u2019t as impressive at \n8.6 litres per 100km\n. If you\u2019re looking to get one, you probably don\u2019t care about fuel consumption.\nSAFETY\nGeneral safety kit includes \nsix airbags\n, ABS with EBD, child ISOFIX attachments, dynamic braking lights, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control; the whole works, standard stuff. As for driver assistance technologies, you get BMW Head-Up Display, \nadaptive cruise control\n with braking function, front and rear parking sensors with \nsurround view camera\n and rear view camera.\nWHAT ELSE?\nPricing for the sole X6 is at \nRM718,800 without insurance\n, and it comes with a \ntwo-year warranty\n programme with \nunlimited mileage\n and a three-year or 60,000km BS+RI package.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In a world where SUVs reign supreme, it\u2019s not surprising to see the Cayenne and Macan topping Porsche\u2019s sales charts. But what most people probably didn\u2019t expect, is that the new Taycan EV is actually outselling the 911, Porsche\u2019s bread and butter.\nAnd it\u2019s not just the 911 either. Through the first nine months of the year, Porsche delivered 28,640 \nTaycans\n, compared to 27,972 units of the \n911\n, 20,275 \nPanameras\n, and 15,916 units of the\n 718 Caymans and Boxsters\n.\nTogether with the \nCayenne\n (62,451 units) and \nMacan\n (61,944 units), it all amounted to a rise of 13% in total sales for Porsche, thanks to increases in every market \u2013 particularly in the US where the company saw a year-on-year increase of 30% over the same period last year.\nSales growth in China meanwhile was more modest at 11%, but the region still remains as the single biggest market for Porsche by volume, with a total of 69,789 deliveries within the first three quarters of 2021.\nThe Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo has just been launched in Malaysia! Check it out here.\n\u201cThe very high demand for our sports cars continued into the third quarter, and we are delighted to have been able to supply so many cars to customers during the first nine months of the year,\u201d said Porsche executive board member for Sales and Marketing, Detlev von Platen.\n\u201cThe order books are nicely filled and are, in turn, filling us with optimism and enthusiasm as we approach the year-end rush. However, the coronavirus situation remains dynamic, and we are facing challenges in sourcing semiconductors. For these reasons, we are keeping a very close eye on current developments to ensure that we can continue to react in a flexible manner.\u201d\nPorsche\u2019s CEO Oliver Blume said earlier this year that the company has blown through the Taycan\u2019s annual production capacity of 20,000 units in just six months, resulting in a \nwait list of over half a year\n for the electric sports car. With the \nelectric Macan\n due very soon, Porsche\u2019s EV future seems to certainly be in good hands."
"Honda\u2019s premium brand in the US, Acura, is planning to offer a six-speed manual transmission on the upcoming Integra fastback.\nA short and sweet celebratory video has also been made to welcome this great news! For the past four generations since 1986, Integra models have featured a manual transmission and the American brand plans to continue this key attribute for the fifth generation.\n \nThe accompanying image however looks as if it\u2019s taken from the all-new 11th generation \nHonda Civic\n hatchback but added with the drive mode toggle for Sport, Econ and Normal modes. The Honda Civic with manual transmission omits the Sport mode that alters engine and transmission response, thus instead of a toggle switch, a dedicated Econ mode button is placed instead.\n2022 Acura Integra\n2021 Honda Civic\nAcura earlier also teased a sketch of the Integra, showing the rear design will be a \nfive-door fastback\n, again, an aspect close to the hearts of the Integra owners. Only the fourth generation, which also changed to the RSX naming, went to the coupe styling, similar to the DC5 Honda Integra.\nIn the Honda Civic hatchback, the slick six-speed manual transmission is paired to the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with outputs of 180 hp and 240 Nm of torque. As Acura is perceived to be a more premium and higher performance brand, we can expect that the fifth-generation Integra have access to a larger K20-series 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that currently serves the FK8 \nHonda Civic Type R\n.\nWant more Honda Integra shifting melody? Check out this on board in a race-prepared Honda Integra Type-R hunting a Porsche in Sepang!\nAcura ILX\nAcura TLX\nCurrent interiors of the Acura do not share dashboards with Honda models\nThus, it will not be surprising to see the all-new Acura Integra having outputs of circa \n255 hp\n / \n370 Nm\n (or 10% lower than the Type R) and this engine is currently fitted in the Honda Accord 2.0T Sport.\n2020 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T 6MT"
"Naza Kia Malaysia has finally decided to introduce the booted variant of their popular B-segment model, the Kia Rio. The third generation Kia Rio was originally launched in Malaysia in early 2013, but it was only available in a 5-door hatchback body style. The Rio hatchback has recently been given a styling refresh, and now the facelifted Rio hatch is joined by the introduction of the Rio Sedan.\nPreviewed during the \nNST-MAI ASEAN Auto Show\n at The Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre, the \nKia Rio Sedan\n comes in a \nsingle variant\n like the hatchback sibling with the \nsame powertrain\n, but specification-wise it\u2019s positioned below the hatch. It also carries a marginally \ncheaper price tag\n compared to the hatchback, by around RM6k less.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Rio Sedan\nEngine\n1,396cc; inline-4 DOHC\nTransmission\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n108 hp @ 6,300 rpm\nMax Torque\n137 Nm @ 4,200 rpm\nPrice (OTR with\u00a0insurace)\nRM73,000.00 (estimated)\nEXTERIOR\nIt\u2019s not merely a Rio with a tacked-on tail. Upon closer inspection the Rio Sedan has a\n larger \u2018Tiger Nose\u2019 grille\n along with a totally \ndifferent front bumper\n. Even the headlights are not the same as on the hatch and although it misses out on the LED for its DRLs, it still retains the front foglamps.\nThe side indicators have moved from the side mirrors to the front fenders, while the mirrors have to be folded manually on the sedan. The wheels are two inches smaller than the 17-inch alloys fitted on the hatch, and they\u2019re wrapped with a more eco-oriented set of Hankook Kinergy Eco tyres measuring \n185/55 R15\n.   While the width (1,720 mm), height (1,455 mm), and wheelbase (2,570 mm) matches to the figures from the hatch, the total\n length\n has \ngrown\n from 4,050 mm to \n4,370 mm\n. The extra rear overhang contributes to the extension, where it offers at least \n389 litres of cargo space\n under the bootlid complete with a full-size spare tyre that resides under the boot floor.\nINTERIOR\nOn the inside it\u2019s the same affair as the Rio hatchback, but the equipment is not as generous. The instrument cluster is the basic type with a small trip computer screen at the base of the speedometer, and the steering wheel is not wrapped in leather. However, the controls for the radio and \nBluetooth audio system\n are still on the left and right spokes. Speaking of audio system, the head unit supports the mentioned Bluetooth connectivity, and it offers \n800 MB of memory\n for you to keep your favourite tunes on board.\n \n \nThere are \nAux and USB ports\n flanked by \na pair of 12V power outlets\n below the \nmanual HVAC controls\n, and there are the usual storage space underneath the center armrest. Space remains the same inside, the only difference is the extra boot space behind the \n60/40 split folding rear seat back rests\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnsurprisingly, the Rio Sedan shares the same powertrain combo as in the hatch. A \n1,396cc four-cylinder\n mill is mated to a \nfour-speed automatic\n, sending \n108 hp\n and \n137 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels. Compared to the Honda City and Toyota Vios, the power output is on par with the Japanese offerings.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the Rio Sedan is fully kitted with \nsix airbags\n as standard. That certainly put some cars in the bigger segments to shame. \nISOFIX\n anchor points can also be found in the rear seats. \nElectronic Stability Control\n (ESC), \nVehicle Stability Management\n (VSM) and \nall-round disc brakes\n with \nABS\n ensure a safe drive, while \nHill-start Assist Control\n and \nreverse sensors\n lend a hand in the day-to-day driving.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAvailable in Clear White, Bright Silver, Deep Blue, and Signal Red, the Rio Sedan is now \nopen for bookings\n with an estimated price of \nRM73,000.00\n inclusive of GST and insurance. Deliveries will commence in January 2016, and the Rio Sedan is covered by a\n five-year warranty\n with unlimited mileage.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 being so well received, and rightfully so, it makes the Subaru Forester by far the most underrated SUV out there at the moment. When you compare all three, it\u2019s easy to see why but the Forester is not to be underestimated either.\nAside from looks and ultimately first impressions, the Forester does fall short when compared to the grandeur of the CR-V and the emotional appearance of the CX-5 but the differences end there. Beyond that, whether it\u2019s the drive, comfort, cabin quality or insulation or even off-road capabilities, the Forester is no doubt on par and in very specific aspects, more superior as well!\nTake ride and handling, off-road capabilities and even cabin space, for example. Having spent multiple stints in the Forester, it\u2019s safe to say that the USD1 billion dollar Subaru invested on the development of the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) has not gone to waste. Neither the CX-5 or CR-V drives the way the Forester does. It\u2019s calm and unbelievably composed at high speeds and at low speeds, the chassis feels taut and highly communicative.\n \nAnd then there is the matter of traction. Unlike the CX-5 and CR-V which are part time SUVs, sending power to the rear only when needed the Forester has equal power sent to all four wheels all time. The result, without discrediting both the Forester\u2019s competitors, is unparalleled traction, nothing like you\u2019ve ever felt. As for space, it\u2019s best left to visual and you will no doubt find it impressive upon viewing the video.\nBoth the CX-5 and CR-V are undoubtedly great SUVs and sales figures have reflected so but it\u2019s not to say that the Forester is without appeal, because it does. Here are my compelling points as to why the Forester, deserves to be under your consideration, at least, if you\u2019re looking for an SUV with superior road holding abilities and cabin space.\nThe long duration spent in the Forester, along with its competitors have led me to believe that you\u2019ve not experienced Subaru\u2019s all-wheel drive system, you\u2019ve not experienced all-wheel drive at all. Now, if only they had spent a small chunk of that USD1 billion on design."
"1,348 whp (around 1,500 hp on engine with E85 or race fuel) sure changes a lot about a car. In the case of this Shelby GT350, that power turns it into an absolutely merciless beast!\nThe car has been given the \u201c1200R Twin Turbo\u201d package treatment that comes with an extensive list of upgrades; significantly bumping up its stock output of just \n526 hp \nand \n429 Nm\n.\n \nThey include a custom, hand-built stainless steel exhaust system, oversized ball bearing turbochargers, high-flow injectors, forged engine components and even a carbon fibre driveshaft, to name a few.\nThe result is a \nnine second car\n in the quarter mile (400m) run that Dominic Toretto will approve. On 93 Octane fuel, the GT350 makes around \n884 hp\n.\nCheck out the newly revealed, \nmost powerful Ford Mustang ever, the Shelby GT500\n.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, this pony to stallion transformation will cost approximately USD71,999 (approx RM294k)."
"People seem to really love drag races (\ncheck out our very own drag race series!\n), so for their last episode of the year, \nTop Gear\n has prepared something truly special, a little Christmas present of sorts \u2013 by lining up a\n Formula 1\n, \nFormula E\n, and \nWRC\n race car side-by-side on a drag strip to see which one\u2019s fastest in a straight line.\nIt\u2019s not often we get to see cars from different race series compete against each other, and even rarer when there\u2019s three of some of the most successful teams in their own respective sports. And to make things even more interesting, the race was ran on wet surfaces \u2013 no thanks to the gloomy UK weather.\n \nMost people, we think, would scoff at the notion that a Ford Fiesta WRC rally car would even be placed on the same playing field as the other two open-wheel racers. But the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine (same as the F1, mind you) underneath its bonnet actually produces a pretty sweet \n375 hp\n, and with the help of the smart all-wheel drive systems, they actually take off from a standstill at a pretty maddening pace \u2013 and could prove advantageous in the wet, too.\nRepresenting the electric camp, then, is DS Techeetah\u2019s DS E-Tense FE21 Formula E race car from this year\u2019s championships. It might not be the least powerful car here with \u201cjust\u201d \n335 hp\n, but we all know how fast a fully-electric powertrain can react, and the official performance figures shows \u2013 0-100 km/h takes just\n 2.8 seconds\n.\nLast but not least, is the Formula 1 car \u2013 the pinnacle of motorsports, as many would claim. And it\u2019s not just any other F1 car either; it\u2019s the \n2019 championship-winning car \nfrom the most successful F1 team of the decade \u2013 the Mercedes-AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+.\nNaturally, it\u2019s the most powerful of the bunch \u2013 and by a huge margin. The turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 hybrid powertrain produces approximately \n1,000 hp\n, and all that is for a car (plus driver) that weighs under 800 kg. An easy win, then? Well, the downside is that all of that power goes solely to the rear wheels \u2013 and on a damp surface, it could be hard to pin all that power to the ground.\nWe don\u2019t want to spoil the results, so be sure to check out the video above. But we\u2019ll say that it\u2019s perhaps fortunate that the cars weren\u2019t driven by the three comedians of the show, Chris, Paddy, and Freddie."
"Mitsubishi Motors has announced that the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Triton will be making its world premiere in Thailand on \nJuly 26\n. As part of the announcement, the carmaker also included a couple of teaser photos of the next-generation one-tonne pick-up truck, giving us a first look at the all-new \nMitsubishi Triton\n.\nAs is standard for all teasers, the pick-up truck in these photos is pretty much completely shrouded in darkness. There are, of course, still some details we can pick out though \u2013 including the reimagined Dynamic Shield face that now features a much more prominent front grille in the centre, giving the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Triton a much more aggressive appearance.\nIn fact, Mitsubishi says that the all-new Triton is designed around a \u201cBeast Mode\u201d concept, and as such it prevalently features many tough and rugged motif on the outside, most notably the upright lines on the bumpers, and the strong character lines on the sides that emphasises on its wide wheel arches.\nThe headlights retain the same split design as before, but now significantly modernised with a T-shaped signature for the main headlight assemblies, seemingly inspired by the \nnew Xpander facelift\n. Round the back, the taillights now feature a T-shaped light signature \u2013 a new family design element as seen on many of the marque\u2019s \nnew concept vehicles\n.\nMitsubishi didn\u2019t provide any photos for the interior, but a \n\u201cdesign teaser\u201d video\n published on its YouTube page does give us a quick glance. From what we can see, the dashboard will mirror the upright design motif of its exterior styling, accentuated by the free-standing infotainment display in the centre.\nDespite modern design trends, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton also seem to retain many of its physical controls on the interior, with a bank of toggle switches underneath the central air vents, plus physical gear levers and the Super Select all-wheel drive switch on the centre console.\n\u201cThe all-new Triton has been completely reimagined under the design concept Beast Mode, or audacious and daring,\u201d said Mitsubishi Motors division general manager of design, Seiji Watanabe. \u201cWhile expressing the toughness and powerfulness expected of a pickup truck, the all-new Triton combines agility with the brand\u2019s robust design to create an imposing look. Tough and reliable, the all-new Triton will make customers want to go on any adventure.\u201d\nBased on the short teaser video, it appears that there could also be a range-topping variant, replete with a raised air intakes first seen on the \nMitsubishi XRT concept\n. Could we finally see a \nRanger Raptor\n-rivalling off-road racer from Mitsubishi?"
"No I\u2019m serious. If you actually sat through all of the press release(s), you\u2019d be popping Panadols for days. For every aspect of the car, there was an article with long flowery descriptions but I bit the bullet and read through them and here\u2019s what I filtered out.\nSeries production of the new Mercedes EQC will start in 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen where it will be integrated into ongoing series production as a fully electric vehicle. Here\u2019s the gist of what you\u2019d be keen to know about this \u201cMercedes-Benz\u201d of electric cars, as the boys from Germany put it.\nThe new EQC packs 408 hp and 765 Nm of torque from two electric motors on each axle \u2013 one in the front and another in the back \u2013 effectively giving the EQC all-wheel drive capabilities. The front electric motor is optimised for efficiency in the low to medium \u201crev range\u201d while the rear unit is responsible for dynamism.\nIt will go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds with a limited top speed of 180 km/h. Driving range is estimated to be more than 450 km. The EQC features five driving programs; COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program.\nThe driver is also able to influence the recuperation level using so-called paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddle on the left increases the level of recuperation, the paddle on the right reduces it. The following stages are available:\nD Auto\n\u00a0for recuperation via ECO Assist to suit the situation\n \nD \nfor coasting\n \nD\n\u00a0for low recuperation\n \nD \nfor\u00a0medium recuperation\n \nD \nfor high recuperation where it makes one-pedal driving possible, because in most situations the recuperative deceleration is enough not to require operation of the brake pedal.\nThe lithium-ion batteries consists of 384 cells and is located in the vehicle floor with boot space not affected at 500-litres. It has a 80 kWh capacity to supply the vehicle with power.\u00a0Under low to medium load conditions, only the front electric motor is operated for efficiency reasons. Maximum recuperative deceleration is achieved by using both electric motors as alternators.\nAs standard the EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger (OBC) with a capacity of 7.4 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations.\nThe EQC is fitted with 19 to 21-inch, aerodynamically enhanced, bicolour light-alloy wheels, which are flush with the wheel arches. Two wheel variants have blue touches on the rim flange or spokes.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQC is also available in the sporty equipment line AMG Line, with the options of AMG Line Interior and AMG Line Exterior.The EQC with \nAMG Line Exterior\n features e.g. an AMG-specific radiator grille and mirror housings in the vehicle colour. It also looks considerably more sporty thanks to a distinctive front apron. A wide rear apron in an AMG design further reinforces this impression. Several new AMG wheel designs in sizes between 20 and 21 inches are available for the EQC.The interior also becomes more sporty with the \nAMG Line Interior\n. In addition to a three-spoke AMG multifunction sport steering wheel with flattened lower section, the package includes an AMG sports pedal cluster of brushed stainless steel. The seats are in black ARTICO man-made leather/microfibre, with leather seats and carbon-fibre look trim available as an option. AMG floor mats round off the AMG Line Interior.\nThe instrument panel is designed as a driver-oriented cockpit with its upper section reduced to what is essential. This is where one of the visual highlights of the cockpit is located \u2013 a high-tech, high gloss cassette housing flat air vents with key-shaped, ros\u00e9-gold coloured louvres. It\u2019s a feature of the new EQ design idiom and is exclusive to this new model.\nThe instrument panel has a metal surrounds that looks like the cooling ribs on a high-quality music amplifier. This design feature is a wrap-around extending into the doors. The simulated, metallic-look ribbed rim continues into the door panels as a design highlight, and has integral mid-range speakers.\nDual 10.2-inch displays function as the instrument cluster and infotainment system; where they are housed behind a continuous glass surface to form a large, free-standing screen. There is a touchpad in the centre console to get around the thousands of functions in the car.\nMechanical protection of the battery\n: the high-safety design begins with the installation position of the high-voltage battery beneath the vehicle floor. The energy storage unit is surrounded by a stable frame that can absorb energy. Deformation elements are installed between the frame and the battery, and these are able to absorb additional forces in the event of a severe side impact. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.\n \nElectrical protection of the high-voltage system\n: the extensive experience of Mercedes-Benz with high-voltage drive systems has led to a multi-stage safety concept that deploys in the event of an accident. The high-voltage system automatically shuts down, reversibly or irreversibly, according to the severity of the accident. There are also shutdown points where emergency teams can deactivate the high-voltage system manually.\nWith the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), there are three different options of interior ambience:\nModern Classic\n is a further development of the classic display style in an elegant and light material mix while \nSport\n has a high-tech turbine look with decidedly sporty black/yellow contrasts.\nElectric Art\n presents its digital look in reduced form, and emotively displays the current state of the e-drive system. The visible colour\u00a0changes explain and thrill in equal measure. The glass dials change from ros\u00e9-gold in Drive mode to white, and to \u201cElectric Blue\u201d during recuperation. The media display clearly presents functional aspects of the energy situation, e.g. the energy flow or the power\u00a0consumption history.\nThe Pre-entry climate control feature ensures that the cabin is already at the desired preset temperature on departure. It can be programmed directly via MBUX or via the Mercedes me App.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the announcement from the newly minted Pakatan Harapan Government that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be set to 0% from 1 June 2018 onwards, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has revised its vehicle price to reflect the new fiscal policy.\nCustomers keen on acquiring a Mitsubishi Outlander will enjoy the most savings at RM7.8k for the 2.0L or RM8.7k on the 2.4L. The rest of the range sees a price reduction of between RM4.3k to RM7.5k.\nThe one variant that caught our attention is the \nOutlander 2.0L\n variant that now retails for RM132,109 after having the 6% GST waived. This price tag is valid to go with the ongoing \nMMM Special Raya Promo\n that adds a\n factory-fitted 360-degree all round monitor\n and premium leatherette seats. Top it up with the \nRaya Bonus cash rebate of RM4,000\n, you are looking at a final price tag of RM128,109 for a highly-equipped seven-seater SUV.\nIf you\u2019re keen on having a people carrier for your growing family, the Special Raya Promo only runs \nuntil 30 July 2018\n while the zero-rated GST price is only valid until further instructions from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to reinstate the Sales and Services Tax (SST).\nAmidst this \u201ctax-free holiday\u201d and Raya promotions, should you part ways with your hard-earned money for a brand-new ride? Read \nhere\n and decide."
"The Nurburgring Nordschleife is known as the \u201cGreen Hell\u201d for good reason \u2013 nearly 21 kilometres of twisty tarmac with 73 complex bends and 300 metres change in altitude, plus kerbs as slippery as ice. You can imagine how crazy it will be to have 1,500 hp and 1,600 Nm on a track like this.\nBut that is exactly what Bugatti did. For the final suspension and handling tests to tune the chassis control software of the \nChiron Pur Sport\n, the hypercar maker elected to use the Green Hell as the proving ground for the 8.0-litre W16 monster. And yes, it\u2019s exactly as crazy as it sounds like. Check out the short onboard video Bugatti has released:\n \nTo be fair, the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport was designed to be a track-focused version of the \nChiron\n. Fitted with reworked aerodynamics, stiffer chassis and dampers, retuned gearbox, and a slight weight loss, the Pur Sport is probably the most qualified member of the Chiron family to take on the Nordschleife.\nBut still, we can\u2019t help imagine the possibility of something going wrong when there\u2019s more than 1,600 Nm of torque just under your right foot. especially when this thing costs a whole three million Euros, and only 60 will be made.\nHere\u2019s Bugatti\u2019s head of development Stefan Ellrott\u2019s justification: \u201cIt\u2019s extremely important to us for the Chiron Pur Sport customer to instantly sense the much more radical approach we\u2019re taking with this car in terms of driving dynamics.\n\u201cWith its unusual topography, numerous bends and the high-speed section from D\u00f6ttinger H\u00f6he onwards, the Nordschleife is very demanding for both driver and vehicle so it\u2019s ideal for our new car, which is streamlined for agility and speed. This is why we\u2019re running the final tests for fine-tuning the suspension and safety systems here in the Eifel,\u201d he added.\nThe Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport taking on the infamous Carousel at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nThe company also adds that aside from track testing, they also took the Chiron Pur Sport out on the motorways and hilly roads around Nurburgring to make sure that it drives just as well in a day-to-day scenario.\nFor an extended look at the Chiron Pur Sport on track, along with a technical chat with Bugatti\u2019s head of chassis development Jachin Schwalbe, check out \nMisha Charoudin\u2019s video\n where he was invited along for the prototype testing.\n \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Petrolheads aren\u2019t only defined by those who dwell into the technical aspects of a car. Some simply love cars for how they look, or how they sound.\nIf you\u2019re among the latter, this video will definitely give you the goosebumps. As much as you like spreading this form of joy, these six minutes are best enjoyed with a headphone on.\n \nThe video features the cream of the crop of motorsport legends including the Mazda 767B, Jaguar XJR-14 and Sauber Mercedes C11.\nDo treat those eardrums with care."
"Despite having a delayed and \nfairly quiet launch\n, the Honda HR-V facelift is receiving positive response among buyers since its official launch in January 2019. To date, Honda Malaysia has delivered over 3,000 units of the compact SUV out of the 4,000 bookings collected.\nBased on internal\nfindings, Klang Valley contributed the highest sales at 47%, proving the HR-V\u2019s\npopularity among buyers in the urban cities. Southern and Northern region each make\nup 18% of total sales.\nHonda HR-V 1.8L RS\n \nHonda HR-V 1.8V Facelift\nHonda HR-V 1.5L Hybrid\nThe newly introduced\nPassion Red Pearl, which is exclusive to the range-topping HR-V RS variant, appears\nto the most popular colour choice, representing 28% of overall sales for the facelifted\nHR-V.\nTo recap, the Honda\nHR-V facelift is offered in four-variants \u2013 1.8L E, 1.8L V, 1.8L RS and 1.5L Hybrid.\nPrices ranges from RM108,800 to RM124,800 on-the-road without insurance. Every\npurchase comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty while the hybrid\nbattery pack comes with an 8-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty."
"More seasoned readers would recall the Kia Carens MPV (which was also rebadged to Naza Citra) that offered generous interior space for seven and performance from a large capacity engine. The model was then discontinued in the local line-up from the 2013-generation, as the product had European specifications.\nAfter close to ten years of absence, the Kia Carens is set to return to developing markets, as Kia has developed the three-row vehicle based on the requirements of Indian consumers. Unlike the recently launched \nKia Niro\n compact SUV as well as the \nKia Sportage\n, the Kia Carens is set to adopt a more relaxed design expression.\nKia\u2019s Tiger Face design at the front continues, with high mounted LED headlamps and signature DRLs together with highlighted grille interpreted under the pillar of \u2018Bold for Nature\u2019 from the \u2018Opposites United\u2019 brand design philosophy.\nThe latest Kia Carnival has arrived in Malaysia, offering up to seating for 11! Here are the 5 things on the Grand Utility Vehicle.\nThe interior is designed to meet lifestyle needs and daily usage preference in India. The high-tech wraparound dashboard design represents a future-oriented image while giving an impression of a wide and luxurious cabin.\n2014 Kia Carens\nThe chrome garnish applied to the doors enhances the overall premium feel. The 10.25-inch central infotainment display adds to a modern ambience.\n\u201cThe Kia Carens perfectly embodies our latest design philosophy, \n\u2018Opposites United\u2019\n, and it successfully combines sportiness with a sophisticated personality and style with unique aesthetics,\u201d said Kia, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Design Centre, Karim Habib\nHabib emphasised that the all-new Kia Carens is a true reflection of what today\u2019s customers want from their three-row vehicles.\nThe world premiere of the Kia Carens will be made broadcast live on Kia India\u2019s YouTube \nchannel,\n scheduled to commence from \n2:30 P.M.\n on \nDecember 16\n."
"Unlikely to be used as the Prince\u2019s mode of transportation on his big day, the-one-of-a-kind MINI will be instead handed over for public auction with proceeds going to The Children\u2019s HIV Association (CHIVA).\nBuilt for the wedding of Prince Harry, the 6th in line to the British throne, with Meghan Markle, the MINI is finished in Crystal White with Silver-blue accent strips. The Union Jack is embedded into the rear lights with a distinct roof graphic applied meticulously by hand.\nThe roof graphic\u00a0brings together the elements of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle\u2019s national flags \u2013 the Union Jack and the Stars & Stripes. Elsewhere, also representing the new union are the M and H initials on the side turn indicators.\nWhen the car\u2019s doors are opened, they project an exclusive \u201cJust Married\u201d graphic onto the ground on both sides of the car.\nInside, the MINI\u2019s interior looks more like a room for a pubescent teenage girl than a commemorative token of a royal wedding. Details on the glove box, door sills and sunshade further asserts the momentous occasion.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton, together with their dealer-partner Harapan Maju Sdn. Bhd. has just opened the doors to their new 3S centre in Kota Kinabalu. The new 3S centre will be the second outlet in Kota Kinabalu to be dressed with Proton\u2019s new corporate identity.\nThe new outlet houses \n12 servicing bays\n with 6 hoists, and a \n50-car capacity parking lot\n in its 1,686 square metre built-up area. Other amenities such as free WiFi, coffee bar, laptop charging area, kid\u2019s play room and prayer room are also available to the patrons.\nHarapan Maju is a new addition to the Proton dealership line-up. Bucking the industry trend, Harapan Maju is led by a team of women, involved in the daily operations of the business \u2013 overseeing sales, service and marketing.\nProton\u2019s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong said, \u201cWe are delighted that many are taking up Proton dealerships. The fact that they are happy to be associated with the brand says a lot about the future of the company.\u201d This new opening brings the total number of Proton certified 3S and 4S centres to \n103\n.\nYear-to-date, Proton sales in the East Malaysia region has \ngrown by 22% \ncompared to the same period last year. Sabah in particular has seen immense growth at \n32%\n.\nThe new Proton 3S centre is located at \nMile 6, Jalan Putatan, Kota Kinabalu 88200\n."
"Just after launching two AMG EQ cars in the country, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now opened registration of interest for the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV on its official website. The EQE SUV, as its name suggests, is an electric SUV with the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan.\nIn total, there are five versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV globally with three of them being non-AMG versions and two of them being AMG versions. The versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV available globally are:\nEQE 350+ SUV\nEQE 350 4MATIC SUV\nEQE 500 4MATIC SUV\nMercedes-AMG 43 4MATIC EQE SUV\nMercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ EQE SUV\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV measures 4,863 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,686 mm tall. It is slightly smaller than a BMW X5. Typical of the EQ series, the EQE SUV sports a black panel upfront which is sandwiched between the standard LED High-Performance headlamps. Customers can also opt for the optional Digital Lights. Its specifications for Malaysia have yet to be confirmed.\nIn its base form, the EQE 350+ SUV makes \n292 hp\n and \n565 Nm\n via an electric drive system powering the rear wheels. The EQE 350 4MATIC makes \n292 hp\n and \n765 Nm\n with an addition of a front electric drive system. In its range-topping version, the EQE 500 4MATIC makes \n408 hp\n and \n858 Nm\n with one electric motor powering the rear wheels and one electric motor powering the front wheels.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM650k \u2013 687hp, 1020Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs\nAll versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV are powered by a \n90.6-kWh\n 10-module battery pack. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) EQE 350+ SUV has a WLTP range of up to \n590 km\n, while EQE 350 4MATIC SUV and EQE 500 4MATIC SUV have ranges of up to \n558 km\n and \n547 km\n respectively.\nAs for the AMG versions of the EQE SUV, The Mercedes-AMG 43 4MATIC EQE SUV makes \n476 hp\n and \n858 Nm\n while the AMG 3 4MATIC+ EQE SUV (with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package) makes a whopping \n687 hp\n and \n1,000 Nm\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM799k \u2013 761hp, 1020Nm\nBased on the other EQ models launched in Malaysia, there will most likely be only one non-AMG version of the EQE SUV that will be launched in Malaysia first. It may later be followed by one AMG version of the car, most likely, its most powerful version. Malaysian customers interested in the EQE SUV may register their interest on the official Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website.\nRELATED: \nNew Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV unveiled with 687 hp AMG version, up to 590 km range"
"Citroen cars have always pushed the boundaries of design. The French\u2019s out-of-the-box thinking have always made Citroen cars quirky, especially when compared to its competitors. Now, they just previewed its future hybrid concept that could shape the brand\u2019s future models, and it\u2019s called the\u00a0Citroen CXPERIENCE hybrid concept.\nPronounced as\u00a0\n\u2018C-experience\u2019\n, the concept is a large hatchback, which Citroen calls a two-box saloon. Aesthetically, the front gets Citroen\u2019s corporate grille complete with a pair of modern LED headlights, and\u00a0intake flaps sit below the grille to aid aerodynamics. There\u2019s no signature airbumps\u00a0on the side, but it does get large 22-inch wheels, at least for now. At the back, the top slides towards the back via a large single transparent panel.\nInside the cabin, all physical buttons are removed to make way for cleaner 19-inch \u201cAdvanced Comfort\u201d touchscreen panel. There\u2019s a wireless smartphone charging dock located in the centre console, with each rear passenger receiving a\u00a0mobile tablet for seat and air-conditioning adjustments. This tablet also doubles as a screen for media consumption.\nAs is the trend lately, Citroen is also pursuing clean, hybrid solutions. This concept\u00a0comes with\u00a0PSA\u2019s latest\u00a0plug-in hybrid powertrain \u2013 a marriage of a\n\u00a0200hp petrol engine\n\u00a0and an\u00a0\n80kW electric motor\n that together drive the rear wheels. An \neight-speed automatic\n gearbox will be located between both motors. The hybrid is good for a combined output of 300 hp, but in pure electric mode it\u2019s capable of travelling up to 60km on a single charge.\nCitroen will fully unveil this concept at its home turf during the Paris Motor Show in late September. It\u2019s unclear right now which model this concept will succeed, but a replacement model for the ageing C5 is long overdue. Could this be the next generation C5?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Perodua has had a good run for the first half of the fiscal year, with an increase of 14.8 percent to 108,500 units sold as compared to last year\u2019s stint of 94,500 units moved. The increase is bolstered by strong demand for the \nPerodua Axia\n.\nThe period spanning from January to June alone has seen Perodua delivering\u00a0\n53,700 units\n of the bang-for-your-buck \nAxia\n model, and as it happens the Axia\u2019s sales figure represents \nalmost half\n of the total pie, according to Perodua\u2019s President and CEO, \nDatuk Aminar Rashid\n.\nThe sales reduction in this quarter was mainly due to luke-warm\u00a0reaction from consumers towards the \nGoods and Services Tax\n which was introduced in April, a trend that was also observed amongst other manufacturers too. \u00a0On a quarter-to-quarter basis, sales figures plummeted \n10 percent to 51,300 units\n in the second quarter of 2015 as opposed to the \n57,200 units\n in the first quarter.\nOn the subject of after-sales, Datuk Aminar has announced an increase of \n7.6 percent\n\u00a0in the first half to \nRM292.6 million\u00a0\nas compared to the same period last year."
"BMW\u2019s M division will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, and the festivities have apparently already started. They\u2019ve already shown off the \nfirst-ever M3 Touring\n, the \nelectric-powered Concept XM\n, and they\u2019re even \nbringing back the classic BMW Motorsports emblem\n, but the German performance car powerhouse isn\u2019t stopping there just yet.\nAccording to a post on the \nBimmerpost\n forum\n by user \nynguldyn\n, who\u2019s known to be an insider with an excellent track record, BMW M will be introducing a new 50th Anniversary special edition model of the BMW M4 that\u2019s configured \u201clike the CSL\u201d, but with a manual transmission instead of the eight-speed auto.\nThe legendary BMW E46 M3 CSL\nFor those who aren\u2019t hardcore BMW fans, \u201cCSL\u201d stands for \n\u201cCoup\u00e9 Sport Lightweight\u201d\n, and is reserved specifically for the most hardcore versions of the M cars. Befitting its \u201clightweight\u201d name, the CSL models usually have a stripped out (by comparison) specifications list, with most of the luxuries such as electric seats and parking sensors deleted.\nThere\u2019s only been a few CSL models throughout the company\u2019s 50-year history, but it\u2019s already been rumoured (and photographed) that the current G82-generation BMW M4 will indeed be getting a CSL model, equipped with an uprated engine (around the 550 hp mark) and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.\nVIDEO: Watch the all-new BMW M4 Competition blitz through the Nurburgring in 7:30 minutes\nGood ol\u2019 stick shift.\nAccording to several insiders, the upcoming BMW M4 CSL will already be a highly-exclusive model, said to be limited to a production run of just 1,000 units. So if the rumours by \nynguldyn \nturns out to be true, it\u2019ll most likely be even harder to get your hands on the \u201c50 Jahre\u201d model!\nDetails of the purported BMW M4 CSL are already close to none, so it\u2019s no surprise that we\u2019ve heard basically nothing on this 50 Anniversary model thus far \u2013 but keep your eyes peeled for updates as we learn more.\nOne thing\u2019s for sure, however: It\u2019ll definitely be an exciting year ahead for all BMW fans. The golden jubilee isn\u2019t a common occurrence after all, and BMW will want to celebrate it as much as they can.\nGALLERY\nG82 BMW M4 Competition"
"The 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is a place where the big gets bigger. Take for example the Nissan Titan XD. Now I know what you must be thinking, what in the world is a Nissan Titan? Could I walk into the nearest Tan Chong dealership and get one? The answer is unfortunate, for the car in question is native to the North American market only.\nShould you have the opportunity to behold one before your own eyes, you\u2019d immediately be taken aback by just the sheer size of this thing. In the US, this is called a\n full-sized pick up truck\n whereas the ones we get over here are called mid-size pick-ups. Back to the Titan though, because the \nFord F-150\n and its stablemates have been the best sellers in North America for the past millennium, it makes sense that Nissan (and other manufacturers alike) do well to imitate The Blue Oval in hopes of bagging market share. This Titan Warrior Concept on the other hand, plays skip rope with that line of thinking.   When it comes to describing the sheer looks of this thing, words such as \nbadass\n\u00a0just doesn\u2019t do it justice, somehow. This Titan Warrior is one mean \nmothertrucker\n (as Nissan would put it) especially with all the visual mods that Nissan North America has done to it. Starting with the front end, of which the designers have drawn inspirations from \nbattle suit\n of armours worn by warriors of yesteryear. Apart from that, the headlamps \u2013 especially the DRLs \u2013 have the \nT-Titan\n logo signature which work very well to accentuate the raw look of this Dakar-inspired conqueror.\nSpeaking of old desert racers of Dakar fame, the roof-mounted\n spot lights\n are now replaced with a pair of low-profile \nLED\n units that illuminate the way forward should the going get tough. Not only that but, with keeping with the tradition over at Nissan, the Titan Warrior features something its local cousin the\n Navara NP300\n sports too, a \ntail gate spoiler\n which as we all are aware helps with and improves aerodynamics. Finishing off the look of the \nTitan Warrior Concept\n is the paint job which we have to say, is drop dead gorgeous. Nissan calls it a matte gun-metal finish.\nOn the inside however, it seems to be less Dakar Rally spec and more San Diego Monday morning which means that the centre console does not have a couple bottles of Nitrous Oxide for getting you down town quicker. But rather, it\u2019s a spot for you to holster your Starbucks drive-thru. The Titan Warrior in this respect, comes into its home element of being an urban cruiser that\u2019s cool enough to pick the kids up from school with. Even the steering wheel is milled from \naluminium\n just so you won\u2019t forget how far out-of-this-world this concept truck really is.\nBut what\u2019s the point in all that style but no substance to boot? Nissan is way ahead of of you on that point. Although Nissan hasn\u2019t been very forthcoming with what sort of mods have been done under the hood, we do know that it features a \nCummins\n-sourced \n5.0-liter V8 turbo diesel\n lump that\u2019s mated to a heavy-duty \nsix-speed Aisin automatic\n transmission that\u2019ll \u00a0chuck out over \n300\n horses and well over\n 700 Nm\n of torque. This means that the Titan Warrior could tow loads of up to a \ncouple of tonnes\n behind the tail gate!   Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Chairman, Nissan North America, Jose Mu\u00f1oz said, \u201cWhile Nissan still has many roads and trails to travel as we continue to launch additional production versions of our bold new TITAN, this new TITAN Warrior Concept gives an important signal to American truck enthusiasts that our vision for exploring new boundaries remains strong.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Built with more than \nhalf a million LEGO bricks\n, Toyota will be displaying a full-sized LEGO replica of the \nall-new Toyota Camry\n in Melbourne, Australia; one that weighs two tonnes, almost \n400 kilograms more\n than the actual car.\nThe replica sports trademark features of the all-new Toyota Camry such as the logos on the alloy wheels, hybrid lettering, headlights, indicators and brake lights. \nDesigned by Ryan \u201cThe Brickman\u201d McNaught, the only LEGO certified professional in the southern hemisphere and one of only 14 in the world, the all-new Camry replica took a staggering \n900 hours to assemble\n over the span of eight weeks \u2013 more than \n40 times longer\n than Toyota takes to make a single car.\n\u201cI\u2019m so excited to be unveiling my newest LEGO creation \u2013 a life-sized Toyota Camry \u2013 as it has taken over two months to build and comprises of\u00a0 more than 500,000 bricks. I\u2019m really pleased with the outcome and can\u2019t wait to see what everyone else thinks of it!\u201d, said Ryan. \nThe new 2018 Toyota Camry will be available with three engines \u2013 all-new\u00a02.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol, a\u00a02.5-litre four-cylinder with Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) and \nan all-new\u00a03.5-litre V6\n with D-4S Fuel Injection pumping out over 300 hp \u2013 the latter however is unlikely to land in Malaysia, ever.\nThe\n\u00a0\n2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol\u00a0engine \n(206 hp / 252 Nm)\n with the latest\u00a0Variable-Valve-Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE)\n\u00a0\nand\u00a0is paired with an\u00a0eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission while the\n 2.5-litre Hybrid engine\n \n(176 hp / 221 Nm)\n\u00a0is linked to a six-speed Sequential Shift and Sports Mode."
"Nissan has just unveiled the all-new Serena in Japan, with a new appearance on the outside, and a myriad of fancy new tech inside. The all-new Nissan Serena will succeed the \nC27-generation model\n that has been around since 2016.\nIn Japan, the all-new model will be offered in a wide range of variants, including a new \u201cLuxion\u201d variant that seats atop the previously range-topping Premium Highway Star. Prices for the family MPV ranges between JPY2.8 million to JPY4.8 million (approx. RM90k-RM156k) in its home country.\nAppearance wise, the design of the all-new \nNissan Serena\n is really more of an evolution than a revolution. To be fair, though, there isn\u2019t much room for Nissan to toy with, anyway, on a mostly square-ish MPV shape.\nWith that being said, the all-new C28-generation model does still manage to look refreshed and modernised, thanks to a new front fascia that somewhat looks like a family-friendly Transformer robot.\nThe latest reiteration of the signature Nissan V-motion grille up front sees a much wider grille aperture, with the headlights neatly integrated into the surrounding \u2018V\u2019 trim. The dramatic shape also influences the new front bumper design, where the triangular air breathers on both ends also double as daytime-running lights on certain variants.\nAs for the back, the vertical tail lights have also been redesigned to better integrate into the natural lines and \u2018curves\u2019 of the body silhouette, giving it a much cleaner appearance. The signature dual-opening split tailgate is also still retained here.\nThe cabin of the all-new Nissan Serena is also suitably refreshed and modernised, highlighted by the twin 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard (for the range-topping Luxion variant), replacing the old (and weird) two and a half screens set-up. The climate control panel has also been reworked, and the gear lever has also been jettisoned, replaced instead by a bank of buttons.\nDespite the complete overhaul to its interior design, the all-new model still retains all of the Serena\u2019s greatest hits, including the fully flat cabin floor, airline-style fold-down table, waterproof seats, and the improved \u2018Zero Gravity\u2019 seats for the first and second-row passengers \u2013 now enhanced with 120 mm more legroom for the driver.\nIn an effort to improve ride quality, Nissan has also fitted the all-new Serena with a reworked suspension system, with a 20% stiffer shocks and suspension set-up to better resist body roll.\nThe most significant change to the Serena, however, is actually found underneath its bonnet. Regular petrol powertrains are still available, but the previous S-Hybrid system has now been replaced by the newer e-Power series hybrid system. Similar to Honda\u2019s e:HEV set-up, Nissan\u2019s e-Power system also utilises an electric motor to drive the wheels, with the small engine running as a generator.\nOn the all-new Serena, the powertrain consists of a 1.4-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, the latter making \n163 hp\n and\n 315 Nm\n to drive the wheels. The e-Power system also returns an impressive fuel consumption figure of just 4.85 l/100km, based on the WLTC test cycle.\nRELATED: \nThe updated Nissan Kicks might be the brand\u2019s most exciting car we\u2019ve seen in a while\nAlso new on the latest C28-generation Nissan Serena is the ProPilot 2.0 advanced driver assistance suite, exclusive to the range-topping Luxion variant. The ProPilot 2.0 suite adds on several new autonomous features to the Nissan Serena, including hands-free driving above 40 km/h, as well as ProPilot Parking and ProPilot Remote Parking.\nOther variants will still get the standard suite of ProPilot ADAS system, consisting of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a new collision avoidance steering assist system, which helps drivers autonomously steer out of potential dangers.\nIntrigued? Well, don\u2019t hold your breath for its launch here in Malaysia. With Edaran Tan Chong Motor only introducing the \nfacelifted C27-generation Nissan Serena\n here on our shores earlier this year, we don\u2019t expect to see the all-new C28-generation model here in Malaysia anytime soon.\nGALLERY"
"Five years ago, McLaren Automotive pulled off the wraps of a hybrid concept car at the 2012 \u2018Mondial de l\u2019Automobile\u2019 in Paris. The car in question was none other than the \nMcLaren P1\n, the spiritual successor to the McLaren F1 of the 1990s \u2013 which is still considered as \nthe greatest supercar in history\n.\nFive months after the unveiling of the design study, the team at McLaren rolled out the first production model at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show. With the P1, McLaren is not only raised the bar in supercar performance, but also told the world that they mean business.\nLimited to 375 units worldwide, every unit of the P1 was spoken for before the first one was delivered, such was the insatiable demand for the \u00a3866,000 (RM4.9 million) hypercar. No two examples of the P1 were the same, thanks to McLaren\u2019s personalisation arm, MSO (McLaren Special Operations).\nPushing the boundaries of internal combustion engines, the P1\u2019s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that pushes out \n727 hp\n and is assisted by a \n176 hp\n electric motor to give a combined output of\n 903 hp\n. Century sprint is completed in\n 2.8 seconds\n; 0 \u2013 200 km/h in \n6.8 seconds\n and 0 \u2013 300 km/h in \n16.5 seconds\n. Top speed is electronically limited to \n350 km/h\n.\nThose astonishing figures owes credit to the high-tech hybrid wizardry where the electric motor fills in the gaps in performance for the petrol engine in turbo lag or torque dip scenarios. When the battery is at full charge, the P1 is capable of driving purely on electric motor for up to 10 km. Beat that Prius.\nTipping the scale at just \n1,395 kg\n and all \n903 hp\n handled exclusively by the rear wheels, McLaren has poured in great detail towards the aerodynamics of the P1 to keep the car in a straight line. As a result, the McLaren has designed and engineered a car that produces \n600 kg\n of downforce solely from the atmosphere.\nIn 2015, the P1 spawned an even more limited volume, track-only \u2013 \nP1 GTR\n. Available exclusively to existing P1 customers, the P1 GTR boasts a track-optimised output of \n986 hp\n with significant weight saving measures to give a power-to-weight ratio of more than \n700 hp\n per tonne. The P1 GTR sits on a fixed ride height, race-prepared suspension, titanium alloy wheels and gets a straight-cut, twin-pipe exhaust system.\nSince the P1, McLaren has spawned many amazing supercars and sports cars such as the \n675LT\n, \n570S\n, 540C and more recently the \n720S\n. Although the P1 will forever be enshrined as one of the greatest hypercar of its time, the brand already has plans for its upcoming replacement, internally known as the \nP15\n.\nWill the next car be better? Knowing McLaren, most definitely. But we got a feeling that the McLaren P1 will be with us for many more years to come and will continue to turn just as many heads as it was first unveiled on stage.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Let\u2019s face it, consumers of the 21\nst\n century are more aesthetically driven than ever. The same theory applies when shopping for a transporter. A car\u2019s design life span generally lasts seven to nine years with a facelift or two in between hence, if a car is just introduced to the market, rest assured the design is going to stick around for a while.\nHowever, in an increasingly competitive market, manufacturers are slowly shortening the car(s) lifecycle to introduce more edgy and futuristic designs in hopes to outdo their competitors. Hyundai Motor Group is planning to take it to the next level by shortening the time from drawing boards to production in half according to \nAutomotive News\n.\n \n \nSenior Vice President of Design at Hyundai and Genesis, Luc Donckerwolke is confident that the group can shorten the design time from the current three years to just one and a half. Allowing Hyundai and Genesis to introduce\n\u00a0Full Model Change (FMC)\n much quicker than before.\nTo achieve this monumental task, Hyundai has injected US$67 million (RM287 million) into a new design centre covering 330,000 square feet. Equipped with state of the art design equipment, Donckerwolke expects to shave \n30 percent off\n the current design time within the next 18 months.\nDespite the two brands sharing the same design studio, Vice President for Design at Hyundai and Genesis, Lee SangYup assures that the design teams will have their own enclosed workspace, ensuring that the designs are mutually exclusive. At Hyundai, the first model to embark on a new design language will be the new B-Segment Compact Crossover, the \nKona\n while Genesis will unveil their new design direction in September with the new G70 sedan.\nSource:\u00a0\nAutomotive News"
"UMW Toyota Motor recently officiated the opening of a new 2S (service and spare parts) centre in Taman Petaling Utama \u2013 an outlet that will cater to the growing communities of Petaling Jaya and Puchong.\nThe facility will be operated by Laser Motor Sdn Bhd whose association with Toyota goes back 16 years, when they became an authorised dealer with a showroom in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.\nLaser Motor Sdn Bhd has since expanded its operations; with an outlet in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan that offers body and paint aftersales services.\nThe new 2S outlet has been designed with a spacious and comfortable lounge with free Wi-Fi for Toyota owners to relax and stay connected while waiting for work on their vehicles to be completed.\nThe service centre has 14 work bays with 13 technicians, fully trained to look after Toyota vehicles.\nThe 2S centre is located at No. 30E, Jalan PJS 1/46, PJS 1, Taman Petaling Utama, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan and can be contacted at \n03-7731818\n. Operating hours are from 8.00am-5.30pm between Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At long last, one of Infiniti\u2019s sexiest cars in has finally made its way to Malaysia, the \nall-new Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe\n. The only available variant is the 2.0-litre turbo, and at RM308,800, Infiniti Malaysia threw in a spanking 7-year unlimited mileage warranty for good measure.\nIt\u2019s undoubtedly a good looker; tautly muscular from the sides and alluringly sultry from just about any angle. The Infiniti Q60 gets full LED headlamps, 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels (shod with 255/40 run-flat tyres), acoustic windshield glass, Active Noise Cancellation and six airbags as standard. As part of Infiniti\u2019s efforts to meet new global safety standards, the hood automatically pops up to\u00a0cushion pedestrian impact.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nInfiniti Q60 Sports Coupe\nEngine\n2.0L direct injection turbo, 4-cylinders, DOHC\nTransmission\n7-speed auto with Adaptive Shift Control\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,250 to 3,500 rpm\nPrice\nRM308,800.00\nPreviously, the Q60 Coupe (or G37) was sold at RM411k, which makes this sexier successor over RM100k cheaper than before! That doesn\u2019t mean the Q60 is less equipped, though. Inside, items like 13-inch Bose Performance Series sound system, dual touchscreen displays in the centre dash (upper unit 8-inch, lower unit 7-inch) and leather upholstered seats with Infiniti\u2019s \u2018spinal support\u2019 technology are all standard issue.\nAs for the oily bits, the engine is sourced from Mercedes-Benz, with four cylinders displacing \n2.0-litres\n. It\u2019s turbocharged to churn a healthy \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, all of which are sent to the \nrear wheels\n via an in-house \nseven-speed intelligent automatic\n transmission. Through Drive Mode Selector (DMS), drivers can choose between four options: Standard, Sport, Personal and Snow.\nThe transmission features Adaptive Shift Control which uses multiple sensors to detect driving behaviour as well as study your surrounding topography, such as hills or corners. It will then adapt shift speeds according to the driver\u2019s needs. There\u2019s even this feature called Active Sound Enhancement that pipes some of that throaty exhaust note into the cabin for a sportier feel.   Again, pricing for the all-new Infiniti Q60 Sports Coupe starts from RM308,800 and it is fully imported from Japan. To those of you who are interested, test drives can be scheduled from 7 May 2017 onwards. And yes, you can have it in the glorious Dynamic Sunstone Red, which is one of five exterior colours on offer.\nIMAGE GALLERY   *Specifications in these images may differ from local spec"
"Honda Malaysia has launched the \n2022 Honda Civic with three variants available\n; 1.5E from \nRM125,634\n, 1.5V from\n\u00a0RM138,043,\n\u00a0and the RS from \nRM144,350\n.\nAll three variants are powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with increased horsepower and torque. It now produces 182 hp and 240 Nm, 9 hp and 20 Nm more than before, paired to an updated CVT gearbox.\n \nIn terms of measurements, the 2022 Civic is 30 mm longer, 3 mm wider, and 1 mm lower along with a 33 mm increase in wheelbase; resulting in better legroom and improved high-speed stability.\nStandard items include LED daytime running lights, LED head and tail lamps, automatic headlight feature, and auto-retractable side mirrors.\nOn the inside, you\u2019ll find features like single-zone air conditioning, rear USB ports, rear air-con vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 7-inch multi-information display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and remote engine start in all three variants.\nExclusive to the 1.5 V and RS variants are items like the 9-inch infotainment display, drive mode selector, electrochromic rearview mirror, 8-way powered seats for the driver, and a Sport button.\nWanna know more about the 2022 Civic and its features? Click \nhere\n!\nGALLERY\n\u2018"
"On the opening day of the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Polestar has brought what looks like a regular \nPolestar 2\n with an event-exclusive paint job. The company revealed that an experimental Polestar 2 has been driven around the 1.86-kilometre hill climb course in rainy weather conditions.\nThe dual motors in the Polestar 2 Experimental now produce a combined \n476 hp\n (350 kW) or an additional \n68 hp \n(50 kW). \u00a0No mention of the new torque figures, but the regular setup has 660 Nm and powered by a 78 kWh battery pack.\n \n\u201cI challenged the design and engineering teams to play with Polestar 2 and come up with something that makes a strong statement for Goodwood,\u201d comments Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. \n\u201cFor a few months, I have enjoyed driving another experimental Polestar 2, \nnicknamed \u2018Beast\u2019,\n around our Gothenburg campus, which inspired the team to come up with this version for Goodwood. We want to flex our muscles and explore opportunities.\u201d\nHandling has also been beefed up for the \u201cBeast\u201d, suspended by significantly uprated adjustable Ohlin three-way performance dampers with 80% stiffer front spring setting and 40% higher value at the rear. \nTracks and thus wheel arches have been widened by 10 mm to accommodate larger Pirelli P Zero Rosso performance tyres measuring 275/30R21 which coincidentally come from the \nPolestar 1\n high-performance hybrid Gran Tourer with \n1,000 Nm\n and \n609 hp\n of system output.\nFurther chassis enhancement includes a carbon fibre front suspension strut bar from a Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered and a custom-fabricated rear strut bar. The Akebono 6-piston caliper braking system is also directly lifted from the Polestar 1.\nPolestar to introduce high-performance SUV next year, to be made in the USA.\nExterior changes are limited to a new front and rear bumper design and a gorgeous Snow Matte paintwork subtly highlighted by Magnesium Matte racing stripe.\nThe Polestar 2 Experimental will be piloted by Polestar\u2019s lead chassis engineer, Joakim Rydholm, who also piloted the Polestar 1 at the 2018 edition of the famous \u201cmoving motorshow\u201d hill climb weekend event.\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has announced the availability of the updated 2020 Ford Ranger XLT Plus, taking on several design elements first seen on the updated Ford Ranger Wildtrak and\n \nRaptor\n \u2013 both of which have been launched earlier this year alongside the \nFX4\n.\nThese include the update headlights, which is now illuminated with bi-LED bulbs instead of the xenon units from the outgoing model, promising a 17% improvement in light penetration for better visibility while driving at night. The design of the headlights assembly has also been updated with a square projector lens and housing.\nFurther down, the updated 2020 Ford Ranger XLT Plus has also been given a refreshed bumper design in body colour, now featuring the silver lip, mimicking the front design of the Wildtrak. The new chrome grille is also a variant-exclusive item to the 2020 XLT Plus.\nOtherwise, there are no changes to the kit count and powertrain on the pick-up truck. The 2020 Ford Ranger XLT Plus is still powered by the 2.0-litre EcoBlue four-cylinder turbodiesel mill in a single-turbo configuration, making \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.\nOther standard equipment that has been inherited from the outgoing model include an eight-inch touchscreen display running Ford\u2019s Sync infotainment system, reversing camera, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with push-start button, and the Easy-Lift tailgate.\nThe updated pick-up truck is priced at \nRM129,888\n, on the road and without insurance, and similarly to the entire \nRanger line-up\n, comes with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.\nIn conjunction with the launch of the updated pick-up truck, SDAC-Ford has also introduced a new promotional campaign for the Ranger line-up. Customers can choose between \nfour free vehicle service\n \u2013 equivalent to two-year/40,000 km maintenance- \nor a RM2,000 cash rebate\n for selected Ranger vehicles until \n31 December 2020\n. Customers looking to purchase selected XL and XLT variants will also receive up to RM7,000 in cash rebates on their purchase."
"Unveiled for the first time just two months ago, the all-new, \nsecond-generation Audi Q5\n\u00a0is fast entering the production stage for the global market. Built at the Four Rings\u2019 new production facility in San Jose, Mexico, Audi Malaysia has confirmed that we will be getting the Q5 as early as the third quarter of 2017.\nAs before, the Malaysian-bound Q5 will be of the sole \n2.0-litre TFSI\n variant. The famed quattro all-wheel drive technology comes as standard, though it now features Ultra Technology which switches from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive on-the-fly through an electronically-actuated centre differential. This means the Q5 will predominantly be in front-wheel drive to conserve fuel, but quattro can be activated in a fraction of a second when required.   Now, back to the powertrain. The \n2.0-litre TFSI\n is a familiar four-cylinder unit, capable of producing \n252 hp\n from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and \n370 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. Together with a \nseven-speed S Tronic transmission\n, the Q5 sprints from 0 to 100km/h in a respectable \n6.3 seconds\n before topping out at \n237km/h\n. Thanks to a class\u2019 best drag coefficient of 0.30, the Q5 sips just \n7.1 litres of petrol per 100km\n (combined cycle) when travelling on 17-inch hoops. As a reminder, the Q5 is also \n90kg lighter\n than the previous model!\nMaking their debut are several unique exterior colours, but what struck a chord with us are \nNavarra Blue Pearl\n and \nAzore Green Metallic\n, both pictured in the gallery below. Wheel design and sizes vary anywhere from 17- to 21-inches, but a safe bet for us would be the 18-inch selections. There will of course be an S-Line package as an option, along with the new adaptive air suspension with height adjustment, Matrix LED headlamps and sports differential.   With a little over nine months to go, the wait may be long for those who are eager to get their hands on the much improved Q5. It\u2019s bigger in almost every way, and passengers now benefit from improved legroom thanks to the longer wheelbase \u2013 12mm to be exact.\nWe have just sampled the Q5 in the beautiful city of Los Cabos, Mexico, so watch this space for more updates to come! Meanwhile, enjoy the pictures below, and shoot us those inquiries if you wish.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The outgoing \nToyota Vios\n is set to be receiving a somewhat minor update, as a quick visit to their website reveals. Like the \nrecently updated Altis\n\u00a0(read the Altis\u2019 review \nhere\n), all variants of the Vios model \u2013 mid-range \nE\n and base model \nJ\n included \u2013 will be getting \nkeyless entry\n and \npush-start\n ignition.\nClick picture to visit Toyota Malaysia\u2019s website\nA closer look at the revised \nspecification sheet\n indicates that the \nVios 1.5G\n variant will benefit from an \nall-black interior\n with perforated leather seats, as opposed to the current beige-themed cabin. Thank you for that. Because this isn\u2019t a facelift, there\u2019s no visual and mechanical changes to the car, so the Vios soldiers on with its trusty \n1.5-litre engine\n punching \n107 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n of torque.\nAs of now, it remains unclear what other goodies have been thrown into the Vios, save for the keyless entry, push-start ignition and the G-spec\u2019s blacked out interior. Pricing however, is revised as well, with prices starting from \nRM74,700\n for the J-spec (manual) to \nRM94,800\n for the TRD Sportivo variant. The J-spec manual was priced at RM73,200 and the TRD Sportivo at RM93,200 at their local debut in October 2013."
"The Honda City is no doubt Honda Malaysia\u2019s most popular model thanks to its superior practicality and advanced\u00a0features, and its value proposition is uncontested in its segment. After\u00a0\nspotting it in Thailand last month\n,\u00a0Honda Malaysia finally launched the hotly anticipated model today.\nIt\u2019s offered in three trims \u2013 S, E and V, instead of four from before. The S+ model was dropped in favour of a more streamlined lineup. To everyone\u2019s surprise, Honda Malaysia has managed to bring down the price for the CKD City, now with a base price of RM78k!\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda City 1.5 S\nHonda City 1.5 E\nHonda City 1.5 V\nEngine\n1,497cc; 4-cylinder SOHC with i-VTEC\nTransmission\nCVT\nMax Power\n118 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\nPrice (OTR with insurance)\nRM78,300\nRM84,600\nRM92,000\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nA range of standard features can be found across the range, beginning with keyless entry, push-start button, automatic folding wing mirrors, shark fin antenna, steering wheel audio controls, hands-free telephone, \nvehicle stability assist (VSA) \nand\u00a0\nhill-start assist (HSA)\n. It also gets a revised front grille like on the \nCivic FC\n while the Solid Wing grille extends into the headlamps. The rear bumper is also new.\nThe entry level S variant looks almost identical to the previous model, although it gets LED DRLs, shark fine antenna and a 15-inch dual tone alloys with 175/65 profile\u00a0Goodyear GT3 tyres.   Stepping up to the mid-spec \nE variant\n, it adds on integrated turn signals in the wing mirrors and chrome plated door handles. Only the range topping \nV variant\n gets full LED headlamps and fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, duck tail spoiler with LED third brake light and 16-inch dual tone alloys wrapped in 195/55 profile Goodyear Excellence tyres.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the base spec\n S\n \nvariant\n gets manual air condition control, black fabric upholstery and standard audio head unit with four speakers. The \nE variant\n\u00a0adds touch-panel automatic air conditioning controls, rear air vents, cruise control, paddle shifters, front and rear armrest as well as 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera. The V variant\u00a0adds leather upholstery and ups the speaker count to eight.   PERFORMANCE\nMechanically, it retains the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder\u00a0i-VTEC that\u2019s capable of producing \n118 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n, while\u00a0paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).\u00a0This City is a certified Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV).\nSAFETY\nStandard safety features are equally impressive as \nall variants\n come equipped with dual frontal airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist and hill-start assist. E variant ups the airbag count to four while the V variant gets a six airbags.\u00a0\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe facelifted Honda City is available in six exterior shades \u2013 Lunar Silver Metallic, Taffeta White, Dark Ruby Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. Every purchase of the new City comes with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty, with a\u00a0service interval of 10,000km.\nAs usual, there\u2019s a range of optional accessories available to spice up your City, beginning with the Modulo Package, Urban Package, Utility Package, window tints and DVD Multimedia Navigation System with reverse camera.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda City 1.5L V   Honda City 1.5L E with Modulo Package   Honda City 1.5L S"
"Volkswagen has earmarked 2035\n \nas the final year the automaker finally ends the sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) in Europe.\n\u201cIn Europe, we will exit the business with internal combustion vehicles \nbetween 2033 and 2035\n, in the US and China somewhat later,\u201d Klaus Zellmer, Volkswagen board member for sales, told the Muenchner Merkur newspaper. Audi, the premium brand under the group, also have the \nsame timeline planned\n.\nHe added that no timeline has been fixed for South America and Africa, as the political and infrastructure framework conditions are still not in place.\nBy 2050 at the latest, the entire Volkswagen fleet should be CO2-neutral, Zellmer told the newspaper. Volkswagen began its electric offense in Europe and China via the \nID.3\n and \nID.4\n range of vehicles. The MEB scalable electric car platform will be the \nbasis of all new electric Volkswagen cars\n.\nLast year, the Volkswagen Group delivered over 231,000 units of fully electric vehicles, \nmore than three times\n the volumes of 2019.\nPorsche sold as many Taycans as the 718s combined! More numbers here! \nIn Europe, Volkswagen intends to launch approximately 70 all-electric models by 2030, which should account for 70% of total sales. By then, the EU hopes the bloc can meet its latest target of 55% reduction of carbon emissions compared with 1990 levels.\nBased on statistics, the CO2 emissions in the EU amounted to approximately 3.3 billion metric tons in 2019, the lowest level recorded since 1965. The level in 1990 was 4.3 billion metric tons. Germany has been identified as the largest contributor, due to the usage of coal-fired power plants.\nThailand will be the first nation in our region to ditch sales of engines. Find out when here.\nThe EU also have tough legislations on the emission of CO2 from new vehicles, where several car manufacturers can pool together to meet the emission standards that is on a steep reducing trend. Earlier this year, \nVolkswagen was fined more than EUR100 million\n (RM490 million) for missing its CO2 target from its 2020 passenger car fleet.\nThe fine could have been a lot higher if not for the introduction and sales of the new fully electric vehicles.\nSource: \nReuters"
"Lamborghini has taken the opportunity to showcase its Ad Personam programme at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017 with a custom built, one-off Lamborghini Aventador S Opera Unica.\nComplete with a unique paint finish and unique livery, the Opera Unica demonstrates what Lambo owners can potentially build through this programme.\nThe exterior is finished in matte Grigio Acheso, a matte-finish grey paint with lines accentuated by matte orange stripes around the front bumper, side and rear bumper. This unique model also gets the full exterior gloss carbon fibre package including the roof. Other exterior touches include gloss black Dianthus, orange brake callipers and matte black exhaust pipe.\nInside, the Opera Unica gets full Alcantara Nero Ade upholstery with orange contrast stitching to reflect the car\u2019s exterior colour theme. A special \u2018Opera Unica\u2019 plaque signifies the car\u2019s unique specification.\nLamborghini\u2019s Ad Personam programme offers owners the opportunity to customise their Lamborghinis to feature virtually any colour combination inside and out, in any manner to their liking. What better way to stand out in a sea of exotic cars with your custom built, one of one spec Lamborghini, eh?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A new variant of the Renault Koleos has just been introduced in Malaysia by TC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in this country, called the Signature.\nPriced at \nRM 198,800\n\u00a0on-the-road before insurance, the 2WD Signature variant will sit between the high spec 4WD Koleos (RM 209,000) and the 2WD base model (RM 184,200).\nAdditions in the Signature variant from the base model includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility \u2013 a feature not even the high-spec 4WD is equipped with. It can be operated via voice command through the multi-function steering wheel.\nThe Signature also comes equipped with\n hands-free powered tailgate\n, a feature only made available to the 4WD Koleos so far. The boot can be opened with a simple swipe of the foot underneath the rear bumper while height adjustments can be made from the boot.   Inside, the Koleos Signature gets \u201cChestnut Brown\u201d leather upholstery as opposed to the 4WD\u2019s \u201cDark Carbon\u201d upholstery. Most significant of all is the \nnew electric panoramic sunroof\n which by the way, is a feature not available even in the 4WD variant.\nThe Koleos Signature is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine that\u2019s paired with a X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission. Power output is rated at \n169 hp\n with \n226 Nm\n. Colour options available include Marron Red, Universal White, Meissen Blue, Grey Metallic and Black Metallic.\nThe Renault Koleos Signature comes with a five-year full manufacturer\u2019s warranty with unlimited mileage, backed by Renault and not undertaken by any other insurance companies, which means\u00a0terms and conditions as well as parts covered are consistent from the first year of ownership to the end of the warranty period.\nThe Koleos Signature will be on display at Renault showrooms nationwide from today onwards, and will be on display as part of Renault\u2019s showcase at the Malaysia Autoshow 2018, which takes place from 26 to 29 April 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the all-new Mk8 Golf GTI in Malaysia. It\u2019s priced at \nRM211,689 \nand is locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang. It\u2019s the first time a Golf GTI was assembled outside of Germany and China.\nObviously, the exterior looks completely different from the previous Mk7.5 model but the most standout feature has to be the new white lightbar that connects the headlamps; fitted with IQ.Light LED technology.\n \nThe Mk8 Golf GTI is available in five different colours \u2013 Kings Red, Atlantic Blue, Moonstone Grey, Deep Black, and Oryx White.\nThe new Mk8 Golf GTI now pushes out 245 hp and 370 Nm, from a new EA888 2.0-litre engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG). 0 to 100 km/h is done in 6.4 seconds.\nInside, the Mk8 Golf GTI is now almost entirely void of buttons and switches. Most of which have been replaced by \u2018icon\u2019 with haptic-touch feedback. You get a fully-digital instrument cluster, a large 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 3-zone air conditioning, and a 30-colour ambient lighting system.\nInterestingly, while the Golf GTI may come with six airbags, it does not come with any driver aid at all \u2013 not even the autonomous emergency braking feature. Hmm.\nMore images of the all-new Golf GTI \nhere\n!"
"BMW Malaysia has just unveiled their latest sports car from the iPerformance brand, the BMW i8 Roadster here at the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018. The open top plug-in hybrid (PHEV) joins its facelifted hardtop coupe twin that was launched recently.\nIf you prefer to have a foldable fabric roof in your i8, you have to be prepared to part with RM1,508,800 (OTR without insurance) or RM100k more than the i8 coupe. Quite a price to pay to have wind in your hair, eh?\nLike the facelifted i8 Coupe, the i8 Roadster is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder pushing out \n231 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed Aisin sourced automatic transmission. The three-cylinder mill is further boosted by an electric motor that delivers \n143 hp\n to the front wheels, giving the i8 Roadster a \ncombined output of 374 hp\n and all-wheel drive capabilities.\nCentury sprint is 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupe at \n4.6 seconds\n\u00a0while top speed is identical at 250 km/h. Pure electric driving range now stands at \n53 km\n at speeds of up to 120 km/h (with MAX eDrive engaged).   The first-ever i8 Roadster wears the same facelifted fascia of the coupe, with LED headlamps, dihedral doors, sleek silhouette and 20-inch alloys. The only difference is the Roadster comes with a fabric roof that opens or closes in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h, Roadster model designation on the C-pillars and the exclusive E-Copper paintwork.\nInside you\u2019ll find an Accaro theme with open-pored carbon trim to match the exterior paintwork. Other standard specifications include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, powered front seats, LCD multifunctional display, 360-degree Surround View, Navigation System Professional as well as a Heads-up Display.   The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster will be available at authorised BMW i dealerships from 19 September 2018 onwards and every purchase of the iPerformance sports car comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty with free scheduled service, 2-Year Tyre Warranty Programme as well as BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW i8 Roadster in Malaysia"
"Honda\n has just revealed more information on the 2022 \nHonda Civic Type R\n. After unveiling the car back in July, Honda has just released the performance numbers of the latest Civic Type R today.\nCarrying over the K20C1 from its predecessor, the 2022 Civic Type R further improves the powertrain with a redesigned turbocharger, increased airflow intake flow rate, and a new more efficient exhaust system that features a straight-through design and an active exhaust valve. These enhancements and some others boost the maximum power by 9hp and the maximum torque by 20 Nm over the \u2018older\u2019 FK8 Civic Type R. Honda\u2019s official numbers for the 2022 Civic Type R are \n315 hp\n @6,500 rpm and \n420 Nm\n @2,600-4,000 rpm.\nThe turbocharger\u2019s geometry has been optimised, allowing for pressure to be generated at a wider range and more efficiently. As for the six-speed manual transmission, Honda has enhanced it with a lighter flywheel, a revised rev match system, a high-rigidity lever, and an optimized shift gate pattern. A helical-type LSD is also present on the 2022 Civic Type R.\nAlthough the above numbers have been revealed, Honda is keeping mum on the Type R\u2019s acceleration time. The only thing we know so far concerning timing is that it clocked a \n2:23.120 time on the Suzuka circuit\n.\nRELATED: \n\u2018Ride along\u2019 in the latest Honda Civic Type R as it breaks a new record in Japan!\nAs for handling, Honda has widened the track of the Type R over its \u2018normal\u2019 counterpart. At the front, the track is wider by 1 inch and at the rear, the track is wider by 0.75 inches. The wheelbase has been extended by 1.4 inches. The Type R also features two-piece front brake rotors.\nThe body structure of the 2022 Civic Type R is more rigid than its predecessors, and most of the body panels are exclusive to the latest Type R, accommodating the wider track and boosted performance.\nInside, luxuries such as wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, and a Bose Centrepoint Premium Sound system come as standard in the 2022 Type R. Honda\u2019s LogR feature now no longer requires to be connected to a mobile phone. A new feature on the Type R is the \u2018individual\u2019 mode on top of the usual \u2018Comfort\u2019, \u2018Sport\u2019, and \u2018R+\u2019.\nHonda is offering the Type R in several colours including Historic Championship White, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl. Pricing and additional details on the 2023 Honda Civic Type R will be provided closer to launch this fall. The new Civic Type R is built at the Yorii Plant in Japan. The Type R\u2019s K20C1 engine continues to be built at Honda\u2019s Anna Engine Plant in Sidney, Ohio.\nRELATED: \nHonda dealer begins taking orders for all-new Civic Type R in Malaysia \u2013 real or scam?"
"Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Chinese automobile manufacturer \nGeely\n with invest \nUSD 10 billion\n in Malaysia to turn Tanjung Malim into the region\u2019s largest auto city. Although not specified, the auto city is most likely to refer to the \nAutomotive High-Tech Valley \nwhich is set to be in Tanjung Malim.\nBernama\n reports that the Prime Minister said that he received a 10-page letter from Geely informing him that it would kick off the automotive hi-tech valley with a USD 10 billion investment. The new information comes not long after the \nGlobal Investors & Vendors Convention 2023\n in Kuala Lumpur held by Proton.\nSpeaking at the Selangor state-level Sentuhan Agro Madani programme in Sekinchan today, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, \u201cI am mentioning this for the first time. Geely, which is jointly producing cars with Proton, has written a 10-page letter to inform that it wants to continue to make Tanjung Malim the largest auto city in the region. It [Geely] will kick off with USD 10 billion or RM40 billion in investment.\u201d\nCommenting on Geely\u2019s USD 10 billion investment for the Tanjung Malim Automotive hub, the Prime Minister comments, \u201cAll this is not for getting commission or gift, but to ensure the growth of our economy and thousands of our young people will secure jobs.\u201d\nRELATED: \nDRB-Hicom & Geely invite China\u2019s automotive suppliers to invest in AHTV, RM32b target\nSet to become the largest automotive hub in Southeast Asia is the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim. The initial signing of the Head of Agreement (HoA) between DRB-Hicom and Geely for the matter was conducted earlier this year. A convention was held on July 17, 2023, to attract more investors for the initiative.\nWhen fully developed, the AHTV is envisioned to be a centre for globally recognised tropical-based research and development of high-technology automotive components. The AHTV will also include a research university that will be aimed at expanding the capabilities of Malaysian automotive workers, and simultaneously help Malaysia become a regional leader in education for automotive engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, and software development. Geely\u2019s USD 10 billion investment into the Tanjung Malim automotive hub is more than the initial targeted figure of RM 32 billion.\nRELATED: \nDRB-Hicom, Geely sign HOA for development of Automotive High-Tech Valley in Tanjung Malim"
"The Volkswagen CC as we know it has just been discontinued. In its place is a new four-door premium coupe called the Volkswagen Arteon, and it is entirely new from the ground up.\nThe Atreon is a\u00a0portmanteau of words \n\u2018art\n\u2019 and \u2018\neon\n\u2018; the latter meaning \u201can indefinite and very long period of time\u201d. The Arteon, which sits above the Passat, is set to compete directly with the \nBMW 4-Series\n\u00a0and \nAudi A5 Sportback\n.\nThe teaser image will introduce a new \u2018\nhorizontally accentuated\n\u2019 design\u00a0from Volkswagen. It has a large grille merged with\u00a0three-dimensional LED headlights. It receives\u00a0frameless windows and the top-hinged tailgate opens up to a cavernous boot.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYCsHmovecw\nAs always with teasers, no technical data has been revealed. However, we could see Volkswagen to debut its autonomous technology, together with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.\nThe new four-door coupe could take hints from the\u00a0\nSport Coupe Concept GTE\n \u00a0(pictured above) unveiled at last year\u2019s Geneva motor show. Also, don\u2019t be surprised if the Arteon shares several design touches from the newly launched \nPassat B8\n.\nPreviously, the VW CC was sold in Malaysia with a base price tag of RM226k. Its successor, the Arteon, will hit showroom floors sometime in 2017 after making its world debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show scheduled for March."
"First things first, let\u2019s just get one thing straight. Positioning\u00a0the CX-3 in Malaysia wasn\u2019t by any means easy for Mazda Bermaz Motor. So if you\u2019re put off by the price of this HR-V competitor, don\u2019t be quick to skimp this over and let us explain.\nFirstly, the \n2015 Mazda CX-3\n is a fully imported unit not from Thailand, but from Japan. It\u2019s currently the priciest model in the B-Segment crossover category which include contenders such as\u00a0the \nRenault Captur\n, \nFord EcoSport\n and of course the \nHonda HR-V\n. For those who complain about the lack of a sunroof in the HR-V, your prayers have been answered \u2013\u00a0albeit in a different badge.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2015 Mazda CX-3 2.0L Skyactiv\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\nMax Power\n154 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n204 Nm @ 2,800 rpm\nPrice\nRM131,218.50 (OTR without insurance)\nEXTERIOR\nTo kick things off, the Mazda CX-3 is the lowest-riding model (\n1,535mm\n) in its class; the HR-V\u2019s height is 1,605mm, Ford EcoSport at 1,675mm and Peugeot 2008 at 1,556mm. This accentuates its sporty stance, which has already been established by the \n18-inch wheels\n \u2013 the largest diameter in its class.   Just the looks alone will set the CX-3 to a sailing success, and it\u2019s rather generously specced as well to justify its asking price. Only one trim is available for sale now, and it\u2019s decked with auto levelling \nLED headlights\n with \nLED daytime running lights\n, LED fog lamps, keyless entry with push-to-start ignition, powered side mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. The \n18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels\n are wrapped in some pricey \n215/50 series tyres\n (style does come with a cost, unfortunately), whereas the well-sculpted rear end gets dual exhaust pipes, a rear wiper, rear spoiler and a reverse camera.\nINTERIOR\nStepping inside the Mazda CX-3 proves to be an all-familiar affair, sporting a design that\u2019s almost identical to the model it\u2019s based on \u2013 the Mazda2. All Malaysian-bound CX-3s are upholstered in a mix of black leather and suede fabric, unlike the \nbeige-finished model we saw back in Japan\n.   Standard stuff here include a leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with integrated cruise control switches, MZD Connect \n7-inch touchscreen head unit\n\u00a0that can alternatively be operated by a rotary knob further down the centre console, automatic single-zone air conditioning, \nsix speakers\n, dual USB slots and Mazda\u2019s Active Driving Display or heads up display. The same Sport mode rocker switch first seen in the Mazda2 is also carried over here, as are the paddle shifters.\nPERFORMANCE\nNestled under the hood is the segment\u2019s top-dog powertrain \u2013 a \nnaturally aspirated\u00a02.0-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine that makes \n154 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n204\u00a0Nm\n of torque peaking in at 2,800 rpm. All that power is sent to the \nfront wheels\n\u00a0of this \n1,271 kg \ncrossover via the \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\n transmission. No all-wheel drive options here, though.\nUp front, this crossover rides on McPherson struts while the rear settles for the torsion beam setup. \u00a0 All four corners are clamped with disc brakes. Seeing how it\u2019s packaged, all this should point towards a vehicle that\u2019s not just\u00a0the most powerful in its class, but also an all-rounded package that will possibly make your next trip to Genting a more enjoyable episode.\nSAFETY\nThe safety kit is as standard as it gets \u2013 with Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution with Brake Assist, Traction Control System, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill Launch Assist. It also comes with \nsix airbags\n to make your money feel like it\u2019s more well spent than \u2018meh\u2019.\nWHAT ELSE?\nMazda announced that only 2,000 units of the Japan-imported CX-3 will be offered for now, while they finalise preparations to serve subsequent demands with the locally assembled batches\u00a0sometime next year. This CBU variant will be available in \nfive different colours\n \u2013 Crystal White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Grey, Deep Crystal Blue and Mazda\u2019s signature colour, Soul Red Metallic. Every purchase of this RM131k crossover comes with a \n3-year warranty\n and \n3-year free scheduled maintenance\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda CX-3 2.0L Skyactiv-G Malaysian Launch   Mazda CX-3 in Japan"
"Due for its European market launch in the third quarter of 2018, the all-new Audi Q8 has been unveiled as the new flagship model of the Audi SUV range.\nThe Q8 is said to be wider, but shorter and lower\u00a0than the Q7 (despite a respectable 25 cm ground clearance)\u00a0which as a result offers more interior space than its direct competitors, namely the\n BMW X6\n and the\n Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe\n, with a \u201clonger interior\u201d, more headroom and a whopping 1,755 litres of trunk space.\nA lot of the Q8\u2019s design points to the original Audi quattro \u2013 with a sloping roofline that flows to the inclined D-pillars and muscular shoulders above the rear wheel arch.\nHD Matrix LED technology will be available as an option, on top of the standard LED headlights. Unlike the plastic strip slotted between the rear lights of the \nToyota Harrier we reviewed recently\n, the one on the Q8 does light up.\nAlso inspired by the original Audi Quattro, a black surface underlays this strip. What\u2019s also really cool is that\u00a0Q8 owners can use the myAudi app on their smartphone to activate various lighting functions for their own viewing pleasure from the outside of the car.\nIt wouldn\u2019t be an Audi if it didn\u2019t come with an intelligent all-wheel drive system. Power is distributed 40:60 between the front and rear axle and when required, power will be transferred to the axle with the better traction to haul the car.   As for the mechanical bits, no specific engines and output figures have been released but they will all be equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The suspension with damper control is standard, but if you\u2019re feeling a little generous, optional extras include an adaptive air suspension with controlled damping and all-wheel steering.\nNearly every function of the Q8 can be accessed via two large displays. The upper 10.1-inch display is used for controlling the infotainment and the navigation system while the driver uses the 8.6-inch display below for air conditioning, convenience functions and text input.\nThe instrument cluster is fully digital too; and can be switched between two to three views to complement the head-up display. Also offered are the Audi connect key to allow the driver to start the engine and lock the car using a smartphone and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.\nAmong the driver aids offered, one highlight is the remote garage pilot\u00a0which will be available in 2019. It is able to guide the SUV into a garage and back out again autonomously. The driver gets out of the car beforehand and activates the process using the myAudi app on their smartphone.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In another attempt to give Tesla a run for the money, Audi has unveiled their second all-electric model called the Audi e-tron Sportback. Its size and proportions are close to that of the Audi A7, and it is one of five e-tron models to be introduced in the next five years.\nThere will be three electric motors for propulsion, one on the front axle and two on the rear, effectively making it a quattro (all-wheel drive). With a humongous 95kW-hour battery pack, Audi claims the Sportback will cover a distance of 500km, if not more. The battery is also purposely positioned\u00a0to yield a 52:48 weight distribution.   In terms of outright power, the trio of electric motors deliver a combined output of 429 horsepower, while an overboost function brings this up to 496 hp. That\u2019s good enough for a century sprint time of 4.5 seconds, all in utter silence!\nBut of all places in the world, why is Audi launching the e-tron Sportback concept in Shanghai, China? That\u2019s because China is the world\u2019s leading market for electric cars, both in terms of sheer sales and charging infrastructure. The country has over 150,000 charging stations scattered over, with another 100,000 due by the end of this year.   Audi said the production version of this e-tron Sportback will arrive as soon as 2019, bringing with it a generous host of next-gen design and technology. As a pioneering brand in automotive lighting, expect no less than a bedazzling product. The question now is, will it come to Malaysia?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After being unveiled in China earlier this year, the \n2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom\n has now made its official international market launch in the Philippines. The compact SUV will rival the likes of the Geely Coolray (\nProton X50\n), \nHonda HR-V\n, and MG ZS T in the Archipelago, and it\u2019s priced to match \u2013 with a price tag starting from PHP998,000 (approx. RM83.9k) which undercuts most of its competition.\nThe key selling point of the all-new GAC GS3 Emzoom is \u2013 quite obviously \u2013 its unique styling, featuring a futuristic design language that is characterised by sharp and aggressive lines. A key design element is the \u2018Flying Mecha\u2019 front fascia, which flanks the unique frameless grille with slim triangular daytime-running lights. The LED headlights, which are standard across the board, are instead placed within the large air intakes on the lower corners.\nThe tail lights round the back are also fairly unique, with a three-dimensional triangular design to tie in with the front fascia. And to emphasise its aggressive persona, there\u2019s even a small ducktail-style spoiler moulded into the bodywork to complement the aggressive-looking roof-mounted spoiler.\nTying it all up are the 18-inch alloy wheels, finished in jet black to match with its other exterior accents, alongside the flush door handles on all four doors. Step up to the range-topping R-Style variant, and you even get an additional body kit featuring additional front splitters and rear diffuser elements, which we can only presume is here for aesthetic purposes only.\nThese are all highlighted in orange accents, too, alongside an orange ring around the larger 19-inch wheels.\nRELATED: \n2023 Chery Omoda 5 launched in Malaysia, Honda HR-V rival from RM109k\nThe futuristic design language is carried on to the inside as evident from the elaborate air-con vent design, although there also seem to be a focus on luxuries and functionality too. Equipment on the inside obviously depend on variants, but some key highlights here include the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control with rear blower vents, power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat, powered tailgate, and two-tone leather upholstery.\nNo matter which variant, though, they\u2019re all equipped with the same 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine that\u2019s shared with the Emkoo and Empow in the Philippines. Engine outputs on the GAC GS3 Emzoom are rated at \n177 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n, with drive sent to the front wheels via seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.\nUniquely, the range-topping R Style variant does get an additional \u201cSport+\u201d driving mode, though it\u2019s unclear what it actually does as engine outputs are unchanged even if you shell out extra.\nAs for safety, only the top-of-the-line variant will come equipped with the advanced driver assistance features, which includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, traffic jam assist, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.\nThe GAC GS3 Emzoom has already been confirmed for launch in Malaysia, as part of the company\u2019s \nRM60 million CKD project\n that will also see the establishment of more than 70 showrooms nationwide. Its predecessor, the outgoing \nGAC GS3\n, was \nlaunched in Malaysia \nback in 2021, with two variants priced from \nRM88,800 \nto \nRM96,800\n."
"It\u2019s been a long time coming, this. Shell Malaysia has finally launched their Euro 5 diesel, which as of December 2015, is priced at RM2.00 per litre. This means if your car is Euro 5compatible, you\u2019ll only need to pay 10 sen more for the cleaner diesel compared to the RM1.90 per litre Euro2M diesel.\nAs of now, only five Shell stations in Peninsular Malaysia will be carrying this fuel, and they are:\nNKVE Shell Station, North-bound\nTapah Rest Stop, Perak\nTanjung Malim Layby, Perak\nBandar Ayer Keroh, Melaka\nPasir Gudang Highway 2, Johor\nShell\u2019s Euro 5 diesel has ultra-low sulphur content, having just 10 ppm (parts per million) compared to their Euro2M diesel which had 500 ppm. Shell Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director, Tuan Haji Azman Ismail said, \u201cThe Euro 5 diesel is not just cleaner, a full tank of it will also last you longer compared to the Euro2M fuel.\u201d\nTo encourage efficient driving, Shell Malaysia is partnering BMW Group Malaysia (who has been championing the use of Euro 5 diesel since 2009) to create awareness on the importance of fuel efficiency and emissions responsibility on the road. Shell Malaysia also said that they are in the midst of expanding the availability of Euro 5 diesel throughout the country, so watch this space for more updates to come!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has announced that it will gradually start operating its after-sales services at selected service centres in the country starting from today. The announcement follows the company\u2019s receipt of approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to operate during phase four of the \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n.\nWhile selected service centres will resume operation, Honda Malaysia says that its sales office, dealer showrooms, and manufacturing facilities will remain closed during this period.\nThe company reassures that all necessary measures are being taken at all of its premises nationwide to protect the safety and wellbeing of its customers and staff, in accordance to the guidelines set by MITI and other governing bodies.\nServices carried out during this period will be on an \nappointment-only basis\n; no walk-ins will be allowed. All service outlets will also be commencing a \ncontactless car drop service\n to maintain social distancing practices. Service advisors will follow-up with any discussions and updates via telephone.\nAll individuals \u2013 including customers and staff \u2013 will also be subjected to \nmandatory temperature screening\n upon entrance to the outlets. Any individual recording body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees celcius, or are exhibiting symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, will be refused entry and advised to seek immediate medical attention.\nList of Honda dealer\u2019s service centres operating during the MCO period, as of 29th of April 2020.\nThe company also says that all service centres will be \nsanitised daily\n, and all personnel will be equipped with personal protection equipment. Hand sanitising stations will be set-up throughout the premises, and spaces will be marked for a minimum distance of 1 metre to adhere to social distancing measures.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cHonda Malaysia is truly inspired by the spirit of Malaysians especially all the frontliners to overcome the unprecedented situation. The journey to flatten the curve has been tough and extensive but we are together as one, staying home in order to have a better outcome for all.\n\u201cWe will comply with the extension of MCO in support of the efforts taken by the Malaysian Government and people amid the current situation. At the same time, customers need to have their cars in good, reliable condition and hence, require maintenance service. [.] The precautionary and control measures will be strictly implemented at Honda dealerships nationwide and our dealers are ready for uou with a safe environment during customer visit,\u201d added Ishiyama.\nOperations at the service centres will be resumed in stages. The updated list of all service centres selected to operate during this period is made available on Honda Malaysia\u2019s website \nhere\n."
"The fact that the \nannouncement \nwas published on the first day of April does give rise to suspicions, but if this new rule pans out, it may turn out to be quite exciting (or comical), subject to the driving skills of the co-driver.\nWhile the reference of \u2018co-driver\u2019 in WRC sounds as if he or she may be handy in driving, the duties of a co-driver has always been confined to drawing out the all-important pace notes and calling out the instructions as the driver gives it full beans over the special stages. Of course, the co-driver also helps out during emergency repairs and the spraying of champagne on the podium.\nThe report by wrc.com states that a \u2018Swap Seat Special Stage\u2019 rule would be introduced mandating drivers and co-drivers to change seats for one stage at future WRC rounds, and that it will be up to the driver and co-driver to decide which stage they wish to swap. If they choose to do it over the rally-closing Wolf Power Stage, bonus points gained will automatically be doubled.\nIt would be quite a prospect watching world champion Ott T\u00e4nak grapples with pace notes while co-driver Martin J\u00e4rveoja takes over the Hyundai i20, or how Julien Ingrassia puts long-time partner S\u00e9bastien Ogier in a world of fear as he switches role with the six-time world champion. Or maybe WRC just having a laugh?"
"It\u2019s common practise for most to purchase either a Proton or Perodua upon deciding to be an E-hailing driver and here\u2019s Proton\u2019s way to relieve those turning to Grab, Mula and other E-hailing companies as an extra source of income.\nThose who opt to purchase either an \nIriz\n, \nExora\n, \nSaga\n,\n Persona\n or the \nX70\n which Proton says will be \nfitted with a N95 cabin filter in the future\n, will receive a \nPetronas fuel gift card worth RM500\n. As an alternative, you can\n opt to have a RM500 price rebate instead \nof the fuel card.\nIn order to be eligible for this, the customer will have to \nsubmit a copy of a valid PSV E-hailing license as proof\n, and register the vehicle under their own name. The promotion is also open to individuals purchasing a car to be used for E-hailing by a different driver.\nIn such situations, a\n Letter of Consent\n stating the purpose of the purchase would be required, along with the full name and Identification Number of the E-hailing Driver and a copy of their PSV E-hailing license.\nPromotion ends \n31st December 2020\n. For those looking to brighten up the Hari Raya celebrations which will be more restricted than before, it will cost you \nonly RM9.99 if you book the Iriz, Saga, Persona and Exora online\n and RM99 for the Proton X70.\nSince the 5th of May 2020, \nProton has gradually resumed operations \nof its sales and service outlets located within the Green and Yellow Zones."
"Following its regional debut in Thailand, the fully-electric BMW iX3 has now also made its way to Singapore. Available in a single \u2018Impressive\u2019 variant, the BMW iX3 will be fully-imported from China, priced at \nSGD252,888 (~RM785k)\n inclusive of COE.\nThe pricing is surprisingly even more affordable than the cheapest petrol-powered BMW X3 you can buy in Singapore, the \nsDrive20i\n. This is due to the fully-electric model being classified under the A1 banding in the country\u2019s Vehicular Emission Scheme (VES), which benefits from a higher VES rebate.\nIn terms of specification, the BMW iX3 in Singapore is largely similar to the variant launched in Thailand. Power is provided by a \n286 hp / 400 Nm\n electric motor mounted on the rear axle, which takes the fully-electric SUV from 0 \u2013 100 km/h in \n6.8 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of \n180 km/h\n.\nThe BMW iX3 is BMW\u2019s first fully-electric X series model! Check it out in more detail here.\nThe electric motor is juiced by a 80 kWh 400-volt battery pack underneath the floor, which provides the BMW iX3 a range of \n459 km\n from a single charge (WLTP cycle).\nCharging the battery from 0-80% takes 34 minutes at a 150 kW DC fast charging station, but for home users, an 11 kW three-phase AC charger takes approximately 7.5 hours to fully charger the car. A BMW i Wallbox Plus (with basic installation) comes as standard when you buy the BMW iX3 in Singapore.\nBMW iX3 owners in Singapore will also get access to the ChargeNow charging network, with 95 public charging points and 125 other charging points in condominiums now available in the island nation.\nAs for equipment, The BMW iX3 in the Impressive trim comes as standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, alongside adaptive LED headlights, panoramic glass sunroof, and a hands-free Comfort Access automatic tailgate.\nIn related news, BMW Malaysia recently teased the BMW iX on its website. Does that mean it\u2019s coming to our country soon?\nMoving inside, the BMW iX3 Impressive in Singapore gets the BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster and infotainment display combo, alongside a head-up display, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Vernasca leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, Driving Assistant Professional, and Parking Assistant Plus."
"The good folks at McLaren have another reason to celebrate as the Woking-based supercar maker pulled off the wraps to their new McLaren GT, just as they celebrated their \n20,000-milestone\n.\nThe new GT, as the name suggests, is the brand\u2019s first model in the luxury grand tourer category taking on the likes of \nAston Martin DB11 V8\n, \nPorsche 911 Turbo S\n and \nFerrari Portofino\n \u2013 not \n812 Superfast\n, \nwhoops\n. It\u2019s positioned in a new Grand Tourer category in McLaren\u2019s range alongside the Sports Series, Super Series and on top of them all, the Ultimate Series.\nWith the success of the \n570GT\n, customers want a proper grand tourer from McLaren which resulted in the GT. Taking learnings from the Speedtail, the new car is not about outright performance but rather superior comfort and refinement, practical luggage capacity and use of the finest materials.\nTaking the \n720S\n\u2018 design as a base, the designers have reworked every element of the GT giving it a more fluidic silhouette, slimmer headlamps and a less dramatic rear profile. All these combined gives the GT superior aerodynamics which results in a quieter cabin.\nBut that\u2019s not all,\nthe 15-spoke alloy wheels (20-inch front; 21-inch rear) are shod in bespoke\nPirelli P Zero rubbers that are filled with sound deadening materials to reduce\nrolling noise. Talk about taking things to the extreme.\nCombined with a ground clearance of \n110 mm\n that is said to be able to cover most situations, the company says this is the most usable and refined McLaren yet. With the vehicle lift system installed, the front end has a clearance of 130 mm, equivalent of most mainstream sedans.\nLuggage capacity is the GT\u2019s strongest suit with a total storage space of 570 litres \u2013 that\u2019s more than a \nHonda Accord\n (461 litres)! The 150-litre trunk at the front can fit a cabin sized bag while the rear glass deck \u2013 electrically powered available \u2013 hides the other 420 litres of cargo space. McLaren claims that the rear deck can fit a full-sized golf bag with some space to spare.\n\u00a0Being a grand tourer, the seats are bolted 2\ncm higher as standard than what you find on the 720S. Outward visibility is\nalso further enhanced with the use of glazed C-pillars and rear-quarter windows\nwhile the electrochromic glazed sunroof lets you decide how much light you want\ninto the cabin at a touch of a button.\nThe cabin is a step up\nin terms of luxury compared to the 720S with soft grain leather wrapping the interior\ntrims, machined and knurled aluminium switches and controls as well as hidden-until-lit\nambient lighting. New infotainment system which is up to 5x faster than the\nprevious systems is linked to an optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins\npremium audio system.\nOne unique option on\nthe GT is the SuperFabric trim for the rear luggage bay and seats which are resistant\nto stains, cuts, abrasions as well as being breathable, easy to clean and quick\nto dry.\nMcLaren did not just \u201csoften\u201d\na 720S and call this a GT. In fact, they went all out to ensure that this GT is\nthe best in class. Underpinning the GT is the brand\u2019s famed carbon fibre monocoque\nbut reworked exclusively for the GT, now dubbed MonoCell II-T \u2013 \u201cT\u201d for touring.\nThe hydraulic suspension\nnow features Proactive Damping Control which reads the road surface and readies\nthe dampers for maximum ride comfort. The hydraulic steering and brakes have\nalso been recalibrated to be more relaxed on the road.\nMotivation comes from a derivative of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, codename M840TE, it packs \n620 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive the rear wheels. McLaren has given the detuned engine a flatter torque curve and a more seamless transmission shift logic in tune with the car\u2019s grand touring character.\nBut the GT is no slouch, with Launch Control, it will go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.2 seconds\n and 0 to 200 km/h is dispatched in \n9.0 seconds\n. Flat out, the speedometer will read 326 km/h.\nThe McLaren GT is now ready to order, and first customers deliveries are expected to begin end of 2019. Retail pricing starts from \u00a3163,000 (RM873k) in the UK before options.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMcLaren GT Unveiled"
"With some time to go \nbefore its official launch, let\u2019s forget about the new Honda City Turbo\n for now, with its \n253 Nm\n of torque now deeply and firmly ingrained in our head following a series of videos, \nofficially\n and \nunofficially\n. We should spread our attention to the\n Honda e\n instead, a fully electric hatchback Honda made for the European and Japanese domestic market.\nAs the host in the video said, \u201cIt\u2019s just one of those cars that make you smile. I don\u2019t think you can be sad driving a Honda e.\u201d\n \nIt just invokes an irresistible sense of curiosity that makes you want to take a second and closer look. Everything from its round headlights, its camera side mirrors, and Ferrari F12-like taillights just demands attention.\nYou may not be able to tell from the video but at just 3895 mm, it\u2019s \nEXACTLY the same length as the Perodua Myvi\n. In one segment of the video, they even showed how small the turning radius of the Honda e is \u2013 perfect for \u201cmy-time-is-more-precious-than yours\u201d Malaysians.\nAnd then there\u2019s the interior with a mix of modern and retro touches. How does two 12.3-inch digital displays sound? To put things in perspective, that\u2019s as big as the dual displays you see in the current generation \nW222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class\n!\nThat\u2019s even before you account for the camera side mirror displays flanking both sides of the dashboard! All that tech is then mellowed down and balanced out by melange-style sofa fabric seats with synthetic wood trim for a warm and welcoming experience.\nThe Honda e offers up to 154 hp and 315 Nm of the higher grade model while the entry level model makes 136 hp and 315 Nm \u2013 that\u2019s \nmore torque than a Honda CR-V \nby the way! The former will do 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds while the latter in 9.0 seconds. Pure electric range is rated between 210 and 222 km depending on the models.\nGALLERY"
"In 2017, Honda Malaysia celebrated a number of milestones \u2013 delivering the \n250,000th Honda City\n, producing the \n600,000th CKD car\n (which happens to be the City) and welcoming \nMr. Toichi Ishiyama as their new Managing Director and CEO\n. We also witness the launch of the \nJazz and City Sport Hybrid\n, \nall-new CR-V\n and the \nFK8R Civic Type-R\n.\nIt was a busy\u00a0year for the folks at Honda Malaysia, but all its efforts did not go to waste when they achieved record-breaking sales for 2017, shifting a total of \n109,511 units of cars\n \u2013 highest in the history of Honda Malaysia.\nThe record-breaking sales is an increase of 19 percent compared to 2016 and its overall sales figure is also the highest a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia. At the end of 2017, Honda Malaysia\u2019s market share stands at 19 percent, up 3.2 percent compared to the previous year. The company also maintains their No. 1 position for Non-National segment and No. 2 position in overall TIV of the automotive industry.\nCommenting on the outstanding result, Honda Malaysia MD and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cOn behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation and thankfulness to all Honda Malaysia customers for their faith and belief in our brand and for making Honda their vehicle of choice. This achievement would not have been possible without our valued customers as well as strong support from our business partners and the Malaysian government.\u201d"
"The manual transmission is basically as good as dead for quite some time now, but \nMercedes-Benz\n might have just put the final nail in the coffin for the three pedals. Starting 2023, the German carmaker will be gradually phasing out the manual transmission from its model range, citing low customer demand.\nSpeaking to German publication \nAutomobilwoche\n, a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson argued that \u201cwith increasing electrification, we see that customer demand is shifting towards electric mobility components, batteries and (partially) electric drive systems\u201d. As such, the company will be culling the manual transmission on a model-by-model basis, as they are updated to a new model generation.\nThe news shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise to anyone who\u2019s been keeping up with the three-pointed star recently; the \nall-new C-Class\n, unveiled last year, is already an all-automatic affair.\nEven in its current line-up, the only models to offer a manual transmission option are the \nA-Class\n, \nB-Class\n, and \nCLA\n \u2013 and only on the entry-level variants with the lesser powertrain options, which are not available in many markets, Malaysia being an example.\nRELATED: Manual\u2019s not dead. yet \u2013 Toyota patents \u201cstick shift\u201d for EVs\nWith demand for the three pedals dwindling, it makes economic sense for Mercedes-Benz to stop investment into the manual transmission and focus solely on automatics, streamlining its production operations.\nEconomics are obviously the main concern here, as Mercedes-Benz has committed most of its investments into readying an EV-only portfolio by the end of the decade. The German carmaker has already unveiled \ntwo electrification-focused platforms\n for its future models, and the combustion engine models to be unveiled before the EV switchover will actually be based on these two architectures, instead of the other way round.\nMercedes-Benz is, of course, not the first manufacturer to formally bid adieu to the three pedals. Volkswagen has also (unofficially) \ngiven the manual gearbox a 2023 deadline\n, and while even though BMW hasn\u2019t said it yet, its manual offerings are also quietly being discontinued by the day.\nWith the clutch pedal now on its last legs, maybe it\u2019s time to for us to really put our money where our mouth is and splash out the cash for the \nmanual Toyota Supra\n, or perhaps even the \nBMW M3\n and \nM4\n."
"The latest \nVolkswagen\n car in Malaysia to be blessed with the IQ.Drive advanced safety features is the \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace\n. Prices of the car have also been bumped, with the base \u201cLife\u201d variant now starting at \nRM174,590\n. The revised prices for the entire Tiguan Allspace Lineup are as such:\nTiguan Allspace Life 1.4TSI \u2013 \nRM174,590\nTiguan Allspace Elegance 1.4 TSI \u2013 \nRM203,590\nTiguan Allspace R-Line 2.0TSI 4MOTION \u2013 \nRM257,073\nThe prices listed are those which include the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) which essentially provides owners with an additional 3-year extended mileage warranty and 3 years free maintenance. Without VAP, the Tiguan Allspace only comes by default with a 2-year/unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years of roadside maintenance.\nThe VAP costs around RM8,000 to RM10,000 depending on the variant and customers can choose to opt out of it. However, it would be a fairer comparison with the previous Tiguan (without IQ.Drive) that came with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, 3 years free maintenance, 5 years roadside assistance by default (before the introduction of VAP).\nRELATED: \nDenyu Bostandzhiev appointed as new Managing Director for Audi and Volkswagen in Malaysia\nWith the VAP included, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace\u2019s starting price is now RM14,000 more expensive for the \u201cLife\u201d variant. The \u201cExclusive\u201d is now costs RM23,000 more while the \u201cR-Line\u201d costs RM31,000 more.\nWhat the IQ.Drive adds on are essentially safety features like Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Assist. Previously unavailable on the Tiguan for the Malaysian market, these features are now standard across the range, even on the base \u201cLife\u201d variant.\nBesides the addition of IQ. Drive, the updated Tiguan Allspace also comes with a wireless mobile phone charger as standard. All else, the Volkswagen Tiguan remains pretty much the same across the three variants. Before the Tiguan Allspace, the other Volkswagen models like the Golf and Arteon have been upgraded with the IQ.Drive advanced safety package.\nRELATED: \n2023 Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid facelift debuts with updated design, revised suspensions"
"Alongside the \nGT R\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GT C at the Sepang International Circuit. Slotting in between the GT S and GT R in terms of performance, the GT C will carry a price tag of \nRM1,558,888\n (on the road without insurance).\nQuick Facts\nEngine: 3,982 cc; twin-turbo V8\nTransmission: 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT\nHorsepower: 557 hp @ 6,750 rpm\nTorque: 680 Nm @ 2,100 \u2013 5,500 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h: 3.7 seconds\nTop speed: 317 km/h\nStyling wise, the GT C features a slightly pared down exterior design compared to the GT R. The new LED High Performance headlamps flank the Panamaricana grille, while the rear is fitted with a newly redesigned apron along with trapeze shaped twin tail pipe covers. The carbon fibre roof on the GT R is replaced with a panoramic sunroof.\nAs with its elder twin, the GT C adopts the AIRPANEL active air management system, with vertical lourves directly behind the front apron. Usually in the closed position for improved aerodynamics, AIRPANEL can be electronically opened to direct air to the heat exchangers when additional cooling is required.\u00a0\nThe GT C rides on staggered wheels, with 19-inch alloys at the front and 20-inch at the rear, featuring the AMG cross-spoke forged wheel design. Behind the wheels are the 6-piston brake calipers \u2013 painted in red, along with carbon ceramic discs.\u00a0\nOn the inside, the Mercedes-AMG GT C comes with Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre upholstery, including a Nappa leather-wrapped AMG performance steering wheel, AMG performance seats, and all-round carbon fibre trim pieces. The instrument cluster is now replaced by a new 12.3-inch digital screen with AMG-specific display styles.\u00a0\nThe 10.25-inch infotainment on the GT C adds support for AMG Track Pace, which utilises your smartphone together with the telemetry data from the car to track performance on pre-configured tracks \u2013 similar to a personal race-engineer.\u00a0\nFitted with a sports suspension, the GT C features AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system that automatically adapts the damping on each wheel depending on the current handling situation, speed, and road conditions.\u00a0\nThe sports suspension, along with the engine, transmission and steering response can all be altered through AMG DYNAMIC SELECT. The AMG DYNAMICS system also expands upon the Electronic Stability Programme, which dynamically regulates power distribution at the rear axle, as well as the steering characteristics for higher lateral acceleration, better traction and load change reactions.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Never in their wildest dreams did these two new Isuzu D-Max owners thought they would win yet another one when they filled out the contest forms when they bought the pick-up but lady luck was on their side.\nGhanie Entalang from Sarawak and Sugumaran A/L Nagappan from Seremban were recently awarded with a brand new Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Auto 4X4 from the Isuzu D-Max Buy and Win contest held in conjunction with the Hari Raya and Hari Gawai celebrations between the month of April and June 2019.\nGhanie Entaling plans to give the prize to his father to commute from their village to town.\n\u201cThe first thought that crossed my mind was that this was some kind of a scam. It was only upon listening further to the caller that I recalled filling in a contest form when I bought my car. I was so excited from the news that I didn\u2019t sleep that night,\u201d said Ghanie Entalang, a scaffolder from Sebauh, Sarawak.\nSugumaran was equally surprised to be picked for the win as he never expected the entry would be selected. \u201cI just thought it was an ordinary lucky draw to win something small. When I got a call from the dealer, I was quite shocked and thought it was a joke. But later, I got a call from Isuzu head office confirming that I won a car. I was so happy,\u201d said Sugumaran who operates a truck business but spends most days as a safety officer visiting oil palm estates.\n \u201cI must say that after four months, I like the fuel efficiency. It is by far the most impressive aspect of the vehicle,\u201d said Sugumaran.\n\u201cI visit one or two plantations a day and I used two pick-up trucks before this. I was planning on retiring but boredom got to me so I decided to get back into the business and was looking for a pick-up truck. I did not have prior experience with Isuzu but I liked its shape and the reasonable price. I also liked the lid which was handy so I bought it.\u201d\n\u201cI must say that after four months, I like the fuel efficiency. It is by far the most impressive aspect of the vehicle. The stability is remarkable too and whether it is on the estate roads or on the highways, the Isuzu D-Max always feel planted and offers confidence behind the wheel,\u201d added Sugumaran.\nCheck out our \nfirst impressions of the new 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max from our recent trip to Phuket\n!\nUnlike Sugumaran, Ghanie was already familiar with the virtues of the Isuzu D-Max before even purchasing the vehicle.\n\u201cA number of my relatives in Sebauh already own the Isuzu D-Max and I have seen that it is a very capable 4\u00d74 vehicle whether on or off-road. The D-Max has become the main mode of transport for my family and its fuel efficiency and good performance are ideal for the conditions on the unsealed roads through the hills to my home,\u201d added Ghanie whose family lives in the Jabris Naong long house approximately 60km from Bintulu.\nThe new\n 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max Ddi BluePower\n.\nAs he already purchased his Isuzu D-Max, Ghanie intends to give the prize to his father Entelang Embai for his use commuting between town and his village.\n\u201cThis D-Max means a lot to the family as we need to travel regularly from the village to Bintulu. The road conditions are highly unpredictable so it will definitely make our journeys more pleasant and secure,\u201d said Entelang.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2019 Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi BluePower"
"Ford Motor Company has joined forces with 3M and GE Healthcare by lending its manufacturing and engineering expertise to speed up production of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies for healthcare workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus.\nThe company is working with 3M to increase the manufacturing capacity of their \nPowered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)\n designs and also to develop simpler units by using off-the-shelf items to meet the surge in demand of such items used by health care workers.\nCool look at the go-fast design of the mask and airflow system for the powered air-purifying respirator (aka PAPR / papper) that Ford is helping 3M quickly scale up production. One concept uses an F-150 cooled seat fan. Power tool battery. Paintshop hoods. \n#BuiltFordProud\n \npic.twitter.com/HFUPSbCc6X\n\u2014 Mike Levine (@mrlevine) \nMarch 24, 2020\n \nPictured above is the blueprint of the easy-to-build respirator for the front liners of the Covid-19 battle as shared by Ford North America Product Communications Manager, Mike Levine on \nTwitter\n. According to him, the respirator\u2019s design prompted the initiative to be called \n\u201cProject Apollo\u201d\n.\nAmong them include \nfans from the Ford F-150\u2019s cooled seats for airflow\n, 3M HEPA air filters to filter airborne contaminants such as droplets that carry virus particles and \nbattery packs from portable power tools\n to power these respirators for up to eight hours.\nIn addition, Ford plans to produce over 100,000 face shields per week and leverage its in-house 3D printing capability to manufacture components used to produce personal protective equipment.\nSource:\n Ford Product Communications Manager, Mike Levin\n\u201cWorking with 3M and GE, we have empowered our teams of engineers and designers to be scrappy and creative to quickly help scale up production of these vital equipment,\u201d said Ford President and CEO, Jim Hackett.\nIn China, Ford of China joint venture partner Jiangling Motors donated 10 specially-equipped Transit ambulance vans to hospitals in Wuhan, where the coronavirus outbreak began.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after the unveiling of the \nBMW Concept X7 \niPerformance at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first pre-production model has just rolled out of the assembly line at BMW Group\u2019s Spartanburg plant in USA. The flagship SUV also gets an official name too \u2013 BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle.\nBMW has started the countdown to the official debut of the X7 which will be presented at the end of 2018. At the moment, the car is in its final stages of R&D awaiting to undergo various extreme durability tests, homologation and registration.   Based on the teaser images released by BMW, we can tell that the production model has a more conventional look as opposed to the concept car, but some design cues have been carried over \u2013 slim LED headlamp design, large kidney grille and angular lower bumper. The pre-production car was camouflaged the moment it was put together to throw off prying eyes.\nBMW Group Spartanburg Head of Plant, Knudt Flor said: \u201cWe are proud to produce the BMW X7 here in Spartanburg, the home of our X models. This is a very special vehicle and our employees are looking forward to yet a further member of the X family. Together with the BMW X7, a total of five BMW X models will be exported from Spartanburg to all four corners of the globe.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X7 Pre-Production   BMW Concept X7 iPerformance"
"As you all know by now, the all-new Honda HR-V is out. Not only is it better looking and more mature, but also much larger than before. Let Pierre Gasly, driver of the Scuderia AlphaTauri F1 team tell you all about it.\n \nInstead of being at a track, the video takes place at a container yard and almost immediately, there are glimpses of what the all-new Honda HR-V can offer and do.\nHonda HR-V e:HEV hybrid powertrain detailed for Europe \u2013 Malaysia to follow suit? Find out more!\nFor starters, there\u2019s now a much larger, sleeker infotainment display although Honda has yet to reveal its exact size. Compared to before, it\u2019s not only sleeker with a free-standing effect but also comes with sharper displays.\nUpon setting off, the first remark by the French Formula 1 driver was \u201cWow, this is smooth\u201d but you know with this being a promo video so we\u2019ll stick to what we can tell from the video instead of what the Gasly tells us.\nNew tech, looks, and more space: Can the new Honda HR-V keep its crown? Judge it for yourself here!\nWhat we did notice was cabin space, as Gasly pointed out as well. Despite offering loads of space to the driver, the rear section still looks visibly spacious; definitely a step up from before.\nWhat we could also tell was how agile the car looked (and should feel); slithering through narrow lanes between the containers. Even more so, when it did a sharp S-turn between containers midway through the video.\nAs for dimensions, the all-new HR-V is lower and wider than before; factors that contribute to extra space and low-slung look. It is slightly shorter than before, with a wheelbase that measures the same but Honda managed to free up more than 30 mm of leg room the back seat.\nMore to come on the HR-V!\nThe SUV e:Prototype might be our first look at Honda\u2019s first EV SUV, based on HR-V. Read about it here!\nGallery"
"Four months after its \nglobal debut in Indonesia\n, the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift has now been unveiled in Thailand at the 2022 Bangkok International Motor Show.\nPricing and exact specifications for the updated seven-seater MPV has yet to be announced, but based on live photos from the event, it seems like the new Mitsubishi Xpander will retain most of the standard features introduced in Indonesia last year.\nOn the outside, the new 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander receives a redesigned front fascia featuring a new Dynamic Shield grille, new T-shaped headlights enclosure lower on the bumper, and a reworked front bumper with a cleaner yet more sophisticated look.\nRound the back, the bumper has also been cleaned up, while the main LED tail lamp assemblies now features a new T-shaped light signature, joined by a new LED-illuminated third brake light positioned within the roof spoiler.\nAside from just aesthetic updates, the new Mitsubishi Xpander\u2019s dimensions has also been tweaked slightly, with an increase of 75 mm on its front overhang and 45 mm at the rear, apparently for a more \u201chigh-class feel\u201d per the Japanese carmaker.\nThe seven-seater MPV\u2019s ride height has also been increased by 20 mm to give it better ground clearance, on the off chance you\u2019re taking the Xpander to mild offroad terrains.\nRELATED: New 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift unveiled \u2013 CVT gearbox, redesigned interior!\nIndonesia-specification launch model.\nInside, the new Mitsubishi Xpander gets a reworked dashboard with a more horizontal layout, alongside a larger nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a new digital climate control panel, and the new electronic parking brake lever.\nBased on photos of the show car at BIMS, it also seems like the Mitsubishi Xpander in Thailand will come with a black and brown leather upholstery, instead of the beige-coloured leather as seen on the Indonesian launch car.\nHowever, the most important update on the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander is actually underneath the hood. Gone is the old four-speed automatic, and in its place is a new and significantly more modern CVT gearbox \u2013 which, in addition to better fuel efficiency, also promises better comfort due to the lower engine noise (thanks to its lower running RPM at highway speeds).\nThe engine meanwhile is unchanged, with the 1.5-litre inline-four mill still dishing out \n105 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n of torque, although it has been fitted with a new external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to further help with fuel efficiency.\nGALLERY: Possibly the most \u201cgaya\u201d Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia\nAgain, no word on the pricing and availability just yet, although Thailand publications seem to expect a slight price bump, bringing it up to the region of \nTHB799,000\n (approx. RM100k).\nMitsubishi also says that it plans to roll out the new 2022 Xpander in other markets \u201ccentering on the ASEAN region\u201d, although stopped short on providing a concrete timeframe."
"Lexus\n has just released teaser images of its third-generation Lexus GX off-road luxury SUV and has confirmed its launch to be held in Austin Texas on \nJune 8\n, \n2023\n. After a long 14-year production run of the second-generation Lexus GX, Lexus has finally given the off-roader a much-needed update.\nThe teaser image Lexus has provided includes large portions of the all-new Lexus GX\u2019s rear and side profile, which shows a considerable resemblance to the latest-gen \nToyota Land Cruiser\n. However, a couple of differences can be spotted, including an LED light bar that connects the taillights.\nThe upcoming third-generation Lexus GX also looks to feature a squared-out design profile, as well as boxy-shaped side mirrors, which are taller and narrower than the ones found on the Land Cruiser. The Japanese luxury carmaker has also released an image of the upcoming luxury off-roader\u2019s full LED headlights, as well as its signature Nike-esque daytime running lights (DRL).\nConsidering how Toyota has been sharing its body-on-frame platforms across Toyota and Lexus off-roaders, the new Lexus GX is also expected to be sharing the same platform together with the latest-gen Toyota Land Cruiser. Powertrain-wise, the GX will most probably be powered by a similar powertrain to the one on the Land Cruiser.\nThe Lexus GX\u2019s Toyota Cousin, the \nLand Cruiser Prado\n has been reported to be debuting around \nApril 2024\n and might have its name changed to the LandCruiser 250 Series instead, according to Japanese publication \nCreative Media\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia \u2013 over 500 bookings received in one week\nGALLERY"
"To celebrate the grand opening of Bentley Kuala Lumpur\u2019s \nnew flagship showroom\n and the launch of the limited edition \nBentley Continental GT Speed \u2013 Black Speed\n\u00a0here in Malaysia, Breitling for Bentley has displayed the limited edition Bentley Supersports B55 timepiece.\nOnly 500 units of this sporty chronograph will ever be made. The casing is built entirely out of titanium and is purposely created to deliver functions and performance which complement Bentley\u2019s high performance vehicles. The dials are made of carbon fibre while the black rubber strap with double-layer red edges gives the timepiece a sporty appearance,\u00a0\nbefitting of a motorsports arena\n.\nFor the\n first time\n in Breitling\u2019s history, electric movement is featured in a timepiece. Thanks to two LCD digital display, the B55 comes with smartphone connectivity that pairs the chronograph to a dedicated app that unlocks these motorsports functions\n\u00a0\u2013\n\u00a0Chrono Rally, Chrono Race and Regularity Rally.\nChrono Rally\n is dedicated to rally races that record up to 30 rally stages, complete with departure date, start time, duration and intermediate times for each stage. It even adds in any penalties incurred.\nChrono Race\n is designed for recording lap times, split lap times and average speed per lap. Lastly, the \nRegularity Rally\n function acts as a time keeper, allowing the driver to determine whether the designated lap times were met.\nAccording to Breitling, every unit of B55 imported to Malaysia will come with an\u00a0\nauspicious\n\u00a0\nserial number\n.\u00a0The B55 is on\u00a0display at Breitling\u2019s boutique store located at Level 2 Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember when Aston Martin paired up with Red Bull Racing to make the Formula 1 car for the road? Yes, we\u2019re talking about the V12-powered \nAston Martin Valkyrie\n, officially announced two years ago.\u00a0\nSince then, Aston Martin has been \nslow dripping\n information on the \nroad-legal F1 car\n to remind everyone that they are still making it. But never have we heard the Valkyrie going pedal-to-the-metal on track, until now.\nLighting up a gloomy November morning \u2013 Aston Martin Valkyrie prototype testing continued \n@SilverstoneUK\n last week, with \n@DarrenTurner007\n behind the wheel.\nIs there anything better than the sound of that V12?\n#AstonMartin\n \n#Valkyrie\n \npic.twitter.com/0Hgg7h911N\n\u2014 Aston Martin (@astonmartin) \nNovember 28, 2019\n \nAston Martin has just released some footage of the Valkyrie undergoing testing at Silverstone. The sleek styling of the car does look quite special on track, but it\u2019s the sound of the shouty V12 engine that made us want to do unspeakable things.\u00a0\nTo the surprise of no one, the F1-derived engine sounds just like the old-timer V12 Formula 1 cars. And that is a great thing to sound like \u2013 I mean, just listen to it!\u00a0\nI hope this will make your day. \u2066\n@astonmartin\n\u2069 \n#Valkyrie\n on test and unleashed at our Silverstone Proving Ground. \npic.twitter.com/IzuUBkyZKn\n\u2014 Dr. Andy Palmer (@AndyatAuto) \nNovember 22, 2019\n \nIn case you\u2019ve forgotten, the \ncosworth-built\n 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine produces a peak power of \n1,014 hp\n (1,000 bhp) and \n740 Nm\n of torque. The V12 mill will be paired to a hybrid system which brings an additional 162 hp, for a total power output of \n1176 hp\n. All of that in a car that weighs just approximately\n 1,100 kg\n.\nAnd did we mention that the V12 engine revs all the way up to \n11,100 rpm\n? Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer, who is also the source of the second video above, once said \u201cNothing sounds better or encapsulates the emotion and excitement of the internal combustion engine more completely\u201d about the V12 engine in the Valkyrie, and the new videos are the definite proof of that.\nWhat does an \u2066\n#AstonMartin\n \n#Valkyrie\n sound like? Here you go \ud83d\udca5 \npic.twitter.com/sXN9fjpEdl\n\u2014 Simon Lane (@SimonatLotus) \nNovember 22, 2019"
"PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PMB), the largest toll expressway operator in Malaysia has reportedly spent RM1 billion in 2016 to maintain 5,000 kms of highways in the country according to Bernama. The maintenance work includes not only the main highways but also the surrounding land with some 7,000 slopes and embankments.\nAccording to PMB CEO, Zakaria Ahman Zabidi, the company carried out more than \n10,000 inspections and asset monitoring\n for all its highways in the past one year alone. PMB has mobilised some 1,000 personnel in this monumental task. \u201cWe have also invested a huge amount of money to preserve pavements, which is our key highway asset,\u201d he said.\nBesides passenger cars and light vehicles, heavy vehicles alone account for about 25 percent of total traffic and are \u201cthe main contributor to the deterioration of pavements\u201d. To preserve its highways, PMB adopts \nthree maintenance strategy\n \u2013 routine, curative and preventive maintenance.\nRoutine work\n includes repetitive work such as grass cutting and drains desilting;\n curative maintenance\n includes repairing of structure such as pavements, slopes and bridges. \nPreventive maintenance\n are planned operations carried out to prolong the longevity of its highways.\nPMB currently manages North-South Expressway (NSE), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Federal Highway Route 2 (FHR2), Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH), North-South Expressway (NSE) Central Link, Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, Penang Bridge and Lebuhraya Pantai Timur 2 (LPT2).\nPMB also maintains the land along the highways that covers 7,000 slopes and embankments, 500 bridges, 800-metre Meru-Menora tunnel, 114 interchanges and 24 Rest and Service areas around the clock."
"They often say \u201cgood things come to those who wait\u201d. BMW is probably one to subscribe to that notion, as they\u2019ve taken their own sweet time to release the forthcoming BMW M3 and M4. We\u2019re not complaining \u2013 as long as the end result is good.\nThe \nG80 BMW M3 and G82 M4\n is due to launch later this year. But if you really can\u2019t wait any longer to get your hands on one, German tuning house G-Power is here to help tide you over with their GP-510 BMW M340i tune.\nThe recipe is simple \u2013 take the most powerful 3 Series currently available, and squeeze as much power out of it as possible. The result, as the name suggests, is 510 hp extracted from the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six B58 engine \u2013 impressive.\nTo achieve that uprated power, G-Power remapped the ECU, and tacked on a bigger turbocharger, along with a new downpipe and stainless steel exhaust system. Of course, you\u2019ll also want to check the box for the increased Vmax \u2013 up to \n330 km/h\n.\nThe GP-510 tune \nstarts at 12,017 Euros (RM57K)\n, and that\u2019ll net you \n510 hp\n and \n690 Nm\n of performance \u2013 well within, or even above the realms of\n M3 performance levels\n. G-Power says that the tuned M340i will complete the century run in just \n3.7 seconds\n.\nIf you think that\u2019s a bit too much though, G-Power is also offering the GP-420 and GP-470 which, you guessed it, makes 420 hp and 470 hp respectively. The former is the cheapest naturally, dropping the naught-to-100 time to four seconds flat with just an ECU tune costing 1,695 Euros (RM8K).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ah yes, 0 to 100 km/h times \u2013 the cornerstone of automotive development, the yardstick that determines how competent a new car will be when it\u2019s released into society.\nThere used to be a time, as recent as the early 2000s, when \u201csub 6-second\u201d 0 to 100 km/h times were the benchmark for most sports cars but now, a mere\n Volkswagen Golf GTI \nwill do that without breaking a sweat. I guess it\u2019s called progress.\n \nThe factors to a respectable 0 to 100 km/h time, according to BMW, is reliant on these \nfive factors\n \u2013 aerodynamics, weight, power output, tyres and assistance systems.\nIn Malaysia, while we\u2019re spoilt for choice with an array of powerful BMW M models, the \ncurrent F90 M5\n and the \nnewly-launched 850i xDrive Coupe\n are among those that have broken the 4-second 0 to 100 km/h barrier."
"Renault CEO, Carlos Ghosn has just taken the covers off its new flagship D-segment saloon, replacing the old Laguna model with this new chic and contemporary example. Renault\u2019s new design direction (evident here) has also been previewed on the fifth-gen Espace MPV. One of the design\u00a0priorities \u00a0was to embody a luxurious feel in this D-segmenter.\nThe Talisman is built at its new state-of-the-art production plant located in northern France, employing new technology and building techniques which ensures a higher standard of build and finish quality. The Talisman was a project booted at a cost of over \nRM1.77 billion.\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nAlmost immediately, we were drawn to the front fascia featuring Renault\u2019s new aggressive styling direction. Angular is one way to begin describing it. The signature C-shaped\n LED Day-time Running Lights (DRL)\n gets the ball rolling. The distinctive DRLs are actually composed of \ntwo parts \n\u2013 top and bottom. Illuminating the path forward is a pair of headlights, christened by Renault\u2019s\n \u2018Pure Vision\u2019 LED headlamps.\n The chrome grille and \ndiamond-shaped insignia\n remain true to the fresh styling.\nKeeping to the design key are sleek lines that run the length of this\n 4.85 metre long\n saloon. An interesting design feature is the third side window that\u2019s reminiscent of large German luxury cars, which undoubtedly gives the Talisman a more grown up feel. Depending on the trim, the wheels are specifiable from \n16 to 19 inch alloys\n.\nStepping around the back reveals a broad, sleek rear end that\u2019s been forked to be as angular and aggressive like the front. To this affect, you will find a couple of \nslim chromed exhaust tips\n on the lower bumper. The tail lamps are thin clusters, adorned with an almost\n 3D-like LED\n lights that are always switched on, something like the\u00a0\nDodge Challenger \nand\n Charger\n.\nINTERIOR\nThe Talisman is available in a choice of\n five different trim levels\n, namely \nLife, Zen, Business, Intens\n and the range topping\n Initiale Paris\n\u00a0trim depending on which receiving market gets it. The Initiale Paris trim represents \nthe best\n that Renault has to offer in the realm of \ninterior design\n, featuring Nappa leather upholstery and trimming, amongst others.\nGreeting the driver is a \nredesigned\n steering wheel that imparts a sporty hint with the flattened bottom end. Looking past that is the instrument gauge cluster that seems to be lifted straight of a \nLexus LFA\n. As it happens, the \ndigital display is configurable\n. The infotainment department is helmed by an \n8.7-inch display\n on the range topper. The entry level Talisman makes do with a \n4.2-inch display\n.\nThis French D-Segment sedan comes with a \n13-speaker Bose Surround Sound\n system that manages to incorporate\n two sub-woofers\n for a more \u2018enveloping\u2019 acoustic effect. Renault and Bose have pushed the boat out in this aspect. All the glass panels have been\n acoustically treated\n for an optimised result.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering this handsome barnstormer is a combination of two petrol mills and three oil burners. The powerplants are dubbed with the Energy moniker. Renault has yet to release the full power figures though. The\u00a0\nEnergy TCe 150 and Energy TCe 200\n units will be exclusively mated to a \nseven-speed dual-clutch\n EDC automatic transmission with a \n150 hp and 200hp respectively.\nThe\u00a0\nEnergy dCi 110 and 130 diesel lumps\n is paired either to a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission or the\u00a0\nsix-speed dual-clutch\n EDC automatic gearbox. The range topping oil burning variant, the\n twin-turbo\u00a0Energy dCi 160\n unit comes\u00a0exclusively mated to a \nsix-speed dual-clutch EDC\n gearbox.\nThe Talisman also features a system called\n 4Control\n, which basically translates into \nfour-wheel steering\n for better handling and feel. Aside from that, it comes also with \nactive damping\u00a0suspension\u00a0technology\n\u00a0which allows it soak up bumps and dips on the road.\nWHAT ELSE ?\nA \ncolour HUD\n or head up display means that you\u2019ll never need to take your eyes off the road. Speaking of colours, the Talisman is made available in \n10 shades of paint\n. Nine of them are metallic, in case you\u2019re wondering. Also, should you find yourself in a parking lot, hit a button and take your hands of the wheels, because the Talisman \ncan\u00a0park itself\u00a0\n\u2013 yes, you read that right. Complementing this front is a comprehensive range of \nADAS driving aids\n.\nSo, what do you think of the Talisman? Will it be Renault\u2019s good luck charm in the competitive D-Segment category? Share with us your thoughts!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nall-new Perodua Axia\n is available in four variants starting from \nRM38,600\n for the 1.0 G, \nRM40,000\n for the 1.0 X, \nRM44,000\n for the 1.0 SE and \nRM49,500\n for the 1.0 AV. While it retains the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from the previous generation, with 67 hp and 91 Nm of torque, it now uses Perodua\u2019s D-CVT gearbox, just like in the Ativa.\nIf you need to renew your car insurance, get 10% cash rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with \nMotorTakaful.com by Etiqa\n!\nOverall, the \nlarger Perodua Axia\n has been \nimproved in more ways than one\n but if you\u2019re merely looking for an \u2018A to B\u2019 car with all the basic (modern) amenities, the 1.0 X variant is the one to look at.\u00a0\nYou get items like automatic LED headlamps, front sensors, keyless entry and LED rear combination lamps on an exterior that now looks a little more aggressive than before. Filling up the wheel arches are 14-inch wheels from the previous generation.\nThe Axia 1.0 X test unit we had also came with Gear Up accessories and these include window visors, a luggage tray and a front hood insulator which supposedly reduces engine noise.\nMoving inside, Gear Up accessories include the illuminated door sills and coil mats along with dual-tone front and rear seat covers made of PVC. The cabin may be a simple one with basic functions such as the Bluetooth head unit, push-start button and a single-zone air conditioning system but overall, the interior design now appears more dynamic.\u00a0If you\u2019re looking for better features, the \nAxia 1.0 AV\n might better suit you.\nIt certainly looks more youthful and less dull compared to before and what was rather useful was the storage spaces available. There\u2019s one by the driver\u2019s right knee and more at the centre console \u2013 whether for your phone, your bottle or other items.\nLooking at the rearview mirror, you\u2019d notice two things. Gone are the defroster grids (the horizontal lines on the rear windscreen) and secondly, the rearview mirror seems to have a telescopic effect \u2013 making things seem further than they are. It\u2019s actually a little disorientating to look at.\u00a0\nOn the safety front, the Axia 1.0 X is equipped with two airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, emergency stop signal and ISOFIX seats.\nGALLERY"
"Porsche Malaysia has launched the new 992 generation Porsche 911 here in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit with the Carrera S starting from RM1,150,000 with the new Carrera 4S starting from RM1,220,000.\nRecreating an icon is no easy feat \u2013 you might think of Porsche as lazy for its stubborn approach to the 911\u2019s design but if you think about it, it\u2019s actually harder to make a car look new despite having to stick with a core design \u2013 a long front hood with a sloping roof design and long rear overhangs.\nAnd that\u2019s the appeal of a Porsche 911. It simply doesn\u2019t need a radical new design but is instead built on the previous success of its predecessors.\nPorsche 911s may not be as shouty as the Ferraris or Lamborghinis but you get the feeling that it\u2019s how Porsche wants it \u2013 preferring to reveal its magic on the move.\nIts 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six has been given a 30 hp and 30 Nm bump from before, now making \n450 hp \nwith \n530 Nm\n of torque.\nThis power increase is primarily down to the relocated intercoolers that now rests just below the rear bonnet for better cooling and revised turbocharger flow.\n0 to 100 km/h now takes just \n3.7 seconds in the rear-wheel drive Carrera S\n, while the \nall-wheel drive Carrera 4S does it in 3.6 seconds\n with both cars \n0.4 seconds quicker\n than the models they replace.\nKeep your right foot planted long and hard enough and both cars will surpass the 300 km/h mark \u2013 308 km/h on the Carrera S and 307 km/h on the Carrera 4S.\nThe new car may be slightly heavier than before, despite being 70% made of aluminium with only 30% of steel used \u2013 unlike 63% with its predecessor but the new 911 still manages to be as fast as the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Porsche magic? Maybe.\nMaybe it\u2019s down to the car\u2019s \u201cwind science\u201d \u2013 something Porsche has taken to the next level in the 992. The front vents can now open and close on its own \u2013 either for better cooling performance or reduced drag.\n \nUnder 70 km/h, the flaps are wide open for better cooling but from 70 km/h and beyond, these front vents completely shut for reduced drag. At 170 km/h, these flaps open up again into a \u201cPerformance position\u201d, along with the adaptive rear spoiler which is now 25% wider than before.\nRear wheel steer is now available, along with an 11% quicker steering rack, larger vents on the rear bumper comparable to that in the previous generation 991 Turbo. For the first time, the new 992 is fitted with mixed sized wheels \u2013 20-inch in the front and 21-inch at the rear.\nThe 911 Carrera S now features the wide body \u2013 a privilege previously conferred only to the Carrera 4S and Turbo models \u2013 also another first along the Wet Mode drive setting catered to driving on wet and slippery road conditions.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai\u2019s new B-segment SUV, the \nHyundai Creta\n has just been launched in Malaysia. Offered in only one variant, the 1.5 Plus, the Creta is priced at \nRM 149,888\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe Hyundai Creta is positioned just under the \nHyundai Kona\n and sits on the same platform as the \nKia Seltos\n. Dimensions-wise, the Korean B-segment SUV measures \n4,315 mm\n long, \n1,790 mm\n wide, and \n1,630 mm\n tall. The wheelbase on the other hand measures \n2,610 mm\n long.\nOn the outside, features that come with the Hyundai Creta in Malaysia include:\nBlack \u2018Parametric Jewel\u2019 grille\nAutomatic LED headlights\n\u2018Hidden\u2019 LED daytime running lights\nLED tail lights\nPower adjustable side mirrors with auto fold, indicator lights\n17-inch wheels\nRELATED: \nHyundai Elantra N facelift revealed, another robocop-ed Hyundai\nPowering the Creta is Hyundai\u2019s own 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated Smartstream engine. Details of the powertrain and further technicals are as follows:\nEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated\nMax. Power: \n115 hp (metric)\n @ 6,300 rpm\nMax. Torque: \n144 Nm\n @ 4,500 rpm\nTop speed: 170 km/h\nTransmission: CVT\nFront brakes: 15-inch ventilated disc brakes\nRear brakes: 14-inch ventilated disc brakes\nFront suspension: MacPherson strut\nRear suspension: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA)\nInside, the Hyundai Creta might look simple, yet features some modern and unique bits. Features that stand out include a digital instrument cluster and ambient lights.\nStandard features that come with the Hyundai Creta include:\nBlack interior\nFabric seats\nLeather steering wheel\nLeather gear selector\nPaddle shifters\nTilt & telescopic steering adjustment\nElectronic parking brake with Auto Hold\nRemote start function\n10.25-inch TFT LCD digital instrument cluster\n8-inch head unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay\n3 USB ports\n4 speakers with 2 tweeters\nLED ambient lights\nSingle-zone Auto air conditioning controls\nFront and rear AC vents\nRELATED: \nHyundai Sonata facelift unveiled \u2013 Staria lights, BMW-like curved display\nIn terms of safety, these are the features that come with the Hyundai Creta in Malaysia:\nForward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)\nConventional Cruise Control\nBlind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)\nLane Keeping Assist (LKA)\nLane Following Assist (LFA)\nDriver Attention Warning (DAW)\nLeading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)\nRear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA)\nSafe Exit Warning (SEW)\nHigh Beam Assist (HBA)\nTo recap, the 2023 Hyundai Creta has been launched in Malaysia. With only one variant available, the Korean SUV is priced at \nRM 149,888\n. The Hyundai Creta also comes with a \n5-year/300,000 km\n warranty, as well as \n3 years/50,000 km\n free service for the first 150 buyers.\nRELATED: \nHyundai reveals new automatic charging robot for electric vehicles\nGALLERY"
"[\nUpdate 1:50 pm\n: Post edited with additional information and estimated price list from UMW Toyota.]\nAfter teasing it over the weekend on its social media channels, UMW Toyota today officially announced the arrival of the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift in Malaysia, with prices estimated to start from RM71,688. The updated Toyota Yaris is now available for booking at all Toyota showrooms nationwide.\nThe Toyota Yaris was \nupdated in Thailand\n back in August with several visual updates to its exterior, where most of the cosmetic changes were made to the face of the B-segment hatchback. Most noticeably, the grille design has been flipped vertically from the current model, now integrating a little more cohesively to the headlights and upper grille.\nMalaysian specification\nThailand specification\nThe updated Toyota Yaris destined for Malaysia differs slightly from the Thailand model with an additional lip splitter on the front, while the more elaborate side skirtings, rear bumper, alloy wheels, and roof spoiler seems to be retained from the pre-facelift model, for the range-topping G variant at least.\nOther exterior changes include a new triple bezel fully LED headlights, with a new daytime-running light strip at the bottom of the assembly. The headlights also feature a new follow-me-home function for both safety and convenience, and will be available across all variants; the headlights were previously halogen projector units throughout the entire model range.\nWhile the exterior aesthetic changes are pretty significant, the interior remains largely identical to the \noutgoing model\n, based on what we\u2019ve seen on the Thailand model. The biggest change on the inside of the new Toyota Yaris is the new infotainment display, which has been upgraded to a seven-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on the E and G variants.\nUMWT\u2019s Vehicle Telematics System is also now standard on the E and G variants, while a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone is available as a paid option on all variants, priced at RM550.\nThe biggest news on the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift however, is the addition of the \nToyota Safety Sense\n advanced driver assistance features. The system offers autonomous emergency braking and lane-departure warning on the B-segment hatchback, the former enabled from 15 km/h using an integrated camera and radar system, while the latter provides a visual alert in the multi-info display, as well as a beeping sound to warn the driver of unintended lane changes from 50 km/h and above.\nThe pre collision warning and lane-departure alert system is available on the current Toyota Yaris, but through the front dashcam system which proved to be unreliable and cumbersome to operate. Blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor continues to be available on the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift.\nOtherwise, the rest of the Toyota Yaris should remain unchanged, including the 1.5-litre\u00a0Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-pot mill which makes\u00a0\n107 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n140 Nm\n\u00a0of torque \u2013 paired to a 7-speed CVT transmission.\nThe 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift is estimated to be priced at \nRM71,688\n\u00a0for the J,\u00a0\nRM80,591\n\u00a0for the E and\u00a0\nRM85,587\n\u00a0for the range-topping G variant \u2013 an increase across the board compared to the current model. Prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n for the locally-assembled model. Included in the price is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.\nAs for colour options, the bright Citrus Mica Metallic hero colour from the current model has been discontinued, replaced by Platinum White Pearl (RM400 surcharge), a new addition to the model. The 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift will also be available in Red Mica Metallic and Silver Metallic.\nIt is unclear if the updated \nToyota Vios\n, unveiled in Philippines in \nJuly this year\n, will also make its introduction in our country at the same time. Will these changes be enough to compete against its newest competitors in the hotly-contested B-segment market? Let us know in the comments below!\nGALLERY"
"Remember the\n aircraft-inspired model\n that Pagani teased last week on its Twitter account? Well, it turns out that it is a special limited-edition of the Huayra called the Tricolore, designed to honour the 60th anniversary of the Italian national acrobatics patrol, the Frecce Tricolori. Only three examples of these exquisite supercars will ever be built.\nClearly, we should\u2019ve known better, because this isn\u2019t the first time that Pagani has honoured the Frecce Tricolori \u2013 the Italian supercar maker also made the three-units-only Zonda Tricolore just ten years ago, in celebration of the national acrobatics team\u2019s 50th anniversary.\nBack to the Huayra Tricolore, Pagani has tweaked the bodywork of the new limited-edition Huayra Roadster, with new aerodynamic parts inspired by the Air Force\u2019s Aermacchi MB-339A P.A.N jets. There\u2019s now a more pronounced front splitter with a completely new aerodynamic profile to maximise downforce, while the larger side extractors on the new front bumper helps increase the efficiency of the intercooler.\nRight behind the roofless passenger compartment is a new air scoop with a new \u201cinnovative air conveying system\u201d to channel an even greater airflow of cold air directly to the engine. At the back, the rear diffuser has also been further optimised, and the rear wing fully integrated with the rear hood to help achieve a \u201cperfect aerodynamic balance\u201d, compensating for increased downforce upfront.\nThe styling approach on the Pagani Huayra Tricolore also heavily mimics that of the fighter jet, with the line of the air scoop extending all the way towards the rear wing. The rear wing supports also have a similar shape with the tail fin of the jets\u2019, and displays the number of the car on the outer sides \u2013 just like the patrol aircraft.\nThe aircraft-inspired model is also finished in a special livery, featuring the tricolour running along the sides of the car \u201clike an impetuous engulfing flow of air\u201d. The graphic stripe extends up to the rear lights, and is matched with a translucent blue carbon colour.\nThe headlights and side air intakes are framed by billet-machined anodised aluminium, which are inspired by aeronautics, while the wheels take inspiration from the turbines of an airplane.\nHowever, the main highlight on the Pagani Huayra Tricolore is found on the centre of the front bonnet, which features a pilot tube \u2013 the instrument aircraft use to measure the macroscopic air speed and determine their aerodynamic condition. The airspeed is displayed as Mach numbers on the anemometer placed on the dashboard.\nOn the inside, the Huayra Tricolore is dressed in two-tone blue and white, with leather inserts on the seats in the Italian flag\u2019s tricolour as another nod to the patrol\u2019s aircraft. All aluminium parts are made from aerospace-grade alloys and machined from billet before being anodised in a distinctive blue colour.\nThe gear knob deserves special mention here, as the entire piece is carved from a single block of aluminium and carbon, then milled through a five-axis numerical control centre and finally hand polished with a \u201cspecial transparent treatment\u201d. Other details on the interior include the emblem of the Frecce Tricolori on the four-point seatbelt fastener, and embroidered on the headrests.\nThe new Tricolore model is powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0 litre twin-turbo V12, which sends \n840 hp\n and \n1,100 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels. The engine is paired to a Xtrac seven-speed transverse AMT with an electromechanical differential.\nAs mentioned above, only three units of the aerospace-inspired special edition will ever be made. But instead of a normal 1-3 numbering system, Pagani is numbering the Huayra Tricolore according to the acrobatic patrol\u2019s three main formation leaders\u2019 numbers: Number 0 for the commander who directs the show from the ground, Number 1 for the Head of Formation who leads the patrol during all aerobatic manoeuvres, and Number 10 \u2013 the Soloist who splits off from the group in the most spectacular sequences.\nEach of these exquisite machine will start from EUR5.5 million (~RM 27 million) before tax, but judging by how highly sought-after the Zonda Tricolore is now, it\u2019s probably worth it if you can afford it.\nGALLERY"
"Captains of the industry, would you want your prized chariot to be something other than the Mercedes S-Class? Then here\u2019s a car for you from Ingolstadt, the Audi A8 L Extended that uses the number six as its lucky number. That\u2019s right, it has six doors and\u00a0seats six people!\nThe Audi A8 L extended has plenty of room thanks to its\n 4.2m wheelbase\n and \n6.36m overall length\n. However, this is far from a straight-forward job of increasing the length and wheelbase of the A8, because the A8 has to undergo rigorous tweaks to make sure its rigidity is the same as a regular A8. Audi redeveloped the entire body of the car and adds extra braces to achieve just that. The roof meanwhile, is boosted by\u00a0additional aluminum profiled tubes\u00a0and cross-braces.\nInside, there are six luxurious beige seats with Valcona leather, and all seats (including the second and third rows) are\u00a0electrically adjusted. The third-row passengers will enjoy an additional center console, a cool box and a Rear Seat Entertainment display.\nDespite extensive use of aluminium through the Audi Space Frame design, the A8 L is porky, weighing\u00a0\n2.4 tonnes\n. Thus, a powerful engine is required, and it\u2019s up to the\u00a0\n3.0-litre\u00a0supercharged V6\n that liberates \n306 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n440Nm\n of torque. This big limo is fast. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.1 seconds\n\u00a0and gets the S8 brakes.\nAs for now, this is a \u201cone-off\u201d model the a request of a European customer but there will be additional units made to meet demands. Just to note, the next-generation A8 will arrive by 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia\n together with Tian Siang Premium Auto today opened two new EV charging facilities at The Datai Langkawi, a five-star beach Resort on Langkawi Island. Covered in a wooden encasing at the entrance of the beach resort, the charging facilities are two 11-kW AC BMW i Wallbox Gen 2 chargers. Only resort guests can access the chargers.\nIn conjunction with the unveiling of the chargers, BMW is also inviting the guests of The Datai Langkawi to experience the \nBMW iX\n \nthrough a limited-time test drive opportunity. This is to further accelerate the adoption of electromobility on the island.\nBMW Group Malaysia Head of Corporate Communications, Sashi Ambi said, \u201cBMW Group Malaysia has always believed that sustainability is a shared responsibility. As we continue to realise our vision of carbon-neutral mobility in Malaysia through our premium fully electric BMW i vehicles and the expansion of our comprehensive BMW i Charging network, we are pleased to collaborate with like-minded partners, such as The Datai Langkawi \u2013 alongside our dealer, Tian Siang Premium Auto.\u201d\n\u201cThis partnership underlines our commitment to providing a Premium Electric Ownership Experience to all electric vehicle (EV) owners across the country \u2013 an experience that exemplifies sustainable luxury and is in tandem with our national agenda for electrification in Malaysia.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW adds new DC fast chargers in Penang and Ipoh \u2013 120 kW, open for public use\nTian Siang Premium Auto Managing Director, Tan Ka Kin said, \u201cWith the new BMW i Charging facilities introduced today, we are thrilled to be powering a total of 12 premium charging facilities across the northern regions of Malaysia \u2013 bringing greater access to electromobility in major locations outside the Klang Valley. This gives us confidence that interest for EVs in these regions will continue to rise as we work to present Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure to our customers here.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW electrifies Kuching with arrival of first BMW iX, new 180 kW DC fast charger\nThe Datai Langkawi General Manager, Arnaud Girodon said, \u201cSustainability and conservation are at the core of our business strategy, and we integrate these values into all aspects of our company ethos, operations, and guest experiences at the resort. Offering this BMW i Charging station to our guests is just one of our many efforts in moving towards cleaner air and regenerative travel, to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rich biodiversity of Langkawi for generations to come.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia unveils new DC Fast Chargers for public use \u2013 180 kW, first location now open"
"Naming cars can sometimes be a tricky affair, as learned by Tata Motors recently. The Indian automaker that owns both Jaguar and Land Rover initially planned to unveil the Zica supermini in The Dehli Auto Expo on 4 February. However, the new and deadly Zika virus has forced Tata Motors to rethink their plans, or rather, its supermini\u2019s name.\nThe Zica, short for Zippy Car, is set to become\u2019s Tata Motors\u2019 most important car \u00a0following the\u00a0\nunderwhelming Nano microcar\n. The Zica is powered by two engine options, starting with a\n 1.2-litre \u201cRevotron\u201d\n petrol engine that produces \n86 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n114 Nm of torque\n. The other one (expected to be popular in India) is the \n1.0-litre \u201cRevotorq\u201d\n diesel engine that produces \n69 hp\n\u00a0and\n\u00a0140 Nm\n of torque. As press time, only the \nfive-speed manual\n is offered.\nEarly reviews from India are promising, praising the Zica\u2019s\u00a0functional design and that it\u2019s good to drive as well. The Zica is expected to compete against the Hyundai i10 and Suzuki Alto.\nAt the same time, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has just declared an emergency, no thanks to the Zika virus. The\u00a0infection has been linked to cases of microcephaly, causing underdeveloped brains in newborns. The virus is spread via\u00a0Aedes mosquitoes in Latin America and has infected thousands of patients worldwide. Worse still, there\u2019s no vaccine or cure available at press time.\nThe story here is pretty much self explanatory, really. Tata\u2019s Zippy Car, Zica sounds exactly like the virus, except for the way it\u2019s spelled. As such, Tata will rebrand the model as part of the company\u2019s social responsibility. While the Zica moniker will be retained during the Delhi Auto Expo, a new name will be announced in the near future."
"It\u2019s not a coincidence that just about every new all-electric model or concept being introduced is in the shape of a sport utility vehicle, even if when they aren\u2019t, the silhouette is on the tall end with more ground clearance than usual, like the recently announced \nPolestar 2\n.\nThe fully-electric, 500 km-capable Polestar 2 is categorised as a 3-box saloon.\nApart from satisfying the market\u2019s insatiable appetite for tall-riding vehicles, the body-style is an entirely pragmatic one for the simple reason of where the battery cells and modules are being stacked \u2013 on the floor of the vehicle.\nCut-out of the Volkswagen ID Buggy concept shows where the battery cells reside.\nAnd because these high voltage battery packs occupy vertical space, making the greenhouse of the vehicle taller is one way not to compromise cabin space, the other being to stretch the wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axle) and make the body wider (such as the Tesla models), which explains why SUV and hatchback shapes do come in handy, especially for high volume, mass market models.\nAt least the MRT looks more aerodynamic than the Google autonomous vehicle.\nTheoretically speaking, an EV doesn\u2019t even need an engine\nbay as it doesn\u2019t have an engine and transmission (only a reduction gear system\ntypically), but due to crash safety regulations, we will likely still (thankfully)\nhave vehicle \u2018front ends\u2019 that resemble what our memory have been accustomed to\nfor decades. But when cars start to look like Google\u2019s autonomous vehicle, I\u2019ll\nbe taking the MRT."
"Officially launched early this year, a new variant of the fifth-generation Toyota Prius has been introduced in Japan; featuring a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Prices start from 4.6 million yen (approx RM151k), making the Prius PHEV (in the sole Z variant in Japan) the most expensive Prius variant.\nThe new front-wheel drive only PHEV variant produces a combined system output of \n223 hp\n. As a result, the Prius PHEV 0-100 km/h run takes just 6.7 seconds! This is the combination of its M20A-FXS 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 151 hp and 188 Nm, paired with a more powerful electric motor with 163 hp and 208 Nm.\u00a0\nThe engine and electric motor pairing is mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The Prius PHEV is fitted with a 13.6 kWh battery; offering up to 87 km of pure electric range when fitted with 19-inch wheels or \nup to 105 km\n with 17-inch wheels.\u00a0\nRELATED: \nToyota is already throwing body kits at the all-new Prius!\nAccording to Toyota, fuel efficiency in the Prius with 19-inch wheels is rated at 26 km/L (3.8L/100km). With 17-inch wheels fitted, the number improves to \n30.1 km/L (3.3L/100km)\n. With 3.2 kW of AC charging, Toyota claims it\u2019ll take 4.5 hours to fully charge the Prius\u2019 battery.\nThe Prius PHEV can also serve as an external power source with up to 1,500 watts to power accessories. Toyota says with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas, the Prius PHEV\u2019s powertrain can provide electricity supply for about five days.\u00a0\nIts solar charging system on the roof not only charges the car when parked but also powers the car\u2019s systems and electronics when driving to reduce battery consumption. Toyota claims the solar charging system can provide enough power to drive up to 1,250 km per year.\nTo recap, the Prius is available in either 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre versions and both are paired with electric motors. The 1.8 model produces 140 hp whether you opt for the front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive model, while the 2.0 model produces 196 hp in the front-wheel drive model and 199 hp in the all-wheel drive model. More info about those two \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"The Porsche 911 GT3 RS will be making its world premiere on \nAugust 17, 2022\n. Soon to be topping the 911 range in terms of performance, it seems the 911 GT3 RS will be the more extreme bigger brother to the \n911 GT3\n.\nAccording to Porsche, the development of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS has been inspired by the successful Porsche 911 RSR and Porsche 911 GT3 R GT racing cars.\nFor context, this is what the regular GT3 did around the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nPorsche\u2019s GT Model Line Director, Andreas Preuninger said, \u201cThe new 911 GT3 RS is even more optimised for track use than its predecessors. The spontaneously responsive, high-revving four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine with approximately 500 PS has proven ideal for use at trackdays and club sport events. That\u2019s why we focused primarily on aerodynamics and chassis questions in the development of the new 911 GT3 RS.\u201d\nRELATED: Let this Porsche 911 GT3 scream away your Monday blues!\nPorsche 911 GTR (Not the RS)\nCurrently, the PDK-equipped Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a 3,996-cc naturally-aspirated flat-6 engine that produces \n510 hp\n of maximum power and \n470 Nm\n of torque. With that powertrain, 0-100 km/h is achieved in \n3.4 seconds\n, onward to 200 km/h in \n10.8 seconds\n. With the 911 GT3 RS, more extreme figures are to be expected.\nFor those of you excited about the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the digital broadcast is slated for August 17, and can be found in the link \nhere\n. And as an extra surprise, we also have a very, very special video coming soon, \npotentially\n related to the GT3 RS! Keep your eyes peeled.\nRELATED: Realising my childhood dreams in a Porsche 911 GT3! \u2013 AutoVlog"
"Sometimes, things just don\u2019t go as planned. When Mercedes-Benz launched the W168 A-Class back in the late 90s, one of their intentions was to lower the median age of their buyers. They thought by creating a revolutionary compact car would draw the younger crowd towards the brand, so they prepared a hearty \u2018sandwich\u2019 \u2013 a sandwich platform, that is.\nIt was an engineering feat \u2013 the ingenious platform allowed the engine to be mounted partially underneath the front occupants\u2019 feet, which in return gives the small Merc a spacious interior. But it turns out that the tall mini-MPV profile and the high driving position favoured senior buyers more than the hip and trendy youngsters.\nSo after two generations, the sandwich was cut and a new plan was hatched, to which the third generation A-Class \u2013 a much better and sleeker looking hatch \u2013 was conceived. Debuted in 2012, the W176 A-Class rides on a simpler but more flexible MFA platform which also underpins four other compact models in the Merc\u2019s stable, ranging from a hatchback to a crossover. In this way, Mercedes-Benz is able to broaden its appeal to a wider range of customers in a more cost-effective way.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz A\u00a0250\u00a0Sport\n \nEngine\n1,991cc; turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\n7G-DCT, 7-speed\u00a0dual-clutch\nMax Power\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM238,888\nThree years after the debut, Mercedes gave the A-Class a \nmild update\n with a tweaked software and a very subtle styling refresh. For the \nMalaysian market\n, you can choose from three non-AMG variants of the facelifted A-Class. RM196k will net you the \nA 180\n powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-banger, and if you top up another RM10k for the \nA 200\n you\u2019ll get 34 hp and 50 Nm more from the same engine and a more fetching AMG Line kit. But this writer is testing neither of the two, because yours truly was given the keys to the range-topping \nA 250 Sport\n powered by a bigger \n2.0-litre inline-four turbo\n, costing just below RM240k. Sounds interesting, though\u00a0I\u2019m still not so sure about the colour on this test unit.\nEXTERIOR\nThis \nOriental Brown\n hue might not be to everyone\u2019s tastes, although I kind of like it under bright sunlight, much like MINI\u2019s \nIced Chocolate Metallic\n that got me craving for some sort of chocolatey beverage. Anyway, the A-Class\u2019 transition from a pseudo mini-MPV format to a sleeker two-box hatchback body style is very much welcomed, but to this writer\u2019s eyes the latest A-Class is not quite as graceful as the booted sibling, the CLA.   A couple of things that got under my skin is the lower character line on the flanks that rises abruptly towards the rear lights, and the overall side profile. The lines are much smoother on the CLA, and unlike that 4-door Coupe, the A-Class doesn\u2019t have a tail to balance out the long front overhang, thus creating a rather awkward proportion when viewed from the side.\nDid the recent facelift address those niggles? No, Mercedes-Benz just\u00a0threw\u00a0in new bumpers, new \nLED High Performance headlamps\n with \nAdaptive High Beam Assist\n, and a redesigned LED pattern in the tail lights. Old man\u2019s gripes aside, the A-Class does have what the younger demographic is looking for. \u2018Sport\u2019 is the word of the day, and the A 250 is not shy to admit that with a chrome emblem that literally says that on its front fenders.   It doesn\u2019t end there, obviously. The A 250 Sport is fitted with \nAMG Line\n bumpers like on the A 200, but on the A 250 they\u2019re garnished with mean red slashes to go with the red brake calipers. The whole sporty package sits \n15 mm lower\n to the ground courtesy of the \nsports suspension\n, and filling up the wheel arches is a set of five spoke \n18-inch rims\n wrapped in \n235/40 R18\n Michelin Pilot Sport 3 rubbers.\nINTERIOR\nThe sporty theme continues on the inside. The red highlights pop out in an otherwise sombre all-black interior, a far cry from the more classy almond beige interior we\u2019ve seen in the \nCLA\n before. Build quality is solid although there are some hits and misses in terms of the materials used. The combination of \nleather and alcantara\n upholstery is just lovely, but the faux carbon on the dash somewhat degrade the cabin ambiance.   For the facelifted model, the buttons on the center head unit have been redesigned \u2013 not that you\u2019d notice them anyway, but one of them is called \u2018\nDynamic Select\n\u2018 and it lets you cycle through four driving modes available: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. The driver gets a \nnew steering wheel\n and a redesigned instrument cluster, while the \n8-inch screen\n in the middle of the dashboard is an inch bigger than before.\nWhereas there\u2019s no issue regarding space in the front two seats, the space in the back is cocooning to say the least. Head room is rather limited and elbow room is very tight when three adults occupy the rear bench, but that\u2019s pretty much expected from a compact hatch in this category. Two adults will do just fine in the back although my colleague did point out the that rear passengers should take note on the sharp lower edge of the front seat that might come into contact against their lower shins.   For all that, the A-Class is not short of practical features. In the center console alone there\u2019s a couple of lidded storage, two cup holders, and a cubby hole under the arm rest. In the back, the rear seat\u2019s backrest have a \nload-through door\n in the middle and they \nsplit 60/40 and fold flat\n to extend the boot space. The boot will take \n341 litres\n of cargo with additional storage space under the boot floor, although the narrow hatch opening slightly hampers its usability when it comes to loading and unloading bigger items.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \nM270\n turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder has been around since the debut of the third-gen A-Class, and in the facelifted \nA 250 Sport\n it was supposed to get a few extra horses. Unfortunately due to our local fuel quality, the output figures remain the same as the pre-facelifted A 250. Regardless, \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n is already a healthy figure, but a few more wouldn\u2019t hurt, right?\nEven so, the \nseven-speed dual-clutch\n transmission assigned to deliver the torque to the front wheels has been updated, cutting the \n0 to 100 km/h\n sprint time by 0.2 seconds to \n6.4 seconds\n. The \ntop speed\n remains at \n240 km/h\n, while the fuel consumption is slightly better than before, at \n6.2 litres per 100 km\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nForget about the lofty driving position of the old A-Class, the new one sits you closer to the tarmac, reminding you about its transformation from a mundane mom\u2019s ride into a proper driver\u2019s car. I think it does the trick, but the trade-off is that the view out is not particularly generous, especially with the shallow windows and the thick C-pillars round the back.\nBut don\u2019t let that be a deterrent for you, as the W176 A-Class is still an easy car to drive in the city. And if you worry that the limited rear view will make it a harder car to park, there\u2019s a \nreverse camera\n to guide you and also \nPark Assist\n for a hands-free parking manouvre. With the \nDynamic Select\n in \nComfort\n mode, the A 250 steers easily with a light but precise rack, and the throttle response is leisurely but progressive. The dual-clutch \u2018box is not as quick as its rivals but it doesn\u2019t jerk as bad at crawling speed, making it much more manageable in stop-and-go traffic. And then there\u2019s the ride.\nThe A 250\u2019s ride reminded me of another MFA-underpinned Merc I\u2019ve driven before, the \nCLA 200\n, which is to say that it\u2019s less than pleasant most of the time. Although strangely, the sports suspension setup in the A 250 feels a touch more forgiving than the standard suspension fitted on the CLA 200. It seems to have a more lax attitude towards broken surfaces, but bigger potholes will still send nasty jolts up the cabin.\nThe firm suspension setup may keep the A 250 reassuringly planted during a high speed cruise, but sadly we live in a country where smooth roads are as scarce as hen\u2019s teeth, and for that reason a relaxed cruise in this compact hatch is hard to come by. The cabin insulation too is not as per usual Merc\u2019s typically high standards. Constant tyre hum and other external noise will accompany you on every journey, so you better get your playlist sorted before setting off to override the outside hubbub.\nHowever, the A 250 is a very capable car in the backroads. It seemed unperturbed when rushed through serpentine roads, showcasing its impressive body control and serious pace, although the turbo four\u00a0needs a little bit of working to get past its laggy state at the south of 1,500 rpm. For a livelier throttle, switch the \nDynamic Select\n to \nSport\n and you should be able to get the most out of the engine, but as mentioned, the dual-clutch transmission is not always quick, and it sometimes ignores your input when you want to manually downshift.\nThere\u2019s a good deal of grip that made me wonder, why would the A-Class require an all-wheel drive system, although turn-in isn\u2019t particularly sharp and in Sport mode the steering can feel a tad artificial every now and then. Personally I\u2019d preset my own \nIndividual\n mode by pairing the Sport setting of the powertrain with the steering in Comfort setting, which helps to make the car feel more agile around tight corners. Still, it\u2019s not something I would call as an entertaining drive.\nAt the end of the day if you\u2019re planning to do an economy run in the A 250 you will need to be a very tolerant driver to try to match the claimed fuel consumption by activating the Eco mode via the Dynamic Select. And if you are, you definitely can better my average of 8.6 litres per 100 km.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nFor those who have always wanted a sporting hatchback from Mercedes, your prayers have been answered. Just don\u2019t expect the A-Class to glide through rough roads without shaking your internals, and you\u2019ll have a competent handler on twisty roads. If you\u2019re just going for the looks then the A 180 (RM43k cheaper) should suffice, and if you require more space there\u2019s the B-Class, the CLA, or the GLA to consider. On a separate note, the bigger, rear-wheel drive (but less powerful) \nC 180 Avantgarde\n is actually not that far off the scale when it comes to pricing \u2013 it\u2019s just RM10k more than the A 250 Sport.\nCOMPARISONS\nBMW\n\u00a0Malaysia doesn\u2019t sell the\u00a0\n1 Series\n with a 2.0-litre engine anymore, and \nAudi\n only sells their \nA3\n in sedan guise, leaving only the \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n as the A 250 Sport\u2019s closest sparring partner. Both possess near identical performance figures, but each car has its own advantages.\nEven though I personally don\u2019t quite like how the A-Class looks, we could agree that the Golf is no match for the striking A-Class. On the other hand, the Golf yields a more spacious interior beneath its modest looks, and it also rides with more pliancy over the A-Class. But perhaps the biggest pull of the GTI is its price, which undercuts the Benz by at least RM12k.\nMercedes-Benz A\u00a0250\u00a0Sport\nVolkswagen Golf GTI\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, DOHC, turbocharged\ninline-4, DOHC, turbocharged\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,991cc\n1,984cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n211/5,500\n217/4,500\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n350/1,200\n350/1,500\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n7-speed\u00a0dual-clutch\n6-speed\u00a0dual-clutch\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nMulti-link\nMulti-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated & Perforated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid\u00a0Disc\nSolid Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n235/40 R18\n225/40 R18\nWheels\n18-inch Alloy\n18-inch Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,299mm\n4,268mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,780mm\n1,799mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,438mm\n1,442mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,699mm\n2,637mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,455 kg\n1,370 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n341\u00a0litres\n380 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n50\u00a0litres\n50\u00a0litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n6.2 litres\n6.4\u00a0litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n240\n244\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n6.4\n6.5\nPrice\nRM\nRM238,888.00\nRM227,060.00\nWOULD I BUY IT?\nBy diverting its focus and injecting some \u201csportiness\u201d into the baby Benz, Mercedes have cited that their strategy worked brilliantly, and they now have more young people driving the A-Class compared to the previous two generations. Although I\u2019m pretty sure I\u2019m not the only one who thinks that it could have been a better car. It has what it takes to be a fun car, except that the whole package didn\u2019t quite work together as harmoniously as I would have liked. I\u2019ll give this A 250 Sport a pass, but if i have to choose one from all the MFA Benzes, I\u2019d pick the CLA anytime. At least it looks good enough to make me forgive its\u00a0firm ride.\nMatthew\u2019s take: If there\u2019s one thing the W176 A-Class proved is that looks sell, beyond a shadow of a doubt. The entire Compact Range (A, CLA, GLA Class) has turned into a go-to choice for the young and successful, whose previous choices some five years ago were the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A1 and BMW 1-Series. The A-Class has plenty of grunt for just about any kind of driving, but the rigid ride (regardless of variant) gives me no real reason to put my money down on one. But if I must choose, it\u2019ll be the \nA45\n, no less.\nVIDEO \u2013 Mercedes-AMG A45 vs Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7)\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s a far cry from the 25 units of Mitsubishi Evolution X they acquired just over a decade ago, but our esteemed police force will now have 15 units of the sturdy and robust \n2.4-litre Mitsubishi Outlander\n contributed by PLUS Highway.\nThese vehicles were contributed to PDRM to be used as \nExpressway Mobile Patrol Vehicle (EMPV)\n. Carrying on with the \u201cHelang\u201d theme of the Evo X\u2019s, the fleet will be know as the \u2018Police Highway Eagle.\n\u201cSafety is the Mitsubishi Outlander\u2019s strongest suit; befitting its role as a family vehicle. We are delighted to know that besides being one of the safest vehicles on the road, the Outlander is meeting\u00a0\nPDRM\u2019s\u00a0every requirement to assist them with the enforcement of traffic laws on the highway,\u201d said\u00a0Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi who was present to witness the handover ceremony.\n\u201cWith many years of\u00a0 experience in\u00a0\nwinning the grueling Dakar Rally under its belt, Mitsubishi is also a specialist in rugged 4WD vehicles. So with the Outlander\u2019s safety functions, power and stability, we are confident that the Outlander will do its part in assisting our policemen to eradicate traffic offences and eventually lower the risk of road accidents.\u201d\nPDRM also acquired eight Mitsubishi vehicles consisting of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4-litre and \nMitsubishi ASX Compact SUV\n contributed by ANIH Berhad. The contribution made by these two highway concessions were valued at an estimated \nRM3 million. \nThe Mitsubishi Outlander recently received the \u201cFamily SUV of Malaysia\u201d award at the\n\u00a0\n2018 Cars of Malaysia awards\n."
"One of motoring\u2019s greats is making a comeback, and it\u2019s huge. Mazda for one, is a brand that\u2019s synonymous with perfecting the rotary-powered sports car formula, with evidence to back this stretching as far back as the 1960s. This global unveiling which took place at the Tokyo Motor Show today effectively marks the company\u2019s 50th anniversary of rotary goodness.\nJust last month, Mazda surprised us by \nteasing a brand new concept sports car\n that had design cues similar to that of the iconic RX-7. Today it is confirmed \u2013 those\u00a0long sweeping lines and flat-stretched bonnet are\u00a0all subtle indications of what lurks under the hood. Interesting that Mazda should use the \nSkyActiv-R\n moniker here as the technology is the brainchild of engineers who \ndo not rely\n on \nforced-induction\n to extract \npower\n and \nefficiency\n from an engine, thus it would make this car one of the most highly anticipated roadsters since the revival of the \nMX-5\n.\n \n \nAn exquisitely proportioned \nfront-engine\n, \nrear-wheel\n drive layout, the RX-VISION represents a stunning \u201cvision\u201d look into the company\u2019s future \u2018s\u00a0and it\u2019s\u00a0one that \ncountless\n fans of the brand around the world hope will become a reality. Word is that if the engineers can sort out the remaining \npre-production\n issues, we could see this concept hit showrooms by \n2017\n.\nRotary engines function very differently from regular internal combustion chambers. They generate power through rotational motion of triangular rotors instead of the normal reciprocal pistons in conventional engines. Mazda has faced countless technical difficulties in reviving this engine, but it seems they are making great strides in terms of research and development. When it comes to fruition, the engine will bear the SkyActiv-R badge.\n\u201cI look forward to talking with you more about this \nvision\n we revealed here today at the Mazda stand, [we] will continue to take on new \nchallenges\n in an effort to build a special \nbond\n with our customers and become their one and only brand\u201d\u00a0said Mazda\u2019s Representative Director, President and CEO \nMasamichi Kogai\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As the coming financial year dawns, Audi Group has no plans to rest on their laurels but to continue their large investments into its product expansion strategy. By 2020, the Four Rings will see their lineup balloon to 60 different cars!\nThe sum invested amounted to 3 billion euros, or \njust over RM14 billion\n (at press time) and will be channeled to their Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm bases. Experts will also be recruited to further develop their current technologies and alternative drive systems, of which includes the \nhydrogen-powered Audi Q6 h-tron concept\n\u00a0(pictured above), a model that commands a significant proportion of Audi\u2019s investment.\nThe introduction of this \nRM390k Audi TTS\n signals Audi Malaysia\u2019s strong intention to expand its product lineup\nTheir press statement also highlighted the premium carmaker\u2019s intent on entering a new market segment with the \nAudi Q2\n next year. Also joining the all-new subcompact SUV\u00a0is the successor to the \nAudi Q5\n and \nAudi A5\n. Watch out, Munich and Stuttgart!"
"Yes, it\u2019s been confirmed. Honda will start taking orders for the production model of the \nUrban EV Concept\n by early 2019, as announced at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. It will be Honda\u2019s first mass-produced electric vehicle sold in Europe.\nSenior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, Philip Ross, also confirmed that the production version of this highly-acclaimed concept will hit European roads\u00a0\nby late 2019\n.\nWhile the Urban EV Concept isn\u2019t short of technological advancements, it\u2019s nice to see a manufacturer adopting all the modern amenities available today (i.e. electric powertrains) but \u201cpackaging\u201d it in such a minimalist and simplistic way.\nOn the outside, the empty spaces between the headlamps are capable of displaying messages to other motorists, greetings and even the car\u2019s charging status. The Urban EV Concept features such slim A-pillars that it offers almost a 180-degree front view that sweeps around\u00a0the entire front of the cabin.\nThe Urban EV Concept can comfortably accommodate passengers with its two bench seats, finished in different materials to replicate a lounge environment. The front row is wrapped in grey fabric and finished with wood accents. The dashboard projects a \u201cwrap-around\u201d effect as it extends to the side of the doors.\nThe displays by the door function as the car\u2019s side mirror with images reflected from digital cameras. This eliminates the need for physical side mirrors that will undoubtedly offer cleaner exterior lines and possibly allowing the Urban EV to be more aerodynamic."
"AirAsia will soon be rolling out a new ride-hailing service, as announced by its CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes through the social media platform \nLinkedIn\n.\nThe single attached photo in the LinkedIn post hints that the new AirAsia ride-haling service will be offered with a fleet of \nToyota Alphard and Vellfire\n MPVs, at least for the time being.\nRide-hailing drivers will receive their third cash handout of RM500 from the Government to weather the Covid-19 pandemic. Learn more about the economic aid programme here.\nNo other details for the new ride-hailing service were shared thus far, but Tony Fernandes promises that the new service will be \u201cAirAsia style\u201d, although we\u2019re not quite sure what that means. Based on their history as an airline, we\u2019d assume it\u2019ll be a low-cost option to Grab and the likes, although the vehicle fleet certainly doesn\u2019t suggest that.\nBusiness class for the roads?\nThe emblematic CEO does say that it\u2019ll be unlike the existing services provided by \nGrab\n and (previously) Uber, with a \u201cdifferent culture, different cabin, and more\u201d.\nLearn more about the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire here.\n\u201cIf you think about it, we\u2019ve always been a delivery company, delivering (by plane) people to destinations the world over, [and] now delivering food, packages, fintech products, and even online education. Now [we\u2019re] hitting the road \u2013 we know delivery, we got this,\u201d he added.\nOnly time will tell what AirAsia\u2019s service will end up being, but more competition will never be a bad thing for us consumers. Either way, we\u2019ll bring you updates on the latest developments on AirAsia\u2019s new ride-hailing service as soon as we get them, so keep your eyes peeled."
"Audi surely has a knack for building fast saloon cars. Take the S8 for example. It started life as a humble limousine with a decent V6 engine, maybe a V8 as well. Then there\u2019s lashings of leather enveloping the occupants while the supple ride and handling waft you from point to point. Sounds brilliant, no?\nThis sensible, stately saloon is then given multiple doses of steroids where the\u00a0boffins at Audi stiffen its\u00a0\naluminium space frame\n to handle the power and torque of the \n4.0-litre bi-turbo\n mill that\u2019s lifted from the \nBentley Continental GT3-R\n. This engine, believe it or not, makes a\u00a0scarcely believable \n596 hp\n and\u00a0\n750 Nm\n of torque on overboost (700 Nm on regular driving).   This thundering V8 unit has been extensively modified and gains a special \nengine management control\n with speed and \ncharge pressure boosting\n to complement its modified exhaust valves. The inner geometry of the turbocharger has also been optimised for improved efficiency, and giving it a green hand is the \neight-speed Tiptronic\n gearbox.\nAs a result, the S8 is able to catapult itself from standstill to 100 km/h in\n 3.8 seconds\n and onto a top speed of\n 305 km/h\n with the electronic speed muzzle \nremoved\n. Stopping this hunk of metal is a job tasked to the fade-resistant \ncarbon fibre reinforced ceramic brakes\n that sits on a set of sticky\u00a0\n275/35 R21 tyres\n \u2013 yes, 21-inch wheels hold it all in place.   Like all Audi S models, the S8 gets the brand\u2019s\u00a0\nAWD Quattro\n system with a\u00a0sports differential that splits torque between the rear wheels for optimum directional stability.\u00a0Apart from the mechanics, one other distinctive difference from the pre-facelift D4 model is the new pair of \nLED Matrix\n\u00a0headlights which\u00a0uses mapping data from the MMI Navigation and other sensors to individually dim or illuminate the 25 individual LEDs as and when they are needed.\nInside however, the S-Sports comfort sport seats comes with with \n22-way\n adjustability and memory that are exclusively upholstered in black leather with contrasting Arras red\n quilted stitching\n and piping can be had as an option. The headlining and rear parcel shelf wrapped in black Alcantara too, are cost options.   When you\u2019re not shaming supercars and smoking them in between the lights, there\u2019s a \n14-speaker BOSE\n surround sound system for the discerning audiophile. An\u00a0advanced parking system with\n top view camera\n should help you out in tight parking spots. The bottom line? It costs\n\u00a0\u00a397,700\u00a0\nor\n\u00a0RM592,928\n without taxes and duty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the military-based road truck, the Hummer H1? Well, Dongfeng in China has started offering civilian versions of their own military-based pick-up truck, called the Warrior M50.\nThe Dongfeng Warrior M50 actually looks like the Hummer due to its localisation programme. Back in the 90s, Dongfeng was tasked to reverse-engineer the Humvee to build vehicles for the Chinese army. Dongfeng eventually built everything in-house and spawned various body types of the Warrior since 2011.\nIt is no surprise that the Warrior M50 is the first Chinese military vehicle to be converted for civilian use. The idea was mooted as early as 2011, where Dongfeng made some civilian concepts of EQ2050 military vehicles but received little interest from the public. Built on the same assembly line as the military version, it has been \u201ccivilised\u201d via colourful paintwork and a more opulent interior featuring an infotainment system.\nThe interior continues to be a strict two-seater, with a massive space and console box between both occupants, just like the Hummer H1.\nThe all-new 21st century Hummer is still huge and going all-electric! Click here for more details!\nBased on Chinese automotive portals, the Warrior M50 measures over five metres in length, more than two metres in width and a wheelbase of over three metres. Built on a basic body-on-frame design, the engine upfront is a 4-litre turbodiesel unit delivering \n203 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n.\nThat engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, sending power to all four wheels. Highlight of its off-road capabilities include climbing angle of 60 degrees, wading depth of 1,200 mm and a ground clearance of 380 mm. Large diameter terrain tyres are also required to be strengthened to support the behemoth.\nThe Subaru models might look predictable, but their off-road performance is phenomenal. Watch its capabilities here!\nThe Dongfeng Warrior M50 is probably one of the most expensive locally-made vehicle in China, with prices starting from \nCNY668,800 (RM436,000)\n. To put things into perspective, one can purchase a \nBMW X5\n for that price, or be seen in the Hongqi H9 3.0t that is best known as a state limousine.\u00a0\nSource: \nCars\ncoops.com\nGALLERY"
"Avis Budget Group, a leading global provider of mobility solutions, recently set out to examine how the mobility landscape is changing around the world, how it\u2019s likely to look in the future and how people in different countries view these changes.\nIn the research conducted across 16 countries in Europe and Asia, including Malaysia, respondents revealed that over the next decade, consumers are likely to move to an access-driven and on-demand model as their favourite mode of transportation.\nIt was found that 97% of Malaysians think that owning a car is important and 67% still see the car as the ideal mode of transportation.\nHowever, more than 51% said that they would consider giving up car ownership and rely on long-term car rental if it was more convenient for them.\nThe single biggest factor leading the transport revolution is technology, specifically 5G networks.\nOnce 5G is implemented in Malaysia, one of the first countries in Asia to do so, large amounts of data provided by 5G networks will enable mobility companies to collect and mine data for insight \u2013 to be used to improve travel experiences.\n \nThe \nnew fully-electric Nissan Leaf\n is available through \nNissan\u2019s Subscription Programme. \nSo far, Avis\u2019 research revealed that 73% of respondents feel comfortable having their data accessed and shared for the implementation of smart infrastructure and better travel experiences. More than 81% of respondents also expect driving to become easier in the coming years.\n\u201cChanging needs and the expansion of the sharing economy offer both challenges and opportunities for the mobility industry. Our research has shown that whilst consumers are expectant of connected, integrated and on-demand services, they still want convenience at a reasonable price,\u201d said Avis Budget Group, President, Keith Rankin."
"If you think that the \nAudi e-Tron\n \u2013 the brand\u2019s first battery-powered electric car looks a little too \nregular Joe\n, you might want to pay attention to this. Audi has unveiled the e-Tron Sportback at the Los Angeles auto show, for the more stylish lot.\u00a0\nAs the name suggests, the e-Tron Sportback features a steeply raked D-pillar for the coupe-esque look. However, the changes made on the Sportback goes more than just for aesthetic purposes only.\nThe sleek roofline actually makes the car more aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of just \n0.25\n, compared to the 0.27 Cd of the standard e-Tron. There\u2019s the upgraded brake system too, to reduce residual brake torque on brief applications, along with the upgraded water cooling pumps, decoupling of the axles, and increased usable battery capacity.\u00a0\nAll this means that the Sportback (in the 55 quattro guise) can do \n446 km\n on a single battery charge based on the WLTP cycle, 40 km more than the standard e-Tron.\u00a0\nThe Audi e-Tron Sportback will be available in two power output levels; the more powerful 55 quattro variant with a \n95 kWh\n lithium-ion battery has an output of \n355 hp\n and \n561 Nm\n of torque, which can be temporarily boosted up to \n402 hp\n and \n664 Nm\n in sport mode for as long as eight seconds. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just \n5.7 seconds\n in this mode.\u00a0\nThe 50 quattro model on the other hand features a smaller \n71 kWh\n battery, and generates\n 308 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n. The century sprint is done in \n6.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n190 km/h\n. Due to the smaller battery, the 50 quattro has a lower range of \n347 km\n on the WLTP cycle.\u00a0\nThe quattro nameplate also suggests that both of these models will be available in all-wheel drive, however the front axle is almost always decoupled during normal driving for better efficiency and increased range.\n \nThe Audi e-Tron also features the world\u2019s first \ndigital matrix LED headlights\n on a mass-production car. Featuring technology found in projectors, the headlight uses more than 1 million micromirrors to direct the lights on the road or pedestrians it spots, without dazzling oncoming traffic.\u00a0\nThe digital matrix LED headlights can also display animations on the ground or a wall, but Audi says this feature will only be available from mid-2020.\nMoving inside, the cabin of the e-Tron Sportback is basically identical to that of the e-Tron. The dashboard design is instantly recognisable, featuring the dual touchscreen centre-console setup as with many other Audis.\u00a0 \u00a0\nThe is also an optional virtual exterior mirrors, where the picture from the digital cameras are displayed on an OLED screen positioned between the instrument panel and the door. The smaller virtual exterior mirrors also help with the efficiency of the car.\nThe coupe-like roofline does have its drawbacks though, with luggage space at the rear dropped to \n615 litres\n \u2013 45 litres less than the standard e-Tron. Rear headroom is also lowered by \n20 mm\n. There is still the \u201cfroot\u201d (or frunk) at the front that offers \n60 litres\n of storage space.\u00a0\nCharging wise, the e-Tron Sportback comes with a \n11 kW charger\n for home use, which can be increased to 22 kW with an optional on-board device.\nAs with the e-Tron, the 55 quattro can be recharged with a \n150 kW DC\n charging station, which can fill up 80% of its battery capacity in just under \n30 minutes\n. The 50 quattro does the same with 120 kW DC.\u00a0\nThe Audi e-Tron Sportback will be available in two trim levels, with the sportier S line getting 20-inch wheels (upgradeable to 22-inch) and sports air suspension. The front bumper is also reworked alongside the air curtains, which improves aerodynamics of the Sportback.\u00a0\nThe wheel arch trims, sills, bumpers, and exterior mirrors are painted in body colour (matt anthracite on the non-S variant). For a more aggressive look, buyers can opt for a black styling package that blacks-out the singleframe grille area, side windows, bumpers, and the wing mirrors.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As global fuel prices, the Malaysian government is considering implementing targeted fuel subsidies that could be based on the vehicle\u2019s horsepower. According to \nBernama\n, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said that the government can identify those who are eligible to receive subsidies based on the horsepower of their vehicle.\nFuel prices in Malaysia are already subsidized and the government spent RM 37.3 billion in 2022 alone for the fuel subsidy program, which is RM 5 billion more than it spent on healthcare. The targeted fuel subsidy aims to reduce this expenditure, whilst not burdening the masses.\nOn the targeted fuel subsidy program, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said, \u201cSo in terms of the data (targeted subsidy), it is almost complete for us to forward it to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) on how we can implement this targeted subsidy.\u201d\nThe idea of targeted fuel subsidies sounds partially doable as the JPJ database, for example, can be used for RON95 petrol subsidies since the government can identify those who are eligible to receive subsidies based on the horsepower of the vehicle they own. The execution, however, may not be so smooth. Currently, even foreign vehicles sometimes get away with fueling up with our subsidized RON95 fuel.\nALSO WATCH: \nHow far can we travel in the Nissan Almera Turbo with just RM50 of fuel?\nAs to whether the idea is a good one is debatable. However, we have seen a similar implementation of vehicle horsepower being used to determine the road tax for electric vehicles in Malaysia, albeit in the \u2018kW\u2019 unit. EV Road tax is now free until the end of 2025, but the default calculation is still based on power output/horsepower.\nThe Minister of Trade and Cost of Living adds, \u201cThe Prime Minister has given instructions for the matter (targeted subsidy mechanism) to be studied. But for the time being the government is still continuing the existing policy which is that we do not withdraw (subsidies) or increase any tariffs that we feel could burden the people. So the policy will continue until the Cabinet decides on that (targeted subsidy) later.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBudget 2023 \u2013 EV tax exemption extended to 2024, no AP fees for grey import EVs"
"No, this isn\u2019t an April Fool\u2019s joke \u2013 we had to check our calendars too. Apparently, Ford\u2019s new fragrance, called \u201cMach-Eau\u201d, is a very real thing, and is supposedly designed to make the transition to EVs easier for petrolheads.\nAccording to a Ford-commissioned survey, one in five drivers said the smell of petrol is what they\u2019d miss most when swapping from ICE to electric vehicles, with almost 70% of respondents saying that they\u2019ll miss it to some degree.\nEven more worryingly is the fact that petrol \u2013 as a scent \u2013 ranked higher in popularity than both wine and cheese, and almost identically to the smell of new books. First of all, y\u2019all are monsters. Secondly, weren\u2019t we taught that petrol sniffing is a form of drug or inhalant abuse or something?\nThe Ford Mustang Mach-E recently set the Guinness World Record for the lowest energy consumption on an EV \u2013 read more about it here!\nAnyway, this new \u201cfragrance\u201d was unveiled alongside the European debut of the \nFord Mustang Mach-E\n GT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed \u201cto usher these drivers into the future of driving through their sense of smell\u201d, and will be part of Ford\u2019s \u201congoing mission to help dispel myths around electric cars and convince traditional car enthusiasts of the potential of electric vehicles\u201d.\nFortunately (unfortunately?), even though it\u2019s very real, the Mach-Eau won\u2019t actually be available for sale \u2013 and neither does it smell exactly like petrol either.\nFord says that the Mach-Eau is a \u201chigh-end fragrance\u201d that fuses smoky notes, hints of burnt rubber, and even an \u201canimal\u201d element to give a nod to the Mustang heritage. We\u2019re not quite sure how the \u201canimal element\u201d is supposed to smell like, but our experiences with animals haven\u2019t been the most pleasant, to say the least.\nIn related news, Auto Trader once made (and sold) a perfume that smells like a new car\nDeveloped by renowned fragrance consultancy, Olfiction, the one-off bottle of Mach-Eau is a blend of benzaldehyde, which is an almond-like scent given off by car interiors, and para-cresol, which is key in creating the rubbery scent of tyres, along with other more \u201cnatural\u201d ingredients like blue ginger, lavender, geranium, and sandalwood that added metallic, smoky, and further rubbery accents.\n\u201cJudging by our survey findings, the sensory appeal of petrol cars is still something drivers are reluctant to give up. The Mach-Eau fragrance is designed to give them a hint of that fuel-fragrance they still crave. It should linger long enough for the GT\u2019s performance to make any other doubts vaporise too.\u201d Ford Europe Product Communications director Jay Ward said.\nI\u2019ll just take the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT without any accompanying smell, please and thank you."
"While it\u2019s clear that companies like Uber, \nGrab\n and Lyft are aggressively expanding and changing the way of modern mobility, it\u2019s also no secret that their losses incurred are monumental.\nUber has never registered an annual profit, losing USD 4.5 billion last year while Lyft recorded a loss of USD 1.2 billion between 2016 and 2017. In an article by \nJ.D. Power\n, it claims that industry experts have narrowed the cause of these losses to \ntwo reasons\n \u2013 the rides have been \nheavily subsidised\n and the cost of paying the drivers.\nThe best Uber rides are the ones with GC Mah; in a \nMcLaren\n and a \nLotus\n.\nThe same article, written by the Director of Automotive Industry Analytics at J.D.Power then raised the question; can these ride-hailing companies finally turn a profit by opting for driverless technology instead, a rampant development which had done nothing more than yielding road fatalies.\nIt makes sense, on the surface at least, that by \neliminating the drivers\n, the bulk of the overhead could be turned into profits instead. But is it really that simple? Not really actually.\nEliminating the drivers would also mean eliminating their personal vehicles and by that, these ride-hailing companies will have to incur even higher expenses for purchase new vehicles, maintain them and house them in a secure facility. It\u2019s like taking one step forward and two steps back.\nThe man-power required, security, logistical and maintenance costs (insurance, repairs etc.) alone would set these companies back years in the accounting\u00a0journals.\nPerhaps there could be an arrangement where the \ncars can be provided by the manufacturers\n, for the ride-hailing companies to attract their customers, with maintenance taken care of by a third party that services and secures the vehicles when not in used.\nIt\u2019s evident that these ride-hailing companies and their unstable tech are \nstill not ready for the inevitable transition\n, and unless they can come up with overnight solutions for the challenges that are attached to the switch, you jobs and livelihood are still safe."
"We\u2019re sure you\u2019ve already seen the \nnew police-liveried BMW M3\n that took the internet by storm. The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). with a proper performance car! This can\u2019t be true, can it?\nWell, as it turns out, the \nBMW M3\n, alongside two \nX3\ns and two \nVolkswagen Tiguan\ns, are being provided as technical evaluation units to the Malaysian police, for a duration of two weeks. So unfortunately, it\u2019s not quite officially part of PDRM\u2019s fleet \u2013 or at least, not yet.\nWith that being said, though, the Malaysian police did have some pretty interesting cars in its stable throughout its history. So while we wait for the PDRM\u2019s decision on the M3, let\u2019s have a look at some of the coolest Malaysian police cars in the past!\nPhoto: DayDry7629/Reddit\nAlfa Romeo Alfetta 2.0\nAlthough Alfa Romeo is no longer being officially represented here in Malaysia, the Italian carmaker did make quite a significant headway here in our country, with not one, but two models (the other being the Giulia 1.6) being used by the PDRM back in the 70s.\nSo what makes this car cool? First of all, it\u2019s an Alfa, so it\u2019s \nalready\n cool by name. But more importantly, the Alfetta also featured a 2.0-litre inline-four engine underneath its bonnet, pushing out \n130 hp\n and \n178 Nm\n to the rear wheels.\nThose numbers may not sound like much now, but it was quite an impressive figure back in the 70s. Keep in mind, the best-selling car at that time, the Datsun Sunny (120Y), only made about 70 hp \u2013 so it\u2019s safe to say that most baddies won\u2019t be able to outrun the Alfa Romeo when it comes to high-speed chases.\nPhoto: One.Stop.Go\nProton Satria GTi\nThe Proton Satria GTi was, or perhaps still is, the most performance-oriented model to ever roll out from the assembly line of our local carmaker. Many Malaysian car enthusiasts dreamt about owning one, but did you know that the police actually had a couple of these little gems in their fleet?\nThe Proton Satria GTi is used as part of the PDRM\u2019s highway patrol car, specifically to be used on the North-South Expressway. However, unlike the Alfa Romeo above, the reason the police chose the GTI isn\u2019t due to its raw performance figures.\nPowering the Satria GTi is a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, generating \n138 hp\n and \n164 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels. The 0-100 km/h time of \n8.5 seconds\n is pretty. alright to be fair, but the GTI\u2019s main selling point is its \u201cHandling by Lotus\u201d badge on its bootlid.\nFun fact: the handling prowess of the Satria GTI was so good, that \u2013 in addition to the \npraises\n from the one and only Richard Hammond \u2013 it\u2019s also \ntrusted by the UK Police\n in Humberside as a pursuit and rapid response car! Oh, what I\u2019d give for Proton to make a proper successor to the beloved Satria GTi today.\nPhoto: IW/Wikipedia\nVolvo S80 T5\nYou must be wondering why this made the list of the \ncoolest\n police cars in Malaysia, but the Volvo S80 is interesting precisely because of how. normal it looks.\nFrom the outside, the Volvo S80 just looks like any other regular D-segment executive sedan \u2013 that is, if you can ignore the police livery on it. But underneath the plain Jane outfit is a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-five engine that makes a pretty impressive \n200 hp \nand \n300 Nm\n of torque.\nSure, its heavier weight does mean a less-than-ideal century sprint time of \n8 seconds flat\n. But with that much power, cruising at high speeds on the highway will be a piece of cake for the Volvo S80 \u2013 perfect for its specific use case in the police fleet.\nPhoto: Rizuan/Wikipedia\nMitsubishi Lancer Evolution X\nLast but definitely not least in this list, is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X \u2013 perhaps the most \u201cwell-known\u201d Malaysian police car. Called the \nHelang Lebuhraya Polis\n (Police Highway Eagles), the Evo Xs are used primarily for highway patrolling and other high-speed chases, particularly in cases of carjacking, kidnapping and highjacking.\nUnderneath the bonnet is a 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged engine that\u2019s good for \n295 hp\n and\n 366 Nm\n of torque, making it the most powerful police car the PDRM has ever had. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission on the police car, as opposed to the six-speed twin-clutch on the car that was sold by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.\nSure, it\u2019s not the Lamborghinis or Ferraris that some other countries\u2019 cops have, but with the clout and heritage surrounding the car, plus the JDM fandom among many Malaysian car enthusiasts, we dare say that the Evo X might actually be more desirable than the other police supercars \u2013 and definitely something for us Malaysians to be proud of!\nPhoto: DayDry7629/Reddit\nBonus: Holden EJ Wagon\nMan, the 60s really was a great era, wasn\u2019t it? Even an every-day run-off-the-mill station wagon can look so cool."
"With the Covid-19 causing all sorts of disruption, the Jamaican bobsleigh team has gotten very creative \u2013 bizarre almost \u2013 with their training methods.\nThe trio consisting of sled pilot Shanwayne Stephen, Dy\u2019Neal Fe\u2019ssal, and Matthew Wilson, have been using a \nMINI Convertible\n for their training in UK\u2019s largest indoor slope at The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead.\nThey would push the MINI Convertible, wrapped in the colours of the Jamaican flag, up and down the snowy slopes for the ultimate resistance training.\nWhen the UK was in lockdown earlier this year, the team stayed fit in their self-built gym at home while using the MINI as a makeshift prowler.\n \nThe trio are currently training to qualify for the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, while their next major event will be the World Championships in Lake Placid, New York, in February 2021.\nShanwayne said, \u201cMatt and Dy\u2019Neal are new to the team and they have never been in a bobsled or even seen one yet! Pushing the MINI here may seem like a bit of fun but this has been an important exercise.\u201d\nHe added, \u201cThe Snow Centre is only -3 degrees, that\u2019s pretty mild compared to what we\u2019re normally in, and they\u2019re already complaining about the cold!\u201d\nGALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia is giving you a chance to have a go in the Jaguar F-Pace, the Jaguar XE and Jaguar XF around a \u201cSmart Cones\u201d course this weekend from 16-18th March at the Art of Performance Tour in Setia City Convention Centre.\nThe Smart Cones course, with \ncones that randomly illuminate in Green and Blue\n is not only a test of the car\u2019s agility, maneuverability and comfort but also challenges the driver\u2019s awareness and reaction.\nThere will also be a separate course to test the Jaguar XE and Jaguar XF\u2019s \u201c\nlow friction acceleration\n\u201d and \u201c\ndual friction braking\n\u201c. The former will allow drivers to experience a standing start with and without Traction Control (TC). With Traction Control on, there\u2019s literally no drama as the car sets off with the Traction Control stepping in to prevent wheel spin.\nAs for the \u201cdual friction braking\u201d, drivers will be asked to \naccelerate till 40 km/h\n until they arrive at a slippery surface drenched with soap and water where they\u2019ll subsequently be instructed to brake as hard as possible. Drivers will be able to \nexperience the vast effect of driving with and without Jaguar\u2019s electronic safety nets\n like Traction Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and even ABS.\nThose present will also be among the first Malaysians to sample the 2.0-litre F-PACE before it\u2019s launched in Malaysia this April. The F-PACE\u2019s new 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium powertrain features a single twin-scroll turbo that produces \n247 hp\n and \n365Nm\u00a0\nfrom only 1,200 rpm. The soon-to-be-launched F-PACE is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, allowing the lightened F-PACE to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds. The XF business saloon does the same run in 5.6 seconds while the XE sports saloon hits the 100 km/h mark in just 5.5 seconds.\nThose interested may \nregister yourselves here\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nJaguar\u2019s Art of Performance Tour   Jaguar F-PACE 2.0"
"With the new \nPerodua Myvi\n facelift now officially open for bookings, the usual pre-launch drip feed of information has now begun. Today\u2019s entry on Perodua\u2019s social media feed gave us a closer look at the Myvi\u2019s new instrument cluster with red accents, alongside its new steering wheel.\nLooks familiar? That\u2019s right \u2013 that\u2019s the same steering wheel as seen on the \nPerodua Ativa\n, and the buttons on the right suggests that the new Myvi will also feature the full PSDA advanced driver assistance systems, including level 2 autonomous driving capabilities!\nRead more about Perodua\u2019s new PSDA system in more detail here!\nThese new features (Lane Keep Control, adaptive cruise control) should be limited to only the range-topping AV variant, but still pretty impressive for a car that\u2019s priced below RM60,000. Perodua does say that the ASA 3.0 system will be available across the board, though that should be watered down to \u201cjust\u201d the basic features such as autonomous emergency braking.\nOther buttons on the steering wheel include a new power button, which should help perk up the engine and throttle response (and further hints at the heavily-rumoured CVT gearbox), alongside a set of media controls and voice assistant button for the new touchscreen infotainment display that we saw in the earlier teasers.\nPerodua says that the new Myvi will be priced from \nRM45,700\n to \nRM58,800\n, which are on-the-road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that have recently been extended to June 2022. Which means it\u2019s a roughly RM3,000 to RM6,000 price hike over the pre-facelift model.\nDo the new advanced driver assistance features justify the price hike, or are you hoping to see even more upgrades in our Malaysian king of the highway? Let us know in the comments below!\nAs usual, the teasers will keep coming in until the official launch, so keep your eyes peeled on our site! To read more on the previously-announced information for the new Perodua Myvi, check out our earlier coverage here."
"While hire purchase remains the most common method of financing vehicle purchases in Malaysia, the traditional definition of car ownership is being gradually expanded to include leasing, with more car brands going down this route to meet different requirements of buyers and businesses.\nHere\u2019s how the BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s Easy Drive financing solution works; it begins with choosing an initial down payment of between 10% to 30%, then a loan tenure of between three or four years, and a mileage cap of either 20,000 km or 25,000 km, annually. After which, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia tabulates the monthly installment and a Guaranteed Future Value of the vehicle.\nFor a modest monthly fee, customers can opt for Easy Drive Prime with benefits such as car care plan and coverage on scratches and dents, even flooding.\nAt the end of the tenure, the lessee can trade in the car and choose another BMW or MINI to upgrade to, or return the vehicle with no further obligations (e.g. such as finding a buyer), or settle the final payment which is also the guaranteed future value as agreed upon, or lastly, to extend the contract term of the current vehicle.\nWhile the monthly installment of a lease is higher than that of a hire purchase plan (over the same period), the leasing option suits customers and businesses with little inclination to \u2018own\u2019 or use the vehicle beyond three to four years. For those with concerns on the residue values of plug-in hybrid vehicles, Easy Drive is also a suitable financing option as it guarantees the future value of the vehicle."
"Lexus Malaysia has just launched the facelifted NX 200t which is now redesignated to NX 300 where the range will consist of four variants \u2013 the NX 300 Premium, NX 300 F Sport, NX 300h and the new entry-level variant, the NX 300 Urban.\nPerformance figures remains unchanged as all NX variants (except the NX 300h) will come with 2.0-litre four cylinder engine producing \n235 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Power is delivered through a sequential 6-speed automatic transmission with Torque-Demand control logic to calculate required engine torque to deliver quick response and exhilarating acceleration feel.\nThere is also the G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system which enables spirited driving by selecting the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to g force.\nChanges are primarily on the aesthetics of the car where the 2018 model will now feature a new grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers and ultra compact 3-beam LED headlamps inspired by the LC500. Also new to the exterior are the 18-inch alloy wheels along with baffle-type design exhaust tips.   The NX 300\u2019s interior has also been refreshed with the inclusion of a new analogue clock design and a redesigned air-conditioning control panel with toggle switches. The dashboard also houses a new 8-inch Lexus Display Audio unit for all variants except the NX 300 F SPORT and NX 300h Hybrid which gets a new 10.3-inch EMVN Display complemented by a Mark Levinson audio system.\nA moonroof is now standard for the NX 300 Premium alongside a new new Drive Mode Select Switch Design, while the palm rest for the award-winning Remote Touch Interface has been improved for maximum wrist comfort. The touchpad has also been increased in surface area by 30% for better control to make menu selections easier.\nThe Drive Mode Select system allows the drivers to tweak different parameters of the car including throttle response and the power steering assist curve. Three modes are available \u2013\u00a0Normal, ECO and Sport \nfor Urban and Premium grade\n while the F SPORT gets an additional \nCUSTOM mode\n that allows the driver to set their own suspension, power train and power steering settings.\nIn the NX 300h, it comes with an additional EV mode which induces the powertrain to use only the electric motor but is only available for a limited range and in certain operating conditions.\nSignificant improvements have been made to the suspension setup with new shock absorbers, retuned springs, stabiliser bars and bushings for improved turn-in response and better cornering stability.\nOn the F SPORT model, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) now has 650 levels of continuous variably control \u2013 a massive step up from the 30 levels available in the 2017 model.\nThere are seven colours to choose from for all variants while the F SPORT gets eight colour options \u2013 two of which are exclusive to the variant. The two colours are applied using a four-layer paint process for a more vivid finish. Inside, the F SPORT will be offered with three exclusive interior colour themes/trims.\nThe NX 300 Premium is priced at\u00a0RM329,800\u00a0(RM11,000 less than the equivalent NX 200t sold in 2017),\u00a0NX 300 F Sport at RM387,900,\u00a0NX 300h at RM397,800 while NX 300 Urban starts from\u00a0RM311,900.\nAll new models sold by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage. The NX 300h is supplemented with an 8-year battery assurance programme for the hybrid battery pack.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 500,000th unit of the iconic \nMercedes-Benz G-Class\n has just rolled off the production line in Graz, Austria on \nApril 20\n. Initially introduced in 1979, the G-Class is now one of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s longest-running production vehicles.\nLucky number 500,000 harks back to the classic G-class with a vintage-inspired look, featuring many design features based on the 280 GE from 1986. These include the \u2018agave green\u2019 hue on the outside, which is one of the first paint colours available for the G-Class, the iconic round headlamps but with LED technology, turn signals with the retro orange cover, spare wheel cover with a larger-than-usual Mercedes-Benz star, brand badge on the rear door, as well as the five-spoke sterling silver wheel.\nThe classic G-Class design continues on the inside, with iconic design touches including the passenger-side door handle with agave green \u2018No. 500,000\u2019 lettering, \u2018Sch\u00f6ckl\u2019 door sill trim, and logo embossing on the door handle. Despite the retro looks, the 500,000th G-Class still shows itself as a modern car underneath with its modern driver assistance systems.\nMercedes-Benz G Chairman and CEO and Mercedes-Benz AG Head of Off-Road Vehicle Product Division, Dr Emmerich Schiller said, \u201cOn the occasion of the 500,000th anniversary, we would like to thank both our loyal customers and long-time fans as well as our employees and our production partner Magna Steyr in Graz. We are proud of this figure, which also underscores the exclusivity of the G-Class.\u201d\nSchiller added, \u201cAfter all, four whole decades have led to this significant anniversary. This makes the G-Class anything but a mass product. With the all-electric G-Class launching in 2024, which will push the boundaries of the off-road sector, we look forward with anticipation to the future of the off-road icon.\u201d\nRELATED: \nWatch the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG do a stationary tank turn\nAnd yes, just as mentioned by Schiller, Mercedes-Benz will be making an all-electric G-class for the off-road icon\u2019s upcoming 45th production anniversary in 2024. ICE fans of the off-roader do not need to panic either as the German automotive giant ensured that the combustion engine models will be rolling off the production line alongside as well.\nMercedes-Benz also added that the new product\u2019s design will continue to remain true to itself, with the motto \u2018technical development with unchanged character\u2019. Here in Malaysia, the fully imported \nMercedes-Benz G 63\n is available for \nRM1,788,888\n on the road, without insurance.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC launched in Malaysia, RM430k \u2013 single variant, MHEV"
"Having sold 282,019 cars in 2022, local carmaker \nPerodua\n \ntargets to sell \n314,000 cars\n in 2023, essentially a 11.3% year on year growth. In terms of production, Perodua aims to produce \n330,000 cars\n this year, which is 14.2% more than 2022.\nTo achieve the 314,000 unit target, Perodua has recently opened bookings for the all-new \nPerodua Axia\n. Perodua says that they \u201chave allocated RM537.1 million on the development of a new model\u201d which refers to several models including the all-new Axia. Besides the introduction of new models, Perodua also aims to expand its Pre-Owned Vehicle (POV) and Subscription business this year.\nThe all-new Perodua Axia is now open for bookings\nPerodua President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, \u201cThis year (2023) provides a golden opportunity for us as consumers still have confidence in the automotive market. In fact, more than half of our targeted volume is from bookings we collected last year but have yet to deliver.\u201d\n\u201cAs our normal installed annual production capacity for our Perodua Manufacturing and Perodua Global Manufacturing plants are at 320,000 units on a two-shift cycle, we can still increase our volume by improving productivity and by instituting overtime.\u201d\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 Perodua Axia open for booking \u2013 same engine, D-CVT gearbox, up to 6 airbags\nBesides boosting production and increasing sales, Perodua is also committed to an RM10 billion budget to purchase parts from local suppliers for 2023. Dato\u2019 Zainal said, \u201cThis purchase commitment is expected to further encourage the Malaysian automotive ecosystem to further improve its production capabilities and quality standards. In short, the increase in production will give much-needed boost for our local industries to improve their economies of scale and to better compete with their counterparts abroad.\u201d\nRELATED: \nDaihatsu Ayla EV concept unveiled \u2013 Electric Perodua Axia in the making?\nIn terms of expansion, Perodua has allocated RM1.15 billion capital expenditure this year to improve its group operations.\nThe Perodua CEO said, \u201cWe have also allocated RM537.1 million on the development of a new model, as well as RM247.1 million to further modernise our operations, which also include upgrading existing 1S and 2S centres into 3S centres.\u201d\nPerodua is also targeting an increase in vehicle intake at its service centres nationwide. The company targets 2.8 million intakes in 2023 over the 2.6 million intake in 2022.\nRELATED: \nPerodua sold 282k cars in 2022, no increase in car prices soon"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just expanded its new-generation Compact Cars line up with the first ever \nMercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan\n, joining the \nhatchback variants\n which was introduced to the market in late 2018.\nLike the Hatchback, the A-Class Sedan is offered in two variants \u2013 \nA 200 Progressive Line\n and \nA 250 AMG Line\n. The fully imported models are priced at RM229,888 and RM267,888 (on-the-road without insurance) respectively.\n \nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz A 200 Sedan Progressive Line\nMercedes-Benz A 250 Sedan AMG Line\nEngine\n1,332cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\n1,991cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n7-speed dual-clutch\nMax Power\n163 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n224 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,620 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.1 seconds; 230 km/h\n6.3 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM229,888\nRM267,888\n \nEXTERIOR\nCompared to the hatch, the A-Class Sedan is longer by 130 mm with the extra length going to the rear overhangs. The sedan is also 4 mm taller, but its wheelbase of 2,729 mm is identical to the Hatch.\nThis means that despite its longer dimensions, you still get the same interior space (head, knee, shoulder room) as the hatch. The only edge it has is the \n420 litres\n boot space which is 50 litres more than the hatch.\nThe A-Class Sedan boasts the \nlowest drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd\n in the segment thanks to a small frontal area, sleek body panels and clean underbody. The rear \u201cducktail\u201d boot lid also helps with smoothening airflow around the car.\nOn the A 200 Progressive Line, it wears a less pronounced body kit complete with LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch five-twin spoke alloys and full LED taillamps.\nStep up to the A 250 AMG Line it gets a more distinct appearance with sportier front and rear apron and 18-inch five-spoke AMG alloys.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin is lifted\nfrom the A-Class hatch which means you get the Widescreen cockpit with two\n10.25-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system,\nmultifunctional sports steering wheel, powered front seats with memory\nfunction, keyless entry and go, 64-colour ambient lighting, Mercedes-Benz User\nExperience (MBUX) with intelligent voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android\nAuto, rear view camera as well as illuminated door sills.\nSeparating the two\ntrim lines are the material used to furnish the interior trims. On the A 200\nProgressive Line you\u2019ll find open pore lime wood trim and comfort seats while\nthe A 250 AMG Line is equipped with light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim,\nNappa leather steering wheel and AMG illuminated door sill panels.\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the A 200 is\nthe Renault-sourced 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder packing \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint is covered in 8.1 seconds while\ntop speed is registered at \n230 km/h\n.\nOn the A 250 you find the M260 2.0-litre turbocharged four banger with Volkswagen Golf GTI rivalling power of \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. It will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and top speed is a touch higher at \n250 km/h\n.\nLike the hatchback,\nanother key differences between the A 200 and A 250 is the rear suspension set\nup. The former adopts a torsion beam while the latter uses a more sophisticated\nmulti-link set up.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety\nequipment reads seven airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, anti-theft\nalarm system, Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist and Automatic\nhigh-beam control on top of all the usual three-letter acronyms.\nWHAT ELSE?\nEvery purchase of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan comes with a 4-Years Warranty and is available with attractive financing packages with Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0A\u00a0200\u00a0Sedan\u00a0Progressive\u00a0Line"
"It all first started with the Porsche Cayenne, then it snowballed to the (in no particular order) Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Lamborghini Urus, Maserati Levante, and soon it\u2019d be Ferrari\u2019s turn but for now, let\u2019s focus on this \u2013 the new \nAston Martin\n \nDBX\n that has made its way to Malaysia.\nWith prices starting from RM818k before taxes and options, the \nAston Martin\n DBX is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine making \n550 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s more than what the \nVantage\n and \nDB11\n produce if you\u2019re wondering. The engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission; both have been sourced from Mercedes-Benz.\nThis translates to staggering performance numbers. 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n4.5 seconds\n, almost as quick as the \nnew BMW M3 and M4\n while top speed is rated at (if you even dare achieve) a frightening\u00a0\n291 km/h\n!\n \nThat\u2019s not all. The Aston Martin DBX isn\u2019t just all brawn and no brains; it\u2019s full of clever ideas as well. It\u2019s got a \u201cself-cleaning\u201d rear windscreen, door hinges that make the doors open at an angle to avoid hitting the curbs, glass B-pillars so as to not interupt the clean, elegant lines of the car. It also helps improve airflow.\nInside, it\u2019s just a leather fest as GC Mah describes it. Almost every conceivable surface in the cabin has been wrapped with leather, even the speaker covers! That\u2019s not all. There\u2019s also a massive panoramic sunroof and generous amounts of space at the back.\nAs an option, there is a Pet package which includes a portable washer for your pets after they\u2019ve had a rub in the mud, in addition to the various wheel options, as well as exterior and interior finishes.\nGALLERY"
"Goodyear has announced its collaboration with Skechers which will see the outsoles of their shoes feature Goodyear rubber technology for increased grip, stability and durability.\nWhether it\u2019s for men, women or children, these Skechers will feature Goodyear Performance Outsoles that offer enhanced stability while running, excellent grip over slippery surfaces, and durability for long-lasting wear.\nThis is made possible with Goodyear-developed rubber technology that contains a special polymer including sustainable soybean oil \u2013 a renewable, bio-based material used in some of the company\u2019s top-performing tyres in the U.S. and Canada.\nInitially only available in the Skechers\u2019 GOrun collection, the technology will soon be applied to a wider range of shoes \u2013 for kids and work footwear.\nIn other related news, the company announced that it has eclipsed three million miles of data from road tests and field trials with customers on its connected tyres. These connected tyres which are embedded with sensors and are able to communicate road and tyre conditions to the vehicle.\nStudies have shown that Goodyear\u2019s connected tyres can \nreduce stopping distance lost between a new and worn tyre by 30%\n.\nGoodyear\u2019s connected tyre system continuously measures and records tyre-derived information, which is paired with other vehicle data and connected to Goodyear\u2019s cloud-based proprietary algorithms.\nThe tyres can measure tyre wear, load, inflation and temperature, along with road surface conditions, in real time, allowing the vehicle to adjust and respond to these measurements and optimise vehicle performance. This feature according to Goodyear, will see increased importance with the uprising of electric and autonomous vehicles.\nRecently, Goodyear introduced to the Malaysian market the new \nEagle F1 SuperSport range of tyres\n, their latest addition to the Eagle F1 line-up.\nThe \nSuperSport range consists of three tiers\n \u2013 SuperSport, SuperSport R and SuperSport RS. Categorised as UUHP (for ultra ultra-high-performance) tyres, Goodyear says that the tyres utlises development experience from racing to be used on the road."
"There\u2019s often a taboo surrounding the words \u2018Korean cars\u2019, especially when it involves paying almost as much as what you would for your regular Japanese D-Segment sedan (read: Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Toyota Camry). Good looks aside, the Koreans have always faced the gun\u2019s barrel in what appears to be a deliberate case of unaddressed social stigma.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHyundai Sonata 2.0L Elegance B\u00a0\nHyundai Sonata 2.0L Elegance\nHyundai Sonata 2.0L Executive\nSegment\nD-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n1,999cc; inline-4 cyl with DVVT technology\n1,999cc; inline-4 cyl with DVVT technology\n1,999cc; inline-4 cyl with DVVT technology\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n152 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n152 hp @ 6,200 rpm\n152 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n194 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n194 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n194 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0\nwith\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM143,163.30\nRM149,845.30\nRM158,053.30\n\u00a0\nThe bias towards Japanese cars stacks on the Korean\u2019s poor run in the early 2000s, and some of these reasons for bias have been rooted so deeply that it\u2019s almost impossible to shake off. All that is said while keeping in mind that over the past few years, there is indeed an observable growth in terms of brand acceptance where reliability, good looks, safety and value for money is concerned.\nThis all-new, seventh generation \nHyundai Sonata LF\n appears to be a worthy competitor to challenge the status quo, but can it really succeed in winning the immovable hearts of pro-Japanese consumers? To answer that, we more than willingly\u00a0covered over 300 kilometers of tarmac, dirt and cement to see just how big a punch this most recent Korean D-segment sedan can throw.\nEXTERIOR\nWhen the Sonata YF made its debut here in Malaysia, it generated quite a shockwave simply by means of its design. Let\u2019s face it. No other D-Segment offerings from Japan at the time had such wild styling as the Sonata did. In fact, the Fluidic Sculpture approach proved to be quite a hit among the younger group of its target market, a feat that can only be achieved when one does the unexpected.   The new Sonata however, is all grown up. It certainly bears some obvious similarities from the previous Sonata, but this time packaged in a more sedated and elegant way. We sampled the range topping Sonata 2.0L Executive here, so the exterior gets trim-exclusive features such as \nbi-xenon HID headlights\n, a set of polished \n18-inch wheels\u00a0\n(235/45 R18 tyres; lesser trims ride on 17-inchers) that has a skimmed-like effect and rain sensors which we didn\u2019t have the opportunity to test.\nIt all spells normal and fits the typical everyday-kind-of-car to boot \u2013 that\u2019s because it is. But what\u2019s truly unique about the Sonata is its new \nSmart Trunk System\n which automatically pops the tailgate open when the car detects the key fob. Assuming your hands are full, simply stand behind the car for \nthree seconds\n and the trunk will open in full. Granted, this will work even when you don\u2019t intend for it to, so just keep that in mind. This feature is demonstrated by yours truly in the video above, so you might want to see how it works. There are six\u00a0different colours to choose from, but our favourites are Ice White, Dark Horse (like the main picture on top) and Remington Red.\nINTERIOR\nThe Sonata continues to impress with its impressive build quality in the cabin. Stepping inside the car makes for a pleasant affair because you know you\u2019re not shortchanged in any way. Gone are the days where buttons, switches and knobs feel flimsy in a Korean car. Properly executed, this one, and ranks somewhere at the top of its game in terms of finishing.   Firstly, the leather wrapped seats feel good to the touch and the cushioning is spot on; not too soft, not too hard. The seats are also electrically powered with lumbar support, so you need not worry about backaches on the occasional long weekend drives. Rear legroom in the Sonata falls short of the Accord\u2019s, but anyone shorter than 185 cm shouldn\u2019t have any issues with seating comfort. On the plus side, occupants can benefit from the rear air conditioning vents, a 12V output socket and the retractable panoramic glass roof.\nHere\u2019s something many are at guilt when it comes to telling whether a car is properly built or not \u2013 the \ndoor closing test\n. We\u2019ve got that covered, and trust us when we say the thud it makes is pretty satisfying, if that\u2019s your way of measuring quality.\nPERFORMANCE\nNow, the engine is a carryover unit and the model will only be offered with the \n2.0-litre Nu engine\n making \n154 hp\n at 6,200 rpm and \n194 Nm\n at 4,000 rpm. Yup, no more 2.4L Sonatas from hereon. The decision to omit the larger engine stemmed from the reason that the 2.0L variants fared better in terms of sales, so out the creamier engine goes.\nMoving on, the drivetrain is also a familiar one \u2013 an in-house \nsix-speed\n torque converting automatic gearbox that drives the \nfront wheels\n.\u00a0There\u2019s little chance of us seeing the Sonata coming here with the more advanced GDI engine, what more the \nSonata Hybrid\n. The Nu engine is also shared with the outgoing \nTucson\n SUV, just so you know. So that\u2019s all there is to it, now let\u2019s see how the improved family car fares on the road.\nTHE DRIVE\nBeing our D-Segment \npick of the year\n for 2014, the bar was set rather highly for this Korean sedan, thanks to Hyundai Sime Darby Motors\u2019 (HSDM) game changing 8-year or 300,000 km warranty programme. As mentioned earlier, we took the car on a good mix of roads, and the first leg of our journey was comprised mostly of poorly maintained trunk roads via Sepang which led to Port Dickson.\nThe hour-long drive saw us pacing along considerably punishing one-way roads, but the much improved\u00a0Sonata remained unfettered and took them in its stride with the suspension effectively absorbing harshness and minimising vibration along the way. Comfort in the ride department has certainly improved over the sixth generation model. That said, it still has a few tricks up its sleeves.\nIn terms of handling, you wouldn\u2019t expect a lot out of a Korean model, only because they\u2019re more purpose built in the getting from Point A to Point B sense. Well, the ballgame has changed with this one. Trunk roads are generally the ideal roads to push a car to its limits and in some cases, to find its limits. But we went out there with one goal in mind \u2013 to put Hyundai\u2019s claims to the test that this very Sonata drives and handles much better than before.\nHaving driven the perennial best seller Honda Accord just a week before the Sonata, much of the experience remained and were carried into the Sonata\u2019s driver\u2019s seat. To our surprise, the Korean showed incremental gains in the way it handles\u00a0the corners, though not as agile and precise as the Accord, is still a significant improvement over its predecessor. Having said that, body rolls and understeering were commonplace, but to do that you\u2019d have to really push the car hard, and by hard we mean \nreally\n\u00a0hard.\nNew to the Sonata this time around is the \nDrive Mode Control System\n, a switch placed next to the gear lever that allows for \nthree driving mode\n selections \u2013 Active Eco, Comfort and Sport. It doesn\u2019t do much, but each mode alters engine and transmission behaviour as well as adding or reducing steering feel. We liked Sport mode the most, and it is in sport that the car feels most alive.\nCabin insulation is commendable and is much better than the Accord despite having an Active Noise Cancelling device. At cruising\u00a0speeds, the Sonata remained pliant and is still no less comfortable than slow city driving. There\u2019s hardly any wind noise at legal speed limits, but road noise did make its way into the cabin. Nothing a good set of tyres can\u2019t fix here, so we\u2019ll pass judgement on that.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nKorean cars have come a long, long way. Hyundai continues to push the boundaries of its own limits and in doing so, they produce cars that are getting increasingly hard for the Japanese to ignore. If you\u2019re looking for a confident, sleek looking car and would want to go the less obvious route then yes, this car fits that picture best. For what it\u2019s worth \u2013 at \nRM153,767.50\n without insurance, the Sonata is undoubtedly a promising segment contender.\nIf your past experiences with Korean cars have formed unshakable impressions of what the modern ones will have to offer, just remember that it\u2019s really a thing of old. A simple comparison on paper between the Accord 2.0 VTi-L and the Sonata Executive will show you just how well equipped the latter is, despite costing a pinch over RM8,000.\nCOMPARISON\nHere we put the Sonata against some of the more popular D-Segment sedans out there \u2013 the Nissan Teana and Honda Accord. To even things out, the trio will be compared based on their 2.0-litre variants, so here goes.\nHyundai Sonata LF 2.0L Executive\nHonda Accord 2.0L VTi-L\nNissan Teana 2.0XL\u00a0\nENGINE\nType\n\u00a0Inline 4-cylinder\nInline 4-cylinder\nInline 4-cylinder\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,999\n1,997\n1,997\nMax Power\nhp\n152\n153\n134\nMax Torque\nNm\n194\n190\n190\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nElectro-hydraulic power steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-spd auto\n5-spd auto\nCVT\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront/Rear\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n235/45R18\n225/50R17\n\u00a0215/60R16\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,855\n4,870\n4,885\nOverall Width\nmm\n\u00a01,865\n1,850\n1,830\nOverall Height\nmm\n\u00a01,475\n1,465\n1,485\nWheelbase\nmm\n\u00a02,805\n2,775\n2,775\nKerb Weight\nkg\nN/A\n1,530\n1,456\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n510\n461\n516\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n70 litres\n65\u00a0litres\n65\u00a0litres\nConsumption (Combined)\n\u00a0L/100km\n7.9\nN/A\n7.4\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n200 km/h\nN/A\nN/A\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n11.1\nN/A\nN/A\nPRICE\n \nRM\n153,767.50\n145,737.50\n145,748.20\n\u00a0\n WILL I BUY IT?\nIf I were to buy myself a D-Segment sedan, I\u2019d factor in several key elements like comfort, road presence, reliability, power on tap and its overall driving smoothness both in and out of the city. The Sonata ticks a good number of those boxes, but it still lacks that \noomph\n\u00a0we got when we tested the \ni40 Sedan\n and \nTourer\n. It didn\u2019t feel as powerful, but the well executed gearbox pairing does count for something.\nStill, this Sonata is one of the best performing family sedans money can buy right now, and it is without question the only car in its segment to earn you a 2-year \u201cThe Leader\u201d concierge service, personalised medical assistance and most importantly, an additional three-year or 300,000 km warranty on top of the manufacturer\u2019s five-year warranty for your engine and gearbox. But if I were to be honest, the \nPassat CKD\n\u00a0may well be the more promising alternative.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHyundai Sonata LF Executive Media Test Drive   Hyundai Sonata LF Launch"
"Honda Thailand has retained the No.1 position in Thailand\u2019s passenger car market for the\u00a0third year in a row in 2017 with a whopping total of 127,768 units sold.\nThe brand\u2019s top five best-selling models in 2017 were the \nHonda City (34,955 units)\n, Honda Civic (27,448 units), Honda Jazz (23,360 units) while the HR-V, CR-V and BR-V contributed (32,690 units) \u2013 leading to the highest total sales in three major market segments.\nMalaysia is the only market outside of Japan to receive the \nHonda City Sport Hybrid\n.\nMeanwhile, in Philippines, Honda announced that it has successfully continued its growth with record breaking sales in 2017 with 31,758 vehicles sold, compared to 2016 with 23,199 units.\nThe primary contributors to Honda\u2019s strong sales performance were the \nCity (9,430 units)\n, the BR-V (7,212 units) and the Civic (4,146 units). With the successful launch of the all-new CR-V (2,799 units sold), it further solidified Honda\u2019s growth with its introduction last August 2017."
"Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) will be offering exclusive deals on\n new and pre-owned Hyundai models\n this weekend starting tomorrow from \n12 to 14 June\n, available at all SDAH outlets nationwide, including the new Sime Darby Motor City in Ara Damansara.\nThe three-day-only promotional campaign will see \ncash rebates of up to RM18,000\n, as well as \ncomplimentary accessories\n with the purchase of selected Hyundai models.\nThe \nHyundai Santa Fe\n was given a slight update, and now includes third-row air conditioning as standard.\nAll pre-owned models on sale are less than five-years old, or with a mileage of less than 100,000 km on the clock. Additionally, all units have also undergone stringent inspection protocols to ensure they are in mint condition, with only genuine parts and original engine fitted, and are major accident-free.\nFor added peace of mind, Hyundai product experts will be at hand to answer to any queries you might have before making a purchase.\nIn line with the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), health and safety protocols will be in place at all Hyundai outlets during the campaign. These include sanitisation of test drive vehicles before and after each test drive, as well as the practice of social distancing.\nCustomers interested are \nadvised to make an appointment\n prior to their visit to their preferred showroom. The operational hours will be split into four sessions for appointments \u2013 9am to 11am, 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm, and 3pm to 5pm.\nRecently, SDAH also launched their new \n\u2018Test Drive To You\u2019 online service\n, allowing customers in areas around its six SDAH outlets in the country to test drive Hyundai models right from their door step."
"EVs are a dime a dozen these days, but the \nOra Good Cat\n is one of them that stands out, thanks to its unique design and attractive starting price of \nRM 139,800\n. Even the name of the car is unusual and unique enough to make people curious about the car. While the car has been out for a while now, we finally have time to review it for you (Yes, the Ora Good Cat is no longer the cheapest EV in Malaysia. This review was filmed before the launch of the Neta V).\nAs mentioned above, the most unique part of the Ora Good Cat must be its exterior. Styled literally like a cat, the Good Cat features feminine curves all around the car, reminding us of cars like the \nVolkswagen Beetle\n. The LED headlights are also rounded and shaped like a cat\u2019s eye, making the car fit the \u2018Good Cat\u2019 name even more.\n \nAt the rear, the Ora Good Cat features a unique tail light design for its price range, making it a unique buy that won\u2019t break the bank. However, don\u2019t let its size fool you as it is actually bigger than you might think. Details are in our video review, so watch on to find out!\nInside the Good Cat features a modern interior that also looks luxurious. Featuring a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, the Good Cat also comes with features such as a 6-way powered driver seat, leather upholstery, and a wireless mobile phone charging pad.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-bound Ora Lightning Cat at Auto Shanghai 2023, up to 705km range\nPowering the Good Cat is a single electric motor that is capable of pushing out \n143 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in \n7.9 seconds\n.\nThis all makes the Ora Good Cat sound like a great deal. But is it also a good cat when it comes to its range, safety features, interior quality, charging performance, and the way it drives? Because there\u2019s no perfect car in this world right? Watch our Ora Good Cat video review to find out.\nRELATED: \nTengku Zafrul receives Ora Good Cat for long term test drive \u2013 MITI to study EV usage pattern"
"Although rowing your own gears might be the closest we can get to a sense of euphoria on the empty mountain roads, there is no way we can deny the speed and convenience that a proper dual-clutch gearbox offers, especially in our mundane day-to-day commute.\u00a0\nThe speed of a performance-oriented dual-clutch gearbox is even more apparent on the race track. It is no surprise then, that Porsche will soon be offering the track-focused \n718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Boxster Spyder\n with the brand\u2019s famed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, according to a report by \nEvo UK\n.\nThis will be the first time that Porsche is offering the PDK transmission in its mid-engined GT4 and Spyder models, since their \nintroduction in 2015\n.\nAs a refresher, the 718 Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder announced last year features a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine, capable of producing \n420 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Up until now, the GT4 and Spyder are only available with a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n, in the name of maximum driving pleasure.\u00a0\nAside from the powertrain, the GT4 and Spyder also features a sophisticated GT suspension, with the front inherited from the 991 911 GT3, along with the GT3\u2019s brakes.\nAccording to the same report, the recently-announced \n718 Cayman and Boxster GTS\n, featuring the same 4.0-litre engine from the GT4, will also be offered with the same PDK gearbox. \nThe predecessor\n with a flat-four engine was available with a dual-clutch transmission since launch."
"Zagato, the Italian Automotive and Design company has been a strong partner with Aston Martin since 1960 when the two brands worked together to develop the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. Renowned for its beautiful reimagination of Aston Martin vehicles, Zagato has added two additional renditions to the Vanquish family \u2013 Zagato Speedster and Zagato Shooting Brake.\nThe Speedster and Shooting Brake will join the existing \nCoupe\n and \nVolante\n body styles, completing the family of four of Vanquish Zagato models.\u00a0 A total of \n325 cars\n will roll out of the production floor with the Coupe, Volante and Shooting Brake each limited to \n99 cars\n whereas the Speedster is limited to just \n28 cars\n, making it the rarest of the lot.\nLet\u2019s address the elephant in the room, the Zagato Shooting Brake. It remains \nstrictly a two-seater\n except it gets the added practicality of a GT car. Although still kept under wraps, we can tell from the sketch that the Shooting Brake will have an extended roofline with a \u2018double-bubble\u2019 design. Zagato has also revealed that the car will have luxurious convenience items such as glass inlays to let light seep into the cockpit, powered tailgates, trimmed rear cabin area and a complete tailored luggage set. Besides that, the Shooting Brake is the only Vanquish Zagato model you can own brand new, the rest are all sold out.\nWhile the Shooting Brake offer high levels of sophistication and\u00a0GT capabilities, the Speedster is an uncompromising ultra-high-performance open-top supercar. Like the Shooting Brake, the Speedster gets Zagato\u2019s signature \u2018double-bubble\u2019 roof. All the extra bits present on the car are made from carbon fibre no less.\nPowering the Vanquish Zagato family is a 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 mated to an eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission. Output is rated at \n592 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque. On the \nstandard Vanquish S\n, century sprint time is clocked in at \n3.5 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n323 km/h\n.   Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, said of the Vanquish Zagato family: \u201cWe haven\u2019t released Zagato models as a family before, at least not in this way, but the idea is not without precedent. Think back to the DB7 Zagato and DB AR1, or the V8 Zagato Coupe and Volante, for example. We\u2019ve simply taken things a few steps further.\u201d\n\u201cWhy create a family of Zagatos? Well, many of our customers want different things. Some prefer the purity of a Coupe, but others love the idea of something more extreme, like the Speedster. And yes, some of them have ordered one example of each. There\u2019s always an over-demand from our clients and patrons. We could easily fulfill demand for more cars than this, but we want Zagato to remain something very special.\u201d He added.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAston Martin Vanquish Zagato Speedster   Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake\n \n \nAston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante"
"In a continuous effort to improve customer experience, Honda Malaysia is expanding their Body and Paint (BP) Centres at its dealerships. Six new BP Centres have been opened this year, bringing the total number of Honda BP Centres to 28.\u00a0\nBP Centre is Honda\u2019s one-stop solution in providing Honda customers \naccident vehicle repairs, vehicle inspections, painting, and quality check after maintenance\n. The BP centres also provides associated services such as preparing documents and assisting in the process of an insurance claim.\u00a0\nAlong with the enhanced customer experience, Honda also promises that the technicians are \ntrained to the highest skills and knowledge\n to ensure all repairs and maintenance are performed according to the set standards.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cWe believe the expansion of BP Centres will help Honda Malaysia meet the increasing demand as well as offer high quality after-sales service and benefits to our customers such as skilled technicians and conducive environment.\n\u201cTo top it off, Honda Malaysia provides quality products in our BP Centres. This includes Waterborne paint, the revolutionary green product as well as genuine Honda parts that are certified by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. We are also working closely with our dealers to deliver top-notch customer experience from sales to after-sales,\u201d he added.\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s consistent sales growth for the past five years has translated into an increase in after-sales service demand. In the first ten months of the year, Honda Malaysia has recorded over 36,000 BP service intakes, a 40% increase from the same period last year.\nThe full list of Honda BP Centres are as follows:"
"Audi has just unveiled its refreshed Audi R8 LMS GT3 race car at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The updated GT3 race car is ready for customers to take on the 2019 racing season.\nDuring the development of the updated R8 LMS GT3, Audi Sport concentrated on areas of aerodynamics, cooling and durability of the transmission to allow customers to stay more time on the track than in the pit.\nUpfront there is a restyle bumper with a new splitter for better aerodynamic stability and consistency. Brake cooling has been improved thanks to improved airflow to the brake systems and more efficient evacuation of hot air from the disc brakes. This results in a more consistent braking performance as well as tire pressure.\nAudi Sport has introduced an improved three-plate racing clutch that has\n 50 per cent longer rebuild interval\n, revised gear teeth and reinforced bearings to prolong the longevity of the six-speed sequential transmission. No changes to the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 that pumps out \n585 hp\n and over \n550 Nm\n of torque.\nCustomers who intend to race the 2019 Audi R8 LMS GT3 in various racing series that it qualifies in will have to fork out \u20ac398k (RM1.9 million). However, customers who already possess the second-generation R8 LMS GT3 race car can retrofit the evolution kit for \u20ac28,000 (RM134k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The fastest production car by Aston Martin and also our \n2019 AutoBuzz Best Driver\u2019s Cars\n has arrived at its Kuala Lumpur showroom in a new shade of green that simply peaks the heart\u2019s desire.\nIt\u2019s called Pentland Green. The new paint job has been paired with Bronze brake calipers, carbon-ceramic brakes and a set of 21-inch 10-spoke wheels in Gloss Black Diamond. The effect of it is simply one of the most elegant yet stealthy Aston Martin DBS\u2019 we\u2019ve laid eyes on.\nComplementing the elegant new exterior finish are Caithness leather upholstery with Sahara Tan stitching. The latter colour has also been applied to the headlining of the DBS Superleggera that looks \nfar less tacky than the one \nin the launch model! Brrrr!\n So un-Aston Martin-like!\nAlso unlike the launch unit we saw at Aston Martin\u2019s KL showroom, the Pentland Green DBS Superleggera comes with a more elegant seat design. The Aston Martin emblem embroidery on the back rest of the front seat has been replaced with \u201cDBS\u201d letters instead. Completing the exterior are Tamo Ash open pore trims and a Satin Silver Jewellery pack.\n \nPerformance wise, nothing has changed. Underneath the DBS\u2019 carbon fibre front hood is a 5.2-litre quad-cam twin-turbo V12 producing\u00a0\n725 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n900 Nm\n\u00a0of torque. Frighteningly, every inch of performance is channeled solely to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and a carbon fibre driveshaft.\n0 to 100 km/h is done within a highly disturbing\u00a0\n3.4 seconds\n, onward to a spellbinding top speed of 340 km/h. In case that doesn\u2019t excite you, it\u2019ll also do 80-160 km/h in just four seconds.\nThe Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is available from the base price of RM 1,228,000.00, while the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera in Pentland Green is priced at RM 1,450,000.00 (excluding duties and taxes).\nThis customised DBS Superleggera Pentland Green comes with a 3-year factory warranty, complimentary 24-months of Aston Martin Extended Warranty and 5-years scheduled servicing with labour.\nFor more details, please call Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur +60 3 2163 1196 or email to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Cars is teaming up with Gothenburg, its hometown in Sweden, to turn Scandinavia\u2019s largest port city into an emission-free model city for the future.\nThe initiative, called Gothenburg Green City Zone, will establish an area inside the city with a variety of climate-neutral transportation modes and a connected infrastructure, serving as a realistic test bed for technologies such as electrification, shared mobility, autonomous driving, connectivity and safety.\nAs part of its plans, Volvo will also be running autonomous robotaxis within the zone, operated by its fully-owned mobility provider M.\nThe \nXC40 Recharge\n, Volvo\u2019s first fully-electric model.\n\u201cEssentially, we initiate a project that intends to limit the number of cars in the city \u2013 which is fully in line with our company\u2019s purpose,\u201d said Volvo Cars chief executive H\u00e5kan Samuelsson. \u201cWe want to be involved in creating the cities of the future and keep them liveable. This initiative gives us an opportunity to do that and take on responsibility in our own hometown at the same time.\u201d\nBy working with the city, Volvo will be able to test technologies such as geo-fenced electric-only zones, and direct communication with the vehicle\u2019s safety systems via Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) connectivity. This will open the doors to true autonomous vehicles, which have always had limited public road-testing due to\nOther potential examples include fully electric mobility hubs, electric cars charging network, and as mentioned above, autonomous taxis to reduce vehicles on the road.\nAccording to Volvo, the main obstacle to climate transition is not a lack of climate-friendly and smart technologies, but the capacity to implement them. With the Swedish carmaker having an active role in the planning process of this initiative, they can ensure that the climate-neutral zone integrates its electrified mobility services from the get go, and develops them in a live environment, thus increasing the impact on sustainability goals.\n\u201cWe want to use our knowledge and technology to help create a future city that is electrified, connected, shared and climate-neutral,\u201d said Henrik Green, Volvo Car\u2019s CTO. \u201cThis is an opportunity to lead by example, by testing new technologies and services in a live large scale environment, we can show that if it is possible here, it is possible anywhere.\u201d\nThe Gothenburg Green City Zone initiative will begin later in 2021, and will gradually scale up going forward. In related news, Volvo has also confirmed that its \nsecond fully-electric BEV model will debut later this year\n."
"Subaru has unveiled a seven-seater SUV concept at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS). Dubbed the VIZIV-7 SUV Concept which stands for Vision for Innovation, the three-row midsize SUV will be the largest vehicle Subaru has ever made.\nThe concept car measures 5,200mm in length, 2,030mm in width, 1,860mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,990mm. While the production model may or may not measure the same, it gives us an idea of the vehicle size that Subaru is going for. Elsewhere, the VIZIV-7 SUV Concept features \nfull three-row\n\u00a0seat layout and Subaru\u2019s \nDYNAMIC x SOLID\n design philosophy.\nTakeshi Tachimori, Corporate Executive Vice President of Fuji Heavy Industries expressed that the VIZIV-7 SUV Concept will embody the brand\u2019s core values of \nsafety\n, \ndependability\n, \ncapability\n for outdoor activities and a \nforward-looking attitude\n.\nSubaru hinted that the midsize SUV is expected to be introduced to the North American market in early 2018. What do you think of this concept, folks? Think it\u2019s able to give the \nNissan X-Trail\n or \nMitsubishi Outlander\n a good run for its money?"
"If you\u2019ve been looking to purchase a \nNissan X-Trail\n or \nSerena S-Hybrid\n, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just sweetened the deal with a complimentary 1-year insurance protection plan.\nThe promotion comes via a collaboration between ETCM and FWD Takaful (previously known as HSBC Amanah Takaful). The \nFWD Protect Direct\n family takaful protection plan on offer here covers a \nsum of RM100,000\n.\nFWD Protect Direct is an online takaful plan, promising to offer protection for the entire family through one single plan, up to a family of four. Customers can opt between individual, couple, family (up to two children), and single parent (up to two children), depending on their family requirements.\nUpon purchase of a new Nissan X-Trail or Serena S-Hybrid\n between 1 February and 30 April 2020\n, customers will receive a unique code for the redemption of the complimentary 1-year coverage at the \nFWD Takaful website\n. The redemption has to be done before the\n 30th of May 2020\n.\nIn addition, 10 lucky customers will also walk away with\n Cuckoo Healthy Home Appliances worth RM60,000\n, when they purchase and register any Nissan model in February 2020.\nAs an added incentive, ETCM is offering promotions and discounts on all of the Nissan models, touting attractive monthly instalment plans as low as RM749 for the \nNissan Almera\n, RM958 for a\n Nissan Navara\n, RM1,275 for the New Nissan X-Trail and RM1,295 for a Nissan Serena S-Hybrid.\nIn conjunction with the ongoing promotions, ETCM will be organising a Test Drive Carnival at selected ETCM showrooms across the nation, on \n15 to 16 February\n, as well as \n22 to 23 February\n. Full list of locations can be found in the image below.\nClick to enlarge"
"A total of 6,432 Proton Perdana models built from 2012 to the end of August 2018 are involved in the Takata passenger airbag inflator recall. The first product recall notification from Proton came in \nJanuary 2019\n and followed up by a second notification in \nAugust last year\n.\nTo date, Proton has managed to complete the replacement process for 5,864 units and as such, is strongly encouraging the \nremaining 568 owners\n to contact the nearest authorised service centre to proceed with the replacement.\nProton Perdana owners can contact \nProton Customer Care\n at \n1800-888-398\n or email them at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n for more information and assistance.\nThis generation of the \nProton Perdana\n is based on the eighth-generation \nHonda Accord\n and is using the troubled non-desiccated \nTakata airbag inflator\n.\n\u201cThe safety of our customers is of the utmost importance. However, we have not been able to connect with all affected owners due to obsolete or incomplete contact information. Therefore, we would like to urge all Proton Perdana owners who have not had their passenger airbag inflators replaced to call our service centres to book an appointment as soon as possible,\u201d said Proton Edar\u00a0CEO, Roslan Abdullah, during last year\u2019s press release.\nReplacement of the airbag inflator will take approximately one hour and is completely free of charge. Those models built \nafter 31st August 2018 are not affected\n.\nIf you have bought a used Proton Perdana manufactured during the said period, please check with the service centre if the replacement has been done. Service centres and workshops are \nstill able to operate\n under the current FMCO 3.0 \u201clockdown\u201d period."
"Just a month after the new \nW213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class\n\u00a0was officially unveiled, the Germans quickly introduced a hot new variant \u2013 the Mercedes-AMG E43, which is now the fastest E-Class yet. It will make its debut at the upcoming New York Motor Show.\nThe E43 follows the similar playbook as the smaller \nC43\n; it\u2019s got the same\u00a0\n3.0-litre twin turbo V6 engine\n. The motor develops \n396 hp\n\u00a0with a\u00a0meaty\u00a0\n520 Nm\n of torque at its disposal. Power is routed to all wheels (though largely rear-biased), and also fitted is a \nnine-speed automatic\n gearbox with shorter gearing. This allows for a century sprint time of\u00a0\n4.6 seconds\n,\n\u00a0\nhowever the top speed is electronic capped to 250km/h.\nAdding to the E-Class\u2019s aggressive allure is AMG\u2019s 19-inch alloy rims and quad chrome exhaust pipes. Inside, it gets sports seats with\u00a0red accents and a new AMG instrument cluster. Also standard is Mercedes\u2019\n\u00a0Air Body Control air suspension\n, which allows\u00a0suspension adjustment according to drive modes \u2013 Comfort, Sport and Sport+.\nIf this isn\u2019t the car for you, then worry not, because the folks at Affalterbach is hard at work preparing the main course \u2013 the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG E63.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda has officially unveiled the fourth-generation Honda Jazz at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The global compact hatchback is expected to go on sale in February 2020.\nAs with all previous generations, Honda says the all-new Jazz is designed with spaciousness and usability in mind. Honda\u2019s engineers emphasised on \u201cfour dimensions of comfort\u201d in the design process \u2013 visibility, seating comfort, ride quality and usability.\u00a0\nThe A-pillar of the all-new Jazz has been redesigned with a new cross-sectional structure, enabling a wider frontal visibility compared the previous model without compromising on structural integrity during a collision.\nOn the inside, the instrument panel also has a flat-topped design with an emphasis on horizontal and straight lines to further aid visibility out of the cabin. The windshield wipers have also been repositioned to be barely visible from the driver\u2019s seat.\u00a0\nThe all-new Honda Jazz will be the first Honda model to feature a \nnew-generation body stabilising seat\n for the front passengers. Developed originally for use in high-class sedan models, the planar support structure of the seat stabilises the body and reduces fatigue during long-distance driving.\u00a0\nThe flexible Magic Seats makes a return on the fourth-generation Honda Jazz, with larger and thicker seat padding which Honda claims to offer seating comfort equivalent to other high-class sedan models.\u00a0\nAll variants of the Honda Jazz comes standard with \nHonda Sensing\n advanced safety features. Powered by a front-view wide angle camera and eight sonar sensors, the all-new Jazz features a new \nshort-distance collision mitigation braking system\n, along with \nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\n, \nLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)\n and other Honda Sensing safety features.\u00a0\nThe infotainment system is also equipped with the \nHonda Connect\n system, which is a first on any Honda vehicles. The new on-board communication module works in conjunction with the optional Honda Total Care Premium service to provide remote control of vehicle functions via a smartphone application.\u00a0\nThe Honda Connect system can also automatically contact emergency services with location and vehicle information, as well as a security guard dispatch service when the car experiences abnormal situations \u2013 a functionality we think will be limited to the Japanese market only.\u00a0\nAs the \nleaked images\n revealed, the all-new Honda Jazz will be available in five different variants. The \nBasic\n is the entry-level variant featuring a simple and endearing design, while the \nHome\n adds-on visual and tactile quality with colour-coordinated fabric seats, genuine-leather steering wheel and soft paddings on the dashboard and door panels.\u00a0\nThe \nNess\n is designed as the \u201csporty\u201d variant, with striking colour accents on both the exterior and interior of the car. The variant adopts water-repellent materials on the seats and soft paddings, suitable for the fitness-junkie.\nThe \nCrosstar\n sports a rugged look with variant-specific exterior design elements and 16-inch aluminium wheels. The crossover-inspired variant also uses water-repellent materials for the seats and soft-touch panels on the dashboard.\nThe top-of-the-line \nLuxe\n variant comes with genuine leather upholstery on the interior to create a \u201celegant and comfortable\u201d space. On the outside, the Luxe features platinum-style chrome plating and 16-inch aluminium wheels.\nNo specific information on the drivetrain was provided during the launch today, but Honda says that the fourth-generation Honda Jazz will be available as a e:HEV model, featuring the compact \n2-motor i-MMD hybrid powertrain\n.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Well, kind of. The system is called Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Connected Shift System, and it works by collecting information through a set of cameras and radar, along with a 3D navigation system with a precise map of the road.\nThe information is then sent to the Transmission Control Unit (TCU), where the artificial intelligence algorithm in the TCU predicts the optimal gear and shift control for real-time driving scenarios based on the inputs.\nFor example, when the vehicle detects a relatively long slow down with no speed irregularities with the car ahead, the clutch will \nautomatically engage neutral mode\n to improve fuel efficiency.\nWhen tested on a heavily curved road, the companies say that the predictive shifting technology was able to \nreduce frequency of shift \n\u201c\nby approximately 43%\n compared to vehicles without the system\u201d. Frequency of brake operation was also reduced by 11%, thus reducing driver fatigue.\nCould the upcoming \nHyundai i20\n be the first car to feature this system?\nBesides that, the system is also able to \nautomatically switch driving modes \nto sports mode when merging onto a highway, and \napply engine braking\n when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal when it detects speed bumps, downhill slopes, as well as change in speed limit on the road.\nHyundai and Kia says that the predictive gearbox is developed in line with autonomous technology, providing improved performance of autonomous vehicles in response to real-time road and traffic information.\nThe companies say that they will further develop the ICT Connected Shift System to communicate with traffic lights using LTE or 5G connectivity and identify drivers\u2019 tendencies, to further refine the shift algorithm."
"The final variant of the \nChiron\n has been revealed by \nBugatti\n, and it is the one-off Bugatti Chiron Profil\u00e9e. Built to cater to customers who asked if a \u201cless radical\u201d version of the \nChiron Pur Sport\n could be made, the Chiron Profil\u00e9e is also \u201cone of the final W16-powered Bugatti creations\u201d. The one-off Chiron will be auctioned on February 1, 2023, at the RM Sotheby\u2019s auction in Paris.\nMost noticeable on the Chiron Profil\u00e9e is the fixed ducktail spoiler that Bugatti says has two functions. One is to ensure stability and control right up to its top speed of 380 km/h by increasing downforce on the rear axle, and the other is to suck out hot air from the engine via negative pressure. Air flowing above the wing generates downforce while air flowing beneath it generates negative pressure.\nNot changing too much of the Chiron\u2019s fascia, the Chiron Profil\u00e9e gets wider air inlets and an enlarged Bugatti horseshoe grille to help feed more air into the radiators. The front splitter has been revised to work with the sculpted underbody. The name Profil\u00e9e takes inspiration from one of Jean Bugatti\u2019s first creations \u2013 the Type 46, which also carried that elegant flick in the tail.\nOther specialties on the exterior of the Chiron Profil\u00e9e include a primary colour of Argent Atlantique that has been specially developed for the car. The lower part of the car is finished in exposed carbon fiber, tinted in the existing Bugatti colour of Bleu Royal Carbon. The Prrofilee-exclusive wheels are finished in a shade of Le Patron, created to match the carbon tint of the lower half of the car.\nRELATED: \nBugatti says no to EVs and SUVs for at least another ten years\nPowertrain-wise, the Chiron Profil\u00e9e maintains the same quad-turbocharged W16 8.0-litre engine that makes \n1,500 hp\n and \n1,600 Nm\n. The 8.0-litre powerplant is paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and power is sent to all four wheels. As for acceleration times, the Chiron Profil\u00e9e does 0-100 km/h in\n 2.3 seconds\n and 0-200 km/h in \n5.5 seconds\n. Yes, the Mistral is the \u201clast Bugatti with a W16 engine\u201d, but the Chiron Profilee is simply a variant of the Chiron, hence it doesn\u2019t dethrone the Mistral in that sense.\nInside, the Chiron Profilee follows a philosophy of defined minimalism and utilises materials like leather, carbon, and solid aluminium. The Profilee is the first Chiron to be fitted with a woven leather finish that can be seen on the dashboard, door panels, and centre console. Finished in Gris Rafale and Deep Blue are the comforts seats that feature an \u2018air parade\u2019 quilting pattern.\nRELATED: \nBugatti bids farewell to the W16 engine with the Mistral roadster\nBugatti Automobiles President, Christophe Piochon said, \u201cTaking customer wishes to explore a less radical version of the Pur Sport seriously into consideration, we started with the design and development of the Chiron Profil\u00e9e in Autumn 2020. By the time we saw the pre-series vehicle coming out of production, all Chiron slots limited to just 500 were assigned for. But we knew that what we had created was too beautiful to be hidden away. It is \u2013 in every sense \u2013 a unique piece in Bugatti\u2019s history and a true collector\u2019s item. And we wanted to give a fair chance to any devotee of the Bugatti brand to acquire this unique car, so we decided to partner with RM Sotheby\u2019s to auction it.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBugatti\u2019s next hypercar will still have a petrol engine\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen\u2019s fleet of electric vehicles under the ID. family branding is set for market launch before the end of the year starting with the \nID.3\n hatchback. Ahead of its global debut, Volkswagen has assured the durability of its lithium-ion battery packs equipped on ID. vehicles with an 8-Year or 160,000 km warranty.\nThe high-capacity lithium-ion\nbattery packs are able to deliver a WLTP range of 330 to 550 km depending on\nmodel variant and battery size. All batteries equipped on ID. models can accommodate\nhigh-speed charging of up to 125 kW which can recharge up to 260 km of range in\n30 minutes.\n \nIn 2017, Volkswagen\nhas set up a dedicated Centre of Excellence for battery development and are\nresponsible for ensuring that all batteries can retain their maximum capacity\nover the vehicle\u2019s lifetime. The company will guarantee that the batteries will\nretain at least 70% of their usable capacity even after eight years or 160,000\nkilometres."
"Honda Malaysia has announced a product recall involving an additional 77,708 units of Honda vehicles, to replace its fuel pump as a precautionary measure.\nThis follows after \nan announcement in June last year\n, where 55,354 vehicles were recalled to replace the fuel pump, in line with Honda\u2019s global fuel pump recall exercise.\nThe vehicles involved are those manufactured between 2018 \u2013 2019. They include the Accord, Civic, City, CR-V, HR-V, BR-V and the Honda Jazz.\nThe Company believes this product recall is necessary as a preventive measure to address the possibility of difficulty in starting the engine, loss of engine power or vehicle stalling.\u00a0As of today, there have been no incidences reported locally, relating to the fuel pump issue.\nHonda Malaysia apologises for the inconvenience caused to the affected customers and reassures that all its current selling models are not affected in this product recall.\u00a0\nAffected customers will be contacted via notification letters while customers are encouraged to check if their vehicle is affected by the fuel pump recall via the HondaTouch app.\nAffected customers should contact any Honda authorised dealer to make an appointment to replace the fuel pump. Replacement and all costs related to it will be borne by Honda Malaysia. Stock availability will be in stages.\nVehicle owners can obtain information or check their vehicle status on product recall in HondaTouch application or by calling Honda Malaysia\u2019s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my / productrecall.honda.com.my to check their vehicle status."
"With most of the world slowly easing off on the Coronavirus-related restrictions, motorsports series around the world have begun looking at ways to go racing again. Earlier this month, Formula 1 published their \nprovisional schedule\n with the first eight races spaced out across two months, but their electric counterpart \u2013 Formula E \u2013 is going one further with six races planned over just nine days to cap off the 2020 season.\nAll six races will be held at Berlin\u2019s decommissioned Tempelhof Airport, where three different track layouts will be raced across the nine days \u2013 split in to three double-headers. The races are scheduled on the 5-6, 8-9, and 12-13 August.\nIn compliance with the German Government\u2019s guidelines, only 1,000 people will be allowed on-site at the event at any time, and that includes all drivers, team personnel, event staff, suppliers, and medical crew. In other words, all six races will be behind closed doors with no spectators allowed.\nFormula E will also be mandating the use of face masks and social distancing practices. All events staff will have their own respective work zones marked out, and movement across workspaces will be limited. Additionally, Formula E will also be conducting mandatory COVID-19 testing before the races, as well as on-site screening every day upon arrival at the track.\nThe final six races bring the 2020 Formula E season race total to 11, down from the original 13 planned. Prior to the lockdown, the series saw five different winners in five races. Antonio Felix da Costa of DS Techeetah currently leads the standings, sitting 11 points clear of Mitch Evans of Panasonic Jaguar Racing.\nWith six races remaining, and each race winner awarded 25 points, drivers currently on 0 championship points can still mathematically clinch the title. Seeing how unpredictable the Formula E series have been historically, the six-race season finale will definitely be something to look out for!"
"German third-party tuning company \nAC Schnitzer\n is now offering a \u2018tuning\u2019 package for the all-electric \nBMW i4\n. Unfortunately, AC Schnitzer is only offering suspension and body kit upgrades. No aerodynamic or energy-saving gains have been specified.\nUnless customers opt for the dual-motor \nBMW i4 M50\n (\n544 hp\n), they will have to be content with the \n285 hp\n or \n340 hp\n in the single-motor i4 eDrive35 and \ni4 eDrive40\n respectively. Like the \nBrabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz EQS\n, no performance enhancements have been done, despite both companies\u2019 history of juicing up petrol-powered cars.\nFor the BMW i4, AC Schnitzer is offering a suspension kit. This lowers the car by about 20 mm to 25 mm at the front and rear. AC Schnitzer says this ensures better agility and precision in handling due to the lower centre of gravity.\nVisually obvious on the AC Schnitzer tuned BMW i4 are new wheels. Customers can choose from either the 20-inch AC4 flow forming wheels or 19/20-inch AC1 (BiColor Silver/Anthracite or Anthracite) wheels. To make them stick out more, AC Schnitzer also offers a set of 10 mm spacers made of black anodized aluminium.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 BMW i4 in Malaysia, from RM389k \u2013 5 Things\nAs for the aero kit, AC Schnitzer has spruced up the BMW i4 by giving it a front spoiler element complemented by front splitters. A different set of front splitters is also provided for those who don\u2019t want the front spoiler element.\nOver in the rear, the BMW i4 can be equipped with an AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler, carbon rear spoiler, and rear side wings. Also offered by AC Schnitzer for the i4 are an AC Schnitzer package that runs across the sides, a rear skirt protection film, and AC Schnitzer stickers.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW i4 M50, first electric M car launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM431k\nTo enhance the interior, BMW i4 owners can opt for AC Schnitzer aluminium pedals, aluminium cover for the I Drive system controller, and an aluminium key holder.\nIf you\u2019d like to see a properly souped-up version of BMW\u2019s all-electric i4, we suggest you check out \nthis EV \u2018M3\u2019 prototype that BMW is currently working on\n. It seems like an all-electric M3 is in the works, and the body of the i4 M50 is being used as a base for the prototype. In Malaysia, the BMW i4 is currently offered in the i4 eDrive 40 and i4 M50 guises.\nGALLERY"
"Alongside the global unveiling of the \nfacelifted GLA\n, Mercedes-Benz has also unveiled the performance oriented GLA 45. Like the A 45, the GLA 45 now gets a new moniker \u2013 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 (previously known as Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG).\nIn this facelift exercise, the GLA 45 gets increased performance and enhanced aerodynamics on top of the revisions seen on the standard models. At launch, this pocket rocket gets a Yellow Night Edition as a tribute to the success of the AMG compact cars (\nA 45\n, CLA 45 and GLA 45).   Like all AMG models, the GLA now wears a more aggressive exterior kit with a sharper front apron, revised air intake and front splitter. On top of that, the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille and side sill panels are finished in silver chrome. At the rear, a more aerodynamic roof spoiler, new diffuser insert and silver chrome trims complete the look of the GLA 45. Thanks to the revisions of the exterior, the car boasts an improved driving dynamics and stability with lower wind resistance.\nJumping inside, the interior is noticeably \nrace ready \nover the standard GLAs. It features Artico man-made leather upholstery red or silver (Exclusive package) contrast stitching, AMG badges all round and a new instrument cluster divided into 30 km/h blocks (previously 20 km/h blocks). In addition to that, the GLA 45 can be specified with keyless entry, hands-free powered tailgate and 360-degree camera.\nNow for the juicy part. Under the hood, the world\u2019s most powerful four-cylinder production engine \u2013 the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder M133 has gotten a power bump from \n360 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n to \n381 hp\n and \n475 Nm\n! Power is channelled to all four corners via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed dual clutch sports transmission.\nThanks to shorter gear ratios from gears three to seven and an optimised transmission mapping, the GLA 45 will sprint past the 100 km/h mark in 4.4 seconds from standstill. Top speed is electronically limited to \n250 km/h\n (with AMG Driver\u2019s Package top speed is raised to 270 km/h). Despite its remarkable performance, the GLA 45 is said to consume only \n7.4 litres of fuel per 100 km\n.\nThe \nAMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive\n system is capable of splitting torque almost invariably to the front and rear axle to match every driving situation. As standard, most of the power gets sent to the front wheels, but a full 50:50 split can be achieved when needed.\nAlso available with the GLA 45 is a series of complementary optional packages. For example, the \nAMG DYNAMIC PLUS\n package adds mechanical front axle locking differential, AMG ride control sports suspension, performance steering wheel and a RACE drive programme (comes with a launch control sequence). The \nAMG performance exhaust\n is a must-have for that distinctive throaty exhaust note composed by AMG.   To celebrate the success of the AMG compact cars, a \nYellow Night Edition\n is available as an option. It adds two unique paint finishes with matte graphite grey and yellow accents around the car \u2013 Night Black and Cosmos Black. The Yellow Night Edition adds the aerodynamics package, Night package as well as Light and Sight package as standard. As you can guess from the name, the interior is also highlighted with yellow trims.\nWe cannot wait for this beastly machine to arrive to our shores sometime later in the year, hopefully available with the gorgeous Yellow Night Edition. Race mode in a compact crossover? Absolutely bonkers.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GLA 45 Facelift   Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 \u00a0Yellow Night Edition"
"Geely has just teased its forthcoming model, codenamed the Geely FY11, will the Chinese automaker\u2019s first attempt at a Coupe SUV.\nThe company has confirmed that the FY11 will ride on the Geely-Volvo developed CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform that is already used on the \nVolvo XC40\n and all \nLYNK & CO models\n. Rest assured that Geely did not take an \nexisting model\n and draw a sloping roofline.\nThe FY11 will be Geely\u2019s most expressive vehicle to date, starting with the brand\u2019s signature expanding cosmos grille is now wider and slimmer than ever flanked with new generation \u201cdigital arrow\u201d LED daytime running light graphics inspired from ancient Chinese weapon to give the FY11 a strong predator appearance.\nIts strong stance is further emphasised through the silhouette where the long tailing roofline tapers sharply into the rear quarters, reflecting the fastback designs of high-performance sports cars where it meets a pair of Chinese fan inspired taillights.\n \n \nGeely also assures that the sleek looking FY11 will have sporting credentials to match. The company even goes as far as saying that it will be \u201cthe most driver focused car to date\u201d. Having experienced the dynamics of the CMA platform on the \nXC40\n, there will be some truth to those claims."
"The managing director of India\u2019s automobile company Tata Motors has died in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday. Karl Slym, 51, was in the Thai capital where he was attending a board meeting. British-born Slym joined Tata Motors in 2012 and managed all operations except Jaguar Land Rover in UK.\u00a0His death is suspected to be a suicide.\nReports say the Tata Motors chief was staying with his wife on the 22nd floor of the Shangri-La hotel. His body was found on the fourth floor. The window in his room was found opened and initial investigations reveal no sign of struggle and that he jumped out from the window. He left a three-page note in English which the Thai police are looking into it.\nTata Motors is part of Tata group of industries in India. It produces passenger cars, trucks, vans, coaches, buses, construction equipment and military vehicles. Tata Motors\u00a0is\u00a0world\u2019s sixteenth-largest motor vehicle manufacturing company, fourth-largest truck manufacturer and second-largest bus manufacturer by volume.\nThe company\u00a0acquired the South Korean truck manufacturer Daewoo Commercial Vehicles Company in 2004 and purchased Jaguar Land Rover from Ford in 2008. It introduced the world\u2019s cheapest car, Tata Nano (approx.\u00a0US$2000)\u00a0in 2008. Its UK passenger car division Jaguar Land Rover is doing well, however the rest of Tata Motors has been struggling. Competition from other local and foreign car makers has caused the company to lose market share in the Indian market.\nTata chairman Cyrus P Mistry described Mr. Slym as \u201ca valued colleague who was providing strong leadership at a challenging time for the Indian auto industry\u201d."
"The transition towards electric powertrains is happening at such a quick pace that it\u2019s almost frightening. To some extent, it almost feels like Thanos\u2019 snap, where half of all internal combustion engine-powered (ICE) models have just disappeared into thin air, replaced by their newer and shinier electric \u2013 or at least electrified \u2013 counterparts.\nSeveral carmakers who built their reputation on making engines are switching outright to electric power, and some countries are even planning to ban the sale of new ICE cars outright, as soon as 2030. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse, however, believes that the quick transition and over-dependency on EVs in such short notice could be a mistake.\nSpeaking at a Roundtable session in New York attended by\n \nReuters\n, Zipse said that there\u2019s still a market for combustion engine cars in the global space, adding that the switching over to EVs also means increasing our reliance on just a few countries in the world to provide the raw materials needed to build EVs \u2013 particularly China, which controls the supply of most raw materials needed for lithium-ion batteries.\n\u201cWhen you look at the technology coming out, the EV push, we must be careful because at the same time, you increase dependency on very few countries,\u201d said Zipse. \u201cIf someone cannot buy an EV for some reason but needs a car, would you rather propose he continues to drive his old car forever? If you are not selling combustion engines any more, someone else will.\u201d\nRELATED: BMW loves their combustion engine \u2013 won\u2019t commit to firm EV switchover date yet\nThis isn\u2019t the first time that Zipse has spoken out against an outright ban on combustion engines. To date, the company still \nhasn\u2019t announced a first EV switchover date\n yet in stark contrast to most of its competitors, and Zipse himself even reaffirmed that \nnew combustion engines will still be part of BMW line-up and development \nfor years to come.\nZipse argues that the solution at this point in time, from both a profit perspective and environment perspective, should be to offer more fuel-efficient combustion engine cars rather than an all-out EV onslaught, pointing at the obvious gaps in charging infrastructure in many countries, as well as the higher price of electric vehicles.\nWhile controversial, we think that Zipse\u2019s arguments aren\u2019t necessarily without its merits. A \nrecent BMW study \nfound that while eight out of 10 Malaysian drivers want more EVs on the road, nearly 60% of those respondents will still choose an ICE-powered car over an EV when buying their next vehicle, mostly citing concerns such as range anxiety, maintenance costs, and difficulties in keeping their EVs charged.\nEV charging networks are still in their infancy stages here in Malaysia, while at the same time EV prices are also still struggling to reach parity with other ICE-powered cars, despite the government\u2019s recent tax exemption incentives to accelerate EV adoption in the country.\nBut these issues are definitely not insurmountable, especially if the entire automotive industry bands together to create a solution. For instance, carmakers such as \nPorsche\n and \nMercedes-Benz \nhave already both partnered-up with other industry players to deploy DC fast chargers nationwide, while BMW Malaysia also recently unveiled its \nNEXTGen platform \nthat brings together various industry players and experts to facilitate conversations on sustainable innovations and solutions.\nSo while EVs are definitely not ready for mass-market adoption right now, there\u2019s no saying that it won\u2019t be in just a few years time. Is Zipse just being overly cautious, or is he just grasping at straws, holding onto the last ounce of hope for the inline sixes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below."
"We are already using fingerprints to cross custom borders, unlock our doors and even authorise our mobile banking transactions. Soon we will be able to use our fingerprints to unlock and \nstart \nour cars.\nHyundai Motor Company has just announced that they will be introducing the world\u2019s first smart fingerprint technology that allows drivers to unlock their car and even start the vehicle without having a physical car key with them. Hyundai plans to have this technology ready in their 2019 \nHyundai Santa Fe\n available in selected markets.\nTo unlock the vehicle, the driver only has to place their finger on the sensor located on the door handle. With regards to security issues, Hyundai claims the fingerprint sensor comes with capacitance recognition that detects the differentials in the electricity level in various parts of the fingertip. This effectively prevents the use of forged and fake fingerprints\nPresident and Head of R&D Division of the Hyundai Motor Company, Albert Biermann said: \u201cIn the future, Hyundai Motor plans to further expand the application of the technology to allow the adjustment of temperature, steering wheel position, and many other features which will be tailored to driver\u2019s preferences. This will ultimately offer quality driving experience to each and every Hyundai customer.\u201d\nHyundai plans to gradually roll out this fingerprint technology to other markets and also introduce other customisable technologies to their vehicle line up."
"Aftermarket engine tuning is no strange thing to the auto industry, and people are constantly finding ways to get more power out of a stock engine. It\u2019s rampant \u2013 many resort to aftermarket tuning companies, though the gains are achieved at the cost of the car manufacturer\u2019s warranty.\nFord Fiesta ST with 1.6-litre EcoBoost\nMost modern Fords come with their revered EcoBoost engines, and the folks at Ford Racing wants you to modify them by simply plugging in the \nProCal handset\n to the diagnostic port. With this, you can alter the throttle mapping, idling speed, waste gate control, ignition timing and many more, essentially upgrading its performance.\nThe calibrating handset retails at \nUSD595\n (RM2,100 est), and can be purchased from\u00a0\nFord Racing\u2019s website\n. With the handset, you can tune just about \nany EcoBoost engines\n, all while retaining Ford\u2019s warranty programme! For the Focus ST owners, you\u2019re looking at an increase of \n122 Nm\n, and that\u2019s still within recommended limits.\n2015 Ford Mustang with 2.3-litre EcoBoost\nThere will also be a custom engine calibration for the Mustang\u2019s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, though that product is expected to be announced in end-2015. As for the \nFiesta ST owners\n, if the number of ponies to your hot hatch isn\u2019t pleasing you enough, you\u2019re more than welcome to try this out for yourself.\nMalaysian Ford distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion has yet to acknowledge the ProCal\u2019s compliance with their warranty programme, but until then, it\u2019s best to brush off the impulse and wait for the official word."
"Following the launch of the souped-up \nUrus Performante in August\n, Lamborghini has now also brought some of the key updates over to the \nbase Urus model\n, alongside a new name \u2013 the Urus S.\nWhile it might not look all that different, with the only major changes on the outside being the reworked bumpers and new wheel options, the biggest update on the new super SUV is actually hidden underneath the sheet metal.\nLike the Performante, the new Lamborghini Urus S also now comes with the uprated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making the same devilish \n666 hp \n(up 16 hp) and \n850 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nLamborghini says that the Urus S also features the same powertrain calibration as the Performante, which means 0-100 km/h is now done in 3.5 seconds (-0.1 seconds), and 0-200 km/h in 12.5 seconds (-0.3 seconds). Top speed remains unchanged at 305 km/h.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini deals with the devil, new Urus Performante unveiled with 666 hp\nComplementing the new powertrain is a retuned exhaust system, giving the Urus S a \u201cmore distinct sound at start-up and a sharper note in each drive mode\u201d, alongside the addition of the customisable \u2018Ego\u2019 drive mode on the Tamburo drive selector. As before, the adaptive air suspensions are offered as standard.\nAs for looks, the aforementioned bumpers now get new matte black stainless steel accents, including on the skid plate in front, as standard. The twin exhaust tip design at the rear has also been reprofiled, while customers can now also opt for a new lightweight carbon fibre front bonnet replete with matte black air vents (pictured), as well as an exposed carbon fibre roof.\nInside, influences from the Urus Performante can be seen via the new stitching pattern on the upholstery, alongside new leather colour options. Buyers can now choose between the Bi-colour Sportivo or Bi-colour Sophisticated interior themes, which now also offers a wider selection of leather styles and colours.\nAs you may recall, the Urus is now Lamborghini\u2019s \nbest-selling model of all-time,\n with over 20,000 units sold in just a short four-year lifespan. The new S update will undoubtedly help the super SUV retain that status, or even reach greater heights.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini Urus makes history as the company\u2019s best-selling model of all time\nPrices for the Lamborghini Urus S starts from EUR195,538 (approx. RM891k) before tax over in Europe.\nGALLERY"
"If I were to ask you to say the first luxury executive sedan that comes to your mind, chances are that it most probably wasn\u2019t a Lexus. In a market dominated by the \nMercedes-Benz E Class\n and \nBMW 5 Series\n, Lexus knew they had to make a statement with the seventh-generation ES to put a chip in their armour, and sure enough \u2013 they did.\nThe \nLexus ES\n is such a breath of fresh air in terms of looks, especially in a segment where car designers mostly just aim for an inoffensive look to appeal to the masses \u2013 and more often than not, these cars end up looking at best a little bulbous, and at worst just plain uninspiring.\nLexus went against the grain with the design of the ES (which stands for Executive Sedan, by the way) using sharp lines, creases, and daring touches, and the result is a design that truly stands out from the crowd, and makes a lasting impression. I mean, just look at the three-dimensional spindle grille statement piece \u2013 take note BMW, this is how you do large grilles.\nThe Lexus ES range in Malaysia tops out (at the time of review) with the 250 Luxury variant, and I\u2019d argue that it\u2019s the perfect specification for the car, at least in terms of looks. There\u2019s no need for the F-Sport trim when the car in its relatively civil outfit already looks so good.\nThe added flair from the tri-beam jewel-like LED headlights and purposeful chrome trims around the exterior are just the cherry on top, pleading for you to give it a second look when you walk away \u2013 and believe me, you will.\nThe interior of the Lexus ES 250 Luxury impresses just as much, too, and it\u2019s obvious that Lexus put in extra effort in the cabin\u2019s aesthetic department. Even something as insignificant as the door handles are sculpted to look like a modern art piece that should be placed in a gallery by itself.\nThe seats, wrapped in semi-aniline leather, also feels exceptionally soft and supple to the touch, while providing first-class grade support on long distance journeys. Even the rear seats of the Lexus ES 250 Luxury are electrically-adjustable, so you\u2019d still get the ultimate VIP treatment no matter which seat you prefer.\nBut once you\u2019ve sat in it for long enough, the Lexus ES\u2019 drawbacks start to surface like a rose\u2019s thorns. You might be able to forgive the manually-operated sunroof shades, but something like the infotainment system \u2013 with graphics from a 90s computer and a convoluted menu structure controlled by the horrid touchpad \u2013 is completely inexcusable in a car that costs north of RM300k.\nFortunately, all of these flaws immediately wash away once you get it on the move and revel in the serenity of the Lexus ES\u2019 near-silent drive, thanks to the noise-reducing 18-inch alloys, and additional acoustic glass for the rear passengers on the Luxury trim.\nDriving the Lexus ES 250 is a largely sedate experience, which is exactly what you would want in a big, luxury executive sedan. The 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with \n204 hp\n and \n247 Nm\n of torque won\u2019t blow anyone away in terms of performance, but it\u2019s perfectly adequate to get you up to speed in no time \u2013 while remaining as quiet as the night sky while it\u2019s at it.\nGear shifts from the eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox are silky-smooth, and it isn\u2019t afraid to downshift when needed to make up for the lower output figures. Pair that to the supple and well-damped suspension, plus the Lexus Safety Sense advance driver assistance suite doing most of the heavy-lifting on long-distance journeys, it\u2019s just so easy to rack up the mileage in this thing without even realising it.\nWhile the highways are the Lexus ES\u2019 natural habitat, it also doesn\u2019t shy away from the odd bends that come about. Despite its sheer size, it\u2019s surprising how well the ES still manages to negotiate high-speed sweeping corners and fast direction changes with poise and confidence.\nThe closest thing we can compare it to is the \nToyota Camry\n, which really isn\u2019t a surprise given that they\u2019re built on the same platform. To be clear, that\u2019s not an insult by any means \u2013 if you\u2019ve seen our \nreview of the Camry\n, you\u2019ll know how high of a praise this is.\nThere will never be a perfect car, and there really shouldn\u2019t be one, since different cars are developed for different demographics and purposes. But in the space of the executive sedans, the Lexus ES truly does come very close to it.\nTo some, a car functions as much as a social statement as it is a transportation device \u2013 and in that case, the Germans might still be the right choice for them. But if it\u2019s up to me, I know which car I\u2019ll pick if I ever become a high-ranking officer in a multinational company.\nLexus ES 250 Luxury specifications:\nEngine\n2,487 cc; naturally-aspirated four-cylinder\nTransmission\n8-speed Direct Shift Automatic\nMax horsepower\n204 hp @ 6,600 rpm\nMax torque\n247 Nm @ 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top speed\n9.1 seconds; 210 km/h\nPrice (OTR, w/o Insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions)\nRM327,510.50 (Limited Edition Variant)\nGALLERY"
"The all-new \nfourth-generation Toyota Harrier \nis a \nbeautiful thing\n to look at. We\u2019re definitely not the only ones to think so, but we concede that the classy look might not be for everyone. If you happen to fall into the latter camp, Toyota\u2019s own Gazoo Racing division has come up with a set of parts for the Harrier to help you live your racing dreams \u2013 even if you now have other responsibilities.\nThe new Toyota Harrier GR parts are split into two main categories \u2013 Exterior and Functional, or so Google Translate tells us. The former consists of GR-exclusive Aero Kit package including the front splitter, side skirts, and a new rear bumper with diffuser and sports exhaust; front bumper garnish, decals, and a boot spoiler that\u2019s placed right above the taillights.\nAside from a sportier look, Toyota also says that these Gazoo Racing aero kit parts also helps with the aerodynamic performance of the Harrier, resulting in reduced lift over the front and rear axles.\nAs for the Functional category, the big ticket item in the list is the Gazoo Racing performance dampers, which improves ride and steering stability during high-speed driving, while also reducing noise and vibrations, improving comfort.\nOther \u201cFunctional\u201d items include GR-exclusive sun shade, boot floor mats, window tinting, and even a \u201cGR Discharge Tape\u201d made from aluminium, which can apparently remove static electricity on the body panels, thus bringing out the \u201coriginal performance\u201d of the car. We presume its working theory and effectiveness is probably similar to their own \n\u201cGR Aero Stabilising Body Coat\u201d spray\n.\nThere\u2019s also a set of new 20-inch aluminium wheels for the SUV, which can even be purchased together with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres. Additional GR door handle protectors and carbon fibre number plate housing complete the souped-up look.\nAs expected, these GR parts provide no real boost in performance to the Toyota Harrier other than the slight aerodynamic benefits. The all-new Harrier is powered by two new Dynamic Force engines \u2013 a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated mill on the base model producing \n171 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n207 Nm\n, and a 2.5-litre engine on the front-wheel drive Hybrid model producing a combined \n218 hp\n and \n221 Nm of torque\n, though there\u2019s also a 100 kg weight penalty on the latter.\nBoth powertrains are paired to a Direct Shift CVT, which is also hardly the last word in sporty driving. So what do you think? Is the racing-inspired look on a practical SUV enough to outweigh the lack of sporting credentials?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Earlier in the year, Bermaz Motor previewed their next model launch, the \nMazda CX-8\n and the company is inviting interested parties to check out the new SUV in the metal at the 2019 Malaysia Auto Show happening from 11th to 14th of April.\nBecause this is merely a preview exercise, the car on display is not the final specification for the Malaysian market. Bermaz Motor did confirm that the CX-8 will be locally-assembled from launch.\nThe CX-8 is available in both 2-3-2 and 2-2-2 seating arrangements but it is likely that the local market will receive the seven-seater option. Powertrain options include a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with \n192 hp\n and \n257 Nm\n as well as a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel with \n187 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n.\nBoth engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission while the all-wheel-drive system is exclusive to the diesel variant.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMazda CX-8 2.5-litre 2WD\nMazda CX-8 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D AWD"
"Malaysian girl drifter and race car driver\u00a0\nLeona Chin\n\u00a0now races in China,\u00a0scoring a podium finish at\u00a0the recent\u00a0Clio Cup China Series in Zhuhai, China!\nAfter her viral video stunt last year, the\u00a0Youtube sensation expanded her career in to\u00a0China, participating in the\u00a0\nF-Team China Reality TV Show (\u70ab\u98ce\u8f66\u624b)\n,\u00a0a reality TV show for race car drivers. Leona then took up the challenge to race\u00a0in the\n\u00a02016 Clio Cup China Series\n,\n\u00a0\nwhich proved to be a great platform to showcase her promising racing career abroad.\nThe \nClio Cup China Series\n\u00a0is a one-make touring car championship organised by China\u2019s\u00a0Formula Racing Development (\nFRD\n). Held since 2009, the series races the latest Renault Clio RS, powered by a\n 1.6-litre turbocharged engine\n\u00a0mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, producing \n220 hp\n. A total of 12\u00a0races\u00a0are contested this year at circuits around\u00a0China and Korea.\nWatch highlights of Race 1 & Race 2 in Zhuhai, China filmed and produced by team sponsor \nWebTVAsia\n:\nLeona was one of the two female\u00a0drivers in the 10-car grid\u00a0during\u00a0the first race weekend on 19-20 March 2016 in Zhuhai, China. She then dominated the 10-lap race but\u00a0eventually settled for second. However, a controversial \n30-second time penalty\n was imposed\u00a0due to jump start, which caused her to slip down to fifth place.\nFortunately in\u00a0\nRace\u00a02\n, Leona fared better by crossing the finish line in \nthird place\n. An\u00a0impressive achivement considering she only got to know the track and the car just before race day.\nCurrently third in the overall standing, Leona Chin will be in \nKorea\n (14-15 May 2016) for Race 3 & 4, where there\u2019s a\u00a0high chance for her to earn Malaysia some trophies. You have made the country\u00a0proud, Leona! Best wishes on\u00a0the remaining races.\nHere\u2019s the clip of the \ncontroversial jump start\n at the grid of\u00a0\nRace 1\n. You be the judge."
"The\n Toyota GR Yaris \nis often lauded as one of the best enthusiast-focused car on sale today, thanks to its incredibly fun chassis, the world\u2019s most powerful three-cylinder engine in production, and of course, the fact that it only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.\nWhile we car-nuts love it, the fact is many people still don\u2019t know how to drive a stick shift \u2013 at least, not properly. So in an effort to appease the wider fan base of the new cult favourite, Toyota is now reportedly developing a \u201csporty\u201d eight-speed automatic gearbox for the pocket rocket.\nAdored by the enthusiasts. and that\u2019s about it.\nThat is, at least, according to Japanese publication \nCar Watch\n. The publication writes that a prototype of the automatic-equipped GR Yaris is already now in testing, as part of a factory-fielded team running in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge in Japan. In fact, the main development driver is none other than Toyota vice chairman, Shigeru Hayakawa.\nThe prototype, which has been photographed by the publication, shows an automatic gear lever seemingly plucked out from a regular road-going Toyota, and slapped on to the centre stack somewhat haphazardly.\nALSO READ: Overwhelming demand for GR Yaris in Australia, Toyota stops taking orders\nToyota vice president, Shigeru Hayakawa, with the purported automatic GR Yaris prototype.\n Photo: Car Watch\nInterestingly though, the manual shifting direction on the makeshift gear lever has been reversed (as noted by the yellow sticker labels) from the typical Toyota automatic style (forward for upshift, back for downshift), to the preferred layout of most sequential race car gearboxes, where you pull the lever towards you for an upshift, and away for a downshift.\nIt\u2019s a contentious topic among car enthusiasts online as to which direction is the more \u201ccorrect\u201d one, but it\u2019s nothing a set of gearshift paddles on the steering wheel can\u2019t solve.\nPhoto: Car Watch\nCarWatch\n says that the prototype is currently working through some shift pattern calibration to ensure it behaves appropriately for a sporty hot hatch like the GR Yaris.\nDuring development, Hayakawa reportedly discovered several issues with the automatic slushbox\u2019s performance, particularly struggling to re-accelerate after downshifting from third to second. A fix has supposedly been applied via a software tune on the gearbox, but further testing is required in the next rounds of the Rally Challenge to validate its effectiveness.\nWhile an automatic gearbox will certainly dilute the GR Yaris\u2019 status as the ultimate enthusiast machine, it\u2019ll without a doubt open up the same incredible experience \u2013 just like the one we had in Sepang last year \u2013 to a much wider audience. And well, if you want to keep the \nburning love for cars\n alive among the general public, it\u2019s never a bad thing to let more people have fun.\nWould you be open to the idea of an automatic Toyota GR Yaris? Let us know in the comments below!"
"BMW Malaysia\n has released the latest updated price list for 2023, which sees a price hike on several models. The company attributes the price increase to the \u201ccurrent challenges with regards to global inflation and rising manufacturing costs\u201d, it said in a statement.\nCould the facelifted 2022 BMW 3 Series be launched here in Malaysia this year?\nMost models in the brand\u2019s stable here in Malaysia have been affected by the price hike, with the only few exceptions being the entire G20 3 Series (\n320i, 330i\n, \n330e\n, and \n330Li\n), the F48 X1 range (\nsDrive18i \nand \nsDrive20i\n), and the \nfully-electric iX3\n.\nThe former two\u2019s omission could be the strongest hint that we will be getting the \n2022 G20 BMW 3 Series facelift \nand the \nall-new U11 X1\n here in Malaysia soon.\nAs for the models affected by the price increase, the \nBMW M135i xDrive \nsees a 1.1% increase, the \nBMW 218i M Sport Gran Coupe \na 3.1% hike, the \nBMW 630i GT M Sport\n a 2.8% increase, and the \nBMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport\n, a 3.2% increase.\nThe \nBMW 5 Series\n line-up here in Malaysia meanwhile see a price hike ranging from 2.0-3.7%, while the X models (\nX3\n, \nX4\n, \nX5\n, and \nX6\n) see a price increase between 1.6% to 5.8%. As for the fully-electric models, both the\n i4\n and \niX\n are also affected by an inflated price tag ranging from 2.6-6.3%.\nThe full price list for Peninsular Malaysia can be found in the table below.\nClick to enlarge.\nThe prices above are inclusive of the \nService and Repair Inclusive\n, which extends the vehicle\u2019s warranty to five years (unlimited mileage, up from two years), and also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage service package. Customers can also opt for the standard two-year warranty for a lower sticker price.\nNoting the price increase, BMW Malaysia assures its owners will be able to \u201cenjoy more new feature enhancements\u201d in all of its models purchased in the year ahead."
"Besides detailing the \nProton X70\n\u2019s \nGKUI infotainment system\n, Proton has also released initial specification details of their first ever SUV. There will be four variants on sale starting with the Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive 4WD and the \nrange-topping Premium 2WD\n.\nAs standard, all variants of the X70 will be powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDi petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode (no paddle shifters). The powerplant is good for \n183 hp\n and \n285 Nm\n of twist, the latter peaks from 1,700 to 4,400 rpm.   Drive is channelled to the front wheels while four-wheel-drive (4WD) is optionally available on the Executive variant. We had the opportunity to sample the X70\u2019s Chinese twin, the \nleft-hand drive Geely Boyue on track\n and were really impressed by its performance.\nThe 1.7 tonne SUV (2WD variant) is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n10.5 seconds\n and fuel consumption is claimed to be 7.8 L/100 km. The X70 also comes equipped with a Drive Mode selector that cycles the car\u2019s powertrain characteristics between Eco, Normal and Sport. The LCD instrument cluster also changes hue \u2013 Green, Blue or Red \u2013 depending on the Drive Mode selected.\nThe Executive 4WD variant is equipped by a Borg Warner 4WD system that sends 100 per cent of the power to the front axles on normal driving situations. When the road conditions become unfavourable, the drivetrain will instantaneously alter to a 70:30 (front to rear) torque split for maximum traction.\nOn the exterior front, the \nentry-level Standard 2WD\n comes equipped with halogen projector headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, 8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with Voice Command, fabric seats and a rear-view camera. There are also six USB charging ports \u2013 two on the centre console, one in the centre armrest, one on the rear-view mirror (clever power source for your dash camera) and two for the rear passengers.   Stepping up to the \nExecutive\n variant you\u2019ll be upgraded to LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile Hankook DynaPro HP2 tyres, Black leather upholstery, powered driver seat and a 360-degree surround view camera. The \nExecutive 4WD\n variant gains an additional Tyre Pressure Monitoring System that displays the tyre temperature and tyre pressure units.\nLastly, the most expensive X70, the \nPremium 2WD\n, gets all the bells and whistles such as Brown Nappa leather seats (no other colour option), powered front seats, panoramic sunroof as well as the full suite of \nAdvanced Driver Assistance System\n (ADAS).\nThe ADAS bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (under 30 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (operable between 30 to 150 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW \u2013 emphasis on the warning), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as front and rear parking sensors. Proton has emphasised that while the X70 comes with AEB and ACC, the SUV \ndoes not\n support semi-autonomous driving. I repeat, it \ndoes not\n have semi-autonomous driving capabilities.\nHowever, it is not to say that the rest of the SUV variants are underequipped, the usual safety kit such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control is standard on all variants.\nLastly, the Proton X70, depending on the variant, is available in five different exterior shades \u2013 Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red. Now that you understand the features and product positioning of the SUV a little bit better, how much do you think Proton should price them at?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Motor Image Subaru has launched the updated Subaru XV, now available with the EyeSight driver assistance system, across two variants \u2013 the 2.0 i-P and XV GT.\n \nPrices start from\n RM139,788\n for the 2.0i-P EyeSight and\n RM146,788\n for the 2.0i-P EyeSight GT Edition.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated falt-four boxer engine\nTransmission: Lineartronic CVT\nMax Power: 156 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque: 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nDrivetrain: All-wheel Drive\nEXTERIOR\nNew to the 2021 XV is the \nrevised front grille and 17-inch wheel design\n. The updated XV now also comes with a tilt-down function for the passenger side mirror when engaging reverse.\nIf you opt for the XV GT Edition, the 17-inch wheel design remains unchanged from before. Also part of the GT Edition body kit is the front lip, side skirts, rear spoiler, and rear splitter. Making up the exterior are LED head and taillights, roof rails, auto headlamps with cornering lights, and headlamp washers. Ground clearance is rated at 220 mm, the same as most pick-ups.\nINTERIOR\nNew to the interior is the Auto Vehicle Hold switch by the gear lever, and 8-way powered seats for the driver with memory function. Standard features include an improved 8-inch infotainment display with 6 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nIn the standard XV, the interior comes with fabric upholstery finished with orange stitching but in the XV GT Edition, you get leather seats. The new XV also comes with paddle shifters, X Mode selector for Mud, Snow, Sand, and Dirt.\nSAFETY\nBy far the most important (new) addition to the Subaru XV is the EyeSight driver assistance system, like in the Forester. It comes with adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane departure warning, and lane sway warning.\nAlso part of the system is the Pre-collision Throttle Management feature in case the driver accidentally steps on the throttle instead of brakes and Lead Vehicle Start feature that alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved more than three metres ahead. The airbag count remains at seven, consisting of front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and the driver\u2019s knee airbag.\nGALLERY\nXV GT Edition\nXV 2.0i-P EyeSight"
"BMW Malaysia today introduced a new variant to the \nG12 7 Series facelift (LCI)\n here in the country, in the form of the 740Le xDrive M Sport. Just like the existing\n 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence\n, the new M Sport variant will also be locally-assembled here at BMW Malaysia\u2019s assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.\nThe M Sport kit is being introduced as an optional \u201cadd-on package\u201d priced at RM25,000, which brings the price of the 740Le xDrive M Sport up to \nRM592k\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n.\nEXTERIOR\nAs the name suggests, the new 7 Series variant is dressed in the M Sport exterior styling package, which includes more aggressive-looking bumpers and side skirts. Also present on the new \u201csportier\u201d luxury sedan are the High Gloss Shadow Line trims around the window surround, alongside a slightly different wheel design \u2013 Style 647 M here, although still 19-inches in diameter.\nOther M Sport-specific items include:\nM Sport brakes, blue-painted brake callipers with M designation\nM-specific kidney grille, satinised aluminium and black\nM-specific exhaust tailpipe finisher, chrome\nM badging on front fenders\nM-specific vehicle key\nOtherwise, the rest of the exterior kit list is pretty much identical to the existing Pure Excellence variant, including the BMW Laserlight adaptive headlights and LED tail lamps.\nExterior colour options include Mineral White, Bernina Grey, Donington Grey, and Carbon Black Metallic.\nPERFORMANCE\nNo changes are found on the powertrain underneath the bonnet here, which continues to be powered by the B58B30 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, paired to a single electric motor.\nEngine: 2,998 cc, turbocharged inline-six, petrol\nTransmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic\nDriveline: Front engine, xDrive all-wheel drive\nEngine max horsepower: 286 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nEngine max torque: 450 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\nElectric motor max horsepower: 113 hp @ 3,170 rpm\nElectric motor max torque: 265 Nm @ 100 \u2013 2,500 rpm\nCombined system output: 394 hp, 600 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.1 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nINTERIOR\nThe new M Sport package for the BMW 740Le xDrive adds on a new Individual Alcantara roof-lining in Anthracite, M Sport steering wheel, alongside M-specific door sill plates. A new Fineline Black wood trim with metal effect also replaces the Poplar Grain Grey items on the Pure Excellence model.\nOtherwise, the interior equipment is identical to the existing variant, with highlights including:\nLive Cockpit Professional, 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch \u2018control\u2019 infotainment display\nHead-up display\nBMW Connected Package Professional and BMW Navigation system Professional\n4-zone automatic climate control\nComfort Access System with foot sensor for tailgate\nNappa leather upholstery\nMassage function for rear seats\nDual 10-inch rear seat monitors, 7-inch rear seat Touch Command tablet\nSky Lounge panorama glass roof\nelectrically-powered sunshades\nSoft-close doors\n16-speaker, 460-watt Harmon Kardon surround sound system\nSAFETY\nThere are no changes on the safety equipment for the BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport here in Malaysia too, with the Driving Assistant Professional package coming as standard, which includes features such as:\nActive cruise control with stop-and-go function\nLane Departure Warning\nLane Change Warning\nLane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection\nSteering and lane control assistant,\nLane Change Assistant\nAutonomous emergency braking\nCross traffic warning, front and rear\nRear collision prevention\nParking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assist, surround-view monitor\nPRICING\nWith the additional M Sport Package equipment, the new BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport is priced at \nRM591,503\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of all EEV incentives and SST exemptions \u2013 making it RM22,450 more than the Pure Excellence model, currently retailing for RM569,053.\nIncluded in the price is the\n Extended Warranty & Service Package\n, which brings the warranty coverage up to five years, alongside free scheduled services for the same period.\nGALLERY"
"Losing the title\n of Malaysia\u2019s best-selling non-national car maker early last year was a huge wakeup call for UMW Toyota. Having to face stiff competition from both national and non-national makes that\u00a0are continuously offering greater value for money, 2016 is a make or break year for the dethroned king to redeem themselves in the eyes of Malaysian consumers.\nUMW\u2019s game plan was simple \u2013 to refresh their entire product lineup to be on par \u2013 or better \u2013 with its competitors. So far, we have seen \nseven model launches\n (all-new and facelift alike) from UMW to date and UMW is not showing signs of stopping just yet. Unveiled at the concourse of KLCC is the second-generation Toyota Innova. Unfortunately, VSC is not standard across the range.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Innova 2.0E (MT)\nToyota Innova 2.0E (AT)\nToyota Innova 2.0G (AT)\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n6-speed automatic with Sequential Shifter\nMax Power\n137 hp @ 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n183 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM109,000.00\nRM117,000.00\nRM126,000.00\nThe all-new Innova shares the same IMV platform as the \nHilux \nand \nFortuner\n. As such, the Innova has grown in every dimension measuring at 4,735mm in length, 1,830mm in width, 1,795mm in height while the wheelbase maintains at 2,750mm. This eight-seater MPV also has a 200mm ground clearance.\nEXTERIOR\nToyota has adopted the \u201cTough and Sophisticated\u201d design language to introduce a more elegant look to the Innova. As standard, the Innova comes with automatic halogen headlamps with Follow Me Home function, bulb type daytime running lights, silver painted radiator grille, electronic adjustable wing mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear spoiler with LED third brake light, halogen combination tail lamps and rear fog lamps.   Stepping up to the G variant adds a front chrome radiator grille, front fog lamps, power folding wing mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamp, keyless entry as well as chrome door handles.\nAll variants ride on \n16-inch\n twin five-spoke alloys wrapped in 205/65 profile Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tyres.\nINTERIOR\nToyota has certainly paid great detail to elevate the premium feel of the interior as the cabin is a breath of fresh air compared to the outgoing Innova. Even for the E-spec Innova comes with urethane three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, silver dash trim, manual climate controls, fabric seats with manual adjustment, two-tier glove box with cooling function, One Touch Tumble second row seats with 60:40 split configuration and One Touch Easy Space Up third row seats with 50:50 seats.   Moving up to the G variant, the cabin is further refined with a leather wrapped\u00a0multifunctional steering wheel with wood inlays, wood interior trim, front and rear single-zone automatic climate controls, keyless start, auto up/down with jam protection for all windows (driver side only for E-spec), foldable tray,\u00a0\nambient lighting\n and \nEasy Closer Back Door\n (vacuum tailgate).\nAll three variants come equipped with a 2-DIN head unit\u00a0with six-speakers, however customers can choose to upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera for RM2,990 (with GPS navigation) or RM1,990 (without navigation).\nPERFORMANCE\nPowering the people mover is the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder 1TR-FE with Dual VVT-i found in the outgoing Innova. When mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic with Sequential Shifter, it sends \n137 hp\n and \n183 Nm\n of torque (up 3 hp and 1 Nm) to the rear-wheels. Regardless of transmission choice, the Innova comes with three selectable drive modes \u2013 Eco, Normal and Power. To that effect, the Innova also earns itself the EEV status.\u00a0\nSAFETY\nThe top of the range G-spec Innova is equipped with \nseven airbags\n, ABS with EBD, BA, VSC, hill-start assist as well as Emergency Stop Signal. With these safety features equipped, the Innova earns itself a 5-Star crash safety rating from ASEAN NCAP.\nHowever, the lower range models only make do with three airbags and ABS with EBD.\nWHAT ELSE?\nToyota is offering the Innova in \nsix exterior colours\n: Attitude Black, Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic and Super White II. Every new purchase of the Innova comes with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty package and is transferable to the second-hand owner when the car is sold off..\nIMAGE GALLERY\nToyota Innova 2.0L Launch   Toyota Innova 2.0G   Innova 2.0E"
"\u9a6c\u6765\u897f\u4e9a\u653f\u5e9c\u65b0\u7684\u89c4\u5b9a\u73b0\u5728\u8981\u6c42\u6240\u6709\u6c7d\u8f66\u4fee\u7406\u5382\u90fd\u5fc5\u987b\u5c55\u793a\u4e00\u4efd\u5217\u51fa\u673a\u68b0\u5e08\u59d3\u540d\u548c\u4ed6\u4eec\u8d44\u8d28\uff0c\u4ee5\u4fbf\u5728\u9009\u62e9\u4fee\u7406\u5382\u65f6\u4e3a\u5ba2\u6237\u63d0\u4f9b\u66f4\u591a\u7684\u900f\u660e\u5ea6\u548c\u4fe1\u5fc3\u3002\n\u636e\nBernama\n\u62a5\u9053\uff0c\u8fd9\u9879\u65b0\u89c4\u5b9a\u662f2022\u5e74\u6d88\u8d39\u8005\u4fdd\u62a4\uff08\u8f66\u95f4\u4fe1\u606f\u62ab\u9732\uff09\uff08\u4fee\u6b63\uff09\u6761\u4f8b\u4e2d\u5305\u542b\u7684\u51e0\u9879\u6539\u8fdb\u4e4b\u4e00\uff0c\u81ea2023\u5e747\u67081\u65e5\u8d77\u5728\u5168\u56fd\u8303\u56f4\u5185\u751f\u6548\u3002\n\u56fd\u5185\u8d38\u6613\u548c\u751f\u6d3b\u6210\u672c\u90e8\u957fDatuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub\u5728\u4e00\u4efd\u58f0\u660e\u4e2d\u8868\u793a\uff0c\u65b0\u7684\u89c4\u5b9a\u5c06\u9f13\u52b1\u4fee\u7406\u5382\u7684\u6240\u6709\u8005\u96c7\u4f63\u6709\u8d44\u683c\u7684\u673a\u68b0\u5e08\uff0c\u6216\u8005\u5e2e\u52a9\u4ed6\u4eec\u7684\u673a\u68b0\u5e08\u83b7\u5f97\u9002\u5f53\u7684\u8d44\u683c\u3002\n\u9664\u4e86\u5217\u51fa\u5176\u673a\u68b0\u5e08\u53ca\u5176\u8be6\u7ec6\u4fe1\u606f\u5916\uff0c\u4fee\u7406\u5382\u8fd0\u8425\u5546\u73b0\u5728\u8fd8\u9700\u8981\u6e05\u695a\u5730\u8bf4\u660e\u5728\u4fee\u7406\u4e2d\u4f7f\u7528\u7684\u5907\u4ef6\u7c7b\u522b\uff08\u65e0\u8bba\u662f\u65b0\u7684\u3001\u65e7\u7684\u8fd8\u662f\u7ffb\u65b0\u7684\uff09\u3002\n\u6b64\u4fee\u6b63\u6848\u9996\u6b21\u57282022\u5e746\u6708\u9881\u5e03\uff0c\u4f46\u662f\u6267\u884c\u8be5\u89c4\u5b9a\u7684\u65f6\u95f4\u88ab\u63a8\u8fdf\u4e86\u4e00\u5e74\uff0c\u4ee5\u4fbf\u8ba9\u53d7\u5f71\u54cd\u7684\u4eba\u6709\u65f6\u95f4\u51c6\u5907\u8fd9\u4e9b\u53d8\u5316\u3002\n\u201c\u6d88\u8d39\u8005\u4fdd\u62a4\uff08\u8f66\u95f4\u4fe1\u606f\u62ab\u9732\uff09\uff08\u4fee\u6b63\uff09\u6761\u4f8b2022\u7684\u5b9e\u65bd\u63a8\u8fdf\u671f\u4e8e2023\u5e746\u670830\u65e5\u7ed3\u675f\uff0c\u81ea2023\u5e747\u67081\u65e5\u8d77\u5728\u5168\u56fd\u8303\u56f4\u5185\u5168\u9762\u751f\u6548\u3002\u5bf9\u4e8e\u4efb\u4f55\u8fdd\u53cd\u89c4\u5b9a\u7684\u884c\u4e3a\uff0c\u53ef\u4ee5\u4f9d\u636e1999\u5e74\u6d88\u8d39\u8005\u4fdd\u62a4\u6cd5\uff08\u7b2c599\u6cd5\u6848\uff09\u8fdb\u884c\u5904\u7406\u3002\u201d\u4ed6\u8865\u5145\u9053\u3002\n\u3010\u82f1\u6587\u7248\u3011"
"Tesla\u2019s unveiling of the Cybertruck\n was filled with oddities and surprises, but perhaps nothing more surprising than when the apparently super-strong glass on the Cybertruck shattered on stage, twice.\nFor those who missed out, here\u2019s what happened \u2013 after demonstrating the strength of the shatter-resistant glass by dropping a steel ball onto the glass from a height of about 3 meters, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk decided to level-up the demonstration by hurling the steel ball at the show car instead.\nImage: Tesla Livestream\nThe person designated to do the honours was none other than Tesla\u2019s Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen. We can\u2019t tell if this part of the demonstration was planned, but smashing both windows definitely wasn\u2019t. Musk reportedly swore under his breath after the glass shattered to pieces, before muttering \u201croom to improve.\u201d\nHowever, Musk said that he knew what went wrong with the demonstration, and \ntook to Twitter\n to explain the situation. Apparently in the test to exhibit the strength of the ultra-hard body (which happened right before the unfortunate window test), the sledgehammer impact \u201ccracked base of glass\u201d, which caused it to shatter when it was hit by a steel ball.\n https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1198090787520598016\nTo prove that the glass is indeed strong enough to withstand a steel ball impact, Musk also\n uploaded a slow-motion video\n of the same test performed before the unveiling, with the ball bouncing harmlessly off the pane of glass.\nDespite its divisive styling, the Tesla Cybertruck is still garnering significant interest. Just three days after the unveiling, Musk tweeted that the company received \n200,000 bookings\n for the Cybertruck. \u201cWith no advertising & no paid endorsement,\u201d Musk said in a \nseparate tweet.\nMaybe the smashed glass proved to be beneficial, after all."
"Have you been salivating over the new \nAudi TT\n that was officially launched here a few weeks back? Well grab the whole tissue box because here\u2019s the \nTT clubsport turbo\n. Revealed at the annual \nW\u00f6rthersee festival\n, the wild TT clubsport has a \n2.5 TFSI\n and \nelectric biturbo\n under its bonnet.\nProducing \n600 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n, the figures are made possible by the unique powertrain underneath. It consists of a \n2,480 cc 5-cylinder turbo\n and an \nelectric compressor\n to ensure a lag-free acceleration at all times. More interestingly, the engine is paired to a \n6-speed manual transmission\n that sends the power to all four wheels via the \nquattro permanent all-wheel drive system\n.\nWeighing in at \n1,396 kg\n, the TT clubsport will crack \n100 km/h\n from standstill in just \n3.6 seconds\n, while the \ntop speed\n is \n310 km/h\n.\nLooking like a GT racer for the road, the TT clubsport is said to be inspired by the successful \nAudi 90 IMSA GTO\n of the late 1980s. The dramatic stance is the result of the widened floating fenders and the coilover suspension system, while a set of \n20-inch rims\n wrapped in \n275/30 tyres\n fill up the wheel arches just nicely.\nThe front keeps the \nsingleframe grille\n and the \nMatrix LED headlamps\n, but Audi has given it a chin extension that stretches to the side fenders. Similarly at the back, the bumper gets additional vents with matching vertical splitters like the front.\nYou might not notice that the rear bumper is free from any tailpipes, because the exhaust outlet has been relocated to the side, just in front of the left rear wheel. However, you will not miss the \nhuge rear wing\n sitting on top of the boot lid. Manually adjustable and taken from the \nAudi Sport TT Cup\n car, it has grown 20 cm wider and has been given a new geometry.\nInside, Audi\u2019s futuristic digital \nvirtual cockpit\n is offset by the old-school\n open-gate manual gear selector\n with an aluminium knob. Alcantara wraps the steering and the two bucket seats, while the rear seats have been thrown out for a chassis-strengthening \ntitanium cage\n.\nIf you\u2019re all excited by this pocket monster, here\u2019s the disappointing bit of news for you. This TT clubsport turbo is only a concept car. On the bright side though, Audi said the electric turbo technology is close to production ready, so we might see it enter the production line sooner than later.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Inspired by the newest Mini Challenge racing car, the Mini John Cooper Works Challenge is a tweaked version of the standard JCW to improve track performance without sacrificing everyday usability. The JCW Challenge will be sold exclusively in the UK on a limited production run of just 100 units. Each unit will be numbered with its unique colour and specification.\nUnchanged from the standard JCW is the \nturbocharged 2.0-litre engine\n producing 231 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It is capable of launching from 0 to 100km/h in \n6.3 seconds\n and tops out at \n246km/h\n. The JCW Challenge is only available with a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n.   Attention has been focused on handling thus the changes are found in the suspension, tyres and brakes. UK-based suspension expert Nitron provides coilovers and adjustable dampers for owners to tune the car to their own tastes. The Challenge is fitted with a Quaife automatic torque biasing limited-slip differential in place of the standard car\u2019s electronic differential.\nIt retains the 17-inch rim albeit half an inch wider wrapped with 215 section Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. All this translates to a reduced unsprung mass by 2.5kg per wheel. Stopping power is provided with a pair of four-pot Brembo calipers with grooved and part-drilled 330mm front discs, which are paired with specially developed Mintex brake pads.\nThe JCW Pro Accessories are fitted as standard and can be distinguished by the enlarged air intake for better cooling, wheel arch extensions, and rear spoiler. The suede/cloth interior combination is finished in Carbon Black along with Piano Black trim and the dashboard on the passenger side bears the build number. Standard equipment include rear Park Distance Control, Rain Sensor with Automatic headlight activation and Adaptive LED headlights. The fixed specification JCW challenge including White Silver paint with a black roof is priced at \u00a332,000 (RM187,000).\nThe Mini JCW Challenge will make its public reveal at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The BMW Group has announced that it will use cast aluminium wheels produced with 100% green technology for its BMW and MINI brands from 2024 onwards. The transition applies, in particular, to the energy-intensive electrolysis process used in producing aluminium and the wheel-casting process.\nAt this moment, wheels account for about 5% of supply chain CO\n2\n\u00a0emissions. The BMW Group procures about 10 million light-alloy wheels per year; 95% of these are made from cast aluminium.\n\u201cWe have already signed more than 400 contracts with our suppliers, including suppliers of wheels and aluminium, requiring them to use green technology,\u201d said the management of BMW AG.\nThis is because aluminium has good recycling properties, making it easier to melt down old wheels as part of the circular economy. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive electrolysis to produce the primary raw material.\nMINI\u2019s Corona wheels were \nrenamed to Power wheels\n because you know why.\nMINI will become a pioneer in this field in 2023 when it begins using light-alloy cast wheels made from 70% secondary aluminium in the all-new MINI Countryman.\nA full transition to green technology for the production of cast aluminium wheels is another step towards reducing carbon\u00a0emissions in the BMW Group supplier network. The aim is to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain by 20% by 2030.\nSince 2021, the BMW Group has sourced aluminium from the United Arab Emirates manufactured exclusively using electricity obtained from solar power. The aluminium produced in Dubai is then processed in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut, Germany where it is used to manufacture body and drive train components."
"Following the \nannouncement last month\n teasing the arrival of the \nnew Kona facelift\n, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now confirmed via a teaser video on Facebook that the new compact crossover will be launched here on the\n 16th of April\n, approximately a week and a half from now!\nThe new facelift model will arrive here in Malaysia just less than six months since the \nHyundai Kona first debuted here\n, though that was largely due to unfortunate timing \u2013 the new facelift was unveiled globally just a month or so before the Kona was launched here in Malaysia.\nWhile the funky exterior styling of the Hyundai Kona was largely brought over to this new model, the facelift exercise has also given the compact crossover a more grown-up, sportier look \u2013 particularly on the N-Line variant, seen above in red.\nThe regular trim meanwhile sports a more rugged look, with chunky plastic claddings surrounding the bottom half of the front fascia. Either way, booth variants get a new slimmed-down grille, alongside slimmer discrete daytime-running lights and sleeker main headlights, now split into three beams.\nThe letterbox-like slit on top of the main grille has been removed on the regular Kona, where you\u2019ll now find the Hyundai logo, though it remains on the N-Line trim, now split into three segments.\nMoving to the rear, the taillights now feature a new wider light signature to emphasise its width, while the separate combination light cluster below get a new clear glass cover. The N-Line Kona gets a sportier rear bumper with built-in diffuser slats, while the regular model gets a silver decorative trim on a black chunky cladding bumper.\nMoving inside, the dashboard architecture gets an ever-so-slightly tweak, with a \u201cdisconnected\u201d centre console and a more horizontal button layout for the climate control buttons. The funky neon green surrounds on the air vents have also been replaced by satin aluminium for a more sophisticated, grown-up look.\nNew features on the inside include a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, paired to a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display \u2013 though the availability of these items will obviously be dependent on the variant, and how HSDM decides to spec our Malaysian models.\nOther new niceties include a new electronic parking brake, alongside new ambient lighting around the central cup holder and front foot wells, height-adjustable front seats, as well as additional USB ports.\nHyundai\u2019s SmartSense advanced driver assistance system has also been updated with new features such as Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, as well as better detection for cyclists, pedestrians and low-light operation. As before, expect to see this only on the range-topping variant.\nHSDM mentioned in the previous announcement that the new Hyundai Kona facelift will be powered by the SmartStream G2.0 two-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, which makes \n149 hp\n and \n180 Nm\n of torque, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels via Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission CVT gearbox.\nCuriously, the press release makes no mention of the 177 hp 1.6-litre turbocharged mill found on the current range-topper. No indications if we will be seeing it on the new facelift, though it\u2019ll certainly be quite an interesting prospect if we get an N-Line Kona with the more-powerful engine, no?\nGALLERY"
"Two years ago today, Aston Martin \ntook the wraps off their maddest creation, the Vulcan, at Goodwood\n. Only 24 units will ever be made, also making it one of the company\u2019s most exclusive models. But what if the 24 owners want more?\nIn comes the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro. Instead of bumping up power, the folks at Aston Martin Racing (AMR) paid more attention to aerodynamic tweaks and shortened the gear ratios for an even more \u201cexplosive\u201d acceleration. In case you didn\u2019t know, the Vulcan is powered by a 7.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 producing \n820 hp\n and is \nrear-wheel driven\n.   The Vulcan AMR Pro gets a louvred front-end just above the wheel arches to help extract high pressure air, reducing lift. The two dive planes fitted to each side of the nose and large rear wing help pin the Vulcan down, but the front splitter features rotating vanes fitted beneath them to improve steering response. Speaking of rear wing, it now has a dual plane design with a 20mm \u2018Gurney\u2019 flap for even better downforce. Weight is also down by 5kg thanks to a carbon fibre engine cover.\nCollectively, the new parts give a great deal of downforce, up to 4,000 Nm (26 percent more) as opposed to the standard Vulcan\u2019s 3,150 Nm. It has also shifted the weight balance of the car to the centre, improving traction and front-end grip.\nThe AMR Pro package is available to all 24 existing Vulcans, but there\u2019s no mention of pricing as yet. The original Aston Martin Vulcan retailed for no less than RM11 million, by the way.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota \nand \nLexus \ndealerships have stopped day-to-day operations temporarily in compliance with the Movement Control Order issued by the government of Malaysia, however both entities \nremain contactable\n by customers over the restricted movement period.\nAll Toyota and Lexus showrooms will remain closed till 31st March.\nRavindran K, President of UMW\nToyota Motor said, \u201cThe safety of our employees, our stakeholders and\nall of our customers is paramount to us. Based on direction from the\ngovernment, despite the shutdown of our operations, we will continue to be\navailable to our customers for any assistance they may require with regard to\ntheir Toyota and Lexus vehicles.\u201d\nHence, you may call \nToyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA\n \n(869682)\n or Lexus Freephone at \n1800-88-LEXUS\n \n(53987)\n for information or assistance.\nRacing will have to take a backseat to health and safety.\nThe imposition of the Movement Control Order and heightened state of alert over the Covid-19 pandemic means that the fourth and final round of season 3\u2019s \nToyota Vios Challenge Championship\n scheduled to take place on the \n18\nth\n to 19\nth\n April 2020 \nat the Sepang International Circuit has now been cancelled. It was \npreviously re-designated to run as a closed event\n with the racing to go on without spectators.\nAdditionally, vehicle manufacturing operations under Assembly\nServices Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of UMW Toyota Motor) has also been suspended."
"The issue of \nabandoned cars have become more and more prominent\n of late, with reports by the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Raya (JPJ) stating that there are currently over 60,000 abandoned cars nationwide.\nThe phenomenon is not only an eyesore and a public nuisance, but as residents have complained, it is also an \nenvironmental threat and public health hazard\n as these vehicles become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The vehicle\u2019s lubricants and fluids which could potentially leak out would also pollute its surrounding areas.\n \nAs such, the Government has taken the first step in solving the problem by \nlaunching a pilot project \nwhich will first kick off in the Kajang Municipal, to properly and sustainably dispose of abandoned vehicles through the \nAuthorised Automotive Treatment Facility (AATF)\n programme.\nSo far, eight companies have been appointed to be part of this pilot project including AATF pioneers, Kajang-based \nCar Medic Sdn Bhd\n, who acquired the AATF license from the DOE last year.\n \nAt the facility, the abandoned cars are stripped down entirely, including dismantling the engine and detonation of airbags (see video above). Each and every component is then stored separately, with the reusable ones \nsold as used parts while the damaged ones are recycled accordingly\n.\nEven the fluids and lubricants, such as radiator coolant, engine oil and fuel, are properly drained with specialised equipment and stored in specially-built containers.\nWhere other bio-hazardous components are concerned, such as batteries, they\u2019re stored in special storage rooms where the floors are raised to avoid spillages from leaking into the ground; causing all sorts of pollutions.\nAll bio-hazardous materials extracted from these abandoned cars form a list of \n\u201cScheduled Waste\u201d\n, where all its data is collected by the DOE to be monitored in order to avoid any potential pollution.\nThe machine used to separate the wheels and tyres.\nThe scrap metal collected could also be recycled and remanufactured into new components for the new car production; as we have seen for ourselves at Car Medic Sdn Bhd, absolutely nothing goes to waste or ends up at a landfill.\nThis not only \nbenefits residents in housing areas \nwhere abandoned cars are usually found in terms of health and safety, but also lays the foundation for the government to tackle the increasing number of End-of-Life vehicles (ELV).\nThe section where a car\u2019s fluids such as petrol, engine oil and coolant are extracted professionally.\nTypically, facilities like Car Medic also receive their \u201cstock\u201d of cars of recycling from insurance companies including Etiqa General Takaful Bhd, Berjaya Sompo Insurance Bhd and RHB Insurance Bhd once they\u2019re written off as total loss vehicles but that does not mean you can\u2019t do so yourself.\nThe facility is also \nopen to the public for private vehicle owners\n to dispose of their abandoned cars. These private vehicle owners can get in touch with Car Medic with regards to logistics and other necessary arrangements.\nFor more information, contact Car Medic at \n03-87236555\n or e-mail them at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n."
"Seeing a \nBentley Bentayga\n anywhere aside than on the smooth tarmacs is almost as rare as a shooting star. But that\u2019s not stopping \nBentley\u2019s Mulliner bespoke division\n from coming out with a special-edition model for the luxury SUV, designed for the great outdoors.\nIt\u2019s called the Bentley Outdoors Pursuits Collection, and before you pull out your pitchforks, it\u2019s not the type of \u201coutdoors\u201d that you\u2019re thinking of. Bentley says that the special collection is designed to \u201cencapsulate three of the most iconic British outdoor activities including angling, horse riding and dog walking\u201d, and heck \u2013 it even comes with bespoke 22-inch wheels that you definitely won\u2019t want to scratch-up on the offroad trails.\nOnly 11 of these Outdoors Pursuit Collection Bentaygas will be built, all destined for the UK only, and each will feature a number of bespoke features to celebrate the \u201cnatural world in the UK\u201d. These include a woodland embroidery scene, hand cross-stitching to the main interior stitching, and a special chrome overlay on the passenger-side dashboard fascia that describes each outdoor theme.\nThe special edition Bentaygas also feature a new woven wool finish on the door cards, seat back pockets, grab handles, and further detailing around the instrument panel, which Bentley says \u201cadds further depth of natural textures and materials to the already class-leading interior\u201d.\nRELATED: You can option your Bentley Bentayga with the world\u2019s largest carbon fibre wheel.\nThe dashboard is covered in a dark fiddleback eucalyptus veneer, but features a special \u201cLiquid Amber\u201d straight grain veneer around the edges as accent pieces. The veneers can also be optioned with bespoke inlays, which customers can choose between a jumping horse motif, a fly-fishing scene, British foxhounds or just the word \u2018MULLINER\u2019.\nThere\u2019s even some Sand Herringbone Tweed textures all around the cabin to further complement the unique interior design and upholstery colours. On the outside meanwhile, customers can choose between three hand-picked colours \u2013 Havana, Cumbrian Green, or Magnetic.\nOther bespoke pieces on the Bentley Bentayga Outdoors Pursuit Collection even include a \u201cHunter Flask\u201d, bound in the same matching leather as the interior for you to bring along when you\u2019re away from the car, as well as a matching key fob cover \u2013 so you\u2019ll never forget what kind of Bentayga you\u2019re driving I guess.\nIt\u2019s certainly a unique design piece, and actually looks pretty dang good in our humble opinion \u2013 as with most other Mulliner commission pieces. Just, definitely, don\u2019t expect to bring it off roads.\nALSO READ: Bentley celebrates 1,000 Mulliner projects with a bespoke purple Bentayga \nGALLERY"
"Having previewed their new engine technology at the 2018 Kulala Lumpur International Motor Show, Isuzu Malaysia is set to launch their new 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel to the Malaysia market by the end of 2019.\nThe new engine will replace the existing 2.5-litre VGS turbodiesel offering more performance and fuel economy despite a much smaller displacement. Output from the new engine stands at \n150 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, 14 hp and 30 Nm more than the existing 2.5-litre unit. The new engine is also mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission which promises better refinement and fuel economy.\nFuel economy is the main highlight of the new engine, offering up to 19% improvement compared to the 2.5-litre unit. This was achieved with a newly design clothoid combustion chamber, anti-friction coating, new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a high efficiency turbo charger.\n\u201cWe are pushing for the final phase of testing and planning for a debut in Malaysian market by the end of this year,\u201d said Isuzu Malaysia in an official statement.\nThe company also confirmed that the new 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel will find it\u2019s way to the D-Max pickup truck and MU-X SUV."
"Back in 2017, Hyundai surprised pretty much everyone with the\n i30 N \n\u2013 a car that seemingly came out of nowhere, and helped cement Hyundai\u2019s place in the enthusiast scene. But little did we know, the history of the N brand could\u2019ve been very, very different, and perhaps even more special.\nSpeaking to \nTop Gear\n, former Hyundai N chief Albert Biermann revealed that they were initially planning to build a mid-engined supercar, which would have been used to launch the N brand in 2017 instead of the i30 N hot hatch \u2013 but the plan was scrapped before the car ever had the chance to see the light of day.\nBiermann said that the defunct project was going to feature a carbon-fibre tub chassis, and a variety of powertrain options. \u201cWe had plans for a petrol [engine] with or without hybrid, or [it could also have been powered by] a hydrogen fuel cell,\u201d he added.\nLooking at the recipe now, it certainly seems like Hyundai had all the right ingredients to make the car a success. Biermann even admitted that it could\u2019ve been Hyundai\u2019s answer to the \nHonda NSX\n \u2013 an all-wheel-drive hybrid supercar, with a mainstream family-car badge \u2013 but \u201cnot boring\u201d.\nRELATED: \nThe Hyundai N Vision 74 is the DeLorean reboot that we never got\nHowever, the company\u2019s board of directors decided against making it a reality, before the car even got an internal codename; it was only ever referred to as \u201cThe Chiarman\u2019s Car\u201d.\n\u201cThe problem was the car would have cost over USD150,000 (approx. RM687k), and at that time it was thought a Hyundai could not have this price,\u201d Biermann said. For context, that would\u2019ve been three times more expensive than anything Hyundai\u2019s ever sold at that time.\nHyundai\u2019s mid-ship aspirations weren\u2019t a secret. The company has long toyed with mid-engine concept cars, starting with the RM14 back in 2014, and recently the\n RM20e in 2020\n with an electric powertrain. And eventhough they all look like the Veloster, their underpinnings does closely resemble that of the cancelled mid-engine supercar.\nNow that Hyundai N has firmly established itself as a serious contender in the performance vehicle space, maybe it\u2019s time for the Korean carmaker to look into building a supercar again. After all, the \nN Vision 74\n is perhaps one of the most exciting concept cars we\u2019ve seen in a long time, and the response on the internet certainly backs us up."
"UMW Toyota Motor has announced that the Gazoo Racing Festival will be returning for its fifth season this year, with even more races \u2013 both virtual and offline \u2013 to offer for the motorsports enthusiasts.\nBut hidden away deep in the press release was a very interesting nugget of info, which might be even more mouthwatering for the regular car nuts \u2013 UMW Toyota has confirmed the introduction of \u201cseveral GR and GR-Sport models\u201d here in Malaysia, \u201csoon\u201d.\nFor the full-fat GR model, it\u2019s pretty much without a doubt in reference to the \nall-new Toyota GR86\n, which made its global debut last year. As the successor to the \nToyota 86\n (which was launched here in Malaysia back in 2012), the all-new GR86 retains many of its hallmark features that made the model such an incredible success globally.\nThat means rear-wheel drive, manual six-speed transmission, and raw unadulterated fun. The all-new Toyota GR86 also benefits from a revamped 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine that now makes \n235 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque.\nAs for the GR-Sport models, UMW Toyota will have a vast array of options to choose from its global vehicle line-up, ranging from the Yaris to the\n Corolla Cross\n, and even the \nHilux\n. Like the\n Toyota Vios GR-Sport\n launched here last year, these models aren\u2019t purpose built from the ground up, but rather modified from their base models to make them look and/or drive the part.\nWe\u2019ll still have to wait for a while more to find out exactly which models will be making their way onto our shores, but we do know that the company is committed to expanding its network of dedicated GR Garages around the nation, where they\u2019ll be offering a \u201ccomprehensive\u201d list of aftermarket parts, alongside merchandises for GR and Toyota owners.\nAdditionally, the company will also be organising a whole swath of events for GR owners, including GR driving clinics and experiences, intended to equip the owners with the necessary skills to take full advantage of their vehicle\u2019s potential safely.\nBack to the \nToyota Gazoo Racing Festival\n; like before, the fifth season will continue to be anchored by the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series, featuring three rounds of events consisting of six races in total.\nThe season kicks off with Round 1 in from March 18-20, followed by Round 2 from June 24-26, and finally Round 3 from September 23-25. Two of the rounds will be held in the Sepang International Circuit, while the other is planned as a street race.\nAs before, the series is divided into four classes: the Promotional Class for local celebrities; the Super Sporting Class for elite and professional drivers; the Sporting Class for amateur and gentlemen drivers; and last but not least, the Rookie Class for young drivers.\nThe drivers will be racing for more than a half a million Ringgit in prize monies in total, including a RM70,000 and RM50,000 grand prize for the overall champions of the Super Sporting and Sporting Class respectively, making the Vios Challenge the most lucrative motorsport event in the country for the last five years.\nThis year\u2019s Gazoo Racing calendar will also see the addition of the Vios Sprint Cup, which is run independently of the Vios Challenge, and will feature two rounds (with two races each) scheduled for April and July in tandem with the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS).\nA total of more than RM200,000 in prize monies up for grabs, providing even more racing and rewards for participating drivers, teams, and dealers already signed up to compete in the Vios Challenge.\nBeyond that, the company will also be participating in the Sepang 1,000 km Endurance Race (S1K) in November. The race will also see the second running of the Vios Enduro Cup, with RM30,000 in total prize monies to be won.\nAs for those with a simulator rig at home, the GR Velocity Esports Championship will also be returning for its fifth season this year. First held in 2018, the virtual race now attracts close to 1,000 participants each year, with more than one million online spectators according to UMW Toyota.\n\u201cRacing has opened up a multitude of opportunities for Toyota domestically, and we will continue to build on this strong momentum to drive both the Toyota and Gazoo Racing brands ahead with exciting activities as well as products,\u201d said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran K.\n\u201cOverall, the objective of our racing activities is to contribute to the growth of Malaysian motorsports from all aspects \u2013 to not only provide an affordable platform for competition; to grow awareness and appreciation for motorsports amongst the masses; and to uncover, develop and provide a conducive platform for the nation\u2019s next generation of young and talented drivers to step up in motor-racing,\u201d he added."
"In ushering the New Year, TC Subaru, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia will be running promotions for the \nSubaru Forester\n and \nrecently-launched XV with EyeSight\n, for a limited time period only.\nThose who purchase the Forester can enjoy rebates worth more than RM36,999. The New Year promo on the Forester is only applicable to selected model year units.\n \nCurrently, there are five different variants of the Subaru Forester, with a starting price of RM163,788 to RM187,788 for the\n \nForester GT Edition with EyeSight\n.\nRELATED: Watch our full review of the Subaru Forester 2.0i-S with EyeSight\nAs for the XV, there\u2019s a special promotion worth up to RM10,000 on the all-wheel drive crossover. There are two variants of the XV; the 2.0i-P with EyeSight at\n RM139,788\n and the 2.0i-P GT Edition with EyeSight at \nRM146,788\n.\n \nTC Subaru recently launched an \nupdated version of the Subaru XV\n that now comes with the EyeSight driver assistance system. The system that uses two front-facing stereo cameras offers features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lead vehicle start and more. You can watch our full review of the XV \nhere\n.\nMain changes on the exterior include a new 17-inch wheel design and a new front grille design. Opt for the GT Edition and you\u2019ll get an additional front splitter, side skirts, and rear spoiler for the XV. The Forester and XV purchased comes with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and 3-years free service.\nRelated: 4 things that make the Subaru XV stand out against the rest in Malaysia\u2019s hottest segment"
"At just over six meters long, this ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach concept coupe could potentially give \nRolls-Royce\n and \nBentley\n a serious run for their money, and possibly a garage spot in some of the largest mansions in the world.\nSet to debut at next week\u2019s\u00a0\nPebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance\n, just one teaser image of the car\u2019s silhouette was revealed, but that fact that its length broke the six metre threshold should generate excitement among the rich and famous. The bonnet is pretty long, followed by a slick and smooth flowing roofline towards the back. It\u2019s strictly a two-door coupe, although it\u2019s most likely going to be a four-seater fitted with\u00a0the best bovine leather possible.\nThere\u2019s no word on the engine and specifications as yet, but all will be revealed to the world come 18 August 2016.\nUPDATE (15-8-206)\nMercedes launched another second teaser, featuring the couple\u2019s front."
"Bet you wouldn\u2019t say the same about the BMW 4-series Gran Coupe but looking at the pictures of the 8-series version of a \u201ccoupe with four doors\u201d, you\u2019d find yourself struggling to argue otherwise.\nWhen stretching out a body that\u2019s purposefully designed to be a coupe, often times car brands miss the mark by a significant margin.\n \nTake the Panamera for example, look how long it took Porsche to get it right and even out the proportions and arguably, they\u2019ve nailed it with the \nSport Turismo \nwhich essentially looks like an elongated hatch and not a stretched 911 \u2013 it just doesn\u2019t work.\nMost of what you see on the Gran Coupe in terms of features and specifications are essentially offered in the \n8-series Coupe\n and \nConvertible\n but there are notable differences with the four-door model.\nThe roofline for one, is the biggest difference as the Gran Coupe is \ntaller by 61 mm\n compared to the Coupe to offer better headroom both in the front and at the back.\nAs such, the rear windscreen is also more upright which also helped with luggage space. To accommodate the rear doors, the Gran Coupe is \n231 mm longer in length\n and\n 201 mm longer in wheelbase \ncompared to the Coupe.\nEven the Hoffmeister kink is almost vertical to accommodate the increased size of the C-pillar. The wide hips of the Coupe has been retained by widening the rear track by 28 mm, the widest on any production BMW. This also \nincreased the car\u2019s width by 30 mm\n.\nDue to the added dimensions, BMW had to make a few weight-saving measures to compensate for the added weight from the longer body and extra doors.\nWhile aluminium components are still the main ingredient, the use of a plastic boot lid, magnesium dashboard support and carbon fibre centre tunnel means the Gran Coupe \nonly weighs 70 kg more than the coupe\n.\nAs for the most important detail, the Gran Coupe features a new entry-level petrol variant, the 840i, where \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n is extracted from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six that\u2019s paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox to drive the rear wheels.\n0 to 100 km/h? Done in 5.2 seconds but if you opt for the all-wheel drive option, expect at least 0.3 seconds shaved off.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019re looking to head to a mall for a lunch break, or for dinner after work, try making the 1 Utama Shopping Centre the destination. Aside from the obvious abundance there, there\u2019s also an array of new Volkswagen Golfs on display there.\nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has kicked off the Volkswagen Tour 2022 \u2013 with the first roadshow at 1 Utama Shopping Centre \u2013 between \n23rd to the 27th of February 2022\n, between 10 am to 10 pm at the Centre Court, Ground Floor (Old Wing). Test drives are available for selected models.\nR-Line\nElegance\nOther vehicles on display include the Arteon R-Line 4MOTION, the recently \nupdated Passat R-Line\n and \nPassat Elegance\n. The Arteon has recently seen an increase in price, up RM9k to RM258k, but with no changes to its specifications.\nAs for the Passat range, the Elegance now comes with a different wheel design, and fresh new \u201cbutton-less\u201d air-con control panel just like the Golf Mk 8 and Arteon. The Passat R-Line on the other hand, received a performance upgrade; bumping it to 220 hp and 250 Nm, a 30 hp and 30 Nm increase.\nAs for the main event of the roadshow, there will be two variants of the all-new Golf Mk8 on display \u2013 the R-Line and GTI. The R-Line is expected to be priced between RM155k to RM165k, while the Golf GTI starts from RM211k.\nThe Golf R-Line gets a 1.4-litre TSI engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, while the more powerful GTI is powered by the 4th generation EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch. The GTI is armed with 245 hp and 370 Nm, while the R-Line still pushes out a respectable 150 hp and 250 Nm."
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just fully unveiled the second most important aspect of its latest hybrid model- the price! While the company just teased the \nLED headlamp\n of the SUV last week, UMWT is also finally confirming that the new self-charging hybrid model is indeed the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, and priced at an \nestimated RM137,000\n.\n\n\n\n\nInterested customers are offered a total of five colours for the\n locally-assembled \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, with the Celestite Grey Metallic only exclusively made available for this model. \u00a0\n\n\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a 98 hp / 142 Nm naturally aspirated 1.8-litre paired to a sophisticated dual-motor-generator setup (72 hp / 163 Nm) with a power-split device (PSD) that functions as an electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT).\n\n\n\n\nThe combined system output is \n122 hp\n whilst returning a fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 km or 23.3 km/L (ECE R101). The powertrain first appeared in the fourth-generation Toyota Prius.\n\n\nThe nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) traction battery is now placed under the rear seats for maximum luggage space as well as improved handling. Coupled with the compact torsion beam rear axle, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has a very spacious luggage area of at least 440 litres, which is class-leading.\n\n\n\n\nUMWT is also offering an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty on the hybrid electrical components, which includes the battery, inverter and power management control unit. Customers can even extend it for an additional two years for an estimated RM2,950.\n\n\n\n\nThe increase in feature level is scarce, with UMWT listing just the digital Optitron instrument cluster measuring seven inches, a similar item that is found in the \nToyota Corolla Altis 1.8G\n.\n\n\nApart from the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid registry for booking, UMWT has also again \nrevised the pricing\n of the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G and 1.8V. This is perhaps a reflection that the Bukit Raja plant in Klang has begun the local assembly (CKD), as the file name of the price list is simply named as \u2018Corolla Cross CKD\u2019.\n\n\n\n\nWith the new pricing information, the Toyota Corolla Cross is now priced at \nRM123,000\n (less RM1,000) and \nRM129,000\n (less RM266) for the 1.8G and 1.8V respectively, both inclusive of the sales tax exemption that has just been \nextended to June 2022\n.\n\n\nFor the full breakdown of the differences between the two variants, check out our Facts and Figures launch coverage, linked \nhere\n. In case you are curious about how it drives, we\u2019ve also previously published a quick driving impressions review, which you can find \nhere\n."
"Bermaz Motor\n has officially launched its \nMazda Anshin website\n, a one-stop platform for customers to sell or buy their Mazda vehicles in a simple, secured, and convenient way.\u00a0\nThe website offers Mazda\u2019s pre-owned vehicles (company demo vehicles) and Mazda customers\u2019 used vehicles that have undergone strict inspection and are certified by Mazda.\nEvery Mazda pre-owned and used vehicle is subject to a 111-point inspection at selected authorised Mazda Service Centres, in Glenmarie and Petaling Jaya. This is to ensure that the vehicles are in good order before it\u2019s put up for sale on the Mazda Anshin website.\nThe inspections are performed by Mazda certified technicians, taking approximately an hour with a minimal fee of RM200. Once that\u2019s done, the owner will receive a Mazda Anshin Certified Valuation and recommended selling price.\nAll pre-owned or used vehicles must comply with these requirements:\u00a0\nHas no major accident damages\u00a0\nHas no frame damages\nHas not been through a flood\nAll Mazda pre-owned vehicles come with the remaining manufacturer\u2019s warranty and free service from the vehicle\u2019s first registered date.\u00a0For more information, please the Mazda Anshin hotline at \n603-76273308\n.\nCustomers can physically view and test drive the pre-owned vehicles at these Mazda Anshin centres:\nMazda Pre-owned Centre (Glenmarie)\nNo. 38 & 40, Jalan U1/F ,Accentra Glenmarie\u00a0\n40150 Shah Alam, Selangor\nTel: 603-55698080\nMazda Pre-owned Centre (Kajang)\nLot 1872, Block C&D, Jalan Semenyih\n43300 Kajang, Selangor\nTel: 603-87375563"
"In a rather surprising move, Mercedes-Benz decided to tease the W222 S-Class facelift at the 2017 New York International Auto Show and schedule its global premier at the Auto Shanghai expo happening from 21 April to 28 April. Based on the teaser, we know that the S-Class facelift will feature new engine options, semi-autonomous driving technology and finally, a new headlamp design to distinguish itself from its smaller siblings.\nIf the only thing that is stopping you from getting an\u00a0S-Class is the single bar LED daytime running lights that looks too similar to the\u00a0C-Class, well you\u2019re in luck. The facelift will bring about a three-bar LED daytime running lights design with a new Multibeam LED headlamps and Ultra Range High Beam function. No more mistaking the S-Class for a \nC-Class\n now.\nMercedes-Benz will also be introducing new engine options to the S-Class facelift including in-line six-cylinder petrol and diesel, bi-turbo V8 and a plug-in hybrid with a pure electric range of 50 km. Expect Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) to allow its customers to access the full range of engine options for their beloved limo.\nPerhaps the most significant update to the S-Class is the updated Intelligent Drive system that allows for semi-autonomous driving. The new system upgrades the \nDistronic Active Proximity Control\n and \nActive Steer Assist\n to allow for an even more comfortable driving support. Thanks to enhanced cameras and radar systems, the S-Class is able to have a better view of the surrounding traffic. The system now uses map and navigation data to calculate driving behaviour.\nAmong the systems that will be featured on the new Driving Assistance package includes but not limited to \u2013 \nDistronic Active Proximity Assist\n, adjusts the vehicle speed based on driving route; \nActive Steer Assist\n, helps correct erratic steering behaviour; \nActive Lane Change Assist\n, initiates lane change with a tap of the indicator within the next 10 seconds; \nActive Emergency Stop Assist\n, applies brakes when an imminent collision is detected; Following vehicles in a tailback, automatically accelerate and brakes in stop and go traffic; \nTraffic Sign Assist\n, displays traffic signs on the instrument cluster when a road sign is detected and \nRemote Parking Assist\n, enables the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle into tight spaces remotely via a smartphone app.\nMarket launch of the S-Class facelift will commence in July with the European market getting first dibs. Considering that the S-Class is a popular model in our market and relentless product offensive MBM is at, we may very well see this updated limo on our shores shortly after the European market introduction. For now, stay tuned to our website\u00a0\nAutoBuzz.my\u00a0\nfor the S-Class facelift!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda USA\n has unveiled the 2020 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car which will be used to lead a pack of angry race cars in the Indycar Series. This is the latest in a series of Honda Pace Cars used for Indy car races since 2006.\nModifications to the Civic Type R Pace Car include a Honda Performance Development [HPD] brake package, including competition rotors, racing pads and stainless steel brake lines. On the inside, the Civic Type R has been fitted with a safety roll cage and four-point racing harnesses.\n \nThe Honda Civic Type R Pace Car is based on the \nlatest 2020 iteration \nwhich has been improved in terms of aesthetics, handling, braking, and safety. It now comes with\u00a0new two-piece brake discs and new brake pads\u00a0which have been engineered for reduced fade and improved high-speed braking efficiency. It also gets upgraded dampers and stiffer rear bushings.\nInside, the Civic Type R\u2019s cabin comes with a new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a new shifter with a redesigned gear knob and shorter shifts. The visceral effect from the Civic\u2019s performance has also been amplified with the new\u00a0\nActive Sound Control\n, which modifies interior sound in relation to different drive modes.\nNot too long ago, Honda also revealed a \nlimited edition version of the updated Civic Type R\n, which has been lightened by almost 50 kg. Aside from the removal of the rear wipers, tonneau cover and rear heater ducts, the omission of sound dampening materials alone reduced more than 12 kg of the car\u2019s overall weight. To further reduce unsprung weight, \nlightweight forged aluminium BBS wheels\n have been used.\nAs a result, the limited edition Civic Type R recently \nclocked the fastest time for a front-wheel driven car around the Suzuka Circuit\n \u2013 eclipsing the record previously held by the Megane RS Trophy-R by a full second.\nGALLERY\nHonda Unveils 2020 Civic Type R Pace Car"
"Another month goes by, so what\u2019s the fuel price for September 2015? Effective midnight, the price for diesel will be pegged at RM1.80 per litre while RON95 and RON97 petrol are priced at RM1.95 and RM2.35 respectively.\nThat\u2019s further reduction from August for both petrol (down 10 sen) and diesel (down 15 sen). The current world crude oil price is at $ 44.35 per barrel."
"Toyota Australia was one of the first markets in the world to begin order-taking of the exhilarating GR Yaris hot-hatch back in September 2020. The first 1,000 units of the regular GR Yaris was snapped up within a week, thanks to an incredibly attractive price of \nAU$39,950\n (RM120,000) which equated to a savings of nearly AU$10,000.\nDemand for pocket rocket has not waned, as Toyota Australia has now officially launched the Australia-special \nGR Yaris Rallye Edition\n, which sees an on-the-road price tag of \nAU$54,500\n (RM172,000).\nFor context, a \nMINI JCW 3-door\n hatch retails for about AU$59,400, while in Malaysia, it is priced from RM295,000.\nSo, what does the extra \nAU$14,500\n (or AU$5,000 if one placed the booking today, as the current pricing for the regular GR Yaris is now AU$49,500) gets you in the Rallye Edition? Similar to the \nPerformance Pack\n variant offered by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) priced at \nRM286,896\n, the GR Yaris Rallye replaces the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres to higher grip \nMichelin Pilot Sport 4S\n tyres paired with lightweight \nBBS forged\n \nrims\n, the addition of Torsen limited-slip differential (\nLSD\n) on both axles, as well as circuit driving-oriented \nsuspension tuning\n.\nCooling ducts are also punched into the front bumper to cool the disc brakes and \nred-painted calipers\n, a feature unique only to the GR Yaris Rallye / Performance Pack edition. The locally-requested black-painted \u2018\nRALLYE\n\u2019 badge is stucked on the tailgate, together with a uniquely numbered GR Yaris Rallye plaque placed at the centre console.\nBuyers can only select the Platinum white pearl as their exterior paintwork with the carbon fibre roof left untouched.\nInside, the Rallye comes with an enhanced JBL 8-speaker audio system. No changes are made to the GR-branded front bucket seats, wrapped perforated Ultrasuede and highlighted by red stitching.\nAs for the powertrain, the Rallye edition maintains the same \n272 hp / 370 Nm\n 1.6-litre single-scroll turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine as the regular GR Yaris, propelling the hot-hatch from standstill to 100km/h in \n5.2 seconds\n. These are higher outputs than the GR Yaris destined for Malaysia, with outputs of 261 hp / 360 Nm that slightly delays the century sprint time by 0.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds.\nAlso maintained from the regular GR Yaris is the GR-Four all-wheel drive system, with Normal, Sport and Track modes apportioning the same 60:40, 30:70 and 50:50 front-to-rear torque-split respectively.\nWhile deliveries for Malaysia-bound Toyota GR Yaris Performance Pack have begun, buyers in Australia will need to be more patient, as those who place their order today will only get their cars next year. All good things come to those who wait, perhaps.\nIn Malaysia, the allocation of over one hundred units of Toyota GR Yaris Performance Pack has \nlong ended\n. Apart from receiving one of the best hot-hatches made in recent memory, the first 65 lucky buyers from UMW Toyota Motor are also treated to a \u2018\nEarly Bird Package\n\u2019 that consists of an exclusive helmet bag, a GR Yaris scale model and participation in a GR Yaris Driving Experience in 2021 to learn to enjoy the GR Yaris to the fullest.\nIn total, only \n25,000 units\n of this homologation-special will be made at the GR Factory inside the Motomachi plant in Aichi, Japan. There is also no official breakdown of the split between Performance Pack / Rallye Edition and the regular GR Yaris.\nGALLERY"
"We are two days away from the global unveiling of the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS but the guys at Daimler has taken to YouTube to tease its all-new four-door fastback.\nWe\u2019ve seen the \nE-Class coupe\n-like interior of the new CLS on the \nfirst set of teaser photos\n and now Mercedes-Benz has showed off some of its exterior design in a 30 second teaser video. We won\u2019t spoil the fun for you, rundown is after the video.\nLike the first teaser photo, we can clearly see that the new CLS will feature a more angular front-end design, with a large Tri-Star badge mounted on the front grille. The headlamps are very similar to the \nAMG GT\n, slim housing with boomerang shaped daytime running light. Multibeam LED technology is also shown in the teaser video.\nOn the side, we can clearly see the sloping roof design just starting to taper down after the B-pillars. The front and rear seats appear to have quite a distance between them although it might be Mercedes-Benz playing with our eyes, so take it with a pinch of salt. Gone are slanted taillamps of the previous generation CLS and in its place, are a pair of sleek LED taillamps with a single taillamp graphic.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS will make its official debut on 29 November 2017 and will make its way to the 2017 LA Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) had the \nsecond-generation CLS 400\n on sale for RM599k, expect the third-generation CLS to make its way to our shores sometime in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Now this is somewhat surprising. Normally cars that are much more fun to drive gets such seal of approval, but the Top Gear team says \u201cpolish matters\u201d, and they weigh just as much as performance.\nTop Gear\u2019s road testers said: \u201cWith the A4, Audi focused on the stuff most people care about: a quiet, comfy cabin, tech to make your jaw slacken and some genuine ride quality.\u201d The A4 cuts easily through the air with a low drag coefficient of 0.23, and when matched to their new range of economical yet powerful engines (with coasting feature), yields substantially better mileage than the model it replaces.   QUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi A4 1.4 TFSI\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI\nAudi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro\nEngine\n1,395cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\n1,984cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\nTransmission\n7-speed S tronic\nMax Power\n150 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n190 hp @ 4,200 \u2013 6,000 rpm\n252 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n8.5 seconds; 210 km/h\n7.3 seconds; 210 km/h\n5.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nTBA\nRM248,900\nTBA\nThen there\u2019s the new five-link front and rear suspension, delivering the kind of absorbency and control that \u201cenables a\u00a0\nmultitude of miles to be covered seemingly effortlessly, without ruling out incisive handling\u201d. And among the in-car tech highlights that are truly impressive are the Audi Smartphone Interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and of course the 12.3-inch wholly digital Audi Virtual Cockpit which never flickers, ever.\u00a0\nBack at home, the A4 B9 is available in three flavours: 1.4 TSI, 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI quattro. However, only the mid-spec 2.0 TFSI is on sale for now, with the remaining two due for market introduction by Q1 2017. The A4 2.0 TFSI is priced at RM249k before options, and comes with a 4-Year or 120,000km warranty package.   To find out whether or not the A4 B9 is worth your money, \ncheck out our detailed comparisons between the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo S60 T6 here\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Audi A4 B9 Launch"
"Bentley Kuala Lumpur has just unveiled, in the presence of the media and its exclusive group of current Bentley owners in Malaysia, the third generation Continental GT \u2013 one that redefines the benchmark of luxury grand touring as an extraordinary statement of luxury, performance and technology.\nAt the heart of the new Continental GT is an all-new 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSi engine, mated for the first time to a dual-clutch 8-speed transmission.\nThere are four driving modes available \u2013 Comfort, Sport, the \u201cBentley Mode\u201d that strikes a balance between Sport and Comfort, and a Custom mode.\nOutput is rated at \n635 hp\n with a highly disturbing\n 900 Nm\n of torque \u2013 undoubtedly sufficient to power all four wheels (AWD) of the 2,244 kg vehicle made up with the combination of steel and aluminium. 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.7 seconds\n, onwards to a top speed of \n333 km/h\n.\nOn the outside, the new Continental GT features full LED matrix headlamps and tail lights along with 21-inch wheels in the front and 22-inch pair at the back. \nUnderneath those exquisite wheels, hides 10-pot brake callipers in the front and four-pot callipers at the back. The body sits on a 48-volt Dynamic Ride System with active continuous damping, supplemented by active anti-roll bars. There are a total of 17 exterior colours, with other wide range of bespoke colours.   On the inside, there are 15 standard interior themes available to go with an exquisite cabin made up of a 10-speaker sound system with an option for a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system or an exclusive 18-speaker Naim sound system.\nOther interior highlights include a brand new 12.3-inch central touchscreen system, Apple CarPlay compatibility, a 4G telephone system and 60 GB SSD hard drive.   The host of driver assistance systems available in the new Bentley Continental GT include a head-up display, Night Vision, Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.\nPricing of the all-new Bentley Continental GT is estimated to be at \nRM1.9 million before\n\u00a0\noptions\n. Bentley Kuala Lumpur has received an overwhelming response for the new Continental GT and as such it will be available for viewing at Bentley Kuala Lumpur, by appointment, on Saturday & Sunday (3 \u2013 4 February 2018), 10 am \u2013 3 pm. Interested parties can ring +60 3 2162 2033 to schedule an appointment.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here it is \u2013 the l\nong-awaited and highly-rumoured turbocharged Mazda3\n is now finally confirmed, thanks to a virtual launch video released on the Mazda Mexico YouTube channel.\nUnder the hood, the new forced induction \nMazda3\n will be equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good for \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Drive is transferred to \nall four wheels\n through a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hCKznkRJCo\nThe numbers and drivetrain setup is identical to the turbocharged unit found in the \nMazda CX-5 2.5T\n and \nCX-9\n, both of which have already been introduced here in Malaysia. Mazda did not reveal the performance figures for the new turbocharged Mazda3 just yet, but expect it to fare quite a bit better than the \nCX-5 2.5T\n thanks to its lower weight.\nThe new turbocharged engine also pushes the Mazda3 well into the hot hatch territory. While the horsepower figure is not exactly impressive compared to its \npeers in this arena\n, the 420 Nm torque figure is \nnearly best-in-class\n, beating out even the\n VW Golf R\n (350 Nm), \nHyundai i30 N Performance\n (378 Nm with Overboost function),\n Megane R.S\n (390 Nm), and the \nHonda Civic Type R\n (400 Nm).\nBased on the details revealed in the Mazda Mexico video, the new turbocharged Mazda3 will sit at the top of the line-up \u2013 as expected \u2013 fitted with the highest trim levels available in the country. There also doesn\u2019t seem to be any visual enhancements to suggest the updated performance underneath, much like the turbocharged CX-5 which is only differentiated by a red \u2018T\u2019 badging at the rear.\nDespite its performance, Mazda also doesn\u2019t seem to be bringing back the MPS nameplate for the new turbocharged Mazda3. Mazdaspeed fans will just have to keep waiting, unfortunately \u2013 but at least we will have it in spirit, right?"
"Renault\n is probably the best company when it comes to making wild hot hatches. And this time around, they\u2019ve cranked things up to eleven with the R5 Turbo 3E show car which is a homage to the original Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2.\nThe R5 Turbo 3E is set premiere at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance 2022 contest. It will also be on display on Renault\u2019s stand at the 2022 Paris Motor Show from October 17 to 23.\nLooking like the next car for a Hoonigan Gymkhana video, the R5 Turbo 3E is a legit drift car. Oh, it is also fully electric, with two electric motors powering each rear wheel. Combined, both electric motors produce a total of \n380 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n and the R5 Turbo 3E accelerates from 0-100 km/h in \n3.5 seconds\n. In the centre of the car is a \n42-kWh\n battery pack.\nInspired by games and the digital world, you must press the \u201cFree Play\u201d button on the centre console to start the car. The driving modes include \u201cTurbo\u201d (for drifting), \u201cTrack Invader\u201d (for playing), and \u201cDonut\u201d (for 360\u00b0 spins). Accommodating the generation that records just about everything, the R5 Turbo 3E comes with 10 or so mounting brackets for cameras inside and outside.\nRELATED: \nThe Renault 5 Turbo finally gets its third iteration, courtesy of epic Turbo 3 restomod\nOn the outside, the R5 presents a \u201cplayful\u201d appearance despite its rather sinister and muscular nature. Retaining the same shape for the bonnet, doors, and cockpit as its predecessors, the R5 Turbo 3E\u2019s parts are mainly made of carbon fibre.\nRenault Design Director, Gilles Vidal said, \u201cThe R5 Turbo 3E combines ultra-tech design and wilfully exuberance with numerous references to the world of car racing and video games. This combination propels the show car into modernity and technology, and it is at the frontier between the real and virtual realms. This pure electric \u201cdrifter\u201d demonstrates that electric cars can also be fun with incredible performance!\u201d\nRELATED: \nIconic Renault 5 Turbo set to return as an electric car!\nLarge inlets at the front bumper cool the engine and add downforce. Around the car are LED strips in pink, blue, and yellow which flash when the car drifts, producing a retro videogame vibe. Renault says the R5 Turbo 3E hints at its history by employing a design that is opposite of nostalgic.\nOne easter egg on the R5 Turbo 3E is the air inlet on the bonnet that pays tribute to the Renault 5 Turbo 2. It houses the opening for the battery charging socket. The square fog lights are reminiscent of the original Renault 5 Turbo and the see-through parts of the body provide windows to admire the show car\u2019s electric mechanism.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Renault Zoe quietly appears on Renault Malaysia website \u2013 priced from RM163k\nInside, the R5 Turbo 3E has carbon fibre racing bucket seats, safety harnesses, and a steering wheel that is the result of teamwork with Sabelt. Naturally for a drift car, a large upright handbrake lever dominates the centre console. Ten digital screens sit on the dashboard and the dashboard itself look a lot like Pixel Art and Glitch Art.\nLargely inspired by videogames and the digital world, a collection of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) around the R5 Turbo 3E will be available. Those who own the NFTs will be offered exclusive advantages and rewards. And before you think it only exists in the digital realm, we\u2019d like to remind you that the R5 Turbo 3E is an actual physical show car that will premiere soon.\nGALLERY"
"At long last,\u00a0Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced an updated version of the revered \nGolf\u00a0R\n. We have seen the popular \n1.4 TSI\n and\n GTI\n in detail, now is the turn of the fastest Golf-er out there. Here are Things You Need to Know about the Golf R:\nPriced at\u00a0\nRM 295,990\n, the Golf R takes performance to another level with\u00a0\n286 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n380 Nm\n\u00a0from its 2.0-litre engine paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission. Off the line, the Golf R will take just 5.1 seconds to a 100 km/h before it hits an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Unlike the GTI, the Golf R gets power funneled to all four corners through the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with Adaptive Chassis Control also as standard.\nThe Volkswagen Golf R comes with seven airbags as standard and is covered by VPCM\u2019s five-year factory warranty, five years free roadside assistance and a\u00a0\n3-Years/45,000 km free service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After a\n couple rounds of leaks\n this past two weeks, the 2023 facelift for the\n \nfifth-generation Honda City\n has finally made its debut in India, where it\u2019s offered in four variants, priced between INR1.149 million (approx RM62k) and INR2.039 million (approx. RM110k).\nAs we\u2019ve seen from the leaks, visual changes here are very minimal. Updates include the new front grille, which was given a slight refresh with a new diamond pin-style honeycomb mesh insert, paired to a slimmer chrome trim above. The bumpers both front and rear have also been redesigned \u2013 the latter now featuring a carbon fibre-wrapped diffuser-like element for a more aggressive appearance.\nThe lip spoiler on the boot lid is new, as are the alloy wheels. Tying up the changes is the new Obsidian Blue Pearl exterior paint colour, joining the existing Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Golden Brown Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic.\nUpdates on the interior are also similarly minimal, as most of the dashboard architecture and equipment remains unchanged from before. On the latter, they will ultimately depend on the variant chosen, but highlights here include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, an electric sunroof, as well as a wireless charging pad.\nThe main highlight of the 2023 Honda City facelift comes in the form of an updated feature set for its Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite. The new system adds on the low-speed follow function to the adaptive cruise control feature, plus a new lead car departure alert, to go alongside the existing suite of features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and auto high beam.\nOver in India, the 2023 Honda City facelift will be offered in two powertrain options: e:HEV hybrid, and a regular 1.5-litre inline-four petrol mill \u2013 the former now also available on a new \u2018V\u2019 variant. The B-segment hatchback was previously also offered with a small turbodiesel engine, although that option has been eliminated on the facelift due to the introduction of stricter emissions regulations in the nation.\nThe e:HEV hybrid system is identical to the one on our Malaysian \nHonda City RS\n, featuring a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle inline-four petrol engine underneath the bonnet, making 98 hp and 127 Nm. However, the wheels are primarily driven by the electric motor only, which is rated at \n109 hp\n and\n 253 Nm\n; the engine primarily functions as a generator for the hybrid battery.\nOn the pure internal combustion engine front, the returning 1.5-litre i-VTEC inline-four mill still offers the same \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox, depending on variant.\nREAD MORE: \nPerformance Head-to-Head \u2013 Nissan Almera vs Honda City vs Toyota Vios\nA"
"This weekend, Sepang International Circuit is hosting Round 2 of the 2021 Toyota Vios Challenge. The race recommences after a seven-month hiatus as a result of the full lockdown imposed due to the worsening daily COVID-19 cases.\nAlthough we are moving towards a great recovery, unfortunately for fans of racing and their favourite celebrities, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will again be held behind closed doors without the presence of spectators in adherence to strict SOPs. \u00a0\nSimilar to \nRound 1\n that was held back in March, Round 2 will also use the Sepang North Track for this entire weekend of October 23rd and 24th. With a high average speed combining two long straights and tight corners, plenty of Toyota Vios racing action is guaranteed across all four categories.\nQualifying sessions in the morning will set the pace for Saturday before moving to the first race of Round 2 scheduled at 2:45 P.M. The battle of the \nrookies\n from the Gazoo Racing Young Talent Development Program is currently led by Naquib Azlan, who won both races in Round 1, will be in hot pursuit by his fellow rookies who are 14-year old Putera Adam, Jwan Hii, Amer Harris, Mika Hakimi and Troy Eimann.\nThe rookies will start their 2:45 P.M. Race 1 together with Malaysia\u2019s top motorsport athletes in the Super Sporting category. Big names such as Mark Darwin, Keifli Othman, Syafiq Ali and Brendan Paul Anthony will be pushing their hardest to close the point gap that current championship leader Tengku Djan Ley has built up thanks to his dominance at March\u2019s Race 1. Tengku Djan is also carrying a \nsuccess ballast\n of 40 kg entering Race 1 of Round 2.\nFans of local celebrities such as Nabila Razali, Nabil Ahmad, singer-songwriter Talitha Tan as well as Ahirine Ahirudin will get to watch racing action of the Toyota Vios GR Sport machines from 3:35 P.M. The entertainment personalities will then take centre stage from 5:08 P.M. for their respective performances.\nThe ever-competitive Sporting category which has a field of 19 Toyota Vios Challenge cars will begin racing at 4:25 P.M. The category with varied skill levels has representatives from Toyota dealers, budding racing drivers as well as amateurs competing for top honours.\nSunday will see the second day of racing action, starting with the Race 2 of the Super Sporting and Rookie categories at 1:15 P.M., followed by Sporting category at 2:15 P.M. and the Promotional category ending the weekend and Round 2 from 3:15 P.M. All times as subject to change, as the weather plays a significant effect as seen in March\u2019s first race of the weekend. \u00a0\nAll the two days of racing action of Round 2, plus entertainment during the break, will be broadcast live on the Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia \nFacebook\n and \nYoutube\n pages, the Toyota Malaysia \nFacebook\n page and the UMW Toyota Motor \nwebsite\n.\nRound 2, Race 1, Saturday\n2:45 \u2013 Super Sporting and Rookie\n3:35 \u2013 Promotional\n4:25 \u2013 Sporting\n5:08 \u2013 Off the grid performances by TGR Celebrities and friends\nRound 2, Race 2, Sunday\n1:15 \u2013 Super Sporting and Rookie\n2:15 \u2013 Sporting\n3:15 \u2013 Promotional\n3:52 \u2013 Off the grid Finale performances"
"A budget EV under RM100k has yet to make a debut in Malaysia. However, local company MySuri Biz Technologies has brought in Malaysia\u2019s supposed first EV taxi \u2013 an \nMG\n \n5\n wagon. Decorated in New York cab-like livery, the MG 5 wagon taxi is expected to be available for hire starting November 2022.\nIn Singapore, the MG 5 is already used as a taxi by \u201cStrides Taxi\u201d. Over in Thailand, the MG 5 is known as the MG EP. Powered by a single electric motor, the MG 5/EP comes in two versions \u2013 long range and short range.\nPhoto: \nteksiku/Faceboook\nThe long-range version is equipped with a 61.1-kWh battery that provides a \n403-km\n WLTP range. Powered by a single electric motor, the long-range version makes \n156 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n. Charging from 0 to 100% with AC charging takes 10 hours while charging from 10% to 80% takes 40 minutes with DC fast charging.\nThe short-range version gets a 50.3-kWh battery that provides a range of \n316 km\n (WLTP). Although also powered by a single electric motor, the short-range version offers a little more power at \n163 hp\n and a little less torque at \n260 Nm\n. AC charging from 0 to 100% takes 8.5 hours and DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes 40 minutes. For use as an EV taxi in Malaysia, it would make more sense to use the long-range version of the MG 5/EP.\nRELATED: \nTNB and Mysuri Biz Tech to supply 1,000 EV taxis for Malaysia\nPhoto: \nteksiku/Facebook\nGlobally, a facelifted version is available as a long-range version (400 km, WLTP) with a 57-kWh battery and a short-range version (310 km, WLTP) with a 46-kWh battery. The version that MySuri Biz Technologies has in Malaysia is the pre-facelift version, just like the one in Singapore and Thailand.\nTeksiku\u2019s official online channels right now are its Facebook and Instagram page. The app was introduced sometime in 2019 but is now not available on the PlayStore (perhaps temporarily). Previously, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Yaakob announced that Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in collaboration with Mysuri Biz Technologies Sdn Bhd \nwill provide 1,000 EV taxis\n to support Malaysia\u2019s Go Green efforts.\nStrides EV taxi fleet in Singapore uses the MG 5 EV. Photo:\u00a0\nStrides Taxi/Facebook\nBehind \u201cteksiku\u201d is Malaysian digital economy platform provider, alladinmy. Alladinmy itself is an app with a multitude of on-demand services that include car wash, beauty care, home cleaning, and fitness coaching. According to alladinmy\u2019s Facebook page, the Malaysia EV taxi deployment will begin in Klang Valley and Langkawi. While we may have to wait a little longer for a sub-RM100k EV, some of us will at least get to experience riding in an EV taxi soon."
"Europe\u2019s big push towards electric vehicles just got one step better, as the key battery plant has finally begun production of lithium-ion battery cells. The first cell of Northvolt Ett represents a milestone that company has been working towards since the \u2018gigafactory\u2019 was announced in 2017\nThe cell is of a prismatic cell format and came off the Ett cell assembly line on December 28th 2021. Commissioning and upscaling of the factory will continue through into 2022, when the first commercial customer deliveries will be made.\n\u201cToday is a great milestone for Northvolt which the team has worked very hard to achieve. Of course, this first cell is only the beginning. Over the course of the coming years, we look forward to Northvolt Ett expanding its production capacity greatly to enable the European transition to clean energy,\u201d said CEO and Co-Founder of Northvolt, Peter Carlsson.\nThe battery cell was developed at Northvolt Labs, V\u00e4ster\u00e5s, Sweden, which has been in production since early 2020. In the coming years, production capacity at Northvolt Ett will increase towards 60 GWh per year to fulfil over USD30 billion worth of contracts Northvolt has secured from key customers, including \nVolvo Cars\n, Volkswagen, \nBMW\n, Scania and Polestar.\nSourcing battery packs within Europe has been a major objective for the European automakers, as dependency on overseas plants such as CATL of China and LG Chem of South Korea is believed to generate more greenhouse emissions and ultimately be unsustainable. The European Commission\u2019s key goal is to have a domestic battery supply for EVs in the region that is sustainable, competitive and transparent.\nCloser to home, LG and Hyundai are building a massive 10 GWh \u2018gigafactory\u2019 in Indonesia\nEurope\u2019s largest automaker by market share, Volkswagen Group, targets to have \nsix battery factories\n with a combined energy value of 240 GWh per year by the end of the decade, with Northvolt being one of the key partners.\nNissan meanwhile has teamed up with Envision AESC to build \nUK\u2019s first \u2018gigafactory\u2019\n that is powered by renewable energy. The initial output of the plant is targeted at 7.5 GWh, with plans to grow to 35 GWh in the future.\nApart from new battery packs, Northvolt in November has also started producing its first lithium-ion battery cell with 100% recycled nickel, manganese and cobalt (MNC), targeted for use smaller electromobility vehicles."
"Jeremy Clarkson specifically said that the \nthird-generation TT\n is Audi\u2019s best car to date, but his following sentence puts an ironic twist to that claim \u2013 that it\u2019s one car he wouldn\u2019t buy. Well, let\u2019s face it. It\u2019s not the first time anyone has heard him utter the words \u201cbest car\u201d, but the only reason why he wouldn\u2019t buy the TT is because air stewardesses drive them. We beg to differ, but not before agreeing with Jeremy about the TT being Audi\u2019s best car yet \u2013 at least for the moniker.\nThe TT is a fairly common car in Malaysia. You can hardly go by a day without spotting one on the road. First introduced by Auto Dunia in its Mk1 guise, the TT gradually progressed into a vehicle of desire, most notably for its one-of-a-kind look. Make no mistake, the TT looks like nothing else in the world, save perhaps for the R8. Some years later, the second-generation TT became one of the most sought after models in the grey market, and this was partly contributed by\u00a0Euromobil\u2019s asking price of RM350k. For a brand new, base model TT!\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi TT 2.0 TFSI\nEngine\n1,984cc; direct injection, turbocharged inline-four\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch S tronic\nMax Power\n230 hp @ 4,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n370 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 4,300 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed\n5.9 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM284,900 (with GST)\nWith Malaysian operations now helmed by Audi AG themselves, one of the biggest shift in sales strategy is making its cars more appealing, and by that we mean cheaper, thanks to incentives. The Mk3 TT will be yours for just \nRM285k\n \u2013 nearly RM70,000 cheaper than the model before. That on its own is a bargain, but the tricky bit begins when you roll your eyes over to the optional extras.\nEXTERIOR\nTo rule the Audi TT as a strange car is like saying the fact that the iPhone\u2019s design doesn\u2019t stand out. Some may like it, some may not; but there\u2019s no denying that the iPhone\u2019s looks stand true to its own, and the same can be said for the Audi TT. The third-generation look retains much of its older siblings\u2019 iconic physique. It\u2019s still unmistakably a TT, albeit looking more grown up at every angle.   Gone are the soft curves of the Mk2 as they are replaced (or enhanced, rather) with straight-cut lines that\u2019s even echoed within the headlights and tail lamps. Stylistically, this TT doesn\u2019t differ much from the model it replaces, but the alterations are significantly pronounced nonetheless. Its new look is more of an evolutionary take of the Mk2, and improves on what was lacking. In standard trim, you get\n bi-xenon headlights\n with\n LED daytime running lights\n, \n18-inch twin-spoke\n cast aluminium hoops with \n245/40 profile Continental ContiSportContact 5\n tyres, keyless entry and a retractable rear spoiler.\nWe dig the TT\u2019s new looks, but can\u2019t scratch away the itch of upgrading the standard headlights to the \nLED\n or\n Matrix LED\n sets. Though they cost\n RM5,000 and RM9,000 respectively\n, we feel that they complement the TT best as far as looks go. The 18-inch wheels may appeal to some, but the cost of upgrading to a \n19-inch wheel\n is just a \nRM6,000 option\n. Ride quality will surely be affected, but if style is what you seek, then these two options are a must. After all, you can\u2019t possibly be buying a TT for the sole reason of how it drives, right?   INTERIOR\u00a0\nIt\u2019s a known fact that Audi makes some of the best interiors both in terms of design and material quality. That ethos extends to the new TT\u2019s cabin, but Audi really, really upped their game here. The TT\u2019s party piece is of course the brand new \n12.3-inch liquid crystal screen\n residing behind the steering wheel. Audi calls it the \nAudi Virtual Cockpit\n, and it doubles as a standard instrument binnacle and a multimedia head unit \u2013 the latter typically comes as a standalone display built into the centre dash. This gives the dashboard a clean (but not boring) look, but the bad news is your front passenger will have nothing to tinker with on long drives, save for admiring the air vents, perhaps.\nThe circular air vents pay tribute to the original TT, but here they are given a sleek modern touch. The design draws inspiration from jet turbine engines, and the air conditioning controls are built right into the centre dials which work flawlessly under all lighting conditions. It\u2019s the little things that set standards apart, isn\u2019t it? There\u2019s more controls in the form of aero-esque switches further down the dash, but toggling them feels much more satisfying than their looks suggest.   The\n three-spoke steering wheel\n is wrapped in fine leather and is perfectly contoured to fit nearly all hand sizes. Shift paddles come as standard too. Both front seats are electrically adjustable with lumbar support and wrapped in a mix of leather and Alcantara. The seats are firm but no less comfortable even after six hours of cruising on the freeway. In championing energy efficiency, cabin lighting is completely powered by LED, including the ambient light (non-customisable). The only bulb-powered lighting source is the glove compartment, presumably because accessing it is only as frequent as servicing the car.\nOther creature comforts include push-start button, electronic parking brake, automatic hold assist and Audi MMI touch. There\u2019s one thing to pick on, though, and it\u2019s the rear seats. For the sake of comfort, we don\u2019t recommend ferrying adults at all. But if you absolutely must, be sure that they aren\u2019t claustrophobic \u2013 that or adults less than 5 feet tall.   That said, the rear seats will fit children under 12 rather comfortably. So for those who have just started a family, you\u2019ll be worry-free until the facelift comes around, if not longer. For occasions that require a bit more practicality in a coupe, then good news abound\u00a0because the TT\u2019s rear seats fold completely flat \u2013 a plus point its closest rivals (the ageing BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK 200) will not be able to match. All told, Ingolstadt\u2019s build-quality extraordinaire really lets its ethos shine through here, and ranks far up the ladder relative to its class.\nPERFORMANCE\nOne of the most compelling trait of this TT is that underneath all that surface sheen, Volkswagen\u2019s aluminium-intensive MQB platform is at play. It\u2019s one of VW Group\u2019s deftest, most talented chassis to date \u2013 one that also underpins models like the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf GTI/R, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia. The TT is off to a great start, then. Pop the hood and you\u2019ll find a transversely mounted \n2.0-litre TFSI engine\n mated to a \nsix-speed S tronic\n dual clutch gearbox.\nThe \nturbocharged four-banger\n is respectably powerful, making \n230 horsepower\n at 4,500 rpm and a full\n 370 Nm\n of torque peaking from 1,600 to to 4,300 rpm. There\u2019s \nno quattro wizardry\n here, so drive is sent to the front wheels only. As for numbers, the TT manages the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in a brisk \n5.9 seconds\n before maxing out at an \nelectronically limited top speed of 250 km/h\n, as per all German cars. Audi claims that the TT sips just \n6.3 litres of fuel per 100km\n (combined cycle), which is not at all blasphemous, but realistically you\u2019ll manage between 7.2 litres to 6.3 litres per 100km.\nTHE DRIVE\nOne immediate takeaway when throwing the TT around the bends is that it feels surprisingly nimble and agile albeit with a dash of predictability; something the previous model can only dream of achieving. And it\u2019s all thanks to the MQB platform. This third-gen TT \nshaves about 50kg off\n its predecessor\u2019s kerb weight through more extensive use of aluminium in the body construction, whereas the new platform gives an additional 37mm between the front and rear axles which helps improve handling, stability and ride comfort.\nWe spent as much time tossing the Audi TT on narrow inroads as we did cruising on the freeways, and not once had its dancing moves fetter. Its newfound composure makes everyday driving easier, and to some extent a tad too easy for the more enthusiastic of drivers. But for regular drivers like most of us are, driving the TT can very much instil confidence, and it really packs a Pacquiao of a punch off the line. The turbocharged four-potter is \npleasantly responsive\n at low revs with torque peaking in as early as 1,600 rpm. Turbo lag is well sorted, so that dreaded delay from input to reaction gets reduced to a near instant, making overtaking on highways and gunning out of a corner some two fairly effortless tasks.\nAdding more spice to the fun factor is the \nAudi Drive Select \nwhich lets you choose between \nfive driving modes\n \u2013 Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual. Things are a little jumbled up in Auto mode as the car is left to deal with a multitude of throttle input. This brings out the worst characteristics of a dual clutch transmission (regardless of what model and make), especially on intracity routes. The Audi TT is better off in the other four driving modes, but flick it into Dynamic and things get much more exciting. There\u2019s no variable damping to stiffen ride, but throttle response, transmission and steering all feel sportier. Exhaust note also becomes more aggressive (separate from the engine note piped into the cabin), particularly when upshifting.\nStandard across the TT range is Audi\u2019s \nbrake regenerative system\n. We find it to be a little bit intrusive when drive mode is set to anything other than Dynamic. The\u00a0car feels dragged when brake force is applied, and this is especially pronounced in Efficiency mode.\u00a0There\u2019s also a very handy declutching mechanism when adequate brake pressure is applied at rest. This helps prolong the lifespan of the dual clutch gearbox and prevent premature wear caused by constant and irregular transmission meshing. In short, it keeps your gearbox healthy and wallet happy.\nI was asked if I could find the TT\u2019s limits, and I\u2019d be lying to you if I say I did. It\u2019s not because the car is extremely capable or talented, but it\u2019s because the TT is exactly the kind of car you wouldn\u2019t trash at whim. Sure, it is a sports car, but it doesn\u2019t command the driver to go full whack while pretending to be a Porsche. It holds its paces really well, and does so rather eloquently without the slightest hint of the Golf DNA despite sharing the same platform. When you\u2019re driving cross country, the cabin\u2019s excellent forward and side visibility makes for an unrivalled panoramic view. Defensive driving also becomes less tiresome because there are no B-pillars in the way.   Combining the TT\u2019s lightweight and modest output figures means there\u2019s no problems getting up to speed, and certainly lives up to its 5.9 second century sprint time. Its turning radius also deserves some praise, as is the flat bottom steering wheel. In short, Audi\u2019s getting really close to perfecting the TT package, and for that reason alone we find the TT to be a truly compelling purchase.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re all about the looks and less about the hoon, then the TT makes perfect sense. It\u2019s almost a guarantee that people will notice you. But if driving pleasure is what you seek, the TT delivers quite a bit on that front, but nothing can quite be as rewarding as driving a tail-happy rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The Audi TT doesn\u2019t compromise, and the RM285k price tag is quite frankly a bargain if you\u2019re on the market for a well-sewn\u00a0premium sports coupe.\nCOMPARISONS\nThe premium sports coupe segment in Malaysia is off-putting for the most part, simply because the cars are far too expensive to even consider. We\u2019re talking about the Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 and BMW Z4 \u2013 both hugely popular sports coupes locally, but most are sourced from parallel importers, a fate also shared with the Mk2 Audi TT. In giving some perspective, the official import SLK 200 will set you back at RM461k a pop (for a 1.8-litre sports car!) and the Z4 at RM360k. The Audi TT 2.0 TFSI undercuts them both by a considerable margin, and it\u2019s even cheaper than the \nnew MINI John Cooper Works\n.\nFor RM285k, there are other cars worthy of consideration especially at that price point, but we pick the TT\u2019s closest and original rivals to show you just how well Audi Malaysia has positioned the baby R8.\nAudi TT 2.0 TFSI\nVolkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 3-door)\nMercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY\nBMW Z4 sDrive20i\nENGINE\nType\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, turbo, DOHC\ninline-4, twin scroll turbo, DOHC\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,984cc\n1,984cc\n1,796cc\n1,997cc\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n230/4,500\n277/5,700\n184/5,250\n184/5,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n370/1,600\n380/1,750\n270/1,800\n270/1,250\nSTEERING\nType\nElectronic Power Steering\nElectronic Power Steering\nHydraulic Power Assisted\nElectronic Power Steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed DCT\n6-speed DCT\n7-speed auto\n8-speed auto\nSUSPENSION\nFront\nMacPherson Strut\nMacPherson Strut\nMulti-link type\nMacPherson Strut\nRear\nMulti-link type\nMulti-link type\nMulti-link type\nMulti-link type\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nVentilated Disc\nRear\nSolid Disc\nVentilated Disc\nSolid Disc\nVentilated Disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyre\n245/40 R18\n225/40 R18\n205/55 R18 front; 225/40 R18 rear\n225/45 R17\nWheels\n18-inch Alloy\n18-inch Cadiz\n18-inch Alloy\n17-inch Star Spoke Alloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHT\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,177mm\n4,276mm\n4,143mm\n4,239mm\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,832mm\n1,799mm\n1,810mm\n1,790mm\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,353mm\n1,436mm\n1,301mm\n1,291mm\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,505mm\n2,630mm\n2,430mm\n2,496mm\nMax Kerb Weight\nkg\n1,335 kg\n1,495 kg\n1,470 kg\n1,495 kg\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nLitres\n305 litres\n380 litres\n225 litres\n310 litres\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\nLitres\n50 litres\n55 litres\n68 litres\n55 litres\nConsumption\nlitres per 100km\n6.3 litres\n6.9 litres\n6.1 litres\n6.8 litres\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n250 km/h\n250 km/h\n237 km/h\n232 km/h\n0 to 100 km/h\nsec\n5.9s\n5.0s\n7.0s\n6.9s\nPrice\nRM\nRM284,900\nRM253,060\nRM460,888\nRM359,800\nOne clear advantage the TT has over the SLK and Z4 is that it\u2019s new, whereas the other ageing German duo are left to play catchup. The Audi TT\u2019s engine is most advanced here, though its performance figures are eclipsed by the \nGolf R\n. So it\u2019s not as hardcore as the Golf R, but the TT weighs the least in this round of comparison. Its cabin is in an entirely different league \u2013 couple that to the optional accessories and you have a standout performer. Icing on the cake is a 4-year or 120,000km factory warranty. If you want a hotter variant, the \nnew Audi TTS 2.0 TFSI\n was just introduced days ago for a little over \nRM100k more\n than the base TT.\nWILL I BUY IT?\nYes, I will, but first I owe you guys, dear readers, a little confession. As much as I am a car guy myself, I\u2019ve always had a soft spot for the four ringed German brand. My old man and I share this unshakable fondness for Continental cars that are easy to drive, comfortable and low on maintenance costs. There were many cars that rang the right bells, but none came as close as the offerings from Ingolstadt. The third-generation TT isn\u2019t quite the quantum leap many have come\u00a0to expect, but it\u2019s unquestionably \nVorsprung durch Technik\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi TT 2.0 TFSI   Audi TTS 2.0 TFSI"
"Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) claims that its future models could stop the spread of flu thanks to innovative ultraviolet light technology (UV-C) adopted from the medical industry where it has been used for 70 years.\nBy integrating UV-C into the air conditioning system, JLR believes it could prevent bacteria and viruses, known as pathogens, from surviving in the vehicle\u2019s cabin.\nExposing pathogens to UV-C breaks down its molecular structure and thus neutralising them. UV-C is currently used widely for disinfecting and filtering water alongside sterilising surfaces with wave lengths of light.\n\u201cThe rise of superbugs and allergens is one of the largest threats we face as a species today. Investment in immunology is vital in ensuring that our immune systems stay ahead of the race against microorganisms, which are evolving far quicker than traditional pharmaceuticals can keep pace with,\u201d said Medical Ensyme Research Association, Immunology Expert, Dr. Hellmut Munch.\nJLR also recently introduced a method they devised which could \ncure motion sickness\n\u00a0by\u00a0generating\u00a0a wellness score of each passenger where the data collected can be used to personalise a vehicle\u2019s driving data and cabin."
"From \nMay 22\n to \n26\n, \nCycle & Carriage\n Batu Caves is hosting a Mercedes-Benz Service Clinic with the presence of the brand\u2019s \u2018Flying Doctor\u2019. The service clinic aims to offer customers a complimentary health check for their cars so that they can gain a holistic understanding of their vehicles.\nThrough the service clinic, customers can learn about what they should and shouldn\u2019t do when it comes to caring for their beloved \nMercedes-Benz\n. The technical team at Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves is ready to explain how different parts of their car function, the importance of using quality Mercedes-Benz parts and tools on their car, and how to better care for their car for an exceptional journey on the road.\nThe \u2018Flying Doctor\u2019 from Mercedes-Benz is a technical expert with holistic experience in the maintenance, repair works, and diagnostics of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. There are only 2 \u2018Flying Doctors\u2019 in the Southeast Asian region and the particular doctor present at the service clinic is Mr. Saurabh Singh.\nStationed at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia since 2022, Mr. Saurabh Singh has been a \u2018Flying Doctor\u2019 based at Mercedes-Benz India (North & East India) since 2015 beforehand. He was the youngest Flying Doctor at Mercedes-Benz India and during his tenure, handled multiple projects with Mercedes-Benz Research & Development and was also responsible for technical support during the launch of AMG vehicles.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app\nThe Flying Doctor, Mr. Saurabh Singh (centre) speaking to a customer\nTogether with the \u2018Flying Doctor\u2019, car owners can get their car checked by an expert technician who is equipped with knowledge of a wide range of Mercedes-Benz models, including the Mercedes-Benz AMG series. The Flying Doctor and the team at Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves are ready to assist Mercedes-Benz customers.\nThe service clinic is conducted at Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves which spans a 117,720-sq.ft. built-up area. Accredited as a \u201cCentre of Competence\u201d by Mercedes-Benz, the Batu Caves facility is also awarded a Level 4 certification which allows them to work on severe damage cases. The Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves facility is equipped with:\nSpecial and standard tools for car restoration\nA spray booth\nCellete bench and jigs to carry out structure repairs\nAn aluminium bay with welding machines\nA dry sanding area with proper ventilation\nPaint reparation bays, spray booths, oven booths, and polishing bays\nMercedes-Benz customers who wish to get a complimentary comprehensive health check for their cars may visit Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves. The program with the brand\u2019s Flying Doctor will take place from \nMay 22\n to \n26\n, 2023.\nRELATED: \nCycle & Carriage Glenmarie body & paint centre upgraded to Centre of Competence"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n, together with its dealer partner MM Supreme, recently opened the doors to their newly upgraded Mitsubishi Motors 4S centre in Johor Bahru.\nBuilt to Mitsubishi Motor\u2019s latest global brand identity, \u2018Drive Your Ambition\u2019, the revamped 4S centre sports a more vibrant facade on the outside. Boasting a built-up area of 15,000 square feet, the new 4S centre features a display area for up to four vehicles, alongside amenities including a customer lounge with WiFi, and a kids corner.\nImage: \nMitsubishi Motors 4S Center Tebrau, Johor Bahru \u2013 MM Supreme Sdn Bhd/Facebook\nThe service centre, meanwhile, features six fully-equipped service bays to serve every Mitsubishi model. Being a 4S centre, the new outlet in Johor Bahru is also equipped with body and paint services, providing paint work and repairs for customers\u2019 vehicles at the highest standards and quality.\n\u201cMitsubishi Motors and MM Supreme have been business partners since 2009. Within 14 years of strong business partnership, MM Supreme has already established three Mitsubishi showrooms in Johor, with the first in Batu Pahat in 2009, followed by Muar in 2011, and has now upgraded its footprint to Johor Bahru, opening another 4S centre. This shows MM Supremes\u2019 confidence in the brand, and commitment to further strengthen Mitsubishi\u2019s presence in Malaysia\u201d said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda.\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold 24,315 cars in FY2022, up 27% from previous year\nImage: \nMitsubishi-MMS.com.my\n\u201cThe MM Supreme group is the highest sales contributor in Johor. We are optimistic that we will continue to work hand in hand to keep the sales momentum going, and we are ready to serve more customers from Johor better.\u201d\nThe new Mitsubishi 4S Centre is located at 4C, PLO 136, Jalan Angkasa Mas 2, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau 2, 81100 Johor Bahru. The showroom is open from Monday to Sunday from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.\nWith the opening of the new outlet, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is now represented by 58 showrooms and 59 service outlets throughout the nation, including 47 3S centres and seven 4S centres."
"Proton has just officiated the new Proton 3S Centre in Kuantan, operated by Pesat Auto CTM Sdn. Bhd. (Pesat Auto). The new 3S centre is the third dealer outlet in Kuantan to carry Proton\u2019s new corporate identity.\nLocated centrally along the main road in Kuantan, the new 3S centre will house \n6 servicing bays\n and 4 hoists, in a built-up area of 750 square meters. Pesat Auto says that the new outlet will boost sales by 30%, and service throughout by 40%.\u00a0\nThe new 3S centre is Proton\u2019s latest step forward, bringing the total number of 3S and 4S outlets to \n102\n.\nProton\u2019s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Li Chunrong said that, \u201cWhat we are trying to do is to ensure that when a customer walks into a Proton outlet, they immediately feel the Proton experience. We emphasise customer care, and more importantly, addressing any issues in a professional way.\n\u201cWe understand, that listening to customers cannot be an option \u2013 it is a priority. The more we engage with the needs of our customers, the better we are able to serve them and solve their problems,\u201d he added.\nProton is looking to maintain their upward trend in sales growth. With \n9,127 units sold in August\n, and a\n 36% year-on-year growth\n, Proton is confident to close the year with high numbers.\u00a0\nDr. Li added, \u201cWe will continue to embark on this transformational journey, and we will strive to continue to wow our customers. Hopefully with more upgraded 3S & 4S outlets in place nationwide, we will slowly but surely draw more customers to the brand.\u201d\nThe new Proton 3S centre is located at \nLot 3588, Jalan Seri Teruntum 6, 25100 Kuantan Pahang\n. The showroom will be operating from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Sundays; servicing workshop will be open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Saturday."
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced a recall for its Toyota Corolla Altis over a faulty airbag sensor module. A total of 2,800 units of Corolla Altis manufactured from June 2015 to January 2016 are involved in the recall.\nAccording to UMWT, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) initiated a global recall over this issue involving some Toyota and Lexus models. The defect is related to the manufacturing process where the insulation of Integrated Circuit (IC) chips of the Pressure sensors and G sensors might peel off over time. This would illuminate the airbag warning light and may potentially cause the\n front and/or side airbags to be\n \ndeactivated unintentionally\n and not deploy when needed to, greatly increase the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash.\nUMWT is working on securing the parts to carry out the replacement and will notify affected owners to bring their vehicle to a Toyota authorised service centre to make necessary replacements. The replacement will take about 30 minutes to 4 hours (depending on model) and all costs involved will be borne by the company.\nToyota owners can visit Toyota\u2019s Special Service Campaign webpage \nhere\n, and key in their respective VIN Number to check whether their cars are involved in this or any other recall campaign. Alternatively, owners can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone hotline at 1-800-88-69682."
"There\u2019s a saying that goes, \u201cfake it till you make it\u201d but what they didn\u2019t mention was \u201cdon\u2019t get caught doing it\u201d.\nA father and son-operated workshop in Brazil recently landed in hot soup when police raided their premise and found various exotic vehicles, including the Lamborghini Huracan, in various stages of completion.\nThese fake exotics were being built with engines from Mitsubishi, Alfa Romeo and Chevrolet and sold at a fraction of the original prices, ranging from USD47,000 (RM193k) to USD66,000 (RM271k).\nApparently, the quality of work and the finer details are highly dependent on how much clients can pay.\nThe cars were registered as prototypes but it\u2019s illegal to register homemade prototypes with a registered car logo. Both father and son would be charged for intellectual property offences as the law of industry property prohibits the use of industrial designs and logos.\nThe replica workshop, believed to be the biggest in Brazil, was reportedly under investigation for some time after complaints from dissatisfied customers on the poor interior finishing.\nWhen contacted, Lamborghini\u2019s spokesperson said that the biggest risk posed by these cars, aside from intellectual property infringement, is that they posed serious safety risks with a lack of basic safety features.\nThe workshop owners, on the other hand, said they are still open for business and will remain committed to finish what they started.\nCredit: Pol\u00edcia Civil de Santa Catarina\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"One company at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of automotive performance is \nRimac Automobili\n, founded by Croatian innovator, Mate Rimac. The \nRimac Nevera\n accelerates from 0-60 mph in a blistering \n1.85 seconds\n or 0-100 km/h in \n1.97 seconds\n. However, Rimac Nevera Chief Program Engineer, Matija Reni\u0107, recently revealed to \nThe Drive\n that a car capable of 0-60 mph in under 1 second is possible in the future.\nFor the uninitiated, the Rimac Nevera produces a staggering maximum output of \n1,914 hp\n and a tremendous maximum torque of \n2,360 Nm\n. Propulsion for the Rimac Nevera comprises four independent permanent-magnet electric motors, with the front motors rated at 226 kW (\n307 hp\n) each and the rear motors rated at 450 kW (\n612 hp\n) each. Each motor gets an independent gearbox and inverter.\nWhen asked by \nThe Drive\n on whether a one-second or half-second 0-60 mph time was possible in the future, Matija Reni\u0107 responded with: \u201cBelow one second\u201d. Considering the Nevera\u2019s acceleration, Rimac Automobili still has to shave off at least 0.86 seconds.\nNow, it is possible for the Rimac Nevera to achieve a much faster 0-60 mph time, simply by making it a one-trick pony for the drag strip. However, this is not what Rimac Automobili wants to do.\nRELATED: \nRimac Nevera sets a new 1/4-mile record of 8.58 seconds!\nCommenting on the Rimac Nevera, Matija Reni\u0107 said, \u201cThe car is very fast, honestly. Figures here and there, we are very proud of them, but the car is more than that. It\u2019s not a one-trick pony, it\u2019s not a dragster that you take to the drag strip and achieve the best times, and that\u2019s it.\nThe car is actually very, very complex, showing you what automotive technology in the future can do. And it\u2019s also very usable and very friendly from the user\u2019s perspective. And in the end what we wanted to achieve is develop a driver\u2019s car, something that\u2019s very engaging and very rewarding just taking it out and enjoying it.\u201d\nRELATED: \nBugatti leaves Volkswagen, forms new company with Rimac\nIt seems that Rimac Automobili is firm on creating an all-rounder driver\u2019s car instead of an extravagant one-trick pony. At AutoBuzz.my, we\u2019ve had the pleasure of trying the \nPorsche Taycan\n Turbo S\n which does 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds (with Launch Control), and boy, that itself was \nan overwhelming, vomit-inducing experience\n.\nClose to the Rimac Nevera\u2019s reported 1.85-second 0-60 mph time, is the non-supercar \nTesla Model S Plaid\n\u2018s claimed 1.98-second 0-60 mph time (under very specific conditions dictated by Tesla). It is amazing how far supercars and hypercars have come. About 30 years ago, the \nMcLaren F1\n production car did 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds. Today, we are talking about going 0-60mph in under 1 second.\nALSO WATCH: \nWe \u201ckidnapped\u201d the Porsche Taycan after driving it on Sepang Circuit!"
"Porsche Malaysia\n has just introduced its new racing team, the Sime Darby Racing Team on \nApril 18, 2023.\n Represented by \nSime Darby Auto Performance\n, the racing team is scheduled to make its debut at the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA).\nThis is in partnership with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) and young Malaysian race driver Nazim Azman at the wheel. The Malaysian team will race with the nation\u2019s pride, incorporating a batik-inspired livery on its \n911 GT3 Cup\n car, and will be competing in the PCCA PRO category.\nThe 20th PCCA season spans the continent once again in 2023, after two seasons of being confined to China. The 2023 race calendar starts in Malaysia, continues through Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore before finishing up at Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific\u2019s home base in Shanghai, China. The one-make series sets equal technical standards across the field, and the seventh-generation GT3 Cup race car based on the 992-generation 911 brings more downforce and technology than ever for better performance.\nTogether with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM), Porsche Malaysia brings a highly-experienced technical partner for the Sime Darby Racing Team. The team is built by double PCCA champion, accomplished Porsche Works driver and two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Earl Bamber. With a shared vision to nurture the next generation of competitive race drivers, EBM will lend technical support to the Sime Darby Racing Team throughout the 2023 PCCA season, providing sharpened performance for any circuit.\nRELATED: \nThe retro-styled Porsche 911 Sport Classic is the most powerful manual 911 you can buy\nSime Darby Auto Performance CEO, Christopher Hunter said, \u201cOur participation in Porsche Carrera Cup Asia this year underlines our long-standing commitment to Porsche\u2019s motorsport DNA. Porsche Malaysia has been at the forefront in customer track driving programmes, and we have had long history with Earl Bamber Motorsport on track.\u201d\nIn partnership with EBM and Porsche Malaysia, former FIA Formula 3 race driver, Nazim will be representing the Sime Darby Racing Team in PCCA 2023.\nMalaysian race driver representing Sime Darby Racing Team, Nazim Azman said, \u201cIt is my pleasure to partner with Porsche Malaysia and Earl Bamber Motorsport to represent the Sime Darby Racing Team at the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2023. As this is my first time racing a GT car for a full season, I believe that this opportunity will widen my horizons and experiences in GT racing. I\u2019d like to thank the team for the support and will strive to do my best to step up in the upcoming race.\u201c\nReturning to a full Asia schedule, the first stop of the season will flag off at \nSepang International Circuit\n for round 1 and 2 on \nApril 28\n to \nApril 30, 2023\n. The series then moves around the region before returning to Malaysia for round 9 and 10 on \nAugust 25\n to \nAugust 27, 2023\n, alongside round 3 of the Malaysia Championship Series at Sepang International Circuit.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS unleashed at Silverstone Circuit"
"The\u00a0\nLamborghini Huracan\n was unveiled back in 2014, and being a typical Lambo model won\u2019t be complete without the more hardcore\u00a0Superleggera variant. Thankfully, we won\u2019t have to wait long for that day to come.\nSeen here are the pictures of the Huracan Superleggera prototype snapped during its test run stint at the\u00a0Nurburgring.\u00a0The latest scoop revealed it\u2019s equipped with more aerodynamic parts, ranging from front and rear diffusers, a revised front bumper and a large rear wing. Also at the back, the dual exhaust pipes are housed in the middle, which look suspiciously production ready. It\u2019s uncertain if the new exhaust will provide performance boost (they probably would) but perhaps the photographer behind these spy shots had a \u2018crackling\u2019 time with all the aural pleasure.\n \n \nAs for now, the standard Huracan in\u00a0LP610-4 guise is powered by a\n 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10\n that pushes out\n 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque.\n\u00a0Power is delivered to all\u00a0\nfour wheels \nvia a\n\u00a0seven-speed dual clutch gearbox\n. Century sprint is dusted in\u00a0\n3.2 seconds\n\u00a0and it goes onto a top speed of \n323 km/h\n. Predictably, the lighter and more powerful\u00a0Huracan Superleggera will eclipse all these standard figures.\nBeing a Superleggera variant means the Huracan will undergo tremendous diet through more extensive use of carbon-fibre body parts and the removal of several components in the cabin. As its predecessor, the Gallardo\u00a0Superleggera shedded 100kg, so expect a similar weight loss for the Huracan. It now has a dry weight of\u00a0\n1,422kg\n.\nThere\u2019s no mention of its official unveiling, but our best guess is the Paris Motor Show which will take \u00a0place in October. We wait with bated breath!\n[Source:\u00a0Automedia & AutoExpress]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After announcing its future plans way back in \nSeptember last year\n, Maserati has now finally introduced its first foray into electrified vehicles \u2013 the \nMaserati Ghibli\n Hybrid, ushering in a whole new era for the company.\nThe big focal point here is of course the engine, which is a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged\n unit taken from the Alfa Romeo Giulia (but heavily modified, according to Maserati), paired to a \n48-volt alternator\n and an additional \nelectric supercharger (e-Booster)\n, with power fed from a battery mounted at the rear of the car.\nThe fancy engine, which Maserati claims is unique in the segment, is rated for a total system output of \n330 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, the latter available from just 1,500 RPM. Zero-to-hundred km/h takes \n5.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n255 km/h\n.\nImpressively, even with all the new electrical bits and pieces, the Ghibli Hybrid actually weighs about \n80kg less than the V6 diesel\n variant, while producing 25% less CO2. With the new electrification efforts, Maserati claims that the new Ghibli Hybrid can achieve a fuel consumption figure of \n8.5 l/100km\n.\nWhat\u2019s more, the company also claims that Ghibli Hybrid will retain the \u201cunmistakable sound that has always distinguished every Maserati\u201d, thanks to an \u201coptimised exhaust\u201d, which includes specially designed resonators. Well, we think we\u2019ll be the judge when it comes out.\nTo differentiate the new electrified Ghibli from the rest of the crowd, Maserati added multiple blue accents to the exterior of the car, obviously. The blue accent will become the signature of all electrified Maseratis in the future.\nOther exterior changes include a new front grille design, inspired by tuning forks which produces a \u201csound of extreme purity\u201d, as well as the new taillights with a new boomerang light signature, inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.\nThe blue accents continues on the interior of the Ghibli Hybrid, with Blue contrast stitching on the leather trims, along with a blue embroidered Trident logo on the headrest.\nThe Ghibli Hybrid will also debut the new 10.1-inch infotainment system with Maserati Connect, featuring always-on connectivity for over-the-air software updates and telematics.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The upcoming 2020 Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 twins have been in the works for quite some time now, with the announcement of a \nrenewed partnership between the two companies\n in September this year officially confirming its existence.\nSince then, we\u2019ve seen several \nspy shots\n as well as \nleaks\n of the Hachiroku twins from the recent \nSubiefest event\n, but Subaru has just given us our best look at the upcoming 2020 BRZ yet \u2013 thanks to a new image of what seems to be the real deal on its updated website, along with the announcement of its world debut date \u2013 November 18.\nThe next-generation Subaru BRZ looks to be somewhat Porsche-inspired, at least when seen from the headlights. The daytime-running lights form a strip underneath the two projector elements, extending along the sides to wrap around the top \u2013 we\u2019re guessing that the side portion will act as turn indicators.\nWe\u2019ve also taken the liberty to do a quick Photoshop edit on the image, mirroring it for the other side and adding a rendered middle section, with the width of the car roughly measured from the number-plate holder with reference to a sample image from the current-generation BRZ. Here\u2019s what we came up with:\nWe\u2019re not sure how close our composite image will be to the actual car, but with rumours suggesting that it\u2019ll still ride on a modified version of the current chassis, it really shouldn\u2019t be too far off! There could also be some details that is left out on the centre of the bonnet, but well, there\u2019s only so much we can do without seeing the actual car.\nAside from the looks, the biggest question about the upcoming Hachiroku twins is probably its technical specifications underneath the hood. Subaru has not revealed anything just yet, but based on what we can hear from the \nvideo on the website\n, the BRZ doesn\u2019t sound like it\u2019ll feature a turbocharger \u2013 sorry, we don\u2019t make the decisions.\nThis suggest that the most recent rumour is probably true, which claims that the 2020 Subaru BRZ will be equipped with a naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre mill that makes\u00a0\n220 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n240 Nm\n. Despite its lack of forced-induction, the new engine output is still a healthy increase over the\u00a0\ncurrent 86\n\u2018s 200 hp and 205 Nm.\nWe\u2019ll know more about the 2020 Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 in about two weeks time. Until then, we\u2019ll be keeping a look out for any more rumours that might pop out before the launch \u2013 so stay tuned!"
"If only the American police force could be convinced to switch from the wobbly, fuel-guzzling Chevys.\nIn promotion of his new movie alongside Martin Lawrence, Bad Boys for Life, Will Smith teamed up with Californian-based ride-sharing company, Lyft to give a few lucky riders the an unusual experience of a lifetime.\nNot only were they riding along with one of Hollywood\u2019s biggest name, they also got some training lessons on being a cop \u2013 Mike Larry style.\n \nNow we all know this is also a promotional video of sorts for the \nnew Porsche Taycan\n but interestingly, not a word about the electric supercar was mentioned.\nAdmirable, but no supercar experience would be complete without a few short burst at least and these guys sure looked like they had their adrenaline levels heightened. In fact, if you watch closely, you\u2019d notice how aggressive Will Smith can be behind the wheel!\nHave any of you watched the movie? How do you like it? Apparently, the Taycan isn\u2019t the only Porsche in the blockbuster."
"The \nVolkswagen Golf\n is set to go fully automatic as part of its mid life-cycle update due next year, if the Euro 7 emissions regulations goes into effect in its current form, \nAutocar\n reports. That means that after half a decade on sale, the manual transmission could be going away completely for the iconic hatchback \u2013 even on the hotter \nGolf GTI \nvariant.\nSpeaking to the publication, Volkswagen technical development chief, Kai Gr\u00fcnitz, confirmed the news: \u201cWith the next generation of the Golf, there will not be one with a manual gearshift.\u201d Gr\u00fcnitz added that the decision was made to comply with the Euro 7 emissions legislations, although it has not been officially signed off by the VW higher ups, as the legilations could still change before it is ratified into law.\nIt\u2019s flappy paddles from here on out, I\u2019m afraid.\nAccording to Volkswagen\u2019s own data, the manual Golf GTI carbon dioxide emissions are rated at 162 g/km, compared to 160 g/km of the automatic. While that difference might seem miniscule, it can easily add up exponentially and cause significant implications in the context of manufacturer fleet emissions quotas.\nThe landmark decision could go down as one of the most significant in the Golf GTI illustrious history, as the model has always been offered with a manual gearbox since its very first debut, back in 1975. That said, Malaysian customers probably won\u2019t be too surprised, since the model has already been DSG-only since its official introduction, back in the Mk. 6 era.\nThe decision to drop the manual gearbox could also hint at the looming electrification of the Volkswagen Golf line-up. The German carmaker has already pretty much confirmed that the next-generation Golf will be electrified \u2013 or even perhaps even fully electric, and losing the manual gearbox might just be the first step in the long process, before the next-generation model launches sometime after 2028.\nRELATED: \nVolkswagen Golf to live on in EV era \u2013 \u2018ID. Golf\u2019 name possible, GTI & R to live on too"
"It\u2019s called the Sakura and as you\u2019d expect, it\u2019s named after the Japanese Cherry Blossom. Just like how most would go \u201cAwww\u201d over the sight of Sakuras, it\u2019s hard not to have the same effect on Nissan\u2019s new electric minivehicle or \u2018kei car\u2019 as it is known in Japan.\nIts design comes with purpose too. The slim headlamps do not only look futuristic, but its triple beam projector \u2013 a first in a minivehicle \u2013 also increases visibility at night.\nAutodesk VRED Professional 2022.1\nYou\u2019d definitely see this tiny one up ahead with taillamps that stretch across the tailgate; it should be more noticeable than the bloom of a million Sakuras.\nThe design of the aluminum wheels is inspired by\u00a0the Japanese \u2018mizuhiki\u2019 decorative knots that are commonly found on gift envelopes and packages.\nMoving inside, the cabin is much like what you\u2019d expect of a modern Japanese living room, in a super-compact apartment in Tokyo, where cars like the Sakura are made for.\nIts soft colour tones are soothing to the sight and if that\u2019s not serene enough, the cabin is even \u2018decorated\u2019 with little Sakura motifs in the least expected areas.\nJust like a modern Japanese living room, the Sakura is not short of technology. It\u2019s got a 7-inch digital meter, an even larger 9-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with on-board navigation.\nIn addition, it\u2019s equipped with Nissan\u2019s ProPILOT driver assistance system with autonomous braking features, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. It\u2019s also the first minivehicle to be able to park itself, with the ProPILOT Park system.\nPowering the Sakura is a 20 kWh 350 volt lithium-ion battery that drives the front wheels through an electric motor. It gets 64 hp, 195 Nm of torque and a 130 km/h top speed. There are three different driving modes in the little Sakura \u2013 Eco, Sport, and Standard \u2013 along with a one-pedal driving system called the e-Pedal step system.\nNissan says it can return 180 km of driving range, taking just eight hours to be fully charged. The battery can also be used to power a typical Japanese household with electricity for a day in the event of an emergency.\nGALLERY"
"In addition to \nmeeting with Geely\n, the recent Malaysia entourage to China \u2013 led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim \u2013 also held a meeting with Chery International for an in-depth discussion on the company\u2019s investment into Malaysia.\nThe meeting between the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and executives from Chery International touched on the company\u2019s investment and development plans in Malaysia. According to a press release from the latter, the minister has \u201cshowed great interest\u201d in the proposals, recognising Chery\u2019s international corporate strength.\nFollowing the meeting, Chery International was also invited to a round table conference between the Malaysian entourage and various Chinese industry leaders, ahead of the Malaysia-China Business Forum on April 1.\nDuring his keynote speech for the Malaysia-China Business Forum, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the country has secured a record \nRM170 billion worth of investment commitments\n from China, from a total of 19 memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed between businesses in China and Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nChery to produce 30,000 cars annually in Malaysia CKD plant\nChery International has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary here in Malaysia, with the official brand launch to happen in the second quarter this year. Among the first models under the Chery brand to debut in Malaysia include the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n and \nOmoda 5\n.\nThe company is reported to be currently finalising its CKD assembly plant agreement with Inokom, with production for its models set to begin in June 2023, with model launches \nscheduled for the month after\n.\nREAD MORE: \nChery makes first official appearance in Malaysia \u2013 Tiggo Pro Series, Omoda 5 previewed"
"For as long as my memory allows me to remember, model cars have always had a huge following and this is largely due to the diverse demographic it attracts.\nAnd former racing driver, Nabil \u201cBilly\u201d Karam from Lebanon is no exception. Having previously set the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of model cars in 2011 with \n27,777 cars\n, he later broke his own record in 2016 with a total of \n37,777 pieces of model cars\n.\nNabil\u2019s obsession began early on at a very young age. Sadly, his collection was stolen when his house was broken into and since then, it\u2019s been a dream to rebuild that collection and then some for the former president of Porsche Club Lebanon.\nAt the beginning, the collection began with a sole focus to collect the cars he used to race, mainly Porsches, but since then the collection has expanded to dioramas as well and as you can see from the video, Nabil has never looked back; amassing a mind-boggling display that\u2019s unimaginable even in a 6-year old\u2019s wet dream.\nCredit: \nGuinness World Records"
"UMW Toyota Motors is set to have a busy 2016 as the company recently revealed its plans to introduce the new Hilux, Alphard and Vellfire models in the coming months.\nFirst to hit our shores is the eight-generation Hilux in Q2 2016 where it\u2019ll go against the \nnew Ford Ranger T6\n, \nNissan NP300 Navara\n and \nMitsubishi Triton\n. The popular pickup debuted in Thailand in mid-2015 and will definitely help Toyota regain traction once it arrives here. There are \ntwo brand new and high-tech commonrail diesel engines powering the Hilux\n; a \n2.4-litre\n and a \n2.8-litre\n turbodiesel.\nEngine Name\n1GD-FTV\n2GD-FTV\nDisplacement (cc)\n2,754 (2.8-litre)\n2,393 (2.4-litre)\nBore x Stroke (mm)\n92.0 x 103.6\n92.0 x 90.0\nCompression Ratio\n15.6:1\nMax Power (bhp @ rpm)\n174 hp @ 3,400 rpm\n148 hp @ 3,400 rpm\nMax Torque (Nm @ rpm)\n450 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,400 rpm\n330 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,000 rpm\nLow-Speed Torque (Nm @ rpm)\n370 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\n330 Nm @ 1,200 rpm\nThe new 2.4L produces\u00a0\n148 hp\n\u00a0with\u00a0\n400 Nm\n of torque, whereas the 2.8L unit makes \n174 hp\n\u00a0with\u00a0\n450 Nm\n of torque. Receiving drive is a new\u00a0\nAisin-sourced six-speed automatic\n gearbox. Underneath it all is a new and improved chassis which features Toyota\u2019s Frame with Integrated Rigidity Mechanism (FIRM) technology.\nIn an effort to not lose out premium MPV sales to \nparallel importers\n, the company will launch the new, third-generation \nAlphard and Vellfire\n\u00a0models during Q3 2016. We spotted both the Alphard and Vellfire during a trip to the 2015 Bangkok Motor Show, and both will likely come with a\u00a0\n2.5-litre Dual-VVTi\n engine with a \nseven-speed Super CVT-i\n transmission.\nUMW Toyota has set a sales target of a modest \n87,000\n for 2016, \u2013 2,000 of which will come from Lexus. In 2015, Toyota sold a total of 93,760 cars, and just 65,295 of them were passenger cars. They subsequently lost the top spot and was dethroned by Honda as the top non-national automaker in Malaysia.\nHonda\u2019s strong performing models like the City, Jazz and HR-V have made things a little difficult for Toyota, but what it should be is nothing more than a huge wakeup call on Toyota\u2019s end. It may be a struggling 2016 for Toyota especially after factoring in the \nrising prices\n of their cars due to the weakening Ringgit, but it\u2019s only a matter of time before they once again become the non-national king.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Toyota Vellfire at Bangkok International Motor Show   2015 Toyota Alphard at the Bangkok International Motor Show"
"Pagani returns to building its most extreme expression of its current automobile with the Huayra R. Following the footsteps of the Zonda R track car, the Huayra is the freest, most extreme and performance-oriented Pagani car of all time. \u00a0\nThe heart of the new Pagani Huayra R is the engine. \u201cThe new engine had to have the charm, romance, sound and simplicity of the F1 engines of the 1980s, while incorporating state-of-the-art technology available today,\u201d said founder of Pagani Automobili, Horacio Pagani. So, the turbochargers have been ditched, returning to natural atmospheric aspiration like the Zonda R over ten years ago.\n \nListen to the free-breathing V12 engine\nThe 6.0-litre Pagani V12-R engine, engineered in partnership with HWA AG, has outputs of \n850 hp\n at 8,250 rpm and \n750 Nm\n of torque from 5,500 rpm to 8,300 rpm, ending its rotation at the speed of 9,000 rpm. Modern technology in computing, design, materials and manufacturing lift the maximum horsepower value by 100 hp and torque by 40 Nm compared to the Mercedes-sourced V12 in the 2009 Zonda R.\nMade using lightweight Inconel 625/718 material, the exhaust manifolds are designed so each of the 12 outlets has an identical length for maximum performance, as seen in non-turbocharged Formula One engines.\nThe exhaust system, fully coated with heat-dissipating \nceramic\n material, is also equipped with \nmufflers\n that can be fitted as required, ensuring that noise emissions are reduced to within the FIA limit of 110 decibels at noise restricted circuits. Pagani says the bespoke engine is efficient and easy to operate, requiring a service cycle of 10,000 km interval.\nThe lighter and less complex naturally aspirated V12 engine is affixed to the carbon fibre monocoque via new materials and structural designs and as such, is 51% more rigid to resist bending and a 16% increase in torsional rigidity. The V12 engine also supports the HWA AG-developed transmission system that features a six-speed sequential, non-synchronized dog ring gearbox and a three-sintered metal disc racing clutch.\nThe dry weight of the Huayra R is \n1,050 kg\n, of which 278 kg is represented by the tailor-made powertrain and is nearly 200 kg lighter than the track-focused \nHuayra Imola\n road car. \u00a0\nHWA AG has been the go-to company for Horacio Pagani, as the company is lead by Hans Werner Aufrecht whose name represented the \u2018A\u2019 in the \nAMG tuning\n company before shifting to start HWA AG back in 1998. \u00a0\u00a0\nUnlike the regular road-going variants with 20- and 21-inch tyre and rim setup, the Huayra R comes fitted with P-Zero \nslick tyres\n from Pirelli and in a smaller 19-inch diameter. \u00a0The carbon-ceramic disc brakes from Brembo have also been upsized, with the front measuring 410 mm diameter and the rear in 390 mm, each grabbed by six-piston calipers fitted with racing pads.\nWhile the upperbody of the Huayra R doesn\u2019t have many extreme-looking aerodynamic appendages, the vehicle is said to have exceeded its \n1,000 kg-downforce\n target with ease. \u00a0The full-width fixed rear wing now integrated into the bodywork much better than the Imola. \u00a0A set of air vents above the wheel arch and the generous side outlet allow even more effective channelling of air to flow to the rear aerodynamic appendages. The V12 engine breathes through a central scoop that also incorporates a stabilising fin.\nPagani will be releasing a more significant quantity of \n30 units\n of the Huayra R with a \u201clower\u201d price of \nEUR2.6 million\n each, unlike the \nHuayra Tricolore\n in just three examples and the Huayra Imola with just five units. The V12 engines are back alive, with \nGordon Murray\u2019s T.50\n weighing even lighter and paired with a three-pedal manual transmission.\nGALLERY"
"The updated 2018 Mazda 6 is now officially the first Mazda to achieve a five-star rating under the new, more stringent 2018 Euro NCAP crashworthiness ratings.\nThe award is credit to the increased rigidity of the car\u2019s lightweight yet impact-absorbing SKYACTIV-Body architecture, a wider range of advanced i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies and improved pedestrian protection.\nOf the four Euro NCAP tests \u2013 Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) and Safety Assist \u2013 the updated Mazda 6 was better than its predecessor in three out of four tests.\nBuilding on an already substantial spread of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features, the 2018 Mazda6 features an updated Mazda Cruise Control (MRCC), improved Adaptive LED Headlights, an Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) system, Mazda\u2019s auto-hold function and a 360\u00b0 View Monitor. Pedestrian protection performance has also been enhanced by the adoption of an active bonnet design.\nThe Mazda 6\u2019s superior competency on the road also contributed to its five star Euro NCAP rating, with more linear, responsive and predictable acceleration, braking, handling and steering."
"For those who are keen to see Honda\u2019s latest model \u2013 the \nHR-V\n\u00a0(aptly named \nH\nip and Smart \nR\nunabout \nV\nehicle) \u2013 in the metal, you would be pleased to know that the very car is on display at \nMid Valley\n beginning today till Sunday as part of their month-long nationwide tour.   Widely known or referred to as the \nbaby CR-V\n (although they share no significant resemblance to our eyes), the HR-V is quite possibly be the strongest B-Segment SUV competitor introduced to date. For starters, it has the \nlargest engine\n displacement currently in its segment, featuring a \n1.8-litre i-VTEC SOHC\n naturally aspirated engine shared with the \nCivic 1.8 S\n, although Honda hasn\u2019t revealed the numbers it makes yet.\nThe engine is paired to a \nCVT gearbox\n that drives the \nfront wheels\n, which measures at 16-inches wrapped with 215/50R16 series Bridgestone Turanza tyres. The unit you see here is the range topping V-spec, which benefits from a good list of features including \nLED headlights\n with integrated LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights, keyless entry and push-start ignition.\nInside, the V-spec gets a console pocket with HDMI and USB ports, 7-inch head unit (navigation system may be offered too), multi-angle rear view camera, six airbags, touch-based auto air conditioning, leather seats, Hill Start Assist and Auto Brake Hold, Vehicle Stability Assist, cruise control, ECON Mode with Eco Assist, electric parking brake and as many as \nseven cup holders\n. Quite a mouthful, isn\u2019t it?\nThis subcompact SUV can also be viewed on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n, and\u00a0is most likely to be launched at this month\u2019s end, if not in early February, just in time for the Chinese New Year celebrations. Honda Malaysia has already \nopened the order books\n, but its price tag remains unknown for the time being.\nShould you be interested to catch the HR-V in person, here\u2019s a list of where it will make its upcoming stops.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the launch of 3 new GR models and two GR Sport models last week, it seems that bookings are now open for the all-new 2023 \nToyota Vios\n. Starting today, \nUMW Toyota Motor\n \nis taking bookings for the all-new Vios, with prices starting from \nRM 90,000\n with the \u2018E\u2019 variant being the entry-level model.\nNow built on the DNGA platform, the all-new Toyota Vios sports a completely different new look with more angular lines and a visually larger appearance. Also new on the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios are 17-inch alloy wheels for the range-topping variant. Colour options include Silver Metallic, Nebula Blue, Spicy Scarlet SE, Attitude Black, and Platinum White Pearl. The Platinum White Pearl body colour will cost an additional RM400.\nThere are only two variants for the all-new 2023 Vios, namely the \u2018E\u2019 and \u2018G\u2019 variants. Both cars are powered by a 1.5-litre engine, which seems to be identical to the Indonesian-spec Toyota Vios\u2019s engine that makes 106 hp (metric) and 138 Nm. Unlike in Indonesia, there is no manual option for the Malaysian Toyota Vios. The automatic transmission is most likely a CVT.\nHighlights listed in the Vios\u2019 brochure include an electronic parking brake, paddle shifters, 3 drive modes, rear air-cond vents, a 9-inch display unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 3D panoramic view, and blind spot monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nRELATED: \nWe can\u2019t decide if the all-new 2022 Toyota Vios looks good or bad\nAdvanced safety features on the new Vios include lane departure prevention, lane departure warning, front departure alert, pre-collision system, lane keeping control, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beam.\nAlso revealed are \u201ctech-up\u201d optional accessories that include a digital video recorder and a vehicle telematics system. There is also a \u201cToyota Service Savers\u201d package with either a 5-year/100,000km or a 3-year/60,000 km duration.\nIncluded in the price of the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios is a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty. The official launch date of the all-new Vios in Malaysia has yet to be revealed. Interested customers can make their bookings for the all-new 2023 Toyota Vios on Toyota Malaysia\u2019s official website.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport launched \u2013 first Hilux paddle shifters, sports suspension, from RM159k\nGALLERY"
"At long last, the veils covering the fourth-generation Proton Perdana have finally been removed. It\u2019s also immediately available at selected showrooms across the nation for test drive, and pricing starts from RM113,888.00 for the base 2.0-litre variant, whereas the 2.4-litre goes for RM138,888.00.\nAs many of you would have known, the new Perdana is the result of a platform-sharing initiative with Honda Japan Ltd, and its donor car (or rather, the car that it\u2019s based on) is none other than the eight-generation Honda Accord.\n (Live video from launch event. We apologize for the video quality\u00a0due to bad phone reception)\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Perdana 2.0L \nProton Perdana 2.4L\nEngine\n1,997cc; SOHC 4-cylinder\n2,354cc; DOHC 4-cylinder\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic\nMax Power\n154 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n178 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n189 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n222 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\nPrice\nRM113,888.00\nRM138,888.00\n (GC Mah takes you around the new Perdana live from the launch event. However, we apologize for the video quality due to bad phone reception)\nEXTERIOR\nMuch work has gone into redeveloping the Perdana\u2019s aesthetics. There\u2019s a more distinct separation now from the Accord, and new with it are the front bumper, HID headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights (the 2.0L gets halogen projector headlights), halogen fog lamps, single horizontal chrome grille, sleek LED combination tail lamps and shark fin antenna.   The entire rear section of the car (from the C-pillar onwards) is completely new and redesigned wholly by Proton engineers and designers. It\u2019s got a new silhouette thanks to the sloping rear, and completing the whole package are the rear bumper (body painted) and newly designed 17-inch wheels, shod with 225/50 series tyres. The 2.4L is the only variant to come with full bodykit, though.\nINTERIOR\nHere, the cabin remains largely the same as the Accord. It\u2019s got the same dashboard with two screens, now featuring a locally-sourced GPS navigation system (only for the 2.4L variant). The base 2.0L trim is finished in a mix of black fabric and leather upholstery, whereas the more expensive variant can be had in beige, full-leather seats.   Standard equipment for both variants almost mirror each other, which is a good thing. Shared between the two are leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, \ndual zone climate controls\n, 8-way powered driver seats, 6.2-inch touchscreen head unit with Bluetooth, CD, USB and auxiliary connectivity, six-speakers (the 2.4L gets an extra subwoofer) and cruise control.\nFor a bit more dough, the Perdana 2.4L will come with 4-way powered front passenger seat and paddle shifters. Other carryover features include rear air-conditioning vents, sliding centre armrest (front), foldable rear centre armrest with dual integrated cup holders, Isofix tethers and \u2018Perdana\u2019 embossed side steps.\nPERFORMANCE\nHere, it\u2019s same old, same old. The 2.0-litre unit is identical to the Accord\u2019s, pumping \n154 hp\n and \n189\n \nNm\n of torque. The larger 2.4-litre motor belts healthier numbers \u2013 \n178 hp\n and \n222 Nm\n of torque. Both engines drive the\n front wheels\n through a \nfive-speed automatic\n gearbox. The chassis, suspension and hydraulic power steering are all carryover components, with the front axle getting independent double wishbones and a multilink setup for the rear.\nSAFETY\nThings also don\u2019t vary much here between the Perdana and its donor car. Both variants get four airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, auto headlamps, front and rear parking sensors as well as\u00a0reverse camera. Electronic Stability Control is absent in the 2.0L, but comes with the 2.4L.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs of today, about 900 units of the Perdana have been booked, and Proton aims to shift 3,000 units by the end of this year. There is a total of six colours offered with the Perdana. They are Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Cotton White, Midnight Black, Citrine Gold and the Perdana\u2019s champion colour \u2013 Ruby Red.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nProton Perdana Launch   Proton Perdana Official Product Photos"
"BMW\n Group will be premiering its all-new 2023 BMW \n5 Series\n, including the new BMW \ni5\n on \nMay 24\n, \n2023\n, at 14:00 CEST or \n8:00 p.m.\n Malaysian time (GMT+8). The digital world premiere will be taking place live on BMW\u2019s official site bmwgroup.com. The live stream of the world premiere can be viewed by clicking \nhere\n.\nBMW Group will also be broadcasting the global premiere of the 2023 BMW i5 simultaneously on the BMW Group and the BMW brand\u2019s social media channels. This includes the company\u2019s Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook social media pages.\nImage: Wilcoblok via\u00a0\nheadlightmag.com\nJust a couple of days ago, images of the 2023 BMW i5 were leaked online, showing us part of the new sedan\u2019s front fascia, as well as the side and rear design. The images also showed the new i5 featuring a raked windshield, giving it a fastback-like appearance.\nAs of now, BMW hasn\u2019t revealed too much about the new car, but we already know that the all-new BMW 5 Series will be offered in an internal combustion engine (ICE), mild hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric (EV) powertrains.\nRELATED: \nHere we go again: Next-gen 2023 BMW i5, 5 Series leaked ahead of debut next week\nImage: Wilcoblok via\u00a0\nheadlightmag.com\nThe EV BMW i5 will also be offered in at least two variants, which include the \nM60 xDrive and eDrive40\n. Depending on the variant, the BMW i5 will also be coming with the brand\u2019s Adaptive Suspension Professional Plus, which is powered by the ninth-generation Vertical Dynamic Management system.\nEven better, the all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series and i5 are already \nopen for registration of interest (ROI) here in Malaysia\n. Feeling excited about the new German luxury sedan? Comment your thoughts down below!\nRELATED: \nBMW i5 teased again \u2013 M60 xDrive, eDrive40 variants, eye-activated lane changing\nGALLERY"
"Here it is ladies and gentlemen, the latest Evolution from Mitsubishi in its full glory. Yes, the \nlegendary Evo\n nameplate now rests on an SUV that runs on pure electric power. Officially called the \ne-Evolution Concept\n, the concept car incorporates two of Mitsubishis strength \u2013 SUV and EV.\nAdopting a design philosophy of \u201cRobust & Ingenious\u201d, the e-Evolution wears the latest illustration of Mitsubishi\u2019s Dynamic Shield family face. The SUV boasts high-ground clearance, short overhangs, strong shoulders with narrow hips at the rear, giving it a sense of nimbleness and agility. The protruding tyres on the other hand shows off its powerful 4WD traction. At the rear, the roofline tapers down significantly from the C-pillar onwards for superior aerodynamics.   Inside, the cockpit of the e-Evolution gives us a glimpse of interior designs of the future when the traditional firewall is done away. The floating display on the dashboard displays all the essential information for the occupants while the steering wheel and centre console were designed for a feeling akin to a jet fighter.\nMotivation is courtesy of three electric motors \u2013 one on the front axle, two at the rear. The dual motor features Dual-Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) system that acts as an electronic controlled \ntorque-vectoring system\n for greater traction on all conditions. All these are integrated into Mitsubishis famous \nSuper All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)\n 4WD system to greatly improve the SUVs handling and traction.\nBrakes are no longer hydraulically operated on the e-Evolution Concept, in its place is a set of electric callipers that faithfully mirrors the driver\u2019s inputs and electronically clamps the rotors for stopping power.\nThe \nAI System in the e-Evolution Concept\n consists of an array of sensor to instantly read changes in road, traffic conditions as well as driver\u2019s intent; coordinating the vehicles dynamics accordingly for superior driving experience. The \u201cCoaching Function\u201d, as Mitsubishi coins it, builds a profile of the driver\u2019s skill level and subsequently formulates a training program that provides advice through voice prompts and the large dashboard display, ultimately helping the drivers to enjoy the vehicle to an even greater degree.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"From now on, every time you see an Aston Martin badge you\u2019ll probably spend a couple of seconds gazing at it and we won\u2019t blame you for harbouring criminal thoughts!\nWhen we first stumbled across this video by \nMr. JWW\n, we didn\u2019t think we\u2019d be able to sit through 24 minutes of it but one thing led to another and before we knew it, it came to an end.\n \nIt was simply fascinating! Of course, being Aston Martin we\u2019d expect everything to be of a certain quality and craftsmanship, even when it concerns their badge, but this level of craftsmanship was beyond our imagination.\nWe\u2019re pretty sure each luxury car maker has their own intricate methods in manufacturing their emblems and badges, but it\u2019s nice to actually see one take shape and in the case of Aston Martin\u2019s, it\u2019s just eye-opening.\nRemember the \nAston Martin DBX we reviewed recently\n? In case you missed it, the DBX wears the biggest badge Aston Martin has placed on a car. They require around 500 tonnes of pressure to stamp while \nan average Aston Martin badge takes two full days to make\n.\nThe host even got to stamp the badge for his very own DBX SUV. Jealous? At least we are!\nThe company responsible for these exquisite pieces is \nVaughton\u2019s\n, based in Birmingham, England. They were established in 1819 (that\u2019s right, it\u2019s a 200-year old company) and they\u2019ve been tasked with making Aston Martin\u2019s badges since the 1960s.\nThat\u2019s not the only thing they do though. They\u2019ve also made English Premier League and Olympic medals; even plaques for the First Class section of the Titanic!\nBut don\u2019t expect the manufacturing facility to be all robotic and sterile. Some of the equipment they use are around 50 years old! That said, efficiency is not something they lack or take lightly. Last year alone, \nthey supplied 35,000 badges to Aston Martin, without a single piece being rejected.\nAs for the rest of it, as usual, we\u2019ll leave it to you to find out. This is not a video you\u2019d want to miss!\nGALLERY"
"SUV is the name of the game and Volkswagen is adding yet another Sport Utility Vehicle to its line up, the Volkswagen T-Cross. This brings the company\u2019s total SUV offering in Europe to five models.\nThe T-Cross sits below the recently launched \nT-Roc\n and will compete against the likes of \nCitroen C3 Aircross\n in the small SUV class. The T-Roc, on the other hand, competes in the segment of Honda \nHR-V and Mazda CX-3\n.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S8nY3sQxuk\nThe T-Cross will ride on the group\u2019s MQB platform and will be front-wheel drive only. Measuring at 4,107 mm in length, Volkswagen promises that there will be ample space for all occupants and luggage thanks to the sliding rear seats. Volkswagen intends to launch the baby SUV as one of the safest vehicles in its class that will be equipped with advanced driver assist systems such as\u00a0\nFront Assist\n and Lane Departure Warning System amongst others.\nIt is not the first time we are hearing of the T-Cross name, as the company has \nconfirmed the model back in 2016\n. SUV will play an important role in Volkswagen\u2019s growth and sales as they target 40 per cent of all vehicles sold by the company will be SUVs by 2020. Volkswagen is also looking to expand its SUV range to 20 model offerings before 2020 including their first ever convertible SUV, the \nT-Roc Convertible\n."
"After acquiring Uber\u2019s Southeast Asia operations early this year, Grab has announced that it has reached an agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) to strengthen their existing partnership in the development of new mobility technologies.\nAs part of the agreement, Toyota will invest US$1 billion (RM3.99 billion) in Grab\u2019s new round of financing, making the Japanese carmaker not only the lead investor but also the largest investment made by an automotive manufacturer in the global ride-hailing sector.\nThe new expansion will see the two companies expand their collaboration in incorporating Grab\u2019s operations onto Toyota\u2019s proprietary mobility services platform (MSPF) \u2013 an information database for connected vehicles \u2013 and rolling out various connected services throughout the region using the data stored on the Toyota MSPF.\nThis will help Grab to achieve greater connectivity for its rental car fleet across Southeast Asia while Toyota will be on track to develop innovative mobility solutions such as driving-data-based automotive insurance, financial services and maintenance services for its customers in Southeast Asia. The two companies will also look for future collaborations aimed to achieve more-efficient ride-hailing businesses and for developing future mobility service solutions and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) vehicles.\nCo-founder and CEO of Grab, Anthony Tan also commented: \u201cWe are thrilled to have Toyota onboard as a long-term, strategic partner of Grab\u2019s. Toyota is an incredible company that has done so much for the world. This strong partnership will enable us to become the one-stop mobility platform in Southeast Asia. We look forward to executing the same vision of the future. A future that will provide for safer and more affordable rides, more liveable cities, and millions of new micro businesses in the digital revolution. We will continue to work with global leaders like Toyota in bringing this vision to pass.\u201d\nCo-Founder & CEO of Grab, Anthony Tan\nGrab is currently the leading online-to-offline (O2O) mobile platforms in transportation, food and package delivery, mobile payments and financial services in 217 cities across eight Southeast Asian countries.\nMoving forward, key personnel change includes a Toyota executive to be appointed into Grab\u2019s board of director and a dedicated Toyota team member as Grab\u2019s executive officer. Toyota is considering more personnel exchanges in the future."
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor\n (ETCM), the official distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, would like to remind owners to send their vehicles that may be affected by \nproduct recalls\n to authorised services centres to have them checked over.\nThe various recall campaigns cover models ranging from the first generation \nT30 X-Trail SUV\n and \nN16 Sentra\n sedan manufactured way back in 2000, to the C26 Serena S-Hybrid produced as recently as in 2016.\nWhile most of the models require a change of \nairbag inflators made by Takata\n, there\u2019s also the issue of \nback door stays\n which may malfunctions in more recent models such as the \nSerena\n, \nX-Trail\n and \nNV200\n.\nParts and labour charges\n incurred due to product recalls are entirely \ncomplimentary\n, the recall campaigns also cover \nvehicles that are no longer under warranty\n.\nTo check if your Nissan is part of a product recall, have your \nVIN or chassis number\n ready and log on to \nhttp://servicecampaign.nissan.com.my/\n, you can also book a service appointment on your mobile via Tan Chong\u2019s \nDriveOn app\n."
"The rivalry between the \nAMG C 63 S \nand the BMW M4 has always presented a dichotomy of two worlds; The M is always the track weapon, while the AMG is always a brute force monster. Well, according to some people, anyway.\nFor the most part, that statement is true. The one-man one-engine M177 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine under the hood of the AMG C 63 S is just glorious, and perhaps one of the best engines that\u2019s ever come out from Affalterbach.\nHowever, summarising the car to just the engine would be an injustice to the C 63 S, because that means all of the wonderful engineering and design work is ignored. I mean, just look at this beautiful machine for starters.\nThe AMG visual treatment on the C 63 S Coupe is done to perfection \u2013 shouty, but not overbearing. There\u2019s no mistaking this for a \u201cregular\u201d AMG-line \nC-Class\n, with its flared wheel arches and 19-inch AMG alloys, Panamericana Grille (which is new on the facelift), and carbon fibre bits.\nAt the same time, it also doesn\u2019t try to stand out too much from the crowd (i.e. large crazy wings) \u2013 which is a good thing in my books. When it\u2019s parked at the side of the road, the C 63 S is a car that begs for a second look before walking away \u2013 especially on this Coupe body style.\nThe visual flair continues inside too. if carbon fibre is your thing. Otherwise, the dashboard is pretty much lifted from the regular C-class, save for a AMG-specific steering wheel and fully-digital instrument cluster. There\u2019s also an IWC-branded clock located at a position where it realistically serves no purpose, but it sure does look cool.\nThe Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel in the new C 63 S also comes with a set of digital buttons lifted directly from the \nGT R\n, which lets you control the various settings of your car, hinting at the software wizardry AMG built into this car \u2013 more on that later.\nThe seats, covered in red and black twin-tone Nappa leather, adds a dash of character to the otherwise monotonous interior. Though if we\u2019re nit-picking, they are just a tad too firm on our buttocks. While we\u2019re at it, the infotainment system also feels archaic when we know that there\u2019s the brilliant MBUX out there, \non a car about one-third its price\n no less.\nBut all that complaints just magically disappear once you step on the accelerator \u2013 The sound of pure euphoria from the AMG Performance exhaust immediately engulfs the entirety of your sensory receptors, while the 700 Nm of torque pins you to the back of your seats.\nWe usually hate traffic lights, but in this case they are actually a pretty nice break from the unforgiving acceleration force \u2013 giving you some time for a breather and play with the individualisation settings you can tweak the car with.\nThere are a lot of settings here \u2013 dampers, throttle and gearbox response, electrically-controlled limited slip differential, the whole lot. It can get overwhelming pretty fast, fortunately the presets are pretty sufficient for us mere mortals. Flick it into Sport mode on the steering-mounted rotary dial (or Sport+ if you\u2019re feeling a little spicy), and when the lights turn green, mash the pedal and go again.\nThe Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe doesn\u2019t shy on the backroads too, despite what people might lead you to believe. Turn-in is sharp and direct, albeit a little muted on the steering-feel front. The ultra-firm dampers also handle its weight well around the bends, though we just wished that Mercedes-AMG would\u2019ve given the Comfort mode a little more, well, comfort.\nThe fun/fear factor is amplified by the fact that its rear end tends to slip out a little with just a touch heavier throttle input, no matter what traction control settings you\u2019re in. Call me a wuss, but I left the dial all the way at maximum pretty much the whole time.\nAt the end of the day, is the C 63 S a brute force monster? Yes, but at the same time, it is also a lot more than that \u2013 be it a track time slayer, drag strip champion, or even a daily driver with its surprisingly roomy rear seats \u2013 it even comes with rear air-con vents. That\u2019s if you can live with the bone-breaking suspension set-up, of course.\nOver the weekend with the C 63 S, I\u2019ve fallen head over heels in love with it. Yes, it does scare me to death at times, but that\u2019s just part of it\u2019s charm, isn\u2019t it?\n2019 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Specifications:\nEngine\n3,982 cc; twin-turbocharged V8\nTransmission\nAMG Speedshift MCT 9G automatic\nMax Power\n510 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n700 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.9 seconds; 290 km/h\nPrice (OTR w/o Insurance)\nStarting from RM820,888\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales was recently caught clocking 102 mph (164kmh) in a 70 mph (112 km/h) zone while he was test driving one of his company\u2019s\n new luxury models\n along the A11 highway nearby its Norwich headquarters.\nWhile most would\u2019ve been destined for a driving ban for repeating the offence, Gales, who already had eight points deducted, managed to convince the magistrate that he could not have more points deducted \nso as to continue test driving new cars himself\n.\nThe Lotus Evora 410 as featured in the \nAutobuzz.my \u201cBest Cars of 2017\u201d video\n.\nHis defense lawyer, urged the court that a short ban would be a better option as opposed to the potential 6-12 month duration on the A11 highway as \u201cit was in everyone\u2019s interest\u201d.\nAs a result, a 30-day ban was imposed on Gales rather than having more points deducted and was told by the court to test his cars at the test track instead.\nSource:\n Telegraph UK"
"A few months after the unveiling of the seventh-generation \nFord Fiesta\n, here comes the hottest version of the popular B-Segment hatch, the\u00a02017 Ford Fiesta ST.\nThis is actually just the third time Ford is offering the Fiesta ST. The new aesthetic bits here are subtle to say the least, beginning with the new 18-inch wheels, new headlights with LED DRLs, new front grille, redesigned fog lamps housing and new tail lamps. The new \u201c\nLiquid Blue\n\u201d is absolutely gorgeous. Inside, there\u2019s Ford\u2019s SYNC 3 as well as Bang & Olufsen PLAY Sound System.   The biggest news here is the new engine \u2013 a \n1.5-litre three cylinder turbocharged \n(EcoBoost)\u00a0engine that is actually considerably more powerful than the old 1.6-litre four-cylinder. It now deploys\u00a0\n197 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n of torque, up 17 hp and 50 Nm over the old lump. It\u2019s also 0.2 seconds quicker to the 100, completing the sprint in \n6.7 seconds\n.\nThe engine also gets cylinder deactivation technology, drastically improving fuel consumption during the city run. Interestingly, there wasn\u2019t any mention of the\n Overboost\n feature of the engine, one which previously gave the Fiesta ST a brief \n17 hp\n and \n50 Nm\n boost.\nTo the delight of many, the sole transmission here is a\n six-speed manual\n, delivering all that power to the front wheels. Making its debut is the Drive Mode, allowing a selection of three settings: Normal, Sport and Track. Each drive mode alters throttle, steering and ESC threshold.\nThe 2017 Ford Fiesta ST will be available for public viewing at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. All we\u2019re asking is for it to come to Malaysia. That\u2019s all we\u2019re asking for!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Saga is an emotional product for Proton. The originator, the birth of the brand, and numerous other platitudes abound for what is, for better or worse, the very reason we can lay claim to a Malaysian automotive industry at all. Perhaps that\u2019s why we\u2019re only seeing \na third generation after over three decades\n, because if it ain\u2019t broke.\nBut it was. Not in the sense that the outgoing Saga was a bad car, but that the game had moved on, even in the A-segment, and the Saga\u2019s updates had largely slowed to trivial aesthetic gimmicks. Now however, to complement its new outlook, are crucial updates to the mechanics and tech to bring the Saga properly into affordable 21st-century motoring.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Saga\u00a0Standard (MT)\nProton Saga\u00a0Standard (CVT)\nProton Saga\u00a0Executive (CVT)\nProton Saga\u00a0Premium (CVT)\nEngine\n1,332cc; inline-4, DOHC with VVT\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\nCVT\nMax Power\n\u00a094 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n\u00a0120 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nFuel Consumption\n\u00a05.4 litres per 100km (MT); 5.6 litres per 100km (CVT)\nPrice\nRM36,800\nRM39,800\nRM42,800\nRM45,800\nEXTERIOR\nA word about styling and packaging: of all the national cars that have to straddle the age demographic with care, the Saga sits on the thinnest line. The design brief probably spells out just one word repeatedly: inoffensive. This is no head turner, but neither is it a divisive sketch that will put potential customers off from even going for a spin. The pressure, we imagine, must be incredible; having to appeal to the youth without alienating more mature audiences.   Between the two ends of the Saga exists a mild dichotomy, the rear end is actually, dare we say it, somewhat attractive with subtle use of concave surfaces and curves to lend it some sophistication, especially with a chrome bar connecting the rear light clusters. The front is unfortunately a little bland in comparison, but perhaps for Proton\u2019s entry level automobile, this is not such a bad thing. Stealing the thunder from \nthe Persona\n would not be very desirable.\nFortunately for the Saga however, is that it isn\u2019t a sedan based on a hatchback, the way the Persona is. As such, the window line rises gradually before culminating in a kink, lending the profile a slight wedge and appearing nimbler than before.\nDimensionally there are increases almost everywhere \u2014 especially in the length \u2014 but the Saga sits slightly lower and maintains the same wheelbase.\nINTERIOR\nIn a word, simple. Everything is where you expect it to be, adjusted and/or toggled the way things have been done almost since the Saga was born. On the wheel of the Premium however, are infotainment and call controls. Finally.\nGreys and blacks abound, from the seats to the dash, a bit dull to the eyes but a boon to keep clean. The rear-view mirror integrated reverse camera is a fantastic addition, a feature usually found in cars costing twice as much, if not more.   It\u2019s when you plonk yourself in the back that you notice what is a legitimate stroke of genius on Proton\u2019s part: a pair of USB charging ports \u2014 1.5A and 2.1A \u2014 at the aft section of the tunnel console. This will, once and for all, put an end to your friends, or children, fighting for USB ports up front. Or cupholders for that matter, of which there are six.\nTHE DRIVE\nUnder the hood is the smaller of the two Iriz hearts, the VVT-equipped 1.3-litre good for\n 94 hp\n and \n120 Nm\n. Not great\u00a0numbers by any stretch, but gone is the draggy nature of the old IAFM+ mill to be replaced with a new, welcome eagerness.\nOn the move, proceedings are very familiar. The CVT rubber band is omnipresent, just remind yourself that this \u2018box was chosen to aid in fuel economy; a little green leaf on the instrument panel \u2014 ECO Drive Assist \u2014 lights up, indicating that you\u2019re being gentle with the throttle. Pushing off from standstill requires some advance planning, as the first touch on the throttle spikes the revs, then a short delay, followed by forward motion.\nStrangely, at very low speeds and under mild acceleration, the tranny jerks in a manner similar to a manual when you try to pick up speed in a gear too high. This is perhaps due to the engagement of the clutch, because the transmission employs a mechanical clutch, and not a torque converter.\nWhere dynamics is concerned however, the story takes a turn for the better. Chuck the Saga into a corner and find surprising grip, thanks to new suspension and a front strut bar, albeit with a lack of feedback. The upside to this is that the wheel feels noticeably lighter than before, especially pronounced during parking manoeuvres.\nWhere we heartily commend Proton would be with regards to exemplary NVH levels; all the way up to highway speeds the Saga feels and sounds impressively damped. Even sporting the 15-inch rims of our test car, blemished roads and speed humps were dismissed with new levels of grace the previous Saga could only dream of.\nThe Saga is comfortable, quiet and refined. Adjectives that have never been used to describe any Sagas, ever.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nDo you require four wheels and an engine delivered in the simplest and most cost-effective package? Then, yes.\nThe updates in safety alone warrant a long, hard look at the Saga: ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability and traction control, hill-hold assist, dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts and a driver\u2019s seatbelt reminder. You find all this in the Premium variant only however, so if you are able to spring for it, our suggestion is to go all the way. These are necessities, not luxuries.\nMalaysia\u2019s first national car is back. Yes, the powertrain may not be groundbreaking and the exterior aesthetic may not be cohesive, but this is a milestone in Proton\u2019s road to recovery.\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThis Saga is essentially a bit of a stopgap in the powertrain sense, bridging the period between the previous Saga and an update to come sometime around late-2017 or early-2018 which should sport the \nnew 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre naturally aspirated mills co-developed with Lotus and Ricardo\n.\nWhich is not to say that this VVT engine is bad, but there is progress to be made especially in the efficiency sense. The future for the Saga, for the sake of the nameplate, has to be fewer cylinders and smaller displacement, harnessed with a better gearbox.\nSo in the end, unfortunately, the Saga doesn\u2019t quite end happily ever after, at least not for me. The A-Segment sedan with a difference, pardon the pun, would be my choice. The \nPerodua Bezza\n\u00a0offers otherworldly fuel efficiency figures in a decidedly more premium package, and if you were to spring for top spec you would be rewarded with what is possibly the best affordable sedan in the country.\n[Words\u00a0by V.B]\nMatthew\u2019s take: Judging by sheer looks alone, the third-generation Proton Saga may not seem all that different. While stylistically similar, the cabin is a vast step up in comfort, insulation and rear legroom. Never has an entry-level Proton impressed in terms of NVH, but this Saga delivered exactly that, and sometimes more. The Perodua Bezza still has the upper hand in build quality and power/drivetrain management, though all that may swing in Proton\u2019s favour once the new engines come along. This Saga is the one many have longed for, and perhaps it\u2019s just a year or two too late to the game. As the saying goes, better late than never!\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the global debut of the \nall-new Audi A8\n, the four-rings pulled off the wraps to the second-generation A7 Sportback. Unveiled at the new Audi Design Centre in Ingolstadt, you know that Audi is trying to highlight the A7s new design.\nMeasuring at 4,969 mm in length, 1,908 mm in width, 1,422 mm in height and 2,926 mm in wheelbase, Audi has shortened its overall length (-5 mm) and width (-2 mm) compared to the model it replaces. Wheelbase has swelled by 12 mm and it sits taller by 2 mm. Boot space remains at\n 535 litres\n (1,390 litres with the rear seats folded), but Audi claims that they have freed up \n21 mm\n more interior space, giving rear passengers more kneeroom and headroom.\nEXTERIOR\nLike the A8, the new A7 was inspired by the \nPrologue Concept\n. While the A8 gets a more matured and sophisticated look for the big bosses, the A7 stands for \u201cpure progressive\u201d. Every element of its design has been taken to the most extreme wherever possible. Long bonnet, short overhangs and dynamic roofline all give the A7 a lean but elegant look.\nThe Singleframe grille, while familiar, sits wider and lower to give off a decidedly sportier vibe. Headlamps come in three options \u2013 standard LED, Matrix LED and \nMatrix LED with Audi laser light\n while wheel option extends to 21-inch in size.   On the outgoing model, its third-brake light was a high mounted unit that extends across the rear windscreen much like a \nBentley Continental GT\n. This round, the designers have integrated the stop light right in the rear boot lid, connecting the two LED taillamps.\nAs standard, the A7 is available in 15 exterior shades, eight of which are new additions to the A7 colour palette. Of course, if you\u2019re feeling a little fancy, you can always fly to Audi Neckarsulm plant in Germany where the A7 is made, and have a fully customised paint finish of your choice.\nINTERIOR\nThe designers have carried over several values from the Prologue show car but there is one design theme in particular that was given utmost priority \u2013 reduction as a design tool. The result is a minimalistic but highly intuitive cabin.\nLike the A8, three screens dominate the dashboard of the A7: a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument cluster, 10.1-inch upper MMI display and an 8.6-inch lower display for main vehicle controls. While most key functions of the car going digital, Audi have invested in developing \nhaptic and acoustic feedback\n that simulate the \u201cclick\u201d feeling the four-rings are famous for.\nNew to the range topping A7 are the multi-adjustable, customised contour front seats with ventilation and massage. Other options on the A7 include air quality package with air perfume and ioniser, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, heated windscreen and others.\nPERFORMANCE\nAt launch, the A7 is available in a sole 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 TFSI packing \n335 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque mated to a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch box. Drive is handled by the Quattro drivetrain allowing the A7 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.3 seconds\n with a limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. Other four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will roll out in the near future.\nDepending on options the A7 will ride on one of four different suspension setups: standard, sport (-10 mm ride height), electronically controlled dampers and air suspension. All-wheel steering can be had as an option too, allowing the rear wheels to turn a maximum of five degrees to improve low speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. In low speeds, the all-wheel steering reduces the turning circle at full lock by 1.1 metres. Audi also recommends having the Sport differential to go with the all-wheel steering.\nAudi has also fitted a 48-volt primary electrical system (the \nsame system as the A8\n) to the A7 to reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 km.\nSAFETY\nAudi is officially bringing the \nAudi AI system\n to the A7 in 2018 which allows the A7 to \npark itself\n into a designated carpark without a driver via the myAudi app. Depending on the equipment level, there can be as many as five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner to ensure the A7 does not run into anything or anyone while navigating in and out of a parking space.\nIn addition to the Audi AI systems, the new A7 features a total of 39 driver assistance system such as Adaptive Driving Assistant (ADA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Traffic Jam Assist.\nPrices start from \u00a356,000 (RM310k) and considering that Audi Malaysia has the previous gen A7 on sale, it is only a matter of time before the A7 makes its way here.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAudi A7 3.0L TFSI Quattro"
"While it\u2019s no secret that the DB9 is an ageing monstrosity, the folks at Gaydon have decided to spice things up a bit by introducing the DB9 GT \u2013 a more powerful and luxurious version of the DB9 moniker.\nThis handbuilt English 2+2 sports car comes with an all-alloy\u00a0\n6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12\n engine, but here it is tuned to make \n540 hp\n at 6,750 rpm and \n620 Nm\n of torque at 5,500 rpm. Gearbox choice is the same \nTouchtronic II six-speed gearbox\n with electronic shift-by-wire control, sending drive to the rear wheels. Aston says the DB9 GT will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n \u2013 about 0.1 seconds quicker than the outgoing DB9, before maxing out at \n295 km/h\n.\n \n \nCarried forward are the double wishbone suspensions at the front and rear axles, featuring still the \nthree-stage Adaptive Damping System\n that offers three driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport and Track. Styling is a little different too, as it comes with black front splitter and rear diffuser, revised head and tail lamps, new 20-inch 10-spoke design alloy wheel, black anodised brake calipers and a GT engraving on the aluminium fuel cap. If you want some of the aerodynamic bits finished in carbon fibre, that comes at a cost. Optional, of course.\nBesides power gains, the interior also receives a touch of upgrade. For one, the GT comes with an \nAMi II touchscreen infotainment system\n \u2013 a much improved AMi unit debuted in the Vanquish. It\u2019s now more user friendly and offers text message integration, vehicle status information and wallpaper or theme customisations. It also supports AM/FM, Bluetooth connectivity and comes with USB ports.\nBesides the new head unit, the steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and the head restraints get the \u2018GT\u2019 lettering embroidery. The centre console is also new, taken straight off the Vanquish as part of their interior upgrade.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This is the one; the one you\u2019ve been waiting for that\u2019s just a little special. Not only are we reviewing a \u2018Bond car\u2019, but we\u2019re also reviewing a revived icon; the first all-new Defender since the early 80s, the\n Land Rover Defender P400 MHEV\n. It\u2019s now in Malaysia for a cool RM1 million.\nThe model you\u2019re looking at is the Defender 110 with four doors while the shorter, two-door version is known as the Defender 90. Recently, Land Rover introduced an even longer version, the\n Defender 130\n. It headlined the news with its ability to fit three adults in the third row.\nIn Malaysia, there are two variants of the Defender 110 in Malaysia; a 300 hp P300 variant, with 2.0-litre turbocharged engine while the one you see here is the more powerful P400 variant, with (as you\u2019d expect 400 hp) from a 3.0-litre straight-six engine coupled with a mild hybrid system.\n \nIt\u2019s everything you\u2019d expect of a Defender; from the boxy looks, rugged edges and sheer size \u2013 it takes a week to complete a walk around the car. It may still appear to be inspired by its iconic predecessor, especially with glass panels on the headlining, there\u2019s plenty of new kit to usher the future with.\nFor starters, you get a completely new aluminium body structure that allows the Defender to be more like an SUV than pick-up, but with all the capabilities of an off-roader. Being the modern defender, it may have adopted a friendlier look but it still has all the tricks for when the tarmac runs out, like the air suspension system for example that can raise the car up 2.2 metres tall \u2013 with a ground clearance of nearly 300 mm! That\u2019s 100 mm more than what most pick-ups offer today.\nThere\u2019s even more cool stuff inside but instead of rambling on with words on the Defender 110, why don\u2019t we let the visuals do the talking?\nGALLERY"
"Authorised dealer of Rolls-Royce in Malaysia, \nRolls-Royce Motors Cars Kuala Lumpur\n has announced the arrival of a very unique, extremely rare Rolls-Royce \u2013 \nthe Wraith Eagle VIII\n \u2013 sold for a whopping RM3.3 million.\nAs you\u2019re reading this, its new owner is probably already wafting around in it but to run into it would be like finding a RM50 note on the street. That\u2019s because there\u2019s only one in Malaysia, 50 on this entire planet.\n \nThe extremely rare Wraith Eagle VIII pays tribute to the first non-stop Transatlantic flight between St. John\u2019s, Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland. The extraordinary feat was taken on by Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown, both friends of Sir Henry Royce, in June 1919 in a modified World War 1 Vickers Vimy bomber aircraft. Unsurprisingly, the aircraft was powered by two Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines.\nFor this very reason, the Wraith Eagle VIII is littered with memorabilia that commemorates the most pivotal moments of the flight. It\u2019s not just a rare piece of collectible, it\u2019s also an immersive experience from over 100 years ago, just being around the car.\nTake the exterior for example, the black grille vanes were inspired by the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engine of the bomber aircraft while the brass speaker covers in the cabin depict the flight distance of 1,880 miles (approx. 3,025km).\nThe frozen instrument panels on the plane during the flight are replicated by a clock with a frozen effect on its background. Its faint green glow refers to the illumination of the control panel lighting and the burst of flames from the engine as the pilot\u2019s only source of knowing the health of the plane\u2019s engines.\nPerhaps the most interesting of all is the starlight headliner featuring 1,183 starlight fibres were used to re-enact the night sky at the time of the flight. You will also not miss the details on the Eucalyptus wood panels of the dashboard, which replicates the view of the earth from the plane in the night. It\u2019s simply incredible.\nThere\u2019s even a plaque by the door with a quote by Winston Churchill, arguably the most well-known former Prime Minister in the UK which says, \u201c\nI do not know what we should most admire \u2013 their audacity, determination, skill, science, their aeroplane, their Rolls-Royce engines \u2013 or their good fortune\u201d\n.\nGALLERY\nRolls-Royce Eagle VIII"
"Not too long ago, Malaysians were sent into shock at the alleged cost to \nreplace a lithium-ion battery pack for a Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTec Hybrid\n and naturally, consumers have become more cautious when making a purchase on a high-voltage car.\nTo reassure customers with the longevity and sustainability (for their pockets at least) of their hybrid models, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just revealed the cost to replace the lithium-ion battery pack on their \nfacelifted Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid\n at a press conference.\nAccording to Director of Sales and Marketing of ETCM, Christopher Tan, should you need a battery replacement on the X-Trail Hybrid beyond the 5-Years (Unlimited Mileage) warranty coverage, it would cost \nRM25,000 \ninclusive of installation.\nThis price is uniform\nacross the SEA region and Tan attributed the high cost of the battery pack to the\n30% import duty applied as the component(s) is fully imported from Japan. The cost\nof disposing the damaged batteries by exporting to Norway for recycling is also\nfactored into the price.\nLooking at the lump\nsum of RM25,000 in isolation is indeed a shocker for many, however, ETCM as\nassured that customers can opt for the TC Warranty Plus extended warranty package\nfor all its hybrid-powered models for additional peace of mind.\nThe TC Warranty Plus provides\ncustomers with 2 to 4-Years of additional warranty coverage which also covers\nthe hybrid components at a fraction of the cost of a new lithium-ion battery pack."
"Around the same time last year, Kia released several pictures of the Kia Sportspace Concept, which is essentially the wagon-bodied Optima. A little while after that, the Korean carmaker was said to have shelved plans of actually producing it. Well, all that has changed now.\nRevealed here in full glory is Kia\u2019s first ever D-Segment tourer, a variant of great importance to the European market. Chances of it coming our way is a little bleak to say the least (much less the \nhotter 242 hp Optima GT\n), so let\u2019s not get too excited just yet. Its sheer size is equal to that of the sedan, measuring 4,855mm in length and 1,860mm wide, but it\u2019s \n5mm taller\n to accommodate the larger \n553-litre cargo capacity\n.\n \n \nDesign wise, both the Optima sedan and Sportswagon look identical from the front, but things change when viewed from the rear. The LED tail lamps are different to that of the sedan, though we must admit they suit the overall look just fine. Squaring off the rump are the oval exhaust and an integrated air diffuser. On the GT variant, the diffusers are more aggressive-looking.\nThe interior remains largely the same, featuring either a \n7.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen\n infotainment system. Like the sedan, the former unit doesn\u2019t come with satellite navigation system which is reserved for the fancier 8.0-inch head unit. Both systems however, \nsupport Apple CarPlay\n and \nAndriodAuto\n. To make full use of a screen that big, the Optima incorporates a \n360-degree Around View Monitor\n, courtesy of four externally positioned cameras.\nSix speakers come as standard, but depending on which continent you live on, an \neight-speaker 590-Watt Harman Kardon sound system\n can be specified, boosted with an amplifier and subwoofer with Clari-Fi MP3 restoration technology. The Optima also comes with a \n5W wireless charging tray\n for compatible smartphones.\u00a0\nBut of course, the core of this subject is its practicality, and Kia is branding it as the most practical Optima ever. Its 553-litre cargo space is approximately \n48 litres larger\n than the sedan\u2019s, but Kia has yet to confirm on the exact volume the Sportswagon will give when its the rear bench gets folded flat (40:20:40 configuration). To ease the loading process, this Optima comes with a Smart Power Tailgate system that automatically opens the boot when the key fob is detected within range.\nNow, Kia has yet to disclose the Optima Sportswagon\u2019s full technical details, but from what we know, Europe-bound Optimas will be powered by a \n1.7-litre CRDi diesel\n, \n2.0-litre CVVL petrol\n and\u00a0the hotter\u00a0\n2.0-litre T-GDI\n (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection) engine. The oil burning lump produces \n140 horsepower\n at 4,000 rpm and\n 340 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 to 2,000 rpm. Two transmissions will be available for the diesel \u2013 a \nsix-speed manual\n or a new \nseven-speed dual-clutch\n gearbox.\nOpt for the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre CVVL petrol and you\u2019ll get \n161 horsepower\n and\n 196 Nm\n of torque channeled to the front wheels via a \nsix-speed manual\n or\n six-speed conventional automatic\n. The range topping GT variant gets a turbocharged four-cylinder GDI engine making \n243 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and\n 353 Nm\n of torque from a low 1,350 to 4,000 rpm. A sole six-speed torque converter gearbox is offered here. All engines have four cylinders, 16 valves and are Euro6 emissions compliant.\nThe 2016 Kia Optima Sportswagon will go on sale across Europe in the fourth quarter this year and will come with the company\u2019s \n7-Year or 160,000km warranty programme\n. All European Optimas will be built at Kia\u2019s Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) wants to give you good luck and prosperity this Chinese New Year with their \u2018Wong-derful\u2019 CNY open house this \nSaturday, the 8th of February.\nThe celebration open house will take place from\n 11 am to 5 pm\n, at \nauthorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide\n. This year\u2019s celebration will include a variety of exclusive deals and aftersales offerings, alongside a CNY feast complete with Yee Sang.\u00a0\nStarting with the recently released\n Passat 2.0TSI Elegance \n(RM187,990), every purchase will be offered with \none-year free vehicle insurance\n. All \nVolkswagen Tiguan\n variants (Highline, Join, Sound & Style) are also eligible to enjoy the one-year free insurance offer, in addition to a \none-year free petrol rebate\n.\u00a0\nOther Volkswagen models can enjoy \ncash savings of up to RM7,000\n (Vento Comfortline), with monthly loan repayment as low as RM735. A full list of savings on offer can be found in the table below:\nSource: VPCM\nAll Volkswagen owners attending the \u2018Wong-derful\u2019 open house are also welcome to book a \nfree 20-point inspection at the event\n. Additionally, battery and tires replacement are also entitled to a \n20% discount\n.\u00a0\nVolkswagen owners with free maintenance vouchers will receive\n free fluid top-up\n consisting of coolant, windscreen cleaner, and engine oil with a \nminimum spend of RM388.\nThose without the vouchers can take advantage of the offer with a minimum spend of RM488. Volkswagen Care Plus maintenance programme members are entitled to the same offer with a minimum spend of RM288."
"Most of us wouldn\u2019t even think of driving that fast on a mountain road that narrow and winding, especially with a drop so steep that by the time you hit the bottom, there\u2019ll be nothing left but recyclable metal.\nThe Chevrolet Corvette C6 you see in this video is built and driven by \nMatt Field\n, with 7.0-litres of American V8 madness strapped to a supercharger and fed with nitrous oxide to produce 1,050 hp.\nThe video not only demonstrates acute drifting prowess that will put even Mr Block on the edge of his bucket seat but is also a showcase of aerial photography being pushed to the absolute limits. I mean, have you seen a drone car chase scene this dramatic?\nCredit: \nHeatWave Visual"
"The next-generation\n BMW 5 Series \nwill be joined by a fully-electric variant, as confirmed by the German carmaker in a business update yesterday. Dubbed BMW i5, the fully-electric executive sedan will be unveiled in October this year alongside its 48V mild-hybrid and PHEV counterparts.\nInterestingly, a registration of interest (ROI) is already now available on the local BMW Malaysia website, indicating at perhaps an imminent launch here in Malaysia not too long after its global debut. Head on to the website, linked\n here\n, if you\u2019re interested.\nThe latest-generation BMW 530i and 530e in Malaysia. Check out the full gallery here\nAs usual, there aren\u2019t many details for us to pore through here, but BMW did announce that it\u2019ll sport a \u201cfresh interpretation of its signature elegantly sporting design\u201d, and will be \u201cmore dynamic and more comfortable than ever\u201d, alongside all the usual bold marketing claims.\nInside, the G60 and G60E (for i5) generation 5 Series will also feature the now-standard BMW Curved Display on the dashboard, and will run on the upcoming BMW Operating System 8.5 \u2013 an updated, \u2018stop-gap\u2019 version of the current iDrive 8 system before the Android-based \niDrive 9 \nrolls around.\nThe i4 M50, BMW M\u2019s best-selling model of 2022.\nMore interestingly, however, is that the all-new fully-electric BMW i5 will also be offered in a \u201cBMW M Performance model\u201d. This won\u2019t be a full-blown M model like the M5, but more in line with the\n i4 M50\n that offers increased performance from a similar twin-motor powertrain set-up.\n\u201cThe all-electric BMW i4 M50 shows how BMW blends dynamic performance and electric mobility to perfection,\u201d said BMW Chairman, Oliver Zipse, at the recent BMW Group Annual Conference. \u201cIt was the best-selling BMW M model worldwide in 2022. A fully electric Performance model from BMW M will also be included in the new BMW 5 Series sedan line-up.\u201d\nThe sedan will also be joined by the 5 Series touring in Spring 2024, which will also be available as a fully-electric model.\nA return back to the angel eyes? One can hope.\nThere\u2019s not much to see from the sole teaser image BMW provided, aside from perhaps a tall and flat nose, and what looks like a return-to-form for the daytime-running lights signature, with a discrete twin angel eyes look.\nWe also know that the all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series will not be built on the marque\u2019s upcoming EV-exclusive \nNeue Klasse platform\n just yet, instead relying on the CLAR platform for this G60-generation model, making it one of the marque\u2019s last model to be based on the older architecture.\nThe fully-electric Neue Klasse platform will only be due sometime in 2025, headlined by the all-new 3 Series model. Although, earlier reports stated that the model might be\n built on two separate platforms\n for EV and petrol models, as certain markets might not be mature enough to embrace a fully-electric 3-er just yet.\nEither way, the German carmaker is planning to debut \u201cat least six models\u201d built on the Neue Klasse platform within 24 months of the start of production. Prior to that, though, there will also still be the BMW X2 and fully-electric iX2 due sometime in 2024. The company is still keeping mum on its exact details, although we can be pretty sure it\u2019ll still be the same compact coupe-crossover model, but based on the all-new X1 and iX1.\nAs for its sister brands, a new fully-electric Mini Countryman is also set to debut in the coming years."
"We announced earlier that the VW Jetta CKD will launch\u00a0last month, and that didn\u2019t happen. Volkswagen Group Malaysia finally unveiled the \nVolkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI CKD\n, priced at \nRM21,000\n lower than the CBU model. The good news is, the engine and gearbox remain the same as the import model.\n\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI \u2013 CKD\nSegment\nC-segment Sedan\nEngine\n1,390cc In-line 4, TSI (twincharger) engine\nMax Power\n158hp @ 5,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n240Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500\u00a0rpm\nPrice\nRM 130,888\n\u00a0\nThe long overdue locally-assembled C-segment car, which was initially said to be rolling out from the Pekan plant right after the Passat in 2012 is finally here. The VW Jetta is Volkswagen\u2019s \nfourth CKD model\n in Malaysia. Joining in the already-crowded C-segment market, competition is stiff with mostly Japanese contenders leading the pack.\nWith its powerplant maintained, no\u00a0\nsignificant\n\u00a0changes are made to this Completely Knocked Down model. If you pay enough attention, you will realize the paddle shifters are no longer there and you do get a new RCD 320 radio with 6-speakers.\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nOn the front, a pair of headlights with\u00a0automatic activation, \u2018Leaving Home\u2019 and manual \u2018Coming Home\u2019 function. Chrome double-line grille, heated exterior mirror with integrated turn signals, \n16-inch\n \u201cNavarra\u201d allow wheels, front & rear park distance control PDC and twin exhaust pipes.   INTERIOR\nInside the car is the conventional VW cabin design, that shouts simplicity with practicality. As mentioned earlier, the audio system is now \u201c\nRCD 320\n\u201d with USB port, iPod interface, SD card slot, Aux-in, Bluetooth and 6-speakers. The trunk space has \n510 litres\n of space, there\u2019s auto-dimming interior rear mirror, \u2018Black Pyramid\u2019 decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim panel, \u2018Climatronic\u2019 air conditioning system, cruise control, glove compartment with cooling function, leather shift knob and handbrake lever, and multi-function display \u2018plus\u2019.   The upholstery and seats are wrapped with \u2018Sienna\u2019 fabric and the steering wheel is multi-functional and wrapped in leather. Rear passengers get rear air conditioning vents as well.\nSAFETY\nThe VW Jetta does come fitted with plenty of safety feature. First of, the VW Jetta is fitted with 6-airbags which is pretty impressive. It also has ABS with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic stability control (ESC), hill-hold control, rain sensor and speed sensitive electromechanical power steering.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood is the 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder TSI engine, which is both turbocharged and supercharged. Together with its 7-speed DSG engine, it produces \n158 horsepower\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque. This may give a slightly different driving feel as compared to Japanese and Koreans C-segment cars.\nWHAT ELSE?\nVolkswagen Group Malaysia invited \nSimon Loasby\n, Director of Design, VW Group China to give us an insight of how Volkswagen group come out with its unique identity in all their cars. He also sketched out the front facade of the Jetta, and at the same time explaining the importance of proportion and straight lines in VW\u2019s car design.\nThe Malaysian-assembled \nVolkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI\n is priced at \nRM130,888\n which is \nRM21,000\n lower than the CBU unit of RM151,888. With the introduction of the fourth CKD model in Malaysia, VGM reckons it will help elevate sales figures in Malaysia. The VW Jetta 1.4 TSI will be available in showrooms nationwide starting 2 May, 2014.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the announcement of the Sales Tax Exemption, UMW Toyota Motor has released an updated price list for Toyota models in Malaysia, along with the \nprice of the all-new 4th generation Toyota RAV4\n.\nToyota Malaysia\n \nPrice List after Sales Tax Exemption, effective June 15th till December 31st are as follow:\nAs for the Hilux, Innova 2.0E M/T (Taxi), and the Hiace, prices remain unchanged as they are categorised under commercial vehicles and will not benefit from the tax exemption.\nFor the updated price list of other car brands in Malaysia after Sales Tax Exemption, click \nhere\n."
"British sportscar maker, Lister Motor Company, is set to build the fastest SUV in the world called the LFP, after launching the LFT-666; one of the fastest-selling models in Lister\u2019s 65-year history.\nDetails are scarce at the moment but the LFP, based on the Jaguar F-Pace, will pack around \n670 hp \nandget to 100 km/h from standstill in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed likely exceeding 300 km/h.\u00a0Order books are already open, with pricing expected to be around the \u00a3140,000 (RM750k) ballpark.\nThe LFT-666 on the other hand, with only 99 units built based on the sleek Jaguar F-Type, will lead Lister\u2019s line-up as their most powerful sportscar.\nUnder its hood is a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 making\n 666 hp\n and nearly\n 1,000 Nm\n of torque, from a modified intercooler, improved air intake system and a different Engine Control Unit. As a result, 0 \u2013 100 km/h is done in just 3.2 seconds, almost a second quicker than the F-Type, with top speed extended to 335 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota Gazoo Racing has announced that it will be reproducing spare parts for the iconic AE86 Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno.\nThe company will be reproducing spare parts which were previously discontinued and selling them as genuine parts. They include the rear driveshaft, the rear brake caliper, and the steering knuckle arm.\nToyota launches GR Heritage Parts project to reproduce Supra spare parts. Read about it here!\nRear driveshaft\nRear brake caliper\nSteering knuckle arm\nThese parts will be sold domestically and to foreign markets from the 1st of November onwards, under the \nGR Heritage Parts project\n. Production of the AE86 ceased over 30 years ago and is affectionately known in Japan as the \u201chachi-roku\u201d which means \u201ceight-six\u201d.\nIn case you aren\u2019t aware, the Levin and Trueno are the \u201csports models\u201d in the Corolla and Sprinter series. Only vehicles equipped with the legendary 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve engine (codenamed 4A-GEU) were given the \u201cAE86\u201d designation.\nTrueno\nLevin\nThat being said, Toyota highlighted that the AE86 spare parts will only be reproduced for a\n limited time period \nwith the cooperation of its suppliers so stocks will be limited nonetheless.\nMore details such as part number and production period will be released on the Toyota Gazoo Racing website from the 1st of November onwards.\nLong live the A80 Toyota Supra, with spares now reproduced by GR Heritage Parts. Read about it here!"
"With the highly anticipated 24th installment of the adventures, trials and tribulations of the world\u2019s most prolific spy, James Bond, Aston Martin has taken the opportunity to put the very limited-edition DB10 on display at the brand\u2019s spiritual home in Milton Keynes, UK.\nOnly ten units of the DB10 will ever be made, and\n\u00a0\njust one was put on display for fans and enthusiasts to see in the metal.\u00a0The relaxed, family-friendly event saw more than \n500\n people visit Aston Martin Works to get a close-up view of the brand\u2019s ultra-exclusive new creation.\nStunt driver \nMark Higgins\n \u2013 the man behind the wheel for the extreme driving scenes in the \nthree\n previous \nBond films\n \u2013 was also at the weekend event to share his insights into both the making of \nSpectre\n \nand the experience of driving the exclusive DB10.\u00a0Aside from the rare chance to see the stunning Aston Martin DB10 \u2018in the metal\u2019, visitors of the historic Newport Pagnell site were treated to a display of one of the Aston Martin DB5s used in the previous blockbuster Bond film, \nSkyfall\n.\nGuests also had the chance to put their own driving skills to the test behind the wheel of an Aston Martin in virtual reality by means of a Sony PS4 console simulator challenge, with prizes awarded for the fastest laps.\u00a0Aston Martin Works Managing Director, Paul Spires\u00a0said, \u201cThe whole day was a superb occasion. I was thrilled to see so many of our customers come along to see for themselves the incredible DB10.\u00a0It was also a real delight to see so many youngsters \u2013 \npotential\n Aston Martin customers of the future \u2013 join us on the day.\u201d\nA quick check on local movies (TGV Cinemas) listings show that the movie will premier locally on the\n 6th of November\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Local car maker \nProton\n has just relaunched in South Africa after ten years of exiting the market. To be officially distributed by Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), Proton will first re-enter the South African market with its two SUVs, the \nX70\n and \nX50\n. Both cars will be fully imported (CBU) by the Rainbow Nation. Set to join both SUVs in 2023 is the \nProton Saga\n.\nCMH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jebb McIntosh said, \u201cWhen the Proton brand became available, CMH jumped at the opportunity for several reasons, but mostly because we saw a gap in the market for a quality SUV within an affordable price bracket. There are many luxury brands selling SUVs in South Africa, but most are simply unaffordable to the average car buyer here.\u201d\n\u201cOur plan is to have 25 dealers within six months, the first 17 of which have already undergone sales and technical training. A full range of replacement parts are also already in stock in our distribution centre so our customers can buy the vehicles with confidence,\u201d he added.\nSo far in 2022, Proton has exported 4,040 cars worldwide, which is a 33.9% increase from January to August 2021. As Proton reclaims its market share in Malaysia, it plans to exploit its international market potential. With the relaunch in South Africa, more growth is to be expected in terms of Proton\u2019s exports.\nRELATED: \nProton adds new \u2018kosong-spec\u2019 Standard Lite variant to Saga line-up, RM38k\nRegarding exports, Proton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton is aggressively pursuing export sales as we believe it is one of the pillars to growing our overall volumes. There is a lot of potential for growth in our international markets, not just for the Proton brand but for the local automotive industry too so we want to establish a firm foothold while these markets are still accessible.\u201d\n\u201cOur aim is to achieve 6,000 export sales this year and while we remain confident of achieving our goal, there is a lot of work ahead of us to identify suitable partners to gain entry to more countries to achieve bigger goals in the future.\u201d\nRELATED: \nPRO-NET is Proton\u2019s new EV subsidiary that will also build a public charging network\nFrom January to August 2022, Proton registered 87,841 cars, of which 4,040 were exported. In August alone, Proton sold 15,880 cars with 938 exported units.\nRELATED: \nProton sold 15,880 cars in August, relaunching in South Africa"
"Just a month after launching the new,\n track-focused Huracan STO\n, Lamborghini Malaysia has introduced the \nHuracan Tecnica in Malaysia\n to the tune of RM1.05 million before options and duties.\nWithin wide range of Huracan supercars on sale, the Tecnica sits between the Huracan STO and the \nHuracan Evo RWD\n. In fact, the Tecnica is based heavily on the STO without compromising on creature comforts and practicality.\n \nFor example, the Tecnica gets a vertical rear windscreen for better rear visibility, unlike the STO which is completely covered. The Tecnica comes with less aerodynamic aids, hence the more subtle rear spoiler but you\u2019d be wrong to think that the Tecnica is a tame Lamborghini; it\u2019s anything but.\nUnderneath its carbon fibre rear bonnet, is a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 and 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox combo taken from the Huracan STO. The Tecnica produces \n640 hp\n and \n565 Nm\n, propelling it from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, a tad slower than the Huracan STO at 3.0 seconds flat.\nAs for top speed, the Tecnica actually achieves higher figures, 325 km/h against the Huracan STO\u2019s 310 km/h top speed. This is because the Tecnica does not have as many aerodynamic components as the Huracan STO \u2013 allowing it to be just a little more slippery through the wind.\nThe Tecnica is the second lightest Huracan behind the Huracan STO, weighing just 1,379 kg. With the new Tecnica, Lamborghini has developed a sharper sound from the V10 engine, with more immediate throttle response similar to the STO.\nAs for the exterior, check out the video and find out how different the Tecnica looks from the other Huracan supercars!\nFor more detailed info and additional images of the Tecnica, click \nhere\n!"
"Remember that time when we shared that Mercedes-Benz launched its new \nDigital Light System\n for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class? Well they\u2019ve gone on to show us how it can \u201ctalk\u201d to pedestrians walking pass and around the car.\nThe Digital Light System can also project texts and symbols onto the road as a precaution to the driver; working with the car\u2019s sensors and cameras, the symbols include Low Grip Surface and even construction sites, to name a few.\nThe two front headlamps utilises a lighting chip each that can project with over one million pixels per side, for clarity and precision like never before \u2013 a step up even from the Multibeam LED system in other Mercedes-Benz\u2019.\nAs much as it is a visual amusement, there are safety elements to this system also. For instance, the upcoming hazards indicated onto the road will also be projected into the driver\u2019s line of sight, instead of appearing on the instrument cluster, giving the driver and its occupants better odds in an emergency situation.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Motor Trading\n, a subsidiary of the Naza Group launched the \n\u2018Merdeka Beli & Menang\u2019\n campaign today where customers stand to win electronic devices upon purchasing a car, in addition to SST savings on all vehicles at the\n \nNaza Automall\n, Petaling Jaya.\nFrom\n now until the 16th of September 2020\n, each successful vehicle purchase from the Naza Automall qualifies as an entry to be in the running to win attractive prizes totaling RM45,000. These prices include Huawei smartphones, 55-inch Smart TVs and Apple iPads.\u00a0\nTo sweeten the deal even more, customers who purchase vehicles throughout the \u2018\nMerdeka Beli & Menang\u2019 \ncampaign can enjoy fast loan approvals and free warranty on vehicles ranging from luxury MPVs to sedans. These include vehicles by Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Toyota, MINI and many more.\nFor further inquiries, visit the Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya that\u2019s open from Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. On weekends and public holidays, operation hours are from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm."
"The 2017 Hyundai Accent made its debut at the Canadian Motor Show recently before going on sale in selected markets around the world. It\u2019s in their fifth generation now, and can be had in both sedan and hatchback forms.\nAvailable in both hatchback and sedan variants, the new Accent\u2019s body is 32 percent stiffer thanks to high tensile steel. Its wheelbase of\n 2,570mm\n is just 30mm shorter than the fourth-generation \nHonda City\n\u00a0(2,600mm). Boot space for the sedan is\u00a0387 litres, whereas the hatchback can carry up to\u00a0616 litres of cargo with the rear seats folded down.   In terms of aesthetics, the Accent gets Hyundai\u2019s\u00a0signature cascading grille and new projector headlights with LED DRLs. It boasts a sweeping roof profile, giving it a sportier silhouette that\u2019s tastefully squared off at the back. In short, the Accept is perhaps a shrunken version of the new\u00a0\nElantra\n.\nOnly one engine is offered here \u2013 the \n1.6-litre\u00a0Gamma four-cylinder\n GDI engine. This mill generates \n132 hp\n and \n166 Nm\n of torque, paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.\u00a0\nOne of the key features of the Accent is the\u00a0\nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n, which complements other safety kits such as six airbags and a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines. It\u2019s also equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen panel which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.\nThe first three generations of the Hyundai Accent were in fact sold in Malaysia, but Hyundai Malaysia stopped at the fourth. Perhaps now\u2019s the right time to reintroduce this age-old model to Malaysia\u00a0once again.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia is collaborating with Shell Malaysia to introduce its latest engine oil service and maintenance parts programmes. The new car care programmes are available from now \nuntil the 31st of December 2020\n, and can be purchased via a service appointment at any authorised BMW dealerships nationwide.\nThe engine oil package, priced at RM500, features the Shell Helix Ultra Professional ABB 5W-40 Engine Oil. Formulated with Shell\u2019s PurePlus technology that delivers a virtually impurity-free synthetic base oil, the lubricant is designed to protect and extend the lifespan of high-performance engines.\nAdditionally, the lubricant also features Shell\u2019s Active Cleansing Technology to prevent the build-up of power and performance-robbing deposits, while the low-evaporation formulation means less frequent engine oil top-ups, on top of higher resistance to oil degradation.\nTo sweeten the deal, BMW is also giving away a limited-edition BMW M4 Motorsport collectible remote car worth RM250 (while stocks last) with a purchase of two oil service packages.\nMeanwhile, the BMW Service Value package offers long-term BMW vehicle owners discounts of up to 30% off retail price for original BMW maintenance parts, including brakes, wipers, spark plugs, as well as micro filters and air filters.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cAt BMW Malaysia, we strongly believe that establishing meaningful partnerships with key players in the industry further provides the ultimate premium ownership experience for our customers.\n\u201cShell continues to be a strategic partner to the BMW brand globally, and this partnership has allowed us to both deliver the best in value and service to customers nationwide.\u201d\nShell Lubricants Malaysia and Singapore General Manager Nyon Kam Yew added: \u201cOur new Shell Helix Professional range is formulated specifically for car manufacturers that demand a top-quality engine oil which meets their unique specification requirements.\n\u201cBMW Malaysia\u2019s decision to select the fully synthetic Shell Helix Ultra Professional ABB 5W-40 as the programme\u2019s recommended engine oil will ensure that BMW owners continue to enjoy the Sheer Driving Pleasure synonymous with the marque.\u201d\nFor the latest updated price list for BMW models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"If you are one of the many Malaysian drivers who loves to tinker with their mobile phones while driving, this story may not be of interest to you. But if you are law-abiding and rely on \nApple CarPlay on a BMW\n (and presumably a MINI too) for proper handsfree operation, this will concern you as BMW will be charging a subscription fee for its use.\nSuch a move could have industry-wide implications in that Apple CarPlay connectivity (along with Android Auto typically) has always come bundled with the car; the cost of which usually \nadded to the price of the car\n, or available as an \nextra one-time cost option\n, like a rim upgrade or solar tint. BMW is silent on the rationale for making customers pay for something that\u2019s already part of the car, but we suspect the reason for doing so goes beyond just making a quick buck.\nHere\u2019s how much it\u2019ll cost you to use Apple CarPlay if you have a BMW.\nThe subscription model began rolling out in various markets this week, and the terms and costs vary for different markets. For Malaysia, if you purchase a current model with Apple CarPlay connectivity, \nthe first 6 months of use is free\n, thereafter you have the \noption of paying RM 5 for a month\u2019s trial\n, after which you need to decide whether you want to stump up \nRM 513 for 12 months, RM 799 for 36 months, or RM 1,899 for an unlimited period\n.\nThe line-up currently offered by BMW Malaysia; note that there are four models which don\u2019t come with Apple CarPlay.\nAs for Android smartphone users, current \nBMW models do not offer Android Auto\n, though BMW is expected to equip their new models with the feature within the year. So, are we seeing a new \u2018trend\u2019 here? Will other manufacturers follow suit? Watch this space."
"Jaguar has finally pulled the covers of its rainmaker model \u2013 the new\u00a0\nXF\n. Jaguar first released it to the world in 2007 where it gave global audiences a completely new outlook to what Jags typically are. It was less English drawing room and more funky vodka bar.\nJaguar has since been under the helm of indian magnate, \nTata Motors\n who has guided the brand onto a path that Jag has never thread on before. They\u2019ve had enormous success with this model and it has given rise to several other reiterations of the brands models such as the\n XJ \nand the \nF-Type\n.   Speaking of the \nF-Type\n, it is immediately apparent as soon as you lock onto the \nrear end\n of the all-new XF that the F-Type has had a tremendous influence on the styling detail and direction of the new model. Jag has gone to extensive detail to rework the styling and look of the XF, giving it a tinge youthful vigour.\nThe front end has been sculpted to be much more angular, and together with the headlights it spears an aggressive fascia. The rectangular \nhoney-comb grille\n compliments that thought. The headlights, as you may have noticed, are decked out with \nLEDs\n and\u00a0\nDRLs\n as you would rightfully expect.\nThe rear end brandishes the F-Type\u2019s own design cue with the attention grabbing \ntail lamps\n that reaches around and creeps up the side, transforms the look of this business saloon to a desirable looker that\u2019s worthy of the bestowed styling cue.\nThe all-new XF is\n\u00a051mm longer\n than the previous. To this affect, it sports \nmore kneeroom, legroom and headroom\n\u00a0than before. Despite that, the XF lost some weight to the tune of \n190kg\n\u00a0plus an increase in torsional stiffness of up to \n28 percent\n.   The interior on the other hand has had some work done to it, befitting the XF name as the \nXE model\n is poised to be Jag\u2019s entry-level sports saloon. The \nrotary gear selector and air-cond vents\n are retained, giving an adequate sense of occasion. Wood and veneers give the cabin a warm yet\n familiar Jag feel\n.\nThe options list on the all-new XF are as long as your arm and rightly so. They include\u00a0\nquad-zone A/C\n, a\u00a0\n12.3-inch full-TFT\n instrument cluster,\u00a0\n10.2-inch touchscreen\n,\u00a0\n10-colour ambient lighting\n and even\u00a0\nsoft-close doors\n should that tickle your fancy. Fret not audiophiles, for Jag has thrown in a\u00a0\n17-speaker, 825W Meridian\n digital surround sound system for your delectation.\nJag has also elected to go with \nEPAS\n or electric power assisted steering in a bid to save weight and improve fuel consumption by up to \n3 percent\n. This system also paves the way for tech such as\n\u00a0lane-keep assist\n and \nbay- and parallel park-assist\n to be included.\nJags have always upheld a sterling reputation for silky smooth ride quality and true to its name, the XF comes with\n\u00a0Advanced Passive Damper\n technology via\u00a0an extra valve which reduces damping forces at low speeds. The\u00a0system monitors body movement \n100 times\n a second and wheel movement \n500 times a second\n to determine the optimum damper settings for the appropriate driving conditions.\nThe all-new Jaguar XF comes with a choice of \nthree diesel engines\n and a magnificent \npetrol\n powered lump. The oil-burners in question come in the form of a\n 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n lump that is tuned to put out \n163 and 180 horses\n each. The \u201csuper-diesel\u201d variant is a\n 3.0-litre V6\n block that makes out \n300 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque thanks to\u00a0\nParallel-sequential turbocharging\n and a high-pressure injection system.\nThen there\u2019s the big daddy, with petrol spritzing through its chambers \u2013 the \n3.0-litre V6\n producing\u00a0\n380 hp and 450 Nm\n of twist. The additional bang is courtesy of a\n twin-vortex supercharger\n kit strapped to it. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via an \neight-speed ZF\n gearbox. This goes for the\n rest of the range\n as well.\nThe all-new XF is now on sale in the UK, and it\u2019s only a matter of time before it gets introduced here. Its base price in the UK starts from\u00a0\n\u00a332,300\n (RM206,134) all the way up to\u00a0\n\u00a350,000\n (RM319,093). In Malaysia however, we can expect the new XF to arrive as early as next year, most likely after Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia introduces the new XE. More on this to come! Meanwhile, enjoy the picture gallery we\u2019ve put together for you.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad recently launched the Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile, a first-of-its-kind service in Malaysia to offer hassle-free maintenance services right at the doorstep of their customers.\n\u201cThe Cycle & Carriage brand is almost 120 years and we have, in the many decades, nurtured a personal relationship with Mercedes-Benz fans and owners. The ownership experience is a journey. And Cycle & Carriage is passionate about making it an exceptional journey for every\n Mercedes-Benz fan,\u201d said Cycle & Carriage Bintang, Chief Executive Officer, Wilfrid Foo.\n(From left) Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, CEO, Wilfrid Foo; Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, General Manager, Parts Sales & Marketing, Customer Services MBC, Emily Lek; and Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, General Manager, After Sales, Andrew Lim.\nHere\u2019s a breakdown of what you need to know!\nThe first service of its kind for Klang Valley customers\nCycle & Carriage is the pilot for the roll-out of the first Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile and its service is currently available to Cycle & Carriage customers in the Klang Valley. In celebration of the launch, Cycle & Carriage is \nwaiving the service fee for the first three months\n.\nNever leave the comforts of your home\nArmed with a Mercedes-Benz Vito filled with special tools, diagnostic systems and two qualified technicians, services include scheduled maintenance services, off-site repairs, wiper blade replacements, key battery or infrared replacements and battery replacements right at your doorstep.\nTransparent & Hassle-free\u00a0\nCustomers can schedule an appointment with any Cycle & Carriage dealership within the Klang Valley to experience the full extent of Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile\u2019s services.\nTo book an appointment, customers can call their respective Cycle & Carriage service centres or directly call The Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile hotline at +603 \u2013 6192 9200.\nCustomers are assured greater transparency with cost estimates provided ahead of services including itemised costs for required parts and labour costs.\nOperation hours\nThe Mercedes-Benz Star Mobile\n operates daily\n (except public holidays). Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 8.00am to 1.00pm."
"With restricted travelling and commuting implemented around the world, people are spending less time in their cars and more time at home. Auto accessory manufacturers have also had to adapt to this and we\u2019ve seen companies like \nK&N making face masks\n on top of their usual air filters.\nBride\n, a renowned manufacturer of bucket/sport seats and other related accessories in Japan, seems to have adapted their business to suit this new normal.\nWhile they may still produce bucket seats, they\u2019ve also come up with this \u2013 for those who\u2019ve missed driving in their bucket seats dearly and have been forced to stay home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.\nThey\u2019re called the Bride Emperor but it\u2019s not exactly what you think it is. They\u2019re not exactly selling a rocking bucket seat, as both the seat and the base are sold seperately. The base is made of high-end oak wood, and finished with a urethane coat.\n\u201cThe seats are an industry\u2019s first as it can rock and recline at the same time. IT has been designed to offer a harmonious, healing, serene, and relaxing sensations,\u201d according to Bride.\nOnly 10 units of the base will be created every month, as they\u2019re all handmade. The base is compatible with the Streams Series, Euroster Series and Digo Series within Bride\u2019s range of bucket seats.\nThey will be officially released on the 1st of February 2021, priced at 69,000 Yen (approx. RM2,686)."
"The all-new Nissan Almera caused quite a stir when it \nmade its regional debut back \nin November last year. With the extensive list of standard kit being fitted to our Malaysian-spec model (which you\u2019ll soon see), we think that the Almera (now called Almera Turbo) will also definitely be making waves in the local B-segment market, facing its challengers head-on in the \nall-new Honda City\n and \nToyota Vios\n.\nAvailable in three variants \u2013 VL, VLP and VLT, the all-new Almera Turbo is now available for booking at all Nissan authorised dealerships across Malaysia, priced between \u201cRM8X,XXX\u201d to \u201cRM9X,XXX\u201d, and is expected to be officially launched in October.\nClick to enlarge\nPerhaps the biggest change to the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo is in the styling department, which we once likened it to \u201can ugly ducking turning into a swan\u201d, and yes, we still stand by it. Gone is the awkward stance and bulbous design of old, replaced by a sleek, sharp, and dare we say \u2013 sporty styling direction that\u2019s in line with the other new Nissan models.\nUp front, the small sedan is characterised by the new V-motion grille, flanked by full LED headlights if you opt for the top-of-the-range VLT variant \u2013 otherwise, they are halogen-illuminated items. A prominent character line starts from behind the front wheel arch, moving through the door handles and ends with the new boomerang-styled taillights at the rear of the car, which are now fully-LED units.\nThe wing mirror has been repositioned to below the belt line on the door panels, while overall height of the B-segment sedan has been lowered by 40 mm to give it a wider and sportier appearance. The C-pillars also have a blacked out segment to give the roof a floating effect.\nOther than that, the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo has grown in every dimension: +45 mm in width, +70 mm in overall length, and +55 mm in wheelbase, so that means the Almera will retain its best-in-class interior space crown \u2013 620 mm of rear leg room to be exact. Cargo space is rated at 482 litres, and Nissan even claims that it can fit four golf bags in the all-new Almera Turbo.\nEqually as exciting as the new styling is what\u2019s underneath the hood. The 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo is powered by a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, capable of delivering \n100 hp\n and \n152 Nm\n of torque. The new engine is paired to an improved Xtronic CVT gearbox with D-Step logic.\nWhile the horsepower figure is lower compared to the old 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated mill, the engine torque has actually improved, which means a more responsive driving experience especially in urban conditions. Engine response has also been tuned specifically to reduce turbo lag, thanks to the electronic waste gate and improved turbo compression.\nNo performance figures have been quoted, but a package like this is really about the efficiency anyway. Nissan quotes a \n5.43 l/100km\n fuel consumption figure, which is equivalent to\n 650 km of driving range\n on a full tank of fuel (35 litres).\nThe 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo also received a complete makeover on the inside, elevating the premium image of the compact sedan. Notably, the dashboard now has a dual-tone design, surrounded by soft touch material (on VLP and VLT variants), carbon fibre pattern textures, as well as chrome and piano black trims.\nOn the two upper variants, the new Almera Turbo is also fitted with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, and is paired to a seven-inch screen in the semi-digital instrument cluster behind the flat-bottom sporty steering wheel.\nOther interior highlights in the new Nissan Almera Turbo include a \u201cZero Gravity Inspired\u201d semi bucket seats in fabric (VL) and leather (VLP and VLT), three USB ports (front storage area, centre console, and rear console), automatic climate control on the top-of-the-range variant, as well as 60:40 rear split-folding seats that is a unique feature for the Malaysia market.\nNissan has put significant emphasis on the safety aspect of the all-new 2020 Almera Turbo, with the \nIntelligent Forward COllision Warning and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking AEB system being fitted as standard on all variants\n.\nThe mid-spec VLP variant adds four additional SRS airbags and a rear-view camera, while the top-of-the-range VLT variant gets the intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert \u2013 making it the most well-equipped B-segment model here in Malaysia \u2013 for now, at least.\nThe 2020 Nissan Almera will be available in six exterior colour choices \u2013 Radiant Red, Monarch Orange, Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant White, Diamond Black, Tungsten Silver, where the first three in the list are completely new options. Included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, with five-times free maintenance service \u2013 including parts and labour.\nInterested? The all-new 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo will be on an exclusive public preview at selected showrooms across Malaysia, over two weekends on the \n5-6 September\n and \n11-13 September\n. You can also stand a chance to win one of 15 iPhone SE (128GB) worth RM2,199 by test driving the Almera Turbo during the Test Drive Carnival roadshows. The full Test Drive Carnival schedule can be found in the table below:\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Although this is (mostly) a car-focused website, I still maintain that motorcycles are one of the coolest vehicles ever invented. The mean looks of a sports bike, the thrill of being so exposed; there\u2019s not a day in life where I don\u2019t envy those who can ride \u2013 not that I can\u2019t fix this \u201cproblem\u201d, but that\u2019s besides the point. Anyway, imagine my disappointment when I found out that the new Suzuki Misano, a car that\u2019s inspired by motorcycles, is a not-for-sale concept.\n \nThe Suzuki Misano is a thesis project by 24 master\u2019s students at the Istituto Europeo di Design\n\u00a0\n(IED) in Turin, made in collaboration with the Japanese carmaker. It\u2019s inspired by Suzuki\u2019s celebrated history of making fun things on two and four wheels, and it even shows it in the name \u2013 \u2018Misano\u2019 comes from the Misano circuit in Italy, famous for its MotoGP races \u2013 a sport which\n Suzuki\n still actively competes in.\nThe design brief of the project simply reads \u201c\nLa Dolce Vita \nX Way of Life\u201d, and it\u2019s a miracle what designers can think of from just a single, somewhat meaningless sentence like that. I mean, just take a look at the result \u2013 a stunning open-top roadster, or as the press release calls it, a modern reinterpretation of the classic barchetta.\nRefreshingly, the styling of the Misano is surprisingly simple and timeless for a \nconcept vehicle\n, clearly not trying to overcomplicate things \u2013 there\u2019s nothing groundbreaking here, but maybe that\u2019s why it works so well.\nFrom the side, it\u2019s essentially just a basic wedge silhouette, with a tiny windscreen and a roll hoop sticking out the top. Pair that to the unique purple hue and bronze accents, and you\u2019ve got yourself a car that\u2019ll look good for many years to come.\nBut what makes the Misano truly special are its motorcycle-inspired touches. The passenger sits in tandem with the driver on the left side of the car, and there\u2019s also a window on the door \u2013 just like the \nMcLaren Senna\n \u2013 to give you the sensation of the open roads zooming by underneath you, as one would feel when riding a bike.\nAdding to the effect, the Suzuki Misano also ditches the regular steering wheel for a \u201cmotorcycle-inspired control stick\u201d \u2013 we\u2019re not too sure what that means exactly, but we\u2019d imagine an actual bike handle-bar would probably be too awkward in the compact cockpit.\nBecause this is just a design project, powertrain details aren\u2019t exactly the focus here. But, the press release did suggest that it\u2019ll be an EV, as one would these days; it\u2019s just a shame that they didn\u2019t take the opportunity to stick a superbike engine in there, as they did with the\n GSX-R/4 Concept\n from way back \u2013 that would\u2019ve felt right, wouldn\u2019t it?\nAlas, it wouldn\u2019t have mattered anyway, because just like most concepts, something as out-of-the-world as this would realistically never make it into production. At least, it shows that Suzuki still knows how to have a bit of fun; we\u2019re just jealous we\u2019ll never get to drive it.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n has announced its sales figures for the month of September 2021, in which the company delivered a total of \n6,907 units\n to new owners.\nAmong that figure, 1,521 units alone were contributed by the \nMitsubishi Triton\n pick-up truck \u2013 the highest that MMM has ever delivered in a single month. With that, the Triton\u2019s market share in the pick-up truck segment has also increased to 34%, the highest it has enjoyed thus far.\nOn the other hand, the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n has now taken the crown as Malaysia\u2019s best-selling non-national MPV, with close to 13,000 bookings since its launch in November 2020. Thus far, the company has delivered 5,756 units to new owners.\nMMM attributed the growth in sales to the recent reopening of the automotive industry; specifically, the high number of deliveries was in part due to the company currently fulfilling the backlogged orders that accumulated during the months in lockdown.\nTaking into account the latest sales figures, the Mitsubishi Triton has recorded a 5.1% increase in sales performance in the first half of MMM\u2019s FY2021 (April \u2013 September), compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the company\u2019s overall market share has also increased to 3.9% of the Total Industry Volume (TIV), compared to 1.7% in the same time period last year.\nGet a free North Face jacket when you book a Mitsubishi Triton online! Learn more here. \n\u201cAfter a few months of challenging market situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the team at Mitsubishi Motors is working with our best efforts to improve production, delivery timing, and to recover from backlog orders fulfilment for the Xpander and Triton,\u201d said MMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\n\u201cWe would like to thank our customers who have shown us support and have been patient with us. As the nation moves towards the endemic era and with the resumption of the automotive supply chain and showrooms opening, we are confident for optimistic sales numbers over the second half of our Financial Year,\u201d Shinnishi added.\nCheck out the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete in more detail in our in-depth gallery here!\nIn addition to showrooms, which have recently resumed operations, MMM has also recently introduced several new digital services, including its online shopping platform, which you can learn more about \nhere\n. The company says that it will be introducing a new Home Delivery Service soon, where the cars can be delivered directly to their customer\u2019s door steps."
"During the historical announcement of Proton\u2019s\u00a0\nforeign strategic partner\n, the Chinese automaker has agreed to develop a new SUV model for Proton that\u2019s based on the Boyue\u00a0SUV. It\u2019s currently Geely\u2019s best-selling SUV to date.\nFor starters, the Geely Boyue was penned by \nPeter Horbury\n, Geely\u2019s current head of design who was also a former design honcho for Volvo and Ford. It measures 4,519 mm long, 1,831 mm wide, and 1,694 mm tall and\u00a0with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm.   The Boyue sold in China can be had with two engines, both of which are\u00a0\nfour-cylinder petrol engines\n. It begins with a \n2.0-litre naturally aspirated\n engine that makes \n141 hp\n and\n 178 Nm\n of torque. A \n1.8-litre turbocharged direct injection \nengine can also be had in two states of tunes: \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n\u00a0or\u00a0\n184hp\n and \n285 Nm\n. Transmission options include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The all-wheel drive is reserved only for the most powerful Boyue variant, while the rest are\u00a0front-wheel drive.\nThe Boyue scores high on the equipment list, where it gets\n\u00a0adaptive cruise control\n, 360-degree camera system and lane departure warning as part of its safety repertoire. It\u2019s also the first\u00a0Chinese carmaker to offer Apple CarPlay and\u00a0Android Auto via the\n\u00a0G-Netlink\n system.\u00a0\nThe Geely Boyue retails in China from\u00a0\n98,800 yuan to 157,800 yuan,\n which is roughly below\u00a0\nRM100,000\n. So as it stands, it\u2019s unclear if Proton\u2019s first SUV model will be another rebadge exercise (Proton recently collaborated with\u00a0\nHonda\n and \nSuzuki\n)\u00a0or if it\u2019s going to be an entirely new model with Geely\u2019s platform. Time will tell.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While we can\u2019t confirm the document\u2019s veracity, the automotive end of Facebook was abuzz over the weekend with what appears to be an estimated repair bill for a Mercedes-Benz E300 Bluetec Hybrid requiring a high voltage lithium-ion battery pack replacement.\nThe purported repair estimation shared on a Mercedes E300 and E350e enthusiast Facebook group.\nGoes without saying, many online commentators went to town over\nthe purported cost of said battery pack replacement \u2013 RM120,960. When the W212-generation\nMercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec diesel hybrid went on sale in 2015, it retailed for\njust under RM350,000. Many expressed astonishment at the cost of repair, probably\nrightly so but these shocks can be avoided.\nA new car purchase is an exciting undertaking and the eagerness to get behind the wheel can make us overlook certain details. But if you are an \nearly adopter\n or purchasing a vehicle with \ncutting-edge technology\n (e.g. a plug-in hybrid), it helps to find out \nhow the technology actually works\n, what are the costs involved beyond regular maintenance (e.g. replacement of hybrid components), the \nextent of the warranty coverage\n (e.g. what parts are covered, and for how long), and \nwhether the brand offers extended warranty\n for the vehicle and/or the technology in question.\nIf the information sought can\u2019t be made available to you by\nthe dealership, reconsider your purchase or even move on entirely. All of this\nmight sound like stating the obvious, but it\u2019ll avoid all the unnecessary shocks\nlater on."
"Remember the W205 \nC 450 AMG 4MATIC\n that was announced in early 2015? For the Coupe and Convertible body styles they become full-fledged AMG models bearing a moniker revived from the W202 C-Class, the C 43. Similar to the C 450 AMG, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe and Cabriolet twin is catered to those who find the C 63 a bit too spicy for their taste buds.\nLet\u2019s get the numbers out first, \n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n come courtesy of a \n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\n, and all that gets deployed to the \nrear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive system\n (31:69 split front to back) via a \n9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic \ngearbox. \nZero to 100 km/h\n is clocked in at\u00a0\n4.7 seconds\n, and goes all the way up to the electronically-limited \ntop speed\n of \n250 km/h\n.\nLike on the \nSLC 43\n, the nine speed box shifts quicker with \ndouble-declutching\n and allows for a multiple downshift at one go, and in Manual mode is said to be true to its name, where it won\u2019t shift up a gear even when you reach the rev limit.\nStandard-fit \n18-inch wheels\n wear \n225/45 R18\n tyres at the front and \n245/40 R18\n tyres at the back, and they are suspended by the \nAMG Ride Control sports suspension\n with three different damping settings. Five driving modes are available to choose from the\n AMG Dynamic Select\n: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual, where throttle response, transmission mapping, suspension setup, and steering will be adjusted accordingly.\nCosmetic updates are very minimal over the standard C-Class Coupe. It misses out on the trademark AMG twin louvre grille slats like on the C 63, and even the bumpers are the same as the ones on the AMG line coupe. Although there are some subtle badges on the side fenders and on the boot lid to indicate that it\u2019s the AMG variant.\nBlack ARTICO man-made leather and DINAMICA microfibre upholstery with red stitching and red seat belts set the sporty mood on the inside, and the driver gets a special instrument cluster with chequered background pattern and a Racetimer.\nSo, is the C 43 enough to satisfy your AMG appetite? Or do you still require a V8 to sit in the engine bay?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupe   Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Cabriolet"
"It all started with just a humble hatchback really. The \nVolkswagen Golf Mk1 Typ 17\n (or Rabbit, as it was fondly known in the US of A) was an indirect replacement to the real people\u2019s car, the Beetle. But some engineers thought it would be nice if the Golf has more power so they went on to create the\n Golf GTI\n. Apparently after four generations of the GTI, it still wasn\u2019t enough; no siree bob. The dials were then turned up to eleven to create a \nhotter Golf\n that sits above the GTI.\nThe \nR\n badge (R32 to be specific) first appeared on the \nGolf Mk4\n. The first \nGolf R32\n packs a huge normally-aspirated \n3.2-litre VR6\n engine under its bonnet, producing \n237 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque driving all four wheels via the\n 4MOTION all-wheel drive system\n. It was also the world\u2019s first production car equipped with a \ndual-clutch gearbox\n (DSG). The identical badge reappears on the \nGolf Mk5\n where the similar package is applied but the power has climbed to \n240 hp\n.\nOn the \nGolf Mk6,\n the sonorous 3.2-litre VR6 gave way to a more compact \nturbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n powerplant, thus dropping the \u201cR32\u201d moniker in favour of just a single letter R. Even though the engine is smaller, it dishes out \n266 hp\n and still driving all four wheels. The baton is then passed to \nGolf Mk7\n with the same recipe but with \nmore power\n and around\n 45 kg lighter\n than before.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Golf R 5-door Tech Pack\n \nSegment\nC-segment performance hatchback\nEngine\n1,984 cc 4-Cylinder TSI\nMax Power\n276 hp\n @ 5,700 \u2013 6,200 rpm\nMax Torque\n380 Nm\n @ 1,750 \u2013 5,600 rpm\nPrice\nRM 291,888.00\n (OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nThe\n Golf R\n Mk7 \nlanded in Malaysia\n in June 2014, costing some odd \nRM50,000\n over the GTI. But then again the R does pack some serious hardware underneath, and not to mention the increased amount of horses under the bonnet. \nGC\n\u00a0has already \ndriven it in Sepang\n and his first impressions were nothing short of awe inducing. With all the goodness crammed into a compact and convenient hatchback, is the Golf R all the car you ever need?\nEXTERIOR\n Volkswagen\u2019s hottest Golf never really carried a fierce styling. The Golf R is all about subtle hints but at the same time you don\u2019t need a keen pair of eyes to tell it apart from its lesser brethren. While it\u2019s easy to tell that this is the most powerful Golf in the range by its exclusive \nLapiz Blue\n hue, there\u2019s not much aesthetic addenda to indicate that it\u2019s the crown jewel Golf.   The GTI may be boasting its hotness by the trademark red strip across the grille, but the R simply wears a single strip of chrome on the grille. The Golf R\u2019s face is fuller though with its square-jawed front bumper and air intake vents, and they\u2019re not merely for visual effects as it needs those vents to keep its internals cool. There are no fake blanked out vents here, all holes are literally openings large enough to swallow an Eurasian Tree Sparrow.   The gorgeous \n19-inch Cadiz wheels\n add a bit of bling to the overall package, and other bling factors to be found on the R are the \nLED indicators\n inside the \nBi-Xenon headlamps\n with \nLED Daytime Running Lights\n, and the \nLED tail lights\n that most GTI owners are envious of. The letter R is peppered around the exterior too, on the front grille, on the front fenders, on the boot lid, and even on the brake calipers.\nMost people will only catch the rear view of the Golf R on the highways, and the telltale sign that you\u2019ve been overtaken by one is the \nOTT\n \nquad tailpipes\n that farts rudely as it disappears into the horizon.\nINTERIOR\n It\u2019s mainly dark and sombre in here, which is good especially if you want to focus on your driving. It\u2019s not that the interior is boring, it does have some eye candy to remind you that you\u2019re in a special Golf. For instance, the dials feature the same clock face with other Volkswagen vehicles and that\u2019s fine because they\u2019re sharp and clear, but in the R it gets \nblue needles\n to sweep round the clocks.\nThe \nflat-bottom steering wheel\n itself is shapely with the obligatory \nshift paddles\n and the letter R at the 6 o\u2019clock position. The letter R also can be found on the deeply bolstered front seats but the weird thing is that only the driver gets electronic adjustments, whilst the front passenger\u2019s seat adjusts manually. At night, the front occupants are accompanied by the blue strip of LED that adorn the front door panels.   It\u2019s well-equipped with creature comforts too, you get \nkeyless entry\n with\n push-start button\n, \nleather seats\n, \ndual-zone climate control\n, \nreverse camera\n, \nseven airbags\n, and even a \nsliding glass sunroof\n as standard. An \n8-inch touchscreen\n takes prime estate on the glossy piano black center console, featuring \nGPS navigation\n with \n3D map\n and \nBluetooth connectivity\n.\nSince it\u2019s a Golf, space is not an issue here, but seriously do you really care about the space in a Golf R? Well if you insist, the back seats three at a squeeze with sufficient leg room and head room. The rear passengers get a couple of aircond vents, and there are ISOFIX mounts for any yummy-mummy carrying their pride and joy (I\u2019m referring to their kids of course, not their LV bags).   The backrest\n split 60/40\n as usual, and there\u2019s a door behind the fold-down center armrest giving access to and from the boot. The \n380 litre boot\n may not be the biggest around, but it\u2019s practical with useful side compartments and hooks and even a\n 12V power\n outlet.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \nEA888\n unit in the GTI is already producing 217 hp and 350 Nm of torque; but with new cylinder head, new injectors, and a bigger turbo, it now serves \n276 hp\n and\n 380 Nm\n of torque in the R. The superfast \n6-speed wet-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox\n is the only option for the Malaysian-market Golf R, and it allows the Golf R to rocket from \nzero to hundred km/h\n in \nless than five seconds\n. \nTop speed\n is capped at \n250 km/h\n, but who\u2019s complaining?\nThe \npi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance\n has to be the\n 4MOTION all-wheel drive\n with \nelectronic differential locks\n (EDS) and the latest version of their cross differential system, \nXDS+\n. Under normal driving, power is sent to the front wheels but the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system uses the \nfifth-generation Haldex clutch\n to distribute power to the back wheels by \nup to 100 percent\n when needed.\nWith EDS and XDS+ working in harmony, they apply brakes or send power to any specific wheel to reduce understeer. And for the first time ever you can finally switch the\n traction control off\n, should you ever feel like manhandling the R by its metaphorical horns.\nAnother party piece is the\n Dynamic Chassis Control\n (DCC) that alters the damper, steering, and throttle response accordingly for each driving mode. On the \nDriving Mode Selection\n, you can choose from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Race, or even Individual.\nThe Individual mode lets you get creative with the setup, so you can customise each attribute to be in the lowest or the sportiest setting. I\u2019m in Eco mode most of the time, where it utilises the\n Stop/Start technology\n and it even decouples the gearbox from the engine when coasting, saving every drop of precious amber nectar in the fuel tank. If you must know, the\n average fuel consumption\n is rated at an astonishing\n 6.9 l/100 km\n, given how performance-oriented the R is.\nTHE DRIVE\nBy thumbing the starter button you will be greeted by a bassy din from the 4-cylinder. Yes, the sound from the engine may be synthesized by the \nSoundaktor\n but it gives out a mean staccato that fuses a boxer four rumble with a hint of V8 grunt to be heard inside the cabin. I don\u2019t mind that they\u2019re (partly) fake, and personally I find the DSG farts never get old especially when you\u2019re powering away from the toll booths. On the other hand, the constant bassyness that permeates the cabin can be rather annoying when you\u2019re in a mood for just a relaxed cruise.\nThere\u2019s no need to get to know the Golf on the normal streets. I\u2019m not going to say its as comfortable as the 1.4 TSI, but you get the idea of how easy it is to drive as any normal hatchback in its class. Fitted with those 19-inch wheels the ride is not rock-hard and surprisingly pliable yet composed than what you would expect.\nEven in Eco mode, there\u2019s gobs of pull from the turbo four under the bonnet. With 380 Nm of torque at your disposal from just 1,750 rpm, a flex of your right ankle will treat you to a blurred scenery and you\u2019re warped into three-digit speeds in no time.\nThe rapidness of the acceleration makes it second nature for the Golf R to hog the fast lane. While \nAutoBuzz.my\n does not condone such acts, highway warriors will be delighted by the Golf R\u2019s ability to obliterate (almost) anything in its sight. It gathers pace in an atrocious manner so don\u2019t be surprised if you receive a few love letters in your mailbox.\nEven though the Golf R is a useful tool to educate the poseur ricers that tries ever so hard to tailgate you, it doesn\u2019t really make full use of the\n 4MOTION all-wheel drive\n capabilities on the long highways. For this you need to find the B-roads to exploit the broad talents of the car has to offer.\nOn the twisties the Golf R clings to the road like a baby koala to its mother. On corners where you\u2019d normally ease the throttle, in the Golf R you can gun it\n ASAP\n without hesitation. Initially you will encounter some understeer but the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with the \nXDS+\n work their magic to shoot the Golf R out of any corners without drama.\nBody roll is non-existent, and the progressive steering loads up nicely when you\u2019re attacking the bends. It felt quite surreal but at the same time it\u2019s confidence-inspiring that after attacking your favourite stretch of twisties, you will want to have another go at it; thinking where could you carry more speed to shave your previous timed run that you set using the on-board lap timer. It\u2019s like playing\n Gran Turismo\n but way better.\nAnd yet it gets even better. After you\u2019re done playing you\u2019d expect the fuel consumption to plummet to more than 15.0 l/100 km, but take a glance at the multi-info display and you\u2019ll find you barely stray more than 10.0 l/km. This is a fine example of having your cake and eating it.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nAre you looking for a practical continental hatch for your daily run that you can also enjoy it for your weekend blast on squiggly B roads? Already tested the Golf GTI but still left wanting more? The Golf R could be the car for you. Some might say it\u2019s a bit too much to be used as a daily car compared to the GTI but the R makes for a better proposition because even though you might not use it to its fullest potential, there\u2019s always time for you to explore what it has to offer.\nAlthough at this price range there are a lot of other (more sedate) choices, there\u2019s no other vehicle that has the beguiling mixture of talents as the Golf R. It also looks discreet enough and if you\u2019re all about subtleties the Golf will definitely complement your style. Then again, if you find the Golf R is excessive for you, there\u2019s always the GTI or if you\u2019re environmentally conscious the \nGolf GTE\n is coming in a few months time with 201 hp and 350 Nm while sipping just 1.5 litres of fuel per 100 km.\nCOMPARISONS\nThere\u2019s another German hatch with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and 4WD in (official) Malaysian market; and it\u2019s called the \nMercedes-Benz A 45 AMG\n. Both packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant driving all four wheels and both are using dual clutch transmission.\nThe Merc has the upper hand with \n360 hp\n versus just 280 hp from the Golf. It\u2019s \nquicker\n to get to 100 km/h \nby 0.4 seconds\n but shares the same limited top speed of 250 km/h and the average fuel consumption of \n6.9 l/100 km\n. On paper the AMG outshines the R with its power figures (and price), and in the metal it looks flashier than the R.\nVolkswagen Golf R 5-door Tech Pack\n \nMercedes-Benz A 45 AMG\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\n4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,984\n1,991\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n276/5,700 \u2013 6,200\n360/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n380/1,750 \u2013 5,600\n450/2,250 \u2013 5,000\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed Dual Clutch DSG\n7-speed Dual Clutch AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT\nSUSPENSION\nType (Front / Rear)\nMacPherson struts / Multilink\nSpring strut and control arm / Control arm and trailing arm\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n235/35 R19\n235/35 R19\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,276\n4,292\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,799\n1,780\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,436\n1,430\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,630\n2,699\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,495\n1,555\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n380\n341\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n55\n56\nConsumption\n6.9 L/100 km\n6.9 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n250\n250\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n5.0\n4.6\nPRICE\nRM\n291,888.00\n346,888.00\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nMost people said the GTI is sufficient for a daily ride, but if you have the money why settle for just that? This is quite the most complete Golf to date and I\u2019d get one in a heartbeat if my bank account allows me to. The Golf R is like a best friend, providing you with the comfort and assistance when you\u2019re in need and encouraging you to push harder and do better when you\u2019re faced with a challenge. Upon returning it I felt like I was missing my best friend. Until our paths cross another time; see you again, friend.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nothing sets the heart racing more than seeing a blacked out sports car. In that, the Infiniti Project Black S seems resolute in its will to go up against the \nBMW M4 CS\n, \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe\n and \nAlfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio\n.\nWhile built based on the existing \nQ60 Coupe\n, Infiniti made Renault Sport F1 their official technical partner for this project. The Project Black S will get F1-inspired hybrid powertrain that should produce well over 500 horsepower, with a dual-hybrid system featuring \u2018energy recovery system\u2019 or (ERS) that harvests energy, resulting in significant lag-free accelerations. However, full details are still kept close to their chests. For now.   What we do know is that the twin exhaust pipes are made of lightweight titanium and that it will sit on 21-inch matte-black forged alloy wheels. Carbon fibre will be extensively used for weight reduction and aerodynamic optimisation, one of which can be seen in the front splitter. The hood gets air vents and the enlarged wheel arches all contribute to aero efficiency, while the two-tiered rear spoiler helps keep the car planted.\nInfiniti is also toying with the idea of introducing a \u201cBlack S\u201d variant to their production cars, a grade which represents the maximum level of performance and dynamism by Infiniti. In the near future, cars christened with the new moniker will get uprated suspension systems, unique design elements and of course, state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The highly-rumoured Proton X70 Special Edition has now been launched in Malaysia. Just like the \nExclusive Edition (EE)\n that was unveiled in Brunei last month, the Proton X70 Special Edition (SE) will come with a number of exclusive styling touches to set it out from the rest of the line-up.\nWhile the EE in Brunei is limited to just 37 units, Proton will be offering 2,000 units of the X70 Special Edition to customers in Malaysia \u2013 significantly more than its previous limited-run model, the \nMerdeka Edition\n. The Proton X70 SE is priced at \nRM123,800\n on-the-road without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemption that ends on December 31, 2021.\nCompared to the Proton X70 Premium that it is based on, the SE commands a RM4,000 premium over the regular model. It\u2019s also RM1,000 over the Premium X model that includes a sunroof, which the SE does not.\nLearn more about the regular Proton X70 models here!\nSo what does the extra sum gets you? For starters, the Proton X70 Special Edition will come with a unique Ocean Blue exterior paint job, contrasted by the blacked-out roof and wing mirrors. Unlike the X70 EE in Brunei though, buyers can also opt for a Ruby Red hue as an alternative to the blue, though that\u2019s a standard colour available on other variants too.\nThe Proton X70 Special Edition also comes with a new set of wheels, borrowing the design from the Geely Boyue Pro. Although the size remains at 19-inches in diameter, the new multi-spoke design does give the X70 SE an added dash of sportiness, we think. There\u2019s also a SE emblem on the tailgate to tell people your car is a little more special than the rest.\nMoving inside, you\u2019ll find a darkened interior trim, coupled to a black Nappa leather upholstery (with white and red contrast stitching) in place of the brown that comes as standard on the Premium variant. Finishing up the visual overhaul are the new variant-specific floor mats with SE badges.\nOther than these aesthetic changes, the Proton X70 SE is pretty much identical to the standard Premium variant. Standard equipment includes fully-LED headlights and daytime-running lights, powered-tailgate with foot sensor, seven-inch instrument cluster, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a nine-speaker sound system and 360-degree surround view monitor, as well as dual-zone climate control with a built-in air purifier system.\nHere\u2019s how Proton\u2019s built-in Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) works!\nPerformance is also unchanged \u2013 powering the Proton X70 SE is still the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out \n181 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque, and paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for a century sprint time of \n9.5 seconds\n.\nGALLERY"
"It has been close to three years since the last special series Ferrari, the \n488 Pista\n, came out of Maranello. Ferrari today released basic information and images of their latest special series that will be based on the \nFerrari 812 Superfast\n V12 berlinetta.\nThe official name will be announced at a later day, as such the sportscar will only be addressed as 812 Superfast special version for now.\nUnder the lightweight aerodynamic bonnet with a carbon fibre blade lies Ferrari\u2019s most powerful naturally aspirated internal combustion engine. Through the adoption of new engine components, exhaust system and even changes to the valve timing mechanism, the 65-degree \nV12\n \nengine\n now produces \n830 hp\n at a race-car like \n9,500 rpm\n. That is 30 hp more than the \nFerrari 812 GTS\n.\nAs with all special series Ferrari such as the Ferrari 488 Pista and the previous F12tdf, plenty of aerodynamic enhancements has been incorporated into the sportscar. The aerodynamic redesign of the whole 812 Superfast was aimed at \nmaximising downforce\n levels- from the new front air intakes, rear diffuser and exhaust configuration to the patented design of the rear screen \u2013 which now hosts vortex generators. No need for an unsightly standing rear wing.\n \nWatch GC\u2019s experience with the 812 Superfast in Fiorano\nMeanwhile, in the chassis and handling department, Ferrari will introduce \nindependent steering\n on all four wheels. Apart from fine-tuning the suspension parameters, the control system of the stability system has also been further enhanced, with the 812 Superfast special version debuting a new \nversion 7.0\n of the renowned Side Slip Control vehicle dynamics system.\nThe yet-to-be-named 812 Superfast special version will be the third edition of the limited quantity, special series V12 berlinetta from Ferrari. The legendary automaker first started with the Ferrari 599 GTO a decade ago, followed by the Ferrari F12tdf in 2016. Both special names paid homage to Ferrari\u2019s \nrich GT racing history\n of the 50s and 60s.\nWe will need to wait till \nMay 5th\n for Ferrari to release the 9,500 rpm soundtrack from the V12 engine as well as the name of this new limited edition special series is indeed the 812 GTO.\nIf you special enough to Ferrari, the automaker can design and build a one-off retro-inspired car just for you, such as the \nFerrari Omologata\n that is based on the 812 Superfast.\nGALLERY"
"A new 7-speed dual clutch transmission could accompany the locally-assembled SUV, which will be sporting the\n new Proton emblem\n.\nExactly a year and a day after the Proton X70 was launched in Malaysia, the CKD model with increased torque (with 300 Nm from 285 Nm) will roll off a new extension of Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant.\n \nThe RM1.2 billion plant extension will also serve as a right-hand drive production hub to fuel Geely\u2019s exports to a wider ASEAN region which will include Brunei and Indonesia.\nWith production commencing on the locally-assembled X70, Proton has also unofficially set off new developments in Malaysia\u2019s automotive vendor ecosystem by connecting all vendors involved with supplying components for the SUV. Seven joint ventures between local and foreign vendors were formed as a result.\n \n\u201cBy committing to produce the X70 and future models in Tanjung Malim, Proton has developed the vendor community. This is vital as vendors are the anchor for Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry and are major contributors to the economy.\nThe introduction of new technologies will help develop industry competencies and going forward, the government is hopeful this will allow Malaysia to penetrate global markets and be a leader in the supply of automotive components, said Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Datuk Darell Leiking."
"Influencing the market to make the switch from the conventional is no easy feat but this Japanese company has made its electric vehicle as convincing as their supercar-beating GT-R.\nYes, Nissan has announced that the company has sold its \n300,000th\n \nNissan LEAF\n globally since the model first went on sale in 2010. It was the world\u2019s first mass-produced electric vehicle and is now also crowned the world\u2019s best-selling.\nAnd it\u2019s just the beginning \u2013 expect to witness a larger wave of these LEAFs as Nissan had just launched an all-new model last year that now comes with ProPILOT and ProPILOT Park, e-Pedal, increased performance and improved comfort along with\u00a0\nNISMO-tuned versions\n.\nThe new Nissan LEAF is expected to arrive in US markets by January and will be sold in more than 60 markets worldwide. Europe has already seen such an overwhelming demand that Nissan has prompted for \nonline reservations\n to deal with the reception of the LEAF. Locally, Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia has pledged to introduce the all-new Nissan LEAF \nby this year\n."
"The \nMercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan\n is now officially on sale in UK and deliveries of the new compact sedan will commence from early 2019. UK customers have two variants of the A-Class Sedan to choose from \u2013 A 180 d and A 200.\nLike the A-Class hatchback, the \nSport Line \nsedan comes highly equipped with LCD instrument cluster, 7.0-inch MBUX touchscreen multimedia system with \u201cHey Mercedes\u201d voice activation, Artico and Fl\u00e9ron fabric upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, comfort suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and Keyless-Go starting function.\nStepping up to the \nAMG Line\n and you\u2019ll get goodies such as 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG body kit, Artico and Dinamica microfibre upholstery and a three-spoke sports steering wheel. There are a number of options available for UK customers such as upgraded 10.25 infotainment screen, Active Parking Assist, heated front seats, dual 10.25-inch Widescreen Cockpit, 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, Keyless-Go, upgraded sound system and a rear armrest.\nThe Premium Plus equipment line option packs all of the aforementioned kit and adds electronically powered front seats with memory function, multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam and a panoramic sunroof.\nTwo engine options are available for UK-bound A-Class sedan, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with\n 116 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n for the 180 d and a 1.3-litre turbo petrol with an output of \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. Both engine variants are paired to a seven-speed 7G dual-clutch transmission.\nIn UK, the A-Class sedan is slightly pricier than its hatchback counterpart with a starting price of \u00a327,875 to \u00a329,295. Now, should we expect this gorgeous thing to come to our shores?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan for Europe   A-Class Sedan Progressive Line   A-Class Sedan Interior"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be holding its nationwide Raya Open house for all to feast on durians and other Raya delicacies for one day only!\nThe Raya celebrations will be held at \nall Volkswagen dealerships\n this Saturday, 30th June 2018 from 11am to 5pm.\nThe \nGolf TSI \u201cR-Line\u201d\n launched in April is now updated with \u201cR-Line\u201d leather seats.\nAside from glutting out, visitors will also be treated to rebates of up to RM15,000, low interest rates from as low as 0.88% (per annum), and a\n free petrol card worth RM1,188\n, as the event falls on the final day of Volkswagen\u2019s Raya Promotion,\nAdditionally, there will also be\n 20% discounts offered on all official Volkswagen merchandise\n sold at the dealerships during the Open House."
"Following the hype and fanfare generated with the introduction of the \nMazda3 Turbo\n back in July this year, Mazda is now reportedly working on a turbocharged version of its latest crossover, the \n2020 Mazda CX-30\n.\nCiting an early order guide, \nCarsDirect\n reports\n that the turbocharged CX-30 will feature the same powertrain seen in the \nMazda CX-9 \nand \nCX-5 2.5T\n, both of which are readily available in Malaysia, as well as the aforementioned Mazda3 Turbo.\nThe 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill makes \n228 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque, and will be paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. According to\n CarsDirect\n, the turbocharged CX-30 will also only be available with all-wheel drive, which is a \nnew addition\n to the CX-30 line-up in Malaysia.\nThe new forced-induction engine is a significant jump over the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated models available in Malaysia, which makes \n162 hp \nand \n213 Nm\n of torque. Even when compared to the top-of-the-range 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine (187 hp, 252 Nm) available in other regions, the new turbocharged mill still represents a sizeable improvement.\nThe increase in performance will of course come with a premium in price. \nCarsDirect \nsays that the turbocharged model will be priced near the USD31,000 (~RM129K) mark, which makes it USD6,600 (~RM28K) more expensive to the base AWD 2.0-litre variant over in the States.\nCompared to the more similarly-specced CX-30 Select variant which costs USD26,400 (~RM110K), the price premium drops to an easier-to-stomach USD4,600 (~RM19K). In addition to the base trim, the source also claims that the turbocharged CX-30 will be available in Premium and Premium Plus variants, which brings the price pretty close to the top-of-the-range CX-5 Turbo models.\n \nCheck out our review of the \nMazda CX-30 2.0L High\n! \nIn terms of equipment, blacked-out 18-inch wheels and outer mirror caps, a larger tailpipe, and an engine \u201charmonic enhancer\u201d are standard-fit items on the turbocharged CX-30. Premium variant adds a head-up display, leather seats, 12-speaker Bose audio, power liftgate, while the Plus further adds additional parking sensors, surround view monitor, rear emergency braking, and several other variant-specific features.\nIf given the chance, will you opt for the CX-30 or the larger CX-5 Turbo? For us, the better handling on the CX-30 might be enough to sway us over to the compact crossover. The better power-to-weight ratio might also actually result in a breezier performance. Plus, have you seen the interior of the CX-30?"
"Ford Performance has just pulled the wraps off their latest creation, the first ever Ford Ranger Raptor. Not to be confused with the F-150 Raptor supertruck, this Ranger Raptor is essentially an ultra souped-upped Ranger pickup truck.\nThe Ranger Raptor was injected with Ford Performance DNA, spotting a new bi-turbo diesel mill, race-tuned suspension, and improved off-road capability and stability. So good, that Ford Performance deemed it worthy of the iconic Raptor nameplate.\nEXTERIOR\nMeasuring at 5,398 mm in length, 1,873 mm in height, 2,180 mm in width and a rear track of 1,710 mm, the Ranger Raptor is considerably wider than the standard car by 320 mm, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Approach angle is now 32.5 degrees, ramp over angle at 24 degrees and departure angle at 24 degrees.   Visually, the Ranger Raptor gets its styling inspiration from the F-150 Raptor which includes a new front grille, frame mounted front bumper, LED fog lamps, functional air-curtains and composite front fenders. Other practical features include high-strength aluminium die-cast step board, integrated tow bar and two recovery hooks at the rear.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin was designed with performance driving in mind but still be able to withstand the everyday duties of long-distance travelling and off-road adventures. The seats not only provide ample support for high-speed off-road runs but also superior comfort on-road comfort. Elsewhere, you\u2019ll find leather interior with blue contrast stitching, aggressive instrument cluster, multifunctional steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters and \u201cOn-Centre\u201d market as well as Ford\u2019s latest Sync 3 infotainment system.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood of the Ranger Raptor rests an all-new 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that produces \n210 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via a \n10-speed automatic transmission\n that was developed in-house. The twin-turbo set up ensures linear torque delivery and responsiveness.\nThe Ranger Raptor comes with a \nTerrain Management System (TMS)\n that offers six driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja. Baja mode, named after the famous Baja Dessert Rally, gives the driver maximum high-speed off-road performance.\nSAFETY\nOn the safety front, the Ranger Raptor comes with Ford\u2019s latest advanced Driver Assist Technologies (DATs), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Ford Ranger Raptor will be produced in Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant and will be exported to the Asia Pacific region. Will Malaysia be one of the lucky recipient? Only time will tell.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently went on a full-on onslaught with the launch of \nthree new compact AMG models\n on the same day. What you\u2019re looking at here is the smallest of the trifecta \u2013 the \nMercedes-AMG A 35 Edition 1 Hatchback\n.\nCurrently priced at RM366,785 (on the road, without insurance, and \ninclusive of SST exemptions\n), the hatchback model is effectively priced RM30,507 higher than its sedan equivalent. So what do you get for the money? We bring you on a closer look with this detailed gallery. Enjoy!\nThe A 35 hatchback is currently only available in \u201cEdition 1\u201d form, which includes as standard the AMG Performance package, consisting of a front splitter with flics beside the side air intakes, a more pronounced rear diffuser, as well as a large roof-mounted spoiler.\nThe AMG Night package is also standard here, pairing it nicely to the only colour that is available on the Edition 1 AMG A 35 hatchback \u2013 Denim Blue. To complement the colour further, the 19-inch alloy wheels, brake callipers, and body decals are all painted in a clean \u201cTech Gold\u201d hue.\nThe rest of the exterior kit is pretty much identical to its sedan counterpart, including the twin-louvre front grille in chrome silver, AMG Line bumpers and side skirts, as well as the twin tailpipes at the rear.\nMoving inside, the A 35 is fitted with the AMG Performance seats as standard, upholstered in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica fabric. Other AMG-specific touches include aluminium AMG design trim elements on the dashboard, illuminated AMG door sill plates, AMG floor mats, as well as an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Artico leather \u2013 though, without the cool little settings swivel wheel as seen on the \nAMG C 63 S\n.\nOtherwise, the interior of the baby AMG is pretty much a bog-standard\n \nMercedes-Benz A-Class\n (which is a good thing in our eyes), featuring the floating twin 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display combo, wireless charging pad, and who can forget the disco-like ambient lighting system.\nThe MBUX system does get a few AMG-specific touches, such as additional performance-oriented information displays, two additional instrument cluster display modes (Classic, Sport, and Supersport), as well as a configurable head-up display with AMG-specific display modes.\nUnderneath the hood, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 hatchback is powered by the M260\u00a0\n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine\n, similar to its sedan counterpart. The engine outputs \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque, with power transferred to all four wheels via the seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.\nAs a result, zero-to-100 km/h is done in just \n4.7 seconds\n, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of \n250 km/h.\n To help with your driving experience, the A 35 also comes with adjustable AMG ride control suspension \u2013 though if we\u2019re being honest, we left it in the comfort setting due to its firm ride.\nFor the complete specifications break-down, do check out our launch coverage of the \nMercedes-AMG A 35 Edition 1 hatchback\n. As for our thoughts on the new baby AMG, the full review will be coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled!\nFor the latest revised price list for Mercedes-Benz models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shell Malaysia introduces a new set of Shell V-Power LEGO Collection, now available exclusively at Shell stations until 31 January 2016 or while stocks last!\nRemember the \nFerrari\n FXX, F150, 458 Italia, 250 GT Berlinetta and others from the Shell-Ferrari LEGO collection two years ago? Well, I personally collected the entire collection. Now, it\u2019s back with a whole new set! Shell introduces six new models created in collaboration with \nFerrari\n and \nLEGO Group\n, which took them more than half a year to design and develop.\nThe collection is made in commemoration of Shell\u2019s \n60-year Technical Partnership\n with Scuderia Ferrari. The model LEGO cars feature the \nsmallest pull-back motor\n ever produced by the LEGO Group, developed specially for Shell. A new model is released every Sunday from 1 November until 13 December 2015.\nFour Ferrari cars in this year\u2019s collection including the \n1962 Ferrari 250 GTO\n. One of these rare gem (a real car) was sold at an auction for a whopping \nUS$34.65 million\n, making it the world\u2019s most expensive car ever auctioned. There also a Finish Line and Podium with a Scuderia Ferrari Engineer LEGO Minifigure, and a Shell Station modelled after the one at Fiorano Circuit, Scuderia Ferrari\u2019s private racetrack in Maranello, with a Shell Scientist LEGO Minifigure.\n\u201cMany of us have played with LEGO bricks as a child, so why not relive the good old days with friends? With the school holidays fast approaching, perhaps parents can spend more time with their children by building Ferrari collectibles and LEGO playsets,\u201d said Tuan Haji Azman Ismail, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Shell Timur Sdn. Bhd.\nHow to get it? Purchase\n RM40\n of \nShell V-Power\n\u00a0(RON97) and you will be able to purchase one LEGO model at \nRM9.90\n. You can also spend on RM40 worth of \nShell FuelSave\n\u00a0(RON95) or 4-litre purchase of \nShell Helix\n motor oil and buy the LEGO model at \nRM13.90\n each.\nThis time, Shell offers a limited-edition \nShell Tanker\n (out on Dec 13) for RM9.90 with every RM40 pump of Shell V-Power or purchase of Shell Helix HX5 & HX7 (4-litre), and FREE with every purchase of Shell Helix Ultra(4-litre).\nShell is also inviting the public to visit Shell V-Power LEGO activity centres at Sunway Pyramid (5-8 Nov) and Gurney Plaza, Penang (12-15 Nov) where they will get the chance to view LEGO model Ferrari cars up close and enjoy interactive games and activities.\nRoving trucks will also bring the Shell V-Power LEGO experience to the public with a life-sized LEGO replica of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One car to Klang Valley, Ipoh, Melaka and other selected locations nationwide.\nLEGO and Ferrari fans out there, start collecting them and share photos on social media using hashtag \n#ReadySetBuild\n!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is once again crowned the \u201cMost Valuable Luxury Car Brand\u201d, after placing eighth in the \u201cBest Global Brands 2019\u201d ranking by US-based consultancy firm Interbrand.\nThe brand value of the three-pointed star increased by 5% from last year to 50.8 billion US Dollars, remaining as the only European brand in the top 10.\nWhile its closest competitor \u2013 BMW took home 11th place in the ranking, Mercedes-Benz is not the only automotive brand ranked in the top 10; Toyota came in at 7th with a brand value of 56.2 billion US Dollars.\nOther luxury car brands in the ranking include Audi at the 42nd spot with a brand value of $12.6 bn, while Porsche rounds up the top-50 Best Global Brands with $11.7 bn.\nAccording to Interbrand, the brands are surveyed according to three aspects: \u201cfinancial performance of the brand\u2019s products or services\u201d, \u201crole of the brand in the buying decision process\u201d and \u201cstrength of the brand with a view to safeguarding the future revenue of the company\u201d. The monetary value of the brand is determined via an ISO-certified methodology.\u00a0\nMore than just luxury cars; Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport is also one of the most successful racing teams in Formula 1 with six consecutive titles.\nIn an interview with the American consultancy firm, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy, Bernd Stegmann highlighted the importance of creating a social purpose beyond the company\u2019s business purpose.\u00a0\nStegmann said that the alignment of the brand to the society at large can cultivate confidence in their customers, and in turn create a smooth path for the brand\u2019s growth into the future.\u00a0\nMercedes-Benz is not a stranger in the fully-electric space with their EQ brand.\nThe German automotive group has also been realigning their entire operation to the CASE (connectivity, autonomous driving, shared/services, electromobility) era, which the brand sees as their biggest opportunity in the near future."
"Goodyear has just updated their Assurance line up of tyres with the new DuraPlus 2, a long-life tyre aimed at the everyday commute cars, which must be music to Grab drivers.\nThe new Assurance DuraPlus 2 comes with TredLife Technology, allowing it to last up to 110,000 km without compromising on safety and performance, claims Goodyear.\nGoodyear\u2019s TredLife technology touches on three key sections \u2013 tread design, cavity shape and tyre compound. The DuraPlus 2 has a new symmetrical tread pattern with wider track width, for a larger surface contact area which also gives it a higher flexibility on tire rotation for more even tread wear.\nAdditionally, the cavity of the new DuraPlus 2 is also designed to provide a more balanced footprint to evenly distribute contact pressure.\nThrough a reformulated tyre compound, the engineers managed to improve the tyre\u2019s tensile strength and wear resistance. The new compound is also used along the sidewalls of the DuraPlus 2, together with a 2-layer high modulus, low shrinkage ply material in the sidewall to offer long-term resistance against side impact and damage from environmental factors.\u00a0\nGoodyear has also done some work on the tyre noise front, with the use of narrow lateral grooves along the side of the tyres to reduce air pumping, as well as rubber strips between the ply and liner to physically dampen vibrations.\u00a0\nThe Goodyear Assurance DuraPlus 2 is now available at all Goodyear AutoCare centres across Malaysia, with prices starting from RM136 to RM293 in sizes ranging from 13- to 16-inches.\nAVAILABLE SIZES:\nSection\nRim Size (inch)\nLoad Index\nSpeed Rating\n165/60\n13\n73\nH\n175/70\n13\n82\nH\n165/55\n14\n72\nH\n165/60\n14\n79\nH\n185/60\n14\n82\nH\n185/65\n14\n86\nH\n185/70\n14\n88\nH\n195/70\n14\n91\nH\n175/50\n15\n75\nH\n205/65\n16\n95\nV"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, as part of their quest to make road travel safer for children during the Hari Raya celebrations, have launched their free child car seat rental campaign beginning 1 July 2015.\nThe campaign is an extension of their MobileKids corporate social responsibility and aims to make road traveling a safer place, particularly among children and youths. As such, the company is offering \n110 units of child car seats\n to members of the public for free and is on a first-come-first-serve basis.\nThe child car seats are \nfully ECE R44-compliant\n convertible car seats and are available in two options with ISOFIX-points (birth up to 18kg) and without ISOFIX-points (birth up to 25kg). These seats convert from a rear-facing infant seat to a forward-facing car seat, and \nprotects children from birth up to 25 kg\n. For a refundable deposit of RM150 (without ISOFIX) and RM300 (with ISOFIX), families will be able to use the car seat for a period of one month. The free child car seat rental campaign is for a \nduration of six months\n, from July 2015 to December 2015.\nVice President of MBM, Mark Raine said, \u201cWhile we encourage motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before a long drive, we also urge those travelling with young children to take advantage of this added safety feature to safeguard the occupants in the vehicle, especially children.\u201d\nMBM will\u00a0start its MobileKids 2015 showcase at The School Jaya One, Petaling Jaya. Parked at\u00a0Level 1 and open from 11 am to 7 pm daily, MobileKids 2015 will be remain at its location\u00a0until the end of this year. For more info about the child car seat campaign, click on the following link at\u00a0\nPaultan.org\n\u00a0\n(special thanks for the initiative) for the comprehensive agenda,\u00a0or call 603-2246 8881."
"Mercedes-AMG has put up a short promotional video of its latest Project One hypercar driving around their Immendingen proving ground.\n https://youtu.be/nJGWz5TN6eY\nWhile the vehicle looks extreme with all the active aerodynamics, the sound emitted is rather tame in perspective, even if the engine can spin over 10,000 rpm. The limited-edition hybrid supercar uses an actual current-regulation Formula One engine, displacing just 1.6 litres.\nThe turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engine and its electrified accessories (800-volt system, turbocharger motor-generator and crankshaft motor-generator) are said to have originated from the 2016 \nMercedes-AMG F1\n W07 challenger. The team from Mercedes-AMG reported having preserved the original acoustics as much as possible.\nAs such, the soundtrack from the central exhaust is rather quiet, which also draws criticism in the current Formula 1 races. The work required to have the engine road-legal also took a much longer timeline than expected, causing a delay to the overall project delivery time.\nNevertheless, Mercedes-AMG is developing the powertrain of the Project One to produce \nover 1,000 hp\n. Apart from the V6 F1 power unit (targeted to generate over 680 hp), propulsion is also supplied by two front-mounted motors with outputs of 326 hp, making it an electric all-wheel drive supercar.\nThe Project One is estimated to hit 200 km/h from standstill in \nunder 6 seconds\n, faster than the Bugatti Chiron Sport that clocks a 6.1-second time and the hybrid \nFerrari SF90 Stradale\n. Top speed is well over 350 km/h.\nThe camouflage livery used in this video, instead of the usual black with white, has heavy shades of red, perhaps to coincide with Mercedes-AMG\u2019s yet-to-be-announced \u201cE Performance\u201d branding.\nOnly short scenes of the interior were inserted, but one can imagine being Lewis Hamilton or \nValterri Bottas\n with a \nsteering \u201cwheel\u201d\n that looks similar to the ones used by them in the racecars.\nMercedes-AMG will be building just \n275 units\n of the Project One and all have been sold carrying a price tag starting from \n2.3 million Euro\n. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from this year.\n \u00a0GALLERY"
"After producing one million Perodua Myvis spanning three-generations and 12 years, Perodua has finally announced that the public can catch a glimpse of the all-new fourth-generation Myvi at the 2017 Malaysia Auto Show.\nThe all-new Myvi is offered in five variants and will see a slight increase in price across the board. Prices start at RM44,300 for the base 1.3 Standard G (MT) while the range topping 1.5 Advance (AT) is priced at RM55,300 (OTR without insurance).\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (MT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.3 Premium X (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 High (AT)\nPerodua Myvi 1.5 Advance (AT)\nEngine\n1.3-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i\n1.5-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n94 hp\n101 hp\nMax Torque\n121 Nm\n136 Nm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM44,300\nRM46,300\nRM48,300\nRM51,800\nRM55,300\nEXTERIOR\nPerodua prides itself that the upper body design of the all-new Myvi is done completely in-house \u2013 by Malaysian designers and engineers. Daihatsu, Perodua\u2019s strategic partner continues to provide technical assistance in the areas of product planning and production planning among others.   As standard, the all-new Myvi comes equipped with reflector type LED Headlamps \u2013 just like the \nHonda City\n and \nCivic\n, keyless entry/start and 14-inch alloy wheels. The 1.5-litre variants get additional goodies such as two-tone body kit (front and side skirtings), rear spoiler and larger 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.\nINTERIOR\nBased on the teaser video, we can tell that it gets an all-new dashboard architecture with plenty of creature comfort features. Multi-functional steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, touch-screen infotainment system and Multi-Info Display (MID) all appeared in the teaser video. However, these are most likely reserved for the top spec variant.\nThe all-new Myvi will also feature a built-in SmartTag reader (1.5L variants only), flexible 8+1 seating arrangement, front seats side pocket and anti-snatch hook.\nPERFORMANCE\nAlthough on paper the two variants follow the same powertrain combination, they actually carry new engine codes. The 1.3-litre is now a 1NR-VE four-cylinder with Dual VVT-i unit producing \n94 hp\n and \n121 Nm\n of torque \u2013 \n4 hp\n and \n4 Nm\n up from the previous-gen. It can be had with a five-speed manual or a four-speed E-AT (automatic) transmission.\nUnder the hood of the 1.5-litre variant is a 2NR-VE four-cylinder with Dual VVT-i and four-speed E-AT pushing out\n 101 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n of torque. Despite the same output figures as before, Perodua claims the new engine can return \n20.1 km per litre\n.\nSAFETY\nSafety is perhaps the biggest improvement the new car has over its predecessor. As standard, all variants are equipped with four-airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). Airbag count is up to six on the 1.5L variants while the 1.5L Advance gets additional \nAdvance Safety Assist (ASA)\n \u2013 advanced driver assistance system.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe all-new Myvi is available in \nsix exterior\n \nshades\n \u2013 Granite Grey, Peppermint Green, Lava Red, Mystical Purple, Glittering Silver and Ivory White. Bookings will be open from 9 November 2017 onwards and interested parties can head over to the 2017 Malaysia Auto Show where Perodua will be displaying the car in full. Buyers who placed their booking at the auto show will stand a chance to win exclusive prizes and special promos.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Promised to meet world standards, \nProton\n\u2018s latest bundle of joy has already been burdened with a rather heavy task on its shoulder in its home soil. Having to go against the nation\u2019s favourite that is none other than the \nPerodua Myvi\n, the \nIriz\n has to offer more than just good looks in order to usurp the crown from the ubiquitous Myvi.\nThis is not the first time Proton came up with a small hatch, but the Iriz has to be their first \u201cmost Malaysian\u201d little hatch so far. We can recall when Proton flirted with the french in the 90\u2019s resulting the Tiara that lasted in the market for only four years. The Savvy followed a few years after that also uses french mechanical under that tough T\u00dcV-certified shell.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT\n \nSegment\nB-Segment hatchback\nEngine\n1,597cc 4-Cylinder VVT\nTransmission\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\nMax Power\n107 hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM 61,691.00\n\u00a0\nLaunched in September 2014\n, word on the grapevine that the Iriz will be getting a variety of powertrains such as diesel, hybrid, and even electric but currently it is offered with a pair of naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine options of either a 1.3-litre or a 1.6-litre.\nOur review unit is the \n1.6 CVT\n in the range-topping \nPremium\n guise, which is generously equipped inside and wearing a set of aggressive bodykit on the outside. Listed at RM 61,691, the Iriz appears to provide a value-for-money motoring, so we\u2019re here to find out what the Iriz is all about.\nEXTERIOR\nDespite the mish-mash of design elements and sections that look like they were designed by at least four different design teams located in four different continents, the Iriz is an attractive looking car. Maybe because it\u2019s still relatively new on the road or maybe because our test unit comes in the shade called \u201cFire Red\u201d, the Iriz got most people\u2019s attention everywhere we drove it.   At the front you will find the chrome \nProton wings\n on the grille flanked by a pair of basic \nhalogen headlamps\n. Below that is a gaping mouth with a single bar splitting the middle to accommodate the front number plate while a pair of \nLED DRLs\n brightens up the Iriz\u2019s face, no pun intended.\nThe base of the A-pillar is located quite low, and the \ndoor-mounted side mirrors\n together with the big front quarter windows is said to aid visibility from behind the wheel. Slashes on the bottom of the doors follow the upswept shoulder line, adding some dynamism to the side of the Iriz. Having said that, against the tall body profile the \n15-inch wheels\n wrapped in \n195/55 R 15\n rubbers do look a bit too dinky from some angle especially the rear ones.\nThe rear wheel arch bulges out creating a sporty stance and the back is a busy mix of confused lines and surfaces. The tail lamps feature an LED pattern that resembles a pair of angry eyes especially when lit in total darkness.   As mentioned, this Premium variant is dressed in a full \n5-piece bodykit\n, which comprises of the two-tone front and side skirts, a roof spoiler with cat-like ears when viewed from the back, and a tacked-on \u201cdiffuser\u201d on the rear bumper.\nShutlines are far from perfect and there are still inconsistency of the gaps between panels, and the pointy rear spoiler in particular seems to be shoddily fitted as it wobbles with the gentlest touch. Nevertheless the rear three quarter view is probably the Iriz\u2019s best angle for this writer, I mean, have a look at the picture below and try to tell me it doesn\u2019t look good.\nINTERIOR\nInside, you\u2019re surrounded by a generic but pleasant looking cabin, as long as you don\u2019t run your fingers or tap on any of the surface. The layered dash has that faux leather stitching effect like on the Jazz/City/Vios for a tiny bit of classy touch.   This Premium variant comes with\n leather upholstery\n, but the materials used still fall short of being a world standard product. For instance, the buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel could be better in terms of tactility and the indicator and wiper stalks behind it feel brittle in your hands. Furthermore, the HVAC knobs on the center console twirl with the precision of a low-rent toy.\nOccupying the middle of the dashboard is the \nAndroid-based 6.2-inch touch screen\n head unit with \nGPS navigation\n. It supports DVD and Bluetooth connectivity with intuitive interface but operating the laggy touch screen can be frustrating sometimes (especially when you\u2019re on the move) and the angle of the screen is often blinded by the sun.\nFinding your desired driving position is easy, except for the awkwardly-placed seat reclining lever that has to be pushed backwards instead of the normal pull-up-to-recline in most cars. Most people will likely to pull up the lever on the side expecting the seatback to recline, but only to find out that the lever is for adjusting the seat base height.   Apart from those shortcomings, useful compartments can be found around the cabin, including dual cup holders on the center tunnel, door pockets that can accommodate a bottle each, and a well-sized glovebox. Next to the glovebox is a foldable\n tarpau\n hook, perfect for hanging your \nrojak\n and \ncendol bungkus\n. The \ndual USB charger\n is another neat feature, eliminating the need to use an aftermarket USB charger that plugs into the 12V slot.   There\u2019s sufficient cabin space, even the rear passengers have enough leg and head room. \nISOFIX mounts\n are available on the\n 60/40 split folding\n rear seat backs while the rear hatch opens to a rather narrow aperture but at least the \ncargo space\n is a reasonable\n 215 litres\n. All five occupants are furnished with a 3-point safety belts and there are a total of \nsix airbags\n in this Premium variant.\nPERFORMANCE\nProton claims the \n1,597 cc 4-cylinder\n mill with \nVariable Valve Timing\n is a new unit despite churning out similar output with the 1.6-litre Campro in the Saga. With \n107 hp\n and\n 150 Nm\n of torque, the engine is mated to a\n CVT\n. This\n front-wheel drive\n hatch will get from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in a leisurely \n11.1 seconds\n, with a claimed \ntop speed\n of \n170 km/h\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe Iriz sets off very gentle from standstill, even when you floor the throttle you won\u2019t get that immediate response apart from the 1.6-litre VVT unit emitting a soulless drone while waiting for the speed to catch up with the revs.\nThe CVT fitted to the Iriz has been updated from the previous installations on other Proton models, but I still find it clumsy and slow to react based on the throttle input given. For short bursts, slotting the lever from D to L do liven up things a little but exiting a junction and overtaking tasks will require you a thorough planning before committing.\nHowever when it comes to handling, the Iriz shines. Blessed with a well-tuned chassis, the Iriz handles sweetly with taut body control. Given that our road conditions are far from perfect, the Iriz\u2019s ride quality is impressive as its dampers soaks up road imperfections and bumps with aplomb.\nAlthough the Iriz tend to bob around sometimes on long undulating highways, it feels stable even when traveling at beyond the national speed limit. Engine and wind noise is apparent but it\u2019s fairly acceptable for a car in this category with such price.\nWhen presented with corners, body roll is evident and grip level from the OEM tyres are lacking; but the electric power steering is sharp and weighs up appropriately as the speed increases, making it a hilarious fun car to be driven like an over-enthusiastic kid who just got his driving license.\nWe also had a go with the \n1.3 Manual\n in Executive trim. While the 1.3\u2019s power deficit over the 1.6 is quite glaring, the 5-speed manual transmission almost makes up for it. Similar to the 1.6 unit, the 1.3 needs a bootful of revs to get going and it will run out of breath quite easily.\nAt least with the manual box you get to be more involved in the process. The transmission itself is fine, the shift quality isn\u2019t the best but the clutch\u2019s biting point is easy to live with on a daily basis as it should be. The 1.3 mirrors the 1.6 in the handling department but you get less grip from the skinny 175/65 R14 tyres.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nIf your budget is around sub-60k the Iriz is worth considering. Nothing else rides better in this price range and build quality aside, the 1.6 CVT is easy to live with as a daily commute. Power is adequate to be driven around the city but outstation drives with full passengers on board might be a struggle.\nHowever if you don\u2019t mind taking the task of shifting the gears yourself, you can opt for the 1.6 Manual and we reckon that\u2019s the better car when it comes to delivering driving enjoyment.\nCOMPARISONS\nAt this price bracket you don\u2019t have much option therefore the \nIriz 1.6 CVT Premium\n\u2018s natural opponent is indeed the \nPerodua Myvi 1.5 Advance\n. The Myvi undercuts the Iriz by around RM 4,000 but each has its own pros and cons so opting for either doesn\u2019t really mean it\u2019s the better car.\nBeing the top variant both are generously equipped inside and outside. A few things they have in common include the exterior bodykit, leather upholstery, and multimedia entertainment system with GPS navigation and reverse camera; but in terms of safety the Iriz is better equipped with six airbags compared to just two in the Myvi.\nThe \nMyvi\n uses a smaller \n1.5-litre\n engine with \n102 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n versus \n107 hp\n and\n 150 Nm\n from the \n1.6-litre\n engine in the\n Iriz\n. Even though the Myvi has less power it feels quicker and the\n 4-speed automatic\n transmission may be antediluvian, but at least it doesn\u2019t have the dreaded CVT rubberband effect.\nThe Iriz belies its cheap build quality by providing a solid ride and handling with precise steering while the Myvi is the other way round; it\u2019s not as composed as its well-constructed cabin and exterior (compared to the Iriz).\nProton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT\n \nPerodua Myvi Advance\n \nENGINE\nType\n4-cylinder VVT\n4-cylinder DVVT\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,597\n1,495\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n107/5,750\n102/6,000\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n150/4,000\n136/4,400\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\nContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)\n4-speed Automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType (Front / Rear)\nMacPherson struts / Torsion beam\nMacPherson struts / Torsion beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nDrum\nDrum\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n195/55 R15\n175/65 R14\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n3,905\n3,685\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,720\n1,665\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,550\n1,570\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,555\n2,440\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,185\n980\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n215\n208\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n40\n40\nConsumption\n7.4 L/100 km\n6.5 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n170\n165\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n11.1\nN/A\nPRICE\nRM\n61,691.00\n57,968.51\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nI have to admit I didn\u2019t set any high expectation before taking the Iriz but I was left amazed by it upon returning the cheeky little hatch. In spite of that the Iriz still doesn\u2019t cut the mustard for yours truly. There are some areas where the Iriz felt rough round the edges, and that\u2019s quite literally as well.\nOther than that, Proton has done a tremendous job in developing the Iriz to be a world class contender especially with its great handling and class-leading safety equipment, all rolled into an attractive and affordable package. There\u2019s still a long way to go for Proton, but here\u2019s wishing that they continue a steady momentum to churn out better cars to carry the brand that every Malaysians can be proud of.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The bosses at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team must have been wincing each time Hamilton leaned on the \n2019-spec YZR-M1\n on the Valencia circuit, knowing that a tiny mistake on Valentino Rossi\u2019s factory Yamaha, which weighs \nno more than 157 kg\n but has\n \u2018over 240 hp\u2019\n, could rob the team of a driver at the peak of his powers for the 2020 season.\nThere are 13 blue-ribbon world championship titles between Hamilton and Rossi.\nAlas, it turned out well in the end, in a session where the newly-crowned six-time Formula 1 champion swapped hardware with the seven-time MotoGP legend. While no lap times were revealed, Yamaha Racing\u2019s managing director \nLin Jarvis\n said that Hamilton \u2018did himself proud\u2019, and that few F1 drivers could have or would have undertaken the incredible challenge of riding a MotoGP bike in anger on track.\n \nRossi\u2019s outing on the \n2017 Mercedes-AMG W08\n wouldn\u2019t have been his first in a Formula 1 car, the Italian having tested on numerous occasions with Scuderia Ferrari over the 2000s, even rumoured to have contemplated a race seat at some point in time. It was however Rossi\u2019s first go on an F1 car with a \nhybrid power unit\n, his last run being in 2010.\nHamilton and Rossi at Valencia\n \ngallery"
"In lieu of this year\u2019s Christmas celebrations, Ford UK has introduced the Focus RS Red Edition \u2013 presumably for dads who\u2019d like to show up on Christmas as Santa in full drift mode.\nOn top of its Race Red exterior, the Focus features grey brake calipers behind black-cast alloy wheels and the existing \nRS Edition\n\u2018s trademark touches \u2013 black roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler.\nIt\u2019s also provided with a front mechanical Quaife limited-slip differential which allows drivers to fully utilise the \n345 hp\n from its 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. Other driving aids included are the Dynamic Torque Vectoring that\u2019s able to switch power between the two rear wheels within \n0.06 seconds\n and Torque Vectoring Control that automatically applies brake force at the front to limit wheelspin.\n\u201cFor hardcore driving enthusiasts, the additional mechanical grip offered by the Quaife LSD will make it even easier to carry speed through a corner on the track, and maximise acceleration on the way out. The new setup also delivers greater mechanical stability and control when braking hard, and will help drivers set the car up for power-slides using Drift Mode,\u201d Ford Performance Director, Leo Roeks said. \u201cThe Focus RS Edition takes our \u2018fun to drive\u2019 philosophy to a new level for an everyday road car.\u201d\nThe \nFord Performance Drift Stick\n, to complement the Drift Mode\nThe Focus RS Red Edition is also provided with an industry-first Drift Mode as standard, for controlled oversteer drifts and Launch Control for blistering performance off the line \u2013 allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.7 seconds\n.\nThe RS Red Edition will be a limited production run of just \n300 cars\n in the festive colour scheme."
"After a successful introduction of the EV6 fully-electric crossover, Kia is starting the second half of 2021 by introducing the all-new \nKia Sportage\n. For now, only teaser images are being shared.\nThe Kia Sportage, now in its fifth generation, is the second model to feature the brand\u2019s latest \n\u2018Opposites United\u2019\n design language that utilises a combination of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.\nThe all-new Sportage has a muscular stance and strong yet refined silhouette. Notable new details include the crisp, taught character lines that ripple across the surfaces.\nWithout any images, Kia says the front creates a thought-provoking statement, with a detailed-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. At the rear, muscular shoulder lines drop gently to meet the slim taillamp, which flanks the new Kia logo and Sportage emblem.\nThe interior design sketch reveals a driver-orientated space that plays with boldness in character, softness in qualities and innovation in technology. \u00a0The dashboard meanwhile is highlighted by an \nintegrated curved display\n, spanning more than half the width of the dashboard.\nThe dashboard has a strong resemblance to the recently launched \nKia EV6\n. In the EV, the curved display is a combination of two displays, each measuring 12.3 inches.\nKia will fully reveal the all-new Sportage in \nJuly\n, beginning with South Korea."
"It is the most insane build we\u2019ve ever seen anyone undertake, both in the context automotive manufacturing and LEGO building context as together with Bugatti, they\u2019ve built a full-sized 1:1 scale model of the Chiron.\nAs if previously completing a 1:8 scale model wasn\u2019t challenging enough, LEGO wanted to build a \u201cself-propelled\u201d model that could be driven and accommodate another passenger.\nThe facts and figures are simply insane! It\u2019s also a pioneer and the first of its kind for LEGO in so many ways.\nFirst fully-functional self-propelled life-size LEGO Technic car\nFirst non-glued LEGO Technic model of such complexity\nFirst large model powered using LEGO Technic Power Functions motors\nFirst large-scale moving model using LEGO Technic bricks & elements\nFirst time for LEGO to create new types of transparent LEGO Technic bricks\nFirst time for LEGO to create load-bearing parts built purely out of LEGO Technic bricks & elements\u00a0using 58 types of Technic custom-made elements\nIt took a team of 16 specialists more than 13,438 hours to put together 339 types of LEGO Technic Elements with more than 1,000,000 pieces altogether, for a total weight of 1,500 kg.\nThe \u201ccar\u201d contains 2,304 LEGO Power\u00a0 Functions motors, 4,032 LEGO Technic gear wheels and 2,016 LEGO Technic cross axles. Theoretically, it makes 5.3 hp and an estimated 92 Nm of torque. Top speed is over 20 km/h.\nIt\u2019s even got a functional rear spoiler, front and rear lights, a detachable steering wheel, brake pedals and a speedometer built entirely from LEGO Technic Elements.\nWhat\u2019s even cooler was that the LEGO model was driven for the first time on the same track where the original Bugatti Chiron was tested, with Bugatti\u2019s official test driver and former Le Mans winner, Andy Wallace behind the wheel.\n\u201cWhen I first saw the LEGO Chiron, I was immediately impressed by the accuracy of the model and the minute attention to detail. In fact, from about 20 metres away it\u2019s not obvious that you are looking at a LEGO car,\u201d said Wallace.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"TNB Electron has announced the charging rates for three of its charging stations \u2013 R&R Ayer Keroh (Northbound), R&R Tapah (Northbound) along the North-South Expressway and R&R Paka (Northbound) along the East Coast Expressway (LPT2).\nThe charging rates are as follows:\nR&R Tapah (Northbound) \u2013 RM2.05 per min (80kW) / RM2.35 per min(100kW)\nR&R Ayer Keroh (Northbound) \u2013 RM2.20 per minute (90kW x2)\nR&R Paka (Northbound) \u2013 RM 2.20/min (90kW x2)\nAt the launch of the \nTNB Electron charging station in Ayer Keroh\n recently, the company also announced that six more charging stations are underway and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.\nThe locations of the new stations are as follows:\u00a0\nR&R Machap (Southbound)\nR&R Rawang (Northbound)\nR&R Gunung Semanggol (Southbound)\nR&R Gurun (North and Southbound)\u00a0\nThe above are TNB Electron\u2019s fast-charging stations which will be available along the North-South Expressway while the East Coast Expressway will see another charging station added at the \nR&R Paka (Southbound)\n.\u00a0To access the chargers, users will need to download the Go To-U app via Google Play Store or the Apple App store.\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Perodua has just posted its April sales performance figures, in which the national carmaker recorded an estimated \n20,399 units\n registered last month. Among these, \n4,624 units (22.7%)\n was contributed by the \nPerodua Ativa\n.\nThe April sales figure lifts the total deliveries since the\n Ativa\u2019s launch\n (two months ago) to now nearly 9,000 units. The national carmaker says that demand for the compact crossover still remains strong, with an average of 290 bookings per day.\n\u201cWe thank all Malaysians for their strong support,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. \u201cThe waiting period for the Ativa is currently between two and four months, depending on the desired colour and variant.\n\u201cWe advise our valued customers to speak to our authorised sales advisors for accurate and up-to-date delivery times of the various variant-colour combinations of the Ativa,\u201d he added.\nOn a month-to-month basis, the April figures represents a 16.5% drop in Perodua\u2019s sales from the \nmonth before\n. The national carmaker attributes this mainly to the global semiconductor shortage, which is still affecting multiple industries globally.\n\u201cThe chip shortage is our top priority at present, and we are deploying all our resources to deal with it, including working closely with the government and our business partners for viable solutions.\n\u201cPerodua remains committed towards timely deliveries, aided by our economies of scale. We thank our valued customers very much for their patience. We are doing all we can to deliver as many cars as possible before the expected expiry of the government\u2019s sales tax exemption in end-June,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal added.\nDespite the chip shortage, Perodua says that it is still on track to achieve both its production (272,000 units, +23% from 2020) and \nsales target\n (240,000 units, +9% from 2020) for the year. This is on top of the 2.4 million service intake target (+20% from 2020), as well as an expected purchase of locally-sourced components worth a record RM6.5 billion.\nPerodua managed to produce 20,278 vehicles in April this year, pushing the year-to-date figures up to 80,661 units this year. As for sales, the year-to-date figure currently stands at \n78,304 units\n \u2013 a massive 74% jump over the 45,034 units sold in the same period last year."
"Italian design house Pininfarina, famed for their work on the Ferrari Testarossa and the 456 GT among many many many other Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, Fiats and Lancias, will soon be unveiling a full-scale design concept next month and they\u2019ve brought to social media to tease us with these images.\nWord is that the all-electric hypercar will be limited to just \n150 units\n, where it will do 0 to 100 km/h in under two seconds with a top speed of over 250 mph (402 km/h).\nIt all remains to be seen as well, whether the first foray by the design house into the hypercar business will achieve the claimed 300 miles (482 km) of pure electric range, in a single charge.\nCodenamed the \nPF0\n, the carbon fibre-bodied hypercar is estimated to cost somewhere between USD2-2.5 million (approx. RM8.2-10.2 million). Its global debut is set to take place at the Geneva Motor Show next year (where else) with production expected to begin by 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just announced that the \navailability \nof the Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch is \nfading in the country\n. You read that right, the RM286,896 GR Yaris is nearly sold out!\nMalaysia, through UMWT, has been \nallocated less than 200 units\n out of total global production of 25,000 units for the homologation special.\n \nAll \nGR Yaris will be equipped with the Performance Pack\n that includes higher grip tyres with lightweight forged rims, a limited-slip differential (LSD) on both axles, as well as circuit driving-oriented suspension tuning.\nCooling ducts are also punched into the front bumper to cool the disc brakes and red calipers, a feature unique only to the Performance Pack edition.\nWeighing in at just 1,280 kg, the GR Yaris offers plenty of performance via the unique full-time four-wheel drive system that allows the driver to select three pre-sets of front-to-rear torque distribution levels.\nThe entire roof panel is made up of lightweight carbon fibre material, a first for a Toyota model. It is manufactured through a process called carbon fibre-sheet moulding compound (C-SMC).\n\u201cAlthough the GR Yaris has been fast taken up, we encourage keen parties to continue to register their interest with our GR Garage Dealers nationwide,\u201d said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.\nSince it\u2019s nearly sold out plus the MCO now enforced, it is wiser to discuss the purchase \nvia the online portal\n.\nThe extraordinary demand for the GR Yaris has also been evident in some other countries. In Australia, for example, \n1,000 units were snapped up within just one week\n. A united chorus of experts praise for its all-round performance has helped cemented its brilliance as well.\nThank you to the enthusiast that see the true value in a bespoke, limited production vehicle like the GR Yaris. This car could very well be the final configuration (turbocharged petrol engine, manual transmission, 4WD, widebody etc.) to be offered before the fully electric revolution begins. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Like your pet who\u2019s ailing and living out the last days of its life miserably, the 370Z isn\u2019t any different and it\u2019s time to just put it down.\nBut no. On a day when Nissan showed off its \nall-new Sylphy;\n one that\u2019s relevant for this modern day and is\n as aerodynamic as the Nissan GT-R\n at the \n2019 Shanghai Motor Show\n in China, the guys in the US has this to show off.\nIt\u2019s the 370Z \u201c50th Anniversary Edition\u201d that pays tribute to the Datsun 240Z of old that won multiple Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championships.\nThe car will be \navailable from 2020 onwards\n, in Sport, Sport Touring and NISMO trims.\nIt may be a dated car but the livery it wears is anything but as it mimics the original BRE race car \u2013 that appeared either in a white/red or silver/black combination.\n50th Anniversary tributes are also found on the front fender, rear tailgate and on the special 19-inch alloy wheels with red accents.\nLike every other tribute vehicle, the 370Z also gets 50th Anniversary denotations in almost every part of the cabin \u2013 from the mats, the gear level console and speedometer \u2013 but what looks really cool are the details embossed onto the suede seats \u2013 very tasteful I must say.\nAs for the technical nitty-gritty, the 370Z is still powered by the 3.7-litre V6 engine, fitted with lightweight arms, hollowed stabiliser bars and lighter but stiffer rear suspension. It also gets lightweight RAYS forged alloy wheels with 4-pot brakes in the front and a twin-pot pair at the back.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Co-founder of Rolls-Royce, Sir Henry Royce once said, \u201cSmall things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing.\u201d\nWith that, Rolls-Royce has presented the perfect scale model of the Cullinan, the company\u2019s first ever SUV. The authentic 1:8 scale replica of a Cullinan, in which every detail is reproduced to the smallest degree, can now be specified by Rolls-Royce\u2019s clients around the world.\nEach miniature Cullinan has been individually and painstakingly crafted by hand, to the client\u2019s specification, \nfrom over 1,000 individual components\n. The entire process can take up to 450 hours \u2013 half the time required to build an actual, full-sized Cullinan at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex.\nOnce constructed, the models are hand-painted using Rolls-Royce\u2019s colour-matched paint, then hand-polished to the marque\u2019s high standards. The coachline is applied using a fine brush, just as it is on the original vehicle.\nClients may choose from over 40,000 \u2018standard\u2019 colours, or replicate the Bespoke finishes applied in their own Cullinan. The fully-functioning exterior lights are operated by a Cullinan-branded remote control while under the bonnet lies an exact replica of the company\u2019s \u200eiconic 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.\nWhen the model\u2019s doors are open, the treadplates will illuminate, revealing an interior that has been built with the same materials and attention to detail as the real car itself. From the headrest embroidery and wood trims to seat piping and stitching, these Bespoke creations allow clients to recreate their full-size vehicle with unbelievable accuracy.\nPresented in a display case measuring almost a metre long, the replica is set on a gloss black base mounted on a plinth allowing it to be appreciated from all angles.\nGALLERY"
"Ford has brought back the classic and much-loved Splash package for the Ranger. The yellow paintwork with contrasting black decals was popular in the 90s where pick-ups were rapidly moving from being a commercial workhorse to a lifestyle and recreational vehicle portraying an active image with decent refinement.\nThe new Ford Ranger Splash package is however only limited to the USA for now. Coming in two styles, the Splash adds matte black finishing on the 18-inch rims, orange grille nostrils with black surround and gloss black accents on the bumpers, fender vents, side mirrors and wheel arch extensions.\nThe Splash Limited Edition meanwhile is a short run of a few hundred units in one-time-only colour hues while keeping the same matte black finished rims. Ford says the Splash Snow Edition kicks off the first batch of the limited-run variant which will have a colour and theme refresh cycle every few months.\nInside, contrasting stitching in orange is applied on key areas such as the dashboard, steering wheel, shift lever and hand brake lever- a theme lifted directly from the \nWildtrak\n variant here in ASEAN. The seats meanwhile get a combination of carbon grain with tuxedo stripes pattern with orange stitching.   Accessories and stickers can only do so much. Check out our review of the Ford Ranger Raptor with serious performance credentials plus refinement!\nLocally, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) offered a very limited edition \nFord Ranger Splash\n but in the polar opposite of colour scheme \u2013 black with decals lined with fluorescent yellow. Priced at RM 138,888, only 19 units of the Ford Ranger Splash was exclusively on offer through e-commerce giant Lazada.\nWith sales of the \nall-new Isuzu D-Max\n and \nMitsubishi Triton\n getting stronger, it won\u2019t be a surprise to see one final variant of the Ford Ranger T6-generation being offered before the new model (which is in partnership with Volkswagen) is introduced.\nAvailable in \nXL, XLT and Wildtrak variants\n in automatic or manual transmissions, the Ford Ranger in Malaysia is priced from RM97,388 to RM152,388. The \nRanger Raptor\n is meanwhile priced from RM210,888.\nWe wonder if this Ativa owner had the \u201cLagi Power Lagi Best\u201d yellow Myvi 1.5 previously. Sure looks good in this colour scheme!\nGALLERY"
"The iconic American pony car, the \nFord Mustang\n, has just received its midlife update. These include a restyled front and rear bumper, new bonnet and restyled front grille. They all contribute to aerodynamic gains, so it\u2019s not just form over function.\nThe hallowed headlights from the old model have been replaced by a new LED type lamps. Over at the back, the C-shaped taillights are still distinctly Mustang with the tri-bar LEDs, and completing it are the new diffuser and spoiler.\nApart from the use of better materials for the cabin, the Mustang gets subtle tweaks to the trims, and the traditional analogue gauge instrument clusters have now been replaced by a wholly digital 12-inch screen \u2013 a first for Ford. Up to three graphics can be selected \u2013 Normal, Sport and Track, all varying in design and colours.\nPerformance wise, the biggest news of all is the retirement of the 3.7-litre V6. The\u00a0\n2.3-litre EcoBoost\n four-cylinder engine, which is the smallest engine powering the Mustang, will succeed the V6. Meanwhile, the \n5.0-liter V8\n\u00a0now gets\u00a0port and direct fuel injection, improving both power delivery and fuel economy. \nThe 2018 Ford Mustang is also a recipient of the Blue Oval\u2019s best transmission to date \u2013 the \n10-speed automatic\n. Available in both the EcoBoost and V8 variants, the gearbox offers swift gear changes and is capable of handling more torque than the six-speed automatic it replaces. Fortunately, the six-speed manual is still available, but what\u2019s unique to the V8 is a new twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel for better torque delivery.\nIn the ride department, the Mustang receives\u00a0new shock absorbers and\u00a0a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension, while\u00a0the optional\u00a0\nMagneRide adaptive dampers\n should make this muscle car a little bit more agile around the corners than the outgoing model.\nLast year, Malaysia was one of the selected few countries in the region to receive the \nright-hand drive Mustang\n. It\u2019s available with either the 2.3-litre EcoBoost or 5.0-litre V8, with prices starting from\u00a0 RM488,888.00. Expect the facelifted Mustang to make its way here sometime in the near future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The level of customisation Rolls-Royce is capable of is only limited by the number of zeros in your bank account and this time, they\u2019ve flexed their customising muscles to create two unique Bespoke features in the \nCullinan SUV\n.\nFor starters, there\u2019s the \nRecreation Module\n, where the Cullinan is fitted with a motorised drawer designed to fit securely and invisibly into the luggage compartment floor.\nAt the touch of a button, the Recreation Module slides open to reveal equipment, accessories, and other items personally selected by the client. Each item will be allocated its own personal space.\nThe entire assembly can be removed and stored separately, allowing customers to create Recreation Modules for specific hobbies and interests; from fly fishing, rock climbing, snowboarding or parascending to kite-boarding or base-jumping.\nThe other Bespoke feature is called the \nHosting Service\n, which essentially turns the boot of the Cullinan into an exquisite kitchen cabinet on wheels.\nMade to host up to eight adults, the Hosting Service comes complete with glassware and utensils for creating fresh cocktails or classic gin and tonic beverages for passengers.\nThe Rolls-Royce Hosting Service offers elegant highball glasses adorned with discreet Rolls-Royce monograms and wooden chopping boards made of the highest quality American walnut.\nElegant highball glasses are finished with Rolls-Royce monograms whilst wooden chopping boards are made of the highest quality American walnut.\nIf that doesn\u2019t add more luxury to your outdoor experience with the Cullinan, customers can also specify the Viewing Suite feature, a pair of seats that can be arranged on either side of a retractable cocktail table.\nGALLERY"
"\u201cSmashing\u201d his way into the national badminton scene at just 17 years old, Datuk Lee Chong Wei\u2019s career has taken him from a small town in Perak to the global stages of badminton.\nCausing a \u201cracquet\u201d in the world of badminton ever since, Datuk LCW \u201cnetted\u201d 69 titles throughout his career (46 of which from the defunct Super Series), three World Championship runner-up titles and three Olympic Silver medals.\nWith such immense success, Datuk Lee Chong Wei \u201cshuttled\u201d to the heights of badminton\u2019s world rankings \u2013 holding the World No.1 ranking for a total of 349 weeks \u2013 where at one point, he was at the helm for 199 weeks in a row!\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t just his prowess behind the net but his interest in flamboyant supercars that \u201ccourt\u201d our attention and here\u2019s a few notable ones Datuk Lee Chong Wei has reportedly owned.\n \nNissan GT-R\nProbably talking about the Myvi that tailgated him.\nLamborghini Gallardo\nLee Chong Wei + Lamborghini Gallardo = Halted Economy\nFerrari F430\nNothing screams \u201cSaya sudah berjaya\u201d more than a Ferrari. Ask your disappointed father.\nLamborghini Aventador\nRemember that legendary convoy on his wedding?\nBentley Continental GT\nUsually, the number plate (from the GT-R) follows the owner, especially if they\u2019re Chinese.\nHis career may have reached \u201cmatch point\u201d but he has certainly left behind more than a \u201csingle\u201d memory for us to cherish.\nThank you, Datuk Lee Chong Wei.\n*\nWe do not claim ownership of these pictures and claims made were merely from prior reports of (literally) random blogs and sites. He may or may not have owned them; he may even have more (that we wouldn\u2019t doubt). Any corrections and/or additions\n \nto the list\n \nare highly welcomed.\nImages of Datuk were taken from his \nofficial Facebook page\n."
"Following announcement of the \nexpansion of Proton\u2019s own Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) operations\n, the national carmaker today launched a new website dedicated for the programme under the Used Car Management (UCM) network.\nThe website allows customer to quickly browse through the current stocks available at the 36 dealers nationwide that currently supports Proton\u2019s PCPO operations, while also allowing customers to trade in their current Proton vehicles.\nAll cars listed under the PCPO banner will have undergone a comprehensive 201-point inspection, and have its battery, engine oil, and oil filter replaced for brand-new ones. The cars must also be less than seven-years old with less than 130,000 km covered at the time of trade-in, and have not been in any flood or major accidents that have damaged their structural integrity.\nAll Proton Certified Pre-Owned vehicles bought from the website will come with an additional one-year extended warranty for the engine and transmission, as well as a one-time free service, redeemable up to six-months after the date of registration.\nAside from Proton models, the company will also be selling cars from other brands that have been traded-in via the PCPO website. In this case, the extended warranty will not be offered, but Proton promises that all vehicles will still be thoroughly inspected and repaired if necessary prior to being put up for sale.\nProton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton\u2019s PCPO is the next step for the company to build a holistic ecosystem. As we continue to offer new and improved products, we also want to attract those interested in purchasing a used car and offer a quick and easy way for customers to trade-in their current vehicles.\n\u201cAside from helping to drive new car sales, the aim of Proton\u2019s UCM division is to help stabilise and gradually build the residual value of Proton vehicles. By offering high quality used cars, we hope to see a general lifting of prices for all our models, making it easier for customers to obtain competitive financing rates and raising trade-in values when they want to buy a new car.\u201d\nFrom an initial pilot project comprising of eight Proton outlets, the PCPO programme now features 36 dealerships across the country. All dealerships participating in the programme will need to meet several qualifying criteria, both financial and physical, and agree to perform the necessary steps to prepare their trade-in stock for sale.\nProton\u2019s PCPO used-car online marketplace is available on its website, \nhere\n."
"Perhaps overshadowed by the dramatic race at last weekend\u2019s MotoGP in Austria, the BMW M8 Competition MotoGP Safety Car made its debut, replacing the \nM5 equivalent that made an appearance in Malaysia last year\n.\nBMW has been \u201cofficial suppliers\u201d of the MotoGP Safety Car fleet for the last 20 years with the likes of the\n M2\n and\n M4\n taking their place at the front line in previous years.\nThis year\u2019s model is based on the M8 Competition with a TwinPower Turbo V8 engine making \n625 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n \u2013 good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, aided by the M xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nModifications to the car included an addition of numerous BMW M Performance Parts namely a titanium exhaust system, rear diffuser, flashing corona headlight rings, battery master switch, bonnet locks, Recaro racing seats, a roll cage, custom carbon flaps, Michelin Cup tyres and a massive rear wing from the M8 GTE race car.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the famed Hockenheimring race track, Porsche has introduced the first special edition of their electric performance car, the \nTaycan GTS Hockenheimring Edition\n.\u00a0\nThe car is painted in a unique colour called Stone Grey \u2013 the first time in a Taycan \u2013 and was developed by Porsche\u2019s Paint To Sample colour programme along with Bronzite accents that can be seen on the side still trim, rear diffuser, and the badge at the rear.\u00a0\nAnother one of its key features includes the 21-inch Mission E designed wheels that are also painted in Stone Grey.\nMoving inside, Porsche Exclusive Manufactur has given the cabin special treatment with intricate details. It gets Island Green stitching to contrast the black leather interior and floor mats, making it the first of its kind in a Taycan.\nOpen-Pore Paldo Wood is used for decorative trims while the selector level, cup holders,\u00a0 and air vents on the driver and passenger sides are all finished in a Bronzite colour.\nTo top it all off, the Hockenheimring anniversary logo is beautifully embossed onto the centre console armrest \u2013 one of the main highlights of the interior.\u00a0\nOwners of the Taycan GTS Hockenheimring Edition will be given exclusive access to the Hockenheimring. By simply showing the key of the car that comes with an anniversary logo printed on it, owners would be allowed to drive directly to the Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) located inside the Hockenheimring race track.\u00a0\nApart from aesthetic changes, the special edition does not have any performance upgrades over the norma\nl Taycan GTS\n. This means that it\u2019s powered by a 93.4 kw/h battery to drive two electric motors located at the front and rear axle producing a total of \n598hp\n and \n849 Nm\n, for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds.\nPorsche says that the special edition model will only be sold in Germany and some European markets but prices were not released.\n\u00a0GALLERY"
"Surprise, surprise. It seems that the \nFord Mustang won\u2019t just succumb to the fate of downsizing\n but also hybridisation. Ford has announced at a press conference that the company will introduce 13 new global electrified vehicles in the near future, seven of which will be introduced within the next five years including the Mustang hybrid, F-150 hybrid and a Transit Custom plug-in hybrid.\nIn an announcement to invest $700 million (RM3.1 billion) and adding\n 700 new jobs\n to the Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan U.S, the company is making a major push for electric vehicles (EV). Besides the hybridisation of the three models mentioned above, Ford is also working to produce an autonomous hybrid vehicle, an all-electric compact SUV and two hybrid police vehicles.\nFord did not disclose any information of the green powertrain but hinted that the Mustang will offer power outputs that of a V8 with even more low-end torque. This suggests that the engineers may adopt the \n2.3-litre EcoBoost engine\n and strap on an electric motor (or two) to further boost the \n315 hp\n and \n432 Nm\n figures. If the case holds true, no doubt the new hybrid mill will match or better the 5.0-litre V8\u2019s \n435 hp\n and \n542 Nm\n figures.\nThe all-electric compact SUV is slated for the global market and the Blue Oval has suggested that this vehicle will come with an estimated range of at least \n300 miles (480 km)\n. Ford is also exploring wireless charging technology for convenience.\n \n \nSeems that we have plenty to look forward to from the American company over the course of the next five years. Which vehicle you are looking forward to, dear readers? The all-electric compact SUV or the Mustang hybrid?"
"It is arguably the most anticipated event in the automotive industry this year, mainly because Proton, the brainchild of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is launching its Global Small Car (GSC) that promises to \nmeet world standards\n. Expectations are high especially when it comes to delivering promises, so without further ado, we present to you, the \nProton \nIriz\n.   The Iriz, previously known as the \nProton Compact Car\n (PCC), is Proton\u2019s \nmilestone B-Segment hatch\n that is aimed at taking on its main competitor, the Perodua Myvi. Since the booking windows opened, Proton has received more than \n17,000 orders\n for the new hatchback. The Iriz is offered in three trims \u2013 \nStandard\n, \nExecutive\n and \nPremium\n \u2013 and sits on a completely \nnew platform\n that is developed locally.\nTwo engines are tasked to do the tugging \u2013 the \n1.3-litre\n and \n1.6-litre\n four-cylinder engines, both featuring the new \nVariable Valve Timing\n (VVT) technology, which makes the car perform better in terms of fuel efficiency, performance and emissions. The 1.3-litre mill is found in the Standard and Executive trim, whereas the 1.6-litre can be found in the Executive and Premium trims.   Power output for the 1.3L is \n94hp\n and \n120 Nm\n of torque, while the 1.6L makes \n107 hp\n and \n150Nm\n. All three variants can be had in either a \nfive-speed manual\n transmission or a \nContinuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT) gearbox, so that brings us up to \neight\n Iriz to choose from. Power is delivered to the front wheels only.\nWhat makes the Iriz such an interesting proposition is the amount of tech that goes into the car, both in terms of user convenience and safety (passive and active). Standard in the Iriz are the \nhalogen projector headlights\n (with the Proton wording embossed, as seen here), \nLED combination taillights\n and \nframeless front wiper\n. It\u2019s also the first Proton car to have the side mirrors built onto the front door panels.   On the inside, the Iriz\u2019s standard features are the seat height adjuster for the driver, semi bucket seats (fabric and leather are variant dependent), power windows and a groceries hook at the instrument panel. Standard safety features would be the \nVehicle Dynamic Control\n (VDC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Traction Control, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, \nHill-Hold Assist\n, ISOFIX mounting points and \nseatbelt warning buzzer\n.\nThat\u2019s not all. The doors are equipped with \nimpact sensors\n that would \nunlock the car doors\n in the event of an accident. Also, all three variants of the Iriz are given a \n5-star ASEAN NCAP\n safety rating.\nThe Proton Iriz is now available for viewing and test drive at all proton authorised showrooms nationwide, and can be had in seven colours \u2013 Fire Red, Atlantic Blue, Genetic Silver, Proton White, Tranquility Black and \ntwo new colours\n exclusive to the Iriz \u2013 \nCitrus Green\n and \nSilver Moon Dust\n. Pricing starts from RM42,438 for the Standard (MT) trim, up to RM62,888 for the Premium CVT trim.\nWe\u2019ll go into deeper details of each models in \nthe coming post\n. So be sure to catch the comprehensive breakdown of the Proton Iriz along with the video there.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPROTON IRIZ   LAUNCHING   PROTON IRIZ 1.6 PREMIUM   PROTON IRIZ 1.6 EXECUTIVE   PROTON IRIZ 1.3 EXECUTIVE   PROTON IRIZ 1.3 STANDARD"
"Volvo Trucks have just introduced its first all-electric truck for commercial use. Dubbed the Volvo FL Electric, the all-electric commercial vehicle is geared for urban distribution and refuse operations. Sales and series production of the new model will commence in Europe in 2019 and will be the leading solution provider for electrified goods transportation in cities.\nThe 16 tonne (gross vehicle weight) truck is powered by an electric motor that generates \n130 kW\n (174 hp) with a max torque of\n 425 Nm\n. Volvo Trucks offer a range of battery options ranging from \ntwo to six lithium-ion battery packs\n that offer a real-world driving range of up to 300 km. It may not sound like much, but remember, these trucks are hauling some serious cargo.\nCharging time from empty for the largest battery pack (300 kWh) takes \n10 hours\n via a conventional charge point while a fast charging facility can give the battery its full juice in under two hours. The first two FL Electric trucks will be operated by refuse collection and recycling company Renova and haulage firm TGM.\nBesides zero-emission commute, the FL Electric also contributes to reducing noise pollution in cities, offering the option for truck operators to conduct operations at night with minimal disturbances. An electric truck can also be used in indoor terminals and environmental zones, creating even more business opportunities for operators.\nHead of Product Strategy Volvo FL and Volvo FE at Volvo Trucks, Jonas Odermalm said, \u201cIn order to make the transition [to electric trucks] secure and smooth, we will offer holistic solutions based on each customer\u2019s individual needs regarding driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters. Such a solution may encompass everything from route analysis and battery optimisation to servicing and financing. Volvo Trucks works closely with several suppliers of charging equipment. The aim as always is to offer customers high uptime and productivity,\u201d\nAccording to the company, there is \u201cconsiderable\u201d market interest in Europe and Volvo Trucks is working with relevant industry players to tackle the challenges needed to support the operations of electrified trucks such as electricity generation, batteries, charging infrastructures and others.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"McLaren\u2019s iconic and technological \nP1 hypercar\n has reached its significant and final milestone. The silver and orange P1s in the pictures here are the final units of the P1 as it reaches\u00a0its exclusive 375-unit run.\nHere\u2019s a quick refresher of the P1.\u00a0The P1 was introduced in 2013 and inherently became a true successor of the company\u2019s symbolic F1 supercar. The \n902bhp hypercar\n is powered by a \npetrol-electric drivetrain\n and is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering \n2.8 seconds\n. With a top speed of close to \n350km/h\n, the P1 boasts an unofficially claimed Nurburgring lap-time in under 7 minutes.\nThe P1 is also the car that represented British engineering and pride against the Italians and the Germans in the battle of hybrid hypercars. Each P1 took 800 hours to assemble using a team of 105 passionate souls. Believe it or not, it took a staggering\u00a0five days to paint one, with the vivid and bright Volcanic Yellow being the most popular. According to McLaren, Americans took the biggest slice of the P1\u2019s customer pie chart at 34 percent, followed by Asia and Europe.\nWhile there\u2019s no doubt McLaren can make more P1s for the sake of profitability, McLaren retained its stand for the limited run in order to retain something money can\u2019t buy \u2013 \nexclusivity\n. In the future, the P1 will join the ranks of F1, Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Miura and so on as ultra-rare, highly desirable cars that will surely leave you (and us, honest to God) in tears every time a unit gets totalled.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It seems that the British are leading the charge once again. But instead of a battalion of Queen\u2019s finest men dressed in their choicest freshly pressed uniforms, they are waging a war against carbon dioxide emissions.\nBefore that, we\u2019ll circle around that just for a minute. \nElectric-assisted forced induction\n is a great bit of kit. We\u2019ve seen electric turbocharging in action before. Look no further than the pinnacle of motorsports \u2013 \nFormula One\n. But why do F1 cars need electric turbochargers? Simple. With the \ndownsizing\n\u00a0trend that\u2019s crippled the sport\u2019s popularity ratings, it has also taken a toll on the engines. As compared to the previously-used\n V8\n motors that had \ninstant\n\u00a0torque and power on demand, these\u00a0cars now suffer from two dreaded and very familiar words \u2013\n turbo lag\n.\nNow, to eliminate this problem and to keep the cars competitive under ridiculously stringent regulations, the solution was simple. It wasn\u2019t perfect but it worked. But this isn\u2019t Formula One and we ordinary folks aren\u2019t always in a hurry, although most beg to differ on that point. Much like the\n e-turbo\u2019s\n in F1, an electric supercharger looks and acts a lot like a turbocharger, and its job is to \ncompress\n \nair\n that is then used to \nspin\n up a conventional \nturbo\n. British firms,\u00a0\nControlled Power Technologies\n (CPT) and\u00a0\nEminox\n have come together in a collaborative effort to develop an electric supercharger, but it isn\u2019t for use on cars just yet, but rather for larger \nheavy duty diesel vehicles\n.\nThe\u00a0result of all those sleepless nights is\u00a0the world\u2019s first\n water-cooled electric supercharger\n unit developed for\u00a0\ncontinuous\n \nboosting\n of commercial diesel and gasoline engines that\u2019ll\u00a0produce the \ncleanest\n engines by delivering a necessary amount of air very quickly and precisely for \noptimum\n combustion, particularly during \ntransient\n or short driving cycles.\nHaving said that, e-superchargers allow engineers to \ndownsize\n the cubic capacity of \nbig-bore oil burners\n currently powering a whole range of heavy vehicles. The beauty of this technology is that it can used on \nexisting\n engines. You don\u2019t have \nthrow\n away your trucks or what have you and get new ones that come with this new tech, because it\u2019ll work in \ntandem\n with engine-driven turbocharger. Trucks don\u2019t run on \n12-volters\n we\u2019d typically find in our cars, so this works to the \nadvantage\n of the e-supercharger.\nThe electric supercharger ensures that truck operators need not always be on the loud pedal to \nextract\n power from the oil burner to get around. The supercharger will \nautomatically\n maintain the \nideal boost\n measure and ensure \nconstant\n \npower\n delivery throughout. CPT developed \nCobra\n, a tech that\u00a0includes a\n sealed-for-life bearing\n system, coupled with electronics that are state-of-the-art. Combined that with a\n radial compressor\n connected to an \nultra-low inertia rotor\n,\u00a0the device accelerates from idle to 60,000 rpm in less than\n half a second\n to\u00a0provide instantaneous boost, thereby avoiding transient torque and \nsmoke\n issues.\nThe electric supercharger technology developed by CPT is \nnot\n driven by conventional electric motors, but rather a powerful\n switched reluctance\n \nmotors\n controlled using advanced \nelectronics\n and software.\u00a0Switched reluctance motor generators \neliminate\n the need for \nexpensive rare earth materials\n required for high speed permanent magnets. Moreover, low inertia means they can respond much faster than a conventional turbocharger.\u00a0 They are also highly efficient where they are most useful, which is at \nlow\n engine revolutions where the \nmain turbo lacks boost\n.\u00a0This makes electric superchargers using switched reluctance machines an enabling technology to reduce engine size.\nHowever, in tropical applications for cars, this is a different story all together. Impossible is nothing, but difficult it surely is. Forget about \nretrofitting\n, it much cheaper to just buy a Prius. The e-supercharger has to be hooked up to a\u00a0DC electric motor. The way most normal cars are hooked up, it just won\u2019t cut the mustard here. The answer is \nhigh-density\n quick charge/discharge \nbatteries\n or better still a supercapacitor, but those are really \nexpensive\n. Not only\u00a0that, but they are live longer than \nconventional\n batteries in terms of \nrepeated\n charge and discharge.\nIdeally, having an energy recuperating system such as \nKERS\u00a0\n(a system which draws kinetic energy via braking to charge a battery pack) can be a viable option for e-supercharging. When power is needed, the battery pack will drive juice out\u00a0via an AC/DC converter for voltage correction before powering the supercharger, making\u00a0it a \nwin-win\n situation."
"It is a well-known tradition that the colour Red is a staple in Chinese New Year celebrations, corresponding with the meaning for good fortune, joy and good luck. Hence in conjunction with the festive season, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just added a new Imperial Red colour option for the \nNissan Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star\n.\nThe Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star can now be ordered with a dual-tone theme with Imperial Red paint job for the body and Black for the roof, rear spoiler and side mirror caps. It is the first time a Nissan model is offered with Imperial Red in Malaysia. Other than the striking paintwork, equipment list remains the same with Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, 7 USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), and Smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay.   Additionally, the Nissan X-Trail X-Tremer is now available with three colour options \u2013 Passion Red, Brilliant White and Tungsten Silver. The X-Tremer edition sets itself apart with the Black painted bits on the roof, roof rails, rear spoiler, side mirror caps and five spoke 17-inch alloys. It also comes with X-Face cladding, chrome rear bumper protector and black Nappa leather seats.\nIn welcoming the new year ETCM has teamed up with property developer, JKG Land Berhad to give away one The ERA, Duta North Kuala Lumpur service apartment worth RM665,000 when they purchase and register a Nissan vehicle from 1 December 2018 to 1 December 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan X-Trail X-Tremer   The ERA, Duta North Kuala Lumpur"
"The \nMitsubishi Xpander\n is not exactly the first car that comes to mind when you think of motorsports. As such, the bizarre-looking MPV that we have here is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. It is the Mitsubishi Xpander by Speedline Industries which has been inspired by the \nMitsubishi Xpander AP4 rally car\n. Yes, the Mitsubishi Xpander has a legit rally-going version, although it is not this one.\nTo show how customizable the Mitsubishi Xpander is, \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n and Speedline Industries have taken a bone-stock Xpander and created a replica of the AP4 rally-going version. No engine modifications have been done to this replica, but the AP4 rally version houses a downsized Evo X engine that makes 350 hp and 556 Nm, just FYI.\nRELATED: \nThe Mitsubishi Xpander AP4 is the world\u2019s first crossover rally car!\nWhat has been done on the outside? Well, there are a few things to address here. Firstly, the body kit has been mostly 3D-printed and this includes the front lip set, front diffuser, side skirts, wheel arch attachments, rear diffuser, and rear wing. The original fenders have not been cut, but the wheel arch attachments do help to keep the wider wheels tucked in. Additionally, hood vents and a roof scoop have been added to the rally-inspired Xpander.\nThe underpinnings of the Xpander have been slightly tuned, with underbody chassis reinforcement bars, a customized suspension setup, and 18-inch alloy wheels by local company Raxer Wheels. The larger and wider wheels are wrapped in 225/45ZR18 tyres.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross facelift unveiled in Indonesia with new rugged looks\nCompleting the \u201crally\u201d look of the Xpander is a red, black, and white livery that is instantly recognizable as the brand\u2019s official motorsport colours. An \u201cXpander\u201d writing adorns the sides and \u201cMitsubishi Motors\u201d letterings adorn the front windshield and the tailgate.\nHidden by the dark window tints, the cabin of the rally-inspired Xpander has been left as is. Currently, the project only shows the modification possibilities of the Mitsubishi Xpander on the outside. Looking at how extreme the exterior has been made, the interior would have been just as wild if Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia and Speedline Industries decided to work on it as well.\nRELATED:\n Possibly the most \u201cgaya\u201d Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia\nPowering the rally-inspired Xpander is still the same 1.5-litre MIVEC engine that makes \n105 hp \nand \n141 Nm\n. The engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Sold in one variant only, the Mitsubishi Xpander fetches a price of \nRM99,98\n0 (OTR without insurance). Included in the price is a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.\nRELATED:\n Mitsubishi Xpander leads MMM to top-three non-national car brand in Malaysia; 19,217 cars sold in FY21\nGALLERY"
"The \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n nameplate is steeped with heritage \u2013 it\u2019s arguably the car that defined the \u201chot hatch\u201d category, with a history spanning nearly 50 years. So for its latest Enthusiast Fleet model, Volkswagen USA went back in time, specifically to the Golf GTI Mk2 \u2013 the first and only generation to be built in the States \u2013 to look for inspiration.\nWorking together with Jamie Orr, a Philadelphia-based VW aficionado (and pretty much the guy to call if you\u2019re looking for aftermarket VW modifications), Volkswagen managed to come up with this \u2013 the Golf GTI BBS Concept, based on another enthusiast-build Mk2 GTI.\nCheck out the Volkswagen Arteon Big Sur \u2013 another stunning entry in VW USA\u2019s Enthusiast Fleet! \nIf you\u2019re familiar with the brand \nBBS\n, then the name is pretty self-explanatory. On top of the retro BBS red and black livery, the car is of course fitted with a set of 19-inch BBS Super RS wheels, featuring the brand\u2019s iconic multi-spoke (or \u201cwaffle and hex\u201d) design in silver and gold.\nAnd to give it the old-school racer look, the VW Golf GTI BBS Concept also gets a set of lowering H&R coilovers, of which the fronts have been redesigned to give it some additional camber adjustments. For finishing touches, the GTI BBS Concept is also fitted with a Borla exhaust system, the first made for the new GTI, which Orr describes as \u201cjust a step beyond\u201d the stock system.\nOn the other end of the modification spectrum, Manhart has given the VW Golf GTI a Rolls-Royce-like interior! Check it out here.\n\u201cWe wanted to maintain the soul of the Mk8, so we went with more traditional modifications. But we left the interior, body, and powertrain exactly as it came from the factory,\u201d Orr said. \u201cTake those wingback seats, with this striking red design \u2013 they are just phenomenal. Changing any of that would have been a shame.\u201d\nVolkswagen Enthusiast and Motorsport Marketing Specialist, Sean Maynard added: \u201cWe try to do most of the modifications to the exterior and leave the interiors stock on the enthusiast fleet vehicles. That way, someone that might not have any experience with the Brand can still get a true feel for the vehicles.\u201d\nThe VW Golf GTI Mk8 promises even better handling with its new Vehicle Dynamics Manager. Learn more about it here.\nThe \nMk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI\n is powered by a reworked EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill, generating \n245 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque to drive the front wheels. The GTI is offered with both a manual or DSG dual-clutch transmission, though actual availability will \u2013 as usual \u2013 depend on region.\nWith the Mk8 VW Golf and Golf GTI already \nlaunched in the neighbouring Singapore\n, it\u2019s only a matter of time before we\u2019ll see them on our roads \u2013 and rumour has it that they\u2019ll be locally-assembled right here in Malaysia. Keep your eyes peeled as we bring you the latest developments!\nGALLERY"
"Toyota\n has believed in a multi-pathway strategy for a sustainable future of transportation, and naturally, that belief is echoed by \nUMW Toyota Motor\n, the official distributor of Toyota cars in Malaysia. Not only betting on fully electric vehicles (BEVs), UMW Toyota\u2019s multi-pathway strategy involves hybrid vehicles (HEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).\nRecently, UMW Toyota presented its multi-pathway strategy to members of the local media. Presented at the UMW Toyota headquarters, the company exhibited sample units of the \nToyota bZ4x\n, a hybrid \nToyota Camry\n, a \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n, and a cut-away of the \nToyota Prius\n to exhibit the Toyota Hybrid system.\nToyota\u2019s global multi-pathway strategy comprises 6 paths. In Malaysia, the strategy comprises 4 of the 6 paths\nBefore we get on to the cars that were on display, let\u2019s first address the company\u2019s multi-pathway strategy. Essentially, Toyota\u2019s multi-pathway strategy involves HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs, FCEVs, H2, and Carbon Neutral (CN) Fuel. As for UMW Toyota, the multi-pathway comprises 4 of the 6 paths of Toyota globally. In Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor\u2019s multi-pathway consists of HEVs, BEVs, FCEVs, and PHEVs.\nFor those unfamiliar with the terms, here is a list of the abbreviations:\nHEV \u2013 Hybrid Electric Vehicle\nPHEV \u2013 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle\nBEV \u2013 Battery Electric Vehicle/Fully-electric vehicle\nFCEV \u2013 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle\nH2 \u2013 Hydrogen as a fuel in internal combustion engines\nCN Fuel \u2013 Carbon Neutral Fuel\nRELATED: \nAll-electric Toyota bZ4x in Malaysia \u2013 500km range, 150kW DC charging\nUMW Toyota\u2019s multi-pathway strategy in Malaysia. Toyota has not laid out any plans on phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles\nToyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, Toyota has set 6 milestones or \u201cchallenges\u201d for itself. The challenges are as such:\nChallenge 1 \u2013 New Vehicle Zero CO2 emissions challenge\nChallenge 2 \u2013 Life Cycle Zero CO2 emissions challenge\nChallenge 3 \u2013 Plant Zero CO2 Emissions challenge\nChallenge 4 \u2013 Challenge of Minimizing and Optimizing Water Usage\nChallenge 5 \u2013 Challenge of establishing a recycling-based society and systems\nChallenge 6 \u2013 Challenge of establishing a future society in harmony with nature\nRELATED: \nToyota confirms sports and luxury EVs by 2026, among 10 confirmed models\nToyota\u2019s challenges in achieving its carbon neutrality aims by 2050\nToyota\u2019s approach to its zero emissions is rather holistic as the company also looks into the entire life cycle of the car as opposed to just focusing on the emissions of the car as a unit itself. Besides its carbon neutrality stance, Toyota also shared its \u201cLife Cycle Assessment (LCA) Approach\u201d, its \u201cMulti-pathway toward Carbon Neutrality\u201d, \u201cCO2 Emissions by powertrain\u201d, and its \u201cHEV contribution to Malaysia\u201d which features the hybrid Corolla Cross.\nRELATED:\n 2023 Toyota Yaris updated in Malaysia \u2013 no more J variant, now from RM83k\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, \u201cToyota has a multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality and this is evident through these green powertrains, each developed to best meet the unique needs of customers in different parts of the world. For Malaysia, we believe HEVs are the most suitable for Malaysians, considering the fuel source of our electricity generation and availability of charging infrastructure outside city centres in the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. We will add more HEV models in 2023.\u201d\nAs for the cars on display, the 2 units of the Toyota bZ4x showed are sample units that were delivered to Malaysia for market research and technical evaluation on local road conditions. The units in Malaysia are the front-wheel drive (FWD) variant. The Toyota Camry Hybrid on display is not available for sale in Malaysia but is available in other markets like Thailand. The cut-away Prius was of the 4th generation, and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a model that is available for purchase in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nToyota promises to keep making GR sports cars under new CEO\nAs of now, Toyota believes that HEV is the most practical and cost-effective solution for Malaysians today, promising immediate carbon reduction without compromising on long-distance driving practicality and peace-of-mind usage \u2013 values that customers expect from every Toyota model.\nAt the same time, Toyota recognises that BEV technology will also become a very important next piece to complete the puzzle of carbon-neutrality. To support the creation of a BEV-friendly ecosystem, UMWT will be supporting Malaysia\u2019s goal of achieving 4,000 electric vehicle charging points by the end of this year.\nRELATED: \nUMW Toyota Motor sold 6,767 cars in April 2023, continues to assure Vios\u2019 safety\nGALLERY"
"Volvo\u2019s best-selling large SUV still looks the money but the Volvo XC90 has been around for \nhalf a decade\n now and the Swedish marque decided that its time for a mid-life facelift.\nThe facelift exercise brings about a mildly restyled look, new mild hybrid powertrain options and a new \nsix-seater configuration\n. The facelifted XC90 also offers updated technologies from its newer siblings as well as further options for personalisation.\nChanges to the\nexterior of the facelifted model are subtle but can be identified through a new\nconcaved grille design, reworked trims on the front lip and foglamp housing, new\nwheel design and a silver strip that runs across the rear reflectors.\nInside, the cabin remains the same as before but updated with the latest technologies available on more Volvo models such as integrated Spotify app and Android Auto connectivity for the 9.0-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system. There is also a newly designed Orrefors crystal gear lever on the T8 plug-in hybrid variants.\nCustomers can now order their XC90 in the \nfour-seat Excellence variant\n (2+2), seven-seat family SUV variant (2+3+2) or a new six-seater variant that arranges a 2+2+2 seating layout. The six-seater option removes the second row\u2019s centre seat completely to allow a pathway for easy access to the third-row. However, by removing the centre seat, you also lose out on a centre armrest, replaced by two cup holders by the centre console.\nThe popular T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain has been updated with a new battery pack and brake-by-wire advanced battery charging that ups the horsepower to \n420 hp\n (from 407 hp) and increases pure electric driving range by 15% from 43 km to \n48.3 km\n. No word on whether the improved performance has impacted key performance figures.\n7-Seater XC90\n6-Seater XC90\nThe smaller capacity XC90\nT6 plug-in hybrid also features the new battery pack and brake-by-wire technology\noffering 15% increase in pure electric driving range. There will be a new \u201cB\u201d\nbadged XC90 that features mild-hybrid technology in B5 (petrol or diesel) and B6\n(petrol) variants.\nIn terms of active safety technology, the IntelliSafe system on the XC90 now comes with \nsteering assist\n that works for both City Safety autonomous braking and Blind Spot Information System. \nOncoming Lane Mitigation system\n and \nAutobrake \non the Rear Cross Traffic Alert is also added to the facelifted XC90.\nThe facelifted Volvo\nXC90 will go into production in May 2020 and will be making its market debut\nlater in the year.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nVolvo\u00a0XC90\u00a0T8 Twin Engine Inscription\u00a0Facelift\nVolvo\u00a0XC90\u00a0T8 Twin Engine R-Design Facelift"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia has just \nlaunched the updated Ford Ranger range\n to keep the tough pick-up truck ahead of the competition. With eight variants available, here are things you need to know about the updated Ranger:\nThere are three engine options available for the Ranger \u2013 2.2-litre four-cylinder TDCI turbodiesel (\n160 hp\n/\n385 Nm\n), 2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo (single turbo) diesel (\n180 hp\n/\n420 Nm\n) and the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel (\n213 hp\n/\n500 Nm\n). The 2.2-litre TDCI unit is paired to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission while the new EcoBlue engines are paired to Ford\u2019s new 10-speed automatic transmission.\nThe range-topping 2.0L Wildtrak 4\u00d74 features not only best-in-class engine output but also first-in-class advanced driver assist systems with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection (AEB), Lane Departure Warning and Assist as well as Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP).\nPrices for the basic Ranger 2.2L XL starts from RM90,888 to RM103,888 while the Ranger XLT is priced from 109,888 to RM124,888. The top of the line Ranger Wildtrak 4\u00d74 variant retails for RM144,888 while the Wildtrak 2.0L 4\u00d72 is priced at RM134,888.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Ranger Wildtrak 4\u00d74 2.0L Launched in Malaysia   Ford Ranger XLT+ 2.0L Launched in Malaysia   Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Launched in Malaysia"
"Following the \n\u201cEdition 55\u201d based on the G-Class\n, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the \u201cEdition 55\u201d versions of the A 35 AMG 4MATIC \u2013 the \nhatchback\n, the \nsedan\n, the CLA, and the \nCLA Shooting Brake\n \u2013 to celebrate 55 years of AMG. Strangely, they\u2019ve only shared images of the hatchback.\nThe exterior of an \u201cEdition 55\u201d can be instantly recognisable with the decals across the door, but the rest of the car appears similar to the standard AMG A 35.\nWith the AMG Night Package, the front splitter and canards, window surround, and other trims such as the bumper inserts are finished in High Gloss Black while the 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels are finished in Matte Titanium Grey paint. Other distinguishing features of the \u201cEdition 55\u201d models are the exclusive Cosmos Black metallic or Digital White metallic exterior paint colours.\nInside, the \u201cEdition 55\u201d stands out with a Red and Black cabin furnished with AMG Performance seats and an AMG Performance steering wheel. Further \u201cEdition 55\u201d specific trims include AMG floor mats and illuminated door sills.\nThe Mercedes-AMG A 35 models are powered by the M260\u00a02.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to an AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox with\u00a0306 hp,\u00a0400 Nm,\u00a0and all-wheel drive capabilities. 0 to 100 km/h takes under five seconds.\nThe AMG A 35 models can be specified with the \u201cEdition 55\u201d package at the cost of 12,614 Euros (approx. RM58,606).\nGALLERY"
"The \nHyundai Sonata\n nameplate turns 30 this year, and the midsize D-Segment Korean sedan has certainly come a long, long way since its inception back in 1985. During its lifetime, over \n7.3 million units\n of the Sonata has been sold worldwide.\nThe 7th generation Hyundai Sonata 2.0L Executive\nHaving been around for 30 years and seven iterations later, the Sonata is arguably at its best, donning the brand\u2019s more matured styling, dubbed the\u00a0\nFluidic Sculpture 2.0\n. Unlike before, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors have opted to remove the 2.4-litre engine, favouring the more popular \n2.0L\n\u00a0which punches \n152 hp\n at 6,200 rpm and \n194\n \nNm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm.\nRead our review of the \nRM158k\n D-Segment sedan \nhere\n. It comes with a \n5-year or 300,000km warranty\n programme and an additional three years for the engine and gearbox. That\u2019s \neight years of coverage\n, a country\u2019s first.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Hyundai Sonata LF 2.0L Executive"
"Petronas Dagangan has introduced the new Primax 95 with Pro-Drive which is now available in all of its stations effective immediately so here\u2019s five things you need to know about it.\nNearly the same fuel used in Formula 1\n93% of the active chemistry in the new Primax 95 with Pro-Drive is\n similar to the fuel used in Formula 1\n. You can now say that you\u2019re using (somewhat) the same fuel as Lewis Hamilton.\nWorld\u2019s First Dual Friction Modifier\nRealistically, it\u2019s probably not something you\u2019d be interested to look into but essentially what it does is\n reduce friction between the metal surfaces in the engine by up to 20%\n \u2013 allowing the engine to run smoother and be more responsive.\nDouble Detergent \nThe double dose of cleaning agents helps \neliminate up to 99% of carbon deposits \nand keeps the injectors clean while forming a protective barrier.\nThis helps the injectors to provide a better spray of the fuel for a more efficient combustion \u2013 efficient combustion equals reduced power loss.\nNew anti-corrosion additive\nA new formulation ensures a stronger bond between the additive and metal surfaces, offering double the protection for the engine components while maintaining optimum performance.\nHybrid vehicle applications\nHaving tested the new fuel on hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Camry and BMW i3, it was found that at least 2% more power was left in the battery. Throughout testing, it was found that less fuel and battery power was used for the same mileage.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Daimler and BYD Automotive Industry Co. Ltd. has launched the new DENZA 500 battery electric vehicle, that\u2019s made in China for China, through their joint venture Shenzhen DENZA New Energy Automotive Co. Ltd.\nThe new DENZA 500 offers a refreshed exterior design and extended electric range of \nup to 500 km\n courtesy of a new battery and further weight reductions. The DENZA model combines Daimler\u2019s vehicle architecture expertise and advanced safety engineering with BYD\u2019s battery technology.\u00a0\nThe DENZA 500\u2019s exterior features\u00a0\u201ctiger eye\u201d LED headlights and rippling LED taillights while inside sees a larger 9-inch touchscreen display. Upgraded connectivity services include charging solutions and the DENZA smartphone application. With the DENZA app, WeChat or the car\u2019s navigation system, DENZA owners can quickly locate over \n112,000 charging piles across the country\n.\nThe new DENZA 500 was tested in a wide range of harsh conditions, including severe winter testing at temperatures \nas low as \u201340 degrees Celsius\n.\nLast year, DENZA achieved its best sales performance, with an \n85% increase in sales volume\n thanks to the strong customer reception of the DENZA 400 model. The brand also expanded its reach through selected Mercedes-Benz dealers, which now offer sales and after-sales service for DENZA vehicles.\nShenzhen DENZA New Energy Automotive Co. Ltd. (DENZA Auto) is a 50:50 joint venture of Daimler Greater China Ltd and BYD Automotive Industry Co. Ltd that was established in 2011. It was the first Sino-German joint venture dedicated to battery electric vehicles. DENZA Auto was also the first electric vehicle manufacturer in China to conduct crash tests according to the C-NCAP standard, receiving a 5-star rating."
"Colours are always subjective and can alter the aesthetics of a subject, hence, in focus group studies and surveys on cars, all vehicles are presented in either white or silver. Even in black cars, certain metallic elements usually appear in bright chrome just to create a break or highlight.\nFor BMW Japan, they have decided to introduce the \nBMW 8 Series Frozen Black Edition\n. Everything single possible item on the exterior is black; starting off with the matte black paint called BMW Individual Frozen Black.\nAll chrome trim inserts get the black treatment too, such as the entire kidney grille, window surround, dual exhaust tips and fender vents. 20-inch M Y-spoke style 728 M in Jet Black wheels accompany the Frozen Black bodywork, together with black painted BMW M sport brake calipers.\nBoth the BMW 840i Coupe and Gran Coupe are available with the Frozen Black package, but the latter gets an additional panoramic moonroof.\nInside, BMW Individual headlining in Anthracite Alcantara is applied together with extended Merino leather across every surface of the dashboard and door panels. Even the BMW M emblems in the sport seats are in gloss black!\nDark as it may be in there, subtle lighting for the all-black interior comes from an unlikely source \u2013 the 16 stainless steel covered partially-lit speakers from Bowers & Wilkins.\nThis BMW M850i xDrive Coupe is made of materials from out of this world. Find out more here!\nThe Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is one of the highest specifications in-car entertainment system by BMW. It features a \n16-channel amplifier with 1,400 watts \nof power to deliver a beautifully-precise and multifaceted acoustic experience where its quality can be enjoyed from all seats in the BMW 8 Series in equal measure.\nThe BMW 840i is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine delivering \n340 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. Drive is to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. Benchmark century dash is completed in \n5.2 seconds\n.\n \nSales will be exclusive on the local BMW online store with only just five units of the BMW 840i Coupe available and 15 units of the BMW 840i Grand Coupe, each priced at \n15 million yen\n (RM 585,000).\nBMW Japan also introduced a rather catchy name for a limited-edition BMW X5 called the \nPleasure3 edition\n. Find out what \npleasures it brings to owners here.\nBMW Malaysia meanwhile offers the \n840i Gran Coupe\n from \nRM910,961.23\n while the coupe is only available from the \nM850i xDrive\n priced from \nRM1,062,350\n.\nGALLERY"
"Just like the year 2022, the period for \nBMW M GmbH\n to celebrate its \n50th anniversary\n is also approaching its end. Possibly the M Division\u2019s last hurrah for its Golden Jubilee, it has unveiled the \nBMW 3.0 CSL\n, which pays tribute to the division\u2019s first production car which also bears the same moniker.\nIf the car looks somewhat familiar, that\u2019s probably because you\u2019ve seen the \n3.0 CSL Hommage\n that debuted in 2015 at the Concorso d\u2019Eleganza Villa de\u2019Este, or the \nBMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R\n that debuted at Pebble Beach, also in 2015. The 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL is based on the latest-generation \nBMW M4\n, albeit with extensive changes.\nMost of the exterior takes inspiration from the original 3.0 CSL \u2013 the bumper vents, \u2018batmobile\u2019-like front fenders, rear wing, and rear top wing are instantly recognizable 3.0 CSL features. Featuring a large grille like most modern BMWs, the 3.0 CSL\u2019s grille is wider, shorter, smoother, and has a lattice grille design as opposed to the horizontal slates of the \nM4\n/\nM3\n.\nTo keep its weight down, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used extensively in the 3.0 CSL. CFRP is used for the roof, bonnet lid, boot lid, and front and rear aprons. Also keeping the weight down is minimal use of insulation materials.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia \u2013 from RM798k\nWider than the regular M4, the 3.0 CSL sits on 20-inch wheels in front and 21-inch wheels in the rear, all with a centre lock. With a Y-spoke design, the forged light alloy wheels are finished in gold-coloured paint. The golden centre lock wheels are exclusive for the 3.0 CSL and so are the Michelin tyres that wrap around them. Developed exclusively for the 3.0 CSL, the Michelin tyres have the number \u201950\u2019 embossed on the sidewalls.\nThere is only one colour scheme for the BMW 3.0 CSL, and it is the Alpine white base with the M stripes livery. Mostly made of carbon components, the 3.0 CSL is hand painted by specialists and the livery stripes are precisely positioned with the help of laser projection and customized contour films. Each component with a livery paint finish takes six working days to complete.\nRELATED: \nBMW celebrates 50th anniversary of M with limited edition \u201850 Jahre\u2019 BMW M3 and M4\nPowering the BMW 3.0 CSL is the most powerful straight-six engine to be used in a road-legal BMW M car. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine makes \n560 hp\n (metric) and \n550 Nm\n and revs up to 7,200 rpm. For comparison, the \nM4 CSL\n makes 550 hp (metric) and 650 Nm while the standard \nM4\n makes 480 hp (metric) and 550 Nm.\nThe only transmission option for the 3.0 CSL is a 6-speed manual box, and all power is sent to the rear wheels only. If anything, the 3.0 CSL sounds like the average car enthusiast\u2019s wet dream.\nRELATED: \nNew lightweight BMW M4 CSL storms to life to celebrate 50 years of M\nNot entirely \u2018traditional\u2019, the 6-speed manual box come with \u201cShift Assistant\u201d which uses a connection speed control to ensure slip-free clutch engagement after downshifting when braking for corners. In case you\u2019re feeling like a big boy, the \u201cShift Assistant\u201d can be deactivated. The 3.0 CSL is also equipped with BMW\u2019s Active M Differential.\nAs for suspension, the 3.0 CSL has a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle with Adaptive M suspension. Behind the exclusive golden wheels are M carbon ceramic brakes with adjustable characteristic curves.\nRELATED: \nIs this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?\nInside, the rear seats have been \nyeeted\n to make space for a storage compartment with two integrated helmet compartments. The seats provided in the 3.0 CSL are M Carbon full bucket seats with removable headrest inserts. As the driver and passenger, you can only adjust the seats longitudinally with no tools. Seat height and inclination adjustments require a three-stage screw linkage in a workshop.\nCovered in mostly Alcantara, the interior also features a lot of carbon and lightweight materials. To go with the exterior livery, the 3.0 CSL has contrasting stitching on the Alcantara. To manhandle the 6-speed manual box, you get a white gear shift knob with the \u201850\u2019 lettering to remind you that you\u2019re in a very special M car.\nOnly 50 units of the BMW 3.0 CSL will be available in honour of its 50th anniversary. Inside the car is a number lettering to let you know which unit of the 50 it is. Priced at 750,000 Eur (approx. \nRM3,481,107\n), the 3.0 CSL takes 3 months to complete.\nRELATED: \nBMW hints at all-electric M3, says no one cares if there\u2019s no engine"
"When the \nfourth-generation Renault Megane\n debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the full blown Megane R.S. was no where in sight. But early this year, Renault Sports achieved one million followers on Facebook and went on to\u00a0\ntease the fourth-gen Megane RS\n.\nDiehard Megane RS fans are in for a treat because Renault Sport has decided to unveil the hot hatch at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix! It\u2019s revealed that the car will sport a yellow and black livery to mark the 40th anniversary of Renault\u2019s involvement in F1. It will be piloted around Circuit de Monaco by none other than Nico H\u00fclkenberg, Renault Sport F1 race driver.\nWe know that the Renaultsport-inspired GT variant of the regular Megane is equipped with 4Control four-wheel steering, launch control, Multi Change Down (enables rapid downshift on DCT equipped models) and an R.S. Drive mode. Rest assured that when the Megane RS debuts, we will see even more F1 derived technologies appear on the purebred RS model. After all, it has to better the outgoing \nMegane RS275 Trophy-R\n, no?\nIt will also go on display at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show happening in September. TC Euro Cars has the \noutgoing Megane RS currently on sale\n and \nwe found it to be a mean machine\n, so good that it was one of the \nbest cars we\u2019ve driven in 2016\n."
"The show must go on, and the \npenultimate round of Season 3\n of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival is happening over the weekend of \n15\nth\n to 16\nth\n February 2020\n at \nStadium Batu Kawan, Penang\n. The Batu Kawan race is the last of the street circuits for the Toyota Vios Challenge after the Kuala Terengganu and Bandar Malaysia legs before Sepang International Circuit hosts the finale in April.\nIn the Super Sporting class for professionals, Malaysia\u2019s Drift King Tengku Djan Ley currently leads the standings with 36 points, just 8 points ahead of Laser Motor\u2019s Mark Darwin followed by Kenny Lee a further point behind.\nMeanwhile in the Sporting class where every race has been hard fought, S&D Tama Motorsports\u2019 and motoring journalist Tom Goh leads the standings with 28 points, just two ahead of TGR debutante Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin. One point behind him is Crestmax Motorsport\u2019s Adam Khalid followed by another TGR newcomer Bradley Benedict Anthony with 22 points.\nCatch the stars and the GR Supra on 15th and 16th February at Batu Kawan, Penang.\nLeading the Promotional class for celebrities is television\npresenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad who has a four-point lead over Season 1 champion\nShawn Lee at 28 points, with singer Khai Bahar in third. A total of 10 local\ncelebrities will line-up on the grid in Penang and they include Diana Danielle;\nJanna Nick, Shukri Yahaya, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Ain Edruce and Syafiq\nKyle.\n\u201cThe excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to thrills and spills on the track, but includes so many activities for the family. It will feature the display and test drive of Toyota\u2019s fleet of new vehicles, a drift performance, a racing simulator challenge, stage games, celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandises, and a Super Fans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class. Also on display will be the \nflagship GR Supra\n!\u201d, enthused UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.\nAdmission is free\n for the public on both days of the TGR Festival, action starts from 9am."
"Over here in Malaysia, the \nC-segment hatchback\n is dominated by the continental brands and there are very few representatives from Asia. The latest entrant in this segment comes from Mazda, with their\n CKD Mazda3 hatchback\n.\nSince the first generation Mazda3 went on sale in Malaysia, buyers were able to choose between the sedan or the hatchback bodystyle and the trend continues to the second and the latest third generation Mazda3. Understandably the general take up of the hatchback is not as many if compared to the sedan, but we can still see them on the roads more often that we thought.\nWe first saw the \nbobtailed Mazda3 in the land of smiles\n and we were kind of envious that we didn\u2019t get the \nsexyback\n Mazda3 here in Malaysia. Coincidentally around that time, \nBermaz Motor Sdn Bhd\n announced that the hatchback is coming to Malaysia and we couldn\u2019t be any more pleased with the news. It took the hatchback more than a year before making its debut here, and it did so in conjunction with the introduction of the \nlocally assembled version of the Mazda3\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Hatchback\n \nSegment\nC-Segment hatchback\nEngine\n1,998 cc 4-Cylinder\nTransmission\n6-Speed automatic\nMax Power\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM 120,705.30\n\u00a0\nIntroduced together with the \nCKD sedan\n, the hatchback shares the same powertrain with the sedan. Unlike the sedan which is offered in two different trims \nGL\n and \nHigh\n, the hatchback only comes in the \nMid\n trim. It sits between the GL-spec sedan and High-spec sedan, but the hatchback shares the same price tag as the High-spec sedan at \nRM 120,705.30\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Mazda3 hatchback is every bit as the Mazda3 sedan from the nose all the way back to the rear doors, therefore most people would ignore it at the first sight thinking it\u2019s the Mazda3 sedan until they catch a second glance to witness the tail that has been cut short.   The \nKODO\n design language is still being used here. Like the sedan, the upright grille houses the front number plate inside, and it\u2019s underlined by a dash of chrome that extends to the \ndynamic Bi-Xenon headlamps\n with \nLED DRLs\n. Foglamps are present here too, just below the turn indicators that have been relegated out from the main headlamp units.\nMy favourite bit of KODO element is how the bonnet line arches towards the doors. This is by far the most successful trick to make an FWD car mimics the stance of an RWD car, by giving it the impression of a long bonnet and cab-rearwards look like the BMW 1 Series hatchback.\nNot only that, the crossing shoulder lines together with a rising swage line add some zest to the side that would otherwise be bland without them. You don\u2019t get chrome door handles, but there is some chrome strip that runs alongside the lower edge of the side windows. Meanwhile under the wheel arches house pretty \n18-inch alloys\n wrapped in 215/45 R18 Toyo Proxes T1 Sport tyres.   It\u2019s after the pair of rear doors where everything gets compressed into a mean and racy rear end. A \nshark\u2019s fin antenna\n emerges on top, while the roof ends to a sharp integrated spoiler with LED brake lights. Initially I wasn\u2019t quite sure of the pert rump because it appears to be too cluttered especially the middle part where the number plate garnish bridges the \nLED tail lights\n, but the more I lay my eyes on it the more I fell in love with the backside (of the car, of course).\nThere\u2019s some naughty attitude going on at the back. Unlike the sedan, the hatchback isn\u2019t shy to let \na pair of chrome-tipped tailpipes\n exposed under that two-layer rear bumper. Although I must say the \nMeteor Grey Mica\n paintjob on our test unit is rather unflattering compared to the white one we \nspotted in the showroom earlier\n. Just\u00a0don\u2019t get me started on the gorgeous Soul Red Metallic that is now missing from the colour options for the CKD batch of Mazda3!\nINTERIOR\nIf you\u2019ve sat in the Mazda3 sedan before, it\u2019s the same episode here in the hatchback. The dashboard has been simplified whereby most of the controls have been grouped into the \nMZD Connect System\n displayed on the\n 7-inch\n tablet-like \ntouchscreen monitor\n. The intuitive menu is accessed either by using the \nCommander Control Switch\n on the center console or by tapping your finger on the screen itself. All that\u2019s left on the dashboard is a trio of rotary knobs for the climate control and a CD slot deep down below.   The interior is upholstered mainly in \nfabric\n,\u00a0but some bits are wrapped in \nleather\n, such as the steering wheel and the handbrake lever. \nGlossy black\n trim is used on the center console and on the dashboard, while\n faux carbon\n adorns the steering wheel spokes and the window switch surrounds on each door.   The steering is equipped with\n shift paddles\n and controls for the audio system on the left spoke, but as you can see from the bare right spoke, it means that the Mazda3 hatchback still doesn\u2019t come with cruise control like on the \nCBU sedan we drove last year\n. Also similar to the CBU sedan, the instrument binnacle in the hatchback is adopting the \u201c\nType-B\n\u201d style with a central analog speedo and a small digital tacho in the left panel.\nThe seats adjust manually, and the two outer back ones have\n ISOFIX\n anchor points with the backrests that split 60/40 and fold flat to extend the boot space from \n308 litres\n to 1,263 litres. You\u2019ll be pleased to read that the rear passenger space isn\u2019t compromised from the sedan. Sharing the same \n2,700 mm wheelbase\n as the sedan, leg room and even head room is almost indistinguishable from the sedan.   As you would expect, the cabin practicalities follow the sedan too, there\u2019s an overhead sunglasses compartment, spacious (but flimsy) glovebox, eight cupholders, and if you peek under the front center armrest you\u2019ll see a deep compartment with \ndual USB ports\n, an \nSD card slot\n, and a \n12v power outlet\n. \nSix airbags\n are fitted as standard, and all five occupants get three-point safety belts.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe \n2.0-litre SkyActiv-G\n is currently the sole powerplant for the entire Mazda3 range in Malaysia, so you get\n 162 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque spinning the front wheels via a \nsix-speed SkyActiv Drive\n automatic transmission. The four-cylinder mill will propel the hatchback from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n8.8 seconds\n and all the way to the \ntop speed\n of \n210 km/h\n.\nIt has\n i-stop\n start/stop system as standard but it loses the i-eloop regenerative braking system from the CBU Mazda3 sedan. There\u2019s no official figure for the fuel consumption, but it shouldn\u2019t stray too far from the CBU sedan\u2019s figure of \n6.5 l/100 km\n.\nTHE DRIVE\nUpon thumbing the starter button the SkyActiv-G can sound somewhat raspy when started in a cold morning, but it only does that for a few seconds before it settles to a calm idle. There\u2019s bonnet insulator this time round, so the 4-cylinder din is reduced by some margin but it can still get rather vocal when pushed.\nI can recall how the CBU Mazda3 sedan we drove last year handles so well and this CKD hatchback is no exception. City driving in the hatchback is pleasant and low speed ride is never harsh despite the low profile rubbers, so you can go about your normal driving as you would in any smaller-sized city runabout B-segment hatchback. If you fear the view back is restricted due to the small rear window, you\u2019d be glad to find out that all Mazda3 including the hatchback is equipped with a\n reverse camera\n as standard to accompany the reverse sensors.\nOn the highways the hatchback will cruise calmly in top gear, with very little external noise seeping inside the cabin, and it\u2019s partly thanks to the mentioned insulation under the bonnet. The only drawback is the\n lack of cruise control\n, which is only available on the High-spec sedan.\nIt\u2019s when you take the Mazda3 to the trunk roads that the \nSkyActiv chassis\n delivers. Even without any sports mode to choose from, the hatchback is still able to entertain with its handling that is equally as sharp as the exterior styling. Body lean is present on fast sweeping bends but it feels planted and you will rarely find yourself wanting for more grip or running wide in the corners.\nThe six-speed auto is not the fastest shifting gearbox but it trumps the other Japanese C-segment rivals with their five-speed auto or the lamentable CVT. It downshifts ever willingly with the slightest flex of the accelerator pedal and as soon as you ease off the throttle it\u2019ll quickly settle to the highest gear possible to reduce fuel consumption.\nThe lighter mass at the back would make you believe the hatchback handles better than the sedan. We also had a go in the \nHigh-spec sedan\n. Driven back to back, the hatchback highlights the sedan\u2019s slightly nervous tail, but this is only apparent when you take on long winding curves faster than necessary.\nOn low speed squiggly roads you\u2019d be hard pressed to tell the two apart, both will entertain you with\u00a0their lovely steering and their sense of sure-footedness. Both the hatchback and the sedan will accelerate with vigour although the sedan felt a wee bit restrained due to the fact that it\u2019s barely clocking 500 km on the odometer during our stint.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a C-segment hatchback, Mazda3 hatchback posed as a great value next to the continental rivals. It\u2019s not only the cheapest among the continental contenders, the build quality is fairly reasonable and more importantly it drives well too. However, if you\u2019re looking for something that\u2019s well-equipped, the Mazda3 hatchback may not be able to fulfill you. At least the safety equipment isn\u2019t shabby, you will still get the usual ABS with BA and EBD, DSC, TCS, and six airbags as standard.\nCOMPARISONS\nWe\u2019re lining up the Mazda3 hatchback with two of Europe\u2019s better challengers, \nPeugeot\u2019s all-new \n308 Turbo\n and \nFord Focus 2.0 Sport+\n.\nThe Focus is getting quite long in the tooth compared to the Mazda3 and the 308, and the facelift has already been revealed in Europe a few months back so you might want to wait for a little while before it reaches here. Even though the \n2.0-litre 4-cylinder\n engine still produces decent figures here. It\u2019s generously equipped too with six airbags, dual-zone climate control, Active Shutter Grille, Active City Stop, and Active Park Assist.\nThe 308 may only have a \n1.6-litre 4-cylinder\n engine but it\u2019s \nturbocharged\n and dishes out the highest amount of torque here. It\u2019s packed to the brim with features too. It includes the full LED headlamps, huge 9.7-inch touchscreen head unit, panoramic glass roof, as well as Dynamic Cruise Control.\nMazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Hatchback\n \nPeugeot 308 THP\n \nFord Focus 2.0 Sport+\n \nENGINE\nType\nInline 4-cylinder\nInline 4-cylinder, turbocharged\nInline 4-cylinder\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,998\n1,598\n1,999\nMax Power\nhp\n162\n150\n170\nMax Torque\nNm\n210\n240\n202\nSTEERING\nType\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nElectric power-steering\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed automatic\n6-speed dual-clutch\nSUSPENSION\nType\nFront/Rear\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nMacPherson strut/Torsion Beam\nMacPherson strut/Multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n215/45 R18\n225/40 R18\n215/50 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,460\n4,253\n4,358\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,795\n1,804\n1,824\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,455\n1,457\n1,466\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,700\n2,620\n2,648\nKerb Weight\nkg\n1,292\n1,345\nN/A\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n308\n470\n316\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n51 litres\n53\u00a0litres\n55\u00a0litres\nConsumption (Combined)\n\u00a0L/100km\nN/A\n6.5\n6.6\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n210\n211\nN/A\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n8.8\n9.4\nN/A\nPRICE\n \nRM\n120,705.30\n132,888.00\n129,886.89\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nThe Mazda3 hatchback is a great alternative to the continental hatchbacks, with its sweet handling and not to mention the attractive looks. Unfortunately against the competitors it falls short of being a complete product. The Mid trim is good but still not good enough to take on the rivals. Until the Mazda3 hatchback is available in High spec, it\u2019s pretty hard to recommend when others offer more kit for just a little bit more over the Mazda3 hatchback\u2019s asking price.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Two years after its introduction here on our shores, BMW Malaysia has now updated the \nlocally-assembled X5 xDrive45e M Sport \nfor 2022 with several additional aesthetic and safety features, alongside a slight hike in pricing, now priced at \nRM457,498\n.\nThe biggest update on the exterior comes in the form of the BMW Laserlight headlights, which is said to offer a greater and wider illumination than the previous bi-LED units, enhancing visibility on the road. The matrix headlight system will also come with Selective Beam, which automatically blocks out parts of the headlights to prevent glaring other vehicles.\nThe plug-in hybrid BMW X5 xDrive45e also now comes with a set of larger style 741M 21-inch alloy wheels, finished in Orbit Grey as standard. But aside from these updates, the rest of the exterior remains unchanged from before, with the \u201cSports Activity Vehicle\u201d (SAV) still featuring the sportier M Sport body kit.\nOther updates on the 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e come in the form of its safety kit, with two additional side airbags inside the cabin for the second-row passengers, bringing the total count up to eight airbags.\nThe new BMW X5 xDrive45e will also feature Active Protection, which is essentially Munich\u2019s version of Mercedes-Benz\u2019s Pre-Safe system that automatically arms the cabin in preparation of an unavoidable accident. The seatbelts also now come with a reversible pre-tensioning system, which automatically tightens the seatbelt to the ideal tension based on the passenger\u2019s body.\nNo changes are made to the car\u2019s active safety kit, however, with L2 autonomous driving features like adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist being the notable omissions here. The standard Driving Assistant package still comes with the same list of features as before, including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitor.\nAlso unchanged is the powertrain underneath the bonnet, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine paired to an electric motor for a total system output of \n394 hp\n and\n 600 Nm\n. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox and the xDrive all-wheel drive system.\nAs mentioned above, the new 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport is now priced at \nRM457,498\n on the road and without insurance, making it roughly RM6k more expensive than the outgoing car. The sales tax exemption, which has now been confirmed to \nnot be extended past 30 June\n, is also included in the price, so you\u2019ll have about 10 days to get your orders in for the price above.\nThe price also includes the\n optional extended warranty package\n, which increases the warranty from the standard two years to a five-year unlimited-mileage coverage, alongside the free scheduled service programme."
"The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has just issued a press statement regarding the new deadline for the renewal of expired road tax (Lesen Kenderaan Motor) and Malaysian driving licences, extending from the end of September to the \nend of December 2021\n.\nThe MOT said that constant feedback from the public on the difficulty to perform such tasks before the \nSeptember 30th deadline\n was a key factor in extending the moratorium for renewals. As such, expired road tax and Malaysian driving licences will not be subjected to enforcement and compliance activities by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) up to December 31st 2021.\nSource: \nTwitter/Ministry of Transport\nAdditionally, because of the continuous increase in vaccination rates among adults in the country (65.9%), the MOT has decided to \nfully reopen JPJ\n and Puspakom counters from Monday, September 6th, with the former discontinuing the much-criticised online appointment system. Customers who are planning to walk in and transact at JPJ counters from Monday must however be \nfully vaccinated\n with their MySejahtera app displaying a \u2018Low-Risk\u2019 status.\nThe MOT continues to encourage customers with internet access and online banking service to use existing online transaction channels such as \nmySikap JPJ\n, \nMyEG\n, \nPos Malaysia\n as well as \nPuspakom centres\n for the renewal process of the two key documents.\n\u00a0\nJPJ is offering 70% discounts for summonses until September 16th, 2021. Find out more here.\nState JPJ offices have also started drive-through counters at their premises for the renewal of road tax, driving licence as well as payment of summons.\nThe department also reiterates that vehicle owners have valid insurance coverage while the vehicle is in operation on the road at all times. Place the insurance \u2018e-covernote\u2019 inside the vehicle and display it to law enforcers when requested."
"Following the Prime Minister\u2019s announcement of the \nConditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)\n which sees the resumption of business in most industries, Naza Group has announced that several of its automotive brands are also resuming operations, starting today.\nThe companies under the Naza Group umbrella reopening today include Naza Italia, NZ Wheels (Mercedes-Benz), Naza Kia Malaysia, Nasim (Peugeot), Naza Euro Motors (Citroen and DS), and Naza Motor Trading.\nIn line with the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and relevant local authorities, Naza Group says that safety and hygiene measures will be strictly enforced at all of its premises.\nMercedes-Benz dealership NZ Wheels will be reopening its Klang Autohaus, KL North-East Service Centre and Johor Bahru Autohaus\noutlets, all operating strictly on an \nappointment-only basis\n. Customers who are looking to service their vehicles will be required to contact the respective service branches to acquire a prior booking.\nMeanwhile, Naza Kia Malaysia is \nresuming full operations\n at all of its authorised outlets in stages, starting today. The previously-announced \nKia Promise initiative\n is still in effect, providing a peace of mind to Kia owners during these uncertain times.\nCustomers who were unable to carry out their scheduled maintenance will be given a grace period of two months or 2,000 km (in moderation) beyond the standard six months or 10,000 km service interval to service their vehicle following the end of MCO. As for warranties expiring between February 1 and April 30, the Kia Promise campaign will automatically extend the warranty to the 30th of June 2020.\nAccording to the statement, Nasim and Naza Euro Cars will only be \nresuming its aftersales operations\n. Peugeot, Citroen and DS owners are required to make a booking prior to their visit at the premises. The company reassures that all warranties for the three aforementioned brands will still be honoured, if their scheduled service due date falls within the MCO period.\nLastly, Naza Motor Trading will be resuming regular business hours from 9 am to 6 pm starting today at its Naza Automall PJ outlet."
"Naza Eastern Motors\n (NEM), the sole distributor of new-generation Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia, has posted their intention to launch the Jimny real soon!\nIn a simple post of the shadow drawing of the Suzuki Jimny on \nInstagram\n, the distributor included a caption \u201cThe one and only..returns.\u201d sending signals that the capable lifestyle SUV is finally making its official availability in Malaysia!\nA month after the launch of the \nSuzuki Swift Sport\n, local media portal BHarian reported that NEM has \nalready started taking bookings\n \n(close to 20 bookings) of the Jimny even though no pricing or firm delivery timing of the vehicle.\nThe Suzuki Jimny is offered in a compact 3-door body with a simple Suzuki K15B 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine powering the SUV. Outputs are modest with just \n100 hp\n and \n130 Nm \nof torque\n. \nGlobally, there is a choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.\nPower is sent to the Allgrip Pro 4\u00d74 system that features a physical shift lever to slot from 2WD to 4WD High and 4WD Low transfer gear range.\nFor true off-road capabilities, the Suzuki Jimny continues to be built on a rigid ladder frame chassis and suspended by 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs on both axles. The steering gear mechanism is even the old recirculating ball unit rather than a modern rack-and-pinion system.\nThe Suzuki Jimny can bring fresh barista coffee to almost anywhere thanks to its compact dimensions yet spacious interior. More about Jimny Beans here!\nWe are surely excited to see the little Jimny available in Malaysia and backed by full aftersales support! Follow us for more updates on the local launch of the Suzuki Jimny by Naza Eastern Motors."
"By now, you probably would\u2019ve already seen the world-famous award-winning \nProton Saga Knight\n that\u2019s been making waves around the internet. While the car still has its unique charm, its 70s design is undeniably quite dated-looking, especially when put alongside the other modern cars on our roads today.\nSo in an effort to keep one of Malaysia\u2019s most iconic cars on the road, former Proton designer and MIMOS (National Applied R&D Centre) design head Saharudin Busri took matters into his own hands by redesigning the Proton Saga Knight, replete with modern design touches from the 21st century \u2013 and the results are just, wow!\n \nAll of the classic Saga most iconic features are still present in this redesign concept, including the flat nose, Aeroback C-pillars, squared-off wheel arches, and even the classic steely wheels. But with a bit of imagination, these old ideas have transformed into a completely modern look, fit for even the latest EVs.\nThe Proton badge has evolved a lot over the years, from what you see here, to the roundel logo we have now. Take a look at its history here!\nAt first glance, the front of the reimagined Proton Saga Knight seems to have taken on the looks of a \nVolkswagen Golf GTI\n, especially with the red strip running between the headlights. However, Saharudin has also incorporated some of Proton\u2019s own modern touches into the concept, including the now-iconic \u201cethereal bow\u201d, in the form of the daytime running lights.\nThe same full-width treatment has also been applied to the tail lights, terminating into a slim vertical lighting stack on both ends. Completing the exterior makeover are the Proton Knight stickers, which works surprisingly well here with just a slight tweak to its design.\nHere are seven fun facts about the Proton Saga that you might not have known! \nWhere the concept differs slightly from the original Proton Saga though, is in the car\u2019s roofline silhouette. While the Saga\u2019s Aeroback styling (a Proton original design, by the way!) is unique, it doesn\u2019t really gel too well with the other modern design touches.\nFor the redesign, Saharudin instead gave it a more regular coupe-like rear-end, with a more exaggerated spoiler at the boot lid to bring out a bit of the original Aeroback spirit.\nMore than 35 years later, the Proton Saga is still the default choice for many Malaysians. Check out our full review of the third-gen Proton Saga 1.3 Premium here!\nThe same concept is applied to the interior as well \u2013 taking old ideas, but rehashing it to fit in a modern context. For example, the dashboard still retains the same boxy motif, though the entire top of the dashboard is now replaced by a full-width display \u2013 much like the \nHonda e\n.\nAnd if you\u2019ve ever spent time in a classic Proton Saga before, you\u2019ll definitely remember the weird looking twin-spoke steering wheel. The same design has been mirrored on Saharudin\u2019s redesign concept, though lined with a red exterior around the rim \u2013 and for some reason, we think it really works here!\nThe concept was designed specifically for Saharudin\u2019s upcoming Computer-Aided Industrial Design Software (CAiD) seminar, organised by the Malaysia Industrial Design Society (PEREKA).\nSaharudin will be sharing about his design experience, knowledge, and techniques on creating concept car designs during the seminar, alongside the full unveiling of the completed 3D model of the \u2018Proton SAGA Knight \u2013 a new generation\u2019 concept, so be sure to check out the live broadcast of the seminar on Merdeka Day, August 31!\nMore information about the project and seminar can be found on PEREKA\u2019s Facebook page, or via Saharudin\u2019s Facebook (\nsaharudin.busri\n) and Instagram (\nsaharudindesign\n) pages.\nGALLERY"
"On the side of introducing the all-new BMW G20 3-series, BMW also revealed an extensive range of M Performance Parts for the car.\nAt the front, there\u2019s an M Performance front splitter while at the back, the kit includes an M Performance rear spoiler and M Performance rear diffuser \u2013 available in a choice of carbon, high-gloss black\u00a0or matte black \u2013 to optimise air flow and reduce lift.\nThere\u2019s also the M Performance tailpipes, made with a mix of titanium and carbon fibre. On the side, you get M Performance exterior mirror caps made of carbon fibre and illuminated M Performance side sills.\nAs for the footwear, there are two sizes available; 18-inch M Performance light alloy double spoke 796M, 20-inch M Performance forged cross-spoke 794 M, and 20-inch M Performance forged Y-spoke 795 M wheels. There are even M Performance tyre bags to store and transport the wheels.\nBehind those wheels are M Performance 18-inch lightweight brake discs with higher thermal resistance and four pot-calipers, in red, made of aluminium.\nInside the cabin, the package offers an M Performance steering wheel, carbon-fibre shift paddles, M Performance floor mats and M Performance carbon-fibre interior trims, with an open-pore design.   As you enter the vehicle, the BMW M logo can be projected onto the tarmac with an M Performance slide set for the BMW LED door projectors. To go with it, an M Performance key wallet made of Alcantara with carbon-fibre inserts, which can be permanently fixed to the car key.\nLastly, there\u2019s an M Performance drive analyser, to record a range of driving data \u2013 a function that is particularly useful when on the track.\nUnsurprisingly, BMW also provides M Performance holders for action cameras, which can be turned 360-degrees, to enable images and videos to be taken from numerous perspectives.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton Edar\u2019s 4S centre at Jalan Chan Sow Lin has just reopened with the national carmaker\u2019s new and vibrant Corporate Image. The upgraded 4S centre joins other newly upgraded Proton showrooms ahead of the launch of the upcoming Proton SUV.\nCovering an area of 14,875 square feet, the branch gains a facelift to Proton\u2019s new blue hue corporate image that reflects a fresher, more dynamic and bolder Proton. The enhancement is also important to give customers in the region the \nbest sales and services experience\n as promised by the national carmaker.   The outlet now features 18 hoists, two delivery bays, 53 car park spaces, Kids\u2019 area and free Wi-Fi for the convenience of its customers. Operating hours are still seven days and the branch is expecting an increase in sales and service intake by 30 per cent.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Cars will introduce its unsupervised autonomous driving feature, Ride Pilot, for the first time to its customers in California, USA.\nThe Ride Pilot feature will make its debut in the next generation of Volvo electric cars with the aim to free up more time for customers and make driving a Volvo more convenient. Well, if it really works, it\u2019ll be the most convenient mode of transportation known to man.\nRelated: Volvo shows off new 2D \u2018Iron Mark\u2019 logo..read about it here!\nLeft: The Volvo Recharge Concept.\nVolvo clarified that once it\u2019s verified to be safe for use on highways, the Ride Pilot will be available as an \u201cadd-on subscription\u201d in the company\u2019s upcoming electric SUV. The new flagship SUV \u2013 which is likely based on the \nVolvo Recharge Concept\n revealed last year in July, is set to be revealed later this year.\nRelated: Here\u2019s how the new 2022 XC90 might look like, thanks to the Volvo Concept Recharge\nThe\n Volvo Recharge Concept \n\u2013 a hint of what the new XC90 SUV could look like.\nAs part of the testing process, Volvo Cars will deploy the autonomous driving features on roads in Sweden together with autonomous driving software company Zenseact. By mid this year, testing of the Ride Pilot feature will begin on the roads of California where traffic conditions, climate and regulations offers the best platform to introduce self-driving cars.\nThe self-driving software by Zenseact will work hand-in-hand with more than two dozen sensors including Luminar\u2019s LiDAR sensor. Luminar\u2019s LiDAR sensor will complement five radars, eight cameras and 16 ultrasonic sensors in Volvo Cars\u2019 upcoming fully electric SUV. This set-up will provide excellent vision and perception reliability.\nFollowing its introduction in California, the company aims to eventually roll out the Ride Pilot feature in other markets and regions around the world.\nRelated: Volvo to use names rather than numbers for new EV models!"
"It\u2019s been slightly over seven months now since the arrival of the \nThai-built Mazda2\n sedan and hatchback. However, more surprises await those who are interested in Mazda\u2019s peppy little looker. Just this morning, a pair of\u00a0Mazda2s arrived at Bermaz Motor\u2019s HQ in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, in two new colours \u2013 Dynamic Blue and Smoky Rose Mica.\nWe were also told that the\n Black Mica\n shade will join the lineup, bringing the tally up to \nseven different hues\n. Now, deliveries for the Blue and Rose coloured Mazda2 will only start early next year, if not much later this year at best. If you opt for the Black Mica shade, then expect an earlier arrival date in September.\n \n \nIf you\u2019re wondering whether the new colours spell more cost, fret not, because Bermaz Motor has confirmed that \nthere will be no price increase\n. As such, pricing for both the hatchback and sedan remains identical \u2013 at \nRM88k\n (OTR with insurance and GST) \u2013 as is their specification.\nTo quickly recap, Mazda\u2019s B-Segment pride is powered by a \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-G\n engine mated to a \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox. It makes\n 114 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n148 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm, all of which are sent to the \nfront wheels\n.\n \n \nIn our real world tests (read our \nwritten review\n or \nvideo review here\n), we found the Mazda2 to be incredibly consistent with regards to fuel consumption, averaging around \n5.9 litres per 100km\n. We also managed to cover approximately \n650km of tarmac\n (60 percent highway, 40 percent city with moderate to heavy traffic) with \njust 35 litres of fuel\n. That too, was a very consistent test result.\nIf this piece of news piques your interest, be sure to drop by the Glenmarie showroom in Shah Alam for an up-close and personal look at one of the best B-Segment cars money can buy!\nIMAGE GALLERY   VIDEO GALLERY"
"After serving the Malaysian market reliably for 8 years, Michelin Malaysia is finally retiring the Michelin XM2 with the arrival of the new and improved Michelin XM2+.\nAvailable for wheels measuring 14 to 16-inches in diameter (32 sizes in total for Malaysian market), the XM2+ uses a brand new full-silica rubber compound that promises long lasting performance throughout the tyre\u2019s lifetime.\nDespite carrying over the thread pattern of the previous XM2, the XM2+ provides shorter wet braking distances when new and worn (down to the tyre wear indicator) as well as \nup to 25% higher mileage\n compared to other competitors.\nThe \u201c+\u201d sign located under the model designation denotes the upgraded rubber compound that is responsible for the improved braking performance against its predecessor.\nThe new XM2+ also maintains the \u201cGreen X\u201d marking which indicates its optimised fuel consumption.\nMichelin Malaysia says the recommended retail price of the new Michelin XM2+, which are made in Thailand starts at RM200 for the 14-inch tyres. The XM2+ will be available at all Tyre Plus outlets and authorised Michelin dealers across the nation from July onwards."
"As Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) confirmed \nin March\n, it will introduce its flagship seven or 8-seater in Malaysia next month. The \nPalisade\n is now open for booking and will be the first full-sized Hyundai SUV to be launched in Malaysia.\n\u201cThe Hyundai Palisade will be a new contender in the E-segment SUV, boasting cutting-edge technology, a host of advanced safety features including Hyundai\u2019s Smartsense, ample space, and an elegant design. It is Hyundai\u2019s largest SUV with a long wheelbase. Its practical all-purpose built is great for off-roading, road trips and even for daily use,\u201d said HSDM, Managing Director, Mr. Low Yuan Lung.\nIn terms of dimensions, the Palisade is longer than the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE although the German SUVs are wider. Wheel sizes range from 18-inches all the way to 20-inches while front and rear lighting are LEDs.\nThe Palisade will arrive as a fully-imported (CBU) unit from South Korea with either seven or eight-seater configurations.\nOn the inside, the Palisade is available with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, 10-inch infotainment system with a 16-speaker surround-sound system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, panoramic roof, surround-view monitor, and wireless charging, although it remains to be seen which of these features will be available in our local model.\nThe Palisade also features an industry-first, roof vent diffuser design that can provide a focused, partially-diffused, or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers.\nIn terms of powertrain options, the Palisade is available either with a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated V6 with 295 hp and 355 Nm or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine 200 hp and 440 Nm. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic.\nSafety systems available include autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitor, lane following assist, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-go."
"Having seen all its official images and promotional videos, we\u2019ve finally came across a video of the new \nLamborghini Urus\n in motion in a real-world environment, albeit with minimal action.and noise.\nRight out of the box, literally, it\u2019s unmistakably Lamborghini. With sharp edges, bulging proportions, slits and kinks throughout its alluring yellow shell, the fastest SUV in the world where 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n3.6 seconds\n, it\u2019s actually \nnot that much different from the concept\n\u00a0car revealed almost five years ago.\nAs a Lamborghini on stilts, you wouldn\u2019t be blamed to assume that it would be an impractical means of people moving but you\u2019d be wrong. As \nTop Gear\u00a0UK\n revealed in a quick video, it\u2019s actually got pretty good rear legroom along with a vast boot space at the back.\nWith higher allowances for utility without losing the essence of a Lamborghini, it\u2019s hard to fault the new Urus \u2013 except maybe the front end of it, looks a little busy in the side grille area. A viewer in that video even commented that the Urus looks like a \nToyota C-HR\n with a Lamborghini engine; a little harsh don\u2019t you think?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aston Martin\u2019s latest mid-engined hypercar, made in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies has been officially named the Valhalla \u2013 a warrior\u2019s paradise in ancient Norse mythology where warriors who die in battle go to rest.\nSeen as the baby \nValkyrie\n, the Valhalla will be propelled by the combination of a turbocharged V6 engine and a hybrid system. Only 500 units of the all carbon fibre hypercar will be built.\nCheck out the \nTrack Pack versions of the Valkyrie\n.\nThe name Valhalla continues the tradition of Aston Martin \u201cV\u201d cars dating back to 1951 with the Vantage designation was given to the high performance variants.\nThe first time the Vantage name appeared was on the DB5 and remained reserved for the most potent models until 2005, when the Vantage became a model line of its own.\nAlong with the Valkyrie and the Vanquish Vision Concept, the Valhalla continues the proud 70 year old \u201cV\u201d car naming strategy."
"As the German luxury carmaker cements itself at the \ntop of the global premium segment\n in 2019, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has also just announced its 2019 sales performance figures.\nMBM delivered \n10,020 cars\n in 2019, helping the brand to retain its position as the leader in the premium luxury category. The figure also translates to a \n1.8% market share\n in the country.\u00a0\nThe last year also marks the \n15th year anniversary\n for MBM\u2019s local production efforts, which also saw the 100,000th locally assembled vehicle to roll out of the CKD plant in Pekan.\nThe locally-assembled line-up stands at 13 variants from five model lines \u2013 \nC Class\n, E Class, S Class, GLC and GLC Coupe.\u00a0\nThe local production plant is further driven by the export initiatives to Philippines, where the left-hand drive Mercedes-Benz C 180 is currently in the first stage of export. MBM will be looking to commence further similar efforts within the SEA region.\nMBM Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Michael Jopp said, \u201cDespite facing headwinds, we ended the year on a strong note to cement our position in premium automotive segment.\n\u201cWe are fully confident that 2019 has set up a great tone as we power up a great momentum for the new decade,\u201d he added.\nLast year, the company also launched a whole slew of new and updated models, including the \nupdated E Class range\n, the new \nA Class hatchback\n and \nsedan\n, \nGLC \nand \nGLC Coupe\n, \nGLE,\n as well as the S Class hybrid \u2013 \nS 560 e.\n\u00a0\nThe Mercedes-AMG performance division also saw a few new additions, such as the \nA35 sedan\n, \nGT R\n and \nGT C\n, \nGT four-door coupe\n, as well as the \nupdated C 63 S\n.\nMBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, \u201c2019 was a year where we placed great emphasis on expanding our product offensive with innovative technology and emotional design, catering to the needs of our customers.\u201d\nMBM\u2019s financial arm, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) also saw positive developments in 2019. Throughout the year, MBSM financed\n five out of 10\n Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold.\nThe financial arm held a servicing portfolio of RM2.6 billion in 2019, with new contracts worth over RM1 billion recorded.\u00a0\nMeanwhile, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s \nafter-sales service\n recorded a throughput of \n165,229 vehicles\n \u2013 an 11% increase over 2018. The record-breaking figure can be partially attributed to the various customer experience improvements introduced by MBM, including Express Service 2.0 and online appointment bookings.\u00a0\n\u201c2020 will be a memorable, exciting year for Mercedes-Benz with refreshing innovations and new products to elevate the customer experience,\u201d added Dr Weidner."
"Following the launch of the \ncontroversial all-new Elantra \n in March this year, Hyundai has now introduced a N Line model to the compact C-segment sedan, promising to \u201cdeliver more enhanced driving fun\u201d as the new entry point to the full-blown Hyundai N brand.\nA huge part of that claim stems from the new beating heart, which is a 1.6-litre GDI turbocharged engine that\u2019s good for \n201 horses\n and \n264 Nm\n of torque. The new powerplant can be paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) to drive the front wheels.\nFor context, the 2.0-litre MPI engine in the standard Elantra produces a measly (by comparison) 147 hp and 179 Nm, while the electrified powertrain in the Elantra Hybrid does 139 hp and 264 Nm.\nHyundai also says that it has \u201cimplemented several mechanical improvements\u201d to the suspension set-up of the Elantra N Line to \u201cincrease stiffness for a gripping performance\u201d, though did not divulge further on the technicalities. There\u2019s also a set of larger front brakes, though, like the suspension, no further information were given.\nThe \nstandard Elantra\n already has quite a striking appearance, thanks to the non-conformist design approach that we actually quite like; the new N Line treatment though, turns the aggression knob on the C-segment fastback sedan up to 11.\nUp front, there\u2019s the new blacked-out \u201ccascade\u201d grille, new front bumpers featuring arrow-shaped \u201cair curtains\u201d that not only looks the part, but also actually serves aerodynamic and cooling purposes.\nThe sporty appearance is further aided by the side mirrors and new side skirts, both finished in black, new rear bumper and diffuser, new boot lip spoiler, twin chrome exhaust tips, as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels. Of course, N Line badges all round complete the new look.\nInside, the Hyundai Elantra N Line also gains variant-specific steering wheel, leather seats, gear lever, and instrument cluster \u2013 featuring analog dials for both the speedo and tachometer, paired with a small multi-info display to the right.\nUnfortunately, thanks to architecture change, the top-of-the-line 10.25-inch infotainment system does not make its way onto the N Line model. Although, the system still supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Hyundai\u2019s Digital Key feature.\nJust like the standard Elantra, the N Line also comes with a host of advanced safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.\nAlongside the launch of the Elantra N Line, Hyundai is also making available a set of N Performance Parts to bring it even closer to the full N experience. Further details of the N Performance Parts will be announced at a later date.\nFollowing the launch of the Elantra N Line, the Korean carmaker also announced its plans to introduce a \nSonata \nN Line later this year, featuring a 2.5-litre GDI engine to further expand the N Line line-up.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover is developing a steering wheel that could help keep driver\u2019s eyes on the road using by using heat to tell them when to turn.\nPartnering with Glasgow University, they\u2019ve come up with something called the sensory steering wheel, where it heats up and cools down to inform drivers where to turn, when to change lanes or even to warn them of an approaching junction.\nIt\u2019s said to be particularly useful in low visibility driving conditions. The technology has also been applied to the gear-shift paddles to indicate the switch to autonomous driving.\n \nDriver distraction is a major contributor to road accidents around the world and accounts for 10% of all fatal crashes in the USA alone\n. \nThe steering wheel can provide indications by rapidly warming or cooling one side by a difference of up to 60-degrees Celcius. Drivers can also adjust the range of temperature change.\nStudies have shown that temperature-based instructions could be used for non-urgent notifications such as low fuel warning or upcoming points of interests, instead of audio feedback or vibrations which could be disruptive to the driver\u2019s concentration."
"In conjunction with the launch of the refreshed Volkswagen Golf Range (\nTSI\n, \nGTI & R\n), Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is organising a contest for Malaysian fans to win a trip to W\u00f6rthersee GTI Fest 2018, the annual gathering of GTI enthusiast.\nHeld along the shores of Lake W\u00f6rth, Austria, the \nW\u00f6rthersee GTI Fest\n traces its roots all the way to 1982. Started out as a small gathering of GTI owners, the event is now a full-fledged festival, attracting over 100,000 fans from around the world to celebrate all things Volkswagen. Last year\u2019s instalment saw the German carmaker brought out two concept cars, the \nUP! GTI\n and \nGolf GTI First Decade hybrid\n. Needless to say, this year will be another spectacular show.\nVPCM is giving away an all-expense paid trip for two to attend the W\u00f6rthersee GTI Fest 2018 happening from 9 to 12 May. The contest is divided into two rounds. Round One will require participants to answer 10 Golf-related multiple-choice questions in the fastest time on \nVPCM\u2019s official website\n and the top three fastest participants will advance to the Grand Finale.\nThe \nGrand Finale\n will take place at the Volkswagen Tour in 1Utama Shopping Centre on 31 March where the finalist will go head-to-head in a \nlive quiz round\n. The Winner will be selected based on the fastest time, the most number of correct answers, subject to the decision by the panel of judges and announced at the end of the event.\nParticipants can familiarise themselves with the mechanics in the practice round before they begin the quiz. Participants may also submit multiple entries during the contest period. Good luck!"
"The \nall-new M5 CS\n, launched in January this year, is already the \nfastest and most powerful production car BMW has ever made\n \u2013 completing the century sprint in just three seconds flat. That\u2019s a full-sized family sedan doing supercar speeds. But somehow, somewhere out there, there\u2019ll still be someone who is not happy with that amount of power. That someone is German tuner \nG-Power\n.\nG-Power has just unveiled its latest range tuning kit for the BMW M5 CS, with the most extreme stage (GP-900) raising the M5\u2019s outputs to a whopping \n900 hp\n and \n1,050 Nm\n. Need I remind you once again that it\u2019s for a full-sized family sedan.\nRaising power outputs by 265 hp and 300 Nm over its stock configuration is no easy feat, and the German tuning company said that they had to installs parts like turbos, downpipes, and a software upgrade just to make it all work.\nAlongside the engine upgrades, G-Power also fitted its GP-Deeptone stainless-steel exhaust system on the uprated BMW M5 CS, with the four tailpipe exits at the back covered in carbon fibre (or forged carbon). Aesthetic updates are kept pretty mild, however, with the only aftermarket change being the forged wheels, GP-Ventury vented carbon fibre bonnet, and the GP-Dynamic rear wing.\nThe company doesn\u2019t mention the upgraded car\u2019s century sprint time, probably to not alarm the officials. But what we do know is that the car\u2019s top speed is increased to an electronically-limited 333 km/h, over the stock limit of 305 km/h.\nCustomers looking for a milder tune can also opt for the GP-700 with just a software tune, GP-740 with the GP Deeptone exhaust, GP-780 which adds on the sports downpipes, or the GP-820 (pictured) with even more hardware adjustments. And if you haven\u2019t noticed yet, the numbers refer to their horsepower output.\nG-Power hasn\u2019t revealed pricing information for the M5 CS GP-900 yet, but the other stages can be had from as low as EUR2,495 (approx. RM12k) for the software-based GP-700 tune, up to EUR23,640 (approx. RM112k) for the GP-820. But of course, that also assumes that you already have a BMW M5 CS, which costs EUR180,400 (approx RM855k) by itself, and is being built for one year only.\nGALLERY"
"Honda\u2019s blockbuster for this year\u2019s Tokyo Auto Salon is without a doubt the \nCivic Type R\n, which was \nput on display\n ahead of its launch in full camouflage. However, tucked in a quiet corner within Honda\u2019s \nTAS2022\n booth is yet another concept that could capture the hearts of its fans \u2013 the Honda HR-V Modulo X Concept.\nThe Japanese carmaker\u2019s in-house tuning department has once again worked its magic on the\n all-new HR-V\n SUV (called Vezel in Japan). Although it\u2019s still in concept form, the display car serves as a preview for what\u2019s to come on the factory-tuned model that is scheduled to launch later this year.\nAnd there is a whole lot going on here. Most visibly, the Honda HR-V Modulo X concept gains a completely reworked front fascia with a new \u201cbeak-like\u201d grille alongside a new X-shaped bumper design with new intakes.\nIf you think these updates are just for looks, you\u2019d be very wrong. According to Honda, these new parts all serve important aerodynamic functions, with the little flics and air deflectors (see below) all strategically placed to enhance the SUV\u2019s high-speed stability.\nOn top of that, Honda has also enlisted the expertise of \u201cDrift King\u201d Keiichi Tsuchiya to help develop a set of suspension upgrades to improve the SUV\u2019s driving dynamics \u2013 and from the video published by the company, it certainly seems like they\u2019ve subjected the test mule to some \u201cheavy handling\u201d!\n \nOther additions to the Honda HR-V Modulo X Concept include a set of exclusive 18-inch wheels, new rear bumpers (with proper diffuser elements), a new tailgate spoiler, plus new kits on the inside such as new sportier-looking seats and red contrast stitching on the upholstery.\nHonda did not disclose any pricing information for the Modulo X variant just yet, but that\u2019s to be expected since it\u2019s still a concept model. While the Japanese wait for their kitted-up SUV, the all-new Honda HR-V is likely to be launched here in Malaysia very soon \u2013 so keep your eyes peeled!\n[Images: Honda, \nHonda Access/Twitter\n]\nGALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia\n has announced that it will offer up to a\n 20% discount on parts repair\n for \nBMW\n, \nMini\n, and BMW Motorrad owners affected by the devastating floods over the weekend.\nIn addition to the discounts, which is valid until the\n 31st of January next year\n, the company will also provide a \nRM300 rebate on towing costs\n for the affected owners via its authorised dealerships nationwide.\nBMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, \u201cFollowing the flood cases that have been reported in various states in the country, we remain committed to deliver peace of mind for our customers throughout their ownership experience, even during this challenging time.\n\u201cTo this end, BMW Group Malaysia and our network of dealers stand ready to provide our customers with the needed support when it comes to their vehicles.\u201d\nOwners are encouraged to reach out to their preferred authorised dealership or contact BMW Roadside Assistance for more information. Alternatively, they may also contact the Customer Interaction Centre at \n1 800 88 3000\n."
"Following the launch of Toyota \nVellfire\n and \nAlphard\n, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has introduced yet another grey market favourite, the \nToyota Harrier\n. Not only that, UMWT has brought in the facelifted turbocharged variant that was just unveiled in Japan earlier in the year!\nThere will be two variants of the Harrier Turbo available: Premium and Luxury, both priced at RM238,000 and RM259,900, respectively (OTR without insurance). Just about the same asking price of a parallel importer. Feeling compelled yet?\n\u00a0\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nToyota Harrier 2.0T Premium\nToyota Harrier 2.0T Luxury\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged VVT-Iw\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic with Super ECT\nMax Power\n228 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 5,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM238,000\nRM259,900\nEXTERIOR\nBoth variants of the Harrier are of the facelift model and are identically spec-ed. As standard, both the Premium and Luxury get automatic bi-LED headlamps sequential turn signal and LED daytime running lights, LED cornering lights, LED rear combination lights, fog lamps, chrome side trim and 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.   The only tell-tale sign that this is the most powerful Harrier is the subtle Turbo badge at the tailgate. Thanks to the facelift exercise, the Harrier has been updated with a new front grille with the iconic Hawk emblem and new alloy wheel design.\nINTERIOR\nInside, both variants are draped with luxury items as expected for a Harrier nameplate. The Harrier \nPremium\n comes standard with leather upholstery, eight-way powered driver seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, smart entry and start system, electronic parking brake with auto hold and four-way powered steering column.   Stepping up to the \nLuxury\n-spec and you get upgraded to Nappa leather upholstery, powered moonroof, eight-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory function, four-way powered passenger front seat, ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, electrochromic rear-view mirror, NanoE air-conditioning and illuminated scuff plates.\nPERFORMANCE\nMotivation comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission pushing out \n228 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels. The turbocharged Harrier also gets \nPerformance Dampers\n that reduces body roll and improve straight line and cornering stability. It also gets a \nSports Mode\n button that sharpens the throttle and steering response.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, both variants are equipped with seven-airbags, ABS with BA, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), hill-start assist control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) as well as front and rear parking sensors. Besides that, Malaysians will also enjoy \nToyota Safety Sense System (TSSS)\n on both Harriers \u2013 Pre-crash system, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive High Beam.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs with all vehicles sold by UMWT, the Toyota Harrier comes with a 5-Years unlimited warranty package and guarantee of parts and aftersales service. Order books for the Harrier are now open and deliveries are scheduled for early-2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the debut of the refreshed C-Class, Mercedes-AMG has unleashed the top of the line Mercedes-AMG C 63 facelift. Powered by the same M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, the refreshed C 63 is available in the full range of body styles \u2013 saloon, estate, coup\u00e9 and cabriolet.\nLet\u2019s start with the powerplant, the M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 continues to pump out \n469 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n for the non-S model while the C 63 S gets \n503 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of brute. A new lighter and faster nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission is employed to drive the rear wheels.\nWith Race Start (launch control) engaged, the century sprint in the base C 63 takes 4.0 seconds while the S model manages it at a fraction quicker at 3.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h and 290 km/h, respectively.\nThe AMG DYNAMICS drive mode selector now features up to six drive programs: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, RACE and Individual. The new \u201cSlippery mode\u201d keeps the rear-wheel drive monster in check when road conditions are less than ideal.\nVisually, the C 63 range now gets a more expressive look thanks to the new Panamericana grille with a redesigned lower apron as well as a twin tailpipe element rear bumper with new diffuser inserts. The standard C 63 models ride on 18-inch 10-spoke alloys while the larger 19-inch five twin-spoke design (standard on the S models) can be had as an option.\nCoupe body styles have the option for the AMG Aerodynamics package that adds a larger front splitter, spoiler lip with integral Gurney flap, extended side skirt inserts, flics in the rear bumper, and a more aggressive rear diffuser insert.   Inside, the C 63 spots a new flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather with Touch Control buttons, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with three AMG-specific display styles \u2013 Classic, Sporty and Supersport \u2013 heads-up display as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment display.\nNew interior trim options include open-pore oak wood, open-pore walnut, longitudinal-grain aluminium for the doors and black open-pore ash wood for the centre console. For an even sportier cabin, the optional AMG trim in carbon fibre and light longitudinal-grain aluminium is what you should tick.\nColour options for the Nappa leather upholstery include Black, Black with Grey accents, Red Pepper & Black, Platinum White Pearl & Black and, as a new option, Magma Grey/Black with Yellow contrasting topstitching.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) had the \nMercedes-AMG C 63 S saloon\n on sale since 2015 while the \nCoupe variant\n joined the line up a year later. Needless to say, the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C 63 will definitely storm into our shores in the not-too-distant future, the only question is, are you ready to pen that cheque to MBM?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe"
"The \nthird-generation Porsche Cayenne\n is finally on sale in Malaysia, six months after the \nofficial preview in January\n. Customers can have their Cayenne served regular or spicy, the latter adds an S after the nameplate.\nThe regular Cayenne sports a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that delivers \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, good enough to propel the large SUV to 100 km/h from rest in \n6.2 seconds\n. The Cayenne S, on the other hand, gets a new 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that is good for \n440 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque, cutting its century sprint time by a full second in the process.\nBoth Cayenne variants are equipped with an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard. Options for the new Cayenne are abundant and expect to walk away with just the base price tag of RM745k or RM890k for the Cayenne S."
"The second-generation \nMercedes-Benz CLA\n has just been given a mid-lifecycle update, four years since the model made its debut at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.\nJust as before, the Mercedes-Benz CLA will be offered in two body styles \u2013 a four-door coupe, and a \nshooting brake\n. And of course, they are still available in a wide variety of powertrain options, including two fire-breathing AMG variants \u2013 35 and 45 S.\nSimilar to the \nrecently-updated A-Class\n, design changes here are minimal. Up front, the grille now gets the diamond pin-style star mesh pattern, while the headlights also get a new daytime-running light signature, featuring a segmented bottom half.\nRound the back, the tail lights also get a slight tweak to its light signature, alongside a new diffuser at the bottom. But aside from these, the rest of the exterior remains completely unchanged. Both the coupe and shooting brake variants come with 17-inch wheels as standard, but can be sized up to 19-inches as optional items.\nALSO READ:\n 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class updated with mild facelift and new 48V MHEV engines\nIt\u2019s also the same story on the inside, where the most obvious change is in the form of a new steering wheel, that first made its debut on the new E-Class back in 2020. For the AMG models, the steering wheel also comes with an additional dial for quick access to your performance settings.\nThe screens on the dashboard also get newly designed displays in three new styles \u2013 Classic, Discreet, and Sporty, but more importantly, the MBUX touchpad controller on the centre console has been completely jettisoned, replaced by a shallow storage cubby for your phone.\nThe headliner changes on the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA are actually found underneath the bonnet, as nearly all petrol engine options now come with a mild-hybrid system, with the only exceptions being the AMG 45 S, and the CLA 250 e plug-in hybrid.\nThe 48V system, which utilises an integrated belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) unit, is capable of generating a temporary power boost of up to 14 hp when needed. While actual performance figures are unchanged from before, the RSG also allows for a quieter and smoother engine start-up, as well as a \u2018sailing\u2019 feature where the combustion engine is shut off during steady cruising.\nALSO READ: \nNext-gen E-Class to be last ICE-only car by Mercedes-Benz, set for 2023\nThe powertrain line-up for the standard CLA-class remains unchanged from before, with a total of four petrol, three diesel, and the aforementioned plug-in hybrid variants on offer.\nFor us Malaysians, we are perhaps more familiar with the 1.3-litre turbocharged inline-four-powered CLA 200 with \n163 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n, as well as the CLA 250 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes an unchanged \n224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, since they\u2019re both also shared with the \nA Class\n. Both of these powertrains are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.\nAs for the AMG variants, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 35 is now also equipped with the RSG mild-hybrid tech, and is now paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, replacing the previous 7DCT unit. Meanwhile, the CLA 45 variant has now been dropped, leaving the CLA 45 S variant at the top of the range.\nAs with the regular line-up, performance figures here have remained unchanged \u2013 the mild-hybrid-equipped CLA 35 makes \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n, while the angry A 45 S puts out \n420 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n from its 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine.\nAs part of the launch, Mercedes-Benz will be offering a limited-edition model for the 45 S 4Matic+ variants, dubbed the \u201cAMG Street Style Edition\u201d. The special edition model, pictured here in Mountain Grey Magno paintwork, features unique decals on the outside, plust luorescent orange accents on the interior.\nHere in Malaysia, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA was only offered in the four-door coupe \nAMG 45 S variant\n, and it\u2019ll most likely stay that way here for the 2023 update here in our market, unfortunately.\nGALLERY"
"There a lot of you who enjoy a good cup of coffee and there are just as many if not more who enjoy driving and appreciate cars along with their mechanical marvels. Few however, are truly enthusiastic about both.\nFor those who are, and the even smaller group who can truly, freely fork out exorbitant amounts of money for an art piece that makes the liquid gold, these automotive-inspired espresso machines made by\n Super Veloce\n are nothing short of centre pieces.\nHeck, these ground coffee/capsule type espresso makers are such spectacular items that they can even be ornaments in a living room as what you\u2019re about to see are all hand-built masterpieces in limited numbers, out of aerospace materials.\nRoyale\nPrice: POA \nInspired by Formula 1 engines from the 1990s, looking at the components list of the \u201cV12\u201d espresso maker makes you wonder if they were building something for space exploration. Among them are aerospace-grade alloy, stainless steel titanium, Royal Purple Amethyst and thermoset Gold Leaf carbon fibre, 18 carat white gold, 18 carat yellow gold and diamonds!\nAurum 18 carat \nPrice: 44,490 Euros (approx. RM209,100)\nLimited to only 10 units for the entire world, there\u2019s more silver in this than gold compared to the Royale. It\u2019s also made of 18 carat gold, stainless steel titanium and aerospace-grade alloy but without the fancy gold leaf carbon fibre, white gold and diamonds.\nNero Carbonio\nPrice: 13,829 Euros (approx. RM64,995)\nAvailable in V8, V10 and V12 form, the Nero Carbonio is finished in motorsport-grade Jet Black and thermoset carbon fibre. No aerospace material or gold here although the stainless steel titanium still applies.\nSerie Titanio\nPrice: 10,015 Euros (approx. RM47,069)\nLike the Nero Carbonio, the Serie Titanio is also available in V8, V10 and V12 engine configurations but unlike the Nero Carbonio, this one\u2019s fully customisable with six different colours \u2013 Red, Blue, Orange, Gold, Black, Titanium \u2013 applied through an aerospace anodising process.\nVeloce RS Black Edition\nPrice: 10,200 Euros (approx. RM47,939)\nPaying tribute to the last of the air-cooled engines from the 993-generation Porsche 911, only 993 units (and aptly so) will ever be made. It\u2019s handcrafted from aerospace-grade materials such as surgical stainless steel, aluminium alloy, titanium and carbon fibre.\nEspresso Veloce Flat Six\nPrice: 9,398 Euros (approx. RM44,170)\nThe Flat Six pays tribute to the last of the air-cooled flat-six \u201cBoxer\u201d engines by Porsche from the period of 1994 to 1998. It\u2019s made of anticorodal alloy and 316 Titanium and 304 grade stainless steel.\nGALLERY\nRoyale\nAurum 18 carat\nNero Carbonio\nSerie Titanio\nVeloce RS Black Edition\nEspresso Veloce Flat Six"
"Among the hustle and bustle of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu quietly displayed an upcoming compact SUV \u2013 without a name, even \u2013 at their stands.\nWith the rumours floating about on a new compact SUV from Perodua with the code name D55L, could this be our first look at the upcoming local B-segment SUV?\nThe unnamed SUV is styled to portray a sporty and aggressive appearance. The front facade features a tall face, with a large hexagonal grille taking the spotlight. Flanking the grille are the headlight enclosures, which features LED reflectors and an eyebrow-styled turn indicator light strip.\nUnderneath the headlights are the fog lamps, parking sensors and vertical LED daytime-running lights, tucked neatly in an angular moulding on the bumpers.\nThe compact SUV also features a stereoscopic camera setup at the top of the windshield, pointing at the inclusion of advanced safety features such as auto emergency braking.\u00a0\nOn the side, the wheel arches are wrapped in black cladding, joining the front bumper lips, side skirts and the rear bumper to create a rugged look. The five-seater SUV rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, with 195/60 section tyres.\nThe C-pillar of the compact SUV is painted in body colour, while the rest are painted in black along with the roof to create a \u201cfloating roof\u201d effect, similar to that of the \nVolvo XC40\n.\u00a0\nMoving on, the rear design of the B-segment SUV emanates a certain sense of familiarity to the current-generation \nPerodua Myvi\n, with two-piece horizontal taillamps joined by a gloss-black trim piece.\u00a0\nThe lower apron features a decorative black \u201cvent\u201d, along with the bumper-mounted registration plate, further emphasising the similarities between the two cars.\nMoving inside, the dashboard features a layered design, with attention drawn directly to the free-standing infotainment display. A satin silver air-conditioning vent is placed right underneath the touchscreen display, followed by the automatic climate controls and the push-start button on the lower section.\u00a0\nThe hexagonal-shaped motif of the grille also carries into the interior, with the air vents, instrument cluster housing, door handles and door card pockets all featuring the geometric design.\u00a0\nThe centre control stack is angled slightly towards the driver, joined by a centre console featuring the gear selector, mechanical hand brake and arm rest separating the front passengers.\u00a0\nPowering the compact SUV is a 996-cc three-cylinder engine, capable of producing \n98 hp\n and \n140 Nm\n of torque. A CVT gearbox transfers the drive from the engine to the front wheels.\nDaihatsu has not provided any information on the launch date of the unnamed SUV, although the car looks to be production-ready in its current form. Would you get one if this handsome SUV makes its way to our shores with a Perodua badge?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has delivered its 500,000th unit of the Leaf EV to its new owner in Norway, celebrating World EV Day (9th September) in the most awesome way possible.\nThe milestone was achieved at the company\u2019s plant in Sunderland, England, almost a decade after the model first went on sale. The British plant has produced more than 135,000 units of the Leaf since the model began production at the site in 2013.\nCollectively, Nissan says that the 500,000 Leaf EVs on the road have driven more than 14.8 billion clean air kilometres since 2010, and helped prevent more than 2.4 billion kilograms of CO\n2\n\u00a0emissions.\n \nThe 500,000th unit is actually new owner Maria Jansen\u2019s second Leaf EV. \u201cMy husband and I chose to buy a Nissan Leaf back in 2018, and we loved it,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re very excited to become the proud owners of the 500,000th Nissan LEAF. This car really meets our needs with extended range and enhanced technologies.\u201d\nThe second-generation Nissan Leaf was\n launched in Malaysia last year\n, nearly two years after its global introduction. Locally, we only get the 40 kWh battery pack option which promises a range of 270 km range on the WLTP scale. In other markets though, there is also a 62 kWh Leaf e+ variant which delivers 384 km of range, along with a bit more poke.\nOn our variant, the electric motor on the front axle delivers \n150 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque, capable of pushing the Leaf from a standstill to 100 km/h in a respectable\n 7.9 seconds\n, onward to a limited top speed of \n155 km/h\n.\nOther notable features on the fully-electric hatchback include the \ne-Pedal\n, which automatically slows down the car using regenerative braking when the driver lifts off from the accelerator, allowing the Leaf to be driven normally with just one single accelerator pedal.\nAside from the Leaf, Nissan\u2019s next big electric push will be with the \nAriya SUV\n, slated to go on sale in Japan first in the middle of 2021. The fully-electric SUV is offered in four different variants consisting of two battery options \u2013 63 kWh and 87 kWh \u2013 and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive powertrains.\nRange is rated at 600 km for the larger battery, while the smaller one manages 450 km of pure electric range.\nThe Nissan Leaf is priced at RM181,263 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n and extra savings. For the latest updated price list of all Nissan models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"Hot on the heels from its \nAxia\n launch late last year, Perodua, the leading Malaysian compact car maker today introduces the \nNew Myvi\n with four variants altogether.\nThe first of which is the \n1.3-litre category\n. We have the base model, \nMyvi Standard G\n (MT/AT), attractively priced from \nRM 41,500\n and a new variant called \nMyvi Premium X\n (AT) retailing from \nRM 47,500\n.\nNext up is the \n1.5-litre\n category which includes the \nMyvi SE\n (MT/AT), which starts from \nRM 50,500\n and \nMyvi Advance\n (AT), which tops out at \nRM59,500\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPerodua New Myvi Standard G\nPerodua New Myvi Premium X\nSegment\nB-Segment\nB-Segment\nEngine\n1298cc DVVT, DOHC with EFI\n1298cc DVVT, DOHC with EFI\nTransmission\n5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto\n4-speed Auto\nMax Power\n90hp @ 6,000 rpm\n90hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n117Nm @ 4,400 rpm\n117Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM 41,500\nfrom RM 47,500\n\u00a0\nName\nPerodua New Myvi SE\nPerodua New Myvi Advance\nSegment\nB-Segment\nB-Segment\nEngine\n1495cc DVVT, DOHC with EFI\n1495cc DVVT, DOHC with EFI\nTransmission\n5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto\n4-speed Auto\nMax Power\n102hp @ 6,000 rpm\n102hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n136Nm @ 4,400 rpm\n136Nm @ 4,400 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM 50,500\nfrom RM 58,500\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nLet\u2019s start with the colour, shall we? In addition to the popular colours already available on existing models, two new metallic colours were introduced today. \nElectric Blue\n for the SE and Advanced variants and \nCosmic Gold\n for the Standard G and Premium X variants.\nThe 1.5litre variants get projector headlamps with \nLED Guide Lights\n and fog lights. The Advance variant meanwhile, gets kitted up with a plethora of upgrades: Carbon fibre-look front bumper, skirting with chrome finish, reflectors and diffuser on the rear bumper, rear LED lights a rear spoiler.   INTERIOR\nMore than just a facelift, the interior gets an update too. Standard on the lower variants (Standard G and Premium X) are fabric seats (beige/grey on the 1.3litre variants, black and red on the 1.5 SE) and black, monotone dashboard. There\u2019s the all-new \nretractable cup holder\n for the driver\u2019s side and underneath it, a multi-purpose compartment for keeping your smart tag away from prying eyes and a new \nMulti-info Display\n sit right in the middle of the speedometer.   On to the Advance variant, the adjustable steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather with red stitching. The red stitching motif continues on to the \nleather semi bucket seats\n. This variant also get an updated \nMultimedia system\n with \nnavigation\n and \nreverse camera\n as opposed to a Radio CD player on the Standard G. Premium X and SE variants on the other hand has MP3/WMA, USB and Bluetooth.\nWeirdly enough, there a \nhidden tissue holder\n located right behind the front passenger seat. How one stretches and manage to tear one off without accidentally pulling a muscle is beyond me. Right, moving on. Rear seat are 60:40 pplit folding seats and can be extended for a full-flat mode.   PERFORMANCE\nPerformance wise, they remain the same as the previous generation\u2019s power plant. However, there\u2019s a new Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (E-AT) system that improves on the fuel efficiency as compared to the old one. Fuel consumption on the 1.3litre variants will do 18.1km/l on the manual and 16.7km/l with the auto. As for the 1.5litre variants, the manual will achieve 16.4 km/l and 15.4 km/l on the auto.\nSAFETY\nThe New Myvi is now improved with a \n4-star rating\n by the \nAsian NCAP\n, who were at hand to present the certification during the launch. Standard on all variants: Electronic Power Steering (EPS), \na pair of SRS airbags\n for the driver and front passenger seats, \nIsofix\n points and the \nAnti Snatch Hook\n that made its debut on the Axia last year. The Premium X, SE and Advance variants get \nAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)\n with \nElectronic Brake Distribution (EBD)\n and \nBrake Assist (BA)\n.   WHAT ELSE?\nFor Perodua Myvi Premium X and above, there are front corner sensors for manoeuvring through tricky parking situations; which can be deactivated when driving or in a traffic situation. So yes, safety is optional or rather, no one drives well enough to park a small car.\n [divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You\u2019ve seen us share a video on the\n new Fiesta ST\n looking \nrather underwhelming with Launch Control\n\u00a0but this video makes up for it and salvages some street cred for the hot hatch.\nThat\u2019s cause it sounds pretty darn good if you asked me \u2013 both on the outside and from within the cabin. From inside, check out how eager the pokey little 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder\u00a0EcoBoost engine is and how relentless the speed is.\nAlso, notice how the centre \u201cfloating\u201d display is positioned in the same way as the ones in most Mercedes-Benz\u2019, except this one seems to protrude a lot more \u2013 unlike before when it was flush in the dashboard \u2013 not sure what it would do to visibility.\nThe new Fiesta ST makes close to 200 hp with nearly 300 Nm of torque \u2013 allowing to breeze through a 0 to 100 km/h run in just 6.5 seconds, before topping out at 231 km/h.\nI guess this video proves that wrong.\nCredit: \nAutoTopNL"
"While it is common to see Vauxhalls, Volkswagens, BMWs, Volvos and even \nLotus\n being used as patrol cars in the UK, the offering of a \u2018green\u2019 yet powerful example for duties by mainstream automakers have been rather limited.\nFord in the UK together with its long-term partner, Safeguard SVP, has built an emission-free concept car using the latest fully electric \nMustang Mach-E\n, following many enquiries from the UK police forces looking for greener solutions to the current products currently available to them.\nUnder evaluation by various police forces is the Ford Mustang Standard Range AWD, with a combined output of \n269\n \nhp/580 Nm\n and a century sprint time of \n6.3 seconds\n. With more data and usage patterns from users, Ford is planning to offer the Extended Range variant, increasing the driving range from 399 km to 539 km to further add improve the vehicle\u2019s patrolling and emergency services capabilities.\nTwo months ago, the Ford Mustang Mach-E set a \nnew EV efficiency record\n, taking just only 45 minutes of charging on a \n1,352 km \nroad trip from John O\u2019Groats to Land\u2019s End \u2013 the longest \u201cdirect distance\u201d journey in the UK!\nAs for pursuing very determined and serious road offenders, Ford UK is also offering the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT version, capable of supercar-like sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.7 seconds\n thanks to \n487 hp/860 Nm\n output.\nIn Germany, even the Polizei uses modified BMWs. Check out this 620 hp BMW 8 Series for law enforcement duties here!\nAmong the equipment fitted to the concept car are bespoke mounting pods and brackets to ensure suitable locations are found for operational use, with minimal damage to the vehicle. All lighting is LED with very low power consumption to reduce the current draw from the vehicle\u2019s 12V power system.\nMeanwhile, the 999 livery is a first-off design that utilises high specification material to maximise day and night visibility requirements.\nIn the UK, Ford is offering the Mustang Mach-E in five variants, priced from GBP41,330 (approx. RM237k) for the single motor standard range variant, to GBP57,030 (approx. RM327k) for the AWD extended-range variant.\nThe Ford Mustang Mach-E GT with supercar-like performance is meanwhile priced from GBP67,225 (approx. RM385k).\nThe Dubai Police joins the Italian 2021 Mille Miglia race with a Mercedes-Benz SLS patrol car. Find out the reason here.\nGALLERY"
"Following the news that Klang Valley and Malacca has moved to \nPhase 3 \nof the National Recovery Plan, here are some updates for those who are not fully vaccinated.\nAs of today, the 1st of October 2021, those who are not fully vaccinated are allowed to visit showrooms, car washes, and morning markets. Dine-in privileges are still strictly for those who are fully vaccinated.\nAs for the number of occupants allowed per car (for those who are not fully vaccinated), the limit has now been extended to\n three\n \noccupants\n. States which are still in Phase 2 of the NRP, the limit remains the same at two per car.\nAs for taxis and e-hailing services, the number of passengers allowed in a vehicle has changed to three although all three passengers are required to be in the backseat; even though it makes absolutely no sense at all.\nStates which are still in Phase 2 of the NRP includes Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Perak, Sabah and Johor, while states in \nPhase 3\n are Perlis, Pahang, Terengganu, Malacca, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya. The last three are considered to be one area.\nFor those who have been fully vaccinated, the number of passengers allowed per car is based on the seating capacity of the car.\nExpired road tax and driving licence renewal deadline extended to December 31st. Read about it here!"
"The Honda HR-V quickly became a crowd favourite here in Malaysia, ever since its local introduction \nback in 2015\n. Among the many reasons for its success, one thing that\u2019s clear is that the HR-V lacked serious competition in the segment at the time.\nOf course, after other carmakers started realising how lucrative the segment is, rivalling models started filling in the space \u2013 but at that point, it\u2019s pretty much already too late as the HR-V already pulled off a massive lead.\nThe situation is going to be a little different when the upcoming \nall-new Honda HR-V\n launches here in Malaysia, as there\u2019s now a myriad of competent options available in the B-segment SUV space, such as the \nProton X50\n and \nToyota Corolla Cross\n. Despite that, we still think the all-new Honda HR-V will take over the sales baton from its predecessor \u2013 and here\u2019s why.\nHey there, good-looking.\n1. ALL-NEW DESIGN\nThe Honda HR-V took the market by storm due to its unique and fashionable design at that time. Designed to cater to the mid-20\u2019s to 30s crowd, the Honda HR-V came with unique features such as the coupe-like roofline and hidden rear door handles that appeals to those who are looking to stand out from the sea of three-box sedans. It\u2019s in its name, really, as \u2018HR-V\u2019 supposedly means \nH\nip & Smart \nR\nunabout \nV\nehicle.\nFor the all-new model, Honda managed to keep the \u201chip\u201d in its design, all while adding in an air of class for an even more upmarket feel, appealing to a larger demographic than before. And that\u2019s not just limited to its exterior styling, too.\nWhile we can\u2019t tell you how the materials feel without examining the car in person, the dashboard design (based on official photos) does give you the sense that you\u2019re sitting in a properly premium. We can\u2019t say the same for most of its competitors out there right now, perhaps aside from the Proton X50, though the latter is let down by its infotainment system software.\nWe concede that design is mostly a subjective thing, but a personal friend of mine has already held off her booking for the Proton X50 after seeing photos of the all-new Honda HR-V, so take that as you will.\n2. EVEN MORE SPACE\nThe current Honda HR-V is often lauded for its interior space, with a smart packaging (\nthose ULTRA seats!\n) and a massive 437 litres cargo space at the back, the latter second only to the Toyota Corolla Cross (440 L).\nWhile the dimensions of the all-new model are nearly identical to the outgoing model, Honda says that it has completely overhauled the proportions of the compact SUV with an emphasis on \nspace efficiency\n. As a result, the all-new model boasts an increase of 35 mm in the rear legroom department, and a more versatile boot space for \u201ca wide variety of luggage, bicycles, and other sports and lifestyle-related equipment\u201d.\nNeed to carry more people than cargo? Then perhaps the Mitsubishi Xpander or Honda BR-V might be better suited for you. See how they compare here!\nWith so much space offered on a compact-class vehicle, it\u2019s not unseemly to expect C-segment shoppers opting to downsize to the Honda HR-V when it comes to buying a new family vehicle. Plus, with SUVs getting better to drive day by day, some sedan and hatchback buyers might even spring for an SUV just for that extra versatility, without sacrificing on driving fun!\n3. ECONOMICAL DAILY COMMUTE\nWith the country\u2019s economy in its current state, we won\u2019t blame you for penny-pinching. If you\u2019re looking for a new family car that will give you the most kilometres from every drop of petrol, then the upcoming all-new Honda HR-V might be your best bet.\nThe reason, is none other than the \ne:HEV powertrain\n underneath the bonnet. Similar to the \nHonda City RS\n, the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine functions mainly as a generator for the electric motors, only driving the wheels directly during higher speed for increased efficiency.\nAs a result of the fancy powertrain set-up, the all-new hybrid Honda HR-V e:HEV is rated for a combined fuel consumption figure of just \n4 litres/100km\n based on the WLTC test cycle, compared to 5.9 l/100km on the petrol-only variant. For context, the outgoing model is rated at 6.6 L/100km, and is based on the more lenient NEDC test cycle.\nOf course, this is all based on a hunch that the Malaysian-specification model will also feature with the e:HEV powertrain. But seeing that we were the first country in the world to launch the City RS, we\u2019d say that the chances are pretty high.\n4. THE HONDA BADGE\nThis one really just explains itself, doesn\u2019t it. Over the last few years, Honda has carved itself out to be \nthe\n brand of choice in the non-national segment, especially within the younger crowd. Any fresh-graduate with a Honda City is automatically seen as being \u201cmore successful\u201d, and who doesn\u2019t want to feel superior?\nThe Honda badge carries a certain prestige with it these days; even though the notion of the \u201c\nlambang H\n\u201d has somewhat become a joke on the internet, its effects \u2013 be it psychological or actual sales numbers \u2013 can\u2019t be ignored. And don\u2019t get us started on resale value.\nWith the Honda HR-V set to become the marque\u2019s latest all-new model to be introduced here in Malaysia, don\u2019t be surprised to see it flying off the shelves (figuratively, obviously) shortly after its launch \u2013 just take a look at how the all-new City performed, and you\u2019d agree too.\nEverything we\u2019ve mentioned above will probably be bettered by its rivals in the years to come, as carmakers release newer versions or even new models to compete against the Honda HR-V. But until then, we\u2019re convinced that the Honda HR-V will retain its crown as the best-selling non-national compact SUV.\nThe phenomenon has already begun in Japan, where Honda \nreceived over 32,000 orders \nfor the all-new HR-V within the first month of the model\u2019s debut \u2013 \nsix times more than its projected monthly sales figure\n. Only time will tell if we\u2019ll see the same enthusiasm for the model here in Malaysia, but all signs are pointing towards yes.\nDo you agree with us? Let us know in the comments section below!"
"Porsche has just introduced a new GTS variant to its \nPorsche Panamera\n and Sport Turismo line up. Powered by an updated 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, the four-door saloon (and \nshooting brake\n) gains a host of adrenaline pumping options as standard.\nAt the heart of the Panamera GTS is a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that has been fiddled to push out \n460 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n of twist, 20 hp & 100 Nm more than its predecessor. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via the brand\u2019s quick shifting eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n4.1 seconds\n while top speed is rated at \n292 km/h\n for the saloon and \n289 km/h\n for the Sport Turismo.\nAs standard, the GTS variants of the Panamera comes equipped with the Sport Chrono package, Sport Exhaust System, Sport Chassis (lowers the car by 10 mm), Larger Brakes (390 mm diameter front; 365 mm rear), adaptive air suspension and a recalibrated Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for sportier handling characteristics.\nThe Panamera GTS models\u2019 get the Sport Design package as standard that paints the front and rear bumpers, air intakes, side air vents and side sills in black. Both variants ride on 20-inch Panamera Design multi-spoke wheels as standard.   Inside, you\u2019ll find a Black theme on the Alcantara upholstery \u2013 contrasted by the anodised aluminium trims \u2013 multifunctional sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, Connect Plus infotainment screen, Porsche Advanced Cockpit, Porsche InnoDrive with adaptive cruise control and a heads-up display \u2013 a first for the entire Panamera range.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPorsche Panamera GTS"
"Mercedes-Benz\n has finalised the planning for a regional After-Sales Logistics Center at Senai Airport City, Johor Bahru, with the signing of a long-term lease agreement for the location. The hub is scheduled to begin operations in 2024.\nThe new distribution Centre will become a part of the global Daimler AG After-Sales Supply Chain Network, and will serve as a distribution site for spare parts across the Asia Pacific region and other countries, responsible for the importation, storage, as well as regional management of spare parts and accessories distribution.\nThe marque has enlisted developer Tiong Nam Logistics Solutions as the lead developer for the location, as well as the owner of the new warehouse. The hub will have a build-up area of approximately 1 million square feet, and will be equipped with the latest building and storage management systems.\nA new company, \u201cMercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific (Malaysia)\u201d, has also been established in the country for the operation of the new After-Sales Logistics Centre in Malaysia, and is 100% owned by Mercedes-Benz AG.\nMercedes-Benz has been named the world\u2019s most valuable luxury car brand for the sixth year in a row. Learn more here.\n\u201cWith our planned After-Sales Logistics Center, Mercedes-Benz is committed and will invest to strengthen our foothold in Malaysia. We have found excellent conditions and great support in cooperation with MIDA and the related ministries,\u201d said Mercedes-Benz VP of Global Service & Parts Operations, Thomas Schulz.\n\u201cLocated strategically in Johor Bahru, this new After-Sales Logistics Center will enable us to reaffirm our position as a global and regional distribution hub whilst creating new jobs for the region. Both our customers and our dealer networks will enjoy a good service and high-quality standards through this new infrastructure.\u201d"
"Adamant in making cars lighter yet stronger, global automotive manufacturers are turning to what seems to be an unlikely and unfathomable alternative to steel: Wood.\nCellulose nanofibres\n, a material made of wood pulp is seen as a viable alternative in the long term. \nWeighing just one-fifth of steel\n but \nfive times stronger\n it however, faces competition from carbon-based materials and is far from being commercially-viable.\nAs manufacturers move towards production of electric cars, weight reduction will be essential as with less weight there will lesser batteries needed to power the car \u2013 and fewer batteries mean reduced cost.\nCredit: NHK World / japanbullet.com\nAs reported by \nCNBC\n, researchers at Kyoto University, Denso (one of Toyota\u2019s biggest supplier of components) and DaikyoNishikawa are all working with cellulose nanofibre-incorporated plastic materials. The potential application of cellulose nanofibres has been enabled by the \u201cKyoto Process\u201d \u2013 a method that can see \nproduction cost slashed to one-fifth\n.\nSimilarly, it was also claimed that Kyoto\u00a0University Professor Hiroaki Yano reportedly told Reuters in an interview that it is the lowest-cost, high performance application of cellulose nanofibres hence the focus on its use in automotive and even aircraft parts.\nThe university is currently in the process of developing a prototype vehicle, along with auto parts suppliers, using the said material and due for completion by 2020.\nSource/Cover Photo: \nCNBC"
"Michelin\u2019s highly acclaimed Pilot Sport series has now been expanded further, this time catering to the booming SUV market. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV (PS4 SUV) is a dedicated sports tyre adapted for SUVs and not merely a \u201csporty SUV tyre\u201d as the tyre maker claims.\nHigh-performance SUVs\nare becoming a common sight and its much higher centre of gravity and heavier\nweight pose as a new challenge for tyre makers to create a rubber that can\nwithstand much higher and larger centrifugal forces. The PS4 SUV addresses just\nthat using tyre technology taken from Formula E for maximum high-speed control with\nadditional reinforcement to cater to SUVs.\nLike the standard \nPS4\n and \nPS4 S\n, the PS4 SUV features an \nasymmetrical tread pattern\n \u2013 the outer part for dry conditions and the inner section for wet conditions. The ultra-reactive thread pattern was inspired from Michelin supplied Formula E racing tyres and are also equipped with \u2018Dynamic Response\u2019 technology, a belt with a hybrid reinforcement made of aramid and nylon. All these combined gives the driver optimum contact patch and unparalleled steering precision.\nBased on an independent\ntest carried out by the TUV SUD, the PS4 SUV has superior dry and wet braking performance\ncompared to the competition. Michelin\u2019s motto of Safe When Worn is also present\nhere as tested, braking an average 5.2 metres shorter than its competitors when\ncomparing wet braking performance (from 80 km/h to stop) on worn tyres.\nMichelin said that the PS4 SUV replaces the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tyres and the excellent tyre life, comfort and robust characteristics of the Latitude Sport 3 have been carried over to the PS4 SUV. These were achieved using rigid tread blocks and a two-layer high-density casing ply to ensure maximum comfort and low rolling noise.\nMichelin\u2019s Premium\nTouch Technology that adds a velvet finish onto the sidewalls are also present here,\ngiving the tyres an exclusive look as well as acts as rim-protectors from kerbs\nand pavements.\nA total of 53 sizes are available for the Michelin PS4 SUV \u2013 18 of which are new sizes to cater to a wider range of vehicles. Available rim diameter ranges from 17- to 23-inches while selected 18-,19- and 20-inch sizes are available with Michelin\u2019s Zero Pressure run flat technology.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMichelin\u00a0Pilot\u00a0Sport\u00a04\u00a0SUV Global\u00a0Debut"
"With 2023 being Porsche Sports Cars\u2019 75th birthday, \nPorsche\n introduces the new 718 Spyder RS. The new sportscar is the carmaker\u2019s most powerful version yet of the mid-engined roadster and sits on top of the 718 model line.\nAt the front, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS features a front end that is identical to the one on the \n718 Cayman GT4 RS\n. Its front bonnet is made of CFRP and features an air outlet above the bumper.\nThere are also sideblades at the outer ends of the bumper of the 718 Spyder RS to assist in increasing the sports car\u2019s downforce. Besides, two NACA ducts are also included to enhance the mid-engined sports car\u2019s brake cooling without affecting its aerodynamic performance.\nPorsche has also made the front spoiler lip of the new sports car slightly shorter than the one on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. In conjunction with the larger rear wing, it helps with producing a higher overall downforce for the car and therefore requires a larger spoiler lip to achieve aerodynamic balance.\nAt the back, the 718 Spyder RS features a tear-off edge that is shaped like a ducktail. Fitted onto the mid-engined sports car are 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. Customers are also able to pick their new sports car\u2019s exterior to be covered in colours such as the new Vanadium Grey Metallic, as well as the Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo.\nBeing a roadster, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS features a manually operated single-layer soft top. Claimed by the carmaker to be lightweight and compact, the soft top consists of two parts, a sun sail and a weather deflector, which are both removable and can be stored in the car itself.\nThe entire roof weighs 18.3 kg, which is 7.6 kg and 16.5 kg lighter than the regular 718 Spyder and 718 Boxster respectively. When the weather is clear, owners can also choose to leave the soft top at home entirely and shave off another eight kilograms from the weight of the car.\nKeeping the 718 Spyder RS lightweight was also one of Porsche\u2019s main focuses. Weighing \n1,410 kg\n, the 718 Spyder RS is 40 kg lighter than the 718 Spyder, and also weighs five kilograms lesser than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. This effort from the sports car company contributes to the 718 Spyder RS\u2019 better performance and creates a new benchmark for the 718 model line.\nThe chassis of the mid-engine roadster features components found in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the \n718 Spyder\n. Designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads, as the carmaker claims, the 718 Spyder RS comes standard with Porsche\u2019s Active Suspension Management (PASM). This suspension setup also comes with sports tuning and is lowered by 30 mm.\nThe Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) is also included together with a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD). The car\u2019s ride height, camber, track and anti-roll bar can all be adjusted individually too.\nUnder the hood is Porsche\u2019s 4.0-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine, which is also found in the \n911 GT3\n sports car & 911 GT3 Cup racing car. Capable of producing \n492 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque, the mid-mounted engine is able to rev up to 9,000 rpm.\nMated to the engine is a seven-speed PDK dual-l-clutch transmission, which allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n. Hitting the 200 km/h mark takes \n10.9 seconds\n with this mid-engine roadster.\nCompared to the non-RS 718 Spyder, the 718 Spyder RS gains an extra 79 hp, and sprints to 100 km/h half a second faster. Its top speed is also 8 km/h more, at \n308 km/h\n.\nPorsche GT Cars Head, Andreas Preuninger said, \u201cThe 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars.\u201d\n\u201cThe combination of our unmistakable GT3 engine, the close-ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low weight, road-optimised racing suspension and maximum openness offers an extremely compelling and unfiltered driving experience,\u201d added Preuninger.\nThe interior of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is according to Porsche, reduced to the functional and ergonomic essentials. Featuring a leather dashboard trim, the sports car\u2019s interior also comes with an RS sports steering wheel that is wrapped in Race-Tex and features a yellow 12-o\u2019clock marking.\nThere are also the standard full bucket seats, made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish. The seats are covered in black leather, with a perforated Race-Tex seat centre that features the Carmine Red colour. This then contrasts with the background finished in Arctic Grey.\nPorsche is also offering the Weissach package as an option. Featuring designs inspired by the limited-edition 935 from 2018, this package includes lightweight forged magnesium wheels, and sports exhaust system tailpipes made out of titanium. Inside, the upper part of the dashboard is also covered with anti-glare Race-Tex.\nIf the car itself isn\u2019t enough to satisfy your needs, there is also an optional Porsche Design Timepieces handcrafted chronograph. This chronograph is solely available exclusively to buyers of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS only.\nThe sports car will be making its public premiere in June at Porche Sports Cars\u2019 75th-year festivities in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it will also be making an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England as well.\nGALLERY"
"Introduced alongside the \nF30 BMW 3 Series M Sport Edition Shadow\n in Japan are the BMW M3 and M4 Competition M Heat Edition. Only 30 units (15 units each) will be built and is exclusive to the Japanese domestic market only.\nFinished in BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue Metallic, both cars are fitted with the \nCompetition Pack\n as standard. The M Heat Edition further adds the full range of M Performance carbon fibre body and \n20-inch M 666 multi-spoke alloy wheels\n.\nInside, the M Heat Edition M cars are equipped with M Performance Alcantara Sports steering wheel, M Performance carbon fibre interior trims, M Performance stainless-steel pedal set and footrest and exclusive M Heat Edition badges.\nMechanically, both cars are armed with a 3.0-litre M twin-power turbo inline-six that pushes out \n444 hp\n and \n549 Nm\n of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch or six-speed manual transmission. Century sprint is clocked in 3.8 seconds on the double-clutch while the manual-equipped gets there in 4.0 seconds flat.\nThe four-door M3 Sedan M Heat Edition is priced at \u00a513,610,000 (RM490k) while the two-door M3 Coupe M Heat Edition is priced at \u00a513,850,000 (RM498k). Closer to home, the M3 and M4 duo are priced at RM738k and RM748k respectively.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite the shortage in semiconductors as a result of the global pandemic, reducing its yearly production of over 30 cars a year previously, Koenigsegg Automotive has announced plans to expand its factory and production capacity to four figures per year.\nThat\u2019s not all. Founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg also said they\u2019re experimenting with ultra high-voltage battery packs and biofuels \nusing emissions from volcanoes\n!\nThe 1,700 hp Koenigsegg Gemera\nAccording to Christian, the technology \noriginates from Iceland\n where CO2 emitted from semi-active volcanoes is collected and converted into methanol.\nThe fuel, \nknown as Vulcanol\n, \nproduces 90% less carbon emissions\n compared to dinosaur fuel. It can be used not only to power the \nKoenigsegg Gemera\n\u2018s inline-3 cylinder engine for example but also to power the factories and transportation throughout the production and supply chain.\nFind out more about the Koenigsegg Gemera here!\nThe Agera RS.\n\u201cIf you take that methanol and you power the plants that do the conversion of other fuels and then power the ship that transports the those fuels to Europe or the U.S. or Asia, wherever it goes, you put the fuel completely CO2-neutral into the vehicle,\u201d Christian said.\n\u201cYou don\u2019t have to pollute the planet just because you want to have a fast, interesting sports car,\u201d he added.\nWatch how the Koenigsegg Agera RS became the world\u2019s fastest production car here!"
"Bugatti is at it again; following releases like the \nCentodieci\n, the \nLa Voiture Noire\n, and the \nDivo\n, they\u2019ve broken new barriers to bring us this \u2013 the \nBugatti Bolide\n \u2013 and despite everything you\u2019ll come to learn of the car, Bugatti has \nyet to decide if it will go into production\n.\nAs it is a Bugatti, we\u2019ll cut to the chase and give you the low-down on this extreme, track-focused hypercar as Bugatti is calling it. It\u2019s got the same amount of horsepower and torque, at \n1,850\n courtesy of an 8.0-litre 16-cylinder quad-turbocharged engine which has been revised in every way possible.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5t0PLqMy74\nYou get new turbochargers, a revised intake and exhaust system, increased boost, a new cooling system and lightened drivetrain components. Speaking of weight reduction, Bugatti has gone to such extreme lengths to save weight that the \nscrews and other fastening elements on the Bolide are all made of titanium\n. Lightweight aerospace titanium alloy materials were used in various sections of the car.\nAs for the brakes, \neach caliper only weighs 2.4 kg\n while the forged magnesium rims only weigh 7.4 kg in the front and 8.4 kg at the back. Given that the Bolide is meant to be a track day hypercar, it\u2019s even fitted with a compressed air jack system to make tyre changing easier.\nOther items to help the Bolide with unforeseen incidents on the track include an automatic fire extinguishing system, a towing device, alongside central locks for the wheels, lightweight polycarbonate windows, and a six-point harness system.\nSadly, Bugatti did not reveal how quickly the Bolide can get off the line, aside from indicating that performance figures are \ncomparable to a Formula 1 car\n and that top speed will be well \nin excess of 500 km/h\n. What a buzz kill!\nPresident of Bugatti, Stephan Winkelmann, however, hinted at what the Bolide would feel like by noting that \u201cdriving the Bolide is like riding on a cannonball\u201d.\nThe only real indication of how quick the Bolide is was derived from its lap time of \n5:23:1 around the Nurburgring circuit\n. To give you a sense of how quick that really is, the \noverall lap record is 5:19:5. \nIt was set by \nPorsche\u2019s LeMans-winning 919 Hybrid Evo\n, a full-fledged hybrid race car that\u2019s meant to be driven by extraterrestrials.\nThis is in part due to how little the Bolide weighs; at \nonly 1,240 kg\n. That\u2019s more or less the weight of a Toyota Yaris but with nearly 20 times the power \u2013 just let that sink in.\nA noteworthy section of this lightweight construction is the intake scoop that has a \u201cmorphable\u201d outer skin. If the vehicle is driven at a slow speed, the surface of the scoop remains smooth. In contrast, a field of bubbles bulges out when the Bolide speeds up. As for the body itself, visible carbon parts have been increased by 60% where only 40% of the car\u2019s surface is painted.\nGALLERY"
"The Golf GTE was first \npreviewed to the Malaysian market\n back in 2014 and we haven\u2019t heard about it until recently when Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) \u2013 distributor of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia \u2013 expressed that they are eager to introduce the GTE (plug-in hybrid) models here. Surely that got us and everyone else excited especially since the Golf GTE just \nrecently underwent a facelift\n.\nHowever, we spoke to reliable sources familiar with the matter and learnt that to introduce plug-in hybrid models \u2013 the Golf GTE in particular \u2013 will be an uphill battle. Here\u2019s why.\n1) Difficult to justify the demand volume to principal holder, Volkswagen Group (VAG)\nDue to the small demand in the Golf models in Malaysia, VPCM is unable to command the quantity needed for the Golf GTE to make a sensible business case. Besides that, should the Golf suddenly becomes VPCM\u2019s bread and butter model, the company would most definitely first look into locally assembling the Golf before introducing the Golf GTE.\n2) Lack of\u00a0facilities for local assembly and after-sales support\u00a0of\u00a0the Golf GTE (or any GTE models in fact)\nWith the tax incentive for locally assembled plug-in hybrid models, VPCM will have to introduce the Golf GTE as a CKD unit to be able to price it attractively. No one wants a Golf that costs more than a \nBMW 330e\n right?\nHowever, assembling a plug-in hybrid model is not as straightforward as a regular internal combustion models as the assembly will be handling high-voltage battery packs and model-specific parts. The concern is that VPCM will have to heavily invest in the upgrade of their facilities as well as train their service personnel to cater for Golf GTE. The large investment towards a small volume hatchback just doesn\u2019t make any sense, for now.\nWhile there are no concrete plans for the Golf GTE to be introduced to Malaysia anytime soon, the silver lining is that should VPCM return to its former glory, you can bet that there will be some exciting models coming our way. Perhaps one way to fast track that to reality is to buy more Volkswagen cars?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019ve seen it in showrooms, we\u2019ve spotted it out in the wild and now it\u2019s finally here, the \nall-new Peugeot 3008 SUV\n. First presented to the world in mid-2016, the second-generation mid-sized SUV gets a complete makeover, a new cockpit design as well as a host of new technologies.\nDesigners at Peugeot has ditched the MPV look of the outgoing model in favour of a more conventional SUV design. The new SUV now sits on PSA Groupe\u2019s new EMP2 modular platform which shaves \n100 kg\n compared to the previous model. Dimensions have grown too, now measuring at 4,447 mm in length, 2,098 mm in width, 1,624 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,675 mm.\nIn comparison, the 3008 is 149 mm shorter in length, 3 mm wider, 55 mm shorter in height and has a 15 mm longer wheelbase than the \nall-new CR-V\n. Priced at \nRM142k\n and \n155k\n, the new 3008 has its crosshair aimed at Honda\u2019s flagship SUV. But does it have what it takes? Let\u2019s find out.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPeugeot 3008 1.6 Active THP\nPeugeot 3008 1.6 Allure THP\nEngine\n1,598cc; turbocharged inline-4\nTransmission\n6-speed Automatic\nMax Power\n165 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.9 seconds; 206 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM142,888\nRM155,888\nEXTERIOR\nAs mentioned earlier, the new 3008 now features more conventional SUV styling but the designers at Peugeot did not merely come out with a more rugged 2008. Instead, the intricate but impactful details separate the 3008 from its other siblings.\nOn the \nentry level Active THP\n, forward illumination comes from a pair of halogen reflector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and halogen fog lamps. The lower front bumper trim is cladded in plastic while the grille, fog lamp housings and roof rack are finished in chrome. Round the back it gets the family \n\u2018lion claw\u2019 LED taillamps\n and a chrome trim across the lower bumper section.   Stepping up to the\n Allure THP\n, you\u2019d get more premium features such as \nfull LED headlamps\n with daytime running lights, GT-Line horizontal slat grille, silver painted front lower bumper and additional chrome stripes on the side. Both variants rides on 18-inch \u2018Los Angeles\u2019 alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55 profile tyres.\nINTERIOR\nWhile there are several notable differences on the exterior, the cabin tells a completely different story. Both variants are armed to the teeth. With the \nnext-generation i-Cockpit\n architecture, standard equipment reads leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, \n12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster\n, electronic parking brake, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start and rear air vents.   Discerning the two variants are the leather upholstery with eight-way powered seats with memory function and LED mood lighting on the more expensive THP Allure and fabric upholstery with manual-levelling seats on the THP Active. Boot space is rated at \n520 litres\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nMotivating the all-new 3008 is a carryover unit from the previous generation 3008, the \n1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n producing \n165\n \nhp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque, a 25 hp and 3 Nm deficit from Honda\u2019s 1.5-litre V-TEC Turbo mill. Drive is channelled to the front-wheels via a \nsix-speed automatic transmission\n.\nIts century sprint is completed in \n8.9 seconds\n, just one-tenth slower than the 2WD turbocharged CR-V. While the Pug has lesser peak horsepower, it will register a top speed of \n206 km/h\n, a shade faster than the CR-V\u2019s 200 km/h rated top speed. Fuel economy is rated at 7.0 litres per 100 km.\nThe 3008 is equipped with \nAdvanced Grip Control\n which allows the driver to cycle between five driving modes \u2013 Normal, ESP Off, Sand, Mud and Snow. Each mode alters the traction control system and regulates torque and braking on each driven wheels to ensure maximum traction on whatever surfaces.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, the 3008 is equipped with\n six airbags\n, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Stability Programme, Hill-Start Assist, Hill Assist Decent Control (HADC),\u00a0\nLane Departure Warning\n, speed limit recognition, driver attention alert\u00a0and reverse camera.\nWhile its lack of driver assistance systems pales in comparison to the \nCRV\u2019s Honda Sensing active systems\n, bear in mind that the 3008 is aimed at Honda\u2019s lower two variants, the 2.0L 2WD and 1.5TC 2WD; both of which \ndoes not come equipped with Honda Sensing\n. This places the 3008 on par with its main rivals in the safety department.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe all-new Peugeot 3008 is available in \nfive exterior shades\n \u2013 Metallic Copper, Magnetic Blue, Amazonite Grey while Ultimate Red and Pearl White will set your wallet back another \nRM1,590\n. The fully-imported SUV is backed by a 5-Year or 120,000 km warranty with 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service. We had the luxury to \nsample the 3008 in Bologna prior to its local debut\n, albeit a left-hand drive unit, and found it to be an attractive package overall. It\u2019s a shame that we won\u2019t be getting the more powerful and efficient turbodiesel because it proved to be our favourite among the lot.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPeugeot 3008 1.6 Allure THP"
"Mazda in Japan has introduced an updated version of the \nCX-5 that Eu Jin reviewed\n almost a year back with plenty of interesting updates, but they\u2019re primarily \u201cbeneath the surface\u201d.\nThe highlight of which is a new 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G turbocharged petrol engine making \n230 hp\n and the same amount of torque as the \n2.2-litre diesel model\n at \n420 Nm\n. It\u2019s the first model in Japan to be offered with the engine.\nTransmission options are limited to the 6-speed automatic transmission, with an option for front or all-wheel drive. What\u2019s really interesting is the fact that Mazda even bothered to offer a 6-speed manual transmission for the diesel variants. The \nnew GVC Plus system\n is another addition to the updated model.\nThe Advanced Smart City Braking Support (SCBS) system now features an additional nighttime pedestrian detection function, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are now available along with additional tweeters to the sound system. Climate control switches have also been redesigned.\nFor the more \u201cextra\u201d owners, there\u2019s an Exclusive Mode model that\u2019s equipped with 19-inch alloys, much like the ones you see on the \ngigantic CX-9 Eu Jin reviewed a few months back\n. Inside, the Exclusive Mode is furnished with Deep Red Nappa leather, real woodgrain trims, a frameless rear-view mirror and a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument display.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has embarked on a three-year partnership agreement with a French watchmaker, BRM Chronographes. In the contract, BRM Chronographes is now the Official Timewear for SIC, and BRM Chronographes will provide timepieces for SIC.\nThe timepieces mentioned include an \nofficial clock for the circuit\n, as well as \n15 watches as prizes\n for the champions of the \nMalaysian Championship Series\n (MCS) and the \nMalaysia Superbike Championship\n (MSBK) for the next three years.\nFounded in 2002, the motorsports-inspired French watchmaker made its mark here in Malaysia in 2015, where their first flagship store in Asia opened in Starhill Gallery.\n\u201cWe are glad to cement this partnership with BRM Chronographes as they are an excellent fit for SIC. They are well-known for their passion for motorsports, and have collaborated with many organisations and teams in the motorsports arena around the world. BRM Chronographes is also known for the quality of their timepieces, and this again gels with us, as precision timekeeping is crucial in a high-octane field like motorsports,\u201d said \nSIC CEO Dato\u2019 Razlan Razali\n.\nMr Vincent Chin, CEO of BRM Chronographes (Malaysia)\n added \u201cWe are honoured to have this opportunity to work with Sepang International Circuit as their Official Timewear partner. BRM Chronographes has always been passionate about the world of motorsports, and what better partner in Malaysia than the guardian of Malaysia\u2019s Home of Motorsports.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mazda CX-4 is a coupe-inspired crossover which Mazda calls the \u201cexploring coupe\u201d. At launch, it will sit between the CX-3 and CX-5 and is set to make its global debut at the Beijing Motor later this month April.\nIts sleek and curvy exterior appears consistent with the \nKoeru crossover coupe\n concept unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. As you would expect of Mazda, the front fascia is distinctly \nKodo\n and shares the same shade of Soul Red Metallic paint job. Move your eyes to the rear and you\u2019ll spot the sloping roofline which could be an indication of headroom compromise.   Judging from the interior pictures, the CX-4 inherits most of the bits and pieces from the CX-3. The\u00a0 MZD-Connect infotainment system is positioned right where it belongs, and a Heads-Up Display is also available as well.\nWhile no details on the powertrain have been revealed up to this point, we think the CX-4 will be powered by a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, since both the \nCX-3\n and \nCX-5\n share the similar 154 hp petrol lump. Being a Mazda, it should drive inherently well too. \nSadly, the CX-4 is only bound for mainland China \u2013 for now. It\u2019s scheduled to go on sale in 2017, so the upcoming Beijing show will mark the first time world lays eyes on\u00a0the\u00a0CX-4. We\u2019re a little bitter that it won\u2019t make it to Malaysia, because as far as we\u2019re concerned, the CX-4 pushes all the right buttons for Malaysians who are looking for wheels that turn eyes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"myTukar Sdn Bhd, Malaysia\u2019s fastest growing online used car trading platform is set for a hyper-growth following the recent opening of three new outlets in Malacca, Penang and Ipoh in September, with another four more due in Q4 of 2020, bringing the total branches nationwide to 16.\nTo-date, myTukar\u2019s 2,000 strong dealership network has transacted over 23,000 vehicles with an estimated value of RM750 million. The additional four more branches targeted to open in Q4 include a second outlet in Johor Bahru which will also be myTukar\u2019s Southern Logistics hub and a major hub for car inspection.\nOther outlets will be opened in Kuantan, Batu Pahat, and Seremban. Currently, myTukar is located at Glenmarie, Puchong (Central Logistics Hub & Puchong 2\nnd\n Branch), Selayang, USJ (Central Logistics Hub), Cheras, Klang, Kajang and Johor Bahru. They\u2019re joined by three newly opened outlets at Malacca, Penang and Ipoh.\nEach new myTukar outlet can accommodate up to three cars at any given time and is equipped with free WiFi, refreshments, and a comfortable waiting lounge. Each outlet is managed by qualified and professional inspectors to provide a comprehensive 158-point inspection and evaluation within 30 minutes or less. When in full operation, the 16 branches can serve up to 300 cars per day.\nmyTukar, CEO, Fong Hon Sum said, \u201cThe opening of multiple new branches is the most significant milestone for myTukar since we began operations in 2018. We are driven by our mission to digitalise and transform the traditional way of selling used cars.\u201d\n\u201cThis nationwide expansion strategy is in line with and complements CARRO Group\u2019s strategy to continuously expand and digitalise car trading for the South East Asia Region. CARRO Group is Southeast Asia\u2019s largest car marketplace and currently has a presence in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia,\u201d he added."
"Mitsubishi Motors Corporation\n is set to unveil a new compact SUV at GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2023. The compact SUV by Mitsubishi will rival the likes of the \nHonda HR-V\n \nin the ASEAN region, although its name has yet to be confirmed.\nAhead of its debut, Mitsubishi has unveiled several details about the car including some glimpses of its exterior design through teaser videos and images. From what has been shared by Mitsubishi so far, the unnamed SUV boasts comfort, a spacious cabin, versatile storage spaces, a compact body size, and safe road handling, making it a \u201cbest-suited buddy for an exciting life\u201d.\nConsidering how compact SUVs are utilized in the ASEAN region, Mitsubishi\u2019s HR-V rival features characteristics that make it easily maneuverable, pretty much like the Mitsubishi Xpander. The compact SUV has a ground clearance of 222 mm, four driving modes (Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud), and Active Yaw Control (AYC). AYC improves control of the vehicle by adjusting the driving force on the front left and right wheels.\nOne key feature that Mitsubishi highlights for its new compact SUV is the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium Sound System. Co-developed with Yamaha, the sound system was designed to answer the needs of ASEAN customers. The main takeaway of the sound system is that it adjusts itself with the vehicle speed to deliver the best sound quality at any driving speed, even when driving on rough surfaces.\nRELATED: \nAll-new Mitsubishi compact SUV set for August debut in Indonesia \u2013 ASX successor?\nMitsubishi Motors chief product specialist, Masahiro Ito said, \u201cIn developing the all-new compact SUV, we enhanced road performance through repeated testing in Japan on a course that mirrored the road conditions of the ASEAN region, as well as thorough, extensive road testing in the region itself.\u201d\n\u201cWe developed the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium with special attention to high-quality sound so that customers who come on board can enjoy an exciting driving experience. This all-new compact SUV is full of Mitsubishi Motors-ness and attractions befitting a Mitsubishi vehicle, so please look forward to the launch.\u201d\nRELATED: \nHere\u2019s your first look at the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Triton \u2013 global debut on 26 July\n \nGIIAS 2023 will be open to the public from \nAugust 11\n to \n20\n, 2023. The new Mitsubishi small SUV will reportedly be called the Destinator, and that shall be confirmed upon its launch."
"The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and \nPerodua \nhave announced a new partnership, which will see the introduction of the MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme, aimed at upgrading the local automotive suppliers with cutting-edge technologies and machinery, and to digitalise their manufacturing processes through adoption of Industry 4.0.\nAt an event held at MIDA\u2019s headquarters in KL Sentral yesterday, the parties welcomed five more new companies to the programme to bolster the three-company strong line-up, the latter also showcased their progress in their respective projects.\n\u201cThe initiation of the MIDA-Perodua collaboration in 2020 was crucial to ensure a steady development of our local player\u2019s capabilities in the automotive industry. Under MIDA\u2019s initiative to facilitate these companies to adopt digitalisation and Industry 4.0, we have been successful to contributing immense growth in Perodua\u2019s manufacturing volume, through the empowerment of its industry partners and service providers.\u201d said MIDA Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman.\n\u201cThe Government has undertaken concerted efforts to review existing policies and recalibrate investment strategies to ensure that Malaysian business environment remains conducive to global investors. The Government has also been persistently undertaking efforts to promote and facilitate local companies to scale up and accelerate their adoption of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technology through various incentives and facilities,\u201d he added.\nALSO READ: \nDaihatsu Ayla EV concept unveiled \u2013 Electric Perodua Axia in the making?\nPerodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad added that the Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme is aligned with the government\u2019s efforts to enhance local technology ecosystem development activities, particularly in the supply and value chains, research and development activities, as well as innovation and commercialisation.\n\u201cThe programme has shown a promising sign as the first group of participants had implemented their proposed projects. [.] The implementation of Industry 4.0 is not only for the automotive supplier\u2019s benefit, but the impact of this programme will contribute greatly to the national\u2019s digital transformation agenda.\n\u201cThe programme also can fast track Malaysia\u2019s industries, from small to large, as it provides both funds and guidance. Perodua\u2019s role has always been to develop the automotive ecosystem and this programme is another example of our commitment towards this objective,\u201d he said.\nALSO READ: \nAll-new 2022 Perodua Alza bookings now 39k units strong, 4,000 units delivered\nPhoto: LSF Technology\nThe first phase of MIDA-Perodua strategic partnership saw participation from three \u201cPerodua friendly partners\u201d, including LSF Technology, J.K. Wire Harness, and Autoliv Hirotako Safety. These automotive suppliers have been granted Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) as part of the Government\u2019s initiative to assist the local companies to embark into the global supply chain.\nMoving forward, MIDA and Perodua have identified five more new additional vendors to join the programme, including Armstrong Auto Parts, Ingress Aoi Technologies, Namicoh Suria, P.D. Kawamura Kako Manufacturing, and Kumpulan Jebco. These companies have been selected due to their potential and growth opportunities from digitalisation, the press release says."
"The upcoming\n Proton X70\n has just been awarded a 5-star rating by the ASEAN NCAP in its recent safety crash test \u2013 with a score that puts it near the top of its segment for occupant safety.\nThe X70\u2019s impressive rating is largely down to Proton\u2019s use of Hot Press Forming (HPF) technology for body structures \u2013 similarly applied to\u00a0\nthe Proton Iriz, Proton Persona, Proton Preve and Proton Suprima S.\nThe HPF body structure is also supplemented with six airbags for all variants, ISOFIX child seat mounting points as well as seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.\nAs a result of these features, the X70 was able to attain a perfect score for the side impact and head protection tests. Under the new test procedures, safety assist technologies were also taken into consideration and makes up 25% of the overall score.\nFortunately for \nProton\u2019s first ever SUV\n, whose\n specifications were recently revealed\n, it\u2019s provided with features like the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) \u2013 a first for a Proton.\nSumming up, the X70 scored better than the \nHonda CR-V\n in the Adult Occupant Protection test, while the Japanese SUV had the better score for Child Occupant Protection. Both the CR-V and X70 scored equal points in the Side Impact Protection test, with the X70 attaining a better score for frontal collisions.\nFor those eager to get a glimpse of Proton\u2019s first ever SUV, it will be making its public debut at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) happening soon, with five units on display.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The show is on the road with the 16th edition of the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 after it was officiated yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato\u2019 Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi \u2013 and it promises to offer something for everyone, in automotive sense, throughout the next three days till the 12th of November.\nWhat I\u2019d strongly recommend you to look out for is a huge white outdoor tent, just outside of the main exhibition area (Hall A) with the word \u201cToyota\u201d on it with a huge poster saying \u201cHilux & Fortuner Test Drive Event\u201d \u2013\u00a0 it\u2019s possibly the most exhilarating thing you can do this weekend.\nThat\u2019s because you\u2019d be taken on taxi rides in the new Hilux and Fortuner, through a series of ramps which puts them in the most compromising positions to demonstrate how the Active Traction Control (A-TRC) systems help get the vehicles out of the stickiest situations.\nYou\u2019d also be driven up a ramp (which might be a little nervy for those with a fear of heights) \u2013 with a 35-degree inclination followed by another 35-degree slope for a demonstration of the the vehicle\u2019s Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and the Downhill Assist Control (DAC).\nElsewhere there is also a course specifically prepared through a tricky and unapologetic muddy terrain where the Active Traction Control (A-TRC) would be put to the test.\nAt the main exhibition area, Toyota will be displaying the \nnew Harrier \nand \nthe C-HR\n, and one of the cars participating in the Vios Challenge One-Make race series happening 25th-26th November 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton\u2019s recent success has been quite obvious, even by just a glance on the road. We may have become quite desensitised to their monthly sales report, but when you view Proton\u2019s achievements over a longer period, they actually look mighty impressive.\nIn a recent business briefing event, \nProton\n shared that it has achieved a record growth of 115% since 2018, jumping from 63,556 units sold per year, all the way up to 136,026 units in 2022. And that\u2019s made even more remarkable, when you consider that a majority of these were during \nCovid-19 \nlockdown times.\nThe incredible jump in sales performance, of course, comes down primarily to the new SUV models \u2013 \nX70\n and \nX50 \n\u2013 which made their debut in \nDecember 2018\n and \nOctober 2020\n respectively.\nIn fact, Proton says that they are delivering 5,100 SUVs per month on average, made up by 2,000 units of the X70, and 3,100 X50s. To date, there are already over 158,000 Proton SUV owners on the roads.\nWATCH: \n2022 Proton X70 1.5TGDi Premium 2WD review \u2013 3-cylinder brilliance?\nBut the annual sales growths were not just due to the SUVs. Over the last five years, Proton has also completely revamped its bread-and-butter PIES (\nPersona\n, \nIriz\n, \nExora\n,\n Saga\n) model line-up, and each one of them have also seen commendable improvements in their average monthly sales figures.\nOne standout in particular is the Proton Saga, which saw a 148% jump in terms of average monthly sales figures, from 2,349 units in 2018, to 5,834 units from 2019-2022. The Proton Saga was \nlast updated in mid-2022 \nwith several creature comfort additions, and has since raked up a large amount of orders for the national carmaker, regularly ranking as the top seller in its segment.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium S review \u2013 redefining the National car\nThe national carmaker has ambitious plans moving forward, including an \nEV roadmap\n that starts with the \nmild-hybrid-powered Proton X90\n this year. The PIES models will also see continuous updates with new powertrains, while the company also looks to \naggressively expand its export sales\n, starting with the reentry to the two largest markets in ASEAN, Indonesia and Thailand.\nBy 2027, Proton aims to become the leading car brand in passenger vehicles in Malaysia, and top-3 within ASEAN. That\u2019s a tall order, but the national carmaker seems to already have a plan on how to achieve it."
"This follows after the \u201cMovement Control Order\u201d announcement by the government yesterday after the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.\nBusiness operations which will be temporarily suspended includes Honda Malaysia\u2019s plant in Pegoh, Melaka, sales offices and dealerships nationwide.\nIn spite of this, a quick check with Honda Malaysia revealed that services such as their roadside assistance will still commence.\nHowever, as the dealerships are closed, should the vehicle be towed to one, the vehicle will unfortunately be left in the compound and will only be tended to when business operations resume on the 1st of April 2020.\nHonda Malaysia said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates accordingly."
"With its right indicators on, the Mazda CX-5 piloted by yours truly was politely beckoning the W204 C200 in front to give way. Instead of giving way, the German sedan started to accelerate only to give up after a few minutes when the driver realized that he couldn\u2019t reduce the size of this ubiquitous SUV in his rear view mirror.\u00a0\nQuick Facts\nName\nMazda CX-5 2.5G Turbo 4WD High\nEngine\n2,488cc; 4-cylinder turbo\u00a0\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n228 hp @ 5,000rpm\u00a0\nMax Torque\n420Nm @ 2,000rpm\nPrice (OTR w/o Insurance)\nRM181,770.40\nNo matter, because the only tell tale sign that this isn\u2019t just any SUV is the \u201csmall red T\u201d on the tailgate. \nLaunched in October 2019\n, the flagship model of the popular CX-5 range looks almost identical to its lower-priced and powered siblings. It even has the same wheels as the previous flagship, the \n2.2L diesel variant\n.\nThere\u2019s no go-faster bits in terms of aesthetics when it comes to this RM181k SUV. If you are a person who prefers to arrive earlier than to announce your arrival, read on.\u00a0\nThe looks of the second generation CX-5 needs no alteration. Even after two years on, it\u2019s still every bit the eye turner especially when it\u2019s coming from the other side of the road.\nIts flat, crease-free bonnet supported by a pair of well-defined headlights gives the car a steely gaze to contrast that curvaceous bodywork.\nThe same premium classy feel can be said of the interior as well. Wherever plastic panels and trims are expected to be, it\u2019s instead lined with supple leather \u2013 lending the interior an air of \u201cpremiumness\u201d.\nTaking prominence in the instrument cluster is a circular screen that emulates the style of a needle-type speedometer \u2013 displaying drive information without any over-the-top graphics and colours. Again, classiness done right.\u00a0\nThe car also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It doesn\u2019t integrate as well into the MZD Connect system like \nBMW\u2019s Operating System 7.0\n, but the physical knobs and buttons by the gear lever does offset the minor inconvenience.\nThings are not so rosy at the back. While the seats are supportive enough, it lags behind the recently launched \nSubaru Forester\n in terms of legroom, headroom, shoulder room, and USB ports.\nFor those with two child seats to install along with an arsenal of devices to keep the peace in the second row would understand the importance of the features mentioned above.\nAt 442 litres, boot space was more than sufficient. The retractable tonneau cover that latches to the tailgate is a nice touch. It saves you the trouble of operating the cover every time you retrieve something from the boot. The levers on both sides of the boot to flatten the second row were pretty handy too.\u00a0\nThe charm of this turbocharged CX-5 lies in the drive. With a 2.5-liter turbocharged mill powering it along, swift is an understatement. Encounter(s) with entry-level German sedans notwithstanding, this Japanese SUV is an exemplary highway cruiser.\u00a0\nOf the driving modes, normal suits the car\u2019s character better, there\u2019s no need for that extra eager throttle pedal in Sports mode.\n \nThat said, prod the throttle ever so firmly with your right foot and the car will surge ahead with respectable urgency that one would associate with the well-sorted naturally-aspirated mill of yesteryear.\u00a0\nA review about any Mazda would not be complete without the mentioning its rather excellent GVC system. In this instance, it\u2019s the more advanced GVC+ system that also adds the use of brakes in the equation.\nWhile this writer\u2019s rear end is not sensitive enough to tell the difference between the both, but suffice to say one could care even less about their hands and right foot coordination when it comes to cornering, the electronics will take care of it. The assurance of AWD is of course the cherry atop the GVC+ cake.\u00a0\nWith an output of 228hp at a sub-200k price, the Mazda CX-5 2.5G Turbo 4WD High (yeap that\u2019s the full name) is the SUV that offers the most \nkudas\n for the buck in its class; although Mazda did not advertise it as such.\nAdd superior driving dynamics into the mix and it\u2019s an even more attractive package. The closest competitor is the \nToyota Harrier \n and that\u2019s at least RM60k dearer.\u00a0\nSure it could do with more toys like adaptive cruise control which is offered by its competitors. Fuel consumption is not great too, but that\u2019s like saying binging on Netflix is too time consuming.\nIn a segment filled with capable contenders, this range update is a timely one. The addition of the CX-5 2.5L Turbo variant in the local line-up ensures that this Hiroshima-based car maker stays ahead of the pack, literally and figuratively. And that\u2019s not too bad for the SUV buyers looking for a fast SUV with superior driving dynamics, isn\u2019t it?\nImage Gallery"
"The Rimac Nevera has been selling big performance numbers since the project formally started over \ntwo years ago\n. With four motors (each wheel driven by an individual motor) and a 120 kWh battery pack, the fully electric Nevera has an unfathomable \n1,914 hp\n and \n2,360 Nm\n of torque.\nIn official performance tests by Rimac, 0 to 100 km/h is dispatched in just \n1.97 seconds\n with a top speed of \n412 km/h\n. Rimac has already performed their own 1/4-mile assessment of the Nevera which set a new unofficial world record time of 8.62 seconds on an unprepared airstrip in Croatia.\nNow with the opportunity to perform a recorded 1/4-mile time at a certified drag strip in the US, Rimac was curious to see how the Nevera performs on a specially prepared surface as well as car preparations done by a more experienced 1/4-mile drag driver.\nCloser to home, the first episode of Autobuzz Drag Series 2021 took place at KLIA! Watch it here!\nIn the US, NHRA (National Hot Rod Association, governing body of drag racing)-certified drag strips have PJ1 TrackBite (glue) surface at the start line to provide high amounts of traction to ensure little to no wheelspin for effective launch of Top Fuel dragsters. \u00a0\n \nDriven by Brooks Weiselblat from Dragtimes who provided the Youtube video, the Rimac Nevera consistently hit times of under 9 seconds covering the quarter-mile run at Famoso Raceway. The intelligent Launch Control in the Nevera \u201clearns\u201d the grip levels on the surface and adjust the motor torque output accordingly.\nAfter a few more preparation burn-outs by Weiselblat to heat up the regular Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, he and the Nevera set the 1/4-mile in a production car world record time of \n8.582 seconds\n (with 1-feet rollout) at a top speed of 269.6 km/h. The run was the 11th of the day in quick succession, without any performance degradation between the runs. \u00a0\nThe fastest century sprint (0 to 100 km/h) on that day just was just 2.0 seconds, climbing another 100 km/h in speed taking just another 3.3 seconds.\nRimac test and development driver, Miroslav Zrncevic, said they are confident that the Nevera has much more to give with additional testing and experience on the PJ1 surface and looking forward to returning.\nThis Rimac has been masquerading as an Asian racing car. Find out which electric racing car here!\nEarlier in July, Volkswagen\n transferred ownership\n of Bugatti to Porsche, in which the latter has formed a partnership with Rimac forming a JV under a 45-55 ownership ratio. Curiously, the \nBugatti Chiron Sport\n holds the unofficial 1/4-mile time for a combustion engine production car with a time of 9.4 seconds.\nOnly limited to 150 examples, the Rimac Nevera will cost \nUSD2.44 million\n (RM10.1 million) each.\nGALLERY\nDragtimes quarter-mile of Rimac Nevera\n2021 Rimac Nevera"
"Kia has just released\nfirst images of their new Kia XCeed crossover, a sporty and stylish alternative\nto their traditional large SUVs.\nConceptualised at the brand\u2019s European design centre in Frankfurt, Germany, the XCeed has a swept-back, coupe-like silhouette that also hints towards the car\u2019s sporty handling characteristics. The short rear overhangs and low roofline gives the car a strong visual impact on the road, but Kia has emphasised that the XCeed will have comparable levels of interior space and luggage capacity to other rivals.\nChief Operating\nOfficer at Kia Motors Europe, Emilio Herrera commenting on the XCeed: \u201cThe\nsporty design and demeanour of the new Kia XCeed CUV makes it more innately\ndesirable than many taller, larger SUVs. Yet it offers this without\ncompromising on versatility, with its intelligent packaging achieving the cabin\nand storage space of an SUV in a sportier body and more compact footprint.\u201d\nDetails on the ground are scarce at the moment but Kia will reveal the car in full on 26 June 2019. So till then, let us know if the side profile of the Kia XCeed works for you or not."
"A little after eight months after \nthe Macan GTS variant broke cover\n, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the brand\u2019s official Malaysian importer has finally introduced the very car alongside the new turbocharged 911.\nThe Macan GTS\u2019 arrival brings the \nmodel lineup\n up to a total of five variants, beginning with the Macan, Macan S, Macan S Diesel and Macan Turbo. The GTS sits just below the range topping Turbo, one that makes 400 hp and 550 Nm of torque.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMacan\nMacan S\nMacan S Diesel\nMacan GTS\nMacan Turbo\nEngine\n1,984cc; inline-4\n2,997cc; V6\n2,967cc; V6\n2,997cc; V6\n3,604cc; V6\nTransmission\n7-speed PDK\nMax Power\n252 hp\n340 hp\n245 hp\n360 hp\n400 hp\nMax Torque\n370 Nm\n460 Nm\n580 Nm\n500 Nm\n550 Nm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n6.7 seconds; 229 km/h\n5.4 seconds; 254 km/h\n6.3 seconds; 230 km/h\n5.2 seconds; 257 km/h\n4.8 seconds; 266 km/h\nPrice\nRM435,000\nRM590,000\nRM560,000\nRM710,000\nRM820,000\nThe GTS shares the same \n3.0-litre V6 engine\n as the Macan S, but produces \n20 hp\n and \n40 Nm\n more. Drive is actively sent to all four wheels through the famous \nseven-speed PDK dual clutch\n, and it\u2019s 0.2 seconds quicker off the line than the Macan S. As with all GTS models, this Macan: sits 15mm closer to the ground thanks to sportier chassis tuning, gets a new set of 20-inch matte black RS Spyder design wheels, Porsche\u2019s sports exhaust and some black exterior accents.   Inside, the GTS gets touches of Alcantara and the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This can be optioned with the Connect Plus module which offers online navigation with real-time traffic info. Just like the \nupdated Macan\n, Apple CarPlay is supported.\nBundled along with the GTS is a 4-Year warranty and free maintenance package. Its RM710k sticker price excludes registration fee, road tax and insurance. Of course, just like any other Porsches, the Macan GTS can be personalised to any individual\u2019s tastes.\nAlso, if you haven\u2019t seen it yet, be sure to watch our video on our recent trip with Porsche to Cambodia!\n \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari has officially unveiled the SF90 Spider, the open top version to the bonkers \nSF90 Stradale launched just recently in our country\n, promising the same insane hybrid performance, but with more wind in your hair.\nThe hybrid powertrain from the coupe was carried over to the Spider completely unchanged, which means its 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 and three electric motors still put out an insane \n1,000 hp\n and around \n900 Nm\n of output. 0-100 km/h times is also unchanged from the coupe at \n2.5 seconds\n, as is its top speed of \n340 km/h\n.\nSurely adding extra weight with the roof mechanism will cause some penalty on performance, right? You\u2019d be right \u2013 0-200 km/h is a touch slower at 7 seconds (+0.3 seconds), but it\u2019s not like you\u2019d realise it anyway, since it\u2019s still faster than the \nLaFerrari\n around the company\u2019s own Fiorano test track with a time of 1:19.5 seconds \u2013 that\u2019s 0.5 seconds off the hard-top SF90 Stradale, but 0.2 seconds faster than \u201cThe Ferrari\u201d.\nMuch like all other Ferrari convertible these days, the SF90 Spider is also equipped with an aluminium retractable hard-top, which takes 14 seconds to open or close and is operable on the move at up to 45 km/h.\nThe roof mechanism and associated chassis reinforcements brought about an additional\u00a0100 kg, bringing the Spider\u2019s kerb weight to 1670 kg. Despite that extra heft, Ferrari says that it will still feel nimble around bends thanks to the improved stability and traction brought by the RAC-e electric motors on the front wheels, which supposedly equates to an \u201cequivalent weight reduction\u201d of around 200 kg.\u00a0\nWith years of constant improvement to the RHT architecture, Ferrari has managed to shrunk the roof mechanism to occupy only 100 litres of space as opposed to the nearly 200 litres required by a \u201ctraditional\u201d system, which means that it can still be placed above the mid-rear-mounted engine right behind the passenger compartment.\nAccommodations of course had to be made for the RHT storage compartment, including a pair of vents on the engine cover to ensure that the engine bay is sufficiently ventilated even when the RHT is retracted, as temperatures inside reach nearly 900 degrees celcius according to Ferrari.\nFerrari also says that the Spider was designed specifically to minimise aerodynamic turbulence and noise with the RHT retracted, but still delivering the same aerodynamic performance as the SF90 Stradale with its roof up.\nAerodynamic elements carried over from the Stradale include the air-channels at the front to direct air to the underbody, forged wheel designs, and the \u2018shut-off Gurney\u2019 rear wing which has been slightly tweaked to better suit the Ferrari SF90 Spider\u2019s aerodynamic profile. There\u2019s also new subtle trim elements in the cockpit to channel air away from the driver and passenger when the roof is down.\nThe entire passenger cell has also shifted forwards slightly, though it\u2019s barely noticeable even when put right next to a SF90 Stradale. Other changes in appearance include a 20 mm lowered roofline, a slightly slimmer A-pillar, and a slightly more raked windscreen.\nThe most discerning feature on the Spider \u2013 aside from the lack of roof of course \u2013 is the iconic Ferrari rear buttresses, which have been shaped in line with the headrests to minimise any loss of\u00a0rearward visibility. Even then, the Spider is still very stylistically similar to the coupe variant.\nInside, the Ferrari SF90 Spider is pretty much identical to its coupe sibling, featuring the use of a curved 16-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a whole host of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel for most of the driving controls \u2013 including the d-Manettino switch.\nJust like the Stradale, the SF90 Spider can also be optioned with the Assetto Fiorano upgrade package, which includes Multimatic shock absorbers, a 21kg weight loss thanks to the use of carbon-fibre on the door panels, underbody, and rear wing, as well as titanium springs and exhaust, along with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tyres.\nThe Ferrari SF90 Spider is priced starting from EUR473,000, which makes it roughly 10% more expensive than the Stradale. First deliveries will begin in the second quarter of 2021, with the left-hand drive markets receiving the new topless Ferrari first.\nGALLERY"
"The story of how the \nLexus LC 500\n came about is an interesting one because Lexus never intended to make a high-performance luxury coupe. At the 2012 North American International Motor Show (NAIMS), Lexus displayed the LF-LC concept car. Response towards the concept\u2019s design was so positive that Lexus decided to turn the concept car into a production model.\nIntroduced back in 2016 at the NAIMS (naturally), the LC 500 only went into production March this year. Despite that, Malaysia is fortunate enough to be the second ASEAN country after Indonesia to receive this 2+2-seater Luxury Coupe, in full 5.0-litre V8 guise, no less.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus LC 500 Coupe\nEngine\n4,969cc; naturally aspirated V8\nTransmission\n10-speed automatic\nMax Power\n470 hp @ 7,100 rpm\nMax Torque\n540 Nm @4,800 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.4 seconds; 270 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM940,000\nEXTERIOR\nUnderpinning the LC is Lexus\u2019s new \nGlobal Architecture-Luxury (GA-L)\n platform as seen on the latest \nLS flagship sedan\n. Designers have adopted a \u201cSeduction and Technology\u201d theme to create a commanding yet elegant look. Lexus\u2019 signature design cues like the Spindle grille and arrowhead LED daytime running lights can\u2019t be missed.   Its sweeping roofline gives an athletic profile while the sharp edges at the rear and pronounced body lines accentuates the car\u2019s muscular appearance. The headlamps and tail lamps are Lexus\u2019 first attempt at ultra slim design.\nThe design elements are not all for the red carpet only as Lexus has incorporated high levels of aerodynamic performance into the design to ensure maximum performance and comfort. The result is an uninterrupted airflow all round. To achieve this feat, Lexus has introduced the brand\u2019s first retractable door handles, aero stabilising fins on the A pillars and aero ducts on the sidewalls. The \nactive rear spoiler\n tucks away neatly below 80 km/h but deploys at high speed to generate higher downforce.\nINTERIOR\n\u201cSeduction and Technology\u201d continues into the cabin of the LC 500 to create an ideal balance between sporting intent and luxury. The low bonnet line and slim A pillars gives the driver a commanding forward view despite sitting close to the ground like a sports car. Lexus has also paid great detail to ensure that all the controls are thoughtfully laid out to minimise driver distraction when operating the controls.   Lexus\u2019 latest generation TFT instrument cluster display, as seen on the \nLFA supercar\n, is also introduced to the LC. At the centre sits a 10.3-inch wide Electro Multi Vision (EMV) infotainment system connected to a \n13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound System\n for maximum aural experience.\nOther intricate details of the LC include a 365 mm diameter leather wrapped steering wheel with cross-section changes allow for variations in grip and twisting of wrist, Pressure Dispersing Cushion at the seats to help hold the occupants snug around bends and silk webbing seat belts that are smooth to the touch.\nPERFROMANCE\nDriving the LC 500 is a high-revving 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that generates \n470 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission that boasts shift times rivalling dual-clutch transmissions yet lighter than most eight-speed units. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n4.4 seconds\n while top speed is registered at \n270 km/h\n.\nLexus has also fitted the LC with a \nTorsen limited slip differential\n at the rear axle and adaptive dampers for optimum cornering stability. Drivers are also able to reap the most from the LC 500 both on track and daily use through the Drive Mode Selector \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Customise.\nWHAT ELSE?\nCustomers can have their LC 500 in\n 11 different exterior shades\n and \nthree interior themes\n. Lexus Malaysia is offering a 5-Years unlimited warranty package and 5-Years or 100,000 km free scheduled service package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\n has begun teasing the \nall-new 2022 W206 C-Class\n on its social media pages, with a cryptic post hinting at an imminent launch this Friday, 25th February.\nIn a \nFacebook post today\n, the company invited the public to \u201cdiscover [their] latest models\u201d at their Mercedes-Benz Universe event this weekend. While not unusual for a run-off-the-mill corporate post, it\u2019s the accompanying photo that caught our attention.\nScreenshot: \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia/Facebook\nThat\u2019s right \u2013 hiding not-so-subtly behind the illustration is what we believe to be the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as seen from its headlights profile and the two \u201cpower humps\u201d on the bonnet.\nThis was not the first time MBM has teased the arrival of the all-new C-Class, but it\u2019s the first time the company has referenced any sort of launch timeframe. With the purported launch date just a short two sleeps away, what can we expect, then?\nAs usual, no official information has been provided by MBM just yet. However, the car has already been spotted here in Malaysia, and from the spyshot above sent to us by our reader George L. (\nthank you!\n), it\u2019s clear that the compact luxury sedan will be offered in at least two variants at launch.\nScreenshot: \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia/Facebook\nBased on the model\u2019s current-generation offerings here, we\u2019re inclined to believe that the all-new model will again retain the C 200 and C 300 guises here in Malaysia \u2013 the former with an Avantgarde kit, while the latter with the full-blown AMG Line treatment.\nStandard equipment lists will have to wait until the launch, but we are fairly confident that the\n C 300\n will see a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet, potentially with the addition of a 48V mild-hybrid integrated starter generator (ISG) within its nine-speed automatic gearbox.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz C 200 meanwhile could be a little more interesting, as the \ncurrent W205-generation model\n in Malaysia has had its mild-hybrid powertrain (as part of the launch specifications) swapped out for a more conventional 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill as part of its facelift update, due to market preference.\nW206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with AMG-Line exterior\nGlobally, the all-new Mercedes-Benz C 200 is offered solely as a mild-hybrid EV, with the M264 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet paired to a 48V ISG motor, making roughly 200 hp and 300 Nm of torque as seen on the Singaporean-spec C 200.\nOne thing\u2019s for sure, though, is that the range-topping variant will definitely come with a panoramic sunroof, as seen from the photos above \u2013 so that\u2019s one thing off the checklist. Not too long more to wait now!"
"Following the debut of the updated F-Pace SUV, Jaguar has now also given the \nperformance-oriented SVR variant\n a refresh, with more grunt under the hood alongside some performance-oriented tweaks, a nip and tuck to its exterior design, and pretty much an all-new interior to match.\nLike before, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR is powered by the tried-and-true 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. While horsepower output is unchanged, the new F-Pace SVR gains an additional 20 Nm of torque to make\n 550 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. As a result, the century sprint is now completed three-tenths faster than before at \n4.0 seconds\n, while top speed is increased by 3 km/h to \n286 km/h\n.\nTo handle the extra torque from the powertrain, Jaguar has given the new SVR the same torque converter eight-speed automatic gearbox from the \nNurburgring record-breaking XE SV Project 8\n. Other changes include a retuned rear Electronic Active Differential for better torque distribution, new electronic steering power-assistance system, as well as revised chassis bushes to go alongside the retuned adaptive suspension system.\nThe configurable driving modes also received an update to its software, resulting in a more defined difference between the different driving modes, in particular between Dynamic and Comfort; Jaguar says the new F-Pace SVR is now \u201cmore comfortable and enjoyable to drive at a relaxed pace\u201d, without compromising its high-speed dynamics.\nThere\u2019s also a new Dynamic Launch feature, which uses driveline inertia to maintain power to the wheels during gear changes, which supposedly helps with the F-Pace SVR\u2019s acceleration from a standstill. The SVR also receives a new Integrated Power Booster for the brakes, which uses an electric booster rather than a vacuum system to deliver improved stopping performance and enhanced brake feel.\nAs for visual changes, the SVR receives pretty much the same set of changes to the facelifted \u201cregular\u201d Jaguar F-Pace, including the slimmer LED headlights, \u201cdouble chicane\u201d tail lights, and larger grille. There\u2019s a new front bumper with bigger side air intakes which according to Jaguar helps with brake and engine cooling, and while changes look to be minimal, the overall drag coefficient has actually dropped from 0.37 Cd to 0.36 Cd.\nChanges to the interior are more obvious, headlined by the new 11.4-inch curved touchscreen infotainment display running on Jaguar\u2019s latest Pivi Pro software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, over-the-air software update capabilities, and an optional wireless charging pad.\nThe overall dashboard architecture has also been simplified, alongside a newly-redesigned steering wheel with zinc-alloy pedal shifters, and a new chunkier gear selector. The racing-inspired front bucket seats are wrapped in Alcantara as standard, but can also be optioned with Windsor leather.\nGALLERY"
"BHPetrol has just launched its new Infiniti Petrol with improved additives available for both RON95 and RON97 grade fuels. The improved formulation promises lower internal friction and enhanced cleaning agents for smoother performance and better fuel economy.\nNew innovations that make up the new Infiniti petrol include a new \nFriction Modifier\n, enhanced \nCorrosion Inhibitor\n and superior \nDeposit Cleaning Agents\n. BHPetrol claims that the dosage of the additive is 800 parts per million (ppm), twice the recommended dosage by the additive company. The new additives help to reduce friction in the engine, promotes cleaning of carbon deposits as well as providing a layer of protection on the metal surfaces of the engine.\nMotorist pumping the new Infiniti petrol can expect an increase in performance, improved fuel economy as well as cleaner exhaust emissions. The retail price of the improved Infiniti Petrol remains the same as the prices announced by the Government. For the month of November 2018, RON97 is priced at Rm2.81 per litre while RON95 is fixed at RM2.20 per litre.\nThe new Infiniti Petrol is available at all 380 BHPetrol stations nationwide."
"Following the launch of the \nfacelifted 2019 Proton Iriz\n, the national carmaker has also previewed the hatchback\u2019s sedan twin, the \n2019 Proton Persona\n.\nLike the Iriz, the Persona\ngains styling enhancements, first-in-class features and improved mechanical bits\nthat Proton claims puts the B-Segment sedan right up there with class-leading non-national\nmodels.\nLet\u2019s start with the variant breakdown. There will be four variants of the Persona available \u2013 Standard 1.6L MT, Standard 1.6L CVT, Executive 1.6L CVT and Premium 1.6L CVT. They all feature the same 1.6-litre VVT and CVT combo making \n109 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n driving the front wheels.\nVisual differences on\nthe 2019 Persona include a new front grille with Ethereal Bow and Infinite\nWeave motive \u2013 Proton\u2019s new family face, sleek lower bumper with LED daytime\nrunning lights (on Executive & Premium only), 15-inch eight twin-spoke aluminium\nwheels wrapped in 185/55 profile rubbers, shark fin antenna, rear spoiler (standard\nacross the range), restyled rear bumper with chrome lining and the Proton inscription\nspelled out across the boot lid.\nEquipment found on the entry-level Standard 1.6L MT includes fabric seats, Tricot Headliner (grey), LCD Multi-info Display, 2 speakers, 2DIN audio system and 2 rear USB chargers. Boot space remains unchanged at 510 litres.\nThe Executive 1.6L MT\nadds on Smart Keyless entry, semi-leather seats, 7.0-inch GKUI-based touchscreen\ninfotainment system, four speakers, multifunctional steering wheel, TFT Multi Info\nDisplay and a reverse camera with Dynamic Guidelines.\nExclusive to the range-topping\nPremium 1.6L CVT are 4G and Wi-Fi Connectivity (e-SIM), \u201cHi Proton\u201d Voice Command,\nOnline Navigation, Music Streaming, frameless rear-view mirror, automatic\nheadlamps and leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel.\nProton has not disclosed the pricing of the 2019 Proton Persona but has assured that the launch of both the Iriz and Persona will happen very soon. Order books for the Persona are now open and Proton is doing a flash booking where interested buyers can place a reservation for just RM9.90.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\n2019\u00a0Proton\u00a0Persona\u00a0Facelift\u00a01.6L CVT"
"Malaysian car accessories brand, Trapo, is now the first-ever authorised dealer and installer of 70mai dashcams here on our shores, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Trapo and 70mai distributor, D.M. Dasher, last night at the Trapo Bangsar Hub.\nWith the partnership, a range of selected 70mai digital video recorders (dashcams) are now being offered through Trapo\u2019s online shops and outlets nationwide, the latter also providing professional installation service and tutorials by trained personnel.\nThe companies said that the collaboration aims to make purchases of high-quality dashcams and its professional installation more easily accessible to the public, with a focus on providing high-quality customer experience, in line with both parties\u2019 common vision.\nA range of three 70mai products will be offered at Trapo outlets, including the M300, A500S, and A800S \u2013 the latter two also being offered with an additional rear RC-06 camera. Prices for the dashcams range from RM175 to RM649, with installation services priced between RM50 to RM150 depending on camera and complexity (hardwire kit).\nTrapo says that the installation will take between 15 and 30 minutes, or slightly longer at 45 to 60 minutes for those who have also purchased a hardwire kit for parking surveillance.\nRELATED: Trapo unveils updated range of anti-bacterial car mats with up to 10x more durability\nThe installation service will be offered at all Trapo Hub outlets nationwide, with locations including Bangsar, Desa Park City, Glenmarie, Mid Valley Megamall, Cheras, Johor Bahru, and Melaka. A Trapo representative also said that they will be expanding their reach to Penang in the coming months, before setting foot into East Malaysia.\nIn conjunction with the signing of the MoU, Trapo will also be offering an exclusive 15% discount on car mats, for customers who purchase any 70mai dashcams through their portals. The promotion will be valid until August 31, 2022.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia is extending its pre-owned car programme, \nVolvo Selekt\n, to More Malaysians through an addition of a new authorised dealer in Penang, Western Circle.\nPreviously available exclusively via Sisma Auto\u2019s Glenmarie dealership, the Volvo Selekt programme consists of pre-owned Volvo vehicles under five-years-old, with less than 100,000 km mileage on the clock.\nEach Selekt vehicle has also undergone a 125-point inspection performed only by authorised Volvo Car dealers in Malaysia, and are strictly maintained with genuine Volvo parts, and their software updated by trained Volvo technicians.\nAdditionally, new Volvo Selekt car owners will also receive a complimentary 12-months warranty and a one-year free maintenance service package (VSA 1).\nAll new Volvo cars registered from 1 January 2021 onwards will now come with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty. Learn more here.\nWith the addition of the Western Circle dealership into the Volvo Selekt programme, customers in Northern Malaysia can now enjoy the same high standards of customer care, hospitality, and of course, vehicle quality set by Volvo Cars.\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said: \u201cWhen customers purchase a Volvo under our Volvo Selekt programme, they are not just getting a more streamlined shopping experience of quality cars at a more accessible price but also peace of mind through our dedicated service and assurance of quality.\u201d\n2021 Volvo S90 T8 PHEV facelift now launched in Malaysia. Check it out in detail here!\nAside from physical dealerships, customers can also browse and shop for Volvo cars \u2013 either Volvo Selekt or Volvo quality used cars \u2013 online via the \nVolvo Used Car locator\n (linked \nhere\n), which lists the inventory of all pre-owned Volvo vehicles across the 14 dealerships across Malaysia.\nVolvo Car Malaysia has also partnered with iCar Asia to list all available pre-owned models from participating authorised dealers onto the online used car marketplace, Carlist.my.\nFor more information on the programme, visit the Volvo Selekt website, linked \nhere\n."
"Mercedes-Benz is \ncharging full speed ahead\n \nwith its EQ\n \nfully-electric sub-brand\n, as the model line-up now balloons up to eight models with the addition of the EQE, EQS SUV, and EQE SUV.\nThe three new models, announced during an investor and analyst conference, will be built upon the brand\u2019s custom-developed fully-modular Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA). Scalable in almost every aspect, including the wheelbase, track, as well as batteries, Mercedes says that the platform allows it to build a variety of electric cars from saloons to large SUVs.\n \nThe EVA platform will make its debut in 2021 on the upcoming EQS, which Mercedes refers to as the S-Class of the electric line-up. It is currently undergoing final development tests, with more than two million test kilometres already completed.\nExact performance figures are still undisclosed to the public, but Mercedes-Benz says that the EQS will have a\n range of up to 700 km\n on the WLTP cycle, a figure we can also expect to see on the three new models as they\u2019re based on the same platform.\nOn the compact side of the model line-up, there\u2019s also the EQA and EQB, both based off their respective internal-combustion GLx cousins. The EQA is slated to begin production later this year, while the EQB will follows slightly later in 2021.\nBut that\u2019s not all. The German luxury car maker also confirmed that the \nG-Class\n, as well as \nAMG\n and \nMaybach\n \nmodels will all \u201cgo electric\u201d starting 2021, and it is also developing a new dedicated electric car platform for compact and medium-sized models, dubbed the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), to be used starting from 2025.\nThe company even pulled off the blinds to a fully-electric Vision EQXX concept car during the conference, with claims of having the \u2018longest electric range\u2019 and \u2018highest efficiency\u2019 of any EV ever produced up till now.\nStill early in its concept form, details on the EQXX are obviously scarce. However, the presentation suggested that the swoopy concept car will be capable of driving from Beijing to Shanghai in a single charge \u2013 and in case you\u2019re searching up the distance on Google Maps, that\u2019s more than 1,200 km.\nGALLERY"
"Around this time last year, Honda brought the \nCivic Type R concept\n to the Geneva Motor Show, sending longtime fans of the Type R moniker into a frenzy when Honda announced the Civic\u2019s new powertrain.\nAlbeit still powered by a \n2.0-litre motor\n, the new Civic Type R has gone down the \nturbocharged\n route. As \npreviously covered\n, the new engine features \ndirect injection\n and \nVTEC technology\n\u00a0and is good for nearly\u00a0\n280 horsepower\n. The engine\u00a0will be paired to a righteously matched \nsix-speed manual transmission\u00a0\ndriving the front wheels.\nBut what\u2019s new this time around? Well, the guys at Honda managed to up their ante by further enhancing its aerodynamic performance. As such, the vents, grilles, skirts and spoilers have all been fine tuned both on computer and in the wind tunnel. With this, Honda claims that the Civic Type R will rocket its way up to a blistering \ntop speed of 270 km/h\n!\nThe underside of this car is almost completely flat and works in tandem\u00a0with the front and rear diffusers, effectively \u2018sucking\u2019 the car onto the tarmac. Its rear spoiler also functions to increase downforce. Other enhancing touches include revisions to the front bumper, which is now shaped to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels, cutting drag and increasing high-speed stability.\nIf you look closely, the \n19-inch alloy rims\n here differ from that of the \nConcept\n, and will quite likely make it to the production stage. Tasked with stopping this car are a set of high performance Brembo brake package, with the front sporting a pair of four-piston calipers and 350mm large ventilated discs.\nThe Civic Type R will stage its world premier at the upcoming 2015 Geneva Motor Show in Championship White \u2013 a distinctive colour shared with many generations of Type R vehicles. Are you guys excited yet?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Come January 2017, the \nLexus CT200h\n will be six years old. We\u2019re not too far away from the full unveiling of the next-generation Prius-based hybrid hatchback, but that\u2019s not stopping Lexus from introducing an updated variant.\nUK customers can purchase the Sport variant from a base price of \n\u00a323,745 (RM122k), which basically comes with a blacked-out front grille, black mirror housing as well as black 17-inch wheels. Other additions include Lexus Navigation, reverse camera, privacy glass and dual-zone climate control.\nThose opting for the Sport Plus package (\n\u00a32,500 or RM13k) will get parking sensors, keyless entry, heated front seats, powered sunroof and metallic paint. Executive Edition and the F-Sport trim can now be specified with leather seats, sunroof and a more affordable Premium Navigation System.\u00a0\nThree new colours have been added to the mix \u2013 New Copper Brown, Sky Blue Metallic and Sonic Titanium. Back home, Lexus Malaysia\u00a0is selling the CT200h from RM260k. The hybrid luxury hatchback is powered by a \n1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle engine\n paired to a \n60 kW electric motor\n. Together, they produce a combined system output of \n134 hp\n and \n148 Nm\n of torque, which helps it achieve a century sprint time of\n 10.3 seconds\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Renault has just presented the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R, not to be confused with the \nregular \nTrophy version\n. The \u201cR\u201d is only available in limited units and for the price you pay, it also comes with the title of the fastest front-wheel-drive production car on the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife.\nThe Megane R.S. Trophy-R unseated the \nHonda Civic Type R (FK8)\n as the record holder with a lap time of\n 7 minutes 40.1 seconds\n, beating the Civic by \n3.7 seconds\n. Renault also stayed classy by not slapping on an extravagant bodywork onto the Trophy-R.\n \nPowered by the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, the Megane R.S. Trophy-R packs the same \n300 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque with an honest 6-speed manual gearbox sending drive to the front wheels. Key performance figures were not revealed for the new FWD King of the Ring just yet.\nRenault Sport focused on three aspects on the car: maximum weight reduction (up to 130 kg compared to the Trophy variant, excluding options), reworked aerodynamics and more radical development of its drive axles.\nOther crucial development partners that they\u2019ve named include Akrapovi\u010d for the exhaust system, Brembo for the brakes, Bridgestone for the tyres, \u00d6hlins for the shock absorbers and Sabelt for the bucket seats.\nThe Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R will make its market debut by the end of 2019 and will be exclusive to \u201ca few hundred units\u201d according to the company. Closer to home, you can buy a \nstandard Megane R.S. with the Cup chassis\n and opt for an automatic or manual transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nRenault Megane R.S. Trophy-R"
"Alongside the\n Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ coupe\n and \nA 45 S 4MATIC+ hatchback\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) today also launched the \nA 35 4MATIC\n in hatchback form as a follow up to the \nsedan variant\n, launched locally late last year.\nThe new hatchback baby AMG is priced at \nRM379,888\n, which is RM31,000 up from the \nA 35 Sedan\n. So what do you get for the price premium? Let\u2019s get right into it with a detailed look at the specifications.\nUnder the hood of the A 35 4MATIC is the M260 \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine\n, similar to its \nsedan counterpart\n. The engine is paired to a \nseven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox\n with power sent to all four wheels. In terms of performance, the A 35 manages the following performance figures:\nHorsepower: \n306 hp\n at 5,800 \u2013 6,100 rpm\nTorque: \n400 Nm\n at 3,000 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: \n4.7 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h\nDrivetrain: 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, with AMG Dynamic Select\nSuspension: AMG ride control suspension\nThe new A 35 4MATIC hatchback is comes solely with the \nEdition 1 package\n, which includes the AMG Aerodynamics package and AMG Night package for added performance and flair. Other standard exterior equipment are:\nRear spoiler, enhanced rear diffuser and front splitter (AMG Aerodynamics package)\nTwin-louvre radiator grille\nMultibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\n19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels\nTwin tailpipes\nFour-piston monoblock fixed callipers (front)\nExclusive colour: Metallic Blue Denim, matched with Tech Gold wheels, brake callipers, and decals.\nInside, the new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC hatchback is pretty standard A-class affair, with a little AMG touch to the trims. These include:\nAluminium AMG Design trim elements in black/silver\nAMG door sill panels with illuminated AMG lettering\nAMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather\nAMG Performance seats in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica fabric\nAMG floor mats\nOther interior standard equipment include:\nTwin 10.25-inch display for infotainment and instrument cluster\nMBUX infotainment system with \nMercedes me connect\nAMG Track Pace virtual \u201crace engineer\u201d\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\nHead-up display\nWireless charging for mobile phones\nReverse camera\nTrack Pace\n is an AMG-specific feature, available on all three models launched today, to help improve performance on track using GPS data, and over 80 in-car parameters.\nPopular international race tracks such as Nurburgring and Spa Francorchamps have been pre-programmed in the system, enabling the driving line function similar to video games using the \nMBUX Augmented Reality\n feature. New tracks can be recorded by the users.\nAs for safety, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Hatchback comes as standard with the brand\u2019s Driving Assistant Package, which includes the following features:\nActive Brake Assist\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nBlind Spot Assist\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\nWith MBM\u2019s Agile Financing, the A 35 4MATIC starts at\n RM4,485\n per month. Buyers can also opt for the AMGPro Financing plan starting from \nRM4,688\n, which includes insurance, unlimited mileage breakdown and accident towing, as well as tyre/rims replacement.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If there\u2019s one brand that is as committed to individuality and exclusivity as MINI, it\u2019s DS Automobiles. Known for its trendy and fashionable styling, the DS 3 now gets a special edition variant called the\u00a0\nDS 3 In\u00e8s de la Fressange.\u00a0\nLimited to just 200 units and for sale in the UK market only, the unique DS 3 was jointly designed with In\u00e8s de la Fressange. Those oblivious to the name, well, allow me the privilege: the 59-year old lady is a decorated French aristocrat and fashion designer, and if you\u2019re one to purchase this DS 3, will get a luxury \u2018Voyageur bag\u2019 designed by Ms\u00a0In\u00e8s herself.   Finished in a distinct coat of Ink Blue paint that\u2019s contrasted by the Opal White roof and striking red side mirrors, this hatchback is laden with features as it is with style. It rides on 17-inch Aphrodite black diamond-cut wheels, while receiving subtly placed\u00a0\n\u2018In\u00e8s de la Fressange\u2019 badging. It of course gets the top-of-the-line xenon headlamps with LED DRLs and the genius 3D-esque LED tail lamps.\nThe special designer attention is also brought into the cabin. Here, all seats are wrapped in Granit Blue leather with embossed headrest cover, leather wrapped steering wheel, front armrest,\u00a0\n\u2018In\u00e8s Red\u2019 dashboard with In\u00e8s de la Fressange \u2018L\u00e9on\u2019 fawn (a baby deer) badging,\u00a0\nIn\u00e8s badge carpet mats and not forgetting the\u00a0\n\u2018Voyageur\u2019 bag that\u2019s purposely designed to match the Granit Blue interior.\nInterestingly, DS Automobiles have not restricted the special variant to one single trim. Instead, customers can choose to have it with any three engines, including a six-speed auto or manual transmissions. Prices start from\u00a0\n\u00a320,310 (RM113k) to\u00a0\n\u00a321,830 (RM121k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s not only Audi who hints at their future design direction at the \nGeneva Motor Show\n with their \nPrologue Avant\n, Volkswagen also revealed their new styling language for their upcoming models.\nPresented in the shape of a sporty 4-door Coup\u00e9, the aptly-named \nVolkswagen Sport Coup\u00e9 Concept GTE\n highlights some of the design elements that will eventually make their way on the future Volkswagen models.\nThe \nV-shaped grille\n is bigger and the top two chrome slats incorporate \nLED DRLs\n, while more LED DRLs can be found at the edge of the lower side intakes. The low roof rises from the base of the A-pillars that have been pushed back by the long bonnet, ending toward the flat C-pillar that falls almost seamlessly to the bootlid.\nThe result is a sleek looking car, and the \n21-inch wheels\n give the Sport Coup\u00e9 Concept GTE a \n\u201cspectacular stance\u201d\n.\nInside, the cabin sits four, and the design emphasises on horizontal lines to create a \nclean and minimalistic\n look. The Sport Coup\u00e9 Concept GTE make use of multiple screens, including the 12.3-inch used for the \nActive Info Display\n in the instrument binnacle, a 10.1-inch touchscreen for the central infotainment system, and a pair of 12.3-inch touchscreens for the rear passengers.\nRiding on the versatile \nMQB\n platform, the Sport Coup\u00e9 Concept GTE is not merely a dummy show car, under the bright yellow exterior is a functioning plug-in hybrid drive system.\nA \nturbocharged 3.0-litre V6 TSI\n is accompanied by a pair of electric motors and mated to a \n6-speed DSG\n box. The V6 alone produces \n295 hp\n, while the electric motors at the front and rear generates \n40 Kw\n and \n85 Kw\n respectively. In total they make \n374 hp\n, which sends the vehicle from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n5.0 seconds\n and onto a \ntop speed\n of \n250 km/h\n.\nBy the looks of it, the sleek 4-door Coup\u00e9 is most likely to enter production as the next generation Volkswagen CC. Last year, Volkswagen Group Malaysia held a special preview of what is to come this year, and one model in particular stood out \u2013 the \nGolf GTE\n. It\u2019s rumoured to be making its way here soon, but we\u2019re looking at the year\u2019s end or early next year at best. Fingers crossed!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Work on a new Lotus SUV \u2013 the first offering of its kind by the \nChinese-owned British sportscar brand\n \u2013 has begun and its CEO, Jean-Marc Gales who was recently in hot water after \ngetting caught speeding while testing Lotus\u2019 new sportscar\n, said it would arrive a couple years after 2020.\nIt looks like even Lotus is not resistant from the need to cash in on the lucrative SUV and crossover segment not only for portfolio sake since it hasn\u2019t introduced a new car since the Evora in 2009 but also because the cash books have not reflected a profit in years.\nAn old rendering of a Lotus SUV \u2013 an idea of what could be.\nInstead, Lotus had been introducing a string of revised, improved and lightened models from existing platforms with the most recent being the \nEvora GT410 Sport\n. But things are looking up under its new Chinese owners, with \nGeely pledging to help Lotus compete with Ferrari and Porsche\n again.\nAs such, the Hethel-based sportscar maker had revealed plans for two new sportscars set to be introduced by the same time Malaysia becomes a first-world nation in 2020. It will be their first new models since the influx of Chinese money and expect to see a current member from the Lotus range replaced.\nThe Lotus Evora 410 was one of Autobuzz.my Best Cars of 2017. Watch the video \nhere\n.\nOne of the new models will apparently sit above even the Evora, currently the Lotus\u2019 flagship model which will offer\u00a0\nLotus 3-Eleven\n levels of driving sensations but with a bit more refinement. The new sportscars are expected to be produced in the UK while the \nSUV would likely be built in China\n.\nCredit: \nAutonews.com"
"The MINI Countryman has been around since 2010, which means\u00a0it\u2019s time for a new model to take its place. The second-generation compact crossover, set to be unveiled later this month, marks MINI\u2019s first foray into plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) territory.\nThe new Countryman was previewed by MINI\u2019s honchos and\u00a0highlights zero-emissions\u00a0capabilities. MINI promises to deliver the go-kart handling the brand is known for, but this will be optimised with electrification. In terms of weight distribution, the engineers have hinted at a near 50:50 split.\nThe Countryman\u2019s PHEV powertrain is available in three modes:\u00a0Auto eDrive, Max eDRive, and Save Battery model. The Max eDrive allows the Countryman to reach speeds up to\u00a0\n125km/h\n. That said, nothing has been mentioned on how far this car can go on one single charge.\nThe second-generation Countryman could also facilitate a larger footprint, made possible by using the versatile \nUKL1\n platform (shared with the MINI \nhatch\n and \nClubman\n). It will like be powered by either a\u00a0\n1.5-litre three potter\n or \n2.0-litre turbocharged\n engines, just like other MINI models.\nPresently, MINI Malaysia offers the first-generation and locally assembled \nCountryman\n at \nRM198,888.00\n. It seems that this MINI Countryman PHEV with EEV status could\u00a0potentially justify the continuation of MINI CKD program in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Infiniti has pulled off the warps for the facelifted QX80 (not all-new model as \nreported earlier\n) ahead of its official debut at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show. The refreshed QX80 gets much of its design cues carried over from the QX80 Monograph design study as well as a host of upgrades to keep up with the full-sized luxury SUV segment.\nMeasuring at 5,340 mm in length, 1,925 mm tall (with roof rails), 2,030 mm in width and 3,075 mm in wheelbase, the refreshed QX80 gets the company\u2019s latest \u201cPowerful Elegance\u201d design language with more defined character lines and larger \u201cface\u201d. Infiniti Malaysia has expressed that this ginormous machine will arrive on\u00a0our shores next year.\nEXTERIOR\nThe hood now extends\n 90 mm\n forward and sits \n20 mm\n higher to create the impression of a taller visual centre of gravity. It also gets new \u201chuman-eye\u201d headlamp design with signature eyebrow LED daytime running lights as well as a \u201cdouble-arch\u201d grille to make the car more visually striking. Despite its boxy appearance, Infiniti has done some modifications to the underbody to achieve a drag coefficient of \n0.36 cd\n.   Customers have the option of two alloy wheel design \u2013 six-spoke 20-inch (276/60 tyres) and 21-inch 18-spoke alloys (275/50 tyres). The QX80 comes in \nnine exterior paint finishes\n \u2013 Liquid Platinum, Smoky Quartz, Graphite Shadow, Hermosa Blue, Mocha Almond, Black Obsidian, Moonstone White, Mineral Black and Champagne Quartz.\nINTERIOR\nInfiniti has made subtle revisions to the cabin for better ergonomics along with use of higher quality materials. Depending on specification, the seats can be had in quilted leather or semi-aniline leather with contrast stitching. New items include leather-wrapped gear lever, steering wheel and 8.0-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system.   Rear passengers get the most goodies to play with \u2013 larger rear infotainment screens (now 8.0-inch) which supports HDMI input, individual content display, two USB charging ports and auxiliary jacks for headphones. The side steps of the QX80 have been made \n20 mm wider\n than the outgoing model, providing easier access for stepping in and out of the cabin.\nInfiniti has also made the cabin a quieter place to be in with wider soundproofing area behind the dashboard panel, denser floor mats and additional sound deadening materials around the cargo area.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe facelifted QX80 remains powered by a 5.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 that generates\n 400 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n of torque paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Century sprint is done in\n 7.5 seconds\n onwards to a top speed of \n210 km/h\n. The QX80 is available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.\nThe hydraulic suspension on the QX80 has been revised to allow it to take corners flatter without sacrificing comfort expected of a luxury SUV. Despite having softer dampers (-30 per cent), the Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) helps limit excess body-roll during corners.\nSAFETY\nInfiniti has added its latest range of advanced driver assistance systems to the QX80 \u2013 Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention.\nWHAT ELSE?\nInfiniti Malaysia has hinted that the facelifted Infiniti QX80 will be coming to Malaysia in 2018 to replace the current model on sale. To recap, the QX80 when first launched here in Malaysia carried an asking price of RM800k, putting it in the same league as the \nMercedes-Benz GLS 400\n and Lexus LX 570.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the current state of charging infrastructure in Malaysia, some say living with an electric vehicle (EV) is an unnecessarily troublesome endeavour. Is this true? Well, having one EV in the family for about half a year now, I guess I do have some lessons from first-hand experiences that I would like to share with you. Hear me out.\n231 km of driving range to go? Take it with a grain of salt.\n1. Give your battery range a \u201cFactor of Safety\u201d\nEVs come with a rated electric driving range. The \nHyundai Kona Electric\n e-Max, which the family owns, has a WLTP range of \n484 km\n \u2013 plenty. On paper, you could reach Perai from Subang Jaya with one charge easily with about 140 km to spare, or so we thought.\nWe\u2019ve done this trip before, and it was not a smooth sail. We started with a fully charged battery and didn\u2019t make any stops along the way. By the time we reached Perai, the battery was at 10% State of Charge (SOC) and only 20 km of range was left. Since we decided to drive like the average Malaysian, our \u2018real\u2019 range was closer to 350 km, instead of the rated 484 km.\nIt was an exciting day\nThe situation is fine if you plan to rest at a hotel with an AC destination charger (which we did). However, with only 20 km of range left, even a short \u201c\njalan jalan cari makan\n\u201d drive can induce anxiety. With AC charging taking a while, we had to stay put. There were some DC fast chargers (DCFC) in car dealership compounds around Perai back then, but they were only accessible during office hours (take note).\nLooking back at the trip, we should have recharged along the way at any DCFC we can find, even when the SOC was not very low. We could have also driven more conservatively, but to make the trip more relatable to the average Malaysian, we did not.\nThe moral of the story is, for long drives, allow a \u201cFactor of Safety\u201d for your range, and make sure to recharge at DCFCs along the way. This is doable for now, but when more EVs are on the road, we\u2019ll also need to boost the number of DCFCs in Malaysia. Else, we\u2019d end up with long queues at the charging stations \u2013 a curious phenomenon that\u2019s already happening in countries like China.\nALSO WATCH: \nHyundai Kona Electric launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nNot all DC Fast Chargers are accessible 24/7\n2. Recharging is cheaper than refuelling, unless.\nThe good thing about owning an EV is the cost per distance is cheaper than a petrol-powered car (excluding the price of the car). Using a wall box installed at our single-phase house, the running cost for our Hyundai Kona amounts to an average of \nRM0.08/km\n in our 6 months of usage. For comparison, a \nHonda City\n costs about \nRM0.12/km\n to run, with a fuel consumption of approximately 6.3 l/100km.\nHowever, at certain charging stations, charging can actually cost more than refuelling. Some DCFCs of premium brands tend to charge higher rates if your car is not of the said brand. This is understandable as the brands would want to offer its own customers exclusive benefits. Most public chargers cost less than refuelling, but a select few cases, such as brand-exclusive chargers, do not.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Kona Electric from RM149,888 \u2013 up to 484 km range!\nA 7kW bay at Sunway Pyramid with the Kona next to the \nEQA\n. The rate is reasonable\n3. Your EV is at best, a second car for the family, for now\nHaving an EV in the family, we\u2019d really like to think that it could be the one car to do it all. But it can\u2019t. at least not yet. We have even installed a wall box in our hometown in Temerloh just so we could \nbalik kampung\n with our EV, and we\u2019ve successfully done so with no hiccups. But the reality is that a primary car for the family should not have required this much discipline just to keep it running.\nWith an EV, you can\u2019t have unexpected detours. And despite the instantaneous torque at your disposal, you can\u2019t be too unruly with it for fear of draining the battery on a long trip. Another downside is that in emergency situations, you might have to charge before making a move. Given the state of EV infrastructure in Malaysia right now, an EV is, at best, a second car for the family.\nALSO WATCH: \nOra Good Cat EV by GWM now in Malaysia, First Look\nSummary\nOwning an EV in the family has been an interesting experience for us. Living in an urban area, we are lucky to be able to live with the car\u2019s setbacks without too much difficulty. You could give it a try but we\u2019d only recommend it as a second car for the time being. If you think you could handle it as your main vehicle, then more power to you.\nRELATED: \nAC/DC? Common EV terms and jargons explained"
"As the nation move past 90% vaccination rate for the Malaysian adult population, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today announced that interstate travels will now be allowed for those who are fully-vaccinated, starting from tomorrow (11 October 2021).\nWith state borders now completely unrestricted, the prime minister also adds that tourism activities within the country will be permitted starting tomorrow.\nHealth Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in a press conference last week that all interstate road blocks will be completely removed as soon as interstate travels are permitted, as it would be \u201cimpractical\u201d to screen every vehicle.\nHowever, he reminds that existing SOPs for non-vaccinated individuals will still be in place nationwide. \u201cWe won\u2019t have roadblocks, but if [the unvaccinated] go back [to their hometown] or cross borders and try to dine in at a restaurant, they won\u2019t be allowed to do so.\u201d\nKuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, and Melaka has now moved into NRP Phase 3, with more SOPs relaxed. Learn more here.\nThe Prime Minister also reiterated today that actions can and will be taken against those who breach the SOPs in place; there will be random checks against those unvaccinated at public premises.\nAdditionally, if you are planning to travel back to your hometown any time soon, the Ministry of Health also advises to perform a RTK saliva antigen selft test first before embarking on your journey. The test kits are available to purchase at pharmacies nationwide at a controlled ceiling price of RM19.90 each.\nAside from interstate travels, the Prime Minister also announced that fully-vaccinated individuals can now travel overseas without the need to apply for a travel pass."
"Proton has announced that the company will pledge RM10 to the Tabung Harapan Malaysia (THM) government fund for every Proton car purchased from 1 June to 31 December 2018, showing its support towards a worthy cause for the country and the rakyat.\nTHM is a fund set up by the Pakatan Harapan led government for the public to contribute towards easing the RM1 trillion national debt. As of 1 June 2018, the fund has collected over RM18,608,926.36.\nThe cheapest Saga can be had for less than RM30k\nNow that Goods and Services Tax (GST) is officially zero-rated, Proton models have seen a \nprice reduction of RM2.1k to RM12.5k\n. In addition to that, Proton is also offering Duit Raya cash rebate on selected models for customers who purchase a new Proton car throughout the month of June.\nModel\nDuit Raya promotion\nSaga\nRM3,500\nIriz\nRM4,000\nPersona\nRM3,000\nErtiga\nRM4,000\n*\nTerms and Conditions apply, varies by model, varies by year of make"
"It\u2019s no secret that Lamborghini is moving towards electrification, as announced via its \nDirezione Cor Tauri\n plan\n that was unveiled earlier this year. However, the company has just confirmed that the first fully-EV Lamborghini model will hit the market somewhere between 2027 and 2028.\nSpeaking to \nYahoo Finance\n, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said: \u201cThe first [EV] would be in the second part of this decade. So we think about \u201927, \u201928. And before that we will hybridise all the line-up we are having today.\u201d\nWhile Winkelmann stopped short of revealing what form its first EV will ultimately take, he mentions that the company\u2019s line-up in the future will revolve around four models: two \u201csuper sports cars\u201d, and two \u201cmore versatile vehicles\u201d, as confirmed earlier this year.\nRELATED: Urus now Lamborghini\u2019s fastest-selling, most-produced model, 15,000 units made so far\nThe fully electric model will most likely fall within the two \u201cversatile\u201d vehicles in Lamborghini\u2019s plans \u2013 which is expected to consist of an Urus replacement model, plus a mystery model that Winkelmann has said he wants to have two doors.\nAs for the \u201csuper sports cars\u201d, Lamborghini is planning to be building them as plug-in hybrids for the time being. \u201cThe legislators will tell us what we are allowed to do from 2030 onwards,\u201d Winkelmann added.\nRELATED: Lamborghini is sending off its V12 era with the \u201cultimate\u201d Aventador. \nWhen asked if they expect to see the internal combustion engine (ICE) being completely eradicated in the next decade, Winkelmann said that he\u2019s hopeful that the synthetic fuels will help keep them around for a little while longer.\n\u201cWe hope that there will be an opportunity for synthetic fuel \u2013 which is then CO2 neutral \u2013 to be as big enough, or distributed enough in a high quantity, that we have a capillarity, which we can also then fuel our super sports cars,\u201d said Winkelmann.\n\u201cSo this is an opportunity we want to leave open. We don\u2019t have to decide now, because this is not the moment where this type of fuel is present. And we don\u2019t know if it\u2019s going to be developed on a level which is then good for us as well. So this is a window we leave open after this, or at the beginning of the \u201930s.\u201d\n2021 is set to be a record-breaking year for Lamborghini. In the same interview, Winkelmann revealed that \u201cevery month is better than the month before\u201d for the Italian supercar manufaturer.\n\u201cEvery month we are selling more cars than we can deliver. Overall at 2021, it\u2019s going to be a record year, both in sales and also in terms of financial figures. So we are very happy about that. And we are looking forward to the year 2022,\u201d he added."
"After years of speculation and anticipation, Lotus has announced the name of its first-ever, fully-electric SUV (initially codenamed \u201cType 132\u201d) and it\u2019s called \nEletre\n. It is the latest in a long line of Lotus sports cars that begin with the letter \u2018E\u2019 and marks the start of a new chapter in the company\u2019s history.\n \nEletre means \n\u201cComing to Life\u201d\n in some Eastern European languages, and while we\u2019re not overly excited about the name, it\u2019s definitely exciting to see another fully-electric Lotus \u2018coming to life\u2019 after the \nfully electric Evija revealed in 2019\n and the \nEmira \nlast year.\nThe Eletre was designed in the UK and is the first vehicle to be manufactured in the \ncompany\u2019s new facility\n (Lotus Technology Global Headquarters) in Wuhan, China.\nLotus has been teasing bits and sections of its new E-segment SUV leading up to its launch tomorrow on the 29th of March, including the active front grille that serves to improve cooling and front-end aerodynamics.\nThe rear will also feature \nactive rear aero\n, (presumably referring to an active rear spoiler/wing), inspired by the company\u2019s past Formula 1 cars.\nLike most modern cars, it will also be equipped with driver assistance features using Light, Detection, and Ranging (LIDAR) technology. Lotus says LIDAR will serve as \u2018the eyes of the car\u2019 and will help pave the way for new technologies in its future electric cars.\nIn its earlier teaser video, Lotus also revealed the Eletre\u2019s immersive start-up sequence on its infotainment displays and exterior lights, which are accompanied by sounds. This gives an impression that the car has awakened and is ready for action, according to Lotus.\nThe Eletre will be built on the \u2018Lotus Premium Architecture\u201d, one of four new platforms announced in April 2021. The \u2018Premium Architecture\u2019 offers a wheelbase ranging from \n2,889 mm to 3,100 mm\n and could be further expanded in the future. It supports the development of all types of passenger vehicles from C to E segments.\nUsing \n92 to 120kWh batteries\n, it\u2019s compatible with the industry\u2019s most advanced 800-volt fast-charging charging system. There is no indication of the Eletre\u2019s performance but Lotus said vehicles built on this platform are capable of completing 0 to 100 km/h in \nunder three\n \nseconds\n..watch out \nFerrari Purosangue\n!\nThe Eletre is only the first of many more exciting fully-electric vehicles from the company as Lotus Group, CEO, Mr. Feng Qingfeng highlighted.\n\u201cIt is the backbone for the future of pure electric vehicles and we will continue to expand the line-up and create more revolutionary products for global users,\u201d he said.\nFollowing the new Eletre, Lotus has announced that it will launch a four-door sports coupe (Type 133) in 2023 and a D-segment SUV (Type 134) in 2025 and an \nall-new electric sports car (Type 135) by 2026\n.\nWatch the full teaser video \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"Kia\u2019s first ever all-electric crossover is now officially on sale in its home country. The \nKia Niro EV\n that was first premiered at the 2017 Paris Motor Show, boasts a pure electric driving range of up to 450 km on a single charge, making it one of the most capable electric vehicles (EV) on sale.\nThe Niro EV is Kia\u2019s second mass-market battery-powered crossover after the Soul EV to go on sale globally. Its only \ncompetitors\n (in the all-electric crossover category) are the \nTesla Model X\n and \nJaguar I-Pace\n, both of which compete in the premium market space.\nPropulsion is handled by an electric motor to give the front wheels 204 hp and 395 Nm of torque from standstill, allowing the Niro EV to sprint to 100 km/h in \n7.8 seconds\n. The electric motor is juiced by a high-capacity 64-kWh lithium-polymer battery pack that promises \n450 km\n of driving range on a full charge.\nPlugged into a 100-kW fast charger, the battery pack can be recharged to 80 per cent capacity in under one hour. Alternatively, Kia also offers a smaller 39.2-kWh capacity battery pack with a range of up to 300 km from a single charge.\nWith the battery pack strategically located down low in the car\u2019s body, the Niro EV boasts a centre gravity more akin to that of a saloon or hatchback despite its crossover body style. Kia believes that the drivers will enjoy high stability and driving engagement on winding roads.\nKia\u2019s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems also makes its debut on the Niro EV, bundling Forward Collision Warning with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Intelligent Stop & Go, and Lane Following Assist (LFA). LFA allows for semi-autonomous driving of speeds between 0 and 130 km/h.\nThe Niro EV was penned at Kia\u2019s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea, incorporating the practicality and appeal of a crossover with an emotive aerodynamic body. Taking a \u201cClean and High-Tech\u201d design concept, the Niro EV features design cues such as Tiger-Nose grille, arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights, light-blue trim highlights and five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone diamond cut finish.\nInside you\u2019ll find Kia\u2019s first \u2018dial\u2019-style shift knob, 7.0-inch touchscreen HMI infotainment, six-colour ambient lighting and 451 litres of boot space.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Niro EV"
"With that sloping rear end and lowered roof edge by 20mm, it kinda does, doesn\u2019t it?\nBut it\u2019s not just a Cayenne with some fat trimmed off, the Cayenne Coupe, an inevitable introduction in today\u2019s volume-obsessed market, has gone through some significant changes.\nThe extended fenders also widen the car\u2019s arches by 18mm, for a more hunkered down stance. The exterior also features an adaptive rear spoiler \u2013 a feature first introduced in the current Cayenne Turbo \u2013 the first SUV with active aerodynamics.\nThe adaptive rear spoiler which works hand in hand with Porsche\u2019s Active Aerodynamics, complements a fixed roof spoiler.\nThe adaptive rear spoiler can extend up to 135mm at speeds above 90 km/h, for better traction on the rear axle.\nInside, the Cayenne Coupe, like \nPanamera Sport Turismo\n we reviewed recently, only accommodates four passengers as standard \u2013 meaning only two individual seats at the back which sits 30mm lower for better headroom. The conventional rear seats can be specified at no cost.\nThe Cayenne Coupe is available with two powerful engines. There is a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged engine with\n 340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque and another 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 making\n 550 hp \nand \n770 Nm\n of torque.\n0 to 100 km/h in the former is done in six seconds while the latter manages a more brisk 3.9 seconds. Top speed on the V8 model is rated at 286 km/h \u2013 nothing more than a sneeze for the mighty Cayenne to handle.\nPrices for the 3.0-litre Cayenne Coupe starts from 83,711 euros (approx. RM384k) while the Cayenne Turbo Coupe goes for 146,662 euros (approx. RM672k).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After announcing a new alliance between Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, it\u2019s no surprise then that when Mitsubishi unveiled their e-Evolution all-electric SUV at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan too have an electric crossover for the world.\nThe new concept vehicle called Nissan IMx, is Nissans vision of how cars of the future will be powered, driven and integrated with society. Offering unprecedented driving pleasure in a zero-emission vehicle.\nBefore we proceed, let us discuss performance. It may not look like it but the IMx Concept is a proper high-performance crossover. Powered by two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle giving it all-wheel drive capabilities \u2013 the electric motors give a combined output of 320 kW or \n429 hp\n and a mind bending \n700 Nm\n of twisting force! The All that performance and Nissan claims that the crossover can cover over 600 km on a single charge. Key performance figures are unavailable at the moment, but we have no doubt it will blow most hot hatches out of the water.\nComplimenting that electric drivetrain is Nissans next-generation \nProPILOT fully automous technology\n that when activated, assumes full control of the vehicle and allows the driver to sit back and relax. In ProPILOT drive mode, the steering wheel is stowed away neatly, and the seats recline to a comfortable position allowing occupants to relax throughout the entire commute. Drivers can always regain full control over the vehicle if they so wish with a push of a button.   On to its exterior design, Nissan has given the IMx a clean and sporty appeal while featuring some familiar signature cues such as the V-Motion grille. The Vermillion accent that contrasts with the Pearl White paintjob, is inspired by \nuramasari\n, which describes the beauty and extravagance found on the inside of traditional Japanese kimonos.\nThe cabin architecture was inspired by traditional Japanese house that eludes a sense of openness. Wood grain trims found on the lower section of the interior gives the occupants a subtle sense of outside.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the all-new Megane looming on the horizon, Renault is bidding farewell to the current Megane with the unveiling of not one, but two versions of the Megane RS: the RS 275 Cup-S and the RS 275 Nav. The former is targeted to the more serious of drivers while the latter is the \u201ctamer\u201d version and more comfort-oriented.\nNo changes on the outside, apart from the new \nFlame Red\n colour option as shown here, and both variants are fitted with \n18-inch Tibor alloys\n as standard. Apart from the \u201c\nCup-S\n\u201d script on the F1-insipred front wing, the difference between the \nRS 275 Cup-S\n and the \nRS 275 Nav\n is that the wheels of the former are finished in \nmatte black\n and wrapped with\u00a0\nMichelin Pilot Sport 2\n tyres\u00a0as opposed to the \nsatin anthracite\n\u00a0wheels wrapped in \nDunlop Sport Maxx\n tyres on the RS 275 Nav.\nUnderneath the sleek \u201ccoupe\u201d body (yes, yes, we know it\u2019s a hatch), the RS 275 Cup-S gets the \nCup chassis\n which means \nmechanical LSD\n, \ntweaked suspension\n, and \nred brake calipers\n are thrown in for free complementing the mentioned matte black wheels and grippy rubbers. The RS 275 Nav still runs on the Sport chassis, but buyers can upgrade their RS 275 Nav to be equipped with the Cup chassis for a small fee.\nOther options available to both models include bigger \n19-inch wheels\n and \nsunroof\n, but the RS 275 Cup-S\u2019s option list extends to the \nRS Monitor\n on-board performance tracking system, \nOhlins adjustable Road & Track dampers\n, and the \nAkrapovic titanium exhaust system\n.\nThe interior also differs in terms of creature comforts. On the RS 275 Nav, the \nhands-free key card\n, the \n7-inch touch screen\n for the \nR-Link v2 multimedia system\n, the \ndual-zone climate control\n, and the \nreverse camera\n are all fitted as standard, but optional on the RS 275 Cup-S. More comfort can be had in the RS 275 Nav by opting the \nLeather Pack\n which includes \nheated and powered front memory seats\n, and \nCarbon grey Renaultsport leather upholstery\n.\nPerformance figures are equal on both models, because they\u2019re utilising the same \n2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n from the Nurburgring-attacking \nMegane RS 275 Trophy-R\n. Both get \n275 hp\n and\n 360 Nm\n delivered to the front wheels via a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n, and they sprint from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n6.0 seconds\n. Top speed is\u00a0\n255 km/h\n.\nBoth Meganes are already on sale in the UK with prices starting from \n\u00a323,935\n for the \nRS 275 Cup-S\n and \n\u00a325,935\n for the \nRS 275 Nav\n. Closer to home, our local Renault franchise holder TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd recently introduced the \nMegane RS 265 Cup\n on our market, which currently retails at RM234,888.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo has introduced a world-first premium air quality technology in its cars called the \nAdvanced Air Cleaner\n, allowing Volvo drivers to breathe clean air inside their cars.\nThe new feature comes with a sensor that measures PM 2.5 levels inside the cabin, a feature not available in any other car currently on the market. In China, where PM 2.5 measurements and related information services are well-established, Volvo drivers can also compare the air quality between the inside and outside of the cabin.\nAs an indication of the amount of fine particulate matters in the air, PM 2.5 is a widely used measure for air quality. Many urban areas around the world suffer from PM 2.5 values that exceeds recommended levels by the World Health Organisation (WHO), underlining the need to minimise their impact.\nThe Advanced Air Cleaner is \navailable in all 90 and 60 series Volvo models \nbased on the Scalable Product Architecture, and cleans fine particulate matters from the cabin through a synthetic-fibre based filter and ionisation. It\u2019s said that up to 95% of all PM 2.5 particles can be kept out of the cabin."
"At the launch of the \nfully-imported XC60 T8 Inscription Plus\n, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has revealed that they will be introducing the locally assembled variants of the premium mid-sized SUV in the coming months.\nA total of three variants will be available \u2013 the entry-level T5 priced at RM298,888, T8 Inscription for RM333,888 and the range-topping T8 Inscription Plus at RM343,888. The CBU model will be replaced by the CKD variant but thanks to local hybrid assembly tax incentives, it is now RM30k cheaper.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolvo XC60 T5 (CKD)\nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription (CKD)\nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus (CKD)\nEngine\n1,969cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder\n1,969cc; four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic\nMax Power\n254 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n320 hp @ 5,700 rpm\nMax Torque\n350 Nm\n400 Nm @ 2,200 \u2013 5,400 rpm\nElectric Motor\n\u2013\n87 hp & 240 Nm\nCombined Output\n\u2013\n407 hp & 640 Nm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.8 seconds; 210 km/h\n5.3 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM298,888\nRM333,888\nRM343,888\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nThe T8 models wear the Inscription trim line which gets Inscription-specific chrome grille, exterior details in chrome, full LED headlamps with Active Bending Lights, dual integrated tailpipes and rides on 19-inch 10-spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 profile tyres.\nOn the other hand, the entry-level T5 wears the simpler Momentum trim line, standard LED headlamps and rides on smaller 18-inch five-Y-Spoke silver alloys wrapped in 235/60 profile tyres. The T5 is also the only variant to come with a temporary spare wheel while the T8s get tyre repair kits in case you come across a flat.\nThor\u2019s Hammer LED daytime running lights, integrated roof rails and Windscreen Wipers with Integrated Washers remains standard across the board.\nINTERIOR\nThe T8 Inscription Plus gets the same kit as the CBU model \u2013 9.0-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 1,100W 15-speakers Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System, three-spoke multifunctional Sport steering wheel, Orrefors Crystal Gear Lever, diamond-cut engine start/stop knob, 360-degree camera, and Panoramic Sunroof. The T8 Inscription only loses out on the Bowers & Wilkins sound system for a 10-speaker High Performance Audio set up.\nThe entry-level T5 drops the Orrefors Crystal Lever, 360-degree camera (it still gets a reverse camera) Sport steering wheel, heads-up display and panoramic sunroof. Elsewhere, leather upholstery, powered adjustable comfort seats with memory function for driver\u2019s seat, 12.3-inch TFT Adaptive instrument cluster display and heads-up display, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Zone Interior Air Quality system.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe T8 variants get the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine paired to an electric motor that pushes out \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of twisting force. The petrol engine sends drive to the front wheels while the electric motor helps drive the rear axles, giving the XC60 all-wheel drive capabilities. Zero to 100 km/h takes \n5.3 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n230 km/h\n.\nThe new entry variant T5 gets a more conventional setup, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that belts \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Like the T8, the T5 also gets an eight-speed automatic transmission, only here, drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels. Century sprint is clocked at \n6.8 seconds\n while top speed is a shade lower at \n210 km/h\n. The T5 also benefits from a larger 60-litre fuel tank as opposed to the 50-litre capacity of the T8.\nSAFETY\nVolvo\u2019s Intellisafe preventive safety systems are standard across the board \u2013 City safety pre-collision braking, Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist, Electric Seat Belt Pretensioners and many more.\nHowever, Volvo\u2019s Pilot Assist that allows for semi-autonomous driving up to 130 km/h is reserved only for the T8 Inscription and Inscription Plus. So, remember, the XC60 T5 \ncannot\n drive itself.\nWHAT ELSE?\nLike all Volvo cars, the Volvo XC60 CKD gets a 5-Years Warranty package. There will be five exterior colour options to choose from \u2013 Ice White, Bright Silver, Osmium Grey, Onyx Black and Maple Brown. \u00a0In response to customer demands, VCM has also added a second leather upholstery colour for the locally assembled variant \u2013 Maroon Brown to join the Charcoal option.\nFull specifications and features of the locally-assembled XC60 variants will be revealed in the months ahead but customers can now place their bookings for the XC60 CKD at all Volvo showrooms nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus (CBU)   Charge it up"
"There\u2019s no arguing that the \ncurrent generation Ford Ranger\n is the best looking of them all \u2013 hands down, case closed. If there was a checklist, it would tick em\u2019 all \u2013 its size, its proportion, features, drive and performance \u2013 they all just work.\nNow Ford is set to unveil an exclusive new edition of Europe\u2019s No.1 selling pick-up, the Ranger Black Edition, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a striking and distinctive, colour-coded appearance.\nContrary to the frightening Black Editions of Mercedes-Benz\u2019 stable, the Ranger Black Edition is limited only to its aesthetics featuring a de-chromed body in \u201cAbsolute Black with a black finish\u201d \u2013 yes, that\u2019s exactly what was said. The somber finishing is applied to the radiator grille, alloy wheels, sports bar and other exterior details. Production will be limited to just \n2,500 units\n in Double Cab bodies only.\nEquipment that will come as standard includes front parking sensors and rear view camera, satellite navigation, Ford SYNC 3 multimedia system with 8-inch touchscreen and dual-zone electronic climate control.\n\u201cRanger customers appreciate the vehicle\u2019s tough, go-anywhere capability and its rugged good looks, and we expect this attractive new limited series to be snapped up within weeks,\u201d said Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe, General Manager, Hans Schep.\nEurope has been a fruitful hunting ground for the Ranger with over 23,000 units sold in the past year alone."
"Michelin dubs the Energy XM2+ as \u2018The Stopping Superpower\u2019, and not without good reason. During the \ntyre\u2019s launch in June this year\n at the Sepang circuit, Michelin pitted the XM2+ against its main rivals in the Malaysian market, in a variety of dynamic exercises, when new and when worn down, and the results were quite surprising.\nNot that the other tyres performed badly, but the XM2+ did better, both on a wet handling course as well as full-bore braking on wet and dry surfaces, over multiple runs. Michelin credits this to the XM2+\u2019s \nnew all-silica compound adapted from its higher range models\n, while keeping the strengths of the original XM2, i.e. longer mileage and low rolling resistance.\n \nOver the course of our test on a 2017-spec Proton Iriz, the Michelin Energy XM2+ also impressed us with its comfort. Somehow, the XM2+ manages to cushion the sharp edges on our lousy roads and noticeably improved upon the slightly firm ride characteristics of the Iriz. The tyre also felt more composed and required less effort to turn compared to the tyres (a reputable Italian brand) that were fitted on the Iriz previously, and which had only done 8,000 km.\nYes, the XM2+ isn\u2019t the most affordable choice in the touring, entry-level class (prices start from RM 200 per piece), but when you factor in the overall longevity and high level of braking performance even when its worn, it\u2019s clear why the Michelin commands a premium. When it comes to tyres, always pick the best you can afford, after all you can\u2019t really put a value to the safety of occupants."
"At long last, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has finally introduced the \nW205 C-Class CKD\n to take the place of its \nCBU counterpart\n that was launched in September last year. The locally assembled compact executive sedan will soldier on in two existing trim levels \u2013 \nC 200 Avantgarde\n and \nC 250 Exclusive\n.\nNow, because they\u2019re both produced here in their \nPekan plant\n in Pahang, both cars shave of a good \nRM15,000\n off the original price tag which the CBU units carried.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde\nMercedes-Benz C250 Exclusive\nEngine\n1,991cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged\n1,991cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged\nTransmission\n7G-Tronic Plus Automatic\n7G-Tronic Plus Automatic\nMax Power\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\nPrice\u00a0(OTR without insurance)\nRM269,888.00\u00a0\nRM299,888.00\u00a0\nYou may think RM15,000 isn\u2019t a lot to begin with, but as we\u2019ve \ntold you before\n, this baby S-Class may be a lot of things, but overpriced and an \u2018uncle-car\u2019 it is not. All things considered, the C-Class is by far the most well equipped (and well built) car of its class and price range. Add that to the fact that both the CKD C-Classes bear \nexactly the same equipment levels\n as before.\nWhat\u2019s missing this time around is the \nC 250 with AMG Line\n which was previously sold at RM340k. If this particular variant joins the lineup in the near future, then it\u2019s safe to say that it will also very likely get the same RM16k cut. For now, you have the aforementioned variants to choose from and in two states of tunes.\nBoth the C 200 and C 250 come fitted with the same \n2.0-litre turbocharged petrol\n engine, but the former is tuned to make \n184 hp\n\u00a0at 5,500 rpm and \n300 Nm\n of torque from 1,200 to 4,000 revolutions, while the latter\u2019s four-banger makes a punchier \n211 horsepower\n at 5,500 rpm and \n350 Nm\n of torque at the same rev band. Both variants share the same \n7G-Tronic Plus automatic\n gearbox driving the \nrear wheels\n.\nWe\u2019ve got more numbers lined up for those who cannot get enough; the C 200 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.5 seconds\n, whereas the C 250 gets it done in \n6.6 seconds\n. Top speed is rated at \n235 km/h\n and \n250 km/h\n respectively, while both sip just \n5.3 litres of fuel per 100 km\n. Fun with the new C-Class can be spelled in three words \u2013 \nfive driving modes\n. There\u2019s Eco, Sport, Sport +, Comfort and Individual.\nAgain, the CKD C-Class mirrors the CBU\u2019s spec sheet, which means it gets \nseven airbags\n (including driver\u2019s knee airbag), Collision Prevention Assist, Active Parking Assist and a raft of other safety features usually in the form of three-lettered acronyms. Hint: ABS, EBD, etc.\nPricing for the new C-Classes are \nRM269,888\n for the C 200 Avantgarde and \nRM299,888\n for the C 250 Exclusive. RM30k sets them apart, but each will appeal to its own pool of buyers. Prices are OTR with GST but excludes insurance. Mercedes is urging those interested to get up close and personal with the C-Class through their Dealer Openhaus programme nationwide at these locations:\n25 & 26 April 2015\n2 & 3 May 2015\n9 & 10 May 2015\n16 & 17 May 2015\nCycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (Mutiara Damansara)Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (Petaling Jaya)Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd\n (Kuala Lumpur)NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd (Klang)\nMBSA Automotive Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (Malacca)\nAsbenz Motors Sdn Bhd (Kedah)Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Balakong)Lowe Motors Sdn Bhd (Juru Autoworld)NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd (Bangsar)\nBR Jaya Sdn Bhd (Batu Pahat)Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (Johor Bahru)Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (Tun Razak)NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd (Johor Bahru)\n23 & 24 May 2015\n30 & 31 May 2015\n6 & 7 June 2015\n\u00a0\nCycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (Glenmarie)Mofaz Exotic Car Sdn Bhd (Kota Bahru)Mofaz Exotic Car Sdn Bhd (Kuala Terengganu)NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd (Kuantan)\nHap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Jalan Ipoh)Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Kinrara)Ipoh Motors Sdn Bhd (Ipoh)Minsoon Credit Corp (M) Sdn Bhd (Seremban)\nHap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Kota Kinabalu)Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd (Kuching)\nIMAGE GALLERY   The electronic panoramic sunroof as seen in the C250 Exclusive"
"Rimac Automobili, an electric car company based in Croatia that specialises in electric vehicle technology has just beaten the \nPorsche 918\n in a quarter mile race with their electric super car \u2013 Rimac Concept_One.\nAs far as drag races go, the Porsche 918 is the most superior of the holy trinity, thanks to its four-wheel drive set up. This enables the 918 to put all of its \n875 hp\n down onto the tarmac better than its rear-wheel drive rivals. It goes from 0 to 100km/h in \n2.8 seconds\n and yet, the Concept_One simply obliterates Stuttgart\u2019s quintessential hypercar.\nFirst, simply jump to the 5:00 mark of the video for proof:\n \nFrom the get go, the Concept_One, which has four electric battery motors driving each wheel, is a four-wheel drive machine that kept up with the Porsche (also a four-wheel drive). However, once both cars reach around 120mph (193km/h), the Concept_One just continues to pull and leave the 918 behind. The Concept_One finished the quarter mile in 9.9 seconds.\nThe Porsche 918 in the video belongs to Alejandro, or better known through his YouTube alias Salomondrin, and it is fitted with the ultra-exclusive Weissach package that lightens the 918 further. Doesn\u2019t this make the Concept_One\u2019s victory even sweeter?\nPiloting the Concept_One is none other than the founder, CTO and CEO of Rimac Automobili, Mate Rimac. To make matters even more exciting, the car in the video is an actual customer\u2019s car with around 7,000km on the clock. This gives us a good idea of what Rimac is able to deliver.\nSo how did a seven-year-old company in Croatia beat the almighty 918? With four electric motors, 1,088 hp, 1,600 Nm of torque, a century sprint time of 2.6 seconds, 355km/h top speed and some serious software controls, of course.\nMate Rimac has always had the passion to surpass what supercars today can achieve with electric technologies. That was how the Concept_One came about. However, during the time, the technology needed to realise the Concept_One did not exist. Rimac went on to develop those technologies themselves and hence the Concept_One was born.\nThe 1,088 hp electric super car boasts features that no other electric vehicles have. For example, instead of a single ratio gearbox that every other vehicle has, the Concept_One comes with a two-speed double clutch gearbox. This allows for the Concept_One to accelerate quickly from low speeds and at the same time achieving the 335km/h top speed.\nThe car also comes with advanced torque vectoring controls that allows drivers to select how they want the power to be delivered. In other words, the driver can configure their Concept_One to be fully rear-wheel driven, front-wheel driven, equal torque split or even 30:70 front to rear torque bias. This makes the car extremely versatile and everything is done via the centre console dial.\nAll these technologies are leaps and bounds ahead of other manufactures which is a good thing as Rimac also offers their solutions to other manufacturers. One of their clients is none other than\u00a0Swedish hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg. As Rimac grows and more companies adopt their technologies, the potential for these innovations to trickle down into everyday cars is limitless.\nIf you are wondering how much does one costs, Salomondrin has expressed that\u00a0this absolute monster of a machine\u00a0will set you back for around 1.1 to 1.2 million USD. That translates to around RM4.5 million and each and every single one of them have been snatched up. To quote Mate, the future of electric vehicles should not be viewed as the end of gasoline engines but rather the start of a new era of supercars and hypercars that are equally, if not more exciting. For now though, we are sure that their upcoming 1,800 Nm track weapon, the Concept_S, will excite us further.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Rimac Concept_One"
"Traffic at the toll gates is nothing new. There are various payment methods causing traffic to switch lanes at the toll gates leading to congestion and when you\u2019re at the toll gates, some of these toll payment service providers may not even work consistently; causing even longer queues.\nA local company called Tapway has come up with a solution to reduce congestion at the toll gates using Artificial Intelligence (AI) although it was not mentioned specifically how the system would work.\nWhat was mentioned was that the system (using NVIDIA GPUs and software), Tapway\u2019s \u2018VehicleTrack\u2019 software can read a vehicle\u2019s license plate and detect its class, make and color in just 50 milliseconds, 1/10 of the time it takes to blink an eye. This is with the vehicle travelling up to 40 km/h while approaching the toll gates. This could mean that there would be no specific lanes for specific toll payment services.\nTapway\u2019s software works in all light and weather conditions while consistently recording up to 97% accuracy and PLUS is already on board as they have installed 577 cameras with the software so far, and intends to increase to 900 cameras in 92 toll plazas to improve traffic flow at toll gates.\nSince 2014, Tapway has deployed 3,000 sensors in 500 locations throughout Malaysia and Singapore. Elsewhere, they also offer their services to malls and retailers to better understand customer\u2019s shopping habits. The company is also gearing up to help car manufacturers and palm oil producers with quality control inspection."
"Ask and you shall receive, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has officially teased the highly anticipated Kia Stinger GT on their official Facebook page. In a single image with the caption \u201cThey\u2019ve been talking about it. You will be too, soon.#stinger\u201d hints at the imminent launch of the brand\u2019s halo model with no exact launch date.\nFirst previewed\n at the 2017 Malaysia Auto Show, the Stinger GT is available with a 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 with \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo T-GDI with \n244 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDi with \n197 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n. All engine choices are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with power sent either to the rear or all four corners.\nIt remains to be seen which variant or variants will NKM offer, whether would it be the heart thumping 3.3-litre V6 or the road tax friendly 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo. NKM may even take this opportunity to highlight their commitment towards diesel power and offer the turbodiesel too, so it is all up in the air for now.\nTo recap, the Kia Singer GT goes for \u00a331,995 (RM180k) to \u00a340,495 (RM228k), about the same price bracket of the Audi A4 and Mercedes-AMG C43 in the UK. Now that you have some perspective of its product positioning, how much would you pay for one of these beauties here in Malaysia?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Stinger GT Preview in Malaysia"
"Toyota has just introduced a new taxi vehicle for the Japanese market, called the JPN Taxi. The new model, which is available for purchase at Toyota dealership in Japan nationwide, embodies the spirit of Japanese hospitality and showcases a people-friendly design for anyone and everyone.\nToyota will be displaying this vehicle at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show with further plans to have the JPN Taxis greet visitors and tourist alike when Tokyo hosts the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Powered by an efficient 1.5-litre liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hybrid system that returns \n19.4 km/L\n and low emissions, the JPN Taxi also features some of Toyotas latest driver assistance system for a safer commute.\nToyota has given the taxi vehicle a modern image without sacrificing the iconic taxi silhouette and practicality. The JPN Taxi is available in two distinct trims \u2013 \nstandard Nagomi\n and \nluxurious Takumi\n. Nagomi models get halogen headlights, smaller wheels and lesser cosmetic trims. Takumi models gets slapped on with \nLED headlamps\n with positioning lamps, larger alloys and chrome trims all round. Talk about travelling in style!\nThe benefit of its tall design is clearly shown inside, with the rear passengers enjoying \n230 mm\n of head room. This JPN Taxi comes with a wide-opening rear sliding door and low floor for better ingress and egress. There are place handles and wheelchair ramp for greater convenience to customers.   Other features such as seat belt extender, LED lit seat belt buckle, rear air vents with Nanoe air purifier, back seat heating (Takumi grade only) and sound-proof glass all contributes to greater comfort for the passengers. Storage space is rated at 401 litres.\nOn Takumi grade vehicles, the driver will also benefit from a high-tech working space with the car dispatch system, air conditioning, and other instruments operated by the driver are positioned on the driver\u2019s right side while the navigation (GPS) system and taxi meter are placed in view of the passengers. The hazard switch, which is frequently used, can be easily controlled on the steering wheel.\nAs standard the JPN Taxi comes with six airbags, \nToyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C)\n that bundles Pre-Crash Safety System, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Advance Car Launch Notification, as well as your usual safety systems such as ABS, EBD and ESC.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As we know, Mazda\u2019s pickup is represented by the \nBT-50\n, which shares the same underpinnings as\u00a0the \nFord Ranger\n. However, that will no longer be the case. Mazda has decided to move on by having Isuzu produce their next-generation Mazda BT-50.\nThe two Japanese companies have inked a deal that will facilitate just that, which means the BT-50 will be based on the next-generation\u00a0D-Max model. This also allows Isuzu to increase its competitiveness by boosting economies of scale. At the same time, this allows Mazda to continue offering pickups, complementing their Skyactiv range of passenger cars and SUVs range.\nSharing platforms among manufacturers is\u00a0fairly common, more so for pickups. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s upcoming \nX-Class\n will be based on\u00a0the\u00a0\nNissan Navara\n, and\u00a0\nNissan\u2019s recent takeover of Mitsubishi\n\u00a0might just mean that future Navara and\u00a0\nTriton\n\u00a0pickups will just be a pickup with different badges. In fact, this is not the first time Mazda and Isuzu collaborated as the latter entity used to produce pickups for Mazda for the Japanese domestic market.\nWhat\u2019s more interesting is the outcome of the future D-Max and BT-50 models, more so when the current D-Max pickup is\u00a0based on a\u00a0Chevrolet platform. Putting a SkyActiv Diesel powertrain in a future Mazda pickup will be an attractive proposition too, although Isuzu has their own fair share of efficient diesel powertrains at its disposal.\nAs for now, the BT-50 in its second-generation guise is now five years old and Mazda Malaysia is offering both the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre turbodiesel variants with all-wheel drive. Prices begin from\u00a0\nRM80K\n to \nRM112K\n."
"Set to take centre stage at Subaru\u2019s booth at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show is the Subaru VIZIV Performance Concept, a sports sedan concept that gives us a taste of what, presumably, the next-generation WRX will have in store for us.\nIf you remember at the LA Auto Show last year, Subaru showcased a \nVIZIV-7\n, seven-seater SUV concept car. Seeing that both concepts share the same name, we can safely assume that the upcoming VIZIV Performance Concept will draw design inspirations from the VIZIV-7.\nThe sedan concept will also feature the brand\u2019s full suite of advanced driver-assist technology (EyeSight), in anticipation of the popularisation of self-driving vehicles in the near future. Subaru promises that the VIZIV Performance Concept will deliver superior driving enjoyment and peace of mind.\nMore details of the Subaru VIZIV Performance Concept to come when the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show commences on 27th of October."
"With the design of the \nKia EV9\n unveiled two weeks ago, Kia has now revealed more details of its new large electric SUV. Kia will begin offering pre-orders of the EV9 for the Korean market in the second quarter of 2023. The Kia EV9 will go on sale in selected global markets in the second half of the year.\nBeing an electric car, let\u2019s first address the battery, range, and performance of the Kia EV9. There are two battery sizes for the EV9, the smaller one being a \n76.1-kWh\n battery pack and the larger one being a \n99.8-kWh\n battery pack. In its longest-range version, the Kia EV9 can be driven for over \n541 km\n (targeted WLTP range).\nFrom the official statement, there are three drivetrain options for the Kia EV9\nRear wheel drive (RWD) Standard \u2013 76.1 kWh\nRWD Long Range \u2013 99.8 kWh\nAll Wheel Drive (AWD) \u2013 99.8 kWh\nIn its standard RWD variant, the Kia EV9 is powered by a single electric motor that produces 160 kW (\n215 hp\n metric) and \n350 Nm\n. It does the century sprint in \n8.2 seconds\n. All power is sent to the rear wheels.\nSacrificing performance for maximum range, the RWD Long Range variant produces less power at 150 kW (\n201 hp\n metric) and \n350 Nm\n. 0-100 km/h is done in \n9.4 seconds\n and Kia targets an electric range of over 541 km from the large \n99.8-kWh\n battery.\nRELATED: \nThe all-new Kia EV9 is \u201cfuturistic design\u201d done right\nThe All-Wheel Drive version gets two electric motors that make a combined output of 283 kW (\n380 hp\n metric) and \n600 Nm\n. The AWD version does the century sprint in \n6.0 seconds\n. The AWD version can also be made faster with an optional \u2018Boost\u2019 feature that will be made available for purchase on the Kia Connect Store. With the \u2018boost\u2019 feature, the AWD Kia EV9 unleashes all \n700 Nm\n of combined torque, accelerating the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.3 seconds\n.\nLike the Kia EV6, the EV9 boasts an 800-V architecture that enables ultra-fast charging. Kia says that the Kia EV6 can replenish 239 km of range in approximately 15 minutes. The EV9 comes with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality through its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), enabling the discharging of energy from the vehicle battery. Families can use up to \n3.68 kW\n of power for laptops or camping equipment.\nRELATED: \nKia Concept EV5 unveiled \u2013 Swivelling seats, Polestar-inspired taillights?\nAs for dimensions, the Kia EV9 measures 5,010 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,755 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 3,100 mm long. Key exterior highlights include a signature \u2018Digital Tiger Face\u2019, and \u2018Star Map\u2019 LED daytime running lights (DRL).\nKia has also taken this opportunity to unveil the Kia EV9 GT-Line together with the unveiling of the standard version. The GT-line features a distinctive black colour palette and a \u2018Digital Pattern Lighting Grille\u2019.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 Kia Sorento launched in Malaysia \u2013 6/7-seater SUV from RM211k\nInside, the Kia EV9 features relaxation seats in the first row to ensure a comfortable resting posture. The second-row seats offer 4 seating options \u2013 3-seater bench seats, basic-type, relaxation-type, and swivel-type two-seater independent seats. Occupants in the third row are provided with charging points and cup holders.\nOther interior highlights include a triple-screen display with two 12.3-inch displays sandwiching a 5-inch screen. Hidden type touch buttons beneath provide a start/stop function along with an infotainment system as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control.\nRELATED: \nKia Stinger bids farewell \u2013 Production ends with 1,000-unit \u2018Tribute Edition\u2019\nThe Kia EV9 also features Level 3 autonomous driving with the Kia\u2019s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system. Fifteen sensors, including two lidars, enable it to scan for and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view, enabling it to detect and react to the road and other users to prevent potential collisions. Kia is planning to offer the HDP in the EV9 GT-line model in the future. Further details on the HDP will be disclosed nearer its market availability.\nKia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song said, \u201cThe Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents the pinnacle of Kia\u2019s design and engineering capabilities. Created to meet the needs of all family members, the EV9 also spearheads Kia\u2019s rapid transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider, not just by its advanced EV architecture, but also through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation.\u201d"
"Perodua\n has just published its sales data for the month of September 2021, where it managed to ship \n14,160 units\n. \nCompared to August\n (6,988 units), the latest figures represented a 102% jump in sales, marking the third consecutive month of sales improvements.\nThe national carmaker attributed the sales growth over the past few months to the gradual improvements in the supply chain, following extended struggles in keeping up to demand due to the mandatory closures due to the \nCovid-19 lockdown\n, further exacerbated by the worldwide silicon shortage.\n\u201cThe automotive supply chain has shown improvements but have yet to reach their full potential. We are continuously working with our suppliers and dealers to further improve productivity and safety,\u201d Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.\nPerodua Ativa, Proton Iriz, and Nissan Almera Turbo \u2013 which one is faster? Check out our drag race here! \nYear-to-date, Perodua has sold 119,093 between January and September 2021, comparatively lower to the 145,012 units sold in the same period last year. When comparing the second quarter of the year to the third, sales dropped by 44.6% to 21,803 units between July and September (39,381 from April to June).\nDespite that, Dato\u2019 Zainal remains optimistic about Perodua\u2019s sales performance from October onwards. \u201cThe fourth quarter of 2021 does offer a better outlook than the previous two quarters, especially the marked improvement in the reduction of COVID-19 cases nationwide as well as the nearly 90% vaccination rate of the Malaysian adult population.\u201d\nPerodua showrooms and service centres nationwide have no reopened. Read more about the operating SOPs here before visiting.\nFor those still waiting on the delivery of their \nPerodua Ativa\n, Dato\u2019 Zainal explained that the gradual ramp up in both production and sales were due to the strict quality control measures throughout the company\u2019s operations to ensure customer satisfaction.\n\u201cWe thank our customers that have continued to be patient with us as we further improve production,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal added."
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced that a majority of Volkswagen service centres in the country are now operational during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, through a \nFacebook post\n today.\nThe announcement stated that most of its service centres have received approval from the Ministry of Inernational Trade and Industry (MITI) to operate during the MCO period.\nVPCM reassures that strict precautionary measures are in place to protect the health and safety of its customers. These include regular sanitisation of the premises, temperature screening and health briefings for its staff, implementation of contactless vehicle acceptance, vehicle sanitisation before and after service, as well as vehicle pick-up and drop-off with selected dealerships.\nOwners are advised to contact their trusted service centres to enquire of their operation schedule and make an appointment.\n[Update: VPCM has clarified that all services carried out during this MCO will be on an appointment basis. Furthermore, priority will be given to front-liners and customers who have signed up for the \nWelcome Back campaign\n.]\nVolkswagen showrooms and service centres have been shut \nsince the commencement of the MCO\n on the 18th of March. VPCM assured that all warranties of vehicles with their scheduled service falling during the MCO period will \ncontinue to be honoured\n."
"Yes, you read that right. Four years after Honda set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest lawnmower, having driven it up to an incredible speed of 187 km/h, they\u2019re at it again. This time, it\u2019s faster, louder and meaner.\nThe build of the Mean Mower as it is called, will once again be the task of Honda\u2019s BTCC partner, Team Dynamics, the same team that built the record-breaking lawn mower back in 2014. Previously driven by a writer from Top Gear, this time it will be the dazzling Jessica Hawkins at the helm, an up-and-coming race car driver.\nWith a new driver in the hot seat, the Mean Mower will also receive a new powerplant \u2013 a\u00a01,000cc engine plucked out from a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade producing \n189 hp\n, in replacement of the previous engine from a Honda VTR Firestorm.\nNot much has been revealed about the specifications of this new mower, but the previous record-breaking unit came with a six-speed paddle shift transmission, a custom-made Cobra sports seat, a Scorpion exhaust system and a steering rack from a Morris Minor. Here\u2019s a look at the previous attempt:\nWith 0 to 100 km/h taking just four seconds in the previous model, it was also fitted with ATV wheels along with super soft compound tyres for optimum traction on the tarmac."
"BMW is further expanding is coverage of electrified models by offering a new plug-in petrol hybrid (PHEV) powertrain which carries the 20e powertrain designation.\nThe new entry-level PHEV system consists of a \n2.0-litre\n turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 163 hp and is paired to an electric motor. The combined system output is \n204 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. With the 8-speed automatic, the 320e makes the century sprint in \n7.6 seconds\n while the 520e takes 0.3 seconds longer.\nFor those who questioned, yes, these benchmark sprint times are slower than the \n320i Sport (7.1s)\n and 520i (7.8s) petrol-only variants. The XtraBoost feature which temporarily adds another 40 hp that debuted in the \nBMW 330e M Sport\n is not made available in this entry-level PHEV system.\nJust last week, BMW Thailand launched the range of \nfacelifted 5 Series\n and it features the higher-output 30e powertrain designation.\nBMW says the new 20e PHEV models can be driven at up to a speed of 140 km/h in pure-electric mode and reach a top speed of 225 km/h.\n \nIn terms of pure-electric driving range, the BMW 320e can travel from \n48 to 57 kilometres\n and 41 to 55 kilometres for the BMW 520e. Both values are obtained under the WTLP test cycle. \u00a0\nThe boot is practically sized too, thanks to the placement of the \n12.0 kWh\n lithium-ion battery under the rear seat. This allows the boot to have a size of 375 litres in the BMW 320e and 410 litres in the 520e.\nCharging time, using a 16A/3.7kW supply, from zero to 80% is 2 hours 36 minutes, and another hour is needed for the lithium-ion battery to reach 100 % capacity.\nTo highlight on the electric-only driving suitability, BMW has equipped the 320e with a 40-litre fuel tank and the 520e with a 46-litre fuel tank.\nWith the vehicle being more connected, BMW has programmed the navigation system to automatically activate the pure-electric driving mode as soon as the vehicle enters an eDrive Zone. In total, the BMW eDrive Zone service can already be used in more than 80 European cities.\nIn Germany, the new BMW 320e and 520e also meet criteria to be classified as an electric vehicle and thus subject to 50% reduction in company car taxation plus special rights on public roads.\nBMW will begin sales of the new 20e-range of plug-in hybrids from \nMarch 2021\n. It will be available in both sedan and touring body styles of the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series. By 2023, the company intends to have its model range to feature 25 electrified vehicles.\nGALLERY\n2020 BMW 5 Series Facelift\n2020 BMW 330e M Sport"
"UMW Toyota Motors has finally introduced the \nall-new 2016 Toyota Hilux\n, \njust as they promised\n. A total of six variants (previously there were only five) will be offered, and each one of them are locally assembled at the Shah Alam production facility.\nThis time, the Hilux\u2019s pricing may just be the deal breaker for many prospective buyers, but it\u2019s all due to unfavourable foreign exchange rates (also in line with the \nprice increase which came into effect early in the year\n). On-the-road pricing starts from RM89,900 to RM133,900, including GST and insurance.\nQUICK FACTS\nToyota Hilux\nSingle Cab 2.4 (MT) 4\u00d74\nDouble Cab 2.4 STD (MT) 4\u00d74\nDouble Cab 2.4 STD (MT) 2\u00d74\nDouble Cab 2.4G (MT) 4\u00d74\nDouble Cab 2.4G (AT) 4\u00d74\nDouble Cab 2.8 (AT) 4\u00d74\nEngine\n2,393cc; DOHC intercooler, turbocharged, four-cylinder\n2,755cc; DOHC, turbo, four-cylinder\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n6-speed auto with Super ECT & Sequential Shifter\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 3,400 rpm\n175 hp @ 3,400 rpm\nMax Torque\n400 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,000 rpm\n450 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,400 rpm\nPrice\n\u00a0RM89,900\n\u00a0RM91,900\n\u00a0RM99,900\nRM109,900\nRM121,900\nRM133,900\nEXTERIOR\nThe Hilux is quite a looker too, and gone are the plastic claddings on all four wheel arches. For the 2.4G variants, external features include body-coloured front bumper with integrated fog lamps (halogen), chromed side mirrors with integrated signal indicators, chrome door handles, adjustable wipers and chromed rear bumper. According to Toyota, the rear bumpers now conform to the latest safety standards and is positioned lower to prevent regular cars from ending up beneath the Hilux in a rear-end collision.   Exclusive to the 2.8G are the LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, 18-inch wheels with 265/60 series highway terrain tyres and chromed door belt moulding. All 2.4 Double Cab variants will settle for 17-inch wheels, whereas the Single Cab makes do with 16-inch wheels. The smaller tyres on the Single Cab equates to best turning radius among the rest \u2013 at 6.1 metres.\nINTERIOR\nThis time around, Toyota puts more emphasis on comfort and refinement. The Hilux\u2019s cabin is now up to 12 percent quieter than before, and this is achieved through more extensive use of insulating materials and by reducing vibration produced by the powertrain.   The dashboard is completely new as well, and in the centre is a new \n6.1-inch touchscreen DVD player\n which supports MP3, auxiliary, USB, SD Card and Bluetooth connectivity. This head unit comes with\n six speakers\n, and are only offered to the 2.8G and 2.4G variants. As for the lower three variants, a 2-DIN CD player and four speakers come as standard, but the Single Cab only comes with two speakers.\nThere is also a \n4.2-inch Optitron multi-info display\n and\n 8-way power adjustable driver seat\n, though they are both reserved\u00a0for\u00a0the range topping variant. Other features offered on the 2.4G are full auto windows (all four windows, mind you), \nECO and Power drive modes\n, keyless entry with push-start button, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel and gear knob.\nPERFORMANCE\nWe\u2019ve \ngone to great depths in detailing the new GD-series engines\n.\u00a0Both the \n2.4-litre\n and \n2.8-litre\n turbodiesel engines seen here are much more technologically superior than the KD-series of yore. The smaller unit produces a full \n148 hp\n at 3,400 rpm and\n 400 Nm\n of torque from 1,600 to 2,000 revolutions, and is mated to either a \nsix-speed manual\n or \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission.\nThe 2.8-litre punches a little harder\u00a0than its size suggests, making \n175 hp\n at 3,400 rpm while providing a meatier \n450 Nm\n of torque through a broader rev band of between 1,600 to 2,400 rpm. This engine is reserved\u00a0exclusively for the top trim, as such it will only be available with a \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox.\nBesides the new powertrain, Toyota has also reengineered the ladder frame, improving torsional rigidity by\u00a0thickening the cross section. Together with the new rear axle setup (longer and wider leaf springs with larger shocks), the new Hilux rides more comfortably than before. The front axle gets independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs and a stabiliser bar.\nSAFETY\nNew to the Hilux is an array of active and passive safety features. But as you would expect, the full range of safety systems are only reserved for the more expensive variants. The only standard safety feature shared across the board is ABS with EBD. The 2.4G (AT) 4\u00d74 and 2.8G get additional features such as Brake Assist, VSC, Active Traction Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Emergency Stop Signal and Trailer Sway Control.\nReverse sensors and reverse camera are also thrown into the mix\u00a0in the aforementioned duo, however the 2.4G (MT) 4\u00d74 gets a small slice of the cake in this regard as well. The 2.8G gets a maximum of seven airbags (including driver knee airbag), but the rest will settle for just three (dual front and driver knee airbag).\nBecause the old Hilux was so prone to thievery, Toyota paid particular attention in addressing the issue. Now, all variants except the cheapest two will get double locking and speed auto door lock, on top of the standard cabin sensors, immobilisers and sirens. Be sure to get yourself an aftermarket steering lock, just to be on the safe side.\nWHAT ELSE?\nEach purchase of the Hilux comes with a 5-year or 150,000km manufacturer\u2019s warranty. A total of eight body colours are available, three of which are new: Avant-garde Bronze Metallic, Super White 2 and Crimson Spark Red Metallic. The Single Cab variant will only be available in Solid White, though. The new Hilux is now available for viewing and test drive at all Toyota showrooms nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2016 Toyota Hilux Media Drive"
"The \nall-new BMW 5 Series\n has only just made its global debut last month, but BMW\u2019s M division has already been busy at work in developing the all-new M5. And for the first time in over a decade, the all-new 2024 BMW M5 will be offered in a Touring form. Hoo, boy.\nIf you\u2019ve been reading \nAutoBuzz.my\n for a while now, you would\u2019ve already known that we are huge fans of wagons/estates, so we\u2019ll spare you from the \nbrainwashing\n sales pitch. But what you need to know is that the upcoming M5 Touring is only be the third of such in its history (after the E34 and E61), and will feature a hybrid powertrain underneath its bonnet.\nBased on internet intel, the powertrain will likely consist of a 4.4 turbocharged V8 engine and an electric motor, making around \n718 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n according to \none source\n. It\u2019s the same powertrain set-up as the \nBMW XM\n, and as demonstrated by the \nXM Label Red\n, the V8 hybrid can still make even more power, which will be useful for when BMW decides to introduce the \nM5 CS\n.\nJust like the \noutgoing model\n, the all-new 2024 BMW M5 will also likely come exclusively with the xDrive M all-wheel drive system \u2013 which is to say it should also still have a rear-wheels-only mode for when you want to hoon around.\nALSO WATCH: \nThe RM1.4m BMW XM tested in Arizona, 4.4L V8 PHEV super SUV\nAlmost every square inch of the prototype\u2019s exterior surface here is plastered in camouflage, but from what we can see, it appears that the tail light design on the M5 Touring will be quite a bit different when compared to the regular 5 Series sedan. Otherwise, your usual signature M cues are all still here, including the flared out fenders, quad exhaust tips, as well as the massive brakes and an equally-sized wheel to fit them.\nInterestingly, this is also the first time we\u2019re seeing the all-new BMW 5 Series in a Touring body style \u2013 so expect to find something similar once the BMW G61 5 Series Touring variant comes out, but obviously without the M bits.\nThe\n fully-electric BMW i5\n is also available in an M60 variant that offers up to 590 hp.\nBMW says that the all-new BMW M5 Sedan has already begun road testing, while the M5 Touring will kickstart its prototype tests \u201cin the next few days\u201d, taking the all-new super-wagon through urban traffic, country roads, highways, and perhaps most importantly, the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nWe can\u2019t wait already."
"Following the \nteaser\n last month, Honda has recently introduced the all-new Odyssey MPV. The\u00a02018 model features a wide range of modern connectivity and entertainment capabilities that can easily make it a class leader.\nIt sits atop a lighter yet more rigid chassis, and the body is now tougher on the whole. Of course, the fascia don\u2019s the company\u2019s signature flying wing front grille that\u2019s connected by the LED lights. The sides receive a lighting bolt beltline that blends with the Odyssey\u2019s sliding doors. At the back, the boot has downward facing sensors that automatically opens when a foot is detected.\nInside, the Odyssey\u2019s Magic slide seats are fitted for the second row instead of the third row, which gives a greater amount of flexibility. It also makes ingress and egress much more convenient, especially for passengers in the third row.\nThe icing on the cake goes to its suite of modern connectivity and entertainment features that will surely make road trips a lot more fun. The\u00a0\u201cIn-vehicle Connectivity\u201d now comes with the new \nConnected Rear Entertainment\n System.\nThis application will allow video and music streaming via the ceiling-mounted, 10.2-inch screen. The \u201chow much further\u201d application is available in the system, allowing occupants to track their journey\u2019s progress, just like how you would in an aircraft.\nPart of the connectivity systems include\u00a0\nCabinWatch\n and\n CabinTalk\n. The former feeds live visuals to\u00a0the driver via an 8-inch Display Audio screen, while the latter system helps \u2018deliver\u2019 the message across the cabin. This means you won\u2019t have to turn your head to make sure everyone hears you while driving.\nPredictably, cars sold in the United States demand huge\u00a0power. So, powering the 2018 Honda Odyssey is a\u00a0\n3.5-litre V6 VTEC\n engine that develops \n280 hp\n, up 32 hp from\u00a0the old model. Two transmission choices are available here \u2013 a \nnine-speed\n\u00a0and an all-new \n10-speed automatic\n.\nBut before you get excited, this version of the Odyssey is strictly for the US market only. We\u2019ve got a little while more to go before our turn is up next. So watch this space for more updates!\n[IMAGE GALLERY]"
"So it\u2019s finally here, just as Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) promised. \nJust over a month after it was previewed\n, the all-new Japan\u00a0imported \nMitsubishi Outlander\n (formerly called the Airtrek) gets an introductory\u00a0price tag of RM166,720, and only one trim will be offered.\nTo recap, a \n2.4-litre naturally aspirated\n four-cylinder engine is tasked with moving this seven-seater people carrier. The MIVEC engine belts \n166 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and\n 222 Nm\n of torque peaking in at 4,100 rpm. It\u2019s a four-wheel drive SUV too, and power is sent to all four corners through the company\u2019s own Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).   How does the Outlander fare against some of its fiercest rival, like for instance the \nNissan X-Trail\n? Playing in Mitsubishi\u2019s favour are features such as \nfull LED headlamps\n, electric tailgate, powered sunroof, \nsleek 18-inch alloy wheels\n and complete leather upholstery for all three rows of seats. It has a class leading cargo bay, capable of swallowing up to\n 1,608 litres of goods\n with the second and third row seats folded flat.\nThe Outlander is also pretty well equipped on the safety side of things. It comes standard with seven airbags (including a knee airbag for the driver), Active Stability and Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist and a wholly reinforced structure.\u00a0\nThree colours can be had for this looker \u2013 Red Metallic, White Pearl and Grey Metallic. It\u2019s available for viewing and test drive at all authorised Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide. The introductory price will not be offered after 31 May 2016, though, so expect a marginal price increase come June.\nMMM will be displaying the Outlander at the Centre Court of Mid Valley Megamall from 20 to 24 April 2016. Unless you\u2019ve seen the car in person, be sure to get a better idea of how this car appeals to some of the special guests we have in the videos below. Enjoy!\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lamborghini \nannounced that it\u2019ll be unveiling two new Urus models this year\n, and one of them \u2013 ahead of its launch, mind you \u2013 has just smashed the record for the production SUV category on the historic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.\nUnder the experienced hands of Hillclimb champion and Pirelli test driver Simone Faggioli, the yet-unnamed camouflaged new Urus model managed to set a time of \n10:32.064\n on the Pikes Peak route, beating the \nBentley Bentayga\u2019s previous record \nby nearly 18 seconds.\nAlthough Lamborghini is still keeping mum on the car underneath the camouflage, the company says that it\u2019s powered with a \u201cstandard twin-turbo V8 engine\u201d, which leads us to believe that it\u2019s most likely the highly-rumoured high performance \u2018Evo\u2019 model.\nThe juiced-up Urus will be launched alongside a plug-in hybrid as part of the model\u2019s mid-lifecycle update, set to be unveiled sometime this year.\nRELATED: \nLamborghini announces best half-year results ever, confirms two new Urus models this year\n \nLamborghini did have to make some modifications to the camouflaged Urus (which is still technically a prototype) in order to comply with the safety regulations of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The passenger compartment is equipped with a roll cage; the standard seats are replaced by a race seat with six-point harness, and a fire extinguishing system was also installed into the car.\nDespite that, the rest of the car is supposedly stock, including the updated Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, which are developed specifically for the Urus to \u201cmeet the characteristics of an SUV\u201d, offering increased versatility and performance no matter in the dry or wet.\nALSO READ: \nLamborghini took its Urus customers on a month-long expedition across Iceland\n\u201cThe decision to test ourselves at Pikes Peak reflects the Lamborghini spirit of \u2018expect the unexpected\u2019, and demonstrates the outstanding performance of the new Urus model to be presented shortly,\u201d said Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr.\n\u201cPikes Peak is the most famous hillclimb event in the world, as well as being extremely challenging for the car: the uneven track layout tests the chassis\u2019 balance; the significant altitude differences stress the powertrain; and the weather conditions can change very rapidly between start to finish.\u201d\nWhen you have a car that can beat the previous record by that margin, that\u2019s how you convince Pikes Peak to close down the public roads just for you to set a time.\n \nGALLERY"
"Following up with the launch of the \nall-new 11th-generation Civic\n last year, Honda has now unveiled the souped-up Civic Type R, as it celebrates 25 years of the iconic hot hatch.\nThe all-new Honda Civic Type R represents a stark contrast in terms of appearance when compared to \nits predecessor\n. While the FK8R had an over-the-top boy-racer look, the all-new model sports a more matured, grown-up appearance, at least on the outside.\nAside from the big rear wing, larger wheels, vented bonnet, and red Honda badges, the rest of the all-new Civic Type R is almost. too subtle \u2013 you\u2019ll have to really know what you\u2019re looking for to even tell the difference. Not that we\u2019re complaining, though; we\u2019ve never been too big fans of the FK8R\u2019s shouty looks anyway.\nJust as the previous generation models, the all-new Honda Civic Type R is based on the hatchback model, although it\u2019s noticeably lower and wider in stance. The wheel arches are flared out to house the 19-inch matte black alloys, which creates quite a nice contrast, especially when paired to the Type R-exclusive Historic Championship White paint job.\nHonda says that all of the new aerodynamic surfaces are actually functional, too. The large lower grille of the bumper works in conjunction with the bonnet air scoop to maximise airflow to the intercooler and engine block, while the large aperture vents behind the front wheels help cool down the brakes and reduce air buffeting.\nThere\u2019s also a massive rear diffuser round the back, which is integrated directly into the under-floor, working in unison with the shorter but wider rear wing to enhance overall downforce of the car, without adding too much air resistance. While we\u2019re at the back, the all-new Honda Civic Type R also gets an updated version of the now-iconic updated triple-outlet exhaust in the centre of the CTR-exclusive bumper.\nThe interior of the all-new Civic Type R builds off of the 11th-generation Honda Civic\u2019s fantastic cabin, which means the general improvements in usability, comfort, and seating position are all also carried over.\nIt\u2019s not as boring as it sounds, fortunately, as Honda has also suitably spruced up the interior with the Type R\u2019s signature red trims. And it\u2019s really quite a lot \u2013 the seats, which used to be red with black accents, are now entirely red. The carpet (below the floor mats), which used to be black, are also now completely red.\nThe interior updates aren\u2019t just for show, however. Honda says that the driver now seats lower than before, and the red suede-effect upholstery also help keep the driver glued to the lightweight racing seats during hard cornering.\nThe Honda LogR driving data logger has also been heavily updated in the latest-generation Civic Type R, and now combines performance data collected by in-car sensors with a smartphone app, to help drivers monitor and record a variety of metrics in real-time, which will be especially useful during high-octane hot laps on the track.\nKey features on the new system include a stopwatch to record lap times, a 3D vehicle motion display, \u201ctyre friction circles\u201d that displays the maximum tyre force the vehicle can achieve on each corner, and even a new scoring function that\u2019s meant to help drivers improve their skills on the track, improving lap times.\nAs for performance, the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine and six-speed manual transmission returns, with incremental updates including a revised turbocharger, exhaust system, and an optimised shift gate pattern. Honda hasn\u2019t revealed any performance our output figures yet, but says that it will be \u201cone of the most powerful per litre cars in its class\u201d.\nDespite Honda\u2019s secretive approach, the all-new CTR has already proven its might, recently setting a \nnew front-wheel drive lap record at Suzuka\n. The suspension and steering have also been tuned at the Nurburgring to be more responsive and precise, and the Brembo high-performance brakes are also upgraded for improved feel and longevity.\nThe Civic Type R also gets an exclusive +R drive mode, with everything turned up to 11 for maximum performance. Drivers who want more precise control, however, can use the new \u2018Individual Mode\u2019 to further fine tune the settings for engine, steering, suspension, and engine sound.\nThe all-new Honda Civic Type R will go on sale next year, with first deliveries to customers in Europe beginning in early 2023.\nGALLERY"
"A news report from \nChina Press\n concerning the mandatory use of the MySejahtera app even while fuelling up at a petrol station went viral yesterday evening. The report quoted Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department deputy director DCP Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid, who said \u201cIf the people do not register or scan, how will the police trace them if there are Covid-19 cases in the area?\u201d\nHowever, shortly after the news broke, we also sighted an email conversation with the Health Ministry\u2019s Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) dated 24th of October that was making rounds on social medias. The response from CPRC classified fuelling petrol at the pumps as \u201cbrief encounters\u201d, thus not requiring users to \u201ccheck-in\u201d using the application.\nA later news report by \nSin Chew Daily\n said that even phone operators at the National Security Council (NSC) were providing contradicting statements on the mandatory use of the contract tracing application at petrol fuel pumps.\nDue to the ambiguity in the reports, we have decided to contact the CPRC directly today morning to seek for clarification. This was the agent\u2019s response, translated and paraphrased: \u201cAccording to the latest Ministry of Health (MOH) directive, you will be required to check-in with your MySejahtera app even if you are only fuelling up your car at the petrol pumps.\n\u201cThis is to assist with the MOH\u2019s efforts in contact tracing in the event that there is a confirmed case at the petrol station,\u201d the agent explained.\nSo yes, it should now be mandatory to check-in using the MySejahtera application, or jot down your details in the booklet at the petrol stations even when you are just fuelling up your vehicles \u2013 as the saying goes, better safe than sorry. Failure to do so might result in a fine of RM1,000, and nobody needs that in this \nCovid-19\n economic climate!"
"Last year, Hyundai revealed the design of the all-new \nHyundai Kona\n, showing off the compact crossover with its new Robocop-like looks and boasting overall larger dimensions. Back then the company also revealed that the all-new Hyundai Kona will be available with internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid (HEV), and EV powertrains.\nStarting off the year, Hyundai has now revealed three powertrains for the Kona in the Korean Market. So far, two ICE powertrains and one hybrid powertrain have been revealed. The two ICE powertrains are a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine (\n198 hp\n/\n265 Nm\n) and a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine (\n149 PS\n/\n179.5 Nm\n), which are already used in the outgoing Hyundai Kona.\nICE/HEV all-new Hyundai Kona with unpainted claddings\nThe HEV powertrain consists of a 1.6-litre GDi engine and an electric motor that make a combined output of \n141 hp\n (metric) and \n265 Nm\n. The transmission in use will be Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Hyundai will reveal details on the Hyundai Kona electric later in March.\nAs mentioned previously, the all-new Kona is built as an EV first before adapting ICE powertrains. The fact that the ICE powertrains remain unchanged despite the all-new chassis hints at the direction the Kona is heading.\n1.6-litre T-GDi engine \u2013 198 hp (metric), 265 Nm\n2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine \u2013 149 hp (metric), 179.5 Nm\n1.6-litre GDi + electric motor \u2013 141 hp (metric), 265 Nm\nRELATED: \nAll-new Hyundai Kona unveiled with Robocop looks, 4 powertrains, LED light bars\nAll-new Hyundai Kona electric\nHyundai has also revealed details on the Kona\u2019s cabin which benefits from the new, 60-mm longer wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing Kona, there is 77 mm longer legroom, 11 mm higher headroom, and a 1,402 mm cabin width (shoulder space) for the second row.\nAlready revealed in December last year was the twin 12.3-inch display on the dashboard and the new electronic column shifter that frees up space on the centre console. Hyundai claims the new centre console can even store big bags.\nTech-wise, the all-new Kona supports Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates. The all-new Kona can be locked, unlocked, and started through the Digital Key 2 Touch, using near-field communication (NFC) on smartphones or smartwatches, which assures a high level of security.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Kona N Line \u2013 Arguably the most complete and futuristic crossover in Malaysia\nSafety features on the all-new Kona include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and High Beam Assist (HBA). It is also equipped with various driving convenience functions, such as Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).\nFor safe-assured parking, the all-new KONA provides various advanced technologies, such as Surround View Monitor (SVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW), Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).\nALSO WATCH: \nHyundai Kona Electric launched in Malaysia, 5 Things"
"French marque \nBugatti\n is perhaps most well known for their bonkers hypercars powered by its crazy 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engines. But ever since the company was \nbought over by Croatian EV maker Rimac\n, rumours have pointed at the end of Bugatti\u2019s fossil-fuel supremacy.\nBut as it turns out, these rumours were pretty off the mark, at least for now. In a video announcing the company\u2019s 2021 sales results, CEO of the newly established Bugatti Rimac company Mate Rimac re-confirmed that their next model will still come with a internal combustion engine.\nIn fact, Rimac says that he has been personally \u201cpushing also for a combustion engine\u201d in their next hypercar, which will feature a host of features that \u201chave not yet been seen on any other car\u201d.\n\u201cI don\u2019t want to talk too much about future plans yet. But I can tell you, you will be astonished. There is a future for combustion engines in Bugatti.\u201d\nRELATED: This electric scooter is technically Bugatti\u2019s first EV\nTiming wise, the statements does coincide with what Rimac told real estate mogul and Bugatti collector Manny Khoshbin\n back at the Monterey Car Week last year\n, where he said they are working on \u201csomething crazy\u201d, built \u201cfrom the ground up\u201d to replace the Chiron, and will be unveiled sometime in 2024.\nHaving a combustion engine, though, doesn\u2019t mean that Bugatti is eschewing electrification completely. Rimac was reportedly saying earlier in June 2021 that Bugatti\u2019s next combustion vehicles will be \u201cvery heavily hybridised\u201d.\nALSO READ: Bugatti launches new personalisation division with bespoke Chiron Pur Sport \u201cGrand Prix\u201d\nIf Bugatti does indeed go for the hybrid route, then it\u2019ll be pretty similar to what\n Lamborghini is doing\n to keep the V12 engine alive. With emission regulations getting stricter by the day, it probably is just a matter of time before big brawny combustion engines cease to exist anymore \u2013 so we\u2019ll accept anything we can to save them, at least for a little while more.\nOn top of that, just imagine how crazy it can be when you pair extra electric motors to the already-bonkers W16s \u2013 the Chiron without electric propulsion already makes \nup to 1,600 hp and 1,600 Nm\n!"
"After introducing the \nEX90\n, Volvo will soon unveil the Volvo EX30 to the world, its small fully electric SUV. \nVolvo\n has previously teased its \u201csmall electric SUV\u201d during the presentation of the Volvo EX90 and has now released an official teaser for the Volvo EX30.\nDuring the presentation of the Volvo EX90, the EX30 was teased right next to the EX90 by only showing its rear three-quarter silhouette. We caught a glimpse of the taillight design and got a bit of an idea of how large the small EV SUV would be.\nThe Volvo EX30 (left) teased right next to the EX90 (right) during the latter\u2019s world premiere\nNow on Volvo\u2019s official website, it is stated that \u201cthe new, fully electric Volvo EX30 SUV will make its global debut [On June 7 at 13:30 CEST]. On the same date, it will also become available to order or pre-order in selected markets.\u201d\nIn the latest teaser video, we get a glimpse of the Volvo EX30\u2019s headlight design which seems to feature a continuous LED strip, albeit with a dotted-line appearance. We also get a glimpse of the camera located underneath the side view mirror of this upcoming small electric SUV. Like other Volvos, it also features the small Swedish flag detail on the front seat.\nRELATED: \nVolvo now supports Waze navigation, no phone connection required\nLike the initial teaser during the EX90 briefing, the new teaser still shows the EX30\u2019s rear three-quarter silhouette, albeit with a bit more angle variations. Besides that, we also get to see the hood of the EX30 which features a rather prominent indent. Look hard enough, and it seems that the EX30 sports a 5-spoke wheel design, almost like the wheels on the original Volvo C40.\nNo technical details have been shared on the Volvo EX30 but do expect it to inherit some technologies from its bigger brother, the EX90. It will reportedly be smaller than the XC40 or C40.\nOnly teased with the tagline \u201cSomething small is coming\u201d, the Volvo EX30 will make its world premiere on June 7, 2023. It will be Volvo\u2019s second car in the \u201cEX\u201d series and the brand\u2019s fourth electric car after the \nXC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n, the \nC40\n, and the EX90.\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia aims for 75% EV sales by 2025, EX90 to launch next\nGALLERY"
"Honda has commenced the introduction of the higher level semi-autonomous driving (Level 3) feature in its home country of Japan. The Honda Legend Hybrid will be the world\u2019s first production car to have the assistance system dubbed Honda Sensing Elite.\nThe Honda Sensing Elite suite has additional cameras, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors, and radar sensors together with high-accuracy 3D maps and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) to perform \nhands-free driving\n \nfor an extended period of time\n.\nOne of the key features of the Honda Sensing Elite is the ability to \nperform overtaking maneuvers autonomously\n. When the system detects a car in front being driven at a lower speed, the system notifies the driver and then assists with the overtaking before returning to the original lane.\n \nOriginal English video from Honda USA, hosted by Carscoops\nDuring trips in traffic jams, the Traffic Jam Pilot will autonomously drive the Honda Legend Hybrid, controlling the braking, acceleration, and steering. The system drives, stops, and resumes driving within the same lane while maintaining a proper following interval in accordance with the speed of the vehicle detected ahead.\nWhile the vehicle is under the control of the system, the driver can watch streaming videos on the infotainment screen or operate the navigation system to search for destinations, which helps mitigate driver fatigue and stress while driving in a traffic jam.\nAn Emergency Stop Assist feature is in place, should the driver be unresponsive to the multiple system requests for the driver to assume control of the vehicle. For example, if a driver suddenly loses consciousness while the Honda Legend is already in \u2018hands-off\u2019 functionality, the Honda Sensing Elite system will gradually slow the car down and steer itself to the road shoulder and alert other vehicles using the hazard lights and horn.\nWith exterior styling is befitting a flagship sedan, the \nautomate\nd \ndriving sensors\n are subtly integrated into the body panels, producing a clean design while discreetly highlighting the vehicle\u2019s automated driving capability.\nIn Malaysia, the Honda Sensing suite with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist system is available in the TC-P variants of the \nHonda Civic\n, \nHonda CR-V\n and \nHonda Accord\n. The soon-to-be on-sale all-new \nHonda City RS eHEV\n will also come equipped with Honda Sensing. \u00a0\u00a0\nGALLERY"
"If you think about it, it\u2019s not the first time Audi had built a concept for a virtual setting only to eventually turn it into a production vehicle. Remember the Audi RSQ concept driven by Will Smith in I, Robot? That eventually became the Audi R8, whose design was heavily influenced by the RSQ.\nOriginally developed solely for the Gran Turismo on PlayStation 4, the fully electric Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo was nothing more than a virtual expression of a highly-possible means of real-world mobility but that\u2019s has changed.\nAudi has made the virtual race car a reality in conjunction with Formula E where the three electric motor, \n815 hp\n all-wheel drive concept will be deployed as a \nrace taxi\n \u2013 to impress Audi\u2019s guests and customers with a high-voltage experience around the Formula E circuits in Europe, \nstarting April 14 in Rome\n.\nThe colours of the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo emulates the legendary \nAudi 90 quattro IMSA GTO\n, a race car far ahead of its time, driven by some of the best drivers in the world then namely Hans-Joachim Stuck and Walter R\u00f6hrl.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been 60 years since Maserati produced their first ever Grand Tourer, the 3500 GT. Today, the Italian company is celebrating the occasion by introducing two special edition variants of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.\nBased on the outgoing versions of the GranTurismo and its convertible sibling, the GranCabrio, only\u00a0\n400 units\n will be commissioned. It bears a number of aesthetic upgrades inside and out, as you\u2019ll soon find out. Mechanically however, remains as per standard factory settings.   Three new exterior colours are offered: New Rosso Italiano (red), Bianco Birdcage (white), and Grigio Lava (grey), joining the existing colours of\u00a0Nero (black), Bianco Eldorado (white), Nero Carbonio (carbon black) and Grigio Granito (grey). All variants ride on\u00a0\nMC-design 20-inch\n\u00a0alloy wheels with a unique special-edition logo wheel cap. The hood, front splitter, door handles, side mirrors and rear lip spoiler are all made of carbon fibre.\nThe cabin gets a new Poltrona Frau leather or leather/Alcantara upholstery that\u2019s available in four striking colour combinations. There\u2019s also carbon fibre trimmings, including the exclusive plaque on the centre tunnel embossed with the 60th anniversary badge.   Both models are powered by a Ferrari-built \n4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8\n that outputs \n405 hp\n and \n460 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF-sourced\u00a0\nsix-speed dual clutch automatic\n. The century sprint is completed in\n 5.2 seconds\n with a top speed of \n285 km/h\n.\nBack at home, both the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio are offered by Naza Italia, and customers can specify any of the two to their personal liking.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMaserati GranTurismo Special Edition   Maserati GranCabrio Special Edition"
"Apparently, it all started when a Tesla owner twitted Elon Musk to add a feature that allows owners to safely and briefly leave their pets in the car. Musk replied with a simple \u201cYes\u201d and the software was available.\nWhile it may have a very specific name, Tesla\u2019s latest software update for the Model 3, Model S and Model X, essentially allows owners to briefly keep their pets inside the car without suffocating them.\n \nDog Mode\n leaves the car\u2019s air-conditioning on while the pets are left in the car with a note that reads, \u201cMy owner will be back soon\u201d; so that concerned passer-bys wouldn\u2019t break into the car to save the animal.\nIf the car\u2019s battery reaches below 20%, a notification will be sent via the Tesla mobile app to alert the owners.\nDog Mode was rolled out together with \u201c\nSentry Mode\n\u201d that helps prevent car theft and break-ins by continuously monitoring the car\u2019s surroundings with its external cameras.\nTesla Model S\nThe system in itself comes with three different modes \u2013 \nStandby\n, \nAlert\n and \nAlarm\n. When activated, the car goes into \u201cStandby\u201d, detecting potential threats with its external cameras.\nWhen a minimal threat is detected, such as someone leaning on the car, it goes into \u201cAlert\u201d, displaying a message on the touchscreen that its cameras are recording.\nTesla Model 3\nIf a more severe threat is detected, the car goes into \u201cAlarm\u201d, where it would activate the alarm and play music at maximum volume.\nWhen that happens, the owner will receive an alert of the incident through their Tesla app. They will also be able to download a video recording of the incident."
"Not to be mistaken with the Alps, Alpine is actually a long-forgotten performance-wing\u00a0of Renault that specialises in making sports cars. After years of hibernation, Renault is set to relaunch the Alpine brand, along with a new sports car in February.\nThe company posted on their \nTwitter account\n\u00a0suggesting that a \u201cmonumental moment\u201d will occur on 16 February 2016. The not-so-cryptic message read \u201c\nWe wanted to announce our comeback but some would say we never left\n\u201d, hinting at the return of a long anticipated sports car.\nWhile no specific model is mentioned, the A120 is most likely to be it, evolving from\u00a0the A110-50 concept car unveiled back in 2011. The A120 could be powered by a \n200 hp\n\u00a0\n1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n\u00a0engine which powers the Clio RS hot hatch. The car is set to give the \nAudi TT\n and \nPorsche Cayman\n a run for its money.\nLook out for more of Alpine\u2019s revival in shades of blue this coming February!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Many carmakers today have their own trusted performance division. For instance, BMW has their M Division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG, Audi has\u00a0quattro GmbH and Jaguar has Special Operations.\nVolvo is not entirely out of the game either, because they actually own tuning specialists and racing experts Polestar. Most performance arms supply technical expertise to produce high performance versions of regular road-going cars, so it makes sense to assume that Volvo and Polestar are up to something, right?   Remember the S90 Coupe Concept (pictured here) back in late 2013 which gave us a glimpse of how \ntheir flagship sedan would look like\n? Now imagine it in Polestar Blue (official paint name\u00a0Rebel Blue) with flared wheel arches, slammed with huge 20-inch wheels with an engine belting over 400 hp. If we had it our way, of course we\u2019d love a rear-wheel drive Volvo. But if it\u2019s going to be based on Volvo\u2019s SPA platform, it will most likely be all-wheel drive.\nIn 2010, Polestar conceptualised the C30 Polestar Performance Concept and threw in a largely modified straight-six (T6) engine. It made a good\n 450 hp\n and\n 510 Nm\n of torque, but in 2012 they further modified the engine to crank\u00a0a whopping\u00a0\n508 hp\n! The result was a century sprint time of \n3.9 seconds\n and a top speed in excess of\n 300 km/h\n! How fast was it, you ask? When put through its paces at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, its lap time was equal to that of an Audi R8.\nWe know Polestar is fully capable of pulling off another feat like this, so here\u2019s to hoping that they\u2019d consider the idea. But if you\u2019re eager to get a head turning Volvo today, there are several units of the \nS90 and V90 T6 R-Design\n on sale, so snap em\u2019 up before they\u2019re gone!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After many months of \nrumours and speculations\n, Bermaz Auto (BAuto) is now confirmed to be taking over the Kia franchise here in Malaysia, through a new a \u201cstrategic partnership\u201d with Kia Motor Corporation.\nAs part of the agreement, a new joint-venture company \u2013 Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd \u2013 will be formed to carry out the local assembly operations for complete knock-down (CKD) Kia vehicles here in Malaysia.\nMeanwhile, Dinamikjaya Motors (a Bermaz Auto subsidiary) has been appointed as the distributor for the South Korean brand on our shores, taking over the role from Naza Kia Malaysia.\nThree models have already been planned for local assembly here in Malaysia, including the \nKia Seltos\n \nand \nCarnival\n, with a third model to be announced in due time.\nKia Asia Pacific President and CEO, Tae Hun (Ted) Lee said, \u201cAfter months of searching for the right partner, Kia is delighted to enter into the Kia JV and Kia Distributorship with BAuto. With BAuto\u2019s proven capability in successfully building up automotive marques in Malaysia and the Philippines as well as their automotive manufacturing experience, we believe we have placed the Kia brand in good hands under the capable leadership of its Executive Chairman, Dato\u2019 Sri Ben Yeoh.\u201d\nBAuto Executive Chairman, Dato\u2019 Sri Ben Yeoh added: \u201cWe are pleased to be given this opportunity to undertake the Kia JV and Kia Distributorship with our partner, Kia under Hyundai Motor Group, which is Korea\u2019s second-largest multinational automotive manufacturer and currently the fifth-largest automotive manufacturer in the world.\n\u201cThe Kia JV and Kia Distributorship will complement our existing Group automotive businesses, and we look forward to a successful collaboration with Kia.\u201d\nThe announcement comes just months after \nPeugeot was brought under the stewardship of Berjaya Auto Alliance SB\n, a new joint-venture company formed between Bermaz Auto and Berjaya Corporation. Kia will be the third brand associated with BAuto in Malaysia after Mazda and the aforementioned Peugeot."
"Suzuki customers in the neighbouring vicinity of \nJalan Klang Lama\n (Old Klang Road) can now enjoy an added convenience because just this morning, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd officially launched their \n33rd centre\n via dealer company Regal Motors Holdings Sdn Bhd.\nThe \n3S facility\n (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) spans an area of \n6,500 square feet\n, and investment costs hover around the \nRM500,000\n mark. It features \nsix service bays\n manned by trained technicians and houses several models on display, including their latest \nS-Cross model\n.\nIn conjunction with the launch, SMA is offering:\ni) \nRM6,000 rebate\n or a low financing rate of 1.68% + RM2,000 for the Swift GL and GLX (Valid until 31 March)\n ii) Free Blaupunkt Digital Video Recorder with every purchase of any Suzuki Swifts between 2 February to 31 March 2015\nAs for 3S operator Regal Motors Holdings, they are offering a free 23-point inspection plus discount on selected parts until 30 April.\nThe newly opened 3S Centre is located at\u00a0Lot 1E/E-G, Jalan Awan Makmur, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur."
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the fuel pump on certain units of Toyota and Lexus models.\nThe vehicles involved in this SSC include models \nmanufactured from 2013 to 2019\n. Based on information provided by Toyota Motor Corporation, approximately 12,000 Toyota and 1,500 Lexus vehicles distributed by UMWT are affected in this SSC.\nToyota models affected by the recall:\n\u2013 Alphard\n\u2013 Camry\n\u2013 Corolla\n\u2013 Innova\n\u2013 Fortuner\nLexus models affected by the recall:\n\u2013 GS300, GS350\n\u2013 IS300\n\u2013 LC500/500H\n\u2013 LS460, LS500/500H, LS600H\n\u2013 NX200T/300H\n\u2013 RC350/300H\n\u2013 RX350/450H, RX350/450\nThe vehicles listed in the list are equipped with a fuel pump that may stop operating, resulting in a vehicle to be unable to start or stall during operation. This scenario could increase the risk of a crash while driving at higher speed.\nAn \nofficial notice\n will be given to the affected vehicle owners by UMW Toyota. All replacement work will be completely \nfree of charge\n.\nFor further information, owners of affected cars may contact any authorised Toyota Service Centre or call the Toyota Freephone at \n1800-8-TOYOTA (869682)\n."
"Honda has announced its latest electrification plans in China with the launch of the new e:N sub-brand, building on the e:Technology branding that was unveiled with the adorable \nHonda e\n for Japan and Europe.\nThe company will only sell electrified models (hybrid and EVs) from 2030 onwards in the country, and aims to debut 10 new fully-electric models within the next five years, starting with the e:NP1 and e:NS1 SUVs that are scheduled to go on sale next year.\nThe fully-electric duos is clearly based on the\n SUV e:Prototype Concept\n, the fully-electric counterpart to the \nHonda HR-V\n. And if you\u2019re wondering why there are two different models for the same car, it\u2019s because they\u2019re being made separately by the two Honda joint-venture partners in China, Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda.\nHonda also recently unveiled the new Integra in China, basically a rehashed Civic for GAC Honda. Check it out here!\nThe Japanese carmaker is mum on the SUVs\u2019 electro-mechanical details, though we don\u2019t expect them to differ between the two models. More than likely, the two will only feature different exterior designs \u2013 a common strategy employed in China. The e:NS1 will be the sportier model, while the e:NP1 sports a more \u201ctraditional\u201d SUV look.\nFollowing the two SUVs are three more concepts that are already under development, called the e:N SUV Concept, e:N GT Concept, and e:N Coupe Concept, which Honda is aiming to launch in the next five years. All three concepts will be built on a new modular e:N EV architecture, which can be configured for front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive set-ups.\nAgain, no technical details were provided, but in the looks department, the three concepts are basically took the \u2018futuristic EV\u2019 rulebook to heart, with sharp angular facets, generous use of LED lights, and pretty much a complete lack of curves \u2013 Elon Musk would be proud.\nThe new cars are meant for China only for now, but Honda says that it \u201cenvisions exporting these models from China\u201d in the future, so keep your fingers crossed.\nCan the all-new Honda HR-V keep its crown as the best-selling non-national SUV here in Malaysia? We take a deep dive here.\n \nIn order to support the new EV charge in China, Honda will be enhancing its sales network to prepare for the start of a full EV business, including creating e:N Series-specific areas within existing dealership locations (like \nToyota\u2019s GR outlets\n), as well as new dedicated e:N dealerships in major cities.\nBoth GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda will also be constructing new dedicated EV production plants, which they aim to begin production in 2024.\nGALLERY"
"Staged in a special structure near the iconic Fiorano circuit where road cars are finetuned, the Universo Ferrari is an exhibition exploring the world of Ferrari where visitors are able to live and breathe Ferrari\u2019s Classiche division, historic GT and racing cars and admire the latest Ferrari models, a privilege normally reserved for international clients.\nThe Universo Ferrari will only be held in the month of September, over a series of exclusive tours offering visitors a fully immersive experience of the brand. The tour itinerary starts by diving into the origins of Ferrari and its founder and thereafter into the racing heritage where guests are greeted by the SF90 that took the win at the Belgian GP at Spa Francorchamps recently, a timely victory to celebrate Scuderia Ferrari\u2019s 90\nth\n anniversary.\nFerrari Classich is the famous workshop where iconic models are attended to by experts who restore and maintain the cars to perfection. The undisputed star of this area is the 250 GTO from 1962, a model coveted by collectors around the world. One of the exhibition areas is also dedicated to the spirit of competition showcasing a 2017 FXX-K Evo alongside the 488 GTE which won its class at this year\u2019s 24 Hours of Le Mans.\nAs a climax to the exhibition, the entire Ferrari range will be on display including the SF90 Stradale \u2013 the first series-production hybrid supercar in the history of Ferrari, with the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 models from 2018 \u2013 perched on a dedicated platform overlooking the Fiorano circuit \u2013 bringing the exhibition to a close. Universo Ferrari will be open to fans and enthusiasts on the weekends of 21\nst\n to 22\nnd\n and 28\nth\n and 29\nth\n September. Exclusive tours can be booked, subject to availability, you can make reservations on the Ferrari Museums website: \nwww.musei.ferrari.com\n."
"Ferrari Malaysia through Naza Italia has just launched the lastest new drop-top from Maranello to complement the sunny weather we\u2019ve been receiving in Malaysia in the form of the \nPortofino M\n. Prices start from RM998,000.\nM stands for \u2018\nModificata\n\u2018 and is reserved cars that have undergone an evolution that has significantly boosted their performance.\n \nWhat kinda performance upgrades has the new Portofino M received exactly then?\nFor starters, the Portofino M has an extra 20 hp than before, at \n620 hp\n, and \n760 Nm\n \u2013 extracted from a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that has won countless awards for Ferrari. It\u2019s also quicker by a whisker from 0 to 100 km/h, 3.45 seconds from 3.5 seconds.\nThe changes on the exterior can be easily noticed also when putting the old and new Portofino side by side. Most prominent changes lie in the front and rear bumpers while the sports exhaust tips, 20-inch diamond-cut finish wheels and gloss black calipers are optional extras.\nIn case you\u2019re wondering, this subtle yet striking exterior colour is called Grigio Alloy which projects a soft silver colour with a hint of light blue in certain lighting conditions.\nInside, the changes are less noticeable unless you have the Ferrari name branded on your forehead. The interior architecture remains largely the same but this unit you see here comes with a long list of optional add-ons.\nAs standard, there\u2019s a new manettino switch that now offers five driving modes, including a new Race Mode, compared to just three from before.\nThe optional extras for the Portofino M\u2019s interior include a passenger display, a carbon fibre steering wheel with LED rev indicators, and ventilated seats but there\u2019s more! Check out our video!\nGALLERY"
"The \nNissan Kicks\n might finally be making its debut here in Malaysia, if Edaran Tan Chong Motor\u2019s (ETCM) Chinese New Year greeting video is anything to go by.\nThe 59-second video showcases several of the Nissan models available here in Malaysia, but focuses a significant portion of the video on the Kicks compact crossover, specifically the e-Power variant, hinting at a potential debut on our shores this year.\n \nThe updated Nissan Kicks was \nlaunched globally back in 2020\n, where it was unveiled in the e-Power guise (the only variant available in Thailand), making it one of the first few global Nissan models to feature the e-Power technology.\nScreenshot: Nissan Malaysia/YouTube\nUnlike regular hybrid vehicles, the new Kicks is essentially an electric vehicle with a built-in battery-charger engine. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine underneath the bonnet helps charge the 1.57 kWh lithium-ion battery, which in turn powers the electric motor generating a peak output of \n95 kW (129 hp)\n, and a torque of \n260 Nm\n \u2013 the latter available almost instantly as is standard on an EV.\nRELATED: Nissan brings on the \u201cong\u201d this CNY with new red and orange colours for X-Trail and Serena\nThanks to the unique e-Power set-up, the electric motor is able to utilise extra electrical power generated from the engine \u2013 in addition to the battery \u2013 when needed, resulting in better acceleration.\nThe Nissan Kicks is also available with both 1.5- and 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated powertrains underneath the hood in other markets, though based on the video\u2019s highlight on the e-Power variant, it seems likely that we\u2019ll only be getting the \u201chybrid\u201d model here \u2013 if it makes its debut here in Malaysia.\nThe B-segment crossover/SUV market here in Malaysia is quickly becoming saturated, with the latest addition being the \nPeugeot 2008 just two weeks ago\n.\nHowever, the Nissan Kicks will join an elite group within the segment when it launches here in Malaysia, as only the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nToyota Corolla Cross\n are available with a hybrid powertrain, and only the \nHyundai Kona\n is available as a fully-electric model.\nAnd while we\u2019re still speculating, is that a \nNissan Ariya\n we spot at the end of the video?\nGALLERY"
"Against improbable odds, BMW Group Malaysia, the company overseeing local sales of BMW cars, MINI vehicles and BMW Motorrad motorcycles, have recorded their sixth consecutive sales high. The numbers grew by a staggering 16 percent from the same period in 2015!\nThe company collectively sold 10,906 units of cars and motorcycles last year, compared to the 9,368 units shifted back in 2015. Their latest crop of lineup \u2013 particularly the\u00a0\n330e iPerformance\n and \nX5 xDrive40e\n\u00a0\u2013 helped usher the brand to unprecedented popularity. BMW cars alone account for 9,000 units, up 20 percent from 7,515 vehicles sold in 2015.\nThere\u2019s also growth for MINI and the Motorrad division; the former saw 902 vehicles registered and the latter approximately 1,004 bikes.\nManaging Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Mr, Han Sang Yun said, \u201cThe continued and growing support from our customers and network of dealerships here were the main factors for our best achievements in 2016. On behalf of the Group, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our customers and dealers here for helping us achieve this milestone in an especially challenging year.\u201d\nThis year, the company\u2019s focus is in exporting their core models \u2013 the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series to Vietnam and the Philippines. An investment totalling RM10 million will go into enhancing local assembly capabilities, upping production to over 10,000 vehicles per year.\nAdditionally, RM130 million will go into the establishment of BMW Regional Parts Distribution Centre (that\u2019s major after sales news) located at the Free Trade Zone of the Senai International Airport of Iskandar Malaysia."
"While the \nMovement Control Order (MCO)\n is still in effect and everyone is advised to stay home unless necessary, car workshops within Selangor have been given the green light to open from\n 9am to 4pm daily\n, according to \na report\n from \nThe Star\n.\nAccording to a directive from the Selangor government, automotive workshops are classified as essential services, therefore allowed to operate during the MCO period. Their counterparts in Kuala Lumpur, however, are to remain closed during the period.\nApart from workshops, spare parts shops will also be given the go-ahead, according to spokespersons from several municipal councils within Selangor. \nTowing services remain operational around the clock\n.\nSpeaking to \nBerita Harian\n, Selangor exco member for Local Government, Public Transportation and New Village Development Ng Sze Han, said that priority should be given to front liners involved in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, as well as those working in essential services.\n\u201cThis permission is given for emergency cases, particularly to those required to work during this period. But all individuals, no matter what the circumstances, must abide by the 1-metre social distancing rule,\u201d said Ng.\n\u201cFor those who have no necessity to be out, just stay home to help curb the spread of Covid-19,\u201d he added.\nHowever, \nMalaysiakini\n reported yesterday\n that Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the decision to allow business premises to open or close during the MCO should lie within the National Security Council (NSC).\n\u201cThese are not ordinary times. In ordinary times, the local council can use its powers to allow or not to allow an industry or business premises to open, including workshops.\n\u201cBut these are not ordinary times. In these times, the NSC issues orders or standard operating procedures (SOPs),\u201d he said during a press conference in response to the decision from the Selangor Government.\n\u201cI hope these matters can be streamlined so that assistance from the Health Ministry, the police and army can also be streamlined to help them. I hope what was mentioned won\u2019t happen again,\u201d he added."
"Move over \nFord Mustang\n and \nChevrolet Camaro\n, as Dodge is back with a\u00a0vengeance via its most powerful\u00a0muscle car offering \u2013 the Challenger SRT Demon.\u00a0The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon holds a number of records broken that makes\u00a0the other muscle cars look tame.\nThe biggest piece goes to what\u2019s underneath the bonnet, where the\n supercharged 6.2-liter V8\n\u00a0engine claims to be the world\u2019s\u00a0most powerful factory production V8. The heavily revised mill deploys\n 840 hp\n and\n\u00a01044 Nm\n of torque, 133 ponies more than the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Drive is delivered to the rear wheels via an \nupgraded eight-speed automatic\n.\nThe additional horses come from the larger supercharger and an extra\u00a0dual-stage fuel pump. The mean looking\u00a0\nAir-Grabber\n bonnet scoop, by all means, is not merely for cosmetic purposes. Instead, the scoop, together with driver-side \nAir-Catcher\n headlight and an inlet near the wheel liner, are tasked to supply cool air to the engine.   Being a drag machine means it takes cooling pretty seriously. With\u00a0the help of the \nPower Chiller\n feature, an air-conditioning refrigerant is diverted to a chiller unit mounted by\u00a0the cooler pump to reduce the supercharger\u2019s temperatures. The \nAfter-Run Chiller\n feature ensures the coolant pump and engine cooling fan are running when the engine is shut down. \nTransBrake\n is available to maximise\u00a0the launch by locking the transmission shaft without overwhelming the brakes.\nBeing lightweight is essential for a drag-purpose machine, so all the items deemed unnecessary including rear seats and carpets\u00a0were removed. However, Dodge allows those\u00a0items to be reinstated for just \none dollar\n. Other items such as stereo, power sunroof, and ventilated leather seats can be optionally added.\nNow here\u2019s what everyone is waiting for, the performance.\u00a00-100 km/h sprint is done in \n2.3 seconds,\n making this the quickest\u00a0production car in the world.\u00a0It\u2019s also a certified Guinness\u00a0World Record holder by achieving the\n world\u2019s first front-wheel lift in a\u00a0production car\n\u00a0at 2.92 feet (approximately 30 cm). Its quarter-mile (400m) drag completion time in\u00a0\n9.65 seconds\n means this car is deemed too fast by the American drag race governing body, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), thus\u00a0it\u2019s banned from competing in drag races. What a shame.\nOnly 3,300 units of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will be made for the United States and Canada with deliveries beginning in third quarter of 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Four states will switch to the status of Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) starting from 5th March lasting \n14 days\n.\nThis change was announced by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today, as red-zone states of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor in February saw a 14-day extension of their MCO to 4th March. The second iteration of the MCO, dubbed as \nMCO 2.0\n, first came into effect on 13th January and was scheduled to last for 14 days but continued to be extended due to the constant high number of daily Covid-19 cases.\nThe four states join Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak that still remain under the status of CMCO and is targeted to end on 18th March\nInterstate travel\n is still\n forbidden\n and the senior Minister also announced that inter-district travel within a state will be allowed, with the exception of Sabah from 5th March. The restriction on passenger limit in a vehicle and 10 km travel limits were \nlifted\n on 19th February.\nThe remaining five states and territories that are Putrajaya, Labuan, Terengganu, Pahang and Sabah join Perlis to be categorised as states with the Recovery MCO (RMCO) status. The RMCO period also begins from 5th March and ends 14 days later on the 18th March.\nAs always, all of us must do our part to help get the pandemic under control as soon as possible. Please do stay home, stay safe, and only head out when absolutely necessary. Hanging out with friends can still wait."
"Bermaz Motor has unveiled the all-new 2019 Mazda CX-8 at the Inokom Assembly Plant in Kulim, Kedah where the 7-seater will be assembled.\nThere are \n4 variants \nof the CX-8 available \u2013 2.5L 2WD MID, 2.5L 2WD MID PLUS, 2.5L 2WD HIGH and 2.2L AWD. The 2.5-litre front-wheel drive models make \n192 hp\n and \n258 Nm\n while the 2.2L AWD turbo diesel models make \n188 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. Both engine options are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.\nOn the outside, the CX-8 measures 4,900 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width and 1,730 mm in height, weighing 1,781 kg (2.5L) and 1,924 kg (2.2L). Compared to the CX-9, the CX-8 is shorter and isn\u2019t as wide, but essentially shares the same wheelbase with the largest Mazda on sale in Malaysia.\nWhile it may appear too differently from the CX-5 and CX-9, the front grille of the CX-8 adopts a new design that features horizontal silver bars, with a new 19-inch wheel design and a chrome trim that links the two tail lights together, just like the CX-9.\nThe all-new CX-8 comes in \nsix colour options\n \u2013 Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Blue Crystal, Sonic Silver and Jet Black.\nAll models are equipped with LED headlights, LED tail lights, keyless entry, and powered tailgate. Except for the 2.5 2WD MID model, which comes with Bulb-type DRLs, all models are equipped with LED DRLs.\nInside, \nonly the base model 2.5-litre MID comes with seven seats\n, with Bench Type seats in the 3rd row. The 2.5 MID PLUS gets two Captain Chairs in the 2nd row, while the 2.5-litre HIGH and 2.2-litre AWD gets a centre console between the two 2nd row seats.\nThe rear doors of the CX-8 can \nopen up to 80-degrees\n while in the third row Mazda claims, is capable of \naccommodating occupants up to 170 cm tall\n. According to Mazda, there is\n 75 mm of foot space\n for 3rd row passengers.\nVibration-dampening materials in the rear fender panels and sound-absorbing materials at the base of the D-pillars help reduce noise in the 3rd row. Cabin refinement also comes from a reduction in the gap between the roof moulding and roof spoiler to reduce wind noise.\nFabric seats are allocated for the 2.5-litre MID and MID PLUS models while the 2.5-litre HIGH and 2.2-litre AWD gets \nNappa leather\n upholstery.\nElsewhere, all models come equipped with 7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose Sound System, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, 3-zone climate control with independent con controls and vents, auto dimming rear view mirror, reverse camera, 10-way power adjustable seats for the Driver and 50:50 split folding 3rd row seats.\nOnly the 2.5-litre HIGH and 2.2-litre AWD gets a head up display, rear sunshade and 360-degree monitor, while only two USB ports are available in the 2.5-litre MID PLUS model; the rest gets four USB ports. Sports Mode is present in all models except the 2.2-litre AWD.\nAll models come with Mazda\u2019s i-Stop Idling Technology and G-Vectoring Control Plus. On the safety front, all models are fitted with six airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and Hill Launch Assist.\nAs for the i-ACTIVSENSE suite of driver assistance systems, the 2.5-litre HIGH and 2.2-litre AWD gets Adaptive LED headlights, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart City Brake Support for the front and rear.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"By far the biggest news to hit the local automotive industry has been confirmed, Porsche has announced that it will begin CKD operations with its long-time partner Sime Darby Berhad (under Sime Darby Auto Performance) from 2022 onwards.\nThere is no mention of which models will be locally assembled although we expect the likes of Cayenne and Macan to be among them.\nThe Macan.\n.and the Cayenne are the most likely models to be locally assembled.\nThat said, Porsche did highlighted that the vehicles will specifically match local requirements and will be available for Malaysia only.\n\u201cWe\u2019re fortunate that, due to careful planning, our existing factories are more than up to the task of meeting current and future global demand for our cars,\u201d says Porsche.\n\u201cHowever, the new assembly site in Malaysia meets specific market needs and, although a standalone project and modest in size and capacity, it signals our willingness to learn and adapt to specific local market conditions.\u201d\n \n\u201cMalaysia and the whole ASEAN is a region of great potential and we look forward to the first locally assembled models reaching our Malaysian customers next year,\u201d Porsche said.\n\u201cAs Porsche is moving into a new era of mobility, Malaysia and the ASEAN region are gaining an increasing importance. This step now is part of a long-standing initiative to keep pace with rapidly evolving customer and market demands.\u201d\nSime Darby\u2019s relationship with Porsche can be traced back 10 years since the company was appointed the exclusive importer and distributor in Malaysia. This will only serve to further solidify the company\u2019s position in Malaysia, if not in South East Asia. Last year, despite all the challenges, the company saw a 9% increase in new vehicle deliveries."
"With the launch of the Mitsubishi Triton Barbarian SVP, Mitsubishi Motors UK has announced a new Special Vehicle Projects (SVP, hence the acronym) programme that gives its customers a highly exclusive range of customisations.\nFirst of the SVP range is of course the Triton Barbarian (known in the UK as the L200). Just 250 units of the double cab pickup truck will be built, with the first half finished in Electric Blue Metallic while the other half in Cosmos Black.\nA new set of 17-inch bespoke black alloy wheels shod with BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres are fitted as standard, above which are wheel arches extensions to give it a more rugged, \u201cbarbaric\u201d appeal. This look is accentuated by an all-new matte black grille, gloss-black garnished headlamps and tail lamps, matte black roof rails and rear bumper. There\u2019s also shark fin-inspired side steps, illuminated load bed, puddle lamps, soft-opening tailgate damper and SVP badge on the tailgate.\nInside, you get a unique serial SVP number, SVP logos embroidered into the head restraints, front and rear footwell lighting and Barbarian door entry guards. The most standout feature is the new \u201csix-pack\u201d leather seats with suede-like \u2018Alston\u2019 inserts.\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Barbarian SVP is based on the \nsame updated Triton that\u2019s on sale in Malaysia\n, which is powered by a \n2.4-litre turbodiesel MIVEC engine\n producing \n179 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque. The price for this special-run variant is RM159k (\u00a328,479) before GST."
"Honda\u2019s has pulled the wraps of its all-new electric vehicle, the \nUrban EV Concept\n. Riding on a completely new platform specifically for electric vehicles, Honda has confirmed that the road-going production model will be presented within two years.\nTechnical details of the concept car was scarce at press time, but the Urban EV Concept will set the grounds for future EVs to come from the brand. Visually the concept car resembles the first-generation Civic with low and muscular stance, hinting at sporty driving capabilities. Its overall length is shorter than even the \nJazz\n by 100 mm. The perfect city commuter perhaps?\nThe Honda emblem up front is backlit in blue, while the empty spaces between the headlamps is said to be capable of displaying interactive multilingual messages such as greetings, advice for other drivers on the road, or charging status updates.\nInside, the Urban EV Concept boasts superior outward visibility thanks to its ultra slim A-pillars. While it may not seem like it, the concept car is able to accommodate four occupants with lounge-like comfort. The panoramic display screen upfront creates a futuristic floating dash board as it feeds all the necessary driving data to the driver.\nHonda\u2019s Urban EV Concept also showcases the company\u2019s artificial intelligence (AI) personal concierge \u2013 \nHonda Automated Network Assistant Concierg\ne. The AI learns from the driver\u2019s behaviour and provide relevant recommendations for the driver.\nThe Honda Urban EV Concept is an extension of the Japanese marque\u2019s \u2018Electric Vision\u2019 strategy where they have pledged for the development of a dedicated electric vehicle platform, fully-electric powertrain technology, next-generation battery packs and the evolution of energy transfer functions."
"In this edition of Throwback Thursday, we\u2019re revisiting the 1980s once again; where an economical vehicle made famous by its signature bumpers is put in the spotlight \u2013 the evergreen Nissan Sunny.\nNissan\u2019s compact sedan lineage is as extensive as the characters of X-Men\u00a0so we\u2019ve narrowed our focus on the fifth-generation model (1981-1985), codenamed \nB11\n but more commonly known as the\n 130Y\n.\nIntroduced in late 1981, the 130Y was the first of the Sunny models to embrace a front-wheel drive configuration; to lower production costs. Its \u201cthree-box design\u201d was simple and clean, along with the option for an estate version.\nBack at home, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) introduced the Sunny to Malaysians in 1983. According to our friends at Motor Trader Malaysia, two engines were offered for the Sunny; a 1.2-litre petrol engine and 1.7-litre diesel unit. ETCM kept the Sunny affordable with its price ranging from\u00a0\nRM19,800\n to \nRM21,850\n. As such the Sunny was an instant hit among Malaysians, until a certain \nnational car\n\u00a0showed up.\nStill, the Sunny did relatively well for a non-national car in Malaysia as it epitomised a \u201cstart and go\u201d\u00a0vehicle. Its simple and reliable engine meant a no frills ownership experience with low maintenance cost but its biggest trump card were the\u00a0\nsignature bumpers\n.\nDo not let the hard plastic surface fool you. Inside, it housed two shock absorbers which were tasked to cushion the impact of a collision which adhered to the safety standards of the United States back then. ETCM even cheekily had an \u201c\nAwas Absorber Bumpers\n\u201d sticker at the rear bumpers as a reminder to not kiss the Sunny\u2019s back.\nThe Sunny\u2019s unpretentious characteristic resonated with buyers during its 13-year run. In fact, the model exceeded its supposed shelf life even when newer generations of the Sunny were introduced. In 1996, ETCM decided to rest the Sunny\u2019s nameplate and the name never resurfaced again. That\u2019s until its true successor, the Almera, took over the mantle in 2011.\nA quick search on Mudah.my showed that a used Nissan Sunny can be had within the price range of a flagship smartphone. But of course, extra cash would undoubtedly be needed for touch ups, wear and tear replacements.\nSource: \nMotor Trader Malaysia\nImage Source: Wikipedia"
"Yes, this is actually Tesla\u2019s latest vehicle, the Cybertruck, and not a movie prop. Don\u2019t worry, we did a double take too.\u00a0\nTesla today unveiled their long-awaited pick-up truck in Los Angeles, separate from the ongoing auto show in their own bizzare event filled with virtual robots and people dressed in sci-fi-esque outfits. Fitting with the whole Blade Runner theme of the truck, we suppose.\nWe\u2019re just gonna say it \u2013 the styling of the Cybertruck is bonkers. There are absolutely zero curves on the outside, which makes it look like a low-poly video game object or brutalism design taken to the next level.\nTesla says that the body is made up of ultra-hard 30x cold-rolled steel. It\u2019s said that the material is strong enough to withstand a 9 mm round, and a sledge hammer is even used on stage to demonstrate its hardness. Sure enough, the Cybertruck\u2019s body came out unscathed.\u00a0\nThe Cybertruck\u2019s windshield and windows are made out of Tesla Armor Glass, which is also supposed to be super strong and impact-resistance.\u00a0\nHowever, it probably isn\u2019t as strong as Elon Musk has hoped for, as both side windows shattered when Tesla\u2019s head of design threw a metal ball at it during an on-stage demonstration. Oops. Also, on a side note, does the Cybertruck not come with any windshield wipers?\nDivisive appearance aside, the performance figures of the Cybertruck are equally bonkers. Three powertrain options are available \u2013 single-motor rear-wheel drive, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and tri-motor all-wheel drive.\nThe top-end model is equipped with Tesla\u2019s latest tri-motor \u2018Plaid\u2019 powertrain. Zero to hundred km/h is done in less than \n2.9 seconds\n, and standing quarter-mile in \n10.8 seconds\n.\u00a0\nThe tri-motor model has a range of \nover 800 km\n based on the EPA cycle and has a towing capacity of over \n6,300 kg\n, while the entry-level single-motor model does\n 400 km \nand can tow about \n3,400 kg\n.\nThe Cybertruck uses an adaptive air suspension as standard on all four corners, with the height adjustable by 10 cm in both directions up to a maximum ride height of approximateley \n40 cm\n.\nThe Cybertruck have a 1.98-meter long load bay, and is capable of ferrying a payload of up to \n1,588 kg\n. Total lockable exterior storage space is over \n2,800 litres\n, including the vault, frunk, and sail pillars.\nInside, the Cybertruck takes Tesla minimalism one step further. The dashboard is completely replaced by a slab that resembles a marble tabletop, and there is nothing else on it other than a jet fighter-styled steering wheel and a 17-inch touchscreen display at the centre.\u00a0\nThe Tesla Cybertruck seats six adults, and can be specified with Tesla\u2019s Autopilot system which includes full self-driving, autopark, and trailer docking.\nBeing a Tesla, the Cybertruck can also make use of the company\u2019s supercharger network which can charge the truck at up to\n 250 kW\n. The truck itself can also be used to charge other things, with 110v and 220v sockets on board.\u00a0\nOh and before we forget, Tesla is also making a quad-bike to go with the Cybertruck, but no specifications were revealed at the event."
"Toyota has received multiple honours at the fourth ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards and bagging the best award for the brand as a whole; the \nExcellent Award\n for the brand with the \nmost five-star\n scoring.\nThe biannual ASEAN NCAP \nGrand Prix awards\n, now its fourth edition, was held virtually with the aim to commemorate high achievers in the field of vehicle safety in the region.\nTwo main awards are given out namely the Excellent Award and the Best Safety Performance Award. Apart from vehicles, there are categories for individuals and organizations to be acknowledged for their dedication and commitment to improving road safety.\n \nToyota won in three product categories, with the Toyota \nCorolla Altis\n, Toyota \nHilux\n and Toyota \nInnova\n being recipients of the Excellent Awards for Continuous Safety Improvement in their respective segments.\nThe Toyota Majesty/Granvia window van (available in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines) was recognised with the Best Safety Performance Award for Safety Assist Systems.\n \n\u201cToyota is committed to continuously improving its vehicle safety technologies and performance, as part of its entire efforts toward road and traffic safety, with focus on three essential elements- vehicles (advancing safety technology), people (educating drivers, passengers and pedestrians towards traffic safety) and traffic environment (supporting safer traffic infrastructure),\u201d said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Malaysia (UMWT), the distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia.\nThe upcoming \nToyota Corolla Cross\n scored the full five stars too\nSince 2019, all-new as well as facelifted Toyota vehicles were assessed in the ASEAN NCAP and all achieved the full five-star rating. UMWT has also stepped up the benchmark in active and passive safety systems by placing as many airbags as possible in all passenger vehicles and specifying \nToyota Safety Sense\n whenever possible and available.\nThe recently launched facelift models of the \nVios\n, \nYaris\n, \nFortuner\n and Hilux models all come with the option of Toyota Safety Sense. \u00a0\n\u201cToday, many of our models sold in Malaysia have Toyota Safety Sense, an Integrated Safety Management Concept where individual safety technologies and systems are designed to collaborate with each other in various vehicle operation stages, from parking to advanced safety, pre-collision safety, collision safety and rescue,\u201d said President of UMWT, Ravindran K.\nSince the introduction of the current 2017-2020 ASEAN NCAP rating system, a total of \nten\n Toyota vehicles have been assessed and all achieve the highest rating of \nfive stars\n.\nRecently, UMWT also made it easier for consumers to understand Toyota Safety Sense and its availability through the new \nToyota Synergised Mobility\n communication channel."
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has expanded its \u201c\nHyundai Promise Approved Used Car Programme\n\u201d to the showroom in Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur, following huge demand for Hyundai\u2019s approved used cars.\nIt\u2019s only the second outlet to offer Hyundai\u2019s approved used cars after the flagship outlet in Temasya Industrial Park, Glemarie, Shah Alam.\nSime Darby Motors Malaysia, Retail and Distribution, Managing Director, Mr Jeffery Gan said, \u201cThe take-up rate for Hyundai used cars is rapidly increasing especially for models introduced in the last five years.\u201d\nHSDM, Managing Director, Mr Low Yuan Lung added that the expansion of sales operations to Old Klang Road is to cater to customers in the Kuala Lumpur area.\nPre-owned Hyundai vehicles under the programme come with genuine parts and the original engine. The vehicles are inspected rigorously by trained technicians to ensure their electronics and mechanical parts are in optimum condition. These certified vehicles are also free of major accidents and come with an extended (dealer and manufacturer\u2019s) warranty of two to five years depending on the age of the vehicle and the clocked-in mileage.\u00a0\nMore information about the Hyundai Promise Approved Used Car Programme \nhere\n.\nRELATED: \nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors claims Hyundai\u2019s resale value in Malaysia comparable to Japanese rivals"
"Inspired by the message \u201cTake what you need, give what you can\u201d, Petron Malaysia and its dealers now have over 190 food banks located in their petrol stations.\nThis is the second year Petron Malaysia has set up food banks at their petrol stations and are delighted to partner with Petron dealers in showing compassion and exercising its corporate social responsibility.\nMembers of the public have also donated items under the \u201cJom Bantu Food Bank and Community Table\u201d initiative, which hopes to ease the burden of those severely affected financially by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, many economic sectors and micro-economies are still not open.\nThe full list of service stations with the community pantries can be found \nhere\n. The list has not been updated with locations in Sarawak.\nPetron also collaborated with KPJ Healthcare with the launching of eight KPJ food banks at selected petrol stations, the first being the Petron New Larkin that was opened on July 23rd.\n\u201cThe response has been overwhelming. The food bank initiative allowed us to connect with others, creating stronger community bonds while contributing to society. It is not all about money or popularity, but being able to be that someone who makes a person looks forward to tomorrow with hope,\u201d expressed Petron New Larkin Johor Bahru, Dealer, Cik Azura Abu Bakar.\nThe community tables are stocked with rice, sugar, flour, cooking oil, eggs, biscuits, noodles as well as canned and dried foods. Basic personal care items such as soap and toilet paper are also available.\nA petrol station in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah even supported the local farming community by sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables from them and then handing them out to the people in need.\nUsers with the PMiles loyalty card can further contribute to Petron Malaysia\u2019s food and necessities donation scheme under the \u201cPetronMyKasih Jom Derma\u201d programme, where P-Miles points donated will be converted into cash and vested into MyKasih Foundation.\nIn collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) Johor, Petron petrol stations in the Southern region are also food bank collection centres where the public may donate food and essential items. MDTCA will then distribute the items accordingly.\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia contributed vehicles, equipment and cash to further strengthen the fight against Covid-19. Details of the CSR activity can be found here."
"It\u2019s common knowledge that the 911 is one of very few sports cars you can drive to work with ease and come the weekends, it\u2019ll \ntake any open day track day in its stride\n and still be able to drive you home after.\nIf the 911 is the sports car for all seasons, the new Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is the Porsche for all occasions. You might think the same about the Cayenne but lets be realistic, being an SUV and all it just wouldn\u2019t have the same dynamism of the 911 or the Panamera, when the sudden urge arises to swipe through the next long swooping bend.\nBut let\u2019s wind it back a little. When I first laid eyes on what could be the next four-door Porsche through images of the Porsche 989, I was horrified.\nIt looked as if it was performing an unnatural stretch \u2013 like a man doing a split \u2013 with both his hands pulled sideways and downwards. It\u2019s as uncomfortable to picture as it is to read.\nHaving already had to live with the existence of a high-rise Porsche, the Cayenne, the thought of diluting the Porsche brand further (which in MY MIND consists only of 911s) with yet another mass-appeal product just made me cringe.\nI\u2019ve seen what a four-door Ferrari 456 GT looks like on paper, what the Aston Martin Rapide looks like in person and more recently, a Lamborghini four-door concept all over the Internet \u2013 none of them looks as appealing as their two-door counterparts would.\nBut in 2009, it happened and just like everyone expected, it was like a stab in the eye with a crinkled fork, on fire. The second generation did the Panamera (Carrera + Panamericana) and ultimately Porsche name more justice with an even more pronounced fastback look but no matter how you do it, a 911 silhouette with four doors just doesn\u2019t work \u2013 visually, at least.\nAnd that\u2019s why I think they\u2019ve finally hit the bull\u2019s eye with the Sport Turismo. Now you can\u2019t see it as a stretched 911 anymore, it looks purpose-built; to stand on its own and project more individualism.\nObjectively, it may still not be for everyone. You may still not like it, but you won\u2019t hate it. Me, I simply love how it looks. That burning fork is now replaced with a warm towel, gently placed on by a pair of delicate hands.\nArguably, it would look more proportionate with shorter rear overhangs, but it\u2019s got that chunky but approachable hatchback look that just doesn\u2019t try too hard to claim attention.\nIt gets better with closer examination of the details. Those 21-inch \u201cExclusive Design\u201d wheels, a RM 23k option, are just to die for. Another must have item on the options list is that RM 16k quad-tailpipe Sport exhaust system that\u2019ll respond either with a gentle purr or a fierce growl, depending on how far you stretch your right feet to trigger the 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine.\nEven the 4-piece Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) LED headlight system is an ornament on its own \u2013 there\u2019s an allure to it that just makes you want to take a closer look at its meticulous LED arrangement. Throw in a further RM 7,000 into the order sheet and you\u2019ll score yourself the LED Matrix PDLS pair.\nBut whatever you pick, please tick this particular \u201cSpecial Colour\u201d option with the lush Red hue; the Sport Turismo just turns heads everywhere it goes. It\u2019s like walking around with a big red \u201cAng Pow\u201d; you can\u2019t not draw attention to yourself.\nThe \u201cPorsche-ness\u201d you seek is more apparent on the inside of the Sport Turismo, and behind the wheel, than from how it looks on the outside.\nLet me try it to sum this up in the simplest way I can; it all just feels so right. Every twist of a knob, the push of a button, the resistance and the sound that it makes, justifies its RM 1 million price tag. This particular unit will cost you more, it\u2019s got every possible option on sale.\nWhether it\u2019s a trim or a surface or a click, it all feels \u201ctailor-made\u201d but not for a specific individual but instead, \u201ccustomised\u201d for the masses, for every being privileged to ride in or own one to feel at home and at the centre of it all.\nThe gear lever console can be easily accustomed to but I suspect the more senior spectrum of Panamera owners will spend more time getting to know the 12-inch central command/infotainment system aptly named the Porsche Communication System, than it took them to assimilate with smartphones.\nIt also won\u2019t be easy, for the old and young for that matter, to get the exact adjustments of the electronically-controlled air con vents \u2013 you\u2019ll need the steady hands of a surgeon to get it just at the right position. In other words, you\u2019ll have to split your eyeballs in opposite directions.\nAt the back, the first thing you\u2019d notice, if you\u2019ve spent time in a Panamera is the increased head room from the Sport Turismo\u2019s \u201cwagon\u201d design. It doesn\u2019t feel like it was built to confine and induce claustrophobia in you, like the Panameras of old.\nI absolutely love how the centre tunnel cascades to the back. The view ahead from the back allows you to appreciate the overall design inside the car; it\u2019s like an operating theater, draped in soft leather.\nBehind the wheel, I like how easy the Sport Turismo was to drive. Its light but relatively communicative steering, taut pedals, enormously assuring brakes exudes harmony \u2013 a familiar trait of every Porsche driving experience.\nPowerful it is not; not by any means. For the same price of a BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 S 4MATIC, it will be left for dust from the get-go with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.3 seconds, armed with only\n 330 hp\n and\n 450Nm\n to pull its 1.9-tonne weight.\nAs much as it tries and to an extent succeeds to mask its weight, its belly still shows. The V6 engine really needs a good squeeze, to avoid feeling as if you were running with diving weights strapped on.\nBut work the revs hard enough through the flawless 8-speed PDK transmission, and you\u2019d have a chubby kid that moves with the fluidity of a gymnast. The PDK gearbox is, in my opinion, simply the best transmission out there at the moment.\nAnd as a long-distance, high speed cruiser, the Panamera Sport Turismo is right up there with the rest. It encloses you impeccably from the elements outside, making your mile-crunching journeys nearly effortless.\nConsidering the brief moment spent with the car, like literally for just a few hours, I must say it projected more strengths than weaknesses and its pros definitely out-shined any of its cons, if any at all.\nAnd if it\u2019s down to the question of why you should get the Panamera Sport Turismo over the faster BMW or the rude Mercedes-Benz, I put this back to you; why would you bother with a Coach or Micheal Kors bag if you can get something with a Prada badge for the same money?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The World Rally Championship (WRC) will undergo a new regulation change which foresees more powerful cars\u00a0that will conquer any surfaces on this planet. With that, Volkswagen teased its 2017 WRC contenders with\u00a0the Polo R WRC.\nThe current VW Polor R WRC for 2016 WRC season\nFor the uninitiated, 2017 regulation requires WRC cars to have \n380 hp\n extracted out from its \n1.6-litre turbocharged\n engine, an increase of almost \n60 hp\n from the current cars. That\u2019s made possible courtesy of a wider diameter in the air restrictor and the usage of\u00a0electronic center differential for the power transmission.\nIn addition to that, 2017 WRC car must shed\n 25 kg off\n from the current min weight of \n1200 kg\n, and encourages a wider usage of aerodynamics as seen with a wider rear wing and broader front spoiler. That said, this is a recipe for a very jovial rally car.\n \n \n\u201cThe 2017 WRC regulations include many spectacular technical innovations for the World Rally Championship,\u201d said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. \u201cThe World Rally Cars of the future will incorporate all the experience that teams have gained in recent years. They will be considerably more dynamic, whilst at the same time being safer.\u201d\nThe Polo R in WRC is based from this gen Polo\nThe \nPolo R\n has had much success in World Rallying Championship, with 2016 WRC season is pretty much under Volkswagen\u2019s control. As statistics revealed the Polo R is currently WRC\u2019s most successful rally car with \n37 victories out of 42 rallies,\n there\u2019s high chance that the 2017 Polo R might to inherit the success formula from its predecessors."
"Last month, Porsche AG announced a new addition to their line-up of vehicles, the\n new Cayenne Coupe\n, with the aim to take on the likes of BMW\u2019s X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.\nAn unsurprising addition, a coupe body style for the Cayenne has been a long time coming seeing as most brands are going out of their way to cater to every buyer possible \u2013 even if it means giving the SUVs a coupe look. There you go, this is the world we live in now.\nBut even with the Macan\u2019s rise in prominence and the emergence of the new Cayenne Coupe, don\u2019t be so quick to discount the Cayenne. Last year, Porsche AG delivered 49,715 units of the Cayenne worldwide and the year before wasn\u2019t any different either.\nAnd it\u2019s not hard to see why the Cayenne has done so well for Porsche; even helping the company prosper \u2013 as its bread and butter \u2013 for more than 10 years now.\nDespite it being just the base model, the Cayenne showed why it has been the luxury SUV of choice, in every way you\u2019d expect an SUV to.\nStarting off with the performance, the way this thing accelerates just riles up every nerve in the body. To think it\u2019s just the base model with a 3.0-litre V6 engine making \n345 hp \nand \n450 Nm\n of torque, imagine what the Turbo model can do.\n0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.2 seconds \u2013 5.9 if you spec the Cayenne with the Sport Chrono Package \u2013 and it\u2019s simply relentless to its top speed of 245 km/h. Trust me, I came within a whisker of it, without much effort or space needed.\nAnd the way the gear changes in the 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox is quite something behold. There\u2019s no other way to say it but it\u2019s probably good enough to support the performance of a more powerful sportscar.\nShort of Volkswagen\u2019s dual clutch transmission, I believe nothing comes close to the fluidity and quick-shifting characteristics of the Cayenne\u2019s gearbox. Anything quicker than this and you\u2019d have to look at the RM1 million and above supercars for such a visceral experience in the lower gears.\nEven at standstill, the experience of being in the driver seat alone was indescribable. It\u2019s like every child\u2019s dream come true \u2013 of being in a fighter jet.\nThere are so many toggles, switches and displays in your surrounding, you won\u2019t know where to start. And they\u2019re so impeccably finished; you can almost feel the extensive time and prolonged thought that went into making and putting these components together.\nAnd since this one comes equipped with the SportChrono Pack, you get a rotary dial by the steering \u2013 allowing you to switch between drive modes \u2013 like a Formula 1 driver (vaguely).\nI really appreciate that they\u2019ve, for so long, retained the signature three-spoke steering and the RPM meter in the middle, even in their SUVs. With developments taking place at such rapid pace and seemingly unsustainable, these little touches help retain the source of a brand\u2019s identity.\nI mean, these guys were known for their 911s. Then it was the SUVs that put them on a larger, wider map. Now it\u2019s SUVs with coupe body styles. Hence, the retention of the \u201cPorsche elements\u201d, even in their mass-produced vehicles, is a necessary one.\nI must say, I\u2019m a big fan of the interface of the mesmerising 12.3-inch full HD touchscreen display of the Cayenne, but operating it is a whole different story. I find it too cluttered, a little \u201call over the place\u201d.\nAt least the Cayenne does not come with the digitally-control air vents like in the Panamera Sport Turismo. Cool as it looked, it\u2019s actually more of a inconvenient gimmick than anything.\nGranted I may not be the most tech/gadget savvy person out there but I\u2019d assume those who can afford this RM929k SUV (spec-ed up from RM795k) to be the same. If I know old people better, they\u2019d prefer things to be more straightforward.\nThat emblem is a RM2,000 optional extra.\nSpeaking of specifications, this car has more than RM134k worth of options that includes the Sport Chrono Package (RM5k), larger 90-litre fuel tank from the standard 75-litre (RM557), rear-axle steering (RM9.5k), Park Assist (RM3.4k), Soft Close doors (RM3.2k), panoramic roof (RM9.3k), Porsche Dynamic Light System head lights (RM9k) and Bose Surround Sound system (RM6.2k) to name a few.\nI\u2019m glad the opted for the rear-axle steering for the Cayenne or else I\u2019d never get to experience how nimble an SUV can actually be. For a vehicle that weighs 2,000 kg, thanks to extensive weight saving measures with use of aluminium, it\u2019s almost as nimble as a Golf GTI!\nCouple that with the adaptive air suspension, you have a ride that is as comfortable as a \u201csports car on stilts\u201d can be because that\u2019s what the Cayenne is without even the need to exaggerate.\nYou can never say that about an X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE, as competent as they are, this one has that bit of Porsche magic to help it stand out.\nThe level of refinement on the move beggars belief too. It strikes a really nice balance between the plushness of an Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the firmness of say, a 911.\nStopping power is immense \u2013 a signature Porsche legacy that extends even to the Cayenne and one that is unlikely to ever fade; pun intended.\nIf you\u2019re looking to get the cutting-edge Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB), you\u2019ll have to opt for the 20 or 21-inch wheels as it wouldn\u2019t fit the 19-inch wheels on this Cayenne.\nAs for the outside of the car, well, I guess you can\u2019t really fault the design, can you? It may look a little more subdued than its rivals but discretion never really hurt anyone, has it?\nIt\u2019s big enough and imposing as it is, so being shouty really is an optional extra. Besides, it\u2019s a much prettier version of itself from 10 years ago \u2013 have you ran into Cayennes from the early 2000s? Gosh they look awful.\nSo there it is, an SUV that needs no introduction and given that only a few hours were offered to bond with it, it needed even less time to impress.\nIf you have RM800k to spend on an SUV and you looked past the Cayenne, what a fool you are.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM)\n have announced a new \u201cExtended Limited Warranty Programme\u201d for all Mercedes-Benz customers in Malaysia. Customers with new and pre-owned cars can now opt for a one- or two-year warranty subscription with up to RM 250,000 of coverage.\nMBM says that the components replaced under this plan will be further covered by a 24-month Mercedes-Benz Parts Guarantee. The programme also provides unlimited mileage coverage for cars not exceeding 125,000km before the start of their fifth year and 150,000km before the start of their sixth year before opting in for this programme. The warranty subscription cost increases with the age of the car.\nOffered are two types of extended warranty programmes \u2013 \u201cEssential Coverage\u201d and \u201cComprehensive Coverage\u201d. The \u201cEssential Coverage\u201d comprises key components such as air-conditioning, brakes, engine, front-wheel drive, power windows, steering, rear-wheel drive, suspension, and transmission.\nRELATED: \nMercedes me Store launched in Malaysia \u2013 Navigation now requires subscription\nThe \u201cComprehensive Coverage\u201d adds another nine additional components on top of the \u201cEssential Coverage\u201d, such as active and passive safety components, Airmatic struts, audio system, ECU and tyre pressure monitoring system, instrument cluster, sensors, all other control units and electrical components, and rear entertainment system (for selected vehicles across the Mercedes-Benz model range in their fifth and sixth year).\nMercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Managing Director, Ms. Anamika Talwar said, \u201cThe Extended Limited Warranty Programme was developed and designed to offer our customers the flexibility to choose additional coverage best suited for their lifestyle and driving needs. Not only does the programme offer them extended peace of mind, but it also aims to enhance their overall ownership experience in the later years. We are confident that our customers will see the value of this additional coverage as this ensures their vehicle will receive ultimate protection for absolute peace of mind.\u201d\nMercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia Vice President of Customer Services, Mr. Edmin Naidoo said, \u201cOur customers are our top priority, and our goal is to provide them confidence and peace of mind. This Extended Limited Warranty Programme is one of the many programmes to come in providing our customers a comprehensive and seamless ownership experience throughout their journey with us.\u201d\nMore information on the Extended Limited Warranty Programme is available \nhere\n.\nRELATED: \nThere\u2019s a new Mercedes-Benz AutoHaus in Seremban by Minsoon Star"
"Scheduled to make its world debut at Geneva is Volkswagen\u2019s latest luxury grand tourer (also known as gran turismo), the \nVolkswagen Arteon\n.\nThe fastback-styled four-door saloon will get a completely new front end, flanked by full LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights. What\u2019s unique with the Arteon is the way the grille \u201cflows\u201d into the headlamps, much like the \nnew Tiguan\n except with more aggression.\nVolkswagen claims that the Arteon\u2019s cabin boasts exceptional spaciousness, with ample head and legroom for all passengers. It\u2019s always a challenge trying to maximise interior space in any\u00a0fastback grand tourer (except if you\u2019re \nBentley\n or \nMaybach\n, which is in an entirely different league), although\u00a0Volkswagen hasn\u2019t revealed the exact footprint for the Arteon as yet.\nOther debuting features include Volkswagen\u2019s latest generation of driver assistance systems, some of which are typically reserved for high-end luxury vehicles. The Wolfsburg carmaker also said \u201cthe Arteon is the amalgamation of avant-garde design and\u00a0immense versatility. Together with all its features, it will undoubtedly be one of the most attractive products in its segment.\u201d\u00a0\nThe Volkswagen Arteon will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show which swings into action from 9 to 19 March 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \nDieselgate\n scandal that hit the Volkswagen Group (VAG) has claimed another victim, probably its biggest yet.\u00a0Audi, who promotes its diesel powertrains through their diesel-powered LMP1 car in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), has decided to pull the plug on it. Instead, Ingolstadt will shift its focus in Formula E.\nAudi has had a strong presence in prototype endurance racing for decades. Over 18 years, Audi has won\n\u00a0\nthe\n Le Mans 24 Hours \na staggering 13 times, thanks to their turbodiesel technology. This year\u2019s WEC campaign will sadly become Audi\u2019s last.\nMoving forward, the Four Rings believes that\u00a0\nFormula E\n will pave the way for the future, especially when road cars are beginning to embrace electrification.\u00a0Formula E\u2019s low-cost structure and open development for electric cars mean\u00a0it\u2019s a wise investment for Audi. They have took over Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport, the team they previously sponsored.\nThere\u2019s a few reasons why this decision is sensible. Funds are tight after VAG incurred billions in fines and suffering massive losses due to the Dieselgate saga. Furthermore, Porsche\u2019s presence in the LMP1 category means it\u2019s not feasible to have two VAG brands duking it out for Le Mans glory in the long run. It has been a long and fruitful journey for Audi in Le Mans, but unfortunately, it\u2019s time to move on. Hopefully their successes will reward them handsomely in the all-electric Formula E series.\nAfter all, in motorsports, if you don\u2019t take risk, you won\u2019t win.\u00a0Let\u2019s hope Audi thinks that way."
"Now that is a beautiful electric car! Polestar is back at designing incredibly beautiful cars, as the subsequent \nPolestar 2\n fastback looked too \u2018safe\u2019 after the beautiful \nPolestar 1\n \n1,000-hp\n hybrid coupe.\nThe Polestar 5 is however not an entirely new styling from the electric performance car company, as the concept originated from the Polestar Precept. The company also \ndocumented\n how the sketches by designer Nahum Escobedo turned into the Precept and slowly become the Polestar 5.\nNotice the similarities in the styling and the C-pillar indent between the Polestar 5 and the prototype\nFew weeks back, Polestar teased a \nprototype vehicle\n that had key styling elements of the Precept, such as the steep sloping roof, C-pillar indent and pop-up door handles; features that can link the black development vehicle as the Polestar 5.\nBeing a grand tourer (GT), the Polestar 5 will compete against the king of the segment- the \nPorsche Taycan\n and joined by the new \nAudi e-tron GT\n, \nMercedes-AMG EQS 53\n and Tesla Model S. The \nBMW i4 M50\n is a size smaller, as these are all clustered into the \u2018E\u2019 segmentation.\nA very digitised interior in the 2024 Polestar 5\nPolestar has naturally set Porsche as their customer experience and \nperformance target\n, with a very strong will to exceed Stuttgart\u2019s brand\u2019s strength. \u00a0\u00a0\nPolestar to double global retail presence this year, including Singapore. More here!\nPolestar says the Precept was developed to preview the future, embodying the company\u2019s key competencies of design, sustainability, technology and performance. Now seen with production readiness in mind, the Polestar 5 embodies the company\u2019s increasingly independent and muscular design language, cues of which will already be seen on \nPolestar 3\n performance SUV that is expected to be launched next year.\nThe Polestar 5 meanwhile will only be made available from 2024, interestingly a year after Lotus\u2019 similarly-sized product with the code \nType 133\n. Both Polestar and Lotus have significant links to China\u2019s Zhejiang Geely Holding, with the former co-owned by Volvo while the latter has the remaining \nminority 49%\n stake owned by Etika Automotive Sdn Bhd of Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"For years Toyota\u2019s Land Cruiser has been synonymous with all things four-wheel drive but China may have an answer to Japan\u2019s golden boy which was\n just launched recently\n, in the form of the new\n Tank 500\n revealed at the Chengdu Motor Show.\nUnder the hood of that muscular-looking front end is a petrol-powered 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 making \n354 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n, while a 9-speed ZF auto helps channel power to all four wheels.\nToyota Land Cruiser GR Sport launched in Japan, from RM297k! Read about it here!\nIt\u2019s unlikely to spring any surprises against the Land Cruiser 300 in terms of grunt, as the Toyota\u2019s off-road crown jewel makes over 400 hp and over \n650 Nm\n. Videos have surfaced showing how it\n \naccelerates like a hot hatch\n as well.\nNew Toyota Land Cruiser accelerates like a hot hatch! Check out the video here!\nInside is where the Tank 500 really works its charm. There\u2019s a hint of Volvo on the centre console, a hint of Mercedes-Benz on the steering wheel, and it\u2019s hard not to think of \nAudi with the switches and the door handles\n/speaker cover. Even the dashboard somewhat \nmimics that of Rolls-Royce\n.\nNot much else is known in terms of its features, although based on the images available, it\u2019s clear that the Tank 500 isn\u2019t short of creature comforts and off-road abilities. It gets a locking differential with 4L mode, parking sensors, hill descend control and auto brakehold, to name a few.\nInterestingly, the Tank 500 shares the same wheelbase length as the Land Cruiser at 2850 mm, offering three rows for seven passengers but elsewhere it\u2019s just milimetres more petite.\nWith an 800 mm wading depth, it\u2019s even better than the Range Rover Velar (at 650 mm) \nwe tested\n and pick-ups (around 700 mm) we testedbefore.\nSource: \nDrive\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has appointed\n Sagree Sardien\n as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, effective \nJuly 1st 2021\n.\nSardien will also concurrently hold the role of Head of Region, Mercedes-Benz Cars SEA II. With over 20 years of automotive industry experience and 13 years of those with Daimler, Sardien started as the Head of Operations in South Africa for Daimler\u2019s Fleet Management division.\nDuring her tenure in South Africa, she held various leadership positions across the Daimler organisation including Fleet operations, Logistics, Sales, Product Management and Customer Services, in South Africa.\nSardien was also responsible for the implementation of the Retail of the Future business model in the South African market, transforming the sales environment to Model D between 2016 \u2013 2018, where Mercedes-Benz maintained the number one position for premium brand in the country.\nNew S-Class\nNew C-Class\nMercedes-EQS\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship has been launched in Indonesia and Thailand!\nThree years ago, Sardien moved to Stuttgart, Germany, where she was the Head of Sales for Region Overseas markets, comprising Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa.\nSagree Sardien said, \u201cI am excited to join the Malaysia and SEA II regional team. In the last few years, Mercedes-Benz has grown from strength to strength in the premium automotive segment in the region. It is an incredible and opportune time to join the company, and I look forward to contributing to the implementation of our ambition to shape the future of mobility and support the transformation of the automotive environment.\u201d\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia also announced the arrival of Edmin Naidoo as Vice President of Customer Services MBC Malaysia and SEA II. Like Sardien, Naidoo has also built-up plenty of his experiences on Mercedes-Benz working culture in South Africa.\nIn collaboration with the Customer Service team of Region Overseas, Naidoo was also responsible for introducing best practice steering tools, digital KPI dashboards and Customer Services chat-bot for retailers, advancing the standards of digital transformation in the region. Naidoo, who has been with the Mercedes-Benz brand for over 25 years, is passionate about introducing digitized concepts to the market, enabling customers and retailers to enjoy the advantages of the Digital Service Drive Transformation.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia goes online with the virtual showroom for all vehicles, new and pre-owned!\nAs the newly appointed Head of Customer Services, MBC Malaysia & SEA 2, Edmin Naidoo said, \u201cWe are entering an exciting time where innovation including data at the core allows us to create hyper-personalized ecosystems, where our customers can experience true Mercedes moments that are Best-in-Class. I am excited to join the SEA team to build upon our achievements in shaping the future of service products that offer our customers a Mercedes of Service Experience.\u201d\nSardien\u2019s appointment comes into effect as the incumbent, Dr. Claus Weidner, completes his tenure in Malaysia since appointed in 2015 and Naidoo\u2019s new role commences as Jeffrey Simon finishes his three-year term in Malaysia."
"As proof that it wasn\u2019t a fluke, Mitsubishi did it again by coming in first in JD Power\u2019s Malaysia Customer Service Index (Mass Market) Study for the \nsecond year running\n, followed by Toyota and Mazda.\nAverage score has also increased by seven points from 754 to\n761, with dealers putting in more effort to enhance customer service experience\nas new car sales flattens. The study also found that customers are much happier\nif they are notified when service is required, and also to be kept informed of\nthe vehicle status during the service process.\nAmong the areas to be addressed include managing service turnaround time; satisfaction among customers who had their cars turned around in a shorter time span is higher (776 points) than those whose service took longer (748 points), however the proportion of customers who are not told when their vehicle would be ready has also increased (12% vs. 6% in 2018).\nOther key findings include facilities that are improving\nwith better amenities and complimentary services even if fewer customers elect\nto wait at the dealership, with those who choose to wait are more satisfied than\nthose who returned later. Additionally, the use of digital channels to schedule\nappointments are also on the rise.\nNote: The J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Customer Service Index (Mass Market) StudySM is based on responses from 2,644 vehicle owners, who received delivery of their new vehicle between February 2016 and June 2018 and took their vehicle for service to an authorized dealer or service centre between February 2018 and June 2019.\nThe study was fielded from February through June 2019.Now in its 17th year, the study covers owners who bought their vehicle in the past 12-36 months and serviced it at least once in the past 12 months at an authorised service centre. The study measures overall service satisfaction among owners who took their vehicle to an authorised service centre by examining dealership performance in five factors (in order of importance): service quality (25%); vehicle pick-up (21%); service initiation (20%); service facility (17%); and service advisor (16%). Overall satisfaction for the industry averages 761 points."
"These days, SUV buyers are no longer looking just for practicality, but also style, speed, and even sports-car rivalling performance. If you\u2019re looking for an SUV that can deliver \u201cagility and responsiveness of a true sports car\u201d, Porsche\u2019s facelifted Macan GTS might be the only car you need.\nThe facelifted Porsche Macan GTS gets a suite of goodies to make it the sportiest of the bunch. Firstly, under the hood is a new 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine that delivers \n380 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque, which puts it in between the\n Macan S \nand the\n Macan Turbo\n in terms of power.\u00a0\nDespite the smaller displacement engine, the updated Macan GTS gains 20 hp and 20 Nm from its predecessor. Combined with the specially tuned PDK dual-clutch gearbox and the optional Sport Chrono package, the Macan GTS completes the century sprint in\n 4.7 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n261 km/h\n.\nThe GTS abbreviation (for Gran Turismo Sport) on a Porsche usually means outstanding driving dynamics, and the Macan GTS is no different.\nThe Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damping control system has been specifically tuned for the new GTS, while the chassis has been lowered by \n15 mm\n for a lower centre of gravity. The optional adaptive air suspension lowers it by a further 10 mm.\u00a0\nThe Macan GTS rides on \n20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels\n, housing the 360 mm front and 330 mm rear cast iron brakes. The brakes can be upgraded with a tungsten carbide coating or ceramic composite units for enhanced stopping performance.\u00a0\nVisually, the Macan GTS inherits the \nfacelifted Macan\n design, but gets a Sport Design package as standard that includes sportier front and rear trims and side skirts. The distinguishing black accents from the GTS models are applied on the front apron, taillights and LED light bar, rear diffuser, tailpipes, and the wheels.\nThe LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) are also darkened, and can be fitted with the PDLS Plus system.\u00a0\nThe sportiness of the GTS is emphasised on the inside with generous use of Alcantara on the GTS exclusive sports seats, centre console armrests and door panels. Leather upholstery can be had in either Carmine Red or Crayon to offset the swath of Alcantara cloth.\u00a0\nOf course, the Macan GTS still needs to be a competent everyday road car where it will mostly be driven. Porsche is making available a whole list of optional equipment for the Macan GTS, including a Bose Surround Sound system, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, heated windscreen and even an air ioniser."
"Point S, the world\u2019s leading tyre and car service dealer network has just opened its third outlet in Malaysia here in SS2, Petaling Jaya. Strategically located in the heart of PJ, the newly established outlet was officiated by French Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Frederic Laplanche and the new outlet will serve as the flagship store for the entire South-East Asia (SEA) region\nEstablished in 1971 in France, Point S is a tyre dealer association created by independent business owners in the early 70s. Following its booming success, Point S is now represented in 32 countries with over \n3,500 outlets worldwide\n. At every Point S store, you can expect tyre and car maintenance related services such as full range of tyre change, alignment, balancing, oil change, air-conditioning service and many more. The newly opened flagship store has \neight dedicated service bays\n and is able to accommodate all types of vehicles \u2013 Continental makes, JDM, lowered, 4\u00d74, you name it.\nPoint S Malaysia has also partnered with Pirelli Asia to establish a \nPirelli Performance Centre\n at this facility, further highlighting Point S\u2019 expertise in the tyre industry. Other named partners include LiquiMoly, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone and many others.\nBesides that, Point S Malaysia has also partnered with \nGoCar Malaysia\n car rental service provider where customers can rent a car at a discounted rate while waiting for their vehicles to be serviced. The two GoCars are parked in the vicinity of Point S SS2, how convenient!\nPoint S currently has three outlets in Malaysia \u2013 SS2, SS15 and Kayu Ara with plans to expand their presence in East Malaysia in the coming months. Point S SS2 will officially be opened for business on 15 January 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Fans of convertibles and cabriolets have a new eye candy as Aston Martin has just teased the Vantage Roadster on \nTwitter\n!\nAston Martin unveiled the \nsecond generation Vantage \nback in 2017 with a stark new design. Drawing inspiration from the non-production DB10, the current Vantage features slimmer headlights, larger signature Aston Martin grille and light-bar taillights, which we quite fancy.\u00a0\nBut since its launch, the Vantage has only been available in coupe form. However, it seems like we will get our hands on a cabriolet version very soon.\nThe drop-top version of the Vantage still carries the sleek body shape of the coupe version, and from what we can see, only the hard top has been swapped with a electronically-retractable fabric cover.\nAston Martin hasn\u2019t revealed any information for the Vantage Roadster as it is called, other than a few photos with the words \u201cOpening Spring 2020\u201d plastered on the body of the development sample. Given that Spring is just about five months away, we can expect the design and specifications to have been finalised so it\u2019s only a matter of time before we hear more from Aston.\u00a0\nAs the roadster is based on the regular coupe variant with a few additional tweaks, there\u2019s pretty much no doubt that the roadster will also be powered by the same AMG-sourced \n4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n.\u00a0\nAs a quick recap, the Aston Martin Vantage pushes \n503 hp\n and \n685 Nm\n of torque to the rear wheels, and takes \n3.6 seconds\n to reach 100 km/h from standstill. However, with the required additional strengthening of the body due to the removal of its roof, we expect Vantage Roadster to be slightly heavier hence slower than the coupe.\nThe interior of the Vantage Roadster will probably remain largely the same as its coupe twin\nThe soft-top Vantage will also most likely inherit the 8-speed ZF automatic box from its coupe twin. Fingers crossed that Aston Martin will include the\n optional manual transmission\n for the Roadster as well!\nAccording to \nAutocar\n, Aston Martin\u2019s convertible versions usually command a higher price of approximately 8% than its coupe counterparts. With the Vantage priced at\n RM1.6 million \n(after tax before options), you do the math and guess what it\u2019ll cost when (or if) it reaches our shores!\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2017 Aston Martin Vantage"
"A close-to-production prototype of the new \nBMW 8 Series Coupe\n is currently undergoing intensive testing on a high-speed proving ground in Aprilia, Italy. The goal is to optimise the vehicle\u2019s driving dynamics; further affirming its launch in 2018.\nTests are currently being carried out with a heavily camouflaged prototype but it\u2019s already clear to see what the new 8 Series Coupe would look like.\u00a0At the 4 km long oval circuit which includes steep bends, high speed and high friction coefficient tests are being conducted.\n\u00a0Acceleration,\u00a0braking and steering behaviour of the new sports car are also being analysed on circuits, slalom courses and different road surfaces.\u00a0The highly demanding test programme also aims to ensure all drive and suspension systems are perfectly in-sync with one another.\nThe new BMW 8 Series Coupe is also being developed in tandem with the new BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE race car. Location wise, the Nurburgring Nordschleife has been the main proving ground for testing and further enhancements of the new BMW M8.\n\u201cThe test drives under the most severe conditions show that we are right on target with our concept for the new BMW 8 Series Coupe. The vehicle dynamics values already achieved are absolutely impressive. Our customers and fans can look forward to a genuine sports car,\u201d says board member of BMW AG, Development and Research, Klaus Fr\u00f6hlich, who is overseeing the test programme in Italy.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus is set to unveil the facelifted\u00a0\nNX\n SUV at the Shanghai Motor Show next month. The NX is currently the smallest SUV in the Lexus range (until the \nUX\n\u00a0takes that place) and has been around since late 2014. It\u2019s now time for a successor.\nThis single, super futuristic teaser of the NX\u2019s new headlamps show a much more streamlined design, but still retaining the boomerang shaped LED DRLs. Also retained but redesigned is the Spindle grille. The interior is expected to be updated as well. Overall, it\u2019s going to be a small yet distinctive update to the SUV which hasn\u2019t even shown signs of ageing!\nLexus Malaysia just recently launched the \nNX Special\u00a0Edition\nNothing is mentioned on the mechanical bits, but judging from the recent \nIS\n facelift, power outputs should remain the same. The two same engines will continue propulsion duties; a\n\u00a02.0-litre four-cylinder engine \nwith twin scroll turbo and VVT-iW producing \n235 hp \nand\n 350 Nm \nof torque, as well as a naturally aspirated\u00a0\n2.5-litre four-cylinder\n mill making 197 horsepower. A six-speed automatic is paired with the 2.0-litre turbo, while the hybrid settles for an e-CVT.\nThe updated Lexus NX, together with the new \nLS 500h\n, will headline Lexus\u2019 booth at the Shanghai Motor Show which begins on 21 April 2017."
"Mazda has just announced the arrival of the updated 2021 MX-5 RF and just like the updated Mazda 6, the hard-top convertible will no come equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay along with Android Auto.\nAside from that, everything remains the same from the \nprevious update in March 2020\n. A year ago, Mazda updated the MX-5 RF with improved safety with features such as blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, Smart City Brake Support, adaptive LED headlights, and lane departure warning system.\nAlongside the enhanced safety features, the Mazda MX-5 RF\u2019s 2.0-litre engine was also upgraded with new internals; increasing the engine\u2019s redline to 7,500 rpm \u2013 700 rpm more than before. Output was rated at \n184 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n \u2013 a 24 hp and 5 Nm increase.\nBermaz Motor also introduced an \nupdated CX-3 in early March\n.\nThe MX-5 RF will be available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic. Top speed in the automatic is rated at 200 km/h while the manual will hit 220 km/h.\nInside, the MX-5 RF comes equipped with a 9-speaker Bose Sound System, linked to a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, among other creature comforts. As for safety and driver aids, it comes with four airbags, traction control, hill launch assist and dynamic stability control.\nThe updated, fully-imported Mazda MX-5 RF is priced at \nRM258,591\n for the manual and \nRM260,527\n for the automatic. Each is accompanied by a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty and free service package."
"Following a successful roll-out around South East Asia, Taiwan, and even the United States, the \nCorolla Cross \nhas now made its way over Toyota\u2019s home country in Japan, although this time with a significantly redesigned front end.\nThe trapezoidal grille on the global Corolla Cross is moved downwards to now serve as the lower intakes, while a hexagonal protruding trim piece with a letterbox-style slit replaces the regular grille area.\nHalogen projector headlamps\nBi-LED projector headlamps\nA \u201cC\u201d emblem (representing \nCorolla\n) sits in the middle of the trim piece, as opposed to the regular elliptical Toyota logo. Flanking the new \u201cgrille\u201d are the headlights, which also gets a significant redesign to their light signature, particularly on the range-topping models with Bi-LED projection.\nCheck out the Malaysian-spec Toyota Corolla Cross in more detail here!\nThe rest of the exterior remains pretty much faithful to the global model, except for the slightly-reworked tail lights, plus a new rear bumper featuring a slim satin-aluminium strip.\nIt\u2019s a similar story on the interior, where it\u2019s also largely identical to the global model. The Japanese Toyota Corolla Cross however does get a few additional goodies over our Malaysian-spec model, including a seven-inch digital display in the instrument cluster, and an electronic parking brake (as opposed to the ancient foot-operated one on ours).\nCan the Toyota Corolla Cross dethrone the Honda HR-V as the ultimate family crossover? Read our first drive review here.\nJust like most international markets, the Toyota Corolla Cross in Japan is also offered in two powertrain configurations \u2013 a regular petrol ICE model and a Hybrid variant \u2013 both with 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engines.\nThe 1.8 2ZR-FA engine in the petrol variants makes \n140 hp\n and \n170 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox, while the Hybrid variants pair an Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor for a combined output of \n122 hp\n.\nToyota Taiwan has just unveiled a GR Sport edition of the Toyota Corolla Cross! Check it out here.\nThe Hybrid variants are also available with the E-Four all-wheel drive system, which adds another motor to the rear axle. Unique to the AWD variants is also the double-wishbone rear suspension; all other models get a torsion beam suspension at the rear of the TNGA-C platform, just like our Malaysian-spec model.\nToyota Safety Sense 2.0 \nis also available as standard across all Corolla Cross variants in Japan, which includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, automatic high-beam, and blind-spot monitoring.\nThe Toyota Corolla Cross is also available with a limited-edition Modellista bodykit in Thailand. Check it out here!\nPricing wise, the Toyota Corolla Cross starts at JPY1,999,000 (approx RM79k) for the base petrol G \u201cX\u201d variant, and tops out at JPY3,199,000 (approx. RM121k) for the Hybrid Z E-Four variant.\nGALLERY"
"Lexus is 26 years old this year, and to commemorate this milestone, the luxury carmaker is thinking small. Real small. Introducing, the \nLF-SA concept\n city car. Designed in their Europe-based studio, the ultra compact sub-B-segment car aims to explore territories previously untouched by Lexus.\nHatchbacks have undoubtedly gained incremental popularity over the years, and Lexus hopes to tap into this market by introducing a wildly designed concept, one that has several design cues borrowed (or inspired) from the \nNX200t\n. It evidently isn\u2019t a big car to begin with, but Lexus has managed to somehow cram two additional rear seats into the urban vehicle.\nMeasuring at 3,449 mm in length, 1,699 mm wide and 1,430 mm tall, it\u2019s hard to argue about interior space, especially so for the rear occupants. But it\u2019s a concept still, so it\u2019s all about the idea and the design elements behind it. Lexus explains the LF-SA\u2019s highly sculpted surface panels reflects a more challenging modern contemporary styling approach.   The overall design is said to flow rearwards from the spindle grille, influencing the design of the front fenders and side bodywork. Headlight design is also modern Lexus, featuring L-shaped lamps in a \u2018flying-buttress\u2019 design, followed by L-shaped LED daytime running lights and the L-shaped protruding LED tail lights.\nBeing a concept car, there\u2019s not much going on in the cabin. Lexus however, says the clever manipulation of \u2018lightness\u2019 gives the cabin a more spacious feel than its size suggests. That said, the LF-SA is still essentially a city car, so it\u2019s overall design layout is to give priority to the driver. Info system is projected onto a futuristic hologram-style digital display supplemented by a wide-angle Head-up Display.\nLexus has certainly come a long way, haven\u2019t they? Let us know what you think of the LF-SA 2+2 concept below!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the \nnew A 200 and A 250\n, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n today also unveiled the facelifted 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4 Matic+ here on our shores for those who are looking for a little more bite. Offered solely in the hatchback form, the new 2023 \nMercedes-AMG A 45 S\n will be fully-imported from Germany, priced from \nRM509,888\n.\nIts younger brother, the A 35 Sedan, wasn\u2019t shown off at the launch event in Sepang today. However, press information from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia indicates that it\u2019s also now available for pre-booking, at an estimated price of RM354,000, pending approval from authorities.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, plus cashback at the end of your coverage. Head on over to\n MotorTakaful.com\n to find out more.\nThe new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S\u2019s powertrain is completely \nunchanged from before\n, and continues to be powered by the same AMG-specific M139 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making \n421 hp \nand \n500 Nm\n of torque.\nPower is sent to all four wheels via the eight-speed DCT gearbox and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, translating to a century sprint of \n3.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of 270 km/h. Uniquely, the AMG A 45 S is the sole variant in the A-Class line-up here in Malaysia to not feature any 48-Volt mild hybrid assistance.\nMeanwhile, the A 35\u2019s utilises the same M260 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine as the A 250, with outputs rated at \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n. Just like its regular A-Class siblings, the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic also gets the 48V mild hybrid system, supplying up to 14 hp of extra temporary boost when needed.\nPaired to a new dual-clutch transmission with one more extra ratio than before (the same AMG SpeedShift eight-speed DCT as the A 45 S), the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic accelerates to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.8 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.\nVisual changes on the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 35 and A 45 S mirrors that of the standard A-Class, with the most obvious update being the new headlamps, now featuring a single brow-type daytime-running light and an oval-shaped projector unit for the MultiBeam LED system with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.\nTwo new \u201cpower bulges\u201d adorn the bonnet (on the A 35), while the front grille has also been reprofiled slightly, fitted with the signature Panamericana mesh to differentiate itself from its non-AMG counterparts. The round badge above the grille now bears the AMG emblem instead of the traditional Mercedes-Benz star, while the tail lights also gets a mild update with new graphics.\nThe updated bumpers here mimic those of the AMG Line kit for the A 250, but the true-blue AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ does get a few unique items, including the quad exhaust tips round the back (dual ovals on the A35), as well as the Aerodynamics Package as standard that adds flics, bumper inserts, a more elaborate diffuser at the back, and a front splitter for a more aggressive appearance.\nObviously, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4 Matic+ is also the sole variant in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class family here in Malaysia to come in a hatchback form; the A 35 continues to be offered as a sedan.\nOther exterior highlights include the 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light alloy wheels, with additional matte black aerodynamic panels on the range-topping A 45 S model, red-painted brake callipers, as well as the AMG Night Package that removes most chrome elements on the exterior.\nAt launch, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ will also be offered in a limited Street Style Edition that offers an exlusive Manufaktur mountain grey magno paint job on the outside, edition-specific fluorescent orange accents, an AMG fuel filler cap, Edition decals and gloss black model badging, and a unique 19-inch cross-spoke forged wheels.\nInside, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is equipped as standard with the new AMG Performance steering wheels with touch-control panels and Multicontour AMG Performance Advanced seats, alongside unique AMG-specific trim pieces on the dashboard. The MBUX system for the dual 10.25-inch screens also gets unique AMG displays, including a built-in drag race timer. Just like the normal A-Class facelift, the touchpad on the centre console has been removed.\nThe seats are wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre as standard on the A 45 S, and Artico only on the A 35\u2019s standard sports seats. Other interior highlights include the red seat belts, 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated AMG door sill plates, Burmester surround sound system, and a panoramic sunroof (exclusive for A 45 S).\nOpt for the Street Style Edition, and you\u2019ll get pure microfibre upholstery on the seats, with additional orange accents all throughout the cabin as well. The AMG aluminium trim elements on the interior also gets the same pattern to match the exterior decals.\nSafety kit on the AMG models include a 360-degree surround view monitor as part of the active parking package, driving assistance package with lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and exit warning assist.\nThe new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ is priced at \nRM509,888\n for the standard model, and \nRM539,888\n for the Street Style Edition. Prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nPricing for the A 35 variant is not yet confirmed, though the press kit mentions a \nRM354,000\n estimated pricing.\nGALLERY"
"Porsche has said \nas early as 2019\n that the next-generation Macan will be an electric-only model. But now, it seems like they\u2019re having second thoughts on ditching internal combustion engine for the Macan, at least in the US.\nAs reported by \nAutomotive News\n, Porsche will instead be taking a \u201cwait-and-see approach\u201d to go EV-only with its best-selling model in the US, following discussions at its dealer meeting last week.\nThe sudden U-turn stems from the lack of well-maintained public charging infrastructure to support the Macan\u2019s customer base in the US. The SUV currently accounts for nearly a third of all Porsche sales in the US, which is expected to rise to 80,000 units in 2024.\n\u201cThey got customer pushback, they realised there are not enough chargers out there,\u201d a Porsche retailer in attendance of the meeting told the publication. \u201cThey know it\u2019s a problem, and they\u2019re trying to figure out how to do this most efficiently.\u201d\nREAD MORE: \n2022 Porsche Macan review \u2013 a realist\u2019s ode to sports cars\nThe charging network availability issue is further exacerbated as the majority of charging facility in the US utilises Tesla\u2019s North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, rather than the Type 2 CCS connections that Porsche uses on its EVs.\nThe NACS port standard recently received widespread adoption, with major carmakers, including Ford, GM, Volvo, and Polestar, all committing to use the charging port on their cars manufactured for the US market moving forward. Porsche, however, is still hesitant on following the rest of the industry in the US.\nInitially scheduled to begin production this year\n ahead of its official launch in the second half of 2023, the upcoming second-generation Porsche Macan will be built on the marque\u2019s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, featuring a 100 kWh battery pack and an 800V electric architecture. The latter enables DC fast charging of up to 350 kW, allowing it to charge from 5-80% in under 25 minutes.\nPorsche also previously announced that the fully-electric Macan will be available in both all- and rear-wheel drive configurations, the former giving up to a maximum output of \n450 kW (612 hp)\n and\n 1,000 Nm\n of torque.\nIt\u2019s unclear if Porsche\u2019s decision for the US will spill over to other markets."
"Bermaz Auto Alliance, the \nnew\n sole distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, is proud to announce the availability of the new facelifted Peugeot 5008 SUV in Malaysia, a day after its launch event in Thailand.\n \nAvailable in only the 5008 Allure variant, the new locally-assembled Peugeot 5008 SUV is priced from \nRM177,311.90\n, on-the-road without insurance and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that now has been \nproposed to be extended until June 2022\n.\nEXTERIOR\nHeadlining the facelifted Peugeot 5008 is the new front face identity for the Peugeot brand. The new intricately designed frameless grille takes a commanding space, neatly integrating with the new LED headlamps and further accentuated by vertical fang-like signature lighting.\nThe model name \u20185008\u2019 is now placed on top of the Lion emblem, as does the entire Peugeot range such as the latest \nPeugeot 308\n. The rear meanwhile gets a pair of LED tail lamps in 3D-effect claw with scrolling indicator lights. All these changes are also seen in the new \nfacelifted\n \nPeugeot 3008\n \nthat was simultaneously launched today in Malaysia.\nStandard features include:\nAuto on-off LED headlights with DRL and cornering lamps\n3D-effect LED tail lamps with scrolling indicator lights\n18-inch \u2018Detroit\u2019 alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tyres (Continental CrossContact LX2)\nChrome door mirror covers and side mouldings\nHands-free powered tailgate\nRoof rails\nRear bumper protector plate\nTwo-piece panoramic moonroof\nExterior colours available for the new Peugeot 5008 are Amazonite Grey, Pearl White, Nera Black and Emerald Crystal.\nINTERIOR\nChanges in the interior of the seven-seater SUV are minimal, with the digital i-Cockpit displays being tweaked for better graphics and content. Elegant piano-styled toggle switches continue to highlight as physical shortcut keys to the new 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen system. A new feature in the facelifted Peugeot 5008 Allure is the addition of a wireless smartphone charger, beneath the toggle switches. Other features inside are:\nPower adjustable driver and front passenger seat\nSecond row seat with 40-20-40 split fold seatback, 60-40 sliding bench\nTwo individually removable third row seats\nAmbient lighting\nDual-zone automatic air-conditioning\nRear air vent with fan speed controller\n12.3-inch digital driver\u2019s instrument cluster\n10-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment display\n6-speaker audio system\nGPS navigation system\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nWireless smartphone charger\nAn interior in black leather is the only available option for the Peugeot 5008 Allure. There are \nsecret floor compartments\n hidden beneath the footwell of the second row.\nPERFORMANCE\nBehind the new stylish face of the Peugeot 5008 Allure is the 1.6L Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) petrol engine. Outputs remain the same at 165 hp and 240 Nm of torque, transmitted to just the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\nEngine: 1.6-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged, four-cylinder\nTransmission: 6-speed automatic (AT6 III)\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 165 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax torque: 240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h: 8.9 seconds\nTop speed: 205 km/h\nFuel consumption: 7.0L/100 km (NEDC)\nOther features that add some confidence while driving off-road or unpaved surface is the Advance Grip Control featuring driving modes over sand, mud and snow. Sport mode is also available as well as manual control of the transmission via steering wheel shift paddles.\nSAFETY\nIn terms of safety features, the new Peugeot 5008 comes with a limited advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). They are complemented by the standard safety features such as:\nBlind Spot Monitoring\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nDriver Attention Warning\nSpeed Limit Recognition with Intelligent Speed Adaptation\n180-degree reverse camera\nTyre pressure monitoring system\u00a0\n6 airbags\nPRICING\nAs mentioned above, the new 1.6-litre turbocharged Peugeot 5008 Allure is priced from \nRM177,311.90\n here in Peninsular Malaysia. Prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.\nIncluded in the price is a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer\u2019s warranty coverage and a three-year/60,000 km (whichever comes first) free scheduled maintenance programme.\nThe new Peugeot 5008 plus the 3008 five-seater are locally assembled at the \nStellantis manufacturing plant\n in Gurun, Kedah and is exported to the ASEAN region in markets such as Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia.\nGALLERY"
"Following last month\u2019s \nteaser\n, the 2018 Lexus NX facelift has been uncovered at the ongoing Shanghai Motor Show. Apart from the usual cosmetic enhancements and added kit, the facelifted \nNX\n\u00a0unexpectedly gets a new name, now called the NX 300 instead of the 200t moniker from before.\nNew to the NX is the fascia, where the Spindle grille and front bumpers have been updated with a more\u00a0fluidic\u00a0approach. The headlights and taillights have been given subtle touches and the lower bumper is reshaped as well. Two sets of new 18-inch wheels are also available this time around.   The interior gets more changes, beginning with the larger, much crisper\n\u00a010.3-inch central display\n. Gone are the plastic buttons for the air conditioning controls, only to be replaced by toggle switches with a metallic satin finish. In typical Lexus fashion, the analogue clock continues to be featured in the centre dash, but has been redesigned.\nOther nifty tweaks\u00a0include a\u00a0larger remote touch interface and Qi wireless charging tray, as well as a redesigned palm rest. The F Sport variant gets\u00a0\u2018\nNaguri\n\u2019 aluminium\u00a0trimmings with white/black seating surface treatment and LFA-inspired displays.\nPowertrain option remains the same as before, meaning all NXs are powered by a\u00a0\n2.0-litre twin scroll turbocharged\n engine, while the hybrid gets a naturally aspirated\u00a0\n2.5-litre petrol\n unit paired with \ntwo electric motors\n.\nThe biggest news is the inclusion of Adaptive Variable Suspension, a technology shared with the new\u00a0\nLC 500\n. It offers up to 650 instantaneous compression and damping adjustments, allowing the NX to handle\u00a0with much more stability and control. The suspensions have also been tweaked, and anti-roll bars also contribute to the NX facelift\u2019s newfound dynamics.\nNVH levels are said to be improved, and\u00a0the Lexus\u2019 Safety System + suite also makes its debut here in the NX. Expect the NX facelift\u2019s arrival on our shores later this year, if not in early 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just a fortnight after showing off the \nLamborghini-tagged face masks\n, an item that undeniably affirms the company\u2019s superiority over all things on four wheels and ability to make items of abject desire, even in these chaotic times, the Bologna-based supercar maker is now on to bigger things.\nThey may have \nreleased a clothing line in collaboration with Supreme\n that makes you question their fashion sense but the company that brought us the\n \nfastest SUV in the world\n is now lending a hand to help co-engineer and produce breathing simulators \u2013 a sort of fake lung \u2013 with Italy\u2019s top ventilator manufacturer Siare Engineering International Group.\nThe breathing simulator enables a researcher to carry out initial evaluations of the ventilator\u2019s performance before reaching the final checking stage. In just two weeks, Lamborghini has used its 3D printing laboratory to design, produce and validate the simulator and \nplans to make 18 simulators per week\n, alongside the 3D-printed production of medical visors using polycarbonate.\nAs Covid-19 ravaged the entire nation, Lamborghini has pledged to \nproduce 1,000 face masks \nand \n200 units of medical visors per day\n. Once completed, these equipment would be tested and validated by the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, prior to their delivery to hospital.\nAs a sign of unity and support for the people of Italy, every evening Lamborghini lights up the historic headquarter buildings in Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese, with the colors of the Italian flag.\nItaly\u2019s supercar makers have been at the very front lines in the combat against Covid-19, with Ferrari also rolling up their sleeves to \nbuild ventilators\n and \nproduce components\n to construct these life-saving devices.\nIn other efforts, BMW reportedly \nobliged with Dubai\u2019s police force requests to use their ConnectedDrive services\n to broadcast \u201cStay At Home\u201d messages on the infotainment display of their customer\u2019s vehicles. On the other hand, \nMercedes-Benz\n and \nVolkswagen\n utilised their 3D printers to produce protective equipment for healthcare workers.\nGALLERY"
"SISMA Auto, the sole distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) vehicles in Malaysia, has just been appointed as an authorised dealer by Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd (VCM). SISMA Auto will operate its own Volvo showroom alongside its JLR branches in Glenmarie and Penang.\nVCM has been aggressively expanding their dealership network nationwide to cater to the ever-growing fan base in Malaysia. With SISMA Auto onboard, customers \u2013 current and future alike \u2013 will now have even more options for their Volvo needs.\nVCM\u2019s latest model \nV40 T5 Inscription\n\u201cSISMA Auto has an excellent track-record of managing luxury brands and with their inclusion into the Volvo Cars family, we will be able to meet the growing demands for our brand,\u201d said Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Lennart Stegland.\nSISMA Auto will be transforming their JLR city showroom located at Menara Worldwide, Kuala Lumpur into a Volvo showroom. Scheduled to begin operations in October this year, the showroom\u2019s strategic location in the heart of Kula Lumpur\u2019s premier residential and commercial district will help to further enhance the visibility and awareness of Volvo\u2019s latest model range.\nCurrent Volvo owners can also access to SISMA Auto\u2019s Concierge Service that offers vehicle pick-up and drop-off at their preferred location. In conjunction with the opening of the new showroom, customers who purchase any new Volvo model from SISMA Auto would stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Sweden, the home country of Volvo.\nSISMA Auto Managing Director, Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim said that the company was thrilled to welcome another premium Continental car brand into its portfolio.\n\u201cWe are looking forward to working with Volvo, which has an exciting range of new models at very competitive prices that meet the needs of the Malaysian market,\u201d he said."
"I remember my best attempt at creative arts in high school to be something like this: halve a potato, carve stars in potato, dip potato in Buncho water colour, stamp potato onto A3 paper, all in the exact order. Nothing ever came close to making me feel like a potato king \u2013 until today.\nNine children, aged between 7\u00a0to 15, are the new potato kings of my life. They are among 1,300 super talented young artists who each submitted drawings to UMW Toyota Motor for the company\u2019s annual Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. What brought tears to my eyes wasn\u2019t their sheer talent, but the purity of the message in their drawings.\nParticipants at the national level were split into three categories: Under 8 years old, 8 to 11 years old and 12 to 15 years old. Through simple math, you would\u2019ve deduced that each category will\u00a0have three winners. If you got that wrong, well. you too can be my new potato king.\nWithout further ado, let me show you the nine winning masterpieces:\nCategory 1 \u2013 Under 8 years old\nSecond runner-up: Chew Xin Ni, 7 years old\nFirst runner-up: Choo Han Yean, 7 years old\nFirst place: Lim Wei Wen, 7 years old (this one is my personal favourite)\nCategory 2 \u2013 8 to 11 years old\nSecond runner-up: Lim Xiao Yun, 11 years old\nFirst runner-up: Tan Ee Ven, 9 years old\nFirst place: Lee Pei Lin, 11 years old\nCategory 3 \u2013 12 to 15 years old\nSecond runner-up: Lim Yuan Qian, 13 years old\nFirst runner-up: Chee Ying Xuan, 13 years old\nFirst place: Charmaine Lim, 14 years old\nThe winners here will represent Malaysia in the World Contest, which upon winning, will win a free a trip to Tokyo, Japan to attend the awards ceremony in August 2017. This contest aims to develop young talents and have them express their ideas on futuristic mobility through art form. In other words, these pictures are their dream cars.\nWinners of each category received a brand new Apple iPad Mini 4, whereas runner-ups and second runner-ups get mountain bikes and tickets to Legoland respectively.\nOn a more personal note, this is a cause I wholeheartedly support; to continuously provide opportunities through multiple mediums\u00a0for our young friends to hone (or at the very least discover) their best talents. Thank you, Toyota. And thank you, Lim Wei Wen for the delightful, artsy treat."
"Many people associate Mercedes-AMG F1 driver Valtteri Bottas\u2019 boost in success in the 2019 season to his beard. The sharp upturn over the winter has also earned him the nickname \u201cBottas 2.0\u201d during the season.\nHowever, as well as his season started, bad luck and mistakes caused the Finnish racer\u2019s Championship Title chances to slowly fade away. Still, he \nfinished second\n in the season with 326 points, his most successful season to date with four wins.\nDetermined to put up the fight to teammate Lewis Hamilton, who will be challenging for his\n seventh Formula 1 Championship Title\n this year, Bottas had to go with something a little more extreme this winter break.\n \n\u2018Introducing Valtteri Bottas 3.0\u2019, according to a \nYouTube video\n posted by Mercedes-AMG F1. Sporting a beard almost as long as his entire body, the video shows Valtteri Bottas going about his day with his latest facial feature, including eating his \u201cbreakfast for champions\u201d, porridge (oats).\nWill the longer facial hair help Valtteri Bottas clinch his first ever Formula 1 World Championship title? Or will it add too much weight to the car and unsettle the balance? We\u2019ll have to wait and find out.\nThere's something different about \n@ValtteriBottas\n this year. \ud83d\ude05 \nhttps://t.co/ca8tNNU27A\n \npic.twitter.com/QnCsp7iOWx\n\u2014 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) \nFebruary 12, 2020\n \nFortunately (or unfortunately for some), the team has came clean \non Twitter\n, and admitted that it\u2019s all just for a laugh, probably to generate some hype before the unveiling of the team\u2019s new car tomorrow. Either that, or the PR intern had a little too much free time during the winter break."
"After teasing the next-gen \nMINI Countryman\n and \nMINI Electric\n, \nMINI\n has continued to tease us with some design details of its upcoming all-electric model family. The new design language, which the company calls Charismatic Simplicity, is a reduced design language that focuses on the essentials, according to the company.\nAmong the details of the new design language teased by the British carmaker include its new wheels, steering wheel, OLED display, and seats. Let\u2019s first start with MINI\u2019s new wheel design, shall we?\nThe wheels that will be fitted onto the upcoming all-electric MINI family are completely redesigned. This is done according to the principle of the new Charismatic Simplicity design language.\nThe new alloy wheel design no longer focuses on the sculptural nature of the spoke structure but on a graphic design characterised by strong colour contrasts. Combined with the outward-pointing spokes, this design creates an illusion of size. Thanks to the wheel\u2019s pared-back, two-dimensional design, the new MINIs\u2019 aerodynamic performance should also see an improvement.\nRELATED: \nNext-gen MINI Cooper Electric specs revealed \u2013 up to 400km range, 214hp\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the new steering wheel that will be coming with the upcoming all-electric MINI family. Just like the alloy wheels, the new steering wheel is redesigned and will appear in different design forms in different versions of its upcoming all-electric models. A two-spoke design comes as standard in the upcoming models\u2019 standard versions, while optional versions get a fabric finish as an add-on.\nFuture buyers of the future MINI models will have a variety of sustainable materials, colours, and also textile designs to choose from. The carmaker has also mentioned that the Vibrant Silver colour will be here to stay.\nThe head unit on the outgoing version of the MINI only covers the rectangular area of the circular display. The next-generation MINI will have the digital display covering the entire circular area.\nInside the upcoming MINI models will of course feature the iconic circular central instrument display, which has always been one of the brand\u2019s most iconic designs. However, with future MINIs, the instrument display will be dashboard mounted and will be reinterpreted in the form of an OLED display this time around.\nBased on leak images that have surfaced, it appears that the display covers the entire circular area as supposed to the rectangular display on the outgoing model. However, no images of the instrument display were officially shared.\nMeasuring approximately 9.45 inches, the frameless-looking OLED display combines the functions of the instrument cluster and the onboard monitor. The circular OLED display is also said to house MINI\u2019s user interface that also controls the integrated infotainment as well as climate functions.\nSeats-wise, the upcoming all-electric MINIs will come with a combination of new colours and patterns paired with classic style elements, such as the houndstooth pattern. This helps build a bridge from the past to the future, said the company. The seats will also come with new details such as laminated seat side panels, and also armrests that are integrated into the seats.\nRELATED: \nElectric MINI Countryman specs revealed \u2013 313 hp, est. 450km range, AWD\nGallery"
"Exactly a month ago, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) introduced the fifth-generation C-Class in \ntwo flavours\n \u2013 \nC200 Avantgarde and C250 Exclusive\n, both costing RM286k and RM315k respectively. Now, MBM has added another variant to the baby S-Class lineup, the \nC250 AMG Line\n.\nPriced at \nRM339,888.00\u00a0\n(OTR\u00a0without insurance), the fully imported C250 AMG Line costs a good \nRM25k more\n than the C250 Exclusive. Before you start getting excited over the AMG badge, let it be known that there is \nno increase in output figures\n. The AMG Line shares the same \n2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo\n engine found in the C250 Exclusive, making \n211 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque, gets paired to the \n7G-Tronic Plus\n automatic gearbox which drives the \nrear wheels\n.\nThat said, the RM25k price jump does give you \nplenty of tech\n on top of the already impressive kit the C250 Exclusive offers. For starters, the AMG Line gets a \nsportier exterior body\n, most notably the \nAMG front bumper\n with splitter finished in matte iridium silver. It also gets the \nAMG side sill panels\n and \nAMG rear bumper with triple diffuser fins\n.\nTo complete the whole look, the car now\u00a0rides \n15mm lower\u00a0\nthanks to a set of sports suspension, while sitting on the \nfive-spoke 18-inch AMG wheels\n. The sports suspension is paired to a \nmore direct steering ratio\n, which makes for a \nmore sporty drive\n.\nFor a quarter of RM100k you also get Mercedes\u2019 \nLED Intelligent Light System\n \nwith Adaptive High-beam Assist\n. This allows the driver to drive with the \nhigh-beam permanently switched on\n, but automatically lowers the light thrown if an oncoming vehicle is detected. This feature is \nactive from 30 km/h upwards\n on pitch black roads.   Furthermore, the AMG Line grants you the \nCOMAND Online\n feature that comes with an \n8.4-inch high-res screen\n with the built-in touch pad. This non-touch screen gives you a control and display system with DVD player, radio, 10 GB of memory for your audio and video files. It also comes\u00a0equipped with the \nBurmester Surround Sound System\n that drives \n13 high-performance speakers\n with a total system output of \n590 watts\n.\nThe C250 AMG Line is the \nsecond variant\n of the lineup to get the \nelectric panoramic sliding sunroof\n, alongside the C250 Exclusive. The sunroof\n automatically adjusts in three stages\n to match the vehicle\u2019s current speed. It lowers at high speeds to reduce noise, and raises itself at low speeds to let more light in to the cabin.\nThe electronic panoramic sunroof as seen in the C250 Exclusive\nSo folks, that\u2019s about all you get for the RM25k premium you pay over the C250 Exclusive. If you think the AMG Line deserves to be the top-trim option in the lineup, do you think it\u2019s worth the additional dough? Do\n let us know\n what you think in the comments section below.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After spending over a decade as one of the key products at premium used car dealers, the Toyota Harrier was officially sold (and thus inclusive of warranty and aftersales support) by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) in late 2017. Demand was so strong that many only received their vehicles \nmuch later\n into 2018.\nAfter its premiere in Japan in June 2020, UMWT was able to quickly launch the all-new fourth generation Toyota Harrier in April 2021, priced from \nRM249,707\n. This fourth-generation model has also turned into a more global product, with the North American market using this vehicle as their all-new Venza.\nThe biggest change, for us with right-hand drive vehicles, is the change in the powertrain, moving from a downsized turbocharged 2.0-litre engine to just a regular 2.0-litre engine. \nSingapore\n meanwhile gets the powerful 2.5-litre hybrid system (with 215 hp) thanks to generous incentives for emission of low CO2 figures.\nLet\u2019s check out what else has been added in the latest Toyota Harrier.\nPOWERTRAIN\nHeadlining the biggest change moving from the \nthird-gen (ASU60)\n to the fourth-gen (MXUA80) Toyota Harrier is the drastic reduction in output from the powertrain. The all-new Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury, as UMWT assigns it, is powered by the new M20A-FKS 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine.\nMaximum output is rated at \n173 hp\n and \n203 Nm\n, a huge deficit compared to the turbocharged 8AR-FTS 2.0-litre turbo engine, with 58 hp and 147 Nm extra.\nStraight-line performance as such has taken a hit; taking up to 2.4 seconds longer from 0 to 100 km/h at 9.7 seconds. However, thanks to a lighter CVT gearbox with better ratios, the new Toyota Harrier returns a 14% better fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km (or 15.3 km/L). \u00a0\nThe new Toyota Harrier continues to be a front-wheel drive luxury SUV, with the transmission featuring the latest Direct Shift CVT that features a mechanical launch gear for better low-speed performance and response. It also offers the drivers up to 10 virtual ratios or \u201cgears\u201d when in Manual mode. This powertrain is also used in the \nLexus UX 200\n we reviewed.\nEXTERIOR\nThe latest Toyota Harrier certainly looks more dynamic and imposing than its predecessor with slimmer headlamps and a steeply raked rear quarter profile. Dimensionally, the all-new Toyota Harrier gains a longer wheelbase measuring 2.69 metres, up 30 mm compared to its predecessor. Presence on the road is also strengthened through a wider (increase by 20 mm) and lower stance (overall height decrease by 30 mm). \u00a0\nThe golden Harrier emblem on the grille has also been replaced with the oval Toyota emblem, in line with a unified global look. Wheel size is still 18-inches, but the tyres are of less sporty profile, moving from 235/55 to 225/60. These should provide lower noise levels together with a plusher ride.\nOther new exterior features include a hands-free function (foot sensor) on the powered tailgate, exquisite full-width signature lighting for the rear, dual exhaust tips and tiny LED signal lamps that are placed at the corners of the rear bumper.   INTERIOR\nInside, the all-new Toyota Harrier oozes a more premium and sportier ambience thanks to the use of high-quality, soft touch materials, and strategic placement of satin finishing. Toyota says the tall and wide lower console takes styling cues from a horse\u2019s saddle. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nIn line with the vision to offer better cars to drive, the front seats feature a sportier mould as well, with increased support for the shoulders and hips. The ergonomics such as the position of the seat and steering wheel has also been optimised for better comfort and minimising fatigue.\nWhile key comfort and convenience features such as air-conditioned seats with memory function and Nanoe X air purifier are maintained, the all-new Toyota Harrier gets more gadgets such as a digital rearview mirror for unobstructed back view, full content head-up display and an integrated wireless smartphone charger.\nThanks to the large 7-inch multi-information display (MID), individual tyre pressure readout can also be displayed, plus other detailed information on the Toyota Safety Sense.\nTransparent to.\nFrosted, immediately\nThe most apparent upgrade in the all-new Toyota Harrier has to be the full-sized panoramic moonroof with electrochromic technology. At a touch of a button, the entire glass panel can either be fully transparent or frosted to reduce light into the cabin. A powered shade is also provided to keep the heat away plus full opacity.\nSharing the TNGA-K platform with the \nToyota Camry\n and \nToyota RAV4\n, the development team has ensured that the interior of the all-new Toyota Harrier is a lot quieter than its siblings as well as the predecessor.\nApart from high levels of sound insulation and damping materials plus placement locations, the shock absorbers also feature ultra-low velocity valves for a supple ride.\nUnlike its predecessor that has the head unit locally fitted, the new 8-inch unit in the all-new Toyota Harrier comes with the vehicle as a whole unit, thus integrating the driving information and better overall user experience.\nSAFETY\nIn terms of safety systems, both the previous generation model and the latest one features the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite that includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.\nThe all-new Toyota Harrier also comes with seven airbags which include a driver\u2019s knee airbag.\nThe current model stands out sith the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that operates at all speeds (coming to a full stop and proceed when set), blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic auto braking plus intelligent parking sensors.\nThe last feature is especially useful to those who aren\u2019t very good with an estimation of distance during parking. The parking sensors will automatically apply the brakes if it senses that the all-new Harrier is getting too close to obstacles or objects, saving the bumpers from scratches and impact damages. \u00a0\nAdditional visual aid for parking is however still limited to just a reverse camera in the all-new Toyota Harrier. \u00a0\nPRICING\nFrom its launch in April until December 31st 2021, the all-new Toyota Harrier is priced at \nRM249,707\n, benefitting from the 50% exemption on the sales tax. Compared to the latest pricing details for the outgoing model, the new model is roughly RM10,000 cheaper than its predecessor.\nBased on the additional feature level inside the vehicle as well as the claimed refinement, the lower pricing is certainly a good trade-off for the lower straight-line performance level.\u00a0\nSo there you have it \u2013 a quick rundown on what\u2019s new on the all-new Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury.\nGALLERY"
"If online sentiment is anything to go by, then it seems that most people aren\u2019t too fond of subscription-based services in their cars. That, however, hasn\u2019t stopped BMW from doubling down on its stance to \noffer items such as seat heating and high-beam assistant for a monthly fee\n, insisting that its customers will eventually get used to the new way of life.\nClick to enlarge \u2013 a snapshot of the BMW ConnectedDrive Store as of 14/7/2022.\nTo be fair to BMW, many of the criticisms online were slightly misguided; the company clarified that customers who have already purchased the feature in their cars will not need to pay a monthly subscription to unlock them. But still, charging a fee for items already built into the car does still leave a sour taste in our mouths.\nBMW says that its subscription service is meant to offer even more flexibility for its customers, and in certain cases, even saving them money in the long run. Owners will be able to test out offerings from the ConnectedDrive store before deciding to purchase (or subscribe to) them, and the carmaker also envisions a future where customers can unlock features \u2013 including entertainment and even performance upgrades \u2013 even for just single trips.\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia starts charging subscription fees for things your car already has\nIn a new report from \nBloomberg\n, BMW spokesperson Torsten Julich was quoted as saying, \u201cWe know from our customers that their mobility demands are not as static as they used to be.\u201d And to a certain degree, we do agree with that sentiment.\nFor example, many of us are now driving less frequently as the pandemic has shifted a large part of the workforce to work-from-home arrangements, so paying for rarely-used features such as Driving Assistant Plus on a per-use basis (on road trips for example) does sound more enticing than shelling out a huge sum upfront.\nStill, with the amount of bad press BMW is getting, there must be a more substantial reason for them to keep up with this subscription crusade right? Well, there is, and as always, it\u2019s about money.\nAccording to the report, BMW is expecting a revenue in the region of EUR5 billion from its digital offerings just from this decade, and they\u2019re not alone in this \u2013 Stellantis is eyeing EUR20 billion of extra revenue from software-driven features by the end of the decade, while Volkswagen has also been on a hiring spree to build its pay-as-you-go software model on the Cariad software stack.\nALSO READ: \nAll Volkswagen Group vehicles will soon share the same EV platform and software\nAnd don\u2019t get us started with Tesla, who arguably pioneered the subscription model in cars by charging its customers an \u201cactivation fee\u201d for features already built into their cars.\nSo is there anything that we consumers can do? In all honestly, the answer is probably no. But if they\u2019ve \nwalked back\n once before on \ncharging a subscription fee for Apple CarPlay\n, there\u2019s a possibility \u2013 however small it may be \u2013 that they\u2019ll do it again, so vote with your wallets."
"McLaren has just unveiled two track-day specials of the\u00a0\n570S\n\u00a0\u2013 the 570S GT4 and 570S Sprint. These two machines, built based on the road-going Sports Series model are designed and engineered primarily for their motorsports foray.\nThe 570S GT4, as its name suggests, is developed with GT racing in mind. It receives race-spec goodies such as adjustable dampers with coilovers, full aerodynamic package, centre-locking magnesium wheels and an FIA-approved roll cage.\n \n \nAt the back of this GT4 lies the same\n 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8\n engine, but it\u2019s slightly detuned (down from 562 hp and 600 Nm) to promote fair racing. A\n seven-speed seamless shift gearbox\n is tasked with\u00a0transferring all the power to the rear wheels.\nThe 570S Sprint on the other hand, is specially built for enthusiasts. It features most of the GT4\u2019s racing components, but comes with added creature comforts such as air conditioning and leather seats. Buyers can choose to spec-up to the GT4 trim though, should they see fit.\nNot much information on the Sprint has been released up to this point, but what we do know is that the GT4 will cost some\u00a0\n\u00a3159,900\n (approximately\u00a0\nRM954,000\n) and will be making its maiden race debut at the British GT championship in April 2016.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After just \nthree years in production\n, the critically-acclaimed \nAlpine A110\n might be up next on Renault\u2019s chopping block. The move is a result of a larger cost-cutting plan from the French carmaker.\nFirst reported by French weekly newspaper\n Le Canard Encha\u00een\u00e9\n and later picked up by \nAutocar UK\n, Renault is penning the closure of four factories across France, including the Alpine factory in Dieppe, as a core part of its restructuring plans to reduce overhead by \u20ac2 billion.\nThe Dieppe plant was given a \u20ac36 million overhaul in 2017 in a bid to resurrect the Alpine brand. Previously the home of the last-generation Renault Clio R.S., the specialist factory employs approximately 150 people, according to \nAutocar\n.\n \nNiche products such as the Alpine A110 are always the first to face the axe, as the cost of keeping the programme running is just too high for the limited-production model. The Alpine A110 troubles are compounded with falling demands, with only 61 units registered across Europe in February.\nThe \ncoronavirus pandemic\n does not help Alpine\u2019s case either. As factories and dealerships are forced to close, the financial strain further unsettled Renault\u2019s already shaky financial footing since the dismissal and arrest of CEO Carlos Ghosn.\nThe newspaper further reports that five Renault models will cease to exist after its current lifecycle \u2013 the \npreviously reported Megane\n hatchback, along with the \nKoleos\n, \nTalisman\n, Espace, and \nScenic\n \u2013 the latter three not sold here.\nRenault is due to announce the cost-cutting measure on 28 May. Let\u2019s hope that the rumours remain as nothing more than just that \u2013 the world can use more of back-to-basics sports car like the A110."
"The \nVolvo XC90\n has been awarded the 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The achievement is especially significant as the organisation has only recently increased the requirements for the awards, with tougher criteria for side crash protection, pedestrian crash prevention systems, and headlights performance.\n \nMost notably, the new IIHS side crash test now involves \u201c82% more energy\u201d, and requires vehicles to earn a \u2018good\u2019 rating to qualify for TSP+. Despite the tougher requirements, the Volvo XC90 still passed the tests with flying colours.\n\u201cThe Volvo XC90 continues to prove, year after year, that it is among the safest vehicles on the road,\u201d said Volvo Cars Safety Centre chief, Asa Haglund. Safety has been ingrained in Volvo\u2019s name for as long as the company existed, and the company has committed to its vision of having no serious injuries or fatalities in a new Volvo, from 2020 onwards.\nRecently updated here in Malaysia\n, the new Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate now offers a higher total system output of \n462 hp\n and \n709 Nm\n. The battery pack capacity has also been increased from 11.6 kWh previously to now \n18.8 kWh\n, giving it a pure-electric driving range of up to 77 km based on the NEDC test cycle.\nAs for the Volvo XC90 B5 Ultimate MHEV, a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet sends \n263 hp \nand\n 390 Nm\n of torque all four wheels. With electric assistance from the mild-hybrid system, the B5 Ultimate boast a century sprint time of 7.9 seconds, and a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.9 L/100km.\nREAD MORE: \nVolvo updates Recharge T8 PHEV powertrain for 60, 90 series models in Malaysia \u2013 462 hp, 90 km EV range\nThe 2023 Volvo XC90 also now comes with the \nGoogle Android Automotive OS\n on its infotainment and instrument cluster displays.\nFrom now until the 31st of March 2023, customers who place a booking for the Volvo XC90 (both the B5 mild-hybrid or the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid variants) will also receive a \ncomplimentary five-year service package (VSA5+)\n. The VSA5+ package provides comprehensive coverage for all of the car\u2019s scheduled servicing needs within its first five years, and includes wear and tear items that may need to be replaced.\nVolvo Car Malaysia is also offering the complementary VSA5+ offering to the \nS6\n0\n, \nS90\n, \nV60\n, \nXC60\n, and \nXC40 B5\n models. Meanwhile, customers who made bookings for the \nXC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n EV during this period will receive a complimentary wall box voucher worth RM7,000.\nFor more information, visit Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n, or drop in to your nearest dealer."
"Even for a concept car, the \nMercedes-Benz Vision EQXX\n looks weird, almost like a single-seater Le Mans racer and solar eco-car rolled into one. But it\u2019s weird for a reason, and the reason is aerodynamics \u2013 \nMercedes-Benz\n claims that the Vision EQXX can be driven for more than 1,000 km in just a single charge, and they\u2019ve now proven it with a real-world driving test.\nThe test took place on a road trip across multiple European countries starting from Sindelfingen in Germany, travelling all the way down south in real-world traffic to the port town of Cassis along the C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur \u2013 and yes, that means crossing the mountainous Swiss Alps too.\nReal-world test in real-world traffic.\nMercedes-Benz says that the road trip was carried out in chilly and rainy weather, with temperatures ranging from 3-18 degrees Celsius. They\u2019ve also not closed any roads specifically for the test, so the car had to travel at regular road speeds in both traffic jams and prolonged fast-lane cruising at up to 140 km/h on the German autobahn, not to mention the treacherous (for EVs) hill climb route \u2013 all of which are known to be battery range killers.\nSo how did the EQXX fare? According to independently-verified data, the fastback-sedan-thing-car completed the \u201cover 1,000 km\u201d journey with 15% battery charge to spare, which amounts to a remaining range of around 140 km. Average consumption was also measured at a record-breaking low of just \n8.7 kWh per 100 km\n!\nCharging port sealed off to prevent cheating.\nWhen the Vision EQXX concept car was first unveiled earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz claims that the 1,000 km range is \u201ccompletely realistic\u201d, due to the many technical design choices including its weird shape that gave it a drag coefficient of just 0.17 Cd \u2013 for context, the company\u2019s own EQS, claimed to be the \n\u201cworld\u2019s most aerodynamic production car\u201d\n, only manages a 0.20 Cd.\nThe EQXX\u2019s tyres have also been specifically made in partnership with Bridgestone to reduce rolling resistance, while the entire vehicle weighs just 1,750 kg (or about 900 kg lighter than the Mercedes-Benz EQS and \nPorsche Taycan\n), making it more energy-efficient up on uphill climbs.\nRELATED: Mercedes-Benz EQS to be launched in Malaysia soon? ROI now open \nThe real-world test has certainly proven the claim without a shadow of a doubt. We\u2019d even argue that they\u2019ve \nbested\n the claim by quite some margin, as the usual WLTP range quoted by carmakers are all measured in ideal circumstances, and not real-world traffic; don\u2019t be surprised when your EV\u2019s actual real-world range is some 20% lower than what\u2019s claimed on paper.\nMercedes-Benz says that many of these technological advancements will be integrated into future production vehicles, and we can\u2019t wait to see what the future holds."
"With car showrooms reopening even to those who are not fully vaccinated, businesses look set to return in full swing and we\u2019d expect nothing less for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia after a myriad of launches recently.\nThey include the new \nE 300 Coupe\n, the \nE 200 Avantgarde\n, and the \nE 300 AMG Line\n, and the enormous \nGLE 450\n which has been dressed with AMG attire.\nLike its direct competitor, the \nBMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport\n, the GLE 450 AMG Line is powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged straight-six engine.\n \nLike its plug-in hybrid BMW rival, the GLE 450 also offers plenty of low-end performance, albeit delivered in a more traditional fashion. The only electrical assistance here is a 48V mild-hybrid system.\nWith the big turbocharged engine, the GLE 450 delivers 367 hp and 500 Nm, feeding power to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. That\u2019s less than the BMW\u2019s 394 hp and 600 Nm, but on paper, they\u2019re not far off. The GLE does 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds while the X5 is just 0.1 seconds quicker.\nCompared to its direct competitor, the GLE 450 AMG Line costs about RM30k more at RM475,501. Is it worth the extra money? Think you\u2019ll be easily convinced after the video."
"The \nToyota Camry\n has built itself a reputation for being the indisputable \u201cuncle-car\u201d, thanks to its sedate driving experience, and its weird penchant for beige seats and wooden trims on the interior. But that notion has begun to change since the introduction of the \nlatest-generation model in 2018\n, and with the \nlatest 2022 update\n for the model here in Malaysia this year, it\u2019s probably as far away from \u201cuncle-car\u201d as you can get.\n \nOn the outside, the XV70-generation Toyota Camry has ditched the safe, boring look commonly associated with the model, for a sleek \u2013 or even mildly sporty \u2013 sedan silhouette. It\u2019s also the same story for the interior, with black carbon fibre-looking trims replacing the gaudy shiny wood veneers, and black leather in place of beige.\nDespite all its new youthful amenities, the 2022 Toyota Camry still does what a Camry does best \u2013 or even better. The rear seats now even come with electronic recline adjustability, which you can control via the Lexus-esque control panel located in the centre arm rest.\nRELATED: \nFacelift 2022 Camry\u2019s new feature makes it more Lexus than Toyota\nThe main highlight of this 2022 Toyota Camry, however, is actually found underneath its bonnet. The Dynamic Force 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine, having eluded us in the pre-facelift model, finally makes its way onto the Camry on this 2022 update, giving the D-segment sedan a big boost in driving performance.\nWhile it doesn\u2019t have the same low-end kick as the forced-induction engines on most of its competitors, the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four mill still makes a respectable \n209 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque \u2013 all of which delivered in a gentle yet assertive manner, almost like riding on a big wave.\nThere\u2019s a lot more good news on the new 2022 Toyota Camry, enough to make even an almost-30-year-old like yours truly truly infatuated with an \u201cuncle-car\u201d like this. We won\u2019t spoil it any further, watch the full review video above!"
"It\u2019s probably not for everyone, at least not yet. But for those who do not subscribe (pun intended) to the traditional notion of ownership and do not want to be financially tied down to a car, GoCar subscription may be the way to go. Just imagine this as the Spotify or Netflix service for cars.\nAs far as we know, GoCar Subscription is the first of its kind in Malaysia and it\u2019s an extension to the car-sharing services offered by the company since 2015. For a start, two models are offered \u2013 the Nissan Almera and Renault Captur, with monthly subscription fees starting from RM 1,600 for the Nissan and RM 2,500 for the Renault. If you sign up from now till 9\nth\n October 2019 (for a 3-month subscription), the first month\u2019s fee is 50% off.\n50% off for the first month if you sign up before 9th October.\nConditions? You need to be signed up as a GoCar member, of course. A refundable deposit of RM 2,500 will be charged to the account once the subscription begins; two additional drivers can be nominated at sign up stage and they must be GoCar members too. There will be no refunds if the car is returned before the three-month period and the payment is done monthly via bank transfer (find out more \nhere\n).\nIt\u2019s pretty straightforward, but do you think this arrangement works for you?"
"Mark your calendars, as the national carmaker has just announced via its Facebook page that the 2022 \nPerodua Alza\n will make its official debut on the 20th of June. The all-new MPV will be revealed via a livestream on its social media channels, starting at 12pm this coming Wednesday.\nOrder books for the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza has \nopened since last month\n, with three variants on offer. Estimated pricing for the seven-seater MPV starts at RM62,000 for the X, moving up to RM68,000 for the H and RM75,000 for the range-topping AV variant.\nBased on the \nall-new Toyota Avanza\n, all three variants of the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza will be powered by the same 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, paired to a D-CVT gearbox. The powertrain is most likely the same unit found on the \nlatest 2021 Perodua Myvi facelift\n, and is rated for an output of \n101 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n, with drive sent to the front wheels.\nRELATED: New Toyota Veloz open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 to replace Toyota Avanza\nAs for equipment, all variants \u2013 including the entry-level X \u2013 will come equipped with LED headlights, although the higher-end H and AV gets an additional adaptive driving beam function, alongside sequential turn signals.\nThe all-new Alza also gets digital air-con controls as standard across all variants, alongside rear air con blowers (with manual controls), four airbags, and most importantly, the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, as well as auto high beam across the board.\nMoving up to the H variant will net you an additional seven-inch multi-info display in the instrument cluster, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, reverse camera, front parking sensors, auto retractable wing mirrors, as well as rear armrests on the second-row seats.\nAs for the range-topping AV, it gets all the \u201cluxury\u201d items including a two-tone semi-leather upholstery, electric parking brake with auto brake hold (a first in a Perodua), two additional airbags (six), and a 360-degree surround-view monitor (also a first in a Perodua). The advanced safety kit also gets a boost in features, including the addition of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor, and rear-cross traffic alert."
"Auto Bavaria, BMW largest authorised dealership in Malaysia, has just introduced its digital showroom in response to the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO) amid the \ncoronavirus pandemic\n, which has now been extended to the 28th of April.\nThe digital showroom showcases all of the latest models from BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad. In addition, the latest rebates and offers are also published on the website. For example, the \nBMW 520i Luxury Line\n is listed with rebates of up to RM20,000, and interest rates starting at 1.88%.\nIf you require more information, a \u201cbrochure\u201d is available in the form of BMW Malaysia\u2019s official website for each specific model.\n \nIf something catches your attention while browsing, simply fill in the interest form at the top of the page with your details, preferred model and enquiries, as well as your preferred doorstep test drive date (after the MCO).\nAfter submitting the form, an Auto Bavaria sales advisor will be in touch assist with your questions. The rest of the booking process can be then completed from home. The Auto Bavaria digital showroom also has a live chat functionality if you require immediate assistance.\nThe Auto Bavaria digital showroom is located at \nwww.abdigitalshowroom.com\n, and is (technically) open 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
"Speed, when handled at the hands of the less capable, most certainly kills. A 24-year old man driving along the Athens \u2013 Lamia highway in central Greece lost control of his Porsche, fatally crashing into a vehicle that was legally parked at a rest stop.\nPorsche driver Iorgos Vakakis, son of Greek millionaire and supermarket magnate Apostolos Vakakis, reportedly crashed into the Honda Civic at an obscene speed close to 200km/h. The legal speed limit was 120km/h. An intense fire immediately broke out upon impact, incinerating all but the sole passenger in the Porsche (also a 24-year old male) who was ejected from his seat and quickly succumbed to his injury.\nUnfortunately, the parked vehicle wasn\u2019t vacant. In it were a 33-year old mother and her 3-year old girl, both of whom were waiting for their husband/father who was using the restroom. The 41-year old man immediately rushed out screaming but was unable to help his family."
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has unveiled the IONIQ 5 in Malaysia with three variants available. The Lite starts from \nRM199,888\n, Plus from \nRM229,888\n, and Max from \nRM259,888\n.\nAll variants come with a 2-year or 50,000 km warranty, while the EV battery comes with an 8-year/160,000 km. The Lite and Plus are rear-wheel drive, powered by a single electric motor, while the Max comes with all-wheel drive; with an electric motor each in the front and back.\nThe Lite and Plus come with 170 hp and 350 Nm, while the Max offers 305 hp and 605 Nm. The Lite and Plus does 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, and 5.2 seconds for the Max. Top speed is limited to 185 km/h for all variants.\nThe Lite and Plus are fitted with a 58 kWh lithium-ion battery, while the Max gets a larger 72.6 kWh battery. Electric driving range is rated at 384 km for the Lite and Plus and 430 km for the Max.\nUsing a Type 2 AC (11kW) charger, the IONIQ 5 can be charged from 0 to 100% in just 5 hours. With the quicker DC charger, the IONIQ 5 can be charged up to 80% in just 18 minutes.\nThe IONIQ 5 is driven with a single-speed gearbox, with four driving modes available \u2013 Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow.\nThe IONIQ 5 is built on Hyundai\u2019s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), measuring 4,635 mm long, 1,605 mm tall, and 1,890 mm wide. By comparison, it\u2019s just a whisker smaller than the BMW X3. And we haven\u2019t got to the wheelbase; at 3,000 mm long, it\u2019s as long as the BMW 7 Series!\nAs for the body of the car, the IONIQ 5 features a clamshell front bonnet, the first in any Hyundai. Upfront, the clamshell bonnet (a first for Hyundai) helps minimise panel gaps for enhanced aerodynamics, while lower down, the bumper takes on a unique V-shape design, framing the headlights into a single blacked-out rectangle area, just like the Hyundai Pony.\nFeaturing Hyundai\u2019s new Parametric Dynamics design language, like the Elantra and Sonata, the IONIQ 5 is fitted with 19 or 20-inch wheels depending on the variant. The 20-inch wheels are the largest fitted to a Hyundai vehicle.\nThe distinctive headlamps feature 256 Parametric Pixels, while an Active Air Flap helps improve aerodynamics and cooling, whichever is needed. The IONIQ 5 comes with full LED lighting for all variants. Fog lights are only available at the rear. The highest spec Max variant even comes with a solar roof.\nThe IONIQ 5\u2019s is built around a \u2018Living Space\u2019 theme, as seen by the \u201cUniversal Island\u201d, a movable centre console that can slide as much as 140 mm. As for the front seats, they\u2019re 30% thinner to offer more legroom.\nThe seats are clad in an eco-processed leather that is dyed and treated with plant oil extractions from flaxseed. Raw materials extracted from sugar cane are used on the headliner, carpet, and seat covers.\nSurfaces such as the dashboard, switches, steering wheel, and door panels are coated in polyurethane bio paint composed of oils from rape flowers and corn.\nOnboard features include five USB ports, dual-zone air conditioning, a wireless charger, dual 12-inch screens, electric seats, a 7-speaker Bose sound system (highest spec), Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.\nThe lower variants come with a standard 6-speaker sound system, along with fabric seats. Only the top 2 variants, come with leather seats. The most practical feature perhaps the 230V plug point, using Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. It can power electronics such as electric scooters and camping equipment up to 3.6 kW, even with the car switched off.\nBoot space is rated at 531-litres while the frunk offers 57-litres of cargo space. Safety and driver aids include seven airbags, blindspot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert with brake assist, lane-keeping assist, lane following assist, leading vehicle departure alert, smart cruise control with Stop and go, high beam assist, forward collision warning with brake assist, and safe exit alert.\nGALLERY"
"Toyota Research Institute (TRI) in the USA, together with Stanford University\u2019s Dynamic Design Laboratory have just made an autonomous GR Supra perform drifts all without the need of a driver.\nHowever, it is not what we think about making \nrecord attempts\n for \nthe longest\n, largest, or fastest car drifting.\n \nThe collaboration is actually to gather plenty of data and information to further develop self-driving cars. This exercise is aimed to \n\u2018teach\u2019 self-driving vehicles to execute a slide or drift\n when avoiding obstacles that exceed the vehicle\u2019s handling limits. \u00a0\n\u201cSince 2008, our lab has taken inspiration from human race car drivers in \ndesigning algorithms that enable automated vehicles to handle\n the most challenging emergencies,\u201d said Professor Chris Gerdes of Stanford University\u2019s Dynamic Design Laboratory.\nLate last year, the team from Stanford built their first autonomous drifting vehicle using a modified \nelectric DeLorean\n.\n The autonomous Toyota GR project is a follow-up to that experiment.\nIn the video, the autonomous GR Supra is seen to be controlling all aspects of the drifting, including down-shifting, weight shifting and transitioning, applying precise steering angles and feathering the throttle, with the driver just being there for poses and if required, bring control back from an overenthusiastic self-drifting car.\nSeparately, TRI is also working with Toyota\u2019s Vehicle Dynamics Control Team in Japan to \napply the drifting architecture for future Toyota\n vehicles.\n \nMore information about the Toyota GR Supra in Malaysia can be \nfound here\nThe specially-prepared \n650 hp\n autonomous GR Supra used in this experiment can trace its origins back to the SEMA 2019 show. It closely resembles the \nGReddy GR Supra Drift Concept\n car fitted the eye-catching Pandem widebody kit. The car even won an award for \u201cBest 20 GR Supra of SEMA\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"Kia has revealed a new eight-speed automatic transmission (8AT) developed entirely in-house. Set to debut in the 2017 Kia Cadenza, the said slush box is engineered for front-wheel drive cars.\nFor starters, the gearbox will replace the existing six-speed automatic transmission that\u2019s in our current Kia models. Besides getting two extra cogs, the 8AT takes up the same space as the current six-speed auto while weighing \n3.5kg\n less.\nDevelopment of the gearbox is not an easy feat. Engineers at Kia faced packaging constraints to fit two extra gears where the current six-speeder sits. As such, this led to innovations that gave birth to 143 new patented technologies. The new 8AT boasts smooth acceleration from standstill, \nbetter fuel efficiency\n, improved NVH and more \ndecisive acceleration\n at high speeds.\nTo achieve this feat, the oil pump was significantly reduced to allow for more efficient use and distribution of hydraulic oil throughout the unit. Kia engineers also boasts the oil pump to be the smallest unit among production transmission in its class. A direct control valve body is incorporated to allow solenoid control of the clutch directly.\nTherefore, instead of the previous 20 control valves, the 8AT only requires 12 valves, significantly improving packaging and facilitates quicker gear shifts. The gear ratios between the highest gear and the first gear has increased by \n34 percent\n, resulting in a more linear power delivery that aids fuel economy and performance.\nAccording to Kia, the new 8AT will be adopted into future mid-sized and large-size front-wheel drive models. Faster gearshifts, better fuel economy plus weight savings? The new eight-speed auto transmission is definitely something to look forward to, possibly making it to our shores in the near future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember the \nLamborghini Huracan airplane chaperone\n at the Bologna airport in Italy? The Italian supercar maker has just renewed its partnership with the Guglielmo Marconi Airport for the \nseventh time\n since 2013, and this time round, with a shiny new \nHuracan Evo\n.\nJust as before, the new \u2018Follow Me\u2019 Lamborghini Huracan Evo will be used to lead aircraft taxiing to the airport runway or to their parking stands, until January 7th of 2022. Sounds like a pretty short tenure for the new Italian bull, but I guess that\u2019s just part of the knock-on effect of \nCovid-19\n.\nAnyway, The Huracan Evo chaperone car is dressed in a livery specially designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, featuring a chequered design in Arancione Matte, on top of a base colour of Verde Turbine Matte.\nCheck out the previous Lamborghini Huracan LP580-2 \u2018Follow Me\u2019 Car!\nLamborghini says the design of the livery is inspired by the operational vehicles in aircraft manoeuvring areas. Completing the exterior is the \u201cFollow Me in Our Beautiful Country\u201d slogan on the sides, highlighted by the colours of the Italian flag.\nOther modifications are for operational purposes, such as the flashing warning lights on top of the roof, as well as a radio system connected directly to the airport control tower.\nBut aside from that, the car is pretty much a standard Lamborghini Huracan Evo, which means it\u2019s also powered by a5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine that\u2019s capable of sending \n640 hp \nand\n 600 Nm\n to the wheels.\nLearn more about the Lamborghini Huracan Evo here.\nCentury sprint in the Huracan Evo takes just 2.9 seconds, before hitting top speeds of over 340 km/h \u2013 though the Follow Me car will probably spend the majority of its time puttering along the airport tarmac, and never unleashing all 640 hp of its Italian fury.\nWe\u2019ve actually seen one of these Lamborghini aeroplane chaperone in action ourselves \u2013 here\u2019s to hoping we\u2019ll be able to catch this one in action, soon!\nGALLERY"
"The all-new Citroen C3 Aircross will have no trouble standing out in a sea of SUVs today with its quirky styling and bright paintwork. Beyond the (dividing) exterior design, there is plenty to love about the C3 Aircross as Eu Jin has learnt.\n \nA modest 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech turbo petrol engine with \n112 hp \nand \n205 Nm\n is tasked to move the C3 Aircross while a 6-speed automatic sends drive to the front wheels. Century sprint takes \n10.4 seconds\n while top speed is rated at \n200 km/h\n.\nIf you\u2019re not sold on its looks and features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, speed limit recognition and Lane Keeping Warning, perhaps its first-in-class rear sun blinds and reclining rear seats is something that might tickle your fancy."
"Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR)\nRacing Festival will be heading to Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang this weekend (23 \u2013\n24 February 2019) for the Round 3 of Toyota Vios Challenge.\nThe two-day festival\nwill see an abundance of activities for enthusiast of the sport, fun and games\nfor the family and a street food fest for everyone. Festive goers will have the\nopportunity to meet the Celebrity Racers which includes Diana Danielle, Janna\nNick, Nabil Ahmad, Khai Bahar, Akim Ahmad, Mohd Shukri Yahaya, Shawn Lee, Wany\nHasrita, Nabila Razali and Aiman Tino.\nThe 1.56 km Stadium Batu\nKawan street circuit features 11 corners and six straights and will see some 40\ndrivers competing for glory in the Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting classes.\nUMW Toyota Motor Sdn\nBhd Pesident, Mr Ravindran K. said: \u201cThe atmosphere in Penang over a race\nweekend is phenomenal going by the overwhelming reception we received when we\nfirst embarked on the TGR Racing Festival here in 2017 and it gives Toyota\ngreat pleasure to return to Stadium Batu Kawan with an even more exciting\nline-up of activities for fans.\u201d"
"In line with the new directive of a nationwide 14-day \u201cFull lockdown\u201d MCO 3.0, the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT) has released a statement regarding the operations of agencies under its purview.\nThe \nJPJ, Puspakom, APAD\n (Land Public Transport Agency) and similar agencies operating in Sabah and Sarawak are temporarily \nclosed from the 1st to 14th June 2021\n. Services and matters regarding commercial vehicles that fall under National Security Council\u2019s (NSC) essential services that require cross-border movement are only allowed subject to appointment.\nSimilar to last year\u2019s MCO, the MOT is \nrelaxing the renewal of driving licences and road tax\n that have expiry dates between \n1 June until 31 July 2021\n. Owners of said driving documents can perform the renewals from \n1 August to 30 September 2021\n, in other words, granted a 60-day extension.\nWhile you may still be able to drive with an expired road tax and licence, your \nvehicle must still have insurance coverage\n. Drivers are urged to carry their vehicle\u2019s insurance cover note while on the road.\nReturning to the previous normal, driver\u2019s licence and road tax renewals can be done via \nMySikap JPJ\n or \nMyEG\n online portals. Those who have renewed the said documents do not need to collect the physical documents over the counter during the MCO 3.0 period; merely showing the proof of payment/receipt will do.\nThe MOT has also directed JPJ to open its \nself-service kiosk\n at the latter\u2019s premises. The kiosk, which is said to be able to renew road tax and driver\u2019s licence, will have two operating hours- 6:00 am to 8:00 pm for kiosks placed outside of the premise, while 8:30 am to 4:00 pm for kiosks inside JPJ premises. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nOn the matter of \nPuspakom inspection\n validity, the date of expiry will be extended following the duration of the MCO3.0. As for those who have made an inspection appointment during the \u201clockdown\u201d dates, Puspakom will issue a refund of the payment within 30 working days.\nSuch measures have been taken to avoid the gathering of large crowds and to also ensure that the supply of essential goods to the public will not be affected by the MCO."
"Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) Minister,\u00a0Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has announced that B10 grade biodiesel is expected to hit the pumps nationwide by October of this year. This move will replace the current B5 grade biodiesel that has been on sale since 2014.\nThe mandate, according to MPIC, will effectively increase the\u00a0domestic consumption of palm oil by \n1.2 million tonnes annually\n. B10 biodiesel is essentially a mixed ratio of \n10 percent palm based methyl ester\u00a0and 90 percent petroleum diesel\n. This move is also set to stimulate the local economy by producing over \n30,000\n new jobs in\u00a0\nSarawak\n.\nThe idea of biodiesel isn\u2019t a new, as the government has been toying with the idea since \nJune 2011\n when six fuel stations in \nPutrajaya\n began selling them. BMW also announced that their diesel cars can only run on B7 biodiesel; any higher in fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content will be deemed unsuitable for use, citing component corrosion due to higher water content in the blended fuel.\nMore on that front \u2013 Sime Darby in 2010, led by\u00a0President and Group Chief Executive Dato\u2019 Sri Ahmad Zubir Murshid swapped over his gasoline powered \nF02\n \nBMW 7 Series\n for an oil-burning variant which was ran on \nB5 biodiesel\n.\nTypically speaking though, most diesel vehicles are rated at B7 (a fuel variant that\u2019s available in East Malaysia) and aren\u2019t sure how this move will be received by car manufacturers. As of now, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Isuzu have all revealed that the B10 biodiesel is not compatible with their cars. More on this to come."
"In light of the financial impact post the Covid-19 pandemic, \nGoCar Malaysia\n has now introduced several new and enhanced services to offer customers greater savings for customers, while offering the same convenience as owning their own private cars.\nFirst, the \npay-by-the-minute one-way trips\n, previously available only at Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya, has now been expanded across most of Selangor to include the following new areas: Shah Alam, Sepang, Ampang Jaya, Kajang, Selayang, and Klang.\nPriced at RM0.17 per minute, and charged according to your usage with no minimum period, GoCar says these one-way trips are ideal for shorter drives such as a quick run to the supermarket.\nThanks to a partnership with Smart Selangor Parking and Flexi Parking, customers can also enjoy free street parking, either when they\u2019re using the car, or when returning after their trip \u2013 at any location of their choice.\nFree parking at any street-side parking bays!\nThe fees will be capped at a maximum of 10 hours per day, and for extra protection for their customers, all one-way trips are covered by a Collision Damage Waiver Lite package in case of any unfortunate incidents.\nUsers are not required to make any advanced bookings and there are no mileage caps. They only need to turn on the GoCar app to find the nearest available vehicle to them and the car is theirs to drive for a long as they need it.\nGoCar has also unveiled new \nlonger-term round trip\n rentals for selected models in its stable, specifically for longer durations of three days and more.\nThe new service is available for the Nissan Almera, Serena, Teana, and Renault Captur, with pricing starting at RM55 per day \u2013 booking fees are tiered, so the longer the booking is for, the lower the daily rates. A full breakdown of the booking rates can be found below, all of which are inclusive of unlimited mileage:\nMore information on both service offerings can be found on the GoCar Malaysia\u2019s website, linked here, or through its mobile applications on the App Store and Google Play."
"It\u2019s only a matter of time before similar news as such gets announced across the board. Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is the latest to announce a price hike for all their cars due to the depreciating Ringgit, after \nToyota\n, \nLexus\n and \nNissan\n.\nThe estimated price increased is currently set between \n2 to 3 percent\n depending on the model \u2013 a relatively conservative (which is good news, of course) estimate when compared to Toyota\u2019s 4 to 16 percent hike. However, the pricing will vary greatly depending on the Ringgit\u2019s performance, and Honda Malaysia will continuously monitor the exchange rate before coming up with the revised price list later in December.\nOver the past few years, the company successfully streamlined operations to increase working efficiency to introduce products at reasonable price points. However, the Ringgit has \nfluctuated\n by as much as 30 percent against the US Dollar, causing a rapid increase to the cost of imported parts and components. Despite their best efforts to reduce operational costs and expenses, Honda Malaysia had to choice but to draw the last straw through price increment.\nCEO of Honda Malaysia, Yoichiro Ueno said, \u201cAfter weighing all possible options, a price increase is\n\u00a0\nan\n inevitable\n\u00a0step for the company to continue offering high quality products and services to our customers. If the Ringgit recovers to its previous level, we would reevaluate the pricing structures once again.\u201d As for now, the current and foreseeable future purchases will remain exposed to the instability of Ringgit.\nDespite that, Honda Malaysia remains positive about hitting their 2015 sales target of 85,000 units and is currently leading the Non-National Segment as at September 2015."
"The highly-awaited \nall-new 2022 Ford Ranger\n has finally made its debut in Malaysia today, offered in seven different variants, including the XL, XLT, XLT Plus, and WildTrak. Pricing for the all-new Ranger starts at \nRM108,888\n for the entry-level XL variant, and maxes out at \nRM168,888\n for the WildTrak.\nEXTERIOR\nThe Ford Ranger has been redesigned from the ground up on this all-new generation model, most notably on the bold front-end styling, characterised by the signature \u201cC-Clamp\u201d headlights design and massive hexagonal grille, both of which taking inspiration from the F-150.\nThe sides of the pick-up get a mild redesign with new character lines and reworked wheel arches, while at the back, the tailgate also sees a new debossed \u2018Ranger\u2019 word mark, alongside the new vertical taillights with intricately-designed LED light signatures.\nIn terms of equipment, the all-new Ford Ranger comes with the following:\nXL\nHalogen headlamps\n16-inch wheels, 255/70 R16\nTwo 240V, 400 watt power sockets in truck bed\nXLT\nLED reflector headlamps\nLED daytime-running lights\n17-inch wheels, 255/70 R17\nXLT Plus (adds)\nPlastic-moulded bed liner\nWildTrak (adds)\nMatrix LED projector headlights\nIntegrated side steps behind rear wheels\n18-inch wheels, 255/65 R18\nPERFORMANCE\nThe all-new Ford Ranger will be offered in two different powertrain options, both powered by the same 2.0-litre inline-four diesel engines, but in single- or bi-turbo configurations.\nFord Ranger XL, XLT\nEngine: 2.0-litre single-turbocharged inline-four, diesel\nTransmission: New six-speed manual, or six-speed automatic gearbox\nMax horsepower: 170 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax torque: 405 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\nFord Ranger XLT Plus, WildTrak\nEngine: 2.0-litre bi-turbocharged inline-four, diesel\nTransmission: 10-speed automatic gearbox, with e-Locking Rear Differential\nMax horsepower: 210 hp @ 3,750 rpm\nMax torque: 500 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,000 rpm\nFord says that both engines, alongside their gearboxes, have been put through extensive tests to ensure their reliability. The new six-speed manual transmission on the single-turbo variants is also said to have been in development for four years across four continents, featuring a new gear set for smoother gearshifts.\nOther improvements come in the form of a strengthened chassis, alongside a 50 mm increase in both the wheelbase and track width to enhance the truck\u2019s comfort and stability, both on-road and off-road. The dampers for the rear suspensions have also been moved outboard of the frame rails and springs to offer a more controlled ride, whether the vehicle is laden or not.\nThe drive mode selector, which was previously exclusive to the Raptor, has also now moved down the product line-up to offer up to six drive modes (depending on variant) across the board. These modes adjust various settings ranging from gearshift to throttle response, traction and stability control, as well as ABS and more.\nINTERIOR\nThe big changes continue inside, featuring a new \u201ccoast-to-coast\u201d dashboard architecture headlined by the massive vertically-oriented central display in the centre. Ford says that the user interface of the dashboard has now been simplified, with many of the features being moved into touchscreen operation.\nAside from the massive central screen, the seven-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard across all variants, significantly lifting the overall modern feel of the cabin. Equipment varies according to variants, with the highlights being:\n8-inch digital instrument cluster\nElectronic dual-zone climate control\nFabric seats (leather upholstery on WildTrak)\nPower adjustable front seats (WildTrak)\n12-inch vertical central infotainment display with Sync 4A operating system (WildTrak, 10.1-inch on other variants)\nWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nElectronic parking brake (WildTrak)\nQi wireless charging pad (XLT and higher variants)\n360-degree surround view monitor (WildTrak)\nSAFETY\nAdvanced safety assistance features will be offered on the all-new Ford Ranger, starting from the XLT Plus variant and up. These features include:\nEnhanced autonomous emergency braking with cyclist, pedestrian, and junction traffic detection support\nDynamic brake support\nPost collision braking\nEvasive Steer Assist (WildTrak)\nReverse Brake Assist (WildTrak)\nRear cross traffic alert (WildTrak)\nAdaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality (WildTrak)\nLane keeping and centring assist (WildTrak)\nPRICING\nPricing for the all-new Ford Ranger starts at RM108,888 for the entry-level manual XT variant, going up to RM168,888 for the range-topping WildTrak. Prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of a five-year/160,000 km warranty \u2013 the latter extendable up to seven-years.\nRanger XL MT \u2013 RM108,888\nRanger XL AT \u2013 RM113,888\nRanger XLT MT \u2013 RM124,888\nRanger XLT AT \u2013 RM129,888\nRanger XLT Plus AT \u2013 RM142,888\nRanger WildTrak \u2013 RM168,888\nSime Darby Auto Connexion also teased the all-new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor for Malaysia at the launch today. The Baja-inspired off-road racer will make its launch in Q4 this year.\nGALLERY"
"Although cinemas have been given the green light to reopen in our country, many people are still understandably hesitant to sit in an enclosed area for hours, despite the new standard operating procedures. For those who are worried \u2013 fret not, because we will soon be getting our very own drive-in cinema for the first time in Malaysia!\nThe drive-in cinema, called M Junction, is being organised by TwoSpicy Entertainment Live and MD Events Asia \u2013 the same people who brought several unique entertainment experiences such as Dinner In The Sky and Plane in the City over to Malaysia.\n https://www.instagram.com/p/CCDT2yxlX_s/\nA drive-in cinema works exactly like how it sounds. Instead of rows of seats in an enclosed space, your seats will be the ones in your own car, parked in marked-out spaces in an open-air location. Instead of loudspeakers, audio will be piped into your car through a specific radio frequency.\nIn parts of the world with humid and warm weather, such as our northern neighbours that also recently had their \nfirst drive-in cinema experience\n, organisers even devised a central air-conditioning system with a network of PVC pipes so that the customers can keep cool with their car engines turned off.\n[Image source: \nFacebook/The Luna Cinema\n]\nDetails on the M Junction drive-in cinema are scarce at the moment of writing, but a representative from TwoSpicy Entertainment told \nRojakDaily\n that they are currently looking at a launch date of \n15 July\n, with the location being somewhere in the Kuala Lumpur city centre.\nA mixture of upcoming and older movies, both international and Malaysian, will be played at the drive-in cinema. According to the same report, the representative also revealed that a second drive-in cinema is currently in the pipeline, but offered no other details.\nDrive-in cinemas have recently seen a revival in popularity, especially in the western side of the world, as a result of new social distancing practices post the \nCOVID-19\n pandemic. Since March, many alternative forms of entertainment \u2013 \nsuch as drive-in parties\n \u2013 have emerged across the world so we can still have fun while staying safe.\n[Header image source: \nInstagram/mjunction2020\n,\n Facebook/The Luna Cinema\n]"
"Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has announced that its 60 and 90 series models \u2013 namely the \nS60\n, \nV60\n, \nS90\n, \nXC60\n, and\n XC90\n \u2013 will soon receive an updated Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain here on our shores.\nThe key update to this powertrain comes in the form of a more powerful electric motor on the rear axle, now making 145 hp instead of the previous 88 hp. In effect, the new motor raises the total system output up to \n462 hp\n, compared to the previous 407 hp. Although, their\n top speed will still be limited at 180 km/h\n.\nAdditionally, the recharge T8 PHEV powertrain also now receives what Volvo calls a \u201clong-range battery\u201d, with total capacity raised to \n18.8 kWh\n from 11.6 kWh thanks to a third layer of cells in the battery pack.\nThe increase in battery capacity results in a sizeable jump in pure electric driving range, nearly doubling the previous 40-49 km estimates to now \nbetween 70 and 90 km\n, depending on the model.\nThe company says that the increased range means its customers can now drive primarily on electric power, which in turn translates to lower overall carbon emissions.\nAlongside the mechanical changes, the new T8-equipped models will also now come with the One-Pedal Drive feature that was first introduced in the \nfully-electric XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\n model. The feature allows drivers to slow down the vehicle by gradually lifting off the accelerator thanks to increased battery regeneration, which should also help improve the cars\u2019 fuel efficiency.\n\u201cOur new line of PHEVs will transform the way our customers experience electric driving,\u201d said VCM Managing Director, Charles Frump. \u201cThe improved powertrain lets our customers drive sustainably at a longer distance, at the same time providing them with range confidence that fits the needs of their everyday lives.\u201d\nRELATED: Volvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year from 2022 \u2013 XC40 Recharge, C40 this year\nOther details about the updated models have not been released just yet, but expect the new cars to get the other global 2023 model-year updates, including the \nAndroid Automotive infotainment system\n with integrated Google services.\nAside from the updates to the Recharge T8 powertrains, VCM also announced that a price adjustment for all of its other models will come into effect on 1 May 2022, hinting at a potential increase in price. The price adjustment will start with the XC40 T5, XC40 Recharge T5, XC60 B5, and XC90 B5.\nAs for the new Volvo 90 and 60 series Recharge T8 models, pricing details will be announced upon rollout in Malaysia. The price for the current Recharge T8 range will remain the same for the time being, and will be sold while stocks last."
"If you\u2019ve watched any form of top flight motorsports before, you\u2019ll know that behind every driver is a team of race engineers, crunching data constantly to help drivers find that extra bit of performance on track. Now imagine that, but available within your own car, without the extra \u201cengineers\u201d \u2013 that\u2019s exactly what Rimac has done with their upcoming \nRimac C_Two\n with its new \u2018Driver Coach\u2019 feature.\nThe new feature, developed by the autonomous driving department of Rimac Automotive, uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to map out a \u201cperfect lap\u201d, then using the information to instruct the driver on how to extract the most performance out of the car on track \u2013 and we mean that the car will quite literally speak to the driver.\n \nUsing nine cameras,\u00a0six radars,\u00a0a solid-state lidar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the on-board supercomputer crunches through six terabytes of data per hour in order to determine the best racing line through a race track. The Driver Coach feature can even drive itself near the limits on track \u2013 equivalent to a level four autonomous system \u2013 to give drivers a guideline to replicate.\nSpeaking to \nTop Gear\n, Rimac Director of Autonomous Driving R&D, Sacha Vra\u017ei\u0107 said, \u201cWhat we are building is a system where AI plays a key role in teaching the driver how to perform on racetracks, at the maximum vehicle performance. Not all of our customers are professional drivers, but we want them to really enjoy the car and have fun with\u00a0it.\u201d\nThe Croatian outfit even has a cognitive psychologist on the team to develop the optimal identity and voice for the Driver Coach system, so you can still pay attention to it while focused on driving on the limit.\nThere\u2019s also a driver-facing camera inside, which the system uses to detect stress, and can immediately take over handling of the car when the driver is in danger. Under stressful situations, humans can take more than a second to react to danger, whereas the AI system takes a hundredth of a millisecond, according to Sacha.\nThe Driver Coach system will be standard on the Rimac C_Two when the electric hypercar is finally launched, scheduled before the end of 2020."
"Famed premium car tuner \nNovitec\n, famously known for upgrading \nFerraris\n (Novitec Rosso) and \nLamborghinis\n (Novitec Torado), have introduced their latest masterpiece, the \nNovitec Maserati Quattroporte\n. The project was specifically executed by \nNovitec Tridente\n, Novitec\u2019s \ndedicated-arm\n of tuning specialist for the Italian Trident marque.\nLet\u2019s go straight to the point here. The top-of-the-line Maserati Quattroporte GTS is powered by a \n3.8-litre\n twin-turbocharged \nV8\n engine that makes \n530 hp\n and just over \n700 Nm\n of torque; stock numbers here. The guys at Novitec Tridente have upped those figures to \n605 hp\n and \n820 Nm\n of torque, figures which propel the car from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n4.4 seconds\n, and on to a \ntop speed\n of \n318 km/h\n. This upgrade is done by installing a plug-and-play tuning module called \nN-Tronic\n, which remaps the injection and combustion timing, as well as a slight bump in boost pressure.\nNext up is the \nV6\n-powered \nQuattroporte S\n, in which its stock figures rate at \n410 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n. By simply installing the N-Tronic module, the V6 engine now produces \n476 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n of torque. The \ncentury sprint\n is done in \n4.5 seconds\n. There\u2019s also an upgrade package for the base-trim Quattroporte. It\u2019s powered by a \nturbocharged diesel V6\n engine that makes \n275 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque, but makes \n322 hp\n and \n680 Nm\n upon upgrading, allowing for a \n0 to 100 km/h\n sprint to be done in just \n5.7 seconds\n.\nBesides the mechanical upgrades, the Novitec Maserati Quattroporte also gets a \nreshaped fascia\n, with a \ntwo-piece front spoiler\n made of \ncarbon fibre\n attached on both front-ends of the car. \nSide skirts\n and \nrocker panels\n are also new. The rear is now fitted with a \nspoiler lip\n, though customers can choose to have these kits separately.\u00a0Those body kits are \naerodynamically functional\n, by the way.\nComplementing this Novitec product will be its \nNM1, 22-inch wheels\n which are also available for the \nMaserati Ghibli\n. The five twin-spoke alloy wheels are shod with 255/30 Pirelli P Zero high performance tyres at the front, whereas the rear wheels get shod with 315/25 series tyres. These wheels come in varying colours, and customers get to choose from silver, matte black, titanium or titanium with polished surface.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi is off to a blistering start to the new year with the unveiling of the second-generation SQ5. It shares the same 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 as the S4 and S5, with deliveries scheduled to commence as soon as April this year.\nThe SQ5 gets full LED headlamps and LED tail lamps as standard, as well as \n20-inch\n twin five-spoke alloys. Also included are S-specific bodykits and air suspension; the latter altering damping levels through the pre-programmed Audi drive select. Inside, the SQ5 receives the high-res 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, head-up display and premium Nappa leather upholstery.\nUp front, the new \n3.0-litre V6 TFSI\n weighs 14kg (172kg now) lesser than the preceding supercharged unit. It produces \n349 hp\n and\n 500 Nm\n of torque, numbers which yield a respectable century sprint time of \n5.4 seconds\u00a0\nand an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\u00a0The engine is mated to an\n eight-speed automatic transmission\n (tiptronic, not dual clutch S tronic) \ndriving all four wheels\n. Audi says the lower gears have much shorter ratios for quick accelerations, whereas the upper gears are longer for optimum fuel efficiency.\nJust like the Q5, the SQ5\u2019s quattro drive system intelligently manages and distributes power to any individual wheel. When your foot is off the throttle pedal, the transmission disengages from the engine and freewheels for even greater fuel efficiency. A sport differential and 21-inch alloys are optional.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the latest government directives on the National Recovery Plan (NRP), which allowed several more industries to reopen during the movement control order (MCO), \nEdaran Tan Chong Motor\n has announced that a majority of Nissan showrooms nationwide will resume operation, starting tomorrow (August 20).\nHowever, all showrooms, including branches and dealers in Kedah, Malacca, and Johor will remain closed for the time being. Several outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, and Terengganu will also only be reopened on August 23. The full schedule can be found in the table below:\nAll showrooms will adhere to strict standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of its employees and customers. Only fully-vaccinated employees are allowed to resume work, and will be wearing face masks at all time.\nAdditionally, they will also undergo frequent body temperature checks, and all frequent touch points in the showroom, including test drive vehicles will be disinfected regularly.\nTan Chong Motors Corporation has kicked-off its nationwide vaccination drive for all its employees. Read more about it here.\n \nCustomers are advised to comply with the SOPs when entering the premise; only those fully-vaccinated (with proof of digital certificate on MySejahtera app), with body temperature below 37.5 degrees celcius will be allowed into the premises. Face masks are also required at all times, and other SOPs set by the government also remains active.\nToyota and Lexus has also announced the resumption of its sales, service, and manufacturing operations. Read more here."
"Stats and figures can only convey so much about a car and since you\u2019ve read and learnt all there is to know about the new, extremely popular \nToyota GR Yaris\n, here\u2019s some audio and visuals to give you a deeper impression of what it\u2019s really about!\nAccording to \nthe channel\n, the segment of the road was closed due to construction and just for added safety, there were even spotters for traffic by the roadside.\n \nLike the \none available in Malaysia\n, the GR Yaris here also comes with the \nCircuit Pack\n that offers 18-inch BBS wheels, a Torsen limited-slip differential and red GR Sports calipers. Interestingly, in Malaysia, the same specifications are labeled as the \nPerformance Pack\n.\nThe first thing you\u2019d notice is what a thoroughbred the GR Yaris is. Whether it\u2019s steering or throttle response, the car is just a Doberman in a Poodle\u2019s body \u2013 raring to go. It\u2019s just so eager and quick to rev!\nNotice how agile the car is as well \u2013 changing directions almost telepathically along those narrow B-roads. Even as its tail kicks out, watch how easy it is for the driver to manage the slides.\nLook closely and you\u2019ll also notice how crisps the gear changes are, with short throws for quicker shifts.\nIf you\u2019ve not given the GR Yaris any thought, this should make you take a second look. If you\u2019re crazy about it, this should make you depressed for having weak finances.\n \nIf that wasn\u2019t enough to show what the GR Yaris can do, the driver even quoted, \u201cThe footage was not sped up, I have no reason to do so\u201d.\nHe added, \u201cThe car could actually go even faster but this is right around my limit where I felt comfortable driving it. It is truly a proper little monster!\u201d"
"The 911 GT2 RS is a bit of a weird model for Porsche. It\u2019s the fastest and most powerful 911 variant on one hand, and it even holds the \nofficial lap record\n for the Nurburgring Nordschleife. But on the other, Porsche customers rarely look at the GT2 RS, probably because it\u2019s perhaps just a little too. extreme.\nSo what does Porsche do? They make an even more extreme track-only special edition of the car, of course, called the GT2 RS Clubsport 25. Think of it sort of like a sequel to the uber-cool \nPorsche 935\n, just without the retro-inspired bodywork.\nPorsche built 77 units of the 935, but plans to only make 30 of these 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25. So what does the 25 in the name stand for? A birthday gift for Porsche\u2019s sister company (51% ownership since 2013) slash motorsports partner Manthey-Racing, that\u2019s what, who\u2019s just turned 25 years-old. Bad-ass.\nFor those who are slightly out of the loop, Manthey are the guys who make Porsches go fast around the Nurburgring. The GT2 RS track record was made in conjunction with Manthey, and they\u2019ve also won the 24 hours of Nurburgring a whole seven times with Porsche 911s, including four straight years from 2006-2009.\nCheck out the Porsche 911 GT2 RS\u2019s record-breaking Nurburgring Nordschleife lap here!\nFor the most part, the Porsche GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is pretty much the same piece of crazy machinery as the \nGT2 RS Clubsport from 2018\n \u2013 no surprises there, since they share nearly 90% of their names. But of course, it\u2019s been given a slew of upgrades, stemming from experience gleamed in the past three years.\nAmong them is the reworked front fascia, with the radiator now mounted centrally, said to provide better protection in the event of a collision. Clearing out the left- and right-side fascia also allows the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 to better channel air to cool off the front brakes.\nThere\u2019s also a new carbon fibre bonnet with two massive vents, which helps direct hot air over the car\u2019s roof. A centre-mounted NACA duct located right above the front Porsche emblem helps bring fresh air into the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25\u2019s cabin, while the rear fenders open up into vertical vents \u2013 just like the Porsche 935 \u2013 to help extract hot air from the exhaust.\nOther subtler changes include redesigned lights from the latest RSR and 911 GT3 Cup race cars, updated rear diffuser and exhaust, and reworked side plates for the swan-neck rear spoiler. But the main highlight on the GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is of course its gorgeous grey and green livery, which pays tribute to Manthey-Racing\u2019s 911 GT3 R racer, affectionately called \u201cGrello\u201d by race fans.\nThe road-legal version of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS was actually launched-here in Malaysia! Check it out here.\nUnderneath the GT2 RS Clubsport 25 though, it\u2019s pretty much unchanged from the 935, with the wheels and its offset (which gives the car a \u201csignificantly wider track\u201d than the Clubsport), steering gear, and other mechanical systems taken directly from its predecessor.\nPower also still comes from the same 3.8-litre flat-six twin-turbo engine, which pushes\n 700 hp\n to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox.\n\u201cWith the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 special edition, which we designed and developed in conjunction with Porsche Motorsport, we\u2019ve reached another milestone in the 25-year history of Manthey,\u201d Manthey-Racing Managing Director, Nicolas Raeder said in a statement.\n\u201cIt\u2019s a perfect example of our guiding principle \u2018Closer to Perfection.\u2019 With every modification, technological function always takes priority. That\u2019s why the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 has its very own character, which also reflects our brand values: straightforward and meticulous, flexible and uncompromising.\u201d\nIf you\u2019re looking for something less extreme, but still equally special, SDAP has just launched the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition here in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nPorsche is asking 525,000 Euros (before taxes, ~RM2.62 million) for the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25, which is quite a bit more affordable than the 935 to be fair. But of course, they\u2019re only making 30 units in comparison to 77 units of the 935 \u2013 so if you want to be one of the lucky few, better get to ordering, and remember to book a few track days while you\u2019re at it."
"Mazda\u2019s latest design study, the \nMazda Vision Coupe\n has just been awarded \u201cConcept Car of the Year\u201d at the 11\nth \nCar Design Night Geneva, held at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show (GIMS). First presented to the world at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the four-door luxury coupe concept won the hearts of the panel judges.\nJudged by a panel of 18 judges consisting of design directors at global automakers, the panel praised the Vision Coupe\u2019s modern take on Japanese inspired design. The designers at Mazda have evolved the brand\u2019s KODO: Soul of Motion design into a more elegant and premium styling but at the same time maintaining that strong presence it is known for.\nL: \nRX-Vision\n ; R: Vision Coupe\nMazda\u2019s Managing Executive Officer in charge of design and brand style, Ikuo Maeda said: \u201cFollowing on the Paris award, we are delighted once again to have VISION COUPE recognised with a global design prize. It\u2019s truly an honour to have this model which aims to express the essence of Japanese aesthetics, applauded by some of the world\u2019s top car designers.\u201d\n\u201cThe essence of this design concept will be evident in the next generation of Mazda cars, the first of which is due to be launched in 2019,\u201d Maeda-\nsan\n added.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda Vision Coupe   Mazda RX-Vision"
"There\u2019s been a lot going on at Proton over the past decade. Despite their many attempts in trying to play catchup to market leader Perodua, it\u2019s all seems as though\u00a0the slope is far too steep and slippery to climb singlehandedly.\nWe\u2019re just eight months into 2016, but over the same period of time, \nProton\u2019s brainchild, Tun Dr Mahathir, resigned as chairman\n. A little over a week after his resignation, \nthe Malaysian government handed a soft loan of RM1.5 billion\n to Proton to pay off some 12,000 Proton employees and 50,000 staff from its vendors. And let\u2019s not forget the management restructuring after the departure of Tun Dr Mahathir and former CEO, Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah.\nThen, just this morning, DRB-Hicom announced that the entire Proton Holdings entity is up for sale, after acquiring a \n100 percent stake for RM3 billion\n back in 2012. However, the sale doesn\u2019t translate to full control of its foreign acquirer. \nThe Star\n reports that the Malaysian government has the option to take up a 79.28 percent stake in Proton should they choose to convert their redeemable preferential shares as part of the RM1.5 billion soft loan deal.\nDRB-Hicom is expecting as many as seven bids by the middle of this month \u2013 five named potential parties include Groupe PSA and Renault SA, Volkswagen AG, General Motors, Suzuki and Geely. Of the five, two have spoken their interest in buying over Proton in 2012, and they are Groupe PSA and Volkswagen AG.\nHonda is not named as a potential acquirer, and will likely remain so\nMany of you may\u00a0be wondering, who in their right mind would buy Proton, and what good can the takeover do for its acquirer? Well,\u00a0Proton\u2019s past and \ncurrent\u00a0exploits in the export market\n\u00a0(both RHD and LHD markets) could potentially spell profit, but this of course\u00a0depends on the product itself. The good news is, this is backed by \nProton\u2019s RM600 million investment into producing Euro6 compliant engines\n that are scheduled to go into production by 2018.\nAlthough the exact terms and conditions of this acquisition may remain as a corporate secret for now, the most promising deal would likely materialise in\u00a0a partnership model mimicking that of Perodua and Daihatsu, which has shown considerable success in Malaysia. If such a relationship is established between Proton and its future acquirer, it would provide Proton the springboard to compete on a regional scale, now dominated by the likes of Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota and Volkswagen.\nThis whole process is expected to be done by April 2017. It seems that this time, the disposal of Proton is actually going to take place. Will it be another false alarm? If anything, the news did see a spike in DRB-Hicom\u2019s shares, who is up six sen to RM1.17, so they\u2019re off to a good start. The bigger question now is, who will DRB-Hicom\u00a0serve the plate to?\nUpdate: DRB-Hicom now denies plans to dispose Proton, but instead says that they are looking for a strategic and permanent partnership required by the RM1.5 billion loan."
"Making its entry into the Southeast Asian market, the\n all-new 2023 Mazda CX-60\n has now been launched in the Philippines. Fully-imported from Japan, the CX-60 will be offered in the Archipelago in two variants \u2013 AWD HEV Turbo or AWD HEV Turbo-D Sport, with prices starting from 2.79 million Philippine pesos (approx. RM231k).\nThe CX-60 is Mazda\u2019s first product in its\n new Large Product category\n, built on an all-new platform that\u2019s designed for six-cylinder powertrains and rear- and all-wheel drive set-ups, resulting in a longer bonnet up front to accommodate its longitudinal engine orientation.\nStyling wise, the all-new CX-60 retains many of the iconic Mazda design touches, but reimagined in a modern context. Highlights include the bold front fascia with a flatter nose and unique headlight design, the latter with the daytime-running lights extending past the main lighting fixture and into the wing-shaped grille.\nThe side fenders also get a bold new stamping design and body-coloured claddings, paired to a generous dash of chrome trims all around. The new tail light design is also somewhat reminiscent of that of the \nfacelift CX-5\n.\nOver in the Philippines, the Mazda CX-60 will be offered with two powertrain options. The cheaper AWD HEV Turbo variant gets a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol mill, equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system to make a total of \n284 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n.\nThe range-topping AWD HEV Turbo-D Sport, meanwhile, gets a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine that makes \n254 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n. Just like the petrol variant, the oil-burner here also gets the M Hybrid Boost mild-hybrid system to increase the powertrain\u2019s efficiency, especially during low-stress situations.\nRELATED: \n2024 Mazda CX-90 revealed \u2013 up to 345 hp, 500 Nm, AWD, three-row eight seater\nBoth powertrains are paired to a new SkyActiv-Drive eight-speed automatic gearbox that uses a set of electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch system instead of a torque converter, that\u2019s said to offer \u201cclean and rhythmic gear changes\u201d, while also enabling accurate control of the 48V electric motor.\nAll-wheel drive is also standard here on both variants, transferring power to the ground via all four wheels for a century sprint time of \n6.8 seconds\n and \n7.3 seconds\n respectively for the petrol and diesel variants. Both variants are equipped with the off-road traction assist system, and the Kinematic Posture Control system, which uses the brakes to control the CX-60\u2019s body roll during corners.\nAside from the powertrain, both variants here are largely identical in terms of packaging and equipment. Standard items here include the adaptive LED headlamps, panoramic glass sunroof, 20-inch alloys (blacked-out on the diesel variant), 10.4-inch head-up \u201cActive Driving\u201d display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.\nThe front seats get 10-way adjustability, and they\u2019re wrapped in Nappa leather for the petrol variant; the diesel variant also adds on additional Quilted Leganu suede.\nStandard safety kit is also shared across both variants, including the i-ActiveSense advanced driver assistance suite that includes radar cruise control, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic braking support, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and a driver monitoring system.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is set to reveal a new concept vehicle for its entry-level vehicle line-up at the upcoming IAA Mobility Munich auto show 2023 in September this year. Looking at the teaser image from Mercedes-Benz, the concept could likely evolve into the upcoming \nMercedes-Benz A-Class sedan\n or the \nall-electric CLA\n.\nThe car in the teaser image is shrouded in shadow, as is standard operating procedure. Brightening up the image in Photoshop, though, and we can pick out a couple of interesting details.\nThese include the fashionable sloping roofline, a short rear deck, plus some white accents that extend significantly from the headlights and tail lights into the door panels on the side. The car\u2019s A-pillar mounted side view mirror can also be seen and is painted in black, giving it a contrast against its red body paint.\nInterestingly, the concept here doesn\u2019t come with any visible door handles. While this could be due to its concept car nature, it could also be hinting at the car\u2019s flush door handles, as range could be an important consideration for Mercedes-Benz\u2019s upcoming entry-level models.\nThat\u2019s because the car is rumoured to be underpinned by Mercedes-Benz\u2019s upcoming MMA platform, which could open up the possibility for further fully-electric variants, in addition to the usual combustion engined offerings.\nThe rumour is further supported by a nugget of information obtained from a recent annual North American Mercedes-Benz dealer meeting, suggesting that an upcoming fully-electric CLA model will boast up to 643 km of range.\nRELATED: \nElectric Mercedes-Benz CLA and \u201celectric GLC\u201d to debut in 2024, may drop EQ name\n2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line\nWhile we may have only just \nwelcomed the facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class range here in Malaysia\n, the current generation model has now actually been around since 2018 \u2013 and in modern automotive industry terms, that\u2019s nearly as long as a lifetime.\nSimilarly, the current generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has also been around since 2019. A replacement is likely due sometime in 2025, putting it in just about the right timeframe for a concept vehicle now.\nBesides the upcoming \u201centry-level\u201d model, Mercedes-Benz will also be showcasing its next-generation all-electric models like the \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n, \nEQB\n, and EQV at the upcoming Munich motor show. The \nMercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain\n will also be making its world premiere at IAA Mobility 2023.\nAs a representation of its vision for an all-electric future, the German marque will also be using this opportunity to show off the \nMercedes-Benz Vision EQXX\n all-electric sedan, as well as the Vision One-Eleven super sports car concept at the event \u2013 the latter only making its global debut last month.\nRELATED: \n2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM799k \u2013 761hp, 1020Nm"
"The\n Nissan Leaf \nturned 10 years old in 2020. As a little celebration, Nissan has unveiled a special edition of the all-electric hatchback, called the Leaf10, to commemorate the anniversary.\nThe Leaf10 sets itself apart from the regular electric hatchback with an intricate \nKumiko\n pattern inspired by the \nNissan Ariya\n, which adorns the wing mirrors, roofline, and boot lid. A \u2018Leaf10\u2019 model badge sits on the C-pillars, while a set of 17-inch alloys complete the exterior styling.\nFeature wise, the key addition to the Nissan Leaf10 is the in-car WiFi hotspot connectivity, providing built-in 4G connectivity for up to seven devices. It also works in conjunction with the NissanConnect Services smartphone app, which provides additional remote features such as monitoring the battery charge level, locking and unlocking, as well as pre-activate the air conditioning in the cabin.\nThe Nissan Leaf10 is also equipped as standard with\u00a0Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (IBSI) and Intelligent Rear View Mirror, the latter usually a GBP395 (~RM2.2k) cost option, to provide greater visibility and reassurance whilst driving.\n\u201cSince Leaf launched in 2010, Nissan has continued to evolve its EV technology, connected services and design to ensure it delivers on the demands and lifestyles of owners,\u201d Nissan Europe Chief Marketing Manager of Electric Passenger Cars & Infrastructure, Helen Perry.\n\u201cOur iconic model has attracted over 180,000 motorists across Europe. We hope that with its enhanced styling features and latest technologies such as In-Car Wi-Fi and its remote functions including lock and unlock capabilities to receive packages; Leaf can continue to excite those who are just starting their EV journey.\u201d\nNo details on the Leaf10\u2019s powertrain were shared during the announcement, but the standard Nissan Leaf is available in two battery configurations: a 40 kWh version with\n 150 hp\n and\n 320 Nm\n of torque, or a 62 kWh version with \n217 hp\n and \n340 Nm\n of torque.\nHere in Malaysia, the Nissan Leaf is available solely in the 40 kWh configuration, which is good for a NEDC-rated range of \n311 km\n from a full charge. Interested in a zero-emissions future? Be sure to check out our \nfull review\n to see what we thought about the Nissan Leaf!\nGALLERY"
"TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the franchise holder for Renault cars in Malaysia, is offering attractive deals and offers for its Renault subscription plans, selected vehicle parts, and branded merchandise during the \n15-day Renault Passion Week\n, starting today \nuntil June 19.\nThe campaign will be available exclusively on the \nRenault Malaysia official Shopee store\n. Deals will be offered through the \n\u201cShocking Sale\u201d\n mechanism, and will include discounts of up to 50 percent on subscription booking fees, up to 40 percent on sanitisation packages, up to 50 percent on Renault collectibles, and up to 50 percent on Renault merchandise.\nAdditionally, Shopee store discount vouchers, including RM20 off with minimum RM50 purchase, as well as 10 percent discounts on merchandise and parts, will be up for grabs during the Renault Passion Week campaign period, while stocks last.\nThe \nsubscription plans\n booking fees are usually priced (without Shocking Sale discounts) at RM200 for the pre-owned Captur Fixed Plan and the new Captur Fixed Plan, RM300 for the Koleos Fixed Plan, and RM500 for the Megane R.S. Fixed Plan.\nBookings can be redeemed anytime before the 15th of August to enjoy \nup to 54% off their monthly fees\n in the \nfirst six months\n of the subscription term. For a full breakdown of the reduced monthly fee, do check out the tables below:\nAside from Shopee, these subscription deals will also be available on the \nRenault E-Store\n for the \nmonth of June\n. The booking fee will be fully deducted from the subscription fee for those who complete their application process. For those who decide to not proceed with their subscription, the booking fee will be fully refunded.\nFor customers opting for the Switch Plans, TCEC is also bundling in a complimentary one-month subscription as part of the June offers in conjunction with Renault Passion Week.\nThe Shocking Sales deals will be on a daily rotation, and available for a limited-time only. Be sure to check out \nRenault Malaysia\u2019s website\n frequently to not miss out on the daily deals."
"Following the recent release of the \nPolestar 1\n, the first car to carry the company\u2019s emblem after \na breakaway from Volvo\n, Polestar had also confirmed plans for its first three models.\nOn the business front, a new purpose-built production plant will be built in China alongside a more customer-focussed sales approach that will be certain to set new industry standards.\nAll of Polestar\u2019s future production will be fully powered by electric. The \nPolestar 2\n, a mid-sized Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) which will begin production in 2019 and will be the first BEV from Volvo Car Group.\u00a0 Subsequently a larger SUV-styled BEV, the \nPolestar 3\n will be rolled out.\nPolestar will also be introducing an entirely new method of car ownership \u2013 you don\u2019t own them, you subscribe for them. Polestar\u2019s cars will have to be \nordered 100% online\n through its website or an app where their cars will be offered on a \ntwo or three year subscription basis\n.\nThe zero-deposit, all-inclusive subscription will also come with pick-up and delivery services and the option to rent different vehicles within the Volvo and Polestar range. With the \nPhone-As-Key\n technology, it enables a Polestar owner to share a \u201cvirtual key\u201d with a third party.\nTo allow customers to interact with the brand and its products, Polestar will open a network of \nPolestar Spaces\n around the world \u2013 allowing customers to physically engage with the brand.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Group Malaysia together with Tian Siang Premium Auto has added three new BMW i Charging facilities in Penang at the Prestige Hotel in George Town and the Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya.\u00a0The new locations will supplement the existing charging facilities at the \nGurney Paragon Mall and Iconic Hotel\n.\n\u201cThe three new BMW i Charging facilities are added to the ten existing facilities we introduced previously across Ipoh and Penang. As we continue to grow the charging infrastructure in these states, we look forward to strengthening the confidence in Electrified Mobility \u2013 to which we have seen progressively grow in the past few years,\u201d said Tian Siang, Dealer Principal, Tian Siang Premium Auto.\nRELATED: BMW Malaysia unveils new DC Fast Chargers for public use \u2013 180 kW, first location now open\nThe General Manager of The Light Hotel, Raj Kumar, almost echoed the need to move with the times by highlighting that there\u2019s no better time than now for the hotel to adapt to changes in mobility.\nFrom left: Jessica Chan and Mr. Raj Kumar of The Light Hotel with BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Hans de Visser, together with Tian Siang Auto, Managing Director, K.K.Tan and BMW Group Malaysia, Head of Marketing, Juleen Tan.\n\u201cBy providing BMW i Charging facilities here, we hope to appeal to guests and future business prospects with a sustainable business practice that benefits the environment,\u201d he added.\nMelvin Ooi, General Manager of The Prestige Hotel is also thrilled about the collaboration as it will meet the growing demand amongst their customers for charging infrastructure.\nTian Siang Premium Auto has previously introduced BMW i Charging facilities \nin Ipoh\n, namely at the WEIL Hotel and the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.\nRELATED: BMW Malaysia and its PHEV customers plant over 700 trees in Borneo"
"Isuzu Malaysia has \nofficially launched\n the all-new, third-generation D-Max pick-up truck in Malaysia through a digital broadcast on its social media pages earlier at noon.\nThe all-new third-generation Isuzu D-Max will be offered in \nseven variants\n across two engine choices including two variants of the single-cab. All variants will have \nTerrain Command 4\u00d74 system\n fitted as standard:\nSingle cab\n1.9L 6MT- RM88,599.20\n3.0L 6MT- RM95,538.40\nDouble cab   Standard 1.9L 6MT- RM99,599.20\nStandard 1.9L 6AT-RM106,999.20\nPremium 1.9L 6AT-RM121,549.20\nPremium 3.0L 6AT-RM128,038.40\nX-Terrain 3.0L 6AT and ADAS-RM141,938.40\nPrices above are on-the-road, without insurance and individual private registration in Peninsular Malaysia.\nHere are \nfive cool features\n that sets this all-new Isuzu D-Max apart from its predecessor, as well as the competition.\n1. Bold yet aerodynamic exterior with Bi-LED headlamps and stylish grey highlights\nBi-LED projector headlamps with DRLs can be found available from the Double Cab 1.9L Standard 6AT variant. The full-fledged X-Terrain 3.0L announces its presence even more boldly with the Valencia Orange or Sapphire Blue paintwork highlighted by dark grey 18-inch wheels, roof rails, overfenders and other exterior items.\nIn order to achieve low coefficient of drag figures, the wipers feature an aerofoil design that also integrates the washer nozzle into the wiper arms\n2. New 3.0L engine generates more torque and horsepower, whilst quieter\nThe 3.0L turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, codenamed 4JJ3-TCX, name delivers \n190 hp\n at 3,600 rpm and \n450 Nm\n of torque between 1,600 \u2013 2,600 rpm, an increase of 13 hp and 70 Nm respectively. Most of the benefits come from new piston and combustion chamber design and electronically-controlled high-efficiency Variable Geometry Turbocharger System (VGS).\nMeanwhile, the adoption of \ndouble scissor gears\n helps reduce mechanical noise while diesel clatter is significantly reduced from a revised fuel injection timing.\n3. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go (all speed) and a better use of the stereo camera\nApart from the regular adaptive cruise control that keeps a distance from the vehicle in front at driving speeds, the all-new D-Max also can keep up with \nslow-moving traffic under 30 km/h\n.\nThe stereo camera that primarily used for ADAS, has its functionality increased to be used in tandem with the rain and light sensors. The sensor in the X-Terrain and Premium variants is able to discern when the car is entering a tunnel or merely going under a bridge thereby \nreducing accidental\n triggering of the headlights.\nBesides the adaptive cruise control (ACC), the flagship X-Terrain 3.0L variant also comes with autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, pedal misapplication mitigation and a new \nTurn Assist\n function, which makes turning into junctions a little safer as it applies emergency braking if detects oncoming vehicles.\n4. Interior has the ambience of a premium SUV \nWhile the all-new Isuzu D-Max has some familiarity on the outside, the complete opposite can be found in the interior. Soft-touch plastics are used liberally on the dashboard, centre console and door panels. The stitching effect adds to passenger-vehicle ambience in the all-new D-Max.\nThe large seats feature \nAnti-Vibration Elastic Comfort\n foam that can absorb vibrations quicker than regular design. Isuzu says the rear seats have an increase of \n20 mm\n in shoulder room, plus a less angled seat back for better comfort during long journeys.\nThe centre of the high-quality dashboard houses a massive \nnine-inch infotainment system\n, projecting navigation maps from your smartphone with great clarity. The driver meanwhile gets plenty of driving information via a coloured 4.2-inch multi-information display. Clear audio is channelled through\n eight speakers\n, including two roof-mounted speakers plus a Virtual Acoustic Positioning System (VAPS).\nThe sporty shift lever meanwhile is \nilluminated\n with a soft glow, a first in its class to boast this premium design.\n5. Remote Start and Walkaway Auto-lock\nNot many vehicles feature the \nremote start function\n, what more in a pick-up truck! With this first-in-class feature, drivers can turn on the air-conditioning system to cool the cabin down together with a large rear vent.\nThe walkaway auto-lock automatically locks the all-new Isuzu D-Max once the key fob is 3 metres away.\nFor a more detailed coverage on the all-new Isuzu D-Max, click \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Shortly after revealing the initial specifications of the third-generation Kia Picanto, Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has just confirmed on their social media pages that the all-new hatchback will make its Malaysian debut on the 10th January 2018.\nFirst presented to the public\n at the\n 2017 Malaysia Autoshow\n, \nwe know that the Picanto will be equipped with\n projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front air curtains, front fog lamps, LED combination taillamps and chrome door handles. Inside you\u2019ll find a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.\nThe safety equipment list reads six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist. We will have to wait for the official launch for more details on performance, exterior trim lines, variant choices and most importantly, price.\nPreviously, NKM offered the \nsecond-gen Picanto\n in automatic and manual variants, both priced below RM60k. It is very likely that NKM will price the new Picanto as competitively as before. If you\u2019re keen on having the Picanto as a potential replacement for your city commute, \nregistration of interest\n for the new compact hatchback is now open.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After announcing in May that the 2.0G Mazda CX-30 will come\n keyless entry and walkaway auto-lock\n, alongside the \naddition of a 2.0G High AWD variant\n, \nMazda\n has now added yet another feature for the base model 2.0G variant.\nThey will now be equipped with a powered tailgate and of course, there\u2019s a slight increase in price. The 2.0G variant is now priced at \nRM144,759\n, an increase of RM3,110. Previously, with the addition of the keyless entry, the CX-30 2.0G saw an increase of RM2,700.\n \nAs for the other three variants of the Mazda CX-30, the 2.0 High, 2.0 High AWD, and the 1.8 turbodiesel High variant, everything remains unchanged except their prices following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement. The CX-30 2.0 High is now priced at \nRM159,109\n, the 2.0 High AWD at \nRM170,459\n and the 1.8D High at \nRM167,673.60\n.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, here\u2019s the \nlatest price list o\nf\n Mazda vehicles in Malaysia\n."
"With the entire automotive industry shifting towards alternative propulsion methods as a response to the tightening emissions standards worldwide, it seems that even the purest sports cars can\u2019t escape the wrath of electrification. According to a report by Japanese outlet \nKuruma News\n, Mazda has confirmed that the \nMX-5 roadster\n will be electrified by 2030, and it\u2019ll most likely be a hybrid.\nThe news comes from a media roundtable session following the brand\u2019s \nannouncement of its electrification plans last week\n \u2013 which will see all Mazda vehicles offer some form of electrified option by the end of the decade.\nMazda R&D and Cost Innovation Supervisor, Takeji Kojima said during the session that the MX-5 roadster is included in the \u201cscope of electrification in 2030\u201d, and while he did not expand further on the form of electrification, Kojima says that Mazda wants to retain the values and DNA of the MX-5 as a lightweight sports car, despite electrification.\nMazda recently unveiled a weird China-exclusive franken-SUV EV, based on the CX-30. Check it out here!\nThat statement strongly suggests that the upcoming electrified Mazda MX-5 will carry a hybrid powertrain, rather than a significantly heavier fully-electric one. Although, there are no indications on whether it\u2019ll be the 24V/48V mild hybrid set-up, or a more powerful series-hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.\nIn addition to electrification, Mazda R&D executive Takeji Kojima also brought up the use of biofuel, such as e-fuel, in internal combustion engines as part of Mazda\u2019s plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.\nSwedish hypercar maker Koenigsegg recently started experimenting with volcano-based biofuel \u2013 yes, you read that right!\nNot much else has been said about the upcoming Mazda MX-5, which should be making its global debut sometime between 2022 and 2025, judging by a standard eight to 10 year lifecycle for the model. The \u2018ND\u2019 MX-5 was unveiled globally in 2014, featuring a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine that pushes \n184 hp \nand \n205 Nm\n to the rear wheels.\nWhile Mazda may not be considering a fully-electric MX-5 for now, it seems like a proper EV MX-5 will soon become an inevitable fact, no thanks to the ever-tightening emissions regulations and market restrictions all over the world over the next decade. At least, we do know that Mazda still has plans for its combustion engines, \nat least for the next 10 years\n."
"Aston Martin\u2019s first ever battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) will be the \nAston Martin Rapide E\n. The four-door all-electric sports car will go into production in 2019 and now the Gaydon based carmaker has just released initial details of their new EV.\nThe Rapide E will be driven by two electric motors mounted on the rear axle, giving the car a combined output of over \n610 hp\n and \n950 Nm\n of torque. Aston Martin claims that the Rapide E will be capable of a \n250 km/h\n top speed and sprinting from 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) takes just under four seconds.\nThe engineering team have focused on achieving effective cooling of the batteries and motors to ensure that the driver can enjoy consistent performance throughout the battery charge state. The battery pack is strategically placed where the original 6.0-litre V12 and fuel tank were located to give the rear-wheel-drive EV similar dynamics as the petrol-powered Rapide S.\nAston Martin claims that the 65-kWh capacity battery pack allows the Rapide E to cover over \n322 km\n (200 miles) on a full charge. The battery pack takes a little over an hour to be fully charged when plugged into a typical 400V 50-kW charging station.\nOther innovation that debuts on the electric powered Rapide includes aerodynamic enhancements to the body kit, underbody, wheels and bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres. Aston Martin aims to achieve higher levels of aerodynamics, frictional loss and cooling performance on the Rapide E compared to the standard Rapide S.\nOnly 155 units of the Aston Martin Rapide E will roll out of production floors and customer deliveries are scheduled for Q4 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I\u2019m going to cut straight to the chase, this is the most well-rounded car I\u2019ve been behind the wheel of for a very long time. For what the \nBMW 118 M Sport\n costs, it was really hard for me to fault it even for the slightest shortcoming.\nGo to every car website in Malaysia \u2013 whether its\n Zerotohundred\n or \nCarlist\n and you\u2019d realised that everyone said the same thing \u2013 the BMW 118 M Sport at a mere RM 189,000, offers the most for your money \u2013 whether it\u2019s performance, handling, ride comfort, NVH, in-car features or space.\nIt then brings me to this dilemma, what can I say about it, that would be different from everyone else? Turns out, \nabsolutely nothing\n. So here\u2019s how I\u2019m going to approach this story \u2013 if you like to drive, you\u2019d love the BMW 118 M Sport because.\ndespite it having a 3-cylinder engine, three less than what BMW was famous for, the vibrations so commonly associated with it were almost none existent \u2013 not through the steering, not at idle.\nit did not rev like how you\u2019d expect a 3-cylinder would. If anything, you could\u2019ve been easily fooled to believe it to be a 4-cylinder or even six \u2013 such was the smoothness of the power delivery and eagerness up the rev range.\nit\u2019s 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, with a mere \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm \noffers plenty enough poke, not to tailgate Ferrari\u2019s, but enough for accelerations to be smooth and seamless because let\u2019s face it, everyone wants Ferrari-like performance but how often do we get to fully utilise it? In the BMW 118 M Sport, you get to squeeze every ounce out of it out without the slightest concern of it biting back.\nit\u2019s a real driver\u2019s car despite being marketed as your usable daily driver, which it still is. I say that because with a smaller and consequentially lighter engine at the front, the whole car felt really balanced without noticeable weight bias. As such, the BMW 118 M Sport was predictable, devoid of unsettling reactions and a ball of fun to drive \u2013 hard.   you will not be able to believe how this little hatchback pulls all the way to unspeakable speeds without any signs of struggle. The saying used to go, \u201cThere\u2019s no replacement for displacement\u201d; in the BMW 118 M Sport, you\u2019d realise the opposite is true.\nthe BMW 118 M Sport is devoid of distractions inside and as such there is nothing to distract you from the main reason of being behind the wheel \u2013 to drive. It has everything you need, and none of what you don\u2019t. Some of you might be harsh on this fact but it\u2019s only logical to remember that this is a BMW that costs under RM 200k and sometimes expectations should only go that far.\nthe steering is nice and thick, unlike what she said, is almost perfectly weighted, direct and communicative with of course, the usual controls for the radio and other such things those who really love driving wouldn\u2019t care about.\nits 8-speed Steptronic torque converter automatic is as responsive and refined as you can ever hope for a conventional gearbox to be. Sure, there is a visible lacking of pedal shifters but honestly, you wouldn\u2019t lament having to use the gear lever to manually up or downshift cause it\u2019s as quick to react as it is ergonomic.   you can drive real long in this car. The seats, while not the most visually-enticing, is as comfortable as it is subtle in its appearance. It comes with the necessary lumbar support and is electrically adjustable too. The seats even come adjustable rib support to really hold you in place while you explore the limits of the 118 M Sport around the bends.\nit\u2019s a real comfortable place to be. Considering how hard the M Sport suspension with stiffer springs allows the car to swing round corners, you\u2019d expect the ride to be as unforgiving as a jealous mistress but no, on normal roads, in most real-world conditions, the 118 M Sport absorbs all the bumps and humps KL roads has to offer, as well as you\u2019d expect it to.\nyou\u2019d be rather disappointed knowing that you\u2019d have to refuel a lot, not the car but your water bottle as the holders by the door panels are rather small. Fuel efficiency wise, the BMW 118 M Sport easily returned 500 km of mileage despite my frequent misbehaving with the throttle.\nyou\u2019d get to silence your passengers, especially those at the back, from complaints and distractions because despite being a hatchback, the rear section offers plenty of head and legroom even for full-sized Asian adults.\nroad trips will not trouble you for a lack of space in the boot as it is abundant for all the luggage you\u2019ll need for a short getaway. If you have a larger family or going further away, you wouldn\u2019t want or need the BMW 118 M Sport in the first place.\nevery time you\u2019re getting into it which you will, the inevitable glance of the BMW118\u2019s proportions will convince you that you\u2019ve bought the right car cause it\u2019s such a looker.\nwith all that time spent on the road, the BMW 118 has your back when others lose concentration as safety wise, it still comes with the necessary six airbags, \nABS\n, EBD, \nElectronic Stability Control\n, ISOFIX and Lane Departure Warning among others.\nfuture BMW 1-series\u2019 are going to come in FWD configurations so this current model is pretty much the last of its kind \u2013 get it while you still can.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Toyota Aqua might sound familiar and yet a little foreign to some. When it was first introduced at the end of 2011, the Aqua was the baby Prius, where it featured a much smaller 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with a total output of 100 hp. \u00a0\nThe name Aqua, derived from the Latin word for water, is meant to evoke an image of clean transparency as well as of something that is universally cherished. Also, the Aqua is meant to break the conventional image of hybrid vehicles, becoming something fluid and not constrained to any one shape or role\u2015like free-flowing water.\nThe name did not resonate with consumers outside of Japan, so Toyota used the \nPrius C\n name for the rest of the world. Riding on the \nPrius\n nameplate helped too, as it was much easy to explain to your friends you are driving a smaller Prius than an Aqua.\nThe Toyota Yaris is voted the 2021 European Car of the Year! More details here!\nThanks to the short-lived hybrid vehicle tax incentive for CBU models, the \nPrius C was offered in Malaysia\n for under RM100,000 in 2012, with the model being discontinued by 2014 due to a 50% more expensive price tag with the inclusion of import and excise duties.\nToyota today finally unveiled the second-generation Toyota Aqua. Over nine years, approximately 1.87 million units of the model have been sold and Toyota estimates \na reduction of 12.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions\n.\nThe company is approaching the development of the Aqua in the same way as it did ten years ago- a compact car that is safe, comfortable, superior fuel consumption and simple.\nCompared to the \nnew Toyota Yaris\n, the new Toyota Aqua has a larger footprint utilizing the same \nTNGA GA-B platform\n, measuring \n110 mm longer\n together with a \n50 mm longer wheelbase\n. They both share the same 1,695 mm-width which enables the vehicles to be placed in a lower tax bracket in Japan.\nNew model\nOld model\nThe new Aqua is Toyota\u2019s least-dramatically styled new model. It has to appeal to many\n.\nStyling-wise, the Toyota Aqua looks more evolutionary when compared to its predecessor. The vertical-oriented taillamps are now much larger and feature a more high-tech look with black surrounds.\nBoth the Toyota Yaris Hybrid and Toyota Aqua share the same fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System that pairs a 1.5-litre three-cylinder Dynamic Force engine with electric motors. However, for the Toyota Aqua, the energy storage features a new \nbipolar nickel-hydrogen battery\n.\nThis new construction of the battery system simplifies multiple cell arrangement for a more compact dimension whilst delivering higher output. Fuel efficiency for the Toyota Aqua is certified to be as high as \n35.8 km/l\n under the WLTP test cycle, just 0.2 km/l worse than the most basic Toyota Yaris hybrid that is also lighter.\nNo mention of the total system output with the new battery. For reference, the current Toyota Yaris hybrid with lithium-ion battery has \n116 hp\n and completes the 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.7 seconds\n. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe new Aqua will also feature Toyota\u2019s version of \none-pedal driving\n called the \nComfort Pedal\n under the Power Plus mode with higher regenerative braking.\nLearning through feedback from emergency services and Nissan with its Leaf, Toyota is equipping all new Aqua variants with a high-power outlet (AC 100V/1,500 W) as well as an \nEmergency Power Supply mode\n. This will prove useful during times of disaster where the Aqua\u2019s battery can be used to power basic simple home appliances such as electric kettles and hair dryers.\nBeing a dedicated hybrid-only model, the new Aqua gets a shift-by-wire system placed on the dashboard. This allows more storage space at the lower console. Toyota is also debuting their latest infotainment display in a compact car with the new Aqua, with the screen measuring 10.5 inches.\nThe interior will also be more upmarket than the Yaris, with soft-trimmed surfaces at key touchpoints. As for safety systems, the new Aqua is the first compact car from the brand to offer the Toyota Teammate Advanced Park and Parking Support Brake features.\nToyota is offering four variants of the new Aqua with a price range from \n1,980,000 Yen\n (RM76,000) to \n2,598,000 Yen\n (RM100,000), just slightly more than the Yaris Hybrid variants. The company has very high hopes for the new Aqua too, expecting sales of \n9,800 units per month\n!\nGALLERY"
"In just three weeks, a team of 12 from Daimler Buses have converted the Mercedes-Benz Citaro inter-city bus into a specialised vehicle for the purpose of transferring Covid-19 patients, by the German Red Cross Emergency Medical Services.\nThe 45 seater Citaro, with a standing capacity of 40, is now equipped with \nfour intensive care beds\n for its new function \u2013 allowing German Red Cross staff to transport intensive care patients to other hospitals safely and efficiently. At any one time, there\u2019ll be two intensive care doctors, three paramedics and two ambulance officers present in the Citaro.\nAs for on-board equipment, the Citaro is as comprehensive as you\u2019d expect an ICU on wheels to be. It\u2019s been fitted with four intensive care ventilators, four monitoring screens, a sonography unit, a blood gas analysis device and four electro-hydraulic wheeled stretchers with a loading system, to name a few.\nThere are also storage spaces for medicine, other breathing apparatus, and protective clothing for the medical staff. Like conventional ambulances, the Citaro\u2019s windows have also been laminated for privacy. To protect the driver from any risks of exposure to the virus, a wall has been erected to separate them from the patients on board.\n\u201cSomething that would normally take months, even years, to develop and build was implemented within a few weeks together with Daimler Buses. This is not just a bus but an efficient means of transportation and relief concept,\u201d said a spokesperson for the German Red Cross Emergency Medical Services.\nGALLERY"
"The \nrecently launched Volkswagen Tiguan\n\u00a0seems to be rather popular with the people, with the majority opting for the RM169k Highline variant. But why is the waiting list so long?\nWell, according to a representative from Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), the waiting period varies depending on the variant and colour of choice. For example, those who opt for the Comfortline in Pure White may experience a shorter waiting duration than others who purchased the Highline in Atlantic Blue.\nBesides that, their assembly\u00a0plant in Pekan is heavily focused on producing the \nVento\n, which is also increasing in demand. The plant is currently in the upgrading stages to facilitate assembly of their cars that\u2019s based on the MQB platform (shared with the \nCKD Passat B8\n as well).\nAs a quick recap, the Tiguan is powered solely by the \n1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n engine that\u2019s paired to a six-speed DSG (wet clutch, if you must know) transmission. \nWe recently sampled both the Comfortline and Highline on a trip with VPCM to Ipoh\n, so be sure to give that a read to find out our early impressions of the affordably priced premium SUV. Otherwise, let Adrian take you on a First Look around it in the video below!\nIMAGE GALLERY   Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Highline   Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Comfortline"
"The Three-Pointed Star carmaker from Stuttgart has rolled out the newest member of the W205 C-Class model, albeit with a couple of doors missing from action. Mercedes-Benz has capitalised on the styling cue of the S-Class Coup\u00e9 and channeled it here \u2013 a trait that we\u2019ve come to like.\nMercedes has claimed that the\u00a0\nW205\n model will be a more driver-focused machine and hits\u00a0all the right notes by having features such as the long sweeping bonnet (overall it\u2019s 95mm longer than its predecessor), the\n \u201cdiamond\u201d\n mesh grille and \nframeless doors\n. Basically all the trappings of a desirable coupe.   The Coup\u00e9 is available with a plethora of various options such the \nAMG-line\n which include sporty\n bumpers\n and \nsills\n, a \ndiamond-mesh radiator grille\n with \n18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels\n. On the inside, there\u2019s ARTICO faux leather, AMG-style flat bottom multifunction steering wheel and AMG pedals. Giving it the sporty edge is the black aluminium trims on the dash and doors.\nWhile the Coup\u00e9 comes with conventional steel suspension that sits \n15mm\n lower than the saloon, an electronically controlled\n AIRMATIC\n\u00a0suspension with\u00a0continuously adjustable damping air suspension is available as a cost option should\u00a0you fancy.\nPowering the C-Class Coup\u00e9 is a job tasked for the myriad of engine options available here which ranges from efficient\n four-cylinder petrol and diesel\n engines with start/stop function for added frugality. The ones we will most likely get are the \nC200\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nC250\n variants, each with an output of\n 184\n\u00a0and \n211\n \nhorses\n respectively.\nThe\n C300\n on the other hand comes with a displacement of\n\u00a02.0-litre\n\u00a0but is tuned to make\n\u00a0245 hp\n. No V6 mills will be made available, at least not yet. Additionally,\u00a0\ntwo diesel\n models with a thrifty \nfour-cylinder \nengine\n\u00a0\ndeveloping\n 170 hp \nand\n 204 hp\n are also announced to the same affect.   All this power and speed demands safety features of which the Coup\u00e9 has in abundance, such as\u00a0\nAttention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus\n and \nAdaptive Braking Assist\n;\u00a0all of which are in place to make sure that the car is as safe as it can be, for the sole purpose of the \ndriver\u2019s safety\n.\nBut when you\u2019re done flailing the coupe around and\u00a0just want to cruise home, the C-Class Coup\u00e9 settles down with you, and gives you a chance to play with some of the toys, namely the\n\u00a0Audio 20 CD\n system with \nHD drive\n that stores your \nmusic\n,\n videos \nand\n\u00a0Sat-Nav software\n. \nBluetooth\n connectivity means that your favourite \nSpotify\n playlist is just at the touch of your fingertips with \nCOMAND\n.\n \n \nMore details on the C-Class Coupe will surface soon towards its release date at the end of this year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When the Jetta was first introduced to our market back in 2011 as a fully imported unit, it instantly became the most advanced vehicle in its class and thanks to German technology and build quality, it didn\u2019t have to worry about its then RM150k asking price. Then came the locally assembled Jetta in \n2014\n that knocked off a good RM19k off the CBU\u2019s price tag. Naturally, demand for the Jetta surged.\nFast forward to 2016, the Jetta\u2019s reserved styling aged well for a five-year old car but pales in comparison to the soulful \nMazda3\n or the futuristic \nHonda Civic\n. Those halogen reflector headlamps just had\u00a0to go for the Jetta to stay relevant.\nFortunately, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just released the \nJetta facelift\n that comes with a fresh face, upgraded equipment and most importantly a lower price tag. But is it enough to take on the C-segment powerhouses? We join VPCM for a media test drive in the \nJetta 1.4 TSI Highline\n to find out.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Highline\nEngine\n1,395cc; inline-4 turbo BlueMotion\nTransmission\n7-speed DSG\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n8.6 seconds; 220 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM128,990\nWhile we were waiting for the flag off, I must say that the Jetta has one of the most ergonomically sound interior in the segment. Allow me to explain. Every controls are so thoughtfully laid out that you never have to second guess where the buttons are and what do they do. The Multi-Function Display (MFD) operable via the multifunctional steering wheel provides all the necessary driving information you need. There is also plenty of room for five adult passengers to sit comfortably with pockets and cup holders to stow away loose items.   We started our journey at the heart of PJ which means, traffic was not on our side. Not the best way to start our day in dry dual-clutch transmission equipped vehicles as they\u2019re notoriously known for the jerking motion at low speeds. To my surprise, with the \nnew transmission components\n coupled with \nrevised transmission mapping\n, getting on the move from stationary felt like a smooth torque converter. The clutch engages much quicker and more intelligently too. With the jerking motion rectified, driving the Jetta in slow moving traffic is no longer an annoyance.\nAs we cruise along the highway, cabin refinement is just as expected from a VW badge \u2013 impressive. Wind and tyre noise were not intrusive even at high speeds. In addition to that, the larger \n17-inch\n and lower profile tyres (225/45) keeps the Jetta well planted to the tarmac gives you plenty of confidence behind the wheel. Although this setup does make for a stiffer overall ride but it\u2019s a trade-off I am willing to live with for the added handling performance.\nWith \nBlueMotion technology\n equipped, the Jetta now comes with \ncoasting function\n which disengages the gearbox from the flywheel to allow the car to essentially coast in Neutral when you lift off the throttle at cruising speeds above 80km/h. However, to get the power back on when, the clutch does take a second or two to reengage. This is not something that I am comfortable with while travelling along the fast lane, hence leaving the system deactivated for the most part of the drive.\nThe same 1.4-litre TSI single turbocharged mill and seven-speed DSG combination found in the \nMk7 Golf\n is no slouch. Pedal to the floor, the class leading \n250 Nm\n of torque gives a kick to your back and eagerly sets off to achieve the acclaimed \n220km/h top speed\n. The light quick shifts of the DSG certainly adds to the Jetta\u2019s eagerness. It\u2019s hands down my favourite gearbox there is in the market right now. Even with just \n148 hp\n, the 1.4-litre mill still has plenty of grunt to continue accelerating beyond the 110km/h mark.\nTo cast away the concerns of DSG skeptics, VPCM has addressed that they have \nupdated the DQ200\n seven-speed dry clutch DSG with more robust mechatronic, new cutch lining material, use of mineral oil as well as new transmission software to rectify the notorious DSG failures. In addition to that, the Jetta also comes with a \n5-Year manufacturer warranty\n for a peace of mind ownership.\nThe convoy took the longer route with plenty of twisty bits down to Malacca and again, the Jetta delivers. Underneath the \nPassat B7\n-esque skin of the Jetta facelift is essentially a Mk6 Golf (the two share the same platform). The Jetta points to the direction you want it to go instantaneously and with great accuracy. Thankfully, VPCM has reintroduced paddle shifters to the Jetta Highline which added that extra control and sporty appeal to the car. Compared to its main rivals, the Jetta fares well but you will\u00a0have a tough time keeping up with the Ford Focus and Mazda3 around the bends.\nHowever, if you get over enthusiastic with your entry speed, body roll is apparent although not enough to unsettle the car. Of course, the Jetta facelift comes with an array of safety features in case the car is pushed over the limit. All Jettas come with six airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESC, hill-hold control, brake pad wear monitor, ISOFIX mounting points and Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) as standard.\nIn a segment saturated with cars trying to stand out with innovative designs and\u00a0outright performance, many overlook the little details that make up the \nvehicle\u2019s overall packaging\n. Take for example the Civic. It may look good as a whole but it is nowhere near as polished as the German maker. Sure, the Focus and Mazda3 may drive better than the Jetta but at a cost of interior space which defeats the purpose of having a C-segment sedan.\nIf I had to pick one of the aforementioned cars as a daily driver, my choice will no doubt be the Jetta. It has a well thought out interior, decent levels of performance and an attractive price tag of RM129k. To give you an idea of what it\u2019s worth, the top of the range Civic, Toyota Altis and Mazda3 is priced at RM136k, RM139k and RM121k respectively. The Jetta 1.4TSI Highline to me is no doubt the best value for money C-segment sedan in the market today.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The \u201cPouncing Wombat\u201d is back in both \nsedan\n and \n\u201cliftback\u201d\n layout and Mazda said it\u2019s purer, more minimalist and better than ever! The new Mazda 3 is available in five different variants with \nprices starting from RM139k to RM160k\n.\nThe two base models are offered with 1.5-litre engines with \n118 hp\n and \n153 Nm\n while the \u201cHigh\u201d and \u201cHigh Plus\u201d models get the more powerful 2.0-litre engine with \n162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n of torque. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.\n \nThe star of this show is undoubtedly the Mazda 3 LiftBack, which upon closer observation, does not shy away from the concept it was based on \u2013 the \nKai Concept\n.\nYou may have gawked over its pictures but nothing prepares you for the sheer beauty and soul in motion of the actual car. Among the notable features offered include LED DRLs both in the front and back, 18-inch wheels, sunroof and keyless entry.\nThe minimalist and even more ergonomic cabin from before features leather upholstery, a 10-way powered driver seat with memory function, rear air con vents, eight parking sensors, auto locking, paddle shifters and dual zone climate control.\nThe High Plus variants (sedan & liftback) standsout with Mazda\u2019s i-Activsense driver assistance system which includes Adaptive Front Lighting System, High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Radar Cruise Control, and Smart City Brake Support.\nIs the pouncing wombat still as ferocious as it was before? Here\u2019s what GC Mah thinks!"
"The Toyota Corolla has once again conquered the compact car world in 2015 with a cumulative sales of 1.27 million units. This is also the most Corollas Toyota has sold in the history of the model!\nFor the uninitiated, the compact car\u00a0(for the United States) and small family car (for the UK) are commonly referred to as C-segment cars in this region. Such examples cars within this segment include the \nFord Focus\n, \nVolkswagen Golf\n, \nMazda3\n, \nHonda Civic\n and of course the \nToyota Corolla\n.\nThe Corolla, famous for its reliability, continues to dominate the global small family car sales chart with over 1.27 million units delivered throughout 2015 alone. Its market share improved by 0.6 percent compared to 2014. Playing second fiddle to the Corolla is a car which just turned 40 years old last year \u2013 the\u00a0Volkswagen Golf \u2013\u00a0with a total of 1,024,000 sales. That\u2019s impressive given the fact the Volkswagen\u2019s brand was tarnished by last year\u2019s \ndieselgate scandal\n.\nThe \nFord Focus\n meanwhile slipped 20 percent, falling down one place to third with 804,942 cars sold. Sales figures have also declined for the Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic, but they still remain in the top 10 list below:\nMeanwhile, the \nMazda3\n\u00a0(which we think is one of the best C-segment cars on sale in Malaysia) took eighth\u00a0place with 448,804 units sold, a 15 percent jump compared to 2014.\u00a0In the premium segment, Audi took home the crown jewel after outselling the \nBMW 1-Series\n and \nMercedes-Benz A-Class\n, thanks to the hot-selling \nA3 model\n with 349,901 cars sold. It\u2019s also the only premium car in the entire top 10 list!\nThe \nHonda City\n\u00a0also deserves some mention here following its unprecedented success\u00a0in Malaysia last year, which helped secure 12th placing with 286,179 cars sold. Ironically, the City is categorised as a sub-B segment car in Malaysia, but its dimension and space could really put a typical C-segment car to shame.\nCloser to home, UMW Toyota has been offering the eleventh-generation Corolla (known as the Corolla Altis) since 2014.\u00a0The thing is, we\u2019re unable to determine if the Toyota Corolla Altis is the most popular C-segment car in Malaysia, since the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) would not reveal data of model sales to be made public (only\u00a0\noverall numbers\n\u00a0are revealed to the public).\n[Source: \nFocus2Move\n]"
"We are witnessing history, my friends, as the first-ever Ferrari SUV is almost upon us. The Italian supercar maker has announced through its social media pages that its upcoming SUV, dubbed the \nFerrari Purosangue\n (Italian for \u201cthoroughbred\u201d), will be making its debut on September 13, 2022 \u2013 officially, at least.\nThe teaser post also gave us our first proper listen to the \nnew V12 engine\n at full pelt, and as expected, it\u2019s glorious \u2013 we\u2019re still playing it on loop in the office.\nYou heard it here first.\nMore will be revealed on the 13th of September.\n#FerrariPurosangue\n \n#Ferrari\n \npic.twitter.com/xQOTpdJBiM\n\u2014 Ferrari (@Ferrari) \nSeptember 6, 2022\n \nOf course, we\u2019ve already pretty much seen the Ferrari Purosangue in full, thanks to a \nleak back in February \nthat showed off the entire exterior of the purported SUV. Even Ferrari\u2019s \nown teaser in March\n also showed off the Purosangue\u2019s front end completely, with just a few basic tweaks to the image.\nCheekily, Ferrari acknowledged this too, on a post from the day before featuring a darkened image of the SUV, with the caption \u201cWe know you love to brighten #Ferrari teaser pictures.\u201d. Unfortunately, brightening the image here doesn\u2019t give us any more clues, aside from the hidden text revealing the launch date.\nRELATED: \nFerrari is making a new V12 engine for the Purosangue SUV\nFrom what we\u2019ve seen thus far, we know that the Purosangue will feature design cues that are heavily influenced by recent Ferrari models, including the C-shaped headlights from the \nSF90 Stradale\n, and a rear end that seems to be inspired by the \nGTC4 Lusso\n.\nThe front fascia will also feature a massive lower intake, with various aerodynamic elements to cater for cooling and air-bending purposes. There\u2019s also a sculpted bonnet with a \u201cpower bulge\u201d down the middle, presumably to make space for the new V12 engine that\u2019s already been confirmed for the SUV.\nALSO READ: \nHere\u2019s your first look at the Ferrari Purosangue SUV\nWe\u2019ll know more about the upcoming Ferrari Purosangue SUV very very soon, so sit tight \u2013 it\u2019s truly the start of a new era. With performance SUVs from its chief competitors (Lamborghini, Bentley, and Aston Martin just to name a few.) being so popular, don\u2019t be surprised when the Purosangue becomes one of Ferrari\u2019s best-selling model, too \u2013 although the company is seemingly planning to limit its availability."
"The BMW name has reportedly been spotted in some trademark filing documents and the model names they were \u2018booking\u2019 looked even more interesting.\nBMW has reserved the names \u2018M7\u2019 and \u2018M9\u2019 for vehicles that do not exist at the moment, nor are there any indicators of it.\nThe BMW X7 facelift spied\nIt\u2019s uncertain whether a car like an M7, with its persona and performance, would even attract CEOs and businessmen unless fleeing gunmen is a common occurrence.\nThat said, BMW did build a 760Li a couple of years back, with a massive 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 making close to 600 hp. There\u2019s also the 750i with a twin-turbo V8 engine and all-wheel drive if you had Jason Statham for a driver.\nCredit: \nSpyder7\nThe booking of the M9 name is even more intriguing as there\u2019s never been any word on a 9-Series \u2013 you can only imagine the type of vehicle that would bear the name. With the way of the world, it\u2019s probably an SUV but don\u2019t get your hopes up just yet.\nA little digging around revealed that sources close to BMW revealed that such exercises, like filing trademarks for names, are to avoid competitors from using the name.\nIf we do get an M9, or even a 9-Series for that matter, what would you like it to be?\nBMW\u2019s new gaming chair is just what you need during this lockdown.check it out here!"
"Is your car collection lacking a centrepiece? Aston Martin has finally unveiled the DBS GT Zagato at the Newport Concours in Rhode Island, shown for the very first time in a complete production-ready form.\u00a0\nThere will only be 19 units of the Centenary Specification DBS GT Zagato, and you will have to buy it as a pair with the \nDB4 GT Zagato Continuation\n for an eye-watering \u00a36 million (RM31 million). The two cars form the \nDBZ Centenary Collection\n to celebrate 100 years of the legendary Zagato signature, and Aston Martin\u2019s 60 years of partnership with the Italian design house.\nBased on the \nDBS Superleggera\n, the DBS GT Zagato will be using the same 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, but this time with power bumped up to \n770 hp\n! No official torque figures and sprint times have been announced yet. We expect the DBS GT Zagato to also carry forward the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission from the DBS Superleggera.\nThe DBS GT Zagato at the Newport Concours is draped in Supernova Red \u2013 a paint colour reserved exclusively for the Centenary Collection edition DBS GT Zagato \u2013 matched with contrasting satin black and gold 3D machined wheels.\nThe active grille in its \u201cclosed\u201d position.\n.how it looks like when it\u2019s open.\nThe car also carries intricate details such as solid 18-carat gold wing badges, gold anodised side strakes and centre lock wheel nuts, carbon fibre roof, and the \u201cliving\u201d 108-piece active grille.\nThe over-the-top design choices also extend to the interior of the car. Wrapped in Caithness Spicy Red upholstery, the central \u201csaddle\u201d design console is accentuated with a gold garnish, using a technique called physical vapour deposition which Aston Martin says \ntakes upwards of 100 hours to print and polish\n.\nWe are not too sure about the gold garnishes, but we certainly don\u2019t have RM31 million lying around..\nIf the design is still not up to your standards, the \u2018Q by Aston Martin\u2019 customisation service can help you take it up a notch, with free reign of material, finish and geometry choices to create completely bespoke components.\nAston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said, \u201cThe design studio at Aston Martin has risen to the task magnificently, working alongside Andrea (Zagato) and his team. They have taken the already fabulous DBS Superleggera and shaped it into something which retains its Aston Martin identity, yet expresses itself as only a Zagato can. It is the modern expression of a timeless icon.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Of late, it\u2019s obvious that traffic has taken a turn for the worse even when compared with pre-Covid times; that\u2019s even before it starts to rain, at peak hour, on a Friday.\nUniversity Kebangsaan Malaysia, Head of Traffic Psychology and Road Safety, Professor Dr. Rozmi Ismail, who is leading a team of researchers to resolve traffic congestion in the capital, thinks they have the answer to the problem \u2013 by restricting/disposing of cars above 10 years old from our roads.\n\u201cLogically, disposing of these old cars would prevent owners from further spending more money to maintain them,\u201d he said.\nAccording to Dr. Rozmi, the policy will balance out the number of old and new cars on the road. He also added that disposing these old cars will also reduce carbon emissions.\nOn how disposing of old cars can improve traffic congestion, Dr. Rozmi said that with every disposal of an old car, it\u2019s bound to be replaced by a new car \u2013 something that\u2019s undoubtedly easier said than done \u2013 people just can\u2019t afford new cars.\nDr. Rozmi also added that for those with two vehicles or more at home, it won\u2019t be a problem as they can drive either car that isn\u2019t due for disposal.\nWe wonder which country, planet of even reality the esteemed Dr. Rozmi is residing in."
"When people talk about Peugeot these days, most will think of the 208s or the SUVs that they mostly make now; not so much about performance or racing. So when Peugeot announced that they will be returning to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2022, many people were left bewildered at that notion.\u00a0\nLittle do they know though, Peugeot actually has a very illustrious racing history dating all the way back to 1895! We thought we\u2019d look back at some of Peugeot\u2019s most successful racing cars, as a precursor to what the French brand might bring to the table in the 2021/22 season.\u00a0\n Photo: McKlein Image Database\nRally\nGroup B rally, introduced in 1982, was often hailed as the \u201cgolden age of rally\u201d. If so, the golden car of the golden age would be the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 (T16).\u00a0\nAlthough looking like the 205, the rally car actually barely has anything to do with the street-legal supermini. Underneath the 205 camouflage is a spaceframe chassis, while a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine mounted in the middle sends power to a permanent four-wheel drive set up.\u00a0\nPhoto: McKlein Image Database\nThe 205 T16 was introduced in 1984, and went on to win three times in the first year. The improved 205 T16 Evolution 2 reportedly made upwards of 600 hp, which propelled the little Peugeot to a total of 16 victories \u2013 making it the most successful Group B car of all time.\u00a0\nThe 205 T16 Evo 2 also went on to win the Paris Dakar twice, and only retired when the 405 T16 (which was really just a rebodied 205 T16) was introduced for Dakar in 1989.\nPhoto: \nNic Redhead/Flickr\nPikes Peak Hill Climb\nPikes Peak is frequently called the Devil\u2019s Playground due to the challenging 156 turns, many of which would send you off a cliff with a single mistake. Coincidentally, the famed hill climb is also one of Peugeot\u2019s favourite playground.\u00a0\nThe 405 T16 won the Pikes Peak hill climb twice in 1988 and 1989, but it was the 2013 attempt that really cemented the French brand as an immortal figure at the course. Piloted by nine-times WRC Champion Sebastian Loeb, the 208 T16 Pikes Peak shattered the course record with a time of 8 minutes 13.9 seconds.\n \nA 3.2-litre V6 engine provides motivation to the tune of 887 hp. Paired with a car that weighs only 875 kg, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 1.8 seconds, and the T16 reached 240 km/h in just seven seconds.\u00a0\nThe lap record set by the 208 T16, which bettered the previous by more than 1:30 minutes, held on for five years. It was until 2018 that the record was beaten, by the Volkswagen ID.R electric car by about 17 seconds.\nPhoto: Peugeot\nLe Mans\nPeugeot\u2019s efforts in Le Mans actually started even before the 24-hour race format was established in 1912. But it was only in 1992 when Peugeot finally claimed its first 24 hours of Le Mans victory, with the glorious 905 howling to an unmistakable V10 tune.\nThe Peugeot 905s began racing in Le Mans in 1991, and were actually the fastest cars that year. However, mechanical reliability plagued the cars within the first six hours, giving the win to the Mazda 787B.\u00a0\nPhoto: \nThomas Doerfer\n/\nWikimedia\nIn 1992, Peugeot came back with a revised 905B featuring a reworked and more powerful engine, winning them five out of six World Sportscar Championship races, including Le Mans. The 905B also raced in the 1993 24 Heures Du Mans with a three-car effort, bagging them the historic 1-2-3 finish.\u00a0\nPeugeot returned to prototype racing in 2007 with the 908 HDi FAP, powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12 engine. However, they struggled to keep up the pace with main rival Audi, finishing second behind their German rivals.\nPhoto: DoomWarrior/\nWikimedia\nIn the 2009 24-hour of Le Mans, the stars aligned. Fielding four cars, Peugeot finally managed to clinch victory in style with a 1-2 finish \u2013 16 years after their last win in the endurance race.\u00a0\nLooking back at Peugeot\u2019s successful racing history, it\u2019s no wonder that racing fans are excited by the announcement of their return to WEC. Will Peugeot be as successful as they were before? Only time will tell.\nBut one thing we do know is that it\u2019ll make for brilliant racing with more manufacturers joining the race."
"Porsche \nhas set a new record for the \u201cfastest single journey in an EV from Thailand to Singapore\u201d with a \nTaycan 4S Cross Turismo\n, completing the run in just \n29 hours and 15 minutes\n. Dubbed the \u201cTaycan Record Run\u201d, the feat was achieved by three journalists from Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia \u2013 including our very own Pan Eu Jin!\nThe trio \u2013 with Pholpat Salayakanond from Thailand and Desmond Chan from Singapore \u2013 drove in shifts across the gruelling 1,845 km route, stopping only for short charging intervals along the journey from Bang Yai, the outskirts of Bangkok, to Garden by the Bay in Singapore.\nThe Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo used for the challenge is equipped with the Performance Battery Plus package, which after the \nsoftware update in 2022\n, boasts an improved WLTP-rated electric driving range of 512 km in a single charge.\nHowever, the run will not be possible without the \ncross-country Shell Recharge HPC network\n, which was jointly set up by Shell and Porsche last year. The network\u2019s 180-360 kW ABB chargers and the Porsche Taycan\u2019s 800V electrical architecture means that each charging interval took no more than 25 minutes on average, saving them valuable time that can be used on the roads.\nWith the Porsche Taycan\u2019s efficiency, the trio only had to make a handful of charging stops during the journey \u2013 each greeted with friendly wishes thanks to the car\u2019s special 75th anniversary livery. Despite the record attempt, Porsche noted that the trio were not afforded any additional benefits aside from the 60 minutes reserve period already accorded to all Porsche owners on the Shell Recharge network.\nAlong the way, the record-breaking car was also kept within all prevailing speed limits, not just for the sake of the legality of the record, but also to prevent unnecessary battery usage.\nALSO WATCH: \nA day on the road and track with the Porsche Taycan!\n \nAfter crossing the Malaysia-Singapore border early on Wednesday morning, the record-breaking Porsche Taycan finally arrived at the SG50 Lattice structure within Gardens by the Bay \u2013 serving as the finishing line \u2013 at 10:15 AM.\nA short verification of the timing sheets by TAG Heuer timekeepers later, and it\u2019s official: the Porsche Taycan and \u2013 I can\u2019t believe I\u2019m saying this \u2013 Eu Jin is now a record holder in both the Singapore and Malaysia Book of Records.\n\u201cTogether with Porsche Singapore and Porsche Thailand, we are pleased to spearhead the first cross-border EV drive across three countries \u2013 Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, proving that seamless long-distance travel in an EV is now a reality,\u201d Sime Darby Auto Performance CEO, Christopher Hunter.\nShell Mobility Malaysia General Manager, Seow Lee Ming adds, \u201cShell Malaysia is extremely proud that 14 of our Shell Recharge High Performing Chargers strategically placed at 7 locations alongst the North \u2013 South Highway have facilitated this record-setting drive. This further demonstrates our effort in pioneering the future of mobility to provide EV drivers with a reliable, smooth and convenient network connecting the countries of Thailand all the way to Singapore via our Shell Recharge network in Malaysia.\u201d\nREAD MORE: \nShell Recharge HPC network now fully operational in Malaysia \u2013 6 DC chargers along North-South highway\nGALLERY"
"Not only has it built a name synonymous with all things James Bond, Aston Martin has recently been named \u201cLuxury Brand of the Year\u201d at the Luxury Briefing Awards \u2013 also known as the \u201cOscars of the Luxury Industry\u201d.\nThe Aston Martin brand was describe as a\u00a0 \u201cpowerful, hugely aspirational brand that is the epitome of luxury\u201d and defied anyone in the room not to covet it.\nThe last 12 months have been \nAnnus Magnificus\n\u00a0for the brand as it soared into profit, increasing in sales by an astonishing 8% in the first half of the year alone \u2013 considered as one of the fastest turnarounds and renaissances the luxury industry has ever seen.\n\u201cIt\u2019s a great honour to be named Luxury Brand of the Year. At Aston Martin Lagonda we have a fantastic team that lives and breathes this beautiful brand, working to grow and develop our presence across the world. With each car launch, each new brand partnership or lifestyle event, we get closer to our current and future customers,\u201d said Aston Martin Lagonda Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Sproule."
"Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, together with the sole and exclusive importer of Mazda vehicles Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd introduced the new \nMazda5 SkyActiv\n in Malaysia. The MPV which retains its current look now has adopted Mazda\u2019s SkyActiv Technology and selling at RM153,019.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda5 SkyActiv\n \nSegment\nMPV / C-MAV (Compact Multi-Activity Vechicle\nEngine\nSkyActiv-G 2.0L, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16 Valve\nTransmission\nSkyActiv-Drive 6-speed AT\nMax Power\n149hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n190Nm @ 4,100\u00a0rpm\nPrice\nRM 153,019 \n(OTR without insurance)\n \n\u00a0\nMazda\u2019s SkyActiv technology was first implemented in the Mazda CX-5, followed by Mazda6, the newly launched Mazda3 and the Biante MPV. Then it is Mazda5\u2019s turn to adopt the SkyActiv Technology and join the new line-up.\nExterior\nThe appearance with its \u201cNagare flow\u201d design has not changed from the current Mazda5 except for the \u201cSKyActiv Technology\u201d badge on its tailgate. That makes us wonder when the Mazda5 with KODO design will be introduced.   The headlights on this MPV are halogen lights with Auto on-off, equipped with foglights, rear lights are bulbs, side mirrors come with turn indicators, 16-inch alloy wheels and it has a pair of powered sliding rear doors.\nInterior\nThe Mazda5 has the unique \u2018\nkarakuri\n\u2018 seventh seat that allows you to carry six or seven occupants at a time. When required, the seat folds out of the left second-row seat to accommodate the seventh passenger. The \u2018karakuri\u2019 seat can be converted to \u2018karakuri\u2019 utility box when not in use.   There are three LCD screens in total with one in front, and additional headrest monitors for second row passengers. Audio system comes with CD, DVD, MP3 and USB features together with four speakers.\u00a0Steering wheel and gear knob are leather wrapped, and the windscreen wipers are equipped with rain sensors. As for airbags, it comes with only two.\nPerformance\nThe new Mazda5 SkyActiv features the SkyActiv-G engine and the SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission. Without the the rest of the technologies such as the SkyActiv-Chasis and SkyActiv-Body, it is not complete SkyActiv model as yet.\nIts SkyActiv-G 2.0L engine has the highest compression ration in its class at 14.0: 1, providing better fuel efficiency and emission control. Together with the SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic gearbox, it produces \n149 horsepower\n and \n190 Nm\n of torque. Acceleration figure from 0 to 100 km/h is at \n11.4 seconds\n, with the top speed of \n194 km/h\n. It uses \n6.6 litres\n of fuel to cover a distance of 100km.\nComes with the SkyActiv technology is the \ni-stop\n feature that cuts the engine after eight seconds of idling to save fuel. The engine auto start again when its aircond compressor needs to operate to maintain cabin temperature.\nWhat else.\nIn our video interview with Dato\u2019 Amer Hamzah Ahmed, Executive Director of Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd, he said the Mazda5 SkyActiv is positioned to provide a comprehensive Mazda line-up for buyers, as the MPV\u2019s contribution in sales figure is not as significant.\nMazda5 SkyActiv comes in four colours; Aluminium Metallic, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Meteor Grey Mica, and Jet Black Mica. Selling Price is \nRM153,019\n OTR without insurance.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) donated \nRM20,000\n to the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) to help \nvictims with post-flood recovery\n. Beneficiaries are made up of 850 victims from 170 families in Teluk Gong, Klang.\nVPCM\u2019s donation was channelled towards providing essential food packs and electrical appliances such as rice cooker, kettle, and blender. A group of VPCM employees also volunteered with MRA over the weekends to extend a helping hand too.\nMRA is a humanitarian organisation that focuses on assisting those affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts.\n\u201cIt is a sobering reality that thousands of Malaysians are still facing the impact and damages left behind in the wake of the severe floods.\u201d\n\u201cAt VPCM, we believe that it is our social responsibility to help those in need as our #WeNotMe spirit extends beyond the company. We hope that our contributions would help the victims to rebuild their lives,\u201d expressed VPCM, Managing Director, Erik Winter.\nMRA\u2019s Vice President, Khairil Annuar Khalid said, \u201cMRA\u2019s distribution of assistance is based on phases and as the emergency phase ends, MRA will continue to assist in the early recovery phase. We welcome and are happy to receive funds from the public and corporate bodies such as VPCM who generously contributed RM 20,000. At this stage, it is such a relief for victims who have lost everything to be given assistance in any form.\u201d\nTo recap, VPCM is offering \n30% off\n parts and labour for repair works to assist Volkswagen owners whose vehicles were affected by the floods. Additionally, VPCM is participating in the government\u2019s Keluarga Malaysia Automotive \nDiscount Voucher\n initiative where owners can claim up to RM1,000 for repair or replacement.\nVPCM further added for those who just wish to contribute to MRA\u2019s post-flood relief assistance can donate to \nTabung Bantuan Kecemasan Mengharungi Monsun MRA\n (CIMB Bank \u2013 Malaysian Relief Agency \u2013 Account no. 86000 59478)."
"In the second round of the 2018 Type R challenge, the FK8 Civic Type R has set a new production FWD lap record at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium with a time of 2 minutes 53.72 seconds in the hands of former FIA WEC LMP2 class World Champion, Bertrand Baguette.\nThe 2018 Type R challenge will see the FK8 attempting to beat the FWD lap records in \nfive different circuits, \npiloted by five different drivers. Just last month, the Civic Type R\n broke the FWD lap record at the Magny-Cours circuit\n with Honda Racing\u2019s WTCR race driver Esteban Guerrieri behind the wheel.\nThe Spa-Francorchamps circuit is \none of the longest tracks in motor racing\n with long fast straights and high speed corners \u2013 where the Type R excelled with the explosive acceleration of its 2.0-litre VTEC turbo engine and aerodynamic advantage.\n\u201cWith a front-wheel drive usually you always expect understeer but this car is so balanced. Straight away you get a lot of confidence as it gives you a lot of feedback through the steering wheel, especially in +R mode. The chassis is very rigid, the rear is very stable and the front is biting really well to give you a lot of front grip. The aero package really helps the car feel planted at high speed and it\u2019s amazing the level of traction,\u201d said Bertrand Baguette.\n\u201cFor me as a race car driver, it\u2019s clear that Type R is born for the track but it also feels just as right on the streets in everyday driving. When I sit in the car, it is very comfortable and the visibility all round is very good,\u201d he added.\nInterestingly, Honda also set the previous lap record during a similar challenge in 2016, with the previous generation Civic Type R. The new FWD benchmark time for the Spa circuit is the \n3rd lap record to be claimed by the new FK8 Civic Type R \u2013 \nthe other two took place at Magny-Cours and Nurburgring.\nEarlier this year, the Civic Type R set itself apart by being the \nfastest front-wheel drive production car ever \naround the N\u00fcrburgring\n Nordschleife\n, with a lap time of 7 minutes 43.8 seconds.\nOther drivers confirmed for the \nremaining three Type R Challenge 2018\n circuit record attempts include former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, WTCR driver Tiago Monteiro and BTCC legend Matt Neal.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has teased the \nall-new Hyundai Elantra\n once again on its \nFacebook page\n, this time revealing the engine and transmission combination that will be used in the upcoming C-segment sedan.\nAccording to the attached press release, the \nHyundai Elantra slated for Malaysia\n will be equipped with a 1.6-litre SmartStream G1.6 MPi naturally-aspirated engine, which is good for \n123 hp\n and \n154 Nm\n of torque.\nThe petrol mill will be paired to Hyundai\u2019s new \nIntelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)\n gearbox, which is essentially a CVT with eight virtual gears, but is driven by a chain belt instead of regular push belt. Hyundai says that the change not only improves response and \u201creproduces the manual transmission\u2019s shifting pattern\u201d, but also reduces engine power loss (5-8%), at the same time improving fuel economy (4.2%).\nCompared to the \noutgoing model\n which packs a 2.0-litre Nu MPI engine, power output has actually gone down by 29 hp and 38 Nm. The all-new Hyundai Elantra\u2019s engine output figures are also slightly on the low side when compared to its segment rivals, such as the \nToyota Corolla\n (139 hp, 172 Nm) and \nHonda Civic\n (1.8S: 141 hp, 174 Nm; 1.5TC: 173 hp, 220 Nm).\nIt remains to be seen if the 2.0-litre SmartStream engine will also make its way onto our local unit. Paired to the same IVT transmission, the 2.0-litre Hyundai Elantra makes 159 hp and 191 Nm of torque.\nHow good does the sportier Hyundai Elantra N Line look?\nWe are wish-casting at this point, but if HSDM is intending to replace the much-beloved but sadly discontinued \nHyundai Elantra Sport\n, the Hyundai Elantra N Line, which features a turbocharged version of the same 1.6-litre SmartStream engine with \n201 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n264 Nm\n under the hood, will be a perfect candidate \u2013 and will blow almost all of its competitors out of the water. Better yet \u2013 it is also available in a six-speed manual transmission!\nThere are still many details left in the dark for our local Hyundai Elantra, which will only be revealed nearer to the launch date \u2013 stay tuned as we bring you the latest developments."
"The 2022 \nFormula 1\n season is just about to wrap up, with both the Championships already won by Max Verstappen and Red Bull. For \nFerrari\n, even though they did not manage to clinch the title this year, it was still a huge step forward for the team in terms of performance, which they remain hopeful will continue for a bigger championship challenge next year.\nBut winning an F1 championship takes more than just a fast car. It takes the right strategy calls, some luck, and for Ferrari \u2013 the right partner in \nShell\n. Most Formula 1 fans know of the iconic relationship between Shell and Ferrari, which dates back all the way to the 1920s. What you might not have realised, however, is that Shell is much more than just a sponsor to Scuderia Ferrari.\nAs partners, Shell also develops and supply the fuel and oil that the cars use on track. But how big of a role does a partner like Shell actually play in a Formula 1 car\u2019s performance? We caught up with the two \nScuderia Ferrari \ndrivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, before the Singapore GP to find out.\nThe full transcript of the roundtable interview is below:\nHow does it feel like coming back to Singapore after three years?\nCharles\n: It feels good! Singapore is one of my favourite tracks; my favourite tracks in general are city tracks, so Baku, Monaco, and Singapore, and we were missing Singapore for three years, so it\u2019s good to be back. It\u2019s a bit less warm than three years ago, I feel, which is also quite good for us in the car [laughs]. I\u2019m looking forward to getting back on track tomorrow.\nEach race has its own set of challenges. Beyond practice and training, do either of you have a personal ritual before any race?\nCarlos\n: Well I think we all have a bit of a routine, you know, [whether we] call it a ritual, routine, or plan that we go through. For me, it consists of a 10-minute warm-up, 5-minute mobility [stretches], and depending on the race, I go into the ice bath.\nNormally when the race has an ambient temperature of about 25 degrees [Celsius] or higher, that\u2019s when I do the ice bath, where I feel like it gives me a bit more of a fresher body, fresher mind for the race; lower core temperature.\nThere is an incredible amount of engineering that goes into the development of F1 cars. But aside from the cars, how closely does Shell work with Scuderia Ferrari to formulate the perfect blend of fuel?\nCharles\n: Very close. We are always in direct contact with Shell, and even throughout the weekend with our engineers. The whole weekend, there are always exchanges on what we need and want, and then Shell will try to modify [the formulation] a little bit. And then obviously the bigger development where you go from one year to another, which the engineers will ask us exactly what we want, and Shell is always here to help and assist us in getting the performance that we need.\nThis year was a big change, we got more ethanol in the fuel \u2013 10% \u2013 which is a big change for Formula 1. And thanks to Shell, we managed to keep the same amount of performance, whereas most of the other teams have lost a bit of performance. So yeah, it\u2019s a good step forward.\nCan you give us an insight into how similar the Shell V-Power race fuel that powers your Scuderia Ferrari F1 car is to the Shell V-Power road fuel that customers can buy at a Shell station?\nCarlos\n: It is probably something that nobody knows, or nobody expects, because it\u2019s quite incredible that Shell Racing fuel for F1 contains 99% the same types of compounds as the fuel offered at Shell stations. For me, knowing that, I have no doubt now every time I am at home I make sure that I only use Shell.\nALSO READ: \nShell launches Bluetooth-controlled car collection, available from RM30\nPhoto: Ferrari\nWhat is your personal opinion on the shift to more advanced sustainable fuels in F1? Does having Shell as Innovation Partners, who specialise in lower carbon fuel research and development, give you and the team confidence knowing that you can keep performing through new regulation changes whilst trying to decarbonise the sport?\nCharles\n: I think it\u2019s obviously extremely important, because the whole world is going towards more sustainability, and I think we are a big part of it, and we need to be a big part of it. Formula 1 has always been a pioneer on new technologies, and I think this is the perfect example.\nThanks to Shell, we get to work together on \u2013 obviously in Formula 1 \u2013 performance, but also the sustainability project that is coming into play in the sport. There\u2019s been the first step in that direction already, but in the future there will be much bigger steps, and I\u2019m really looking forward to trying that.\nRELATED: \nYou can now use Touch \u2018n Go RFID to refuel at 88 Shell stations in Malaysia \u2013 No phones required!\nWhat do you think Shell and Scuderia Ferrari does differently to ensure the long-term partnership continues?\nCarlos\n: I think we have a synergy, and we work together like no other team does in Formula 1. It\u2019s not only about the sponsorship, it\u2019s about partnership and how you can work together to extract the maximum performance of the car.\nFor us, for example, we have two people from Shell at the racetrack, in a special laboratory that they bring to every race to take samples of the oil and fuel that we use in every session and run \u2013 doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s one of five laps. The Shell engineers will take the fuel to sample and analyse it, to make sure that the fuel and oil is at the right level to give us more performance and reliability, which gives us \u2013 I think \u2013 an edge over the competition.\nAlmost all professional drivers aspire to be signed by Scuderia Ferrari in F1 \u2013 what does it mean to you to be a Scuderia Ferrari Driver?\nCharles\n: It means everything. Ever since I was a kid, I\u2019ve dreamt of one day being a Formula 1 driver, but most specifically a Formula 1 Ferrari driver. It\u2019s just something that every driver wants in their career, and we are extremely lucky to both be in that situation.\nDriving for Ferrari, it feels incredible when, wherever we go, we have so much support [from the fans], but we also feel the responsibility of trying to bring Ferrari back to the absolute top. It\u2019s been a big, big step forward from last year to this year in terms of performance, and I really hope that we\u2019ll continue in that direction, and hopefully have a world championship very soon."
"What do you do if you can\u2019t be seen seated in a car that\u2019s not entirely made for yourself? You enlist the expertise of the world\u2019s oldest coachbuilder with almost 500 years of experience and heritage, of course.\nIntroducing the Bentley Bacalar, Bentley\u2019s ultra-rare coachbuilt luxury statement piece. The name Bacalar comes from Laguna Bacalar in Mexico\u2019s Yucatan peninsula, a lake renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty.\nPerhaps more important than the car itself, the Bacalar is also an effort to kick start Mulliner\u2019s return to coachbuilding, instead of just being \nanother trim level\n in a Bentley car, albeit a very high-end one.\nEach model of the Bacalar will be \nhandcrafted in Bentley Mulliner\u2019s workshop in Crewe\n, according to each individual customer\u2019s personal tastes, therefore guaranteeing the rarity and exclusivity of each example.\nThe Bacalar is specifically sculpted and designed, inspired by the Centenary celebration concept piece \u2013 \nthe EXP 100 GT\n \u2013 and does not share any single body panel with another Bentley. The only re-used component is the door handle from a Continental GT, only because it houses the keyless entry system.\nTo become the most exquisite car, you\u2019ll of course have to use the most extraordinary materials. But fear not, as Bentley Mulliner has prepared a collection of only the finest sustainable materials on earth, from the rice husk ash-infused paint, to natural British wool, and 5,000-year old Riverwood sourced from the ancient Fenlands of East Anglia.\nThough, there is just one problem, and it\u2019s the fact that the Bacalar\n does not have a roof\n. No, not even those manually-attached fabric cover. According to Bentley, that\u2019s to mimic the genuine roofless barchetta sports car design of old.\nPowering the Bacalar is the familiar six-litre W12 TSI engine, but now uprated to an output of \n659 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. The Bacalar will also be equipped with an \nactive all-wheel drive system\n, where power is sent to the rear wheels as much as possible for \u201coptimum efficiency and dynamic performance\u201d.\nThe Bacalar is reportedly priced at \nUSD2 million\n apiece. If you are thinking of getting your hands on one of these though, unfortunately there will only be \n12 examples ever made\n, with all of them already allocated to buyers worldwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Automobili Lamborghini\n has officially unveiled their secret car at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, and it\u2019s not a four-seater. It\u2019s not even a concept, as Lamborghini prefers to call it as a \u201c\ntechnology demonstrator\n\u201d to showcase their \nplug-in hybrid\n powertrain that\u2019s basically production-ready.\nIn a move to cut down CO2 emissions, Lamborghini has chosen the hybrid path instead of force inducting their existing engines. According to Lamborghini the \nAsterion\n name is from the \nmythical Minotaur\n, a play on the creature\u2019s part man part bull \u201chybrid\u201d characteristics.\nThe Asterion is powered by a \n5.2-litre V10\n from the \nHuracan\n that\u2019s good for \n610 hp\n and \n560 Nm\n of torque. Sitting in a \nfull carbon fibre monocoque\n, the V10 gets additional boost from an \nelectric motor incorporating an integrated starter motor and generator\n (ISG), and another \ntwo electric motors\n at the \nfront axle\n. Driver can choose from \nthree driving modes\n, \nZero\n for full electric; I for \nIbrido\n (hybrid); and T for \nTermico\n (thermal) power.\nAs the \nLP 910-4\n\u00a0denomination suggested, the combined power is \n910 hp\n driving \nall four wheels\n. The \n7-speed dual-clutch transmission\n allows a \n0 to 100 km/h\n time in \n3.0 seconds\n, while the \ntop speed\n is claimed to be at \n320 km/h\n.\nThe Asterion can also be a \nfront-wheel drive\n car, in \nfull-electric mode\n the two electric motors only power the front wheels for \nup to 125 km/h\n or with a \nrange of 50 km\n. The hybrid technology weighs 250 kg and allows for a combined \nfuel consumption\n of \n4.12 l/100 km\n.\nLamborghini designed the Asterion as a \u201chyper cruiser\u201d instead of a full-on sports car. The nose is noticeably taller, and the headlights have hexagonal motifs instead of the Y pattern used on the Huracan and Aventador. The side profile that was previewed in the \nearlier teaser image\n shows a window line that\u2019s a nod to the Miura, and a sharp side intakes to cool the powerplant located behind.\nAt the back, a trio of hexagonal glass panels allow a view to the hybrid technology underneath, while the Veneno-inpired taillights float in between a gap of air outlet. Down below a black diffuser finishes off the rear bumper, complete with quad hexagonal tailpipes.\nThe doors open conventionally, revealing a clean design interior. Finished in Bianco Celaeno (ivory) and Marrone Attis (brown) leather, the interior focuses on delivering comfort and every day usability with the two seats positioned higher than usual in a Lamborghini. The main controls are grouped in a portable tablet that sits in the middle of the cabin.\nThe Asterion certainly looks production-ready, but it\u2019s just a showcase of the capabilities of Lamborghini own expertise to adapt with the latest technology. \u201cLamborghini is always looking ahead, investing in new technologies and setting new benchmarks, delivering the unexpected,\u201d says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For those of you eager to catch a glimpse of the 312 km/h top speed \u201crace car for the road and occasionally the track\u201d, the 991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will be on display in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur till 14th October 2018.\nArmed with a 4.0-litre high-revving naturally-aspirated engine, a 7-speed PDK transmission and a \n9,000 rpm rev limit\n, the \nnew GT3 RS makes well over 500 hp\n (\n20 hp increase\n), it\u2019s only 0.4 seconds behind the \nGT2 RS\n from 0 to 100 km/h with a time of 3.2 seconds; the GT2 RS does it in a blinding 2.8 seconds.\nDespite a 200-hp deficit from the GT2 RS, flat-six screamer can still lap the Nurburgring in under seven seconds at 6:56.4. To put things in perspective, the new GT3 RS is a whopping \n24 seconds quicker\n than the model it replaces\n!\nSince you\u2019re already splurging, Porsche has made the Weissach package available for additional weight savings with carbon components for the chassis, interior and exterior. All in all, it helps the GT3 RS shed approximately 17 kg of unwanted body fat.\n \nExisitingly, the GT3 RS is already equipped with the Clubsport package where equipment list includes an anti-roll bar, a fire extinguisher, battery cut-off switch and a six-point hairness for the carbon fibre full bucket seats.\nThe retail base price for the new 911 GT3 RS starts from \nRM 2,230,000\n excluding insurance and includes a 4-year warranty. Sime Darby Auto Performance, official distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia will also be displaying the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo at the same venue.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Perodua Myvi needs no introduction \u2013 with more than \none million of the compact hatchback on the road\n, there is a high chance you have driven, sat in, heck, even owned one yourself. You\u2019ll either love them or hate them but you can\u2019t deny that the Myvi has become an automotive icon in Malaysia.\nI\u00a0had the privilege to have owned a first-generation Myvi 1.3 SE as my first car so allow me to reminiscence my time with it. It offered everything I could ever ask for and more \u2013 spacious interior, ample performance and most importantly fuss-free ownership. Admittedly, I had some gripes with the car but for its price, it\u2019s fair game.\nWith the \nsecond-generation Myvi\n, blessed with stylish design and modern interior, it was a clear case of the best made better. Come the all-new third-generation Myvi, Perodua has managed to equip it with features that put most foreign brands to shame and manages it at a fair price point. It\u2019s bigger and better than ever before but the question is, by how much?\nWay before the official launch of the car, the media were invited by Perodua to sample the all-new Myvi on their home-ground test track. A little disclaimer before we dive into the drive, the units we sampled were pre-production units but Perodua claims that the cars are very accurate representations of what customers will receive. Other than the pre-production interior trims, the test units get all the features and mechanics of the actual product.\n\u00a0\nI had a go in both the 1.3- and 1.5-litre variants and even had a chance to try out \nPre-Collision Warning\n and \nPre-Collision Braking\n of the Advanced Safety Assist system \u2013 this is what I\u2019ve gathered in my short stint with the all-new Myvi.\nRefined powertrain with ample performance\nUnder the bonnet you\u2019ll find updated powertrains on both variants \u2013 a 1NR-VE 1.3-litre four-cylinder with Dual VVT-i making \n94 hp\n and \n121 Nm\n (4 hp and 4 Nm) and 2NR-VE 1.5-litre four-cylinder Dual VVT-i with \n101 hp\n and \n136 Nm\n. Both engines are paired to a four-speed automatic (E-AT) while the 1.3 Standard G can be had with a five-speed manual.\nOff the line, both powertrains feel almost identical while the larger mill provides that extra urgency to climb the revs. Gearshifts are smooth and crisp as expected, with\u00a0\nnewfound responsiveness\n. Mash the throttle and the transmission is eager to knock down a gear or two, giving you all of its available twisting force.\nThe 1.3-litre mill will get you up to the national speed limit in brisk fashion. After all, it only has to pull \nless than 1 tonne of mass\n. Sustaining high speeds requires a little more from the 1.3-litre hence should your everyday commute cover more highways, the 1.5-litre would offer better performance and refinement at high speeds.\nDriving dynamics on par with international rivals\nPerodua has gone to great lengths to improve the overall driving dynamics of the new Myvi. Although the new Myvi\u2019s platform is based on the outgoing Myvi\u2019s platform, Perodua and Daihatsu have thoroughly reworked the chassis resulting in overall improvement of up to \n70\n \nper cent\n. The new chassis now boasts \n2.5 times more high-tensile steel\n, additional bracing and reinforcement resulting in increased overall body rigidity.\nAt the high-speed section of the test course with average speeds of \n80 to 100 km/h\n, the Myvi remained sure-footed around the bends with minimal body flex. Steering feel was positive with the front wheels turn progressively in relation to your steering input. On the 1.5-litre variants with larger alloys and lower profile tyres (15-inch; 185/55), it gives you greater confidence to carry more speed into the corners although the 1.3-litres with 14-inch alloys are more than capable of carrying \nridiculous\n \nspeeds\n.\nOf course, the new Myvi is no \nMazda2\n or \nVolkswagen Polo\n but it still offers reasonable driving excitement with high-levels of safety margin. First-time owners and current owners will be very pleased with the level of performance the new Myvi can offer.\nImpressive cabin insulation\u00a0\nAt speeds, the Myvi was impressively muted. Wind noise was noticeably lower compared to its predecessors and the engine notes no longer creep into the cabin, significantly improving overall driving comfort. Perodua claims that they have benchmarked the new Myvi to not only Japanese makes but also European models and there is no doubting that statement in the area of cabin refinement.\nAll these improvements are thanks to the more aerodynamic design, with a drag\n coefficient of 0.296 Cd\n over the outgoing model\u2019s 0.306 Cd as well as the inclusion of an acoustic windshield on all models. For the record, all these improvements were noticeably felt on the pre-production model, if anything, the production model will be even more refined especially with the GearUp comfort package that adds insulation materials to the hood and door.\nThe Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) is not foolproof\nWhile the new Myvi made headlines with its impressive suite of safety features especially the Advanced Safety Assist (only on 1.5 Advance), it is not a system that you should count on every single time. To recap, the ASA bundles Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Front Departure Alert (FDA) and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC).\nWe sampled the PCW and PCB in an instrumented demonstration and got to know the assist system a little better. For starters, PCW and PCB are operable at speeds of \nbelow 30 km/h\n, essentially city speeds. Using a stereo camera, the system detects large objects upfront and sends an audible warning to the driver when an imminent collision is detected. Should there be no input from the driver, the car automatically engages the brakes to bring the car to a \ncomplete stop\n.\nHowever, engineers from Daihatsu and Perodua who were present at the test emphasised that drivers should not rely on the system and must maintain their concentration when on the road. The reason being PCB will only operate \nthree times per engine start\n \u2013 meaning if the system brings you to a complete stop on three occasions per journey, it will not bring the car to a complete stop the fourth time and so on. The only way for PCB to operate again is to restart the engine thus resetting the counter to three again.\nWhen asked why such a limitation, the engineers explained that this is to prevent drivers from overly relying on ASA when driving. After all, it\u2019s called Advanced Safety \nAssist\n for a good reason. Then again, who could argue that Perodua is shortchanging its customers when \nall variants\n of the Myvi comes with four airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control and Emergency Stop Signal? The more expensive 1.5-litre variants further adds two extra airbags (to a total of six), hill-start assist and front parking sensors.\nOverall, the all-new Perodua Myvi is an immensely impressive package, offering unprecedented value and safety features. It drives well, is as capable as other big names and most importantly does not break the bank to own one. While our time with the all-new Myvi was short and does not paint a complete picture of the car, we are confident that the Myvi will blow your socks off and is definitely worth your visit to the showroom.\nThe new Myvi will no doubt play a vital part in maintaining Perodua\u2019s position as the number one national carmaker as well as stir up the competition from not only Proton, but other foreign brands as well.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You may have read recently that Renault Malaysia revealed an updated version of the current generation Captur with \nmore power and features\n but what you\u2019re about to see will rile your senses.\nWith 85% new parts and a new platform, the new Captur may sport the same silhouette but the finer details such as the head and tail lamps have been completely revised and I reckon it\u2019ll probably be the sleekest, most good looking crossover by the time it\u2019s available in Malaysia.\nThe headlamp design takes after the Koleos while the tail lights, if you look closely, vaguely resembles that of the Corolla Sport \u2013 possibly the most appealing aspect of the new Captur\u2019s exterior.\nDespite the same essence in design, the new Captur is now 11 cm longer, extending boot space to 81 litres as compared to before for a new total of 536 litres.\nThe old dashboard design. *yuck*\nDrastic change has also taken place inside the interior \u2013 thank god! Let\u2019s face it, as vibrant and fresh as Renault tried to portray the current Captur to be, it\u2019s really just a sub-par interior glorified by glossy surfaces which looks like a crime scene under black light with every surface littered with finger prints.\nIn the new Captur, the revised dashboard design housing a digital instrument cluster, the new centre console with the largest-in-segment 9.3-inch touchscreen and gear lever just works \u2013 no doubt a huge improvement in aesthetics.\nThe new dashboard design.\nAnother interesting addition to the new car is the Fresh Air Speaker feature which is essentially a compact subwoofer that transmits bass into the cabin via a duct system. It\u2019s built into the right hand corner of the boot without compromising space.\nApart from the improved insulation of the engine compartment which Renault says reduces up to 2dB of noice at speeds of up to 130 km/h, rear knee room has also increased by 17 mm by making the rear section of the front seats hollow.\nCrucially, driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane change assist is now available with up to Level 2 autonomous driving. The system will alert the driver if the steering is left untouched for 13 seconds although it remains to be seen whether such features will be offered for our local models.\nThey\u2019re complemented by an active emergency braking feature, blind spot warning, 360-degree camera, rear cross traffic alert system, and an Easy Park Assist feature.\nThe new Captur will come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain where a 1.6-litre engine is combined with a pair of electric motors. There are two diesel options available along with three petrol-powered models.\nThere\u2019s a \nTCe 100\n with 100 hp and 160 Nm from a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine and a \nTCe 130\n \nGPF\n with 130 hp and 240 Nm from a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine. The two variants are paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.\nAt the top of the range is a \nTCe 155 GPF\n variant with 155 hp and 270 Nm from the same 1.3-litre engine as the TCe 130 but that said, TCe 155 will only be available with a 7-speed dual clutch.\nLocally, Renault has experienced a strong momentum in sales for the current generation Captur due to its irresistible pricing, funky fresh design and assuring warranties offered by TC Euro Cars.\nIf the same approach is taken, without a change in consumer sentiment, expect this new Captur to flood our streets when it arrives.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nasim Sdn Bhd has just launched the new Peugeot 3008 SUV and like before there\u2019ll be two variants available with the Allure Plus sitting at the top of the food chain. Prices start from \nRM150,888\n for the standard Active Plus while the Allure goes for \nRM163,888\n.\nThe spec sheet revealed a largely similar car; powered by the 1.6-litre twin-scroll Turbo High Pressure Engine with \n167 hp \nand\n 240 Nm\n. The engine is similarly paired to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. 0 to 100 km/h still take 8.9 seconds with top speed rated at 205 km/h.\n \nThe biggest change in the new 3008, specifically available for the Allure Plus includes the addition of the Speed Limit Information, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Driver Attention Alert.\nIn the Allure Plus model, variant specific items include LED headlight, fog lights, sequential turn indicators, front and rear parking sensor, panoramic roof and hands-free tailgate.\nOther (notable) standard items offered across both models are the 18-inch Los Angeles rims which remain unchanged from before, automatic headlights, automatic folding side mirrors and a 180-degree reverse camera.\nInside, the biggest change to the cabin is new Black Claudio leather upholstery that\u2019s exclusively for the Allure Plus model, along with LED cabin mood lighting, one-touch folding rear seats, 8-way power adjustable seats with memory function and an auto dimming rear view mirror.\nYou still get the same 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, complemented with an 8-inch touchscreen display that offers Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink connectivity.\nSafety wise, the 3008 gets six airbags, Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Electronic Stability Program among others. As for colour selections, the 3008 is available in Pearl White, Nera Black, Aster Grey, Metallic Copper and Amazonite Grey.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When Ford Performance unveiled the iconic \nFord GT successor\n to the world two years ago, the company rather vaguely revealed that it\u2019s capable of producing some 600 hp or more. Surely those are thrilling figures, back in the day that is, considering that the \nMcLaren 675LT\n, \nFerrari 488 GTB\n and Lamborghini Huracan all boast horsepower figures closer to the 700-pony mark.\nWith \nwaiting list extending beyond 2018\n, Ford has decided to unveil the performance figures for the Ford GT. It\u2019s motivated by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, and the magic numbers are\u00a0\n647 hp\n and \n746 Nm\n, just slightly below the Ferrari\u2019s \n661 hp\n and McLaren\u2019s \n666 hp.\nWhile these figures are far from class leading, Ford\u2019s heritage and experience in Le Mans 24 Hours are not to be overlooked, especially after their historic win at the \n2016 Le Mans 24 Hours LM GTE Pro\n category with this second generation Ford GT.\nThe good folks at Ford Performance pitched the production model against its two closest rivals around Calabogie Motorsports Park in Canada, and the results are indeed surprising. Below are the laptimes:\nFord GT: 2:09.8\nMcLaren 675LT: 2:10.8\nFerrari 458 Speciale\n: 2:12.9\nThanks to a dry weight of 1,361 kg and an engine that delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 3,500 rpm as well as active dynamic systems, the Ford GT is able to lap the 5.05 km track faster than the two track monster. However, the question remains: just how long will it be able to hold its ground?"
"By now everyone should be aware of the Takata airbag inflator recall in Malaysia. This should not be taken lightly as there was another fatality involving a Takata airbag in Malaysia recently.\nAs reported in \nThe Star\n, a woman driver was killed when the driver\u2019s airbag was deployed. The victim was fatally wounded from an item protruding from the centre of the steering wheel. The car is a fourth-generation black \nHonda City\n manufactured between\n 2003-2005\n, it was involved in a minor collision with a Mercedes-Benz. According to Honda Malaysia, that particular model was part of a recall on May 21, 2015, which involves replacement of the SDI inflator of the Takata driver\u2019s airbag.\nThis is the fourth fatal accident in Malaysia caused by a faulty airbag inflator manufactured by the scandal-hit \nTakata Corp\n. Coincidentally, all four fatal incidents involve the \nASEAN second-generation Honda City\n. Up to today, there are \n15 confirmed fatalities\n worldwide.\nAutoBuzz.my urges you to take this recall seriously. We\u2019ve prepared a one-stop guide on what you need to know/do about the Takata Airbag recall issue.\nBACKGROUND\nTakata Corporation is a Japanese supplier of vehicle safety equipment that supplies airbags to Japanese, European and American marques. Airbag inflators require propellant to deploy the airbag in an event of a crash.\nThe propellant contains \nammonium nitrate\n that ignites upon a collision, which would inflate the airbag. However, this chemical in Takata airbags has started to destabalize, causing the inflator to rupture, shooting metal fragments into occupants.\nIt was reported that Honda and Takata knew about this issue in 2004 but failed to notify America\u2019s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The massive recalls from manufacturers began in 2013 and up to this point, over \n40 million vehicles\n has been recalled worldwide.\nTakata blamed the propellant chemicals, which were mishandled and improperly stored during the assembly of the inflators, causing metal airbag inflators to deploy improperly in the event of a crash. The shrapnel-shooting inflator\u00a0 will cause serious or fatal wounds to the body, head, and neck. The issue is more apparent in humid climate, which explains the three fatal cases occurred in Malaysia.\nWatch the following video to understand the current airbag inflator recall situation in the US.\nTHE AFFECTED CARS\nWe focus on the cars sold in Malaysia. \nHonda\n, \nToyota\n, \nNissan\n, Mazda, and Mitsubishi have announced their recalls on the airbag inflator issue. Here are the affected models:\nHonda\nModel\nYear Model\nAccord\n2003 \u2013 2011\nCity\n2003 \u2013 2012\nCivic\n2003 \u2013 2011\nCivic Hybrid\n2007 \u2013 2011\nCR-V\n2002 \u2013 2011\nFreed\n2009 \u2013 2011\nInsight\n2011 \u2013 2012\nJazz\n2004 \u2013 2012\nOdyssey\n2004 \u2013 2008\nStream\n2004 \u2013 2012\nToyota\nModel\nYear Model\nVios\n2007 \u2013 2008\nCorolla Altis\n2007 \u2013 2008\nYaris\n2007 \u2013 2008\nNissan\nModel\nYear Model\nX-Trail\n2002 \u2013 2007\nTeana\n2004\nLiberty\n2003\nMazda\nModel\nYear Model\nBT-50\n2006 \u2013 2011\nMazda 6\n2003 \u2013 2007\nMitsubishi\nModel\nYear Model\nTriton (3.2L, 2.5L, VGT 2.5L)\n2006 \u2013 2014\nWHAT YOU NEED TO DO\nTo begin, get your \nVehicle Identification Number (VIN)\n ready. This can be found via the car\u2019s chassis plate, or your vehicle registration card.\nBeing the marque with the highest number of recalls in Malaysia, Honda has prepared adequate replacements of inflators for both driver and passenger airbags. Also, owners can \nvisit their website\n to check if their Honda vehicle is affected.\nAt the same time, here are the hotline numbers and URLs \u00a0of the service centres. They will advise on the remedial actions needed if your vehicle is part of the recall\n.\nHonda \u2013 1800-88-2020 (\nlink\n)\nToyota \u2013 1800-8-869682 (\nlink\n)\nNissan \u2013 1800-88-3838\u00a0(\nlink\n)\nMazda \u2013 03-7627 8999 (\nlink\n)\nMitsubishi \u2013 1800-18-6611\u00a0(\nlink\n)\nPlease take immediate actions if your vehicle is affected. The rectification cost will be \nfully covered by the manufacturer\n and it only takes up a fraction of your time to change the component. Do not be part of the statistics, think of your loved ones.\nUPDATE\n: 1. The fatality figures and the total confirmed cases have been updated.\n 2. (29/06/2016) Our friends from\u00a0\nPanduLaju\n have confirmed no Suzuki cars were involved in this recall. Instead, we have updated it with Mazda. Thanks for the tips!"
"Toyota is celebrating the \nLand Cruiser\n\u2018s 70th anniversary with a new limited-edition model, based on the classic 70 Series off-roader. And while there may be some debate on whether the Land Cruiser is actually 70-year-old, what\u2019s absolutely undeniable is just how on-brand and cool the retro-inspired visual tweaks look.\nAvailable in either a single-cab, double-cab, or wagon variants, the special-edition Land Cruiser can be painted in a selection of 70s exterior hues, include French Vanilla, Merlot Red, or Sandy Taupe. In line with the retro theme, the special edition model also comes with a variant-specific grille with the \u201cTOYOTA\u201d script instead of the usual, oval logo plastered in front.\nOther exterior touches include tinted headlight lenses, blacked-out front bumper and fender flares, chrome-plated wing mirrors, LED front fog lights and daytime-running lights, as well as a set of dark grey 16-inch alloys. Marking it out further from the standard Toyota Land Cruiser models are the Heritage badge above the front fender, and of course, a \u201970th Anniversary\u2019 emblem round the back.\nFor the more \u201cmodern\u201d folks, perhaps check out the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser that even comes with a sporty GR edition! \nWhile the changes to the exterior can be likened to a retro re-styling exercise, the interior of the 70th anniversary Special Edition Toyota Land Cruiser is more of a quality of life update, with a number of new premium options that were not previously offered on the 70 Series model.\nThese include a \u201cpremium black upholstery\u201d with black leather-accented trim on the steering wheel and gear shifter, an imitation wood trim on the dashboard, silver accents, and a newly-designed centre console with two additional USB ports and a pair of cupholders. Finishing off the look is, of course, edition-specific logos and badges on the dashboard and centre console.\nIn Japan meanwhile, Toyota is celebrating the Land Cruiser\u2019s 70-year anniversary with a special edition Prado. Check it out here.\nOnly 600 units of the 70-year-anniversary special edition Toyota Land Cruiser will be built, split between 320 double-cabs, 200 single-cabs, and 80 wagons, all of them destined for Australia. No matter which variant you choose though, they\u2019re all powered by the same 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine with \n202 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n, paired to a five-speed manual gearbox."
"Officially launched just over a month ago, \nthe BMW iX\n fully electric SUV has created quite a buzz due to its price level as well as availability so soon after its global introduction. In just five days, BMW Malaysia was proud to announce that their dealers have managed to collect \n64 bookings\n of the futuristic-looking and zero-emission BMW SAV.\nSimilar to the \nBMW M3 and M4 Competition\n models, BMW Malaysia is now opening up the online configurator for customers to customise their BMW iX to suit their preferences. The \nconfigurator\n will allow customers who are pre-booking, or have previously booked, the BMW iX xDrive40 variants before October 12th, to enjoy add-on packages of their choosing.\nBoth the BMW iX xDrive 40 regular and xDrive 40 Sport can add the vital Power package (RM4,600) that includes the BMW i Wallbox (Generation 3, Type 2) and BMW i Public Charging cable. At 11 kW of AC power delivery, the i Wallbox will take up to 7 hours and 15 mins to fully charge the iX\u2019s battery pack.\nAs the fully electric vehicle accelerates and glides along in near silence, synthesised sound has been pumped back into the cabin for a more emotive driving experience. Composed together with Academy Award-winner, Hans Zimmer, the BMW \nIconicSounds Electric\n package is paired with blue seat belts and the package is priced at RM3,020.\nApart from the Sport package (blue brake calipers, sport design bumpers, darkened tail lamps) and larger 22-inch wheels, the xDrive 40 Sport also includes the Driving Assistant Professional, BMW LaserLight system and the Luxury package that consists of the Panorama Sky Lounge, Headliner Anthracite and a 18-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System as standard.\nThe range-topping Bowers & Wilkins sound system has actual jewellery in them! Find out how they function as speakers here. \n\u00a0\nThe BMW iX xDrive 40 variant can also tick these options, but it would be an additional RM64,930 in total, pushing the price to RM487,620, well above the Sport variants price of RM472,630.\nNonetheless, the option is available for customers who are choosing the iX xDrive40 variant to simply select just any of the packages they so desire, such as just the Luxury Package (RM33,490) or Technology Package (RM15,700). \u00a0\nAs for special exterior and interior colours, both variants can be had with the Aventurine Red Metallic or the Storm Bay Metallic paint from the BMW Individual catalogue for an additional RM7,540.\nLastly, the Interior Design Suite Castanea and Interior Design Suite Amido feature exclusive olive leaf tanned natural leather in two exclusive colours that feature on the instrument panel, door trim panels, centre console and seats. Metal accents in Gold Bronze, along with the elaborate quilting seams also support this elegant impression. Both options are priced at RM21,110 individually.\nUnder the xDrive 40 guise, performance figures are as follow: dual-motor electric AWD setup for a combined output of \n326 hp\n and \n630 Nm\n of torque, 0 to 100 km/h sprint in \n6.1 seconds\n, top speed of 200 km/h and a driving range of up to \n425 km\n (WLTP) from the 76.6 kWh battery pack.\nBMW Malaysia is currently listing a price of \nRM422,690\n for the iX xDrive 40 and \nRM472,630\n for the iX xDrive 40 Sport variant. Extending the standard warranty coverage from two to five years with unlimited mileage is RM16,170 extra.\nSelecting everything available on the menu pushes the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport to \nRM525,070\n, amazingly, still lower than an entry-level \nPorsche Taycan RWD\n.\nGALLERY"
"Clean energy solutions provider \nGentari Sdn Bhd\n via its wholly-owned subsidiary Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, partners with \nLotus Cars Malaysia (LCM)\n and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to explore collaborations in green mobility infrastructure deployment.\nThe MoU signing held during the launch of the Lotus Eletre here today, saw Gentari represented by its Chief Green Mobility Officer, Shah Yang Razalli, while Lotus Cars Malaysia \u2013 the sole franchise holder of Lotus vehicles in Malaysia, was represented by its General Manager, Tengku Ezan Ley.\nCovering a period of two years, the MoU will see Gentari partnering with LCM to explore collaborations in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at LCM\u2019s facilities, as well as public areas, including EV charging packages for Lotus EV owners.\n\u201cAt Gentari, we are working with like-minded partners across all segments of transportation in driving towards sustainable mobility. Today, we are partnering with Lotus Cars Malaysia to make it easier for drivers of its high-performance cars to also reduce their carbon footprint with every kilometre travelled,\u201d said Gentari\u2019s Chief Green Mobility Officer, Shah Yang Razalli.\n\u201cThis collaboration will allow us to better support our Lotus EV customers starting with the all-electric \nEletre Hyper-SUV\n. Enhancing connectivity to Gentari\u2019s fast-growing EV charging network will help increase convenience for our customers so they can effectively plan their trips and reduce range anxiety,\u201d added Lotus Cars Malaysia General Manager, Tengku Ezan Ley.\nRELATED: \n2023 Lotus Eletre launched in Malaysia, from RM578k \u2013 up to 905hp, 985Nm\nSince its introduction in June 2022, Gentari has deployed more than 150 charging points across 35 locations in Malaysia and over 160 charging points in India through its affiliated entities.\nWith a mission to be Asia Pacific\u2019s preferred green mobility solutions provider, Gentari aims to capture a 10% market share (circa 25,000 charging points based on current estimates) across key markets in Asia Pacific by 2030. In the mid-term, Gentari aims to install 9,000 public charging points by 2026, with an anchored presence in Malaysia and India.\nRELATED: \nBMW Malaysia with Millenium Welt and Matrix Concepts launches new charging station in Seremban"
"Mazda Motor Corporation recently held a commemorative ceremony at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, to celebrate a production milestone in Japan of 50 million units, since the brand produced its first three-wheeled truck in October 1931.\n\u201cMazda began making cars 86 years ago and now we\u2019ve reached 50 million units of production in Japan. Even making one million cars a year, it would take 50 years to reach this milestone, showing just how long Mazda\u2019s history is,\u201d said\u00a0President and CEO Masamichi Kogai at the ceremony.\nFind out how you can be \neligible for 15% off Mazda parts\n here!\nMazda\u2019s journey as an automaker is one that began in 1931, when it started producing three-wheeled trucks in Hiroshima. In 1960, it went on to penetrate the passenger car market with the\n R360 Coupe micro-mini\n.\nMixed production lines capable of producing\n different models on a single line\n\u00a0multiple models to be manufactured at low volumes, a breakthrough in the traditional trade-off between product variety and competitiveness and volume efficiency.\nMazda aims to sell 1,660,000 cars this year and plans to establish a global production framework capable of manufacturing two million units annually by fiscal year ending March 2024."
"Trapo Malaysia, together with OEM automotive upholstery provider DK-Schweizer, has launched a range of \u2018SnapFit\u2019 customised car seat overs. The customised seat covers were developed for vehicles with fabric seats, to elevate the cabin feel.\nThere are three different types of seat covers available \u2013 PVC starting from \nRM1,299\n, Synthetic leather starting from \nRM1,699\n and semi-Nappa leather starting from \nRM2,099\n. These car seat covers will be sold exclusively in \nTrapo Hubs nationwide\n.\u00a0\nAt the Trapo Hubs, customers can also check out Trapo\u2019s range of products including Oxtra wipers, Oxtra anti-bacterial car sprays, Trapo microfibre towels, coating solutions, along with a range of 70Mai dashcams.\nRELATED: \nGet your 70mai dashcams professionally installed at Trapo Hubs!\nUnlike most seat covers you see in the market, these are model-specific seat covers. There are several pre-designed covers available for most vehicles, but should you feel the need to customise your seat design (with different stitching, material, and design), DK-Schweizer can offer such services at additional costs.\nAlso unlike conventional seat covers, the range of premium seat covers is \ncompatible with seat airbags\n and does not obstruct them from deploying. Extra consideration was taken during the development of the car seat cover to ensure that the seat airbag can deploy as intended in an accident.\nWATCH: \nLexus RX custom interior makeover by DK SCHWEIZER! \nInstallation takes just an hour\n, but if you opt to customise the design of the car seat cover, it\u2019ll take several days to complete before fitment can be done. As for warranty, the PVC and Synthetic leather seat covers come with a \n1-year warranty\n while the semi-Nappa leather seat covers come with a \n3-year warranty\n.\nFor the entire month of April, those who purchase the SnapFit car seat covers will receive a 15% discount and those who opt to buy the seat covers along with Trapo\u2019s car mats, will receive a 20% discount. If you\u2019re looking for a more premium interior for your vehicle, with seat covers made of premium materials and are compatible with car seat airbags, check them out at \nTrapo Hubs nationwide\n!\nRELATED: \nCheck out Trapo\u2019s range of anti-bacterial car mats with up to 10x more durability!\nGALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia has taken to social media to announce that the F90 BMW M5 will be making its way to our shores to rival against \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s E 63 S\n. The holy grail of 5 Series\u2019 will join BMW Malaysia\u2019s line up of M cars \u2013 the \nM2\n and \nM4\n.\nOther than the\n seven colour options\n available which include Singapore Grey Metallic, Marina Bay Blue, Bluestone Metallic, Alpine White, Snapper Rocks Blue, Black Sapphire and Donington Grey, the company did not reveal further information such as launch date or price tag.\nThe F90 M5 is powered by a heavily revised 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 churning out \n600 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of twisting force, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The party trick here is the \nM xDrive all-wheel-drive system\n that comes with a rear-biased set-up as standard and three driving modes \u2013 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD \u2013 the latter allows the M5 to be purely rear-wheel driven with \u201c\nno control systems to hold it back\u201d \nmeaning, sideways action!\nThe century sprint is done and dusted in \n3.4 seconds\n, on par with the E 63 S but top speed (with M Driver\u2019s Package option) is 5 km/h higher than the three-pointed star at \n305 km/h\n. As standard, the M5 comes with M compound brakes with blue-painted six-piston calipers at the front and single-piston items at the rear, also blue-painted. There is the option for the M Carbon Ceramic brake kit that sheds \n23 kg\n of weight with the calipers painted exclusively in gold.   Separating the M5\u2019s cabin to a standard \nG30\n are the M-Specific digital instrument cluster, iDrive system, Heads-Up Display, gear lever, M Sport seats, red start button and red-painted M1 and M2 buttons (allow the driver to instantly select from two individual setups for the M5).\nIf the E 63 S\u2019 price tag is of any indication, the F90 BMW M5 when it arrives should be priced close to the \nmillion-ringgit\n mark. BMW Malaysia, if you\u2019re reading this, any chance the \nM5 First Edition painted in Frozen Dark Red\n will be coming to Malaysia too?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus USA has just introduced the limited-run LC 500 Inspiration Series that features a bespoke low profile rear wing complete with winglets.\nWhile it might look like Lexus just placed a carbon fibre (CFRP) rear wing onto the trunk lid, the actual research and development took a lot more effort. Lessons on maximizing aerodynamics efficiencies learnt from a \npartnership between Air Race pilot Yoshihide Muroya and Lexus\n engineers were inspirations and key to the project.\nThe rear wing, measuring \nalmost six feet\n \nin length\n not only droops downwards to the rear fenders, but also begins \u201ccatching air\u201d sooner with the swoop-forward design.\nViewed from the side, the leading edge of the rear wing is actually next to the front-edge of the tail lamps. The downturned winglets help smooth out the turbulence generated from airflow along the side of the car. As such, Lexus says these \nwinglets contribute to quicker yaw response and better stability\n.\nLexus is planning to sell \njust 100 units of the LC 500 Inspiration\n \nSeries\n. All examples will be painted with \nDark Obsidian black\n. The roof is meanwhile left in its unpainted CFRP-origin to match the beautifully crafted rear wing. \nBlack forged rims 21 inches\n in diameter will fill the wheel arches.\nInside, \nblack Alcantara\n covers the key touchpoints- the steering wheel, shift lever, centre console area and the two doors. Saddle tan meanwhile is used to create a contrasting, elegant ambience and can be found on the seatbelts, sitting surfaces and strategic highlights around the cabin.\nThe LC 500 Inspiration Series maintains the muscular powertrain of a \n5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine \nwith outputs of \n471 hp\n and \n540 Nm of torque\n. 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is dispatched in 4.4 seconds. Lexus has increased the traction and handling performance of this limited-edition LC 500 with the fitment a \nTorsen limited-slip differential (LSD)\n in the rear axle.\nThe tuning of the suspension has been left untouched but the \nperformance rod with damper \nthat curbs micro-vibrations on the chassis is fitted as standard.\nLexus USA says deliveries to the 100 buyers will only commence this winter. No price has been indicated but expect to \nsurpass US$100,000\n given its exclusivity.\n \nThe LC 500 Inspiration Series was introduced earlier in Japan (under its localized name of LC 500 Aviation) and all 70 units were snapped up within two weeks.\nMeanwhile, in Malaysia, Lexus recently \nlaunched the gorgeous soft top LC 500 Convertible\n. More information can be \nfound here\n.\nGALLERY"
"What better way to celebrate the present than to showcase your vision for the future? This year, BMW turns 100 and wasted no time with the unveiling of the Vision Next 100 concept car.\u00a0Just like any concept cars, the Vision Next 100 features outrageous design, interiors from a sci-fi movie and a BMW first \u2013 autonomous driving.\nThe Vision Next 100 is a wonder of the imagination; large wheels, wing doors, copper scheme and quad thin front lights to complement the signature kidney grille. The concept also features the \u201c\nAlive Geometry\n\u201d philosophy, a concept where 800 or so moving luminous triangles flex the bodywork while the car is in motion. The triangles also appear in the dashboard, sending driver\u2019s aids such as warnings or advising the ideal driving line.\nThe car also features two driving modes: \nBoost \nand\n Ease\n, both of which are assisted by an onboard intelligent assistant known as the Companion.\u00a0The Boost mode lets the\u00a0driver control the car just like any other normal car of today. But in Ease mode, full autonomy kicks in, and the interior morphs into a lounge where the driver can just sit back and enjoy the rest of the journey.\nThrough this concept, BMW displays\u00a0new construction and design techniques, as well as an emphasis on enhanced human-machine interaction methods that is set to appear in future Bimmer. BMW is not shying away from\u00a0autonomous driving technology \u2013 a technology many other corporations (car and non-car) are striving to perfect. \nThe Vision Next 100 is truly a thing of the future, so distant that it makes the mouth-watering BMW i8 look relatively old. If autonomous driving is the future, then what will become of the \u201cUltimate Driving Machine\u201d tagline? Ultimate Self-Driving Machine?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has launched the all-new Mk8 Golf GTI, priced from RM211,689. The \nGolf 1.4TSI R-Line\n is open for booking, priced between RM155k to RM165k.\nThe all-new Golf GTI is assembled locally in Pekan, Pahang, marking the first time the GTI is assembled outside of Germany and China.\n \nPERFORMANCE\nEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged\nTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch\nMax Power: 245 hp\nMax Torque: 370 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 6.4 seconds\nOn the outside, the Golf GTI comes with full LED lighting front and back and differs (visually) from R Line with a red strip on the front grille, larger 18-inch wheels, and dual single-exit exhaust tips.\nEXTERIOR\n18-inch \u201cRichmond\u201d wheels\nFull LED lighting front and back\nDual single-exit exhaust tips\nHoneycombe front bumper\nRed \u2018GTI\u2019 light strip on front grille\nAs you can tell from the pictures, most of the buttons in the cabin have been eliminated and are now replaced with icons with haptic-touch feedback. Only buttons like the hazard light, and those around the gear lever are physical buttons. Even the buttons on the car\u2019s remote key have been replaced.\nThe Mk8 Golf GTI is available in five different colours \u2013 Kings Red, Atlantic Blue, Moonstone Grey, Deep Black, and Oryx White.\nINTERIOR\n10.2-inch Digital Cockpit\n10-inch infotainment display with seven speaker\nApple CarPlay & Android Auto\n30-colour ambient lighting\n3-zone air conditioning system\nUnlike the Golf R Line\u2019s fabric upholstery, the Golf GTI comes with 3-tone leather seats. Boot space of the Golf GTI is rated at 374-litres.\nFor safety, the Golf GTI comes with six airbags but interestingly, isn\u2019t equipped with any driver aids, not even autonomous emergency braking.\nGALLERY"
"Proton\n has just published its sales report for May 2023, which saw a total of\n 13,268 units sold\n, inclusive of domestic and export sales. The figure translates to a growth of 40.9% over \nApril 2023\n, or a year-on-year improvement of 35.5% over the same period last year.\nThe positive May figures also marks a turnaround for the second quarter of 2023, after a slow start in April due to the festive period downtimes, plus the ending of\n deliveries of tax-free cars in March\n. The uptick is also mirrored throughout the entire automotive sector in the country, where total industry volume (TIV) rose by 32.2% last month.\nWith the May figures included, Proton\u2019s year-to-date sales figure stands at 62,970 units, representing a year-on-year increase of 38.9%. The figure is also the highest overall in the Malaysian automotives sales table, translating to a market share of 20.9% for the year (21.5% for May).\nALSO READ: \nProton Exora to cease production by end of 2023 \u2013 New MPV coming soon?\nLeading the sales for the national carmaker was once again the \nProton Saga\n, with 5,819 units sold in May. While the figure only places it in second place for A-segment sedans in the country this month, the Proton Saga ended the month with 27,214 units sold thus far this year, representing an impressive 51% increase over the same period last year.\nOn the SUV side of things, the \nProton X50\n continues to dominate the charts with 2,801 units sold last month, making it the best-selling B-segment SUV, and the best-selling SUV overall in the country. \nLaunched earlier last month\n, the \nProton X90\n also saw a total of 257 units sold in just three weeks, placing it second in the D-segment SUV market according to the national carmaker.\nProton\u2019s positive momentum in May is further helped by its export volume, which also saw its best month thus far in 2023, with 217 units sold across all markets. The national carmaker also made its official entry into Mozambique last month, its 12th export market. Sales in Mozambique will kick off with the\n Proton X70\n and X50 SUVs.\n\u201cMay was memorable for Proton not just in terms of sales achievement but also because we launched the Proton X90 and celebrated our 40th anniversary in the same month. We are humbled by the numbers posted and a 40% increase in sales is a just reward for our efforts, but there are still seven months left in 2023 and the company is hungry for more,\u201d said Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah.\n\u201cThe company will also have more new product launches and introduce updates to our existing range while making our debut in the EV market via our subsidiary, Pro-Net so there are a lot of activities on the horizon for the rest of 2023,\u201d he added.\nREAD MORE: \nProton commits to launching at least one New Energy Vehicle (NEV) per year"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced a mid-year service campaign for all customers. On this note, those holding a Hyundai Loyalty Card will receive additional discounts.\nStarting from the \n1st of June until the 31st of\n \nJuly 2021\n, customers at any Hyundai authorised service centre can now enjoy 15% off on selected parts and 10% off on labour charges.\nHyundai Loyalty Card holders however get additional privileges such as 25% off on selected parts and 15% off on labour charges.\u00a0These parts include gaskets, oil filters, spark plugs and more.\nHyundai is stopping new engine development, to kill 50% of ICE line-up, report claims.\nThe Hyundai Loyalty Card is automatically given to new owners of Hyundai vehicles. Membership privileges include monthly promotions, such as 20% off on KLIMA Fresh and BlueChem products for April to May.\nCheck out the latest Hyundai Elantra Executive \u2013 entry level Elantra at RM19k less!\nThere are also birthday discounts on aftersales services, discounts on Hyundai merchandise and higher trade-in value when they purchase another new Hyundai vehicle.\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors introduces new step-up financing plan \u2013 up to nine-year tenure! Check it out here!\nExisting Hyundai customers can register for the complimentary Hyundai Loyalty Card at any authorised Hyundai service centre nationwide and check for promotional updates via \nHyundai\u2019s official website\n."
"This year\u2019s Frankfurt International motor show has seen its share of world\u2019s firsts. From \ntopless Ferraris\n and Lamborghinis to the fuel sipping Prius; and now this, the Parisian-born French car maker \nDS Automobiles\n. The brand is a breakaway company of Citroen as the more eagle-eyed readers would\u2019ve spotted the DS badge on the outgoing DS5 currently on sale here.\nThe company displayed three models on the stands at Frankfurt\u2019s International Motor Show and one of them is a Formula E car that\u2019s built to race under the Virgin Racing colours. The \u2018E\u2019 denotes the racer\u2019s green edge and instead of a screaming small-block V6 motor, there are a couple of electric drivers and a power pack so dense and powerful that it could \ncharge an iPhone every day for 13 years\n. Not bad for a fully-electric single-seat racer.   First up is the \nDS4\n and the \nDS4 Crossback\n which in essence is a \nrebadged\n offering from Citroen albeit with a slightly redesigned front end that we \nreviewed\n not too long ago. The brand\u2019s designers took a leaf out of the Numero 9 concept car and applied it to the front end which now bears the company\u2019s signature grille design dubbed \u2018\nDS Wings\n\u2018 which is coupled to the new\n\u00a0DS LED Vision\n headlamps to square off the look.\nIt comes with all the bells and whistles you\u2019d expect in a premium compact runabout including a low-emissions \n210 hp\n mill to propel you along. Apart from that the DS4 and Crossback\u2019s stereo comes equipped with \nCarPlay\n by Apple Inc. that\u2019s compatible with newer iPhones.\u00a0Refined interior design starts with the \nNappa leather upholstery\n and the option of \u2018watch strap\u2019 semi \naniline\n leather seats, which is exclusive to the DS brand.\nOn the other hand, the DS 4 Crossback is aimed at customers looking for an \u2018urban and extra-urban adventure\u2019. This new \u2018crossover\u2019 pens \nbold\n styling features including \nblack\n wheel arch \ntrims\n, a differentiated front end and rear \nspoiler\n finished in black with grey roof bars. Its status is further underlined by its black door mirrors, door sills and carpet mats and a ride height that is \n30mm\n \nhigher\n than the hatchback version.\nLast but not least is the one they call\u00a0\nDSV-01\n \u2013 no its not the model of their office printer but rather the brand\u2019s own single-seat, \nelectric powered\n Formula racer. It will be competing in the\n Formula E World Chmapionship\n under the \nVirgin Racing\n team colours.\n\u00a0Yves Matton\n helms its motorsport division called\u00a0\nDS Performance\n, who helped develop the \nelectric motor\n and \ngearbox\n for the DSV-01. They also designed its\n cooling system\n\u00a0and \nrear suspension\n. The \nengine management system\n\u00a0though was designed in partnership with \nMagneti Marelli\n,\u00a0a famed Italian company that\u2019s by no means a stranger to the automotive scene.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"GEM Motoring Assist, a road safety and breakdown recovery organisation in the UK is encouraging drivers to get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel. A message we have all tried to preach all the time, yet fallen on deaf ears especially with long-haul drivers!\nResearch in the United States alone showed that between \n15 \u2013 35% of fatal crashes\n involved tired drivers and worryingly enough, 4% of Americans have fallen asleep behind the wheel in data collected in previous months. New figures acquired from Ireland also suggest that fatigue makes up \n20% of driver deaths\n.\nGEM, road safety officer, Neil Worth says: \u201cBeing a safer driver means being physically and mentally prepared to drive. If we all got the amount of sleep we need, there would be fewer crashes, fewer near-crashes and fewer road rage incidents. Well-rested drivers are much more likely to remain alert and in better moods; they see hazards developing earlier and they can react quicker to it.\nHe also added, \u201cOn the other hand, fatigue among drivers is one of our greatest public health threats. Work pressures can keep many people awake at night, yet the same pressures require them to be up and out early in the morning, in control of a heavy machine that\u2019s travelling at high speed and capable of doing enormous damage.\n\u201cDepriving someone of sleep makes them \nmoody and irrational\n. That\u2019s why many road rage incidents in the morning rush hour are likely to relate to people who simply didn\u2019t get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d\nHere are some pointers from GEM to be a disciplined and prudent driver on the road and \nless of a douchebag\n:\nGive yourself a good night\u2019s sleep \u2013 preferably every night and certainly before you need to make a road journey\nShortage of sleep of just a couple of hours makes you easily irritated and increases the likelihood of taking irrational risks\nTaking a short nap where possible\nDon\u2019t begin a long journey if you\u2019re already tired.\nStop as soon as it\u2019s safe if you\u2019re tired or sleepy. Resting and drinking some coffee offers a possible short-term fix.\nThe only proper cure for sleepiness is good sleep.\nVideo Credit:\u00a0\nwww.motoringassist.com/fatigue\nImage Credit:\n CabSnoozer"
"...and the best part is, you can still attain loans for these and monthly repayments wouldn\u2019t exactly render you homeless.\nThe other day I was thinking; aside from tying the knot with a bank for a Perodua Axia one of the cheapest brand new cars you can buy in Malaysia (without insurance), what are the other cheap and cheerful options for a 20-odd year old to consider, should he (or even she) actually enjoy driving and not see it as merely an act of getting from A to B.\nTurns out, rather plentiful and here\u2019s five of my picks you might have overlooked.\nFord Fiesta 1.4 LX\nIntroduced in small numbers in 2012, the Fiesta 1.4 could be the most overlooked manual hatchback in the market.\nDespite being the base model Fiesta, it isn\u2019t exactly bare either with ABS, EBD, 7 airbags and even ISOFIX available. And if we knew Ford any better, you can rest assured about the Fiesta\u2019s ergonomic cockpit and exciting driving dynamics.\nAs it does not share too many parts with the more common 1.6 models, availability of replacement parts could be a problem.\nPrice: RM20,000 \u2013 RM26,000\nKia Picanto 1.2\nAs a (more expensive) alternative to the \nPerodua Myvi\n and \nProton Iriz\n, the perky 87 hp Picanto\u2019s refinement is unlike any other in its segment. With better build quality than its cheaper rivals and nimbleness in the way it drives, the Picanto is a steal if not a bargain.\nBefore you take that plunge, do look into the cost of replacing the wear and tear bits. Word is that it can be quite pricey. Then again, good things are never cheap.\nPrice: RM28,000 and above\nProton Iriz 1.3 \nLike the Kia Picanto, the chassis in the \n1.3-litre Iriz\n almost beggars belief of how rigid and compentent it can be. At this price point, nothing comes remotely close to the Iriz in terms of agility.\nEven the way the gears feel when you engage them stimulates excitement; can\u2019t \nimagine what the new one would feel like\n!\nPrice: RM20,000 \u2013 RM35,000\nSuzuki Swift Sport 1.6\nBy far my most favourite option, the Swift Sport is possibly the cheapest path to a proper hot hatch experience.\nWith looks to charm, 125 hp and a redline of well over 7,000 rpm, the Swift Sport is quite the force to reckon with in the right hands, when the roads get narrow and twisty.\nPrice: RM30,000 \u2013 RM35,000\nVolkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI\nOk, I lied. This last one isn\u2019t a manual but for its asking price, the Polo TSI offers by far the most value for your money in terms of performance, practicality and most importantly, fun.\nThat said, as the 1.2 TSI was plagued with reliability issues in its earlier days, especially with its gearbox, it could be a real test of your patience and spending power \u2013 things you\u2019ll really need to have as an owner.\nAlternatively, there\u2019s the\n 1.6-litre model \nthat\u2019s even cheaper \u2013 with prices starting from just over RM20,000.\nPrice: RM20,000 \u2013 RM35,000 (depending on 1.2 or 1.6)\n*Prices stated were aggregated from search results on Mudah.my. This article is not the definitive buying guide but are merely suggestions for the eager, bold and those with considerable cash reserves."
"Nearly 50 years after Carroll Shelby introduced the first-generation Shelby GT500 that went on to take a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finish at the 1967 Le Mans, Ford has now honoured the legendary figure with the most powerful and advanced Mustang ever.\nIts hand-built 5.2-litre supercharged V8 delivers over 700 hp; extracted from high-flow aluminum cylinder heads, larger forged connecting rods, improved lubrication and cooling passages.\nPower is delivered through a TREMEC 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which can shift smoothly in less than 100 milliseconds, before being transferred to a carbon fibre driveshaft which reduces unsprung weight.\nTo harness the power more efficiently, Ford has entrusted a set of custom Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres to do the job. Stopping power is taken care of by Brembo 6-pot calipers with two-piece rotors in between \u2013 the largest front brake discs ever applied on an American sports coupe.\nShelby GT500 also comes with revised suspension geometry with the active MagnaRide suspension, a new electronic power steering unit and lighter coil springs in the front and rear.\nA \u201cHandling Package\u201d includes adjustable strut top mounts and spoiler with Gurney flap. For the hardcore, there\u2019s a Carbon Fiber Track Package that features exposed 20-inch carbon fiber wheels wrapped with custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, an adjustable exposed carbon fiber GT4 track wing and splitter wickers with integrated dive plane. The rear seat is also removed to reduce weight.\n\u201cWith a double front grille opening and 50 percent more cooling pack airflow versus the Shelby GT350, along with the most advanced aero components and downforce we\u2019ve ever offered, every millimeter of Shelby GT500\u2019s fastback design is aimed at improving performance,\u201d said Melvin Betancourt, Ford design manager.\nInside, the GT500 features an exposed carbon fiber instrument panel, housing a 12-inch full-color LCD instrument cluster, Recaro bucket seats and a custom-tuned 12-speaker B&O Play sound system, controlled via an 8-inch SYNC 3 touch screen.\nIMAGE\u00a0 GALLERY"
"Following the launch of the \nContinental GT Mulliner Blackline last year\n, Bentley has now also brought the dark side over to the Flying Spur Mulliner. With the new addition, all Mulliner models are now offered with the blacked-out trim package \u2013 which is surprisingly popular among its buyers, with an uptake of nearly 20%.\nJust like the GT, the new Blackline Specification for the Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner swaps out just about every exterior chrome trim for something with a gloss black finish, including the window trim, mirror caps, lower grille, and headlight trims.\nAlthough, in contrast to the \nRolls-Royce Black Badge\n, the trims here don\u2019t completely black out everything \u2013 the black fender vents, grille, and even the special 22-inch wheels all still have sparkly chrome accents, while the iconic hood ornament also gets sparkly crystal wing fillers as accents.\nRELATED: \nThe new Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner is for when \u201cluxury\u201d just isn\u2019t enough\nWhile the exterior gets a spattering of black paint, the inside still remains completely unchanged from the existing model, which for a Bentley (and a Mulliner at that), means a heavy dose of its \u201cdiamond-in-diamond\u201d quilted leather upholstery, alongside brushed aluminium and chrome trims as accent.\nBentley\u2019s coachbuilder arm will essentially let you customise the car to your heart\u2019s content, but to make it a little bit easier, they\u2019ve also specially prepared eight individually curated three-colour palettes for the interior, including a \u201cbolder\u201d option called Flare, which combines Beluga leather on the dashboard, door trims, and headliner, with a rich red Hotspur leather for the seats, then further contrasted with linin micro-piping embroidery.\nALSO READ: \n\u201cDriver-focused\u201d Bentley Flying Spur S looks sinister, but gets no extra power\nSimilarly, the mechanicals underneath the bonnet is also unchanged. The Flying Spur Mulliner Blackline is also offered with the same \n3.0-litre V6 hybrid\n, \n4.0-litre V8\n, or 6.0-litre W12 powertrains\n, with the latter making a whopping \n626 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of twist.\nAside from the Flying Spur Mulliner Blackline Specification, Bentley will also be introducing an \nall-new halo model\n called the Batur at the Monterey Car Week this weekend. The Batur will still not be electric, but it will supposedly show off the marque\u2019s new design language for its future EVs.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) launched the facelifted Mitsubishi Triton today at One Utama shopping mall that features cosmetic upgrades mainly to the front of the pick-up. All variants get the new look \u2013 Triton 2.5 MT STD, Triton 2.5 AT, Triton 2.5 MT and the top range Triton VGT GS \u2013 except for Triton Lite. Prices are between RM82,185.70 to RM107,809.60.\nQuick Prices\n \nTriton 2.5 MT STD :\n\u00a0\nRM82,185.70\n \nTriton 2.5 MT :\n\u00a0\nRM90,377.80\n \nTriton 2.5 AT :\n\u00a0\nRM95,247.80\n \nTriton VGT GS :\u00a0\nRM107,809.60\nCheck out our video coverage on the launch event highlights.\nThe most powerful pick-up in its class, the Triton VGT GS gets the most goodies as compared the the rest of the models. It now comes with power sunroof, power sliding rear vent window, security window tint, automatic climate control, leather seats, and a 6.1-inch touch screen audio panel with reverse camera.\u00a0Standard upgrades across all variants are mainly the Pajero Sport front grille, new front bumper and projector headlights.\nThe engines in the VGT GS remains as the 2.5-litre engine with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT), that produces 178 PS and 350 Nm of torque. Whereas the rest of the models is still powered by the same 2.5-litre engine, with 136 PS and 314 Nm of torque.\nThe Triton VGT GS is fitted with Hybrid Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that works along side with the ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) to provide better off-road experience.\u00a0All Triton comes with Mitsubishi\u2019s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body. Its strong frame construction and aerodynamic body design offers solid handling, good stability and traction.\nAmong all the Triton models, the VGT GS is \u00a0the most \u2018luxurious\u2019 in terms of its interior. The leather seats are very welcoming for a pick-up truck. Plus the center console design with the handsome dials for the climate control and the 6.1-inch touch screen panel, you wouldn\u2019t think you are in a truck. In addition to that, the VGT GS is fully imported.\nSince its introduction eight years ago, MMM has sold 46,000 units of Mitsubishi Triton in Malaysia. In 2013, the Triton sales figure was at 7,000 units out of the total sales of 13,000 units.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A third derivative of the 4 Series range has been launched by \nBMW Group Malaysia\n, the \n4 Series Gran Coupe\n. Unlike the \u2018normal\u2019 2-door 4 Series Coupe, the 4 Series Gran Coupe follows its larger 6 Series Gran Coupe format, which is a \n4-door coupe\n bodystyle. Currently there\u2019s only the \n428i\n offered here in Malaysia, which retails at RM389,800.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nBMW 4 Series Gran Coupe\nSegment\nC-segment 4 Door Coupe\nEngine\n1,997cc In-line 4, BMW\u00a0TwinPower Turbo\nMax Power\n245hp @ 5,000-6,500\u00a0rpm\nMax Torque\n350Nm @ 1,250\u20134,800\u00a0rpm\nPrice\nRM 389,800 (Sport Line) RM 418,800 (M Sport)   With the introduction of the new 4 Series range with the F32 Coupe and the F33 Convertible, the F36 Gran Coupe is busting another niche segment. The 4 Series Gran Coupe is the answer to those who wants exclusivity of a coupe, but with the practicality of a sedan.\nConfusingly enough even though the F36 4 Series Gran Coupe is one up from the F34 3 Series Gran Turismo, it is actually smaller than the 3 Series Gran Turismo.\nEXTERIOR\nFrom the front it looks exactly like the 4 Series Coupe, until you move alongside the car you will see there\u2019s something not quite right with this 4 Series because of the additional two doors at the back. From the side it looks longer than the 4 Series Coupe but amazingly the 4 Series Gran Coupe shares the same body measurements with the 4 Series Coupe, except that it\u2019s just 12mm taller.   Measuring at \n4,638mm\n long, \n1,825mm\n wide, and \n1,389mm\n high, the 4 Series Gran Coupe shares the same wheelbase at \n2,810mm\n long. In keeping with the Coupe theme, the 4 Series Gran Coupe retains the frameless windows on all four doors.\nThe 428i Gran Coupe comes in the\u00a0\nSport Line\n guise, but there\u2019s also the\u00a0\nM Sport package\n option. Both run on \n18-inch\n alloys but the design are different and M Sport\u2019s rear wheels are an inch wider. M Sport also comes with sportier front and rear bumpers, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, and chromed tailpipes instead of black on the Sport Line.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior feels luxurious yet sporty with aluminium trim and Dakota leather upholstery. You can choose from Black with Red highlights, Oyster with Black highlights, and Coral Red with Black highlights in the Sport Line, and Black with Black highlights, Ivory White with Black highlights, and Coral Red with Black highlights in the M Sport.   The sports steering wheel comes with shift paddles (M Sport gets a different design and chunkier wheel), while almost everything else is controlled by the \niDrive\n control system with \nTouch Controller\n. The 8.8 inch main screen also displays the map courtesy of Navigation system Professional.\nDrivers will be glad that they will be able to choose from Comfort, ECO PRO, Sport, or Sport+ from the \nDriving Experience Control\n. Other creature comforts include full powered front seats, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, and two-zone climate control with air vents for rear passengers.\nThe back is not as cramped as one would assume, especially with the roofline that has been extended by 112mm giving the rear occupants adequate head room. BMW refers to the rear seat layout as a 2+1, rightfully so as it\u2019s more cocooning to be in the back of the 4 Series Gran Coupe than the F30 3 Series Sedan.\u00a0A \n205W\n sound system with \nnine speakers\n offered as standard, but M sport gets a \n600W\u00a0Harman Kardon\n surround sound system with \n16 speakers\n.\nThere\u2019s a sensor below the rear bumper to detect foot movement to open up or close the boot. The bootspace is generous at \n480 litres\n and can be increased up to 1,300 litres when the \n60/40-split rear seats\n are folded down. ISOFIX mounts can be found at the rear seats as well. Additionally, there\u2019s also a \nsunroof \noption on the M Sport.\nA number of airbags reside in the cabin of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. This include\u00a0\nfront airbags\n\u00a0for the driver and front passenger,\u00a0\nside airbags\n\u00a0in the front seats, and\u00a0\ncurtain airbags\n.\u00a0\nDynamic Stability Control\n\u00a0(DSC) is standard, along with\u00a0\nABS\n,\u00a0\nCornering Brake Control\n\u00a0(CBC), and\u00a0\nDynamic Traction Control\n\u00a0(DTC).\nPERFORMANCE\nThe widely-used \n2.0 litre four cylinder\n BMW TwinPower Turbo engine powers the 428i Gran Coupe. The turbocharged powerplant generates \n245hp\n and \n350Nm\n of torque with the claimed fuel consumption of\u00a0\n6.4 litre per 100km\n.\nPaired with an \n8-speed Steptronic\n transmission, the 428i Gran Coupe accelerates from \n0 to 100km/h\n in \n6.1 seconds\n and all the way to \n250km/h top speed\n. An \nanticipatory gearshift strategy\n is also featured, where the gearshifts are pre-planned to match the road layout ahead based on the data from the navigation system.\nWHAT ELSE?\nBuyers can choose from five exterior colours namely Alpine White, Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver, Mineral Grey, and Jatoba Metallic. Another two colours Carbon Black and Estoril Blue are only offered exclusively on the M Sport. The \n428i Gran Coupe Sport Line\n is priced at\n RM389,800\n (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) ) while additional \nRM29,000\n buys you the \nM Sport package\n.\nAlso introduced at Ciao Restorante are BMW Motorrad\u2019s first Thai assembled bikes, the new \nBMW F 800 R (RM63,800)\n\u00a0and \nBMW F 800 GS (from RM73,900)\n.\u00a0The new BMW F 800 R and the new BMW F 800 GS come with \na special service program \nwhich includes free lubricant service of up to\n 2 years or 40,000km, whichever comes first\n. All BMW Motorrad bikes also offer a two year international warranty with unlimited mileage.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The latest to join the lucrative but increasingly competitive compact crossover segment is Kia. The all-new \nKia Stonic\n aims to capture the market with its youthful outlook and an attractive warranty package (in the UK, for now).\nAt first glance, the Kia Stonic looks like the current \nKia Rio hatchback\n with higher ground clearance. The signature \u201cTiger-nose\u201d grille aside, the Stonic prides itself with its \n\u2018targa\u2019-style roof\n and two-tone paint finish. Customisation is plenty here; the roof can be had with five distinctive colours while there\u2019s up to 20 two-tone colour combinations available.   Inside, the dashboard looks similar to the one in the Rio, with the Stonic featuring contrasting lines in the trimmings. Boot space is rated at 352 litres and will include a two-step boot floor. Kia claims that the Stonic will offer \u201cclass-leading shoulder room and generous leg- and head-room.\u201d\nFour choices of engines are offered, starting with the \n1.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T-GDI)\n engine shared with the new Rio that outputs\n 118 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque. The naturally aspirated units are the 1.25-litre (83 hp/122 Nm) and 1.4-litre (98hp/132 Nm) four-cylinder MPI petrol mill as well as a 1.6-litre diesel engine. All models are front-wheel drive and currently offered with a manual transmission.\nSafety is a strong point in the Stonic thanks to Kia\u2019s\n DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems\n (ADAS). The suite\u00a0includes autonomous braking, blind spot detection,\u00a0 forward collision alert and lane departure warning.\nSales will begin by October and will be backed by a class-leading seven-year manufacturer warranty, although pricing is yet to be revealed. Given the popularity of compact crossovers and SUVs in Malaysia, expect Naza Kia Malaysia to introduce the Stonic by 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First, Shell Malaysia gave 10,000 of their lucky customers over RM2 million worth of\u00a0\nfree fuel\n. This time around, they are going one-up by offering a full tank of V-Power on top of their fully synthetic Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology (worth RM600) to 500 lucky participants \u2013 for free!\nShell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd is organising a two-day festival known as the\n Love My Ride Festival\n\u00a0and will be held at MATRADE\u00a0Exhibition and Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. The event is set to take place on 13 and 14 June, and participants will be part of a \nhistoric attempt\n by Shell Malaysia to etch this feat into the \nMalaysian Book of Records\n for the most number of cars in a lubricant changing event.\nAt the event, your car\u2019s current \nengine oil\n will be \ncompletely drained\n and then refilled with Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology, a \nfully synthetic engine oil\n with an ultra-clean oil base \nproduced from natural gas\n. Now imagine combining that with the brand\u2019s \nV-Power\n.\nThere\u2019s absolutely no catch to qualify for the \nfree\n engine oil change and fuel. If you truly love your ride and want to be part of this event, simply logon to \nwww.lovemyride.com.my\n and submit your details. Registration closes on 1st of June, (Monday).\nShell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is tried and trusted by some of the world\u2019s leading engine makers and has such received \nOEM approvals\n from Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, VW, Ford, Honda, GM, Chrysler, Hyundai and the new partnership with BMW."
"While you may have already seen the \nOra Good Cat\n in Malaysia, there is another electric cat that will soon reach our shores. It is the Ora Lightning Cat, a Panamera-like electric saloon from the Chinese carmaker. According to our sources close to the matter, the Ora Lightning Cat\u2019s indicative price is below RM200,000. Lucky for us, we had a chance to have closer look at it at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n.\nIt is hard to ignore the Panamera resemblance of the Ora Lightning Cat. Like the Ora Good Cat, it employs a retro-futuristic styling with its circular headlights and overall roundish features. The brand refers to the Lightning Cat as a \u201cSuper streamline pure electric coupe\u201d.\nAs for dimensions, the Lightning Cat measures 4,871 mm long, 1,862 mm wide, and 1,500 mm tall. Its wheelbase is 2,870 mm long. For reference, it is about the size of a \nHonda Accord\n. There are four colour options for the Lightning Cat, namely \u2018Tourmaline Grey\u2019, \u2018Smoked Amethyst\u2019, \u2018White Jade\u2019, and \u2018Ice Powder Diamond\u2019.\nPowertrain-wise, there are two options for the Lightning Cat for its several variants. There is a single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) powertrain option and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) option as well. The single-motor FWD version makes 150 kW (\n204 hp \nmetric) and \n340 Nm\n. The dual-motor AWD version makes a total output of 300 kW (\n408 hp\n metric) and \n680 Nm\n. Both motors in the dual-motor version are identical.\nRELATED: \nTengku Zafrul receives Ora Good Cat for long term test drive \u2013 MITI to study EV usage pattern\nStoring power in the Lightning Cat is either a Lithium iron phosphate battery or a ternary lithium battery. Battery capacity is reportedly 84 kWh and this provides a range of up to \n705 km\n (CLTC) for the \u201cLong Battery Life\u201d variant. Other variants of the Lightning Cat have arrange of \n555 km \n(Deluxe and Premium) or \n600 km\n (AWD High Performance). As for charging, only the DC charging time is detailed, which is under 30 minutes to reach 80% from 30%.\nRELATED: \nGWM Malaysia begins deliveries of Ora Good Cat in style\nInside, the Ora Lighting Cat features a floating 12.3-inch screen infotainment system and a \u2018triple-gauge\u2019 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The inclined centre console of the Lightning Cat somewhat emulates that of a supercar. The interior can be had in either brown, black, or a blue/gray combination.\nAs for safety, the Ora Lightning Cat is equipped with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian/bicycle safety assist, intersection assist, smart dodge, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also gets the Ora-Pilot 3.0 Intelligent Assisted Driving system. The Ora Lightning Cat will soon enter the Malaysian market.\nRELATED: \nGWM Malaysia collects over 100 bookings for Ora Good Cat EV in just three days\nGALLERY"
"Volkswagen\u2019s most compact hatchback, the \nsixth-generation Polo\n has just been awarded maximum 5-Star safety rating at the Euro NCAP Crash Test. Thanks to a suite of advanced driver assistance systems \u2013 standard on all variants, new platform architecture and overall body rigidity, the Polo sets a new benchmark for safety in its segment.\nIn the \u201cAdult Occupants\u201d segment, the Polo scored an impressive \n96 \nper cent (of a maximum 100 per cent). The examiners were particularly impressed by its side impact rating noting that \u201cthe protection of all critical body areas is good, and the Polo attained maximum points\u201d. This is an impressive feat because despite its compact design, the Polo manages to \nretain its overall structure remarkably well\n. Jump to the\n 1:20\n mark and see for yourself.\nAnother notable mention is the \u201cChild Occupant\u201d segment where the Polo scored 85 per cent \u2013 the highest score ever awarded for a supermini. Elsewhere, it scored 76 per cent for Pedestrian Protection and 59 per cent for Safety Assist.\nAs standard, the Polo is equipped with six airbags, ESC, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Front Assist area monitoring system with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring. Yes, even on the cheapest model.\nWe should be expecting the all-new Volkswagen Polo to arrive our shores in due course to replace the outgoing model. Heres hoping that when the car lands in Malaysia, it gets the same equipment as its European counterpart.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At the handover ceremony of the 300th\u00a0FUSO truck from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) to Biforst Logistics, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise Biforst Logistics\u2019 commitment to purchase the first electric-powered truck, the FUSO eCanter when it is available in Malaysia.\nThis move to introduce the country\u2019s first electric truck is a significant step for MBM CV\u2019s commitment to support the nation\u2019s efforts of becoming an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) hub and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Through the MoU signing, Biforst Logistics will be the first adopter of the eCanter truck in Malaysia.\nFirst premiered at the 2016 IAA Commercial Vehicles Show, the eCanter truck is powered by a 248 hp and 380 Nm electric motor that drives the rear axle via a single-speed transmission. Customers can select the battery pack combination of between three to six sets of 14 kWh individual batteries. As a benchmark, a 70 kWh battery pack is able to deliver a driving range of more than 100 km. Charging from empty to 80 percent battery capacity only takes one hour with a quick charging station.\nWith its zero-emission drive, the eCanter poses a great alternative to diesel powered trucks and through Daimler\u2019s year-long fleet test, the eCanter have sown around \u20ac1,000 (RM4.7k) of savings per 10,000 km compared to the diesel version.\nKudos to MBM CV for their move to introduce an eco-friendly alternative in the transportation sector and Biforst Logistics for adopting the first electric-powered truck in Malaysia. With the increased uptake of Euro 5 diesel and now the introduction of all-electric trucks, seems like our beloved country is on the right track to reduce carbon footprint."
"MINI Malaysia has kick-started its build-up to the CNY festive period through exclusive deals on the MINI Countryman SE Hybrid.\nHarald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, \u201cThe new year brings a host of new opportunities, and we are pleased to place the MINI Countryman SE at the forefront of our latest programme. As we move into 2021, the new MINI Countryman SE programme underlines our continued commitment towards accelerating the adoption of electromobility in Malaysia \u2013 especially while the SST exemption is still in place.\u201d\nThe CNY promotion entitles all new customers of the MINI Countryman SE to interest rates from as low as 0% (based on Straight Line Financing), monthly instalment plans from RM2,678 and an extended 8-year/160,000-kilometre (whichever comes first) warranty coverage on the hybrid battery.\nBuyers who \ncustomized their aftersales package\n to include the 4-Year MINI Service and Repair Inclusive (MSRI) Programme are also entitled to an extra complimentary year of the programme, making it 4+1 years of free services in total in total.\nThe CNY promotion is currently available from now until \n31st March 2021\n. With the movement control order now in place, communication with a preferred MINI dealer via electronic means can be done\n \nhere\n. \u00a0\nA quick recap on the MINI Countryman SE. The plug-in hybrid Countryman\u2019s front wheels are driven by the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the rear axle is powered by an electric motor. It produces a total output of\u00a0224 hp\n\u00a0\nand 385 Nm\u00a0of torque, the highest in the MINI model range.\nThis unique electric all-wheel drive set up propels the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. A fully-charged battery meanwhile is able to offer an all-electric range of up to 42 kilometres.\nThe MINI Countryman SE is priced from \nRM247,948.73\n on-the-road before insurance and other options."
"Isuzu Malaysia has just added two new variants of the Isuzu D-Max to their local line up, the X-Series. Unveiled at the Drive Autofair 2018, let Eu Jin take you on a closer look at the limited edition Isuzu D-Max X-Series:\nAdditions to the X-Serie pick up trucks are mostly cosmetics with convenient features such as 360-degree Around View Monitor and a built-in Smart Tag reader. It retains the same engine options available on the D-Max \u2013 a 2.5-litre turbodiesel with \n136 hp\n/\n320 Nm\n and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel with \n177 hp\n/\n380 Nm\n. Both mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.\nThe new D-Max variants with its added \nmacho-ness \nand attractive price tag of RM118k and RM124k, it certainly adds some much-needed flair to the aging pick up truck. If the X-Series speaks to you, be sure to snap one up before Isuzu Malaysia is done with the limited production."
"BMW Group Malaysia\n recently held its annual Dealer Awards Night 2022 at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, which saw over 200 representatives and individuals from across the nation\u2019s BMW network to celebrate their outstanding achievements.\nA total of 23 authorised BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, and BMW Premium Selection dealerships from across the country were acknowledged for their exceptional service standards in various categories.\nHans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said in his speech, \u201cIn the last year, each and every one of our associates have dedicated precious time and effort, coupled with their outstanding skills and years of experience to deliver excellence to all our customers in Malaysia.\n\u201cIt is an honour for us at BMW Group Malaysia to have such a dedicated network of dealers who not only demonstrate what it means to be Number One in the Premium Automotive Segment, but have also consistently raised the bar in customer service within the local automotive industry, making the hallmark BMW Premium Ownership Experience the standard for aftersales service in the country.\u201d\nAside from performance awards, the company also presented several BMW High Voltage Expert Certifications to individuals who have undergone stringent training in specialising on electric vehicle batteries and BMW i vehicles.\nRELATED: BMW Malaysia grooming \u2018High Voltage Experts\u2019 in preparation for EV future\nThe award winners of the night include:\nBMW Dealer Award 2022\nOpen category\nAuto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur \u2013 Wai Kit Peng\nAuto Bavaria Ara Damansara \u2013 Supiyati binti Ahmad\nMillenium Welt Kuantan \u2013 Tuan Mohd Shafik bin Tuan Shamsuri\nTechnical category\nTian Siang Premium Auto Butterworth \u2013 Thamotharan a/l Pannirselvan\nRegas Premium Auto \u2013 Rodi Ajang Anthony\nQuill Automobiles \u2013 Ahmad Idris bin Md Derus\nCustomer Service Officer category\nRegas Premium Sabah \u2013 Shim Kuan Guan\nLee Motors Auto Care \u2013 Noor Haslina binti Jahaya\nMillenium Welt Batu Pahat \u2013 Tan Qi Herng\nHead of Parts category\nLee Motor Auto Care \u2013 Pea Fong Fong\nAuto Bavaria Johor Bahru \u2013 Bijamin Anak Changgan\nHead of Aftersales category\nQuill Automobiles \u2013 Liew Sun Hoong\nAuto Bavaria Penang \u2013 Mohd Azlan Aladin\nAuto Bavaria Ara Damansara \u2013 Anthony David\nBMW Motorrad Dealer Award 2022\nBMW Motorrad Technicians category\nAuto Bavaria Ara Damansara \u2013 Mohd Hanafi Abdul Ghapar\nChear Motorrad \u2013 Muhammad Farkhan\nBMW Motorrad Service Advisor category\nEL Chong Motor \u2013 Mohamad Sopian\nAuto Bavaria Penang \u2013 Tee Kean Chu\nBMW Motorrad Aftersales Manager category\nRegas Premium Auto \u2013 Nicholas Yo\nMillenium Welt Kuantan \u2013 Eugene Francis\nBMW Motorrad Service Advisor category\nAuto Bavaria Penang \u2013 Gary Saw Kooi Hong\nEL Chong Motor \u2013 Wee Wei Ping\nBMW Motorrad Sales Manager category\nAuto Bavaria Penang \u2013 Wong Loke Win\nRegas Premium Sabah \u2013 Theresa Tan\nMINI Issigonis Club Award 2022\nMINI Top Sales Advisor award\nAuto Bavaria Penang \u2013 Cally Chan Li Beng (Cooper)\nMillenium Welt Seremban \u2013 Eliz Wong Yoon Hiung (Cooper)\nWheelcorp Premium \u2013 Farizz Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak (Cooper S)\nWheelcorp Premium \u2013 Alan Yu Kok Yeong (Cooper S)\nAuto Bavaria Damansara \u2013 Belinda Ong Gaik Choo (MINI JCW)\nAuto Bavaria Damansara \u2013 Lee Sok Yee (MINI JCW)\nMINI Top Sales Manager award\nAuto Bavaria Penang \u2013 Wong Kim Kooi (Cooper)\nWheelcorp Premium \u2013 Michael John (Cooper S)\nAuto Bavaria Ara Damansara \u2013 Victor Tan Wei Teck (MINI JCW)\nMINI Top Dealership award\nAuto Bavaria Penang \u2013 Wong Loke Win (Cooper)\nWheelcorp Premium \u2013 Jayden Liew (Cooper S)\nIngress Auto Bangsar \u2013 Azwan Yahaya (MINI JCW)\nIn addition to the dealership awards, a range of other accolades were also given out during the event for individual accomplishments in various categories, ranging from BMW Financial Services to Premium Selection.\nGALLERY"
"Just a few days after the launch of the 2017\u00a0\nFord Fiesta\n, the Blue Oval finally released the drool-worthy details we\u2019ve been waiting for.\nThe seventh-generation Fiesta is\u00a071mm longer and 12mm wider than the old model, and it has an \nincreased wheelbase of 4mm\n. The extra wheelbase length doubles as a means to accommodate the bigger wheels and also to increase legroom for rear passengers.   It is now available in four trims, surprisingly beginning with the Titanium (pictured above). Previously offered as the supermini\u2019s most exclusive trim, the new Fiesta\u2019s more upmarket approach means it\u2019s time for the Titanium trim to take the backseat. It\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does bear a more mature look among the four.   The sportier Fiesta is now offered as the ST-Line, which now sports a mesh grille design, clearly inspired from the Focus RS. The ST-Line is said to receive a sportier chassis setup to better cater driving enthusiasts.   New to the table is the Vignale trim, as seen with the white example above. It\u2019s got a groovy chromed grille, 18-inch 8-spoke alloys, premium interior finishing and quilted leather seats.   Last but not least is the brand new Active trim \u2013 a first for the model. As the name suggests, it has increased ride height, roof bars and black plastic claddings around the car. All Fiestas\u00a0can be had in either three or five-door configurations, except the Active which can only come as the latter.\nOn the safety front, the new Fiesta now comes with Ford\u2019s \nPre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection\n to prevent frontal collision. It is also the first supermini in Europe to offer\u00a0\nCross Traffic Alert\n. Also included are Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam, Blind Spot Information System and Lane Keeping Aid. As you see here, some of the goodies are inherited from the ongoing \nFocus\n.\nNow, the powertrains. The Blue Oval\u2019s \n1.0-litre EcoBoost\n will soldier on, and it\u2019s available in three states of tunes \u2013\u00a0\n98 hp, 120 hp\n, and\n\u00a0138 hp\n, and it is\u00a0also the first\u00a0three-potter\u00a0in the world to feature\n\u00a0cylinder deactivation\n. There\u2019s also a 1.1-litre naturally aspirated three-potter making 69 hp or 84 hp to choose from.\nAlso a first for the Fiesta is the inclusion of a \n1.5-litre\u00a0TDCi\u00a0\nengine, producing either 85 hp or 120 hp. Transmission choice is either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. \u00a0All\u00a0Fiestas here have active aero grille and Auto-Start-Stop to better conserve fuel.\nSo, what do you think of the new Fiesta? We personally love the way it looks and can\u2019t wait for it to arrive on our shores. When, you ask? Perhaps sometime in 2017, hopefully not in 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The fully electric Hyundai IONIQ 5, \nlaunched in Malaysia\n just two days ago from RM199k, has just been crowned the UK Car of the Year 2022 after consideration from a panel of 29 judges from Top Gear, Evo, Auto Express, The Independent, and The Telegraph to name a few.\nThe IONIQ 5 was also voted the Best Family Car as it was noted for making \u201cgoing electric easy\u201d. The awards also credited the IONIQ 5 for being the future of motoring but is instead today\u2019s reality.\nThe IONIQ 5 was also recognised at the 2021 News UK Motor Awards; walking away with the Best Designed Car of the 2021 title and Motoring Innovation of the Year Award for its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature. The V2L feature essentially allows occupants to power electrical appliances, even with the car off, by plugging into a conventional 3-pin socket.\nCloser to home, the IONIQ 5 is available in 3 variants; the Lite from RM 199,888, the Plus from RM229,888 and the Max from RM259,888. Its batteries are covered by an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.\nThe Lite and Plus variants are rear-wheel drive, powered by a single electric motor, while the Max comes with all-wheel drive; with an electric motor in the front and back.\nThe Lite and Plus come with 170 hp and 350 Nm with 0 to 100 km/h done in just 8.5 seconds, while the more powerful Max variant with 305 hp and 605 Nm, does it in 5.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 185 km/h for all variants.\nThe Lite and Plus are fitted with a 58 kWh lithium-ion battery for up to 384 km of driving range, while the Max gets a larger 72.6 kWh battery for up to 430 km. Using a Type 2 AC (11kW) charger, the IONIQ 5 can be charged from 0 to 100% in just 5 hours. With the quicker DC charger, the IONIQ 5 can be charged up to 80% in just 18 minutes."
"Following the \nintroduction of the Subaru XV GT Edition launched last year\n, TC Subaru, official distributors of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia has now launched the \nSubaru Forester GT Edition\n priced at\n RM177,788\n on-the-road excluding insurance.\nLike the XV GT Edition, the Forester GT Edition is created in collaboration with engineering company Giken Co. Ltd and is based on the\n \nhigh spec 2.0-iS EyeSight Forester\n but with some cosmetic and equipment upgrade. Check out our \nreview of the Subaru Forester here\n.\nWe also\n tested out the Forester\u2019s EyeSight system and its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system\n in a must-watch video.\nPERFORMANCE\nEngine:\u00a0FB20 2.0-litre naturally aspirated\n boxer engine\nTransmission: Lineartronic CVT\nDrivetrain: Symmetrical All-wheel Drive\nHorsepower: 156 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nTorque: 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nThe Forester GT stands out from the standard Forester with an additional aerokit that includes a \nfront bumper lip extension\n, \nside skirts\n, \nroof spoiler\n, and \nrear bumper lip extension\n. Otherwise, exterior features are as follow:\nEXTERIOR\nLED headlamps with Auto Levelling\nSteering Responsive Headlights\nLED daytime running lights\nHalogen front fog lamps\nLED combination tail lamps\nLED rear fog lights\nPower folding heated side mirrors\nGT Edition 18-inch alloy wheels\nAs for the inside, the new Forester GT Edition\u2019s cabin comes with a unique two-tone leather upholstery. Notable upgrades compared to the Forester \nwe drove from Penang to Bangkok \nincludes a new 8-inch audio system now with \nApple CarPlay\n and \nAndroid Auto \nalong with a \n360-degree view monitor\n. Standard equipment/features are as follow:\nINTERIOR\n8-way power adjustable driver seat with Memory Function\n8-way power adjustable front passenger seat\nReclining rear seats\nThree USB ports\nDual zone air conditioning\nRear air vents\nKeyless entry with Push Start\nMultifunction telescopic steering wheel\nIf you\u2019ve seen our \nreview \nand Vlogs of the Forester, you\u2019d know by now that the Forester\u2019s cabin is one of the most if not the most spacious in its segment; with an abundance of head, knee and leg room. Boot space is rated at \n520 litres\n.\nFEATURES & CONVENIENCES \nBluetooth\n6 speakers\nThree USB ports\nPowered tailgate with Memory Function\n12V outlet in boot\nSAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE\nSeven airbags\nEyeSight Driver Assist with Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control\nBlind spot monitor\nSide view monitor\nSubaru Intelligent Drive \u2013 Intelligent and Sport Mode\nHill Descent Control\nRear cross traffic alert\nAuto Vehicle Hold\nActive Torque Vectoring\nX-Mode \u2013 Snow/Dirt Mode and Deep Snow/Mud Mode\nThe Forester GT Edition is fully imported from Thailand and is accompanied with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty. For those interested in viewing the new Forester GT Edition, TC Subaru would like to assure customers that it has implemented stringent protocols at all its facilities for the health, safety and peace of mind of customers.\nGALLERY"
"Cryptic as it may be, \nMazda\n has released a teaser on YouTube that revealed what the new Mazda 3 turbo could sound like along with the figures \u201c7\u201d, \u201c8\u201d and \u201c2020\u201d; suggesting its launch to be on the 8th of July 2020. It could even be 7th of August, we\u2019ll see.\nWhether it will be named the Mazda 3 MPS remains to be seen, as the boys in Japan have time and time again reiterated that there are no plans to revive that nameplate. The 2nd generation Mazda 3 MPS was available between 2010 to 2013.\n \nSo far, the word is that the new Mazda 3 turbo would inherit the 2.5-litre turbo engine already available in the turbocharged \nCX-5\n and\n CX-9\n. The engine makes \n228 hp \nand \n420 Nm\n but whether these figures will be seen in the Mazda 3 turbo \u2013 only time will tell. Sames goes to the 6-speed automatic transmission paired to the 2.5-litre turbo engine.\nLocally, the Mazda 3 is available either with a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre engine. Both are naturally aspirated and are paired 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 1.5-litre model makes\n 118 hp \nand\n 153 Nm\n while the 2.0-litre model makes\n 162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n.\nWatch our \nreview of the Mazda 3 here\n!\nFor the latest price list of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia following the Sales Tax Exemption between June 15th to December 31st, click \nhere\n."
"Besides witnessing the premiere of the new \nSubaru Forester e-Boxer at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show\n, this little Volkswagen Polo Beats, caught the eye of our editor who is a little of an audiophile himself.\nThe Polo Beats is essentially a \nstandard polo\n with a massively upgraded sound system supplied by Beats in the shape of a \n300-W seven-speaker Surround Sound System\n. You get two tweeters in the A-pillars, four woofers in the doors and a subwoofer beneath the boot floor. An eight-channel amplifier ensures that the sound quality from the 8.0-inch Composition Media touchscreen unit is clearly transmitted through the speakers.\nVisually, the Polo Beats is no different from a regular Polo equipped with LED headlamps with LED daytime running light, LED taillamps, modest 16-inch alloy wheels as well as black side mirrors and roof. Only differentiation from a regular Polo is the Beats log attached on the B-pillars.\nInside, the Polo Beats gets a dual upholstery with a Red painted insert on the dashboard, centre console surrounds and doors. Equipment list reads multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, 12.3-inch Active Info Display, Beats logo embroidery on the seats and a sunroof.   Under the hood is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol engine paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n9.5 seconds\n while top speed is quoted to be\n 200 km/h\n.\nIn Singapore, the Volkswagen Polo Beats is priced at SGD101k inclusive of COE which converts to over RM306k, yikes.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nVolkswagen Polo Beats at 2019 Singapore Motor Show"
"Raya is around the corner, which means there are\u00a0massive promotions from car brands! Offering Malaysians who are looking for a brand new ride to \n\u201cbalik kampung\u201d\n!\u00a0We have compiled a list of promos offered by our automotive brands in Malaysia.\nWe start with this,\u00a0\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)\n \nis offering attractive rebates for three models:\nThe all-new \nOutlander\n is offered with a\n 1-Year free service program\n and 5-Years or 100,000 KM warranty package. The all-new Outlander is priced at RM168, 600.\nThe \nTriton VGT Adventure\n is offered with \ncash rebates up to RM7,500\n and 3-Years or 100,000km warranty package. The all-new Triton VGT Adventure is priced at RM116, 053.\nThe \nMitsubishi \nASX\n Compact SUV is offered with\n cash rebates up to RM8, 000\n and 5-Years warranty with unlimited mileage. The Mitsubishi ASX is priced at 105,744.31 for the 2WD-GL variant, RM 115,468.71 for the 2WD variant and RM129,010.43 for the 4WD variant.\nAlso to note, Mitsubishi owners can enjoy free labour service charge when their service bill reached above RM400 and receive as special collectibles courtesy of\u00a0exclusive the \u201c\nServis Raya Sama-Sama Ceri\na\u201d promo.\nMoving along,\u00a0\nVolkswagen\n\u00a0is\u00a0giving away an additional RM2,000 \n\u201cduit raya\u201d\n on top of cash rebates for the CC, Cross Touran, Golf GTI, and the \nBeetle\n. The \nPolo\n and the updated Golf meanwhile receives the\u00a0RM2K rebate only. Click here for more info on the \npromo\n.\nOn the local front, \nProton\n is offering rebates up to RM3,000 on selected 2016 models including the \nProton Iriz\n, and a free\u00a0\n20-point safety inspection \nat all authorised service centers.\u00a0For instance, the Saga can be had with monthly installments as low as RM367 on top of an RM2,000 cash rebate.\nPerodua\n\u00a0meanwhile is offering interesting packages\u00a0for the \nAlza\n and \nMyvi\n models. The Alza compact MPV receives cash rebates up to RM2,300, followed by RM3,800 savings for selected Myvi variants. Offer ends by the 5th of July.\nIf you are looking for a new car, now is the best time. Stay safe on the road and Selamat Hari Raya!"
"We know it has a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, we know that it will be \npowered by a 6.5-litre V12\n and \nlimited to just 150 units worldwide\n but we\u2019ve not had even a glimpse of what\u2019s inside the Aston Martin-Red Bull (AMRB) hypercar. That is, until now. Enter the Aston Martin Valkyrie.\nPictures of the Valkyrie have long been published, but here are some intricate details of the Valkyrie\u2019s exterior that are just unlike anything else. Aston Martin decided that a traditional wing badge at the nose of the hypercar is deemed \u201ctoo heavy\u201d and a sticker is not befitting of the Valkyrie\u2019s status. Therefore, the team etched a wing badge that is just\n 70 microns thick\n, 30 percent thinner than a human hair, into the body work.\nThe headlamps are designed with the ethos of \u201cbare essentials\u201d, resulting in a headlamp design that celebrates pure functionality, just like on F1 cars. These sleek LED headlamps not only offer greater illumination but is also \n30 to 40 percent lighter\n than Aston Martins lightest series production headlamps. The third brake light, mounted on the tip of the Valkyrie\u2019s shark fin is the \nworld\u2019s smallest high mounted stop light\n measuring at 5.5mm wide and 9.5mm high, to reduce unnecessary weight and drag.\nPackaging the interior of the Valkyrie is no easy task due to the hypercar\u2019s unique but highly functional sculpture. AMRB together with project partner, AF Racing, have come up with an interior inspired by Formula One and Le Mans race cars. The\n seats are mounted directly to the carbon tub\n to maximise interior space and occupants are seated with their feet stretched out, like in \nF1 cars\n. The designers claim that this seating position ensures drivers and passengers are extremely safe, perfectly supported and feel completely one with the car.   Aston Martin also claims that the Valkyrie can fit \ntwo grown adults\n snugly. A four-point harness is used to hold the occupants in place while a six-point harness can be optioned for those who take their seven figure (Sterling Pounds that is) hypercar to the track often.\nNotice that there are no wing mirrors protruding from the sleek design? That\u2019s because AMRB have done away with the \u201caerodynamic disturbance\u201d, replaced with discreetly mounted cameras to feed the rear view to the driver. The large roof mounted air-intake also means that the Valkyrie \ndoes not come with a rear-view mirror\n.\nMatt Hill, Aston Martin Creative Director of Interiors said of the Aston Martin Valkyrie\u2019s cockpit design said: \u201cIt\u2019s been a tremendous challenge to make the interior packaging work. We\u2019ve embraced Red Bull Racing\u2019s Formula One ethos and approached from a different angle than conventional road car design. In this instance, we\u2019ve started from a position where you think something is impossible and work at it until you find a way to make it work.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s no secret by now that the Royal Family of Johor are fanatical enthusiasts of everything with wheels. We\u2019ve seen them make an appearance in the \nnew Genesis G90 recently\n and spotted a cool\n Lincoln Navigator SUV \nthrough the Crown Prince\u2019s social media post.\nRecently, the Crown Prince of Johor was seen with yet another cool ride en route to his meeting with Malaysian Olympic Silver medalist Azizulhasni Awang. This time his highness was seen with an ultra-rare \nFord GT\n but it\u2019s not just any Ford GT.\nIt sports an exclusive \u2018Victory\u2019 livery that consists of Liquid Red, Frozen White, and Lightning Blue. According to Ford, the colour scheme is not available for sale to the public but instead \nreserved only for Ford employees\n.\nExperience what it\u2019s like to be in a Ford GT as it does 340 km/h!\nThe \u2018Victory\u2019 livery mimics \nFord\u2019s 2016/17 race team colours\n that went on to win its category in the 2016 version of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.\nThe victory in 2016 was also extra special as it was the 50th anniversary of the first victory by the Ford GT at Le Mans back in 1966. Ford finished the race in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position that year, breaking Ferrari\u2019s long-standing dominance in the sport.\nThe Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with 647 hp and 746 Nm while the \ntrack-only Ford GT Mk II\n pushes out over 700 hp. There are \nonly about 1,300 units \nof the Ford GT in the world. Each starts from around USD 450,000 (approx. RM1.8 million before tax).\nAston Martin becomes official \ns\nponsor\n \nand par\ntner of Johor Darul Ta\u2019zim Football Club! Read about it here!\nGALLERY\nSource: \nFacebook"
"First previewed at the \nMalaysian Autoshow 2016\n, Naza Kia Sdn Bhd has finally launched the Kia Grand Carnival. This eight-seater MPV is available in in three variants \u2013 the base D, mid-spec KX, and range-topping EX.\nUnder the leadership of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the third-generation Grand Carnival has won numerous awards for its bold design including the 2014 New York Auto Show Best New Car Design and 2015 AUTOBYTEL Minivan of the Year and 2015 Ward\u2019s 10 Best Interior.\u00a0 The Grand Carnival measures 5,115 mm in length, 1,740 mm in height, 1,985 mm in width and a wheelbase of 3,060 mm. Priced from \nRM154k\n, the fully imported Grand Carnival offers a great alternative for MPV shoppers.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nKia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi D\nKia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi KX\nKia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi EX\nEngine\n2,199cc; Common rail direct injection VGT turbodiesel\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n190 hp @ 3,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n440 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,750 rpm\n\u00a0Price (On the road with insurance)\nRM153,888\nRM165,888\nRM185,888\nEXTERIOR\nLike all other Kia models penned by Peter Schreyer, the Grand Carnival wears the trademark \u2018tiger nose\u2019 grille. All three variants wear high levels of exterior trim including \nautomatic halogen projector headlamps\n with \nLED daytime running lights\n, front and rear fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, power folding side mirrors, shark fin antenna and mud guards at the wheel arches.   Only way to tell the EX apart from the other two are the additional gloss black and chrome radiator grille, and roof rack exclusive to the high-spec EX. All variants ride on\n\u00a010-spoke\n \n18-inch alloy wheels\n (Silver finish on the D and\u00a0KX; Machine finish on the EX) shod with 235/60 profile tyres.\nINTERIOR\nSo, what does 2015 Ward\u2019s 10 Best Interior has to offer? For starters, standard features are abundant even for the base D. The two-tone beige interior comes with fabric upholstery, manual driver\u2019s seat with two-way lumbar support, urethane multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, 4.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, 3.5-inch TFT Mono OLED instrument cluster, single zone manual air conditioning, rear air vents and rear sunshade blinds.   Stepping up to the KX variant, the additional RM12k fetches you a two-tone grey interior theme (fabric upholstery still), smart keyless entry and powered sliding doors.\nOpt for the range topping EX variant and the Grand Carnival comes with a two-tone beige interior, \nleather upholstery\n, automatic \ntri-zone climate control\n, eight-way powered driver seats with four-way lumbar support, \npowered tailgate\n and all four auto powered windows with anti-pinch.\nPERFORMANCE\nMotivating this eight-seater MPV is the tried and tested \n2.2-litre CRDi VGT turbodiesel\n pushing out\n 190 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a \nsix-speed torque converter automatic\n transmission. Fuel tank is a massive 80 litre capacity which is more than sufficient for all your long-distance driving needs.\nSAFETY\nNaza Kia has always put safety as their top priority as such all variants comes with \nsix airbags\n, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ESC, hill-start assist, front parking sensors and ISOFIX mounting points as standard.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Kia Grand Carnival can be had in three exterior shades \u2013 Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl and Titanium Brown. All purchases of the Grand Carnival comes with a \n5-Year unlimited mileage warranty\n. Besides that, Naza Kia is also offering a new smart financing package to lower monthly repayments as well the Kia Value 5 Plus that guarantees the resale value of the vehicle. For the time being, the Grand Carnival will be \nfully imported\n but the company has expressed that they are in the works of introducing a CKD model which may come as early as Q4 of 2017.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nKia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi EX   Kia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi KX   Kia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDi D"
"Before Aston Martin became indoctrinated as James Bond\u2019s primary choice of car, there was another, the one who got away. The Lotus Esprit S1 was most fondly remembered when it appeared the 1977 instalment \u201cThe Spy Who Loved Me\u201d.\nIf you do the math right, it\u2019s been exactly 40 years since the movie, and the creation of this one-off Evora Sport 410 is Lotus\u2019 way of celebrating the occasion. Bred from the premium selection of Lotus Exclusive, this Evora gets bits and bobs of the Esprit S1 that was piloted by Roger Moore.\nFor starters, the exterior is finished in white with unique black contrasting elements. The front bumper is a nod to the said Esprit, whereas the single piece carbon fibre tailgate gives the Evora a more \u201cliftback\u201d appearance. Keen eyes would notice the special wording on the B-pillar. Inside, the \u201c\nheritage tartan\n\u201d fabric adorns the door cards and seats, with obvious red stitching used across the dashboard.\nIt\u2019s powered by the same Toyota-sourced\u00a0\n3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine\n that puts out\n 410 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. Based on the standard Evora Sport, 0-100 km/h is done in\n 4.0 seconds\n\u00a0and it has a top speed of \n304 km/h\n.\nGroup Lotus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales said, \u201cLotus was founded on the principle of lightweight engineering and, even today, \nnobody does it better\n.\u201d Back at home, pricing for the \nEvora 400\n\u00a0starts from RM598k. Apparently, Lotus Malaysia has plans to introduce the hotter \nEvora 410\n\u00a0sometime soon, so stay tuned for that!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) is set to launch the \nall-new Defender\n 110 at 11 am on the 21st of October 2021. The company has extended the invite to all Malaysians to join the official digital launch via \nFacebook\n.\nNamed the 2021 World Car Design of the Year, the\n all-new Defender\n is built on a completely new platform compared to past models. The new Defender sits on an all-aluminium monocoque body that offers even more rigidity than the ladder frame chassis it was built on before.\n \nAs you can tell, the exterior is unrecognisable from the iconic Defenders we\u2019ve been used to but it still retains a few trademarks. They include the side-hinged tailgate and the Alpine light windows on the roof.\nJLRM said in their press release that there\u2019ll be two powertrain options available for the Defender 110 when it\u2019s launched; the \nP300\n and the \nP400 MHEV\n.\nThe P300 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with \n300 hp \nand \n400 Nm\n. The P400 MHEV gets a more powerful 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six assisted by a mild hybrid system. Output is rated at\n 400 hp\n and\n 550 Nm\n \u2013 making it more powerful than the already very quick\n GLE 450 AMG Line\n.\nBoth variants are fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes with permanent all-wheel drive. It\u2019s towing capacity is rated at 3,500 kg.\nAside from that, JLRM also revealed that the Defender 110 will come with features like the Meridien Sound System, a 3D Surround Camera, ClearSight Ground View as first seen in the Velar we reviewed, and air suspension. Unlike most pick-ups which are limited to wading depths of around 700 to 800 mm, the Defender can handle up to 900 mm.\nStay tuned for more!\nGALLERY\nHyperFocal: 0"
"Some people buy cars to stand out from the crowd, but others just want to be as incognito as possible. For those in the latter camp, BMW Malaysia has just unveiled a 36-units-only limited-edition BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition that might suit your fancy.\nAs the name suggests, everything on the Dark Shadow Edition is deliberately made as dark and black as possible. On the outside, all chrome accents have essentially been deleted with the Shadow Line black window finishers, high gloss black kidney grille, blacked-out fender vent trims, as well as blacked-out exhaust tips.\nThe BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition also only comes in one colour \u2013 Carbon Black. To cap off the exterior looks, the special edition 530i also gets 20-inch Style 669 M double-spoke alloy wheels, finished in Orbitgrey.\nInside, buyers will get to choose between Black Dakota leather with blue stitching (pictured here), or Cognac Dakota leather with contrast stitching on the upholstery. We figure the swath of blackness would probably fit the overall image of the Dark Shadow Edition better.\nThe BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition is priced at \nRM392,800\n on the road, without insurance, which makes it a RM10,000 premium over the standard \nBMW 530i M Sport\n. If you\u2019re a fan of the all-black look, you\u2019d be glad to know that all these personalisation options cost more than RM37,000 when purchased individually.\nAside from these aesthetic changes, the rest of the car is of course, completely identical to the regular BMW 530i M Sport. Under the hood, you\u2019ll still find the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which sends 252 hp and 350 Nm to the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h is done in 6.2 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.\nThe special-edition BMW 530i variant will be available for booking with a booking fee of RM1,000 starting 4th January 2021, exclusively through BMW Malaysia\u2019s own online shopping platform, \nBMW Shop Online\n (available \nhere\n).\nWith the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing Plan, the Dark Shadow Edition can be yours with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,488 (based on an 80% loan estimate on a five-year tenure). You can check out the financing options through the \nBMW Engage platform\n.\nThe BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition will also be available for viewing at the following dealerships, if you\u2019re so inclined:\nDEALERSHIP\nDATE\nAuto Bavaria, Ara Damansara\n1 \u2013 7 January\nWheelcorp Premium, Setia Alam\n8 \u2013 14 January\nQuill Automobiles, PJ\n15 \u2013 21 January\nIngress Auto, Jalan Damansara\n22 \u2013 28 January\nAuto Bavaria, Kuala Lumpur\n29 January \u2013 4 February\nIngress Auto, Puchong\n5 \u2013 11 February\nAuto Bavaria, Sungai Besi\n12 \u2013 18 February\nGALLERY"
"With assembly lines all across the globe halted for about a month now, car companies are eager to resume operations. What Ford is experimenting with, could just be the solution for the short term.\nThe Blue Oval has offered a small group of employees a watch-like device that vibrates \nwhen they come within six feet of each other\n. These devices will also allow supervisors to monitor social distancing among the employees with alerts and reports of clustering in the workplace.\nThese \u201cwatches\u201d are made by Samsung and utilises Bluetooth short-wave to detect promixity among workers. The device will Ford employees the number of interactions they\u2019ve had daily, throughout the week and if they have increased their interactions by the hour!\nThe respirators built by Ford which utilised seat blowers from the F-150 pick-up.\nAs factory operations creep its way to status quo, Ford also said thermal-imaging scans will be conducted to detect workers with unusually high body temperatures.\nFord in recent weeks has been at the forefront of this Covid-19 battle as it continues to bog down the USA. The company has pledged to produce over \n50,000 ventilators in the 100 days\n, in collaboration with GE Healthcare and has adapted a few components used for automotive production to build healthcare equipment and apparels.\nThey recently announced that medical gowns are being \nproduced out of airbag material\n and a few weeks ago, they were utilising \nseat blowers from the F-150 to build respirators\n for frontliners."
"Volvo Car Malaysia\n has today announced its electrification plans for the nation, kickstarted by the launch of the \nfully-electric XC40 Recharge SUV\n which will be locally assembled here in Malaysia.\nA key strategy within Volvo\u2019s plans here in Malaysia is to unveil a fully-electric model every year, starting from 2022. In that vein, the company has also teased the arrival of the \nC40 coupe SUV\n, which will be making its way into Malaysia later this year.\nThe company is targetting a 75% sales contribution from its pure electric line-up by 2025. By 2030, the company\u2019s entire model line-up in Malaysia will be fully electric.\n\u201cBy mid-decade, we\u2019re aiming to reduce our overall CO\n2\n lifecycle emissions per car by 40 per cent. This means more than simply reducing tailpipe emissions \u2013 electrification is not enough. We must reduce CO\n2\n emissions across our operations and supply chain,\u201d said Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump.\nTo enable its ambitious plans, Volvo Car Malaysia has also announced its commitment to locally assembling its fully-electric models here at its assembly plant in Shah Alam. With the assembly operations for the XC40 Recharge already begun, Volvo claims that it is the first luxury car brand in Malaysia to offer EVs in CKD form.\nAside from local consumption, these vehicles will also be exported to the neighbouring countries, making Malaysia a main EV hub for Volvo in the entire ASEAN region."
"H.R Owen Bugatti, dealer of Bugatti vehicles in the UK has launched the Ettore\u2019s Espresso Bar, making its outlet in Mayfair, London, the first Bugatti dealership in the world to have its own espresso bar. Previously entry/access into the dealership was by invitation-only but the dealership has now opened its doors to the public.\nThe espresso bar\u2019s menu is just as you\u2019d expect from most ordinary cafes but with this being a Bugatti espresso bar, there\u2019s always going to be something a little more extraordinary.\nThe Bugatti of all coffees as we\u2019d like call it, The Ettore Shot, is an espresso made using a top-end Italian espresso machine, served in a Bugatti Carbon Fibre espresso cup that costs \u00a350 (approx. RM267)!\nFortunately, you\u2019d be getting more than just a cup of espresso as purchasing a shot will also give visitors access to the showroom with Bugatti\u2019s latest hypercars as the backdrop. To complete the full Bugatti experience, the lounge area is also furnished with furniture from the Bugatti Home Collection.\nHave you seen a Bugatti pool table? Click here!\nGALLERY"
"The Ferrari F430 is considered by many to be an instant classic, partly due to its attractive styling that has aged beautifully like fine wine. The timeless design can be attributed mainly to Frank Stephenson, one of the most prolific automobile designers over the last couple decades. Stephenson\u2019s work also include the modern day Mini Cooper, Fiat 500, as well as the design direction behind modern McLaren cars, starting with the P1.\nOver the past few weeks, Frank Stephenson started a new video series called \u2018How I Designed.\u2019 over on his YouTube channel. In this second episode of the series, Stephenson gives us a deep dive on the thought process and details he took into account to design the timeless icon.\nFrank Stephenson admitted that it was not an \u201ceasy mission\u201d designing the Ferrari F430, as the brief for that project was to improve upon the 360 \u2013 a car that is beautiful in its own right. We\u2019d say he definitely succeeded on that aspect.\n \nStephenson also talked about some of the more technical details of the design, including the use of \u201ctumblehome\u201d, an industry term for the narrowing profile above the shoulder line of the car which can help give the car a more dynamic stance, as well as the placement of the twin round taillights.\nIt was also particularly interesting how the design can hinge entirely on one single detail. Take for example the sketch of the front fascia, which to us looked completely unrecognisable until Stephenson draws in the sharknose air vents \u2013 inspired by the Ferrari 156 Formula One car.\nThe element of romance by interpreting olden design elements into modern applications \u2013 a sort of \u201cartistic finesse\u201d \u2013 is also what Stephenson says is lacking in modern Ferraris, a painful fact that we can\u2019t help to agree.\nFortunately, Ferrari seems to be taking a step in the right direction (in our opinion) with the \nall-new Roma\n, featuring a design that is a little invokes more elegance and style, instead of just making it look fast and deadly. As Stephenson says it, \u201cYou add a little bit on Ferraris to get that sensuality.\u201d"
"When Honda showed-off the design of the next-generation Civic last year, they made it very clear that\n it\u2019s still a \u201cprototype\u201d\n, which means the actual car might not even look anything like it. But based on the latest leaked photos we\u2019ve obtained here, it seems like the final production-ready model of the all-new Honda Civic doesn\u2019t actually stray too far from it!\nThese photos here \u2013 shared heavily on the Chinese social media website Weibo \u2013 are supposedly of the final production model of the all-new Honda Civic over in China, photographed for official government filing purposes.\nThree variants are shown in the photos, including an entry-level \u2018kosong\u2019 specification with smaller, plainer-looking wheels, as well as one that looks like a sports model, featuring blacked-out details and a \u201c240 Turbo\u201d badge.\nAside from the minor trim differences though, the rest of the car looks virtually identical to the \u201cprototype\u201d that was shown off in November of last year \u2013 from the headlights and tail lights, to the small Accord-like kink on the C-pillars.\nThere does seem to be a slight reprofile of the front upper grille area, possibly for safety regulation purposes, while the lower \u201cair vents\u201d on the front bumper have been filled out with housings for the front fog lamps.\nThe leaked production model.\nCompared to the concept\nNo images were shared of the interior, but looking at how closely the supposedly production-ready model tracks to the concept, it\u2019s pretty safe to assume that the interior architecture will also mirror the design as shown in the concept drawing below.\nAccording to information shared alongside the photos, the 11th-generation Honda Civic will be offered with two powertrain configurations over in China \u2013 a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine making 180 hp and 240 Nm of torque (hence the 240 Turbo badge), and a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-banger with 127 hp and 180 Nm of torque.\nBut of course, powertrain options are more often than not localised to the specific market, so we might not see the same ones being offered here when it\u2019s launched in Malaysia. For now though, what do you think of the looks on the upcoming all-new Honda Civic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!\n[Editor\u2019s note: These images are upscaled by us from low-res shots, using an AI upscaling software. The slight defects are a result of the upscaling process.]"
"Ahead of its official arrival in the Malaysian market, the \nBMW XM\n has now made its debut in Malaysia in a preview event today. Scheduled to reach Malaysian shores starting June 2023, the XM will be the first standalone M car since the iconic M1, and \u2013 for the first time ever for an M car \u2013 powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain.\nDespite being priced at\n RM1,398,800 \n(inclusive of the five-year extended warranty and service package), it has been reported that there are now already more than 10 bookings for the XM here in Malaysia \u2013 so here\u2019s a first look at what will soon dominate our roads!\nThe BMW XM\u2019s design is. controversial to say the least \u2013 not just because it has a massive illuminated kidney grille up front on its tall and flat front fascia, but also because it\u2019s now taken the form of an SUV the size of an \nX7\n. No matter what you think of the its design, though, there\u2019s no denying that the XM has definitely got presence.\nAs a tribute to the M1, several of its exterior styling touches are inspired by its spiritual predecessor, including the borderless rear windscreen with the two BMW logos etched onto the top corners. But it\u2019s the standard-fit Night Gold accents all throughout the exterior that truly takes the XM\u2019s loud and flamboyant persona to the next level.\nNot a fan of the gold accents? You can instead opt for a Shadow Line trim package at no extra cost. However, the M Aerodynamics package, alongside the (gold) 23-inch style 923 M wheels, and Adaptive LED headlights (with high-beam assistant) are all standard equipment on the BMW XM.\nThe true party piece of the BMW XM, though, is actually on the inside \u2013 specifically, the unique M Lounge rear seating quarters. A patterned and illuminated roof, alongside the wraparound lounge seats (with two M-branded pillows) all try to mimic the ambience of a nightclub, but your first impression sitting inside will most definitely be just how comfortable these seats are.\nREAD MORE: \n2023 BMW XM V8 hybrid price revealed for Malaysia \u2013 from RM 1.3m\nThe front cabin of the XM is fairly standard for a BMW M model, with a dashboard design that reminds us of the BMW iX. Although, if you\u2019re planning on getting one of these, we strongly suggest you to opt (\nread: pay\n) for the Vintage Leather dashboard topper.\nNot only does it elevate the entire feel of the cabin to something a little more premium rather than \u2018\njust another BMW\n\u2018, it also makes your BMW XM truly unique, as the minimally treated leather surface with all of its natural bug bite marks means no two units will ever be the same.\nUnderneath the bonnet is the first-ever plug-in hybrid M powertrain, made up of a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine, alongside a 145 kW electric motor. Together, they make a total of \n653 hp\n and\n 800 Nm\n, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic M Steptronic transmission and an M Sport differential. Century sprint takes\n 4.3 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n270 km/h \nthanks to the Driver\u2019s Package that comes as standard on our Malaysian-spec model.\nThe electric motor is juiced by a 29.5 kWh battery pack, which can be recharged via an on-board 7.4 kW AC charger, taking 4 hours and 15 minutes for a full charge. And just so your neighbours don\u2019t complain every morning when you start your car, the XM can also be driven in fully electric mode at speeds of up to 140 km/h. Fully charged, the XM can travel up to 88 km on electric power alone.\nUnlike most of its other competitors, the BMW XM here rides on Adaptive M Suspension steel springs as standard, instead of air suspensions to help with the 2.7 tonne SUV\u2019s handling performances. To stop, the BMW XM employs a set of M Sport brakes, although actual braking performance also utilises regenerative braking that recharges the batteries.\nThe BMW XM is available in seven exterior colours, including Cape York Green, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Dravit Grey. Pictured here in its hero launch colour Cape York Green and Marina Bay Blue, the XM will certainly be a very unique addition to our Malaysian roads.\nAnd if you\u2019re wondering how it drives, be sure to check out our \nfirst drive review in Arizona!\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s just too bad that, of all things, its pricing has been a major deterrent factor for a better public response locally, based on our observation at least. Or else, these leaked images of the new BMW M2 Competition would\u2019ve sent Malaysian BMW M enthusiasts into a frenzy.\nThe new M2 Competition, with 3.0-litre twin turbo straight-six pulled out from a BMW M4, will pack \n405 hp\n with over \n550 Nm\n of torque and if the 7,600 rpm redline is met within the first couple of gears, 0 to 100 km/h will be history in just 4.2 seconds with the M dual clutch transmission.\nThe Competition pack adds the following to the M2\u2019s exterior \u2013 enlarged air inlets, 19-inch M light alloy wheels, M gills and exterior mirrors in high-gloss Black and a M diffuser.\nOther standard equipment includes a M sports exhaust which will sing a specific tune according to the driving mode, together with the M suspension.\nM enthusiasts could be troubled by the fact that there isn\u2019t even a whisper on a manual gearbox \u2013 an ingredient (without debate) that\u2019s essential to the M driving experience.\nCurrently, the \nBMW M2\n retails at \nRM 535,800\n\u00a0(OTR without Insurance) and is\u00a0coupled with BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with a Free Scheduled Service Programme as well as a 24-month tyre warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Peugeot, the oldest continuous car brand, has launched a new logo that is the eleventh update and with that, an accompanying new brand identity. The last update to the brand\u2019s logo was done in 2010.\nThe new logo still retains the iconic Peugeot lion but now focuses on a roaring lion\u2019s head inside a coat of arms and is created by Peugeot\u2019s Design Lab.\n \nPeugeot first used the lion\u2019s head as a logo back in 1960 with an update five years later. Over two years ago, the company showcased the \nPeugeot E-Legend Concept\n that carried the lion\u2019s head logo.\nThe emblem has been created to acknowledge Peugeot\u2019s evolution as a brand, its innovative and successful model line-up and its continuing transition to electrification, having committed to offering an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2025.\nPeugeot has slated to have the \nall-new 308\n model as the first car to wear the new logo which will make its world premiere later this year.\nDealership signage and overall ambience will also be updated with the new logo and brand identity. With a new brand identity that celebrates the concept of \u2018time\u2019 and living in the moment, Peugeot is working to streamline the customer journey, from purchasing their new car to every aspect of driving and owning a vehicle.\nThe Peugeot brand in Malaysia has recently exchanged distributorship. Since December 2020, a new joint venture between Berjaya Corporation, Bermaz Auto and an undisclosed shareholder was formed to distribute and maintain Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia.\nThe newly incorporated company is called \nBerjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB)\n. Aside from distributing Peugeot vehicles, BAASB is now also the provider of aftersales services and spare parts for Citro\u00ebn and DS vehicles in Malaysia."
"BMW Malaysia has given its most accessible sedan, the\n 218i Gran Coupe\n, a simple but significant change with the upgrade of the BMW Live Cockpit onboard infotainment system.\nThis is the second model after the \nBMW 320i Sport\n to get a full-featured BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the large screens during a model year update.\nSimilar to other models in the BMW Malaysia line-up (bar the ageing X1 SAV), the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional system has a 10.25-inch digital instrument display (that replaces the \nanalogue meter cluster\n) and the touchscreen infotainment display also measuring 10.25 inches. The audio system still retains six speakers.\nThe larger screens and crisper graphics also unlock the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, a voice-activated command system that can be brought to life with a \u201cHey BMW!\u201d or an assigned personalised word. The Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures drivers have convenient and complete control over vehicle settings, navigation and entertainment systems.\nThe singular upgrade in the interior is perhaps a direct response to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s assault with the new A200 1.3L sedan with MBUX that sees a price revision to RM211k thanks to \nlocal-assembly\n.\nSame pricing, same sizes, what else do you get? Find out in our comparison between the stylish Mercedes A200 and BMW 218i sedans here!\nOn the exterior, the new BMW 218i Gran Coupe maintains key specifications such as LED lighting units, BMW M Aerodynamics package with gloss black window surrounds and M Sport 18-inch wheels suspended by M Sport suspension.\nInside, the new BMW 218i Gran Coupe continues to be fitted with sport seats wrapped with Dakota leather, full range of BMW M touchpoints including the steering wheel, foot pedals, door sill plates and paired with the black headlining, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and ambient lighting.\nWatch our VLog on why we like the front-wheel drive BMW 218i here!\nPowering the BMW 218i Gran Coupe is the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with outputs of \n140 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The 218i takes \n8.7 seconds\n to complete the century sprint, onward to a top speed of 213 km/h.\nFor those who crave for a more powerful BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, unfortunately, there is still no news of the \nBMW 220i Gran Coupe\n with a turbocharged 2.0-litre 192 hp engine that was recently made available in Thailand. \u00a0\nWith the display upgrades, the locally-assembled BMW 218i Gran Coupe here in Malaysia is now priced starting from \nRM204,177\n, a RM5,000 increase from before. The price is inclusive of the \nSST exemptions\n and a standard two-year unlimited mileage warranty. With the optional five-year warranty and free service package, the price increases to \nRM216,367\n.\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW 218i Gran Coupe can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from \nRM 2,268\n (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new S-Class Coupe and S-Class Cabriolet \u2013 unmistakable denominations of luxury grand tourers. They will bear the S 560 Coupe and Cabriolet badges with a V8 biturbo engine with an additional S 450 variant housing a V6 power plant.   The S-Class Coup\u00e9 and Cabriolet\u2019s external silhouette features front aprons with chrome-plated front splitter and large air inlets. Its dynamic looks are enhanced by restyled side skirts and chrome-plated twin tailpipe trims with a V12 look. The new pair also features the new innovative OLED tail lamps with a total of 66 ultra-flat OLED\u2019s that projects a floating effect, forming a unique day and night display.\nInside you get a choice between three new trim lines; high-gloss brown burr walnut wood, satin-finish grey ash wood and flowing lines designo magnolia wood as well as three different upholstery options which include designo Exclusive nappa leather AMG Line Plus porcelain/tizian red, designo Exclusive nappa leather porcelain/tizian red and designo Exclusive nappa leather AMG Line Plus Bengal red/black \u2013 a mouth full to read out indeed!   The interior also stands out with \ntwo new 12.3-inch high-resolution\n and brilliant displays that blend into a Widescreen Cockpit. The all-digital cockpit offers three visually very different styles \u2013 Classic, Sporty and Progressive. Both the Coupe and Cabriolet comes with the DISTRONIC system and Touch Control Buttons behind the wheel that responds to swiping motions much like the screen of a smartphone.\nNow you can even use the voice command feature to dictate the vehicle\u2019s functions such as the air-conditioning, seat heating, ambient lighting with up to 450 individual voice commands. A new Concierge Service plays hosts to a list of personal services from making restaurant reservations to gathering information on various events and obtaining tips on exciting, scenic routes.\nThere is also an ENERGIZING comfort control system which creates a specific environment utilising the climate control system, heating system and lighting fixtures to tailor to the mood desired. They consists of Freshness, Warmth, Joy, Comfort, Training and Vitality. It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and wireless charging.\nNew driving assistance systems include \nActive Distance Control DISTRONIC\n and \nActive Steering Assist\n which now provides even more support for the driver in steering and maintaining safe distances. Also aiding the driver is the\n AIRMATIC\n\u00a0semi-active air suspension featuring infinitely variable damping control.\nLastly, the most juicy bit \u2013 performance figures. The V8 biturbo engine in both the Coupe and Cabriolet is claimed to be one of the world\u2019s most economical V8 petrol engines and consumes up to \neight percent less\n than its predecessor. A \nCAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment system\n\u00a0is available only in the Coupe which, under partial load, deactivates four cylinders out of the eight to improve engine efficiency. The output from the new V8 stands at \n469 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque with the V6 unit in the S 450 outting out \n367 hp\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nS 560 Cabriolet   S 560 Coupe"
"New Year\u2019s celebrations usually involve some sort of fireworks display, and it\u2019s no different for \nKoenigsegg\n \u2013 except they have a slightly different definition for \u201cfireworks\u201d. Starting off the new year with a bang, Koenigsegg has whipped out a teaser image for a new hypercar on its \nsocial media channels\n, ahead of a full reveal sometime later this year.\nThe shadowy image was accompanied by a caption that read: \u201cDear 2022, here\u2019s our New Year\u2019s resolution \u2013 More ultimate performance through clever engineering and optimal design. Here we go!\u201d\nWhen it comes to darkened images like these, you best bet we tried to brighten up the photo to hopefully pick out a few more details. But unfortunately for this one, there aren\u2019t anything else left for us to see in the shadows.\nBut still, the teaser image does show off some pretty important features, including the signature Koenigsegg silhouette with a strong belt line, wrap-around windscreen, and a teardrop-shaped canopy.\nUniquely, though, the tail lights at the rear protrude outwards instead of the recessed design as seen on most modern Koenigsegg models, making it somewhat reminiscent of the CCX \u2013 the marque\u2019s first model to feature an in-house developed engine.\nThe front, especially the splitter, looks like a callback to both the CCX and CCR models, while the subtle rear diffuser at the back reminds us of the Agera; a hodgepodge of Koenigsegg\u2019s iconic design elements, but in a good way (we hope!).\nRELATED: The Koenigsegg Gemera is a 1,700 hp \u201cfamily car\u201d for four\nBut what exactly is this car supposed to be? Well, your guesses are as good as ours. Although, 2022 does mark the 20-year anniversary for the company\u2019s first production model \u2013 the CC8S, so we won\u2019t be surprised if the Swedish supercar maker is working on a special anniversary model to celebrate. Take that with a giant pinch of the finest sea salt, though.\nWhatever it is, We\u2019ll likely hear more about it from Koenigsegg soon!"
"Rolling off the Toyota assembly plant in Shah Alam today is the \nnew\u00a0Toyota Camry\n, and as the title reads, a \nhybrid variant\n will join the model lineup this time around. Don\u2019t be misled, because the event today wasn\u2019t the launching of the Camry, but rather its line-off ceremony.\nThe star of the show here is in fact the Camry hybrid, and Toyota claims that the assembly plant is capable of producing up to \n7,000 units\n of it in the coming nine months\u2019 time before its eligibility to qualify for the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) incentive expires.\u00a0The new line that will facilitate the Camry\u2019s (hybrid variant as well) production costs nearly RM180 million to prepare.   Now, the hybrid variant will be powered by a \n2.5-litre\n four cylinder engine paired to an \nelectric motor\n that produces a \ncombined output\n of \n202 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n of torque. Only one transmission choice is available here \u2013 a \nCVT \nautomatic, driving the \nfront wheels\n. Its fuel tank is \n65 litres\n big, and fuel consumption is \n19.16 km per litre\n (claimed). Being a full hybrid, the car is capable of cruising in electric mode, but its exact range remains unknown for now.   Like we mentioned earlier, the new Camry isn\u2019t launched yet, but it\u2019s scheduled to make its official arrival sometime in the first week of April. Toyota also revealed that the Camry will not be priced above the \nRM200k mark\n, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how the hybrid will be positioned against some of its closest rivals. While we all look forward to its launch next week, enjoy the photo gallery we\u2019ve prepared just for your viewing pleasure.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid"
"UMW Toyota Motor\n announced that they have received confirmation from \nToyota Motor Corporation\n on a \nspecial service campaign\n involving approximately \n255 units\n of \nLexus NX\n manufactured from November 2014 to March 2015.\nIn a press statement released by UMW Toyota Motor, the special service campaign involves replacing the \nABS actuator\n on the affected Lexus NX models. The ABS actuator is responsible in controlling the Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS), the Traction Control System (TRAC), and the Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC).\nA resin component inside the ABS actuator could be damaged during the press fit assembly due to its improper shape, creating tiny resin particles which could get stuck in the actuator. This is turn may delay the oil pressure control when the ABS is activated, causing a loss of vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash.\nUMW Toyota Motor will contact all affected customers to replace the ABS actuator free of charge if necessary, while this campaign \nonly affects the Lexus NX\n and no other Lexus models sold by UMW Toyota Motor."
"Honda Malaysia has launched its new \nHonda Certified Used Car (HCUC) \nto offer customers a platform to purchase verified, pre-owned Honda vehicles, as announced last week at a media gathering.\nThe programme is available through six (6) dealerships in different regions:\nSelangor \u2013 MJN Motors\nSelangor \u2013 Tiong Nam Motor\nPenang \u2013 Kah Motor\nJohor \u2013 Kah Motor\nJohor \u2013 Yong Ming Motor\nPahang \u2013 Chuan Tyre Motor\nHonda Malaysia said it would gradually expand the Honda Certified Used Car programme to meet the growing demand for used cars in Malaysia.\n\u201cThe HCUC programme serves as an additional option for customers to own their preferred Honda vehicles and enjoy the ownership experience. Honda Malaysia is committed to offering products and services of the highest quality, be it new or pre-owned, to provide a feeling of joy,\u201d said Honda Malaysia, CEO and Managing Director, Ms. Madoka Chujo.\nThe \nall-new Honda Civic\n.\nThrough the HCUC programme, all Honda pre-owned vehicles are aged five (5) years and below and has clocked less than 100,000 km.\nAll vehicles sold have undergone a 288-point inspection, conducted by Honda Certified Inspectors. The inspection covers engine and transmission, functions and undercarriage as well as interior and exterior condition. Honda also assures that these vehicles are fitted with only genuine parts and are free of major accidents and flood damage.\nThose who purchase Honda vehicles through the programme are entitled to an additional 1-year extended warranty on top of the vehicle\u2019s existing warranty. The vehicle\u2019s registration process will be handled by HCUC authorised dealers while pre-owned vehicle owners can visit any Honda dealerships for after-sales services."
"They\u2019ve done it again! \nMercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team\n wrapped up its 2020 Formula 1 Constructors\u2019 Championship at the historic Imola circuit in Italy with four races to spare, following a one-two finish at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last weekend.\nWinning a World Constructors\u2019 Championship is always exciting, especially when it\u2019s concluded so early into the season, but this particular one is extra special to the Brackley-based team, as it also marks the \nseventh consecutive championship titles\n for the team \u2013 surpassing the previous record of six held by Ferrari with the help of one Michael Schumacher from 1999 to 2004.\nWith the new title, Mercedes also retained the record of being the only team to win a World Championship title in the Hybrid V6 era, which shows just how dominant the Silver Arrows have been ever since the rule change came into effect in 2014.\nThe history-making Grand Prix was won by none other than six-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who benefitted from a strategy decision that gave him the opportunity to pit under Virtual Safety Car. Teammate and polesitter Valtteri Bottas finished second with a handicapped car due to a significant piece of debris lodged underneath the car, after Max Verstappen suffered a tyre blowout while sitting in second place.\nCommenting on the historic achievement, Team Principal Toto Wolff said, \u201cThis is an unbelievable moment, this afternoon feels like a culmination of everything. This has been an unusual season in so many ways and it makes me very proud that we\u2019ve been able to achieve this.\n\u201cLots of blood, sweat and tears went into this behind closed doors, a lot of people have made great sacrifices to achieve this, so a massive thank you to everyone in the team, here at the track and back at home in Brixworth and Brackley.\u201d\nIndeed, this season is \u201cunusual\u201d to say the least. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Formula 1 season was forced to run on a shorterned schedule of 17 races instead of a planned 22. Most races were also \nrun behind closed doors\n, while teams are placed under heavy restrictions throughout the season.\nLewis Hamilton embraces team principal Toto Wolff after the race win at Imola.\nLewis Hamilton\u2019s win at Imola also marked his \n93rd victory in the sport\n, extending his lead over Michael Schumacher\u2019s record of 91 wins \u2013 a record he\u2019s just broken in the Portuguese Grand Prix a week ago. Next in line on the leaderboard after Michael Schumacher is Sebastian Vettel with 53 wins; there\u2019s no doubt that Hamilton will hold on to this record for a very, very long time.\nThe one-two finish at Imola also meant that the 2020 Drivers\u2019 Championship can only be won by a Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver, though it is most likely that Lewis Hamilton will be clinching his Seventh World Championship title \u2013 matching Schumacher\u2019s record \u2013 as he currently leads his teammate Bottas in the standings with 85 points, with just four races to go.\nDespite the Mercedes dominance in the sport, we really think that \nyou should tune in to Formula 1 again\n, especially now that the mid-table teams have truly stepped up their games \u2013 third to sixth place on the Constructors\u2019 Championship is only separated by one single point as of now!"
"The Toyota Supra RZ Horizon Blue edition is just proof that the Japanese get the all the good stuff \u2013 first the \nTomica Toyota Supra toy in McDonalds Happy Meals\n, and now this. A little over one year since its introduction, Toyota has now introduced the \nupdated A91 Supra\n in Japan, offered in this absolutely stunning Horizion Blue shade.\nJust like the updated model launched in the U.S. market earlier, the new Supra gets a\n 14% boost\n in power to its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, now producing\n 387 hp\n. Torque figures remain identical to its predecessor, but the peak torque band has been widened, with \n500 Nm\n of twist now available all the way \nup to 5,000 rpm\n.\nAs a result, Toyota says the updated Supra can now do the century sprint in just \n3.9 seconds\n, compared to 4.1 seconds from before. Aside to the updated powertrain, Toyota has also re-tuned the suspension set-up, along with new braces at the front end to improve stability during high-speed cornering.\nThe updated Toyota GR Supra is available in seven external colours, including the limited-edition Storm Gray Metallic, limited to \n27 units\n, and Horizon Blue, \n100 units\n.\nOpting for the Horizon Blue edition will also net you a set of exclusive 19-inch forged aluminium wheel finished in matte black, along with blue stitching on the Alcantara seats, instrument panels, door trims and steering wheel.\nIt\u2019s probably going to be a little while before the updated A91 Supra makes its appearance on our soil. If you absolutely cannot wait to check it out, you\u2019d be pleased to know that the updated Toyota Supra RZ \u2013 in the Horizon Blue paint job no less \u2013 is \nnow available in Gran Turismo Sport. \nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that the operation of the \nLexus Malaysia flagship outlet \nlocated in Mutiara Damansara has been transferred to its dealer-partner, Hiewa Auto Gallery, effective 1st August 2020.\nUMWT says that this move was done to \u201cenhance operational excellence\u201d, and is in line with the company\u2019s announcement in October 2017 to transfer all of its retail operation branch to its dealers and other relevant parties.\nThe company says that offloading its retail operations will allow it to\u00a0\u201cincrease intensity on high value added upstream activities such as product development, marketing and dealer network support\u201d, while dealers can continue to focus on delivering customer satisfaction.\nUMWT President, Ravindran K. said, \u201cI am extremely excited about working even more closely with our dealers to achieve a shared vision for Lexus Malaysia, which is to develop the concept of \u201cBest In Town\u201d that focuses more on one to one customer engagement.\n\u201cAlthough this arrangement signifies an important change for Lexus Malaysia, our customers should rest assured that our service will not be compromised, but gets even better in the future,\u201d he added.\nCustomers requiring more information can contact Lexus Malaysia through the Lexus Freephone hotline at \n1800-22-53987\n or \n+603 20535730\n."
"The government has brought back the six-month loan moratorium for individual borrowers. The move was part of the new Pemulih aid package to assist the rakyat in coping with the lockdowns.\nThe six-month \nloan moratorium\n was first offered in March 2020, where borrowers delay loan repayments and specifically with hire purchase loans, \nno additional interest \nwas added into the principal.\nThe term of the hire purchase is simply extended by six months and the credit scores were also not affected.\nUnder the Pemulih aid package, the government has relaxed all requirements and conditions, with the loan moratorium opens to all income groups and micro-entrepreneurs.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThere won\u2019t be conditions such as a reduction in salary, loss of job or documents that need to be submitted for the application,\u201d said the Prime Minister. A borrower just needs to apply and the approval will be granted automatically.\nDon\u2019t head to your bank\u2019s web portal just yet, as the application for the loan moratorium \nonly begins from July 7th\n.\nIn the aid package, the government will also be \nfreezing the prices \nof \nRON 95\n petrol\n, \ndiesel\n and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) for the rest of the year, which amounts to over RM6 billion in subsidy cost.\nThe RON 95 petrol and diesel have been capped at RM2.05 and RM 2.15 per litre respectively since February 2021, while the \npremium grade RON 97\n and RON 100 follows the pricing trend of global crude oil prices which has been steadily going upwards."
"Alongside the A-Class sedan, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also given the \nGLA SUV\n a slight refresh for 2022, with both the GLA 200 Progressive Line and GLA 250 AMG Line variants receiving several new features and equipment, just four months after the model was \nintroduced here in Malaysia\n.\nWith the new 2022 update, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is now priced from\n RM241,479\n for the GLA 200 Progressive Line, and \nRM271,164 \nfor the GLA 250 AMG Line, making them RM9,000 and RM5,000 dearer compared to when the CKD model was first launched here on our shores.\nGLA 200 Progressive Line\nThe updates on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA are pretty much in the same vein as the A-Class sedan, with the entry-level GLA 200 Progressive Line adding the 64-colour ambient lighting system, wireless charging pad, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive High Beam Assist to its equipment list.\nActive Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive High Beam is also now available on the GLA 250 AMG Line, although the rest of the range-topping variant\u2019s equipment list remains unchanged from before.\nBoth variants are unchanged mechanically, with the GLA 200 still retaining the Renault-sourced 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill with \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Meanwhile, the GLA 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine making\n 224 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n, paired to an eight-speed DCT.\nFor more details on the locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz GLA\u2019s facts and figures, click here."
"There is no shortage of blistering quick and ultra high performance SUV\u2019s in today\u2019s extensive automotive market and while Alfa Romeo has has been responsible for producing some of the \nmost beautiful cars in the world\n, it now proves its caliber in building fast SUVs too.\nDetermined to stamp their mark in what is a lucrative segment in the automotive market, the legacy-drenched Italian automaker claimed the title of the world\u2019s fastest production SUV in the \nAlfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio\n around the legendary 20.7 km Nurburgring circuit.\u00a0It set a record lap time of \n7 minutes 51.7 seconds\n, a new benchmark that is \neight seconds faster\n than the previous production SUV record.\nThe Quadrifoglio, the first SUV in Alfa Romeo\u2019s long and illustrious history was piloted by Fabio Franca. He was also responsible for setting the track record for the fastest four-door sedan in the world on the same the track with the \nGiulia Quadrifoglio\n,\u00a0the model that sits just above the\u00a0\nGiulia Veloce\n,\u00a0with a time of just 7 minutes and 32 seconds.\nThe beating heart of the Quadrifoglio is 2.9-litre twin turbo V6 delivering \n510 hp\n and\n 600 Nm\n\u00a0paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, capable of shifting gears within 150 milliseconds in Race mode. Power is delivered to all four corners with the standard Q4 all-wheel drive system.\nAside from producing the most horsepower per litre in its class, the Quadrifoglio also features extensive lightweight materials to deliver perfect 50:50 weight distribution, segment-leading torsional rigidity and the most direct steering available.\nIt also features a four-mode Alfa DNA Pro selector with Race mode, a torque vectoring differential, Quadrifoglio-tuned adaptive suspension and a cylinder deactivation system. Optional upgrades include carbon fibre Sparco racing seats and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lotus\n has revealed a special edition model \u2013 the Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary \u2013 to celebrate 20 years of the Exige and is priced at \u00a379,900 (approx.RM426k).\nThe special edition Lotus Exige is available in \nthree bespoke colours\n namely Chrome Orange, Laser Blue and Calypso Red. These three were first introduced on the Exige Series 1 two decades ago. There are also Saffron Yellow, Norfolk Mustard Yellow, Motorsport Black and Arctic Silver to choose from.\nIn paying tribute to the original Series 1 Exige, the \nExige Sport 410\n comes with body-coloured roof, side air intake pods and a rear wing. Like the first ever Lotus Exige revealed in the year 2000, it also features a black \u201cshark fin\u201d stone chip protector in front of the rear wheels.\nEvery unit of the Lotus Exige also comes with a special edition plaque and a \u201c20\u201d logo on the seats and both ends of the rear wing. Alcantara trims dominate the interior while the seats have been stitched to mimic the design of the original car.\nStandard items in the Exige includes ultra light forged alloy wheels, an Alcantara steering wheel while its front splitter, hood panel and rear tail gate are made of carbon fibre. Like the standard Lotus Exige 410 Sport, the special edition model also comes with Nitron 3-way adjustable dampers.\nThe special edition Exige 410 Sport adopts a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine from the standard car with \n416 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. It\u2019s paired to a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission with an open-gate shifter design. 0 to 100 km/h is completed in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed rated of 290 km/h.\nLotus Elise \u201cClassic Heritage Edition\u201d\nOptional items for the 20th anniversary model includes carbon fibre sill trims, a lightweight lithium-ion battery and a titanium lightweight exhaust system. Recently, Lotus also revealed the \nElise \u201cClassic Heritage Edition\u201d\n to pay tribute to the success of its former race cars.\nGALLERY"
"Hyundai has yet again released a \nteaser\n of their all-new 2018 Hyundai Veloster \u2013 this time in a series of images of its silhouette and at first glance, it\u2019s getting us rather excited. We\u2019re just hoping it wouldn\u2019t drive like the previous model.\nWhile its exterior shots do not offer much of a surprise, as had been revealed generously \nin Hyundai\u2019s previous video\n, what was also released was a rendering of the Veloster\u2019s interior which sports a very clean and minimalist design approach \u2013 with only three main dials for the controls on a dash with a floating-design that revolves around the driver.\nWord is that there will be \ntwo different variants\n \u2013 a naturally-aspirated model alongside a more potent Veloster N \u2013 fettered by Hyundai\u2019s in-house tuner. The standard Veloster should come with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine while its more eager sibling will house a 2.0-litre engine expected to nudge the \n300 hp\n mark.\nThe standard Veloster is said to be looking to rival the likes of VW\u2019s Golf GTI and Ford\u2019s Focus ST while the higher performance Veloster N is set to give the FK8 Honda Civic Type R and VW Golf R a run for its money.\nWe can hear you chuckling.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With the\n Perodua Ativa\n getting off to a strong start in demand since launch, some bad players have taken the opportunity to make a quick buck. Perodua has discovered at least two of such scams since the launch of the new compact SUV, and has released an announcement urging its customers to only deal with its authorised sales advisors.\n\u201cWe have discovered at least two fraudulent rebate offers online for the newly-launched Perodua Ativa, which is not our practice,\u201d Perodua President and CEO Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, adding that the promotions did not originate from Perodua or any of its outlets nationwide.\nAccording to Dato\u2019 Zainal, these scammers have posed as Perodua sales advisors before and lured potential victims into placing their new car purchase deposits into personal bank accounts.\nAs a safeguard to their customers and the general public, the company came up with a list of don\u2019ts when you\u2019re buying a car, to prevent your hard-earned money from falling into the wrong hands.\nFirstly, don\u2019t react immediately to offers, whether online or in print, without confirming its details with authorised sales or service advisor, or\nour the company\u2019s official online platforms. For Perodua, this includes their official website linked \nhere\n, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages.\nAlso, make sure to never give away your personal details such as bank account numbers, home address, and IC number without making sure the person you are speaking with is an authorised sales advisor or Perodua personnel. A full up-to-date list of Perodua authorised sales and service outlets can be found on the company\u2019s website, alongside their contact details.\nMost importantly, never make any form of payments, including deposits and booking fees, into personal bank accounts \u2013 no matter what the sales advisor tries to tell you. All payments must be made to company accounts only.\nIf you ever do encounter any of the above, or are just unsure, contact Perodua\u2019s Customer Experience Centre at 1-800-88-6600 during office hours, or send them an enquiry via the contact form on their official website, linked \nhere\n.\nThe Perodua Ativa was launched here just a little more than a week ago, and have already received over 8,000 bookings for the compact SUV to date. Be sure to check out our\n walk around video\n if you want a closer look at the Ativa, and also our \ndetailed look at the ASA 3.0 system \non board the new compact SUV to see what\u2019s new.\nStill wondering which variant is best for you? We also made a \ndetailed variant comparison \nto hopefully help you choose one!"
"Nissan has announced that it plans to resume production of vehicles for its domestic market after recently \nhalting production at five of its local plants\n.\nThis follows after Japan\u2019s transport ministry approval of the changes to the improper final-inspection procedures that forced a major recall involving more than a million vehicles.\nThe \nNissan Leaf\n which is \ndue for Malaysia\n in 2018 \u2013 pictured is the \nNismo Edition \nwith sports exhaust and suspension.\nThe suspended domestic production halted a daily production average of 1,000 vehicles per day after it was discovered that uncertified technicians have been signing off on final inspections \u2013 a severe breach of ministry guidelines \u2013 taking place between January 2014 to September 2017.\nThe second largest Japanese automaker said it would resume production at its plants after sorting out the inconsistencies with the ministry. The Japan Transport Ministry requires certified inspectors to sign off on vehicles sold domestically \u2013 a procedure not require for export-bound vehicles.\nSource: \nAutonews"
"Fans of estates or wagons, rejoice! The Volvo V60 has just been quietly introduced in Malaysia by Volvo Car Malaysia.\nThe company has just updated their Instagram page (link \nhere\n), in which last week, flashes of a new plug-in hybrid product were teased. The link brings us to the official website and with that, the Volvo V60 is priced from \nRM286,909.59.\nOnly one variant is available on sale and that is the V60 Recharge T8 Inscription. Key features highlighted are the Inscription Grille with chrome frame, bright finished roof rails, 19-inch rims in black with diamond-cut polishing, full LED headlamps with active high beam and active bending lights as well as a panoramic moonroof.\nOn the Volvo V60, the taillamps also follow the vertical design of the rear pillar, similar to the V90 and XC60 designs. With the Inscription package, it exudes a more luxurious charm than the sporty gloss black highlights on the \nS60 in R Design\n treatment.\nInside, the Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription has a choice of Driftwood Decor inlays with black upholstery or Linear Lime Decor inlays with brown upholstery, paired with Orrefors Crystal gear lever and a non-sport steering wheel with Unideco inlay.\nA digital instrument cluster in 12.3-inch size greets the driver with key visuals being displayed on the head-up display (HUD). The infotainment system is similar to the S60 R Design sedan variant, which consists of a Sensus Connect 9-inch portrait-oriented display, a 600-Watt Harman Kardon Premium Sound Audio System with 14 speakers and smartphone connectivity.\nMoving to the biggest unique feature of the V60, is the bootspace. In its most conservative setting with the rear seats up and tonneau cover in place, there is some \n529 litres\n of space and expandable to over 1,400 litres with the seats folded down.\nThe Google-powered connectivity system in the \nrecently updated Volvo XC60\n is not available in the V-series model range yet. Powering the V60 Recharge T8 is the similar \n407 hp/640 Nm\n plug-in hybrid system found in the S60 sedan variant.\nDrive is transferred to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission, with an electric range quoted to be 49 km. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is \n4.6 seconds\n, just 0.2 seconds slower than the sedan.\nAt the safety front, the Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription does not bring any surprises with a fully-loaded Intellisafe suite consisting of key assistance features such as Pilot Assist, City Safety autonomous braking with steering support, blind spot information with steer assist and many more.\nAs mentioned earlier, the specification sheet list the price of the new Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription at \nRM286,909.59. \nThe price is set to increase to RM305,888 once the sales tax exemption period ends which is scheduled for the end of June 2022. The V60 is currently just RM4.3k dearer than the S60 sedan and will increase to RM10k once the full prices are reinstated.\nVolvo Car Malaysia earlier announced their sales performance of 2021 as the \nbest for the company\n, continuing six years of consecutive sales growth for the marque here in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"Kia is giving us the slow drip treatment for its upcoming \u201cGrand Utility Vehicle\u201d. After the reveal of its \nexterior late last month\n, the Korean carmaker has now given us a first look at the interior of the upcoming \nKia Grand Carnival\n.\nCompared to the \ncurrent-generation Kia Grand Carnival\n, the interior of the fourth-generation MPV is a world of difference. Starting from the very top, a large floating panel consisting of dual 12.3-inch displays sits atop the dashboard, making up the instrument cluster and infotainment display.\nAir conditioning vents, joined by horizontal slats that runs across the entire width of the car, splits the dashboard into a two-stepped layout for a clean appearance \u2013 display panels on top, everything else below. The entire dashboard is also wrapped-around by a third layer on top that starts from the top shelf of the door panels, with black surrounds lower down to give it a three-dimensional look.\nTouch-sensitive buttons with haptic feedback are used for the shortcut keys around the infotainment display, as well as the air-conditioning control panel below. Further down on the centre console, there is a rotary gear selector that seems to be plucked directly from the \nall-new Kia Sorento\n, along with the steering wheel.\nKia has confirmed that the fourth-generation Grand Carnival will retain its seven-, nine-, and \n11-seater configurations\n from before. Thanks to the bigger dimensions (10 mm wider and 40 mm longer), along with the elongated wheelbase (+30 mm), occupant space in both three- and four-row configurations have been increased.\nSpecifically, Kia has also increased the rear overhang by 30 mm, giving the last row of passengers some increased comfort, as well as the best-in-class luggage space according to Kia.\nOn the seven-seater configuration, the all-new Grand Carnival will also come equipped with \u2018captain\u2019s chairs\u2019 for the second-row occupants, promising \u201cbusiness-class\u201d seating comfort for long journeys thanks to its adjustable backrests, armrests, as well as legrests.\nThe fourth-generation Kia Grand Carnival is due to go on sale in Korea \u201clater in the third quarter of 2020\u201d, followed by a staggered launch in other international market. But before that, expect more information to be released."
"Not long after \nteasing us with an illustration of its silhouette\n, Honda has debuted the Sports EV Concept we\u2019ve all been eagerly-awaiting. While there is already the \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R\n to keep our bloods flowing, it\u2019s been a noticeable while since Honda released a coupe with a long swooping front and short rear end.\nWhether it will be the successor to the highly-rated and beloved S2000 from more than a decade ago or a means of revival for the S600 of old, remains to be seen. One thing we know for sure is that\u00a0it should be built on the same EV platform of the \nHonda Urban EV Concept\n \u2013 equipped with Artificial Intelligence.\nHonda seeks to promote one-ness between driver and car through the Sports EV Concept, which will be powered by a highly-responsive electric power unit in a easy to handle, compact body. It\u2019s also been indicated that the Sports EV Concept will be constructed with a lower centre of gravity to offer exciting maneuverability.\nElsewhere the Sports EV Concept will features a striking silhouette, alluring front and back ends with clean and subtle body figures. If the old VW Scirocco, which will be discontinued, was likened to a storm trooper, the Sports EV Concept would be its befitting weapon.\nWith the \u201cHonda Automated Network Assistant\u201d using Honda\u2019s AI technology, the Sports EV Concept aims to create communication that promotes unity between car and driver.\nSource: \nHonda\nIMAGE GALLERY   Honda Sports EV Concept\n \n Honda Sports EV Concept   Honda Sports EV Concept"
"Chinese Low Speed Electric Vehicle (LSEV) company, Suzhou Eagle EV Manufacturing company has just rip the copyright rule book again with their version of BMW\u2019s classic Isetta.\nNamed the EG6330K, it is able to accomodate four passengers with a\u00a0\ndriving range of up to 120 km\n. Top speed is claimed to be 60 km/h with power coming from a 72V electric motor that produces \nless than 10 hp\n.\nStopping power is courtesy of front disc brakes while the EG6330K\u2019s road holding capabilities is safeguarded by MacPherson independent suspension in the front, while a torsion beam semi-independent suspension sits on the rear axle.\nIt\u2019s got four foors, air conditioning, sofa-like seats and comes with a mere 20-litres of bootspace. The EG6330K reportedly cost around USD 4,000 (RM 15k). Suzhou Eagle claims that the EG6330K has gone through 350 hours of testing, with a total mileage of 9680 km at its test facility."
"After it was \nfirst unveiled\n with the awesome model lineage camouflage back in October, the 2022 Honda Civic Type R based on the 11th generation \nHonda Civic hatchback\n has been brought back to Japan after a stint at the Nurburgring for further development work and more.\nThe team has based themselves at Suzuka Circuit, the Honda-owned, highly-technical world-renowned figure-of-eight track. Apart from additional testing and validation work, the team could be setting their sights to beating the existing lap record time of \n2:23.99\n published back in July 2020 with the time-attack prepared \nFK8 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition\n.\nAs usual, nothing else has been shared on the development of the 2022 Honda Civic Type R, which is said to be Honda\u2019s final internal combustion engine model in Europe. While the model has its dynamism polished and sharpened in Europe, which the technical team in Offenbach, Germany has done a particularly great job with the current generation, the next-generation hot-hatch could be manufactured in the USA.\nREVIEW: FK8 Honda Civic Type R vs. its predecessor\nHonda has closed and sold the Swindon plant in the UK which made generations of Civic Type R hatchbacks (EP3, FN2, FK2 and FK8) and with that, production of the upcoming Type R is looking to be in the US. Honda USA for the first time is now building the Civic hatchback in Indiana after a USD50 million investment. \u00a0\nWhile Honda has been actively pushing the introduction of their \nhybrid e:HEV\n technology in mainstream models, the upcoming Civic Type R is expected to continue with the proven 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine. Outputs are expected to remain the same, in the region of \n320 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n and paired with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission.   However, Honda seems to have gone to the Michelin camp for tyres, as the development model is shown to be fitted with Pilot Sport 4 S tyres, replacing the Continental Sport Contact 6 that was fitted in the 2017 model. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"UMW Toyota today announced an expansion to the \nfuel pump recall Special Service Campaign\n, this time involving another 10,350 Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia.\nBased on information received from Toyota Motor Corporation, the recall exercise will involve 9,500 units of Toyota vehicles, and 850 units of Lexus vehicles, manufactured from \nJuly 2017 to July 2019\n, and distributed by UMW Toyota.\nToyota models involved in the recall:-\n\u2013 Alphard\n\u2013 Vellfire\n\u2013 Camry\n\u2013 Corolla\n\u2013 Fortuner\n\u2013 Innova \n\u2013 C-HR\n\u2013 Harrier\nLexus models involved in the recall:-\n\u2013 ES250\n\u2013 GS200t/GS350\n\u2013 IS200t\n\u2013 LC500\n\u2013 LS500\n\u2013 LX570\n\u2013 NX300\n\u2013 RX300/RX350\nSimilar to the\n previous recall\n which involved 13,500 vehicles, the models listed above may be equipped with a potentially faulty fuel pump which may stop operating, resulting in warning lights and messages being displayed on the instrument panel, as well as loss of engine power, which may be dangerous during unfortunate circumstances.\nThe defective fuel pump is manufactured by Denso, which has caused a global recall exercise involving more than 5.84 million vehicles worldwide, from various manufacturers. In Malaysia, Toyota, \nHonda\n, and \nMazda\n have issued recalls for various models in their line-ups due to the fuel pump issues.\nOwners of vehicles involved in this recall exercise will be officially notified by UMW Toyota, and the replacement work for the fuel pump unit will be done at no charge. However, UMW Toyota says that the replacement work should depend on the car models.\nFor further information, customers of affected cars may contact any authorised Toyota service centre, or call the Toyota toll-free hotline at \n1800-8-TOYOTA (869682)\n."
"The \nFerrari 812 Superfast\n was by far the most exciting, technologically-advanced and well, the fastest thing on wheels we got to lay our hands on last year. It was a car that needed no approval from the driver \u2013 it turns the table around and judges the driver instead.\nThis is also a car with\n 800 hp\n and more than \n700 Nm\n of torque from a naturally-aspirated engine \u2013 just let that sink in for a bit. GC Mah got to experience the full extent of the 812 Superfast\u2019s fury more than a year ago in Ferrari\u2019s backyard, Fiorano, and he still hasn\u2019t stopped talking about it \u2013 we\u2019ve never been so frightened to bring up all things Ferrari.\nIn this video, you\u2019ll witness first hand what we (vaguely) got to experience while filming our \n2019 Driver\u2019s Cars of the Year video\n and why it was featured as the halo car among\n our selected line up of the best driver\u2019s cars\n.\nNotice how relentless the acceleration is from the 6.5-litre V12 engine, up from 6.2-litres in its predecessor, the Ferrari F12; the glorious melody when it strikes the 8,500 rpm speed limiter and how seamless gear changes are with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission.\n0 to 100 km/h is done in just \n2.9 seconds\n, with the \n200 km/h mark surpassed in under eight seconds\n and by then, if your ears haven\u2019t started to bleed, your heart rate would\u2019ve exceeded 300 bpm.\nAs you\u2019d expect, a car so deeply rooted with the legacy of performance, stemmed from the royalty of motorsports (Formula 1), doesn\u2019t come cheap. For such engineering magnificence, you\u2019re looking at a whopping RM1.388 million price tag and that\u2019s even before you start factoring in the taxes, duties and options.\nWhat a set of wheels to have though, as a mantle in your diamond-encrusted garage.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the launch of the \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift \nhere in Malaysia a couple of months back, the updated crowd-favourite hatchback has now also made its way to Indonesia, rebadged \u2013 just like before \u2013 as the Daihatsu Sirion.\nThe Sirion will be assembled here in Rawang, and brought into Indonesia as a fully-imported model (CBU). But interestingly, it also comes with more features than the Myvi that we get here in Malaysia!\nMore specifically, the Daihatsu Sirion gets a touchscreen infotainment display on its dashboard, \nwith\n \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n connectivity \u2013 something that we sorely miss on the Myvi!\nWhile we understand that different nations prioritise different features, it\u2019s still odd to see such a highly-requested feature being offered in one and not the other, even though they\u2019re built on the same assembly line. Could this mean that the feature might be offered on future Perodua models? Only time will tell!\nAnother unique feature on the 2022 Daihatsu Sirion facelift in Indonesia is the addition of a built-in air purifier in its air conditioning system. In the post-covid world where we\u2019re all more aware of airborne bacteria and viruses, an air filter is definitely a welcome addition to any car, and we hope that future Perodua models will also come with it built-in too.\nRELATED: All-new Daihatsu Xenia unveiled in Indonesia \u2013 is this the next Perodua Alza?\nAside from these additions, however, the rest of the 2022 Daihatsu Sirion mostly mirrors the styling features and equipment offered on the Perodua Myvi, with the two variants \u2013 X CVT and R CVT \u2013 mostly following the 1.5 X and H offerings of Malaysia\u2019s favourite hatchback. Well, except for the LED daytime-running lights up front.\nDespite the Sirion going one-up on the infotainment system front, it loses out to the Myvi in terms of active safety systems \u2013 with none on offer across both variants. Here in Malaysia, the \nPerodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system \nis already offered on the entry-level 1.3 G variant, albeit as an extra-charge option.\nBoth variants of the 2022 Daihatsu Sirion facelift in Indonesia are powered by the 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, making \n95 hp\n and \n120 Nm \nof torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels via the new D-CVT gearbox.\nPricing for the Daihatsu Sirion starts from IDR 227.6 million (approx. RM69k) for the X CVT variant, moving up to IDR 236.8 million (approx. RM72k) for the range-topping R CVT variant.\nIn comparison, the range-topping Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV here in Malaysia is priced at RM58,800. While it\u2019s not a straight apple-to-apple comparison given that both countries have a different tax structure, the Perodua Myvi is still significantly more affordable than the Sirion \u2013 even with the full suite of ADAS system, and a more powerful engine. You win some, you lose some, I guess."
"The \nfifth-generation Honda CR-V\n is becoming a \ncommon sighting on Malaysian roads\n, but our friends in Europe have yet to seen one in the metal. After what seems to be forever, Honda is set to preview the European specification of the all-new CR-V at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.\nEurope-bound CR-Vs will be available with two powertrains \u2013 a \n1.5-litre four-cylinder VTEC Turbo\n as well as a \n2.0-litre i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid system\n; marking Honda\u2019s first-ever electrified SUV available in Europe. Honda has expressed that they will \nnot\n be offering \ndiesel variants\n of the CR-V for Europe.\nThe \n1.5-litre VTEC Turbo mill\n, can be mated to either a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or six-speed manual transmission to output \n190 hp\n and \n243 Nm\n of torque. On CVT equipped variants, like our local-spec CR-V, the blown mill is good for 0 to 100 km/h in \n8.8 seconds\n (\n9.2 seconds\n for 4WD) onwards to an acclaimed top speed of\n 200 km/h\n.\nThe \nCR-V i-MMD hybrid\n was \nfirst unveiled in Shanghai\n early this year, spotting a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC\n Atkinson Cycle naturally aspirated mill paired to \nan electric motor\n producing a total output of \n212 hp\n. Drive is sent to the axles via a \nsingle fixed-gear ratio\n, in other words a single-speed gearbox. This combination creates a direct connection between the powerplant and moving components, enabling a \nsmooth torque transfer\n. The only other hybrid vehicle that features a single-ratio gearbox we can think of is the \nKoenigsegg Regera megacar\n. Talk about bragging rights.\nThis advanced i-MMD hybrid system features \nthree driving modes\n: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive. In EV Drive, the car drives on solely electric to deliver zero-emissions driving. Hybrid Drive summons the gasoline engine to supply additional propulsion force to the wheels and charge the battery pack in the most efficient way possible. Engine drive on the other hand only uses the combustion engine to drive the wheels to conserve battery charge but should the driver demand \nmaximum power\n, the electric motor will come to live to give \u201c\non-demand peak power boost\n\u201d.\nEuropean customers will have to wait till 2018 for the official launch of the all-new fifth-generation Honda CR-V along with the full specification and prices. Closer to home, Honda Malaysia has \nfour variants of the CR-V on sale\n including the 2.0L naturally aspirated and 1.5 VTEC Turbo."
"We\u2019ve seen the \nconcept\n, we\u2019ve seen it in \nfull cameo;\n\u00a0finally we have BMW\u2019s latest SUV in its full glory, the BMW X2. Targeted at \u201cyoung and young-at-heart\u201d demographics, the X2 prides itself with exciting looks and \nuncharted levels of driving pleasure\n.\nCompared to the \nX1\n which it was based on, the two share the same wheelbase of 2,670 mm but the X2 gets a leaner profile overall \u2013 4,360 mm in length, 1,824 mm in width and 1,526 mm in height. While the X2 sits between the X1 and X3, it is also the entry model to BMWs Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).\nMuch like the \nConcept X2\n, the production car gets a very muscular stance and unique design that separates itself from the other models. BMW has gone all out to create a design that emphasises the X2\u2019s as a standalone model and it really shows. New design cues debuted on the X2 include the \nflipped kidney grille\n \u2013 now slimmer from top and wider at bottom, \nBMW logo on the C-pillars\n \u2013 reminiscence of legendary BMW models such as the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL and \nextremely slim window graphics\n \u2013 which gives an illusion of a coupe design without an overly tilted rear roofline.   The X2 is available in three different trims; Basic, M Sport and M Sport X. Each dressed in different bumper designs, trim finishes and equipment levels. Regardless of trim levels, the X2 will come with LED taillamps and twin tailpipes. M Sport and M Sport X variants gets the option for M-Specific aesthetics as well as M Suspension which lowers the car by 10 mm.\nInside, the X2 is standard issue BMW. Choices of upholstery ranges from Micro Hexagon Fabric with Alcantara combination to Dakota Leather with contrast stitching. BMW\u2019s latest 8.8-inch iDrive infotainment system, full-colour Heads-Up Display and panoramic sunroof are among the plethora of options available. Boot space is rated at \n470 litres\n as compared to the 505 litres on the X1.   At launch the X2 is available with three engine choices: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol with \n192 hp\n/\n280 Nm \nand two\u00a02.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel each putting out\u00a0\n190 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n and \n231 hp\n/\n450 Nm\n. All three powerplants are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The sDrive20i petrol gets drive sent to the front-wheels while the diesel models are equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive.\nBMW will introduce more variants to the line up including a three-cylinder sDrive18i, four-cylinder xDrive20i, sDrive18d and xDrive18d. All engine choices are available with a seven-speed dual-clutch box and promises ultimate driving pleasure the brand is renowned for.\nBMWs latest drive assistance systems available with the X2 includes Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assistant, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function and Traffic Jam Assistant.\nMarket debut of the all-new BMW X2 will only happen in March 2018 starting with Europe. Locally, BMW Malaysia has the \nX4\n and \nX6\n on sale. No harm in completing the full SAC range with the X2 yes?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X2 xDrive20d M Sport X   BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport"
"In an effort to invigorate the motorsports scene in Malaysia and elevate the sporty image of the Toyota Vios, UMW Toyota has just launched the Toyota Vios Challenge one make race and it will be the feature event at the upcoming Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival.\nBanking on Toyota\u2019s rich heritage in the world of motorsports, in particularly with the World Rally Championship (WRC), the \nToyota Vios Challenge\n in Malaysia is akin to the popular Toyota One Make Race available in Thailand and the Philippines. President of UMW Toyota, Mr. Ravindran Kurusamy explained that the Toyota Vios Challenge will be able to effectively demonstrate the dynamic capabilities of the Vios.\nThe race will see \n30 drivers\n in identical race-prepped Toyota Vios competing against each other on \nstreet tracks\n designed by TRD Japan and AAM. All racing venues will be inscribed according to \nFIA regulations and safety standards\n. Therefore, there will be no compromise on safety.\nTo join the race, you would have to fork out \nRM90,000\n for the race-prepped Vios, parts, engineering and testing, one set of FIA-approved racing suit, and six sessions of racing school training for novice drivers.\nSpecially prepared by \nWing Hin Motorsports\n, a highly-respected Toyota dealer and one of the top racing outfits in Malaysia, the base car is a \nVios 1.5 J MT\n that\u2019s fitted with\n TRD specific parts\n including \u2013 TRD Aerodynamic kit, TRD exhaust system, TRD clutch system and LSD, TRD suspension system, TRD brake pads, TRD tower bar and lower brace bars, roll cage, Enkei rims and Toyo Tyres. UMW Toyota estimates an increased output of 10 percent over the stock \n106 hp\n figures. That may not seem like much but that is because UMW did not want to alter the dynamics of the Vios too radically.\nThe \nTGR Racing Festival\n will happen in Penang, Johor, and twice in Kuala Lumpur. There will be a total of \nfour Vios Challenge races\n and will be the feature event at the TGR Racing Festival. The race season is expected to happen between August 2017 to March 2018. Dates and locations will be announced in due course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The flagship Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is due to be replaced this year and the automaker is sharing key technical details of the convertible.\nNow marketed under the \nMercedes-AMG\n banner, plenty of high technology materials and construction is used to deliver the brand\u2019s performance credentials.\nThe bodyshell of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG SL consists of the combination of an aluminium space frame with a self-supporting structure, a solution that traces back to the original Mercedes-Benz SL in 1952.\nThe body-in-weight, as pictured above without the bonnet, doors and other items weigh in at just \n270 kg\n. Constructed of a multi-material mix of aluminium, steel, magnesium and fibre composites, the all-new bodyshell has torsional stiffness that is \n18% stronger\n than the previous generation, while 50% higher transverse and 40% higher longitudinal rigidity than the \nAMG GT Roadster\n.\nUpcoming Mercedes-AMG SL\nThe spaceframe of the 1952 Mercedes-Benz SL\nA mixture of glass and carbon composite materials are used for the front module bridge, a relatively small quantity, unlike the \nBMW 8 Series\n that has the large centre tunnel brace in carbon fibre composite.\nA big bowl-shaped section can be found at the boot area of the bodyshell, perfect to house the new AMG high-performance battery pack of the upcoming \nMercedes-AMG Performance Hybrid\n system.\nCompared to its predecessor, the \nR231 Mercedes-Benz SL\n, the bodyshell was made almost entirely of aluminium, while the boot lid was a composite made of steel and plastic.\nThe 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-bodyshell\nThe 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL\nThe entire vehicle concept of the new Mercedes-AMG SL is geared towards the lowest possible centre of gravity. This applies both to the low connection points for the powertrain and axles and to the lowest possible arrangement of the rigidity-relevant bodyshell structure.\nThe all-new Mercedes-AMG SL will revert to the use of a high-quality retractable soft-top after a few generations of using folding metal roofs. The brand\u2019s 4Matic variable \nall-wheel drive system\n will also be made available in this new model.\nGALLERY"
"Sime Darby Motors\n, the official distributor of \nBYD\n in Malaysia has launched the \nBYD Atto 3\n in two variants, with prices starting at \nRM149,800\n. The Atto 3 is an all-electric C -segment SUV with an electric driving range of up to 420 km.\nThe two variants of the BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia are:\nAtto 3 Standard Range \u2013 \nRM149,800\nAtto 3 Extended Range \u2013 \nRM167,800\nOn the outside, the BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height. With a wheelbase measuring 2,720 mm, it is about the size of a \nProton X70\n. At the front, the Atto 3 gets LED headlights adorned with chrome trims, and at the rear, it gets a set of \u201cbird wing\u201d LED taillights.\nThe Standard Range version of the Atto 3 gets 17-inch wheels while the Extended Range version gets 18-inch wheels, and with different designs. Behind the wheels are ventilated disc brakes in front and disc brakes in the rear that are standard across the Atto 3\u2019s range. Overall, the Atto 3 is subtle, unlike its bizarre interior, which we\u2019ll get into next.\nStandard exterior features of the BYD Atto 3 include:\n17-inch alloy wheels\nLED Headlights and taillights\nRoof rails\nElectrically heated and adjustable side mirrors\nThe Extended Range adds on:\n18-inch alloy wheels\none-touch open/close tailgate\nRELATED: \nThai customers queue overnight for BYD Atto 3, over 2.5k units booked in a day\nInside, the Atto 3\u2019s trims look like muscles in anatomy class, and rightfully so, as it is called the \u201cMuscle Streamline Design\u201d. The interior is rather extraordinary with \u201cred guitar strings\u201d (that actually work) on the door trim, dumbbell-inspired air vents, a treadmill-style central armrest, \u201cfuturistic\u201d grip-style door handles, futuristic door levers, and spaceship-like seats. Completing the interior\u2019s bizarre styling is the aviation-inspired gear lever.\nThings get even more interesting when you realise that the 12.8-inch infotainment unit is rotatable between landscape and portrait orientation. The rotatable screen can be connected to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Behind the steering wheel is a 5-inch digital instrument cluster that is perched on the steering column, which means it moves together with the steering wheel when you adjust it.\nStandard interior features of the BYD Atto 3 include:\nA panoramic sunroof\n12.8-inch rotatable infotainment unit\n5-inch digital instrument cluster\n6-way power-adjustable driver seat\n4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat\nAutomatic single-zone airconditioning\n6-speaker sound system\nSingle-colour ambient lighting door handle\nThe Extended Range adds on:\nWireless phone charger\nPM2.5 Air Filter\n8-speaker DIRAC HD Sound System\nMulti-colour ambient lighting door handle\nRELATED: \nBYD officially enters Malaysia \u2013 distributed by Sime Darby Motors\nPowering the BYD Atto 3 is a single electric motor that makes \n203 hp \n(metric) and \n310 Nm\n. All power is sent to the front wheels and the Atto 3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in \n7.3 seconds\n. Storing power in the Atto 3 are two different battery sizes for the Standard Range and the Extended Range versions.\nThe Standard Range houses a \n49.92-kWh\n battery that provides an all-electric range of \n345 km\n (WLTP). The Extended Range version utilises a 60.48-kWh battery that provides \n420 km\n of range (WLTP).\nAs for charging, the Atto 3 can handle \n6.6-kW\n AC charging as standard. The Standard Range BYD Atto 3 can handle \n70-kW\n DC fast charging while the Extended Range BYD Atto 3 can handle up to \n80-kW\n DC fast charging. The BYD Atto 3 is also capable of vehicle-to-load (\nV2L\n) function at a rate of \n2.2 kW\n.\nRELATED: \nChina\u2019s BYD to set up RM2.2 billion EV plant in Thailand as ASEAN production hub\nSafety features on the BYD Atto 3 include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Door Open Warning (DOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).\nIncluded in the price of the BYD Atto 3 is a 6-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, and an 8-year/150,000 km drive unit warranty. Also included are a complimentary portable home charger, a complimentary V2L extension cable, and free RM1,000 Go-to-U EV charging credits.\nRELATED: \nBYD Atto 3 \u201cGrand Launch\u201d in Malaysia set for 9-11 Dec. \u2013 sign up to witness the new EV SUV!\nGALLERY"
"Consumer Electronics Show (CES), to those of you who aren\u2019t in the know, is an internationally renowned annual gadget and tech expo that showcases the coolest and the cutting edge of technical innovation. But what, you may be asking, are car manufacturers doing at CES ? Seems a tad bit out of place doesn\u2019t it?\nOn the contrary, actually. The relationship between cars and technology couldn\u2019t be any closer. Autoweek reported this week that \n10\u00a0percent\n of the 2.2 million square feet display space at the\n Las Vegas Convention Center\n has been allocated to car manufacturers such as VW, McLaren and Bentley. Why? Because people simply aren\u2019t buying cars based on reliability and the number of horsepower (for the most part anyways) but rather the cool toys that come with them.\nBut the part we\u2019re interested in is the 320 km/h\u00a0\nBentley Continental GT V8 S\n, dubbed the \u2018\nMonster by Mulliner\n\u201d. Those familiar with the \nBeats\n brand will definitely recognise the name \nMonster\n. Bentley Motors\u2019 bespoke coach-building division, Mulliner has teamed up with Monster to create a stunning show-stopper for CES 2016. Most would call it an odd coupling, but so was Sonny and Cher, and they worked \u2013 sort of.\nAside from the jaw-dropping way this bespoke GT V8 looks like, it\u2019s on the inside that one will discover the business end of this club-on-wheels. The exquisitely handcrafted interior features \nBeluga\n hide and a piano black finish for the trimming. You won\u2019t find Mulliner\u2019s new \nstone veneer\n here but rather you\u2019ll find a \n3D Laser-etched\n fascia panel that exudes intricacy.\nThumping this Continental along is a whole bunch of speakers selected by the man, Inventor and Head Monster Noel Lee himself. He\u00a0selects the\n 16 speakers\n that will find its way into the GT. Not only that, Noel will \npersonally\n tune the entire setup of the show car himself. The end result is \n3,400-watts\n of awe-inspiring \nPure Monster Sound\n \u2013 the company\u2019s signature audio profile. Let that number simmer in for a bit. That number is enough to jump start the party at a club. Believe us.\nNoel Lee\n\u00a0said,\u00a0\u201cMonster is proud to collaborate with Bentley on bringing the sound and look of a Monster ride to those who want something bold and different. With our Pure Monster Sound system, the drive will be truly incredible and brings a new level of excitement to the driving experience. That\u2019s why this collaboration for the Continental GT V8 S is such a \nperfect fit\n.\u201d\nWe could not agree more with Noel on that thought. While Bentley will always be at the top-end of luxury vehicles, this collaboration shows the world of Bentley\u2019s youthful vigor. Where you\u2019d usually find the \u2018Bentley\u2019 name plate on the door sill now says \u2018\nAlways Lead Never Follow\n\u2019 which is of course Monster\u2019s tagline.\nThat being said, The GT looks phenomenal on the outside, with a unique body kit and radiator shell bezel adorned in Hotspur-red accents while the body is licked in Onyx-Black and so are the wheels. Capping off the stance is the red painted brake callipers."
"When Porsche pulled off the wraps of the all-new \n911 GT2 RS\n, it was the most powerful road-legal 911 ever made. Now, Porsche can proudly support that claim as the GT2 RS just became the fastest 911 to go around the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife.\nThe record breaking lap was piloted by Porsche factory driver Nick Tandy who hails from UK, who completed the 20.6 km stretch in \n6 minutes and 47.3 seconds\n \u2013 just 2.6 seconds slower than the fastest road-legal car, the \nall-electric Nio EP9\n. This puts the GT2 RS not just the second fastest production car to lap the Green Hell, but is also the rear-wheel drive production car to do so.\nFrank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars, said: \u201cAt the start of the development process, we set ourselves a lap time target for the GT2 RS of less than 7 minutes and 5 seconds. The credit for beating this target by \n17.7 seconds\n goes to our development engineers, mechanics and drivers, who demonstrated an exceptionally strong team performance. This result makes it official: The GT2 RS is not only the most powerful, but also the fastest 911 ever built\u201d.\nFor the record attempt, the GT2 RS was fitted with Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres and the team flagged off at sundown at 7.11 pm. The GT2 RS recorded an average speed of \n184.11 km/h\n.\nAt the heart of this record setting car is a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat six that deploys \n700 hp\n and \n750 Nm\n of torque, allowing it to sprint to the 100 km/h mark from naught in just \n2.7 seconds\n. Top speed is rated at \n338 km/h\n. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK.\nThe Porsche 911 GT2 RS carries a sticker price of USD $293,200 (RM1.26 mil) and will go on sale in early 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Group, in partnership with the City of Hamburg, Germany, is trialling fully autonomous parking at Hamburg Airport as part of the brand\u2019s next push for autonomous driving. The Group is planning to roll out the function in its first vehicles by 2020.\nUsing pictorial markers installed in the multi-story carpark and carpark map data, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche vehicles are able to navigate to an empty parking space autonomously at Hamburg Airport. The biggest benefit of this autonomous parking system is that it \ncan be applied in any car park\n \u2013 multi-storey or otherwise.\nChief Digital Officer of Volkswagen Group, Johann Jungwirth, says: \u201cAutonomous parking can make an important contribution to creating convenient, stress-free mobility for our customers. We, therefore, want to democratise the technology and make it accessible to as many people as possible.\u201d\nIn this trial, the three brands are pooling their expertise to ready the system for commercial use across all three brands. However, the function of autonomous parking, when rolled out to the public, will be introduced in stages to ensure high levels of safety to customers and the public.\nInitial stages of autonomous parking will be used in selected carparks in a controlled and exclusive environment, not accessible to other cars and people. This is to build up public awareness as well as collect real-world data in a large sample. Only when the system is ready, will the operation be deployed in mixed traffic where other cars with drivers are part of the equation.\nJungwirth concludes: \u201cOur clear objective is autonomously driving vehicles that facilitate mobility for everyone at the push of a button and that gives people back time and quality of life as well as greatly improving safety on the roads. Autonomous parking is a milestone on the way there.\u201d"
"In recent weeks, we\u2019ve seen the \nall-new\n \nHonda Civic sedan\n break cover, followed by the \nhatchback version\n. Then news came that the all-new Civic Type R is on its way too; \nset to arrive in 2022\n.\nUnsurprisingly, images of the all-new hot hatch, supposedly the first of the hybrid Type Rs according to reports online, have started surfacing.\nClick here for the extended gallery of the all-new Honda Civic sedan!\nAlso to no surprise is how it looks, well roughly, based on what you and I can tell from these images. As it is mainly based on the new Civic hatchback, most of the Type R\u2019s exterior design cues appear similar to the standard model save for some sporty touches.\nAs this should be the all-new Type R\u2019s final production design, the differences from the previous generation FK8 model are quite clear. Honda has retained the air scoop on the front bonnet, along with the massive rear wing, but the Type R lacks the \u201cfierceness\u201d from the previous model.\nWe compare two different generations of the Honda Civic Type R in the hills \u2013 NA vs Turbo! Watch the video here!\nThis could be down to the missing vortex generators atop the rear windscreen or due to the new rear spoiler with less pointy ends; it\u2019s hard to tell.\nWatch the new Honda Civic sedan vs the Mazda 3 & Toyota Corolla in a drag race!\nThe unique tri-exhaust tip has been carried over but the rear lip spoiler seen in the previous model has been removed. Will the more subtle design sit well with enthusiasts? It should, seeing how the previous-generation FK8 Civic Type R was berated for looking like a toy robot.\nRumour is that the new Type R could be likely hybrid, according to \nAutocar UK\n. The electrification approach could be similar to what Honda did with the NSX. This could even mean that the Civic Type R could no longer be front-wheel drive.\nHow would that sit with the Honda boys?\n \nSource: \nSpyder7"
"Automobili Lamborghini showed off the Urus\u2019 traction and performance even in slippery conditions in setting a 1,000-metre record on the ice of Lake Baikal, Russia.\nIn a mere 1,000 metres, the \nUrus clocked a maximum speed of 298 km/h\n, in the presence of the Federation Internationale de l\u2019Automobile (FIA) and Russian Automotive Federation (RAF).\nDuring the practice runs, the Super SUV managed to clock a more impressive top speed of 302 km/h.\n\u201cThis extreme challenge has once again proven that the Urus Super SUV delivers the inherent performance expected of a Lamborghini in terms of acceleration and top speed as well as handling, to unlock any road: be it a highway, off-road route or even ice. We are excited to see the Urus\u2019 official results published,\u201d said a representative of Lamborghini.\n \nThe Lamborghini Urus, which was featured in our\n AutoBuzz Best Cars of 2018\n video is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 650 hp and 850 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h.\nThere are six driving modes available through its \u201cTamburo\u201d drive mode selector \u2013 Strada (Street), Sport, Corsa (Race), Neve (Snow), Terra (off-road) and Sabbia (Sand). They work hand-in-hand with the Urus\u2019 specially-tuned damping system that continually adjusts itself depending on driving conditions.\n \nTake a closer look at the local specification Lamborghini Urus \nin our gallery\n!"
"Guests of Earth Day\u2019s 45th anniversary will be among the first few in the world to get an up close and personal look at the future direction of automobiles, one that\u2019s been conceptualised into the form of a four-door midsize sedan by Toyota. This \nhydrogen and oxygen powered\n fuel cell vehicle (FCV) is known as the \nMirai\n which literally means \nfuture\n in Japanese.\nToyota is partnering with Earth Day Network to sponsor the \nGlobal Citizen 2015 Earth Day\n celebrating that will take place from 17 to 19 April. The event, staged to take place at the National Hall in Washington D.C., will feature leading environmental voices, government leaders, celebrity performances and of course, a Mirai activation \u2013 whatever that means.\nThe Mirai is the result of more than \n20 years of research\n, and Toyota believes that Earth Day 2015 will be a great platform to educate the public about their fuel cell technology and hydrogen as the potential fuel for propulsion in the future. Read more on the Mirai and how it works \nhere\n.\nThis tide-turning Toyota is said to manage a travelling distance of \n650km\n on a full tank of hydrogen, and refueling will take about five minutes. Frankly speaking, that\u2019s not too quick or impressive a time, but the technology will most certainly improve over time. The Mirai will go on sale in California later this year.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY   Toyota Mirai, Fuel Cell Vehicle"
"Ferrari has just unveiled its latest mid-engine V8-powered sports car ahead of the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. The Ferrari F8 Tributo, will replace the \n488GTB\n in the prancing horse line up and packs a mean 720 hp twin-turbo V8 like the hardcore, limited edition \n488 Pista\n.\nThe rear engine deck now sits a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 pushing out \n720 hp\n and \n770 Nm\n of torque, 50 hp and 10 Nm more than the 488GTB it replaces. In addition to the increased power, Ferrari has managed to shave off 40 kgs compared to the 488GTB. \u00a0With all its lightweight options ticked, the F8 Tributo tips the scale at 1,330 kg.\nAs a result, century sprint is done in \n2.9 seconds\n, 0 to 200 km/h in \n7.8 seconds\n and top speed is registered at \n340 km/h\n.\nTo keep the F8 Tributo\nin check, Ferrari has beefed up the car\u2019s aerodynamics along with the latest generation\nSide Slip Angle (ver. 6.1). The aerodynamic improvement can be seen in the car\u2019s\ndesign with a new front S-Duct, more compact LED headlights to house new brake\ncooling intakes in the outside bumper and the subtle aero package around the car.\nWhile the front is a\nfamiliar face, the rear has been extensively reworked to reflect Ferrari\u2019s new design\nlanguage that emphasises the brand\u2019s high performance and extreme aerodynamic\nefficiency. The rear engine cover, brake duct and side intakes all contribute\nto the F8 Tributo\u2019s engine cooling efficiency and downforce at high speeds.\nThe cabin is still\nvery much present-day Ferrari but enhanced with new steering wheel controls, 7.0-inch\npassenger touchscreen display and round air vents.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nFerrari\u00a0F8\u00a0Tributo"
"This is the time you\u2019ve all been waiting (or rather hoping) for; time to dig up those old summons from under your bed.\nThere will be \n50% off\n outstanding summons from \n18th to 1st of February 2020\n, said the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department.\nThe department is encouraging the use of e-payments for those looking to \u201cclear their debts\u201d quicker, as the festive season may cause long queues and waits. Online payments can either be made via MyEG or Rilex.com."
"Remember the mysterious Ferrari that was going around Fiorano naked? It turned out to be a one-off from Ferrari Special Projects division, and it\u2019s named \u2018Ferrari 458 MM Speciale\u2019. \nIt\u2019s wasn\u2019t a Ferrari \nDino\n or a \n488 Speciale\n as speculated when images of a\u00a0\nmysterious white Ferrari\n was making rounds on the track and road. It is a bespoke model, specially crafted for a British car enthusiast.\nThis \nFerrari 458 MM Speciale\n is based on the naturally aspirated \n4.5-litre V8\n 458 Speciale that churns out \n597 hp\n. A\u00a0\n133hp per litre\n world record thanks to the \n14.0:1\n high compression ratio setup.\nThe appearance weirdly reminds me of the 488, the Lotus Evora, and a little bit of Ford GT. I guess that\u2019s how the British bloke likes it. Making sure it stands out from the rest of the 458 Speciales.\nWith the unique shoulder line and side scoop, one of a kind front and rear bumpers, finished in Bianco Italia (white) matched with Italian flag livery, it is a\u00a0brilliant looking Prancing Horse. \u00a0\nHave some spare million bucks lying around? Give \nFerrari Special Projects Programme\u00a0\na call and they will make your dreams come true.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hankook Tire has announced a special two-month tyre promotion that offers cash voucher rebates to customers. The offer extends to customers who purchase two or four pieces of the all-new \nHankook Ventus Prime 3 tyres\n that was \nlaunched in November\n last year.\nThe promotion, which runs \nfrom 1st of July to 31st of August 2020\n, is \napplicable to 16 to 19 inch variants\n of the Ventus Prime 3 K125 tyres. Cash rebate vouchers of up to RM100 are in the form of Aeon\u2019s shopping voucher, Lazada\u2019s gift card or Grab\u2019s e-promo code.\n\u201cHankook Tire is very pleased to be offering its award-winning innovative tyre, the Ventus Prime 3 K125, for all car owners in Malaysia who are seeking a safer and more distinguished driving experience. Introduced in Malaysia in November last year, the Ventus Prime 3 K125 is our flagship product specially made for markets like Malaysia, where changes in tropical weather conditions can be challenging for drivers,\u201d said Hankook Tire Malaysia, Managing Director, Tommy Kim.\nCustomers who purchase Hankook Ventus Prime 3 tyres during the promotion period will need to \ngo online to register their contact details\n. That, or simply scan the QR code provided by the dealer/retailer upon purchase. Upon processing and approval, the selected cash voucher will be sent to the customer either by SMS or postage.\nThis promotion is available at all authorised Hankook Master dealers and retailers in Peninsula Malaysia. The cash rebate vouchers are based on first come first serve basis, while stocks last."
"Honda Malaysia has introduced a \u201cSpecial Edition\u201d for its best-selling model the City, which will be available in Passion Red Pearl and White Orchid Pearl at RM75,955 and RM76,075 respectively.\nThe Special Edition also comes with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) for front and rear view, Built-in Toll Reader, Door Visors and a trunk organiser \u2013 in case you haven\u2019t already got one from Mr.DIY.\nThe 1.5-litre, \n120 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n B-segment sedan has been the biggest sales contributor for Honda Malaysia, making up 34% of the company\u2019s \ntotal sales from January to July 2019\n \u2013 maintaining its No.1 position in the segment along the way.\nThe City\u2019s success isn\u2019t just confined to the Malaysian market as it is also \nHonda Thailand\u2019s best selling model in 2017 and the strongest sales contributor for Honda Philippines\n \u2013 further cementing the City\u2019s reputation as a practical, reliable and more importantly, affordable B-segment sedan.\n IMAGE GALLERY"
"With over a billion active monthly users per month on TikTok, a survey by Dick Lovett in the UK has shown that \nBMW is one of the most popular car brands\n on the app with over 22 billion views.\nThis is followed by Audi with 8.9 billion views and Jaguar in 3rd place with six billion views. Household supercar makers like Porsche and Ferrari only gathered four and three billion views respectively.\nThe BMW M4\nAmong the top three most popular car brands on TikTok, a survey was also conducted to find out which model from these three brands was the most popular.\nBMW may be the most popular car brand on TikTok but it is the \nAudi TT that\u2019s the most popular car on TikTok\n, with over 5.5 billion views.\nThe limited-edition Audi TT RS\nInterestingly, the BMW M4 is the second most popular car among TikTok users, with over 1.3 billion views. That makes us wonder if the BMW M4 was a source of admiration or mockery because you know why.\nAudi celebrates 40 years of quattro with limited edition TT RS. Read about it here!\nIn case you\u2019re not convinced that SUVs have taken over the world, the most popular Porsche isn\u2019t the 911 as you\u2019d expect. It didn\u2019t even make it to the top three!\n \nEight luxury brands were included in this survey including BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Porsche, Ferrari, Land Rover, Mini, and Aston Martin. The Top 3 most popular models from each brand are as follow:\nBMW\n \u2013 M4, M3, M2\nAudi\n \u2013 TT, A4, R8\nAston Martin\n \u2013 DBS, Valkyrie, Atom\nPorsche\n \u2013 Panamera, Macan, Cayenne\nFerrari\n \u2013 812 Superfast, Monza SP1, F8 Tributo\nJaguar\n \u2013 XE, XF, F-Type\nLand Rover\n \u2013 Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport\nRange Rover \n\u2013 Sport, Velar, Evoque\nMINI\n \u2013 Cooper, John Cooper Works, Countryman\nThe Aston Martin DBS Superleggera in Malaysia.\nAccording to Dick Lovett, the survey was conducted based on the number of views on videos using hashtags mentioning each car and brand on TikTok, with all view counts correct as of 15th June 2021.\u00a0\nWatch our video of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera here!"
"The \nnew F90 BMW M5\n was just launched in Malaysia and while we were allowed to \nunleash the 600 hp weapon around our Sepang International Circuit\n, reaching its top speed was another challenge all together.\nThere aren\u2019t many places in the world that can provide you with the space and discretion to max out your car but in case you haven\u2019t heard, the unrestricted Autobahn in Germany is one such place \u2013 a mecca for those brave and skillful enough to attain and maintain the top speed of their cars.\nI\u2019d recommend you to skip past the tacky techno music in the first minute and jump straight to 1:07. Almost instantly, you\u2019d notice how effortless it was for the \nF90 BMW M5\n to hit the 250 km/h where at one point, the driver even sped past a police patrol car at over 300 km/h.\nMost of us in Malaysia may have never seen the 200 km/h mark let alone maintain that speed so this video definitely offers a very different perspective on what it\u2019s like to be travelling consistently at 300 km/h \u2013 and of course, the risks and dangers that come with it.\nJust don\u2019t try it on the North-South Expressway!"
"On the day of the launch of the new \nHonda Civic hatchback\n, Honda Access in Japan also showcased their Modulo styling concept for the new model.\nThe biggest appeal in this kit has to be the wheels, featuring dual-tone 18-inch wheels, with three-dimensional, multi-spoked design. Tyre size remains the same at 235/40R18 and the new wheels are finished with a Modulo centre cap.\nThe subtle Modulo bodykit meanwhile consists of a front bumper spoiler and a mid-mounted rear wing, with an elaborate design. The supporting stands are finished in gloss black while the main element is in body colour.\nHonda USA also unveiled their Honda HPD styling kit for the new Honda Civic sedan.check it out here! \nThe rear spoiler has a nice flowing design to it, where the main element is horizontally placed further back than its supports, giving it a very sporty look.\nA \u201cmini-dark package\u201d is also available which applies gloss black to the \u2018H\u2019 and \u2018Civic\u2019 emblems plus side mirrors.\nHonda Access also made some accessories for additional lighting in the new Civic, such as side mirror puddle lamp, inner door handle spot lamps, cup holder and illuminated doorsill trim finishers.\nThe new Honda Civic hatchback is powered by an improved turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with \n180 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n or a new e:Hev hybrid system. In Japan, transmission choices are a CVT or six-speed manual.\nOnly in Japan, can you show off a Toyota that\u2019s made to looks like a Lamborghini Urus!\nHonda has made plenty of changes to the steering and suspension systems for body road holding and ride comfort. The interior meanwhile feature larger displays on a simple dashboard for ease of use and a high-quality look.\nHonda will also use this new hatchback as the basis for the \nnext Honda Civic Type R\n, which is slated for launch in \n2022\n. \u00a0\nGALLERY"
"Nearly a year after the two companies \nannounced their plans to build new EVs together\n, Sony and Honda have now finally unveiled a new prototype at CES 2023 under the new brand, Afeela.\nThe prototype sedan, driven on stage by Sony\u2019s CEO Kenichiro Yoshida, is slated to go into production by the end of 2025.\nThe name Afeela is meant to represent \u201cfeel\u201d, as in \u201cwhere people \u2018feel\u2019 mobility as an intelligent entity, and mobility \u2018feels\u2019 people and society using sensing and network IT technologies\u201d. It\u2019s branded itself as a \u201cmobility tech company\u201d, and will leverage on Sony\u2019s expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, and augmented reality to create technology and experience-focused EVs.\nAs for the car itself, the Afeela prototype vehicle looks pretty much like the\n first Sony concept that was first revealed three years ago\n. On the outside, it will feature a Media Bar on both the front and rear fascia, allowing the car to \u201cexpress itself\u201d and communicate with surrounding people using light.\nThe interior meanwhile is based on a \u201cgentle rounded tone\u201d, with a design that cocoons the occupants to create a comfortable atmosphere, yet being as simple as possible to minimise distractions.\nRELATED: \nSony Vision-S 02 SUV shown at CES, could be on sale soon!\nIt\u2019ll also have a total of 45 cameras and sensors inside out, including in-car cameras and Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors to detect the driver and car\u2019s conditions at all times to help avoid accidents. The company has committed to develop a Level 3 automated driving system \u201cunder limited conditions\u201d, and Level 2+ driving assistance in even more situations, including urban driving.\nNot much else has been revealed on the car just yet, but we do know that it\u2019ll be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis processor. The car will also \u201cseamlessly [integrate] real and virtual worlds\u201d, with the company already partnering with Epic Games to explore possibilities in virtual settings such as the metaverse.\nGALLERY"
"The electric vehicle market is booming faster than ever, with car companies increasingly joining the revolution. Uniti, a new company based in Sweden, is the latest addition to the movement with the introduction of their Uniti One.\nThe Uniti One, unlike the \nrecently unveiled Porsche Taycan\n, is not your usual \u2018all-out performance\u2019 electric vehicle. Built for three passengers, the tiny EV aims to reimagine city mobility \u2013 designed with efficiency, sustainability and affordability in mind, while maximising interior space for three adults.\nYou might think why specifically three adults? That is because the Uniti One has only one front seat! The driver is seated in the centre of the vehicle, similar to that of the legendary McLaren F1.\nUniti says that the unique one-plus-two seating configuration offers ergonomic and visibility benefits for the driver, while providing easy ingress and egress for rear seat passengers.\nFlanking the steering wheel are the two touchscreens, running on Android Automotive OS (just like in the upcoming \nVolvo XC40 EV\n). The Google powered infotainment system offers access to Google Maps, Waze, Spotify and other Play Store applications without the need to have a smartphone tethered to the system.\u00a0\nThe touchscreens are also responsible for other key vehicle functionalities such as lighting, climate control and ventilation, and can be controlled through Google\u2019s voice assistant as well.\nThe Uniti One does away with traditional keys, where entry into the car is done through their own secure mobile application.\u00a0\nOn the outside, Uniti incorporated their Scandinavian touch in the design of the car \u2013 utilising clean, simple body lines and smooth contours. The car is seemingly split into two halves, with the top dominated by a sweeping electrochromatic panoramic roof that joins the front and rear windscreen to form a canopy.\u00a0\nThe electrochromatic roof which comes as standard can be adjusted to be fully opaque or transparent to allow natural light into the cabin, and automatically darkened when parked to keep cabin temperatures low. Completing the equipment list are items such as LED daytime running light and LED taillamps, with full LED headlights as optional extras.\u00a0\nUniti also equipped the One with standard safety features such as ABS, ESC, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Customers can also specify the Uniti One with the Intel MobilEye 6 advanced driver assistance system, which includes Forward Collision (including pedestrians and cyclists) and Lane Departure Warning, as well as a speed limit indicator.\u00a0\nOffered in its base specification with a \n12 kWh\n power pack, the Uniti One can cover \n150 km in a single charge\n, and requires just 10 minutes charging for an additional 100 km of range using a 50 kW CCS charger. A larger \n24 kWh\n battery is also available as an option, extending its range to \n300 km\n.\nWith the same high-speed charger, the 24 kWh battery can recharge from 20% to 80% in just \n17 minutes\n, while the 12 kWh does it in nine.\nWeighing in at a mere \n600 kg\n, Uniti says the ultracompact urban EV achieves a class-leading \n8.0 kWh/100km\n efficiency. Being efficient does not mean it\u2019s lacking in performance either, with a claimed 0 to 50 km/h in 4.1 seconds, 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.9 seconds\n, before reaching its top speed of\n 120 km/h\n.\nUniti is a result of an open innovation research at Lund University, Sweden. After a few successful crowd-funding campaigns, the team quickly expanded to kick-start the company\u2019s sustainable mobility business plan.\nThe ultracompact urban EV will be built in the United Kingdom, due to the region\u2019s focus on \u201clight-weighting\u201d and innovation in advanced materials, which the company\u2019s CEO, Lewis Horne highlighted as an ideal model for electric car production globally.\nUniti One will be available in metallic Scandium, Dark Graphite, and Warm Titanium \u2013 which are actually self-coloured materials instead of paint! The urban EV is now open for booking directly on the company\u2019s website \u2013 skipping the industry-standard dealership network."
"It\u2019s official, DRB-HICOM Berhad and Zhejiang Geely Holdings (Geely) have just signed a Definitive Agreement to appoint Geely as Proton\u2019s Foreign Strategic Partner (FSP). The deal will see Geely acquire a 49.9 percent stake in Proton for RM460.3 million in cash as well as the \nBoyue SUV platform\n.\nOf the \nRM460.3 million\n, RM170.3 million is of cash injection from Geely while the remaining sum (valued at RM290 million) makes up for the Boyue platform. DRB-HICOM has also disposed all 100 percent ownership of \nGroup Lotus\n for \u00a3100 million (RM545 million) with 51 percent going to Geely and 49 percent going to Etika Automotive Sdn Bhd.\nDato\u2019 Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director DRB-HICOM Berhad\nThe deal came about after Proton received a RM1.5 billion soft loan from the Government with the condition that the national carmaker appoints a foreign strategic partner as part of its turnaround plan.\nAccording to Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director DRB-HICOM berhad, Proton has approached 23 potential partners, invited 15, shortlisted five and finally decided on Geely. Proton eventually chose Geely due to their outstanding portfolio as a carmaker, especially with Geely\u2019s success in China as well as turning around Volvo and London Taxi Company.\nMr Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group\nDato Syed Faisal highlighted the\u00a0\nsix\u00a0\nmajor benefits\n\u00a0for Proton from this partnership:\n1) Access to Geely technologies\nProton will have direct access to Geely Automotive Group\u2019s products, platforms and latest technologies. Geely will also help Proton (and Lotus) to embrace electrification and artificial intelligence applications.\n2) Access to ASEAN and China Markets\nGeely intends to help Proton regain a foothold in Malaysia as well as the ASEAN region. However, Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group expressed that their immediate focus is to reclaim Proton\u2019s position as Malaysia\u2019s best-selling car brand.\n3) Proton to manufacture Geely\u2019s RHD Models\nTo date, Geely vehicles are only available in left-hand drive. This partnership will allow Geely to manufacture right-hand drive vehicles of their own marque at Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant.\n4) Proton R&D to become Geely\u2019s Centre of Excellence in ASEAN\nWith Proton\u2019s 30 years of experience in automobile development and market research, Proton\u2019s research and development operations will become the benchmark and guidance for Geely in the ASEAN region.\n5) Local vendors to join Geely\u2019s Global Shared Purchasing System\nLocal vendors of Proton will have a chance to be part of Geely\u2019s global supply chain provided they meet the necessary requirements and standards. For example, if Volvo requires a specific part for their cars, local vendors are able to be one of Volvo\u2019s supplier.\n6) Tanjung Malim to assemble Volvo Models\nVolvo will be able to use the production facility should there be room for more productivity. This will supplement Volvo\u2019s existing manufacturing plant in Shah Alam.\nThe first car to be conceived from this Geely-Proton partnership is the Geely Boyue SUV here in Malaysia. Dato Syed Faisal said that Proton is currently examining the best course of action to introduce the Boyue SUV. Among the challenges are whether to bring in a batch of CBU units, localisation content and features to suit the local market.\nProton says this Definitive Agreement is not a way of \u2018selling out\u2019 the brand to a foreign company. DRB-HICOM remains the majority shareholder of Proton. Besides that, Li Shufu expressed that this acquisition is more of a partnership with DRB-HICOM to revitalise the Proton and Lotus brands than an outright acquisition of assets. Regardless, we Malaysians can expect better things from Proton in the near future. Fingers crossed."
"With 2023 being the 40th anniversary year for local carmaker \nProton\n, its upcoming \nProton X90\n is quite the car to coincide with the occasion. It is after all, Proton\u2019s first electrified or New Energy Vehicle, and \nintroduces several Proton-first features\n. We\u2019ve been given a chance to drive the Proton X90 up Genting Highlands, and here\u2019s what we think about it.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\n2023 Proton X90 Comfort \u2013 Specially tuned for Malaysian roads\nOne of the main highlights of the Proton X90 would be its multilink rear suspension which has actually been specially developed for the Malaysian market. The Geely Haoyue, which the X90 is based on, runs a torsion beam setup. Having driven the car for approximately 100 km, the X90 rides comfortably and feels decently planted at high speeds. There\u2019s not too much body roll and the X90 makes for a nice large family SUV. On bumpy roads, most of the undulations are well absorbed.\nYou may be wondering if the new suspension setup has affected the cargo or cabin space of the Proton X90. We\u2019ve asked the engineers at Proton, and fortunately, no compromise has been made in that department. It is a costly development on Proton\u2019s side that was done in the middle of the X90 development project. Prioritising ride and comfort, Proton made the costly decision to fix a multibeam suspension setup for the rear wheels of the Proton X90.\n2023 Proton X90 NVH \u2013 Satisfactory\nAs we were given the liberty to drive on the Karak highway in this yet-to-launch large SUV, we did take it up to some decent highway speeds. Wind noise and road noise are actually minimal, given the speculated sub-RM200k price of the car. With its only technical rivals being cars like \nMazda CX-8\n and the \nHyundai Santa Fe\n, the NVH levels of the X90 is satisfactory and would impress you if you\u2019re used to driving the usual budget family car.\nIf you were cruising on the highway, it would be easy to forget that the Proton X90 is powered by a 3-cylinder engine. Yes, the X90 is powered by a 1.5-litre TGDI engine that gets assistance from a Belt Starter Generator. It is only when you floor the car that it brings out that 3-cylinder noise, which almost sounds like a diesel unit. Some of the media members have reported that the sound is louder from the third-row seats, which are nearer to the exhaust tip.\n2023 Proton X90 Performance \u2013 Sometimes you\u2019d forget its 3-cylinder engine\nThe X90 is a cruiser, being able to keep its revs below 2,000 rpm at highway cruising speeds. It is actually a relaxing driving experience, making you almost forget that under the hood is a 3-cylinder engine. And this is basically what Proton calls a \u2018Smart Glide\u2019. Accelerating from high speeds, however, can feel a bit laggy.\nGoing uphill, the X90 felt rather light on its feet (given that it is a large car by Malaysian standards). Sure, it makes quite the noise, but it didn\u2019t feel like you were lacking power. We drove the car up Genting Highlands with 4 adults in the car, and the power and torque were sufficient. At lower speeds, Proton calls it the \u201cDynamic Boost\u201d, and at higher speeds, it is called the \u201cFull Boost\u201d. We\u2019re pretty sure, it is the \u201cFull Boost\u201d that really brings out the X90\u2019s engine noise.\nJust to recap, the Proton X90 runs a mild hybrid (MHEV) system which consists of a 1.5-litre TGDI engine that makes 177 hp and 255 Nm. The Belt Starter Generator (BSG) makes 13 hp and 45 Nm. Combined, the system makes \n190 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n. Paired with the engine is a 7-speed DCT.\n2023 Proton X90 Interior \u2013 Mature, spacious, and ergonomic\nAs for the cabin of the X90, it does have a nice premium feel to it. The colour scheme is mature, which is perhaps boring to some, but very much to my personal liking. Fit and finish is decent and the seats of the X90 are comfortable without being too soft. The seats even have a headrest flap like the ones you find on aeroplane seats\nCatering to all passengers, the X90 comes with AC vents for all three rows. The X90 gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen head unit that has a decent resolution. In the Executive and above variants, it comes with a 360\u00b0 which is very helpful. Space is decent in the X90 as it is actually a proper 7-seater SUV and not a 5+2 seater car. In the third-row, those below 170 cm should not have an issue with getting comfortable.\n \nThe Proton X90 is due to launch in Malaysia this year, and it is a rather significant model for Proton being the brand\u2019s first hybrid car. The X90 is already open for bookings at Proton 3S and 4S centres nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"Following the shock announcement last night on the departure of Sergio Perez at the end of the year, Racing Point F1 Team has announced that four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel will be joining the team \u201cfrom 2021 and beyond\u201d, as the team rebrands to Aston Martin F1 Team.\nBeing one of the most accomplished drivers on the grid with 57 pole positions, 53 Grand Prix wins and 67 podium finishes to his name, the Silverstone-based team says that the addition of Vettel \u201cis a clear statement of the team\u2019s ambition to establish itself as one of the most competitive names in the sport.\u201d\nSebastian Vettel became the youngest-ever Formula 1 World Champion in 2010 with Red Bull, and dominated for three more years until 2013.\n\u201cI am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future,\u201d said the 33-year old German. \u201cI\u2019m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021. It\u2019s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter.\n\u201cThe energy and commitment of Lawrence [Stroll] to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together. I still have so much love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid. To do so with Aston Martin will be a huge privilege.\u201d\nRacing Point CEO and Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer added: \u201cEverybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news. Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team.\n\u200d\u201dOn a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can\u2019t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.\u201d\nVettel\u2019s campaign with the Scuderia Ferrari team turned sour after the addition of wonderkid Charles Leclerc as the second driver.\nWord around the paddock was that the German has been in talks with Racing Point team owner Lawrence Stroll since Ferrari\u2019s decision to \nrelease him at the end of the year\n \u2013 which resulted in a \ndomino effect\n with Carlos Sainz moving to Ferrari and Daniel Ricciardo taking the spot in McLaren.\nHowever, it didn\u2019t look like there was a spot in Racing Point/Aston Martin available for Sebastian Vettel, as Sergio Perez was still in a multi-year deal with the team which was supposed to run until the end of 2022, while the second driver in the team is, well, Lawrence Stroll\u2019s son \u2013 Lance Stroll.\nSergio Perez is left without a seat currently for the 2021 season.\nFollowing the announcement, Sergio Perez \u2013 who has been with the many iterations of the team for seven years \u2013 \nsaid in a statement\n that he currently has no \u201cplan B\u201d in terms of a drive for next year, though wishes that he will still be part of the sport.\nWith an uncompetitive Ferrari car, Sebastian Vettel is currently 13th in the Drivers\u2019 Championship with just 16 points across eight races. His best finish this year was sixth at the Hungary Grand Prix.\nSergio Perez meanwhile is currently 11th in the standings with a car that has been heavily criticised as a direct copy of last year\u2019s Mercedes. However, he only started in six races this year due to testing positive for nCoV-19 prior to the British Grand Prix.\nThe travelling F1 circus will be heading to Mugello Circuit, Italy this weekend for the Tuscan Grand Prix, where Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Team will be celebrating its 1,000th Grand Prix across the team\u2019s illustrious history in the sport.\n[Images: Formula 1]"
"At a time when a mere trip to the work/body shop could expose you the dangers of Covid-19, Mazda has introduced a photo-based accident damage estimation service to allow owners in the UK to receive a repair quote without having to visit a bodyshop.\nBy accessing the \u201cAccident & Repair\u201d section of their official page, owners can now \nget a repair estimate by simply uploading photographs\n of their vehicle\u2019s damage to allow their nearest Mazda Approved Accident Repair centre to asses the severity of the damage and provide a quote for repairs, absolutely free of charge with no obligations attached.\nThis can easily save one\u2019s time and allows owners to evaluate on whether to repair the damage themselves or to proceed with insurance claims based on the estimates, in order to avoid losing their no-claim bonus.\nIn other news, the Mazda3 effectively became the prettiest car in the world after being \nawarded the 2020 World Car Design of the Year\n.\nThat being said, based on Mazda\u2019s statement, the cost estimation for repairs should be based on their service centre rates and we all know that any repair work done \u2013 whether mechanical or body related \u2013 at a service centre is always more expensive than opting for an independent body shop. The effectiveness of this service, as such, can be called into question.\n\u201cWith the launch of the new Accident Damage Repair Portal we\u2019re able to provide our customers with the relevant knowledge in advance to help make that important decision,\u201d said Mazda Motors UK, Customer Service Director, David Wilson-Green.\n\u201cAs part of the new highly convenient service, the Mazda Approved Accident Repair centre will also check whether the vehicle has any outstanding safety recalls, and if required, these will be completed at the same time as the repair, ensuring both simplicity and convenience for the customer,\u201d he added."
"Following its \ninitial announcement\n last week, Proton has now stepped up its flood relief and assistance initiatives for its customers who have been affected by the recent devastating floods.\nThe national carmaker has now increased the discount on selected replacement parts from 20% to 50%. This change is applicable to all Proton models, except the\n X50\n and \nX70\n \u2013 For the latter two, the discounts have been increased to 25% instead.\nThe reduction in labour charges have also been revised from 20% to now 25% across the board. Flood victims will also be provided with free towing services (up to RM200), as well as free cleaning services (up to RM100) for both exterior and engine bay.\nAll assistance benefits are offered at selected Proton 3S/4S centres, and are subject to terms and conditions.\nProton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton is deeply sympathetic to the plight of those affected by the recent floods, as many of them consist of B40 households. To date, our service centres have received approximately 600 cars, and we estimate there to be many more that will arrive in the coming days and weeks.\u201d\n\u201cTherefore, we have enhanced our assistance package in the hope that it will provide some financial relief to these families,\u201d he added. Additionally, customers insured under the Proton Insurance Programme (PIP) can also claim an additional RM1,000 in flood relief benefits.\nAside from the assistance package, Proton is also negotiating with banks to allow customers to pay for their repairs via instalment using their credit cards. \u201cThis will further assist their cash flow as they will neither be charged interest fees nor have to come up with a lump sum payment,\u201d said Roslan."
"The veils to the most powerful Porsche 911 Turbo S have been lifted, and this one is hand crafted at the new Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen. Production is limited to just 500 units, and all customers can have the matching chronograph wristwatch from Porsche Design that\u2019s also limited to 500 units.\nThis Exclusive Edition comes with the Golden Yellow metallic paint as well as carbon fibre bonnet, roof, side skirts, ram-air scoop and while two strips of carbon fibre vinyls contour the roof and bonnet. Behind, it gets a new rear wing, apron and twin stainless steel exhaust pipes painted in black. Finishing it off is a set of black 20-inch centre-locking wheel with gold detailing. Customers who wish to opt for other colours can do so as well.   Inside, the coupe gets Porsche Sport Seats Plus that\u2019s wrapped in perforated leather, contrasted with golden-yellow stripes to match the exterior theme. The stitches are also of the same golden colour, whereas the roof is lined with Alcantara. There\u2019s also a new plate with the limited-edition number fitted to the passenger side of the cabin, and the carbon fibre door sills feature Exclusive Series lettering.\nIt\u2019s not all about looks as well, because Porsche tuned the \n3.8-litre twin-turbo\n engine to crank out 27 hp more to a grand total of \n599 hp\n with \n750 Nm\n of torque. On paper, it doesn\u2019t sprint from 0 to 100 km/h any quicker (the standard Turbo S does that in \n2.9 seconds\n!), but the 0 to 200 km/h sprint is completed in 9.6 seconds. That\u2019s 0.3 seconds quicker! Top speed is 330 km/h.\nOther standard fitments include Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Sport Chrono pack, rear-axle steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) which lets drivers tweak chassis and suspension setting on the fly.\nAs for the cost, it\u2019s at least RM200k over the standard Turbo S. Expect the premium to go up a fair once it finds its way here.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Named after its creator and chief engineer at the time, \nRudolf Uhlenhaut\n, one of only two prototypes of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut has been sold at an auction for a record price of 135 million Euros (approx. RM627 million) to a private collector \u2013 making it the most valuable car in the world.\n\u201cThe 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are milestones in sports car development and key historical elements that have shaped our brand. The decision to sell one of these two unique sports cars was for a good cause. The proceeds from the auction will fund a global scholarship programme called Mercedes-Benz Fund,\u201d says Mercedes-Benz Group, CEO, Ola K\u00e4llenius.\n The creator, Rudolf Uhlenhaut and his creation, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe.\nThe \u201cMercedes Benz Fund\u201d will be divided into two sub-categories: University Scholarships in order to connect, educate and encourage students to realise/conduct research on environmental science projects and School Scholarships focussing on pupils to realise local environmental projects in their communities.\nRELATED: Mercedes-AMG\u2019s 55th anniversary model for the GT 63 S E Performance is called. F1 Edition\nThe sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coup\u00e9 took place earlier this month at an auction held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in cooperation with renowned auctioneer RM Sotheby\u2019s. The invitees were among selected Mercedes-Benz customers and international collectors of cars and art, who share the corporate values of Mercedes-Benz.\nThe 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coup\u00e9 sold was part of the non-public vehicle collection belonging to Mercedes-Benz Classic, comprising more than 1100 automobiles from the invention of the automobile in 1886 until today.\n\u201cThe private buyer has agreed that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe will remain accessible for public display on special occasions, while the second original 300 SLR Coupe remains in company ownership and will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart,\u201d said the company.\nGALLERY"
"The third generation \nAudi TTS is now on sale\n\u00a0in Malaysia and represents the German carmaker\u2019s first ever Audi S model to officially be sold here. It runs on the same 2.0-litre TFSI engine powering the TT, but gets some mechanical upgrades and a larger turbocharger to ram more air for better output.\nIt costs just over RM100k more than the base model TT, but there\u2019s very few\u00a0add-ons to choose from and the MQB-based sports car is considerably decked out. For\n RM389,900\n, you get exactly what you see here in these pictures, but need we remind you that the optional \nRM5,000 Matrix LED headlights\n and \nRM2,500 reverse camera\n is something to consider, especially the latter for that extra peace of mind.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nAudi TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro\u00a0\nEngine\n1,984cc; four-cylinder TFSI\nTransmission\n6-speed S tronic dual clutch\nMax Power\n286 hp\nMax Torque\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 5,200 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.7 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nPrice\nRM389,900\nAgain, the difference between the TT and TTS lies largely in the way they look, but spotting the hotter of the duo is quite an easy affair. The TTS for one, has a completely \nchromed-out front grille\n and a more dynamically sculpted front bumper with large air vents.   The side mirrors, in typical Audi S fashion, are finished in satin aluminium whereas the rear bumper gets an integrated diffuser and two pairs of dual oval exhaust pipes. It also comes standard with a set of \n19-inch forged aluminium wheels\n\u00a0(shod with 245/35 series Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres) and of course, some TTS badges for the oblivious.\u00a0There are two exterior colours unique to the TTS, and they are Vegas Yellow and Sepang Blue. If you\u2019re no fan of the two colours, there\u2019s nine more shades for you to choose from.\nInside, you get \nquilted S sports leather-mix-Alcantara seats\n as standard, a high-res and customisable \n12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit\n, special leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with TTS lettering, Audi MMI and a \n680 Watt 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system\n with a 14-channel amplifier that also \nsupports DVD playback\n.   Under the hood nestles a transversely mounted \n2.0-litre turbocharged engine\n \u2013 similar to that of the regular TT. But as mentioned above, the \nfour-banger\n gets reinforced components and \na larger turbocharger\n with a maximum boost of 1.2 bar, bringing the total output to \n286 hp\n. That\u2019s 56 horses more than the TT, but just 10 Nm more twist at \n380 Nm\n. That said, it performs much quicker off the line and reaches the 100 km/h mark a full 1.2 seconds quicker than the TT at \n4.7 seconds\n. That\u2019s mighty quick, mind you. Top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h.   And as you can tell from the title, the TTS gets \nAudi\u2019s quattro all-wheel drive system\n which receives power from the same\n six-speed S tronic dual clutch\n gearbox. If driven with a tame right foot, the TTS returns a commendable fuel economy of \n6.9 litres per 100km\n. Once again, it can be yours for a cool\u00a0\nRM389,900\n. It can be viewed at your nearest authorised Audi dealerships, but meanwhile, do enjoy the gallery below.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo has just launched the new all-electric C40 Recharge, the first Volvo designed as a pure electric vehicle, and is giving us more than one reason to be excited for the electric future.\nFirstly, it\u2019s the power. The C40, that\u2019s based on the CMA platform like the \nXC40\n, is powered by two electric motors, one for the front wheels and the other to drive the rear wheels.\n \nTogether, they generate 408 hp however torque figures were not revealed. 0 to 100 km/h is rated at 4.9 seconds, with \ntop speed limited to 180 km/h\n.\nPlaced at the chassis is a 78 kWh battery pack that\u2019s capable of returning up to 420 km/h of pure electric. A full charge will require 7.5 hours with a standard charger but with fast charging, the C40 can be recharged to 80% in just 40 minutes.\nSecondly, it\u2019s the C40\u2019s tech and we\u2019ll start with those headlamps. Like the Multibeam LED headlamps on a Mercedes-Benz, the C40\u2019s headlamps can be on high beam all the time as it is capable of detecting other vehicles and avoid glaring them.\nThe 84 LEDs can avoid up to five vehicles at the same time, and performs a welcoming light sequence along with the rear LED tail lights.\nVolvo C40 Recharge\nThe C40 also comes with an Android-based head unit that was jointly developed with Google; offering access to all of Google\u2019s services such as the Google Play Store, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. Each purchase of the C40 Recharge comes with unlimited data and constant over-the-air software updates.\nNext is how the C40 looks. With its dramatically sloping roofline and high-riding stance, it\u2019s hard not to compare it with BMW\u2019s X4 and X6 along with Mercedes\u2019 GLC and GLE Coupe. Despite the its dramatically sloping roofline, boot space is still rated at a respectable 413-litres of bootspace.\nAlthough the C40 is a lot sleeker with more covered surfaces on its body for aerodynamic purposes with minimal slates and vents at the front for cooling purposes. Wheels are 20-inch in size and as for the rear end, it\u2019s possibly the most aggressive design ever seen on any Volvo SUV.\nLastly, it\u2019s how sustainable the C40 is. Along with Volvo\u2019s \nuse of recycled plastic for its interior panels\n, the C40\u2019s upholstery is completely leather-free. The C40 Recharge can only be bought online, with its official launch date due to be revealed soon.\nAlong with the introduction of the C40 Recharge, Volvo also announced that by 2025, it aims for 50% of its global sales to be fully electric cars. By 2030, the goal is for every car sold to be pure electric.\nThe C40 Recharge will go into production at the end of this year and will be built alongside the XC40 Recharge at the Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium.\nGALLERY"
"There\u2019s an increasing number of car manufacturers embracing autonomous technology, with Nissan being the latest one to do so. It\u2019s still not 100 percent autonomous, unlike those being developed at Google and Apple. Instead, the ProPilot which debuts with the all-new \nNissan Serena\n\u00a0will provide a helping hand in heavy traffic and long commutes.\nActivating and disabling the ProPilot is as simple as a flick of a\u00a0switch on the steering wheel. As for now, the system is designed primarily\u00a0for \nhighway use in single-lane traffic\n, and it controls the vehicle\u2019s\u00a0\nsteering\n, \naccelerator\n, and \nbraking\n. This requires the assistance of\u00a0a camera which uses image processing software to quickly identify vehicles and lane markers in three-dimensional depth.\nWhile on the highway, ProPilot controls the distance of the car ahead via speed determined\u00a0by the\u00a0driver. Even if you\u2019re in the middle lane, the system works by reading lane markers. When coming to a stop, ProPilot automatically applies braking force. Once the car is ready to move, the ProPilot system\u00a0can be reactivated via the same switch on the steering wheel after the accelerator is depressed. \nThe next Nissan expected to receive this technology will be the\u00a0Qashqai crossover in Europe by next year, with more Nissan cars planned to be equipped with this tech in the following years. The company has also announced that the ProPilot technology will incorporate urban driving as well as through intersections by 2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Revealed as a surprise alongside Tesla\u2019s new truck, the Tesla Roadster which is expected to hit the roads come 2020 is set to wipe out all its petrol-powered competition with a 0 to 100 km/h time that\u2019s quicker than two blinks of an eye.\nThe four-seater sports car is said to have\n 10,000 Nm\n of torque from three motors where 0 to 160 km/h will take just \n4.2 seconds\n with top speed expected to be in excess of 250 mph (\n402 km/h\n).\n\u201cIt will be the first time that any car has broken the 2 second barrier to a 100 km/h, the fastest to 160 km/h and the first time any production car has a quarter-mile (400m) run in under 9 seconds,\u201d said Elon Musk at the unveiling.\nThe all-wheel drive Roadster is powered by a 200 kWh battery pack which will provide the Roadster with 620 miles (965 km) of driving range. The highest capacity battery pack made by Tesla can be found in the Model S P100D, with a 100 kWh battery pack capable of just over 300 miles (482 km) in range.\nThe \u201cbase model\u201d Roadster is said to come with a removable glass roof which can be stored in the trunk \u2013 much like the Targa layout of the 911 or the Mazda MX-5 RF. The brand\u2019s latest autonomous systems will not be excluded; with surround cameras providing a 360-degree view together with 12 ultrasonic sensors for detection of objects.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here\u2019s one\u00a0of the \nAudi\u2019s seven starlets\n at Switzerland. Showcased alongside the R8 V10 models at \nGeneva Motor Show\n, is the electrifying \nR8 e-tron\n. The R8 e-tron shares the \nR8 V10\u2019s\n \nAudi Space Frame\n multimaterial construction, which provides maximum rigidity with minimal weight.\nThe styling has been tweaked slightly, which includes a blanked off section in the grille, increased amount of horizontal slats on the side intakes, distinctive side blades, a subtle rear spoiler, and a set of aerodynamic wheels.\nWhat\u2019s more significant is under the skin. This non-smoking \nfull-electric\n R8 e-tron is said to produce a total of \n456 hp\n and a whopping \n920 Nm\n of torque. It will get from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n3.9 seconds\n and the \ntop speed\n is limited to 210 km/h or \n250 km/h\n.\nProviding the energy is a T-shaped \n49 kWh lithium-ion battery\n located along the center tunnel and behind the occupant cell. It allows the R8 e-tron to \ntravel for up to 450 km\n, and it can be \nfully charged in less than 2 hours\n.\nAccording to Audi, the R8 e-tron acts as a \nmobile high-tech laboratory\n, and the findings acquired will lend a hand in creating \n\u201ca vehicle with a sedan character\u201d\n. Could it be the A6 e-tron? We\u2019ll have to wait for that.\nAudi also revealed that the R8 e-tron is \navailable for order upon request\n. They didn\u2019t mention how much, but the R8 V10\u2019s asking price in Europe starts from \u20ac165,000 (about RM670k). Given by the amount of tech the e-tron carries, expect a princely premium over its petrol-powered siblings.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Five years after the model\u2019s first introduction, Volvo has now given the \nXC40\n compact crossover an update for 2022, with a mild refresh to its exterior design plus some updated features on the inside.\nIn terms of looks, most of the changes are reserved onto the front fascia of the XC40, with new design elements inspired by the \nC40 electric coupe-SUV\n. In particular, the headlights are now more compact with a slightly more triangular shape, and the front bumper also get a redesign featuring a more vertical corner faux air intakes and diagonal slats.\nThe fully-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge, meanwhile, gets an additional blanked-off grille that is also taken from the newer C40. Aside from those upgrades, however, the rest of the changes are just a range of new wheels and exterior body colours.\nRELATED: Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV now available in Malaysia \u2013 RM242k\nMoving inside, the changes are even more limited, with the main update being the new Android Automotive infotainment operating system running on the screens \u2013 which are both unchanged in dimensions. There are also a couple of new upholstery options, including a new wool textile reserved for the electrified Recharge models.\nAlongside the introduction of the facelift model, Volvo has also revised the trim level offerings for the XC40. The existing Momentum, Inscription, and R-Line variants have been dropped in favour of a new line-up consisting of Essential, Core, Plus, and Ultimate. Volvo says that the new structure is meant to help increase price transparency and reduces model complexity.\nWith the introduction of the facelift comes a revision of the trim levels. The usual Momentum and Inscription variants have been ditched in favour of Essential, Core, Plus and Ultimate; the sportier R-Design trim has also been dropped.\nALSO READ: Volvo starts testing wireless EV charging with XC40 Recharge taxis\nPowertrain options on the Volvo XC40 appears unchanged from before, with the offerings varying by regions globally. The electric XC40 Recharge however will get a new single-motor P6 option, with 231 hp driving the front axle.\nThe P6 option, which will also be offered on the C40 coupe-SUV, also gets a smaller 69 kWh battery (compared to 78 kWh on the dual motor AWD variant), which provides up to 423 km of range.\nGALLERY"
"Audi\u2019s fourth generation flagship saloon, the A8 L 3.0 TSFI quattro is now officially available in Malaysia at a price of RM 879,900. As the model name denotes, it comes in long wheelbase form and the drivetrain of choice is a 3.0-litre turbo-charged V6 aided by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, with all-wheel drive of course.\nIf the price of the Audi is eye-popping compared to the BMW 745Le (RM 595k) and the Mercedes-Benz S560e (RM 659k), do bear in mind that the A8 L is made in Audi\u2019s Neckarsulm plant in Germany and fully imported, whereas both the BMW and Mercedes-Benz limos are CKD and enjoy tax exemptions as locally assembled hybrids. Without tax relief, the 745Le would cost over RM900k.\n48-volt mild hybrid system centered on a belt alternator starter motor and 10Ah lithium-ion battery pack.\nIn terms of performance, the A8 L 3.0 TSFI runs close to its German rivals, courtesy of \n340 hp and 500 Nm \ndriving all four wheels via an \n8-speed automatic\n. \nIdle to 100km/h takes 5.7 seconds\n, along with a limited top speed of 250 km/h. The mild hybrid system is based on a belt alternator starter and a 10Ah lithium-ion battery located under the trunk, the system allows engine-off coasting between 55 km/h and 160 km/h and up to 40 seconds of zero emission operation.\nFeatures on the A8 L include \nMatrix LED headlamps\n with dynamic turn signals (fore and aft), surround view cameras, panoramic glass roof, \nVirtual Cockpit\n driver\u2019s instrumentation along with \nMMI Navigation Plus\n infotainment system with haptic touch control, heads up display, B\n&O premium audio\n and a portable touch control tablet for passengers to fiddle with the comfort settings. The A8 L seats three across at the back by the way.\nThe A8 L isn\u2019t fond of buttons, prefers virtual controls with haptic feedback.\nAdaptive air suspension\n is standard on the A8 L as are \nall-wheel steering\n, lane departure warning, lane change assistance and rear cross traffic alert. There is however no adaptive cruise control or any semi-autonomous features to speak of."
"Singer Vehicle Design, or \nSinger\n as it\u2019s more commonly known amongst the automotive enthusiast crowd, is a boutique workshop that has been restoring and modifying old-school Porsche 911s to turn them into appropriate daily drivers for just over a decade. What they\u2019ve done this time round though, is something completely out of their norm \u2013 but boy oh boy, did they knock it out of the park.\nThis here, is the Singer All-Terrain Competition Study, or ACS for short. Built for a long-time customer a who wanted an air-cooled 911 that could \u201ccompete in off-road racing and demonstrate all-terrain exploration capabilities\u201d, Singer managed to turn a 1990 Type 964 Porsche 911 into what is basically the ultimate Safari 911 tribute.\nAs this is Singer\u2019s first foray into built-for-competition cars, the company enlisted the help of one Richard Tuthill of a certain Tuthill Porsche \u2013 a company started by the old-timer rally driver for the sole purpose of building Porsche 911 rally cars. So for those out of the loop, here\u2019s how you turn a road-going sports car into a full-blown rally car \u2013 while looking damn good doing it.\nFirst off, the suspension set-up has been completely reengineered to \u201cdramatically\u201d increase the ride height, while offering as much travel as possible. Two five-way adjustable dampers sit behind a 16-inch forged aluminium wheel in each corner, wrapped with monstrous BF Goodrich off-road tyres that look almost comically oversized for the Porsche 911.\nEvery single body panel on the 1990 Porsche 911 has been replaced by carbon fibre for weight reduction and easy replacement, while also allowing them to craft the ACS into what Singer truly wanted it to be \u2013 a proper off-road machine with actual racing credentials.\nJust take a look at the ducktail rear wing-thing that extends from the engorged wheel arches, as well as the mutant wing-like mud flaps up front. Look at it long enough, and you\u2019d think that the Singer ACS is a proper sanctioned Porsche rally car that came about when a 954 had some fun with a Dakar trophy truck and a 959 Safari.\nThe monocoque has also been strengthened for heavy duty off-road use, while the entire underbody is covered in 5 mm-thick aluminium underbody protection that can be easily removed for emergency repairs.\nLooks even better drenched in mud.\nFor power, the air-cooled 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine has been tuned to now produce \n450 hp\n, but Singer said that the \u201cperformance characteristics of the engine can be tuned depending on the demands of competition and the owner\u201d.\nThe engine is paired to a 5-speed sequential dog-box transmission and a full-time all-wheel drive system \u2013 one that has three individual mechanical, plated limited-slip differentials, one on each axle, and one in the centre dividing the power up.\nIn what seems like the complete antithesis of what Singer is about, the interior of the ACS is suitably bare-bones \u2013 just like how a proper race car should be. It\u2019s fitted with FIA-compliant roll cage, seats and harnesses, alongside a GPS navigation system and rehydration system for driver and navigator, ready to take on the Baja 1000 or Dakar Rally.\nAs it turns out, the mysterious customer actually commissioned two units of the ACS \u2013 one in Singer\u2019s signature Parallax White colour focused on high-speed desert rallying, and a second \u2013 in Corsica Red \u2013 configured for high-speed, high-grip tarmac events and disciplines.\nThe best part of it all is that the customer has allowed Singer to sell the ACS design to future customers who are looking to build one for themselves. No pricing information has been shared, but seeing how Singer\u2019s \u201cusual\u201d Porsche 911 restomods are priced well above USD500,000 (RM2 mil), we\u2019d wager that this will probably quite a bit more than that.\nA bedroom poster will do for us, Singer.\nGALLERY"
"Following Thailand, Malaysia will be next to welcome the all-new \nToyota Vios\n, with its launch set to happen tomorrow (March 20, 2023) at 8 pm. So far, there will be 2 variants of the Toyota Vios, namely the E and G, and prices are estimated to start at \nRM90,000\n.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe all-new Vios now sits on an all-new platform and naturally introduces a newer styling. Showing a resemblance to Toyota cars like the all-electric bZ4x, the all-new Vios employs a hammerhead shark-like look at the front end. The all-new Vios measures 4,425 long, 1,740 mm wide, and 1,480 mm tall. Its wheelbase is now 2,620 mm in length.\nDespite being slightly larger than its predecessor, the all-new Vios is about 100 kg lighter than the predecessor, weighing 1,035 kg for the G variant, and 1,015 kg for the E variant. The wheels are 17 inches in size for the G variant and 16 inches in size for the E variant. Due to the wheel size alone, the former has a turning radius of 5.2 m while the latter has a turning radius of 4.8 m.\nBoth variants are largely similar on the outside, both being equipped with the standard \u2018Aerokit\u2019 that includes a front lip, side skirt, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. Both cars are also fitted with an RFID tag, just like the \nPerodua Alza\n. Both variants are also not equipped with a spare wheel, as the Vios now comes with a tire repair kit instead. We\u2019ll dive into this in another entry.\nDifferentiating exterior features between the two variants are the wheels, grille finishing, window trims finishing, and the rear combination lamp. To add some exclusivity to the G variant, it is equipped with sequential rear indicators.\nPowering the all-new Vios is still a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. It now makes \n106 hp\n and \n138 Nm\n, which is 1 hp and 2 Nm less than its predecessor. This is due to the fact that it has been tuned for efficiency instead. According to Toyota, the Vios is now 8% more fuel efficient, with a fuel consumption rating of \n5.2 l/100km\n. Paired with the engine is a new CVT from Toyota which operates similarly to the group\u2019s dual-CVT. The CVT provides 7 virtual gears.\nInside, the all-new Vios introduces a rather familiar-looking interior. Wanting to look a bit more premium than its competitors, there are brown trims on the dashboard and door panels of the all-new Vios.\nAt the centre of the dashboard is a 9-inch head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Speaking of digital screens, the range-topping G variant gets a 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster while the G variant gets a 4.2-inch version.\nIn its range-topping form, the all-new Toyota Vios is equipped with tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, electronic parking brake (EPB), 64-colour ambient lighting, automatic climate control, and leather seats. Standard features for both variants include rear AC vents, a push start button, 3 USB ports, and 6 cupholders.\nAs for safety features, the range-topping G variant comes equipped with the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) which includes Pre-collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Warning, (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Keeping Control (LKC), Auto High Beam (AHB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Front Departure Alert (FDA). The E variant makes do without AHB, ACC, and FDA.\nFor more information, more images, and the confirmed official pricing of the all-new Toyota Vios, stay tuned for its launch which is set to happen on \nMarch 20, 2023\n at \n8pm\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios \u2013 No folding rear seats, no spare wheel \u2013 Here\u2019s why\nGALLERY"
"Goodyear has recently \nlaunched its newest line-up of tyres\n that drips with cutting-edge technology and with environment preservation planted firmly in mind. It\u2019s also a set of rubbers that are easy on the wallet, robust and extremely reliable. And best of all, these tyres are specifically designed for small to mid-sized cars, generally for those who preferring value over anything else.\nSo, what makes these DuraPlus tyres stand out among the rest sitting on the rack? It\u2019s laden with technology, for starters. Goodyear has collaborated with the geniuses over at \nDuPont\n who have invented and perfected Kevlar technology. Instead of stopping lead in its track, it\u2019s used here to give tyres better protection and durability. It\u2019s also an\u00a0improved version of Goodyear\u2019s proprietary TredLife\u00a0Technology.\nTo that note, these set of tyres are good for a mighty long road trip. Not just any trip might we add, but one that will take you around the globe \ntwo and a half times\n\u00a0over! That\u2019s a trip clocking close to \n100,000 km\n! In proving just how durable these tyres are, Goodyear Malaysia has rolled a set of these DuraPlus Assurance rubbers our way and had them fitted on a daily-driver \nProton Gen-2\n.\nFitment was pretty straightforward with\n balancing\n and\n alignment\n checks done to ensure it sits \nevenly\n. The dimensions of the rubber in question here is\u00a0\n195/60 R15\n. As you would have noticed, we\u2019re testing \n60-Series\n\u00a0(standard Gen-2 tyres are 55-Series) tyres, which provides a great amount of \ncomfort\n while driving at lower speeds. Driving under heavy downpours proved to be a breeze, thanks to the \ndeep-cut grooves\n that does an excellent job of channeling water and\n preventing aqua-planing\n.   Given the unpredictable conditions of our local roads, the tyres may at times feel\n\u00a0rigid\n in terms of ride quality. Now, this is largely down to the extensive use of carbon and Kevlar compounds\u00a0that line the innards of the tyre, both of which lend their hands toward\u00a0\ndurability\n and the\u00a0\n100,000km lifespan\n. Thanks to that, the tyres allow for more wearable rubber. In combating rigidity, \nreducing\n the \nair pressure\n ever-so-slightly to \n30 PSI\n does the trick and lets you enjoy the more comfortable side of the tyres.\nWhilst providing commendable levels of\u00a0comfort, 60-Series tyres are rather \u2018\nfat\n\u2018 and when turning lock-to-lock, it does \nrub against\n\u00a0the inner wheel well guard. In terms of\n\u00a0handling\n, the DuraPlus Assurance tyre has a\u00a0\nTraction\n rating score of an \nA\n, which copes well despite its series-rating. That being said, it does\n float\n into the \ncorner\n at \nhigher speeds\n and due to amount of give in the sidewall, there is much \nplay\n in steering feel while \ncornering\n.\u00a0A noticeably loud \ntyre roar\n has been observed at \nhigher speeds\n. Again, this is attributed to the nature of hard compound tyres, so give and take a little.\u00a0\nInterestingly, the makers of Assurance DuraPlus give their customers a peace of mind, knowing that the rubber is covered by\u00a0\nGoodyear Malaysia\u2019s Worry Free Assurance Programme\n. The\u00a0Assurance DuraPlus is the sixth Goodyear tyre range to\u00a0be included within this programme, which\u00a0protects the tyres from nasty road hazards such as \npuncture\n, \ncuts\n, \nbruises\n and \nimpacts\n caused during the\u00a0course of \nnormal driving\n on regularly\u00a0\nmaintained road\n for a period of six-months after purchase.\nDomestically, for the majority demographic of cars on the road, Goodyear is offering the Assurance DuraPlus in two sizes \u2013\u00a0\n14\n and \n15 inches\n diameter.\u00a0Goodyear retails them from between\n RM226\n to\n RM325 inclusive\n of \nGST\n. You can now purchase the Assurance DuraPlus tyres at any \nGoodyear Autocare\n or \nServitekar\n outlets, as well as \nauthorised Goodyear\u00a0dealers\n nationwide.\nSIZE\n\u00a0\nLOAD INDEX\nSPEED RATING\n165/55 R14\n72\nH\n185/60 R14\n82\nH\n185/65 R14\n86\nH\n185/70 R14\n88\nH\n195/70 R14\n91\nH\n195/60 R15\n88\nV\n195/65 R15\n91\nV\nAs for us, it\u2019s quite the case of so far, so good. The tyres will be monitored for the next \n6 to 12 months\n\u00a0on\u00a0\ntread wear\n\u00a0as well as\u00a0\nperformance\n. It has been \nfour\u00a0weeks\n since the tyres have been in service and has clocked well over \n1,500 km\n. More updates on the progress of these rubbers will come soon, so stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has announced that the highly-anticipated \nHonda HR-V \nis now open for booking at all Honda dealerships in Malaysia. The all-new HR-V is \nset to be launched in Q3 2022 \nand will be available in hybrid and petrol variants.\nHR-V RS in Indonesia.\n\u201cThe HR-V was first introduced to the Malaysian market in 2015 and with more than 111,000 units sold to date, the HR-V has been the forerunner in the Non-National Compact SUV segment from 2015 to 2021. The facelifted HR-V which was launched in 2019 has sold close to 39,000 units\u201d, said Honda Malaysia, Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura.\nThe all-new Honda HR-V was launched \nlast February\n and has since gone on sale in the region in countries like\n Thailand\n and\n Indonesia\n. While engine specifications have yet to be revealed for the Malaysian market, it\u2019s expected to feature a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 121 hp and 145 Nm along with a turbo variant \u2013 exciting stuff this.\nThat\u2019s not all. The hybrid variant of the 2022 HR-V referred to above will feature Honda\u2019s Intelligent Multi Mode Drive featuring a 1.5-litre engine paired to paired to an electric motor just like the City hatchback and sedan but the HR-V is more than just about improved performance.\nIn terms of dimensions, the crossover will be longer but will have the same wheelbase for extra room in the cabin. It\u2019s also wider than lower before. Exciting new features include a hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close, remote engine start and walk-away auto lock.\nThe all-new HR-V also steps up with safety, with comprehensive Honda Sensing features such as adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, autonomous braking, and more. It also recently scored a convincing four stars out of five, in the most recent \nEuro NCAP\n crash test.\nThose who are keen to place a booking can click \nhere\n or download the HondaTouch app. For more information, customers can visit any Honda authorised dealerships nationwide or call Honda\u2019s toll-free number at 1-800-88-2020."
"According to a Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) conducted by J.D. Power 2021 in the US, the Porsche 911 has emerged the top-rank model for trouble-free ownership.\nThis is the \nsecond time in three years\n that the Porsche 911 has taken top spot. On the other hand, the Porsche Macan emerged as the most dependable among premium compact SUVs.\n \nThe study, now in its 32nd year, measures the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) \nexperienced during the past 12 months by owners of 3-year old vehicles\n. This year\u2019s study was based on 2018 model-year vehicles.\nThe Porsche 911 came in with a score of \n57 PP100\n \u2013 the lower the figure, the more dependable the car is.\nLocally, the Porsche 911 is available in the form of the Carrera S and Carrera, \npriced at RM1.1 million and RM1.2 million\n respectively.\n \nUnderneath its rear bonnet is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine which now makes 450 hp and 530 Nm, \na 30 hp and 30 Nm increase\n from before. This is largely attributed to the relocated intercoolers and revised turbocharger flow.\nThe RWD Carrera S will do 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n while the all-wheel drive Carrera 4S gets to the century mark 0.1 second faster."
"2020 is the year of many firsts for all of us. We were locked in at home for two months, every social norm as know has been turned upside down and of course, in our context, the local automotive industry has had to implement new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in every aspect of their business and constantly adapt to new circumstances.\nBut what we just heard was least expected. In the most recent speech by our Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that just took place today, the government has agreed to\n exempt sales tax of locally-assembled vehicles (CKD) by 100%\n.\nAs for fully imported vehicles, \nsales tax will be reduced by 50%\n. The initiative will be effective beginning 15th June 2020 till the 31st December 2020 in efforts to fire up a somewhat stagnated automotive industry and of course more generally to boost the economy.\nRemember how sales charts shot up for every conceivable brand in Malaysia \nduring the 3-month post GE14 tax holiday\n? Will we be seeing another wholesale of vehicles soon? Only time will tell.\nHere\u2019s an excerpt from Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin\u2019s speech today:\n\u201c\nSelain itu, bagi menggalakkan pertumbuhan industri automotif negara, Kerajaan bersetuju memberi pengecualian cukai jualan sebanyak 100 peratus ke atas penjualan kereta penumpang pemasangan tempatan, dan 50 peratus bagi kereta penumpang yang diimport bagi tempoh mulai 15 Jun 2020 hingga 31 Disember 2020\n.\u201d"
"With inflations happening globally, and manufacturing costs on the rise, price hikes for all kinds of products are basically unavoidable these days. And the weakening of the Ringgit on top of all that definitely doesn\u2019t help with things either. Despite \nHonda Malaysia\n\u2019s\n decision not to increase its products\u2019 prices earlier this year, it seems like the economic situation is indeed unavoidable.\nThere are three \nHonda\n models in Malaysia that have their prices affected. This includes the \nHonda HR-V\n, \nCivic\n, and \nCity Hatchback\n.\nThe current third-gen HR-V was first launched in Malaysia in July last year, with a total of four variants and three powertrains on offer. Based on prices listed on Honda Malaysia\u2019s website, the Honda HR-V is seeing a \nRM1,100\n price increase throughout its entire lineup.\nWith the RM1,100 price increase, the base 1.5L S variant of the Honda HR-V now costs \nRM115,900\n, while the turbocharged 1.5L E now costs \nRM130,900\n. Moving up, the also turbocharged 1.5L V variant now costs \nRM135,900\n, and the top-spec 1.5L e:HEV RS hybrid variant will now cost \nRM141,900\n.\nAll of these prices are on-the-road (OTR), without insurance, and are applied to the standard exterior colour options. The Premium White Pearl colour, on the other hand, will cost an extra RM600 and can be applied to all variants of the Honda HR-V.\nRELATED: \n2023 Honda WR-V now open for bookings in Malaysia, exclusive previews begin June 16\nFirst launched in Malaysia in January last year, the 11th generation Honda Civic FE is offered in four variants, just like the HR-V. Based on prices listed on Honda Malaysia\u2019s website, the Honda Civic is seeing a \nRM1,200\n price increase across three of its variants, as compared to prices in July 2022, inclusive of SST (sales and service tax). The top-spec 1.5L e:HEV RS variant is the only variant that has its price maintained.\nWith the \nRM1,200 \nprice increase, the base 1.5L E variant of the Honda Civic will now costs \nRM131,900\n, while the 1.5L V variant now costs \nRM144,900\n. Moving up, the 1.5L RS variant now costs \nRM151,900\n, while the top-of-the-range 1.5L e:HEV RS hybrid\u2019s price tag remains the same at \nRM166,900\n, since its launch in November last year. The above prices are OTR, without insurance.\nThe Honda City Hatchback is also another Honda model in Malaysia that has to face the inevitable price hike. The B-segment hatchback now sees a \nRM300\n price increase across all variants, relative to prices in July 2022. Like the Honda Civic, the 1.5L e:HEV RS variant is the only variant which price is maintained.\nWith the RM300 price increase, the base 1.5L S variant now costs \nRM78,900\n, while the 1.5L E variant costs \nRM86,900\n. Moving up, the 1.5L V and V Sensing variants both cost \nRM91,900\n and \nRM95,900\n respectively, while the top-spec 1.5L e:HEV RS variant maintains its price tag of \nRM109,800\n. Once again, the above prices are all OTR and without insurance. And like the Honda HR-V, opting for the Platinum White Pearl colour option will cost you an additional RM300.\nTo recap, these are the latest prices of the Honda HR-V, Civic, and City Hatchback (OTR, without insurance) in Malaysia:\nHonda HR-V:\n1.5L S \u2013 \nRM115,900\n1.5L E \u2013 \nRM130,900\n1.5L V \u2013 \nRM135,900\n1.5L e:HEV RS \u2013 \nRM141,900\nHonda Civic:\n1.5L E \u2013 \nRM131,900\n1.5L V \u2013 \nRM144,900\n1.5L RS \u2013 \nRM151,900\n1.5L e:HEV RS \u2013 \nRM166,900\n (unchanged)\nHonda City Hatchback:\n1.5L S \u2013 \nRM78,900\n1.5L E \u2013 \nRM86,900\n1.5L V \u2013 \nRM91,900\n1.5L V Sensing \u2013 \nRM95,900\n1.5L e:HEV RS \u2013 \nRM109,800\n (unchanged)\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 Honda CR-V launched in Thailand, previews what we\u2019ll be getting soon!"
"Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled the company\u2019s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the Electric-Global Modular Platform (e-GMP). The platform will underpin a wide range of BEV models from \nHyundai\n, \nKia\n, as well as \nGenesis\n in the near future.\nWhile \nHyundai BEVs\n do exist now, they are all built on an architecture that was designed initially with internal combustion engines in mind. With a dedicated modular BEV platform, Hyundai says that its future EVs \u2013 from sedans to SUVs \u2013 will benefit from better driving performance, increased driving range, strengthened safety features, and more interior space.\n \nThis is largely due to the skateboard design of the Hyundai e-GMP architecture, which packs all of its batteries in between the two axle. The lowly-mounted batteries help improve overall weight distribution between the front and rear, while also lowering the centre of gravity of the car.\nCombined with a five-link rear suspension system \u2013 like the ones found on the \nall-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class\n \u2013 along with the \u201cworld\u2019s first mass-produced integrated drive axle\u201d, Hyundai promises enhanced ride comfort and stability while delivering \u201cimproved cornering performance\u201d.\nThe e-GMP is designed for rear-wheel drive as standard, though an additional electric motor can be added to the front axle for all-wheel drive. Powertrain consists of a \u201cpowerful\u201d motor of undisclosed size, a single-speed transmission and an inverter, all packed neatly into one module.\nWhile no figures were divulged, Hyundai says that a \u201chigh performance model\u201d will boast a 0-100 km/h time of \nless than 3.5 seconds\n, and a top speed of\n 260 km/h\n \u2013 70% higher than the company\u2019s existing motors.\nAs for the battery packs, Hyundai says that they will be the most power-dense system it has ever created \u2013 10% more than existing EV battery technology. According to the company, this is largely thanks to the enhanced cooling performance as a result of a new separate cooling block structure, which helps make the batteries more compact.\nWith the ability to pack more batteries into a smaller space, cars based on the new Hyundai e-GMP platform will be capable of \nmore than 500 km of range\n based on the WLTP cycle. With its standard 800V charging capability (currently only available on the Porsche Taycan), charging to 80% with a 350 kW charger takes just 18 minutes, or an additional \n100 km range in five minutes\n!\nAs 50-150 kW chargers are more commonly seen at charging stations these days, the e-GMP platform will also come equipped with a \u201cworld\u2019s first\u201d patented multi-charging system that will automatically boost the power input from 400V to 800V for stable charging compatibility.\nThe new Integrated Charging Control Unit on board the e-GMP platform also comes with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, which means the cars will be able to use its battery reserve to power other electrical equipment, or even charge another EV.\nThe e-GMP platform will be introduced to market starting in 2021 with the launch of the Ioniq 5 EV, and will play a huge role in realising Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s strategy to introduce \n23 BEV models across its brands by 2025\n.\nGALLERY"
"During a recent trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand, we got to go behind the wheels of Ford\u2019s latest iteration of the longstanding \nEverest model\n, one that impressed us ever since its \nlaunch in Bangkok\n. Although by sheer looks it has nothing against the \nnew Fortuner\n, but the Everest has many, many convincing tricks up its sleeves that will surely bag a number of customers, and quite possibly some awards along the way as well.\nBefore we get down to business, we\u2019d like to help the Blue Oval company address a few misdirected facts, if you will, with regards to the Everest\u2019s relationship with its pickup sibling \u2013 the \nRanger\n. Firstly, yes, it is based on Ford\u2019s\n modular T6 platform\n underpinning the outgoing Ranger, however the Everest\u2019s ladder frame architecture is almost entirely new and unique only to the SUV. The only component\u00a0shared with the Ranger is the front portion where the engine sits \u2013 its \nmountings\n. Everything rearward of the T6 platform is new.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Everest 2.2L (4\u00d72)\nFord Everest 3.2L (4\u00d74)\nEngine\n2,179cc; 4-cylinder TDCi with VGT\n3,198cc; 5-cylinder TDCi with VGT\nTransmission\n6-speed 6R80 automatic\n6-speed 6R80 automatic\nMax Power\n158 hp\n197 hp\nMax Torque\n385 Nm\n470 Nm\nEst. Price upon arrival\ncirca RM160k\ncirca RM200k\nThe guys at Ford weren\u2019t joking when they said \u201c\nWe make no compromises with the Everest\u201d\n. It took them \na\n \nfull 48 months\n\u00a0(that\u2019s four years for those counting their fingers) develop the SUV from scratch, basing the build of the entire vehicle on extensive market research. What you\u2019re about to read is Ford\u2019s best attempt in capitalising on the increasingly competitive SUV market, and we can tell you that it \npromises much, much more\n than what you see on the outside. So, without further ado, here\u2019s five reasons why we think the Ford Everest is the car for you.\ni. Reliable and powerful diesel engines\nWhen the Ford Everest arrives here in Malaysia, it will most likely be available with two engine options. Just like the \nFord Ranger T6\n, a 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre Duratorq oil burners will power the SUV, which means you\u2019ll get plenty of power for all kinds of utilitarian endeavours. While many of you will prefer the larger five-cylinder engine (one that makes close to \n200 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n of torque), it\u2019s worth keeping in mind that the extra grunt will come at an extra cost. It\u00a0\nwon\u2019t\u00a0\nbe cheap.\nThat said, the smaller 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel also makes for a pretty punchy drive, just not as seat-strapping brisk as you would expect from the bigger powertrain. This engine makes \n158 hp\n and a healthy \n385 Nm\n of torque, and shares the same six-speed automatic gearbox as the 3.2-litre variant. But what\u2019s more impressive to us than the engines here is\u00a0its commendable, \npremium levels\n\u00a0of cabin insulation, which brings us to our next point.\nii. Quite possibly a best-in-class cabin   If you own, or at least sat in the existing Ranger T6, chances are Ford\u2019s cabin quality is something you\u2019ll be very acquainted\u00a0with. The Ford Everest continues to excel on that front, \neffortlessly suppressing road noise\n, vibration and all that diesel clank up front. We could barely tell if the engine was running upon entering the cabin, and that alone speaks volume. Of course, none of this can be achieved without \ngenerous use of insulating materials\u00a0\n(all doors are stiffer and get double sealing system for better sound proofing)\u00a0which adds weight, but does that really concern you? We guessed as much.\nBoth the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre units come with leather upholstery, but through these pictures you\u2019ll notice that one comes in beige. We\u2019re happy to report that the beige trim will most likely be omitted from the Malaysian market, so that leaves us with the sole black finish.\u00a0\nSome of the toys here include an 8-inch touchscreen head unit, dual-zone automatic climate control, air conditioning vents in the second and third rows, best-in-class driver multi-info display, \n10-speaker sound system\n with\n integrated subwoofer\n, dual-panel powered moonroof and many 12-volt outlets to charge your entire collection of handphones. There\u2019s also \nmore than 30 stowage compartments\n within the car!\u00a0That sounds substantially more impressive than the already eye-opening 12 cubbies featured in the \nIsuzu MU-X\n.\nIcing this really chunky cake is the Everest\u2019s cargo capacity. The second row seat gets a 60:40 split configuration, while the third row has a 50:50 split. When both are folded flat, it frees up to 2,010 litres of space. That\u2019s enough to fit \n20 full-sized golf bags\n!\niii. Drives almost too well, both on and off-road\n \n \nDon\u2019t let its big and bulky outlook fool you; this thing drives impeccably for a body-on-frame SUV. The smallest wheel size you get with the Everest is an 18-inch alloy which the 2.2-litre 4\u00d72 variant sits on, but the range topper gets a set of huge 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels. As counterintuitive as this following sentence will sound, the larger wheels had very little impact on ride comfort, yet made driving a tad more confidence inspiring because you actually get to feel the surface you\u2019re driving on.\nWe put both 4\u00d72 and 4\u00d74 through their paces in suburban tarmac, and like most places, these roads are poorly maintained. But the good news is both variants of the Everest feel right at home. Granted, the smaller wheels do reward passengers with better\u00a0comfort than what you would get with the larger set of wheels, however the only setback here is that you\u2019ll have to fork out a few hundred Ringgit more to replace the 20-inch rubbers.\nSee the solid rear axle (in yellow)? The steel rods are part of the Watt\u2019s linkage system\nOne of the main reasons why the Everest is such an exceptional all-terrain performer is because of its chassis. Ford has always had the knack for producing cars that handle well, and you\u2019d be surprised to find how much that rings true even with this SUV. It\u2019s all thanks to clever mechanics; the front suspension features independent coilovers, although each variant has its own unique tuning which alters damping and spring rates (weight plays an important part here).\nThe Everest\u2019s rear suspension is managed by a traditional solid rear axle with a \nWatt\u2019s linkage setup\n, primarily for off-road and towing purposes. Now, you may wonder, what in the world is Watt\u2019s linkage? Allow us to explain.\nWatt\u2019s linkage is basically a simple but brilliant network of steel bars, connecting the car\u2019s body to the axle \u2013 in this case, a solid axle. Its function is to mitigate body roll \u2013 which is normally present in a car of this size and stature \u2013 by maintaining the car\u2019s lateral position during cornering. This essentially means that when you take a left turn, the right side of the rear suspension will provide opposing forces that reduce body roll. The end product, needless to say, is an SUV with best-in-class handling and agility.\niv. Kitted with an array of active and passive safety technologies\nLike many of the Blue Oval\u2019s modern offerings, the Everest doesn\u2019t compromise in the safety department. It comes with \nseven airbags\n (not confirmed for Malaysian-spec as yet), \nRoll Stability Control\n, Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Hill Launch Assist and\n Curve Control\n. Both Roll Stability Control and Curve Control, through various gyroscopic sensors, help reduce the likelihood of a rollover and oversteer.\nOther active safety features include Active Park Assist, Terrain Management System, Hill Descent Control and our favourite \u2013 \nAdaptive Cruise Control\u00a0\n(ACC), which by the way, is smoother and operates more seamlessly than some of Volvo\u2019s finest offerings. Usually, when ACC is operative, the computers unsystematically apply braking force when the car ahead slows down or comes to a stop. The Everest\u2019s system manages this so well without the slightest hint of intrusion.\nv. \n3-Year or 100,000km warranty coverage\nAll purchases of the Everest comes packaged with the standard 3-Year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.\nNow, onto the bigger question. \nHow much will it cost\n, and when will it arrive? Unfortunately, pricing for the base Everest 2.2L Trend variant is at RM199k, whereas the more premium 3.2L Titanium is close to ticking the RM260k scale.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Ford Everest 2.2L   2015 Ford Everest 3.2L   Ford Everest Cutout"
"It\u2019s been less than three months since the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric was \nlaunched here in Malaysia\n, but the marque\u2019s first fully-electric model has already been sold out for the 2022 model year.\nVolvo Car Malaysia said that response for the EV crossover has been \u201coverwhelming\u201d, with over 400 orders received to-date, and over 120 units already delivered to their new owners. As a result, the company will be closing online order requests for the 2022 model year; order books will only resume with the introduction of the \n2023 model year facelift\n \u2013 with information to follow soon.\n\u201cThe encouraging sales numbers is a stepping-stone to our all-electric journey,\u201d said VCM Managing Director, Charles Frump. \u201cJust a couple of months ago we launched our first fully electric car and announced the local assembly of EV cars. We have started delivery of the cars to our customers since April, providing them with a vehicle that allows them the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.\u201d\nA large part of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric\u2019s success, we think, is down to its value. Prior to this announcement, the locally-assembled compact EV crossover \nretailed in Malaysia for RM262,460\n, thanks to the government\u2019s EV initiatives that made the car exempt from duties and taxes.\n \nThe fully-electric XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is powered by two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 to provide a total system output of \n408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n. On a small crossover like this (despite its weight gains), that translates to a century sprint time of just\n 4.9 seconds\n, making it the fastest-accelerating Volvo SUV.\nElectricity is provided by a 78 kWh battery pack, giving the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric an electric range of roughly \n418 km\n. Charging takes 7.5 hours via the on-board 11 kW AC charger, or 33 minutes (from 0-80%) using a 150 kW DC fast charger."
"Kia Motors has just given the \nfourth-generation Rio hatchback\n a mid-cycle update. Aside from some minor styling changes, the attractive B-segment hatchback will be offered with the \nbrand\u2019s first 48V mild-hybrid powertrain\n.\nDubbed \u201cEcoDynamics+\u201d, the new mild-hybrid powertrain pairs Kia\u2019s new Smartstream 1.0-litre T-GDi engine with a 48V Mild-Hybrid Starter Generator (MHSG) unit to provide both improved performance \u2013 up to \n16% higher peak torque\n \u2013 and fuel efficiency.\nHorsepower figures, though, are unchanged from the Kappa engines it replaces \u2013 the Smartstream engines will be available in either \n100 hp\n or \n120 hp\n guises. Kia says more detailed information and performance figures will be published at a later date.\nThe new EcoDynamics+ powertrain will be paired to the brand\u2019s Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT) featuring a \u201cclutch-by-wire\u201d technology, meaning there are no mechanical linkages between the gearbox, clutch pedal, and gear shifter. Kia says that this allows for the engine to be automatically shut off during coasting, resulting in overall better fuel economy, while not discounting on driver engagement.\nThe aforementioned 100 hp Smartstream engine is also available in a non-mild-hybrid set-up, along with an updated 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine, good for 84 hp. The former will now be offered with a new six-speed manual transmission (previously five), as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.\nOn the styling changes, subtlety is the word here \u2013 with most changes reserved to the front. The brand\u2019s signature \u2018tiger-nose\u2019 grille has been narrowed for a \u201cmore focused appearance\u201d, while the reshaped lower bumper pushes the fog lamp housings more towards the side, giving off a wider look, thus improving stance on the road.\nAll variants now get LED headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard. There\u2019s also a newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels to go with the new exterior hues \u2013 \u00a0Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue. Meanwhile, the GT Line for the updated Kia Rio looks pretty-much identical to the one launched \nback in 2018\n.\nThe cabin of the updated Kia Rio is also virtually identical to its predecessor, save for the new eight-inch floating infotainment display. Depending on trim level, the infotainment system can be specified in either a Display Audio or Satellite Navigation form, the latter carrying the brand\u2019s new UVO Connect \u2018Phase II\u2019 telematics system.\nThe new system offers various on-board connected services including live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POIs), fuel prices, parking availability and information, as well as online voice recognition for better voice command functions.\nThe \u2018Phase II\u2019 UVO mobile application also allows owners to activate a range of functions and features remotely (depending on region), including sending navigation routes to the car before journey, and accessing vehicle location and other telematics and diagnostic information.\nLastly, Kia also included an updated suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the new Rio, which now includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian, vehicle and newly introduced cyclist recognition, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Blind Collision Warning (BCW) as standard.\nDepending on variant, the ADAS suite can also be specified with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)\n, \nIntelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA).\nLocally, the Kia Rio was \nlast updated in late 2018\n, featuring a new six-speed automatic gearbox (up from the outdated four-speed slushbox), smaller wheels at 16-inches, and some added safety and convenience features.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It is no secret that the \nChery Omoda 5\n will soon be launched in Malaysia, set to rival the typical B-segment SUVs. As we await the launch of the petrol-powered Omoda 5, an electric vehicle (EV) version of the car has taken centre stage at \nAuto Shanghai 2023\n.\nThere is very little information on the EV version of the Chery Omoda 5 version for now, but its presence at Auto Shanghai allows us to see the \u2018electrifying\u2019 differences that it has. With the petrol version of the Chery Omoda 5 already looking quite futuristic, the Chery Omoda 5 EV takes things a step further in terms of design.\nUp front, gone is the jewel-like grille of the petrol Omoda 5 in favour of a smoother front bumper. The Chery Omoda 5 EV sports Omoda letterings between the headlights, a new lower grille design, and what appears to be a charging port cover smack in the centre of the front end. With the Omoda 5 lettering emblazoned between the headlights, the Omoda 5 EV doesn\u2019t have the Chery emblem on the front.\nOn the sides, it appears that the Chery Omoda 5 EV now sits on a new set of wheels with a more aerodynamic design. The all-around claddings remain largely the same with an exception for the sides that now appear to have a decorative trim to enhance the EV version\u2019s looks. The side mirrors are in body colour and the car sports a set of roof rails, unlike the version that was \npreviewed in Malaysia late last year\n.\nRELATED: \nChery meets with Malaysia Government to discuss local investment plans, brand launch in Q2 2023\nAs the Chery emblem has been removed at the front, the back of the car has also removed the Chery lettering that was seen in between the taillights on the Malaysia-previewed version. The taillight design and tailgate apron design remain the same, although the rear bumper has been slightly tweaked. Unfortunately, there are no additional badges at the back to let us guess the specifications of the Chery Omoda 5 EV.\nInside, the twin-screen display now sits on a floating screen setup. In the Malaysia-preview version, it had a more continuous flow with the dashboard. Other differences compared to the Malaysia-preview version include the lighter colour scheme, \u2018Omoda\u2019 lettering instead of \u2018Chery\u2019 lettering on the steering wheel, and a repositioned gear selector. While the petrol version\u2019s gear selector is positioned on the centre console, the EV version gets a clear clutter-free console. The gear selector has been moved closer to the steering wheel.\nRELATED: \nChery Malaysia to begin CKD production in June, Tiggo 8 Pro launch expected in July\nAs mentioned, no official technical details have been shared on the electric car. With its petrol version coming soon to Malaysia an all-electric Chery Omoda 5 EV sounds like a worthy contender for the \nBYD Atto 3\n."
"Shortly after its \nglobal unveiling\n last month, the UK market will be having first dibs on the Swedish marque\u2019s new mid-sized SUV \u2013 the second-generation Volvo XC60.\u00a0 At launch, three engine options are available for order along with three trim levels \u2013 Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Each trim levels can also be further specified with the Pro package, bringing the total number of available variants to 16.\nBased on the company\u2019s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 is the first of Volvo\u2019s 60 series model to adopt this new generation platform. At launch, UK market gets two diesel engines \u2013 D4 and D5 PowerPulse, and one petrol engine \u2013 T5. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid petrol engine will join the line up later in the year.\nBoth diesel versions of the XC60 get a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbodiesel albeit in different states of tune \u2013 \n190 hp\n/\n400 Nm\n on the D4 and\n 235 hp\n/\n480 Nm\n on the D5. Official fuel consumption figures are rated between \n5.1L/100 km\n and 5.5L/100 km depending on which variant. Meanwhile the T5 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit offering \n254 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. Volvo claims the T5 consumes \n7.3L/100 km,\n\u00a0and all variants of the XC60 will feature the\u00a0\neight-speed automatic transmission\n and \nall-wheel drive as standard\n.\nAll variants of the XC60 are highly equipped as even the entry-level \nMomentum\n variant comes equipped with \nLED headlamps\n with active high beam, powered tailgate, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control system with \u2018CleanZone\u2019 air-filtration system, 9-inch Volvo Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats and 18-inch alloys.   R-Design\n variants get further equipped with 19-inch R-Design alloy wheels, high gloss black front grille, silver matt and high gloss exterior detailing, sports suspension and sports seats. The \nInscription\n\u00a0variant, which is the most luxurious of the lot brings to the table Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, chrome exterior details, side step illumination and a different style of 19-inch alloys.\nAvailable on all trim levels, the \nPro package\n on the Momentum trim adds heated steering wheel and windscreen, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology, and Volvo On Call \u2013 a smartphone app which allows you to control various car functions remotely. R-Design Pro gets 21-inch alloy wheels, air suspension and adaptive dampers. Inscription Pro adds 20-inch alloys, upgraded suspension, and massage function for the front seats.\nOther \noptions\n include \nXenium package\n which adds panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and Park Assist Pilot, Smartphone Integration which adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the 15-speakers (1,100W) Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system.\nPrices for the diesel-powered XC60 starts from \u00a337,205 (RM205k) to \u00a348,405 (RM267k) while the T5 petrol model \u2013 which we will most probably be getting \u2013 starts from \u00a337,900 (RM209k) for the T5 AWD Momentum to \u00a345,600 (RM251k) for the T5 AWD Inscription Pro.\u00a0According to Volvo Car Malaysia, the XC60 will be \narriving to our shores in late 2017 or early 2018\n with the intial batch to be fully imported before assembling it at their plant in Shah Alam.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"This has been coming for awhile as the last time Lexus introduced a new GS model was back in 2011/12, almost 10 years ago now. Word is that Lexus will be replacing the GS with a Toyota-based luxury sedan, the new RWD Toyota Mirai, but not before a swansong model to sign off Akio Toyoda\u2019s idea of a driver\u2019s Lexus.\nNow that it\u2019s confirmed that production will end in August 2020 once the final GS is out in June, Lexus Japan is sending off the fourth generation GS with a special edition model aptly named the \nEternal Touring\n. The Eternal Touring can be had as a GS450h, GS350, GS300h and GS300 F SPORT in the country.\nChanges on the Eternal Touring models are only limited to aesthetics with items from Lexus\u2019 F Sport inventory. These include the spindle grille, side mirror covers, spoiler, 19-inch wheels and orange brake calipers while on the inside, the Eternal Touring models will come with an F Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and gear knob, F Sport seats, a carbon trim that stretches across the dashboard and Alcantara upholstery on the door trims, arm rest, centre console and instrument cluster panel.\nThe GS \u201cBlack Line\u201d Edition \u2013 the \u201cEternal Touring\u201d equivalent for the US market.\nAccording to reports, the end of the GS is largely attributed to the drop in sales and the uprising of SUVs especially in the US, where sales were down by almost 50% in 2018. Last year, they reportedly sold just over 6,000 units in the US; compared to over 30,000 units more than 15 years ago.\nUnlike in Japan, the final GS will be sold as a \nBlack Line Edition\n based on the all-wheel or rear-wheel drive GS350 F Sport in the US. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, it will be \nlimited to only 200 units\n. In terms of specifications, it\u2019s identical with its Japanese counterpart save for the exterior colours. The US models will come in either Caviar or Ultra White.\nAlso unlike its Japanese equivalent, each unit from the Black Line Edition will come with a two-piece luggage from the Zero Halliburton \u201cEdge Lightweight Collection\u201d.\nIn\n Malaysia, Lexus only sells the ES and LS\n. It\u2019s worth nothing however that the \nES is front-wheel driv\ne\nn\n. RIP, yet another rear-wheel driven vehicle.\nGALLERY"
"Following the discontinuation of SmartTag sales by Touch \u2018n Go, EFKON Asia Sdn. Bhd., the Austrian technology provider of the Infra-Red Toll Collection System on Malaysian highways, has just launched its own branded E-TAG electronic device that is compatible with SmartTAG lanes on Malaysian highways.\nEFKON\u2019s E-TAG features a \nnew-generation microprocessor\n and \nenhanced display\n for better performance and reliability. The new SmartTAG-compatible device offers superior functionality, portability, reliably and cost-efficiency.\nThe E-TAG by EFKON will be available at offline channels such as accessories shop while another similar product, branded under MaxTAG distributed by Sigma Technology will be available exclusively online on \nLazada\n and \n11Street.my\n.\nEFKON Asia Director Helmuth Blasch said: \u201cBoth E-TAG and MaxTAG feature new microprocessors and enhanced display for even better performance and reliability. These proven Infra-Red TAG devices provide peace of mind to users by providing secure transactions with the exact toll amount paid immediately visible.\u201d   \u201cInfra-Red TAG devices are cost-effective solutions for frequent highway users. Each device is robustly-built with a high-impact resistant casing. As it can be kept inside a vehicle and not subject to external environment conditions and vandalism, one can easily last 15 years or more,\u201d he added.\nEach E-TAG is priced at RM143 and is available at selected Shell stations and other offline kiosks from early November 2018 onwards. Alternatively, you can purchase a MaxTAG for RM138 (+RM5 shipping) on \nLazada.com.my\n or \n11Street.my\n. Each purchase of an E-TAG or MaxTAG comes with a 1-Year manufacturer warranty."
"Land Rover is the kind of company that would take on the challenge, whatever it maybe. From the Mark I Defender forging impassable gulleys deep in the Borneo rainforest by day to the chic and ultra modern\u00a0L405 Range Rover that cruises the urban jungle by night; the company is always out to show the world just what it can do.\nThis time however, Land Rover is out to showcase \n45 years\n of engineering innovation with a feat that most would consider as outrageous. But with an idea and a \ncan-do-attitude\n, they will attempt to do just that. The mule drafted for this experiment is none other than the company\u2019s flagship SUV \u2013 the\u00a0Range Rover Vogue.\nThe\u00a0one-of-a-kind experiment was held in\u00a0\nChina\n or\u00a0ancient water city of \nSuzhou\u00a0\nto be\u00a0specific. The city is synonymous with \nbridges\n, and couple that with the fact that the Chinese were \ncredited\n with the invention of \npaper\n and suddenly this venue\u00a0makes perfect sense. The paper on the other hand, was supplied by\u00a0specialist British manufacturer \nJames Cropper PLC\n.\nConstruction of the bridge began with the assembly of a pair of specially designed wooden \nsupport structures\n. Paper was then stacked on these supports using a temporary frame to hold them in place. Once completed, the supporting structure was then removed, leaving a freestanding \n3.4-metre\n high paper arch spanning \nfive metres\n long.\nObviously, the Range Rover wouldn\u2019t even break a sweat in the attempt to cross the paper bridge but that said, this experiment shows the engineering prowess of Land Rover\u2019s clever lads. Be esure to watch the video and enjoy the gallery below. Meanwhile, here\u2019s a list of accomplishments that\u2019s made the Range Rover the icon it is today.\n1970\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n The original two-door Range Rover \u2013 known as the Classic \u2013 goes on sale\n1972\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n The Range Rover is the \nfirst\n vehicle to drive the full length of the Americas   from Alaska to Cape Horn including the near-impassable Darien Gap\n1979\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n A specially modified Range Rover wins the\u00a0\nfirst\n\u00a0Paris-Dakar rally (a Range   Rover wins again in 1981)\n1981\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n First production four-door Range Rover appears along with the\u00a0\nfirst\n\u00a0factory   produced limited-edition Range Rover \u2013 the \u2018In Vogue\u2019\n1985\n \u00a0\u00a0 The diesel-powered Range Rover \u2018Bullet\u2019 breaks\u00a0\n27 speed records\n, including   a diesel record for averaging more than 100mph for 24 hours\n1989\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n Range Rover is the world\u2019s\u00a0\nfirst\n\u00a04\u00d74 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes\n1992\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n Range Rover Classic is the world\u2019s\u00a0\nfirst\n\u00a04\u00d74 to be fitted with Electronic   Traction Control\n1992\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n Automatic electronic air suspension introduced, a world\u00a0\nfirst\n\u00a0for a 4\u00d74\n1994\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n Second-generation (P38a) Range Rover launched\n2001\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n Third-generation (L322) Range Rover launched\n2002\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n Half-millionth Range Rover produced at the Solihull plant\n2010\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n Range Rover celebrates its 40\nth\n\u00a0anniversary,\n2012\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n Fourth-generation (L405) Range Rover launched \u2013 the world\u2019s\u00a0\nfirst\n\u00a0all-   aluminium SUV\n2015 \u00a0\u00a0\n 6,000,000\nth\n\u00a0Land Rover produced is a Range Rover LWB SE Vogue destined   for China\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Kia Motors has revealed design renderings of the all-new 2019 Kia Forte sedan (Cerato for us) and boy does it look downright handsome. Kia claims that its more sophisticated appearance is credit to the sleek styling design of the Stinger.\nThe new Kia Forte will sport Kia\u2019s signature tiger nose grille and a more aggressive lower valance to enhance its presence on the road. The front clip is flanked by a more dynamic headlamp design and layout.\nThe rear bumper comes with separate reverse turn signal indicators located beneath the taillights. Like the Kia Sportage, the rear lights on both side are connected with a horizontal strip, giving the rear-end a wider appearance.\nOn the inside, a dash design gives a sense of openness with clean lines and minimal buttons placed intuitively below a large display.\nInside, a horizontal theme creates a sense of openness, avoiding clutter with clean lines and minimal buttons that are intuitively placed below a large screen. Another standout feature of the dash are the aeronautical-inspired spoked circular vents similar to those found in the Stinger."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s AMG performance division today gained a new addition to its model line-up, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe, as part of the company\u2019s premium SUV triple threat today alongside the \nGLS 450\n and \nGLE 450 Coupe\n.\nThe Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe is priced starting at \nRM 787,357.88 \nin Malaysia, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n that are in place until the end of 2020.\nEXTERIOR\nBased on the GLE Coupe that was launched alongside it today, the performance-variant SUV-Coupe gains some additional AMG-exclusive parts befitting to its performance potential. These include:\nPanamericana front grille\nAMG front bumper with signature A-wing design\nAMG rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad tailpipe exits\nAMG Night Package \u2013 blacked-out rear trims including rear diffuser, window surrounds\nbootlid spoiler\n22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged alloy wheels\nOtherwise, the aluminium-look illuminated running boards, panoramic sliding sunroof, and Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus are shared between the two.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe 53-badged AMG model here is powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine as the regular GLE 450 (not a full-blown one man one engine unit), though tuned to a higher output. It also gains a higher-performance nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission for a sportier driving experience.\nEngine: M256 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology\nTransmission: nine-speed AMG Speedshift Torque-Clutch (TCT) 9G automatic\nDrivetrain: 4Matic+ all-wheel drive\nSuspension: AirMatic air suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus\nMax horsepower: 435 hp\nMax torque: 520 Nm\n0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds\nTop speed: electronically-limited 250 km/h\nAs a full-fledged AMG model, the GLE 53 Coupe is equipped with several performance-enhancing features, including the 4Matic+ fully-variable all-wheel drive system for optimum traction, AMG Dynamic Select with seven-different drive modes to fine tune the engine and transmission response, AMG Active Ride Control+ body roll stabilisation, as well as an AMG performance exhaust system.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is spruced up with the typical AMG touches, including carbon-fibre trim pieces, AMG multi-contour sports seats, illuminated AMG door sill plates, and an AMG Performance steering wheel fitted with the AMG steering wheel buttons and swivel wheel.\nThe dual 12.3-inch displays remain the same, though enhanced with AMG specific functions and display modes. Other interior highlights include:\nAMG-specific instrument cluster display modes\nAMG Track Pace\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nMercedes me telematics and connected services\nDual-zone automatic climate control\nWireless charging pad\nBurmester sound system\nSAFETY\nSafety equipment wise, the GLE 53 Coupe is unchanged from the GLE 450 Coupe. As such, the following safety features can be found on the AMG-tuned variant as well.\nAdaptive cruise control with Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\n360-degree around-view monitor\nMercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package\nExit warning\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nGALLERY"
"Fresh from the testing facility of the ASEAN NCAP is the crash safety rating of the all-new \nthird-generation Perodua Myvi\n and it\u2019s nothing short of outstanding. All variants of the Myvi (from 1.3 Standard G) were awarded the full 5-Star safety rating at the ASEAN NCAP Crash Test.\nThe new Myvi was tested with the new ASEAN NCAP protocol which requires active safety systems such as ESC to qualify for the 5-Star rating and Perodua has included this feature as \nstandard on all variants\n of the Myvi. Before we move on, watch the Myvi in action:\nThe variant tested by the authorities is the \n1.3 Standard\u00a0G\n. After the front collision test, the A-pillars and cabin structure were uncompromised, suggesting high levels of rigidity. Onto the side impact test, the cabin the B-pillars and doors held its shape remarkably well without falling apart, again reflecting the structural rigidity of the new Myvi.\nThe breakdown of the 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Crash Safety Rating are as below:\nAdult Occupant Protection: 45.43 points (of 50 points)\nChild Occupant Protection: 22.01 points (of 25 points)\nSafety Assist: 20.83 points (of 25 points)\nQuoting a statement released by the organisation: \u201cThe new Perodua Myvi now has additional safety features with four airbags as standard and curtain airbag as an option. In addition to the improved passive safety, it is also fitted with active safety features by extending the Seatbelt Reminder System to rear passenger seats and \nElectronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard\n. It also introduced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in its higher variant. The All-New Perodua Myvi is eligible for 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating and is now the \nmost affordable car with the AEB feature in Malaysia\n.\u201d\nFor spec-by-spec comparison of the all-new Perodua Myvi in Malaysia, you can read our full report \nhere\n. Pictorial gallery of the Myvi can be found \nhere\n and you can read our first impressions of the all-new Myvi \nhere\n."
"Kia has finally unveiled the fourth-generation Carnival flagship MPV after showing off its exterior and interior in full in the past two months. Dubbed a \u201cGrand Utility Vehicle\u201d, Kia says that the reimagined people carrier isdesigned to appeal to \u201cprogressive young families\u201d through a combination of innovation, space, flexibility and style.\nWe\u2019ve already seen the exterior of the all-new Carnival \nin detail\n before, but key highlights on the SUV-inspired design include sculpted front and rear lower bumpers with metallic trims, \u201cisland roof\u201d design with blacked-out A- and B- pillars, a stylised chrome fin C-pillar with diamond-like pattern, bold wheel arches, and a sharper new \u201ctiger nose\u201d face.\nAs standard, the all-new Kia Carnival comes with LED headlights with a daytime-running light signature that\u2019s integrated into the front grille, along with a light bar. Wheel options vary from 17- to 19-inches in diameter, depending on variant.\nA key design decision on the fourth-generation MPV is the shorter front overhang, longer hood, and increased wheelbase (by 30 mm), which resulted in a greater space throughout the cabin. The rear overhang has also been extended by 30 mm, creating more space for third-row passengers and a \u201cbest-in-class\u201d 627 litres of luggage space behind the third row.\nInterior space is really the name of the game here for the all-new MPV, which is offered in three- or four-row seating configurations depending on market, with space for seven, eight, or 11 occupants in total. With all rear seats folded down, the all-new Carnival boasts a humongous cargo space of up to 2,905 litres.\nKia also says that the interior packaging is more flexible and versatile than before; customers can even opt for a \u201cPremium Relaxation Seat\u201d in the seven-seater configuration, where rear passengers can enjoy \u2018business-class\u2019-like seating with one-touch \u2018Relaxation\u2019 mode that automatically adjusts the seats for maximum comfort on longer journeys.\nThe Korean carmaker has also made significant improvements in the convenience aspect of the MPV. The lift-over height of the rear trunk is now 26 mm lower than its predecessor at 640 mm, making it easier to load, while the powered tailgate and one-touch smart power-sliding doors help passengers hop in and out of the car.\nThe sliding doors and powered tailgate can even be opened and closed by just holding the key fob nearby for three seconds, perfect for parents loading their toddlers into the baby car seats at the back.\nFor parents with slightly elder children, there\u2019s a new \u2018Rear Passenger View & Talk\u2019 feature which allows the front passengers to check on the rear-seat occupants using a camera linked to the infotainment system, while their voices amplified through the rear-seat speakers \u2013 useful when the kids are misbehaving.\nAs for the adults at the back, the all-new MPV now comes with a new \u2018Rear Passenger Voice Recognition\u2019 system, which when activated, allows second-row occupants to issue voice commands to control the infotainment system.\nSpeaking of infotainment, the fourth-generation Kia Carnival features twin 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment display combo, as detailed \nhere\n. Depending on the region, the system will be offered with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as the Kia Live telematics service which includes live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential nearby parking \u2013 including price, location, and availability.\nWith the always-on connectivity built in to the car, drivers will be able to send route directions to their car before their journey, and check the location of their vehicle at any time via an accompanying smartphone application.\nKia says that significant changes have been made to the suspension set-up of the Kia Carnival to enhance the comfortable ride while on the move, including new front suspension geometry, use of hydro bushes, as well as the tweaked absorber angles at the rear to better soak up road imperfections.\nSignificant amount of sound-deadening and insulating material have also been used in all four wheel arches, along with a full underbody cover and a reshaped air intake to reduce the rolling, wind and engine noise while travelling at speed.\nAs for safety, the fourth-generation MPV is offered with an extensive list of active safety features, depending on market availability and variant specifications. These include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, blind-spot monitor with Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, driver attention warning, automatic high-beam, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control (with optional Navigation-based system), and a Level 2 autonomous driving Highway Driving Assist.\nThe all-new Kia Carnival also comes with the Safe Exit Assist feature, which prevents the rear doors from opening \u2013 and young passengers exiting the car \u2013 if the system detects a car approaching from behind on either side of the vehicle.\nThe fourth-generation Kia Carnival will be offered with a choice of up to three new engines, once again dependant on market availability. At the top of the table is the 3.5-litre GDi V6 petrol engine, pushing out \n294 hp\n and \n355 Nm\n of torque, followed by a 3.5-litre MPi V6 petrol engine, good for \n272 hp\n and \n332 Nm\n of torque.\nFor oil burners, a new 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel mill is available with \n202 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque. The new diesel mill replaces its predecessor\u2019s cast iron block for a lighter aluminium block that\u2019s 20 kg lighter, and is also claimed to be one of the cleanest diesel units the company has ever made. All engines options are paired as standard to an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Beyond Auto\n continues to expand the BYD brand in Malaysia by opening two new outlets in the states of Penang and Johor Bahru. Modelling after many EV carmakers\u2019 \nmodus operandi \nin other countries, the two new BYD locations are integrated directly into shopping malls \u2013 Gurney Plaza in Penang, and Mid Valley Southkey in Johor \u2013 instead of the traditional standalone outlets usually seen here in Malaysia.\nThe new outlets are \u201c1S centres\u201d, which means they are merely a showroom floor for display and sales. Customers in the Northern and Southern region can access aftersales services at Jalan Sungai Pinang in Penang and Jalan Skudai Kiri in Johor Bahru respectively.\nSime Darby Beyond Auto says that its service centres are all equipped to provide diagnostic support for accurate car maintenance and service needs. Its integrated management of parts distribution throughout the nation also ensures sufficient supply of spare parts for its vehicles, the company adds.\nThe BYD Atto 3\nSime Darby Motors Retail and Distribution Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan said, \u201cThe response to BYD in the Malaysian market has been overwhelmingly positive, clearly demonstrating growing adoption of EVs in the country. We are pleased to build up our momentum with this expansion drive to continue serving increasing EV demand amongst consumers across Malaysia with BYD\u2019s innovative vehicles.\u201d\nBYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd and PT. BYD Motor Indonesia Managing Director, Eagle Zhao said, \u201cThe aggressive expansion of BYD\u2019s network in Malaysia shows positive growth for EV prospects in the country, as more Malaysians recognise BYD\u2019s brand presence and the benefits of EV. This further demonstrates the confidence in BYD\u2019s branding and the strong partnership with Sime Darby Motors and we look forward to continue [sic] growing this.\u201d\nThe two new showrooms join a rapidly expanding list of BYD outlets in Malaysia, including a city centre showroom at TREC KL, \n3S centre in Glenmarie in partnership with Sisma Auto\n, as well as its flagship 3S centre in Sime Darby Motor City, Ara Damansara.\nRELATED: \nBYD supersedes Tesla in sales, becomes best-selling EV brand in Singapore"
"After \nnumerous delays\n, Maserati has now finally unveiled the \nlong-awaited Grecale\n, its second-ever SUV in its line-up, and perhaps its most important model in recent times sales-wise as it \ntransitions towards electrification\n.\nThe all-new Grecale, named after a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, will slot in Maserati\u2019s model line-up beneath the Levante, setting its sights straight at the \nPorsche Macan\n.\nSize-wise, the Grecale measures in at 4,846 mm long, 1,670 mm tall, and 1,948 mm wide (in base GT trim), with a wheelbase of 2,901 mm, which makes it similar to that of the \nAlfa Romeo Stelvio\n \u2013 not surprisingly since they essentially share the same platform. In comparison to the Porsche Macan, however, the Grecale is bigger by quite a huge margin in every dimension.\nWhile the overall silhouette does look very similar to a shrunken down\n Levante\n, the Grecale does feature several design elements that are influenced by Maserati\u2019s latest styling direction.\nUp front, there\u2019s the \nMC20\n-inspired LED headlights, protuding nose, and the \u201clow and imposing grille\u201d with concave bars, while over at the rear, the taillights are claimed to be inspired by the 1998 3200 GT sports coupe.\nThe two higher-end variants, Modena and Trofeo, gets a wider rear track (+34 mm) alongside bespoke bumpers and chrome detailing on the front grille. The Trofeo also gets a variant-exclusive split exhaust to mark it out as the range-topping performance variant.\nOn the inside, the Maserati Grecale gets a completely new dashboard architecture, with a huge emphasis on screens \u2013 with four displays as standard.\nThere\u2019s the 12.3-inch touchscreen Android Automotive OS infotainment display, the largest ever included in a Maserati; a digital instrument cluster, as well as an 8.8-inch touchscreen positioned underneath the infotainment display for your three-zone climate control.\nIf you\u2019re wondering where\u2019s the fourth screen, the Maserati Grecale\u2019s clock, sitting atop the dashboard, is also now digital for the first time in its brand\u2019s history. In addition to the time, the \u201cclock\u201d can also show a compass, G-force meter, or a visual response whenever the driver activates the Maserati Intelligent Assistant voice command system.\nAs with all other Maserati models, the Grecale is also smothered in huge swathes of leather and premium materials. They differ according to trims levels; the GT gets a more minimalist look paired with warmer colours, the Modena features bespoke embroidery and trim elements, while the Trofeo being the \u201csporty\u201d variant comes with exposed carbon fibre trims, perforated leather seats, and contrasting cross stitches.\nAt launch, the Maserati Grecale will be offered with two powertrain options, in three different configurations. The line-up kicks off with the 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, similar to that of the \nGhibli \nand\n Levante Hybrid\n.\nIn the entry-level GT trim, the MHEV powertrain is detuned slightly to make \n300 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n5.6 seconds\n and a top speed of \n240 km/h\n.\nFor the same power output as the two Hybrid models above, you\u2019ll have to step up to the Modena variant, where the same powertrain now makes \n330 hp\n and a similar \n450 Nm\n of torque, for a slightly quicker century sprint time of \n5.3 seconds\n.\nThe Maserati Grecale GT\nIf you still need something a little more powerful, the Trofeo variant comes equipped with a detuned version of Maserati\u2019s Nettuno 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine (introduced in the MC20), making a total of \n530 hp\n and \n620 Nm\n for a \n3.8 seconds \ncentury sprint time, and a top speed of \n285 km/h\n.\nAll three powertrain options are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, alongside an all-wheel drive system. A limited-slip rear differential is standard on the Modena and Trofeo, but can also be optioned on the GT.\nThe Maserati Grecale Modena\nAside from the ICE-powered variants, Maserati will also be unveiling the fully-electric Grecale Folgore next year, alongside the \nGranTurismo Folgore EV\n. No details have been provided yet, but the Italian luxury carmaker says that it\u2019ll come equipped with a 105 kWh battery, and offer as much as 800 Nm of torque.\nThe Grecale comes as standard with passive suspensions by default, with double wishbones in front and a multi-link system at the rear. Moving up to the Modena nets you the adaptive Skyhook system (can also be optioned on the GT), while the Trofeo comes as standard with air suspensions.\nOffered as optional items items on the lesser variants, the air suspensions offer six levels of adjustments over a 65 mm height range, with the lowest being -35 mm in Park mode, and full height in Off-Road mode at +30 mm.\nOn the mention of drive modes, which there are five in total (on the Trofeo), they all tie into the new Vehicle Dyanmic Control Module (VDCM), which uses predictive intervention in the suspension movements to control all vehicle dynamics, be it vertical, longitudinal or lateral, promising \u201clevels of performance and integration that could not have been achieved in the older architecture\u201d.\nThe Maserati Grecale is priced from EUR70,000 (approx. RM325k) in Italy, placing it right within the range of the Porsche Macan.\nGALLERY"
"Geely has launched its proprietary online car buying service, making it one of the first brands in China to offer a full \u2018contactless\u2019 vehicle purchasing experience.\nCustomers are able to \ncustomise, pay and take delivery\n of their new Geely vehicle without taking a step out from their own homes. The service also offers\n test drives from their homes\n, in coordination with their local dealerships.\nThe online \u201cdealership\u201d will also provide additional services such as \nlicensing and insurance\n in the purchasing process, offering customers a multitude of different financing and insurance options through the online platform.\nAlthough Geely has previously explored online sales via partnership with third party online platforms, Geely says that its proprietary online sales portal, soft-launched on the 10th of February 2020, has already \nincreased its online sales by fivefold\n in its first week of operation, compared to the same period last year. In the same timeframe, \nsales leads\n generated from the website has also increased \nmore than 75 times\n.\nGeely aims to expand the service to include\n home servicing \n\u2013 where Geely will collect your vehicles for servicing and return them to your home in the near future, and even home or office location maintenance in the future.\nGeely Auto Group Vice President of Public Relations, Victor Yang said, \u201cThe addition of our online sales platform has proven to be a value addition to our sales network in terms of adding new sales and new sales leads to our national wide dealership network. We have always aimed to bring greater levels of convenience to our consumers and our initial results prove that.\u201d\nAs pointed out by \nAutomotive News\n, one reason that Geely have expedited the launch of the online portal could be due to the \noutbreak of the novel coronavirus\n, COVID-19. In the first 16 days of February, car sales in China plunged by 92%; Geely\u2019s car production output also dropped to approximately one-third of its usual capacity.\nLocally, Proton, a joint venture between DRB-HICOM and Geely, has also \nexperimented\n with \nonline-based\n car sales, though the local effort stops at just the order booking procedure."
"BMW will celebrate the premiere of its new-generation BMW Cockpit design concept at the 2018 Paris Motor Show happening in October. The fully digital BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control can already be found in new-generation BMW models like the G05 X5, 8 Series, G29 Z4 and G20 3 Series.\nThe new generation BMW Live Cockpit is made up of three components, instrument cluster, navigation and entertainment system. The instrument cluster display no longer replicates analogue circular gauges instead it now displays arched design elements that open towards the centre which means the rev counter now moves anti-clockwise.   The new arched design also opens up more space in the centre to accommodate a bigger display of the navigation data. Advanced driver assistance system is displayed within the left speedometer while additional entertainment info can be shown within the right-hand arc. The theme of the instrument cluster will also change from blue to red accents according to the drive mode selected \u2013 Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport.\nThe high-resolution LCD instrument cluster is complemented by the infotainment screen that is equipped with BMW Operating System 7.0. The new operating system allows users to personalise the content shown on the top main menu \u2013 communications, media/radio, clock, navigation, sports displays, route preview, traffic, position or driving information.   Drivers will also be glad to hear that the iDrive Controller, touch control, voice and gesture control has been further optimised to make operations more intuitive on the new operating system. There is also a new onboard BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that uses AI recognition to learn your driving habits and preferred settings and integrate them to the voice command.\nIt also recognises humanised commands, for example, saying \u201cHey BMW, I\u2019m cold\u201d will prompt the Personal Assistant to adjust the climate control accordingly. Other commands available include controlling seat heating, navigating to favourite destinations but the most unique feature is that you can give your digital assistant a name. Now you can finally have your own \nJarvis\n.\nBMW Operating System 7.0 also supports Remote Software Upgrade that downloads the latest software updates to the BMW Connected app. The installation will take place when the smartphone is connected to the vehicle. Only downside, you will not be able to drive your car until the installation is completed which BMW says takes \nonly 20 minutes\n.\nLocally, the BMW Operating System 7.0 display and control is not yet available on BMW Malaysia\u2019s model line up. Expect the new generation of BMW connectivity services to debut on the new X5 and 8 Series when they land to our shores. For the time being, which infotainment system takes your fancy \u2013 Hey Mercedes or Hey BMW?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The third-generation \nMazda3\n\u00a0was first introduced back in 2013, and continues to be one of the best passenger cars in the market. That is, though, until the \ntenth-generation Honda Civic\n arrives. Three years into its life, it\u2019s rather timely that we see a midlife refresh.\nJudging from the leaked image here, the obvious difference would be the new front grille, which resembles that of the Mazda6, \nCX-3\n and \nCX-9\n SUVs. Also seen here are the redesigned lower air intake, fog lights, and side indicators on the wing mirrors.\nThe Mazda6 facelift shares similar front grille design as the upcoming Mazda3 facelift\nWhile the changes are mainly cosmetic, no mechanical updates are expected here.\u00a0As such, expect the Mazda3 to be powered by the same\u00a0SkyActiv powertrains. In Malaysia, it is offered in the sole\u00a0\n162 hp\n\u00a0\n2.0-litre SkyActiv engine\n with six-speed automatic gearbox, but the 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel engine have yet to be introduced by Bermaz.\nThe new facelifted 3 should be bound for Malaysia sometime next year. Presently, Mazda Malaysia is offering the\u00a0sedan and hatchback variants of the Mazda3, both powered by the same 2.0-litre lump.\u00a0Find out what we think of them in \nour review\n!\n[Source:\nCar Scoops\n]\nVIDEO GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has quietly updated the specifications to the \nentry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC 200\n, which saw the addition of the AMG Line exterior kit (previously the Off-Road package), a full keyless entry and start system (previously only the latter), Agility Control suspension, and other minor change in equipment.\nWith the update, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 with AMG Line sees a price bump of RM7,721 up to \nRM294,100\n \u2013 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are applicable \nuntil the 30th of June 2021\n.\nWith the new exterior kit, the GLC 200 now looks a lot more like the range-topping GLC 300 model \u2013 both sharing the AMG Line exterior package. The changes on the outside include the diamond pin single-louvre grille, a new front bumper design with large faux side intakes, and the rear bumper with diffuser elements between the split exhaust exits.\nThere are, however, some key differences to differentiate the two models. The updated Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 does not come with the Night Package, which means the\u00a0grille louvre, side mirror caps, roof rails, and bumper garnishes are finished in chrome/silver instead of black.\nThe GLC 200\u2019s 20-inch alloy wheels are also in the AMG multi-spoke design, instead of the AMG five-twin-spoke design on the GLC 300. Additionally, the headlights on the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 also remain as LED High Performance headlamps, while the GLC 300 gets the more high-end Multibeam LED units.\nOn the inside, the AMG Line package includes the new AMG floor mat and multi-function sport steering (with gear shift paddles) wheel in Nappa leather. Upholstery and trim finishes are unchanged from before, with black Artico man-made leather on the seats and Anthracite open-pore oak wood on the centre console and door panels.\nThe rest of the cabin of the updated Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 with AMG Line is identical to the outgoing model, with features such as an MBUX-powered 10.25-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and powered front seats with memory function.\nAlso unchanged is the powertrain underneath the bonnet, which continues to feature the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, good for \n197 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. The engine is mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels for a 0-100 km/h time of \n7.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n217 km/h\n.\nThe AMG Line package does however come with a revised suspension set up, with the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 now featuring the Agility Control suspension with selective damping system, replacing the Comfort suspension set-up from the outgoing model.\nOn the safety front, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 with AMG Line continues to be equipped with the same set of advanced safety features as before, which are standard across the range. These include autonomous emergency braking, Blind Sport Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Pre-Safe, cruise control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.\nGALLERY"
"Proven track record shown from the hugely successful \nPorsche Cayenne\n has led to the birth of a smaller and compact SUV, the \nMacan\n. Porsche calls it \u2018the \nsports car\n of the compact SUV segment\u2019, which is by far the most powerful in its class. Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is eager to show us what it can do.\nBefore we begin, do go through the Macan line-up via our Quick Facts table below to avoid confusion. We managed to test all models during the \nPorsche\n Macan Road Tour except for the Macan Turbo, for some reasons.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nPorsche Macan\n \nPorsche Macan\n S Diesel\n \nSegment\nCompact SUV\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n1,984cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged\n2,967cc V6 turbocharged diesel\nTransmission\n7-speed PDK\n7-speed PDK\nMax Power\n237hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,800 rpm\n258hp @ 4,000 \u2013 4,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n350Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n580Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM 420,000.00\nRM 545,000.00\n\u00a0\nName\nPorsche Macan\n S\n \nPorsche Macan\n Turbo\n \nSegment\nCompact SUV\nCompact SUV\nEngine\n2,997cc V6 twin-turbo\n3,604cc V6 twin-turbo\nTransmission\n7-speed PDK\n7-speed PDK\nMax Power\n340hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,500 rpm\n400hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n460Nm @ 1,450 \u2013 5,000 rpm\n550Nm @ 1,350 \u2013 4,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM 560,000.00\nRM 785,000.00\n\u00a0\nThe word \u2018Macan\u2019 means \ntiger\n in Indonesian and with its introduction in Malaysia, it also means the Porsche badge is now more \u2018accessible\u2019. Entry level Macan starts from only \nRM420,000\n (the most affordable in Porsche\u2019s stable now) all the way to \nRM785,000\n.\nJust like how its big brother shares its platform with the VW Touareg, the Macan is loosely based on the Audi Q5. However we do notice that Porsche does not want us to think the Macan as a shrunk Cayenne. Instead, they sell it as a practical 911 \u2013 on stilts that is.\nEXTERIOR\nNicknamed the \u2018baby Cayenne\u2019, it is \nsmaller\n than its big brother: 174mm shorter, 81mm lower, but almost as wide only 16mm narrower. It does get quite a long wheelbase at 2,807mm which is only 88mm shorter than the Cayenne\u2019s 2,895mm wheelbase.\nThe Cayenne immediately looks intimidating when compared side by side, which makes the Macan a more ideal urban SUV in terms of size thus manoeuvrability as well.\nUntrained eyes may need to stare at it for a bit to tell if its the Macan or Cayenne. A new feature on the Macan is the \naluminium clamshell bonnet\n design with a raw air duct integrated on the underside to ventilate the engine. The long hood together with the large front air intakes simply screams \u201cGet out of my way!\u201d. A sight to behold in the rear view mirror.   The Macan inherits design cues from its cousins that reflects Porsche\u2019s sports car heritage. Starting from its side profile; the sloping roofline and body curves to the rear that amplifies the broad sculpted wings, and D-pillar are from the \n911\n.\nThen there\u2019s the \u2018dark patch\u2019 at the bottom of both front and passenger doors, which I thought it must have a certain special ability to improve the car\u2019s performance, the German kind of way \nja\n. Indeed there is, well sort of. The \u2018\nsideblades\n\u2019 from the \n918 Spyder\n are to create an illusion of lower and narrower doors, for a compact and sportier look (meh). They are available in the form of different materials as options.\nThe headlights design gets the 918 Spyder look. All models are fitted with \nprojector-type halogen lights\n while Macan Turbo receives \nbi-xenon headlights\n, which is available as options for all. Day Time Running Lights (\nDRL\n) on the bi-xenon unit are four-dots fancy LED spotlights, which are very unique. Halogen ones get the DRL in the inner headlight\nMoving on to the rear are the \n3D design LED\n rear lights, reminiscent of the ones from 918 Spyder. Not only it\u2019s mesmerizingly good looking, its brake lights also \npulsates\n when driver applies panic braking to alert following traffic more quickly. Avoid getting hypnotized and remember to brake when you happen to see one pulsating.\nJust like their sports cars, the rear wheels are wider, improving stability and traction. All Macan are fitted with\n 18-inch\n wheels (Front: 235/60 R18, Rear: 255/55 R18) as standard, except for the Macan Turbo has \n19-inch\n (Front: 235/55 R19, Rear: 255/50 R19). Should you feel like pimping the kitty up, it can go all the way up to 21-inch as options.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior is unmistakably Porsche with its sports car like cockpit and luxurious ambience. This sports car on stilts is fitted with sporty seat position and steeply inclined 918 Spyder-based multi-function sports steering wheel.\nEverything in the cabin feels \ntop notch\n, the leather, buttons and the \nmagnesium alloy\n paddle shifts are of premium materials. Except the indicator lever feels like it belongs in a VW Polo; the harsh \u2018unoiled\u2019 clicking when engaged.   Instrument cluster is a set of three round dials with the speedo on the left, rev-counter in the center and an optional \n4.8-inch VGA multifunction display\n on the right. A clever display that also incorporates a 3D navigation map. It also shows the driver in real time how much power is currently distributed among all four wheel. Comes as standard in the Macan Turbo.\nCenter console display is a\n 7-inch touch screen\n panel that houses all the relevant settings and information. \nBose\n and \nBurmeister\n surround sound system are made available as options for top class audio quality.\nPorsche says buttons are grouped and placed ergonomically for easy access. Well yes and no. It\u2019s more like a jam-packed \u2018\nbuttonvaganza\n\u2019 party going on in the lower centre console.\nSport, Sport Plus, air suspension setting buttons and all other modes are left on the passenger side due to the how it was designed for left hand drive market. Just move them over \nlaaah\n.\nNo complaints but praises for the excellent sport seats that holds you tightly. One really frustrating problem is the \nnarrow driver\u2019s side footwell\n with minimal space for left knee and foot to rest. Feels like driving in a mini skirt. It\u2019s uncomfortable. Yea, I like to drive \u2018\nkangkang\n\u2019.\nSpace in the back seats isn\u2019t impressive. Partly because of the 911 sloping roofline that has taken up some head room. Same goes to the boot space. That can be fixed instantly by folding down the rear seats for more room. Your kids can stay home then.\nPERFORMANCE\nSDAP offers four variants of Macan imported straight from the 500 million euro Leipzig plant in Germany. All four come with \nactive all-wheel-drive\n and a \n7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)\n gearbox as standard. Porsche\u2019s dual clutch transmission; whenever a particular gear is engaged, the next gear is already preselected. As a result, gear changes take place within milliseconds, with no interruption in the flow of power.\nThe standard \nPorsche Macan\n is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, generating 237hp and 350Nm of torque. With performance figures like 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and top speed of 223 km/h, its fuel consumption figure is impressive: 7.2 litres per 100 km, making it among the most efficient compact SUV in its class.\nTorque addicts like myself will like the \nPorsche Macan S Diesel\n: 258 horsepower and a whopping 580Nm of torque from its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine. It launches itself from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds (6.1 seconds with Sport Chrono package fitted) and goes all the way up to 230 km/h. Fuel consumption at 6.3 to 6.1 litres per 100 km.\nThe \nPorsche Macan S\n gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, churns out 340hp and 450Nm of torque. Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with Sport Chrono package fitted) with a top speed of 254 km/h. It consumes between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km of fuel.\nTop of the range \nPorsche Macan Turbo\n, currently the most powerful in the compact SUV segment is powered by a new 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine, spitting out a respectable 400hp and 550Nm of torque. It gets from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with Sport Chrono package fitted!) This pussycat is able to achieve a top speed of 266 km/h. Fuel consumption is kept between 9.2 and 8.9 litres/100 km. Sadly we didn\u2019t get to test this out.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe media drive organised by SDAP was a day trip from Porsche Damansara showroom to \nIpoh\n and back. Through highways and some real exciting narrow country roads. My partner for the day Jehan and I started off in the Porsche Macan S, and immediately I can report that the \nPorsche Macan S\n is an all-rounder urban SUV.\nWell then of course, a compact SUV that goes around town with a \n340hp\n 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo power plant, power delivery is impressive. Isn\u2019t exactly instantaneous but there\u2019s virtually no turbo lag. Put my foot down after Smart Tag exit, without even realizing it took me to \n200kph\n 90kph in no time. Added on another 30kph, \nsap sap suey\n\u00a0(easy peasy).\nWith\n Sport Plus\n mode activated, the Macan S turns into an entirely different redline rev-happy animal. Exhaust and engine sound tasty too, but sadly you can hardly hear it while driving. Speaking of which NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) quality is kept at optimum level which makes the drive even better.\nWe then hopped into the \n258hp standard Macan\n which obviously isn\u2019t as powerful as the bi-turbo V6 Macan S. Its 350Nm of torque however does feel sufficient for a fun drive. Definitely more than enough to be a city run-about soccer-mom-mobile.\nAfter lunch in Ipoh, we got into the red upholstery \n258hp Macan S Diesel\n, which is the gem. It drives much like the Macan S only with much more torque; 580Nm of them! What\u2019s more amazing is that it doesn\u2019t sound like a diesel. In fact, it sounds really good. *goosebumps*\nThe \n7-speed PDK gearbox\n works perfectly in all variants, quick and responsive gear changes, be it automatic or manual paddle-shifting. Taking the Macans through winding trunk roads with surprisingly minimal body roll, responsive steering wheel and quick gear changes turned out to be real fun. No off roading sessions though.\nIS IT FOR YOU?\nSo, is this car for you? Well, if you are looking for a compact SUV and expect it to perform like a 911, then no. However, if you\u2019ve been itching to own a Porsche and have been waiting to start somewhere, then YES. For a Porsche, it\u2019s quite a bargain. After all, it\u2019s easier to convince your wife that you are buying a SUV.\nCOMPARISON\nThe closest competitor is this league would be Victoria Beckham\u2019s \nRange Rover Evoque\n and let\u2019s throw in the weirdly good-looking Infiniti \nQX70\n for comparison sake.\nPorsche Macan/ S / S Diesel\nRange Rover Evoque 2.0 5 door Dynamic\nInfiniti QX50 3.7L\nENGINE\nType\nturbocharged: 4-cylinder petrol / V6 petrol / V6 diesel\n4-cylinder turbocharged petrol\nV6 petrol\nDisplacement\ncc\n1,984 / 2,997 / 2,967\n1,999\n3,696\nMax Power\nhp\n237 / 340 / 258\n240\n320\nMax Torque\nNm\n350 / 460 / 580\n340\n360\nSTEERING\nType\nElectromechanical\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectromechanical\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n7-speed Automatic PDK\n9-speed Automatic\n7-speed Automatic\nSUSPENSION\nType\nSteel spring suspension\nMacPherson strut / Multi-arm\nDouble-wishbone\u00a0/ Multi-link\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n\u00a0F : R\n235/60 R18 : 255/55 R18\n245/45\u00a0R20\n245/45 R19\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n4,681\n4,355\n4,635\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,923\n1,965\n2,043\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,624\n1,635\n1,600\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,807\n2,660\n2,800\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,770 / 1,865 / 1,880\n1,670\n1,885\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n500\n545\n340\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n65 / 65 / 60\n70\n80\nConsumption (Combined)\n\u00a0L/100km\n7.5 / 9.0 / 6.3\n8.7\n10.6\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n223 / 254 / 230\n217\n240\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n6.9 / 5.4 / 6.3\n7.6\n6.4\nPRICE\n \nRM\n420k / 560k /545k\n399,888\n380,000\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nIf I were to buy one, I\u2019ll go for the \nPorsche Macan Turbo\n. But then if I were to really pay (RM785,000.00) for that, I would rather get a \nHyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Executive Plus\n\u00a0(RM190,000) then go for the \nPorsche Cayman\n (RM510,000) instead. You wouldn\u2019t want\u00a0to enjoy\u00a0your \nnasi lemak rendang ayam\n\u00a0soaked in your\u00a0\ncendol\n dessert right? #eww!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen released the details of the new \nGolf Alltrack\n, set to make its public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October. Based on the Golf Wagon, Golf Alltrack receives a more rugged look and a raised ground clearance by \n20 mm\n.\n \n Further differentiation from the Golf Wagon is the addition of \nmatt black mouldings\n on the wheel arches, side sills, and bumpers; complete with \nunderbody protection\n at the edge of the side sills and bumpers painted in matt Reflex Silver. The \n17-inch \u201cValley\u201d alloy wheels\n are exclusive to the Golf Alltrack only. \n All those rugged looks are not just for show. Like the \nGolf R Mk7\n, the Golf Alltrack is equipped with the \n4MOTION\n \nall-wheel drive system\n with latest generation\n Haldex-5 coupling\n. Drive is sent to the front axle in normal loads, but the system is able to send the power to the rear axle for up to 100 percent. \n Meanwhile, \nEDS\n and \nXDS\n work in conjunction with the \nESC\n by distributing power and applying the brakes to each wheel when necessary for optimum traction and steering response. In addition to that, Golf Alltrack gets a new \nOffroad driving profile\n that modifies the throttle response and the ABS, and activates the hill descent function. \n A 4-cylinder petrol \n1.8-litre TSI\n engine paired with a 6-speed DSG is offered for the first time in a Golf, producing \n178 hp\n from 4,500 rpm and \n280 Nm\n at 1,350 \u2013 4,500 rpm with a fuel consumption figure of \n6.8 l/100 km\n. It\u2019s capable to get from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n7.8 seconds\n, and a \ntop speed\n of \n217 km/h\n. \n A trio of 4-cylinder common rail turbodiesel engines are also available for the Golf Alltrack. The \n1.6-litre TDI\n produces \n108 hp\n at 3,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm and \n250 Nm\n and will only sip \n4.7 l/100 km\n. The 1.6 TDI will accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n12.1 seconds\n, with a \ntop speed\n of \n187 km/h\n. Next is a \n2.0-litre TDI\n producing \n148 hp\n at 3,500 \u2013 4,000 rpm and \n340 Nm\n at 1,750 \u2013 3,000 rpm. The sprint time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is \n8.9 seconds\n, and the top speed is \n207 km/h\n. \n The\n top-of-the-range Golf Alltrack\n also uses a \n2.0-litre TDI\n, but only available with the 6-speed DSG transmission. It produces\n 181 hp\n at 3,500 \u2013 4,000 rpm and \n380 Nm\n of torque from 1,750 \u2013 3,250 rpm. The range-topping Alltrack gets from \n0 to 100 km/h\n in \n7.8 seconds\n with a top speed of \n219 km/h\n. [divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ever since the new Toyota Supra was launch, enthusiasts and industry observers alike have bemoaned the use of BMW\u2019s B58 turbocharged straight-six engine instead of a newly developed engine by Toyota \u2013 a worthy successor to the legendary 2JZ engine.\nWord has it that it was down to cost. If Toyota had to develop a completely new Supra from scratch, with a new engine, it would\u2019ve been an expensive endeavour and its retail price would\u2019ve been even higher. Essentially, if this collaboration did not happen, there would be no new Supra to begin with.\nWatch \nGC Mah\u2019s review of the new Toyota Supra\n here!\nThat being said, although it\u2019s tried and true that the \nSupra is no slouch and can still carry the legendary\u2019s nameplate\n as we briefly discovered on an air strip in Sg. Besi, we can completely understand the charm of a Supra, with a \u201c3JZ\u201d, so to speak.\nNow a video has surfaced on YouTube of what seems (or rather sounds like) a V8-powered Toyota Supra undergoing testing, supposedly for Japan\u2019s GT300 series. It sure doesn\u2019t sound like a straight-six nor an inline-four cylinder engine. \nWatch the video here\n!\nAt the moment it\u2019s anyone\u2019s guess where the engine is from and it\u2019s unlikely that we\u2019ll see it on the road-going Supra so don\u2019t be so quick to withhold your booking just yet."
"Shell Malaysia has just introduced a new variant of its high-performance Shell Helix Ultra engine oil range, the Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30. With a thinner viscosity, the new formula aims to give enhanced fuel economy with lower emissions and at the same time gives you outstanding engine protection and performance under the toughest driving conditions.\nMade from \nfully synthetic motor oil\n, the\n Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30\n meets the needs of most modern passenger and high-performance vehicles. It contains Shell\u2019s \nPurePlus Technology\n and \nActive Cleansing technology\n that cleans engine sludge and prevents piston deposits by up \n65 percent\n better than industry standards.\nLeft: Shopee Marketing Lead, Rachel Tan and Shell Helix Brand Manager Alvin Leo\nThe new engine oil also boasts exceptional low-temperature performance, allowing for quicker engine warm-up. Having a lower viscosity reduces friction between moving parts which in turn improves fuel economy and lowers emissions.\nShell Lubricants Marketing General Manager, May Tan said: \u201cIn the new Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 with SN specification, we have a product that offers a balance of fuel economy, engine protection and reliability that are synonymous with the Shell Helix brand.\u00a0 It is suitable for most modern cars ranging from the small compacts right up to large D-segment sedans and even performance cars.\u201d\nLeft: Shopee Marketing Lead, Rachel Tan and Shell Helix Brand Manager Alvin Leo\nThe Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 is available at all Shell Authorised distributors and Shell Retail stations priced at RM277.60 (including GST) for a 4-litre pack. Customers who purchase the product from \nShell Official Online Store @ Shopee\n, Shell Malaysia\u2019s latest e-commerce partner, can enjoy exclusive special low price for limited period."
"Mercedes-Benz \nhas published a new teaser photo on its social media channels for an all-new model dubbed the \u2018CLE\u2019, with an official world premiere scheduled for \nJuly 5, 2023\n.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE will be making its debut as a coupe model, designed to replace both the \nC-Class \nand \nE-Class coupe\n models in a bid to simplify its increasingly-bloated model line-up. However, spy photographers have also in recent months spotted a convertible version of the CLE, which will take the place of the C- and \nE-Class Cabriolets\n when it\u2019s launched at a later date.\nThe outgoing \nMercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe\nThe German carmaker is keeping its cards close to its chest for the all-new CLE-Class, but spyshots suggest that it\u2019ll feature a fairly sleek bodywork, with design elements inspired by the \nall-new C-Class\n, as well as the Mercedes-AMG SL that only \nrecently made its debut here in Malaysia\n.\nUnderneath the sheet metal is likely the marque\u2019s MRA-2 platform, and just like the all-new C-Class that\u2019s also built on the same architecture, the all-new CLE should also be powered by the marque\u2019s electrified two-litre four-cylinder engine options.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz is replacing the C- and E-Class coupes, cabrios with a new CLE-Class\nMercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe\nVariant line-up could include anything ranging from the CLE 200 to even AMG variants like the CLE 63 and CLE 43, mirroring the powertrain offerings of the C-Class. An earlier scoop from Mercedes-Benz dealers in the USA last year even suggested a six-cylinder powertrain option for the CLE 450 variant.\nWe\u2019ll know more about the new two-door Mercedes-Benz CLE after its official launch on June 5, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on \nAutoBuzz.my\n."
"Just like Bentley and its \nBentayga\n, Rolls-Royce with its\n Cullinan\n and Lamborghini with their \nUrus\n, Aston Martin has finally introduced its own version of an SUV, in the form of the \nDBX\n in Malaysia.\nUnderneath its clamshell-like front hood is a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine with 550 hp and 750 Nm. The Mercedes-AMG engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic to drive all four wheels. The DBX\u2019s clever torque distribution system not only allows for power to be transferred between the front and rear wheels, but also from side to side within front or rear axle.\n \nHere comes the more exciting bit \u2013 not only is it immensely quick with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds, it will carry on charging forward until its 291 km/h top speed. Aston Martin said that the DBX is first a sports car and then an SUV. While the numbers certainly back those claims, we can\u2019t wait to find out what it\u2019ll be like to drive.\nWith the sportscar aspect of the DBX taken care off, Aston Martin\u2019s focus on it as an SUV is also very apparently. Roomy and spacious is how you can surely describe the interior while cabin noise is said to be significantly reduced using computational aeroacoustics technology. Aston Martin says they\u2019re one of very few companies to adopt such technology for cabin refinement.\nLike all the other SUVs the big marques have made, this isn\u2019t just another Frankenstein project put together in haste. In fact, Aston Martin\u2019s Female Advisory Board was heavily involved with the design process of the DBX, in addition to feedback from the company\u2019s top management and private focus groups to enhance the overall ergonomics of the SUV.\nThat makes the wait to drive this even more unbearable!\nGALLERY"
"The keen-eyed among you might have noticed something peculiar about the new \nMustang Mach-E\n\u2018s styling \u2013 yes, it does not have a door handle.\u00a0In the pursuit of utmost efficiency, car manufacturers \u2013 especially in the EV world \u2013 have devised several ingenious solutions to reduce drag while on the move.\nWhile most EV carmakers such as \nTesla\n and \nJaguar\n utilise pop-out door handles that sits flush with the door panel when closed, Ford has taken it to the next level by removing the door handle completely.\nHow do you get in to the car then, you might ask? Aside from a regular key fob, the Mach-E is equipped with the Phone As A Key Technology. Once your smartphone is paired up through the application, the car is able to detect your approach using Bluetooth, and automatically unlock the doors.\nWith a press of a small round button on the pillars, the door unlatches and opens by approximately four inches. If you\u2019re opening the front doors, the next step is to pull on the tiny grab handle right on the belt-line and pull the door open.\u00a0\nAs for the rear doors, the process is roughly similar to opening the front doors, except there are no handles here. Once the door unlatches, you\u2019ll have to reach into the slit, where a grip pad allows you to pull the door open.\u00a0\nYou might think that putting your hand in between an ajar door might sound dangerous, but according to \nTechCrunch\n, Ford has thought it through and designed an immediate safety system to prevent any nasty accidents.\nIf your key or smartphone\u2019s batteries do run out, you\u2019ll still be able to get into the car, too. On the B-pillars, a keypad shines through the black trim, allowing you to key-in a back-up four-digit code to unlock the car. Once inside, another four-digit code is required before you can drive it off.\u00a0 \u00a0\nFord has also built in a supercapacitor in each door as a backup power source, in case your car\u2019s battery is completely depleted (or damaged). And if all else fails, the front doors do have an emergency mechanical latch on the inside to allow yourself out of the car.\nHowever, we\u2019re unsure how a set-up like this would work in an event of an accident, and in particular with emergency responders from the outside. Our semi-educated guess based on past examples points to a hidden keyhole somewhere on the door, but we\u2019ll have to wait for confirmation from Ford."
"Porsche seems determined to tickle our heartstrings with a rather \u201ccomprehensive teaser\u201d on what we can expect from the fully electric supercar ahead of its global unveiling next month.\nFirst of all, it\u2019s really cool that the entire interior is now almost void of buttons, knobs and levers as they\u2019re replaced entirely by touch sensitive controls \u2013 leaving only very few for the window controls and on the steering wheel.\nWhile the new 16.8-inch instrument cluster may still appear to feature five separate dials, the classic Porsche DNA ends there. The customary rev meter displayed on the centre dial is now replaced with a power meter (for obvious reasons).\nDifferent displays are projected when either one of the four driving modes \u2013 \nClassic\n, \nMap\n, \nFull Map\n, \nPure\n \u2013 are engaged. If you observe closer, the new digital instrument cluster also houses the lighting controls and access to the car\u2019s drive controls and suspension setup on each side of the screen.\nThe conventional gear lever position has been relocated to where the ignition would normally be, to accommodate a new 8.4-inch touchscreen display for access to the air conditioning and multimedia functions. That should leave Porsche with a few questions to answer.\nWhat\u2019s quite amusing to me at least is that the engine start button has been redesigned to look like an on/off switch for appliances \u2013 something the Taycan isn\u2019t too different from.\nThe only familiar sight in this rather futuristic but typically subdued Porsche interior is the 10.9-inch display in the middle, with an optional unit for the passenger \u2013 a \nbig swipe at Ferrari\u2019s much smaller passenger display\n.\nStaying true to its environmental-friendly nature, the Taycan can be optioned with a leather-free interior; replaced instead by a microfibre material made of recycled polyster fibres called \u201cRace Tex\u201d.\nAs for the floor carpets, they\u2019re made of recycled fibre sourced from used fishing nets, among other things."
"Porsche has cleverly expanded its line-up since the birth of the \nCayenne\n 20 years ago, now offering various configurations of four-door sedans (\nTaycan\n and \nPanamera\n) as well as the Macan. The emblematic Porsche 911 will remain special to the company (and to its fans) and as seen in the latest \n911 GT3\n, electrification of the automotive icon is still absent.\nThe German company famous for its sports cars, motorsports and heritage said that although there are no plans to offer a fully electric Porsche 911, the progress of technology and maintaining the teardrop shape of the Porsche 911 actually isn\u2019t as difficult as thought.\n \nUntil the RS models arrive, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is the flagship for Porsche Malaysia. Check out what you get for RM2.2 million here.\nIn a conversation with \nAutocar UK\n, Porsche\u2019s design chief Michael Mauer said that from purely a \ndesign\n standpoint, an electric Porsche 911 is even easier in the future. Mauer believes that while a 911 as a whole is 100% emotion, the glorious soundtrack from the six-cylinder boxer engine is not 100% of the emotion.\n\u201cIt\u2019s the styling, the handling, how it goes around the corner. Electric engines regarding torque and performance offer that: yes, it is missing the sound, but if you look at young kids today, do they need it? I don\u2019t know,\u201d express Mauer to Autocar UK.\nPackaging the current hardware consisting of engine, turbochargers, intercoolers, radiators and cleaning of the exhaust gases leave designers and engineers with many compromises. Mauer said he and his team were concerned about this topic but with electricity and other new technologies, there is more freedom.\nPorsche 911 and off-road racing go back a long way. So does Gemballa and tuning of Porsches, hence the creation of the Gemballa Marsien.\nPorsche however is also quick to reply that a fully electric 911 will only see light as late as 2030, with the company focusing on volume products such as the upcoming \nsecond-generation Porsche Macan\n as well as the Mission R concept for motorsports. Rumours surrounding a \u2018hybridized\u2019 Porsche 911 coming soon also intensified after spy photographers spotted a lightly-camouflaged development car doing some laps at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.\nWhile it is too early to share technical pieces of the Porsche Mission R concept, the \ndevelopment mule\n or \u201crolling chassis\u201d that looks to be based from a Porsche 718 Boxster seems to have all the right ingredients to keep Porsche fans and enthusiast satisfied.\nLotus recently unveiled their \ntechnological concept\n for the next generation of fully electric two-seat mid-engined sports cars, with a modular \u2018chest\u2019 battery between the cabin and the electric motor. Such a layout provides both low centre of gravity plus low overall vehicle height, key elements of a two-seat sports car."
"Peugeot sets the new brand identity and communication in motion with the launch of the new 308, one of their staple products for dealers and the brand.\nThe front design continues the styling that was first seen on the \nnew 508\n sedan with the hook-shaped DRLs form as an extension to the slim Matrix LED headlamps.\nThe main focus is however the central portion of the front, where the \nnew Peugeot brand\n coat of arms emblem reside. The company even said the design of the grille was entirely dedicated to the new emblem. \u00a0Different radar transmitters, placed behind the grille, were selected to ensure the grille looks flush while the registration plate has been move downwards.\nThe coat of arms emblem is also repeated on the front fenders. Directly above the wheel arches are deep horizontal chisels into the body giving the new Peugeot 308 a more powerful character.\nThe three claws in taillamp, meanwhile, look less stylish though, as if just red diagonal lines were unevenly drawn in three boxes. The chrome trim pieces at the lower corners of the bumper also look unnecessary, a styling element usually for exhaust outlets but in the new Peugeot 308, it is just elaborate styling. \u00a0\u00a0\nDimensionally, length and width have increased but not the height, which has been lowered. Peugeot says the increase of 55 mm in the wheelbase specifically target better rear passenger comfort. Numerically, the new Peugeot 308 is 4,367 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,444 mm tall plus a wheelbase of 2,675 mm- figures that all larger and lower in height than the \nbest-seller\n, the \nVolkswagen Golf\n.\nOne aspect that could be better elaborated by Peugeot is the technique used to increase body rigidity. The company said, \u201dRigidity of the body has been optimized by \nglueing\n the structural elements.\u201d That is some super strong glue there! The new 308 is built from an evolution of the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) with new structural elements.\nInside, the new Peugeot 308 continues to evolve the i-Cockpit dashboard design. A standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system is included, with higher-placed variants getting an equally sized driver\u2019s information display. \u00a0Users can speak \u201cOK Peugeot\u201d naturally and the voice command will perform the defined task as requested.\nBelow the infotainment screen is an array of \nvirtual i-toggle\n switches. Each i-toggle is a touch-sensitive shortcut key to the settings for the air-conditioner, telephone, audio source or an application launch, set up individually according to the user\u2019s choice.\nThe new i-Cockpit also includes the participation of the front passenger, where the centre console is deliberately open towards his or her direction. There is no shift lever for vehicles with automatic transmission, instead, a new compact rocker-control is used for the selection of Reverse and Drive direction, with a button for Park.\nThere are a total of seven powertrain choices in the new Peugeot 308, covering all customer requirements provided it is not fully electric. Headlining the new model is the availability of not one but two output levels of the petrol \nplug-in hybrid\n system. Both are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with either 150 or 180 horsepower, with a single torque value of 250 Nm.\nWhen paired with a 110 hp/320 Nm electric motor, the combined system output is \n180 hp\n or \n225 hp\n, with a total torque output of \n360 Nm\n. The hybrid system channels drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission.\nWith a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the plug-in hybrid Peugeot 308 can travel up to \n60 km\n in full electric mode. Apart from a \u2018HYBRID\u2019 emblem on the tailgate, there is no special identification for the plug-in hybrid models which are known as HYBRID 180 and HYBRID 225.\n \nThree petrol engines and two diesel engines with outputs of up to 130 hp are paired with a six-speed manual or the aforementioned eight-speed automatic transmission. No acceleration times have been shared yet.\nNewly developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) such as \nsemi-automatic lane change\n and curve speed adaptation are available in the new Peugeot 308. With the semi-automatic lane change feature, the driver is suggested by the system to overtake the vehicle in front and then return to the original lane, usable at speeds from 70 km/h to 180 km/h.\nThe curve speed adaptation feature meanwhile optimizes speed according to the curve of the bend, up to 180 km/h.\nConnectivity between owner and vehicle is enhanced using the smartphone application, allowing remote start of the air-conditioning as well as charging times for the hybrid.\nThe new Peugeot 308 will be produced in France at the Mulhouse plant and deliveries for Europe is scheduled for the second half of this year.\nGALLERY"
"Many automakers are introducing new dedicated platforms when switching to fully electric propulsion. Since there are no combustion engine and all its related hardware (exhaust pipe, fuel tank and transmission), the chassis will need to be modified to accommodate the heavy battery pack and motors.\nGeely introduced the \nSustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)\n in September 2020 to be the basis of all new electric vehicles, with the sporty \nZeekr 001\n being the first product. Geely Holding, via Kent Bovellan, head of advanced vehicle architectures, recently held a group interview with Malaysian motoring media to share more details about this fascinating platform.\nFully scalable\nThis is the core technology and basis of the SEA platform. Out of three main constructions of the front and rear structures, the chassis can have \nvariable dimensions\n in length, width and height to offer up to 10 different products, including vans and pick-up trucks.\nSEA\u2019s flexible modular design allows Geely Auto to offer products ranging from B-segment sedans, hatchbacks, C-segment MPVs and SUVs, as well as sporty cars such as the Zeekr 001. Such a multi-usage platform is not new though, as Renault-Nissan Alliance introduced their Common Module Family (CMF) architecture in 2013 with an update to \nCMF-EV\n in 2020 and Volkswagen introduced the SEA-equivalent \nMEB (modular electric-drive toolkit)\n in 2019.\nRenault-Nissan Common Module Family (CMF). A range of vehicles can be build with just a few key chassis modules\nDifferent segments reach out to different customer groups and thus the ability of SEA to offer different battery capacity and motor outputs.\nWhile illustrations of the SEA make it look like a \u201cskateboard\u201d, the SEA is a unibody-constructed vehicle, where the bodyshell is welded to the chassis to form a single structural element.\n2. Open-sourced\nAutomobile making requires tremendous amounts of resources and a rapid transition from combustion engine to fully electric further illustrates this. As such, in order to recoup investment as well as accelerate development time, Geely Holding has made the SEA platform open-sourced, a world\u2019s first.\nThis allows other automakers or \nprospective new automakers\n, such as Baidu, to have a range of fully-homologated electric vehicles in the shortest time. Mr Bovellan said making SEA open-sourced was a decision made very much at the start of the program, as it is too expensive to do it on your own.\nAutomakers \nwill have access to 3D data\n and Geely Holding can also provide the full range of services from exterior design to manufacturing.\nSmart will be the first internationally-known automaker to develop their range of new electric vehicles using the SEA platform, starting with an SUV to be unveiled in \nSeptember this year.\n3. Global standards\nGeely Holding\u2019s SEA platform has been developed over the past three years at R&D centres in China, Sweden, the UK and Germany. When one mentions electric vehicle, the first car that comes to mind is a Tesla.\nThe chief engineer of the SEA platform, Mr Bovellan, said that Tesla shows few signs of weaknesses compared to SEA, which offers better interior space, refinement, build quality and cost of production.\nGeely Holding\u2019s SEA is of global standards thanks to meticulous engineering and design work. Construction of the vehicle is optimized, taking moving placement of the batteries for better legroom and shape of the roof for better headroom.\n4. High performance \nThe Zeekr 001 is the first product to utilize the SEA platform, categorised under SEA1 and SEA-Sport that covers E- and F-segment vehicles such as the Tesla Model S and Audi E-Tron. Ride and handling performance are greater importance in this segment, where price is also higher.\nDynamism is a key attribute in the Zeekr 001\nThe Zeekr 001 at its range-topping variant comes with front and rear motors set-up, as well as a large 100 kWh battery pack and suspended by fully variable air suspension. The two equally-sized motors deliver total outputs of \n544 hp\n and \n768 Nm\n registering a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just \n3.8 seconds \nwith a high speed of over 80 km/h registered for lane-change manoeuvre or the \u2018elk test\u2019.\nHigh torsional rigidity is also seen on the Zeekr\u2019s bodyshell, registering a figure of \n30,000 Nm/degree\n. Such a figure is similar to the previous generation Porsche 911. Battery swapping which is gaining popularity in China is however not included in the development objectives. Mr Bovellan said integrated battery structure is key to achieve high torsional rigidity and battery swapping also limits the dimension of the vehicle.\n5. Connectivity to allow fully autonomous driving\nThanks to the modular architecture of SEA, high levels of connectivity can be made into every new vehicle. The placement of all the environmental scanning and measuring devices already accounted for before production making planning and costing a lot more efficient.\nVehicles underpinned by SEA will have full autonomous driving capability by 2025, thanks to high levels of software and hardware integration. Over-the-air updates allow the vehicle equipped with the latest technology for efficient and smart driving.\nMass market vehicles entering the market quicker will also contribute to the reduction of transportation-based CO2 a lot quicker, thus, the Geely SEA platform could help many automakers expand faster and a lot cheaper.\nGALLERY\n2013 Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF"
"Subaru is gearing up for the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), hinting that there will be two concept models on display, the Forester STI and Impreza STI Concept Model. Developed in collaboration with Subaru Technica International (STI), the two concept models wear exclusive STI parts for enhanced aesthetic appeal and performance.\nThe Forester STI Concept Model is based on the top of the range e-BOXER Advance hybrid variant and gets spiced up with a Fighter Grey paint job, 19-inch multi-spoke aluminium wheels, Brembo front monoblock six-pot calipers and a more aggressive body kit. Subaru also hinted that the concept also gets a \u201cBordeaux\u201d interior with additional trims.\nThe Levorg takes a more motorsport-inspired approach with the introduction of performance enhancing STI parts including flexible tower bar, aerodynamic body kit and flexible draw stiffener. All these combined gives the car sharper handling and better stability at high speeds. It also wears a dual tone paint job, 19-inch BBS alloy wheels and a set of Recaro seats."
"Soon, the days of watching a kid in the car next to you jumping up and down, back and forth from the front seat to the back will be over after mandatory usage of child seats come into effect in 2020.\nPerodua is taking the lead in this initiative by offering GearUp ISOFIX child seats at promotional prices of RM660 (reduced from RM785) for the \nInfant Seat\n and RM780 (reduced from RM975) for the \nToddler Seat\n. The promo runs from 13th May to 30th of June 2019.\nThe Infant seat is designed for infants weighing up to \n13kg \nand is available in red or grey colours while the Toddler seat can accommodate children weighing from \n9kg to 36kg\n and is available in red or black.\n\u201cThe general lack of compliance by Malaysian motorists with regard to child car seat usage is frightening to say the least, as children are the most vulnerable occupants in a moving vehicle,\u201d said Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd Vice-President Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim, who is also Chairman of the Perodua Safety Committee.\nAside from the promotion, Perodua will also be conducting targeted educational and awareness campaigns throughout the month of Ramadan on the importance of safely strapping your kids into an appropriate seat.\nSpeaking of safety, have you checked out our \nreview video of the Perodua Aruz?\n\u201cAs a Malaysian carmaker, we feel it is our responsibility to educate our customers and the public on road safety. We understand that education is a long-term process, and we are committed to it,\u201d added Datuk Suhaimi.\nAside from the well-being of your children, Perodua is also encouraging owners to look into the health of their Perodua vehicles with a 50% off promo on labour charges with a minimum of RM170 spent before taxes, in a single receipt.\nThe offer is available at all authorised Perodua service centres nationwide on the 14th, 16th, 21st and 23rd of May (1-5pm), 27th till 31st May (8am-5pm) and 3rd June (8am-5pm)."
"Ever since Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) took over the distribution of Volkswagen cars in Malaysia in September 2016, the management\u2019s primary focus was to rebuild and revitalise the seemingly deteriorating brand image. Last year, VPCM kept their word by introducing a 5-Years manufacturer backed warranty on all new Volkswagen models as well as the DSG Goodwill programme.\nToday, VPCM is taking another step in improving the brand\u2019s sales and aftersales with the official launch of the Volkswagen Automotive Academy. Strategically located at the automotive hub of Klang Valley \u2013 Glenmarie, Shah Alam, the new Academy covers 14,117 square feet and is able to accommodate up to 150 trainees a day.\nWith a \n\u201csignificant investment\u201d\n, the academy is equipped with four work bays, two technical service centre, multipurpose hall, six individual classrooms and a variety of modern equipment. These tools and equipment are certified by \nVolkswagen AG\n and are specifically catered to the Malaysian market.\nAt the academy, Volkswagen dealers and personnel\u2019s will undergo intensive training on Volkswagen products and services taught by 13 dedicated training staff. After sales trainee will be taught on the subject of technical simulations, diagnostics, functions and parts system management. Sales trainee on the other hand will go through modules involving soft and hard sales skills.\nVPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, \u201cThe Volkswagen Automotive Academy was established with the mission to achieve excellent standards of quality education and create technical manpower of global standards with the capabilities of facing new challenges in the automotive industry. Having the Academy in place is one of the major steps VPCM is taking to uphold its philosophy to provide value-added, quality services to customers.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For many years the \nToyota Prius\n has been the undisputed leader in the Japanese domestic market. However, the first half of 2017 saw a different Toyota at the throne, and it\u2019s none other than the\u00a0\nToyota C-HR\n.\nSince its launch in 2016, the coupe-like compact crossover won the hearts and minds of Japanese buyers. And in the first six months of 2017, Toyota sold a record\u00a0\n79,303 units\n\u00a0of the C-HR, with approximately\u00a0\n13,168 units\n\u00a0shifted (highest in all six months) in April alone.   JDM\u00a0\nC-HR\n can be had with two choices of powertrain: the \n112 hp\n\u00a0\n1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine\n and the Prius-sourced\n 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle hybrid\u00a0mill\n.\u00a0The Toyota C-HR starts from\u00a0\n2,516,400 yen (approximately RM96k) \nfor the base 1.2-litre petrol to\n\u00a02,905,200 yen (approximately RM110k) \nfor the priciest hybrid variant. They all come packed with\u00a0\nToyota Safety Sense\n\u00a0as standard.\nCan\u2019t wait to get your hands on this hot subcompact crossover? It was just recently previewed at an event hosted by Carlist.my, but the bad news is we might need to wait till\u00a0\n2018\n\u00a0before it\u2019s officially introduced here. When it does, it will be locally assembled at UMW Toyota\u2019s \nnew RM2 billion production plant in Klang\n."
"While most of you have been suffering from a five-day holiday hangover, we were sent by Honda Malaysia on a road trip across Kuantan and Terengganu to spend some time behind the wheel to understand the merits of the newly launched \nJazz Hybrid\n and \nCity Hybrid\n.\nAs Malaysia is the \nfirst country\n outside of Japan to have received the Sport Hybrid i-DCD Jazz and City, here\u2019s 5 legitimate reasons to consider jumping on the Sport Hybrid bandwagon!\n1. Suspension & Structural Upgrades\nWith an additional\u00a0\n69 kg of weight increase\u00a0\nagainst the City\u2019s petrol-powered variants contributed by the new Lithium-Ion battery, electric motor, electric air-condition compressor and electric brake servo system, it can adversely affect the handling and ride comfort. As such the \ndiameter of rear dampers\n in the City Hybrid in particular had been increased to improve damping and shock absorption.\nAs the rear seats of the City allows for 60:40 split folding, its rear frame has also been strengthened for improved rigidity. Other areas in the City Hybrid which have also been strengthened are the \nA-pillars\n with\u00a0\nPerformance connecting rods\n in the rear end that\u2019s exclusive only to i-DCD Hybrid models. As a result, spring and damping efficiency has been claimed to have improved by \n12% and 24%\n.\n2. Battery Replacement Costs & Warranty\nAs with all Hybrid vehicles, cost of battery replacements, if needed, can be frightening and has been a legitimate concern for those looking to jump on the bandwagon. Addressing this, both the Sport Hybrid models come with an\n 8-year warranty with Unlimited Warranty\n for the new Lithium-Ion batteries.\nIt replaces the previous Nickel batteries and cost only \nRM 5,513\n to replace excluding GST and labour cost as compared to its competitor from Korea-land. These batteries are also \nlighter and 20% more compact\n compared to its Nickel predecessors with almost \ntwice as much output\n.\n3. Slick & Smooth Performance \u00a0\nTogether with a high powered electric motor, producing 22kw (30hp) and 1.8 times more torque compare to the previous IMA system, the \ncombined output\n is now doubled with 137 hp and 170Nm of torque \u2013 figures comparable to a 1.8-litre engine.\nCombined with its \nShift-by-Wire 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission\n that provides seamless power delivery and quick shifts without noticeable drop in power complemented with a \n12% increase\n in steering gear ratio not only ensures that both the Sport Hybrids maintain its energy efficiency but at the same time retains the vehicle\u2019s nimble driving characteristic.\nIt\u2019s new \nElectric Servo Brake\n system not only allows for greater battery recharge rate when braking but also ensures optimum braking performance at all times, even after prolonged use. Optimising the clutch to kick start the engine, the auto stop-start system has been refined to \neliminate all vibrations\n usually associated with hybrid vehicles upon setting off from standstill.\n4. Improved Comfort & NVH\nWith higher output batteries and a new \nfully electric driven air-condition compressor\n, not only is engine strain reduced, cabin temperature can also be lowered by up to \n4-Celsius\n\u00a0as opposed to the previous Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) models as it delivers the same \u201ccooling intensity\u201d even after the engine is cut off as the auto stop-start system is activated.\nThe City Hybrid\u2019s Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) have also been significantly improved with a new \nhigh density dashboard insulator\n alongside other standard insulation in various key areas of the vehicles including the doors, outer dashboard and the floor.\n5. Durability\nIt is claimed that the battery is\u00a0\ndesigned to last the car\u2019s\n\u00a0\nlifetime \u2013\u00a0\na bold claim but seeing as Honda\u2019s do last forever, its batteries technically shouldn\u2019t be a cause for concern. The Sport Hybrids have also gone through \n1.5 times more endurance testing\n than its Japanese counterparts to ensure that it excels on our unforgiving driving conditions and weather. The i-DCD transmission had also underwent \n7,000 km of testing over 2 years\n\u00a0on various Malaysian roads to adapt to our local driving conditions.\nAs of June 2017, over 865,000 units of the Sports Hybrid i-DCD had been sold in Japan alone with over 256,565 units of the Jazz (Fit) Hybrids sold since September 2013. You\u2019d also be relieved to know that the battery replacement ratio is\u00a0\nas low as 0.103%\nIt\u2019s vital to note that the maintenance and service cost for the Sport Hybrid i-DCD is similar to non-hybrid cars.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover, through its authorised dealer and service provider Sisma Auto Sdn Bhd, have just opened the doors to their new 3S centre in Glenmarie.\nIt is their second major showroom launched within a year, shortly after the Menara Worldwide centre\u2019s grand opening which was jointly launched with the \nF-Type coupes\n. This time around, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has again previewed the soon-to-come \nDiscovery Sport\n.   The new centre has a total build up area of \n25,000 square feet\n and features \n16 working bays\n, including an interactive bay. It is twice the size of the previous showroom and will accommodate all of the brand\u2019s latest offerings.\nThere\u2019s also a sophisticated \nCorghi Blue Light Laser Wheel Alignment equipment\n \u2013 one of two of its kind in Malaysia. Besides that, they also house major vehicle repair and maintenance services, namely mechanical and electrical systems, steel aluminium body and paint works, air-conditioning systems and also, auto detailing.\nTo complement repairing and maintenance work, the service centre is also equipped with \n500 special tools\n and diagnostic equipment unique to both brands. Customers, while waiting for their cars to be serviced, can make full use of the facility\u2019s massage chairs, entertainment lounge and brew their own premium blend of coffee and tea.\nSisma Auto\u2019s expansion plan is in line with supporting the brand\u2019s growing range of offering, including the \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n, new \nJaguar XF\n, \nXE\n and F-Pace models. The new 3S Centre is located adjacent to its existing facility at Temasya Industrial Park, directly opposite the DRB-Hicom building.   The company also revealed its plans to invest up to \nRM20 million\n in a new 3S Centre in Penang, catering to the Northern region.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan has just announced that it\u2019ll be unveiling a new \nGT-R\n model, specifically for the Japanese domestic market, tomorrow at 1.30 pm MYT.\nBefore anyone gets too excited, though, we need to mention that this \u201cnew\u201d GT-R is likely just another version of the current R35 model, with several styling tweaks or added features, like the recently-launched \n2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo\n.\n \nWe know, disappointing. The R-35 Nissan GT-R was first launched way back in 2007, and over the years, it\u2019s received a couple of styling tweaks and performance updates (with the last major update being in 2016) \u2013 but the car is still essentially, undoubtedly the same car we first saw nearly 15 years ago now.\nIn its current form, the Nissan GT-R is powered by a hand-built twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine that makes \n572 hp\n and \n633 Nm\n of torque \u2013 a significant upgrade from the 492 hp/588 Nm of the first iteration.\nThere\u2019s also a more powerful \u201cNismo\u201d version as we mentioned above, which boosts the output up to \n600 hp\n and \n652 Nm\n, translating to a 0-100 km/h time of \n2.8 seconds\n.\nCheck out the 2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo in more detail here! \n \n2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo\n.\nHowever, there were \nrumours\n recently about Nissan breaking out of its mould for the latest (last?) GT-R, suggesting the use of a mild-hybrid powertrain (with up to 600 hp/883 Nm) to send off the R35 generation.\nA separate rumour also suggests that we might even see the 720 hp powertrain from \nItaldesign\u2019s GT-R50\n on the model\u2019s swansong model \u2013 although, with the \namount of work\n required to push out that much more power (plus the fact that the GT-R50 costs nearly 1 million Euros), we think that this is the least likely scenario of all.\nIn related news, a Nissan GT-R R34 was listed for sale in Malaysia for a whopping RM2 million. Will the R35 enjoy the same clout in the future?\nEither way, this \u201cnew\u201d Nissan GT-R will likely be one of, if not the last model of the R35 generation \u2013 or we hope, at least. Catch the livestream of the reveal yourself at the YouTube link above.\n[Source: Nissan via \nCarscoops\n]"
"Proton recently announced their sales performance for the first seven months of 2019 and despite \nshifting over 17,000 units of the Proton X70\n, it is still not the most popular SUV in Malaysia.\nThe Perodua Aruz edges\nthe X70, claiming the title with 17,989 units delivered to customers since the\nstart of the year. Due to its popular demand, Perodua has ramped up production for\nthe Aruz to cut down the waiting period from 2-2.5 months to 1-1.5 months.\n \nPerodua President and CEO,\nDato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad said: \u201cWe continue to focus on quality and delivery\nas our customers comes first. We thank you for your continued and strong\nsupport which has led to the Aruz being the most popular SUV in Malaysia \u2013 this\nis truly an important milestone for us.\u201d\nOn 17 July, Perodua announced\nthat it will increase its sales target from the initial 231,000 units to\n235,000 units. Dato\u2019 Zainal also added that Perodua is on track to meet the\ntarget by year-end as the company is facing strong demand for all its current\nmodels."
"There\u2019s no better way to describe the \nKia Picanto\n but to call it cheap and cheerful \u2013 cheap to acquire and cheerful to drive.\nWith just over 80 hp, it may not break land speed records, perhaps not even speed limits but it will break that barrier through to your heart with its zippyness.\n \nNaza Kia Malaysia already introduced a more pepped up version of the \nPicanto launched last year\n with the \nGT Line\n that comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking and a sunroof so for those of you considering the latter, here\u2019s a little food for thought on the Picanto as they\u2019re essentially the same car but with bigger wheels and a sportier exterior."
"Having previously announced that the \nTiggo 8 Pro\n and \nOmoda 5\n are earmarked for our market,\n Chery\n has now confirmed that the Tiggo 7 Pro will also be launched here in Malaysia. The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, together with the seven-seater Tiggo 8 Pro, will enter the C-segment market here in Malaysia, challenging the \nProton X70\n, \nHonda CR-V\n, and the \nVolkswagen Tiguan Allspace\n (for the Tiggo 8) head-on.\nMuch like its (slightly) larger brother, the Tiggo 7 Pro also comes with Chery\u2019s latest modern design language, dubbed \u201cMovement Design\u201d. The styling is characterised by its \u201cgalaxy-inspired geometric matrix diamond\u201d grille, with three-dimensional diamond pins that has now become a hallmark feature for the marque\u2019s \u201cPro\u201d line-up.\nOther exterior highlights include the slim adaptive LED headlights, T-shaped LED daytime-running lights and fog lights assembly on the bumper, full-width LED tail lights, floating roof, and wheel sizes ranging from 17- to 19-inches in diameter.\nRELATED: Chery returns to Indonesia, to become new base for ASEAN exports\nThe modern exterior is also paired to a futuristic yet luxurious interior design \u2013 enough to fool you into believing it\u2019s from a premium German brand if not for the emblem on the steering wheel! In the latest and more premium model dubbed the Tiggo 7 Plus (pictured) in China, it even comes with a twin 12.3-inch display set-up \u2013 almost reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz MBUX system!\nWe\u2019re not sure if we will eventually get the Plus\u2019 interior set-up here in Malaysia, but either way, the Tiggo 7 Pro will still be fairly well equipped for its class, with standard features in its home market including power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control with an ioniser and air quality sensor, a \u201ccloud-based\u201d infotainment system over-the-air software updates, a panoramic sunroof, and a Sony eight-speaker sound system.\nSafety kit is not discounted here either, as the Tiggo 7 Pro is also offered with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep and lane centring assist, blind-spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, park assist, and automatic high-beam.\nAs for the mechanicals, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro in China is offered with two engine options; the first is a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four with \n150 hp\n and\n 230 Nm\n, and the other a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injected four-banger that makes \n197 hp\n and \n290 Nm\n.\nDrive is sent to the front wheels in both variants, but the 1.5-litre version gets a nine-virtual ratio CVT gearbox, while the more powerful 1.6-litre engine gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for a sportier driving experience."
"It\u2019s a battle of the heavyweights in their own right; in one corner you have the electric-powered Tesla Model X and on the other is the fuel-guzzling monstrosity of a Hummer H2.\nBoth are equipped with studded tyres for a surface most would struggle to find grip standing still. While it\u2019s expected that the Hummer H2 would prevail effortlessly in the three rounds of tug of war, you\u2019d be surprised how the Tesla Model X fared in the final run.\nMost of you should be aware that weight is an important factor when it comes to putting down traction and on that note, the Tesla weighs \n2,600 kgs\n while the Hummer surpasses the three tonne mark at \n3,200 kgs\n.\nBoth are equipped with all-wheel drive but this is where the Tesla prevails. Benefiting from pure electric power, the Model X produces \n670 hp\n with \n970 Nm\n of torque while the H2 makes a measly \n321 hp\n with\n 488 Nm\n of torque in comparison.\nWho would prevail? The \u201clighter\u201d but more powerful Tesla or the \u201cunderpowered\u201d but significantly heavier Hummer?\nSource: \nYouTube"
"Firstly, the new Peugeot 308 is now priced at RM 129,888 on-the-road without insurance and this includes a 5-year or 120,000 km warranty along with 3-years 24-hour Peugeot Assistance.\nPerformance wise, it\u2019s got a 15 hp bump up to \n167 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque \u2013 feeding power to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Quickshift Technology as before.\nAesthetically, the revisions have been noticeable with redesigned bumpers, front bonnet and the relocated Lion badge that now sits on the slightly re-positioned front grille. Elsewhere, the 308 retains the 18-inch wheel design from before.\nInside, you\u2019ll find a 9.7-inch HD touchscreen display with capacitive touch on the raised centre console, along with Mirrorlink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Gone are the panoramic sunroof and massage functions.\nThe car is now 140 kg lighter, with a lower centre of gravity for better stability. Safety wise, you can count on the six airbags, ABS with EBD and Hill Start Assist features to name a few but what\u2019s missing is the Driver Assistance Pack in the previous model, which offers adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking.\nAvailable in Pearl White, Ultimate Red, Artense Grey, Magnetic Blue and Nera Black, the new Peugeot 308 THP is available for viewing from today until 28th October 2018 at the 1 Utama New Wing alongside other Peugeot models like the new 308 GTi, 3008 SUV, 5008 SUV and 208 Puretech.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We are less than two weeks away from the arrival of the new Volkswagen Vento \u2013 a model formerly known as the Polo Sedan. Instead of the one-trim only Polo Sedan, Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) will offer three variants of the Vento.\nThe trio (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline) will be priced between RM80,000 to RM90,000. Powertrain choices now include a new\n 1.2-litre turbocharged engine\n (Highline only), and this \n104 horsepower\n and \n175 Nm\n of torque four banger will be paired to a \nseven-speed dry dual clutch transmission\n.\nThe Trendline and Comfortline will soldier on with the \noutgoing 1.6-litre MPI engine\n with a \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox driving the front wheels. Volkswagen prides the Vento Highline for its non-compromity in the safety aspects, boasting a \n5-Star ASEAN NCAP\n \naward\n thanks to four airbags, Electronic Stability Control, ABS, Intelligent Crash Response System and Isofix anchors.\nAs you would have noticed, the tail lamps now feature LED modules, unlike the bulb-type reflectors seen in the locally assembled Polo Sedan. VGM is now taking orders for the Vento ahead of its Malaysian debut on 19 May, so stay tuned for the full report!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Unveiled alongside the all-new \nTesla Roadster\n is this hilariously-shaped truck called Semi. The new truck is said to deliver a better and safer driving experience for truck drivers as well as significantly reducing the cost of cargo transport compared to a regular diesel-powered truck.\nAs expected from Tesla, the forward-thinking carmaker has fitted the Semi with four electric motors on the rear axle, capable of propelling the unloaded truck from 0 to 96 km/h in just \n5 seconds\n. Fully loaded with 3.6 tonnes and the Semi would still able to get to 96 km/h in an astonishing \n20 seconds\n.   Thanks to a 200-kWh battery pack, the Semi is capable of covering \n800 km\n in a single charge. Tesla claims that 80 per cent of freight in the U.S. is covered in less than 400 km which makes the Semi a highly feasible product. However, when plugged into new high-speed Megachargers, it will only take 30 minutes to give the battery pack 80 per cent of juice which roughly translates to 640 km.\nIts superior range is not only achieved through a large capacity battery pack, but also through its design along with a host of high-tech wizardry like regenerative braking and negative torque. Its unique design gives an astonishing drag coefficient of \n0.36\n \u2013 half the average value of regular trucks. Elon Musk also cheekily compared his latest creation to the \nBugatti Chiron\n, which by the way has a drag coefficient of \n0.38\n.\nLike with every Tesla vehicle, the Semi also boast high-levels of safety thanks to its \nEnhanced Autopilot system\n which bundles Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Lane Keeping, Lane Departure Warning and event recording. The Semi can also autonomously travel in a convoy, where one or several Semi trucks will be able to follow a lead Semi.\nProduction of the Semi will start in 2019 and interested parties can put a US$5,000 deposit down per truck. Tesla estimates that compared to a regular diesel truck over one million miles, the Tesla Semi will save owners up to US$200,000 (RM8.3 million).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been some time since we last saw a BFGoodrich tyre on the shelves now, hasn\u2019t it? Effective today, the American tyre manufacturer makes its official reentry into Malaysia with three tyres \u2013 Advantage T/A Drive, Advantage T/A SUV and All-Terrain T/A KO2.\nThe Advantage series is catered predominantly for road-going cars, whereas the KO2 is designed specifically for off-road purposes. The Advantage T/A Drive is designed for small to large passenger cars with tyre sizes ranging from \n13 to 17 inches\n. For SUVs, BFGoodrich is offering the Advantage series in sizes varying from \n15 to 18 inches\n. Pricing of the Advantage series has yet to be confirmed, but we were told that it will cost between \nRM100 to RM550 per piece\n.   Those looking for some serious off-road rubbers will find their prayers answered here with the All-Terrain T/A KO2. It is BFGoodrich\u2019s most advanced off-road tyres and has several good credentials to back that claim as well. It is the first consumer tyre to incorporate the company\u2019s race-proven and race-winning CoreGard technology which makes the rubber compound tougher. As a result, its sidewalls are\n 20 percent tougher\n, making it more resistant to all kinds of off-roading hazards.\nBesides being tougher, it also lasts longer on both asphalt (two times more tread life) and gravel surfaces (15 percent more tread life). Thanks to its patented \u2018interlocking tread\u2019 design, the KO2 tyres are 10 percent grippier on muddy surfaces. These improvements are measured and benchmarked against their previous generation KO tyre.   The T/A KO2 tyres are directly imported from the United States and are\u00a0\npriced from RM1,000\n onwards. The Advantage series tyres on the other hand, are sourced from Thailand. These tyres can be purchased at all authorised TYREPLUS or Michelin dealerships nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Formula 1 season opener is set to take place this 25th March in Melbourne, Australia and Red Bull has paired up two of its most prominent drivers, Daniel Ricciardo, of Red Bull Racing F1 Team and drifter \u201cMad\u201d Mike Whiddet in a\u00a0Mazda 26B-TT MX5 \u2018RADBUL\u2019 drift machine.\n Watch the video here\n.\nHaving spent four seasons with the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team, consistently drinking champagne out of his shoes with every podium finish, Ricciardo finished 3rd overall twice in recent F1 seasons and will no doubt be a force to reckon with not just within the team, against youngster Max Verstappen, but also amongst the competitive grid.\n\u201cMad\u201d Mike Whiddet on the other hand, has been the talk of the drift scene for years now. Known for strictly drifting with rotary-powered Mazdas, Mad Mike\u2019s exploits on-track has been as impressive as his wildly spectacular stunts off-track.\nThe beast that both drivers rode on is none other than the infamous NC Mazda MX-5 with a 2.6-litre four-rotor rotary engine, strapped with two oversized turbochargers and tuned to produce more than \n1,200 hp\n.\nCredit: \nRed Bull"
"It\u2019s been almost a decade since the Lexus LFA debuted \u2013 to the warm reception of the automotive community \u2013 and suffice to say, time has not dulled the lustre of this magnificent piece of machinery.\nWhat you\u2019re seeing here is the \nLFA \u201cNurburgring Edition\u201d\n with 10 more hp than the standard car at \n571 hp\n and just under \n500 Nm\n of torque from a 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine. With launch control, the LFA will get from 0 to 100 km/h around the 3.6 seconds region.\nThe \u201cNurburgring Edition\u201d received reworked suspension, lighter wheels, more aerodynamic aids including a fixed rear wing, canards on the front bumper and a carbon fibre front lip. Production of the \u201cNurburgring Edition\u201d was limited to just 50 units, and was part of the exclusive 500 unit LFA club.\n \nWhen it was revealed, the LFA not only drew attention unto itself with its spaceship-like appearance but was also famously known to be sold at lesser than what it cost Lexus to develop, according to Top Gear.\nThe wail of its V10 engine, which was co-developed with Yamaha, and how quickly the engine revs were perhaps the other amusement factors of the LFA. Apparently, because of how lively the engine was, Lexus had to opt for digital rev meters as analog units just couldn\u2019t cope with the speed of the V10.\nGALLERY"
"The \nsecond-generation Nissan Leaf\n underwent the Euro NCAP Crash Test recently and was awarded with the maximum 5-star safety rating by the organisation. The new Leaf was commended in particular for its strong body structure that gave the occupants high levels of protection in critical areas.\nIn the \u201cAdult Occupant\u201d segment, the Leaf scored a remarkable overall rating of 93 per cent. However, most notably, the all-electric hatchback scored full marks in the side barrier and side pole impact tests. The Leaf also scored well in the \u201cChild Occupant\u201d category with a final score of 86 per cent.\nIn Europe, the Leaf is equipped with Nissan\u2019s \nProPilot\n semi-autonomous driving\n technologies \nas standard\n which performed reliably in all situations required by Euro NCAP. The above average final score of 71 per cent was attributed to the lack of rear seatbelt reminders and a Lane Keep Assist system that does not switch on by default at startup.\nCloser to home, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has confirmed that the \nnew Nissan Leaf will be available in Malaysia in 2018\n. Hopefully, when the \u201c\nL\neading, \nE\nnvironmentally friendly, \nA\nffordable \nF\namily car\u201d arrives here, Malaysians will finally have a taste of Nissan\u2019s ProPilot technologies.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Toyota pulled the wraps off the world\u2019s\u00a0first hybrid flexible-fuel vehicle (Hybrid FFV) in Brazil recently in the hopes of popularising Hybrid Electric Vehicles in the country.\nThe prototype, based on a Toyota Prius, is the combination of a flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) that can be powered by both gasoline and alternative fuels such as ethanol and Toyota\u2019s famous hybrid system which combines a combustion engine and an electrical powertrain.\nThe Hybrid FFV is a new powertrain system that\u00a0has the potential to drastically reduce total CO\n2\n\u00a0emissions as it is built on Toyota\u2019s hybrid system with high energy efficiency and low emission levels and it also leverages the CO\n2\n\u00a0reabsorption capacity of ethanol, a plant-derived 100% renewable fuel.\nToyota\u2019s initial studies indicate that Hybrid FFV has a great advantage in environmental performance compared to a standard FFV, when considering C02 emissions from \n\u201cwell-to-wheel\u201d as Mazda would call it\n. If it is fueled only by sugarcane-based ethanol (E100 fuel), the results are even better.\nEthanol is commonly made from biomass such as corn or sugarcane and the first production car to run entirely on ethanol was the Fiat 147. Aside from producing the most number of top football players, Brazil is also known to be among the world\u2019s top producers of ethanol-blended fuel; a commodity that\u2019s widely used in Brazil."
"Top speed world records are a big deal; car manufacturers spend an exorbitant amount of money and time to chase these records, and conversely (some) people spend their hard-earned money to buy these cars based on their record breaking figures. So naturally, when SSC posted the full video for the \nTuatara VMax record run\n, you know that it will be put under the microscope by peering eyes.\nThe high-speed run was incredible to watch to say the least, thanks to its 360-degree camera angle giving you a surreal representation of speed inside the car. However, upon closer scrutiny, there seems to be a few contradictions that raises questions on the genuineness of the attempt. In fact, multiple prominent YouTube personalities have taken to the platform to voice their concerns.\n \nThe first video that really sparked the conversation was from Tim Burton of Shmee150. By doing some basic calculations based on the time it took for the SSC Tuatara to travel between two points of a known distance on Nevada\u2019s Highway 160, he was able to work out the theoretical average speed estimates of the car \u2013 which were significantly lower than the speed claimed to be achieved by the car \u2013 we\u2019re talking a delta of at least 20 km/h to 160 km/h here.\nThis video below by Misha Charoudin (who you might recall, was on board the \nBugatti Chiron Pur Sport\u2019s Nurburgring lap\n) presents the data and calculations in more detail if you\u2019re interested:\n \nThe speed calculations from the method above also coincides with the visual analysis using the painted white lines, which are painted exactly to spec in the United States \u2013 3 metres (10 feet) of white line, followed by a 9-metre (30 feet) gap.\nAnd that\u2019s not all; by using the gear ratio specifications of the exact gearbox model published on the SSC North America website (the record is for the world\u2019s fastest production vehicle, which means that it has to be the same car that is being sold to the public), cross referenced with the tyre specifications from the press images and engine speed from the dashboard, they were also able to deduce the speed of the vehicle during the run. And what do you know \u2013 the calculated speeds resembles too closely to those derived from the visual calculations above for it to be a coincidence.\nIn an \ninterview with YouTube channel Life of Palos\n, driver Oliver Webb also revealed that the SSC Tuatara maintained sixth gear during its high-speed run \u2013 which when based on available data, suggests that it is physically impossible for the car to reach 331 mph (533 km/h) without the engine being blown to shreds.\nIf the above methods are still not enough for you to doubt the world record attempt, then perhaps \nthis video\n will. By pitting the SSC Tuatara\u2019s VMax run against that of the \nKoenigsegg Agera RS\n, it\u2019s evident that despite showing significant higher speeds on the GPS tracker, the Tuatara still took a longer time to reach specified points on the road.\nThere are many other details that raises more suspicion to the entire matter too, such as the blurred-out speed readings on the dashboard, no back-up GPS systems for validation, and not to mention the fact that SSC North America disabled comments on their social media pages after people started questioning the world record attempt.\nNow, we\u2019re not saying that SSC definitely faked the Tuatara\u2019s record-breaking attempt. These calculations are based off of observable data points from the video after all, and not based on actual data figures extracted from the car, GPS tracker, or on-site measurements. There are just too many unknown variables to mark this as the true definitive answer.\nThe video could also be a reenactment of events, or from a different (slower) run, overlaid with the record-breaking telemetry data. However, presenting a reenacted video as truth does still leave a bad taste in our mouths, especially since it is so heavily publicised as the \u201cofficial footage\u201d of the record breaking run.\nFollowing the widespread speculation across social medias, SSC Founder Jerod Shelby released a statement today saying that the data from the record-breaking run have already been validated by Dewetron, the manufacturer of the GPS tracking device \u2013 which basically meant that unless Dewetron made a huge blunder, SSC will be standing by its numbers and claims.\nHowever, Shelby made no points in the statement to directly rebut the anomalies uncovered on YouTube, leaving most fans unsatisfied with the response. It remains to be seen if any data logs will be made available to the public following the outrage, but we\u2019ll keep you posted if there are any developments from the parties involved in the record-breaking attempt."
"Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has finally confirmed the arrival of the much-rumoured souped-up Toyota GR Yaris and from the teaser image, it does look menacing! The motorsports arm of Toyota will officially reveal the model and more at this year\u2019s Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) 2022.\nThis year\u2019s exhibition will also feature the world premiere of the GR GT3 Concept, a racing-dedicated concept car that incorporates the knowledge and refined technologies TGR has gained in the field of motorsports.\nThe GR GT3 Concept is a bit of a shocker, as both the front and rear designs do not have any resemblance to the \nToyota GR Supra\n that was originally earmarked for global FIA GT3 racing. In fact, the swooping tail heavily reminds us of the \nMercedes AMG GT\n sports car. All GT3 racing cars are modified racing versions of their road-going counterparts, as such, is Toyota previewing a new sports car via this GT3 Concept? \u00a0\nThe Toyota GR Yaris has won many praises. We took it to Sepang track with five other big names (and horsepower) and still received everyone\u2019s approval for ABC2021\nMeanwhile, the fully tuned Toyota GR Yaris looks set to be fitted with a very prominent rear spoiler with swan-neck mounting and what seems to be a carbon-fibre bonnet with a ventilation outlet. Toyota will enter the GR Yaris from this year\u2019s World Rally Championship (WRC) which also debuts the \nhybrid powertrain\n system in the Rally1 category. \u00a0\nApart from these new vehicles as well as the WEC Championship winning GR010 Hybrid machine, Toyota Gazoo Racing will also display some parts from the 2022 line-up of GR \nHeritage Parts\n plus the usual range of Super GT\u2019s GT500 machines. The TAS 2022 will run from 14th to 16th January."
"Need a little push on getting that AWD\n Subaru Forester\n? There\u2019s a solid reason now as TC Subaru, distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia has announced the new \n\u201cDrive Now, Pay Later\u201d \nprogramme.\nThe programme was launched in collaboration with Maybank and is exclusive to the bank\u2019s customers.\n\u00a0TC Subaru launches online booking service for XV and Forester. Check it out here!\nThere are a total of six variants for the all-wheel drive SUV, ranging from the GT Lite Edition at RM 163,788 to the Forester 2.0i-S Eyesight GT Edition priced at RM177,788. The on-going campaign ends on the 31st December 2021.\nSubaru Forester facelift revealed in Japan \u2013 what happened to those \u201ceyes\u201d? Check it out here!\nFollowing are the different variants of the Forester:\n\u2022 2.0i-L GT Lite Edition\n\u2022 2.0i-S\n\u2022 2.0i-S GT Lite Edition\n\u2022 2.0i-S Eyesight\n\u2022 2.0i-S Eyesight GT Lite Edition\n\u2022 F2.0i-S Eyesight GT Edition\n \nEligible customers will not need to pay their loan installments for \n15 months\n upon receiving their new SUV. The promotion with Maybank is based on a\u00a0fixed monthly instalment amount\u00a0throughout the agreed loan tenure with the bank. Customers would only need to start paying the fixed monthly instalment from the 16\nth\n\u00a0month onwards.\nEach Forester bought through the campaign comes with a 5-year warranty and a complimentary Subaru Eco Sterilising In-Cabin 3D spray service worth RM1,200.\nCustomers who purchase a new Forester can trade-in their old vehicles through TC Subaru\u2019s Special Trade-In Assist programme for added value. The campaign applies to selected model year units, while stocks last.\nVideo: Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition \u2013 Five Things You Need To Know. Watch it here!"
"Think the 2022 \nPerodua Myvi facelift\n looks just a bit too tame for a \u201csupercar\u201d? Good news \u2013 the national carmaker will be offering a new extended range of GearUp accessories for the B-segment hatchback soon, and is now offering us our first glimpse at the souped-up body kit through a teaser video on its YouTube channel.\nUnlike past years or the \nother recent models\n, Perodua did not introduce the GearUp body kit alongside the car during its launch late last year, instead opting to wait for nearly five months to finally give us a first look at the getup. Worth the wait? You decide!\n \nBased on the footage, it seems like the national carmaker is aiming for something very aggressive for the Myvi\u2019s GearUp kit in order to appease the younger buying crowd. The front bumper of the bodykit is dominated by the new chunky gloss-black panels on the sides, while the existing diagonal X-shaped motif is also further highlighted with the boomerang-like fangs.\nFrom what we can see, there also seems to be a gloss black front splitter, bookended by body-coloured skirtings on the sides. \u201cAngry\u201d is one way to put the new look, we think!\nRELATED: A new Bumblebee has arrived, appearing as the Perodua Ativa!\nHere\u2019s the standard un-kitted 2022 Perodua Myvi for comparison.\nWhile the official teaser video only shows the front of the car, prior leaks on the interwebs have also revealed a new rear wing at the back with two longer extensions nearer to the sides, a new rear bumper with extended skirting and a diffuser-look trim, plus a two-tone side skirts.\nThe new GearUp bodykit will be sold in conjunction with the myriad of branded accessories, including fancier floor mats, door sill plates, leather seat covers, as well as visors for the windows.\nIn terms of availability, Perodua\u2019s Facebook post says that the GearUp kit will be coming \u201csoon\u201d to all authorised showrooms nationwide, but stopped short on a firm launch date. Do you prefer the Myvi with the GearUp kit, or are you in the camp of \u201cless is more\u201d? Let us know in the comments below!"
"In line with the recent trend of digitalisation, Honda Malaysia has announced that its latest line of Honda merchandise, dubbed the \nTEI series\n, is now available to purchase on the Shopee e-commerce platform.\nThe TEI series (which represents Trust, Equality and Individuality), \nunveiled in March this year\n, consists of 21 unique items in four collections \u2013 Corporate, Lifestyle, Activewear, and Travel.\nTo celebrate the launch of the Honda Malaysia Official Store on Shopee, the company will be organising a one-day only \u201cfive-pronged attractive deals\u201d sales event this Saturday, 25 July. Customers will enjoy RM10 storewide vouchers, Shopee Coins cashback vouchers, 10% shocking sales, 10% mall sales, and RM7 deals (llimited stock, first come first serve) for the following items:\nCrossbody Bag\n30-inch umbrella\nKey ring and key pouch set\nCap\nShoe bag\nCollapsible water bottle\nUnisex hoodie (size M)\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, the TEI series has been well-received by Honda fans in the country, with an 18% increase in sales in its first month since introduction when compared to the previous merchandise line-up. The most popular items in the series come from the Lifestyle collection, which contributed 46% of the total merchandise sales.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cWe are delighted to expand our line of Honda Official Merchandise on Shopee, making it readily available to everyone especially the digital savvy customers who prefer online shopping.\n\u201cWe are confident that Malaysians will appreciate the convenience of shopping at their fingertips, especially in this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic where digitalisation has been greatly accelerated,\u201d added Ishiyama.\u00a0\nYou can find the Honda Malaysia Official Shopee Store \nhere (hondamalaysia.os)\n. For the full list of available merchandises, check out our write up \nhere\n."
"Toyota has just added a new variant to the GT 86 line up called the GT Limited Black Package. It gets minor revision to its handling, exterior finish and interior design. Unfortunately, the enhanced GT 86 did not get any power bump.\nThe entire GT 86 range now benefits from a retuned suspension that gives the car a more rigid and direct steering feel. It however, remains powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection boxer-engine that outputs \n197 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to the rear-wheels via a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.\nOn the GT Limited Black Package, it gets a Solid Grey paintjob with black contrasted side mirrors and rear spoiler. Brembo red-painted callipers comes as standard on this variant but lower-grade variants can have them as an option. It rides on a set of \nexclusive 17-inch 10-spoke aluminium alloys\n wrapped in 215/45 profile tyre.\nInside, manual variants of the GT Limited Black Package get fine-leather wrapped GT \u201cLimited\u201d branded shift knob for better grip and texture. Two-tone interior (Red on Black) is standard fitment. Order books for the limited production GT 86 are now open with an asking price of \u00a53.3 million (RM125k) for the manual-equipped model. Production will commence in February 2018 and will be produced in limited numbers only."
"Alongside the launch of the \nBMW X3 M Competition\n, as well as the \nBMW M8 Coupe\n and \nGran Coupe\n, BMW Malaysia today also introduced the X4 M over here in Malaysia, available solely in the Competition flavour.\nThe BMW X4 M Competition is priced at \nRM904,276.60\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of \nSST exemptions\n. With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the X4 M Competition can be yours starting at RM10,318 per month.\n \nPOWERTRAIN\nUnder the hood of the BMW X4 M Competition is the same engine found in the \nX3 M\n, the S58 three-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. The new powertrain will also be featured in the forthcoming \nBMW M3\n and \nM4\n, due for its global debut next month.\nEngine: S58 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo straight-six\nTransmission: Eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic\nDrivetrain: M xDrive all-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 510 hp @ 6,250 RPM\nMax torque: 600 Nm @ 2,600 \u2013 5,950 RPM\n0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nJust like its more upright twin, the X4 M Competition features additional M Performance Parts to deliver an enjoyable driving experience, even on a car of its weight and height. These include three Drivelogic transmission modes (Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus), adaptive dampers, engine compartment strut brace and stiffer stabilisers, as well as M Compound Brakes made from composite materials for extra weight reduction and improved stopping power.\nPower is sent to all four wheels via the M-specific xDrive all-wheel drive system and Active M Differential, which can send most of its power to the rear wheels in Sports mode. In Conventional mode, power is distributed variably depending on grip levels and requirements.\nEXTERIOR\nBefitting its M badge, the X4 M Competition is also dressed-up appropriately with more aggressive front and rear aprons, the former featuring hexagonal air intakes that channels air over to the front brakes. At the back, the X4 M comes with a slim diffuser finished in high-gloss black, along with an \u201caerodynamic spoiler\u201d, also finished in black.\nOtherwise, the exterior equipment list is identical to that of the X3 M Competition, which includes:\nAdaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant\nLED taillights\n21-inch bicolour M light alloy wheels\nM Sport exhaust system with quad black chrome tailpipes\nBlack kidney grille surrounds, side gills, wing mirror caps\nExterior colour choices: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey, Toronto Red\nINTERIOR \nSimilarly, the cabin of the BMW X4 M Competition has also been spruced up with a myriad of BMW M-specific touches for the complete M experience, such as:\nM Sport seats with illuminated M badge, active seat ventilation, and lumbar support\nPremium Leather Merino upholstery with BMW M colours decorative seams\nM leather steering wheel with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, red push-start button\nRedesigned M gear selector lever\nM seatbelts, pedals, and knee pad\nM-specific instrument cluster\nHead-up display with M-specific display modes\n10.25-inch Control Display infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity, Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW Gesture Control\nM door sill plates\nInterior trim finishers in carbon fibre\nLuggage capacity on the X4 M Competition also remains identical to the\n \nregular BMW X4\n, with a rear cargo space of 525 litres, expandable to 1,430 litres with the rear seats folded down.\nDepending on which exterior colour is chosen, the new BMW X4 M Competition can be specified with either Black, Sakhir Orange, or Adelaide Grey for its Leather Merino interior upholstery.\nSAFETY AND CONVENIENCE\nThe new BMW X4 M Competition comes as standard with BMW\u2019s Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus advanced driver assistance and convenience features, which is a step up from the regular \nBMW X4\n. Functionalities include:\nActive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function\nCollision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function\nRear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Collision Prevention\nSteering and lane control assistant\nLane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection\nFront Cross Traffic Alert\nAutomatic parking assistant (steering, accelerating, and braking) for both parallel and reverse parking\nPanorama View camera\n3D Top View function\nRemote 3D View \u2013 three-dimensional live image of the vehicle transmitted directly to the driver\u2019s smartphone\nPRICING\nThe BMW X4 M Competition is now available in Malaysia, priced at \nRM904,276.60\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n, valid until the end of December this year. Included in the price as standard is the BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience, which includes:\n5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with free scheduled service programme\nBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline\nThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App \u2013 BMW Privileges Card\nBMW Service Online\nWith the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW X4 M Competition can be owned with monthly instalments starting from RM10,318.00, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nCustomers can also book the new BMW X3 M Competition on the new \nBMW Malaysia online shop\n, linked \nhere\n, with a booking fee of RM5,000, and be in the running to bring home a now-discontinued BMW i8 Coup\u00e9.\nFor the latest updated price list of BMW models in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Yes folks, the new Nissan NP300 Navara will be \nofficially launched in Malaysia come 26 November\n, and Edaran Tan Chong Motors will be offering a total of six variants, no less. Just like the D40 Navara, the earlier batches of the NP300 will be fully imported from Nissan\u2019s second plant in Thailand \u2013 a dedicated plant to produce and assemble a single model that is the Navara.\nMalaysia is one of 20 countries receiving the Navara from Thailand, but we\u2019re told that Malaysia is the first country in the region to get the NP300 Navara with the \nmulti-link rear suspension\n as opposed to the conventional leaf spring setup. However, those preferring the leaf spring suspension will have to make do with the Single Cab variant, which is also the most affordable pick of the lot at RM85k (estimated price).\nQUICK FACTS\nNissan NP300 Navara\nGrade VL\nGrade V\nGrade SE (AT)\nGrade SE (MT)\nGrade E\nSingle Cab\nEngine\n2,488cc; inline-4 DOHC with Variable Geometry System; Commonrail Injection (YD25DDTi)\nTransmission\n7-speed Auto with Manual Mode\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n190 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n163 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n403 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nSuspension\nIndependent Double Wishbone (Front), Multi-Link with Shocks (Rear)\nDouble Wishbone (Front), Multi-Leaf with Shocks\nEstimated Price\nRM125,000\nBetween RM95,000 to RM115,000\nRM85,000\nAll six variants will be powered by Nissan\u2019s reworked \n2.5-litre turbodiesel\n engine, which means we won\u2019t be getting the new \n187hp\n \ntwin turbocharged 2.3-litre dCi engine\n offered elsewhere. The engine gets two states of tune \u2013 \n190 hp\n and\n 450 Nm\n for the range-topping VL variant and\u00a0\n163 hp\n and \n403 Nm\n for the rest of the range. This means the Nissan NP300 Navara Single Cab sits at the top of its class with respect to output figures. Bravo.\nThe engines will be paired to either a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission or a brand new \nseven-speed automatic\n gearbox \nwith Manual Mode\n. All variants will get an electronically operated 4\u00d74 system that you can shift on the fly. Features unique to the new Navara\u00a0include numerous first-in-class tech, such as full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (for the VL only), rear spoiler, rear air-conditioning vents and Zero Gravity Inspired Seats \u2013 the same kind used in the \nNissan Teana\n.   The Navara Single Cab may be priced on the higher side as far as single cabs go, but\u00a0you\u2019re getting quite a performer under the hood. It sits on 16-inch steel wheels shod with 205R16C profiled tyres, and the seats (also Zero Gravity Seats) are upholstered in vinyl. There is a total of four speakers and a CD player that support FM, AM and MP3 playback.\nFor grade E and SE, the seats are wrapped in smooth fabric and comes with a Wide 2-Din head unit with USB and auxiliary connectivity, paired to six speakers. The SE (AT) will get \u2013 as you\u2019ve guessed \u2013 the seven-speed automatic, but all else are identical. They SE variants will sit on 16-inch alloy rims wrapped in 255/70 series tyres, but the Grade E variant will settle for the same 16-inch steel rims as the Single Cab.   Moving one trim up is the RM115k Grade V, and for the money you get a multifunction steering wheel with cruise control and Bluetooth Handsfree. The seats are still wrapped in fabric, but you do get a 5-inch display with rear view camera and six speakers. However, it won\u2019t get the 190 hp/450 Nm tune as the range topper. That said, ETCM expects this variant to be their best seller, and it\u2019s hard to think otherwise.\nRM125,000 is quite a chunk of dough to ask for a pickup truck, but this VL trim is decked out to the brim. There\u2019s a set of \n18-inch wheels\n (255/60 tyres), roof rails and exclusive LED headlights to complete the exterior package. Inside, there\u2019s leather seats all around and the driver gets an 8-way adjustability with 2-way lumbar support.   Variants SE (MT included) and above will get Nissan\u2019s entire suite of safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Active Brake Limited Slip, Hill Assist and Hill Descent Control. The new Nissan NP300 Navara will only be offered in four exterior shades \u2013 Savanna Orange, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black and Brilliant White. The Single Cab however, will only be available in Brilliant White.\nAgain, prices start from \nRM85k to RM125k\n, and Nissan\u2019s newest pickup will be\n fully imported from Thailand\n. ETCM hasn\u2019t shrugged off any plans on assembling it at their 40-year old plant in Segambut, but like the D40 Navara, only time can tell. Each new purchase of the Navara comes packaged with a \n3-year or 100,000km factory warranty\n, whichever comes first. First batch of deliveries will begin on launch day that is 26 November. For those who have yet to place their booking, you may pay a visit to the showrooms below for an early-bird test drive session.\nDate\nRegion\nVenue\n14 to 15 November 2015\nCentral\nETCM Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor\nNorthern\nETCM Butterworth, Penang\nETCM Ipoh, Perak\nSouthern\nETCM Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru\nETCM Seremban, Negeri Sembilan\nEast Coast\nETCM Kuantan, Pahang\n20 to 21 November 2015\nNorthern\nETCM Sg. Petani, Kedah\n21 to 22 November 2015\nCentral\nETCM Petaling Jaya, Selangor\nETCM Southgate, KL\nSouthern\nETCM Semabok, Melaka\nEast Coast\nETCM Kota Bahru, Kelantan\nEast Malaysia\nETCM Kota Kinabalu, Sabah\nETCM Kuching, Sarawak\nIMAGE GALLERY\nNissan NP300 Navara Single Cab & Grade E   Nissan NP300 Navara SE (MT & AT); Grade V   Nissan NP300 Navara VL"
"Proton\n has announced its strategic partnership with Aapico Hitech Public Company Limited (Aapico), Thailand\u2019s largest auto parts company. Costing \nRM140 million\n, the investment will see Proton\u2019s subsidiary \u2013 Advance Vehicle Engineering Global Sdn Bhd (Avee) producing components such as dies, jigs, hot stamping parts, body assembled parts, and chassis components.\nThe collaboration between Proton and Aapico will also see Aapico acquiring 60% of Avee Global from Proton, while Proton will retain a 40% share in the company. Avee Global will also be renamed Aapico Avee Sdn Bhd.\nThe partnership was formalised on \nJune 26\n, \n2023\n, and will see Aapico making an initial investment of RM40 million into Avee Global\u2019s 20-acre facility. There are also plans for further expansion to cater to Proton vehicles and the overall automotive sector as well in the future. The remaining RM100 million investment, on the other hand, is planned for plant extensions and the acquisition of new machinery in 2024.\nThe operational manufacturing facility will soon be ramping up its production volume with new products in the pipeline. Aapico will be managing the operations, as well as introducing new technology applications to produce better quality parts and improve production and cost efficiency. The future expansion will also help create more jobs and attract highly skilled talents to the country.\nRELATED: \nProton DX Centre officially launched \u2013 Malaysia\u2019s first automotive digital experience centre\nPrior to this investment, Aapico was invested in the car dealership business in Malaysia. The company owned and operated six car dealers, which included four Proton dealers.\nAapico Hitech Public Company Limited President & CEO, Yeap Swee Chuan said, \u201cAapico is taking the opportunity to enter the auto parts manufacturing sector in Malaysia at this right time, with promising growth expected in the automotive industry led by strong demand for Proton vehicles and further supported by strong economic growth.\u201d\nYeap added, \u201cWe aim to bring our expertise and manufacturing technology into the partnership and deliver world-class auto parts to Proton and support their expansion plans in both the domestic and export market.\u201d\nProton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong said, \u201cThe joint venture with Aapico will benefit Proton by helping to provide the company with better cost optimization, efficiency, and quality in the production of our cars. As our volume increases in tandem with our model introduction plans, we will continue to work to ensure our products are on par with the competition in terms of features and quality while continuing to offer outstanding safety from the use of technologies such as hot press forming.\u201d\nThe Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz also graced the partnership announcement event as its guest of honour. Proton says that the investment is in line with MITI\u2019s efforts to generate sustainable economic growth, increase competitiveness, and create innovative and high-skilled employment opportunities in the workforce. This is particularly needed in the manufacturing sector where the automotive industry and related sectors play a significant role in contributing towards employment and to Malaysia\u2019s GDP.\nRELATED: \nScoop: Proton Exora to cease production by end of 2023 \u2013 New MPV coming soon?"
"The world\u2019s most iconic secret agent, James Bond, will be chuffed beyond all means with the surprise announcement by the Gaydon-based luxury sports carmaker on the divulgence of the new upcoming DB11 model. Speculations abide far and wide on the subject matter but Aston Martin has kept mum.\nAmong the slew of conjections made is that the DB11 will look\n somewhat\n like the new \nVanquish\n model. That being said, the \nDB9\n replacement model will likely\u00a0skip the \nDB10\n moniker as it\u2019s specially reserved for MI6\u2019s most prolific agent. The DB11 will be brand\u2019s\u00a0first major product of Aston\u2019s bold \nSecond Century Plan\n.\nMarek Reichman, head of design and Chief Creative Officer said to Top Gear that the\u00a0DB10 will be the platform in providing inspiration for the looks of future Astons. \u201cBut not the DB11. You will see the DB10 in \nanother\u00a0car\n\u201d. As opposed to the sharp front fascia of DB10, this new model will have a\u00a0\u201c\nproud grille\n and \nprominent lights\n, in a \ntaller nose\n,\u201d said Reichman.\nWe can only assume that the taller nose is there to accommodate a fire-breathing V12 engine that\u2019s synonymous with the moniker\u2019s \nGT\n nature. It\u2019s also gossiped that it might house an \nAMG-derived twin turbo V12\n with the possibility of even an \nAMG twin turbo V8\n from the \nMerc AMG GT\n for the next generation \nVantage\n!\u00a0Interesting times ahead for sure.\nThe interior of the DB11 on the other hand, is rumoured to be rather descriptive of Aston\u2019s past but is said to come with a \nTFT virtual instrument\n cluster with \nphysical bezels\n laid onto the screen, so it still looks like fine-crafted \njewellery\n. And it is also said that each interior would be \ndifferent\n from another.\n\u201cNot only is it a sign of our intention to continue the long line of iconic sports cars that bear the \u2018DB\u2019 moniker \u2013 the very bloodline of our brand \u2013 but it also shows the world our ambitious plan in action.\u00a0The coming years will see Aston Martin transform not only its entire range of models but also its scale and global presence, and the new DB11 will be central to that success\u201d said the CEO."
"UMW Toyota (UMWT) has announced that it will reopen selected service outlets for the remainder of the Movement Control Order (MCO) after obtaining permission to operate from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).\nFollowing the announcement of the extension of MCO by the Prime Minister, MITI has allowed several industries \u2013 including car companies \u2013 to apply for permission to resume operations for the third phase of the MCO, currently in effect until the 28th of April.\nHowever, UMWT reiterates that the service outlets will be operating at minimum capacity, catering for \nemergency and urgent service requirements only\n. All services during this period will be \nappointment-based only\n; no walk-ins will be accommodated during the MCO period.\nCustomers are advised to contact their respective nearest service centres to check if they are in operation, and to book suitable appointments before visiting the service outlets. UMW Toyota advices its customers to keep in mind the MCO restrictions on their travels to the service outlets.\nThe company says that it is making every effort to ensure the safety and protection of their customers. Social distancing measures (remaining at least one metre apart) will be enforced at the service centres during the MCO period to avoid possible transmission of the virus.\nCustomers requiring emergency assistance and enquiries during the MCO period may contact UMW Toyota at the following hotlines:\nAs announced earlier\n, Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold by UMWT with warranties valid and expiring during the MCO period will receive a 30-day warranty extension, calculated from the last day of the MCO.\nUMW Toyota Motor President K. Ravindran said, \u201cAs we always place customer care as a top priority, all Toyota vehicles sent to our\nservice centres will receive a thorough inspection to ensure they are in good running order.\n\u201cHowever, we also urge customers to adhere to the regulations of the Movement Control Order and help to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.\u201d"
"Following the announcement of \nSkyActiv-X petrol engine\n, Mazda has also revealed their plans to develop more advanced safety technologies in hopes of eliminating traffic accidents. Adopting Mazda\u2019s Proactive Safety philosophy, the company is looking to enhance fundamental safety measures, standardise i-ActivSense advanced safety features on all Mazda models as well as begin testing of autonomous driving technology.\nFundamental safety measures according to Mazda, encompasses correct driving position, pedal layout and good visibility, basically taking \nJinba-Ittai\n (horse and rider as one) to another level. The refinement of \nJinba-Ittai \nwill make driving a more pleasurable and comfortable experience, resulting in a more relaxed and safer journey altogether.\nIn Japan, i-ActivSense advanced safety features is slowly being made available on all Mazda models. The company is planning to take this further by making i-ActivSense a\n standard fitment for all Mazda model sold outside of Japan\n starting in 2018. This would mean from next year onwards, we could see this suite of safety features on our local-spec cars.\nLastly, Mazda has pledged to begin testing of autonomous driving technologies in 2020, in line with\u00a0\nMazda\u2019s Co-Pilot Concept2\n \u2013 an active safety system that assumes control of the vehicle should the driver lose consciousness. Mazda is also aiming to make the system standard on all models by \n2025\n."
"Roborace\n, an offshoot programme of Formula E which allows autonomous (driverless) race cars to race on city tracks, has unveiled a couple\u00a0of preview images of their futuristic car. The designer of this Hot Wheels of a vehicle is none other than Daniel Simon, the man in charge of designing the Tron Light Cycles in\u00a0\nTron: Legacy.\nThe four-wheeled autonomous race cars will be programmed by algorithms and codes from teams to race on the track. The body is smothered with sensors to prevent cars from colliding with each other or into the wall, and\u00a0the bodywork is very, very aerodynamically optimised. It\u2019s bonkers how this actually looks like, and we love everything about it.\nDon\u2019t for a second think that the car will only drive around in speeds that of an remote controlled car, no. Instead, Roborace\u2019s Denis Sverdlov mentioned that the car\u2019s top speed is close to \n298km/h\n! It will have to rely on\u00a0substantial downforce without unnecessary parts cluttering the car to maintain a clean look. Unlike the use of huge front and rear wings on F1 cars, Roborace cars will use the bottom portion of the car for aerodynamic. Active aero parts are also in the pipeline.\nSimon said, \u201cMy goal was to create a vehicle that takes full advantage of the unusual opportunities of having no driver without ever compromising on beauty. Racing engineers and aerodynamicists have worked with me from the beginning to strike that balance.\u201d\nThe first Roborace race (with 10 teams, no less) will commence in the 2016/2017 Formula E season."
"Honda Malaysia has announced a recall involving 23,476 of its vehicles that were previously recalled to replace the Takata front airbag inflators as a preventive measure. The affected models are as follows:\nModels involved in recall for Takata \nfront driver airbag\n inflator replacement:\nCivic\n: 2006 \u2013 2007 & 2009 \u2013 2011\nCR-V\n: 2007 \u2013 2008 & 2010 \u2013 2011\nStream\n: 2010 & 2012\nInsight\n: 2011 \u2013 2012\nCity\n: 2009 \u2013 2013 \nJazz\n: 2012 \u2013 2013\nModels involved in recall for Takata \nfront passenger airbag \ninflator replacement:\nAccord\n: 2003 & 2005 \u2013 2006, 2008 \u2013 2009 & 2011 \u2013 2012\nStream\n: 2003 \u2013 2005\nCR-V\n: 2002 \u2013 2009\nJazz\n: 2003 \u2013 2007, 2009 & 2012\nCity\n: 2003 \u2013 2009\nCivic\n: 2003 \u2013 2011\nHonda Malaysia sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers once again. As customer safety is always Honda\u2019s top priority, the company believes this replacement is necessary as a precautionary action and urges affected customers to replace the defective Takata front airbag inflators as soon as possible.\nThe replacement of the defective Takata front airbag inflators is\n free of charge\n and the cost of the replacement will be borne by the company. The company emphasises that all \nits current selling models are not affected \nand the company will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls to ensure customer safety.\nAffected customers will receive notification letters from Honda Malaysia with the details of this recall and stock availability. Honda Malaysia strongly encourages customers who receive these letters to send their vehicles to any of the 95 Honda authorised service dealers for inspection and replacement.\nThe replacement of Takata front airbag inflator stock for these 23,476 units of Honda vehicles will be available in stages and Honda Malaysia is doing its utmost best to ensure 100% stock availability in the shortest period of time.\nThis particular recall phase this year does not significantly change the total number of recalled vehicles as it involves replacement of inflators installed in vehicles previously subject to recall.\nAs at 1 October 2019, Honda Malaysia has completed more than 249,000 units of Takata front driver airbag inflator replacements, which translates to 91% completion ratio. The total number of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements completed is at more than 537,000 units or 89% completion ratio.\nHonda Malaysia also appeals to affected Honda customers who have yet to have their affected Takata front airbag inflators replaced to do so urgently as it may deploy with excessive internal pressure when activated. The defective airbag inflator casing might rupture which may result in injury or fatality of the driver and passenger.\nVehicle owners can check their vehicles\u2019 recall status either by logging on to www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my or by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"During his speech at the\n launch of the BYD Atto 3 \nearlier today, the newly minted Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, shared the government\u2019s plans and targets for \nelectric vehicles (EV)\n adoption in Malaysia.\nNotably, the senator said that his ministry is targetting a 15% total industry volume (TIV) in terms of sales for EVs and Hybrids by 2030, jumping up to 38% by 2040.\nTengku Zafrul said that the ministry is committed to not just attracting investments in terms of EVs, but also the surrounding infrastructure to support low carbon transportation. Chiefly, the ministry is aiming to achieve 10,000 public charging stations by 2025.\n\u201cThe government strongly supports the EV agenda to ensure a dynamic and more sustainable future for all Malaysians. The National Automotive Policy, or \nNAP 2020\n, and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint outline the government\u2019s direction in the development of the nation\u2019s EV industry,\u201d he said.\nIn order to achieve these goals, MITI has created a national EV taskforce (NEVT), comprising relevant government ministries and agencies, to deliberate and review new strategies for the development of a \u201chealthy EV industry\u201d in Malaysia.\nCurrently, as part of the\n National Budget 2022\n, fully-imported EVs are exempt from import and excise duties until December 31, 2023, while locally-assembled models will continue until December 31, 2025.\nALSO READ: \nPlanning to own an EV in Malaysia? Make sure to install these apps first\nThe \nBudget 2023 \nthat was tabled in the \nDewan Rakyat\n by then Tengku Zafrul himself, who was then the Finance Minister, proposed for the former to be extended until the end of 2024, however this could be further revised with the newly-elected government.\nIndividuals are also given income tax exemptions of up to RM2,500 on the cost of purchase, installation, rent, hire-purchase, as well as subscription fees for EV charging facilities.\nTo date, the Malaysian government has yet to announce a ban on internal combustion-powered vehicles. Neighbouring Thailand has announced a \nban on ICE vehicles starting 2035\n, while Singapore is aiming to\n phase out ICE from 2040\n. Indonesia, meanwhile, has set a \ndeadline of 2050\n."
"First introduced locally in 2016, the\n Renault Koleos\n has been given a facelift by TC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder of Renault in Malaysia.\u00a0\nAvailable in two variants \u2013 Koleos (\nRM179,888\n) and \nKoleos Signature\n (\nRM189,888\n), the D-segment SUV is now open for booking, and will be previewed to customers at the Premium Auto Car Expo from the 2nd to 3rd November 2019.\u00a0\nThe new facelifted Renault Koleos sports a new front bumper with full-width chrome detailing, as well as a new rear bumper with additional chrome trims and two-tone finish.\u00a0\nThe entry-level Koleos rides on redesigned 18-inch alloys, while the Koleos Signature gets new 19-inch wheels. The new Renault Koleos will be available in three new exterior colours \u2013 Amethyst Black, Millesime Red and Ultra Silver, in addition to the existing Universal White and Black Metallic colours.\nOn the inside, the 8.7-inch R-Link2 infotainment system has been updated to support \nApple CarPlay and Android Auto\n on both variants (previously only available on the Signature model).\u00a0\nBoth front seats are now power adjustable, while the rear gets two-step adjustable seats. The Koleos Signature retains exclusivity on the panoramic sunroof, but the hands-free powered tailgate makes it way down to the Koleos as well.\u00a0\nUnder the hood, the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces \n171 hp\n and \n226 Nm\n of torque. Power is mated to a \nX-Tronic CVT transmission\n.\u00a0\nThe Renault Koleos comes with five-year full manufacturer\u2019s warranty with unlimited mileage, as well as a five-year/100,000 km free service package. Additionally, bookings made in November can enjoy an additional RM15,000 cash rebate if you decide to trade-in your vehicle \u2013 the value is added on top of your vehicle assessment amount!\nIf you prefer not to get tied-in to long-term commitments, the Renault Koleos is also available through the Renault Subscription plans.\u00a0 Offered in both 1-year and 2-year plans, the subscription fees are inclusive of road tax, insurance, as well as regular servicing.\nAll subscription plans come with a 20,000 km mileage cap as standard, but you can opt for the additional mileage upgrade add-on. More details can be found in the table below.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Can\u2019t find time to send your car for service? Rather be lying in bed than loitering at the service centre? Bermaz Motor has just the solution for you. Introducing the new Mazda Mobile Service Unit!\nA fully Mazda BT-50 pickup and certified Mazda technicians will go wherever you are and perform the routine maintenance on your car. Currently available within the\u00a0\nKlang Valley\n and \nPenang region\n, the Mazda Mobile Service Unit has all the equipment to execute a proper service for cars within Mazda\u2019s\u00a0\n3-Years or 60,000 km\n\u00a0after-sales package. The mobile team is also able to carry out inspection, replace battery, wiper blades, brake pads, brake fluids and auto-transmission fluid.\nThe BT-50 mobile service is equipped with a 2.5 ton aluminium quick-jack capable of lifting a \nCX-5\n and BT-50, Mazda Mobile Diagnostic System (MMDS) to carry out electronic assessments and many more.\n\u201cWith the increasing Mazda population on the road, we see a need in the after-sales service expansion programme, not only by increasing the number of workshop outlets but exploring ways of providing after-sales servicing to owners at the convenience and comfort of their own home. The Mazda Mobile Service Unit will be backed by well-trained mechanics and technicians that have conformed to Mazda SOPs and are fully endorsed by Bermaz\u201d, said Dato Sri Ben Yeoh, CEO of Bermaz Motor.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Peugeot UK just introduced the 208 Black Edition, and it\u2019s only limited to the three-door turbocharged petrol variant.\nA choice of three colours can be had \u2013 Hurricane Grey, Bianca White and Nera Black, but the latter two come at a slight premium. The Black Edition variant gives gloss black exterior trims, such as the 16-inch wheels, front grille and door mirrors.\nInside, things are nearly identical to the \n5-door 208 we have here in Malaysia\n. There\u2019s a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and smartphone mirroring features.\nThe biggest difference is the 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech engine produces 82 horsepower, instead of the hotter breathing 110 hp/205 Nm tune we have the privilege of getting. Despite the higher performance, Peugeot Malaysia said the 208 turbo, together with a six-speed automatic gearbox, can give up to 1,190 km of range on a single tank of fuel!\nPrices for the Peugeot 208 Black Edition begin from\u00a0\n\u00a314,595, or about RM80k.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Honda Civic still remains as popular as ever in our country. Although just launched in February \u2013 right before the entire country ground to a halt due to the\n COVID-19\n crisis \u2013 the \n2020 Honda Civic\n has sold \nmore than 2,900 units nationwide\n, capturing more than \n70% of the C-segment sedan market share\n according to Honda Malaysia.\nThe new Civic is also currently the third best seller in the Honda Malaysia model line-up; the central region contributing 44% to the total sales, followed by the southern and northern region with 17% and 15% respectively.\n \nIf you\u2019re think that you\u2019re always seeing white Civics on the road, don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re not just imagining things. The White Orchid Pearl colour \u2013 a premium option, by the way \u2013 represented 42% of all sales of the 2020 Honda Civic.\nAs of June 2020,\n 6,500 bookings\n have been made for the new Civic. Honda Malaysia says that the waiting period for the Civic is currently one month, but reassures that the production lines are now up and running post Movement Control Order (MCO), and stocks are available to meet the customer demand.\nHonda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Toichi Ishiyama said, \u201cWith Malaysia moving into Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period, most businesses are resuming operations in accordance to guidelines and standard operating procedure set by the government.\n\u201cThe automotive industry are eager to recover from the pandemic and help the nation towards economic recovery,\u201d he added, while expressing support to the government\u2019s recent announcement of the \nsales tax exemption period\n, which is part of the short term economy recovery plan, PENJANA.\nWith the exemption of sales tax due to its locally-assembled nature, the 2020 Honda Civic is now priced from RM109,326.51 to RM134,934, depending on variant and exterior colour chosen. The full revised Honda price list is available \nhere\n. For the new price lists of all other car brands in Malaysia, check out our roundup \nhere\n."
"Depending on how you see it, it\u2019s an even more attractive package overall as it is now locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang. For the same reason, its asking price has dropped significantly to just \nRM212,711\n on-the-road without insurance inclusive of SST exemptions. Taking into account that the previous model went for around RM239k, it\u2019s safe to conclude that it\u2019s already a winner.\nEver since the Golf made a comeback with the Mk.5 model, Volkswagen\u2019s iconic model has grown, matured, and is more skillful and powerful than ever before. It\u2019s no easy feat but just when you wonder if the Golf can still be improved consistently beyond what it was already capable of over the past four generations, it did.\nWith 25 hp and 20 Nm more than before at 245 hp and 370 Nm, it\u2019s certainly more powerful on paper but because the previous generation model was already so quick, there really wasn\u2019t a noticeable increase in performance especially when it\u2019s still aided by the quick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox.\nNot that it\u2019s a problem as there will still be a queue of cars that the GTI can take on convincingly and look back at in the rearview mirror with a sense of pride but that\u2019s not where the magic of this new car is. It\u2019s not even the way it looks but we\u2019ll come to that later. Instead, it\u2019s how it corners \u2013 something most Golf GTI enthusiasts would expect of the car.\nHow it finds its grip, only someone with a mechanical engineering degree can properly explain but in layman\u2019s terms, it\u2019s just better than before \u2013 it\u2019s calmer, more composed, more stable, and more exciting. It just grips! Whether on track or on uphill climbs which saw a car full of passengers, the Golf GTI danced around with the finesse of an experienced ballerina.\nPut it into Sport and the ride becomes a little stiffer, the car sounds a little angrier while everything from the throttle and steering becomes sharper and more responsive. When you\u2019re not being an 18-year old behind the wheel, it\u2019s comfortable, docile, and practical and that\u2019s what the Golf GTI is (still) all about. When you want it to be a fun car for the weekend, it\u2019ll oblige and when Monday comes and the kids need to go to school, it\u2019ll perform its duties as well as it did over the weekend.\nThe seats are by far the most attractive item in the cabin (in my books at least) but the rest of it was far from perfect. Moving to touch-sensitive controls may seem like an upgrade for most (and in the eyes of Volkswagen) but in reality, it felt more like an inconvenience. Parking the car can trigger the volume to increase/decrease or activate the voice command or heated steering features. It could be the way I held the steering; wouldn\u2019t discount that.\nThe buttons below the screen do not light up at night.\nThe same can be said about the infotainment, it takes some getting used to going about the features/functions, and for the most part, once you\u2019re more familiar with it, it\u2019s actually quite easy to use and responsive to the touch but that\u2019s not the issue.\nIn a time when safety is paramount (over performance even), the thought of laying my eyes off the road to change the air-con settings just didn\u2019t feel right. When you\u2019re resting your hands on the dashboard to accurately change the settings while on the move, it triggers the volume controls beneath the screen. At night, those controls beneath the screen aren\u2019t lit up either.\nOn the topic of safety, much has been talked about the lack of driver aids and it does warrant some questions as traditionally, locally assembled cars, although cheaper, do come equipped with more features. That said, it is what it is, and at the end of the day, with all things considered, it\u2019s hard to see it being a deterrent factor to walk away from the car.\nThat\u2019s cause when it comes to having hatchback that\u2019s able to do more than just go fast, there\u2019s nothing like it and at that price, nothing can come close either.\nGALLERY"
"Uncovered at Aston Martin\u2019s stand at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) is the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, a track-only version of the marques \nnew hypercar\n. Just like the\u00a0\ninitial sketches\n penned by Adrian Newey, one of the most successful Formula One designer of all-time, the Valkyrie AMR Pro resembles a Formula One race car more than the road car it was based on.\nCompared to the road car, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is heavily revised to generate significantly more downforce. New items include a larger front splitter, aggressive rear elements, wider body and a ridiculous rear wing. Weight is also down to\n 1,000 kg\n thanks to lighter carbon fibre body construction, removal of heater/de-mister blower and infotainment screens, polycarbonate windscreen and side windows, carbon fibre suspension wishbones, moulded race seats as well as a lighter exhaust system.   The active aerodynamics have also been recalibrated for maximum on-track performance, allowing the car to pull over 3gs of lateral acceleration in the corners \u2013 a figure Aston Martin claims to be the highest of track-cars that were converted from a fully homologated road car.\nNot needing to comply with emission or noise regulations, Aston Martin completely unleashed the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12\u2019s potential. The de-restricted V12 coupled with a reprogrammed Energy Recovery System control software gives the Valkyrie AMR Pro a combined output of\u00a0\n1,100 hp\n, meaning the car boasts a power-to-weight ratio of \nmore than 1 hp per kilogram\n.\nRed Bull Racing\u2019s Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey said: \u201cThe Aston Martin Valkyrie road car draws extensively from the knowledge I have gained during my career in Formula One, but the AMR Pro version has allowed me to work beyond the constraints of road legality, or indeed practicality! We\u2019ve told a few of its secrets, but by no means all. I will leave it to the public to ponder the lap time predictions. Suffice to say they\u2019re quite impressive.\u201d\nOnly 25 units of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro will be built while the road-legal version is limited to 150 units worldwide. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2020 and all cars (including the road-going Valkyrie) have been spoken for. Full details of the car to be revleaed at a later date.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We reported last month that \nRenault might be killing off the Alpine A110\n as part of a \u20ac2 billion cost-cutting plan. However, it seems like that would not be the end of the road for the Alpine brand, which was only resurrected three years ago.\nWhen asked by \nAutocar UK\n, Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said: \u201cClearly, Alpine is a beautiful brand and we do have to look very, very seriously at the future of this brand to see how it can bring added value to the group.\u201d\nOne strategy under consideration is to turn the Alpine brand into an electric-only performance halo brand for Renault. The move, reportedly being strongly considered, follows Renault Group\u2019s announcement of its major restructuring plans where the company plans to\u00a0focus on the development of electric cars.\nRenault Group design chief Laurens van den Acker also recently said that \u201cit\u2019s inevitable that we\u2019ll electrify Alpine\u201d in the future. While it is in part due to the tightening emissions regulations across the globe, van den Acker added: \u201cWe\u2019re not only doing it because of the regulations. People\u2019s expectations will shift and will push us into this direction.\u201d\nAccording to chairman Senard, the decision ultimately lies in the hands of incoming chief executive officer Luca De Meo, who is due to take up the role at the French carmaker in July.\nDuring his role at Seat previously, De Meo successfully turned the Cupra name from just a performance badge into a new \nfull-fledge \u201cpremium performance\u201d brand\n that would frequently take the lead in developing certain innovations and technologies.\nGiven his past work, the decision to turn the Alpine brand into a pure-electric premium performance brand could bode well with De Meo. The move could allow Renault to showcase their electrification technologies in a sporting context, similar to \nVolkswagen\u2019s ID.R\n, and ultimately compete against other premium rivals."
"We all know that the original Mini born in 1959 was conceived as a solution for people who wants maximum interior space from a tiny car. But since the introduction of BMW\u2019s interpretation of the new MINI in 2000 (codenamed R50/R53), the \nNew MINI\n is no longer a mini in size.\nSix years after that the second generation of the new MINI (codenamed R56) kept on growing longer by 97 mm, and yet the growth spurt didn\u2019t just stop there. Now in its \nthird generation\n, the \nF56 MINI\n is longer than the R56 by 98 mm, wider by 44 mm, and a wee bit taller by 7 mm.\nThe F56 MINI is also the first car to sit on BMW\u2019s new \nUKL\n (\nUnterklasse\n meaning \u201centry level\u201d) platform that\u2019s reserved for small front-wheel drive BMW models. Our first encounter with the F56 MINI in this country was during the \n\u201cMen vs MINI\u201d\n\u00a0video shoot in Putrajaya, but we didn\u2019t really get to officially test the car. Our test car here is the Cooper variant, unlike the hotter Cooper S driven by a certain Ivan Khong in the \nvideo\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI Cooper Chili \nSegment\nB-Segment 3-door hatchback\nEngine\n1,499cc 3-Cylinder, Turbocharged\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n136 hp @ 4,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n220 Nm @ 1,250 rpm\nPrice\nRM 198,888.00\n\u00a0\nIn Malaysia, the Cooper comes in two variants, the base \u201cSalt\u201d and the higher-specced \u201cChili\u201d (like our test car here) with about RM 20,000 separating them apart. Only the equipment varies between the two variants but both are powered by BMW\u2019s new \nturbocharged 1,499 cc 3-cylinder\n powerplant. With one cylinder down from the previous Cooper, will it be enough for the new MINI to deliver? Time to find out.\nEXTERIOR \nThe exterior can\u2019t be mistaken for anything else other than a MINI. Some even thought it\u2019s a mere facelift but actually the F56 is totally new from the ground up. With the mega measurements, the F56 MINI should look bloated but the designers have done their magic to make the new MINI look as if it didn\u2019t grew an inch by exaggerating some of the design elements such as the higher shoulder line and shallower daylight opening (that\u2019s \u201cwindows\u201d to you and me) compared to the previous two generations of the new MINI.   The \nIced Chocolate Metallic\n paintjob our Cooper came in not only sounds delectable, but under certain lighting the intense metallic flakes give out this rich chocolatey sheen good enough for this writer to attempt to taste it (of course he didn\u2019t).\nExternally the Cooper Chili is different from the Cooper Salt by having \nLED front lights\n with \nLED daytime running rings\n; other than that they\u2019re both identical outside.   The three-bar grille now cuts into the front bumper incorporating a protruding black bar of chin that houses the front number plate. Apart from the main grille and the headlights, the small lower grille also gets framed in chrome. The single-piece clamshell bonnet covers most of the front section of the car, complete with a tiny power dome on top.\nThe chrome-framed taillights have swelled on this new MINI and now intersect with the boot and bumper, but the graphics used are similar to its predecessor. The badge has moved inside the chrome number plate garnish, and more chrome can be found below surrounding the mid-mounted rear foglamp and also on the tailpipe.\nEnormous side mirrors sprout from each door, finished in the same contrasting colour as the floating roof that\u2019s actually supported by all-round glossy black pillars. Black plastic cladding goes around the lower part of the body including the wheel arches, where a set of \n16-inch \u201cLoop Spoke\u201d alloys\n wrapped in\n 195/55 R16 runflats\n reside.\nThere\u2019s some surfacing work done on the flanks giving it a bit more depth than before, while the doorhandles are finished in chrome for that classy look. Pull the doorhandle and the frameless window drops down a few centimeters before the door opens to a flashy interior.\nINTERIOR \nThe interior layout stays the same, but the functionality has been revised. The welcome revision is the speedometer which is now relocated to the more common driver\u2019s point of view through the steering wheel.\nThe naked speedometer pod is mounted on the steering column, so it moves together with the steering column when you adjust the steering wheel for reach and rake. The chunky steering wheel comes with controls for audio and cruise control but shift paddles are reserved only for the hotter Cooper S.   What occupies in the space vacated by the speedometer in the middle of the dashboard is a Radio \nMINI Visual Boost\n with \n6.5-inch screen\n, surrounded by a fancy strip of \nLED ring\n that changes colour based on your input. The 6.5-inch full colour display is only available in the Cooper Chili, providing you with a menu with cool animation controlled using the \ni-Drive controller\n located near the good-old handbrake lever.\nThe tall gearlever compensates the \nlack of shift paddles\n on the steering wheel, allowing minimal hand movement away from the steering wheel when you want to shift up or down the cogs in Manual mode.\nThe engine start stop toggle stands out in red at the base of the dashboard flanked by toggles for the stop/start and traction control. More toggles can be found overhead, where you can control the interior lighting and even cycle through the many colours of the ambient lighting.   Most of the materials used felt premium enough, but the lower part of the dashboard is still using low-grade plastics, particularly around the USB/AUX-in slot that\u2019s already heavily scuffed in this test car. You might complain the lack of storage space in the Mini with narrow door pockets and the absence of a center armrest.\nEven though at the passenger side of the dashboard there\u2019s a \ndual glovebox\n, the size of each compartment is not huge, but at least there are cupholders for everyone unlike in the\n Citroen DS3\n.   Cooper Chili gets \nleather upholstery\n and \nsports seats\n for the two front occupants. The seats adjust manually and the seat base goes down pretty low to provide you with that go-kart feeling of being close to the ground.\nBe warned though when it comes to toll booths and parking gates you might need to stretch out to grab the ticket. Headroom is not a problem up front or even at the back but entrance to the back seats may require some slight gymnastics ability.   The back seats are only meant for two because MINI only furnishes you with two sets of three-point safety belts, but the backrests split 60/40. Leg and knee room is still tight even with the growth in length, so expect to hear grumbles of dissatisfaction from your back seat passengers.\nIf you need more back seat space then you\u2019ll be delighted to know that BMW just announced the \nMINI 5 Door\n that\u2019s going to be on sale soon. Boot space is equally tight, with a total volume of just \n211 litres\n you\u2019ll be struggling to fit a few suitcases in there. Flip open the boot floor and if you can\u2019t find the spare tyre don\u2019t call BMW just yet because there is none.\nPERFORMANCE \nUnder the bonnet of the F56 Cooper beats a 1.5-litre engine with not four, but three cylinders and fitted with BMW\u2019s \nTwinPower Turbo\n. It\u2019s essentially the same engine as featured in BMW\u2019s funky supercar the\n i8\n, albeit in a different state of tune.\nEven though it\u2019s smaller than the normally-aspirated 1.6-litre in the R56 Cooper, it boasts 16 hp and 60 Nm more. As a result, the new triple produces\n 136 hp\n at 4,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm and\n 220 Nm\n of torque from just 1,250 rpm.\nWith that amount of pull and a total weight that\u2019s \n10 kg lighter\n than its predecessor, setting off from standstill takes \n7.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h\n and will continue to power on until it hits the\n top speed\n of \n210 km/h\n. It feels quick and it will pile on speed that will put a generic Japanese C-segment sedan to shame.\nTHE DRIVE\nThe MINI has a full \nkeyless start\n but not keyless entry, so you still need to press a button on the key fob shaped like a hockey puck to lock or unlock the car. After unlocking you just keep the puck.I mean, key fob in your pocket while the red engine start stop toggle switch pulsates as you enter the cabin, waiting for you to prod it.\nOnce you prod it the three-cylinder engine erupts into life with a bassy note from the exhaust. The engine emits that trademark three-cylinder thrum, but most of the time it sounds \u201cgrown-up\u201d like a run-of-the-mill four-cylinder engine. From the outside you can hear the turbo hisses and the occasional burps from the exhaust which provides an interesting soundtrack during spirited driving.\nThere are \nthree driving modes\n to choose from: GREEN, MID, and SPORT. In the default MID mode the steering is light enough for the Cooper to potter about in the tight city and the suspension setup is appropriately good, absorbing thumps and bumps admirably without being crashy.\nThe only source of vibration is from the engine, which can be felt at crawling pace and worse during the stop/start operation. The sensation is almost akin to a sneeze.   The throttle is noticeably dulled in GREEN mode, but it\u2019s not much different from MID mode. You\u2019ll get an option to display an analyser on the screen which rates your acceleration and braking by rewarding you with up to five stars if your driving style is deemed as \u2018fuel saving\u2019.\nTo encourage this, there\u2019s an animation of a fish in a bowl of water. Keep your throttle input and braking gentle and you\u2019ll keep the fish happy in the water, but sudden acceleration and hard braking will throw the poor fish out of the bowl.\nChanging the driving mode to SPORT triggers as what MINI describes as \u201cmaximum go-kart feel\u201d. The steering gets a bit more weight and the response from the floor-hinged accelerator pedal is livelier, and this is when the Mini starts to play.\nOn a twisty piece of tarmac the steering responds very well to you input, turning in sharply into corners while the competent chassis is egging you to tackle the next turn with a little bit more speed; and you will want to push because the good brakes provide you with an assurance that you can shed away the speed in time if you overcook it.\nYou can take it one step further by turning the traction control in to the Dynamic setting. While this wont fully turn off the traction control, it will let you have some leeway before it catches you from any imminent slippage. Since the throttle response is a bit on the aggressive side, if you suddenly lift off the throttle pedal when you\u2019re traveling fast in a bend, you might kick the tail out a bit. It\u2019s a great fun car to chuck about without scaring your pants off.\nThe flexible three-cylinder engine also allows you to cruise in the Cooper calmly. With the windows up, the cabin is well-insulated from the outside noise, making long-distance travel a pleasant affair. The official claim for \nfuel consumption\n is rated at \n4.7 l/100 km\n, but this writer averaged \n10.4 l/100 km\n due to his inability to refrain from driving in SPORT mode most of the time.\nIS IT FOR YOU? \nIf you\u2019re looking to own an icon, you probably have your mind all set on the MINI without any second thoughts. Other manufacturers have tried to take a stab at MINI\u2019s successful combination of style and driving excitement but nothing else really comes close to the MINI.\nOne thing\u2019s for sure that the MINI is not practical if you\u2019re the type that frequenly carries passengers and a lot of gear. The steep price tag should not bother you because you\u2019re not only buying just a premium hatchback but into a brand that\u2019s also rich in heritage. Think of it as an extension of your good taste in style.\nCOMPARISONS \nIn a league of premium three-door hatchback there\u2019s not much choice here in Malaysia. For the price, there are dozens of sensible choices out there but they don\u2019t invoke the same appeal as the Mini. Even so, there is this one car that might try to steal those potential MINI buyers, it\u2019s the \nAudi A1 1.4 TFSI S-line\n.\nIn its 3-door guise it looks cutesy but with a slight attitude thanks to Audi\u2019s sharper lines and bodykit. In S-line variant it\u2019s also punchier than the Cooper, thanks to its \n1,399 cc twincharged 4-cylinder\n powerplant dishing out \n49 hp more\n than the Cooper and \n30 Nm more\n torque. The power figures alone might be enough for some to justify its \nRM 10,000 premium\n over the Cooper Chili.\nThe A1 also benefits from Audi\u2019s excellent build quality and the interior is fitted with \nsix airbags\n as opposed to just four in the Cooper, as well as a \n465 W Bose sound system\n. The Cooper Chili has the advantage by having leather seats as standard (RM 6,000 cost option in the A1), and LED headlamps and front foglamps as opposed to Xenon headlamps and halogen front foglamps on the A1.\nWe haven\u2019t got the chance to sample the Audi yet; judging by the stats the A1 looks like it has the upper hand but we doubt whether Audi\u2019s baby could provide the same driving enjoyment as the Cooper, if not better.\nMini Cooper Chili\nAudi A1 1.4 TFSI S-line\nENGINE\nType\n3-cylinder petrol, turbocharged\n4-cylinder petrol, twincharged\nDisplacement\ncc\n1598\n1,390\nMax Power\nhp/rpm\n136/4,500 \u2013 6,000\n185/6,200\nMax Torque\nNm/rpm\n220/1,250\n250/2,000 \u2013 4,500\nSTEERING\nType\nElectrical power-assisted\nElectrical power-assisted\nDRIVETRAIN\nTransmission\n6-speed Automatic\n7-speed dual clutch\nSUSPENSION\nType\nMacPherson strut / Multi link\nMacPherson strut / Torsion beam\nBRAKES\nFront\nVentilated disc\nVentilated disc\nRear\nSolid disc\nSolid disc\nTYRE & WHEELS\nTyres\n195/55 R16\n215/40 R17\nWheels\nAlloy\nAlloy\nDIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS\nOverall Length\nmm\n3,821\n3,954\nOverall Width\nmm\n1,727\n1,740\nOverall Height\nmm\n1,414\n1,416\nWheelbase\nmm\n2,495\n2,469\nMax Kerb weight\nkg\n1,190\n1,190\nLuggage Capacity (VDA)\nL\n211\n270\nFUEL\nTank Capacity\n40\n45\nConsumption\n4.7 L/100 km\n5.9 L/100 km\nPERFORMANCE\nMax Speed\nkm/h\n210\n227\n0 \u2013 100km/h\nsec\n7.8\n6.9\nPRICE\nRM\n198,888.00\n209,000.00\n\u00a0\nWILL I BUY IT?\nNever mind it\u2019s cramped and not as practical as most of the cars in the same price range. It\u2019s the fun factor that the MINI delivers makes it so attractive to me, if I have the money to blow on a small premium hatch, this would be it. It\u2019s comfortable to be use as a daily runner, and yet it will entertain you when you feel like heading to your favourite stretch of B-road.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has consistently topped the PHEV sales chart in the UK and last month (September), Mitsubishi Motors sold 1,325 units of the electrified seven-seater SUV.\nOverall, the Outlander PHEV accounts for 28 per cent of all plug-in hybrid sold for the month of September in the UK. Year-to-date, the company has delivered more than 5,731 units of the family SUV to UK customers which equates to 17 per cent of the total PHEV market.\nThe Outlander PHEV was recently \nupdated for MY2019\n, featuring a more powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, larger battery pack, revised suspension set up for better comfort and stability, larger front brake discs as well as recalibrated Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive and traction control system.\nElsewhere the Outlander PHEV also gains restyled LED headlamps, bumpers, comfort seats, rear air vents and a new interior accent trim. Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, Rob Lindley said: \u201cThe Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV continues to perform well, and the 2019 revisions only broaden the appeal of such a versatile and capable vehicle. We were one of the first to announce WLTP figures for PHEV, and this has allowed us to be in a position to continue selling vehicles in such an important market.\u201d\nCloser to home, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) offers two variants of the Outlander \u2013 \n2.0L\n and \n2.4L\n \u2013 and more recently introduced a limited \nOutlander Sports Edition 2.0L 4WD\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Motorsports and Malaysia\u2019s premier touring car race continues with Round 3 and Round 4 of the Malaysia Championship Series 2021. The doubleheader format that was first seen in the opening rounds will be maintained but Round 4 sees an endurance race format at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).\nRecap from Round 1 and 2, Alif Hamdan and Lai Wee Sing from R Engineering HMRT remains unbeaten in their FC Honda Civic Turbo as they are the only entry in the Touring Production (TP) category. In the immediate category featuring four FD2 Honda Civic Type R models, the pair of Shazull Hisham and Mohd Syahrizan from the Empire M Racing and Ken Urata from RWorks both won a race each in Round 1 and Round 2, as such, will head to the doubleheader without much points separating team.\nLeona Chin, who just emerged victorious at the recently concluded \nSepang 1,000 km\n endurance race, also \nwon two races\n (MTC category) in the first double-header last month. Leona and her Tedco Racing team hope this race will be smoother, as the crew needed time and resources to repair the Suzuki Swift Sport after sustaining damage from contact in Race 2 and Race 3.\nThe pair of Muhammad Roni Risman and Shaifulnizam in their Dori\u2019s Racing Honda Jazz will be pushing hard to win their first race of the season as well as the 2021 championship.\nAs for Stock Production 2 (SP2), the perfect combination of Hayden Haikal and Adam Khalid drove the BHPetrol-liveried yellow-and-white Honda Fit GK5 to win Race 3 and 4 (Round 2), whilst the pairing of Mitchell Cheah and Ady Rahimy in their 23 Motors black Honda Jazz won Race 1 and 2 (Round 1).\nThe SP2 category sees the most action across the category thanks to the similar performance levels of the Honda Jazz machines. With the 300 km endurance planned for Race 4 on Thursday not only tests machine durability but also driver focus and stamina plus team pit strategies.   MCS 2021 organised by Sepang International Circuit (SIC), supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), sanctioned by Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) with Yokohama as the Official Tyre Distributor and BHPetrol as the Official Fuel Partner.\nEntrance to MCS 2021 is free at the SIC main grandstand for spectators 18 years old and above with fully completed vaccination.\nSIC will also be broadcasting the MCS 2021 Round 3 and 4 live on their Facebook page (link \nhere\n). Key events from the three days of racing are as follows:\n14th December\n4:30 P.M. to 5:20 P.M.: Qualifying, 20 minutes each for the TP/SP1 and MTC/SP2 categories\n15th December\n10:30 A.M. Race 1, Round 3\n3:30 P.M. Race 2, Round 3\n16th December\n11\n:\n15 A.M. to 1:45 P.M. Race 4, 300 km race (54 laps)\nGALLERY"
"In the run-up to the 2018 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz has just announced the name of their upcoming hypercar. The Project One hypercar will be officially named as Mercedes-AMG ONE.\nVery uncreative you may think, but the company\u2019s reasoning to go with ONE is it signifies the pinnacle of Mercedes-AMG\u2019s product line up and also referencing its technological transfer from Formula One (F1) vehicles.   The ONE is essentially an F1 race car made road legal, spotting a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine and four electric motors spewing out a combined output of over 1,000 hp. As a result, 0 to 200 km/h takes under six seconds while top speed is registered at over 350 km/h.\nCustomers of the ONE can obtain exclusive information on the development progress of the car in a custom mobile showroom entitled \u201cThe Future of Driving Performance\u201d. Inside the mobile showroom, future owners have a chance to sit in the cockpit, along with a demonstration of the individual equipment options.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG ONE Mobile Showroom"
"This is it folks, fresh from the floors of Proton Design studio, the first-ever Proton SUV. It is officially named as the Proton X70, the first alphanumeric naming sequence for the national carmaker which will spearhead the naming logic for future Proton models.\nBased on the highly successful Geely Boyue that was previewed in Malaysia last year, the X70 features design input from local Proton designers which resulted in the final product you see here. Notable changes from the Boyue are the front grille, tailgate trim with Proton badge, restyled interior covers and a Proton badge on the steering wheel.   Previewed here is the top of the line X70 Premium and the X70 Executive AWD. The top of the line model comes with all the bells and whistles such as Nappa leather upholstery, six USB charging ports, panoramic sunroof, voice command and 360-degree camera.\nThe X70 Executive loses out on Nappa leather upholstery and panoramic sunroof but retains the 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile Hankook DynaPro HP2 tyres, LED fog lamps as well as projector headlamps. All variants of the X70 does not come with a powered tailgate.\nBookings of the X70 opens from 8 September 2018 onwards at selected Proton dealers nationwide. This media preview marks the start of a two-month product campaign of their first ever SUV with an official launch scheduled for before the end of the year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Continental Tyres Malaysia\n has just launched the seventh generation of its comfort-oriented tyre, the Continental ComfortContact CC7 in Malaysia. With improved safety and handling over its predecessor, the Comfort Contact CC7 tyres are available in sizes ranging from 13 to 16 inches.\nIn its seventh generation, the CC7 tyres are Continental\u2019s answer to the increasing importance of improved cabin acoustics. The CC7 tyres have been upgraded with Comfort+ Technology that promises a smoother drive experience and a quiet ride for more moments of tranquility and peace of mind \u2013 \u201cDriving Comfort, Redefined by Technology\u201d.\nAccording to Continental, a tyre\u2019s comfort parameters are typically measured through the vehicle\u2019s Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) characteristics. The company\u2019s research suggests that tyres can be responsible for around 50 per cent of the noise produced when driving.\nContinental head of R&D Asia Pacific, Bob Liu said, \u201cWhen travelling at higher speeds especially, tyre-to-road noise and turbulence increase and become much more noticeable. Tyre noise is also becoming an increasingly important factor for electric vehicles whose drive systems are barely audible. For both conventional ICE and electric vehicles, this means selecting the right comfort tyre is a crucial decision that can greatly improve in-cabin acoustics.\u201d\nContinental tyre Malaysia Managing Director, Andrea Somorova said, \u201cGiven the distinct requirements of different customer bases as well as the demand of innovative technology, we dig deep to understand the needs of drivers in Malaysia and create products to fulfil these requirements.\u201d\nA team of over 30 engineers and experts have spent more than 7,500 hours designing, simulating, building and prototype testing. More than 500 tests under various road and laboratory conditions were carried out, with a distance enough to circle the Earth over 7 times.\nEngineered for our comfort tyre segment, Comfort+ Technology is specifically for drivers who prioritise comfort for themselves and their passengers. Comfort+ Technology encompasses the ComfortContact CC7\u2019s three key features, \u201cZ.E.N\u201d, \u2013 Zero Shock Pattern, Everflex Compound, and Noise Muter."
"If there\u2019s one model from Kia that ever shook the world, it would be the \nKia Stinger\n which made its debut in 2017, showing us that the company was capable of making a sporty premium saloon. Only receiving minor updates through the years, Kia will soon stop production of the Stinger, sending it off with a 1,000-unit \u2018Tribute Edition\u2019.\nThe Tribute Edition is built on the 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 \nGT\n version of the Kia Stinger and provides several aesthetic enhancements. Special body colours on the Tribute Edition include Ascot Green and a new Moonscape matter gray colour. Adding a sinister touch to the 1,000-unit special are black side mirrors that match with the black Brembo brake callipers. The Stinger Trbute Edition sits on a set of 19-inch gloss back design wheels.\nInside, the Kia Stinger Tribute Edition gets a bespoke Teracotta brown leather interior that can be seen on the steering wheel, door side trims, and door handles. The console upper cover and the door panels get a carbon-effect finish to complement the new Teracotta leather trim.\nA new wasp-shaped emblem is embedded into the headrest of the seats. It denotes the car\u2019s name and signifies the potent 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. The application of a numbered door sill plate on the driver\u2019s side provides authentication of exclusivity, confirming that just 1,000 units of the Tribute Edition will be built globally.\nRELATED: \nNew Kia Stinger unveiled with 300 hp 2.5L turbo engine option\nBack in 2018, \nthe Kia Stinger was launched in Malaysia\n in a \u2018GT Line\u2019 and \u2018GT\u2019 version. The GT Line Kia Stinger was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that made \n251 hp\n and \n353 Nm\n. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all power was sent to the rear wheels.\nUp a tier, the \u2018GT\u2019 version of the Kia Stinger was powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that made \n365 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n. Also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, power was sent to all wheels and the Stinger launched from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.9 seconds\n.\nRELATED: \nKia made a special edition model we\u2019ll never get to experience \u2013 the Stinger GTS\nKia Stinger when it was previewed in Malaysia in 2018\nKia CX Design sub-division Senior Vice President and Head of Purchase, Chang Sung Ryu said, \u201cAs we enter a new age of mobility, Kia will satisfy the needs of customers who seek to enjoy elevated levels of dynamic driving pleasure through high-performance electrified models such as the EV6 GT. And the brand\u2019s strategy to continue accelerating the development of innovative electrification technologies will ensure that sustainability and strong performance combine effortlessly under the Kia badge.\u201d\nRELATED: \nKia Stinger lands in Malaysia, 2.0L & 3.3L V6 priced from RM239k"
"Thanks to the positive response and growing demand to the \nGoVax CSR programme\n in providing free transportation to vaccination centres, GoCar is \nseeking for volunteer drivers\n to increase the availability of shuttle vehicles over \nSaturdays and Sundays\n.\nA CSR programme by car-sharing platform GoCar Malaysia, in collaboration with Kampung Tunku state assemblyperson YB Lim Yi Wei, the GoVax shuttle service currently covers:\nSunway Pyramid Convention Centre\nHospital Shah Alam\nKlinik Rakan Medik Petaling Jaya\nUniversity Malaysia Medical Centre (UMMC)\nIdeal Convention Centre Shah Alam (IDCC)\nSince the programme commenced on 25th May 2021, the \nGoVax Heroes\n have provided free rides to and from vaccination centres for over 300 senior citizens aged 60 years and above and persons with disabilities. The GoVax Heroes have thus far been volunteers from GoCar Malaysia\u2019s employee pool.\n\u201cI\u2019m very happy to see our GoVax initiative pass the \n300-passenger mark\n. Many have expressed that they wouldn\u2019t be able to get to the vaccination centres otherwise. Help us help more senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) get vaccinated so that we can get closer to achieving herd immunity. \nKita Jaga Kita\n!\u201d said YB Lim Yi Wei, state assemblyperson for Kampung Tunku.\n\u201cSince we launched the GoVax programme, we have been heartened by multiple queries coming in from members of the public who wanted to volunteer. We welcome all the support we can get as the government continues to intensify vaccination efforts. I am proud that Malaysians are so giving and caring. It is only through a concerted effort that we can beat this ongoing battle with COVID-19,\u201d said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO, GoCar Malaysia.\nInterested individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 50 with a valid Malaysian driver\u2019s licence. Those who wish to volunteer can drop their details and find out more information \nhere\n.\nAs for those who are keen to assist qualified users to use the free GoVax shuttle that ends on 31st August 2021, contact the 24-7 hotline 1 300-30-2633 or request via the \nGoCar mobile app\n. Bookings must be \nmade at least three days in advance\n. Drivers are limited and requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.\nGoCar also remarks that passengers with mobility challenges will need to be accompanied by an experienced caregiver."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) added a high-performance variant to the \nGLC line-up\n \u2013 the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC. Available in both SUV and Coup\u00e9 styling, let\u2019s find out\u00a0whether the AMG-bred SUV can take the fight to the \nPorsche Macan\n.\nLike the other 43 series models, Mercedes-AMG has fitted the GLC 43 with a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 that produces \n367 hp\n and \n520 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to all four corners via a nine-speed G-TRONIC automatic. With Race Start (launch control) engaged, the GLC 43 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n4.9 seconds\n.\u00a0To put things in perspective, the mighty Golf R gets there in 5.0 seconds flat. Finally, an SUV that won\u2019t disappoint you at the traffic lights. Top speed is limited to\n 250 km/h\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC\nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coup\u00e9 4MATIC\nEngine\n2,996cc; twin-turbo V6\nTransmission\n9-speed G-TRONIC automatic\nMax Power\n367 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n520 Nm @ 2,500 \u2013 4,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n4.9 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM538,888\nRM580,888\nUnlike the regular GLC 250 4MATIC, the AMG models come equipped with \nAMG Sports Suspension with Air Body Control\n (airmatic sports suspension) that allows the driver to select different ride heights to suit their driving needs. Mercedes-AMG also sports a more negative camber on the front and rear axle of the GLC 43 for better lateral dynamics. Task with stopping this highly capable SUV are a set of perforated discs measuring 360 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed callipers on the front axle and 320 x 24 mm with single-piston fixed callipers on the rear axle.   Both GLC 43 models come fully decked out with AMG Line exterior pack, Night Pack and Exterior Chrome Pack. The front splitter is designed to ensure optimal air flow to the car\u2019s cooling system. Naturally, the \u201cBITURBO 4MATIC\u201d badge is present at the front fenders. The coup\u00e9 gets an additional rear lip spoiler while the non-coup\u00e9 gets a set of roof racks. Both models ride on 21-inch AMG five-twin spoke lightweight alloy wheels.\nStep inside, one can easily tell this AMG model apart from the regular GLC models from the multifunctional sports steering, red stitching, red design seat belts, AMG instrument cluster and a race timer. The GLC 43 comes with a panoramic sliding sun roof while the coup\u00e9 is equipped with a regular sliding sunroof. Other standard features include 360-degree camera, keyless entry and start, powered front seats with memory function, powered tailgate and Burmester surround sound system.   Every purchase of the fully imported GLC 43 and GLC 43 Coupe is covered with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty. Attractive financing packages are also available via Mercedes-Benz financial with monthly repayments starting from RM5,388 for the GLC 43 and RM5,808 for the GLC 43 coup\u00e9.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC   Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coup\u00e9"
"Volvo Car Malaysia today unveiled the Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus, a new variant of the popular SUV joining the \nRecharge T8 Inscription Plus\n in the XC90\u2019s local line-up. As the \u2018B5\u2019 in the name suggests, the new variant is equipped with a new mild-hybrid powertrain, and will replace the existing T5 AWD Momentum model here in Malaysia.\nThe new B5 variant is priced at \nRM386,842.12\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions until the 30th of June, 2022 (\n100% here by the way, as the car is locally-assembled in Malaysia\n), placing it just approximately RM7,000 lower than the Recharge T8.\nEXTERIOR\nThe all-new XC90 B5 variant wears the same Inscription Plus package as the aforementioned range-topping variant, and thus looks pretty much identical to the plug-in hybrid variant from the outside. Standard equipment on the new B5 variant include:\nInscription grille and exterior trims in chrome\nFull LED headlights with Active High Beam and Active Bending Lights\nLED daytime-running lights\n20-inch 10-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, 275/45 profile tyres\nPERFORMANCE\nThe main highlight of the new variant is, of course, the new mild hybrid powertrain underneath the bonnet. The B5 powertrain is not new to our parts of the world, having previously been introduced on the \nupdated XC60\n.\nEngine: Drive-E 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder, petrol; 48V electric integrated starter-generator (ISG) motor\nTransmission: Eight-speed automatic\nDriveline: Front engine, all-wheel drive\nSuspension: Air suspension\nMax system horsepower: 249 hp @ 5,400 \u2013 5,700 rpm\nMax system torque: 350 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 4,800 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds\nTop speed: 180 km/h\nFuel consumption: 8.2 l/100 km\nVolvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus shown.\nINTERIOR\nThe new Volvo XC90 B5 variant also mirrors the T8 on the specification list for the cabin, with standard features as follows:\n12.3-inch digital instrument cluster\nhead-up display\n9-inch portrait-oriented Sensus Connect infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity\nOrrefors crystal gear selector\nDiamond-cut knobs for volume control and engine start-stop\nPowered comfort seats with four-way lumbar support adjustments and memory function\nNappa leather upholstery\nFour-zone climate control with second- and third-row vents\n19-speaker, 1,400W Bowers & Wilkins sound system\nWireless charging pad\nPanoramic sunroof\nSAFETY\nJust like all other Volvo cars on sale here in Malaysia, the new XC90 B5 Inscription Plus also comes equipped with the full suite of advanced driver assistance system, with features including:\nCity Safety \u2013 autonomous emergency braking with steering support; detection for pedestrian, cyclists, and large animals\nLane Keeping Aid\nPilot Assist and adaptive cruise control\nRun-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection\nOncoming Lane Mitigation\nBlind spot monitor with Steer Assist\nCross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake\nPRICING\nThe Volvo XC90 B5 Inscription Plus is locally-assembled here in Malaysia, and priced at \nRM386,842.12\n on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the ongoing SST exemptions that is valid until the 30th of June 2022. Also included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard."
"BMW\n has announced a new partnership with AirConsole, an \u201conline video game console\u201d, to bring \u201ccasual gaming\u201d into new BMW vehicles equipped with the marque\u2019s new \nCurved Display infotainment system\n. Presumably to make charging EVs less boring, the partnership is slated to kick off sometime next year.\nAccording to the German carmaker, the games will run directly inside the vehicle\u2019s entertainment system, and players will have to use their own smartphones as game controllers. Of course, like most things in new cars these days, the system will be delivered to the vehicles over-the-air.\n\u201cWith AirConsole we will leverage innovative technologies combined with a broad variety of fun and multiplayer games,\u201d said BMW Group Senior Vice President for Connected Company Development. \u201cThis will make every waiting situation inside the vehicle, such as charging, an enjoyable moment.\u201d\nAirConsole is part of the BMW Startup Garage programme, the carmaker\u2019s incubator for new tech that can be used in its future vehicles.\nRELATED: \nThe latest BMW iDrive 8 system could be the best-looking yet!\nThis isn\u2019t the first time a carmaker has experimented with on-board gaming. Most notably, \nTesla \ncars already come bundled with a handful of games on-board to let you kill time at an EV charger. Unlike BMW, however, Tesla\u2019s games will even let you \nutilise the car\u2019s actual steering wheel \nto control your in-game characters.\nWith EVs getting more and more prevalent these days, expect to see more of these time-killing features being added into cars. Charging, no matter how fast, will still take more time than refuelling, after all."
"The all-new Honda Insight will make its global debut next week at the North American International Auto Show where it will be positioned above the Civic as a premium compact.\nThe Insight sports a low and wide stance, highlighted by Honda\u2019s signature \u201cflying wing\u201d grille, low-profile LED headlights and taillights followed by a long coupe-like roofline.\nRiding on a long wheelbase, the 2019 Honda Insight will offer class-leading passenger space and premium features like perforated leather seating, an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 7-inch digital LCD cluster.\nPowering it will be a 1.5-litre twin-motor hybrid system where in most conditions the Insight operates on electric power only. The hybrid batteries are located under the rear seat to provide a full-size boot with 60:40 split-folding rear seats.\nThe Honda Insight will be included with the Honda LaneWatch and Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving aids such as Lane Departure Warning and Low-Speed Follow to name a few, like the ones in the Honda Accord and CR-V available locally.\nAt the previous edition of the North American International Auto Show, Honda announced its Honda Electrification Initiative and its intention to make\n two-thirds of the brand\u2019s global vehicle sales to be electrified vehicles by 2030\n, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and fuel cell vehicles.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bentley Motors has extended its model range to now include the new flagship \nBentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB)\n after a nine-figure investment to create a new model with the \nbest rear cabin experience\n since the Bentley Mulsanne. The company has high hopes for the model too; projecting the new Bentayga EWB to account for 45% of all Bentayga sales when it goes on sale later this year.\n \nOn the topic of rear cabin experience, the Bentayga EWB has extended the standard wheelbase by \nan extra 180 mm\n, stretching it from 2995 mm to 3175 mm, with an overall length of over 5300 mm. Despite the increased length of the rear doors, Bentley has ensured that the lines and proportions of the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase are not affected.\nInside, the new \nBentley Airline Seats \nare the most advanced seats ever fitted to a car, with 22-ways of adjustment and the world\u2019s first auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.\nIn \nRelax Mode\n, the rear seat can recline up to 40 degrees, whilst the front passenger seat slides forward and a footrest deploys from under the front passenger seat. In \nBusiness Mode\n, the seat moves into the most upright position to make working on the move more comfortable.\nThe \nauto climate seat technology\n senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation, or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum comfort. Meanwhile, the \npostural adjustment system \nautomatically makes micro-adjustments to the occupant\u2019s seating position and pressure points, by measuring pressure across the seat surface.\nThe system can apply 177 individual pressure changes across six fully independent pressure zones over a three-hour period throughout a journey. Imagine what long road trips would be like in the Bentayga EWB!\nNew features also include the \nBentley Diamond Illumination \nwhere light is emitted through the leather door trims using LEDs (12 on each of the front doors, 22 on each of the rear doors). Also new is the rear-wheel steering for a 7% smaller turning radius, power closing doors that allow users to close the doors with the push of a switch, along with heated rear doors and centre armrests.\nFurther enhancing the rear cabin section, the longer door trims have been redesigned, with the use of Metal Overlay for the first time; a privilege previously only offered to the \nContinental GT Mulliner\n.\nThe exterior changes can be seen on the new front grille, new 22-inch 10-spoke wheels, and a sunroof that\u2019s been pushed further back due to the extended length of the luxury SUV.\nRELATED: \nThe Bentley Bentayga Mulliner is probably the single poshest SUV around\nUnder the front hood is a 4.0-litre 32-valve twin-turbo V8 engine with \n550 hp\n and a whopping \n770 Nm\n to propel the car from 0 to 100 km/jh in just 4.6 seconds. Keep your foot firmly planted on the floor and you\u2019ll see the Bentayga EWB nudging 290 km/h.\nGALLERY"
"A high performance 2005 Ford GT, once belonged to the famed Formula One driver Jenson Button, will go under the hammer at the Silverstone Auctions\u2019 Race Retro Classic Car Sale.\nWith a low mileage of 8,350 miles (about 13,400km), the mint example is just one of five VIP variants ever to be sold in Europe. Only 101 units of the Ford GT was supplied to the continent.\nSilverstone Auctions\u2019 Sales Manager, Will Smith (no, not that Will Smith) said, \u201c\nGiven its inimitable heritage, prolific performance, stunning design, and thrilling driving experience, the Ford GT is a very special creation that will undoubtedly be revered for many years to come. In addition, it was once Jenson Button\u2019s very own, adding even more exciting provenance and collectability to this particular example.\u201d\nThe white with blue stripes GT carries a pre-auction estimate of\u00a0\n\u00a3250,000 to \u00a3300,000 (from RM1.4 million to RM1.67 million). At the heart of it is a mid-mounted, hand-built, \nquad-cam 5.4-litre V8 engine\n that\u2019s supercharged to deliver \n550 hp\n and \n678 Nm\n of torque. \nIt gets a \nsix-speed manual\n transmission as standard and rockets from standstill to 100km/h in a blistering\n 3.5 seconds\n. Its top speed is\n 330km/h\n, but even that requires a speed limiter. We have a strong feeling that the bidding will go well beyond the auctioneer\u2019s estimates, though.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"With a history that dates back all the way to the 5000GT in 1959, \nMaserati \nhas now announced that it\u2019ll be officially ending production of its 572 hp twin-turbocharged 90-degree V8 engine by the end of this year, as the Italian luxury carmaker takes their next step into electrification.\nMaserati \npreviously announced \nplans to electrify its entire model line-up by 2025, before becoming a fully-electric carmaker by 2030.\nAs the 90-degree V8 nears its end-of-life, the \nTrofeo\n versions of the Maserati \nLevante\n, \nGhibli\n, and \nQuattroporte\n \u2013 all powered by the legendary engine \u2013 will also be discontinued by the end of this year. The good news is, buyers who are interested in adding one or more of these collectors\u2019 items into their garage still have time till 2024 to do so, while stocks last.\nAt the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed in July this year, the Italian marque will also be unveiling the latest, final editions of the Maserati Trofeo models, Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima.\nAs a unique send-off to the V8 engine and Trofeo models, Maserati has also created a trio of unique \u2018Z\u00e9da edition\u2019 models, one each for the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte, featuring a very unique tricolour exterior paint job. No other information was provided on these unique V8 collector\u2019s items, but they were part of the company\u2019s displays at the Motor Valley Fest last weekend.\nBesides celebrating its past successes, Maserati also showcased its all-electric Folgore range, which includes the \nGranturismo\n \nFolgore\n One Off Luce, \nGrecale\n Folgore, as well as the GEN 3 Maserati Tipo Folgore.\nGALLERY"
"It seems like Audi is seriously considering to expand the TT family, with the reveal of the \nTT Sportback concept\n at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Stretching the \nTT Coupe\n by 290 mm long and 60 mm wide, the TT Sportback is \n4,470 mm long\n and \n1,890 mm wide\n but \n30 mm lower\n than the TT Coupe at 1,380 mm. The \nwheelbase\n is also extended by 120 mm to \n2,630 mm\n.\nThe classic TT Coupe silhouette has been carried over, making the TT Sportback a true \n4-door coupe\n complete with\n frameless windows\n for all four doors. The front is slightly different from the production TT Coupe with the Audi four rings that sit inside the Singleframe grille, and a redesigned bumper.\nThe pronounced wheel arches and side sill stand out from the otherwise flat side panels, with doorhandles that sit flush with the bodywork. A character line goes from the edge of the front headlights, all the way back to the slim taillights and the pointy bootlid. The rear bumper incorporates an oval tailpipe on each side, linked together by a chrome trim.   Inside it\u2019s pure TT, complete with the \n12.3-inch full-colour display\n used for the \ndigital instrument cluster\n, and the jet engine round air vents that incorporates the aircond controls. The only difference is that the rear occupants now have their own doors, but the TT Sportback will only accept two persons in the back due to the center console that stretches through the entire interior.\nPowering the TT Sportback concept is a \n2.0 TFSI\n from the \nEA 888\n engine family coupled to a \n7-speed S tronic\n dual clutch gearbox with \nquattro\n permanent all-wheel drive. In this state of tune it produces \n400 hp\n at 6,400 rpm and\n 450 Nm\n of torque at 2,400 \u2013 6,000 rpm.\nWith the chassis and engine readily available, let\u2019s hope Audi gives the green light for the TT Sportback to enter the production line, as it could potentially be a proper rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after \nteasing its arrival\n, UMW Toyota has now announced that the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift is now open for booking. Just like the \noutgoing model\n and the \nYaris\n, the 2020 Toyota Vios will be offered in three variants \u2013 J, E, and G \u2013 with prices estimated to start at RM75,701.\n1.5J \u2013 RM75,701\n1.5E \u2013 RM85,674\n1.5G \u2013 RM89,232\nAll prices above are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of \nsales tax exemptions\n applicable until 31st of December this year. Compared to the outgoing model, the new 1.5J variant is RM400 cheaper, while the 1.5E and 1.5G are priced RM5,600 and RM3,100 higher respectively.\nThe estimated pricing for the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift is also more expensive across the range compared to the \nnew Yaris\n \u2013 which starts at RM71,688 (estimated) \u2013 similar to the outgoing models.\nThe styling changes on the 2020 Toyota Vios is reserved to the front, where it receives a new front fascia similar to that of the new Yaris. To differentiate between the two, the Yaris is equipped with a honeycomb mesh grille, while the Vios gets an arguably more classy horizontal slats design.\nThe triple-bezel LED headlights and daytime-running lights are also new, and just like the Yaris, is also standard across the range. The Vios previously only had halogen projector units, even on the range-topping variant.\nAside from the front, the rest of the car looks to be unchanged from the outgoing model, including the taillights assembly which are halogen or LED units depending on the variant, as well as the 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels.\nThe example seen in these photos is also fitted with an optional Aerokit, which includes additional front and rear bumper lips, side skirts, as well as a two-tone boot-lid spoiler. The Aerokit is priced at RM2,800.\nThe 2020 Toyota Vios facelift will be available in five different exterior colour options, including the eye-catching Orange Metallic as seen in these photos, as well as Platinum White Pearl, Dark Blue Metallic, Red Mica Metallic and Silver Metallic.\nIt\u2019s a similar story inside the cabin of the 2020 Toyota Vios as well, with the most apparent change being the addition of a new seven-inch infotainment display, a step-up from the previous 6.8-inch display. Crucially, the infotainment display now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, finally making it into the \nlist of cars under RM100k\n with said function.\nOther equipment available on the 2020 Toyota Vios include\u00a0an electrochromic rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, Eco and Sport drive mode switch, as well as the Vehicle Telematics System which is standard on the 1.5E and 1.5G variant.\nSimilar to the Yaris, the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift will also include the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced driver assistance suite. The system includes the Pre-Collision Warning (PCW) autonomous emergency braking feature, which works from 15 km/h and above, as well as Lane Departure Alert (LDA) feature which alerts the driver when it detects an unintended lane change from 50 km/h and up.\nThe TSS suite works in addition to the 360-degree panoramic view monitor, blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, as well as a front dashcam as standard on the E and G variants. A rear dashcam can also be optioned in on the two variants at RM350.\nThe 1.5-litre\u00a0Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-banger under the hood should remain unchanged, making\u00a0\n107 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n140 Nm\n\u00a0of torque to drive the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.\nThe 2020 Toyota Vios facelift is now available for booking through UMW Toyota\u2019s website, linked \nhere\n, or at all authorised dealerships nationwide. Included in the final price \u2013 which will be announced at the imminent launch soon \u2013 is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Naza Kia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, have released its post-SST price list. Apart from the Picanto and Cerato, prices for other models have a reduction of up to 3%. The quantum \u2013 from GST-included to SST retail prices \u2013 ranges from RM6,000 for a Sorento SX (from RM185,888 to RM179,888) to RM1,000 for the Rio hatchback (from RM79,888 to RM78,888). Note that the prices below are on-the-road without insurance.\nIf you are wondering why the prices for the Kia Stinger are missing, worry not as Naza Kia has yet to obtain the government approval for the pricing of its most exciting rear-wheel drive sports sedan. We will post an update once we have them."
"As we approach the end of the year, we welcome Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd\u2019s fourth and final new model launch for 2016, the Proton Ertiga. The name of Proton\u2019s B-segment SUV is derived from the Artiga Concept but here it stands for \u201cthree rows\u201d and coincidentally, there are three variants to choose from.\nAlthough it\u2019s an all-new model from Proton, the Proton Ertiga is essentially a rebadged Suzuki Ertiga. As such, underpinning the Ertiga is a stretched Suzuki platform that measures 4,265mm in length, 1,695mm in width, 1,685mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,740mm.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Ertiga Executive (MT)\nProton Ertiga Executive (AT)\nProton Ertiga Executive+ (AT)\nSegment\nB-Segment MPV\nEngine\n1,373cc; DOHC with VVT, timing chain, multi-point injection (MPI)\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n4-speed automatic\nMax Power\n92 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n130 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM58,800\nRM61,800\nRM64,800\nEXTERIOR\nIn the \nMoU\n signed by Proton and Suzuki last year, Proton will not be making any major aesthetic or mechanical changes to the Ertiga. As such, what you see on the Suzuki model is what you get on the Proton. Fortunately, the rebadged Ertiga is the latest facelifted model from Suzuki therefore the Proton Ertiga would stay fresh and relevant in the market for years to come.\nStarting from the top of the line \nExecutive+\n, the Ertiga features halogen reflector headlamps with manual levelling, front and rear fog lamps, halogen combination tail lamps, chrome fog lamp garnish, and powered folding wing mirrors with integrated turn signal. The \nreflective plates\n that extend from the tail lamps are unique to the Proton model.   Moving down, both the lower spec Ertiga models get a black fog lamp garnish and manual folding wing mirrors. Regardless of variant, the Ertiga rides on \n15-inch alloys\n wrapped in \n185/65 R15 GT Radial Champiro Eco tyres\n.\nINTERIOR\nAt a glance, the interior of this six-seater MPV features a \nbeige theme\n to portray a luxurious and spacious cabin ambience. As standard, all variants get \nfabric seats\n and door trims, urethane steering wheel, 2-DIN infotainment system with four speakers, two power sockets, and\u00a0\nsecond row air conditioning\n. Executive+ variant adds\u00a0\nsteering wheel audio switches\n, driver\u2019s seat height adjuster, and extra two speakers.   With three rows of seats being the highlight, the second row splits 60:40, and they feature a one-touch tumble and slide\u00a0mechanism for easy access to the third row. Meanwhile, the third row seats split and fold 50:50. With the second and third row seats folded down, the Ertiga swallows up to\u00a0\n735 litres\n of cargo!\nPERFORMANCE\nTasked with moving the sub-1,200kg MPV is the familiar \nK14B 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated MPI four-cylinder\n found in the \nthird-generation\u00a0Suzuki Swift\n that is good for \n92 hp\n and \n130 Nm\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a \nfive-speed manual\n or a\n four-speed automatic\n.\nFuel consumption on the Ertiga is rated at \n5.7L/100km\n for the manual and \n6.0L/100km\n for the slush box, which qualifies the mini MPV for \nEEV status\n. A combination of ventilated disc (front) and drum brakes (rear) are employed to stop this family mover.\nSAFETY\nThe Ertiga boasts a \n4-Star ASEAN NCAP\n crash safety rating thanks to dual airbags, ABS with BA, EBD and ISOFIX mounting points.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe Proton Ertiga can be had in \nfour colours\n \u2013 Solid White, Carnelian Brown, Fluorite Silver and Ruby Red Metallic. Interested parties can now head to the nearest Proton Edar outlet for viewing and test drive, and as with all Proton cars, the Ertiga also comes with a \n5-Year warranty\n coverage.\nWhat do you think of Proton\u2019s rebadged people mover, dear readers? Reckon that it can take on the likes of Perodua Alza, \nToyota Sienta\n and \nHonda BR-V\n? In the meantime, do check out our \nfirst impressions\n\u00a0of the Proton Ertiga for more insights into your next possible purchase!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nErtiga Executive+   Ertiga Executive"
"Last week\n, we\u2019ve learnt that despite the original Volkswagen Beetle\u2019s cheerful outlooks, it was spawned during a terrible point in point and did not have the easiest of beginnings. In this second and final installment of the Beetle\u2019s two-part story, we look back on why the Beetle became an endearing automotive icon to the world\u2019s car enthusiasts.\nBack in 1955, while the Beetle was a predominant fixture on the roads of Europe, only a small number of them found its way to USA. The American\u2019s love for domestic V8-powered cars, coupled with the Beetle\u2019s image as the \u201cHilter\u2019s car\u201d did not help with the sales growth of the Beetle. Enter the \u201c\nMad Men\n\u201d of Doyle, Dane, and Bernbach \u2013 seeked to boost the Beetle\u2019s profile and credentials.\nThe creative trio \u2013 powered by charisma and copious amounts of cigarettes \u2013 came up with a series of revolutionary print adverts. Apparently, black and white prints were already a thing of the past then but it was the write-up that was extraordinary. It was cheeky, unpretentious, and best of all, struck buyers with relevance.\nVolkswagen launched two campaigns, \u201c\nThink Small\n\u201d in 1959 and \u201c\nLemon\n\u201d to the American public. Soon after, DDB crafted a series of witty and charming Beetle adverts that translated to millions of Beetles finding new homes in a country that was possibly still harbouring hatred to all things German.\nOver the years, countless improvements were applied to the Bug. While the Beetle\u2019s sillhoutte remained untouched, Volkswagen introduced more powerful engines, fully synchronised transmissions, windscreen wipers, automatic choke, and additional cosmetic enhancements. Later on, additional variants of the Beetle were also introduced.\nAside from the famous convertibles, innovative beach boys even turned the Beetle into a Dune Buggy to carry their surfboards to the beaches. In 1971, the Super Beetle was unveiled \u2013 the most powerful Beetle ever produced. A year later, Volkswagen celebrated a significant milestone where \n15 million Bugs\n were produced, matching the production numbers of the infamous Ford Model T.\nHowever, in 1974, Volkswagen slipped into decline with the over-reliance of a single model. This led to the production cease of the Beetle in Wolfsburg to make way for a more conventional Golf hatchback. The assembly of the Bug shifted to South America, where production soldiered on till 2003. Seven decades on with over\u00a0\n21 million Beetles\u00a0\nproduced it\u2019s one of the longest car nameplates to have ever existed.\nThe Beetle did not stop there, as its successor, oddly named the \u201cNew Beetle\u201d, arrived in 1997 with the third and current incarnation of the Beetle (\nthe A5\n) launched in 2011. Sadly, that\u2019s the end of the Beetle as Volkswagen had recently \nconfirmed that there are no plans to develop the A5\u2019s successor\n.\n11 years since the reintroduction of the new Beetle in 1997, followed by a new model in 2011, the Beetle will be replaced by the production model of the Volkswagen ID Buzz Concept, as the retro-styled model in Volkswagen\u2019s line-up.\nThe Beetle\u2019s successor, another Volkswagen icon, \nthe Microbus.\nIt seems that Volkswagen has decided to embark on a new journey with its MEB electric car platform, rather than having more \u201cnew versions\u201d of the Beetle. A move we\u2019d all applaud seeing as there\u2019s not been an actual new Beetle but at the same time, it\u2019s legitimately saddening to know that the adorable, now defunct Beetle, has no place in today\u2019s society.\nImage Credit: \nVolkswagen"
"Originally scheduled for the end of January but \npostponed\n due to MCO 2.0, the first race of Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGRF) Season 4 featuring the Toyota Vios Challenge will take place on the 27th and 28th of March.\nSepang International Circuit will be hosting, and it is strictly a \nclosed-door event\n and as such, ardent fans can only cheer their favourite celebrities from their homes.\nUMW Toyota Motor will continue to stream the entire TGRF event live through all social media platforms as happened since the very first race in 2017.\nFor 2021, the Toyota Vios Challenge has added a new Rookie Class, making the one-make race series to feature four classes. The Rookie Class features six graduates from the \nGazoo Racing Young Talent Development\n programme who are stepping up from karting to touring car racing.\nDrivers in the Rookie class with karting experience age from 14 to 18, while two racers with plenty of e-sport experience are 17 and 20 years old. Based on \npromotional videos\n, the Rookie Class with be racing with the older Generation 1 \nToyota Vios Challenge car\n from 2017.\nMeanwhile, in the Promotional Class, three newcomers, actor Zizan Razak, singer/songwriter Talitha Tan and television personality Ahirene Ahirudin will be making their motorsports debut with the Vios Challenge in the new \nVios GR Sport\n front fascia. Get to know more about the 2021 racing grid \nhere\n.\nOverall, Season 4 of the TGRF will feature three unique racing series (Vios Challenge, Sprint and Endurance) throughout the year, offering 11 spectacular races.\nSix Vios Challenge races across three series planned for this year\nFor the first time, two rounds of Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup will race at the Malaysia Championship Series (the first was supposed to be this March date with the next in May), and closing the Gazoo Racing season with the Enduro Cup running in conjunction with the annual Sepang 1,000 km Endurance Race."
"Following the unscheduled spy short release of the new Volvo XC40, it is said that Volvo\u2019s new offering will come with dozens of exterior and interior colour combinations, with a focus of providing customers the option to implement their own preference and individuality in Volvo Cars\u2019 first ever entry in the small premium SUV segment.\nThe \n2018 XC40 as previewed last year \nbestows designers the freedom to inject vibrancy, individuality and playfulness \u2013 elements of which Volvo Cars\u2019 see as lacking in the small premium SUV segment. It will offer a broader and more playful colour palette, making it the most expressive model in Volvo\u2019s portfolio \u2013 to reflect the outgoing personalities of its drivers.\n\u201cWe wanted the XC40 to be a fresh, creative and distinctive member of the Volvo line-up, allowing its drivers to put their personality in their driveway. XC40 drivers are interested in fashion, design and popular culture, and often live in large, vibrant cities. They want a car that reflects their personality. The XC40 is that car,\u201d said Chief Designer Office at Volvo Cars, Thomas Ingenlath.\nCustomer research for the XC40 and its segment has shown that wider selection of colours and materials are needed from what was usually offered. As such, the design of the new XC40 would be from scratch with emphasis to project energy and playfulness.\nThe sources of inspiration for the XC40 is derived from \nstreet fashion\n, \ncity architecture\n, \nhigh-end designer goods\n and \npop culture\n, a focal point of Volvo\u2019s design team when deciding on materials, pattern and colour options.   \u201cWe took inspiration for the XC40 colour and materials from many different sources, mixing them and putting them back together into something cohesive. What we created is a car with a tough attitude that feels fresh, energetic and confident,\u201d said Ebba Maria Thunberg, Vice President Colour & Materials at Volvo Cars.\nSolid, monochromatic theme, to dual compositions in vivid complexions are among the broad selection of colours that are self-expressive while the interior colour choices of \nwarm Lava Orange carpets\n, \nOxide Red upholstery\n and \na range of new trims and materials\n are owed to urban architecture and cartography. Sure to deliver a modern touch, the interior will also see natural, felt-based carpets, headliner and door insert applications to deliver a truly youth and premium feel.\n\u201cOur Momentum trim level is the most fashion-oriented of the line-up, with vivid exterior colour combinations, while the R-Design and Inscription trim levels reflect a more dynamic and premium feel,\u201d added Ebba Maria Thunberg."
"With a world-famous drifter joining the Audi Sport family for a new phase of challenges, it didn\u2019t take long to see a new \nHoonigan\n vehicle being developed. Fully electric, Audi has just presented Ken Block with the S1 Hoonitron.\nDescribed as not only an incredibly talented driver, \u2018Drift Artist\u2019 Ken Block, who \njoined Audi Sport\n in September, will be piloting the exclusive and unique one-of-a-kind fully electric \u2018Hooning\u2019 machine in new videos scheduled to be out within the next few months under the working title \u2018Elektrikhana\u2019. \u201cThe collaboration with Audi is a very special partnership for me. The brand and its passion for motorsport motivated me to get into rallying,\u201d said Ken Block.\nAudi\u2019s RS e-tron GT has set its sights on the Porsche Taycan Turbo. More here!\n\u201cThat Audi has now developed this car for me and my team, and has joined us in our next project, has made a dream come true for me. The Hoonitron is writing the next chapter in our history and taking our Gymkhana story into the future,\u201d added Block, who turned 54 a few weeks ago. \u00a0\nFord holds the honour of the first drifting production electric car- the Mustang Mach-E 1400! \n\u00a0\nNot much has been shared on the Hoonitron, apart from having all-wheel drive traction thanks to the fitment of a powerful electric motor in each of the axles and a chassis made from carbon fibre materials. The design team, led by Marc Lichte was thrilled, as they had an opportunity to develop a modern, all-electric interpretation of the 600-hp Audi S1 that triumphed at the 1987 Pikes Peak Hillclimb. \u00a0\nAudi to enter Dakar 2022 with the electric racer! Batteries still get juiced from petrol though.\nAs expected, more detail about the S1 Hoonitron will be made available as we enter 2022 and enthusiasts are definitely looking forward to the high quality as well as creativity of the Gymkhana series.\nGALLERY"
"The newly-launched Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been award a 5-star rating by Euro NCAP after undergoing new and tougher crash tests introduced this year and emerged with outstanding results.\nAmong the factors that led to the A-Class\u2019 commendable scores is \npassenger safety\n. The design of the vehicle structures incorporates findings from research into real accidents.\nThe passenger compartments are designed to be highly rigid using ultra-high-strength and press-hardened sheet steel, to mitigate frontal, lateral or rear-end collisions and roll-overs.\nThe Mercedes-Benz A-Class comes as standard with driver and front passenger airbags, a driver\u2019s kneebag, Thorax-pelvis sidebags and windowbags. Unlike its competitors, the windowbag also covers the A-pillar for a more complete passenger protection.\nDriver assistance systems have also played a role in the A-Class\u2019 impeccable scores.\u00a0For the first time, the A-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. It keeps a very close eye on the traffic situation, with improved camera and radar systems allowing it to see far ahead.\nAside from that, the new A-Class also comes with the expanded Active Brake Assist as standard. Depending on the situation, it can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether.\nLocally, \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia offers two variants for the A-Class\n \u2013 the\n A200 Progressive Line and A250 AMG Line\n. The former comes with a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine making \n163 hp\n / \n250 Nm\n while the latter is fitted with a bigger 2.0-litre engine making \n224 hp\n / \n350 Nm\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \nMercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line   Mercedes-Benz A200 Progressive Line"
"A year after \nits successor\n has been announced at the \n2018 LA Auto Show\n, Porsche has finally pulled the plug on the 991-generation of its venerable 911 sports car.\u00a0\nThe last example of the 991-generation to roll off the production line is perhaps fittingly a \n911 Speedster\n, marking the end of an era that saw \n233,540 units\n produced \u2013 making it the best-selling Porsche 911 ever.\nPorsche Chief Research and Development Officer, Michael Steiner said, \u201cThe 991 generation in particular has set new standards in terms of performance, drivability and efficiency.\n\u201cIt fills me with pride, as well as a touch of sadness, to have to send it off into retirement. For myself, I can say that the 991 has given me enormous pleasure,\u201d he added.\nThe 991-generation was launched in 2011 to what Porsche calls \u201cone of the biggest development steps in the history of the 911\u201d \u2013 nearly 90% of all components were newly designed or had undergone substantial further development.\u00a0\nThe lightweight aluminium-steel composite made the 991-generation lighter than its predecessor, a first for the revered 911 sports car. The 911 also introduced a new, optional roll stabilisation system \u2013 Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC).\u00a0\nThe 991-generation also saw the most special editions than ever before, such as the \n911 R\n and the 911 Speedster seen here. The 991 also celebrated the 911\u2019s 50th anniversary, as well as the one millionth Porsche 911.\u00a0\nWhat is your fondest memory of the 991-generation Porsche 911? For us, nothing beats \ngoing full-blast on Sepang\n with the \n911 GT3\n."
"The folks at MINI have announced the arrival of a new entry-level model for its 5-door variant, dubbed the MINI One First 5 door. Not much about the car is known for now, but this entry-level MINI is to be economical, hence the employment of an all-new \n1.2-litre, three cylinder engine\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI One First 5 Door\nEngine\n1.2-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\nMax Power\n75 horsepower\nMax Torque\n150 Nm of torque @ 1,400 rpm\n0-100km/h\n13.4 seconds\n\u00a0\nThe three cylinder engine, despite being small in displacement, benefits from the carmaker\u2019s MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. In short, it makes \n75 horsepower\n and \n150 Nm\n of torque that\u2019s readily available from as low as 1,400 rpm. It propels the MINI to the 100 km/h mark from standstill at a respectable \n13.4 seconds\n. A \nsix-speed manual\n transmission is the way to go here, and that drives the \nfront wheels\n whilst returning an average fuel consumption of \n5.2 litres per 100 km\n.\nIn November last year, MINI Malaysia introduced the \nCooper S 5 Door model\n to our shores. Do you think the One First 5 Door will make its way here?"
"You can always trust the Russians to do the craziest things and when it comes to automotive experiments, they uphold that image like their reputation for consuming vodka.\nRecently we stumbled across a channel called \nGarage 54\n and for the curious minds, these guys have all the answers (if not, most) on all that could be if we took the effort to experiment but would never.\n \nWhatever that you may or may not have thought of, like transforming a Lada into a Porsche, using rubber bands to form a tyre, replacing engine oil with petrol or even using ice blocks to form the body of a car, these guys have done it so that you don\u2019t have to leave the comforts of your air-conditioned room to find out.\n \nTheir videos are dubbed in English too so you\u2019d understand the risk and dangers of these stunts and wouldn\u2019t try it yourself at home.\nI mean it; please, don\u2019t try this at home."
"Hatchbacks generally carry a sporty and dynamic image as compared to sedan body style. With that philosophy in mind, Bermaz Motor took the \nMazda3 SkyActiv hatchback\n and gave it a little spicing up.\nAvailable exclusively for the Mazda3 Hatchback, the MS MazdaSports Model Package is comprised of a set of cosmetic enhancements, both exterior and interior to invigorate the C-segment hatchback.   Outside, you get a five-piece gloss black/red accented body kit (front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser and a tailgate spoiler).\u00a0Elsewhere, the standard 18-inch alloys are now finished in gunmetal grey. The exterior is completed with a pair of MS Signature Red Wing Mirror, MS Tailpipe and a Red Mazda3 badge.\nInside, the fabric seats found on the standard Mazda3 HB are replaced with leather and suede combination, similar to the ones found on the \nCX-3\n except the MazdaSports package comes with MS embroidery and red contrast stitching. The suede material also finds its way to the top of the steering wheel which now comes with a centre marker as well as the door panels.   Mechanics of the Mazda3 HB MazdaSports remains unchanged with the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G and six-speed SkyActiv automatic developing \n162 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n. Power is channeled to the front wheels only. Other equipment mirrors the standard \nhatchback variant\n.\nNew owners of the Mazda3 HB who would like to spice up their car will have to fork out an additional \nRM9,880\n\u00a0(inclusive of 6 percent GST and installation), on top of the RM121k selling price of the locally assembled hatchback. Bermaz also expressed that customers opting for this package will need to wait an extra month on top of the stipulated waiting period. Bermaz MazdaSports Division also hinted that they will be developing more models with the MS nameplate in the future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Close to celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, local carmaker \nProton\n is showing steady growth in the first two months of 2023. In February 2023 alone, Proton sales hit \n14,033 cars\n (domestic and export), which is 52% higher than the same month in 2022. In the first two months of 2023, Proton sold \n25,714 cars\n, showing an 88% growth from the same period in 2022.\nFebruary 2023 saw Proton\u2019s sales increase by 20.1% from the previous month. The company estimates that its market share in February 2023 is 22.7% with an estimated total-industry volume (TIV) of 62,300 units. Proton\u2019s market share in February 2023 showed a 7.3% increase from February 2022.\nOf the 14,033 cars sold by Proton in February 2023, the best-selling model was the\n \nProton Saga\n with \n6,345 units\n sold. This is followed by the \nX50\n \nwith \n3,247 units\n, the \nPersona\n with \n2,313 unit\ns, the \nX70\n with \n981 units\n, the \nIriz\n with \n811 units\n, and the \nExora\n with \n336 units\n. In February 2023, the Persona, X50, and Exora lead their respective segments.\nFrom the first two months of the year, Proton has sold a total of 25,714 cars. In terms of year-to-date numbers, Proton\u2019s sales chart is still lead by the Proton Saga with 11,133 units sold. Following the Saga is the X50 with 6,239 units, the Persona with 4,352 units, the X70 with 1,914 units, the Iriz with 1,408 units, and the Exora with 668 units.\nRELATED: \nProton\u2019s new parts centre in Kuching set to reduce parts delivery time by 30%\nProton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, \u201cProton\u2019s strong start to the year reflects the popularity of our current model offerings. Just like our competitors, a lot of volume is being driven by fulfilment of tax-exempt bookings, but our new booking numbers remain healthy, so we are hopeful of continuing our sales growth trajectory for the rest of the year.\u201d\nHe adds, \u201cOver the next few months, Proton will also be making several announcements to shape the company\u2019s direction for 2023 and beyond. This will be a busy year as we establish our presence in new segments, enter the new energy vehicle (NEV) market and build our EV credentials when sales of the smart #1 begin.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMITI wants Proton and Perodua to speed up development of national EVs"
"Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that the six-month bank loan moratorium, due to \nend on 30 September\n, will be \ngiven a three months extension\n specifically for \nindividuals who have lost their jobs\n and have yet to find new employment due to the\n COVID-19 pandemic\n.\nThe Prime Minister added that banks will also be able to offer \nfurther extensions\n after the end of the additional three months, depending on the individual situation.\nMeanwhile, individuals who has had their \nincome reduced\n due to the ongoing health pandemic, their \nmonthly repayments will be reduced in tandem of their salaries\n, depending on the type of loans.\n\u201cFor example, for home or personal loans, monthly repayments will be reduced at the same rate as your salary cut. This assistance is for at least six months, and extensions can be given depending on the individual\u2019s salary\u00a0situation\u201d, said Muhyiddin Yassin. However, no specific reduction ratios were provided for other forms of loans.\nThe reduction will be applicable for a period of \nat least six months\n, and can also be extended by the banks based on the status of the individual\u2019s salary at the end of the extension period.\nSpecifically for hire-purchase loans, which is applicable for our car purchases, the government said that banks have given their commitment to offer individuals the ability to \nreschedule their monthly repayments\n in accordance to the Hire Purchase Act. For example, individuals will be able to lower their monthly repayment amount in exchange of a longer loan tenure period.\nAs for small medium enterprises (SME) and self-employed individuals facing difficulties with their finances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, banks are able to provide reliefs based on individual arrangements, including only paying the interest portion of the loan repayment for a certain time period, extending the overall loan tenure to reduce monthly repayments, and other reliefs until the borrower is financially stable to make repayments.\nAccording to the Prime Minister, approximately three million individuals and SMEs are set to benefit from the extension of the bank loan moratoriums. Individuals eligible can contact their respective banks to apply for the extension starting 7th August 2020."
"With the electrification of vehicles taking place globally, the European Commission plans to phase out new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2035. The phaseout/ban was not welcome by Germany, but both sides have finally come to an agreement. \nReuters\n reports that although the 2035 ban will still take place, cars powered by e-fuels (or synthetic fuels) will be exempted.\nGermany\u2019s transport ministry has for weeks blocked the European Union\u2019s plans to ban sales of new CO\n2\n-emitting cars in 2035, demanding an exemption for combustion engine cars that run on e-fuels. To circumnavigate the phaseout, the European Commission will create a new EU vehicle category that \u201ccan only run on carbon-neutral fuels\u201d.\nFollowing this, the European Commission will present another regulation specifying how these cars can contribute to the 2035 target. This will take the form of a delegated act. Assuring Germany that the exemption will follow through, the Commission said if this law were to be rejected, it would \u201cfollow another legislative path\u201d to allow e-fuel car sales.\nSo far only e-fuels/synthetic fuels have been successful in seeking an exemption. Biofuels (which were proposed by Italy), weren\u2019t successful. There were no reports on using hydrogen as a fuel in internal combustion engines.\nRELATED: \nPorsche begins production of synthetic fuel in bid to keep ICEs alive\nThe news of the exemption is great for companies like \nPorsche\n which has been working on synthetic fuels for its high-performance models. According to \nAutomotive News Europe\n, Volkswagen Group said the e-fuels deal will help low-volume models such as the \nPorsche 911\n \nsports car. The automaker said, \u201cE-fuels from renewable energies are a contribution to sustainable mobility \u2014 the agreement gives manufacturers and above all consumers a clear perspective for planning.\u201d\nItalian carmaker \nFerrari\n has also welcomed the new decision. The brand has never set a roadmap for full electrification but has produced hybrid models. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said, \u201cThe good news for us as a company is that on top of electric cars, we will also be able to go on with our internal combustion engines ones. This decision is very interesting for us because it allows ICEs to go beyond 2036.\u201d\nE-fuels, like e-kerosene, e-methane, or e-methanol, are made by synthesizing captured CO\n2\n emissions and hydrogen produced using renewable or CO\n2\n-free electricity.\nRELATED: \nPorsche says its synthetic fuel could make combustion engines as clean as EVs"
"Remember the \nM850i Kyoto Edition\n? Well, this one\u2019s another one of those artistic creations. Ellerman House, a luxurious resort by the Atlantic Coast in Cape Town, South Africa, has received a \nBMW 745Le xDrive\n created by \nBMW Individual\n. The one-of-a-kind creation will be used as the resort\u2019s official car for guest transfers.\nThe 745Le xDrive which pays tribute to the unique vegetation in the specific area of Cape Town where the resort is located was created in collaboration with South African artist and botanical sculptor Nic Bladen. Bladen who draws inspiration from the floras of his home country is known for his plants cast made of precious metals such as liquid gold, silver, or platinum.\n \nIn the 745Le xDrive, Bladen made 2D casts of the plants and leaves he finds in the area, which now threatened by extinction. These casts are then embedded as inlays for the door and dashboard trims of the Cognac leather interior. With his latest creation, Bladen aims to raise awareness for the plant diversity of the Cape region.\nThe headrests and comfort cushions in the same Cognac colour are embroidered with an exclusive floral design. The embroidery on the cushions also includes the \u201cEH\u201d logo while the brass-coloured door sills bear the \u201cEllerman House\u201d lettering.\nAs for the exterior, it\u2019s painted in exclusive Brass, topped off with a coachline across the side of the car, along with the hotel\u2019s logo on the C-pillars. Thanks to a pure electric range of up to 54 km, the plug-in hybrid sedan can cover the 25 km drive from Cape Town airport to the hotel\u2019s 100-year-old main building with zero emissions.\n GALLERY"
"The most popular new car in 2019 was the \nVolkswagen Golf\n, according to a study of based on over 38 million new car ad views online by \nAuto Trader\n, UK\u2019s largest digital marketplace for new and used cars. The study also combined a survey of 2,000 UK drivers.\nAfter the tabulations were done, the Volkswagen Golf emerged as the UK\u2019s most popular new car for 2019, ahead of traditional top sellers such as the \nFord Fiesta\n and \nFocus\n. This is the second year in a row that the Golf has taken the top spot.\nAs for premium makes, \nAudi \nturned out to be the most desirable overall new car brand, overtaking BMW and continuing the tight contest between the German brands.\nThe study also showed that interest in new electric cars is starting to overtake that for petrol hybrids, with the \nall-electric Audi E-Tron\n being the most popular eco car with government plug-in subsidies and improving EV range driving consumer interests.\nAudi was the most desirable premium brand, with the all-electric e-Tron being the most popular eco car.\nTop of the shopping list for new car features are \nair conditioning and climate control\n (52% said this was important when selecting a new car), electric windows (49%) and a spacious boot (41%).\u00a0Amongst the least popular features are \npanoramic sunroof\n (9%), heated steering wheels (8%) and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (7%).\nThe report also reveals that \nblack \nis the UK\u2019s most popular colour preference for a new car (21%), followed by Blue (19%) and Silver (16%)."
"The \nFord Mustang Mach-E\n has just set a new Guinness World Record for the lowest energy consumption in an electric car, averaging at \n10.53 km (6.54 miles) per kWh of energy\n on a 1,352 km road trip from John O\u2019Groats to Land\u2019s End \u2013 the longest \u201cdirect distance\u201d journey in the UK.\nThe record was achieved by BBC transport correspondent Paul Clifton, Fergal McGrath, and Kevin Brooker, who already hold petrol and diesel efficiency records between them.\nDriving through the night to avoid congestion, the trio completed the trip in 27 hours, with an average speed of around 50 km/h. But the most impressive part of the record attempt is that they only \nstopped twice to charge\n, totalling to just 45 minutes plugged in!\n\u201cThis record is about demonstrating that electric cars are now viable for everyone,\u201d said the team after setting the record. \u201cNot just for short urban trips to work or the shops, or as a second car, but for real-world use on long cross-country journeys. We\u2019ve proved that, with this car, the tipping-point has been reached.\u201d\n\u201cThe Ford Mustang Mach-E\u2019s range and efficiency make it an everyday car for tackling unpredictable journey patterns. We did a full day\u2019s testing totalling 250 miles and still had 45 per cent battery charge on our return.\u201d\nCheck out this purpose-built Mustang Mach-E with 1,400 hp of raw electric awesomeness!\nThe Ford Mustang Mach-E used in this record attempt was the rear-wheel drive Extended Range version, packing 88 kWh of battery capacity underneath its floor.\nShell is teaming up with Porsche to build a network of 180 kW charging stations across Malaysia. More details here!\nWith an average energy consumption of 10.53 km/kWh, that means that the trio could\u2019ve travelled well over 900 km in a single charge. Sure, they probably feathered the throttle to beat the world record, but adding 300 km to the official WLTP-rated range is still an impressive feat.\nAll that means is that while we may not achieve 900 km from a single charge, modern electric cars should be more than capable of hitting their rated driving range if you drive like a normal human being.\nWith sufficient fast charging infrastructure around (the Mach-E adds around 115 km of range with 10 minutes of charging on a 150 kW fast charger), there\u2019s really no need for range anxiety any more.\nGALLERY"
"Once upon a time about roughly five years ago, Mercedes-AMG \nteased us with the idea\n of a road-going hypercar, based around the same 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid engine that propelled Lewis Hamilton to his fourth Formula 1 Drivers\u2019 Championship. Since then, the project \u2013 dubbed the \nMercedes-AMG One\n \u2013 has gone through a series of delays and setbacks, with Mercedes boss Ola K\u00e4llenius even once joked about being \u201cdrunk\u201d when he approved the project.\nWell, drunk or not, the final production version of the Mercedes-AMG One has now finally emerged from the darkest dungeons of AMG\u2019s Affalterbach office \u2013 and although it might have \u201cpushed [them] to [their] limits\u201d (of their sanity, we imagine), it\u2019s nothing short of an engineering marvel.\nThe premise of the One hasn\u2019t changed since its original teaser, although Mercedes-AMG had to make some alterations to the powertrain in order to make it road legal. For one, you don\u2019t need an entire team of engineers to start the car. The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine\u2019s red line has also been lowered down to \u201cjust\u201d 11,000 rpm \u2013 although we don\u2019t think anyone would be too upset about that.\nThere\u2019s still the MGU-H and MGU-K systems derived from the actual F1 cars, however, making up two of the four total electric motors on-board. The \u2018H\u2019 and \u2018K\u2019 in the acronyms stand for heat and kinetic energy, and the systems work to generate extra power that have been recouped from otherwise wasted energy sources, such as the heat from the exhaust gasses.\nRELATED: David Coulthard sings praises for the Mercedes-AMG Project One\nAs for power, the tiny 1,599 cc V6 engine alone already makes 574 hp \u2013 that, if you\u2019re counting, is an incredible 359 hp per litre. And when you pair it to the four electric motors on board, the Mercedes-AMG One boasts a total output figure of a meteoric 1063 hp, all in a road-legal car that weighs 1,695 kg.\nWith all that power, the Mercedes-AMG One rockets from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, 200 km/h in seven seconds flat, and 300 km/h in 15.6 seconds if you keep your foot buried flat, onward to a top speed of 352 km/h.\nThe Mercedes-AMG One\u2019s battery pack also inherits the cell arrangement and direct cooling system of the W07 Hybrid F1 car, although its capacity has been expanded significantly to 8.4 kWh \u2013 even more than the new GT 63 S E Performance. Despite the bigger battery, however, its EV mode is only limited to just 18.1 km of range.\nAt least, you still get a rated fuel economy of 8.7 litres per 100 km (in a 1,063 hp hypercar, imagine that). And yes, the One is also a plug-in hybrid, capable of accepting up to 3.7 kW of AC charging power \u2013 no charging times were provided, however.\nALSO READ: 5 quick facts of the new Mercedes-AMG Project ONE \u2013 a Formula One car for the road\nOther F1-inspired goodies include a full carbon fibre monocoque and body panels, massive air intake on the roof, a stripped out interior with F1-style steering wheel, F1-style drag reduction system (DRS) system for the rear wing, and \u2013 adorably \u2013 a \u2018Strat 2\u2019 driving mode in reference to the infamous \u201cparty mode\u201d used by the F1 team for qualifying, which turns to everything up to 11.\nBut the Mercedes-AMG One is more than just an F1 car for the road, because there are many things on here that would immediately make the car illegal in the championship \u2013 aside from the obvious ones like air conditioning.\nMost notably are the active aerodynamics, which uses the active flaps in the front diffuser, louvres on the front fenders, and the massive two-piece extendable rear wing to not only increase downforce, but also adjust front-to-rear aero balance on the fly, corner to corner.\nMercedes-AMG did not provide a price for the One, because if you had to ask, you probably can\u2019t afford it anyway. Several outlets are reporting a figure of around GBP2.5 million (approx. RM13.7 mil) a pop, although it really doesn\u2019t matter any more since they\u2019re only building 275 units of the One, and all of them have already been spoken for.\nGALLERY"
"The Mercedes-EQ line-up here in Malaysia has just been expanded once again, thanks to the introduction of the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan here on our shores. Offered in a single EQE 350+ variant, the fully electric executive sedan is priced from \nRM419,888\n on-the-road, without insurance.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQE is only the second bespoke electric model in the Three-Pointed Star\u2019s line-up, built on the same EVA platform as its elder brother, the \nEQS\n, but with several revisions to the architecture promising a \u201cmore dynamic\u201d driving experience.\nIn true Mercedes-Benz fashion, the EQE Sedan also shares many of the same design touches as the EQS, including the signature \u2018One-Bow\u2019 silhouette that helps the sedan to a drag coefficient of just 0.22 Cd.\nTo differentiate between the EQE Sedan and EQS, the former has a unique front-end design sans the full-width light-bar, and there\u2019s also a more traditional boot around the back, which opens up to 430 litres of rear cargo space.\nOther exterior highlights include the Digital Light matrix LED headlights, three-dimensional helical tail lights, AMG Line body kit, the 19-inch AMG-style alloy wheels, and frameless windows on all four doors.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle, capable of generating \n215 kW (292 hp)\n and\n 565 Nm\n of torque, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of \n6.4 seconds\n. Top speed is electronically limited to\n 210 km/h\n.\nThe motor is paired to a sizeable 90.6 kWh battery pack, capable of supplying enough electrons for a driving range of up to 669 km based on the WLTP test cycle. Charging duty is handled by the on-board 11 kW AC charger, requiring eight hours for a full charge, or alternatively a 170 kWh DC fast charger is capable of top the car up from 10-80% in approximately half an hour.\nMuch like its exterior, the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ also heavily mimics the EQS. However, the key differentiator here is the lack of the signature \u201cHyperscreen\u201d dashboard, instead opting for a more \u201ctraditional\u201d dual screen set-up consisting of a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen display, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.\nThe screens run on the latest-generation MBUX software, which heavily emphasises on the use of artificial intelligence to help drivers and passengers get stuff done quicker.\nRELATED:\n 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ launched in Malaysia from RM698,888\nMercedes-Benz highlighted the EQE\u2019s NVH comfort in the press release, noting that the fully executive sedan has adopted several measures specifically to improve the car\u2019s comfort performance, including the use of additional foam mats, as well as unique bearings for the motor, and even a special magnet arrangement inside the motor to optimise it for sound and vibrations.\nOther interior highlights include a Burmester sound system, with two \u2018soundscapes\u2019, Silver Waves Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse, pumping artificial driving sounds into the cabin. The seats are wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre upholstery, in a black and space grey two-tone colourway.\nThe all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is fully equipped with the marque\u2019s latest advanced driver assist features, including the Driving Assistance Plus package as standard, consisting of adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go assist, active lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking, among others.\nMercedes-Benz says that the EQE\u2019s fully-electric architecture also allows for an improved passive safety performance, thanks to a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones, and a crash-protected area in the underbody for the batteries.\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is priced from \nRM419,888\n in Malaysia, on-the-road, without insurance. Included in the price is a standard four-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, alongside an additional 10-year/250,000 km battery warranty.\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n has just launched the 2022 \nMitsubishi Triton\n Phantom Plus Edition today, adding a fourth variant to the double cab 4\u00d74 version of the truck. Equipped with several enhancements, the limited-edition Triton Phantom Plus fetches a price of \nRM139,700\n, on-the-road, without insurance.\nIn terms of variant hierarchy, the Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition slots in between the Triton Premium (RM126,900) and Triton Athlete (RM 146,600).\nEXTERIOR\nThe main highlight of the Phantom Plus Edition are the additional styling touches, particularly on the outside. Coming in at RM12,800 more expensive than the Triton Premium, the Phantom Plus Edition adds the following exterior enhancements:\nDecorative Roof with LED Lighting\nFront and rear bumper garnish with red accent\nSide door moulding\n\u2018Phantom\u2019 tailgate moulding with rear spoiler\nSports bar with matte finishing\nRugged wheel arches\n18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires\n\u2018Phantom Plus\u2019 body decals\nOnly one colour is offered the Triton Phantom Plus, which is the existing Jet Mica Black. Phantom badges and Phantom-special stickers adorn the truck\u2019s body, so it is easy to tell it apart from other versions of the Triton.\nRELATED: \nIsuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi Triton \u2013 Which truck is the best?\nPERFORMANCE\nSimilar to the previous-generation 2016 Triton Phantom, the 2022 Triton Phantom retains the same powertrain as its \u2018normal\u2019 counterparts. The 2.4-litre Turbo Diesel engine produces \n181 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n, and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.\nLike the Premium, the Triton Phantom Plus is equipped with Mitsubishi\u2019s Easy Select 4WD System. Mitsubishi\u2019s Super Select 4WD System still remains exclusive for the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete.\nINTERIOR\nStep into the cabin and Phantom embroideries on the front seats will welcome you inside. The full list of add-ons on the interior of the Phantom over the Athlete are as such:\nSporty leatherette seats\nRed accent carpet mat\n9-Inch Touchscreen Audio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto\nPhantom embroidery\nSAFETY\nSafety-wise, the Triton \u2013 Phantom Plus Edition comes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control (TC), Rest Reminder, Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA).\nThe Triton Phantom Plus Edition is also equipped with a Driving Video Recorder (DVR) offered by MMM authorized dealers as standard at all Mitsubishi Motors showrooms nationwide, but active safety features remain unavailable on this variant, just like the Premium.\nALSO WATCH: \nThe Mitsubishi Triton Athlete makes going off-road easy!\nPRICING\nThe Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition is priced at RM 139,700 and comes with a five-year/200,000-km warranty. Only 1,000 units are available, so book yours now if a sinister-looking Triton is your vehicle of choice."
"Shell Malaysia, in partnership with Malaysia\u2019s largest e-wallet service provider, Boost, announced that the e-wallet payment services will be available at 800 Shell stations nationwide.\nCEO of Axiata Digital Services Sdn Bhd, parent company to Boost, Mohd Khairil Abdullah highlighted, \u201cBoost was first launched for mobile prepaid users to reload their mobile credit but since getting our e-Money license from Bank Negara Malaysia, our e-wallet features have gained a lot of traction.\u201d\n From left: Mohd Khairil Abdullah, CEO of Axiata Digital Services with Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur\nManaging Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Shairan Huzani Husain, said, \u201cOur customers are digitally savvy and technology plays an important role in their day-to-day lives. Hence, partnering with the nation\u2019s leading e-wallet enables us to offer them the additional option to pay with their Boost e-wallet when fuelling up with Shell fuels and grabbing their favourite treats at Shell Select.\u201d\nBy simply downloading the app through the App Store or Google Play Store, customers can enjoy hassle-free payments, easy money transfers, e-vouchers, e-gifting and prepaid top ups through the Boost e-wallet app that has accumulated over 4 million registered users and over 80,000 merchants.\nTo celebrate this partnership, Boost and Shell are rewarding users of the e-wallet service with an exclusive promotion from 14 May to 14 June 2019 where customers can enjoy a two (2) time RM5 cashback if they spend a minimum of RM40 with their Boost e-wallet at the selected Shell stations."
"Does a rose, by any other name, smell just as good? The short answer, in the context of Chinese names for cars, is no.\nFor the uninformed, Chinese is a phonetic based language where hundreds of words with varying meanings share the same pronunciation. Do you know that \u2018a good night\u2019s sleep\u2019 is pronounced exactly the same as something that is quite unprintable?\nTherefore, on top of staying true to the original pronunciation, words have to be chosen carefully in order to not give the brand a bad name, literally. On the flipside, if the right words are picked, carmakers are rewarded with pleasant Chinese names that connote nice meanings which\u00a0are absent in the original versions.\nIn an effort to introduce \nAutoBuzz.my\u2019s\n Chinese sister site\n, \nAutoRepublic.my\n, here are some interesting facts about Chinese car names to impress your better half with. For once, her nods might even be genuine.\nMazda\n \u2013 The Hiroshima-based car maker has been gaining accolades lately because of their \nspectacular results in emission tests,\n thanks to their brilliant Skyactiv technology. In fact, rather than having more horses under the hood, Mazda likes their horses to be in unity with the driver, based on the Jinba Ittai (\u4eba\u9a6c\u4e00\u4f53) philosophy. Little wonder then, that Mazda\u2019s Chinese name is \u9a6c\u81ea\u8fbe (ma zi da)- loosely translated as \u2018arriving with the horse\u2019.\nBMW\n \u2013 The \u2018W\u2019 in the moniker of this Munich based car maker is quite difficult to be to be phonetised into Chinese, hence the brand has no official Chinese name (the carmaker\u2019s China official site does not translate the name). However, most call BMW by its de-facto name of \u5b9d\u9a6c (bao ma) which means \u2018\nprized steed\n\u2018. I think, it sounds rather close to the unofficial name of \u2018Beemer\u2019. Quite fitting for a brand synonymous with driving pleasure.\nPeugeot\n \u2013 Ah, my favourite Chinese car name. When Armand Peugeot started Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 des Automobiles Peugeot 120 years ago, little did he know that his family name is given a magnificent Chinese translation \u2013 \u6807\u81f4 (biao zhi), which carries the meaning of exquisite and beautiful. Very apt for a French brand known for its styling finesse that has given us the achingly beautiful 406 Coupe and RCZ.\nAlfa Romeo\n \u2013 Here\u2019s one for Alfistis \u2013 when Alfa Romeo came up with the 164, they did not know their answer to the German trio means \u2018dying all the way\u2019 in Mandarin and Cantonese. Some might be aware that 4 is a taboo, but adding 16 to the 4 just made things much worse. The model was subsequently renamed 168 in certain Asian markets, which means \u2018prosper all the way\u2019, but it remains unknown whether Alfa was laughing all the way to the bank after the name change.\nThe 164 was subsequently replaced by the not so well received 166. Judging by Alfa\u2019s nomenclature of using the second number for range, and third number for generation, would we see another Italian luxury mid-sized saloon by the name of 168 in the future? The current Italian (and the only one) in this segment is the Maserati Ghibli.\nSo there you go, a rose by any other name does NOT smell just as sweet, or at least in the case of cars, does not sell just as well. Sorry Shakespeare."
"Volkswagen of America has revealed the latest in what they consider to be an enthusiast build, the \nAtlas Cross Sport GT Concept\n. Previously, they also revealed a \nmodified Arteon\n.\nIt\u2019s powered by the same engine found in the \nMk7 Golf R\n, with a few minor modifications including a turbocharger and front-mounted intercooler from a Golf GTI. That\u2019s enough to give the Sport GT Concept 300 hp, with all-wheel drive capabilities. The Atlas is fitted with a 7-speed DSG gearbox.\nThe Sport GT Concept comes with \nonly four seats\n and has been hand-painted with the unique \nEisvogelblau colour\n, translating to \u201cKingfisher Blue\u201d. The same colour is also offered to Volkswagen cars in Europe.\n2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion launched in Malaysia, from RM248k. Find out more about it!\n\u201cThe launch of the all-new Golf GTI and Golf R got us thinking about how to inject some of that VW magic into our SUVs,\u201d said Volkswagen Group of America.\nAll Volkswagen Group vehicles will soon share the same EV platform and software. Read about it here!\nAside from the power upgrades, the Altas Cross Sport GT Concept is also lowered with ST Suspension XTA Plus 3 coilovers. The new stance is complemented with 22-inch ABT Sport HR Aerowheels, wrapped in Yokohama tyres.\nYou may not be able to see them through the wheels but hidden behind are massive 8-pot caliper brakes from Tarox.\n\u201cWe wanted to push the limits of the production car even further so that it lives up to its GT name,\u201d said VW.\nThe Eisvogelblau colour is also adopted in the cabin, as seen on the custom Recaro Sportster bucket seats, steering wheel, and floor mats.\nTopping off the custom interior seating layout is a one-of-a-kind rear center console, which follows the design of the front unit.\nGALLERY"
"Lamborghini\u2019s electrification plan is no secret any more, with the company announced back in 2021 that it \nplans to electrify its entire line-up\n by 2024, ahead of its first-ever fully-electric vehicle (EV) by 2030. While most might assume the latter would probably be some sort of crossover/SUV in order to drum up sales for an electric Lamborghini, the company instead has different ideas.\nSpeaking to \nMotor1\n \nat the recent launch of the\n Revuelto\n, Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann told the publication that its first-ever electric model will cover a blind spot within the company\u2019s model line-up.\nThe Lamborghini Estoque concept from 2008\n\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a new body style, because what is missing in the line-up today is a GT 2+2, and I think this would be a good add-on to the two super-sports cars and the SUV,\u201d Winkelmann said.\u00a0\nThe company further clarified in an email that the upcoming EV will also not have the same off-road capabilities of the \nUrus\n, further refuting rumours that it\u2019ll be SUV-shaped.\nREAD MORE: \nLamborghini to electrify entire line-up by 2024 \u2013 first EV by 2030\nThe SUV rumour first came about when Lamborghini revealed previously that the EV would have more ground clearance for daily usability. However, it seems that \u201cground clearance\u201d will be more in the sense of its ability to clear speed humps, rather than for the rally courses. Think more \nFerrari Roma\n, rather than a\n SF90\n or \nPurosangue\n.\nOf course, we\u2019re still a long way out from any detailed specifications, but at least in terms of looks, we can expect it to borrow heavily from the Revuelto, whose new Y-motif design touches will become the Lamborghini signature from now on.\nThe upcoming Lamborghini EV will join an already fully-electrified line-up, a project that was kick-started with the \nSian\n, but brought into full force now with the all-new Revuelto \u2013 the latter featuring a 1,015 hp hybrid V12 powertrain underneath its unique bodywork.\nFollowing the Aventador-replacing Revuelto, Lamborghini will also be updating the Urus some time next year with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This will then be followed by the \nHuracan\n replacement, which will also be a plug-in hybrid of some sorts.\nALSO READ: \nThe Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is the first, but also the last of its kind \u2013 1,499 units only"
"Lotus has teased another advanced feature of the upcoming fully electric large SUV, currently affixed with the Lotus Type 132 code name.\nFor this second teaser, Lotus zoomed in to a section of design that looks like a rectangular pop-up device, bringing back memories of Lotus Esprit\u2019s headlamps. The idea of a headlamp also fits well with the notion of \u2018see\u2019; one of four keywords Lotus is using for the Type 132\u2019s key attributes.\nImage credit: \nTradeclassics.com/LotusEsprit\nWe got our imagination running too far too soon, as Lotus says that image is a Lidar scanning device, used for highly accurate \u2018vision\u2019 of the environment ahead. Lidar or Light Detection and Ranging is a key component for increased levels of intelligent self-driving capabilities.\n \nUsually placed on the front edge of the vehicle\u2019s roof, the \nLidar scanner\n uses pulses of laser to accurately provide depth and position information, creating a temporary real-time 3D map that is incredibly accurate. Working together with another set of sensors, cameras and radars plus powerful image processors allows mobility closer to fully autonomous levels.\nCurrently, no production vehicle is equipped with a Lidar sensor, as the device is incredibly costly, bulky as well as not entirely visually appealing. This example from Lotus however looks like it is not entirely fixed to the roof, as it has large gaps and is housed in a box.\nEVs are too quiet, so Lotus will pump sound authentic engine notes into the 2,000 hp Lotus Evija. Find out which engine is used, here!\nNear present?\nPast: Volvo and Uber autonomous driving tech, 2017\nAdvancement in tech has further compacted the Lidar device to a mere scoop \nLotus\u2019 distant \u2018cousin\u2019, Volvo, also has plans to equip its next-generation EV models such as the upcoming \nVolvo XC 90\n with a Lidar device, smoothly integrating with the vehicle\u2019s design. Earlier, Lotus showed the \nlower grille\n design of the Type 132 with active flaps for efficient aerodynamic qualities. \u00a0\nThe series of teaser images are part of the communication campaign that focuses on keywords including breathe, see, awaken and stretch and the technology that is easily associated with them. The Lotus Type 132 is the first of three \nnew premium EVs\n from Lotus that is a major deviation from the brand, being designed, engineering and build in China. A fourth model, an \nEV sports car\n designed to be the spiritual successor to the Elise and Esprit, will continue to be made in Hethel, UK."
"To stand out is to be different and the Citroen C3 Aircross, a newcomer to the playground scattered with the more established Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V, is one such example.\nThe C3 Aircross is that new kid in class that shows up with its shirt hanging out, pencil tucked by the ear, chewing gum and is seated with legs rested on the table.\n \nIt\u2019s a rebel with a \u201ccolourful exterior\u201d, in a class full of well-groomed, plain clothed Japanese peers.\nAlthough some might think the C3 Aircross is trying too hard, I\u2019m sure there are quarters that would appreciate its vibrant looks and catchy-to-the-eye features. You may not buy one but you\u2019d probably not shy away from checking it out either.\nUnlike most stylish things which are only fun to use on occasion, as novelty, like that tight sequin dress that suffocates you, the C3 Aircross does come with a few good traits to go with its unconventional looks.\nFor what it lacks on the outside, like LED headlamps for one, the C3 Aircross more than makes up for it with an abundance of cabin space \u2013 the most profound observation you\u2019ll have of the car from a segment that usually offers shoe box-like levels of roominess.\nIt\u2019s hard to pick out significant shortcomings of the Aircross\u2019 cabin, save for the lack of Android Auto connectivity and the different mechanisms to adjust the front seats; it\u2019s a different environment to be in with more positive attributes than the negatives.\nWhile the Japanese portray a dark, cold and subdued expression, this one just seeks attention through the air con vents and the colour scheme of the upholstery.\nIt\u2019s all nice and pleasant but there were a few things that could irritate you. The gear lever movement for one could be more fluid and the same can be said about the infotainment system \u2013 it\u2019s a little slow to react.\nThe most unfortunate of all though, is probably the manufacturer\u2019s badge the C3 Aircross wears \u2013 it\u2019s a Citroen. I\u2019d like to believe that for what it offers, had it been a Honda, Mazda or Toyota, they would\u2019ve had a hard time keeping up with the bookings but it\u2019s not.\nIs it compelling enough to at least pop by a dealership to have a look? On paper at least, absolutely.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After recently unveiling an \nenergy-efficient 4S centre \nin Northern Kuala Lumpur in February, BMW authorised dealer Regas Premium Sabah in the Land Below the Wind opened its doors to a new, expanded showroom for BMW and BMW Motorrad vehicles.\nHans de Visser, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia with Datuk Matthew Tan, Managing Director & Dealer Principal, Regas Premium Sabah\nRegas Premium Sabah, the sole distributor of BMW vehicles in Sabah since 2018 has unveiled its new relocated 4S showroom (Sales, Service, Spare Parts and System) in Kota Kinabalu. The new dealership offers 4S services for all BMW, BMW Motorrad, BMW Premium Selection, and BMW i vehicles. It also includes other services including insurance (new and renewal), used car trade-in, and BMW Financial Services.\nBMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Hans de Visser stated, \u201cSince our partnership began in July 2018, Regas Premium Sabah has been an invaluable partner in providing seamless touchpoint for our loyal customers in Sabah. As a BMW Authorised Dealer, Regas Premium Sabah has contributed over 300 vehicles to our total delivers every year.\u201d\nThe new four-storey dealership is now 40,000 square feet larger than the previous showroom it replaces in Jalan Penampang, and is able to accommodate up to 28 vehicles.\nWith 54 dedicated staff members, the Regas Premium Sabah dealership is now equipped with a customer lounge, handover lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Merchandise, BMW parts, relaxation zone, reception at the car service, a Grand Klasse lounge, BMW Motorrad Community clubhouse, BMW Motorrad gear and apparels, as well as AC/DC charging at the customer parking area.\nThe new Regas Premium Sabah is now located at Lot 2, Jalan Iramanis, Off Jalan Ulam Bunga Raja, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For more information on Regas Premium Sabah, \nclick here\n.\nOperation hours are as follows:\nMonday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM\nSaturday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM\nClosed on Sundays and Public Holidays\nGALLERY"
"Following the \nfuel price announcement for Week 2 of June 2018\n, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) released another statement saying the Pakatan Harapan Federal Government will fix the retail price of RON95 at RM2.20 per litre and diesel Euro 2M at RM2.18 per litre for the rest of the year.\nThe Federal Government will \nsubsidise 33 sen\n per litre for all retail purchases of RON95 petrol and diesel Euro 2M for this week. \nWithout the subsidy\n, RON95 and diesel Euro 2M would be priced at RM2.53 and RM2.51 per litre respectively.\nAn allocation of \nRM3 billion\n has been set aside to finance the subsidy and maintain the prices of RON95 and diesel Euro 2M till the end of 2018. To recap, global crude oil prices have reached a high of US$76 per barrel while refined petrol and diesel products are currently priced between US$87 and US$88 per barrel.\nToday (7 June 2018) marks the beginning of RON97 petrol to be adjusted according to a managed float mechanism. Due to the \nsteady recovery of global crude oil prices\n, RON97 was up 19 sen to RM2.66 per litre and will remain so until next 13 June 2018 (Wednesday).\nHigher grade fuels like Petron Blaze RON100 and diesel Euro 5M remains unchanged from its previous price point of RM3.08 and RM2.28 per litre respectively."
"The Malaysian Ministry of Transport has announced that \nPuspakom\n will no longer have a monopoly on the vehicle inspection services in Malaysia effective after its concession ends on \nAugust 31, 2024\n. Its concession will be renewed, but not its monopoly.\nWith that announcement, the Ministry of Transport has also announced that the invitation process for interested private companies (who wish to provide inspection services) will start in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.\nThe purpose of the ministry\u2019s decision to end the monopoly is to create a competitive service environment. The ministry predicts that this will facilitate better services for the public and create shorter waiting times. This will also solve the problem of limited Puspakom branches in some areas.\nPuspakom mobile service\nThe Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will both develop the qualifying conditions, operational regulations, scope of services, and guidelines. They will also determine the inspection locations.\nStill yet to be finalised, certain conditions have already been laid out for private companies interested to provide inspection services. These include:\nHiring qualified workers\nProviding & using computerised inspection equipment as regulated & approved by JPJ\nProviding services which fully meet the scope, standard, & procedure\nCharge inspection fees according to the specified rates\nNot allowed to offer repair/modification services or sell spare parts\nWith the full conditions to be finalised by the MOT and JPJ, the current conditions already rule out the typical workshops to be legitimate inspection centres as no repair/modification services can be provided. The location for these new inspection centres will also be pre-determined by MOT and JPJ. The rates of the inspection services will also be fixed, to avoid a price war between the service providers.\nPhoto: \nBernama\nTogether with the end of its monopoly, the government is also pushing for change in Puspakom. The concession agreement will be extended by 15 years after August 31, 2024, but several requirements have been made by the government. Part of them being for Puspakom to:\nModernise its inspection process to enable online monitoring on a real-time basis by consumers, Mot, & JPJ\nIncrease employee competency, including improving the process for bookings & customer complaints\nImprove the scope of interior/underbody checks & motorcycle inspections."
"Don\u2019t you like it when new things pop up to inject the some vibrancy into the same cycle of motions? If you do, you\u2019d probably appreciate the presence of this new compact SUV \u2013 even if you don\u2019t buy one.\nAfter \nteasing us last year\n at the \n2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show\n, it\u2019s finally here in a single variant, priced at \nRM115,888\n on-the-road without insurance.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nCitroen C3 Aircross 1.2L\nEngine\n1,199cc; 3-cylinder turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n112 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n205 Nm @ 1,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n10.4 seconds; 200 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM115,888\n\u00a0\nThe attractive pricing, coupled with the funky interior and exterior should be good enough reason for potential \nHonda HR-V\n and \nMazda CX-3\n owners to rethink their options.\nIt comes with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder PureTech turbocharged engine making \n112 hp \nand \n205 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox with fuel consumption rated at 5.3L/100km.\nFeatures wise, the C3 Aircross is not one to be overlooked. You get keyless entry with push-start feature, cruise control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity on the 7-inch infotainment system with the only let down being the singular USB port.\nAs for the funky exterior, the C3 Aircross is finished with 17-inch wheels, tail lights with 3D effect, LED daytime running lights and halogen headlamps.\nSafety wise, the C3 Aircross comes with six airbags, Electronic Stability Programme, Electronic Brake Force Distribution along with ABS and Brake Assist.\nIf that isn\u2019t enticing enough, the C3 Aircross comes with a 3-year free service package for the first 100 units while the rest comes with a 5-year/120,000km warrant with roadside assistance.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton\n today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with \nSmart Automotive\n, the joint-venture company between \nGeely and Daimler\n, to import and distribute Smart EVs within the region.\nThe national carmaker\u2019s distribution arm, Proton Edar, will be appointed importer, distributor, and dealer for the Smart brand in Malaysia and Thailand. Meanwhile, Smart Automobile (Nanning) Sales will hold the role of the marque\u2019s \u201cgateway to this region\u201d, Proton said in a statement today.\nThe signing ceremony, held virtually due to Covid-19 challenges, was attended by Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah and Smart VP of finance Ulf Nestler, acting as signatories for the respective companies. Also present as witnesses were Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar, Smart CEO Tong Xiangbei, and Proton CEO Li Chunrong.\nAccording to the statement, the MoA is for the establishment of a \u201cmulti-level sales and service network in Malaysia and Thailand\u201d including setting up a \u201cbrand experience centre\u201d plus \u201ca number of\u201d sales locations in the region, as well as providing local markets with sales and after-sales services for Smart vehicles.\n\u201cWith the signing of the MoA, Proton is taking its first steps on its New Energy Vehicle strategic journey. By collaborating with Smart, we will be able to gain experience in the selling, servicing and charging of NEVs, and build up the skill sets we require to be a force in ASEAN\u2019s rapidly expanding NEV sector,\u201d said Syed Faisal Albar.\nHe added that the partnership also presents an opportunity to \u201ctap on Smart\u2019s customer base\u201d, which will open up even more opportunities for the Proton brand. However, the statement says that there are currently no plans between the two companies to collaborate beyond the tenets of the agreement.\nSince Geely took part-ownership in Smart, the company has undergone a \u201cradical reinvention\u201d and have already unveiled the \nSmart Concept #1\n, which made its debut as a \u201cnear-production-ready\u201d electric SUV concept last year.\nTechnical specifications, of course, still remains a heavily-guarded secret. However, we do know that the Concept #1 will be built on Geely\u2019s\n Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) 2 platform\n, offering ranges upwards of 460 km per charge."
"Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) has just signed a \ndefinitive agreement\n to acquire 49.9 percent equity in Proton from DRB-HICOM. But how would this benefit the Chinese giant, who owns Volvo Cars, the London Taxi Company and Lynk & Co?\nAt the press conference, Li Shufu, Chairman of ZGH said the partnership is not just an act of outright purchase of Proton\u2019s assets, but mainly to revitalise and reinstate Proton as a market leader. In fact, Li is keen on putting the Proton brand on the ASEAN map, not just in Malaysia. This is in line with ZGH\u2019s plans to achieve a cumulative group\u00a0sales target of 3 million units by 2020.\nMr Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group\nZGH also intends to tap into the ASEAN market by making full use of Proton\u2019s 30-year experience in product development and marketing. Hopefully, this will position ZGH as a major player in the ASEAN region as well as enhance their global presence and position.\nTo achieve this, ZGH will be sharing their technological expertise with Proton to develop a new attractive line-up as well as rebuild the brand image in Malaysia. The first model to come out of this partnership is the\u00a0\nBoyue SUV\n that will rival the \nHonda CR-V\n and \nMazda CX-5\n.\nBesides that, ZGH will have access to Proton\u2019s sophisticated plant in Tanjung Malim that produces right-hand drive vehicles. ZGH intends to help the plant to achieve maximum capacity in producing RHD vehicles for domestic use, whereas exportation comes at a later stage. \nAt the press conference, Li said ZGH has no intentions to penetrate foreign markets with the Geely brand for the time being. The short term focus is to up their presence in the ASEAN region.\n\u201cProton is an iconic national brand of Malaysia. It is the symbol of Malaysia\u2019s national achievement and industrial spirit. We hope that through our cooperation with DRB-HICOM, Proton will be transformed into the number one independent automobile brand in Malaysia and one of the top three in Southeast Asia,\u201d said Li.\n\u201cWe have every reason to expect a shared and bright future based on the values of respect, adaptation, inclusion and integration,\u201d he added."
"UMW Toyota Motor\n sold a total of \n6,767 cars\n in April 2023. This is a 3% decrease from the same period last year. Of the 6,767 units sold, \n6,681 units\n were \nToyota\n models, while \n86 units\n were \nLexus\n models.\nUMW Toyota Motor\u2019s year-to-date sales (January to April 2023), on the other hand, have increased by 9% compared to last year (January to April 2022). The company is also confident and remains on course to achieving its mid-year target, despite the shorter operating month in April 2023.\nUMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, \u201cWe remain confident in our ability to deliver strong year-on-year growth. We have also seen promising response to our new models launched in quarter one of 2023, particularly the All-New \nToyota Vios\n, and we expect this to contribute to our continued growth throughout the year.\u201d\nRELATED: \nUMWT: No recalls for Toyota Vios amidst Daihatsu safety \u201cprocedural irregularity\u201d\nDatuk Ravindran K. also reiterated his assurance on the safety and quality standards of the all-new Toyota Vios, \u201cWe would like to assure you that the All-New Toyota Vios complies with all safety regulations and there is no compromise to the quality of the vehicle. The safety of our customers and our vehicles are always our top priority.\u201d\nIn addition to its new models, the company announced two upcoming brand initiatives which continue to solidify the \nGazoo Racing\n brand\u2019s presence in Malaysia.\nRELATED: \n2023 Toyota Vios: No folding rear seats, no spare wheel \u2013 Here\u2019s why"
"The BMW 7 series range has always been for the discerning individual who might ought to drive his spacious long wheelbase Ultimate Driving Machine when he isn\u2019t being wafted around in complete and utter luxury. In March of 1987, BMW debuted to the world at the Geneva Motor Show, the first ever V12 powered BMW.\nAimed at the high end luxury market in 1987, BMW subsequently introduced the already-in-production E32 with a \n5.0L V12\n codenamed the M70. BMW achieved this feat by coupling two 2.5L straight-six engines taken from the BMW E30 3-series. It was a single overhead cam engine that produced \n300hp\n at 5,200 revolutions and chucked out \n450 Nm\n of torque at 4,100rpm. Not bad by the standards of the late 80\u2019s.   Not satisfied with that, BMW\u2019s engineers retrofitted this E32 model with a \n6.7L V16 engine\n. Yes you read that right. A \n408hp, sixteen-cylinder\n lump that kicked out \n637 Nm\n of torque at 3,900 rpm while weighing in at\n 310kg\n. Massive. It was\u00a0dubbed \nProject GoldFish\n. Sadly that remains a topic for another day and that model never saw the light of the production line. This engine held the lime light once again, when it debuted in 1992, powering the \nfastest production road car\n at the time, the \nMcLaren F1\n. The engine was reworked by the BMW M-Sport division to make\n 618hp\n and \n651Nm\n of torque.\nManufactured from between 1994 and 2001, the BMW E38 was pride of the Munich luxury carmaker, it was fit for silver-screen royalty James Bond in the 1997 spy-thriller \nTomorrow Never Dies\n. However, minus the machine guns and the driverless tech and we end up with a \n5.4L V12\n making a broadly similar output as its predecessor with \n320 hp and 490 Nm\n of torque, an engine that went on in life to power the\u00a0\nRolls-Royce Silver Seraph\n.   The 750i/Li was also loaded to the brim with technological innovations such as the e-CAT catalytic converter system, ShiftTronic automatic transmission, Xenon headlights and GPS navigation system. On the safety front, BMW had fitted the E38 with \nITS\n (Inflatable Tubular System) and \nHPS\n or Head Protection System which are essentially\n multi-point deployment airbag systems\n. A class leading contender for it time.\nThe E38 was eventually succeeded by the 760i E65 model. This was the turning point in history of the 7-Series. Just to produce this car and future models at its plant\u00a0in Dingolfing, BMW shelled out a scarcely believable \n500 million Euros \nor roughly\n RM2 billion \nupgrading and retooling the factory.   BMW was also contemplating an M-Sport version to keep up with the Audi S8 and Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG. History is an indication of that decision, they opted out. However they did redesign the N73 engine that went on to power it flagship model. The engine is relative of that used in the \nRolls Royce Phantom.\nThis 6.0-litre twelve banger came with direct injection for the first time in a 7-Series. It also featured other tech such as \nValveTronic \n\u2013 BMW\u2019s\u00a0variable valve lift technology which helped produce \n454 hp\n and an astonishing \n720 Nm\n of torque and a mere \n3,500 revs\n.\nThis model also came with \nactive anti-roll bars\n and \nElectronic Damper Control- Continuous (EDC-C)\n for a much greater ride quality.It was also the first sedan in the world to be sold with a \nsix-speed transmission\n and an\n infinitely variable intake manifold\n.\nIt was the first BMW to come with adaptive Xenon headlight technology and a Push/Start system. The E65 also came with a \nradar-based \u00a0Active Cruise Control\n. However BMW also fitted the tediously complicated \niDrive\n system which was badly received by owners at the time. That being said, the E65 was a revolutionary model and not to mention, the \nmost expensive model\n in the barn.\nSince the prelude of this article, we\u2019ve gone back over 25 years in time, and here we arrive at the current cutting edge uber-fast limousine, the F02. Jam-packed with tech and gadgets, the F02 also debuted the \nActiveHybrid7\n model with a 0.4kW battery pack paired to a V8 engine. The F02 is also the first 7-Series to feature the hugely popular ZF\u2019s eight-speed cog-box.\nBMW also debuted the new\u00a0\nConnectedDrive\n system that features a host of safety system such as\n Night Vision\n, \nDynamic Light Spot\n, \nHigh-Beam Assistant\n and \nBMW Parking Assistant\n. The F02 came with other such systems like \nActive Protection\n with detects imminent accidents, then prepares the driver by \nautomatically pretensioning\n the seat belts, closing the windows and sunroof while activating the post-crash braking.\nThe F02 featured top-end tech with the likes of\n Lane Departure Warning\n, \nFront Collision Warning\n, \nPedestrian Protection\n and \nCity Collision Mitigation\n systems. No wonder the 760Li carried a price tag of \nRM1,388,000\n,\u00a0making it more expensive than a \nBMW i8\n.\nAt a monstrous\n 540 hp and 750 Nm\n of torque from \n1,500rpm\n, you would be forgiven if you thought this flagship battle-cruiser is powered by a uranium-fuelled nuclear reactor. The F02 boasts a century sprint time that is \n0.2 secs faster\u00a0\nthan the outgoing\n F10 M5\n model! The addition of\n\u00a0two turbochargers\n strapped to its\u00a060\u00b0 banks help give it enough grunt\u00a0to make F10 owners quake in their pants. With all that power, these engines are unbelievably smooth at idle and at constant driving speed.\nHowever, given the downsizing trend and low-volume sales, it proves harder for the V12s to stay within the limelight. But for all that it\u2019s worth, in the 20-over years that BMW has been making them, they\u2019ve done an excellent job in showing the world what utter performance and absolute luxury look like hand-in-hand.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been awhile since we\u2019ve heard news of the \nAudi e-tron Sportback SUV\n, but it appears that things are progressing well as Audi UK opens the order books for the all-electric SUV. Scheduled for market debut later in 2018, the yet to be named SUV is the brand\u2019s first ever series production EV.\nBased on the \ne-tron Sportback concept\n, the new SUV rides on Volkswagen Group\u2019s MEB (\nModularer Elektrobaukaste) \nplatform for electric vehicles that will also underpin other models like the \nVolkswagen I.D. Crozz\n. Audi has penned a coupe-like silhouette for the e-tron Sportback to attract a wider and younger group of audience.\nWhile technical details of the new Sportback are scarce, however in its \nconcept form\n, Audi highlighted that the Sportback is driven by three electric motors, one on the front axle and two on the rear, giving the SUV all-weather traction advantages of the new \u2018e-Quattro\u2019 (e for electric) all-wheel-drive system. The 95-kWh battery pack gives over \n400 hp\n, capable of propelling the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.5 seconds\n. Audi even claims the Sportback has a near 50:50 weight distribution.\nThe five-seater all-electric SUV is now in its final stages of development with \n250 production examples\n set to cover more than 4.8 million kilometres on four continents. From the cold of Scandinavia and the heat of Africa through the mountainous regions of Asia and the merciless cambers of the Nurburgring to the stop-and-go traffic of major Chinese cities, the pure electric SUV will take on the most extreme of conditions.   Moving forward, Audi has expressed that more than 20 all-electric and plug-in hybrid models will join the range by 2025, covering all segments and body styles. While our friends in Britain are eagerly placing their \u00a31,000 online deposit for the new all-electric SUV, we are still patiently waiting for the \nsecond-generation Audi Q5\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Alongside the launch of the \nall-new GLB 200 and GLB 250 4Matic\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today also unveiled the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic on our shores today.\nAs opposed to the regular GLB range, the \nGLB 35\n is only available in a five-seater configuration, with prices starting at \nRM363,136.52\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the\n \nsales tax exemptions\n that will be in place until the end of December 2020.\n \nEXTERIOR\nBefitting it\u2019s namesake, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic is dressed in full-blown AMG kit, including for the first time ever the on a 35-series model, the Panamericana grille. Other external AMG touches include:\nAMG front splitter with side flics\nAMG rear apron with two round tailpipe exits\nAMG roof spoiler, body colour\nBlack spoiler lip\nAMG Line bodystyling\n20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, tantalite grey with high-sheen finish\nSilver brake callipers with black AMG lettering\nMultibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus\nPERFORMANCE\nSimilar to all the other 35-badged AMG models, the beating heart underneath the sheet metal here is a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired to an AMG-specific eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nEngine: M270 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol\nTransmission: AMG Speedshift DCT 8G dual-clutch\nDrivetrain: Front engine, 4Matic all-wheel drive\nSuspension: AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension\nMax horsepower: 306 hp @ 5,800 \u2013 6,100 rpm\nMax torque: 400 Nm @ 3,000 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds\nTop speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)\nAs an AMG model, the 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive system receives AMG-specific tuning, including a 3-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and can be modulated using the AMG Dynamic Select drive modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and\nIndividual) and AMG Dynamics agility control settings.\nINTERIOR\nAside from the aforementioned seating configuration and the addition of designo red seatbelts, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 shares most of its kit with the regular GLB 250. These include:\nTwin 10.25-inch displays with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nMercedes me telematics and connected services\nNappa-leather flat-bottomed sports steering wheel\nSports seats in Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre fabric\ndual-zone climate control with rear vents\nBurmester sound system\nJust like other AMG models, the widescreen 10.25-inch instrument cluster also comes with additional AMG-specific display modes, including the Sport and Supersport modes for extra legibility on key metrics during spirited driving situation.\nSAFETY\nThe safety and assistance equipment list also mirrors that of the regular GLB models, but with the\n addition of lane keeping assist\n, exclusive to the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. Other safety and assistance features include:\nReverse camera\nBlind spot assist\nActive Braking Assist with lane turn-off support for oncoming traffic\nActive Parking Assist with Parktronic\nPre-Safe\nKeyless-Go\nTyre pressure monitoring system\nEasy-Pack tailgate\nPRICING\nThe Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic is now available in Malaysia, priced at RM363,136.52 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n in effect until the end of December 2020. Included in the price is a four-year/unlimited mileage warranty programme."
"The automotive market suffered a massive drop in demand last year due to the \nCovid-19\n pandemic. Although the situation has somewhat recovered pretty quickly after the initial drop, the market suffered yet another gut punch in the form of silicon shortage, wreaking havoc on the industry as a whole, worldwide.\nWhile most carmakers are finding trouble keeping up with demand resulting in months-long waits and headaches for car buyers, some of them \u2013 especially those on the luxury end of the spectrum \u2013 aren\u2019t actually too concerned, as they\u2019ve still been making money off of the low-volume, high-margin models at high prices.\nThe Mercedes-Benz E 300 Coupe AMG Line was just recently launched here in Malaysia. Check it out here!\nWhat\u2019s worse? Don\u2019t expect that to change anytime soon. In an interview with \nFinancial Times\n, senior executives from both \nBMW\n and \nMercedes-Benz\n indicated that they intend to artificially keep supply of new vehicles tight, so they can maximise profits and maintain higher prices.\nDaimler\u2019s Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm told \nFT\n, \u201cWe will consciously undersupply demand levels, and at the same time, we [will] shift gears towards the higher, the luxury end.\u201d\nBMW\u2019s CFO Nicolas Peter also echoed the same sentiment, saying that they plan to \u201cclearly stick with. the way we manage supply to maintain our pricing power on today\u2019s level,\u201d adding that BMW has \u201cseen a significant improvement in pricing power in the last 24 months\u201d.\nIn short, Mercedes and BMW know people will (and already) pay top dollars for their luxury cars, and therefore doesn\u2019t see a problem with maintaining a higher price even after the chip crisis ends.\nMoreover, the move will also reduce the amount of discounts dealerships are able to offer, and thus bringing in more profit for both the dealers and carmakers themselves. \u201cThe pandemic has really opened everyone\u2019s eyes \u2013 that a different paradigm is possible,\u201d said Bernstein analyst, Arndt Ellinghorst. \u201cEveryone loves it, including dealers,\u201d he added. Well, probably not consumers.\nEllinghorst explains that reducing discounts by 1% will boost profits across the car industry by a whopping USD20 billion, and discounts in Europe and the US have dropped by at least double that amount from their pre-pandemic peak.\nMercedes-Benz is moving on from PHEVs to pure EVs from here on out. Learn more about it here.\nThis type of strategy has already been employed by most of the ultra-luxury carmakers such as \nFerrari\n and \nBentley \nfor a while now, but the pandemic and chip shortage has now brought it down to the more \u201cmainstream\u201d luxury brands.\nWhat does this all mean, though? For us Malaysians, probably not much in the short term, as our sales model is quite different from that of the US or Europe. But do expect prices for these \u201cluxury\u201d brands to rise even further in the future \u2013 or at least, that\u2019s what we\u2019d wager on."
"More than 60 years ago, six students from Oxford and Cambridge university set out to do the unthinkable \u2013 driving two Land Rover Defenders, aptly named Oxford and Cambridge from London to Singapore \u2013 a journey known as \u201cThe First Overland\u201d which experts claimed to be \u201cgeographically ignorant and politically naive\u201d.\nBut the naysayers were proven (so) wrong.\nLeft to right: The Cambridge and the Oxford.\nThe team of university defied all odds in the 10,000 mile (16,000km) journey, traversing deserts in Iran, forged through treacherous streams and rivers through Burma (now known as Myanmar) before arriving in what was formerly known as the Federation of Malaya and stopping in Singapore in 1956.\nIt was documented in three BBC films commissioned by Sir David Attenborough which showcased many remote corners of the world on film for the first time, as well as by a book authored by Tim Slessor.\nWriting about the original expedition, Sir David Attenborough described it as \u201ca madcap adventure\u201d that would be \u201cquite impossible today.\u201d\u00a0\n13 years later, mankind stepped foot on the Moon for the first time in history. If these extraordinary journeys are anything to go by, almost nothing is inconceivable when armed with boundless determination.\nWhere did you have your lunch today?\nSix decades on, history is repeating itself and that incredible feat will be repeated; once again exemplifying man\u2019s thirsts for the unknown. This time, a member from the First Overland, Tim Slessor aged 87 years old, will once again make history with the original \u201cOxford\u201d Land Rover Series 1 to retrace the route from their first overland expedition.\nThis time, the journey through three major continents will take him along with award-winning filmmaker Alex Bescoby, the other way round from Singapore to London, taking approximately 100 days.\nYou could live this way, but would you?\nThe nostalgic return of the \u201cOxford\u201d to London will take them through the jungles of Malaysia and Myanmar, the mountains of the Himalayas northern Turkey, the deserts of the Middle East, as well as over twenty countries, including Nepal, China, Uzbekistan, Iran and Bulgaria.\nTim Slessor spoke about the thrill of being reunited with his old \u201cOxford\u201d Land Rover, \u201cThe last time I seriously drove this old thing was a long time ago. So, as you might imagine, to see the old thing again today is quite moving.\nThe \u201cOxford\u201d had lived a life of neglect and oblivion ever since the First Overland where it was found dilapidated, hidden and decaying in Ascension Island, a tiny South Atlantic island, for decades.\nIt was rescued by a man named Adam Bennett in 2017 who had grown steeped in the story of the First Overland. In an extreme act of generosity, the restored Land Rover was gifted to Slessor and Bescoby, to allow them to uncover just how much of the world has changed in the last 60 years.\n\u201cAs I get older, I have been bothered by a recurring and nagging whisper: \u2018Go for it \u2013 before it\u2019s too late\u201d, said Slessor.\n\u201cI am 87, and if I don\u2019t do It now, I may never get another chance. After all, as that whisper reminds me, \u2018you\u2019re only here once\u201d, he added.\nWith copious amounts of humility, Slessor joked, \u201cIf you like, it\u2019s merely a case of \u2018this Old Man helped take the SNX891 Old Lady home.\u201d\u00a0\nSNX891 was the original registration number of the \u201cOxford\u201d.\nThe Last Overland expedition began on the 25th of August in Singapore, after a flag off at Singapore\u2019s F1 pit straight in Marina Bay.\nUpon arrival in Malaysia, Slessor and Bescoby, flanked by a team of professional advisors, Land Rover enthusiasts and travel experts, made their way to Cameron Highlands to \u201cpay their respects\u201d to the old Series I to III Land Rovers still plying their trade to this day.\nWith Penang earmarked as their next stop in Malaysia, the \u201cOxford\u201d will carry on their expedition for the next 97 days until its reaches London, where it will be greeted by a record-breaking gathering of classic Land Rovers in celebration of its remarkable return home.\nWe wish them an unforgettable journey with the best of luck!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"While Malaysians are eagerly waiting for the \nHonda HR-V facelift to be officially launched in the local market\n, the refreshed compact SUV has just been announced for the European market. Lucky for them, Honda has confirmed that Europe buyers will have the option for a VTEC turbo engine!\nUpdates are the same with the HR-V we will be getting which include new front grille, high-gloss dark chrome above the grille, deeper bumper air intake sections and redesigned LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights. In Europe, higher-grade models get 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome finish exhaust tailpipes and full LED head and tail lamps.\nAs for enhancements that are not visible to the naked eye include additional insulating materials for the wheel arches, boot structure and door panels. More expensive models come with \nActive Noise Cancellation (ANC)\n technology that emits specific sound waves to cancel low-frequency noise in the cabin.\nAt launch, the HR-V will be available with an improved 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC engine that pushes out \n130 hp\n and \n155 Nm\n of torque. The i-VTEC engine has been enhanced with advanced plateau honing that reduces the friction between the pistons and cylinder bores as well as a friction-reducing coating on the timing chain guides to reduce long-term wear and improve engine efficiency.\nThe 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine and \n1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel\n engines that first debut on the Civic FC will be available in 2019. No luck for us residing in Malaysia as Honda Malaysia has confirmed that the Honda HR-V facelift which is set for market debut in Q3 2018 will soldier on with the 1.8-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC and CVT combo with \n140 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n of torque.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda HR-V Facelift in Europe"
"Nissan is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Nissan LEAF electric car and the delivery of the 500,000th LEAF since the model was first introduced.\nProduced at plants in Japan, the U.S.A, and the United Kingdom, the zero-emission LEAF is sold in 59 markets around the world.\nOver its lifespan, the Nissan LEAF has been more than just a mobility solution. It has helped power homes and businesses while providing \nemergency electricity during natural disasters\n.\nBefore.\nAfter.\nNissan estimates that LEAF owners worldwide have driven their cars approximately 16 billion kilometers cumulatively, \npreventing more than 2.5 billion kilograms of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere\n.\nA few months ago, Nissan extended its electric vehicle legacy with the \nAriya all-electric crossover\n. The Ariya is a key model in the company\u2019s Nissan NEXT transformation plan, under which the company \nplans to sell ome million electrified vehicles annually by 2023\n, including EVs and vehicles with e-POWER electrified powertrains."
"There\u2019s a new Chinese player in the automotive world who goes by the name of\u00a0Lynk & Co. Developed by Chinese carmaker Geely (together with its Swedish subsidiary Volvo), the marque unveiled their first product, the Lynk & Co 01 SUV.\nTo us, the brand name suits a fashion company better, but the new carmaker is banking on the \u201cmodern and youthful\u201d theme which will also incorporate the latest connectivity technologies.\u00a0\nDesigned in-house by Volvo\u2019s former design chief Peter\u00a0Horbury, the 01 is infused with design touches\u00a0from the European and Chinese perspective. Its footprint is about the size of a\u00a0\nNissan X-Trail\n, and the longer wheelbase will surely swing Chinese buyers over.\nThe front sports a\u00a0full-width grille, though when viewed at certain angles reveal a slight similarity to a \nPorsche\n.\u00a0The funky theme applies to the rest of the car, as seen with the orange accents and radical taillights.\nThe 01 clearly benefits from the latest technology from Volvo and Geely, including the CMA platform that will underpin the upcoming \nVolvo XC40\n. It\u2019s likely to receive Volvo\u2019s family of \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n and \n1.5-litre three-pot\n\u00a0engines as well, with a plug-in hybrid version among the cards. Transmission options include the usual\u00a0six-speed manual and seven-speed dual clutch automatic.\nWhen it comes to quirkiness, the 01 has a few tricks under its sleeves.\u00a0Lynk & Co is not offering standard or premium trims to the 01. Instead, it allows customers to customise a variety of accessories based on\u00a0fixed-priced equipment collections.\nThis Internet-ready car has a\n\u00a0share button\n that allows users to control, share and monitor the car via a smartphone or the centre console. The car incorporates an open source concept, allowing third parties to customise its open API (application programming interface) to create a new automotive experience.\nSo here it is, a cool and high tech\u00a0SUV powered by Volvo\u2019s latest powertrains. Most importantly, it comes from a Chinese manufacturer whose name isn\u2019t all that awkward. Or is it? Let us know what you think!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) will hold the \u201cToyota Dream Car Art Contest\u201d from January 1st until February 11th 2022. The children\u2019s art contest aims to stimulate young minds and share ideas about the future of mobility by drawing their dream cars.\nNow in its 15th edition, the global art competition comprises the National and the World Contest, with the former ending at the end of February 2022. Winners will then be representing their country in the World Contest that will be held in Japan.\nThe theme for this edition is simply \u201cYour dream car\u201d. Details on the National level contest can be found in the poster below and no purchase is required for participation.\nBesides Toyota, art experts and automotive specialists from outside Toyota also adjudicate the entries and select the award winners in the contest\u2019s three categories by age. Last year, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest gathered over 1.1 million entries from 75 countries and regions across the globe.\nRELATED: UMW Toyota and schools celebrate 20 years of Toyota Eco Youth. More details here.\nThe National Contest held by UMWT is opened to children aged 15 years old and younger, with three categories divided by age groups. For more information, log on to the Contest\u2019s global \nwebsite\n or the UMWT local link \nhere\n.\nConservation Environment Car\nToyota Giant Car\nLast year, Lim Xin Ying, 7, was awarded the Gold Award for the artwork called \u2018Conservation Environment Car\u2019. Meanwhile, Leng Yi Shun, 9, received the President Akio Toyoda Award for the impressive \u2018Toyota Giant Car\u2019 drawing. The huge collection of artworks are now catalogue and can easily be filtered for viewing \nhere\n."
"Yes, that\u2019s right \u2013 even younger than \nMini\n and \nBMW\n themselves. Granted,\n Rolls-Royce\n definitely moves fewer cars per year than every other brand in BMW\u2019s stable, but still \u2013 there seems to be a lot of rich young people, and they\u2019re all flocking towards the ultra-luxury British marque.\nSpeaking to \nAutomotive News Europe\n at the launch of their new electrification plans and the reveal of the \nSpectre EV\n last week, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes revealed that their average customer is just\n 43-years old\n \u2013 most of them located in China and the USA.\nThe youthful buying crowd was part of the reason why Rolls-Royce went for a coupe for their first-ever EV product. \u201cA coupe is very emotional car and for us, it was very important that we make a statement,\u201d Mueller-Oetvoes told the publication.\nAdditionally, he also said that it\u2019s a common misconception that Rolls-Royce buyers prefer to be chauffeured around \u2013 more than 80% of their buyers actually prefer to drive their cars themselves, and that\u2019s why they felt that a two-door, two (proper) seater coupe will be the best way to dispel that image.\nThe Rolls-Royce Black Badge collection was designed specifically for the \u201cyounger crowd\u201d \u2013 and it\u2019s now available in Malaysia. Learn more here!\nThe Spectre will take the \nWraith\n\u2018s place in Rolls-Royce model line-up after its official market launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, especially in markets such as the U.S. since the latter was discontinued in the market due to emissions regulations.\nAlthough the Spectre bears some similarities to Wraith especially in its silhouette (which is pretty much the only thing we can see from the teaser), the Rolls-Royce boss is quick to point out that this won\u2019t be the case.\n\u201cIt is not in any way the successor of the Wraith. It\u2019s a different proposition for our clients. It will feel very different, it will look very different,\u201d Mueller-Oetvoes said.\nThe all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre EV is set to be launched in 2023! Read more about it here.\nNo details on the Spectre\u2019s electric innards were offered just yet, but the luxury carmaker said that it\u2019ll be built on the same architecture as the latest \nGhost\n and \nPhantom\n models. Before its launch, Rolls plans to put the Spectre through 2.5 million kilometres of road testing \u2013 more than any of their other products previously.\nFollowing the launch of the Spectre, Rolls-Royce has also committed to becoming a fully electric brand by 2030."
"The line between virtual and actual racing is constantly blurring, with game developers constantly refining their physics model, and simulator manufacturer adding more features to replicate the feeling of driving a real car. But for the ultimate\n sim racing\n experience, there\u2019s nothing more realistic than \nthe real thing\n, and that\u2019s what Bentley is now offering with its new steering wheel.\nBentley worked in conjunction with video game racing wheel manufacturer Fanatec to design a new steering wheel specifically for the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak challenge car. But in addition to the race car, the wheel can also be used on simulators at home \u2013 and yes, you can buy one.\n \nDue to its real-world application, the steering wheel is made out of a carbon-fibre and magnesium alloy to ensure lightweightness. The grips are covered in Alcantara microfibre, while a 3.4-inch central circular display with a forged carbon bezel shows the current gear selection and telemetry data.\nAll of the rotary switches are CNC-machined with Bentley\u2019s signature knurling design, and there are also two seven-way FunkySwitch directional sticks that can be encoded for different functions both in car, and in game \u2013 the latter is as easy as just as disconnecting the wheel from the car, and fitting it onto a Fanatec direct wheel drive base.\nDid you hear? Sim racing is now an Olympic sport! \nAnd because this is a steering wheel for an actual car, the wheel also comes with four magnetic paddles \u2013 two for gearshifting and two auxiliaries \u2013 that\u2019s based on the \nBentley Continental GT road car\n.\nIf you\u2019re not a sim racer, you can still buy one of these to be displayed on a wall or desk; the wheel comes with a special mount, so you can pretend to own a piece of race car. just kidding. For the more serious crowd, every purchase of the new Bentley steering wheel also come with a robust hard travelling case.\n\u201cThis is the most advanced wheel we\u2019ve ever made, and it will be used in a car which is simply stunning and the definition of cool,\u201d said Fanatec parent company Endor AG\u2019s CEO, Thomas Jackermeier.\n\u201cWe had the honour of making an iconic wheel for an iconic car to race at the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and our customers can be part of it and drive the exact same wheel in a simulator.\u201d\nNo pricing has been announced just yet, but with such a detailed construction, and of course the Bentley name, it probably won\u2019t come cheap.\nGALLERY"
"Tenaga Nasional, in collaboration with PLUS Malaysia, has launched three new TNB Electron charging stations.\u00a0\nThe charging stations are located at \nR&R Ayer Keroh (Northbound)\n and \nR&R Tapah (Northbound)\n along the North-South Expressway and \nR&R Paka (Northbound)\n along the East Coast Expressway (LPT2).\nEach of the charging stations will feature two 90 kW DC chargers to cater to two electric vehicles at one time. For now, the charging stations will be available for use, free of charge, until February 28. Prices will be announced on March 1st 2023.\nSix more charging stations are under construction; located at R&R Machap (Southbound), R&R Rawang (Northbound), R&R Gunung Semanggol (Southbound), R&R Gurun (North and Southbound) along the North-South Expressway.\u00a0Along the East Coast Expressway, another charging station will be added at the R&R Paka (Southbound). These stations are expected to be complete by the end of this year.\nThe entire TNB Electron charging network is estimated to consume 99,000 kWh of electricity throughout 2023. During the same period, this will help offset 7.2 metric tones of carbon dioxide emission. At the moment there are 20 fast charging facilities in operation along the PLUS highway, with the company ready to add more at other R&Rs.\nTo access the chargers, users will have to download the GO TO-U app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play store."
"Maybach is known for its luxury, and so you\u2019d naturally expect it to be priced as such. Here in Malaysia, the \nMercedes-Maybach S 580\n is priced at RM1.92 million (on-the-road, without insurance), or more than double than that of the \u201cregular\u201d \nMercedes-Benz S 580 e Hybrid\n (RM718k).\nThat\u2019s a lot of money, but I guess it makes sense, since you\u2019re also paying for the prestige of driving a Maybach in addition to all the added luxuries. Well, cue our surprise when we found out that the Maybach in Thailand is only just THB2.3 million (approx RM300k), or 30% more than its \nregular S-class counterpart\n.\nMercedes-Maybach S 580 in Malaysia\nLaunched in the Land of Smiles earlier this week, the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e Premium is \u2018only\u2019 priced at THB9,880,000 (approx. RM1.3 million), compared to the THB7,580,000 of the S 580 e AMG Hybrid. In fact, if you prefer a non-hybrid powertrain, the V8-powered Mercedes-Maybach S 580 will set you back nearly double in cost, coming in at THB18,300,000 (approx. RM2.4 million)!\nSo why the big difference in price? For one, the new Maybach S 580 e plug-in hybrid variant is actually locally-assembled (CKD) in Thailand, whereas the regular ICE-powered Maybach S 580 was launched as a fully-imported (CBU) model.\nMercedes-Maybach S 580 in Malaysia\nBut the more crucial aspect here actually boils down to the Thai government\u2019s favourable tax structure for plug-in hybrid vehicles \u2013 something that we Malaysians no longer enjoy back home.\nOver in Thailand, hybrid vehicles are taxed between 4-13% depending on their CO2 emissions, compared to the 25-50% of the regular internal combustion engine cars. As an incentive to introduce more electrified vehicles in the country, car brands with PHEV projects worth more than THB5 billion (approx RM658 million) can also enjoy a three-year corporate tax holiday (eight years for EV projects).\nREAD MORE: \nThailand phasing out combustion engines, pushing to have only EVs as new cars in 2035\nMercedes-Maybach S 580 in Malaysia\nSo what do you get for that extra 30%? For starters, there\u2019s the 180 mm extra length (even when compared to the LWB S-Class), which means the \ntauke\n in the rear seats will have even more space to enjoy.\nYou\u2019ll also get the \u201cFirst Class\u201d rear seats package in place of the peasant-grade (comparatively) \u201cExclusive\u201d package, the unique Maybach design touches (including the option for a two-tone paint job!), and \u2013 of course \u2013 the privilege of being able to tell others that you drive a Maybach.\nMercedes-Maybach S 580 in Malaysia\nThe Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine, paired to an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the nine-speed automatic gearbox, to make a combined \n510 hp \nand \n750 Nm\n of torque. On this luxobarge, that means a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.\nJust like the \nMercedes-Benz S 580 e here in Malaysia\n, you\u2019ll be able to drive on full electric power for up to 100 km of range. The Maybach S 580 e in Thailand does get an additional CCS charging port, enabling DC fast charging of up to 60 kW.\nALSO WATCH:\n 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4Matic, 5 Things"
"It was the first test car assigned to me within days of joining this publication and while I did not punch my fist in the air with excitement, having spent my childhood adoring Porsche\u2019s 911, the Volkwagen Beetle offered the closest, most faint impression of the timeless silhouette I grew up admiring so I gladly relished it.\nI won\u2019t deny; before collecting the Beetle doused in Blue Silk, I pondered how it would make me feel and worse, how it\u2019ll make me look in public. Let\u2019s face it, as much as the Beetle was the \u201cpeople\u2019s car\u201d when it was conceived more than half a century ago, in this present day, it appeals to, let\u2019s just say a more \u201cvibrant\u201d demographic \u2013 and it\u2019s not in any way a bad thing.   Perhaps it was the social or pop culture-induced, or maybe I was just being plain childish but I couldn\u2019t help but think it would make me look or feel like Mandy Moore in her then 1990\u2019s Beetle from the Candy music video almost 20 years ago \u2013 although, that Beetle was hideous, I\u2019m sure we can all agree on that. Turns out, I was just being childish.\nPulling away from Wisma Volkswagen in Bangsar, within minutes, I realise how foolish I was to have thought any less of the Beetle than the capable car that it was. I was looking forward to the next highway exit and with every reason to. It should be no surprise, how potent the Beetle\u2019s \n1.2-litre TSI engine\n would be and while \n103 hp\n may not sound like much, it packed a healthy \n175 Nm\n of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm before peaking at 4,000 revs.\nAnd that, dear readers, is the very sweet-\u201crev range\u201d-spot the Beetle was kept in throughout the entire weekend it was under my watch. I was caught constantly reminding myself that it was a Beetle, the car hopeless alpha males have claimed should only be driven by females \u2013 what utter rubbish. Together with a snappy, \n7-speed DSG gearbox,\n it offered the kinda accelerating performance that you wouldn\u2019t expect from its friendly exterior. If it matters to you, 0 to 100 km/h takes just \n10.9 seconds\n but it\u2019s irrelevant to judge this car solely on its century sprint.   It\u2019s hard to imagine this thing NOT entertaining and satisfying a wide range of drivers \u2013 from eager teens with well-off parents, young execs looking for something different or even the more mature with a liking for little hatches with no frills but plenty of driving pleasure and excitement. I say this because the Beetle wasn\u2019t only amusing to whoosh periodically in a straight line, but it holds itself pretty well too.\nIt felt very neutral around the bends and very predictable and composed with ample steering feedback from its electromechanical speed-sensitive steering with pedal shifters to tell if you\u2019ve gone just a little too far with your enthusiasm.\nI may sound like I\u2019m gushing with lust for the Beetle and to be honest, the reality isn\u2019t too far from it. I may not be head over heels for the Beetle, but it was its surprise element that left such a positive impression. Looking at its pretty \nBi-Xenon headlights\n and curvy exterior proportions, with more \u201csemi-circles\u201d than straight lines and a spec sheet that highlights its 1.3-tonne weight, it simply wouldn\u2019t strike you as something to be taken seriously of but you\u2019d be proven so wrong.\nWith all that load, the Beetles brakes did not disappoint either. I like how it bites without being too brash and abrupt before it allows you to easily modulate it. There\u2019s not much to rant on its ride comfort; seeing how the Beetle manages to hold its own at high speeds and corners, it manages to find a balance between the right amount of stiffness and comfort.\nOn the inside, I must say I\u2019m not a fan of the body coloured dash panels \u2013 thought I\u2019d get it out of the way but who am I to say, to each his own. It isn\u2019t by any means an eye sore, it\u2019s just that I would\u2019ve preferred a full black interior. Other wise, on the features and equipment front, the Beetle is rather well equipped.\nYou get a \n6.5-inch touchscreen display\n with iPhone, Bluetooth, USB, Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link connectivity. Ah and this is rather impressive; its got \n8-speakers\n. For someone who likes listening to his music rather loudly, they did their job rather well by providing a comprehensive, surround sound effect. It\u2019s no BOSE or Harman Kardon, but it won\u2019t let you question it capabilities.   The seats deserve a mention too; wrapped in Vienna leather, not only were they comfortable to rest on, even for an extended period, it also complemented the Beetle\u2019s driving dynamics by being rather supportive. The only gripe I had was the \u201cpumping motion\u201d required as you manually adjust the height of the seats. Not something you\u2019d expect from a car that price but its only fair to note that the Beetle has seen a significant price reduction leading to this model. From where I was sitting, and I must say it was pretty far back with my long limbs and all, the safety belt still seem rather far from reach.\nBut the rest of the interior is all dandy. You wouldn\u2019t be blamed for not expecting too much leg room at the rear but you\u2019d be caught off guard. Not only was head and legroom aplenty for someone of 5\u2032 11\u2033 in height, its roofline also provided plenty of ease for entry and exit out of the rear seats.\nNot once did I hit my head, clumsily moving around, in and out of the car to get pictures. Oh before I forget, what really got to me was the storage compartments by the door handle \u2013 it wasn\u2019t an enclosed compartment but instead your items are safeguarded by this suspender-like material with gaps at the bottom. I mean come on VW, you can do better than that.   Most of you looking at the Beetle and its price tag may think that perhaps the interior could do with a little more but you\u2019d be wrong to think that you\u2019ve been short changed in any way. This is as most of your money, goes to the important bits under the car because this Beetle has comprehensively got you covered on the safety front.\nLet\u2019s see, it comes with ABS and Brake Assist, Anti-Skid Regulator, ESC, Hill-Start Assist, Park Distance Control, ISOFIX and most importantly a total of four airbags. There is the Beetle \u201cDesign\u201d variant to go along with the \u201cSport\u201d we had \u2013 the Design goes for \nRM137,620.00\n whereas the Sport costs \nRM148,620.00\n.\nBoth are on-the-road prices excluding insurance. The Beetle comes with a \n5-year unlimited mileage\n warranty package, 5-year roadside assist with a service interval of 15,000 km. Other colours available for the \nCBU Beetle\n includes Pure White, Tornado Red, Blue Silk, Dark Bronze, Habanero Orange and White Silver.\nAfter spending nearly a week with the Beetle, I had my eyes opened; I\u2019d even say that there is a certain level of fondness for it \u2013 for how it drives, how much more well-rounded it is and how much more proportionate its built up to be compared to the hideous eye-sore from the late 1990\u2019s.\nIt\u2019s come a long way and the improvements it has undergone with the MQB platform deserves more credit than just being branded as just a chick\u2019s car because it\u2019s not. It\u2019s well-equipped, comes with a sizable boot, easy on the eye and encourages some reasonable level of enthusiastic driving. Some can unreasonably gripe on the lack of two extra doors, but hey, look at how the 4-door Mini Cooper looks like \u2013 some designs just aren\u2019t meant to be fettered with.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"BMW Malaysia in collaboration with Safe \u2018n\u2019 Sound and Childline Foundation has opened registration for subsidised infant carrier car seats.\nThe subsidy programme for the infant car seats at only RM100 is limited to just 150 units only. The snskidz Ace infant car seats are rear-facing and retails at RM199 each. They can be used from birth to children weighing up to 13 kg and carries ECE R44-04 certification.\n \nThis is in line with the Malaysian Transport Ministry\u2019s move to enforce the usage of child car seats starting January 2020. To encourage the adoption of child car seat usage, drivers will not be penalised for the first six months of enforcement but will receive warnings to install the seats.\nBMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Harald Hoelzl said, \u201cWith only 30% of drivers using child car seats for their children, it became more imperative for us as automakers to press on for child safety, regardless of the challenges we encounter in the fight for its education and accessibility.\u201d\nHow feasible is the child seat rule\n which will come into effect in 2020?\n \u201cIn support of that, we are now bringing the subsidy programme online to make infant carrier car seats accessible to households with income less than RM 3,000 a month,\u201d he added.\nChildline Foundation, Datin Wong Poai Hong said, \u201cParents will also be educated on the proper ways of choosing and installing the child car seats to ensure the utmost safety of their children upon collection of the infant carrier car seat.\u201d\nParents can \nregister for the subsidised infant carrier car seat\n from now until the 15\nth\n of December 2019. Parents eligible for the subsidy will be notified, after which a payment of RM 100 must be made prior to the pick-up of the car seat."
"First teased in January last year, Ford has just announced that their \u2018Mustang-inspired\u2019 electric SUV will be unveiled on the 17th of November.\u00a0\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylOBt5yNrsY\nWe aren\u2019t sure what \u2018Mustang-inspired\u2019 is supposed to mean, as it just doesn\u2019t quite work from every angle we look at it, be it vehicle type, powertrain, or even number of doors.\nHowever, from the video and images released by Ford, it seems that the new electric SUV \u2013 rumoured to be called the Mach-E \u2013 does take on a bit of influence from Mustang\u2019s styling department.\nThe biggest giveaway of its Mustang ancestry, so to speak, are the taillights that feature Mustang\u2019s iconic three rectangle design. Other Mustang design cues can also be seen with the tri-bar headlights, as well as muscular shoulder lines above the rear axle.\nIf that still doesn\u2019t convince you, Instagram user \nallcarnews\n claims to have obtained a leaked 3D model of the fully-electric SUV, giving us a clear look at the long hood, swooping coupe-like roof line, as well as the new taillight enclosure.\u00a0\nCurrently, information on Ford\u2019s first bespoke EV model is scarce. However, the American carmaker did announce that the unnamed electric SUV is capable of a range of \n600km\n based on the WLTP standard, impressive to say the least."
"If the swirling rumours turn out to be true, the next generation Almera could well be the first locally assembled Nissan model to be powered by a turbocharged engine (pick-up trucks aside), albeit one that\u2019s optimised for fuel efficiency rather than performance.\nA sea change for the new generation Almera, could include turbo engine with CVT.\nThe 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder in question hails from Nissan\u2019s HR engine series which also powers the Micra hatchback sold in Europe (which the Almera shares a platform with). While the output for ASEAN markets may yet differ due different regulations and fuel types, etc., the on-paper output of this 3-cylinder motor is rated at 100hp and 144Nm when mated to a CVT, with torque raised to 160Nm if paired with a 5-speed manual.\nBut perhaps the biggest change for the new Almera will be its styling, the transformation is akin to an ugly duckling turning into a swan. If you like how the \nNissan Leaf\n looks with its sharp, angular lines, prominent V-motion grille and boomerang taillamps, then the new Almera is all of that, but rendered in an attractive and proportional three-box silhouette.\nBased on the dimensions of the US-market equivalent model (the Versa sedan), the Almera should see increases in overall length (4496mm), wheelbase (2620mm) and width (1740mm); but note that these are approximate numbers and the specs for this region have yet to be made public.\nLike the exterior, expect the new Almera\u2019s cabin to undergo a significant change with more space over the current model (which is already rather spacious), along with improved build quality and cool tech features from Nissan\u2019s Intelligent Mobility suite.\nMore concrete information on the specs of the all-new Nissan Almera will surface soon enough as the model is expected to be unveiled in Thailand before the end of year, with Malaysia to follow suit within the first half of 2020. There should be fewer \nAlmari\n jokes by then."
"The Abarth 595 is quite a rare gem that combines hot hatch performance with an incredibly unique appearance. Being fast and distinctive means the Abarth, and its base car the Fiat 500, are usually good candidates for a multi-brand \nmarketing exercise\n. \u00a0\nThe Abarth 595 Monster Energy Yamaha is the \nfourth limited-edition\n car that celebrates the ongoing partnership between Abarth and Yamaha Factory Racing. The partnership, which has been ongoing \nsince 2015\n, shares similar values of performance, racing, technology and fun.\nInspired by the livery of the 2020 MotoGP Monster Energy Yamaha\n YZR-M1\n, the exterior of the Abarth 595 special series features a two-tone livery with the upper half in \u201cNero Scorpione\u201d black and the overall exterior in \u201cBlu Podio\u201c metallic blue.\nSpecial edition highlights include the \u201cYamaha Factory Racing\u201d logo on its lower side and one above the \u201c595\u201d logo just next to the door handle. A set of 17-inch rims with dual V-spoke in matt black finish completes the side profile.\nThe \u201cMonster Claw\u201d on the black bonnet is a tribute to the new collaboration with the renowned \nMonster Energy\n drink and also seen on the YZR-M1 MotoGP machines.\nUnder the black bonnet, the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine will also breathe and sound better thanks to the fitment of a sports muffler called \u201cRecord Monza\u201d. Outputs are unchanged at \n165 hp\n and \n230 Nm\n of torque and capable of sending the Abarth 595 from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.\nInside, the sports seats are wrapped in a specially designed pattern that also sees the \u201cMonster Claw\u201d and \u201cYamaha Factory Racing\u201d logos embroidered into the headrest.\nBlue, a colour associated with Yamaha, is sparingly used on the dashboard and highlights on the edge of the seats. An appropriate identifier plate on the lower console marks the exclusivity and uniqueness of this special series and partnership.\nOnly 2,000 units of the Abarth 595 Monster Energy Yamaha special edition will be available, priced at USD32,366 (approximately RM113k).\nGALLERY"
"The words \u201ctiny\u201d, \u201ccapable\u201d, and \u201ctough\u201d, perfectly describe the \nSuzuki Jimny\n, which is a 4\u00d74 ladder frame SUV that is no longer than a Proton Saga. Some length enhancement is due for the little SUV, as Indian publication \nGaadiWaadi.com\n reports that the 5-door Suzuki Jimny will make its debut on January 13, 2023, at the 2023 Auto Expo in India.\nAccording to the publication, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) recently confirmed that it will showcase 16 models at the Auto Expo. Major highlights by the brand during the expo include the 5-door Suzuki Jimny, the Baleno-based Coupe SUV, an electric SUV concept, and the Wagon R flex fuel prototype.\nLeaked image of 5-door Suzuki Jimny. Photo: \nAutocar India\nJust last week, photos of the 5-door Suzuki Jimny in India surfaced on the internet with the car sporting no camouflage at all. Indian automotive media report that it was possibly being filmed for a commercial at that time.\nIn the leaked images, the 5-door Suzuki Jimny was seen with a longer wheelbase, a body-coloured roof, and an additional pair of rear windows to accommodate the longer cabin. The rear doors seem a little short, but it may be due to an illusion created by the plastic claddings that sit at the door edges.\nALSO WATCH: \n2021 Suzuki Jimny now in Malaysia \u2013 5 Things\nNo major styling changes are seen on the 5-door Jimny, and the car is seen in its popular \u2018Kinetic Yellow\u2019 body colour. It is reported that the 5-door Suzuki Jimny will be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that makes 102 hp (metric) and 130 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual box and a 4-speed automatic box.\nIn Malaysia, the 3-door Suzuki Jimny fetches a price of \nRM174,900\n with SST included. It is fully imported from Japan and is available in one variant only. The Malaysian-spec Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that is paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.\nRELATED: \n2021 Suzuki Jimny launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM169k"
"Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) enjoyed strong sales performance in the third quarter of the year, in particular with the Ford Ranger pick-up truck.\nAchieving a 12% retail sales increase compared to the previous quarter, the Ford Ranger continues to prove its popularity in the Malaysian market. The solid sales also helped the pick-up truck gain 1.5% in market share, up to \n16.2%\n in the pick-up segment.\u00a0\n \nAvailable in seven variants, the \nFord Ranger\n is powered by three different engines \u2013 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel, and 2.0-litre 4 cylinder bi-turbodiesel.\u00a0\nUnder the hood of the XL and XLT variants is the 2.2-litre oil burner, producing \n160 hp\n and \n385 Nm\n of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox in both automatic and manual variants.\u00a0\nThe XLT+ and Wildtrak 4\u00d72 variants gets the 2.0-litre single-turbodiesel engine that pushes out \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n, paired to a first-in-class 10-speed automatic transmission. The top of the line Wildtrak 4\u00d74 gains an additional turbocharger to push out best-in-class outputs of \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\u00a0\nAlso available in performance form, the \nRanger Raptor\n shares the same EcoBoost engine with the Wildtrak 4\u00d74 variant, while getting a performance-focused Fox Racing Shox dampers for better off-road capabilities."
"The date has been set for the world premiere of the all-new Subaru WRX. The performance sedan will be launched at the New York International Auto Show on \nAugust 19th\n.\nA new teaser image has also been shared, this time showing the side and rear profile of the vehicle. Similar to the current WRX, a subtle boot-lid spoiler can be seen as well.\nNot much new information can be extracted from the second \nteaser image\n. The windows and rear door do seem to have similarities with the \nSubaru Viziv Performance Concept\n.\nToyota and Subaru are rumoured to jointly build an AWD hot-hatch. Find out more here!\nBased on portals from the US, the all-new WRX is expected to be fitted with a revised 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine that currently serves the larger Subaru Outback and Ascent SUV models. With current outputs of \n260 hp\n and \n376 Nm\n of torque, the engine for the new WRX should deliver higher output to suit its performance sedan image.\nThe outgoing WRX with a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer is rated at \n268 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n. The higher performance WRX STI meanwhile uses a larger 2.5-litre boxer that delivers \n300 hp\n and \n407 Nm\n of torque. It also comes with more tricks, such as multi-mode\u00a0Driver Control Centre Differential (DCCD)\u00a0plus limited slipping control and a front-to-rear torque split of 41-to-59.\nWe test the new WRX STI together with the Mitsubishi Evo X. Watch the video here!\nThe naturally aspirated version of the 2.4-litre unit currently features in the new 2022 \nSubaru BRZ\n and \nToyota GR86\n with outputs of \n228 hp / 249 Nm\n of torque and requires premium RON 98 fuel.\nIn the US, the demand for performance sedans is still strong thanks to models like the Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, \nHyundai Elantra N Line\n and Kia Forte GT."
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia\n, the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, together with authorised dealer Okuan Motors Sdn Bhd have opened a new Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre in Kemaman, Terengganu. The new 3S centre sports a more vibrant fa\u00e7ade that works in concert with the brand\u2019s \u201cDrive Your Ambition\u201d global message.\nBuilt on a land space of 5,000 square feet, the new Mitsubishi 3S centre is situated at No. F-56-57-58-G, Jalan Raja Udang 2, Kemaman River Front, Biz Centre, 24000 Cukai, Terengganu. Available at the new facility is a comfortable customer lounge with WiFi and a kids\u2019 corner. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia says that the new 3S centre offers customers a warmer and more inclusive environment.\nTo accommodate Mitsubishi vehicles coming in for servicing, the 3S facility comes with a fully equipped service centre with three service bays.\nOn the opening of the new Mitsubishi 3S centre, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Ikeda said, \u201cOkuan Motors has been with the Mitsubishi Motors family since 2015 with a 3S centre in Kuantan, Pahang. As a strong dealership that is committed to raising the bar in customer experience, Okuan Motors expanded its footprint to Terengganu, opening another 3S centre offering both sales and after-sales services.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia launches the seventh dealership in Sarawak\nThe Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia CEO added, \u201cToday\u2019s showroom launch is Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia\u2019s sixth outlet in the Eastern region. It is to serve our customers better as we see a huge potential for business growth, especially for the \nTriton\n pick-up truck and \nXpander\n seven-seater crossover. Okuan Motors has been one of our top-performing dealers in Pahang and we are optimistic that we will continue to work hand in hand to keep the sales momentum going.\u201d\nCustomers who wish to visit the new 3S centre in Kemaman may do so during the facility\u2019s following opening hours:\n8:45am to 5:15pm (Saturday to Wednesday)\n8:45am to 5:00pm (Thursday)\nRELATED: \nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold 24,017 vehicles in 2022, Triton hits 100k milestone"
"Mazda has further teased its much-anticipated \nforay into electric vehicles\n once again, this time showing off the materials used (sustainable ones) on its interior trim and seats, and a very clear side view of what would be the new EV\u2019s \u2018floating\u2019 centre console.\nSeat fabric made from recyclable materials?\nThe knurled Commander rotary controller and volume knob are easy enough to identify, but the short and stubby gear lever (an EV technically has no transmission, just reduction gears) looks like an \nelectronic drive-by-wire type\n, which would be a \nfirst of sorts for Mazda\n, while a digital display, most likely a portrait-style, touch-sensitive panel, sits fore of the lever.\n \nIf anything, the profile of the console looks a lot like something from a Volvo, and that\u2019s not a bad thing at all. A new dashboard architecture to herald a new type of vehicle, perhaps? We\u2019ll find out soon enough as all shall be revealed come \n23\nrd\n of October at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show\n."
"Mazda has just announced its strategy in achieving the company\u2019s long-term vision for technology development, \n\u201cSustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030\u201d\n. In a nutshell, all Mazda vehicles will feature some form of electrification by 2030.\nWhile Mazda believes that the internal combustion engine will still be equipped in new cars for many years to come, electrification is an inevitable step to further reduce carbon dioxide emissions that will allow Mazda vehicles to be sold in regions that enforces strict emissions regulation.\nBy 2030, the Japanese carmaker expects that 95 per cent of its vehicles will be hybrid powered (internal combustion engine & electric motors) while fully-electric vehicles (EV) will account for the remaining percentage.\nMazda has confirmed that they will be developing two battery EVs \u2013 one solely powered by batteries while the other will feature a \nrotary engine as a range extender\n. The latter still very much runs on electric power alone and the rotary engine will be used to recharge the battery when necessary to increase the vehicle\u2019s driving range.\nMazda\u2019s Representative Director, President and CEO, Akira Marumoto said: \u201cNew trends and technologies in connectivity, autonomy, sharing and electrification offer new possibilities for creating ever more attractive cars. Using new technologies based on our unique human-centred development philosophy, Mazda will, in the spirit of \u2018Never Stop Challenging,\u2019 continue to pursue the joy of driving and work to create an emotional connection with customers that rivals the strongest brands in the world.\u201d"
"Naza Kia Malaysia\u2019s \u2018\nMore Ong, More Huat\n\u2018 Chinese New Year campaign has found its grand prize winner, with a brand-new Kia Picanto KX going to 39-year old Lew Chee Yuan.\nLady luck was definitely on Lew\u2019s side, as he was also named as one of the winners of the RM200 Touch \u2018N Go card weekly prize. The father of two qualified as an entry to the contest with a purchase of the\n Kia Sportage GT line\n.\n\u201cI really did not expect to win the Grand Prize, especially since I was already announced a winner for the Weekly Prize!\u201d Lew exclaimed. \u201cThis is really great timing because my wife was also planning on getting a new car.\u201d\nThe \u2018\nMore Ong, More Huat\n\u2018 campaign ran from 7th January to 29th February 2020, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festivities. Owners of new Kia vehicles registered during the period will be entitled to participate in the campaign.\nPrizes for the campaign include a grand prize of a Kia Picanto, along with weekly prizes petrol vouchers worth RM1,000 and Touch \u2018N Go Card worth RM200.\nNaza Kia Malaysia Chief Operating Officer,Amanda Ng, said at the prize giving ceremony, \u201cI am pleased to share that there was a tremendous response for the contest which was held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festivities.\n\u201cWith Kia\u2019s Power to Surprise, Kia fans can look forward to more customer engagement activities in the near future,\u201d she added."
"Petronas Dagangan Berhad\n (PDB) has announced that it will be installing DC fast chargers at a number of its fuel stations, thanks to a new partnership with \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia\n (MBM) and EV Connection (EVC) \u2013 the latter operates the JomCharge charging station network.\nAccording to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed yesterday, the national fuel retailer will be installing the chargers at five of its stations along the North-South Expressway and East-Coast Expressway during the pilot phase. The chargers will be operational by the first half of 2022.\nPDB says that the partnership aims to address the issue of insufficient fast chargers in Malaysia, specifically for long-distance journeys. \u201cThrough this partnership, fast chargers will be available at strategic locations leveraging our wide network of Petronas stations,\u201d said Petronas vice president of marketing, Ahmad Adly Alias.\nHe added that the company has been offering EV charging facilities at Petronas stations since 2017.\n\u201cWe view this investment in EV charging facilities a necessary step towards promoting the adoption of EVs in Malaysia. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, and this strategic collaboration signifies another major stride in our efforts to provide cleaner energy in enriching lives for a sustainable future,\u201d he added.\nRELATED: Petronas launches next-gen Iona EV fluids, tailor-made for each individual carmaker\nMercedes-EQS\nAs part of the announcement, MBM vice president of sales and marketing, Michael Jopp, also confirmed that the company will be unveiling new\n fully-electric EQ-branded models\n in Malaysia in 2022.\n\u201c2022 marks the beginning of our Mercedes-EQ model offensive strategy. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will be introducing a range of our premium all-electric models to define the future of mobility.\n\u201cThis is in line with Mercedes-Benz\u2019s global strategy to go all-electric by the end of the decade where market conditions allow. Therefore, we are fully committed to invest in our local infrastructure together with PDB and EVC to encourage the EV adoption amongst the Malaysian drivers,\u201d said Jopp.\nRELATED: The Hyundai Kona Electric EV has just been launched in Malaysia! Learn more here.\nEVC Managing director, Ir Lee Yuen How added, \u201cIn support of the Malaysian government\u2019s Budget 2022, EVC is delighted to foster this strategic partnership with PDB and MBM in expanding JomCharge DC fast charger network in the country.\n\u201cGiven the clear policy from the Government, we believe that next year will be a tipping point for EV adoption in Malaysia. This tri-party partnership is a big step forward to support Malaysia in the transition to EVs as part of our Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB).\u201d"
"Perodua has just launched the new Bezza GXtra, a new variant that replaces the 1.0 Standard G model, at the \nMalaysia Autoshow 2018\n in MAEPS, Serdang.\nOffered at an introductory price of\u00a0\nRM35,500 (previously RM 36,035)\n\u00a0for the manual and\u00a0\nRM37,500 (previously RM 37,980)\n\u00a0for the automatic, both on-the-road before insurance, the Bezza GXtra also comes with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty.\nThe new variant retains the 1.0-litre VVT-i engine producing\n 67 hp\n and \n91 Nm\n, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 21.3 km/L for the automatic and 22.8 km/L for the manual.\nWhat\u2019s new with the GXtra?\nIt now comes with \nside skirts\n, \nchrome door handles\n and is now offered in Ocean Blue, a colour previously only available for the 1.3-litre Bezza models.\nInside, the dashboard and infotainment panel is now \nfinished in piano black trims\n while the steering wheel, air con vents and gear lever is given a satin appearance. The door handles on the inside are now in chrome.\nThe rest of the car, such as the 14-inch alloys, fabric seats, halogen headlamps, Bluetooth and USB connectivity are retained from the 1.0 Standard G model.\nSafety features such as \u2013 dual SRS airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution \u2013 are all standard.\nThe Bezza is Perodua\u2019s first sedan as well as Malaysia\u2019s most affordable Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) sedan. Since it was launched in mid-2016, it has been the country\u2019s best-selling sedan, with nearly 100,000 units finding new homes to date.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ahead of its Paris Motor Show world premiere,\n \nMercedes-Benz\n has unveiled its latest addition to the EQ family, the \nMercedes-Benz EQE SUV\n. It is the fourth Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle (EV) to be built on a dedicated EV platform and Mercedes-Benz has also unveiled two AMG versions of it. In total, there are five versions of the EQE SUV:\nEQE 350+ SUV\nEQE 350 4MATIC SUV\nEQE 500 4MATIC SUV\nMercedes-AMG 43 4MATIC EQE SUV\nMercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ EQE SUV\nMercedes-Benz EQE SUV\nMercedes-Benz EQE SUV\nLooking very much related to the \nMercedes-Benz EQS SUV\n, the EQE SUV measures 4,863 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,686 mm tall. Overall, the EQE SUV is slightly smaller than the BMW X5. At the front, the EQE SUV features the EQ-signature black panel unit which is available with the optional Mercedes-Benz pattern.\nLED High-Performance headlamps are standard on the EQE SUV, and Digital Light is available as an optional extra. Also optional on the EQE SUV are running boards and flush-fitting door handles. Depending on the variant, the wheel sizes range from 19 to 22 inches. Upon unveiling, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV was listed with three variants \u2013 EQE 350+, EQE 350 MATIC, and EQE 500 4MATIC.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz EQB 350 and EQC 400 prices confirmed \u2013 RM 329k and RM389k\nIn its base form, the EQE 350+ SUV makes \n292 hp\n and \n565 Nm\n via an electric drive system powering the rear wheels. The EQE 350 4MATIC makes \n292 hp\n and \n765 Nm\n with an addition of a front electric drive system. In its range-topping version, the EQE 500 4MATIC makes \n408 hp\n and \n858 Nm\n with one electric motor powering the rear wheels and one electric motor powering the front wheels.\nAll versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV are powered by a \n90.6-kWh\n 10-module battery pack. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) EQE 350+ SUV has a WLTP range of up to \n590 km\n, while EQE 350 4MATIC SUV and EQE 500 4MATIC SUV have ranges of up to 558 km and 547 km respectively.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 EV SUV now in Malaysia, 5 Things\nAs for charging, the EQE SUV can handle \n170-kW\n DC Fast charging which helps the car regain 220 km of range in just 15 minutes. Standard AC charging for the EQE SUV is rated at \n11 kW\n, but customers have the option to upgrade to \n22-kW\n AC charging should they desire.\nOn the inside, the EQE SUV features Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new signature MBUX Hyperscreen which is enclosed in a fine silver shadow frame, a vent band, and a narrow leather edge. The base EQE 350+ SUV does not get the Hyperscreen. The Neotex structure on the inside combines the look of Nubuck leather and high-tech neoprene.\nStandard advanced safety features on the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV include the brand\u2019s Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Parking Package with reverse camera and Speed Limit Assist.\nAdditional driving assistance systems included in the Assistance Package are the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist from speeds above 60 km/h, and Blind Spot Assist.\nThe optional Driving Assistance Plus Package includes Intersection start-off function, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS, and PRE-SAFE Impulse Side.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 AMG Line previewed in Malaysia, 5 Things\nMercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ EQE SUV\nTwo AMG Versions of the EQE SUV\nTogether with the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, two AMG versions of the EV were also introduced \u2013 the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC SUV and the Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ EQE SUV.\nThe Mercedes-AMG 43 4MATIC EQE SUV makes \n476 hp\n and \n858 Nm\n and gets the brand\u2019s fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC AWD system. The AMG 43 does 0-100 in \n4.3 seconds\n and has a top speed of 210 km/h.\nMercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ EQE SUV\nIn its most extreme form, the EQE SUV makes \n687 hp\n and \n1000 Nm\n as the Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ EQE SUV (with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package). Without the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, the AMG 53 4MATIC+ makes 626 hp and 950 Nm which is still plenty.\nWith power sent to all wheels via the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable AWD system, the AMG 53 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.5 seconds\n and has a top speed of 240 km/h (with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package).\nThe battery and charging capabilities for the AMG 43 and AMG 53 EQE SUV are carried over from the \u2018normal\u2019 EQE SUV. Rear axle steering is standard for both AMG versions but optional on the regular versions.\nCurrent EV offerings in Malaysia by Mercedes-Benz include the \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n 250\n, \nEQB\n 350 4MATIC\n, \nEQC 400 \nAMG Line\n, and \nEQS\n 450+\n."
"Mazda UK has just unveiled a limited-edition Mazda MX-5 Z-Sport special edition exclusive for the UK market. Identified by its Deep Chery Red fabric roof, new alloy wheel design and Sand interior, the Z-Sport is for individuals who are looking to stand out from the rest.\nVisually, the Z-Sport gets a \nDeep Chery Red fabric roof\n that was first presented at the recent Tokyo Motor show as well as a Machine Grey metallic paint job. Although we reckon a Pearl White body will look stunning with the red roof too. The limited-edition MX-5 rides on 17-inch multi-spoke black\n BBS wheels\n.   Inside, the MX-5 Z-Sport is differentiated by its Sand leather upholstery, Z-Sport floor mats and scuff plates. To further highlight its exclusivity, only \n300 units of the Z-Sport\n will be built, and each car comes with an individually numbered Z-Sport plaque on the dashboard.\nBased on the 2.0-litre Sport Nav variant, the MX-5 Z-Sport features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G with \n158 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque paired to a six-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels. Other performance enhancing equipment include a limited slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a front strut brace.\nUnfortunately, Bermaz Motors has officially discontinued the low demand MX-5 soft top in Malaysia leaving the folding hardtop \nMX-5 RF the only option on sale\n (manual and auto configuration available).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Since the announcement of Aston Martin\u2019s Continuation car programme in 2017 that brought back the DB4 GT Continuation, the company is now working on bringing back the DB5, one of the most famous cars driven by James Bond.\nOnly \n25 units of the DB5 Goldfinger will ever be made\n with each requiring 4,500 hours to build. They\u2019ll then be sold to the tune of \u00a32.75 million (approx. RM14.7 million) each before taxes. As for the original car, Aston Martin built no more than 900 units between 1963 to 1965.\nSir Sean Connery and his DB5 in the 1964 film \u201cGoldfinger\u201d.\nThe DB5 will only be finished in one colour \u2013 Silver Birch \u2013 just like the original. Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated straight-six carburetor engine making 294 hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed ZF manual transmission featuring a mechanical limited slip differential.\nBut that\u2019s not all. Aston Martin actually wants to turn it into a real-life Bond car with an elaborate set of gadgets for both the interior and exterior. They include:\nExterior:\nRear smoke screen delivery system\nRear simulated oil slick delivery system\nRevolving number plates front and rear (triple plates)\nSimulated twin front machine guns\nBullet resistant rear shield\nBattering rams front and rear\nSimulated tyre slasher\nRemovable passenger seat roof panel (optional)\nInterior:\nSimulated radar screen tracker map\nTelephone in driver\u2019s door\nGear knob actuator button\nArmrest and centre console-mounted switchgear\nUnder-seat hidden weapons/storage tray\nRemote control for gadget activation\nFirst deliveries of the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation will commence in the second half of 2020.\nGALLERY\nAston Martin DB5\nThe Remake"
"By the middle of this decade, Mercedes-Benz\u2019s all-new products will only be fully-electric models. The company presented their strategic roadmap yesterday via digital broadcast.\nBy \n2030\n, Mercedes-Benz will be ready to go all-electric, where market conditions allow. The shift towards 100% electric will certainly be in stages, with more models spawned from the new \nMercedes EQS\n platform.\nThe second-generation EV platforms will start being in production from 2025, with four distinctive architectures for key vehicle sizes. MMA will be used for compact and mid-sized cars while MB.EA will cover all medium to large size vehicles.\nAMG.EA will be a dedicated performance electric platform, catering to technology and performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG customers.\nClick here for more information on the upcoming AMG.EA Mercedes-AMG EV platform!\nMercedes-Benz also took the opportunity to announce their acquisition of a new high-performance electric drive company called Yasa, based in the UK. Their expertise in \nultra-high performance axial flux motors\n with endless repeatable performance will set next-generation Mercedes-AMG products apart from the competitors.\nIn 2024, Mercedes-Benz will also unveil a \nfully-electric G-Glass, \nwith Mercedes-Maybach models being electrified as well.\u00a0\nWith panel and window vans still playing a critical role in the product portfolio, a dedicated\n VAN.EA platform\n will be built for light commercial usage.\nWith all segments covered, all models by Mercedes-Benz will have an EV option by 2025.\nSimilar to other dedicated EV platforms, the Mercedes-Benz platforms will be highly scalable and share many key components, with the battery platform itself being based on more than 90% of vehicles. Eight new \nbattery \u2018gigafactories\u2019 \nwill also be set up around the world to achieve a target of over 200 GWh production, teaming up with new European partners.\nSmart cars will be made by Geely using Geely\u2019s platform! It isn\u2019t so small anymore too!\nMercedes-EQS\nNew Mercedes-Benz S 580 e\nTo enhance manufacturing efficiency, Mercedes-Benz is joining forces with GROB, a German global leader in highly innovative battery production and automation systems, strengthening its battery production capacity and know-how. The cooperation focuses on battery module assembly as well as pack assembly.\nThe charging infrastructure will also be further expanded, where Mercedes-Benz is working on setting a new standard for charging called \u201cPlug and Charge\u201d. The new standard removes the authentication and payment process, making the charging of an EV even simpler. Similar to \nAudi\n, Mercedes-Benz will also launch several premium-charging sites in Europe with top-notch facilities and experiences.\nThe transition from combustion engines to electric drives has in fact started with the extensive re-skilling of the key workforce. Last year, around 20,000 employees in Germany were trained in aspects of e-mobility. In the future, TechAcademies will be offering future-oriented training modules.\nInvestments into EV from 2022 to the end of the decade will amount to over \nEUR40 billion\n (RM199 billion). With such high expenditure, the company is further emphasizing on business mix and units with high net revenue as well as direct sales to customers that reduce cost.\nCapital expenditure will only move towards EV programmes. As a sign of letting the combustion engine go, investments into that technology as well as plug-in hybrid will be reduced by 80% between 2019 and 2026.\nResearch suggests that EVs\n \nmight become cheaper than combustion engine cars soon. Find out when here!\nGALLERY"
"Your kids may never come across this article so the onus is on you, parents. Those of you looking to unearth the hidden driving talents of your children and hone their driving discipline, the Malaysia Automotive Institute has just the platform to forge that path.\nSeen as a low cost platform to promote the passion for motorsports and ultimately safe driving, it is the first time that Karting Slalom which will be part of long list of events at the \nMalaysia Autoshow\n\u00a02017\n, is held in Malaysia. The new form of motorsports, originating from Germany just a few years ago, is suitable for children from as little as eight years old.\n\u201cKarting Slalom is a new category designed by the Commission Internationale de Karting- Federation Internationale de l\u2019Automobile (CIK \u2013 FIA) and is targeted at young people who have never competed in motorsports\u201d, said Malaysia Automotive Institute Chief Executive Officer Datuk Madani Sahari.\nThe Karting Slalom competition format was introduced not only as a means of encouraging motorsports involvement but to also educate them on the basics of driving with the hopes that it\u2019ll be applied on public roads as well. The Karting Slalom will see drivers handle a kart through an obstacle course at a controlled speed. The karts are equipped with \n4-stroke, low-revving engine producing 9 hp\n to eliminate any concerns of it being overwhelming for the kids.\nParticipants will be electronically timed by officials from Kelab Kart Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan. Precaution wise, helmets will be provided but participants are encouraged to be fully covered in long-sleeved shirt and trousers. Participants between age 8 \u2013 13 years old will be charged \nRM 10\n as entry fees, \nRM 20\n for participants aged 14 \u2013 18 years and \nRM 30\n for participants aged 18 years and above.\nFor more information on the Karting Slalom and Malaysia Autoshow 2017, please log on to \nwww.autoshow.com.my\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"So, Ford Focus. Harrison Ford holding a camera would probably be the first image to flash through your mind. Oh Internet, what have you done to us. To be fair, many would remember it as a successful global hatchback that was once the best selling car in the world. The new Ford Focus has just gone through not just a facelift, but quite a substantial upgrade\n \nto stay in the game. So, is this car for you? We went to the land Down Under to find out.\n \nThe Focus proves to be one of the best things to have ever rolled out from Ford\u2019s production plant, replacing the friendly neighbourhood Ford Laser in 1998. Two iterations later, the Focus moniker went on to surpass the 46-year-old strong brandname, the Toyota Corolla, to become \n2012 world\u2019s best selling car\n. That\u2019s really something for a relatively young nameplate.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2016 Ford Focus 1.5-litre EcoBoost\nEngine\n1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, turbocharged\u00a0inline-4 cylinder\nTransmission\n6-speed Selectshift automatic\nMax Power\n177 hp\nMax Torque\n240 Nm\nPrice\nTBA\nA total of\n 12 million\n Focuses have been sold globally, with Asia Pacific contributing \n2.3 million\n units. That means on average, a new Ford Focus is delivered every 90 seconds, just like hot cakes. Even \nPope Francis\n owns a Focus MK2 hatchback!\n \nThe current third generation Ford Focus underwent more than a mere facelift. Apart from the entirely new front look, it gets a new powertrain, improved ride and handling, and plenty of safety technologies.\nIn case you didn\u2019t know, Ken Block and Ford took this new Focus and created the bonkers \nFocus RS\n. Powered by the Mustang-sourced engine that makes \n345hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque, including a \u2018\nDrift\n\u2018 button!\n \nCodenamed \u2018\nLZ\n\u2019, it is Energised, Progressive New Focus Brings Increased Refinement, Improved Efficiency and Advanced Technology \u2013 the exact words from Ford. The American company is clearly confident with the new product and eager to show journalists from Asia Pacific region, on what the Thai-manufactured Focus has got to offer.\nAvailable in the test drive fleet are hatchback model of\u00a0entry level \nTrend\n (AUD24k), the performance themed \nSport\n (AUD27k) and top range \nTitanium\n (AUD33k) variants. Based on the trend back at home, the Sport and Titanium variants should make it onto the local menu.\u00a0Not a hatchback fan? Sedan variant is available as well.   EXTERIOR\n It now has a new face with the same family identity that its siblings carry. The front facias is decorated with the signature \u2018Aston-like\u2019\n trapezoidal grille\n as the centrepiece, a new pair of lights, followed by a new bumper. Together with the new \u2018power dome\u2019 bonnet directing towards the grille-mounted blue oval, it appears to be more sophisticated. And from certain angles, aggressive.   The new handsome grille is fitted with active griller shutter that closes for better aerodynamic to reduce drag which in turn improves fuel efficiency. It reopens when the radiator needs cooling. Cool 007 stuff there.\nThe new slimmer and sharper headlights resemble what the \nFiesta\n and \nMondeo\n have. They are with built-in LED DRLs which look like a frowning pair of stunted eye brows. If you look closely, the black inner casings do enhance the entire look, giving it an angrier expression.\nIf you look even closer, there are no LEDs or xenon bulbs to be found in the headlights. Sadly, they are halogen powered, including the fog lamps. Well, that could be an Aussie thang but, I\u2019m pretty sure Malaysian buyers will not be happy about it.\n \nWheel sizes vary starting with \n16-inch\n, \n17-inch\n and \n18-inch\n for Trend, Sport and Titanium variants respectively. The largest 18-inch looks really good. Ride quality could be a little pain in the ass, literally, but it does spec up the overall look of the C-segment hatch. The 17-inch looks like the ones on Fiesta, whereas the 16-inch. never mind.\n \nAs we go around the side, you\u2019ll still see the same strong shoulder line which starts from the front headlights and extends to the C-pillars. Now, you could be fooled to think the rear is unchanged. The tail lights are new, now thinner, occupying less area around the new tailgate design. I have to say the rear end is now cleaner and perkier. The sporty rear spoiler completes it.\n \nDriving in a convoy for miles on the winding country roads of Adelaide with beautiful forests, vineyards, sheep and cows as the background, with the rear of the new Focus as the foreground, it wasn\u2019t boring at all. She\u2019s a looker alright!\nINTERIOR\n Closing the doors rewards you with a really satisfying thump \u2013 a Malaysian way of indicating good build quality. The interior gives a really upmarket feel, with comfortable fabric seats (leather in Titanium) and generous use of soft-touch materials.   The cabin is now less cluttered, a sure relief to Focus\u2019s fans. Ford went for the cleaner look replacing the 4.2-inch display with a larger 8-inch high-resolution touch screen panel. Thanks to that, those tiny buttons on the head unit are no longer there giving the Sony audio unit a neater arrangement, and you a lesser headache.\n \nSYNC 2 now takes care of the in-car connectivity and entertainment systems, upgraded to offer smarter and safer way to stay connected. So now operating the climate control, GPS navigation, mobile phone or multimedia system can be done via natural voice commands.\nIt was well demonstrated when one of the convoy marshals set the next destination for us. This Aussie dude just stuck his head through the window, activated voice command via the button on the steering, and voice commanded GPS destination. I expected Ms. SYNC 2 to get him to repeat, but no. Voila. It\u2019s done. Impressive!\nFingering the touch screen display while driving was a breeze especially with the colour-coded corners. Its well organised interface makes on-the-fly navigation much easier.\n \nThe redesigned three-spoke steering wheel is thick and comfortable to handle. However, for the first half hour, I kept telling my co-driver Gerrard from Carlist.my that the wheel is too big. Some things are better smaller, you know. Steering wheel is one of them \u2013 my personal preference at least.\n \nHowever, it didn\u2019t take long to get used to. For a daily hatchback, it is nicely weighted and more than capable to provide that sporty driving feel. More on that later.\nPERFORMANCE\n The biggest revamp in the new Focus happens under the hood. It now comes in a small \nEcoBoost\n Package \u2013 1.5-litres to be exact. The fleet we tested was powered by a \n1.5-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost\n turbocharged engine, making \n177 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s is 7 hp and 38 Nm more powerful than the outgoing naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine!\n \nFord ditched its six-speed Powershift dual clutch gearbox for the conventional \nsix-speed Selectshift auto\n transmission, sending power to the front wheels. This powertrain combination will certainly be making its way to Malaysia, and will be well accepted. The six-speed manual variant for the Aussies will not though, which is fine. No thanks to the unique Malaysian car market.\n \nThe one thing I can\u2019t brain is, the new Ford Focus doesn\u2019t come with \npaddle shifters\n! It\u2019s available as a cost option in Australia. Let us all hold hands and pray that it arrives in Malaysia as standard.\nSAFETY\n The new Focus is equipped with plenty of useful driver assist features, but mostly only available in the higher range Titanium grade. Boohoo.\nThe premium safety features include \nBlind Spot Information System\n (BLIS) that resides in the wing mirrors, \nEnhanced Active Park Assist\n that automatically parks the car parallel or perpendicularly, then \nPark-Out Assist\n will help you GET OUT from the parking space (seriously?), \nCross Traffic Alert\n and an improved \nActive City Stop\n system.\n \nThe \nCross Traffic Alert\n function is able to detect approaching vehicle or pedestrian (up to 40 meters away) from left and right as you reverse out of a space. Very handy for those who have the habit of NOT turning their heads to look when reversing. Ford, you are spoiling them!   Active City Stop\n can now work as you drive up to 50 km/h, an improvement from the previous 30 km/h. It basically stops the car when the radar detects an object in front of the vehicle. It\u2019s another useful feature, especially to those who text and go on Facebook while driving.\nJust like the \nFord Mondeo\n, the new Focus comes with \nMyKey\n \u2013 a programmable car key that allows you to set speed limit, reduce audio volume, set earlier low-fuel warning and even mute audio system when seat belt is not secured. Very useful if you have a hormonal teenage child.\nOne of the highlights in the new Focus is the industry-first \nEnhanced Transitional Stability\n system that works hand in hand with the car\u2019s \nElectronic Stability Control\n (ESC). It is a proactive system that predicts the loss of traction by monitoring vehicular speed and steering input. Yes, even before it happens.\n \nSo even before the car loses grip, \nETS\n is ready and activates \nESC\n which then reduces engine torque and applies brake force to any individual wheel. It may sound really helpful but it could be overly protective and intrusive. We didn\u2019t manage or rather weren\u2019t allowed to do any fancy driving to wake the nanny, so I can\u2019t be sure.\nTHE DRIVE\n I packed and brought along a set of expectation with me to this trip in South Australia. Knowing what the Focus is capable of, I anticipated nothing less than a fun drive.\u00a0The regional drive for both Malaysian and Indonesian contingents started from the heart of Adelaide City, into the countryside near Golding Wines vineyard.\n \nIt all started with a pleasant city drive. Not so much on the B roads, where ride comfort showed its slightly harsher side. Not complaining at all, in fact the drive came alive as we went deeper into the countryside. The more we push the car, the more rewarding it gets. The new Focus performs really well on winding Australian roads and remains very much planted around corners. No surprise there as the Focus is made for this, now only better.\nThe ride has been improved through suspension bushes and shock absorbers optimization. It reduces vertical and horizontal movement by 20 to 25 percent, improving overall ride and drive.   Power delivery from the spunky hatchback is pretty impressive for a small 1.5-litre engine. Thanks to the award winning \nEcoBoost\n technology which essentially force-induces the 1.5-litre engine squeezing out better output. And it does come literally in a small package as the manifold is integrated with the engine, for a few good reasons.\n \nFirstly, the engine requires shorter warm up time as it achieves its optimum temperature quicker, which improves fuel efficiency. More importantly, it minimises travel distance between turbocharger and cylinders. You probably know what that will do \u2013 it reduces turbo lag.\nTurbo lag still exists in reality, but in a very much ignorable gap. I\u2019m sure you can live with that. Conventional torque-converter six-speed automative transmission proves to be a better pairing. It provides a smooth power delivery to both front wheels, which goes really well with the drive.\n \nThen, to my utter horror as I was about to take her to the next level, \nshift-paddles\n were nowhere to be found! A hot hatch on a nice winding road without paddle shifters can be frustrating. Sporty driving went all awkward with the plus/minus SWITCH on the side of the gear knob. No, not even tip/shift tronic kinda thing either. \nPotong stim weeeei\n.\n \nFord\n however explained that the steering mounted shifters are available as option in Australia. Let us all hold hands again and pray.. that the shifters will find their way to Malaysia, as standard in all variants.\nThis new \nFocus\n handles well with its nicely weighted steering wheel, just nice for a standard everyday hatchback. A tad too light for sporty drive but it does make handling it effortless. Yes, you\u2019ve guessed it right, it\u2019s been improved too.\n \nFord refined its \nElectric Power Assisted Steering\n (EPAS) by reducing steering friction and disturbances, making it easier to manoeuvre and reduces fatigue from unwanted steering feedback. The lightness is compensated with the right kind of feedback you need, which grew on me after a while.\nAll in all, it was an enjoyable drive and Ford has done a great job making the Focus even better. I already can\u2019t wait to see what\u2019s in store for the all-new generation Focus.\nSO, IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\n Well, it depends on what we Malaysians will be getting. But for now, let\u2019s just assume they are as what I\u2019ve tested.\nIf you\u2019ve been looking for a C-segment car that drives really well, packed with technologies and you have no slightly-harsh-ride and boot space issues, (there\u2019ll be a sedan coming, not so good looking though) then yes. By all means. It is solid with good build quality inside and out, handles well and looks pretty good.\n \nHowever, if you are looking for a C-segment car that drives well but at the same time very particular about ride comfort for your passengers, then probably not. Give it a try nonetheless.\nWILL I BUY IT?\n The Ford Focus has proven itself to be a winning product well accepted around the world, even the \nPope\n. As time goes on and technology advances itself, staying in the game is crucial. Leading it is even better. However, with VW Golf and many other worthy competitors in its way, the roads ahead sure look bumpy.\n \nI admire the extent of effort put in into making a facelift model this good. It really proves that Ford is darn serious in producing an all rounder C-segment contender. Job well done Ford! Looking forward to the all-new Focus come 2017.\nOk, back to the question. This new Focus is definitely one of the best hatchbacks out there. As much as I would like to own one as my everyday fun car, my \u2018Minister of Home Affairs\u2019 will not allow it simply due to size and space constraints. The \nFord Mondeo\n however, would be the better choice for us.\nIMAGE GALLERY   2016 Ford Focus \u2013 Sedan   2016 Ford Focus facelift launched in Malaysia"
"Displayed at the launch of the \nupdated Ford Ranger\n is the \nfirst-ever Ford Ranger Raptor\n and while Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has \nconfirmed the arrival\n of this pick-up truck by Ford Performance, the company is not ready to officially debut the Ranger Raptor just yet.\nScheduled for its official at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS), the Ranger Raptor naturally sits at the top of the local Ranger line up. Equipped with the new 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel, performance-oriented tuning and the innovative Terrain Management System (TMS), the Ranger Raptor is certainly not for the casual drivers.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFord Ranger Raptor 2.0L\nEngine\n1,996cc; 4-cylinder single-turbodiesel\nTransmission\n10-speed automatic\nMax Power\n213 hp @ 3,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n500 Nm @ 1,750 \u2013 2,500 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nTBA\nThe Ranger Raptor commands a much greater visual impact compared to its siblings, sitting 320 mm wider and 150 mm taller.\nThis allows the Ranger Raptor to command an approach angle of 32.5 degrees, ramp over angle of 24 degrees and departure angle of 24 degrees to overcome every obstacle it may come across. It also spots the FORD lettering front grille, functional air curtains, composite front fender and blacked out alloy wheels.\nInside, you\u2019ll find the sporty intentions of the Ranger Raptor more apparent with sportier seats, red centre marking on the multifunctional steering wheel, magnesium paddle shifters, blue contrast stitching as well as Ranger Raptor specific user interface on the SYNC 3 infotainment system and instrument cluster.\nMotivation comes from a new 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel engine pushing out \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission.\nSeparating the Ranger Raptor from a regular Raptor are the Fox Racing Shox dampers tuned by Ford Performance and the \nTerrain Management System (TMS)\n that puts the pick-up truck into six driving modes \u2013 Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja.\nThe latter was named after the famous Baja Dessert Rally and is calibrated to give the driver maximum high-speed off-road performance.\nThe new Ford Ranger Raptor will be fully imported from Thailand as the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant is the production hub for the Asia Pacific region. SDAC has highlighted that the Ranger Raptor has garnered tremendous interest from buyers despite not knowing how much it costs.Knowing its significance of the first-ever Ranger Raptor and the performance it offers, how much would you pay for one? You will have to wait for the official announcement happening in November at the 2018 KLIMS.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFord Ranger Raptor Previewed in Malaysia"
"If you haven\u2019t, you should as the price of RON 95 petrol is expected to rise gradually from January 2020 onwards by one sen per week till it reaches market price \u2013 estimated to be around the RM2.30 to RM2.40 mark, subject to prevailing crude oil prices.\n(BREAKING NEWS: A couple of hours after we published this story, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister announced that the Petrol Subsidy Programme or PSP has now been put off until further notice, which means that the subsidised price of RON 95 petrol would remain at RM 2.08 per litre for the foreseeable future.) \nBut more than that, the \nEURO 4M \nspec \u2013 as gazetted by the government to come into effect on 1\nst\n January, 2020 after numerous delays, will be better for environment as well as your car courtesy as its \nlow sulphur content\n which is now rated at \n50 parts per million\n (ppm) or lower, compared to \n500 ppm\n of the \nexisting EURO 2M specification\n. According to Petronas, the benzene content for EURO 4M RON 95 has been reduced by 30% to 3.5% while vapour pressure cut by 7% to 65kPa.\nWhile Shell was first to announce the availability of EURO 4M RON 95 petrol at selected stations, Petronas had already begun supplying its stations \nsince early December\n with \nEURO 4M-rated Primax 95 with Pro-Drive\n, so your vehicles may have already been running on the low-sulphur concoction if you are a regular customer of Petronas stations.\nWhether you can feel any discernible difference in the performance of your vehicle after filling up with EURO 4 RON 95 petrol is subject to various factors, but what comes out of the tailpipe is certainly less impactful to the environment, with \nlower levels of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx)\n. One thing is for sure, the catalytic converter in your vehicle would also have an easier time in cleaning up the aforementioned gaseous by-products, aside from the fact that the presence of sulphur is also known to contaminate catalytic converters.\nIt\u2019s interesting to note that the \nEuropean Union\n implemented EURO 4 way back in \n2005\n, and that \nThailand \nwas the first country in the region to adopt \nEURO 4 in 2012\n. Suffice to say, it has been a long time coming for Malaysia, but better late than never."
"Toyota Motor Thailand has stopped operations at three of its factories due to an outbreak of the Covid-19 Delta-variant.\nThe \nNikkei Asia\n reported that operations have stopped since Wednesday (July 21st) and will last for at least seven days. The timing couldn\u2019t be any better though, as operations were meant to take a short break from July 24th to 28th anyway in conjunction with national public holidays.\nThe all-new Toyota Corolla Cross, now in Malaysia in two variants.\nNonetheless, Toyota Thailand will assess the situation and decide on the reopening on July 29th. The closure from Wednesday was due to a break in the supply chain, where a facility supplying wire harnesses has been forced to shut down due to an outbreak of the virus that is said to be from the stronger Delta variant.\nThe reopening will also be judged if the company finds a solution to the specific supply chain issue, thereby minimising its downtime to just three days.\nThis is the second time Toyota\u2019s production in Thailand has been affected by the global pandemic, with the first beginning in March 2020.\nUMW Toyota currently imports the \nToyota Corolla Altis\n and \nCamry\n models from Thailand. The first batch of Toyota \nCorolla Cross\n is fully imported, before moving to local assembly by the end of this year.\nWith the semiconductor chip shortage starting to hit automakers, it is only a matter of time before the next wave of production is affected. Last year, Toyota Thailand only managed to produce 442,822 units, a significant drop from the total capacity of 760,000 units.\nThis year, the company is hoping to churn out 527,000 units, a 19% improvement compared to 2020. Close to half of the total production is exported to the Asia Pacific as well as other regions.\nCloser to home, UMW To\nyota\n \nalso laments\n \nclosure\n \ndue to EMCO\n, hopes the\n \nsituation improves soon. Read about it here!\nThe automotive industry in Thailand, dubbed Detroit of the East, is also gearing up to face the accelerated transition to electric vehicles. Last month, the state-owned energy company specialised in oil and gas has announced a \ncollaboration with Foxconn\n to set up production of EV platforms in the Kingdom.\nThe government of Thailand also recently announced \nbold plans to accelerate the supply and adoption of EVs\n in the country. By the end of 2025, Thailand hopes to have 25% of new vehicles sold are zero local emissions, with the figure increasing to 50% by the end of this decade, up from 30% previously proposed.\nThe kingdom plans to only offer zero-emission new vehicles from 2035, the earliest country in the ASEAN region to wave goodbye to the internal combustion engine."
"Not long after its shadowy\u00a0\nteaser\n made its way on the Internet, Lexus has taken the veils off the IS facelift at the ongoing Beijing Motor Show.\nAs previously reported, the changes are mainly to bring the model up to speed with the current Lexus offering.\u00a0The IS retains the same L-shaped LED DRLs (still separate from the headlamps), but the headlights now come with three projectors forming the letter L. The side air intakes are also larger, as well as the Spindle grille.\n \n \nOn the inside, the IS gets an updated \n10.3-inch infotainment screen\n and some visual updates within the instrument cluster. The IS\u2019 Remote Touch Interface controller now comes with an \u201cEnter\u201d button \u2013 a function that was sorely missed due to the model\u2019s age.\nEngine choices remain status quo, thus the\u00a0\n240 hp\n\u00a0\nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder\n\u00a0engine and all-new\u00a0\neight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic \nwill carry on for at least a couple more years to come.\u00a0\nThe current third-generation IS was launched in Malaysia back in 2013, followed by the \nintroduction of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine\n\u00a0last year. Look out for the facelift to arrive in Malaysia earliest by\u00a02017.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The compact SUV segment\nis a highly lucrative business and more and more brands are looking to get a piece\nof the growing pie. Kia Motors today revealed an interior sketch of the cabin\nof its all-new B-Segment SUV which is due for global unveiling in the coming months.\nFrom the sketches we can have a glimpse of what\u2019s to come from the Korean carmaker and the press materials promise \u201chigh-quality materials throughout with a focus on technology, creating a modern ambience to appeal to young-at-heart, tech-savvy buyers.\u201d Looking at Kia\u2019s recent products from the humble \nPicanto\n to the mighty \nStinger\n, we can certainly get our hopes up.\nAt the centre is a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Below the air vents is a row of tactile buttons for the climate control while the driver will be looking at an LCD multi info display sandwiched between two analogue dials. The multifunctional steering wheel should also offer paddle shifters on selected model variants.\nAlso announced is the\nKia\u2019s Sound Mood Lighting technology which changes the cabin\u2019s ambient lighting\nvariably to a series of pre-set moods such as romance, party time, midnight\ncity, travelling and etc.\nHead of Kia Styling at\nKia Motors Corporation, Byung Chul Juh commented: \u201cWe have focused on designing\na cabin unlike any other in the small SUV segment, with a greater sense of\ndepth and richness to the design. Our newest model will offer greater pleasure\nand satisfaction to our customers, with a premium-quality interior that\nbenefits from sophisticated design details.\u201d"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just announced six recalls for Mitsubishi vehicles concerning the ASX (2011 -2013), Lancer (2004 \u2013 2012), Lancer Sportback (2011 \u2013 2012), Lancer EVO (2009) and Outlander (2016 \u2013 2017).\nA total of 23,133 vehicles sold through official MMM distribution channels are affected. Owners of these vehicles are advised to send their Mitsubishi vehicles to an authorised service centre to carry out the necessary repairs and replacement. The issues concerning affected vehicles are as below:\nModel (Year Made)\nField Fix Campaign\nDescription\nASX (2013, 2015, 2017)\n\u00a0\nOutlander (2016)\nInspection and rectification of rear parking brake\nWater may seep through the improper sealing of parking brake and cause the internal caliper to rust\nASX (2011 \u2013 2012)\n\u00a0\nLancer (2008 \u2013 2012)\n\u00a0\nLancer Sportback (2011 \u2013 2012)\nInspection of engine auto tensioner\nImproper design of the auto tensioner, the sliding resistance force will increase over time causing damage on the flange area of the auto tensioner during high-speed driving\nOutlander (2017)\nReprogramming of ASC ECU software\nImproper software in the Active Stability Control ECU which may cause the ECU to reset, affecting the vehicle\u2019s driving stability\nLancer (2004-2007)\nTakata passenger airbag replacement\nReplacement of faulty Takata Passenger side airbag that may rupture and send metal shards to the occupant\nLancer EVO (2009)\nReplacement of sunroof glass\nDeterioration of the resin material may result in decrease of adhesive strength which may cause the sunroof glass to detach from the outer frame\nASX (2011-2013)\nReplacement of front wiper link ball joint\nImproper waterproof structure of the front deck portion causing the ball joint to corrode over time\n \n \nThe company will be issuing notification letters to all affected owners and all costs involving in the replacement and rectification will be borne by the company. Alternatively all Mitsubishi owners can check whether their vehicles are involved in any recall campaign by keying in their Vehicle Identification Number here."
"It\u2019s one thing to say that there\u2019s a palpable softening in the general market upon the kicking in\u00a0of GST. But with the timely launch of the \nlocally assembled\n \nS-Class\n, \nE-Class\n and \nC-Class\n, things could not be better for the folks at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM).\nThat\u2019s because in the month of May alone, MBM sold approximately \n1,143 units\n, over 110 percent more than they did in the same month last year at 544 units, effectively making it the company\u2019s most successful month in its history.\nSpearheading this feat is none other than the aforementioned trio, specifically the C200 Avantgarde, \nE300 BlueTEC Hybrid\n and \nS400L Hybrid\n. Combined, they make for a total of \n888 units sold\n, whereas the brand\u2019s Compact Car family comprised of the A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLA models tallied at \n254 units.\nThis record sales was preceded by a positive momentum observed in the first quarter of this year where MBM delivered a total of 1,886 vehicles, followed by 932 units in April \u2013 about 19 percent month-on-month growth. The company also announced their \nrevised price list\n post 1 April which saw car prices fall by as much as RM10,000."
"Converting old cars into electric vehicles seem to be the hot new trend these days. Volkswagen did it recently with their \nType 2 Kombi Bus\n, and now Chevrolet is fitting an EV powertrain into a 1977 K5 Blazer old-school SUV to be shown-off at the virtual SEMA show this year.\nHowever, the coolest part about the electrified Chevy K5 Blazer, called the Blazer-E, is the fact that you will be able to purchase the electric powertrain separately \u2013 similar to a \u201ccrate engine\u201d \u2013 to be used on your own DIY projects!\nThe eCrate powertrain, or the Electric Connect and Cruise (Chevrolet\u2019s crate powertrain naming scheme), will consist of mostly EV parts from the Chevrolet Bolt. These include a \n200 hp\n and \n361 Nm\n electric motor, a \n60 kWh\n battery pack, a DC-to-AC power inverter to drive the electric motor, DC-to-DC converter to power the low-voltage systems, water pumps for battery heating and cooling, as well as all of the of the necessary wiring harnesses and controllers.\nThese parts will allow the kit to provide all of the special features required on an EV including shock protection, battery heating and cooling, battery-overcharge protection, and even regenerative braking.\nThe Blazer-E is also equipped with a traditional four-speed automatic gearbox, though it\u2019s unclear if the transmission will make its way into the eCrate powertrain as EVs don\u2019t necessarily need a wide range of gear ratios to operate. Builders will probably still include it for fun though, such as the \nFord Mustang Lithium EV\n with a manual transmission we saw at SEMA last year.\nJust like what GM did with this conversion, you\u2019ll still need to provide some parts of your own for your DIY projects. The Blazer-E received a new electric power-steering system, electric vacuum booster for the brakes, as well as a new controller to adapt to the original Blazer gauge \u2013 the battery charge levels are displayed on the fuel gauge, how cute!\nCh-EV-rolet, of course.\nNo pricing information is provided just yet, as Chevrolet is still evaluating the parts to be offered, including higher-performance options and new battery configurations to fit a wider range of aftermarket applications \u2013 such as the Ultium battery system that\u2019s used on the all-new \nHummer EV pick-up truck\n. The company plans to make the eCrate available in the second half of 2021.\nGALLERY"
"A new premium electric vehicle (EV) is about to enter Malaysia, and it is the \nLotus Eletre\n \nwith its registration of interest (ROI) now open for the country. Its specifications have yet to be confirmed, but the Eletre hyper SUV is estimated to cost \nRM630,000\n.\nThe Eletre was first unveiled to the world in March 2022, with all of its details released in October 2022. It is the brand\u2019s first SUV and in Europe and the United Kingdom, it is available in three variants to choose from \u2013 The Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R. In the ROI brochure for the Lotus Eletre R in Malaysia, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of \n2.95 seconds\n is listed, hinting at the range-topping Eletre R being available.\nIn its range-topping guise, the Lotus Eletre R gets a dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup that makes \n905 hp\n and \n985 Nm\n. The electric drive system is paired with a two-speed gearbox, resulting in a blistering \n2.95-second \ncentury sprint time.\nIn its mid- and low-tier variants, the Eletre S and Eletre are also powered by a dual-motor AWD system, albeit with a lower maximum power and torque output. Both the Eletre S and Eletre make \n603 hp\n and \n710 Nm\n. Unlike the Eletre R, the lower-tier variants both get a single-speed gearbox, resulting in a \n4.5-second\n century sprint time.\nRELATED: \nLotus welcomes the new Eletre \u2013 its first-ever, fully-electric \u2018Hyper SUV\u2019\nAll versions of the Lotus Eletre house a \n112-kWh\n battery that gives \n600 km\n of range (WLTP) for the Eletre S and Eletre. The range-topping Eletre R only manages \n490 km\n of range on the WLTP test cycle. No specifics have been listed on the electric charging rates. However, Lotus does state that the 112-kWh battery takes \n20 minutes\n to charge from 10% state-of-charge (SOC) to 80% with DC fast charging.\nSize-wise, the Eletre is bigger than the BMW iX, measuring 5,103 mm in length, 2,231 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height. The wheelbase is 3,019 mm long, also longer than the iX. Malaysian customers interested in the Lotus Eletre can register their interest on Lotus Malaysia\u2019s official \nwebsite\n.\nRELATED: \nLotus Eletre is world\u2019s fastest dual-motor EV SUV \u2013 905hp, 985Nm, 0-100km/h in 2.95s"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM)\n \nand Montfort Boys Town Shah Alam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) together to recruit and incubate secondary school students for MBM\u2019s \u201cAdvanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme\u201d.\nThe MoU will be effective for two years, with MBM first providing a \u2018Train the Trainer\u2019 program to Montfort Boys Town trainers who will later transfer the knowledge to the Montfort Boys Town students. Among the curriculum of the \u2018Train the Trainer\u2019 training are technical skills and expertise on current Mercedes-Benz models.\nAs a three-year course, the \u201cAdvanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme\u201d covers a wide range of globally approved syllabuses and training guidelines by Mercedes-Benz Global Training with Mercedes-Benz Competence elements. The programme incorporates International Qualifications up to Level 3 and is recognised by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources.\nMBM aims to expose and prepare interested students to the \u201cAdvanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme\u201d that is available upon completion of their secondary school curriculum. An annual pre-enrolment assessment will be conducted for the students of Montfort Boys Town where those who successfully pass will be able to apply for the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship programme.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia offers flood relief assistance \u2013 30% off parts, free towing\nMBM will provide a full scholarship to students who successfully enrol in the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship programme. The successful students will be full-time trainees under Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. They will receive a monthly allowance of RM 800 throughout the three-year programme and are guaranteed employment upon graduation with minimum salary in the first year.\nGraduates will also have more opportunities thereafter with Mercedes-Benz where they can progress into management positions within the customer services department after completion of their diagnostic level qualifications.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia President & CEO and South East Asia II Head of Region, Sagree Sardien\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia President & CEO and South East Asia II Head of Region, Sagree Sardien said, \u201cMercedes-Benz Malaysia is committed to the development of our future workforce and we want to cultivate, develop and attract talent at an early age. This collaboration will expose students to social and organizational competencies which will drive service excellence the Mercedes-Benz way. As part of our education pillar, we see a great opportunity to nurture and invest in these young talents who aspire to have a career in the automotive industry as globally certified technicians.\u201d\nMontfort Boys Town Director, Brother Robin Devasagayam\nMontfort Boys Town Director, Brother Robin Devasagayam said, \u201cMontfort Boys Town is honoured and privileged to be part of this programme with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. We strongly believe that this new training curriculum will add depth and broaden the horizons of our students as they pave their future careers. We thank Mercedes-Benz for choosing to work with us and we will strive to ensure a fruitful collaboration for many years to come for our future generation.\u201d\nAlso held at the event was the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme Graduation for the class of 2021 and 2022 where a total of 99 trainees completed their training and are now globally certified technicians. The Best Student Award was presented to two students, Muhammad Syakir Badri Bin MD Nizam and Nur Feazah Binti Fuaad.\nAs part of the brand\u2019s strategy and global direction to lead in electric, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new profile for Electric Vehicle Specialists, known as Expert in High Voltage (EHV) which will be introduced starting with the 2022 intake. This new syllabus will be added on the existing modules as part of the brand\u2019s efforts to train and equip talents to be future-ready for the demands of mobility of tomorrow.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz Malaysia hosted largest AMG gathering \u2013 special appearance by AMG GT Black Series"
"Sime Darby Auto Connexion, distributor for Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has introduced a \u201cstrengthened\u201d version of the Ford Everest with updates on its interior, exterior and powertrain and will be available in two variants \u2013 Trend and Titanium.\nIn the RM 258,888 \u201cTitanium\u201d variant, the Everest houses a new-generation 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, coupled with a 10-speed close-ratio automatic gearbox to deliver \n213 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. Before you\u2019d only get such torque figures with the 3.2-litre Wildtrak model.\nIn the RM 228,888 \u201cTrend\u201d variant, the single turbo diesel engine makes \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n; a significant increase in torque from the old 2.2-litre engine that only makes around \n380 Nm\n. The 10-speed gearbox is also applied here.\nYou get the sense that Ford is trying to offer some variety with the Everest but it seems like they\u2019re still a little \u201coff the mark\u201d with their intentions. What I\u2019d assume is that the people would instead want an Everest that\u2019s under RM200k, as an alternative to the Fortuner, not an additional model that\u2019s RM30k more than the already high asking price of the previous model.\nNotable features in the Trend variant includes 18-inch wheels, automatic Xenon headlamps, LED tail lights and a hands-free tailgate while the Titanium gets a set of 20-inch wheels, a panoramic roof and some chrome bits. Both come with a redesigned front grille.\nInside, expect more soft-touch surfaces and a new black interior theme with contrast stitching. Standard equipment includes a 10-speaker system, dual 4-inch instrument cluster displays, and an 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Powered front seats in the Titanium are absent in the Trend variant, which have to be manually-adjusted.\nSafety wise, the Titanium and Trend gets seven airbags and the other usual safety nets such as ABS with EBD, traction control and ESC. As for driving aids, the Titanium stands out from the Trend with front and rear parking sensors \u2013 highly necessary for a car that size. \nThe Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert is reserved for the Titanium. Both variants come with a 3-year or up to 100,000 km warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For 48 years long, there wasn\u2019t an award programme to recognise exceptional performers in the ASEAN region. That is, until now.\nTwenty-two motoring journalists from three countries \u2013 Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand \u2013 formed the judging panel. Each judge will then submit their list of nominations and scores for tabulation\u00a0(\ndownload the full list and breakdown here\n). To be crowned the regional champion, the top three finalists (also winners of their respective categories)\u00a0must first be sold in the three participating countries during or before the judging phase. They will then have their scores combined.\nAfter this lengthy and meticulous procedure, the \nPorsche Macan\n\u00a0(launched in Malaysia in late 2014) emerged as ASEAN\u2019s Overall Car of the Year\u00a02015 with a score of \n254.79 points\n. The \nMazda2\n settled for second place, scoring \n232.61 points\n ahead of second runner up, the\u00a0\nNissan X-Trail\n with \n228.02 points\n accumulated.\nAs for Malaysia,\u00a022\u00a0cars were named winners of their respective categories after beating other finalists (\nclick here to see the list of finalists\n). Without further ado, here are the winners:\nCategory\nMake, Model\nScore (maximum 100 points)\nBudget Car of the Year\nKia Picanto\n69.54 points\nCompact Car of the Year\nMazda2 Skyactiv\n78.48 points\nFamily Car of the Year\nMazda3 Skyactiv\n78.39 points\nExecutive Car of the Year\nHonda Accord\n78.51 points\nFamily MPV of the Year\nMazda Biante\n69.00 points\nPremium MPV of the Year\nHonda Odyssey \n73.91 points\nCrossover of the Year\nHonda HR-V\n78.41 points \nCompact SUV of the Year\nMazda CX-5\n77.18 points\nFamily SUV of the Year\nNissan X-Trail\n72.56 points\nPickup Truck of the Year\nFord Ranger\n71.78 points\nCoupe of the Year\nBMW 2-Series\n73.41 points\nPremium Compact Car of the Year\nVolvo V40\n75.58 points\nPremium Family Car of the Year\nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n79.43 points\nPremium Executive Car of the Year\nBMW 5-Series\n77.55 points\nPremium Flagship of the Year\nMercedes-Benz S-Class\n81.56 points\nPremium Compact SUV of the Year\nLand Rover Range Rover Evoque\n74.78 points\nPremium Mid-size SUV of the Year\nPorsche Macan\n79.73 points\nPremium SUV of the Year\nPorsche Cayenne\n76.45 points\nPremium Coupe of the Year\nAudi TT\n75.44 points\nPerformance Car of the Year\nMercedes-AMG GT\n77.18 points\nGrand Tourer of the Year\nPorsche Panamera\n76.47 points\nDriver\u2019s Car of the Year\nVolkswagen Golf R\n77.81 points\nSpeaking at the awards presentation ceremony at the View Rooftop Bar @ GTower, Kuala Lumpur, 2015 ASEAN COTY Secretary Mr. Bobby Ang said, \u201cWith ASEAN\u2019s growing importance in the global automotive\u00a0industry landscape, it is important to create a bridge of acknowledgement for this region in the form of an automotive awards programme. This, we believe, will help car manufacturers address the increasingly demanding needs of customers within the ASEAN region.\u201d\nIs your car one of the many winners this year? Share with us your personal thoughts of this list! Also, to view in full detail the scoring mechanism, head on to\u00a0\nwww.caroftheyear.asia/results\n\u00a0to see how each finalist fared towards the end."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is gearing up for a new product launch as seen on their recent teasers posted on social media. Today\u2019s trailer sighting confirms that it will be none other than the \nall-new Mercedes-Benz CLS\n.\nMounted on a trailer with a \nMercedes-AMG E 63 S sedan\n, the CLS we see here is not the \nCLS 53 AMG\n as told by the standard multispoke wheels and the lack of AMG lettering on the brake callipers. Factoring out the diesel models and we are left with the CLS 450 4MATIC variant.   The CLS 450 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0-litre bi-turbo in-line six pushing out\n 367 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque. The new six-cylinder mill is boosted by an EQ Boost 48-volt onboard electrical system giving it an additional \n22 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n. Power is transferred to all four-wheels allowing the CLS 450 4MATIC to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.8 seconds\n.\nThis particular unit wears the Edition 1 badge on the front fenders which tells us that it will receive extra goodies such as Copper Art interior design with Black Pearl Nappa leather upholstery, black open-pored ash wood interior trim as well an IWC analogue clock centrepiece.\nThe previous-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 was priced at a shade under RM600k when it was on sale in 2015. Expect MBM to do their best to position the new CLS at similar price bracket but all will be revealed when the car is officially launched.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"I wanted to share this when it first came out a few months back cause not only was it so well shot, with the right vibes and representation of the GT-R, but was also one of those rare official videos where all the generations have been brought together.\nWhat really got to me was the first 27 seconds of the video where a group of kids were relentlessly chasing down an R32 GT-R on foot, taking a closer peak at it and before loudly uttering \u201c\nG-T-R lou ah\n\u201d (a very cinapek way of saying GT-R) in amusement \u2013 something we would all have done the same had we saw one as children.\nWhat\u2019s also very special about this video is that the R33 and R34 weren\u2019t just any GT-Rs; the R33 was a \nNISMO 400R\n edition introduced in 1997. It had bigger turbos, an upgraded exhaust system and intercooler to name a few.\nIt made 400 hp hence the name, where 0 to 100 km/h is done in just four seconds and top speed was over 300 km/h. Only 44 units of the 400R were ever built.\nThe other rare car in the video is the R34 V-Spec II Nur in which Nissan built just over 700 units of \u2013 one of the very last of the R34s before Nissan introduced the R35 GT-R. Named after the Nurburgring where it was developed, its N1 racing engine had bigger turbos and higher boost \u2013 resulting in over 450 hp. Find out more on the \nR35 in the video here\n!"
"Mazda\u2019s coupe inspired\u00a0\nCX-4\n has been unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show,\u00a0ahead of its launch for the Chinese market. As the official images suggest the Mazda CX-4 took\u00a0\na\n \nleaf\n \nout\n \nof\n\u00a0the\u00a0Koeru concept, and set to win sales from\u00a0image-conscious Chinese buyers.\nOne could mistake the CX-4 as a jacked up Mazda3 hatchback, but the CX-4\u2019s\u00a0body is wider and broader than most of its lineup. The CX-4 is\u00a04.6m long, 1.8m wide and 1.5m high; sharing the similar wheelbase with the popular CX-5 at 2700mm. Ground clearance for the CX-4 is\u00a0197mm.\nThe CX-4 is offered with either a\u00a0\n2.0-litre SkyActiv engine\n or the\n 2.5-litre\n lump, and can be had either with \nsix-speed manual\n or \nautomatic transmissions\n. The CX-4\u2019s range-topper variant of 2.5-litre variant is the only one that offers the all-wheel drive.\nWith that, Mazda\u2019s current stable of SUVs now consists of the subcompact\u00a0\nCX-3\n, CX-4,\u00a0\nCX-5\n, midsize SUV CX-7, and full-size SUV \nCX-9\n; an impressive achievement\u00a0for a\u00a0manufacturer the size of probably one tenth of Toyota. Sadly, just like the rest of the world, we are looking at the Chinese buyers with envy on this one. Here\u2019s to hoping the Hiroshima-based carmaker will change their minds soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"There was a time when Hyundai was a strong contender in the B-segment sedan market in Malaysia with the second-generation Hyundai Accent. Since the early 2000\u2019s, Hyundai Malaysia has pulled out from the B-segment sedan game. However, in India, the fifth-generation Hyundai Accent, also known as Verna in some countries, is slated for its market debut.\nThe new Verna is built on Hyundai\u2019s new K2 platform with \n\u2018SUPER BODY STRUCTURE\u2019\n technology, giving the Verna best-in-class body rigidity, structural changes and crash performance. The new structure is also optimised for a balance between weight and fuel efficiency. Besides that, engineers have also taken intricate measures to keep \nNVH levels to a minimum\n through mounting designs, tunnel insulator and application of foam filler.\nDesign wise, the Verna is essentially a baby Elantra, mixing design cues from the\n fifth-\n and \nsixth-generation Elantra\n. The front face is a carryover from the fifth-gen with trapezoidal front grille and projector headlamps. Moving to the back you\u2019ll find a mellowed down sixth-gen design with sharp LED taillamps. For a B-segment, the Verna is quite a looker.\nIndia-bound Verna\u2019s will be motivated by either a 1.6-litre Dual VVT petrol with \n121 hp\n or a 1.6-litre CRDi VGT turbodiesel with \n126 hp\n. Drive is sent to the front wheels via \nsix-speed auto or manual\n transmissions. Both powertrains have been tuned to provide superior low-end performance for city driving as well as maximum fuel efficiency on the highway.\nFull specifications of the Verna will be released during its market debut next week. What do you think dear readers, reckon the fifth-gen Verna (Accent) can give the current B-segment power houses in Malaysia a run for their money? After all, the second-gen Accent was a popular choice back in the day."
"Lexus has unveiled the new RZ, the brand\u2019s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), basically a fully-electric car, that marks the beginning of the brand\u2019s transition to electric cars. Lexus aims to have a full lineup of fully electric vehicles by 2030.\nThe RZ is built on a BEV-specific platform (e-TNGA) with optimal weight distribution through ideal placement of the battery and motor. The platform offers high levels of stability and ride comfort by mounting the battery under the vehicle floor and features a low center of gravity.\nUpfront, RZ features MacPherson strut suspension, while its rear uses a trailing arm double wishbone configuration. For the first time, Lexus uses Frequency Reactive Dampers, a frequency-sensitive absorber that alters the damping force in response to road surface frequency input.\n2022.03.28\nPerformance figures were not revealed although Lexus highlighted that the RZ\u2019s 71.4 kWh battery can offer up to 450 km of range on a single charge. Improved battery control technology ensures that the RZ\u2019s battery capacity retention rate stays at 90% or more after 10 years of use.\nThe new RZ also debuts the DIRECT4 system, a new Lexus-first all-wheel drive system along with a new high output motor. The clever new power distribution system uses wheel speed, acceleration, and steering angle sensors to control the amount of power sent to the wheels. Power distribution can vary significantly between the front and rear wheels (60:40, 40:60, 0:100, 100:100, 75:25, 50:50, 20:80) to ensure the optimal control of the vehicle in any driving situation.\nAnother Lexus-first is the Steer-by-Wire system that\u2019s void of any mechanical components. The steering angle is set at approximately 150 degrees, greatly reducing the driver\u2019s workload and eliminating the need for hand-over-hand operation at intersections, U-turns, parking, winding roads, and other driving situations.\nAs for dimensions wise, the RZ is about the same size as the Lexus RX in terms of length, width, height, and wheelbase. Not having an engine meant the RZ could sport a lower hood design. The grille features a shutter that closes when cooling is not needed to improve aerodynamics. At the rear, the RZ sports the new Lexus logo that sits atop the stretch rear lights.\nThe front cockpit is based on the \u2018Tazuna concept\u2019, inspired by Tazuna reins that riders use to control horses. The steering wheel features switches that are precisely synced with the Head-Up Display (HUD), allowing drivers to control various functions such as navigation, audio, and drive mode without shifting their eyes away from the road. The cockpit is home to a Lexus-first dial shift knob mounted on the center console through the application of Shift-by-Wire.\nGALLERY"
"Naza Kia Malaysia has just launched the 2018 all-new third-generation Kia Picanto, one of the most highly-anticipated hatchbacks in the A-segment.\n\u201cWe are confident that with this latest addition to the local Kia line-up, we will be able to achieve the Kia Picanto\u2019s sales target of 5,000 units. This model is important as it would account for 50% of Naza Kia\u2019s total sales target for 2018,\u201d said Naza Corporation Holdings, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Dato\u2019 Samson Anand George.   The Picanto is available in a \nsingle varian\nt, the 1.2-litre EX \u2013 with\n 84 hp\n and \n121 Nm\n at its disposal. Power is delivered through a gated 4-speed automatic. You get ventilated discs in the front and a solid pair at the back \u2013 all tucked beneath a set of 14-inch wheels.\nOn the outside, projector headlamps at the front are standard along with Auto Light Control and LED daytime running lights while at the back, the Picanto gets rear LED taillights with fog lamps front and back.\nIts side mirrors come with LED turn signals and electric folding features on top of a dual-tone appearance. Push start system and keyless entry are also standard equipment.\nWith the wheelbase extended to 2,400mm, increased by 15mm, the wheels are pushed further out to the corners of the car for a 25mm shorter front overhang, giving the car a more planted stance.\nInside features a more refined cabin with new materials and layout for a greater sense of quality and aesthetic appeal. The seating height of the first row seats are reduced by 10mm and moved backwards by 5mm to improve headroom by 3mm and legroom by 15mm.\nThe optimised door trims in the front also frees up 10mm of shoulder room while the crash pad is now slimmer with its steering wheel moved 10mm upwards to increase knee and foot room. At the back, you get \n255 litres\n with a total of 1,010 litres of bootspace with the aid of the 60:40 split folding seats.   Features wise, the Picanto gets a large 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition features. The infotainment system, which comes with reverse camera display is linked to six speakers along with Bluetooth and USB compatibility. Its seats are of fabric material.\nOn the safety front, the Picanto comes with a suite of systems including \nsix airbags\n (dual front, side and curtains), three parking sensors, ABS with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and Hill-start Assist Control.\nDespite being constructed with double the proportion of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) compared to the outgoing model, the Picanto still weighs under a tonne at 983 kg. 44% of the new Picanto\u2019s bodyshell is cast in AHSS, increasing tensile strength by 12%. Torsional stiffness has also been increased by 32%.\nThe Picanto comes in five vibrant colours \u2013 Lime Light, Honey Bee, Pop Orange, Titanium Silver and Clear White.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Malaysia at their Volkswagen Fest 2017 launched the Volkswagen 60th Merdeka Edition Beetle. Priced at RM136,888, it\u2019s limited to 16 units only and is based on the Beetle Design 1.2 TSI.\nAs you\u2019d expect, the special edition Beetle gets exclusive \u201cMerdeka\u201d livery, with blue and red stripes as well as the number \u201c60\u201d on the hood and sides. Other additions include a leather wrapped steering wheel, 5.8-inch touchscreen head unit with USB, Bluetooth and auxiliary support that\u2019s hooked up to eight speakers. The seats are still fabric, covered in \u2018Pepita\u2019 cloth.   Under the hood is the same 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, putting out 104 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG). \nAgain, only 16 units will be made and it will only be available in Pure White and White Silver. Each purchase comes with 5-year warranty, 60 months road tax and a limited edition Beetle suitcase. The 60th Merdeka Edition Beetle is launched alongside the new \nJetta ALLSTAR\n.\n \nThose interested to view the Beetle as well as the rest of the Volkswagen family, drop by the Volkswagen Fest held from 11 to 13 August at Setia City Convention Centre. Existing Volkswagen owners can also enjoy a 20-point inspection and 15 percent discount on parts and labour for servicing.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)\n has just updated the \nRange Rover Evoque\n with its latest facelift. The facelifted Range Rover Evoque is offered in four variants, namely the S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, and Autobiography. It is also offered in petrol and diesel mild hybrid electric (MHEV), as well as plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options.\nOn the outside, the latest facelift of the Range Rover Evoque features the brand\u2019s new Pixel LED headlights, together with its Signature LED DRL, which are available as standard for the Dynamic HSE and Autobiography variants. The rear of the facelifted SUV comes with the Range Rover\u2019s signature graphics and new super-red rear illumination.\nThis combination is said to offer increased visibility and reduced glare for other road users thanks to the integrated matrix technology. Other details on the latest iteration of the Range Rover Evoque include a new grille with a chiselled front design and also flush deployable door handles.\nPowertrain-wise, the Evoque facelift comes with a total of 7 options. This consists of the P160, P200, and P250 petrol mild hybrid (MHEV) options, as well as the D165 and D200 diesel MHEV options.\nRELATED: \n2023 Range Rover L460 launched in Malaysia, from RM1.268m before tax\nThe petrol and diesel MHEV options all feature a belt-integrated starter generator (BiSG) and a 48V lithium-ion battery that acts as energy storage. However, the main highlight of the line-up JLR wants you to know about is the top-of-the-line P300e petrol plug-in hybrid variant. Featuring a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, it is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.\nTogether with a \n14.9 kWh\n battery, a belt-integrated starter generator (BiSG) and a rear axle electric motor, performance figures are rated at \n309 hp\n (metric) and \n540 Nm\n. EV range is rated at up to \n62 km\n (WLTP), with a real-world driving range of \n48 km\n. Going from 0 to 100 km/h takes \n6.4 seconds\n with the P300e variant of the Range Rover Evoque and its top speed is rated at \n213 km/h\n.\nCharging the Range Rover Evoque P300e to full takes \n30 minutes\n using a 50 kW DC charger. When at home, juicing up the SUV from 0 to 100% using a 7 kW AC charger will take around \ntwo hours\n. All variants of the Range Rover Evoque are equipped with the brand\u2019s all-wheel drive (AWD) system.\nMoving inside, you will find a floating 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen. All major vehicle functions are incorporated into the display, and JLR says that the screen is positioned \u201cfloating\u201d within the driver\u2019s eye line for improved visibility. The floating screen also at the same time helps liberate space for interior storage and the mobile phone wireless charger.\nThe Evoque\u2019s infotainment system features the Pivi Pro system. It comes with regular software over-the-air (OTA) updates and also has Amazon Alexa built-in. The Pivi Pro system also supports Wireless connection for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nAs for climate, seating and audio controls, users can control them via the sidebars, which feature multi-functional sliding controls on either side. These virtual buttons provide immediate access to frequently used items, including individual temperature controls for the front occupants, cameras, navigation, and audio volume.\nRELATED:\n \n2023 Range Rover Sport SV debuts with limited SV Edition One \u2013 635hp, V8 Twin turbo\nThe Range Rover Evoque comes with Ultrafabrics and Kvadrat seats. JLR says that the Range Rover Evoque is the first SUV in its class to feature the Kvadrat wool blend fabric material.\nThe Evoque also comes with a suite of camera technology. This consists of the 3D surround view, ClearSight ground view, and rearview cameras.\nThe facelifted Range Rover Evoque features the Cabin Air Purification Plus system. JLR claims the system is one of the most sophisticated interior air quality technologies in the Evoque\u2019s class. The Cabin Air Purification Plus system comes as a standard feature with the Autobiography and is also available as part of the optional Comfort Pack.\nCustomers in the United Kingdom can now drop their orders for the Range Rover Evoque facelift. Prices for the luxury SUV start from \nGBP40,080\n (approximately \nRM238,109\n).\nRELATED: \n2023 Range Rover updated with all-hybrid powertrains \u2013 SV gets 615 hp V8 MHEV!\nGALLERY"
"The Europe New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has just published its third round of results for 2022. Among which, the Malaysia-bound \nVolvo C40 Recharge\n, \nKia EV6\n, as well as the \nMercedes-Benz C-Class \nhave all scored the full five-star rating in the tests.\nAll three cars scored 90% or more in the Adult Occupant category, which ultimately became the difference maker between four- and five-stars in this round of results. Child Occupant protection meanwhile were rated at 89% for the Volvo C40 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and 86% for the Kia EV6.\nThe Mercedes-Benz C-Class stood out in the Vulnerable Road Users category, particularly in the performance at the front-end, thanks to its pop-up active bonnet that helps cushion the impact. Safety Assist systems meanwhile are right in the wheelhouse of the two electric cars, with the Volvo C40 scoring 89%, and the Kia EV6 scoring 86%.\nThe Mercedes-Benz C-Class was awarded an additional Euro NCAP Advanced award, thanks to its Car-to-X communication system which utilises data from other vehicles to warn drivers of potential hazards, before they could even be seen. Unfortunately, the system is not available here in Malaysia yet.\nVolvo is particularly proud of its achievement, with the C40 continuing its streak of five-star ratings in the Euro NCAP tests. According to the carmaker, all of its tested models on sale today have received five stars in their respective Euro NCAP assessments.\n\u201cWe always aim to be a leader in safety,\u201d said Volvo Cars\u2019 Head of Safety Centre, Malin Ekholm. \u201cThat means we adhere to strict safety standards in all of our cars, many of which we helped establish over time. No matter which Volvo you choose, you and your loved ones will drive one of the safest cars on the market.\u201d\nRELATED: Volvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year from 2022 \u2013 XC40 Recharge, C40 this year\nBoth the Volvo C40 Recharge and Kia EV6 are destined for Malaysia, with the Volvo already confirmed for a launch this year.\nBased on the XC40, the Volvo C40 will be powered by the same P8 twin motor set-up, with a total system output of \n408 hp\n and \n660 Nm\n. The motors are juiced by a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing the coupe crossover an estimated range of \n420 km\n based on the WLTP scale.\nThe Kia EV6 meanwhile is offered in a multitude of powertrain options, but we expect the range-topping variant here in Malaysia to come with the all-wheel drive Long Range set-up, consisting of a 77.4 kWh battery pack and two electric motors for a total system output of\n 325 hp\n and \n605 Nm\n, alongside a range of roughly \n506 km\n."
"Just three days after being sworn into office, Prime Minister Dato\u2019 Seri Anwar Ibrahim\n took to Twitter\n to announce that he has rejected a proposal by his office to utilise a new \u201cMercedes 600\u201d as his official vehicle for his duties. Since the all-new Mercedes-Benz S Class no longer comes in a 600 guise, we are presuming that Anwar probably meant the \nMercedes-Benz S 580 e plug-in hybrid\n.\nThe Premier added that the order for the new car was placed by the Prime Minister\u2019s Department before he took office. The new car was rejected as he does not wish for any new expenditures to be made for him. Instead, he will be utilising any existing vehicle in the office for his duties.\nPrime Minister \n@anwaribrahim\n asking reporters if we are \u2018okay\u2019 with his \n#Toyota\n Camry car.\nAnwar said he was able to cancel the order of a \n#Mercedes\n S600, made by previous govt, in time before delivery. \n#PM10\n \n#PM10malaysia\n \npic.twitter.com/IVe0cy7uvz\n\u2014 Ravin Palanisamy (@RavinP_69) \nNovember 28, 2022\n \nSo what might it be, if not a Mercedes? A follow-up tweet from The Malaysian Insight reporter \nRavin Palanisamy\n revealed that the Prime Minister will be ferried in a \nToyota Camry\n instead.\nWhen met by reporters at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim even jokingly asked if the Camry \u201cis OK\u201d. He added that the office was able to cancel the order made by the previous government, in time before delivery.\nThe Toyota Camry is certainly a modest choice for a Prime Minister, and we\u2019re sure the choice to cancel the S-Class was as much of a PR move as a cost-saving move. But with that being said, it\u2019s still a fairly capable car, with \nenough luxuries to make even Lexus blush\n.\nUpdated in Malaysia \nearlier this year\n, the new facelifted Toyota Camry is now powered by a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine, serving up \n209 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n of torque and paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. But the most important feature, for a Prime Minister sitting in the back seats anyway, is the addition of the reclinable rear seats, with a touch-activated control panel located in the centre arm rest.\nPrior to taking office, Dato\u2019 Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also seen chauffeured in a black \nG12 BMW 7 Series\n."
"Honda Thailand has just \u201cstolen\u201d the limelight from Honda Singapore, as the Kingdom officially unveils the 11th generation Honda Civic, the first in the ASEAN region.\nThe highly successful sedan continues to be offered in three variants with the range-topping variant decked with the RS treatment. Powertrain however sees a major change, where all variants are fitted with the improved turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC-Turbo engine. Gone is the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine that served the lower and middle variants.\nExterior-wise, the RS variant receives all the sporty items such as black door handles, side mirrors, rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, larger 17-inch wheels as well as the window surround. The twin exhaust tips are also decorated with large cylindrical finishers on the RS variant. \u00a0\nCompared to the outgoing model, the all-new Civic is 48 mm longer with a wheelbase that stretches 35 mm more.\nFull LED headlamps are reserved only for the RS variant, while the lower two variants are fitted with projector halogen units. LED DRLs, as well as automatic function, is standard across the range.\nInside the RS variant gets an all-black interior with red stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever boot, door panels and combination leather-suede seats. This range-topping variant also gets the new key features such as the 10.2-inch high-definition instrument cluster and is paired with the 9-inch free-standing central infotainment display and wireless smartphone charger.\nThe Honda Civic RS also gets a lot more items with its higher retail price, such as a new Honda Smart Key card, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, both driver and passenger power-adjusting seats and illuminated footwell and front door panels.\nBoth the non-RS variants, called EL and EL+, have the option for either all black or beige seat upholstery. Standard features in the all-new Honda Civic include a 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Siri connectivity, remote engine start, automatic air-conditioning and rear seat belt reminders.   Honda explains the approach to their new interior design, called \u201csimplicity and something\u201d!\nAs mentioned earlier, all models now are fitted with the updated turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC-Turbo engine. Engine outputs have been raised from 173 hp and 220 Nm, to \n178 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque. No mention of acceleration times but with the all-new Honda Civic approximately 30 kg heavier, there shouldn\u2019t be much difference against the current time of 8.2 seconds.\nPower is channelled to a revised CVT that is said to offer better response to driver input as well as revised Step-Shift programming that simulates physical gear changes under hard acceleration for a more familiar and enjoyable driving experience.\nShift paddles are featured exclusively on the RS variant, together with the new Sport mode.\nIn Japan, the Honda Civic is now only offered in a hatchback format. Yes, the mighty Type-R is coming too!\nSafety features are the same across all three variants. This means the Honda Sensing suite with:\nLead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)\nAdaptive Cruise Control with Low-speed follow (ACC LSF)\nLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)\nRoad Departure Mitigation with LDW\nAutomatic High-Beam\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (AEB)\nThis updated Honda Sensing suite, now operated using a wide-angle camera, also comes fitted with the Lead Car Departure Notification System, where, as the name suggests, alerts the driver in the new Civic once the vehicle ahead starts moving off during waits at the traffic lights.\nUnlike the \nAmerican\n and Japanese models, the Thai Honda Civic continues to offer Honda LaneWatch instead of the new Blind spot monitoring system. It is also only available in the range-topping Honda Civic RS variant.\nAs for prices, the all-new 11th generation Honda Civic starts its pricing from \nTHB964,900\n (approx RM122k) for the EL variant, \nTHB1,009,900\n (approx RM128k) for the EL+ variant and \nTHB1,199,900\n (over RM150k) for the range-topping RS variant. The prices of the EL+ and RS see a slight reduction compared to the predecessor model.\nBack in Malaysia, there are slim hopes that the all-new Honda Civic will be launched this year, as Honda Malaysia expressed that the prolonged business closure due to MCO3.0 has tremendously \naffected operations\n including the testing and development of new models.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a long time coming, but BMW has now officially confirmed that it has made its final V12-powered car \u2013 it\u2019s truly an end of an era, folks. The company \nannounced back in January\n that it\u2019ll be making a limited-edition final run of the V12-powered 7 Series, literally called \u201cThe Final V12\u201d, for BMW customers with a history of V12 ownership. And well, it\u2019s now sold out.\n\u201cThe last BMW 7 Series vehicles with the V12 have been produced,\u201d a BMW spokesperson told \nCarBuzz\n. \u201cWe did a final edition for the US, which sold out really quickly.\u201d\nThe writing has been on the wall for the V12 for quite some time now, especially with tightening emissions regulations worldwide. The final nail in the coffin came when the\n all-new 7 Series\n, launched earlier this year, only offers a maximum of eight cylinders under the bonnet.\nStill, the V12 played a significant role in BMW\u2019s history, with the engine configuration first appearing in the E32-generation 7 Series back in 1987. It\u2019s been revised and improved for increased outputs and improved efficiency over the years, and in its final iteration, the 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 in the \nBMW M760i xDrive\n makes a whopping \n609 hp \nand \n800 Nm\n.\nThe output figure translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just\n 3.6 seconds\n. That\u2019s supercar-level fast, in a luxobarge that is pushing 2.5 tonnes in weight.\nOutside of the 7 and 8 Series models, there\u2019s also the famous S70/2 V12, which was designed to power the \nMcLaren F1\n. It\u2019s based on the same architecture as the company\u2019s original V12 engine, but with several mechanical upgrades such as new heads, individual throttle bodies, and a dry-sump oil system to raise its outputs to something a little more suitable for a halo supercar.\nVersions of the engine also appeared in the V12 LMR Le Mans racer, which won BMW their first and only 24 Hours of Le Mans overall victory to date.\nEven though it\u2019s the end of the road for BMW V12s, the wider BMW Group isn\u2019t saying goodbye to the 12 cylinders quite just yet. The \nRolls-Royce\n models are still powered by various versions of the N74 twin-turbocharged V12 engine, but even that is probably not going to last too much longer, as the company has committed to phasing out internal combustion engines by 2030.\nPetrolheads, it\u2019s time to put your money where your mouth is, because there\u2019s probably not much time left to savour these incredible engineering marvels. And if you need some pointers, Ferrari is making a \nbrand-new V12 engine for its new Purosangue SUV\n."
"At the groundbreaking ceremony of Continental Automotive Components Malaysia\u2019s Penang plant upgrade, the company also introduced a talent development programme called the C.Drive programme targeted at fresh graduates to help them kickstart their career in automotive engineering.\nThere are two programmes available \u2013 C.Drive Engineer and C.Drive Champions, the latter targets software engineers who are keen on pursuing a career in the field of automotive software development. The goal of these programmes is to bridge the gap between academia and the automotive industry needs.\nThroughout the programme, recruits will first go through an eight-week fundamental skill set taught course and spend another month applying their knowledge to a capstone project. Upon completion, trainees will then be placed with Continental\u2019s experts and work on actual automotive projects, gaining real-world experience as they go.\nUpon completion, the recruits will have an opportunity to secure a position with Continental Automotive, the leading German technology company. Throughout the programme, the recruits will be given a monthly allowance of RM2,800 to RM3,200 as well as EPF, SOCSO contributions and annual leaves.   Only 30 candidates will be selected into the programme but the company is looking to expand the programme to automotive institutes in Malaysia as part of the student\u2019s study pathway to better prepare students for employment and real world challenges.\nInterested parties can send their applications to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n with \u201cI love Cars and want to join C.Drive program\u201d on the email title. More information can be found on their Facebook event page \nhere\n."
"Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has revealed the latest additions to its Ingenium powertrain family. Joining the \n2.0-litre diesel\n\u00a0is an all-new\u00a0four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and a new automatic gearbox.\nThe in-house developed\u00a0\nall-aluminium petrol engine\n is the company\u2019s most advanced powerplant developed to date. It incorporates new technology ranging from electrohydraulic valvetrain, integrated exhaust manifold, and twin-scroll\u00a0turbocharger with ceramic ball bearing technology.\u00a0Such enhancements increase\u00a0power by 25 percent and reduces fuel consumption by 15 percent.\nComplementing the new all-aluminium\u00a0engine is a brand new\n eight-speed dual-clutch\n transmission known as\u00a0\nTranscend\n.\u00a0Lightweight and compact, the new gearbox will fit in longitudinal rear- and all-wheel drive models. It\u2019s claimed to improve offroading experience and offers superior driving dynamics as well.\nThe new powertrains are set to debut in most, if not all Jaguar or Land Rover vehicles by 2017. At the same time, this effectively ends JLR\u2019s dependence of Ford\u2019s\u00a0EcoBoost engines and ZF\u2019s automatic gearboxes.\nPresently, the Ingenium diesel engine can be found under the bonnet of the \nLand Rover Discovery Sport\n\u00a0and both the Jaguar \nXE\n and \nXF\n. Its range-topper 2.0-litre turbocharged oil burner makes \n178 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n. The Ingenium diesel\u00a0has yet to be offered in Malaysian Land Rovers and Jaguars. The\u00a0recently launched\u00a0\nDiscovery Sport\n is still sold with the older 2.2-litre diesel unit."
"One of the cars we all look forward to this new year is the \n2014 Toyota Corolla Altis\n. In fact, it is arriving real soon. We have gotten confirmation that the all-new Corolla Altis will be launched this month, January 2014. About two weeks before Chinese New Year.\nAs reported on our \nprevious article on the Altis\n, Toyota has dropped the 1.6E model. Now there are three models to choose from with prices:\n2014 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8E\nRM115,000\n2014 Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0G\nRM125,000\n2014 Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V\nRM137,000\n\u00a0\nFor comparisons sake, the new 1.8E costs\u00a0RM9k more than the current 1.6E model, due to the extra capacity upgrade. The 2.0G model is only\u00a0RM2,000 more than the current 1.8G, which seems to be a better bargain. With a higher budget, you can go for the hi-spec 2.0V model,\u00a0RM5,000 more than its predecessor. Which is much better.\nLast month, Toyota published a\u00a0\nteaser webpage\n\u00a0showcasing its key features, specifications and even the price. Check out the key features below, that is mainly for the hi-spec 2.0V model.\nThe 1.8E is powered by the 2ZR-FE that produces 139PS at 6,400 rpm with 173Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Transmission wise, it shares the same seven-speed CVT gearbox with sports sequential shift with the other two.\u00a0Both 2.0G and 2.0V runs on the same 3ZR-FE with the same performance figures. 145PS at 6,200rpm with torgue figure of 187Nm at 3,600 rpm.\nSo for the extra RM12,000 (more than the 2.0G), you get the same performance but a lot more in value. For a start, the 2.0V gets the Smart Entry and Start System, paddle shifts, 17-in rims (16-in for both 1.8E and 2.0G), the gorgeous LED projector headlights with Day Time Running Lights (Halogen Projector for 1.8E and 2.0G), LEATHER seats (fabric for the other two), and some other stuff. Compare them below.\nPrices shown below are for Peninsular Malaysia only. You can download the price list for\u00a0\nPeninsular Malaysia\n,\u00a0\nSabah\n, and\u00a0\nSarawak\n.\u00a0\nWant to see some real-life photos of the 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis? AutoBuzz.my spotted the Altis in Taipei, Taiwan and these images were posted on our\u00a0\nFacebook Page\n\u00a0last month. It does look really good!\nDo stay tune for more info when the 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis launches this month!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last year, Volkswagen Group overthrew Toyota to be the world\u2019s largest selling automaker. It appears the \nwhole dieselgate saga\n didn\u2019t even cause a big enough dent and the company went on to sell an impressive 10.3 million vehicles around the world.\nToyota however, is the top selling brand in 49 countries, versus Volkswagen\u2019s 14. That\u2019s nearly four folds! That includes markets in\u00a0Asia, Australia and many other parts of the world. Back at home, the\u00a0\nPerodua Axia\n, which is based on the Toyota Agya/Wigo is the \nbest selling car in our country\n. Oddly enough, the Axia\u2019s logo was used instead of its manufacturer, Perodua.\nElsewhere, Volkswagen is king in its native land and some European countries. Ford made it big in the UK, Canada, and the United States. Noticed that odd red bat-shaped logo on the map in China? That\u2019s Wuling, who sold a staggering 650,018 units of their seven-seater\u00a0\nHongguang\n\u00a0MPV in world\u2019s most densely populated country.\nClick to enlarge\nThis interesting statistic is compiled from the resources of\u00a0\nBest-Selling Cars Blog\n, \nGlobal Car Brands\n, \nFocus2move\n, and \nRealMotor Japan\n."
"Malaysia\u2019s renewed love for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would no doubt be stronger in the next few months; three to be exact.\nAside from announcing the \n50% discount on all tolled roads for the two days before Hari Raya\n, the nonagenarian also said that the Sales and Services Tax (SST) will make its comeback at the \nbeginning of September 2018\n, as the \nzero-rated GST\n kicks in this Friday, 1st of June 2018.\nOne of the most attractive outcomes from the \n0% GST announcement\n is that the \nbase model 2.0 GL CX-5 now costs just under RM 130,000\n.\nThis effectively means that there\u2019ll be a \u201ctax holiday\u201d between June and September; enjoy it while it lasts. If you\u2019ve read our recent opinion on \nwhether or not it would be the right time to buy a car\n, you\u2019d know that the situation is not as straightforward as it seems.\nWhile we wouldn\u2019t speculate on what car prices will be like post-SST, (which will \nrevert to the previous rate of 10%\n)\u00a0it did experience a slight reduction when the 6% GST was introduced back in early 2015. Analysts from different quarters have predicted that, should SST be set at 10%, there should be a rise in car prices again \u2013 a statement also released by the Malaysian Automotive Association."
"The word \u201cFusion\u201d is usually used when it comes to mixing food styles or creating molecular reactions. It\u2019s also used by Ford on its best-selling mid-size saloon segment, which now sports a new face and a sweet new twin-turbo V6 powerplant.\nKnown as the \nFord Mondeo\n in some markets including ours, the current second-generation Fusion has been in the American market since 2013. Apart from the usual aesthetic makeover, Ford also introduced a brand new \n325 hp 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6\n, making it the most powerful mid-size saloon in the American market. Mated with this engine is a \nsix-speed automatic transmission,\n\u00a0and having all its four\u00a0wheels driven simulatously.\n \n \nThat hot Fusion, known as the \nFusion V6 Sport\n,\u00a0also benefits from\u00a0a set of continuously controlled damping suspension, a black grille, 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and\u00a0dual twin exhaust outlets. Apart from the V6 Sport,\u00a0there\u2019s also the Fusion \nPlatinum trim\n\u00a0which slots above the Titanium trim. It receives cocoa and Venetian leathers to the cabin, 19-inch wheels, and a different grille.\nAlso updated in the Fusion across all trims is the\u00a0\nnew circular gear knob\n which replaces the traditional lever gear selector. An\u00a0updated and more advanced\u00a0\nSYNC3\n infotainment system finds home in the refreshed model, now supporting Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto throughout the model variant. Ford also introduced a new dual-scroll turbochargers for its 1.5 and 2.0 EcoBoost engines, with outputs of up to 200 hp and 250 hp\u00a0respectively.\nThe new facelifted Fusion will be on sale starting May 2016. The standard Fusion begins at $22,995 (approx RM101,000 based on today\u2019s conversion) while the much powerful V6 Sport is retailed at $34,350 (approx RM151,800). The Platinum is now the most expensive Fusion trim at $37,495 (approx RM165,000).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"For those who grew up worshiping the sheer ferocity of the Subaru Imprezas, this may not be as pleasant a news to you as it would be to the environment.\nAccording to \nAutocar UK\n, the next Subaru WRX STI will be a more \u201cemissions-friendly\u201d model as reportedly quoted by Subaru Europe Sales and Marketing Manager, David Dello, who said the WRX STI\u2019s 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine just isn\u2019t feasible for existence anymore. The engine will likely be replaced with a plug-in hybrid unit.\nThe recently unveiled \nSubaru WRX STI Final Edition\n \u2013 limited to just 150 units\nThe application of electric motors can open up several possibilities for the model, including the option of electrically-driven rear wheel, as stated in the same report by Autocar.\nIt wouldn\u2019t be introduced anytime soon as developments for a hybrid powertrain is still in the development stage. That said, design inspiration is said to be echoed from the \nViziv Performance concept\n\u00a0as displayed at the recently concluded Tokyo Motor Show featuring a boxer engine with Subaru\u2019s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive .\nWhat you can be sure of for now is that the future WRX will be based on the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) \u2013 one that has been engineered to accommodate hybrids as well \u2013 featuring enclosures for batteries and electric motors.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nSubaru Viziv Performance Concept"
"BMW iPerformance\u2019s halo model, the i8 Coupe has just received an update and will make its first public appearance at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The refreshed model boasts a larger battery pack, improved driving range and emissions as well as new aesthetic bits.\nFrom the outside, the refreshed i8 is still as futuristic as when it\u00a0\nfirst made its debut in 2014\n and we won\u2019t blame you if you can\u2019t tell the two apart. Newly introduced items include an air shutter in the front hood, new wheel design option and a \u201cCoupe\u201d emblem at the C-pillar. You have to squint to tell that the headlamps are now more rectangular in shape.   Inside, the updated i8 benefits from an updated iDrive system with Navigation System Professional, optional Accaro interior trim in Amido/E-Copper and surround view camera. New E-Copper metallic and Donington Grey metallic paintjobs have been added to the colour palette to round up the aesthetic changes.\nThe i8\u2019s eDrive plug-in hybrid system now features better hardware that contributes to enhanced overall performance. The lithium-ion battery pack now has a gross energy capacity of 11.6 kWh (previously 7.1 kWh) while the electric motor now develops \n140 hp\n, 9 hp more than before; torque figures remain at \n250 Nm\n. Thanks to the improved electric drive system, the i8 now boasts a pure electric range of \n55 km\n (from 35 km) with a top speed of 120 km/h.\nThe petrol engine remains as a 1.5-litre three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo that churns out \n228 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of torque. With the petrol engine spinning at the rear axles and the electric motors driving the front wheels, the all-wheel-drive i8 boasts a maximum combined output of \n368 hp\n.\nCentury sprint and top speed remain unchanged at\n 4.4 seconds\n and \n250 km/h\n (limited) respectively but fuel consumption is down to 1.9 litres per 100 km thanks to the improved battery pack and electric motor.\nBMW Malaysia made a bold move in 2015 to introduce the BMW i8 Coupe as the brand\u2019s halo model with a \nprice tag of RM1.2 million\n. Considering the company\u2019s push for \nhybrid vehicles received overwhelming success\n, we can expect the updated i8 Coupe and possibly the Roadster version to arrive on our shores soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As we close the third quarter of 2017, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), the number one premium brand in the country has released their remarkable sales figures \u2013 8,771 vehicles sold in the first nine months of 2017. While the figures are slightly lower year-on-year, MBM remains optimistic for the coming months and believes that they are on track for yet another record breaking year.\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia Vice-President for Sales & Marketing, Mark Raine\nDespite shifting lesser cars this year compared to the same period in 2016, MBM remains the leading carmaker in the premium cars segment with a market share of\n 2.3 percent\n year to date (YTD). In 2017, MBM\u2019s sales were driven mainly by the locally produced limousines with 5,238 units sold followed by the SUV range and compact car range. Let\u2019s take a look at the break down:\nW205 C-Class CKD\n \u2013 3,044 units\nW212 E-Class\n \u2013 1,891 units\nW222 S-Class CKD\n \u2013 303 units\nX205 GLC\n \u2013 1,622 units\nGLE & GLE Coupe\n \u2013 273 units\nDream Cars Range\n \u2013 406 units in total\nW176 A-Class\n \u2013 383 units\nGLA\n \u2013 435 units\nCLA \u2013 351 units\nB-Class \u2013 63 units\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr. Claus Weidner\nThe most remarkable figure is the Dream Cars range, made up of MBM\u2019s cabriolets, coupes and AMGs, which sold 406 units, significantly more than the 301 units sold in the entire year of 2016 and we are not in December yet. As always, the locally assembled C-Class remains as the brand\u2019s bread and butter model.\nMBM Vice-President for Sales & Marketing, Mark Raine believes that with the recently introduced locally assembled \nGLC 200\n and \nE 350 e plug-in hybrid\n, the company will be able to achieve their sales target for the year \u2013 outselling \nlast year\u2019s sales figure of 11,779 units\n."
"While considerably successful as a brand in the United States, sadly it has come to this. A report by CarsDirect confirmed that\n\u00a0\nKia Motors America has finally decided to discontinue sales of the\u00a0\nKia\u00a0Cerato Koup\n.\nDeclining sales (no thanks to the popularity of SUVs and crossovers) has caused the faded interest towards small affordable coupes. The demise of the Cerato Koup means that the \nHyundai Veloster\n\u00a0and the \nHonda Civic Si\n are among the few remaining affordable front-wheel drive\u00a0coupes in the market.\nThe Cerato Koup is essentially a two-door variant of the Cerato sedan and currently in its second-generation guise. It\u2019s available with two engines; one is a\u00a0naturally aspirated\u00a02.0-litre petrol GDI engine and the other a higher performance 1.6-litre turbo GDI engine. The latter is what\u2019s currently on sale in Malaysia.\nThe 1.6-litre\u00a0\nGamma T-GDi\n (Turbo, Gasoline Direct Injection) engine deploys \n201 hp\n and \n260 Nm\n of torque, with power being sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. It would sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds before maxing out at 222 km/h.\nInterested in getting one? The Kia Cerato Koup is simply yours for\u00a0\nRM135,888\n, but we\u2019re sure dealers are willing to give discounts on available units.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor has officially pulled the wraps off their all-new Global Compact SUV, the \nHyundai Kona\n in Korea. The Kona is the first of Hyundai\u2019s mid-to-long term product strategy to introduce more SUVs to their portfolio.\nSitting below the Santa Fe and Tucson, the new B-Segment SUV measures at 4,165 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,550 mm in height and 2,600 mm in wheelbase. Compared to the crowd favourite \nHonda HR-V\n, the Kona is shorter by -129 mm, rides less taller (-55 mm) and the wheelbase is -10 mm shorter. It is however, 28 mm wider than the HR-V. Hyundai claims the proportions give it a more solid and dynamic silhouette.\nThe athletic design is complemented with slim LED headlamps and angular bumper design that houses the fog lamps and turn signals. The plastic claddings are specifically designed to protect the alloy wheels.\nInside, the Kona gets the company\u2019s latest features such as \u2018Combiner\u2019 Heads-up Display (HUD), 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, smartphone wireless charging tray and Creel Sound system to meet the needs of the target market. Despite its petite dimensions, the Kona has a rated boot space of 360 litres.\nIn Korea, the Kona is available with two powertrain options \u2013 a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDi petrol and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. Both engines are mated to a \nseven-speed dual-clutch transmission\n. Like the \nTucson T-GDI\n and \nElantra Turbo Sport\n, the T-GDi mill dishes out \n175 hp\n and \n265 Nm\n of torque. The oil burner has an output of \n134 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque.\nIn other markets, customers have the option for a 2.0-litre four-cylinder MPI engine with\n 147 hp\n and \n179 Nm\n of torque and a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDI with \n118 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n. The naturally aspirated mill is paired to a six-speed automatic while the latter gets a six-speed manual.\nFor a more dynamic driving experience and optimum traction across different driving situations, Hyundai has equipped the Kona with four-wheel drive and rear-wheel multi-link suspension. Front-wheel drive layout will be available in certain markets.\nOn the safety front, the Kona comes equipped with \nHyundai SmartSense\n safety system that bundles Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross Collision Warning (RCCW). With this, Hyundai is eyeing on full marks in all crash tests including Korean NCAP and Euro NCAP.\nPrices for the all-new Hyundai Kona start from Korean \u20a919 million (RM72k) to \u20a927 million (RM102k). The Kona will officially go on sale in Korea by end June and will be available in European and US market by second half of 2017. Expect the Kona to reach Malaysian shores later this year, if not next year.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Hyundai Kona"
"It is now only five days away from Volvo\u2019s official launch of the \nXC40 EV\n. As part of their \nslow drip of information\n, Volvo has announced that the fully electric XC40 will have an infotainment system based on Android.\nVolvo Cars is the first automotive manufacturer to team up with Google on integrating an Android-based infotainment system, although the two companies have been development partners for the past several years.\u00a0\nRunning on Android Automotive OS, Google\u2019s open-source Android platform designed specifically for cars, the XC40 EV will have full access to Google services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, as well as a library of applications on the Android platform adapted for vehicle use.\u00a0\nThe XC40 EV will also be the first Volvo vehicle that will receive over-the-air (OTA) updates for its software and operating system, constantly keeping the car up to date.\n \nGoogle Maps will be the navigation system of choice in the pure electric XC40. The system will be able to provide refreshed map data and real-time traffic conditions to proactively suggest alternative routes to the driver, as well as suggesting the nearest charging station en route.\u00a0\nThe Google based navigation system will also feed information such as speed limits and curves in the road ahead to the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) to improve the capabilities of systems such as autonomous driving.\u00a0\nNot a fan of Google Maps? With the Android based system, you will be able to download and use other applications through the Google Play Store, including music and media apps optimised and adapted for cars.\u00a0\nThe Google Assistant will also be able to control almost every part of the car, including climate control, navigation, playing music through applications such as Spotify, controlling your smart-home devices, or even help send a message to your loved ones.\u00a0\nVolvo hopes that with the voice-controlled Google Assistant, drivers will be able to hands on the wheels and eyes on the road while driving.\u00a0\nThe new infotainment system will be fully integrated with Volvo\u2019s existing Volvo on Call mobile application, offering new features specifically for the electric powered car, such as monitoring battery health and charge levels.\u00a0\nThe usual Volvo on Call functionalities such as pre-heating (or pre-cooling) the cabin, remote locking and unlocking, car sharing via digital key, and locating your car in a parking lot, will all still be available on the new fully electric XC40."
"In celebrating the Independence Day of the United States of America, Porsche has compiled a list of the most iconic Porsches made available to the American market and the line-up is nothing short of pornography.\nThe ones that really got us drooling is the lightweight Porsche 911 RS America with around \n260 hp/312 Nm\n based on the Carrera 2 available in America.\n \nWhile it may retain most of the essential components of the Carrera 2 such as the brakes, the 3.6-litre engine and the hardy G50 gearbox, the RS America is void of all creature comforts like air conditioning, power steering, radio and sunroof which were offered as options instead.\nThe other that got us drooling was the Porsche 934.5 race car with 600 hp from a turbocharged flat-six. The controversial race car which was band before it got to race was so limited, only 10 units were built for the U.S. market."
"Honda Malaysia has just opened the order books for the new Honda City Hatchback. The new model, replacing the much-loved Honda Jazz, will also be offered with the 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine (121 hp, 145 Nm) alongside the range-topping e:HEV hybrid powertrain.\nHonda Malaysia is keen to point out several features the places it above its competitors such as the \nToyota Yaris\n and \nMazda 2\n. Similar to the Honda City RS sedan, the City RS hatchback will also have variant-specific exterior designs such as front and rear bumpers, radiator grille and gloss black side mirror covers.\n \nCheck out the City Hatchback cheekily teasing the Yaris plus two more Toyota models!\nFor now, two variants are announced, with the \nRS e:HEV hybrid\n joined by the petrol-only V variant. Both variants, which are positioned at the higher end of the pricing range, gets LED headlamps and taillamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps and 16-inch wheels.\nA first-in-the-segment feature that Honda is proud to reveal is the fitment of the Remote Engine Start, which allow owners to start the engine and air-conditioning to cool the cabin before entering, which is further enhanced by air vents at the rear. Both are also available only in the RS e:HEV and V variants. \u00a0\nHonda Sensing full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will meanwhile be available in just the range-topping RS e:HEV variant, a move that was originally mirrored in the City RS sedan, but then extended to the petrol-only \nsedan V variant\n just last week.\nThe Honda Sensing suite includes adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist system and automatic high beam, both unavailable in the key rivals. Also a notable feature only available in the Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV is the electric parking brake (EPB) with auto-hold function.\nAs for the cargo holding features of the new Honda City Hatchback, the much-coveted and popular feature synonymous with the Honda Jazz is now even better in the new model, called 4-Modes ULTRA seats. It is still the only hatchback in the segment to have the rear seats cleverly-hinged to be fully folded flat (Long mode) or flipped up (Tall mode), as well as Refresh mode that allows couples to stretch their legs onto the flat-folded front seats.\nHowever, unlike the Toyota Yaris with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, the Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV and V variants only come with the single corner Honda LaneWatch system.\nRemote start function\nRear air vents, City sedan\nHonda Malaysia is expected to officially launch the Honda City Hatchback within the coming few weeks as they mentioned Q4 2021 as their target, which means just within the next seven weeks.\nPrices have not been mentioned in this booking notification. The hatchback variants from Honda is priced lower in Malaysia, thus expect the City Hatchback to be slightly cheaper than the \nCity sedan\n that is currently priced from RM74.2k to RM106k. The predecessor model was priced at a range from \nRM72.5k to RM85k\n, with the short-lived Jazz Hybrid i-DCCD available from RM75k.\nGALLERY\nHonda City Hatchback RS e:HEV Malaysia\nHonda Sensing\nHonda LaneWatch\nRemote start function\nHybrid powertrain\nDOHC iVTEC powertrain\nHonda City Hatchback Indonesia and Thailand"
"Since the first-generation Audi R8 was introduced, the supercar proudly featured the company\u2019s infamous Quattro all-wheel drive system. In case you are unaware, the R8 shares much of its formula with the \nLamborghini Huracan\n which is available in all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive layout.\nWhile an all-wheel drive supercar boasts monstrous traction off the line, nothing activates one\u2019s adrenaline like a beautifully executed controlled overseer. Introducing the Audi R8 RWS (short for Rear Wheel Series), available in both coupe and spyder body styles, marking the four rings\u2019 first attempt at a rear-wheel drive production model.\nLimited to \n999 units worldwide\n, the R8 RWS like its Quattro sibling will be hand built at the B\u00f6llinger H\u00f6fe factory in Germany. Among the unique design cues include matt black finish on the Singleframe grille as well as front and rear air apertures. The coupe version also has its upper side blade finished in gloss black. Like the R8 LMS GT 4 race car, the R8 RWS Coupe gets the red stripe livery running across the bonnet to the rear end.\nInside, the R8 RWS comes with leather and Alcantara upholstery with sport seats as standard while bucket seats are available as an option. All models of this limited edition R8 gets a \n\u201c1 of 999\u201d emblem\n.\nAlthough it loses out on the Quattro all-wheel drive system, the Huracan twin still retains the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 that pushes \n532 hp\n and \n540 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear axles via a seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox. Century sprint is a shade slower than its all-wheel drive sibling at \n3.7 seconds\n (3.8 for the spyder). Flat out, the coupe will do \n319 km/h\n while the spyder will register\u00a0\n317 km/h\n.\nThe biggest merit from losing two driven wheels is weight. The R8 RWS Coupe is \n50 kg lighter\n than the all-wheel drive R8. Besides that, Audi has specifically tuned the chassis to allow the driver to perform controlled oversteers when the Audi Drive Select is in \u201cDynamic\u201d mode. Audi explained that the ESC will intervene \n\u201creliably at the limit\u201d.\nPlans are underway from \nAudi Malaysia to introduce the second-generation Audi R8\n and we had the privilege to \nsample it in Germany\n last year.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after its \nglobal introduction\n in June this year, UMW Toyota has now introduced the updated 2020 Toyota Hilux facelift here in Malaysia. Now in its second facelift for the eight generation pick-up truck, the Toyota Hilux will be offered in five different variants (2.4 single cab MT, 2.4E, 2.4G, 2.4V, and Rogue) , with prices starting at RM93K for the workhorse single cab variant.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe main difference to the exterior styling of the 2020 Toyota Hilux is at the front, characterised by a larger three-dimensional hexagonal grille design, and flanked by the slimmer headlights with a completely new illumination architecture. Further down, the bumper has also been completely redesigned, with new fog lamps housing at the side.\nThe range-topping Rogue variant, along with the 2.4V variant, does get quite a bit more exterior pizzass. These include Bi-LED headlights and daytime-running lights, as well as LED taillights \u2013 the latter being brought forward from the previous generation in the lower variants.\nOn the Rogue variant, the exterior flair is brought to a whole other level with a much more aggressive front-end design, featuring a darkened grille that extends over the entire height of the front fascia, along with more prominent skid plates and fog lamp housing trim that extends to form the over fenders on the wheel arches.\nThe rogue variant also gets exclusive matte-grey coloured wing mirrors and door handles, as well as the tailgate garnish and body-coloured bumpers at the rear. All variants receive newly-designed 17- and 18-inch wheels with new finishes.\nPERFORMANCE\nTwo engine options are being offered on the 2020 Toyota Hilux facelift \u2013 2.8-litre and 2.4-litre turbodiesel mills. While the engines are inherited from the outgoing model, they both receive a number of upgrades in this facelift update, though only the 2.8-litre engine on the Rogue variant gets a bump in power output.\nVariant\n2.8 Rogue\n2.4 Single Cab, 2.4E, G, V\nEngine\n2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel\n2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel\nMax horsepower\n204 hp @ 3,400 rpm (+24 hp)\n150 hp @ 3,400 rpm\nMax torque\n500 Nm @ 1,600 rpm \u2013 2,800 rpm (+50 Nm)\n400 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 2,000 rpm\n0-100 km/h\n10 seconds\nN/A\nThe 2.4 single cab and 2.4G variants are offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while the rest of the double cab variants \u2013 including the Rogue \u2013 are only available solely with a six-speed automatic transmission.\nIn terms of upgrades, both engines have been fitted with a new Variable Nozzle Turbocharger (VNT) with new pre exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) intercooler, as well as an increased common-rail fuel injection pressure. Aside from the power output gain on the 2.8-litre engine, both engines now boast enhanced fuel efficiency, with a 4% improvement on the 2.8-litre, and 5% on the 2.4-litre.\nAs a result of these new upgrades, the service interval for the Hilux has also increased from 5,000 km/3 months to 10,000 km/6 months, helping the owner to reduce overall cost of ownership.\nOther mechanical upgrades include a new Variable Flow Control (VFC) steering rack which alters the weight of the steering depending on speed, as well as a reworked suspension setup with retuned dampers, leaf suspension mounts, and cabin mounts for improved comfort on the road.\nThe Rogue and 2.4V variant also gets a new automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD) on the rear axle to help with traction in 2WD mode, working in conjunction with the improved active traction control system.\nINTERIOR\nWhile overall interior architecture is pretty much identical to the outgoing model, the 2.4V and 2.8 Rogue variants do receive a couple of updates to improve the overall premium experience of the cabin. These include:\nUpdated Optitron instrument cluster with new blue graphics 4.2-inch multi-info display\n6.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\nLeather seats (with grey accents on Rogue)\n8-way power adjustable driver seats\nDigital Video Recorder (Dashcam)\nThe new instrument cluster and infotainment display is also available on the 2.4G MT variant, while the 2.8 Rogue variant gains additional ambient lighting on the door trims \u2013 though only in blue colour.\nSAFETY\nThe 2020 Toyota Hilux Rogue is equipped wih the \nToyota Safety Sense (TSS)\n advance driver assistance systems, which includes Pre-colission System autonomous emergency braking, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control from 30 km/h, and Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist, which uses the brakes on the inner wheels to correct the direction of the car automatically.\nThe Rogue and 2.4V variant also gets a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert (optional on 2.4G and 2.4E), seven airbags, and reverse camera (optional upgrade to 360-degree surround view monitor), and Vehicle Telematics System, though the Downhill-Assist Control system is only reserved for the Rogue variant.\nOtherwise, standard safety equipment on the 2020 Toyota Hilux facelift (except Single Cab 2.4) include:\n3 airbags\nReverse sensor\nActive Traction Control\nVehicle Stability Control with Hill-start Assist Control and Trailer Sway Control\nAnti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD and Brake Assist\nPRICING\nPricing for the 2020 Toyota Hilux facelift in Malaysia starts at \nRM92,880\n for the Single Cab 2.4 variant, \nRM108,880 \nfor 2.4E AT, \nRM111,880 \nfor 2.4G MT, \nRM133,880 \nfor the 2.4V AT, and \nRM146,880\n for the 2.8 Rogue variant.\nPrices mentioned above are on the road prices, without insurance. Included with each purchase of the new Toyota Hilux is a five-year/150,000 km warranty. For customers buying the 2.8 Rogue variant, UMW Toyota is also offering an \nearly bird discount of RM2,000\n (RM144,880) for all purchases made in 2020.\na Toyota Service Savers package is also available for the 2020 Toyota Hilux, which promises savings of up to 13% during regular vehicle servicing, and discounts of up to 20% on selected items and parts replacement.\nAvailable from RM3,580, with packages available for a period of five or three years, the cost of the package can be included directly into the financing scheme as part of the vehicle cost. The service maintenance package can be used at any authorised Toyota service centre nationwide.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz will be debuting its all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA at the coming 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas happening from 8 to 11 January next month. The second-generation four-door coupe is the second spin-off from the new \nW177 A-Class hatchback\u2019s\n platform after the \nA-Class sedan\n.\nWithout giving away too many details, the three-pointed star promises that the new CLA will be the \u201cmost emotional vehicle of its class\u201d just like its \npredecessor\n when it first debut in 2013. Unlike the more practical A-Class sedan, the CLA represents a more dynamic alternative with a sloping roofline and sleek body lines.\nUpdated MBUX to be featured on the new CLA\nThe company is also ready to introduce an improved version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with newly added functions in understanding operation requests, augmented reality for navigation and can better comprehend indirect voice commands.\nExpect the CLA to feature all the powertrain options available on the new A-Class including the 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. The CLA will be front-wheel driven by default while the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system will be available as an option."
"Allianz General has announced that they\u2019ve mobilised teams to assist flood victims in areas such as Kedah, Penang, and Perak with claim settlements.\nStates in the Northern Region are on high alert after warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, as more rain is expected in the coming days.\n\u201cOur flood claims initiative has always been about putting our customers first. We know how difficult it is to deal with floods. We need to support them and with fast claims payout to help them get back on their feet quickly,\u201d said Allianz General, Head of Claims, Damian Williams.\nCertain areas on Penang island have seen knee-high water levels while Kedah has been hit with massive landslides after continuous rain.\nAccording to the Malaysia National Disaster Command Centre (NDCC), around 72 families have been evacuated from their homes as of last week. A separate report later claimed that more than 300 households have been affected.\nAllianz General has put its 4\u00d74 pick-up trucks and a team of claims adjusters on standby and customers only need to \ncall 1-800-22-5542\n to lodge a claims request. Allianz General will then assign an adjuster to assist with the customer\u2019s claims as soon as possible.\nFor individual policyholders (such as Smart Home Cover), Allianz General will provide a full claim settlement or an interim payment within five days, after a site visit from the adjuster.\nCustomers with fire insurance (commercial) can expect an interim payment within five days, with a full claim settlement to be paid out between 21 and 28 days, after a visit from the adjuster.\nIf for any reason the company is unable to settle the claim before the 28th day, a second interim payment will be made.\nFor more info, contact Allianz General via \n[email\u00a0protected]\n or at 1-300-22-5542; from Monday to Friday between 8.00am to 8.00pm."
"The Mercedes-Benz SLK model is about 20 years old today since the first generation R170 made its global debut in 1996. It\u2019s been three generations and the 2011-launched R172 longs for a fresh face new face, but here it gets a new name \u2013 the Mercedes-Benz SLC, as part of the Stuttgart company\u2019s \nnew naming nomenclature\n.\nFive variants have been revealed thus far \u2013 the SLC 180, SLC 200, SLC 300, SLC 250 d and range topper SLC 43. It\u2019s unclear at press time whether the \nhotter SLC 55 variant\n (415 hp, 5.5-litre V8) will be slotted on top of the SLC 43, but the newer \nM178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8\n seems like a better fit than the older naturally aspirated unit.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz SLC 180\nMercedes-Benz SLC 200\nMercedes-Benz SLC 300\nMercedes-Benz SLC 250 d\nMercedes-AMG SLC 43\nEngine\n1,595cc; inline-4, turbo\n1,991cc; inline-4, turbo\n2,143cc; inline-4 turbodiesel\n2,996cc; twin-turbo V6\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n9G-Tronic automatic\nMax Power\n156 hp @ 5,300 rpm\n184 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n245 hp @ 5,500 rpm\n204 hp @ 3,800 rpm\n367 hp @ 5,500 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n300 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 1,300 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n500 Nm @ 1,600 \u2013 1,800 rpm\n520 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 4,200 rpm\n0 to 100 km/h\n7.9 seconds\n6.9 seconds\n5.8 seconds\n6.6 seconds\n4.7 seconds\nTop Speed\n226 km/h\n240 km/h\n250 km/h (e-limited)\n245 km/h\n250 km/h (e-limited)\nThe facelifted R172 brings about a new face, ditching the older look for a broadly improved exterior packaging. Both the headlights and tail lamps have been vastly redesigned, while the elongated radiator grille is more steeply raked to give the bonnet an arrow-like shape. All SLC models will be fitted with the diamond radiator grille as standard, but they can either be finished in gloss black or chrome, depending on the trim level of choice.\n \n \nAs with all new Mercedes models, the headlights come fitted with \nLED daytime running lights\n as standard, although their revered \nLED Intelligent Light System\n can be had at an extra cost. Wheel sizes vary from 16- to 18-inches, although you can spec your SLC 180 with 18-inchers if you see fit. At the back, the tail lamps have been redesigned as to resemble the \nnew W205\u2019s\n, featuring LED strips that look sleeker\u00a0than the 2011 model by a mile. Boot space apparently, is the largest in its segment, measuring at \n335 litres\n.\nInside, the Mercedes-Benz SLC benefits from dark or light aluminium trims, carbon fibre inserts, \nnew instrument cluster\n with a\n 4.5-inch colour TFT\n screen sitting in between the tachometer and odometer. The centre dash gets a larger \n7-inch screen\n surrounded with a gloss black bezel. It supports DVD playback, Internet radio, GPS navigation and internet access when the car is stationary.\n \n \nAlso new here is the three-spoke, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with perforated grip areas. It can be wrapped in Nappa leather or Dinamica microfibre if specified. The paddle shifters on the automatic variants are electroplated, by the way.\nDriving the five variants are four engines that vary in displacement, but \nthey are\n \nall turbocharged\n, including the diesel and the SLC 43\u2019s V6 engine. Outputs start from \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque for the smallest \n1.6-litre four-cylinder\n engine to \n367 hp\n\u00a0and\n 520 Nm\n of torque churned by the \ntwin-turbo V6\n. With Mercedes\u2019 Dynamic Select function on board, drivers can choose to between five driving modes \u2013 Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco and Individual. Each mode alters engine, transmission, steering and suspension characteristics.\nOpt for the \nDynamic Handling Package\n and you\u2019ll get a chassis that sits 10mm closer to the ground. This is complemented by Adaptive Damping System, direct steering and Dynamic Cornering Assist. What\u2019s key here is that the damping force adjusts invariably to suit all driving conditions. If you forgo this option, dump the cash on the \nsports exhaust system\n (offered as standard with the SLC 300). It comes with an integral flap which, as telling as it is, alters exhaust note depending on the driving mode selected.\nNow, back to the SLC 43. Its mechanical components such as mountings and brakes have been upgraded, naturally, and the same 9G-Tronic gearbox gets tweaked for much sharper and quicker shifts, thanks to the \ndouble-declutching function\n during downshifting. In Sport + mode, this response time is even more shortened courtesy of AMG\u2019s new software mapping.\nYou can also spec your SLC 43 with the optional rear-axle limited-slip differential which improves traction by reducing slip on the inside wheel during cornering. This mechanically controlled AMG LSD will give better acceleration out of bends, sprints quicker off the line and provides better stability while braking at high speeds.\u00a0\nThe Mercedes-Benz SLC will definitely make it to our market, although when remains to be seen. Prices for the\u00a0pre-facelift R172 is set at\u00a0\nRM461k\n for the SLK 200 and\u00a0\nRM858k\n for the SLK 55 AMG. \u00a0If the SLC makes it here, it\u2019s all down to the pricing if it plans to cast a net over potential \nAudi TT\n owners.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor has launched the new Corolla Cross GR Sport, starting from \nRM142,000\n on-the-road without insurance. The Corolla Cross GR Sport is available at nine GR Outlets nationwide.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nThe Corolla Cross GR Sport is based on the 1.8-litre non-hybrid version of the Corolla Cross with \n139 hp\n and \n172 Nm\n. The engine is paired with a seven-speed CVT gearbox with sequential shiftmatic. Other mechanical upgrades include a sports ECU for the electronic power steering, specially-tuned stiffer front and rear suspension and a special performance brace for the chassis.\nOn the outside, the Corolla Cross GR Sport distinguishes itself with a two-tone colour scheme where the roof, side mirrors and rear spoiler are finished in black. Aside from that, the Corolla Cross GR Sport also receives a revised front and rear bumper design along with a redesigned front grille and 18-inch GR Sport Design wheels.\u00a0\nThe Corolla Cross GR Sport is available in Platinum White Pearl, Nebula Blue Metallic and Red Mica Metallic. Standard kit includes bi-LED head, LED taillamps and hands-free powered tailgate.\nInside, GR Sport items include a push-start button with GR logo, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob with red stitiching, GR logo embossed on the seats with red stitching and GR design carpets. Standard equipment includes a nine-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display, eight-way powered driver seat, and single-zone air conditioning.\nFor safety, the Corolla Cross GR Sport comes with seven airbags, blindspot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Toyota Safety Sense system featuring dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, lane tracing assist and automatic high beam.\nGALLERY"
"Belfort Automobile, the official importer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Thailand, has introduced the new facelifted Peugeot 3008 over the weekend. Available in just a single 3008 Allure variant, the model is priced at THB1.689 million.\nGlobally launched last year, the \nfacelift 3008\n model places a strong emphasis on the family look at the front. The front fascia is completely reworked to showcase the company\u2019s new frameless grille with horizontal fins extending to the bottom of the new headlamps.\nThe new LED headlamp design is neatly integrated with the new grille and also feature a striking vertical DRL, mimicking the shape of a lion\u2019s fangs. The \u2018fangs\u2019 also functions as sequential turn indicators. Unlike the all-new \nPeugeot 308\n hatchback, the Lion emblems maintain the outgoing design. At the rear, the tail lamps are also reworked to feature a 3D internal structure with all-LED lighting and covered by smoked glass.\nPeugeot enters the new decade with a new logo- return of the Lion\u2019s head. More about the new design here.\nA new pair of roof rails, panoramic moonroof, a hands-free powered tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 225/55R18 tyres complete the new look of the facelifted Peugeot 3008 that is imported from Malaysia.\nInside, the new Peugeot 3008 has been updated to the new i-Cockpit design which makes use of a larger, wide-format 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A new wireless charger is located under the panel of switches. The 12.3-inch driver\u2019s instrument cluster has been updated for better viewing plus graphics.\nNaza has ended its distributorship of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, with Bermaz Auto taking over. Find out more about the transition here.\nOther interior features include power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support for the driver, leather upholstery, ambient lighting and a dual-level luggage floor. The safety features included as standard in this new Peugeot 3008 Allure include the blind spot warning, lane departure warning and driver attention assist. Parking aid is also supplemented by a rearview camera. \u00a0\nThe powertrain of the new Peugeot 3008 Allure maintains the outgoing 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with outputs of \n167 hp\n and \n245 Nm\n of torque, paired with an \u2018EAT\u2019 6-speed automatic transmission. Similar to the pre-facelift model, a terrain drive mode dial called Advanced Grip Control with Sand, Mud and Snow modes is available too. \u00a0\nThis is the SUV shootout you have been requesting! Watch how each of these SUVs impress our special judges!\nThe new facelifted Peugeot 3008 1.6THP Allure is priced at \nTHB1.689 million\n (approx. RM209k), making it marginally cheaper than the larger three-row Mazda CX-8 2.5 (THB1.699 million) imported from Malaysia. Compared to other popular mid-sized SUV, the Peugeot commands the highest price, with the locally assembled Honda CR-V 2.4 begins pricing from THB1.3 million, the value-driven MG HS 1.5T up to THB1.119 million and the Subaru Forester 2.0 Eyesight from THB1.13 million.\nThe Mazda CX-5 2.0 SP with equivalent features that is also imported from Malaysia (Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah) is priced at THB1.56 million (RM193k). \u00a0\nBelfort Automobile also plans to unveil the smaller \nPeugeot 2008\n SUV by the end of the year.\nGALLERY"
"In the world of motor racing (professional or amateur), engine transplants are as common as eggs on toast. So long as the engine fits in that square enclosure, everything else is bound only by one\u2019s imagination \u2013 even if the powerplant is too big for the engine bay, cutting into the car\u2019s structure isn\u2019t uncommon practise.\nNow Honda, at the SEMA show has announced that its latest Civic Type R\u2019s 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine, the heartbeat of the fastest front-wheel drive vehicle in the world, is \navailable for sale as a crate engine\n. The engine alone, can be purchased via Honda Performance Developement\u2019s Honda Racing Line Programme.\nThe K20C1 engine, which produces\n 306 hp\n and\n 400 Nm\n will now also be available to US grassroots and professional racers for verified, close-course racing applications. Before this, only Europe and Asia-based amateur racers were able to load their cars with Civic Type R crate engine.\nWhat\u2019s the catch then? Well, a significant amount of money of course.\nThe engine costs USD 6,519.87 (\nRM 27,568\n) excluding shipping cost and Honda Racing Line membership. If you\u2019re a local race car driver, be it amateur or professional, and you\u2019ve grown tired of the naturally-aspirated K20A engine from the FD2R Civic Type R (which is impossible), here\u2019s \nhow you can get your hands on some turbocharged goodness\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"\u201c\nMini Cooper\n\u201d is pretty-much synonymous with the BMW-owned British carmaker Mini these days, but that would not have been the case if a certain collaboration between Mini and the Cooper Car Company did not happen in 1961. So to celebrate the 60-year anniversary of the marked partnership, Mini has introduced a special Anniversary Edition for the three-door Mini Cooper.\nThe Special Anniversary Edition is made in tribute to John Cooper Sr, who passed away in 2000. It\u2019ll be available in \nMini Cooper\n, \nCooper S\n, and \nCooper JCW \nguises, but only 740 units will be made globally, in reference to the starting number 74 which the classic Mini Cooper wore on its first successful racetrack appearance.\nAnnounced on what would\u2019ve been John Cooper Sr\u2019s 98th birthday, the Anniversary Edition features quite a number of bespoke touches, including a British Racing Green, Midnight Black, or Rebel Green exterior, contrasted by a white roof, mirror caps, door handles, and surrounds for the head and tail lights.\nMini will become BMW\u2019s first fully-electric brand. Learn more about it here!\nThe Anniversary Edition also features the original Cooper Car Company logo on the C-pillars and side scuttles. Finishing off the bespoke exterior look are the white racing stripes on the hood, as well as the \u201974\u2019 numbering decal on the doors, in honour of the aforementioned original Mini Cooper race car.\nInside, the Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition is outfitted with a black Dinamica leather upholstery for the seats, which complements the Piano Black trim of the dashboard. Other touches include the Cooper badge on the steering wheel and side sill plates.\nIf you\u2019re looking for something a little more special (performance wise), check out the Mini JCW GP!\nEach Anniversary Edition model will also feature the signatures of three generations of the Cooper family: John Cooper, his son John Jr, and his grandson Charlie on the dashboard, and a handwritten plaque that notes each car\u2019s individual number of the 740-strong run, accompanied by the phrase \u201c60 Years of Mini Cooper \u2013 The Unexpected Underdog\u201d.\nGALLERY"
"In light of the growing numbers and demand for SUVs in Malaysia, Goodyear Malaysia has introduced its latest high performance Wrangler TripleMax tyres for mid-size SUVs. As the name TripleMax suggests, the tyre highlights three key USPs in-line with the company\u2019s motto and spirit to promote a safer driving environment to road users.\nGoodyear Malaysia recognises the need to provide SUV owners an all-rounded tyre that is able to perform consistently in the notoriously unpredictable climate of Malaysia. As such, the Wrangler TripleMax is engineered with Goodyear\u2019s improved \nHYDROGRIP Technology\u00ae\n that delivers \nsuperior braking performance\n, \nshorter wet braking\n and \nroad hazard resistant\n features.   Wrangler TripleMax\u2019s superior braking performance is thanks to the tread pattern consisting of large blocks and high number of biting edges. This increases the tyre\u2019s contact to the surface and ultimately provide better braking and grip on wet and dry surfaces.\nThe tyre is made with enhanced an ESBR compound with optimised polymer blend improving the braking and grip levels in all conditions. Lastly, the Wrangler TripleMax is strengthened with a rim flange protector that gives more material on the side wall, protecting it against road hazards.\nPrices for the Goodyear TripleMax start from RM443.72 to RM675.22 (inclusive of GST). Sizes vary from 16 inches to 18 inches, but as of now, Goodyear Malaysia is offering just 12 sizes. The good news is, more sizes will be progressively introduced.\nAVAILABLE SIZES\nSection\nRim Size\nLoad Index\nSpeed Rating\n215/65\n16\n98\nH\n215/70\n16\n100\nH\n245/70\n16\n107\nH\n265/70\n16\n112\nH\n215/60\n17\n96\nH\n225/60\n17\n99\nV\n225/65\n17\n102\nV\n235/65\n17\n108\nV\n245/65\n17\n111\nH\n255/65\n17\n110\nH\n265/65\n17\n112\nH\n235/55\n18\n104\nV\nAll purchases of the Goodyear Wrangler TripleMax come with Goodyear\u2019s Worry Free Assurance Programme that provides free tyre replacement if they are damaged beyond repair by road hazards. To find out more about the programme or the tyres, head over to Goodyear Malaysia\u2019s \nwebsite\n.\nIMAGE GALLEY"
"Shell Malaysia\n has just launched its new range of carbon-neutral engine oils that includes the Shell Helix Power 0W-40, Shell Helix Power 5W-40, and Shell Helix Protect 0W-30. The new engine oil is the world\u2019s first carbon neutral lubricant made from natural gas and retails at \nRM280\n for the four-litre pack.\nWith an ambition to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050, the launch of the new carbon neutral engine oil is a testament to one of the company\u2019s many initiatives to help reduce carbon emissions together with its customers.\nMaking the new carbon-neutral engine oil sustainable is its 99.5% pure base oil from natural gas. The engine oil bottle is also partly (30%) made from recycled plastics, further reducing the product\u2019s environmental impact.\nShell\u2019s global portfolio of nature-based carbon credits will compensate CO\n2\n emissions from the entire lifecycle of these products, including the raw materials, packaging, production, distribution, customer use, and product end-of-life. Shell also works with projects around the world that help reduce CO\n2\n emissions, while improving the lives of local communities and protecting biodiversity.\nRELATED: \nShell launches Bluetooth-controlled car collection, available from RM30\n\u201cIncreasingly, we will work on nature-based solutions to deliver high-quality carbon credits which can be used to compensate the emissions generated when a customer purchases and uses a Shell product, such as the new Shell Helix Power 5W. This comes in addition to our existing efforts of responsibly reducing the carbon intensity of oil and gas operations, and investments in lower-carbon sources of energy.\u201d\nTo commemorate the launch, consumers will also get an exclusive Shell Helix Bamboo Bluetooth Speaker with every purchase of Shell Helix Power 0W-40, Shell Helix Power 5W-40, or Shell Helix Protect 0W-30 four-litre pack at any participating outlets, while stocks last.\nRELATED: \nYou can now use Touch \u2018n Go RFID to refuel at 88 Shell stations in Malaysia \u2013 No phones required!\nDuring the launch, Nyon Kam Yew, General Manager of Shell Lubricants Business Malaysia & Singapore, said, \u201cShell Malaysia is introducing the Shell Helix carbon neutral engine oil series under its super premium fully synthetic range \u2013 Helix Power and Protect. These engine oils are formulated with Shell PurePlus Technology, which is made from 99.5% pure base oil2 from natural gas, as well as trusted and recommended by Scuderia Ferrari\u201d.\nTogether with the launch of the carbon-neutral engine oils, Shell is also expanding its offerings with the introduction of 5W-40 viscosity grade under the Power variant. As a measure to ensure the products are genuine before purchasing, it is highly encouraged that our customers look out for the \u201cUntuk Pasaran Malaysia\u201d logo on the front label of the bottle.\nALSO WATCH: \nHow far can we travel in the Nissan Almera Turbo with just RM50 of fuel?"
"The words \u201cLexus LS\u201d was mentioned more times than one. That\u2019s the reaction we observed from locals and the foreign media when the new second-generation Mirai was displayed at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.\nSuffice to say, the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) concept which is in its final stages of development \nhas buried the ghost of the original first-generation Mirai launched in 2014\n which looked more like an origami on wheels rather than a car.\nThe Mirai is now a 5-seater instead of four from before.\nBut it\u2019s still no Lexus LS \u2013 not quite \u2013 as they\u2019re not even built on the same platform. The LS still reigns supreme as the \u201climo of the family\u201d with a wheelbase measuring well in excess of 3000 mm while the Mirai is just shy of the same figure.\nIn fact, the Mirai shares the same rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform as the Japan-only Toyota Crown but it\u2019s no copy and paste either.\nSet to go on sale late 2020, the Mirai holds its own with a long sweeping bonnet, fastback-like C-pillar and a booty that\u2019s distinguishable from a mile away.\nYou won\u2019t be able to ignore those 20-inch wheels either.\nSo where does this inspiration come from? For starters, the new Mirai had an inspirational Chief Engineer.\n\u201cI want customers to say \u201cI chose the Mirai simply because I wanted it \u2013 it just so happened to be an FCEV,\u201d said Yoshikazu Tanaka.\n\u201cWe have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver\u2019s face,\u201d he added.\nHonestly, with looks like that, you\u2019d be glad to just glare at the car from a stool.\nIt\u2019s not a blonder airhead either. Built on the GA-L version of the Toyota New Global Architecture Platform (TNGA), the Mirai promises better handling with a lower centre of gravity and increased body rigidity.\nThe Mirai will not be the only vehicle adopting the FCEV system as Toyota claims that it will be offered to the company\u2019s global partners to be used in buses and trucks.\n\u201cProduction capacity will be further enhanced for the launch to take our fuel cell electric vehicles to the next stage,\u201d said Toyota Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, Shigeki Terashi.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Joining the \nBentayga Speed\n, the Bentayga V8 \u201cDesign Series\u201d blends unique Mulliner exterior and interior features along with a host of existing Bentayga options.\nThe new key features of the Design Series includes the Palladium Grey Paragon alloy wheels and Self-levelling Wheel Badges \u2013 where the badge remains vertical as the wheel rotates \u2013 like in a Rolls-Royce.\nThe interior even gets new carbon fibre weave trims and a diamond-encrusted Breitling clock. The carbon fibre trims, seen on the dashboard and doors, were created specially for the Bentayga V8 Design Series.\nThe Bentayga Design Series makes a good \n550 hp\n with eye-gouging \n770 Nm\n, where 0 to 100 km/h is destroyed in just 4.5 seconds \u2013 just like the G63 AMG.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Kia\n is showing off its supercar killer at the Monterey Car week \u2013 the all-electric crossover Kia EV6 GT. As unsuspecting as it may seem, the EV6 GT is currently the most powerful Kia production vehicle ever, producing \n585 hp\n & \n740 Nm\n, and recording a \n3.4 second\n 0-100 km/h time.\nTo prove its killer instincts, the Korean carmaker has even put the EV6 GT in an AMCI-certified drag race against a \nFerrari Roma\n and \nLamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder RWD\n. This resulted in the Kia EV6 GT out accelerating both the Ferrari and the Lamborghini, each with a supposed 3.4 s and 3.5 s century sprint time respectively.\nEven when you put the Kia EV6 GT against the fully-electric \nPorsche Taycan\n, it is only 0.2 seconds slower than the Taycan Turbo (0-100 km/h in 3.2 s), and 0.6 seconds slower than the Taycan Turbo S (0-100 km/h in 2.8 s). Enabling the Kia\u2019s 3.4 s century sprint time is a dual motor system with a 160 kW (217 hp) motor in front and a 270 kW (367 hp) motor in the rear.\nUpgrades to the GT version of the \nKia EV6\n also include larger diameter disc brakes (15\u201d front / 14.2\u201d rear) with quad-piston front calipers, stiffened chassis, quicker ratio steering, electronically controlled suspension, and Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (e-LSD). Spicing things up in the EV6 GT is a \u201cDrift Mode\u201d that distributes all power to the rear wheels. Drivers can also create custom-tailored settings to suit individual driving preferences using My Drive Mode.\nALSO WATCH: \nKia EV6 GT Line AWD launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nPowering the entire car is a \n77.4 kWh\n battery, the same battery you get in the regular Kia EV6. While the regular EV6 provides a WLTP range of 506 km, the EV6 GT has traded performance for range, only providing \n423 km\n of range. The Kia EV6 GT also showcases the world-first patented multi-charging system supporting 400v and 800v DC charging, which works on DC chargers with speeds ranging from 50kW to 350kW.\nOn the outside, subtle enhancements can be seen on the EV6 GT. This includes front and rear fascia unique to the GT, a rear aero spoiler, and a diffuser. The EV6 GT sits on 21-inch alloy wheels with neon-accented brake calipers.\nInside, vegan suede-trimmed, deeply bolstered performance front bucket seats are inscribed with the \u2018GT\u2019 moniker and green piping. EV6 GT-only touches include neon accents, lightweight front bucket seats, and a striped motif.\nLike all EV6 models, the EV6 GT is part of the Kia \u201cPlan S\u201d strategy to launch at least two battery-electric vehicles (BEV) per year and build a full line-up of 14 BEVs by 2027. The amped up EV SUV will go on sale in the US by Q4 2022.\nRELATED: \nKia says your music choice will affect your EV range"
"The ongoing sales tax (SST) exemption for new cars, which is currently \nscheduled to expire on June 30\n, may soon be extended yet again, according to transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.\nThe further extension of the SST exemption period, which has already been extended thrice previously, is intended to support the local automotive industry, which has faced many challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, \nThe Star\n reports.\n\u201cThe government is currently considering the proposal to extend the exemption, and a decision will be announced soon,\u201d Wee said in a recorded statement at the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM) annual general meeting last Saturday.\nAt the event, FMCCAM president Datuk Tony Khor also urged the government to extend the exemption beyond the current expiry date, echoing the calls from other industry players such as the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) and \nPerodua\n.\nKhor said there has been delays in the delivery of vehicles, which was caused by the pandemic\u2019s disruption to global supply chains, as well as the ongoing chip shortage issues. Extending the exemption, he said, would lead to more potential car buyers.\nHowever, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has previously said that the final decision to extend the SST exemption period will be made by the Finance Ministry.\nRELATED: Proton sales rebound in May with 9,792 units sold, parts shortage issue stabilised\nAt the same event, Khor also proposed for the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to restructure the road tax structure, particularly for older cars. \u201cFMCCAM is also proposing to JPJ to consider reducing the road tax by 75% for vehicles that are more than 15 years old, 50% for vehicles that are more than 10 years old, and 25% for vehicles that are five years old,\u201d he said.\n\u201cWe welcome initiatives that will help economic recovery, and we will look into the matter to see if the Transport Ministry can help facilitate this proposal,\u201d Wee commented. \u201cOn the proposal to reduce road tax for cars that are more than 10 years old, the matter must be looked at holistically to ensure the outcome will benefit the majority.\u201d"
"If you think the title above is\u00a0a typo, it\u2019s not. There exists a car called the MG5, a C-Segment car produced by British car manufacturer MG. The company is now owned by a Shanghai-based automaker and is quickly gaining traction in Thailand, though the last we heard of their interest to reenter the Malaysian market dates back to some three years ago.\nMG offers a wide range of models in Thailand, from supermini MG3, MG5 and MG6 saloons to the just-launched MG GS SUV. The red hot model you see here is a done-up version of the range-topping \nMG5 Turbo X\n variant, powered by a\n 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine\n, capable of producing \n127 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and \n210 Nm\n of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm!   For slightly over \nRM80k\n, this Thai-made MG5 comes with a \nsix-speed automatic gearbox\n with Sport and Manual mode. For the price, it comes with a list of safety features that will put to shame most of the cars offered in Malaysia. Some of the features are Curve Brake Control, Hill-start Assist, Indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Motor Control Slide Retainer and the regular suspects \u2013 ABS with EBD, Traction Control System and Electronic Brake Assist.\nAccording to an independent Thai news portal, the MG brand reentered Thailand in 2014 after being absent from the market for decades. In the same year, they opened a \nRM1 billion assembly plant\n to produce the MG6 \u2013 a right-hand drive model that will be exported to ASEAN countries, Malaysia included.\u00a0\nIt has been nearly three years now since the MoU signing between SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (owner of the MG brand since 2007) and Federal Auto Holdings Bhd took place. The move was the first step to reintroducing MG to the Malaysian market, and among their discussions back then were plans for local assembly.\nTell us, dear readers. What are your thoughts on this? Would you put your money down on a relatively small and niche brand like MG?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The rumour mill for the second-generation Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ twin has been picking up steam recently, which can only mean one thing \u2013 a launch is probably happening soon.\nIf this \nlatest leak\n from seasoned car news scoop source \nAllcarnews\n turns out to be true, \u201csoon\u201d here means \nJuly 2021\n. The information was revealed through an Instagram post of a Toyota-branded launch timeline presentation slide, apparently taken from a US dealer briefing.\nSource: \nallcarnews\n on Instagram\nThe accompanying caption of the post goes further into detail of the forthcoming sports car, which apparently will be named \nGR86\n \u2013 as \nreported earlier\n.\nThe post also suggests that the Hachiroku twins will be built on a\n new platform\n, with a turbocharged engine powering \n255 hp\n to the rear wheels \u2013 all of it seem to match up with our previous report on this matter.\nThe \nToyota 86 Black Limited edition\n, probably the last of its generation.\nIf the leaks are indeed true, the new engine will give the 86 more than 50 hp of power boost; the relatively low 200 hp output was a sore point for many owners and fans of the original Toyobaru twin.\nThe new GR86 name will also position it to be more inline with the rest of Toyota\u2019s new Gazoo Racing brand and products, which currently includes the \nToyota GR Supra\n and the \nToyota GR Yaris\n.\nAs much as we want to see the new car soon, we wouldn\u2019t be at all surprised if the launch of the new Toyota 86 gets delayed to a further date, especially with the \nCoronavirus pandemic\n still causing disarray in the automotive manufacturing industry."
"Fiat has stirred the automotive world with the unveiling of the Fiat \n124 Spider\n\u00a0at the Los Angeles Motor show. The long awaited roadster is a re-skinned \nMazda Miata/MX-5\n, courtesy of a joint project between Mazda and Fiat. This is also Fiat\u2019s revival of the 124 Sport Spider, which last left the factory three decades ago.\nItalian flair has been injected into the new 124 with elements of the classic 124 Sport Spider infused into this car. This includes the\u00a0hexagonal grille, rounded headlights and the rectangular taillight shape; paying homage to its predecessor. The sculpted front bonnet is\u00a0also inspired from the original 124.\n \n \nApart from the obvious badge swapping in the steering wheel, Fiat promised the interior, which comprises of \npremium soft-touch materials\n, was designed with the occupants in mind. While Mazda focused on the \u201c\nJinbai Ittai\n\u201d experience to the driver in the MX-5, Fiat prioritised comfort to the occupant in the 124 Spider.\nThe biggest change\u00a0goes to the powertrain; Fiat ditches the Skyactiv for its own\n 1.4-litre\u00a0MultiAir II engine\n. This \n158 bhp\n engine is similar to the unit that powers the\u00a0500 Abarth \u2013 the Italians probably prefer Italian brute over Japanese efficiency. For those craving for more power, the Abarth-tuned 124 would be their ideal weapon of choice.\u00a0Transmission options of either \nsix-speed manual or automatic\n\u00a0are offered, similar to the MX-5.\n \n \nThe new 124 Spider is slated to hit US and Europe showrooms in 2016 with the latter continent expecting some mild alterations. Also bound for the United States is the limited edition\n\u00a0\nPrima Edizione Lusso\n. This 124-unit only edition will spot a commemorative badge with Azzurro Italia (Blue) exterior paint and premium leather seats.\nBefore we unanimously say yes to our usual \u201c\nisthiscar4u\n\u201c,\u00a0do note that not all Japanese-Italian collaboration work. Case in point, the \nAlfa Romeo Arna\n. Putting a Japanese designed hatchback (functional but boring) with an Italian engine (we don\u2019t need to remind you the nightmare stories of old Alfas) is like having wasabi as ravioli filling.\nTime will tell if the Italian-Japanese fusion like the 124 Spider will be as tantalising as indulging fine Japanese roll with mouth-watering Italian roast filling, or as ghastly as tasting rejected experimental food from Pasta Zanmai.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM)\n has taken to its Facebook page once again to tease a new model, and this time they\u2019re not even trying to be subtle about it. The teaser image puts the model\u2019s drag coefficient figures right front and centre, alongside a caption that reads \u201c6 appeal, streamlined\u201d. If you still haven\u2019t figured it out by now, they\u2019re talking about the \nHyundai Ioniq 6\n.\nThis is far from the first time that the \u201cstreamliner\u201d EV has been teased for Malaysia. The company has essentially already confirmed the Malaysian introduction for the Ioniq 6 back in\n December last year\n, while \nanother teaser in April\n basically says that it\u2019ll be coming in 2023. With this latest teaser, it\u2019s fair to assume that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 will be launching in Malaysia very, very soon.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating \u2013 safer than EV6, Ioniq 5\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 6 is called the \u201cstreamliner\u201d thanks to its slippery shape, which translates to a drag coefficient of just \n0.21Cd\n. In the real world, Hyundai says power consumption on the Ioniq 6 can go as low as \n13.9 kWh/100 km\n, making it one of the most energy-efficient EVs out on the market today.\nWith a \n77.4 kWh\n battery pack, Hyundai says that the Ioniq 6 can travel \nup to 610 km (WLTP)\n in a single charge for the single-motor long-range option. And when the time comes to charge it, the 800V electrical architecture from the E-GMP platform means it can support DC fast charging at up to \n350 kW\n, taking just 18 minutes to charge from 10-80%.\nGlobally, the all-new Hyundai Ioniq 6 is offered in both single- and dual-motor configurations, with the most powerful variant making up to \n239 kW (320 hp)\n and\n 650 Nm\n of torque, translating to a century sprint time in \n5.1 seconds\n.\nThe exact configuration for the Malaysian market will have to wait until its official launch, but some of the globally-available equipment include the Parametric Pixel exterior lighting, twin 12-inch displays, vehicle-to-load (V2L) ports, as well as the marque\u2019s latest generation of SmartSense advanced driver systems.\nAre you excited about the launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below.\nREAD MORE: \nHyundai Ioniq 6 boasts over 610 km of EV range thanks to its swoopy shape"
"In what must be a jaw-dropping moment for the media covering Sony\u2019s press conference at the ongoing \nConsumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020\n at Las Vegas, a prototype vehicle \u2013 presumably all-electric given how silently it crept next to Sony Corporation President and CEO \nKenichiro Yoshida\n on stage, brought a fitting end to his keynote address.\nAccording to Yoshida, the \nVision-S prototype\n \u2018embodies Sony\u2019s contribution to the future of mobility\u2019, specifically in the fields of safety, reliability, comfort and entertainment.\n \nThe \nfour-door with a coupe-like profile\n (which bears similarities to a Tesla Model 3 in look, but with dimensions of the Model S) \u00a0incorporates Sony\u2019s imaging and sensing technologies, as well as on-board software powered by Sony-developed AI, telecommunication and cloud technologies.\nThe Vision-S is armed with \n33 sensors\n including CMOS image sensors and ToF (Time of Flight) sensors to detect and recognise human and objects inside and outside the car. Sony is also keen to \u2018\nredefine the car as an entertainment space\n\u2019 and has given it a \u2018360 Reality\u2019 audio system with speakers built into each seat.\nLike so many concepts shown at recent motor shows, a \nfull-width digital screen \ndominates the Vision-S\u2019s dashboard, while the rear occupants get dedicated displays mounted at the back of the front seat headrests.\nSony is silent as to the specifications of the Vision-S nor have they announced any intention to be a carmaker, but Yoshida did present a slide showing the partners who supported them in the making of the Vision-S, it included auto manufacturing and parts giants such as \nMagna, Bosch, Continental \nand \nZF\n.\nWith world-class imaging, audio, display, telecommunication and gaming technologies already in hand, and traditional auto manufacturers saddled with legacy manufacturing and workforce, who is to say Sony can\u2019t pull this off? \n(Images used in the article above are screen grabs from Sony\u2019s press conference at CES 2020)\nMore technical information is now available via\n sony.net\n, it would appear that the Vision-S is powered by dual electric motors (one on each axle) rated at 200 kW or 272 hp each, for a combined total of 544 hp. The Vision-S rides on double-wishbone air suspension and weighs a hefty 2,350 kg; idle to 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. Range and battery capacity are not divulged, however.\n https://youtu.be/j1RAdaSFWkM\nI\nmage gallery of the Sony Vision-S"
"After \nannouncing its arrival last December\n, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has finally unveiled\u00a0their flagship SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander. This \nNissan X-Trail\n rival is offered in one flavour only \u2013 a 2.4-litre four-wheel drive automatic.\nIt won\u2019t be available until its official arrival in April, but the RM166,720.00 (without insurance) seven-seater SUV is currently open for booking and viewing at a roadshow near you (complete list below). The Outlander dons Mitsubishi\u2019s latest \nDynamic Shield look\n, and it looks every bit as handsome as it does in pictures.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\n2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L \nEngine\n2.4-litre SOHC, inline-4 MIVEC\nTransmission\nINVECS-III CVT\nMax Power\n166 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n222 Nm @ 4,100 rpm\nPrice\nRM166,720.00 (without insurance)\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside, the Outlander gets full LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights as standard. It sits on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and gets just three paint schemes \u2013 Red Metallic, White Pearl and Grey Metallic.   There\u2019s also keyless entry and push-start button, electronically folding side mirrors, roof rails, electric tailgate and rear wiper.\nINTERIOR\nThe cabin is finished in black only and is leather upholstered. The use of leather is also extended to the multifunction steering wheel, and behind it are the paddle shifters. Cruise control comes as standard here, and the controls are built into the steering wheel.\nMove your eyes to the centre and you\u2019ll find the \n7-inch touchscreen head unit\n which doubles as the display for the rear view camera. It also supports iPod, Bluetooth and USB compatibility. Below it are the controls to the \ndual-zone air conditioning\n, and overhead is the electric sunroof. Both front seats can be heated, but there\u2019s no option for cool air ventilation. If you\u2019re wondering why, just remember that the Outlander is \nfully imported\n (CBU) \nfrom Japan\n.   Both the second and third row bench fold flat; the former has a 40:20:40 split whereas the latter features a 50:50 split configuration. Up to \n1,608 litres of cargo space\n can be freed with the seats folded flat, and this practicality is complemented with an electric tailgate. Both benches however, are manually operated. There\u2019s also a centre armrest built into the second row seat that has two cup holders.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnder the hood is a sole\u00a0\n2.4-litre four-cylinder MIVEC\n engine. There\u2019s no turbocharging or supercharging technology here, but it\u2019s good for \n166 horsepower\n and \n222 Nm\n of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels via the improved INVECS-III \nContinuously Variable Transmission\n (CVT), and the 4WD system is electronically operated through Mitsubishi\u2019s multi-select 4WD system, offering three different modes \u2013 4WD ECO, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock.\nMMM says when 4WD ECO is selected, most of the power will be sent to the front wheels to maximise fuel efficiency. This yields a commendable 12.8 km per litre of fuel! However, power will be automatically channeled to all four wheels when slip is detected.\nSAFETY\nHere, the Outlander is fitted with seven airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, auto headlights and automatic rain sensors. The SUV\u2019s entire body is strengthened through Mitsubishi\u2019s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (Rise body), and together with the Collapsible Steering Column should minimise injuries in the event of an accident.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAs mentioned earlier, the event today was just a preview of the Outlander, but bookings can be placed ahead of its official arrival sometime in April.\u00a0Just one trim will be available, and at RM166,720,\u00a0it surely is a worthy alternative to the popular Nissan X-Trail. One thing to take note is, the RM167k price tag you\u2019re seeing here is offered \u2013 for a limited time only \u2013 as an \nintroductory price\n. So first come, first served!\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia is also optimistic on the Outlander\u2019s potential, and plans to shift about 100 units of the SUV every month.\u00a0Catch the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander in person at these roadshows below:\nState\nVenue\nStart Date\nEnd Date\nKlang Valley\nBangsar Shopping Centre, Centre Court\n24 February\n28 February\nPenang\nQueensbay Mall, Centre Court\n3 March\n6 March\nKlang Valley\nOne Utama Shopping Centre, Ground Floor, Rainforest Concourse\n16 March\n20 March\nJohor Bahru\nKomtar, Centre Court\n24 March\n27 March\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"According to Volvo\u2019s tuning arm, Polestar, performance upgrade is not about upsizing the turbocharger or fitting an exhaust that could wake the neighbours from 10 blocks away. Instead, it\u2019s all about\u00a0optimisation; creating driving pleasure and usable performance.\nWith that, Polestar takes the already excellent \nXC90 T8 SUV\n\u00a0and tunes it to become Volvo\u2019s most powerful SUV to date.\u00a0The treatment, known as the \u201c\nPolestar\n \nOptimisation Package\n\u201c,\n\u00a0\nis the similar upgrade kit offered to the S90 and V90 models. Performance upgrade is modest, as it adds \n14 hp\n and \n60 Nm\n of torque into the XC90\u2019s 2.0-litre E-Drive petrol engine, creating a fast SUV that banks \n421 hp\n and\n 678 Nm\n of torque. Its electric motor remains untouched, though.\nThe upgrade is said to improve throttle response and comes with a revised gear-holding function. The XC90 Polestar is also quicker off the line, dusting the century sprint in 5.5 seconds \u2013 a full 0.4 seconds quicker than standard.\u00a0Despite\u00a0the improved performance, fuel consumption is remains the same at \n2.1 litres per 100km\n, as is its 43km pure electric drive range.\nThe release of the Polestar Performance Optimisation for the XC90 T8 will be available in the US and selected European markets by October 2016. Back at home, the\u00a0\nlocally-assembled XC90 T8\n is available at\u00a0\nRM403,888.00.\u00a0\nJudging by the positive response of the XC90 T8 from the Malaysian market, this Polestar might just be arriving here soon.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After an extended preview period \u2013 where the all-new B-segment sedan received over 5,000 bookings \u2013 and an \nambitious advertising effort\n, Honda Malaysia has now finally unveiled the highly-awaited fifth-generation 2020 Honda City on our shores.\nThe 2020 Honda City will be offered in four different variants for the Malaysia market \u2013 S, E, V, and RS e:HEV, with prices starting at RM74,191.27 for the entry-level model on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the \nsales tax exemptions\n until the end of 2020.\n \n2020 HONDA CITY GRADE WALK\nEXTERIOR\nThe exterior styling of the 2020 Honda City is an amalgamation of all of the latest Honda models, with a sportier visual appearance overall. The low and wide look of the all-new City is helped by its new dimensions, measuring 4,553 mm lengthwise, 1,748 mm wide, and 1,467 mm tall \u2013 111 mm longer, 54 mm wider, and 10 mm lower than the current outgoing model.\nUp front, the wide Honda Solid Wing grille design underscores the wide stance of the B-segment sedan, with the use of sharp lines and creases throughout the entire outer shell to help with its youthful style. At the rear, LED taillights are standard across the variant.\nEquipment list wise, the range-topping RS (which stands for Road Sailing) and V variants get all of the shiny new bits, including the automatic LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights, and LED front fog lights.\nThe Road Sailing treatment also adds a gloss black front grille garnish, carbon-pattern front lip, a variant-specific rear bumper with integrated diffuser, as well as mirror covers and the ducktail spoiler finished in gloss black. The RS variant also gets 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, while the V variants rides on single-tone 16-inch items; the E and V variants get 15-inch wheels in variant-exclusive designs.\nFive exterior colours are available for your choosing, which are Passion Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl. Although, buyers who opt for the range-topping RS variant will only get to choose between the first three.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe highlight of the 2020 Honda City line-up has to be the RS e:HEV variant, which comes equipped with a hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (I-MMD) powertrain \u2013 a world\u2019s first application on the Honda City. Other variants meanwhile get a new naturally-aspirated 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine, now with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC).\nVariants\nS, E, V\nRS e:HEV\nPower Unit\n1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder DOHC\ni-MMD hybrid system, 1.5-litre NA engine\nTransmission\nConstantly-variable transmission (CVT)\nLock-up clutch, single-speed transmission, e-CVT\nMax horsepower\n121 hp @ 6,600 rpm\n108 hp @ 3,500 \u2013 8,000 rpm\nMax torque\n145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n253 Nm @ 0 \u2013 3 ,000 rpm\nThe i-MMD hybrid technology stands out from the usual series parallel electrified powertrain architectures, as its 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle naturally-aspirated engine does not usually power the wheels directly. Instead, it functions mostly as a generator \u2013 working in conjunction with an integrated starter-generator electric motor.\nMeanwhile, propulsion is provided by a second larger electric motor (called Traction motor), which sends all of the power to the front wheels. The engine drives the wheels directly only during high-speed cruising, activated via the lock-up clutch and single-speed transmission, as it is more efficient than the electric motors at that wheel speed.\nThanks to its unique set-up, the 2020 Honda City RS boasts a now-infamous 253 Nm of torque, which is available from as low as 0 rpm essentially \u2013 pretty much like an electric car. The e:HEV powertrain also boasts a fuel consumption figure of just \n3.77 l/100km\n, while the regular 1.5-litre petrol engine manages \n5.4 l/100 km\n.\nIn terms of performance, the S and E variants does naught to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds, compared to 10.4 seconds on the V variant due to the slightly higher weight. The range-topping RS variant meanwhile completes the century sprint in 9.9 seconds. The 2020 Honda City RS also gets disc brakes at the rear \u2013 a unique feature not seen in other regions \u2013 while the rest of the variant line-up are equipped with drum brakes.\nINTERIOR\nThe interior of the 2020 Honda City has been completely redesigned with a focus on spaciousness and convenience technology. Standard features across the E, V, and RS variants include an eight-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, two USB charging ports, automatic climate control, remote engine start, cruise control, and paddle shifters \u2013 which functions as regeneration profile selector on the RS variant.\nThe range-topping Honda City RS receives a variant-exclusive hybrid instrument cluster featuring a seven-inch TFT screen on the left to display various information, while the right side retains the analogue dial for the speedometer. Also exclusive to the RS are the sport pedal pads, \u201cUltrasuede\u201d leather and suede combination upholstery, as well as an electronic parking brake.\nThe V variant meanwhile gets equipped with a dual-tone leather interior in black and ivory white for a more upmarket feel, while the two lower variants get fabric upholstery, and urethane steering wheel and gear knob. The instrument cluster on the S, E, and V variants are also analogue units, similar to the one from the outgoing model.\nOther standard equipment on the interior of the 2020 Honda City in Malaysia include rear air-conditioning vents, 60:40 folding rear seats, smart entry with push start button, and bluetooth connectivity. Rear cargo space meanwhile is rated at 519 litres for the S, E, and V variants, while the RS gets a smaller 409-litre rear boot space due to the additional battery pack of the hybrid powertrain.\nAside from equipment, Honda also says that the all-new fifth-generation City comes with several improvements in construction to improve the overall refinement within the cabin. These include a redesigned chassis with improved torsional rigidity, as well as the usage of spray polyurethane foam for better sound insulation \u2013 in particular within the A- and B- pillars.\nSAFETY\nAnother key highlight to the fifth-generation Honda City is the addition of the complete suite of Honda Sensing advance driver assistance features on the range-topping RS variant. The system includes the following features as standard:\nAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\nCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)\nForward Collision Warning (FCW)\nLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)\nRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM)\nLane Departure Warning (LDW)\nAuto High-Beam (AHB)\nWhile the low-speed follow feature has been ommited for the ACC on the 2020 Honda City, the overall Honda Sensing system has been upgraded with a better wide view camera for better road boundaries recognition, as well as night-time pedestrian and cyclist detection capability for its autonomous emergency braking system.\nThe two range-topping variants \u2013 RS and V \u2013 also gets the Honda LaneWatch camera as standard, which projects the blind spot view of the far side on the instrument cluster, to help with your lane change maneouvers, while reverse camera is standard on the E, V and RS.\nOther standard safety features across the board include seatbelt reminders for all seats, vehicle stability assist, ABS with EBD, brake assist, and hill-start assist. The two lower variants get four airbags as standard, while the V and RS variants get 6 with the addition of side curtain airbags.\nPRICING\nThe 2020 Honda City in Malaysia starts at \nRM73,851.27\n for the entry-level S variant, \nRM81,664.82\n for the E variant, and \nRM86,561.45\n for the V variant \u2013 all on-the-road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020.\nAs is standard on all new Honda vehicles, the price also includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, as well as five times free labour service, applicable within 100,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first.\nUnfortunately, the RS variant will only begin deliveries starting January 2021, thus pricing will only be announced at a later date.\nGALLERY\n2020 Honda City RS e:HEV\n2020 Honda City V variant"
"The Nissan Fairlady nameplate has been around for \nalmost 50 years\n and the latest generation 370Z is now serving its eighth year. Nissan is not ready to replace the two-door sports coupe just yet but Nissan UK has given the ageing girl a minor update for 2018.\nChanges done to the exterior for the 2018 370Z include new black door handles, black rear bumper fascia, tinted headlamps and taillamps, five-spoke 19-inch alloys and Red Metallic exterior paint option. Inside, a 7-inch NissanConnect Premium touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, DVD player and rear-view camera is now fitted as standard.\nNissan UK has partnered with EXEDY to equip six-speed manual versions of the 370Z with a new \nEXEDY high-performance clutch\n which reduces driver pedal effort and gives greater gear shift precision and comfort. Nissan\u2019s Syncro Rev Control which helps drivers to rev match on down and up shifts on a manual transmission remains in the EXEDY enhanced manual. However, Nissan did not reveal whether the new clutch contributes to improved performance.\nOther than that, the 370Z solider on with a 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine pushing out \n332 hp\n and \n363 Nm\n of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission can be had for those who prefer to have the car shift itself. Drive remains to be channelled to the rear wheels.\nThe Nissan 370Z MY18 is now available for purchase in UK from \u00a329,185 (RM161k)."
"Following the launch of the \nall-new G80\n and the GV80, Genesis has now unveiled the 2020 mid-cycle update for the smallest model in its line-up, the G70, carrying over many of the mainstay design elements from its elder siblings.\nThe substantial redesign effort for the 2020 Genesis facelift encircles around the brand\u2019s \u201cathletic elegance\u201d design philosophy. While there\u2019s nothing new that we haven\u2019t seen before on the brand\u2019s other models, we think that the updated G70 is the best iteration of the new design language thus far thanks to its sporty stature, and we\u2019re totally here for it.\nAt the front, the 2020 Genesis G70 features a large crest grille that is rounder at the top than its stablemates, and is flanked by new two-tiered Quad Lamps headlights \u2013 the whole front designed to resemble the looks of the Genesis soaring wings logo.\nThe \u201cathletic\u201d redesign continues onto the side profile, where the larger air vents from before have been replaced by smaller and more efficient \u201cair extractors\u201d, placed lower and closer to the front wheels. Otherwise, the prominent character line is unchanged from before.\nAt the rear, the taillights have also been updated to a new two-tiered design that mirrors the front-end, while the entire boot lid have been cleaned up, now only consisting of the Genesis brand script and the model badging. The number plate recess has been moved down onto the bumper, featuring mesh design elements and body-coloured diffusers, along with twin oval tailpipe exits.\nChanges to the inside of the 2020 Genesis G70 are less flamboyant when compared to the exterior updates, with the main addition being the new 10.25-inch infotainment display on the dashboard.\nGenesis says that the new operating system features a new user interface, and supports new features such as over-the-air software updates, valet mode, as well as CarPay in-car payment system for refuelling and parking payments at supported sites.\nOther interior changes include a simplified shortcut buttons panel underneath the central air-conditioning vents in conjunction with the updated infotainment system, as well as a wireless charging pad that is now oriented horizontally to accommodate more device sizes.\nGenesis did not divulge any details on the powertrain under the hood, but\n \nCar and Driver\n reports that the 2020 G70 facelift will feature the same \n304 hp\n 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine as found on the \nG80 sedan\n and GV80 SUV, replacing the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged mill.\nAdditionally, the new \nC-Class\n \nand \n3 Series\n rival could also see the addition of the larger 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine, also found on the aforementioned two models, capable of making \n380 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n of torque. Both engines will be paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, with options for rear- or all-wheel drive.\nThe updated Genesis G70 will go on sale in Korea starting from next month.\nGALLERY"
"Lamborghinis obviously don\u2019t come cheap, which means only the elite few will ever get the chance to own one. But in a surprising \u201cone more thing\u201d announcement during Xiaomi\u2019s 10th-anniversary event, the Chinese electronics company has unveiled the Ninebot Go Kart Pro Lamborghini Edition, letting you own a piece of the experience at just a fraction of the price.\nBased on the Ninebot Go Kart Pro, the Lamborghini Edition is finished in the Italian supercar-maker\u2019s iconic Giallo Orion yellow paintjob, and even comes with the raging bull\u2019s logo in front, along with the \u201cAutomobili Lamborghini\u201d script on the front panel.\nComplementing the comically-large spoiler at the rear are the new TPE front splitter and side skirts, which apparently helps with the aerodynamic of the tiny\n Lamborghini\n.\nAside from just the aesthetic treatment, the Ninebot Go Kart Pro Lamborghini Edition is also fitted with \u201cIce Lake Blue\u201d LED headlights, Lamborghini-inspired speedometer display and drive-mode selector, and even a set of custom-made tyres specifically made for drifting \u2013 even though Lamborghinis are not exactly known for their tyre-slaying capabilities.\nWhile it might look a little different to a \u201cnormal\u201d Lamborghini, the special edition Go Kart Pro does come with a sound generator that emulates the engine noise of a Lamborghini V10 or V12 powerplant, bringing you at least a little closer to the real experience.\nThe electric motor at the rear is able to propel the go kart up to 40 km/h. Power comes from a 432 Wh battery, which Xiaomi says is good for 62 laps of a 400-metre track from a single charge \u2013 which works out to be 24.8 km of driving range. The company claims that the Go Kart Pro can carry a load of up to 100 kg.\nWhen you\u2019re done with driving around in a go kart, you can even remove the frame to use it as a self-balancing scooter \u2013 the Ninebot scooter which forms the \u201cpowertrain\u201d section of the go kart is actually sold under the Segway brand in the United States.\nThe Xiaomi Ninebot Go Kart Pro Lamborghini Edition is priced at CNY9,999 (approx. RM6,032) in China, though a global release is expected at a later date.\n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P35MQIozhHU\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) \nhas published its sales report for October 2022, where it recorded a total of \n9,281 units\n sold, consisting of 9,175 units of Toyota and 106 of Lexus. The figure represents a small 0.5% growth over \nSeptember\n, but a significant 9% jump over the same month last year.\nWith the October data accounted for, the year-to-date sales figure for the company now stands at 80,153 units, of which 79,308 units are for Toyota. The figure translates to a 47% year-on-year increase over 2021 (54,618 units, Toyota + Lexus), and helped Toyota maintain its lead as the best-selling non-national brand in the nation.\nToyota says this is a continuation of the positive upward trend it saw starting at the beginning of the year, and the brand has consistently been a market leader throughout the year, especially in the pick-up truck segment.\n\u201cWhile economic conditions remain challenging, the car market has also been steadily recovering its strength in the course of the year,\u201d said UMWT President, Ravindran K. \u201cOur production is still partly affected but rest assured that we are doing our best to deliver new vehicles as quickly as possible.\u201d\nThe October sales figures were bolstered by the \nall-new Toyota Veloz\n, which was launched in here in Malaysia three weeks ago. While specific delivery figure for the model was not shared, UMWT says that the response to the Veloz has been \u201cextremely positive\u201d, with over 7,000 orders received before the model was launched.\nFor the year-end festive season, the company is offering promotions for selected models in its line-up, with additional savings of up to RM4,000, bringing monthly instalments for the\n Toyota Yaris\n and \nVios\n down to as low as RM498 and RM598 respectively.\nRELATED: \nRM20k more than the Alza, what\u2019s extra on the Toyota Veloz?"
"Three weeks ago, we had a first glimpse of\u00a0Isuzu\u2019s limited edition D-Max when \npictures of its studio shoot were leaked on\u00a0the Internet\n. We can lay the rumours to rest now, because Isuzu Malaysia has finally took the wraps off the Isuzu D-Max Beast.\nPresumably the final special edition variant before the facelifted D-Max arrives later this year, the Beast is essentially a visually enhanced pickup truck meant to keep the ute in check with its newer competitors, namely the \nTriton\n, \nHilux\n and \nNavara\n. Just\u00a0360 units will be built, and it can be had in either the \n2.5-litre\n or\n 3.0-litre turbodiesel\n engines.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nIsuzu D-Max Beast 2.5L 4\u00d74 (AT)\nIsuzu D-Max 3.0L 4\u00d74 (AT)\nEngine\n2,499cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\n2,999cc; inline-4 turbo, DOHC\nTransmission\n5-speed auto with Sequential Shift\nMax Power\n135 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n175 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR with Insurance)\nRM119,559.44\nRM127,547.56\nThe D-Max Beast is only available in two different colours \u2013 \nMagnum White Solid\n and\n Titan Silver Metallic\n. They both get the same blacked out parts on the outside, such as\u00a0matte black front bumper (with silver accent), black \u2018side blades\u2019 next to the headlamps, black rear lamp guard, side mirrors, door handles, matte black roof rails, tailgate handle, rear bumper, side steps and wheel arches. It sits on a \nnew set of matte black 17-inch wheels\n, shod with 255/65 series tyres. Finishing off the exterior upgrade is the integrated\u00a0\nLED daytime running lights\n, housed within the fog lamp binnacles.   As with any limited edition D-Maxes, the Beast gets exclusive decals on the side and rear portion of the vehicle. The Claw Bar is also packaged into the mix, which includes aero-spoiler and bed liner.\nInside, the first thing you\u2019ll notice is the new \ndual tone Italian leather seats\n with \u201cBEAST LE\u201d embroidery. Even the centre arm rest is wrapped in this dual tone leather. As with the regular D-Max, the automatic climate control is only reserved for the 3.0-litre variant.\nOther new additions are the exclusive Beast carpet, LED illuminated stainless steel \u2018Isuzu\u2019 door sills and a new \n6.2-inch Kenwood touchscreen head unit\n with\n reverse camera\n. The standard six-speaker configuration now gets boosted by a \nBongiovi digital amplifier\n, and the dashboard is now finished in a darker shade of grey.\nThe limited edition D-Max Beast is now available for viewing and booking at your nearest authorised Isuzu dealership. Again, only 360 examples of this variant will be made before the D-Max facelift finds its way here.\nVIDEO GALLERY\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Last week, Michelin Malaysia hosted a regional launch of the \nMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S (PS4S)\n at Sentul International Circuit, Jakarta (SIC). The company has since released the full available sizes for its ultra-high performance (UHP) \u2013 \n11 different sizes\n for wheels measuring at 19 and 20-inch in diameter.\nDeveloped in partnership with Ferrari, Porsche, Ford, BMW\u2019s M division and Mercedes-AMG, the PS4S is the replacement of the UHP Pilot Super Sport. Michelin claims that the PS4S delivers superior handling capabilities, shorter braking distance in wet and dry roads as well as extended longevity.\nWhile the \n11 sizes\n available is significantly lesser than the 49 sizes available previously on the PSS, Michelin Malaysia said that they will be introducing more sizes in the future. For now the available sizes are as follows:\nAVAILABLE SIZES\nSection\nRim Size (inch)\nLoad Index \nSpeed Rating\n265/30\n19\n93\nY\n275/30\n19\n96\nY\n225/35\n19\n88\nY\n235/35\n19\n91\nY\n245/35\n19\n93\nY\n255/35\n19\n96\nY\n225/40\n19\n93\nY\n235/40\n19\n96\nY\n245/40\n19\n98\nY\n285/30\n20\n99\nY\n245/35\n20\n95\nY\nWe had the opportunity to have a go in the \nMercedes-Benz E250\n fitted with PS4S one lap around SIC against its closest competitor the \nPirelli P Zero\n. Our seat time with the PS4S was extremely short but after driving the two brands back to back, the most apparent advantage the PS4S have over the P Zeros is \nsteering progressiveness\n.\nThe PS4S was extremely predictable during the emergency lane change manoeuvres and needed only a little steering suggestion to straighten the car whereas the P Zeros had trouble finding its composure. The \n\u201cDynamic Response\u201d technology\n that ensures steering input is accurately translated to the vehicle\u2019s direction change is definitely not just marketing fluff. But don\u2019t take it from me, watch as Leona Chin puts a \nBMW 340i\n on PS4S through its paces around\n Thermal Race Track in California, USA\n.\nThe PS4S is now available at all TyrePlus outlets and authorised Michelin distributors nationwide. Prices for the PS4S starts from \nRM1,100\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Officially \nrevealed in Germany \nearlier this year, Sime Darby Auto Performance, distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, has introduced Porsche\u2019s new EV for outdoor enthusiasts, the\n Taycan Cross Turismo\n.\nThe 4+1 seater Taycan is available in three variants; Taycan 4 from\n RM645,209\n, Taycan 4S from \nRM728,727\n and Taycan Turbo from \nRM968,928\n.\n \nOutput ranges from \n380 hp\n in the Taycan 4 to\n 625 hp\n in the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo. The most powerful Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo can do 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds before hitting its top speed of 250 km/h.\nAll three variants of the Porsche Taycan come with the Performance Battery Plus package as standard. This gives the Cross Turismo a 93.4 kWh battery, capable of returning up to 437 km of electric range.\nVideo: A day on the road and track with the Porsche Taycan!\nAs you can tell, the exterior design looks nothing like the Porsche Taycan but there are benefits to this look. Find out what they are!\nFind out more about the standard Taycan available in four different variants here!"
"After holding its ground in the pickup truck segment since 2013, the Isuzu D-Max was showing signs of ageing\u00a0amidst stiff competition from key rivals. Although there was a limited edition \nIsuzu D-Max Beast\n\u00a0early this year, the 360 limited units\u00a0isn\u2019t quite the refresher the D-Max needed.\nYesterday, Isuzu Malaysia officially unveiled the facelifted Isuzu D-Max, adding yet another choice for shoppers in the pickup truck segment who are looking for a robust\u00a0yet feature-packed workhorse. How feature packed, you ask? How does ESC, VSC, touchscreen infotainment system with 8-speakers and a reverse camera, all standard across the range, sound to you?\nQUICK FACTS\n\u00a0\nStandard\nName\n2.5 L 4\u00d74 Manual \u2013 Hi-Ride\n2.5 L 4\u00d74 Maunal\n2.5 L 4\u00d74 Auto\n3.0 L 4\u00d74 Auto\nEngine\n2,499cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\n2,999cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n5-speed auto with sequential shift\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n174 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR with Insurance)\nRM82,978.84\nRM93,006.44\nRM107,596.28\nRM115,690.40\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPremium\nZ-Prestige\nName\n2.5 L 4\u00d74 Manual\n3.0 L 4\u00d74 Manual\n2.5 L 4\u00d74 Auto\n3.0 L 4\u00d74 Auto\nEngine\n2,499cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\n2,999cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\n2,499cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\n2,999cc inline-4 DOHC VGS Turbodiesel\nTransmission\n5-speed manual\n5-speed auto with sequential shift\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n174 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n134 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n174 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n320 Nm @1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\n320 Nm @1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\n380 Nm @ 1,800 \u2013 2,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR with Insurance)\nRM103,405.04\nRM113,063.72\nRM120,064.00\nRM128,052.12\nThe new top of the line Z-prestige can be had in three distinct trims\u00a0\u2013 Urban Premium, Street Rugged and Adventure Rugged, as denoted by their exclusive exterior colours of Silky White Pearl, Stallion Black Metallic and Velvet Red Mica. Each gets a distinct styling package to suit the fashion palette of different individuals.\nEXTERIOR\nAt the front, the D-Max gets a newly designed front bumper and chrome grille with projector headlamps and integrated LED daytime running lights as standard. Fog lamps are equipped on all variants except on both the 2.5L manual standard variants. Isuzu has took the liberty of adding a generous amount of chrome to the D-Max. From the power folding wing mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle and rear bumper; all are finished in chrome. At the rear, the standard variants get a bulb type combination tail lamps while the premium and Z-prestige variants are of\u00a0LED combination.   Starting from the standard variants, it comes with bulb type combination rear tail lamps and bee-sting antenna. Side steps are a cost option on the standard variants as well.\nMoving up to the premium variants, it adds on LED combination rear tail lamps, shark-fin antenna, keyless entry and start, side steps and roof rails.   The top of the line Z-Prestige\u00a0adds on wheel arches and a cargo lid cover with aero-spoiler on top of the features from the premium variants.\nStandard D-Maxes ride on 16-inch alloys wrapped in 245/70 profile tyres with a full size steel wheel as spare. As for premium and Z-Prestige variants, a much larger 18-inch alloys is specified, wrapped in 255/60 profile tyres with a full-size alloy spare wheel.\nINTERIOR\nThe trend for pickup trucks these days are heading to the direction of creating a passenger-car like experience\u00a0when stepped inside. The D-Max is no different as Isuzu has splurge an arsenal of creature comfort features to their flagship pickup. The standard variants comes with a 7-inch touch screen infotainment display while premium and Z-prestige variants ups the screen size to eight inches. All variants comes with an \neight speaker\n\u00a0(two are mounted on the roof) to provide a\u00a0surround sound experience.   Other than that, the standard variants come equipped with a standard information display, silver interior trim, three-spoke urethane steering wheel, manual climate control, fabric seats, speed sensing automatic door lock and centre arm rest.\nStepping up to the premium variants, the information display is upgraded to an advance multi-information display dubbed e-LUMAX, three-spoke leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, keyless start button and centre arm rest with rear cup holders.\nZ-Prestige, as the name suggests, separates itself to stand out from the crowd with its unique styling package. Across the board, the interior trim is finished in piano black as opposed to silver. Urban Premium, for the ones who prefer their pickup brimming with elegance, gets a brown with black accent premium Italian leather seats. For those who seek a more confident presence, perhaps the Street Rugged with black and silver accent premium Italian leather seats might be up your alley. Lastly for the adventurer, the Adventure Rugged\u2019s interior is contrasted with black and red accent premium Italian leather seats.\nPERFORMANCE\nNo\u00a0changes were made to the mechanics of the D-Max. The same tried and tested 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre turbodiesel make their way into the D-Max facelift. In the 2.5-litre mill, drivers will get \n134 hp\n and \n320 Nm\n of driving force\u00a0while the 3.0-litre mill produces \n174 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque. Power is channelled to the wheels via a \nfive-speed manual\n or a \nfive-speed automatic\n transmission.\nDrivers can select the drivetrain to be either 2WD-High, 4WD-High or 4WD-Low via an electronic transfer rotary knob located next to the gear leaver. Having the powertrain carried forward from the pre-facelift may not be a bad thing anyway as Isuzu took four Isuzu D-Maxes and travelled\u00a0\n1,809km in one single tank of diesel\n!\nSAFETY\nIsuzu has always put its consumers safety as their number one priority, and it can be clearly seen in their vehicles. Standard safety features on all variants include dual front airbags, ABS, EBD with BA, hill start assist, ESC with traction control, ISOFIX mounting points for rear seat, reverse camera with parking guide and reverse sensors.\nWHAT ELSE?\nFor standard and premium variants, customers have four different exterior colours to choose from \u2013 Stallion Black Metallic, Nautilus Blue Mica, Titan Silver Metallic and Magnum White Solid. As mentioned earlier, the Z-Prestige lineup can be had in three different exterior shades \u2013 Stallion Metallic Black,\u00a0Silky White Pearl and Velvet Red Mica.\nAll new Isuzu D-Max customers will get an upgraded 5-Year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty, up from the previous 3-Year or 100,000km package.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"No, it doesn\u2019t have high ceilings nor does it come with gold-plated everything and chandeliers the size of bathrooms but the interior of the all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 supposedly takes after the \u201clook and feel\u201d of luxury resort hotels.\nDesigners at Infiniti wanted a progressive interior, to provide drivers with a luxurious experience every time they step into their QX50 mid-size crossover. For a unique color combination, the design team drew inspiration from the experience one would have from walking into a luxury resort beachfront hotel.\nThere may not be teak wood or palm leaf applications but cabin accommodates you with \nwarm colour tones\n such as the rich chocolate brown to replicate wood applications in the resort and the surrounding trees along with a creamy off-white representing the sand on a beach.\nA cooler dark navy blue on the center console is reminiscent of the ocean water, striking a balance between warm and cool \u2013 creating a comfortable yet invigorating environment.\nDoes this cabin look like that fancy beach side resort you\u2019ve recently been to?\n\u201cThe quest to find the perfect fit of materials, colors, forms and ergonomics have driven our designers and engineers to create the best interior Infiniti has ever produced,\u201d said Infiniti Motor Company Ltd, Executive Design Director, Karim Habib."
"Goodyear Malaysia has just launched its latest high-performance tyres, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 (A3). The A3 is positioned as Goodyear\u2019s flagship product\u00a0in the premium, luxury, sport segment and they take pride that it\u2019s offered as OEM fitment on various premium marques such as the \nJaguar XF\n, \nMercedes E-Class\n, \nBMW 5 Series\n, \nAlfa Romeo Giulia\n, \nChevrolet Camaro\n and \nPorsche Panamera\n.\nTo satisfy the growing demand for high-performance tyres in the premium luxury segment, Goodyear has introduced a variety of new technologies to help drivers stay in control while enjoying their spirited drive. Featuring the new \nGrip Booster Technology\n, the tyre consists of a grip booster compound and adhesive resin that delivers strong grip, shorter braking distance and improved handling.   The \nActive Braking Technology\n increases contact surface and grip during hard braking, shortening braking distance. Lastly, a new \nreinforced construction technology\n that delivers a lighter and stronger tyre structure helps improve handling, tread wear and fuel efficiency.\nAccording to independent German automotive inspection organisation, DEKRA, the A3 is projected to offer 31 percent or 11,500 km better mileage as compared to its three leading competitors. In a separate test conducted by TUV SUD, a German testing and certification company, the Goodyear A3 is said to have \n9 percent shorter wet braking distance\n, 4 percent shorter dry braking distance and wet handling as well as 10.9 percent better rolling resistance compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport 3, Bridgestone Potenza S001 and Continental Sport Contact 5.\nThe Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tyres will be available in \n34 sizes\n ranging from \n17- to 20-inch\n. Recommended retail prices of the tyre start\u00a0from RM668 to RM1,820 (inclusive of GST). Customers can purchase the tyres at all authorised Goodyear dealers nationwide.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"As far as enthusiasts go, there probably aren\u2019t that many things more important to us than the launch of an all-new \nPorsche 911 GT3\n. Now a little over two years into the life cycle of the\n 992-generation 911\n, Porsche has finally unveiled the highly-awaited GT3 variant of the coupe, and was it worth the wait.\nJust like the base 911 model, the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 follows, in large, the same recipe as all of its predecessors. Sure, it\u2019s a little larger, and looks \na little\n different from before, but underneath all that is still the familiar GT3 that we all know and love.\nBehind the driver\u2019s seat is still the same beloved 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine that revs all the way up to 9,000 rpm. Claimed to be \u201cacoustically impressive\u201d (thanks to an \u201cinfinitely electrical adjustable exhaust flaps\u201d), the new power plant now makes\n 510 hp\n and \n470 Nm\n, roughly 10 hp and 10 Nm higher than the \noutgoing model in its final years\n.\nThe engine \u2013 also used \u201cpractically unchanged\u201d in the new 911 GT3 Cup race car \u2013 powers the all-new GT3 to 100 km/h in \n3.4 seconds\n in PDK form, or 3.9-seconds with the six-speed manual (rejoice!), onward to a top speed of \n320 km/h\n for the manual version and 318 for the PDK.\nOK, so it isn\u2019t necessarily faster in a straight line than its predecessor, but that\u2019s about where the similarities end (in terms of performance). Just like all previous models, Porsche took the all-new 992-generation 911 GT3 out to the Nurburgring Nordschleife for its final development process, and the results even shocked Porsche themselves a little.\nIn the capable hands of Porsche development driver Lars Kern, the all-new 911 GT3 completed the full 20.8 km lap in just 6:59.927 minutes. Without the final straight, the shorter 20.6 km track \u2013 traditionally served as Porsche\u2019s benchmark \u2013 was completed in \n6:55.2 minutes\n \u2013\n over 17 seconds quicker\n than its predecessor.\n \nFor context, Porsche\u2019s flagship (but admittedly aging) hypercar, the \n918 Spyder\n, only did it in 6:57 flat. The all-new Porsche 911 GT3 even beat out the outgoing all-out-performance GT3 RS variant, which did a 6:56.4 around the shorter track. Improvements in the tenths, or even seconds, are expected in a generational improvement, but 17 seconds? Almost unheard of.\nThe wing is almost large enough to land a jet fighter.\nA huge reason, we think, for the incredible improvement is due to the suspension set-up of the all-new GT3, which now uses a double wishbone system up front instead of regular struts.\nThe huge swan neck rear wing which, along with the diffusers, are both manually adjustable, also contributed to the new-found performance \u2013 in its most aggressive setting, the car\u2019s aero kit can generate up to 150% more downforce\u00a0compared to the outgoing GT3.\nBefitting its performance namesake, an analogue tachometer sits right front and centre of the otherwise-digital instrument cluster.\nDespite its wider body, the weight of the new 911 GT3 is also pretty much on par with its predecessor, thanks to the generous use of carbon fibre parts, lightweight glass windows, optimised brake discs (which are thinner by around 17%, despite being larger in size), and forged light-alloy wheels. The new sports exhaust system by itself already dropped 10 kg from the car\u2019s total weight.\nBeing that much faster, while keeping all the right bits unchanged? Sign us up. The all-new Porsche 911 GT3 is now available for pre-order at all Porsche Centres nationwide, though pricing will only be announced at the official launch later this year.\nIf you\u2019re so inclined, you can also include a special Porsche Design chronograph watch in your order, designed specifically to match the all-new GT3 \u2013 and can even be painted in the same colour as your car.\nGALLERY"
"The \nall-new sixth-generation Honda CR-V \nhas now been officially launched in Thailand, at the ongoing 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show. The CR-V\u2019s Thailand introduction will be its first official debut in the ASEAN region, although we Malaysians should be getting it very soon too, as Honda Malaysia has announced that it\u2019ll be \nlaunching three all-new models this year\n \u2013 among which will most likely be this C-segment SUV.\nThe sixth-generation Honda CR-V has now grown in size, measuring over 70 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the\n model it replaces\n. Complementing its larger size are the new aggressive styling cues, characterised by its strong fenders, tall and flat front fascia, long bonnet, and exterior lighting design that further emphasises the model\u2019s width.\nInside, the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V also gets a complete makeover thanks to the new and modernised dashboard design that\u2019s seemingly taken wholesale from the Civic \u2013 although with an additional wooden trim to underscore its more mature stature in the line-up. Uniquely, the sixth-generation CR-V will also be offered in a seven-seater (or rather 5+2) configuration, although it\u2019s only available in a single middle-tier variant.\nOver in Thailand, the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V will be offered with two powertrain options: the lower-end variants get a familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four unit, which in the Land of Smiles, makes \n190 hp\n and \n242 Nm\n of torque, while the two higher-end variants are powered by the new 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid mill for a total system output of \n207 hp\n and \n371 Nm\n.\nBoth powertrains are paired to a CVT gearbox (e-CVT for the hybrid), with power sent to all four wheels with the sole exception of the base E variant.\nRELATED: \n2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5 launched in Thailand with eye-watering RM520k price tag\nAs for the Honda CR-V\u2019s kit list in Thailand, standard items include the LED exterior lighting, sequential front turn indicators, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and 18-inch alloys. Opt for the top RS variant, and you\u2019ll get additional body-coloured and gloss black trim pieces in place of black plastic, Adaptive Driving Beam headlights, a rear spoiler, and the 19-inch two-tone alloys.\nInside, the nine-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment display is standard across the board replete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster (except for the base E variant), and a wireless charging pad.\nThe range-topping RS variant gains additional creature comfort niceties such as a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, although the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite is standard across all trim levels.\nPricing for the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V in Thailand starts at THB1,419,000 (approx. RM184k) for the entry-level 1.5 Turbo E 2WD variant, going up to THB1,589,000 (approx. RM206k) for the e:HEV ES 4WD, THB1,599,000 (approx. RM208k) for the 1.5 Turbo ES 4WD, THB1,649,000 (approx. RM214k) for the EL 4WD 7-seater, and finally THB1,729,000 (approx. RM225k) for the range-topping e:HEV RS 4WD.\nNote that the hybrid variants in Thailand starts at a lower price due to their favourable duty structures. When the model does come into Malaysia though, expect the hybrid variant(s) to be at the top of the model line-up, just like all the other e:HEV variants in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"The turbocharger technology was, and still is popular in the \u2018modding\u2019 scene due to their ability to add hilarious amounts of horsepower quite easily. However, as emissions regulations become more and more stringent, while customers demand more and more power from their cars, the technology has now become commonplace in even small econobox hatchbacks.\nWith great power though, comes great turbo lag. Due to the way turbochargers work which requires a build-up of exhaust gas before max power is achieved, the delay in throttle response means that it\u2019s not the best solution to precision track driving.\nSure, we\u2019re promised \nelectric cars\n in the future with insane and always-available torque. But while we\u2019re still working our way there, turbochargers are here to stay \u2013 and fortunately, \nMercedes-AMG\n has apparently found a solution to the turbo lag problem.\nThe technology, called \u201celectric exhaust gas turbocharger\u201d (we\u2019re just gonna call it eTurbo for now), can trace its roots to the brand\u2019s recent successful involvement in Formula 1. Developed in partnership with Garrett Motion, an American turbocharger maker, the system uses a slim electric motor sandwiched between the turbine and compressor wheel to drive the turbocharger before sufficient exhaust gas pressure is built up.\nAs a result, engine response across the entire engine speed range is \u201csignificantly improved\u201d, effectively removing turbo lag as the turbocharger can still maintain boost pressure even if the driver\u2019s foot is off the accelerator. In addition, the eTurbo also increases torque output at low engine speeds, improving acceleration capabilities from standstill.\nHere\u2019s how Mercedes-AMG eTurbo works \u2013 it will be powered by an on-board 48V electrical system, which pushes can push the turbocharger up to 170,000 rpm. In order to keep the entire system cool, the turbocharger, electric motor, and its power electronics are all connected to the main engine cooling loop.\nMercedes-AMG Chairman Tobias Moers said, \u201cWe have clearly defined our goals for an electrified future. In order to reach them, we are relying on discrete and highly innovative components as well as assemblies.\n\u201cIn a first step this includes the electrified turbocharger \u2013 an example of the transfer of Formula 1 technology to the road, something with which we will take turbocharged combustion engines to a previously unattainable level of agility.\u201d\nMercedes-AMG\u2019s \u201ceTurbo\u201d or electrified turbocharger is now in its final stages of development, and will be used in a series-production AMG model in the near future."
"Launched a year ago in December 2019, premium ride-hailing provider \nStarRides\n, a joint venture between Daimler Mobility AG and Geely Technology Group has now expanded to Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Xi\u2019An, Beijing and Shanghai.\nSince last year, StarRides has grown its number of registered user by almost 80% on a monthly basis, with majority of users being business travelers heading to and from the airport.\nThe company with its headquarters in Hangzhou, offers premium chauffeur services exclusively with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It has also recently launched an English version of the app for international users where payments can be made via international credit cards.\nHave you checked out the new Mercedes-Benz GLA launched in Malaysia recently? Click \nhere\n!\nStarRides offers one-way bookings, bookings by the hour, airport transfers, and cross-city trips on a reservation basis. Users can choose between luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or E-Class or even the Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV. The latter comes with a seating capacity of up to six passengers.\nConcerned about language barriers? All of StarRides\u2019 chauffeurs serving international customers speak English.\nDaimler Mobility AG, one of the three divisions of Daimler AG, offers financial and mobility solutions. Geely Technology Group is a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group."
"First introduced in Malaysia\n last year, the \n2023 Ford Ranger Raptor\n is now also offered here with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine underneath its hood. The change in powertrain also brought about a slight reduction in price, with the Ranger Raptor now starting at \nRM248,888\n here in Malaysia.\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.\nThe bi-turbo diesel mill is essentially the same unit from the \noutgoing last-gen Ranger Raptor\n, making \n210 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n of torque, paired to a similar 10-speed automatic gearbox with SelectShift \u2013 though that is about the extent of the similarities between the two. The Diesel variant gets only rear locking differentials, as compared to the front-and-rear locking units on the V6.\nEverything else in the drivetrain have all been upgraded for the latest-generation model, including the full-time all-wheel drive system and Terrain Management System software with a much-improved Baja drive mode that continuously spools up the turbochargers for three seconds after lifting off the throttle, giving the driver a better throttle response out of corners.\nOf course, the signature Fox shock absorbers are also still here, featuring the latest 2.5-inch Internal Bypass system filled with Teflon-infused oil that reduces friction by around 50% compared to the previous Raptor. The Diesel Raptor does, however, lose out on the adaptive system that\u2019s present on the V6 variant.\nAnd to handle all the abuse you\u2019ll be throwing at it while jumping sand dunes, the Ford Ranger Raptor\u2019s chassis has also been significantly reinforced with model-specific parts on the pillars, bumper frames, shock towers, and suspension set-up. How strong is it? Imagine conquering the \nBaja 1000 rally\n, then driving home in the very same car right after. Yup, the Ranger Raptor did that.\nThe new diesel variant shares the same aggressive appearance as its \nV6 counterpart\n, marked out by the large FORD lettering on the grille, unique standalone bumpers, flared wheel arches, Ford Performance scuff plates, cast aluminium side steps, and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in the massive BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres.\nIt\u2019s also the same story inside, sharing the same overall cabin design as its sibling. Interior equipment here include the 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display, the latter running Ford\u2019s Sync 4A software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, leather upholstery, magnesium paddle shifters, an eight-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, and a wireless charging pad, all highlighted by the Code Orange accents throughout the cabin.\nThe 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel also comes equipped with the same suite of active driver assistance features as the V6 variant, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functions, lane centring, blind-spot monitor, reverse brake assist, evasive steer assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround monitor with off-road views.\nPricing for the new 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel starts at \nRM248,888\n, making it some RM11,000 cheaper than the V6 counterpart. Included in the price is a five-year/160,000 km warranty, which can be extended up to seven years with the optional PremiumCare extended warranty package.\nTo celebrate the launch of the new variant, \nSime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)\n is offering the first 300 customers nationwide who make a booking for the new Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel variant a complementary Kenwood front-and-back dashcam, as well as a RM500 discount on one of the marque\u2019s Ford Getaway events."
"And it\u2019s a Touareg. After introducing no less than nine new models in 2018 for the Chinese market, CEO of Volkswagen Brand China, Stephan W\u00f6llenstein said the brand\u2019s product offensive will be even more aggressive in 2019.\nIt\u2019s important to look at how far Volkswagen has come in China, to really appreciate where they\u2019re at in the present day.\nBack in 1985, when the Chinese market only had 5,100 vehicles in total, over 2,000 units of which were Volkswagen vehicles. Fast forward seven years later, Volkswagen China had delivered over 100,000 units and by 1997, deliveries exceeded the 1,000,000 mark.\nThe vast network of \nVolkswagen\u2019s production plants\n in China.\nThe fifth and 10 millionth customers were greeted in 2006 and 2011 while in 2015 the 20 millionth Volkswagen found its way to China\u2019s roads.\nWithin the three years from 2015 to 2018, Volkswagen delivered another 10 million car and now in November 2018, 33 years after Volkswagen set foot in what is the biggest automotive market since 2009, when measured by unit production.\nWith its joint venture partners, FAW-Volkswagen (a joint venture between VW Group and FAW Group) and SAIC Volkswagen (formerly known as Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive), the brand is set to introduce another five new models in 2019, including three SUVs.\nThe new models will also include three locally-produced, battery-electric versions of well-known Volkswagen models."
"When a new electric car is unveiled, the first highlight is the driving range in a single charge. At 770 km range, the \nMercedes EQS\n, when specifically configurated, is unofficially the furthest range EV for now.\nThe company is planning to have an electric vehicle achieving a real range of \nover 1,000 kilometres\n in a single charge, called the Vision EQXX. A single-digit energy consumption figure (e.g. 6 kWh per 100 km) at normal highway driving speeds is also being targeted. \u00a0\nFor reference, an SUV like the Mercedes EQC 400 4Matic, the energy consumption is 21.5 kWh/100 km under the WLTP cycle. As for the other end of the spectrum, the compact \nMercedes EQA 250\n consumes just 15.7 kWh/100 km. As such, production vehicles still have a long way to go to reach single-digit values.\nMercedes-Benz say experts from the F1 team\u2019s High Performance Powertrain (HPP) division are also working together on the ambitious project and the Vision EQXX is expecting to premiere as soon as next year!\nThe Vision EQXX is likely to be more of a technical showcase with key technological advances made that will be adapted and applied for potential use in new electric architectures. By 2025, new-generation Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be\n fully electric\n, and customers have an option to have a fully-electric alternative for every model the company makes.\nMore details about\n \nthe Mercedes-Benz EV roadmap can be found here.\nBack in 2014, Volkswagen introduced the XL1, the world\u2019s most fuel-efficient production car in the world. The slippery tear-dropped shaped vehicle returned a fuel consumption value of just 0.9l/100 km, thanks to a plug-in hybrid system with a tiny two-cylinder turbodiesel engine, 10-litre fuel tank and ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre body. It was priced well over EUR100,000, placing the vehicle as a collector\u2019s item and for owners to make a statement."
"This edition of our regular Throwback Thursday series is about a certain small Honda hatchback which will be celebrating its 35th birthday \u2013\u00a0 the Honda CR-X \u2013 an 80\u2019s icon that stands in the same league with the Sony Walkman, Knight Rider, and\u00a0most importantly, Michael Jackson.\nIn essence, the existence of the CR-X echoes the\n first-generation Honda Civic.\n The original Civic hatchback became a hit among car buyers during the 1970\u2019s oil crisis which rendered large, fuel-guzzling\u00a0vehicles unsustainable. A decade later in 1983, the CR-X showed up \u2013 in line with the directions from the Civic\u2019s playbook.\nThe CR-X was marketed as a two-door hatchback for the US market with a 2+2 layout for the European demographic. Ideally, we would\u2019ve preferred it to be just a two-seater considering the rear seats in most 2+2 seater coupes are as useful as solar-powered torchlights. At launch, two variants were offered \u2013 the standard DX and the\u00a0HF (\u201chigh fuel efficiency\u201d). The base DX received a smaller 1.3-litre petrol engine while the 1.5-litre mill powered the HF.\nA year later, Honda revised the CR-X by offering two powerful engine options along a new range-topper, the Si. The CR-X Si\u2019s 1.5-litre engine had 91 hp at its disposal and was also the sole engine with a fuel injection system. At that point, none of the engine choices made more than 100 hp.\nThe CR-X\u2019s modest engine performance was not a deal breaker as the CR-X\u2019s light footprint was the car\u2019s primary weapon. Having a kerb weight of not more\u00a0than \n900 kg\n not only ensured the then sought after \u201cpocket rocket attributes\u201d but also good fuel economy figures.\nLater on, the facelifted model somehow turned the CR-X into an even more serious set of wheels in the sports compact segment with the goods to back that the drive \u2013 a\u00a0\n130 hp 1.6-litre DOHC\n engine that was impregnated into the Si model. The handling department also received a huge boost courtesy of independent double-wishbone suspension on all four corners. Mated with a five-speed manual, the 1988 CR-X Si was capable of completing the century sprint in roughly 8.5 seconds.\nIn 1989, the CR-X sold outside of America was offered with Honda\u2019s famed VTEC engine, the\u00a0\nB16A SIR-V\n. The first-generation VTEC screamer was a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with an output of\u00a0\n160 hp\n.\nAfter production ended in 1991, the CR-X\u2019s replacements failed to live up to its predecessor\u2019s blazing trail. Its immediate replacement, the del Sol, vanished just after five years. Its spiritual successor, the hybrid-powered CR-Z, was commissioned in 2010 but eventually ran out of steam before its\u00a0\ndemise\n in 2016.\nDetermined to have the last word, last year Honda revived its sporty compact aspirations via the \nUrban EV\n concept. Its concept dimensions and the fuel-efficient\u00a0powertrain clearly pays homage to the original Civic. Should the concept go into production, we could finally be looking at a worthy successor for the CR-X\u2019s legacy.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"35 years ago, BMW\u2019s M division created a new vehicle category, showed the world what their 4-door family sedan could do and forever changed the way people think about performance cars.\nThe car in question was the E28 BMW M5 \u2013 powered by an in-line six cylinder engine from the BMW M1 mid-engined sports car. More than three decades later, the M5 has grown and evolved into one of the most revered super saloons and BMW is celebrating its anniversary with a \u201cM5 Edition 35 Years\u201d model.\nCheck out my \nfirst impressions of the BMW M5\n here!\nLimited to just 350 units, the special edition model gets the most powerful engine in the model\u2019s history with\n 625 hp \n(\n25 more than standard\n) and \n750 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is rated at just 3.3 seconds (0.1 second faster than standard) while 0 to 200 km/h takes 10.8 seconds.\nAside from the power gains, the Edition 35 Years model also gets Frozen Dark Grey metallic paint job exclusively from BMW Individual and 20-inch M light alloy wheels in Graphite Grey. The M carbon ceramic brake with gold brake calipers are available as optional extras.\nInside, the cabin is finished in BMW Individual Merino black leather upholstery, gold-anodized aluminium/carbon trims, door sills with \u201cM5 Edition 35 Jahre\u201d inscription and laser engraving of \u201cM5 Edition 35 Jahre 1/350\u201d at the centre console.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Chinese New Electric Vehicle (NEV) carmaker \nBYD\n enjoyed a meteoric rise in form in 2022, with its sales figures reaching 1.85 million units in total, more than tripling its results from 2021.\nThat figure places BYD at the top of the NEV sales chart globally, but when it comes to fully-electric BEV models, the Chinese carmaker still has some ways to go before catching up to \nTesla\n, with 911,140 units sold compared to the American EV maker\u2019s record-breaking 1,313,851 units in 2022.\nPlug-in hybrids contributed the most to BYD\u2019s success in 2022, with a total of 946,239 units sold. The growth is attributed to the technology\u2019s demand in its home country China, which remains \u2013 and continues to grow \u2013 as one of the largest markets globally for plug-in hybrids.\nAs for exports, the Chinese carmaker reported a total sales figure of 11,320 NEVs in overseas markets.\nThe export figure is largely contributed by the BYD Atto 3 fully-electric SUV, which made its global debut in several countries last year, including \nAustralia\n, Singapore, \nThailand\n, Europe, and \nMalaysia\n.\nFor the latter, the brand \nreceived over 1,000 orders in just 10 days\n since it was launched here on our shores.\nALSO READ: \nBYD Seal and Dolphin teased in Malaysia \u2013 2 new EVs to launch soon?\nThe BYD Atto 3 is offered in two variants in Malaysia, namely the Standard Range and the Extended Range. The Standard Range offers \n345 km\n of range (WLTP) from a 49.92 kWh battery, while the Extended Range boasts a larger 60.48 kWh battery pack for a fully-electric driving range of\n 420 km\n (WLTP).\nBoth cars can be charged at a maximum rate of 6.6 kW via AC power, and 70 kW with a Type 2 CCS DC fast charger. Powering both variants of the BYD Atto 3 is a single electric motor that makes \n201 hp\n and \n310 Nm\n. All power is sent to the front wheels, which translates to a century sprint time of \n7.3 seconds\n.\nFor 2023, BYD is aiming for a total sales figure surpassing four million units, which will most likely surpass the likes of \nHyundai\n and \nKia\n. That is certainly a lofty goal, but with even more EVs slated for launch in overseas markets, plus new high-end luxury EVs under the Yangwang sub-brand, 2023 will certainly be yet another bumper year for BYD.\n[Source: \nCnEVPost\n]"
"Come 2030, you may need to pay a fee in order to drive through central Kuala Lumpur, thanks to a new proposal in the \nDewan Rakyat \ntoday for a congestion charge by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.\nA congestion charge is not a new concept, having been implemented in megacities worldwide ranging from London to Singapore. Essentially, it\u2019s a \u201ctoll\u201d fee imposed around a certain area of the city in an effort to reduce the amount of cars on the roads, while at the same time improving air quality in the immediate vicinity and encouraging the use of public transport.\nSpeaking in the House of Commons today, Datuk Seri Wee said that his ministry is mulling on a fee structure for vehicles entering the city once the MRT3 central line is completed in 2030.\n\u201cWhen we have a completed public transport network system, then it is time to look at this particular component. This is the correct trend, not only for entering vehicles, but in terms of environmental protection too,\u201d he said in response to a question from Lembah Pantai MP, Fahmi Fadzil.\nDatuk Seri Wee further added that such fees are already being implemented in other major cities around the world, with exemptions only given to electric vehicles.\nALSO READ: DBKL and MIROS to implement 30 km/h, 50 km/h speed limits in Kuala Lumpur\nImage: Rapid KL/Facebook\nThe MRT3 line, which has already been approved by the cabinet earlier this month, is expected to be completed by 2030, with the first phase to open to the public as early as December 2028.\nAccording to the Minister, the project will have a total length of 51 km, of which 39 km will be within Kuala Lumpur, with the remaining 12 km in Selangor. The line will form a loop mostly surrounding the perimeter of the city, while also intersecting other existing rail systems including MRT1, MRT2, LRT, Monorail, and KTM to cover even more areas not currently served by the existing railway systems.\nIn total, the new MRT3 line will form 10 new interchange stations, and will be primarily elevated above the ground, with only 20% of its total length underground.\n[Source: The Vibes News]"
"Earlier this week, we shared about a specially-commissioned Datsun that\u2019s seemingly \nbuilt for those who might want to leave the metropolitan life for good\n. Now Citro\u00ebn has introduced an MPV for those who never want to leave the surf.\nIt\u2019s called the \nCitro\u00ebn Space Tourer Rip Curl Edition\n and it\u00a0features distinctive colour themes, high-quality materials and plenty of technology.\nThe Citro\u00ebn Space Tourer Rip Curl Edition stands out with its Onyx Black door mirrors and side rubbing strips, together with dark tinted rear side windows for \u201cextra character\u201d. It also gets 17-inch \u2018Curve\u2019 monotone alloy wheels and special Rip Curl decals on the front doors.\nInside, the dashboard is adorned with a laser-engraved design in silver where the same is extended to the side panels, front and rear. Also within the dashboard is a stylish instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch colour display and illuminated chrome plate surrounds.\nIt\u2019s also equipped with a Mistral full-grain multifunction leather steering wheel, special Mistral floor mats with coloured stitching and a \u2018Rip Curl\u2019 logo on the front mats.\nIf you ask me though, judging from the limited and underwhelming pictures, the Space Tourer looks too underwhelming to bear the exciting and vibrant Rip Curl name. You can\u2019t just stick some stickers and pass it off as a \u201cRip Curl Edition\u201d; where is the profound surf or sea side element to it?\nEven if Mercedes-Benz were to just slap on the \u201cAMG Line\u201d badge on its cars, they\u2019ll still appear distinctively different from the base models it\u2019s trying to distinguish from.\nThe Citro\u00ebn Space Tourer Rip Curl Edition is powered by either a 1.5-litre BlueHDi 120 or a 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 engine; both turbo diesel engines are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. For the luxury of being in perpetual \u201csurf mode\u201d, the Space Tourer Rip Curl Edition will set you back approx. RM 185k before taxes."
"Hyundai has revealed initial sketches of their all-new third-generation Hyundai i10 compact city car ahead of its global premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) later this year.\nAs with all modern Hyundai models, the design is extravagant, to say the least in hopes of standing out in the segment. The wide front grille and edgy bumpers communicate a muscular stance while the prominent body lines give the car a sporty edge. Although it remains to be seen which details will make its way to the final product.\nThe company has also gone ahead to reveal that the i10 will be the segment leader in terms of safety technologies and connectivity with features such as Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Wireless Charging, rear-view camera, Forward Collision-Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keep Assist as standard."
"BMW has given the X5 M Competition and the X6 M Competition a visual boost with \nFirst Edition models\n a year after the pair was unveiled. There will be no performance upgrades to expect here; it\u2019s all surface and aesthetics. Only \n250 units of each model will be made\n and they\u2019ll come from BMW\u2019s plant in the US.\nUnder the hood, you still get a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, producing a staggering \n 625 hp\n and\n 750 Nm\n to drive all four wheels via the xDrive all-wheel drive system. The performance stats are equally impressive with 0 to 100 km/h done in just 3.8 seconds, while top speed will nudge 290 km/h if you opt for the M Driver\u2019s Package.\nAs for the exterior, the First Edition models are available in BMW Individual\u2019s Frozen Dark Silver like on the X6 M Competition or the Frozen Marina Bay Blue like on the X5 M Competition. The matte paint jobs are complemented with M light-alloy wheels in Jet black.\nA staggered wheel setup means both the X5 and X6 M Competition come with mixed wheel sizes; a 21-inch pair in the front and 22-inch at the rear. The First Editions are finished with an M Carbon rear spoiler, M Carbon engine compartment cover, and M Carbon exterior mirror caps.\nInside, while they may look identical, the devil is in the details. Both the First Editions will be upholstered with BMW Individual\u2019s Merino leather trim with contrasting Silverstone and Midnight Blue colour schemes. The hip section of the seats are upholstered in Alcantara material while orange contrast stitching helps make the seats pop!\nFor those of you who aren\u2019t still informed of the arrival of the new \nBMW M3\n \nand\n \nM4\n, here\u2019s a look at it. While you\u2019re at it, \ncheck out what German tuning house Prior Design has responded with\n; you wouldn\u2019t want to miss this!\nGALLERY\nBMW X5 M Competition First Edition\nBMW X6 M Competition First Edition"
"As part of the launch of the \nfifth-generation Lexus LS500 and LS500h in Malaysia\n, Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi shared his insights with \nAutobuzz.my\n on the Lexus flagship saloon, and why Japanese design, hospitality and craftsmanship will always be inherent in every Lexus.\nWhat are the features you would emphasize in the new LS?\nThe new LS is our flagship model; in addition to its design, it is a chauffeur-driven car in many instances, so we would like to emphasize the features when it is used for that application, but at the same time, we also want to place emphasis on the joy of driving the car itself.\nWhat were the steps taken to make the optional Kiriko glass door trim safe for automotive use?\nWe did two things. Firstly, we used reinforced glass which makes it harder to crack and in addition to that, we also applied a film on the surface. In a worst-case scenario, if it were to crack, the pieces won\u2019t shatter.\nWhich cars were the LS benchmarked against?\nWe benchmarked the new LS against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 as well as the Tesla Model S.\nWhy a 3.5L V6 instead of a V8 engine for the new LS?\nWhen we consider the future, five to 10 years ahead of us, as far as the LS segment is concerned, we felt that we needed to take into consideration social as well as environmental factors. Naturally, there are certain demands from our customers, but the reason we chose a V6 engine is that we wanted to make sure the LS could perform better in terms of emission requirements, while matching the capabilities of a V8.\nBy combining high speed combustion with a high efficiency turbo, and in tandem with the newly-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, we were able to achieve the same power output as the V8 while having better fuel efficiency.\nCompetitors such as BMW are already offering plug-in hybrid models with respectable electric-power range. What is the rationale of Lexus to only offer a self-charging hybrid system on the LS with lesser electric range? Does Lexus have any plans to offer plug-in hybrids?\nThe new LS incorporates the Multi-Stage Hybrid. With the conventional hybrid system, although it has great fuel consumption, in terms of feeling of drive, it was somewhat inferior because you step on the accelerator and then you can feel the rotation kicking in, and then only the acceleration would follow. With our multi-stage hybrid, the response is great and as a result, it is a fun driving experience \u2013 that was the first thing we did with this hybrid system.\nAs for future powertrains, we are looking into plug-ins, full-electric as well as fuel cells versions. We hope to be able to introduce these as we go forward.\nWould there be any change to the design of the spindle grille in the future?\nThe spindle grille a design icon for Lexus, just like what the kidney grille is to BMW. We believe that a design icon is something that should be used on a continual basis because that equates to the brand\u2019s character.\nWe live in a technology age where new things become outdated very quickly. Do you think that the craftmanship in Lexus is still as relevant and appreciated today as it was in 1989 when the first LS was launched?\nDifficult question. I had the opportunity to meet with many members of the press as well as customers during events in relation to the new LS. As far as users of luxury cars or those who have interest in them are concerned, they are very interested in the story behind the car \u2013 in how much work and effort has been put into it to come up with the final product. In that sense, Takumi craftsmanship is something that is appealing to them and we feel that when we talk about Takumi craftsmanship, you cannot separate it from the unique Japanese characteristics you find in \nOmotenashi\n (the Japanese spirit of hospitality) as well as traditional aesthetics \u2013 it is tied in with each other. And even though the world may change, the appreciation for these kinds of things remain unwavering and continues to be an appealing factor.\n(Toshio Asahi joined Toyota Motor Corporation in 1991 where he was an integral part of the team that designed and launched the first-generation Lexus sedan. In 1992, he was tasked with developing the smart key system for the third-generation LS and Toyota\u2019s first push-start system. In 2002, Asahi worked on the concept planning for the fourth-generation LS and thereafter on the fifth- and sixth-generation ES sedan where he took on the responsibilities as the Deputy Chief Engineer of those models. In 2014, Asahi assumed the position of Chief Engineer for the fifth-generation LS.)"
"Here it is, finally! Proton has now officially revealed the Proton X50 through its social media channels today morning, giving us a first look at both the exterior and interior of the hotly-anticipated SUV. Interestingly, the national carmaker intentionally left out the rear of the car in the photos, which means it still has not officially confirmed the name just yet. But come on, we all know what it\u2019s called, right?\nWith the model being based on the \nGeely Bin Yue\n, there are pretty much no surprises here in terms of look. Just like its \nelder X70 sibling\n, the Expanding Cosmos grille is replaced by Proton\u2019s signature Infinite Weave and Ethereal Bow motif, the latter being marked out with red accents to complement its sporty aesthetic.\nThe red accents can also be found on the front and rear brake calipers, as well as the interior upholstery. Other design highlights include an aggressive front lip splitter, sporty roof spoiler, as well as a blacked-out roof which houses the panoramic sunroof \u2013 something not seen too often on a vehicle in this segment.\nOn the inside, the Proton X50 pretty much inherits the entire design from its Chinese cousin, just flipped from left to right, along with the new Proton logo on the flat-bottom steering wheel. The digital instrument cluster should be standard across all variants, as well as the widescreen infotainment display running GKUI \u2013 which means of course, it\u2019ll be equipped with the now-iconic \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice assistant functionality.\nThe photo of the interior also shows off rear air-con vents behind the centre armrest, which is a feature not available in the global Bin Yue and Coolray (in the Philippines) models! Other features as far as we can see with in these photos include the electric parking brake, automatic air conditioning, and a radar and camera array for the advanced driver assistance features.\nProton has not revealed any further information just yet on its powertrain, but the X50 will most likely be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, sending \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that we first saw in the \nupdated CKD Proton X70\n.\nWith the first images now revealed, the official debut of the model should be coming very soon. Proton has also scheduled a media preview event on the 15th of September, so keep your eyes peeled and the refresh button ready on AutoBuzz.my as we bring you the latest news on probably the most anticipated model launch in Malaysia this year!\nGALLERY"
"The store is the first of its kind in Malaysia and will offer a complete range of Michelin tyres, including the ultra-high performance and racing tyres.\nAlong with this collaboration with SpeedLine Kota Damansara, Michelin now has a nationwide network of 124 Michelin-branded stores, 54 TyrePlus outlets and over 350 Michelin-authorised independent dealers.\n \nYou\u2019d be surprised how little most people care about their tyre\u2019s condition.\n\u201cOver the years, the trend for super sports cars and ultra-high-performance tuning in Malaysia has continued to rise, and we have seen an increase in demand for high performance tyres amongst consumers. The partnership with SpeedLine will allow us to provide our UHP products to this specific group of car enthusiasts who require tyres made for sport performance,\u201d said Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, Managing Director, Mr. Pascal Nouvellon.\nThis collaboration between Michelin and SpeedLine further solidifies Michelin\u2019s commitment to deliver uncompromising quality of service and products to its customers \u2013 particularly its exclusive Pilot Sport Series and racing tyres.\nSpeedLine is located at 31, Jalan PJU 5/18, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor and opens from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm."
"Volkswagen Group Malaysia launched the new Polo 1.6 CKD today, which was \npreviewed at the 2013 KLIMS\n last year. Together with DRB-HICOM, Volkswagen produces the third CKD model from at the local plant in Pekan, Pahang offering Malaysians a cheaper alternative to German made passenger cars. Priced at RM87,888, it is cheaper by RM27,000 than the Polo 1.2 CBU.\nQuick Facts:\n1.6L petrol injection 16-valve Multi Point Injection (MPI) engine\nMax power\u00a0104hp, Max torque 153Nm\nThird VW CKD model in Malaysia\n \nPriced at RM87,888\n \nSpecial launch price at RM85,888 for first 500 units\nThe D-segment VW Passat was the first CKD model in this country followed by Polo Sedan and now Polo 1.6 hatchback.\u00a0The significant difference between the Malaysian made Polo 1.6 and the German made Polo 1.2 is, the engine capacity, obviously. Powered by the same 1.6-liter MPI engine as the Polo Sedan CKD, it produces\u00a0the same amount of power as the turbocharged Polo 1.2.\nFrom the outside, the new Polo does have minor cosmetic changes to separate itself from the CBU model. The first thing you would notice is the chrome based headlights and the new additional foglights. Other new updates are the twin chrome bar front grille, 15-inch \u201cRiverside\u201d alloy wheels, front and rear fog lights,\u00a0new tailight design and manually adjustable halogen headlights.\u00a0The VW Polo 1.6 CKD comes in 5 different colors, Candy White, Flash Red, Pepper Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black.\nThe new hatchback now has a combination chrome, leather and fabric touches in the interior. Fabric upholstery and seats that comes with folding rear seats. Chrome surrounds for radio and light switches, AC panel and vents and steering wheel accent. Leather finishing for the gear knob, handbrake and multi-function leather steering wheel leather with tilt and telescopic adjust.\nOn safety aspect, VW installed dual front airbags, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS),\u00a0anti-pinch power windows in all four doors, ISOFIX\u00a0child seat anchor, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), Park Distance Control (PDC) and electronic vehicle immobilization device.\nEven though powered by a larger capacity engine, the new Polo produces the same power as the Polo 1.2 at maximum power of 104 horsepower, due to its non-turbo MPI engine. Fitted only with a standard 6-speed automatic gearbox, torque figure is not that impressive as well, 153Nm at 3,800 rpm. The CBU model peaks maximum torque of 175Nm at 1,550 to 4,100 rpm via its 7-speed DSG gearbox.\nVW Group Malaysia is offering a special launch price of RM85,888 for the first\u00a0500 vehicles.\u00a0So, test\u00a0drive the new Volkswagen Polo 1.6 CKD hatchback at all Volkswagen dealerships from 24th January onwards.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new 3S centre, owned by Ultra Gallant, joins 100 other such dealerships in Malaysia after its opening in Oakland Industrial Park, Seremban.\nThe new outlet, boasting a built-up area of 20,000 sq ft, is one of the biggest Proton 3S centres in the state and is surrounded by new malls and accessible by those from the Seremban 2 Township. Seremban.\n\u201cInvesting in the PROTON business has been the right decision from the start. With new product launches and expanding one-stop centres to fulfill customers\u2019 needs, the approach that Proton is taking seems to be delivering fruitful results,\u201d said Ultra Gallant, Managing Director, Mr. Khoo Kim Hong.\n\u201cAs dealers, we observe that the directions are clear. A car company will need good technologically driven cars to sell and Proton is certainly doing that. We hope with this new outlet we will contribute towards Proton\u2019s mission to steadily garner greater market share\u201d, he added.\nWith the opening of the new centre in Seremban, Proton has grown its lead over other automotive brands in having the most 3S/4S outlets and the results speak for themselves. Total sales for month ending July stood at 52,269 units compared to 35,561 in the same period last year, which equates to 47% growth in overall year-on-year sales\u201d, said Proton CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong."
"So, the \nMercedes-Benz E-Class W214\n first had TikTok built into its infotainment system, while the \nBMW 5 Series\n later gained a \ngaming system\n too. Guess what, \nAudi\n isn\u2019t letting itself fall behind, and is now integrating YouTube into its selected models.\nThe YouTube integration is possible thanks to a new app store embedded into Audi\u2019s infotainment system which allows customers to access popular third party apps via the vehicle\u2019s Multimedia Interface (MMI). Besides YouTube, apps that are enabled in the app store include music, video, gaming, navigation, weather, news, and more.\nWith the YouTube app, owners can view live streams, watch videos on the video streaming platform to entertain themselves while charging their Audi vehicle or during driving breaks. However, for obvious safety reasons, occupants can only play videos when the vehicle is parked.\nUsing the YouTube app is pretty simple, as it works just like the same app on a smartphone. Users can simply install the app via the app store without needing to take a detour using a smartphone.\nALSO WATCH:\n \n2023 Audi e-tron GT launched in Malaysia, from RM601k\nOnce installed, the app will appear in Audi\u2019s MMI, allowing users to launch it just by simply tapping the icon. YouTube Premium members will also be able to log in and watch ad-free content as usual.\nHow does the car access the internet to surf YouTube videos then, you may ask? A data link is established via an embedded SIM card that is permanently integrated in the car, which is then used to access third party apps such as YouTube.\nThe YouTube app will be available starting with selected models of Audi\u2019s 2024 model year equipped with the latest third-generation modular infotainment system (MIB 3). Specifically, these include the Audi A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7, A8, \nQ8 e-tron\n, and the \nAudi e-tron GT Quattro\n.\nThe app store will be optionally available with these models starting from their respective launch dates in markets such as Europe, Canada, and the US. The system will also be rolled out to other regions and models of other \nVolkswagen\n Group brands on a later date.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Audi Q8 e-tron, from RM398k with side-view cameras \u2013 5 Things\nGALLERY"
"Nissan has launched the all-new fifth generation Nissan Serena MPV, and the Japanese company has decided to hop onto autonomous technology. With this, the Serena now comes with ProPILOT technology.\nThe fifth-generation Serena has much sharper visuals, with the front sporting the familiar two-tier headlights seen on its predecessor. Nissan\u2019s\u00a0signature V-Motion grille is also visible at the front. The D-pillars are hidden, giving it that spacious vibe even when it\u2019s on the move.\n \n \nSpeaking about the interior, the dashboard has been redesigned with an infotainment touchscreen that is positioned at the centre console. The\u00a0zero gravity seats from the Nissan Teana is also offered in the new Serena\u2019s\u00a0first and second row seats, offering additional comfort for occupants.\nNot much information has been revealed on the\u00a0powertrain, but Nissan confirmed that the S-Hybrid unit will be retained, albeit slightly improved. Expect the similar\n 2.0-litre MR20DD four-cylinder twin-CVTC\n\u00a0outputting\n\u00a0144 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque (same as the current Serena S-Hybrid) offered by Edaran Tan Chong Motors Malaysia.\nThe petrol lump works together with the ECO\u00a0electric motor that assists acceleration and operates the Idling Stop System. Part of its effort to improve fuel economy is also the\u00a0 Xtronic CVT gearbox as well.\nHowever, the new Serena\u2019s party trick is Nissan\u2019s all new\u00a0autonomous drive technology, \nProPILOT\n. The system automatically engages the accelerator, brakes, and steering when driving on the highway, in both heavy and flowing traffic. Safety features are decent as it\u2019s equipped with Nissan\u2019s emergency braking system, Lane Departure Warning, Around View Monitor and Smart Rearview Mirror, as well as Intelligent Park Assist.\nOrder books for the new Serena MPV in Japan will be opened by the end of August 2016, with the base pricing beginning at \n\uffe53 million\n (approximately\u00a0\nRM114k+\n based on today\u2019s rates). Back at home, ETCM offers the fourth-generation Serena S-Hybrid from \nRM132,978.59\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Watch out, Tesla. Shanghai-based EV maker Nio has just unveiled the firm\u2019s first-ever sedan \u2013 the ET7 \u2013 at the Nio Day 2020 (don\u2019t ask, we don\u2019t know either) event this past Saturday, and it looks every bit as impressive as it is on a technical level.\nIn terms of dimensions, the Nio ET7 is similar, if not just a touch larger than the \nTesla Model S\n. At the front, the ET7 features Nio\u2019s signature \u201cX-Bar\u201d design language with the double-dash daytime-running lights up top separated from the main beam below (think Mitsubishi).\nBeing an electric car, the entire front fascia is also almost devoid of any air intakes, with only one at the bottom to help cool the batteries. The smooth lines, paired to the fastback-styled silhouette, resulted in an overall drag coefficient of just \n0.23 Cd\n!\nJust like the Tesla Model S, the Nio ET7 also features the self-retracting door handles to help smoothen air flow. Moving to the rear, Nio\u2019s \u201cheartbeat\u201d tail lights now extends across the entire width of the car, and features a 3D \u201ccrystal-like\u201d effect.\nInside, the Nio ET7 once again takes on the standard EV formula with a minimalist cabin, headlined by a portrait 12.8-inch AMOLED centre screen powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon\u2019s Automotive Cockpit Platform System on Chip (SoC), which supports\u00a05G, V2X, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6 and Ultra Wide Band (UWB) connectivity technologies.\nThe ET7 also features Nio\u2019s cute Nomi digital assistant, taking the form of an orb placed smack-centre on top of the dashboard. Aside from the digital eyes, the AI-powered digital assistant also comes with a\u00a0four microphone arrays and a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) core for enhanced voice recognition and accurate sound localization, where it will be able to detect which passenger issued the command.\nThe \u201csecond living room\u201d concept of the ET7\u2019s interior also features the Karuun renewable rattan material on its trim pieces, while the air vents are hidden neatly in a slit right above the full-width trim piece \u2013 just like the ones on the \nTesla Model 3\n. Other standard equipment on the interior include a\u00a023-speaker surround sound system, smart fragrance and air filtration system, and heated, ventilated, and massage seats for all seats.\nGood looks and tech isn\u2019t the only thing that the Nio ET7 has going for it either. Underneath all that bling, the sleek sedan is built on a lightweight steel and aluminium chassis, and is powered by two electric motors \u2013 one on each axle.\nThe front permanent magnet motor is rated for an output of 180 kW, while the larger motor at the rear is capable of generating up to 300 kW of output. Combined, the Nio ET7 makes a peak output of \n653 hp\n (480 kW) and \n850 Nm\n of torque, enough to propel the electric sedan to 100 km/h from a standstill in just \n3.9 seconds\n.\nBut of course, fast acceleration times aren\u2019t the be-all, end-all in a luxury sedan like this. In that sense, the ET7 is equipped with a \u201csmart air suspension and continuous damping control\u201d set up, which even ties in with the navigation system and on-board sensors to adjust the damping forces on the fly, resulting in a smoother ride over bumpy roads.\nThe Nio ET7 will be offered in three different battery configurations, starting with a 70 kWh pack that boasts a range of over 500 km (based on the NEDC test cycle), followed by a 100 kWh configuration with a 700 km range. Step up to the range-topping 150 kWh version, and the Nio ET7 can supposedly drive \u201c\nover 1,000 km\n\u201d without charging!\nWhile the range is impressive, Nio customers who despise charging vehicles can also make use of Nio\u2019s battery swap service, with special battery stations nationwide allowing drivers to switch out their depleted batteries for a freshly-charged pack, avoiding charging times completely.\nThe Nio ET7 also features a range of advanced driver assistance features, including the Nio Autonomous Driving (NAD) full-stack autonomous driving capability. The NAD system is fed with real-time data coming from 33 high-performance sensing units, built into an aerodynamic package on top of the front windshield, capable of generating 8 GB of data per second!\nTo process the huge amount of data, the ET7\u2019s brain \u2013 affectionately called Adam \u2013 features four Nvidia Drive Orin SoCs totalling to a 1,016 TOPS of computing power to ensure all mission-critical functions are carried out in an instant.\nThe Nio ET7 also features Brembo-powered brakes!\nPrices for the Nio ET7 starts from \nRMB448,000 (~RM279k)\n for the 70 kWh version. Customers looking to make use of the battery-switching BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) plan can enjoy the Nio ET7 at a reduced price of RMB378,000 (~RM236k), though a monthly battery fee applies.\nTaking a page out of several leading carmakers, the full functions of the NAD are also only offered through a monthly subscription service, priced at RMB680/month (~RM420). The Nio ET7 is now available for pre-order in China via the Nio mobile app, with deliveries estimated to begin Q1 2022."
"Volkswagen Motorsport has for the first time, built their first racing car that\u2019s based on the Mk7 Golf. The concept race car shares the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine of the \nR\n\u2018s, but is tuned to produce over 330 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque!\nThis seemingly track-ready Golf is built in compliance with the Touringcar Racer International Series\u2019 (TCR) regulations and is created to help Volkswagen evaluate a \npotential customer racing programme\n for the 2016 season onwards.\n \n \nDirector of Volkswagen Motorsport, Jost Capito said, \u201cThe newly created TCR category provides a promising platform for customer racing \u2013 on a national and international level. With exciting races, production-based technology and reasonable costs, it offers a new outlook for private racing teams.\u201d\nSo, what does the TCR-spec Golf entail? Several obvious tweaks, really. Like the multi-spoke \n18-inch racing wheels\n, a chassis that\u2019s \n400mm wider\n than \na stock Golf\n, an obscenely large aerodynamically designed front and rear bumper finished off with a\n carbon fibre rear spoiler\n. Being a full blown racer, the cabin comes with a\u00a0\nracing seat with head protectors\n, \nracing safety cell\n and a\n safety tank\n that adheres to FIA\u2019s regulations.\nDespite getting the \nGolf R\u2019s engine\n (co-developed with SEAT), this Golf TCR is a \nfront-wheel drive\n machine that is fitted with a\n\u00a0six-speed DSG gearbox with paddle shifters\n mounted on the steering wheel. As it is right now, there are no performance figures made available, but it will easily crush the Golf R\u2019s century sprint time of 5.0 seconds by quite a margin.\nTo accelerate development, the concept race car will be put through\u00a0competitive conditions in the remaining races at the International TCR series. Two of the Golf TCRs will be managed by the highly experienced Liqui Moly Team Engstler.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"At last weekend\u2019s Goodwood SpeedWeek, McLaren Automotive debuted the Elva Gulf Theme by the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) department which celebrates the renewed relationship between McLaren and the Gulf Oil brand.\nMcLaren and Gulf recently confirmed a new partnership that renews their union which dates back to the 1960s; a decade when both companies made their first forays into motorsport. Gulf branding appeared on McLaren\u2019s Can-Am, Formula 1 and Indy cars from 1968 to 1973. Two decades later, McLaren\u2019s F1 GTRs carried the famous Gulf livery in global GT racing, including the 24 hours of Le Mans. Under the new partnership, McLaren Automotive customers will have the opportunity to commission Gulf-liveried cars directly from MSO.\n\u201cThe McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO is a striking celebration of both McLaren\u2019s history in sports car racing and our new partnership with Gulf Oil. McLaren Special Operations is committed to pushing the boundaries of the \u2018art of the possible\u2019 and projects like this showcase the increasingly extensive range of personalisation options we can offer customers \u2013 in this case, enhancing the authenticity of the livery by incorporating Gulf brand logos into the design,\u201d McLaren Special Operations, Managing Director, Ansar Ali.\nThe \n1.4 million pound Elva\n makes 815 hp and 800 Nm from a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, capable of hitting 100 km/h from standstill in under three seconds and takes just 6.7 seconds to complete a 0 to 200 km/h run.\nIts production numbers, however, have been the topic of scrutiny. McLaren started off by announcing that \n399 units would be made\n but proceeded to \nrevise that figure to 249 units\n. Now, they\u2019re \nonly making 149 units\n of the Ultimate Series roadster, making it one of the rarest McLarens ever produced. McLaren says that each car will have its own unique identity with an almost limitless degree of personalisation.\nGALLERY"
"After the launch of the brand\u2019s first fully-electric car \u2013 \nXC40 Recharge\n, Volvo President and CEO, Hakan Samuelsson revealed that he expects the Swedish carmaker to move towards a fully-electric future within the next 20 years.\u00a0\nIn a brief exchange with \nAutocar\n, Samuelsson said that it is only a matter of time when the brand will become an all-electric firm. However, he says that \u201cThe ones who will decide [the timing] in the end are the customers.\n\u201cThe higher the percentage of all-electric cars the faster we will shut down the combustion engine [programme]. If only a small percent [of sales] are combustion engines we will probably stop faster,\u201d he added.\nSamuelsson also highlighted Volvo\u2019s vision to become carbon neutral by 2040, noting \u201cthat would be impossible if you still have combustion engines. Let\u2019s see if that vision comes true.\u201d\nCurrently, the Geely-owned carmaker has not revealed any information on the upcoming EV models following the XC40 Recharge. However, Volvo is committed to offer electric versions of its existing models.\u00a0\nIn order to achieve their target of \n50% EV sales by 2025\n, Volvo has developed platforms such as the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform used in the XC40, which can be adapted for both internal combustion and electric powertrains.\nVolvo is also working on the new version of its larger platform, dubbed the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which is expected to be unveiled in the next-generation XC90 in 2021."
"Following the commencement of the \nConditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)\n from the 4th of May, BMW Group Malaysia has announced that \nselected BMW service centres\n have now resumed operation. The service centres will be operating on an \nappointment-only basis\n during the CMCO period.\nThe company reassures that the health and safety of its customers is of utmost importance. Strict hygiene measures are in place at all operating premises, in line with requirements introduced by the Ministry of Health.\nBMW Service Centres in operation during CMCO, as of 8 May.\nAll individuals \u2013 including employees \u2013 entering BMW service centres will be subject to temperature screening. Customers or staff with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed into the premise.\nSocial distancing measures will also be implemented at the premises, maintaining a minimum of 1 metre distance between individuals at all time. Last but not least, all touch points in the premises will be disinfected daily.\nBMW Malaysia did not mention the resumption of operations for sales outlets in this statement, though BMW authorised dealer Auto Bavaria has \nannounced separately\n that it has also resumed its sales operations since the 4th of May 2020.\nThe\n BMW 530 e M Sport\n.\nIn any case, customers can still shop for a BMW through the recently-introduced \nBMW Shop Online and BMW Engage services\n. As part of the \nUnplug & Play\n campaign, the \nBMW 530 e Sport\n and \n530 e M Sport\n are available with interest rates starting from 0%, and cash rebates of RM10,000 and RM20,000 respectively.\nTo celebrate the launch of the new online platform, all purchases made through the BMW Shop Online can also stand a chance to win a brand-new \nBMW i8 Coupe\n."
"The Government, in line with their \nelection manifestos\n which they pledged upon since taking seat after the 13th General Election, says their commitment to ensure that prices of imported cars will be reduced by up to \n30% \u00a0\nis well on track, according to a report by \nThe Star\n.\nThe plan to reduce car prices over a five-year period is also part of what forms the 2014 National Automotive Policy (NAP), and according to the CEO of the \nMalaysian Automotive Institute\n (MAI) Mohamad Madani Sahari, last year saw an average drop of \n4.9 percent\n in car prices, whereas several vehicles recorded a more significant decrease this year, between \n9 to 29\n percent.\nTwo good examples on the subject would be the recently announced \nCivic facelift\n\u00a0and the \nPerodia Axia\n, with the latter carrying a starting price tag of RM24,600.\nDebates on whether or not the Government is staying true to their manifesto is wide and rampant, and a large portion of this dispute is comprised of people wanting immediate results. In this case, an overnight reduction of car prices.\nInternational Trade and Industry\u2019s Deputy Minister, Datuk Hamim Samuri addressed the concerns by saying that the best way to go about reducing car prices is if it\u2019s \ndone gradually\n and over a few years\u2019 period. This way, the used car industry will not suffer from the reduced profit margin.\n\u201cIf car prices are to be drastically reduced, then consumers will turn their focus to buying a new car instead,\u201d Datuk Hamim added.\nPicture sourced from \nThe Star Online\nAs for the implementation of GST, Madani said most car prices should drop by \n1 to 2 percent\n. MAI earlier revised their 2014 Total Industry Volume (TIV) to 670,000 units this year, and they are expecting vehicle sales to hit the\u00a0\n700,000 \nmark\n\u00a0\nnext year.\nLuxury grey import vehicles on the other hand, will not benefit from the price reduction."
"A group of 11 e-hailing drivers in Seberang Perai, Penang, were nabbed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in a crackdown operation for deceiving passengers.\nPhoto:\n JPJ Pulau Pinang/Facebook\nAccording to a report by \nBernama\n, these drivers are charging a higher fare than shown on the mobile app, or even worse, not using the app at all when ferrying customers.\nAirAsia is launching a new ride-hailing service with a fleet of Toyota Alphards and Vellfires. Learn more about it here.\n\u201cDuring the operation, 14 vehicles were inspected and drivers of 11 vehicles were caught using the app price guide but not pressing the \u2018accept button\u2019 after passengers had agreed to the fare,\u201d said JPJ Penang director Adenan Md Isa.\n\u201cThis would mean they won\u2019t have to pay the 20% commission to the app company,\u201d he added, saying that some drivers even raise the price by up to RM20 than what was shown on the app.\nPhoto:\n JPJ Pulau Pinang/Facebook\nThe drivers are stopped during the \nOps Khas E-Hailing Haram\n conducted on June 23 and 29, 2021, outside the Covid-19 Low-Risk Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC) in Jawi and Seberang Perai Selatan district police headquarters (IPD SPS).\nCan\u2019t find a ride? Here are four alternatives you can opt for.\nAccording to JPJ Pulau Pinang, the operations are carried out following complaints from ride-hailing users. The illegal e-hailing drivers would target those who have just received their Covid-19 vaccines, or completed their quarantine at the PKRC in Jawi, Penang.\nPhoto:\n JPJ Pulau Pinang/Facebook\nThe 11 drivers will be investigated under Section 12(5)(D) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, and if found to be guilty, will be fined between RM1,000 and RM200,000, or jailed for not more than two years, or both.\nThe department said that it will continue holding such operations, and action will be taken against ride-hailing drivers who flout the rules and laws that have been set for public interest.\nPhoto:\n JPJ Pulau Pinang/Facebook\nTimes are tough, so it\u2019s understandable that people are trying to earn income wherever they can \u2013 but that shouldn\u2019t be an excuse to cheat or deceive others for your own benefit. Everyone is going through similar struggles right now, and it\u2019s only when we do our part to help each other that we can all get over the pandemic and rebuild our lives. \nKita jaga kita\n."
"In conjunction with the launch of the all-new, fifth generation Subaru Forester, Motor Image, official distributors of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia also showed off its remodeled showroom in Seksyen 51a.\nThe new showroom has been updated with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) for a more engaging experience.\nWith AR, customers will be able to have a preview of the Subaru range in different colours and trim levels. A VR headset on the other hand will allow customers to have a 360-degree view of any of the Subaru range \u2013 no more having to go to different showrooms to view a specific model!\nThe updated showroom now also comes with a dedicated play area for children and a comprehensive range of Subaru merchandise and accessories to keep you and your wallet \u201cbusy\u201d while your car is being serviced.\nThe Motor Image Subaru showroom is located at No. 10, Jalan 51a/223, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor."
"The \nBMW M2\n, otherwise known as the true spiritual successor to the original E30 M3, will be given a refresher in the coming months. But even before that, we managed to catch a glimpse on how the M2 facelift will look like, no thanks to a certain \nsomebody\n who uploaded the images in BMW\u2019s Belgian website by mistake!\nThe pictures you see here were taken by German-based BMW fansite, Bimmer Today, but were quickly contacted by BMW to have them images removed. Needless to say, the damage has already been done. Either way, you\u2019ve got to really know the M2 inside out to be able to tell the differences.\nThe facelifted M2 by and large retains the same imposing stance, but if you look closely the tail lamps have been redesigned. Up front, the most notable change is none other than the headlamps, updated to suit the latest CI. As always with a facelift exercise, some minor interior touches are expected.\u00a0\nMechanically, the M2 will retain the \n3.0-litre straight six turbocharged\u00a0\nengine\u00a0that pushes out\n 370 hp\n and \n465 Nm\n of torque. The engine can deploy an extra 50 Nm in overboost. With\u00a0the\u00a0\nseven-speed M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic\n, the 0-100 km/h is managed in\n 4.3 seconds \nwith an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. To the delight of purists, a six-speed manual is available as well, but is 0.2 seconds slower in the century sprint.\nExpect a worldwide release of the updated M2 soon! In Malaysia, \nBMW is offering the M2\n \u2013 albeit in very limited quantities \u2013 for a cool RM499k!\nSource: \nBimmer Today"
"Volvo Cars\n has taken a huge step towards the production of electric vehicles by making investments for in-house designing and development of electric motors.\nThe company has opened a brand new electric motor lab in Shanghai, China, the latest addition to its global network of facilities for the development and testing of electric car components. The lab adds to the e-motor development currently taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden and state-of-the-art battery labs in China and Sweden.\nThe newly opened electric motor lab in Shanghai will mainly focus on electric motor development for use in fully electric and hybrid cars based on Volvo Cars\u2019 forthcoming SPA2 modular vehicle architecture.\nFollowing the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Volvo vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n.\nWith in-house development, Volvo\u2019s engineers will not only be able to further optimise electric motors but the entire electric driveline in future Volvos. This approach will allow engineers to work on improving energy efficiency and overall performance.\n\u201cThrough in-house design and development, we can fine-tune our e-motors to ever better levels,\u201d said Volvo Cars, Chief Technology Officer, Henrik Green.\nThe investments in e-motor design and development further cement Volvo Cars\u2019 climate conservation ambitions and electrification strategy. By 2025, the company is targeting \n50% of its sales to be made up of electric cars\n, while the rest are at the very least, hybrid vehicles. By 2040, Volvo Cars aim to be a climate-neutral company.\nFor more Volvo related news, click \nhere\n!"
"Proton\n has introduced a new 1.5L TGDi Premium X variant to its 2023 \nX70 \noffering, after previously discontinuing the variant as part of its mid life-cycle \u201cminor change\u201d update last year.\nPriced at \nRM126,800\n on-the-road, without insurance, the new Proton X70 1.5L TGDi Premium X comes in at RM3,000 more than the Premium variant, but RM2,000 less than the 1.8L TGDi Premium. Uniquely, it\u2019ll also be offered \u2013 for a limited time \u2013 in an exclusive Quartz Black exterior colour that was previously only reserved for government entities, in addition to Space Grey and Snow White.\nJust like its predecessor, the RM3,000 premium you\u2019ll be paying for the new 2023 Proton X70 1.5L TGDi Premium X is essentially just for an additional powered sunroof. Before this, the sunroof is only available on the range-topping 1.8 TGDi Premium variant.\nOtherwise, the rest of the car pretty much shares its equipment list with the Premium variant, which includes several creature comfort niceties such as the 19-inch alloy wheels, brown Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a hands-free powered tailgate.\nUnderneath the bonnet is also the same 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine as most of its other siblings, making \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels only on this variant, via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\nThe century sprint time for the 1.5-litre models are rated at\n 9.8 seconds\n, or 0.3 seconds slower than the 1.8L TGDi Premium. However, Proton says that the newer powertrain also results in a 7% improvement in fuel efficiency.\nWATCH: \n2022 Proton X70 1.5TGDi Premium 2WD review \u2013 3-cylinder brilliance?\nAs for safety, the new 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium X will come equipped with a suite of active driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor, and intelligent high beam.\nJust like the Premium variant, the new Premium X will also come equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as four front parking sensors (the Executive variant only gets two, while the Standard variant does not get front parking sensors).\nFor more information on the Proton X70, do check out our detailed coverage \nhere\n."
"The people at \nVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) \nmust be frequent users of the \u2018Tinder\u2019 dating app to be mooting this cheeky online contest where participants can score a \n3-day 2-night weekend stay\n at the new W Hotel and enjoy an \u2018indulgent couples massage\u2019, compliments of AWAY Spa by W Kuala Lumpur. And of course, the \nthe use of a Volkswagen\n over the period.\nSo here\u2019s what you need to do: \nclick here to access the \u2018Score a fling\u2019 contest\n page, select your favourite Volkswagen model and once paired, a \u2018flirtatious\u2019 chatbot will take over. The chatbot will invite you to \u2018impress\u2019 it with a \npick-up line\n, and then you\u2019ll be asked to \nchoose a Volkswagen dealer\n to test drive the model that you\u2019ve picked.\nAs for the pick-up line, give it your lustiest effort and thereafter \ncomplete the test drive\n at the dealership to put yourself in the running for the \u2018Score a fling\u2019 contest.\nThe contest runs from \n9\nth\n to 29\nth\n February \nwith the winner to be announced in \nMarch \nvia Volkswagen\u2019s social platforms. Additionally, VPCM is also offering overnight test drives to potential VW buyers over the course of the campaign."
"The Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg authorities has approved the Automated Valet Parking in the Mercedes-Benz Museum parking garage in Stuttgart. It\u2019s a collaboration between Bosch and Daimler, which has resulted in the world\u2019s first fully automated driverless parking facility.\nThe pilot project started a couple of years back under the watchful eyes of the German certification authority \nT\u00dcV Rheinland\n from the outset, to ensure the \nsafety\n of the driverless parking service.\nWith the parking garage infrastructure supplied by \nBosch\n and automotive technology by \nMercedes-Benz\n, all the driver has to do is to drive into the parking garage, get out of the car, use the \napp from a smartphone\n to send the car to a parking space, and the car will drive itself to a designated parking space.\nConveniently, the car can also be called upon by using the smartphone app and it will drive itself back to the drop-off point to be collected by the driver.\nTo make this possible, the parking garage is fitted with \nsensors\n by Bosch that communicates with the car, allowing the car to manoeuvre itself within the garage.\nTurquoise lighting\n indicates that the car is in \nautomated driving mode\n and informs passers-by and other road users that the car is driving itself. If the infrastructure sensors detect an obstacle, the car stops immediately.\nDr. Markus Heyn, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH says, \u201cDriverless driving and parking are important building blocks for tomorrow\u2019s mobility. The automated parking system shows just how far we have already progressed along this development path.\u201d\n\u201cAs a pioneer in automated driving, our project paves the way for automated valet parking to go into mass production in the future.\u201d, added Dr. Michael Hafner, the head of drive technologies and automated driving at Daimler AG.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Just slightly over a year since making its \ninternational debut\n, Sime Darby Auto Performance has now brought the pure Porsche driving experience into Malaysia with the launch of the all-new 718 Cayman GT4 today alongside the \n718 Spyder\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnlike the Cayman GT4 of old, powering the all-new 718 Cayman GT4 is four litres of naturally-aspirated goodness in the hallmark flat-six configuration, derived from the 911 Carrera family, paired to a six-speed manual transmission to preserve the pure driving experience.\nEngine: 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed flat-six\nTransmission: Six-speed manual\nDrivetrain: Mid engine, rear-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 420 hp at 7,600 RPM\nMax torque: 420Nm at 5,000-6,800 RPM\ntop-speed: 304 km/h\nThe GT4 is equipped with the high-performance GT chassis, consisting of lighweight spring-strut front and rear axles \u2013 a technology inherited from motorsports, as well as adjustable ride height, camber, toe angle, and anti-roll bars.\nThe Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is also standard here with the sports setup and 30 mm suspensions, bringing the centre of gravity of the 718 Cayman GT4 significantly closer to the ground, thus improving lateral body dynamics.\nThe cornering ability of the GT4 is further helped by the Porsche Torque Vectoring system with a mechanical rear differential lock, paired to specially-developed ultra high performance (UHP) tyres developed by Michelin and Dunlop to ensure optimum grip.\nAs for stopping power, the GT4 is equipped with large aluminium monobloc fixed calliper brakes, which Porsche says is suitable for track driving thanks to its ventilated and perforated design for optimum cooling. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is also available as options.\nEXTERIOR\nAs a track performance-oriented sports car, Porsche has put in significant work on the aerodynamics of the new Cayman GT4, claiming to produce 50% more downforce without adversely affecting the overall drag of the car.\nThese improvements include a new GT style front section with a a large front spoiler lip and air curtains, as well as a single-chamber arch rear silencer area, forming a functional diffuser which accounts for 30% of the downforce at the rear axle.\nThe fixed rear wing at the back has also redesigned for a better efficiency, and now produces approximately 20% more downforce compared to its predecessor \u2013 equivalent to an extra 12 kg of downforce at 200 km/h.\nOther exterior highlights include:\nNew honeycomb air intake grilles\nFixed one-piece rear wing with side plates and aluminium wing supports\n20-inch wheels\nSide blades with recessed GT4 lettering\nDark-tinted front lights\ntwin black tailpipes\nAs standard, the all-new 718 Cayman GT4 also comes equipped with the sports exhaust system, allowing you to enjoy the true naturally-aspirated boxer sound at maximum volume with a single press of a button.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the GT4 still maintains the overall cabin design of the 718 family. Notable interior highlights include a GT Steering wheel, black interior package with brushed aluminium trims and decorative contrast stitching, as well as the \u201cmotorsports-inspired\u201d fabric pull loops door handles.\nFor the track day fans, the GT4 can also be optioned with a Clubsport package, which include a rear steel roll bar, hand-held fire extinguisher, and a six-point harness for the driver.\nPRICING\nThe all-new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is now available in Malaysia starting at \nRM999,000.00\n a pop. But as is usual for a Porsche, a myriad of options are available for selection. For that, more information can be found on the Porsche dealers\u2019 website \nhere\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Rolls-Royce has yet again created a special collection made up of the \nWraith and Dawn\n, to pay tribute to Captain George Eyston, once the fastest man on the earth, and his passion for speed.\nFind out more about the Roll-Royce Wraith and Dawn in Malaysia here!\nThe Dawn Landspeed Collection\nIn the late 1930s, Eyston \nbroke the land speed record three times\n on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA. The first two were 24-hour and 48-hour endurance speed records. Eyston\u2019s third and final land speed record of \n357.497 mph (575 km/h)\n on the 16 km course stood for 341 days.\nThese incredible records were broken in his car aptly named \u201cThunderbolt\u201d. It was fitted with three axles, eight wheels and weighed seven tonnes \u2013 earning nicknames such as \u2018behemoth\u2019.\nAn artist impression of the Thunderbolt.\nThe Thunderbolt was powered by a pair of 37-litre supercharged V12 Rolls-Royce aero engines with over \n2,000 horsepower\n. Only 19 of these engines were ever made.\nThey\u2019re so rare that the engines are now being preserved at the Royal Air Force Museum in London. The car itself has been destroyed along with wool that caught fire in a storage in 1946.\nNow, in order to revive the 80-year-old memories of the man and his incredible feats, both the Wraith and Dawn feature design elements with a story to tell.\nThe Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII is not just a car, but a tribute to mankind\u2019s achievement. Only 1 in Malaysia, out of 50 worldwide! Check it out here!\nThe cars are finished with a specially created two tone finish, with a blend of Black Diamond Metallic and a new bespoke colour called Bonneville Blue. The effect is a colour that \nswitches from light blue to silver \nto illustrate the vast skies over the Bonneville Salt Flats.\nInside, the clock on the dashboard comes with \u201c357.497 mph\u201d and \u201cBonneville\u201d engravings to pay tribute to where the record was set.\nAhead of the front passenger is a panel that mimics the surface of the salt flats while the surface of the centre console is etched with the speed and date of the three land speed records. The salt flat surface is also featured on the centre console.\nDue to the salt flats\u2019 vast and open space, it was incredibly difficult to know if you were going straight as Eyston recounted:\n\u201c\nOn the salt bed, which has to be carefully prepared by dragging, we paint one or more black lines along the whole length. These lines act as guides and prevent the driver straying; for errors of a few feet in steering might culminate in disastrous results. You see, you might drive a few feet away from the absolute line, something else might happen and you get a few feet more and, believe me, you will never get back\n\u201d.\nIn response to this, Eyston\u2019s team painted darkened track lines on the salt surface as a reference. This simple yet ingenious idea is now immortalised on the steering on the Landspeed Collection cars; with perforated details on the upper section of the steering and along the centre of the seats.\nOnly in the Dawn Landspeed Collection.\nThere\u2019s also an outline of the Silver Island Mountains that served as a background for the salt flats is engraved between the front seats although it\u2019s \nonly for the Dawn units \nof the collection.\nAs the Thunderblot was unpainted, its bright silver aluminium body could not be detected by photo-electric timing equipment. You can imagine what it\u2019s like \u2013 a silver car in a bright white surrounding.\nTo counter this, Eyston painted a large black arrow with a yellow circle on the side to improve the car\u2019s visibility. As such, bright yellow accents can be seen all over the interior and exterior of the car. The black-tipped hands on the clock are also inspired by the arrows painted on the car\u2019s exterior.\nDuring his lifetime, George Eyston received three significant honours. He was awarded the Military Cross (MC) while serving in the Great War and in 1938, after his record-breaking runs with Thunderbolt, he was made a Chevalier of the L\u00e9gion d\u2019honneur, France\u2019s highest civilian decoration. In 1948, he received the Order of the British Empire (OBE).\nAs the colour combination of these ribbons are \ndisplayed on the driver\u2019s door \nand is made in the same Grosgrain weave silk as the original medal ribbons. What in the world.\nThe arm rests in the centre and on doors are specially padded for the \u201cclub armchair feel\u201d, similar to how Eyston liked it in his Thunderbolt.\nLast but not least, like the Wraith Eagle VIII, the Starlight Headliner also tells a story. It\u2019s a perfect recreation of the night sky at the Bonneville Salt Flats on the 16th of September 1938, the day Eyston set his third and final record.\nThe constellations are precisely marked using 2,117 individually placed fibre-optic \u2018stars\u2019, the \nlargest number of stars ever fitted \ninto the headliner of a Rolls-Royce Wraith.\nProduction of the Rolls-Royce Landspeed Collection cars is strictly limited to just 25 examples of Dawn and 35 of Wraith, all of which have already been allocated to customers.\nGALLERY"
"It is only natural that we oppose rules that restrict our freedom of choice, but when it also concerns the potential loss of life and well-being of others on the road, it warrants debate and deeper scrutiny, which is why we think \nVolvo\u2019s decision to limit the top speed\n of all its cars to 180 km/h by 2020 may find more supporters than detractors, even if we don\u2019t necessarily agree to it from an enthusiast standpoint.\nSome would no doubt argue that speed alone doesn\u2019t kill, and that bad drivers who make bad decisions do, but like it or not, speed is almost always a contributing factor in serious road accidents \u2013 it cannot be removed from the equation.\nIf the law can\u2019t keep speeds in check, carmakers may have to take action.\nOf course, there will be supporting data showing how Germany allows derestricted stretches of highway and is no worse for wear, but many fail to recognise that very few countries around the world are like Germany when it comes to drivers\u2019 education or having a road network that\u2019s safer and more conducive for driving.\nLimiting top speed isn\u2019t to be equated with cars that are less exciting to drive either. Since 1988, Japanese manufacturers have voluntarily capped the top speed of the majority of cars sold in Japan at 180 km/h, yet the country still gave us iconic performance models such as Nissan GT-R, Honda Civic Type R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Maybe that\u2019s why Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world while Malaysia is ranked 67\nth\n, according to the World Health Organisation."
"Mazda Malaysia, in collaboration with RHB Investment Bank Berhad presented two lucky winners with grand prizes worth more than RM200,000 at the end of the \u201c2018/19 Trade & Win 3.0 Campaign.\u201d\nBoth Tan Poh Cheok and Jang Peir Boon, walked home with a Mazda2 SkyActiv and Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv respectively.\n \nThe grand prize-winning duo were among 232 other winners from the campaign who walked away with vouchers for electrical appliances, holiday packages and rewards points from AirAsia BIG Points.\nThe campaign which lasted over a year, between 1st of July 2018 to 30th of June 2019 was targeted at RHB Investment Bank\u2019s new and existing customers and received overwhelming response with more than 20 million entries over the last 12 months."
"Rolls-Royce pulled a shocker when they unveiled the latest model to their range of luxurious people-mover. Enter the Dawn, a model whose inspiration can be traced back to the 1950s. Back then, the Silver Dawn Drogheda is regarded by many as one of the most exquisitely built drop-tops to bear the famed Spirit of Ecstasy, and only 28 examples were ever built.\nRolls-Royce\u2019s adoptive parents, BMW would certainly hope that more than just 28 examples of the Dawn will see the light of day. Roller is hailling the rag-top model as \nthe sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built.\u00a0\nThe Dawn represents the marque\u2019s attempt at\u00a0capturing a younger\u00a0audience base. On that note, Rolls might just be pushing the boat a little too far out, we presume.\nThe Dawn is essentially based on the homogenisation of both of Roller\u2019s \u2018cheaper\u2019 models, namely the \nGhost\n and \nWraith\n. That being said, Rolls are adamant that \nalmost every part\n \nof the Dawn is new\n, or about\u00a0\n80 percent\n to be precise. Even the \ntyres\n are new. The rag-top was of special diligence. With the \ntop up\n, it\u2019s just as \nsilent\n as the \nWraith\n and will drop its top in utter silence, they claim. It takes\u00a0just\u00a0\n22 seconds\n\u00a0for it to retract and can be done at speeds of up to \n50 km/h\n.\nIn regards to the design of this stunning droptop, Rolls-Royce set out to sketch and build the most beautiful convertible in Roller\u2019s\u00a0modern history books.\u00a0In doing so, they have done a few key things to the Dawn would eventually earn its status as a sporty Rolls-Royce. Say what?   To do this, the\n wind shield\n is \nraked further\n backwards to give it a \nsleeker profile\n. The signature \ngrille\n has been \nrecessed slightly\n to accentuate just that. Even the lines that flow the length of the car\n\u00a0converge\n at the \ngrille\n. Director of Design, \nGiles Taylor\n\u00a0said from the inception of design, the Dawn was to be superb with its top up and equally as stunning with the top down. Mind you, this Roller will \nseat four\n in unparalleled\n luxury \nand\n space\n.\nSpeaking of luxury or as some say, the true business end of a Roller, is on the inside.\u00a0The Rolls-Royce Dawn offers \nfour\n very individual, cosseting\n bucket-ish\n seats. The vehicle is a full four seater, meaning there would be absolutely no compromise in comfort regardless of where you sit. To give it the Roller touch, all seats are wrapped in the most supple of \nbull\u2019s hide\n\u00a0and in an array of colours. The example pictured here is dubbed simply as \u2018\nMandarin\n\u2018.   Pin-drop silence is great and all, but it just isn\u2019t for everyone. Thankfully, they have thrown in a \n16-speaker\n stereo on this ultra-luxurious drop top. With the help of British audio firm \nBespoke Audio\n, they\u2019ve come up with a perfect \nacoustically tuned\n interior that projects a \u2018\nlarger-than-life\n\u2018 experience. The stereo here is mightily similar to the one found in the \nWraith\n.\nThe beating heart and soul of this Roller \u00a0is the rather familiar \n6.6-litre\n twin-turbocharged \nV12\n \u00a0whisper-quiet powertrain. We only know what it makes \u2013\u00a0\n563 bhp\n at 5,250 rpm and\u00a0\n780 Nm \nof torque at 1,500 rpm. In typical Rolls-Royce fashion, its century sprint time hasn\u2019t been revealed, but it will top out at a maximum speed of\u00a0\n250 km/h\n.\nIn efforts of further expanding luggage space, Rolls hasn\u2019t bothered with a \nspare wheel\n or \njack\n, but rather the\n 20\u2033\n wheels (\n21\u2033\n as an option) come banded with \nrun-flat tyres\n. These tyres are\u00a0capable of covering up to \n160 km\n\u00a0of tarmac before needing to be replaced. Run-flats have tradionally been a sore subject amongst drivers, but Rolls-Royce assures potential customers of \u2018\nremarkable levels of control\n\u2018 even when \ndeflated\n.\nMore details surrounding this super luxury drop-head Roller will surface after its\u00a0official launch at the Frankfurt international motor show, one that takes place on\u00a0\n15 September\n. Do stay tuned!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The Mercedes-AMG design team, together with the Cigarette Racing Team has collaborated in creating this one-of-a-kind 41\u2032 Nighthawk AMG Black Series edition.\nJust like the AMG GT Black Series supercar it\u2019s inspired by, the Nighthawk packs an abundance of power. It comes with five 4.6-litre V8 motors, pushing out \n2,250 hp,\n and is capable of reaching speeds of 140 km/h.\nAlso like the AMG GT Black Series, the Nighthawk has been finished with a \nMagmabeam orange and black exterior\n, topped off with AMG logos painted. Each of these logos are individually painted \u2013 there are no decals, as highlighted by Mercedes-Benz.\nWatch the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series blast its way to a new \nN\u00fcrburgring record here!\nInside, the boat also features the unique Cigarette Cool upholstery, which dissipates heat so that dark upholstery can be applied without compromising comfort \u2013 especially when exposed to consistent sun and heat.\nAt the helm, there are three Garmin multi-functional displays mounted seamlessly onto an instrument panel that was \nshaped from a solid block of aluminium\n.\nThe surrounds of the panel are illuminated using RGB LED lighting, providing a distinctive glow while creating the illusion of a floating dashboard.\nTo recap, the AMG GT Black series produces \n720 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine. 0 to 100 km/h is over in just 3.2 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in nine seconds, with a top speed of 320 km/h.\nFind out more about the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series in detail here!\nGALLERY"
"Back in 2015, Toyota made its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) available to its production vehicle and just three and a half years later, there are now 10 million vehicles on the road equipped with the advanced driver assistance system.\nToyota Safety Sense was introduced on the belief that safety technology should be easily accessible for all which is why the Corolla model series was the first to receive this package. Now TSS can be found on the compact \nYaris\n all the way up to the top of the line \nLexus LC\n.\n \n \nTo date, approximately 90 per cent of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the Japanese, United States and European markets are equipped with TSS and this system is now available in a total of 68 countries, including \nMalaysia\n.\nToyota Safety Sense operates on three core aspects: Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) to help avoid or mitigate damage and/or injury from serious traffic accidents.\nAccording to internal data, rear-end collisions have been reduced by approximately 70 per cent in Japan involving vehicles equipped with TSS. Models with more advanced versions of the TSS (with Intelligent Clearance Sonar) further reduced rear-end collisions by up to 90 per cent.\nThe second-generation TSS was introduced in January 2018 where improvements have been made in detection performance which can detect pedestrians and/or cyclists during night time. Moving forward, the company is focused on expanding the system\u2019s capabilities to prevent accidents involving moving traffic such as head-on collisions with oncoming traffic at intersections.\nToyota and Lexus also aim to expand the available TSS to around 100 countries and regions, including Asia and Latin America by 2020."
"Subaru has been slowly introducing its advanced driver assistance system \u2013 the EyeSight to its vehicle range hopes of creating safer roads for all road users alike. The third model in Subaru UK\u2019s line up to come equipped with the EyeSight safety package is the Subaru Forester.\nSubaru\u2019s EyeSight safety package encompasses \nsix technologies\n \u2013 Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Curiously, the Forester does not get \nTouring Assist function\n which allows autonomous driving up to speeds of 120 km/h.\nAs opposed to radar-based system found on most vehicles, Subaru\u2019s EyeSight uses two stereo cameras mounted on either sides of the rear-view mirror and uses image recognition to distinguish objects on the road. The EyeSight function is also calibrated to suit each designated country\u2019s unique traffic conditions.\nIn Japan, the \nInstitute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis\n have found that there were \n61 percent\n fewer accidents involving EyeSight equipped cars compared to those without. Subaru UK will offer EyeSight a standard fitment on all Subaru Forester models from October 2017 onward.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Remember BMW\u2019s\n funky city hatchback\n called the i3? Well, it\u2019s back \u2013 but only sort of. Against all preconceptions of what we knew about BMW, they\u2019ve now just unveiled a new\n fully-electric 3 Series model\n for China, reusing the \u2018i3\u2019 nameplate for a completely different vehicle altogether.\nThe China-exclusive BMW i3 is built on the \nlong-wheelbase model\n, and just like most other BMW i models, it only differs slightly in looks from the \nstandard 3 Series\n counterpart. These aesthetic tweaks include a closed-off front grille, blue accents, unique bumpers (particularly at the back), and aerodynamic-focused alloy wheel designs.\nThere\u2019s also a new headlight design with a reworked light signature, alongside a slightly tweaked front grille shape, but it\u2019s believed that these changes will also be carried onto the other petrol-powered BMW 3 Series models as part of the G20\u2019s LCI facelift exercise, thus giving us a first look at the upcoming model update!\nInside, the fully-electric 3-er is equipped with BMW\u2019s latest \niDrive 8 \nset-up, consisting of a single curved pane of glass perched above the dashboard made up of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display.\nThere\u2019s also a bank of new control buttons to go along with the new software (just like the \ni4\n), and a new short gearshift lever in line with BMW\u2019s other electric models. But aside from those changes, however, the rest of the cabin remains largely unchanged from before. Boot space has slightly suffered from the switch to the EV powertrain, however, dropping from the regular 480L to 410L on the i3.\nRELATED: The latest BMW iDrive 8 system could be the best-looking yet!\nThe BMW i3 will be offered in China in a sole eDrive35L variant for now, packing a single electric motor on the rear axle providing \n281 hp\n (210 kW) and\n 400 Nm\n of grunt, for a 0-100 km/h time of \n6.2 seconds\n.\nThe powertrain is juiced by a 70.3 kWh battery that provides up to\n 526 km\n of driving range based on China\u2019s light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC). Charging the i3\u2019s battery pack can be done via AC (11 kW) or DC (95 kW), the latter taking approximately 35 minutes to fill it up from 10-80%.\nALSO READ: BMW i4 Gran Coupe EV previewed in Malaysia!\nOther changes under the sheet metal include a reworked suspension set-up, which BMW says has been tuned specifically for the Chinese preference and road conditions, and also adapted some of the car\u2019s componentry to the local requirements of the supply chain in China.\nThe BMW i3 eDrive35Lis priced from CNY349,900 (approx. RM232k) in China, and will be assembled at the BMW Brilliance plant in Lydia, Shenyang. Sales of the fully-electric 3 Series sedan is expected to begin in May.\nGALLERY"
"As was \nannounced more than two years\n ago, the upcoming all-new Porsche Macan will be switching over to a fully-electric drivetrain. Now still two years ahead of its scheduled launch, the lightly-camouflaged fully-electric Macan has already been \u201cspotted\u201d carrying out tests on public roads \u2013 in inverted commas because it was actually Porsche who released the images. Since when did this become a trend?\nAnyway, Porsche is using these images to announce that road tests for the all-electric Macan is currently underway, and by the time when the car reaches showrooms in 2023, it would\u2019ve already covered some three million test kilometres worldwide in varying conditions.\nAs is standard, the test mules are camouflaged (to a certain degree) along with heavy application of body claddings to mask its looks until its eventual launch. However, if you look closely enough, you\u2019ll still be able to make out some details.\nFor example, behind the large headlights decals (designed to look like the current-generation Macan), the actual headlights seem to now take on a slimmer profile, with a shape that\u2019s similar to that of the \nTaycan\n. There also seems to be an additional section on the corner air intakes of the front bumper, which we presume will act as the main beam of the headlights assembly.\nJust like any other EVs, the main grille on the front also seem to have been removed (despite the decal suggesting otherwise), with the only cold air intakes limited to the bottom of the bumper.\nMoving round to the back, the fully-electric Porsche Macan now gets a new steep roofline with a significantly raked rear windscreen, suggesting a new coupe-like profile for the compact SUV. Quite hilariously, Porsche also added a set of exhaust tips on the rear bumper to fool onlookers; if there\u2019s one thing we can be sure of, it\u2019s that this will not make it onto the final product.\nEven though Porsche says that real-world testing is \u201cindispensable\u201d, much of the testing of the fully-electric Macan was \u2013 and will continue to be \u2013 done in a virtual space. The company has already built more than 20 digital prototypes to simulate a myriad of different development categories, from aerodynamics to energy management.\nThe information obtained from these simulations will be passed on to build and test the physical prototype \u2013 which, in return, pass on more data to be simulated and refined on the virtual prototypes, creating a feedback loop.\nThe fully-electric Porsche Macan will be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPA) architecture, which is being jointly developed with Audi. Just like the Taycan, it\u2019ll also be built on an 800-volt electrical architecture, with Porsche promising it to be the \u201csportiest model in its segment.\u201d\nNot much information have been provided on the technical aspects of the powertrain, but Porsche says that the new PPE platform and electrical architecture allows for longer ranges (supposedly \n\u201csignificantly more\u201d range\n than the Taycan), high-performance fast charging of up to 350 kW, and repeatable performance figures.\nThe fully-electric Porsche Macan will only be introduced earliest in 2023, which is still a long two-year wait from now. To tide us over, Porsche will also be launching a refresh of the \nfirst-generation Macan this year\n, with an internal combustion engine. The ICE Porsche Macan will also stick around for the foreseeable future, to be sold alongside the fully-electric model, providing an alternative to buyers not interested in EVs."
"A moment of silence, in remembrance of fallen Formula One driver Jules Bianchi. During the Japanese Gran Prix in October 2014, the 25 year-old Frenchman who was racing for Marussia F1 team (also known as Manor GP) lost control of the car in adverse weather conditions and collided with a 6.8-tonne recovery tractor. Bianchi suffered\u00a0a diffuse axonal injury as a result.\nHe was then airlifted to hospital where he was placed in an induced coma and remained in that comatose state until his untimely passing on\u00a0\nJuly 17th, 2015\n. A minute of silence was observed at the start of the Hungarian GP last\u00a0Sunday.\nIt was reported that F1 supremo Bernie\u00a0Ecclestone had the Bianchi family flown in to Budapest for the tribute from their home in\n Nice\n, southern France. Where they were joined by a circle of drivers with their helmets in the middle. Arm in arm, with teary eyes, they bid farewell to a bright shinning F1 driver.\n \n \nPic credits: dailymail.co.uk and theguardian.com\nIt was also learnt that former\u00a0Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo and ex-team boss Stefano Domenicali that the team had decided before his accident last year that\n Bianchi would be the\u00a0replacement for Kimi Raikkonen\n. Upon winning the top podium spot, Sebastian Vettel said in French: \n\u201cMerci, Jules. Cette victoire est pour vous\u201d\n (Thank you Jules, This victory is for you).\nPic credits: mirror.co.uk\nJules was a promising young star, with his career began at the tender age of \nthree.\n Jules started out in karting. At the age of \n17\n, he was professionally managed by\n Nicolas Todt\n. In 2007, he left karting for a shot at Fomula racing. After several wins and climbing up the ranks, he came out on top at the \nFerrari Driver Acedemy\n. In 2013 he took his place as a driver for the \nMarrusia F1 team\n. Jules best ever finish was at the 13th spot at our very own Sepang F1 Circuit that year."
"A new pick-up truck is set to enter the market here in Malaysia very soon, in the form of the Peugeot Landtrek. Making its debut in Asia Pacific, the fully-imported Peugeot Landtrek is now open for booking starting at an estimated pricing of RM123,000.\nThe Peugeot Landtrek is based on Changan Automobile\u2019s Kaicene F70 pick-up truck \u2013 a fact that\u2019s obvious when you see the logo branded on the preview model\u2019s truck bed liner \u2013 the production model will most likely get its own Peugeot-branded liner.\nDetailed specifications were not provided during the preview, but the company has confirmed that it\u2019ll be powered by a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine underneath the bonnet, making \n152 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n of torque. The engine is paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to all four-wheels via a four-wheel drive system with rear differential lock.\nIn terms of appearance, the Landtrek stands out with its \u2018lion fangs\u2019 daytime-running lights at the sides of the front grille, a signature touch for Peugeot. The preview model here comes equipped with 18-inch wheels, a sports bar, and roof rails, although the final production variants might differ in equipment.\nInside, the Peugeot Landtrek gets a fairly unique cabin design, thanks to its distinctive dashboard styling. It\u2019s not quite the full \u201ci-Cockpit\u201d experience, but there\u2019s at least Peugeot\u2019s iconic piano-style key switches on the centre stack.\nOther highlights include a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, alongside a dual-zone climate control system, 360-degree surround-view monitor, and leather upholstery for the seats \u2013 with powered adjustability in front, and foldable backrests for the rear.\nSafety wise, the Peugeot Landtrek will come equipped with six airbags as standard, alongside ABS and EBD, brake assist, traction control, hill-start assist, hill descent control, and lane departure warning system. Other advanced driver assistance features are not available on the Peugeot Landtrek.\nREAD MORE: \nBerjaya, Bermaz JV replaces Naza as sole distributor for Peugeot in Malaysia\nGALLERY"
"If you have been anywhere near the Lexus LC 500, coupe or convertible, you\u2019d know what a monster it is in terms of side. Whether it\u2019s the lines, the bulges, the head or taillight fixtures, nothing about it is subtle.\nTOM\u2019s, world-renowned aftermarket providers for all things Toyota and Lexus, has other ideas. This is the TOM\u2019S Lexus LC500 Convertible and they\u2019ll sell you the complete car for 19.95 million Yen.\nCheck out the Lexus LC 500 Coupe, alongside a Lotus Evora and Porsche Boxster in our annual Car of the Year video!\nFunnily enough, that\u2019s still less than what you\u2019d pay for a standard \nLC 500 Convertible\n in Malaysia. It was launched here last November to the tune of RM1.35 million while the\n Coupe version\n, launched locally three years earlier, was priced at RM940,000.\nThe Lexus LC 500 Coupe will forever be a timeless grand tourer.check out our detailed review of it here!\nEach body part has been made from dry carbon fibre typically used in motor racing, including the front, side and rear diffusers. The aerodynamic improvements brought upon by these body parts were derived from the company\u2019s involvement in motorsports.\nThe body kit also includes a wide-body conversion, which adds 50 mm to the car\u2019s original width; now at nearly two metres.\nAs it is a convertible, known to have reduced body rigidity compared to the hard-top, TOM\u2019S has stiffened up the body with anti-roll bars for the engine bay and undercarriage. The anti-roll bars are expected to improve steering response as well as vehicle stability.\nUnder the hood of the LC 500 Convertible is a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 470 and 540 Nm. The figures are similar in the Coupe however, the coupe is 0.5 seconds faster from 0 to 100 km/h at 4.4 seconds.\nLexus LC 500 Convertible sat in a -18\u00b0C freezer for 12 hrs but started up right away after! Read about it here!\nGALLERY"
"Lexus has just revealed their latest Grand Touring concept car, codenamed the \nLF-C2\n, at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. According to Lexus, the LF-C2 is a \ndesign study\n that will be a key determinant in the brand\u2019s \nfuture styling direction.\nThe idea behind the LF-C2 concept is derived from a drop-top sports coupe, and Lexus says that \nno soft or hard top\n are available to cover the cabin. Fret not, it\u2019s just a concept car and we can pretty much expect at least a soft top if the car goes into production.\nExterior style is said to be influenced by how light interacts with the various surfaces of the car. As such, the designers have sculpted the LF-C2 in such a way that would allow the concept roadster to \nexude a different character\n when viewed from different angles under different lighting conditions.\nTo achieve just that desired effect, Lexus chose to go with the bright golden yellow paint specifically produced as such \u2013 primer makes the base coat, followed by a few coats of silver, clear coat and finally the yellow paint that reflects off the silver.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been instinctively drawn to and inspired by things that capture the beauty of light,\u201d said Yasuo Kajino, Chief Designer of the LF-C2.   It appears that Lexus is going gaga with their signature spindle grille. The concept\u2019s grille features a \nbraided mesh design\n theme that \nchanges its appearance\n at different angles under different lighting conditions as well. At the front are air vents that feed cool air to the brakes and functions to \nmanage airflow\n through the body, keeping the car stable at higher driving speeds.\nAt the back you\u2019ll spot Lexus\u2019 \nL-shaped tail lights\n that is becoming increasingly common in most of their newer models. There\u2019s also the chrome-accented quad tailpipes, while the car sits on 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.   Inside, the LF-C2 aims to evoke the sense of luxury and top notch finishing, just like any other Lexuses. Stuff like the head unit, remote touchpad, analogue clock and multi-function steering wheels will very likely be offered in the actual production unit, and it isn\u2019t something that Lexus \nhasn\u2019t done before\n.\nSo there you have it, Lexus\u2019 latest 2+2 roadster concept, the LF-C2.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Aside from introducing the new \nC200 Avantgarde and C300 AMG Line\n, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also took to the stage the new C43 AMG 4MATIC, furnished with visual, safety and performance enhancements.\nThe 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine has been tweaked to produce 23 hp more, at \n390 hp\n while torque figures remain the same at \n520 Nm\n. The engine is paired to a 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT automatic transmission, channeling power to all four wheels as per.\nMercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC\nEngine\n3.0-litre twin-turbo V6\nTransmission\n9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT automatic\nMax Power\n390 \n[email\u00a0protected]\n,100rpm\nMax Torque\n520 \n[email\u00a0protected]\n,500rpm\n0-100 km/h ; Top Speed\n4.7 secs ; 250 km/h (electronically-limited)\nPrice\nRM 421,888\n0 to 100 km/h now takes just 4.7 seconds with top speed electronically-limited to 250 km/h still. As for the drive modes, there\u2019s a self-explanatory new \u201cSlippery Mode\u201d that joins the existing Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes.\nOn the outside, the AMG gets a new grille design, additional trims on its front bumper while a more aggressive rear diffuser sits at the back. It also gets the highly-coveted Multibeam LED headlamps, with a slightly revised 19-inch wheel design and AMG sport exhaust system.\nWithin the cabin, the C43\u2019s displays are the same as the standard C200, with an upsized 10.25-inch media display from before, topped off with a Burmester Sound System.\nThere\u2019s also an AMG Track Pace feature which allows drivers to gather driving data from spirited drives or track days. Other AMG specific touches include matte silver fibreglass trims, an Artico leather-finished dashboard, a panoramic sunroof and a new AMG flat-bottomed steering wheel.\nThe locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG C43 AMG 4MATIC goes for \nRM 421,888\n on-the-road without insurance. In mitigating your urge to own one of these C-Class\u2019, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced the Flex-C financing service with monthly repayments starting from RM 2,688 (three-year tenure and 22% downpayment).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sebastian Vettel\u2019s \ndeparture from Scuderia Ferrari next year\n has caused a domino effect in the driver market. The Italian team snapped up rising star Carlos Sainz, while Formula 1 veteran Daniel Ricciardo completes the driver line-up at McLaren starting next year, the two teams confirmed today.\nSainz will be joining Scuderia Ferrari on a two-year deal, joining Charles Leclerc to form the team\u2019s youngest driver pairing in the last fifty years. Aged 25 years old, the Spaniard has completed 102 Grand Prix races over five seasons.\nHe finished sixth in the driver\u2019s championship last year, his best ever result, in a year where he also made it to the podium for the first time \u2013 finishing third in the Brazil GP.\nCarlos Sainz replaces Sebastian Vettel at Scuderia Ferrari\nScuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said, \u201cWith five seasons already behind him, Carlos has proved to be very talented and has shown that he has the technical ability and the right attributes to make him an ideal fit with our family.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve embarked on a new cycle with the aim of getting back to the top in Formula 1. It will be a long journey, not without its difficulties, especially given the current financial and regulatory situation, which is undergoing a sudden change and will require this challenge to be tackled in a different way to the recent past.\n\u201cWe believe that a driver pairing with the talent and personality of Charles and Carlos [.] will be the best possible combination to help us reach the goals we have set ourselves.\u201d\nRicciardo, meanwhile, has signed a \u201cmulti-year agreement\u201d to race for the Woking-based \nMcLaren Racing F1 Team\n starting next year. The 30-year-old Australian will be joined by \nLando Norris\n, who will be in his third season of Formula 1.\nMcLaren F1 Team Principal, Andreas Seidl said, \u201cDaniel is a proven race-winner and his experience, commitment and energy will be a valuable addition to McLaren and our mission to return to the front of the field. With Daniel and Lando as teammates, I believe we have two racers who will continue to excite our fans and help the team grow.\n\u201cCarlos is a true professional, a pleasure to work with and we will continue to enjoy going racing with him this year. We all wish him good luck for the next stage in his career when he leaves McLaren,\u201d he added.\nNicknamed the \u2018Honey Badger\u2019, Ricciardo started his F1 career in 2011 with HRT, before moving to Toro Rosso in 2012. The Australian was promoted to Red Bull in 2014, where he won seven races and finished third in the championship thrice in his five year stint with the team.\nRicciardo took a gamble by signing for Renault F1 in 2019 \u2013 the team was largely running at the back of the field since rejoining the sport as a works team in 2016. The campaign was largely unsuccessful, with a best finish of fourth, due to a string of \nunfortunate events\n and general lack of performance in the car.\nAll eyes are now on Renault while they fill up the empty driver seat alongside Esteban Ocon. Vettel\u2019s future in Formula 1 is also still in doubt, as Ricciardo\u2019s deal with McLaren closes yet another door for the German."
"The \nNSX\n nameplate is no stranger to the world of high performance sports cars. As promised, the all-new NSX featuring Honda\u2019s \nSuper Handling All Wheel Drive\n (SH-AWD) system is bound for the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January.\nWhat\u2019s most interesting is that we will be treated to view the production version of the Acura NSX, so no more concept car-esque traits here. As with the previous NSX, the new one by Acura will also get a mid-engine configuration that will now drive all four wheels.\nLike the LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918, the Acura NSX\u2019s \ntwin-turbocharged engine\n will be paired to not one, but \nthree electric motors\n. Expect a power output no less than \n500hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque! There is however, no mention of transmission choice here, so we\u2019ll have to wait for the official word.   It\u2019s finally here now, there years since the project was resuscitated. Watch this space for the exclusive first-hand details of the rebirthed NSX!\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAcura NSX Production Version Teaser   Acura NSX Concept Car"
"Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has officially opened their brand new 3S Centre in Semenyih, costing approximately RM19 million to establish a customer-centric facility with a total built-up area of 22,000 sq ft.\nThe 3S facility sits on a plot of land spanning 61,000 sq ft and houses \n14 service bays\n that can accommodate up to \n30 cars per day\n. While waiting, customers can treat themselves to the usual Wi-Fi equipped lounge, or simply drop the car off for servicing.   Operations are managed by SAG Ultimate Sdn Bhd and the launching of this 3S Centre brings Honda Malaysia\u2019s dealer network tally to 86 nationwide \u2013 22 of which are in Selangor alone. It\u2019s also the first ever Honda dealership to be designed and built based on Honda\u2019s new Corporate Identity (CI), with aims to offer top notch quality in terms of sales and after sales experience.\nAs of October 2015, Honda Malaysia has \nsold over 74,920 units\n \u2013 a whopping \n19 percent jump\n from the same period last year. The company also recently celebrated their 500,000th vehicle sold. Honda is currently leading the Non-National segment in Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"After launching the \n4 Series Coupe\n back in June, BMW has now unveiled the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible. With a blend of driving pleasure and open-air thrills, the new 4 Series Convertible builds on a long-standing tradition in this model class that began 35 years ago with the launch of the first-ever BMW 3 Series Convertible.\nThe 4 Series Convertible\u2019s elegant yet muscular presence comes from its larger exterior dimensions. In terms of length, the 4 Series Convertible measures at 4,768 mm, 123 mm longer than it\u2019s predecessor, while width has increased by 27 mm to 1,852 mm.\nThe wheelbase of the 4 Series Convertible has also increased by 47mm to 2,851 mm. Height of the car is 1,384 mm with the roof up, and track width is increased by 28 mm in the front and 18 mm at the rear.\nIn terms of engines, the 4 Series Convertible is powered by petrol and diesel engine options; the 2.0-litre petrol-powered engine generates \n184 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n in the new BMW 420i Convertible. The same petrol mill found in the BMW 430i Convertible, however, generates \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n.\nFor the diesel option, there is a four-cylinder diesel engine that\u2019s found on the BMW 420d Convertible putting out \n190 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n whereas, the 430d Convertible gets a six-cylinder diesel engine that puts out a healthy \n286 hp\n and \n650 Nm\n.\nThe 4 Series Convertible also has a mild hybrid variant that comes in the form of the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible. The engine powering this can be had in either petrol or diesel. The six-cylinder petrol engine will put out \n374 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n while the six-cylinder diesel engine will churn out \n340 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n.\nThis is the first time that all model variants in the BMW 4 Series Convertible range are fitted with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard.\nThe 4 Series Convertible comes with a sophisticated and innovative panel bow soft-top. It marries the strengths of a retractable hardtop and the purist appeal of a fabric roof, thereby combining the best of both worlds.\nDespite comprising of a large panel bow elements with a flush-fitting glass rear window, several layers of insulation and a fabric cover, the 4 Series Convertible\u2019s soft-top is actually 40% lighter than it\u2019s predecessor\u2019s hard-top. The soft-top is available in black as standard, but customers can opt for the Anthracite Silver as an option.\nThe roof of the 4 Series Convertible is powered by an electric motor that allows it to \nopen or close within 18 seconds\n at the push of a button. On the move, the retractable soft-top can operate at speeds of up to 50 km/h.\nBMW also very recently unveiled the new \nBMW M3\n and \nBMW M4\n, with the BMW M3 makes \n480 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n550 Nm\n from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. The BMW M4 on the other hand is powered by the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with \n473 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n550 Nm\n\u00a0for the standard and \n503 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n650 Nm\n for the higher-tuned Competition specification.\nGALLERY"
"After countless of teaser images and videos, Jaguar has finally unveiled their historic first crossover, the F-PACE; and already the F-PACE is setting a world record by driving up and over a 19.08 metre high 360 degree loop.\nDriven by the British pro driver\n Terry Grant\n, the F-PACE endured \n6.5G worth of force\n (that\u2019s 6.5 times the force of gravity!) to complete the stunt, flaunting its agility and strength in the process.   Revealed two years after the unveiling of the \nC-X17 concept\n at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar has kept true to the original concept car\u2019s looks. Minor tweaks were done to the details, but it retains the overall shape of the distinctive sporty silhouette.   There are hints of the \nJaguar F-TYPE\n in the design, such as the muscular rear haunches and the tail lights, but the F-PACE also carries the elements from the other Jaguar sedans with the signature side vents and the slim headlamps that\u2019s also offered in full-LED configuration. A total of \nsix variants\n are available at launch: Pure, Prestige, Portfolio, R-Sport, S, and First Edition, and they differ in trims and equipment.\nThe interior is also an amalgamation of the current Jaguar vehicles, featuring the \nrotary gear selector\n in a clean and simple dashboard with minimum button count, and a virtual \n12.3-inch full-HD instrument panel\n. On top of that, the \nhead-up display\n is projected by\n laser\n, so the images stay visible even in bright sunlight.   A \n10.2-inch touchsreen\n sits in the middle of the dash, used for the \nInControl Touch Pro\n infotainment system with \n60GB solid-state drive\n powered by a \nquad-core processor\n. It runs on \nultra-fast Ethernet\n, allowing \nup to eight devices\n to be connected to the vehicle\u2019s \nWiFi hotspot\n. Another cool feature is the \nActivity Key\n, a wearable\u00a0waterproof and shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder that allows owners to lock their valuables inside the vehicle, including the key fob itself. Perfect\u00a0for those who are into watersports.\n \n \nWith a wheelbase measuring 2,874 mm, Jaguar claims the F-PACE will carry five adult occupants in absolute comfort while offering \n650 litres\n worth of cargo space in the boot. The cargo area is 1,255 mm wide, so it\u2019s big enough for two full-size golf bags or four large suitcases to occupy the boot easily.\nThe 4,731 mm long F-PACE sits on Jaguar\u2019s \nLightweight Aluminium Architecture\n which is not only good for fuel efficiency, Jaguar says the lightweight construction should result an agile handling vehicle with unrivalled dynamics, combined with\u00a0the specifically tuned \nvariable ratio steering\n and \nTorque Vectoring\n offered as standard.\nUp to \n22-inch wheels\n can be specified on the F-PACE, and they\u2019re suspended by \ndouble wishbone front suspension\n and \nIntegral Link rear suspension\n. Base model uses monotube dampers while \nAdaptive Dynamics system\n is available as an option, and it can be customised via the Configurable Dynamics that also changes the settings for the throttle, transmission and steering.\nFour engines are offered in the F-PACE: a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel\n with \n178 hp\n, a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol\n with \n237 hp\n, a \n3.0-litre V6 diesel\n with \n296 hp\n, and a \n3.0-litre V6 petrol\n with either 335 hp or \n375 hp\n, and a choice of either a \nsix-speed manual\n or an \neight-speed automatic\n transmission by ZF.\nThe \nRWD\n variant of the F-PACE can be had with either of the two four-cylinder engines, but only the diesel is available with manual transmission option, while the \nAWD\n variant is available with all the engine options except the four-cylinder petrol, and manual transmission option is again available exclusively on the four-cylinder diesel.\nWith \nIntelligent Driveline Dynamics\n (IDD) and \nAdaptive Surface Response\n (ASR), the \nAWD system\n used in the F-PACE is their most advanced system ever fitted in any Jaguar. The IDD works in all weathers and on all surfaces, where it controls torque distribution of all four wheels, while the ASR regulates the throttle, transmission, and Dynamic Stability Control for optimum traction in any conditions.\nA host of driver assistance systems are available on the F-PACE, and it includes the \nPark Assist\n, \nAdaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist\n, the\u00a0\nAll Surface Progress Control\n (ASPC) which works like a cruise control but for a more rugged surfaces, as well as a \nstereo camera\n for the\u00a0\nAutonomous Emergency Braking\n (AEB), \nTraffic Sign Recognition\n (TSR), \nIntelligent Speed Limiter\n (ISL), \nLane Departure Warning\n (LDW), and \nLane Keep Assist\n (LKA) systems.\nIn the UK, the Jaguar F-PACE is now available for booking, with a starting price of\u00a0\u00a334,170 or \nRM226k\n. There\u2019s also the limited \nFirst Edition F-PACE\n that costs \u00a365,475 or \nRM433k\n. Only \n2,000 units\n will be produced, and all will be finished in \nCaesium Blue\n, the exact shade of blue used on the \nC-X17 concept\n. The \n22-inch Double Helix alloy wheels\n hide \nred brake calipers\n,\u00a0while the interior gets \nGloss Black trim\n, special carpet mats, and \nHoundstooth embossed Windsor Leather Sports seats\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nGuinness World Record attempt   F-PACE First Edition   F-PACE Portfolio   F-PACE R-Sport"
"Subaru Corporation (Subaru) has announced a recall involving the Forester (from 2014-2016), 4-door WRX (2011-2014), Impreza (2008-2016) and Subaru XV (2012-2017).\nIn Subaru\u2019s words, \u201csilicone gas\u201d from certain consumer products may seep through the housing of the brake light switch \u2013 potentially causing functions related to it such as the Brake Light, Transmission Interlock, Ignition Interlock, Vehicle Dynamics Control and EyeSight system to fail.\nIf this happens, the brake lights may not come on and may cause other road\nusers to be unaware of the car slowing down. This could increase the risk of accidental collisions.\nMotor Image says the recall involves customers from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, those affected will be duly notified.\nReplacement of the affected brake light switch and other related parts, will be free of charge."
"Following up on our \nWhat Is: Understeer\n\u00a0from last week, today we visit the opposite end of the spectrum \u2013 oversteer. Oversteer can be a very frightening experience especially when it happens unexpectedly, and you do not necessarily have the skills to regain composure of your vehicle. For the lucky ones, the car could go into a 360-degree spin and come out unscathed, but the not so lucky ones might end up spinning into another car or object.\nOversteer happens when your rear tyres lose traction before the front which results in the \nrear end of the car sliding out uncontrollably\n \u2013 potentially sending the car into a spinning motion. Oversteer is more commonly experienced in rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles because it is easier to spin and break traction in the driven wheels.\nThere are \ntwo main factors\n for oversteer to happen \u2013 worn tyres and overpowered rear wheels. Cars with worn tyres will not be able to effectively hold onto the ground while in motion, causing the rear wheels to slip thus inducing oversteer. RWD vehicles with high power output are also susceptible to oversteer when accelerating mid-corner, breaking traction of the rear wheels and sending it into an oversteer position.\nHowever, there is a sport that encourages the drivers to put the car into oversteer \u2013 \ndrifting\n. Drifting is essentially controlled oversteer where the driver dictates which direction the car is going with the rear \u201changing out\u201d. It is an adrenaline pumping sport and demands high levels of car control from the driver. But \u201cdrifting\u201d is not something you would want to attempt on public roads because it is just silly to slide your car around and endanger other road users.\nEven our very own \nPrince of Drift\n takes his sliding action to the track\nIn the unfortunate event that your car is thrown into an oversteer position, regardless of it being a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, counter steer into where you want to go and gently release the throttle to allow the tyres to regain traction. This manoeuvre, however, is easier said than done but at least now you have the basics to regain control of your car from an oversteer.\nLastly, we cannot stress enough that regardless of your skill behind the wheel or type of vehicle you are piloting, tyres are the only contact patch between your car and the tarmac so always ensure that your tyres are always in good condition. This itself will drastically reduce the chances of your tyres losing grip resulting in either \nundersteer\n or oversteer. Another point is to slow down when approaching the corner and do not get overly enthusiastic with the throttle pedal when exiting the bend. Drive safe everyone!"
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors have launched the region\u2019s first flagship Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) 3S Centre at Old Klang Road \u2013 an event that took place in conjunction with the debut of the second generation \nGenesis\n.\nThe three-storey showroom is the result of a RM9.5 milllion investment and spans 38,000 square feet. There are 20 service bays including 3 Quick Service bays as well as ample parking space for visitors and customers. The modern showroom features floor-to-ceiling glass panes topped off with a bronze-coloured roof, while on the inside customers can expect a premium lounge during their visit.\nThere is also a VVIP lounge for Leader Card members including pickup and delivery service for the convenience of busy working executives. The showroom is located at No. 193 & 195, Batu 3 3/4, Jalan Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur and is open on weekdays from 8.30am to 7pm, Saturday from 8.30am to 6pm and Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm. Service centre opens on weekdays from 8.30am to 5.15pm and on Saturday from 8.30am to 12.45pm."
"Michelin\n has recently signed a letter of commitment for maritime transport with Neoline, a French startup offering innovative carbon-free shipping service, on the Canada-France line. This represents a significant step for Michelin towards decarbonising its logistics operations, in line with the company\u2019s goal of attaining zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.\nInstead of burning diesel or coal, Neoline\u2019s cargo ships relies on clean and renewable wind energy as their main propulsion. The 136-metre-long cargo ships are equipped with 4,200 square-metre sails, and is said to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in maritime freight transport by up to 90%.\nMichelin Group Supply Chain Director, Pierre-Martin Huet said: \u201cThis new partnership marks the first step in carbon-free shipping, which is fully in line with the sustainability strategy of Michelin\u2019s operations. It will contribute to achieving the objective of reducing CO2 emissions from logistics by 15% in absolute terms between 2018 and 2030.\u201d\nNeoline President, Jean Zanuttini added: \u201cWe are honoured to welcome on board the Michelin Group, an emblematic French player strongly committed to innovation and sustainable mobility. With our sailing cargo ships, we are developing a mode of transport that is more environmentally friendly, adapted to the current economic and logistical reality of shippers and not dependent on fossil fuels.\u201d\nMichelin will utilise Neoline\u2019s cargo ships to transport their tyres from Halifax, Canada to the Nantes Saint-Nazaire port in France \u2013 the shipping company\u2019s pilot line, scheduled to be inaugurated with their first operating vessel in 2023. With Neoline\u2019s second vessel to arrive a year later, Michelin Group will gradually entrust Neoline with at least 50% of the group\u2019s containers transported on this line."
"Isuzu has just introduced the updated Isuzu D-Max for the UK market and the biggest change here is a new 1.9-litre turbodiesel that replaces the old larger capacity diesel engines. The updated D-Max is now more efficient, safer and lighter compared to the model it replaces.\nAt launch the UK market gets a total of five trim lines \u2013 Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade with a range of single, extended and double cab variants to choose from, and compared to the 2015 model it replaces, the 2017 D-Max is a step up in terms of features.\nEXTERIOR\nThe refreshed D-Max for the UK market is similar to what we get on our \nMalaysian-spec D-Max\n, as such it gets the new front and rear bumpers, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and chrome front grille. Thanks to the revised front end and the slightly reshaped roof, it now channels airflow to the tailgate more efficiently. As a result, the D-Max sees a \n0.4 percent reduction in drag\n compared to the old model. This improves the overall fuel economy and NVH levels.   INTERIOR\nInside, the cabin is identical to what we have on our local-spec D-Max with the addition of a different leather seat design and 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\nPERFORMANCE\nHere comes the meat of the updated D-Max. Isuzu\u2019s workhorse is now powered by a sole 1.9-litre turbodiesel capable of producing \n162 hp\n and \n360 Nm\n of torque mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This new powertrain combination also adds to weight savings of anywhere between 26 kg to \n154 kg\n!\nAdditionally, the new engine meets strict \nEuro 6\n emission standards without having to add AdBlue \u2013 a type of exhaust fumes treatment \u2013 yet it remains capable of 3.5 tonne towing capacity and one tonne payload. Fuel consumption has also improved by 4.4 percent to \n22.5 percent\n (variant dependant) as compared to the old engines.\nSAFETY\nAs standard, the D-Max comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD and ESC. The D-Max also comes with a reengineered front bumper and bonnet that better absorb impact energy in the event of a collision; thanks to the smaller engine that creates extra distance between the bonnet and engine which acts as additional crumple zone.\nPrices in the UK for the Isuzu D-Max starts from \u00a318,841.80 (RM104k) to \u00a333,541.80 (RM185k). Locally, our similarly spec-ed D-Max retails at RM83k to RM128k hence kudos to\u00a0Isuzu Malaysia. Now all it needs is that new engine.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Recently launched in Malaysia, the \nall-new Mercedes-Benz GLA\n has emerged as the \nMost Beautiful Car of 2021\n at the Festival Automobile International in Paris, France.\nOut of nearly 100,000 online votes from the public, the Mercedes-Benz GLA was chosen out of six finalists including the Honda e, Skoda Enyaq VI, Opel Mokka-e, Mazda MX-30. Last year\u2019s winner was the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, now in Malaysia as the 218i M Sport.\nLast year\u2019s winner of the Most Beautiful Car award, the 2 Series Gran Coupe.\nThe other awards are as follow:\nMost Beautiful Showcar \u2013 \nAudi Q4 E-tron Sportback\nMost Beautiful Concept Car \u2013 \nDS Aero Sport Lounge \nMost Beautiful Futuristic Car \u2013 \nMercedes Vision AVTR\nMost Beautiful Supercar \u2013 \nMaserati MC20\nMost Beautiful Hypercar \u2013 \nBugatti Bolide\nMost Beautiful Interior \u2013 \nHonda e\n \nThere were also awards for the niche aspects of the auto industry too; like the \nGrand Prize of Advertising\n for example, which recognises the most creative video that in terms of aesthetics or originality. The award was presented to Porsche for their work on \n\u201cThe Heist\u201d \nvideo featuring the all-electric Taycan.\nThe Taycan RWD is \nnow in Malaysia\n!\nThe 36th edition of the annual event also recognised individuals for their work on the drawing board with the Grand Prize of Design award. It was presented to Sang Yup Lee, the Head of Design at Hyundai Global Design Centre and Senior VP at Hyundai Motor Company, for the creation of the \nProphecy Concept\n.\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLA is \navailable in Malaysia\n as the GLA 200 priced at RM244,199.82 and GLA 250 at RM285,336.66.\nUnder the hood of the \nGLA 200\n is a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with 163 hp and 250 Nm and is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. As for the \nGLA 250\n, it gets a more powerful 2.0-litre engine with 224 hp and 350 Nm, alongside an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both the 200 and 250 are front-wheel drive.\nGALLERY\nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line\nMercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line"
"BMW Malaysia has unveiled a new variant for the locally-assembled X7 xDrive40i, equipped with the additional M Sport package for a sportier appearance. The new BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport is priced at \nRM 728,800\n (on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the five-year warranty and service package), making it RM20,000 more than the existing\n Pure Excellence\n offering.\nThe new M Sport variant differentiates itself with the addition of the M Aerodynamics package as standard, which includes the more aggressive bumpers and side skirts, alongside a set of 22-inch Style 758 M Alloy wheels, M Sport brake, as well as aluminium exterior trims.\nInside, the BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport also adds the variant-specific M Sport leather steering wheel, while the new fineline black wooden trims on the dashboard replaces the high-gloss style on the Pure Excellence.\nRELATED: \n2022 BMW X7 facelift\u2019s new split headlights might be even more divisive than the kidney grille\nAside from these, the rest of the variant\u2019s standard equipment remains unchanged, including the BMW Laserlight system, panoramic glass roof, soft-close doors, \u201cCraftedClarity\u201d glass trims on the interior, Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround sound system, as well as the BMW Live Cockpit Professional screens running BMW\u2019s iDrive 8.0 operating system.\nIt\u2019ll also still come with the full suite of BMW\u2019s advanced driver assistance features, \nno subscription required\n. These include the Driving Assistant adaptive cruise control system, alongside the Parking Assistant Plus system that also features a 360-degree surround-view monitor.\nPower continues to come from a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine underneath the bonnet, providing up to \n340 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque. The TwinScroll turbo mill is paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sports automatic transmission to send drive to all four wheels, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of \n6.1 seconds\n.\nThe BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport is available in four exterior colours, including Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Manhattan Metallic, and Arctic Grey Brilliant Effect, the latter exclusive to the new variant. Inside, customers can choose between cognac, coffee, or black for the Vernasca leather upholstery.\nALSO READ: \nBMW X7 xDrive40i CKD launched from RM649k\nWith BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Easy Drive Financing Plan, the new BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM8,800 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure)."
"Launched in Malaysia in June this year, the \nKia EV6\n \nGT Line AWD\n turns heads wherever it goes, thanks to its rather unique styling. Selling at a price of \nRM300,668\n, it is only offered in one variant and shares the same underpinnings with the Hyundai Ioniq 5.\nDesigned with the brand\u2019s \u2018Opposites United\u2019 philosophy, the EV6 combines sharp stylistic elements with smooth and sculptural shapes. A \u2018Digital Tiger Face\u2019 adorns its front end, and the side profile features a crossover-inspired aesthetic.\nMeasuring 4,695 mm long, 1,890 mm wide (excluding side mirrors), and 1,550 mm wide, the Kia EV6 is bigger than it looks in the pictures. Standard exterior equipment on the Kia EV6 GT Line includes dual LED projector headlights with LED daytime-running lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a Smart powered tailgate, and Smart keyless entry.\nALSO WATCH: \nKia EV6 GT Line AWD launched in Malaysia, 5 Things\nPowering the Kia EV6 are two electric motors that provide an all-wheel drive system. Combined, the electric powertrain, makes \n320 hp \n(metric) and \n605 Nm\n, launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.2 seconds\n. Storing power in the Kia EV6 is a \n77.4-kWh\n battery pack that provides \n506 km\n of range (WLTP).\nRELATED: \n2022 Kia EV6 GT Line AWD open for booking in Malaysia, from RM300k\nRecharging the Kia EV6 can be done with a maximum AC charging rate of \n11 kW\n and a maximum DC fast charging rate of 350 kW. With 11-kW AC charging, the EV6 recharges from 10% to 100% in \n7 hours and 20 minutes\n. With \n150-kW\n DC Fast charging, the EV6 charges from 10% to 80% in just \n18 minutes\n. As you may already know by now, the Kia EV6 also supports the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function at a rate of \n3.6 kW\n.\nRELATED: \nMalaysia-bound Volvo C40, Kia EV6, and all-new C-Class score five stars in Euro NCAP\nInside, the Kia EV6 boasts a cabin space \u201csimilar to many mid-size SUVs\u201d. Highlights in the cabin include a curved display panel that consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, a 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system, and powered front seats with relaxation mode.\nRELATED: \nKia EV6 named 2022 European Car of the Year\nAs for safety, the all-electric Kia EV6 is offered with a full suite of advanced driver assistance technology that includes Autonomous emergency braking (forward, junction blind-spot, and rear-cross traffic), Smart Cruise Control (L2 semi-autonomous), Lane following and keeping assist, Blind-spot monitor, Driver attention warning, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.\nIncluded in the price of the Kia EV6 are a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and a seven-year/150,000 km lithium-ion battery warranty. The Kia EV6 is fully imported (CBU) from Korea and is offered in one trim only for Malaysia.\nRELATED: \nKia EV6 GT goes head-to-head with ICE sports cars in a six-car drag race!\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has just announced the appointment of Sime Darby Swedish Auto Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Sime Darby Berhad, as its latest dealer-partner.\nThis appointment comes as Volvo Car Malaysia aggressively expands its dealership network across the nation, in line with the second phase of the brand\u2019s transformation plan.\u00a0\nVolvo Car Malaysia Managing Director Nalin Jain said, \u201cWe are committed in the expansion of our dealership network to allow our customers a greater range of showrooms and service centres to choose from, in line with our effort to deliver the best customer journey within the premium automotive segment.\u201d\nThe new outlet will also be carrying Volvo\u2019s signature Swedish-inspired design.\nVolvo joins a line up of seven other brands under Sime Darby Motors. Volvo Car Malaysia believes that with their strong background in the premium automotive segment, Sime Darby Swedish Auto has the potential to deliver the brand\u2019s vision for the market.\nSime Darby Swedish Auto has selected Ara Damansara to host their 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre, and the retail outlet will be operational in the coming months."
"It\u2019s still baffling how people can actually step on the wrong pedal and hard no less, but hey, guess we\u2019re nobody to judge but Toyota\u2019s got a solution.\nWell, it\u2019s more like an \u201cenhanced safety net\u201d rather than a solution cause a solution would be \nto eliminate this phenomenon entirely\n \u2013 of reversing into our kids, our pets, \nor even off a multi-storey parking lot\n.\nIt\u2019s called the \nAcceleration Suppression Function\n and unlike current systems which only work when sensors detect obstacles such as other cars or walls, this one is rather different. The newly developed function aims to control acceleration due to \u201cabnormal operation of the accelerator\u201d even when no obstacles are present.\nWhen developing the new system, Toyota analysed big data collected from other connected vehicles to determine instances when the driver genuinely intended to step on the throttle and instances where it was accidental.\nWith this, it has allowed them to identify and compute when the accelerator has been operated abnormally before allowing the system to kick in. With that, they\u2019ve even come up with a function to control acceleration even in the absence of obstacles.\nThis function will be available in new cars through the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system while older models can be retrofitted with it. Toyota also plans to share the operational logic of this function extensively, including with other auto makers.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The entire Automated Enforcement System (AES) fiasco has been controversial since its introduction in September 2012. Despite \nbeing labeled as useless\n, it\u2019s given a revamp and a new name along with it.\nFrom this point onwards, the AES will be known as the Awareness Automated Safety System or AWAS. Like before, several cameras positioned along major highways and accident-prone areas will continue snapping speed offenders. AWAS will not blacklist offenders, but it has reportedly caught and issued over RM500 million worth of traffic summonses, with many of them unpaid.\n[Source: The News Straits Times, The Malaysian Insider]"
"Volvo\u2019s \nupcoming fully electric vehicle\n, which will take the guise of a 90-series SUV, is not quite ready for prime time yet. The official reveal date for the car is set for \n9 November\n, but the Swedish carmaker did at least confirm its name during yesterday\u2019s safety keynote: Volvo EX90.\nVolvo Concept Recharge previews the upcoming EX90 electric SUV.\nTaking over the \nXC90\n as the marque\u2019s flagship SUV model, the EX90 will also be \u201csafest Volvo car to ever hit the road\u201d, thanks to the addition of several new sensors as standard, including a roof-mounted long-range LiDAR, as well as in-car sensors that can detect if the driver is distracted or intoxicated.\nThe new sensors are part of what Volvo calls \u201cone of the most advanced sensor sets on the market\u201d, which also includes including eight cameras, five radars, and 16 ultrasonic sensors. By combining the advanced sensors with in-house developed software and the car\u2019s core computing power, Volvo says the EX90 is able to keep track of more potential hazards than ever before, both on the outside and inside.\nALSO READ: \nVolvo is planning to add a LiDAR \u201chood scoop\u201d on its future cars\nLiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses pulsed laser beams to measure ranges with high precision and fidelity. The new sensor \u2013 which Elon Musk infamously hates \u2013 will be a key ingredient to enabling Volvo\u2019s upcoming SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system, \nRide Pilot\n.\nWhile not a new technology, LiDAR has not been regularly implemented on production vehicles due to the sensor\u2019s (traditionally) large size and high cost, costing as much as USD75,000 (approx. RM342k) each. However, it seems Volvo\u2019s LiDAR partner,\n Luminar\n, has mostly solved the two main issues, with the company previously saying it hopes to price its sensors at just USD1,000 (approx. RM4,557) a pop, and eventually bringing it down to USD500 (approx. RM2,279).\nVolvo says the addition of the LiDAR sensor can help reduce accidents with severe outcomes by up to 20%, and improve the car\u2019s overall crash avoidance by up to 9%, based on its recent research.\nResembling a small roof scoop on the EX90, Volvo says the new LiDAR sensor can detect pedestrians at up to 250m distances, or something \u201cas small and dark as a tire on a black road\u201d 120 metres ahead \u2013 all this while travelling at highway speeds, no matter day or night.\nRELATED: \nVolvo aims to become an all-electric carmaker within 20 years\nAs for the interior, Volvo is using a set of special sensors and a pair of cameras to gauge the drivers\u2019 eye gaze concentration. The technology will see when the driver is distracted, tired, or otherwise inattentive, and will utilise several methods to bring the driver\u2019s attention back onto the roads.\nHowever, if the driver continues to be unresponsive, the EX90 is also designed to safely stop the car, and automatically call for help.\n\u201cOur research shows that by simply observing where the driver is looking and how often and for how long their eyes are closed, we can tell a lot about the state of the driver,\u201d said Volvo Cars Safety Centre Senior Technical Expert, Emma Tivesten.\n\u201cBy basing its calculations on our research findings, the sensing system allows our cars to identify whether the driver\u2019s ability is impaired, perhaps due to drowsiness, distraction or other causes for inattention and to offer extra assistance in a way that best suits the situation.\u201d\nThe new safety additions are all part of Volvo\u2019s target of\u00a0zero deaths and serious injuries in new Volvo cars. The Volvo EX90 will also help lead the charge in the marque\u2019s goal of becoming a \nfully-electric carmaker by 2030."
"Mazda owners are now eligible for discounts on the maintenance of their vehicles with the newly launched Mazda Privilege Card by Bermaz Motor \u2013 the first of its kind in the industry.\nIntroduced as an extension to the Mazda Peaceful Ownership Program, the card offers \n15% off on Mazda Genuine Spare Parts\n, \n5% off on\u00a0labour costs\n and \n15% off on Mazda official merchandises\n.\nBy applying for the card (applicable to new and current Mazda owners) at any Showrooms or Aftersales Service Centres operated by Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn Bhd and Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd, you\u2019d also be helping the less fortunate through the Mazda Medicare Fund.\nSign-up fee for the Privilege Card is \nRM 100\n\u00a0which will be\u00a0\nvalid for three years\n. If the car is sold within that duration, the new owner would have to apply for a new card.\nThe sign-up fee can \nserve as a tax-exempted donation\n to the Mazda Medicare Fund in the name of the applicant. The Mazda Medicare Fund established in 2014 has raised close to RM 1 million to assist charity homes, dialysis patients, and a non-profit hospital.\nCardholders will also be rewarded with \nrebates on aftersales services\n required beyond Bermaz\u2019s 5-Years Manufacturing Warranty and 3-Years Free Maintenance package.\nFor more information on the Mazda Privilege Card and a list of participating outlets please visit \nwww.mazda.com.my\n."
"Made by UK-based exhaust manufacturer, Milltek Sport, the \nActive Sound Generator\n is available either as a single or dual sound generator, for those who want some rumble to go with the silent performance of electric cars.\nThe Active Sound Generator system enables a user to control and select the exhaust sound of their liking to compensate the deafening silence of electric cars. The different sounds and volumes can be controlled via Milltek\u2019s own app, which is compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones.\nThe system can emit \u201chyper-realistic\u201d sounds, according to Milltek, that correspond with the vehicle\u2019s speed and throttle position. The system also includes a fake exhaust with a built-in speaker that emits fake exhaust noises that can vary according to the user\u2019s preference.\n \nWhile it may just be an aftermarket accessory of sorts for now, if applied onto mass produced vehicles, specifically electric vehicles, should further compel the current generation to make the transition from internal combustion engines. It\u2019ll no doubt draw the attention of the next generation of buyers too.\nFurthermore, aural pleasure aside, it should also make electric cars safer for pedestrians, especially the visually-impaired, as they\u2019ve been the most vulnerable to the silence of electric cars."
"As we have \nshared in December 2021\n, Maserati is preparing to welcome its latest offspring; a convertible variant of the \nMC20 flagship\n \nsportscar\n launched in 2020.\nBefore its global launch on the 25th of May 2022, Maserati has jumped the gun to reveal the name of its new convertible called the \u2018MC20 Cielo\u2019. As you may have read, MC stands for \u2018Maserati Corse\u2019 which means \u2018racing\u2019, while 20 refers to \u20182020\u2019, the year that sparked a new era for Maserati beginning with the MC20 coupe.\nAs for Cielo, it means \u2018sky\u2019 in Italian and according to Maserati, it\u2019s a model devoted to driving pleasure in the great outdoors while maintaining all the pleasures of a true sports car.\nRELATED: \nCheck out David Beckham\u2019s Maserati MC20 that he designed himself\nLike the coupe, the new Cielo is developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and manufactured at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant as is the coupe.\nWhile it may look rather similar to the design of the coupe, teaser images shown before indicates that the A-pillars and roofline of the MC20 Cielo could be redesigned. Maserati says the body of the MC20 Cielo is also made of carbon fibre composite.\nEngine specifications were not revealed but it\u2019s safe to assume that the Cielo will be powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine that powers the MC20 coupe, with 630 hp and 730 Nm.\nGALLERY"
"Geely Holding Group, through their local partner DRB-HICOM, is lending a helping hand to the Malaysian Government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with a medical aid donation.\nThe donation consists of disposable 3-ply surgical masks, medical personal protective equipment (PPE), and PL 700 ADV ventilators, and is estimated to be \nworth approximately RM5.5 million\n. The medical supplies will be distributed to \n55 hospitals around the country\n, as earmarked by the Ministry of Health (MOH).\nThe timely donation is part of a larger initiative by Geely Holding to supply medical equipment via the Li Shufu Charity Foundation \u2013 a charity body established by Geely founder Li Shufu in 2006 with a focus on poverty alleviation and helping with national disasters.\nLi Shufu Charity Foundation has pledged a total of RMB200 million (RM122 million) to help local healthcare providers and communities located at affected areas in China, and in countries where it has significant international operations in their fight against COVID-19.\nCurrently serving as Geely Holding Chairman, Li Shufu said, \u201cAs a socially responsible company, we have a duty to support the well-being of every market in which we operate. I am proud that we have the resources and logistics capability to ship vital supplies to areas hard-hit by this global pandemic.\n\u201cWe will play our part, whenever possible, to lend support to communities and medical authorities to overcome this global challenge,\u201d he added.\nGeely and DRB-HICOM jointly own and operate the national carmaker, Proton. In addition to the medical supplies received from China, Proton has also contributed to the fight by loaning \n50 units of X70 to the MOH\n to assist in their logistical operations.\nProton also\n manufactured and delivered 60,000 face shields\n to 46 hospitals around the country, ahead of its original schedule. The company aims to produce another 60,000 face shields in just five days to step up their assistance in the fight against the pandemic.\nMeanwhile, DRB-HICOM along with other subsidiaries under its parent company, the Albukhary Group, contributed cash donations, medical equipment, meals for government hospitals, media front liners and university students, as well as long-range drones for monitoring and surveillance purposes.\nProton Chairman, Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Faisal Albar, said, \u201cAs a key contributor to the nation\u2019s economy, we felt compelled to assist the government in its battle against the spread of COVID-19.\n\u201cThe front liners form the country\u2019s backbone in this fight, and it is essential for us to assist them in any way possible. We are especially fortunate to have a partner like Geely who has been extremely generous in leveraging their resources to make this happen.\u201d"
"As clock strikes 12.01 am on\u00a0\nJune 1, 2015\n, prices of \nRon95\n\u00a0&\u00a0\nRon97\n Petrol and diesel are going up by RM0.10.\nKPDNKK via thier \nFacebook page\n announced the fuel\u00a0\nprice hike\n for the aforementioned commodities. Prices are up \n10 cents\n to from RM1.95 to\u00a0\nRm 2.05\n for Ron95 petrol and Diesel. Whereas the price of \nRon97\n is up 10 cents as well from RM2.25 to \nRm 2.35\n (inclusive of 6% GST)."
"The prancing horse is\nwelcoming a new chapter in its history with the introduction of the brand\u2019s\nfirst ever plug-in hybrid and all-wheel-drive model, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.\nLet\u2019s get down to the technical bits first because we know what you\u2019re thinking, a PHEV from Ferrari?? In view of tightening emission standards, this is Ferrari\u2019s way of reducing its overall emissions and the most \nstraightforward \nway is electrification.\nWhat do you think of how it looks?\nWith the outstanding performance of the \nLaFerrari\n, you can trust that the engineers at Maranello know a thing or two about hybrid systems. The \naward-winning 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8\n is tuned to develop \n780 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n to drive the rear wheels via a new 8-speed dual clutch transmission.\nThe V8 is supported with three electric motors \u2013 one at the rear and 2 at the front axle, effectively giving the SF90 Stradale all-wheel-drive capabilities. Combined, the electric motors generate additional 220 hp giving the new mid-engine supercar a \nsystem output\n of \n1,000 hp\n.\nMore focused SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano\nCentury sprint is dispatched in \n2.5 seconds \nand 0 to 200 km/h is done in a mild numbing \n6.7 seconds\n while top speed is capped at \n340 km/h\n. The SF90 Stradale is also the fastest Ferrari to go around Fiorano circuit at 1:19.00, just a fraction of a second quicker than the LaF\u2019s 1:19.7 lap time. Hybrid assistance doesn\u2019t sound too shabby now eh.\nOn top of the Manettino switch which sets the vehicle dynamics, there is an eManettino button on the left side of the steering wheel which toggles the hybrid system into 4 different drive modes \u2013 \neDrive \nfor pure electric drive mode (up to 25 km on full charge), \nHybrid \nfor maximum efficiency, \nPerformance \nfor balance between performance and battery charge and \nQualify \nfor all-out lap times.\nThe electric motors drive the front-wheels in EV mode, making this a FWD Ferrari\nThe SF90 Stradale has to lug around \n270 kg \nworth of hybrid system and battery pack, but the engineers have managed to keep the cars overall weight to 1,570 kg (with lightweight options) which is around 100 kg more than a 488GTB.\nHowever, to have the SF90 Stradale in its lightest configuration, customers will have to opt for the Assetto Fiorano version which is the sports-oriented specification. The Assetto Fiorano specification bags you GT racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers, carbon fibre exterior pack, carbon fibre rear spoiler which generates 390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, titanium exhaust and specific Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 rubbers.\nAlso making a first appearance\non a Ferrari is a fully digital instrument cluster, a 16-inch HD screen which curves\ntowards the driver making it easier to read and give off an F1-style\nwrap-around cockpit effect. The buttons on the steering wheel have also been restyled\nwith new touch controls, rotary cruise control knob and engine start/stop\nbutton on the centre spoke.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nFerrari SF90 Stradale Debut"
"After \nrevealing most of the car last September\n, Nissan has the new Fairlady Z to stage again at the \u201cFairlady Z Protoype Special Talk Show\u201d at Nissan\u2019s headquarters in Yokohama.\n \nAt the event, Mr. Shinichiro Irie, Program Design Director highlighted a few key features of the new Z and the inspiration behind them.\nIf we understood the translated article correctly, initial intentions were for the new Fairlady Z to feature round headlamps, just like the original car.\nInstead, they opted for a \nteardrop-shaped design\n for better light distribution but complemented it with a double arch effect with the daytime running lights to project a circle.\nOn the side of the car is a \nsilver trim that runs along the sloping roof of the new Fairlady Z\n, with a sharp finish at the bottom of the C-pillar. The minimalist design detail is to mimic the design of a Katana, a Japanese sword.\nThe rear fenders were inspired by \u201cathletes who train the inner muscle\u201d according to \ncar.watch.impress.co.jp\n. It was moulded out of clay by a 40-year veteran at the company, one they refer to as a Takumi. Takumis are master craftsmen who\u2019ve repeatedly honed his or her craft for decades.\nOld school influences in the new Z also includes the \ntriple gauge display at the centre of the dashboard \n\u2013 a tribute to the original car. The stacked oval shapes seen on the air-con vents, the front grille, and more prominently on the tail lights were inspired by the Fairlady 300ZX from the 1990s.\n \nSo far, not much else has been revealed of the new Fairlady Z although it looks certain to house a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with 400 hp and 500 Nm. Even more exciting is that it will come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with the option for an automatic."
"It\u2019s certainly not a bed of roses for UMW Holdings Bhd this year, especially not after losing their coveted number one spot in the non-national automotive segment and recording lower year-to-date revenues (RM2.60 bil in 2015, compared to RM2.64 bil in 2014; by end of Q3), according to a report by \nThe Star\n.\nUMW Holdings attributed the lower revenue to stiff competition from other players in the market and admitted to suffering from \u2018weak consumer sentiment\u2019. The weakening ringgit also played a major role here, as have higher campaign and promotion expenses. To mitigate this, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd have announced that \nbeginning January 2016\n, \nboth Toyota and Lexus cars will see a slight hike across both model ranges.\n\u00a0\nAn analyst from a bank-backed brokerage revealed that the ringgit\u2019s poor performance will have a huge impact on UMW Holdings Bhd and Tan Chong Motors Holdings Bhd in 2016. He said, \u201cThese players have rather high-denominated US dollar costs, primarily because of the import of CBU vehicles, CKD kits and other parts and components that squeeze margins.\u201d\nOn the flip side, analysts are optimistic on the outlook for Berjaya Auto Bhd which distributes Mazda vehicles. During a press conference at the \nlaunching of the new Mazda CX-3\n, Berjaya Auto\u2019s CEO, Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said \nprices for Mazda vehicles will not increase\n because the company trades in Yen which has been stable against the ringgit. The monetary stimulus implemented by the Bank of Japan also helped the yen to stay soft.\nMeanwhile, \nProton revealed that pricing for all their cars will go up beginning January 2016\n. Honda too, have said that their cars will cost between 2 to 3 percent more next year, compared to Toyota\u2019s 4 to 16 percent."
"The DS 3 Crossback officially replaced the DS\n3 hatchback when it was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, catering to the\ngrowing worldwide trend and appetite for SUVs.\nIt is the first model to ride on Groupe PSA\u2019s\nnew Common Modular Platform (CMP) that underpins entry-level compact cars with\nan internal combustion engine or battery powered systems. The DS 3 Crossback\nmeasures 4,118 mm long, 1,790 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall with a wheelbase of\n2,558 mm which is roughly the same size as a Peugeot 2008.\nOne of the selling point of the DS 3 Crossback\n\u2013 or all DS models for that matter \u2013 is its distinctive sculptural styling and\nfuturistic cockpit. You\u2019ll find a honeycomb hexagonal front grille, Matrix LED\nheadlamps, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paintwork, a unique kink on\nthe rear doors, slim LED taillamps, large dual exhaust outlets on petrol powered\nmodels and more. But the party piece of the Crossback would be the retractable\nflushed door handles.\nWith the Proximity Keyless Entry and Start,\nthe door handles will be deployed and unlocked when the keys are within a\nradius of 1.5 meters. Similarly, the door handles retract and locked automatically\nas the passengers walk away from the car. As the car pulls away at 10 km/h, the\ndoor handles retract to give the car its sleek and aerodynamic profile.\n \nInside, the DS 3 Crossback can be had with a\ncombination of different materials from Black Nappa Leather to white upholstery.\nOn top grade models you\u2019ll find 10.0-inch HD touchscreen unit, Heads-Up Display,\nwireless charging, frameless electrochromic rear-view mirror and DS Sensorial\nDrive mode selector.\nSafety features such as emergency braking system, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot detection, Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go Function, speed limit recognition and recommendation that allows \nsemi-autonomous driving\n at speeds between 64 km/h to 177 km/h are only available in top grade models.\nThere are two engine options available in Europe \u2013 a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder PureTech petrol and a 1.5-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel. The 1.2-litre PureTech is tuned to provide \n101 hp\n/\n205 Nm\n, \n131 hp\n/\n230 Nm\n and \n155 hp\n/\n240 Nm\n while the 1.5-litre BlueHDi mill churns out \n102 hp\n/\n250 Nm\n.\nThe entry-level PureTech and BlueHDi mills are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission while the rest gets an 8-speed automatic instead.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nDS\u00a03\u00a0Crossback"
"Convertible SUVs are weird, and most examples of it have turned out. pretty bad \u2013 just take a look at the \nRange Rover Evoque Convertible\n. Fortunately these odd mishmashes don\u2019t come about very often, but even Porsche once experimented with a Cayenne Convertible concept, which we can only describe as grotesque, sorry.\nThe open-air \nCayenne\n was one of three possible spin-offs that Porsche considered shortly after the launch of the original five-door SUV back in 2002, alongside a seven-seater and a coupe version \u2013 the latter nearly 20 years before the current \nCayenne Coupe\n joined the line-up in 2019.\nDespite being the most unconventional concept among the three, the convertible Cayenne actually \u201csurprisingly\u201d made it much further than the other two in the conceptualising process, with a single Package Function Model (PFM) actually built, and still being kept in storage at the Porsche Museum.\nRevealed as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for the original Cayenne, the PFM model was made for designers to assess the concept\u2019s viability as an actual vehicle, physically testing for things such as ingress and egress, headroom, seating position, and other small details that are usually difficult to tell on paper.\nRELATED: \nFirst made-in-Malaysia Porsche Cayenne rolls out of new Kulim CKD assembly plant\nIt\u2019s not meant to be driven, and thus it doesn\u2019t have a functioning powertrain underneath the bodyshell, nor the necessary body-stiffening measures needed for a convertible. It does, however, give us a good look at what the designers had in mind for the Cayenne Convertible, including the two separate rear-end designs as they themselves can\u2019t decide how it should look.\nThe tone of the press release also shows that Porsche wasn\u2019t too fond of the idea. Aside from it looking like. that, the company also had doubts about its profitability.\nALSO READ: \nVolkswagen raises the roof with the T-Roc Cabriolet\n\u201cAn SUV as a convertible is a challenge both aesthetically and formally,\u201d says Porsche\u2019s current chief designer, Michael Mauer, while looking at the concept today. \u201cAn SUV always has a large and heavy body. You combine this with a small top half and then cut off the roof \u2013 you get very strange shapes emerging from that.\u201d\nLuckily, the Cayenne Convertible wasn\u2019t a complete waste of time for Porsche. Although the project (fortunately) did not reach production, it did at least give Porsche a new roof-folding mechanism design that was eventually adopted onto the 991-generation\n 911 Targa\n.\nGALLERY"
"Perodua has updated the Aruz seven-seat SUV with some useful features and no change to the price.\nBoth variants now get \nside steps\n to ease ingress and egress, plus \nautomatic door-locking\n above 20 km/h (doors will automatically unlock in the event of a collision). A new \nPassion Red\n colour (exclusive to the AV variant) joins the existing palette of Granite Grey, Electric Blue, Glittering Silver and the only non-metallic Ivory White.\n\u201cWith well over \n60,000\n units sold since its \n2019 birth\n, the Perodua Aruz was already the nation\u2019s \nbest-selling SUV\n in 2019 and 2020, but, true to the principles of \nKaizen\n (continuous improvement), we believe there are always ways we can make our products incrementally better.\n \n\u201cThis incremental adaptation of the Aruz is in line with the Perodua Smart Build blueprint; another example of our symbiotic collaboration with our suppliers to customise our products to better suit Malaysian needs and wants, and through this, developing further the capabilities of our suppliers towards true self-reliance,\u201d he added.\nThe heart of the Aruz is a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE engine, the same unit you\u2019d find in the new \nPerodua Myvi\n and the Aruz\u2019s stepbrother, the \nToyota Rush\n, but makes slightly less power with \n102 hp\n and \n133 Nm\n of torque. The fuel-efficient Dual VVT-i unit with idling start-stop feature is paired to a\n four-speed automatic\n transmission and drive the rear wheels.\nStandard features include LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, a reverse camera, keyless entry, power folding door mirrors and roof-mounted rear air-conditioning vents.\nThe key difference in the higher-specification AV variant is the \nAdvanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 system\n which includes Pre-Collision Warning (between 4 km/h to 100 km/h) and Pre-Collision Braking (4 km/h to 80 km/h) with pedestrian detection (4 km/h to 50 km/h), front departure alert and pedal misoperation control.\nOther niceties are leather upholstery, Android-smartphone mirrorlink connectivity and front fog lamps.\nThe Perodua Aruz is available in two variants \u2013 1.5 X at \nRM 68,526\n and the 1.5 AV at \nRM 73,226\n \u2013 attached with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first). The Perodua Aruz commenced its first international export last month, with our neighbours down south being the first to receive it.\nThanks to their multi-tier taxation system plus a right to vehicle ownership called Certificate of Entitlement (COE), the Aruz 1.5X is priced at \nSGD92,999\n\u00a0(approx RM286,400) in Singapore.\nA quick check at the Toyota Malaysia \nwebsite\n also shows the Rush adopting the same colour palette but sans side step."
"Great Wall Motor (GWM) has reaffirmed its commitment to the ASEAN region, with the announcement of its plans to expand into four new markets this year, including Malaysia.\nThe return to the Malaysia market was announced by GWM ASEAN and Thailand president, Elliot Zhang, as part of his 2022 outlook briefing during GMW Thailand\u2019s Brand Day 2022 event this week, celebrating the marque\u2019s successful first year in the Land of Smiles.\n\u201cGreat Wall Motor will utilise its foothold in Thailand to further expand towards the entire ASEAN region. This year, we plan to launch GWM in four more countries, namely Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, and Singapore,\u201d Zhang said during the presentation. The brand is currently present in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei.\nRELATED: The Ora Good Cat starts purring in Thailand, up to 500 km range\nHaval H6\nThe return of the brand in Malaysia will likely be headlined by three models: Haval Jolion and H6, as well as the \nOra Good Cat EV\n \u2013 all three have been previously sighted in Malaysia in one form or another.\nAll three models will likely be sold as CBU units here in Malaysia, built in GWM\u2019s recently-acquired manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand. The company also said that they are continuously investing in the plant, which will serve as the production hub for the ASEAN market.\nHaval Jolion\nThe Haval Jolion and H6 were both launched in Thailand in 2021. The former is a B-segment SUV competing with the likes of the \nHonda HR-V\n and \nToyota Corolla Cross\n, and is sold exclusively in the country as a hybrid model with a combined output of \n190 hp \nand \n375 Nm\n.\nThe Haval H6 SUV meanwhile has since become one of the best-selling models in the C-SUV segment in Thailand during the last few months of the year, even out-performing the \nHonda CR-V\n. Just like the Jolion, it\u2019s also only available with a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain that makes a total of \n243 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n.\nOra Good Cat\nThe Ora Good Cat meanwhile is a fully-electric model hatchback offering \n143 hp\n and \n210 Nm\n of torque, and up to a 63.1-kWh battery pack for a driving range of roughly 500 km.\nAll three models are likely to be distributed by GWM\u2019s existing partner Go Auto, who recently teased several new models under the GWM umbrella on its social media channels.\nAside from its regional expansion plans, GWM also announced that they will be adding 5 more new models to its line-up in Thailand. They should all include electrification of some sort, especially since the company is investing heavily into EV infrastructures in the company, with up to 55 charging stations nationwide planned by the end of 2022.\nAccording to GWM Thailand Managing Director Narong Sritalayon, Thailand\u2019s total annual car sales is forecasted to reach 850,000 units in 2022, of which roughly 94,000 (11.4%) is expected to be electrified models, more than double the amount sold last year."
"Following the debut of the facelifted \nBMW X5\n and \nX6\n, BMW has now unveiled both the BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition. Following the non-M versions of the X5 and X6, the M Competition versions of both cars have also become electrified only, now with a 48 V mild hybrid (MHEV) system with a V8 engine.\nBeing performance versions of both cars, let us get straight down to the performance enhancements. The X5 and X6 M Competition mark the debut of the 48V technology in the brand\u2019s high performance models. Like other MHEV versions of the X5 and X6, the MHEV system adds on a 12-hp electric motor that has been integrated in the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.\nCombined with a new 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, the MHEV powertrain generates a maximum output of \n625 hp\n (metric) at 6,000 rpm and \n750 Nm\n of torque at 1,800-5,800 rpm. The new V8 mill now features a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging, a new air intake duct, and an optimized oil supply system. With all new technology combined, both the X5 and X6 M Competition complete the century sprint in \n3.9 seconds\n.\nSinging the tune of the V8 MHEV powertrain is a standard M Sport exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps. Just so you know, there\u2019s also a new catalytic converter on the M Sport exhaust.\nBesides the new engine, both the X5 and X6 M Competition are equipped with a new version of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. There are three choices of shift settings and the new gearbox features a retuned setup and sharper shifting actions.\nFurther beefing up the performance of the X5 and X6 M Competition is a newly adapted version of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle. The M Setup menu lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which makes it possible to execute controlled drifts by splitting power with a distinct rear-wheel bias.\nAs for suspension both M Competition cars are equipped with M suspension Professional as standard. The electronically controlled dampers have been reworked, and the system features active roll stabilization. BMW has also adjusted the toe-in values at the rear axle for greater poise at high speeds.\nOther handling bits on the X5 and X6 M Competition include a modified application of the steering gear and M compound brakes. The M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system and the Active M Differential now work in unison with near-actuator wheel slip limitation (the first time in the X5 and X6 M Competition), as opposed to just being interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module as before.\nOn the outside, the front end of the X5 and X6 M Competition cars mimic the large vertical grille of the M#/M4 without actually having a tall grille. Black gloss trims surrounding the grille extend into the front bumper and connect the upper grille with the lower grille, forming an \u2018X\u2019-shaped area.\nBoth models come as standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels at the front paired with 22-inch M light-alloy items at the rear. Forged M light-alloy wheels with the same dimensions are available as optional extras. They include a new variant in a Jet Black solid finish.\nBuilding on the X5 and X6\u2019s cabin, the M Competition models add on broad interior trim strip in Fineline Black fine wood with high-gloss metal effect, the ambient light bar with effective backlighting and the addition of an M logo to its graphic, plus the M leather steering wheel with its new carbon gearshift paddles. Also to be found on the standard equipment list are M multifunction seats, knee pads, fine-grain Merino full leather trim and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System."
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors today confirmed that the Hyundai Kona Electric will make its Malaysian debut by the end of November, making it the first fully-electric model from the Korean brand to be officially launched on Malaysia soil.\nThe Hyundai Kona Electric will be offered in two variants \u2013 a long-range variant juiced by a 64 kWh battery, offering up to 484 km of driving range on a single charge (WLTP test cycle), and a smaller 39.2 kWh battery version with a driving range of 305 km.\nNo matter the battery size though, both variants will be powered by the same single electric motor set-up, offering a maximum power output of \n204 hp\n and \n395 Nm\n of immediate torque. Translating that to actual performance means a century sprint time of just 7.9 seconds.\nThe facelift Hyundai Kona Electric has already been spotted in Malaysia. at the most unlikely place! Check it out here.\nHyundai says that the lithium-ion polymer battery pack takes approximately 47 minutes to charge from 10 to 80% on both batteries using a 100 kW DC fast charger.\nHowever, it can also charge at a pretty decent rate at home (via a dedicated wall box) or at public AC chargers, thanks to the on-board three-phase 11 kW AC charger \u2013 four hours and 20 minutes on the 39.2 kWh variant, and six hours 50 minutes on the larger 64 kWh battery.\nThe sportier Hyundai Kona N Line was also launched here in Malaysia back in June this year! Check it out here.\nDesign wise, the Kona Electric is based on the facelift Hyundai Kona that was launched here in Malaysia earlier this year, which means it gets the reworked headlights and tail lights, alongside new bumpers and wheel designs.\n\u201cWith the newly announced import and excise duty exemptions, we envisage greater interest in EVs in Malaysia. The arrival of the Kona Electric is timely as it will provide more choice for consumers who want a more sustainable and greener ride option to help reduce carbon footprint,\u201d commented HSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung.\nThe new Hyundai Kona Electric is estimated to start under RM150,000 for the base model thanks to the \nrecently-announced tax exemptions for BEVs\n, and is now available for booking via\n Hyundai\u2019s online shopping platform\n, Cl!ck to Buy, linked\n here\n."
"The BMW Z4 GT3\u2019s days are numbered. The Munich giants have opted to bring in the M6 GT3\u00a0for the GT Le Mans class of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. The Z4 has had a good run but sadly it\u2019s on its way out as the M6 bodied GT3 race car takes the helm at the 2016 championship season.\nIt is unclear as to why BMW has made the decision to\u00a0replace\u00a0the race car for the next season, but we can tell you what made the\n Z4 GT3\n\u00a0 go like a stabbed rat. The Z4 featured an aluminium\u00a0\n4.4-litre DOHC 32-valve V8 naturally aspirated\n engine that churns\u00a0out a respectable \n490 hp\n\u00a0(fitted with the mandatory air restrictor that is) and \n480 Nm\n of torque. All of that packed together in an aerodynamic package that tips the scale at\u00a0\n1,230 kg\n as per IMSA regulation.\n \n \nThe BMW M6 GT3 on the other hand comes with a \ndry-sump\n, \ntwin-turbo 4.4-litre V8\n M-TwinPower Turbo production mill that\u2019s lifted straight from the\u00a0\nM6\n. BMW themselves have reaffirmed that the engine will remain broadly\n unchanged\n and will kick out an excess of\n 500 hp\n and wrapped up in a lightweight shell that tips the scale at just under \n1,300 kg\n. A heavy duty\u00a0\nsix-speed sequential\n racing transmission channels\u00a0all that power onto the wheels.\nBMW\u2019s engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that M6 is\u00a0track worthy, with\u00a0\ndriver\u2019s safety\n being the one of the more major issues\u00a0to deal with. For that matter,\u00a0\nBMW Motorsport\n\u00a0\ndeveloped\n and \nproduced\n the FIA-approved \nsafety cell\n.\u00a0As we\u2019ve learned, safety in motorsport is something not be taken\u00a0lightly, with the unfortunate demise of \nJules Bianchi\n as an example close to mind.\nBimmer has done well to retain the shape and enhance the design whilst keeping the spirit of the production car and then making it into a race car. As for the camo, BMW has yet to shed it off as the car is still in the late developmental stages before it debuts the next season.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Iceland \u2013 not to be mistaken for the northernmost island blanketed by ice and snow (that\u2019s Greenland, by the way), but it\u2019s widely considered as planet Earth\u2019s utopia. If an alien were to ask me which place best represents the Third Rock, my answer would be Iceland.\nIceland is a small nordic country with a population of\u00a0\n330,000\n, and\u00a0is an envy to many nations. Surrounded by mother nature\u2019s finest creation, it\u2019s also one of the\u00a0\nhappiest nations\n in the world. By looking at its breathtaking surroundings, you can see why famous singers such as Jonsi of Sigur Ros and Bjork can produce mesmerising music that tug the heartstrings. It\u2019s also one of many popular tourist destinations, one that helped Iceland recover from the 2008 economic crisis.\nIceland and Malaysia are two drastically different countries, but they share one obvious trait: they have one of the highest levels of car ownership in the world. The entire island is home to innumerable valleys, waterfalls, volcanic zones, and snowy mountain passes, all of which are connected by Route 1, also known as the \nRing Road\n.\u00a0I was told that one of the best ways to experience Iceland is by going on a road trip on the Ring Road, to which I did on my honeymoon with the missus.\nTogether, our journey spanned over eight days and by the end of it, we had clocked over 2,000km on a rented car. The journey began from the capital city of Reykjavik in the South West of Iceland and traversed on a counter-clockwise direction of the Ring Road. Before turning the ignition key, here\u2019s a little tip about driving in Iceland:\nThe island has\u00a0\n13,034\u00a0km\n of roads, but only\u00a0\n4,617\u00a0km \nof them are paved. The rest are highland and dirt roads.\nDriving is on the \nright side of the road\n, which means all cars are left-hand drive.\nThe speed limit is capped to 90km/h on paved roads and 80 km/h on gravel roads. Urban areas are restricted to 50km/h.\nIcelandic traffic laws requires the\u00a0front headlights to be\n turned on at all times\n while on the road.\nSingle lane bridges exist especially in rural areas. Whichever car nearest to the bridge has the right to cross the bridge while the opposing\u00a0side waits. This idea will never work in Malaysia.\nDriving offroad is\n illegal\n in Iceland, in order to preserve domestic vegetation.\nDriving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Iceland as well.\nParking is free in most areas except along certain city streets.\nRenting a car is the most effective way to travel around the island. Rental car companies are everywhere near the airport and\u00a0Reykjavik.\nDespite the high ownership of cars, fatalities from road accidents are tremendously low. \nLast year\n was the country\u2019s worst record with 16 deaths. A year before, only four fatalities were recorded.\nOur weapon of choice during the road trip was a \nDacia Duster\n crossover. Yes. Jokes aside, I initially opted for a C-segment hatchback for four (two humans, two oversized luggage). But fortunately, the friendly staff at the car rental upgraded my ride to this relatively strange-looking SUV, and I couldn\u2019t be happier.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nDacia Duster dCi\nSegment\nB-Segment Compact Crossover\nEngine\n1,461cc; inline 4-cylinder SOHC Turbodiesel\nTransmission\nSix-speed manual\nMax Power\n\u00a0109 hp\nMax Torque\n\u00a0240 Nm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0with\n\u00a0\ninsurance)\nNot Available in Malaysia\u00a0\nThe Dacia brand is not available in Malaysia, probably because us brand-conscious Malaysians wouldn\u2019t be attracted to a brand that\u2019s the equivalent to some hypermarket Colas, as opposed to the Coca-Cola. That\u2019s a shame, because the Duster grew on me more than I thought it would. The cabin is largely basic but functional, but that\u2019s fine considering the amount of space it has.\nFor a long road trip on the unpredictable roads of Iceland, a sturdy SUV with excellent fuel economy is highly recommended, and the Renault-sourced 1.5-litre dCi oil burner was all I needed. Since speed traps are common around the island, a slow but safe drive is all that\u2019s needed.   Here are some short takes called \u201cPitstops\u201d where I\u2019ll explain the important things and tips during a\u00a0road trip in Iceland.\nPITSTOP 1: Rental Cars\nRental cars are aplenty in Iceland, ranging from big companies such as Hertz, Avis to local companies such as Blue Car and more. They offer a variety of cars ranging from city cars, superminis, wagons, SUVs and even campervans.\nMy recommendation is to get at least a supermini (Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta) for a road trip of two, with no more than two luggages. Also, request for a diesel variant because you\u2019ll get better mileage. We\u2019d recommend a manual transmission, but that\u2019s entirely up to you to decide. Also, if you\u2019re driving during the non-winter months, a two-wheel drive car will suffice. If driving through the valleys (also known as F-roads) is on your itinerary, you\u2019ll surely be needing a four-wheel drive SUV.\nIf there\u2019s one negative aspect about Iceland, it\u2019ll be the car rental companies, so be sure to read the reviews of these companies online before signing the agreement. As a heads up, \ncollision damage waiver\n (\nCDW\n) is usually offered by default. However, \ngravel protection\n is a must, because once you get stone chips, you\u2019re going to pay for it (this goes up to the thousands of Ringgit). My recommendation is to pick all insurance offered, because the last thing you want to ruin your vacation with is the hefty bills from these companies.\nAccording to a car rental company, a normal national driving license with English wordings will do, but it a better idea to make a trip down to your preferred JPJ (Road Transport Department) branch and apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), just to be safe.\nI got my car and\u00a0accommodation\u00a0from self-drive tour companies, and the one I engaged with was \nIceland Road Trip\n. They planned the route\u00a0and\u00a0accommodation\u00a0according to my needs. This is one of the many tour companies to offer self-drive tours. Otherwise, you can even plan one on your own!\nEIGHT DAYS ON THE RING ROAD.\nAfter a night in the capital city of Reykjavik, day one brought us to the South. Driving was immensely tricky at first. It was my first time driving on the right side of a two-lane road, and also we met with strong winds while leaving the city. Eventually, we left the mountains and came\u00a0across a few picturesque waterfalls \u2013\u00a0\nSeljalandsfoss\n and\u00a0\nSk\u00f3gafoss\n. The waterfall currents in Iceland are vicious, so be sure to wear sufficient waterproofing gears if you wish to go nearer.\nDriving further down south led us to\u00a0\nDyrh\u00f3laey\n, where we were greeted with the majestic view of black sands and strong waves. Day one of the drive ends with a night\u2019s stay at a countryside guesthouse in Sk\u00f3gafoss. It\u2019s hard to believe that in just one day, we saw the city, waterfalls and scenic roads, but that\u2019s just a preview of what\u2019s to come in the subsequent\u00a0days.\nPITSTOP 2 \u2013 Hotels and seasons in Iceland\nIn Iceland, a place to put up a night can be either standard hotels or countryside guesthouses. My recommendation would be the latter, because the cosy settings of a proper home makes us feel more, well, at home.\u00a0A peek behind\u00a0the curtains would reward you with scenic vistas that\u2019s the equivalent of the wallpapers from Windows OS.\nOne point to take note is the bathroom, as some low-cost guesthouses have shared bathrooms.\u00a0Rooms with private bathrooms are also available, but this of course comes with additional costs.\nHotel rates are expensive during the summer (mid June to mid August). The best time is to travel during shoulder season (May and September) where the rates are cheaper and with fewer tourists\u00a0around. Obviously, travelling during winter is cheapest, but be prepared for more unscheduled pitstops. If there\u2019s one good thing about travelling during the winter is you get to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights, for your viewing pleasure.\nDay two took us to the Reynisfjara beach, or also known as the \nblack sand beach\n, rated as\u00a0one of the 10\u00a0most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. A few towns afterwards, we reached\u00a0\nSkaftafell\n national park and trailed a mountain pass to see the\u00a0Svartifoss waterfall. The highlight of the day goes to the\u00a0\nJ\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n\n Glacier lagoon.\u00a0A gathering of floating ice camps combined with the sunset as a backdrop proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it was nothing short of breathtaking.\nJ\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n\nThe following day after a night at\u00a0H\u00f6fn town, we headed towards the east of Iceland. Day three was mostly driving from South to East, and personally, it was my favourite as we travelled through a variety of interesting landscapes. From black volcanic ash fields to bright coastal roads before arriving in a long undergrown tunnel, our journey to the east was spectacular.   Also for the first time, we drove on Iceland\u2019s notorious gravel roads which made us feel like driving on a cross country trail. After passing Egilssta\u00f0ir, we took the snowy mountainous of Route 93 before putting the night at a wonderful small town of \nSeydisfjordur\n. That\u2019s right, this is the exact town where the\u00a0\nvolcanic eruption scene\n\u00a0from \u201cThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty\u201d was filmed. The fictitious eruption aside, this small town with colourful buildings and serene ambience was our favourite town in all of Iceland. In short, if I\u2019m looking for a place to retire, this will be my sanctuary.\nPITSTOP 3 \u2013 Towns in Iceland\nSeydisfjordur. This is actually my current desktop wallpaper\nSpeaking about towns in Iceland, there are mostly small but self-sustaining community,\u00a0be it in coastal areas, highlands or in the valleys. Population in such towns range from a few hundred\u00a0to a mere thousand. To give you some perspective,\u00a0Reykjavik is the most populous city in Iceland with 110,000 residents, followed by Akureyri with 18,000 residents.\nM\u00fdvatn\nThe next day, we drove across the snowy mountain passes and headed straight to another popular Icelandic attraction \u2013\u00a0\nnature baths in the district of M\u00fdvatn\n. Any place with volcanic activities usually means you can find natural geothermal baths, and apart from the world famous Blue Lagoon bath,\u00a0M\u00fdvatn Nature Baths offers clean and warm\u00a0geothermal water, and it\u2019s a waste not to go for a dip in such pools. The day ends in Husavik, a place where you can go whale watching,\nIn case you\u2019re wondering where we stopped for fuel and food, here it is:\nPITSTOP 4 \u2013 Petrol Stations\nSome of the more prominent petrol stations in Iceland include \u00a0N1, Olis, Orkan, and a handful of Shell stations. N1 stations are the most common petrol stations in Iceland and consist of either full-size, independently run or remote stations.\nPetrol or diesel can be purchased via cash or credit card, but do bear in mind Chip-based credit cards are used in its kiosk. If possible, buy petrol cards from their counters.\n\u00a0\nThe stations near the towns or main roads have convenience shops that sell a variety of items and food, so we took the chance to stock up on sandwiches and salads in between drives. Some stations have restaurants and fast food chains, including a local delicacy called the Icelandic Meat Soup. Trust me, the burgers and hotdogs served in N1 stations are far superior than many of the fast food chains we\u2019re all familiar with. And oh, don\u2019t forget to grab a cup of hot coffee to go too!\nThe following day, we left Husavik for\u00a0\nGo\u00f0afoss\n to see the\u00a0\u201cwaterfall of the Gods\u201d. This stop is a must before making our way to Akureyri, the capital city of the north. After a night\u2019s rest at Skagafj\u00f6r\u00f0ur, we moved westbound to the \u00deingvellir National Park. However, there were two things that were best remembered during the day.\nOne, we passed the \nHvalfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur\n tunnel, the one and only place in Iceland where the road is tolled. A drive on the 5.7km tunnel costs 1,000 ISK (roughly RM33). Certainly isn\u2019t cheap.\nAlso, remember the Papa John\u2019s scene in the Walter Mitty movie? The picture above, located in the small town of \nBorgarnes\n, is exactly where the scene\u00a0was shot, but there\u2019s not a single Papa John\u2019s Pizza chain in all of Iceland! Funnily enough, the scene was criticised for\u00a0\nbad product placement\n.   The final day of our road trip brought us to the \nGolden Circle\n. Here, we were treated to a few magnificent spectacles \u2013\n\u00a0\na\u00a0Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss waterfall and the\u00a0Keri\u00f0 Crater. These locations are popular among bus tours and foreign tourist as it\u2019s near to\u00a0Reykjavik. Once at Geysir, look out for the\u00a0 geyser called Strokkur, where it spurts boiling hot water once every few minutes. By the end of the day, we went back to Reykjavik to return the car and put two more nights at the Laugavegur street before returning back home.\nSpeaking about\u00a0Reykjavik,\u00a0Laugavegur is an ideal place to stay if you\u2019re into shopping. You can also find many restaurants along the street, as well as cafes and souvenir shops. Also, the \nHallgr\u00edmskirkja Lutheran Church\n, the tallest and perhaps the most beautiful church in Iceland, is located near\u00a0the area, and it\u2019s a must-see.\nHallgrimskirkja Church\nTo sum it all up, let me pose a question: Is this road trip for you? While my answer is a definite yes, even if you don\u2019t fancy long distance driving, the whole experience of immersing yourself with some of Mother Earth\u2019s finest creations can be encapsulated in just a week of driving around the incredible country of Iceland. It\u2019s certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Allow me to end this story with a quote from Walter Mitty which aptly describes this road trip:\n\u201cTo see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life\n.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nBeing a car portal, I have the obligation to answer this, and I have to admit that the Dacia Duster is an amazing car for such road trips. The car handles pretty well for most of the time and the suspension is able to absorb many of the imperfect roads, bet it gravel or tarmac.\nThe engine works like a charm and despite being a diesel, we didn\u2019t feel like driving a truck on the inside.\u00a0The manual gearbox is lovely and easy to shift. Speaking of\u00a0fuel consumption, it didn\u2019t disappoint, as we managed an average of\u00a0\n6 litres per 100km\n. I personally think Renault should bring the Duster to Malaysia, and perhaps our friends in East Malaysia will develop a new liking for such a Romainan.\nSpecial thanks to Road Trip Iceland and Procar Iceland for allowing this amazing road trip to happen for both myself and my missus!\nIMAGE GALLERY\nIceland\n \n Hallgrimskirkja Church   J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n   The road at Hofn during the evening   Dacia Duster"
"Kia has revealed its all-new Sorento ahead of the SUV\u2019s debut at the 90th edition of the Geneva motor show next month.\nFirst teased \ntwo weeks ago\n, the all-new midsize SUV adopts a new design unlike its predecessor. Kia designers say that the all-new Sorento is based on the concept of \u201crefined boldness\u201d, adopting the robust and tough-looking aesthetic of the earlier generations, while giving the SUV added refinement and elegance.\nThe new angular styling is reflective of the US-only \nTelluride\n, and can be seen especially in the new vertical taillights. Up front, the Sorento features a reinterpreted signature \u2018Tiger Nose\u2019 grille, integrating the headlights with new \u2018Tiger Eye\u2019 daytime-running lights.\nThe proportions of the Sorento has also been subtly tweaked to give the SUV a longer appearance. The front and rear overhangs have been shortened, matched with a longer wheelbase.\nLooking from the side, the A-pillar has also been moved backwards by 30 mm to give the Sorento a longer front bonnet and a \u201ccab-rearward\u201d appearance. Tying the styling together is a single character line, which flows from the trailing end of the bonnet to the taillights assembly.\nBased on Kia\u2019s new-generation midsize SUV platform, the fourth-generation Sorento promises a better packaging resulting in better space, practicality and efficiency.\nNo information has been given on the interior of the all-new Kia Sorento, though looking at the press images, we can see that the dashboard features a Mercedes-style instrument cluster and infotainment display panel, sat atop the stepped dashboard design.\nA separate climate control panel sits between the central vertical air vents.\nThe interior photos shown here are likely to be the Korean-spec Sorento, but general cabin architecture shouldn\u2019t differ too much across markets.\nPowertrain offerings and other new features will be announced at the Kia Sorento\u2019s global debut on the \n3rd of March 2020\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Walk in to any VW showroom now and you will be able to view the latest addition to Volkswagen Malaysia growing range of cars. It\u2019s the new \nVolkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI 2WD\n. This new model is CBU from Germany, not a local CKD variant as yet.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI 2WD\n \nSegment\nJ-Segment Compact SUV\nEngine\n1,390cc 4-cylinder TSI engine\nTransmission\n6-speed DSG gearbox\nMax Power\n160hp @ 5800 rpm\nMax Torque\n240Nm @ 1500-4500 rpm\nPrice\nRM178,888 OTR without insurance\n\u00a0\nBack in 2011, VGM (Volkswagen Group Malaysia) launched the facelifted model of the 2.0 TSI Tiguan, offering a 210hp engine coupled with a 7-speed wet clutch DSG gearbox and VW\u2019s 4Motion AWD system. The 1.4TSI variant loses the 4Motion system, but retains a more reliable wet clutch DSG gearbox, albeit with only 6 speeds. The 1.4TSI genrates \n160hp\n and \n240NM\n of torque.\nPerformance wise, the 1.4 TSI engine will propel the 1.5 tonne SUV from standstill to 100km/h in a mere \n8.9 second\ns, before hitting the top speed of \n198km/h\n. If driven sanely, the Tiguan will return a fuel consumption of \n8.9L/100km\n.\nStandard accessories for the new Tiguan includes\u00a0Climatic semi-auto\u00a0aircon,\u00a0\u2018Milan\u2019 Alcantara seat upholstery, \u2018Boston\u2019 alloy wheels, a rear view camera and a rain sensing windscreen. Also standard is an anti-theft alarm and drowsiness detection. There\u2019s also an optional \u201c\nTech Pack\n\u201d that adds\u00a0bi-xenon headlamps with LED DRLs, Climatic dual-zone aircon, Bluetooth connectivity, foldable wing mirrors, multi-function steering as well as the RCD510.\nOn the safety front, the Tiguan offers ABS, EBD, ESC, 6 airbags and ISOFIX mounts. Euro NCAP has awarded the VW Tiguan with 5 stars for it\u2019s crash test results.\nVolkswagen Group Malaysia is selling the VW Tiguan 1.4TSI for \nRM178,888\n. The Tech Pack adds another RM10,000 to the listed price. Warranty is a standard 5 year affair like other VW models, with unlimited mileage. The color palette includes Pure White, Reflex Silver, Toffee Brown, Pepper Grey and Titanium Beige."
"Lexus begins its journey into fully electrified vehicles with the reveal of the more-conventional looking Lexus LF-Z concept. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe new LF-Z Electrified concept incorporates driving performance, styling and technologies that Lexus plans to realise by 2025. It will further advance the Lexus Driving Signature, bringing together expertise gained in performance car development with new opportunities offered by electrified powertrains to give the driver exceptional responsiveness and a sense of being fully connected with their car.\nThe \nLexus spindle grille\n that seems to have become too complicated especially with the mesh pattern has now been evolved into a simple spindle body, sans texture and in body colour.\nKey performance targets for the 2.1-tonne LF-Z include \n544 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque to complete the century sprint in three seconds. The company is also aiming for a \n600-kilometre\n range under WLTP test method with a 90 kWh battery pack.\nWhile having \ndual-motors\n in EVs is the norm, Lexus is focusing on the controls and delivery of motion of each motor. Dubbed \u201cDIRECT4\u201d, the system precisely controls the delivery of drive torque from the front and rear electric motors and braking force to all four wheels.\nThe \u201cDIRECT4\u201d system adapts the driving conditions to the driver\u2019s intentions, changing the driving feel and giving the car the best driving posture.\nLexus also announced that it will open a new business and technology base in Shimoyama, Aichi Prefecture in March 2024 to accelerate the planning and development of next-generation products.\n \nThe \nnew Lexus IS\n had its handling honed at the new Shimoyama Technical Centre\nMore test courses are also currently added together with the existing 5.3 km country route, rising through 75 metres and featuring a range of different bends, making use of the natural contours of the topography. There will be around 10 different test tracks in all, including a high-speed evaluation course and others which replicate different road surfaces from around the world.\nPresident and Chief Branding Officer of Lexus International, Koji Sato, said not one but \ntwo new models \nwill be released this year. Something to look forward to then!\nBy 2025, Lexus plans to introduce 20 new or improved models, including over 10 electrified models such as BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and HEVs which could also include sports models.\nVarying the degree of electrification, in line with the needs of each country and region around the world and based on the concept of offering the right products in the right place at the right time. Lexus also expects the sales ratio of electrified vehicles exceeding that of petrol-engine vehicles.\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-AMG\n is bidding farewell to the\n W213 E63S AMG\n with \u2018\nFinal Editions\n\u2018 of the sedan and estate after nearly six years in existence since it was first introduced in 2016, before undergoing a facelift in 2020.\nThe exterior of both body styles is finished exclusively in Matte Graphite Gray Magno paint, along with 20-inch AMG forged wheels and the AMG Night Package.\nThe exterior package includes a front splitter, AMG side sills, and mirror caps, window surrounds, exhaust tips and AMG rear bumpers trims that are all painted in high-gloss black.\nThe exclusive Final Edition markings can also be seen on the inside; firstly through the AMG Performance Seats wrapped in Nappa leather, with grey and yellow stitching.\nNappa leather is also used on the steering wheel (with a mix of microfibre) and dashboard. Completing the Final Edition interior are model-specific items such as yellow illuminated door sills and AMG floor mats that mimics the colour scheme of the AMG Performance seats.\nOther distinct Final Edition features include carbon trims on the doors, dashboard and centre console. To further enhance the exclusivity of the Final Edition models, each unit is branded with a \u20181 of 999\u2019 badge on the inside.\nWith every purchase of the Final Edition models, each customer will also receive a customised AMG\u00a0Indoor Car Cover with \u201cAMG E 63 S Final Edition\u201d lettering in the matching colour.\nNo performance upgrades were mentioned so it\u2019s expected that both body styles will continue serving \n612 hp\n and \n850 Nm\n from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels. 0 to 100 km/h in the E63S takes just 3.4 seconds."
"Honda\u2019s Mean Mower has once again splice its way into the record books by setting a new Guinness World Records for the \u201cFastest 0-100 mph Acceleration for a Lawnmower\u201d.\nThe new record of \n6.29 seconds\n was set in Germany with experienced stunt driver and race car driver, Jess Hawkins, behind the wheel of the Honda HF 2622 lawn tractor or more famously, the \nMean Mower V2\n.\n \nIt\u2019s powered by a 999cc 4-cylinder engine from a CBR1000RR Fireblade SP superbike, with around\n 200 hp\n and a 13,000 rpm redline.\nWith a super-light frame and dry engine weight of just 70 kg, the mean mower achieves a higher power-to-weight ratio than even the Bugatti Chiron!\nThe Mean Mower V2 (left) and the original from 2014.\nWith a top speed well in excess of 240 km/h, the Mean Mower V2 takes over the \noriginal Mean Mower \n from back in 2014 which achieved a top speed of 187 km/h."
"Lexus vehicles have always been sculptures on wheels but with the all-new Lexus NX350 F Sport previewed today in Sepang, it\u2019s hands down the most beautiful Lexus SUV we\u2019ve ever seen.\nRELATED: Five note-worthy features we discovered in the Lexus NX350 F Sport AWD\nThere are two variants \navailable for booking now\n; the \nNX250 Luxury from RM370,888\n and the \nNX350 F Sport from RM389,888\n although only the latter was revealed today. Both prices are on-the-road without insurance, excluding SST exemptions.\nThe Lexus NX350 F Sport you see here is powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with\n 275 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission to offer all-wheel drive capabilities.\n0 to 100 km/h takes a rather impressive seven seconds with a 200 km/h top speed and as we have experienced on the Sepang Circuit, the NX350 F Sport can effortlessly hit the mark.\nBehind the 20-inch wheels wrapped in 235/50 Bridgestone run-flat tyres are adaptive dampers, which are only available in the NX 350 F Sport. Unlike before, where the NX\u2019s daytime running light (DRL) and headlamps were separated, the new three-beam LED projector headlamps now house the DRL as well.\nInteresting fact; the DRLs can brighten and dim according to the NX\u2019s acceleration to create an effect of the car coming to life upon acceleration and deceleration. The rest of the exterior lighting are also LED units.\nBoth variants \u2013 the NX250 Luxury and NX350 F Sport \u2013 come with a hands-free tailgate. Boot space is a generous 520-litres but with the seats folded flat, the NX offers up to 1,411 of space.\nInside, items exclusive to the NX350 F Sport variant are the sports seats with F Sport embossed on the headrests, steering, pedals, and door sills.\nKey features include ventilated seats, a massive 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless), a 10-speaker Lexus Premium sound system, a panoramic view monitor, dual-zone air conditioning, a head-up display, 64-colour ambient lighting, paddle shifters, and 3x USB C and 1x USB A charging ports.\nThe most unique feature of all has to be the new e-latch systems that allow users to open and close the doors, from the inside or out, with a single movement.\nBoth variants of the Lexus NX will come with the Lexus Safety System+ which includes features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop&go functions, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beam. Aside from the seven airbags, both variants also get a blindspot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and active cornering assist.\nGALLERY"
"Volvo Cars has just revealed the S90 Ambience Concept, an industry-first sensory experience that combines visuals, sound and scent to redefine in-car luxury.\nThe S90 Ambience Concept is based on the top-of-the-line S90 Excellence 3-seater executive sedan, which will make its public debut at the Beijing Auto Show in the next couple of days.\nhttps://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/24104302/227635_Volvo_S90_Ambience_Concept.mp4\nPassengers can personalise the car\u2019s atmosphere \nby using an intuitive app or a bezel by the rear arm rest\n to choose from \nseven visual themes synchronised with tunes\n from the Bower and Wilkins premium sound system and four different bespoke scents by Byredo.\nVisuals like the Northern Lights, can be projected on the car\u2019s ceiling along with other themes such as Scandinavian Forest, Swan Lake, Archipelago and Rain. There is also a Nocturnal theme for resting while Freedom gives a boost of fresh and uplifting energy.\nAlthough just a concept at the moment, Volvo Cars intend to make it available in S90 Excellence production cars, \nespecially in China\n. In 2017, Volvo sold more than 100,000 cars in China for the first time. The country is Volvo Cars\u2019 largest single market and the company\u2019s biggest marketplace for the S90 sedan."
"During the \nPetronas Motorsports Demo Run\n last weekend on 23rd of March, there was a preview of the new \nCLA200\n at Mercedes-Benz booth in KLCC concourse area. Slated to be launched some time this month, the four-door sedan sibling to the A200 is powered by the same \n156hp\n 1.6 litre turbocharged powerplant driving the front wheels.\nIt was a looker alright, but something outside KLCC caught my eyes and immediately was drawn out to it like a magnet.\nA trio of compact Mercs were parked outside, a black \nA250 Sport\n, a white \nA45 AMG Edition 1\n, and the one that stole my attention, a metallic grey \nCLA45 AMG\n.\nSharing similar underpinnings with the A45 AMG hatch, this sexy pocket rocket is packed with the most powerful production 4-cylinder engine under its bonnet. With \n360hp\n and \n450Nm\n of torque powering all four wheels via 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, it will crack 100kmh in just 4.4 seconds and will power on until the speed limiter at 250km/h.   During the Petronas Motorsports Demo Run, the white A45 AMG was used as the Safety Car, but both the A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG were used as taxi rides for the selected guests. The A45 AMG was driven by none other than the 2008 Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, while his team mate Nico Rosberg drove the CLA45 AMG.   No word on the exact launch date yet, but it looks like it\u2019s going to be pretty soon. It will be interesting to see how will it be priced when the A45 AMG is already pegged at RM 348,888. So which one would you choose? The mad A45 AMG hatch or the sexy CLA45 AMG?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ferrari bragged about its new 3.0-litre V6 engine so much that it even called it the \u2018\npicollo\n V12\u2032, baby V12 in Italian, as a nod to some of the most successful engines it has ever made. But for some inexplicable reason, Ferrari chose to show off its new engine with the \n296 GTB \n\u2013 a hard top, berlinetta-style coupe, which as we all know, is not the ideal candidate to experience a powertrain\u2019s true fury.\nSo in an effort to undo the blip in the universe, Ferrari has now lifted the veils on the 296 GTS \u2013 which stands for Gran Turismo Spider \u2013 to finally let us (\nor rather, those able to afford one\n) fully engulf ourselves in auditory nirvana.\nAs the name suggests, the Ferrari 296 GTS is nearly completely identical to its coupe twin, sharing the same basic aluminium chassis and the 830 hp hybrid-assisted 3.0-litre V6 engine. The only major difference between the two is, of course, the GTS\u2019 retractable hardtop roof, that can be opened or closed in 14 seconds, at speeds of up to 45 km/h.\nWhen not needed (\nwhich should be most of the time when you buy a car like this\n), the roof splits into two parts and stows away neatly behind the passenger compartment. That unfortunately means that the beautiful see-through engine cover had to be shrunk down to just a small window now, but we think it\u2019s a small price to pay for the multi-senses overload you get to experience with the roof down.\nRELATED: This is how the Ferrari 296 GTB\u2019s new V6 engine sounds like\nThe hideaway roof does come with a weight penalty of around 70 kg thanks to the additional chassis reinforcement components, but performance on the Ferrari 296 GTS doesn\u2019t appear to suffer much. Ferrari still quotes the same 0-100 km/h time of \n2.9 seconds\n as the GTB, while 0-200 km/h only takes 0.3 seconds longer at 7.6 seconds.\nThe \n830 hp\n and \n740 Nm \n(663 hp from engine) output figures also remain identical to the coupe, as is the 25 km of electric driving range when in EV mode, which can be engaged at speeds of up to 135 km/h.\nJust like the GTB, the all-new Ferrari 296 GTS will also be offered with an Assetto Fiorano package for those who want to smell burning rubbers more than the country glades.\nSeen here on the red and silver car (a front-to-rear stripe paintwork unique to the AF), the driver-focused upgrade package brings along several weight reduction measures including greater use of carbon fibre parts and lightweight door panels, alongside additional aero winglets on the front bumpers that increased downforce by 10 kg, and a set of super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tyres.\nGALLERY"
"We are only days away from the launch of the \nVolvo EX30\n, and the Swedish carmaker has just dropped yet another teaser on the upcoming all-electric SUV. Showing some design details of the EX30\u2019s interior, the theme of \nVolvo Car\n\u2019s\n teaser this time is all about space.\nFor starters, the EX30 is said by the company to offer a contextual user experience. This is done by removing the \u2018complexities\u2019 usually found on other vehicles\u2019 dashboards, and replacing them with just a single screen. Positioned in the centre of the EX30\u2019s dashboard, the screen measures 12.3 inches and will display all relevant information for the driver. This will result in more space around the dashboard, giving the interior a more spacious feel, while saving on materials.\nTo help make night drives a more comfortable experience, Volvo has added a mode called the \u2018calm\u2019 view to the centre screen. This strips away everything apart from the most vital information, to help drivers focus and reduce strain from the eyes, especially during long drives.\nThe Volvo EX30\u2019s infotainment system will also have Google built-in, together with wireless Apple CarPlay functionality, a first for the brand\u2019s line-up. Qualcomn\u2019s Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms are also available, offering 5G via the infotainment system.\nRELATED: \nCar doors kill 60 cyclists on average per year, the Volvo EX30 wants to stop this\nWhen speaking of space in cars, storage space practicality is certainly one of the most important topics to be talked about, as people tend to carry many items in their cars. Volvo is here to offer an innovative solution for this with the EX30, and ultimately deliver customers a big-car experience with less.\nTo maximise the benefits of having a flat floor, Volvo has relocated the EX30\u2019s glove compartment and placed it beneath the centre screen. This also makes the glove compartment easier for both driver and passenger to access. The window switches, which are typically found on the door panels, have now been repositioned to the centre console, making it, just like the glove box, more easily accessible.\nThe Scandinavian carmaker has gone back to the drawing board and has reimagined the centre console\u2019s design for the EX30. Having versatility as the centre console\u2019s main focus, it is equipped with a sliding system that allows you to choose exactly how you want to use the space.\nThe top of the cupholder can be slid out to hold your drinks or smartphone or moved back for more storage. The lower tunnel has a protective storage area for small items such as sunglasses or headphones. Additionally, the large open space above can be used to place larger items such as bags too.\nVolvo is also going big with audio for the EX30 as well. For the first time in a car, the EX30\u2019s interior features a sound bar that covers the entire width of the dashboard, a layout inspired by home audio design.\nUnlike most cars, the EX30\u2019s speakers aren\u2019t housed within the door panels, but \u2018hidden\u2019 under the windshield, making them seamlessly integrate into the fully-electric SUV\u2019s cockpit. The speakers are clustered together within one component, reducing the amount of wiring and material, and at the same time freeing up storage space in the door panels. A Harman Kardon sound system option is also available for those who desire even better sound quality.\nVolvo\u2019s head of interior design, Lisa Reeves said, \u201cThe Volvo EX30 combines all the best elements of Scandinavian design.\u201d\n\u201cNew materials add creative textures, colour and personality to the cabin, while smart functionality and a great user experience are the hallmarks of every true Volvo creation. Together, these elements distil the essence of a Volvo into a small package,\u201d she added.\nVolvo mentioned that the Volvo EX30\u2019s interior features a stylish design, and at the same time embraces sustainable thinking. With four interior \u2018rooms\u2019 to choose from, the fully-electric SUV\u2019s interior is made out of recycled and renewable materials such as denim, flax, and wool, and is offered in a variety of colours and textures.\nThe global launch of the Volvo EX30 will be taking place on \nJune 7\n, \n2023\n. The fully electric SUV will also be available to order and pre-order in elected markets on the same date.\nRELATED: \nLeaked: Volvo EX30 EV SUV patent images surface ahead of June 7 world premiere\nGALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz is set to commence the market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz S 560 e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant starting October 2018. Based on the W222 S-Class facelift generation, the S 560 e is available exclusively as a long wheelbase version (V222) and comes with the three-pointed star\u2019s latest EQ Power technology.\nPowering the S 560 e is a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine that pushes out 367 hp and 500 Nm paired to an electric motor to give the luxury limousine a \ncombined output\n of \n476 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels via a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic to allow the PHEV S-Class to launch from 0 to 100 km/h in \n5.0 seconds\n onwards to a governed top speed of\n 250 km/h\n all while returning \n2.5 L/100 km\n based on the WLTP test cycle.   Juicing the 90 kW (122 hp)/440 Nm electric motor is a new lithium-ion battery with a rated capacity of 13.5 kWh and like all Mercedes-Benz PHEVs, the battery pack is located underneath the boot floor. However, despite the increase in capacity, the dimensions of the new battery is now smaller which frees up more usable boot space to\n 410 litres\n (standard S-Class: 530 litres).\nWhile the company highlights the battery pack has fast charging compatibility when plugged into a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox, Mercedes-Benz did not disclose the charging time of the batteries. On a full charge, the S 560 e has a pure-electric driving range of up to \n50 km\n.   One unique feature of the plug-in hybrid S-Class is the Intelligent operating strategy with Eco Assist that anticipates the journey ahead using navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety systems to manage the \u201csail\u201d function, regenerative braking and haptic accelerator pedal to achieve an economical and comfortable driving style.\nOn the local front, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just introduced the refreshed S-Class with one petrol powered variant, the \n450 L AMG Line\n which replaces the popular \nS 400 h\n in their model portfolio ahead of the \nexpected expiry of the CKD hybrid incentives\n. With MBM\u2019s move of phasing out PHEVs from their product range, we may not see the arrival of the S 560 e to our shores in the immediate future.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The 2016 Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) has been awarded to the \nSubaru Impreza\n after defeating the \nToyota Prius\n for the top prize. This is the second JCOTY trophy bagged by Subaru, following the Legacy\u2019s victory in its native land 13 years ago.\nThe new Subaru Impreza, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, is built atop the company\u2019s new Global Platform. Launched at the\u00a0New York Motor Show earlier this year, the new Impreza has been a tremendous sales success in Japan. The car also found success among the judges, with a final tally of \n420 votes\n compared to the Prius\u2019 371.\nPresident and CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, Yasuyuki Yoshinaga said \u201cIt is a great honour that the Impreza has been recognised with this distinctive award. I would like to thank our customers, suppliers and shareholders for their continued support for Subaru and I am grateful to all those who contributed to this achievement. We will continue to enhance our efforts to offer an \u2018enjoyment and peace of mind\u2019 driving experience to all customers.\u201d\nIn the import category, the \nAudi A4 B9\n became the jurors\u2019 favourite European car, thus winning the \u201c\nImport Car of the Year\n\u201d trophy for the Ingolstadt carmaker. Nissan\u2019s ProPilot driver assist technology in the \nSerena\n\u00a0won them the Innovation Award.\nThe \nBMW M2\n\u00a0bagged\u00a0the Emotional Award for the most engaging driver\u2019s car this year. Sadly, the\u00a0\nHonda NSX\n\u00a0didn\u2019t make the running, but it went home with a special award for the revolutionary twin-turbo hybrid V6 powertrain."
"Volkswagen Group has just recorded its most successful month ever in March 2018 after shifting 1.04 million vehicles across its 12 brands. Deliveries for Q1 2018 also rose by 7.4 per cent at over 2.6 million cars.\nAmong all its subsidiaries \u2013 Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MAN Trucks & Buses and Scania \u2013 \nSEAT charted the strongest growth\n at 18.7 per cent in the first quarter of the year. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, on the other hand, was the only brand that suffered a dip in sales (-5.9 per cent) in the same period.\nBrand\nJan \u2013 Mar 2018\nChange (%)\nVolkswagen Passenger Cars\n1,525,300\n+5.9\nAudi\n463,800\n+9.8\n\u0160KODA\n316,700\n+11.7\nSEAT\n139,200\n+18.7\nPorsche\n63,500\n+6.3\nBentley, Buggati, Lamborghini, Ducatti\n3,400\nVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles\n114,700\n-5.9\nMAN Trucks & Busses\n30,600\n+21.3\nScania\n22,600\n+9.6\nTotal\n2,679,800\n+7.4\nAs for market breakdown, Asia-Pacific enjoyed the strongest growth with \n1,090,200 cars delivered to new owners\n \u2013 1,019,600 of them were \ncontributed by China alone\n, which recorded 13.4 per cent growth, cementing the country\u2019s position as the \nsingle largest market for Volkswagen Group\u2019s vehicles\n.\u00a0President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China,\u00a0Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann attributed the strong growth to the Group\u2019s SUV model line up.\u00a0\nMarket\nJan \u2013 Mar 2018\nChange (%)\nEurope\n1,143,300\n+4.1\nNorth America\n221,000\n+3.4\nSouth America\n128,700\n+5.6\nAsia-Pacific\n1,090,200\n+12.0\nOther Region\n96,600\nWorldwide\n2,679,800\n+7.4\nCommenting on the result, Head of Group Sales at Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Fred Kappler, said, \u201cThe first-quarter results confirm the attractiveness of our products. However, this good performance does not mean we can let up in our efforts. Instead, we must continue to strengthen our customer\u2019s trust in our brands and products in the second quarter as well.\u201d"
"Elegant and dynamic. Those were the words used when Lexus Malaysia pulled the wraps off the \nseventh-generation Lexus ES sedan\n here at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). Having to experience the ES with our own eyes, we can confirm that the ES is every sense of Elegant and Dynamic.\nIn a nutshell, the ES is a shrunken version of the brand\u2019s flagship LS sedan. From the large, elegant Spindle grille to the cascading taillamp graphics that reflect into infinity, the ES features all the design elements of the LS.   Inside, the ES cabin will accommodate those who choose to drive or those who prefer to be driven equally well. Amenities include large 12.3-inch EMV infotainment system display, 7.0-inch TFT LCD combination instrument cluster, the largest in class Heads-Up Display, power reclining rear seat as well as a control panel built into the centre armrest.\nThe ES 250 is powered by 2.5-litre naturally aspirated VVT-I petrol engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. The 2.5-litre engine packs \n206 hp\n and \n247 Nm \nof twist, enough to send the ES 250 sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.1 seconds\n. On full whack, the ES 250 is capable of hitting \n210 km/h\n.   The ES also comes equipped with the \nLexus Safety System+\n that bundles Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies such as Pre-collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS) and others.\nExpect Lexus Malaysia to officially introduce the all-new Lexus ES sedan sometime in 2019.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLexus ES 250 Previewed at KLIMS"
"Being at the pinnacle of motorsports, it\u2019s not uncommon to see technology move downstream from Formula 1 towards regular road-going cars. Over the years, we\u2019ve had things like dual-clutch gearbox, adaptive suspension, and paddle shifters all making it\u2019s way onto the cars we drive daily.\nWith Honda re-entering Formula 1 as an engine supplier in 2015, the company says that its upcoming \nJazz Hybrid\n has already benefitted from the venture, with a little Formula 1 DNA in its e:HEV engine.\nMuch like the latest Formula 1 engines, the e:HEV powertrain in the \nall-new Honda Jazz Hybrid\n \nrecycles energy and harnesses it to charge the battery, or increase the engine output when needed, seamless switching between drive modes for maximum efficiency.\nOf course, the output figures are nothing like the RA620H used to power Aston Martin Red Bull and Scuderia Toro Rosso (now called the Scuderia AlphaTauri) F1 cars, but the general working theory is basically the same.\nHonda Head of Power Unit Development, Yasuaki Asaki explains: \u201cDuring a Formula 1 race weekend teams have to manage very carefully how much fuel they use to comply with the sport\u2019s regulations. In a race we can divide the total fuel allowance over the number of laps, but there are going to be situations where a team might wish to use more fuel in order to get higher performance and in other parts of the race they will want to save fuel for later, while behind a safety car for example.\n\u201cIn a race, the communication between the race engineer and the driver is key to achieving that best balance. However, in our road-going e:HEV hybrids we apply our expertise to ensure the Powertrain control units deliver the best possible power to efficiency ratio for the driver, in any required driving mode.\u201d\n2020 Honda Jazz\nThe e:HEV powertrain in the all-new Honda Jazz utilises two compact electric motors alongside the\u00a01.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine to deliver the optimum balance between fuel efficiency and power. Together, they send a combined output of \n109 hp\n and \n253 Nm\n to the front wheels through a unique electronically-controlled CVT with a single fixed-gear ratio.\nJust like an F1 car, the e:HEV powertrain can be driven in many different modes for different situations. The EV Drive mode uses the electric motor to drive the wheels directly, with power coming from the lithium-ion battery. Hybrid Drive meanwhile uses the engine to power the electric generator motor, which in turns supplies electric power for the twin electric propulsion motors. Engine Drive mode allows the engine to directly power the wheels via a lock-up clutch.\nHonda says the first two modes are mostly used in urban settings, where the all-new Honda Jazz will be able to automatically switch between the two seamlessly. For highway driving, Engine Drive is normally used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power \u2018boost\u2019 from the electric propulsion motor for faster acceleration \u2013 just like Formula 1."
"Ford has just announced that the company will be investing US $350 million (RM1.5 billion) in its Livonia Transmission plant in Michigan to develop their next generation transmission for front-wheel drive vehicles.\nFord believes that the investment will provide customers better-performing and more fuel-efficient\n\u00a0FWD cars\n. This new transmission will cover a wide range of applications including the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. It will also share software, design elements and manufacturing process as its 10-speed automatic that debuted on the \nFord Mustang\n.\nWith the additional investment, the company will also be adding 800 jobs to support production of the new transmission. In the past four months alone, Ford has announced more than US$2.25 billion (RM9.7 billion) in new investments in Michigan. The Blue Oval has also invested US$12 billion (RM51.6 billion) in its U.S. plants and created a total of nearly 28,000 U.S. jobs during the last five years."
"First unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Motor Show, the facelifted Mazda6 sedan and touring was revamped with Mazda\u2019s latest evolution of the Kodo Design, bringing the ageing model closer to the rest of its siblings. Besides the new look, the Mazda6 facelift gains a new cabin design as well as improved NVH refinement.\nBermaz Motor has officially previewed the Mazda6 facelift here at their latest 3S centre in Jelutong in Penang. Like before, the Mazda6 will be offered in four variants, all fully imported from Japan. However, the 2.5-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-G engine will not be offered to the Malaysian market.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda6 2.0L\nMazda6 2.5L Sedan\nMazda6 2.5L Touring\nMazda6 2.2D\nEngine\n1,998cc; 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G\n2,488cc; 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G\n2,191cc; 4-cylinder SkyActiv-D\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\nMax Power\n162 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n192 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n188 hp @ 4,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n213 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n258 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nTo Be Announced\n\u00a0\nThe designers at Mazda has adopted a \u201cMature Elegance\u201d design philosophy to give the Mazda6 a more matured and sophisticated appearance. To achieve this, new mesh front grille restyled LED headlamp and taillamp design, additional chrome finishes as well as new alloy wheel designs were introduced.\nThe entry-level Mazda6 2.0L rides on smaller 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/55 profile tyres and loses out on Mazda Advance Keyless Entry. The rest of the range rides on 19-inch items wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres and gains keyless entry.   Inside, the cabin is also revamped with sleeker lines, more premium materials as well as enhanced technology. The 2.5L and 2.2D comes furnished with leather upholstery, Active Driving Display (colour windshield projection), 8.0-inch MZD touchscreen infotainment system, 11-speaker BOSE sound system, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters as well as 10-way powered driver seat\nThe base variant is also decently equipped, having to lose out only on paddle shifters, Active Driving Display and gets a standard six-speaker set up. With the facelift, the Mazda6 also gain improved Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH) levels thanks to thicker door panels, outer glass, headliner and door seals.   The local powertrain line up is the same as before \u2013 a 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with \n162 hp\n/\n213 Nm\n, 2.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with \n192 hp\n/\n258 Nm\n as well as a 2.2-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-D turbodiesel with \n188 hp\n/\n450 Nm\n. A six-speed SkyActiv Drive automatic transmission is standard issue on all Mazda6s.\nBermaz Motor has equipped the Mazda6 2.5L and 2.2D with a more extensive range of the i-ActivSense advanced safety technology which includes Smart City Brake Support (front and rear), Driver Attention Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.\nThe entry-level 2.0L variant makes do with the standard six airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Launch Assist as well as G-Vectoring Control.\nBermaz Motor has yet to announce the pricing details of the facelifted Mazda6 but will start accepting orders for their flagship sedan. A total of seven colour choices will be available \u2013 Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray and Titanium Flash.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda 2.5L SkyActiv-G Sedan Facelift"
"Unveiled at the \n2017 Detroit Motor Show\n early this year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) wasted no time in adding the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLA to their local fleet. Like before, a total of three variants are offered, including the fire breathing GLA 45.\nWhile it\u2019s not an all-new model, the engineers at Stuttgart have worked hard to further refine this little crossover. A lower A-pillar step, redesigned exterior mirror housings, optimised rear silencer, roof spoiler and rear diffuser collectively reduced drag coefficient from 0.29 to \n0.28\n, improving fuel consumption and NVH levels.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz GLA 200\nMercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC\nEngine\n1,595cc; inline 4-cylinder turbo\n1,991cc; inline 4-cylidner turbo\nTransmission\n7-speed G-DCT\nMax Power\n156 hp @ 5,300 rpm\n211 hp @ 5,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n350 Nm @ 1,200 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.1 seconds; 215 km/h\n6.6 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM239,888\nRM269,888\nVisually, the LED headlamps get the similar single bar LED daytime running light as the A-Class and CLA, revised front grille, reshaped bumper and redesigned LED combination tail lamps. The entry level GLA 200 is dressed in Urban Line with Night Package that blacks out the radiator grille, wing mirrors and light-alloy wheels. It rides on 19-inch five-spoke light alloy wheels.\nStepping up to the GLA 250 and you\u2019ll get the AMG exterior package as standard that features the more aggressive AMG body kit. Night package is also a standard fitment on the GLA 250. It rides on 19-inch AMG lightweight alloy wheels.\nInside, the GLA 200 Urban Line features Artico leather with black Maringa fabric upholstery while the GLA 250 AMG line gets Artico leather with Dinamica microfibre upholstery. Elsewhere, standard equipment on both variants include leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, powered front seats with memory function, 8-inch Media Display Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, easy pack tailgate, cruise control and reverse camera. The GLA 250 AMG gets additional illuminated \u2018AMG\u2019 lettering door sills and AMG floor mats.   Motivation for the GLA 200 comes from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo with \n156 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. Century sprint is done and dusted in a respectable \n8.1 seconds\n while top speed is rated at \n215 km/h\n. The GLA 250 packs a larger and more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that churns out \n211 hp\n and 3\n50 Nm\n of torque. It hits the 100 km/h mark in \n6.6 seconds\n and on full whack, the speedometer will read \n230 km/h\n.\nUnlike the pre-facelift model, the updated GLA is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Drive is sent to the front wheels on the GLA 200 while the GLA 250 4MATIC has its drive sent to all four corners.\nBoth variants are equipped with comfort-oriented suspension that raises ride height by 20mm, befitting that of a family oriented crossover. Drivers can also select between \nfive drive\n \nmodes\n \u2013 Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual and Off-Road via the Dynamic Select function. Each drive mode alters the response of the engine, transmission, steering and damping.\nOn the safety front, both GLAs come equipped with PRE-SAFE System, Active Brake Lights, Attention Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and active parking assist.\nAs with all Mercedes-Benz models, the GLA comes with a 4-Years unlimited mileage warranty package. Like with most models, Mercedes-Benz Financial is offering attractive financing deals for the GLA. With Hire Purchase Classic, interest rates starts from 1.88 percent to 2.28 percent whereas with Agility Financing, monthly repayments for the GLA starts from RM3,235.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be kicking off the year with the launch of\u00a0\nthe second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan\n. While we\u2019re just weeks away from the launch, the company invited the press over for a special viewing of their \nCR-V\n rivalling SUV.\nThe Tiguan will now be locally assembled at Volkswagen\u2019s production plant in Pekan, Pahang, and will be offered in two trims \u2013 Comfortline and Highline. Its estimated price tag starts from RM149k for the Comfortline and RM169k for the Highline. Pricing is of course not finalised, but expect minimal, if not no changes to the asking price.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nVolkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Comfortline\nVolkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Highline\nEngine\n1,395cc; Direct injection with Turbocharger TSI\nTransmission\n6-speed DSG (Wet Clutch)\nMax Power\n148 hp @ 5,000 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n250 Nm @ 1,500 \u2013 3,500 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n8.9 seconds; 198 km/h\nEstimated Price\nRM149,000\nRM169,000\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nBased on the group\u2019s new MQB platform, the new Tiguan is longer, wider but at the same time shorter than before. It measures 4,486mm in length (+60mm), 1,839mm in width (+30mm), 1,664mm in height (-39mm) while wheelbase is now 2,681mm (+77mm). It also weighs 50kg lesser than the outgoing model.\nThanks to the enlarged dimensions, the designers at Volkswagen adopted a bolder and more utilitarian approach to the car\u2019s design. While it may look boxy to the eyes, the new Tiguan\u2019s final design was developed in a wind tunnel, resulting in a reduction of overall air drag by as much as 40 percent.   The range topping Highline (pictured here) gets all the bells and whistles, including full LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, halogen front\u00a0fog lamps, silver roof rails, powered tailgate, keyless entry and start along with 18-inch \u201cKingston\u201d alloy wheels.\nThe Comfortline loses out on some of the aforementioned features including the powered tailgate in favour of bi-xenon headlamps, black roof rails and 17-inch \u201cMontana\u201d alloy wheels.\nINTERIOR\nAs with any Volkswagen, the cabin is a familiar place, save for several additional features. In the Tiguan Highline, it comes with \u201cVienna\u201d leather upholstery, three-zone \u2018Climatronic\u2019 air-conditioning, 12.3-inch Active Info Display, paddle shifters, powered driver\u2019s seat with memory function, 8-inch \u201cDiscover Media\u201d with navigation, reverse camera and ambient lighting.   The Comfortline gets a simpler \u201cRhombus\u201d fabric upholstery, \u201cComposite Media 8\u201d touchscreen infotainment system and Park Distance Control.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe first-generation Tiguan was actually offered with a 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre TSI engines. However, the new one here will only be available with a 1.4-litre turbo, producing\u00a0\n148 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n of torque \u2013 figures that are identical to the \nJetta\n and \nGolf TSI\n.\nHowever, transmission here is a six-speed dual clutch DSG transmission (wet clutch, same as the Golf GTI and \nPassat Highline\n). Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels. However, VPCM is not ruling out the possibility of introducing a 2.0-litre TSI variant and all-wheel drive 4MOTION option.\nWHAT ELSE?\nA total of five exterior colours are available with the new Tiguan \u2013 Pure White, Deep Black, Atlantic Blue, Tungsten Silver and Indium Grey. You can now place your booking at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships, and early birds will receive a rebate of RM7,000. Also, for those who are interested to view the Tiguan in the metal, it will be displayed at the Volkswagen Sales Tour happening at 1 Utama New Wing from 1 March to 5 March 2017.\n IMAGE GALLERY"
"Right after the Volkswagen Group (VAG) swung the axe on\u00a0\nAudi\u2019s Le Mans\n programme, another name has sadly appeared on the chopping board. A report from \nAutoCar\n revealed that Volkswagen will terminate its mega-successful World Rally Championship (WRC) team at the end of the year.\nThe decision follows after a board meeting took place in Wolfsburg, one that will see 200 of the staffs involved be transferred to VAG\u2019s other motorsports divisions. This includes its customer racing programs such as TCR touring car, GT racing and its Skoda rally programme.\u00a0\nDespite having made the\u00a0\n2017 Volkswagen Polo-R\n\u00a0for the upcoming season, VAG has no plans to lease it to customer teams. Instead, the Polo will forever be kept in the factory, perhaps as a memento of what could have been. Since joining the WRC in 2013,\u00a0the team celebrated\u00a0\n41 victories\n,\u00a0four drivers titles and four manufacturer\u2019s titles, including the birthing of a modern day rally legend, Sebastien Ogier. The final race in Australia will effectively be Volkswagen\u2019s last appearance on the greatest dirt racing in the world.\nThe decision was partly caused by the\u00a0\ndieselgate\n scandal, where VAG will have to pay over \n\u00a310 billion\n (approximately RM51.3 billion) in a settlement to either repurchase or\u00a0fix\u00a0500,000 cars in the US. That has caused a financial strain in VAG that ultimately led to the demise of its successful but terribly expensive WEC and WRC programmes.\nPerhaps now\u2019s a good time to introduce a special edition, hot Polo R for the road, eh? Instead of creating something like\u00a0\nthis Polo Trophy R\n."
"Having \ntested it in Spartanburg, USA\n, BMW Malaysia has officially launched the second-generation G02 BMW X4 in Malaysia alongside the hot \nX2 M35i\n and the \nG05 X5 xDrive40i\n.\nThe X4 is offered in a\nsole xDrive30i M Sport variant, buyers will have to part with RM380,000 (OTR\nwithout insurance) for one and is available for purchase at all BMW showrooms\nnationwide.\n \nQUICK FACTS\n Name\n \nBMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport \n Engine\n 1,998cc; 4-cylinder\nturbo\n Transmission\n 8-speed automatic\n Max Power\n 252 hp @ 5,200\n\u2013 6,500 rpm\n Max Torque\n 350 Nm @ 1,450\n\u2013 4,800 rpm\n 0 \u2013 100 km/h;\nTop Speed\n 6.3 seconds;\n240 km/h\n Price (OTR without\ninsurance)\n RM380,000\nThe G02 X4 rides on the brand\u2019s new Cluster Architecture platform that cuts\nthe weight by 50 kg but at the same time grown in every dimension. With the M Sport\nkit, the X4 is dressed the M Aerodynamics package, BMW Individual high-gloss\nshadow line, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, twin exhaust outlets and\n20-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 699 M with 245/45 tyres front\nwhile the rears are shod in 275/40 profile rubbers.\nStepping inside, the X4 is furnished with top grade materials and equipment\nincluding 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, 10.25-inch BMW Navigation\nProfessional infotainment system linked to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround\nsound system, tri-zone climate control, Heads Up Display, panoramic sunroof,\npowered tailgate and Vernasca Leather upholstery.\nUnder the hood rests a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit paired to an 8-speed Sports automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive. Century sprint takes \n6.3 seconds\n while top speed is registered at \n240 km/h\n.\n \nUnfortunately, the X4 doesn\u2019t come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems like the locally assembled \nMercedes-Benz GLC 250 Coupe\n that was launched recently. However, the Beemer does carry a lower price tag than the Merc.\nEvery purchase of the BMW X4 xDrive30i comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.\nUpdate 18/6/2019: \nBMW Malaysia has announced the official retail price BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport at RM364,800 (OTR without insurance)\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport Launched in Malaysia"
"In what might be the most baffling story this week, \nThe Race\n broke the news that Formula E driver Daniel Abt has been fired from the Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler Formula E team as a result of using a ringer during round five of the Formula E Race at Home Challenge. Yes, you read that right \u2013 that\u2019s his name in the team name. Ouch.\nSuspicions arose from other drivers during the virtual Berlin e-Prix when Abt qualified second for the race, far exceeding his previous records in the virtual races. Abt\u2019s video feed on the pre-race driver round-up also weirdly had his face concealed by what appears to be a microphone.\nDaniel Abt (second row, first from right) in the pre-race driver round-up, with \u201chis\u201d face obscured.\nHis personal Twitch stream, which usually runs in parallel to the main Formula E stream, was also offline \u2013 further adding to the whole impression.\nLater in his the race, the #66 car supposedly driven by Abt got into messy battle with Mercedes EQ driver and pole sitter Stoffel Vandoorne, prompting the latter to question if Abt was really at the wheels. \u201cReally not happy here because that was not Daniel driving the car himself, and he messed up everything. Really ridiculous,\u201d he said on his \nTwitch stream\n after the race.\nAfter the race, officials cross-checked the IP addresses of the competitors, and confirmed that their suspicions were indeed true \u2013 Abt employed professional sim racer Lorenz Hoerzing \u2013 who races in the companion Formula E Challenge Grid \u2013 to impersonate him during the race.\nAs a result, Abt was disqualified from the race itself, and ordered to make a EUR10,000 \u201ccompulsory donation\u201d to charity. Hoerzing on the other hand was banned from the series. However, it seems like the team thought that the punishment was not enough.\nIn a \nstatement released yesterday\n, Audi Sport said: \u201cDaniel Abt did not drive his car in qualifying and the race at the fifth event of the Race at Home Challenge on May 23 himself, but let a professional Sim-Racer do so.\u00a0He directly apologised for this on the following day and accepted the disqualification.\u00a0\n\u201cIntegrity, transparency and consistent compliance with applicable rules are top priorities for Audi \u2013 this applies to all activities the brand is involved in without exception. For this reason, Audi Sport has decided to suspend Daniel Abt with immediate effect.\u201d\nDaniel Abt was not the first driver to receive real-world repercussions due to actions in the virtual world. As we reported previously, Nascar driver Bubba Wallace was also \ndropped from a sponsorship deal\n for not taking the race seriously enough."
"Commonly, we drive with our air-conditioning system set to the recirculation mode, with outside air being blocked from entering the cabin. This method of airflow keeps the cabin cooler, more pleasant scent and reduce the workload of the air-conditioning system.\nThe air recirculation-mode switch is the one with the car icon and an arrow (with the U representing recirculation). In this Proton Persona example, it is the middle switch.\nHowever, the level of oxygen in the cabin reduces over time, and studies have shown that oxygen levels plummeting to 19.5% is hazardous and can \nlead to drowsiness and fatigue\n. As such, we should allow fresh air to enter that cabin to ensure sufficient levels of oxygen. \u00a0\nBut, allowing the outside air into the cabin carries some risk of airborne pathogens and pollutants, as well as the unfortunate foul odour you happened to be driving past. Not everyone is a fan of that durian scent, such as yours truly.\nSince July last year, all new Proton models have \nbeen equipped with the N95 cabin filter\n. The key benefit of having the N95 filter is its filtration ability whilst one set that air-conditioning mode to fresh-air intake to replenish the oxygen levels.\nThe N95 Cabin Filter can remove 95% of particles larger than 0.3 microns and can remove 98% of PM2.5 dust particles. It serves as a barrier against smoke particulates, dust, bacteria and other pollutants for both fresh (outside) and recirculated air in the cabin.\nAs for the flagship \nProton X70\n, the SUV comes with the\n Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS)\n, which is a combination of the N95 filter, HEPA filter and ioniser system.\nThe air ioniser discharges negative ions to cleanse airborne dust, allergens and even bacteria. \u00a0\nMeanwhile, further air purification is done via the air cleaner under the front armrest. The High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter removes 99.97% of particles and contaminants that are larger than 0.3 microns. Thanks to the fitment of activated carbon, odour, smoke and formaldehyde are removed from the air.\nFor current Proton owners who want to purchase the new N95 Cabin Filter, it\u2019ll cost RM59 except for the X70 which carries a higher price tag of RM79. Prices exclude labour charges and should be done at authorised service centres, once movement is less restricted or during your prescribed service interval."
"I guarantee that you\u2019ll watch this video more than once. Not only because it\u2019s amusing (yet highly disturbing) to watch the most powerful Cayenne getting absolutely thrashed off-tarmac but just the constant counter-steering would leave you hooked and at the edge of your seat.\nAt one point, on a less punishing stretch, the \n680 hp\n Cayenne driven by Tim Shrick, even got up to speeds of 180 km/h; on used road tyres no less! Shrick is a German racing driver and TV presenter, with brief appearances on Top Gear during the Clarkson\u2019s era.\n \nThe Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid\u2019s powertrain makes a whopping \n900 Nm\n of torque, just as much as a Bentley Bentayga, with the combination of a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and an electric motor.\nDespite its near 2.5-tonne weight, largely down to the 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers the Cayenne a \n40 km driving range\n and a top speed of \n135 km/h purely on electric power\n, it still manages a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. Top speed? 295 km/h."
"Aside from launching \nthe first plug-in hybrid in the MINI range\n\u00a0yesterday, MINI Malaysia also introduced the New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports \u2013 the newest MINI to be locally assembled in the country. Malaysia is also the first market in the world outside of the Netherlands to locally-assemble the New MINI Countryman.\nAesthetically, the Countryman Sports, priced at RM 245,888 (OTR without Insurance) is fitted with the MINI John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit which consists of\u00a0 front apron with built-in air ducts for cooling the brakes, a rear bumper with a diffuser and MINI John Cooper Works door sill finishes.\u00a0\nInside, the Countryman Sports is furnished with a MINI JCW steering wheel with paddle shifters, carbon black Cross Punch leather upholstery, head-up display, auto headlights and wipers and cruise control.\nFor the first time ever, the new Countryman Sports offers an 8.8-inch touchscreen display with Navigation which can also be operated via the MINI Touch Controller. It comes with a split screen function allowing two maps to be viewed at the same time.   More impressively, the Countryman Sports is equipped with an exclusive 360-watts Harman Kardon sound system, paired to a whopping 12 speakers that are strategically-placed for the best possible audio experience.\nMechanically, the Countryman Sports is home to a 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo engine paired to an 8-speed sports automatic gearbox, delivering \n192 hp\n and\n 280 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100km/h is done in just 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 224km/h. All of these are achievable with a fuel consumption rating of just 6.5L/100km.\nThe Countryman Sports also comes equipped with sports suspension, with stiffer springs and pneumatic shock absorbers. Handling is further enhanced with 19-inch MINI John Cooper Works Course Spoke wheels with run flat tyres.\nThe New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports comes in British Racing Green, Thunder Grey, Light White and Chili Red. The Black Roof is available for Chilli Red, British Racing Green, Thunder Grey, Light White while the White Roof is available for Chilli Red and British Racing Green only.\nThe new Mini Cooper S Countryman Sports is priced at RM 245,888.00 (OTR without Insurance) and is covered by a 5-Years Roadside Assistance programme, available for all new MINI vehicles with a comprehensive list of services that include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On-the-Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services (over 200KM from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services. The MINI Roadside Assistance programme can be accessed by contacting 1800-88-8808.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"That was quick! After \nteasing\n the internet landscape on Monday, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today officially launched the all-new fourth generation Toyota Harrier, fully-imported from Japan and in just one variant, the 2.0 Luxury.\nPriced at \nRM249,706.50\n on-the-road, without insurance and inclusive of the 50% sales tax exemption that is set to expire on June 30th and expect the price to move upwards from July 1st.\n \nEXTERIOR\nThe all-new Toyota Harrier gains a \nlonger wheelbase\n measuring 2.69 metres, up 30 mm compared to its predecessor. Presence on the road is also strengthened through a wider (increase by 20 mm) and lower stance (overall height decrease by 30 mm). For fans of panoramic glass roofs, the new Harrier boast a large fixed glass panel for its roof, extending to the rear passengers.\nUpfront, full LED lighting are featured, with the slim headlamps being projector-type Bi-LED units inserted with L-shaped DRLs. The rear mirrors the thin lighting theme, with Toyota emphasising the light from a thin, sharp line of taillamps and brake lamps gives it an overwhelming sense of presence.\nOther exterior highlights on the new Toyota Harrier include:\n18-inch rims, 225/60R18 tyres\nHands-free powered tailgate with feet-activated motion sensor\nWelcome light\nDual exhaust outlets\nThe new Toyota Harrier 2.0L is available in five colours- Steel Blonde Metallic, Slate Grey Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine and Precious Black. The special white and black paintwork requires buyers to top up an additional RM800.\nPERFORMANCE\nUnlike our \nneighbour across the Causeway\n that has a line-up of petrol-only and hybrid powertrain options, UMWT is only focusing on the 2.0L variant, the same powertrain found in the now-discontinued \nToyota RAV4\n 2.0L.\nEngine: 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated, Dynamic Force engine, VVT-iE\nTransmission: Direct-shift CVT with sequential mode\nDrivetrain: Front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 173 hp @ 6,600 RPM\nMax torque: 203 Nm @ 4,400 \u2013 4,900 RPM\n0 to 100 km/h: 9.7 seconds\nFuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km\nThe all-new Toyota Harrier is built on the same \nTNGA-K\n platform as the \nToyota Camry\n and RAV4 with an increase in bodyshell stiffness, lower overall height and rear trailing wishbone suspension for better stability and comfort.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the new Toyota Harrier comes with plenty of luxurious features, as well as craftsmanship. The driver with presented with driving information through a seven-inch TFT multi-information display while an eight-inch touchscreen provides infotainment features.\nThe panoramic glass roof is expansive as it is impressive, with the usage of \nelectro-chromatic glass\n, which can be dimmed or darkened at the touch of a button. The dimming of the glass raises a feeling of quality as soft light penetrates the cabin, as if through traditional paper windows.\nThe lower console is given extra attention by the designers, as they wanted the section to have the impression of a horse\u2019s saddle.\nOne area that Toyota engineers paid special attention to was to \nfurther reduce\n \nnoise\n, vibration and harshness (NVH) to new levels, including the use of highly efficient sound-absorbing windows, resulting in an amazingly quiet cabin space expected of a luxury vehicle.\nAmong the notable interior equipment in the new Toyota Harrier are:\nHead-up display\n12-way power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat\n4-way power-adjustable front passenger\u2019s seat\nVentilated front seats (heating and cooling) \u00a0\nPower-adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column\nDriver\u2019s seat and steering column position memory function\nReclining rear seats\nDigital rear-view mirror\nDual-zone automatic air-conditioning with Nanoe-X air purifier\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity\nAmbient lighting\nSAFETY\nBeing the latest model in the local Toyota line-up, the new Harrier 2.0L comes loaded with plenty of advanced safety features. Notable items include:\nToyota Safety Sense 2.0 \u2013 Pre Collision Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (all speeds) and Automatic High Beam\nBlind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic with Auto Brake\nIntelligent Clearance Sonar with parking support braking\nElectric Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold\nSeven airbags\nTyre Pressure Monitoring System with individual readouts\nReverse camera\nUMWT is also including a year\u2019s subscription for the Vehicle Telematics System service (VTS) in the new Harrier, together with a front and rear driving video recorder (DVR) system and premium security and solar window tinting film in its RM249,706.50 price tag.\nGALLERY"
"MG\u2019s parent company SAIC has unveiled the all-new MG 6 in China and from the looks of it, it could revive the brand\u2019s fortunes and there\u2019s no better place to test the brand\u2019s latest product than in the biggest automotive market in the world. We hope it won\u2019t be limited to just the Chinese market like the \nCX-4\n or \nGrand Lancer\n cause it looks really darn good (and promising).\nBased on the Roewe i6, the MG6 stands out with sporty design cues and an imposing front and back end. At the front, it houses what MG calls a \u201cstar rider\u201d grille between a pair of LED headlamps.\nInside, the MG 6 plays host to a series of upmarket and industry-trending features such as keyless entry, electrically-adjustable seats, leather interior, electronic parking brake, a drive information display between the two main dials and a 9-inch infotainment screen which will come with Bluetooth connectivity and rear-view camera display.\nIt is said that powertrain will be shared with the Roewe i6 \u2013 a 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol engine pushing out \n123 hp\n and \n169 Nm\n of torque along with a 1.5-litre petrol unit with\n 164 hp\n and\n 249 Nm\n of torque. Drive will be sent via a standard 6-speed manual with an option for a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.\nDon\u2019t be surprised if there\u2019s a future hybrid or even a full electric powertrain to follow suit, with the Chinese stepping up on electric car production through\n\u00a0Ford\n and\n Volvo \nto cope with its reported plans \nto ban the production and sale of petrol cars in the future\n.\nWhat do you guys reckon? While MG\u2019s track record in Malaysia hasn\u2019t been too impressive, surely this could change a few minds of C and D-segment buyers should it be priced reasonably if it ever comes to Malaysia.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Whether it\u2019s the stance, the noise, the performance or all three combined, supercars offer an air of superiority. Even more so after some time spent in it and confidence levels have built up, but there\u2019s always a chance you could be caught off guard.\nAnd that\u2019s exactly what happened in this video. As you can see in his earlier video, the owner of this \nPorsche 911 GT2 RS, the most powerful 911 to date\n, \nhas gotten quite confident with his lethal weapon; drifting and sliding along public roads\n.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Todd Schleicher (@t_schleicher)\nIn my eyes though, that\u2019s complacency. As the saying goes, with great power comes even greater responsibility and for a car as ridiculously powerful as the rear-wheel drive 911 GT2 RS, one needs to be extra extra prudent and cautious at all times.\nThat probably slipped the driver\u2019s mind momentarily after his GT2 RS nearly kissed a concrete divider upon initiating a drift. Fortunately, after some steering correction and a tonne of luck, the tyres found traction again and avoided a costly (and an embarrassing) accident.\nThe car may have been unscathed but the same probably can\u2019t be said about his pants. Mine would\u2019ve miraculously turned brown for sure."
"Conformity; even the most esteemed brand in the motoring world isn\u2019t spared of its (un)doing. We\u2019re addressing the T in the \nFerrari California T\n (a rather unimaginative acronym for turbocharging), but its function differs greatly from the F40 of yesteryear.\nBut before getting there, here\u2019s a a little obligatory icebreaker. The California is close to a decade old after making its debut in 2008. Back then, the front-engined rear wheel drive grand tourer (GT) had a 4.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 making no less than 490 horses and 485 Nm of torque, and was the first Ferrari to come with a seven-speed F1 dual clutch transmission.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nFerrari California T\nEngine\n3,855cc; twin-turbo flat-plane V8\nTransmission\n7-speed F1 dual clutch auto\nMax Power\n560 hp @ 7,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n755 Nm @ 4,750 rpm\n0 \u2013 100km/h; Top Speed\n3.6 seconds; 316km/h\nPrice\nRM888,888 before duties and taxes\nIt wasn\u2019t a jaw-dropping looker to be honest, but the entire California flavour was revitalised with a much needed update in 2014. That came courtesy of an \nall-new 3.9-litre twin turbocharged V8\n engine, a more rapid shifting twin-clutch transmission, stiffer suspensions with the latest magnetorheological damping system (patented of course), as well as a brand new face. Yep, the guys at Maranello insist that nearly all panels on the outside are new, so that plays in favour of the looks department \u2013 until you step inside the car.\nI\u2019m all for functional simplicity, but if \nPorsche\n and the \nAMG GT\n could bring more design finesse to the table than a Prancing Horse, that\u2019s all the wake up call a craftsman needs. The lack of fancy gizmos and tech trickery aside, everything within sight of the cabin can be customised to your liking, be it an all-pink interior or diamond encrusted gold-plated trims (if that\u2019s not overdoing it enough). Believe us, there\u2019s nothing Ferrari hasn\u2019t seen before, so don\u2019t be surprised if your Sales Advisor doesn\u2019t flinch at what you think is an outrageous option.   Now, the reason for turbocharging the California T isn\u2019t so much as to provide an extra punch, but to improve efficiency. Nevertheless, the new 3.9-litre V8 draws much more power, bringing the numbers up to\n 560 hp\n and\n 755 Nm\n of torque. That\u2019s a full \n70 horses\n and \n270 Nm\n more than the old 4.3-litre lump, but the engine is evidently capable of churning more power. We know that because the same engine in the \n488 GTB\n makes 100 hp more (661 hp and 760 Nm). Despite having close to 50 percent more torque, the turbocharged GT offers \n15 percent better fuel efficiency\n, yet sprints from nought to 100km/h in \n3.6 seconds\n (the old one is 0.2 seconds slower). Top speed is checked at \n316km/h\n.\nWeirdly enough, in the first three gears, you don\u2019t get the full 760 Nm of twist because the numbers gradually increase as you bang up the cogs. Instead, you start off by having roughly 600 Nm (and a flatter curve). Ferrari\u2019s reasoning for this complex setup is to make the California behave as \u2018naturally aspirated\u2019 as possible, both in the way it reacts to throttle input and the way it sounds.\nThe hardtop folds in just 14 seconds   Not a thing in the world sounds anything remotely close to a wailing Ferrari engine at full whiff, so to have this turbo mill redline at 7,500 rpm versus a wailing NA V8 at 9,250 revolutions (the old California\u2019s V8 revs till 8,000 rpm) is by no means fulfilling. And certainly not how you\u2019d relinquish your Ferrari virginity. The good news is, there\u2019s still that sonorous roar at crank, which quickly mellows into a fluttering crisp. Quite a bit of work has gone into making it sound this way, because the last thing Ferrari wants to do is lose customers over the sound of its exhaust.\nTwo things that stand out in our sub-200km test route were the sheer quickness of the twin-clutch gearbox and the magnetic dampers. It rides without flaw and hardly busy over poor road surfaces towards Fraser\u2019s Hill despite riding on massive 20-inch wheels. It\u2019s no 458 Italia by way of handling, agility and steering feel, but as far as GTs go, the California T\u2019s unwavering competency merits the Ferrari badge without question.\nThe mechanical setup is fundamentally the same as the previous California; double wishbones at the front and multi-link setup at the rear, and both axles come with stiffer springs \u2013 about 12 percent stiffer to be exact. Weight distribution is slightly rear biased, giving it that characteristic neutrality around corners. Predictable it certainly is, but boring? No, not at all.\nBut is there an option to switch it up a notch, you ask? There is. It\u2019s called the \nHandling Speciale\n, or HS for short. This option comes with even stiffer springs (16 percent stiffer up front, 19 percent stiffer at the back), reprogrammed magnetic dampers, louder exhausts and updated transmission that upshifts and downshifts about 30 percent and 40 percent quicker, respectively. It might not sound like much as an option, but I cannot humanly imagine how much quicker the transmission can get. It\u2019s right up there as the best dual clutch transmission in the world, so long as you don\u2019t wreck it via launch control. Do yourself a favour: if you visit NAZA Italia, ask them how much it costs to do a single launch control.\nIS THIS CAR FOR YOU?\nWhether or not the California T administers the full dose of Ferrari experience, we can\u2019t deduce with conviction. Why? Because more than half the Ferraris sold over the last five years is the California, and among all owners, 70 percent are new to the Ferrari brand. Are all 70 percent hardcore driving enthusiasts? Probably not, and that\u2019s precisely the appeal. It\u2019s an everyday Ferrari that\u2019s furthest from a daunting car to drive.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Kia Malaysia has revealed the revised price list of its models, following the announcement of \nsales tax exemption for private cars\n sold in Malaysia by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as part of the government\u2019s short term economy recovery plan post COVID-19.\nThe updated price is effective starting 15th June to the 31st December 2020.\nThe \ncheap and cheerful Picanto\n is now priced up to 4.1%, or RM2,356.20 less than before. Its larger brother \nRio\n\u2018s retail price is reduced by 3.3% (RM2.656.45) following the reduction in sales tax.\nThe Kia Cerato gets a 4% (RM4,133.94) reduction, which sees its retail price dropping below the RM100K mark. The \nOptima\n gets the largest reduction in terms of percentage differences, coming in at 6.7% (RM9,370.19).\nMeanwhile, the brand\u2019s halo performance grand tourer, \nKia Stinger\n, gets the largest reduction in terms of price difference with a price drop of RM14,767.30 (3.8%).\nAs for SUVs and people movers, the \nSportage\n is now up to 3.3% (RM4,658.48) cheaper than before on the \n2.0D GT Line\n, while the \nSorento\n is priced up to 2.8% lower than before, depending on variant.\nThe recently-updated \nGrand Carnival 2.2D LX 11-seater variant\n does not see a price change, though the older 8-seater 2.2D KX and SX variants sees reductions of 2.4% (RM3,850.48) and 3.2% (RM6,121.09) respectively.\nFor the latest updates on the revised price lists from all other car brands in Malaysia, do check out our round-up, available\u00a0\nhere\n."
"British sportscar manufacturer, \nMcLaren\n, has just unveiled its new supercar, the McLaren 750S. Offered in both coupe and hardtop convertible styles, The 750S is essentially an upgraded model of the \n720S\n. Without further ado, here are the essential details you need to know about the new car.\nOn the outside, McLaren has refined the 720S\u2019 design, giving the 750S a new lower nose design. Other visual upgrades include an extended front splitter, new front and rear bumpers, a narrower eye-socket intake, new rear wheel-arch vents, and a lengthened carbon fibre active rear wing.\nTo help prevent customers from scrapping their low-riding supercar\u2019s splitters, McLaren has integrated a new vehicle-lift system that is operable via a single button. Moreover, the system is now over twice as fast as the 720S as well as any McLaren ever produced.\nMcLaren has also added a unique feature to the 750S Spider. This feature is an optional electrochromic glass that customers can choose to add to the car\u2019s Retractable Hard Top (RHT). This allows additional light to be brought into the cabin, giving an open-air environment feel even when the roof is closed. Also, the RHT can be opened in under 11 seconds at vehicle speeds up to 50 km/h.\nRELATED: \nMcLaren hints at EV sedan to rival Taycan, electrified SUV also planned\nOne of McLaren\u2019s main focuses when building the McLaren 750S was to make it lighter than the 720S. And as we all know, weight reduction helps a car go faster, which is exactly what McLaren has done.\nMarketed as the lightest series-production McLaren, the 750S features a carbon fibre monocoque construction. This results in the 750S being 30 kg (DIN) lighter than the 720S, and weighing only \n1277 kg\n at its lightest dry weight.\nAs for the hardtop convertible Spider model, McLaren has also given it a carbon fibre upper structure and a composite RHT. This translates into the Spider only weighing 48 kg more than the coupe.\nAnother weight reduction effort done by McLaren is by fitting a new set of 10-spoke ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels to the 750S. This wheel according to McLaren, is the lightest wheel ever fitted as standard on a series-production supercar.\nAs a result, the 750S wheel has brought a significant \n13.8 kg\n reduction over the 720S. Inside, McLaren continues to give customers an option to keep their 750S light and fast. This can be achieved via McLaren\u2019s new optional super-lightweight carbon fibre racing seats.\nBesides weight reduction, another upgrade McLaren has given to the rear-wheel-drive supercar over its predecessor is enhanced engine performance. This results in the supercar\u2019s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 Petrol engine producing \n739 hp\n and \n800 Nm\n.\nRELATED: \nMcLaren\u2019s new boss is open to crossovers and other body styles, but won\u2019t make a \u201cclassic SUV\u201d\nPaired with the engine is a 7-speed transmission but with revised ratios for better acceleration. And speaking of acceleration, the 750S coupe is able to go from 0-100 km/h in \n2.8 seconds\n. The Spider, on the other hand, takes only 0.1 seconds more to do the century run.\nThanks to the reduced weight and enhanced engine, the 750S is able to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 587 hp (metric)-per-tonne. This is currently one of the highest figures in the 750S segment.\nTo provide the 750S better handling over the 720S, THE 750S has been fitted with McLaren\u2019s newest generation linked-hydraulic suspension, the PCC III. This suspension features bespoke accumulator tuning, new lightweight springs and dampers, as well as revised geometry. This results in greater agility, feel and feedback, according to the British sportscar maker.\nMcLaren has also added features to provide some fun to the 750S\u2019 driving experience. This includes a Mclaren P1-inspired centre-exit exhaust and McLaren Variable Drift Control (VDC). VDC basically allows the driver to adjust the traction control system\u2019s intervention level independently of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) setting.\nMcLaren Automotive CEO, Michael Leiters said, \u201cWhen you have a car recognised by so many drivers as a benchmark, to do something even better you have to examine every detail and really push hard for improvements that raise the bar again. This is what we have done with the new 750S and the lightweight, V8 engine performance and outstanding dynamic abilities combine to deliver a supercar driving experience that hits new heights, with truly exhilarating levels of emotional connection.\u201d\nRELATED: \nMcLaren and BMW are reportedly in talks for a jointly-developed electric supercar\nThe interior of the 750S is claimed by McLaren to be even more driver-focused. This consists of the above-mentioned optional carbon fibre seats with a number of interior themes to choose from.\nOther driver-focused features include a new column-mounted instrument display, flanked by rocker switches that control McLaren\u2019s Active Dynamic settings. A Bower & Wilkins audio system, Apple CarPlay, as well as USB-C and USB-A ports to fast charge devices, are available as well.\nMcLaren has also added a new McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) exclusively for the 750S. This feature allows the driver to store a favourite combination of aero, handling, powertrain, and transmission settings.\nALSO WATCH: \nMcLaren Artura V6 PHEV Supercar review in Spain\nGallery"
"The automotive parts manufacturer will channel the contribution through the Sumbangan Perubatan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM).\nThe funds will be used to purchase medicine, medical equipment and other necessities in support of the fight against Covid-19 in hospitals around Malaysia.\n\u201cThese two weeks have seen a shocking rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia. Our public hospitals have been working overtime and are experiencing a shortage of medical supplies. We hope our contribution will, in some capacity, provide the much needed supplies and alleviate the challenges faced by healthcare practitioners,\u201d said MBM Resources Berhad, Chairman, Datuk Dr. Aminar Rashid bin Salleh.\n\u201cWe cannot fight this battle alone. The health and safety of our country depends on each and every one of us doing our part and in that spirit, we urge the Rakyat to do theirs by staying home. On behalf of my team at MBM Resources Berhad, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank all medical personnel for serving the country in this combat against COVID-19.\u201d\nMotorists have been urged to remove their plastic disposable gloves when refueling. \nFind out why\n.\n\u201cOur heartfelt appreciation also goes to other frontliners involved in this crisis including the police, army, immigration, local authority personnel and others,\u201d he added.\nIn compliance with the government\u2019s Movement Control Order (MCO) and in support of a safer Malaysia, MBM Resources Berhad has suspended operations of its trading and manufacturing divisions and has extended a work-from-home directive, applicable to the relevant employees. During this period, the administrative office is closed however the management office is still contactable via \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\nMBM Resources Berhad (MBMR) is an automotive group with diverse investments in distributorship and dealership of major vehicle brands in Malaysia. It\u2019s well represented in all segments of the market from light trucks to medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses in the commercial vehicle market, and from compact entry level cars to luxury cars in the passenger vehicle market. Its automotive parts manufacturing division, consisting of wheels, airbags, seat belts, steering wheels and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) solutions and tyre assembly services, is a significant supplier to all major brands in Malaysia."
"It\u2019s confirmed: UK Police have the coolest cars. We\u2019re not talking about the \u201cwe have unlimited money so we\u2019ll just buy the fastest Lamborghini\u201d-cool, but more of a \u201cwe actually have good taste in car\u201d-cool, because they\u2019ve just added a \nLotus Evora\n into their police fleet.\nThis\n Lotus Evora GT410\n is the latest member of the Devon & Cornwall Police fleet, in the south-west of the UK. It\u2019ll serve on loan there for a year, and is being used mainly for community engagements by attending shows and motoring events, where the police can discuss road safety with different audiences.\nSince it\u2019s a police car, it\u2019s of course dressed for the occasion; the Lotus Evora GT410 patrol car features a full blue and yellow reflective police livery, and it even comes with a full police blue light rig.\nIt\u2019s far from a slouch, either. The GT410 packs a 3.5-litre supercharged engine underneath the sheet metal that\u2019s good for \n410 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. With an automatic gearbox, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds, onward to a top speed of 305 km/h \u2013 so baddies, be warned!\nGuess who has Ford Ranger Raptors and Focus STs as their police cars? That\u2019s right, the UK Police. Check it out here!\nDevon and Cornwall Police Roads Casualty Reduction Officer, Sgt Owen Messenger said, \u201cIt\u2019s popular with younger drivers because of its striking sports car looks, while the Lotus badge resonates with many people across the generations. It helps us talk to those audiences who are not always keen to engage with the police.\nHe explained that a fatal accident on the road will cost the emergency services around \u00a32.2 million, and that\u2019s not even including the losses its local economy could suffer from closing a major road. \u201cIf we save one life or prevent one accident because this vehicle is helping us talk to people, then that is excellent.\u201d\nThe all-new Emira could be Lotus\u2019 final ICE-powered car. Read more about it here!\nLotus Cars Managing Director, Matt Windle added: \u201cWe are delighted to be able to provide this Lotus Evora to Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police to help them with vital road safety programmes. We support any initiative that encourages all drivers to drive to the road conditions, to drive safely and with consideration to others.\u201d\nThis wasn\u2019t the first time Lotus has supplied their cars as police chariots. They\u2019ve worked with the Norfolk Police in the UK many times over the years, especially since its headquarters in Hethel is located within the county, and they\u2019ve also supplied cars to traffic teams in Australia, USA, Romania and Italy."
"In an effort to create the purest form of driving experience, McLaren stripped off \u201cabsolutely everything\u201d unnecessary on the \nElva\n, which includes the windscreen.\nIf you\u2019re a multi-millionaire looking to purchase the latest addition in McLaren\u2019s Ultimate Series, you might wonder, \u201c\nwait a minute, how do I make sure it won\u2019t mess with my thousand-dollar hairdo?\n\u201c\nWorry not, because McLaren has specifically engineered what it calls the world\u2019s first \nActive Air Management System\n to deal with this problem, essentially creating an air bubble around the passenger cell. Here\u2019s a video from McLaren explaining how it works.\nUtilising a giant hook-shaped duct, high-pressured air is ingested at the front of the car, turned 120 degrees, and channelled out of the top of the bonnet at a very high velocity.\nThe air coming out of the vent bends oncoming air around and above the cabin, essentially creating a virtual canopy above the driver.\nMcLaren Automotive\u2019s Design Engineering Director, Dan Parry Williams who hosted the video, said that the effect is so prominent that raising your hand above a certain point will feel like putting your hand out of a window on a \u201cregular\u201d car.\nAt higher speeds, a gurney extends from the bottom of the vent to further channel the air to the right direction \u2013 out of your face. The system can also be shut off completely if you do actually want to feel the wind rushing through your hair."
"Simplify, then add lightness. These are the ethos of Lotus Cars founder Sir Colin Chapman which certainly encapsulates the birth of this new Exige variant \u2013 the Lotus Exige Sport 350.\nThe \n1,125kg\n Exige Sport was put through a really strict diet by \nshedding 51kg\n\u00a0from the regular Exige S. One can argue that shedding weight from an already featherweight car is a nearly impossible feat, but the engineers at Lotus further developed lightweight components to serve this purpose. The new lighter parts comprise of a new louvered tailgate, battery, engine mounts, center console, HVAC piping and improved insulation materials.\nThe Exige retains the same\u00a0\n3.5-litre\u00a0supercharged V6\n engine from the US-spec Toyota Camry that churns\n 345 hp\n with \n400 Nm\n of torque. Lotus also improved the suspension and its\u00a0\nsix-speed manual gearbox\n. The latter also underwent an \u201cAtkins\u201d diet and exposed through an \nopen-gate design\n, allowing a sense of rawness while swapping gears. And as expected, this Exige Sport 350 is now quicker off the line, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.\nThere\u2019s also a \nsix-speed automatic option\n with paddle shifters, but\u00a0why would you want that? It adds 12kg onto the car, and we feel that a car of the Exige\u2019s calibre is best enjoyed with a manual gearbox. In an era where manual transmission in performance cars is heading the ways of the dodo, it\u2019s good to see Lotus retaining the good old stick shift, at least for now.\nThe Exige \u2013 basically the Elise on steroids \u2013 is\u00a0currently in its third life cycle\u00a0since its introduction back in 2000. Both coupe and roadster variants of the Exige Sport 350 will be available in Europe from February 2016 onwards. In Malaysia, the standard Exige S is also sold by \nLotus Malaysia\n by order basis.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The rich and famous can now \u201copenly\u201d flaunt their wealth, expensive hats and haircuts in the new \nLamborghini Hurac\u00e1n Performante\n Spyder; that\u2019s if you can even keep up to catch a glimpse of that elevated lifestyle.\nBut it\u2019s unlikely. That\u2019s because the Hurac\u00e1n Spyder is backed by a 5.2-litre \nnaturally-aspirated V10\n, delivering \n640 hp\n with \n600 Nm\n of torque to all four wheels.\u00a0\nIt also means o to 100 km/h is done in just \n3.1 seconds\n and if you continue tailgating the Hurac\u00e1n, it will leave you for 200 km/h in just \n9.3 seconds\n and before you can realise what happened, it\u2019s just a speck from a distance \u2013 on its way to a \n325 km/h top speed\n. It brakes as well as it accelerates too; 100 km/h to 0 is done in just 31.5 metres.\nWhile it could matter to the elitist, being heavy clearly does not faze the 1,507 kg Hurac\u00e1n Performante Spyder. On that note, Lamborghini has found a way to shed more than 35 kg over the original Hurac\u00e1n Spyder with a carbon fibre-clad body and the use of forged composites for the front and rear spoiler, engine bonnet, rear bumper and diffuser; all part of\u00a0Lamborghini\u2019s patented active aerodynamics system called the \nAerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA)\n.\nThe system can be activated in \nless than 500 milliseconds\n; ensuring constant adjustments of the Hurac\u00e1n\u2019s aerodynamics to ensure the best setup. For your information, a blink of an eye typically takes 300-400 milliseconds.\nThe roof can be\n opened in just 17 seconds\n, while driving up to speeds of 50 km/h. The rear window can also be electrically-opened, functioning as a windshield when closed.\n\u201cThe Hurac\u00e1n Performante Spyder takes the zenith of Hurac\u00e1n developments, combined with the enhanced emotion of driving a convertible,\u201d says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini, Stefano Domenicali.\n\u201cThe Hurac\u00e1n Performante already provides the most heightened feedback and emotion from road and track, and the Spyder puts the driver even closer to asphalt and air, as well as the unique resonance of a naturally-aspirated Lamborghini engine.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Land Rover announced that they would be making the limited edition Defender Trophy Edition, and organising an expedition in North Carolina, USA, where owners will get to participate. Only 220 units will be produced.\nInspired by the Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy, the new Trophy Edition is based on the 2022 Land Rover Defender 110\u00a0and gets the same Eastnor Yellow colour that we\u2019ve been so familiar with.\nThe Land Rover Defender is the Women\u2019s World Car of the Year! Read about it here!\nIt features a special vehicle wrap inspired by the Defender Works V8 Trophy,\u00a0an Extended Black Exterior Pack, Advanced Off-road Capability Pack, a tow hitch receiver, the ClearSight Rear View feature, and air suspension. The ClearSight Rear View feature offers a view of the rear end through the Defender\u2019s 11.4-inch touchscreen.\nThe last Land Rover Defender leaves the production line after 68 years. Find out more!\nThe Defender Trophy Edition is fitted with additional all-terrain equipment which includes an expedition roof rack, front undercarriage cover, a deployable ladder, two winch kits, mud flaps, and an integrated air compressor.\nUnfortunately, all 220 units will be sold exclusively in the USA. Each purchase comes with two entries for a one-day off-road expedition, the Land Rover US Trophy Competition. The winner from the 90 participating teams will go on to compete at the Land Rover Trophy Competition in Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, England. Coincidentally it\u2019s the same location that Land Rover uses to test and develop their vehicles.\nLargest parade of Land Rovers and Range Rovers sets new Guinness World Record. Watch the video here!\nGALLERY"
"Mitsubishi hasn\u2019t been shy about the\n return of its Ralliart \nsub-brand, having announced it in its financial report last year. Social media hype reached new heights, too, following a teaser last month of a \nnew Ralliart concept for Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 (TAS2022)\n.\nHardcore Mitsubishi fans were understandably excited, especially after seeing the teaser image of what looked like an aggressive diffuser element, which many thought \ncould\n finally be from an actual sports car. But as they say, disappointment often hits the hardest with high expectations.\nMitsubishi has just unveiled its\n TAS2022\n line-up, and as it turns out, the highly-anticipated Ralliart concept car is really just a souped-up Outlander PHEV SUV. Bummer.\nThat being said, the Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept does look quite aggressive, thanks to the flared wheel arches, super-sized 22-inch alloy wheels, a unique honeycomb-patterned front grille with active shutters, alongside new front and rear rear bumpers \u2013 the latter featuring a Formula One-styled lower rain light and the aforementioned diffuser.\nThe concept also comes with a unique matte black paint that \u201cshows blue highlights when hit by light, creating a deep, multidimensional expression that enhances the vehicle\u2019s high-quality feel,\u201d says Mitsubishi.\nThe concept\u2019s matte black exterior paint \u201cshows blue highlights when hit by light, creating a deep, multidimensional expression that enhances the vehicle\u2019s high-quality feel,\u201d according to Mitsubishi.\nDespite this not being the all-wheel drive sedan or coupe that many have hoped for, Mitsubishi\u2019s newly-revived Ralliart motorsports and tuning department did still actually put in some work on the car\u2019s driving dynamics, promising a \u201chigh driving performance\u201d.\nThere\u2019s the larger brakes with six-piston calipers behind those massive wheels, while the powertrain (believed to still be a PHEV, based on the presence of a charging port flap) also supposedly received a boost in power \u2013 although as usual, no technical specifications yet.\nRELATED: Mitsubishi brings back Ralliart with new Triton and Pajero Sport special editions in Thailand\nThe Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept will remain a concept for now, but the Japanese carmaker says taht \u201ccustomer feedback . will be used in future development of Mitsubishi vehicles\u201d.\nAside from the Ralliart Concept, Mitsubishi will also be unveiling special edition \u201cRalliart Style\u201d models for the Outlander and Eclipse Cross SUVs, featuring more off-road inspired accents and badgings.\nWe only have these few photos for now, but more will definitely come when the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 officially gets underway next week \u2013 so keep your eyes peeled!\nGALLERY\nMitsubishi TAS2022 line-up"
"First introduced with the \nNissan Leaf\n in July this year, the Nissan Subscription Programme was extended to the \nX-Trail Hybrid\n shortly after. However, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the sole distributor of Nissan cars in Malaysia, has just lowered the monthly subscription fee for the X-Trail Hybrid by RM700.\nWith the new price of \nRM1,800 per month\n on a three-year contract, the total amount paid over three years inclusive of road tax and insurance is now approximately RM75,252.\n \nCompared to a regular hire-purchase for the same vehicle over a seven-year loan tenure with 10% down payment and a 2.80% interest rate, the resulting monthly loan repayment amount of RM2,093 means you\u2019ll be paying out \nRM23,436 less over the first three years\n.\nThe difference is even more apparent with a \nfive-year loan tenure\n, where due to higher monthly repayment, total \n\u2018savings\u2019\n over the first three years add up to over \nRM47,000\n.\nCustomers of the Nissan Subscription Programme also do not have to worry about servicing their vehicles, as ETCM has \nincluded periodic maintenance\n into the subscription fee.\u00a0\nAlong with the new pricing, ETCM has also introduced a \nnew two-year subscription plan\n which is\n customised specifically for expatriates\n. On the two-year plan, monthly subscription fee for the X-Trail Hybrid is at RM2,800.\u00a0\nOf course, you have to keep in mind that subscribers will have to return their cars to ETCM after their contract ends, whereas hire-purchasers own the vehicles when they are done with repayments.\u00a0\nLike other subscription plans, \nthere is a 60,000 km mileage cap for the three-year contracts\n (40,000 km for two-year contracts). Any additional mileage beyond the cap will be charged at \nRM0.50 per km.\nSubscription fee for the fully electric Nissan Leaf remains unchanged at \nRM3,500 per month\n for a three-year contract. However as with the X-Trail Hybrid, ETCM also introduced a \ntwo-year subscription plan\n for the Leaf, priced at \nRM4,500 per month\n."
"Following the \nnew vehicle window tint regulations\n announced by Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke, it has effectively made darker tints for the rear windows legal for private vehicles.\nAccording to the new regulations, the legal Visible Light Transmission level (VLT) for the front windscreen is set at 70%, front side windows at 50% while the rear windows and windscreen can be had with any VLT percentage. Consumers have long championed for darker window tints (tints with lower VLT) citing hot weather protection and security reasons hence the Minister\u2019s new ruling is definitely a welcomed move.\nHowever, don\u2019t just go full black on the rear windows just yet because it doesn\u2019t mean the darker the tints, the cooler the car will be because the law of physics dictates that darker objects absorb the most heat.\nIt all boils down to the quality of the tints and its heat rejection and dispersion capabilities. The higher the heat rejection and the better the heat dispersion, the more effective it is in keeping your interior cool. A good quality tint with high VLT can also achieve the desired effect of keeping the cabin cool.\nIllustration of various VLT levels, not to scale\nBesides that, consumers should also be informed of the risks involved in having dark tints as it reduces low light visibility, making it tricky to drive at night especially when reversing or observing on-coming traffic from the rear.\nThat said, if you think the benefits of having darker tints on your car outweigh the cons, by all means."
"A new \nVolvo\n 3S Centre has been opened in Setia Alam today, managed by Sime Darby Swedish Auto. This is \nSime Darby Swedish Auto\n\u2019s second dealership after the one in Ara Damansara, and it is capable of providing end-to-end services to Volvo customers.\nThe new facility in Setia Alam spans \n23,000 square feet\n of land and features Volvo\u2019s latest global showroom and service standards. The facility is equipped with 2 active bays, 1 offline bay, 13 parking spots, and space for 5 demo cars. to run the facility, 20 staff are employed at the new 3S centre. This new 3S Centre will provide customers with the experience to fully immerse themselves in the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE).\nTo accommodate the brand\u2019s expanding electric vehicle (EV) range, the showroom is equipped with four charging bays with four 22kW AC chargers. Sime Darby Swedish Auto is also planning to integrate a solar energy system at the new Setia Alam Volvo 3S Centre in the near future.\nOn the opening of the new 3S centre, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump said, \u201cAs we move further into our electrification journey, the expansion of our network with this showroom enables more of our customers in Selangor to venture into a world of sustainable and safe driving.\u201d\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia broke its own sales record again with 3,194 units delivered in 2022\n\u201cWe are pleased to reinforce our partnership with Sime Darby Swedish Auto through the opening of the Setia Alam dealership and we look forward to forging a stronger collaboration in showcasing how Volvo vehicles offer its owners and customers the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.\u201d\nSime Darby Motors Malaysia, Hong Kong, &Macau Managing Director of retail and distribution, Jefrey Gan commented, \u201cWe are pleased to continue bringing Malaysians the best in Swedish design and engineering with the opening of this latest Volvo dealership. In addition to being a 3S Centre, the new dealership is also a Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre, offering a full suite of end-to-end sales and aftersales services, all under one roof.\u201d\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia aims for 75% EV sales by 2025, EX90 to launch next\n\u201cReflecting our commitment to delivering a seamless customer journey, Sime Darby Swedish Auto received the Dealer Excellence Award for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021. We will build on this track record to continue ensuring that customer needs are cared for, every step of the way.\u201d\nVolvo Setia Alam is located at No.3, Jalan Setia Alam Murni, U13/AH, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, and operates from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm daily.\nRELATED: \nVolvo Car Malaysia expands EV exports to Vietnam and the Philippines\nGALLERY"
"While \nJaguar\u2019s XE SV Project 8\n may hold the record on the legendary circuit as the\n fastest saloon with a time of\u00a07 minutes and 21.23 seconds\n, Mercedes-AMG has set a new record with the \nGT 63 S 4MATIC+\n, as the world\u2019s fastest series production four-seater.\nThe car set an official time of\n 7:25:41\n, with former racing driver and AMG Development Engineer Demian Schaffert behind the wheel of the 639 hp machine unveiled midway through the year.\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bgLjcX6NU4\nThe \u201cfour-door coupe\u201d as it is referred to, makes\u00a0\n639 hp\n\u00a0and\u00a0\n900 Nm\n\u00a0of torque from a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, delivering power to all four wheels. 0 to 100 km/h takes just\u00a03.2 seconds, before it breaks the 300 km/h barrier with a top speed of 315 km/h."
"The last time BMW refreshed their logo, \nBackstreet Boys\n were melting hearts and Hong Kong returned to China\u2019s rule, it was \n23 years ago\n. You can\u2019t blame the team at M\u00fcnchen for harbouring an itch to tinker, if anything, one would\u2019ve expected the company to have already rolled out a new one during its centennial celebrations a few years ago.\nA logo makeover, particularly one as iconic as BMW\u2019s roundel, will always have its share of detractors \u2013 humans being creatures of habit. So, it\u2019s better to hear BMW\u2019s own \nrationale \nfor doing so (before you rant on social media, if not already) as articulated by \nJens Thiemer\n, \nSenior Vice President\n for \nCustomer and Brand\n.\nBMW was formerly known as Rapp Motorenwerke.\n\u201cBMW is becoming a relationship brand. The old black ring was replaced, letting the new logo radiate more openness and clarity. We want to use this new transparent version to invite our customers, more than ever, to become part of the world of BMW.\nIn addition, our new brand design is geared to the challenges and opportunities of digitalisation for brands. With visual restraint and graphic flexibility, we are equipping ourselves for the vast variety of touch points in communication at which BMW will be present, online and offline, in the future. The new logo and brand design symbolise the brand\u2019s significance and relevance for mobility and driving pleasure in the future.\u201d\nAs is usually the case with corporate speak, Thiemer\u2019s explanation is unnecessarily long-winded and flowery. What we think he\u2019s actually saying is that BMW wants to attract \nnew customers\n, so they made the logo graphically \nmore adaptable\n across different communication platforms and that it reflects the \npromise of future BMW cars\n.   Visually, the removal of the outer black ring (and hue) is a \nsignificant departure\n from the last iteration, as is the incorporation of the \nflat 2D look\n, with all the shadings and \u2018depths\u2019 removed. The minimalist theme is a tribute to the \n1963 \nversion of the roundel, including the font.\nQuestions about how the logo would work against a white background, whether it\u2019s on sheet metal, a piece of paper or white attire, is anyone\u2019s guess, but we are pretty sure that BMW had already figured that out, we\u2019ll just have to be patient.\nThe 1929 ad that made everyone think it\u2019s a propeller.\nIt\u2019s also interesting that BMW took the opportunity to come clean on the \n\u2018propeller\u2019\n that many believed is depicted in the \nfour-colour quadrants\n at the heart of its logo \u2013 the \nwhite and blue portions\n are of course the \nstate colours of Bavaria\n and that the company did begin life as \nan aircraft engine manufacturer\n.\nHowever, BMW explains that this impression came about due to \nan advertisement in 1929\n which placed the logo on a rotating propeller of an airplane, and the notion has stuck around since, with BMW making \n\u2018little effort to correct the myth\u2019\n.\nWe actually preferred the \u2018myth\u2019, you can read up on BMW\u2019s new logo by clicking \nhere\n and make up your own minds."
"The job of a delivery person is more dreadful than we can imagine. Not only are there datelines and loads of traffic to deal with, they do so in vans that oftentimes are underpowered, uncomfortable and most likely without air-conditioning.\nVolkswagen has different ideas; as you can tell from their latest Transporter T6.1 Sportline Black Edition van that just screams Golf GTI from every angle. It comes with a price tag of \u00a345,140 (approximately RM261,430).\nIt\u2019s got plenty of grunt to go with the aggressive stance too; with over \n204 hp\n and \n450 Nm from a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch\n gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 8.9 seconds.\nAside from the red strips, the Sportline badging, and Black Edition decals, the Transporter T6.1 also comes with a new spoiler and sits on Eibach coilover suspension that lowers the ride height by 30mm. It also comes with illuminated sidebars.\nOccupying the wheel arches are 18-inch alloys in gloss black but contrary to its Black Edition name, the Transporter can also be had in Indium Grey, Fortana Red, Ravenna Blue, and Copper, to mention a few.\nInside, creature comforts are aplenty with Nappa leather upholstery, suede trims, a fully digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview display through a 9.2-inch touchscreen. It\u2019s even safe too \u2013 with autonomous emergency braking!\nJason Statham would be proud of this!"
"Restomods are the hottest commodity in the automotive world right now, and with the world revolving around money, it\u2019s no wonder they\u2019re literally everywhere \u2013 remember \nSinger\n? Or the \nelectric VW Kombi Bus\n? Or the \nVolvo P1800 Cyan\n?\nIt\u2019s reached a point where the market is so saturated, that whenever we see one, we just go: \u201coh, yet another restomod\u201d. But every once in a while, something so special comes about that we just can\u2019t stop staring at it \u2013 like this, the Kimera Automobili EVO37.\nFits right in with the other Lancia\u2019s Best Hits.\nAs the name suggests (if you\u2019re a diehard motorsports nerd like us, anyway), the EVO37 is a modern reinterpretation of the Lancia 037, which in itself is a very special Lancia Rally 037 homologation special from the Group B era.\nFor the EVO37, Kimera wanted to \u201cmaintain the essence and the soul of the old car by evolving it without upsetting it\u201d, and what other way to do it than recruiting a bunch of people involved with the original Lancia project?\nKimera\u2019s founder Luca Betti himself, is a former rally driver who\u2019s driven both in the WRC and the European Rally Championship. The development of the EVO37\u2019s engine is headed by Claudio Lombardi, the man responsible for much of the powerplants from Lancia\u2019s motorsport glory days.\nMiki Biasion, who drove the actual 037 rally car, and later won two World Rally Championships with the \nDelta Integrale\n, is also involved in the development of the EVO37. So in other words, this is pretty much the closest you can possibly get to the 037.\nEverything about the EVO37 is reverse-engineered from the OG rally car to preserve its original charm, though with tasteful amounts of modern technologies to bring it up to today\u2019s performance standards. Take for example the chassis, which \u2013 just like the original car \u2013 is based off the central cell of a Beta Montecarlo.\nTo this, Kimera added two \u201cself-supporting\u201d tubular subframes, which the company says increases the torsional rigidity while remaining faithful to the original design. Just like the original homologation car, there are still four(!) dampers hanging off of the rear section \u2013 two on each side \u2013 but this time, using high-performance parts supplied by Ohlins.\nThe engine is based on the old inline-four block, but reengineered with wider piston bores to increase its displacement up to 2.1-litre (vs 2.0-litre). The engine also now gets a new turbocharger and supercharger set-up inherited from the 037\u2019s successor, the Delta S4, which boosts the output up to \n505 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque.\nThe same recipe is also applied to the brakes, which are now Brembo items, and also the retro-styled wheels, which are now wrapped with modern-day Pirelli P-Zero tyres.\nAnd finally, all of that is wrapped under a new body shell, 3D scanned and reverse-engineered from the original fibreglass panels. Only this time, it\u2019s made of carbon fibre, paired to other lightweight materials such as titanium and kevlar.\nIn the interest of modernising the car, the Kimera EVO37 gets new LED illumination on both ends \u2013 the former still with the iconic quad headlights set-up \u2013 along with a few minor dimension tweaks to add a touch of aggression and presumably, improve aerodynamics. Still, it doesn\u2019t stray too far off the original car \u2013 Kimera wouldn\u2019t want to, anyway, not with their whole \u201cpreserving the soul\u201d speech.\nThe company plans to build 37 of these (see what they did there?), and if you\u2019re looking at getting one, be prepared to fork out EUR480,000 (~MYR2.4 mil) at minimum. That\u2019s a lot of money, but then again, it\u2019s probably still a lot cheaper than what the original homologation 037 costs in auction.\nOn top of that, it\u2019ll probably be a lot better to drive with all the new modern performance parts, not that you\u2019ll ever want to drive the original \u2013 if you have one to begin with.\nGALLERY"
"BMW Financial Services Malaysia today announced that BMW Engage, \nits online financing platform\n, has now extended its services to support the Premium Selection pre-owned used car portfolio. This move is in-line with BMW Group Malaysia\u2019s commitment to digitalise its touchpoints; the company launched its\n online Premium Selection store last month\n.\nThe new service extension means that prospective customers looking to buy a BMW Premium Selection pre-owned vehicle can enjoy a more convenient financing pre-approval process with the BMW Engage platform. The platform offers services such as monthly instalment calculation, quotation generation, and instant loan pre-approvals.\nBMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Managing Director Tobias Eismann said, \u201cWhen BMW Engage was introduced early this year, it was a reverberation of our commitment to our loyal customers to continue delivering the Premium Ownership Experience \u2013 no matter the distance.\n\u201cThe digital feature became a timely and necessary solution for customers during that period of physical divide at the height of the pandemic, and it continues to further enhance their purchasing journey.\u201d\nUntil the 31st of December, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia is also contributing RM100 to the \nBMW Safety 360\u00b0 subsidy programme\n on behalf of their customers for every contract funded through the BMW Engage platform. The subsidy programme helps the company\u2019s ongoing effort to provide B40 families in Malaysia with child car seats.\nThe BMW Premium Selection range of models can be browsed through at the new website, \nhere\n, while the BMW Engage platform is available on BMW Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s website, \nhere\n."
"Isle of Man, the solitary island in the centre of the Irish Sea is home\u00a0to the legendary but deadly\u00a0annual Tourist Trophy (TT) motorsports haven. Just recently, a highly modified\u00a0\nSubaru WRX STI\n\u00a0has just become the fastest four-wheeled \u2018participant\u2019 in the 60.72km course.\nThe 600 hp Subaru WRX STI, piloted by multiple British rally champion and stunt driver, Mark Higgins, completed the course in\u00a0\n17 minutes 35.139 seconds\n, with an average speed of\n 206 km/h\n over a course of over 200 corners. The top speed Higgins recorded in the Subaru was\n\u00a0270 km/h\n.\nThis achievement eclipses the previous record set in 2014, where Higgins completed the same course in a lightly modified WRX STI in 19 minutes 15.88 seconds. In comparison, a race bike completes the course in 16 minutes 58.254 seconds.\nIt\u2019s believed that the car was under full-throttle for 75 percent on each lap, hence the WRX needed extensive modifications from Prodrive. To begin, the 2.0-litre boxer engine utilises a larger turbo and paddle shift gearbox from a rally car, allowing the lump to extract \n600 hp\n with \n540 Nm\n of torque.\nThe suspension has been beefed up and there\u2019s even a functional\n\u00a0drag reduction system (DRS)\n borrowed from Prodrive\u2019s GT racing exploits for optimum downforce. Tyres fitted are medium-compound Dunlop Sport Maxx, similarly used in British Touring Car Championship.\nJust last week, he clocked the course in\u00a0\n17 minutes 49.75 seconds\n, and he has one more\u00a0attempt left. Watch this space!\n[Source: Autocar UK]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Proton has officially opened its first ever 4S dealer outlet here in Kampung Subang, Selangor. Setia Gemilang Auto Sdn Bhd opens its doors as the first Proton 4S dealer outlet, carrying a new and refreshed corporate image of the national carmaker.\nThe new outlet marks the new standards set by Proton under the new leadership of Chief Executive Officer of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong. The new look carries new colours that represent a global lifestyle, technology-driven, youthful exuberance and caring attitude which reflects a fresher, more dynamic and bolder Proton.\nDr Li said at the opening: \u201cI am pleased that the upgrading exercise of the new 4S and 3S outlet are progressing well especially with excellent team effort displayed by our Dealers together with the team from Proton. The new set up will stand to attract more people to the outlet, as consumers usually like to see and experience new things, new surroundings, new look and feel; and better ambience.\u201d\nCovering a land area of two acres, the new facility can accommodate 11 display cars, 50 customer parking space, 14 service hoists, 12 body and paint bays and a 30-seat customer lounge. There is also a dedicated kids\u2019 corner, coffee area and free Wi-Fi for the convenience of waiting customers.   Director of Setia Gemilang Auto Sdn Bhd, Andrew Quek said: \u201cToday is one of the happiest days of my life, as finally, the Setia Gemilang outlet has successfully upgraded to meet the new standard requirements of a Proton 4S outlet. A lot of work has been put in to ensure what we witnessed today, materialise.\u201d\nThe continuous upgrading works of existing Proton dealers to 3S and 4S outlets is part of the company\u2019s direction to upgrade its outlets nationwide to a total of 109 outlets of 3S and 4S status in anticipation of the upcoming Proton SUV.\nProton CEO Dr Li Chunrong\n\u201cWe care for our customers\u2019 needs and we want to emphasise that customer satisfaction remains our key priority. Most importantly, we want to convey the message of a brand new Proton moving forward,\u201d said Dr\u00a0Li.\nIMAGE GALLERY   Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong"
"Ahead of its scheduled global debut sometime this year, \nBMW\n has now given us a teaser of the\n upcoming fully-electric i5\n, as it completes its year-long pre-production testing in various driving conditions and (extreme) climates.\nThe teaser photos gives us our first proper look at the next-generation \n5 Series\n (and its fully-electric counterpart), and even though the car is heavily camouflaged, we can still see quite a few details from the extensive photo library the company provided.\nOne thing that we noted from looking through these photos, is that there are at least two models in different states of completeness in the tests. This is obvious from looking at their exterior lighting fixtures, as some of them had \u201cnear-production\u201d LED illumination, while others have what looks like placeholder bulbs, which are only there for legal purposes.\nOtherwise, the car looks. well, just like what you\u2019d expect from a BMW 5 Series. From profile, its silhouette looks fairly similar to the current \nG30-generation model\n, thanks to its long bonnet, short overhangs, and a sloping almost-fastback-like roofline.\nBMW says the purpose of the test \u2013 which took place across the European alps from Bavaria to the Swedish Lapland, spanning over 3,000 km \u2013 was to verify the stability and endurance of the i5\u2019s electric powertrain, as well as the \u201cdynamic performance qualities\u201d of the next-gen 5-er especially on \u201csurfaces offering little grip\u201d.\nIn all, the upcoming BMW 5 Series and i5 have already endured over one year of intense extreme-weather testing, and is now in the final \u201cfine-tuning\u201d stage, specifically for its powertrain and chassis control systems.\nALSO WATCH:\n BMW 530i vs 530e PHEV \u2013 Which one to pick?\nThe BMW i5 will be powered by the marque\u2019s\n fifth-generation eDrive technology\n, although supposedly \u201cfurther upgraded\u201d specifically for this upcoming model. It\u2019ll feature \u201ccutting-edge battery cell technology\u201d supported by an advanced thermal management system that integrates the heating and cooling system between the cabin and battery pack, as well as a new DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system that interlinks the near-actuator wheel slip limitation function and the drive torque control system.\nWith the upcoming BMW i5 now already performing insane drifts and slides in the snow, we\u2019re sure it\u2019ll also be a hoot to drive too when it reaches our milder (but very much warmer) Malaysian climates. We can\u2019t wait already!\nGALLERY"
"The latest range of Petronas lubricants is a result of track-to-road technology transfer through the partnership between Petronas Lubricants and five times World\u2019s Constructors Champion in Formula 1, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport.\nIn a press event held today, Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia (PLMM) introduced the \nPetronas Syntium 7000 Ultimate Series\n, featuring the \nPetronas Syntium 7000 Hybrid with CoolTech\n -PLMM\u2019s first entry into the fast-expanding hybrid market in Malaysia.\u00a0\nLewis Hamilton, driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and five times World Driver\u2019s Championship winner was also present at the launch event today.\nDuring the Q&A session he said, \u201cPetronas plays such a crucial role in cooling our engines and supports us in achieving results on track. The teamwork between our technical organisations have been outstanding.\u201d\nPetronas Dagangan Berhad\u2019s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and Petronas Vice President of Marketing, Downstream Business, Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir also added that the partnership between the two organisations is \nmore than technical co-engineering\n \u2013 two Petronas engineers are permanently stationed within the Formula 1 team at all races to monitor all fluids entering the cars, as well as \nabsorb the working ethics\n of the team to be brought over to the Petronas group.\u00a0\nAlso introduced today as part of the latest range of engine lubricants are the \nPetronas Syntium 7000 0W-16\n and \n0W-20\n, \nPetronas Syntium 3000 5W-30\n and \nPetronas 800 5W-30\n. All of these engine oils will include the \nCoolTech additive\n to cool vital parts of the engine and run efficiently under pressure.\u00a0\nThis range of low-viscosity engine lubricants are also designed to protect against \nLow-Speed Pre-Ignition\n (LSPI) for the latest turbocharged direct-injection gasoline powered vehicles, meeting the latest \nAPI SN PLUS Specifications\n.\u00a0\nPetronas is also continuing their efforts to provide convenient access to Petronas products and services to the customers globally through their \nPetronas AutoExpert service centres\n. According to Dato\u2019 Sri Syed Zainal Abidin, \n5 out of 8\n planned AutoExpert centres in my Malaysia are already in operation, and the rest will follow suit soon."
"There\u2019s always the risk of compromise when it comes to producing a more civilised version of a world famous high performance sports car, with many said efforts resulting in weight increment \u2013 the bane of all sports car makers.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan GT-R\nNissan Nismo GT-R\nEngine\n3,799cc; twin-turbo V6 with direct injection\n3,799cc; twin-turbo V6 with direct injection\nTransmission\n6-speed dual clutch auto with manual shifting mode\n6-speed dual clutch auto with manual shifting mode\nMax Power\n545 hp @ 6,400 rpm\n595 hp @ 6,800 rpm\nMax Torque\n628 Nm @ 3,200 rpm\n652 Nm @ 3,200 rpm\nDrive Type\nPermanent all wheel drive\nPermanent all wheel drive\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n3.0 seconds; 310 km/h\n2.8 seconds; 310 km/h\n\u00a0\nThat said, the folks at Nissan Motor Co. Ltd have announced the beginning of sales for the \n2015 Nissan GT-R\n, a less hardcore and more livable day-to-day version of the sports car that offers \u201cdramatically\u201d more comfort, all without sacrificing performance. So they say.\nChanges that the 2015 model have undergone are mostly mechanical, starting with its \nsuspension\n. Nissan have tweaked the damping rates, ECU and minor steering corrections to improve cornering stability.\u00a0In the\u00a0\nbraking\n\u00a0department, the shimming structure found between the brake pads and caliper pistons is new, as is the brake pads. This setup reduces the jolts produced when hard braking, and improves braking control and noise.\nTyres\n\u00a0are now made of better material and the inner structure of the rubbers are modified to help better absorb road undulations, reducing vibration and harshness. Also contributing to the reduced vibration is the \nrevised Steering Dynamic Damper\n, which has been optimised to \nreduce vibration\n while idling. \nTrunk carpeting\n is also new here for better sound insulation.\nThere\u2019s no numbers to go along with this, but Nissan has retuned the engine and transmission management systems. The space between the transaxle and driveshaft have also changed, as with the bearings within the flywheel housing. The outcome? \nLesser mechanical vibration\n and noise.\nBuyers of the Premium Edition variant can choose to go with the RAYS twin-spoke aluminium alloy wheels finished in Hyper Blue Black chrome, previously an exclusive option for dealers.\nFor those wanting more, the Nismo-engineered \nTrack Edition\n trim receives a good list of customisation, such as custom adhesive bonding for improved shell rigidity, flared front fenders with air duct outlet, stiffer suspension setup and custom RAYS forged aluminium alloy wheels and tyres.\nThe 2015 Nissan GT-R is sold in Japan with a starting price of RM272k (9.5 million Yen), all the way to RM337k (11.7 million Yen) for the Nismo Track Edition variant.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The phenomenal fully-electric Porsche Taycan sets another world record, but this time, it could be the shortest in distance and time.\nYesterday, the \nGuinness World Records\n recognised the Porsche Taycan Turbo S as \nthe vehicle that achieved the fastest speed\n \nindoors.\nThe previous record of 140 km/h has not been broken since 2013, performed using a Speed Car XTRM Crosskart.\n \nTo beat the record, a suitable location was more difficult to find than a high-performance vehicle. The record must be done \ncompletely indoors\n, and Porsche USA choose the New Orleans Convention Centre, having the largest contiguous exhibit hall in the US.\nOn smooth road surfaces, the 761-horsepower \nPorsche Taycan Turbo S\n can accelerate from \n0 to 100 km/h\n and 160 km/h in just \n2.8 seconds\n and 6.1 seconds respectively.\nHowever, the floor in the convention centre is polished concrete. Porsche explains that driving a car at high speeds on such surface is almost like driving over ice.\nSimple but important preparation work was done on the Porsche. Professional driver Leh Keen did some low-speed exploratory runs with the support crew \nwarming up\n the factory-fitted Pirelli P-Zero tyres to ensure maximum grip and control off the starting line.\nThe team at Porsche USA also removed the Taycan\u2019s LED headlamps, as the record requires the vehicle to be \nnon-roadworthy\n. \u00a0\nGetting the Taycan Turbo S to stop is just as tricky as the launch, with so little grip available on the polished concrete floor.\nIn just a single attempt, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S managed to achieve a top speed \n165.2 km/h\n (102.65 mph) before Keen pressed gently on the 10-piston carbon-ceramic brakes, as the record guidelines require the vehicle to start and finish the exercise from stationary positions.\n\u201cTo accelerate so hard on such an erratic surface was incredible. Not for a moment did I doubt I could do it,\u201d said Keen after the only run.\nThe indoor land speed record adds to a long list of records done with the Porsche Taycan, as well as Porsche. Recently, two Porsche Taycans achieved \n13 electric vehicle records\n in a day while a \nTaycan RWD\n did the \nlongest drift\n at over 42 kilometres in distance.\n16-year-old Chloe Chambers meanwhile rhythmed a Porsche 718 Spyder into the record for the \nfastest vehicle slalom\n in a time of 47.45 seconds.\nGALLERY"
"Porsche \nhas rolled out a new version of its My Porsche App, offering its customers added vehicle functionalities within the \nApple CarPlay\n experience in its vehicles. With the new update, Porsche owners can now control their vehicle\u2019s audio, climate, comfort, lighting, and entertainment settings, directly through the CarPlay interface.\nThe German sportscar maker says that it\u2019s the first automotive manufacturer to offer these extended Apple CarPlay functionalities. In addition to the new buttons on the interface to do things like changing radio stations or adjust the in-car temperature, customers can also utilise Siri voice commands to adjust the settings hands-free.\nThe Updated Apple CarPlay functionality will initially be available on the \nnew 2023 Porsche Cayenne\n, before being rolled out onto other models in the future. Of course, since this is an update to the My Porsche app itself, all of these settings can also be accessed via the mobile phone application once it\u2019s connected to the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system on your car.\nREAD MORE: \nMalaysia-assembled CKD Porsche Cayenne reaches 1,000-unit milestone\nEssentially, the new My Porsche App update is a hacky way for to include these functionalities into Apple CarPlay, before the next-generation CarPlay experience is rolled out in the future.\nDuring the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) last year, Apple previewed a \nnew CarPlay experience \nthat will act as the operating system, powering all software functions within the car. The first vehicles with the updated CarPlay are expected to launch later this year."
"The BMW iX3 was launched\n last October \nwith two variants available \u2013 the Inspiring and Impressive \u2013 with prices starting from RM298,354 while the higher-end Impressive starts from RM318,608.\nBoth variants of the BMW iX3 offer the same performance with 286 hp and 400 Nm from an electric motor that drives the rear wheels. The electric motor is powered by a 73.8 kWh battery, offering up to 461 km of driving range.\nWith an 11kW AC charger, the iX3 can be charged up in around 7.5 hours but with a faster 150 kW DC charger, it takes 30 minutes to get the iX3 up to 80% charged.\nIn terms of its appearance, the BMW iX3 arrives in Malaysia as the facelift version with dramatically redesigned taillamps, slimmer headlamps and larger kidney grilles.\nBoth the Inspiring and Impressive variants of the iX3 come with M Sport body kits with sportier front and rear bumpers but the higher-end Impressive gets 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels and BMW\u2019s Laser Light technology for its headlamps.\nInside, the Impressive variant like the one you see in the pictures, gets the additional 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, head-up display, 360-degree view monitor, and electric driving sounds composed by world-renowned Hans Zimmer.\nBoth variants share features like wireless charging, hands-free powered tailgate, 3-zone air conditioning, a panoramic sunroof, and the BMW Reversing Assistant feature that helps the driver reverse out of tight spaces. The driver is only required to manage the brakes.\nOn the topic of driver aids, both the Impressive and Inspiring variants of the fully-electric BMW iX3 come with the Driving Assistant Professional package that bundles features like autonomous emergency braking, lane centering assist, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control with stop-go, evasive steering assist and acoustic warning for pedestrians.\nGALLERY"
"BMW\u2019s latest 4 Series\n recently sparked a lot of online conversations about the front grille of a car \u2013 specifically the size of it in relation to the rest of the front fascia. It seemed like the cool new thing to be angry about, but it should be noted that the German marque was not actually the first to toy with oversized grille.\nRoughly two and a half years ago, Aston Martin also received similar ridicule when they launched the \nall-new Vantage\n, with some passionate internet users even calling it \u201ccatfish\u201d in reference to the similarities in its appearance to the aquatic animal.\nWe don\u2019t necessarily share the same sentiment as these people, but it was clearly loud enough that Aston Martin gave the grille another go with the new \u201cvane grille\u201d as introduced on the \nVantage Roadster.\n It\u2019s a little sleeker with a rounder shape, but obviously the sportscar maker did not work on the sizing aspect too much.\nWell, enter Revenant Automotive. The British startup decided that it has had enough with the large grilles, taking matters into its own hands by creating a new front fascia for the all-new Vantage with a little \nold-school styling\n.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Revenant Automotive (@revenantautomotive)\nApart from just purely aesthetic purposes, Revenant Automotive says that the new front fascia actually provides 23% more open area for cooling and air intakes, and even comes with a sweet 9% weight reduction \u2013 and that\u2019s with its full metal grille!\nTo achieve the weight savings, a majority of the new bumper piece is constructed out of lightweight fibreglass material. Though for an extra charge, you can also have it made with carbon fibre.\nFor us, the best part about this aftermarket solution is that it actually looks like something that would come out of the Aston Martin designers\u2019 offices \u2013 as the original line and curves were not modified. Additionally, the grille on the Vantage is also designed as part of the bumper, so replacing it is simple \u2013 no sawing, welding, or riveting required, giving it a clean \u201cunmodified\u201d look.\nHowever, we never had a problem with the grille on the Vantage to begin with, so we don\u2019t really see a point in this other than the slight performance benefit. It\u2019s never a bad thing to have the benefit of choice, though! What do you think? Perhaps have a go on the \nconfigurator\n and prove us wrong.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Motor Image Malaysia, the distributor for Subaru vehicles here in Malaysia, has begun accepting orders for the\n \n2022 BRZ\n. Although no information has been officially published yet, Subaru dealers have already begun advertising the sports car for sale.\nBased on a price list obtained from a dealer, the 2022 Subaru BRZ will be offered here in Malaysia in both manual and automatic options, starting from \nRM229,245 \n(on-the-road, without insurance) for the MT variant, and\n RM239,245\n for the AT.\nLaunched globally back in November 2020, the all-new Subaru BRZ is powered by a revamped 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine, with power bumped up to \n237 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n of torque. You can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, but power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential no matter which transmission you favour.\nIn terms of performance figures, the automatic takes \n6.8 seconds\n to get to 100 km/h from a standstill, onward to a top speed of\n 216 km/h\n, while the manual is slightly quicker at \n6.3 seconds\n, and maxes out at \n226 km/h\n, due to gear ratios.\nClick to enlarge.\nAs for equipment, both variants are fairly similarly equipped. Standard items include the 18-inch aluminium wheels in matte dark grey, automatic LED headlights, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a customisable seven-inch digital instrument cluster, drive modes selector with a Track Mode option, leather and Ultrasuede upholstery, and aluminium sports pedals.\nSafety wise, both variants come with seven airbags, hill start assist, blind spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert, but the automatic variant stands out with the additional Subaru EyeSight ADAS suite, which adds active cruise control, front vehicle departure alert, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), and false start suppression control.\nRELATED: Toyota GR86 to launch in Malaysia soon? Toyota Gazoo Racing returns for Season 5\nThere are no confirmation yet on the Subaru BRZ\u2019s official launch date, nor the number of units the company will be bringing into Malaysia. However, we\u2019ve been told that orders for the sportscar worldwide has been overwhelming with China taking the bulk of the available stock, thus the current delivery timeframe is expected to be around a seven to eight months wait."
"First appeared in the \nconfines of Mazda Glenmarie two months ago\n, the Mazda MX-5 RF is finally launched in Malaysia. Pricing begins at RM235,898.80 for the six-speed manual, whereas the six-speed auto variant costs RM241,198.80.\nBoth are generously and identically specced, receiving items such as full LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, lightweight 17-inch alloys (with 205/45 R17 tyres) and electronically powered retractable hardtop (folds in 13 seconds). Inside is also fully specced with leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, 9-speaker Bose surround sound audio system and four airbags.   QUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda MX-5 RF (Manual)\nMazda MX-5 RF (Auto)\nEngine\n1,998cc; DOHC, 16V, Skyactiv-G [13.0:1 compression ratio)\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n6-speed auto with paddle shifters\nMax Power\n158 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nRM235,898.80 (without insurance)\nRM241,198.80 (without insurance)\nPower comes from a longitudinally mounted \n2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine\n, making \n158 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque. All that is sent to the rear wheels. The difference in weight between the auto and manual is just 26 kg; the automatic weighs 1,138 kg while the manual weighs 1,112 kg.   The Mazda MX-5 RF is fully imported from Japan and can be had in \nfour different exterior colours\n: Soul Red Metallic, Jet Black, Crystal White Pearl and the brand new Machine Grey finish. Mazda Malaysia is giving a \n5-years manufacturer\u2019s warranty\n and 3-years or 60,000km free maintenance package.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMazda MX-5 RF 2.0L Skyactive (Manual)"
"Mazda has displayed its all-new Mazda 3 in selected showrooms ahead of the car\u2019s official launch on 17 July 2019. Pictured here is the range-topping Mazda 3 2.0 Hatchback High Plus variant destined for the Malaysian market.\nThe new Mazda 3 Hatchback was inspired from the jaw-dropping \nMazda Kai Concept\n that was shown back in 2017. Mazda has retained much of the design elements from the concept car and for the first time, the Sedan and Hatchback models are styled independently. The two only shares certain interchangeable parts while major body panels are model specific.\nWearing the latest iteration of Mazda\u2019s KODO: Soul of Motion design language, the new Mazda 3 with its gaping front grille, slim headlamps and pronounced rear arches gives the car the impression of a predator ready to pounce on its prey.\nThe body lines were\nalso carefully crafted to create even more reflections over the body, making\nthe Soul Red Crystal Metallic paintwork pop even more. This display unit was\nparked next to a CX-5 with the same Soul Red Crystal finish and somehow the Mazda\n3 comes off with more vibrancy to my eyes.\nSpecification wise, the range-topping 2.0 High Plus variant comes equipped with full LED headlamps with signature LED daytime running lights, signature LED taillamps, dark chrome grille finish (chrome finish on sedan), 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/45 profile rubbers, keyless entry and dual exhaust outlets.\nStepping inside, the cabin is leaps and bounds over the \noutgoing model\n in terms of perceived quality, build quality and material finish. On 2.0 High Plus variants you\u2019ll find a new instrument cluster with a central 7.0-inch coloured TFT multi-info display, 8.8-inch Mazda MZD Connect infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto (no longer touchscreen unit), 8-speakers, coloured heads-up display, 10-way powered driver\u2019s seat with memory function, leather seats and a sunroof.\nUnder the hood, the 2.0 variants are powered by the familiar 2.0-litre naturally aspired 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Output remains unchanged from before at \n162 hp\n and \n213 Nm\n of torque, driving the front wheels.\nOn the safety front, the Mazda 3 2.0 High Plus comes with 7 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Launch Assist. Other than that, it is also the \nonly \nJapanese make in the segment to offer the full suite of \nAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems\n.\nMazda i-Activsense bundles Smart Brake Support (SBS), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Lane Keep Assist System (LAS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), High Beam Control (HBC) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA).\nUnfortunately, due to the global trend of price hike of the Mazda 3 and the unfavourable tax and duties structure for fully imported models (CBU Japan) in Malaysia, the new Mazda 3 2.0 High Plus is priced at RM160k (OTR without insurance), inclusive of a 5-Years Warranty and 5-Years Free Scheduled Service.\n (\nGTC4Lusso vibes anyone?\n)\nNot denying that is silly money for a C-segment hatchback/sedan considering you can have a brand new \nCX-5 2.5 2WD GLS\n for the same price. But as the saying goes, willing buyer, willing seller.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nAll-new Mazda 3 in Soul Red Crystal Metallic"
"Gossips of an update to the powertrain under the next iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster have been discussed yet again. \nAutocar UK\n shared their insights that Mazda will continue to keep the next-generation MX-5 with only one power source, adding more information to what was previously \nmentioned\n. \u00a0\nThe powertrain in question has now turned to the highly complicated, lean-burning \nSkyactiv X\n engine, which includes a low-pressure supercharger, high compression ratio, compression ignition and belt-driven integrated starter-generator mild-hybrid assistance.\nThe latest 2.0-litre engine, renamed to e-Skyactiv X, produces \n186 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of \n240 Nm\n at 4,000 rpm. Updates to the engine include adjusting the compression ratio from 16.3:1 to 15.0:1, modifying pistons, camshaft, and updating the mild-hybrid system\u2019s software.\nWith the \nMazda MX-5\n designed around the targets of low mass and compactness to deliver the intended driving connection between man and machine or \u2018Jibba Ittai\u2019, the company can afford to have the relatively high emission next-gen MX-5 to continue with just pure combustion engine power.\nCoupling with ultra-low sales volume and pooling their \nyearly CO2 emissions\n rating with Toyota and their highly efficient hybrid engines, Mazda should easily meet the European Union\u2019s reducing targets with ease. \u00a0\nThere are at least eight years to go until \n2030\n, where Mazda announced that its entire product line-up will be electrified, with at least 25% being fully electric. Thus, the sixth-generation MX-5, if it sees the light of day, will then only feature a more powerful hybrid powertrain in 2030, or even fully electric to challenge \nLotus\n. \u00a0\nMazda is betting heavily on the next generation of SUVs, from CX-50 to CX-90 with turbo inline-6! Learn more about it here.\nThe current fourth-generation (ND) Mazda MX-5 is powered by a naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre engine with outputs of \n181 hp\n and \n205 Nm\n of torque. Although lightweight, low and compact, fuel consumption is nothing spectacular at 14.7 km/litre, worse than a much larger and heavier \nMazda 3 hatchback\n.\nBermaz Motor is selling the Mazda MX-5 in both manual and automatic transmission, albeit in just the RF retracting hardtop roof, for approx. \nRM260,500\n, with the former RM2,000 cheaper."
"Originally launched in 1998 and designated only for the Japanese market, Lexus\u2019 parents called it the Toyota Harrier. And it was a becoming SUV for a flourishing brand. A year after it was launched, the Harrier was adorned in Lexus badges that read the letters \u2018RX\u2019. Hence forth the moniker was born. The RX received phenomenal responses from buyers, especially the North American market.\nSpeaking of being well received and to further illustrate that point, Lexus has pushed over \n2.2 million\n units out the door and into the arms of its adoring fans worldwide. Spearheading this \nfourth-gen\n RX on our shores is a job tasked to local importers and distributors \u2013 UMW Toyota Motor.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nLexus RX 200t Premium\nLexus RX 200t Luxury\nLexus RX 200t F Sport\nLexus RX 350 F-Sport\nLexus RX 350 Luxury\nLexus RX 450h\nEngine\n2.0L four cylinder twin scroll turbocharged engine\n3.5L V6, DOHC\n3.5L V6, DOHC with Electric Motors\nTransmission\n6-speed automatic\n8-speed automatic\nE-CVT\nMax Power\n235 hp @ 4,800 \u2013 5,600 rpm\n295 hp @ 6,300 rpm\n308 hp (combined output)\nMax Torque\n350 Nm @ 1,650 \u2013 4,000 rpm\n370 Nm @ 4,600 \u2013 4,700 rpm\n335 Nm @ 4,600 rpm\nPrice\nRM388,800\nRM408,400\nRM422,990\nRM457,800\nRM486,300\nRM520,200\nEXTERIOR\nLexus has claimed this new \nRX\n to be a much bolder and outstanding design and truth be told, we couldn\u2019t agree more with them. RXs of past were rather \nunderstated\n and docile if that were a more apt description, but then again it was the design language at the time that dictated the look. Now though, Lexus have truly stepped up their game and brought to the fore a swarming range of cars that are as \nbold\n and \nsharp\n as the word itself.\nThis premium mid-sized crossover SUV features a host of design cues that\u2019s rather reminiscent of its smaller sibling \u2013 the \nNX\n, such as the\n signature three-dimensional spindle grille\n upfront that\u2019s a hair\u2019s width away from the \nL-shaped LED DRLs\n\u00a0with sequential signal indicators -a first for the brand. Couple\u00a0that with flared out wheel arches and you get a really menacing RX \u2013 a word\u00a0the previous generation model would\u00a0never be associated with. Following this, the engineers have managed to design\u00a0a\n floating roofline\n\u00a0which is evident from the side rear view. \nLexus\n has two words for describing the overall look of this all-new \nRX\n \u2013 \u2018\nMature Sensuality\n\u2019 and we agree!   Just like any budding brand, there is a \u2018\nspicy\n\u2019 flavoured variant to the model, and it\u2019s none other than the F-Sport trims. They sport\n\u00a020-inch\n alloy wheels painted to a dark metallic finish. Apart from that, the signature spindle grille gets a\u00a0\nmeshed design\n form that\u2019s accompanied by \nblack outer side\n mirror casings and not to mention roof rails for some sporting practicality, if you will.\nINTERIOR\nThe true business end of any Lexus cars is the cabin experience, and this all-new RX is no exception to that rule. Lexus have done what they call a harmonious blend of luxury and functionality in this cabin. All driver and occupants are enveloped in \ntop quality\n\u00a0materials\n that we\u2019ve accustomed ourselves to expect from cars of this calibre.\nThe hide-wrapped seats are \nquilted\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nventilated\n, a feature that\u2019s standard equipment on all trim variants. That being said, the newly \nredesigned interior\n while exuding a sense heightened luxury, also provides a spacious vibe all throughout the cabin. Part of the redesign is an \nexpanded\n\u00a0front \nfield of vision\n for improved visibility which lends a hand towards\u00a0\nbetter safety\n.   The RX benefits from a redesigned instrument cluster that mimics the brand\u2019s top dog- the \nLFA\n. The \nRX200t F-Sport\n\u00a0comes with additional toys that reflect its sporting image, and the kit includes\u00a0\nG-Ball\n and \nBoost\n gauges shown out of the \n4.2-inch display\n. Aside from that, the F-Sport comes with a bucket-load of \naluminium\n trim pieces with the words \u2018\nF-Sport\n\u2019 etched in.\nThe\n RX350 F-Sport\n and \nRX 450h\n both come with HUD or \nHead Up Display\n\u00a0projected onto the windscreen. Measuring in at 240 x 90mm, it is the largest in any Lexuses thus far. Another Lexus feature that made its way to the RX is the RTI or \nRemote Touch Interface\n which allows the driver to control the MID (\nMulti-Information Display\n).\nFor audiophiles, two systems are on offer on the all-new RX, namely a \n12-speaker\n \nLexus Premium Audio\n Surround System and a \n15-speaker Mark L\nevinson\n\u00a0sound system with a high-efficiency \nClass D amplifier\n. The system can even automatically adjust each song to the right volume, but this feature is unique only to the RX 350 and RX 450h variants.\u00a0Here\u2019s a world\u2019s first for you \u2013 the depth of the cupholders varies depending on your beverage.\nPERFORMANCE\nAlso new to the RX moniker is a \n2.0-litre twin scroll turbocharged\n engine that makes\u00a0\n235 hp\n from \n4,800\n to\n 5,600 rpm\n with a torque figure of \n350 Nm\n from just \n1,650 \nto\n 4,000 rpm\n. This is thanks to the \n17psi\n of boost from the turbo and extractor exhaust manifold. This four-banger variant is over \n27 percent\n\u00a0more efficient than the previous 2.7-litre engine in the RX 270 model. The \nRX 200t\n comes with a \nsix-speed automatic\n transmission.\n \n \nThe \nRX 350\n variants continue with the tried and tested \n3.5-litre\n, direct injection\n V6\n lump that churns out a respectable \n295 hp\n at \n6,300 rpm\n with \n370 Nm\n of torque. The V6 powertrain is hooked up to the company\u2019s new fast-shifting \neight-speed\u00a0automatic\n gearbox which had its ratios optimised for low-end grunt and better fuel efficiency at higher speeds.\nThe V6 mill in charge of powering the \nRX 450h\n\u00a0is a slightly different version of the unit above. This hybrid variant utilises an Atkinson-cycle engine with newly designed intakes ports and combustion chambers. The result of which is a lump that will make\n\u00a0258 hp\n and \n335 Nm\n of torque. Not much you might think, but once paired up to the \nLexus Hybrid Drive System\n, total system output is measured in at \n308 hp\n. Not too shabby for a green-thumb SUV.\nSAFETY\nLexus made it a point to enhance the safety level and rating of the new RX starting with the F-Sport variants and the top-spec Hybrid which features something called VDIM (\nVehicle Dynamics Integrated Management\n). In short, VDIM is a next-gen stability control system which integrates the \nbrakes\n, \npower control\n and \nsteering\n into one for greater control dynamics. VDIM also works in tandem with the \nAWD\n and suspension systems.\nAll RX variants come with \nRear Cross Traffic Alert\n (RCTA). It is a clever bit of kit that alerts the driver when there are cars fast approaching the\u00a0RX\u2019s tail by providing a loud beep followed by a warning light on the side mirrors. \nRCTA \nalso works\u00a0with \nBlind Spot Monitoring\n (BSM) which employs radar technology to scan the roads around you.\nWHAT ELSE?\nAll variants come with 10 SRS airbags scattered around the cabin. These consist of \ndual-stage\n and \ndual-chamber \nunit\u00a0drivers and passenger airbags. There is a total of eight exterior colours to choose from, and all purchases of the new RX will come with a \n3-year or 100,000km factory warranty\n programme. The RX 450h on the other hand, will get an additional \n8-year with unlimited mileage\n warranty period.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Hyundai Motor Group\n has announced its new global strategy to transform all its vehicles into Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) by 2025. Through SDVs, customers have the freedom to remotely upgrade the performance and functionality of their vehicles anywhere at any time.\nThe company\u2019s plan is to transform the customer experience throughout the vehicle\u2019s entire lifetime and deliver a new era of mobility via constantly evolving software technology. With Hyundai\u2019s mobility and software technology, vehicle functions such as safety, convenience, connectivity, security, and driving performance, can be upgraded via Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates.\nStarting in 2023, all newly launched vehicles by the Hyundai Group will be equipped to receive OTA updates. This transformation will apply not just to electric models, but also to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. All of the Group\u2019s vehicle segments sold worldwide will evolve to be SDVs by 2025.\nHyundai Group will also start to offer Feature on Demand (FoD) services next year. This will give customers the ability to select and purchase functions and features that meet their needs and tastes, and the freedom to create vehicles that best match their lifestyles.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Motor Group now third-largest global carmaker \u2013 3.3 million vehicles sold in H1 2022\nNew eM and eS platform\nDuring the SDV presentation, Hyundai also announced that its future vehicles will be based on two new platforms \u2013 eM and eS. Both platforms will be created under the Group\u2019s Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) system.\nDeveloped specifically for EVs across all segments, the eM platform will provide a 50% improvement in driving range compared to current EVs. The eM platform is also being developed to support Level 3 or higher autonomous driving technology and OTA software update features.\nWith B2B demands in mind, the eS platform is developed exclusively for Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs) as an EV \u2018skateboard\u2019. Hyundai will use the eS platform to provide tailor-made solutions for companies operating in the delivery, logistics, and car-hailing sectors.\nRELATED: \nThe Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV\u2019s weird shape might be a sign of what\u2019s to come in the future\nHyundai Motor Group Executive Vice President of Head of Electronics & Infotainment Development Center, Paul Choo said, \u201cIn 2025, Hyundai Motor Group will present vehicles with two platform types: eM, a passenger EV-dedicated platform; and eS, an exclusive platform for Purpose Built Vehicles.\u201d\n\u201cThese new platforms are evolving under Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s \u2018\nIntegrated Modular Architecture\n \n(IMA)\n\u2018, which will lead to further standardization and modularization of core components of electric vehicles, such as batteries and motors, while offering advantages in sectors additional to electric vehicles.\u201d\nThe Group\u2019s IMA will facilitate the standardization and modularization of key EV components. By standardizing the batteries and electric motors, for example, which currently vary across each EV model, the Group will flexibly apply common components to each vehicle, thus efficiently expanding its lineup.\nRELATED: \nHyundai reportedly shut down combustion engine development centre\nConnected Car Operating System (ccOs)\nTo take the lead in providing transformative global mobility solutions, Hyundai will deploy its ccOs software platform. With know-how from NVIDIA, Hyundai Group is conducting research to apply connected car technology to commercialized mass-produced vehicles.\nThe Group\u2019s advanced ccOS operating system will support the software technology required to analyze and process data ultra-rapidly, provided by the vast data collection capabilities of technology such as the sensors within the cameras, radars, and LiDARs mounted on the vehicle.\nHyundai Motor Group Senior Vice President and Head of Autonomous Driving Center, Woongjun Jang said, \u201cThis year, the Group will apply an advanced Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) on the Genesis G90, which is a Level 3 technology for autonomous driving based on the second-generation integrated controller. The Group is also developing its Remote Parking Pilot (RPP) for Level 3 autonomous driving.\u201d\nHyundai Motor Group will invest 18 trillion won by 2030 in sectors such as the Global Software Center and R&D headquarters to further strengthen software capabilities for SDV development. The Group will also hire some of the world\u2019s best software developers and develop devices and services that prioritize UX to bring new experiences to the mobility market.\nHyundai Motor Group President and Head of R&D Division, Chung Kook Park said, \u201cToday, Hyundai Motor Group has revealed the technology concepts, strategies, and future scenarios related to software-defined vehicles that will underpin the core of future mobility. Our holistic approach will empower Hyundai Motor Group to lead the transformation in the mobility paradigm.\u201d\n\u201cAs we take these technological innovations from imagination to reality, Hyundai Motor Group will unlock the future potential of the car and open up new possibilities to rewrite the customer experience and deliver a new way of life, abundant with meaning and value.\u201d\nRELATED: \nHyundai charges towards \u201chydrogen society\u201d with 670 hp FCEV concept sports car"
"If you guys haven\u2019t already realised, GC Mah is a bit of a playful character \u2013 not just in our videos but in real life as well.\nSo when he was told, on his recent trip to Portugal to check out the \nnew BMW X7\n and the \n7-series\n, that the voice command system in the \nnew BMW M850i convertible\n could be renamed into anything of his liking, a child arose from within the suspiciously-bearded man.\n \nFor now, it\u2019s uncertain if BMW Malaysia would bring in the convertible models of the new BMW 8-series but there is however an \nM850i xDrive Coupe \navailable locally, recently launched with a price tag of \nRM1,088,800\n."
"Vietnam\u2019s first car company, VinFast, has revealed plans to introduce an SUV and a sedan at the upcoming 2018 Paris Motor Show. VinFast decided on these two body styles after the Vietnamese people voted on their favourite design late last year.\nThe yet-to-be-named SUV and sedan are developed by Italian design house, Pininfarina and will adopt German technologies to meet international standards. The company intends to have their sold outside of Vietnam and become a competitive player in the global automotive scene.\nDetails of the Vietnamese built cars are scarce but VinFast is confident in creating vehicles that are up to customer expectations in terms of design, quality, dynamics, premium in-car features and ownership experience. To achieve this global vision, the company has engaged leading European designers, engineers and production technology partners.\nConstruction of an ultra-modern manufacturing facility is currently underway in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam to manufacture VinFast badged cars in anticipation of the start of sales in September 2019. With a built-up area of 2.5 acres, the VinFast manufacturing plant is one of Vietnam\u2019s biggest industrial project yet.\nWill this be the family face of VinFast cars?\nCEO of VinFast Trading and Production LLC, James DeLuca said: \u201cWe are immensely proud to be the first volume automotive manufacturer in Vietnam, and the first to participate in a major international motor show. We look forward to introducing our new brand and two new models in Paris. Our show stand will also prominently feature the best of Vietnam, demonstrating the passion and tenacity that we will bring to the global automotive stage.\u201d"
"Rolls-Royce Motor Cars\n has just signalled the end of one of its commemorative eras, as it officially announced the end of the production of the \nRolls-Royce Dawn\n convertible. This is done to make room for the production of the \nRolls-Royce Spectre\n EV, which is set for launch in late 2023.\nHaving introduced the Dawn back in 2015 to replace the \nRolls-Royce Phantom\n \nDrophead Coupe\n, the Rolls-Royce Dawn throughout its seven-year production run has become the best-selling drophead in the brand\u2019s history. However, all good things must come to an end as the British luxury carmaker looks forward to its future with Electric Vehicle (EV) technology.\nRolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet\nThe birth of the Dawn convertible was originally inspired by the brand\u2019s \u2018Silver Dawn\u2019, which was a luxury sedan produced from 1950 to 1955. Built upon the basis of the \nRolls-Royce Ghost\n, the Dawn was created to satisfy the needs of customers who wanted a glamorous, romantic, and super luxurious motoring experience, but also at the same time wanted a car that can do so in a fashion in tune with their contemporary tastes and lifestyles.\nRolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Torsten M\u00fcller-\u00d6tv\u00f6s said, \u201cIn reviving the Dawn nameplate, Rolls-Royce reinvigorated something much more than a motor car \u2013 like the glamorous convertible it drew inspiration from, the contemporary Dawn has come to characterise a modern expression of \u2018la dolce vita\u2019; a way of living that embraces the beauty and richness of life. Dawn truly reflects the joy of good company, the thrill of adventure and the peace of quiet reflection. Indeed, this motor car is a testament to the modern art of living, recalling \u2018la dolce vita\u2019 spirit in every detail.\u201d\nRELATED: \nThe Rolls-Royce Spectre EV is here to fulfil its founder\u2019s prophecy, 122 years later\nRolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet\n\u201cAs production of Dawn draws to a close, we can reflect on an extraordinary chapter in the marque\u2019s history. This beautiful motor car perfectly embodies contemporary luxury while celebrating the marque\u2019s founding principles and heritage,\u201d he added.\nThe Rolls-Royce Dawn was the brand\u2019s final internal combustion engine (ICE) powered convertible. But now that it is discontinued, it leaves the Ghost, Phantom, and \nCullinan\n as the remaining models carrying the brand\u2019s twin-turbo V12 engine legacy.\nRELATED: \nRolls-Royce says its upcoming Spectre EV will be built to last 400 years"
"Alongside the \nall-electric MINI Cooper SE\n, MINI Malaysia also introduced the limited edition\n JC\nW\n GP\n where only 3,000 units were made. Of that figure, only 10 found its way to Malaysia and unfortunately, they\u2019re all sold out.\nBeing the most extreme MINI out there, the GP comes with 306 hp and 450 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that was first used to power the \nJCW Clubman and Countryman\n. 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.2 seconds but unlike most European cars which are electronically-limited to 250 km/h, the GP will pull all the way to 265 km/h.\n \nWhile it may offer heightened driving sensations, in a straight line, the GP will actually see the JCW Clubman\u2019s tail pipes instead of its headlights in the rear view mirror. This is as the latter will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.\nIn terms of aesthetics though, there\u2019s no denying how much more imposing the GP looks compared to the standard JCW models. Standout items include a hand-crafted \u201cspat\u201d from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) with the car\u2019s serial number and a massive roof mounted spoiler.\nOn the inside, the first thing you\u2019d notice are the absence of rear seats; now occupied by a red cross brace. 3D printing has been used extensively for the trims in the cabin such as the dashboard trim with the car\u2019s serial number, the paddle shifters and steering wheel clasps.\nThe MINI JCW GP is priced at\u00a0\nRM 377,470.90\n\u00a0and is accompanied by a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, along with a five-year MINI Roadside Assistance programme.\nWith BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia\u2019s Balloon Financing programme, the MINI John Cooper Works GP can be yours from RM4,184 a month, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.\nGALLERY"
"It seems like every other week, another major carmaker announces their plans to discontinue the internal combustion engine and switchover to an EV-only model line-up \u2013 usually sometime around 2030 to line-up with the major countries\u2019 own timeline to ban sales of new ICE models.\nBMW\n, though, aren\u2019t quite ready to make the switch just yet \u2013 at least not immediately. Speaking to \nAutomotive News Europe\n at the recent \nMunich motor show\n, BMW development chief Frank Weber said that they\u2019re still committed to ICE, and explained why moving to EVs isn\u2019t as easy as just flicking a switch.\n\u201cFor electric mobility, the question is not when the combustion engine is ending. The question is: when is the system ready to absorb all those battery-electric vehicles?\u201d said Weber. \u201cIt\u2019s about charging infrastructure, renewable energy. Are people ready? Is the system ready? Is the charging infrastructure ready? All of that.\u201d\nBMW thinks that 600 km of range is all you need on an EV. Read more about it here.\nAnd then, there\u2019s the issue with their workforce \u2013 a large chunk of its employees are still currently working on the internal combustion engines. And although the staff are being gradually shifted towards EVs, it\u2019ll still require a significant amount of time for the staff to be properly trained.\n\u201cIt makes no sense to make the transition overnight. I have to make sure that this transition works perfectly \u2013 for both social reasons and economic reasons. These are real big questions. The last thing we want is that customers have to buy electric cars and there is no adequate charging infrastructure. That is in nobody\u2019s interest.\u201d\nDespite the scarcity of fast-charging stations, the BMW iX is already seeing huge demand here in Malaysia. Read more here.\nOn the topic of emissions regulations, Weber said that complying with the forthcoming Euro 7 regulations will be the \u201clast big investment in combustion engines\u201d \u2013 which they expect to take them to the end of the decade. With nine years to go, Weber says that there\u2019s no need to decide on a firm exit strategy for the time being.\nSo just like what Weber\u2019s colleague, \nBMW i4 product boss David Ferrufino \nsaid to the press earlier this month, the solution to all EV problems is to get adequate charging infrastructure available everywhere. Hopefully the nine years will be enough for them to sort it out, then."
"Perodua was expecting a record production and delivery of new vehicles for the month of December with an estimate of \n30,000 units\n to end the year close to their target of over 200,000 units.\nHowever, the \ndevastating floods\n that submerged many parts of Malaysia as well as the continued shortage in semiconductor chip supply adversely impacted production and thus only 22,940 units of Perodua vehicles were sold in December.\n\u201cWe thank our customers for their support and understanding, especially those who have been waiting patiently for their Perodua vehicle. God willing, deliveries will further improve in the coming months,\u201d said Perodua, President and CEO, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\nThe Rawang-based automaker thus ended the tumultuous 2021 with a total registration of \n190,291\n units, close to 30,000 units lower than in \n2020\n, or a 13.6% reduction. Nonetheless, the company still holds leadership in Malaysia as \nProton\n is reported to hover under 115,000 units.\nOn an industry overview, Dato\u2019 Zainal said the total industry volume (TIV) for the year is estimated to land just over 504,000 units, in line with the expectations of the local automotive association as well as various investment banks. With that figure, the TIV 2021 is a small decline of under 5% when compared to the previous year.\nThe \nMyvi\n continues to lead the overall Malaysian market in terms of sales by model with 47,525 units followed by the \nAxia\n and \nBezza\n dominating the country\u2019s A-segment market.\n\u201cDespite the lower-than-expected performance for 2021, our countermeasures for the impact of Covid-19 has proven successful so far as we and our suppliers are dynamically cooperating and coordinating our efforts to ensure interruptions are minimised,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said.\n\u201cThese efforts include having a ready team of personnel to take active countermeasures at an alternate site if a supplier is under lockdown and also by allocating Perodua staff to shore up any suppliers that need temporary manpower replacements,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal further elaborated.\nRegarding the recent Perodua \nFlood Assistance programme\n, Dato\u2019 Zainal said about \n1,675\n people have responded to the programme and those vehicles are being inspected at Perodua service centres across the country.\n\u201cOur priority now is to work with the insurance companies as well as other our other partners to hasten any approval process needed to repair and restore the flood-damaged vehicles. We understand that most of our customers rely on their Perodua for their daily activities and we will do our best to assist,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said.\nThe company is revising its 2022 sales target, as the figure of \n240,000\n units needs a revisit taking into account the latest developments and events into consideration."
"The gorgeous \nFerrari SF90 Spider is now on sale in Malaysia\n, with a starting price of RM2.08 million before options and duties for the base model.\nWhat you\u2019re looking at here is a RM2.7 million Ferrari SF90 Spider with various options added, to look the way it is. So what does it come with you ask?\n \nFor starters, there\u2019s the Giallo Montecarlo paintwork that just makes the car pop under any shade of light. The car also comes with the optional 20-inch wheels which have been designed to look and work like a fan, sucking air out of the wheel arches.\nCheck out the even more extreme Ferrari SF90 Stradale \u2013 now in Malaysia!\nThen there\u2019s the carbon fibre \u2013 lots of it! The SF90 Spider you see here comes with the optional front splitter, rear diffuser, engine cover; all made of carbon fiber. It\u2019s also been specified with a titanium exhaust system and even titanium wheel stud and bolts.\nThe carbon fibre theme continues inside with carbon fibre seen on the door panels, air con vents, door sills, and dashboard inserts. Even the steering wheel and buckets seats are made of carbon fibre!\nLast but not least, the pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance is what powers the \nSF90 Spider\n \u2013 a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired to a couple of electric motors. This pairing puts out a fearsome 1,000 hp and some 900 Nm; allowing the first hybrid Ferrari with a retractable hard top to propel from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds!\nAs for the retractable hard top itself, it can operate at up to speeds of 45 km/h; opening and closing the roof in just 14 seconds.\nGALLERY"
"It\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ve already forgotten about it, but here it is again \u2013 BMW M is turning 50 this year. So far, they\u2019ve already launched a \ncouple of special edition models\n as well as the\n highly-awaited M4 CSL\n as celebrations, and the\n all-new M2\n is also coming later this year \u2013 but the festivities don\u2019t stop there.\nThat\u2019s because BMW M has, for the first time ever, opened the doors to their secret M garage through a special web series on its YouTube channel, and in this first episode, we got to take a look at some of their special CSL prototypes that never made it into production \u2013 including a V8-powered E46 M3 CSL.\n \nIndeed, that\u2019s the E39 BMW M5\u2019s S62 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8, transplanted into the E46 M3 CSL. And from the video, it seems like the engineers only just barely got it to fit inside the snug engine bay. And while the engine change reversed the 110 kg weight reduction of the CSL over the standard E46 M3, it did raise its output up to roughly 430 hp \u2013 a massive increase over the standard CSL\u2019s 355 hp.\nAccording to BMW, \u201calmost no-one knows the M3 CSL V8\u201d. And while the \u201ccrazy experiment\u201d never made it into production, the prototype engine did eventually evolve into the S65 V8 and S85 V10 that were used in the E90 M3 and E60 M5 respectively.\nWhich gives us the perfect segue to the prototype E60 M5 CSL, with its 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V10 juiced up to make 630 hp at a peak rpm of 8,750 rpm. Yes \u2013 the massive V10 in the prototype actually revved close to 9,000 rpm.\nThat in itself is already madness, but it\u2019s also the first car in BMW\u2019s stable to use the Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) rather than the clunky SMG gearbox (if you \u2013 for some reason \u2013 did not opt for the manual). The same gearbox later went on to be used in the E90 M3 and other subsequent M cars.\nAnd last but not least, is the E63 M6 CSL prototype, which helped BMW opened the doors to active aerodynamics. While not much has been done to its drivetrain, the M6 CSL prototype here has been fitted with an electronically-controlled front splitter and rear spoiler, which makes the M6 \u201cvery stable\u201d at speeds starting from 110 km/h.\nMuch of the interior trim have been replaced with lightweight material in line with the \u2018L\u2019 in CSL (which stands for lightweight). And the unique BMW M wing mirror covers with the wing on top? That was developed here on this prototype M6 CSL model.\nThere are apparently more CSL prototypes that we haven\u2019t seen just yet, including a F87-based BMW CSL. That will come in the second episode, and we already can\u2019t wait to see (and hear) it."
"After catching a glimpse of the \nMaserati Levante\n\u00a0last year, the first Trident-badged SUV is now officially on sale in the Malaysian market. Distributed by Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati cars, the price for this \nPorsche Cayenne\n-rivalling SUV starts from RM888,800, inclusive of local taxes and duties.\nAvailable with a sole 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, the Levante packs \n275 hp\n and \n600 Nm\n of torque. Transmission of choice is an eight-speed ZF automatic, permanently sending power to all four wheels. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, whereas top speed is registered at\u00a0\n230 km/h\n. Maserati quotes an official fuel consumption of\u00a0\n7.2L/100km\n.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMaserati Levante Diesel\nEngine\n2,987cc; turbodiesel V6 common rail\nTransmission\n8-speed ZF automatic\nMax Power\n275 hp @ 4,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n600 Nm @ 2,000 \u2013 2,600 rpm\n0 \u2013 100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.9 seconds; 230 km/h\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM888,800\nThe Malaysian-spec Levante comes equipped with air suspension, electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and Q4 AWD system as standard. Four driving modes are selectable:\u00a0Normal, Increased Control and Efficiency (I.C.E), Sport and Off-road. Each mode alter engine, transmission, suspension and electronic settings.   Standard equipment\n on the Levante include 18-inch alloys wrapped in 255/60 profile tyres, Surround View camera, 8.4-inch Touch Screen display with rotary control and Maserati Touch Control Plus with AHA function. The Levante also gets a range of \nsafety features\n such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System as well as Lane Departure Warning.\nOn top of that, customers are able to specify two optional packages to spice up their ride \u2013 Sport and Luxury. The \nSport package\n adds Alcantara roof lining, 12-way powered sport seats with memory function, sport steering wheel, sport pedals, ventilated and heated front seats, premium fine grain perforated leather interior, sport rear spoiler and a choice of 19- to 21-inch alloy wheels.   Luxury pack\n on the other hand gets nearly all of the above, but benefits from a panoramic sunroof and chrome trunk sill. For even more luxury, customers can opt for the\u00a0\nZegna Edition interior\n that comes with premium\u00a0Ermenegildo Zegna silk.\nEvery purchase of the Levante will come with\u00a0a \n3-Year unlimited mileage\u00a0\nwarranty with 3-Year or 60,000km\u00a0\nMaserati Premium Service Plus\n. The all-new Levante is available for viewing and test drive at the Naza Italia Petaling Jaya showroom.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"MINI Malaysia has just launched the \nfacelift MINI Countryman\n \u2013 the Countryman S and the Countryman SE ALL4 PHEV. The launch coincided with the introduction of the \n430i M Sport to the Malaysian market\n.\nOn the exterior, both the Countryman variants now come with a revised front bumper, new grille design and Union Jack graphics on the tail lamps.\n \nAs it is equipped with the Piano Black exterior package, both the facelift Countryman comes with black surrounds on the headlamps, black door handles and black surrounds for the emblem on the front fenders. Also part of the package is the Countryman lettering on the tailgate, finished in black.\nCountryman S\nCountryman SE ALL4 PHEV\nInside, by far the biggest change has to be the \nnew 5-inch digital instrument cluster\n \u2013 a much-needed upgrade for the Countryman to stay relevant for the foreseeable future. Elsewhere MINI has also removed the physical buttons for the touchscreen infotainment system, and replaced them with haptic feedback units.\nPerformance wise, the \nCountryman S\n is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission while the \nCountryman SE\n \nALL4\n gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder coupled with an electric motor.\nThere\u2019s no dual-clutch transmission for the SE ALL4 Countryman but instead, it\u2019s been fitted with a 6-speed automatic to drive all four wheels. The Countryman S on the other hand, is front-wheel drive.\nDespite being heavier than the Countryman S, the Countryman SE ALL4 PHEV can do 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds, while the Countryman S does the same in 7.5 seconds.\nThe Countryman SE ALL4 is capable of returning up to 48 km of pure electric mileage, with a top speed of 120 km/h in pure electric mode.\n GALLERY\nMINI Countryman SE ALL4 PHEV\nMINI Countryman S\nCountryman S"
"Earlier this year \nHyundai Sime Darby Motors\n laid out a plan to \nlaunch a total of five cars\n for the year 2023. Thus far, the company launched two cars \u2013 the \n2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift\n and the \n2023 Hyundai Creta\n earlier this year. And now, the third car is here, and it\u2019s certainly an interesting one, to say the least. Introducing the \n2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6\n, the third EV from Hyundai to be launched in Malaysia. Offered in two variants, just like the Ioniq 5, on-the-road and without insurance prices for the Hyundai Ioniq 6 start from \nRM289,888\n and top out at \nRM319,888\n.\nHyundai Ioniq 6 Max RWD \u2013 \nRM289,888\nHyundai Ioniq 6 Max AWD \u2013 \nRM319,888\nLooking to renew your car insurance? Check out \nMotorTakaful.com\n \nby Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, cashback, and many more if you renew online.\nHyundai\n describes the Ioniq 6 as the \u201cElectrified Streamliner\u201d, and by looking at its exterior design, it\u2019s not hard to see why. The Ioniq 6 features a slippery shape, giving it a funky look as a whole, and a sports car-like look at the back.\nIn fact, Ioniq 6\u2019s exterior design somewhat reminds us of the Porsche Panamera. Aside from looks, the aerodynamic exterior design also gives the Ioniq 6 a drag coefficient of just \n0.21 Cd\n, which translates to real-world power consumption as low as 13.9 kWh/100 km, making it one of the most energy-efficient EVs out on the market today.\nExterior-wise, features that come standard with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Max RWD include:\nParametric Pixel LED projection headlamps with Intelligent Front-Lighting System\nLED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)\nParametric Pixel LED rear combination lights\nHigh-Mounted Stop Lamp (HMSL)\nRear spoiler\nSmart powered tailgate\nDigital side-view cameras\nFlush door handles\n18-inch \u2018Aero\u2019 alloy wheels\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 6 Max AWD adds on:\nSunroof\n20-inch \u2018Performance\u2019 alloy wheels\nRELATED: \nAll-new Hyundai Santa Fe revealed: Land Rover-inspired interior, 2 wireless phone chargers\nThe 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is underpinned by the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which also underpins the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n and \nKia EV6\n. Dimensions-wise, it measures 4,855 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, 1,495 mm tall, and is underpinned by a 2,950 mm long wheelbase.\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 6 Max RWD is powered by a rear electric motor, which feeds \n225 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n to the rear wheels. This results in a century sprint time of \n7.4 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n185 km/h\n.\nThe top-spec Ioniq 6 Max AWD, on the other hand, features a dual motor setup that powers all four wheels, resulting in a total of \n320 hp\n and \n605\n \nNm\n fed to all four wheels, and a century sprint time of \n5.1 seconds\n, and a top speed of \n185 km/h\n. Suspension-wise, the \u201cStreamliner\u201d EV is fitted with a set of Macpherson Struts at the front and Multi-Link at the back.\nThe \u201cStreamliner\u201d EV also comes with a range of up to \n614 km\n (WLTP) with the Max RWD variant, and \n519 km \n(WLTP) with the Max AWD variant, both thanks to a \n77.4 kWh\n battery. This makes the Ioniq 6 Max RWD\u2019s range much longer than the \nTesla Model Y\n Long Range\u2019s maximum range of 533 km (WLTP).\nThe E-GMP platform\u2019s 800V electrical architecture allows the Ioniq 6 to support up to \n350 kW\n of DC fast charging, which will take \n18 minutes\n to go from 10% to 80% of charge. The Ioniq 6 also supports \n50 kW\n of DC charging, which will take \n73 minutes \nfor the car to be juiced up from 10% to 80% of charge.\nIf a fast charger isn\u2019t available, an \n11 kW\n AC charger can charge the Ioniq 6 from flat to full in \n7.1 hours\n. The platform also enables the car with the Vehicle-toLoad (V2L) feature, enabling the Hyundai Ioniq 6 to power other electrical appliances through an adapter. Uniquely, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 also comes with an Electric-Active Sound Design (e-ASD) system, which emits an \u201coptimum, spaceship-like sound\u201d in the cabin that changes according to the car\u2019s driving status.\nInside, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, just like the Ioniq 5, features a modern yet minimalistic interior, giving it a clean yet comfy look. All variants of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 get the twin 12-inch panoramic display, as well as features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.\nFeatures that come with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 include:\nLeather seats\nPowered driver and front passenger seats (with lumbar support & Premium Relaxation Seat function)\nTwin 12-inch driver and infotainment display\nApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nHead up display\nAutomatic dual-zone air conditioning\nBose 8-speaker sound system\n64-colour ambient lighting system\ne-ASD system\nElectronic Chromic mirror\n1 USB-A & 4 USB-C ports\nRELATED: \nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is an EV that wishes it wasn\u2019t one \u2013 Fake engine sounds, pops & bangs, clutch kick\nIn the safety department, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 in Malaysia is equipped as standard with the brand\u2019s SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance systems, among other standard safety features. The \u201cStreamliner\u201d has also scored a perfect 5-tar rating in the Euro NCAP Crash test.\nThe full list of the Malaysian spec Hyundai Ioniq 6\u2019s safety features are listed below:\n7 airbags\nBlind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)\nLane Keep Assist (LKA)\nForward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)\nSmart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop&Go function\nManual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA)\nRemote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)\nParking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA)\nTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)\nTo recap, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 has just been launched in Malaysia. Offered in a total of two variants, prices for the \u201cElectrified Streamliner\u201d starts from \nRM289,888\n, all the way to \nRM319,888\n (OTR without insurance). Included with the price tag is a standard 2-year/50,000 km warranty, as well as an 8-year/160,000 km EV battery warranty.\nCustomers can also choose to upgrade to a 5-year/100,000 km\n \ntogether with three years/50,000 km of free service for an additional RM10,000. The first 30 owners will also receive a free one-year Shell Recharge Gold membership upon vehicle delivery.\nRELATED: \nHyundai Creta vs Kona \u2013 which Korean B-segment SUV should you choose?"
"Hyundai has just announced that the Genesis, the name from its flagship saloon \nHyundai Genesis\n, will be a global sub-brand that will take on the likes of Germany\u2019s popular trio \u2013 Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.\nThe Korean car manufacturer has undoubtedly had troubles establishing the RM400k Hyundai Genesis as a luxury car contender, especially in this region where Hyundai is more widely perceived to be a left-field choice in a Japanese-dominant market. Hyundai will officially launch the Genesis brand at the end of the year,\u00a0with \nsix new models\n slated for introduction before the year 2020.\nAs of yet, there\u2019s no design sketches to reveal how Genesis cars will look like (except the renderings of the G90), but Hyundai says the cars will feature \u201cthe highest standards of performance, design and innovation.\u201d All their cars will very likely be\n rear-wheel driven\n and will adopt an\n alphanumeric naming convention\n combining the letter G with numbers such as 70, 80, 90 and so on. Its Genesis emblem will also receive a mild tweak in design so it won\u2019t look too much like Bentley\u2019s.\nSo, what are the kind of cars you should expect from\u00a0Genesis? If the company is serious about going head-to-head with the aforementioned trio, then we can expect saloons of various sizes, SUVs and hopefully a full-blown performance variant\u00a0for each model. It\u2019s safe to assume however, that these cars will be powered by Hyundai\u2019s own powertrains and drivetrains.\nThe Hyundai Genesis\u2019 3.8L V6 GDI engine makes 311 hp and 397 Nm of torque, all sent to the rear wheels\nOh, did we also mention that a \nPrestige Design Division\n was created with the sole aim of developing distinctive exteriors and interiors for Genesis? This division is led by Luc Donckerwolke, former VW-Group designer. Something to look forward to besides Christmas now, no?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We automotive jornos are a lucky bunch, because we frequently get to see and play with some of the most exotic cars out there. But with that being said, nobody is as lucky as \nGC Mah\n. Not only was he one of the first few in the world to sample the \nall-new 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS\n, but he was even invited to do it on the Silverstone Circuit in the UK.\nJealousy cannot even begin to describe what the rest of us are feeling.\n \nSilverstone was the perfect location for the test, because the GT3 RS was designed specifically to dominate racetracks like these with aerodynamics straight out of a \nFormula 1\n car \u2013 quite literally, as the humongous rear wing even comes with DRS (drag reduction system) to help increase top speed on the straights, just like F1.\nAnd that\u2019s not all. The adjustable flaps under the nose can rotate by up to 80 degrees to either increase or decrease the downforce on the front end, and even the suspension parts also serve an aerodynamic purpose. The whole list of aero devices is enough for a PhD thesis, so check out our launch coverage (\nhere\n) for a more detailed breakdown.\nRELATED: \nPorsche 911 GT3 RS\u2019 new 6:49.328 N\u00fcrburgring lap proves that NA still matters in a turbo world\nIn addition to the insane aerodynamics, the all-new 911 GT3 RS also gets the most powerful normally-aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine ever featured in a Porsche, revving up to 9,000 rpm making \n525 hp\n \u2013 50 more horses than the regular GT3. Paired to a seven-speed PDK gearbox, the 2022 Porsche GT3 RS reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in \n3.2 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n296 km/h\n.\nGC probably won\u2019t be forgetting about this experience for the rest of his life. And luckily for us, we also get to share the joy with him (\nbut yes, we\u2019re still jealous\n). Check out the video above to feel his excitement."
"When Mercedes-Benz said they\u2019re all in on electrification, they really do mean \nall in\n. After unveiling new EV models for all of its sub-brands in the \n2021 IAA Motor Show\n, it\u2019s now finally time for the ultra-luxury Maybach brand to get the same electric treatment \u2013 introducing the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS.\nDespite being called a concept, Mercedes says that the Maybach EQS is actually already in \u201cnear-production\u201d form \u2013 which means we\u2019re also getting our first look at the upcoming non-Maybach EQS SUV that\u2019s due to arrive sometime next year.\nBut of course, the Maybach here will be the one that gets all the shiny bits, including the imposing black panel grille with 3D-effect pin stripes, the longitudinal trim strip down the middle, huge swathes of chrome trims, and the unique 24-inch \u201cbowl\u201d design wheels.\nThe EQS SUV will only be launched next year, but it\u2019s now already available as a fully-electric sedan! Check it out here.\nAs is standard on a Maybach, the Concept EQS here is dressed in an obsidian black and zircon red two-tone paint job, separated by a thin chrome pinstripe. The iconic chromed Maybach emblems in the D-pillars complete the classic Maybach look, and if you look a little closer, you\u2019ll notice that even the headlights have a mesh trim element featuring the Maybach emblem!\nOf course, when you buy a Maybach, you\u2019ll want to be inside most of the time rather than just staring at it from the outside. And on the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS, you won\u2019t even have to open the door yourself (that is, if you don\u2019t already have a butler anyway).\nThe doors are fully automatic, and the aerodynamic door handles will extend outwards as the driver approaches. As they get closer, the driver\u2019s door will open automatically, and they\u2019ll also have the option of opening the rear doors via the MBUX infotainment system.\nIn case you forgot, here\u2019s what the current Maybach looks like, based on the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.\nThe full-width\n MBUX Hyperscreen\n dashboard is standard here on the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS, with three screens hidden seamlessly under a single sheet of glass that spans from A-pillar to A-pillar.\nAs a safety precaution, the front passenger display automatically dims when the on-board cameras detect that the driver is looking at it \u2013 especially when it\u2019s displaying attention-grabbing content such as streaming videos.\nOther standard items on-board include the S-Class-inspired front seats, rose gold trim elements, \u201cfaux fur\u201d floor mats, and a floating centre console that extends all the way to the rear passenger compartment \u2013 the true highlight of the interior.\nMercedes calls it a \u201cFirst-Class Rear Suite\u201d, consisting of two individual first-class seats separated by the aforementioned centre console \u2013 where you\u2019ll also find a built-in flower vase (yes, really), and drinks holder cubby holes that looks just the right size for two champagne flutes.\nAnd because it\u2019s an SUV, the taller vehicle height naturally allows for a taller seat height, which means that the calf rests can now be made even larger, perfect for when you just want to lie back and have your feet \u201cfloat\u201d above the cloud-like floor mats.\nThe floating centre console features nicely-diffused ambient lighting features, and can even be optioned with equipments such as folding tables, a box of champagne goblets, or a refrigerated compartment to perhaps store your bottles of champagne.\nNot much has been shared on the Concept Maybach EQS\u2019 technical underlyings, but we do know that it\u2019ll be built upon the newly-announced \nMB.EA EV platform\n.\nMercedes says that Maybach EQS Concept will feature an \u201cexceptionally smooth and quiet running\u201d powertrain, with a driving range of around 600 km based on the WLTP test cycle. \nAutocar UK\n reports that the powertrain set-up will be similar to the newly announced \nAMG EQS 53\n, with a pair of electric motors together making around 660 hp and 950 Nm of torque.\u00a0\nFancy interior aside, we think that the electric powertrain is honestly the perfect option for a land-yacht like the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS. Smooth, quiet, and vibration free \u2013 what\u2019s not to like?\nWe can\u2019t wait to see more of these electric ultra-luxury cars from other bespoke brands such as \nRolls-Royce\n and \nBentley\n, even though we most definitely will never get to own one. Good news is we probably won\u2019t have to wait too long more, since they both already have an electrification plan in motion.\nGALLERY"
"In 2018, Volvo Cars \nset a new global sales record\n having sold over 600,000 vehicles for the first time since the company was founded in 1927.\nThe new milestone marks the fifth consecutive year of record global sales for Volvo Cars.\n \nVolvo Car Malaysia also finished strong in 2018 with a total of \n1,384 units \ndelivered \u2013 up from 1,021 the year before.\nAmong the comprehensive range of Volvos, the \nXC60 launched in early 2018\n, was responsible in spearheading this success. The XC60 was also crowned \n2018\u2019s Car of the Year\n.\nLocally, the XC60 was also awarded the \nPremium Mid-Sized SUV of Malaysia\n award at the \n2018 Cars of Malaysia\n."
"Porsche has provided an update on their upcoming motorsport-focused 911 GT3 (\n992-generation\n) model. The highly revered sports car will be officially unveiled on the 16th of February. \u00a0\nThe latest teaser image shows the upcoming all-new 911 GT3 fitted with a rear wing stand dubbed the \n\u201cswan neck\u201d\n, due to its heavily curved shape.\nThis \u201cswan neck\u201d wing was also seen in the latest \n911 GT3 Cup\n racer that was launched last December. Porsche says this configuration allows uninterrupted under-wing airflow, delivering more downforce.\nAutomotive portals who have access to prototype versions of the all-new 911 GT3 happily revealed that the new model will retain the naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine, with an output of close to 510 hp and 470 Nm found in the \n911 Speedster\n.\nHeadlining the development work on the chassis is the double-wishbone front suspension layout as seen in the latest 911 GT3 Cup racer. The new architecture is derived from the 911 RSR racing car, while previous generations (even the old Cup racer) adopted the proven McPherson strut setup.\nOther GT3-specific items such as two full-sized bucket seats, instrumentation, and central exhaust will be featured too. The link to the video presentation of the all-new Porsche 911 GT3, scheduled to only go live on the 16th of February, can be found \nhere\n.\n \nWhile we wait, watch how the fully electric \nTaycan\n fares against a regular 911 GT3 RS and a Cup racing car at a race track!"
"Waze has announced that it has added the Cantonese dialect onto the navigation platform and will be rolled out in stages starting from today.\nThe inclusion of the new dialect is a collaborative effort by Waze users from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, USA, United Kingdom and Malaysia.\nThrough the extensive collaboration effort, the team behind Waze managed to put together the new language \u2013 which is known to differ between countries like Hong Kong and Malaysia \u2013 in the span of just two months.\nAfter testing it out, we found that the Cantonese terms used in the app were more aligned with the Cantonese spoken of in Hong Kong rather than the version of Cantonese spoken here in Malaysia which has been diluted overtime."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched the first-ever, \nfully-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS \nin the form of the \nEQS450+\n. It\u2019s priced from \nRM698,888\n on-the-road before insurance including 10% sales tax. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also introduced the\n EQC400 4MATIC \nand the\n EQB350 4MATIC\n.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe EQS comes with a single electric motor, powered by a 107.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of returning up to 782 km of electric driving range. The EQS 450+ comes with an 11 kW onboard AC charger and is compatible with up to 200 kW DC charging. With the 11kW charger, it takes up to 10 hours to fully charge the car but with a 200 kW DC charger, it takes just 31 minutes to get the EQS charged up to 80%.\nRear wheel steer is among the unique features, allowing the maneuver effortlessly through tight turns. Offering a ride worthy of an \u2018electric S-Class\u2019 will be the task of the Airmatic suspension with adaptive dampers.\nMax Power: 333 hp\nMax Torque: 565 Nm\n0 to 100 km/h: 6.2 seconds\nTop speed: 210 km/h\nConsumption: 15.7 \u2013 19.8 kWh/100km\nEXTERIOR\nIn terms of dimensions, the EQS is longer than the standard S-Class but shorter than the long-wheelbase S-Class. It features the Digital Light package along with Adaptive High Beam Assist, complementing its smooth body lines. With it\u2019s one-bow design, the EQS has a drag coefficient of just 0.20 C\nd\n, making it the most aerodynamic production car in the world.\n21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels\nAMG Line bodykit\nAirmatic suspension\nDigital Light system\nA light beam connects the two front headlamps for a very distinctive look while the rear features 3D-like taillight clusters. Frameless windows and retractable door hands add to the EQS\u2019 futuristic design.\nINTERIOR\nThe highlight of the EQS450+\u2019s interior is none other than the MBUX Hyperscreen consisting of a 12.3 inch instrument display, another 12.3-inch display for the front passenger, and a 17.7-inch OLED centre touchscreen display. We\u2019re not done with displays, at the back are two 11-6-inch displays for rear seat entertainment.\nThe EQS 450+ also includes the MBUX augmented reality for navigation and Active Ambient Lighting featuring 190 LEDs lights up the cabin, in a manner that complements the driving mode selected.\n15-speaker 750-watt Burmester sound system, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto\nActive Ambient Lighting\nClimatised front and rear seats\nHeat and noise-insulating and infrared-reflecting laminated glass\nWireless Charging\nPanoramic roof\n2x wireless headsets\nAdaptive rear compartment lighting\nAs it will be completely silent in the cabin of the EQS450+, the Burmester 3D surround sound system can play two different types of driving sounds \u2013 Silver Waves and Vivid Flux \u2013 through the speakers.\nSAFETY\nDriving Assistance Plus Package\nActive Lane Keeping Assist\nActive Steering Assist\nLane Departure Assistant\nParking Package\nActive Parking Assist\nGALLERY"
"Porsche has set up #DrivingTomorow, a pop-up exhibition at Jewel Changi Airport, to tell the story of the company\u2019s journey towards electromobility.\nVisitors at the exhibition in the World\u2019s Best Airport will learn about Porsche\u2019s vision and its commitment towards a sustainable and fascinating future in greater detail. It also marks the first time Porsche Asia Pacific is displaying the Porsche 356, the first Porsche-badged sportscar, alongside its first \nall-electric Taycan\n.\n\u201cThe #DrivingTomorrow exhibition is an invitation to join us as we look back at our proudest innovations in electromobility, and unite our traditions with a sustainable future,\u201d said CEO of Porsche Asia Pacific, Arthur Willmann.\n\u201cThe exhibition at Jewel Changi Airport will be an additional exciting experience for visitors to the airport,\u201d said CEO of Changi Airport Group, Lee Seow Hiang.\nThe fully-electric Porsche Taycan, produced in the company\u2019s CO2-neutral Zuffenhausen plant in Germany, was recently recognised as the world\u2019s most innovative car by scientists from the Centre of Automotive Management.\nVisitors at #DrivingTomorrow will also get a glimpse of the company\u2019s future-oriented mindset through \u201cPorsche Unseen\u201d \u2013 a book that opens the gates to \npreviously highly-classified concept studies\n that were made public just a month ago.\nThe#DrivingTomorrow pop-up exhibition is located at Level Two of Jewel Changi Airport. Entry is complimentary, from 10 am to 10 pm daily till the 16th of January 2021."
"Tesla \nfans all over Malaysia have been waiting for the carmaker to officially enter the Malaysian market for the longest time. And it seems like the wait is finally about to be over, as Tesla has officially opened the Telsla configurator for Malaysia, ahead of its official Malaysian launch that will be held on \nJuly 20\n, \n2023\n. While Malaysians are still enjoying the current excise duty and road tax exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs), Tesla has decided to bring in its \nTesla Model Y\n SUV and has also published its retail prices and specifications details for our market.\nOffered in three variants \u2013 the Tesla Model Y RWD, Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD, and the top-of-the-range Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD, respective prices (OTR, without insurance) are as follows:\nTesla Model Y RWD \u2013 \nRM199,000\nTesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD \u2013 \nRM246,000\nTesla Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD \u2013 \nRM288,000\nTesla Malaysia has opened its order books for the Tesla Model Y starting today (July 14, 2023). Customers can order the EV SUV with a non-refundable fee of RM1,000. As for the Model Y\u2019s estimated delivery date, Tesla mentioned it will be around early next year (2024).\nRELATED: \nTesla Malaysia official launch confirmed \u2013 July 20\nOn the outside, both the Tesla Model Y RWD and the Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD are fitted with 19-inch Gemini wheels. Customers are also given a choice to upgrade to the 20-inch Induction wheels which will cost RM10,000. The Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD on the other hand is fitted with the 21-inch Uberturbine wheels as standard.\nThe Tesla Model Y in Malaysia comes with a total of 5 colour choices, with the Standard Pearl White being the standard colour. There are also four more colours to choose from. Details and prices are as follows:\nSolid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic \u2013 RM5,000 extra\nRed Multi-Coat \u2013 RM10,000 more.\nAll Tesla Model Y variants utilise the advanced 400V electrical structure. The Model Y RWD, as its name suggests, feature a rear electric motor, which allows it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in \n6.9\n \nseconds\n, and its top speed is rated at \n217 km/h\n. Range-wise, the Tesla Model Y RWD can travel as far as \n455 km\n (WLTP) on a single charge and can support up to \n170 kW\n of DC charging.\nBoth The Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD and Performance Dual Motor AWD variants feature dual motors that send power to all four wheels. This enables the Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD to do the century sprint in \n5.0 seconds\n and achieve a top speed of \n217 km/h\n. Just in case you need faster acceleration, there is the Acceleration Boost which can reduce the sprint time to just \n4.5 seconds\n.\nHowever, the price for the Acceleration Boost function has not been provided for the Malaysian market just yet, as it is only able to be purchased via the Tesla Mobile app after you get the car. The Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD\u2019s WLTP range is rated at \n533 km\n and the car can support up to \n250 kW\n of DC charging.\nThe Tesla Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n, with a top speed of \n250 km\n. Range-wise, the Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD gets up to \n514 km\n (WLTP) and can support up to \n250 kW\n of DC charging as well.\nRELATED: \nTesla officially enters Malaysia \u2013 to establish sales and service centres, Supercharger network\nInside, the Tesla Model Y we are getting in Malaysia is the 5-seater variant, unlike the 7-seater option that is available in certain markets. Fitted as standard is the black vegan leather option, but customers have the option to opt for the black and white interior for RM5,000 extra.\nAlso fitted as standard is the 15-inch central display, two wireless chargers, four USB-C ports, powered front seats, as well as heated functions for both the front and rear seats. The Tesla Model Y in Malaysia also gets the HEPA air filtration system and Bioweapon Defence mode for its air conditioning system.\nThere are also the panoramic glass roof, 854 litres of rear boot space, as well as 117 litres of \u2018frunk\u2019 space at the front. The Tesla Mobile app is also included with the price tag of the Tesla Model Y in Malaysia.\nSafety-wise, the Tesla Model Y comes with the brand\u2019s famous Level 2 autonomous driving system \u2013 Autopilot. This system allows the car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically for other vehicles and pedestrians within its lane. The EV SUV is also equipped with emergency braking, collision warning, and blind spot monitoring.\nRELATED: \nMercedes-Benz joins Volvo, Ford to use Tesla\u2019s NACS charging port in North America\nThe 360-degree camera system is also fitted as standard on the Tesla Model Y, and can be used as a dashcam via the Sentry mode. Customers who want even an even more advanced safety tech can opt for Tesla\u2019s Enhanced Autopilot which will cost RM16,000. This package includes the Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, as well as the Smart Summon function, which allows your parked Tesla to be \u201csummoned\u201d to you in the parking lot. However, we don\u2019t know if this will function in Malaysian parking lots just yet.\nThe full self-driving (FSD) function is also available at RM32,000. However, it is currently still in beta and will be constantly updated via its over-the-air software updates.\nAll variants of the Tesla Model Y in Malaysia come with the basic 4-year/80,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. The RWD variant also gets an 8-year/160,000 km battery and drive unit warranty, while the Long range and Performance variants get an 8-year/192,000 km battery and drive unit warranty.\nWhen launched, the Tesla Model Y will be competing against the likes of the \nBMW iX3\n and \nMercedes-Benz EQC\n. As for its petrol-powered competitors, this includes the \nBMW X3\n, \nMercedes-Benz GLC\n and the \nLexus NX\n. Just in case you are wondering about the Tesla Model Y\u2019s dimensions, it is 4,751 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, 1,624 mm tall, and is underpinned by a 2,890 mm wheelbase. And if you are wondering when will the \nTesla Model 3\n be launched in Malaysia, there\u2019s no info just yet.\nRELATED:\n \nTesla Model S Plaid reclaims N\u00fcrburgring EV lap record, but apparently not for long\n \nGALLERY"
"Three new MINIs have been added to the brand\u2019s local lineup; the entry level \nCooper 5 Door\n, \nCooper Countryman\n and the\u00a0\nF56\u00a0John Cooper Works\n. They carry a price tag of RM189k, RM199k and RM289k respectively, and all come with a \ntwo-year unlimited mileage\n warranty and three-year or 50,000km MINI Service Inclusive Programme, whichever occurs first. Now, with that out of the way, let\u2019s talk MINI.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMINI Cooper 5 Door\nMINI Countryman CKD\nMINI JCW\u00a0\nEngine\n1,499cc; 3-cyl with MINI TwinPower Turbo\n1,598cc; naturally aspirated inline-4\n1,998cc; inline-4 with MINI TwinPower Turbo\nTransmission\n6-speed auto\n6-speed auto\n6-speed sports auto\nMax Power\n126hp @ 4,400 rpm\n120 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n231 hp @ 5,200 \u2013 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n220 Nm @ 1,250 rpm\n155 Nm @ 4,250 rpm\n320 Nm @ 1,250 \u2013 4,800 rpm\nPrice (OTR\u00a0\nwithout\u00a0\ninsurance)\nRM188,888.00\nRM198,888.00\nRM288,888.00\n\u00a0\nThe Cooper 5 Door joins the \nCooper S 5 Door\n that was launched in November 2014, but the former is powered by a \n1.5-litre three-cylinder\n engine, unlike the 2.0L of the Cooper S. Right off the bat you\u2019ll notice that the toned down kit of the cheaper 5 Door variant, this time fitted with a pair of \nhalogen reflector-type\n headlights. The wheels are smaller too, measuring at 16-inches wrapped with \nrun-flat tyres\n.   Under the hood you get a \n1.5-litre engine\n (shared with the \nBMW i8\n, no less) with \nMINI TwinPower Turbo\n\u00a0with auto start/stop technology, and it\u2019s good for\n 136 horses\n at 4,400 rpm and \n220 Nm\n of torque from 1,250 revolutions. Those numbers translate to a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of \n8.1 seconds\n and a top speed of \n207 km/h. \nPower gets sent to\u00a0the \nfront wheels\n via a \nsix-speed automatic\n gearbox, which helps yield a frugal \n5.0 litres per 100 km\n fuel consumption rating.\nStandard features of this MINI include Hazy Grey interior surfaces, Carbon Black \nfabric upholstered seats\n, chrome line interior, \nmanual air conditioning\n controls, cruise control with braking, \nkeyless entry\n, interior lighting package (green), MINI Visual Boost with a 6.5-inch LCD display complemented with a 5-key controller that supports USB and Bluetooth connectivity.\nThe safety kit is made up of \nfour airbags\n, Dynamic Stability Control with \nAutomatic Stability Control and Traction Control\n (ASC+T), ABS as well as Pullaway Assistant. There\u2019s also Dynamic Traction Control with electronic differential lock control, rear parking sensors and flat-tyre indicator.\nNext up we have the updated \nlocally assembled\n Cooper Countryman. It\u2019s got a new grille and the headlights\u2019 surrounds are now finished in gloss black, which were previously chromed. Lighting source is through a pair of halogen reflector-type headlights and fog lamps, while the base Countryman sits on 17-inch Triangle Spoke alloy wheels.   This Countryman is \nRM44k cheaper\n than the next Cooper S Countryman, and you lose quite a bit going down this road. For example, you\u2019ll have to make do with a \n1.6-litre naturally aspirated \npetrol engine that belts \n120 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n155 Nm\n of torque at 4,250 rpm. As such, this Countryman sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in \n11.6 seconds\n while maxing out at \n182 km/h\n. Only one transmission is offered here, that is the \nsix-speed auto\n, driving the \nfront wheels\n. Fuel consumption is rated at \n7.6 litres per 100 km\n.\nInside, you get the same \n6.5-inch MINI Visual Boost LCD\n display that supports USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The interior gets the chrome line package with Black Checkered cockpit surface while the seats get wrapped in carbon black fabric. Also standard is the push-start ignition, multifunction steering wheel with cruise control, MINI Connected, rear parking sensors, six airbags, DSC, ASC+T, ABS and pullaway assistant.\nLastly, we have the F56 JCW that\u2019s billed\u00a0as the most powerful series production MINI ever. For \nRM289k\n, you\u2019ll be paying for a MINI Cooper that\u2019s equipped with a \n2.0-litre four-cylinder\n engine making\u00a0\n231 hp\n at 6,000 rpm and \n320 Nm\n of torque (350 Nm with overboost) from 1,250 to 4,800 rpm; numbers that propel the JCW from 0 to 100 km/h in a zippy \n6.1 seconds\n and onto a top speed of \n246 km/h\n. Power gets sent to the \nfront wheels\n via a \nsix-speed sports automatic\n transmission. MINI claims that the JCW sips \n5.8 litres of fuel\n per 100 km, but we all know that\u2019s nearly impossible in a hot hatch like this.   Standard on the outside are a string of \nJCW-specific\n kits \u2013 bonnet stripes, front and rear bumpers, badge, side sills, rear spoiler design, side scuttle chrome plate and the \n18-inch JCW two-tone\n light alloy wheels. Illumination source is LED for both high and low beam, including the integrated LED daytime running lights. Round the back, you get LED tail lamps and twin exhaust pipes mounted in the centre.\nIn the cabin, you\u2019ll find a huge \n8.8-inch MINI Visual Boost LCD display\n with a touchpad controller. \nGPS navigation\n comes as standard, as are Bluetooth handsfree connectivity, MINI \nHead-Up Display\n and MINI Connected. A \n12-speaker\n Harman Kardon HiFi sound system is also standard. Other equipment such as keyless entry and push-start switch are a given, including dual-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control, JCW leather wrapped steering wheel with \npaddle shifters\n, leather sports seats and trim exclusive instrument panel design.\nThe JCW also comes with Dynamic Damper Control and performance control, on top of all the safety features like DSC with ASC+T, ABS, DTC, rear parking sensors, four airbags and pullaway assistant. Again, the fully imported JCW is priced at \nRM288,888.00\n (GST inclusive) but excludes insurance. All MINIs introduced here come with a \ntwo-year unlimited mileage\n warranty and a three-year or 50,000km MINI Service Inclusive Programme that covers repairing and maintenance costs, whichever occurs\u00a0first.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nMINI Cooper 5 Door   MINI Cooper Countryman (CKD)   MINI John Cooper Works"
"Hyundai will be rolling out an Intelligent Personal Agent, a voice-enabled virtual assistant system, in new models from as early as 2019. The system has been co-developed with SoundHound.\nTogether with the leading innovator in voice-enabled Artificial Intelligence and conversational intelligence technologies, the \nIntelligent Personal Agent\n feature will allow drivers to use voice commands for many different operations and real-time data.\nThe system acts as a \nproactive assistant system \nthat\u00a0will predict the driver\u2019s needs and provide useful information such as traffic conditions on the route ahead, reminders of upcoming meetings and even suggested departure times to avoid traffic.\nAside from the usual voice command features, such as making calls and sending texts, search for music and destinations, the Intelligent Personal Agent allows drivers to control air-conditioning functions, sunroof and even door locks. It also sets itself apart by \nrecognising two separate commands in one sentence\n.\nThe system, which has been developed over the past 10 years by SoundHound, is activated by the simple greeting of \u201cHi Hyundai\u201d and will initially\n only understand English\n. The Intelligent Personal Agent will be unveiled in January next year, demonstrated through a connected car cockpit."
"Honda Malaysia has posted the latest update on the Honda City Hatchback and the company will be officially launching its latest offering tomorrow, \nDecember 7th\n!\nThe short clip of the Honda City Hatchback and the accompanying text \u20181 day to go\u2019 was posted across all their social media channels at 12 P.M. earlier today.\nFirst \nteased\n in late October, information shared on the Honda City Hatchback was the choice of powertrains and variants that is similar to the sedan- e:HEV hybrid in RS flavour and regular design with the new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC.\nHonda Malaysia then opened the order books and further dropped more key features of the new Honda City Hatchback. To recap, both mentioned variants, which are positioned at the higher end of the pricing range, gets LED headlamps and taillamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps and 16-inch wheels.\nA first-in-the-segment feature that Honda is proud to reveal is the fitment of the Remote Engine Start, which allow owners to start the engine and air-conditioning to cool the cabin before entering. Unlike the \nHonda City sedan\n that is available from the E variant, this feature is only available in the Hatchback RS e:HEV and V variants.\u00a0\nInside, the rear seat of the City Hatchback continues to feature Honda\u2019s much-coveted and popular 4-Modes ULTRA seats. It is still the only hatchback in the segment to have the rear seats cleverly-hinged to be fully folded flat (Long mode) or flipped up (Tall mode), as well as Refresh mode that allows couples to stretch their legs onto the flat-folded front seats.\nHonda City Hatchback Indonesia\nHonda Malaysia also demonstrate the \neffectiveness of the Honda Sensing\n and the Honda LaneWatch at the media drive event late last month. Eujin liked how composed both the City hatchback models (RS and 1.5 V) felt and how communicative the steering was.\nHonda said the City hatch comes with stiffer engine mounts, improved suspension, and a more rigid body and interestingly, it\u2019s also lighter. More on the review of the Honda City Hatchback at Sepang International Circuit, \nh\nere\n.\nAs mentioned earlier, Honda Sensing full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) plus electric parking brake will meanwhile be available in just the range-topping RS e:HEV variant, a move that was originally mirrored in the City sedan RS e:HEV, but then extended to the sedan 1.5V variant just \nlast month\n.\nAs always, we will update this space once Honda Malaysia officially announces the pricing and full specifications of the new Honda City Hatchback tomorrow. Stay tuned!\nGALLERY\nHonda City RS e:HEV Hatchback \nHonda City V hatchback"
"To use electricity for vehicular propulsion is nothing new. In fact, it is almost as old as the internal combustion engine (ICE). Fundamentally, an electric motor is more efficient and refined in operation. With the rapid development in battery technology, full electric and hybrid cars are becoming more common these days.\nVia \nregenerative braking\n, hybrids are able to harvest kinetic energy that would normally be \u201cexpended\u201d in a regular ICE vehicle. The energy harvested will help recharge the battery pack and would subsequently power the electric motor, effectively reducing fuel consumption.\nWith the recent round of fuel price hike, the proposition of getting a hybrid/electric car is even more enticing than before. On top of electric vehicles, there are\n\u00a0three types of hybrid cars currently on sale\n in Malaysia. How are they different from each other? Let\u2019s have a look.\nHybrids with the most basic form of electrical assistance are called\u00a0\nmild hybrids\n. Their electric motor plays a supporting role in most cases. It is strong enough to fire up or shut the engine when needed, and the process saves a tiny bit of fuel. Not significant, but noticeable. Also, when required, the electric motor will provide additional extra grunt, but it is not strong enough to propel the car on its own (no full EV mode).\nYou will be missed!\nHonda is the most notable brand in Malaysia for offering mild hybrids with its \nIntegrated Motor Assist \n(IMA) technology. The IMA equipped \nHonda Insight\n and \nHonda CR-Z\n have made significant waves when they were launched in Malaysia for their hybrid credentials.\nFull hybrids\n, on the other hand, can be \ndriven solely on electric power\n.\u00a0And when it does, the absence of engine noise makes for a near silent cabin, greatly improving NVH levels. A full hybrid vehicle \nstarts\u00a0without cranking\n, and it is as simple as flicking a switch and go. However, all these refinements come \nat the expense of complexity\n,\n practicality\n\u00a0\nand cost\n.\nToyota\u2019s excellent \nHybrid Synergy Drive\n\u00a0is arguably the industry benchmark for full hybrids. In Malaysia, the\n Toyota Prius\n and\n \nPrius-C\n were once \nthe\n hybrids to buy before their tax incentives were regrettably rescinded. UMW\u2019s perennial hot seller, the \nToyota Camry Hybrid\n remains an excellent choice. Of course, the attractively equipped and priced \nHyundai IONIQ\n is a full hybrid worth considering too.\nBut the pure electric range of a full hybrid is rather limited. Want more of that silent, refined experience in your daily drive? Get a \nplug-in hybrid (PHEV)\n. Its battery pack is not only juiced up via regenerative braking, it can also be \ncharged via household power sockets\n. Most PHEVs have a \nreal world range\n of \nat least 20km to 30km\n. The bigger battery pack translates directly to higher electric range, so if you live near where you work, you won\u2019t even need to use a single drop of fuel. Also, the \ncharging infrastructure is growing steadily\n in the country.\nPHEVs currently on sale in Malaysia include the \nBMW 330e\n,\u00a0\nBMW X5 xDrive40e\n, \nMercedes-Benz C350e\n and \nVolvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine\n.\u00a0The Hyundai IONIQ can also be had in PHEV form, but as of now, there are no plans of it being introduced in CKD form yet.   Because of their \nEEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle)\n tax incentives (limited to CKD hybrid cars), PHEVs have been gaining traction in the market for their relatively attractive pricing \u2013 the keyword being relative. The examples mentioned above are priced \nwell beyond the RM200,000 mark\n.\nCall it an interim solution, if you will, before we fully embrace all-electric cars. Hybrid cars are here to stay, at least for now. So there you have it, the \nthree different types of hybrid systems\u00a0\nthat are currently on the market today. Which one tickles your fancy? Share with us your thoughts!"
"Lynk & Co had planned to begin their European introduction by around 2020 but the global pandemic pushed the opening of their \nfirst showroom\n or Club in Amsterdam to October 2020. The Lynk & Co Antwerp Club is the third showroom by the Chinese brand in Europe, seven months after the opening of the Gothenburg Club in Sweden.\nSimilar to the first two Clubs, the Antwerp Club offers space and rooms for events, social gatherings, and a caf\u00e9. While the main objective is to have more Lynk & Co cars on European roads, the brand is taking things a little slower by trying to better engage with the local community.\n\u201cEvery Club is an opportunity to connect with our members on their terms and share the Lynk & Co experience. As our first location in Belgium, the Antwerp Club is an exciting milestone for the company,\u201d said Lynk & Co, CEO, Alain Visser.\nSouth Korea could be Lynk & Co\u2019s next biggest market, as Renault has just partnered with Geely to produce hybrid vehicles there. More about the new JV here.\nLocated in the heart of the Fashion Quarter, the Antwerp Club, previously a historic Firehall, is designed to uphold the history of space, filled with creative details and sustainable design choices. Like the other two Clubs, furnishings in the Antwerp Club must be eco-friendly and ethically sourced.\nMuch of the building was preserved with renovations done using mainly natural building materials and small amounts of recycled plastic.\nLynk & Co will offer the updated 01 compact SUV for subscription or outright purchase at these Clubs. To stand out from the crowded European landscape, everything in the catalogue comes standard in the Lynk & Co 01.\nThis includes a panoramic sunroof, Infinity premium audio system, powered seats, an advanced infotainment system with full over-the-air software update capabilities, cloud-based personal settings and the full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).\nTwo powertrain choices are on offer in the Lynk & Co 01- the \n197-hp\n self-charging or \n261-hp\n plug-in hybrid that also serves Volvo and Geely models.\nMeet the Lynk & Co 05, a product that illustrates what Geely is capable of. More about the hot SUV here!\nThe Club will also feature a selection of local brands that share Lynk & Co\u2019s value of sustainability, creativity and community called Gear Collection.\nListed on their website is the fourth location, in the heartland of premium vehicles- Germany. The Hamburg Club is however not a permanent site, in which the company is operating an experimental pop-up showroom in a series of cities to slowly build awareness as well as navigate through post-pandemic limitations.\nLynk & Co earlier this year also mentioned working with Volvo Cars to used the latter\u2019s distribution network for a faster reach and global access for the upcoming lifestyle brand.\nGALLERY\nLynk & Co Antwerp Club\nLynk & Co 01"
"Our nation\u2019s largest car manufacturer, Perodua has just revealed their yearly performance review for 2016. The company saw an increased in market share, exports, after sales intake and service revenue. However, Perodua also saw a slight slump in total volume of vehicles sold and produced amidst a challenging year.\nAccording to President & CEO of Perodua, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh, the company managed to capture a market share of 35.7 percent, up 3.7 percent from 2015. These results were possible thanks to the launch of the \nBezza \nlate July last year\u00a0where Perodua shifted 36,000 units in the same year. Exports went up by six percent to 4,700 units, of which 60 percent made their way to Indonesia.\nPerodua also serviced over 2.03 million cars in the same year, up 3.3 percent from 2015. This naturally ties in to a growth in service revenue to RM682 million from RM600 million. JD Power also ranked Perodua eight on the Customer Service Index (CSI) list. It is no wonder that Perodua is Malaysia\u2019s \u201cmost preferred automotive brand for 11 consecutive years\u201d.\nWhen the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) made a downward revision to the Total Industry Volume (TIV), true enough Perodua was also affected by the challenging economic situation. The brand sold over 207,100 vehicles in 2016, down 4 percent from the \nprojected 216,000 units\n. Production also slowed down from 228,000 units in 2015 to 213,000 units in 2016.   When asked about the company\u2019s outlook for 2017, Datuk (Dr) Aminar said\u00a0they will continue to monitor the global economic situation and has set a target of \ncapturing a 34.2% market share\n, \nselling 202,000 cars\n and \nproducing 197,000 cars\u00a0\nin 2017.\nThis downward projection is inline with economic uncertainties, as well as shifting the company\u2019s focus towards becoming a \u201cleading affordable automotive brand regionally with global standards\u201d. Despite lowering their expectations on sales and production, Perodua is looking to up their capital expenditure (CAPEX) by 13 percent to RM557 million in 2017 to modernise their production plant as well as the establishment of an official pre-owned vehicle arm."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched the all-new W213 E-Class in Malaysia starting with the fully-imported E200. The E250 and E300 will be coming later this year.\nThe rear-wheel drive 1991cc, \n184hp\n, \n300Nm\n E200 is paired with Mercedes\u2019s latest nine-speed automatic gearbox. It is only available in Avantgarde Line trim. The E200 is priced at \nRM395,888\n on the road without insurance. Prices for the \nE250\n and \nE300\n will be announced as they are launched.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMercedes-Benz E200 Avantgarde Line\nMercedes-Benz E250 Avantgarde Line\nMercedes-Benz E250 Exclusive Line\nMercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line\nEngine\n4-cyl, 1991cc\n4-cyl, 1991cc\n4-cyl, 1991cc\n4-cyl, 1991cc\nTransmission\n9-speed auto\n9-speed auto\n9-speed auto\n9-speed\u00a0auto\nMax Power\n184hp/5500rpm\n211hp/5500rpm\n211hp/5500rpm\n245/5500rpm\nMax Torque\n300Nm/1200-4000rpm\n350Nm/1200-4000rpm\n350Nm/1200-4000rpm\n370Nm/1200-4000rpm\n0-100km/h; Top Speed\n7.7seconds/240km/h\nTo be determined\nTo be determined\nTo be determined\nPrice\nRM395,888\nTo be determined\nTo be determined\nTo be determined\nThe E-Class is Mercedes\u2019s best selling model range worldwide. While there is currently only one four-cylinder engined variant offered in Malaysia, it will be joined by two additional variants, the E250 and E300, later this year in \nSeptember\n and \nNovember\n respectively.\nThere will be two trim levels offered for the E250, Avantgarde and Exclusive Line while the E300 will be be specced up with AMG Line kit, making it a total of four petrol-engined variants altogether.\nEXTERIOR\nThe all-new E-Class is curvier with more flowing lines than its predecessor and now looks like a small S-Class or a large C-Class. The differentiating points can be seen on the door panels which look more tautly muscular from having a higher, narrower shoulder line, wider spaced swage lines, and a more coup\u00e9-like roofline. \nComparison of measurements\nNew E-Class\nPredecessor\nDifference\nExterior\nVehicle length mm\n4923\n4880\n+43\nVehicle width mm\n1852\n1854\n-2\nVehicle height mm\n1468\n1471\n-3\nWheelbase mm\n2939\n2874\n+65\nTrack width, front mm\n1620\n1600\n+20\nTrack width, rear mm\n1626\n1619\n+7\nInterior\nKneeroom, rear mm\n75\n69\n+6\nFront/rear shoulder room mm\n1467/1450\n1467/1446\n0/+4\nBoot capacity l\n540\n540\n\u2013\nThe overall width of the car is unchanged but the new E-Class is 43mm longer than the W212 E-Class at 4923mm. By reducing front and rear overhangs and pushing the wheels further out to the corners, the wheelbase has been extended by 65mm with both front and rear passenger gaining more knee room.\nTo accommodate the increased length without compromising agility, the track has been widened by 20mm at the front and 7mm at the rear and ride height lowered by 3mm. Boot capacity is unchanged at a class leading 540litres.\nLED headlights are standard in the E-Class. The E200 has LED High Performance lights while the other three variants will have adaptive Multibeam LED. The tail lamps feature a unique light effect from the LED lamps being arranged on a specially designed structure. Combined with a new reflector technology, it has a star dust appearance when illuminated which differentiates the E-Class from the S- and C-Class from the rear.\nThe E200 comes with \n18-inch\n five-spoke light alloy wheels fitted with run-flat tyres as standard. The E250 Avantgarde, E250 Exclusive and E300 AMG will run on \n19-inch\n rims. The E250 Avantgarde will have Tirefit while the E250 Exclusive and E300 AMG, run-flat tyres\n \nINTERIOR\n The gently curved centre stack seen in the S- and C-Class make their appearance in the E-Class with neat rows of control switches and airplane vent-style blowers. The spacious cabin can be specced with a variety of finishes including open-grain wood, carbon fibre, wood inlays and a new metal fabric.   In the previous generation E-Class, there were in two distinct sections for the dashboard, the instrument cluster directly in front of the driver and an infotainment unit in a tablet-style screen above the centre console.\nThis has been streamlined into a single section cockpit-style panel which houses two\n 12-inch high-resolution screens\n behind a flat glass cover. The instrument cluster is now fully digital and the driver can customise the information and views according to their personal preferences in any one of three screen styles: \u201cclassic\u201d, \u201csport\u201d and \u201cprogressive\u201d. \u00a0However, do note that the images of the E200 interior, the car has an analog instrument cluster. This is not the standard spec for the car. All W213 E-Class customer units will have the digital interface.\nThe Comand\u00a0system is smartphone integrated for both \nApple CarPlay\n and \nAndroid\n and can be controlled through the multifunction steering wheel which has \nTouch Control Buttons\n on both the left and right side. Touch Control buttons respond to the touch and swipe gestures used on mobile phones and tablets.\nThis allows the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The infotainment system can also be accessed through voice controlled via the \nLinguatronic\n system or the \nTouchpad\n with Controller which can recognise handwriting.\nThe E200 comes with push-button start but not keyless entry. The E250s and E300 will have Keyless-Go \u2013 keyless entry and push-button start \u2013 as well as Hands-Free Access. The sound system is by \nBurmester\n with varying levels of sophistication according to trim level. In the \nE300 AMG\n, this will be the Surround Sound System.\nThe heated leather front seats have adjustable lumbar support. A Sun Protection Package consisting of double sun blinds, electric blinds for the rear window and roller sun blinds on the rear doors is provided. There is no sunroof for the E200 but for the E250 and E300 trim levels a\n panoramic sliding roof\n is standard.\nThe E200 makes do with a reverse camera while options provided as standard in the E250 and E300 are \n360\u00ba camera\n and\n wireless Qi mobile charging\n will be available for the E250 and E300. The E300 will also be fitted with\n Head-Up Display\n.\nPERFORMANCE\n The \n1991cc turbocharged\n, petrol engine is a carry over from the \nW212\n. Output from the E200 is \n184hp\n with \n300Nm\n of torque. Performance times are 0-100km/h in\n 7.7 seconds\n while top speed is\n 240km/h\n. The E250 rated at \n211hp\n with \n350Nm\n while the E300 at \n245hp\n produces \n370Nm\n of torque.\nThe rear-wheel drive E-Class is paired with the latest generation Mercedes transmission, a \nnine-speed dual clutch gearbox\n, the \n9-G-tronic\n. All four trim levels have steering-mounted \ngear shift paddles\n.\nAgility Control\n suspension is standard with Dynamic Select, selective damping system. There are four modes to choose from: \nComfort\n, \nEco\n, \nSport\n and \nSport+\n. In addition, there is \u201c\nindividual\n\u201d for drivers to customise their preference.\nSAFETY\n Mercedes-Benz have always prided themselves as being the builders of the world\u2019s safest cars. Making its debut is an extension of the\n Pre-Safe\n system, the Pre-Safe Impulse side function which inflates air chambers along the side bolsters of the back rest to move occupants towards the centre of the vehicle before an imminent collision.\nOther standard driver assistance systems in the W213 include Active Brake Assist to warn drivers of impending collisions and even autonomously apply the brakes, Parking Pilot, Adaptive Brake Lights, Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist.\nWHAT ELSE?\nNo details were given of exact interior spec or exterior paintwork options but the this is the fully-imported all-new E200 which means the \nRM395,888\n mentioned is really \u201cstarting from\u201d and you can probably individualise your car as you please, at a cost, of course.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Carlist.my\n, in partnership with \nMalaysian Automotive Association\n (MAA) has just launched the Carlist.my MAA Drive, Test & Buy Event 2017 exhibition, set for 13 to 14 May 2017. This exhibition unlike any other automotive exhibition, gives prospective car buyers the opportunity to test drive their desired vehicle on dedicated on and off-road tracks and get exclusive deals not found anywhere else in the country.\nHappening at \nSetia City Convention Centre\n, from 10 am to 10 pm, the two-day event will see a total of \n12 car brands\n showcasing their latest model line-up. Among the car brands that will be holding a booth are Toyota, Mazda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Subaru, Ford and many more.\nAside from the exhibition and test drive events, a range of family-fun activities including VR and F1 simulators, remote-controlled racing cars, inflatables and a ladies lounge with manicure and pedicure services will be present during the exhibition.\nBesides attractive offers from car brands themselves, \nPublic Bank\n will also be present at the exhibition to help customers with their loans and financing options, making it the ideal place to get the \nbest financing offers\n to meet their budget. At the same time, \nCaltex\n, the official fuel partner will be giving away \nRM30,000 worth of petrol\n at the exhibition."
"Kia Motors has released a trio of pictures showcasing the design concept of the next-generation Picanto. The popular A-Segment hatchback will be in its third life cycle.\nNot much is known at this point, but Kia said the Picanto will get an even more energetic and youthful design, both externally and internally. Dimensions are said to remain the same, but a wider range of vibrant colour palette will better showcase the bolder new design.\nOn the inside, the Picanto\u2019s USPs are the sportier three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and large touchscreen multimedia display. It will be equipped with high-tech conveniences, safety features and better packaging on the whole.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Here is a piece of juicy news that we missed out during the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, all Chery vehicles will be electrified by 2020 and introduce their first fully-electric vehicle by 2025. The introduction of a purely electrified model range will help Chery Automobile to offer highly-competitive products for their globalisation plan.\nLike the recently unveiled Exeed TX, the Honda CR-V rival SUV features an electrified powertrain \u2013 \n147 hp\n 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an 85 kW (114 hp) electric motor. This powertrain combo is mated to a seven-speed hybrid drive transmission and will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6 seconds flat\n onward to a top speed of 200 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at \n1.8 litres per 100 km\n.\nChery has hinted that pure electric as well as plug-in hybrid platforms will spearhead its next-generation Chery 3.0 powertrain. The new powertrains will be supported by advanced software systems jointly developed by Chery and Baidu as well as new \u201cplatform matrix\u201d. If the Exeed TX is of any indication, we can expect not only efficient but also highly capable vehicles coming our way.\nKnowing full well that the consumers are more tech driven than ever, Chery has also taken the lead in developing new technologies such as gesture control, face identification, eye tracking, AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display) and others.\nGeneral Manager of Chery Automobile, Mr. Chen Anning said during an interview that the company is committed to build Chery into a high-end Chinese brand that commands a strong influence not only in the European market, but everywhere else in the world."
"Remember Bobby? The affectionately named \nAudi RS7 Sportback\n that lapped the Hockenheim ring in October last year? Or better known as the very car to perform a complete lap on full racing speed without a driver. If you don\u2019t, watch the highlights of this incredible technological milestone in the video below.\nOn the more recent side of events, the \nAudi A7 Sportback\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nJack\n, as named by Audi, will ferry a small group of journalists from California to Las Vegas where the \n2015 Consumer Electronics Show\n\u00a0(CES) will be held. During the \n900km journey\n, Jack will be subjected to numerous real world driving conditions.   Jack is equipped with Audi\u2019s latest driver\u2019s aide technologies which are close to making production. It uses the \nAdaptive Cruise Control\u2019s\n (ACC) long-range radar sensors and \nAudi Side Assist\n (ASA) to produce a digitally constructed 360-degree view, and will perform accelerating, braking, lane changing and\u00a0overtaking manoeuvres based on computational data.   Jack is also capable of driving from \n0 to 110 km/h\n independently, that means it drives without any form of driver input. As a safety measure however, Jack\u2019s autonomous driving mode will be overridden in city driving conditions. If the driver fails to disable the autopilot mode, so to speak, Jack will automatically bring the car to a full stop on the right emergency lane until the driver assumes his or her driving duties.\nThe journalists who will be part of this 900 km piloted test drive will each \ncover about 160 km\n, supervised by a professionally trained Audi test driver, just as an added safety measure.\nThis piloted test drive is a joint collaborative effort between Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory and Volkswagen Group Research and Development. At the 2015 CES, Audi will also showcase their new user interface, laser-matrix lighting technology and two world premiers \u2013 a new car and the interior of the \nall-new Audi Q7\n.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The law states that foreign vehicles, even driven by Malaysians, are not allowed to purchase the subsidised RON95 fuel; only RON97.\nAs such, Johor\u2019s Unity, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee has urged motorists to snap a photograph of these offenders and send it to the complaints hotline of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs department, according to a report by \nThe Star\n.\nThis follows after a foreign-registered was seen refueling with RON95 in Johor, in a viral video.\nHave you tried the\n new Euro 4M RON 95 by Petronas Primax\n?\nIt\u2019s said that these offenders could be avoiding detection by swiping their credit cards for fuel, instead of paying at the cashier. Petrol station owners can also be made liable for allowing this happen.\nSuch incidences were reported to be rare, as the department only received one complaint last year. Although we think it\u2019s also possible that most motorists in Johor just did not bother reporting these offenders.\nSo report them! Isn\u2019t it a norm for us to just whip out our phones to snap or film anything that\u2019s unusual? Except with this, you\u2019d be doing the country a favour as well.\nInstead of posting it on Facebook or as an Insta story, such pictures can be sent \n[email\u00a0protected]\n or to 019-279 4317 via WhatsApp. That, or call 03-8000 8000!"
"BMW Group Malaysia has just launched the all-new G20 BMW 3-series, with only a single variant available for now \u2013 the fully-imported 330i M Sport at the price of RM328,800 (on-the-road without insurance).\nPower comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine, paired to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox, making \n258 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes \n5.8 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n250 km/h\n.\n \nOn the outside, the 330i is dressed in the M Aerodynamics package, along with 18-inch M light alloy style 790 wheels wrapped in run flat tyres, adaptive LED head and fog lights. The 330i sits on M Sport suspension with M Sport brakes in blue.\nInside, the 330i M Sport is lined with Vernasca leather upholstery, an M leather steering wheel, sport seats in the front with electric adjustment for the driver, aluminium and pearl chrome trims, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 3-zone air conditioning system, 10.25-inch infotainment display, topped off with a 10-speaker sound system.\nIn terms of driver assistance systems, the 330i M Sport\u2019s list of features are as comprehensive as it gets.\nAmong them includes Cruise Control with braking function, Parking Assistance with Reverse Assist, Dynamic Brake Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control.\nEvery purchase of the 330i M Sport comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, 2-Years/24 months Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and BMW White Card membership.\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nBMW\u00a0330i\u00a0M Sport\u00a0Launched\u00a0in\u00a0Malaysia"
"Not too long ago, there was a huge uproar over news that Proton Holdings is \nup for sale\n. The market reacted and DRB-Hicom\u2019s shares soared\u00a0amidst\u00a0prospects of Proton being owned by a foreign carmaker. However, DRB-Hicom quickly denied this after acquiring Proton for the better part of RM3 billion back in 2012.\nHowever, things took a surprising turn as \nThe Star \nreported that DRB-Hicom is prepared to sell up to 51 percent of its stake in Proton. What this means is that DRB-Hicom will be losing its majority stake in Proton and, depending on the terms of agreement, may also lose their authority over Proton Holdings Sdn Bhd.\nProton just recently launched the \nthird-generation Saga\nIf we rewind back to June, Proton secured a RM1.25 billion soft loan from the Government. Among its conditions is that the local carmaker must forge a strategic partnership with a well-established and esteemed foreign partner. According to \nThe Star\n, Proton has approached 20 carmakers this year and so far the ones that are keen on the idea are Groupe PSA, Volkswagen Group\u2019s Skoda Unit and Suzuki Motor Corp.\nBy selling 51 percent of its stake to larger car manufacturer, Proton would then fulfil the terms for the soft loan from the Federal Government. With the acquisition of Proton, the foreign partner would have access to Proton\u2019s manufacturing facility in Tanjong Malim and Shah Alam that is capable of producing 400,000 cars annually. This is especially beneficial for carmakers that are looking into regional expansion, as Proton also has the capability and expertise in exporting cars overseas.\nProton\u2019s current flagship, \nthe Perdana\n, is built based on the 8th generation Honda Accord\nOn the other hand, investors would have to keep in mind that the soft loan by the Government are in the form of issuing new redeemable convertible cumulative preference shares (RCCPS) to the Minister of Finance Inc. In other words, should the Government decide to convert the shares, DRB-Hicom\u2019s stake would be instantly reduced from 100 percent to 17.65 percent, thus becoming the largest stakeholder of Proton with 82.35 percent of stake.\nWith the acquisition of Proton, we may even see the sharing of research and development technologies between different brands as practiced by Volkswagen Group whom has multiple brands under its umbrella. Let\u2019s not forget that by owning British sports-car maker Lotus, Proton has churned out cars with exceptional handling thanks to Lotus\u2019s expertise. Therefore, selling a majority of its stake to a foreign partner may just be what Proton needs to save itself from the red figures."
"Late last year, Hyundai Motor Group released a short clip teasing the \nsoundtrack of the next-generation Hyundai Veloster\n and right before Christmas, the company released another YouTube video showing off the \nSports Coupe\u2019s \nsilhouette.\nFully draped in LED\u2019s, the Veloster puts on an interesting light show and at the same time flaunts its body lines. It appears that the new Veloster will follow the design set by \nits predecessor\n \u2013 long bonnet, hatchback styling and a\u00a0coupe-like roofline. Another interesting detail is that the Veloster will continue to be a three-door coupe as seen from the missing door handle (the \nprevious video\n had a high-mounted door handle).\nOther noticeable design cues include the longer front doors and windows, \ni30\n like front end, longer rear overhangs and shark fin antenna. All these in addition to the black painted alloys matched with the red painted callipers, central-mounted dual-exhaust outlet and rear diffuser as shown in the \nprevious video\n.\nFor those who have been eagerly waiting for the Hyundai Veloster replacement, the company will be presenting the second-gen Veloster at the 2018 North American International Show happening in the coming weeks.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"The new facelifted Proton Persona is available in four variants \u2013\n Standard MT\n at RM42,600,\n Standard CVT\n at RM44,600, \nExecutive CVT\n at RM49,600 and \nPremium CVT\n at RM54,600.\nAll models are equipped with the same 1.6-litre engine paired to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox, making\n 109 hp\n and \n150 Nm\n.\n \nLike the\n new facelifted Iriz\n, the Persona gets new front and rear bumper design, along with a new 15-inch wheel design wrapped in 185/55 tyres. Similar to the Iriz, the Persona only gets halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights exclusive to the Executive and Premium variants.\nAlso exclusive to the Premium and Executive variants are the follow me home headlamp function, power folding side mirrors and remote trunk release.\nOn the inside, only the Premium and Executive variants get the multifunction steering wheel, although infamous GKUI voice command system is only available for the Premium variant.\nFeatures such as TFT multi info display, push start button with smart entry, anti-trap driver window and 60:40 split folding rear seats are only available in the top two variants.\n \nOnly the Premium variant gets six airbags while other safety systems offered are similar to the Iriz including Electronic Stability Assist, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist and Reverse Camera with Dynamic Lines.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Shortly after introducing the \u201cMalaysia\u201d series number plates, in conjunction with Merdeka Day celebrations, Transport Minister Anthony Loke claims that the Ministry of Transport is also looking into more \u201cpersonalised\u201d number plates.\nActual names could soon be placed on number plates, as cited by Loke, so I\u2019m really looking forward to a personalised \u201cAutoBuzz\u201d number plate for each of us in the AutoBuzz.my team.\nThe move follows after the introduction of the Malaysia series number plates, which will run from \n1 \u2013 9999\n and will be open for public bidding from \n2nd to 16th July\n and tender results will be out \nby 23rd August\n.\nThere will be no element of biasness and favouritism for VIPs as all these plates will go to the highest bidder. That said, do let go of all hopes to acquire the \nMalaysia 2020\n number plate as it would be reserved for national hero, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.\nFuture plans are also to roll out\n new number plate series\u2019 for individual states\n and but it\u2019ll only commence once the Malaysia series plates are completed.\nFrom now on, all special plates will be strictly handled, without exceptions, by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) instead of the so called NGOs previously with all revenue going to the government in hopes of improving public transportation."
"The successor to the first ever E84 BMW X1 was just introduced mid this year, but it may just arrive on our shores much earlier than any of us would expect. Munich\u2019s littlest Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is a direct competitor to the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, though the new F48 X1 is all-new, ditching the previous RWD architecture for a simpler, lighter front-drive layout.\nMany E84 owners found that the crossover lacked interior room, but this has been mitigated by adopting the company\u2019s new UKL1 platform \u2013 one that also underpins the \nBMW 2 Series Active Tourer\n. This means the engine will be mounted transversely, driving either the front wheels or all four wheels via xDrive.\n \n \nBesides the refreshingly new look, the F48 X1 is shorter than the previous model. Thanks to its new platform, the SAV is 53mm taller and its wheelbase is stretched by a considerable length (90mm), hence the improved rear legroom and headroom.\nPresently, there are four engines on offer; two diesel and two petrol mills. It\u2019s unclear which of the six variants will be Malaysian bound, and the new brigade is comprised of the\u00a0xDrive25d, xDrive 25i, xDrive20i, sDrive20i, xDrive20d and sDrive20d.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nX1 sDrive20i\nX1 xDrive20i\nX1 xDrive25i\nX1 sDrive18d\nX1 xDrive20d\nX1 xDrive25d\nEngine\n1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo\n1,995cc; inline-4 with Variable Geometry Turbo\nTransmission\n8-speed Steptronic auto\n6-spd manual or 8-spd auto\n8-speed Steptronic auto\nMax Power\n192 hp\n192 hp\n231 hp\n150 hp\n190 hp\n231 hp\nMax Torque\n280 Nm\n280 Nm\n350 Nm\n330 Nm\n400 Nm\n450 Nm\nTop Speed\n225 km/h\n225 km/h\n235 km/h\n205 km/h\n219 km/h\n235 km/h\nInside, the X1 will either come with a 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch head unit, both operated via the all-familiar iDrive rotary dial. A six-speaker configuration comes as standard, however\u00a0\u00a0a\u00a0Harman Kardon\u00a0HiFi\u00a012-speaker\u00a0system with a\u00a0360-Watt\u00a0output\u00a0digital amplifier\u00a0can be specified as an option.\nAs the title reads, the X1 will be making its way here really soon. Be sure to watch this space!\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has just introduced a new variant to the Navara model line up, the Nissan Navara VL Plus. Equipped with enhanced safety features and Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM), the Navara VL Plus sits at the top of the model line up.\nThe Navara VL Plus now comes equipped with \nseven airbags\n, \nAdvance Driver-Assist Display\n with Digital Speedometer as well as a 360-degree Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) \u2013 a NIM technology that provides the driver with a bird\u2019s-eye view of the vehicle for easier navigation through tight spots.\nSales and Marketing Director of ETCM, Christopher Tan said,\u00a0\u201cImagine a whole new driving experience, moving through life with more excitement, confidence and connection to the world around you. NIM offers that through Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), which is available on our three best-selling models: X-Trail, Serena S-Hybrid and now the Navara.\u201d\nMechanically, the new Navara variant retains the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission to deliver \n190 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n of torque.   There is also an optional \nBlack Series\n package that adds Matte Black Headlamp Eyelid, Matte Black Front Grille, Blackout Front Bumper, Matte Black Fog Lamp Cover, Matte Black Overfender, Matte Black Side Mirror Cover and Black Sport Bar for a more expressive exterior look.\nThe Nissan Navara 2.5L VL Plus is priced at RM119,869.08 on-the-road without insurance and 0% GST. Opt for the Black Series and you will have to add RM3,773.59 to the selling price. All new purchases of the Navara VL Plus come with 5-Years or 150,000km warranty.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When you\u2019re out and about the next time, take a quick look out of your window. Chances are, more than three of the first 10 cars you see are white. No, we\u2019re not just making this up \u2013 for the 10th consecutive year running, white cars has once again outsold any other colours, making up 38% of all cars sold globally in 2020.\nThis data comes from \nAxalta\n, who draws on data from every country where consumer automobiles are produced and provides detailed production data. Second place wasn\u2019t even close, too, with black standing at 19%, followed by grey at 15% and silver at 9%.\nMore than 80% of all cars sold in 2020 were essentially monochrome between black and white. It\u2019s not until number five on the list that you get some colour on the list, with blue taking 7% of the pie, followed by red at 5%. Every other colour makes up the remaining 7% of all cars sold last year.\nAxalta mentions that there was an increase in green-based hues in cars this year, \u201cin sync with the latest home, fashion and product trends\u201d. Despite the undeniable fact that \ngreen is definitely the best colour\n, the hue of nature stands only at a puny 1%.\nThe recently-unveiled \nToyota Vios GR-S\n is only available in white or red.\nCompared to the data collected last year, grey seems to be the biggest gainer, improving by 2% from 13% to 15% this year, and is at a 10-year-high. Meanwhile, black is still the most popular choice in luxury vehicles, despite carmakers like Rolls-Royce constantly putting out \nflashy colours\n for customers to pick from.\nWe still can\u2019t get our heads around why white cars are so popular. Could it be due to the fact that car buyers think about resale value too much \u2013 thus creating a vicious cycle, or are people just too afraid of living a little? If you have any idea, do let us know in the comments below."
"Are you itching for a new SUV to ferry your prized possessions, or just trying to join in the SUV craze? Fret not as Bermaz Motor, the sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, will be previewing the 2019 Mazda CX-5 at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall starting from the 4th to the 9th of September 2019, alongside other Mazda models including the \nrecently launched Mazda 3\n, CX-9 and MX-5.\nVisitors to the roadshow will also be able to have an exclusive first look at the 2019 Mazda CX-5 powered by a \n2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder\n. The newest addition to CX-5 range is expected to come with new technological features to complement the new engine.\nThe new Mazda CX-5 variant will be opened for booking during the roadshow. Prices have yet to be revealed but expect that to happen very soon.\n \nCheck out what GC Mah had to say about the latest Mazda 3!\nAs a recap, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 will be powered by a \n2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol turbocharged\n engine producing \n230hp\n and \n420Nm\n, paired to a \n6-speed automatic transmission\n sending drive to \nall four wheels\n. This latest generation Mazda CX-5 is expected to be offered with the \nGVC Plus\n torque vectoring system to improve vehicle control."
"Sitting at the very top end of the Bavarian limo food chain is this, the BMW M760Li xDrive. It\u2019s actually been a full year since its introduction, but all details pertaining to this beast of a car are finally out of the bag.\nFirst, let\u2019s address the elephant in the room. At the heart of the M760Li is a \n6.6-litre V12\n motor with BMW TwinPower turbo technology. It belts \n610 hp\n at 5,500 rpm and a flipping \n800 Nm\n of torque from 1,550 rpm, accelerating it from 0 to 100 km/h in just \n3.7 seconds\n. All that power is managed by an \neight-speed Steptronic transmission\n that\u2019s specifically tuned to handle the brutish output. Four-wheel drive is standard, as the xDrive moniker denotes.   This limousine makes so much power that it necessitates a speed limiter. This effectively cuts power at \n305 km/h\u00a0\n(250 km/h if M Driver\u2019s Package isn\u2019t optioned), the kind of velocity most of us daren\u2019t explore. If by any chance you\u2019re presented with the challenge to grow a pair, just take comfort at the fact that the M760Li is fully decked with the brand\u2019s fullest suite of active and passive safety technologies. There is now a new generation Surround View system which includes 3D View and Panorama View in the centre display.\nIn the looks department, the limo gets the usual, aggro M-specific bodykit, whereas the 20-inch lightweight M alloy wheels, kidney grille and exhaust tips are all finished in matte Cerium Grey metallic. Other visual upgrades include a new 19-inch M Sport brakes with metallic blue callipers, as well as V12 badges on the C-pillars.\nAlso included as standard are the new Active Steering system and Executive Drive Pro suspension for best-in-class ride comfort and dynamic alacrity.\nThe cabin remains largely the same, save for some V12 identifiers littered around the cabin. The speedometer now extends to 330 km/h, while plush Nappa leather is the upholstery of choice. Should any of these be too flashy for one\u2019s liking, BMW is offering the Excellence package for no extra charge. This substitutes all of the sporty M bits for a more toned down, corporate-esque look to better suit low-key industry captains.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda USA has unveiled the new Honda Civic Si prototype at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Positioned between the hot \nCivic Type R\n and the Civic Sport, the production version of the Civic Si can be had in both four-door and coupe forms.\nDubbed to be the fastest, best-handling Civic\u00a0Si ever, it needs an equally striking exterior design. To begin,\u00a0it receives \nRallye Red Pearl \n(yes that\u2019s not a typo) paint and is equipped with\u00a0a full Honda Factory Performance (HFP) bodykit. That gives you front and rear splitters, as well as a huge rear wing.   Longer boot aside, another distinctive difference with the Civic Si is the tail pipe. This red example uses a unique hexagonal\u00a0shaped centre-exit exhaust, which clearly matches the angular and boxy look of the 10th generation Civic. At the front, it looks identical to its hot hatch equivalent, sans the Si emblem on the grille.\nMechanically, Honda retains the \n1.5-litre four cylinder turbocharged\n engine that\u2019s mated to a short-shifting \nsix-speed manual transmission\n. No numbers are provided, but it\u2019s reckoned to be at least 200 hp.\u00a0Exclusive only to the Civic Si are performance enhancements such as\u00a0active damper system, active steering system, limited-slip differential and 19-inch high-performance tyres.\nThe sporty theme continues on the inside as it receives Si-themed sports seats with plenty of red\u00a0stitching on the interior. The driver will be welcomed by aluminium sport pedals, carbon instrument panel trim and a sport button right next to shifter. Honda claims the prototype\u2019s interior is almost production-level.\nThe new Honda Civic Si will go into production by 2018 across the United States.\u00a0Close to a decade ago, Malaysian Honda fans are envied by the Americans for becoming the second country outside of Japan to receive the Japanese version of the \nType R\n. Today however, the Americans don\u2019t just get the Type R, they even get the Civic Si. And we\u2019re absolutely jealous about it.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Audi Malaysia, in keeping up with the momentum of building their local presence, have just introduced the limited-run Audi A3 Carbon Edition; a 30-unit special that signals the start of not one, but many more special edition variants to come.\nThe single, fully-imported batch of A3 Carbon Edition is offered only in the \n1.4-litre TFSI\n guise, and \ncosts a mere RM14k more\n than its base price set during the model\u2019s\u00a0launch earlier in 2014. Forking out an addition RM14k may sound like a deal breaker to some, but rest assured, you get much more than you\u2019re paying for. Here\u2019s why.\nOnly available in \nGlacier White\n, the A3 Carbon Edition is generously \nfitted with Audi\u2019s Genuine Accessories\n, beginning with the gloss black front lip, side sills and rear apron. Both its side mirrors are finished in glossy carbon fibre, whereas the original 17-inch wheels have been swapped for a larger and sportier set of\n 18-inch, matte black 5-arm rotor design\n alloys. Finishing off the sporty exterior styling is a carbon fibre tailgate. RM14k justified, right? Hang on, there\u2019s more.\nOn the inside, all 30 units of the special-run Audi will get a combination of Alcantara and leather upholstered seats. And to further add value to your purchase, an \nindividually numbered stainless steel plaque\n (from 01/30 to 30/30) will be fitted to the centre console. Also made standard here is the front and rear parking sensors, followed by a comfort key for convenience.\n \n \nIf you ask us, the accessories themselves cost more than RM14,000, making the A3 Carbon Edition an absolute bargain to begin with. However, those wishing for a performance upgrade may not find what they\u2019re looking for as it retains its original figures. The 1.4-litre TFSI unit makes \n125 hp\n and \n200 Nm\n of torque from 1,400 to 4,000 revolutions, and it\u2019s mated to a \nseven-speed S tronic\n (dry clutch) transmission that sends drive to the \nfront wheels\n. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes a respectable \n9.3 seconds\n before reaching a top speed of\n 212 km/h\n. Fuel efficiency on the other hand, is rated at \n4.9 litres per 100km\n.\nFollowing the A3 Carbon Edition\u2019s launch, Immo Buschmann, the Managing Director of Audi Malaysia said, \u201cThe Audi A3 Carbon Edition is a showcase of how discerning customers can select customised packages featuring our range of Audi Genuine Accessories to achieve a look that is both individualistic but still distinctively Audi for their vehicles. As we ramp up our presence in Malaysia, I am looking forward to introducing more products that broaden the range of our offerings for customers that want something a little more exclusive.\u201d\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s not uncommon to see car brands coming up with special editions to celebrate our pride and love for our country around the independence day celebrations, especially since we Malaysians are such a patriotic crowd.\nIn recent years, we\u2019ve seen the \nMINI Cooper Countryman\n, \nVolkswagen Beetle\n, and of course our new national icon \nProton X70\n donned in Merdeka colours, but none of those will ever be as cool as this, not by a long shot \u2013 the Aston Martin Vantage AMR Malaysia limited edition.\nIn conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka celebrations, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has introduced a limited edition model for the Vantage sports car, dubbed AMR Malaysia, with the only unit now in Malaysia, on display at the Aston Martin showroom in the city centre.\nTo be clear, this isn\u2019t actually the\n 200-unit-only Vantage AMR\n, but a \nVantage V8\n fitted with a boat load of additional options for a look that is \u201cinspired\u201d by the track-focused sportscar. So no, there\u2019s no seven-speed manual transmission here.\nOn the exterior, the AMR Malaysia limited edition features Lime Green Essence accent colours on the front grille surrounds as well as the rear diffusers, mimicking the look of the actual AMR, paired to the Arden Green exterior paintjob.\nOther configured options on the limited edition include the twill carbon fibre pack, matte black window surrounds and perforated side gills, while the mirror caps and roof are painted gloss black. The Aston Martin Vantage AMR Malaysia rides on 20-inch forged wheels, with a \u201cTextured Dark\u201d finish.\nInside, the limited edition model once again gets adorned with Lime Green Essence highlights on the centre console, door trim inlays, as well as the contrast stitching and Aston Martin Wing embroidery on the black Sports Plus seats. Otherwise, interior ornaments are finished in Satin Silver.\nThe Vantage AMR Malaysia limited edition is also fitted with the Sports+ leather flat-bottomed steering wheel, a technology pack that includes Blind Spot Monitoring and Auto Park Assist, glass switches, 360-degree camera, as well as the Aston Martin Premium Audio.\nUnderneath the additional visual flair and options, the AMR Malaysia limited edition is still a Vantage V8, which means it\u2019s powered by the Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, generating \n510 hp\n and \n685 Nm\n of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF gearbox and an E-Diff.\nPerformance wise, the AMR Malaysia limited-edition Vantage V8 will reach 100km/h from standstill in \n3.6 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of \n314 km/h.\nNo pricing has been announced for the Aston Martin Vantage AMR Malaysia limited edition, but that means you\u2019ll be able to specify it exactly to your liking. As for the Vantage V8 that was launched locally in 2018, the base price without options starts at RM1.6 million after tax (RM678K before tax).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia has provided an update on the stock availability and service capability in relation to the ongoing\u00a0\nTakata airbag inflator\n\u00a0recall. As we know, Honda Malaysia is among the few manufacturers exercising this caution, and have lately been facing supply shortage\nWe\u2019ve summarised the press release into 11 key points:\nHonda Malaysia sincerely \nregrets the inconvenience\n faced by customers and would like to take this opportunity to apologise to their customers for failing to meet the increasing number of replacement parts.\nThis includes working to secure an increasing supply of replacement parts from Takata,\u00a0and even sourcing for airbag inflators beyond Takata, such as Daicel, \nAutoliv\n and\n TRW\n.\nBased on its estimates, Honda Malaysia is confident to achieve\n 100 percent stock availability\n for\n front driver airbag inflators\n by \nmid-August 2016\n.\u00a0(\nNote: For the record, the fatal accidents involving driver\u2019s airbag inflators in Malaysia involve the City made between 2002 to 2008. Replacements for affected units will be ready within the stipulated time frame\n.)\nImage Source: CarList.my\nHowever, Honda Malaysia is unable to provide indications on securing full stock availability for the \nfront passenger airbags\n. This is\u00a0due to a global stock shortage faced since May 2016. The company will inform customers when the parts are ready.\nDue to the multiple recalls involving both driver and passenger airbag inflators, there\u2019s a possibility that\n units recalled for both driver and front passenger airbags\n will not be able to have both changed at the same time due to the lack of replacement parts. Honda Malaysia regrets this and apologises for the\u00a0inconvenience caused.\nTo meet the increasing number of replacement work Honda Malaysia is \nreducing the Preventive Maintenance Service Schedule\n by 50 percent, allowing more technicians to focus on the airbag inflator replacement. This starts \n20 July 2016\n.\nThere\u2019s a likelihood that the normal preventive maintenance service might not be met. In such cases, Honda Malaysia will \nextend the maintenance period\n and reflect accordingly in the warranty period of the involved cars.\nThree\u00a0temporary Central Hubs\n will be opened to cater to the increasing capacity for airbag inflator replacement. The hubs will operate seven days a week. Their locations will be announced in due course.\n Mobile Hubs\n will be opened nationwide, focusing on\u00a0 airbag inflator replacement. Locations will also be announced soon.\nHonda Malaysia also offers the airbag inflator replacement for \nparallel imported Honda vehicles\n. These owners, who bought their Hondas\u00a0not sold by authorised Honda dealers are advised to contact authorised Honda dealers. The cost of parts and labour will be fully\u00a0borne by Honda Malaysia.\nAs for now, Honda Malaysia has undertaken the following measures to reach its customers. This includes:\nMailing more than 240,000 letters to owners.\nAdvertising campaign and issued press releases to notify the public.\nNotice display on Honda website, and making available VIN (chassis number) search of affected vehicles at \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\nOutreach campaigns at all on-ground activities and roadshows.\nSending email to more than 35,000 owners.\nSMS blast\u00a0 to more than 126,000 customers.\nShare information about the recall in Honda\u2019s \u2018With Dreams\u2019 magazine.\nPhone calls to customers \u2013 calls made to more than 2,000 customers.\nWe urge all affected owners to not ignore this pressing matter."
"BMW has begun the final phase of testing on the new 2 Series Coupe with dynamic testing and tuning of its drive and suspension systems under racetrack conditions.\nDuring the development of the new BMW 2 Series Coupe, the test and tuning drives on the N\u00fcrburgring\u2019s Nordschleife serve as the ultimate test for wheel suspension, chassis, damping, steering and braking system. The interaction of the xDrive all-wheel drive system together with M sport differential will also be refined at this legendary 20.8 km loop.\nHeadlining the new compact coupe line-up is the \nBMW M240i xDrive\n. While regular 2 Series coupe will have power fed to the rear wheels, the M240i xDrive will have traction sent to the front wheels too. This is certainly not an issue, as the larger \nM340i xDrive we reviewed\n found the added twist at the front axle provides more confidence to enjoy the vehicle.\nWith \n374 hp\n from the turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, the new M240i xDrive is more powerful than the outgoing \nBMW M2\n by 4 hp and 34 hp more than the F22 predecessor. An 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission continues to perform the shifting duties.\nWith so much more power in this new generation BMW M240i xDrive, expect the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time to be faster than the record of 4.4 seconds.\nBMW says the bodyshell has a 12% increase in torsional rigidity. New stroke-dependent dampers are fitted as standard, where the units respond sensitively to slight road unevenness and compensate vibrations to optimise comfort.\nThe new BMW M240i xDrive also sees a 50% lower lift at the front axle than the outgoing F22 model, as the company has placed specially designed front splitter, spoiler lip, air curtains and underbody covers to smoothen the airflow. The provides a more stable front end, assisting in better high-speed stability and turn-in into corners.\nBoth BMW and Mercedes-Benz seem to have fallen in love with all-wheel drive traction. The next-generation \nMercedes-Benz SL roadster\n will also have its front axle powered variably through the brand\u2019s 4Matic system.\nAudi meanwhile has been campaigning their Quattro system on their S and \nRS line\n of performance vehicles close to twenty years ago. \u00a0\nBMW will commence production of the new 2 Series Coupe from late summer 2021, but details of the exterior lights have been leaked which can be found \nhere\n.\nGALLERY"
"Hatchbacks are much more popular than sedans in Indonesia due to the unique taxation system that favours the two-box design. With just two hatchback models (Jazz and Civic), PT Honda Prospect Motor Indonesia managed to dominate the hatchback segment for the entire 2020, reaching a share as high as 48%.\nThe arrival of the new Honda City Hatchback also means the end of life for the market-leading \nHonda Jazz\n. For the Indonesian market, the new Honda City Hatchback will be offered in just the \nRS\n variant.\nThe sporty RS or \u201cRoad Sailing\u201d variant is incredibly important to the model and company, as the RS variant represented over 90% of the total Honda Jazz sales last year. The company also said sales of the larger \nCivic Hatchback\n is only offered in the RS variant was well received by consumers.\nAs such, at launch, only the Honda City Hatchback RS variant is available.\nPT Honda Prospect Motor Indonesia says the City Hatchback RS has been planned as a sporty model from the very beginning. The \nRS variant\n includes LED headlamps, DRLs, front foglamp and LED tail light bars.\nGloss black is applied to the upper grille, side mirror covers, shark fin antenna and 16-inch rims. The exclusive RS aerokit consists of the rear bumper with diffuser, front foglamp covers and the hexagonal mesh pattern in both the upper and lower grilles.\nIn terms of dimensions, the Honda City Hatchback measures 212 mm shorter than the sedan at 4,349 mm long, while its height increased by 21 mm to 1,488 mm. Wheelbase and width are unchanged.\nHowever, it is quite sizeable compared to the outgoing Honda Jazz GK5. It is wider by 54 mm with a 36 mm lower roofline. The wheelbase is over two inches longer at 2,589 mm.\nWhat about comparing the City Hatchback to the similar sedan-based Toyota Yaris? The Toyota Yaris is similarly as narrow as the Vios sedan at 1,700 mm, a shorter wheelbase (-39 mm) and a lower overall height of 1,475 mm. In summary, its much more spacious than the Toyota Yaris.\nUnder the bonnet lies the latest DOHC i-VTEC 1.5-litre engine from Honda. The outputs are similar to the \nMalaysian Honda City\n\u2013 \n121 hp\n and \n145 Nm\n of torque. Owners in Indonesia however have access to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission or the CVT-type automatic with shift paddles.\nInside, the interior mirrors the RS variant found in \nThailand\n with subtle red accents using red stitching on a black base. The meter dials illuminate with red rings too.\nExample of a 2020 Honda City manual transmission shift lever from Honda India\nThe RS-exclusive front seats are covered with suede-fabric-leather combination with red accents, matching very well with the dashboard and steering wheel. The black-only rear seats meanwhile have the \nULTRA seat \nmechanism, which allows three configurations for taking along tall or long objects, as well as a Refresh mode that folds the front seats completely flat to allow two occupants to lie down like on a sofa.\nThe keyfob also comes with the Remote Engine Start feature, great to turn the air conditioning on to cool down the cabin while parked during the lunch-hour sunlight.\nSafety features end at the usual six airbags and electronic stability program. Advanced Driving Assists Systems (ADAS) under the Sensing banner is not available to the Indonesian market yet. The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment only displays visuals from the multi-angle reverse camera; Honda LaneWatch is not available, similar to the variant available in Thailand.\nPricing for the new Honda City Hatchback in Indonesia is kept secret until \ndeliveries begin next month\n.\nFor reference, the range-topping Honda Jazz RS CVT was priced at 298.5 million Rupiah (just under RM85,000), with the 5-speed manual priced at 10.5 million Rupiah cheaper."
"Bentley Motors has announced the arrival of the world\u2019s most advanced luxury Grand Touring sports sedan \u2013 the all-new Flying Spur.\nAt the heart of the new Flying Spur is an enhanced version of Bentley\u2019s renowned 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12, mated to a dual-clutch 8-speed ZF transmission like the one in the Continental GT.\nThe new TSI engine delivers \n635 hp \nand\n 900 Nm\n, where 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 333 km/h.\nBuilt from the ground up, the new Flying Spur sits on a new aluminium chassis with best-in-class body stiffness to optimise handling and rigidity.\nWith a 130mm longer wheelbase, the presence of the already imposing Flying Spur is heightened with cut-crystal effect LED matric headlamps, new 21-inch wheels that masks the \nlargest iron brakes in the world\n and a newly designed \u201cFlying B\u201d mascot that sits on the front hood which can be electronically-deployed and illuminated.\nWith 17 exterior, 15 headlining and upholstery colours to choose from, the Bentley Flying Spur offers boundless customisation to the heart\u2019s content.\nNew to the cabin are items such as the Touchscreen Remote at the rear, the Bentley Rotating Display like the one in the Continental GT, the \u2018sculptural\u2019 centre vents and an automotive world-first \u2013 3D diamond-quilted leather door inserts \u2013 inspired by the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 design concept.\nAs for driving dynamics, the more forward front axle position improves weight distribution while the new active all-wheel drive that replaces the previous permanent all-wheel drive system sends power to the front wheels as and when is needed.\nAs such the turn-in response is said to be dramtically improved, with quicker changes in direction, while the \u201cundersteer effect\u201d from the previous all-wheel drive system is virtually eliminated.\nThe new Flying Spur is also equipped with All-wheel Steering system for better maneuverability. It also sits on three-chamber air springs with 60% more air volume than the previous model, with Continuous Damping Control, to offer the best of sporty driving and grand touring.\nA 48-volt system controls an electronic actuator unit which manages the stiffness of the anti-roll bar, changing the stiffness to compensate the cornering forces and keep the Flying Spur level.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mercedes-Benz has just released a set of interior images of their next-generation G Class, or more popularly known as G Wagon ahead of its global premiere at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. Since its debut in 1979, Mercedes-Benz has shifted more than 300,000 examples of the off-road legend and Malaysians are fortunate enough to be able to purchase one of these in the \nG 63 AMG\n guise no less.\nMercedes-Benz has touted that the G Wagon has \u201cchanged very little\u201d on the outside but gets a redesigned and contemporary interior while staying true to its \u2018Godfather of SUV\u201d roots. Like its smaller siblings, the new G Wagon will get a\n Widescreen Cockpit\n courtesy of two 12.3-inch display, multifunctional steering wheel with touchpads as well as the turbine-styled air vents.\nNot forgetting its utilitarian roots, the G Wagon retains its grab handles for front passenger and plenty of storage space. The rear door bins, for example, is able to accommodate a 1-litre bottle each. Interior space has also been expanded significantly for better comfort:\nDescription\nDifference\nLegroom \u2013 front\n+ 38 mm\nLegroom \u2013 rear\n+ 150 mm\nShoulder width \u2013 front\n+ 38 mm\nShoulder width \u2013 rear\n+ 27 mm\nElbow room \u2013 front\n+ 68 mm\nElbow room \u2013 rear\n+ 56 mm\nLike the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range, the new G Wagon is available with a plethora of options such as wireless charging, massaging seats, Burmester surround sound system and many more. As standard, the G Wagon interior is furnished in Lugano leather (Black, Nut Brown or Macchiato Beige) which can be further specified with either the Exclusive Interior or Exclusive Interior Plus.\nA sporty AMG-line is available on all interior trims that add contrasting red stitching for the upholstery, red seat belts and flat bottom AMG steering wheel. The next-gen Mercedes-Benz G Wagon will make its official debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show happening from 13 to 28 January.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In such trying times, even luxury car brands like Porsche and Audi are no exception to joint initiatives in order to reduce operational costs in anticipation of a sustainable future.\nIn a report by \nAutonews\n, two of the Volkswagen Group\u2019s luxury divisions will be \nsharing a platform for their production of electric cars\n in order\n to reduce cost of development\n.\u00a0\nCost apparently would be 30% higher if both brands were to embark on their own developments and could be a significant obstacle for the two brands aiming to introduce several models by 2021.\nThis follows after our recent post on \nAudi Sport venturing into the production of high performance electric vehicles\n beginning 2020 while Porsche has already unveiled the \nCayman e-volution\n that sprints from 0 to 100 km/h faster than a 911 GT3.\nPorsche also recently announced that the all-electric \nPorsche Mission E\n \u2013 a\n 600 hp\n four-seater that can do 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds \u2013 could hit the roads by as early as 2020.\nCredit: \nAutonews"
"The third-generation Nissan Teana etched its name in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme\u2019s (NCAP)\u00a0history by being the first car to achieve a perfect score of \n16.00 points\n in the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), as well as achieving 5-Star rating in Child Occupant Protection (COP), with \n88 percent compliance\n as per ASEAN NCAP standards.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nNissan Teana 2.0 XE / XL\nNissan Teana 2.5 XV\nSegment\nD-Segment Sedan\nD-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n1,997cc; inline 4-cylinder, DOHC\n2,488cc; inline 4-cylinder, DOHC\nTransmission\nXtronic CVT\nXtronic CVT\nMax Power\n134 hp @ 5,600 rpm\n171 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n190 Nm @ 4,400 rpm\n234 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR without insurance)\nRM139,800 (XE trim); RM149,800 (XL trim)\nRM169,900\n\u00a0\nPart of the crash test\u2019s success is attributed to the Teana\u2019s impressive safety kit which includes six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (also known as ESC), Active Understeer Control and Traction Control System. The test crash unit is assembled in Thailand, but is exactly the same Teana we\u2019re getting in terms of specifications.\nTo date, \nover 600,000 units\n of the third-gen Teana has found new homes worldwide since its launch in February 2013. Look out for our review of the 2.0L Nissan Teana that will be out soon!"
"While BMW is making headways with its diverse lineup of premium saloons, SUVs, crossovers, and sports cars, their roots go way back to making compact saloons. Now, the Germans are set to add a new compact saloon to the lineup, known as the BMW 1 Series sedan that will be sold exclusively to the Chinese market.\nDeveloped together with Chinese partner Brilliance Auto, this small premium saloon is specially made for the sedan-crazy Chinese market. It\u2019s based on the existing \n1 Series\n hatchback and will compete against the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. Funny enough, this introduction\u00a0might just be a direct link to the BMW \nConcept Compact Sedan\n\u00a0(pictured below) unveiled in 2015\u2019s\u00a0Guangzhou Motor Show.\nDetails about this car are sketchy as well, but BMW said it will come with the latest, most powerful and technology-leading engines with hi-tech electronics from BMW.\u00a0Understandably, the Chinese market tends to favour cars with space, so it\u2019s rather intriguing to see just how the engineers can improve on the interior packaging of a small car. Perhaps the people from Honda and Perodua could drop some hints.\nThe new 1 Series saloon joins the ranks of the \nMazda CX-4\n as highly desirable cars that are aimed specifically to the world\u2019s most populous nation, leaving countries like us in envy. That\u2019s a\u00a0shame as the 1 Series saloon should work well in Malaysia. But fret not, there are the\u00a0\nhatchback\n and\u00a0\ncoupe\n\u00a0variants for us to choose from."
"Following the success of the \nDefender\n reborn, Land Rover is now looking to turn the off-roader into its own model family, reports \nAutocar UK\n.\nThe Land Rover Defender line-up will be headed by a luxury flagship at the top of the range, which will be based on the next Range Rover\u2019s underpinnings, along with a pick-up truck based on the standard Defender model.\nAutocar\n\u2018s sources say Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) bosses believe the Defender has the potential to become another high-profit business, following in the footsteps of the Range Rover.\nWith the new Defender plan, JLR\u2019s offerings will now expand to three distinct line-ups \u2013 Defender, Range Rover, and Discovery. A\nutocar\n also says that JLR will operate akin to a \u201csupercharged\u201d Porsche model \u2013 selling high-margin vehicles (10%) and generating enough cash to invest in new models, while paying down its existing debts.\nThe all-new Land Rover Defender has been \u201cspied\u201d on Malaysian soil! Check it out here. \nAlthough there\u2019s no official confirmation for the plan as of yet, it\u2019s understood that the range-topping luxury model will be built on the brand\u2019s new Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) platform, set to be introduced with the upcoming \nRange Rover\n.\nThe MLA is designed as a \u201cflex\u201d platform with an electric bias, which means it can be produced in either a mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or pure battery-electric forms \u2013 opening up the possibility of an off-road capable EV Defender to rival the recently-unveiled \nMercedes-Benz EQG\n.\nHowever, the Range Rover and Velar are likely to be initially prioritised as EVs on the MLA platform.\nWant to live life like 007? JLR has introduced a special-edition Defender inspired by James Bond\u2019s latest movie. Learn more here!\nSince the plan to expand the Defender family is still fairly recent, the new luxury flagship version isn\u2019t expected to be launched before late 2024. But even before that, JLR will already be expanding the current Defender line-up with an eight-seater 130 model.\nThe 130 will be a significant stretch over the current 110 model, with most of the extra length found in the rear overhang. Rumours suggest that the 130 will be offered only in the range-topping trim options, though engine options will be the same as the current Defender models \u2013 from the P300e PHEV option up to the 525 hp supercharged V8."
"After the unveiling of the \nsecond-generation Audi A5\n\u00a0Coup\u00e9, it is only a matter of time before the topless variant comes around. Now, introducing the all-new second-generation Audi A5 cabriolet, an A5 with a retractable roof. What\u2019s more, even the high performance S5 gets the topless treatment too!\nBased on the A5 Coup\u00e9, engineers and designers worked together to ensure that the driving dynamics of the Coup\u00e9 is not compromised for aesthetic appeal. Thanks to overall chassis tuning, the A5 cabriolet boasts best in class torsional rigidity.\nAesthetically, the cabriolet is essentially a carbon copy of the A5 coup\u00e9 except for few design touches. The classic soft top has been redesigned to provide superior aeroacoustics and insulation to the cabin. With a one-touch folding mechanism (up to 50km/h), the soft top folds away flushed into the rear compartment in 18 seconds and only takes a mere 15 seconds to put the roof back on when needed. At the rear, the third brake light is integrated into the roof cover elegantly, similar to the dimensions of the fixed roof version.\nMoving to the inside, the A5 cabriolet receives a better interior packaging compared to the previous generation model. Wheelbase is extended by 14mm, shoulder room by 26mm and rear legroom by 18mm. Despite having a retractable roof, boot space is rated at a generous 380 litres and can be accessed via the powered tailgate, while the optional gesture control only requires a sweeping motion below the rear bumper.\nWith the roof down, wind buffeting may cause difficulties in registering voice commands. As such, Audi has installed seat belt microphones for the driver and passenger. This helps improve voice recognition. As standard, the A5 cabriolet comes with analogue instrument dials. However, the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit like the one on the \nAudi Q7\n\u00a0can be had as an option.\nOther optional extras for the A5 cabriolet include heads-up display, ambient lighting with 30 adjustable colours, comfort key (keyless operation), Technology Pack (in-car mobile hotspot), 755 watts 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and Matrix LED headlights.\nEngine choices for the A5 cabriolet include a \n249 hp\n 2.0-litre TFSI petrol, \n187 hp\n 2.0-litre TDI diesel and a \n215 hp\n 3.0-litre TDI diesel. A \n187 hp\n 2.0-litre TFSI petrol and a \n282 hp\n 3.0-litre TDI diesel will join the engine lineup soon after. According to Audi, all engines offer up to \n17 percent more power\n and up to \n22 percent more fuel efficient\n compared to the previous model.\nA choice of six-speed manual, seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch or eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmissions can be had. Drive is sent to the front-wheels by default, but quattro all-wheel drive with Ultra-Technology is available as an option, except for the high-powered \n282 hp\n 3.0-litre diesel which comes with quattro as standard.\nJumping into the Audi S5 cabriolet, the performance variant packs a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI under its hood developing 349 hp. Power is sent to all four-wheels courtesy of the quattro system and eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. Century sprint time is smashed in \n5.1 seconds\n and top speed is limited to \n250 km/h\n.\nA number of engineering innovations have been incorporated in developing the A5 cabriolet to make up for the loss in torsional rigidity. For starters, the car is now lighter by up to \n40kg\n and \n40 percent stiffer\n compared to the previous generation, thanks to a new mix of materials and geometrically lightweight design.\nIn addition to that, the five-link suspension on the front axle has been updated to provide better balance. At the rear, a new five-link suspension replaces the previous model\u2019s trapezoidal-link suspension and further enhances driving dynamics. For more flexibility and control, the A5 comes with optional adaptive dampers and dynamic steering system that varies the steering ratio depending on speed and steering angle.\nIn regards to safety, the A5 cabriolet is packed with \nup to 30\u00a0\nof Audi\u2019s latest driver\u2019s assistance systems to keep occupants as safe as possible. Among the assistance systems is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system with traffic jam assist. There\u2019s also collision avoidance assist, turn assist, park assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, camera-based recognition of traffic signs, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist.\nAs for passive safety features, the A5 cabriolet is reinforced with additional strut bars, stronger sills, head-thorax side airbags and an automatic extending aluminium profiles when a crash is detected.\nIn the UK, the A5 cabriolet comes in three different variants plus the hotter S5 \u2013 SE, Sport and S line trims. For the base SE, the A5 cabriolet comes with Audi Smartphone Interface, leather upholstery, front seat heating, acoustic parking, three-zone climate control, 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels and xenon or LED headlamps.\nSport trim adds on front sport seats with electric adjustment, optional sports suspension (standard on the S-line), SD card-based MMI Navigation and full Audi Connect features on a three-month trial basis.\nLastly, the S5 cabriolet comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, S specific styling, front Super Sports seats finished in Fine Nappa leather, unique chassis settings and hard disc-based MMI Navigation Plus along with a three-year subscription to Audi Connect.\nAudi Malaysia has expressed \nplans\n to introduce the A5 Sportback to our market, although we\u2019re pretty sure the cabrio won\u2019t make it here. However, the idea of having the A5 cabriolet to rival the RM359k\u00a0\nC-Class cabriolet\n does sounds exciting.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"In the not-too-distant future, BMW cars will be fitted with the company\u2019s next generation head unit that will support air gestures through a technology known as AirTouch.\nNow, it won\u2019t be as simple as swiping left or right like some smartphones of today, but the touchless technology will perform a myriad of gestures including \nvolume controls\n, \nnavigation\n and \ncommunication functions\n. With AirTouch, according to the Bavarian giant, the touchscreen can be \nthree-dimensionally operated\n on-the-fly without the need to make contact with the screen\u2019s surface.\nThis air gesture technology first debuted in the \nnew G11 BMW 7-Series\n but instead of AirTouch, it\u2019s called BMW Gesture Control. Accessing the feature is simple. All the driver needs to do is press a button located on the rim of the steering wheel which activates the sensors built into the dashboard. Upon registry, the driver will be given another option to confirm action. AirTouch is also available for the front passenger, and the button is positioned on the side sill of the door area.\nMore details on BMW\u2019s AirTouch technology will surface next week at the \n2016 Consumer Electronics Show\n. It will be held in Las Vegas from 6 to 9 January."
"The official distributor of Renault cars in Malaysia has just confirmed the prices for the Megane R.S. hot hatch, and they remained unchanged from the estimated prices revealed during its \npreview in back April\n.\n \nJust to recap, the \nsix-speed manual R.S. 280 Cup is now officially retailed at RM279,888\n while the \nsix-speed dual-clutch EDC variant is going for RM299,888\n. If you\u2019re purchasing one in the tax-free haven of \nLangkawi \nisland, the prices are \nRM149,888 (MT) \nand \nRM159,888 (DCT)\n respectively. Sigh!\nOtherwise, the specs remained unchanged; Cup configuration means the \n280 hp, 390 Nm 1.8-litre turbocharged Megane R.S.\n already comes with a \nTorsen limited slip differential\n. Coupled with \n4Control four-wheel steering\n \u2013 the only car in the hot hatch class to offer this \u2013 you can expect road handling prowess of the highest order.\nLaunch control\n is standard in the EDC variant, as is the \nMulti-Change Down\n feature which allows the transmission to drop multiple gears when holding the left steering shift paddle, the car then selects the optimal gear to be in for the exit out of the corner. That\u2019s clever.\nWhat\u2019s your poison? Dual-clutch auto (left) or manual (right)?\nFor Malaysia, the Megane R.S. comes in four different colours, only the Diamond Black is a no-cost option, the Pearl White adds RM 1,000 to the retail price while the Liquid Yellow and Orang Tonic costs RM 8,000 more."
"E.S. Yang Motor Sdn Bhd has consolidated its three\n Toyota \nservice centres in Muar, Johor into one 4S centre \u2013 offering sales, aftersales and Body & Paint services.\nThe new 4S Toyota service centre comes with 12 service bays and can accommodate up to 33 vehicles daily. While waiting for their cars to be serviced, customers can lounge with refreshments and WiFi available.\n \nE.S. Yang Motor first became an authorised Toyota dealer in 1993. The company subsequently upgraded its outlet into a 3S service centre \u2013 offering sales, service and spare parts \u2013 to cater to the growing number of Toyota owners in the area. In 2012, the company went on to add Body & Paint services \u2013 adhering to the standards set by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.\nE.S. Yang Motor Sdn Bhd is located at 333, Jalan Dato Haji Kosai, 84000, Muar. For sales related services, call 06-9528333 and 06-9556333 for maintenance services. Operation hours are between 8:30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Saturday.\nThe new Harrier.\n.with Gazoo Racing parts.\nOn the side note, UMW Toyota Motor recently launched the \nall-new 5th generation RAV4 that\u2019s available in two variants\n. The 2.0-litre variant is priced at \nRM196k\n while the 2.5-litre model is priced at \nRM215k\n.\nShortly after the launch, we were invited for a short test of the 2.5-litre variant around the Shah Alam area. Here\u2019s out \nfirst impressions of the fully-imported SUV\n.\nRecently, UMW Toyota also updated its \nprice list of CBU and CKD vehicles\n. This follows after the government\u2019s Sales Tax Exemption announcement to boost the automotive sector. For the updated prices on Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, click \nhere\n."
"The new BMW M Performance Parts Concept is based on the BMW M2, with a Frozen Black finish and a total weight reduction of more than 60 kilograms.\nOn the outside, the kit consists of a carbon front radiator grille, carbon fibre bonnet (saves 8kg), carbon fibre front side panels (saves 3kg),\u00a0 carbon fibre front winglets and the carbon fibre side sill winglets.\nLowering the car\u2019s centre of gravity and saving another 6 kilograms is the M Performance carbon fibre roof while the 19-inch M Performance forged wheel 763M Y-spoke wheels in Frozen Gold (6 kg lighter than stock wheels), in our opinion, goes perfectly with the other gold accents around the car.\nAt the back, the kit includes a carbon fibre tailgate (5 kg lighter than standard) with two \u201ckinks\u201d on both sides and a M Performance carbon fibre rear diffuser. The combo just adds so much more aggression to the rear end of the M2; the part of the M2 most would only see.\nInside is a mix of carbon fibre and alcantara with the M Performance carbon fibre sport seats taking centre stage. They\u2019re covered in Alcantara and weighs 9 kg less than the standard seats. If you thought that was impressive, the lightweight madness is also extended to the rear seats, which are 13 kg lighter than the original ones.\nAlso a prominent feature of the interior is a M Performance steering wheel Pro wrapped with a mix of Alcantara and leather. The same treatment is also extended to the carbon fibre handbrake.\nThe M Performance Kit is not all show and no go; the M Performance suspension is already available as a retrofit set for serial production vehicles. This coilover suspension enables a lowering of up to 20mm while the damping technology is independently adjustable to 12 different compression stages and 16 different rebound stages.\nAn additional weight reduction of 14 kilograms is achieved by the use of a lighter BMW battery.\nIMAGE GALLERY   BMW M Performance Parts Concept Car"
"As you would\u2019ve known, the Civic FB has received its \nmidlife facelift\n about a month ago and retails from \nRM113,800\n to \nRM132,800\n. Honda Malaysia has just released its product video in all its glory on YouTube, and we figured it\u2019s best if we save you the hassle and have it shown to you here.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nHonda Civic FB Facelift 1.8 S\nHonda Civic FB Facelift 2.0 S\nHonda Civic FB Facelift 2.0 Navi\nSegment\nC-Segment Sedan\nEngine\n1,798cc; SOHC with VVT technology\n1,997cc; SOHC with VVT technology\n1,997cc; SOHC with VVT technology\nTransmission\n5-speed automatic\n5-speed automatic\n5-speed automatic\nMax Power; Max Torque\n139 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 174 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n153 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\n153 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm\nPrice\nRM113,800\n (OTR without insurance)\nRM125,800\n\u00a0(OTR without insurance)\nRM132,800\n\u00a0(OTR without insurance)\n\u00a0\nAs a reminder, the Civic facelift gets keyless entry and push-start ignition across the range, as well as cruise control. It also comes with the new \nTwilight Blue\n colour, all packaged with a \nfive-year warranty with unlimited mileage\n and six labour-free services for every alternate visits until 100,000km.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s been a long wait, but Mercedes-AMG has finally brought the Black Series back for its sixth instalment with the debut of the new AMG GT Black Series \u2013 and boy oh boy, it is everything we\u2019ve dreamt of.\nThe Black Series has become synonymous with outrageous amounts of power, and the new GT Black Series does not disappoint in that regard. Underneath the carbon fibre bonnet is the new M178 LS2 4.0-litre \u2018hot-V\u2019 turbocharged V8 engine, now pushing out \n720 hp\n at 6,700-6,900 RPM, and \n800 Nm\n from 2,000 RPM to 6,000 RPM. Goodness me.\nA plethora of changes have been made to the engine to warrant a new engine code, but the biggest news here is that the engine is now configured as a flat-plane V8, resulting in a boost in power output, larger rev range (up to 7,200 rpm) and an enhanced throttle response.\nThe turbochargers have been given a larger compressor wheel, while the engine also receives new camshafts and exhaust manifolds, adapted to the new firing order of the flat-plane V8. For the nerds, it\u2019s now 1-8-2-7-4-5-3-6.\nUnsurprisingly, the GT Black Series is now the most powerful model coming out of the Affalterbach factory, far surpassing the \n639 hp\u00a0GT 63 S four door coupe\n and \n585 hp GT R Pro\n (that\u2019s 81 hp and 135 hp more respectively, for those counting).\nWith the power sent to the rear wheels via the rear-mounted seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (that\u2019s also been beefed up to deal with the extra torque), the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series reaches 100 km/h from standstill in just \n3.2 seconds\n, 200 km/h in \nunder 9.0 seconds\n, onward to a VMax of \n325 km/h\n.\nOf course, the new engine is just the start. Everything else that\u2019s been put on (or removed) from the new GT Black Series is also done in pursuit of ultimate performance, the most obvious being the improved aerodynamics of the car \u2013 What, you mean you didn\u2019t see the borderline-comical rear wings?\nBoth of the \u201crear aerofoil\u201d blades are mechanically adjustable \u2013 the upper blade can be adjusted by up to 20-degrees, either automatically (depending on drive programme) or manually via a button to improve downforce and brake balance.\nThat\u2019s not all \u2013 The front splitters can be manually adjusted into Race setting when going on track, underbody almost completely sealed up to increase the efficiency of the rear diffusers, and even the two large vents on the carbon fibre bonnet are designed to channel exhaust air over the car to enhance the functionality of the spoilers \u2013 the latter apparently inherited from their race cars, just like the new front grille to increase cooling capacity.\nAll in, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series can generate \n\u201cwell over\u201d 400 kg of downforce at 250 km/h\n.\nThe body shell of the new Black Series is almost entirely built from carbon fibre, along with the usage of thinner glass, aluminium integral carrier at the front axle, light alloy wheels, as well as carbon fibre \u201ctorque tube\u201d and drive shaft, ensure that the ultimate AMG GT is rigid yet lightweight, improving agility especially on track.\nThe suspension set-up on the Black Series is built on the foundations of the GT R Pro, featuring the AMG coil-over suspensions with Ride Control adaptive dampers. Utilising a lot more technologies developed in motorsports, Mercedes says that the new Black Series can \u201creact in an even more agile manner to fast suspension movements\u201d.\nThe AMG Dynamic Select\u2019s three driving modes \u2013 Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus have been recalibrated to better fit their target use cases, differentiating between road and track. The Sport Plus mode can now even recognise the surface condition of the race track \u2013 whether it\u2019s flat like Hockenheim, or bumpy like the Nordschleife, their words \u2013 and automatically adjust the electronic dampers to best suit the track.\nAdditionally, customers can also manually adjust the camber at both axles, anti-roll bars, and the rear torsion bar. Ceramic brakes are also standard, designed to minimise brake fade and maintain temperature stability, and the new GT Black Series even get two specially-formulated tyres from Michelin \u2013 the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO1A and a \u201chard compound\u201d MO2 variant \u201cfor racetrack use at higher temperatures\u201d.\nThe interior of the new GT Black Series is pretty much standard from the GT R Pro, upholstered in nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre, finished with black and orange contrast stitching and matte black carbon-fibre trims. The door panels though have been simplified, with the door handles replaced by fabric pull straps for additional weight savings.\nAMG Carbon Fibre bucket seats are standard in most regions, and if you want your new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series to be even more racecar-like, you can also opt for the AMG Track Pack, which includes a titanium roll cage, four-point harness, and a fire extinguisher.\nAnd of course, is it even a Black Series if it doesn\u2019t let you annihilate its tyres? The new Black Series comes as standard with the AMG Traction Control system with nine levels of adjustments for the amount of slip before the electronics step in \u2013 with nine being the maximum (read: preferred).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"When it comes to the ultimate luxury automotive experience, the \nBentley Continental GT\n is one of the few cars right up there to offer it. How else then, can you elevate that opulent driving experience? By chopping the roof of course.\nRecently unveiled is the Bentley Continental GT Convertible, offering an open-top experience with all the elegance and refinement of their GT models. To increase the Bentley\u2019s rigidity and \n160 kg\n weight penalty, Bentley has made the Continental GT Convertible five per cent stiffer compared to the coupe model.\nThe convertible was launched with the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine that produces \n635 hp\n and \n900 Nm\n of torque. Drive is channelled to all four corners via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Despite the added weight, the convertible can still make the century sprint in \n3.8 seconds\n \u2013 just 0.1 seconds slower than the coupe model. It shares the same \n333 km/h\n top speed.\nGreat strides have been taken to improve the fabric roof to make the new Continental GT Convertible\u2019s cabin to be as quiet as the previous generation Coupe model. Thanks to the improved sealing system, roof insulating materials and acoustic treatment, the cabin of the new model is 3 dB quieter than its predecessor at typical cruising speed.   The convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just \n19 seconds\n at speeds of up to 50 km/h at the touch of a button. There are seven different colours available for the fabric roof, including an authentic tweed finish for those who like a retro look.\nStyling and equipment of the Continental GT Convertible are identical to the Coupe \u2013 cut-crystal matrix LED headlamps, three wheel finishes ranging from the standard 21-inch items to 22-inch Five Open-Spoke wheels, 12.3-inch Bentley Rotating Display, 20-way powered adjustable comfort seats, 2,200W Naim 18-speaker surround sound system, digital instrument cluster among others.   Like all Bentley models, customers have the option to customise every detail of their car from a bespoke exterior paint finish to the material used for the cabin\u2019s topstitching. If that sounds like too much hassle, Bentley offers an optional Mulliner Driving Specification that adds a sportier appearance and some personalisation touches to the cabin.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBentley Continental GT Convertible"
"Volkswagen\u2019s new direction seems to be \u201cperformance everything\u201d, and we\u2019re definitely here for it. Following the introduction of the \nTouareg R \nearlier this year, Volkswagen has now unveiled a full-fledged R model for the \nTiguan\n, alongside the launch of the facelift for the SUV\u2019s second-generation model.\nHonestly though, A performance variant of the compact SUV isn\u2019t all too surprising given that the Tiguan is actually \nVW\u2019s best selling model\n, with more than 910,000 units moved last year. VW\u2019s chief of marketing for the Tiguan, Hendrick Muth also \npretty much confirmed the new \u201chot SUV\u201d\n before its launch, but we digress.\nUnderneath the skin, the all-new Tiguan R isn\u2019t much unlike the \nArteon R\n that was unveiled last week. The performance-oriented SUV is powered by the marque\u2019s Evo4 version of the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes \n320 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque.\nThe engine is paired to a seven-speed DSG gearbox, with power sent to all four wheels through the new \nR-Performance Torque Vectoring system\n, which can direct\u00a0\nup to 100% of torque to any one wheel\n. The Tiguan R also sits 10 mm lower than its siblings, thanks to the Dynamic Chassis Control system.\nOn the styling, the updated Tiguan receives a reworked front fascia, featuring new slimmer LED headlights and a reshaped grille to bring it more in line with the brand\u2019s other offerings.\nOf course, being a facelift, new bumpers front and back are a given. The rear gains a new set of LED taillights with new light signature similar to that of the \nnew Passat\n, while the \u201cTiguan\u201d script has now been moved directly below the new VW logo \u2013 a new trend started by the \neight-generation Golf\n.\nThe Tiguan R, being the top-of-the-range model, gets the most elaborate and aggressive front bumpers with massive air intakes. A set of 21-inch wheels are standard on all four corners, and you can even opt for the Akrapovic quad-exhaust system!\nInside, the general architecture of the Tiguan is pretty much unchanged, but Volkswagen has given it a few nip and tuck to make it feel a little more modern \u2013 such as the inclusion of a 15-colour ambient lighting system.\nThe 2020 VW Tiguan gets a new touchpad-based multifunctional steering wheel, and a new Modular Infotainment System (MIB3) which includes updated digital instrument cluster, and a new infotainment touchscreen display with support for natural voice commands, wireless AppConnect, and the like.\nOther modernising touches include two illuminated USB-C ports on the centre console, and an optional touch-controlled air-conditioning control panel which uses touch sliders to control temperature and fan speed settings, and of course updated safety technology including the Travel Assist semi-autonomous driving assistant at speeds of up to 210 km/h.\nAside from the hot Tiguan R, Volkswagen is also introducing a\n plug-in hybrid variant\n for the first time on the compact SUV model. It\u2019s a familiar powertrain \u2013 as seen on the \nArteon\n, \nGolf\n, and Passat eHybrid variants \u2013 which pairs a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of \n218 hp\n. The Tiguan PHEV promises a \nelectric-only range of 50 km,\n at speeds of up to \n130 km/h\n.\nThe full range of global powertrain options has not been announced yet, but our friends over at the United States will be getting an EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the hood \u2013 similar to the Tiguan R \u2013 but detuned to \n187 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n of torque.\nThe updated 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is expected to go on sale in Europe \u201cshortly\u201d.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2020 Volkswagen Tiguan R\n2020 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line and eHybrid"
"Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had the opportunity to sample Proton\u2019s first ever SUV in right-hand drive guise earlier as shared on his official Facebook page. After the test drive, the premier said he was pleasantly surprised by the new SUV as reported by The Malaysian Insight.\nTun Mahathir said in a press conference: \u201cI was testing the car. It was very good. The quality is very high and I think it is a good car for the market.\u201d. The yet-to-be-named Proton SUV will be based on the \nGeely Boyue\n that have received positive response in its home market, China.\nThe seventh Prime Minister also met with several Geely representatives including its Chairman, Li Shufu to discuss the future of the national carmaker.\nTun Mahathir said: \u201cProton may be managed by Geely, but we want Malaysians to participate in the supply. Malaysian manufacturers should participate in the process.\u201d. Initial batches of the Proton SUV will be fully imported from China while local assembly operations will only commence in 2019 at Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim manufacturing plant.\nProton is expected to \nlaunch the SUV in September or October\n while the public will be able to get a first taste of the SUV as soon as July. \nKey features\n on the new SUV include five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, 360-degree camera, camera/radar for the autonomous emergency braking and a panoramic sunroof.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nTun Dr Mahathir Test Drives the RHD Proton SUV   Geely Boyue Preview in Malaysia"
"I\u2019ve always thought the Subaru XV\u2019s cabin was a bit too shouty for the general population. The younger car buying crowd might be drawn to it like flies on a steak but I can\u2019t imagine the over-40-year-old age group to be as enthusiastic.\nBut with Subaru\u2019s new GT Edition XV, they\u2019ve somehow managed to make it look uncompromisingly sportier, with a hint of maturity in its interior design.\nThat\u2019s cause it now comes with a two-tone leather upholstery, inspired by high performance grand tourers from Germany and Great Britain, as opposed to the black, grey and orange combo in the standard models.\nIt\u2019s got it\u2019s own disctinctive floor mats too, along with a \ndual side view monitor system\n that distinguishes itself from the standard model.\nThe special edition model also takes the Subaru XV\u2019s already sporty exterior to another level with a front bumper with lip extensions and integrated canards, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear bumper extension. Blending in with the new kit is a set of 17-inch bespoke alloy wheels.\nThe special edition model is a collaboration between Giken Co. Ltd., renowned engineering company known for their supply of aero parts among others, and Mr. Masahiko \u201cJack\u201d Kobayashi, an independent designer who formerly held the role of Chief Designer at Subaru Corporation and was responsible for penning the WRX STI models of old.\n\u201cThe Subaru XV GT Edition is exclusively designed for Asia. Giken and Kobayashi-san share our enthusiasm for design and creating fun and exciting products. The response in Thailand and the Philippines was very encouraging, having injected excitement in those markets, I hope our Malaysian customers will be delighted by the new Subaru XV GT Edition.\u201d said Mr Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International Ltd.\nPower remains unchanged with a 2.0 litre four-cylinder boxer engine with \n156 hp\n and \n196 Nm\n powering all four wheels via a Lineartronic CVT gearbox and the impeccable Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mazda will return to touring car racing next year in the shape of the \nMazda 3 TCR\n, and the \n350 hp bewinged challenger\n promises to be the one of most fearsome-looking entrants ever, if not the prettiest, given that the \nbase car is such a looker\n.\nWow, that wing, that stance!\nThe Mazda 3 TCR is powered by a \nturbocharged, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 350 hp\n, mated to a six-speed sequential transmission with shift paddles. Developed and supported by Long Road Racing, the manufacturer of the Mazda MX-5 Cup car, the Mazda3 TCR is homologated to \ncompete in any of the 36 TCR-sanctioned championships\n around the world.\nEngineers and designers spent hours in the wind tunnel to hone the aerodynamics of the Mazda 3 TCR to ensure that the clean lines of the Mazda 3 are retained and that it also complies with existing touring car regulations. We think they\u2019ve done a great job; Mazda fans can now hope and pray that a road-legal version will somehow make it to production.\nThe Mazda 3 TCR will make its track debut in the four-hour endurance challenge under the \nRolex 24 at Daytona weekend\n in January, 2020.\nMazda 3 TCR image gallery"
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) will be expanding its compact car range very soon with the scheduled launch of the \nMercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan\n.\nMBM is not being discreet about it, posting a teaser video titled \u201cA-Class Limousine\u201d \u2013 yes, Mercedes calls their sedans, limousine. Expect the A-Class Sedan to be offered in the same flavours as the \nHatchback\n, i.e. A 200 and A 250 petrol.\nThe A 200 is powered by a Renault-sourced 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with \n163 hp\n and \n250 Nm\n while the A 250 packs \n224 hp \nand \n350 Nm\n from the M260 2.0-litre engine. Both engines are paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels.\nIt is also likely that\nMBM will offer two trim lines for the A-Class Sedan namely the unassuming Progressive\nLine and the sporty AMG Line. But what is almost certain is that both variants\nwill get the Widescreen cockpit with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)\nmultimedia system, multifunctional steering wheel, powered front seats with\nmemory function, 64-colour ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nas well as a rear-view camera like the hatchback.\nA-Class Sedan Progressive Line\nA-Class Sedan AMG Line\nGlobally, the A-Class Sedan is priced around 10% more than the Hatchback spec-for-spec so we can assume that the new model will follow a similar positioning here in Malaysia. To recap, the A 200 hatch is priced at RM227k while the A 250 carries a price tag of RM263k. You can do the math.\nOur question to you dear readers, the \nMercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan or wait for the CLA 4-door Coupe\n?\nIMAGE\u00a0GALLERY\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0A-Class\u00a0Sedan AMG Line\nMercedes-Benz\u00a0A-Class\u00a0Sedan\u00a0Progressive\u00a0Line\nA-Class Sedan Interior"
"Just as we thought the option lists for the Bugatti Chiron couldn\u2019t get any longer, the carmaker has added a glass roof option for customers who like additional sunlight and headroom in their ultra-luxury GT car.\nDubbed as the Sky View, it replaces the standard roof with two separate fixed glass panels measuring at 65 cm long and 44 cm wide each. The two glass panels are positioned above the driver\u2019s and passenger\u2019s seat for sunlight to seep in.\nMade from four layers of laminated thin glass, the Sky View glass panels were developed to filter out harmful UV rays and dazzle effects to keep the cabin comfortable and cool. One interesting side effect of this Sky View option is that it frees up 27 mm headroom while maintaining the structural rigidity and crash safety rating of the Chiron.\nThe Bugatti Chiron Sky View is expected to make an appearance at the Monterey Car Week in California at the end of August 2018. Earlier, Malaysia had the utmost privilege to host the \nChiron Sport\n right here on our local soil with a base price of RM12.5 million without taxes and options. We wonder how much this Sky View would add to the eight-figure price tag.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Time really flies by when you\u2019re a Ghost. No, really. Rolls-Royce first introduced the Ghost five years back at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, and it\u2019s one of those rare cars to have aged really well. Unnoticed, in fact, and that\u2019s a good thing.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nRolls-Royce Ghost Series II\nEngine\n6,593cc; twin-turbo V12\nTransmission\n8-speed automatic with Satellite Aide\nMax Power\n563 hp @ 5,250 rpm\nMax Torque\n780 Nm @ 1,500 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM2.65 mil (estimated, excluding road tax and insurance)\n\u00a0\nFive years into the Ghost nameplate, Rolls-Royce commissioned the Series II, or a \nfacelift\n, if you will. The powertrain remains the same \u2013 as we\u2019ll get on to in a minute, but the Series II\u2019s fascia have been refreshed and it gets an interesting tech, a \nSatellite Aided\n eight-speed automatic transmission.\nEXTERIOR\nOn the outside of this \n5.4 meter long\n limo, the most notable change is the design of the headlights which are now encased with LED daytime running lights \u2013 a design feature taken from the Wraith. The LED powered headlights are brighter and whiter than the Series I\u2019s, and defaults on high-beam when lit, dimming only when it detects oncoming traffic.   Its front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned and stands visually wider. Also, the \u2018waft lines\u2019 on each side of the car now end softer, while chrome inserts now grace the front air intakes which apparently feed more air as well.\nThe bonnet now features a tapered line, or as Rolls-Royce puts it, a \u2018wake channel\u2019 sitting prominently behind the \nSpirit of Ecstasy\n. For those who are not in the know, the Spirit of Ecstasy is the ornament on the bonnet, in the form of a woman leaning forwards with her hands stretched outwards and behind her.\nINTERIOR\nInside, the front seats are new and now include electronically adjustable thigh support, while the rear seats have been re-angled for better comfort and augments better communication with other passengers.\u00a0The instrument dials get matte chrome finishing and the clock\u2019s fascia gets a 3D chrome surround that are polished with metal chaplets resembling some premium watch design.\nFull grain leather\n is now standard with the Ghost, the same grade of leather used in the \nRM5 mil Phantom\n model, but is processed for four additional hours to accentuate the natural grain structure of the leather. This, you need to see for yourself because any pictures will not do the justice.\nThere\u2019s also the \n18-speaker\n Bespoke Audio System to satisfy your inner audiophile. Nestling behind the rear armrest are your entertainment controls used to independently operate the 9.2-inch high-resolution screen. Rear seats are also adjustable via the buttons on the side of the console.   Need we remind you that there\u2019s a cooling compartment within the rear centre armrest for your champagnes, as well as an integrated pop-up cup holders? Oh, there\u2019s also built-in umbrellas which are part of the car\u2019s structural rigidity. Yes, all those come standard with the Ghost.\nPERFORMANCE\nLet it be known that Rolls-Royce is under the stewardship of BMW, and as such, the Ghost shares the underpinnings with\n BMW\u2019s 7-Series\n, and the massive \n6.6-litre twin-turbo V12\n engine is based on the 760Li\u2019s 6.0-litre V12 unit. Output figures however, remain the same as the previous Ghost \u2013 \n563 horsepower\n at 5,250 rpm and \n780 Nm\n of torque from as low as 1,500 revolutions.\nThose chunky numbers results in a century sprint time of \n4.9 seconds\n, while managing an electronically limited top speed of \n250 km/h\n. It gets the same buttery smooth\u00a0\neight-speed ZF automatic\n transmission driving the \nrear wheels\n, but this one is wired with \nsatellite guidance\n, like the Wraith. It uses \nGPS and mapping data\n to ensure that the car is always engaging the right gear when negotiating corners.\nLugging around this 2,470kg limo results in a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 litres per 100km highway; 21.2 litres per 100km city. When driving cars like this, you don\u2019t really care.\nFor the\n first time\n on a Ghost, the Series II rides on a new set of 21-inch wheels, and customers can choose from five different designs, each with its unique character and features a self-righting wheel centre which ensures that the monogram is always correctly displayed.\nSuspension is also revised here, with the front and rear struts stiffened up for a more dynamic driving experience. If you choose to go with the Dynamic Driving Package, the Ghost gets adjustable dampers that improve the car\u2019s cornering ability.\u00a0Rear axle bearings are new and hydraulic (previously air sprung), reducing vibrations and cabin intrusion while enhancing ride quality and rear stability.\nSAFETY\nSafety wise, the Ghost Series II features a Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects essential driving information onto the windscreen, such as directions and speed limit. There\u2019s also a new \nNight Vision mode\n that picks up images via an infrared camera in the front grille capable of detecting animals and pedestrians up to 300 meters away.\nStandard safety features to make the list comprise of all-wheel ABS with EBD, Stability Control, engine immobiliser, brake-disc drying, emergency braking assist, emergency braking preparation, post-collision safety system, emergency interior boot release, front and rear head airbags; just to name a few. In short, you\u2019ll probably never die in a Rolls, not when its monocoque is made out \nsolid steel\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nIf the rear space isn\u2019t enough for you, then there\u2019s the Ghost Extended Wheelbase which gives you an additional 170mm rear legroom. In a typical Rolls-Royce fashion, the degree of customisation is bound by its customer\u2019s imagination. Want your family crest rendered in carbon fibre with gold-plated inlays on the dashboard? No problem. All-pink Ghost, why not?\nAs we\u2019ve said, customisation options are limitless, and customers can begin by choosing any colour from their range of 44,000 different hues. For unrivalled paint quality, the folks at Goodwood\n hand-spray\n the five layers of primer, paint and super high-gloss clear coat, followed by tens of hours of hand polishing.\nIf the Ghost isn\u2019t your cup of tea, then give the Wraith a look, the English carmaker\u2019s quickest Rolls yet. It\u2019s priced from RM2.8 mil upwards, and as far as any Rolls go, have it pimped out your style.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Malaysia today launched the new 2022 \nOdyssey\n, in its second facelift form, here on our shores. The seven-seater MPV will be fully imported from Japan (CBU), priced at \nRM275,311\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions (5%) until the 30th of June 2022.\nEXTERIOR\nThe second facelift exercise gave the fifth-generation Honda Odyssey a significant redesign on its exterior styling, headlined by the new Honda Wing front grille, new headlights and taillights design, as well as reworked bumpers to give it a wider and dominant stance on the road.\nIn terms of standard equipment, the new 2022 Honda Odyssey in Malaysia comes with:\n17-inch alloy wheels\nLED headlights\nSequential turn indicators\nHands-free powered tailgate\nExterior colour choices: Platinum White Pearl, Premium Twinkle Black Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic\nJapan model shown\nPERFORMANCE\nUnderneath the bonnet is the same 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, as introduced here in Malaysia when the current-gen Odyssey \nfirst made its debut (in the first facelift form) back in 2018\n.\nEngine: 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC inline-four, petrol\nTransmission: CVT automatic\nDriveline: Front-engine, front-wheel drive\nMax horsepower: 175 hp @ 6,200 rpm\nMax torque: 225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nINTERIOR\nThe second-facelift model brings along a newly-redesigned dashboard, which includes a new storage compartment to provide even more convenience for customers. Other standard interior features include:\n7-inch digital instrument cluster\n8-inch Advanced Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity\nCombination leather upholstery\nSecond-row Captain Cradle Seat with Ottoman\nForward/backward folding seats for multiple seating configurations (2-2-3 layout)\nThree-zone climate control with rear ceiling vents\nJapan model shown\nSAFETY\nThe new 2022 Honda Odyssey in Malaysia comes equipped with the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, which includes:\nAdaptive cruise control\nForward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking\nLane Keep Assist System\nRoad Departure Mitigation\nLane Departure Warning\nAuto High-Beam\nSmart Parking Assist\nBlind Spot Information\nCross Traffic Monitor\n360-degree surround-view Multi View Camera System\nPRICING\nThe fully-imported 2022 Honda Odyssey is priced at \nRM275,311\n on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions (5% for CBU models) that is valid until the 30th of June 2022. Included in the price is also a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, and five times free labour service within 100,000 km or five years."
"Toyota and Subaru have further strengthened their long-term partnership with the announcement of a new business and capital alliance between the two companies.\u00a0\nThe renewed partnership comes at a time of a major industry transformation which is pushing forward in the domain of connected, autonomous, shared and electric (CASE). Toyota and Subaru has already begun working jointly on a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform since June of this year, and will develop a new BEV model, employing Subaru\u2019s all-wheel drive and Toyota\u2019s electrification technologies.\u00a0\nYes! A new generation 86/BRZ is on the cards.\nThrough the new capital alliance, the brands have confirmed the joint development of the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. The current-generation rear-wheel drive coupe has been in production since 2012. Although receiving \nmultiple\n \naesthetic updates\n with the underpinnings of the car remained largely the same throughout its 7 years of production. We hope the next-generation 86/BRZ will receive a power boost, as well as some inspiration from its bigger brother, the \nA90 Toyota Supra\n!\nBesides a new sports car, Toyota and Subaru will also be developing new all-wheel drive models, which Toyota believes will offer the \u201cultimate sensation.\u201d\u00a0\nAll-wheel drive is Subaru\u2019s bread and butter and this won\u2019t change going forward.\nToyota President Akio Toyoda said, \u201cDuring this once-in-a-century period of profound transformation, even if CASE changes how cars will be, driving enjoyment will remain an inherent part of automobiles and is something that I think we must continue to strongly preserve. I, myself, am a rallyist, and through my experience of training hard in an Impreza, I have felt in my veins the wonders of Subaru\u2019s AWD technologies.\u201d\nThe partnership between Toyota and Subaru goes back to 2005, and has seen contract production by Subaru of Toyota vehicles and supply by Toyota of vehicles to Subaru, as well as joint development of the rear-wheel-drive Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ sports car models.\u00a0\nSeven years on, the 86/BRZ is still recognised as one of the best handling two-door coupe.\nThe new capital alliance will see Toyota increasing its capital share in Subaru from 16.83% to a minimum of 20%, while Subaru will be acquiring a total of shares equivalent to a monetary value of 80 billion Yen. Subaru is also foreseen to become an affiliated company of Toyota."
"Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new A-Class sedan and I\u2019m just going to put it out there \u2013 it looks great. It looks like everything the targeted demographic will be appealed to and it\u2019s a time bomb waiting to explode, should it arrive in Malaysia.\nThe A200 will be fitted with a petrol-powered engine making\n 163 hp\n and\n 250 Nm\n while its diesel counterpart is set to dish out \n116 hp\n with \n260 Nm\n. Both powerplants are mated to a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. 4MATIC and adaptive damping will be available for more powerful models.\nBuilt with a Sensual Purity design theme, the new A-Class Sedan features a highly-aerodynamic shell, clear formal shapes emphasising surface areas with reduced lines, short front and rear overhangs.\nIt creates a design I feel will plug the gap left behind by those who aren\u2019t keen on the A-Class hatchback but aren\u2019t willing to stretch as far as the C-Class. Matching this dynamic new look are a selection of 16- to 19-inch wheels (which have been optimised for better aerodynamics) to complement the pronounced wheel arches of the A-Class sedan.\nSpeaking of pronounced, the prominent single-louvre diamond radiator grille with chrome pins at the front, is unfortunately an optional extra. Aerodynamic improvements have been extensive on the A-Class sedan with most of its underbody completely covered, along with front and rear wheel spoilers designed to channel air around the wheels.\nUnlike the old A-Class, the new sedan and hatchback\u2019s side mirrors sit on the belt-line instead of the edge of the window frame. Depending on how you specify the car, the rear bumper can be available with a black diffuser or with chrome trim strip and chrome tailpipes.\nAs standard, the new A-Class is equipped with halogen headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps, while the MULTIBEAM LED units are sadly an optional feature.\nInside, the new A-Class sedan is revolutionised with a new feeling of spaciousness \u2013 a remark that sadly couldn\u2019t be passed in the previous generation A-Class hatchback \u2013 with near claustrophobia-inducing rear headroom.\nA free-standing cockpit is available in three different layouts \u2013 two 7-inch displays, a 7-inch display with another 10.25-inch display or two 10.25-inch displays. They\u2019re all equipped with the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, featured for the first time in the new A-Class.\nSafety systems in the new A-Class Sedan have been brought over from the S-Class, with semi-autonomous driving function available in certain situations. Improved camera and radar systems allow the car \u201cto see\u201d up to 500 metres ahead. Also on board are the Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Brake Assist.\nIMAGE GALLERY   A-Class Sedan Progressive Line   A-Class Sedan Interior"
"Twenty-nine year old Frenchman, Romain Grosjean who is currently racing under the Lotus F1 team colours has secured his drive for the upcoming season with America\u2019s newest F1 team. The team is piloted by 62-year old\u00a0Gene Haas of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The team\u2019s patriarch started out by inventing a mechanical indexer for his start-up machine shop that went on to give birth to Haas Automation Inc. in 1983.\nFast forward \n31 years\n to January of 2014, Haas himself confirmed the reports of an FIA submission of\u00a0his interest in entering the Formula One\u00a0championship in 2015\u00a0under the name \nHaas Formula\n.\u00a0On 11 April 2014, Haas announced that he was\u00a0\ngranted\n a license from the FIA.\u00a0On May 28, however, it was revealed that the team would delay its debut until the \n2016\n season.\u00a0In September the same year, they took up current their current name \u2013\u00a0\nHaas F1 Team\n.\u00a0In December 2014, it was further reported that Haas\n purchased major assets\n from the bankrupted \nMarussia F1\n team.\nPic credit: Fox Sports\nDuring \nMarussia\u2019s nightmare second-half\n season last year, the team had \nfailed\n to show up during the last four races, which were then disbanded and auctioned off. Haas acquired the team\u2019s base in the \nUK\n as well as\n data\n and \ndesigns\n for the\n 2015\n car, which was already well developed with a \nscale wind-tunnel\n model. Interestingly, teams aren\u2019t restricted to regulations before the season starts and Haas plans to test the cars vigorously before the 2016 pre-season testing begins.\nHaving never met Gene Haas in the flesh, one would be mistaken for thinking he is an extraordinarily convincing individual when you consider that team principal is former Jaguar and Red Bull Racing technical director \nG\u00fcnther Steiner\n. Not to mention also that chief aerodynamicist is\n Ben Agathangelou\n who started out in the McLaren Honda garage in 1994.\nArtist\u2019s rendition\nFast forward today, the North Carolina-based team announced rather unwittingly that its \nprimary\n \ndriver\n for next year\u2019s season will be none other than \nRomain Grosjean\n. Powering the Frenchman is a powertain purportedly sourced from \nFerrari\n and tasked with designing and building the chassis is a job for Italian manufacturer \nDallara\n.\nMuch has been happening around the sphere that is Formula One. From the rumoured tyre supplier change. to Bernie Ecclestone\u2019s dwindling popularity rating amongst fans and for those in the sport. But with all that, we remain rather chuffed about F1\u2019s latest anglo-american team."
"It may have had mixed reviews in terms of how it looks but having seen the\n all-new BMW 3-Series\n in the flesh, at the \n2019 Singapore Motor Show\n, I dare say that the G20 could win back some \u201cstolen hearts\u201d while keeping the die hard fans firmly in BMW\u2019s grasps.\nBMWs have never lost their sense of style \u2013 only that its rivals discovered a more appealing recipe. Over the years, they may have lost out (arguably) in terms of raising your eyebrows and making your crotch area feel tighter than usual at first sight, but BMW buyers and loyalist aren\u2019t the type that would necessary appeal to that.\nInstead, they prefer to have their senses aroused from behind the wheel.\nGranted, this particular 330i may be dressed in M Sport trim but the core design of the car \u2013 such as the headlamps, tail lights, swoops, edges and all-round \u201cbrawniness\u201d \u2013 is something to behold, especially in person.\nAnd if you\u2019re going take a swing at it, go the extra mile and cough out an additional fee (if so required) and go for the blue paint work for reasons better explained through the pictures.\nInside, it all looks very positive too, at first impression at least. While it may still retain the understated-ness of a BMW, it does project more flair in a very BMW sort of way. I suspect it\u2019s down to the generous use of aluminium trims.\nWhat was also quite noticeable was the lack of plastic trims that plagued the previous generation F30, which in the long run became sticky and peeled off. Gross.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Lexus is keen to showcase its technological advancement, as well as its new driving signature attributes inspired by the \nLFA\n supercar. With a limited production of just 500 units between December 2010 and 2012 (and priced from a whopping USD400,000 back then), the halo supercar was said to be a loss-maker for the Japanese auto giant.\nIn a recently concluded digital broadcast of Toyota Motor Corp\u2019s (TMC) battery electric vehicle (BEV) plans that included Lexus, President Akio Toyoda said Lexus will develop a next-generation BEV sports car that inherits the driving taste, or \u2018the secret sauce\u2019 of the performance cultivated via the development of the LFA.\nDuring the brief of the concept, Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato said the development of a new Sports BEV will showcase the unique driving performance of a Lexus and become a model that symbolises the future of the brand.\nAcceleration will be close to the \nfastest recorded\n, be in the low two-second range for 0 to 100 km/h whilst cruising range is expected to be over 700 km all thanks to the use of solid-state batteries.\nPlaced in between two rows of Toyota BEVs, the proposed sports car will be joined by the new Lexus RZ (the electric \nLexus RX\n?), a larger SUV as well as a mid-sized sedan the size of \nLe\nxus IS\n to rival the Tesla Model 3. A short test drive impression of the RZ, as well as animation of the Sports EV, can be found \nhere\n.\nIn terms of timelines and volumes, Lexus aims to have a full line-up of EVs in all segments by 2030 with key markets of Europe, North America and China going fully electric and contributing to 1 million units of sales. By 2035, the company will only offer BEVs in its showrooms globally. \u00a0\u00a0\nAs for Toyota, the company previewed an even more extensive line-up of concept cars, under the new bZ series of BEVs, spearheaded by the \nbZ4X\n mid-sized SUV. Apart from three distinctively sized SUVS (small crossover, compact and large), a bZ sedan will also join the \u2018beyond zero\u2019 family of vehicles. Toyota markets the bZ series as carbon-neutral vehicles that run on clean energy and achieve zero CO2 emissions in the whole process of their use.\nAkio Toyoda, who is also the brand\u2019s motorsport division\u2019s Team Founder at Toyota Gazoo Racing as well as \u2018Master Driver\u2019, perhaps convinced his fellow colleagues to add another sports car for the masses.\nIn the background, directly behind the Lexus Sports EV concept, lies a bronze coloured low-height two-seater sports car that resembles the first-generation Mk.1 Lotus Elise and could it be even a successor to the little \nCopen GR\n. The concept car is even fitted with the \u2018GR\u2019 emblem, similar to the \nToyota GR Yaris\n \nand\n \nToyota GR86\n.\nAlthough presenting such a diverse line-up of battery EVs, Toyota says this range is not the single direction the company is heading, as it is difficult to meet very varying market demands. The company intends to \ncontinue to offer hybrids\n and even keep the \ncombustion engine prolonged\n via research and development of synthetic fuels.\nGALLERY\nLexus Sports EV Concept\nLexus EV Concept range\nToyota bZ Series \nToyota Lifestyle EV Concept"
"Even before its official launch, Nissan has revealed a series of Almera accessories to spice up that hot turbo ride which was \npreviewed last month\n, if you intend to see one on your porch.\nThere are four different accessory packages available starting with \nInterior Styling Package\n priced at RM400. The package includes LED room lamps and a trunk tray with an anti-slip surface that keeps your items in place and helps keep the trunk clean from dirt or spills. It also includes stainless steel kick plates with the Almera logo etched on the front and rear side sills to protect against scuffs and scratches.\nAs for the handsome new exterior, the Almera can be further spiced up with the \nExterior Styling Package\n priced at RM950. The package tailored for the VL and VLP variants comes with door visors, door handle protectors with a carbon fibre pattern finish, and a trunk lid spoiler in gloss black.\nCustomers who opt for the high spec VLT variant will only be charged RM350 for this package as the variant is already fitted with the trunk lid spoiler as standard.\nFor those with a little more emphasis on safety and security, there\u2019s the \nProtection Package\n at RM1,950. It includes a Dual Channel Camera (front and rear dashcam) and Solar Gard Armorcoat tinting films. Alternatively, there\u2019s the\n Protection Plus Package\n at RM2,750.00 to upgrade to V-Kool Elite tinting films for solar heat rejection of up to 94%.\nAll Almera accessories are accompanied with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and can be financed when ordered at time of purchase. Also, stand a chance to win an iPhone SE worth RM2,199 when you test drive the all-new Nissan Almera at selected Nissan showrooms!\nThe \nall-new Almera Turbo\n is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with \ntechnologies adopted from the Nissan GT-R\n. Paired with an Xtronic CVT gearbox, it produces \n100 hp\n and \n152 Nm\n. Aside from a \nstrengthened body\n for better stability and handling, the Almera has also been \nimproved with better refinement\n through various methods. Check out our review of it \nhere\n!\nGALLERY"
"The MPV is perhaps the most versatile body style for a vehicle, especially with adjustable (or sometimes even removable) seats, giving you the flexibility between ferrying passengers, or moving cargo. But with the vast amount of volume, the MPV body style does come with an inherent problem: the rear hatch can become quickly become unwieldy big.\nParked a little too close to the wall behind? Sorry, you won\u2019t be able to access your bags at the back. Different carmakers utilise different tricks to side step this problem, such as doors that split in half down the middle. But the \nNissan Serena\n\u2018s \u201cdual back door\u201d tailgate might be the most ingenious solution to this problem.\nIn addition to the regular full-height hatch-door, the Nissan Serena also has an additional smaller hatch that opens up via the rear windscreen. Opening up the secondary hatch requires less space, which means you\u2019ll still have access to your cargo space, even when you\u2019re parked in a tighter space.\nOn a more obscure note, the split tailgate design also allows you to stuff more items into the cargo area. This might sound weird, but thanks to the additional side support, you\u2019ll be able to stack your bags higher \u2013 bags that would otherwise have fallen onto the ground.\nCombined with the flexible seating arrangements with up to 13 different configurations, and you\u2019ll be genuinely surprised how much cargo (or people) the Nissan Serena can carry.\nThe Nissan Serena has been an invaluable tool for my family of five during our recent \nbalik kampung\n trip for the Chinese New Year festivities. If you frequently travel long distances with your family too, the Japanese seven-seater MPV is definitely an effortless and inexpensive way to ferry around your passengers, \nand\n your cargo in style and comfort!\nRecently updated last year, the Nissan Serena is available in Malaysia in two variants: the 2.0L Highway Star at RM149,888, and the 2.0L Premium Highway Star at RM162,888. Do check out our \ndetailed launch coverage here\n for more details!"
"After making its \npublic debut at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow\n, the BMW i3s is now officially available at Auto Bavaria KL, the only authorised BMW i Dealership in the country. However, customers can approach any BMW dealership for enquiries on the i3s.\nThe all-electric hatchback, which retails for RM278,800 (OTR without insurance), commands an output of \n184 hp \nand \n270 Nm \nof torque. It allows the i3s to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n6.9 seconds\n with a system limited top speed of \n160 km/h\n.\n \nWith the 42.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the i3s offers up to \n345 km \nof driving range (WLTP test cycle) on a full charge. A full charge from empty takes a little over 3 hours when plugged into a Charing through an 11 kW BMW i Wallbox Plus (RM8,897 plus installation).\nAs standard, the i3s\ncomes equipped with 20-inch Style 431 BMW i light alloy five-double-spoke\nwrapped in bespoke 175/55 profile tyres at the front and 195/50 rear, suicide\ndoors, Sports Suspension (-10 mm ride height), Dark Truffle Vernasca leather\nupholstery, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BMW Navigation\nSystem Professional and a 5.7-inch coloured TFT LCD display for the instrument cluster.\nEvery purchase of the BMW\ni3s comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, 5-Years Free Scheduled\nService, 2-Years/24-months Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App\nand BMW White Card.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nBMW i3s at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow"
"Bentley Kuala Lumpur\n has launched the \nBentley Bentayga\n Azure EWB\n (Extended Wheelbase) in Malaysia, with prices starting at \nRM1,091,000\n before taxes, registration, duties, and options. Essentially a longer version of the Bentley Bentayga, the brand also introduces the Azure trim to the luxury SUV for the Malaysian market.\n\ufeff\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nWith the increase in length, the Bentayga Azure EWB now measures 5,322 mm long in total with a wheelbase of 3,175 mm. Both the wheelbase and cabin space have been extended by 180 mm. The increased length can mainly be seen in the rear doors, which creates a larger second-row area for the passengers.\nThe best thing about the cabin of the Bentayga is the airline seat specification, which equips the SUV with the most advanced seats ever fitted to a car. It comes with a 22-way power adjustment and a new auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.\nIn Relax mode, the seat can recline to 40 degrees, whilst the passenger seat is motored forwards to provide more space. In Business Mode, the seats move into the most upright position to make working more comfortable.\nRELATED: \nBentley Batur sends off brand\u2019s W12 engine \u2013 over 105k units built in 20 years\nThe auto climate seat technology senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation, or both simultaneously. The postural adjustment system automatically makes micro-adjustments to the occupant\u2019s seating position and pressure points, by measuring pressure across the seat surface. The system can apply 177 individual pressure changes across six fully independent pressure zones over a three-hour period.\nPowering the Bentayga Azure EWB is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that makes \n550 hp\n (metric) and \n770 Nm\n. The engine is paired wit an eight-speed automatic transmission by ZF, launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.\nRELATED: \nBentley Flying Spur Hybrid launched in Malaysia, from RM 945k before tax\nThe extended wheelbase Bentayga is also equipped with all wheel steering (a first for the Bentayga) to provide ease of manouvering at low speeds and confidence at high speeds. The Bentayga Aure EWB is also equipped with Bentley\u2019s Touring specification of advanced driver assistance technologies which includes a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and night vision. It also comes with Bentley Safeguard Plus which equips the Bentayga with every safety feature the brand has to offer.\nAlong with the new EWB Azure variant, the BEntayga is still available in its standard wheelbase version in Malaysia. To recap, the Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure in Malaysia fetches a price of \nRM1,091,000\n before taxes, duties, registration, and options. Upon launch, all units of the Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure have been spoken for.\nRELATED: \nBentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition is a luxury SUV that wants to save the planet\nGALLERY"
"Mazda UK is relatively active in introducing limited edition models, having previously launched the \nMazda3 Sport Black\n that was limited to just 800 units. This time it\u2019s the littler model\u2019s turn to shine with the Mazda2 Red Edition.\nAvailable in either Snowflake White Pearlescent (one of our favourite white finishes) or Black Mica hues, both will get Soul Red Metallic touches on certain trims like side mirrors, rear spoiler and lower rear bumper. There\u2019s only one cost option for the Red Edition, that is to have the\u00a0\u00a3300 (RM1,576 based on current forex rates) Dark Gunmetal finish on the standard 15-inch rims. To avoid confusion, the Mazda2 sold by Bermaz Motor here in Malaysia sits on 16-inch wheels as standard.   Inside is where things get a bit more saucy. The fabric seats, door trims, knee pad inserts and dashboard are all finished in red, but this loud combination has yet to grow on us. If that\u2019s not Red Edition enough for you, there\u2019s the optional red floor mats that you can opt for.\nJust 400 units of this special example will be made available, and it\u2019s based on the 1.3-litre SE-L variant. It costs\u00a0\u00a314,995, or close to RM79,000.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"STARTECH, a subsidiary under BRABUS Group has showcased its STARTECH REFINEMENT program for the \nRange Rover Evoque\n today at the 2016 NAZA Merdeka Auto Fair. The STARTECH package doesn\u2019t come cheap, but what it gives is a newfound level of sportiness for your prized Evoque.\nWith STARTECH, customers are able to customise the exterior look, the interior trim, wheel design as well as performance parts of their cars. The Evoque you see here is equipped with their full product line-up.   This five-door Range Rover Evoque STARTECH wears a bespoke in-house designed front bumper, which costs (RM12,395.82), bespoke rear bumper (RM15,534), rear spoiler (RM346), 20-inch Monostar R forged wheels (RM14,463.12), Continental Cross 245/45/R20 tyres (RM5,936), exhaust repair (RM130), Land Rover logo (RM236.70) and a custom paint job worth (RM1,950). Together with a labour fee of RM2,100, the total price of accessorising this Evoque is RM56,591.64!\nSTARTECH also offers a ride-height kit that lowers the Evoque by 35mm, which improves handling dynamics. Customers can also spec a sport exhaust system for better aural experience. The bodykit is said to reduce lift and provide better high speed stability. Performance upgrades to the engine is limited to the diesel variant for the time being, but developments for the petrol engine is in its final stages.   STARTECH\u00a0is ready to assist any existing or aspiring Range Rover Evoque owners in personalising the SUV to each individual tastes.\u00a0Interested customers can head down to the BRABUS section at NAZA Auto Mall or the BRABUS showroom in Glenmarie and seek professional consultation from STARTECH. All parts are warranted by the German accessory manufacturer, but this coverage only applies to manufacturing defects.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Forget everything you\u2019ve ever heard or known as Bugatti has just made us rethink the impossible after breaking the 300mph (482.8km/h) mark with a top speed of 490.4km/h in the 1,500 hp Chiron.\nThe record breaking feat was achieved just yesterday at the Ehra-Lessien test track in Lower Saxony with Le Mans winner and Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace behind the wheel who worked his way up to the top speed from 300 km/h in 50 km/h increments.\n \nIt was \nnot the first record-breaking run for the Chiron\n nor Wallace. In 1998, the Brit reached a speed of 391 km/h (243 mph) in at McLaren F1 on the same track, likewise setting a record.\nWallace only had a 8.8 kilometer straight to hit the 300mph (482.8km/h) mark, after exiting a bend at the test track at 200km/h.\nAt top speed, Wallace and the Chiron was covering 136 metres per second; the \nAgera RS only covered 127 metres per second\n when it \nset a 445.7km/h top speed to be the world\u2019s fastest production car\n two years ago.\nAnd the mind-blowing facts doesn\u2019t stop there. At top speed, the Chiron\u2019s Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres were rotating at 4,100 times per minute and have been reinforced to withstand 5300 G. Prior to the record run, the tyres were subjected to speeds of up to 511 km/h.\nTyres were not their only concern. As the high-speed track was only 50 metres above sea level, the higher air density meant the vehicle had to apply more force and at high speeds of over 400 km/h, it is as if the Chiron was driving against a wall.\n\u201cAir pressure, air density and temperature are very important for high-speed driving and can make a difference of up to 25 km/h, depending on the altitude,\u201d said Bugatti Head of Development, Stefan Ellrott.\nBugatti may be no stranger to new thresholds of speed, with the Veyron 16.4 setting speed records in 2005 and 2010 and the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse setting the record for the fastest roadster in 2013 but don\u2019t count on them to be making headlines anytime soon.\nBugatti President, Stephen Winkelmann, has said that with the new world record, Bugatti will withdraw from the competition to produce the fastest serial production car.\n\u201cWe have shown several times that we build the fastest cars in the world. In future we will focus on other areas,\u201d says Winkelmann.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"First introduced to the Malaysian market in 2012, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) in a short span of five years have grown their portfolio to over RM2.2 billion, with four out of 10 Mercedes-Benz cars financed by MBSM.\nMBSM has definitely played an important role in supporting Mercedes-Benz Malaysia\u2019s (MBM) position as the leading premium brand in Malaysia. From regular saloons to tyre-shredding AMGs, MBSM is ready to help you finance your Mercedes-Benz through Classic Financing (standard hire purchase), Agility Financing (Agility) or Lease2Go.\nThroughout the years, the standard route of car ownership has always been through a hire purchase loan \u2013 place a down payment, pay the monthly instalments for a set tenure and own the car at the end of the period. Alternative financing solutions may never come to mind when buying your new car.\nWe sat down with MBSM Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz to learn more about the nature of financial products offered and whether you should finance your next Mercedes-Benz with MBSM.\nLeft, MBSM Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz\nBetween Classic Financing (hire purchase), Agility Financing and Lease2Go, which is the more popular choice?\nThe popular choice is still the Classic Financing because that is what people are familiar with but the Agility and Lease2Go options are growing within our portfolio. Between three to four out of 10 cars we finance are under Agility or Lease2Go.\nWhat is the main difference between Agility Financing and Lease2Go?\nBoth products are similar in that they offer lower monthly repayments, but the mechanics are slightly different. For SMEs, in their accounts, Agility is parked under Assets while Lease2Go is viewed as an Expense.\nWith Agility, you pay to own the car at the end of the term while Lease2Go, you rent the car for a certain period to use.\nMBSM have been in operation for some time, is there a reason why you only offer two products besides Classic Financing?\nYou see, we can bring in many exotic products but at the end of the day, are the customers confident of what is being offered? Can the sales team explain the product to customers? It takes a bit more time because the product(s) are new to the market. So, our task is to build that awareness, build that consideration to customers and offer them a choice with our range of products.\nHaving these kinds of financial products have really changed the way consumers make car decisions, but will it attract bad paymasters who are unable to afford the monthly payments?\nBecause of the nature of the Mercedes-Benz brand, its potential clientele will naturally have a strong credit rating. Therefore, the credit strength of new clients has been pre-screened through the product because customers will think twice before taking on a contract with MBSM.\nThrough these financial products, say Agility Financing, you have made a Mercedes-Benz more attainable to a wider income group. What happens, when a customer stretches their budget just to go into the premium brand? \nThat is the intention, it\u2019s part of an example where we can help sell more cars, by making the monthly repayments more affordable. For example, with Agility that lowers the monthly repayments, it allows the customers to do a variety of things (with their cash flow) and here is where the lifestyle part of it comes in.\nWe also think of ourselves as a kind of lifestyle financier, because we are financing a lifestyle. Whether it\u2019s a \ntwo-door coupe\n, a \nfour-door sedan\n, \nplug-in hybrid\n or even an \nAMG\n, we want to have something to cater to your lifestyle.\nMaybe a \n4 door AMG\n?\nComing back to the question, I noticed a trend that more and more customers from Japanese makes are moving into the Mercedes-Benz brand because we can help lower the monthly instalment say from RM7,000 to RM4,000 through Agility. It allows for these group of customers to manage their cash flow better while driving a Mercedes-Benz.\nWhat other customer groups will benefit from Agility Financing?\nAnother group would be existing customers. For example, you are an existing C-Class owner but with an expanding family and you are looking to upgrade to an E-Class but because of additional commitments, you want to be more cautious with your money. Over the years, you have set aside a certain budget to pay for your hire purchase of the C-Class but now, Agility can help get into the E-Class threshold at a similar monthly instalment for a C-Class.\nAnother thing Agility can do for you is to allow you to make a lifestyle change. For example, you have a C-Class sedan but because of your lifestyle needs, you\u2019re looking to get into a Coupe. Agility allows you to make the choice to go for a Coupe at a reasonable monthly instalment and because of the option to return, you can easily return the Coupe and go back to a sedan at the end of the contract.\nWhy I say we are a lifestyle financier is because we are able to match the needs and aspirations of customers while providing flexibility for the customer to settle, refinance or return the vehicle at the end of the contract. We do not determine the choice of the customer, we give them that option at the end of the period.\nWhat is the breakdown of customers choosing to settle, refinance or return the vehicle?\nAgility started in 2013, so we are only seeing the returns last year. The sample size is still relatively small compared to what is coming this year and next year but just to give you an idea, 1/3 settled the balloon, 1/3 refinanced the car and 1/3 returned the car. This is just an estimation based on the actuals we\u2019ve seen and going forward, this might change and evolve further.\nThis confirms that each customer has their own preferences according to their aspirations and this is where the product is good because it gives the customers the option to choose.\nDo you take financial products from abroad and bring them over?\nYes, but we adjust it to the local market. Just because it works in Germany, doesn\u2019t mean it will work in Malaysia. That said, we see the (Malaysian) market evolving and maturing with individuals having more control and flexibility over their finances and sometimes even not owning a car.\nHopefully, we are there to support this trend and I think Agility does address this new consumer trend of financing their vehicles. At the end of the day, consumers want to have control over their finances and making their own choices which is why we are offering a wide range of products and services for the customers.\nMoving forward, what are your plans for MBSM?\nI can\u2019t speak too much of the specifics but what I can say is that we are getting traction on the non-classical financing, i.e. Agility and Lease2Go, so this is definitely an area we will continue to develop further \u2013 to enhance our products and creating variations to the products.\nThere are a few products planned for this year; so for the short-term future, it\u2019s really just to establish a strong foothold with these non-classical financing products, widen the awareness of it and refresh them with enhancements like bundling \u2013 of motor insurance, tyre and rim insurances into the monthly instalments.\nFurther down the road, it\u2019s more speculative than anything but we would be looking at mobility services offered globally while identifying which services are suitable for the Malaysian market. It\u2019s mainly about product innovation and being different from the rest of the market.\nWe would like to thank Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and Mike Ponnaz for the interview opportunity."
"As if the current S400h wasn\u2019t imposing enough in its presence, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced that it will now be available with the AMG Line styling package. Good riddance!\nSo what do you get? Well apart from the signature brute appearance that comes with the AMG Line, the \nS400h\n also comes with disctinctive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels tucked under its flared wheel arches. Perforated brakes disc are applied in all four corners underneath those enormous wheels for improved braking performance.\nCar\nMercedes-Benz S 400 h\nEngine\n3.5-litre V6\nTransmission\n7G-Tronic\nMax Power\n306 hp @ 6,500 rpm\nMax Torque\n370Nm @ 3,500 \u2013 5,250 rpm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n6.8 seconds; 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM598,888 (OTR excluding Insurance)\nAdditional changes that come with the AMG Line can be spotted below the front bumper, on the skirtings of the car and between the chrome tailpipes at the rear bumper. The interior adopts the finest leather materials with exclusive D\nesigno Brown high-gloss sunburst Myrtle \nwood trims and sportier highlights such as the AMG multifunction sports steering wheel with AMG sports pedals. Also present in the plush interior is the\u00a0\nBurmester surround sound system.   Sitting on the AIRMATIC suspension system, the S400h comes with a host of driver assist features such as the\u00a0\nDISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop and Go Pilot,\u00a0BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist,\u00a0PRE-SAFE Brake with Pedestrian Recognition,\u00a0Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE SAFE PLUS.\n\u201cAs a forerunner of the hybrid technology in Malaysia, the success of the S-Class has been astounding. The new S-Class with AMG Line is the perfect combination of pinnacle of luxury in conjunction with the sporty character. This new variant of the S-Class embodies our leadership aspirations like no other model. It is the best-selling limousine in the world as well as in Malaysia and the vehicle of choice in the premium luxury segment,\u201d says Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.\nThe S400h AMG line is priced at \nRM 598,888\n inclusive of GST without Insurance."
"Tyres are one of the most important bit of safety kit on our cars. But aside from providing grip, we often forget how much the tyres actually help with the overall ride quality, since we don\u2019t usually get to see them deforming under load. until we see them from the inside.\nThanks to the aptly-named YouTube channel \nWarped Perception\n, we now get to see the rubbers working from a perspective that was almost never seen \u2013 or even thought of \u2013 thanks to a Go-Pro camera mounted inside the low-profile tyres of a W211 \nMercedes-Benz\n E63 AMG.\n \nIt\u2019s surprising to see how much the rubbers flex when it comes in contact with the road, even when it is filled to a proper tyre pressure of 35 PSI. And for the most part of the video, the car was just rolling down the street gingerly. Can you imagine how much stress your tyres are withstanding when you\u2019re driving on the highway at the national speed limit?\nIt\u2019s also interesting to note how the tyres deform differently when driving in reverse \u2013 an effect that can probably be attributed to the toe set-up of the car. For the brief few seconds before the camera inside gets knocked away by the warped tyres (around the \n6:30 mark\n), we also get to see how much the tyre walls really flex when we turn the car into a corner.\nThe amount of engineering work put into the development of tyres is mind boggling, and these are not even the things that the marketing department can put on the advertisement copy. So the next time you hear someone complaining about how expensive tyres are, show them this video and see if they change their minds!"
"Kuala Lumpur will be under MCO from the 7th of May till 20th of May 2021, following an announcement by the government earlier.\nThe lockdown follows after yesterdays announcement where six districts in Selangor including Klang, Gombak, Petaling, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat, and Sepang, will be placed under MCO from the 6th till 17th of May.\nNo dine-ins will be allowed, with take away or delivery orders the only options. Restaurants and food outlets will be able to operate between 6 am till midnight only.\nTime to reprint those travel documents again folks!\nAs for supermarkets, grocery stores and fuel stations, operation hours are limited from 6 am to 10 pm. Only fuel stations by the highway may operate 24 hours daily. Inter-district travels will only be permitted for emergency and work purposes.\nShortly before the MCO announcement for Kuala Lumpur, the newly appointed Police Chief Commander of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said the police will deploy some 400 officers to ensure SOP compliance.\nIn the state of Johor, places like Kota Tinggi, Kulai and Johor Bahru will also be placed under MCO. The same applies to areas in Perak such as Taiping, Larut, Matang and Selama. In Terengganu, 14 subdistricts in Besut will be placed under MCO.\nAs of today, 3,744 new cases were reported in Malaysia, with Selangor registering over 1,548 new cases.\nFor further enquiries on SOP, the public may contact the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-21159999, or visit the nearest police station."
"The old Top Gear as we know it, might have bled its last drop of blood. Not only have our three \u201cbest friends\u201d on TV departed, they\u2019re now taking away the infamous Top Gear test track as well.\nThe \u201cHammerhead\u201d and \u201cChicago\u201d turns as we all have so often hear Jeremy Clarkson narrate about, built around an old military air base, will make way for\n new homes, health facilities commercial centres\n.\nAccording to \nJalopnik\n, so far, nothing has been said about where the new track will be and how it\u2019ll be like. There\u2019s also no word how on much longer Top Gear will have on the track to film their shows.\nThe \u201cnew Top Gear\u201d, with Matt LeBlanc, Rory Reid and Chris Harris, just concluded the lucrative TV franchise\u2019s 25th season. With the new trio finally hitting their stride, a new (26th) season is sure to be on the way. Question is, will it feature a new track by then? Maybe even a new Stig?\nR.I.P, old Top Gear."
"Honda Malaysia made headlines earlier this year when they \noutsold Toyota to be the best performing non-national carmaker\n in terms of car sales. The company sold three times more cars than they did five years ago, but as much as they\u2019d like to celebrate, there\u2019s simply no time for them to rest on their laurels.\nThis year, during the parting of Honda Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Yoichiro Ueno, the company gave us a glimpse into what we can expect from them this year. Joining the already solid and seemingly complete product lineup are the new \nHonda Civic and facelifted Honda Accord\n. The good news here is \u2013 although not confirmed word-for-word \u2013 both models will most likely be \nlocally assembled\n.\nDespite the duo\u2019s highly anticipated arrival, Honda Malaysia targets to sell 90,000 cars this year, compared to the 94,902 units (14.2 percent market share) they shifted last year. The first two months of 2016 saw a dip in car sales mainly due to current economic pressures, but Honda seems unfazed in their quest to emulate last year\u2019s exceedingly positive performance.\nHonda Malaysia currently has 87 dealerships and 14 body paint centres, but they plan to bring the tally up to 95 and 20 respectively."
"The year 2016 is a special one for Renault as they are returning to Formula One. To mark this symbolic return, TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the official distributor of Renault in Malaysia has just introduced the Renault Fluence Formula Edition.\nBased on the \nfacelifted Fluence\n, the Formula Edition gets a five-piece body kit with blue and red decals around the car. At the rear, a muffler cutter completes the look for the Formula One livery car. A new two-toned black alloy wheels is featured over the standard silver alloys.\nOn the inside, gloss black trims can be found around the cabin to give it a more exclusive look. However, the standout feature on the interior would be the Rich Maroon leather seats.\nNo changes are found in the mechanics. The familiar 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that is also found in the previous-gen Nissan Sylphy is employed. Power is rated at \n143 hp\n and \n195 Nm\n of torque, and the engine is paired to the same Nissan-sourced X-Tronic CVT to drive the front wheels. Fuel economy is claimed to be at 7.7 litres per 100km.\nThe Renault Fluence Formula Edition is priced at some RM3,000 higher than the 2.0L Dynamique variant at RM126,688 (OTR without insurance). Buyers can opt for a Black Metallic or White Pearl paint scheme. It also comes with a 5-Year unlimited mileage and a \n5inFLuence \npackage\u00a0which includes a 5-Year free maintenance or 100,000km, whichever comes first, one-year genuine parts warranty, complimentary pick-up service and 48-hour Mobility Solution.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"A plug-in hybrid version of the \nMercedes-Benz C-Class\n is now available in Thailand in the guise of the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e AMG Dynamic. Fetching a price of 3,350,000-baht (approx. \nRM 425,439\n), the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) C350e is now sold alongside the diesel-powered C 220 d Avantgarde.\nIn Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is sold in two versions, namely the C 200 Avantgarde and the \nC 300 AMG Line\n. With the PHEV C-Class now available in Thailand and Singapore, it might just make its way to Malaysia soon.\nEuropean-spec C\n \n300 e shown\nPowering the Thai-spec Mercedes-Benz C 350 e is a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 204 hp (metric) and 320 Nm. Working together with the turbocharged engine is an electric motor that makes 129 hp (metric) and 440 Nm. Combined, the hybrid system makes \n313 hp\n (metric) and \n500 Nm\n. All power is sent to the rear wheels via a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and the car does the 0-100km/h acceleration in \n6.1 seconds.\nStoring power for the electric drive system is a \n25.4-kWh\n battery that gives the car an all-electric driving range of 100 km (WLTP). A plus point of the C 350 e PHEV is that it can handle DC fast charging at a rate of 50 kW, allowing you to charge the car in \n30 minutes\n. With 11-kW AC charging, you can \u2018refill\u2019 the battery in \n2 hours\n.\nRELATED: \n2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class now locally-assembled in Malaysia, from RM288k\nEuropean-spec C 300 e shown\nCompared to the Thai-spec C 220 d Avantgarde, the C 350 e AMG Dynamic adds the following features:\nAMG Line exterior\nDigital Light\nAdaptive Highbeam Assist\nActive Light System\nCornering Light\nRadiator Grille with Mercedes-Benz Pattern\nComfort suspension with air level control on rear axle\n18-inch AMG 5-twin spoke light alloy wheels\nLarger front disc brakes\nTIREFIT\nRELATED: \nCKD Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line, from RM 332k\nEuropean-spec C 300 e shown\nLifting the C 350 e AMG Dynamic\u2019s interior a tier above its diesel counterpart are the following interior features:\nAMG Line interior\nPanoramic sunroof\nSports Seats\nMultifunction AMG sports steering wheel in Nappa leather\nElectrical sunblind for rear window\nHeated front seats\nBrushed sports pedals with black rubber studs\nInstrument panel and beltlines in ARTICO man-made leather in Nappa look\nBurmester 3D Surround Sound System\nAMG floor mats\nRELATED: \nThe new Mercedes-Benz C 300e now up to 313 hp and a proper boot\nEuropean-spec C 300 e shown\nStandard interior features in the Thai-spec Mercedes-Benz C-Class include 11.9-inch touchscreen centre display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, ambient lighting, MBUX, and LTE communication for the use of Mercedes Me connected services.\nStandard safety equipment for the Thai-spec Mercedes-Benz C-Class includes Adaptive Brake with Hold function and Hill-Start Assist, Active Brake Assist, Cruise Control and Speedtronic, Attention Assist, and Active Parking Assist with Parktronic. The range-topping C350e AMG Dynamic adds on Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Lane Keeping Assist.\nALSO WATCH: \nCBU Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde, C300 AMG Line in Malaysia from RM288k, 5 Things"
"There are dull days at work and then there\u2019s this \u2013 the \nCars of Malaysia 2018\n Tour of Peninsula Malaysia \u2013 which we\u2019ll be embarking on with Evo Malaysia and Roda Pusing this Friday (13th July) till next Monday (16th July).\nHaving recognised and acknowledged \nall the winners from 35 categories of the Cars of Malaysia 2018 awards\n, the convoy will bring us to all four corners of Peninsula Malaysia with stops in Penang, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Johor Bharu and Malacca before concluding in Putrajaya.   The drive will see us travel \nalmost 2,000 km\n, with 10 different cars of various makes and models and stops at all the significant places of interests around Peninsula Malaysia, for all our viewers and readers to be up close with the award-winning vehicles. Among them includes the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45 and AMG C43 Sedan, Mitsubishi Outlander and Triton, the Volvo V40 and the new XC60 and not to forget the Proton Iriz.\nDAY 1\nWe\u2019ll be gathering at and setting off from \nBatu Caves\n, before making our next stop only at the \nMenara Condong\n, \nTeluk Intan\n. From there, we\u2019ll head to \nKellie\u2019s Castle\n, onward to the \nIpoh Railway Station\n before calling it a day at the \nKek Lok Si Temple\n in Penang.\nDAY 2\nFrom Penang, we\u2019ll be heading across Peninsula Malaysia to Kuala Terengganu, not before stopping at the \nBelum Rainforest\n en route to \nKota Bharu\n, \nGerbang Kota Sultan Ismail Petra\n and the\n Crystal Mosque \nin Kuala Terengganu.\nDAY 3\nOn the third day of the tour, be sure to catch us and the cars at \nTeluk Cempedak\n, \nSultan Abu Bakar Monument\n, subsequently at \nIstana Bukit Serene\n and finally at \nPuteri Harbour\n in Johor Bharu.\nDAY 4\nOn the fourth and final day, we\u2019ll be making our way from Johor Bharu to \nKota A\u2019Famosa\n, \nKlebang Cococut Shake\n, \nPort Dickson\n and lastly at \nPutrajaya\n where the Cars of Malaysia 2018 entourage will be paraded before the end of our grand tour around Peninsula Malaysia.\nThose interested are more than welcomed to join us on our convoy on any of the legs, if you own any of the cars that were elected as the \u201cBest 3\u201d in the Cars of Malaysia 2018 awards.\nThere will be no participation charges but all costs involved will be at your own expense. Stay tuned to our social media feeds (\nFacebook\n & \nInstagram\n) for the latest updates of our location! See you there!"
"In a bid to encourage social distancing measures during this holy month of Ramadan, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) is launching its Ramadan Safe Pledge campaign to further reinforce the government-mandated Movement Control Order (MCO), despite the \nrecent announcement by the Prime Minister\n for the relaxation of the MCO rules.\nThe campaign will run from the \n4th to 23rd May 2020\n, where VCM is inviting the general public to pledge their commitment to the social distancing rules. As an incentive, VCM will be giving out \nGrabFood vouchers worth RM10\n for the\n first 500 successful pledges daily\n. Over the 20-day campaign period, VCM will be giving out 10,000 vouchers for a total value of RM100,000.\nTo take part in the pledge, participants will have to register their pledge at the campaign microsite \nhere\n. After the pledge, participants will then have to repost one of the five Volvo pledge images on their Instagram accounts anytime between \n10 am to 3pm\n, tagging Volvo Car Malaysia (\n@VolvoCarMalaysia\n) and the hashtag \n#MYVolvoSafePledge\n in their post.\nIf your submission is eligible, the voucher will be sent directly to the email address used to sign up for the pledge. Each voucher has a validity of six months. VCM will be selecting successful participants daily, on a \u201cfirst-pledge-first-repost\u201d basis. Every Instagram account will be limited to one entry only.\nVCM Managing Director, Nalin Jain said, \u201cIt is undeniable that all of us are affected by \nCOVID-19\n and the implementation of the MCO means we have adopted a new norm in our daily lives. Onward from this, we want to do what we can to help ease the burden of\nMalaysians.\n\u201c[.] We hope that through this campaign, we can help alleviate some of the challenges that may be experienced during this time because we are all in this together and a little help goes a long way. We also would like to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Ramadan,\u201d added Jain.\nVolvo S60 T8 R-Design \u2013 Is it the \nmost value-for-money sports sedan in Malaysia\n?\nIn conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya festivities, VCM will also be rolling out an array of special offers from 1 May to 30 June 2020. These will include complimentary five-year maintenance service package (VSA5+) for new owners of all Volvo models, Recharge package worth RM30,888 for selected models, and Hager Wallbox worth up to RM8,000 for selected PHEV variants.\nIn addition, all \nonline bookings\n will also receive a complimentary Polestar Optimisation package worth RM5,250. For more information on these offers, VCM advises customers to contact their preferred Volvo dealers."
"Yes, the new \nHonda Civic Type R\n\u00a0is finally available in the US, making it the first full-blown high performance Civic to be officially sold in the West. But as it turns out, it appears that there would be a hotter Type R (FK8R) in the works!\nChief Engineer for the Civic, Hideki Matsumoto said to\u00a0\nAutomotive News\n\u00a0that by adding more variants to the Civic line, it would certainly create a more stable sales volume. Among them is a more\u00a0\nhardcore version\n of the Type R hatchback. Just like the \nGolf GTI Clubsport S\n, this could mean that there will be a Civic pushing above the 315 hp mark, and would potentially lap the\u00a0\nNurburgring\n quicker than \n7 minutes 43.8 seconds\n.\nOn the flip side, there could also be a milder version of the FK8R. It will be focused more on the \ngrand touring\n aspect, aimed at those seeking performance but not ready for the all-out Type R.\nAlso hinted is an \nall-wheel drive\n\u00a0Type R, which will go against the formidable mega hatches such as the \nFord Focus RS\n, \nVolkswagen Golf R\n, and \nMercedes-AMG A 45\n.\nOn a brighter note, rumour has it that Honda Malaysia is actually considering bringing this in. If that day indeed comes, then better get your chequebooks ready."
"There isn\u2019t a better once-in-a-lifetime road trip scenario than what was achieved with these five Malaysians over the course of three odd months. The convoy is comprised of five Malaysians in three Volkswagen Microbus (Bulli) and a classic Beetle, all of which braved through a gruelling distance of 20,000km to Germany.\nCliften Nathaniel, Terence Moses, Stephen Pang, Monica Xavier and Udhaya Kumar, left Malaysia in March and travelled across Thailand, Laos, China, Russia and Europe before reaching the country where their cars were made. Naturally, they were prepared, bringing with them spare tyres, replacement parts and tools. Just in case, you know.\nBy June, the contingent arrived in Germany\u00a0and visited Volkswagen\u2019s plant in Hannover. At the same place, they witnessed the production of the latest T-Series model. They also attended the Volkswagen vintage meet in Hessisch-Oldendorf, witnessing some of the biggest classic Volkswagen gatherings ever existed.\nThey then continued driving to other European countries to participate in various charities as part of the\u00a0\n#Live2drive\n campaign. The return leg will take place later this year. Imagine the stories that will come out of this epic journey!\nWe at \nAutoBuzz.my\n, on behalf of all Malaysians, wish the five of you ambitious souls the very best of luck!"
"Toyota Motor Corporation has launched the\n redesigned Century\n \u2013 a modern retro rendition of the model that made its debut in 1967 \u2013 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of the group.\nPriced at\u00a019,600,000 yen (\napprox. RM712 k\n) \u2013 possibly over a million if you factor in our local taxes \u2013 Toyota expects to sell 50 units of the 5.0-litre hybrid V8 every month.\nThe V8 engine on its own makes \n381 hp\n and \n510 Nm\n of torque while the electric motors generate \n224 hp\n and \n300 Nm\n. Impressive, sure, but that\u2019s not why the Century costs so much.\nThe justification lies in its meticulously-crafted details. Take the exterior for example; the Century features a newly-developed, seven layer eternal black paint coat, dubbed \nKamui\n, along with the historical phoenix emblem that \ntook six weeks for craftsmen to engrave\n.   A wet sanding technique is carried out\n three times to smooth out the slightest unevenness\n. The body then receives a mirror finish to ensure that there isn\u2019t a hint of cloudiness or dullness in its color.\nInside, wood trims occupy most parts of the cabin along with a 11.6-inch rear seat entertainment system linked to 20 speakers and a 7-inch touch panel in the center armrest to control the audio, air-conditioning, massage functions and even the curtains.\nThe interior is also draped with noise-proofing material, enhanced by an active noise control system that additionally reduces engine noise and vibration when it starts and accelerates.\nDriving stability and ride comfort have been fine-tuned using newly developed tires, suspension arms, bushes, mounts and other rubber parts specific for the purpose of increasing ride comfort and reducing road vibration.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"UMW Toyota has just announced a new updated for the \nToyota GR Supra\n here in Malaysia, with the sole upgrade being the addition of Apple CarPlay on the infotainment system.\nThe update is the second the GR Supra\u2019s received since its launch here back in 2019; the first being a \nperformance upgrade\n last year, which saw the power output from the 3.0-litre turbocharge inline-six engine bumped up to\n 388 hp\n and \n500 Nm\n.\nThe addition of Apple CarPlay, albeit a basic wired one, is a welcome move on the Toyota GR Supra \u2013 especially since BMW (who makes the Supra) still charges a RM1,299 one-time fee to activate the feature on their cars here in Malaysia.\nAndroid users are out of luck this time round, however, as Android Auto is still not available on the Toyota GR Supra \u2013 a feature that\u2019s also unavailable globally.\nWatch our full review of the Toyota GR Supra here!\nOtherwise, the Toyota GR Supra remains identical to the existing model in Malaysia, including all the standard equipment from before such as the 8.8-inch touchscreen display with touchpad remote, built-in navigation, and a 12-speaker JBL HiFi Surround Sound System.\nThe Toyota GR Supra\u2019s advanced safety kit is also unchanged. Features include Forward Collision Warning; Lane Departure Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (All-Speed); Adaptive High Beam System; and Road Sign Assist.\nLegoland Japan built a full-sized Toyota Supra replica that can even be driven at up to 28 km/h! Check it out here.\nThe updated Toyota GR Supra is priced at \nRM589,987\n on the road and without insurance, which is unchanged from before. The price also includes the \n50% sales tax exemptions\n for fully-imported models, valid until the end of 2021.\nInterested customers can place a booking for the new GR Supra at selected authorized Toyota GR Garage showrooms nationwide. The full list of GR Garage showrooms is available \nhere\n."
"Shell Lubricants Malaysia have just officially launched their new range of \nDriveline Protection\n products at the ongoing 2015 Malaysia International Trucks, Bus and Components Expo (MITBC) held at the MINES International Exhibition and Convention Centre.\nThe Driveline range is comprised of \nShell Rimula\n heavy duty diesel engine oils, \nShell Spirax\n oils for axles, transmissions and gears as well as \nShell Gadus\n\u00a0multipurpose greases. The multinational oil and gas company claims that these lubricants, when used in conjunction with each other, delivers greater long term value by \nreducing operating costs\n and \nextending service intervals\n. To quote Shell, using the Driveline products means \nless downtime, more done time\n.\nIn one given case study, a Sibu-based company \u2013 NB Heavy Industries Sdn Bhd reportedly saved \nnearly RM2.5 million\n in operating and maintenance costs annually after making the switch to using Shell Rimula engine oils. The company has a fleet of trucks that operate in various industries such as\u00a0long-haul, construction, mining, agriculture and timber.\nWhen using the Shell Spirax oil, another Sabah-based company in the plantation industry, Kokorotus Estate Sdn Bhd claims that oil drain interval for their fleet of tractors increased from \n500 hours to 1,300 hours\n, an up-time of nearly three folds the duration! Total annual savings in this regard amounted to slightly below RM100,000.\nShell Lubricants General Manager for Malaysia and Singapore, Mr Leslie Ng, said the company is constantly leveraging on their latest lubricating technology to help heavy equipment owners and operations to attain optimum levels of operational efficiency. Should you be interested to find out all bout these products, you may click on the video above or pay their booth a visit at the ongoing MITBC 2015.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has just opened its doors to it latest Mazda 3S Centre in Jelutong, Penang. Strategically located on one of the major roads of Penang, the new 3S Centre aims to strengthen Mazda\u2019s presence and support to its growing pool of customer in Penang.\nWith a built-up area of 24,138 sq. ft, Mazda Jelutong 3S Centre is the 85\nth\n Mazda outlet in Malaysia and the 43\nrd\n Mazda 3S Centre for Bermaz Motor. Furnished with Mazda\u2019s latest global visual identity, the two-floor facility can display up to 14 Mazda vehicles and is capable of servicing up to 500 vehicles a month thanks to its seven work bays.\nBermaz technicians at the outlet are also trained and certified to provide professional services from standard maintenance to major repair jobs. Manned by 28-member team, Mazda Jelutong is a one-stop solution for sales, vehicle trade-in, financing and after-sales services, dedicated to delivering the Mazda Peaceful Ownership experience to customers.\nMazda Jelutong is located at 180 Jalan Jelutong, 11600, Georgetown, Penang and is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends."
"After many months of \nteasing\n and \nspeculations\n, the Proton Iriz has finally blown its cover to the public, this time with looks to kill. As reported \nearlier\n, the B-Segment contender is designed to meet world standards. So, can the Iriz grab hold of such ambition, or will this be the case of \u2018getting the ball rolling\u2019? Either way, the Iriz is indeed impressive for what it\u2019s worth. And we can certainly expect to see more quality in the next car to roll out of Proton\u2019s production plant.   QUICK FACTS\nName\nProton Iriz 1.3L Standard\nProton Iriz 1.3L Executive\nSegment\nB-Segment\nB-Segment\nEngine\n1,332cc, inline 4-cylinder VVT\n1,332cc, inline 4-cylinder VVT\nTransmission\n5-speed Manual / CVT\n5-speed manual / CVT\nMax Power\n94hp @ 5,750 rpm\n94hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n120Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n120Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM42,438 / RM45,438\nfrom RM46,438 / RM49,438\n \n\u00a0\nName\nProton Iriz 1.6L Executive\nProton Iriz 1.6L Premium\nSegment\nB-Segment\nB-Segment\nEngine\n1,597cc, inline 4-cylinder VVT\n1,597cc, inline 4-cylinder VVT\nTransmission\n5-speed Manual / CVT\n5-speed manual / CVT\nMax Power\n107hp @ 5,750 rpm\n107hp @ 5,750 rpm\nMax Torque\n150Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n150Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice\nfrom RM53,438 / RM56,438\nfrom RM59,438 / RM62,438\n \n\u00a0\nThe story behind the \u2018Iriz\u2019 nameplate derives from the word \u2018Iris\u2019, which is responsible for controlling the diameter of the pupil in an eye. According to Proton, the name signifies forward thinking and setting safety standards for its customers. In the case of the Iriz, it\u2019s conceivably true that Proton is setting the benchmark when it comes to safety.\nStandard features of the Proton Iriz\n \nThis hot new hatchback does have a number of features that are standard across the range, but we\u2019ll elaborate more on the safety front. In case you missed the flurry of teasers on Proton\u2019s \nmicrosite\n\u00a0\u2013 \nbetulbetulonz.com.my\n, the Iriz is given a \n5-star ASEAN NCAP\n crash safety rating, thanks in part to the \nextensive use\n of \nreinforced steel structures\n to protect its occupants. Also,\u00a0the doors of the Iriz are fitted with sensors that would \nautomatically unlock the doors\n in case you get involved in an accident. ISOFIX top tether mounting points are standard across the range too.\nOther standard safety features include \nVehicle Dynamic Control\n (VDC), \nABS\n with \nEBD\n, Brake Assist, ESC, Traction Control, \nHill-Hold Assist\n and \nseat belt warning indicator\n with buzzer. Reverse sensors come in a pair, but we wouldn\u2019t mind having two more, just to be on par with the rest, if you know what I mean.\nExterior wise, the Iriz gets halogen projector headlamps as standard, along with the LED combination rear lamps. Signal indicators are integrated into the side mirrors, which are attached onto the front door panels, a first for a Proton car. All Iriz trims get \nframeless front wipers\n too. Another interesting feature of the hatch is its \nspeed sensitive\n Electronic Power Steering, also a standard feature.\nProton IRIZ 1.3L Standard\n \nThe Iriz comes with two engines to boot; a \n1.3-litre inline-four\n and a bigger \n1.6-litre\n engine. Both engines now feature \nVariable Valve Timing\n (VVT) as reported \nearlier\n. Just to recap, the 1.3-litre engine makes \n94 horsepower\n at 5,750 rpm and \n120 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm.   In this base trim, you get: manual folding side mirrors, urethane steering wheel with no audio controls, \nfabric semi bucket seats\n, 2-DIN radio and CD player with USB, AUX port and Bluetooth connectivity, two speakers, power windows, \ndual front airbags\n and remote control key (the rest gets a boot release, not this though).   Price:\n \nStandard MT \u2013 RM42,438   Standard CVT \u2013 RM45,438\nProton IRIZ 1.3 Executive\n \nSimilar to the Standard trim, the Executive 1.3L gets a few additional features for a mere \nRM4,000\n \nextra.\n Such features are: \nfollow me home lamp\n, body-coloured body kit, standard design rear spoiler, rear wiper (the standard doesn\u2019t come with this), fabric trim door inserts, four speakers, \ntwo rear USB charging ports\n rated at 1.5A and 2.1A and driver\u2019s side vanity mirror.   Both the 1.3L variants sit on 14-inch wheels shod with 175/65 R14 series tyres. Price increment justified, don\u2019t you think?   Price:\n \nExecutive MT \u2013 RM46,438\n \nExecutive CVT \u2013 RM49,438\nProton IRIZ 1.6L Executive\n \nThe Executive trim is the only variant to receive two engine options, and costs about \nRM7,000\n \nmore\n than the 1.3L variant. The 1.6-litre mill produces \n107 hp\n at 5,750 rpm and \n150 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. The upper two trims get a larger \n15-inch wheels\n to complement its sporty stance, wrapped with 195/55 R15 series rubbers.   This model gets \ntwo-toned full bodykit\n, \nsporty rear spoiler\n, \nfront fog lamps\n, urethane steering wheel with audio controls, a \n6.2\u2033 LCD screen\n with DVD player, USB, AUX port and Bluetooth connectivity. The head unit also has the \nintegrated rear-view camera\n display, \nGPS navigation\n and \nin-car 4G Wi-Fi function\n.   Price:\n \nExecutive MT \u2013 RM53,438\n \nExecutive CVT \u2013 RM56,438\nProton IRIZ 1.6L Premium\n \nThe Premium variant boasts a number of exclusive features (on top of the Executive 1.6L), such as the \nLED Daytime Running Lights\n (DRL), auto-fold side mirrors, sunvisor extension, \nsix airbags\n (front, side and curtain), anti-trap power window (driver side only), \nelectronic gear shift lock\n, \nleather steering wheel\n with audio controls, \nleather semi bucket seats\n, automated headlamps, \nkeyless entry\n and \npush-start ignition\n.   Identifying one is relatively easy, because it\u2019s the only trim with the DRLs.   Price:\n \nPremium MT \u2013 RM59,438\n \nPremium CVT \u2013 RM62,438\nThe Proton Iriz is now available for viewing and test drive at all proton authorised showrooms nationwide, and can be had in seven colours \u2013 Fire Red, Atlantic Blue, Genetic Silver, Proton White, Tranquility Black and\u00a0\ntwo new colours\n\u00a0exclusive to the Iriz \u2013\u00a0\nCitrus Green\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nSilver Moon Dust.\u00a0\nIt comes with a five-year warranty programme with three-years of free service.\nWhat do you think? Is the Iriz a step closer to being world standard, or is it already one?\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY\nLAUNCHING   PROTON IRIZ 1.6 PREMIUM   PROTON IRIZ 1.6 EXECUTIVE   PROTON IRIZ 1.3 EXECUTIVE   PROTON IRIZ 1.3 STANDARD"
"Debuted almost a year ago at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, the Volvo XC90 Excellence is now making its maiden European appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.\u00a0In layman terms, the XC90 Excellence is an XC90 T8 with three of the rear seats removed, replaced by a couple of recliners. And it goes beyond that.\nVolvo claims that the XC90 Excellence\u00a0is the most luxurious car in their 89 year history, and it\u2019s clear to see why. Crystal clear, actually.\u00a0While the driver in front gets a \ncrystal gear shifter by Orrefors\n, the rear passengers\u00a0are served with a couple of \nhand-crafted crystal glasses\n by the same Swedish glass design company, complete with their proprietary holder in the rear center console. There\u2019s also a \nfridge\n to keep the bubbly chilled.   The rear occupants can chill as well, in the\n individual seats\n with acres of space to lounge. Apart from being able to \nrecline\n, the seats themselves are \nventilated\n and equipped with a \nmassage function\n, while entertainment is provided by an \nindividual screen\n mounted at the back of the front seats\u2019 headrests.\nTo ensure maximum comfort,\u00a0\nPirelli Noise Cancelling System\n tyres (PNCS) are fitted\u00a0for a quieter cabin, but if it\u2019s too quiet for you there\u2019s a \u201cspecially-augmented\u201d\u00a0\nBowers & Wilkins audio system\n.   Externally there\u2019s nothing much you can tell apart from the \nchromed door pillars\n and a subtle badge. Mechanically underneath it\u2019s still an \nXC90 T8\n, so there\u2019s \n407 hp\n and \n640 Nm\n from the \n2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid\n powertrain. Like the XC90 First Edition, the XC90 Excellence is limited to just \n1,927 units\n and they are available for online purchase. Malaysian sale however, is highly unlikely.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Ferrari and Maserati in Malaysia have launched their newly refurbished flagship showroom along Federal Highway.\nThe RM5 milion renovation job is one; in line with the Italian marques\u2019 global corporate identity and two, Naza\u2019s commemoration of its 40th anniversary this year. CEO and Group CEO of Naza World Group of Companies, Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin said, \u201cWith growth comes change. In celebration of such growth and to share our gratitude with our customers, we are reinvesting in the Group and rewarding our customers -starting with the refurbishing of the Naza Italia showroom. It now echoes all that the exclusive Ferrari and Maserati brand stand for.\u201d\n \n \nThe refurbished 4\u2019S\u2019 (sales, service, systems and spare parts) centre boasts a spacious showroom with dedicated sales area, a luxurious lounge area, a merchandise area, configuration area and delivery bays for both brands. It also houses a fully-equipped business centre and boardroom facility for owners to meet and mingle.\nFollowing the refurbished showroom launch, Naza Italia will be upgrading its Aftersales Workshop. At present time, the workshop features state-of-the-art service bays, advanced tooling and complete diagnostic systems for troubleshooting including tuning with the latest engine management software updates.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) today announced that all 19 units of the limited edition \nFord Ranger Splash\n had been pre-booked ahead of Lazada\u2019s 11.11 shopping festival.\nSDAC says that the success of this collaboration with Lazada demonstrates that the Malaysian consumers have fully embraced eCommerce.\u00a0SDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said \u201cWe believe that customers are looking for unique experiences and exclusivity in their\n vehicles.\u201d\nThe online sales event also marked two milestones in the local automotive industry, claims SDAC. The Ford Ranger Splash is the first pick-up truck to be sold through eCommerce, as well as the first vehicle to be sold via \u201cChup Dulu\u201d \u2013 a promotional mechanism allowing buyers to reserve their product ahead of the shopping festival.\u00a0\nBased on the \nRanger XLT Plus\n, the Ford Ranger Splash is only available exclusively at the Ford Official Store on\u00a0LazMall. The limited edition pick-up truck features an all-black exterior, contrasted by fluorescent \u201cRanger Splash\u201d decals on each side.\nFord also equipped the Ranger Splash with several exclusive goodies, including\u00a0matte black front kangaroo bar, sports bar, built-in toll reader and a 360-degree Around View Monitor Camera.\nUnder the hood, the Ranger Sport is powered by a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine, generating \n180 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque. The powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.\nPriced at \nRM138,888\n, customers only had to pay a deposit of RM139 to secure the booking. Once the booking is secured, customers will then have to pay the remainder of the booking fee (RM1,250) during the 11.11 shopping festival.\nAfter the payment of booking fee, buyers will then be contacted by a SDAC representative to complete the purchase. Although sold through an online platform, the Ford Ranger Splash will still come with a three-year/100,000 km warranty and five-year/100,000 km free maintenance package.\nFord is not the first brand to experiment with online sales. Previously, Volkswagen has also utilised Lazada\u2019s online marketplace for the limited edition \nVolkswagen Beetle\n and \nPolo Black and White Edition.\n\u00a0\nSo far, all of the online-only specials have been met with \nreassuring\n \nsuccess\n. With the Ford Ranger Splash adding to the list, are we going to start seeing cars being sold through online avenues, rather than just one-off specials?"
"Driving dynamics has always been a strong suit of Audi vehicles and this is largely due to the innovative and high tech chassis design that underpins their cars\u2019 body. Engineers at Ingolstadt have always find ways to reimagine the body structure to be more rigid, lighter and safer, resulting in a vehicle that offers exceptional performance.\nAudi has just unveiled that the next-generation Audi A8 will feature an all-new chassis \u2013 \nAudi Space Frame (ASF)\n that is made from a mix of \nfour materials\n \u2013 aluminium, steel, magnesium and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The next-generation ASF will not only be lighter than before, but offers \n25 percent better torsional rigidity\n compared to its predecessor.\nThe \naluminium\n components make up 58 percent of the new A8 body but has been significantly improved via new heat-treated, ultra-high-strength cast alloys to attain a tensile strength of over 230 megapascals. \nSteel\n components make up the interior shell of the car due to its lightweight and strong properties, crucial in ensuring the material can provide optimum safety during a crash.\n\u00a0\nMagnesium\n components is used at the strut brace and bolts to benefit 28 percent weight savings yet guarantees the body\u2019s high torsional rigidity. \nCFRP\n on the other hand contributes to 33 percent of the vehicles overall torsional rigidity thanks to its unique layering of six to 19 fibre sheets placed on top of one another. This ensures that the body is able to optimally absorb impact force, keeping the occupants safe. All these materials are joint together through Audi\u2019s remote laser welding technology to form the body of the new A8.\nBesides that, based on the design concept, the new A8 appears to have 28 mm more passenger rear knee room and the\u00a0larger rear door apertures. We also know that the \nnext-gen A8 may\u00a0feature a three-screen Audi Virtual Dashboard\n. With Audi dropping all these hints, could it be that the launch of the new A8 is imminent?\nIMAGE GALLERY\n \n Body of the next Audi A8 (Background: Framing line)   Magnesium strut brace of the next Audi A8"
"It\u2019s officially the end of the line for the \nLotus Elise\n, \nExige\n, and \nEvora\n, as the last examples of each model have just rolled off the production line at Hethel, UK.\nBetween the three model lines and over the course of 26 years, a total of 51,738 cars will have come off the production line \u2013 representing nearly half of Lotus\u2019 total production in its 73-year history. In addition to that, a further 9,715 cars were built for Lotus\u2019 third-party clients, such as GM and Tesla.\nThe last examples of the Elise (a yellow Sport 240 Final Edition, #35,124), Exige (Heritage Racing Green Cup 430 Final Edition, #10,497), and Evora (Dark Metallic Grey GT430 Sport, #6,117) will be reserved for safekeeping in Lotus\u2019 growing heritage collection.\nLotus Cars Malaysia announces pricing of Emira V6..read about it here!\nAs production of these cars draw to an end, the current assembly lines \u2013 which were installed in 2,000 to ramp up production \u2013 will be dismantled and replaced with new \u201cstate-of-the-art\u201d semi-automated facilities for the production of the all-new \nLotus Emira\n, which will jump into full-scale production in spring after the prototype and test phases currently underway are completed.\nLotus Cars Managing Director, Matt Windle said: \u201cFirst of all, I would like to thank the Lotus team who have worked on the Elise, Exige, and Evora over the years and who are now transferring to Emira and Evija manufacturing. I would also like to convey enormous gratitude to all the customers of the Elise, Exige, and Evora over the last 26 years for their passion, enthusiasm and support.\n\u201cThese customers have given our \u2018three Es\u2019 true cult status \u2013 usually reserved for long-out-of-production classics. As we say farewell to the last few cars, we look forward to the Emira and\n Evija\n in the all-new factories at Hethel and sub-assembly facilities in Norwich, which introduce greater efficiencies and automation, higher quality and flexibility and the hugely exciting next chapter in our \nVision80 strategy\n.\u201d\nDesign Director, Russell Carr added, \u201cThese iconic cars have not only played a huge role in Lotus\u2019 73-year history but have also been ever-present in my daily life. Together with the Lotus design team, I have lived and breathed these cars for over 26 years.\nLotus reminds us why the Emira is for the purists in a shakedown video.watch it here! \n\u201cWe will miss them, but a bit like Christmas, once it\u2019s over, the excitement for the next one starts to build \u2013 and that\u2019s what\u2019s happening now at Lotus with the Evija, Emira, and forthcoming \nType 132\n. 2022 is going to be a great year as a new Lotus generation swings into action.\u201d\nLotus Head of Vehicle Concepts, Richard Rackham, who was also the vehicle architect on the Lotus Elise and part of the team that pioneered extruded and bonded aluminium technology in the automotive industry said, \u201cThe impact of these three cars has been spectacular over the years, technically, structurally and dynamically.\n\u201cBut all technologies and innovations move on and, if you had asked me of my proudest moment four years ago, I would have, without hesitation, said the Elise chassis. However, this has been usurped by our new \nProject LEVA architecture\n for our new range of electric sports cars, starting with the Type 135 in a few years\u2019 time. This is now the zenith of Lotus architectures, as it has moved the technology game so much further. There is a lot to look forward to.\u201d\nThese cars have not only played a huge part in Lotus\u2019 history, but also the lives of many owners and fans. Enjoy your retirement, you absolute legends \u2013 cheers."
"Late last year, Volkswagen unveiled the \nGolf MK7 facelift\n but what the company did not do was to release full details of the Golf range in one go. Early this month, Volkswagen released key performance figures for the \nGolf BlueMotion 1.5\n, one that sips 4.6L/100 km. Now, we have the full details of the updated Golf GTI Performance, the hotter version in the GTI lineup.\nUnderneath the hood of the Golf GTI Performance is the same 2.0-litre TSI engine now massaged to push out \n245 hp\n (+18 hp) and \n370 Nm\n (+20 Nm) \u2013 the latter is available from 1,600 rpm to 4,300 rpm. Tasked to transfer power to the front wheels is either a \nnewly developed seven-speed DSG\n automatic or a six-speed manual.\nThe refreshed Golf GTI now hits the 100 km/h mark quicker at \n6.2 seconds\n compared to 6.5 seconds previously. Top speed is rated at \n248 km/h\n on the DSG-equipped Golf and 249 km/h on the manual. Along with the increased performance, the Golf GTI Performance also benefits from larger brake discs, red front callipers and electronic front differential.\nPricing for the Golf GTI Performance starts from \u00a329,280 (RM164k) in the UK and it\u2019s available in a three or five-door configuration. We know that the Golf MK7 facelift range \nwill be making its way to Malaysia soon\n,\u00a0but truth be told, we might not get the Golf GTI at all, let alone this. Let\u2019s all start praying.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Jaguar\u2019s \nall-electric I-Pace SUV\n is set to make its public debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show on 6 March 2018. Prior to its official debut, the British carmaker has unveiled some key performance figures that we could all get excited about.\nRange anxiety is the biggest concern for any electric car ownership and to give owners assurance that they will be able to use the I-Pace as an everyday car, Jaguar has fitted the SUV with rapid charging that is capable of giving the battery\n 80 percent juice\n in just 45 minutes from empty when plugged into a DC 100kW charging port.\nJaguar Vehicle Line Director, Ian Hoban said: \u201cNot only will the I-PACE charge quickly enough for our customers to carry out their everyday lives, it will offer powerful and precise performance in a variety of conditions and climatic extremes. Allied with the versatile credentials of our celebrated PACE family, this will be an electric performance SUV like no other.\u201d\nRecently, the company has subjected the dual-motor, all-wheel drive SUV to sub-zero conditions in Arjeplog, Sweden. Despite at temperatures as low as -40 degrees, the I-Pace performed without a hitch. Thanks to the AWD capabilities, the I-Pace was able to confidently deploy all its\n 395 hp\n and \n700 Nm\n of torque onto the icy terrain.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nJaguar I-Pace Winter Testing in Sweden   Jaguar I-Pace in London"
"Peugeot returns to the pickup business three years after the discontinuation of the\u00a0207-based Hoggar. Strictly for the African market, Peugeot\u2019s\u00a0newest workhorse is literally called the \u201cPick Up\u201d. Yes, we\u2019re not kidding.\nAt first glance, the Pick Up looks like another spinoff derivative of an old truck. But in reality, it\u2019s just a rebadge from one of Dongfeng\u2019s lineup, which on its own was based on the first generation Nissan Navara in 1997. Dongfeng is Peugeot\u2019s Chinese partner. So\u00a0technically, Peugeot rebadged a 20-year old pickup and slapped it with a rather unimaginative name. \nThe large Peugeot embossment on the tailgate resembles the Peugeot 404 and 504 pickups of old, and Peugeot also added ABS, CD Player, dual front airbags and two rear parking sensors to make it seem more \u201cup to date\u201d.\nIt is powered by a \n2.5-litre\n\u00a0\nturbodiesel\n\u00a0that makes \n115 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n of torque and can be had as a\u00a0\nrear-wheel drive\n or\n all-wheel\n \ndrive\n. Only a five-speed manual transmission is\u00a0offered. The tray bed measures 1,400 mm by 1,390 mm and has a maximum payload of 815 kg.\u00a0\nThe Peugeot Pick Up will go on sale in Africa by September this year. Couldn\u2019t they give it a nicer name, like the Peugeot Sahara or something.?\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has updated its price list for the ASX and Outlander in light of the government\u2019s recent initiative to reduce car prices by offering sales tax exemptions for CBU and CKD vehicles.\nUnfortunately, as the Triton is categorised under commercial vehicles, it will not benefit from the tax exemption and as a result, prices for the pick-up remain unchanged.\nWith most still reluctant to be out, understandably, MMM recently launched a \u201c\nTest Drive 2U\n\u201d online test drive booking service to allow customers to test drive Mitsubishi vehicles without having to go to a Mitsubishi showroom. The vehicle will be brought to your doorstep instead.\n \nDuring the test drive, the sales consultant will be seated at the back to observe social distancing. To request for a test drive, customers can browse and select their preferred model on the MMM website\u00a0\nhere\n. After selecting their nearest dealership and completing the personal details form, a Mitsubishi sales consultant will be in contact either through WhatsApp or phone call, according to customer\u2019s preference.\nFor the updated price list from other car brands in Malaysia, click\u00a0\nhere\n."
"For RM298,888, which would you rather have? This, the \nnew 2019 facelift MINI Clubman\n, or the\n 407 hp and 640 Nm Volvo S60 T8 R Design\n launched recently? The decisions should be unanimous!\nBut there\u2019s much to like about this new Clubman. Chief among which is the fact that not only can it carry at least four in relative comfort, it can also carry up to 1,250-litres of cargo!\n \nThe new Clubman can be had from RM 3,418 a month based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure through the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.\nAside from the 4-years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, the new Clubman is accompanied by MINI Malaysia\u2019s 5 Years Roadside Assistance programme, along with 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200KM from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"More than a million people around the world die in road accidents each year, with human error cited as the cause in 90% of the cases, the majority of which involves persons of a young adult age.\nMalaysia has the unenviable distinction of being ranked top three in the world by the World Health Organisation for her road accident death rate of 23 per 100,000 persons, which equates to around 7,000 fatalities every year, or 20 individuals per day.\nThere is little doubt that autonomous driving technology will eventually be far superior than human beings at preserving lives on the road, but the untimely demise of Elaine Herzberg in Tempe, Arizona recently, caused by an Uber self-driving vehicle* that seemingly failed at what it was supposed to do, is a timely reminder to auto manufacturers, ride hailing companies and technology peddlers that this piece of technology should not be rushed through to the public domain.\nTempe Police Vehicular Crimes Unit is actively investigating\nthe details of this incident that occurred on March 18th. We will provide updated information regarding the investigation once it is available. \npic.twitter.com/2dVP72TziQ\n\u2014 Tempe Police (@TempePolice) \nMarch 21, 2018\nThe science behind a fully autonomous car is mightily complex. It is not to be confused with driver assistance functions such lane keeping, active braking and adaptive cruise control which are already commercially available.\nWhile manufacturers are pushing on with the development of self-driving vehicles equipped with sophisticated laser sensors such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) along with greater computing power (read artificial intelligence) to crunch the data, we, as consumers, must be wary of the rosy picture being painted of the future.\nInstead, we should pose the question that given the unimaginable variables in real life situations, can an autonomous vehicle (\nas currently defined based on different levels of automation\n) ever be smart enough to function independently and safely?\nLike a modern railway system, it\u2019s hard to imagine self-driving cars not requiring infrastructure support at some point to be truly autonomous, particularly within the confinements of a city.\nWithout an intelligent road system capable of tracking and communicating with cars, there is no redundancy whatsoever for other road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists to rely on; a car doing its own thing is indeed a frightening scenario.\nBut because auto manufacturers and lawmakers operate at vastly different speeds and motivations, a smart road system supporting self-driving vehicles is an inconvenient but critical aspect rarely touched upon.\nhttps://youtube.com/watch?v=j7VaRWZFz7c\nMany lessons will be learned from the first ever death\u00a0of a pedestrian inflicted by an autonomous vehicle. But unlike the more pertinent issue of hydrocarbon emission reduction (because global warming isn\u2019t a hoax) through the proliferation of electrified vehicles, the glorification and the \u2018rush\u2019 to adopt autonomous driving technology may have to be reviewed, if not regulated.\n(* The Volvo XC90 was operating on Uber\u2019s self-driving technology during the Arizona accident.)"
"It\u2019s not only that, the deal will also see the Korean giants establish a partnership with Grab to spearhead electric vehicle (EV) programmes across Southeast Asia, beginning with Singapore in 2019.\nAside from the focus on utilising EVs to maximise cost efficiency for Grab drivers, the partnership will also involve governments and infrastructure players to improve EV infrastructure in the region, such as providing more quick-charge stations.\nThe EV partnership will also explore the development of customised maintenance packages to Grab EV drivers and conduct research into how EVs can be most efficiently deployed in Southeast Asia under hot and humid climate conditions.\n\u201cAs the largest fleet owner of EVs in Singapore, we are excited to establish an industry partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to drive EV adoption across Southeast Asia. We both share a common vision on the electrification of mobility as one of the key foundations for building an environmentally sustainable and lowest-cost transportation platform,\u201d said President of Grab, Ming Maa.\nGrab is on track to raise over US$3 billion by the end of this year. Investors in Grab\u2019s current financing round include Booking Holdings, Microsoft, Toyota, and global financial institutions such as OppenheimerFunds, Goldman Sachs Investment Partners, and Citi Ventures."
"Toyo Tyres\n today unveiled the new Proxes Sport 2 here in Malaysia, a new ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre offering that promises improved handling performance and wet traction over its predecessor.\nOffered in 31 sizes ranging from \n18- to 20-inches \nin diameter, The company says that the new Toyo Proxes Sport 2 will be compatible with a variety of vehicles from C- to F-segment classes, especially those with \u201chigh torque powertrains\u201d. Pricing for the new Proxes Sport 2 ranges from \nRM700 to RM1,300 per tyre\n, depending on size.\nThe aforementioned improvements come courtesy of Toyo\u2019s latest tyre technologies, including a new advanced asymmetrical tread compound, which is softer on the inside to increase contact surface, and harder on the outside to reduce rib deformation under heavy loads.\nThe tread pattern also features a new asymmetrical rib layout and what the company calls \u201cdynamic taper design\u201d, both to increase traction during hard braking, and handling feel while cornering, in all conditions.\nRELATED: \nToyo Proxes CR1 and CR1 SUV launched in Malaysia \u2013 14-19 inches, from RM160!\nAt the launch event today, Toyo Tyres also brought along its recently launched Open Country A/T III for members of the media to sample. The new all-terrain tyre features a new aggressive tread pattern with increased lateral grooves for improved off-road traction, while also prioritising on-road comfort at the same time, thanks to the company\u2019s proprietary T-Mode and Nano Balance technology.\nThe Toyo Open Country A/T III is now available at Toyo Centres nationwide in 14 sizes, with prices ranging from \nRM500 to RM1,200\n each.\nGALLERY"
"After much hype and anticipation, the \nmulti-award winning\n \nMazda2\n or \nMazda Demio,\n as it is known in Japan, has finally made its way here in both\n sedan\n and \nhatchback\n forms. What\u2019s interesting is that both variants \ncost exactly\n \nthe same\n\u00a0(the sedan costed \nRM2,000 more\n when the \norder books opened last October\n) and its specifications mirror each other, without having the need to fork out additional cents for the sedan variant.\nQUICK FACTS\nName\nMazda2 Hatchback\nMazda2 Sedan\nSegment\nB-Segment\nB-Segment\nEngine\n1,496cc; inline-4 cyl Skyactiv-G, DOHC\n1,496cc; inline-4 cyl Skyactiv-G, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\n6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic\nMax Power\n114 hp @ 6,000 rpm\n114 hp @ 6,000 rpm\nMax Torque\n148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\n148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm\nPrice (OTR \nwith\n insurance)\nRM87,956.00\nRM87,956.00\n\u00a0\nWe\u2019ve seen pre-sale\u00a0\nbrochures\n and \nspyshots\n\u00a0of the \n2014 Japan Car of the Year\n\u00a0surfacing in the past few weeks, and the specs seem to conform to the Mazda2 that we are presenting to you today. Let\u2019s get on with it, then.\nFor starters, this 2 is Mazda\u2019s fourth incarnation of the model, and it\u2019s also the carmaker\u2019s fourth model to be equipped with Mazda\u2019s\u00a0full suit of \nSkyactiv Technology\n, after the CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3. Seven years after the last Mazda2 was introduced, this all-new model\u00a0is built from the ground up and loses the Ford Fiesta\u2019s underpinnings it\u2019s previously based on.   EXTERIOR\nWe used to think the Mazda2 looked really good in pictures, but that changed for the better when we saw the car in the metal. First things first. The 2 is now \nlonger\n than the previous model, with its wheels positioned farther apart and the \nwindscreen moved slightly\n to the back. This directly translates to a \nbetter\n and more livable \ncabin space\n, yet weighs close to 40kg less than before.\nOn the outside, both Mazda2 variants get reflector-type halogen headlights with manual-leveling switch and daytime running lights (bulb type). No LED DRLs here, which is quite a loss to be frank. We hope it\u2019ll be introduced as an option, fingers crossed.\nFrom the front, the Mazda2 pays close resemblance to its bigger \n3 sibling\n, thanks to the brand\u2019s signature front grille, now accented in a dash of its body colour. Fog lights come as standard, too. At the rear, it gets rear combination lamps (bulb type, again), reverse sensors aided with a reverse camera.\nUnderpinning the car is Mazda\u2019s Skyactiv-Chassis, and its suspension spells MacPherson Struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear. Both hatch and sedan variants ride on \n16-inch wheels\n wrapped with 185/60R16 series tyres.\nThe real differences between the two variants are its \nboot space\n and \noverall length\n. The sedan measures at \n4,320mm\n compared to the \n4,060mm\n of the hatch\u2019s. The sedan is also \n25mm taller\n and weighs just \n9kg\n more. With the added length, the sedan\u2019s luggage capacity expands to 410 litres compared to the hatch\u2019s 220 litres.   INTERIOR\nStepping inside the Mazda2 is a pleasant affair, because then you realise that you do get what you pay for. How does leather upholstered seats, fully automated air conditioning, \nkeyless entry\n and \npush-start ignition\n, driving mode (Normal and Sport), multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel with \npaddle shifters\n sound to you?\nIf you\u2019re not convinced, don\u2019t worry, because the next breath you take to read this out loud will. Both Mazda2 get a first-in-class \nHead-Up Display\n (Active Driving Display, as Mazda calls it). Also standard in the cabin is the brand\u2019s \nMZD Connect system\n, granting you a 7-inch LCD display with a rotary knob in the centre.   The MZD Connect supports iPod, USB, SD card, MP3 and CD playback and comes pre-installed with apps like Eco-display, maintenance reminders, warnings and fuel consumption data. The screen is also where the reverse camera will feed its visual aiding job, while \nGPS navigation\n is a RM1,200 option. A total of six speakers complete the kit list here. Speaks volume about its value, no?\nPERFORMANCE\nLike previously reported, under the B-Segment contender\u2019s bonnet is Mazda\u2019s \n1.5-litre Skyactiv-G\n, four-cylinder DOHC engine that\u2019s good for \n114 horsepower\n at 6,000 rpm and \n148 Nm\n of torque at 4,000 rpm. It drives the \nfront wheels\n via a \nsix-speed Skyactiv-Drive\n automatic transmission. The engine also features the brand\u2019s \ni-STOP technology\n which shuts off the engine at idle, thus improving fuel economy.\nSAFETY\nThis baby Mazda doesn\u2019t fall short on the safety front. It comes equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist, Traction Control System and Mazda\u2019s Dynamic Stability Control. \nDual SRS front airbags\n come with the car as standard, as with ISOFIX child anchor mounts, immobiliser and burglar alarm.\nWHAT ELSE?\nBoth Mazda2 variants are priced at \nRM87,956.00\n (on-the-road \nwith\n insurance) and come in four different colours \u2013 Snowflake White Pearl, Aluminium Metallic, Metropolitan Gray and everyone\u2019s favourite, the Soul Red Metallic. It also comes with a \nthree-year warranty\n and three-year \nfree scheduled maintenance\n. If you\u2019ve always fancied the \nMazda3\n but wouldn\u2019t spend RM139k on a car, then this car right here will be one you cannot resist.\nIMAGE GALLERY\n2015 Mazda2 Hatchback   2015 Mazda2 Hatchback with Optional Bodykit"
"Since the Honda Civic sedan was introduced in Thailand back in 2016, Honda Thailand has shifted over 35,000 units of the sedan Civic. Now, the company is offering the hatchback version of the hot selling 10th generation Honda Civic, and it\u2019s also turbocharged, no less.\nTeased\n back in February, the Honda Civic is available in a sole 1.5-litre turbo variant. The L15B7 turbocharged four-pot churns out \n171 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n, just like our \nlocal-spec Civic sedan 1.5T\n. Unfortunately, the six-speed manual was given a miss, and instead a CVT gearbox is tasked to drive the front wheels.\nExterior styling wise, the hatchback gets a more aggressive front bumper with a unique bee hive grille. At the rear, the overhangs are much shorter, giving it a more pronounced hatchback profile. Unlike the European Civic hatch, the Thai-spec gets hidden exhaust pipes instead of the central mounted dual exhaust tips.\nInside, the features mirror the Civic we have, beginning with the 7-inch Advanced Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, TFT Multi-Information Display, remote engine start, multi-angle rear view camera, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, walk away auto lock and emergency stop signal. Unfortunately, due to the hatchback styling, boot space is slightly compromised at 414 litres. However, the rear bench can be folded down with a 60:40 split for more cargo space.\nFive colours are available for the Thai Civic Hatchback \u2013 a new Midnight Burgundy Pearl, White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic. Prices for the Thailand Civic Hatchback starts at 1,169,000 baht (RM149k). Honda Malaysia remains firm on their decision to not introduce the Civic Hatchback, citing unjustifiably low demand from the public. Very well, then. We\u2019ll just settle for the Civic Type R instead. Pretty please, Honda Malaysia?\nIMAGE GALLERY\nHonda Civic Hatchback Thailand   Civic Hatch   Honda Civic Hatchback Europe"
"First launched back in 2016, the \nF82 BMW M2\n received a mid-life performance bump with the \nBMW M2 Competition\n last year.\nAs BMW is set on introducing the next-generation 2 Series coupe soon (thankfully still in \nrear-wheel drive configuration\n), the German marque has just introduced the swan song of the F82 M2, the BMW M2 CS.\nBuilding upon the M2 Competition, the same S55 \nbiturbo inline-six engine\n receives a 40 hp dose of power boost, giving the M2 CS a total of \n450 hp\n and \n550 Nm\n of torque. This brings the 2 Series well within M3 and \nM4\n performance territory!\nThe M2 CS will be available with either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual. BMW says the DCT version does 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.0 seconds\n, while the manual version takes 0.2 seconds longer. With the M Driver\u2019s package, the M2 CS will reach a top speed of \n280 km/h\n.\nThe M2 CS still retains its rear-wheel drive set-up, with power transmitted via the Active M differential. Improved cooling systems for the engine oil, turbocharger, as well as the transmission oil for the DCT variants help keep the car in peak performance during track sessions.\nSuspension set-up on the M2 CS comes standard with BMW\u2019s \nAdaptive M suspension\n, allowing drivers to switch between different drive modes on different driving situations.\nThe M2 CS rides on \n19-inch Y-spoke forged wheels\n in high-gloss black, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that have been specifically adapted for the M2 CS. As an option, buyers can also choose to dip the wheels in a matt gold colour shade for that extra flair.\nBehind those wheels are the new larger brakes, now comprising of 400 mm discs in front paired with six-piston fixed calipers (painted in red!), while the rear discs measures 380 mm, with four-piston calipers.\u00a0\nBMW also fitted the M2 CS with new dual-branch quad tailpipes with electronic flaps inside, setting the tune of the M2 CS befitting to \u201cthe BMW M profile\u201d for a complete audiovisual package.\u00a0\nSeeing as it\u2019s the all-out edition of the junior M car, the BMW M2 CS gets a whole host of carbon fibre reinforced plastic parts to differentiate itself from the lower M2s, besides the obvious weight savings.\u00a0\n The carbon fibre treatment includes the hood \u2013 reducing the weight by half compared to a regular steel one, along with the roof, front splitter, rear lip spoiler, rear diffuser, and door mirrors. BMW doesn\u2019t mention the total weight savings compared to the M2 Competition, but we assume it\u2019s quite significant given the generous use of carbon fibre.\u00a0\nInside, the M2 CS gets a motorsport-inspired makeover with an Alcantara steering wheel with optional red centre-marking, as well as M sport seats finished in Merino leather and Alcantara. The centre console was also replaced with a carbon fibre item for extra weight savings.\u00a0\nThe BMW M2 CS will be limited to only \n2,200 units\n, with production to commence in March 2020. We\u2019re pretty sure if not for the performance, the M2 CS will sell out just with the exclusive Misano Blue exterior colour.\u00a0\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Nissan said its approach, as exemplified in the \nNissan Ariya Concept\n, prioritises design and vision over trends.\nInstead of a tablet-like display at the core of the dashboard, the electric crossover concept has a curved, two-screen display that\u2019s reminiscent of a wave. According to Nissan, it\u2019s representative of the brand\u2019s new \u201cTimeless Japanese Futurism\u201d design language that adds a sense of horizon throughout the car.\n\u201cThe human eye naturally looks from side to side when driving. People can see and absorb more information if it\u2019s laid out horizontally \u2013 peripheral vision works this way,\u201d Nissan said.\n\u201cIn addition to conveying information more effectively to the human eye, the layout does so from a safer location \u2014 in the line of sight, closer to the road. By matching the cabin\u2019s horizon aesthetic, it becomes a seamless part of the dashboard.\u201d\nNissan calls this \u201c\nEngawa\n\u201d \u2013 the undefined space between where you are, and where you are going.\nThe sweeping display in the Ariya Concept is made up of two screens, where information can be moved between the screens to create a feeling of a single display.\nAccording to Nissan\u2019s design team, it took multiple iterations to arrive to this final product. The team built similar displays into a large black \u201cbox\u201d that they affectionately named \u201cthe Monolith,\u201d inspired by the movie \u201c2001: A Space Odyssey.\u201d From there, they started to mould the housing until it became what it is today."
"After years of considerations and reviews, the European Union has now officially passed the controversial law to formally ban the sale of new internal combustion engine-powered vehicles throughout its 27 nations starting from 2035.\nIn addition to the ban, carmakers selling vehicles in Europe will also be required to cut their new-car carbon dioxide emissions by 55% before 2030 (compared to 2021 levels), while a 100% reduction will be enforced from 2035. The tailpipe emissions targets will encourage carmakers to focus on hybrid and fully-electric vehicles before the full ban commences.\nSmall volume carmakers with annual production under 10,000 units will be given a little more leeway, with the ban only being enforced one year later in 2036.\nHowever, this does not mean that internal combustion engines are completely outlawed in 2035. Carmakers can continue producing and utilising internal combustion engines in their vehicles, as long as they do not produce any emissions. That means they can only be powered by carbon-neutral fuels, such as hydrogen and synthetic alternatives (commonly known as e-fuels).\nSeveral carmakers have already been investing heavily in alternative fuels, so this will certainly be a welcome addition to the ban. In recent years, Toyota has been experimenting with\n hydrogen combustion engines\n, while Porsche\u2019s synthetic fuel plant in Chile have also\n recently started production\n.\nRELATED:\n Formula 1 sparks creation of synthetic petrol, to replace fossil fuel\nThe law will still have to go through a couple more stages before being officially enforced, including being formally endorsed by the Council of the EU and be published in the EU Official Journal. However, \nReuters\n notes that the final approval is expected to be given by March.\nAhead of the 2035 deadline, many carmakers have already announced their own timeline to end production of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. Volvo has set its own deadline at 2030, while automotive giant Volkswagen has also committed to stopping production of ICE vehicles in Europe starting 2033.\nREAD MORE:\n Yet another country set to ban internal combustion engines"
"In earlier communications, Lotus only identified their new-generation global sportscar as the \nLotus Type 131\n. The sports car company known for lightweight driver-focused machines has now released new information on their latest model, to be called the \nEmira\n.\nPronounced as \u2018E-meer-a\u2019, the word is featured in numerous ancient languages and often translates to \u2018\ncommander\n\u2019 or \u2018\nleader\n\u2019. It\u2019s highly appropriate as this is the exciting new sports car leading Lotus to a thrilling new future.\nLotus has also confirmed the Emira will \nnot have electrification\n or a hybrid system attached to its powertrain. The Emira will be powered by a choice of internal combustion engines (ICE) with \nan exciting new powertrain partnership\n. The additional powertrain option will be new to Lotus, highly efficient, use cutting edge technology and be tuned to help deliver that distinctive Lotus experience.\nA three-cylinder turbocharged engine from Geely. It is used in the Volvo XC40, the \nProton X50\n and various Geely models\nLotus has been using Toyota-designed in-line four and V6 engines since the late 90s. Lotus, now a \nsubsidiary of Zhejiang Geely\n Holding Group, could see turbocharged \nthree-\n and four-cylinder engines from the parent company being fitted in the new global sports car.\nAfter the Lotus Emira, every new Lotus car will be \nelectric\n, which development of the vehicle will also be joint with \nAlpine\n, Renault\u2019s performance brand. This new fully electric sports car will use a new flexible and modular platform called E-Sports.   Speaking to \nAutomotive News Europe\n back in January, Lotus CEO Phil Popham said that this new ICE sports car \u201cwill focus on \nusability\n\u201d, and is \u201cdesigned so you can live with it on a day-to-day basis\u201d. He also said that the new sports car will hopefully broaden Lotus\u2019 appeal in the United States, giving the Hethel-based sportscar maker \u201cquite substantial growth\u201d.\nThe Emira\nThe Evija\n\u201cThis car will have a wider price point, and that gives us an opportunity in the US,\u201d said Popham. \u201cTo be successful in the sports car market you have to be successful in the US.\u201d Due to legal issues and safety regulations, Lotus currently only has the \nEvora\n on sale in the states.\nThe Emira is said to feature plenty of design and styling cues from the fully-electric \nLotus Evija hypercar\n. Underneath it is one of \nfour new platforms\n developed by Lotus. Called the\n\u00a0\n\u201cElemental\u201d architecture, it features the signature Lotus \nextruded aluminium\n technology.\nThe Emira\nThe Evija\nThe Emira will be unveiled on \nJuly 6th\n at Hethel, Norfolk, where it will be built and will make its public dynamic debut at the \nGoodwood Festival of Speed\n two days later.\nLocally in Malaysia, the Lotus brand is also making a comeback (of sorts), through \nToycarz Garage\n, who will now take on the sales and after-sales roles for the Lotus brand in Malaysia.\nGALLERY"
"It won\u2019t be anytime soon before the BMW i4 is ready for the public\u2019s eye but the details BMW have shared should be sufficient to whet your appetites for the inevitable electric future.\nBased on the next generation \nBMW 4 Series Gran Coupe\n, the i4 is set to be capable of \n500 hp\n from a single motor placed at the back.\n \nAnd the claimed performance is simply staggering \u2013 0 to 100 km/h is done in around four seconds with top speed well in excess of 200 km/h.\nPositioned flat under the floor, the 80 kWh battery is capable of offering up to \n600 km of electric driving range\n and \ncan be 80% charged in just 35 minutes\n.\nBMW says the modular powertrain can be applied in various models including all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrids.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Following the first video released \nlast week\n, the second installment of our new drag race series on the KLIA runway is just a little different.\nThis time we have the Proton X50, the Honda HR-V, the BMW X1, and a myth to debunk as we \u201crevisit the same race\u201d that took place in Sepang during the X50 launch.\n \nAnd just like the unprecedented idea of drag racing on an international airport runway, we figured why not organise a three crossover race that no one has done and seen before in Malaysia!\nProton X50 faster than a BMW X1? On Sepang? Here\u2019s what actually happened!\nThe Proton X50 clearly has the advantage here, with the most power from 1.5-litre direct-injection 3-cylinder engine with \n177 hp\n and \n255 Nm\n. The BMW with a similar 1.5-litre turbocharged engine only produces\n 140 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n.\nThe \u2018myth\u2019 from the X50 launch in Sepang that we were curious to debunk. Find out more \nhere\n!\nThe HR-V may put out a little more horsepower than the X1 at \n142 hp \nbut it\u2019s only got\n 172 Nm\n. That being said, the HR-V does have the advantage of having a naturally-aspirated engine for better throttle response. That should help it get off the line more effectively but who knows?\nFind out who gets to brag about having the most powerful crossover in Malaysia!\nWatch last week\u2019s video here!"
"BMW\n has unveiled its newly developed sixth-gen battery that will be used for the first time in the Neue Klasse starting from 2025. Boasting new round battery cells instead of the prism-shaped cells in the fifth-generation batteries, BMW says the new batteries provide a longer driving range and are faster to charge.\nThe Neue Klasse will be spearheaded by an \nelectric version of the BMW 3 series\n and a new version of the \nBMW iX3\n. With the sixth-gen BMW battery, the \nNeue Klasse\n is set to gain an array of advantages:\n\u2022 30% longer range\n\u2022 30% shorter charging time\n\u2022 20% higher energy density\n\u2022 60% less emissions for battery production\n\u2022 50% lower cost\nCredit is due to the new cell format and enhanced cell chemistry. There is higher nickel content on the cathode side, lower overall cobalt content, and increased silicon content on the anode side. The round cells are 46 mm in diameter and come in two different heights.\nAnother advantage of the sixth-generation battery is that it can be flexibly integrated into the body, thus eliminating the cell module level. The Neue Klasse will be built with an 800 V architecture that can support 500 A charging.\nRELATED: \nIs this quad-motor EV prototype hinting at the next-gen BMW M3?\nBMW AG member of the Board of Management responsible for Development, Frank Weber said, \u201cThe newly developed sixth generation of our lithium-ion cells will bring a huge leap in technology that will increase energy density by more than 20%, improve charging speed by up to 30% and enhance range by up to 30%. We are also reducing CO\n2\n emissions from cell production by up to 60%. These are big steps for sustainability and customer benefits.\u201d\nThe BMW Group has set itself the goal of bringing manufacturing costs for fully-electric models down to the same level as vehicles with state-of-the-art combustion-engine technology.\nRELATED: \nBMW hints at all-electric M3, says no one cares if there\u2019s no engine\nBMW AG member of the Board of Management responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network, Joachim Post said, \u201cTo meet our long-term needs, we will be building battery cell factories with our partners, each with an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh, at six locations in key markets for us: two in China, two in Europe and two in USMCA.\u201d\n\u201cWe have also reached agreement with our partners that they will use a percentage of secondary material for the raw materials lithium, cobalt, and nickel, as well as utilising green power for production, to ensure CO\n2\n-reduced manufacturing.\u201d\nConcerning battery production, BMW AG has awarded contracts worth above ten billion Euros for the production of BMW battery cells. For BMW batteries, CATL and EVE Energy will both build two gigafactories in China and Europe with each factory having a total annual capacity 20 GWh. Two more battery cell factories are planned in the North American free trade zone.\nRegarding future battery technology and the supply of raw materials, BMW says the sixth-generation battery technology also offers the option of using cathodes made of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) for the first time. This means the critical raw materials (cobalt and nickel) can then be avoided entirely in the cathode material. In parallel, the BMW Group is also pushing forward with the development of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs)."
"And it\u2019s called the Indium Grey and word is that there are only a few units available in Malaysia with this shade of grey.\nThe new Indium Grey colour exclusively for the \n5-door Golf R we reviewed\n a few months back will feature alongside the existing colours \u2013 Lapiz Blue, Pure White and Deep Black \u2013 at \nno additional cost\n.\n \nAs for the 3-door model in the video above, Volkswagen Malaysia only brought in 10 units of them, and they\u2019re already sold out.\nThe ballistic \nMk7.5 Golf R \nmakes \n290 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.1 seconds onward to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Honda Thailand has announced that the \nall-new sixth-generation 2023 Honda CR-V \nwill be making its regional debut later this month at this year\u2019s Bangkok International Motor Show. The announcement was brief and included only two teaser photos, but it does reveal some very important details for the model offering in Thailand.\nChief of which is the model\u2019s powertrain options. In Thailand, the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V will be offered with a 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid mill in its range-topping RS variant, alongside a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine for the other variants.\nIf the 2.0-litre e:HEV engine sounds familiar, that\u2019s because it\u2019s the same unit found on the Civic e:HEV RS hybrid that was launched in Malaysia late last year. On the CR-V, however, the e:HEV hybrid mill (based on international specifications) now makes up to \n207 hp \nand \n371 Nm\n of torque, compared to 184 hp and 315 Nm on the Civic.\nThe 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, meanwhile, is carried over from the pre-facelift model, boasting\n 193 hp\n and \n242 hp\n. Both powertrain options are paired to a CVT gearbox (e-CVT for the hybrid), and according to the images provided by Honda Thailand, it\u2019ll also still be offered with an all-wheel drive option \u2013 on the turbocharged powertrain option at least.\nRELATED: \n11% of Honda HR-V buyers in Malaysia opted for the hybrid e:HEV RS variant\nHonda Thailand also mentions that the Honda Sensing advanced driver assist systems will be standard across all variants. As for the rest of the equipment, we\u2019ll probably have to wait for the model\u2019s actual launch in Thailand on the 22nd of March.\nWith the e:HEV mill making its debut on the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V in Thailand, it\u2019s likely that we\u2019ll also see the same hybrid powertrain in the SUV when it\u2019s launched here in Malaysia. As for when it\u2019ll be launched, though, we\u2019re guessing it\u2019s probably going to be towards the latter months this year \u2013 although camouflaged test mules have already been spotted in the country.\nALSO READ:\n 2023 Honda CR-V transformed into 800 hp hybrid track weapon"
"It\u2019s that time of the year again. Hari Raya brings back memories of family reunions, visiting friends at open houses and not to forget the \nrendang and lemang\n. Volkswagen is now giving a rather compelling reason for everyone to balik kampung in a brand new VW thanks to its zero downpayment and zero interest offer. No, you did not read that wrong.\nStarting from \n1 June to 31 July 2015\n, Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) will collaborate with \nfive\u00a0leading banks\n (Affin Bank, AmBank, Hong Leong Bank, Maybank and Public Bank)\u00a0to offer a range of their cars this festive season with a total savings of up to \nRM48,000\n.\nModels\nPolo Hatchback\nPolo Sedan\nJetta\nGolf TSI\n (not inclusive of GTI and R variants)\nPassat\nTiguan\n (1.4 TSI only)\nSavings\nRM22,000\nRM23,000\nRM34,000\nRM42,000\nRM44,000\nRM48,000\n5 years monthly repayment\nRM1,399\nRM1,399\nRM2,099\nRM2,499\nRM2,699\nRM2,899\n7 years monthly repayment\nRM999\nRM999\nRM1,499\nRM1,799\nRM1,899\nRM2,099\nThe \nNo Downpayment, Zero Interest\n campaign will be ongoing throughout the promotion period at \nall authorised Volkswagen dealerships\n. To make things a little sweeter, if you drop by \nSetia City Mall\n this \n12 till 14 June\n, you will receive a\n RM500\n petrol voucher when you \nplace an order\n for your new Volkswagen."
"The development of the first all-electric Lotus hypercar, the \nLotus Evija\n, is well underway as the British carmaker prepares for start of production next year.\nIn a newly released video, the 2000 hp Evija is seen testing on track at Hethel, UK \u2013 Lotus\u2019s base \u2013 with all driving aids and torque vectoring switched off.\u00a0\n \nLotus has three prototype on test for the Evija, and the one featured in this test is engineering prototype #2, which is the most advanced chassis of all three.\u00a0\nThe prototype features final production-specification suspensions, EV powertrain, brakes and carbon-fibre body panels, and hydraulics system for the deployment of the car\u2019s active aerodynamics.\nPrototype #2 also features the most complete interior of the bunch, with key elements such as the \u2018ski slope-style\u2019 floating centre console already in place.\u00a0\nIn the driving seat for the all-electric prototype is Gavan Kershaw, Lotus Cars Director of Attributes and Product Integrity. He noted that \u201cThe car is in a completely pure state at the moment, with \nno stability control or torque-vectoring\n.\n\u201cThis is so we can evaluate the fundamentals of the chassis, to create the mechanical advantage before the other layers, such as the electronics, are added. It means we can really read the car. Later we can tune what we\u2019ve gained as a mechanical advantage as we add layers.\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s the Lotus way \u2013 get the fundamentals right from the start and use baseline aerodynamics, suspension kinematics and geometry to feel the vehicle\u2019s response,\u201d Kershaw added.\nHowever, Lotus purists may still argue that the true Lotus way, \u201csimplify, then add lightness\u201d, is long gone now, with the Evija coming in at \n1680 kg\n, despite being carbon fibre bodied.\u00a0\nContributing to the significant weight is the four electric motors that produce\n 2,000 hp\n and \n1,700 Nm\n \u2013 making it the most powerful production hypercar in the world come 2020.\nThe production-specification Lotus Evija will use a \n70 kWh\n battery. Range is estimated at \n400 km\n on the WLTP scale, and can be topped off in \n9 minutes\n with a 800 kW charger.\nKershaw reaffirms that the Evija will still drive like a Lotus. \u201cI feel really at home in it, it\u2019s really driveable. We assessed the stability and agility through tight corners. We did brisk accelerations to work out the torque split and looked at tyre grip and response.\n\u201cIt\u2019s also about bringing in experience from other vehicles \u2013 what we know from driving Exige and Evora, the Lotus GT race cars \u2013 and making sure that core Lotus DNA is all at its absolute best in the Evija.\u201d"
"Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has announced a GST rebate campaign in light of Pakatan Harapan Government\u2019s decision to reduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) to zero percent.\nEffective 18 May to 30 May 2018, the company will honour the lower purchase price with a 6 percent GST reimbursement. Eligible customers will receive instant cash redemption during this interim before the Ministry of Finance (MoF) establishes the new Sales & Services Tax (SST).\nMost Kia models (not the entire range, similar to \nHonda\n), will see a price reduction of between RM2,000 to RM10,000. The Kia Picanto, the cheapest non-national car now starts from RM47,888 while models like the Sorento HS Diesel and Grand Karnival (EX & KX) gets a rebate of RM10,000. NKM will honour this price list for customers who purchased a new Kia model before 31 May 2018.\nNKM is in full support of the new Government\u2019s initiatives and is looking forward to passing on any further benefit(s) that may or may not arise from the new tax structure to its customers. Now that car prices for \nlocal\n and \nGerman makes\n alike have come down a bit, we have broken down whether you should \ntake advantage of this \u201ctax-free holiday\u201d and buy a new car now\n."
"Chevron Malaysia Limited, the distributor of Caltex fuels has just officially launched\u00a0their Euro 5 compliant diesel \u2013 Caltex Power Diesel (Euro 5) with Techron D at the Caltex station in Glenmarie.\nCaltex Power Diesel, being a Euro 5, boasts \nless than 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur\n compared to regular Euro 2M diesels which contains 500 ppm. This significantly reduces carbon emissions or the black smog commonly found in diesel vehicles that use lower grade fuel.\nCaltex Power Diesel\u2019s Fuel Specialist and Product Engineer, Mr. Philip Chee explains that Chevron\u2019s Techron D contains \nthree times more\n cleaning agents as compared to the regular Euro 2M diesel. This in turn cleans the carbon deposits on the fuel injectors, allowing for a more complete combustion cycle which returns better fuel economy, better emissions as well as restoration of lost power.\nChee also highlighted that if an old vehicle that has been fuelling up with Euro 2M fuel all these while, upon switching to Caltex Power Diesel (Euro 5) with Techron D, will immediately notice the aforementioned benefits such as lesser black smog, smoother power delivery and increase in vehicle performance. In fact, he mentioned that these benefits can be experienced by the drivers upon switching to any Caltex fuel with Techron technology.\nThe company plans to first introduce their Euro 5 diesel at key areas with high market demand such as expressway exits, Klang Valley and Johor. The fuel will be continuously rolled out at these stations in the coming months. However, no specific stations have been named. As with the \nrecent reduction of fuel prices\n in December, the Caltex Power Diesel (Euro 5) with Techron D is priced at \nRM1.95 per litre\n, only 10 sen more than the regular Euro 2M diesel."
"BHPetrol once again takes the lead by introducing Euro5 diesel to the Klang Valley, after being the first petroleum company to bring in the fully-imported fuel in Johor last November.\nAs of today, only the Sg Besi Highway BHP station is selling the\n RM2.05 fuel\n (10 sen more than Euro2 diesel), with at least \neight other stations\n set to introduce the fuel \nby 13 August 2015\n. These stations are \u2013 BHPetrol Subang Airport, Jalan Genting Klang (KL bound), MRR2 Highway, Kesas Highway (KL bound), Mutiara Damansara, Pulau Indah Highway, Jalan Batu Caves and Taman Connaught, Cheras (click \nhere\n\u00a0for full address). The company aims to introduce their Infiniti Euro5 diesel to at least 20 stations in the Klang Valley.\nBHPetrol\u2019s Infiniti Euro5 diesel is an extremely clean fuel with\n\u00a0considerably low sulphur content\n \nof 10 ppm\u00a0\n(parts per million), compared to Euro2m\u2019s 500 ppm. Besides being a much cleaner fuel than the existing Euro2 diesel, Euro5 is mixed with \nhigh grade German additives\n to ensure that diesel engines can operate smoothly without suffering from premature wear or damage. It can also go as far as to increase the engine\u2019s performance by \ndelivering more power\n whilst \nyielding better fuel economy\n.\nIn the video above, our peers from Car Malaysia magazine put three vehicles \u2013 \nBMW 520d\n, Nissan Navara and \nPeugeot 508 GT\n to the test to see just how much gains one can get by making the switch from Euro2 to Euro5 diesel. The results speak for themselves, with\u00a0all three vehicles experiencing power and torque increase, most notably the Navara which \ngained close to 39 Nm\n of torque!\nThe introduction of Euro5 diesel in Malaysia will certainly encourage more car manufacturers to bring in diesel variants from their stable. After all, that\u2019s the prospect all of us are looking forward to, no? Mazda, if you\u2019re reading this, it\u2019s about time to call upon the \nMazda2 Skyactiv-D\n\u2018s arrival. Meanwhile, click \nhere\n to read BHPetrol Malaysia\u2019s explanation on some of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Euro5 diesel."
"After halting production on its majestic horses at the Maranello factory, Ferrari and parent company Fiat Chrysler are now switching their attention to the people of Italy by helping the country\u2019s largest ventilator manufacturer boost its production, according to \nPetrolicious\n.\nReports claimed that Siare Engineering, a Bologna based company specialising in health monitors and ventilation devices, is now in talks with the automotive giants and Italian parts maker, Marelli, to produce parts and assist with assembly.\nIf the companies can shake on it, it could see Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler lending a hand at Siare Engineering\u2019s facilities or that production of ventilators taking place in Maranello. Talk about coming together for the greater good, this is truly touching.\nSpecific arrangements have yet to be confirmed but \nPetrolicious\n speculates that the latter option would be more viable given the inactivity at Maranello as Ferrari\u2019s Formula 1 team is also on hiatus."
"Having confirmed just a few months ago that the \ncurrent generation Beetle would not be replaced\n once production ends next year, Volkswagen is now mulling the return of the iconic model with modern twist.\nShould it be given the go-ahead by Volkswagen\u2019s chiefs, it will not only\n adopt an electric powertrain\n but will also feature \na four-door layout and rear-wheel drive configuration\n (currently FWD) based on the original Type 1 Beetle from the 1940s, according to \nAutocar\n.\nThe Original Type 1 Beetle, as featured in our \ntwo-part Throwback Thursday series\n.\nThe \u201cnew Beetle\u201d would most likely utilise Volkswagen\u2019s MEB platform which underpins all of the brand\u2019s new electric cars \nunder the ID badge\n.\nThe transition to a 4-door layout indicates Volkswagen\u2019s intentions to move away from the two-door niche in order to sell more cars, much like what MINI did by introducing a 5-door Cooper, but would a mass-market Beetle tamper with the long-cultivated charm of a Beetle?\nIsn\u2019t that why we all adore the Beetle so much? Because it\u2019s such a niche vehicle; partly due to its low sales volume.\nThe \nnew Microbus\n, scheduled for debut by 2022, will be making its return as an electric vehicle under Volkswagen\u2019s MEB platform.\nWhether or not it would dilute the Beetle brand or actually help Volkswagen pump up its sales numbers, one thing seems to be for certain. Volkswagen representatives have claimed that a Beetle built on the MEB platform would offer \nloads of cabin space\n without compromise on its functionality.\nDon\u2019t get your cheque books out just yet though. Despite the keen interests, Volkswagen\u2019s representatives have added that the decision to put the electric Beetle into production will not be finalised until the beginning of the next decade."
"Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is continuing its product offensive with one of its most successful models ever; with the new, significantly updated model of the C-Class.\nThe \u201cfamily\u201d is now made up of the C200 Avantgarde Line, C300 AMG Line and an even more powerful C43 AMG 4MATIC.\nC200 Avantgarde Line\nC300 AMG Line\nEngine\n1.5-litre turbocharged with EQ Boost\n2.0-litre turbocharged\nMax Power\n184 hp + 13 hp (w/ EQ Boost)\n258 hp\nMax Torque\n280 Nm + 160 Nm (w/ EQ Boost)\n370 Nm\n0-100 km/h; Top Speed\n7.7 secs / 239 km/h\n5.9 secs / 250 km/h\nPrice\nRM 259,888\nRM 304,888\nThe Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgarde Line is powered by the new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt on-board generator, known as the EQ Boost, for an additional 13 hp and 160 Nm of torque on top of the\n 184 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n available. Completing the powertrain is a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.\nAs for the exterior, you\u2019ll get a set of newly designed 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, twin tailpipe exhaust system and newly-designed LED High Performance headlamps, to go with a more aggressive front and rear bumper design.\nInside, the standard features include a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, a new high resolution 10.25-inch media display and a new leather-wrapped steering wheel.\nIn terms of driver assistance systems, the updated C200 Avantgarde is added with Blind Spot Assist, on top of the active parking assist and cruise control features.\nC300 AMG Line\nAs for the C300 AMG Line, it gets \n258 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, similarly paired to the 9G-TRONIC transmission. Unlike the C200, the C300\u2019s ride is supplemented by the AIRMATIC suspension.\nUnlike the previous C300, the new car gets the grille from the pre-facelift C43 AMG 4MATIC, along with 19-inch five twin spoke AMG wheels, Multibeam LED headlamps, and of course the AMG Line bits.\nInside, you get similar displays from the C200 but it\u2019s more plush with Nappa leather, black open pore ash wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, a Burmester Sound System. The interior can be had in either black, brown or red. Also new to the C300 is the Active Lane Keeping Assist system.\nThe C200 Avantgarde is priced at \nRM259,888\n, while the C 300 AMG Line carries a \nRM304,888\n price tag. The new C-Class will be available with the Flex-C financing services from as low as RM 2,688 (22% downpayment and 3-year tenure). The Flex-C deal will also be offered with a complimentary first year tyre and rim insurance package until 31st December 2018.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nC200 Avantgarde Line   C300 AMG Line"
"Mitsubishi\n Motors Corporation\n (MMC) unveiled the latest generation \nTriton\n, with a range of engines including an all-new \n2.4-litre MIVEC VGT diesel\n. Current Triton is nine years old now and still looks futuristic (for a truck) even today but the game has moved on and Mitsubishi claimed that new Triton was developed to be the \u201cUltimate Sport Utility Truck\u201d.\n\u00a0\nEXTERIOR\nOn the new Triton, the curvy styling evolves from the current Triton, so some might mistaken it as a facelift job. Although the nose is noticeably different especially with the new grille design, and the headlights incorporate\n LED daytime running lights\n as well.   From the side it\u2019s familiarly Triton with its trademark \nJ-line design\n between the cab and the cargo bed.\n\u00a0\nINTERIOR\nThe new interior is even more car-like with updated materials, better sound insulation, and more tech equipment such as the \nseven-inch head unit\n with navigation and \nreverse camera\n, \nautomatic climate control\n, and \nmulti-function steering wheel\n. The drive mode now can be selected by twisting the selector knob on the center console instead of the secondary lever next to the gear lever in the current Triton.   PERFORMANCE\nThree different engines will be offered in the new Triton, a \n2.4-litre petrol\n with \n126 hp\n and \n194 Nm\n of torque, a \n2.5-litre diesel\n with\n 126 hp\n and \n240 Nm\n of torque or \n175 hp\n with \n400 Nm\n of torque, and the all-new \n2.4-litre diesel\n with\n 179 hp\n and \n430 Nm\n of torque.\nThe new \n2.4-litre MIVEC VGT diesel\n is claimed to be quieter and have \n20% better fuel efficiency\n compared to the 2.5-litre unit. The engines are paired to a choice of \nfive\n or\n six speed manual transmission\n, or a \nfive speed automatic\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nThe new Triton will be built in Mitsubishi Motors Thailand Laem Chabang plant in Chonburi and naturally, Thailand will be the first to get the Triton. No Malaysia launch date has been announced yet but expect the new Triton to arrive at our shores in the first quarter of 2015 at the earliest.\n[divider]\nVIDEO GALLERY\n2014 Mitsubishi Triton launch event in Malaysia\n \n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If there\u2019s one pickup truck that\u2019s been on the sidelines for far too long, it would be the Chevrolet Colorado. With\u00a0500 Nm of torque produced out of a 2.8-litre turbodiesel, it boggles the mind why we don\u2019t see more of this on the road.\nToday, Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, have launched the facelifted Colorado. Prices start from RM100k to RM133k (including GST and insurance), and there are three engine variants powering five Colorado trims.\nQUICK FACTS\nVariant\n2.5 LT (Manual)\n2.5 LT (Automatic)\n2.5 LTZ\n2.8 LTZ\n2.8 High Country\nEngine\n2,499cc; inline-4 with Fixed Geometry Turbo, DOHC\n2,499cc; inline-4 with Variable Geometry Turbo, DOHC\n2,776cc; inline-4 with Variable Geometry Turbo, DOHC\nTransmission\n6-speed manual\n6-speed automatic with Manual Mode Function\nMax Power\n163 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n180 hp @ 3,600 rpm\n193 hp @ 3,600 rpm\nMax Torque\n380 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n440 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\n500 Nm @ 2,000 rpm\nPrice (with GST and Insurance)\nRM99,991.28\nRM107,948.20\nRM115,031.12\nRM124,916.00\nRM132,874.48\nEXTERIOR\nThis facelift exercise is rather extensive, but they are mostly aesthetic enhancements inside and out. The front fascia is comprised of a new grille, halogen reflector headlamps with LED DRLs, halogen fog lamps, chromed tailgate handle with built-in rear view camera, as well as three brand new rim designs.   For LTZ and High Country variants, a Flip Remote Control Key grants Remote Engine Start and Automatic Air Conditioning features as standard. Both the 2.5 and 2.8 LTZ variants sit on 18-inch dual tone wheels, as will the High Country variant, albeit differing in design. All are shod with 265/60 section tyres. The LT duo make do with 16-inch six-spoke wheels (245/70 rubbers).\nINTERIOR\nInside, the most affordable LT trims come with manual climate controls, 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay (supports Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary and USB inputs), four-speaker system and fabric upholstery.   The rest of the range gets a seven-speaker Premium Sound System, 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, leather upholstery and electrochromic rear view mirror. The steering wheel here also gets audio and phone controls, including cruise control.\nPERFORMANCE\nAll five variants of the Colorado are all-wheel drive. This can be configured on the fly through an electronic 4WD system, which comes as standard for all. The base LT variant (six-speed MT) is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with Fixed Geometry Turbo, outputting \n163 hp\n and \n380 Nm\n of torque. The LT (AT) and LTZ share the same 2.5-litre lump as the LT (MT), but thanks to Variable Geometry Turbo, the engine produces \n180 hp\n and \n440 Nm\n of torque.\nThe top of the range mill is the same \n2.8-litre turbodiesel\n from before, making \n193 hp\n and a staggering \n500 Nm\n of torque. All horsepower and torque figures peak at 3,600 rpm and 2,000 rpm respectively. Automatic variants have six working cogs that can be manually selected through the Manual Mode Function.\nSAFETY\nStandard safety equipments include three airbags (two front, one driver knee), rear view camera, rear sensors, ABS with EBD and Panic/Emergency Brake Assist. LTZ trims upwards will receive Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, front parking sensors, ESC, Traction Control System, Anti-Rolling Protection, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Extensive, no?\nWHAT ELSE?\nAccording to Chevrolet Malaysia, the first 100 customers to purchase the facelifted Colorado will get \nthree years free service\n on top of the standard \n5-Year or 200,000km manufacturer\n warranty package. Just five colours will be on offer: Summit White, Black Meet Kettle, Switchblade Silver, Blue Mountain and Pull Me Over Red.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nChevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZ   Chevrolet Colorado 2.8 High Country   One-off Chevrolet Colorado (For display only)"
"Five was the maximum number of doors that can be had on a new \nMINI\n, until the arrival of the second generation \nF54 MINI Clubman\n that comes with a total of \nsix doors\n.\nMINI is stretching the hatch even further, offering more doors and more space than before, and for the first time ever, it\u2019s available with an \neight-speed gearbox\n.\nEXTERIOR\nThe new Clubman dropped the asymmetrical driver-side suicide doors in favour of a couple regular opening doors on each side, but it\u2019s still keeping the split rear barn doors, making it a full-fledged six-door MINI. The Clubman is \n90 mm wider\n and \n270 mm longer\n than the \nMINI 5 door\n, and \n100 mm\n of that goes to the \nwheelbase\n.\nMore work has been done to distinguish the new Clubman from the lesser-doored siblings this time, so it\u2019ll be easier to spot one even from the front. The recognisable face has been updated with a \nnew grille\n and a \nnew bumper\n that incorporates \nAir Curtain\n vents. \nFull-LED lights\n can be specified and that includes a pair of \nLED foglamps\n as well.   Another vent is featured on each side of the front fenders and they\u2019re the same \nAir Breather\n vents that appeared on some BMW models that works in conjunction with the Air Curtains for an optimum air flow around the front wheels. Above that, the side scuttle design is new with unique shape for the signal indicator.\nThe two ridges at the edge of the roof are carried over from the previous Clubman, and buyers can opt for \nroof rails\n, \npanoramic glass roof\n, and even a red \nLED status light\n on the antenna for the alarm system.\nThe usual vertical MINI tail lights have been rotated 90 degrees on the Clubman, and they\u2019re now fixed to the \nrear barn doors\n unlike the predecessor. With the optional \nComfort Access\n, the rear doors can be opened via the remote or just by waving your foot under the rear bumper.\nINTERIOR\nMost of the interior bits are new and exclusive for the Clubman. The circular center panel is retained, together with the instrument panel that\u2019s attached to the steering wheel column, and also some basic switches, knobs, and toggles. What\u2019s new is the \ndashboard\n with flatter design and a couple of new outer air-cond vents, as well as redesigned panel for each door.   The center console has been cleaned up with \nelectronic parking brake switch\n replacing the old-school handbrake lever, and the base of the console now incorporates the center armrest. Both the\n front seats\n comes with \noptional electrical adjustments\n, while the\n rear bench\n will accept three persons and \nsplits 40:20:40\n.\nThere\u2019s \n360 litres\n worth of cargo space at the back, and it can be extended by \nup to 1,250 litres\n with the rear seats folded down. The pillars in the middle of the rear split doors are said to be slimmer this time, and it should improve rear visibility especially from the driver\u2019s seat.\nPERFORMANCE\nThe Clubman shares the same underpinning as the other smaller MINIs, which means transversely-mounted engine up front driving the front wheels. Three turbocharged engines were announced for the new Clubman: a \n1.5-litre petrol three-pot\n in the \nCooper\n, a \n2.0-litre petrol four\n in the \nCooper S\n, and a\n\u00a02.0-litre four banger diesel\n in the\n Cooper D\n.\nThe\n smaller petrol\n engine generates \n136 hp\n and \n220 Nm\n while the \nbigger petrol\n engine develops \n192 hp\n and \n280 Nm\n, and both comes with \noverboost\n function that brings \nadditional 10 Nm\n on the Cooper and \n20 Nm\n on the Cooper S. The \nDiesel\n mill produces \n150 hp\n and \n330 Nm\n.\nAll variants come with a \nsix-speed manual gearbox\n, but the \nfour-cylinder engines\n can also be paired to an \neight-speed automatic with Launch Control\n. The \nthree-cylinder engine\n however, comes with the familiar\u00a0\nsix-speed automatic torque converter\n. The sprint time from \n0 to 100 km/h\n is \n9.1 seconds\n for the \nCooper\n, \n7.2 seconds\n (7.1 auto) for the \nCooper S\n, and \n8.6 seconds\n (8.5 auto) for the \nCooper D\n, while the \ntop speed\n is \n205 km/h\n, \n228 km/h\n, and \n212 km/h\n\u00a0respectively.   SAFETY\nAll five occupants get their own \nthree-point seatbelts\n, and \nsix airbags\n are fitted as standard. The camera-based \nDriving Assistant\n is available as an option, and it features\n high beam assistant\n, road sign detection, and \nactive cruise control with auto braking\n.\nWHAT ELSE?\nSince it\u2019s a MINI, the Clubman is offered with the long list of MINI customisation options. Inside, options such as the \nMINI Yours Interior Styles\n and the \nMINI Excitement Package\n allow buyers to choose various trims, seats, and steering design, while the outside can be specified with various designs for the mirror caps and the side scuttles, as well as several rim designs and sizes.\nIn the UK, the new Clubman is slated for launch this autumn and it is priced from\u00a0\u00a319,995 (RM118k est).\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s official. Mazda Motor Corporation will take the wraps off their all-new flagship SUV, the Mazda CX-9. This second-gen iteration has been a long time coming, considering that its world debut was back in 2008. Some seven years and two facelifts later, the time has come for a succeeding model.\nThis three-row midsize crossover SUV will get Mazda\u2019s full suite of latest Skyactiv technologies, including the brand\u2019s signature KODO \u2013 Soul of Motion design theme. Judging by how they positioned the previous CX-9, we can expect nothing but the best of cabin quality, including an entirely new exterior look.\nThe Mazda CX-9 will share the Mazda6\u2019s platform and 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine which is rumoured to be turbocharged\nPreviously, the CX-9\u2019s platform was shared with the Mazda6 (a loosely-based Ford CD3 Platform) which, at its front end, accommodated Ford\u2019s \n3.7-litre Cyclone\n engine. The \n270 hp V6\n engine was transversely mounted and paired with \nAisin\u2019s six-speed automatic\n torque converter. Speaking of numbers, one particular figure to look out for is its new kerb weight, including the new powertrain.\nThe 2015 Los Angeles Motor Show will take place from 20 to 29 November, but full details of this brand new SUV will be disclosed on 18 November. Watch this space!"
"Jaguar Land Rover\u2019s customisation arm, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), has given the F-Pace the SVR treatment to make it the fastest and most powerful F-Pace yet. The \n2017 World Car of the Year\n now packs a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 giving it 542 hp and 680 Nm of torque.\nAll that V8 grunt is sent to all four corners via an SVR-calibrated eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission, sending the F-Pace from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.3 seconds\n with a new top speed of \n283 km/h\n. The supercharged V8 is complemented by \nJaguar\u2019s Variable Valve Active Exhaust System\n that delivers a thunderous soundtrack befitting of a souped-up Jaguar. The SVR exhaust is also 6.6 kg lighter than the standard system.   To manage the 44% increase in grunt compared to the \nstandard F-Pace\n, engineers at SVO has purposefully tuned all aspects of the vehicle\u2019s dynamics \u2013 all-wheel-drive system, Adaptive Dynamics suspension, sifter front and rear springs (30 and 10% stiffer respectively), anti-roll bar, larger brake discs (395 mm front; 396 mm rear), Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and Dynamic Driving Mode. All these give the F-Pace SVR even greater body control and agility.\nThe F-Pace SVR rides on 21-inch lightweight forged alloys as standard but the optional 22-inch alloy wheels are what the enthusiastic drivers would want. The larger alloys are not only wider at the rear by 25 mm compared to the front to give the SUV better handling but also lighter by 2.4 kg on the front and 1.7 kg lighter at the rear. They are also designed to deliver greater airflow to the uprated brakes for better cooling under heavy usage.\nInside, the F-Pace SVR\u2019s sporty intent is highlighted by the new Slimline Performance front seats with lozenge quilting and SVR embossed logo, Sport Shift selector, SVR steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifters and supportive rear seats.\nFour interior colour themes are unique to the SVR variant: Red with Jet, Light Oyster with Jet, Siena Tan with Jet and Jet with Light Oyster stitching. Despite its high-performance nature, the creature comforts and practicality of a regular F-Pace have been retained \u2013 they include a 10-inch touchscreen Touch Pro infotainment system, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, onboard 4G WiFi and the all-important 650 litres of boot space.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"We\u2019re only five days away from the official launch of the next-generation all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series, but images of the executive sedan (and its \nfully electric counterpart, the i5\n) have already been leaked online, giving us an almost complete first look of the car.\nThe images currently circulating online come courtesy of \nWilcoblok\n \non Instagram, who also brought us our first images of the \nBMW iX1\n and \n2 Series coupe\n. This time, though, the serial leaker has presumably got into trouble with the suits in BMW management, because the original leaked post has now been deleted. Of course, once something is online, it never truly goes away.\nImage: Wilcoblok via \nheadlightmag.com\nAs usual, we\u2019ll pass off judgement until the car is actually launched, but the two leaked images already give us a pretty good idea of how the car will look like. The usual 5-er three-box silhouette is retained here, with its long bonnet emphasised by the taller and more upright front fascia.\nThe bonnet section of the car, meanwhile, looks to be shortened significantly, with the actual boot lid now given a slight slope to complement the raked windshield, resulting in a fastback-esque appearance.\nREAD MORE: \nBMW i5 teased in pre-production testing \u2018spyshots\u2019 \u2013 fully-electric 5 Series coming this year\nImage: Wilcoblok via \nheadlightmag.com\nLooking in detail, the headlamps appear to sport a more \u201cangry eyes\u201d shape, and now comes with a daytime running light signature that can best be described as two parentheses. Between them is the new taller kidney grille, with a more angular shape that\u2019s inspired by the BMW XM. The lower bumper meanwhile features the new hexagonal lower air intake that was first seen on the new facelifted \nG20 BMW 3 Series\n.\nAs for the rear, the tail lights are now significantly more minimalist than before, taking on the slim horizonal profile of the \nall-new BMW 7 Series\n.\nThe all-new next-generation 2023 BMW 5 Series and i5 is set for official debut on May 24. We don\u2019t know too much about it yet, aside from the fact that it\u2019ll be offered in internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric (EV) options. Expect the ICE options to feature mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrains too.\nOn the EV side, the 2023 BMW i5 will be offered in at least two variants, including the \nM60 xDrive and eDrive40\n. BMW\u2019s Adaptive Suspension Professional Plus will be on offer depending on variant, powered by the ninth-generation Vertical Dynamics Management system.\nInterested? The all-new 2023 BMW 5 Series and i5 is already \nopen for registration of interest (ROI) here in Malaysia\n."
"Porsche has published a set of 15 different car designs from 2005 to 2019, which have until now been kept under lock and key, as part of its Porsche Unseen collection. The full collection will be released over the next few weeks, but to start things off, Porsche has given us a closer look at three of these models which never made to production, from initial sketches to finished clay models.\nPorsche says that these models were not designed to be actual cars to go on the road, but instead as design studies to establish a \u201ccreative space and a relationship with the future\u201d. In simpler terms, the studies are made to imagine how the Porsche brand might evolve in the future, acting sort of as guidelines for the design languages of all models in the long-term.\nPorsche 919 Street\nThe first one of the three unveiled today is the Porsche 919 Street, which is basically the Porsche 919 LMP1 race car imagined for the public roads. The somewhat imaginary 919 Street concept takes on the same dimensions as the Le Mans racer, and is also built on the same carbon-chassis monocoque, and features the same 900 hp engine.\nCertainly not for the faint hearted, but Porsche says it\u2019s meant to \u201cmake the exhilarating driving experience of the LMP1 race car available to amateur drivers\u201d. How incredible would it be if they actually made this an actual car to rival the likes of the \nAston Martin Valkyrie\n?\nWhat\u2019s that on the right, Porsche?\nHidden behind one of the shots of the Porsche 919 Street is also another clay model of a compact SUV still in the works. Is this Porsche\u2019s way of teasing the \nall-electric Porsche Macan\n that we\u2019ve previously heard about? We\u2019ll only know when the car is launched \u2013 but if true, that\u2019s pretty sneaky!\nPorsche Vision Spyder\nThe next model shown off in the Porsche Unseen collection is the Porsche Vision Spyder, a tiny little roof-less sports car that features design elements like nothing we\u2019ve seen on any previous Porsche models \u2013 such as the slim vertical headlights up front.\nInspired by the Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder from 1954, we choose to believe that this model also contributed to the \n911 Speedster\n that was launched in our country earlier this year. Just like the Speedster, the Porsche Vision Spyder also features a pretty spartan and puristic cockpit \u2013 designed to keep the driver focused on the drive.\nPorsche says that this study was designed specifically to further develop the \u201cdesign identity\u201d of Porsche, with a pool of ideas \u2013 such as the modern angular roll bar \u2013 to be used on similar models in the future.\nPorsche Vision \u201cRenndienst\u201d\nFor us though, the most interesting of the lot here is the\u00a0Porsche Vision \u201cRenndienst\u201d, which is a fully-electric van-like model of sorts \u2013 yes, you read that right. The\u00a0futuristic \u201cspace shuttle\u201d is designed to study how the iconic Porsche flavour can be transferred to an unknown vehicle segment for the brand.\nThe \u201ccomfortable and modular travel cabin\u201d is designed to fit six adults, and the driver sits right front and centre of the cabin \u2013 like Gordon Murray\u2019s \nGMA T.50\n, except this isn\u2019t a sports car but a people carrier! Just like most modern electric drivetrains, all of the electric components of the Vision \u201cRenndienst\u201d are located under the passenger cell in the form of a skateboard, which helps increase its interior space.\nThe rest of the models will be slowly revealed by Porsche, and you\u2019ll be able to see for yourself on their \nNewsroom\n. We\u2019ll be taking a closer look at some of the more interesting ones \u2013 like the Porsche electric van here \u2013 as they are released, but if you\u2019re an avid Porsche collector, all 15 models will be published in a 328 page Porsche Unseen book, filled with photos to show them off in all of their glory.\nGALLERY"
"The festive season is here and you know what that means \u2013 \u201cbalik kampung\u201d madness. Before heading on that long drive, even to a holiday retreat, we can\u2019t stress enough how important it is to make sure your tyres are in optimum condition.\nThe tyres are \nthe only contact point between your car and the road\n so needless to say, good traction is highly dependent on how they\u2019ve been maintained and taken care of.\nSo when was the last time you paid any attention to your tyres? Are you aware if your tyres can survive a gruelling journey back to your hometown? We hope this video can prepare you for your upcoming trip. Safe travels!"
"The all-new Genesis G90 has finally been detailed for its major market, the US. Hyundai\u2019s luxury arm has certainly used as many new technologies as possible for this flagship limousine to compete with the likes of the \nlatest Mercedes-Benz S Class\n, the upcoming new-generation \nBMW 7 Series\n, Lexus LS and Audi A8.\nWhile Lexus has strongly defended the decade-old spindle grille design and BMW even \nilluminating the kidney grille\n, Genesis has gone a step further by replicating the emblem design onto the front fascia of the latest Genesis G90.\nThe large Crest Grille now comes with two G-Matrix patterns for a three-dimensional effect and are flanked by ultra-slim Two-Line headlamps. Looking like a pair of wings to the central crest as used in the brand\u2019s emblem, the headlamps\u2019 slim design was made possible by intercrossing the lends of the DRLs with turn indicators, the high beams and the Micro Lens Array (or MLA) technology-powered low beams.\nThe low beams combine circa 200 micro-optic lenses per module with ultraprecise technology. In the Korean models, the Two-Lines lighting are extended to the fender and even illuminates and functions as repeaters for turn indicators!\nDimensionally, the new Genesis will continue to be offered in two wheelbase variants. The standard wheelbase is at 3,180 mm, a shade shorter than the German rivals. However, at \n3,370 mm\n, the long-wheelbase Genesis G90 will be the longest in the segment, beating the \nMercedes-Maybach\n by 5 mm.\nAt 3.6 m, Hyundai\u2019s latest Casper mini crossover can almost fit in between the wheels of the new Genesis. More about this little cute car here!\nThe signature two-line lighting strip continues to the rear, albeit just functioning as tail lamps. A cleaner, simpler look is conveyed via the Genesis lettering being spelt out with \u2018crest\u2019 shaped decorative exhaust tips at the corner of the bumper.\nInside, customization and packages allow plenty of configurations. Being a limousine targeted to the heads of states and VVIPs, the rear seats get plenty of adjustments, ventilation, massaging functions and upholstered by the softest Nappa leather with a quilt pattern.\nThe new Genesis G90 also provides a new experience to occupants with thoughtfully designed storage spaces such as an independent tray for magazines and books in the C-pillar area.\nRELATED: The Johor Royal Family has an ultra-rare Genesis G90 Stretched variant. Take a look at the interior here! \n\u00a0\nPerhaps the single most outstanding feature inside the new Genesis compared to rivals is the removal of the door handles. Lexus did pay plenty of attention in crafting the inner door handles of the \nLS 500\n and \nES 250\n models, but for Genesis, complete removal in place of an electric operation speaks the advanced technological image of the flagship model.\nThe EasyClose system closes to doors at a press of a button which are placed inboard as well as on the doors. The outer door handles, also electrically operated, meanwhile extend outwards to greet the driver and occupants.\nCabin air is well purified, scented and energized by an advanced air-conditioning system while the driver can even perform secured payments over-the-air via the infotainment system and fingerprint authentication system.\nGenesis is taking on the EV revolution with the GV60, also their smallest in the line-up\nBang & Olufsen meanwhile will provide the best audio system for the new Genesis G90 via a Premiere 3D Sound System with 23 speakers and Acoustic Lens Technology that optimizes sound quality through pop-up tweeters and in the headlining.\nPowering the limousine from South Korea is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 with outputs of \n380 hp\n and \n530 Nm\n of torque. Rear-wheel drive via an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, with all-wheel drive made standard for the long-wheelbase variant.\nApart from the usual multi-chamber air suspension system with adaptive control, the suspension system also scans the road ahead as well as translate navigation data to better prepare the ride quality for the most important occupants.\nGALLERY"
"Always wanted a BMW 2 Series Coupe but found it didn\u2019t have enough headroom at the back? Well BMW has chopped the roof off the 2 Series Coupe to give you the \n2 Series Convertible\n so you can have infinite headroom for everyone on board. Even though the 2 Series Coupe was revealed months ago (and already \nlaunched here\n back in April), BMW claims that the 2 Series Convertible was developed in parallel with the hardtop sibling.\nSharing the same good looks with the Coupe, the Convertible loses the trademark Hofmeister kink on the rear quarter windows along with the roof altogether. In its place is an\n electrically powered and acoustically insulated soft top\n that \nopens and closes\n in just \n20 seconds\n. It can also be operated at speeds\n up to 50 km/h\n and can be had in Black, Anthracite with silver effect, or Brown with silver effect.   Compared to its predecessor the 1 Series Convertible, it has grown in every direction. Total\n length\n has grown by 72 mm to \n4,432 mm\n, the \n2,690 mm wheelbase\n is 30 mm longer, and front and rear tracks are wider than before. Cargo space has also increased by 30 litres to \n335 litres\n with the top up, or by 20 litres to 280 litres with the top down. Its body\n torsional rigidity\n has increased by around\n 20 percent\n too.\nNo changes to the interior that comes with \nBMW Professional radio\n and\n iDrive\n operating system as standard, but there\u2019s an option for a leather trim with\n SunReflective technology\n to reduce surface heating in direct sunshine. Also optional is the latest-generation \nNavigation system Professional\n including \nTouch Controller\n.   Safety is provided by the \nintegrated rollover protection system\n with two pop-out aluminium protective bars behind the rear headrests, in addition to the front, side, and head airbags. All models are equipped with \nDynamic Stability Control\n (DSC) system including \nDynamic Traction Control\n (DTC), \nCornering Brake Control\n (CBC), and \nDynamic Brake Control\n (DBC).\nAs with other BMWs, the \nEfficientDynamics technology\n such as the \nAir Curtains\n and \nAuto Start Stop\n are fitted as standard along with \nECO PRO mode\n that can be activated via the\n Driving Experience Control\n switch.\nThe 2 Series Convertible is offered in four engine options, a \n1,995 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbodiesel\n in the \n220d\n, a \n1,997 cc 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n in the \n220i\n and \n228i\n, and a \n2,979 cc 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo\n in the \nM235i\n. All engines can be paired with either a \n6-speed manual\n or an \n8-speed automatic transmission\n.\nPower outputs are \n190 hp\n and \n400Nm\n for the \n220d\n,\n 184 hp\n and \n270 Nm\n for the \n220i\n, \n245 hp\n and \n350 Nm\n for the \n228i\n, and\n 326 hp\n and \n450 Nm\n for the \nM235i\n. Average \nfuel consumption\n throughout the range is from \n4.1 to 8.5 l/100 km\n.\nThe 2 Series Convertible will premier alongside the all-new \nX6 F16\n at the upcoming Paris Motorshow in October.\n[divider]\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Despite still looking fresh and relevant, Kia Motors has decided to give its seven-seater SUV, the \nKia Sorento\n a midlife refresh, distancing itself even further from its competitors. The facelift exercise sees the Sorento getting a refreshed exterior, more premium interior as well as a new eight-speed automatic gearbox for the 2.2-litre CRDi unit.\nChanges to the exterior are mild but impactful, new items on the car include redesigned \nfull LED headlamps and taillamps\n, dark metallic finish on the \u2018tiger-nose\u2019 grille, revised front and rear bumper. Customer will also be delighted to know that the Sorento now comes with new wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19-inch in diameter. Rich Expresso and Gravity Blue are new additions to the colour palette.\nAdditionally, for the bold and outgoing customers, the Sorento is now available in the sporty \nGT-Line\n which further enhances the car\u2019s adventurous appeal. The Sorento GT-Line features quad LED fog lamps, red brake callipers, more prominent side steps and subtle GT Line badging. Diesel models of the GT-Line gets a twin-exhaust design at the rear.\nInside, there are more liberal use of \nsoft touch materials\n and leather to elevate the premium look and feel of the Sorento\u2019s cabin. Customers can have their leather or fabric upholstery to be finished in single-tone (black) or two-tone (black and stone beige) theme. Those who went for the leather upholstery gets additional colour choice of brown or light grey.\nOther \nnewly designed features\n include the steering wheel, driver instrument cluster, climate control display, four-way powered front seats, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless charging tray. A 640-watt, 10-speaker \nHarman/Kardon\u00ae surround sound system\n is now offered as an option.\nAs before the Sorento is offered with two diesels and one petrol engine \u2013 2.0-litre CRDi with \n182 hp\n/\n402 Nm\n, 2.2-litre CRDi with \n197 hp\n/\n441 Nm\n and 2.4 GDI with \n185 hp\n/\n241 Nm\n. The 2.0-litre diesel and 2.4-litre petrol soldiers on with a six-speed automatic transmission while the 2.2-litre diesel gets an all-new eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The option for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive remains.\nThe all-new \neight-speed auto\n is developed in-house by Kia that promises quicker gearshifts and better engine response compared to the old six-speed unit. The extra cogs also help bring down fuel economy to \n6.2 litres per 100 km\n (AWD model).\nOn the safety front, the Sorento facelift now gets the company\u2019s latest\n DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems\n \n(ADAS)\n that helps mitigate or avoid collisions completely. New safety systems include Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning.\nThe Kia Sorento facelift will go on sale in Europe in Q4 of 2017 with pricing to be announced at a later date. Locally, Naza Kia Malaysia has just introduced the \nKia Sorento 2.2 CRDi in the highest specification for RM192k\n."
"Here it is, the new SUV from Lexus \u2013 the \nLexus\n LBX, which has just made its world debut in Milan, Italy. Expected to be the Japanese luxury carmaker\u2019s best-seller, the Lexus LBX, which stands for \u2018Lexus Breakthrough Crossover\u2019, is the brand\u2019s first B-segment, positioned under C-segment models like the \nLexus UX\n, and the CT hatchback from the past.\nBased on the GA-B platform, which also underpins the European \nToyota Yaris Cross\n, the Lexus LBX measures \n4,190 mm\n long, \n1,825 mm\n wide and \n1,545 mm\n tall, and has a \n2,580 mm\n wheelbase. Suspension-wise, the LBX features MacPherson struts at the front and double-wishbone at the back. This platform and suspension setup is created to provide the Lexus LBX with an engaging yet comfortable driving experience and to put a smile on the face of all occupants, according to Lexus.\nOn the outside, the Lexus LBX is designed with a \u2018premium casual\u2019 design philosophy. The front features Lexus\u2019 new \u2018Resolute Look\u2019 design, which comes with the brand\u2019s iconic spindle grille, a design that was first introduced in the LF-S concept car in 2003.\nThe rear design of the Lexus LBX features a simple, yet planted stance, which as a result provides the SUV low centre of gravity. The LBX\u2019s low-slung bonnet belt mouldings flushed with the body, a gate-style rear roof spoiler, and the light cluster designs also help enhance its aerodynamic performance.\nRELATED: \nGallery: 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury now open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 RM469k\nTo make luxury more personal, as mentioned by Lexus, the LBX comes with four design themes, or what the company referred to as \u2018atmospheres\u2019, in order to better fit its customers\u2019 different lifestyles and preferences. These four \u2018atmospheres\u2019 are namely Elegant, Relax, Emotion, and Cool, which are all offered on top of the base grade option.\nThe Elegant and Relax options come with a monotone painted exterior and glossy 18-inch alloys. The Emotion and Cool options, on the other hand, come with a bi-tone paintwork and 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish.\nLexus is also providing further convenience with the Lexus LBX with its optional digital key. Compatible with both Apple and Android smartphone devices, the digital key allows owners to use their smartphones to unlock and start their car.\nPowering the Lexus LBX is the brand\u2019s new hybrid electric system, consisting of a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, and a bi-polar nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. Paired with an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT), the LBX produces \n136 hp\n (metric) and \n185 Nm \nof torque and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in \n9.2 seconds\n. The B-segment luxury SUV is offered in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options.\nRELATED: \n2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia \u2013 over 500 bookings received in one week\nInside the Lexus LBX is an interior design with refinement reserved for higher-class vehicles, according to Lexus. The LBX Cool comes with an Ultrasuede and leather bi-tone black or dark grey interior with copper details and stitching. The LBX Elegant, on the other hand, comes with synthetic leather in a subtle Forest Brown shade or Ammonite Sand for the door panels, instrument panel and console pads as well as the seat upholstery. The Relax model is equipped with a choice of Saddle Tan or Black semi-aniline leather with distinctive Tatami stitching.\nLexus designed the LBX with a driver-focused cockpit, based on Lexus\u2019 Tazuna concept, first featured in the \nNX\n SUV. This concept positions principal controls and information sources immediately around the driver, so their operation only requires minimal movements of the hand or eye.\nThe LBX comes with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display, featured in a Lexus for the first time, as well as a head-up display (HUD). The Lexus Link Connect system is also included and can be operated via the 9.8-inch central screen.\nThe \u201cHey Lexus\u201d on-board assistant is also included, allowing both the driver and front seat passenger to interact via voice command. Wireless or wired connections are available for Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto is wired link. The LBX comes with an array of 13 speakers by Mark Levinson. Ambient illumination is also available, with a range of 50 colour options.\nSafety-wise, the Lexus LBX comes with the Lexus Safety System+. This includes Pre-Collision System with Intersection Turn Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist/Lane Keep Assist and Road Sign Assist. Safe Exit Assist, a driver monitor, intelligent parking sensors with auto-braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Blind Spot Monitor are also included. An extended safety will be optionally available, introducing features such as a Front Cross Traffic Alert system and a Panoramic View Monitor. A remote parking option can also be opted for.\nThe Lexus LBX will be introduced to markets such as Europe, Japan, and selected markets worldwide in \nQ4 2023\n. Sales of the SUV will begin in European and selected global markets in early \n2024\n.\nRELATED: \n2023 Lexus RZ 450e debuts in Thailand \u2013 fully-electric SUV to launch in Malaysia this year?\nGALLERY"
"The annual Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany has been in full swing and we\u2019re pretty sure you lot have been well updated on all the latest concept and production offerings from the biggest and newest manufacturers in the automotive industry.\nBased on what we\u2019ve been exposed to, seeing as we didn\u2019t get a chance to personally be there to deliver the good stuff to you, here are 5 cars we can\u2019t wait to see in roaming around in Malaysia soon!\nBMW Z4 Concept   From the moment \nits teaser was released\n, we\u2019ve been drooling over this new roadster. As it is still in its concept stage, engine and performance specifications have yet to be revealed. It\u2019s not clear either whether it will bear BMW\u2019s prestigious M-badging. That said, speculation has revolved around the same rumour \u2013 with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre 6 cylinder in the pipeline with output ranging from \n187 hp\n to over \n300 hp\n.\nHonda Urban EV Concept   If the car for the masses looks like this, imagine what the interior of the Sport EV concept would look like!\nAs we\u2019ve featured recently\n, the Honda Urban EV concept rides on a new platform which will be the basis for Honda\u2019s electric vehicle development and a road-going production model is set to debut in two years. For the keen-eyed enthusiast, the Urban EV concept bears close resemblance to the first-generation Civic albeit with a lower, more muscular stance.\nWe on the other hand, aren\u2019t as enthusiastic with this being an EV but rather see it being a nippy little hot hatch with a punchy yet efficient, small displacement engine. Give us a manual transmission too for that matter. Certainly can\u2019t wait to send messages to tailgaters through the interactive display!\nChery Exeed TX SUV\nThe Chinese armada cannot be denied anymore \u2013 not when they\u2019re capable of designing an SUV that looks as good as this Exeed! \nBased on its dimensions\n, it appears that it would be marginally bigger than the new Honda CR-V but what\u2019s more exciting than its sleek exterior is the way it\u2019s expected to perform.\nFirst to go on sale would be a plug-in hybrid model, with a 1.5-litre engine mated to an electric motor producing\n 147 hp\n. Power will be delivered to all four wheels through a 7-speed transmission. 0 to 100 km/h will take just \nsix seconds\n, flat. We\u2019re going to see a lot of more \u201cMade in China\u201d \u2013 like it or not.\nBMW 8 Series Concept   The only digit that has been missing from BMW\u2019s ever-expanding inventory of offering is set to make a comeback. Those who grew up adoring the old V12 8-series will probably be on their knees looking at how beautiful the \u201ccomeback edition\u201d will be. Like the Z4 concept, there is no word on the engine specifications and performance figures yet but \nexpect this to go neck and neck with the new S-Class coupe\n. For now, just feast your eyes on these pictures straight out of Germany.\nRenault Megane R.S.   The long awaited \nType R challenger has finally been unveiled\n. While we wouldn\u2019t shout too loud about it (cause we\u2019ve still not gotten a chance to try the Type R), we secretly love the way this thing looks. More than the new Type R in fact! Performance figures are truly amazing when you consider that the engine has been downsized from a 2.0-litre to a \n1.8-litre\n; turbocharging is still present.\nThe result? \n280 hp\n with \n390 Nm\n meters of torque with either a 6-speed manual or Renault\u2019s Efficient Dual Clutch transmission.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nChery Exeed TX   Renault Megane R.S.   BMW Z4 Concept   BMW 8 Series Concept   Honda Urban EV Concept   If the car for the masses looks like this, imagine what the interior of the Sport EV concept would look like!"
"The car wouldn\u2019t be for sale \u2013 let\u2019s get that out of the way first and foremost. The Q Inspiration Concept however, merely teases what Infiniti will have in store for future production.\nThey revolve around the innovatiove \nVC-Turbo powertrain\n, next-level \nautonomous driving technologies\n and a \nunique human-centric interior\n. The Q Inspiration is powered by INFINITI\u2019s unique VC-Turbo technology, a breakthrough in combustion engine design.\nThe engine continually transforms, adjusting its compression ratio to optimise power and fuel efficiency. It combines the power of a larger V6 gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced four-cylinder diesel engine.\nThe VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The positioning of the engine\u2019s turbocharger enables immediate response at any speed or compression ratio which changes seamlessly.\nThe Q Inspiration also previewed the new \nProPILOT\n function that operates through radars and cameras to read the road ahead and monitor the position of other vehicles. Acting as a co-pilot, the autonomous driving technology supports the driver by identifying and responding to other road users and potential hazards.\nProPILOT will empower the driver with end-to-end autonomous driving, providing autonomous multi-lane highway driving and intersection auto-navigation functionalities.   Inside, each passenger is greeted with his/her own floating touchscreen to access the many features of the Q Inspiration including the \u201cmeditation-regeneration mode\u201d. This minimises the level of information displayed, offering meditation to relieve the passenger\u2019s stress. It can also monitor its passenger\u2019s biometrics.\nWith a smaller engine, designers have been able to free up more cabin space \u2013 with a shorter hood and A-pillars pushed further forward. The arcing roofline frees up valuable headroom for front and rear occupants.\nA floating center console maximises leg room, paired with \u201cthin-frame zero-gravity\u201d seats, designed to minimise fatigue on long journeys. The Q INFINITI\u2019s pillarless rear-hinged doors and low sills make getting in and out of the car easier. The driveshaft providing power to the rear wheels is positioned to offer additional leg room in the second row.\nIts dashboard is trimmed with \u201ckabazakura wood\u201d with a matte finish while the seats, centre console and doors are finished in soft white leather.\nThe inside door pockets are lined with a Nishijin-ori material, which includes golden washi paper shreds woven with silk threads. Not only is it a luxurious touch, it also acts as a sensor to enable passengers to switch on and adjust the pocket lighting.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Volvo Car Malaysia has just announced that all Volvo cars registered from the 1st of January 2021 onwards will now come with a 5-year unlimited mileage factory warranty, at no additional cost.\nThe new extended factory warranty is only exclusive to privately owned vehicles and not applicable to vehicles registered or used for commercial purposes i.e. a company car.\n \nPreviously, Volvo only offered a 3-year/100,000km factory warranty with a 2-year/20,000km warranty through the Extended Warranty Programme (EWP) by an external insurance partner.\n\u201cThis new offering is part of our dedication to quality, particularly in relation to our vehicles and customer relationship. At Volvo Car Malaysia, every decision we make is designed around the customer\u2019s needs and more so to solidify their trust in Volvo. We want our customers to feel supported throughout the ownership of their vehicle and we believe that the new extended factory warranty is a step in the right direction as a premium car brand that is rooted in safety,\u201d said Volvo Car Malaysia, Managing Director, Nalin Jain.\n \nThis is another step up in Volvo Cars Malaysia\u2019s warranty game. Last year, the company also announced that customers who purchase a Volvo Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) will be \nentitled to an extended high voltage battery warranty of up to eight years or 160,000 km\n (whichever comes first).\nThe new extended factory warranty is provided for privately owned vehicles only, and not applicable to vehicles registered or used for commercial purposes.\nRead more about it \nhere\n!"
"The federal government currently has no intention of abolishing tolls here in Malaysia, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.\nIn a written response to Padang Besar MP Rushdan Rusmi, who asked about the Anwar administration\u2019s strategy to eliminate tolled highways, the minister said that a takeover of the existing highway concessionaires is currently not feasible due to the significant financial implications.\n\u201cFor the honourable member\u2019s information, the government is committed and focused in its agenda towards addressing rising cost of living and reducing such burdens on the people. However, at this point in time, the government is not planning to take over highway concessionaires who are in operation since the financial implications are high,\u201d the minister wrote in the reply.\nHowever, Nanta did add that the government would reconsider the plan when the country\u2019s finance and fiscal situation permits.\nThe elimination of tolls, specifically along the\n North-South Expressway (PLUS)\n, was a key point in Pakatan Harapan\u2019s 15th general election manifesto. The PH coalition is currently part of a unity government that comprises most political parties in the nation, except those part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition.\nRELATED: \nOpen payment system for tolls on five highways this September \u2013 NPE, AKLEH and more!\n[Source: \nMalay Mail\n]"
"Contrary to popular believe, Toyota\u2019s flagship limousine doesn\u2019t wear a Lexus badge. Instead, that title belongs to the forgotten-by-this-generation Toyota Century, where only two generations have been introduced over its five decades of existence. Now, a new third-generation\u00a0 Toyota Century is expected in 2018, not before its unveiling at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.\nThe new model doesn\u2019t look too different from its two predecessors. Its retro aesthetics is similar to Honda\u2019s approach with\u00a0\nUrban EV\n concept, wherein it adopts retro design cues with the adaptation of modern features. It\u2019s essentially bigger and longer than before, and its wheelbase of\u00a0\n3,090 mm\n means cabin space will be generous and abundant spacious and comfortable, as its intended demographics would need.\nAs for the interior, the rear seats are strictly for two fortunate souls with seat upholstery made of \n100% wool \nwith leather upholstery available as an option though. Fit for the elite and captains of the industry, it comes with a massaging function, powered leg rests, 20-speaker stereo and\u00a0a writing table. The latter should be perfect for issuing\u00a0cheques or holding a glass of champagne.\nGone is the v12 engine from the previous models and instead, it\u2019s now a hybrid where a\u00a0\n5.0-liter 2UR-FSE V8\n petrol engine is paired with a\u00a0\ntwo-stage electric motor\n. Toyota has yet to unveil its power and fuel consumption figures however, in line with newer Toyota offerings, the Century is equipped with\u00a0collision avoidance support, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Existing Volkswagen owners will now be entitled to collect a \ncourtesy vehicle\n issued by authorised Volkswagen service centres in the event of a vehicular breakdown, and needs attention \nexceeding 24 hours\n.\nThis move is part of Volkswagen Malaysia\u2019s ongoing efforts to increase customer satisfaction, and over \n200 Volkswagen cars\n will be available on the road to offer mobility support for their customers.\nVolkswagen Malaysia\u2019s Managing Director Mr Armin Keller\u00a0said, \u201cVolkswagen is the first OEM in Malaysia to embark on a fully sponsored mobility guarantee programme. We now have a complete mobility service to complement our comprehensive dealer network.\u201d"
"According to travel technology experts Expedia, Malaysians command a top five global ranking based on the number of flights taken but are also the most cost-conscious travellers in Asia. Well, looks like Shell Malaysia read the Expedia study and is now offering a chance for Malaysians to win various holiday packages to Italy, Korea or New Zealand.\nShairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading said, \u201cCustomers are our priority here at Shell and we aim to make life\u2019s journeys better for all. We recognise Malaysians\u2019 love for gaining new experiences through travelling and from that, we derived the Win a Trip with Shell contest as a way for us to turn everyday journeys into a memorable and rewarding experience that our customers can look forward to this new year.\u201d\nThe first winner of the \u2018Win a Trip with Shell\u2019 contest landed himself a dream holiday to New Zealand.\nTo take part, all you need to do is spend a minimum of RM40 at Shell retail stations across the country to be eligible; it can be on fuels, lubricants or items sold in Shell Select and Kedai premises, excluding tobacco products, E-Pay and Touch N Go purchases. Thereafter, pick a destination and submit the completed contest form along with receipt of purchase.\nThe contest runs from 17\nth\n December 2018 till 31\nst\n March 2019, with winners (plus a travelling companion of their choice) to be selected every week. At the launch of the \u2018Win a Trip with Shell\u2019 campaign, Wan Muhammad Fathi Bin Wan Nik Kamal was announced as the first winner of the contest, he won a four-night, six-day holiday package for two to New Zealand. What are you waiting for?"
"The time has come for all the shiny new concepts and models to take centre stage. Representing the greener part of Stuttgart is Porsche, with a rather interesting concept dubbed Mission E, and it looks absolutely glorious.\nThe \nMission E\n is Porsche\u2019s first \nall-elec\u00adtric\n powered four-seat sports car in the brand\u2019s history. It looks very unmistakably a Porsche, with hints of all its \ngreatest hits\n manifested here. The engineers have pushed the boat out to sea as well with a train-load of \ncutting-edge technology\n that might just find itself to a dealership near you in the near future.\nPowering this concept visionary interestingly enough is technology already in use in the \nPorsche 919 Hybrid\n race car that championed this year\u2019s 24 hours at \nLe Mans\n. The culmination of two\u00a0\npermanently-excited synchronous motors\n (PSM) produce over\n 600 hp\n (440kW) and will propel the Mission E from standstill to 100 km/h in less than \n3.5 seconds\n and onto 200 km/h in under\n 12 seconds\n.\nPower is distributed to \nall four wheels\n\u00a0with \nPorsche Torque Vectoring\n,\u00a0which automatically \ndistributes torque\n to individual wheels for\n better traction\n and \ndriving feel\n. It will also prove to be a great platform for motorsport racing, it seems. At the heart of it all is an\n 800-Volt drive system\n, which is\n unheard\n of for a car at least. Because of the \nhigh-discharge density\n of the batteries and motor, it can deliver\n multiple full whack\n accelerations at\u00a0\nshort intervals,\n\u00a0a technology that\u2019s also unheard of in electric vehicles.\nWith that much juice to spare, Porsche has claimed a range of around \n500km\u00a0\non a single charge. Pretty impressive for a four-door four seater \nPanamera-esque\n car. But at the end of the day, bear in mind that it\u2019s a Porsche, which translates to \nevery-day usability\n. Here\u2019s the best part; via the \n800-volt port\n, the battery can be charged to approximately \n80 percent\n of its capacity in around\n 15 minutes\n \u2013 a record time for electric vehicles. That should give you a range of \n400 km\n. Astonishing, to say the least.\nThis is possible thanks to the\u00a0innovative \u201c\nPorsche Turbo Charging\n\u201d system. As an alternative, the Mission E can be connected to a conventional \n400-volt quick-charging\n station, or it can be replenished at home in the garage via an \ninductive charging system\n that\u2019s as easy as\u00a0\nparking\n over a\n coil\n embedded in the \nfloor\n of the garage from which the energy is transferred without cables to a \ncoil\n on the car\u2019s\n underbody\n. If it works for our mobile phones, why not future EVs, right?\nThe Mission E is a\n lightweight\n\u00a0concept with an \noptimal weight distribution\n and a \nlow centre of gravity\n. The battery pack is mounted in the car\u2019s underbody, based on the latest \nlithium-ion\n technology, it runs the whole length between the \nfront\n and \nrear axles\n. This distributes its weight to the two drive axles uniformly, resulting in exceptionally \ngood balance\n, Porsche claims.\nThe interior is probably a closer interpretation of sci-fi blockbuster,\u00a0\nMinority Report\n where you are tracked via a camera at all times. But it\u2019s more than that, because the camera isn\u2019t actually recording you, but it\u00a0\ntracks\u00a0\nyour\n eyes\n to identify which instrument you\u2019re focusing on.\u00a0The entire dashboard is chock full of new ideas.\u00a0The free-standing instrument cluster shows \nfive\n round instruments \u2013 they can be recognised as being Porsche, but they are displayed virtually in\n OLED\n technology for a more organic feel.\nIn terms of design, well that\u2019s needless to say at this point. But glare closely at the pictures and you\u2019ll immediately come across \nfamiliar lines\n and shapes that has served as an inspirational composition for the Mission E concept. The sweeping roof line is clearly lent over from the iconic 911. The rear-end has a whiff too of the Panamera.\nWe\u2019re convinced for sure that Porsche has the right idea and are headed in\u00a0the right direction with this electrified sports saloon of tomorrow. This shows the marque\u2019s unwavering commitment to just that cause. Meanwhile, in support of going green, Porsche\u00a0recently revealed their\n\u00a0\nnew 911 Carrera\n range as a stepping stone forward, featuring turbocharged technology for the first time in the base model.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Ever wondered why the battery charge on your smartphone does last as long as when it was new? The phenomenon is referred to in different technical jargons depending on the industry, but it essentially means \na loss in the amount of charge\n a battery is able to retain over time.\nLithium-ion batteries are appreciated for their \nhigh energy density\n, \nrelative low weight\n and \nfast charging capability\n compared to past generation technologies such as nickel metal hydride and nickel cadmium. But like all rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion cells are susceptible to \nchemical aging\n over repeated charging cycles. The effect of which is a \nloss in battery capacity\n \u2013 imagine a fuel tank that \nshrinks in size\n ever so slightly over time.\nNote the 12 outer bars on the battery gauge which shows available capacity in the first generation Nissan Leaf.\nIt\u2019s a little-known fact, but Nissan became the first EV manufacturer in the world to offer a warranty on battery capacity loss back in 2013 (for selected markets). The warranty came about after some Leaf owners in North America experienced higher than usual battery capacity loss over the initial years ownership.\n Maximum battery capacity (12 bars) as shown on the new Leaf\u2019s digital gauge.\nLess than 9-bar condition will trigger the 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.\nFor the second-generation Nissan Leaf sold in Malaysia, its \n40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack\n is covered by an\n 8-year or 160,000km warranty\n not only for faults, but also \nany capacity loss exceeding 33%,\n which is equivalent to an indicated level of \nless than 9 bars\n (out of a total of 12 segments) as shown on the \nbattery capacity gauge\n on the vehicle\u2019s Multi Information Display.\n \nNow, if only smartphone manufacturers offer warranty for\nbattery capacity loss."
"There\u2019s a new variant for the Ford Ranger in Thailand, called the FX4 Max, and unlike most \u201cspecial-edition\u201d variants \u2013 including a very similarly-named \nRanger FX4\n \u2013 that we\u2019re used to seeing, this one comes with more than just skin-deep styling changes.\nThe most noticeable mechanical change on the Ranger FX4 Max is its engine. While the previous FX4 special-edition gets the same 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder turbocharged diesel as seen on the \nRanger XLT\n, the FX4 Max is instead equipped with the \n2.0-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel mill\n, the same one seen on the Ranger WildTrak and\n Raptor\n.\nThe bi-turbo engine makes \n213 hp \nand \n500 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox, making the powertrain essentially identical to the Ranger Raptor \u2013 all that\u2019s missing is the Raptor-exclusive Terrain Management System. Now you see why we call this the Raptor \u2018Lite\u2019?\nOther mechanical add-ons include the Fox monotube dampers on all-four corners \u2013 while not the same as the Racing Shox found on the Ranger Raptor, the new suspension set-up features increased suspension travel and a taller overall ride height, improving the Ranger FX4 Max\u2019s off-road performance.\nFurther improvements to its off-road capabilities come in the form of the upgraded BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, wrapping around the new 17-inch alloys. All in, the Ford Ranger FX4 Max boasts a ground clearance of 256 mm \u2013 20 mm more than the regular XLT variant \u2013 and an 26 mm wider track width for more stability especially off the beaten path.\nAs for looks, the Ford Ranger FX4 Max stands out from the other Ranger variants with its Raptor-inspired \u201cFORD\u201d script grille. Other standard equipment on the FX4 Max include a matte black sports roll bar, a tubular side step, and front and rear wheel arch claddings \u2013 all of which are finished in a Bolder Grey colour, alongside the door handles, wing mirror housings, wheels, and bumpers.\nInside, the FX4 Max variant-exclusive touches include the Alcantara upholstery with carbon-fibre-like trims and \u201cFX4 MAX\u201d embroideries, as well as a bank of six auxiliary power switches on top of the dashboard. These switches work in conjunction with the 250A alternator, allowing owners to connect external appliances such as winches or LED light bars without messy cabling runs.\nThe Ford Ranger FX4 Max is available in Thailand for \nTHB1,189,000\n (~RM159k), approximately THB500k less than the Ranger Raptor.\nCloser to home, Sime Darby Auto Connexion has recently unveiled the \nspecial edition Ford Ranger Raptor X here in Malaysia\n, with a fresh new coat of True Red paint, and several additional niceties.\nGALLERY"
"Recently, ASEAN NCAP released the crash safety rating of the all-new \nPerodua Myvi which was awarded full 5-Star safety rating\n based on the new protocol for 2017-2020. Another popular model which was subjected to the same assessment and fared equally well is the Toyota Vios.\nBut it\u2019s not quite the Vios we all know and love. The 5-Star safety rating applies only to Thailand (known as \nYaris Ativ\n locally), Singapore, Laos and Cambodia only where all variants of the Vios comes equipped with \nseven-airbags\n, Electronically Stability Control (ESC), ABS and ISOFIX mounting points as standard.\nThe 5-Star Vios scored an impressive overall score of 81.63 with the breakdown as below:\nAdult Occupant Protection: 44.70 points (of 50 points)\nChild Occupant Protection: 21.66 points (of 25 points)\nSafety Assist: 15.28 points (of 25 points)\nThe 5-Star safety rating is also applicable to the Yaris Ativ which is exclusive to the Thai-market. The only difference between the Vios and Yaris Ativ is the smaller 1.2-litre engine fitted to the latter in order to comply with Thailand\u2019s eco-car policy.\nUnfortunately, \nMalaysian-spec Toyota Vios\n does not share the same high-flying rating as our Vios comes with mere dual-airbags. Fortunately thanks to the update introduced earlier in the year, UMW Toyota has fitted \nESC as standard across the range\n."
"Hyundai Motor has released several images of its all-new B-segment crossover, the Bayon. We may have some reservations with that name but there\u2019s no denying how futuristic this thing looks (from what\u2019s revealed, at least).\nLike the new \nElantra\n and \nSonata\n launched in Malaysia recently, the company has confirmed that Bayon will be the latest model to incorporate its Sensuous Sportiness design language.\nThe black strip between the slim daytime running lights is actually an air duct to channel air towards the engine bay. The Hyundai Bayon\u2019s headlamps on the other hand have been positioned on the front bumper, just like the \nnew Hyundai Kona in Malaysia\n.\nAlong with the arrow-shaped tail lights that resemble those on the Lexus UX crossover, the front and rear of the all-new Bayon has been design to make the B-segment look wider.\nAs for the rest of the car, more will be revealed in the coming weeks with the crossover expected to be fully revealed by the first half of this year."
"Ducati\n Malaysia today unveiled the Superleggera V4 \u2013 the \u201cmost exclusive Ducati ever produced\u201d \u2013 here on our shores, bearing a price tag of \nRM888,000\n. Ducati is only ever building 500 units of the Superleggera V4, and the first and currently the only one here in Malaysia has already been sold.\nThis unit that you\u2019re seeing here with the ID number 210/500 was delivered today to Datuk Nazir Hussin Akhtar Husin at the Ducati Flagship showroom in Petaling Jaya. Aside from this brand-new Superleggera, he also already has a Ducati Panigale V4 R, as well as a 1199 Panigale V4 S in his collection.\n\u2018Superleggera\u2019 means \u2018Super Light\u2019 in Italian, and as you can expect, the new Superleggera V4 once again pushes the technical envelope all in the name of saving a few (important) kilograms. In fact, the Superleggera V4 is the only street-legal motorcycle in the world to have its entire load-bearing structure (frame, subframe, swingarm, and wheels) made out of carbon fibre composite material, which helped save 6.7 kg!\nWith all the incredible weight-saving measures in place, including extensive use of carbon fibre, titanium, and machined aluminium parts, the Ducati Superleggera V4 weighs just 159 kg dry, 16 kg less than the Panigale V4, and translates to a power-to-weight ratio of \n1.41 hp/kg\n \u2013 which is supposedly a record-breaking figure for a road legal sports bike, according to Ducati.\nThe Superleggera V4 can also be fitted with the Racing kit, which boosts engine output to 234 hp, while dropping its dry weight further to 152.2 kg, therefore raising its power/weight ratio to\n 1.54 hp/kg\n.\nOther equipment included that pretty much makes this the most-extreme road-legal sports bike ever are the lightened Ohlins suspension system with pressurised fork, a Brembo brake system, as well as new electronics wizardries including \u201cEVO 2 strategies\u201d for the traction control system and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), which allows riders to shift up and down without using the clutch.\nExclusive to the Superleggera V4 is also a special engine calibration for the Akrapovic racing exhaust, which gives riders access to a track-only \u201cRaceGP\u201d display mode, which Ducati says is a direct offshoot of the instrument panel on their MotoGP contender.\n GALLERY"
"The \u201cregular\u201d \nBentley Flying Spur\n is already one of the plushiest car money can (realistically) buy. But when that is still not enough, Bentley has just unveiled an even posher Flying Spur Mulliner for the lucky 1-percenters.\nClaimed to offer the \u201cthe ultimate in four-door luxury\u201d, the Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner is now the luxury carmaker\u2019s most expensive series-production model to date. Anything more, and you\u2019ll have to ask the \nMulliner coachbuilding department\n to specifically make one for you.\nSo what makes this Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner special? On the outside, the top-of-the-range edition gets several Mulliner-exclusive touches including the unique \u201cdouble diamond\u201d front grille and chrome lower intakes, matching wing vents, satin silver-painted wing mirror caps, and an electrically deployed and illuminated Bentley Flying B ornament.\nThe Mulliner also has a unique set of 22-inch grey Mulliner wheels, replete with self-levelling wheel caps that remain upright as the wheels rotate, plus \u201cjewel\u201d fuel and oil caps. Rather mild by Mulliner\u2019s standards, but still enough to help the car stand out without being gaudy.\nBentley also made a limited-run Odyssean Edition to celebrate the launch of the Flying Spur Hybrid. Check it out here!\nInside, though, is where things get a little more flashy. Buyers can choose from eight different hand-picked three-colour combinations, all with the same attention to detail and flair you\u2019d expect from a Bentley.\nThe one you see here in the photos is called Ascot, with imperial blue leather on the dashboard, doors, and headlining, a light tan hue called \u201cCamel\u201d on the seats, and white serving as the accent colour on the micro-piping, embroidery and accent lines.\nThe Mulliner Driving Specification is fitted as standard on the range-topping Flying Spur trim, which brings with it Bentley\u2019s iconic diamond-in-diamond seat quilting, and three-dimensional leather details on the doors.\nAnd to demonstrate what we mean by \u201cBentley\u2019s attention to detail\u201d, each of the diamonds are made up of exactly 712 individual stitches! According to Bentley, the embroidery process itself took 18 months to develop, but the results are, we think, well worth it.\nIf you\u2019re looking for something a little more special, take a look at this five-unit-only coach-built stretched Bentley Mulsanne limousine!\nWrapping up the interior are the brushed silver Mulliner Breitling clock, illuminated Mulliner sill plates, extra deep-pile Mulliner overmats, plus unique Mulliner-exclusive electrically-operated veneer and leather picnic tables for the rear passengers that deploy at just a push of a button.\nLast but definitely not least, each customer will receive their cars with a unique Mulliner-branded handcrafted presentation box, which matches the exact three-colour combination of their car\u2019s cabin. The keys themselves are also similarly colour-matched with leather.\nThe Mulliner variant will be offered with any of the existing Bentley Flying Spur\u2019s powertrain options, which means you can choose between a \n4.0-litre twin-turbo V8\n, \n6.0-litre W12\n, or the \nrecently-launched 3.0-litre V6 hybrid\n.\nPricing wise, well \u2013 as they say, if you have to ask.\nGALLERY"
"Having\n taken over one of the most notable names in the British sportscar game\n, Geely not only wants to \nrestore Lotus to its former glory\n but also scale new heights by introducing brand new sportscars while penetrating the SUV game.\nWorking on tapping into the increasingly lucrative SUV segment, a vital exercise if Lotus wants to see any profit at all, Geely could possibly look into utilising the \nnew Volvo XC40\u2019s platform\n. The XC40 is built on the Compact Modular Architecture that\u2019s capable of supporting high performance applications \u2013 it\u2019s probably safe to expect the potential \nLotus SUV\n to come with potent powertrains.\nThe \nLotus Elise 260 Cup\n \u2013 the lightest, most powerful Elise to date\nAside from SUV-manufacturing aspirations, Geely\u2019s boss had also highlighted the desire to restore the Lotus brand where it would challenge (as it were before in its heyday) the likes of Porsche and Ferrari once again.\nWhile Lotus\u2019 have also been a notch lower in terms of price point than the Italian and German powerhouses, they\u2019ve never been too far in terms of driving dynamics and pleasure. A Porsche or Ferrari beater at a fraction of the asking price of say a Ferrari 488 GTB or a Porsche 911 GT3 RS could just set the Lotus brand alight again.\nSource: \nAutocar"
"Ford has officially pulled off the wraps to the fourth-generation Ford Focus with the accompanying tagline \u201cThe Most Innovative, Spacious, Connected and Fun-To-Drive Focus Ever\u201d. The all-new Focus is available in three body styles hatchback, sedan and estate, all of which will go on sale in Europe and China later in the year.\nUnderneath the skin is Ford\u2019s new C2 platform that promises enhanced crash safety performance, more interior space and weight savings of up to\u00a0\n88 kg\n. The designers have adopted a human-centric design philosophy resulting in a sleek and athletic design while maintaining class-leading aerodynamic efficiency of \n0.273 cd\n.   Up front, you\u2019ll find Ford\u2019s latest illustration of the hexagonal grille as well as full LED headlamps that we can\u2019t help to think they have drawn inspiration from a certain carmaker based in Gothenburg. The taillamps are now positioned further away from each other to create a wider stance for the car.\nFour distinct trim lines\n are available for the new Focus \u2013 Titanium, Active, ST-Line and Vignale, all differentiated by their body kit design. Notably, the ST-Line wears the most aggressive look with a functional roof spoiler, aerodynamic rear diffuser as well as signature ST-Line lower wing elements directing air to the air-curtain inlets.\nFord Focus ST-Line\nOn ST-Line models, ride height is lowered by \n10 mm\n in combination with unique springs, dampers and stabiliser bars for a more dynamic driving performance while the Focus Active gets \n30 mm\n increased ride height compared to a standard car to suit the cars go anywhere attitude.\nInside, the cabin is a breath of fresh air with a decidedly more minimalistic design. Sitting on the centre dash is an 8.0-inch SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system with touchscreen and gesture control support. The new system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Automatic versions of the Focus will now get a \nRotary Gear Shift Dial\n instead of a traditional gear lever to free up additional space on the centre console.   Speaking of space, the car\u2019s longer wheelbase and flat floor contribute to a best-in-class knee clearance of 81 mm and shoulder room has increased by some 60 mm as compared to the outgoing Focus.\nThe all-new Focus is available with four engine options -two petrol and two diesels, all paired to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, the latter is a first for the Focus. Starting with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost, it is offered in three states of tune \n84 hp\n,\n 99 hp\n and \n123 hp\n while the larger capacity 1.5-litre, also three-cylinder EcoBoost, serves up \n148 hp\n or \n180 hp\n.\nA Focus Estate for you?\nBoth EcoBoost petrol engines feature Ford\u2019s cylinder deactivation system which automatically stops one of the engine\u2019s cylinders under low engine load or coasting. When on-demand propulsion is needed, the cylinder is reactivated in \n14 milliseconds\n \u2013 20 times faster than a blink of an eye \u2013 to ensure refinement and performance is not compromised.\nDiesel offering is made up of a 1.5-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel that delivers\n 94 hp\n or \n118 hp\n \u2013 both deliver \n300 Nm\n of twist \u2013 as well as a 2.0\u2011litre EcoBlue turbodiesel that makes \n148 hp\n and \n370 Nm\n of torque.\nFord has equipped the Focus with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition, Lane-Centring, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Evasive Steering Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert and Post-Collision Braking; anticipating a 5-Star Euro NCAP Crash Safety Rating.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"You and I, we\u2019ve all come across stories like these before \u2013 they\u2019re not uncommon. Yet, it never fails to strum out inner feels every time we encounter something like this.\nIn a time where we\u2019re labelled as a \u201cthrow-away society\u201d, influenced by our consumerism and over consumption of things, we\u2019re so thoughtless about getting rid of the things that are old, out of fashion or perhaps even mildly out of date.\nThis lady has a lesson or two we can all learn from.\n \nView this post on Instagram\nA post shared by Amanda Nulty (@amandaae86)\nThis heart-warming encounter was shared by Instagram user \n@amandaae86\n\u00a0after met possibly one of the oldest owners of the Toyota AE86 named Marie.\nMarie has owned the car since it was bought brand new in 1983 and have been driving it daily ever since. She also knew it would be the only car she\u2019ll have after purchasing it \u2013 such it the unexplainable magic of the 86.\nShe\u2019s even gone on extremely long road trips \u2013 driving across Nullarbor in South Australia, through the 1,660 km Eyre Highway \u2013 the first National Highway in Australia.\nShe also added that she\u2019s only left it to one mechanic to maintain the car throughout her entire ownership, using original Toyota parts only. In those 35 years, it had only broken down on her once; adding that she even cried when the car was put on the tow truck."
"It\u2019s that time of the year when US brand consultancy Interbrand publishes their annual \n\u201cBest Global Brands\u201d study\n, and \u2013 surprise, surprise \u2013 Mercedes-Benz has once again been ranked as the world\u2019s most valuable luxury car brand, for the \nsixth year in a row\n.\nThe Three-pointed Star\u2019s brand value has grown by 3% from 2020 to now USD50.9 billion. However, its overall ranking remains at eight, making it the only German brand to make it into the top 10. Mercedes-Benz\u2019s closest rival, \nBMW\n, drops to 12th place (from 11th) with a 5% growth in brand value (USD41.6 billion).\nJust like last year, Mercedes-Benz isn\u2019t actually the most valuable carmaker \noverall \n\u2013 that title goes to \nToyota\n, who retains seventh place with a 5% growth in brand value (USD54.1 billion). That\u2019s why you\u2019ll only see Mercedes-Benz ever talk about itself as the most valuable \nluxury\n carmaker.\nRead our review of the Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde here!\nThe most surprising addition to the top 20 most valuable brand is \nTesla\n, who climbed a whopping 26 positions to 14th this year, thanks to a 184% increase in brand value to USD36.3 billion.\nOther luxury carmakers that made the Top 100 include \nAudi\n at 46th place (down two places from last year), \nPorsche\n (58th, down three), \nFerrari\n (76th, up three), \nMini\n (96th, down one), and \nLand Rover\n (98th, down five).\n\u201cOur continued ranking in the top ten and the increased brand value are successes that we at team Mercedes-Benz are very proud of. This result validates our strategic direction yet again \u2013 as a company but also in terms of our brand positioning,\u201d said Mercedes-Benz VP of Communications and Marketing, Bettina Fetzer.\n\u201cAcross all our brands, Mercedes-Benz is transitioning from a traditional understanding of luxury to a modern interpretation that emphasises aspects such as approachability, innovation and individuality, that establishes an awareness of a world of new possibilities and that inspires enthusiasm for sustainable mobility.\u201d\nMercedes-Benz has stopped development of PHEV powertrains to focus solely on EVs. Learn more here.\nInterbrand has been conducting its \u201cBest Global Brands\u201d study since 1999, and is often regarded as one of the most competitive benchmarks and indicators used by company CEOs to gauge the company\u2019s performance.\nThe ranking system is based on three primary criteria: \u201cThe financial performance of the brand\u2019s products or services\u201d, \u201cThe role of the brand in the purchasing decision-making process\u201d, and \u201cThe strength of the brand when it comes to securing future returns for the company\u201d.\nMore information on the study and the full Top 100 list can be found on Interbrand\u2019s website \nhere\n."
"Lotus has confirmed the technical specifications and thus the price of the \nall-new Emira\n First Edition, with the sportscar tagged at a starting price of \nGBP75,995\n (approx. RM435k). Production of the sportscar will only start from the Spring of 2022. \u00a0\nThe big-bore Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 engine now develops \n405 hp\n and \n420 Nm\n of torque (automatic transmissions see an increase of 10 Nm), with boosting pressure added by an Edelbrock 1740 supercharger. Preliminary benchmark century sprint time is \n4.3 seconds\n for the six-speed manual and 4.2 seconds for the six-speed conventional automatic.\nEven with just relatively modest amounts of peak outputs, the all-new Lotus Emira is expected to hit a top speed of 290 km/h. For the Emira V6 First Edition variant, customers are initially offered a choice of six colours with more to be added later in 2022.\nLotus is also campaigning the Emira in the GT4 category as soon as next year! 400 hp and under 1,300 kg! More information here.\nExterior details include full LED lighting, titanium exhaust finisher, power-folding door mirrors and Lower Black Pack that applies gloss black to the aerodynamic pieces up front, side sills and the rear diffuser.\nThere are three types of finishing available for the 20-inch forged alloy wheels and customers can also select different brake caliper colours plus a choice of either Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres with the Sports package.\nA Touring package is also available to make the Lotus Emira more of a grand tourer, with the suspension set up softer for a more comfortable ride. \u00a0\u00a0\nFor the interior, there are seven colour choices with key touchpoints finished in satin chrome. Other features include a 12-way adjustable power seat with memory function, premium audio system from British brand KEF, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and a multi-function steering wheel. Visit the configurator \nhere\n for the example of the interior themes.\nApart from new cars and designs, Lotus is also revamping the look and feel of their sales centre. Check out how awesome the first looks, here! \u00a0\n\u00a0\nFor the drivers who prefer a lightweight four-cylinder behind their backs, be prepared to wait late until 2022, as Lotus is only planning to introduce the First Edition with the Mercedes-AMG sourced \nfour-cylinder powertrain\n from autumn of 2022. As for the much talked about variant with an entry price of under GBP60,000 (RM344k), production is only scheduled to begin in 2023.\nAt this rate, not one but two \nfully electric Lotus\n models manufactured in \nChina\n are scheduled to reach dealerships sooner than the \u201cmass-market\u201d all-new Emira, given the competitive and rapid pace of Chinese auto manufacturing.\nEither pricing puts the Lotus Emira above the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 (from GBP65k) and 718 Cayman T (300 hp, from GBP52.5k).\nGALLERY"
"After releasing a\nteaser image on the brand\u2019s official Twitter account, Polestar is ready to unveil\nthe Polestar 2 in all its glory on 27 February 2019. The car will proceed to\nmake its first public appearance at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show\nhappening in March.\nDetails of Polestar\u2019s second car is scarce, but we know that unlike the Polestar 1 high-performance hybrid coupe, the Polestar 2 will be a four-door compact electric saloon that aims squarely at the \nTesla Model 3\n.\nReports have quoted that the Polestar 2 will command over \n400 hp\n with over \n450 km\n of driving range. If Polestar were to take the fight to Tesla, their new electric vehicle will have to beat or at least match the Model 3\u2019s sub 6 seconds century sprint time and over 200 km/h top speed.\nThe Polestar 2 will be \nbuilt in Chengdu, China\n at the company\u2019s dedicated production facility alongside the Volvo manufacturing plant."
"The Covid-19 pandemic is changing the way brick-and-mortar businesses function, with many companies relying on a heavier online presence to canvas for sales leads as potential customers stay home.\nWhile the Movement Control Order (MCO) prohibits car showrooms from operating, it does not preclude sales leads from being generated online, with a view to facilitate registrations and deliveries progressively after the MCO is lifted.\nAs such, Edaran Tan Chong Motor\u2019s Nissan website has been enhanced with a new \u2018\nOnline Showroom\n\u2019 feature which enables potential customers to \nsubmit online enquiries\n or \nrequests for vehicle booking\n in a few simple steps. Once submitted, a Nissan sales representative would be in contact \nwithin 24 hours\n. Give it try if you\u2019ve been eyeing a Nissan vehicle before MCO was imposed."
"Taking centre stage at Perodua\u2019s booth at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) is the Perodua X-Concept. A compact SUV concept car that hints at the second national carmaker\u2019s vision of connected and tech-laden automobiles.\nSome of the highlights of the X-Concept include the LED illuminated front grille that houses the Perodua logo, Y-Shaped LED headlamps and taillamps as well as a sharply sculptured body. While the front end is a novelty for Perodua, the lower rear section reminiscence of the brand\u2019s current line up of hatchback, in particular, the Myvi, with its pronounced rear bumper.   The sharp edges from the C-pillar onwards is a refreshing take of Perodua\u2019s current boxy vehicle design that is present from the Bezza sedan all the way up to the Alza MPV. If this is what Perodua designers are plotting, then the company has come a long way (in terms of vehicle design) from rebadging Daihatsu cars.\nNot much has been revealed for the interior but it showcases a futuristic dashboard layout that incorporates an LCD instrument cluster, a 12.9-inch portrait-styled central touchscreen and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. It seems that technologically advance and minimalism is the theme for the cabin design.\nPerodua did not disclose its future plans with the X-Concept but based on the company\u2019s track record of turning concept cars into reality, we might very well see Perodua venturing into the SUV space in the near future.\n\u201cIn keeping with KLIMS18\u2019s Beyond Mobility theme, the Perodua X-Concept is much more than just a vehicle in the accepted sense. It is the manifestation of Perodua\u2019s vision of the future, a vision where cars are lifestyle statements first, means of transport second, and bristling with connected technology,\u201d said Perodua President and CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh.\nIMAGE GALLERY\nPerodua X-Concept at KLIMS"
"Shortly after announcing that the Mitsubishi Xpander will be making its way onto our shores, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has now set up a roadshow at the Mid Valley Megamall to preview the seven-seater crossover for the first time in our country.\nThe Mitsubishi Xpander, \nfirst introduced in Indonesia back in 2017\n, will be making its debut in Malaysia in the latest facelifted form, which was unveiled earlier this year. Cosmetic upgrades include a slightly reworked Dynamic Shield front grille, LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and sharkfin radio antenna at the rear.\nLooking at the car at the preview, we also noticed that the Malaysian-specification Mitsubishi Xpander will be equipped with a \n360-degree around view monitor\n, which should be quite useful for a bulky seven-seater like this. However, whether this will be a standard feature across all variants remains to be seen.\nThe teaser preview utilises an automatically pulley system to raise and lower a cloth cover, effectively showing only the bottom half of the Mitsubishi Xpander. Though for a brief few moments, we did manage to glimpse into the interior of the seven-seater crossover, where we can see that the Malaysian specification features black upholstery as opposed to beige seats in the Indonesian model.\nBased on the teaser videos published by MMM on their social media channels, the Malaysian Xpander will also feature Apple CarPlay connectivity on the central infotainment display.\nAs for what\u2019s underneath the hood, we expect to see the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, as seen in the Indonesian models, to make its way here as well. The engine produces \n105 hp\n and \n141 Nm\n of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.\nAside from the teaser preview, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has also announced that the Xpander will be \nlocally-assembled in Malaysia\n in the company\u2019s new production facility in Pekan, Pahang. Prior to this, the company\u2019s two locally-assembled models \u2013 the ASX and Outlander \u2013 were both built in the Tan Chong Assembly Plant in Segambut.\nMMM Chief Executive Officer Tomoyuki Shinnishi also said that the Xpander has been localised to meet the demands of Malaysian customers. \u201cIt will be priced competitively to cater for families and adventure-seekers who are looking for a more comfortable and practical seven-seater to make their journeys a more pleasant one,\u201d he added.\nThe new plant in Pekan features an all-new body welding workshop, 360-degree ED-coating and robotic spray system to ensure full coverage of corrosive prevention coating and consistent paint finishing, as well as an all-new tester line to check for all safety functions including the Active Stability Control (ASC) system before the car reaches its final assembly line.\nThe Mitsubishi Xpander will be on display at the East Atrium of Mid Valley Megamall, from \ntoday until the 13th of September\n, from 10 am until 10 pm daily. Customers can register their interest at the roadshow, with the order books expected to open \u201csoon\u201d.\nIf you\u2019re interested to learn more about the Mitsubishi Xpander, be sure to check out our\n full review\n of the seven-seater crossover, featuring our friend Fitra Eri of Oto Driver from Indonesia!\nGALLERY"
"We\u2019ve been hearing rumours about a \nPerodua Alza\n replacement model for a long time now, seeing that the MPV is now 12-years-old. While nothing concrete has really surfaced just yet, a new statement from Perodua parts supplier Sapura Industrial Berhad (SIB) might have just given us the first inkling of the model\u2019s launch timeline.\n\u201cWe are currently in the development phase of parts awarded for the Alza replacement model (D27A) expected to be launched by \nend 2021\n,\u201d SIB said in its 2021 annual report. \u201cWe have also been awarded the supply of Case Differential Assembly by Akashi Kikai Industry Malaysia, a Tier-1 vendor for Perodua\u2019s transmission module, forecasted for mass production in December 2021.\u201d\nPerodua DN Multisix concept, first shown off alongside the DN Trec at the 2017 Tokyo motor show.\nNow, to be clear, the statement is no guarantee that we\u2019ll actually see the new model by this year \u2013 it could just be an initial target timeline given by Perodua to its supplier, and don\u2019t forget how the Covid-19 pandemic and \nsemiconductor chip shortages\n have affected vehicle production worldwide.\nWe won\u2019t bet on it, but given Perodua\u2019s track record in keeping to its launch timeline, it\u2019s more than likely a possibility that\u2019ll we\u2019ll see it this year, with deliveries beginning next year \u2013 we\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\nNot much information is currently available on the D27A Perodua Alza replacement just yet, but it\u2019s likely that the model will be based on the DN Multisix concept shown off at the 2017 Tokyo motor show, displayed next to the DN Trec which evolved into the \nDaihatsu Rocky\n/\nPerodua Ativa\n that we all know.\nWe also won\u2019t be surprised to see the DNGA platform being used for the all-new D27A model, as the modular platform was designed to be easily shared across multiple models, as Perodua themselves also said in the media slides at the launch of the Ativa.\nThe upcoming Perodua Alza probably will look nothing like this inside, but it\u2019s still nice to dream!\nMore info on the all-new Perodua Alza replacement model will come in due time, as we edge ever closer to the launch. What are your wish lists for the new model? Let us know in the comments section below!\nGALLERY"
"Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur\n has launched the \nAston Martin Vantage\n F1 Edition\n in Malaysia. Before taxes, duties, and other options, the range-topping Vantage model costs a total of \nRM978,000\n. Essentially a replica of the F1 safety car, the Vantage F1 Edition is available in both coupe and roadster versions.\nBy the way, if you\u2019re looking to renew your motor insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to \nwww.motortakaful.com\n.\nAs the most track-focused production Vantage to date, the Vantage F1 Edition is also the most powerful. Housing a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine under the hood, the Vantage F1 Edition makes \n535 hp \n(metric) and \n635 Nm\n of torque. Paired with the V8 engine is an 8-speed automatic transmission with an optimised torque cut during upshifts that reduces shift times and increases the feeling of directness and precision.\nOn the chassis, the Vantage F1 Edition has received underbody modifications that increase the front structural stiffness, subsequently improving steering feel and response. The dampers have a wider bandwidth, improving vertical body control.\nAt the rear, the spring rate has been increased, together with the lateral stiffness. This helps to sharpen turn-in, increase traction, and ensure that the tail-end is tuned to complement the front-end\u2019s rate of response. The steering wheel has also been tuned to allow feedback from the road to be transmitted more clearly.\nAs the point of contact with the road, the wheels and tyres have also been optimised. The Vantage F1 Edition gets 21-inch wheels, 1 inch bigger than the \u2018regular\u2019 Vantage. It also gets a set of Pirelli P Zero tyres that have been specially developed for the F1 Edition.\nRELATED: \nThe Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is here for your maximum listening pleasure\nBesides being the most powerful version of the Vantage (and with substantial chassis improvement), the Vantage F1 Edition also benefits from aerodynamic improvements. Like the F1 safety car version of the Vantage, this production model is equipped with a comprehensive aero kit.\nThe aerodynamic features comprise a full-width front splitter, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes, and a new rear wing. The rear diffuser remains unchanged but remains a core feature in the delivery of the aerodynamic performance working in tandem with the new aerodynamic features.\nRELATED: \n2022 Aston Martin DBX 707 launched in Malaysia from RM1.1 million\nDesigned to deliver positive front and rear downforce (totalling up to 200kg more downforce than the Vantage at top speed), the aerodynamics of the Vantage optimises the overall balance of the car. Further distinguishing the Vantage F1 Edition from its other counterparts is a standard vaned grille, 2\u00d72 Twill Carbon Fibre exterior detailing, unique graphics, quad exhausts, and newly designed Satin Black 21\u201d alloy wheels.\nComplementing the aerodynamic sculpture of the Vantage F1 Edition are limited, yet distinctive colour palettes and trim options, including one that celebrates the brand\u2019s return to Formula 1. Body colours for the Vantage F1 Edition are available in both Satin or Gloss finish. The car can also be had in Jet Black and Lunar White. All colour options will be complemented by a Solid Matte Dark Grey racing graphic.\nInside, the Vantage F1 Edition features new Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara upholstery and trim, with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Titanium Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching.\nALSO WATCH: \n2022 Aston Martin DBX 707 4.0L V8 twin-turbo, from RM1.1mil\nGALLERY"
"Some people have all the luck. Take for instance Shahrul Iman bin Sulaiman of Pahang winning a new Ford Ranger Raptor after purchasing a new Ford Ranger XLT Plus recently. It doesn\u2019t hurt to dream once a while, for Shahrul Iman, his came true.\n\u201cWinning the Ranger Raptor was something unexpected and is definitely the biggest win in my life. Thank you Sime Darby Auto ConneXion and Ford \u2013 I can definitely drive home in style this Raya,\u201d said Shahrul. With 210 hp and 500 Nm spread over a 10-speed automatic and with 6 different driving modes at his disposal, Shahrul has more than style in his pocket \u2013 he has the \nbaddest pick-up truck\n currently being sold in the country.\n \nThe \u2018Buy a New Ranger. Win a Ranger Raptor\u2019 contest was held from October 2018 till January 2019 in conjunction with the launch of the new and updated Ford Ranger range. Customers who purchased any new Ranger over the stipulated period were eligible to win the Ranger Raptor. Congratulations to Shahrul and for the rest (of us) who did not win, we wish you the \u2018best of luck\u2019 in future contests featuring prizes of cars."
"Not long after the unveiling of the all-new \nBMW 5 Series\n, there is already a \u201cSpecial Edition\u201d for the car, albeit only in Japan. In the land of the rising sun, the BMW 5 Series \u201cFirst Edition\u201d and the i5 \u201cFirst Edition\u201d can now be ordered. The 5 Series \u201cFirst Edition\u201d is based on the BMW 523i M Sport while the BMW i5 \u201cFirst Edition\u201d is based on the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport.\nUpon its unveiling, the all-new BMW 5 series was made available in several guises including the 520i, 520d, 520d xDrive, i5 eDrive40, and i5 M60 xDrive. There are 200 units of the 523i \u201cFirst Edition\u201d and 100 units of the i5 eDrive40 \u201cFirst Edition\u201d available for Japan. In total, there are 300 units of the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d BMW 5 Series in Japan.\nBMW customers in Japan who would like to order the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d can do so online through the BMW online store. Delivery is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2023. Differentiating the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d BMW 5 series (both the 523i and i5 eDrive40) from the \u2018regular\u2019 all-new BMW 5 Series are several features.\nRELATED: \nAll-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5 \nStandard features on the 300 units of the \u201cFirst Edition\u201d include:\nMineral White or Black Sapphire exterior colour\nAdaptive Suspension\nIntegrated active steering (front and rear wheel integrated control steering system)\nParking Assist Professional\nDriving Assist Professional (with Hands-off Assist during highway congestion)\nBMW curved display (12.3-inch multi-display instrument panel & 14.9-inch wide control display [with touch panel function])\nBMW head-up display\nBMW drive recorder\nInterior camera\nAlarm system\nAdaptive LED headlight\nKidney Grille: BMW Iconic Glow\nSun protection glass\nPanoramic glass sunroof\nAmbient Light/BMW Interaction Bar\ncrafted crystal finish\nTravel & Comfort System\n4-zone automatic air conditioner\nComfort access\nBMW Digital Key Plus\nRELATED: \nBMW i7 eDrive50 unveiled \u2013 New entry-level variant, up to 611km of range\nBMW 523i \u201cFirst Edition\u201d for Japan\nStandard features on the 523i \u201cFirst Edition\u201d include:\nM Alcantara/Veganza Combination (Black)\n20-inch M light alloy wheels star spoke styling 938M bicolor (jet black)\nSports seat (driver\u2019s seat/passenger seat)\nHarman/Kardon HiFi speaker system\nBMW i5 eDrive40 \u201cFirst Edition\u201d for Japan\nStandard features on the i5 eDrive40 \u201cFirst Edition\u201d include:\nBMW Individual Extended Merino Leather (Black/Atlas Gray)\n21-inch BMW Individual Aerodynamic Wheels 954I Bi-Color (Jet Black)\nActive ventilation seat (driver\u2019s seat/passenger seat)\nElectrically adjustable comfort seats (driver\u2019s seat/passenger\u2019s seat)\nBowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System Alarm System\nWith the all-new BMW 5 Series and the i5 unveiled (even with a special \u201cFirst Edition\u201d for Japan), it will eventually make its way to Malaysia. Registration of Interest (ROI) is already open for the all-new 5 Series on BMW Malaysia\u2019s official website.\nRELATED: \nBMW brings back the clown shoe with new Concept Touring Coupe"
"Honda Motor Company\u2019s new CEO, Takahiro Hachigo in his inaugural speech earlier today announced that the new \nCivic Type R\n, built in Britian, will be destined for Japanese customers as early as September this year.\nThis news follows the brand\u2019s recent\u00a0\n\u00a3200 million\n (nearly RM1.2 billion at press time) investment of its UK-based plant (HUM or Honda UK Manufacturing), making it the global production hub for the next generation Civic five-door model. The \nfirst Civic Type R\n just rolled of the production line last week, signalling at the beginning of its mass production.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nHUM\u2019s Managing Director, Soichiro Takizawa said, \u201cThe new Civic Type R is a significant model for Honda, representing our racing spirit and demonstrating our commitment to innovation and passion. Here at HUM, we are extremely proud to be the \nonly manufacturer of the Civic Type R in the world\n. Our high standards have earned us this privilege and this is testament to the continued commitment of our associates.\u201d\nThe Civic Type R is a beastly hatch with a brand new \nturbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC\n engine, one that makes \n306 hp\n and \n400 Nm\n of torque. It\u2019s mated to a \nsix-speed manual\n gearbox driving the \nfront wheels\n \u2013 a recipe that \nshreds the Green Hell in 7:50.63 seconds\n. Just how fast is that around the ring, you ask? Well, that\u2019s over a second quicker than the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4!"
"Japanese pro drifter and former D1 Grand Prix Champion Daigo Saito is the first known man to transplant (and race!) the famed 2JZ straight-six engine into the body of a brand-new A90 Toyota Supra. The completed car participated in the Monster Energy presents D1GP All Star Shoot-out in Odaiba, Japan but unfortunately, things did not go all that well for Saito and the Supra.\nMidway through a drift, a ball of flame burst from the engine bay which led us to believe that the Supra suffered an engine blow. Fortunately, this being a race car, safety measures (emergency kill switch, ignition cut off, fire extinguisher) are in check to keep the driver safe.\nFortunately, Saito came\nout unscathed but did not elaborate on the incident at the time of writing. The\n2JZ straight-six engine was done up by HKS and stroked to 3.3-litres in capacity\n(originally 3.0-litre) with forged internals and boosted to 800 hp. The team\nput together the build in a mere and impressive 42 days which includes the Pandem\nwidebody kit, rear wing, wheels, brakes and set up.\nDespite the car going up in flames, it does not discredit the work from the engineers and development team, allowing Saito to absolutely murder the drift course \u2013 when the car was running of course.\n#D1GP\n \n#\u30b9\u30fc\u30d7\u30e9\n \u89e3\u7981 \npic.twitter.com/VMx1sv3H0L\n\u2014 Car Media REVOLT-IS\uff08\u30ec\u30f4\u30a9\u30eb\u30c6\u30a3\u30b9\uff09 (@revoltis) \nMarch 23, 2019"
"You might confuse this new P80/C for the \nFerrari SP38\n we shared last year, due to the \u201chelmet visor-like\u201d front windscreen, but the similarities between these two one-off projects end there.\nWorking closely with the one-off project\u2019s customer, the objective was to design and develop a car that was inspired by the Ferrari 330 P3/P4 and the Ferrari Dino 206 of the 1960s.\nWith \nmore than four years\n spent on the development of the P80/C beginning in 2015, it is the longest build process for any Ferrari one-off to date.\nBuilt purely to be a track car, the P80/C was developed using the Ferrari 488 GT3 platform \u2013 with a longer wheelbase over the standard 488 GTB \u2013 which offered Ferrari more creative freedom with the car\u2019s design.\nAs it is solely for track use, designers have been able to discard whatever they felt were unnecessary. The headlights for example, have been completely eliminated, replaced with slits used as air intakes.\nThe P80/C\u2019s exterior is made entirely from carbon-fibre, which is left bare wherever the parts have a purely technical function, while the main bodywork is painted in a bright red colour called Rosso Vero \u2013 a colour chosen by the client himself.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Maserati has unveiled the MC20, its first supercar in over 15 years, through a live digital launch event today. The new supercar will spearhead the brand\u2019s revival in a \u201cnew phase\u201d of the Italian brand\u2019s history, dubbed Maserati New Era, including a return to performance-oriented cars and its racing roots.\n\u201cWe are setting the cornerstone for building the future of \nMaserati\n,\u201d said COO Davide Grasso during the launch event in Modena, Italy. \u201cThe MC20 is the embodiment of our values, the first of its kind 100% made in Modena. MC20 is the model that starts our new era.\u201d\nInstead of relying on \nFerrari\n (previously its sister brand under the FCA umbrella) to provide the powertrain, The MC20 \u2013 which stands for \nMaserati Corse\n and the year 2020 \u2013 will be powered by an engine built completely in-house, the first in over 20 years.\nNamed Nettuno (or Neptune, after the Roman god which inspired the brand\u2019s Trident logo), the three-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine is rated to make \n630 hp\n and \n730 Nm\n of torque. Built with an F1-inspired pre-combustion chamber and a dual-spark plug configuration, the mid-mounted engine is paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to propel the MC20 from 0-100 km/h in less than \n2.9 seconds\n, onward to a top speed of over \n325 km/h\n.\nMaserati also quotes a braking distance of just 33 metres to decelerate from 100 km/h to a standstill. Stopping power is provided by 380 mm discs in front and 350 mm at the rear, paired to six- and four-piston Brembo brake calipers respectively.\nThe unique powertrain is just one part of the equation to the MC20\u2019s overall performance. Built on a carbon-fibre monocoque tub, the new supercar weighs less than 1,500 kg, equating to a weight-to-horsepower ratio of just 2.33 kg/hp.\nThe bodyshell is also heavily developed using advanced computer-assisted fluid dynamics engineering and over 2,000 man hours in the wind tunnel. As a result, the sleek design manages a drag coefficient of just 0.38 Cd, and devoid of any unsightly extra appendages for aerodynamic purposes, aside from a discreet rear spoiler.\nMaserati says that the design of the car is also heavily guided by the brand\u2019s historic identity, and we can definitely see a hint of the iconic MC12 in the front fascia, particularly the pointed snout, wide and low grille, and the vented bonnet in front.\nFor a touch of flamboyance, the MC20 is fitted with butterfly doors, which Maserati says enhances ergonomics and eases ingress and egress, along with the brand\u2019s trident design sculpted into the glass engine cover. Otherwise, the exterior of the supercar is decidedly minimal.\nThe minimalistic direction continues inside the cabin, where the dashboard design was made specifically to put the driver in the spotlight, and \u201cnothing must distract them from the sporting driving experience\u201d.\nThere are two 10-inch screens, one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the Maserati Touch Control infotainment system and the various vehicle settings. The carbon fibre centre console is also simplified with only minimal controls for drive modes selection (GT, Wet, Sport, Corsa and ESC Off), infotainment, power windows, manual and reverse gear for the transmission, and a wireless charger for your mobile phone.\nAll other controls are relegated to the alcantara-wrapped carbon fibre steering wheel, which itself also only has the minimum-requirement of hardware buttons \u2013 engine start/stop button on the left, and launch control on the right \u2013 aside from multimedia and cruise control buttons of course.\nAside from the two-seater coupe variant, Maserati has also confirmed that the MC20 will be available in a convertible form at a later date, as well as a full-electric version, in line with the brand\u2019s latest direction to have an electrified variant for every model.\nThe MC20 will be built at Maserati\u2019s historic Viale Ciro Menotti plant, where the\n GranTurismo and GranCabrio\n models were previously assembled. Order books are now open, with production slated to begin before the end of this year.\nGALLERY"
"It was truly a privilege to witness, in the flesh, and even sit in and touch one of only 209 units available on the face of this planet.\nThis rare specimen I\u2019m referring to is Ferrari\u2019s limited-production \nLaFerrari Aperta\n, a special series model produced to mark Ferrari\u2019s 70th Anniversary, which was displayed this morning in a press conference held at Slate @ The Row.\nIn conjunction with the milestone, Naza Italia, the sole official importer and distributor of Ferrari in Malaysia today bestowed upon the media a more than generous preview of a Ferrari you\u2019d most likely not see on the road. The celebrations would also include a series of exclusive events in Penang this weekend. The itinerary includes a grand rally of Ferraris from Kuala Lumpur to Penang\u2019s Unesco site \u2013 promising to be the largest of its kind held in Malaysia.\n\u201cWe are truly honoured to be part of Ferrari\u2019s global celebrations and it gives us great pleasure to be able to pay tribute to Cavallino Rampante history with some of the most devoted Ferrari owners in the nation\u201d, said NAZA World Group Executive Chairman, Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.   On arrival in Penang, the participating Ferraristi\u2019s would be at Jalan Padang Kota Lama nearby the Penang City Hall to form a \u201cmajestic feature\u201d \u2013 a spectacle that would surely excite both the owners and spectators. A gala dinner will also be held in Fort Cornwallis for the esteemed Ferrari owners to celebrate as members of the Ferrari family where the same LaFerrari Aperta would be on display.\nThe local celebration is only one of 70 events taking place in 60 countries across the globe with the theme, \u201cDriven by Emotion\u201d as it culminates in Maranello on the 9th and 10th of September 2017.\nThe LaFerrari Aperta, a special series model is a limited edition spider version of the LaFerrari supercar, is dedicated to the most loyal of Ferrari customers. A special website (\nwww.ferrari70.com\n) has been created to reflect the celebrations as they unfold throughout the year as well as to introduce the pivotal moments and individuals in the company\u2019s history.\nBe sure to log on to \nhttp://www.facebook.com/ferrarimalaysia.nazaitalia\n or follow \n@ferrari.malaysia\n on Instagram for the latest updates of Ferrari and NAZA Italia.\n________________________________________________________________________________________________\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"Good news to all \nToyota\n GR fans, as Toyota has just released special editions of its GR models. This special edition GR cars include the \nToyota GR86\n Trueno Edition\n, \nToyota GR Supra\n 45th Anniversary Edition\n, and the \nToyota GR Corolla\n Circuit Edition\n.\nLet\u2019s start with the main head-turner, the GR86 Trueno Edition. Toyota has released this special edition GR86 to celebrate the 40th year anniversary as well as pay tribute to the original AE86 or Toyota Corolla Sport GT-S liftback, or Sprinter Trueno as it is called in its home country, Japan.\nLike the iconic AE86, which has been made famous partly thanks to the Japanese anime series \u2013 Initial D, the Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition is available in a two-tone look. Customers can choose between the Halo (white) and black, or Track bRed and black combinations.\nThe special edition sports car also comes with its hood wrapped in black, together with a black Trueno Edition side panel graphic, and a black painted duckbill spoiler paired with either Halo or Track bRed. There are also Trueno Edition badges on the front bumper lip and rear decklid, just like the original Sprinter Trueno. The special edition GR86 sits on a set of 18-inch wheels.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Toyota GR86 now in Malaysia \u2013 back-to-basics sports car, from RM295k\nUnder the hood of the Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition is the same 2.4-litre 4-cylinder Boxer engine found on the regular variant. Paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, it produces \n228 hp\n and \n249 Nm\n.\nWhat Toyota has added to the GR86 Trueno Edition is the Upgraded Performance Package with ZF Sachs Dampers and Brembo Brakes. This will also be available as an upgrade package for 2024 GR86 models and will be available as a retrofit for any GR86 from the 2022 or 2023 model years. However, 18-inch wheels are required to clear the brakes.\nInside, the Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition is fitted with Ultrasuede sport seats wrapped in red leather and is complemented by a red-stitched shift boot. There are also the Trueno Edition logoed shift knob and all-weather floor and trunk mats. Just in case people forget that your GR86 ain\u2019t ordinary, Toyota has also added a serial number badge on the driver\u2019s side dash.\nSafety-wise, Toyota has equipped the manual transmission models with its Active Safety Suite as standard. The system uses a stereo camera to monitor the road ahead and includes features like Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert and High Beam Assist. This system was previously available on automatic transmission-equipped models.\nOnly 860 units of the Toyota GR86 Truneo Edition will be produced for the US market. Coming in winter this year, Toyota will also be releasing prices for the GR86 Trueno Edition and the full 2024 GR86 lineup later this year. The Canadian market will also be getting 50 units of the limited edition sports car, available exclusively in the manual transmission option.\nRELATED: \nToyota GR Supra now with 6-speed manual in Malaysia, from RM645k\nBesides the GR86, Toyota has also built a special edition version for its other iconic model, the \nSupra\n. Named the Toyota GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition, it is clear that the Japanese company is making this a tribute to the legacy of the legendary Supra that was originally released back in 1979 as the Celica Supra.\nBuilt on the 3.0-litre Premium Grade of the US-spec GR Supra, the 45th Anniversary Edition is offered in either deep orange Mikan Blast (\u201cmikan\u201d means orange in Japanese), much like the \nPlasma Orange 100 Edition\n released in Japan over a month ago, or Absolute Zero (white) colour options.\nThe special edition Supra sports a manually adjustable rear spoiler which has an adjustment screw that allows owners to change its angle and influence the amount of downforce being applied to the rear wheels. At the sides, there is a black side panel graphic with a cutout Supra logo, along with 19-inch matte-black wheels, black GR brake callipers, and a black Supra side graphic.\nPerformance-wise, the Toyota GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition is pretty much similar to its regular version, sporting the same B58 6-cylinder 3.0-litre turbocharged engine that is found on all 3.0-litre Supra models. Paired with either a 6-speed manual or paddle-shifted 8-speed automatic transmission, the sports car outputs around \n382 hp\n and \n499 Nm\n.\nJust like the special edition GR86, the GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition\u2019s availability is limited. With 900 units only offered for the US market, production is split evenly between the Mikan Blast and Absolute Zero colours. The Canadian market on the other hand will be getting the limited edition GR Supra in the form of the Plasma Orange colour, with only 45 units available.\nALSO WATCH: \n2023 Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L Turbo 6-speed MT, RM355k \u2013 5 Things\nLast but not least is the Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition, which is available in either the Blue Flame or Ice Cap (white) colour options. The hot hatch sports a series of cosmetic additions, which includes the GR sport mesh gloss-black front grille with functional brake ducts, and LED headlights.\nThere are also the forged carbon fibre roof, large rear spoiler, as well as black exterior accents, together with black side rocker graphics that run up to the stamped GR-Four logo. Like the \u201cregular\u201d GR Corolla, Toyota has kept the hot hatch\u2019s vented bulge hood for the Circuit Edition model. The GR Corolla Circuit Edition sits on a set of black forged aluminium 18-inch BBS wheels, which are similar to the lighter-weight wheels equipped on the 2023 Morizo Edition.\nPerformance enhancements Toyota has given to the Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition include chassis and duct enhancements for added stability, aero updates like the addition of aluminium sheets to the front and rear bumpers, and a change in duct shape to the front bumper airflow outlet. Mounting bolt changes have also been done to the steering gear, rear suspension, and battery ground.\nHop inside the Circuit Edition GR Corolla, you will find equipment such as the Brin Naub Suede and synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats with blue accents, a unique blue striped GR shift knob, and blue accent stitchings. There is also the JBL Premium audio system. The Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition will also be available in the US this coming winter, but the Japanese carmaker has yet to announce how many units of the special edition hot hatch they will be producing.\nRELATED:\n \nAll-new Toyota Alphard & Vellfire debut \u2013 more luxury & space, 2.5-litre NA, 2.4-litre turbo, hybrid\nGALLERY"
"They say nothing escapes the internet, and the statement once again rang true. While BMW is trying their best to keep the 2021 BMW X3 and iX3 facelift under wraps until their scheduled launch sometime in June, the necessary homologation process in China means that a set of photos of the cars had to be published on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website \u2013 and just as expected, savvy netizens immediately picked up on it, giving us a completely undisguised first look at the upcoming SUVs.\nThe Life Cycle Impulse for the \nBMW X3\n kept most of the SUV\u2019s original silhouette intact, but changes to its styling elements does freshen its looks up quite considerably.\nUp front, the kidney grille looks to be now marginally larger and more angular. Just like the iX3 that was \nlaunched last year\n, they are also now conjoined in the middle, where you\u2019ll find the front camera for the surround view monitor. Flanking the new grille are the headlights, which are also slightly slimmer and more angular than before.\nOver at the rear, the tail lights receive a new three-dimensional treatment, with a new light signature that somewhat reminds us of the \npreviously leaked 2 Series coupe\n. Slightly below it, BMW has also given the new X3 facelift a set of faux air vents, though we\u2019d rather have ours without.\nBoth models shown here are of the M Sport offering, which means they both get a more elaborate bumper designs. Up front, the central lower intake are shaped in a rather busy hexagonal design, flanked by two L-shaped air curtains on each corner. Meanwhile at the rear, the bumper now gets an integrated diffuser-like panel, paired to larger trapezoidal tailpipe exits (none for the iX3, obviously).\nNo photos of the interior were published just yet, but from what we can see, there seems to now be a larger free-standing centre touchscreen display, possibly featuring BMW\u2019s \nlatest eight-generation iDrive software\n. Otherwise, we\u2019d expect the rest of the dashboard architecture to remain unchanged.\nThere were also no mention of its powertrain options, but we expect to see the same range of four- and six-cylinder options as before. Given that the iX3 was launched just a year ago, we\u2019re also convinced that this is merely an aesthetic update exercise. We\u2019ll have to wait until the official launch to learn more, but for now, what do you think of the 2021 BMW X3 facelift?\nGALLERY"
"Jaguar has officially revealed its first all-electric SUV, the \nJaguar I-Pace\n. Slotting below the \nF-Pace\n, the compact EV is set to win the hearts of customers through its zero tailpipe emissions, everyday practicality and sleek coupe-like silhouette.\nInspired by the C-X75, the I-Pace shares the similar design cues with the Jaguar supercar \u2013 low bonnet, aerodynamic roof design and curved windscreen. Every curve and body lines work in harmony to help the I-Pace slice through the air as efficiently as possible, resulting in a drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd. Other drag reduction measures include Active Vanes (electronically controlled flaps), flush door handles and optional air suspension that lowers the ride height by\n 10 mm\n at speeds above 105 km/h.   Without an internal combustion engine, Jaguar was able to package more interior space for the compact SUV that is comparable to large SUVs. For example, the boot space is rated at \n656 litres\n, a touch more than the larger F-Pace\u2019s 650 litres. Technological highlights on the I-Pace include Touch Pro Duo infotainments system, Vibrant HD displays, haptic rotary controllers, over-the-air software updates, built-in 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and Ask Alexa \u2013 Amazon powered AI helper.\nOther options include fine-grain Windsor leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, interior trims finished\u00a0in deep piano black, satin wood grain or polished aluminium, performance seats and upholstery colour theme.   The I-Pace features a dual-motor set up \u2013 one on each axle \u2013 giving it all-wheel drive capabilities. The two electric motors give a combined output of \n394 hp\n and\n 696 Nm \nof twisting force, enough to launch the I-Pace from 0 to 100 km/h in \n4.8 seconds\n.\nThe bespoke EV aluminium architecture that holds the 90-kWh lithium-ion battery packs between the axles helps the I-Pace to achieve 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity. The inherently balanced chassis is coupled with double wishbone front and Integral Link rear axle with (optional) air suspension and configurable Adaptive Dynamics to give the all-electric SUV agile handling properties.\nJaguar also promises that a full charge will give the I-Pace\n 480 km\n of driving range before needing a recharge. Plugged into a standard home wall box (7 kW) can achieve 80 percent charge in 10 hours. When using a DC 100 kW charging station, however, the I-Pace that is compatible with \nrapid charging\n will charge the battery from 0 to 80 percent in just 45 minutes or additional 100 km range for every 15 minutes.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"If you\u2019ve ever come across the name\u00a0\nVanda Electrics\n, you should know now that the Singaporean tech giant is expanding their field of interests into the world of hypercar-dom.\nIt\u2019s called the Dendrobium \u2013 Vanda Electrics Dendrobium. The name\u2019s a mouthful and it\u2019s odd-sounding\u00a0at the same time, but it\u2019s a pride thing because Dendrobium is a species of orchid native to Singapore. The hypercar will strictly be all-electric, with power coming from either three or four electric motors making for a combined output in excess of 1,000 horsepower.\nThis Dendrobium of a thing is no slouch by any measure. It is jointly developed with Williams Advanced Engineering, whose expertise in producing low-volume, high performing electric cars appealed greatly to Vanda Electrics. Apparently, the Dendrobium can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in \n2.6 seconds\n and has a minimum top speed of \n320 km/h\n!\nTwo gearboxes will be commissioned for duty. The front axle will get a single-speed box with differential, while the rear will get a multi-speed gearbox and a differential as well. Both differentials will be of the conventional mechanical type, instead of software-based motor torque vectoring.   The pictures you see here are actually the working prototype of the hypercar. Its ideal weight would be 1,750kg, and getting there requires extensive use of carbon fibre. The monocoque is made of a rigid composite, the door panels out of carbon fibre and the brake discs are of carbon ceramic. A pair of 20-inch alloy wheels take the front axle while the rears get 21-inch hoops. All four are wrapped in high performance Michelin tyres.\nIf Tony Stark were to lay his eyes on the cabin, he would want this to be\u00a0his next ride. There\u2019s no rear view mirror, no rear windscreen and no side mirrors. In place of all those are high-res cameras. The bright red sports seats are wrapped in leather from \nBridge of Weir\n, an exquisite Scottish leather company, which sources top quality hides from the best heritage breeds. The tannery is also state-of-the-art and produces the lowest amount of carbon \u2013 the perfect combo for Vanda Electrics\u2019 zero emissions halo car.\nBut you know what else is most surprising? Vanda Electrics said early sketches of this electric hypercar dates back way into the 90s, but it took them this long to realise it because the design was \u201cway ahead of its time\u201d. They also needed the technology to catch up.\nIf the Dendrobium makes it to production, the first unit to hit the roads would be in 2020. To think this is all coming from our neighbouring country.\nIMAGE GALLERY"
"It\u2019s a shame that the \nInfiniti Q Inspiration Concept\n won\u2019t be making its way straight to the production floors because it was just named as the \u201cBest Concept Vehicle\u201d and \u201cBest Designed Interior\u201d by EyesOn Design at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).\nThe EyesOn Design Awards are the officially-sanctioned awards for the NAIAS and has picked the Q Inspiration Concept as one of the best-looking concept cars\u00a0at the auto show. Infiniti\u2019s latest concept showcases the brand\u2019s vision for innovative VC-Turbo powertrain, next-level autonomous driving technologies and a unique human-centric interior.\nThe cabin takes on a minimalistic approach with floating touch screens to minimise the interior clutter. There is also a \u201cmeditation-regeneration mode\u201d whereby the screen helps the passengers meditate to relieve stress. The interior is also trimmed in ultra-luxurious materials such as \u201cKabazakura wood\u201d and \nNishijin-ori\n.\nFor greater comfort and maximum interior space, the Q Inspiration Concept features a floating center console, thin-frame Zero-Gravity seat and pillarless rear-hinged doors. It is no wonder the judges took a liking for the Q Inspiration Concept\u2019s interior.\nWhile the Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept will not be going into production per se, it will steer the brand\u2019s future designs when the company rolls out its \nnext-generation of electrified vehicles\n.\nIMAGE GALLERY"